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HEADLINES: Celebration, Taxes In New Milford New Milford's bicentennial celebration, slated for only 10 months from now, is planned to be a grandiose affair. Ken Bondurant spoke at the November 19 New Milford Township meeting about the planning of the event. With the assistance of a $2,500 grant from the Tourism Bureau, a three-day celebration is in the works, with church sponsored meals, vendors, etc. A new book, chronicling town history from 1959 on, is planned to take over where the famed Blue Book left off. The old book, it is hoped, will remain on the scene in DVD form. Mr. Bondurant emphasized that assistance and volunteers are being sought. If anyone has old historic documents or pictures, he said, they would be appreciated. Arrangements have been made with a local business so documents can be scanned while a person waits, and then taken home again. Not only are persons with historical knowledge and documentation being sought, so are volunteers for the committees and activities. Anyone with the desire to assist may call Mr. Bondurant at 465-7527 or Linda Baroni at 465-2712. (Phone numbers released with permission.) The supervisors announced that they had been going over the budget for 2009, and that things did not look good. For this reason, a one-mill increase in taxes is planned. This, it was stated, should generate about $26,000 and bring the township close to its deficit. A visitor asked what the largest factor in depleting the budget was. It was answered that fuel and materials were the culprits; a few months ago, as much was spent on fuel as was spent the previous year. The supervisors received notification regarding the sand and gravel pit across from the school. Haines and Kibblehouse, Inc., it was announced, planned a test blast for Friday November 21. The company also put in for an air quality permit for the same site, for a portable, non-metallic mining processing plant. It was estimated that the site may contain 113 or 130 acres. Some discussion was held regarding the possibility of the township vacating a road. Butler and Butler, the law firm used by B&S, presented the township with a petition to vacate right of way for Carey Road. They offered to survey the road at their expense from the hedgerow to their property, the only part of the road which would be affected by the action. The landowners, it was pointed out, on both sides of the road would have to agree to the action, but the company may own it all anyway. When asked what response was given, the supervisors assured those present that while they would take it under consideration, they were not making a major decision right away. Of course it would be unusual anymore for a township meeting to pass without the East Lake campground being discussed. It was mentioned, when asked what the status was, that although engineers have gone to the site they did not yet have their paperwork ready. The engineer, requested by the township solicitor, is trying to assess what headway has been made since the problem began in 2004.
ELSD Shows Success The November 18 Elk Lake and SCCTC school board meetings opened with a presentation by two students who, incidentally, were present to speak about school board meetings. Cody Bennett and Catelynn Chambers attended the PSBA conference this year as student delegates, and then visited the board meeting to describe their experience and thank the board. The three-day conference, according to the two, was composed of two main parts – a spiritual, uplifting component and a component revolving around learning how boards work. The students were divided into committees which took a position on a particular issue, and then presented their case on that issue at a mock board meeting. Cody explained his experience arguing against cell phone usage at school; the board members asked with interest what his group’s proposal had been. The students were very positive overall about the experience. Discussion was held regarding the recent cross-country success The boys' team took the state championships in the sport for the first time in 31 years, and the board made a resolution to officially acknowledge the coaches. The students, it was said, have been recognized at a luncheon, and there were tentative plans to also raise a commemorative banner at the winter sports recognition. Actually, according to reports, positive things have been happening in various parts of the district. Mr. Pirrone gave the results of the recent statewide election which certain elementary grades participated in. As is generally the case, he said, the students' votes mirrored adults', with Obama winning the presidency. Also, statewide, students' favorite color is blue, their favorite food is pizza, and they feel soda should be allowed in school. Keeping with the patriotic theme, he also reported on a Veterans’ Day program. Speaking of patriotism, one of the district's recent graduates recently came to visit with a special gift. A flag, flown at a forward operating base in Iraq for forty days, is to be proudly displayed at the front of the high school, along with a plaque explaining its presence. By all reports the fall play was a success. The drama department was congratulated in absentia for their work in a performance which was said to be very well attended, and very well done. The school's attendance secretary, Mrs. Heed, was also given credit for her work. This compliment was bestowed in connection with an announcement that as of last count, 190 students had perfect attendance in grades 7-12. Big things have been happening at the vo-tech. Students have been involved in Habitat for Humanity, director Mrs. Davis said, one Wednesday a month. Many have also been choosing to work on Saturday. As for the district's own house, it is planned that it will be completed by the end of the school year. The next house, she said, may be designed to be more “green.” Fifty birdhouses were recently sent to the Bradford County Conservation District, and installed there. The center had an energy day, and will be hosting the Skills USA competition, and a square dance/banquet evening. An architect's services were approved for the consideration of a career center expansion project. A concerned visitor asked for more information on this idea, querying if the public would get input before significant decisions were made. It was answered that big decisions were not being made that night, but exploration being done. The architect hired has been the school's architect for years, and will look at the required process for an expansion, and whether or not state reimbursement money could be procured. Ideas for expansion areas include: electronics, auto body, EMT, small engine repair, medical transcriptionist work, and criminal justice.
