The Blue Ridge School Board laid on a spread for their meeting on January 30: puff-ball sandwiches, fruit & veggies with dip, cookies, water and soda. All to fete state representative Sandra Major, who arrived on time an hour and a half before the scheduled workshop to respond to questions and brief the board on legislation in Harrisburg.

From left, Superintendent Robert McTiernan, Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner, State Representative Sandra Major.

The board, including the designated Student Representative, Kevin McCarey, and augmented by two more students, peppered Ms. Major for an hour with questions and concerns about vouchers, charter schools, the state budget, state mandates and standards testing, and natural gas revenue. She didn’t offer any ready solutions, instead describing the legislative process and the difficulty of dividing up scarce resources.

Board president Laurie Brown-Bonner started off with an issue that worries many public school districts around the state - the proposed voucher program that would have provided funds to families to send their children to schools of their choice, a notion that some have said would destroy public schools, particularly in small rural districts like Blue Ridge. Ms. Major - as well as several board members - expressed support for school choice, but not at the expense of public schools. She said that the measure that got the farthest, known as Senate Bill 1, was never brought up for a vote in the House of Representatives; she said that it wouldn’t “see the light of day in the House.” A similar House bill includes a provision she supports that requires the program be funded separately, not by taking resources away from public schools.

Ms. Major acknowledged that charter schools, particularly those known as “cyber-charter” schools, have been a problem. “We didn’t see how big they were going to get,” she said. Middle/High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski remarked that “we have not had tremendous success” with students who enroll in such programs and then return to the public schools. Board member Christina Whitney, a “higher-ed professional” at Binghamton University, said that in her experience cyber-charter students “are not ready” for college. “We need to address that,” said Ms. Major. According to Ms. Brown-Bonner, Blue Ridge now sends as much as $350,000 per year to cyber-charter schools that enroll students from the Blue Ridge district area. She noted that advertising for these programs is all over television and the internet, the advertising costs being underwritten by payments from local public school districts. Ms. Major could only say that she represents parts of only 9-11 school districts out of the 501 in the state.

On the other hand, Ms. Major remarked that there is no longer a “one-stop shop for education.” Charter schools, cyber-charter schools, private schools, public schools are all part of the new world of educational opportunity.

Ms. Major took note of the state Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program that offers businesses substantial deductions for contributions to scholarships for attendance at private schools. Unfortunately the program mostly benefits Philadelphia. In fact, large amounts of state money have been used to bolster that city’s educational system, without much to show for it, leaving other districts across the state gasping for resources.

Asked about the gambling revenue that was supposed to offer major property tax relief for school districts statewide, Ms. Major just said that “dollars have gone a whole lot of other places.”

Asked about the opportunity to tap the natural gas drilling boom in the area, Ms. Major said that there is no plan in Harrisburg to impose a “severance tax” on Marcellus shale operations. Instead the state is proposing to levy an “impact fee” - a fixed amount per well that would be used to mitigate the effects of natural gas development on the environment and local infrastructure. So far the mechanism for collecting and disbursing these dollars has not been determined, although she thought it would probably become the responsibility of affected counties to manage some of it. Money received for Marcellus activities in the state forests would be directed to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Funds from development in the game lands would go to the state Game Commission; some, however, might also be diverted to the Fish and Boat Commission.

Ms. Major said that natural gas development in Pennsylvania has already provided significant additional revenue through income and sales taxes and the general improvement in the economic climate in the affected areas.

During a discussion of mandated programs that are often underfunded and overregulated, Board member Harold Empett and student representative McCarey expressed some frustration that students are being taught “to the test” under the “standards-based” testing system fledged by the federal No Child Left Behind program. “We’re being taught to pass the tests,” said Mr. McCarey, “we’re not taught to learn.”

After a brief entr’acte to allow Board members to see Ms. Major on her way and sate themselves with the remaining refreshments, Ms. Brown-Bonner called the workshop to order. She began by recognizing Terrence Brazill representing a firm called KeyTex.

