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Issue Home October 1, 2008 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Mt. View Discusses Pre-K
Commissioners Take Care Of Business
Sentencing Report
Courthouse Report

Mt. View Discusses Pre-K
By Melinda Darrow

The Mt. View pre-k pilot program is poised for success, Mrs. Pipitone reported at the September 22 school board meeting. The classroom arrived and was assembled by the distributor, down to computers with miniature mouses for preschool-sized hands. All requirements have been met, the elementary principal said, despite the stringency of these requirements (which, amongst other things, state that everything in the classroom must be labeled). The program was inspected by the state's pre-k specialist, and received approval and “on-target” status. It was good that the program was started this year; the inspector told Mrs. Pipitone that with the current economy, expansions and new programs were less likely to be approved, but that the state was committed to continuing to fund existing projects.

As for program interest, the district reportedly received 38 inquiring phone calls, and 30 children were brought for registration. The program capacity only allows for 20 students, leaving six (once four were disqualified for age) students unable to fit in the program. Mt. View has arranged with the Forest City program to utilize their remaining three spots should the parents closest to that district so elect, leaving only three on the Mt. View waiting list. Classes are scheduled to begin September 30, with an 8:30-2:20 school day.

Various bus concerns were key discussion points at the meeting. Two unsafe route points were discussed at length. The first regarded an unscheduled stop which bus 22 has made for years, at the funeral home in Clifford near the stop light. Eighteen students regularly disembark at this location, but the stop holds up traffic and leads, various people felt, to unsafe situations. The second concern was broached by a parent, though the actual driver spoke up as well. The problem occurs when bus 25, the man stated, makes its afternoon run, which requires it to cross 106 below Acre Lake Cars. It takes time for the bus to make this maneuver, in part due to road conditions, and students sometimes come over the knoll from the school driving at excessive rates of speed, leading to fear of accidents. It was proposed that were this route lengthened one more mile it could be run in the same fashion as in the morning, eliminating the risk. The board and administration appeared to take both route concerns into serious consideration, and to seek solutions beneficial to all.

Those present, both contractors and staff, also spoke up regarding the morning dismissal of students at the elementary school. One contractor called it an accident waiting to happen. The problem, it was said, was that the buses no longer let the students off at the curb since procedures have changed, and some parents dropping off their children do not listen to staff. These parents dart in and out amongst the buses, requiring bus contractors to ask each other if they are clear prior to moving or releasing students. The staff on bus duty need, it was said, to be out by the crosswalk, but it was reported that people don't listen to them, either. The old system allowed for children to be dropped off at the curb, but Dr. Chichura stated that it was changed due to complaints of congestion and cars backing into buses. Mrs. Pipitone stood up for the people performing bus duty, stating that although it was a new crew they were doing the best they could, and that she herself had gone running through the parking lot to chase a car down. Dr. Chichura related one idea the administration had considered to rectify the situation. Although it could still pose difficulties, all present seemed to consider the best idea thus far. It would involve the district hiring a crossing guard, and only allowing parents to drive in the far parking lot while buses were present. It was agreed that the matter would be looked into.

There was also much debate over the updating of the PLC which runs the wood burning system. The district ran into problems last year with the system needing to be “tricked” into starting. The head of building and grounds attended the meeting to hand board members a proposed list of supplies and a suggestion of vendors. He sought permission to retain a consultant, which would allow district employees to install the new parts themselves. Various board members expressed unease at going with the less expensive but not name brand vendor, despite his recommendation from previous experience. There was also a contingency which did not want to order the parts until the contract with the consultant was solidified. It was argued, however, that the parts, if ordered while in stock, could be returned, but that if not ordered now there was no guarantee they would be in stock when needed. Were heat needed when the parts could not be acquired, and the wood burner out of commission, the district might have to rely on expensive oil for heat. In the end it was agreed that the parts be ordered and the contract drawn up for later approval.

