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Issue Home August 9, 2006 Site Home

HEADLINES:
GFCI Ready, Willing, Able
Bend Borough Ballfield Brouhaha
Newmans: Our Side Of The Story

Courthouse Report
Gibson Barracks Report
New Milford Caps Recovery Fees
Silver Lake Twp. Police Report
Warren Buses Mark 75 Years
Tax Study Commission Invitation For Applicants
Disaster Aid By The Numbers




GFCI Ready, Willing, Able

Forest City’s Industrial Park is nestled in the southeast corner of this small municipality and while it remains undeveloped, Greater Forest City Industries (GFCI) still anticipates that one day big things will happen at the site.

For years GFCI has been the area’s guardian angel, looking for opportunities that might bring an industry or two into the region.

To date, there have only been lookers. No takers.

Not long ago, a delegation of GFCI stalwarts asked the Forest City Borough Council to amend the current ordinance that dictates what can be located in the industrial park. They want manufacturing added to the park’s welcome list. At last week’s meeting, Council completed the first phase needed to respond favorably to GFCI’s request. The final phase should be done next month.

Originally, the eight-acre industrial park was carved into eight lots of variable sizes to accommodate large or small commercial or industrial needs. At the last Council meeting, John P. Kameen, who has kept GFCI on its feet each time it appeared to be going down for the count, said the park was redesigned into six parcels.

Kameen said GFCI has entertained some encouraging prospects but for reasons that no one has been able to explain, they have all ended up just window shopping.

“Right now,” Kameen told the governing body, “we are not working with anybody.”

Old timers say the borough blew opportunities in the past because municipal officials were reluctant to accept union shops. But there are others who point to the garment workers union (ILGWU) that was prevalent in the Greater Forest City area when dress factories dominated the female employment pool. That was then and this is now and while GFCI seems to be running into stone walls, its officers and faithful followers continue to function with confidence and fidelity.

With the addition of manufacturing to its repertoire, Kameen said the industrial park will accommodate anything from a one-man operation to a sizeable industry. He said the park, which features paved roads and utilities, has been designated as a Keystone Opportunity Zone and can qualify for tax relief with just a single employee.

Kameen did have some good news for the governing body. He said the initial word from the state Department of Transportation regarding a traffic signal at Main Street and Route 247 has since been dropped. PENNDOT told municipal officials that the traffic signal would need to be in place if and when any facility is built in the park. He said the thinking has changed.

“Right now,” Kameen said, “I can guarantee you that the borough will not pay for any traffic light.” PENNDOT put the initial cost of the traffic light in excess of $100,000.

In another matter the borough may be having tough luck luring industrial construction into its boundaries but that doesn't mean the town is going to the dogs. Or does it?

While Mayor Nick Cost has been focusing much attention on controlling dogs, another animal problem has developed.

A resident of Delaware Street said a woman who resides near him has 22 cats and when she turns them loose in the morning they make a hasty exit from her home, scatter, and leave messes throughout the neighborhood. He also presented council with a petition urging action against the herd of cats.

The mayor said there is an ordinance on the books regarding cats running loose and that he will give a copy of it to the borough’s chief enforcement officer.

The mayor lauded borough officials and volunteers who turned out to search for a missing two-year-old boy. The child was found unhurt but the mayor said the turnout of volunteers was “unbelievable.”

“It was nice to see so many concerned citizens,” the mayor said. “It says a lot for our town and its people.”

Council welcomed Attorney Paul Smith, the borough’s new solicitor who replaced Paul Peterson. Peterson resigned because of additional responsibilities connected with his positions as an assistant district attorney in Lackawanna County and solicitor in Clifford Township.

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Bend Borough Ballfield Brouhaha

Tom Franks has helped to maintain the baseball field in Recreation Park in Great Bend Borough for the better part of the 36 or so years since he helped to first lay it out in his backyard. As well he might, since most of the outfield IS his backyard: the property line apparently runs just back of second base.

Mr. Franks appeared at the August meeting of the Great Bend Borough Council on the 3rd to ask that the Borough hold up its end of a "gentlemen's agreement" made long before anyone on the current council could remember, and let him use Borough equipment to maintain his yard.

