Starting salary for the county’s part-time solicitor was increased to $25,000 per year, with no benefits, at a Special Salary Board meeting which opened at 9 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2012. Credited with making the pay-raise motion is Mary Ann Warren. Alan Hall, who called the Special Salary Board together, provided the motion’s second. And Treasurer Cathy Benedict provided an “aye” for unanimity. Then the same cast, playing the same roles, approved meeting closure at 9:01.

In the next breath, Chairman Hall called the special commissioners’ meeting together, still at 9:01, mind you. Commissioner Warren chalked up credit for three more motions in 60 seconds. The first was to accept Solicitor Michael J. Gathany’s resignation, with regret, effective January 4, 2012. The second was to appoint Thomas Meagher, of Nicholson, to the position of County Solicitor effective immediately. The third was to close the Commissioners’ Meeting. Chairman Hall played the role of second on all motions, and the unanimity provided closure at 9:02.

While constituents, no doubt, appreciate our commissioners’ vaunted bipartisanship, meetings that can be characterized as “one-minute wonders” provide fodder for serious questions about judgment and transparency, not to mention theories of conspiracy, complicity, elitism, and political skullduggery. The information found in the first two paragraphs of this article is extracted from meeting minutes made public at the January 11 regularly-scheduled Commissioners’ Meeting.

Obvious questions arise as to how the county’s decision-makers, without any discussion before the public, exchange frank views and lay the foundation for what passes as public policy in this county. How, for instance, was the salary increase to $25,000 arrived at? Why not $24,925 or $25,100? How did Commissioners Warren and Hall “magically” come to appoint Thomas Meagher? Commissioner Giangrieco was not present for either special meeting. Did he have any ideas of his own? If so, how were they expressed without violation of the Commonwealth’s Sunshine Law? Certainly, readers can cogitate over these issues and ask questions aplenty of their own.

It’s likely that not one in a thousand county residents were even aware of these special meetings, since special meetings need advertising only 24 hours in advance. They were neither advertised in this paper’s legal notices, nor in those of competing county papers. To be fair, all three papers are weeklies and advertising special meetings in them would be unworkable with a meeting deadline of as little as 24 hours. Chief Clerk Sylvia Beamer does a good job ensuring the county always meets legal advertising requirements. Notably, her minutes for each of the “one-minute wonders” provided a period for public comment. But providing a period for public comment is totally ineffectual when the public is ignorant of meetings to which they have a right to access.

Being that the public, not in a legal sense, but for all practical purposes, was shut out of the “one-minute wonders,” an obligation exists on the part of this paper to report on them and to hold county elected officials accountable for them. That Chairman Hall made public the minutes of the special meetings during the regularly-scheduled commissioners’ meeting of January 11 demonstrates his fidelity to the law. That he failed to vouchsafe his reasoning for the special meetings demonstrates a tin ear to the spirit of the law. If the county were in such legal peril that the position had to be filled forthwith, one could understand. But where was the fire? What circumstances motivated the Salary Board and the Board of Commissioners to act so "expediently?"

If, on the other hand, there were no compelling obligations to warrant part-time legal work of the County Solicitor over the period of January 6 - 10, the entire exercise of special meetings sows seeds of distrust and cynicism among those governed. A quick review of event timelines may help put these special meetings into perspective. A regularly-scheduled Salary Board Meeting was held on December 28, 2011 following the regularly-scheduled Commissioners’ Meeting. Perhaps on December 28, Solicitor Gathany wasn’t yet aware his resignation would be “accepted, with regret, effective January 4, 2012.” Commissioner-elect Hall had not yet taken office, and one could speculate that no decision had yet been made or could be made. The Reorganization Meeting was held on January 3 after Commissioner Hall had been sworn in; and again, based upon information publicly available, no one can second-guess why the commissioners did not act at that time, or if they were in possession of Solicitor Gathany’s resignation.

Still, a Commissioners’ Meeting was already on the calendar for 9 a.m. on January 11, and the Salary Board was scheduled to follow. A case might be made that their sequential order was not “convenient” to the commissioners’ purposes, and a full airing of solicitor pay and selection in front of a larger audience might have dragged on for 15 minutes or more. Commissioner Giangrieco was not present for the “one-minute wonders.” That mitigates his responsibility at least a little, but it doesn’t demonstrate he has acquitted himself well either. Commissioner Warren made all the motions at the “one-minute wonders,” but as she was not present at the meetings of January 11, she did not have an opportunity to volunteer explanations, or to act otherwise. Chairman Hall’s leadership is the most puzzling. He was elected with the highest plurality of votes because voters were looking for fresh leadership and the restoration of transparency to county government. The people of Susquehanna County deserve better.

