The County Commissioners called the Salary Board meeting to order promptly at 9:00 am.

A 10th, part-time corrections officer was created by the commissioners for the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, as recommended by the Prison Board. The position will pay $11.75 per hour and will receive benefits pertaining to the Prison Bargaining Unit Contract. A motion was made by Commissioner Warren and seconded by Commissioner Giangrieco; motion passed unanimously.

The Commissioners also decided to eliminate one 2nd Deputy, Clerk of Courts position and to also create one 2nd Deputy, in the Prothonotary’s office. The motion was made by Commissioner Giangrieco and seconded by Commissioner Warren.

There was discussion about the part-time clerk/typist position in the Prothonotary’s office. After discussing the motion the Commissioner’s decided that the position needed to stay in place and nothing has changed for the position.

A motion was made by Commissioner Giangrieco and seconded by Commissioner Warren to set the starting salary for the Emergency Management Coordinator position at $40,000 and after a six month probation period the salary would increase to $45,000.

The salary board meeting was closed and the Commissioner’s meeting was opened.

Commissioner Giangrieco made a motion to amend the meeting minutes from the July 11th meeting. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Warren.

Meeting minutes from the July 25th meeting were also approved.

Art Donato from 911 was recognized for his twenty five years of service and Thomas Yadlosky from Veteran’s Affairs for his five years of service, both were absent from the meeting.

The cash disbursements, Gross Wages Reports, and EFTPS payments were all approved by the commissioners with Giangrieco making the motion and Warren seconding.

The Commissioner’s approved three seminar requests from Thomas Yadlosky Jr., Nicholas Conigliaro and Joshua Weller, and Jeffrey Shoemaker. There are no costs to the county. Motion made by Warren and seconded by Giangrieco.

A motion was made to accept the resignation from Nathan Hibbard of the maintenance department effective July 18th.

Robert Stoud of Susquehanna was hired by the Commissioner’s to fill the opening for the Emergency Management Coordinator, which is a non-union and full time position. The position is effective September 1st and will have a sixth month probation period. Position will receive benefits according to the County Personnel Manual.

Resolution 2012-12 was adopted by the Commissioner’s, which is a Resolution to hire Reliance Trust Company to be Trustee of the Susquehanna County Employee’s Retirement Plan. The Resolution would also terminate Marshall & Ilsley Trust Company as Trustee. Resolution takes effect October 4th, 2012.

The Commissioner’s also adopted Resolution 2012-14, which names Paul Johnson, as the Emergency Management Training Officer, as the applicant agent for DR #4030 Tropical Storm Lee. Motion made by Commissioner Warren and seconded by Commissioner Giangrieco. Also, Resolution 2012-15 was also adopted to name Johnson as the Applicant Agent for DR #4025 Hurricane Irene. Resolution 2012-16 named Johnson to Applicant Agent to DR #1898 HMGP Mitigation Plan Update. The final Resolution, 2012-17 named Johnson Applicant Agent for DR #4030 HMGP Buy Out.

A motion by Commissioner Warren and seconded by Commissioner Giangrieco to accept the proposal from Evaluator Services and Technology, Inc. The proposal is for one conversion of data extraction and related services for $9,800.

The meeting was recessed into a public hearing to discuss the proposed amendments to the County’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance 2005-01. The purpose was to discuss the requirements outlined in Act 13 dealing with natural gas compressor stations specifically. The hearing was closed after two minutes.

The Commissioner’s opened the meeting to public comment and received many comments. One was about the meeting with Penn State Leadership regarding County Extension. Commissioner Warren said she felt very good about the meeting and said they discussed the County Educator Position. Commissioners said they will not accept anything less than Penn State providing a County Educator for Susquehanna County. The County has gone for a while without an educator and feel that it is in the issue of fairness to provide an educator for Susquehanna County.

The meeting was adjourned by Commissioner Giangrieco and seconded by Commissioner Warren.

In a stunning display of naked political power and breath-taking bravado a single-minded majority on the county's Retirement Board figuratively pummeled and steamrolled County Treasurer Kathy Benedict. Without discussion, without explanation, without comment, County Commissioners Alan Hall, Michael Giangrieco, and Mary Ann Warren, along with Chief Clerk Sylvia Beamer, outvoted Treasurer Benedict at every turn. In so doing, they ensured the installation of a new team of firms to act as advisor, trustee, and custodian of the county’s pension funds.

Retirement Board Chairman Alan Hall opened the specially-called meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 3. The special meeting had been called to take official action on agenda items tabled at the July 11 Retirement Board meeting. At that previous meeting Treasurer Benedict raised a plethora of troubling questions about the Board's plans for a change in pension stewardship. The August 3 meeting was also in response to Treasurer Benedict's request at the July 25 County Commissioners' meeting for an immediate same-day Retirement Board meeting to settle issues tabled at the July 11 meeting. Treasurer Benedict's July 25 request for a same-day Retirement Board meeting had been met by a notably chilly reception and refusal. Commissioners, caught off-guard and unprepared by her unexpected request, stalled for time.

