MAIN NEWS

Business Directory Now Online!!!

Main News
County Living
Sports
Schools
Church Announcements
Classifieds
Dated Events
Military News
Columnists
Editorials/Opinions
Obituaries
Archives
Subscribe to the Transcript

Look Here For Future Specials

Please visit our kind sponsors

Issue Home June 29, 2010 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Commissioners Urged To Tax Conference
Buses & Programs In SCCTC
Courthouse Report
Sentencing Report


 

Commissioners Urged To Tax Conference
By Susan E. Gesford

County Treasurer Catherine Benedict made it clear to the Susquehanna County Commissioners at the June 23 meeting she wants the legality of the room tax exemption status of the Montrose Bible Conference clarified. "It's not fair," she said. "If I were the other hotel owners in town, I wouldn't like it."

An audience member again brought up the exempt status during the public comment section of the meeting. The Commissioners again said the county solicitor was looking into it.

Benedict asked the Commissioners to direct county solicitor Michael Gathany to file the complaint. Commissioner Warren replied she was not sure all the commissioners had signed the complaint. Benedict stated that she "was tired of waiting for the commissioners to do something about this." Commissioner Giangrieco said he was not going to get in a debate with Benedict about the issue during a public meeting. Benedict replied, "I'm not going to collect the tax from the rest if they're [The Bible Conference] not paying it." Chief Clerk Sylvia Beemer was directed to tell the solicitor to file the complaint.

The county has two used vehicles for sale, the value of each estimated at under $1,000. A 2001 Ford Taurus used by the Sheriff's department and a 2002 Chevy Impala from the Probation department are open to bid. A notice regarding bids on the vehicles will be posted at the Courthouse for 10 days. After that time the award will go to the highest bidder or current junk value, whichever is greater.

John Kameen, Joe Andre and James Bralla were re-appointed to the Economic Development Board for a term beginning immediately and ending Dec. 31, 2010.

The following were appointed to the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission for a term of July 1, 2010 to June 20, 2011. Commissioner Leon Allen represents the elected officials; members at large are Dennis Phelps and David Darrow; Economic Development/Planning official is Kathy Shelley. The following serve in advisory positions: Economic Development, Robert Niera, Bill Dovin, Jack Taylor; Local Loan Review, Joe Ferretti, Rick Soden, Jim Pietrowski; Rural Area Transportation, Joseph Plonski, Rudy Mattes, Leonard Wheatley; Workforce Development, Sam Anderson, Tom Kurosky, Loren Stone; Personnel Committee, Commissioners Allen and Giangrieco; and nominating committee, Commissioner Warren.

During a Salary Board meeting commissioners agreed to create two temporary positions. A temporary clerk/typist is needed in the Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts office, which is part-time and non-union, from Sept. 1 to no later than Feb. 28, 2011. The additional help is needed in scanning older documents, freeing up space in the historical records department. In the Sheriff's office, a full-time non-union secretary position is needed to aid in maintaining the office while a full time employee observes medical restrictions as to hours of work. This position will end on Dec. 31, 2010.

At Soil Conservation, two positions, Watershed Specialist and Program Specialist 3, were eliminated, and a full time position of Watershed Resource Coordinator was created. The job will require occasional evening and weekend hours.

During the Retirement Board meeting, Commissioners heard from the Seneca Group, which manages the county's retirement plan. Seneca representatives attending the meeting gave an overview of how the recession has affected the market in general, saying they feel the recovery could be a fragile one, especially in the housing market. They predict the outlook will improve after the financial reform bill is signed into law, as markets don't like uncertainty. Seneca emphasized they would rather err on the side of caution, and pursue a conservative investment course.

The next Susquehanna County Commissioners meeting is 9 a.m., Wednesday, July 14, at the County office building downstairs conference room.

Back to Top

 

Buses & Programs In SCCTC
By Melinda Darrow

Dr. Davis provided each of the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center (SCCTC) board members with a dvd of the graduation. She said that it had gone very well, and thanked those who were able to attend the ceremony. Mr. Place echoed the sentiment.

The SCCTC is planning, it was announced, on adding two new programs this coming fall. Green folders were passed out regarding the planned addition of a bookkeeping and an administrative assistant and secretarial science course. Dr. Davis explained that with the Marcellus Shale industry moving into the area, it was felt that there would be a big growth in this area for assistants and accountants. It was estimated that in Susquehanna, Wyoming and Bradford counties there would be a 22 to 24 percent increase. The programs would be designed for adults to attend during the day, and, it is planned, would be incorporated into the existing business curriculum. The full school-year course would offer certification at the end. There would be less cost attached, as existing staff would be utilized, and the additional tuition from adult students might be able to help offset school tuition costs, including those of Elk Lake.

The school approved the purchase of two new 72 passenger busses, after opening bids in the public meeting. Two bids were submitted, one from Rohrer and one from Brightbill. Although the Rohrer bid was more expensive, it was recommended by administration that it be accepted, as it more closely followed the specs the district asked for. This led to a discussion of the details of the purchase, clarifying the matter. Currently the district has seven busses, three large and four small. The plan is to trade in two of these, one large and one small. Replacing these with two large busses will give the district more resources for large transportation need, while still leaving a few small busses for when they are preferable.

