The county’s pension funds sagged last year. Not by much, but one could have made a better return with the paltry one-tenth of one percent interest paid at any local bank. According to the Seneca Group’s quarterly presentation, the county’s retirement fund currently holds some $13.6 million in assets. Last year the county contributed some $500,000 to the fund, and the fund made $500,000 in gains. Obviously, the two together did not offset the account fees and transaction levies, because at the end of 2011, the fund was 1.32% lower than its starting figure. Seneca Group representatives discussed the facts that last year did not conform to historical averages or expectations; that 2012’s financial outlook appears to be even bleaker; that they believe there is a high probability the market will decline by approximately 25% this year; and that interest rates will be suppressed to near-zero by the Fed for the foreseeable future.

Seneca Group’s investment advice for capital allocation found an icy reception with the commissioners. Commissioner Giangrieco was particularly skeptical of various investment strategies, particularly that of increasing investment in emerging (read: foreign) markets when those markets showed a return of negative 18% over the course of 2011. From what this reporter could discern without the Seneca Group portfolio of reports and recommendations before her, as they were made available only to the board, the County Retirement Board’s chief goal for 2012 is to look for lower - but guaranteed - returns on investment. With Seneca Group advisors openly, even casually, discussing scenarios from the “beginning” recession in Europe to monetary collapse, it appears Susquehanna County retirement funds will do well if they merely tread water and do not shrink appreciably in 2012.

The county’s retirement board lasted nearly an hour, far longer than commissioners’ stamina typically endures. Prior to the retirement board, commissioners slogged through a regular meeting lasting a full 11 minutes, then charged full-speed through a two-minute salary board meeting.

First the highlights of the regular commissioners’ meeting. Commissioners unanimously approved half a dozen motions as they appeared on the meeting’s agenda. Among them were the following: acceptance, “with regret, of the resignation of Kelly Staples, 911, effective January 17, per the recommendation of Art Donato, 911 Coordinator.” Commissioners hired “William Conklin Jr., Clifford, to the open full-time position of Case Aide, Children & Youth, Range 9, Rate $9.25 per hour, 37.5 hours per week, effective date to be determined by Susan Adamec, per the recommendation of Susan Adamec, Agency Director.” They also hired “Donna Betters, Montrose, to the open full-time position of Clerk Typist II, Children & Youth, Range 6, Rate $7.83 per hour, 37.5 hours per week, effective date to be determined by Susan Adamec, per the recommendation of Susan Adamec, Agency Director.” Commissioners additionally voted to authorize the sale of a 1999 Ford Bus with an estimated value of under $1,000. By separate motion commissioners granted requests for six county employees to attend seven seminars at a total cost to the county of $47.20.

With slight revisions and minimal discussion commissioners unanimously approved two resolutions: Resolution 2012-01 pertaining to approving payment in lieu of taxes for the New Milford Senior Housing Project located at 682 Church Street; and Resolution 2012-02 “supporting the proposal to add Oakland Township to the Viaduct Valley Way Scenic Byway.”

Commissioner Warren moved to amend/approve the minutes of the January 6, 2012 meeting; Chairman Hall seconded; and Commissioner Giangrieco abstained due to his absence from this meeting. Readers will recall that this was the one-minute Special Meeting on a Friday which resulted in acceptance of Solicitor Gathany’s resignation and the appointment of Thomas Meagher as his replacement. This reporter addressed questions to the Board of Commissioners, and to Mr. Giangrieco specifically, during the period of public comment. See story, “Solicitor-gate Probe Deepens” in next week’s paper for in-depth analysis, commentary, and critical thinking on this continuing story.

Commissioner Giangrieco moved to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2012 meeting; Chairman Hall seconded, and Ms. Warren abstained due to her absence from this meeting. Readers will recall that it was at the January 11 meeting commissioners faltered in their initial attempt to approve the minutes of the January 6 Special Meeting.

