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HEADLINES: Oakland Dam’s Future Uncertain The hole that opened up in the Oakland dam last year has, in the last month, become a full-blown breach. Although there has been a lot of interest in the situation, so far, the dam’s future does not look good. Officials from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) have been to inspect the breach, but offered no hope that it would be repaired.
The Oakland dam broke last month, drastically lowering water levels on the north side of the Susquehanna River. Photo courtesy of Ron Beavan. Oakland council’s president, Ron Beavan said at the May 8 meeting that there has been no word (as of this date) from the Fish and Boat Commission, nor from DEP to indicate if anything would be done to restore the dam. He said that a diving company had contacted him and is interested in taking a look, as there is a fish ladder on the south side of the dam. They would like to ascertain that there is a way for the fish to get through. But, according to the FERC engineer, small dams are going by the wayside these days. Those that were used to generate electric power did not see enough of a profit after the costs of maintaining the generating equipment; burning coal to produce energy is less expensive, so many of the generating dams are not kept in operation. The dam was not created for flood control, so it would seem that there is very little help available to get it fixed. One unexpected problem has arisen, people are trespassing on the plant site to fish off the roof of the building, and to access what is left of the dam. Since the dam is unstable, trespassers are warned that they should not be going through the fence to fish. Signs will be posted, and the boro police will be asked to patrol the area as often as possible. The other big topic of the evening was gas leasing; council had been approached about leasing 26 acres that the boro owns, and had the boro solicitor prepare bids (as it is municipal property, leasing must be put out to bid). One bid was received from the Chesapeake Corporation. Three options were available, a five-year initial term, with one five-year extension after that, at $2,400 per acre and 15% royalties from any gas removed. The second option was for a seven-year term with no extension, at $2,300 and 15% royalties, and the third, a five-year term with no extension at $2,100 and 15% royalties. After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that some items of concern in the lease agreement should be brought to the solicitor for clarification. A motion carried to proceed with the five-year option with extension, pending review by the solicitor. The Park and Rec. committee is still awaiting the grant funding from DCNR, which has been approved but not yet received. There have apparently been a number of minor problems with the paperwork, which has delayed receipt of funds. The committee is still short on pledges; about $1,000 was pledged in matching funding by boro residents who did not follow through on their promises. This will affect the total amount received from DCNR, as the grant funding will be less than it should have been if the pledged funds are not received. During the around-the-table portion of the meeting, several complaints were brought up. The streets committee will check into them, as they concern a sidewalk that was lowered to accommodate parking, a fuel tank that was supposedly buried, and a ditch that was dug too low for water to run into a drain basin. Mayor Dudley reported that officers Brush and Devries had conducted patrols during the previous month, and that Lanesboro’s police had responded to a 911 call involving disorderly conduct on Boyden St., and Oakland had been billed for two hours. The mayor said that fines from the incident would go to Oakland. She said that officer Williams has had a change in his employment situation, and would be unable to patrol during the summer. She recommended that the boro continue the arrangement with Lanesboro, having their officers fill in for summer shifts where necessary. There is enough in the police budget to allow for it, as shifts are purposely scheduled with more hours in the summer when they are needed. The next meeting will be on Thursday, June 12, 7 p.m. in the Lanesboro Community Center.
