HARRISBURG - Although state laws seek to prevent the misuse of personal information to commit fraud or other crimes, Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) cautions residents about giving out their personal information, such as birthdates and Social Security numbers.

“One can never be too cautious about giving his or her personal information to a complete stranger or someone he or she doesn’t trust,” Pickett said. “My office has been receiving inquiries from many residents who are concerned about some of the types of phone and email solicitations they’ve been getting lately. One should not give out information unless he or she has initiated the business contact and/or phone call. Otherwise, simply hang up or delete the email.”

Pickett emphasized that anyone can become the victim of a scam, as con artists are trying all the time to manipulate and confuse individuals to get their hands on an easy buck or personal financial information. From phone calls to email solicitations, unscrupulous people turn to various methods to befriend their victim and get away as quickly as possible.

“Recently, my office has had questions about a phone scam asking people to give out their personal information, including Social Security numbers, as a way to find more competitive electricity rates,” Pickett said. “While many calls about electric suppliers are legitimate, those who are offering a service will not ask for your personal information over the phone. If you are not sure if this is legitimate, hang up the phone and call the customer service number of the company that called you to check it out.”

Other such scams falsely inform callers they’ve won a $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), but they must provide their bank account information. In another instance, scammers are calling victims pretending to be family members who are traveling in foreign countries, have an emergency need for cash and ask for a wire transfer of a large sum of money.

Since there are many types of scams involving the mail, phone calls, lotteries, sweepstakes and even Facebook, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offers a wealth of helpful tips on how to avoid scams and important things constituents should do if ever faced with a potential scam.

In the meantime, remember these helpful tips:

Consumers should avoid any sort of contest that requires them to wire transfer money in order to release a much larger prize.

As stated above, consumers should be extremely cautious in any situation where a stranger is asking for either money or personal financial information.

Job-related scams may ask consumers to pay up-front fees in order to apply for a position, or may ask consumers to send a copy of their credit report, revealing detailed information about bank accounts, credit cards and other personal data. Consumers should not ever give out this information over the phone or email, unless they have initiated the contact.

If a caller identifies himself or herself as a family member or with a family member, consumers should hang up and immediately contact the family member to find out where they are.

If consumers do receive a message asking for detailed account information, they should contact their bank or credit card directly - using the customer service hotline printed on their card or monthly statement - to report the scam attempt and also to verify that their account is secure.

Any consumer who suspects they have accidentally divulged personal information in response to a scam should immediately contact their bank or credit card company to stop any unauthorized withdrawals or charges to their accounts.

Potential scams can be reported to the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling the toll-free Consumer Protection Hotline, at 800-441-2555, or using its online consumer complaint form, located in the “complaints” section.

Twenty Susquehanna County 4-Hers recently entered projects at the 96th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show held in Harrisburg. Farm Show results are as follows:

Jr. Breeding Beef

Cassie Clark, Springville, 2nd place Limousin Jr. Yearling Heifer.

Cassie Clark, Springville, 1st place Limousin Fall Sr. Heifer and Limousin Sr. Champion Heifer.

Jamie Supancik won 1st place Crossbred Weight Division 10 and Reserve Champion Medium Weight Crossbred in the Jr. Swine division.

Jr. Market Swine

Maggie Kowalewski, Forest City, 13th place Yorkshire Lightweight.

Greg Kowalewski, Forest City, 13th place Yorkshire Medium Weight.

Cassie Clark, Springville, 5th place Crossbred Weight Division 2.

Trenton Finch, Springville, 8th place Crossbred Weight Division 2.

BJ Zembrzycki, Uniondale, 5th place Crossbred Weight Division 4.

Jamie Supancik, New Milford, 1st place Crossbred Weight Division 10 and Reserve Champion Medium Weight Crossbred.

Gina Walsh, Dalton, 6th place Crossbred Weight Division 10.

Sabrina Clark, Springville, 3rd place Crossbred Weight Division 14.

John Walsh, Dalton, 8th place Crossbred Weight Division 14.

Brianna Smarkusky, Nicholson, 11th place Crossbred Weight Division 17.

Jr. Market Lambs

Dylan Hollenbeck, Kingsley, 7th place Crossbred Weight Division 1.

Devin Hollenbeck, Kingsley, 5th place Crossbred Weight Division 4.

