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HEADLINES:
All members of the Susquehanna Community School District board were present at their October 16 meeting, with the exception of Terry Carpenter. Several items on the agenda were approved; the minutes of September 28 meeting; the food service report; and the athletic and activity fund reports. One item on the treasurer’s report, regarding an item dealing with class reduction, brought some questions from board member Jack Downton. Superintendent Stracka explained that recent CPR/AD training that had been provided to district personnel had been partially financed (15%) through class reduction funding. Mr. Downton had some questions about another item, tuition to the University of Scranton, but there was no (faculty member’s) name listed. Mr. Stracka said that they were tuition reimbursements; business manager Ray Testa added that some faculty members pay tuition directly to the school and are reimbursed. Mr. Downton requested that future reports include the name of the faculty member involved, "to show where the money is going." Another question from Mr. Downton was in regard to workmen’s comp; hadn’t it been said previously that it was for school board members? Mr. Testa responded that the item is the monthly bill for all of the district’s employees. Mr. Stracka added that it has nothing to do with school board members. When a vote was taken on the report, Mr. Downton voted no; all other members voted to accept. During reports of district personnel, high school principal Michael Lisowski offered a personal observation concerning all school districts, not just Susquehanna. "The state," he said, "is demanding accountability for students by testing, which is a good thing; but so much time is spent on testing, it doesn’t leave enough time for learning." Elementary principal Bob Keyes was very pleased to report a record turnout for parent teacher conferences, with 98% attendance, the highest ever. Students in grades 6 and 9 had just completed PSAA writing tests, and achievement tests were scheduled for the following week. Mr. Testa reported that the State Police had conducted an excellent presentation for bus drivers, with some ideas on how to handle potentially violent situations; almost all of the district’s drivers had attended. Maintenance supervisor Donny Norris reported that he had been notified that the contractor the district has been using for snow plowing will not be doing it this year; he contacted several others for information. Some of those can’t do it, they’re too busy; he did receive two price quotes. His recommendation was to go with Dave Hobart; his price was the best, $40 per hour, minimum of one hour for cindering, and he is closest to the campus. After some discussion, a motion carried to accept Hobart’s bid. Board member Johnine Barnes asked if this service was put out to bid every year; Mr. Testa responded that it usually isn’t; if contractors perform satisfactorily, the district usually keeps them. During public comment, district resident Larry Cavanaugh had some questions regarding student photos. If a senior wants their photo in the yearbook, he said, they must set up a sitting with the photographer chosen by the district. A $25 sitting fee is charged, with seniors being the only group of students subject to that fee. Is it fair to charge for a sitting, he asked, if the student could provide a photo? Why couldn’t other photographers be used? And wasn’t it the students who prepare the yearbook layout and send it to the publisher? Mr. Stracka responded that yearbook photos are included as part of the district’s contract with the photographer; use of that photographer is stipulated as part of that contract, which was approved by the board. He added that there were problems if a variety of backgrounds were used if pictures come from different photographers. And, students’ photos are kept on hand by the district for other purposes. Costs involved with the sittings are about $18 per student, just for the film and processing. The contract will be reviewed by the board in a year and a half, when the current contract expires. At that time, improvements in technology could allow for photos from different photographers to be used. The board could decide not to go with an exclusive contract. Mr. Cavanaugh then asked why Mr. Stracka had not responded to an e-mail he had sent, asking when the board meeting in September was scheduled. Mr. Stracka replied that dean of students, Bronson Stone, had been requested to answer Mr. Cavanaugh’s inquiry and had done so, in a letter dated August 20. Mr. Cavanaugh stated that he had received a response from an e-mail sent to Mr. Stone, but had not received any from