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HEADLINES: Summer is at hand. Classes are over, graduates dispersed. In a few days the fiscal year will end at Blue Ridge. The Board of Directors is already preparing for the next school year, and on June 27 they disposed of a range of matters that both close out one year and ensure continuity into the next. Not least was formal adoption of a new budget projecting spending at $16,332,906. This is a dramatic drop of about $1.4 million, or 8.2%, from last year. According to administrators, the new state budget allocation just about matches projections, so the district should have no trouble balancing its budget by this time next year. And at a time of fiscal stress, the measure cut property taxes for the first time, by 1 mill, or about 2%. Tax collector Vicki Drake asked when she could expect the tax bills to be ready. Not sure why some are so anxious to pay their taxes, she said that some people call her when their bills appear to be late. The cuts are at least in part the result of a “significant decrease in student enrollment” which has also led the board to lay off 4 (unnamed) employees recently. Additional staff cuts have been achieved through attrition. The district has been operating 3 school programs with only 2 principals for the past year. And Barbara McCain, now acting special education director, may soon find her status changed: board president Alan Hall said that the position of special education coordinator will be up for discussion next month. The Board approved recommended changes to benefit packages. The changes were not detailed during the public session because the affected employees had not yet been notified of the changes, which were said to conform to the new contract with the teachers. Similarly, a new schedule of non-instructional salaries was adopted, along with rates for non-instructional substitutes, most of which will be paid at $7.50 per hour. There were a number of other routine personnel actions taken at the meeting, including summer positions in counseling, and “extended school year” services in speech and language and para-educators. At a meeting prior to the full business session, the Technology Committee heard a request from Donna Tewes and Mike Stewart for additional staff over the summer. They asked for the help of Dawn Crook and 3 students on temporary status for up to 100 hours each at $7.50 per hour to clean, inventory and shlep equipment around. Mr. Hall was reluctant to go along, remarking that it was “a lot of horsepower for tech this summer,” and testily warning that he didn’t want to “catch anybody standing around.” The committee was also authorized to dispose of surplus equipment by sale or recycling. The district administration is squeezing its suppliers and providers as well. WVIA agreed to reduce its fees by 5% for a 3-year contract covering the same services as presently offered. And High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski got the supplier of planners to recognize the consolidation of the Middle and High Schools and cut the cost to Blue Ridge by $1 per copy. The Board renewed its agreement with Blue Ridge Recreation to support the Summer Adventures program on the campus. There is no dollar cost to the district, which does, however, provide space and some limited support services for the popular program that is now in its 22nd year. In other business, the Board Approved an agreement with Capital Retirement Plan Services for processing the voluntary contributions of some 100 employees to a 403b retirement savings plan. Renewed its agreement with Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams for legal services for the coming year. Continued the district’s participation in the Keystone Purchasing Network, the PEPPM Technology Bidding and Purchasing Program, and the Costars Purchasing Program, which all provide purchasing services that often allow the district to avoid a costly and time-consuming bidding process for purchase of routine supplies and equipment through state-sponsored purchasing pools. Contracted with Kurtz Brothers to providing general supplies for the coming year. Contracted with RGM Hardwoods of Covington Township to supply wood chips for the coming year at $40 per ton (up $2 per ton over the current contract), for heating. The Board gave final approval to a list of changes to its policy manual, including such topics as non-discrimination and accommodation of disabilities in hiring, classroom practices and other activities; special education; discipline; immunization requirements; hazing and bullying; harassment; and fiscal and auditing procedures. Most of the amendments are minor, intended to conform district policy with recent legislative and regulatory changes. Board member Laurie Brown-Bonner queried administrators about some of the modified policies. Superintendent Robert McTiernan told the board that the new policy on communicable diseases and immunizations is now more consistent, and allows for no exceptions or “provisional” admittance: all required immunizations must be confirmed before a student will be admitted. He said that a “downside” to the new policy was the affect it might have on low-income families; in larger and wealthier communities some immunizations may be more easily available or even free. Ms. Bonner asked how the principals are handling bullying and cyberbullying. Mr. McTiernan said that state law requires the posting of school policy on these issues, and that the district makes “every effort to follow the policy to the letter.” The two principals responded that they try to focus on “front-end” prevention, and listed a variety of programs they use to increase awareness and prevent bullying from happening in the first place. She also inquired about some differences in the coverage listed in the 3 policies about non-discrimination: some of them listed pregnancy and marital status as covered statuses, while others did not. Mr. Hall and Mr. McTiernan said that the policies reflect the law, some of which is federal, but do not extend coverage beyond the law, in order to limit district liability. Ms. Bonner began a discussion about the way IEP (Individual Education Plan) meetings were organized, asking if there might be some way to ensure that parents are always represented even if they couldn’t attend themselves. Mr. Hall and Mr. McTiernan said they would look at the matter again. During a brief workshop following the business meeting, Mr. Hall described his lobbying efforts with legislators, trying to fend off the governor’s moves to extend vouchers for private education statewide. He is also trying to suppress amendments that would remove exemptions from Act 1 requirements for referenda to approve school budgets. He said that both measures would tend to hasten the destruction of public education, and would particularly affect rural districts like Blue Ridge. He also remarked that Senator Yaw and his staff have refused to speak with him, or to discuss Blue Ridge issues. Facilities & Grounds Committee chair Harold Empett reported that his list of summer projects appears to be on schedule so far, with Johnson Controls scheduled to arrive shortly to begin work on the remaining phase of the energy-conservation project. Technology Committee chair John Ketchur reported that his team is on schedule with its own part of the same project. Board member and IU representative Joel Whitehead reported that the Instructional Unit board has elected new officers, and ratified a 4-year contract with its new executive director. The latter got 4 “No” votes, perhaps as residue from last-year’s difficulties over the retirement of it previous well-paid executive director. There have also been indications that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken an interest in the situation, interviewing IU employees but not otherwise disclosing their purpose. As is customary in mid-summer, there will be only one meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board in July, on Monday the 18th, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Committees may meet prior to the business meeting. All sessions are held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.
