At the beginning of the September 22 New Milford Township meeting, Mr. Jim Hunter updated those present on the situation of the cinder shed and garage project. The township had received a grant a while back for this purpose, and had received a lot of the material. The permit had been obtained for the cinder shed. The solicitors were waiting for a signed contract to move the project ahead. A garage was also to be put in place, though it would basically be a shell until more money was obtained.

Southwestern Energy had applied through DEP for two more pad permits, one on Sutton Road near T&T and Nichols property, and the other on the Rice Road, close to the intersection with Hall Road intersection. These permits had yet to be granted. Southwestern had also applied for a utility line stream crossing at Martin's Creek, and had been granted a driveway permit for Pad #2 on the Roman Property. This driveway was to go off Three Lakes Road, continuing onto their property.

The township had been contacted by Utility Line Services, Inc. to notify the supervisors of their application for ESCGP-1 permits for two 16' pipelines. One was to be located between Middle Lake and Lower Lake, and the other between Plank Road and Route 11. One of the pipelines was to be used for water originally, and then converted to a gas, the other was to carry gas from the beginning.

Energy Management Services had been in touch with the supervisors regarding future surveying, as well as a tentative pipeline route, as part of the large Blue Stone Gathering line. It would approximately run from Houlihan Road to Sutton Road. They also contacted the township about putting a pipe yard up on Oliver Road.

The township supervisors had received a Notice of Intent to Enter, from PennDOT. They might need to enter the township property, it stated, to do certain traffic studies with regards to development of roadways and bridges.

DEP notified the township supervisors of a release of gasoline as a result of a vehicle striking a dispenser. This notification was required by law.

HL Robison Sand and Gravel had been granted permission to place a portable crushing operation on O'Dell Quarry, on Houlihan Road.

The township supervisors were to be attending a FEMA flood insurance meeting on Monday, September 26 to discuss the new flood plains and flood plain insurance. A packet and maps about this had been received.

The supervisors had been talking about an EIT, as the township was in desperate need of funds. The solicitor had looked into the matter and drawn up an ordinance. The supervisors then had to decide whether or not to advertise it, so it might be voted upon at the next month's meeting. It was decided that they wanted to advertise, and at least receive the public's input.

Upon Three Lakes Road there was an old two foot pipe, which was starting to give way. Southwest was to replace it. An application would have to be submitted to DEP, and it was hoped that the pipe might be changed up to forty eight inches.

A dumpster was located at the township building for flood debris, it was announced, and was to remain there until Friday, September 30. This was for the use only of township residents affected by the flood.

If any individuals or small businesses were affected by the flood and in need of PEMA/FEMA assistance, a site had been opened in Hallstead. It was mentioned that the township had fared better in this flood than in 2006, though there was still close to $40,000 damage between both the hurricane and the flood.

Someone asked if the township had a notification system in case people had to be evacuated, and it was responded that Mr. Hunter and Mr. Conroy had gone out knocking on the doors of those who should leave. A visitor suggested that perhaps the township might think of a way to update this method of notification. It was responded that the supervisors had discussed this, and were looking into using the same system as the school and borough used. The system cost around $1700 a year to use. It was to be considered for implementation after reorganization was completed.

It was mentioned that neither the Blue Ridge school nor the armory had back up generators sufficient to handle use as a shelter. It was opined that perhaps a new plan needed to be procured for a shelter for the New Milford area.

All of this talk of natural disasters led naturally to a discussion of emergency management. Mr. Hunter said that he was in charge of emergency management for the township, and Mr. Conroy was the deputy. The problem had arisen in the past, however, that since they ended up being out on the roads working throughout situations, there was no one at the township to fill that role. Mr. Hunter was considering resigning for this reason, and asked if Ken Bondurant might be interested in helping. It was replied that he would be happy to do so. It was suggested that, in addition to this, volunteer deputies might be found, from the community.

A visitor spoke up, wondering if there was anything which could be done, even on a temporary basis, for Osburn Road. Mr. Conroy replied that the equipment was on the other side of town, but that was the next location planned for work. He had spoken with PennDOT, and a representative had said he would meet with his boss about the water that was dumping down onto that road. The supervisors had given the gas guys permission to take the hump out from the top of the road, and the state had bucked them on it. When it was asked if the gas guys were going to do anything to that road, it was suggested this might occur when the pipeline was put in. Mr. Conroy opined that the gas companies had been very good about working on the roads; some visitors agreed with his assessment. Mr. Hunter said that these companies had put more money into some township roads than was in the budget to do the roads for the entire township. It was also stated that these companies had been good at performing dust control. The visitor also spoke highly of Mr. Conroy, saying that he had never yet asked for help when Mr. Conroy hadn't responded.

