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HEADLINES:
Blue Ridge Parents Get The Word
SCSD Faces Budget Crisis
Elk Lake Hopes To Keep Staff
Ferrara Arrested For Indecent Assault
New Milford Twp. Receives AED
Courthouse Report
MVSD Talks Bleak Budget
Hallstead Welcomes New Member
Silver Lake Twp. Police Report
Susky May Acquire Business
April Jurors Drawn

Blue Ridge Parents Get The Word
By Ted Brewster

A fair number of people turned out for a meeting of the Blue Ridge Parent Council on March 15. The organization, formed only late last year, is rapidly gaining momentum, with an active Facebook page and meetings that attract important speakers and foster lively communication.

This time the meeting went more than 2 hours and covered the proposed energy program, as well as academics in a time of stress. Board President (and candidate for County Commissioner) Alan Hall participated throughout as a major instigator of the energy initiative and driver of changes in the district’s administration and function in these financially stressful times. Board member Harold Empett represented his Facilities & Grounds Committee, which has a leading role in the energy programs.

Four representatives of Johnson Controls turned out to help the parents better understand the projects the School Board has undertaken to try to improve energy efficiency at the schools to save money, and maybe make a little more. Nick Sracic has appeared at several board and committee meetings promoting his company’s expertise in energy conservation, particularly in the public schools. With the help of his colleagues, he explained both phases of the project in considerable detail, and responded to many probing questions.

Mr. Hall said that the goal of the energy program is to “save money and raise revenue.” During the first phase the company will complete an in-depth assessment of the “envelope” in the district’s buildings and infrastructure. They expect to present their detailed findings at a meeting of Mr. Empett’s committee on Thursday, March 24. The evaluation will cover structural elements; heating and air conditioning, including the biomass (woodchip) furnaces and rooftop equipment; information technology equipment and upgrades; and will offer some educational components in an effort to modify behavior to help maintain the gains in energy conservation. This first phase has already cost the district over $40,000 for the study. Depending on which elements the committee chooses to recommend to the full Board, the cost could total between $1 million and $2.5 million. The company estimates savings over 10 years in the neighborhood of $1.4 million to $3.5 million. In any case, under the state program that fosters this sort of project, the company guarantees no ultimate net cost to the district for this phase.

Johnson Controls has also already installed something called Sodar, from Second Wind, a Massachusetts company that specializes in wind-generated power systems. The unit, visible on the hill behind the Elementary School, will measure the potential of the campus to generate electricity from a 262-foot-high wind turbine. Measurement will continue for a full year, after which the district can decide from the results whether or not to proceed with a wind-power installation. The initial study cost of just under $70,000 will be borne by Johnson Controls if the study does not bear out original estimates of the potential. The wind study and the installation of a turbine to power the schools constitute phase 2 of the project, which could cost over $5 million. It is this phase that causes the most controversy, perhaps because of the complexity of the financing.

According to a Johnson Controls engineer who attended the meeting, the phase 2 study will also include analysis of noise produced by a large windmill of the type under consideration. Susquehanna County has regulations about such things already. They would also study “shadow flicker,” the sometimes annoying flicker that can be produced by the sun shining through the circle of rotating blades. They will also evaluate the “visual impact” of such a large structure on the landscape. Most of these considerations are related to the location of the tower on the campus.

Overall, both phases could cost a total of over $7 million. The district already has a commitment for a $6 million QZAB (Qualified Zone Academy Bonds) loan at 1%. Under this federal program, a 10% match is required from local sources, usually a “business or nonprofit partner.” In this case, Blue Ridge might contract with an outfit called the National Education Foundation (NEF), which would sign for the 10%; in return the district would have to purchase about $200,000 worth of NEF’s on-line course materials (which could be used in an effort to bring down the number of cyber-charter students funded by the district). There may also be additional grants available, one from a state fund for just this sort of project and for which the money is already allocated. The cost of the initial studies for both phases could be rolled into the overall package.

The QZAB bonds involve a “transaction cost” once the district decides to draw on the funds, and is a fixed amount - about $200,000 - regardless how much of the money is ultimately required. Should the district decide instead to issue its own bonds, say, for a smaller project, there would also be transaction costs (similar to mortgage closing costs). Phase 1 would be amortized over about 10 years. Phase 2 would cover the 20-year expected life of the wind turbine.

Mr. Hall emphasized that the Board and its committees will have to review all of the financing options once all of the detailed information is available.

The idea, of course, is to save money. In fact Mr. Hall expects a windmill to eventually make money for the district, perhaps more than a million dollars over 20 years, by selling power back to the grid. The proposed tower would be 80 meters (262 feet) high. The turbine could generate about 1.5 megawatts of power, enough to power the schools and with a surplus to return to the power company for a profit. According to Mr. Sracic, such an installation would make Blue Ridge “carbon neutral” or better, the first school district in Pennsylvania to emit no extra green-house gases to the environment.

Nothing is yet finalized, of course. Even phase 1 will go through the Facilities & Grounds Committee before recommendations reach the School Board.

The second part of the meeting put Mr. Hall and Superintendent Robert McTiernan in the spotlight for a wide range of questions about the direction the district is going generally. Both of them stressed that their goal is to keep all current programs intact. Yet Mr. Hall reminded his listeners that the district is facing a budget gap of about $1 million for next year, due to cuts in state funding. There were naturally questions about staffing, given a recent move to cut 13 positions.

Mr. Hall acknowledged that, while nothing is yet final, it looked like 3 of the staff cuts will come through retirements that are not replaced. Two other positions that will be cut are not faculty. That means 8 teachers will probably lose their jobs. Responding to rumors, he also said that the Middle School will “stay put.”

Mr. McTiernan outlined the difficulties he faces, not the least of which are the conversations he will have to have with some of the staff. Under current law and regulations, tenured faculty and those with more certifications are the least vulnerable to layoff. Of 101 teachers now on the staff, 20 are TPE’s (temporary professional employees), that is, not tenured. In addition, some teachers new to Blue Ridge already have tenure and can “bump” others in the seniority ranks. He said that there are moves in Harrisburg to allow schools to furlough based on performance, but for the time being the decisions must be made according to existing rules.

He said that the Board and the administration are in no way trying to hide anything about these matters. Yet “we are very sensitive to the impact of this decision,” that will affect some people severely.