Mr. Brazill offered the board a “no-cost” arrangement that would allow KeyTex to negotiate for electricity supply on behalf of the school district. By acting as a broker between the district and energy suppliers, KeyTex could come up with 8-10 proposals within 3-4 weeks of completing a profile of the district’s electricity usage. The board would then be free to choose among them for a fixed-price contract covering up to 3 years. KeyTex would get a sales commission from the selected supplier; there would be no additional cost or obligation to the school district. KeyTex would only need a “letter of authorization” to get started.

Mr. Brazill said that he couldn’t estimate the kind of savings Blue Ridge might realize from the transaction before completing the profile, but that other nearby districts had been able to save substantially. Blue Ridge would still deal with Penelec as the local provider, but the energy supplier working through the Penelec infrastructure would be chosen by the district.

The board’s Facilities & Grounds Committee will examine the KeyTex proposal at its next meeting.

Which brought up Ms. Brown-Bonner’s committee assignments for her colleagues:

Facilities & Grounds chaired by Harold Empett

Athletics & Activities chaired by Christina Cosmello

Health & Wellness chaired by Priscinda Gaughan

Budget, Finance & Transportation chaired by Ms. Brown-Bonner

Legislative chaired by Ms. Brown-Bonner

Curriculum & Career Development chaired by Ms. Whitney

Technology chaired by John Ketchur

Fundraising co-chaired by Shane Rumage and Christina Cosmello

Policy chaired by Ms. Brown-Bonner

IU chaired by the IU representative, Harold Empett

Ms. Brown-Bonner emphasized that board committee assignments do not preclude the participation of any other Board members, or anyone else in the community, for that matter. She just asked that people declaring their willingness to join a committee commit to participating regularly. She also requested that at least one administrator (or representative) attend to each committee.

An additional “committee,” on personnel, Ms. Brown-Bonner declared would be a “committee of the whole,” including all members of the board. Personnel matters then became the subject of a vigorous debate. Mr. Rumage and Mr. Ketchur said that committee members should “be part of the hiring process,” and sit in on all interviews, to give the board a better feel for the candidates. Ms. Brown-Bonner said “we have an administration we trust,” and preferred to allow administrators to vet personnel selections. She said that “the board is a board of 10,” where the superintendent is the 10th, non-voting member. However, the procedure would not preclude the presence of board members at any or all hiring interviews. Superintendent Robert McTiernan was directed to ensure that all board members are made aware of upcoming interviews and personnel actions.

Ms. Brown-Bonner and Superintendent McTiernan then recommended changing the board’s meeting schedule such that a business meeting would follow a workshop by only one week so that Mr. McTiernan could present a proposed agenda for the business meeting for the board to consider for a week, without a significant delay before the business meeting itself. At the suggestion of Ms. Gaughan, the board agreed to try it for 6 months or so. Since the next meeting would be only one week hence, on February 6, the new schedule will have already begun. That business meeting will formalize the schedule change, which will probably place workshops on the 4th Monday of each month, followed by a business meeting the following week, on the 1st Monday of each month.

With that settled, Mr. McTiernan recited some of the agenda items he intends to present next week, most of which are routine.

Mr. McTiernan said he would recommend the formal adoption of the 2011-2012 rates for long-term (more than 60 days) instructional substitutes. He said that one instructor has already been in place for more than 60 days; the rate will become retroactive in that case.

He also described a possible policy change regarding “Relations With Special Interest Groups” (#913). He said that the district now follows a “limited open forum” policy covering any and all groups regardless of their nature, religious or otherwise. After studying the issue, he said the district could continue the current policy, or change it to exclude any group not officially sponsored by the district. “It’s all or nothing,” he said.

The board’s policy with regard to food and drink in the gyms (none) sparked a spirited debate, moderated somewhat by the administration’s request for clear guidance. It seems that during some recent athletic events the security staff had been observed to apply the policy in a somewhat inconsistent manner, causing consternation among some attending the events. Administrators said that the students and families do a pretty good job policing themselves. They said that they would adhere to board policy whatever it is, but that it must be clearly articulated.

Some board members seemed to suggest leaving the signs posted, but without bothering to enforce the rules. Or perhaps have the coaches enforce the rules, calling in security as necessary. Or perhaps do away with the rules entirely. The issue will also be on the agenda at the next Facilities & Ground Committee meeting.

