Just in time for Halloween, the brand new Great Bend Borough police department became operational on October 31. It took a few years of wrangling and backfilling, but Council persisted and, with 3 part-time officers in a new office and a dramatically stealthy black car, the 700 or so residents of the little town may rest easier. “It’s an accomplishment to have a police force,” pronounced Mayor Jim Riecke at the Council meeting on November 1. Mr. Riecke will oversee the operation of the department as the liaison between the Officer in Charge and Council.

On the balmy evening of November 3 Council hosted an open house at the town garage where the new department’s spare office is located, to let citizens and officers get acquainted over coffee, cider and donuts (!). The officers hadn’t arrested anyone yet in 4 days on the job, but county District Attorney Jason Legg was there to size up a potential source of new business. Two state troopers also attended, along with Sheriff Lance Benedict, who has a special interest since one of his deputies is Officer in Charge of the new police force, Jon Record.

Officer in Charge Jon Record (left) and Officer Tom Golka.

Officer Record and one of his men, Tom Golka, were there in full uniform, greeting residents and notables. A third officer, Tim Cramer, was otherwise occupied for the evening. Their car, one of the last Crown Victorias to be made by Ford, was freshly cleaned and polished for the event. The car was purchased from the police department of Port Dickinson, NY, and is dedicated to the memory of Officer Aldo Rossi “whose watch ended July 27, 2008 from a Drunk Driver.”

Great Bend Borough officials, from left: Bret Jennings, Joe Collins, Jerry MacConnell, Rick Franks, Mike VanGorden, Pat Thatcher and Mayor Jim Riecke.

Most of the Borough Council lined up alongside Mayor Riecke to welcome everyone, and to recognize the fulfillment of 2 years of struggle to create the newest police department in the county - Great Bend’s second. In a borough like Great Bend, the mayor doesn’t have much power, but Mr. Riecke gives a fine speech, especially when he has the opportunity to recognize good work and offer appreciation.

And that he did, thanking not only the new officers and Borough Secretary Sheila Guinan who did most of the foot- and paperwork to create the department, but also, among others, Huron Real Estate of Endicott, NY for the office furniture; the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office for a drug-test kit; and Mike and Dawn Crook for painting the department office.

It was a busy week for the Borough Council. At its regular November meeting scheduled two days earlier than usual to make room for the open house, members approved a proposed budget that expects to spend $153,700 next year. That’s up $7,000 (about 5%) from the current year, the sum to be raised from a property tax increase of 1 mill (to 13.88 mills, plus 0.75 mills for the fire company). $20,000 of the new expense budget is earmarked for the part-time police department. The borough spent in the neighborhood of $20,000 in 2011 just to get the police department under way, including $7,000 for the car, and most of the rest for the creation of an office in the borough garage. Officer Record himself found the donor of the office furniture.

The borough received some estimates from PennDOT’s Municipal Services department for work on the streets. Additional drainage work on Washington Street, and paving Church and Hayes Streets could cost nearly $100,000. Council decided to begin preparing the paperwork to try to get these jobs done. Ms. Guinan said that such a project would require an ordinance, and the paperwork to apply for block grant assistance. Because the borough doesn’t have the cash to pay for it all, Council would also have to solicit interest rate bids for a bank loan. Jerry MacConnell is concerned that the Borough might not be able to afford to do the whole project at once. But Council is eager to “move forward” to keep the town’s streets in good repair, and directed Ms. Guinan to begin the process.

Mr. MacConnell also reported that PennDOT has completed plans for an emergency exit at the welcome center on the interstate. The project will be implemented by the PennDOT Montrose facility. The gated exit would allow local residents to escape during major flood events. The idea was instigated by the flood of June 2006, when the town was virtually cut off by the high water.

Road & Parks Supervisor Joe Collins reported that the fencing work in Greenwood and Memorial Parks was complete. VFW Memorial Park was heavily damaged due to the recent floods. Ms. Guinan has attended sessions sponsored by emergency management agencies and said that the Borough was eligible for help with dumpsters and replacing picnic tables. The entrance to VFW Park (formerly Recreation Park) was declared a “mess,” so Council president Rick Franks will talk with the veterans’ organization to determine their plans. And a resident in that area has been seeking help in getting a buyout as a result of the latest flood - his second. His property might ultimately result in another addition to the park, as happened with a neighboring property after the flood of 2006.