Commissioners obviously had all their ducks in a row for the August 3rd meeting. Once the Pledge been said and Chairman Hall announced that all board members were present, he paused for a nanosecond. That was the only opening Treasurer Benedict needed to veer off-agenda for a non-sanctioned motion … “to rehire The Seneca Group as the pension consultant at a flat, five-fixed basis points.” What seemed an endless silence followed, broken finally by the drone of Chairman Hall asking if there was a second for the motion. More silence, followed by the all-too-predictable death-knell announcement that Treasurer Benedict’s motion had died for lack of a second.

With Treasurer Benedict’s free-thinking revolution quelled, the board majority moved ahead unimpeded to accomplish their pre-determined goals. First up on the agenda was a motion by Commissioner Giangrieco “to adopt Retirement Board Resolution 2012-01 appointing Reliance Trust Company to act as Trustee with respect to Susquehanna County Employees’ Retirement Plan effective upon the termination of Marshall & Ilsley Trust Company and to terminate Marshall & Ilsley Trust Company as Trustee with respect to the Susquehanna County Employees Retirement Plan effective 10/04/2012.” Seconding Commissioner Giangrieco’s motion was not Commissioner Warren, but Chief Clerk Beamer. Motion to approve was passed with only Treasurer Benedict a nay.

The follow-on motion by Commissioner Giangrieco was “to notify Marshall & Ilsley Trust Company in writing that we are terminating their services effective 10/04/2012.” For this motion, Commissioner Warren stepped up to the plate and offered her second. Motion to approve was passed with only Treasurer Benedict nay-saying.

Up next on the agenda was a motion “to appoint Fidelity Investments, Boston, MA, as Custodian of the Susquehanna County Employees Retirement Plan, effective immediately upon the termination of Marshall & Ilsley Trust Company.” Although it was ultimately approved, upon Commissioner Giangrieco’s motion, Commissioner Warren’s second, and aye votes, excepting Treasurer Benedict’s implacable nay, the motion was initially by-passed to approve the next agenda item’s motion first.

Why the sudden switch in handling agenda items? Like a bolt from the blue, Commissioner Warren experienced an epiphany that had the agenda been properly ordered, Retirement Board Resolution 2012-01 should not have been previously approved, but only approved at this point in the meeting. Commissioner Giangrieco said he saw her point, and if they needed to go back and re-authorize the resolution they would. They didn’t. But Commissioner Warren had made her point. The motion she believed should have preceded Resolution 2012 read, “Motion … to appoint Brinker Capital, Berwyn, PA, as the Investment Advisors of the Susquehanna County Retirement Plan, effective immediately.”

Concerning the “Brinker motion” Commissioner Giangrieco so moved. Nervously and ever so cautiously Commissioner Warren proceeded to provide a second - a second for discussion purposes, not a second to move the motion. She then continued in a monologue of confession: commissioners had not always received good investment advice in the past, and she “didn’t know, for sure, if we got good advice.” She further confessed that she had asked Chairman Hall previous to the meeting to watch over the retirement funds like a hawk. Her apparent attempt to make it clear that she was personally inadequate in matters financial; to leave the impression that she was “just along for the ride;” and finally to overtly shift the primary focus of responsibility to the majority commissioners, Chairman Hall in particular, appeared for all intents and purposes designed to absolve herself of personal responsibility for the consequences of her votes. While a person in authority may delegate her authority, the responsibility and accountability for how that authority is employed may never be so delegated. Commissioner Warren seemed not to have a clear grasp of that concept. On final vote of the “Brinker motion” the ayes were four, as opposed to Treasurer Benedict’s solitary nay.

On the last item of pension import, Commissioner Giangrieco moved “to recommend to the Commissioners to sign the agreements regarding the Susquehanna County Employee Pension Fund with Brinker Capital, Fidelity Investments, and Reliance Trust. Again seconding Commissioner Giangrieco’s motion was Chief Clerk Beamer, not Commissioner Warren. Still, the final tally was four ayes against Treasurer Benedict’s lone nay.

With the Retirement Board “Gang of Four” having dispatched all issues in their favor, public comment time had arrived. Only one meeting attendee had the presence of mind to pipe up with a series of comments and questions for the Gang of Four. Susquehanna County resident, Bruce Paskoff commented, “I have several things I’d like to bring up. The first is I find it rather odd that the board would not entertain the Treasurer’s motion for discussion. That I find rather odd since this is such an important meeting and such an important discussion. And I wonder why that is. Does anyone have any comment?”

To Mr. Paskoff’s question, Commissioner Warren and Chief Clerk Beamer remained close-mouthed; Commissioners Hall and Giangrieco shouted in unison, “No Comment!” And without skipping a beat, Chairman Hall added a sharp, “Any other questions?”