That meeting will be a busy one. It will begin at 6:30 p.m., before the business meeting on Monday, February 6.

A new calendar year under way, the business office is busy working up a budget for the fiscal year that will begin in July. Ms. Brown-Bonner announced that the first meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee to consider the budget is scheduled for Monday, February 13 beginning at 5:00 p.m. - following a Wellness Committee meeting at 4:00 p.m. Mr. McTiernan said that the date is convenient because it will shortly follow the presentation of the governor’s own budget proposal for next year.

Mr. McTiernan said that there is some question about revenue expected to be due from the 4 low-income and senior-housing facilities in the district. He said that the 4 properties account for some $100,000 in lost revenue because of their tax-exempt status. Some of them pay as much as 20% of their assessed valuation “in lieu of taxes,” but they are all in questionable status. Business Manager Loren Small has been tasked with sorting out all of this, and will report his conclusions to the board in due time.

See the district’s web site (http://www.brsd.org) for more information on policy (at the bottom of the navigation bar on the home page), and meeting schedules (on the home page as well as on the board’s own page).

Early into the February 2 New Milford Borough meeting, the council talked about appointing a council member. Originally it was stated that no one had expressed interest, but Larry White had spoken with one candidate who he thought might be interested. There was another possibility mentioned as well, by a second council member. A vacancy board meeting was scheduled for the 9th, to take care of the matter within the allotted time. The position was open due to a failure to elect someone to fill one of the vacancies.

During the codes department section, Rick Ainey asked about the lack of hours on the codes report. It was stated that the codes officer was supposed to list the amount of hours, and that in the past he had done so.

It was queried as to whether or not the DEP complaint had been filed regarding the actions of a much discussed landowner. The secretary had received a response that the matter had to be sent to the Soil Conservation authority. Mr. Ainey confirmed that a letter had been sent to the planning commission, and stated that he had spoken with that commission personally. He had been told that the resident had spoken with the commission, reporting that he had a four bedroom apartment, and was now planning a two bedroom, and that there was a storage shed on the property. The resident believed he had corrected the water problem, and stated that he had a permit for the storage building. The planning commission had reported that it had passed the water situation onto Soil Conservation. Mr. Ainey felt that part of the problem was lack of communication between entities.

The codes officer had been directed to go up to the property and ensure that there was a permit for each building, and to investigate the lot size. Mr. Ainey questioned whether this had been done yet; it was not certain.

COG had shut down the house on Montrose St. due to a lack of permit. It was suggested that the council's task for the month should be to check in on what it had started. Ken Carey was to check with COG, to be updated on the situation. Teri Gulick spoke again about a drain pipe which he had removed up there, which had been in place to avert water problems.

Mr. Ainey said that council had received a copy of a letter sent to Fox engineering regarding EDU's. He asked about the zoning ordinance regarding offices such as that. If offices were put in a residential unit a zoning permit was required. He asked if a zoning permit had been applied for. The secretary was uncertain, and was to check on it.

Mr. Ainey asked about the treasurer's report, wondering if the council would have the finances to pay bills. When it was responded that they would not, he suggested that they not paid the bills as listed due to the deficiency. When Ms. Gulick mentioned that the borough had a line of credit, he made a suggestion about this. The sewer part of the municipal authority had money saved in its savings account. The line of credit had 4.25%, and the authority was earning around .5% of interest on their money. He had spoken, then, with someone at the authority to ask if that entity could loan the borough money at a 2% interest rate. It had been responded that they would likely be willing to, though they were researching whether or not they were able to. If this failed they would still have a line of credit. Mr. Ainey then motioned that the borough enter into negotiations to borrow $20,000 (an amount the borough secretary said would allow the borough to cover its bills until tax money came in) from the authority, with borrowing on the line of credit as a second resort. This way, he pointed out, the borough would be benefiting regardless. The motion was seconded and approved. The authority was to have a meeting the following Monday where it was presumed they would discuss the matter, and it was hoped they would approve it.

Ms. Gulick questioned one of the bills, wondering about the amount paid to the zoning hearing board's attorney. She questioned the number of hours he had put into the case. Mayor Taylor pointed out that at least if the borough won they could go after the defendant to recoup some of this money. There was some debate as to this point however, as some were uncertain how much could be recouped in legal fees.

