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HEADLINES: Following are the unofficial election returns from last Tuesday’s election. Returns are unofficial pending certification by the Return Board. Total Number Voting 7,663 Precincts Reporting 43 Of 46 93.48% Straight Party Democratic -D 699 31.66% Sheriff Lance Benedict - D/R 7,052 100.00% Prothonotary & Clerk Of Courts 34th Dist. Susan Eddleston -D/R 6,815 100.00% Jury Commissioner Robert Chamberlain -D 2,889 40.15% Magisterial District Judge 34-3-01 Jeffrey L. Hollister -D/R 2,813 100.00% Magisterial District Judge 34-3-02 Peter M. Janicelli -D/R 2,083 100.00% Blue Ridge School Region 1A Denise Bloomer -R 110 100.00% Blue Ridge School Region 2 Cynthia Gillespie -D 255 100.00% Blue Ridge School Region 2A Dawn Franks -R 97 100.00% Blue Ridge School Region 3B Lonnie Fisher -R 246 100.00% Elk Lake School Region 2 Jack Sible -D/R 217 100.00% Elk Lake School Region 8 Kevin Pierson -D/R 159 100.00% Elk Lake School Region 9 Eric Emmerich -D/R 214 100.00% Forest City Regional School Region 2 Lorne Sutton Powell -D/R 161 100.00% Forest City Regional School Region 3 Thomas M. Heller -R 67 100.00% Forest City Regional School Region 9 Fred G. Garm -D 62 100.00% Montrose Area School Region 1 Kevin Sives -D/R 218 41.84% Montrose Area School Region 2 George Gow -D/R 653 100.00% Montrose Area School Region 3 Kenneth E. Gould -D/R 428 100.00% Mountain View School Region 1b John L. Beeman -R 206 100.00% Mountain View School Region 2c James W. Zick -D/R 674 100.00% Mountain View School Region 3a Lucrecia D. Jesse -D 117 61.26% Mountain View School Region 3b Kevin M. Griffiths -D/R 134 100.00% Susquehanna Community School Region 1 Mary Wescott -D/R 273 100.00% Susquehanna Community School Region 2 Johnine Ann Barnes -D/R 321 60.00% Susquehanna Community School Region 3 Carol P. Jackson -D/R 312 100.00% Apolacon Supervisor David R. McGuigan -R 69 100.00% Apolacon Auditor 6yr Faith Garza -R 71 100.00% Apolacon Tax Collector Edith Farr -R 75 100.00% Apolacon Election Judge Teresa E. Thorne -R 71 100.00% Apolacon Election Inspector Mary J. Butler -D 28 36.36% Ararat Supervisor Donald M. Stone -R 54 100.00% Ararat Auditor 6yr Nicole Stone -R 72 100.00% Ararat Auditor 4yr Melissa Warring -R 74 100.00% Ararat Tax Collector Clifford W. Tinklepaugh -R 79 100.00% Auburn Supervisor George Gregory -D/R 237 100.00% Auburn Auditor 6yr Eric Place -R 218 100.00% Auburn Auditor 4yr Larry R. Mowry -R 225 100.00% Auburn Tax Collector Betty Jean White -D/R 254 100.00% Auburn Election Judge Mary Ann Bonavita -R 234 100.00% Auburn Election Inspector Tinamarie Carlin -R 223 100.00% Bridgewater Supervisor Charles E. Mead -R 337 100.00% Bridgewater Auditor Patricia A. Wood -D 293 100.00% Bridgewater Tax Collector Sylvia Baker -D/R 407 100.00% Bridgewater Election Judge William (Fred) Little -R 346 100.00% Bridgewater Election Inspector Ellen A. Smith -D 119 29.10% Brooklyn Supervisor Morgan Turner -R 160 100.00% Brooklyn Auditor Ann S. Corbin -R 175 100.00% Brooklyn Tax Collector Connie M. Arthur -R 171 100.00% Brooklyn Election Judge Melanie S. Lasher -R 173 100.00% Brooklyn Election Inspector Debra J. Wadge -D 81 43.32% Choconut Supervisor William R. Stewart -D 134 100.00% Choconut Auditor Roger L. Doolittle -R 146 100.00% Choconut Tax Collector Barbara A. Legg -D/R 154 100.00% Choconut Election Judge Mary Lou Byerly -R 142 100.00% Choconut Election Inspector Shirley Stewart -D 96 61.54% Clifford Supervisor Dennis Knowlton -R 233 100.00% Clifford Tax Collector Harry E. Phillips -R 251 100.00% Dimock Supervisor Edwin S. Bunnell -R 187 100.00% Dimock Tax Collector Esther Rayias -R 198 100.00% Dimock Election Inspector Laura J. Wells -D 151 100.00% Forest City Mayor Nicholas H. Cost -D/R 276 100.00% Forest City Tax Collector Pamela Franceski Green -D/R 263 100.00% Forest City Councilman James Lowry -D/R 227 25.31% Forest City W1 Election Judge Marion Yanchitis -D 106 100.00% Forest City W1 Election Inspector Theresa Miller -D 64 57.66% Forest City W2 Election Judge Betty Lowry -D/R 167 100.00% Forest City W2 Election Inspector Jeanne Suhadolnik -R 143 100.00% Forest Lake Supervisor Art Donato, Jr. -D/R 199 100.00% Forest Lake Auditor Norval Potts -R 196 100.00% Forest Lake Tax Collector Dawn Fearnley -R 198 100.00% Forest Lake Assessor Nikolaos Nikolaidis -R 164 100.00% Forest Lake Election Judge Gertrude M. Green -R 197 100.00% Forest Lake Election Inspector Else Brunner -R 179 100.00% Franklin Supervisor David Darrow -R 131 100.00% Franklin Tax Collector Jeffrey A. Sammon -R 144 100.00% Franklin Assessor Donna Darrow -R 130 100.00% Franklin Election Judge Heidi E. Mitchell -R 148 100.00% Franklin Election Inspector Diane M. Docherty -D 49 31.41% Gibson Supervisor Thomas Salansky -D 67 29.65% Gibson Auditor Donna Gelatt -R 198 100.00% Gibson Tax Collector Boyd C. Manzer -D/R 218 100.00% Gibson Assessor William Gelatt -R 195 100.00% Gibson Election Inspector Nancy Lindsey -D 73 32.74% Great Bend Boro Mayor James Riecke -R 100 100.00% Great Bend Boro Tax Collector Laura L. Conarton -R 96 100.00% Great Bend Boro Councilman 4yr Richard Franks -D 85 27.24% Great Bend Boro Election Judge