Mr. Paskoff fired back, “Well, yeah! The second one is I find it rather odd that although one, two, three commissioners are really administrators of the county, that you would turn to the chief clerk to make a motion of number four [Retirement Board Resolution 2012-01] to do the big resolution, as opposed to one of you. Do any of you want to comment on that?” As before, Commissioner Warren and Chief Clerk Beamer remained closed-mouth, and Commissioners Hall and Giangrieco shouted in unison, “No Comment!”

Mr. Paskoff continued his remarks with reference to the moment’s earlier monologue “assigning” Chairman Hall to be the hawk of the retirement fund. He commented that it appeared rather odd to him since more properly such duties fall within the purview of Treasurer Benedict. Again his comment garnered the same responses as before. Mr. Paskoff then ended his public comment with the following words, “I find it rather odd that you all have no comment. That’s not why you were elected - to have ‘no comment’. Thank you!” Commissioner response: Chairman Hall, “Any other comment?” Commissioner Giangrieco, “Motion to adjourn!” Commissioner Warren, “Second!”

Thus so, the county‘s pension plan was “fixed.” Still unanswered is what the variable fee structure of Brinker Group’s services will cost: what rate of return they hope, promise, or guarantee to return on the county’s pension funds; and why the Gang of Four shrouded their decisions in such secrecy with no serious discussion of the weighty issues involved or the relative merits of competing firms. That the county’s chief financial officer opposed each of their actions and proposed an alternative course of action which was not even deemed worthy of public discussion speaks volumes. That commissioners offered no voluntary explanations of their deliberations/decisions (made in secret?) or answers to questions from the public in public seem the antithesis of representative government.

Gentle readers are advised that representatives of Brinker Capital were furtively ushered into the inner sanctum for the pre-meeting meeting with commissioners well before the start of the public meeting. Notably not present nor notified of their arrival was Treasurer Benedict. The Brinker “suits,” never made a presentation, nor did they speak even once during the course of the 11-minute public meeting. One might intuit they carried with them a proposed contract for signature once their hiring was made official. Representatives of The Seneca Group, on the other hand, got caught up in traffic on their way from Syracuse. Once they arrived in Montrose, parking presented a dilemma (opening day of the Blueberry Festival) that left them with a late-arrival to the Courthouse. Too little, too late, The Seneca Group was pre-ordained to be left out in the cold.

Gentle readers may become gentle viewers of the Retirement Board meeting by viewing the 9:31 video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBn7pjzUbTE . Alternatively, the video may be viewed by going to YouTube home page and searching for “Retirement Board Mtg-8-3-12”. Credit is extended to Edna Paskoff for video-taping the proceedings and making them publicly available and accessible.

So here’s the bottom line of county’s pension “fix.” County retirement funds will be invested on the advice of Brinker Capital, under a variable rate structure according to the allocation of funds and as fund allocations are shifted. A new trustee and a new custodian will replace M & I in October 2012. Will the new team do a better job than the old? Only time will tell. Retirement funds have historically planned on an 8% rate of return to take care of present and future retirees. There’s bad news on that front. Hardly a soul is getting an 8% rate of return in this near-zero percent environment imposed by central planners for the foreseeable future. The county (read “taxpayers”) currently contribute nearly a million dollars a year to the county’s pension plan. County employees are blessed with a defined benefit retirement plan under state law. Should the pension plan under-perform county taxpayers will be “blessed” with higher taxes to provide the pension benefits promised to county retirees present and future. For that, the Susquehanna County Retirement Board will justly get the credit or blame, as apropos.

At the August 6th meeting of the Montrose borough council, most of the council was in attendance. Topics discussed included the property adjacent to the borough building, taxes, a retention policy, and sundry other matters.

Mr. Lamont asked Mr. Reimel if there was further news on the tax situation. He responded that Berkheimer was working on the matter, and he guessed that the tax commission was going to have to take Central Tax to court. Berkheimer's work was already showing fruit.

Mr. Granahan suggested that the council give the solicitor permission to put in a bid for the lot adjoining the borough building, which was going up for tax sale. Mr. Granahan made this motion. The council was to provide a price range for the solicitor at a later date; the matter was to be discussed in executive session.

There were a couple of loose ends on the audit letter, it was noted. An inventory needed to be completed. The streets department was directed to have this completed by the end of September. When asked, it was clarified that the inventory would include items over $500 total. The police were to be audited as well, it was stated.

During Mr. DiPhillips report, the matter of an inventory was further clarified. There was discussion regarding what was and was not to be counted. The purpose of it, Mr. Granahan explained, was that the auditors wanted to know what the net worth was. This was the same for both non profit and for profit entities.