Beside this reporter’s questions during the period of public comment, Bruce Paskoff, a resident of Susquehanna County, was recognized. He asked if minutes for the meeting of the December 28 exist. Chief Clerk Sylvia Beamer replied, “Yes.” Mr. Paskoff asserted that it was at that meeting public comments were made regarding the 2012 budget, and he inquired if any of those questions and answers from the board were recorded in the minutes. Ms. Beamer replied, “No.” Mr. Paskoff responded by asking the board’s patience as he read a specific excerpt from the Sunshine Law regarding minutes. He pleaded with the board to obey the law, and then made his point that the board had not been in compliance with the law for the last four years. He then asked when he could get a copy of the minutes from the meeting of December 28. Ms. Beamer stated she could get him a copy of the minutes after the conclusion of this meeting. Mr. Paskoff made clear (correctly) that those meeting minutes had not been made available in written format at commissioners’ meetings subsequent to December 28. Mr. Giangrieco responded, “We’re not going to turn this into a debate.”

Then, by a single motion commissioners seamlessly closed this double-digit-minute meeting to launch the Salary Board Meeting. The takeaway from its two minutes was the elimination of the 32-hour per week full-time 911 dispatcher position effective February 8; followed by the creation of a 40-hour per week, full-time dispatcher position in 911, starting wage for trainee at $9.25 per hour, with benefits per the Residual Bargaining Unit Contract, effective February 9. Both resolutions were per the recommendation of Art Donato, 911 Coordinator, and both resolutions passed unanimously. There being no individuals wishing to speak at the public comment period, commissioners and Treasurer Cathy Benedict tacked to brevity with another motion to seamlessly close the Salary Board Meeting and open the Retirement Board Meeting detailed at the beginning of this article.

Note to any county employees/retirees feeling nervous at this point: you may want to take a few minutes to make an appointment to meet with your favorite commissioners - just to review their investment strategy for your retirement. An oft-heard disclaimer reads, “Past performance is no guarantee of future success.” You can be sure that dismal performance instills even less reason for optimism.

It wasn’t a regular boro council meeting; merely a regularly-scheduled committee meeting to get the nitty-gritty of boro work done. Nevertheless, at 6:59 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, Susquehanna’s boro council came together - and went - into executive session almost immediately. That executive session was to take personnel action. And the personnel action it decided was the hiring of Attorney Michael Briechle to serve as the boro’s solicitor. In so doing, boro council completed action on an issue that had been tabled at its reorganization meeting of January 3, and the boro’s first regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 10.

To recap those earlier meetings, January 3’s meeting saw the swearing in of the new boro council to include newly-elected Roberta Reddon (formerly Kelly), Roy Williams, Paul Barnes, and Deborah Zayas; as well as re-elected Allen Wolf. Sue Crawford and Joe Varsik are holdover council members. In their reorganization Ms. Reddon was elected Council President; Mr. Williams Vice-President; and Mr. Varsik President Pro Tem. Also approved was a “motion to change the monthly meetings to the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, with the Council Meeting being the second Tuesday of each month.” Meetings will continue to be held at 7 p.m.

Highlights of council’s January 10 meeting included tabling of budget discussions; naming of “The Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin” as the boro’s official paper for advertising; appointing Joe Collura as the boro’s auditor; and reappointing Steve Glover to the Tri-Boro Authority Board for a term of five years. The Mayor’s Report included plans to revisit/review the boro’s Blight Ordinance and Rental Ordinance, as well as a decision on a full-time officer once the boro’s police policy and police pension information is current for presentation to council.

January 24’s agenda provided for updates from department heads to council in each of the following: Codes, Mary Weaver; Parks and Recreation, John Sholtiss; Streets, Steve Glover; and Susquehanna Police Department. Council President Reddon clearly demonstrated her leadership skills as she set boundaries for reports, made cogent observations; asked questions as needed; and guided council members’ discussions of the issues at hand.

Mary Weaver, Code Enforcement Officer, reported she has issued 24 written warnings for sidewalk violations after recent snowfalls. She also issued 10 tickets for non-compliance by landlords. Those persons responsible for snow removal are reminded that sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. In addition to snow-clearance failures, Officer Weaver notes non-compliance with 911 addressing regulations. This is not an insignificant problem. Homeowners are reminded that three inch numbers, reflective and visible from across the street, are required on all structures.

John Sholtiss, of Parks and Recreation, reported that progress on Drinker Creek Park is still on hold, pending action by the state. “Ira’s Marker on the River” is also on hold at this time. And Reddon Park is presently closed, drained, and locked, with electric bills only for maintenance of the account. He also remarked that due to the change in the boro’s dates of meeting, from the first and third Tuesday to the second and fourth Tuesday, the Parks and Rec Council would begin meeting on the third Tuesday of each month. February 21 at 7 p.m. will be the next meeting. Mr. Sholtiss also requested that a boro council member be named to join them on the Parks and Rec Council. President Reddon indicated the council was moving in that direction, but no decision had yet been made as to which council member would be serving in that position.