The Borough is grateful to Mr. Franks for the use of his property, at least they are grateful on behalf of the Little League association, which is the primary user of the ballfield. A few Council members remembered playing on that field, and playing with their children on that field. Apparently, however, nothing was ever put in writing about the exchange of property for use of Borough equipment, and the Borough is concerned about the potential liability of letting anyone but Borough officials and employees use the tractor or the mower.

It seems that for at least the past many years, Mr. Franks has used his own equipment to maintain the yard/outfield. But his tractor was lost in the recent flood, and now he would like to use Borough equipment as he claims was promised in the original agreement. He presented Council with an ultimatum, saying, "You have 30 days to get everything you have on our property off, [if you won't let me use the town's equipment]."

There was some discussion of perhaps allowing the Borough's maintenance worker mow Mr. Franks' yard. In the end, however, Council decided to remove anything that is not on Borough property in the park, and to consult with the Little League association about the outfield fence and other items that may belong to them. There was some talk about possibly reorienting the playing field so that it would all be on Borough property, particularly since the field was mostly ruined by the flooding anyway.

Naturally the flood is still foremost in the minds of everyone in the community. The Borough's Emergency Management Coordinator, Mike VanGorden thanked Council for its effort during the crisis, and for its support to him and the area's first responders. In turn, Council thanked Mr. VanGorden for his work, and agreed to his request to appoint his wife as a deputy Emergency Management Coordinator. Council later named Borough Secretary Sheila Guinan its agent to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to apply for financial assistance.

Ms. Guinan reported that she and Council member Jerry MacConnell attended a meeting about financial assistance under the disaster declaration. A couple of major items that Mr. MacConnell was interested in would probably fall outside of the disaster regulations; should studies determine that the conditions at issue were not caused or exacerbated by the flooding, the Borough might have to foot the bill for the studies themselves, let alone the repairs.

There was other business on the agenda:

* The Borough will send a letter to the water company demanding that a plan be developed for improving water pressure at the fire hydrants in the town. Last month the local fire chief reported that several hydrants exhibited insufficient pressure for use in the event of fire. Several Council members argued that the Borough should refuse to pay the monthly bill for those hydrants until a satisfactory response is received from the water company.

* The Broome Volunteers ambulance squad is "surrendering" its license to offer advanced life support (ALS) in Pennsylvania. It still maintains a New York State ALS license and can still be called upon for assistance.

* A resident of the Kime apartments has asked to have a crosswalk installed on Main Street (U.S. Route 11). Since Main Street is a state thoroughfare, Ms. Guinan contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT), who told her that the state would paint the crosswalk and install the signs, but that the Borough would be responsible for maintaining them thereafter. Council's consensus was to proceed.

* The Borough continues to receive notices of plans to install a high-voltage electricity transmission line through the area. Apparently the county commissioners are ignoring the issue, leaving any action up to affected localities.

The Great Bend Borough Council meets on the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Borough Building on Elizabeth Street.

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Newmans: Our Side Of The Story

It was back in January of this year when Linda Jones-Newman and Kevin Newman of Thompson were cited with twenty-seven animal abuse violations. Since then, District Magistrate Peter Janicelli of New Milford found the Newmans not guilty of all but one violation.

All but four of the 73 animals taken were ordered by the court to be returned to the Newmans. This week, Kevin and Linda are still waiting for five goats and one pony to be returned. I interviewed Linda Jones-Newman and Kevin Newman at their farm near Thompson this week. They simply want their side of the story to be told.

Some of the animals that were returned to the Newmans.

For a while before the massive raid at the Newman’s Green Meadows Farm, Kevin and Linda started realizing that some of their horses weren’t acting normal. “The vets started coming a lot in the summer,” said Linda. “They were here every month, at least once a month for hundreds of dollars each time”.

When Kevin called Dr. Ellen Johnson of Apalachin, who had been the Newman’s veterinarian since 2001, telling her that two horses had gone down, he says that she told him she was busy with company, that he needed to call someone else. “I called up everyone in creation, no one could come. She said ‘I’ll try to get there tomorrow.’ She never showed up. The following day, January 12, she showed up, with her boyfriend (now husband) and her son.” The Newmans said that Ellen only brought enough euthanizing chemicals for one horse, that she called the Pennsylvania State Police to shoot the other. After I called both the PSP in Gibson and Dunmore, officials have confirmed that an officer was dispatched to the farm January 12 at the request of Dr. Johnson to put the animal down. State Police would not tell The Susquehanna County Transcript which officer was dispatched to the farm.

