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HEADLINES: Susky Bridge Not A “Priority” The turning lane on Main St. at the Exchange St. intersection has been blocked off for quite some time; the bridge that runs under Main St., across Drinker Creek is in need of repair or replacement. Work on it was delayed due to the scope of damage throughout the county from the June, 2006 flooding. Susquehanna Boro’s mayor, Denise Reddon has been determined about pursuing a definite answer from PennDOT, as to just when the work will be done. At the August 26 council meeting, Mayor Reddon reported that she has been told by a PennDOT official that the work is not on their immediate agenda. At this point, it looks like it may not even be put out to bid until at least 2012, and possibly not even then. The barriers cause traffic backups on Main St., and there is, the mayor said, the constant fear that the bridge will collapse. The mayor said that she had not personally been under the bridge, but had it on good authority that the beams are in bad shape; daylight can be seen through the deck. Council president Mike Matis said that he had been on a site inspection (with PennDOT) under the bridge, and that some of the beams had very large holes in them. PennDOT had placed the barriers to reduce the weight on the bridge at any one time, but there is still concern that some of the trucks that use the bridge are extremely heavy. The mayor said that she would prefer that a weight limit be put into place, rather than the barriers, but PennDOT said that the truckers would only find alternate routes through the boro’s neighborhood streets, which would result in other problems. Mayor Reddon said that PennDOT has regularly inspected the bridge, most recently as this past spring, but it seems that the bridge is not considered a priority. The mayor said that she would continue to look into the matter, particularly just what the weight limit is. “I see (the bridge) as a disaster in the making,” she said. She has been in contact with Senator Lisa Baker’s office to see if help is available. A representative of Senator Baker’s office is trying to set up a meeting with PennDOT and members of council. Mayor Reddon will keep council posted. In other business, during review of the monthly bill list, there was some discussion regarding one bill that was higher than had been anticipated; the bill had (apparently) been approved without all council members’ knowledge. The vote to approve the bill list had two dissenting votes from Mr. Perry and Mr. Kuiper. A motion carried to approve ordinance No. 454, indebtedness in the amount of $29,554 for the boro’s first new police car since 1979. The boro has received a grant of $20,000 for the new car, and the remainder will be paid out over a five-year period. Proceeds from the sale of the old Chevy police car will also be applied towards the loan. There was some discussion as to the best way to sell the car. It was agreed to use municibid, an Internet auction site for municipalities. The minimum price was set at $3,500. The parking committee has composed a flyer, which will be distributed to residents outlining parking regulations to try to alleviate some of the problems residents have been complaining about. A few changes were suggested and discussed. The final product, which will be printed by a committee member who is donating them to the boro, will be distributed shortly. It was noted that the regulations outlined in the flyer are based on existing parking laws, and are not something that council is proposing. Enforcement of those regulations was discussed, as the boro only has part-time police officers, and one of those has recently resigned. Mr. Scales suggested that council consider hiring of a part-time parking enforcement officer, who would not necessarily have to be a police officer, just someone familiar with parking regulations. The resignation of Officer Patton Weidow was accepted with regret; he has enlisted in the military. Council approved advertising for another part-time officer. In response to a question from a resident, the mayor explained that the boro only has part-time officers; even one full-time officer would be beyond the financial capabilities of the boro, as having a full-time officer would require that benefits be paid, and a higher contribution to the pension fund. Although the boro has not had a full-time officer for a number of years, the boro is still obligated to pay into the pension fund for the full-time officers it did have. Council approved Resolution No. 82608, which states that the boro has a mitigation strategy to continue compliance with national flood insurance program regulations. Building maintenance was discussed. The branch library quarters are in need of painting, carpet is coming unglued, and the door needs to be replaced. Prices for the door and the carpet will be obtained; half of the cost