Gibson Barracks Report THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING Sometime between June 25 and 19, a 2 ft. caterpillar trenching bucket belonging to Ron Kowaleski of New Milford was stolen and loaded into a pickup truck which was backed onto the scene. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report. BURGLARY On June 26 at 12:25 a.m. two people smashed the front door glass of Dandy's Mini Mart in Little Meadows, with the assistance of a large rock. Once inside the burglars proceeded to steal items from within the store and flee the scene. Anyone with information, or anyone who saw persons or vehicles in the area are asked to call PSP Gibson and refer to the incident. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF AUTOMOBILE Between June 25 and 26, between 10 p.m. and 12:46 a.m., Donald Hackett of Montrose reported that Amy Tompkins of the Hallstead area was utilizing his 2006 Dodge Truck, PA registration #YVC2747, without his authorization. The truck was recovered; the investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. ASSAULT-HARASSMENT On June 24 at 12:58 a.m. Wayne Conrad of the New Milford area struck James Morris of the Hallstead area. During the dispute Brent Birtch of the New Milford area also struck Morris, and was struck by him. Morris fled the scene to the New Milford Pump and Pantry and summoned police response, resulting in the filing of criminal charges for all parties involved. ATTEMPTED BURGLARY/CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On June 22 a break in was attempted at the residence of Jeffrey Pipparo of Oak Ridge, NJ, by the removal of several screens. Three screens were damaged in this manner, prior to the scene being fled. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. THEFT BY DECEPTION On June 23 an elderly Hop Bottom woman received a phone call from what she thought was a relative in Mexico that was in an accident and needed $4,500 to pay for damage to a rental vehicle. The victim sent the money via Western Union to Mexico, to later find out that the request was a scam. THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING A Dewalt cordless drill and $60 in US currency was stolen from the basement area of the Stanfordville Baptist Church sometime between 6 and 7 p.m. on June 19. The incident occurred during a function on the church grounds. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Between the 19th and 24th of June, the hose to the fuel tank at the Stanfordville Baptist Church was cut. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. THEFT-ATTEMPT On June 22 at 10:48 Gregory Scheer of the Montrose, PA discovered that his 2007 Polaris 500cc ATV was moved from the above location, without his authorization. The ATV was recovered. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On June 19 at 12:50 a.m. the mailboxes of four Lenox Township residents were smashed with a blunt object, wielded from within a car. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF An incident occurred between 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on June 17, when damage was done to vehicles belonging to Michael Larkin of Zephyrhills, FL while he was attending a social gathering at the Hillside campground. One tire was damaged on his unattended 2011 Chevrolet Equinox and two tires on his golf cart. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. BURGLARY Sometime between March 15 and June 16 cash was removed from the residence of Steven Smith of Harford, as was a pellet gun from a gun cabinet. If you have any information, contact PSP Gibson. THEFT Between June 14 and 18, an unidentified employee at the Holiday Inn Express had been caught stealing from rooms. The employee was terminated and the Holiday Inn refused prosecution. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On June 25 at 11 p.m. Evelyn Conklin of the Harford area discovered that damage had occurred to her 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, while it was parked at a driveway in that town. DUI On June 19 at 12:43 a.m. Chad Gerdus was arrested for Driving while Under the Influence in Oakland Township, on Route 92. The accused had been at PJ's tiki party in Oakland Township, and was under the legal drinking age. PROPULSION OF MISSILES On June 13 at 9:30 a.m. four juveniles were throwing rocks from the train tracks onto the road at a location where SR 11 met Randolph Road in Great Bend Township. The boys were attempting to strike passing vehicles. At least two were damaged. UNSWORN FALSIFICATION TO AUTHORITIES/FALSE REPORTS On June 15 at 10:45 a.m. Amie Vanvleck of Hop Bottom reported a theft of prescription medication from her residence. As a result of the investigation, charges of Unsworn Falsification to Authorities and False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities were filed against her at District court 34-3-03. FATALITY On June 18, at an unlisted time, Daniel Williams of Philadelphia was traveling north on SR 0081 when, for unknown reasons, he lost control of the vehicle which exited the roadway onto the median. The Grand Prix then proceeded through the median and into the southbound lanes, where it struck a vehicle driven by Todd Frederick of Boiling Springs, SC driving in that lane. A young female passenger in Williams’ vehicle was pronounced dead on the scene. Both drivers and two other passengers from Williams' vehicle were transported to CMC in Scranton for treatment. Traffic was limited to one lane for several hours. Assistance was provided on the scene by Harford Fire Company, Clifford Fire Company, New Milford Fire Company, and Susquehanna County Coroner's Office. It was unknown in the report of Williams was utilizing safety equipment; he sustained major injury. Equipment was utilized by Frederick; he sustained moderate injury. CRASH On June 5 at 9:40 a.m. Doyle Artman of Montrose was traveling south on SR 3029 when a deer ran into the right side of his motorcycle. A helmet was in use; moderate injury was sustained. Transportation to Lourde's Hospital was provided by the Montrose Minute Men ambulance. If you have information on any of these incidents please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.