Steve Glover provided the Streets Report. That report made clear that two of the boro’s vehicles are experiencing problems. The boro’s 2008 red dump-truck has only 39,000 miles on it and is still under warranty, but needs substantial repair work. Mr. Williams directed Mr. Glover to provide him with the full maintenance history of the vehicle and he would intervene with the dealership to get corrective action moving. The second vehicle requiring attention is the boro’s 1999-vintage street sweeper. It is still useable, but approaching the end of its useful service life. Regarding these vehicles, Mrs. Crawford asked several questions, the answers to which provided clarifying information for council and the public.

Susquehanna’s Finest reported they had responded to 85 calls in December 2011. Also delivered to boro council members was an annual report with graphs and detailed statistics for all police action in the boro in the preceding year. Concern was expressed about late-nighters loitering in the boro parking lot in their cars to access the library’s wi-fi signal. Actions will be initiated to discourage this trend.

A period of public comment preceded adjournment at 8:23 p.m. One commenter wished to discuss an open police investigation, and a second desired information on a personnel decision. Council demurred from comment on either. But propitiously, police officers, still present from making their previous report, escorted the first gentleman to their office for further assistance. President Reddon informed the second gentleman that his request would be handled in the appropriate forum, but not here; not today. So wrapped up an informative assembly, transparent, participatory, and well-attended by the local populace.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On January 20 the garage belonging to Alan Robbins of New Milford was vandalized by means of paintball.

CRASH

On January 26 at 8:00 a.m. Delores Dalickis of Union Dale lost control on the snow covered T442 in Lenox Township, causing the vehicle to roll onto its roof. The driver was utilizing a seat belt; she was not inured.

ASSAULT-HARASSMENT

On January 26, Steven Wormuth of Port Crane, NY is accused of texting a threatening message to a female victim. Due to past history, the victim related serious concern. Wormuth was cited for threatening violence.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

During the early morning hours of January 25, between 3 and 8 a.m., the tailgate of a vehicle belonging to Wayne Bradley was shot with a paintball gun, in New Milford. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

CRASH

On January 24 at 5:54 p.m., three vehicles, driven by people unnamed in the report, were traveling on State Hwy 267 in Rush Township, when one stopped in the lane of travel for a deer in the roadway. The second driver successfully stopped behind the first, but the third failed to observe the other vehicles in the roadway and struck the second, pushing it into the first. All three vehicles exhibited minor damage and were drivable.

THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING

Sometime between the 20th and 25th of January, a utility trailer and snowplow belonging to Paul Wetherhill Jr. of Montrose were stolen from his driveway. The trailer was 5' by 8' in size, and the snow plow was a fisher 6.5' quick detach. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

POSSESSION OF A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA/CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY

On January 25 at 9:35 a.m. Kareen Earle of Bronx, NY was operating a 2010 Dodge Avenger, gray in color, with a New York registration, when he was stopped for multiple vehicle violations. Indicators of criminal activity were present. Consent to search was sought and granted The search yielded a bag of marijuana and $2,300 in US currency. Earle was transported back to the station, processed, and released. Charges were to be filed at District Court 34-3-03.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Between the 24th and 25th of January, the residence of Daniel Millard of Montrose was paint balled The same night a Bridgewater Township workplace belonging to Lyubov Volkov of Susquehanna was paint balled. No damage was reported in that incident.

RETAIL THEFT

On January 24 at 1:30 a.m. Claire Galloway is accused of taking 5 cartons of cigarettes from the Lenox Pump-N-Pantry without paying for them, while working a night shift. The accused was charged with retail theft.

COLLISION-TRAFFIC-INJ.

On January 24 at 5:30 a.m. Chip Shimansky of the Brackney area was traveling northbound on SR 4001 Silver Lake Township, when there were ice patches on the road. The vehicle exited the roadway to the east of the travel lanes and impacted a building. Shimansky suffered minor injuries and was transported by personal vehicle for medical treatment.