of the door might be eligible for a 50% reimbursement through the Main Street Façade program. And, the installer who put in the carpet will be contacted. Correspondence included a letter from the county Tax Claim Bureau about an upcoming upset sale; a notice from Adams Cable that consumers’ monthly fees will be increasing as of September 1; another letter from Adams Cable stating that they will no longer be carrying WBNG, the Binghamton CBS affiliate station as of October; and the minutes of the Tri-Boro Municipal Authority meeting. No bids were received for the police department’s bicycle, which council had approved selling at a prior meeting. It was thought that Lanesboro might be interested in buying it; they will be contacted to see if they are. A multi-municipal meeting had been held with representatives of Oakland and Lanesboro’s council, to discuss issues of mutual concern. One idea discussed had been an inter-boro cooperative for purchase of goods and service. Another meeting will be held in October. The next regular council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 7:00 p.m. in the boro building.
Harford Budget Woes Last time, the Harford Township Supervisors announced that budget review would begin in September. They got an early start at the meeting on August 26, and Garry Foltz led off the discussion by saying, "I don't care for what I'm seeing... Some areas aren't looking good," referring to the current state of the township's finances. He said the township has been "slammed" with equipment repairs this year, and he said that the township "will end up over budget on legal this year," primarily due to work on the flood damage repair projects. Mr. Foltz said that the township should consider adding more "into [the legal] area" for next year. And he asked employees to consider what equipment purchases they might consider. Supervisor and township Secretary Sue Furney said that the office copier was getting old and cranky. She said she doesn't do a lot of high-volume copying on the machine, but the Supervisors have considered adding a newsletter to township tax bills that would mean about 800 copies at least once a year. But a real bite would be consideration of a new (to Harford, anyway) grader. Supervisor and Roadmaster Terry VanGorden discussed a couple of possibilities, each of them in the range of $100,000. The township will also need to purchase a collection of new road signs in order to maintain compliance with something called the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) issued by the Federal Department of Transportation, and the corresponding Pennsylvania version. Street name signs will have to have bigger lettering by the beginning of 2012. Since this could be an expensive process, the Supervisors are considering a three-year phase-in to spread out the cost. Other new regulations require that road crews wear more visible gear. Mr. VanGorden reported that one vendor is offering a suitable "five-in-one" jacket that complies with new visibility standards for $85 each. Mr. Foltz requested details so that he could ask a neighbor for a better price. Mr. Foltz is gradually making his way through the township's ordinances, and is suggesting some changes to the way speed limits are established on the township's roads. According to Ms. Furney, the State Police will not enforce speed limits that are not defined by township ordinance. Yet speed limits are regulated by PennDOT rules that require surveys of the roadways in question. Along with surveys and ordinances, the township would have to purchase and install speed limit signs. And then, with only one or two troopers to cover the entire county, would all that be worth the cost if enforcement would be so light? Speaking of signs, the Supervisors were informed that new addresses would be forthcoming by the end of September, or early October. A county official said that Harford should have been scheduled for early July, but there had been delays at the county level. Mr. VanGorden announced that reconstruction of the bridge over Butler Creek on Pennay Hill Road is "officially under way." The project must be completed before the end of the year to qualify for full reimbursement by federal and state agencies. Ms. Furney said that the contract requires the builder to keep the bypass open around the site so that the route will remain useable. Roadmaster VanGorden reported that his crew will revisit some roads that have experienced severe "washboarding," blamed primarily on "wheel hopping" by heavy trucks traveling empty. He mentioned specifically Wolf Lake hill, Pennay Hill Road, and Grinnell Road as due for additional attention. With budget discussions heating up, you won't want to miss a single meeting. They take place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the township office on Route 547 just south of I-81.