James Dommes, Scranton, 6th place Crossbred Weight Division 19.

Dempsey Hollenbeck, Kingsley, 5th place Crossbred Weight Division 14.

4-H Opportunities/Family Living

Lia Heath, Susquehanna, 4-H Textile Science Beginner Projects: 2nd place Sew Much Fun Skirt; 2nd place Sew Much Fun Other Item.

Darren Wallace, Thompson, Youth Crafts: 1st place Cloth Toys.

Kaylin Trynoski, Thompson, 4-H Sketchobook Crossroads and Portfolio Pathways: 1st place Construction Art.

Zebulun Swartley, Friendsville, 4-H Sketchbook Crossroads and Portfolio Pathways: 3rd place Sculpture.

Samantha Irwin, Susquehanna, 4-H Sketchbook Crossroads and Portfolio Pathways: 3rd place Graphic Design.

Kaylin Trynoski, Thompson, 4-H Opportunities: 3rd place Wild life is All Around Us-Woodworking for Wildlife.

Zebulun Swartley, Friendsville, 4-H Opportunities: 1st place 4-H Safety and Health Poster.

Geovanni Swartley, Friendsville, 4-H Opportunities: 2nd place 4-H Safety and Health Poster.

Zebulun Swartley, Friendsville, 4-H Opportunities: 2nd place 4-H School Enrichment Poster.

Geovanni Swartley, Friendsville, 4-H Opportunities: 2nd place 3-D 4-H School Enrichment Display.

Zebulun Swartley, Friendsville, 4-H Opportunities: 3rd place 3-D 4-H School Enrichment Display.

Congratulations are extended to these members on participating in the PA Farm Show!

What's your favorite part of the morning? Mine is waking up to beautiful sunshine and a healthy breakfast. My name is Allison Kiefer and I am the 2011-2012 Susquehanna County Dairy Princess. I start each day with a healthy breakfast containing one of my 3 servings of dairy. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt aren't only delicious and nutritious, they are an absolute necessity in developing strong bones, muscle mass, and healthy teeth. All dairy products contain the 9 essential nutrients. First is phosphorus. Phosphorus works with calcium and vitamin D to help keep your body strong. Vitamin A supports good vision, healthy skin, and maintains the integrity of the immune systems. Potassium regulates the balance of fluids in your body, which is essential in maintaining normal blood pressure. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium for healthy bones. Niacin helps enzymes function normally in your body. Riboflavin helps convert food into energy and is important to the development of the nervous system. Vitamin B-12 works closely with foliate to make red blood cells, which help to maintain the central nervous system. Protein helps build and maintain lean muscles. The high quality protein in milk contains all the essential amino acids which are building blocks for protein. Finally, calcium helps build and maintain strong bones and healthy teeth. Calcium also reduces the risk of stress fractures and osteoporosis. So, tomorrow for breakfast, start with a delicious and healthy breakfast containing dairy and get your 9 essential nutrients.

Duane Silver, a former resident of Thompson, PA, and Regina Bartleson of Lakewood, PA were united in holy wedlock on February 25, 1950 at Sarah Jane Johnson Methodist Church in Johnson City, NY. Duane worked 41 years on the Erie & D&H RR and retired in 1989. Gina graduated from SUNY Albany, NY, taught home economics in East Greenbush, NY, and retired in 1984. They moved to Florida in 1990 and built their retirement home at 4327 Fairfax Drive, Bradenton, FL 34203. The family would appreciate hearing from old time friends and family; they may be reached at the address above, Earlybird98@Juno.com, or 941-755-2670.

Same pair 62 years later. My, how time marches on! Notice how the wavy hair waved goodbye? They have two children, son Eric Silver (and Tamara) in Delmar, NY and daughter, Debra Silver (and Daryl) Cuvelier in Finger, TN; two grandsons, John (and Allie Smith) and Robert (and Danielle Cuvelier); great grandson, Scott Robert Cuvelier; and great granddaughter Mirabella Cuvelier in Bradenton, FL.

Susquehanna County Farm Bureau shared its successful effort to increase participation in local issue discussions and policy development through an exhibit on display during the recent American Farm Bureau Federation's Annual Meeting in Hawaii. Susquehanna County Farm Bureau was among a select group of county Farm Bureaus from across the country invited to participate in the showcase of exhibits.