Mr. McTiernan said that his goal is to schedule classes and courses more effectively, to get the most out of the district’s resources. For the first time in recent memory, class schedules for next year should be available for all students by the end of the 3rd marking period this year. At the same time, the district will try to keep class sizes as small as possible, concentrating on the earliest grades; class sizes are also a component of the teachers’ contract now under negotiation. He also said that the administration is preparing for another push in Harrisburg to require all districts to begin classes after Labor Day.

Mr. Hall summed up by saying, “we aren’t preparing our kids for college,” and that, while Blue Ridge offers a good education, “it isn’t good enough.” He said that although the district consistently gets good scores in the PSSA standardized testing, “our SAT scores are some of the lowest in the county.” Some parents have expressed concern about the district dropping the “college prep” track. Yet Mr. Hall and Mr. McTiernan both said that it didn’t matter what you called it, whether college prep, honors or something else. Even students in the “regular” track deserve a high-quality education.

There were questions on a number of other matters. For example, should the bus drivers be prohibited from using cell phones while driving? Mr. Hall said that the drivers’ contract requires them to have a working cell phone available on the bus. A change to prohibit its use while a bus is in motion would be considered by the board during contract negotiations.

The next meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board itself will be on Monday, March 21. Mr. McTiernan is expected to outline his staff reduction proposals at that time. The Facilities & Grounds Committee will meet with Johnson Controls on the details of the first phase of the energy program on Thursday, March 24.

Keep your eye on the Parent Council Facebook page for information about its future meetings and speakers. The district’s web site usually also contains up-to-date information on meeting schedules.

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SCSD Faces Budget Crisis

There was grim news at the March 16 meeting of the Susquehanna Community School Board. Although the state and federal budgets have not yet been finalized, indications are that the district will see a drastic reduction in funding. The governor’s budget proposes a cut in education funding, back to the levels of 2005-06, a reduction to the district of $918,814. That amounts to a decrease in funding of $1,018 per student, the highest per-student rate in the county, in what is the poorest district in the county. Superintendent Bronson Stone commented that the funding formula is broken. He hoped that the legislature and the governor would work together to find a common sense solution. The federal budget is not yet available, so it remains to be seen what impact it will have.

In addition to the reduction in state funding, the district will be seeing a projected cost increase of about $500,000, which adds up to make a total shortfall of about $1.5 million. The district’s fund balance can be used to offset the loss, but cuts will still be necessary. And, the fund balance had been earmarked to offset the expected drastic increases in retirement contributions (the district’s PSERs contribution is expected to rise by 24% in the next few years). So, some alternative cost cutting measures have been investigated and will be discussed further at the board’s next work session.

Proposed savings are as follows: reduce building-level expenditures by $100,000; reduce athletic expenditures by $30,000; reduce maintenance and technology expenditures by $35,000; eliminate department heads and grade span leader positions; reduce the number of school plays per year from two to one; eliminate paid lunch duties in the junior/senior high school; convert behind-the-wheel driver education to a student fee-based program; eliminate additional security at low attendance events on campus; eliminate the marching band program; reduce the activity bus to two nights per week and modify the activity bus route.

Potential staffing cuts are as follows: high school Family and Consumer Science program; conversion of K4 back to a half-day program; conversion of the high school library to a teacher-resource center and elimination of one high school library/English teacher; elimination of the position of High School Assistant Principal; elimination of separate instruction in elementary Art, Music, Technology and Library; elimination of non-instructional positions - copier room aide, security guard, part-time maintenance, technology assistant, high school front office cleric, and one K4 aide. If all labor groups agree to a 0% salary increase for the 2011-12 school year, four fewer instructional and four fewer non-instructional positions would be suspended/furloughed/terminated for the 2011-12 school year. The education association has reviewed the proposal and plans to meet to come up with a proactive solution.

And, if federal revenues also decrease, further reductions may be necessary.

Items approved by the board are as follows:

Exoneration of the District Tax Collectors from the collection of unpaid school taxes for the year 2010.

The proposed 2011-12 NEIU #19 budget of $939,645, with a district contribution of $11,016.

The school calendar for the 2011/12 school year; this may change, as a bill is currently in the Legislature to begin the school year after Labor Day.

Revising the 2010-11 school calendar to make April 21 and 25 snow makeup days if needed. Graduation will be held as scheduled, even if additional days are needed.

The 2011-12 Blended Schools User Band form.

A resolution opposing Senate Bill 1, which would allow public funds to be used for a voucher program, allowing low-income students to attend private or parochial schools.

A perpetual co-sponsorship program with Blue Ridge School District for golf and wrestling.

CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services as group flexible benefit plan for the 2011-12 school year.

Dual enrollment agreements with Lackawanna College and Luzerne County Community College for the 2011-12 school year.

Homebound requests for a twelfth grade student and an eighth grade student.

Bus contract changes for bus 2 and bus 3, effective as of December, 2010.

Increasing meal prices for 2011-12: five cents for regular and reduced breakfast and reduced lunch, and ten cents for regular lunch and adults due to increases in food costs.

Adopting the Reading Street Series from Pearson Scott Foresman Publishing Co.

Authorizing the termination of David Nalbone.

Granting a one-year unpaid leave of absence to Karen Downton.

Additions to the substitute list: Barbara Passarelli, Special Education; Ann Marie Leber, Elementary Education; Cindy Gerchman, Tutoring.

The following varsity football volunteers: Mose Perry, David Beaudette, Jody Stanley.

Changing the April 20 board meeting to April 6, and the April 19 work session to April 5.

Ryan Gilleran as a homebound instructor.

The Susquehanna Youth Soccer League to use the LGI on March 20, April 3 and April 10 for signups.

Tammy Stone permission to attend a Bully Prevention Program in Montrose.

Hiring of Meghan Gilleran, varsity softball scorekeeper for the 2010-11 school year.

Hiring of the following for the 2011-12 school year: Jeffrey Baldwin, girls’ varsity volleyball coach; Bridgette Stone, girls’ junior varsity volleyball coach; Susan Crawford, girls’ volleyball game manager; Jeffrey Hall, cross country head coach; Leanne Woodruff, assistant cross country coach; Richard Bagnall, head varsity football coach, John Salinkas, assistant varsity football coach; Mark Willchock, assistant varsity football coach; Carl Zukus, assistant varsity football coach; Michael Marino, junior high football coach; Joe Kempa, junior high football coach; Roxann Lloyd, varsity football cheerleading coach.

Two requests were not approved, Jeannye Glidden for two additional bereavement days and Scott Glidden for one additional bereavement day.

