They worked on it for nearly a month. And it only took 3 more hours at a special meeting on November 20th for the Harford Township Supervisors to finish up a budget to propose to the taxpayers. Three hours of painstaking, line-by-line scrutiny. And at the end they and the taxpayers were saved by the gas industry.

The Harford budget is in 3 parts. The “township” budget, financed by property taxes, an earned income tax (EIT), and miscellaneous revenues from interest, fees, fines and such, pays the wages of the township’s workforce (about $105,000, or about 30% of the total, considerably more if health, pension and social security benefits are included), maintains the township’s properties, buildings, office and some of its equipment, pays its tax collectors and lawyers, and insurance. The “state” budget is paid for largely by liquid fuel subsidies from the state and covers all of the major road maintenance, including most of the stone and other materials, some major equipment purchases and repairs, pipe, road signs and fuel for the township’s vehicles. The “sewer” budget is covered almost exclusively by fees paid by sewer system subscribers and includes all maintenance to the system and sludge removal, as well as a portion of some employee wages and legal expenses.

For 2013 none of the 3 parts came out balanced after the first cut; they were all in the red, by a total of about $80,000.

The budget for the sewer system game them the most trouble. For the first 12 years or so fees were fixed at $32 per month per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU), of which there are now about 268. Fees are now at $38 per month per EDU. A major upgrade to the sewer plant on Burns Road this year caused the Supervisors who double as the Harford Township Sewer Authority to borrow $150,000. Expenses for the sewer system next year are expected to be about $158,256. Revenue is estimated at $125,072, considering that a portion of assessed fees, like taxes, will be hard to collect. The Supervisors considered it unwise to try to recoup 12 years of lost revenue in one swell foop. So they had already decided to boost fees by $3 per month per EDU. The township will only be able to collect 9 months of that during the budget year since notices of the increase will only go out after the budget is formally adopted next month and bills are issued only quarterly. A similar increase was imposed for 2012.

There’s not much the Supervisors can do about the “state” part of the budget. State liquid fuel subsidies have been declining gradually for some years. With revenue expected to total $205,561, and expenses estimated at $175,561, they needed to come up with another $30,000 to balance it, and Supervisor Garry Foltz insisted that the budget be balanced without recourse to “cash on hand” (accumulated reserves).

Of course the “township” budget is of most interest since direct taxes are involved. The Supervisors made few major changes to individual line items in the township budget for 2013, but it still came out at $347,367, an increase of only about $10,000 over 2012, but with revenues expected to reach only $323,412.

Act 13 to the rescue! The state Public Utility Commission awarded Harford Township $128,246.76 (watch for that 76¢) of the more than $208 million collected as “impact fees” from natural gas exploration activities during 2011. Supervisor and Township Secretary Sue Furney even had the check on exhibit, and wanted to know what to do with it.

The obvious thing to do with it was to wipe out the deficit, which they did, allocating $25,000 to the township budget, $30,000 to the state budget, and another $25,000 to the sewer budget. Supervisor Doug Phelps was first to declare that he wouldn’t “go for a tax increase,” and recommended distributing the new-found windfall among the parts of the budget to bring them into balance. The remainder would be put out at interest  less than 1%, but at least it’s something.

The new budget will be available for inspection until next month. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors will be on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Township office on Route 547. Donations graciously declined.

There were more than the standard visitors at the November 21st New Milford Township meeting. The beginning of the meeting passed smoothly, with no questions or objections to the minutes, treasurer's reports, or old business sections of the agenda.

When new business began it was stated that the supervisors had to vote on entering into an agreement with landowners with respect to the NRCS stream channel project. It had to be taken care of for 10 years after the project was completed, and the agreement would relieve the township of some of the responsibilities for this, as it would revert back to the landowners.

