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HEADLINES: Blue Ridge Ballot Question Changed After a long series of meetings, public hearings, and mandated advertisements by a Tax Study Commission and the Blue Ridge School Board itself, it now appears that the Pennsylvania Department of State and the Pennsylvania Department of Education have decided that the wording of a referendum question at next month's election should be uniform throughout the state. At the Blue Ridge School Board meeting on April 23, Superintendent Robert McNamara announced that the carefully worded question developed over many months is to be summarily scrapped in favor of a simpler one. Originally, the question would have tried to describe the effect of imposing the personal income tax (PIT) for Blue Ridge District residents, and gave a range of possible property tax rebates that might be expected for homeowners. The new question mentions only one rebate amount, and eliminates the descriptive language. District officials were told that the new ballot question will be accompanied by a brief explanation of the measure. The question now reads: "Do you favor the Blue Ridge School District imposing a personal income tax at 1%? The revenue generated from the tax will be used to reduce school district taxes on qualified residential properties by an estimated $251.00." The Blue Ridge Board is clearly not in favor of the new tax, but is not permitted to publish its position officially. Some believe, however, that the legislature and the governor would like to ensure that local income taxes displace some property taxes so that the state government can take credit for lowering taxes. The shift from property taxes to income taxes, of course, then becomes a local responsibility. It is estimated, however, that, in the Blue Ridge District, anyone with more than about $24,300 in taxable income would end up paying more in taxes under the PIT, with or without the property tax rebate. Otherwise, said Mr. McNamara, "everything else is relatively quiet" at Blue Ridge. With Spring, the High School is gearing up for graduation. Principal John Manchester is urging seniors to apply soon for any and all scholarships for which they may be eligible. Among other routine items on the agenda: * The Board added Christopher Empett to the list of students who will carve up a $500 fund to support special endeavors. Mr. Empett recently spent 10 days in Europe touring Italy and England with BC United International Soccer. * The Board renewed its contract with Bethesda Day Treatment Center for services for "disruptive youth" for next year. According to Mr. McNamara, the cost will be between $36 and $39 per student per day at the facility; the district plans for seven students per year in the program. * The Board approved a contract with MedTronic to provide technical support for three automated external defibrillators. * The Board approved the annual request by Blue Ridge Summer Adventures for 2007. The program makes use of district facilities and equipment. * While at the campus for the Summer Adventure, youngsters can take advantage of ... Summer School! This year summer school will run from June 18 through July 18. Tuition will remain at $75 per student per course ($125 for those outside the Blue Ridge district). * The Board exonerated the district's tax collectors from further 2006 tax year collections. Delinquencies are referred to the Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau for property taxes, and to G. H. Harris for delinquent per-capita and occupation taxes. At the end of the meeting, the board heard a few other announcements: * Jane McNamara introduced her replacement as President of the Blue Ridge Education Association (the teachers' union). The new President will be Margaret Glezen. * The New Milford Borough Council presented the district with a certificate of appreciation for community service, citing the district's help to Borough residents during a water crisis earlier in the year, its efforts to help maintain Borough parks, and its work with emergency management services during the floods last year. * Board President Alan Hall also received a letter of appreciation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) for the district's services during the flooding last year. And last, but certainly not least, High School Principal John Manchester noted the achievements of some of his athletes: Aaron Onyon broke a 32-year-old Blue Ridge shot-put record, and then proceeded to break his own record twice more. And Meghan Ragard set a new Blue Ridge record in the triple jump. Beth Stone set a new Blue Ridge record in the javelin. The Blue Ridge School Board will meet twice in May, for a business meeting on the 7th, and a workshop on the 21st. Meetings are held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School and begin at 7:30 p.m.
Harford Clean-Up Details Harford Township has been offering a "clean-up" service to its residents for some years now. The program helps to keep the township tidy with an annual pick-up program that, for a nominal fixed price, will dispose of just about anything you need to be rid of. This year the clean-up is scheduled for the week of June 11-15. The township doesn't make a profit from the program, but does like to cover its costs. With the rising fuel prices, the cost per load this year will rise from last year's $37, to $40 (which it was a few years back). A "load" is a standard staked-body pickup load. The township will not pick up household trash or scrap lumber. Shingles must be bundled and tied; bundles must not weigh more than 35 pounds. Light vehicle tires (16 inches or less) will be picked up for $3 apiece extra, although the township recommends that residents take advantage of the May 5 county pickup (this year also in Harford) when the charge will be less and restrictions fewer. If you would like to participate – have an old refrigerator or an accumulation of old lawn chairs? – contact the township office at (570) 434-2401 to make arrangements. The township cleanup program is increasingly popular – among residents. Supervisor and township Roadmaster Terry VanGorden and his crew aren't wild about it. Said he at the Supervisors' meeting on April 24, "It's not fun out there picking peoples' garbage up." But all understand the benefit to the township. Supervisor and township Secretary Sue Furney reported some progress on the engineering studies for the Pennay Hill Road bridge and Stearns Road sluice projects. The former has priority because of a FEMA deadline to get the bridge replaced and expenses reimbursed; the engineers will soon forward their work to the state for approval. The township will need at least a month to get bids on the bridge project. Study of the situation at the outlet of Tingley Lake on Stearns Road is still in progress. They are currently calculating the size of pipe necessary to carry the water under the road. The Supervisors hired Brad Marcho on a temporary basis to operate the township's grader. Mr. Marcho will probably work for 3-4 months, without benefits. Those 3-4 months are the summer season when most of the road work is done. Mr. VanGorden said that he and his crew will begin to "work the roads" on or about May 1 this year. He said they have $150,000-$175,000 worth of new material to work with, compliments of PennDOT. The stone, pipe and other materials were donated to the township from the nearly-completed bridge project in Harford village. Mark your calendars for the weekend of May 18-19. Marcia Housel briefed the Supervisors on a Harford Days event being sponsored by the Congregational Church as a sort of community-building initiative. Friday evening, May 18, there will be an art show and ice-cream social at the church. Saturday, May 19, all Harford residents are encouraged to participate in a village-wide yard sale, beginning at about 10:00 a.m. Out-of-towners may participate at no extra cost by setting up either at the church parking lot, or at the fire hall. The fire department will also have food for sale. The next meeting of the Harford Township will be on Saturday, May 12, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the township building.