Following is the Susquehanna County sentencing report for August, 2008 as submitted by the county District Attorney’s office. Kevin M Stone, 36, of Tunkhannock, 90 days to 11 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served including time served in inpatient facility, pay cost of prosecution, pay $1500 fine, pay $100 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, continue with outpatient drug and alcohol treatment, attend alcohol highway safe driving school program, pay $300 Act 198 fee for Driving Under the Influence in Montrose Borough on May 3, 2008. The defendant also received 90 days to 11 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay cost of prosecution, pay $300 Act 198 fee, pay $1,500 fine, pay $200 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, continue with outpatient treatment, attend alcohol highway safe driving school program, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to enter any establishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcoholic beverages, comply with PA ignition interlock law for Driving Under the Influence in Bridgewater Township on May 24, 2008. Michael Matthew Ely, Jr., 21, of Montrose, one year probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Receiving Stolen Property in Rush Township on November 7, 2007. David Richard Andersen, 26, of Montrose, 15 days to one year in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, to run concurrent to sentence currently being served and concurrent to sentences received on (this) date, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim in this case, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Bad Checks in New Milford Borough on March 20, 2008. The defendant received 15 days to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, to run concurrent to sentence currently being served and concurrent to sentences received on (this) date, pay restitution to the victim in this case, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, pay $150 fine for Theft by Deception in New Milford Borough March 28, 2008. The defendant received 15 days to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, to run concurrent to sentence currently being served and sentences received on (this) date, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim in this case, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Bad Checks in Susquehanna Borough on February 22, 2008. The defendant received 15 days to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, to run concurrent to sentence currently being served and to sentences received on (this) date, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution the victim in this matter for Theft by Deception in Susquehanna Borough on February 20, 2008. The defendant also received, 15 days to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, to run concurrent to sentence currently being served and sentence received on (this) date, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim in this case, pay $100 fine, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Bad Checks in Great Bend Township on February 23, 2008. The defendant received 15 days to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, to run concurrent to sentences currently being served and sentences received on (this) date, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim in this case, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Theft by Deception in New Milford Borough on February 20, 2008. The defendant received 3 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, to run concurrent to sentence currently being served and to sentences received on (this) date, pay $150 fine, pay restitution to the victim in this case, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, pay cost of prosecution for Theft by Deception in Susquehanna Borough on February 19, 2008. The defendant was sentenced to pay a $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim in this matter for Bad Checks in Montrose Borough on March 14, 2008. The defendant received 2 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, to run concurrent to the sentence currently being served and the sentences received on (this) date, pay cost of prosecution, credit for time served, pay $200 fine, pay restitution to the victim in this matter, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Theft by Deception in Bridgewater Township on March 16, 2008. The defendant received 2 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, to run concurrent to sentence currently being served and to sentences received on (this) date, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim in this matter, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Bad Checks in Susquehanna Borough on February 29, 2008. Finally, the defendant received 2 years probation, to run consecutive to sentence currently being served and sentences received on (this) date, pay $100 