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HEADLINES: Amazing Work By American Red Cross I would like to make people aware of just how important the Red Cross is to the families of the military. People who have never used the service don’t seem to understand that they are emergency aid workers. We are used to seeing the Red Cross help during fires and floods and collecting blood. That’s all true, however there is so much more! Recently my family had an incident where my son, Richard D. Wagner, Jr. was deployed in Iraq. When he left he knew his wife was pregnant with their first child and that he would not be home in time to see the birth; as disappointing as that was it is the nature of his job and he and Anna accepted it. The baby was due July 7, 2009. I received a phone call May 19 that Anna (being a brittle diabetic) was rushed to the hospital and was near death and the probability of saving the baby was slim. I was in shock. I went to the armory to see how to find my son and get a message to him; even though he was regular Army, they were wonderful. They said "call Becky" - Becky being Becky Naylor of the Red Cross office in Montrose. It was late... maybe 10 p.m. or so... but she returned my call immediately. She made the necessary calls and got the information and went immediately to work. 24 hours later Ricky called me in tears and said that his request had been denied. Some kind of paper work glitch. But Anna was worse. I never slept that night. At day break I called Becky again and she said come on up to the office and we will see what we can do. Between New Milford and Montrose I got another call - Anna was worse. I had to go to Texas or I would loose them both. I again called Becky and she said “go, I will find out what is going on." I left it up to her and God. I flew all night and arrived in Texas at 6 a.m. While at the airport I got a call from both Becky and Ricky - he was on his way.
Richard D. Wagner, Jr. holding his firstborn son before returning to Iraq. Unfortunately Ricky did miss the birth of his son, but he was there by the time they put him in the ICU and was there when Anna woke up. There were a lot of decisions and a long week of ups and downs but he was there for his wife and child. I am glad to announce Ryland David Wager is doing well. But if not for the efforts of Becky Naylor and the Susquehanna Chapter American Red Cross, I am not sure things would have worked out as well. Thank you Becky for all you do and for the amazing work of the American Red Cross.
Montrose Discusses Funding The funding of the new borough building was one of the more prominent items of discussion at the October 5 Montrose Borough meeting. The borough voted to accept the People's Bank loan, although before this could become official the borough would have to create and advertise an ordinance and hold a hearing. It was asked whether or not the council could still move ahead with pursuing the loan while working on the ordinance. This, it was answered, would be possible; as long as the loan was obtained it did not matter when the ordinance was signed. There was some confusion over how long it had to be advertised, and what papers the advertisements ought to be in. Some did not seem entirely in support of advertising in the Susquehanna Transcript and the Montrose Independent. One council member disparaged the Independent specifically. Ms. O'Malley expressed the opinion that the Transcript seemed to be more for the Susquehanna area, and someone suggested that the Tunkhannock paper might be more effective. (The Independent and the Transcript are the two papers which regularly cover the borough meetings, and were both represented that evening.) The agility program with PennDot to put stone and oil in the parking lot behind the publishing company, is not going to transpire this fall. PennDot's chipping machine broke, and the part to fix it has to come from overseas. It is hoped that the process will begin in the spring. Various projects which the borough has undertaken for the enjoyment of the public were reported upon. The Kiwanis and Lions Clubs again agreed to provide funds to help with the installment of the ice skating rink. The walking track, it was said, is in place, though it still needs a little fine tuning. The volleyball courts are on hold, due to weather concerns. A hole on South Main street was discussed, which was reportedly exceptionally large. Mr. Bondurant said that if it wasn't a state road the borough would fix it. Someone asked when the water to the park would be turned off. Mr. Darrow reported that when he went down there recently, an exterior part of the water system had been broken off anyway. It was decided, then, that the