The sewer plant renovation is progressing, slowly. The Borough is expecting Spring Street to be repaired when the sewer plant upgrade is complete. Bret Jennings reported that the street repairs would be added to a change order by the sewer authority. He also noted that New Milford would soon be 3 years in arrears on its payments to the sewer system. New Milford has been paying all along, but has not recognized increases in fees over the past few years.

All of that will soon become the responsibility of Jim Vogel, who accepted Council’s grateful applause for volunteering to be the Borough’s new representative on the board of the Hallstead Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority (HGBJSA).

Mr. Jennings told his colleagues that he would now have some time to work on code enforcement issues. The Borough’s new police department can deliver code violation letters, but a representative of Council would have to appear before the district magistrate for enforcement hearings.

In other business, Council

Voted to donate $100 to the county library’s 2012 support drive;

Decided to wait until Spring to solicit new bids to paint the interior of the Borough Building (aka the Blue Ridge Senior Center);

Will entertain a gas company landsman to hear what kind of lease the Borough might expect;

Declined to choose a different electricity provider, deciding to stay with Penelec.

And finally, Mayor Riecke asked his friends if they knew anyone who needed help following the flooding. He had been given 400 100-dollar gift cards by the Raymour & Flanigan company for distribution in the area. The $40,000 gift was part of a much larger donation by the furniture retailer covering the most severely affected areas in New York and Pennsylvania.

Evil-doers should not be surprised some dark night when a gleaming black Crown Vic steals up behind them speeding on Main Street, or catches them vandalizing the little town’s pride in its parks. Great Bend’s police are eager to fulfill their mission, “to affirmatively promote, preserve, and provide as much as practicable and given resources, a feeling of security and safety among the persons within our jurisdictions.”

Council will continue to hold special meetings for the new police department on the 2nd Monday of the month for the time being. The next regularly-scheduled Council business meeting is expected be on Thursday, December 1. Most meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Borough Building at Elizabeth and Franklin Streets.

There was a vacancy on the New Milford Borough Council from when former president Jim Carr resigned. Lawrence White was present at the meeting, who had been a lifelong resident of the borough and was interested in the position. The motion was made and accepted to appoint him to the slot. Despite the mayor not being present, Amy Hine was able to swear him in due to her status as a notary. The council applauded him. This was the first item of business at the November 3 meeting of the New Milford Borough Council.

A visitor questioned the existence of a wooden structure in the creek near the foundry. She was asking what the borough could do, being concerned that it would fall into the creek during a storm. She knew that DEP had looked at it. Ms. Gulick responded that they were aware of the situation, that DEP had been contacted, and that she and Ms. Hine had gone and met with FEMA to ask if there was anything the borough could do to help with it. The structure was on private property, it did not belong to the borough. There was a concrete thing there as well, which had pushed the water to the left side and she was concerned that it had undercut the bridge. DEP had noticed this as well. She said that if it was not taken care of the bridge would be shut down. That had also been discussed in the recent past. The visitor also mentioned the concrete wall by Al Vogel's, which Ms. Gulick reiterated the borough was working on. The difficulty was that the structure had been put in without a footer. The homeowner was aware of the problem and had been working on it. It had been damaged in the bad weather. It was said that they would continue the conversation with her.

The council had heard from a FEMA representative who had helped them in 2006 with flooding issues. She wanted to know if they wanted her help again. There was minimal cost affiliated. It was thought that this could be discussed further at the work session.

A plus E Group Incorporated had contacted council regarding the Senior Housing project. They needed a letter of land use.

The concrete up by the Maple Street bridge was discussed. Ms. Hine had spoken with the man who had the crane and was handling the tower. He had said that they could pull it out, and that they would not charge the borough for it. It wasn't known at the time of the meeting whether or not it had been removed, however. Council couldn't remember the name of the company, but they were the ones who were removing the water tower. This tower had been taken down because it was on the housing authority's property.

There was some concern on the part of the maintenance department, Ms. James said, about the ice build up under the Johnson Street bridge. Mr. Ainey said that water was being pumped under the underpass on a daily basis, and it was suggested that someone go and look at it. It was suggested that it could be looked into, and that the property owners were very nice people. He was also concerned about a spring which runs at the top of Montrose Street where the paved area meets the dirt road, which could be an ice hazard.