Someone asked if they had any information regarding the EIT. It was responded that they were going to a meeting the next night, and might find out more information. The secretary said that she had fielded another call about it. It was reiterated that it is something which most people already pay. Mr. Hunter said that he had heard from a few people who worked outside the township, who had asked why they didn't already have the tax. It was his hope, he said, that maybe property taxes could be reduced if enough money was made. It was pointed out that employees who worked in the township, and lived in a municipality which did not have the tax, would be affected, and might oppose the tax. Mr. Hunter said that he didn't like the tax either, but that the township needed the money.

It was announced that Jack Conroy and Julene Graham were going to be locked up for MDA again. They were soliciting tax deductible donations to release them; bail was set for $3,000. the lock up was scheduled for November 2. Donations were being collected at the township building.

This reporter arrived late to the September 19 Mountain View School Board meeting, to find (almost) everyone standing in the hallway outside the board room. The meeting had begun, and then recessed into an executive session. This state of affairs continued for roughly an hour, before the meeting reconvened for the evening. Still, there were some decisions which the board desired more consideration upon prior to voting. For this reason it was announced that while most of the agenda would still be gone through that evening, the meeting would be recessed to the following night at 7 p.m.

Various personnel matters were broached. All present board members voted against the acceptance of the 2011-2012 salaries. The voluntary vacancy of the clerical library position was approved, but the motion to advertise to fill it was voted down four to three. Motions to approve paraprofessional substitutes and a girl's junior high basketball coach, and to advertise for long term substitutes in Science and Spanish were all passed.

The Special Education policy and the district's Special Education plan were discussed at some length. The plan was to include procedures for educating students with disabilities, and was to be aligned with the strategic plan. Roy Twining had made comments upon the proposed policy, and asked that they be discussed at the public meeting, a request which the board honored. It was asked when the plan would be updated, and Mrs. Voigt responded that it was to be updated that year. It would need to be submitted to the state. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan then asked when the last time was that the board was updated on this plan, as it was stated that the superintendent or his designee would report to the board. Mrs. Voigt responded that the board was updated when she related PSSA results, etc.

Mr. Twining felt that the policy was not in line with the plan. Mr. Griffiths pointed out that the document under discussion was a working policy, it was still in process and had not been adopted.

There was some discussion regarding the phrase superintendent or his designee. It was stated that every policy said this, because no matter what, the superintendent was ultimately responsible for what occurred in the district. Someone questioned this, asking if the board wasn't concerned. Mr. Griffiths replied that it depended on the subject. In his opinion the board wasn't there to run the school or interfere much with administration. Mr. Twining asked if they thought it was their responsibility to check on a policy to make sure it was updated. Mr. Griffiths replied that they did receive reports, and that rarely a meeting passed where they did not receive a special education report.

Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan brought up the district's public awareness portion of the policy, and asked Mrs. Pipitone if she knew about the provision that the public be made aware annually. Mrs. Pipitone responded that the NEIU actually advertised annually for every district.

Mr. Twining also said that he hadn't seen the criteria used in the strategic plan to identify a special needs child. Dr. Chichura reiterated that this policy was not in place yet. The plan had been put in place six years ago. With the new strategic plan, and the new special ed plan within it, they were to be in sync. Mr. Griffiths pointed out that the problem would arise if they listed criteria and something happened. He did not want to put so much in a policy that it strangled the administrations ability to act. Mr. Twining said that he thought PDE had criteria. Mrs. Pipitone stated that the new strategic plan was to have the criteria in it.

By the time a district was in the sixth year of the plan, it was said, things had very much changed. When Mr. Twining said that some things in the plan hadn't been completed, Mrs. Voigt spoke of the difficulties when one administrator made a plan and another administrator had to implement it. The district had seen quite a bit of administrative turnover in the recent past.

There was further discussion at this point about special education. Mrs. Pipitone spoke about the manner in which the psychologist explained information to parents. This subject was broached in regards to a phrase in the draft regarding the dictate to explain conflicting data if possible. Often, it was said, additional assessments might be completed if there were conflicting assessments or the psychologist desired to back up a decision.

Dr. Chichura reviewed the school enrollment, as of the third day. There were 1,135 students enrolled: 77 in kindergarten, 483 in grades 1-6, and 575 at the secondary level. This was 88 students less than the previous year. That year had seen a third day enrollment of 1,223 students, two years ago 1,245 had been the number.

Mr. Griffiths addressed a question which had apparently been made at the last public meeting. Under the policy regarding distribution of the policy manual, he said, the distribution could be either by electronic or hard copy and should be given to the business manager, each principal, the board solicitor, each recognized bargaining unit, each school library, the superintendent, and the board members. He did not think this came under the Sunshine Act. Dr. Chichura said that this was an old policy, that the original policy on the subject had been adopted in the 80's, and when he left in 1996 for the first time the policy manuals had been up to date and everyone listed had a copy of them. When he returned ten years later, he said, there was not an updated policy manual and nobody had them. He had been working, he continued, for the last six years to finalize one. All policies were on the website though, for the public to see. They could not, he stated, put a completed policy manual in those places because they did not have one.

