Susquehanna Community School District’s Directors held their March meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21. Fifty minutes later they had completed their up-close-and-personal look at the district’s issues: good, bad, and ugly. Board members present were School Board President Steven Stanford and board members Lori Canfield, Jason Chamberlain, Evelyn Cottrell, Carol Jackson, Holly Kubus, Martha Stanford, and Clay Weaver. Board member Amanda Cook was absent.

The evening’s “goods” were many. Perhaps chief among the good was the board’s approval of a revision to Superintendent Bronson Stone’s contract, effective from present through the contract’s end on July 31, 2014. In the board’s work session on the previous evening, an executive session had been held to discuss Senate Bill (SB) 1296, sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker. The bill, not yet state law, but likely to be enacted in short order, increases accountability of school district superintendents in the face of high-profile abuses and golden parachutes which have been costly to, and found outrageous by, many taxpayers. In the executive session of the previous evening, Superintendent Stone explained the bill’s provisions for imposing limits on superintendent pay and benefits. Although grand-fathered by the bill, Mr. Stone philosophically agreed with the bill’s intent and provisions and volunteered to have his contract revised immediately to conform to SB-1296. In so doing, he stated it was “a privilege - not a right - to work in this district,” and relinquished various re-employment rights when and if his relationship were ever terminated with the district. Superintendent Stone also requested, and the board approved, reduction in his severance package from one year’s pay to two months’ pay. In Mr. Stone’s view - made known to Senator Baker - the bill’s only downside is that “it will discourage youthful leadership,” since future superintendents will more than likely be at the end of their careers, in their 50’s as opposed to their 30’s, since severance packages are constricted and reemployment benefits curtailed.

Other good issues settled by the board included approval of a wide range of school field trips ranging from trout-stocking to Gettysburg to Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Also approved was the school district’s 2012-13 school year schedule. The calendar proposes a start date of Tuesday, August 28. Superintendent Stone noted that students would begin the school year with two four-day weeks since the 28th is a Tuesday, and Monday of the second week is Labor Day. That schedule is designed to ease students and staff into the new school year. With a last day of May 31, 2013, and a graduation date of June 8, the calendar has eight snow days already built-in.

Also approved by the board was authorization for Business Manager Gary Kiernan to seek quotes for new carpeting in five classrooms. Over the years the industry standard has improved from 20-ounce to 24-ounce to the new 26-ounce carpeting standard. To cover the five classrooms will require approximately 436 square yards, for which quotes should be available for the April board meeting. Also good news on the facilities front was the board’s approval of a modified summer work schedule for “235-260 day” employees. That approval allows facilities personnel to begin work earlier in the summer months to “beat the heat.” Facilities Manager Donnie Norris noted that because of the nice weather, grounds personnel were already a month ahead of schedule on the baseball and softball fields.

Good news was interspersed in various forms on a wide assortment of subjects throughout the evening. Principal Mark Gerchman noted with great pride and admiration that student George Wilkes will be awarded Eagle Scout later this month. Mrs. Kathleen Hinkley noted that over $1,000 was raised in the “Bowl with your favorite teacher” fundraiser. And in an unrelated report she noted that the school’s second-graders are now learning vocabulary commensurate with fifth-graders of years past. Superintendent Stone noted that PennStar Bank had awarded an $8,500 grant to SCSD under its “Project Lead the Way.” He also reminded the board that the O’Neill family would be at the school on April 9 to interview students for the O’Neill Scholarship. And with his recommendation the board approved a fall night football game, tentatively scheduled for October 19 (Mr. Stone expressly stated that the school is still seeking sponsors for the event and any wishing to help with that sponsorship should contact him.). Elementary School Principal Bob Keyes recognized Chris Travis, a sixth-grade student, who will be competing at the state level in wrestling this weekend. Master Travis will be the first Susky student to wrestle at such a lofty level.

Personnel actions taken by the school board included the following. Hired for 2011-12 track helpers were Raymond Testa, Robert Goodrich, Kristi Rossi, and Richard Emmons. A $2,500 salary increase was approved for Roxann Lloyd for assuming the Athletic Director responsibilities for the 2012-13 school year and beyond. Also approved was the consultant contract with Kathryn Matis for 100 days at $125.00/day for the 2012-13 school year. With completion of 35 years of service approaching, David Lee has requested retirement at the end of the 2011-2012 school year. While the board noted the school was losing a great teacher, they accepted his resignation and wished him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.

Transitioning from the good to the bad news, Superintendent Stone discussed the Marcellus Shale Conference he attended at Penn State earlier this month. Mr. Stone noted that the state, the county, and municipalities will get their slices of imposed impact fees; however, SCSD will derive exactly zero dollars out of the “gas-pie.” The district will still have to deal with possible increases in student population and the transportation problems associated with traffic, road damages, and detours due to gas drilling. The possible trade-off is that there are specific examples of gas companies’ generosity to school districts in other counties where gas drilling is occurring. In the school board’s work session of the previous evening, Superintendent Stone presented some astounding facts to help the board comprehend the impact of the gas industry. From the time a gas company receives a permit to drill, it usually takes 43 days to bring the well on-line. It typically costs the gas company $55,000 a day to drill the well, and during that 43 days gas company trucks will have made some 80,000 trips along the road to and from the well. In any case, drilling is here and the school district will do whatever is necessary to adapt to the good and the bad of changing circumstances.

More bad news is the still uncomfortably high population of unvaccinated school students. Those not in compliance number 51. And while that figure translates into just over 5% of the student population, its reduction from the 12% non-compliance rate of two months ago is some cause for optimism. Still, any of those 51 remaining unvaccinated on April 30 will be barred from school attendance from that day forward. The school district will be sending out letters to the parents of the non-compliant on or about April first in a last-ditch remedy attempt. Obviously, school officials are hoping that the letters are taken seriously, and not as an April fool’s prank.

The board approved “a Resolution Requesting an End to the Shift in Responsibility, for Providing Public Education Revenue, from the State to Local Taxpayers, and a Call for Eradicating the Plan to Bundle Certain Appropriation in the Proposed 2012-2013 State Budget.” It’s bad (sad) that the school board has to even make such a request of the state, but their response is necessitated by the governor’s budget proposal of February 7. In that budget proposal Governor Corbett proposed to bundle the school district’s transportation funding with their social security funding in a Student Achievement Block Grant. The school board’s resolution is too polite to label the governor’s proposal as nutty or nonsensical, but were it less polite, stronger language may have come to mind to describe the governor’s ill-conceived plans for education funding at rural public schools.

