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HEADLINES: President Mike Matis presided at the September 27 meeting of the Susquehanna Boro Council, with all members present. Council moved through the usual items of business; when approval of the bill list came up for a vote, Mrs. Frederick had some questions regarding the purchasing of supplies. Hadn’t council set it up so that supplies for all departments would go through the secretary’s office? Mr. Matis said that it had, but that it did not “pan out” that way. “That was the way it was supposed to be,” he said, and added that council could take another look at it again next year. Reporter’s note: on September 1, 2004, council enacted a policy that stated that purchase orders would be required for all departments, which would then be authorized by council. A water leak was discovered in lines near the boro’s garage; Mr. Williams reported that it is being repaired, and that it had been determined that its repair is the boro’s responsibility. The boro has received an invitation to the October 6 ribbon cutting ceremony for the area’s Route 92 Scenic Byway designation; several boro officials plan to attend, as well as those from other municipalities located along the route. During public comment, Ron Whitehead asked about the status of the River Bounty property. Mr. Matis responded that the deeds have been signed and everything necessary has been done for the boro to acquire the land. A motion carried to accept the boro’s minimum municipal obligation for payments to the police pension fund; this year’s amount is slightly in excess of $18,000. Action was tabled regarding accepting an updated version of the ordinance needed to enter into the county’s readdressing program. Mr. Williams thought council members should have time to review it before action was taken, and there were some questions about how the changes would affect the boro, particularly whether new street signs would be needed. A motion was made by Mr. Williams not to proceed with negotiations with Great Bend Boro for contracting out police services; it was seconded by Mrs. Frederick. Mr. Bronchella also voted in favor of discontinuing negotiations. Mr. Kuiper, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Matis and Mr. Wolf voted against the motion. After the vote, Mr. Matis said that since the matter is “still on the table,” it would be discussed further at the next meeting. No designated time was set for Halloween trick-or-treat time; Mr. Matis thought council should check with other boros to see what times they plan to set. Mr. Williams, who is the boro’s emergency management coordinator, has scheduled a meeting for October 17, 7:00 p.m. in the boro building to discuss the boro’s emergency operations plan and conduction of annual disaster drills. County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Wood has been invited, as have representatives of the fire dept., police dept., ambulance, fire police, the school district, Barnes-Kasson Hospital, Lanesboro, Oakland and Susquehanna Boros. The meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and to share information. Mr. Williams also reported that the Drinker Creek Park repairs are close to being completed. Work on Front Street was expected to be completed within a few days. A motion carried to adopt a resolution to authorize TREHAB to file an application for a DCED grant on behalf of the boro. If the application is approved, a specified area of the boro will receive an “Elm Street” designation, and the boro could receive $25,000 for neighborhood improvements. Reporter’s note: a special meeting on the program will be held for interested residents on Thursday, October 6, 7:00 p.m. in the boro building. The backhoe has been repaired and is working well. The water company has completed line work on Grand Street. Paving on Prospect, Washington, High and Front Streets was scheduled to begin by Monday, October 3. The final discussion of the evening was about leaf pickup, which the streets department has always done. Would it be a good idea to continue, given the recent increases in fuel and the man-hours involved, or should the boro discontinue the practice? It was agreed that a decision should be made soon. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 11, 7 p.m. in the boro building.
