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HEADLINES: A Forest City man was placed on state probation for 18 months and fined a total of $1,250 plus cost of prosecution on four separate charges of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds. Susquehanna County President Judge Kenneth W. Seamans also ordered 34-year-old Harry F. Sinawa to make restitution to his victims and ordered him to do 50 hours of community service work. In affidavits of probable cause, Susquehanna County Chief Detective Debra L. Millard said Sinawa’s victims all paid him some money in advance for jobs ranging from cutting down trees, landscaping, to cleaning yards and buildings. In most instances, he made an appearance at the job sites and did some work but never finished any of the projects and refused to return any of the upfront money paid to him. Actually Sinawa was sentenced to state probation terms of 18 months, one year, 18 months, and 18 months, but they all run concurrent with the initial sentence. Other sentences handed down by Judge Seamans included: Roy Andrew Propes, 27, of Olyphant, 14 days to one year in the Susquehanna County Jail, $350 fine, perform 25 hours of community service, for recklessly endangering another person in Lenox Township on June 1, 2005. He was also fined $1,000 and cost of prosecution for selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors on June 1, 2005, in Lenox Township. Edward D. Minor, 45, of Nicholson, one year state probation, cost of prosecutor, $500 fine for possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture in Dimock Township on July 6, 2005. Joshua J. Crawford, 19, of Tunkhannock, was fined a total of $500 plus $240 related costs for driving under the influence in Auburn Township on May 29, 2005; driving on roadways laned for traffic; driving at a safe speed in Auburn Township on May 29, 2005; and, purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt beverages on July 23, 2005 in Rush Township. He must also attend safe driving school program and perform 25 hours of community service. Richard Thomas Chapman, 21, of Hallstead, one year state probation, cost of prosecution, $500 fine, $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, for Criminal Trespass in Hallstead on July 31, 2005. John J. Deakin, 28, of Susquehanna, one year state probation, 50 hours community service, $250 fine for theft by deception in Susquehanna on Dec. 1, 2004. Shawn Harry Kniskern, 39, of Clifford, 30 days to six months in the Susquehanna County Jail, $750 fine, $100 CAT, $100 Act 198 fee, Pennsylvania Interlock Law, for driving under the influence in Herrick Township on June 1, 2005. He was also fined $25 for careless driving in Herrick Township on June 1, 2005. Chris A. Brown, 25, of Springville, six months state probation, $300 fine, $40 CAT, $100 Act 198 fee, for driving under the influence in Springville Township on April 20, 2005. Brown must also stay away from any establishment that sells alcoholic beverages and attend alcohol highway safe driving program. Patricia S. York, 38, of Apalachin, NY, 90 days to 15 months in Susquehanna County Jail, with credit for time served, $1,500 fine, $200 CAT, $100, Act 198 fee, Pennsylvania Interlock Law, for driving under the influence in Silver Lake Township on May 6, 2005.
It wasn't a State of the County Address, but it was the most exuberant display of enthusiasm from Commissioner Roberta Kelly since the beginning of her administration in 2004. Mrs. Kelly was updating a small audience at last week’s commissioners’ meeting on the activities of the Central Bradford Progress Authority that was hired in January 2005 to replace the county Department of Economic Development. Her remarks came as the commissioners were in the process of extending the authority’s contract through December of 2007 at the same $20,000 annual cost. “I cannot tell you how pleased I am with their work,” Mrs. Kelly said. “These guys are working hard for us. I would say something positive should happen within the next two years.” Mrs. Kelly said she foresees an increase in manufacturing and retail operations on Routes 11 and 81 both of which run through the county. She also said the authority has had two meetings with the Lackawanna County College and “they are very interested in coming to Susquehanna County.” Concerning the contract with the authority, Mrs. Kelly explained that extending it until December 31, 2007 will expire at the end of her first term in office and she prefers it that way. She said it will give a new administration the option of keeping the authority or making a change. In another bit of good news, the commissioners passed a resolution authorizing the Susquehanna County Redevelopment Authority to