Mr. DiPhillips then gave his report, noting several items within it. He had met with Leeward, and reported that they intended to up the drainage to the hospital, hopefully before the weather became bad. It had been discovered that the water coming up by Ms. Skinner's house, he stated, was sewer.

Down below the Ken Singer building, a diversion ditch was getting sediment loaded again. He did not believe that the whole thing needed to be cleaned, however part if it could be done. Mr. Lamont explained when in the past there had been question about this ditch, but because it was a catch basin for the borough they had decided to do it. There was some discussion regarding property ownership, etc. It was suggested that before working on it, the street department ought to alert the neighbors. A motion was made and approved to do this work.

Mr. DiPhillips suspected that the composting area was being used by other entities aside from the borough. This included large trees, which he said did not come from the borough. He would hate to not have it accessible to the borough residents, but a few outsiders caused trouble. He had caught a few people from Southtown, for example. He had asked if it would be a good idea to put a sign up, specifying that it was to be used by borough residents. It was suggested that the signage wording be worked out.

Some prices had been obtained regarding fuel. It was decided to go with the lowest quote, and to fill the tank at that time.

During the police report, Chief Smith stated that the new car should be fully ready by the end of that week. The mobile which had been struck by lightning had been taken care of, and was thought to work again.

When the municipal authority report was reviewed, Ms. Skinner said that it was felt that Mr. Belinsky should be recognized in some way for his thirty years of loyal service with the Montrose Municipal Authority.

Judy Kelly and Betty Bryden attended the meeting to discuss business development and beautification projects. Judy Kelly first thanked the borough for being the borough council. She spoke on behalf of the Montrose Restoration Committee and the Montrose Chamber of Commerce. (On September 18th a speaker from Leeward was scheduled, and on October 17th a speaker from Leatherstocking was scheduled, she interjected.) The Restoration Committee had recognized that a community was not charming by chance, she continued. There were a lot of changes coming, and the Restoration Committee felt that if they planned in advance the borough could retain its charm. What was being proposed was that the community work together as a community to come up with a plan. Without the cooperation of the council however, it would probably not be a successful endeavor. Initially it was seen that there were some resources available, including the new zoning code and a tree fund. It was felt that perhaps the first work of the committee would be a business development component and a beautification component. She continued along these lines, talking some about anchor buildings and the potential for historic areas. A business incubator was also a desired thought. The area was in a big transition right now, she asserted, and if they worked together there could be benefits. On the beautification side, the borough could crack down further on violating properties.

There was a proposal before council asking them to express interest in a five and ten year plan. The desire was to work with the borough, the Restoration Committee, the Chamber of Commerce, and interested citizens.

Aside from improving the idea of the plan, the first specific thing she wanted to discuss was the South Lot. She then passed the discussion off to Betty Bryden, who spoke on the issue of parking. The matter of parking in the downtown area deserved consideration, she stated. Of the three major parking lots, two were privately owned and subject to closure with the sale of property. The current municipal lot area had little parking organization, she continued. She had attached two maps. One she had drawn, and the other was an aerial map obtained from the courthouse. She outlined her vision, offering a proposal as part of the five and ten year plan. Some of the suggestions could be done for very little money, she explained, and would make a large difference. She spoke further about ways to improve the surrounding areas, and develop the surrounding buildings. The idea would be to make that area much more of a community asset. The contiguous properties had been researched.

This was the time to do it, Mr. Reimel opined, with the street project. Mr. Granahan asked what the cost would be of making the surface better. It was suggested that the street foreman research this topic. A reporter asked if they had spoken with the Progress Authority to see if Enterprize Zone funding was still available. Mr. Lamont volunteered his time to look into the budget and what Mr. DiPhillips might be able to do.

The bids for the garage roof were opened. Bids had been received from Dunmore Roofing, CRW Construction Services, RN Demeck Roof Management Services, and K and B Services Limited. It was suggested that the bids be reviewed, and then an award decided at the next meeting. There was a large discrepancy in bids. It was motioned that the bids were accepted for review that evening.

The retention policy was discussed. Mr. Lamont had brought a packet in, which he said he would make available for review. The one he brought was from the Pennsylvania Historical Commission. At some point he felt that the borough should probably adopt one.

Also discussed was the topic of Right to Know requests. It had been decided that the borough would charge 25 cents per copy. However Mr. Lamont proposed that this was not enough, as some requests could require hours of research. It was suggested then that a policy be passed stipulating an hourly research cost. He stated that it wasn't the right to know request that bothered him, but as a small borough built on part time employees some requests ate up a lot of time. Mr. Reimel asked what was allowable by law. Mr. Lamont responded that the borough was allowed to recoup a reasonable amount. Mr. Lamont decided he would take the subject and do more research on it.

An executive session was then announced for the purpose of discussing property litigation.

Lanesboro Borough Council meeting was called to order by President Dan Boughton on August 7th, in the Lanesboro Community Center.

The borough has entered an agreement regarding road maintenance with Harford Twp. and Southwest energy.