fine, pay restitution to the victim in this case, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, pay cost of prosecution for Theft by Deception in New Milford Borough on February 7, 2008. Larry Rosar, 21, of Carbondale, 6 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, pay cost of prosecution, pay $500 fine, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, not to have contact with the victims in this case, pay restitution to the victims in this case, not to have contact with codefendants in this case, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Criminal Trespass in Forest City on December 23, 2007. The defendant also received, 4 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victims in this case, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 fine, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to have contact with codefendants in this case, become employed after being paroled, receive drug and alcohol evaluation for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Forest City on December 23, 2007. Finally, the defendant received 1 month to 1 year in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, to run concurrent to above sentences, credit for time served, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 fine, pay restitution to the victim in this case, not to have contact with co defendants in this case, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Criminal Mischief in Forest City on December 23, 2007. Melody Jean Krisko, 45, of Hallstead, 45 months probation, pay cost of prosecution, pay $750 fine, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to enter any establishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcohol, perform 25 hours or community service, pay $100 Act 198 fee for Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to deliver in Hallstead on March 26, 2008. The defendant also received 1 year probation, to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Possession of Controlled Substance in Hallstead on March 26, 2008. Finally, the defendant received 1 year probation, to run concurrent to the above sentences, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $200 fine, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess, consume or transport alcoholic beverages, not to enter any establishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcohol for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Hallstead on March 26, 2008. Anthony James Cokely, 24, of Great Bend, 15 months probation, pay cost of prosecution, pay $250 fine, perform 25 hours community service, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Unsworn Falsification to Authorities in New Milford on March 7, 2008. The defendant received a $25 fine, pay $30 CAT surcharge, $10 EMS, for Driving at Safe Speed in New Milford on March 7, 2008. He also received a $25 fine, pay $30 Cat, $10 EMS, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim in this case for Careless Driving in New Milford on March 7, 2008. The defendant also received 6 months probation, attend a drug and alcohol highway safe driving school program, pay $300 fine, pay $10 EMS, pay $10 CAT surcharge, pay $100 Act 198 fee for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend on October 13, 2007. Finally, the defendant received 14 days to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, may serve sentence on weekends, to run concurrent to above sentence, not to consume alcoholic beverages, pay cost of prosecution, pay $350 fine for Simple Assault in New Milford on April 12, 2008. Kurtis Mark Burns, 46, of Brackney, 6 months probation, complete an alcohol highway safe driving school program, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $300 fine, pay $30 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS for Driving Under the Influence in Ararat Township on October 6, 2007. You can find these and previous sentences at www.SusquehannaCounty-DA.org.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Michael D. and Michelle Rogan to Terry L. and Doris M. Anderson, in Hop Bottom Borough for $115,000.00. Peter Muir, Jr. to Gregory and Kimberly Congdon, in Gibson Township for $50,000.00. Donna Fekette and Thomas (AKA) Thomas J., Jr. Lopatofsky to Brett and Nicole Labarre, in Montrose for $139,000.00. Phillip R. and Marilyn W. Holly to Phillip R. and Marilyn W. Holly, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Robert and Christine A. Volk to Pamela E. Kelly, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. GMAC Mortgage LLC to United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in Dimock Township for one dollar. Leonard J., Sr. (Estate AKA) Leon Poch to Mary T. Poch, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Thomas J. and Lynn F. Bolles to Thomas Bolles (Trust), in Franklin Township for one dollar. Thomas J. and Lynn F. Bolles to Thomas Bolles (Trust), in Franklin