The Blue Ridge School Board invited its bus drivers and contractors to a special meeting on September 26 prior to the Board's scheduled workshop. With fuel prices skyrocketing, the drivers have asked the district for additional compensation. Board President Alan Hall asked contractors to meet to discuss what the district may have in mind. During the 30-minute session, drivers heard that the district is considering down-sizing its fleet. With enrollment declining, it no longer makes sense to send a 70- passenger bus up narrow dirt roads to collect only 30 students, according to Mr. Hall, who also criticized local municipalities for the gradual deterioration of local roads. He said that the district's demographics have changed over the last 10-20 years, with families having fewer children, and the average age of the county's residents gradually rising. The district will be considering the use of more "micro-buses," 16- or 20-passenger vans that perhaps could be used as feeders for larger buses on some routes. The district will also examine current routes to see if some can be consolidated. The drivers have suggested that the district increase their compensation by one cent per mile for each five-cent rise in the price of fuel. Mr. Hall said the district will consider all suggestions to help keep costs down. He told the assembled drivers and contractors that he hoped the board would have a package to consider by the beginning of November. In the meantime, he wanted to maintain communications with the district's drivers, whose teamwork is important to the operation of the schools and the safety of the children who ride the buses. The contractors seemed pleased that the district was forthcoming by informing the drivers in person of plans that will affect them and their pocketbooks directly. Mr. Hall opened the more formal part of the board's workshop by asking everyone to rise for a moment of silence to honor "Billy" Evans, a graduate of Blue Ridge and son of a Blue Ridge employee, who was killed in Iraq on deployment with his National Guard unit. Blue Ridge schools will close on Friday, the 30th in remembrance. High School Principal John Manchester said that the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have contributed to an effort to collect 500 red ribbon bows to line the route from the Evans home to the funeral. Mr. Manchester also reported that as many as 30 cases of school supplies have been collected for a school in Iraq at the request of a local pastor now serving as a chaplain with U.S. forces. District Superintendent Robert McNamara said now the only problem is finding a way to get them shipped. Summer always sees a number of projects around the campus to fix and build. Steps up the hill behind the Elementary School have been replaced, and the main track was refurbished. Coaches say the new track surface will be very fast, and Mr. Hall said it no longer leaves red stains on runners' feet. The contract to demolish the old sewage plant has been let. But a contract to extend some of the parking lots will be re-bid for next summer. The low bidder for the work, Adams Enterprises, backed out after being awarded the work, apparently when they realized they had seriously underestimated the cost. The next lowest bid was more than twice as high (some $143,000); architects claim they asked Adams at least twice to confirm their bid. By defaulting on the contract, Adams is liable for 10 percent of the bid price; the district will pursue the payment of some $6,600. The original project was to be done during the school year, so that work could only be scheduled in the evening and on weekends, meaning higher costs for overtime. The board will request new bids to have the work done next summer when scheduling shouldn't be so difficult, perhaps resulting in lower cost. Administrator reports: * According to Mr. Manchester and Middle School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski, students have raised over $3,000 for hurricane Katrina relief, most of it through the effort of the local Honor Society chapter. * Mr. Nebzydoski reported that Vicki Hart finished fourth among all female runners young and old in the recent Race for the Cure, to support the fight against breast cancer. * Mr. Dietz thanked the Susquehanna County Transcript for the article and picture spotlighting new faculty, and showed a copy of a long Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin article focusing on a Blue Ridge youngster. * Mr. Manchester described his first visit to the Vo-Tech center at Elk Lake recently. He said that the nursing program was the beneficiary of a collection of new microscopes and computers that might rival those used at Luzerne County Community College. All of the administrators, and most of the Board, are entangled in controversy over the wearing of sports jerseys. Blue Ridge isn't yet fighting over the wearing of logoed T- shirts as is its neighbor to the south, but it seems the footballers (who play for Susquehanna) want to wear their practice jerseys to classes on game days. The tradition at Blue Ridge has been that athletes wear dress shirts and ties (and dresses for the women) on game days, and Mr. Hall would like to keep it that way. Others feel that, since school colors enhance school spirit, and since other Blue Ridge apparel is worn all the time at school, the athletes should be allowed to wear game jerseys (in some cases over white shirts). Mr. Hall is concerned that, since jerseys are expected to last five years – and in most cases are provided by the school – if they are damaged or lost, parents will be expected to pay the replacement cost, which could be much higher for older shirts that are now out of stock. In at least one case of a lost jersey, the parents refused to pay. Billed as a workshop, the meeting couldn't make a final decision on this burning issue. Instead, however, they punted to the principals. Mr. McNamara suggested, and the board acquiesced, that the coaches and the principals "coordinate" a resolution to the matter. A new school year is under way. Everyone agreed that it was a good start. Denise Bloomer announced that the first "movie night" this year will be on December 2, and offer the recently released "Madagascar." Most of the children who attend movie night are too young for varsity sports, so it probably doesn't matter what jerseys they wear. If you have an opinion, present it to the Blue Ridge Board of School Directors, which generally meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.