The board had contracted with PSBA to develop one, it had been created but not adopted. So there was that one, and then the old one, and they were close then to having a final one. Mr. Griffiths spoke up in defense of one of the superintendents in the interim, stating that he had told him about the requirement and that man had ensured that every new member had a copy of the policy even if it was old. He was arguing that it shouldn't be said that there was nothing between Dr. Chichura's tenures, as old policies were still policies and were in place until a new policy was made.

Mrs. Yarrish said that while yes, the old policies were public knowledge, the ones being revised were covered by right to know regulations. This led to some discussion about verbal versus written requests. The solicitor had advised, for the protection of the requester as well as the district, that such requests be written, as to carry requests any further they would need to be written.

Dr. Chichura said that the right to know officer would eventually be required to submit reports regarding the number of requests. When Mr. Griffiths said that it seemed silly that people couldn't see the policy, Dr. Chichura stated that the board had appointed him to be the right to know officer, and if they desired to change it they could. He was trying to follow the law, he asserted.

Mr. Twining brought up a former practice of the board, putting the policies which were going to be reviewed on a given evening out with the agendas for the public to take when they attended meetings. This practice had been stopped at some point. Mr. Twining expressed his feeling that the public should be involved, and he thought that when coming into a public policy meeting the public should have access to the information.

During the administrator's reports, the elementary principal thanked the parents, staff, and PTO for a successful open house. The Special Education Coordinator thanked the board for considering her concerns.

The Curriculum coordinator spoke of the mobile ag lab, which was to spend a week parked in front of the elementary school. It was felt that this would really supplement the school's science program. Also, she said, a garden grant had been brought to her notice. This was felt to be a good opportunity, and the district had had good reactions from parents with summer gardens. Finally, the PSSA results had been received along with nice brochures for the parents. At the elementary level they were given to the parents who came to open house, and were to be sent home with the children of parents who had not. At the secondary level they and the Keystone results were to be mailed. Not all students had Keystone results; the tests were taken in Algebra, Biology and Literature. That was the first year the district had taken the tests, and it would be the only year for a time as the exams had been suspended for the current year. A note had been sent home to parents of students scoring at the basic or below basic level suggesting that additional instruction and more academic motivation on the part of the student might be warranted.

Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan voted no on all conference requests. She said that if the district was looking to add to the budget, then the money had to come from somewhere. She said that the previous year the staff were out 2,250 days, a potential of 12 substitutes per day. Mrs. Voigt said that some of these days were a requirement of grants, and that one person needed to learn IEPs. She was concerned about jeopardizing the science grant or other commitments. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan replied that she felt that the district had highly qualified educators who should be able to get along regardless. Four voted in favor of the conference requests, and three against. No one voted against the field trips.

A calendar revision was discussed. There was some question regarding whether the state might forgive some of the flood days, but Dr. Chichura recommended making them up anyway. He wondered what strings might be attached to the forgiveness of the days, and thought that since the district was able to make the days up it ought to.

The reasoning behind the in-service day before the last day of school was queried. It was responded that this allowed for the students to have their report cards handed to them. Also, if they had their grades right away, students would know if they failed and they might sign up for summer internet courses.

A one time escalation payment of 1% of the annual contract amount for the 2010-2011 fiscal year was proposed for transportation contractors. This was to be revisited in February. It applied to regular bus runs, not activity bus runs or car and van contracts. A visitor suggested that the board look at the contract for the activity buses, thinking that it might dictate that what was done for one be done for the other. The motion passed, but it was suggested that an activity bus provision might be added at a later time.

Mr. Twining asked about the Response to Intervention Program, asking if it was used to identify special needs students. It was responded that it did not serve this purpose. It was rather a process, identifying students not meeting benchmarks and trying to prevent a large gap from existing. Mr. Twining then queried what was used at the high school, to which it was responded that this had been researched but no system had yet been identified. Instead the Student Assistance Program, Educators, Counselors, and other regular school structures served the students.

DEEDS

Bernard Kilpatrick to Gerald B. Franceski and Robert J. Selinsky, in Forest City for $32,500.00.

Joseph F. and Mary F. Licata to Michael Hubbard, in Dimock Township for $137,900.00.

Theresa A. Decker to Michael K. Hinkley, in Lanesboro Borough for one dollar.

George H., Jr. and Judy Y. Stover to George H., Jr. and Judy Y. Stover, in Great Bend Township for one dollar.

Roger E. and Erin M. Scott to Roger E. Scott, in Great Bend Township for one dollar.

Gregory P. and Robyn Adams to Francis W. and Kim A. Fruehan, in Silver Lake Township for $65,000.00.

Joseph Thomas and Patricia Publik to Christopher R. and Darlene K. Drake, in Springville Township for $125,000.00.

Krista M. Treible (NBM) Krista M. Bowman to Krista M. and Matthew S. Treible, in Great Bend Borough for one dollar.