“She knew exactly what the farm looked like,” said Kevin. “She knew what was going on with the animals. She knew that we had six animals die on us, we still don’t know why.” After blood work and expensive autopsies, the Newmans agreed that there were few answers. “One of the tests came back positive, for the herpes virus.”

After checking the two horses, Kevin says that Dr. Johnson demanded to check out every stall. For several years, the Newmans have owned a 17-year old ex-racing horse with a past racing-injured leg. When Dr. Johnson walked into the horse’s stall, Kevin said she started yelling at him. “She starts screaming at the top of her lungs, at me. ‘Look at this horse,’ I mean she was screaming. Now the horse is starting to tremble because she’s in the horse’s space. She’s screaming, ‘Look at her, she’s in pain.’”

Kevin says that he and Linda both had previously talked to Dr. Johnson about using the horse’s eggs for artificial insemination. After arguing about previously talking about this horse, Dr. Johnson went for help. “She called up Chad Weaver (Humane Society), the next day, Chad and the dog warden came to check things out. They looked around all over the place. Alright, okay, have a nice day. This was January 13, the next day”.

“They came back the following day,” said Linda. “’That’s it, we’re taking an inventory and we’re taking all of the animals.’” That day both Dr. Johnson and an official agreed that the 17-year old horse with the pre-existing leg injury needed to be put down. “The so-called Humane Society killed this horse. We have no choice in the matter; we have to put her down. They killed her. As I walked her out down the ramp, another official from Danville says ‘Boy, she actually walks pretty good on that leg’. But it didn’t matter, she was off to the gallows.”

“We had no say in the matter,” said Kevin. “It was the wrong thing to do.” During the raid, Linda went to talk to Dr. Johnson. “Are you conscious of this, they are taking all of the horses off the property? There’s something going around here, we don’t know what it is. Now where are all of these horses going to go to, to possibly spread it all over the place?”

Throughout the interview, Linda commented about the Humane Society. “Everything you ever see published, it’s always the worst case ever. No matter where it is, up here, in New York, wherever, it’s the worst case they’ve ever seen.

“No one ever published that the Humane Society wanted $45,000 restitution from us, $350 each day.” After telling me they did not go along with the Humane Society’s request, Kevin and Linda explained, “They started quoting all these yards and yards of vet bills, when the justice asked them show me the bills, well, where’d they go? There were no vet bills from any of the cats or dogs because they didn’t need to take them to the vet.”

“You don’t take somebody’s macaw and put it in a dog kennel,” said Kevin. “They took my food and everything because they didn’t know what to feed it. They never asked if any of the animals had special needs, they just took everybody. They ripped them all out of here, without their medication.”

When I asked what kind of reaction they are getting from the community, Kevin and Linda said that the Humane Society is making them look like bad people, even after a district magistrate found them not guilty of all but one of the violations. “Everyone is putting Janicelli down, the man did his job,” said Kevin. “Do you think he’s going to let us go with twenty-seven counts if he couldn’t find no evidence?”

Both Kevin and Linda agree that the reports by the Humane Society were misleading. “They didn’t say what was what. People were saying ‘Wow, they took 73 horses?’ Out of the 73, thirty of them were birds.” Not only were some of the reports misleading, Linda and Kevin say that some of the information given is nothing more than lies.

“They did not find any dead horses here. All of the animals that had died before had already been buried for days. They never went out into the woods.” Linda explained that she was caring for a goat that was dying of old age. “What’s the humane thing to do with a sick goat that isn’t contagious? I let her be peaceful, put food and water right by her and they found her there dead in the morning.” Kevin says that although Humane Society reports made it sound like the goat had been laying there dead for a while, he says rigor mortis was still setting in.

“I think the Humane Society was very unprofessional,” said Linda. “It’s an abuse of the state’s powers that they have been given.” While wrapping up the interview, Kevin wanted to thank those who’ve supported them. “I want to thank all of our friends who have stood by us in our time of need.”

Many of the Newmans animals are from the Carousel-Carousel petting zoo in Long Island. Linda says that a majority of their animals were saved from slaughter houses.