water would officially just be turned off for the season. A long running outdoor wood stove dispute may have finally reached a conclusion. The borough's code enforcement officer and attorney had met with Mr. Stanis and his attorney regarding the matter. Mr. Stanis, reportedly, was upset over having received certified letters from the borough without having had much if any contact with the former CEO. It was agreed, by the end of the meeting, that the required work would be performed to bring the stove and chimney up to code. Apparently Mr. Stanis also argued that others in the borough were utilizing burn barrels. Mr. Darrow pointed out to council, now that it was mentioned, that this had been an increasing problem. One council member did not seem surprised by this, with garbage rates increasing. The mayor, in his report, recommended that the borough consider 24 hour police coverage, in consideration of House Bill 1500. Mr. Reimel said that even if the bill was passed, he was afraid the government would then pull funding later and leave the borough responsible for the cost. This, he said, had happened before. There was some discussion, then, about the bill, and what exactly it entailed. One person argued that the borough would be billed if it didn't have 24/7 coverage and needed to utilize the state police. Another responded that it could utilize call outs. The police chief maintained that it would be cheaper, were the bill passed, to hire the current force for any additional police needs. The annual Halloween decisions were made. The Kiwanis parade was approved for October 31, which is a Saturday this year. Trick or treat hours were set as 6:00-8:00, with a 9:00 curfew enacted. Mr. Reimel gave a report on the first PLIGIT meeting, which he attended prior to the borough meeting. The state required all counties to have such a meeting prior to November 5, and it was decided that this county would continue to hold the meetings regularly on the 4th Thursday of the month. PLIGIT is apparently not a tax collection agency, but a county-wide tax committee. It was asked what would come of the agreement with Berkheimer. All such agreements, apparently, are to be superseded by Act 32 and the committees, though Mr. Reimel pointed out that no one at that meeting seemed very interested in creating a tax collection agency, so it seemed likely that Berkheimer or another agency would continue to collect the taxes anyway. It was decided that PLIGIT would be invited to come and talk with the council at a future meeting.
Dundaff Street Concerns Police During a borough meeting October 5, Forest City Mayor, Nicholas Cost, discussed landscaping at the coal miner’s memorial on Main Street. Council determined that the trees, which will likely be Alberta spruce, should be planted next year to avoid winterkill. Apart from the $168 cost of the trees, Cost stated, the project will not cost the borough anything. The mayor also thanked the rotary club for donating to the upkeep of the coal miner’s memorial. Next, Cost announced that there is a problem with dog manure on Main Street sidewalks, calling it a “disgrace” to the town. Council members pointed out that Forest City has a “pooper-scooper” law, and suggested that more enforcement be undertaken. Borough Solicitor, Paul E. Smith, announced Resolution 9-09, which moves the Forest City Polling Center to the new fire company location on Railroad Street. In order to correct an erosion problem, Robert Tedesco of public works received permission to install a thirty-six inch wide stainless steel pipe under a bridge in Kennedy Park. Tedesco also sought permission to hold a curb-side scrap pick-up in town, explaining that a profit could be made. Council decided to table the matter until the November meeting. Forest City Police Chief, Paul S. Lukus, expressed concern over the condition of Dundaff Street, which will be a route for runners in the Steamtown Marathon. Lukus stated that according to the construction foreman, Dundaff Street is to remain in its present condition through the winter. Fran Graytock, local chairperson for the Steamtown Marathon, assured Council that “it’s manageable right now,” explaining, “all runners are aware of these things.” Borough Secretary, Susan Coleman, received permission to send letters to new property owners in Main Street’s Business District, explaining snow removal regulations. Business owners must clear any significant snowfall within forty-eight hours; costs incurred are not the borough’s responsibility. A budget meeting is scheduled for October 14, with a follow-up meeting on October 28. The budget committee will have a report for the November borough meeting.