Township for one dollar. Salt Lick Hunting Club to Howell Road Partners LLC, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Eric A. and Laura M. Pike (NBM) Laura M. Little and Kevin Little, to Eric A. Pike, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. Citimortgage, Inc. (SBM), Citifinancial Mortgage Co., Inc. (FKA) Citifinancial Mortgage Consumer Discount Co. (By Atty) to Sheri M. Schell, in Oakland Borough for $29,500.00. Anne E. (By Sheriff) and Darwin J. Thomas (By Sheriff) to Wells Fargo Bank, in Lenox Township for $5,755.42.00. Laura Gerstley to Laura Gerstley, in Harmony Township for one dollar. James B. Farrell to Patricia A. Newman, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Pennsylvania Pension and Profit Sharing Plan (By Trustee) and Stephen Schnitzer to Jesse and Christie Bonnice, in Jessup Township for $76,000.00. Robert A. and Sandra E. Zapanovich to Robert A. and Sandra E. Zapanovich, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Edwin and Lorraine King to Steve Miekley, in Rush Township for $60,000.00. Frank A. Mulligan to Frank A. Mulligan, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Elizabeth M. Carpenetti to Nicole B. Carpenetti, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. Melissa J. Ely to Gerald P. and Kenda L. Peck, in Apolacon Township for $3,000.00. John B., III and Mary S. Wilson to Mark A. and Michelle L. Antinnes, in Dimock Township for $250,000.00. James Martin and Joan Margaret Peck to Gerald P. and Kenda L. Peck, in Apolacon Township for $285,000.00. Frank A. Mulligan to James S. and Valerie Mazar, in Bridgewater Township for $70,000.00. Albert H. and Doris J. Stickney to O. Kenneth Shaffer, in Choconut Township for $74,000.00. Albert H. and Doris J. Stickney to O. Kenneth Shaffer, in Choconut Township for $74,000.00. James E., Jr., Susan, Joseph F. (By POA), Mary Lou (By POA) and Marjorie A. Ryan to Howard and Maureen Kershner, in Silver Lake Township for $95,000.00. Lee Brensinger and Charlotte Smetzer to Edward and Betsy Sodon, in Silver Lake Township for $35,000.00. O. Kenneth Shaffer to Carl A. and Carolyn R. Andreasen, in Choconut Township for $123,000.00. Margaret A. (By Sheriff) and Edmond A. (By Sheriff) Groover to HSBC Bank USA, in Susquehanna for $2,656.59. Heidi D. Zenger to Ryan and Cherie Tator, in Montrose for $96,000.00. Raymond and Helen Marilynn McDonald to Michael E. and Jennifer K. Fifth, in New Milford Township for $108,000.00. Raymond R. and Linda J. Landis (NBM) Linda J. Walmsley to Raymond R. and Linda J. Landis, in Oakland Township for one dollar. Margaret C. (By Sheriff) and Patrick (AKA) Pat Foster to Forest City Nursing and Rehab Center, in Uniondale Borough for $1,628.12. Matthew S. and Colleen E. Shager to Matthew S. Shager, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Matthew S. and Colleen E. Shager to Donald John and Sharon B. Holdridge, in Gibson Township for $5,000.00. Robert E. Speiser to Francis W. and Kim A. Fruehan and Paul F., Pippa A., Gregory and Robyn Adams, in Silver Lake Township for $160,000.00. Erminia A. and Michael Cola to Erminia A. and Michael Cola, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. D. Dale and Carol L. Grosvenor and Jesse and Stacey Trunk to Jam Realty LLC, in Montrose for $55,000.00. Thomas A. McMullen, III to Thomas A. McMullen, III (Trust), in Auburn Township for one dollar. William C. and Margo J. Burchell to Rosaria M. Armetta, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Sara Lee Barbour to James L. and Kim R. Barbour, in Liberty Township for one dollar. Sara Lee Barbour to James L. and Kim R. Barbour, in Liberty Township for one dollar. Kenneth H. (By Atty) and Lisa J. Schmidt to Robert A. and Jennifer H. Housel, in Harford Township for $263,000.00. William J. and Judith R. (By Atty) McFadden to Heidi and Delphine A. Zenger, in Montrose for $80,000.00. Trudy Stallings, Richard A., Chris and Tamara Rood and Shelly and Bruce Cassidy (AKA) Shelly and Bruce Cassity to Matthew E. Tierney and Ashley L. Sinnett, in Great Bend Township for $30,000.00. William S. Capron to Bradley K. Chidester, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. MARRIAGES Steven Andrew Rogers and Wanda Gean Scott, both of Binghamton, NY. Aaron M. Miller and Bethann L. Alt, both of Port Crane, NY. Christopher J. Hulbert and Cheryl Ann Lamphere, both of Hallstead. Joseph L. Flaherty and Jennifer Lynn Lupole, both of Friendsville. Charles Edward Trombley, Jr. and Sarah Irene Sprague, both of Binghamton, NY. Justin S. Fauver and Deanna Lynn Hunsinger, both of Laceyville. Allen H. R. Mosher of Meshoppen and Marilyn Dimichele of Rushville. John Wesley Oden of Houghton, NY and Helena Renee Tyler of Montrose. Peter Konreid Quiff and Therese J. Stakas, both of Montrose. Jeffrey C. Haley and Lisa M. Muchank, both of Susquehanna. Stephen M. West and Shelly L. Regan, both of Hallstead. William M. Matos, III and Elissa Tara Palmer, both of Uniondale. Rocky K. Wern and Knadija A. Mustafa, both of Binghamton, NY.