Although I made several attempts, the Newman’s lawyer, Robert Hollister of Montrose, was unable to return our phone calls. At last check before press-time, Chad Weaver was still unable to retrieve the last six animals, all of which are with a volunteer whose name has been withheld by the Humane Society. The original court order was for the Newman’s animals to be returned July 6.

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Courthouse Report
Compiled by P. Jay Amadio

DEEDS

Daniel W. Diaco, Noreen Diaco to Daniel W. Diaco, Dallas, PA, Noreen A. Diaco, John R. Schake, in Brooklyn and Harford townships.

Eric Wheaton (by attorney), Mary Wheaton (by attorney) to Anthony Ficacci, Flanders, NJ, Ellen Ficacci, in Bridgewater Township for $104,000.

Group W. Furniture Company Inc. to Group W. Furniture Company, Clifford, in Ararat Township for one dollar.

Dunn Lake LLC to Dunn Lake LLC, Kennett Square, in Ararat Township for one dollar.

John Castronova to Thomas L. Castronova, West Charleston, VT, in Jackson Township for one dollar.

Robert J. Bolcavitch to Carol Lopatofsky, Forest City, in Forest City for one dollar.

Ann Marie Rhiel to Ann Marie Rhiel, Bayonne, NJ, Christopher J. Rhiel, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Ann A. Mann (by sheriff) to Household Finance Consumer Discount Co., Mendota Heights, MN, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., in Harford Township for $5,129.

Walter Dean, Jean Dean to James L. Derstine, Kay I. Derstine, Harleysville, in Jackson Township for $34,000.

George Debella, Barbara Debella to Shawn M. Avery, New Milford , in New Milford Township for $155,000.

David Newhart to George J. Debella, New Milford, Barbara C. Debella, in Dimock Township for $110,000.

Jesse J. Traver, Sr. (by sheriff) to First Liberty Bank & Trust Co., Jermyn, a division of Community Bank in Choconut Township for $5,174.

Louis R. Zbikowski (by atty) to Lori Masiello, Nicholson, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

Kenneth L. Rivenburg, Marcella C. Rivenburg to Scott Cywinski, Hop Bottom, in Hop Bottom Borough for $97,000.

Jacob L. Smith, Francis M. Smith to Michael W. Smith Quakertown, in Middletown township for one dollar.

Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau, Dennis A. Troup (by tax claim) to David J. Pitti, Amityville, NY, in Susquehanna for $5,000.

David L. Landon (by sheriff), Denise L. Landon (by sheriff) to Federal Home Mortgage Corporation, Vienna, VA, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

James B. Hawley to Carlton R. Hawley, Montrose, PA, Nadene Hawley, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar.

David A. Newhart to Josephine Newhart, RR4, Montrose, in Dimock Township for one dollar.

Joseph G. Rossi, Kristi L. Rossi to Joseph G. Rossi, RR2, Union Dale, Kristi L. Rossi, in Herrick Township for $10.

Fred Joseph Cobb, Donna Elizabeth Cobb to Tiffany E. Cobb, Carbondale, James P. Keating, in Clifford Township for $165,000.

Florence A. Lashick to Louis M. Posly, Dupont, Joan K. Posly, in Gibson Township for $7,000.

Thomas Robinson (by sheriff) aka Tom Robinson, Mary A. Robinson to Deutsche Bank, Santa Ana, CA, in Susquehanna for $3,011.

Joan H. Lyman to Richard J. Robinson, RR1, Springville, Lisa L. Robinson in Springville Township for one dollar.

Anthony G. Dezenso, Jr., Marguerite A. Humphries to Anthony G. Dezenso, Parsippany, NJ, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

Dumitru Radu (by sheriff) to PHH Mortgage Corp., Mt. Laurel, NJ, in Susquehanna for $2,163.

Martin Hines, Erik Hines, Marjorie L. Stone (est) to Erik Hines, RR1, Thompson, in Thompson Township for $24,000.

John M. James to Terrence Gangaware, RR2, New Milford, Betty Gangaware, in Bridgewater Township for $160,000.

Kenneth A. Belcher to Mark Kern, Eileen Kern, Factoryville, in Silver Lake Township for $18,000.

Mabel H. Seary to George E. Seary, Endwell, NY, in Silver Lake Township for $225,000.

Thomas J. Lewis, Barbara A. Lewis to Matthew Woroniecki, RR1, Hallstead, in Liberty Township for $1000.