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Donna L. Carpenetti to Donna L. Carpentetti, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. John E. Searles to G. Kenneth and Laurie A. Shino, in Herrick Township for $1,000.00. Peter W. Sadowski to Peter W. and Peter M. Sadowski, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. Mary A. Berube to Mary A. and Raymond M. Berube, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Robert and Mary Dellaccio to Dellaccio Family Rev Trust, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Joseph Taylor to James W. Jones, in New Milford Township for $25,000.00. Chester (AKA) Chester F. Grover (Trust by Trustees) to Wanda Hansom, in Hallstead Borough for one dollar. Raymond T. Morris, Sr. (Estate) to Raymond T. Morris, Sr. (Trust), in Rush and Auburn Townships for one dollar. San Polo Investment, Inc. to Susquehanna Borough, in Susquehanna for $1,000.00. Clifford and Evelyn Mae (by POA) Hamrick to Clifford Hamrick, in Rush Township for one dollar. Timothy R. Hutchins, Sr. (by Sheriff) to Bank of America (SBM) Lasalle Bank, in Lenox Township for $1,799.38. Robert E. and Patricia O. Aiken to Eric J. and Susan E. Wilson, in Forest Lake Township for $70,320.40. Chester T. and Nancy L. Goldyn to Epsilon Energy USA, Inc., in Auburn Township for $263,000.00. Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (by POA) to Donna Fekette and Thomas Lopatofsky, in New Milford Township for $103,900.00. John N. (by POA) and Marilyn R. Cavanaugh to Roger and Diane Valentine, in New Milford Township for one dollar. James J. Foltz to Gerald R. Pennay, Jr., in Brooklyn Township for $60,000.00. Wayne and Carrie Ross (NBM) Carri Mayes to Brian A. Mayes, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Charles, Dan and James Novitski and Phyllis and Peter Hatala to Charles, James, Glenn, Dennis and John Novitske, Phyllis Hatala and Kathy Silvanic, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. Mary E. Nelligan to Mary Ellen Livesey, Barbara J., Joann and James R. Nelligan and Anne E. Rao, in Middletown Township for one dollar. George L. and Joanne Buffum and Roy T. and Marlene A. Mulcahy to Kathleen M. Blais, Teresa A. Smetana, Bernadette M. France and Raymond S. Talamo, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Patricia Ferguson (by Sheriff) to Wells Fargo Bank, in Gibson Township for $1,347.25. F.S. Lopke Contracting, Inc. to Rock Mountain Properties LLC, in Forest Lake Township for $150,000.00. Mark T. and Joann P. Szlaga to Mark T. and Joann P. Szlaga, in Franklin Township for one dollar. Amelia (AKA) Amelia S. MacDonald (Estate) to Dennis James MacDonald, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. Jerry A., David O. and Diane M. Myers to Guy and Karen Parrish, in Bridgewater Township for $85,000.00. Margaret Peters to Scott and Marybeth Johnson, in Choconut Township for $39,000.00. James J. and Christine Bouch to Brad W. Cox and Jennifer Cadora-Cox, in Herrick Township for $34,000.00. Claire E. Gottschall (NBM) Claire Foster Theophanis and Chris Theophanis to Wayne and Faye H. Parshley, in Choconut Township for one dollar. Connie R. Henry Groover (by Sheriff) to Bank of New York Mellon (FKA) Bank of New York, in Oakland Borough for $1,655.54. Louise and Michael Lonzinski, Linda and Charles R., Jr. Canfield, Henry David, Pearl C., Paul M., James and Lisa Schaffer, Carol (Estate) and Clark Warner and Audrey Steinsto to Mark Poidunk Associates LP, in Harford Township for $750,000.00. Graham A., Jr. and Dorothy J. Anthony to Dean Vermeersch, in Montrose for $130,000.00. Marilyn M. Lee (Estate) to Bruce E. Lee (Special Needs Trust), in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:35 a.m. on October 9, 2009. Duane Aldrich, David P. Atherholt, Jr., Erika L. Back, John W. Barber Sr., Keith B. Beach, Neeko A. Beahan, David Shawn Blaisure, Joseph Bonavita, Robert B. Carrier, Jason James Carroll, Beverly A. Carvin, Darryl M. Chaffee, Christopher J. Clark, Tony R. Clark, Neil J. Darrow, Edward J. Dickson, Jr., Deborah L. Drish, David J. Fischer, Ryan M. Forder, Kelly Fox, David Haines, Jr., Suzanne R. Hansen, William N. Hendrickson, Ann Hightower, Steven L. Jones, Kenneth M. Kintner, Kevin D. Klein, Corey J. Koch, Eric C. Kohlhepp, Erik E. Krisovitch, Lee Labor, Charlie J. Legere, Harold K. Leiger, II, Carlos L. Leiser, Patricia J. Marrero, Nancy McGillis, David N. Miller, Joseph C. Moore, Anthony Neri, Rodney Alan Oakley, Todd M. O'Hara, Donald Palmer, Gary Perico, Jesse R. Rhinebeck, Jr., Timothy W. Rogers, David J. Shiner, Darin Sink, Duane Spencer, Garrett M. Thomas, Keith W. Vroman, Steven G. Warner, Donald L. Welch, Jamie L. Williams, Kenneth L. Wilmot, Jr. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.