Pictured (l-r) above: Cheryl Matulevich, Pauline Fallon, American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman, Jim Barbour and Kim Barbour.

Jim and Kim Barbour, Paul and Pauline Fallon and Cheryl Matulevich of Susquehanna County Farm Bureau traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii to set up their Local Issue Discussion Implementation exhibit, where they provided information about how the county Farm Bureau reached out to hundreds of Farm Bureau members, potential members and guests to participate in six policy development discussion meetings. The meetings were hosted by the Policy Development committee and held in the community at churches, grange halls, township buildings and the Harford Fair. The net result of the outreach effort was Susquehanna County gained new members and increased interest and participation in the policy development process.

It was a great honor to be recognized nationally, but it was the hard work of the policy development committee that made the program a success. The members of the committee are Donna Williams, Cheryl Matulevich, Thom Helmacy, Tom Wooden, Geoff Smeltzer, Levi Ransom, Art Bolles, Ted Place, Rick Empet and Barb Roszel. Jim Barbour and Pauline Fallon are co-chairs of the committee.

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farm organization with a volunteer membership of more than 53,000 farm and rural families, representing farms of every size and commodity across Pennsylvania.

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) announced state funding for two local watersheds in Susquehanna and Wyoming counties that have been awarded grants to help address environmental concerns within the project areas they serve.

“I want to thank all those who volunteer their time and work for our watershed organizations,” said Major. “The work being done is extraordinary, and this funding will go a long way in helping two of our local watershed organizations address conservation efforts along some of our stream banks and the surrounding land.”

In Susquehanna County, the Susquehanna County Conservation District has been awarded $130,000 for its Dubois Creek project. In Wyoming County, the Mehoopany Creek Watershed Association has been awarded $661,860 for its Mehoopany Creek Watershed project.

A total of 73 watershed protection projects in 36 counties across the state were awarded funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The grants will be used to improve watersheds, storm water runoff, acid mine drainage and educational programs, among other environmental efforts.

Funding for the grants is primarily coming from the Growing Greener program, with some additional support from a Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Grant and the federal government’s Nonpoint Source Management Program.

Following are the January Pennsylvania Lottery winners for Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties. State records show $175,000 was paid out in winnings.

Patricia Wright of Union Dale took home the most - $100,000 - from the instant game of “20X The Money.” Kenneth Burger, Sr. of Lake Ariel and Robert Sinawa, also of Lake Ariel, each scored $10,000 from another instant game of “10X The Money.”

Listed below are the notable winners of $1,000 or more from the January Pennsylvania Lottery website.

Susquehanna County

Geraldine Pinker, Hop Bottom, $3,000 from “Triple Winning 3S.”

Brenda M. Lake, Susquehanna, $1,000 from “$100 Million Cash Extravaganza.”

Paul Wetherill, Montrose, $1,000 from “100 Million Cash Extravaganza.”

Lynn Murphy, Union Dale, $1,000 from “250,000 A Year For Life.”

Mary J. Ragard, Great Bend, $1,000 from “250,000 A Year For Life.”

Thomas E. Salansky, Union Dale, $1,000 from “24K.”

Michael P. Fancher, Montrose, $1,000 from “Casino Cash.”

Henry Wagstaff, Jr., Susquehanna, $1,000 from “Casino Cash.”

William J. Roy, Jr., Susquehanna, $1,000 from “Merry Millions.”

Joseph F. Nalbach, Great Bend, $1,000 from “Platinum Cro$$word 2nd Edition.”

Wayne County

Jacquelyn A. Kizer, Lake Ariel, $7,000 from “Lucky $hamrock.”

Christine Buckley, Hawley, $5,000 from “$100 Million Cash Extravaganza.”

Christian Lopez-Cleloscyzk, Hawley, $2,500 from “Daily Big 4.”

Peter Bardi, Lake Ariel, $2,500 from “Evening Big 4.”

Maxwell Watkins, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “20X The Money.”

Richard Davison, Hawley, $1,000 from “Big Money.”

Julie Yoho, East Berlin, $1,000 from “Big Money.”

Ann Marie Pineda, Hawley, $1,000 from “Bingo!”

Lisa Martin, Hawley, $1,000 from “Casino Cash.”