Courthouse Report DEEDS David A. Maynard to Joyce Amisano, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Gary E. and Kelli M. (AKA) Kelli Snow to Casey and Rebecca Rose, in Franklin Township for $24,900.00. Francis P. (AKA) Frank (AKA) F. P. Samulenas (estate) to Helen B. Delany, in New Milford Township for one dollar. William A., Ginger T. and Frances R. Hewitt to William A. and Ginger T. Hewitt, in Jessup Township for one dollar. Frances R. Hewitt to William A. and Ginger T. Hewitt, in Forest Lake and Jessup Townships for one dollar. Deanna Skalka to Ronald Katchuk, in Harford Township for $340,000.00. Mary (AKA) Mary P. Strickland (estate) to Joshua J. Hettinger, in Dimock Township for $80,000.00. Gordie Jamieson to Joseph L. Romanauskas (AKA) Joseph L. Roman, in Jessup and Bridgewater Townships for one dollar. Gordie Jamieson to Jamieson Family LLC, in Bridgewater and Jessup Townships for $2,000.00. Aaron and Lynn Miller to Aegis Energy Partners LLC, in Rush Township for $19,188.00. Raymond and Angela Pepitone to Angela Pepitone, in Oakland Township for one dollar. William C., Catherine and Matthew J. Chamberlain to South Jersey Resources Group LLC, in Jackson Township for $201,825.00. Tair Emini, Emir Shehu and Shqipe Haxhaj to Trehab, in Susquehanna for $18,000.00. Marion C. and William A. Ball; Carl F., Holly, Thomas K., Mary Ann, Stephen N. and Joanne Lawrenson; Elizabeth J. and William Mazikewich to Robert E. and Patricia A. Wayman, in Oakland Borough for $85,000.00. Village of Four Seasons Association, Inc. to Black Diamond Partners LLP, in Herrick Township for $60,000.00. Robert Tinsley to Robert and Helene Tinsley, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Doris E. Hunsberger to William R. Hunsberger, Jr., in Franklin and New Milford Townships for one dollar. Paul and Catherine Meyer to All the World Travel LLC, in Herrick Township for $500.00. Matthew L. and Kristen S. Burkhart (NBM) Kristen J. Small to Matthew L. and Kristen S. Burkhart, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. William A., Jr. and Shirley J. Sawyers to The Sawyers Family Trust, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Clair V. Hinkley to Allen D. Fitch, in Springville Township for $53,000.00. Richard C. (by atty) and Carol A. Wagner to Kathleen Shawn Brainard, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Kathryn Lesoine and William L. Chamberlin to Heaven Hill LP, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Gregory F. and Debra L. Kissell to Natalie A. Roffey, in Bridgewater Township for $164,000.00. Donald G. Day (estate) and Jeanette E. Rosenkrans to Jason R. and Jessica Rosenkrans, in Hallstead Borough for one dollar. Trehab to Susquehanna Borough, in Susquehanna for one dollar. Christopher T. (AKA) Chris and Cathleen A. Tracy to Trehab, in Susquehanna for one dollar. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:12 a.m. on July 1, 2011. Craig J. Anderson, Edward R. Ashman, BillieJean Beemer, Douglas Buckman, Howard A. Burns, III, Jason J. Carroll, Christopher J. Clark, James J. Corridoni, Randall L. Cox, John C. Creps, Heather R. DeBoer, Charles S. Dunn, John F. Feeley, David J. Fischer, Dustin Godfrey, David Haines, Jr., Shannon J. Hollister, Steven L. Jones, Christopher J. Kingsbury, Eric C. Kohlhepp, Erik E. Krisovitch, Lee Labor, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Lydia M. Marvin, Michael Maryasz, Mark C. McCarey, Jennifer M. Miller, Matthew S. Miller, Donald Palmer, Jeremy Presson, Perry Rohan, Roy E. Rosenbaum, David J. Shiner, Peter S. Showalter, Eric J. Snell, Justin Thompson, Steven G. Warner, Steven G. Wormuth. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.
In our issue of June 29, concerning the Susquehanna Borough Council meeting of June 21, we inadvertently stated Peoples Neighborhood Bank donated $3,000.00 for the Ira Reynolds Nature Walk at the Riverside Park. In fact, the bank graciously donated $1,500.00. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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