file a grant application in the amount of $288,620 for housing rehabilitation, street and road repairs, removal of architectural barriers, storm sewer repairs and economic development activities. The money will come from the state Department of Community and Economic Development. Three other resolutions passed by the commissioners addressed such issues as promoting fair housing; prohibiting discrimination; and, revising the 2004 DCED program to reflect a transfer of $22,000 from the street/roads budget line item to the storm sewer line item and $1,688 from the clearance line item to removal of architectural barriers. In personnel matters, which has been a problem of late, another seasoned employee resigned. This time the loss came in the Planning Department where Amy Payne resigned as a secretary/planner. In other employee matters, the commissioners ratified the appointment of Denise Sellers to the position of Conference/Liaison Officer in the Domestic Relations Department. The Salary Board set her hourly rate at $10.85 plus benefits. She will work 32 1/2 hours a week and will be on probation for six months. The commissioners also hired Braddley Swetter of Clifford Township to a temporary full-time position of watershed specialist in the Conservation District. The appointment is contingent upon the state picking up the tab for 80 percent of his $24,500 annual salary. The commissioners abolished the position of maintenance supervisor and created a maintenance department that will be headed up by Allen Luce who had been serving as supervisor. In a related move, the salary board boosted Luce’s salary from $27,030 to $30,000 effective February 23. The Salary Board also increased the salary of Erick Hamby, recycling coordinator, from $27,030 to $30,000. Other motions approved by the commissioners included- -the appointment of Dr. Ezz Eldin Moukamal to a three-year term on the Susquehanna County Drug and Alcohol Commission. -authorization for the chief clerk to execute required forms and documents in behalf of the commissioners for obtaining financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relieve and Emergency Assistance Act. -authorizing county Coroner Tony Conarton to provide statewide mutual aid for coroners in an emergency situation. -amending the current room tax agreement with the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau to include in increase in the county’s room tax portion from 25 to 30 percent.
DEEDS Carol J. Latronica (by sheriff) to Wells Fargo Bank (trustee), Fort Mill, SC, in Friendsville Borough for $1,862. Michele McHale to Nikolads Nikolaidis, RR2, Montrose, Heidi Nikolaidis, in Montrose for $948. Jack L. Fox, Lynn M. Fox, Fawn E. Fox to Jack L. Fox, RR2, Kingsley, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. Jack L. Fox, Lynn M. Fox to Jack L. Fox, RR2, Kingsley, Lynn M. Fox, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. Jack L. Fox, Lynn M. Fox, Lynn M. Lubinski (nbm) to Jack L. Fox, RR2, Kingsley, Lynn M. Fox, in Dimock Township for one dollar. David E. White to Neal E. White, RR1, Springville, Donald E. White, Ronald A. White, in Springville Township for one dollar. David E. White to Neal E. White, RR1, Springville, Donald E. White, Ronald A. White, in Springville Township for one dollar. Anthony W. Konchar to Anthony T. Konchar, Forest City, David P. Konchar, John P. Konchar, Elizabeth A. Konchar, in Forest City for one dollar. Felice Borgonsoli to Nicola Borgonsoli, Waymart, Vincent Borgonsoli, Margaret Borgonsoli nbm Margaret Farrell, in Ararat Township for one dollar. Meredith J. Bishop, June L. Bishop to Frederick W. Howell Jr., RR1, Montrose, Lucinda L. Howell, in Bridgewater Township for $75,000. Thomas J. Keenan to Thomas J. Keenan, RR2, Friendsville, Kylie O’Reilly, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Scully Brian to Thomas J. Lopatofsky Jr., Union Dale, in Lenox Township for $26,000. Charles F. Provo, Margaret A. Provo to Religious Science Church of the Desert, Palm Desert, CA, in Herrick Township for zero dollars. Gerald D. Costello, Mary M. Costello to Edmund S. Beautz, Union Dale, Carol S. Beautz, John G. Keating Jr., Amy W. Keating, in Herrick Township for $102,500. Willard F. Weisel, Marion C. Weisel to Douglas P. Pascoe, RR1, Hop Bottom, in New Milford Township for $58,500. Julie B. Capwell (estate) to William B. Bush, Dimock, Amy L. Bush, in Jessup Township for $60,000. Andrew R. Novajosky, Shirleymae O. Jovajosky, Kenneth Novajosky, Bonnie Kay Novajosky to Andrew R. Novajosky, RR1, Nicholson, Shileymae O. Novajosky, Kenneth Novajosky, Bonnie Kay Novajosky, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Russell Leichliter, Ruth Leichliter to Daniel N. Leichliter, RR1, Laceyville, in