Robert C. (trust by trustee) and Katherine G. (trust by trustee) Wheeler to Mark S. and Susan B. Smith, in Springville Township for $255,000.00.

John G. Isaacson to George Dale Howell, in Thompson Township for $100,000.00.

Grace (AKA) Grace Benson (AKA) Grace E. Brown (estate) to Dale Howell Enterprises, Inc., in Susquehanna for $38,000.00.

Mark A. (by US Marshall) and Cheryl K. (by US Marshall) Singer to Richard Chase, in Bridgewater Township for $28,000.00.

Robert A. Coy to Patrick M. and Renee J. Coy Daly (AKA) Renee J. Coy-Daly, in Franklin Township for $125,000.00.

Stephen Putzi (by sheriff) to Wells Fargo Bank and Wachovia Bank, in Forest City for $4,699.26.

Marianne and Edward J. Scanlan to Melissa Noble Kaufman, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Dawn M. Branzuela to Dawn M. and Leilani B. Branzuela, in Liberty Township for one dollar.

William James and Denise Humber to Bear Swamp Forest LLC, in Bridgewater Township for $180,000.00.

Donald E., Katherine N. and Helen E. Frey to Donald E., Katherine N., Helen E. and Douglas E. Frey, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Harold (AKA) Harold A. and Nancy (AKA) Nancy P. Loch to Rocky Field LP, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Harold A. and Nancy P. Loch to Rocky Field LP, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Landview Properties, Inc. to Tara Hills Property Owners Association, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar.

John Sarapuchiello to John J. Sarapuchiello (trust), in Montrose for $10.00.

James Scott and Betty Jane Hall to Susquehanna County and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in Dimock Township for $133,405.50.

Michael and Karen Fitzsimmons to Crystal Dixon, in Forest City for $53,000.00.

Lee R. and Debra L. English to Lee R. and Debra L. English, in New Milford Township for one dollar.

Keith A. Lane to Keith A. Lane, in New Milford Township for one dollar.

MARRIAGES

Nathan J. Luce of Hallstead and Kayla Lee Manahan of Laceyville.

Paul R. Kinder and Kelly M. Zirngibl, both of Syracuse.

Tyler J. Bixby of Susquehanna and Shannon M. George of Hop Bottom.

Gary P. Schermerhorn and Cynthia K. Brown, both of Brackney.

Richard L. Niles and Sally D. Black, both of South Gibson.

Donald A. Lyman and Sharon L. Randolph, both of Meshoppen.

Alan Joseph Bisner and Faith Ann Taylor, both of Kingsley.

Anuj Thakral and Danielle N. Reed, both of Susquehanna.

Adam Fuller and Marguerite B. Innes, both of New Milford.

Elbert C. Seamans of New Milford and Linda M. Smith of Hop Bottom.

Rafael N. Heller and Gina M. Ledesma, both of Cortland, NY.

Edward Robert Smith and Maria Lyn Halstead, both of Clifford Twp.

James R. Canfield and Maria Berly Canfield, both of Lawton.

Daniel Joseph Martin and Laura Mae Ackley, both of Hallstead.

Jason J. Pearson and Jennifer M. Trusky, both of Clifford Twp.

Anthony Pedro and Melanie A. Quail, both of New Milford.

Michael John Crawford and Lindsay C. Robbins, both of Vestal.

Raymond D. Weber of New Milford and Emily Louise Foote of Great Bend.

Adam M. Vanfossen and Amanda Lynne Hanna, both of Vestal.

Bradley Keith Chidister and Sarah Marie Bishop, both of Hop Bottom.

Jerry A. Knight of Montrose and Brenda Elaine Hitchcock of Binghamton.

Travis Elliot Darrow and Valerie Lynn Swetter, both of Hop Bottom.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:34 a.m. on September 23, 2011.

Jack Akers, Duane M. Aldrich, Craig J. Anderson, BillieJean Beemer, Tonya S. Birchard, Brent V. Birtch, Christopher Brenner, Daniel M. Brown, Douglas Buckman, Howard A. Burns, III, Bradley C. Button, Jason J. Carroll, Heather R. DeBoer, John F. Feeley, David J. Fischer, Dustin A. Godfrey, Jennifer D. Hazlett, James Karhnak, Christopher J. Kingsbury, Cortney Knight, Eric C. Kohlhepp, Erik E. Krisovitch, Lee Labor, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Michael Maryasz, Erica Y. Mead, Donald Palmer, James D. Peck, Jr., Vincent J. Petriello, Jeremy Presson, Shane M. Repsher, Perry Rohan, Roy E. Rosenbaum, Shawn Rousseau, Curtis Rudock, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Kurtis L. Vogler, Steven G. Warner, Jamie L. Williams, Sr., Steven G. Wormuth, Patrick L. Yachymiak.