County Disputes Inmate’s Claim Details are sketchy at best and information is tough to come by, but reliable sources say the county could be compelled to cough-up about $80,000 in back pay to some present and past county jail inmates. The Susquehanna County Board of Commissioners had very little to say about it at last week’s meeting. The commissioners said their refusal to discuss the matter is because of impending litigation. They wouldn't even identify the individual who started the action. As near as could be determined, a prisoner, or perhaps a former prisoner, who worked at the county recycling center at various times during his incarceration in the jail launched an investigation into the matter. His pay was two dollars an hour and he claims that he should have been paid the minimum hourly rate allowed by state law. Unconfirmed reports say that one state agency agreed with him/her. Effective January 1, the minimum wage in Pennsylvania became $6.25 an hour. Calls to the state Department of Labor and Industry failed to generate any comment other than a brief remark from one person who said the department has nothing to do with setting hourly pay rates. She suggested a call to Department of Corrections but that too failed to produce a statement. One case uncovered by this writer indicates that an inmate who works in the prison or on prison grounds, can be paid whatever the county decides to offer. However, if a prisoner is working outside of the jail or the grounds, he/she is eligible for minimum hourly pay. Because the recycling center is across the street from the jail, the county apparently will take the position that it is a part of the jail complex. However, the jail grounds are fenced in and the recycling center isn't. There is however, another side to this issue. A check of area counties revealed that most of them also pay their prisoners less than minimum wage. A judgment against Susquehanna County could impact on a lot of counties across the Commonwealth. Motions approved by the commissioners completed the following business: Hired Darren Myers of South Montrose to the open fulltime custodial/maintenance position. Myers will work 40 hours a week and receive a starting hourly rate of $8.67 as per union contract. Accepted with regret the resignation of Patricia Lesser, a 911 dispatcher, effective May 8, 2007. Adopted a resolution retaining the services of Rush Computer Systems for another year commencing December 1, 2007, at a cost of $144,000. Sold three county vehicles to Gary’s U-Pull It for a total of $600. The vehicles were a 1999 Chevrolet Caprice, a 1999 Dodge Stratus, and a 2000 Ford Superduty. Meeting as the Salary Board along with Treasurer Cathy Benedict, the commissioners created a temporary fulltime position of processor in the recycling department for a maximum of 1,000 hours at $7.33 an hour. The job will end December 31 at which time the position will be eliminated. Amended the temporary part-time non-union clerical position in the Register and Recorder’s office from 21 hours to 28 hours a week annually from June 1 through August 30 at $7.33 an hour.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Theresa Victoria Keeling to Robert Durst, Carbondale, Kelly Durst, in Forest City for $65,000. Anna Oropallo (aka) Ann Oropallo to Deborah A. Zayas, Susquehanna, in Susquehanna for $85,000. Kevin D. Strickland, Valerie Strickland to Kevin D. Strickland, Montrose, in Dimock Township for one dollar. TNT1 Limited Partnership to Montrose Area Industrial Development Agency, New Milford, in Lanesboro Borough and the townships of Harmony and New Milford for one dollar. Montrose Area Industrial Development Agency to TNT1, Limited Partnership, RR3, Montrose, in Lanesboro Borough and the townships of Harmony and New Milford for $2,000,000. Dawn M. Franks to Donald J. Franks, Great Bend, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Stateline LLC to Stateline LLC, RR2, Carbondale, in Apolacon Township and Little Meadows Borough for one dollar (Corrective Deed). Mildred J. Walters, Patrick J. Walters to Mildred L. Walters, RR1, Springville, Patrick J. Walters, in Springville Township for one dollar. Gordon N. Rockefeller, Willard R. Rockefeller, Marjorie Rockefeller to Gordon N. Rockefeller Vestal, NY, in Middletown Township for one dollar. Joyce A. Letavish to Philip M. Jerauld, RR2, Meshoppen, Kassi L. Jerault, in Auburn Township for $66,800. Brian Burke, Pamela Burke to Daniel J. Rogers, RR3, Meshoppen, Teresa L. Rogers, in New Milford Township for $103,000. William T. McNeice, Shawn L. McNeice to Nicholas Shursky, RR2, Thompson, in New Milford Township for $130,000. Donald Swartz, Stacy Swartz (aka) Stacy Schwartz, to Donald Swartz, Windsor, NY, Stacy Schwartz, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar (Corrective Deed). HSBC USA Bank to Gail Burke, Meshoppen, Gerald Burke, in Auburn Township for $87,000. Barbara Parraga to Erika Parraga, Gibson, Joseph Skiscim, in Gibson Township for one dollar. William J. Gilbo to Dewitt T. Darrow, Brackney, Marguerite Darrow, in Liberty Township for $220,000. Marie K. Griffiths (est, aka) Marie Griffiths to Melissa A. Martin, South Gibson, in Gibson Township for $135,000. David J . Pitti, Joseph Alongis to Calogera Sferrazza, Rocky Point, NY, in Susquehanna for $4,067. William P. Lowry, Mary E. Lowry to Anthony Faragasso, RR4, Montrose, Susan M. Faragasso, in Forest Lake Township for $30,000. Paul L. Barnhart, Patricia A. Barnhart to Kevin E. Barnhart, Nichols, NY, David W. Barnhart, Thomas K. Barnhart, in Ararat Township for one dollar. Francis J. Bayer, Jr., Judith J. Bayer (aka) Judith Bayer to Michael D. Diskin, Newtown Square, Stacey L. Diskin, in Bridgewater Township for $275,000. Rag Apple LLC to TNT1, Limited Partnership, RR3, Montrose, in New Milford Township for $64,775. Robbin D. Green to Lawrence T. O’Reilly, RR1, Friendsville, Christine M. O’Reilly, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Lawrence T. O’Reilly, Christine M. O’Reilly, Thomas J. O’Reilly to Paul F. Miletta, Jr., Lake Ariel, Keli J. Miletta, in Apolacon Township for $54,000. James Dzielak, Patricia Ann Dzielak to Daniel Bauwens, Media, Denise Bauwens, in Herrick Township for $57,000. Edwin A. Hall III to Holly Hall, Washington, DC, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Thomas J. Hawthorne (est., aka) Thomas Hawthorne (est.) to Daniel Richardson, RR1, Hop Bottom, in Lenox Township for $116,600. Frank G. Kavetski, Sharon Elaine Kavetski to Terence F. Kavetski, RR1, Susquehanna, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Chester S. Grzankowski, Lucille E. Grzankowski to Lucille E. Grzankowski, Edison, NJ, in Oakland Township for one dollar. Chester S. Grzankowski, Lucille E. Grzankowski to Lucille E. Grzankowski, Edison, NJ, in Oakland Township for one dollar. Chester S. Grzankowski, Lucille E. Grzankowski to Lucille E. Grzankowski, Edison, NJ, in Harmony Township for one dollar. Chester S. Grzankowski, Lucille E. Grzankowski to Lucille E. Grzankowski, Edison, NJ, in Harmony Township for one dollar. Chester S. Grzankowski, Lucille E. Grzankowski to Lucille E. Grzankowski, in Harmony Township for one dollar. United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Clark C. Warner, RR1, New Milford, Carol V. Warner, in Springville Township for one dollar. David A. Jennings, Kimberly Joy Jennings to Kimberly Joy Jennings, RR1, Springville, in Springville Township for one dollar. David A. Jennings, Kimberly Joy Jennings to Kimberly Joy Jennings, RR1, Springville, in Springville Township for one dollar. Dewitt T. Darrow (aka) Dewitt Darrow, Marguerite E. Darrow (aka) Marguerite Darrow to Kenneth W. Brown, Vestal, NY, Felicia Brown, in Silver Lake Township for $345,000. Tonyehn Madigan to Anthony Farinelli, Forest City, Nichole Farinelli, in Forest City for $118,400. Elbert C. Seamans to George Scott, RR1, New Milford, Kimberly E. George, in Harford Township for $17,500. William E. Shager, Rowena J. Shager to Ordie E. Price, RR1, South Gibson, Aline J. Price, in Lenox Township for $13,000. Jeremy D. Harris to John M . Gallelli, Langhorne, Maureen Gallelli, in Great Bend Township for $165,000. MARRIAGES James Henry Lulay and Ethel L. McGinness, both of Jackson. Kevin Thomas Bidwell and Stephanie Ryan Johnson, both of Scranton. Daniel Thomas Chilewski, Factoryville and Susan Jo Mangiafico of Brodheadsville. Nathaniel Robert Aton and Amber Lynn Dawes, both of Grovetown, GA. Harold Dibble and Danielle Ridehalgh, both of New Milford.
Susquehanna On The Move The Susquehanna Community Development Association’s Main/Elm St. committees, with the help of volunteers, local business, organizations and regional partnerships have successfully gained funding for community renewal projects for our community. Over the past two years, we have offered business owners on our Main Street $45,000.00 in façade rehabilitation funding from the DCED/Main St. program. An application for another $25,000.00 will go out this spring. Through partnerships with Trehab Center and the borough we have been approved for the following grant funding: $1,600,000.00 Station House rehabilitation project at 243 Main St. This rehabilitation project will include ground level commercial space and six apartments for senior housing. $34,000.00 from DCED for a container garden on the Shops Plaza wall. $54,000.00 from PA Fish & Boat for a boat launch. $64,000.00 Growing Greener II funding has preliminary approval for the Roundhouse River Front Park project, with final approval expected in July. $250,000.00 from DCED/Elm St. funding for neighborhoods surrounding the downtown business district. This summer we will begin a sidewalk/curb and tree planting project on Erie Ave. to integrate both the residential and commercial features. This project will also include removal of a blighted building and $10,000.00 of façade grant money to building owners in the designated Elm Street area. We hope to see an additional $15,000.00 in Elm St. façade grant money this summer. Both the Elm and Main Street programs recognize the importance of local involvement and planning for community renewal to be successful. Through community meetings and tools provided by the DCED, a list of 96 goals have been established for our volunteers to meet. Our committees are broken into Organization; Promotion/Events; Safe Clean and Green and Neighborhood; and Economics. Many of these goals have been realized, but there is still a lot of work to be done on our continued path of renewal. We hold a number of fundraising events, but still need to rely on your support and generosity. Please volunteer your time or consider an SCDA membership to help us continue to make strides in business and neighborhood renewal and an improved quality of life for the Susquehanna community. You can find a membership form in this week’s County Transcript, or pick one up at People’s National Bank, Pennstar Bank or Reddon’s Pharmacy.
Due to substantial increases in mailing costs, with more to come soon for newspapers who qualify for second class mail, we are forced to impose increases across the board for mailed subscriptions, effective immediately. Local, in Susquehanna County subscriptions will increase to $28.00. Subscriptions outside Susquehanna County, but still in Pennsylvania will increase to $35.00. All others will increase to $43.00. Subscribers to our Internet only edition will be allowed access for the same, $15.00 fee. Hard copy subscribers will still be given free access to our Internet edition. We are sorry for these changes, but in some cases it would cost more to mail the paper than we were charging.