Following is the Susquehanna County sentencing report for November, 2008 as submitted by the county District Attorney’s office. Jason Scott Lomerson, 26, of Carbondale, 90 days to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, upon good behavior 45 days incarceration and 45 days home confinement, pay cost of prosecution, pay $1,500 fine, pay $300 Act 198 fee, pay $100 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, abide by Pennsylvania Interlock Law, attend alcohol safe driving school program, not to possess alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Driving Under the Influence in Uniondale on January 8, 2008. David Richard Duane, 44, of South Montrose, 12 months to 24 months in a state correctional facility, receive a mental health evaluation, submit a DNA sample and pay $250 fee, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Failure to Comply with Registration of Sexual Offenders Requirements in New Milford Township on July 9, 2008. The defendant also received 5 days to 6 months incarceration to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $300 fine, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $50 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, attend alcohol highway safe driving school program, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Driving Under the Influence in Harford Township on February 11, 2008. Dennis Willard Hayes, 57, of Friendsville, 4 months to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay cost of prosecution, pay $750 fine, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to possess alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, perform 25 hours community service for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver in Hallstead Borough on December 11, 2006. The defendant also received a $250 fine and was ordered to pay $2,300 restitution to the victim of a Bad Check in Choconut Township on December 5, 2008. Finally, he received 9 months probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Choconut Township on June 22, 2007. Matthew Peter Bilko, 19, of Forest City, 12 months probation, pay $350 fine, submit a DNA sample and pay $250 fee, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay cost of prosecution, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to possess alcoholic beverages, not to possess weapons, perform 50 hours community service for Delivery of a Controlled Substance in Forest City on October 18, 2007. Kyle A Loomis, 23, of Springville, 11 1/2 months to 23 1/2 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 2 years consecutive probation, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, submit DNA sample and pay $250 fee, attend a 12-week drug and alcohol program, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, maintain full-time employment when paroled for Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance in Dimock on December 2, 2007. Roneld Louis Logory, 48, Princeton, NJ, 90 days to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, upon good behavior 45 days incarceration and 45 days home confinement, pay cost of prosecution, pay $1500 fine, pay $300 Act 198 fee, pay $100 CAT surcharge, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, attend alcohol highway safe driving school program, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Driving Under the Influence in New Milford Township on June 18, 2008. Kathleen D. Burrows, 53, of Windsor, NY, 10 months to 22 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay cost of prosecution, pay $500 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, submit a DNA sample and pay $250 fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $380 restitution, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver in Great Bend Township on April 18, 2007. William Hoyt Hazlett VI, 44, of Montrose, 1 month to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $750 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, perform 50 hours community service, pay cost of prosecution, pay $6,000 restitution to the victim for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Bridgewater Township on December 21, 2006. Roger William Conklin, 42, of Forest City, 4 1/2 months to 23 1/2 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, not to have contact with the victim in this case, pay $1,429.42 restitution to the victim in this case, receive anger management counseling, pay cost of prosecution, pay $350 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive drug and alcohol counseling for Simple Assault in Forest City on October 3, 2008. The defendant also received 4 1/2 months to 23 1/2 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay cost of prosecution, continue to take prescribed medications, pay restitution to the victim, pay $400 fine, receive anger management counseling, receive drug and alcohol counseling for Terroristic Threats in Forest City on October 3, 2008. Arthur George Harris, 37, of Montrose, 4 months to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, not to have contact with the victim in this case, perform 25 hours community service, not to have contact with anyone under supervision, pay restitution as determined by the probation office, pay cost of prosecution, pay $350 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Receiving Stolen Property in Lathrop Township on May 31, 2007. Phillip Ray Slater, 44, of Montrose, 8 months to 18 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $700 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, submit DNA sample and pay $250 fee, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, receive a sexual offenders evaluation, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to have contact with the victim in this case for Indecent Assault in Dimock Township on May 24, 2008. Matthew David Rinebold, 23, of Tunkhannock, 2 1/2 months to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay cost of prosecution, pay $350 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, perform 25 hours community service, not to have contact with the victim in this case for Receiving Stolen Property in Forest City on December 19, 2007. Raymond E. Coolbaugh, 58, of Springville, 3 months to 18 months home confinement, pay cost of prosecution, pay $300 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive a sexual offenders assessment, not to have contact with the victim in this case for Indecent Assault in Springville on May 1, 2007. The defendant also received 1 month to 15 months home confinement, pay cost of prosecution, pay $250 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18 for Indecent Exposure in Springville on May 1, 2007. Richard Dale Morrison, Jr., 25, of Susquehanna, 9 months to 23 1/2 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, receive a sexual offenders evaluation, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18, pay cost of prosecution, pay $500 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Corruption of a Minor in Susquehanna Borough on October 15, 2007. Kevin John Maxwell, 38, of Vestal, NY, 5 months to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay cost of prosecution, pay $300 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive drug and alcohol counseling, perform 25 hours of community service, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Theft by Deception in Forest City on February 6, 2008.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Marvin and Terese Kallish to David and Marjorie Cassell, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Karen M. Woodbridge (NKA) Karen M. Bonczkiewicz to Karen M. Bonczkiewicz, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Joseph and Patricia E. Lucchesi to Patricia E. Lucchesi, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Bridgewater Riding Club, Inc. to Rail Trail Council of Northeastern PA, in Bridgewater and New Milford Townships and Montrose for one dollar. Trehab to Susquehanna Borough, in Susquehanna for one dollar. Kevin and Sandra Millard to Brian and Ashley Woodruff, in Bridgewater Township for $130,000.00. Bruce D. Piggot to Peter and Jan Meerwarth, in Franklin Township for $185,500.00. Bruce D. Piggot to Bruce D. Piggot, in Franklin Township for one dollar. Richard M., Mary, William P., Jane and Joan M. Mazikewich to Paul F. Truskolaski, in Susquehanna for $76,000.00. Allyn B., Wendy and Betty W. Carey and Harold and Frances Ely to Harold and Frances Ely, in Bridgewater Township for $99.00. Allyn B., Wendy and Betty W. Carey and Harold and Frances Ely to Allyn B., Wendy and Betty W. Carey, in Bridgewater Township for $2,000.00. Roland (AKA) Rolland Loomis to Deborah Loomis Major