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Elk Lake Hopes To Keep Staff
By Melinda Darrow

A proposed 2011/2012 school calendar was presented before the board at the March 17 Elk Lake and SCCTC school board meetings. The first day back, if that calendar were approved, would be August 25 which, Mrs. Teel pointed out, would conflict with the Harford Fair. She said that many students are involved in the Harford Fair, and asked if that could be looked at again. Dr. Bush replied that it could be looked into, and explained that the benefit to starting then would be to allow as many days as possible before PSSA's began, and keep a short first week for the kindergarten students.

The school is planning on hosting the district cross country meet again this year, it was confirmed. The event would be held in October.

Board approval was sought for the submission of Plan Con H, which dealt with project financing. This step delineates what the state's part would be in the financing, this document is sent to the state to receive and approve. This is just another step in the ongoing process.

A visitor asked if the district had anything in writing regarding students being sent to the vo-tech program. Rumors existed, she said. Dr. Bush replied that there had been no correspondence from anybody that students wouldn't be sent. In fact, he said, parents had contacted the district asking if it was legal for a school to deny their student's ability to come. It was, in fact, illegal for a school to refuse a child the ability to attend, he continued. In conversations with other districts, however, no one had said students wouldn't be sent anyway.

The visitor also asked about the construction process as regards the new construction project. She wanted to know what backup plan the district had if the cuts continued. Mr. Place differentiated again between the public education facility of Elk Lake, and the different funding of the vo-tech. He stated that the district had looked deeply into this with the other administrations, and did not expect a problem. Dr. Bush stated that in the governor's budget, one of his priorities was the growth of career and technology centers. The visitor asked the board not to “double-whammy” taxpayers in a few years, if other district's didn't pay and Elk Lake had to cover the loan. It was stated that they would not do that. Mrs. Teel pointed out that under Act 1 the district could not raise taxes exorbitantly anyway, without going to a referendum (which likely wouldn't pass).

A second visitor read an excerpt from the Independent, questioning Dr. Bush's assertion that other schools were not withholding their students. He felt the excerpt to mean that Blue Ridge was pursuing other options for their vo-tech students. Dr. Bush said that it would not be legal for those students to attend another vo-tech, with the way geographical boundaries lay. The visitor then expounded on the hiring of staff at the vo-tech who needed emergency certification, and at what he felt to be a higher pay scale than was necessitated.

Dr. Bush responded that they have emergency certification because unless they went to a vocational school, they would not have vocational certification. Also, he continued, the district wants to hire people who know the field and have experience in the field. This means, then, that a school will pay for the experience. The staff then has to become certified after hiring. The higher wages were due to experience as well.

The visitor continued that the school was talking about a budget that was not going to be balanced. As a tax payer he did not want to make up that difference. He revisited the idea that it was the law that a certified instructor be hired before a non certified instructor. Also, he maintained, certified instructors have training in development and dealing with students. Dr. Bush responded that he had attended career center conferences, and most schools hire from business and industry. He did not know of any school which didn't hire staff in that way.

The man reiterated that he wanted the best people hired, but he felt that the district was over hiring them. With the budget situation, he thought that the district was setting a high standard. Mr. Place and Dr. Bush reiterated the necessity to pay a good salary to bring in quality staff from an industry field.

Josie Coddington submitted a letter of intent to retire. It was accepted with regret. Mrs. Hollister-Lewis' retirement was also approved with regret.

A submission by a company which would give the district a royalty payment to use its logo on merchandise was reviewed. This was paperwork to be signed after the fact, it was explained, the merchandise was already sold. The motion was to accept the money. The paperwork had two options, an exclusive or non-exclusive license. During the discussion of options, it was theorized that in order to not have people print their items, the district would need to have a copyright on it. Mrs. Teel agreed with some others, that she would like to see the district doing its own printing and selling. Various others agreed. This would allow the district to regulate the product. Still, Mrs. Ives pointed out (and others agreed) that the company was going to print it whether or not the district accepted the checks. The general consensus seemed to be that the company was going to make it but there was nothing stating Elk Lake couldn't make it as well. The only other option the district would have, Dr. Bush explained, would be for the district to become its own licensing entity, though he wasn't certain how to go about it. A motion was made that a non exclusive license be signed with the company, which was approved.

The NEIU 19 operating budget was put before the board for approval. There was no increase in Elk Lake's contribution. The special education contract was also broached. It was smaller than the last year, Dr. Bush said, due to less student participation in the services. The district primarily receives vision support, hearing support, and physical therapy services, and those students are sporadic enough that it wouldn't be cost effective for the district to bring those services in district, Mrs. Staats explained.

Mr. Tewksbury asked what was going on with the intermediate unit. Dr. Bush replied that they were continuing to be investigated, and that a search was underway for an executive director. Dr. Bush, along with superintendent representatives from two other counties, was to be sitting in on the interviews. They were, it was clarified, fulfilling their obligations to the schools, to the best of his knowledge.

Dr. Bush asked for board approval to put out the elementary driveway paving for bid, which, as discussed at the prior meeting, would allow cars to be diverted around the playground. Children would then not have to cross that area with traffic. Also, more parking spaces would be added to the front of the school.

Dr. Bush gave a report to the board regarding the governor's budget proposal. Elk Lake's funding has been cut, as many district's has; the district lost around 1.6 million. He said that it was misleading for the state to say that the districts are going back to 08-09 funding levels. What is at those levels is the $680,000 of basic funding lost. The block grant was also lost, which paid the kindergarten full day program, as well as funding for cyber charter schools. The funding then, with those incorporated, goes back to 06-07 levels. Some meetings had been held, then, with educators regarding the district's need to balance the budget. Dr. Bush proposed approaching the matter in such a manner as that it has minimal impact on staff and programs. He recommended that the district not replace retirees. There are probably four professional positions and three support staff positions that the district would not look to replace. If they were replaced, they could be replaced with someone having a lower salary. He would also recommend that staff be certified in different areas. He proposed reducing programs as little as possible. The district has reserves it could dip into to balance the budget, but the problem with doing that would be the need to keep doing it. The state has legislation in for furloughs for economic reasons, which he said would be one of the last options the district would want to look at. Salary freezes was another option many schools were considering, for various genres of staff. There may be some concerns that some poorer schools may struggle to keep their doors open. A PSEA representative came out and urged all districts to take a freeze in salary. Dr. Bush said that it was hoped that the district could come back to the board in April with a budget proposal with expenditures and revenue.