B&S Expansion Will Add Jobs Susquehanna County will have 122 new jobs available in the near future thanks to the planning of a couple of area residents who are capitalizing on the county’s most natural product – bluestone. It took a little over a year for the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority to push through the $2 million loan for TNT 1 Limited Partnership, RR3, Montrose. Tom Bolles and Tim Smith are the principal executives of TNT and also own and operate B&S Quarries Inc. that is headquartered in Franklin Township. B&S will use the loan to proceed with an expansion program that is expected to add 122 employees to its growing operation. The company currently has more than 70 employees. TNT’s plans include the expansion of an existing 45,000 square foot building it owns in New Milford and the construction of a new 39,000 square foot building on Jefferson Street in Lanesboro. Both sites will be used as industrial facilities for B.S. Quarries Inc., a subsidiary of TNT and manufacturers of bluestone products. Besides its operations in Lanesboro and New Milford, TNT is headquartered in Franklin Township. Tom Bolles and Tim Smith are principal officers of the growing corporation and their principal product is bluestone. The Montrose Area Industrial Development Authority Inc. (MAIDA) is the local sponsoring development agency. Maida was formed in 1970 by community leaders in cooperation with the Montrose Area Chamber of Commerce and since that time it has helped 10 businesses locate in the Montrose area. It has also assisted businesses with financing options, a move that has increased employment opportunities in Susquehanna County.
Information On Act 1 Under a new state law passed in the last legislative session (Special Session Act 1 of 2006), voters going to the polls in the May 15, 2007 Primary in virtually every school district in the state will have an opportunity to vote for or against a ballot question allowing school districts to reduce local property taxes by shifting some of their revenue to a local income tax. Exceptions are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton which already have high wage/income taxes. School Boards in affected districts were required to appoint citizens’ commissions to make recommendations on the amount of the income tax to be levied and whether the tax should be a personal income tax (PIT) or an earned income and net profits tax (EIT). A PIT would be charged on all income except Social Security and pensions. An EIT would be a tax on wages and salaries only. In Susquehanna County, Montrose Area, Blue Ridge, Elk Lake and Susquehanna Community School District residents will vote on a new PIT. Mountain View and Forest City Regional School District voters will vote on a new EIT. Local tax commission reports are available from your school district or online at the Department of Education website http://www.pde.state.pa.us/. If most vote “no” on the ballot questions, the current tax structure in which property taxes generate about 80% of all local tax revenue and about 44% of all school district revenue will continue as is. If most vote “yes” on the ballot questions, the shift to the new EIT or PIT is likely to produce the following changes. These are generalizations. Please study your school district tax commission reports and your own financial situation as well. Who is likely to receive a net tax increase? (Approximately 1% PIT or EIT) In general, renters with taxable income will see an increase in their wage tax or income tax, but get no property relief. People who were not already approved within the last three years or who did not apply this year for the homestead/farmstead savings (deadline March 1, 2007) will not be eligible for the property tax savings this year. (Forms are available from schools or the www.ped.state.pa.us/ website.) Dual-income families could receive one property tax break, but pay any new taxes on two incomes. Landlords would only receive the property tax reduction for the home they live in, not their rental property. They would pay the new income taxes. Business owners with sole proprietorships and partnerships would be subject to any new EIT on profits (Forest City Regional and Mountain View School Districts). If Montrose Area, Blue Ridge, Elk Lake and Susquehanna Community School District residents approve the new PIT, that additional tax will be charged on income, dividends, interest and gambling winnings. Doctors, attorneys, or others with LLP or LLC limited liability partnerships would be subject to any increased PIT on earnings. In general, higher income wage earners or higher income retirees (those receiving significant dividend or interest earnings) will pay increased income taxes that exceed their current property tax relief. Who is likely to pay less taxes or receive rebates? If your salary is under $18,500 or your combined family income is $25,000 and you own property, your property tax refund is likely to be larger than any new taxes. Single income families who own their homes could benefit. Low income seniors are expected to receive higher tax/rent rebates. Mountain View and Forest City Regional homeowners who have limited liability partnerships (businesses with LLP or LLC after their name typically include doctors, attorneys and others) will benefit from the property tax relief, and pay no additional taxes. Since their income is considered a return on investment, they don’t receive a paycheck subject to the new proposed EIT. Retired people who own their own homes and whose income is primarily from pensions and social security could receive property tax relief, but would not receive any new income taxes. Low income renters, though not affected by the ballot questions, will receive increases in their rent rebates from other Act 1 provisions. What’s next? If a tax shift referendum is defeated it can be put on the ballot again in every odd numbered election year. If the tax proposal is approved, the voters have the option, in two years, to get further property tax relief by increasing the income tax. School boards will have to institute some kind of a system to collect the tax. If ballot questions pass, the first property tax rebates (estimates range from $186 to $275) will appear on your 2007-2008 school tax bill. Gaming monies for property tax relief, currently accumulating 60% ahead of projections, will provide additional property tax relief funds to school districts as early as 2009 or 2010 with poorer districts being allocated more funds than wealthier districts statewide. This second wave of revenue is intended to reimburse schools for any lost income which results from the tax shift. Governor Rendell is also proposing a new sales tax plan which, if approved, he says could deliver immediate property tax relief for all homeowners this summer. Another important Act 1 provision The new law also requires every school district to cap property tax increases at the rate of inflation or submit their preliminary budgets to a voter referendum in the Spring Primary. School boards can apply for a referendum exception for certain above inflation increases such as emergencies and disasters, construction, and other cost increases that are not under their control. So far 40% of state school districts have applied for such exemptions and all have been granted by the Department of Education. This tax cap was unpopular with school boards and education professionals, but was supported by taxpayers who believe school budgets have been rising too fast without adequate public scrutiny. There are no ballot questions in this current election requesting permission for school districts to raise taxes above the rate of inflation. In addition to the Department of Education site listed above, the Montrose Area School District website has useful information for all voters including answers to Frequently Asked Questions. That website also has a tax calculator tool for MASD residents. Go to www.montroseareasd.K12.pa.us/ . Susquehanna Community School district also has some information at www.scschools.org.