Gibson Barracks Report D.U.I. On August 22 at around 10:04 p.m., Dale Ralston of Hallstead and Yao Zeng of Brooklyn, NY were both traveling south on I-81 at the Randolph Rd. overpass in Great Bend Twp. At this time, Ralston attempted to change lanes, moving from the left to the right, striking Zeng's vehicle in the process. This caused both units to go out of control, off the road into the brush. Zeng's vehicle rolled onto its roof; one passenger was taken for medical treatment. Everyone else was uninjured. Ralston was arrested for suspicion of DUI. Charges were pending test results at the time of the report. SHOOTING An incident occurred between two unnamed 17-year old juveniles at a residence in Dimock Twp. on August 22. On that night, the accused was showing the victim a .380 caliber handgun when he pointed it at the victim's face and pulled the trigger. The gun fired, and a bullet struck the victim in the face. The victim was life-flighted to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. The accused was charged with Aggravated Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Possession of Firearm by Minor. He/she was arraigned before Dist. Judge Suzanne Brainard. THEFT Approximately 100 feet of copper tubing was removed from the Watson Hill Bible Church sometime between the 6th and 20th of August. The tubing had run from a propane tank to the church. CRASH On April 25 at around 5:56 p.m., Joseph Squindo was pulling out of SR1001 onto SR171 in Thompson Twp. He stopped at the stop sign, but did not see a second vehicle driven by Sarah Holmes of that town. A collision occurred. Squindo was transported to Barnes-Kasson Hospital, and Holmes was air-lifted to CMC. SCATTERING RUBBISH On August 25, various beer cans and garbage were left on property in Friendsville Borough belonging to Elizabeth Ryan of Binghamton. CRASH On August 17 at around 10:45 a.m., a vehicle driven by Jessica Gyemibi of Bronx, NY exited Rte. 81 in Harford Twp. for unknown reasons and struck a guardrail. She was wearing her seatbelt and sustained a minor injury. She was cited for causing a crash. CRASH On August 25, Carlton Hawley was traveling southbound on SR 3029 in Forest Lake Twp. while Aaron Wilcox of S. Montrose traveled northbound. Hawley attempted to make a left-hand turn into a parking lot and pulled into the path of Wilcox, who struck his vehicle. Minor injuries were sustained. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On August 25 at around 12:45 a.m., a vehicle described as an early 1990s maroon and gray full-sized pickup truck caused damage to the yard and field area of the Elk Lake School District in Dimock. COLLISION-TRAFFIC On August 22, an unknown person was traveling northbound on SR 4007 in Forest Lake Twp. The driver exited the roadway to the east of the travel lanes while attempting to negotiate a curve in the road. The 1984 Harley Davidson Sportster, PA registration # MDZ49 glanced off a series of trees before coming to a final rest in a ditch upon its side. The driver left the scene prior to police arrival. STOLEN VEHICLE Sometime overnight on August 21, a 1996 Ford Escort station wagon, green in color, was stolen from the residence of Christopher Carlson in Susquehanna, PA . The vehicle had PA registration # GSR2514. THEFT Between the 10th and 16th of August, a ladder, torch, and hammers left outside, were stolen from a location on Shadduck Rd. in Middletown Twp. THEFT Sometime between the 6th and 20th of August, approximately 50 feet of copper tubing and two gas regulators were removed from the cabin of Fredrick Fry in Hop Bottom Borough. HIT AND RUN On August 19 at around 2:25 a.m., Jason Browning was traveling east on SR 3029 in Bridgewater Twp. Browning failed to negotiate a right curve, his vehicle entering a clockwise spin and sliding off the roadway from the north berm. The Volkswagen Jetta then rolled over and struck a tree with the front end. Browning fled the scene. THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE A 1987 Chevy Astro Van, with no registration plate displayed, was removed from the property of Thomas Woods in Rush Twp. The vehicle had been left on the property after a house fire. THEFT Between the 13th and 14th of August, $150 worth of diesel fuel was removed from an outside storage tank located at Glenwood Quarry in New Milford.