Perhaps our commissioners have done nothing wrong, legally speaking. But special meetings of one-minute-wonder notoriety will only feed apathy, hopelessness, resentment, and resistance; not inspire confidence. If commissioners can act without regard to public oversight and accountability in matters some may regard as relatively unimportant, how long before they dictate in the shadows on matters more near-and-dear? Expedience is no substitute for transparency, and never will be.

For readers wishing to be notified of future special meetings of the Board of Commissioners’ or the Salary Board, take note of Section 709(c) of the Sunshine Law, which reads, in part: “the agency holding a meeting shall supply, upon request, copies of the public notice … to any interested parties … if the party provides the agency with a stamped, self-addressed envelope prior to the meeting.” Translated, that means anyone can drop off a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) at the commissioners’ office with a note asking to be notified next time a special meeting of the Commissioners or Salary Board is scheduled on 24 hour notice. It does not guarantee the Postal Service will deliver notification prior to the special meeting, but it is one tool any concerned citizen can access for special meeting notification.

It was awards night at Blue Ridge. The first regular business meeting of the School Board on January 9 covered a relatively brief agenda, attending instead to recognitions of various sorts.

It was the first meeting for Lavone Lewis, who was welcomed as the nervous newest member of the Board with an executive session to start off the evening. New Board president Laurie Brown-Bonner announced another, earlier executive session, both of which she said were for personnel and legal matters, without further clarification. Returning member Cindy Gillespie didn’t seem nervous at all.

When members gathered for the public session, the Board welcomed senior Kevin McCarey as student representative. He didn’t have anything to report, having been selected for the “honor” only that day. So Board vice chair Christina Cosmello coached him for next time to come up with a report on student activities.

Middle/High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski opened the business session by recognizing 3 seniors. Kailey Ragard is a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Council, and expects to attend Marywood University next year to study speech pathology. David Miller is a choir member as well as a volunteer firefighter and class treasurer. He expects to study power generation and diesel mechanics at the Pennsylvania College of Technology next year. Emmalee Huston is a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), has trouble with math, and hopes to study art therapy at Marywood next year.

Seniors recognized this month, from left, Kailey Ragard, David Miller and Emmalee Huston.

District Superintendent Robert McTiernan then read out a proclamation by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (the public education lobby) designating January “School Directors Recognition Month,” and thanking all the unpaid school board members for their service.

Two recently retired members attended the meeting as well. Joel Whitehead presented Ms. Brown-Bonner with a large gavel he crafted from local cherry wood.

In return, the Board presented plaques to both Mr. Whitehead and Alan Hall for their service to the District. Mr. Whitehead served 26-30 years, depending on how you count. Mr. Hall served 14 years, most of them as president of the Board; he recently took up the chair of the county commissioners.

Alan Hall (left) and Joel Whitehead (right) recognized for long service by Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner.

Once the business meeting actually got under way, Board member Harold Empett moved to approve 10 of the 11 agenda items in one fell swoop, which they were, by unanimous vote. One of the items, a contract for copier maintenance, will cost the District $5,470.89 per month, which Mr. McTiernan said was $440 per month less than it would otherwise have been because of some newly-installed equipment. The contract covers the District’s large, high-speed copier/printers.

The remaining item was the selection of a representative to the Intermediate Unit (NEIU #19). The Board selected Mr. Empett for the post long held by Mr. Whitehead. Mr. Empett asked, “Is the pay any better, Joel?” (School Board members are unpaid in Pennsylvania.) Cindy Gaughan did note, however, that “the food is better.” (Mr. Whitehead often described the dinners he attended at the IU.)

An addendum to the agenda issued following the executive session nominated Robert Michael (“Mike”) Stewart as Technology Coordinator at his current salary. The appointment is a “consolidation” that will see Donna Tewes return to the classroom full time. There was some discussion about Mr. Stewart’s compensation, since he is now on an hourly wage. Ms. Brown-Bonner said that would be worked out over the next month and probably appear on the business agenda in February.