Minor changes were made to the SCCTC handbooks. The adult version included alterations regarding student notification of FERBA rights, and the student and parent version updated regulations on buses and backpacks, etc.

This was slated to be the fourth year the SCCTC would receive an award at the state conference in Lancaster. Dr. Davis announced that she had nominated Mr. Gary Fenton, the work site coordinator for the building trades houses, and he was to be honored at the event.

A nurse with 26 years of experience, 10 of which were as director of nursing, was appointed to the Health Care Technology position. Both the administrative and instructor committees recommended Ms. Darlene Drake for the post, who will be coming to the district after working in Tyler Hospital.

During the Elk Lake administrators’ reports, various items of note were mentioned. Mrs. Staats announced that the special education plan had been approved in what she believed to be record time. Mr. Mallery spoke about the Summer Learning Academy for Mathematics, which is open for students in sixth through eighth grade. The program often expands, he explained, when students who begin attending spread the word and begin to carpool. It is designed for any student who wants enrichment, remediation, or who just likes working with math.

The elementary and high school principals each spoke of their respective graduations. Both ceremonies, it was said, had gone very well. Board members were given a dvd of the sixth grade year in review.

Approval was given for students to be involved in the Northern Tier Industrial Education Consortium. The dual enrollment agreement with Luzerne Community College was also approved, not having been ready in February when the Keystone and Lackawanna contracts were discussed.

Two positions were filled at the meeting. Angela Valvano was appointed to a one year kindergarten position, and Karen Cooper to an ESL tutor spot.

Back to Top

 

Courthouse Report
Compiled By Lauren Price Ficarro

DEEDS

Joseph E. Kroboth to Lynne M. Furch, in New Milford Township for one dollar.

John J., Jr. and Helen Benio to Teresa Cavalier and Katina Humen, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

John J., Jr. and Helen Benio to Carmine Benio, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

Dean Y. Regan to Baron & Baron LLC, in Bridgewater Township for $11,000.00.

Linda B. Dunn to John R. Transue and Amy Paolucci, in Harford Township for $68,000.00.

Alfred R. Anderson, Jr. (by sheriff) to Deutsche Bank Trust Co., in Great Bend Borough for $4,470.52.

Esther M. (estate) and Richard A. Zick and Kathleen Z. Shows to Alexander N. Kozlowski, in Brooklyn Township for $135,900.00.

James M. and Eleanor M. Bobian to James M. and Eleanor M. Bobian, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

Andrew R. and Cinda M. Natt to Steven C., II and Christina M. Gillman, in Springville Township for $135,000.00.

Richard N. and Mary T. Lewis to Mark Susquehanna Associates LP, in Bridgewater Township for $750,000.00.

St. Mark’s Church of New Milford (by trustees) to Robert A. and Rosemary E. Parkinson, in Great Bend Township for $150,000.00.

Darlene E. (AKA) Darlene Hinkley to Kim Hinkley, in New Milford Borough for one dollar.

Phillip G. and Dawn M. Yeomans to Phillip G. and Dawn M. Yeomans, in Liberty Township for one dollar.

John F. and Helen M. B. Wasnowic to John F. and Helen M. F. Wasnowic and Thomas F. and Kimberly A. Callaghan, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

Dean E. Tucker to Ann (trust) and Dean (trust) Tucker, in Dimock Township for one dollar.

Virginia A. Evans (estate) to Christopher Harcar, in Susquehanna for $66,000.00.

Mary Carole Motsko to Mary Carole and Thomas J. Motsko, in Ararat Township for one dollar.

Robert W. and Tammy L. Schaeffer to Robert W. and Tammy L. Schaeffer, in Auburn Township for one dollar.

Gerald L. Carlin to Gerald L. Carline Family Limited Partnership (limited partnership), in Auburn Township for one dollar.

Gerald L. and Tinamarie Carlin to Gerald L. Carlin Family (limited partnership), in Auburn Township for one dollar.

Maria Endriss (estate) to Linda M. Latorre and Anton K. Endriss, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Linda M. and Thomas A. Latorre and Anton K. and Patricia M. Endriss to Kevin W. and Margaret L. Huyck, in Rush Township for $175,000.00.

Maplewood Cemetery Association to Maplewood Cemetery Association, in Harford Township for one dollar.

Jeffery W. and Jeanine L. Collins to Fossil Royalties LLC, in Lanesboro Borough and Harmony Township for $10.00.

Eric Walter Balunas to Kyle Edward Balunas, in Herrick Township for one dollar.

George E. and Patricia M. Mowry to Mowry Family Limited Partnership, in Auburn Township for one dollar.

George E. and Patricia M. Mowry to Mowry Family Limited Partnership, in Auburn Township for one dollar.

John William and Wanda N. Brooks to Christopher N. and Jennifer R. Titus, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Maze H. Moore (estate) to James A. Rosengrant, Betty Jean and Robert Forba, Donna Richards, Michelle Holgate and Charles S. Lyman, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Sheri M. and John A., Jr. Schell to Craig D. Hawley, in Oakland Borough for $42,000.00.