HIT AND RUN

On January 21 at 2 a.m. an unknown male driver, a male passenger, and two female passengers, were traveling northbound on SR 3023 in Rush Township when the driver failed to negotiate a left hand curve, exited the road off the east berm, and entered a drainage ditch. The female passengers were transported to South Montrose by a PennDOT employee, where they were transferred to an ambulance and taken to EMHS in Montrose for treatment. Both suffered only minor injuries. The two males fled the scene with the vehicle prior to police arrival. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson. The women were not utilizing seat belts; it was unknown whether or not the males were as of the time of report.

CRASH

On January 23 at 4:30, a driver unnamed in the report was traveling east on SR 848 just east of Rosebud corners in New Milford Township when the driver traveled off the south shoulder into a ditch. No injuries were reported.

HIT AND RUN CRASH

On January 23 at 4:25 p.m. Colia Brunson of Jay, FL and an unknown driver were traveling south on SR 0029 in Franklin Township, with the unknown driver behind Brunson on the road. At a certain point the driver struck Brunson, then veered off the east berm and struck a stone wall on the property of Nicholas Krisko of Hallstead before reentering the roadway and fleeing the scene. The vehicle was found on SR 4008 approximately 2 miles west of SR 29; the driver fled the vehicle leaving it in the roadway. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Between the 22nd and 23rd the residence of Russel Snow of Franklin Township was struck with paintballs. Anyone having information is asked to please contact the police.

NOTICE

Members of PA State Police Gibson will be conducting Child Safety Seat checks on the following dates: February 1, March 1 and April 2, between noon and 6 p.m. This is a free service. Anyone wanting a child restraint system properly installed is encouraged to stop in. Future check dates were to follow.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS/IDENTITY THEFT

On December 24 two warrants were served on Gina Olshan of Laceyville for Criminal Trespass, Burglary, Theft, Identity Theft, and Access Device Fraud. In one case Olshan stole a wallet from a residence and used a credit card and personal check to purchase around $4,000 in merchandise at Wal-Mart in Vestal. In a second case Olshan entered a residence and stole a purse containing cash and other personal items. Olshan was arraigned before District Judge Jeff Hollister in Montrose, and was remanded to the Susquehanna County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for 1/30/12 in District Court 34-3-01. The Pennsylvania State Police at Gibson were assisted by the Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office in apprehending Olshan for the criminal charges.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Between the 22nd and 23rd of January a window was broken in the Franklin Township building, when it was shot with an orange paintball. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION

On January 21 at 1 a.m. the Pennsylvania State Police responded to what was reported as underage drinking occurring at a Hallstead Borough residence. Charges for violations of PACC were pending further investigation. The names of the accused were withheld due to their juvenile status and the ongoing investigation.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Between the 21st and 22nd of January a mailbox post was damaged on Howell road in New Milford Township, causing approximately $30 in damage.

BURGLARY

Sometime between December 29 and January 22 the seasonal residence of Frederick Kroog of Carney, NJ was burglarized. Entrance was gained by means of prying open a basement window. The residence was rummaged through, and miscellaneous household items stolen, including 2 antique clocks and a collection of collectable Hess trucks. Approximately 50' of copper tubing (plumbing) was also stolen from the residence. The estimated value of the stolen items was $2,500 total. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

RETAIL THEFT

Walter Deyo of Windsor was charged with pumping gas and leaving without paying on January 20, from the Pump N Pantry in Great Bend.

BURGLARY

Between the 2nd of December and the 14th of January a trailer in Gibson Township was entered by means of a forced open door with an unknown tool. The bedrooms were rummaged through, as were the dresser drawers, but nothing was apparently taken. The refrigerator was then emptied onto the counters, and the unit itself removed through the front door, damaging the floor in the process. A hasp lock was stolen off of a nearby storage barn, which was entered, but again, nothing was reportedly taken.

THEFT FROM A MOTOR VEHICLE

Between the 17th and 18th of January several items were removed from the vehicle of Joshua Fitch of Springville, including cash, medication, sunglasses, a watch, and a business card holder. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

BURGLARY

Sometime between the 3rd and 18th of January, forcible entry was made into the Faith Mountain Christian Academy in New Milford Borough through means of a basement door. Once inside, an attempt was apparently made to remove fuel oil from within, all without authorization or consent. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson.

CRASH

On January 18 at 8:55 p.m. Angel Carovinci-Osborne of Dickson City was traveling west on State Hwy 706 in New Milford Township when she crossed over an ice patch. The vehicle spun out of control, exiting the road and striking a tree.