Ms. Gaughan offered a report on the activity of her Wellness Committee. She described the Committee’s goals as three: nutrition, physical fitness, and emotional health. The Committee’s next meeting will be on February 14, beginning at 3:45 p.m. in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.

Mr. Nebzydoski reported that his staff are preparing for course selection for next year. He said that the High School expects to add 2 new advanced placement (AP) courses in government and biology (Blue Ridge now offers AP courses in calculus and English), as well as some new electives in music.

To top off the evening, the Board and guests were invited to enjoy a very sugary cake frosted with the words “Thanks for all you do.” Nutrition?

The next meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board is scheduled for Monday, January 23, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Elementary School cafeteria, probably preceded by one or more committee meetings. It is designated a “workshop,” but Blue Ridge workshops frequently morph into business meetings. Don’t expect cake.

Not often is our Board of Commissioners the object of one’s affection. But for their meeting on Wednesday, January 11, idyllic praise blossomed as if to anecdotally suggest evidence of karma. Before being on the receiving end of good karma, commissioners themselves had doled out a modicum of praise. But lest anyone be lulled into daydreams of love and peace, unbridled nirvana was unexpectedly interrupted with the thud of a sudden stumble.

With Mary Ann Warren absent, Republican/Majority Commissioners Alan Hall and Michael Giangrieco moved with gusto and determination to dispose of the county’s business in just under six minutes. Their purposeful advance through the meeting’s agenda hit a speed-bump in the first minute with an attempt to approve the minutes of a Special Commissioners’ Meeting last week. The motion to approve those minutes was withdrawn when Commissioner Giangrieco indicated he would have to abstain. The as-yet unapproved minutes for special commissioners’ meeting of January 6 indicated only Commissioners Hall and Warren had been present. Mr. Giangrieco made no explanation for his absence from the special meeting. The facts being what they were, Chairman Hall realized he was the only commissioner who was present both at that meeting and today’s meeting. As a consequence, approval of “minutes” for that one-minute meeting couldn’t be accomplished just this minute. (Separate companion article, “’One-Minute Wonders’ Raise Pay, Transparency Issues,” provides in-depth reporting and analysis of January 6 meetings.)

With their more-accustomed alacrity, Commissioners Hall and Giangrieco regained their composure and approved seven other motions. Among them was the motion to approve the minutes for the Organizational Meeting of January 3, at which both they and Commissioner Warren were in attendance. They approved two Purchase of Service Agreements between Susquehanna County Services for Children and Youth for the term July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 with respective firms Loftus-Vergari & Associates in Wilkes-Barre, and York Co. Youth Development Center in York. By another motion, commissioners approved seminar requests and/or payment of seminar requests throughout 2012 for 10 county employees to attend 59 seminars at a cost of $2,062, with total cost to the county of $286.40.

And in a far-reaching motion, commissioners appointed themselves as local elected officials to the Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commissioner Advisory Committee for the term January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, with the following re-appointments made for a matching term. Economic Development: Robert Neira, William Dovin, Jack Taylor. Rural Area Transportation: Joseph Plonski, Rudy Mattes, Leonard Wheatley. Workforce Development: Sam Anderson, Loren Stone. Local Loan Review: Joe Ferretti, Rick Soden. Also newly-appointed to Local Loan Review was Maria Montenegro.

Commissioners also approved a motion to hire Justin Sprout, Springville, to fill the open, temporary, part-time position of Drug/DUI Task Force County Detective, non-union, $13.00 per hour, no benefits, effective immediately, per the recommendation of District Attorney Jason Legg and contingent upon grant money being received.

The antecedent to praise for our commissioners was a brief ceremony in which three county employees were congratulated for completing five years of service: Michelle Graziano of Children & Youth; Michelle Hillard of the Sheriff’s Department; and William Strong, Detective. All three employees were present - some with family - and received their recognition to much applause in what was obviously the largest public gathering at a commissioners’ meeting in recent months. During the period for public comment, Ray Wilmarth, Jr., Chairman of the Board, Endless Mountains Health Systems, rose to speak. His praise for our county’s commissioners, past and present, was lavish. He recounted how the county commissioners had backed loans taken out by EMHS some 15 years ago; how those loans had been repaid; and how, as a consequence, EMHS was on the threshold of groundbreaking for their new hospital, which could conceivably be completed in as little as 18 months.