Lastly, under the category of “bad” were passage of the Spectator Code of Conduct and the Sport Parent Code of Conduct. They are not bad codes, but it is sad commentary that some fans and parents have so lost their ethical bearings that codes are required to recalibrate their moral compasses at sporting events. Superintendent Stone explained that the Spectator Code will be printed on the back of programs at games. Posters will also be placed at the gym entrance of both the elementary and high school. Code violators will face immediate penalties ranging from verbal warning to immediate expulsion. The Sport Parent Code of Conduct regulates parent treatment of coaches, as well as parent interaction with their own children, insofar as some parents compel their children to participate in sports and other parents gripe about the amount of playing-time their children have in games. Mr. Stone made clear the school would not back down in enforcing these codes, and he would not hesitate to ask for increased funding, if needed, to ensure compliance. Both codes will go into effect on April 20, thirty days after passage.

In the matter of an issue beyond “bad,” and more rightly classified as “ugly,” Business Manager Kiernan played the role of “Messenger of Doom & Gloom.” Mr. Kiernan described the universe of energy realities in which the school is operating. He budgeted $229,000 for the district’s heating oil for the current fiscal year. In that budgeted amount he was able to obtain a fixed price of $3.48/gal through March, with a variable price thereafter. For the next fiscal year (beginning July 1) he has already projected a budget increase of $35,000 for heating oil, in the hopes that he can obtain a fixed price of no more than $4/gal. However, given the extreme volatility of energy prices and assuming the governor’s budget proposals take effect, the budget for fiscal year 2013 is $207,000 in deficit (given current projections of state aid and other variables). And beyond ugly, the hideous fact is that those budget deficits are projected to grow every year beyond 2013. Until or unless there’s a game-changer or two in major budget components, potential fiscal futures look very bleak indeed.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. and the ever-chivalrous Mr. Kiernan served a delicious delight for dessert. In conversation over cake, Mr. Kiernan and this reporter casually discussed the dire straits of Greece, the unsustainability of the Euro, and the mathematical certainty of economic collapse… Still, inevitability may not be coincident with imminence. Should the inevitable not be imminent within four weeks time, SCSD board members will assemble again at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18 for more matters of educational interest - the good, the bad, and the ugly, notwithstanding.

At the March 21 meeting of the New Milford Township supervisors, a countywide burn ban for Susquehanna County was announced, beginning March 24 and continuing through Monday April 23.

The supervisors were going to put a concrete floor for the maintenance garage out to bid.

The township had the people selected for a board of appeals, Mr. Hunter said, but there were some other items involved with it which the township solicitor needed to take care of. The committee would deal with the building codes appeals. The topic was tabled until the following month.

The supervisors were to adopt a resolution to amend the sewage facilities act. When a holding tank is put in it goes into an escrow account, typically. The gas and oil companies came and went so quickly that the money entered and then left the account quickly as well. It was decided, as there had been no problems with them, that a flat fee would be charged instead, such that the money could stay in the township. If there was a problem the sewage enforcement officer would take care of it.

The township supervisors had a meeting at the school, where companies had spoken about a desire to pipe natural gas through the towns. There was a prehearing conference, which was to be in Harrisburg, and they were asking for one representative from each affected municipality to attend. The supervisors had talked to Mr. Briechle regarding this, as it sounded like he was supposed to be involved. If they did not attend they would waive all rights in the future to have a say on the matter.

Blue Ridge School District had notified the township that an air quality plan approval application was submitted to the Bureau of Air Quality at DEP, for the operation of a wood fired biomass boiler. It was to provide heat to the campus.

There was a subdivision mentioned for the Sommerville land development, most of which was in Great Bend township. It looked like about only one foot was in the township, Mr. Hunter said. Regardless, they had no objections. The sewer enforcement letter was to be sent as usual.

Southwest applied to put pads in on Snyder Road, Harford Road, Highlands Road, Highland/Darrow Road, and Howell Road. Also an application had been submitted for Phase III of a Martin's Creek Water Conveyance Line at the Zeffer/O'Dell Impoundment site. It was for the construction of a water line. Additionally, a notice of intent had been filed for consumptive use for the Eastman pad for the use of water to develop natural gas. The use was not to exceed 4 million nine hundred ninety-nine gallons a day.

Bluestone pipeline had applied to install 22 miles of natural gas pipelines extending from the New York border, 2 miles east of SR 1017 and half a mile south of New Milford. There were actually two permits involved, one was for pipe in 13 miles of stream and wetland sensitive areas, and the other for 9.4 miles in upland areas.

Utility Line Service also applied for an Erosion Sediment Control General Permit for 3.6 miles of 16' pipeline, from the Million Dollar Highway to Hall Road.

A visitor spoke up about Sutton Road, stating that he had sent a letter nearly two years ago with some questions. He read a letter to the supervisors. It listed four things, the first being a small gulley where the road met 848, which was difficult to negotiate in small cars. It was filled somewhat over the winter. Mr. Conroy said he would take care of it. The second point was that Sutton road was slowly oozing down the driveway, when rain and snow occurred . When it was paved, it was done such that the top of the highway was four inches higher than Sutton road. His driveway acted as an outflow to the road’s mud, mostly quarry dust. He said that he had spoken to an operator the year prior who was up with a grader. Some of the mud had been redirected, but he still received a bit. He formally requested that the next time the grader was up there the road be slanted so that it drains into the ditch on the north side of the road or graded down to its former level. The third point was the drainage ditch on the north side of the road being diverted to a pipe to the south side of the road near his property. Every time that road was raised however, he said the gravel filled the gully and the water ended up on his property. The drainage pipe and the gully filled with gravel. He asked whose responsibility this was.

Jim hunter said that the man wasn't going to like the answer, but that if the road was higher than the outsides it was better for the township because the water went off to the side rather than washing out the road.

The visitor said that the quarry when they wanted to fix the road, dumped gravel on it. Mr. Conroy said that he had addressed the water on the driveway,. He also stated that he had dug the ditch out with a backhoe and would do it again. I asked, however, that the visitor not make it sound like he blew him off when he had addressed the problems. He would help, all the visitor needed to do was ask. The man replied that he had been responsive before, and that this was appreciated.

The visitor then continued, saying that the chip and tar put on the lower end of the road seemed to work nicely, and he wished they'd finish it up all the way to Carey road due to the dust. It was responded that H and K had offered to pave the road all the way to the quarry, but the residents hadn’t wanted it. Mr. Hunter said that it was tarred that far up not due to favoritism, but to hold the hill. Mr. Hunter said if another well pad went up the gas company might take better care of the road as well.