Changing View At Mt. View Life is about change and school life reflects that truism. New ways of doing routine items, exploring alternatives to tried methods, improving existing systems are all part and parcel of running a school district. The Mountain View School Board deals with the shifting physical environment and the vicissitudes of monetary funding for these changes. The Board meeting on April 23 was no exception. Acting Superintendent Dr. Andrew Chichura presented the first of many new variations to the status quo, announcing the change in student drop-off and pick up by parents, and the parking of the school buses. Buses will now be parked at a diagonal and the timing is slightly altered. Notices will be sent out to parents about the proposed change. It will be on a trial basis starting May 1, and will last one month. If it works, the change will be continued in the fall for the 2007-08 school year, before a final decision would be made. Ms. Karen Voigt, Director of Curriculum for both the Elementary and Senior High schools, presented to the Board information on two grants her office is pursuing with the Board's approval. As part of the continued search for funding of training for staff, and new, innovative programs for students, Ms. Voigt is proposing that the School District pursue "Passions for the Future" grant. This grant will help upgrade technology for students and teachers, and also provide for a "tech coach" that will be in the classroom and school for teachers, so that they will not have to go off-site for training. The grant in fact requires the creation of such a position as tech coach, but the monies are included for the position in the proposal. The School District could receive up to as much as $50,000 for this one grant alone. Ms. Voigt said that other area schools, including Montrose, have implemented this program with the grant. She will be consulting with them regarding the grant and the program. The other money stream Ms. Voigt proposed is the "Project 720," part of Governor Rendell's education strategy. Project 720 will ensure " that all students have access to college-preparatory courses in core subject areas, additional Advanced Placement courses and smaller learning environments for better one-on-one teacher-to-student interaction." There is $8 million in funding for this project that the Commonwealth will distribute to schools that apply. Ms. Voigt said the Mountain View schools are already practicing many of the requisites for the grant, and are that much ahead of the game. If Mountain View is successful in getting the Passions for the Future and the Project 720 grants, both would be integrated in their implementation and execution. Board Member John Halupke voiced skepticism regarding the wisdom of pursuing either grant, stating he feared that they would become another "unfunded mandate" that would fall back on the School District to pay for. He also expressed that trainings for teachers are expensive when they have to leave the classroom for such an activity. Ms. Voigt reassured him that the tech coach that is part of the Passions for the Future grant would be in the classroom and school, so that teachers would not have to leave for training. Ms. Jennifer Stone, Business Manager, showed a power point presentation on the proposed 2007-08 district budget. Part of the preliminary review of the budget included charter school tuition. The charter school tuition has a proposed total allocation of $298,080 for 2007-08. This is an increase from $200,900 for the 2006-07 school year, which breaks down to approximately $10,000 to $11,000 per month for the school district. Ms Stone said that the federal government deducts the funding that the school district pays for the charter school tuition before allocating monies the school district receives. The commonwealth reimburses only 30% of this cost. Ms. Margaret Foster, Elementary School Principal, told the Board that seventy-five children have been pre-registered for kindergarten for this fall, bringing to a total 90 students for next year's class. Who knows what changes these young people will see as they go through the encompassing experience that is school life?
Elk Lake Approves Trade Association There is some concern about a dearth of qualified building and construction labor in our area. This concern brought Jack Taylor from Broadline Construction to the April 23 Elk Lake School District and SCCTC board meeting, to solicit their approval of a plan to alleviate the problem. Mr. Taylor is the vice-president of the Endless Mountains Builders Association, a part of the National Association of Homebuilders. He came seeking board endorsement of a plan to start a National Association of Homebuilders Student Chapter at the SCCTC. This would provide the students with many opportunities – experience in creating and managing an organization, possibility for conferences, etc. – and might serve to better funnel the students into the workforce after graduation. There would be no direct cost to the district, although it would require the time of Mr. Groover as an advisor, etc. In addition to this, the students' dues would be paid for the first year, and upon graduation they would be able, should they choose, to join the parent organization. Mr. Tewkesbury inquired whether or not the program was currently doing the best it could to put out an adequate workforce. Mr. Taylor responded that by state standards, yes, the program was sufficient, and that by applied standards the house project was a very good thing as the students could actually practice the trade. Board approval was acquired, and there is hope of getting the student organization organized this spring. Another big topic of discussion was the school calendar for next year. The district has tentatively factored in 6 Act 80 days, due to a perceived need for more professional development time. These days are split in composition – three would be early dismissals and three late starts. While there was some concern at the meeting by board members regarding the advisability of the late start Act 80 days, reasoning was provided for the decision. Dr. Bush had spoken with parents as to which format was preferable to them, and responses came back mixed. Therefore this mix was factored into the calendar in order to accommodate the most people. Some of the concern stemmed from whether or not this would prompt student confusion regarding which days were or were not delayed days. It was responded that, at least at the secondary level, students will know when they get to sleep in. In the end the tentative calendar was approved as is. The calendar is only tentative in part due to a state legislative meeting scheduled for May 7. Some people, particularly in southern Pennsylvania, are pushing for a mandatory post-Labor Day start to the school year statewide. These areas claim to lose millions of dollars per year in tourism when kids go back to school before Labor Day. If this motion is passed it will significantly effect the district, which will lose five scheduled days at the beginning of the year. Labor Day is not until September 4 this year. To compensate for this loss, vacation days would be taken away and snow days, which would normally be made up during these vacation days, would automatically be tacked onto the end of the year. Various board members expressed disapproval of this scheme, which is not as beneficial to people, such as farmers, up at this end of the state as it might be to those living in the south. Other voices are pushing for different areas to be able to make their own decision regarding this matter, which seemed, at the meeting, to be the most popular option. Graduation for this year is still scheduled for June 9, despite the recent additional snow days. The district has enough hours of education time in to allow the seniors to end at the normal time, though the rest of the school will have to return on June 11 in order to meet the requirement for days. Other makeup days will be June 7 and 8. The board also discussed a grant with a rather unusual stipulation. Due to holdups beyond its control, it has only recently received a $50,000 grant to emphasize math instruction and tutoring for SCCTC students. The board was asked to approve receipt of the grant and to give permission to advertise an associate position to perform the actual tutoring. This is good news, but comes with a catch – the grant is set to expire June 30. Still, both the approval and the permission were given, and the district plans on doing what it can in the time allotted. Dr. Bush then brought