The NRCS bids were then opened. A meeting had been held and the contractors been required to come and do a walk around of the two stream crossings. The bids were opened that evening, though Mr. Hunter warned that they might not be awarded that night. The lowest bid would still be announced however. Nine bids were received: Don E. Bower ($330,000), Leward Construction ($79,390), Gorick Construction ($232,284), Jay Brenan ($203,665.25), Rutledge Excavating ($97,335), Contour Construction Group ($127,600), Pioneer Construction ($269,800), and the Bill Anskis Company ($113,952). The low bid was Leeward Construction; Mr. Hunter said that they would read the bids over and contact NRCS. Ms. Graham explained that the lowest bidder had four days to comply, and they could then go to the next low bid. A visitor asked about the large discrepancy between the bid prices; Mr. Hunter said that this was why they had to talk to NRCS to make sure that someone didn't miss something, etc.

Susquehanna Gathering had applied to DEP for a BAQ-GPA/GP-5 (Air Quality General Plan Permit). They were granted permission to operate under the guidelines set forth as Federally Enforceable Potential to Emit Limitations. This was as regarded the compressor station, it was stated. Also, the same company had applied to DEP for an ESCGP to run lateral pipeline connecting Pad 10 to Pad 11, and from Pad 37 to Pad 39.

Southwestern Energy had applied to DEP via Meshoppen Stone, Inc. for a permit to crush stone at Pad 11. The same company had also applied to the Susquehanna River Basin Commission for a water consumptive permit at the Loke Pad (#70) in the standard amount of 4,999,000 gallons per day.

Richard Pompey had applied to DEP for a non-coal surface mining permit and was denied due to a lack of information required on the application.

The Blue Ridge School District was approved for an Air Quality Control Plan through DEP; it was believed this was for a wood chip heating system.

Jack Conroy and Jules Graham had been able to raise $1,225 for the MDA fund during the annual lock up fund raiser. This was due to generous donations from community members, vendors, and DTE Energy. Mr. Conroy and Ms. Graham wished to publicly thank the supporters.

Mr. Bondurant said that they were happy to report that they didn't have a lot of damage through the county with Super Storm Sandy. Also, the township had received the final flood maps, which were to go into effect the following April. If anyone wanted to look at them, Mr. Bondurant had them. There had been some questions on the draft flood plain ordinance, (a new ordinance was required to be in compliance) and DCED had scheduled a conference call to discuss this.

Also, he reported that they had heard back from Blue Ridge School, and were looking into the one-call system. They wanted to look into a way to keep in contact with township residents. He wanted more information to bring back to the supervisors. Mr. Hunter asked if they couldn't apply to Susquehanna County system. Mr. Bondurant responded that he also did have information on the County system. This was free throughout the county. He said that he could ask if they could break out a subgroup for New Milford township.

The township had received their impact tax check the other day, in the amount of $271,366 total. Mr. Hunter stated that they had a couple of loans to be paid off (the loader and roller), and the other supervisors agreed with that.

The reorganization meeting was scheduled for January 7th at 6:00 pm with the regular meeting to follow.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 11:30 a.m. on November 21, 2012: Elbert G. Allen, Christopher R. Brenner, Daniel M. Brown, Jason J. Carroll, William J. Casey, Thomas D. Earley, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, Jennifer D. Hazlett, Melinda D. Holbrook, Keith R. Hurd, John J. Jenisky, Jr, Richard E. Kalinowski, Kay L. Knolles, Lee Labor, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Anastacia V. Poff, Joseph M. Rhodes, Perry Rohan, Bruce A. Schurr, Christie L. Sheptock, Desiree L. Shifler, David J. Shiner, Brian R. Shio, Jerome W. Slick, Tina M. Smith, Eric J. Snell, Stephen Sorensen, Jennifer L. Thatcher, Justin S. Thompson, Earl H. Thompson, Jr, Steven G. Warner, Jamie L. Williams, Sr., Dennis Wisniewski, Kelly Lynn Yarbrough, Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Theft: Between November 20th and 21st, one or more unknown person(s) took a set of skid steer forks from a construction site on Harmony Road in Oakland township. The forks are BRADCO, with the serial number welded on it. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

Crash: On November 21st at 7:33 a.m. Erick Montinard of Hainesport, NJ was traveling north I-81 in New Milford Borough when his vehicle traveled off the west shoulder and struck a guard rail end and approximately 30 feet of guard rail. The vehicle then rolled onto its driver's side and came to a rest in the left lane facing east. Montinard was to be cited as a result of the crash investigation. Both he and two passengers were utilizing seat belts; he sustained moderate injury and the passengers minor.