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

THEFT

Sometime between the 11th and 21st of September batteries were removed from an old international truck tractor on the side of the road, along with a metal rack designed to hold tow chains. The incident occurred on Malina Road.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

On September 21 at 7:24 a.m. an unnamed driver was traveling along T-367 in Springville Township when he or she met with another oncoming vehicle in a narrow portion of the road. The driver attempted to move as close as possible to the right side of the road and slid into the ditch. The vehicle was pulled form the ditch by Fullmer's Towing. PSP was assisted by members of the Springville V.F.D.

CRASH

On September 22 at 1:29 a.m. Brian Peebles of Brooklyn, NY was traveling north on Interstate 81 at mile marker 205.8 when his vehicle drove off the east berm of the roadway, striking the guard rail. The vehicle traveled along the guard rail for 81 feet before spinning back onto the right lane of the highway. It came to a final rest on the right lane, with no lights on. Once Peebles exited his vehicle, it was struck by an oncoming tractor trailer. Peebles was utilizing a seat belt; he was not injured.

CRASH

On September 22 at 1:29 a.m. Mark Griffin of Springfield, MO was driving north on Interstate 81 in Lenox Township. At this time a vehicle was disabled from a previous crash in the right lane. There were no lights on, due to damage from the previous crash. Griffin observed the vehicle and attempted to avoid impact by moving as far to the left as possible, but was unable to avoid the vehicle entirely and struck it in the right rear side, pushing it to the right. The tractor trailer pulled to the right side of the interstate where it came to a final rest off of the travel lanes.

CRASH

On September 20 at 4 p.m. Danielle Marvin of New Milford was stopped on SR 11 in Great Bend Township for a school bus. At this time Sherri Jesse of Hallstead was traveling northbound on that road, and failed to observe Marvin's vehicle in the roadway, striking it in the rear. Both were utilizing seatbelts; neither was injured.

CRASH

On September 20 at 7:55 a.m. Daniel Bryan of New Iberia, LA was traveling east on SR 3004 in Springville Township, at the same time that Michael Beamish of South Abington, PA was traveling west. Bryan was attempting to make a turn onto a private road, when Beamish struck him. Both were utilizing seatbelts at the time; neither was injured.

CRASH

On September 20 at 5:30 a.m. Cody Horrocks of Greenfield Township, was traveling west on SR 2024 when he swerved to miss a deer. The vehicle traveled off the roadway and rolled onto its roof. A seat belt was in use; no injury was sustained.

BURGLARY/THEFT/CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Sometime between June 1 and September 18 entry was gained to a residence on SR 106 in Lenox Township. Copper tubing was removed from the furnace area of the house; approximately 6 feet worth.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE

Sometime between May 10 and 20 David Traver parked a 2005 Kenworth T800 at B&S quarries, unsecured. The vehicle was entered, and a Magnum S3 Nitro CB radio removed from within. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

THEFT

Sometime between September 9 and 18 unknown persons trespassed upon the property of TGJSM Inc. in Lathrop Township and removed several items. These items included a trail camera, a gas grill, and metal shelving units. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

CRASH

On September 18 at 9:40 a.m. Louis Speed of Lenoxville was traveling west on SR 374 in Lenox Township when he failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of his vehicle. The Ford struck the guide rail to the right, went across the road, and into a ditch. Speed was utilizing a seat belt; minor injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Kozlowski towing.

CRASH

On September 17 at 7:50 p.m. Seth Prentice of Elmira, NY was approaching the end of the 211 northbound off ramp in Lenox Township. His International Harvester left approximately 170 feet of yaw marks, overturning at the end of the ramp onto the driver's side. Prentice was to be cited for driving a vehicle at safe speed, careless driving, driving with a suspended license, operating a vehicle with an expired registration, and accidents involving overturned vehicles, as of the time of report. Both Prentice and a passenger were utilizing seat belts; both sustained minor injury.

BURGLARY

PSP Gibson is investigating a burglary in which the home of James Derstine of Souderton, PA was broken into, located in Jackson Township. A Nintendo Wii game system and a Sears push lawnmower were removed from within. The incident occurred between the 5th and 18th of September. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gibson state police.

ASSAULT-HARASSMENT

On September 16 at 11:30 p.m. two women became involved in a verbal dispute which escalated to the point of physical contact in Ararat Township. One was reported to have struck the other in the face, resulting in the filing of criminal charges for all parties involved.

CRASH

On September 16 at 2:44 p.m. Sarani Bose of Middletown, NJ was traveling north on SR 81 in Lenox Township when her vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and crashed into a gorge. The vehicle suffered disabling damage and was towed from the scene. Bose was to be cited for being at fault, as of the time of report.

RETAIL THEFT

On September 16 at 12:40 p.m., it was reported by the Pump and Pantry Gas Station, a female wearing a hooded sweatshirt pumped $56.00 worth of fuel into a vehicle and fled without paying. The vehicle was described as a dark navy 4 door sedan. Any person with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 354-3154.