and Timothy, Jerald Alan and Rolland Bruce, Jr. Loomis, in Rush Township for one dollar. Mark R. Benwell to Robert J. Ralston, in Great Bend Township for $106,000.00. Norman N. and Tammy L. Norton to Gary D. Loke, Jr., in New Milford Township for $100,000.00. Mary Piasecki (FKA) Mary Brodt to Edmund Piasecki, Jr., in Lenox Township for one dollar. JTSPANO LLC to Louis and Stephanie Santana, in Forest City for $117,067.99. Daniel L., Karen T. and Stephen G. Strein to Robert O. and Lucinda L. Vermette, in Montrose and Bridgewater Township for $197,000.00. Wilfred L. and Carol Henry to Thomas L. and Mary Ann Henry, in Liberty Township for one dollar. Walter W. and Vicky A. Welch to Steven A. and Martha L. Morris, in Hallstead Borough for $50,000.00. Rita A. (Trust By Tr) and Ronald W. (Trust By Tr) Powers to Mark and Ronald J. Powers, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Kenneth and Christine Burgess to James Walter Stine, in Hop Bottom Borough for $63,500.00. Lana Grossman (Trust) to Mary Ellen Sayre (Trust By Trustee), Kyle L. Stallings and Dana D. and George W., IV Clay, in Springville Township for $433,000.00. Donald T. Foley to Carl J. and Jacqueline L. Speicher, in Silver Lake Township for $30,000.00. John M. Paserba to Charles E. and Mary E. Howell, in Herrick Township for $2,000.00. Estelle Gerson to Bremer Hof Owners, Inc., in Herrick Township for $100.00. Estelle Gerson to Bremer Hof Owners, Inc., in Herrick Township for $100.00. Katherine L. and Kenneth (By POA) McCrea to Bremer Hof Owners, Inc., in Herrick Township for $100.00. Katherine L. and Kenneth (By POA) McCrea to Bremer Hof Owners, Inc., in Herrick Township for $100.00. Bremer Hof Owners, Inc. to Kenneth and Heather Robberson, in Herrick Township for $100.00. Bremer Hof Owners, Inc. to Raymond McGettigan, in Herrick Township for $100.00. Clair David and Barbara J. Snyder to Kevin D. Carey, in Liberty Township for $236,900.00. Northern Tier Industry and Education Consortium to Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, in Dimock Township for $379,000.00. LTC Associates (DBA) Forest City Nursing & Rehab Center to Patrick Foster, in Uniondale Borough for $61,760.00. MARRIAGES Jonathan Michael Allen and Sarah E. Boyes, both of Montrose. Ryan K. Meyerhoffer of Windsor, NY and Holly Jo Price of Great Bend. George Brian Turner of Hallstead and Michele R. Cramer of Gibson. James Dean Peck, Jr. of Lawton, PA and Stephani C. Campbell of Montrose. Benjamin J. Morris and Bobbie Jo Cosgrove, both of Hallstead. David R. Duane, Jr. and Ann M. Lawrence, both of Tunkhannock. DIVORCES Mary Zuber vs. Joseph Zuber, both of Montrose, married 1990. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has Bench Warrants for the following individuals as of 10:40 a.m. on November 21, 2008. Harry Ashley, David P. Atherholt, Jr., Erika L. Back, Keith Beach, Neeko Beahan, David S. Blaisure, Jennifer N. Bonavita, Joseph Bonavita, Michael P. Bradley, Jr., Ryan T. Brooks, Kenneth G. Burgess, Lynn M. Cokely, Mark T. Conklin, Jeffrey A. Craig, Jeremiah M. Craven, Thomas J. Croghan, II, Mary Dallasta, Jeffrey L. Decker, Amanda Dedonis, Paul H. Donovan, Deborah L. Drish, Thomas D. Earley, Christina Elmy, Jonathan Fathi, Kristoffer B. Fazzi, David J. Fischer, Thomas Fisher, Nesbitt W. Fitch, Jr., Joseph E. Flynn, Ryan M. Forder, Kelly Fox, Yvette Glover, David Haines, Jr., Suzanne R. Hansen, Keith G. Harms, Jamie E. Heaman, Gregory R. Henry, Ann Hightower, Holly N. Holbrook, Timothy M. Holmes, Lyle J. Hugaboom, Roy M. Huntley, April Kravchenko, Erik E. Krisovitch, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Howard J. Linder, George D. Lowery, John A. Manning, Tanika Marazzani, Patricia J. Marrero, Fred C. Materese, Erica Y. Mead, Matthew S. Miller, James R. Moran, Todd M. O'Hara, Ivy U. Oropallo, Amberly D. Payne, Gary Perico, Warren N. Peterson, Jonathan R. Powers, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Kim Read, James A. Rebernik, Jesse R. Rhinebeck, Jr., Nathan Rosene, Neil D. Shaffer, David J. Shiner, Rory Sicovitch, Jeffrey C. Skinner, Duane Spencer, Amy M. Squier, Correna A. Stormes, Earl H. Thompson, Jr., Shannon L. VanVleck, Anthony M. Vaow, Keith W. Vroman, Robert C. Walter, II, Glynn Wildoner, III, Patrick L. Yachymiak, Edward K. Zajaczkowski, Karl D. Zantowsky. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.