G. Louise Lonzinski -R 101 100.00% Great Bend Boro Election Inspector Paulette M. Mead -R 95 100.00% Great Bend Twp Supervisor 6yr David A. Sienko -D/R 252 100.00% Great Bend Twp Supervisor 4yr Sheila Guinan -D/R 231 100.00% Great Bend Twp Tax Collector Margo Merritt -D/R 260 100.00% Great Bend Twp Election Judge Linette Leatso -R 233 100.00% Great Bend Twp Election Inspector Irene Welch -D 115 41.52% Hallstead Mayor Willard E. Canfield -D 128 100.00% Hallstead Auditor 4yr John P. McCarthy -D 167 100.00% Hallstead Tax Collector Peggy L. Woosman -R 185 100.00% Hallstead Councilman Theodore J. Loomis -D 135 21.16% Hallstead Election Judge Paulette Rafferty -D 180 100.00% Hallstead Election Inspector Rosemary K. Farrell -D 120 60.91% Harford Supervisor James M. Ketterer -D/R 198 100.00% Harford Auditor Linda Bonham -R 391 100.00% Harford Tax Collector Timothy C. Button -R 391 100.00% Harford Election Judge Maureen Warren -R 366 100.00% Harford Election Inspector Suzanne Needham -D 124 29.18% Harmony Supervisor Frederick Jackson -R 80 100.00% Harmony Auditor Jennifer Bixby -R 72 100.00% Harmony Tax Collector Sandra L. Babcock -D 81 100.00% Harmony Election Judge Elaine M. Hobart -R 85 100.00% Harmony Election Inspector Beverly R. Walker -D 57 60.00% Herrick Supervisor David Durko -D 47 100.00% Herrick Auditor 6yr Angeline Svecz -D 158 100.00% Herrick Auditor 4yr Margaret Balunas -D 145 100.00% Herrick Tax Collector Joseph Svecz, Jr. -R 185 100.00% Herrick Assessor Joseph Svecz, Sr. -D 167 100.00% Herrick Election Judge Thelma Frederici -R 165 100.00% Herrick Election Inspector Louise Petrus -D 86 45.03% Hop Bottom Mayor Paul Henry -D/R 76 100.00% Hop Bottom Tax Collector Laurie E. Schwarztrauber -D 61 100.00% Hop Bottom Councilman Susanna Pratt -D 52 19.05% Jackson Supervisor 6yr Mark C. Pease -R 139 100.00% Jackson Supervisor 2yr Frederick D. Lewis, Jr. -R 139 100.00% Jackson Auditor Kathryn Boman -R 140 100.00% Jackson Tax Collector Miriam J. Page -R 148 100.00% Jackson Assessor Anthony S. Gerchman -R 139 100.00% Jackson Election Judge Joan S. Benson -R 144 100.00% Jackson Election Inspector David C. Spencer -D 58 38.41% Jessup Supervisor Dennis N. Bunnell -R 91 100.00% Jessup Auditor Brenda M. Bennett -R 109 100.00% Jessup Tax Collector Cheryl A. Arnold -R 104 100.00% Jessup Assessor Judy A. Daly -R 104 100.00% Jessup Election Judge Ginger Hewitt -R 108 100.00% Jessup Election Inspector Larry R. Larue -D 44 35.20% Lanesboro Mayor David L. Slater -R 14 100.00% Lanesboro Tax Collector Elaine Gail Hanrahan -D/R 129 100.00% Lanesboro Councilman Stanley J. Rockwell -R 114 32.66% Lanesboro Election Judge Sandra Boughton -R 121 100.00% Lanesboro Election Inspector Marjorie L. Glover -R 113 100.00% Lathrop Supervisor Paul J. Himka -D/R 138 100.00% Lathrop Auditor Regina M. Evans -D 124 100.00% Lathrop Tax Collector Beverly J. Pashchuk -D 140 100.00% Lathrop Election Judge Barbara L. Robbins -D 129 100.00% Lathrop Election Inspector Helen Skumanick -D 128 100.00% Lenox Supervisor Fred Benson -D/R 279 100.00% Lenox Auditor Dorothy A. Wallace -R 248 100.00% Lenox Tax Collector Suzanne Brainard -D/R 285 100.00% Lenox Election Judge Deborah L. Cerynik -D/R 262 100.00% Lenox Election Inspector Evelyn G. Jerauld -R 263 100.00% Liberty Supervisor 6yr D. Scott Tiffany -R 121 100.00% Liberty Supervisor 4yr Dan Henry -R 136 100.00% Liberty Auditor Lisa L. Mcvaugh -R 133 100.00% Liberty Tax Collector Grace Merrill -R 150 100.00% Liberty Election Judge Marlene J. Lyon -R 145 100.00% Liberty Election Inspector Jill D. Aldrich -D 50 31.85% Little Meadows Mayor William D. Gow, Sr. -R 69 100.00% Little Meadows Tax Collector Cindy L. Rogers -R 69 100.00% Little Meadows Councilman 4yr Charles W. Barnum, Ii -R 64 34.04% Little Meadows Election Inspector Penny Jo Barnum -R 71 100.00% Middletown Supervisor Dan Jones -R 82 100.00% Middletown Auditor Robert Curley -R 81 100.00% Middletown Tax Collector Mary (Kathy) Long -D/R 83 100.00% Middletown Election Judge Kathleen R. Snedaker -D 71 100.00% Middletown Election Inspector Eugenia L. Dear -D 35 41.18% Chris J. Shadduck -R 50 58.82% Montrose Mayor Thomas J. Lamont -R 112 100.00% Montrose Tax Collector David B. Colwell -R 332 100.00% Montrose W1 Councilman Todd Chamberlain -R 172 33.79% Montrose W2 Councilman Craig Reimel -R 111 100.00% Montrose W1 Election Judge Brooks E. Warner -R 219 100.00% Montrose W1 Election Inspector Carolyn F. Warner -D 202 100.00% New Milford Boro Mayor Joseph M. Taylor -R 111 100.00% New Milford Boro Auditor Jennifer A. Allen -D 107 100.00% New Milford Boro Tax Collector Vicki L. Drake -R 121 100.00% New Milford Boro Councilman Scott M. Smith -D 101 33.67% New Milford Boro Election Judge Betty Kegelman -R 124 100.00% New Milford Boro Election Inspector Jeanette Worden -R 124 100.00% New Milford Twp Supervisor Jack T. Conroy -R 217 100.00% New Milford Twp Auditor Gayle A. Marcy -R 225 100.00% New Milford Twp Tax Collector Roberta Gulick -R 234 100.00% New Milford Twp Assessor Brian J. Gafney -R 223 100.00% New Milford Twp Election Inspector John P. Hoffman -D 153 100.00% Oakland Boro Mayor Wendy Macdonald-Dudley -D/R 85 100.00% Oakland Boro Tax Collector