before the board for consideration the pandemic flu epidemic policy. This policy had been circulated through I.U. 19 last summer, but he had held off approving it for the district in hopes of receiving more information. Most plans appear to follow the basic format, however, providing a background of influenza, giving the six stages of the pandemic flu, etc. There is some speculation that in some countries this disease might have reached the human to human phase. If it came to Pennsylvania in this form, statistics guess that it might lead to 9,000 deaths. This led to a discussion regarding the impact this might have on schools. Could a school be kept open? Would there be any chance of having the instruction on-line, so that students could attend at home? How would employees be paid if the business office was struck by the sickness? How would food services, travel, and public services be managed? Is all of this a moot point; wouldn't most parents just keep their kids at home anyway, so that they didn't become infected and bring the infection home? Either way it is necessary for the district to have a plan in place. The principals, in their reports, discussed various special activities which the children have been participating in. The elementary special needs children attended the Shriner's circus, and were slated to attend the Special Olympics on Wednesday. The ninth graders went to Marywood University for a college connections program. They were paired with college students and given an idea of what college was like, in hopes of facilitating interest in higher education. Elk Lake Elementary was one of 450 schools chosen to participate in mandatory TIMS testing. Each student tested represented a certain number of US students, with the US then being compared to other countries. The test representatives spoke well of the kind reception they received from the school. Over 50 sixth grade girls participated in an overnight Girls Recognizing Their Own Worth program. They were kept awake from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. with programs about hair care, the food pyramid, self-defense, self esteem, etc. The senior awards ceremony is scheduled for May 21 at 8:30 p.m. The district is losing some staff at the end of this year. The retirements of Mary Berg, Joseph Cimino, and Peter Regal were accepted with regret, as was the resignation of Tim Cook. Finally, before the meeting ended, a discussion was begun regarding what constitutes an illegal absence. For instance, asked a board member, what if a student has to stay home to help his family? Other questions were also raised, such as what if a student has a 4-H show? The answer is that, according to the state, all of these would be illegal absences. The state only gives five reasons for legal excused absence, including impassable roads, illness, religious holidays, and a death in the family. Ten excused absences are allowed each year. The district, however, has a vacation policy which can be used if needed. While the absences will still be illegal, students won't be held responsible for them unless it becomes a problem. Common sense is used in considering student requests – is the trip or request truly educational? Students may be asked for a letter from their 4-H leader, or for documentation if they are asking to be excused because they need to help their family. The principals must sign off on any such requests, but do allow for properly documented and educational reasons for missed days such as cattle shows or firemen shows.
Reps. Sandra Major and Tina Pickett announced that a $167,152 grant has been awarded to the Susquehanna County Council of Government Sewage Committee through the Sewage Facilities Enforcement Grants program. The grant money will be used to reimburse 50 percent of the eligible expenses for performing the sewage enforcement provisions of Act 537 of 1966, the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act. The Sewage Facilities Act provides for the planning and regulation of onlot sewage disposal systems. The Susquehanna County Council of Government Sewage Committee is headquartered in New Milford.
Jay Lynch On Ballot For District Judge James R. “Jay” Lynch remains on the Republican ballot for the upcoming primary for the position of District Judge. In an article reported in the March 28 Susquehanna County Transcript, the headline misled voters by stating Jay Lynch was removed from the primary. At the urging of several concerned citizens Mr. Lynch decided to throw his hat in the ring for District Judge. Even though he only had seven days to obtain the necessary signatures to file the petitions, he was able to do so with the support of the Susquehanna County voters. Despite the reports that the signatures were fraudulent, every signature was signed and dated by a Susquehanna County voter. The reason Mr. Lynch was removed from the Democratic ballot was that some Republican voters signed the Democratic petition in error and others did not use their full registered name. Other signatures were removed when the county could not verify that they were registered voters.
Susky Fills Vacancy Susquehanna Boro Council, at their April 24 meeting, unanimously voted to appoint Bill Perry, Jr. to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Shane Lewis. Mr. Perry was then sworn in by Mayor Denise Reddon. The mayor reported that the police department had recently completed Vascar training, and the Vascar unit had been installed in the newer police car. The previous week, there had been a roof cave-in at the Laurel Hill apartments. The boro’s police, fire and emergency personnel were all commended for their quick, efficient response to the emergency. The mayor said that work was progressing quickly on repairing the damage, and residents who had to leave could expect to return home shortly. Mike Matis reported that a meeting had been held with a county consultant about the Franklin Ave. water situation. Another meeting was being arranged with PennDOT, and the boro would be pursuing grant funding. Both Mr. Matis and Roy Williams had attended a hazard mitigation meeting held earlier that day. Informational meetings are being held to encourage municipalities to put hazard mitigation plans in place; those that do not may find that they are ineligible for emergency funding when disaster strikes. The boro will be sponsoring its annual spring cleanup. A scrap metal drive will be held May 2-5, objects and debris may be placed by the curb. No items containing Freon will be accepted without an EPA stamp. No metal should be dropped off at the boro garage. A street cleaning schedule has been set for April and May. The county will be hosting a waste tire pickup on May 12. Pre-registration is required, forms are available at the boro office. Street work for the year includes drainage, sidewalks and paving. As of the next meeting, council will once again meet at 7 p.m. Committee meetings will remain at 6 p.m. During research on an update to the boro’s renters’ ordinance, it was discovered that a zoning ordinance had been passed in 1991 by resolution, which is not the proper procedure for adopting an ordinance, making it, in effect, illegal. Council will review the ordinance’s provisions, in particular one that stipulates that landlords must provide parking for tenants, and discuss it in depth at the next committee meeting. In the meantime, a motion carried to proceed with an update to the renters’ ordinance. It was noted that the county has put a burn ban into effect, from April 21 to May 20. No outdoor burning will be allowed; the boro already outlaws outdoor burning within its limits. Numerous complaints have been made to council regarding four-wheelers on the boro streets. Mayor Reddon said that the boro’s police officers have been issuing citations. She stressed that citizens could file complaints. A citation would be issued, and the matter taken to court. The person who initiated the complaint would be required to appear in court. The mayor said that she is looking at a sample ordinance from another municipality, one that includes an escalating series of fines to deal with the problem and would like council’s consideration of enacting it. The final topic of discussion was codes, particularly properties that are clearly in need of cleanup. A police officer will be scheduled to work with the CEO and issue citations. The meeting adjourned to a continuation of an executive session that had started shortly after the beginning of the meeting. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 8, 7 p.m. in the boro building.