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Commissioners Take Care Of Business
By Carole M. Canfield

The Susquehanna County Commissioners met on September 24 in the Lower EMA Conference Room in The County Office Building at 9 a.m.

Commissioners Giangrieco and Allen were present, with Commissioner Warren absent and attending a conference.

The minutes of September 10 were approved along with the ratification of pre-check registers and EFTPS expenses.

Training for county staff consisted of a long list of requests, ranging from five probation requests, three Children and Youth personnel requests, the Susquehanna County Warden and a total of three personnel from the 911 dispatching staff. There was also a request for the recycling coordinator to attend the Susquehanna County Officials Fall Convention.

Commissioners authorized the signing of a release and indemnity agreement between William Kelley, Sr., Patricia Kelley, Taylor Rental and Susquehanna County regarding a sign for the recycling center, which will be placed on the Taylor Rental Property.

The Tax Bureau exonerated a Warriner land parcel from taxes, as a trailer, in the name of Christopher Fiorentino, had been removed from that location. The assessment office exonerated this from the rolls in September, 2008 for all year, as said trailer is gone.

Susquehanna County Services for Children and Youth certification statements were signed by the commissioners. These certifications will be mailed to the state for reimbursement for that agency.

The next meeting of the Susquehanna County Commissioners will be held on Wednesday, October 8, at 9 a.m. in the EMA Conference Room.

Commissioners’ meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, always at 9 a.m.

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Sentencing Report

Following is the Susquehanna County sentencing report for September, 2008 as submitted by the county District Attorney’s office.

Jeannette Marie Himko, 45, of Jermyn, to 8 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by four years consecutive probation, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement cost, not to possess any weapons while on supervision, not to have contact with children under the age of 18 without appropriate adult supervision for Criminal Solicitation/Incest in Bridgewater Township on October 11, 2001.

Steven Paul Holtsmaster, 33, of Thompson, to 30 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 CAT surcharge, abide by PA ignition interlock law, pay $10 EMS, attend alcohol safe driving school program, 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, not to possess any weapons while on supervision, pay $100 Act 198 fee for Driving Under the Influence in Uniondale on February 10, 2008.

Nicholas A. Krisko, 46, of Hallstead, to 11 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, continue with drug and alcohol counseling program, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement cost for Manufacture of a Controlled Substance in Liberty Township on March 5, 2008.

John Joseph Jenisky, 18, of Forest City, to 1 month to 11 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, pay cost of prosecution, pay $350 fine, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, 10 p.m. curfew, perform 50 hours community service, not to have contact with codefendants in this case, not to have contact with victim in this case, not to possess weapons while on supervision for Criminal Trespass in Forest City on December 19, 2007. The defendant also received 1 month to 11 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 fine, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to have contact with codefendants, 10 p.m. curfew, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement cost for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Forest City on December 19, 2007. The defendant also received $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with victim in this case, not to have contact with codefendant in this case, 10 p.m. curfew for Criminal Mischief in Forest City on December 19, 2007. Finally, the defendant received a $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim in this case for Criminal Mischief in Forest City on February 19, 2008.

Michael Gerard Kelly, 25, of Jermyn, to 30 days suspended in part receiving credit for 18 days of inpatient treatment, 12 days minimum served home confinement, pay $750 fine, pay $100 Act 198 fee, not to use any alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, abide by PA ignition interlock law , pay $100 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, complete alcohol highway safe driving school program, continue with AA program, pay cost of prosecution for Driving Under the Influence in Lenox Township on April 21, 2008.

Michael J. Burger, 18, of Susquehanna, to 4 months to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to possess weapons while on supervision, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement cost, pay cost of prosecution, pay $300 fine, obtain GED while on supervision, 10 p.m. curfew for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Oakland Borough on April 20, 2008.