Mr. White said that he had discussed this with people at a recent meeting with municipal representatives from other areas, and it had been responded that the price the borough paid was cheap. Still, others at the council meeting felt it to be high for the Susquehanna County area.

The topic was discussed for a time, as those present tried to straighten out the bills and costs. Mr. Ainey opined that didn't like it either, but seemed to feel as if the costs were more fair. Ms. Gulick suggested that the bill again be turned over to the zoning hearing board to review.

Someone suggested that the best option was to deal with the cost now, but get rid of the attorney. Mr. Ainey pointed out that the council could not get rid of him, as the zoning hearing board appointed its own solicitor. However, he proposed that in the future perhaps the borough could limit how much the zoning hearing board could pay for legal fees.

Mr. Ainey said that they had to pay the solicitors (both that of the hearing board and that of the borough) something, and had to pay them that night. It was quipped that they raised the taxes to pay the lawyers, as the taxes raised represented $6800 and the legal fees exceeded this. It was suggested that the current bill be turned over to the zoning hearing board to review, but that the past bill, already reviewed, be paid. The rest of the bills were paid as well.

A visitor asked about the stop sign at the corner of Church Street and Pratt, stating that people flew through them at an estimated fifty miles an hour. Also, travelers had stated in the past, coming from 492, that they had not seen the sign. The visitor suggested perhaps the sign could be lowered. He said that the speeding happened especially in the morning, and pointed out the presence of a bus stop in the area. Ms. Gluck said that she had mentioned the matter to the police already, as council had received many complaints about people driving too fast on Church Street. It was suggested that perhaps the word “stop” could be painted on the road to increase visibility, and that the police could be specifically requested to be in that location.

Mr. Ainey asked if they would be able to request that the state police turn down there occasionally as well. A state police representative present at the meeting suggested that occasional state police traffic would be possible. He also said that painting on the road could help draw attention to it. Since the borough did have a police force who was primary coverage for the borough, he also stated that a citation could be filed on a report received. The person filing the citation would have to be able to identify the car and driver however. He asked if the police issued paper warnings, and when it was responded that they did, he stated that perhaps the combination of a paper warning and a witness account would work as well. The question of speed bumps was raised, and it was answered that council had looked into it and discovered it to be problematic.

The police officer then said that he was at the meeting in response to the Gibson barrack's new station commander, who felt that community policing went a long way. The representative said that the state police were there to assist the community. The new commander had asked officers to go to the municipal meetings. The representative emphasized that the police could not solve problems unless they knew what they were. There were several members of the force who were members of the community, he continued, living in Susquehanna County. He said that they were going to do the best they could to make their community safe. Ms. Gulick commended them for having a state police car present in town recently.

In response to a question about the status of the senior development on Church Street, a report was given on the legal case surrounding it. The situation revolved around two suits filed by the same parties about that property. The zoning hearing board was appealed for its decision to allow the project to progress, and the borough appealed for its changing of the zoning from C1 to D1. There had been two hearings already held on the matter, and the next one was scheduled for February. The attorneys had filed two different motions. At the last hearing the Housing Authority, who owned the property, had petitioned the court to declare the suit frivolous, and to become an interested party. The Housing Authority had also petitioned to set up a bond, stating that they would lose up to a million dollars if construction were not begun by April.

The court had ruled on this, that it was a frivolous appeal, that the Housing Authority could be interveners (giving them standing), and had ordered the other party to post a million dollar bond.

The attorneys had additionally filed a motion to dismiss the case for lack of standing. This was based in part on questions regarding the name on the property when the zoning was changed, etc.

Matthew Warren, a member of Project Keystone spoke during the meeting. Project Keystone is a support and referral group administered by FEMA in conjunction with municipal organizations and municipalities. Its mission was to get the right information to the right people, so they can help themselves. Since FEMA is in charge of providing support to people who have suffered natural disasters, the more people who called in, it was suggested, the more assistance would be received. Mr. Warren asked if there was any immediate damage from the flood that happened. It was responded that the south end of town had flooded, affecting a number of residences and businesses. Ms. Gulick asked if this was a new project, and it was confirmed that it was. It was clarified that the project's purpose was to tell people what FEMA would do, if the resident requested it. FEMA funded the initiative. Ms. Gulick asked if people affected by the floods could contact Mr. Warren, and it was responded that they could. When asked, it was stated that the program could help with mitigation, but that Mr. Warren did not directly provide the assistance. He could help connect people to the right people, however, and stay with them through the process. It was alluded that the more Mr. Warren could define need, the longer the program might last.