Rail Authority Gets 2.5 Million The Susquehanna County Rail Authority will get $2.5 million dollars from the Commonwealth for construction of a new transload rail facility in New Milford. The grant is part of $13 million released by Gov. Edward G. Rendell and is expected to create 30 new jobs. “Pennsylvania is making investments that are creating new jobs and new opportunities,” the governor said. “Investing in our rail system is a positive way to promote our economy. This program helps keep our short-line rail lines competitive and makes Pennsylvania more attractive to shippers.” Neighboring Lackawanna County also came in for a piece of the action. The governor pledged $501,000 to the Delaware & Hudson Railway Company of Taylor for construction of track and turnouts to expand switching capacity at the Taylor Yard to serve growing customer needs in Northeast Pennsylvania. That project is expected to create five new jobs. Rowland Sharp, Rail Authority chair, heaped praises on state Senator Roger Madigan for his help in securing the Susquehanna County grant. “We are very grateful to Senator Madigan for his assistance,” Mr. Sharp said. “He worked hard to get the money for us and without his help we may not have obtained the grant.” Mr. Sharp said the money would be used to acquire land and build a passing siding in New Milford. He also said a sizeable amount of the grant money will go to the Canadian Pacific Railroad that operates freight service in this area. The Susquehanna County Rail Authority has come a long way in the short time since its members were culled from the initial rail committee appointed by the county at the turn of the century. In two short years it has blossomed into a full-fledged authority and obviously its efforts have been observed and rewarded in Harrisburg. Ironically, Mr. Sharp appeared before the Susquehanna County Commissioners earlier this year and asked for some operating money. He said he would pay it back to the county when it received a portion of some $4 million pledged to the authority. The commissioners denied his request.
Susquehanna County may be approaching its turn to lure business and industrial development into its boundaries. Anthony J. Ventello, executive director of Central Bradford Progress Authority, (CBPA) presented a confident report to the county commissioners last week and painted a rosy picture for the future of the county. “We have a lot of things in motion,” Mr. Ventello said. CBPA became the county’s industrial development agency after the commissioners abolished the county’s program earlier this year. Foremost in Mr. Ventello’s presentation was a request that the county pass a resolution applying for a $50,000 grant to finance a development plan that would include creating an enterprise zone in the county. He told the commissioners the plan could result in some preferential treatment from the state. For openers, Mr. Ventello said the county could apply for as much as $500,000 to establish a revolving account that would allow new and existing county businesses and industries to upgrade their buildings and/or equipment by borrowing from the account and paying it back with a low interest rate. The commissioners approved the resolution authorizing CBPA to proceed with the application and the county plan. Mr. Ventello further announced that a plastic packaging plant will move into the former Schils America building in Oakland Township and begin manufacturing next March. And finally, he projected some industrial development along Route 11 that runs through the county. “As you can see,” he concluded, “we are moving forward and we are really excited about the enterprise zone.” Two more resignations were accepted with regret by the commissioners. The departing employees include Jennifer Pisasik, chief assessor who leaves on November 10 and Roger Sherwood, Program Specialist III with the Soil Conservation District, effective October 4. Other motions approved by the commissioners completed the following actions: Hired Jolene Kelly to the open position of fulltime caseworker in Children and Youth Services effective October 24. Later the Salary Board set her hourly rate at $12.73. She will work 37.5 hours and her benefits will begin if she successfully completes six months probation period. Approved recommendations from the Susquehanna County Tourism Committee and appropriated room tax funds as follows: Friends of Salt Springs Park, $2,000; Rails-to-Trails, $750; and, The Art Cafe Project, $250. In another matter, the commissioners adopted a resolution proclaiming the week of October 9 as Fire Prevention Week in Susquehanna County.