Auburn Township for $46,800. Franklyn I. Lasher Jr., Barbara W. Lasher to Charles Swanson, East Northport, NY, Constantina Swanson, Curtis Swanson, in Lenox Township for $71,900. Herbert C. Arnold (aka) Herbert Arnold, Evelyn A. Arnold (aka) Evelyn Arnold to Herbert C. Arnold (revoc living trust), RR1, Union Dale, Evelyn A. Arnold (revoc living trust), in Clifford Township for one dollar. Herbert C. Arnold, Evelyn A. Arnold to Herbert Arnold (revoc living trust), RR1, Union Dale, Evelyn A. Arnold (revoc living trust), in Clifford Township for one dollar. Herbert C. Arnold (aka) Herbert Arnold, Evelyn A. Arnold (aka) Evelyn Arnold to Herbert C. Arnold (revoc living trust), RR1, Union Dale, Evelyn A. Arnold (revoc living trust), in Clifford Township for one dollar. Patrick D. Bollinger, Lynne M. Bollinger to Lynne M. Bollinger, Montrose, in Montrose for one dollar. Michael J. Koscelnak, Amy Burchell-Koscelnak to Michael J. Koscelnak, Gibson, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Tonia L. Lisi, Mario Lisi to Timothy L. Mowry, Binghamton, NY, Stefani Mowry, Paul Stone, Tamera Stone, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. Edward A. Ims, Lucille C. Ims, to Jerry Maurio Jr., Edgely, Joann Cary, in Herrick Township for $89,900. Brandy M. McDermott to Mary E. Snyder, Susquehanna, Charles H. Snyder, in Susquehanna for $20,000. John H. Sholtiss, Darleen Sholtiss to Frank A. Summa, RR1, Hop Bottom, Adelfine Summa, in Susquehanna for $36,500. Michael K. Swartley, Jill L. Kutz to Jason R. Carman, RR2, Montrose, Russell F. Carman, Janis R. Carman in Forest Lake Township for $49,900.
Before the Council of Governments elected its officers for the forthcoming year at its well-attended February meeting, president Eliot Ross and secretary Cheryl Wellman apprised members of COG’s initiative to conduct a cost/benefit study of some level of police protection that would be shared by COG members who chose to participate. All member municipalities were invited to participate in the study; 13 elected to accept the invitation and fill out a questionnaire by the state’s DCED to obtain the data upon which the study will be based. Oakland Township was one of them. Township supervisor and COG representative Cy Cowperthwait reported on a recent meeting with other township supervisors about the questionnaire. They identified on a map the dozen other participants and realized that they were clustered in two areas – one on either side of the Interstate. The nearest to Oakland Township are Ararat and Herrick townships. Still, the thinking of the Oakland Township group was that the township was set off from the rest, a “satellite,” as Cowperthwait described it. They were concerned that the cost of transportation to a satellite participating municipality would be borne by the satellite. Scheduling might become a problem if the cost/benefit analysis resulted in a move to police patrols. They also thought their participation might cloud the issue, too, by making it more difficult for the municipalities who were clustered. And while they would otherwise have no problem filling out the questionnaire, they decided to withdraw from participating in the study. However, once it was made known that Harmony Township – which abuts Oakland Township – also expressed an interest in participating in the study, and that recommendations would be made by DCED based on all respondents to it, Cowperthwait decided to have his group take another look. Election of officers was held immediately after this discussion, with current president Eliot Ross re-nominated and reelected to a two-year term. Charlie Fahringer, vice president, was also re-nominated and reelected to a one-year term. Sharon Trynoski next reported on two ordinances prepared last December by then-solicitor Jason Legg. The first – an ordinance that reestablishes membership for all current COG municipalities – is in response to better defining COG as an intergovernmental agency as required by state law. Members voted to have COG do a mass advertising of the ordinance on behalf of all current COG member municipalities, similar to what was done for the UCC ordinances. Then, it’s a matter of the individual municipalities adopting the clarifying ordinance at their next meeting. First, however, current members will be given 60 days to review the clarifying ordinance with their councils or boards, and get back to COG with any comments at the April meeting. If all is well, then the group advertising will proceed forthwith. However, both Wellman and Trynoski pointed out that, because at least a couple of municipalities want to join COG and join it soon, a separate ordinance for new members was required. This they had, as well. Members needed to decide