With smiles all around, the commissioners’ regular meeting adjourned at 9:06, and the Salary Board opened for a generous 85 seconds worth of business. Treasurer Cathy Benedict’s presence with Commissioners Hall and Giangrieco, in the absence of Commission Warren, made a quorum possible. The Salary Board agreed “to correct/approve the minutes” from the December 28, 2011 (9:18-9:20 a.m.) Salary Board Meeting; and “to correct/approve the minutes” from the January 6, 2012 (9:00-9:01 a.m.) Special Salary Board Meeting. Commissioner Giangrieco abstained on both motions, noting for the first he “wasn’t there,” and for the second he “didn’t participate.” Personal recollection, as well as records checks by this reporter verify that Commissioner Giangrieco was mistaken about his absence from the December 28 Salary Board Meeting. He was, in fact, present for the Salary Board Meeting of December 28.

The Salary Board wrapped up their meeting with unanimous consent “to approve any and all negotiated and/or arbitrated changes in pay rates and benefits for 2012 for union employees per their contracts.” Chief Clerk Sylvia Beamer announced the time of adjournment at 9:08 a.m.

Add it all up for some interesting totals in the commissioners’ meeting schedule. Two commissioners met for two meetings, for a total of almost eight minutes. In those eight minutes of meetings, they ratified the minutes of three meetings lasting six minutes. And they most assuredly would have ratified the minutes of one more one-minute meeting, if only they could have been allowed to do so legally. Keep those scorecards handy for running totals and double praise, but buckle up for speed-bumps ahead.

Held on the ninth of January, the first Forest City Regional School Board meeting of the year focused on the achievements of students, board members, faculty and alumni.

First, Christine Acevedo, high school principal, introduced Amanda Marchese, Outstanding Senior for January. Ben Komar, the other Outstanding Senior, was unable to attend the meeting and will be recognized next month. Acevedo commented that Marchese has taken an “active position educating our school and community about autism.” Though Marchese has a form of autism, she is a member of the National Honor Society and has spoken about the autistic condition at events at the University of Scranton and at Keystone College. Marchese told those present at the meeting that she was “very pleased and happy to accept this [award].” She stated that she is not afraid to show her disability and asserted, “people like me are not as different as [we] seem. …we just need a chance.”

Acevedo then recognized sophomore Carly Erdmann as Athlete of the Month.

With January set by the PSBA as School Director Recognition Month, each of the nine Forest City Regional School Board members received a certificate. Acting superintendent John Kopicki praised the board members for their “commitment, time, and expertise.” He also stated that the “foremost thought of these board members” is what is in the best interest of FCR students.

Although the predominant mood of the meeting was celebratory, a couple of parents voiced concerns and suggestions concerning the curriculum. One woman stated that last September, she had expressed concern about a change in the schedule that would require students to miss time from other classes in order to attend band or chorus. She stated that this has impacted almost one hundred students and figures that band students will miss fifty-four hours of academic class time this year in order to attend band. Chorus students, she added, will miss forty-five hours of class time. She pointed out that tests sometimes are given during band and chorus time, requiring make-ups. Kopicki responded that band and chorus will be part of the regular schedule in the coming school year.

Another parent asked why students in seventh and eighth grade accelerated studies have two study halls on some days. She encouraged the board to offer an introductory foreign language, asserting that failing to do so is a “disservice” to students, when the global economy is considered.

Introducing a student presentation, Acevedo stated, “Our senior projects are something to make the community proud.” She introduced Katie Zefran, who worked together with fellow student Taylor-Ray Tammero to raise funds for women with cancer who face financial struggles. Tammero could not attend the board meeting due to a sports event. At the beginning, the girls chose Delta Medix as a recipient and eventually were introduced to Margo Opsasnick, CEO. At the board meeting, Opsasnick recalled thinking that this was an “unbelievable idea” because there is a “tremendous need in the community [for free services].” Although Delta Medix is a for-profit company, Opsasnick stated that, knowing the financial need, for the past two years, the company had been considering starting a charitable foundation. She commented, “[The girls’] support really started our foundation.” Tammero and Zefran held a golf tournament and silent auction, raising a total of over $3800 for cancer care. A $1000 matching grant is still pending. Opsasnick added that the fundraiser was over even before the IRS approved the Delta Medix foundation and stated at one point, “[I am] in awe of these two students.”

Zefran described attending a cancer support group meeting to get a clearer idea of how the money would be used and commented, “[It was] humbling; I loved every minute of it.” She hopes that students will continue support of the foundation in the future.