Rental Repercussions In Montrose? The May 5 meeting of the Montrose Borough Council was perhaps better attended than any which this reporter has covered in the last year and a half. The majority of those present were there regarding one matter, which has been under consideration off and on for most of that time. The visitors appeared, for the most part, to be there representing one of two subgroups – landlords and those feeling that the proposed renter's ordinance was unnecessarily restrictive, and those who felt that tighter regulation was necessary for community well-being. Jack Taylor was the main spokesperson against the ordinance, stating that he felt it was financially irresponsible for the council to have gone this far with the action when they had no idea how much the ordinance and the implementation thereof would cost. He did not think the council had an accurate account of residential rentals in the borough, leading to this uncertainty. (It was responded at one point that, according to tax information, the rough count of rental units in the borough lies at 340.) The ordinance's implementation would, he said, be attacking an already marginally profitable business, a market which the borough needs. It, according to Mr. Taylor, would hold rental owners to stricter standards than homeowners are held to, and does not address due process or eviction. If buildings were forced to come up to the standardized code, he reasoned, they would become empty. (Frank Spickerman, the zoning officer, responded that a building is only required to come up to the code standards of the time it was built or turned into a rental property, not the code at the time of an ordinance.) Mr. Taylor felt that many of the problems, such as complaints regarding refuse, would be addressed in current ordinances, were these to only be enforced. He wasn’t against, he said, a certain level of control and knowledge, but the current ordinance is far too invasive to enforce and fund. A woman present at the meeting served as the main spokesperson in favor of the ordinance, and had rallied other homeowners to attend the meeting with her. The day of the meeting she had contacted someone in Susquehanna Borough who was instrumental in passing the rental ordinance there. She asked the woman in Susquehanna if passing the ordinance had been worth it, and was told it was. She was told that when landlords there claimed hardship they had been advised to pass it on to their tenants; fifty dollars divided over a twelve month time span is not a large rent increase. She was also told that the Susquehanna ordinance protects landlords, making it easier to evict problem tenants. She, and the other homeowners present, she related, were surrounded by rentals and concerned about the condition of and actions within these homes. When the landlord lives close to the rental, she explained, the unit is generally well maintained, but when they don’t conditions can get bad. The problems, she said, also drives down her property value. One council member pointed out that while this ordinance may not necessarily be the answer, he felt that something needed to be done as borough representatives hear taxpayer complaints all summer. Mr. Maxey, council president, explained that nothing was going to be passed at the meeting one way or the other. However, he thought that it might be a good idea to postpone action until a committee comprised of both landlords and council members was formed to contemplate the matter further. The open hearing on May 12, however, would still have to be held. The issue was tabled until this hearing. One of the few people (perhaps the only person) in attendance who was not either a council member, present as part of job duties, or concerned with the rental debate, was Mr. Fish. It is his property which was discussed at the prior meeting, where water flowing onto the property has created a sizable hole. Mr. Fish came requesting that the hole be filled in, expressing concern over safety issues. Children ride their bikes on that road, he reported. He currently has a piece of plywood over it. The pipe, he said, has been there for 86 years; he was born and raised in the area. He thought that there were two stone walls with water between them, and a slab had been put over this, which is disintegrating. Mr. Maxey replied that some research had been done regarding who put the pipe there. The council, he explained, does not want unsafe conditions, but whether or not the problem is on private property, and thus not borough responsibility, needs to be explored. There are other places, he argued, where water goes onto private property, and the fear is that if the council started working on private property it would open up a can of worms. Mr. Fish felt that he should not have to pay to repair the problem; the cost of replacing the pipe might total $14000. In the end it was decided that the borough solicitor, Marion O’Malley , would investigate the matter further, and try to determine where the responsibility lies. Borough residents may find a new timetable in place for planning commission submissions in the near future. The borough secretary spoke at the meeting about the difficulties associated with people dropping off last minute submissions just prior to meeting times. The council felt that a timeline could be put into place, for instance that submissions would have to be in by the first Monday of the month in order to be considered at that month’s meeting. The idea was going to be proposed to the planning commission, and their input sought as to what deadline would be reasonable and effective.