Joseph Robert Haley, 30, of Binghamton, NY to 90 days to 12 months, first 45 days served in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, upon good behavior last 45 days served as home confinement, pay $1500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $300 Act 198 fee, complete alcohol highway safe driving school program, not to consume alcohol or controlled substances, pay $100 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, supervision may be transferred to Broome County, NY, comply with PA ignition interlock law for Driving Under the Influence in Silver Lake Township on March 20, 2008.

Christine Maria Moore, 38, of Brooklyn, to 15 months probation, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, seek and obtain employment, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Manufacture in Brooklyn Township on February 20, 2008.

Christopher William Rogenkamp, 25, of Kingsley, to 3 months to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for time served, not to have contact with the victims in this case, not to enter the Brass Rail Bar, not to possess weapons while on supervision, not to enter any establishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcohol bars, not to possess or consume alcoholic beverages, 10 p.m. curfew, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement cost for Simple Assault in Clifford Township on November 20, 2007.

Hasmukh M. Patel, 44, of Jim Thorpe, to 12 months probation, supervision my be transferred to Carbon County, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, not to have contact with the victim in this case, pay cost of prosecution, pay $250 fine for Indecent Assault in Springville Township on May 8, 2008.

Wayne David Volpe, Jr., 27, of North Wales, PA to 12 months probation, supervision may be transferred to Montgomery County, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement cost, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Criminal Mischief in Hallstead Borough on November 3, 2007. The defendant also received a $100 fine and cost of prosecution for Disorderly Conduct in Hallstead Borough on November 3, 2007.

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Courthouse Report
Compiled By Lauren P. Ficarro

DEEDS

Albert Reid, Jr. and Jacqueline Chilson to Larry E. Sienko, in Great Bend Township for one dollar.

John Como to John and Victor Como, Teofilo A. Gonzalez, Salvatore Ognibene, Salvatore Ciaravino and Antonio Colmore, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

James W. and Judy D. Inman to John P. and Timna M. Birchard, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

Brandon T. Barlow to Billy Joe Razderk, in Gibson Township for $97,000.00.

Candis McGinnis Finan to Candis M. and Thomas J. Finan, in Herrick Township for one dollar.

Norman O. (Trust by Trustee) and Doris L. (Trust by Trustee) Brunner to Kathleen M. and Duane W. Fetherbay, in Silver Lake Township for $132,000.00.

Arthur W. Dorst, Christopher K. and Joni M. Miller (NBM) Joni M. Deakin to Christopher K. and Joni M. Miller, in Harmony Township for $2,115.00.

Peggy J. Kepp (NKA) Peggy Bessey to Peggy Bessey, in Great Bend Township for one dollar.

Robert Leslie and Sharon Anne Thomas and Joyce M. and Maurice D. Bailey to Robert Leslie Thomas, in Harmony Township for one dollar.

Joel C. and Suzanne Maxey to Thomas C. and Deborah R. Clark, in Montrose for $142,600.00.

Elizabeth Edith (By POA) and Felix George Oleniacz (By POA) to Endless Mountains Energy Partners LLC, in Bridgewater Township for $450,000.00.

Edward J. and Stephanie J. Snee (NBM) Stephanie J. Weber to Eric A. and Rachael A. Vantassel, in Forest Lake Township for $56,500.00.

James H. (Estate AKA) James (AKA) James H., Sr. Sterling to Sophie S. Sterling, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar.

James H. (Estate AKA) James (AKA) James H., Sr. Sterling to Sophie S. Sterling, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar.

Freida Metcalfe to Margie and Jerry Pinch, in Jackson Township for one dollar.

Holiday Sportsmen’s Club, Inc. to Charles J. Sangermano, in Liberty Township for one dollar.

David J. and Vida Thomas (NBM) Vida Buchanan to David J. and Vida Thomas, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

G. L., Jr. and Lee Todd Dozier to G. L., Jr. and Lee Todd Dozier, in Liberty Township for one dollar.

John and Martin Moore to Steven and Barbara Bartkus, in Bridgewater Township for $88,000.00.