Gibson Barracks Report BURGLARY UPDATE Jessyma Watlington, Jonathan Hollister ( both of Montrose), and Robert Currier, Jr. (of Forest City) were arrested and charged in connection with the April 7 break-in at the Rushboro General Store in Auburn Twp. The trio were arraigned in front of District Magistrate Jeff Hollister in Montrose. Currier, Watlington, and Hollister were remanded to the Susquehanna County Jail on $750,000, $150,000, and $100,000 bail respectively. At a preliminary hearing on April 23 in District Court 34-3-01, Hollister and Watlington waived their right to a hearing and were released ROR, pending further court action. Currier's charges were bound over to the next term of court after a preliminary hearing. INDECENT EXPOSURE On April 20 a criminal complaint and affidavit was filed, charging Scott Ackley of Canton, PA with Indecent Exposure and Criminal Attempt to Commit Obscene and Other Sexual Materials and Performances for sending video images via web cam to a female. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 15. BURGLARY On April 25 a warrant was served on Darin Sink of South Montrose, charging him with Burglary, Criminal Trespass and Criminal Attempt Theft By Unlawful Taking or Disposition. The accused faces the charge for unlawfully entering the residence of Billie Jean and Espiridion Licea in Rush Twp. Sink was arraigned before District Justice Hollister and was committed to the Susquehanna Co. Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail. THEFT A pair of exhaust stacks were stolen off of a Peterbilt truck belonging to Jeffery Gunn of Hallstead, while it was parked on SR011 in New Milford Twp. ASSAULT On April 21 Michael Conklin, Sr., of Susquehanna was traveling westbound on SR 1005 when he used his vehicle to force a woman into stopping her vehicle. Once stopped, Conklin proceeded to engage her in a verbal dispute that escalated to the point of physical contact. Upon being advised the police were contacted, he fled the scene in his vehicle. The investigation is ongoing at this time and charges are pending. CRASH On April 21, an unknown driver was traveling north on SR011 in Lathrop Twp. when he or she failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway. The Chevrolet 2500 went off the road and struck a guide rail, sustaining severe damage. The driver fled the scene. DUI CRASH On April 21, Richard Malone was traveling west on SR374 near Knickerbocker Rd., when he lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway. The 1973 Chevy flatbed struck a guide rail before coming to its final uncontrolled resting place on the guide rail facing east in the westbound lane. Malone was transported to Barnes-Kasson Hospital for blood work and then charged. His passenger, Christopher Malone of Nicholson, was also charged with underage drinking and false reports. SUSPECTED DUI On April 20, David Duane of Montrose was observed traveling north on SR0011 at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was conducted on the speeding vehicle. Duane was arrested for suspected DUI. TRAFFIC VIOLATION – DUI On April 21 the Pennsylvania State Police stopped Eric Johnson of Montrose while he was driving on SR 2 in Bridgewater Twp. Scott exhibited signs of intoxication and was transported to EMHS in Montrose for BAC testing. The investigation is ongoing at this time. BURGLARY On April 20, two female juveniles entered the home of Linda and Charles Canfield in New Milford, PA and stole money from them. BURGLARY On April 18, the residence of Michael Cola, located on Plank Rd. in New Milford Twp., was forcibly entered and several items were removed. On the same date, the residence of Jeremy Kousure and Amy Thomas, also located on Plank Rd., was broken into as well. ACCIDENT (PENNDOT) On April 17, Thado Taylor of Montrose was driving a Tri-Axle Dump Truck South on SR 2016, plowing and cindering the road. The dump box of the vehicle was up dumping cinders when it came into contact with phone and power lines strung across the road. It caught and pulled down the wires and snapped the top of a pole which was supporting the wires. Power to the area was lost. Phone (NEP) and power (Claverack) companies were notified. ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT On April 15, David Meszaros was driving on Main Street in Lanesboro Borough when he lost control of his vehicle while negotiating a left curve in the road. The Blazer traveled off the roadway and struck a guide rail end before coming to rest. Meszaros was cited for driving with a suspended license, and careless driving. ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT On April 16, Rosemary Cardella was driving North on SR 267 in Auburn Twp when she lost control of her vehicle on the snow covered road. The blazer traveled across the Southbound lane before striking a tree with its front end and coming to a rest. Both Cardella and her passenger were wearing seat belts, and were uninjured. COLLISION On April 22, Jeffrey Cook of Lansing, NY was driving on SR 81 near Exit 219 in Harford Twp. Cook had to slow down for traffic that was a result of individuals attempting to chase a dog off the highway. Kamryl Islam, of Ridgewood, NY, could not stop, performed some erratic maneuvers, and eventually struck Cook's vehicle on its left side. BURGLARY Between April 3 and 4, unknown perpetrator(s) entered Kozlowski's Towing in W. Clifford through an unlocked window. A large sum of cash and two pistols were removed from the scene. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Between April 11 and April 14, East Bridgewater Community Church in Bridgewater Twp. was vandalized. A parking lot light and multiple glass windows were shot with a BB Gun. THEFT Sometime between April 11 and 13 a package containing fishing lures was removed from a mailbox belonging to John Helvig of Laceyville. Helvig's mailbox was then damaged as rounds from a firearm were discharged into the property. THEFT OF MV In January, a white 1992 Volkswagen Jetta belonging to Barbara Compton of Brooklyn broke down on Meshoppen Creek Road in Bridgewater Twp. Between that time and April 10 the vehicle was stolen from the side of the road.