Another visitor said that the hill had rippled pretty badly and asked if it could be fixed. They responded that it could. She also wondered when they would be up to grade it. It was scheduled to be done the following week. She also asked for another brake retarder sign, which it was said could be put in place.

There was then some discussion about the compressors station. The visitor spoke of internet research, and the health dangers of a constant 50 decibel sound level. She asked if the company had applied for their permits, and Ms. Graham said she believed it was in the pile to be taken care of with the other permits. The visitors concern was that the county had put guidelines in place holding the sound level to 50 decibels, but that the state was going to change it to sixty. She asked if there was anything the supervisors could do to provide input in favor of keeping it at or below fifty. Her house was the closest to it. Mr. Hunter said that this sound level would be right outside the building, and that it would be lower by the time it reached her house. Ms. Graham had been told that it might be around 36 decibels. However, Mr. Hunter did say a letter could be written to Sandra Major. Someone stated that every three decibels doubled the sound.

Mr. Bevens said that people had asked him about the new buildings. He suggested having an open house, as the public might appreciate the process. Mr. Hunter responded that this might be done when the buildings were finished, they were on hold due to a lack of grant money.

The Mountain View school board was not to appoint a new member from Lathrop Township, as originally listed on the agenda, due to a conflict with board policy. This was announced by Mr. Zick near the beginning of the March 19 meeting. The matter would be going before Judge Seamans, he continued.

Corinna Kinney asked how this procedure was to progress. After the thirty days, it was stated, a notification letter would be sent to Judge Seamans, notifying him that the board had failed to appoint a new member within that designated time period. After that point, Dr. Chichura said, a procedure would be followed, which he would be guided through by the district's solicitor. As he understood the process, he said, any person who was a resident of that district could file a petition to the judge, with ten signatures, and the judge could consider those petitions and appoint someone to the position. It was unknown, when further pressed, whether this would be advertised in the newspaper, as Dr. Chichura was uncertain regarding what the board would be doing until that evening.

The topic was not under the board jurisdiction after these thirty days, he continued. Ms. Kinney then asked regarding a letter from the attorney, which she argued did not prohibit her from serving on the board. She said that according to the letter, so long as she made a financial declaration, and abstained from voting on any matter dealing with her contract, she would be fine. She did not see how it was a conflict of interest. Dr. Chichura responded that it was a conflict of interest, as she currently held a car contract. She asked where this was written, and when Dr. Chichura pointed out that it was in board policy, she responded that an amendment was included in this stipulating an exception where allowed for law. She questioned how policy would limit it, if there was no law. Dr. Chichura responded that since 1984, when he came to the district, the board had not allowed any member to do business with the district, and to be paid for it. Ms. Kinney reiterated that that the law exception existed, and stated that in the code of ethics it stipulated spouse or child. She said that one or two other board members had relatives on the board.

Mr. Zick stated that the board would not vote on it, and that she could obtain ten signatures and take it to Judge Seamans if she chose. Dr. Chichura said that another section dictated that if family of a board member was to obtain a contract, it must be after due diligence and advertisement such that the position was available to everyone in the community. Ms. Kinney warned the board that if they were going down that road, they were opening a can of worms. She wanted an e-mail from the solicitor, and information regarding the procedure. She also requested tapes of both that evening's meeting and of the meeting the week prior. It was responded that she would have to submit a written right to know request.

The NEIU #19 General Operating Budget was on the agenda, for the approval of three areas (administrative service, curriculum and instructional services, and management information services). All present board members voted against the motion.

A motion was made and approved to appoint the new business manager, Janice Finnochio, as the district's designated representative for the Susquehanna County Personal Income Tax Commission.

The letter of resignation due to retirement was submitted by Cheryl Kerr, and accepted that evening. The resignation of Dr. Plonski- Sezer from her position as board treasurer was also approved. Sondra Stine was then appointed in her stead.

The prior Thursday Dr. Chichura had attended a workshop on how the Marcellus Shale industry would affect the schools in the area. Out of this, he learned, only one district had been effected in terms of enrollment by the industry. One district in Bradford County was the exception, where a company's offices and sites had been set up. An increase in enrollment was not projected for Mountain View due to adequate housing in Binghamton and Scranton, and commuting possibilities. No district reported being positively effected by the increase in income due to royalties and leases, as it was non-taxable income. However, the aid ration of districts was being negatively affected as property taxes and income increased. Schools had realized negative effects also on the roads. Overall, he concluded, the Marcellus industry had not had much of an effect on the district. The lease income had been bookmarked for the capital reserves account. If royalty income was ever received, however, it could be used for general funds.

During the principals' reports, Mr. Doster reviewed the changes to the program of study. He and Mrs. Voigt had met per the advice of the superintendent, and had looked specifically at electives. Courses on the elimination list included the upper levels of Journalism, the World of Transportation, and Conversational French and Spanish. Other courses were put on a rotation list, to be offered only every other year. These included Theater Arts 1 and 2, Creative Writing, French 4, Anatomy and Physiology EMT, Accounting 1, Food Science and Nutrition 1, Photography, Beginning Guitar, and Music Theory. All together 16 fewer courses would be offered next year; six of which would be deleted.

Roger Thomas asked if he could ask a question at that point, and when given permission he queried as to what courses might be on the opposite rotation. Mr. Doster stated that he knew some of them, and listed a few options, including Intermediate Guitar, 3-D Design, Sculpture Studio, Public Speaking, Advanced Art, Materials Processing, Food Science 2, Accounting 2, Anatomy and Physiology Everyday Experience, Latin 2, French 3, and Public Speaking and Debate. Mr. Thomas asked what the potential would be for students to pick them up, if they were offered every other year. Mr. Doster stated that the problem would be more based on whether or not students had already taken the electives offered that year.

Mrs. Voigt gave the board a sheet of requirements, stating that they did not have a lot of room for electives. She reviewed the requirements of students in ninth and tenth grades, pointing out that with core courses, computers, physical education, and music classes, there was very little room for electives in those grades. Some classes ran during Resource Period, but tutoring and peer tutoring also occurred then.

In eleventh and twelfth grades she continued, students should be looking into career options, and they had more room for electives. Advanced placement classes were also counted as electives.

Mr. Twining asked about the idea of credit recovery, stating that he knew that there was some concern regarding class sizes. He asked how many students were actually taking remedial courses. Mr. Doster explained that it was in the triple digits, though they did not necessarily take them the following year. There were situations, Mr. Doster explained, where students were completing independent studies as seniors because the extra credits could not be fit into their schedules.