Mr. Stracka. "I will not answer your e-mails," Mr. Stracka said. Mr. Downton had questions regarding another agenda item, approval of "Plan Con J." Mr. Testa explained that it was the final phase of the high school addition project. Under normal circumstances, this phase, which was in effect closing the project, would have been completed a year ago but had been delayed due to the death of the district’s auditor. The item was approved, with Mr. Downton abstaining because, he said, he was not aware of what it is all about. Additions to the substitute personnel list were approved: Roxanne Martin, Diane Wilcox and Charlotte Keyser, clerical/aides; Kevin Mead, bus driver; William Arthur, health and physical education; Brandi Schermerhorn, elementary education; Sabrina McConville and Patrick Colwell, emergency certified; Kristin Carpenetti, food service. Tenure was approved for Anastasia Zabielski. Two changes to the school calendar were approved; parent teacher conferences were changed from Friday, January 31 to Thursday, February 6. Mr. Stracka said the change was requested in the hopes that more parents will attend on a Thursday than would on a Friday. And, a teacher in-service day was changed from May 9 to April 25. Mr. Stracka said that 98% of students had voted in favor of holding this year’s prom at the Montaldo Country Club; April 25 was the only date available. The change was made to allow for early dismissal, so that students could prepare for the prom. Approval was given for the business office to pay bills in November. The hiring of David Lee, junior high boys basketball coach, was approved. Resignations were accepted from Thomas Adornato, wrestling game manager and David Lee, assistant junior high boys basketball coach. In response to a question, Mr. Stracka said that the assistant junior high boys basketball coach would be posted; it could not be posted until hiring of Mr. Lee as coach was approved. It is expected that to fill the position from among those already involved in the program. Homebound instruction was approved for four students. A list of requests for workshops, field trips, and use of the school facilities was approved. A list of fundraising activities was approved; Mrs. Barnes asked why some of those activities were listed with no specific information, such as dates; could the groups making the request then choose not to hold those events? Mr. Stracka said that the list is what the groups involved intend to do throughout the school year; it is presented at the beginning of the year in its entirety rather than presenting requests on a monthly basis. The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss teacher contract negotiations. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 7:30 p.m. in the administration offices. Mt.
View Projections Presented With the exception of Ordie Price, all members of the Mountain View School Board were present at the October 14 meeting. John Halupke chaired the meeting in Price’s place. Halupke was authorized to sign checks or vouchers for the payment of current expenses and salaries in the absence of Price from October 7 through November 8, as pursuant to Title 24 of the PA School Code, section 4-428. Tom Salansky gave the Treasurer report from the information he was provided. Part of the report was not available, as the computers had been down and it could not be printed out. Kevin M. Griffiths, Finance Committee Chairman, presented disbursement reports and a list of bills for board approval including project cost payments. He presented and received approval on a motion to appoint Esquires William W. Warren, Jr., and Joel C. Hopkins as special counsel. The matters concerning these appointments will be shared with the public in the future. There were no Legislative or Policy reports presented this month. Under Negotiations, Halupke, chair of that committee, noted that there was a meeting on October 2 with non-instructional staff. John L. Beeman presented the motion to approve Lois Williams of Hop Bottom as a car/van substitute driver under the Transportation report. Salansky presented building project change orders for board approval. Sandra Stine noted information on various conference attendance for individuals including Shirley Granger, Cheryl Decker, Roger Thomas, Karen Krizauskas, Christine Conrad, Ann Bode, Jan Price, Joan Kopa, Carole Heier-Rainey, Gail Alquist, Sharon Kinney, Amy Getz, Melody Haley, Dina Lombardi, Duane Benedict, Susan Kulikowski, Kathleen Kaczka, Monda Hoadley, Janet Adams, Carolyn Price, Cindy G. Reynolds, Stephanie Griffis, Holly James and Eliza Vagni. All requests were approved. Field trip attendance approvals were granted by the board to Marilyn Fargnoli, Modonna Munley, and Jacqueline