There was also a resolution before the board to approve for vouchers. Dr. Bush provided information on this matter. By year three these could cost a billion dollars. He urged taxpayers and parents to contact their senators and legislators about this. He read from the resolution near the end of the meeting, which argued that the voucher system would take money away from public education. It also argued that public schools, unlike private schools, accepted all students and were strictly regulated. The resolution was in opposition of Senate Bill 1, and urged action to contact legislators. The board voted to approve the resolution. The voucher system, it was explained, is a three tier system. The first year the state would pick up the cost, and the second year it would come from the school district. Mr. Place suggested that a map be placed on the website with legislator information. The public could then access this information. Dr. Bush agreed to the action.

Mr. Tewksbury wanted it announced that at this time the board certainly had no intention of laying off staff. He said that some decisions did need to be made, however, and some cuts may be unpopular. He opined that he didn't think anyone at the table wanted to say that staff would be leaving.

Mr. Place said that one district was looking to go back to half day kindergarten. This was also something which the district had not considered doing. Mr. Tewksbury said that the district had been financially prudent, and did not want to hurt the taxpayers or others, though tough decisions did need to be made.

A reporter asked how the PSERS retirement matter would figure into the situation. It was reported that a statement had been made that Pennsylvania would contribute its part of the retirement system. The school district's, it was asserted, have never shorted their contributions. The deficit has always come from the state. The problem is that the percentage is going to continue to grow. This is still being planned, and will still represent an increase for school districts in the future.

A visitor asked if athletics and activities were going to be looked at for reduction. She felt that education ought to be the district's number one priority. She felt education had taken a second seat to activities. Mr. Tewksbury assured those present that this would be looked at diligently.

Mr. Place gave his opinion that the district had been conservative, and should be in good condition to weather the storm. When a visitor asked how many years the district could do this, Dr. Bush spoke about the pending retirements that could not be filled if necessary in the future. The visitor asked the board to not be too proud to stop the construction project.

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Ferrara Arrested For Indecent Assault

Pennsylvania State Police at Gibson announce the arrest of Phillip Albert Ferrara, 48, 550 Lake of Meadows Road, Little Meadows, Susquehanna County. He is accused of having indecent contact with a 14 year old male victim. The alleged contact occurred in November 2010 while the victim and his family were at Our Lady of Solitude Retreat in Little Meadows, Susquehanna County.

Ferrara is charged with three counts of Corruption of Minors and three counts of Indecent Assault.

Ferrara was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey L. Hollister, 17 Lake Ave., Montrose. Ferrara was released on $10,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 21, at 2:30 p.m.

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New Milford Twp. Receives AED
By Melinda Darrow

There were four gentlemen visiting the March 16 New Milford Township meeting, representatives from Southwestern Energy. After the approval of minutes and treasurer's report, Julene Graham spoke about why they were there. She had originally submitted a letter to seek funding or grants for an automated external defibrillator (AED) for their building. It's a public access building, events were held there, and people worked there full time. Southwest Energy responded to her plea, and they attended the meeting to present the township with the equipment. One representative, the staff health safety environmental coordinator, acted as spokesperson. Southwest believed, he said, that citizens were the most valuable resources and presented the machine to demonstrate their commitment to helping protect that resource. He also offered to train anyone who needed it. It was stated that the machine would not allow them to have an accident, but would only work if need was present. The supervisors thanked the men for the donation.

Lonzinsky contracting didn't have a permit for earth disturbance at his property just outside of town yet, but he was working on obtaining it, it was reported. The township had been contacted by the Conservation Department about the matter, which they had investigated.

A notice was received of a change to a large non-coal surface mining permit at the New Milford quarry. Mr. Richardson was going to be allowed to blast on a small area. This was just a notification.

Popple Constructions was going to put a crusher in, and was applying for a large mining permit for 29.33 acres on Lewis Corners Road, it was stated.

The Gunn Land Development off of Old Route Eleven, was exempt from the sewage facilities planning, DEP notified the township. It was thought this might be due to the ability to hook into the borough sewage.

On May 5 a public meeting was to be held for rezoning for the elder housing development within the borough. This did not pertain to the township, but it was stated for public note.

Only one bid was received for crushing materials, roughly 5,000 tons, was received. As it was the only bid (from Lopke), it was accepted.

The men present from Southwestern said that if anyone had concerns about their activities, they could just call. The office is near Nicholson, and when asked it was clarified that they had their own rig in the area. There are a lot of leases in New Milford Township, it was stated. Mr. Conroy asked why they seemed to go up to the highest areas where the woods were. It was responded that in Susquehanna County, when the houses, wetlands, culture, and other areas were taken out of consideration, that was all that was left. It was also said that they try to drill in the center of an area and many landowners did not want them on farming land. There was some further discussion regarding the specifics of the drilling, before the men left.

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Courthouse Report
Compiled By Lauren Price Ficarro

DEEDS

Roy L. and Suzanne M. Schermerhorn to Roy L. and Suzanne M. Schermerhorn, in Harford Township for one dollar.

Louis J. and Barbara J. Grisafi to Louis J., Jr. and Louis J. Grisafi, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

Joan E. Shaffer to Eric Jordan, in Clifford Township for $35,000.00.

Lillian H. Wood (estate) to Alice W. Jenks, Barbara L. and Charles S. Wood, Christine Wilson, Diane R. Callahan and Elizabeth Butler, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Alice A. Abell and Abell Living Trust (trust by trustee) to Alice A. and Thomas A. Abell, in Apolacon Township for one dollar.

Mark Mortgage Associates to Patricia and Robert Aiken, in Bridgewater Township for $58,500.00.

Roland D. and Randal D. (AKA) Randel D. Jenner to Randal D. (AKA) Randel D. Jenner, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Darrin T. and Connie A. Rogers to Connie A. Rogers, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

Neil M. and Terri Derstine to John Tyciak, III, in Ararat Township for $50,000.00.

Jean, Gary E. and Kimberly Mundy to Jean and Gary E. Mundy, in Harford and Gibson Townships for one dollar.

Michael F. and Catharine M. (AKA) Catherine M. Moreni to Old Buick Partnership, in Dimock Township for one dollar.

Russell Leonard, Jr. (estate) to Kim Forys, in Franklin Township for $60,000.00.

Karen Kendall (by atty), Dale Bruce, Kathleen and Dale Blount, Kathy Bount (by atty) and Richard (by atty) Snyderwine and Christina Lynn Blunt (by atty) to Montrose Hillbillies, III LP, in Franklin Township for $600,000.00.