John Scrimo, Diane Scrimo to Trevor P. Bond, Short Hills, NJ, in Middletown Township for $152,000.

Roy S. Nathans to Clifford H. Zierdt, Lawton, Joan L. Zierdt, in Rush Township for $390,000.

Heriberto Vega, Jr. (by guardian) to Timothy D. Thomas, RR2, Kingsley, Stephanie Thomas, in Harford Township for $22,500.

Robert M. Potter (est. by US Marshal) to Robert E. Lee, Washington Crossing, in Franklin Township for $15,500.

John L. Tucker, Donna M. Tucker to Robert L. Tucker, Muriel Tucker, RR1, Brackney, in Silver Lake Township for $150,000.

Elizabeth A. Demauro (aka) Elizabeth A. Lear to Anna Demauro, RR1, Friendsville, Emilia Demauro, Pippa Demauro, Aymon Demauro, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar.

Charles F. Zamorski, Janice Zamorski to John Sorrentino, RR5, Montrose, May J. Sorrentino, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Ivan Westcott, Francisca Westcott to Bonnie Westcott, Albuquerque, NM, in Harmony Township for one dollar.

Paul M. Stephens, Maureen M. Stephens to Maureen M. Stephens, RR2, Thompson, in Gibson Township for one dollar.

Bonnie J. Swinehart (trust by trustee) to Christopher A. Butts, Philadelphia, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

Federal National Mortgage Association (aka) Fannie Mae to Christopher Brown, RR3, Meshoppen , in Auburn Township for $62,000.

MARRIAGES

Gregory Leigh Page, Hallstead and Heather Lynn McKay, Hallstead.

Ronald Latwinski, Union Dale, Tammy Lynn Pickering, Union Dale.

Curtis Reed Conigliaro, Brackney, and Pinta Duangjon, Brackney.

DIVORCES

Marsha Lewis, Great Bend vs. Sean Eric Lewis, Hallstead. Married Dec. 22, 2002.

Marion Hilkert, Binghamton, NY, vs. Jerome W. Hilkert, Great Bend. Married July 7, 1979.

Richard D. Tripp, Jr., Conklin, NY, vs. Zina M. Tripp, Hop Bottom. Married July 20, 2002.

Meredith J. Bishop, Susquehanna vs. June L. Bishop, Susquehanna. Married Sept. 14, 1992.

MUNICIPAL LIEN

Harford Township has filed a municipal lien against Ronald E. Whitaker and Della R. Whitaker in the amount of $666.71 for sewer service.

 

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Gibson Barracks Report

FATAL ACCIDENT

Pennsylvania State Police report that one man is dead after a fiery crash on I-81 in Harford Twp. August 3. The man was driving his 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix southbound shortly before 2 a.m., when police say the driver lost control, skidded into the median and hit an embankment, rolling several times and catching on fire. Members of both the Clifford and Harford Fire Departments responded to the accident. Susquehanna County Coroner Anthony Conarton pronounced the mad dead at the scene. State Police did not release the man’s name by press-time.

BURGLARY

Sometime overnight between July 24 and July 25, someone broke into the second floor of Evans Chiropractic in New Milford, stealing property from both Gerald Evans and David Evans. During the burglary the phone lines to The New Milford Market were cut, but it appears that the store was not broken into.*

TWO CAR CRASH

Two people were life-flighted to CMC after an accident on SR0029 in Springville Twp. July 31. State Police say Ashley Garnett, 17, Meshoppen and Ira Baker, 18, Tunkhannock were attempting to pass a vehicle in a no-passing-zone in Garnett’s 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, when the vehicle they were trying to pass made a left turn. The vehicle the two girls were trying to pass was a 1995 Ford F150, driven by Ralph Williams, 49, Springville. After the girls crashed into the truck, their car left the road and rolled over. Both girls were not wearing their seatbelts during the accident and were rushed to Community Medical Center in Scranton by helicopter with severe injuries. Williams was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the crash. Garnett’s car received severe damage in the accident; Williams’ truck only had minor damage.

ONE VEHICLE ROLLOVER

William Franck, 67, New Milford was driving his 1999 Ford Explorer on SR492 shortly after 11 a.m. July 24, when he lost control and rolled over. Franck was wearing his seatbelt and received minor injuries from the accident. His SUV has moderate damage.