Susan Arthur -R 81 100.00% Oakland Boro Councilman Paul Dudley -D 39 17.73% Oakland Boro Assessor Amanda Hilton -R 88 100.00% Oakland Boro Election Judge Carol Trevarthan -R 90 100.00% Oakland Boro Election Inspector Caren Henry -R 83 100.00% Oakland Twp Supervisor Darryl D. Heckman -D 45 100.00% Oakland Twp Auditor Ronald C. Dubas -R 65 100.00% Oakland Twp Tax Collector Jeane M. Roe -R 70 100.00% Rush Supervisor Charles Pierson -D/R 168 100.00% Rush Tax Collector Denise Campbell -D/R 180 100.00% Rush Constable Burton H. Force -D 152 100.00% Rush Election Judge Marilyn S. Quick -R 166 100.00% Rush Election Inspector Betty A. Hicks -R 164 100.00% Silver Lake Supervisor Thomas Swan -D/R 248 100.00% Silver Lake Auditor 6yr William Whittaker -D 237 100.00% Silver Lake Tax Collector John J. Nagy -D/R 281 100.00% Silver Lake Assessor James A. Harvilchuck -R 202 100.00% Silver Lake Election Inspector Phyllis Mcnamara -D 181 65.34% Springville Supervisor Jerry Ainey -R 227 100.00% Springville Auditor Ruth H. Casselbury -D 185 100.00% Springville Tax Collector Barbara T. Fuhrey -D 217 100.00% Springville Election Judge Barbara Squier -R 231 100.00% Springville Election Inspector Dorothy C. States -D 131 51.57% Susquehanna Mayor Nancy Hurley -D 139 36.01% Susquehanna Tax Collector Linda K. Schell -D/R 375 100.00% Susquehanna Councilman 4yr Roy Williams -D 251 28.82% Susquehanna Councilman 2yr Shane Lewis, Sr. -D 216 47.37% Susquehanna W1 Election Judge Judy D. Crowley -D 141 100.00% Susquehanna W1 Election Inspector Teresa Whitney -D 64 41.56% Susquehanna W2 Election Judge Clay S. Weaver -R 200 100.00% Susquehanna W2 Election Inspector Marjorie A. Wood -D 211 100.00% Thompson Boro Mayor James D. Delaney -R 49 100.00% Thompson Boro Tax Collector Vera Halesky -D 64 100.00% Thompson Boro Councilman Diane Sabatelli -D 50 100.00% Thompson Boro Election Judge Raymond A. Grant -R 65 100.00% Thompson Boro Election Inspector Jeanette Saulo -D 69 100.00% Thompson Twp Supervisor Stacy Nier-Yoskowitz -R 49 100.00% Thompson Twp Auditor Mary E. Piercy -R 86 100.00% Thompson Twp Tax Collector Frances J. Sheldon -R 98 100.00% Thompson Twp Assessor Mario Fitzgerald -R 88 100.00% Thompson Twp Election Judge Marjorie A. Whitney -R 93 100.00% Thompson Twp Election Inspector Alice Marilyn Czachor -D 32 31.07% Union Dale Mayor Stephen Durko -R 70 100.00% Union Dale Auditor Beverly Paye -R 75 100.00% Union Dale Tax Collector Beverly Durko -R 74 100.00% Union Dale Councilman 4yr Kevin Durko -D 41 30.83% Patricia A. Cino -R 50 37.59% Union Dale Councilman 2yr Michelle H. Heller -R 46 100.00% Retain Supreme Court Justice Newman Yes 4,683 74.37% Retain Supreme Court Justice Nigro Yes 4,460 70.97%
Forest City Will Enforce Ordinances The Forest City Borough Council agreed last week to launch a more stringent enforcement of borough ordinances with emphasis on residential areas of the borough. The move came after Shane Lewis, the borough’s code enforcement officer, and Paul Peterson, borough solicitor, advised the council on actions that could be taken and the steps required to expedite them. Council accepted a suggestion from both men that the borough would get faster action by filing complaints with the county court rather than the district magistrate. However, they also pointed out that the wheels of justice do grind slowly because two written notices must be sent to property owners before alleged violations can be filed. Mr. Lewis further explained that building permits are only valid for two years but the borough does have the option of granting one extension if the property owner has made substantial improvements and needs some additional time to complete a project. He said a homeowner cannot obtain a permit, make some minimal improvements and then stop the project long periods of time. In the case of new construction, Mr. Lewis said a property owner is allowed a maximum of five years from the date a building permit is issued to finish the new home. Council heard a complaint from Mary Munley Ogozaly of 622 Delaware Street, concerning a verbal confrontation she and her husband, Andrew David Ogozaly, had with Council President Jim Lowry. She said Mr. Lowry backed into her car while he was attempting to park on Delaware Street. However, she admitted that her car was not damaged. The incident apparently triggered a shouting match at which time Mr. Ogozaly uttered some obscenities. Mrs. Ogozaly said several days after the issue, Mr. Ogozaly received a citation in the mail and that he subsequently paid $168 in fines for disorderly conduct. Mrs. Ogozaly alleged that Mr. Lowry may have been instrumental in the issuance of the citation because it was not issued at the scene of the argument. She was advised by the borough solicitor that the officer had 30 days to decide whether a citation was warranted. Mrs. Ogozaly said that days after the incident, borough employees installed no parking signs in front of her house. Mr. Lowry said he ordered the signs because a borough ordinance prohibits parking on the east side of Delaware Street. The no parking discussion touched off another shouting match involving Mr. Lowry and Mayor Frank Brager.