Rail Authority Continues Ideas For County Stop The Susquehanna County Rail Authority held its bi-monthly meeting in Friday, November 14, at The EMA Conference Room, located in The Susquehanna County Office Building. The Rail Authority decided to hold bi-monthly meetings at a previous meeting and agreed to discuss monthly meetings at a later date. Acting President, Ken Bondurant, members Robert McNamara, David Darrow, Planning’s Robert Templeton, former Secretary/Treasurer Thomas Wooden and Carole Canfield were in attendance. Although a quorum shortage prevented the Authority from bringing any items up for a vote, the group held an informal meeting to bring everyone up to date. Bondurant reported that the 2007 audit had been sent in to the state, but they returned it, requesting more paperwork. Bob McNamara and Ken Bondurant had worked previously on the audit, and now knew what they had to do in order to complete the requirements. Bondurant asked Wooden if he would consider taking a look at the work to double-check it. Wooden agreed, and the three met after the meeting to finalize the short list of requested items needed to complete the state’s requirements. It was suggested that the Rail Authority request the commissioners allow the county’s auditor, George Starzec to examine and handle the necessary work needed from a Certified Public Accountant. It was stated that the Rail Authority is a part of Susquehanna County, and the commissioners would probably agree to this. Bondurant reported that the Authority’s treasurer’s report was the same as past months, a balance of ten dollars in one account, and forty dollars and thirty eight cents in the second account. Bondurant said that he had contacted Senator Madigan’s office regarding the lone outstanding bill to Attorney Patrick Lavelle. “We need to pay him,” Bondurant emphasized. “ He has done a lot of work for this Authority, and in all fairness, helped us a lot.” After contacting the state office, the Authority was told that there were no monies or grants at this time for the Rail Authority to utilize. After much discussion, the Authority said that they would talk to the Susquehanna County Commissioners if they will negotiate with the Authority. This will be done, when the Rail Authority has a quorum. “The Railroad is going to come through here (Susquehanna County) sometime in the future. It would be very beneficial to Susquehanna County to have a hand (a place) in the action. It will bring a rise in economy, businesses will have more business, and residents will enjoy the benefits that come along with the railway,” Thomas Wooden said. “I am telling you that it is going to be through our county, the railway from Binghamton, NY will be traveling through Susquehanna County to Scranton, then Hoboken, NJ. It is a sure thing, and without any place to stop here, it will pass us by. We need to get going so we will be a part of it.” Wooden closed stating, “It would be a real shame for Susquehanna County residents to lose out on more commerce traveling through our county. They are looking for an area to have 100 railroad cars, and if we don’t have a place for them, it will look somewhere else.” In other discussion, the possibility of damage to the groundwater brought up numerous concerns as to the safety of the used/recycled water for humans and for animals. It was shown in statistics that cows in other areas have gotten sick from the water. It also emphasized that the water contamination goes through to the milk produced by the cows, thus humans ingest it. This discussion will continue at other meetings. Plans were made to follow up the previous discussions and concerns, as well as contacting the commissioners right after the next meeting in January, the second Friday of the month. Again, this meeting was informal and no votes were made on any topic.