CRASH

On September 16 at 7:51 a.m. a juvenile Montrose male was traveling in the east bound lane of SR 167 in Bridgewater Township, at the same time as Jessica Adams of Conklin, NY was stopped in the east bound lane waiting for traffic to pass so she could turn left. The male took his eyes off the road for a second, looking at his juvenile female front seat passenger. When he looked back up he saw the other vehicle stopped, hit his brakes, and rear ended it. The boy was to be cited for careless driving as a result of the crash investigation.

BURGLARY

On September 15, between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. a burglary occurred when the door of Tom Yale of Union Dale was kicked in. An ipod touch, x-box 360, hp laptop, $800 currency, and a 6 pack of Miller Light were stolen from within. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson.

CRASH

On September 13 at 7 p.m. Eileen Kingsbury of Susquehanna was headed south on Route 11 in Great Bend Township, turning east from the center lane onto Airport Road. At this time a juvenile male from Susquehanna was traveling north in the right lane of Route 11, and struck the right corner of Kingsbury's vehicle's rear bumper. Kingsbury continued onto Airport Road; Ord over corrected and hit an embankment on the right side of the roadway. Seat belts were in use; no injuries were reported to the trooper at the scene.

CRASH

PSP Gibson is investigating a crash where Leigh Kinney of Nicholson hit Mitchell Lepre of Hop Bottom. Kinney was arrested for suspicion of DUI and Drug Charges. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report. The incident occurred on September 15 at 7:25 p.m., in Lenox Township.

THEFT

On September 15 between midnight and 7:30 a.m. the purse of Stella Swingle of Springville was stolen from her residence. It contained $180 worth of money and a Verizon LG cellular phone. Anyone with information in regards to this case is asked to contact PSP Gibson.

SIMPLE ASSAULT-HARASSMENT

On September 15 at 2:30 a.m., during the course of a domestic dispute that occurred in Great Bend, Christine Zacchino of Great Bend assaulted another woman, striking and biting her and causing injury. Then a 17 year old juvenile male punched a second victim in the face, also causing injury. Zacchino was taken into custody for simple assault and harassment and arraigned in front of MDJ Suzanne Brainard of Clifford. Charges against the juvenile were to proceed through juvenile court, and the investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

BURGLARY

Sometime between the 11th and 13th of September entrance was gained to a recently rented Elk Lake Road home. A 32' television, a Playstation 3 game system, and a backpack containing a camcorder were removed. Nothing else in the residence was disturbed. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING

On September 13 at 3 p.m. two elderly Kingsley men became involved in a property right of way dispute. The two are neighbors. The incident occurred as one attempted to steal a chain that the other was using to move a rock. This led to a physical altercation, with the former alleging that the latter pointed a piston at him. One was charged with Recklessly Endangering/Simple Assault/Disorderly Conduct and Assault-Harassment; the other was to be charged with Attempted Theft and Disorderly Conduct and Assault-Harassment.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

On September 12 at 1:60 a.m. a Kingsley man was following an oversized load, and was directed by the escort car to back up his vehicle. After passing, he stopped next to Eric Black of Walton, NY, who was one of the two escort drivers. The elderly man told him that if the other driver yelled at him again, he would take that as a threat. As he was talking, he reached over on the seat, picked up a pistol and held it up for the victim to see. They then exchanged goodbyes, and the man drove away.

UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL

On September 13 between 9 and 11 a.m. a juvenile female arrived at the Mountain View High School intoxicated. The 17 year old was to be charged with underage consumption. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

THEFT/ACCESS DEVICE FRAUD

Between August 30 and September 7 a woman reported that her debit card was missing and had been used on multiple occasions to take approximately $265 out of her bank account. The woman suspected a family member. The investigation was ongoing pending receipt of various videos of the transactions.

THEFT-RETAIL

On September 13 at 12:41 p.m., someone at Liberty Truck Plaza in Harford reported, a drive off occurred in the amount of $57.02; the investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

DUI

On September 13 at 1:02 a.m. Ronald Woodruff, Jr. of Binghamton, NY was in a vehicle which was observed to commit traffic violations. The vehicle was stopped and contact was initiated with the driver, who displayed signs of impairment and was asked to submit to field sobriety tests. It was determined that he was driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages. He refused to submit to chemical testing.

DUI

On August 18 at 12:48 a.m. James Ralston of Montgomery, AL was traveling south along SR 11 in New Milford when he fell asleep, causing his vehicle to leave the road to the right. The vehicle struck a utility pole, causing it to be severed. The vehicle then continued a short distance further, coming to a final rest partially in the road. The driver was transported to Montrose Hospital for treatment. He was to be charged with numerous traffic violations, including DUI. PSP was assisted on scene by members of the New Milford V.F.D. and Ambulance company, along with Vogel's towing.