A lawsuit filed in the US District Court in Scranton last week alleges that 38-year-old Beth Ann Sparks Croasdale of Great Bend died on April 2, 2004 because she was denied the use of a nebulizer by prison personnel at the Susquehanna County Jail where she was serving time for driving while her operating privileges were suspended. Defendants in the suit include the County of Susquehanna; Jail Warden William Brennan; the Susquehanna County Prison Board; Dr. Hassan Khalil, prison physician; Endless Mountains Health Systems; Endless Mountain Medical Care Foundation, operators of a hospital in Montrose; and 10 John Does. According to the complaint, Ms. Croasdale had a severe asthma and respiratory problem that required her to have a nebulizer with her at all times. A nebulizer is powered by a compressed air machine and plugs into an electrical outlet. It changes liquid medicine into a mist form that is inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. Nebulizers can be used to deliver airway-opening medicines. The suit states that Ms. Croasdale brought the nebulizer to the jail with her because she was an asthmatic and required the use of the machine at all times. It alleges that the defendants knew of Ms. Croasdale’s health problems but did not allow her to keep the nebulizer with her at all times in her cell. The suite further alleges that about 4 a.m. on the morning of April 2, 2004, Ms. Croasdale requested a nebulizing treatment. After no one responded to her plea, the complaint alleged she made a second verbal plea by yelling to a “John Doe correctional officer.” “The deceased was refused such a nebulizer treatment,” the suit alleges. “Her condition appeared to worsen. This decision by John Doe constituted deliberate indifference and was a cause of the deceased’s death.” Finally an ambulance arrived and transported Ms. Croasdale to the Endless Mountains Health Systems facility where, the complaint states, “she was treated by Hassan Khalil, MD and pronounced dead a short time later.” According to the complaint, at the time Ms. Croasdale was incarcerated, the policy at the jail was not to allow her to have the nebulizer in her cell. “This policy or custom,” the complaint reads, “caused a fatal delay in getting the deceased the medicine she needed. This policy or custom constituted deliberate indifference to whether a prisoner died from not getting her necessary medicine.” Attorneys on both sides of the issue did not say much when contacted by The Transcript. Asked why the matter was taken to a United States District Court, Barry H. Dyller, attorney for the plaintiff, said the conduct of the defendants in the case caused cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution. He said such conduct also constituted a deprivation of Ms. Croasdale’s rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. Attorney Michael Donohue, a member of the Scranton law firm of Kreder Brooks Hailstone LLP, said he will represent all of the defendants named in the suit. He said the defendants are participants in an insurance program with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. At press time, Mr. Donohue said he had not seen the entire complaint but his initial action could involve a response to the complaint. The plaintiff has demanded a trial by jury and that will probably take place in federal court in Scranton before US District Court Judge James Munley.
DEEDS William E. and Diane P. Kyne to Getaway Land Co, RR4, Towanda, in Auburn Township for $365,000. Kevin Rose, Candy Marie Rose (aka) Candy M. Hitchcock to Candy M. Hitchcock, RR3, Meshoppen, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Virginia N. Plomchok to George G. Plomchok and Virginia N. Plomchok, Philadelphia, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. Lawrence M. Grasso (trust by trustee) to William J. Smith and Angela M. Smith, 200 North Road, Montrose, in Bridgewater Township for $65,000. Loran D. Stone, William J. Smith, Angela M. Smith to Lawrence M. Grasso (trust), Vero Beach, FL, in Liberty Township for $16,149. Edward L. Kelley Jr. to Edward L. Kelley Jr., RR5, Montrose, in Rush Township for one dollar. Edward Kelley, James Adriance, Vesta Adriance to Daniel Traver, RR5, Montrose, in Friendsville Borough for $23,800. Edward A. Bumby and Marilyn M. Bumby to Edward A. Bumby and Marilyn M. Bumby, (both Lifetime Trust Number One), RR7, Montrose, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. James M. Casilio, Elizabeth Casilio, Maria Medei, Jack Medei, Frank J. Casilio, Sherri Casilio, Carino J. Casilio, Mario Casilio (by attorney) to Francis J. Pheasant and Laura A. Pheasant, Owings, MD, in Herrick Township for $105,000. Michael J. Giangrieco, Charm K. Giangrieco to Subcarrier Communication Inc., Old Bridge, NJ, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Michael Giangrieco, Charm K. Giangrieco to Michael J. Giangrieco and Charm K. Giangrieco, Montrose, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. James B. Biagi, Patricia A. Biagi to Patricia A. Biagi, Goshen, NY, in New Milford Township for one dollar. James W. Conrad and Terry A. Clift to Terry A. Clift, RR1, Montrose, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Irene Romeo to Ranee Urbas, Carbondale, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Kevin M. and Sandra M. Millard to Gregory T. and Patricia A. Looby, RR1, Susquehanna, in Bridgewater Township for $200,000. Fox Enterprises Inc. to Roseanne Glaser, Frederick Glaser, Rutherford, NJ, in New Milford Township for $105,000. Rose Ann Livingston (nka) Rose Ann Phillips, Larry Phillips to Shawn and Julie Burns, RR2, Susquehanna, in Susquehanna for $30,000. Green Tree Consumer Discount Company to Dale E. and Mary P. Weaver, 23 Third Ave., Susquehanna, in Oakland Borough for $56,000. Mark and Abby L. Gajda to Roger S. Riddell, RR1, Blakely, in Clifford Township for $131,000. Rondall I. Woodall (trust by trustee) to Andrew Wyzykowski, Clifford, in Clifford Township for $145,000. Craig W. Whalen, Joanne M. Whalen, Henry Whalen, William A. Whalen to Timothy and Mary Anne Hayes, Hallstead, in Hallstead Borough for $68,000. Michael P. Lambert, Adrien Barshinger-Lambert to Warren A. Gormley Jr. and Denise Marie Gormley, RR2, Thompson, in Jackson Township for $215,000. Robert J. Potter, Joan I. Potter to Daniel Butts, RR2, Thompson, in Thompson Township for one dollar. Philamena Terwilligert to Chancey L. and Catherine B. Kelley, RR4, Montrose, in Silver Lake Township for $33,225. William and Teresa Manko to Richard M. and Ann C. Brunori, Peckville, in Herrick Township for $3,000. Frances A. Wadopian, Glen A. Wadopian, Maretta M. Wadopian (all by US Marshal), Glenn T. Wadopian (estate by US Marshal) to Lee Brensinger, Quakertown, in Silver Lake Township for $80,000. Peoples National Bank to Eugene M. and Deborah A. Michinski, RR3, Springville, in Springville Township for $385,000. Robert B. Keenan, Anna Mae R. Keenan, James P. Keenan, Mary L. Keenan, to Thomas