Daniel F. and Tracy E. Fenton to Christopher A. and Jill T. Snyder, in Herrick Township for $165,000.00.

Margaret Kowalewski to Donald T. and Celeste E. Kowalewski, in Great Bend Township for one dollar.

Shawn P. Lowry to Scott and Cheryl Taylor, in Lenox Township for $26,500.00.

Citifinancial Services, Inc. (By POA) to Jack Nelson, in Thompson Borough for $32,900.00.

Duane T. and Jeanne A. Dixon to Angelia M. Houghton, in New Milford Borough for $155,000.00.

Lucille Robinson (By POA) to Stephen C. Mazikewich, in Susquehanna for $75,000.00.

Donald (AKA) Donald D. Thomas to Stanley R. and Joyce T. Bognatz, in Clifford Township for $167,500.00.

Adam and Julie Diaz to TKC CXXX LLC, in Bridgewater Township for $400,000.00.

Stanton Bryant and Marguerite M. Rickett to Rickett Living Trust, in Herrick Township for one dollar.

Mark C. and Lori M. Novak to Craig and Tammy Stout, in Harford Township for $217,000.00.

Laddie Allen Gribick and Margot Schueler to Laddie Allen Gribick and Margot Schueler, in Thompson Township for one dollar.

David and Lynette Florance to Stephen P. and Heather A. Smalley and David L. Stalker, in Hallstead Borough for $84,533.00.

MARRIAGES

Samuel J. Brown and Krystal Marie Garnett, both of Johnson City, NY.

Frederick S. Knauer and Amy L. Rentner, both of Montrose.

DIVORCES

Joseph Lucchesi of Susquehanna vs. Patricia Lucchesi of Uniondale, married 1986.

Wendy Jean Sims of Johnson City, NY vs. Christopher Clair Confer of Hallstead, married 2003.

Theresa Ralston vs. Dale J. Ralston, both of New Milford, married 1993.

Kimberly A. Davenport of Montrose vs. Michael B. Davenport of Wilkes-Barre, married 1986.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has Bench Warrants for the following individuals as of 10:15 a.m. September 26, 2008.

Leroy J. Adams, Robert L. Andersen, Myrtle F. Anthony, Michael A. Argust, Harry Ashley, David P. Atherholt, Jr, Michael J. Beach, Keith B. Beach, David S. Blaisure, Joseph Bonavita, Jennifer N. Bonavita, William R. Bondarek, Daniel E. Boyer, Michael P. Bradley, Jr., Kevin P. Brink, Kenneth G. Burgess, Lynn M. Cokely, Mark T. Conklin, Todd K. Conrad, Jeffrey A. Craig, John C. Creps, Debra Dean, Michele Devito, Paul H. Donovan, Deborah L. Drish, Thomas D. Earley, Jonathan Fathi, Kristoffer B. Fazzi, David J. Fischer, Thomas Fisher, Nesbitt W. Fitch, Jr., Joseph E. Flynn, Ryan M. Forder, Kelly Fox, Yvette Glover, Gary C. Gorton, Jr., Jonathan S. Guzy, David Haines, Jr., Suzanne R. Hansen, Keith G. Harms, Shawn D. Hartzell, Edward C. Holmes, Jeffrey J. Horrocks, Roy M. Huntley, Erik E. Krisovitch, Victoria L. Kutney, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Howard J. Linder, George D. Lowery, John A. Manning, Patricia J. Marrero, Jason K. Marshall, Fred C. Materese, Erica Y. Mead, Gary Perico, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Kim Read, Nathan Rosene, Neil D. Shaffer, David J. Shiner, Rory Sicovitch, Jeffrey C. Skinner, Amy M. Squier, Correna A. Stormes, Earl H. Thompson, Jr., Laura M. Thorn, Keith W. Vroman, Glynn Wildoner III, Patrick L. Yachymiak.

Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

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