FCR Celebrates Award At May 5’s Forest City Regional school board meeting, elementary principal Kenneth J. Swartz publicly congratulated Sharon Longo, Tara Palickar and Julie Panek of the F.C.R. Pre-Kindergarten Program for receiving a 2008 Pennsylvania School Counselor’s Association Career Education and Development Award. According to the award bulletin, “By introducing preschoolers to careers at an early age, we are promoting excitement and confidence in their path for the future.” A parent expressed concern about what she feels is excessive standardized testing and asked what parents who oppose the testing can do. Members of the board suggested that the parent contact state legislators, and one member added, “I’ve always said that for every day you test [students], that’s one day you aren’t teaching them.” David Daugherty, technology instructor, expressed excitement about the new Technology Club, which will meet for the first time on May 7. Daugherty stated, “I feel that anything we can do to help foster interests in our students is a worthwhile endeavor.” The board approved a preliminary 2008-2009 budget of $11,990,069. The proposed budget allows for a $322,207 salary increase, which includes the hiring of additional faculty members for certain programs. The budget also allows for increases in the cost of fuel and a hike in employee health insurance costs. Overall, the cost of operating the special education program is expected to rise 3.36%, while general education costs are expected to increase by 2.85%. The proposed budget is available for review in the school business office. Despite the budget increase, the average tax bill for residents of Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties is expected to decrease, due to estimated property values. However, residents of Wayne County should expect an increased tax bill. Community members should note that on May 28, the Dessin Animal Shelter will hold a rabies clinic outside the high school front entrance. Additionally, a public informational meeting regarding the Endless Mountains Technology Center will be held in the F.C.R. High School auditorium on May 21 at 7 p.m. Dr. Vadella explained that a community coalition hopes to bring a non-profit “best-in-class” technology center to the region to serve local students, as well as businesses and industries. Forest City Regional students can expect a change in their dress code; with 7 in favor and 1 opposed, board members voted to approve a uniform policy for the 2008-2009 school year. The next F.C.R. board meeting is scheduled for June 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Jean B. (Estate AKA) Jessamine Ellis to Richard P. and Deborah L. Adams, in Bridgewater Township for $57,500.00. Theodore M. (AKA) Theodore M., Jr. Kazmierczak to Theodore M., Jr. and Barbara C. Kazmierczak, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Richard J. Burnis and Harold J. Nealon to Kenneth F. and Maureen Zebrowski, in Herrick Township for $370,000.00. Robert E. Baehler and Valerie Frances Ravenhill to Robert J. Smith, in Harford Township for $112,000.00. James Richard Dixon and Kathleen E. Thompson (By Atty) to Brian and Lisa Carpenetti, in Great Bend Township for $127,700.00. Samuel G., Jr. and Jean Ann Calderone to Eric B. Watkins, in New Milford Township for $69,900.00. Roger L. and Carolyne E. Doolittle to Choconut Creek Apartments Limited Partnership, in Choconut Township for $125,000.00. Mary R. Brady to Mary Charlene Ferrante and Timothy J. Tell, in Harmony Township for one dollar. Genova (AKA) Jean Dudek to Geraldine Kitch, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. Phyllis J. and Mark Snyder, Marsha Morin and Priscilla Brundage to Phyllis J. and Mark Snyder, Marsha Morin and Priscilla Brundage, in Clifford Township for one dollar. John L. and Barbara Ann Bongione to Martin, Jr. and Alisa A. Czachor, in Herrick Township for $360,000.00. Marilyn M. Skinner to Gary A. and Susan G. Campbell, in Forest Lake Township for $175,000.00. Sharon L. Warren to Alan C. and Daniel R. Nixon, in New Milford Township for $4,900.00. Sharon L. Warren to Alan C. Dixon and Daniel R. Swingle, in New Milford Township for $100.00. Ann M. and Michael Wasko to Andrew Frederick Sienko, Jr., in Great Bend Township for $79,500.00. Buck Horn Rod & Gun Club, Inc. to Buck Horn Rod & Gun Club LLC, in Oakland Township for one dollar. Charles F. and Janice Zamorski to David M. and Karen F. Boettger, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Christopher T. and Cathleen A. Tracy to Skip M. Tracy, in Harford Township for one dollar. Ellen M. Grant to Fiondi, Inc., in Forest Lake Township for $47,000.00. Cecelia B. and Michael Mahon to Laurie Scott, in Liberty and Great Bend Townships for $243,000.00. Robert W., Jr. and Linda L. Hamill to Jeremy D. Harris, in Silver Lake Township for $125,000.00. Minnie L. Graves to Tina M. Graves, in Oakland