Mr. Ainey said a Watershed and Drainage Committee had been created, to address mitigation and certain other matters. It was agreed they could coordinate efforts.

PennDOT had communicated with the borough regarding the bridge project down by the library. It was confirmed that the road would remain two lanes, but the pedestrian area would be closed off and detoured.

There was a spring coming up from the berm of the road at the base of Montrose Street, it was stated during the mayor's report. This led to an icy mess. The water was not due to any resident, it was just emanating from the ground. It was suggested that the streets committee go up on that street and try to figure something out.

The grate on Depot Street was mentioned. It was in Mr. White's possession, and he said that he would weld it in the near future. Barb James pointed out that the pothole at the New Milford Market was starting to grow, and was extending to the borough street. Mr. Ainey suggested that the hole be filled up, as it was only going to damage the street more. It was proposed it could be filled with crusher dust. It was suggested that perhaps the property owner could be notified to take care of the pothole, that the borough would work with them but that they needed to take care of their side of it.

The Johnson Street underpass was reported on. The CDBG grant statement forms had been taken to residents by Mr. Carey and Mr. White. The progress was commended.

Mr. White reported that he had spoken with the railroad, and had explained the issues on Johnson St. and behind the borough building by Mylert Creek. He also said that there were some trees down in Mylert Creek, and that it was backed up. There had been talk of a spring cleanup, where people would attack the tree. Mr. Ainey asked if it had been clearly defined that this was not a borough project, due to a fear about liability. The distinction was made that people on borough council were willing to help, but at no point were these cleanup efforts borough projects.

While discussing a few accidents it was pointed out that the police or a council member could be contacted, even when the police were not on duty.

The earned income tax committee had met before the previous work session. The current plan of attack was to get an exact plan, it was said. It was felt that a PowerPoint presentation could then be made and shown to council and the community.

The gas lease bid was discussed. The secretary had been e-mailing back and forth with a representative. They had originally received a bid for the borough and municipal authority. The representative had since said that they could not sign the borough parcels. A municipal authority representative maintained that the agreement had been that the company sign both. The representative then said that he would have to consider the matter. Mr. Ainey felt someone should be given the authority to sign the lease should it be offered, without coming back to council for approval. He made the motion that Ms. Gulick be authorized; it was seconded and approved.

Mr. Ainey, Mr. Carey, and Mr. White had attended a hearing about Leatherstocking gas company, which had filed an application with the PUC to supply gas service to municipalities, including New Milford borough. In response to this UGI had also filed an application. Mr. Ainey felt that this was an opportunity. Their plan was to attach to Bluestone Gathering line. The five year plan did not include New Milford, except that they were asking for a franchise. Mr. Ainey suggested that they express their concern that they were not included. He felt competing gas companies should be an opportunity.

With all the natural gas development going on in the area, some have wondered how they could get some of that stuff into their homes. It may happen, “maybe not in my lifetime,” says attorney Frank O’Connor, but the potential is there.

At the February meeting of the Great Bend Borough Council on the 2nd, Borough Secretary Sheila Guinan said that UGI Penn Natural Gas, Inc. is starting the process to obtain a permit to supply domestic natural gas. Mr. O’Connor said that another company may also be competing for the business, with prices for natural gas at near-historic lows. But he cautioned that there is a long way to go before people are heating their homes and cooking with locally-produced natural gas. A lot of infrastructure must be built - pressure reducers, gas dryers, etc. - and piping natural gas into a home must be done according to UCC (Uniform Construction Code) regulations. Properties may need substantial investment to install piping, furnaces and the like.

The Borough itself is trying to cash in on the boom, even as some companies are scaling back their operations due to falling gas prices. Council met in executive session with Chesapeake Energy on January 19 to discuss leasing possibilities. Council member Jerry MacConnell said that it would be “a while” before the Borough sees any money from a lease.