FCR Goes Electronic At a Forest City Regional School District board meeting November 17, science teacher Audrey Nebzydoski and technology personnel Tim Snyder hosted a presentation on Wiki Spaces – new classroom equipment acquired last October. Wiki Spaces are more interactive than websites, and can be accessed by teachers and students through any computer with Internet capability. Nebzydoski posts class notes and review questions on her Wiki Space. In class, she sometimes uses the interactive Wiki boards to play review games, such as “Cash Lab,” with her students, allowing them to compete with science students at other schools. A discussion area allows students to e-mail Nebzydoski directly. Wiki Spaces also allow for the creation of multi-media presentations, such as movies, and in the future, teachers of various other subjects may incorporate Wiki Spaces into their classroom. Nebzydoski stated that Wiki Spaces have “changed the entire realm of most of the science and math classes” offered at FCR. According to Nebzydoski, “Classroom management is way easier because [the students] have things that they’re interested in doing. They’re more engaged.” One parent stated that FCR has “terrific tutoring programs,” but asked what is being done for “students who wish to excel academically.” Superintendent Vadella pointed to dual-enrollment programs, and stated that FCR is also looking into SAT-prep and honors programs. Robert Townsend reminded board members that it is “Constitutionally illegal to have prayer in a public school for any event,” referring to the October 29 Scholastic Banquet at which clergy offered prayer. “This is the Constitution we’re talking about,” he emphasized. Vadella responded, “Sometimes we just say that those limitations don’t work here [at FCR].” Townsend said, “Those rules were made for good reasons,” pointing out that at some point, FCR could have Hindu or Muslim students. “We will try to be inclusive,” Vadella promised, but added, “Until we’re told not to [have prayer], I think we probably will.” “You could have the event at a church, and then it’s fine,” suggested Townsend, “This is a public school.” Vadella stated, “It was time for the majority to be served,” adding that he felt that the audience had been “very receptive.”
County Fire Companies The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a total of $5,999,845 to fire departments in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia in Round 13 of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) announcements. Locally, the Forest City Fire Dept. received $26,144 for Operations and Safety, and the Springville Volunteer Fire Company received $23,113 for Operations and Safety. The Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is an important component of the administration’s larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness. The AFG is designed to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants enable local fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.
Gibson Barracks Report CRASH On November 19, Richard Theisen of East Islip, NY, was attempting to travel through the drive-through lane at the Great Bend Exxon when, while trying to round the building, his vehicle went up onto the sidewalk and struck the corner of the building. CRASH On November 18, at around 8:00 a.m., an unnamed driver was traveling south on SR 171 in Great Bend Twp. when, while trying to avoid a disabled vehicle during a sudden snow squall, she lost control of her own vehicle. The front of the woman's vehicle collided with a guide rail. Seatbelts were in use; there were no injuries. BURGLARY One or more unknown perpetrators broke into Russ's Garage in Jackson on October 26. The incident, which occurred sometime during the night or the following morning, resulted in the loss of a small amount of cash. BURGLARY During the night of October 25, or early morning of the 26th, both P&C Tropical Fish store and the P&C Thrift Store were burglarized. Access to the buildings, both located in Great Bend Township, was obtained by force. CRASH On November 16, at around 3:55 p.m., Jared Stewart of New Milford was traveling north on SR0171 in Great Bend Township when a blown tire resulted in loss of control. The vehicle exited the roadway and struck an embankment, causing it to roll. Four passengers sustained minor injuries. CRASH On October 10, at around 6:55 p.m., Carolyn Larow of Dusbury, MA was traveling south on SR 0081 in Great Bend Twp. Larow lost control of her vehicle, which traveled off the roadway, first striking then traveling over the guide rails. The vehicle continued down an embankment and rolled over an unknown number of times before coming to a final rest at the bottom of the entrance ramp to the welcome center. UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION OF LIQUOR On November 7, a juvenile was accused of being intoxicated while at the Blue Ridge High School. The juvenile was cited for underage drinking. ETHNIC INTIMIDATION On November 6, Archie Johnson and Ruth Cohen discovered a burned