Concerning school faculty, Jeffrey Earle, Project Lead the Way instructor and Richard Priebe, Spanish teacher, received tenure.

It was announced that Marie Cookson, long-time custodian, will be retiring effective June 8, 2012. “[We want to] congratulate Mrs. Cookson on her retirement,” commented Mary Emmett, board president.

Emmett also announced that Kopicki, who had been serving in an acting capacity, could officially be named superintendent of the school. Votes in favor were unanimous. Emmett added, “I think I speak for the whole board when we say that he’s doing a good job, and we’re very pleased. It’s nice that we can finally say he’s our superintendent.”

In his report, Kopicki announced that through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, FCR had received an Enhancing Education Through Technology Grant for $40,000. The funds will go toward replacing approximately thirty percent of the high school laptops.

Also concerning the high school, Kopicki reported that after evaluating course offerings, AP Chemistry and AP Language and Composition will be added next year.

Kopicki also summarized a ceremony held January 6, between basketball games versus Elk Lake, when FCR retired the uniform of alumnus Paul Prezelski, an all-time high scorer at FCR.

The superintendent also reported that the FCR Pre-K Counts Program received an above-average score on a Pennsylvania Department of Education Assessment. Kopicki commented that this means that the “program is effective and teachers and faculty are doing an outstanding job.”

Prior to the end of the meeting, Emmett was asked for news concerning the teachers’ contract. Emmett responded that she is “very optimistic” that an agreement is approaching.

Back in November, something called Susquehanna Pipeland Coalition, LLC was formed by some people concerned that contracts being offered by Bluestone Pipeline for laying a natural gas pipeline across the county were not generous enough, and offered no protection for property owners. The organization has been holding meetings at various locations more or less along the (unknown) route of the proposed pipeline, providing information about the pipeline, about contracts, about the organization’s own purposes, and soliciting members. The latest such meeting was at the South New Milford Baptist Church on the evening of January 12.

No one knows the precise route the pipeline will take, perhaps including Bluestone Pipeline itself, at least in part because of the efforts of the coalition. According to members of the coalition who led the discussion at the latest meeting, Bluestone’s first offer to property owners was $9 per linear foot. By last November that had risen to $15 per foot. Lately the offers have been as high as $30 per foot, and the company is adding “options” to the contract that purport to protect property owners’ interest (while at the same time requiring confidentiality about the terms of the contract).

A similar coalition last year negotiated an agreement for its members with Laser Northeast, which is now in the process of building its own natural gas pipeline across the county. Laser actually started off with $4 contracts, but the agreement they came to with that group paid $55 per linear foot, with an option to take a lower initial payment in return for annual payouts over 20 years. The Laser contract also contained a wide variety of protections for property owners, including full liability coverage on the portion of the property covering the pipeline; without such a provision, a property’s homeowner insurance premium could be seriously affected. In addition, members of that group who had been offered contracts for a proposed route but who ended up being bypassed by the pipeline still got paid. The Pipeland Coalition wants to use that Laser contract as a model for its negotiations on the Bluestone pipeline.

As it happens, according to a recent news story in the Scranton paper, Laser Northeast sold itself to the Williams oil and gas company for $750 million, which amounts to about a 10-fold premium on what Laser paid to property owners.

Bluestone Pipeline is actually akin to a land brokerage (“landsman”) for its parent, DTE Energy based in Michigan. The Pipeland Coalition has begun negotiations directly with DTE. Another meeting was scheduled for the same day as the meeting in South New Milford but had to be postponed when the coalition’s attorney, Mark Powell, was called out of town unexpectedly.

So far Mr. Powell and his firm, Powell Law of Scranton, have not earned a penny on their work for the coalition, which includes a lot of paperwork involving the structure of the coalition itself.

The Pipeland Coalition board of directors (Lee Parsons, Carol Schell, Stan Waxmundsky, Alex Slater, Helen Wasnowic, Jerry Nelson, Darl Haynes, Glen Winsor) receive no remuneration. In fact, the coalition has no treasury and no funds. It is structured with an expanding membership in 2 classes. “Class A” members can vote on a contract, if and when one is negotiated with the company. These are property owners who have already been offered a contract from Bluestone for their main pipeline. Others may join the coalition as “Class B” members, in part to support the work of the organization, but also to reduce Bluestone’s incentive to try to route the pipeline around the property of the coalition’s members. Should a “Class B” member receive a contract offer, s/he can be promoted to Class A voting status. A membership commitment is for 18 months beginning in November 2011. The coalition expects to have a workable agreement in that time. The coalition’s bylaws require that 90% of Class A members must agree to the negotiated contract. Although Bluestone has announced plans to have the pipeline operating by mid-2012, that isn’t likely to happen, since they haven’t even started digging yet because they don’t have the route (whatever that is) fully leased.