BURGLARY Suzanne Brandt reported that her Hallstead home was burglarized sometime between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on September 27. The person(s) forcibly entered her home through the rear door by smashing out the glass, then rifled through her rooms and stole mainly jewelry.* RETAIL THEFT At about 1:30 on the afternoon on September 24, someone arrived at Outright Sales in Little Meadows, pumped $6.60 of fuel into a blue Dodge Ram 4x4 pick up and left without paying. THEFT Stephanie Daley, Montrose, reported on September 24 that some items were missing from her apartment after her babysitter left. TRAFFIC CRASH At about 11:30 on the morning of September 15, Deborah Patton, Susquehanna, was driving a 2004 Mazda RX-8 on State Road 547 in Gibson Township when she went off the road after failing to safely negotiate a series of curves in it. A guide rail prevented the Mazda from going over an embankment, although the car was towed from the scene by Harford Garage. DRUG, DRUG PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION A female juvenile had drug paraphernalia and prescription drugs in her possession at the Susquehanna Community High School in Lanesboro on the morning of September 26. The prescription was not her own, and an investigation is continuing. BURGLARY Helen P. Calabro, New Milford, reported that an unknown person(s) entered her home sometime between 8:20 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on September 26 and stole about $500 in miscellaneous pieces of jewelry. DUI CRASH This crash happened on the night of September 25 when David J. Maszaros, 45, Starrucca, failed to make a right curve on State Route 171 in Harmony Township. His 201 Dodge Ram 1500 struck the guide rails along the east berm of the road and rolled over. Maszaros was ejected from the truck and taken to Barnes-Kasson Hospital for treatment by Susquehanna Ambulance. The truck was severely damaged and taken from the scene by French’s Garage, Susquehanna. The Susquehanna Fire Department also assisted at the scene. THEFT Erica Thorn, New Milford, had a brown wicker chair stolen from her front porch sometime between midnight and 11 a.m. on September 25.* THEFT Sometime between 7 on the evening of September 24 and the same time on the following day, an unknown person(s) took about $4,000 worth of construction tools from the site of a new-home construction by David Hinkley on Penny Hill Road in Great Bend Township. THEFT BY DECEPTION During the course of business on September 23 and 24, someone passed a counterfeit $50 at the Pump N Pantry in New Milford. HARASSMENT A Juvenile male, 17, Springville, punched a juvenile male, 9, Nicholson, while they were riding the school bus home from the Elk Lake School on the afternoon of September 23. The 17-year-old was charged with harassment. CRASH This crash happened as a 2003 Triumph motorcycle driven by William J. Pope, 45, Forest City, was traveling north on State Road 2023 in Clifford Township on the night of September 21. Pope lost control of the Triumph, left the road and hit a tree. He received minor injuries; his cycle was removed from the scene by Kozlowski Towing, Clifford. THEFT FORM A VEHICLE Cynthia Hugaboom, Ararat Township, reported that some items were stolen from her vehicle while it was parked outside her home and in her driveway on September 14. Taken were a diamond ring and a cell phone.* HARASSMENT Eric Lockwood, 38, and Richard Vance, 54, are Lenox Township neighbors who became involved in a conversation on September 18 in which Lockwood apparently threatened Vance. Lockwood was cited for harassment. BURGLARY An unknown person(s) entered the home of Michele Calafut, 45, Clifford Township, sometime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on September 20 and stole several guns from a gun cabinet. The stolen guns are: Mossberg 12GA shotgun with a 28-inch barrel, serial #K386222; Weatherby Mark 4 300 W Magnum, serial #H226109; Remington Model 700 .308 caliber, serial #1166RT127; 1970 Marlin Centennial Edition .22 mag. Cal., Serial #70255119; and a .22 caliber bolt-action rifle.* THEFT An unknown person(s) took a 2000 blue and gray Yamaha, 200cc, Blaster ATV from property belonging to William E. Muzzy, New Milford Township, sometime between the evening of September 24 and 7 the following morning. THEFT On September 21, an unknown person(s) made unauthorized charges on accounts belonging to Robert Anderson, Brackney. An investigation is continuing. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF The daughter of Robert Kilmer, Clifford, parked his 2001 Pontiac Sunfire in the Mountain View Diner parking lot in Clifford Township shortly after 7 on the evening of September 17. When she went to pick it up about four hours later, she noticed damage to the vehicle, consisting of dents to the driver and passenger side, possibly from being kicked; a rear window smashed out; and scrapes to the paint on all sides of the vehicle.* TRAFFIC CRASH Anthony Grillo, 43, Kingsley, was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed on a dirt road when he lost control of his vehicle, which traveled into a hayfield and flipped over. Grillo was wearing a seatbelt and was not seriously injured in this accident that happened on the afternoon of September 13. He faces charges of driving a vehicle at safe speed. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Robert Franks, Johnson City, caused damage to property belonging to Susan Gilbin, Liberty Township, during a dispute on the evening of September 22. DRUG POSSESSION A juvenile male offender was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia on the afternoon of September 22 at the Montrose Area High School. HARASSMENT A 14-year-old male shoved and grabbed Shannon Mess on the morning of September 15 in a mobile home park in Great Bend Township. FATAL CRASH Arnold D. Larue, 56, Montrose, was traveling south on a 1998 Harley Davidson Road King on State Route 29 in Springville Township at 6:30 on the morning of September 22 when the Harley hit a deer in the road. This caused the bike to travel into the northbound lane, where it overturned onto its right side. The bike, Larue – who was not wearing a helmet -- and the dead deer then slid off the east berm and struck a utility pole, shearing it from the ground. Larue was transported via ambulance to Endless Mountains Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Springville Fire and Ambulance responded to the scene. TWO-VEHICLE CRASH A 2000 Dodge 1500 truck operated by Robert Muiter, 41, no address given, was traveling east on State Route 171 in Oakland Township and stopped behind a truck that was waiting to make a left-turn into a trailer park. A 1993 Ford Mustang driven by Michael Corbin, 20, no address given, was behind the Dodge. Corbin did not observe the truck at a complete stop and hit it from behind. The Mustang was severely damaged and the Dodge received minor damages. Neither Muiter nor Corbin were injured in this accident that happened on the afternoon of August 26. ATV CRASH A male and a female juvenile were riding ATVs side by side on Township Road 356 in Springville on the evening of August 24 when apparently the ATVs bumped into each other and both juveniles lost control. The female rider veered left, hitting a tree and then careened across the road and into a ditch. The male rider also veered left and rolled the ATV onto its side. Both were transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries that were not severe. TWO-VEHICLE COLLISION Early in the afternoon of September 22, a PENNDOT dump truck was traveling at about 5 miles an hour, towing a street sweeper that was cleaning the berms of Route 11 in Summersville, New Milford Township. A 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 driven by Roger Zurn, 42, Hallstead, approached the PENNDOT truck from the rear and, because Zurn was unable to see the truck because of dust, he hit it. BURGLARY An Oakland cabin belonging to Gerald Wayman, New Milford, was broken into between April and September 18. The intruders broke a windowpane in the door, went into the cabin. They took some fishing poles and a 14-foot aluminum boat from outside the cabin.* SUICIDE At approximately 9:30 on the morning of September 21, Justin Joseph Brackes, 22, Franklin Township, was found dead at his home. The State Police and the County coroner’s office determined that Brackes took his own life. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT This accident happened at 2 on the afternoon of September 20 when Margaret Rosenthal, 47, Susquehanna, driving a 2003 Jeep Liberty, was making a curve on State Road 1021 in Oakland Township and drifted into the southbound lane and into the path of a 2000 Olds Bravado driven by Debra Hampton, 39, Clarks Summit, hitting the Olds head on. Both Rosenthal and Hampton were wearing seatbelts. Rosenthal was not injured; Hampton received minor injuries and was transported to Barnes Kasson Hospital via Susquehanna Ambulance. Rosenthal was cited for Driving on Roadways Laned for Traffic. UNLAWFUL USE OF A COMPUTER Jason Jemmot, Friendsville, reported that between August and September, someone was using his Internet account. An investigation is continuing. BURGLARY Sometime between September 2 and 5, an unknown person(s) stole a black Kel Tec .380 caliber handgun with a black ankle holder from the home of Lisa Payne, 44, Springville Township.* THEFT Sometime between September 7 and 13, someone stole a 1967 Jeep Cherokee Wagoneer from the driveway of a home in Ararat Township belonging to Albert Masino, who was going to restore it. The Jeep was painted primer gray and was not registered nor could it run at the time of the theft.* STALKING, DISORDERLY CONDUCT, HARASSMENT Joseph R. Gerchman, owner and resident of a small house and two apartments on State Road 2034, reportedly has repeatedly walked the property naked, exposed himself to the tenants, entered their apartments uninvited and unannounced, and repeatedly turned off the power to the apartments, causing severe inconvenience and emotional distress to the victims – all of whom are tenants. This activity occurred between June 30 and September 17 at all hours. Charges, including indecent exposure, have been filed. *Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the state police at 570-465-3154.