DRUG OFFENSE

On January 18 at 8:07 a.m. Paul Rivera of New York, NY, John Portalatin of Brooklyn, Shelby Rivera of Manhattan, Kathryn Rivera of Manhattan, and a 14 year old female, were arrested after a traffic stop and a search of their vehicle revealed 6.1 ounces of crack cocaine and 170 bags were heroin. A search warrant was completed and approved for said search. All individuals were arraigned in district court 34-3-02 before district judge Jodi Cordner and remanded to the Susquehanna county prison in lieu of bail. Susquehanna juvenile probation took custody of the 14 year old female.

CRASH

On January 18 at 7:35 a.m. Zachary Sandfort of Wysox, NY was traveling east on Maple Ave in Little Meadows Borough when he exited the road and overturned, striking several trees. He was to be cited for driving vehicle at a safe speed. A seat belt was in use; minor injury was sustained.

CRASH

On January 1 at 2:11 a.m. Chase Reynolds of New Milford was traveling west along SR 848 in New Milford Township when, at a point approximately 2/10 of a mile west of Harford Road, the vehicle drifted to the right and was steered back to the left. Reynolds overcompensated in his steering and traveled off the roadway to the left, continued down a steep embankment, and subsequently struck a tree. The vehicle then turned onto its left side and came to rest against another tree at the bottom of the embankment. Reynolds was utilizing a seatbelt; minor injury was sustained.

POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER

On January 16 at approximately 12:30 p.m. Andre Bethea of Binghamton was operating a 2002 blue GMC Envoy with NY registration and was stopped for a motor vehicle violation. Indicators of criminal activity were present. Permission to search was sought and granted. The search yielded 15 individual bags of marijuana packaged for sale. Bethea was subsequently processed and arraigned on charges of PWI and drug paraphernalia. The accused was arraigned before District Justice 34-3-03. Bail was set and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for January 31 at District Court 34-3-03.

ACCESS DEVICE FRAUD

On January 17 charges were filed at district court 34-3-03 in Susquehanna County against Corey Siudorek of Dallas, PA, who was charged with Access Device Fraud, Forgery, and Theft by Deception, all graded as Felony 3. Sidorek used a victim's two credit cards and made unauthorized purchases totaling $7,977,99.

BURGLARY

Between the 12th and 15th of January a side window was broken in the home of Mary Gleason of Apolacon Township and the following items were stolen from within: a white GE electric stove, a white whirlpool fridge/freezer, a nightstand drawer containing miscellaneous papers, a cast iron wood stove, a GE electric dryer, approximately 20 feet of copper pipe, and a metal milk jug. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

SCATTERING RUBBISH

On January 14 at 2:45 p.m. Richard Derr of Factoryville is accused of throwing or allowing to be deposited upon the roadway a grocery bag containing household waste, with identifying paperwork in it, at a property in Nicholson. A citation was filed at district court 34-3-03.

RETAIL THEFT

On January 13 at 3:50 p.m. an unknown person pumped 4.01 gallons of kerosene into his container at the Pump and Pantry in Great Bend and departed without paying for it.

DRUG TRANSPORTING

On January 12 at 10:10 a.m. Jason O'Brien and Nathan O'Brien, both of Endicott, were stopped for a traffic violation while traveling on Interstate 81 in Lenox Township. Numerous indicators of criminal activity were observed. The vehicle was seized and a search warrant was prepared and approved. A search of the vehicle yielded approximately 4 lbs. of marijuana. Arrest warrants were secured for both. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact the police. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

DUI

On January 14 state police from Gibson responded to a location on State Route 3023 in Dimock Township for a report of a one vehicle collision. Contact was made with Howard Walter Jr. of Montrose, the operator, and identified him as the accused. During contact with the accused he showed signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested for DUI. Charges were filed with magisterial district court number 34-3-03.

BURGLARY

On January 11 at 4:15, Cody Brown of Meshoppen and Royce Hutchinson of Meshoppen are accused of burglarizing a victim's residence in that town and stealing a laptop computer valued at $689 dollars. The accused were arraigned before District Magistrate 34-3-02 and remanded to the Susquehanna County jail.