Commercial Vehicle Crash: On November 14th at 1:30 p.m. Quentin Kraynak of Montrose was traveling northbound on Kasson corners Rd. at the same time as Jose Guzman of Gorman, Tx was traveling southbound. Both units approached a limited view, narrow corner in the roadway, at the same time. Kraynak attempted to brake on the dirt road and move to its right, as Guzman jalso braked and moved as far right as he could. The left front corner of the International Harvester DT460 still struck the left front corner of the Dodge 2500 driven by Guzman. Both drivers were utilizing seat belts; neither was injured.

Theft: Between a September date and a November date a victim from Harford Township reported fuel oil missing from a tank.

Theft from Motor Vehicle: On November 12th a gold pendant was removed from a change purse inside the car of a Dimock, Pa woman. The vehicle was parked on Meshoppen Creek Rd. at the time. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

DUI: On November 15th at 6:56 p.m. Michael Salvatore Jr. of Windsor and Chad Pfleegor of Fort Drum, Ny were both traveling north on Interstate 81 in the right lane. Pfleegor was operating the last vehicle of a military convoy. Salvatore Jr's vehicle impacted the rear end of Pfleegor's vehicle, then continued to travel for approximately 1/10th of a mile until the vehicle reached a rest on the shoulder of the highway. Pfleegor pulled over approximately 1/2 mile from the point of impact after the operator felt the impact. Michael Miles of Endicott, Ny was passing in the left lane at the time, and his vehicle was struck by debris and ran over debris from the other two vehicles. He pulled off to a controlled rest on the shoulder of the highway. All were utilizing seat belts. Salvatore Jr. sustained major injury; no one else was injured.

Crash: On November 16th at 9:40 p.m. Thomas Coscia of Watertown, Ny was traveling south on Interstate 81 in the right lane. A deer ran across the highway in an eastern direction. He attempted to avoid striking the deer in his travel lane, however was unable to do so at which time the vehicle impacted the deer. Coscia pulled off to a controlled final rest on the shoulder of the highway.

Collision-Traffic: On November 18th at 2:08 a.m. Karissa Kime of the Dunmore, Pa area was traveling east bound on Sr 374 in front of house #8441 in Clifford Township when her vehicle exited the roadway after crossing the westbound travel lanes. The vehicle impacted a ditch and came to a rest off the roadway. Kime suffered moderate injuries and was transported to CMC Medical Center in Scranton, Pa. The vehicle was towed from the scene by G&G's Towing. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

Crash: On November 13th at 1:15 p.m. Jonathon Clarkson of South Montrose was traveling northbound on Sr 92 in Lenox Township when his vehicle exited the roadway and struck a traffic sign. The vehicle the side swiped a utility pole, continuing north, crossing both lanes of traffic, and striking an embankment. It then rolled onto its right side before coming to rest on its wheels, roadside, facing south. Clarkson sustained minor injuries but refused medical treatment at the scene. Seat belt use was listed as “none used/not applicable”. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Kozlowski's Towing.

Hit and Run: On November 15th at 11:30 p.m. Lee Terebieniec of Kingsley was traveling south on Sr 29. As he was negotiating a left curve int eh roadway, his Volkswagon GTI left the right side of the roadway, and began to spin counterclockwise and across an oncoming lane. The vehicle struck the embankment on the left side of the roadway, continued in a southerly direction, and spun in a counterclockwise direction. It crossed the entrance to the South Montrose Car Wash, continued south, and struck the rear of a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria with its rear. Terebieniec then pulled away from the scene and left in an unknown direction. On November 17th the operator and vehicle were found and the operator was interviewed. Citations were to be filed in District Court 34-3-01.