DEEDS Jennifer A. Repchick (nbm) Jennifer A. Dininny, Glenn C. Dininny, David P. Bennett, Carol Bennett to Marilyn J. Talboys, RR 1, Montrose, in Montrose for $81,000. Tammy Sheldon, Tina Roe, Tanya Roe, Herbert Roe Jr., Amanda Roe (by guardian) to Kenneth T. and Sally A. Viall, RR 1, Hallstead, for $64.000. Karen Milligan, Ann Green (nbm) Ann Chamberlain to William C. Steppacher and Mardi B. Steppacher, PO Box 694, Waverly, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Frances Pauline Chauncey (estate) aka F. Pauline Chauncey to Marsha D. Lewis, PO Box 806, Hallstead, in Great Bend Township for $45,000. Washington Mutual Bank (fka) Washington Mutual Home Loan to United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, King of Prussia, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Sommerville Land Development Co. to Hallstead, Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority, PO Box 179, Great Bend, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. John B. Dininny, Caroline Dininny to John B. Dininny Jr., RR 3, Susquehanna, Pa, in Great Bend, for one dollar. William C. Deutsch, Alice M. Deutsch to William C. Deutch and Alice M. Deutsch, RR1, Susquehanna, in Jackson Township for one dollar. Jason Rutkowski, Sherry Sakosky nbm Sherry Rutkowski to Jason and Sherry Rutkowski, 23 South Greenwood, Hop Bottom, for one dollar. Carol R. Burke, Jeffrey B. Burke, James B. Burke to Jeffrey B. Burke, Philadelphia, James B. Burke, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Marie A. Hoffman to Thomas J. Dellongo Jr. and Jeanine M. Dellongo, 18 Pratt Street, New Milford, in New Milford Borough for $73,000. Florence H. Parry (estate) to Robert E. McCarthy, 115 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Henry S. and Claire S. Joostema to Fox Enterprises Inc, RR 3, Susquehanna, in Oakland Township for $62,000. James Risboskin to Justin Silfee, 422 Delaware St., Forest City, in Forest City for $33,000. Stacy Nier-Yoskowitz to Marc Yoskowitz, RR 2, Thompson, in Thompson Township for one dollar. Marc Yoskowitz to Marc Yoskowitz, RR 2, Thompson, in Thompson Township for one dollar. Joan Meade (by POA), Joan A. Mead (by POA), Helga M. Hooper to James Mihalick, Box 5, Harford, in Clifford Township for one dollar. James J. Hayes, Carla M. Mazzoni (nbm) Carla M. Hayes to Thomas Wright and Jamie Wright, RR 2, Carbondale, in Clifford Township for $18,000. Thomas M. and Pamela M. Newberry to Nick and Anne M. Papalexandrou, 502 Franklin Ave., Susquehanna, in Susquehanna for $79,380. Duane D. and Rita R. Slocum to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Department of Transportation), 55 Keystone Industrial Park, Dunmore, in Thompson Township for $36,000. Paul S. and Holly A. Moseley to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Department of Transportation), 55 Keystone Industrial Park, Dunmore, in Rush Township for one dollar. Mary Ellen Conboy (estate) and William M. Conboy to Francis J. Conboy, RR 5, Montrose, in Middletown Township for one dollar. Bruce Schutt (by sheriff) and Kelly Schutt (by sheriff) to Community Bank & Trust, Clarks Summit, in Gibson Township for $4,075. Florence G. Zurn (estate) to Krista M. Bowman, PO Box 197, Great Bend, in Great Bend Borough for $49,900. William Edward Barnes (estate) aka William Barnes (estate) to Warren J. Montagna Jr. and Patricia A. Montagna, RR 6, Montrose, in Dimock Township for $12,000. Bradley A. and Natalia