Township for one dollar. Norman D. and Betty J. Reynolds to Norman D. and Betty J. Reynolds, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. David Palmer, Jr. to William Matos, III and Gregory Palmer, in Herrick Township for $156,750.00. Ann Kane to Chadwick Bell and Kari A. Forys, in Springville Township for $204,900.00. Ronald L. Hunsinger (Estate) to Annie May Hunsinger, in Dimock Township for one dollar. Franklin Credit Management Corp. to Phillip Hodges, in Forest City for $32,000.00. Raymond, Jr. and Mary Jane Hunsinger to Susan R. Cudo, in Dimock Township for one dollar. Barbara A. Decker to Thomas J. Lopatofsky, Jr. and Donna Fekette, in New Milford Township for $125,000.00. Carl J. and Janice Woods to Cornerstone Baptist Church, Inc., in Clifford Township for $35,000.00. Elias S. and Geneva K. Hegedus to TNT Partnership of PA (NBM) TNT 1 Limited Partnership, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Joanne M. Bundy to Robert L. Bundy, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Patrick and Jane Hadley to Patrick Hadley, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Frederick D. Lewis, Sr. to Michael D. and Lorrie A. Detwiler, in Jackson Township for one dollar. Orest Melnyk to Christina Melnyk Oates, Ihor R. Melnyk, Maria Irene Melnyk (AKA) Maria Melnyk Solomon, and Orysia J. Melnyk (AKA) Orysia Melnyk Eagan, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. David W. Schroer, Francine E. Schroer (AKA) Francine E. Black, Mariba E. Ackley (Est AKA) Mariba Ackley (Est) to Fred S., III and Christine A. Ackley, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. David W. Schroer, Francine E. Schroer (AKA) Francine E. Black, Mariba E. Ackley (Est AKA) Mariba Ackley (Est) to David W. and Francine E. Schroer, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. David W. and Francine E. Schroer to John Pizzileo and Karin Jacobsen, in Apolacon Township for $205,000.00. MARRIAGES Thomas J. Yadlosky, Jr. and Wendy Anne Stowell, both of Forest City. Timothy M. Richardson and Kimberly A. Allard, both of Kirkwood. Erik Paul Wingren and Alicia Marie Corbin, both of Seattle, WA.
Great Bend Supers Consider Projects Roads were once again the main topic of discussion at the May 5 Great Bend Township Supervisors meeting. Immediately following the meeting, a work session would be held to go over notes and recommendations from their meeting with LTAP, and after a total evaluation of all of the roads, a priority list of projects would be put together. An Emerson Road resident thanked the supervisors for getting potholes fixed; he and his neighbors have been sweeping the road and removing loose gravel on the paved section as a community project. Bids for road materials were opened; after review it was agreed that the state’s piggyback program should be checked to see if the prices were better than the prices bid, and the bids were tabled for the time being. No bids were received for heating oil. Specs will be put together for a used roller, dating from the mid-90’s or newer, to be used on the township’s on dirt roads. Money is available in the budget. The resignation of Tim Patrick was accepted with regret. Advertisements for a new employee would be placed, and interviews held before the next meeting. Supervisor Walt Galloway agreed to attend the final county flood mitigation meeting on May 7. The supervisors will take inventory of items behind the township building, to see what should be kept and what should be disposed of. During public comment, an Airport Road resident again addressed the supervisors about speeding vehicles, which are raising a lot of dust. He asked if a decision had been made to do a traffic study, which would be needed to lower the speed limit. The road is posted at 35 mph; the study would be required to change that. PennDOT would conduct the study, but the township would have to pay for it, and it could cost several thousand dollars. Without township police to monitor the situation, the only alternative is to ask the State Police to patrol the area as often as possible. It was agreed to send them a letter, apprising them of the situation, and asking them to do so. The resident asked if all the additional residents at the trailer park on Airport Road increased the township’s tax base as much as it increased traffic, in which case, couldn’t the additional funds be used to improve roads? Supervisor Guinan said that the township only saw about $25 per year revenue; an examination of tax bills would show that the lion’s share goes to the county, not to the township. And, resident Ralph Reynolds told the supervisors that he would be pleased to make a presentation on behalf of the Endless Mountains Technology Center, with which he is involved, if they are interested. He agreed to drop off more information for their review. The next meeting will be on Monday, June 2, 7:00 p.m. in the township building.
