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Issue Home November 26, 2002 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Has This Guy Been "Bugging" You?
Postmasters Honor Montrose Clinic
SCDED Welcomes New County Business
4-H State Horse Show Winners
Grosvenor Farm Joins Angus Assoc.
Kiwanis Kick-Off Annual Toy Drive
Library Membership Drive Underway
PARSE #15 Meets
Rural Housing Service Rates Lowered
Are You Running For An Election?
 

Has This Guy Been "Bugging" You?

Do you have a bug that you were wondering how to get rid of, or just wondering what kind it is? Penn State Cooperative Extension of Susquehanna County in Montrose can identify insects ranging from household, vegetable, and turf to fruits and others related to public health. You will get a description, of life history, damage and control to help you best deal with the issue or just to satisfy your curiosity. So if something is "bugging" you bring it on in to 31 Public Avenue, Montrose and we’ll do the rest.

With the onset of winter, some of you may have noticed the presence of the western conifer seedbug in your homes. The western conifer seedbug was first discovered in the western United States. This true bug of the family Coreidae feeds mainly on the seeds and developing cones of several species of conifers and their respective hybrids. This bug has been expanding its range eastward and was first detected in Pennsylvania in July, 1992. Today, its range extends across the northern United States into Canada. Recent records from Pennsylvania and several other areas of the northeastern United States suggest that interstate commerce has been a factor in extending the insect’s range.

The Western Conifer Seedbug.

The western conifer seed bug, which has been seen indoors in western North America, bothers people in homes, offices, and laboratories. In Pennsylvania and other parts of the northeastern United States, this leaf-footed bug becomes a nuisance when it enters homes in search of overwintering sites.

DESCRIPTION

Adults are 3/4 inch long and brownish on top. The upper (dorsal) side of the abdomen is yellow or light orange with five transverse black patches. This orange and black pattern on the abdominal dorsum is revealed during flight. The flight pattern and loud buzz produced by this strong flying conifer pest resemble those of a bumble bee. The young nymphs of occidentals are orange, and they become reddish brown after a few molts. The eggs, which are laid in chains on conifer needles, measure about 2 mm each in length.

LIFE HISTORY

According to observations made in the western United States, the western conifer seed bug produces a single generation each season. Adults emerge from overwintering sites in late May or early June and feed on one-year cones and inflorescences. Eggs laid on host conifers hatch in 10 days, and first instars feed on the needles and tender tissue of cone scales. Later, nymphs use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on developing seeds. Nymphs in all five stages of development and new adults can be observed feeding on the same group of cones by mid-August, at which time the nymphs begin to reach adulthood. Adults feed on ripening seeds until early fall and then seek overwintering sites under pine bark, in dead and dry Douglas firs, and in hawk and rodent nests. At the onset of cold weather, adult western conifer seed bugs may also enter buildings in search of protected overwintering sites.

DAMAGE

The western conifer seed bug’s consumption of Douglas fir seeds and seeds of various other species of pine results in a substantial loss of seed crop. Thus, its direct economic impact is a reduction in the quality and viability of conifer seed crops.

Even though this insect does not bite or sting, it causes concern among occupants of homes, offices, and laboratories when it comes indoors. Complaints from residents increase as the insect becomes more active and conspicuous on days in the fall and spring when the temperature is above freezing. In several areas in the northeastern United States, this insect has created great alarm when large numbers of adults suddenly invade houses looking for overwintering sites.

CONTROL

The western conifer seed bug frequently congregates on the outside of buildings in late summer and early fall in the northeastern United States (particularly in New York and Pennsylvania). The large numbers of this insect observed around windows and doors of houses suggests that these are important points of entry.

Where the western conifer seed bug is a persistent nuisance in homes, the best method of control seems to be mechanical exclusion. The following strategies should be followed to prevent this insect’s invasion: replace loosely fitting screens, windows, and doors; caulk gaps around door frames, window frames, and soffits; caulk cracks behind chimneys and underneath the wood fascia; screen fireplace chimneys and attic and wall vents.