If an agreement is reached within 18 months, once property owners begin to receive payment, they are obligated to pay 5% of the primary option money to the coalition to reimburse Mr. Powell for his legal services.

With the further development of the natural gas industry in the area, a network of “gathering lines” will also be laid (the definitions of “transmission” and “gathering” lines are somewhat hazy) to connect wells with the main lines. There are already a number of new companies in the area negotiating contracts for these lines. The coalition is beginning to look at this issue as well, but so far has not seen a company contract that they can study.

If you would like further information, or to be put on the coalition’s e-mailing list, e-mail pipeland@verizon.net, or send your inquiries to Darl Haynes, RR 1 Box 117, Kellogg Road, Starrucca, PA 18462.

(The writer is a Class B member of the coalition, which does not publish the number of its members, nor any other information about them except the board of directors and principal advisors and sponsors.)

COMMONWEALTH VEHICLE CRASH

On January 13 at 6:10 a.m. Roy Cold of Montrose was traveling west on SR 0706 when he lost control of his vehicle, which traveled across the eastbound lane and off the roadway into the parking lot of Pump and Pantry. The Ford F350 struck a utility pole as it left the roadway and entered the parking lot.

BURGLARY

On January 11 at 4:15 p.m. Cody Allen of Meshoppen and Royce Hutchinson of Meshoppen are accused of burglarizing the home of Kathleen McGavin of Meshoppen and stealing a laptop computer from within. The computer was valued at $689 total. The accused were arraigned before district magistrate 34-3-02, and were remanded to the Susquehanna County jail.

BURGLARY

Between November 29 and January 11 the residence of Jodi Brown of Staten Island, NY, located in Gibson, was entered by means of a kicked in front door. Once inside, a tv and blue ray player were removed from within. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

POSSESSION OF UNSTAMPED CIGARETTES

On January 7 at 3:58 p.m. a traffic stop was initiated on I81 North in Lenox Twp. for numerous traffic violations. Numerous signs of criminal activity were observed and the driver, Nelisha Hughes of Bronx, NY, gave consent to search the vehicle. The search revealed that the defendants, including the driver and two men, Ahmed Bilal of the Bronx and Ahmed Salem of Queens, NY, were in possession of 201 cartons of unstamped cigarettes, which were illegally possessed. The cigarettes were seized and the three occupants were taken into custody. The three defendants were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Suzanne Brainard and were remanded to the Susquehanna County Prison in lieu of $35,000 bail.

BURGLARY/THEFT

Between the 26th of December and 4th of January, an unlocked, unsecured pole barn on Potter Road was entered. Two RV’s were rummaged through, and a vcr removed from within.

CRASH

On January 10 at 3:05 p.m. a juvenile male from Montrose was traveling northbound on SR 167 when he failed to negotiate a left hand curve in the roadway. The vehicle entered the ditch on the side of the roadway and traveled approximately 210 feet before continuing up an embankment and overturning onto its roof. The driver and two juvenile passengers were all utilizing seatbelts; no injuries were reported.

CRASH

On December 26 at 8:25 a.m. Linda Mordent of Hop Bottom was traveling west on SR 3023 when her vehicle left the roadway on the north berm and struck a mailbox and a large stump, causing it to go airborne. The Impreza then struck an utility pole with its hood portion, while still airborne. It landed on its tires facing southwest on the north berm of SR3023. Mordent was utilizing a seatbelt; she sustained moderate injury.

BURGLARY

Between December 10 and January 10, a barn belonging to Richard Weinbrenner of Roselle Park, NJ was burglarized. A small gas powered generator and a Craftsman electric ratchet were stolen from within, with an estimated value of $400.00. Forcible entry into the barn was gained by means of prying the entrance door open. The entrance door lock assembly was damaged ruing the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact PA State Police at Gibson.

HARASSMENT

On January 5 at 11:10 p.m. an unnamed 46 year old male and a 48 year old unnamed woman each subjected the other to physical contact during an argument on Main Street in New Milford. Charges of harassment against both were filed at MDC 34-3-02 in New Milford.