Crash: On November 16th at 7:09 am Lawrence Rudock of Hallstead and Jeremy Bajkowski of Hallstead were traveling west on Sr 706 at the same time as David Calla of Montrose was traveling East, in Bridgewater Township. While going straight, Rudock's vehicle encountered a steering mechanism failure causing the front tire to twist abruptly. The vehicle began to drive tot the center of the roadway. Calla's vehicle and Rudock's vehicle exhanged a glancing blow to the respective driver's right side front bumper and tire area. Rudock's vehicle continued west and across the oncoming lane, coming to rest on the south shoulder facing west. Calla's vehicle had a tire blow from the initial impact and began to spin counterclockwise into the oncoming lane. This vehicle was facing north in the west bound lane in the path of Bajkowski's vehicle, which impacted the passenger side of the other vehcile and came to a rest facing west in the north side of the roadway ditch. Calla's vehicle came to a rest in the north side ditch facing north. Assistance was provided at the scene by the United Fire Company. All were utilizing seat belts; no one sustained injury.

Assault-Harassment: On November 14th at 11:59 pm Joel Warner of the New Milford area manifested himself intoxicated and began to verbally argue with a female victim, which escalated to the point of physical contact. Warner also engaged in a verbal dispute with a male victim, which resulted in him striking the man above the right eye. He then smashed a window and fled the residence. He later returned to the residence and was taken into custody without further incident. Charges for violations of PACC were pending as of the time of report.

Theft: On November 5th, Cayli Jeffrey stole a 60” Sony TV belonging to a New Milford man and sold it to another woman for $600 dollars. The above accused was charged with receiving stolen property.

Drugs: PSP Gibson is investigating an incident in which a Blue Ridge High School student brought marijuana and a glass pipe into the school on November 14th. Charges were pending for the juvenile offender as of the time of report.

Disorderly Conduct: A juvenile female at Blue Ridge High School used obscene language toward an educator in the hallway at the school, on November 14th. The student had received previous disciplinary action for the same type of behavior already that year. Charges were filed

Crash: On November 10th at 3:50 pm Katie Nye of Montrose was traveling northbound on Williams Rd. at a high rate of speed in Bridgewater Township. Nye's vehicle failed to negotiate a left hand curve in the roadway that had a slight downhill grade, exiting the right side of the roadway and striking a mailbox and a large wooden post. The vehicle continued to travel approximately 90 feet northbound, coming to rest in a harvested corn field. Nye and a passenger were both utilizing seat belts. Nye sustained minor injury; the passenger sustained injury of unknown severity according to the report.

Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition: Between November 12th and 12th a Liberty Township location on Sr 29 was arrived at, and removed numerous construction type tools and equipment were removed from a locked utility trailer. The equipment included a Mitsubishi generator and a Honda generator. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson. The victim is listed as AWK drilling of Turtle Creek, Pa.

Crash: On November 3rd at 1:00 a.m. a Jeep Cherokee, operated by an unnamed driver, was traveling westbound on Sr 706 in Bridgewater Township. It exited the roadway off of the right side of the road for unknown reasons, striking two mailboxes on a post, an MTD riding mower, a Craftsman riding mower, and a 14 foot utility trailer, causing damage to all. The vehicle then left the scene without notifying the property owner or the police.

Crash: On November 12th Stephen Marcy was traveling north on Sr 29 in Liberty Township when his vehicle exited the right side of the roadway and went up an embankment, causing the vehicle to overturn onto its driver's side. Assistance at the scene was provided by the Snake Creek Volunteer Fire Company and Montrose Minutemen. Citations were to be filed at District Court 34-3-01. Marcy was not utilizing a seat belt apparently; he sustained minor injury.