THEFT

PSP Gibson is investigating a theft of cash from the Holiday Inn Express that occurred on or about September 10. Money taken was to be deposited in the hotel's account, but was taken prior to the deposit being made. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

STOLEN VEHICLE

On overnight on September 11, the car belonging to an elderly Hallstead woman was stolen, as it was parked at a Franklin Street address. The vehicle was returned to its original location on September 12 at approximately 9:30 a.m. Anyone with information is asked to please contact Gibson state police and refer to the incident.

CRASH

On September 11 at 12:35 a.m. Michael Ellis of Little Meadows was traveling south on SR 4018 in that borough when he lost control of his vehicle, struck an impact attenuator and rolled over onto an embankment. It was unknown if a seat belt was in use or if an injury was sustained, as of the report.

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA/PARAPHERNALIA

On September 10 at 10:00 p.m. Corey Hamby of Brackney, PA was observed attempting to conceal a small bag of marijuana while seated in a green Subaru that was stopped on State Route 19. He was processed and released. Charges were filed at district court 34-3-01.

DUI

On September 9 at 3:55 p.m. an unnamed driver was operating a 2000 Mazda Familia on SR 11 in the left hand lane. It was attempting to turn into a parking lot and was struck from behind by a Dodge Ram, also operated by an unknown driver. A strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was noted on the driver of the striking vehicle. A portable breath test indicated a BAC of .124%; the operator was placed under arrest for DUI. A subsequent breath test indicated an official BAC of .129%.

BURGLARY

On September 10 at 2:10 a.m. a female forced her way into the residence of Brent Glover, by means of a front screen door. Once inside the porch area she broke a window on the main door, waking Glover up. She stated that her name was Jessica and she was looking for Kevin. Jessica then fled the residence into an unknown vehicle and fled the scene. She had red hair. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson.

THEFT

On September 10 between midnight and 7 a.m. an unnamed suspect quit his job and wanted his pay. He was advised that he would not get his pay until the job was completed. The suspect went back to the jobsite in Herrick Township at night and stole a circular saw and one air compressor. The suspect called Harry Sinawa and told him that he would get his compressor back when the man got his paycheck. Anyone with further information is asked to contact PSP Gibson; the incident was still under investigation as of the time of report.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CRASH

On September 10 at 4:35 a.m. David Berger of Mohnton, PA was traveling northbound in the passing lane of I 81 in Lenox Township at the same time Steven Lombardoni of Central Square, NY was traveling in the right lane. Berger lot control of his vehicle, striking both trailers of Lombardoni's Freightliner truck. Berger's vehicle then crossed the right lane and struck a wall. The Freightliner was towed from the scene by Kozlowski's Towing of Clifford. All involved were utilizing seat belts; no injuries were sustained.

TRAFFIC CRASH

On September 9 at 2 a.m. Cindy Prentice of New Milford was traveling east on SR 492 in New Milford Township when she lost control of her vehicle for unknown reasons and traveled off the south berm, striking a tree. Prentice fled the scene in an unknown direction. The vehicle suffered disabling damage; it was towed by Vogel's towing. Charges were to be filed on Prentice for numerous traffic offenses, including immediate notice to law enforcement after a reportable crash. Anyone with additional information in regards to this incident is asked to contact PSP Gibson at the number below.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Four Hallstead men, aged between 19 and 31, are accused of driving their vehicle through the property of Mary Sienko of Hallstead, causing damage to the grass. Charges were filed on all four parties for the crime of Criminal Mischief at District Court 34-3-02. Anyone with additional information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

HARASSMENT

On September 8 at 9 p.m. a Brackney woman walked to the residence of a Brackney man, to discuss an earlier dispute over her dog. Once at the man's front door she was allegedly told to leave by the man and an argument ensued. The two continued to argue while walking out towards Meadow Lane. Once they were off of his property, the woman allegedly charged the man. He then threw her into a puddle. She denies charging him and claims she was thrown to the ground for no reason. Charges were filed on both parties for the crime of harassment at District Court 34-3-01. Anyone with additional information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

INCREASED PATROLS

Increased patrols were conducted, in conjunction with the National Guard, throughout the period of flooding, and recovery.

If you have information on any of these incidents please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

On Tuesday night, September 20 the Mountain View School Board reconvened, to complete its meeting of the previous night. A variety of matters were voted upon, some which elicited apparent doubt from the crowd and some which elicited gratitude.

Henry Sallusti of RBC Capital Markets, LLC was appointed to be the investment banker for the refunding of the series 2007 general obligation bond issue. This was one of two motions on the agenda regarding the bond issue, the second did not meet with such approval from the board. When the motion was made to appoint the Public Financial Management Inc. as the financial advisor for the refunding of the issue, five voted against the motion and only three in favor. (One board member was absent.) Dr. Chichura explained that the largest part of the financial advisor's role would have been to assist the banker in finding the lowest rates. Dava Rinehart-Cowan said that she had voted yes, because there was a difference between a financial advisor and an underwriter, that an underwriter worked for other interests and the financial advisors would only work for the district. Mrs. Yarrish agreed with this assessment, stating that it was the difference between a broker and a banker. Dr. Chichura stated that he and Mr. Mirabelli would be involved throughout the process to monitor the situation. Also, he said, the investment banker could do everything that the district needed to have done, a financial adviser would have simply provided the board with advice.