Merton R., Jr. and Holly Kilpatrick to Curtis L. Fullom, in Lenox Township for $132,000.00.

Glenn A. and Linda J. Steele to Glenn A. Steele, in Jackson Township for one dollar.

James W. Bennett to Cal Kiz Holdings Two LLP, in Rush Township for $160,000.00.

Terry L. Rieman (by sheriff) to Wells Fargo Bank, in Forest City for $1,378.87.

Bonnie Shimer to Roger Shimer, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar.

Bonnie A. and Michael W. Zeffer and Bruce L. Seamans to Bonnie A. and Michael W. Zeffer and David E. Seamans, in New Milford Township for one dollar.

Leonard J. and Ann M. Zalepa to Thomas E. Stranko and Connie Lee Goff, in Silver Lake Township for $5,000.00.

Leonard J. and Ann M. Zalepa to Valeda Chaszar, in Silver Lake Township for $5,000.00.

Valeda Chaszar to Valeda and Stephen M. Chaszar, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Constance M. Long to William Pearce, in Ararat Township for $22,000.00.

Frances J. Matis to Elizabeth S. Tingley, in Susquehanna for one dollar.

Thomas G. Butts to Michael T. Butts, in Harmony Township for one dollar.

C C, Jr. and Genevieve Ann Coleman to Robert and Maryann Haefner, in Rush and Middletown Townships for one dollar.

Mary Charlene and Homer, Jr. Ferrante and Timothy J. Tell to Timothy J. Tell, in Harmony Township for one dollar.

Richard A., Sr. and Paulette F. Stewart to Andrew John and Blake A. Kelly, in Forest Lake Township for $10,000.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:45 a.m. on March 18, 2011.

William D. Barton, Ryan T. Brooks, Douglas Buckman, Bryan S. Burnett, James J. Corridoni, John C. Creps, Heather R. DeBoer, Charles S. Dunn, David J. Fischer, Thomas Fisher, John S. Frisbie, Jr., Andy L. Groff, David Haines, Jr., Keith G. Harms, William Neil Hendrickson, Shannon J. Hollister, Gerald C. Hundley, Richard W. Ianuale, Christopher J. Kingsbury, Erik E. Krisovitch, Lee Labor, Casey J. Lawton, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Derrick Lezinsky, Jason Lindquist, Michael Maryasz, Mark C. McCarey, Jennifer M. Miller, Shane Nelson, Donald Palmer, Jeremy Presson, Arthur D. Quick, Jesse R. Rhinebeck, Jr., David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Garrett M. Staudinger (aka Thomas), Justin Thompson, Robert J. Twilley, Steven G. Warner, Steven G. Wormuth, Donna Zeluff.

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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MVSD Talks Bleak Budget
By Melinda Darrow

It was still light when the March 14 Mountain View work session began, due to the earlier start time and the forward move of the clock.

The NEIU Special Education contract was reviewed. The NEIU had provided addendum a, which, Dr. Chichura said, was accurate at the present time. If this changed, there would be time to notify the unit. After reviewing a few things, Dr. Chichura recommended that the board approve it. Ms. Rinehart-Cowan said that she wanted more information on the intermediate unit's educator salaries and increases prior to passing it. Mrs. Aherne said that from going to the meetings, there wouldn't be any big changes she felt until there was a new executive director. Mrs. Aherne asked if there was a dollar amount provided in the contract. It was quoted at around $198,000, which wasn't high for contracted special services Dr. Chichura said. He opined that it was better to estimate high, in case a new student came in. Mrs. Pipitone pointed out that under the current contract the district has the right to change that amount until February. It was an estimated bill, because their funding had changed. The estimated amount was based off of the current year's usage. Mr. Phillips asked if the information Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan had requested could be obtained prior to the next meeting. Dr. Chichura felt it could. Mr. Griffiths expressed his concern that the dollar amount was not included until the bottom of the document. The addendum a, Dr. Chichura said, had not been resubmitted, but had not changed since it was last given to board members. Mr. Griffiths maintained that he felt the contract was open ended until that number was included, and that it ought to be there. There was some more discussion on this matter, until it was agreed that a schedule simply needed to be attached to the document, which was to happen prior to the voting meeting the following week.

The NEIU 19 general operating budget was then reviewed. Mrs. Aherne provided an overview of the salient points, stating that the biggest change was a drastic decrease in federal revenues of $240,000, along with a minor decrease in another area. Overall, it would be operating with a decreased revenue of almost $287,000 total. Dr. Chichura stated that the increases to NEIU staff had been brought up in discussion, and they were parred down to perhaps around 2% then. The Act 93 staff, he continued, as he understood it were locked into an existing agreement. The executive director salary was reduced, and the assistant executive director position was cut. Mrs. Aherne continued the review, pointing out that the administrative costs were almost three quarters of the instructional costs. A few districts may vote no on it, but not all of them it was thought. Dr. Chichura pointed out that the loss of revenue did not show up in the district costs, to compensate for the loss of federal and state money. He said that he did not know what the governor's budget proposed for the NEIU's, but he understood that they were to be supported. It was clarified that a vote on the matter was to be left on the agenda for the voting meeting.

The purchase of gym floor mats was reviewed, again, as discussed at the last meeting. This was the last day, Mr. Taylor explained, to discuss it as the decision was necessary by the next day. The hope was to use the cover at non-sporting events, and reduce the amount of times the floor needs to be refinished. The goal would be to only re-coat it once the coming year. He spoke of one stain on the floor now where a girl had dropped a bottle of perfume. The cover would be waterproof, three-ply and have a ten year warranty. It would be taped to the floor so as to reduce a tripping hazard. Resealing the floor costs $3,200, and had been done twice a year. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan brought up once again the concern that dirt under the cover could damage the floor. Mr. Taylor said that it would have to be a matter of procedure to clean it. Mr. Griffiths asked what if the idea didn't work. When asked, Mr. Taylor stated that he did have the money in his equipment budget to purchase the mats. It would only be $1,900, and he had more than that in the budget. Due to the time press, the board members went around the table and voted yes or no. Five voted in favor, but there was still some uncertainty over the decision. It was decided that the matter would need to be officially voted upon at the next meeting. Mr. Taylor was directed to contact the company and see if they would extend the deadline, otherwise it would be a moot point.