W. Janey to Bradley A. Janey, RR 1, Union Dale, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Richard Jackson to Zhanshun Ma and Peizhen Shi, Forest Hills, NY, in Silver Lake Township for $90,000 . James Lee Napolitano, Vincent Napolitano Jr., Vincent Napolitano (estate) to James Lee Napolitano, 21 Lancaster Terrace, West Orange, NJ, and Vincent Napolitano Jr., in New Milford Township for one dollar. H. Duane Sivers and Doris Sivers to Alan A. Sivers and Edythe A. Sivers, RR 2, Montrose, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Carol Ann Howell to Brian D. Howell and Ruth Howell, PO Box 22, Dimock, in Dimock Township for one dollar. Maria C. Delorme to Mario Luigi Nardone, Belleville, NJ, in Silver Lake Township for $20,000. Gary M. Thatcher and Micheline R. Thatcher to Jeffrey A. Gunn, PO Box 564, New Milford, in Great Bend Township for $120,000. Bart Geentiens, Toni R. Geentiens, John S. Hock Jr., Sandra Piervallo to Thomas J. and Karen E. Yednock, Gilertsville, in Herrick Township for $35,500. George L. Capwell (estate) to Thaddeus J. Capwell, RR 1, Brackney, in Silver Lake Township for $70,000. Ann H. Widen, Norman G. Widen, C. Richard Hayes, Kay Hayes to Susan Murphy Klamm, Ullrich Klamm, Foster Drive, Union Dale, in Herrick Township for $172,000. William A. Hanson Jr. (by sheriff) to Federal National Mortgage Association, Philadelphia, in Rush Township for $1,156. John F. Ashcraft (by sheriff) and Sarah J. Ashcraft (by sheriff) to EMC Mortgage Corporation, Irving, TX, in Little Meadows Borough for $3,175. Donald J. Dryer and Clair F. Dryer to Stephen E. Moak and Linda Moak, 23 Walnut Dr., Kutztown, in Auburn Township for $45,000. Neil D. Traver and Kathy A. Traver to Michael Lafferty and Tonya L. Lafferty, RR 4, Montrose, in Rush Township for $180,000. Jane C. Borchin and Roger G. Borchin to Gerald Wagner, 199 Gordon Ave., Carbondale, and Jane Bowness, in Lenox Township for $10,000. Barry Saam and Patricia Saam to Brian Zeiss, 514 Hudson St., Forest City, in Forest City for $79,000. Sheila A. Plevinsky to Sheila A. Plevinsky, 260 Main St., New Milford, Joseph M. Plevinsky, Martin C. Plevinsky, Katherine A. Wager, Karen M. Shaver, in New Milford Borough for one dollar. Freeman J. Howell, Christina A. Howell to Michelle J. Galanter, New York, NY and John T. Reynolds, in Herrick Township for $125,000. Anthony J. Sedlack and Mary Jane Sedlack to Clement A. Skirpan, Scranton, in Silver Lake Township for $62,500. MARRIAGES Jerome A. Slick, Forest City and Jennifer Anne Lukus, Vandling. Scott Terry VanGorden and Rhonda Jean Ralston, both of Susquehanna. Justin Michael Sprout and Klazina Vandenhengel, both of Montrose. Joseph Lee Brittingham and Jessica May Brown, both of Portsmouth, VA. Jacob Jhetta Herbert and Jamie Lyn Beamer, both of Great Bend. Dale L. Buck and Karen M. Griffis, both of New Milford. Adam A. Sauser Jr., Jackson, and Karyl A. Sinton, Nutley, NJ. Joseph Maurice Burke Jr. and Michelle Lee Brady, both of Susquehanna. Roman R. Galeano and Elizabeth W. Newlin, both of Brooklyn, NY. Stephen Joseph Kaminsky, Susquehanna and Lynnette Dee Ryman, Hallstead. Robert Stephen Jennings, Honesdale and Clara Gillow Clark, Damascus. Robert Lopatofsky, Union Dale and Laure Lee Lavin, Lenoxville. Frank C. Repchick, Hallstead, and Kimberly Lou Graham, Montrose. Dale Yoder and Kelly Ann Donovan, both of Friendsville. DIVORCE Brenda Walker, Hallstead vs. John Walker, New Milford.