J. Keenan, RR2, Friendsville, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Joanne L. Mahon (nbm) Joanne L. Chipelo to Joanne L. Chipelo, RR1, New Milford, in Harford Township for one dollar. Don F. Birchard III, Debra Birchard to Don Frederick Birchard II (aka) Don F. Birchard II, RR5, Montrose, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Francis J. and Laura A. Pheasant to Young D. Chin and Lisa A. Chin, Blue Bell, in Herrick Township for $105,000. Bruce W. Bondurant (estate) to Kenneth L. Bondurant, RR2, New Milford, in New Milford Township for $105,000. Kenneth S. Kemp Jr., Charlene V. Kemp, to Kenneth S. Kemp Jr. (trust) and Charlene V. Kemp (trust), RR1, Friendsville, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Valerie Stone to Ronald J. and Angela Belicose, Belford, NJ, in Forest Lake Township for $80.000. Community Bank & Trust to Dana James Rockwell and Jennifer Rivera-Rockwell, RR3, Susquehanna, in Susquehanna for $2,000. Steven C. and Debra B. Pert to Steven C. Pert, Binghamton, NY, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Asa Stevens, Kimberly Stevens, Laurie Sponza-Kocinski to Laurie Sponza-Kicinski, Smithtown, NY, in Springville Township for one dollar. Wayne A. Marcho, Martha G. Marcho to R&J Marcho Family Limited Partnership, Harleysville, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Peter E. and Patricia A. Fennell to Peter E. Fennell (trust), Napersville, IL, in Middletown Township for $10. James J. Brady and Florence E. Brady to Augustine Francisco Baerga and Amy Patricia Baerga in Auburn Township for $120,000. Marion Guerdat to Richard Lane, Woodbridge, NJ, in Susquehanna for $5,000. Mary J. Buckley (estate) to Allen G. Lawson and Jennifer M. Lawson, 500 Jackson Ave., Susquehanna, in Susquehanna for $45,000. John R. Demaree and Elizabeth Demaree to Nicholas Demaree, Brackney, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Lincoln W. and Amy L. Ernst to Stewart McEwing, Longhorn; Margarita McEwing, John McEwing, Karen McEwing, in Oakland Township for $69,000. Michael S. Gillingham and Cheryl A. Gillingham to John S. Manta and Julie Trego Manta, Mt. Holly Springs, in Rush Township for $62,000. Mary Jane Syle, Herbert Syle III, Anne Shafer, Edward Shafer II to Marie Y. Andre, Poughkeepsie, NY for $100.000. Robert J. Potter, Joan I. Potter to Fairfield Farm Management Co., Lanesdale, in Thompson Township for $450,000. MARRIAGES Brian Ian Williams and Nicole Marie Jordan, both of Sayre. Paul M. Aloy and Maria K. King, both of Rensselaer. Erik S. Bower and Amy Lynn Proof, both of Montrose. Matthew Whitney Woosman and Erin Lynn Dolaway, both of Hallstead. Michael Clifford Sodan and Gabrielle Ferreri, both of Little Meadows. DIVORCES Thomas J. Watt, Dimock, vs. Madeline A. Watt, Wayne. John K. Edwards, RR6, Montrose, vs. Kimberly Ann Casperino, Lithonia, GA. Michael S. Canfield, RR2, Thompson, vs. Mindy Canfield, no address. David S. Lyons, Lanesboro, vs., Michele I. Lyons, Hampstead, MD.
At their November public meetings, six municipalities in Susquehanna County, known as the Eastern Susquehanna County Partnership (ESCP), adopted a multi-municipal comprehensive plan to manage growth in the area. The plan provides an outline and action plan for ESCP members to follow as it prepares for the future. Multi-municipal comprehensive plans are being promoted by the Commonwealth to encourage municipalities to work together to plan for the future and look for ways to reduce the cost to provide necessary services to the residents of its communities. It offers incentives in the form of grants, training and technical support to intergovernmental partnerships and coalitions to pursue joint municipal efforts. The plan had its genesis about two years ago when representatives from the governing bodies of Ararat Township, Gibson Township, Herrick Township, Thompson Borough, Thompson Township and Union Dale Borough met to discuss changes that were occurring in northeast Pennsylvania. They perceived that, in recent years, these changes were happening at an increasingly faster pace and, because of this, they decided to form a partnership to begin planning for the future. As a result of these discussions the Eastern Susquehanna County Partnership was born. A planning committee consisting of two representatives from each municipality was formed to prepare and recommend a multi-municipal comprehensive plan tailored to suit the needs and desires of its residents. The committee established certain objectives in addition to the traditional responsibilities of local governments to provide for the education, safety and well being of its residents. Among them were the preservation of the area's rural environment and lifestyle; promotion of economic and physical growth which is compatible with, and not burdensome to, the municipalities or their residents; maintenance and promotion of agriculture suitable to our region; protection of the area's natural environment; protection of open space and expansion of parks and recreational areas; and, documentation and preservation of the historic features associated with the region. A significant portion of the cost of preparing the plan was offset by the receipt of a Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. In-kind services from the Susquehanna County Department of Planning and the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission also helped to reduce the cost to the municipalities. The partnership hired Gannett-Fleming, Inc., a consultant specializing in municipal planning, to assist in the development of the plan. A community survey was conducted and several public meetings were held to ensure concerns of the residents were considered and solicit ideas from them. Among the planned actions incorporated in the plan are the development of appropriate joint zoning, subdivision and land use, and property maintenance ordinances. The ordinances being considered are not the type normally associated with cities but will be less restrictive and designed to preserve the rural qualities we enjoy now. The thrust of the ordinances will be to direct development to those areas that will have the least impact on the planning area while protecting the environment; encourage responsible property development; and reduce rural blight. Other initiatives included in the plan address economic development, public safety, improving road maintenance, reducing cost of government, and attracting qualified people to serve in local public office. The ESCP envisions the planning committee will become a permanent body that will continue to assist the governing bodies in the implementation of the plan. Volunteers to serve on the committee will be gladly accepted. Implementation of the plan has already begun. Effort has already commenced to apply for grant assistance and subcommittees are being formed to concentrate on various elements of the plan. The ESCP planning committee meets the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Thompson Township Municipal Building. The public is invited to attend.