John Gardner Remembered Some 30 people gathered at the Starrucca House in Susquehanna on Saturday, April 21 for an all-day conference and festival to celebrate the life and work of writer John Gardner. The 10th annual tribute was sponsored by the John Gardner Society and directed by Sandy Hiortdahl, Professor at Washington College in Maryland and PhD candidate at Catholic University (which provided some of the equipment used at the conference). John Champlin Gardner grew up near Batavia, New York. His academic career as a teacher of fiction writing brought him to the State University of New York at Binghamton. He commuted to the campus from his home near Susquehanna, often by motorcycle. It was on one of those trips in 1982 that he was tragically killed in a crash at the age of 49. Mr. Gardner was a driven man and known as a heavy drinker, perhaps attempting to assuage a guilt he felt over the death of a younger brother in a farming accident when they were children. He frequented the Starrucca House during its renovation and worked to develop a relationship with the Susquehanna community, describing the area in the opening pages of his last novel, "Mickelsson's Ghosts." John Gardner wrote more than a dozen novels, out of which grew some celebrity, particularly during the 1970's; he won the National Book Critics' Circle Award in 1976 for the novel, "October Light." Since his death, his controversial and charismatic personality and his life's work have given birth to something of a cult following. The conference featured brief lectures by a number of people who either knew Mr. Gardner or who have a special interest in his work. Dana Washington, for example, who teaches creative writing at Lock Haven University, spoke about her efforts to encourage students to adopt a metaphorical approach to fiction writing based on the moral truth in the realism of storytelling, rather than simplistic narrative of so-called reality. Jan Quackenbush, one of the moving forces behind the John Gardner Society, lives in Binghamton, but his heart still resides in Susquehanna County where he grew up near Elk Lake. Mr. Quackenbush, a teacher and a playwright himself who knew John Gardner, offered some personal insight into the man who was John Gardner. Still deeper was the insight of Susan Thornton who willingly responded to questions about the life she shared with John Gardner and that she described in a memoir called "On Broken Glass: Loving and Losing John Gardner," published in 2000. Ms. Thornton was to have married Mr. Gardner when he was killed. She still works at Binghamton University. Mr. Gardner's son, Joel, was still a young man when his father died. Yet he has taken up the banner of his father's legacy and is preparing a documentary film on his life and work based on interviews his father gave during his lifetime, as well as conversations with people who knew him and his work. Joel Gardner treated attendees to a very preliminary version of some of this film to round out a satisfying experience for all on a bright Spring day: the film's title was "Sunlight Man," after one of the author's most popular works, "The Sunlight Dialogues."
Harford Clean-Up Details Harford Township has been offering a "clean-up" service to its residents for some years now. The program helps to keep the township tidy with an annual pick-up program that, for a nominal fixed price, will dispose of just about anything you need to be rid of. This year the clean-up is scheduled for the week of June 11-15. The township doesn't make a profit from the program, but does like to cover its costs. With the rising fuel prices, the cost per load this year will rise from last year's $37, to $40 (which it was a few years back). A "load" is a standard staked-body pickup load. The township will not pick up household trash or scrap lumber. Shingles must be bundled and tied; bundles must not weigh more than 35 pounds. Light vehicle tires (16 inches or less) will be picked up for $3 apiece extra, although the township recommends that residents take advantage of the May 5 county pickup (this year also in Harford) when the charge will be less and restrictions fewer. If you would like to participate – have an old refrigerator or an accumulation of old lawn chairs? – contact the township office at (570) 434-2401 to make arrangements. The township cleanup program is increasingly popular – among residents. Supervisor and township Roadmaster Terry VanGorden and his crew aren't wild about it. Said he at the Supervisors' meeting on April 24, "It's not fun out there picking peoples' garbage up." But all understand the benefit to the township. Supervisor and township Secretary Sue Furney reported some progress on the engineering studies for the Pennay Hill Road bridge and Stearns Road sluice projects. The former has priority because of a FEMA deadline to get the bridge replaced and expenses reimbursed; the engineers will soon forward their work to the state for approval. The township will need at least a month to get bids on the bridge project. Study of the situation at the outlet of Tingley Lake on Stearns Road is still in progress. They are currently calculating the size of pipe necessary to carry the water under the road. The Supervisors hired Brad Marcho on a temporary basis to operate the township's grader. Mr. Marcho will probably work for 3-4 months, without benefits. Those 3-4 months are the summer season when most of the road work is done. Mr. VanGorden said that he and his crew will begin to "work the roads" on or about May 1 this year. He said they have $150,000-$175,000 worth of new material to work with, compliments of PennDOT. The stone, pipe and other materials were donated to the township from the nearly-completed bridge project in Harford village. Mark your calendars for the weekend of May 18-19. Marcia Housel briefed the Supervisors on a Harford Days event being sponsored by the Congregational Church as a sort of community-building initiative. Friday evening, May 18, there will be an art show and ice-cream social at the church. Saturday, May 19, all Harford residents are encouraged to participate in a village-wide yard sale, beginning at about 10:00 a.m. Out-of-towners may participate at no extra cost by setting up either at the church parking lot, or at the fire hall. The fire department will also have food for sale. It will be too late for politicians to make a showing at Harford Days (except, of course for the primary winners). But Ray Telnock put in an appearance at the Supervisors' meeting "just to say hello." He is a candidate for County Commissioner. The next meeting of the Harford Township will be on Saturday, May 12, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the township building.
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