Hit and Run: On November 10th at 11:05 am Christine Lee of South Montrose was traveling south on State Route 11 in Hop Bottom borough at the same time as Joy Davall of Vandling, Pa was stopped at the intersection of Sr 2041 and State Route 11. Impact occurred as Davall pulled out into the intersection and was struck by Lee as she traveled South on 11. After impact, Davall fled the scene north onto State Route 11, turning onto Forest Road, State Route 2020. Lee came to a rest upon the impact. It was originally stated that the offending vehicle was operated by a white male who was observed fleeing the scene. On November 12th Davall admitted to being the driver involved in the crash, after a thorough investigation. Charges of Accidents Involving Damage to Attended Vehicle or Property and numerous traffic violations were to be filed at District Court 34-3-03.

Crash: On November 10th at 1:30 am Kenneth Halstead of Forest City was traveling South along Sr 1037 in Great Bend Township when he fell asleep while driving. The vehicle drifted to the left and went off the road to the East, striking soft earth at the base of a very large tree with its left front tire. This action caused it to both spin in a counterclockwise motion and to begin rolling over to the right. It was then partially rolled when it struck a utility pole. This action caused it to spin in a clockwise direction and finish the roll onto its right side. The vehicle came to a final rest on its right side, facing South, on the East side of the road. Halstead was not injured in the crash and removed himself from the wreckage (he was apparently not utilizing a seat belt). He then summoned friends who returned him to a place of safety. He was to be cited for violations in this crash.

Theft: Between the 10th and 11th of November, during the night or early morning, an unlocked truck was removed from the Gibson Holiday Inn parking lot. The vehicle was a 2006 Ford F250, white in color with a green tailgate. The vehicle also had NABORS on both side doors. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

Theft: On November 11th at 9:03 a.m. the operator of a Green Plymouth Voyager with PA registration plate GKK8561 took $50 worth of gasoline from the Great Bend Sunoco station without paying.

PFA Violation: On November 21st at 9:45 p.m. officers form PSP Gibson responded to an apartment building in Harford Township in reference to a domestic dispute between two Kingsley people. Once there it was discovered that the woman, who had just moved back in, had an active PFA against the man and as a result, she was taken into custody for violation of the same. The man then displayed a belligerent and aggressive attitude towards the officers and after failing to obey numerous instruction to cease and desist his behavior, was taken into custody as well. Both accused were arraigned before district justice Hollister and remanded to the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility in lieu of $7,500 bail. Besides the listed charge, both accused were also charged with Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct and Public Drunkenness (this last violation was only charged to the man).

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

Paul Joseph Kester, 57, of Kingsley, PA to 6 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution for Indecent Assault in Harford Township on January 1, 2004. Mr. Kester also received 5 years consecutive probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive sexual offenders evaluation, not to have contact with the victim, not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18 for Corruption of Minors in Harford Township on January 1, 2004.

Steven D Whritneour, 32, of Montrose, PA to 5 to 10 years in a state correctional facility, pay $1,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Manufacture, Delivery or Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver in Susquehanna on May 31, 2012. Mr. Whritenour also received 7 years probation to run concurrent with the above sentences, pay $200 fine and cost of prosecution for Criminal Use of a Communication Facility in Oakland Township on March 18, 2009. Lastly Mr. Whritenour received 7 years probation to run concurrent with the above sentences, pay $200 fine and cost of prosecution for Criminal Use of a Communication Facility in Oakland Township on March 18, 2009.

Christopher Daniel MacNamee, 51, of Johnson City, NY to 4 months to 18 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages or Controlled Substances, not to have contact with the victim, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess firearms/weapons, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Simple Assault in Bridgewater Township on December 3, 2011.

Mark Steven Swingle, 31, of Forest City, PA to 10 days to 18 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $200 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 Ems, pay $100 Act 198 fee, no to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to enter any establishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcoholic beverages, continue with drug and alcohol treatment, complete safe driving school program for Driving Under the Influence in Forest City on June 16, 2012.