The several gas companies operating in the county are repeatedly tapped for contributions to a number of worthy causes, often with gratifying results. The local fire company has been a beneficiary, and now the Borough’s new police department will be looking for help.

Officer in Charge Jon Record attended the meeting to make his monthly report. He also requested permission to make some expenditures. He said that as a result of a recent incident that required the use of force, he wants to buy a Taser X-26 with case and cartridge, costing about $920. A Taser is like a pistol, but fires a wired needle that can incapacitate a person with a heavy electrical charge.

Council balked at the large unexpected expense. Someone then suggested that Ms. Guinan approach one or more of the gas companies for a contribution. Mr. Record requested permission to purchase the Taser whether or not the Borough received a donation.

Mr. Record also requested authority to purchase a “Crimes and Vehicle Code Book,” and a check made out to Lackawanna College to pay for Office Tom Golka’s recertification update. Mr. O’Connor said that he would try to find a spare copy of the law book.

In other business, Mr. MacConnell reported on a run-around in discussions with state and federal highway authorities about the drainage issue from the interstate that has occupied Council for some years now. Similarly, the long-running matter of an emergency gate at the welcome center on the interstate is still bound up with red tape, with the Montrose PennDOT office saying that they aren’t equipped to do the job.

Both of those issues are a consequence of the major flooding in June 2006 that left the little town isolated in the “Great Bend” of the Susquehanna River. More recent flooding late last summer is still affecting many residents. The Borough has leased a dumpster to collect rubbish from that event, and Ms. Guinan now reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will reimburse the Borough at total of $1,966.63 for the dumpster, of which $750 has already been received.

For those still needing assistance from the aftermath of hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee, a new outfit called the “Keystone Project” is available to help. Matthew Warren attended the meeting to outline the services of the Project, as he said, the only Federal resource now remaining in the area to help people who are “still struggling” from the flooding. He distributed brochures listing his program’s services, which consist largely of referrals to other agencies and organizations that can offer direct assistance. He said that FEMA’s interest now is mostly demographic - collecting statistics about households still in need. He said that of 380 people affected seriously by the flooding, the average assistance distributed has been about $2,500.

Council has been waiting for the sewer plant reconstruction to be completed so that Spring Street can be rehabilitated. They are expecting the Hallstead-Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority to get the work done - to “PennDOT specs,” says Mr. MacConnell. Council member Bret Jennings, the Borough’s representative on the sewer authority board, sent e-mail to other council members outlining the sewer authority’s position. They suggested that the Borough bid the job, get the work done, then submit a request for reimbursement from the authority. Council seems inclined to insist that the authority get the work done itself, and asked attorney O’Connor to draft a letter to the authority to that effect. The work must be completed by August to comply with the terms of the loan and grant agreements the authority has undertaken for the project.

There was some consternation over the lack of response from a local contractor to inquiries about installing door openers at the Borough garage and police station. Council will give it one more try before contacting another, perhaps more reliable, contractor.

And Ms. Guinan reported that, as of the beginning of the year, the Borough’s bidding limits have increased. It used to be that for a project estimated to cost between $5,000 and $10,000, the Borough would need 3 telephone bids; more than $10,000 required a formal bidding process. Now formal bidding kicks in at $18,500.

The Great Bend Borough Council meets on the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Borough Building at Elizabeth and Franklin Streets.

DEEDS

Gary R. (AKA) Gary and Nancy L. (AKA) Nancy Jerauld to Gary R. and Nancy L. Jerauld, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

Alice F. Story to Douglas L. and Colleen Story, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Lisa Scarpino (NBM) Lisa Brown to Lisa R. and Anthony P. Scarpino, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Mark L. Thorn to Roseanne Thorn, in Ararat Township for one dollar.

Donna L. Evans to Donna L. and Kim Evans, in Montrose for one dollar.

Anne M. Thompson to Anne M. Thompson and William Rodney Freund, in Montrose for one dollar.

James J. Ochse to June D. Ochse, in Jessup Township for one dollar.

James F. O’Neil (estate) to Shane M. and Danelle Decker, in Hallstead Borough for $60,000.00.