Bain. The new textbook Culinary Essentials by Johnson and Wales was approved and some supplemental salary positions were given the nod. In addition, pending receipt of all documentation, James Edwards, Robert Kavaliauskas and Debbie Kavka were added to the school’s substitute list. Michael Talabiska was approved as a volunteer advisor for Envirothon effective October 15. The resignation of Mary Hvezda as Junior Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach for 2002-2003 was accepted. An unpaid leave for Margaret Coombs was accepted by the board. Following the brunt of the agenda items, School Superintendent Art Chambers made a case for the development of student achievement as the main concern for faculty and staff. The new school goals will not be easy, indicated Chambers, and it will take a few years for them to come to fruition. He continued the goals need to be clear and concise and it is important to align assessments to teaching. Further, he commented that the school will focus on data and test scores and make them better. He believed that all this could be accomplished, with collaboration. Chambers deferred to High School Principal Colin Furneaux, who gave an impressive visual presentation. Furneaux tied his presentation together with what is happening now, what the action plan will be, who will implement that plan and how it will be measured. Furneaux noted that the District goal is Mountain View School will achieve results that exceed all similar Pennsylvania public schools. He shared the building goal will be PSSA math scores for 8th grade students will be above the average yearly progress goals set by the PA Dept. of Education. Finally, he discussed the targeted results will be BASIC and BELOW BASIC scores will rise to the state average in year one. In year two, by the end of the 2002/03 school year, the combined average number of Mountain View grade 8 students scoring BASIC and BELOW BASIC on the PSSA exam will bring the proficient range up by 17.4%, which is 3.1% above state AYP benchmarks of 46%. Donna Potter, Hop Bottom came forward and discussed her child’s need for accessing his backpack during school time. The board and staff will help accommodate that situation. Earlier in the evening Maria Diaz asked about the need for special counsel. Among student related matters, Travis Hoadley, who was present at the meeting, was named student of the month and was recognized warmly by the Board. The Mountain View School Board meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month, at 8:00 p.m. in the Elementary School. COG
Meetings Short, Informative Codes Enforcement Committee President Ted Plevinsky opened the COG Codes October meeting by welcoming new member Dimock Township, and turning to Codes Enforcement Office Shane Lewis for his activity report since the group met last month. In Ararat Township, Lewis issued two garage permits as well as one for a trailer; Gibson Township, permits for a trailer, two new homes, and a shed; Liberty Township, permits for two sheds and a house; Little Meadows Borough, a permit for a carport. He also completed several inspections and handled complaints. With the new International Building Codes (BOCA) effective date still not forthcoming from Harrisburg, members nevertheless want to be prepared. Plevinsky described the process required by the Labor and Industry Board to grandfather officers, like Lewis, so they can continue to be qualified to do inspections once BOCA is, in fact, effective. Plevinsky held up three pieces of paper. One is an application to grandfather Lewis and which requires attaching a $50 payment; another is a synopsis Lewis will fill in about what he does on behalf of COG Codes and his qualifications; the third is to be filled in by a Codes Committee representative that basically asks the same information as the second form. When the application is sent in and accepted by Labor and Industry, Lewis will have, beginning with the BOCA adoption date, a three-year window to do residential inspections and a five-year window for commercial inspections before he needs to fulfill the formal certification requirements. Plevinsky also introduced Jim Haggerty, a county businessman who is already BOCA-qualified to do everything required of a residential inspection, save the electrical, and he’s working on that. Haggerty was invited to attend by Plevinsky as possibly another back-up to Lewis should demand or conflicts of interest require it. A discussion followed as to whether or not it made sense to fill out applications and grandfather several people for purposes of Code enforcement after new BOCA. As New Milford Borough’s Rick Ainey put it, "For $50, we’re buying time, and have an inexpensive long-term