The police report was given and there were eight other incidents other than routine traffic stops from the police department.

The streets report was given and County Manager Brian Small was supposed to meet with President Boughton, but was unable to keep his appointment. A new meeting has been rescheduled. There have been some complaints about some streets with pot holes and council decided to bid out the pot hole project to local contractors. The motion was made by Jason Fissel and seconded by Regina Dileilo.

The council gave an update on the parks and discussed the picnic tables in the parks. The council discussed it and decided to purchase picnic tables for the parks. A motion was made and passed to purchase the tables.

They are still waiting to hear from FEMA about the flood. Council anticipates that it should be soon and hopefully will be able to get everything resolved.

The council also decided that they do not want to get the building from Harford and decided they will just purchase a trailer in the interm after the borough building demolition.

Meeting was adjourned by Regina Dileilo and seconded by Jason Fissel.

Equipment was on the minds of Great Bend Township Supervisors at their August meeting on the 6th. Supervisor and Chair Joe Gaughan explained that roadwork is at a near standstill because of a broken stone rake. Supervisor and Township Secretary Sheila Guinan said that the parts needed to fix the rake aren’t made anymore. She said the rake predates her activity with the township some 10 years ago, and must be more than 20 years old. She reported that Five Star Equipment of Dunmore is offering a replacement for $3,848. Supervisor Ron Cranage wanted to be sure there was some sort of warranty on the rake, but the equipment is needed so the Supervisors voted to go ahead and make the purchase.

Mr. Cranage also presented some options for a new plow system for the pickup truck. There was some question about the blade width: Ms. Guinan wants to be sure it can be used on the smaller roads in the township.

Ms. Guinan reported on gas company activity in the area: Laser Northeast Gathering Company is resubmitting a permit application to the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation is applying to take water from the Susquehanna River somewhere along Route 171 upstream from the I-81 bridge. Southwestern Energy is applying for permits for 3 drilling sites in Jackson Township, 2 in New Milford Township, and one in New Milford/Great Bend Township. WPX Energy is applying for permits for 4 drilling sites in Liberty Township.

Ms. Guinan also reported that the Susquehanna County Conservation District is seeking a DEP permit to restore a portion of DuBois Creek using a “Growing Greener” grant.

She also noted that the Township needs to solicit bids for two projects managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the federal Department of Agriculture. The 2 projects will remediate flood damage at two properties in the township. Although the work is totally run by the NRCS, the township advertises for the bidding process and handles some of the paperwork.

An observer at the meeting asked if the township could help to create a walking track in a part of the area along DuBois creek that was turned over to the township by emergency management agencies following flooding. Such properties cannot be developed, but can be used for parks. The Supervisors had no objection to something like a walking track, and suggested that those interested could find the means to make it happen.

A resident of the Harmony Road area, noting that PennDOT is planning to replace the bridge over Salt Lick Creek where it joins the river, asked that the township support a request that PennDOT provide a temporary bridge over the waterway while construction is under way. Most of Harmony Road in Great Bend Township is a state thoroughfare, and the bridge has been slated for replacement for some time, having been damaged frequently by flooding over the past number of years. The resident’s letter noted that without a temporary bridge, properties along Harmony Road in the township would be effectively cut off from emergency services, which would have to come all the way from Susquehanna Borough.

And finally, Mr. Cranage wanted residents to know that he has never missed a meeting of the Supervisors, or of the VFW of which he is a official. He said that he understood that the July Supervisors’ meeting was to be on Tuesday, July 3 rather than the regular time, July 2 when the meeting actually took place. Although officially absent, he wanted it understood that he did not intentionally miss the meeting.

The Great Bend Township Supervisors meet on the first Monday of each month, unless that Monday is a holiday. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Township office on Route 171.

DEEDS

Bridgewater Baptist Church Inc. to Bridgewater Baptist Church Inc., in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Bridgewater Baptist Church Inc. to Bridgewater Baptist Church Inc., in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Elizabeth Fanning to Bremer Hoff Owners Inc., in Herrick Twp., for $1.00.

Hare Ridge Sportsmans Association to Hare Ridge Inc., in Rush Twp., for $1.00.

Peter S. & Pamela M. Showwalter to Pamela M. Showalter, in Gibson Twp., for $1.00.

Stephen M. & Gena D. Wagner to Joseph & Sharon Pfluger, in Herrick Township, for $45,000.00.

Peoples State Bank Of Wyalusing to Dorothy Wert, in Montrose, for $37,500.00.

Harold L. & Marie A. Harris to Harris Farms PA NJ LLC, in New Milford Twp. & Harford Twp., for $1.00.

David & Susan Eddleston to Joseph S. Gontarski, in Franklin Twp., for $66,300.00.

Larry R. Cavanaugh to Peoples Neighborhood Bank, in Susquehanna, for $1.00.