The planning commission had met and reviewed the fire loss insurance ordinance. They had unanimously decided to advertise the ordinance, agreeing with it in one accord.

A subdivision request had been received from the New Milford Senior Housing development. The goal was to eventually build another multi-unit development back there. There was some discussion regarding the ownership and future use of the old property. At this point the second chunk of land remained vacant land. It was confirmed that council would still have control over what that land was used for. The planning commission also approved this subdivision.

The planning commission was working on the comprehensive plan. Ms. Gulick pointed out that in the last 150 years Mylert Creek had never been a flooding issue for the town.

Members of the commission had walked under the Montrose Street bridge. The state was going to work on it. A stone quarry truck had been observed to be planning to cross it, but from the underside it was felt to be in really rough shape. It was suggested that perhaps the state might be asked to come and look at it. Mr. Ainey suggested that the railroad be copied on communication as well, along with perhaps the PUC, to garner more attention.

All motions proposed by the planning commission were approved by the council. This was done in separate motions.

The chimney at the borough building had been fixed. The problem was a piece of galvanized steel. Mr. Perry charged the council only for materials. He did not charge for labor.

Council had been in contact with Montrose Borough. They were willing to possibly sell salt to them by the truckload, as needed.

Those involved in the work day for the park were commended. A lot of people were giving a lot of their time to the project, it was said. They felt the park would be very nice.

The parade of lights had been rescheduled. It was to be held at 6:30 on the Saturday after the meeting.

No one had come in to fill out an application for back up plowing. Council needed someone to perform the job.

The gas lease bid was still being worked out. The borough's solicitor had strong concerns about the addenda to the lease. It was confirmed that the municipal authority was in the same situation, as they had the same attorney.

It was stated that there was not to be a haunted house this year. There had not been enough time for those in charge to get it organized well enough. Ms. Scarborough planned on telling the fire company about the decision, there had just not been enough time and people to pull it off well, it was said. The people she had already spoken with from the fire company were disappointed, but understood. The firemen had said that they could not do it because of the events they organized in the fire hall after the parade.

Ms. Gulick spoke again about Mylert Creek. This was the highest elevation in town, but had recently been the first area to flood. They had received the permits to remove the gravel bars, but it was wondered what might be done to help the individual landowners. It had been suggested that they speak with a few agencies to maybe apply for grant funding. A meeting had been held about three weeks ago with DEP, Sandy Major, two township supervisors, and a bunch of other people including a representative from the Soil Conservation district. During the last major rainstorm some in the town had watched the water, and realized that one of the problems was the overgrowth on the other end of the bridge. DEP needed to clean that out. Also, under Montrose Street, though the culvert was empty the spillway had been completely plugged. Ms. Gulick had called the Montefortes, who owned the skating rink property.

When they had first asked the man from DEP they had been told that it was wetlands, and nothing could be done. He had changed his mind when pressed, however, to state that they could cut things down so long as they did not pull anything out by the roots and no machinery was used in the wetlands. On the Saturday after the meeting, a large number of people were to go down with chainsaws and volunteer their time to clean out that area. The Montefortes had offered to help, and they and the other volunteers were recognized.

A visitor asked about other creeks being dredged. Ms. Gulick complimented the DEP representative they had worked with, who had told the borough they could take out the gravel bars near Mylert Creek. The problem with dredging the creek was the money involved, however, as adjoining property owners usually owned partway through the creek and might not have the money to take care of it. The council was looking into hazard mitigation.

There was some discussion regarding speeders on Church Street. Two cars were identified by visitors, a red truck and a red convertible.

It was announced that Santa Claus would, in fact, be coming to town. The popular annual Santa in the Park event was scheduled for the 26th of November.

DEEDS

Douglas C. J. Brigandi to Green Pastures Land Group, Brandon K. and Sara R. Flynn, James J., Jr. and Jacqueline W. Rantanen, William T. and Christine F. Young, in Thompson Township for $495,000.00.

Jeremy D. and Holly A. Benedict to Alicia Miles, in Lenox Township for $123,000.0.

Donna M. Murphy to John and Brenda Schivito, in Gibson Township for $80,000.00.

Lon Star Equities, Inc. to Penina Oved, in Susquehanna for $90,000.00.

Sawyer Investments LLC to Charles, III and Elaine Sawyer, in Silver Lake Township for $430,000.00.

Marvin S. Allebach (trust by trustee) to Esther L. Allebach, in New Milford Township for one dollar.