investment. It seems to be in our best interests to have more [people] grandfathered in." Members agreed, and an application will be filed for Choconut Township representative Rudy Mattes. The executive committee to the committee will also meet soon to discuss and decide who else, if anyone, would/could also be grandfathered, and will report back. Also reserved for future discussion is how to charge for services and what kind of paperwork may be required when the ever-anticipated BOCA effective date arrives. In a relatively short meeting, the committee also adopted a resolution laying out the order of business at its meeting, after some minor changes were suggested by those present. Council of Governments Meeting With new COG member Dimock Township in the audience, President Harold Shay presided over a meeting just about as brief as the Codes Enforcement one. Secretary Cheryl Wellman, at the request of member Thompson Township, notified members of a no-cost LTAP workshop the township is sponsoring from 8 am to noon on October 30 and to which COG members are invited. The workshop will focus on work zone traffic control and other traffic issues. When Wellman related how much COG spends on postage to send members minutes – whether in advance of, or after – COG meetings, members rethought the whole process. Going forward, minutes of the prior meeting for the three COG units will be available at the next COG meetings. Members unable to attend the meetings will be sent, in one envelope, copies of the minutes to the COG unit to which they belong, while COG saves some money along the way. Money was also included in Wellman’s report on her research on interest available from various financial vehicles for COG funds until such time as those funds must be used. Members approved establishing interest-bearing checking accounts for its Street and Road Signs Fund as well as the general COG account. Before adjourning, Shay asked if there were any member comments or concerns. Bill Bayne of Liberty Township had one. He announced that the Township is offering a $200 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) who dumped a slate and green-asphalt-shingle mess smack in the middle (and blocking one) of the Township’s roads. "If anyone knows of any work that was done on a slate roof, we’d appreciate hearing about it," said Bayne. Bayne also invited members to a natural resources workshop, to be held on October 24 at the Montrose Bible Conference. The Workshop is being held in conjunction with the Act 247 Comprehensive Plan which must address information/input on natural resources (water, wildlife, and so forth). Those interested can call 278-1158 for reservations or more information. Sewage Enforcement Committee Meeting All three SEOs reported little activity because of the big and almost continuous rains since its September meeting. "Perc holes fill up with water, and we won’t test when the temperature is below 40 degrees," explained SEO Ken Laurie. He acknowledged that this is a time of year when people want to get things done and wrapped up, and he called for patience. "We’ve taken a lot of applications," said Laurie, "but with the weather it’s just been impossible to do a lot with them." SEO Jim Tracy added, "The weather has just been against us." Members instead heard follow-up reports on issues that arose at its last meeting. One was in Liberty Township, where a neighbor and his son were quite certain the adjoining property owner was attempting to connect water and sewage into a garage when, in fact, the property owner is converting the garage into a primary residence; when that’s done, the current residence will be torn down. SEO Ken Laurie issued a permit to the property owner to do this. The neighbors were not at all pleased, harassing COG Secretary Karen Trynoski over the matter. Trynoski reported that after the committee’s September meeting, she received a 5-page letter from the complainant, a copy of which – together with copies of the property owner’s proposed agenda of construction as well as permits issued – she sent to the Department of Environmental Protection. Trynoski reported that a DEP representative then called the complainant, telling him, in essence, that there was no sewage malfunction and that DEP would be taking no further action. The complainant, she reported, still is neither happy nor satisfied. Trynoski also stated that it is rare for DEP to follow up with something like this in writing to COG, and New Milford Borough’s Rick Ainey suggested it might make sense, and be professional as well, to document it in some way. Trynoski will make notes of the matter to put into COG files. A follow-up was also given to the situation in Hop Bottom Borough, where a