New Milford Township Authorizes Permit Fees New Milford Township Supervisors’ meeting was called to order November 9 amidst talk of who was robbed most recently. Another citizen and regular attendee at meetings had his home broken into and guns stolen. Gulick stated that the assessments for Clean & Green were corrected to add over $500,000 which increased the tax revenue by $10,890. The New Milford Manor mobile home park, which has sewage malfunctions has addressed the issue. The park is being shut down and all residents relocated. The SEO informed Gulick that the five mobile homes that had problems have been removed. No repairs are being made. When questioned further, Gulick was unsure if any sewage has leaked and contaminated the area. Two DEP reps had been in town to discuss the possible sewage installation at Lakeside/Page Lake area. Rep. Sandra Major was unable to attend as planned. An engineering firm that did the original study was advised to contact DEP to determine what is needed, what studies need completed and what the costs will be. More information will be available at next month’s meeting. Myron Rosh, who is hired to issue building permits and complete inspections is often not available, according to Gulick. Therefore the township needs a method by which to keep track of new structures being built. According to Gulick, it is not a conflict of interest to do both the inspections and issue permits. The township will issue a “land use permit” before obtaining a building permit. A resolution was created and passed to authorize the township to issue land use permits for an added cost to homeowners of $25.00. This was passed unanimously. New Milford township agreed to accept authority to place a lien on any homeowner not paying their bill, who are hooked up to Bridgewater township. This is a working agreement as a few cottages are on the New Milford side. Bridgewater sent a letter of apology for requiring the township to pay an $8500 bill incurred by a consulting firm. The council had agreed to pay the bill back in April. The township received notification that Ted Kazmierczak has applied for a bluestone quarrying permit via his attorney, Paul Kelly. Five acres were bonded. Scott Baldwin from Kingsley also sought a mining permit and received approval. DEP rejected a sewage permit for a homeowner at Beaver Lake. Gulick stated he will contact SEO Mike Fortuner to address this. Telephone quotes were obtained to rent a boom tractor mower to cut brush along township roads. Powell was the low quote, so they will be used. A proposed budget was presented verbally. Attorney’s fees were not placed in the budget. None were projected, either. Scott Young, East Lake Camp owner requested an itemized billing of SEO’s receipts, bills or other invoicing for the period covering January, 2003 to present. Gulick erroneously thought Young had already obtained that. Young inquired as to what permitting the township requires if he desires to open a “honey dumping business.” Gulick suggested the state or DEP may have authority to permit that type of business. Young also noted that the Township has recently claimed that all the sewage systems on the Camp are malfunctioning. The attorney from Giangrieco’s office apparently made another motion to the judge, which sought a modification to expand the closure of the camp facilities. The Youngs were informed after the fact. The meeting lasted approximately a half hour and was adjourned.
October Boro Council began their November 10 meeting with their customary moment of silence in recognition of our military troops, and for absent member Leon Dubanowitz, who was said to be doing better. All other members were present with the exception of Dave Dibble. Mr. Crawford gave an account of the Parks and Rec.’s current bank balances; there is $1,863.56 in the checking, and $3,770.06 in the savings account, with donations still coming in. And, the little league is in the process of fencing in the section between left and center fields. Mayor Dudley reported that there has not been any word about whether or not the grant application for further improvements to the park has been approved. It will most likely be the end of March or even later before the outcome is known. Discussing the county’s readdressing program, council agreed that in cases where roads will need to be renamed, council would retain the option to rename those roads, rather than allow the county to do so. In some cases, roads in Oakland and Susquehanna have the same names, but different numbers; this would not be allowed under the new program as both boros share the same zip code. One suggestion was that longtime former council members and other boro officials be honored by renaming those roads after them. It was agreed that this might be a suitable memorial for Mayor Art Towner and others who had served the boro for many years. Council is working with the county Housing and Redevelopment Authority in the process of pursuing grant funding for sidewalk replacement. The areas most in need are State Street and Westfall Ave. It was agreed to proceed with an application for State Street, as it is most in need, and to submit another separate application for Westfall in the next round of grant funding. Smaller projects would have a greater chance of obtaining funding, rather than one large one. A grant application for improvements to River Road is still in progress. Mr. Beavan and Mr. Crawford planned to meet the following Saturday to continue work on the 2006 budget. Discussion continued as to what to do about police services. Officer VanFleet has submitted his letter of resignation, effective December 15. Three letters of interest were received from candidates interested in working as the boro’s part-time police officer. One was not viable, as the individual lives in the Scranton area. The others, Joe DeMuro and Eric Brush, live in the county, Mr. DeMuro in Hallstead and Mr. Brush in Montrose. As the boro can offer limited hours, Mayor Dudley felt that it would not be worthwhile for someone to travel from Scranton for a job that would entail only about five hours per week. Contracting services with Susquehanna had been discussed, but with the recent election there would be significant changes in that boro’s government. Whether or not contracting would still be an option would seem to be an unknown at this point. After discussion, it was agreed that Mayor Dudley should continue interviews with Mr. DeMuro and Mr. Brush and bring her recommendations back to council. Among items to be discussed are salary and hours, and a probationary period of six months. In the absence of Mr. VanFleet, Mayor Dudley gave the October police report. Mr. VanFleet had spent many hours patrolling, particularly on Halloween. No damage was reported that evening, other than some incidents of toilet-papering. Three motor vehicle accidents had been responded to. A break-in at the Oakland Inn had been investigated. An incident of a stolen bicycle had been followed up. And, there had been many complaints about dogs barking and roaming free. Mr. Beavan reported that River Bounty is still working with two parties interested in reactivating the hydro-electric plant on the Susquehanna River. In response to a request discussed at last month’s meeting to lower the speed limit on State St., PENNDOT had been contacted for information about conducting a traffic study. The study could be conducted, at no cost to the boro, but there would need to be sufficient reasons for requesting one. Most likely, the results of a study would be that the speed limit would not be lowered. Council had had discussion with the Canawacta Rod and Gun Club about holding meetings there if the boro building needed to be shut down as a result of escalating heating fuel costs. The club asked that council either pay a fee of $50 per meeting for using their facilities, or agree to plow their premises during the winter. It was agreed that if it becomes necessary to relocate the meetings, for many