at the meeting whether new members should adopt the old, unclarified ordinance and the new, reclarifying one after current members adopted it, or to go ahead and use the new ordinance. Members voted to go with the new ordinance for new members, who would also be responsible for the cost of advertising the ordinance that would bring them into COG. There were no reports from various subcommittees – insurance, PENNDOT, building – but for one: Ross, the street and road signs committee, continues to be busy churning out signs for several municipalities. Oakland Township volunteered help on signs he’s making for the township, but Ross said the large letters that are now required on the signs makes for faster works, but thanks for the offer, anyway. The Sewage Enforcement Committee elected officers which, like COG, consisted of a re-nomination and reelection of current officers. They are Harvey Rosenkrans as chair for a two-year term, and Rudy Mattes as vice chair for a one-year term. SEO Duane Wood asked for and got permission to attend the annual state SEO conference, which he’s gone to for two decades plus. Wood noted that he’s been busy doing perks, pits and subdivisions, along with follow up on complaints. He also reported that the DEP has accepted “administratively” a resubmission by engineers involved in the Dunn Lake development in Ararat. Trynoski added she was told that the DEP will now do a technical review as fast as it can, and was made to understand that DEP’s accommodation and reconsideration on the project was a one-time exception, and will not set precedence as to anything else the department is doing as it concerns any discharges into the Chesapeake watershed system. The Codes Enforcement Committee was the last to elect its officers and it followed suit: Ted Plevinsky and Chuck Mead were re-nominated and reelected chair and vice chair, for a two-year and a one-year term respectively. Secretary Sharon Trynoski passed along information provided by John Hudak of BIU, the group’s third-party UCC inspectors. Hudak learned at a recent industry seminar that the Department of Labor and Industry will be conducting accessibility [handicapped] compliance audits of permits issued by or on behalf of municipalities. These audits are expected to be conducted, on average, every five years. So, Trynoski passed along this heads-up to member municipalities. She added that L and I will also be looking at whether UCC codes are properly enforced, particularly in municipalities that opted out. Of course, COG members opted in, and Trynoski told members that if they get a request or a notice of an audit, to send the request to COG offices. Plevinsky had two concerns he wanted to talk about and both concerned House Bill 881. The bill states that any certified UCC inspector can go to any municipality and do inspections within it. COG members and other municipalities throughout the state who opted in, generally hire or contract with a certified inspector(s) to conduct inspections. Plevinsky described such a proposal as leading to a recordkeeping and consistency of service and procedures nightmare when any inspector can perform services in a municipality. The bill would also disallow charging for expenses incurred in an appeal of a decision, and put the onus on the municipality. COG currently builds into its fee charges for a court stenographer, legal fees and IRS mileage rates. The second concern about the house bill is that it states that plans for a one-, two- or three-story building would not be needed – meaning that anticipated problems would not be identified and fixed before construction, and the possibility of greater costs to all involved in such a construction project. Plevinsky noted that 21 representatives sponsored this bill, and Tina Pickett is one of them. He urged members to let her know that the bill is a “really stupid idea and don’t vote for it” – unless, of course, they thought the bill made sense. He couldn’t believe the house would pass the bill, but you never know how or why some people, like Pickett, are influenced. Trynoski has already been in touch with the offices of both Sandy Major and Tina Pickett, voicing COG concerns about the house bill. She will also follow up with a letter. Both the State Association of Building Contractors as well as PSATs are opposed to the bill as well. Trynoski also passed along more information from Mike Pasticka, of BIU, which is that any information about commercial construction plans cannot be disclosed to anyone (other than the builders, contractors, inspectors, and so forth) who asks for them, except if the request comes from general services, law enforcement, because of an emergency response, or is made by federal, state or local