A letter in opposition to Senate Bill 1 was reviewed. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan stated that she was in favor of it, and the voucher system, thinking that students should have a right to go where they wanted to and disagreeing with the supposition that students who go to charter schools do not necessarily have better achievement. Dr. Chichura maintained that charter schools have the right to deny students, which skews the numbers of success as they may accept only high level students. Mr. Griffiths stated that students also have to keep a high average sometimes to stay in the school. Charter schools also aren't governed by the same rules, he continued, and could be held in a barn, or have uncertified educators. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan said that she was concerned by a disparity in the class system. Some parents could not afford to send their children to a charter school, and this way a low-income student could be better able to afford the change. A visitor, Jeff Smith, said that he believed that the military was considering disallowing students graduated from charter schools and home schools. Mrs. Pipitone further clarified this stating that degrees from charter schools were considered to be the same as a GED, and the military accepts only a percentage of GED students. Dr. Chichura differentiated then between the charter schools and the cyber charter schools. Cyber charter school students, he said, are the ones who have a 10% limit to being accepted in the military. Military branches will readily accept anyone from a private school, he said. The voucher system would be where the school's subsidy for that student would be applied toward tuition for a private school. The first year the district would not be affected by this, as it would be the failing schools, or the schools not meeting annual yearly progress involved. After that the standards are to be loosened. Also, the parents would receive the tuition rate at Mountain View, which might be less than the tuition rate at a private school. The parents are to be responsible then to foot the difference. It also only applies to parents who would be in the federal poverty guidelines, and be eligible for free and reduced lunch program. The school has a high percentage of this group however, he said. He broached the subject of transportation, which is a current unknown factor. It may be that the district would have to transport the children wherever the parents wanted to send them. The resolution in question was submitted by the school boards association. It was requested that school boards consider submitting it. The new governor campaigned on the voucher system, so the existence of this idea is not a surprise.

The district's auditor and food service management were both discussed. As far as the food management group went, the nutrition group was stating that it could guarantee a $27,000 profit. Mr. Mirabelli recommended that the group move forward with the contract with the current group. There would be no increase in prices then, unless it was federally mandated.

As this was a work session, Mr. Mirabelli then reviewed the effect of the PA state budget proposal on the local budget. Mountain View stands to lose over $815,000, about 14% of its income from the state, for next year. This includes the loss of stimulus funds. In state subsidies for charter schools, the district would receive nothing back. Special education is flat funded. The accountability block grant and the educational assistance program were wiped out. The eap program could not run if they don't have money. However, study island and the high school 4-sight testing was also funded through this money. The accountability block grant pays about 38% of the district's kindergarten salaries. It also funds professional development, elementary tutoring, class size reduction, and supportive counseling, which the district had been offering one day a week with a counselor coming in. The pre-k program was level funded, but Mrs. Voigt pointed out the disparity that while pre-k was being supported kindergarten was being cut. Some districts, Dr. Chichura said, were looking at canceling the program entirely. Dual enrollment was out completely, there was not to even be an application. The Science It's Elementary grant was also to be cut. Mountain view has an i3 grant, however, Dr. Chichura said, which would allow it to continue to run the program concept. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan asked if even with the loss of dual enrollment funding, if parents could still pay for students to go to college, if the college agreements were still in place. Dr. Chichura explained that the colleges were still planning on offering a reduced tuition, but that guidance would not be involved. The district, it was clarified, would still help work scheduling around classes, but would not contact colleges. The preliminary budget Dr. Chichura said, had a 1.4 million dollar gap between expenditures and revenues, with this cut the difference would be roughly 2.2 million dollars. He said that all of the districts across the state had similar problems. He felt this year would probably be the toughest year to balance the budget. This level of funding may be similar even for the year after next. Mr. Griffiths stated that the 13-14 school year was where the district would hit the retirement wall, and these next two years were when the district would need to be saving money. He said that a lot of the schools in the area are making huge sacrifices and he felt that it was time for the district to do the same. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan agreed with him. She said that the district still has an 11-1 ratio for students to staff. The district had to be willing to do more with less, she continued. Mr. Griffiths felt money should be put into a fund for retirement. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan said that other districts were making 1 to 14 or 1 to 17 ratio work. Blue Ridge, she said, has a higher ratio and higher scores. A visitor asked if the school board could play politics with their budget and go to the school board association and tell them that they were cutting all sports instead of looking at educators, or education costs; he felt that if all the districts teamed up and took the PIAA out of the equation, then the governor would have to answer to tax payers as to why there were no sports. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan opined that the district needed to look at staff benefits and other costs. The visitor continued with his idea that the districts needed to be united and take on the governor, and that cutting sports out would be leverage. The governor would not shut down the sports in Pennsylvania he felt. Mr. Griffiths didn't think that this would work, as many districts have major sports which carry their sports programs. Dr. Chichura spoke of options the district would have to fund the sports program, such as pay to play or charging costs. Mr. Griffiths proposed only playing PIAA games, and eliminating scrimmages or tournaments. There was further discussion on charging admission fees and fundraisers.

A field trip request was noted to allow band students to march in the Montrose Memorial Day parade. The board president expressed his pleasure at seeing the uniforms used again.

The academic team won all three of their meets and won $500 at a competition in Sayre, Mrs. Voigt said. They were invited back to compete again. The letter said that all district representatives would be recognized on air. The fifth annual Northeast Pennsylvania High School Challenge was to be hosted at Mountain View the Saturday after the meeting, she also reported.

A survey was completed of the professional staff, Dr. Chichura said in response to the coming years calendar. A little more than the majority of staff would have been willing to start the year on the Thursday and Friday of the Harford Fair, about 40% would not. Thus Dr. Chichura suggested that the start date be left as planned. Make up days under the proposed calendar would be incorporated. The calendar was to be voted on at the following meeting.

The arts alive program was discussed, it is offered by the NEIU. It costs the district $1600, and the students also have to pay a (somewhat reduced) fee. The students work with professors from the University of Scranton, Keystone, and perhaps Marywood University. It is Monday to Friday for the month of July. Students could be picked up, in the past. Mr. Barbolish said that students who have attended it have often gone on to college for the arts. Multiple students from the district could theoretically attend. In the past students had to pay some additional fee. Students with documented need, however, may have scholarship opportunities. Students could study classes such as voice, theatre, dance, and art. This has been traditionally budgeted for, and was budgeted for the 2011 summer. As this was the case, it was proposed that it did not need to be voted on.

The district saved near $150,000, it was estimated, by burning wood rather than fuel oil. Mr. Taylor said that people were still wanting tours of it.