SUV FIRE

Charles C. Anderson of Montrose was driving his 2001 Subaru Forester on I-81 July 28, when his vehicle caught on fire. Anderson was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the fire. Harford Fire and EMS responded to the scene. Koslowski’s towed Anderson’s SUV off the highway with severe damage.

BURGLARY - CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Sometime overnight between July 20 and July 21, someone cut the phone lines and pulled the sewer alarm off the exterior wall of Allen’s Garage in New Milford. A piece of plywood next to an exhaust fan was ripped off, allowing the burglar(s) to crawl into the building, stealing an FM radio/CD player. Several other items were also taken from the garage, including contents from a safe that was broken into.*

CAR CRASH

Christina Lopez, 30, Springville was driving her 1997 Honda sedan on SR3011 shortly before midnight July 29, when an oncoming vehicle crossed into Lopez’s lane and side-wiped her vehicle. The man that hit her stopped his vehicle and took off on foot. The vehicle involved is a 1994 green GMC truck, with the license plate YRE5242.*

STOLEN PROPERTY ARREST

Greg Huntley of Montrose is now waiting for a court date after State Police say he received stolen property. Several stolen guns were found in Huntley’s vehicle, which were taken from Robert Vanostrand’s home in Windsor, NY. Huntley was arraigned in front of magistrate Jeffery Hollister. Bail is set at $5,000 unsecured.

TRAILER THEFT

State Police say someone stole a black 14’ Cross Country trailer from Lake Montrose Power Equipment during the overnight hours July 30. The trailer’s VIN is 431FS141661000595.*

TRUCK CRASH

Richard Johnson, 38, Montrose was driving a 1975 Dodge truck owned by Donald Dean & Sons of Montrose on SR0029 in Bridgewater Twp. shortly after 1 p.m. July 31, when State Police say he was driving too fast and rolled the truck over while attempting to turn onto SR2053. Johnson was not wearing a seatbelt and received minor injuries in the accident; he has been cited for careless driving.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Several round hay bales were left burnt along SR3011 at O’Dowd Farm in Auburn Twp August 2, after someone ignited the bales on fire sometime around 9 p.m.*

*Anyone with information is asked to call The Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Gibson at 1-570-465-3154

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New Milford Caps Recovery Fees
By Bill Liepinis

Although it’s been more than five weeks since the Flood of 2006 devastated Susquehanna County, just about everyone that turned out for the New Milford Borough council meeting August 3 is still looking for answers.

With flood cleanup costs hovering around $87,000.00, many residents at the meeting started to ask questions, including why was Abington Excavation’s bill to remove flood debris and garbage totaled up around $68,000.00, when the Clarks Summit company’s estimate was around $50,000.00. Other fees included an $18,000.00 bill from Keystone Landfill. Many at the meeting believe that Abington Excavation’s numbers don’t add up; the council decided to suspend paying Abington Excavation beyond $50,000.00 until more information about worker’s wages and fees are provided. Although the topic did cause reaction, council reaffirmed that FEMA and the state will hopefully pick up 100% of the bill.

Abington Excavation’s owner, Todd Chambers, explained to the Susquehanna County Transcript that $50,000 was a “very preliminary estimate.” Chambers said that the estimate only included going through town once, but in the end, they went through three times. “They were long, hot days of picking up rotting food and garbage. Some people just started throwing out their stuff several days after we started”.

Many of New Milford’s residents have been cleaning up for weeks, but after a quick drive through town, it’s hard to miss all of the garbage and flood debris still left on the sides of borough streets. Although the initial proposal was to bring three dumpsters into New Milford, it was decided that there is too much potential for misuse, dumping non-flood-related trash. Council decided that Mayor Joe Taylor would take his dump truck around town so residents could load the truck with their flood-damaged-property. Details are being finalized.

Other topics during the meeting included the borough’s elected tax collector, Vicki Drake, changing courses, new profanities discovered on The Midtown Park’s slide, as well as new concerns about an iguana being left alone inside the condemned “Bickell residence.” It was reported that FEMA did offer Bickell a loan; he is currently working on bringing the building back up to code.