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Postmasters Honor Montrose Clinic

Local Postmasters presented the Montrose Veterinary Clinic with a framed sheet of the recently issued Neuter or Spay commemorative stamps. The primary goal of the stamps is to raise awareness of the importance of neutering and spaying pets.

Pictured (l-r) are: Terry Kropa, Animal Technician; Dr. Robert Sullivan; Dr. Joseph Crowley; Jackson Postmaster Diane Stanley, holding her cat, Angel; South Montrose Postmaster Ann Sellitto; Montrose Postmaster Dee Parks; Katie Ely, Office Manager.

An estimated 70,000 cats and dogs are born in the United States each day. Animal shelters and veterinarians urge pet owners to spay or neuter their pets in order to combat the problem of animal overpopulation. Spaying and neutering pets can lead to better health and longer lives.

The puppy, Kirby and the kitten, Samantha featured on the stamp pane were adopted from no-kill animal shelters, and both are enjoying life in Connecticut.

With the issuance of these stamps, the Postal Service continues its tradition of raising public awareness of social issues. Two hundred million of the stamps have been printed. They are available at your local post office.

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SCDED Welcomes New County Business

The Susquehanna County Department of Economic Development Director Justin Taylor would like to announce the grand opening of another new business in the County.

Voyager Motorcycle Tour Conversion Distributors of N. E. PA recently constructed a new, state of the art motorcycle conversion center off State Route 29 on Olszewski Road in Franklin Township. This new distribution and installation center specializes in the "Voyager Conversion Kit," which transforms more than 110 different models of motorcycles into four wheeled touring bikes.

Voyager Motorcycle Tour Conversion Distributors of NE PA in Franklin Township.

The new facility is owned by Ms. Debra Larnard and operated by Mr. Raymond Cox, Jr. Complete installation and service for your motorcycle and kits are available.

"This revolutionary new conversion kit has changed everything in motorcycle touring," according to Mr. Cox. "Now you don’t have to sacrifice your two wheeler for the safety and convenience of a three wheeler. Voyager’s most amazing feature is its quick installation and removal from your stock motorcycle." In approximately five (5) to ten (10) minutes, you can go from an exciting two wheeler to a sturdy three wheeler (actually it’s a four wheeler – the kit can be compared to "training wheels" for a motorcycle, but most enthusiasts may take offense to that comparison).

"We’re very happy to assist clients like Debra," Economic Development Director Justin Taylor said. "Local people taking the initiative to bring a new product and service into the County is exactly what we need more of here."

For more information about this new business or starting your own business in Susquehanna County, contact the Department of Economic Development at 278-4600 x 558 or send E-mail to susqded@epix.net.

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4-H State Horse Show Winners

Susquehanna County 4-H horse members received 25 awards at the 43rd annual State 4-H Horse Show, held October 25 through 27 at the State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA.

County winners in 4-H performance classes were: Amber and Ashley Gaffey and Kyle Moyer placing 7th in County Team; Amber and Ashley Gaffey placing 4th in Pleasure Pairs; Angelea Shelp placing 10th in Stock Seat Equitation Jr. and Sofia DeLousia placing 5th in Saddle Seat Equitation Junior.

In 4-H horse production classes, members breed and raise their own project animal. Local winners were: 1st place-Patricia Albrecht in Hunter Type Yearling Filly; 3rd place-Kaitlynn Shultz in Miniature Horse Yearling Filly; 3rd place-Angalea Shelp in Paint Two-Year-Old Filly; 5th place-Megan Smith in Quarter Horse Colt/Gelding of this Year; 3rd place-Megan Smith in Stock Type Horse Yearling Filly/Two Year Old Filly.

Pictured is Patricia Albrecht, 1st place winner in Hunter Type Yearling Filly.