Thomas J. and Constance F. Corcoran to Gary R. Perico, in Jackson Township for $70,000.00.

Jesse Colwell to Jesse A. Colwell, in Oakland Township for one dollar.

Jesse Colwell to Jesse A. Colwell and Joseph L. Roberts, in Oakland Township for one dollar.

Betty A Hicks to Jo Ann Shaw, Marilyn Jean Pesesky, Ronald Jay Hicks, Paula Lee Coleman and Diane Michele Campbell, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Shannon K. Gilbert to Donald D. Gilbert, in Liberty Township for one dollar.

Edmund S. and Carol Beautz to Trailside Properties LLC, in Ararat Township for $25,000.00.

William and Kathryn Watkins (NBM) Kathryn Wood to James R. and Heather L. Barbour, in Liberty Township for $200,000.00.

Frank and Elsie Rusnock to Brenda Sue Walp, Frank W. Rusnock and Sheryl K. Gorey, in Apolacon Township for one dollar.

George and Joan Hicks to Suzanne Beamish, in Bridgewater Township for $118,000.00.

Estelle M. Lehman to Estelle M. Lehman (trust), in Rush Township for $10.00.

Harvey B., Janet, Ronald L. and Janis Hollenbeck to Jonathan and Beth Dabell, in Franklin Township for $90,000.00.

Isabelle H. (AKA) Isabell (estate) and Joseph F. Plonski, Theresa Plonski Artigas and Christine Plonski Sezer to John P. and Catherine A. Reilly, in Gibson Township for $126,090.00.

James and Donald Ransom and Irene Sechrist to Irene and Kenneth E., Jr. Sechrist, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

James and Donald Ransom and Irene Sechrist to Donald R. and Carolyn E. Ransom, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

Carolyn M. Hawkins to Rhonda White, in Great Bend Borough for $72,500.00.

Edward D. and Judith Hassan to Frank and Dora M. Pawlowski, in Rush Township for $225,000.00.

James and Elisabet (AKA) Elisabeth Vannostrand to Echolake Farm LP, in Jessup Township for one dollar.

Eleanor A. Kurosky and Ruth E. Vandermark to Eleanor A. Kurosky and Ruth E. Vandermark, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

Eleanor A. Kurosky to Eleanor A. and Cheryl J. Kurosky, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

Ruth E. Vandermark to Ruth E. and Wayne L. Vandermark, in Bridgewater township for one dollar.

Edward C. Pietriyk (by POA) to Edward D. and Judith Hassan, in Jackson Township for $114,900.00.

William Lindsay Hughes (trust) to William Lindsay Hughes (trust), in Ararat Township for one dollar.

Richard R. and Elaine M. Olin to Richard R. and Elaine M. Olin, in Lathrop Township for one dollar.

Joseph C. and Bertha L. Tavormina to Blase and Sharon Hartman, in Herrick Township for $117,000.00.

Sherry Hazen (by sheriff) to Midfirst Bank, in Forest City for $1,317.08.

Peter F. and Debbie J. (AKA) Debra J. Alles to Caffey Group LLC, in Apolacon Township for $10.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:30 a.m. on November 4, 2011.

Duane M. Aldrich, Craig J. Anderson, Tonya S. Birchard, Christopher Brenner, Douglas Buckman, Howard A. Burns, III, Bradley C. Button, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, Donald L. Groover, Jennifer D. Hazlett, Christopher J. Kingsbury, Eric C. Kohlhepp, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Michael Maryasz, Erica Y. Mead, Shane P. Nicholson, Jr., Donald Palmer, Jeremy Presson, Perry Rohan, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Robert J. Twilley, Kurtis L. Vogler, Steven G. Warner, Jamie L. Williams, Sr., Patrick L. Yachymiak.

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

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

On November 3 at 9:00 a.m., a 15 year old juvenile male became unruly in school. The student was asked to calm down and he responded by swearing at educators and faculty. The student then began threatening staff and swinging his arms, eventually walking out the front door without permission. The juvenile was to be cited for disorderly conduct. The incident occurred at the Blue Ridge High School.

CRASH

On November 3 at 8:00 a.m. Ian Smith of New Milford was traveling east on SR 706 in Bridgewater Township when, failing to negotiate a left curve in the roadway, he traveled off the north berm of the road into an embankment. The vehicle then struck a utility pole, causing it to overturn before coming to a final rest on its roof facing south in the westbound lane. A citation was given for roadways laned for traffic. Smith was utilizing a seat belt; he was not inured.

