Newspapers are getting smaller, even disappearing, with the headlong rush to publish on-line, and Christina Whitney doesn’t want it to happen to the Raider Reader.

At the Blue Ridge School Board meeting on January 7th, Abby Kerr, Allison Coller, Adam Ferg-Demopoulos and their advisor, Kimberly Davenport, gave the Board a preview of the on-line version of the school newspaper, the Raider Reader, that is expected to make its debut soon. Under development for some time already, the digital publication is providing students with plenty of learning opportunities in journalism as well as coding for the world wide web, according to Middle/High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski.

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Ms. Davenport and Abby Kerr briefing the board on the digital Raider Reader

Using an “open-source” package called Joomla, the students have had to debug pages that refused to look like they wanted. Just locating a bit of invisible text and changing its color took them more than a week. But they were clearly proud of their achievements, and look forward to keeping the Blue Ridge community up to date with the latest sports scores, and even video clips, along with the latest news once they are comfortable with the stability and appearance of the site.

Board member Ms. Whitney, however, said she would not support doing away entirely with the paper version of the Raider Reader. She said that there are many in the community who do not have the kind of on-line access that will allow them to read the digital version regularly. Mr. Nebzydoski said that the school plans to produce a couple of paper issues yearly, but that most of the effort will be on-line due at least in part to budgetary constraints.

Mr. Nebz also introduced one of his exceptional seniors. Samuel Brush gushed his enthusiasm for everything Blue Ridge, mentioning especially Ms. Zakarauskas, who introduced him to the world of music. He wants to be a pastor, and has been accepted at Valley Forge Christian College.

Outstanding Senior Samuel Brush

Mr. Nebzydoski also thanked Alicia Ross “for an outstanding job of motivating others” in the effort to outfit a classroom with Chromebook computers through a website called donorschoose.org that allowed the purchase of 30 machines at a reduced price. Donations were supplemented by a contribution from the Tourje family, owners of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Telephone Company, through the local Community Foundation.

Two committees met before the business meeting opened. Harold Empett’s Facilities & Grounds committee heard a report from Maintenance Director Kevin Price covering several issues, some of which could be pricey:

A technician from Chiptec inspected the operation of the district’s wood-burning boiler, made some minor adjustments, and pronounced it in good shape overall following a recent renovation, particularly considering its age.

The Board needs to pay a bill of $14,815 to Johnson Controls on a contract for “measurement and verification” services following last year’s upgrade of many of the campus systems to improve energy efficiency. The district is obligated for another $45,790 over 3 years under the contract.

Altogether, the schools are consuming considerably less energy. So far this school year has been markedly colder than last and yet the boilers have used approximately 24 tons less in wood chips than last year.

A representative of Pella windows will visit the campus to inspect a number of window frames that appear to be rotting. No one was even aware that the frames were wooden.

A schedule of roof warranties shows that the one over the high school is about to run out, but the contractor is unwilling to discuss an extended contract until the primary warranty has expired.

A company called EnerNoc that claims to deliver “comprehensive demand response, or demand-side management” in the energy industries, is offering to pay the district $31,000 over 5 years for an agreement under which Blue Ridge would be obligated to cut its electricity consumption by 200 kilowatts during declared energy emergencies in the summer months. The contract defines the summer months as between June 1 and September 30. The committee is interested in the proposal and will ask to see a representative at a future meeting. They are particularly concerned, however, that a cut in power during September might be difficult, since the school is in session during that period.

Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner asked the committee to consider a proposal by Robin Waldowski, currently a substitute teacher at Blue Ridge and a New Milford resident, to engage high-school artists in creating a mural in the hallway outside the gymnasium. If Ms. Waldowski has to give up her income as a substitute teacher for this project, the Board might consider some compensation. Otherwise she estimated costs at about $20-25 per gallon for about 9 gallons of paint. The committee agreed to hear more details, and suggested that the project begin after the close of the basketball season. And perhaps instead of a mural painted on the wall, perhaps a series of panels like those in the cafeteria might work better.

The Board’s Policy Committee also met to consider a couple of initiatives. Superintendent Robert McTiernan reported that the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) the Harrisburg lobbying group for the state’s public schools is offering to consolidate some of the district’s monster policy manual. He said that for $1,200 the PSBA would bring together the 3 separate staffing policies for administrators, teachers and non-professional staff into one. He said he thought the job could be completed by September. The price, which Mr. McTiernan considers a bargain, would include legal review. Retired teacher and former Board member Joseph Conigliaro said that the last time the PSBA helped to reorganized the district’s policy manual, the process was “very smooth.”