Starrucca Borough Council Minutes The Starrucca Borough Council met for their regular monthly meeting on April 2, at the Community Hall. President (Kirk) Rhone, Mr. Arthur Kopp, Mr. Donald Haynes, Mr. Robert Buck, Mrs. Barbara Glover, and Mayor (MaryAnn) DeBalko were present. Mr. Anthony Palonis and Mr. Fred Rhone were absent. President Rhone opened the meeting and announced the need for an executive session to discuss legal matters. The meeting was reopened and motion carried to direct the borough solicitor to answer a letter written by Ken Rausch’s attorney. Mrs. Glover was opposed. The minutes from the previous meeting were read, motion to approve carried. The treasurer’s report was given, motion carried to approve. The bills were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment carried. Mrs. Glover was opposed. The following correspondence was received: A notice of a quarterly training session from the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency. A notice of the 2008 Liquid Fuels Allocation ($20,3010.54) from PennDOT. A notice of a bridge inventory meeting with PennDOT to be held on April 17. A letter from the Northern Wayne Community Library appointing Donna Palonis to their Board of Directors, and asking the council to appoint her as the borough’s representative. Motion carried to support the appointment of Donna Palonis to the N.W. Community Library Board of Directors as Starrucca Borough’s representative. Former Mayor Downton turned over two letters to Mayor DeBalko, addressed to him. 1. W.C. Historical Society. 2. A Municipalities Planning Code workshop. He stated he opened them, and will contact the agencies of the change of mayor. In borough reports: The borough auditors’ secretary (Paul D’Agati) was not present to give a report. Mr. Darl Haynes (FEMA Agent) reported the borough has been notified of “T” walls in the creek channel. Mr. Gurske has in the past “taped off” the area and demonstrated the land belonged to him. The “O & M” (operation and maintenance) for the borough is over, he stated. Therefore Mr. Gurske as the landowner will be addressed by DEP and it will be his responsibility to have the wall pieces removed. Mrs. Glover reported she saw one (wall piece) come from the “corner house” (owned by Mr. Charnakoff). Mr. Kopp, representing the Depositions Committee, read Mr. Weldy's findings: Mr. Weldy served on Council from September, 2004 through December, 2005. During his tenure, he made motions to close two borough roads. He testified that it was his responsibility to make sure the borough was utilizing federal funds according to established laws and regulations. He voted to award Ken Rausch’s bid for the Shadigee Creek wall. Although he was asked if an engineer’s design and seal was required by the GP 11 permit, he provided no proof that the borough was exempt from that requirement. He further testified the failed wall was built with public money and that the government is responsible for the repairs. He did not establish that the FEMA funding was eligible funding. He testified there was no need to contact NRCS after the floods, even though there was documentation alerting council at the time, funding was, in fact, available. He provided no documentation to substantiate his statements. The “T” wall sections existed in the stream (constituting a D.E.P. violation) for a year prior to the council awarding the bid to Ken Rausch. He testified since he left office he has contacted state agencies, but would provide no names of those agencies. The committee’s conclusion was that Mr. Weldy has not cooperated to resolve the issues concerning the Shadigee Creek wall and has attempted to, in fact, hinder the procedure to resolve those issues. It is further the conclusion of the committee that the members of the 2005 council, including Mr. Weldy, Paul Everett, Louis Gurske and Bridgette D’Agati and secretary Pat Schneyer were overwhelmed and complicated the simple process of sponsoring the NRCS funding for the Shadigee Creek wall project. They further concluded that Mr. Weldy was more interested in going to government agencies pertaining to Starrucca Borough, than in comprehending that eligible funding was available through NRCS and not through PEMA/FEMA. The committee found that Mr. Weldy committed serious acts of misfeasance and malfeasance and breached his fiduciary and legal duties to the council and to the citizens of Starrucca Borough. They further recommended that Mr. Weldy be sanctioned for his acts of commission and omission, and the report be forwarded to the office of the District Attorney and all appropriate agencies and the cost of this investigation be assessed against him. (It was noted a change of eight (8) feet not eight (8) inches will be reflected in the report.) Mr. Darl Haynes, FEMA agent, asked the secretary to read a letter received from FEMA, notifying the borough that all PWs for FEMA 1649-DR-PA have been closed and the sub grantee allowance ($857.72) will soon be mailed to the borough. A letter from the borough solicitor as requested by the auditors was read. The letter concerned the financial status of the borough. The attorney alerted to two issues currently facing the borough: The first; Starrucca Borough has received a preliminary notice from an attorney representing Ken Rausch, expressing his right to file suit against the borough for an alleged breech of contract arising out of the Shadigee Creek wall project. The second; the council has authorized a committee to commence an investigation concerning certain matters that were brought to the borough’s attention. The committee has gathered information and issued preliminary findings regarding certain members who are the subject of the investigation. The borough will ascertain the amount of monies and pursue the collection of these monies and any losses caused the borough from the responsible individuals. In New Business: The stone quotes were presented from State Aggregates, Montrose Materials and Damascus (D & S) Quarries. After review, motion carried to award the quote to D & S (Damascus) Quarries at the prices stated and to spend up to $9,800.00 on stone materials for the 2008-year. Motion carried to hire Dennis E. Whitmore for the lawn care (hall and ballfield) for the 2008 year, at the same rate as 2007 ($1400.00). President Rhone reported he spoke with the solicitor about persons making donations to the borough. Anyone can make a donation naming a project or purpose and he welcomed persons to do so. Mr. (Darl) Haynes asked the secretary to read a letter from Attorney Paula Radick (representing L. Gurske, B. D’Agati, R. Weldy, P. Everett and P. Schneyer) asking the court for a continuance to the date scheduled to quash the depositions. The borough has not heard from the (borough) solicitor or the court of a date change. Mr. Jack Downton questioned the auditor’s letter from the solicitor, asking, “Did Bugaj give a date?” There was some confusion as to what he was referring to. He stated, “When Ken Rausch filed the suit”? The answer was No. No further business to come before the board, motion to adjourn carried, meeting adjourned.