Dr. Chichura wondered how the deletion of electives would affect study halls. Mr. Doster replied that the number of study halls and the number of students in study halls would increase as there was no way, short of auditing every student, to ensure that there would be an elective available during a student's free time (which he or she had not already taken). Dr. Chichura asked if there would be enough classes still available to ensure that all students met graduation requirements. Mr. Doster responded that there would be no way of knowing this until later in the year, after consulting with guidance.

Mrs. Voigt stated that in the past they had always been able to offer the electives, and cancel them if there was a lack of student interest. In that way the electives took care of eliminating themselves.

There was some discussion about certification and realignment of staff given the number of expected retirees. Dr. Chichura wasn't certain how much room for realignment of certification was still available after what had been already done.

A visitor asked what would happen to students who really wanted to pursue a given career which would greatly benefit, for instance, from the taking of accounting or anatomy courses. If there wasn't room for students to really take electives in ninth and tenth grades, and these students happened to hit eleventh grade on year when entry level courses were rotated out, they would only be able to get one year of these concentrations in. Mr. Doster said that he and Mrs. Voigt would prefer to leave the course of study the way it had been proposed in January, which left the option open to offer all courses and delete the unneeded ones.

There was a break in talk of this subject then as the administrators finished their reports. Mrs. Voigt related that Mr. Schulte had received a thousand dollar grant for Project Learning Tree, and planned to develop the other courtyard at the secondary school.

The strategic planning committee was to meet the following night, and a representative of Cabot Oil and Gas was to attend to speak about opportunities for careers with gas and oil.

The scholastic team had participated in the semifinals of the High School Challenge. While they had not made it to the finals, she related, they had faced a category question where they had to answer ten questions on the constitutional amendmants in one minute. They got them all right, representing only the fifth time this had been done. Mr. Presley thanked the parents and staff for their assistance with PSSA's.

When the programs of study came to a vote, Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan was the only person to vote against the junior high option. Mr. Thomas asked if there was any chance of giving discretion to the principal rather than eliminating the programs suggested at the senior high level. It was clarified that some of the classes had not been offered recently due to lack of interest anyway, for instance the advanced Journalism courses. In the last year, for instance, 10 to 12 courses had not run. Mrs. Voigt also clarified that some courses had been rotated in the past, such as Latin.

A visitor spoke up, wondering if the music position open by retirement was to be filled. She spoke highly of music's effect on her son's life. It was responded that this decision had not been made yet.

Mr. Doster explained that the scheduling process worked from the seniors down. The flexibility then came in at the lower grades, and at times the number of slots, had typically dictated which elective was cut. Some of it was contingent on certificates as well. He said that it was a much easier fix when students had that flexibility. He also opined that the smaller the staff became the greater the need was for flexibility. Dr. Adams pointed out that students when registering had always put down multiple choices according to preference.

Dr. Chichura stated that in reality the reduction of electives would not meet the goal of not replacing some of the retired educators. He also stated however, that by reducing staff there may not be enough people to cover electives. The ultimate goal however was the reduction of staff, then the program reductions would have to be decided and the staff realigned to fit the programs. The focus had to be on programs not courses.

A visitor asked if the board was considering class size. Dr. Chichura said that class sizes would increase. When the visitor asked if there was a cap to this, it was responded that it depended on the course. Some would be naturally limited due to the availability of technology. There were a few classes which exceeded thirty students during the current year. The district would like to see classes stay lower than forty, but it was not always possible at the secondary level to keep class sizes even.

Mr. Stoddard opined that to go back to the January schedule would be a waste of time.

When the vote was held, no one voted against the proposed program of classes, though Dr. Adams did publicly state that he would have preferred the other option (principal's discretion).

Dr. Chichura then gave a presentation. He said that he had presented slideshows at the last two meetings, and had revised one for that evening. He wanted to review graduation requirements and state requirements. The school's concerns included what the students needed for graduation requirements, what the community wanted, what positions could be eliminated and not filled with retirements, and whether or not a revised schedule could be developed to make more effective use of professional staff. Board policy number 002 stated that the board should establish such schools as were required for the education of every person residing in Mountain View between the ages of 6 and 21 years old who may attend school. He reviewed board policy, and summed it up by stating that the policy allowed the board to raise taxes. As has been discussed, even if the board raised the taxes to the 2.4% allowable under the Act 1 index however, there was still a shortfall between revenues and expenditures of plus or minus a million dollars. The new business manager was looking at the budget, and it was hoped more information could be obtained for the April meeting.

There had been a question on school lunches, and debate at a previous meeting on the school lunch program. Dr. Chichura thought some thinking could be done regarding past versus current school lunch practices. Up to the 2005-2006 school year there were three 30 minute lunch periods. There was one serving line. Depending on the year there were plus or minus 750 total students served. The average lunch line had 250 students. There were also fewer selections on the menu. The fewer selections helped students to proceed more rapidly through the line.

Currently there were two lunch lines available. The student numbers were at less than 580; there were three lunch periods 40 minutes in length, with an average of 193 students. Two lunch periods could be proposed with 290 students per period, and a salad bar line could be added in the cafeteria, he suggested. A visitor asked if there would be room, as in the past the cafeteria had been larger. It was responded that new tables would be required, including a move from round to rectangular tables. Dr. Chichura felt that the square footage in the facility would be comparable.

Mr. Doster explained that regulations were different now regarding the number of students in the line and the amount of sit down time. A visitor asked if increased discipline problems had been considered, and Dr. Chichura responded that adding a lunch monitor had been considered.

Another visitor opined that in the past there had been cafeteria style serving, and she felt that there were too many options. Dr. Chichura said that when the periods were elongated, the adverse effect on the cafeteria workers of the longer lunch periods hadn't been considered. Reverting to 30 minute periods, he said, there would be more time for the staff to prepare meals, and to prepare more home style meals.

It was also pointed out that there had been more cafeteria workers previously, and that breakfast had not been served.

Currently the homeschool maintained specific graduation requirements, including those which the district used to have (they had not been changed). However, the requirements had changed for public schools.

Dr. Chichura reviewed what these were. It was up to the school district, he continued, to determine the most appropriate way to meet the designated purposes. A visitor asked, given the elimination of business classes, for example, if the district was violating code, which stipulated that certain things, like business education, should be made available. She felt that under the new program of study they were not being made available, due to the rotating schedule, if a student hit the years wrong.

When she questioned whether the younger students would receive the same education as the older students, she received applause from the audience. Dr. Plonski-Sezer stated that the district had to make tough decisions they might not want to make. She stated that nothing had been written in stone. When it was responded that the matter had just been voted on, she said that votes had been changed in the past.