Jason Stuart Aronowtiz, 43, of Montrose, PA to 5 years to 10 years in a state correctional facility, followed by 10 years probation, pay restitution to victim’s compensation, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, submit DNA sample and pay $250 DNA testing fee for Aggravated Assault in New Milford Township on May 20, 2011.

Shane Repsher, 29, of Montrose, PA to 18 months probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim, 50 hours community service, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Springville on November 7, 2011.

 Michael Anthony Sipple, 19, of Nicholson, PA to 12 months probation, pay restitution to the victim, pay $200 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victim in this case, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in Lenox Township on February 9, 2012.

Sinon Charles Smith, Jr, 20, of Montrose, PA to 1 month to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess firearms/weapons, pay restitution to the victim, not to have contact with the victim in this case for Receiving Stolen Property in Harmony Township on January 22, 2011. Mr. Smith also received 12 months probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, 10 PM curfew, no contact with anyone on supervision for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Susquehanna Borough on May 29, 2012.

Samuel Edward Ressuguie, 20 of Hallstead, PA to 18 months probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case for Receiving Stolen Property in Great Bend Township on February 2, 1012. Mr. Ressuguie also received 23 months probation, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victims in this case for Criminal Mischief in Hallstead and Great Bend on April 20, 2012.

Larry L Norton, 57, of Montrose, PA to 20 months probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, complete Anger Management Course, take all prescription medication for Simple Assault in Montrose Borough on August 10, 2012.

 Shawn M Ace, 40 of Belleville, NJ to 23 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to threaten the victim’s children, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Stalking in Susquehanna Borough on June 13, 2012.

David Mason, 28, of Montrose, PA to 10 to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 2 years probation, pay $500 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay cost of prosecution, perform 50 hours community service, not to have contact with persons on supervision, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, not to enter any establishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcohol for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Susquehanna Borough on June 21, 2012.

Jason Michael Delong, 29, of Brackney, PA to 4 months to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $500 additional fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, take defensive driving course for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police in Silver Lake Township on June 23, 2012. Mr. Delong also received 18 months probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $500 additional fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude in Silver Lake Township on August 15, 2012.

 Donald R Handsom, 50 of Hallstead, PA to 30 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 Ems, comply with ignition interlock law, complete safe driving school program, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Driving Under the Influence in Hallstead on April 1, 2012.

Paul Formosa, Sr, 46 of Great Bend, PA to 12 months probation pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution for Unsworn Falsification to Authorities on August 5, 2011 in New Milford Township.

Clinton Johnson, 32, of Tunkhannock, PA to 12 months to 24 months in a state correctional facility, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess controlled substances, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, 10 PM curfew, drug and alcohol evaluation, mental health evaluation for Simple Assault in Dimock Township on March 15, 2012. Mr. Johnson also received 5 years probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay $150 fine, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay cost prosecution, 10 PM curfew, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances for Stalking in Bridgewater Township on June 19, 2012.

FIRE - On 10/04/2012, SLTPD responded to a structure fire on SR 267 Forest Lake Township and immediately started an investigation until the PSP State Fire Marshall arrived on scene. No one was home at the time and extensive damage was done to the entire residence.

MVA/ Reportable- On 10/11/2012, a flatbed commercial vehicle loaded with two large boulders was traveling south on SR 167 when the vehicle got off of the edge of the roadway and over compensated trying to get back on. The truck crossed over the north bound lane and went into a resident’s yard. There were no injuries and the vehicle was towed out of the ditch and was drivable. Witnesses verified that the vehicle was not speeding.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON - On 10/12/2012, a suspicious person dressed in black was reported walking haphazardly on SR 167 near the Silver Lake Township line. The individual was approached and was walking from Montrose to his residence in Silver Lake Township. SLTPD gave the individual a courtesy ride to his residence.