health agencies. Trynoski pointed out that COG also doesn’t give this information out to anyone except appropriate participants when it comes to residential plans. That’s the municipality’s call. The next meeting of the Council of Governments is scheduled for March 21 at 7 p.m. in COG offices in the New Milford Borough Building on Main Street. CRASH This crash occurred at 4:30 a.m. on February 22 when Kaytlyn B. Principe, 21, New Milford, was driving a 1999 Ford Explorer owned by Richard and Donna Goff south on State Route 11 in New Milford Borough. She failed to make a left curve and lost control of the Explorer, which went into a clockwise spin, slid off the road, hit a tree and rolled over. Life Flight flew Principe to Community Medical Center in Scranton; she was wearing a seatbelt. New Milford Fire and Ambulance, Hallstead Fire Department and Montrose Minutemen assisted at the scene. The Explorer was severely damaged. CRASH Gary Casselbury, Hallstead, was driving a 1998 Ford Contour south on State Road 1033, Great Bend Township, shortly after 7 a.m. on February 22. He swerved when he saw another vehicle turning in front of him and coming from the opposite direction. He lost control of the car, hit a utility pole on the east side of the north-bound lane and was transported to Endless Mountain Health Care Hospital for treatment of minor injuries; he was wearing a seatbelt. Hallstead Fire and EMS responded to the scene. Marv’s Towing removed the Ford, which had severe damage to its right side. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Sometime between 11:30 on the evening of February 19 and 6:40 the following morning, unknown person(s) entered St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Milford through an unsecured door. Once inside, the person rummaged through various cabinets and closets. It doesn’t appear that anything was taken at this time.* BURGLARY Between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on February 20, an unknown person(s) entered Acre Lake Baptist Church in Kingsley by prying open a front steel door. Once inside, the person entered an office area and rummaged through a desk and file cabinet, and then through various other cabinets and closets. It appears as though nothing was taken at this time.* ATTEMPTED BURGLARY Sometime between 6 p.m. on February 20 and 6:55 the following morning, an unknown person(s) attempted to enter Allen’s Garage in New Milford by prying its doors. The person also smashed a 60-inch x 62-inch window.* RETAIL THEFT, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF An unknown person(s) operating an unknown vehicle drove away from the Pump & Pantry in Great Bend Township without paying for $50 of fuel. The person also damaged the fuel pump by driving away with the pump still inserted into the fuel tank on the vehicle. This incident happened around noon on February 18.* CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Between February 13 and 16, someone damaged the siding on a new double-wide trailer belonging to Raymond Weber, 49, New Milford, while it was parked alongside Melhulish Road in Franklin Township.* ASSAULT HARASSMENT David Lee Bramen, 61, and Daniel John Bateman, Jr., both of Gibson Township, pushed, shoved, struck or otherwise subjected each other to physical contact at approximately 2 p.m. on February 8. Both declined to cooperate with any criminal prosecution. ASSAULT HARASSMENT Tara Parker, 33, and Douglas Parker II, 35, both of Great Bend Township, pushed, shoved, struck or otherwise subjected each other to physical contact at approximately 4:30 a.m. on February 18. Both declined to cooperate with any criminal prosecution. TRAFFIC COLLISION This crash happened at about 4:30 on the afternoon of February 20 when David Kappler, 39, Windsor, NY, was traveling south on State Route 29 in Franklin Township through Franklin Forks when Joseph Daniels, 22, Susquehanna, failed to stop and yield at the stop sign while attempting to turn right onto Route 29 from State Road 4008. A collision occurred. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and no injuries were reported. Snake Creek Fire and EMS assisted at the scene. Daniels faces vehicle code charge of Stop Signs and Yield Signs. ACT 64 In the commission of this crime that happened at 6:40 p.m. on February 16, Frederick Spinola, Hop Bottom, Jason Boyd, New Milford and a juvenile from Nicholson were pulled over by state police and in plain view were marijuana pipes and alcohol. Charges are being filed in district court. DOMESTIC In the commission of this crime, Victor B. Ceria, Clifford, pushed and shoved his wife Linda out of their house at about 8:30 in the morning on February 19 after she suspected another woman was in their house. Charges are being filed in district court. HARASSMENT The state police at Gibson are investigating a report of a five-year-old female who was struck by a parent within the household in Bridgewater Township between 7 and 7:30 on the evening of February 8. The investigation is continuing and all names are being withheld at this time due to the nature of the allegation. RETAIL THEFT In the commission of this crime, which happened shortly before 3 on the afternoon of February 16, a person pulled a white Jeep Cherokee with no plates up to a gas pump at the Great Bend Township Sunoco and pumped $25 worth of gas before driving off without paying. The Jeep was headed north on State Route 11.