Timothy Powell, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “Casino Cash.”

Michael A. Scappati, Jr., Hawley, $1,000 from “Diamond Millionaire.”

Frank M. Kulick, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “Holiday Gifts.”

Betty Jo A. Herne, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “Hot Hand.”

William Riddick, III, Browndale, $1,000 from “Holiday Gifts.”

Elizabeth R. Short, Lakeville, $1,000 from “$1,000 A Week For Life.”

Joseph Segarra, Hawley, $1,000 from “Merry Millions.”

Robert D. Sinawa, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “Merry Millions.”

Werner Warncke, Beach Lake, $1,000 from “Merry Millions.”

Kathleen McCaffery, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “Million Dollar Mega Multiplier.”

Patrick Resti, Honesdale, $1,000 from “Pure Gold.”

Karen Agentovich, Browndale, $1,000 from “Season's Greetings.”

Carol Gelesky, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “Stacks Of Cash.”

Adam M. Ebersole, East Berlin, $1,000 from “Winner Take All Millionaire Ed.”

Lisa Martin, Hawley, $1,000 from “Winner Take All Millionaire Ed.”

Shaunna M. Snigar, Honesdale, $1,000 from “Platinum Cro$$word 2nd Edition.”

Wyoming County

Michael C. Mercurio, Tunkhannock, $1,000 from “Money Vault.”

The Susquehanna County Conservation District (SCCD) held a “Meet the District” morning at the Montrose Bible Conference in early February. This event is part of a continuing effort to educate those groups affected by the mission of the SCCD to provide services to those wishing to protect and enhance the environment. After a delicious breakfast served by the Bible Conference staff, District Board Vice Chairman Thom Helmacy welcomed the invited guests, including representative of gas companies, Farm Bureau, and township supervisors. District staff then explained the programs they covered and their responsibilities under those programs.

No-till Specialist Wayne Oakley discussed the District no-till program for corn, grass seedings, and cover crops. Nutrient management and water encroachment permitting were the programs on which Technician Willie Keeney enlightened the crowd. Chesapeake Bay Tech John Benscoter described the Bay program and gave details of projects constructed under his guidance. Office Coordinator Marlene Bailey covered Ag Land Preservation. Erosion and sediment control was made clear by Technician Eric Watkins. District Manager Jim Garner discussed the education portion of the District’s responsibilities including Envirothon, an environmental knowledge contest for high school students, and also talked about the Dirt and Gravel Road program the District manages. Shane Kleiner of PADEP, explained the duties of District Directors and the obligations of nominating organizations under conservation district law.

The District Directors present gave their views on what they bring of value to the organization. As a wrap-up, the guests, directors and staff discussed future challenges and environmental issues facing the Conservation District and how working together they can meet those challenges.

If there are any groups or organizations that are curious about the role of the SCCD in protecting the environment of Susquehanna County, the staff would welcome the chance to present a program to your group/organization. The District may be reached at 570-278-4600 ext 280 or emailed at soil@susqco.com. Their website is www.suscondistrict.org.

HARRISBURG - Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) is encouraging area residents to check the Pennsylvania Treasury Department's Bureau of Unclaimed Property for any financial asset that has been left inactive for a period of about five years and is waiting to be claimed.

"It only takes a couple of minutes to see if there may be property that is rightfully yours being held by the Treasury Department," said Major. "The department wants these accounts to be collected if possible, so please check it out - it just may be your lucky day."

According to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, millions of dollars in unclaimed property comes into the bureau each year. The most common types of unclaimed property are dormant bank accounts, stocks and dividends, uncashed payroll checks, uncollected utility deposits, unredeemed gift certificates and items in safe deposit boxes.

In an effort to return the property to those who rightfully own it, an online database was created in 2000 to make information more easily accessible. The Treasury is only required to advertise the names of people, businesses or organizations owed property valued in excess of $250.

Treasury Department officials are also cautioning individuals to be wary of services or "finders" who charge fees to help locate unclaimed property. Finders often charge the maximum amount allowed by law, up to 15 percent of the property's value, for making use of the same online databases that individuals can use free of charge.

For additional information on unclaimed property, visit Major's website at www.RepMajor.com or call the Bureau of Unclaimed Property toll-free at 1-800-222-2046.