property owner did not (at all) want SEO Tracy on his property again, ever, unless he had a warrant. That’s why SEO Duane Wood, accompanied by one of the Borough’s supervisors, was sent in Tracy’s stead. "Things didn’t go too good," was how Wood described his visit. "Soon as we pulled up, the property owner wouldn’t return a ‘hello,’ and it went downhill from there," he reported, adding that the property owner said "we will just have to take him to court." What happens now is that the property owner will be sent a letter of proposed assessment, drawn up by COG counsel Jason Legg. The Dimock Township representative reported that the property owner of chicken row houses will do whatever needs to be done to come into compliance. SEOs were asked by one member about what, if anything, the DEP has to say about sand mounds in place for a decade or so, but with no building whatsoever. SEO Tracy answered that DEP has no ruling on something like this, to which SEO Wood added that DEP does require them to take another look at the sand mound, if and when a building is supposed to go up to ensure that no trees or other large vegetation have grown on it. Tracy also brought up when a final inspection takes place. A permit is good, he said, for three years. "After three years, if the system is good, we give it a final inspection." Another short meeting ended with Bill Bayne, Liberty Township, thanking SEOs Laurie and Wood for their help in getting the system in for the Township’s building. The next regular meeting of the Council of Governments is scheduled for 7 p.m., November 19, at COG offices in the New Milford Borough Building on Main Street. MARRIAGES Roger C. Root, 65, Liberty Township, and Joan F. O'Dell, 63, Harford Township. Joshua Lee Depue, 19, New Milford Township, and Alene Marie Search, 18, New Milford Township. Kurt Robert Stankiewcz, 36, Brooklyn Township, and Amy Sue Wolf, 32, Brooklyn Township. Kevin Edward Benedict, 48, Lenox Township, and Sandra Gail Gardoski,43, Hop Bottom Borough. Steven Carl Jablonowski, 51, Jessup Township, and Donna Jogan Jett, 47, Jessup Township. Paul Eric Bishop, 38, Brooklyn Township, and Heather Sharon Yanvary, 32, Brooklyn Township. Micki Lee Herman, 25, Rush Township, and Salene Michelle Ely, 27, Rush Township. James Paul Louderback, 46, Harford Township, and Jessica Kim Vail, 35, Harford Township. DEEDS Bankers Trust Company of California to Jeremy D. Harris in Hallstead Borough for $30,000. William S. Donaldson & Joan Donaldson, Moira E. Donaldson nbm Moira E. Motyka & Mark Motyka and Deborah A. Santilli & Ronald Santilli and Eva G. Donaldson to Donald E. Gehman & Donna J. Gehman in New Milford Township for $85,000. The Turner Family Partners, L.P. to Norman E. Turner in Liberty Township for $1 ogvc. Frederick Leslie Rose to Thomas C. Clark and Deborah R. Clark in Montrose Borough for $132,500. Alice (Lang) Chambers nbm Alice M. Deutsch and William C. Deutsch to William C. Deutsch and Alice M. Deutsch in Jackson Township for $1. Lester C. Hall and Emma J. Hall to Jeremy R. Chapin in New Milford Township for $60,000. John Corbin and Emma Corbin to Ronald J. Schoner and Helen C. Schoner in Bridgewater Township for $1 ogvc. Florence N. Bennett to Thomas L. Weller and Sherry L. Weller in Bridgewater Township for $1 ogvc. Richard D. Bothwell and Dawn M. Siessel to Richard D. Bothwell in Great Bend Township for $1 (transfer tax paid on half fair market value of $40,953). Frederick Eugene Sykes III to Susquehanna County Land Sales, Inc. in Harford Township for $1. Lori Campbell and Ralph G. Ellis and Beverly A. Ellis to Timothy S. Craig and Nickie Craig in Susquehanna Borough for $24,500. Brian E. Fitzpatrick and Maria T. Jacobs to Casey Shea in Gibson Township for $88,000. Ronald J. Kalafor and Laverne M. Kalafor to Gary R. Kalafor in Harford Township for $79,000. Eugene J. Gallagher and Lois Jean Gallagher to William C. Deutsch and Alice M. Deutsch in Jackson Township for $27,000. Toni M. Sargent to Mike V. Comstock and Amy E. Comstock in Lathrop Township for $85,000. Janet Zollo and Joanne Bodowska to Joseph G. Frye and Jayne M. Frye in Harmony Township for $13,000. Robert F. Cross and Wendy A. Cross to Raymond W. Brinckman and Sally A. Brinckman in Lenox Township for $1. William J. Finnegan and Mary Lynn Fox nbm Mary Lynn Finnegan to William J. Finnegan and Mary Lynn Finnegan in Jackson Township for $1. Norman E. Turner and Dorothy Turner to Norman E. Turner and Dorothy Turner in Liberty Township for $1 ogvc. Thomas Richard Ackley and Kathy Ann Ackley to Cassford Management, LLC in Susquehanna Depot Borough for $45,000. Donald O. Cure and JoAnn Cure to Gerard S. Shattin and Mary Shattin in Clifford Township for $167,000. John J. Wittig and