* NEWS RELEASE Gibson state police responded at 10 a.m. on February 16 to State Route 247 in Clifford Township to investigate the discovery of blasting caps. The caps were discovered in the barn by the homeowner, George Matreyek, after his recent purchase of the property. The PA State Police, Hazardous Device & Explosive Section responded from Hershey and neutralized all explosive devices. HIT AND RUN AT about 3:45 on the afternoon of February 9, an unknown driver operating an older model, red Chevy Beretta with a black strip on the back collided with the Pennstar Bank building on State Route 11 in Great Bend Township. The driver failed to provide personal /insurance information that is required when this type of incident occurs.* CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, DRUGS, DEVICE AND COSMETIC ACT On School House Road in New Milford Township, Logan M. Nalbone, 18, had in his possession a small amount of marijuana and a pipe used for smoking the same. Charges are pending for this incident that happened at 11:30 a.m. on February 14. WEAPON ON SCHOOL PROPERTY On February 14, state police in Gibson received a report of a student at the Lathrop Street Elementary School in Montrose, in possession of a weapon on school property. A trooper responded to the scene and conducted the investigation. Juvenile allegation form was provided to the county juvenile probation office. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS A male neighbor of Donna Theresa Sandfort, 33, Ararat Township, allegedly shot Sandfort’s dog with a pellet gun on February 14 at 9:45 a.m. THEFT An unknown male stole a X-Box video game with a value of $60 from the Movie Gallery in Bridgewater Township on February 13 at about 6:45 p.m. THEFT FROM A MOTOR VEHICLE On February 12 between 2 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., someone cut the validation sticker from a car belonging to David and Debbie Casey, New Milford, while it was parked at the Pump & Pantry in the borough.* THEFT Between 4:30 p.m. on February 9 and 1:30 p.m. on February 11, someone went into the Staudt quarry in Choconut Township and took a Stihl chain saw model number 029, a blue gas can with approximately 5 gallons of diesel, and a red gas can filled with approximate 10 gallons of gas.* *Anyone with information about the incident are requested to call the State Police at 570-465-3154.
ELK Lake Tradition Was Not Traditional January was school board recognition month for the Pennsylvania School board Association. Mr. Tom Gentzel, representing the Pennsylvania School Board Association office in Harrisburg, presented several members of the Elk Lake School District board with appreciation plaques. According to Gentzel, “The average length of service is between 5 to 6 years.” Recognition was given to: Kevin Pierson for 8 years; Erich Emmerich for 12 years and Jack Sible also 12 years. Gentzel noted that it was the first time he ever handed out an award to anyone who served as many years as Board President Arden Tewksbury who served 44 years. The distinguished service award recognizes the members for “outstanding efforts, dedication and perseverance…” Tewksbury added that he was actually appointed in April 1961 then elected and has since served nearly 45 years. Pictured (l-r) are Dr. William Bush with Board President Arden Tewksbury who served over 44years. Photo By Darlene KostelacThe annual audit reports were reviewed by Mr. Dougherty. The opinion, as stated by Dougherty, represented the districts financial status as of June 30, 2005 was—clean. The School district and the Career Tech. Center received the same opinion. Reports are available for public review. They were both accepted and approved.A maternity leave was approved by the board. Resignation of the Pool Manager was also accepted.Principals gave reports for their schools. Pirone noted that about 500 children participated in the child identification program that was recently held. PSSA tests will be administered this week and in March for various grades.Mallery stated