Mayor Joe Taylor discussed how his own business was targeted by burglars twice; how 40 burglaries within the last month-and-a-half have caused a frightening crime wave throughout the borough. Community members weighed in, suggesting that the Pennsylvania State Police increase overnight patrols in the borough, but council members say that they’ve already tried, that State Police resources are already stretched too thin. One resident at the meeting recommended that the police start dispatching officers to New Milford via cell phone, since it is believed that the burglars use hand-held scanners to monitor if any State Police are heading into New Milford, giving them plenty of time to escape.

Although crosswalks in the borough were previously considered, a mandatory engineering study leads council members to drop the idea. Teri Gulick suggested that council raise fees for the zoning hearing board to $400 plus allowable costs incurred, as well as raise continuance fees to $200, all of which council agreed to. Council also reported that the borough building’s sinking parking lot will be repaired in the near future.

Since there hasn’t been a “Help for the Community” committee report in years, council has asked for anyone interested to help revive the group. Several suggestions included help from the Boy Scouts and youth in the Catholic Church, both of which are looking for community volunteer time.

Council members announced that the borough has been awarded with a $15,000 tree grant. There will be a meeting concerning the grant at Keystone College August 10. Council members plan on a formal recognition with Congressman Don Sherwood.

FEMA has designated Kate Broome as the borough’s project coordinator. Chris Allen agreed to represent the borough as agent, with Scott Smith as secondary agent. Chris Allen also served as agent during recovery efforts from Ivan.

One resident raised her concerns about a nearby business raising the land on their property near Cobb St., which may worsen the chance of nearby neighbors being flooded. Council said that they will further look into the issue.

Chris Allen reported that DEP would not issue a permit to clean the Salt Like Creek under the Cobb St. bridge. Several residents weighed in on other problem spots in the creek, including several locations in the borough as well as at the Rt. 848 bridge. Chris says he is still pursing more permits and extensions from DEP. The Watershed Association says that they are working on grants to help clean out small streams.

During comments from residents, it was pointed out that Nicholson has nearly all of their streams already cleared out. One resident says that it was easier to clean out the streams in Nicholson since they are not stocked, unlike that Salt Lick Creek, which is protected over by The Fish and Game commission.

Rick Ainey was the only council member not present. The next New Milford Borough Council meeting will be held September 7 in the borough building on Rte. 11 at 7 p.m.

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Silver Lake Twp. Police Report

Following is the Silver Lake Township Police Report for June, 2006, as submitted.

MVA

On June 4, an unregistered vehicle crashed and landed in Quaker Lake. No persons were found after an extensive search by police, firemen and rescue workers. Subsequent investigation revealed that the potential suspect left the area and region to avoid prosecution.

MVA

On June 8, Ronald Cady was traveling south on Wilkes-Barre Turnpike towards his residence when he blacked out and crashed into a parked vehicle at the Shearing residence. Both vehicles experienced extensive damage.

THEFT

On June 11, Jack Vail reported that several guests had items stolen from vehicles parked at his cottage on Quaker Lake. Wallets, cash and cell phones were reported missing. This incident is still under investigation.

MVA

On June 16, Ryan Allen Mayes, of Hallstead, PA, crashed his vehicle on SR4002, .5 mile East of Murphy’s Corners in Silver Lake Township. The accident occurred when the driver failed to negotiate a curve and was traveling at an unsafe speed. Mr. Mayes was arrested for DUI and taken for B.A.C. testing.

MISC. INVESTIGATION

On June 17, it was reported that someone had been shooting multiple caliber weapons near a private pavilion on Quaker Lake. Investigation showed that several caliber ammunition casings were found at the location. This is a “Safety Zone” and an unsafe area to be shooting, located between several cottages and near the lake.

ANIMAL COMPLAINT

On June 20, Ken Sodon of Laurel Lake reported that a pit bull dog had been harassing the neighborhood. Mr. Sodon was advised to call the dog warden and report the incidents.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

On June 22, Steve Peet smashed items and broke out his own windows at his residence on SR4002 in Silver Lake Twp.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On June 27, James Nowik reported that someone had torn up his lawn with an ATV during a heavy rainstorm. He saw the vehicle shut its lights out and couldn’t get identification or a description.

TRESPASSING

On June 29, William Schooley, who owns property on Pops Hobby Lake, reported that someone had parked a camper on his property and was living out of it while he was currently living in Illinois.

Any information or questions for the 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.