Gibson Barracks Report CRASH On October 9 at 1:41 p.m., Dennis Favello of Uniondale was stopped on State Hwy 171 in Oakland Township, near the Mormon monument. He was waiting for oncoming traffic to pass so that he could turn left. As Dylan Noble of Poyntelle was stopping behind Favello, Michael Fiske, Sr. of Susquehanna failed to recognize the stopped traffic and collided with Noble's vehicle. This, in turn, was pushed into Favello's vehicle as a result of the impact. All occupants were transported to Barnes Kasson hospital and later released after treatment. PSP Gibson was assisted on scene by Susquehanna Borough emergency responders and French's Towing. Enforcement action was taken against Fiske for “Following Too Closely.” HIT AND RUN On October 6 at 7:40 a.m., an unknown driver was traveling south on State Route 2001 in Springville Twp., when his/her vehicle exited the roadway and struck a telephone utility pole. After impact, the operator continued to travel south on State Route 2001. The vehicle, described only as a Ford in the report, appeared to have damage to its front grill area. The utility pole was sheared in half and left in the middle of the roadway. The owner of the utility pole was contacted. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Between the 6th and 7th of October, multiple residents of Riverside Dr. in Oakland Township reported damage to mailboxes. Victims included: Dianna Moser, Angela Brink, and Alec Mazikewich. HIT AND RUN On October 7 at 12:15 p.m., a Ford Explorer was parked in the Mountain View Plaza Parking Lot in Great Bend Twp., when an unknown driver, while carelessly parking, struck the bumper of the unoccupied Explorer. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On October 6 rocks were thrown at the residence of David Durko in Lake Lowe, damaging the siding and breaking two windows. On the 5th, green spray paint had been applied to a van on Mr. Durko's property. Between the 28th and 29th of September, he reported damage being done to a vehicle upon his property. THEFT Between the 1st and 5th of October, one or more unknown perpetrator(s) went to the Lakeview Cemetery in Jackson township and stole approximately 300' on chain link from cemetery property. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Between the 2nd and 3rd of October, the door area of Martin Aldrich's 2008 Dodge pickup truck was keyed in Hallstead Borough. HIT AND RUN On October 1 at 5:43 a.m., Joseph Larue of Friendsville was parked upon the northbound travel lane of SR 4007 in Bridgewater township. Reuben Everitt of Montrose was traveling on the road in the same direction at that time, and made impact with the rear of Larue's vehicle, upon which Larue fled the scene. Everitt suffered minor injury during the collision. SIMPLE ASSAULT On September 28, around 8:30 p.m., Trenton Smith of New Milford threw a female victim to the floor, causing her injury. Smith also threatened a juvenile with bodily harm with a deadly weapon. The accused was arrested and charged with simple assault, terroristic threats, and harassment. He was sent to jail in lieu of $150,000 bail with a 10% cash option. The case was pending court as of the time of report. DUI On September 22, at 9:45 p.m., Danielle Kinder of Springville was traveling northbound on SR 3019 when her vehicle exited the roadway off the east berm and struck a tree. The Jeep Liberty then rolled over, landing back on its wheels. Kinder was not injured and was wearing a seatbelt. She was arrested for DUI and the investigation was continuing as of the time of report. THEFT Kathleen Ashby stated that she had noticed prescription pills missing from the bottles in her medicine cabinet. She stated that she and her boyfriend, Stephen Kaminsky, had had friends over during the period in which she believes that they were taken and that it could have been any one of them. CRASH On October 4, at approximately 5:50 p.m., two drivers unnamed in the report were traveling south on SR 81, entering a construction area that merged into one lane. The first driver was in the right lane and, arriving at the end of his lane, pulled into the left lane in front of the second. As he did so, the second driver moved forward. The first vehicle, a Volkswagon Jetta, struck the right wheel of the second, a Kenworth, with its left rear quarter panel. The driver of the first vehicle was warned for violating the PA vehicle code. He failed to make certain it was safe before he changed lanes.