Commissioners Adopt Windmill Ordinance The August 27 meeting of the Susquehanna County Commissioners was attended by Commissioners Michael Giangrieco, Mary Ann Warren and Leon Allen, Deputy Chief Clerk Kathy Aldrich and approximately 14 other people, including county Planning Director Bob Templeton and Penn State Cooperative Extension’s Regional Director, G. Michael McDavid, and Terry Schettion, County Extension Director. After approving the minutes from the August 13 meeting and agreeing to pay checks and approving seminar requests, the meeting got underway. Commissioner Allen called a “quick” public hearing related to windmill farms, concerning “the development, construction, operation and decommissioning of Wind Energy Facilities in Susquehanna County, subject to reasonable conditions that will protect the public health, safety and welfare.” Bob Templeton answered some questions concerning definitions of Wind Energy Facilities, including that three to five large windmills constitute a Wind Mill Farm, which is different from someone having just one windmill. Templeton reported that currently there are no windmill farms within Susquehanna County. He added that a Philadelphia based operation was looking in the area and may be coming back at some time in the future. He also related the applicability of all land development plans which provide for Wind Energy Facilities to be constructed after the effective date of the Ordinance, except that this section is not intended to apply to stand-alone wind turbines constructed primarily for residential or farm use. Facilities constructed prior to the effective date of the proposed ordinance shall not be required to meet the requirements of the applicability section, provided that any physical modification to an existing Wind Energy Facility that materially alters the size, type and number of wind turbines or other equipment shall comply with the provisions of this section, #709.3. Exact information, uses and other concerns may be found at the County Planning Office within the County Office Building. The Commissioners then adopted Ordinance #2008-01, an amendment to Ordinance 2005-01, the Susquehanna County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, per the request of the Susquehanna County Planning Commission. This amendment is to add a section to the ordinance regulating Wind Energy Facilities. Bob Templeton then answered remaining questions pertaining to the ordinance. Commissioners introduced the two directors from the Penn State Cooperative Extension. Michael McDavid told audience members that he and Schettion were working closely with all cooperatives throughout the County Extensions to bring more education and utilize each extension office to the fullest capability, to promote further education for all of Pennsylvania. McDavid said that he is the Regional Director for the position of forming a Task Force for CCAP, and he is working along with 11 counties on a two-year program to combine both the educational and the legislative phase to develop both informal and formal information and education. McDavid stated that this position he holds is a non paid position, and Mr. Schettion assists him as well as performs other duties for the benefit of the entire Cooperative Extensions. There was also some educational information regarding gas leases, which the co-ops are working on, which will be forthcoming along with water issues, economic and community development issues. Commissioners also accepted with regret, the resignation of DeLores Davis, Children and Youth, effective September 6. During Public Comment, Jim Jennings asked the commissioners why they were appealing the ruling handed down (by Honorable Susquehanna County Judge Kenneth Seamans), regarding conflicts of interest with Attorney/Commissioner Mike Giangrieco. Another question was asked several times, where this appeal would be heard and if it would cost the taxpayers of the county. Commissioner Warren stated that it would not cost the taxpayers. After a bit of discussion with Jennings, Commissioner Warren stated, "Well there may be, then." Giangrieco sat without answer for a few minutes, then told the audience that the hearing would probably be set in Harrisburg. Jennings stated that with Giangrieco recusing himself from a recent vote regarding the matter of conflicting interests, and that Judge Seamans thought that it was conflicting issues, that he (Jennings) believes that it is a true conflict of issues. Jennings also asked the commissioners why a special meeting regarding the hiring of the new warden, Phillip King was done behind closed doors. Apparently, there was a scheduled meeting for the same hiring and the commissioners held one earlier in the morning than scheduled. According to Jennings, the Sunshine Law requires that such a hiring to be done at a public meeting, and that it “was supposed to be done at that scheduled meeting.” Jennings also asked that the commissioners “let the public know what you are going to do, before you do it... It is required by law, and not supposed to be done behind closed doors.” Commissioner Mary Ann Warren stated, “It was done by the Jail Board at the jail,” but that Jennings’ point was “well taken.” Commissioner Giangrieco said, “It is not a point well taken, it is wrong and I am not going to discuss it further.”