Several issues weighed in at the bi-monthly Mountain View School District Board Meeting held Monday, September 26 at 8:00 p.m. Two of the nine board members were absent. The bid for digital security cameras was awarded to Video Insight Inc. of Houston TX for a total of $10,161.76. This includes cameras and licensing fees. Administration noted that currently some cameras do not work. Further the current cameras are analog and the upgrade is to digital. A discussion of the proposed contract with Apangea Learning Inc. for tutoring received mixed reviews. Board member Mr. John Halupke questioned the need for more such programs saying, “we are getting into so many tutoring programs…how do we know what’s working?” This one-year pilot project can serve 10 students per period for a total of 80 students per day. It is intended to be used for 7-12th grades to increase their word problem solving scores on standardized tests. According to the website, Apangea software has several components including SmartHelp. ”Built on the same intelligent software and research-based approach to problem solving as our groundbreaking SmartHelp offering, SmartHelp LIVE features the added benefit of live support from certified human tutors….With Apangea SmartHelp, even tutors who aren’t certified in math can help students overcome difficulties in a wide range of subject areas.”(www.apangea.com) Three substitutes were approved pending documentation. Numerous volunteers were also conditionally approved. Math and Reading tutor positions will be created and advertised. Two After School Tutoring Program Coordinators were hired at the pay of $1250 each. William Whitney, who for 34 years coordinated the student trip to Washington D.C. was congratulated on a job well done. He was not present, however. The reins have been handed over to new co-coordinators Shirley Granger and Cheryl Decker. Second readings and discussions regarding the Student Driving Policy and Interscholastic Athletic Policy were held. Both will be on the agenda for approval at the next Board meeting. Also a first reading of the Revised Student Dress Code Policy was held. Mr. Halupke read the revisions which came about as a result of the previous meeting which was well attended. The parents in attendance reiterated the concerns expressed earlier – there are too many rules with little discretion given to common sense. A policy involving parent notification is established. This will involve remediation with both parent and child to correct the clothing violations if the child does not correct them following the first infraction. Tracking of the number of infractions per child will be done by homeroom teachers. Parent Vicky Mason, Kingsley specifically voiced her disappointment with dress code and now wants uniforms. The board said that is possible. Two students, Shanna Eshelman and Luke Parraga, from Strategies For Life class made an excellent presentation. They explained what they are taught both in the classroom and through field trips into our community to help them function more independently in society. They learn everyday living skills and job skills. Conferences and field trips were approved for teachers and students, including those in the Strategies program. The adult education program was approved for the school year. Board members noted that it was decreasing in types of classes offered as well as attendance. The board is considering creating a survey to send to residents to determine what they want. It was noted that computer classes always fill up quickly. Further anyone interested in teaching a class should contact Mrs. Joy Marcy at #570-434-2180 ext. # 413. Registration can be done by calling her as well. Maria Diaz was concerned about the quality of the school website. The board acknowledged the need to have one person dedicated to the maintenance of the website. Anyone who can help is again appreciated. Jane Mack reiterated her concern with the lack of extra gym class especially considering the reports of the poor health of students in general. A Wellness/Nutrition Program and committee have been formed. Residents are asked to get involved. This is part of a recent federal mandate to improve student health. Finally, Mr. Jody Nowalk a father of a student, expressed his frustration with getting a bus route changed to decrease the time his child is on the bus. Nowalk is working with Administration to confirm their policy on how bus routes are created. This is a concern that is being addressed and resolved according to Superintendent Chambers. An executive session was held after the public board meeting. The public is invited to open board meetings which are held the second and fourth Mondays at 8:00 p.m.
Governor Announces Rail Freight Grants HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell announced the release of more than $13 million in Capital budget grants for 12 rail freight projects that will create jobs, stimulate the economy and reduce traffic congestion in Pennsylvania. The rail freight projects are administered by the state Department of Transportation. “Pennsylvania is making investments that are creating new jobs and new opportunities,” said Governor Rendell. “Investing in our rail system is a positive way to promote our economy. This program helps keep our short-line rail lines competitive and makes Pennsylvania more attractive to shippers.” Pennsylvania has more than 60 freight railroads that employ more than 7,500 people and purchase more than $580 million a year in goods and services from other Pennsylvania-based businesses. For every shipment of goods or materials put on a rail car, the equivalent of four truckloads of material are taken off the highways. “We are making sure that Pennsylvania has a balanced transportation system that supports our businesses and our communities,” Governor Rendell added. Susquehanna County was awarded $2.5 million to the Susquehanna County Rail Authority, New Milford, for construction of a new transload rail facility, including property acquisition and design. As many as 30 new jobs could be created.
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