MaryEllen E. Wittig to James F. Mancuso and Doreen R. Jennings in Clifford Township for $121,000. George W. McClure, Executor of the Estate of James E. McClure to Jesse Colwell in Oakland Township for $250,000. James H. Politi, Jr. and Jennifer L. Politi to James H. Politi, Jr. in Great Bend Township for $1. Brian Davis to Deborah Davis in Clifford Township for $1. James T. Sutton, Sr. and Marguerite A. Sutton to Marguerite A. Sutton in Dimock Township for $1. Robert Ferris and Thomas Ferris to Gutchess Lumber Company, Inc, in Auburn Township for memorandum of contract. Gregory A. Gull and Martha M. Gull aka Marta M. Gull to Thomas G. Reichstine and Katherine A. Reichstine in Clifford Township for $16,000. Estate of Robert P. Dolan by Richard F. Dolan, Administrator of the Estate of Robert P. Dolan to Richard F. Dolan, Jr. and Richard F. Dolan, III in Rush Township for $30,000. Louis M. Posly and Joan K. Posly to Joan K. Posly in Gibson Township for $1. Kenneth E. Soules and Jeni Rebecca Soules to Kenneth E. Soules in Susquehanna Depot Borough for $1. John Corbin and Emma Corbin to John F. Corbin, Jr. and Ann S. Corbin in Brooklyn Township for $1 ogvc. George Dale Howell and Roy M. Force and Kristie J. Force in Susquehanna Borough for $55,000. Anthony John Tonti and Judith K. Tonti to Robert B. Nafey in Ararat Township for $43,000. Joseph Intrabartola and Gail Intrabartola to Gino Carbone and Patricia Carbone in Bridgewater Township for $140,000. Thomas E. Murphy, Jr. and Susan L. Murphy to Russell Pepe and Miriam Pepe in New Milford Township for $171,500. Anthony D. Mielo and Anna May Mielo to John B. Snyder and Pauline Snyder in Jackson Township for $140,000. James F. Knehr and Cristina Knehr to Cristina Knehr in Forest City Borough for $1. Ronald G. Decker and Ward H. Decker tdba Decker Farms Realty Associates and Ronald G. Decker, individually, and Brenda J. Decker and Ward H. Decker and Linda S. Decker to Michael Decker and Kerry Decker in Rush Township for $1 ogvc. Charles F. Smith and Joan E. Smith and Lisa A. Smith to Jeffery A. Gunn in New Milford Township for $30,000. James H. Merwin and Lucia Merwin to Thornton Chase Nelson and Maura McNamara Nelson in Montrose Borough for $161,000. Gail Shultz, nbm Gail E. Sabal and Stephen M. Sabal to Gail E. Sabal in Silver Lake Township for $1 ogvc. William Elsner to James F. Kane in Forest Lake Township for $60,000. George Dale Howell to Neal Ainey and Kathleen Yanvary in Lenox Township for $1. John N. Klie and Evelyn I. Klie to Neville H. Bawden and Timothy P. Madden in Choconut Township for $34,000. William A. Boyea and Sandra L. Boyea to Phillip G. Yeomans in Liberty Township for $10,000. Cendant Mortgage Corporation to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in Lathrop Township for $1. Guy Gerstel & Frances Gerstel to Gerald P. Gerstel in Forest City Borough for $1. Mark Wilmot and Sandra Wilmot to Paul L. Williams and Kelly G. Dukerick in Herrick Township for $40,900. Frances Degroat, Executrix of the Florence C. Haggerty Estate to Erick A. Cobourn in Ararat Township for $1. Jerry Forte and Gina Forte to Adam Silver and Heather Silver in Thompson Township for $285,000. William Elsner to James F. Kane in Forest Lake Township for $60,000. Joseph C. Pisack and Lois L. Pisack to Jane Brown Dymond in Auburn Township for $1. Jane Brown Dymond to Joseph C. Pisack and Lois L. Pisack in Auburn Township for $1. Joseph C. Pisack and Lois L. Pisack to Joseph C. Pisack and Lois L. Pisack in Auburn Township for $1. TRAFFIC COLLISION On October 8 at the intersection of State Route 2053 and Johnson Pond Rd., Bridgewater Township, Scott Strickland, Montrose, was traveling north on 2053 when he was distracted, causing his 1998 Dodge Dakota pick-up to leave the road and travel onto the berm. He lost control, crossing 2053 and striking an embankment and telephone pole. Strickland was seatbelted and not injured. TRAFFIC COLLISION A 1994 Dodge pick-up that was parked in front of Tubb's bar in New Milford Borough on August 23 was apparently struck in the right rear wheel by an unknown vehicle that fled the scene. The incident occurred at 1:15 a.m., and police are asking that anyone with information please call the PA State Police at Gibson. TRAFFIC COLLISION A vehicle, believed to be a red Oldsmobile with damage to the right front end, was traveling south on State Route 171 at Tarzen Road, Great Bend Township, on September 28 at 7:25 p.m. It failed to negotiate a left hand curve, traveling off the road and striking a guide rail. The vehicle left the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PA State Police at Gibson. CRASH Tara M. Pooler, 21, Susquehanna, lost control of a 1988 Ford Bronco II on October 14 at 6:10 a.m., while attempting to negotiate a curve on State Route 1009, 2/10 mile south of Township Route 765, Harmony Township. The vehicle struck an embankment causing it to roll over. Pooler was transported to Barnes-Kasson Hospital for treatment. PFA VIOLATION Chris Messina, 40, is charged, according to the police report, with contempt of a PFA order after having contact with the victim, Brenda Messina, 38, Forest Lake Township. The incident occurred on September 15. ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT No injuries occurred when Garrett Muench, 17, Kingsley, was traveling south on Union Hill Rd., Gibson Township, and lost control and traveled into the cemetery. The 1988 Mercury Sable damaged about 15 tombstones on October 9 at 2:15 p.m. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT Neither driver Robert Arthur, nor three passengers, all from Fishs Eddy, NY, were injured when their 1984 Chevy was traveling north on State Route 171, Uniondale Borough, and on rounding a curve, went out of control. The car veered off the berm and struck a post and cable guide rail on October 11 at 10:30 p.m. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT On October 11 at 5:51 p.m., Colleen Lynch, 21, Philadelphia, was traveling north on Interstate 81, near exit 219, New Milford. For unknown reasons, Lynch lost control on the wet roadway, spun around, went up an embankment and rolled over. Lynch was not injured. TRAFFIC COLLISION A collision occurred on October 11 at 1:55 p.m. when David W. Vanhorn, 49, Phillipsburg, NJ, and Carol E. Woodcock, 67, Schenectady, NY were each traveling north on Interstate 81, exit 206, Lenox Township. Woodcock had stopped for another vehicle involved in a previous collision. Woodcock's vehicle was struck in the rear by Vanhorn causing Woodcock's vehicle to collide with a vehicle driven by Geoffrey A. Japchen, 35, North Wales. This blocked the left lane of the interstate northbound for about 50 minutes. Woodcock sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance from the scene. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT William Corbett, Friendsville, received a head injury after pulling out of a driveway on State Route 267, Choconut Township, in front of Trista Skogfeldt, Friendsville, who was traveling south on 267. Skogfeldt received minor injuries in this October 11 incident. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Chris Bazewick, 18, and Casey Fredendall, 20, each had their vehicles damaged in Friendsville Borough while parked overnight on September 14-15. Tires were punctured and paint was "keyed." HIT & RUN Robert F. Hantsch, Binghamton, NY, was traveling north on Interstate 81 in the vicinity of exit 211, Lenox Township, when possibly a red truck trailer/semi-trailer crossed over the center line and struck the 2000 Toyota's left rear, causing minor scrape damage. The combination fled the scene, going north toward Harford. Anyone with information on this September 10 incident is asked to contact the PA State Police at 570-465-3156. TRAFFIC CRASH Loretta Smith, 47, Susquehanna, became confused on an unfamiliar road and missed a turn and hit several trees on Township Route 716 and State Route 1006, about 6/10 miles east of North Jackson. The incident occurred on September 15 at 9:22 p.m. HIT & RUN A 1994 GMC pickup truck, green in color, owned by Robert L. Walworth, New Milford, was parked near the propane fill station at the Flying J truck stop when possibly a red trailer or motor home backed into the vehicle, then fled the scene, causing damage to the left rear of the pickup truck. Anyone with information on this October 8 incident is asked to contact the PA State Police at 570-465-3156. ONE VEHICLE CRASH Robert E. Daly, 70, Schenectady, NY, was not injured when his 1994 Buick struck a driveshaft which was in the middle of Interstate 81 at exit 211, Lenox Township. The vehicle had to be towed due to damage to the undercarriage. The incident was on October 9 at 3:30 p.m. CRASH--ONE VEHICLE Joel Hudson, 32, Tulsa, OK, was not injured when his 2002 Ford Taurus struck a driveshaft in the middle of his lane on Interstate 81, exit 211, Lenox Township. His car was towed, as it was not driveable after this October 9 incident at 3:30 p.m. TWO VEHICLE CRASH On October 4 at 9:00 a.m., Thomas Ferrer, 55, Forest City, was driving a PennDOT truck and traveled into the lane of travel of Scott Landers, 31, Binghamton, NY, who was driving a 2000 International. Minor damage occurred to Landers vehicle as a result of striking mirrors. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT Benjamin T. Ohara, Montrose, was traveling west on State Route 706, Bridgewater Township, and lost control while rounding a curve. His 1996 Ford Thunderbird veered off the north berm and struck a tree on September 22 at 4:15 a.m. BURGLARY Someone broke into a shed at the Michele Green residence on West Nicholson Rd., Springville Township, between 6:00 p.m. on October 8 and 6:45 a.m. the next morning. Taken were a 20-inch chainsaw and a Stihl gas powered weed trimmer. An investigation continues. HIT & RUN Matthew J.Nowlin, 20, Hop Bottom, was traveling west on Greenwood St., Hop Bottom Borough, when he lost control of his 1998 Ford Escort which then crossed the roadway and struck the rear bumper of a 2001 Ford Escort belonging to William Robinson of Hop Bottom. Nowlin drove from the scene of the incident. Through the assistance of Sheriff Lance Benedict, Nowlin was successfully located. Nowlin attempted to flee from Benedict, according to the police report, and parked his vehicle in a front yard located on Greenwood St and fled on foot. Nowlin was taken into custody as he exited a wooded area within the Borough and placed under arrest for DUI plus numerous other traffic offenses following this October 6 incident. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Between October 6 at 10:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. the next day, five vehicle owners had their driver's side mirrors smashed. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PA State Police at 570-465-3154. The incidents occurred in the 300 and 400 blocks of Jackson Street, Susquehanna Borough. CRASH On October 5 at 11:55 p.m., Bi L. Tang was driving a 1997 Plymouth south on Interstate 81, Harford Township. A bear ran in front of the car, and Tang was unable to avoid hitting it, causing the vehicle to be disabled. No one was injured. Starrucca
Borough Council Meeting Starrucca Borough Council met on October 7 at the Starrucca Community Hall. The following members were present: Andrew Bennett, Paul Downton, Pete Downton, Paul Everett, Lou Gurske, Helen Haynes, Ruth Lunt and Mayor Wendell Swartz. Pete Downton presided. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with one correction. Mr. Everett’s question on the Starrucca Borough sign at the Preston Twp. line was because the sign is missing. Motion to approve the corrected minutes carried unanimously. Motion to accept the treasurer’s report and pay the bills carried unanimously. Correspondence - Motion to allow two participants to attend a workshop on land usage carried unanimously. Ruth Lunt and Kirk Rhone will attend on behalf of the borough. Council approved use of the Community Hall for voting purposes in November. Motion to allow use of the wooden tables and chairs by Trish Weldy carried unanimously. Persons to be heard - Gale Williams presented finalized maps of their subdivision which was approved in 1977. Old Business - The Maple Grove septic problems were again discussed. If there is no movement toward the completion of the project there will be legal options addressed by Solicitor Warren Schloesser. Motion to wait one week and then to turn the matter over to Mr. Schloesser carried unanimously. Council was advised that the Signage Grant application requires pictures. Paul Downton and Andrew Bennett will follow up. New Business - The Task Force presented a revised survey for Council approval. Council will make a decision on the survey at the next council meeting in November. Council was presented with copies of permits and applications. They will discuss revisions at the next council meeting in November. It was reported that the stone operation on Penn Hill Road is using an unapproved driveway. Pete Downton and Ruth Lunt will follow up. Hall – Todd Heller checked the furnaces in the hall and the secretary will follow up on a replacement heater for the ladies room. Ballfield – Pete Downton reports that the County is waiting for a second set of bids before awarding the contract for the ditches and fencing on the field. Roads – One bid was received for winter snowplowing and cindering from Jack Downton. The bid is $40/hr for plowing and $50/hr for plowing and cindering/ cinders included in the cost. Motion to accept the bid based on Mr. Downton’s past performance carried. Pete Downton abstained. Jack Downton will be asked to cut brush and dead tree limbs overhanging the roadways and to fill potholes before winter. Virginia Upright alerted Wendell Swartz concerning the debris blocking the County Bridge. Mr. Swartz contacted Wayne County officials to take care of the problem. There being no further business meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. In our report on the October 7 meeting of the Montrose Borough council, CASS member Donna Kerr was incorrectly identified. We apologize for the error.
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