Another visitor asked if the elimination of the courses was saving money, and it was responded that it was not.

Mrs. Pipitone spoke up, asking why the courses could not be offered as proposed in January, with the board putting a limit on the number of students who must be enrolled to avoid elimination. Mr. Doster said that there was a direction in place with a cap at 10 students, at the discretion of the principal. Mrs. Voigt said that the district was at the point where they were looking at additional electives being required to get into certain careers. In strategic planning, electives which students need to move ahead in the current job market were being looked at in the long run. Mr. Thomas spoke up again, saying that it felt like the vote made that evening was done under duress to the principal. He felt the other option might be to not micromanage administration so much.

Dr. Adams said that in relation to electives there were probably some which should be off the book, as it would prevent students from signing up for classes which wouldn't run. Mr. Doster said that the electives listed at the top of the page were the ones which hadn't been desirable, but the others had vacillated. He said that it became a self fulfilling prophecy. The tighter the constraints placed on him, the less likely students were to get classes they wanted. In the future then, fewer students would be enrolled, and more classes could be cut.

When asked again if the lack of courses would be in direct violation of the code, Dr. Chichura said that this was not necessarily true. An inability for it to be scheduled would not equate with it not being available, as it would be offered at some time during the students' high school schedule.

DEEDS

William T. and Audrey K. Ord to Diaz Family Limited Partnership, in Brooklyn Township for $4,500.00.

William T. and Audrey K. Ord to William T. and Audrey K. Ord, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar.

William T. and Audrey K. Ord to Robert and Sarah Ord, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar.

Ricky A., Sr. and Lisa A. Burger to Lisa A. Burger, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Stephen R., Jr. and Kathy Whitmore (NBM) Kathy Kirkwood to Raymond G. and Evelyn J. Carley, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Harry Graham and Gulay Kiskaddon to Douglas R. Williams and Amanda K. Sergi, in Herrick Township for $272,500.00.

Hollis (AKA) Hollis J. Chichester, Keith and Steven Allen to Hollis J. and William F. Chichester, in Harford Township for one dollar.

David J. and Jessica S. Zawalich to Charles Emily Management Partners LP, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar.

Janum Management LLC to Jasmine Shah, in Forest City for $10.00.

William H. Davies (estate) to James Alan and Sharon J. Davies, in Bridgewater Township for $250,000.00.

Andrew J. and Margaret Zosh to Lars Alexander Jentsch, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar.

Kyle R. Cordner to Nancy L. Culnane, Carl James and William Robert Lee, in Susquehanna for one dollar.

Albert and Geraldine Diane Hornberger to Albert and Geraldine Diane Hornberger, in Harford Township for one dollar.

Carlton and Marilyn Chapel to Carlton and Marilyn Chapel, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar.

Todd William Madill to Nicole L. Madill, in Middletown Township for one dollar.

Patrick M., Alicia G., John T., Julie, Joseph L., Jennifer and Thomas Flaherty to Bruce C. and Kathleen M. Stanley, in Choconut Township for one dollar.

Charles F. and Priscilla F. Restaino to Fiondi, Inc., in Dimock Township for $2,100,000.00.

Thomas R. Timko to William M. Timko, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

John A. and Mavourneen K. Boner to Talarico Family Limited Partnership, in Dimock Township for $150,000.00.

Michael J. and Denise A. Bloomer to Michael J. Bloomer, in New Milford Borough.

Charlotte H. Swackhamer to Ivan C. Westcott, in Liberty Township for $130,000.00.

Raymond G. and Evelyn J. Carley to Raymond G. and Evelyn Carley, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Steven H. and Martha Ann Kupscznk to Donald Chrisman Weaver, in Springville Township for $1,000.00.

Raymond W. Miller (estate) to Edward Grieger and Wayne L. Miller, in Choconut Township for $20,000.00.

Raymond W. Miller (estate) to Edward and Charles Grieger, Wayne L. Miller and Frank A. Feher, in Choconut Township for $50,000.00.

Patricia A. Mellow to Thomas A. Mellow, in Forest City for one dollar.

Barbara (AKA) Barbara J. Overfield to Barbara J. Overfield (trust), in Franklin Township for one dollar.

Sandra Gertrude and Roger Gardner to Paul Joseph Schuler, in Middletown Township for one dollar.

Thomas J. and Barbara A. Lewis to Noble Marcellus LP, in Liberty Township for $80,000.00.

Bank of America to Daniel O. Glezen, III, in Great Bend Township for $76,000.00.

Joseph M. and Leona Taylor (NBM) Leona Florance to David A. (trust) and Grace E. (trust) Loch, in New Milford Borough for $74,000.00.

Robert R. and Robin E. Williams to Robert R. and Robin E. Williams, in Thompson Township for one dollar.

Robert R. and Robin E. Williams to Robert R. and Robin E. Williams, in Thompson Township for one dollar.

Floyd W. and Margaret I. Furman to F & M Furman Partners Limited Partnership, in Auburn Township for one dollar.

John R. (trust by trustee) and Teresa (trust by trustee) Harasymczuk to Harasymczuk Family Limited Partnership and Harasymczuk Family Properties LLC, in Liberty Township for one dollar.

David T. Baker, Jr. to G & R Family LLC, in Harmony Township for $120,000.00.

Robert H. and Evelyn L. Jordan to David M. Jordan, in Franklin Township for one dollar.

Shiela A. and Daniel Hayes to Lisaann M. and Michael J., Sr. McKeown, in Herrick Township for $100.00.

Shiela A. and Daniel F. Hayes to Lisaann M. and Michael J., Sr. McKeown, in Herrick Township for $100.00.

HLNA LLC to Springville Township, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Richard B. and V. Carol Smith to Springville Township for one dollar.

Norman E. (AKA) Norman Turner (estate) to Dorothy Turner, in Liberty Township for one dollar.

John Rincavage to Kenneth C. Small, in Choconut Township for $35,000.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:30 a.m. on March 23, 2012.

Cristina M. Barron, Christopher Brenner, Michael Robert Brown, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, Kay L. Knolles, Lee Labor, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Michael Maryasz, Matthew S. Miller, Connie M. Mitchell, Ronald N. Mitchell, Jeremy Presson, Perry Rohan, Christie L. Sheptock, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Jermaine J. Stanfield, Sr., Justin S. Thompson, 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.

HIT AND RUN

On February 28 at 12:02 a.m. David Duane II of New Milford, PA was traveling south along SR 29 when his vehicle left the south lane of travel for undetermined reasons and then crossed the oncoming lane of travel. The explorer then continued off the road and collided with a telephone pole, continuing on to strike a mailbox. Duane fled the area and traveled east along Forks Hill Rd. until the vehicle failed to go anymore due to the damage. He was to be cited for numerous traffic violations for his actions.