Few Coaches At MVSD Coaching, or a lack thereof, was a hot topic of conversation at the August 25 Mountain View School Board meeting. The discussion began when a motion was put on the table to approve a co-coaching program for junior high soccer. Currently the district only has one coach, for the boys’ team, and had not received applications to fill the girls’. This was despite the position being posted four times. Parents were present to seek the definition of “co-coaching” and to argue that the current situation, with boys and girls practicing together, was unsatisfactory. One man said that, from his experience, a single coach could not handle so many athletes. Parents were also worried about the possibility of cuts. One woman felt that the extremity of the situation had not been made clear enough to the parents, stating that now it was clear people were willing to volunteer. The administration argued that they had called the parents about the situation after the third posting. The administration also explained that a co-coaching situation was really the best solution. With only a boys' coach, had the boys' team been allowed to practice alone the district could have been attacked for discrimination. If the boys were forced to wait for the girls to have a coach to practice, it could be as long as two weeks before anything began. Mr. Doster explained that Mountain View was actually the only school in the area which had separate programs, and was actually in violation of PIAA rules in doing so. That organization only defines “junior high soccer,” without stipulating gender specific teams. The current co-coach scheme involves two coaches working together, presiding over a co-ed team, rather than separate entities serving over separate squads. The teams would, it was said, travel together, still have A and B games, and play the same amount as in the past. No cuts are planned, so long as the situation is deemed safe. Mr. Doster felt that 50 kids under two coaches was safe. He assured those present that both he and Mr. Borgia, the athletics director, were monitoring the situation and working to make it advantageous for the kids. In the end, the motion passed. Another mildly debated idea would allow one bus driver to treat evasion of traffic in a similar manner to an emergency change of route. Normally the bus drivers have to stay on their assigned route unless they notify the administration of a deviation. In the case of an emergency, they can do this after the fact. The driver transporting the students to the Lackawanna vo-tech has been driving Rte. 11 at times lately, in order to avoid I-81 traffic and return the students in time to catch busses. With the traffic situation continuing, Dr. Chichura asked the board if they wanted to allow the driver to report these route changes after the fact, rather than calling every time the change is made. Some expressed concern that the district would then not know where the bus was, and inquired if the district had ever had a problem with a lost bus. It was replied that no, there had never been an issue with this. Also, it was pointed out, the policy only states that a contractor “notify representative” of the change, such that the change could be in accordance with policy. It was asked where the district stood regarding its outstanding negative cafeteria balance. The balance, it was stated, is declining slowly. No employee has an account more than $25 negative anymore, for instance. Two cases had been sent to the magistrate the week previous. The district continues to face problems in rectifying the situation, however, with families moving from the district, etc. Curriculum coordinator Karen Voigt reported on the reading recovery initiative. The district had not received the full amount, as a training site, in Williamsport, exists within two hours of the school. The cost of one staff member's training is being covered, though. Positive accounts were given of staff preparation at both schools, and acknowledgment made of hard work by secretaries, janitors, etc. on both sides of the road. Acknowledgment was also given to the district's alumni. A visitor spoke up on behalf of the alumni association, thanking Ms. Vagni and other staff for their assistance in contacting students. The association puts on a ceremony every year honoring graduates of Mountain View, Hop Bottom, Brooklyn, and Harford schools. This involves an award presentation, dinner, music, etc. The association asks students to assist in the endeavor, with some condensing biographical information of honorees to present that night. This year those selected for awards include: Harry Cooley (1935, Brooklyn), Evan Prich (1940, Harford), Ruth West (1961, Mountain View), Christina Plonski Sezer (1964, Mountain View), and Roland Decker (1962, Harford). The association feels that it is good for the students to see successful graduates from their area.
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