Much of the October 8 Oakland Boro Council meeting was spent discussing police. Mayor Dudley gave a rundown of September's activities, reporting that it had been a busy month, with 21 hours of patrol, 11 of those by Lanesboro's police (one hour of patrol, nine call-outs). One of the call-outs had been to a domestic dispute, which resulted in felony charges. The mayor was pleased to report that the boro's curfew ordinance seems to be working; there had been no incidents and no complaints. The department is still within the budget for patrol hours and expects to stay within budget until the end of the year; the hours required during September were higher than usual due to the higher-than-usual number of call-outs. Mayor Dudley commended all of the officers, saying they are earning their pay and asked council to consider a pay raise. Oakland's officers are paid $9.50 an hour, while those in neighboring municipalities are earning $11.00 per hour. Council's consensus was that a raise is merited, and agreed to consider it when next year's budget is put together, with the raise to begin at the first of the year. HB1500, legislation currently being considered by the state, will impose a per capita state police “service fee” on municipalities that do not have full-time police coverage, if it is passed; municipalities that are not in compliance may lose their liquid fuels funding. Mayor Dudley said that although the legislation's passing is not settled yet, council should put some thought into preparing for its enactment and suggested that the new budget include an increase in the police budget. She thought an increase of $3,000 would provide a cushion, so that the boro is not caught unawares. In other business, president Ron Beavan gave a rundown of codes violations; two are currently in litigation. Mr. Beavan also reported that there have been a number of complaints about residents burning household waste. He cited the state's waste management act, which prohibits burning of waste. The boro does have an ordinance allowing (controlled) burning of paper, wood and leaves, but pointed out that any municipal ordinance is superseded by the state's. He asked that residents be considerate of others and keep in mind that no one would like the resultant smoke and odors blowing into their own homes. He added that it does affect people's health. Trick or treat time in the boro will be on Saturday, October 31, from 6:00 p.m. To 8:00 p.m. The playground equipment for the park has been ordered and was set to be delivered. Negotiations to obtain the old trailer and its property adjacent to the park was said to be progressing. The state audit of liquid fuels funds for 2007-08 is complete, with good findings. Correspondence included an invitation to the township officials convention at the Montrose Bible Conference on October 22, and an invitation to the county Conservation District annual banquet on October 23 at the Summit Tea Room. Mayor Dudley requested that a link to information on the Homestead Exclusion be added to the boro's website, as many residents are unaware that they could qualify for a reduction in real estate taxes for their primary residence. Work on the budget is set to begin, with the proposed budget to be brought to the table at November's meeting. And, the boro is in need of a representative for the water committee. The next meeting will be Thursday, November 12, 7:00 p.m. at the Lanesboro Community Center.