Gibson Barracks Report THEFT (AUTO) On May 3, a 1990 maroon Subaru Loyale was removed from the Atherholt residence on Old Rte. 11 in New Milford Twp. during daylight hours. The car was not running and appears to have been towed from the scene. RUNAWAY On May 3, a 13-year old male ran away from his home, and was later found in the Friendsville area and returned to his mother in Johnson City, NY. FOUND ITEM One red Leer truck cap was found in a barn located on Franks Road in Gibson Township. The cap is in fair condition, and PSP Gibson is actively seeking the owner. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On May 2, at around 3:00 p.m., someone smashed the back window of a truck belonging to Steward Wenhold of Kingsley at John's Saw Mill in New Milford Twp. The perpetrator is described as a bearded, white male, approximately 35 years old and around 5'10” tall, weighing around 180 lbs. He was driving a teal Honda Civic, and fled on the East Lake road toward Susquehanna Borough. THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING An employee of Smart Choice Tobacco in Little Meadows is accused of stealing cash and cashing in cigarette coupons to acquire $241.18 in an unlawful manner. The suspect, who is not named in the report, made restitution to the store's manager, Salma Sheikh of Apalachin, NY. Sheikh declined prosecution. THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING On May 2, money orders totaling $290 were taken from Michael Anthony Vitale of Hop Bottom. BURGLARY On May 1, one or more person(s) entered the residence of John Geyer of Harford and removed an Xbox 360 Elite video game and four video game discs. THEFT Sometime between the 4th of April and the 20th of that month, eight steel Caterpillar brand replacement bucket teeth were removed from a stone quarry in Bridgewater Twp. Two water storage containers, having a capacity of several hundred gallons, were also moved and dumped into a small pond. TRAFFIC CRASH On April 30, Vonecile Phelps of South Montrose was traveling SR 706 at a high rate of speed when she lost control of her vehicle on a curve, traveled off the south side of the road, and impacted with a utility pole. Phelps was not wearing a seatbelt and was flown to Robert Packer Hospital for the treatment of severe injuries. Her son was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured. POSSESSION OF A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA On April 12, at around 8:15 p.m., Gregory Paul Burthic of Syracuse, NY was stopped on I-81 in Lenox Twp. for speeding and a left lane violation. The stop resulted in both Burthic and passenger Kevin Rodriguez, also of Syracuse, being charged with Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-03. CRASH On May 2, at around 2:30 a.m., Victoria Rompilla of Verona, NJ was traveling southbound on I-81 in Harford Twp. when she exited the southbound travel lanes into the median. Rompilla's vehicle began a clockwise rotation while in the median, and initiated a rolling maneuver toward the driver's side of the vehicle, completing one roll before coming to a final rest facing south. Rompilla was wearing her seatbelt; no injuries were reported. She was charged with PAVC 3714, Careless Driving. BURGLARY On April 21 and 22, Rowland Sharp reported that someone broke into his office, All Seasons Real Estate, in Lenox. The incident occurred during the night. UNDETERMINED FIRE On April 24, a fire occurred at the residence of Thomas Woods in Rush Township. The fire was discovered around 8:30 by a neighbor, and appeared to have started in a shed connected to the house. The shed and the attached residence were destroyed. The cause of this fire is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154 or PSP Fire Marshal Unit at (570) 963-3156. UNDETERMINED FIRE Between April 24 and April 25, a fire occurred on Billy Goat Rd. in Forest Lake Township. The burned structure was discovered on April 25 at around 7:30 a.m. The residence burned to the ground, and no one noticed it until that morning. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154 or PSP Fire Marshal Unit at (570) 963-3156.