Jonathan M. Stewart to Charles G. Davis, in Clifford Twp., for $15,000.00.

Michael Morreale (estate aka) Michael L. Morreale (estate) to Michael C., John V. & David A. Morreale, in Forest Lake Twp., for $1.00.

Clifford D. Fassett to Clifford D., Christy L. & Carl A. Fassett, in Rush Twp., for $1.00.

Ryan A. Soden & Courtney J. Soden (aka) Courtney J. Lienert to Courtney J. Soden (aka) Courtney J. Lienert, in Montrose, for $1.00.

STVH Holdings LP to STVH Holding LP, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Joseph J. & Mary E. Iandolo to Richard & Audrey Cook, in Jackson Twp., for $35,000.00.

Mary Ann & William C. Robinson to Christopher Alan & Patricia Ann Robinson, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Mary Ann & William C. Robinson to William C., Mary Ann, Christopher Alan, William David and Todd Wilson Robinson, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Christine Chalako, Michele Miles (by atty aka) Michele Lyn Miles (by atty), Theresa Vanden Bosch Molina (by atty), Judith Siverson (by atty aka) Judith B. Siverson (by atty), Kathleen Daniels (by atty) and Nicole Chalako (by atty) to Little Meadows Fire Company Rescue Squad, in Little Meadows Borough, for $20,000.00.

Joseph F. & Kathleen M. Brunt to William & Karen Marx, in Lenox Twp., for $87,500.00.

Anna Race (estate) to Griffiths Family Financial LTD, in Clifford Twp., for $40,000.00.

Patricia A. Crossman to Robert & Patricia Crossman (trust), in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.

Juanita G. Smith to Harold R. & Carol A. Smith, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Donald L. Fenner IV & Chantell L. Fenner to Dean M. & Jane A. Mack, in Brooklyn Twp., for $120,000.00.

T Ellsworth & Bonita N. Singlevich to Ann E. Markley, in Herrick Twp., for $260,000.00.

Patricia Galvin to Deanna Jonas, in Forest City, for $136,500.00.

Edward J. & Rebekah S. Burke to Timothy J. Godshall, in Auburn Twp., for $60,000.00.

Claude E. Margeson (estate) to Claude E. Margeson Jr. & Sharon Margeson, in Harmony Twp., for $1.00.

Stephen A. & Albert P. Yatko to Stephen A. & Natasha Yatko, in Lenox Twp., for $1.00.

Leo J. Gosciewski to Margaret Prezelski, in Herrick Twp., for $100.00.

Margaret Prezelski to Margaret Prezelski, in Herrick Twp., for $1.00.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (by atty) to Raymond & Stephanie L. Johnson & Bonnie L. Westcott, in Lanesboro Borough, for $24,500.00.

Pern H. & Sandra A. Shaver to Allen S. Gregory, in Auburn Twp., for $15,000.00.

Alice Marie Stanton (aka) Alice M. Stanton (aka) Alice Stanton to Richard & Penny Lewis, in New Milford Twp., for $25,000.00.

Carl Roderick Smith (aka) Carl R. Smith, Betty Ann Smith (aka) Betty A. Smith, to Allen Robert Smith & Jamie Lynn Bistocchi, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Robert & Mary Bonavita to George A. Harsel & Marcia L. Bertram, in Auburn Twp., for $42,000.00.

Horace E. Baldwin (trust by trustees) to Debra A. Baldwin, Dianna Albright & Bonnie L. Gall, in Rush Twp., for $1.00.

Richard E. & Charlotte B. Place to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of Dept of Transportation, in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.

Hope Dennis (estate) to Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust, in Brooklyn Twp., for $1.00.

Richard J. & Frances J. Sheldon to Richard J. & Frances J. Sheldon, in Thompson Twp. & Jackson Twp., for $1.00.

Calvin A. Liguori (trust by trustee) & Mary Kathyrn Liguori (trust by trustee) to Shailen R. & Rosita M. Shah, in Harford Twp., for $400,000.00.

Brian D. Hill to Patricia A. Hill, in Lenox Twp., for $1.00.

Brian D. Hill to Patricia A. Hill, in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.

Robert William Moore to Susan Mary Taylor & Kevin Joseph Moore, in Uniondale Borough & Herrick Twp., for $1.00.

Jo Ann Lombardo to Kari Forys & Taylor D. Smith, in Forest Lake Twp., for $75,000.00.

James W. & Ilene M. Miller to Jennifer Carol Hill, in Great Bend Borough, for $113,000.00.

Jane K. Clague (estate) to John R. & Elaine Kruger, in Liberty Twp., for $1.00.

Douglas J. Campbell to Douglas J. Campbell & Cynthia Marie Boscia, in Jessup Twp., for $1.00.

Jeffrey Hunter Smith to Jeffrey Hunter & Kimberly Faith Smith, in Harford Twp., for $1.00.