DRUG POSSESSION/INTENT TO DELIVER

On March 21 at 12:56 p.m. a Trooper conducted a traffic stop for various traffic violations on a silver Honda Accord on Interstate 81 in Lenox Township. While on the stop, the trooper smelled a faint odor of marijuana coming from within the vehicle. A consent to search was requested and granted. Located within the vehicle were $980 worth of bags of heroin and 4 grams of marijuana. All three individuals, Jamel Carter of Brooklyn, NY, Angel Siul of Brooklyn, NY, and Jasmine Gray of Brooklyn, NY, were charged with various drug offenses and arraigned before District Judge Hollister in District Court 34-3-01. All three were incarcerated in the Susquehanna County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail each.

THEFT

PSP Gibson is investigating an incident in which a 47 year old victim's medication was stolen from a Bridgewater Township residence, which he was visiting. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

DUI

On February 28 at 10:15 p.m. a DUI investigation yielded an intoxicated operator. Said operator, Richard Bennett of Little Meadows, was arrested and charges have been filed.

DRUG TRANSPORTING

On March 18 at 2:09 p.m. a traffic stop was initiated on James Terrell of Buffalo, NY, for a traffic violation. Numerous indicators of criminal activity were observed. Further investigation revealed that the accused was in possession of 103 bags of heroin and a gram of crack cocaine. He was taken into custody and arraigned before magisterial district judge Jodi Cordner, and was placed in the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,000 bail. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

SCATTERING RUBBISH

On March 19 between midnight and 7 a.m. waste was scattered on the property of Eugene Famolari of Jessup, the scrap being two car doors. Anyone with information in regards to this case is asked to please contact the police.

BURGLARY

Between March 19 and 20, entry was forced into Robinson's Market in Dimock by means of a smashed front door. Anyone with information, or who saw anything suspicious in the area, is asked to please call PSP Gibson.

BURGLARY

On March 14 at 1:30 a.m., one or more unknown persons entered BB's Country Corral Restaurant in Rush Township when it was closed, and stole a safe.

BURGLARY

On March 13, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. a home off East Lake Road in New Milford Township was entered, and jewelry stolen from within. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

On March 12 at 12:10 p.m. Chris Snyder of Hallstead, PA was cited for acts that serve no legitimate purpose stemming from a dog.

HARASSMENT BY COMMUNICATION

Between the 18th and 19th of March a Springville woman received several nuisance emails from various origins.

HARASSMENT

On March 16 at 1:30 p.m. a 12 year old boy and a 13 year old boy became embroiled in a physical altercation at school. One of the boys suffered a minor injury, bruised cheek.

BURGLARY

On March 16 at 7:30 a North Jackson Township residence was burglarized. Numerous items were taken; the investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

CRASH

On March 18 at 4:35 p.m. Thomas Gall of Susquehanna was traveling south on SR 1009 in Harmony Township when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway and flipped his truck over onto its roof. The vehicle, a Ford F150, did have oversize tires and a lift kit. Both Gall and a juvenile female passenger were utilizing seat belts; both sustained minor injury.

SIMPLE ASSAULT

John Turner of Montrose was taken into custody for simple assault after a physical altercation with a female victim, receiving contusions to her forehead and abdominal wall. Turner was taken before MDJ Cordner and was committed to the county jail when he failed to post $50,000 bail.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On March 17 at 2:37 a.m. one or more unknown persons destroyed the mailbox of a home in Choconut Township, and drove through the victim's yard. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the state police.

HARASSMENT

An incident occurred as a young woman of Hallstead left her two month old baby with her mother. The baby's mother returned after a day of drinking and attempted to take the two month old child out of the home. The victim, the grandmother, refused to let her take the child due to her level of intoxication and the accused became enraged, pulled the victim's hair, and took her to the ground and scratched her chest. The accused then left the home. Upon police arrival the two month old child was safe and extremely well cared for by the victim and her husband. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-02.

BURGLARY

Between March 9 and 10, William Lee and Sarah Frammigen are accused of arriving at the Thompson Baptist Church and burglarizing it. Frammigen allegedly waited in the vehicle as Lee entered the church through the front door, utilizing a crow bar. Once inside, Lee took a laptop and fled the scene with Frammigen.

DRUG SEIZURE

On March 6 at 1:37 p.m. a traffic stop was performed for numerous traffic violations on a vehicle, driven by Jubril Pedro of Rochester, NY, on Interstate 81 in Lenox Township. Numerous indicators were observed and a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia were seized from the vehicle. Charges were filed at district Court 34-3-03.

POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

On March 11 at 4:35 p.m. Kevin Burroughs of Rockvile Centre, NY was operating a vehicle which was stopped for a motor vehicle violation. Indicators of criminal activity were present. Burroughs was issued a written warning for the violation. Permission to search was requested and granted. The search yielded two bags of heroin from the wallet of the accused, which was located in the vehicle. The accused was taken into custody and transported back to PSP Gibson where he was processed and released as per rule 519. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-02.

RETAIL THEFT

On March 15 at 4:42 p.m. an unknown person operating a Silver Ford F-250 pumped $153.47 worth of diesel fuel into the truck and then fled the scene without paying for it. The suspect vehicle was reported to be a two door with an extended cab and a black push bar. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS

On March 11, at 3:36 a.m. a man was found passed out due to extreme intoxication at the Colonial Brick Inn in Great Bend Township. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-02.

THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING

The station is investigating the theft of a red, 1997 Honda TRX300, taken from 5000 State Route 374 in Lenox Township. The incident occurred sometime between February 26 and March 11. The vehicle was unsecured, and was taken from the rear of the property. Anyone coming into contact with the vehicle is asked to please contact the police.

BURGLARY

Between the 13th and 15th of March the side door to a garage in Brooklyn Township was kicked in. Several metal gas cans, a battery and tool box top containing numerous Craftsman tools were stolen from within it. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

CRASH

On March 14, at 12:25 a.m. Brett Briganti of Scranton was traveling north on SR 0081 in Lenox Township when he lost control of his Subaru and entered a counter clockwise rotation. The vehicle traveled across the center line and the passing lane, before traveling off the west berm and striking the guard rail with the right side. The vehicle continued rotating counter clockwise then, as it traveled north. It traveled across both lanes and off the east berm, striking the guard rail with the rear end. It then rotated clockwise while traveling north in the right lane and shoulder, and struck the bridge rail with the right front end, continuing a short distance north before coming to rest. As a result of the crash investigation, the driver was arrested for DUI; he was released to Community Medical Staff for treatment. Injury was unknown as of the report. Both the driver and a passenger were utilizing seat belts; the passenger sustained minor injury.