The 2011-2012 salaries were presented. They had been voted on the night prior, and everyone had voted against them. This night there were three yes votes, two of whom had been absent the evening prior. Still the motion was voted down. Dr. Chichura said that the salaries would not appear on the agenda again.

Dr. Chichura explained about a settlement which the district had been involved in. There had been a dispute between a prime contractor and a secondary contractor, several years ago during a construction project. The latter had not delivered the materials the former had requested in a timely manner. In the process the district had hired a clerk of the works, and somehow between the clerk, the architect, the primary contractor, and somehow though a third subcontractor that had been contacted to deliver the material, the original subcontractor had never been told to cancel the order. When that company brought the supplies, they requested that they still be paid. The case went to court on August 31, and a settlement had been reached prior to the court case. The school district had entered into an agreement about a year ago that it would not obligate more than $10,000 toward the settlement, which funds were still in reserve from the original construction project. It was announced at the meeting that as part of the settlement the district was obligated to pay that sum.

The motion was made and unanimously approved to create two additional paraprofessional positions. These would be posted internally first, and then advertised externally if unfilled.

One additional classroom for students with special needs at the elementary level was also approved, to be effective once things were put in place for it. A visitor cited the school code, asking if the board members were aware of it. The section of the code which she referenced referred to the maximum age range in specialized settings being set for 3 years in elementary school and 4 in secondary. The board members assured her they were aware of this provision.

Brion Stone, certified in Special Education, was recalled from furlough. It was reported that he had passed the PRAXIS in Mathematics, and was planning to apply for the certificate. Then he would most likely be at the secondary school, at which point other decisions could be made administratively. Mr. Twining asked questions about his status as being highly qualified, but Dr. Chichura pointed out that this was a personnel matter and thus ought not to be discussed publicly. Mr. Twining said that there were already two individuals who did not meet this designation, and that he wanted the district to bring someone back who did. Dr. Chichura responded that that there was no highly qualified person on the furlough list, and if someone was not brought back off that list the position would have to be posted externally which was not likely to be allowed by the union since there were special education staff on that list. He said that he had consulted with an attorney about the topic. It was the board's job to vote to bring someone back, he continued, but it was up to the scenarios to assign staff positions. The district had been looking at a couple of scenarios for staff reassignment but felt they had one which might work. Mrs. Rinehart Cowan said that she had thought Mr. Stone was highly qualified; Dr. Chichura responded that he had never said that, only that he had passed the Praxis and would be applying. It was asked if he would then be highly qualified, and responded that yes he would be - in middle school math, which is what they wanted him for. Mr. Griffiths stated that he would be voting no, until he officially met the designation. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan asked if they would have to advertise if no one was brought back, and it was responded that the district would then have to find someone highly qualified in both Special Education and other areas. Dr. Chichura felt the chances of this were slim, to find someone highly qualified in both another discipline and Special Education. Mr. Griffiths disagreed, saying he knew of at least one who had applied at Elk Lake. When the vote was held, the motion passed by a 5 to 3 margin.

The motion was made to delete the clerical position at the elementary and secondary libraries. The night before, the board had voted to post and advertise the vacancy, and the board had voted against this. If it was not to be filled, Dr. Chichura said, then it would need to be deleted. When this vote was taken, 2 voted in favor and 6 against it. So a second motion was made to advertise and post for the position; this one passed.

The motion was made and approved to acknowledge the receipt of a request from Michael J. Beamish to be removed from the recall list, authorize compensation for unused vacation days, and finalize any other matters to conclude employment.

True to her words the night before (that she would vote against such items, feeling the district needed to be more thrifty), Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan voted against all conference attendance requests. They all still passed, however.

A visitor thanked the board for their actions that night. A second visitor asked if after all of the discussion about policies if it would be possible to put any policy in flux on the website in its own folder. It was said that this would be done the next day.

A second visitor said that she could find no policy online that had to do with the transferring of positions amongst employees. It was responded that when it came to professional employees, if a matter was dealt with in the professional employee contract the board attempted to not duplicate it in policy. The reasoning behind this was that policy became a permanent item, and contracts fluctuated. The contract covered furloughs and recalls, it was explained, and in many ways the support staff contract was more specific than the professional staff contract. Hiring practices were not in the contracts however, but were policy. The first visitor asked if the contracts might also be placed on the website. Dr. Chichura asked how the board felt about this, and as they were public information it was approved. Dr. Chichura volunteered to put the administrative contract there as well. All would be included as an addition at the bottom of the policy section.

A few visitors thanked the board as parents for not taking the library away from the children. Mr. Griffiths responded that the children would still have been able to use the library even if the position was not filled, but the visitors argued this, stating that when no one was in it the library had been closed.