COLLISION-DUI

On November 1 at 1 a.m. Joshua Roddins of the Springville area was traveling southbound on SR 29 in Bridgewater Township when he lost control of the vehicle and impacted a utility pole. Roddins exhibited signs of intoxication and was transported to EMHS for BAC testing. Charges for violations of PAVC were pending as of the time of report. Roddins was utilizing a seatbelt; minor injuries were reported.

THEFT

Sometime between October 29 and November 2 a private airplane runway located off of State Route 547 was entered, and two orange traffic cones used as runway markers removed.

BURGLARY

Sometime between the 23rd and 29th of October a residence in the Elk Meadows Development was entered by means of a kicked in front door. A 12 pack of beer was removed from the refrigerator.

THEFT

Will Harvatine of Kingsley reported the theft of some abandoned household appliances that were dumped on his property over the years. He just wanted to let PSP know that this activity was going on, being concerned that his farm was being trespassed upon without permission and items removed from within, presumably for the scrap metal value.

CRASH

On November 1 at 6:01 p.m. Keith Churchman of Larkfield, ZF was traveling south on Interstate 81 in Harford Township when a deer ran in front of his vehicle, resulting in a collision. Both Churchman and a passenger were wearing their seatbelts at the time of collision; neither sustained injury.

CRASH

On November 1 at 6:40 p.m. Robert Lamanna of Clarks Summit was traveling south on Interstate 81 when a deer ran into the roadway in an attempt to cross the interstate. The vehicle struck the deer with its front left quarter panel, causing the hood of the car to pop up and block the driver's view. The air bag also deployed. The vehicle came to a rest in the right lane of the road. A seat belt was worn; no injury was sustained.

BURGLARY

On October 26 at 3 p.m. the residence of a Union Dale woman, located in Herrick Township, was entered by means of an open front porch window. A wooden jewelry box, $25, and 10 silver dollars were removed from within. Both the front door and the front window were left ajar as the property was fled. Witness accounts observed a dark colored green or blue Pontiac G6 with three white male individuals in their late teen or early twenties at the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at 570-465-3154.

THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING

On November 1 a Liberty Township man reported to PSP Gibson that his UPS package was stolen when it was delivered to his residence and left at the mailbox. The victim reported that a ceramic Hummel figurine valued at $280 was in the package.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

On November 1 at 9 a.m. Jeremy Lord of Bainbridge, NY and Ivan Sears of Johnson City, NY were traveling west on SR 3001 in Auburn Township. As Lord approached Sears from the rear, Sears slowed his truck to make a right curve, whereat Lord struck Sears' truck in the rear. Sears truck was pushed off the roadway from the west berm, traveling approximately 54' and striking a pile of timbers. It then continued approximately another 78' before coming to a rest. The other truck traveled approximately 70' from the roadway off the south berm and struck a tree with its front corner, coming to a rest at that point. Both drivers were utilizing seatbelts; only one sustained minor injury.

ASSAULT-HARASSMENT

On October 29 at 11:30 p.m. two women, one of the Hallstead area and the other of the Susquehanna area, became involved in an altercation. The latter allegedly struck the former in the face with her hands, which contained a beer bottle, while inside the dance area/pool table area of the bar. The incident resulted in the filing of criminal violations of the PACC.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On October 31 at 10:22 p.m. Anthony Balchikonis is accused of throwing an egg at the 2005 Ford Freestar Van of David Thompson, at a location in Great Bend. The accused was to be cited for criminal mischief as of the time of report.

BURGLARY-THEFT

On October 30, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. the Dimock residence of an elderly couple was entered, and a floor safe stolen from within. The safe contained approximately $9,600 worth of valuables. Further investigation was to follow as of the time of report.

BURGLARY

On October 25 Flynn's Stone Castle in Rush Township was burglarized, with $600 in cash being removed from within.

HARASSMENT

On October 31 at 2:25 a.m. Eric Dreyer of Clifford Township is accused of striking a Throop woman in the face. A citation was filed for harassment in district court 34-3-03.