BURGLARY

On March 14 at 2:15 a.m. the south window of the Checkers mini mart in Springville Township was broken, and an undetermined amount of cash and Sonoma cigarette cartons removed from within. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

BURGLARY

On March 14 at 2:55 a.m., it was reported, a burglary took place at the Elk Lake Corner Store in Dimock Township. Entrance was obtained by means of a smashed window. An undetermined amount of money was stolen from within. Anyone with information is asked to please call PSP Gibson.

SCATTERING RUBBISH

On March 12 at 7 p.m. Richard Herbert of Hop Bottom found trash/rubbish on his property in Lennox Township.

BURGLARY

On March 13 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Donald Horvatt of Hallstead reported that someone entered his house and stole his 32' Emerson LCD television.

TRESPASSING

Charges were filed against William Lee of Endicott and Sarah Frammigen of Hawley at District Court 34-3-02 for trespassing at Wademan's Auto Repair in Thompson Borough.

RETAIL THEFT

Beverly Carvin of New Milford is accused of stealing a bottle of Pepsi and a bag of cookies from the Pump and Pantry in Great Bend township. The crime was discovered after the accused fled the store. The manager reviewed the surveillance video due to the accused acting suspiciously. As troopers were on patrol they observed the accused at the New Milford Pump and Pantry. The accused fit the description of the actor involved in the theft. A vehicle which also fit the description of the vehicle involved was observed in the parking lot. The accused was taken into custody and lodged in the Susquehanna County Jail on an unrelated bench warrant. A misdemeanor charge of Retail Theft was to be filed with District Court 34-3-02.

RAPE

Michael Holmes is accused of sexually assaulting a juvenile female. PSP Gibson conducted an investigation, and applied for and received search warrants and an arrest warrant for Holmes, who was taken into custody without incident. Holmes was arraigned before Judge Brainard and committed to the Susquehanna County Jail. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

BURGLARY

The East Ararat United Methodist Church in Ararat Township was broken into, and small amounts of money taken from within. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Sometime between the 7th and 8th of March the WPX Gas Well site located on Valley View Road in Franklin Township was entered. The perpetrator or perpetrators located a Caterpillar D8 bulldozer on the back of the property, which belonged to Wyat construction, turned a fuel valve located on the dozer, and emptied approximately 30 gallons of diesel fuel onto the ground. The spill resulted in a hazardous material cleanup, which the victim is monetarily responsible for. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at 570-465-3154.

BURGLARY/THEFT

Between the 4th and 10th of March unlawful entry was gained into a Clifford Township residence, and several pieces of jewelry and cash stolen from within. The estimated value of the jewelry and cash stolen was $11,325 in total. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Pennsylvania state police at Gibson.

THEFT

On March 10 at 9:18 a.m. an unknown person stole $160.35 worth of diesel fuel from the Pump and Pantry in Bridgewater Township, after failing to pay. The thief drove a silver colored F250 extended cab truck. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please call PSP Gibson.

HIT AND RUN

On February 29 at 3:53 a.m. an unknown driver was traveling north along SR 267 when, for unknown reasons, he or she veered off to the left and crossed the center lanes. The vehicle then continued across the opposing lane of travel and into a utility pole. The utility pole broke in half. The driver continued to drive to the north. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

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

Following is the Susquehanna County sentencing report for March 2012 as submitted by the county District Attorney’s office.

Ceejay Brian Hallstead, 24, of Carbondale, PA to 2 1/2 months to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim in this case and not to have contact with the victim in this case for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Lenox Township on May 3, 2011.

Richard L Gelineau, 59, of Susquehanna, PA to 4 months to 12 months home confinement, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Susquehanna Borough on October 13, 2011. Mr. Gelineau also received 4 months to 15 months home confinement to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $400 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 ACT 198 cost, receive and drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Manufacture, Delivery or Possession with Intent to Deliver in Susquehanna Borough on August 10, 2011.

John Richard Giddings, 28, of Uniondale, PA to 90 days to 18 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $1500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $300 Act 198 fee, pay $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $50 EMS cost, attend and successfully complete a safe driving school program, perform 25 hours of community service for Driving Under the Influence in Uniondale Township on June 8, 2011.

Beverly Ann Mizler, 26, of Thompson, PA to 3 years probation, pay $500 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim in this case for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Gibson Township on May 13, 2011.

Mark Blank, 49, of Susquehanna, PA to 8 months to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility continue with mental health treatment, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with victim, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to possess controlled substances for Resisting Arrest on January 13, 2012 in Great Bend Township. Mr. Blank also received 8 months to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentence and pay $350 fine for Simple Assault in Great Bend Township on January 13, 2012. Finally Mr. Blank received 5 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $300 fine, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Township on November 20, 2011.

Joseph A. Fiorentino, Jr, 40, of Montrose, PA to 8 months to 30 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, abide by a 10 p.m. curfew, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess firearms for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Ararat Township on December 4, 2011.

Joshua Robbins, 33, of Nicholson, PA to 11 1/2 to 23 1/2 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $1500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $200 CAT Surcharge, pay $100 Act 198, pay $50 EMS fee, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, comply with Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Law, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to possess firearms, perform 25 hours community service to Montrose Fire Department for Driving Under the Influence in Bridgewater Township on November 1, 2011.

Tracey Lynn Ramsay, 30, of Montrose, PA to 2 1/2 years to 10 years in a state correctional facility to run concurrent with Lackawanna County sentence, followed by 10 years consecutive probation, pay restitution to the victims, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Robbery of a Motor Vehicle in Susquehanna Borough on October 13, 2011.

Eugene Edward Parrish, 34, of Montrose, PA to 20 months to 60 months in a state correctional facility, not to possess firearms, pay restitution to the victim’s family, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act cost, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, receive mental health treatment, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Involuntary Manslaughter in New Milford Township on June 20, 2011.

Edward John Mazzocchi, 50, of South Gibson, PA to 3 months to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 2 years probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim, not to possess firearms, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample for testing for Burglary in Gibson Township on October 9, 2011.

David Shahriari, 29, of New Milford, PA to 11 1/2 months to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, complete the drug and alcohol program at the jail, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victims, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess offensive weapons for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Bridgewater Township on June 1, 2011.

Jason Brent Bush, 39, Montrose, PA to 3 1/2 months to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $200 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, continue with drug and alcohol counseling, continue taking prescribed medication for Resisting Arrest in Montrose Borough on December 9, 2011.