wooden cross in their yard. On November 12 the Pennsylvania State Police at Gibson filed charges on Forrest Ashcraft and Stephen James Barrett, both of Friendsville, for the incident. The boys were charged with Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Ethnic Intimidation (misdemeanor of the 3rd degree), Ethnic Intimidation (misdemeanor of the 3rd degree) and Simple Trespasser (summary). ACCESS DEVICE FRAUD Between the 3rd of November and the time of report, a couple living in Susquehanna, PA had their visa debit card used in several businesses throughout the country. BURGLARY On November 13, a fish-shaped plate was stolen from Charles Turner of Kingsley. THEFT On November 11, the red tailgate and attached metal runner were stolen off of a 2007 Chevy pick-up truck parked at the Flying J Truck Stop in New Milford Twp. THEFT Between the 8th and 10th of November, Dale Gerfin of Kingsley reported, a propane tank was stolen from his gas grill. CRASH On November 2 at 5:00 a.m., Devin Koon of Roane, WV was traveling northbound on SR 2015 in Dimock when he failed to properly negotiate a left-hand curve in the roadway. The vehicle veered to the left as it came around the curve and exited the road off the left side. The right front corner of the SUV struck a tree, causing it to roll over before coming to a rest on its wheels facing a northerly direction. CRASH – UPDATED On November 1 an accident occurred at 12:10 a.m., in which Carol Stancavish of Clarks Summit, while traveling northbound on SR 11 in Lathrop Twp, exited the roadway to the east of the travel lanes. Stancavish's vehicle then continued approximately 429 feet, crossed back across both travel lanes, impacted a series of guard rails on the western side of the road, and came to a final rest facing north. Stancavish suffered injuries as a result of the collision and was transported to CMC Carbondale for treatment. The incident had previously been labeled a hit and run. HARASSMENT On November 9, a woman in Hallstead received approximately 19 threatening phone calls to her cell phone in a ten-minute period. The investigation was continuing at time of report. CRASH On November 10, Gordon Whitney of Montrose was traveling north on Interstate 81 in Great Bend Boro when he struck at deer also traveling north on that road. Upon impact, the deer went under the frame and was dragged on the road before the operator came to a rest on the right shoulder. CRASH On November 8, at around 4:30 a.m., Gerald Walker of Susquehanna was traveling southbound on SR 1015 in Harmony Twp. when his vehicle exited the roadway to the east of the travel lanes. The vehicle impacted a tree, coming to rest in an overturned position. Walker suffered minor injuries and was transported to Barnes-Kasson Hospital for medical treatment; he was wearing a seatbelt. FORGERY April Kravchenko is accused of removing two personal checks from the purse of Jennette Richard while at her home in Jackson Twp. on October 31. The checks were later signed with the victim's name and cashed. BURGLARY Sometime overnight on November 7, the Lunkerz Deli in Clifford Twp. was burglarized. Unknown perpetrator(s) arrived at the store, pried open the back door, smashed an electronic game machine, and stole beef jerky, cash, the cash register drawer, and several cases of beer. POSSESSION OF A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA On November 9, at around 8:50 a.m., a vehicle was disabled near School House Road in Forest Lake Twp. Upon approach, an odor of alcoholic beverages and marijuana was discovered to be emanating form inside the vehicle. Consent to search was requested, which search yielded two small bags of marijuana. Jordan Clark was charged with Possession of Small Amount of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. Richard Proper of Whitney Point was cited for underage drinking. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-01. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF An unnamed 15 year old male juvenile is accused of having thrown an egg at a vehicle belonging to Kevin Davies of New Milford on November 9, shortly after midnight. Charges were pending upon the boy for violations of PACC at time of report. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF The entry door of Extremities Massage and Spa in Clifford Twp. was broken by one or more unknown person(s) between the 5th and 6th of November. The building belongs to Stephanie Daniels of Plains. THEFT Sometime between the 19th and 23rd of October, one or more perpetrator(s) entered the unlocked garage of John Considine in Hallstead and stole an ATV from within. The ATV is described as being a 1999 Polaris Sportsman 500, olive green in color. The last four numbers of the stolen vehicle’s VIN are 0136. THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE Sometime between the first and sixth of November, a red 2007 Ford F-150 crew cab 4-door truck was stolen from State Route 92 in Lenox Twp. It is unknown how the vehicle, bearing South Carolina registration, was removed from the premises.