reasons, the per-meeting fee would be preferable. In the meantime, meetings will be held in the boro building for as long as possible. Measures are being taken to shut off heat to unused areas, and the Windwood Hill Dance Academy has agreed that council could use their (downstairs) rooms for meetings if necessary. During public comment, a resident expressed concern over a vicious dog that has acted in a threatening manner whenever people walk by its home. Although it is chained up, there is concern that children could be hurt if it gets loose; there is a school bus stop nearby. A review of the boro’s nuisance ordinance does have definite provisions for a number of situations, but there were some questions about what could be done in this particular situation. The resident had contacted the county dog warden but had not had a response by this time. It was suggested that the owner of the property, who does not live in the area, be contacted. The resident agreed to do so. Another complaint was about cars parking too close to a stop sign at a Franklin Ave. intersection, blocking sight distance and making turns difficult. Mrs. Dudley said that she would make Mr. VanFleet aware of the situation, so that it could be checked while he was on patrol. Council’s last action was to approve sending a card of thanks to Chris Herbert, who had volunteered his time to remove freon from refrigerators and air conditioners during the boro’s recent scrap metal pickup. The meeting adjourned to an executive session. The next meeting will be on Thursday, December 8, 7:00 p.m. in the boro building.
Silver Lake Twp. Police Report Following is the Silver Lake Twp. October Police report, as submitted. UNLICENSED DRIVING/ POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE On Sept 17, Mason J. Rounds of Hallstead was arrested in Silver Lake Township and charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. THEFT/ CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On Oct. 01, Jackie Hart and Dean Sullivan reported that their speed bumps and orange cones were stolen from their yard on Barney Road. They also reported vehicles have been stopping and then speeding up near their home causing dirt and gravel to be thrown at the house from the tires. DOMESTIC On Oct. 03, Christina Smith reported that Kent Peters had assaulted her at her home on Progy Road. He then took his clothing and left the area. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On Oct 12, a security caretaker, for the Lois Heckman property on South Lake Road at Silver Lake, reported that someone broke a window to the garage in an attempt to gain access. No entry was made and the garage and house were secure. DOMESTIC On Oct 13, Lisa Fike, of Silver Lake Township, reported her boyfriend had been making verbal threats and accusations to harm her after she had, for days, asked him to leave her alone and stay away from her residence. She was advised to file for a PFA. MVA (vehicle vs. deer) On Oct 14 at approximately 10:30 a.m., Robert Locker of Johnson City, N.Y. was traveling east on East Wilkes-Barre Turnpike when he attempted to miss hitting a deer. He crossed over into the westbound lane and into a tree in the ditch, causing moderate damage to his Mazda Navajo. MVA (Road Rage) On Saturday, 10/22/05, at 1:30 a.m., Michael Sean Jones of Brackney reported that he was traveling home to his residence on Donovan Road when he realized a vehicle was trailing right on the bumper of his Jeep Cherokee Sport. It was a rainy dreary night and Mr. Jones was eventually bumped by the vehicle on Sweeny Road, pushing his vehicle up the embankment and out of control. Mr. Jones was not injured but his vehicle was totaled. The vehicle was described as an older vintage green Chevy p/u and it continued to drive away after the crash. Any information or questions for Silver Lake Township Police, please call 278-6818 or 663-2760, or e-mail at silverlaketwppd@epix.net or silverlakepd@hotmail.com. All information will be held strictly confidential.
Susky Proceeds With Police Contracting President Mike Matis presided at the November 9 meeting of the Susquehanna Borough Council with all members present with the exception of Pat Frederick. It was council’s first regular meeting in some weeks. The October 11 meeting was canceled so that members could pay their respects to Lanesboro Mayor Dave Slater, and the October 25 meeting was canceled due to inclement weather. A rescheduled meeting to be held on October 19 did not have a quorum, so no action could be taken. During review of the October bill list, Mr. Matis requested that council hold off payment of (unspecified) back taxes for 2004-05. Secretary Ann Kemmerer reported that if the phone at the Prospect St. park was turned off for the winter, there would be a reconnection fee in the spring and no guarantee that the same number could be kept; the phone company does offer a “seasonal” option, which involves a nominal fee and allows the number to be retained. It was agreed to go with the seasonal plan. Mayor Hurley’s report congratulated the Susquehanna cheerleaders for coming in second in the “C” Division at a competition on October 8, and thanked them for an invitation to audit the competition (tally scores). She also thanked a group of second graders who had visited the boro building to learn about government. In closing, she thanked the boro’s residents for the opportunity to serve as mayor. During public comment, Washington St. resident Ron Whitehead asked if something could be done about a continuing water problem; water runs down the sidewalks, missing a catch basin, causing an ice buildup in winter. Mr. Williams said that council would look into it. A motion carried to adopt two resolutions; one, to apply for housing rehabilitation grant funding, the other for the county Housing and Redevelopment Authority to administer the grant. Several local organizations will be joining forces to clean up the boro’s riverfront property on Sunday, December 4 at 1:00 p.m. Volunteers will be welcomed, and can call Ace Cuevas at 853-3509 for information. A motion carried to accept the county’s 911 readdressing program. It is expected that there will be very little cost to the boro itself; some street signs may have to be changed. At present, the boro’s numbering is somewhat haphazard; the new numbering will be uniform, south to north. Homeowners will be responsible for replacing any changed house numbers and will be notified of those changes, with a year allowed to complete them. The post office will have the discretion to cease delivering mail to any who do not comply within the given timeframe. Some time ago, council had been approached by an individual wishing to buy the property where steps used to link Erie Ave. with Willow Ave. The sale of the step property was never finalized, and, since then, that individual has sold the property. The new owner is also interested in purchasing the step property, which has an appraised value of $200. Council tabled the request for the time being, to look into the old paperwork before any action is taken. Contracting police services was again brought to the table. A motion to proceed with discussion through the boro’s solicitor was made by Allen Wolf and seconded by Bill Kuiper. The motion carried almost unanimously, with Mr. Williams’ being the only dissenting vote. Correspondence included a letter from the SCDA. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held on December 2, 7:00 in front of the boro building. Breakfast with Santa will be the following day, December 13, 8:30 to 10:30 (no location was given). The SCDA also thanked council for their contribution to the annual Pumpkin Fest, and for posting signs for the SCDA website. And, council was notified that a lawsuit against the boro has been dismissed. The case involved a collapsed bank on Front Street and had been ongoing for a number of years. The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, November 22, 7:00 p.m. in the boro building.