Mr. Doster was asked about a rumor that 20 to 40 students were failing seventh grade. He responded that this was incorrect. He said that eighth grade failure was down to around 9 or 10 compared to 20 last year. Seventh grade may have a failure rate in the teens, but that is largely due to homework. The district is working with the sixth grade, to see how the transition could be made more smoothly, and homework could be addressed. A parent said that he had liked the ability to speak with staff about conferences. There was further discussion about the transition between seventh and eighth grades, and may incorporate the middle school incorporating more elementary concepts and the elementary training more for middle school. When asked, Mr. Doster stated that the educators were really using the team meeting time to discuss students and to meet with and communicate with parents.

A visitor spoke up that he was a little concerned about the morale. He felt that with the economy lower class sizes might be important to students. The preliminary budget will be available for public input.

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Hallstead Welcomes New Member

Hallstead Boro Council’s newest member, Ryan Stone, sat in on his first official meeting on March 17. Mr. Stone had been appointed by the county court to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Joseph Franks.

Mark Kotar was present to give council an update on the upgrade project at the Hallstead-Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority. He anticipates that the project will be completed in the fall, perhaps sooner. He did have a request for residents and business owners. Those who empty fat, oil and grease into the system should be aware that, even if they do not experience clogs at their sites, it does cause a problem elsewhere in the system. People are requested to put those materials into a sealed container and dispose of it in the garbage rather than washing it down the drain. And, he said that liquefying products may eliminate a problem at the user’s site, but it causes problems further into the system.

A visitor at the meeting had addressed council at an earlier meeting about a flooding problem at her home, and was back to discuss continuing problems. Apparently someone has built a dam further up the hill, which diverts water directly onto her property. There is also a sluice pipe that is apparently broken. She experienced two recent incidents where her basement was flooded. There used to be one sump pump in her basement, but now there are four and they cannot keep up with the water. When the first (recent) incident occurred, the fire company would not pump it out because of floating debris that might damage the pump. As the fire company is a volunteer organization and not under council’s management, she was advised to address them directly with her concerns. Two council members promised to conduct an on-site inspection of the situation at her property this weekend to see what could be done.

Pothole patching on boro roads has been started, and council will contact PennDOT to discuss those on state roads. A priority list of streets in need of paving will be discussed at next month’s meeting, and two areas with possible drainage problems will be checked out.

Council president Michele Giangrieco has been in contact with a representative of the owner of the foundry property to discuss the open pit and the fallen snow fence. The rep. said that contaminated soil was being removed for the past two weeks. Ms. Giangrieco will keep an eye on the site, and will stay in contact with the rep.

The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m.

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Silver Lake Twp. Police Report
Submitted By Silver Lake Twp. Police Dept.

THEFT

On January 31, Misty Herman, in Silver Lake Township, reported that someone entered her home and took several of her prescription medications as well as her checkbook. This incident is still under investigation.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

On February 11, at approximately 0035hrs, SLTPD were called to a domestic dispute on Forest Lake Road in Forest Lake Township. A couple had been arguing, after drinking, at neighbors and before going to bed. SLTPD investigated the situation and the individuals were separated and calmed for the night. Follow up contact was made and the situation was rectified.

IDENTIFY THEFT

On February 15, Jolane Swingle of Newark Valley, NY, reported that she was a victim of identity theft while living in Silver Lake Township. She just received an electric bill for a company she didn’t have an account with and an address she didn’t live at.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

On February 4 at approximately 1930hrs, SLTPD were called to a domestic dispute in progress in Forest Lake Township on SR 267. A couple had been having a verbal argument and some household items had been broken, but the situation had calmed down with SLTPD arrival. Relatives of the female arrived and the situation was rectified with the relatives agreeing to stay with the couple.

BURGLARY/THEFT

On February 22, Casey Strohl Sr. of Montrose reported that someone had entered his quarry at Cobb Hill on the weekend and took 2 chain saws, a new air compressor, large saw blades, 2 blow torches and other items. This incident is still under investigation.

Any information or questions for Silver Lake Township Police, please call 570-278-6818 or e-mail silverlaketwppd@epix.net. All information will be held strictly confidential.

Visit the Silver Lake Township website at silverlaketwp.org to see all of Silver Lake Townships’ news, profiles and resources, including police reports.

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Susky May Acquire Business

The March 15 Susquehanna Boro Council meeting began with a discussion of the procedure for small purchases. President Dave Scales suggested that petty cash be used for any purchase less than $20 to cut down on the number of checks that need to be issued for small amounts, and to increase the petty cash fund to $100, up from $50. After discussion, it was agreed to table the matter until the next meeting, and to have the treasurer write up procedure recommendations.

Three people requested time on the agenda. First was Kathy Ragard, who is running for District Magistrate in the May primary. She is currently the office manager for the county District Attorney, and gave a rundown of her accomplishments and qualifications.

Chick Nyne of PennDOT gave an update on the plans for the Main Street/Franklin Avenue (Route 92) intersection. The design plan and right-of-way plan have gone through the review process, and an archeological study is underway on the land between Euclid Ave. and Rte. 92. It is expected that the project will go out to bid in January, with work to begin in the spring of 2012.

Aaron Gould of International Silica is interested in building a plant to process the sand used in the (gas) fracking process in Northeast PA, and is especially interested in the parcel the boro owns along the river. The process used to produce the sand does not involve use of hazardous materials, he said, and would create 36 to 100 jobs at a pay in the area of $19 or $20 per hour for common laborers. A raw material staging area would be needed near the railroad bridge; the building needed would be modeled in the spirit of the nearby Starrucca House, and silos would be blocked by the factory building. There would be virtually no noise in the manufacturing process, but there would be increased rail traffic and truck traffic. He asked if the boro would be willing to erect the building and lease it to International Silica at a profit. He said that the entire riverfront park site would be utilized, but his company, as part of their proposal, would be willing to develop a multi-use walking trail from the site to the Starrucca Viaduct. They would like to use a small part of the Starrucca House for their offices, and restore the rest of the building for public use. Council was very interested in hearing more, and asked Mr. Gould to work up a more detailed plan and set up a meeting to discuss it further.

Mayor Matis reported that all of the boro’s police have been taser certified. He said that many residents have begun spring cleanups. He and Mr. Scales had met with the SCDA to discuss the Elm Street program; council would be working hand in hand with them. And, the SCDA will be holding their annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 16.