CRASH

On January 9 at 8:45 a.m. Joseph Krizauskas of Nicholson was traveling south on SR 11 when he lost control of his vehicle, which started to spin counter clockwise as it crossed over into the northbound travel lane. The vehicle exited the roadway, striking an embankment, hitting the guide wire to a telephone pole, and then striking two large rocks. It then flipped onto its roof before coming to an uncontrolled stop. Krizauskas was utilizing a seatbelt; no injuries were reported.

CRASH

On January 9 at 3:30 p.m. Niceforo Benitez of the Bronx, NY was negotiating a left hand curve on State Highway 2067 in Gibson Township when the Dodge Ram 3500 went off the right hand edge of the roadway and into a gravel filled ditch, striking the undercarriage. Benitez was utilizing a seatbelt; no injury was reported.

ROBBERY

On January 8 at approximately 6:47 a.m. the Dandy Mart in Auburn Township was robbed by a masked assailant, who then fled on foot. The man was described as being a white male, 6' tall, with a thin build. He was wearing a dark blue hoodie, black jeans, gloves, and a silk black mask over his face. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson.

VEHICLE RECOVERED

On January 7 at 3:16 a.m. a 1997 Ford Explorer, belonging to Harold Bowman of the Lehighton area, was discovered abandoned after involvement in a collision at the intersection of SR 106 in Lenox Township. Investigations conducted at the time indicated that the vehicle was reported stolen to the Hazelton Police Department. The investigation was on going at the time of report. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

CRASH

On January 7 at 1:30 a.m. Jessica Kingdon of Friendsville, PA was traveling northbound on SR 267 when she failed to negotiate a right hand curve, exiting the roadway off the west berm and striking a tree. The vehicle continued northbound, struck a guiderail end, and rolled over, coming to rest on its roof. It was towed from the scene by Forces' Towing to their facility. A seatbelt was in use; an injury of unknown severity at the time of report was listed.

HIT AND RUN

On January 7 at 3:16 a.m. an unknown driver was traveling north on SR 8003, also known as the I81 northbound exit #211 in Lenox Township. At this time the 1997 Ford Explorer traveled through a properly posted stop sign at the intersection of SR 106, crossed both lanes of that road, and impacted a guardrail. It came to a rest in contact with the guardrails, partly in the westbound travel lanes. The vehicle suffered front end damage and was towed from the scene by Kozlowski's towing. The driver fled the scene prior to police response.

BURGLARY

Between December 17 and January 7 several lengths of copper pipe were removed from a residence owned by Rosemary Phillips of Nicholson. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

CRASH

On January 6 at 5:35 p.m. Stephen Slater of Hallstead was traveling northbound on SR 11 when he made a left hand turn onto Franklin Avenue and struck Carolyn Rinker of Hallstead, who was a pedestrian at that time crossing the street. Rinker suffered minor injuries to her right foot.

THEFT

On January 6, between 9:45 and 10:15 p.m. Jon Smith of the Clarks Summit area discovered that a pair of skis were stolen from him while at the Elk Mountain Ski Resort. The skis were a pair of Line Skis, Afterbang model, 155 size, and predominantly blue in color with green and pink graphics. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson; the investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

CRASH

On January 29 at noon, an unnamed driver reported a straight body truck pulled out of a gas station parking lot in Great Bend and was traveling north on Route 11. The reporter was also traveling north and, approaching the truck, failed to slow and struck it in the rear. The reporter was interviewed on December 29 at his place of employment. He related the above details and said that he saw the truck pull out and that it went wide, going into the turning lane, then coming back into the northbound lane of Route 11, and that he struck the metal bar that hangs down behind the truck. A check of the reported damage on the truck found minimal damage consisting of a dent less than 1” with scratched paint. It was noted that there was already rust in the scratch, and that the reported damage could not be definitively attributed to this reported crash.

BURGLARY

Between the 1st and 29th of December, entrance was gained into a seasonal residence in Gibson Township by means of climbing onto a second floor balcony and forcing a sliding door open. Drawers were rummaged through in 2 second floor bedrooms before a refrigerator was removed from the residence by means of the front door. A second cabin was also entered when the basement door was forced open.