John J., Jr. and Deborah L. Grigalunas (AKA) John, Jr. and Deborah L. Grigalumas to John Grigalunas, Jr., in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

DIVORCES

Melinda Joyce Stone vs. Kevin Michael Stone, both of Montrose, married 2009.

Jeffrey Conklin of Nicholson vs. Jamie L. Conklin of Thompson, married 1997.

Jillian Seavey of Montrose vs. Benjamin L. Gregory of Springville, married 2006.

Alicia M. Fraser vs. Brian G. Natzle, both of Montrose, married 2004.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of June 25, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

Erika L. Back, Keith B. Beach, Harold R. Bensley, Tonya S. Birchard, David Shawn Blaisure, Devin S. Brewer, Ryan T. Brooks, Howard A. Burns, III, Darryl M. Chaffee, Gilbert R. Depew, Frank J. Deriancho, Deborah L. Drish, Shawn P. Fiorenteino, David J. Fischer, Racheal L. Frisbie, George Graham, David Haines, Jr., Ceejay B. Halstead, James Karhnak, Erik E. Krisovitch, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Jason Lindquist, Matthew S. Miller, Jennifer M. Miller, John M. Murphy, Shane Nelson, Anthony Neri, Sheri Pabon, James E. Purse, Arthur D. Quick, Matthew J. Setzer, David J. Shiner, Richard D. Shoemaker, Duane Spencer, Garrett M. Thomas (aka Staudinger), Justin Thompson, Christina L. Trayes, William E. Vonohlen, Keith W. Vroman, Jamie L. Williams, Kenneth L. Wilmot, Jr., Karl D. Zantowsky.

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

Back to Top

 

Sentencing Report

Following is the Susquehanna County sentencing report for June, 2010 as submitted by the county District Attorney’s office.

Dustin Lloyd Anderson, 20, of Great Bend, PA to 6 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay cost of prosecution, pay $10 EMS, pay $50 CAT surcharge, complete an alcohol safe driving school program, complete drug and alcohol counseling and treatment for Driving Under the Influence in New Milford Township on November 1, 2009. Mr. Anderson also received 2 days to 6 months home confinement to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay $500 fine, pay $50 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, pay $100 Act 198 fee, complete an alcohol safe driving school program, receive drug and alcohol counseling for Driving Under the Influence in New Milford Borough on November 28, 2009.

Donald Rueben Dockett, 45, of Avoca, PA to 30 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, served 15 days incarceration and 15 days home confinement, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, pay $100 Act 198 fee, attend alcohol safe driving school for Driving Under the Influence in Bridgewater Township on September 4, 2009.

Ivan Sergio Marrero, 23, of Scranton, PA to 6 months to 18 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $450 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victim in this case, pay restitution to the victim, perform 50 hours community service, not to possess weapons, supervision may be transferred to Lackawanna County for Simple Assault in Susquehanna Borough on May 5, 2009.

Christopher J. Hardy, 51, of Hallstead, PA to 30 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $100 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, attend alcohol safe driving school program, continue with drug and alcohol counseling, abide by Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Law for Driving Under the Influence in New Milford Borough on October 2, 2009.

Tiffany Ann Hitchcock, 22, of Nicholson, PA to 3 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $300 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay cost of prosecution, perform 25 hours community service, not to have contact with minors without adult supervision for Simple Assault in Bridgewater Township on August 15, 2009. Ms. Hitchcock also received 4 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $300 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with minors, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, receive DNA testing and pay $250 fee, attend anger management and parenting skills course, obtain GED, perform 14 hours community service for Endangering the Welfare of A Child in Bridgewater Township on August 15, 2009.

Aaron Smith, 38, of Uniondale, PA to 6 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198, pay $200 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, attend alcohol safe driving school program, abide by Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Law, perform 50 hours community service, not to possess consume or transport alcoholic beverages or controlled substances for Driving Under the Influence in Harford Township on February 27, 2010.

Joshua Cole Anderson, 29, of Thompson, PA to 90 days to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, served 45 days incarceration followed by 45 days home confinement, pay $300 Act 198 fee, pay $1,500 fine, pay $100 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, abide by Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Law, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substance for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Township on October 24, 2009.

William Roberts, 52, of South Montrose, PA to 6 months to 30 months in a state correctional facility, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $500 fine, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, not to possess weapons, continue with drug and alcohol counseling, continue with mental health treatment, receive DNA testing and pay $250 fee for Delivery of a Controlled Substance in Great Bend Township on July 24, 2007. Mr. Roberts also received 6 months to 48 months in a state correctional facility to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $750 fine, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, continue with drug and alcohol counseling, continue with mental health counseling, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Delivery of a Controlled Substance in Great Bend Township on July 24, 2007.

Back to Top

 

 


News  |  Living  |  Sports  |  Schools  |  Churches  |  Ads  |  Events
Military  |  Columns  |  Ed/Op  |  Obits  | Archive  |  Subscribe


© 2006 Susquehanna County Transcript. All Rights Reserved