DOMESTIC/CIVIL MATTER - On 10/12/2012, the C.C. reported a domestic in progress on Brackney Hill in Silver Lake Township. SLTPD responded and the investigation showed that the situation revolved around a custody battle between a former husband and wife involving two young children. All parties involved were interviewed and given instructions on how they were to resolve the situation in the courts immediately following the weekend.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE - On 10/13/2012, the C.C. reported a domestic in progress on JC McNamara Drive in Silver Lake Township. An investigation at the scene revealed that the couple had been having some recent problems and were separated at this time. They also have a young child. One party was staying at the residence and the other with family members. After interviewing both parties and other family members; both parties agreed to work things out in a civil fashion.

THEFT - On 10/14/2012, a theft was reported which allegedly had happened during a garage sale at the victim’s friend’s residence. A handgun was one of the items reported missing or stolen. This incident is still under investigation.

THEFT/CREDIT CARD/FRAUD - On 10/16/2012, a Forest Lake Township resident reported that he received close to 3,000.00 in charges on his credit card that they didn’t make and it showed a name he nor his wife were familiar with. The investigation continues with the credit card company and other out of state agencies.

RECKLESS DRIVING - On 10/16/2012, a vehicle was reported speeding and driving recklessly on several occasions on SR267 in Forest Lake Township. The vehicle was passing everyone and forcing vehicles off of the road. Multiple people reported the same activity. SLTPD concentrated in the area and the activity has stopped for now.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - On 10/17/2012, a Forest Lake Township resident reported damage to his property that had been going on at his property on repeated occasions. He suspected a youngster neighbor was involved and an investigation by SLTPD showed the same. At this time the situation is being handled through the school system, case workers and no criminal charges are being filed.

FIRE - On 10/17/2012, a fire was reported at a residence in Forest Lake Township. SLTPD responded and a lawnmower had totally burned up and the fire was prevented from starting a grass or dwelling fire.

VEHICLE STOP (ATTEMPT)/ TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS - On 10/17/2012, a suspicious vehicle which had been previously reported driving recklessly in the area of SR 267 Forest Lake Township, was spotted on SR 267 and an attempt to stop the vehicle resulted in the vehicle speeding away south at a high rate of speed. The person was ultimately apprehended in SL Township and charged with multiple violations.

PFA/VIOLATION - On 10/18/2012, while SLTPD was on routine patrol in Silver Lake Township, a vehicle was recognized belonging to a PFA violator. The defendant was taken into custody and transported to District Court 01.

DISABLED VEHICLE - On 10/18/2012, two gas well 18 wheeler trucks were traveling south on SR 167 when one cab hydraulic line caught on fire and potentially could have burned up the entire cab. The drivers were able to retard the fire with their fire extinguishers until SLT Fire arrived. The cab was saved but damaged. The tow service out of mid PA was hours away. Traffic control was required for 7 hours until the trucks could be cleared from the scene.

THEFT - On 10/18/2012, a Silver Lake Township resident reported that his keys had been stolen from his residence including house and vehicle keys. The vehicle appeared not to be entered. This incident is still under investigation.

ASSIST OTHER AGENCY - On 10/24/2012, a cell phone was lost, misplaced or taken in the Montrose Borough area. The tracking system showed that it was moving around in the Silver Lake Township area. SLTPD was able to track the GPS signal to the location and the phone was retrieved and returned to the owner. The holder was trying to call the cell phone owner and had made contact.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - On 10/25/2012, a Silver Lake Township resident reported that numerous electrical lines to outside lights had been intentionally cut and lights removed from the property. Investigation at the property verified that these seasonal and party lights had been cut. This incident is still under investigation.

911 HANG-UP CALLS - There were two calls in Forest Lake Township and one in Silver Lake Township.

MAX SEC ALARM CALLS - There was one in SL & one in FL Township.

MEDICAL ASSIST - There were two calls in Silver Lake Township.

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