Rail Authority To Meet With Potential Shippers The Susquehanna County Rail Authority has decided that its next best step would be to meet with the potential business owners who would have material to ship from the trans-loading facility, which is slated to be built in New Milford. The meeting is slated for May 29, at 8 a.m. at the County Office Building in the Emergency Management Conference room. Anyone who has an interest in utilizing the transloading facility is welcome to attend. According to Ken Bondurant and Commissioner Mary Ann Warren, “The state has no funding for the facility at this time.” “It is bleak from their point of view,” Bondurant told other members of the Authority. “They said it would be like we were just starting all over again, and we will have to do just that, if we want this facility to come to Susquehanna County.” Dave Darrow said that he, too, had spoken to Senator Madigan’s Craig Schuey and was told that they would need to begin again from scratch. After much discussion on what the next move should be, members and Commissioner Warren decided they needed to know what shippers were behind the Rail Authority. According to a list from 2007, there are approximately 32 potential shippers in the County. “We will invite them, plus anyone else who may be interested. The price of gas has substantially risen and some business owners may be happy to have the ability to ship by rail,” Bondurant said. Commissioner Warren said she, for one, will help all she can with the meeting. She also said she would ask the other two commissioners if she would be able to mail the invitation letters from the county, as it is The Rail Authority and the county who are planning the meeting. “I will just do it myself, if the other two commissioners do not agree,” she said. “We have to look for funding, wherever we can find it,” Ken Bondurant stated. “We also have to check into the land to see if it is still available and if the price is still the same.” Dave Darrow told the Authority that he had spoken with the landowner and the location is still available, but the owner stated she wanted a June 1, 2008 commitment. “We need the commissioners to co-sign a loan for us so we may purchase the land in New Milford,” Joe White said. Commissioner MaryAnn Warren said that she would, and that she hoped that Commissioners Allen and Giangrieco would sign as well. Bondurant reported that he had received two calls from CP Rail. At first he was told that if he got something going again, to “come to the table.” A call later on in the week told Bondurant “not to throw in the towel just yet!” Bondurant was not aware of the information the CP Rail representative had regarding the facility. In other business, the Authority welcomed new member Joe Franks, from Hallstead. Finances were discussed and that, too seemed “bleak” as there is only $50.00 in the account. Authority received a letter from the state reminding them that they have to take care of the $25,000 loan from last year. They also thanked the Authority for finishing the paperwork on the other loan from 2007. Rail Authority meetings are held the second Friday of the month, 10 a.m. in the Emergency Management Conference Room located in the County Office Building.
Silver Lake Township April Police Report Following is the Silver Lake Township Police report for April, 2008, as submitted. MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT On April 3, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Ralph Fruehan of Brackney reported his 1999 Dodge Caravan had been stolen from his driveway on Britton Road. The van was seen heading north on SR4001 towards N.Y. State. Silver Lake Police recovered the vehicle. Charges are pending. LITTERING/SCATTERING RUBBISH On April 9, it was reported that litter and other debris had been discarded on several occasions behind the St Augustine Church on Church Road in Silver Lake Township. BURGLARY On April 15, Mr. Dick Foley reported that his guitar was stolen from his residence on John C. McNamara Drive. The guitar was valued at approximately $2,000.00 and was a Guild Statfire 3. The guitar was taken between 04/03/2008 and 04/14/2008. Warrants have been issued. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On April 19, Mary Ann Nagy reported that her mailbox had been damaged or vandalized. Close inspection showed a ¼ inch hole in the pole supporting the mailbox. BURGLARY On April 22, it was reported that metal and other material had been taken from private property and a dwelling on State Line Road in Silver Lake Township. A neighbor had noticed suspicious truck vehicles on the property for a couple of days and alerted the owner, who called police. The owner and police caught some of the suspects at the property. Initial estimates are well over $2,000.00 worth of items taken. Two individuals were arrested and warrants were issued for two other actors. Any information or questions for the Silver Lake Township Police, please call (570) 278-6818 or e-mail at silverlaketwppd@epix.net. All information will be held strictly confidential.
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