Sarah A. Gardner (nbm) Sarah A. Hudson (aka) S A Hudson & Codie A. Hudson to Sarah A. & Codie A. Hudson, in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.

Harold Walker & Wendy Rounsaville to John S. Pepkowski III & Wendy Pepkowski, in Franklin Twp., for $61,500.00.

Shirley B. Lavigne (aka) Shirley Lavigne to Louis James Reed, in Brooklyn Twp., for $4,500.00.

William R. Wallis (aka) William R. Wallis & Florence B. Wallis to Randy & Lynn Wallis, in Clifford Twp., for $80,000.00.

Edgar S. & Phyllis L. French to Susan M. & Shawn Roy, in Harmony Twp., for $1.00.

Walter & Rosemarie Johnson to Walter J. Johnson (trust), in Herrick Twp., for $1.00.

Gene Samuel MacMullin (estate aka) Gene S. MacMullin (estate) to Donald L. & Patricia King, in Auburn Twp., for $130,000.00.

Carmen W. Marzocco Jr. & Constance L. Wilson to Jose M. Nunes, in Springville Twp., for $80,000.00.

Boyd Raub (aka) Boyd William Raub & Rose Raub (aka) Rose E. Raub to Boyd William and Rose E. Raub (trust), in Harford Twp., for $1.00.

Louis Joseph Mastronardi to Mark L. & Debra L. Andre, in Bridewater Twp., for $275,000.00.

Rita A. Graham, William Graham & Mary Alice Babcock, to Michael J. & Lyn L. Coleman, in Rush Twp., for $90,000.00.

George T. & Beverly D. Moore to George T. & Beverly D. Moore, in Jackson Twp., for $1.00.

Ronald M. Walter to Walter Family Trust, in Silver Lake Twp., for $1.00.

Rona Conrad (by sheriff aka) Ronda Shoemaker (by sheriff) to Federal National Mortgage Association, in Lathrop Twp., for $2,422.96.

William Manduke Jr. (estate aka) William Manduke (estate), Donna MacMillan & William Joseph ManDuke III to Michael J. & Michelle E. Kowalewski, in New Milford Twp., for $260,000.00.

Curtis Irrevocable Catastrophic Trust (by Trustee) to Curtis Irrevocable Catastrophic Trust, in Harmony Twp., for $1.00.

Dale & Debra Jo Severcool to Sheena Jo Severcool & Jessie Lee Shadduck, in Dimock Twp., for $1.00.

Carmella & Joseph Nowalk to Tanya M. Rudock, in Brooklyn Twp., for $1.00.

Carmella Trevison (nbm) Carmela Nowalk (aka) Carmella Nowalk & Joseph Nowalk to Tanya M. Rudock, in Brooklyn Twp., for $1.00.

Robert E. & Betty A. Boyanowki to Robert E. & Betty A. Boyanowski, in Rush Twp., for $1.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna county DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 9:30AM on AUGUST 10, 2012: Jeremy E. Anderson, Melanie M. Barber, Christina M. Barron, Tonya S. Birchard, Chad C. Chauncey, Anna Dembitsky, David J. Fischer, Keith R. Hurd, John J. Jenisky, James Karhnak, Kay L. Knolles, Lee Labor, Todd J. Layton, Charlie L. Legere, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Michael Maryasz, Ronald N. Mitchell, Donald Palmer, Perry Rohan, Bruce A. Schurr, Christie L. Sheptock, David J. Shiner, Jerome W. Slick, Tina M. Smith, Sinon C. Smith Jr., Eric J. Snell, Justin S. Thompson, Earl H. Thompson, Robert J. Twilley, Ryan Warnagiris, Steven G. Warner, Kelly Lynn Yarbrough. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Commercial Vehicle Crash: On August 9th at 6:32 pm William Carpenter of Fulton, Ny was traveling in a southern direction on Sr 0081 in Great Bend Township with a truck-tractor/semi-trailer with a permitted oversize load. At the same time Kariann Eide-Lindsay of Elmira, Ny and Brittany Utegg of Lakewood, PA had pulled over and stopped along the right/western shoulder due to the poor visibility caused by a severe thunderstorm with heavy rain. The oversized/over width portion of the load hauled by the tractor trailer impacted the rear and left side of Eide-Lindsay, pushing it forward into the rear of the Utegg's vehicle. The tractor trailer continued in a southern direction causing the load to impact with the left side of Utegg's vehicle. Only Eide-Lindsay sustained minor injury; most people were utilizing a seat belt.