that the Junior High will hold a dance and charge $1.00 for admission.Cuomo acknowledged that 135 students had perfect attendance this quarter. The District Band Concert was well supported and much appreciated. Mrs. Staats explained that the Special Ed. Students have been very active with programs to enhance the students work experience and gave an example, selling “coffee a la carte” and a field trip to the animal shelter.Two students were approved for homebound instructions.The board approved the hiring of a new pool manger and cafeteria staff position. The substitute list and lifeguard lists were approved pending proper documentation.A retro-active contract was approved beginning July 1, 2005 for support staff. One board member voted against this deal. A tuition contract with Melmark was approved for a residential educational program. The student involved is expected to graduate shortly.Several construction projects were approved for advertising for bids. It was noted that bids will be solicited but will not be approved until voted upon.A Children’s Partial hospitalization summer program will be held for the second year at Elk Lake. Cheerleading and tennis coaches were approved by the board.The Blended School Attendance Policy was not approved after a brief discussion. Some wording is expected to be changed. The policy will be voted upon at a later meeting. This policy addresses the home schooling requirements for participation in extracurricular activities.During the public comment period parents raised concern that their son was dropped off by the late bus at a time not scheduled resulting in the child walking home in the dark. The board addressed the concern and expects this to have been resolved.Another parent read a prepared statement from a Senior cheerleader who was not acknowledged at the Senior Night held recently during the basketball game. The parents of this young lady strongly believe that it was an intentional affront to their daughter perpetrated by the Captain of the squad. The father of the captain cheerleader, Mr. David Baltzley, eventually stood to take blame for the oversight stating that he personally spent a good bit of money and time on the programs, flowers and balloons. The offended parents questioned why Baltzley then printed on the programs that it was done by the Booster Club. Another parent Patti Dudock, stated that another parent was not acknowledged in the program either. Further, Dudock added, that a Senior parent even walked out onto the basketball court with his girlfriend instead of the Senior student’s own parent. The second humiliated parent, the Mother, identified herself and acknowledged the personal affront showing a pattern by Mr. David Baltzley suggesting willful intent. Dudock told the Board that the heart broken cheerleader deserved accolades for surviving a near fatal car accident which occurred about two years ago while returning home from cheerleading camp. Mallery informed the public he denied that the Senior night program as created by Baltzley should have been handed out. It was not widely distributed at the basketball game and was not shown to the public during this discussion.Following this emotional discourse was another concern which brought more attention to the Board about its policies. A baseball coach wondered whether or not he is the coach for high school baseball. Several parents begged the board to hire the coach as he was a great coach who worked well with the students. An executive session was held at this time to discuss personnel issues.Upon return the board unanimously agreed that the Senior Night tradition will become standardized to ensure that all students and parents are treated equally. Parents suggested writing a policy so that decisions are not left up to the whim of a coach or a particular parent.Dudock also told the board that she personally had spoken to some board members who never knew she had applied for a coaching position. Dudock was interviewed but still questions why her name was not circulated among the board as a possible candidate. Dudock suggested the board should have a representative who attends the Citizen’s Advisory Committee to discuss these serious issues more in depth.The Career and Technology Board met very briefly after the District board adjourned.The house construction project is coming to a close. This home will be sold to finance the second home construction project. The curriculum for the tech Center will be posted on- line in an effort to encourage more students to attend. A display of services and programs is currently available at the Susquehanna County Courthouse.The board adjourned after ten o’clock that evening.
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