THEFT FROM A MOTOR VEHICLE

On October 30 at 1:22 p.m. a bag of cat food, one carton of Newport regular cigarettes, and one box of Texas Roll Em All Purpose were removed form the car of Varth Rullo of Harpersville, NY while it was parked at the Hallstead Exxon gas station. Rullo had left his vehicle unlocked at the pump and entered the store to pay for his gas, when he returned he discovered the items missing. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson.

BURGLARY

Between the 27th and 29th of October a split level house on Lake Lowe was entered by means of a kicked in lower back entry door. Both back bedrooms were entered, and all dressers and drawers rifled through. A jar of miscellaneous change, a gold necklace from a cookie tin, and a checkbook were removed from within.

THEFT

Between the 16th and 30th of July a quarry in the woods behind 1010 North Rd. in Bridgewater Township was entered, and an acetylene tank, a Harris torch, and a tank caddy were stolen from the premises. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police station.

CRASH

On October 30 at 1:05 a.m. two commercial trucks and one Cavalier, driven by people unnamed in the report, were traveling northbound on I81 in Lenox Township. The crash occurred when one truck struck the rear of the other, which was stopped in the left lane due to a previous crash at the location in which one vehicle was stopped in the roadway. At some point during the collision the same truck also struck the car. All three operators were transported via ambulance to CMC for treatment. All three units were towed from the scene. Severity of injury and seat belt use were not listed in the report. The interstate was closed for approximately four hours due to the crash. The police were assisted on the scene by multiple fire and EMS units including Clifford Township and Greenfield Township; the investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

HIT AND RUN

On October 30 at 3:50 a.m. an unknown vehicle exited the roadway in Thompson Township and struck a fence at the PennDOT shed located on SR 1001, causing damage. The driver then fled the scene. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. A public information report was prepared and a copy was placed in the crash attachment file.

CRASH

On October 29 at 6 p.m. Taymon Sampson of Susquehanna was traveling westbound on SR 171 when he lost control of his vehicle on the snow covered, slippery roadway, which vehicle then exited off the northern berm and into a ditch, nosing down into the ditch and flipping onto its roof. A seatbelt was in use; it was unknown if there was an injury.

CRASH

On October 29 at 5:20 p.m. Nancy Hazlett of Montrose was traveling south on SR 29, going downhill. It was snowing and the roads were snow covered and slippery. The driver was traveling too fast for the conditions and lost control of her vehicle, traveling across the northbound lane and striking an embankment, causing the vehicle to overturn. Both the driver and a passenger were transported to hospitals for treatment for unknown injuries. Hazlett was cited for safe speed.

CRASH

On October 29 at 5:24 p.m. Christopher Brown of Virginia Beach was traveling north on I 81 when his vehicle exited the right side of the roadway, and struck and traveled up the embankment. As it traveled, it overturned, coming to a rest on its wheels, facing west. Both the driver and the passenger were transported to a hospital prior to the trooper's arrival, for injuries of unknown severity. Seatbelts were in use. A citation was to be filed in District Court 34-3-02 for Driving on Roadways Laned for Traffic. Assistance was provided at the scene by Hallstead Fire Company and Ambulance.

CRASH

On October 29 at 3:15 p.m. Caitlyn Lankford of Leander, TX was traveling north on I81 when, while negotiating a right curve in the roadway, left the right side of the road and traveled up the embankment, rolling over and coming to a rest on the passenger side, facing south. No injuries were reported to the trooper at the scene; a seat belt was in use. The driver was cited for PA VC 3309 Driving on Roadways Laned for Traffic. Assistance was provided at the scene by Columbia Hose Company and Ambulance.

CRASH

On October 28 two drivers unnamed in the report were traveling southbound on SR 29 in Bridgewater Township. A Subaru Legacy was slowing, in approach of a stop sign and intersection. The driver stopped twice, once closer to the intersection and then again because of approaching traffic. The driver of a Mack truck following the Legacy was unprepared for the second stop and struck the other vehicle from behind.

CRASH

On October 26 at 11:20 p.m. Teresa Kostner of Dayton, MD was traveling northbound on I81 in the right travel lane when, after negotiating a left hand curve she lost control of the vehicle, exited the roadway off the east berm, and entered a grassy area between the roadway and exit ramp, rolling over in the process. The vehicle came to a rest at that location on its right side. Kostner was not injured; a seat belt was in use. The vehicle was towed form the scene by Kozlowski's towing. Police were assisted on scene by Harford EMS and fire.