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

DEEDS

Margaret L. (trust by trustee), George M. (trust by trustee) and Margaret L. Rinsland to Lawrence Kuhn and Barbara Shoulson, in Harford Township for one dollar.

Lawrence Kuhn and Barbara Shoulson to Shailen R. and Rosita Shah, in Harford Township for $246,500.00.

Robert L. Bushnell to Robert L. Bushnell and Marylynn Vanbrunt Bushnell (AKA) Marylynn Vanbrunt-Bushnell, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Susquehanna County Housing Development Corporation to New Milford Senior Housing LP, in New Milford Borough for one dollar.

Susquehanna County Housing Development Corporation to Susquehanna County Housing Development Corporation, in New Milford Borough for one dollar.

Vincent J. McMahon to Walter T. Williams, Jr., in Montrose for $92,500.00.

Carol M. Masters to Richard W. and Shirley C. Masters, in Harford Township for $90,000.00.

John D. and Dianne E. Bulman to Martin J. and Tina L. Murphy, in Apolacon Township for one dollar.

Dwight and Deborah Smith, Sally and Mitchell (AKA) Mitchell R. Maxwell to Noble Marcellus LP, in Middletown Township for $117,820.00.

David W. and Eva Baker Schwartz (AKA) Eva Baker-Schwartz to Andrew R. Crawford, in Susquehanna for $45,000.00.

Mehboob Ahmed (estate) to Mubarak Ahmed, in Lenox Township for $2,000.00.

Adam Wojnarowski (estate), Peter Kase and Renee Meszler to Peter Kase and Renee Meszler, in Herrick Township for one dollar.

Eugenia Brand to Richard, Michael L., Thomas and Fred Brand, in Silver Lake Township for $10.00.

Alexander and Kathleen Pritchyk to Eugene and Tahnee Gustinucci, in Clifford Township for $215,000.00.

Mark C. Waddington (estate) to Mary Anne Waddington, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Mark C. Waddington (estate) to Mary Anne Waddington, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Richard J. and Donna J. Sands to Richard J. and Donna J. Sands, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

William Ruark and WLR Family Partnership to William Laverne, Jr. and Katrina Capwell, in Middletown Township for $46,000.00.

John L. Foster to Jeremy D. and Holly A. Benedict, in Gibson Township for $150,000.00.

Neal E. Crafts, Jr. (AKA) Neal Crafts (by guard) to D & L Realty Company, in Montrose for $100,000.00.

William J. and Susan E. Baier to D & L Realty Company, in Montrose for $50,000.00.

James T. (estate) and Terrence V. Powderly to Terrence V. and Georgiana Powderly, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Laurence F. (AKA) Laurence (estate) and Nancy B. (AKA) Nancy Coar to Terrence V. and Georgiana Powderly, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Patricia Coar and Frank J. O’Malley and Marilyn Coar (by atty) to Terrence V. and Georgiana Powderly, in Clifford Township for $210,000.00.

Joseph F. and Rita J. Sharon to Sharon Family Trust, in Middletown Township for one dollar.

Deborah Stone, Michael and Jane Stanko to Edward Albert and Edward Morgan Stone, in Ararat Township for $50,000.00.

LPP Mortgage LTD (by atty) to Jane Guzior, in Thompson Township for $129,000.00.

Michael J. and Kathryn Tokash and Peter A. Pacitti to Michael J. and Kathryn Tokash, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of January 27, 2012 at 8:45 a.m.

Jack Akers, Craig J. Anderson, Sharon Baker, Tonya S. Birchard, Christopher Brenner, Michael Robert Brown, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, John J. Jenisky, Jr., Nichole M. Jones, Kay L. Knolles, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Michael Maryasz, Corey A. Maynard, Mark C. McCarey, Erica Y. Mead, Joseph C. Mikloiche, Matthew S. Miller, Connie M. Mitchell, Ronald N. Mitchell, Gregory W. Morris, Donald Palmer, Jeremy Presson, Phillip N. Robertson, Perry Rohan, Mark Salsman, Christie L. Sheptock, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Jermaine J. Stanfield, Sr., Robert J. Twilley, Steven G. Warner, Jamie L. Williams, Sr., Jesse J. Yachymiak, Kelly L. Yarbrough.