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Warren Buses Mark 75 Years
By Ted Brewster

At a dinner on June 26 in Champion, PA, the Pennsylvania School Bus Association presented a 2006 Platinum Bus Award to Maureen and Nelson Warren for 75 years of service to school students in Harford.

The first motorized school bus in Harford (c. 1931). At the wheel, William J. Warren.

Photo courtesy of Maureen Warren

The Warren family began transporting students in 1930 with one of the first motorized buses in rural Pennsylvania (see photo). The operation was begun by William J. Warren, and continued through George W. Warren and Wayne Warren, and is today operated by Wayne's wife, Maureen, and son, Nelson. They currently operate three buses in the Mountain View School District.

Members of the Warren family have served their community in the Harford Congregational Church, the Harford Historical Society, and many other activities in the Harford area. Wayne Warren also served as Harford Township Supervisor until his death in 1999. The family has operated a large farm along 9 Partners Creek south of Harford village for many years, along with the bus service.

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Tax Study Commission Invitation For Applicants

The Mountain View School District Board of Education is inviting applicants to serve on a “Tax Study Commission.” Act 1 of 2006 allows communities to make certain decisions about local tax structure. The board is sincere in its desire to assemble a study commission that is representative and comprised of individuals with a genuine interest in providing this important service. To be considered for appointment, complete the “Expression of Interest Application” and return it to Jennifer E. Stone, Business Manager, RR 1 Box 339A, Kingsley, PA 18826 by August 21. The application can be obtained on the district website, www.mvsd.net, under the home page “Board of Education,” or by calling 434–2180.

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Disaster Aid By The Numbers

HARRISBURG, PA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) continue to provide assistance and work towards recovery for the counties affected by the storms and floods that impacted the Commonwealth in late June.

There are currently 22 counties that have been designated to receive Individual Assistance (IA). IA designation allows for federal funds to aid disaster-affected households with disaster assistance funds in the forms of grants and loans. Berks, Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Columbia, Dauphin, Franklin, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties have been designated.

25 counties have been approved for Public Assistance (PA) funds. The program provides assistance for work including debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration of infrastructure to pre-disaster conditions. Adams, Armstrong, Berks, Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Columbia, Franklin, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lebanon, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming counties have been designated.

3,894 Pennsylvania residents have sought information at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) throughout the affected areas. Presently, four DRCs are open. DRCs provide helpful information about disaster assistance and recovery. The four DRCs are located in Columbia, Franklin, Schuylkill, and Susquehanna counties.

$6,660 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been approved for 139 eligible victims of the storms and floods. Commonwealth residents who have experienced loss of income due to the June floods can apply for DUA by calling toll-free, 1-877-FILE-DUA (345-3382).

FEMA has completed over 9,050 housing inspections in Pennsylvania. Inspectors record all disaster-related structural damages to homes and document damages to personal property.

10,897 Pennsylvanians have registered for disaster assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362); TTY 1-800-462-7585.

FEMA has approved a $228,273 Crisis Counseling grant for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Flood victims living in disaster-designated counties can call the Department of Public Welfare hotline toll-free at 1-800-692-7462, or their county mental health number, for assistance. Crisis Counseling helps disaster victims recognize normal stress reactions and emotions caused or aggravated by a disaster, and regain control over themselves and their environment.

$460,242 in federal dollars has been obligated for Public Assistance (PA) projects. FEMA awards grants to assist state and local governments and certain private non-profit entities with their response to and recovery from the disaster. FEMA pays seventy-five percent of the costs of PA projects while the Commonwealth has committed to pay twenty-five percent.

FEMA has provided more than $15 million directly to Pennsylvania flood victims for housing and other needs assistance through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP).

6,799 assistance checks, totaling more than $13.3 million, have been disbursed to Pennsylvania victims in the form of rental assistance and home repair or replacement grants.

Nearly $1.7 million has been disbursed to 1,960 Pennsylvanians under the Other Needs Assistance program (ONA). ONA grants provide assistance to disaster victims to pay for serious, disaster-related needs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than 425 disaster assistance loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses totaling over $16.5 million.; over $14.7 million to homeowners and renters; nearly $1.8 million to businesses.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

More disaster information is available on the Internet at www.fema.gov, www.paflooding.state.pa.us, or www.sba.gov. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or economic status. Anyone who believes he or she has been discriminated against should contact the federal or commonwealth coordinating officer.

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