Tax Increase Likely In Great Bend Twp. Although the state legislature has not yet passed HB1500, the Great Bend Township Supervisors feel that the bill, in one form or another, will most likely pass in the near future. The present form of HB1500 will impose a per capita State Police “service fee” on municipalities that do not have full-time police coverage. The fee will not increase services, and will be increased in yearly intervals over a three-year period. The supervisors will be keeping the bill in mind when working on next year's budget; it was noted at their October 5 meeting that a tax increase is possible, as the township will likely have to pay for police protection in one form or another. In other business, Curt Blewett has been appointed the township's roadmaster, and an activity report was read. Work on Parks Valley Road has been completed, new sluices and ditch work have been completed on Pine Hill, and work on Towner Road has also been completed. The new equipment trailer has been delivered and has been used extensively. Immediate projects included finishing up mowing and getting the equipment ready for winter. There were some problems with the backhoe, and it had been taken in for servicing. The road study needed to bond the township roads has been completed and the report was expected to be delivered the next day. There is a new house going in on Parks Valley Road, and the township has been requested that the upper portion, about 200 feet, be maintained. The township has received notice that PennDOT is requesting a DEP permit to replace a bridge on Dubois Street. The plans for the Bridging Communities sidewalk project have been completed, and a motion carried to advertise for bids. A sewage repair permit has been issued to Robert Eastwood, and a soil and perc test has been done for the Gregary and Jennifer Stewart property. Bob Lee is requesting approval for a subdivision of his property; after review, the supervisors gave their approval. Correspondence included a request from Fortuna Energy to discuss renting the mineral rights for a township property on Randolph Road; notice that the Conservation District is holding a second round of project funding for the dirt and gravel road program; notice that the second annual flood summit will be held November 5 in Lawton; and PA One Call's 2008 annual report. The township is still in need of a representative for the sewer authority. And, the fund options for the pension fund were reviewed and a new portfolio chosen. The next meeting will be on Monday, November 2, 7:00 p.m. in the township building.
Following is the list of names drawn to serve as Petit and Traverse jurors to appear in the Court of Common Pleas, Susquehanna County Courthouse, Montrose, on the 2nd day of November at 9:00 a.m. Apolacon Twp.: Mary Leonard. Auburn Twp.: Thomas Beitel, Adrian Lopez, Tammy Mowry, Rebecca Root, Theresa Visavati. Bridgewater Twp.: Vanstephen Cady, Catherine McCain, Bina Patrick, Linda Small, Timothy Stevens. Brooklyn Twp.: Charles Heller, Thomas Makosky, Barbara Raught, Dava Rinehart-Cowan. Choconut Twp.: John Abramo, Scott Johnson. Clifford Twp.: Andrew Belcher, Christina Burns, Stacy Donahue, Daniel Hamil, Beth Henn, Debra Virbitsky. Dimock Twp.: Rita Bischoff, Arthur Doolittle, Linda Hoover. Forest Lake Twp.: Art Donato. Gibson Twp.: Andrew Aylesworth, Gerri Biniewicz, Sally Black, Dale Perry, Ronald Phelps. Great Bend Twp.: Helen Baglino, Melissa Brush, Maria Calla, Michele Estabrook, Emilia Gemmer. Hallstead Boro: Judith Canfield, Bridget Esposito, Timothy Mattocks, Kathleen Osterhout. Harford Twp.: Arlene Carey, Justin Phillips. Harmony Twp.: Jason Buchanan. Herrick Twp.: Ty Hansen. Jackson Twp.: Charles Jeannette. Jessup Twp.: Dennis Bunnell. Lanesboro Boro: America Smith. Lathrop Twp.: Clyde Robbins. Lenox Twp.: Marie Evans, Robert Powers, Donald Zablotsky. Liberty Twp.: Tonya Roe, Anne Rounds, Kim Tator. Little Meadows Boro: Burton Baldwin. Montrose Boro, 1W: William Wood. Montrose Boro, 2W: Kimberly Taylor. New Milford Boro: Joyce Cobb, David MacConnell, Jorden Seamans. New Milford Twp.: Debbie Birchard, Loretta Bishop, Pearl Cramer, Robert Mitchell, Mary Whiting. Oakland Boro: Karen Smith. Rush Twp.: Tammy Armitage, Donna Watts. Silver Lake Twp.: Kim Capwell, Mark Davis. Springville Twp.: Jason Baker, Frances Deschesnes, Leah Emmons, Richard Naylor. Susquehanna Boro, 1W: Kelli Kane. Thompson Boro: Theresa Sheldon. Union Dale Boro: Ruth Morris.
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