COG Talks Zoning The Susquehanna County Council of Governments (COG) met with a relatively light turnout, most likely due to bad weather, on Tuesday, November 18. COG Correspondence reviewed included notice of an intergovernmental cooperation workshop in Wyalusing on December 4, sponsored by NTRPDC. In accordance with the UCC, bigger road signs now include the township the road is situated in, which is especially helpful on continuous roads that are situated in more than one municipality. Any future orders will have the township included unless otherwise requested. Several members noted that they have been having a continual problem with road signs being stolen. The Building Committee will set up a meeting after the first of the year. Thompson Boro submitted their ordinance to join COG. Their membership fee will be prorated for 2008; they will only be charged for the portion of the year that they are a member (membership fees are based on the municipality’s population). All members will be billed for 2009 in December. Thompson has also advertised the required ordinances to join COG Sewage and will be voting on it at their December meeting. A motion carried to accept accountant Joe Collura’s quote to prepare 2008 financial statements for the bank, and to conduct a review of accounts for Codes and Sewage. COG Sewage The sewage committee reported that things are still busy for this time of year, things haven’t slowed down as they usually do by now. The 2009 budgets for sewage and codes are ready for members’ review and will be adopted next month. COG Codes A new violation complaint form was presented for members to review. It contains pertinent information, such as the property tax map number, the name of the property owner, directions to the site, and requires a municipal official’s signature. The municipality can authorize by phone or FAX, so long as the municipality is aware that a complaint has been made and okays investigation. Private citizens who want to make a complaint should go to their municipal officials. If a private citizen calls COG directly, COG will take the information and contact the municipality for authorization before investigation. The form will be used for violation complaints for Codes, UCC and Sewage. All members will be sent a copy. DCED requested additional information for the regional police study; COG should be receiving a report at their January meeting. Zoning was discussed at length. Those members of the Northern Tier Coalition that are adopting zoning ordinances are still working on gearing the ordinances to suit their individual municipalities, and should be ready to adopt them in the spring. There was some discussion about zoning in general, particularly some situations members have experienced that could benefit from it. A Great Bend Township resident had contacted COG for information; a stone saw shop set up business next to the residential property, but in this instance COG could not provide assistance, as the township does not have zoning. One member noted that many people don’t understand what zoning is until it affects their property. Another member told about a situation where a home was built, and then a mulch grinding operation was started, right on the property line. The neighbor’s house gets filled with dust on a daily basis; because this municipality doesn’t have zoning, nothing could be done. Another told of a situation where an individual is living in a travel trailer part of the year, with no running water and no sewage. Because this municipality’s zoning is outdated and difficult to enforce, there isn’t much legal recourse. Another member commented that the answer to the zoning question is, “Educate, educate, educate. We’ve had 14 public meetings, people still say ‘I didn’t know.’” Lack of information was said to be the biggest obstacle. One member said that he has been handing out copies of the ordinance. Of those who took the time to read it and understand it, the majority are in favor. Another comment was that editorials in local newspapers don’t seem to be a rational argument against zoning. “People just don’t understand what it’s all about.” The next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 16, 7 p.m. in the COG offices in New Milford Boro.
Hallstead Council Hears Presentation At the invitation of the Hallstead Boro Council, two representatives of Code Inspections, Inc. were present at the November 20 meeting to make a presentation on the services they offer. Council was interested in finding a third party inspection service that will handle all permits and building inspections. As it stands now, there are times that permit applicants have to wait as long as thirty days for permits to be approved by council, and, it was said, there have been complaints about the agency the boro is currently using for inspections. Council received packets listing the fees Code Inspections charges, and a copy of the contract, which is for one year and can be canceled with sixty days’ notice. The fees charged cover plan review, the permit and inspection, and issuance of a certificate of occupancy. No fee would be charged for a re-inspection. Council can request that a nominal fee be added on for the boro’s administrative costs. A copy of the contract will be sent to the boro’s solicitor for review before further discussion. In other business, complaints from residents ranged from a question about a street light that was out (anyone can call Penelec with the pole number), a plugged ditch, potholes on the road near the cemetery, missing street signs and a stop sign that is not visible due to overgrown trees. The tenant who was renting the boro building has moved out. Council discussed painting the rooms and replacing baseboard covers, and widening a doorway so that the bigger room would be handicap accessible and could be used for voting, rather than the smaller room that has been used. After the last election, there were some complaints about the condition of the parking lot next to the boro; as the fire company owns it, they will be contacted about repairs. The 2009 budget will be adopted at the December meeting, which has been moved to Monday, December 22 to allow thirty days for residents’ review. Correspondence included a copy of a letter to Bridging Communities about the sidewalk replacement project. The letter said that it will be bid out in the spring, with construction to get underway in the summer. And, a motion carried to donate $100 to the Friends to Friends Thanksgiving dinner.
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