Brianne Thomas, 22, of Montrose, PA to 8 months to 23 1/2 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, perform 50 hours community service, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Criminal Conspiracy/Theft by Unlawful Taking in Lenox Township on November 7, 2011.

Marcelo Garcia, 41, of Montrose, PA to 15 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings for Forgery in Susquehanna Borough on May 27, 2011.

Michael William Mudge, 43, of Montrose, PA to 2 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS, pay $100 Act 198 fee, attend and successfully complete safe driving school program, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Township on September 9, 2011. Mr. Mudge also received 4 months to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay restitution to the victim, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with the victim, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Bad Checks in Harford Township on July 8, 2011. Mr. Mudge received 8 months to 23 1/2 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, to run concurrent to the above sentences, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim for Bad Checks in Montrose Borough on August 24, 2011. Mr. Mudge received 3 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, to run concurrent to the above sentences, pay $1000 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $50 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS fee, attend and successfully complete safe driving school program, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment for Driving Under the Influence in Susquehanna Borough on August 29, 2011. Finally, Mr. Mudge received 3 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentences, pay $1000 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $50 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS fee, attend and successfully complete safe driving school program, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Driving Under the Influence in Montrose Borough on August 27, 2011.

ERRATIC DRIVER

On February 1, a Forest Lake Township resident reported and identified an erratic driver that was passing other vehicles in a no passing zone while children were being picked up by school buses. This incident is under investigation.

MISC INVESTIGATION

On February 1, Silver Lake Township residents reported that vehicles had been speeding in both directions on SR4002 in the Laurel Lake Area.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

On February 8, SLTPD assisted Silver Lake Ambulance with a fall victim on Russell Road, Silver Lake Township.

BURGLARY/THEFT

On February 9, a property owner in Forest Lake Township reported that his property had been burglarized some time ago, but only recently discovered that plumbing and furnace parts had been taken also, which has caused more damage to the residence.

MVA/REPORTABLE

On February 10, SLTPD responded to a 1 vehicle rollover on Mahoney Road in Liberty Township. The vehicle and driver were out of N.Y. State and he had just left Bel-Air Lake. The snow storm and icy roadway were factors causing the crash. The driver was not injured and the vehicle was towed by Parks Garage.

MVA (REPORTABLE)

On February 14, an Endicott, N.Y. resident was driving his 2011 Toyota Tacoma north on SR267 in Forest Lake Township when he lost control and crashed. The vehicle was completely destroyed after striking a tree. Speed was a factor in this crash and the driver sustained multiple injuries and was transported to Wilson Hospital.

ANIMAL COMPLAINT

On February 15, a Forest Lake Township resident reported that 2 dogs had killed chickens on her daughter’s property. The owner of the dogs was identified and the Dog Warden was contacted and he took over the investigation.

MVA/REPORTABLE

On February 16, a 2010 Ford TCN van out of Amsterdam, N.Y. was traveling south on SR267 when it failed to negotiate a left hand curve due to the environmental factors and roadway conditions that were occurring at the time. The driver was uninjured and the vehicle was severely damaged and towed by Park’s Garage.

DISABLED OVERSIZED LOAD

On February 16, C.C. dispatched SLTPD for a disabled oversized load on Kennedy Road Silver Lake Township. Upon arrival the vehicle was a garbage disposal truck which slid off of the icy road. They had a wrecker on scene and used chains to continue traveling.

MVA/ASSIST OTHER AGENCY/PSP

On February 16, SLTPD were dispatched for multiple crashes into ditches on SR4002 Laurel Lake Road in Liberty Township during snow storm and icy road conditions. Penndot was called and arrived shortly thereafter.

HARASSMENT

On February 19, SLTPD was dispatched to a residence on Donovan Road, Silver Lake Township for a reported suspicious vehicle and prowler. After investigation of the activity that took place, it was determined that an on-going domestic type dispute had been in progress. After further investigation, an individual was arrested on multiple charges and complaints filed against another individual.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On February 19, the Silver Lake Fire Company reported that multiple vehicles had intentionally driven on their Field Day grounds and caused a lot of damage. With the sophisticated security system the Fire Company has on their property, they were able to supply evidence in the investigation and 3 individuals were charged and plead guilty to criminal mischief.

THEFT/CRIMINAL TRESPASS

On February 20, a N.J. resident, owning property in Forest Lake Township, reported that someone was cutting down trees and logging on her property without permission. This incident is still under investigation.

ALARM/SECURITY

On February 22, SLTPD responded to an ADT alarm at a residence in Forest Lake Township. Investigation showed the scene and residence secure.

ATV ACCIDENT/FATALITY

On February 22, SLTPD responded to an ATV accident off of SR267 in Forest Lake Township. The accident resulted in a single fatality.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

On February 25, SLTPD assisted a Silver Lake Township resident with an illness until medical assistance and the MMM arrived.

MVA/REPORTABLE

On February 25, a one vehicle crash with injuries was reported on SR167 North in Silver Lake Township. A vehicle with 5 students returning to Binghamton University slid off of the icy roadway on a curve during a snow storm and resulted in the vehicle eventually striking a utility pole. One passenger sustained moderate injuries and all others were released. The vehicle was severely damaged.

ALARM/SECURITY/MEDICAL

On February 27, ADT security was alerted of a medical emergency on Russell Road in Silver Lake Township. This time it was a false alarm.

THEFT

On February 27, a Silver Lake Township resident reported that her cell phone had been taken by her common law husband. Investigation showed that this is an on-going domestic situation. The victim was advised of action to take and this is an on-going investigation.

MISC INVESTIGATION/CIVIL

On February 28, an individual living in Silver Lake Township with immediate family was having difficulty with some family members. Family members were advised that the circumstances and situation was a civil matter.

MVA/REPORTABLE

On February 29, a GMC Yukon driven by a Binghamton, N.Y. resident lost control on the icy roadway of SR4006 and crashed. A passenger in the vehicle, also from Binghamton, was trapped and injured in the crash. He was taken to Wilson Hospital for his injuries. The driver was uninjured and the vehicle was towed by High-Tech.

MVA/NON-REPORTABLE

On February 29, an Endicott, N.Y. resident was traveling west on SR4006 and lost control on the icy roadway and slid into a ditch. He sustained no injuries and only minor damage to the vehicle.

THEFT

On February 29, a Silver Lake Township resident reported that his laptop computer was stolen by an ex-girlfriend. Charges are pending on this case.

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 Township’s news, profiles and resources, including the police reports.