THEFT-UNAUTHORIZED USE OF MOTOR VEHICLE

On October 27 at 11:00 p.m. Penny Bruno of the Hallstead area had a 2011 Ford Focus, green in color, stolen while located at the Harmony Creek Pub East. The vehicle had PA registration # FCH0810. The vehicle was later recovered at the above location. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the vehicle was in use without the victim's authorization. The investigation was ongoing at the time of report; for that reason the thief's name was withheld.

CRASH

On October 27 at 4:35 p.m. Jimmy Welch of Kingsley, PA was traveling southbound on SR 2053 in Bridgewater Township when he lost control of his vehicle while negotiating a left hand curve in the roadway. It spun approximately 190 degrees in a counterclockwise direction and exited the left side of the roadway. The front passenger side of the vehicle struck a tree, spinning counterclockwise and striking another tree. The vehicle then spun approximately another 180 degrees, coming to rest against more trees. All involved had seatbelts; some injury was sustained by the two passengers.

THEFT

Between October 26 and 27 Lisa Barhight of Lenox had the registration plate stolen off of her vehicle in Lenox Township. The stolen registration plate had Pennsylvania number HMB-8607; anyone with information in regards to this case is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

BURGLARY

On October 26, between 6 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. a residence on Lake Lowe was entered, and jewelry and cash removed from within. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Carol Ludington of Little Meadows reported that someone drove off her driveway and into her lawn, leaving two ruts. The incident occurred between the 25th and 26th of October.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On October 24 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. a 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 truck belonging to William Thompson of Montague, NJ was damaged while disabled on SR 171 in Herrick Township. Windows and mirrors were broken, and the hood and doors of the vehicle dented. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

CRASH

On October 25 at 7:05 p.m. Sandra Cutting of Endicott, NY was traveling south on Interstate 81 in Great Bend Township when a deer ran into the path of her vehicle, resulting in a collision. Cutting was wearing her seatbelt; no injuries were reported.

DUI

On October 23 at 1:01 a.m. Roy Gerken of Clarion, PA was traveling south along SR 267 in Auburn Township when he drove off the right side of the road for undetermined reasons. The vehicle went into a ditch, traveling within it for over 400 ' before making impact with a tree. This secondary collision caused the direction of the Dodge Ram 2500 to be diverted back onto the roadway, where it traveled another 75 ' before coming to a rest. Gerken was utilizing a seat belt; he suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. The vehicle was removed from the scene with the assistance of Route 6 Auto Body. Gerken was to be charged with DUI and multiple other traffic violations.

BURGLARY

Between October 7 and 21 a New Milford resident had the lock hoop removed from the door frame of his shed. A Hausfield Campbell 110 Mig welder, a plow frame, miscellaneous bars and hammers, tool boxes containing sockets, nuts, bolts, and washers, and a barrel full of tire chain items were removed form the scene. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

CRASH

On October 21 at 11:41 p.m. a driver unnamed in the report was traveling north along T737 in Ararat Township when, not paying attention while looking briefly at his cell phone, he drove off the dirt road and into a ditch. The man was able to pull the vehicle free from the ditch with the assistance of a neighbor. He was not injured in the crash.

ACCESS DEVICE FRAUD

An elderly New Milford man told a trooper that he had received an e-mail telling him that there was a problem with his PayPal account, and needed to supply his password to log in and fix it. He supplied the password, and did not realize until the next day that there were fraudulent charges through PayPal onto his checking account. It was then that he realized that he had logged into a fraudulent site imitating PayPal and given them his password. A total of $437.38 had been fraudulently charged to him.

COLLISION-HIT AND RUN

On October 23 at approximately 2:50 a.m. the vehicle belonging to Anthony Conti of Lindenhurst, NY was parked at a Hallstead Borough address when it was struck in the left rear by another vehicle. That vehicle left its grill at the scene, and was identified as a Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon, red in color. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

CRASH

On October 22 at 7:05 a.m. Bernard Zembryzycki of Union Dale was traveling southbound on SR 171 in Herrick Township, towing a manure spreader. He was returning to the farm, located less than a mile away. Dean Rhone of Starrucca, was also traveling in that direction and failed to see the tractor, striking the manure spreader from behind. The impact caused the tractor combination to roll over, blocking both lanes. Both drivers were transported to the hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The driver of the vehicle was utilizing a seat belt.

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