Mr. Scales said that the Elm Street grant will now be administered through the boro office. The boro is looking for the next Elm Street project to be demolition of a blighted house on Washington St. near Fifth Ave.

During public comment, Steve Glover and the street crew were commended for a great job keeping the streets cleared of snow.

Merrill Lynch had required signatures on documents regarding the police pension fund, but the documents had the wrong names on them; a motion to approve the documents will be brought up at the next committee meeting once documents with the correct names are available.

A motion carried to adopt Resolution 03152011B, to secure a loan of $20,000 to purchase a new backhoe.

Correspondence included a letter from Pam Hennessey of the SCDA Events Committee, requesting to hold the annual Hometown Days parade on Main St., and to put a up a banner for the event on Main St. Since Main St. is a state road, a permit is required from PennDOT, and the required paperwork was reviewed. There was a lengthy discussion about the banner and included some questions, such as, who would be liable if the banner falls, who would be responsible for hanging it, who will pay for any hooks or wires that might need to be put in to hang it, and where would it be erected. The request was tabled until it could be ascertained whether or not the boro’s event insurance would cover the banner. And, a representative of the SCDA Events Committee would be requested to attend the next committee meeting on April 5 to answer questions.

At their previous meetings, council had discussed enacting a historic preservation ordinance and a sample ordinance had been given out for review and/or recommendations. Mr. Perry presented some “food for thought” on the matter. He asked if renovations already done on subject properties might be subject to being undone if they do not meet historic guidelines. He cited an incident in New York where windows with lead paint had to be reinstalled after they were replaced because the new windows did not meet the ordinance guidelines. Mr. Matis said that the ordinance would be for a local designation, not a state designation, and it could be updated at any time by the boro. Its main intent is to review the demolition procedure. Alice Deutsch, who is also a member of the committee seeking to save the Starrucca House, said that the committee had recommended that the boro pass a historic preservation ordinance because the committee feared the possibility of the Starrucca House being bought and taken down and then relocated someplace outside of the community. The committee is working with the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and Preservation PA in their effort. The ordinance would contain guidelines to follow to preserve buildings so they would not be torn down without council’s approval. Mr. Scales recommended that the ordinance be sent to the boro solicitor for his review, to see if it meets council’s standards. Joe Varsik was concerned that it would dictate choices, such as which colors could be used (to paint). Mr. Perry was concerned that it would necessitate council’s approval for such things as color choices. Mr. Matis disagreed, and said that the ordinance did not have a lot of constraints (such as color choices). John Hendrickson said that the ordinance merits further consideration. It, too, was tabled for further review and discussion.

A motion carried to accept a proposal from Melissa Lankford to host, manage and update (monthly) the boro’s website at a cost of $600 per year.

Mr. Scales reported that the boro building phone system has been repaired, and that the problems it has been experiencing have been fixed. The voice mail is now working, a broken phone was replaced, interdepartmental dialing is now possible, and two cords were replaced.

There was discussion as to whether or not to replace the chairs at the table in the council meeting room. Mr. Scales said that he had done some “shopping,” and the average price is $1,000 each. The chairs, eleven of them, are about eleven years old. The room gets a lot of use, Mr. Scales said, and it is disconcerting when one of the chairs suddenly drops lower while someone is sitting in it. Mr. Perry thought that council could put that amount of money to better use than buying chairs. Mr. Matis suggested just replacing the broken ones, rather than all of them. Deborah Zayas suggested that council put off any decision for the time being. After discussion, the matter was tabled.

Four bids were received for the boro’s old backhoe; Hazleton Equipment had the high bid, in the amount of $6,391 and a motion carried to accept it.

A letter from a resident with a complaint about the action taken by the boro’s codes officer regarding snow covered sidewalks will be discussed with the codes officer at the next committee meeting.

Mr. Scales asked council to consider contracting with an off-site backup service for the boro’s computer files. The files could be backed up on a secure server’s password protected site at a cost of $55 per year. Mr. Perry questioned whether or not this would violate the Freedom of Information Act, and suggested that council seek some guidance on the matter from the PA Association of Boroughs.

The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m.

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April Jurors Drawn

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 4th day of April at 9:00 a.m.

Apolacon Twp.: Robert Brown.

Auburn Twp.: Robert Clayton, Patricia Langan, Albert Ludwig, Tammy Mowry, Jeffrey Thompson, Peter Townsend.

Bridgewater Twp.: Steven Bartkus, Nancy Blaisure, Rose Clough, Becky Dendler, Dawn Taylor, Gary Travis.

Brooklyn Twp.: Joan Kamansky.

Choconut Twp.: Linda Collins.

Clifford Twp.: Debbie Andzulis, Madelyn Bognatz, Gerald Tolerico, James Waters, Elaine Yarros.

Dimock Twp.: Cindy Clark, Barbara Conrad, David Petersen, Ruth Vandermark.

Forest City, 1W: Allene Costa.

Forest City, 2W: Albert Daugevelo, Lorraine Twilley.

Forest Lake Twp.: Alayne Snow.

Gibson Twp.: Kenneth Hancock.

Great Bend Twp.: Bonita Buchanan, Donald Tyler.

Hallstead Boro: Laura Bonner, Wanda Dolaway, Leroy Murry.

Harford Twp.: Charlotte Batzel, George Bleck, Brian Frisbie, Earle Gumaer, Chet Haynes.

Herrick Twp.: James Sheilds.

Jackson Twp.: Tim Dewey, Richard Henry, Sandor Phillips.

Lathrop Twp.: Paul Bell.

Lenox Twp.: Stella Jerauld, Michael Pollock, Brent Reed, Bruce Walder.

Montrose Boro, 1W: Kay Dietrich, Dorothea Lewis.

Montrose Boro, 2W: Ethel Percario.

New Milford Boro: Gerald Bevan.

New Milford Twp.: Brian Birchard, Diane Burchell, Stanley Colwell, John Hoffman, Amanda Weaver.

Oakland Boro: Rosalind Devries, Robert Muiter.

Oakland Twp.: Mary Butler, Donald DeWitt.

Rush Twp.: Lois Edwards, Carol Hunsinger, Diane Rodden, Samuel Tesluk.

Silver Lake Twp.: Sarah Fruehan, Marlon Gibson, Mary Heron, Laura Shuta, Phillip Smith.

Springville Twp.: Richard Kern.

Susquehanna Boro, 2W: M. Kosko.

Thompson Boro: Lana Box.

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