Thompson Welcomes New Council Members Thompson Boro Council met on November 7 with president Andy Gardner presiding and all members present. At the September meeting, councilman Dennis Price had tendered his resignation and at the October meeting, council received the resignation of Nick Sheptak. At this evening’s meeting, four candidates for the two positions were present, Cathy Sinnott, Wayne Shontz, Vito Russo and Gary Swartz. After several rounds of voting, with a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Delaney, Mrs. Sinnott and Mr. Shontz were welcomed to council and sworn in. A motion carried to accept the Eastern Susquehanna County Partnership’s (ESCP) Comprehensive Plan; as of the date of the meeting, all other member municipalities had or would be adopting the plan although it appeared that Gibson Township would be dropping out of the partnership. Mr. Gardner explained that the plan would provide a legal basis for any land use development ordinances those municipalities may enact in the future. A motion also carried to approve implementation of related land use, subdivision and zoning ordinances. Mr. Gardner said that ESCP would work out unified ordinances that would serve all member municipalities. Working together would reduce costs to individual municipalities of enacting the ordinances, and would present a united front in situations where undesirable land use issues arise. The property owner would always have the right of appeal, or to seek variances. A motion authorizing ESCP to proceed with joint zoning ordinances carried. Development and implementation of the ordinances would be partially funded by the state (70%) with the remaining 30% proportionately divided among its members. Thompson’s cost would be evenly distributed over a three-year period, approximately $392/year. There was some discussion over the word “implement” being used in the motion, and whether or not member municipalities would have any say in the ordinances’ content; they would have input at every phase of the process, and can vote against the final versions of the ordinances if they choose to. Thompson Township has been contacted to take care of some potholes on Water St., and at Mr. Gardner’s recommendation the boro will enter into a standing contract with the township to maintain that section of road on a regular basis, cost estimated to be about $120/year. Another section of Water St. had been dug up for sluice work and temporarily repaired with cold patch. Mr. Sheldon reported that he has had some difficulty in getting a reasonable cost estimate for a permanent fix; with such a small job, most companies would charge substantially to send a crew out. If the boro could wait until a crew is in the general area on a bigger job, a more reasonable cost could be gotten. One or two paving companies agreed to contact Mr. Sheldon when they have crews in the area. Much time was spent going over the budgets for the coming year for both the boro and the sewer authority. This year, the sewer costs ran 20% over budget. Even with a pared down budget for next year, council reluctantly agreed that monthly usage fees would have to be raised. A motion carried to raise the monthly fee to a (flat) $46.00 per month, up from $41.85. Motions carried to advertise the general fund and sewer budgets. In a related subject, Mr. Gardner has been pursuing grant funding to help out with the costs of operating the sewage system. He reported that Acts 339 and 68 had been put in place for just such purposes, but even though the acts still exist, the state has not provided funding for them for the last three years and is unlikely to fund them in the future. Submitting an application, he said, would be “a wonderful exercise in futility.” As an aside, he commented that it would help if residents removed garbage disposals from their homes as they add to the volume of sludge in the system, and instead use compost heaps. Council has often discussed the costs involved to pursue delinquent sewage fees; placing liens are expensive, and there is often no recouping the monies owed. Mr. Gardner suggested that council instead consider securing the services of a collection agency. This would not involve any expense on the boro’s part, and would most likely be more successful in payment of monies owed. Mr. Gardner will get information from agencies who serve the area. No verdict has yet been reached on the Curtis Sunoco property; a hearing had been held in Harrisburg two weeks prior. Attorneys were asked to submit briefs in March, after which the court will hand down its decision. Council has been notified by his attorney that Police Chief Tom Rivenburgh contends that he was fired, and is considering legal action against the boro for back salary. Council reviewed CEO Shane Lewis’ monthly inspection report. It was noted that the owner of the old “chicken coop” property has offered to donate it to the Thompson Hose Co. Also reviewed was (sewage) plant operator Larry Travis’ monthly report. Mr. Travis is continuing to look at more economical ways to dispose of sludge. Council has received a letter of resignation from the boro’s occupational tax assessor. A candidate will need to be found to fill the position, as it was not on the November 8 ballot. Council will put together a “wish list” of possible projects for CDBG grant funding. Mayor Delaney reported that Halloween activities went really well; many volunteers helped out to see that things were orderly. There were several complaints from residents present about the number of kids who came trick-or-treating, presumably from Susquehanna. Susquehanna had held trick-or-treat on Sunday, rather than on Halloween and was the residents’ consensus that that added to the number of kids in Thompson that night. The next meeting will be on Monday, December 5, 7:30 p.m. in the fire hall on Water St.
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