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

Democratic Party faithful met for breakfast at the Montrose VFW on Saturday, January 28, to kick off their campaign for 2012. The Susquehanna County Democratic Committee, under the able leadership of Chairman Robert McNamara, gathered together to launch petition signings for their candidates appearing on the April primary ballot. President Obama, of course, heads up the ticket. Beside his petition was that of Pennsylvania’s senior U.S. Senator, Bob Casey Jr., running for his second term. State Treasurer Rob McCord, likewise seeking re-election, had his petition available, as did candidate for Auditor General, state Representative Eugene A. DePasquale.

Of particular interest to voters in the 111th District (including parts or all of Wyoming, Wayne, and Susquehanna counties), was the introduction of political rising star Jeffrey C. Dahlander. Mr. Dahlander is currently the only announced Democratic candidate for the 111th District seat. Securing the nomination in April would likely pit him against incumbent Representative Sandra J. Major on the fall ballot.

Mr. Dahlander addressed the gathering and granted a lengthy interview with this reporter. By way of introduction, Mr. Dahlander is a 1991 graduate of Blue Ridge and an alumnus of Penn State. He served in administrative positions of increasing responsibility at DePaul, NYU, George Washington University, and Boston University prior to his employment with Bank of America. In his initial position there he headed the fight against fraud. He explains his current position at B of A with these words, “I’m a complex-problem problem-solver.” Mr. Dahlander’s legislative priorities include natural resource/history preservation, education improvement, and community development. Translated into some specifics: he supports a severance tax on the gas industry; he opposes school vouchers, particularly the governor‘s plan; and he advocates assistance, especially through available grants, to existing and start-up small businesses so as to revive our local economy.

County-wide elected officials in attendance were Commissioner Mary Ann Warren, Sheriff Lance Benedict, Prothonotary Sue Eddleston, Register & Recorder Mary Ann Evans, Treasurer Cathy Benedict, and Jury Commissioner Robert Chamberlain. From Wyoming County, Mayor Norman Ball of Tunkhannock was in attendance. Democratic Party luminaries in attendance included State Committeewoman Nancy Hurley of Susquehanna, Democratic Party Treasurer Rick Ainey, and Wyoming County Democratic Party Chairman Norman White. Local committeemen and women from the various townships and boroughs were the backbone of the attendees.

The VFW’s food was plenteous and a gastronomic delight. For the get-together’s 50/50 drawing, Nancy Hurley held the receptacle for Cathy Benedict’s draw. The winner was Helen Foster, with a prize of $83.

Commissioner Mary Ann Warren was granted early leave from the gathering to make her flight to Las Vegas. Before leaving, she updated all present on county news. Her talk included mention of her two-day conference “Shale Gas & Conventional Gas: from Pennsylvania to New Mexico” which required her to travel to Hobbes, New Mexico, with Rep. Tina Pickett and the county commissioners of Bradford County, on January 11. The conference’s purpose was to “study the issues surrounding the development of shale gas, using Lea County, NM, and Bradford County, PA, as case studies.”

Regular readers will recall that Commissioner Warren was absent from the commissioners’ meeting on January 11, and it was at that meeting the Republican majority commissioners were unable to approve the minutes of the January 6 Special Meeting, as Commissioner Giangrieco had absented himself from the January 6 Special Meeting. The January 6 Special Meeting was one of the “one-minute wonders” in which Attorney Thomas Meagher was appointed County Solicitor. At today’s Breakfast, Commissioner Warren gave Attorney Meagher a ringing endorsement as County Solicitor and extolled his virtues as a Harvard graduate.

Commissioner Warren also spoke about the development of piping natural gas to homes for residential use. She briefly covered information from the “Leatherstocking” meetings of January 20 and 23, and the hope of county residents sharing in the benefits of natural gas even if they are not receiving royalties.

In her address to the party faithful Commissioner Warren exuded warmth, confidence, charisma, and a degree of transparency noticeably absent during all county commissioners’ meetings covered by this reporter. Would that she and her Republican colleagues display those qualities before the general public on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month!

Breakfast broke up just before 11 a.m. Party Chairman McNamara reminded all present that party and candidate information are available on the web: facebook.com/Susquehanna or www.susquehannadems.com. Candidate Jeffrey C. Dahlander can be reached at facebook.com/repdahlander. And finally, Mr. McNamara reminded Democrats their candidate for Attorney General will be selected in a contested primary. The AG choice is between former U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy and Lackawanna County Prosecutor Kathleen Kane.