Margaret (AKA) Margaret M. Broad (estate) to Robert and Karen Broad, in Oakland Township for one dollar.

Arden C. and Diane L. Baker to Arden C. and Diane L. Baker, in Auburn Township for one dollar.

Mark and Mary M. Rosler (NBM) Mary M. McDermott to William D. and Donna M. Harding, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Christina Cosmello to Clifford Grosvenor, in New Milford Township for one dollar.

Dorothy (AKA) Dorothy M. Bartashus to Dorothy M. Bartashus and John A. Wagner, in Auburn Township for one dollar.

Mark F. and Robin Opeil to Mark F. Opeil, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Margaret (AKA) Margaret M. Broad (estate) to Michael and Christina Mackenzie, in Oakland Township for $84,500.00.

Amy S. Pompey-Jones (AKA) Amy S. Pompey to Jonathan Wendall Jones, II, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Shirley A. Barrows to Thomas Henry, Jr., Karl and Larry Barrows, in Clifford Township for $120,000.00.

Marie S. Turner to Michael W. Turner, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

William L., III and Patricia P. Acker to Lenoxgate LP, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

Doris D. Hedges to Patricia A. Holden, in Great Bend Township for one dollar.

Janice Woolbaugh to Kristin D. Wood, in Great Bend Township for $60,000.00.

Hollis (AKA) Hollis Howard Pickering (estate) to Lawrence H. and Margaret E. Pickering, in Oakland Borough for one dollar.

F. Gerald (trust by trustee), Catherine T. (trust by trustee), Thomas Michael, Timothy Patrick and Francis Gerald Kane and Catherine Rose Budmen to Bear Swamp LP, in Lanesboro Borough and Harmony Township for one dollar.

F. Gerald (trust by trustee), Catherine T. (trust by trustee), Francis Gerald, Thomas Michael and Timothy Patrick Kane and Catherine Rose Budmen to Bear Swamp LP, in Lanesboro Borough and Harmony Township for one dollar.

MARRIAGES

Leonard Samuel Westfall, Jr. and Mary Ann Frasher, both of Montrose.

Glenn Matthew Brown and Cassandra Jae Hurley, both of Great Bend.

Kenneth Cord Wellborn and Alison Elizabeth Steingraber, both of Conklin, NY.

Jason D. Bedell and Amanda C. Blaisure, both of South Montrose.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:09 a.m. on February 3, 2012.

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, 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.

ASSIST OTHER AGENCY

On January 4, SLTPD assisted the Susquehanna County Sheriff’s Department with the service of a PFA in Silver Lake Township.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

On January 5, SLTPD was dispatched to Progy Road in Silver Lake Township for a Medical Emergency. The patient was rushed to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City via MMM and SL EMS.

MISC INVESTIGATION

A Silver Lake Township resident reported that people were driving onto his lawn and parking their vehicles while they talked on a cell phone.

911 HANG-UP

On multiple occasions a 911 call was received from the same residence on Brackney Hill Road. Investigations showed that they were inadvertent and no problems arose.

HARASSMENT BY COMMUNICATION

A Silver Lake Township resident received a harassing phone call and threats for them to continue. This incident is still under investigation.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

On January 19, SLTPD was dispatched to a Brackney Hill Road residence in response to a general illness call. The individual was transported to Binghamton General Hospital via SL Ambulance.

MISC INVESTIGATION/WIRES DOWN

On January 23, Penelec Power lines were reported down in the Quaker Lake area.

DISABLED VEHICLE

On January 23, a tractor trailer was stuck on Valley Road/Turnpike Street in Forest Lake Township. The vehicle was pulled out by Koslowski Towing and the driver was issued a citation for not having a permit for his over 10 ton vehicle.

MVA

On January 25, a Friendsville resident crashed his vehicle on SR267, Forest Lake Township. The vehicle suffered extensive damage but the driver was not injured. He was issued citations for no insurance and an invalid registration.

Any information or questions for Silver Lake Township Police, please call 570-278-6818 or e-mail silverlaketwppd@epix.net. All information will be held strictly confidential. Visit silverlaketwp.org to see all of Silver Lake Townships’ news, profiles and resources, including the police reports.