HIT AND RUN

On January 5 at 10:05 p.m. an unknown driver was traveling west on SR 374 in Herrick Township at the same time as Jack Beamer of Susquehanna was traveling east. The unknown driver entered the eastbound lane, causing Beamer to drive off the roadway. The offending vehicle then struck Beamer's vehicle with its left side mirror, resulting in minor damage. The driver then failed to stop and provide the required information. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson. Beamer and 4 passengers were all utilizing appropriate seat belts and child safety seats; no injuries were reported.

DUI

On January 5 at 1:50 a.m. Jeremy Perry of Montrose was traveling eastbound on SR 547 in Harford Township when he failed to negotiate a right hand curve, exiting the roadway off the north berm and striking several trees. The vehicle continued east bound, striking an embankment and rolling onto its right side. Perry had to be removed via the windshield but was not injured; he was utilizing a seatbelt. He was arrested for DUI and taken to Barnes Kasson Hospital for a BAC test. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

CRASH

On January 5 at 5:12 p.m. Frederick Chache of Scranton was traveling east on SR 374 in Gibson Township when his vehicle exited the right shoulder into slush and ice, and he lost control of the vehicle. The Cobalt then traveled across both lanes of travel and struck a rock embankment. Both Chache and a juvenile passenger were utilizing seatbelts; minor injuries were reported.

BURGLARY

Between December 31 and January 1 an unlocked building at the Sewer Treatment Plant in Thompson Borough was entered, and one Scientech, Inc., Electronic Balance Scale removed from within. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT BURGLARY/CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Between the 2nd and 4th of January an attempt was made to break into the Pretrochko residence in Nicholson via the rear entrance door. After several attempts from an unknown blunt object to break into the residence by smashing on the deadbolt, lockset, and door, the unknown would be burglars fled the scene by unknown means and direction. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson.

CRASH

On January 4 at 3:10 p.m. Jeffery Thompson of Laceyville was traveling north on SR 3005 when, while beginning to negotiate a left hand curve in the roadway, his vehicle exited the left side of the roadway. Thompson over corrected and began to spin clockwise, impacting an embankment. The vehicle then overturned and came to rest on its wheels, facing a southeast direction. Thompson was transported by a friend prior to police response to Tyler Memorial Hospital, for a cut on his head. A seat belt was in use.

THEFT

On January 31 between 1 and 2 p.m. the vehicle belonging to a 65 year old woman was removed from Gordon's Garage in New Milford. The theft was reported by Mr. Gordon. The vehicle had been stored there since 2004. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was removed by the owner, who did not inform Mr. Gordon that she was doing so. The theft was unfounded and the investigation terminated.

CRASH

On January 2 at 4:15 p.m. Renee Felton of Hop Bottom was traveling north on Glenwood Road in Lenox Township when her vehicle exited the right side of the roadway and impacted a tree. The vehicle spun clockwise and rolled over, coming to rest in the middle of the roadway. All people in the car were treated for minor injuries and transported to the hospital for precautionary reasons; all were utilizing either seatbelts or child seats. Assistance was given at the scene by Hop Bottom, Harford, and Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Companies.

CRASH

On January 31 at 2:05 a.m. Randy Carter of South Montrose was traveling south on SR 29 at a high rate of speed, when he lost control of the vehicle and entered a counter clockwise yaw. The vehicle traveled across the double yellow line and the northbound lane, leaving the east berm and traveling a short distance before rolling over and striking several pine trees. It continued to roll after the impact with the trees, and the driver was ejected from the vehicle, which came to a rest on its roof, facing an easterly direction. Carter was not utilizing a seatbelt; major injury was reported. A passenger was utilizing a seatbelt; an injury of unknown severity was reported.

DUI

On January 31 at 8:31 p.m. a Montrose Borough Police Department Patrol Unit was conducting a traffic stop on SR 11 in New Milford Borough with emergency lights activated. Montrose Officers Levi Tiffany and Nathaniel Williams were outside the patrol unit when Jerri Shibley of Hallstead approached from the south, and struck the rear of the police car. The police car came to rest on the east berm, and Shibley's car came to rest on the east edge of the road. Shibley was transported from the scene for treatment, and was arrested for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence.

CRASH

On January 31 at 8 p.m. Maria Canfield of Lawton was traveling south on SR 848 in Apolacon Township when she fell asleep and struck a stop sign, utility pole, and tree before the vehicle came to a rest. A traffic citation was pending as of the time of report, pending completion of investigation. A seatbelt was in use; no injury was reported.

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