Several other Susquehanna County horse club members received recognition in the performance and production classes in the state contest. They were: Kyle Moyer, Jessica Sartell, Tiffany Carpenter and Tabitha Olszewski.

"The contest gave 4-Her’s an opportunity to display their horsemanship skills," says Joe Fuller, 4-H Coordinator. The primary purpose of the state 4-H horse program is to develop life skills in youth and skills in horse management. Through competition, the 4-Her’s develop riding skills, gain self-confidence and learn proper care of animals.

The state show culminates the year for approximately 7,000 Pennsylvania 4-H members enrolled in horse an pony clubs. To be eligible for this show, 4-Her’s had to advance through qualifying competitions at county, regional and district levels.

More than 900 winners from county and district competitions vied for awards. Susquehanna County had 11 4-H’ers entered in the competition. Events tested skills in showmanship, equitation, pleasure, jumping, driving and timed events.

4-H in Pennsylvania is coordinated by Penn State Cooperative Extension through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 4-H programs are open to all youths regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability.

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Grosvenor Farm Joins Angus Assoc.

Grosvenor, Farm, Susquehanna, PA, is a new member of the American Angus Association, reports John Crouch, executive vice president of the national breed registry organization in St. Joseph, Missouri.

The American Angus Association, with more than 36,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef cattle registry association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on more than 14 million registered Angus.

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Kiwanis Kick-Off Annual Toy Drive

Ever since the events of 9/11/01, the spirit of America has been demonstrated, time and time again as a sense of caring and compassion for others. The unselfish acts of many "heroes" has reminded all of us of the patriotism and pride we have as Americans. As we approach the Christmas holiday season, sharing the holiday spirit with those less fortunate is an opportunity each of us has to become one of "Santa’s Heroes."

The Kiwanis Club of Montrose Area is currently conducting its annual Christmas Toy Drive. For the past 22 years, the Kiwanis Club has participated in the collection and distribution of toys during the Christmas season for needy families throughout Susquehanna County. Last year over 405 deserving families and 450 children were able to enjoy Christmas in a special way because of the generosity of so many caring neighbors and organizations that contributed to the toy drive.

The Kiwanis Club is asking for the public’s help and support in this worthwhile effort. Donations of new toys or used toys in clean, reusable condition are requested. Cash donations are urgently solicited and thankfully accepted. The money received is used to purchase toys in order to meet their goal of giving at least one new toy to each child. Please forward cash contributions to the Kiwanis Club of Montrose Area, P.O. Box 275, Montrose, PA 18801.

Toys will be accepted from now until Monday, December 16, and may be dropped off at the following locations: Tom Kerr Chevy-Olds, Grow Ave., Montrose; or Robinson’s Market, South Montrose. For additional information or toy pickup, contact the Montrose Kiwanis Club (278-3537).

Distribution of toys will be coordinated by the Susquehanna County Christmas Bureau and Interfaith Friends in Montrose. Toys and food baskets will be distributed on Thursday, December 19.

The Kiwanis Club of Montrose Area invites community participation in this annual service project. Together, we can all become "Santa’s Heroes" in order to help "Put a smile on a child’s face on Christmas."

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Library Membership Drive Underway

The 2003 membership campaign for the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association is in progress. Membership materials have been mailed and are also available at local libraries.

This year's goal is 1000 members. Contributions of any size are welcomed. Local support is one of the factors used to determine the amount of funding provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – the more local support, the more funding received.

Members of the Association support county-wide library services and the county Historical Society. They receive a quarterly newsletter devoted to the Association's activities and events, and are entitled to vote at the annual meeting.

The money given by members and friends helps fund county-wide library service, provided through four locations (Montrose, Forest City, Hallstead-Great Bend, and Susquehanna) and by the county-wide Books-by-Mail/Books-on-Wheels service. Contributions enable the Association to purchase books, videos, CDs, magazines, books-on-tape, and other materials which are available to all residents of Susquehanna County. Continually-expanding informational resources are available through the libraries. At each location you will find free high-speed Internet access and Internet training; on-line databases that can also be accessed from home with your library card; high-powered workstations with the full Microsoft Office suite, free training programs, and high-speed laser printers; CD-ROM games for children; and a catalog of library holdings across Pennsylvania (which can be requested through Inter-Library Loan at no charge). Visit the library's website at www.susqcolibrary.org for more information.