Crash: On August 3rd at 6:20 pm Mark Smith of Hunlock Creek was traveling south on Sr 267 in Rush Township when, for unknown reasons, he went out of control. The vehicle traveled onto its side and into the embankment off the west shoulder of the road. Smith was utilizing a motorcycle helmet; he sustained moderate injury and was transported due to injuries sustained. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

Crash: On July 30th at 8:54 pm 3 motorcycles were traveling in a line east along Sr 4014 in Friendsville Borough. The operator of the first motorcycle struck a deer that ran into the road. The second motorcycle was able to swerve away from the first when it went down. Then motorcycle number three went down while attempting to avoid hitting the first. The third motorcycle did not strike the first motorcycle or the deer. The operators of the downed motorcycles were transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment of injuries. Two of the motorcyclists were injured; they were utilizing helmets.

Theft by Deception: A Little Meadows man was scammed via the internet, between June 24th and the 29th of July. The man suffered a monetary loss of $224.68.

Crash: On July 31st at 9:45 pm Dennis Karp of Nicholson struck a dog in the road and his motorcycle fell over. Karp was utilizing a helmet; he was not injured.

Theft: Between the 30th and 31st of July, one or more unknown perpetrator(s) arrived at a location in Middletown Township and proceeded to load a Case 780-20 ton front end loader onto a trailer. The front end loader belonged to a Kingsley woman, and was parked alongside the road. It is described as being orange in color, with rubber tires, and from the year 1981. Anyone with information is urged to please contact the police at (570) 465-3154.

Theft of a Motor vehicle: Between the 5th and 6th of August, during the night or early morning hours, the truck belonging to a Nicholson man was stolen from Rt 11 in Lathrop Township, when the perpetrator(s) found the keys in the cup holder, and drove it away.

Crash: On August 5th, at 10:05 am Michael Beauharnois of Binghamton, Ny was traveling southbound on Interstate 81 and exited the highway at a high rate of speed. Unable to make the turn, his vehicle struck the concrete barrier. Beauharnois and two passengers were utilizing seatbelts; no one was injured. The driver was cited for driving too fast for conditions.

Collision-Traffic: On August 5th at 1:23 am Melissa Valentine of the Susquehanna area exited the roadway after negotiating a right curve. The vehicle began a counter clockwise rotation and struck an embankment, beginning a rolling maneuver toward the passenger's side and coming to a final rest off the roadway, overturned. Velentine and two passengers were all transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries. Seatbelt use was not mentioned in the report.

Theft: approximately 140 catalytic converters were removed from Cosmello's U-pull-it in New Milford borough. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police at 570-465-3154.

Burglary: On July 30th, between the hours of 7:45 am and 4:45 pm a Lenox Township residence was entered and lady's costume jewelry removed from within. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Hit and Run: On August 2nd, at 9:14 pm Susy Silva of Brampton, On and an unknown driver were both traveling south on Interstate 81 in Lenox Township when the unknown driver struck Silva's vehicle from behind. After impact, Silva veered left into the grassy median. The other driver continued to travel south without stopping. Silva's vehicle sustained considerable rear bumper area damage and required towing from the scene. The other vehicle sustained heavy front bumper damage. No injuries were reported.

Burglary: Between the 15th and 28th of July eight campers belonging to four victims, located on Bed Bug Road in Oakland Township, were burglarized. Numerous items were stolen from within, including a Phoenix Arms .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun, an industrial generator, ammunition, Motorola hand held radios, chainsaws, and a Horton crossbow. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Crash: On August 3rd at 9:57 pm Adam Michalski of Thompson was traveling south on Sr 92. As his vehicle began to negotiate a right hand curve, it crossed the on-coming lane and struck the guide rail on the left side of the roadway. It then proceeded to cross the lanes again and struck a utility pole on the right side. It came to a rest facing a westerly direction. A passenger was transported to Barnes Kasson Hospital for minor injury. He was utilizing a seatbelt. The driver was also utilizing a seatbelt; and sustained minor injury. He was cited for Driving on Roadways laned for traffic. Assistance was provided at the scene by Harford Township volunteer Fire Company and Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Company.

Theft: Between the 28th of July and the 1st of August, a cell phone was stolen from the purse of a woman visiting from England. The cell phone was valued at $500; the incident occurred at Camp Tioga in Thompson Township.

Burglary: A report of a burglary is being investigated at a Tiffany Road location, where one or more burglar(s) entered the residence and removed only jewelry from a victims' bedroom. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

Theft from a Motor vehicle: On August 2nd at 4:45 pm, money was stolen from the purse of a victim at the Liberty Trailer Park in Liberty Township. The purse was inside of her parked vehicle, a 1999 Dodge Caravan. A total of $300 cash was stolen.

Burglary: Between July 22nd and 28th in Lenox Township an unsecured detached garage was entered. Once inside a Kawasaki dirt bike was removed from within; it was parked directly behind the bay door. A Burton snowboard was also removed. The motorcycle is described as a 2005 Kawasaki KX 250, green in color and missing the rear fender. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.

Theft: On July 13th at 3:55 pm new kitchen cabinets were removed form a house owned by a Great Bend victim.

Anyone having information regarding any of these incidents is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.