Library service continues to improve in Susquehanna County, with a new building in Susquehanna, and the forthcoming switch to a new county-wide circulation system that will allow you to view, renew, and request items on-line! Long-range plans for the Association include a new building for the Main Library, which will allow the Historical Society to expand to fill the original 1907 building. This project will require a capital campaign to begin within the next few years. However, the Membership Drive is entirely separate, as it is earmarked for ongoing operating expenses.

Donations also help fund the County Historical Society and its museum, open to the public at no charge. The Historical Society's Genealogy Research Center draws people who are seeking information on their local ancestors not only from the county, but also from all over the country. The Historical Society is open every weekday (October to April: 9-5 on Monday, Thursday, and Friday, 12-5 on Tuesday and Wednesday; 9-5 all week the rest of the year), more hours than any neighboring historical society. The Historical Society also publishes a biannual journal, available by subscription, on local history and genealogy. The Historical Society's new website has a wealth of information about our county; visit www.susqcohistsoc.org.

The many programs sponsored by the Library and Historical Society also depend on community support. Open houses, Babies & Books, Toddler Time, Pre-School Story Hour, Summer Reading, educational programs for home-schooling families, the Write and Illustrate Your Own Picture Book contest, guest speakers, Hobby Night, and other special events are very popular.

Treasurer Mr. Roger Weber leads the Membership Drive committee this year. He is assisted by Mrs. Carol Carpenter, Mr. Jed Garm, and Mr. Andrew Snitzer.

For more information about the membership drive or any of the Association's services, call 278-1881.

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PARSE #15 Meets

The Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Retirees (PARSE )met on November 12, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Dushore.

The focus of the meeting was to increase PARSE membership in 2003. Helen Benio was appointed membership chairman. She will be assisted by the treasurer, Roberta Barrett. Mrs. Benio will begin taking 2003 dues at the December meeting, which will be held at the Towanda Gun Club on December 10. New member applications and renewals may also be mailed to Mrs. Helen Benio, RR 1 Box 188, Montrose, PA 18801. It is important to increase membership at the local chapter level as well as the state level if retirees are to be successful in securing an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

There will be a gift exchange at the December 10 meeting. A charitable donation will also be collected. For more information and/or to make reservations, contact Susquehanna County Vice President John Benio at (570) 278-2380.

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Rural Housing Service Rates Lowered

A mortgage interest rate of six percent became effective November 1 for very low and low income families and individuals financing a home through the Rural Housing Service, an agency of the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development mission area.

The lower interest rate will allow the Rural Housing Service to assist more families and individuals. In conjunction with the lower interest rate, applicants may qualify for an additional subsidized rate. The program provides up to 100 percent of the loan value, directly or in joint loan participation with another local lender, for financing residential dwelling purchases to qualified applicants in eligible areas.

For additional information or an application, contact the loan officer who serves Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Wyoming, and Susquehanna Counties: Kimberley J. Loftus, (610) 791-9810 ext. 119.

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Are You Running For An Election?

This notice is intended for all potential political candidates who are planning on running an announcement of same in the Susquehanna County Transcript.

These announcements will be considered as political advertisements, and billed accordingly. By law, political advertisements must be PRE-PAID, which means payment in full must accompany your announcement to run for office.

We are sorry to have to resort to charging for these announcements, but are forced to admit that we have been taken advantage of in the past.

If you are planning on running for elected office in any upcoming election and wish to get rates, deadlines, etc. from the largest circulated newspaper in Susquehanna County, feel free to call our offices at (570) 853-3134 or 1-800-372-7051.

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