Board member John Ketchur had proposed a change to a policy governing “uncompensated” time off for the staff. Compensation, of course, may include benefits as well as salary, and the question is whether or not the district should pay benefits for such leave. According to Mr. McTiernan 3 of the five other districts in Susquehanna County pay no benefits for periods of uncompensated time off.

Mr. McTiernan said that “[some] people work for the benefits,” particularly among the non-professional staff, and seem to be absent more often than not. “We would like to have our folks here,” he said, recommending that supervisors have a chat with staff who take frequent uncompensated time off to find out if they really want to work at Blue Ridge. Administration rules now require that staff use personal days instead of uncompensated time off when possible. Absent staff can each cost as much as $100-200 per day, or more. The new policy would cut off benefits after 10 days of uncompensated leave. Such leave would be granted only for a few narrowly-defined purposes declared in advance.

The Board’s business meeting itself was relatively routine. They accepted a report provided earlier by the district’s independent auditors on its finances for the year that ended last June. One of the items in the audit, of course, covered the district’s self-funded health insurance plan. The auditors did not express an opinion about the fiscal health of the plan, but encouraged the Board to put as much into its reserves as possible. When the Board was considering its treasurer’s report, Michael Detwiler asked Business Manager Loren Small about a the disbursement of over $140,800 from the fund in November. Mr. Small replied that the expense was about average.

The Board approved the resumption of the “volunteer exercise program” for district employees under Cheryl Farrell as an unpaid volunteer instructor for the remainder of the school year. The measure was recommended by Mr. Detwiler’s Wellness Committee.

Members also approved an addendum formally recognizing the adult woodworking class directed by volunteer Curt Hepler that, according to Mr. McTiernan, has been going “for decades.”

And the Board approved the appointment of Amy Zakarauskas to the Schedule B position of director of the high school theatrical production. There has been some confusion about this position and a corresponding situation in the Middle School ever since the Board last year decided to merge the functions under one director in order to save money. Ms. Zakarauskas directed the Middle School production last Autumn; the half-time director in the High School resigned that position leaving the High School musical leaderless for the Spring event until now.

You should be able to keep up on a lot of this in the Raider Reader, coming soon to a computing device near you. In the meantime, consider visiting the Board’s next workshop on Tuesday, January 22, 2013. There will be a budget session on January 15, but you won’t read this in time for that. Most meetings begin at 7:30pm, but committees often meet earlier; most meetings are held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School. That’s handy for occasions like this. January is School Board Appreciation Month in Pennsylvania, so a luscious cake was provided to celebrate in lieu of the traditional certificates. The cake was embellished with the slogan, “Thanks for all you do.”

While the Great Flood of 2006 may have played some role in the borough’s shrinkage, Lanesboro Mayor Chris Maby placed the blame squarely on the federal government for shortchanging Lanesboro’s population statistics. “We know they’re (people) still there because we’re getting payments in lieu of taxes,” said Mayor Maby. He was referring to the folks who reside at Turnpike Terrace apartments on Turnpike Street in Lanesboro. With the Census Bureau tally showing 14% shrinkage in borough population from the year 2000 to 2010, Mayor Maby’s investigation into the apparent disappearance of over 80 residents revealed that Census Bureau maps were wrong. The Census Bureau had incorrectly shifted a good chunk of Lanesboro residents into Susquehanna Depot, thereby dropping Lanesboro’s population from 588 in 2000 to a mere 506 in 2010. Although Lanesboro has not lost any revenue due to this “faux pas,” readers can be sure Mayor Maby will stay on top of the matter to help the Census Bureau see the error of its ways.

Incorrect Census maps weren’t by any means the only concern of Lanesboro’s borough council. Council members present for the 7 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, January 8, were President Todd Glover, Vice-President Dan Boughton, Regina Dilello, Jason Fissel, Colleen Y. Wilkes, and David Glidden; Dale Rockwell was absent. Beside the aforementioned Mayor Maby, Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan was present, as well as half a dozen residents of the borough to observe and comment.

Also of great concern to the borough was the newly-constructed parking lot for the Community Center. The job wasn’t up to specifications and will have to be redone by the contractor - at no additional cost to the borough. In the spring, the pavement will be milled off, repaved, and striped, to the specifications originally agreed upon, but not correctly completed the first time. The borough will also be posting new signs to guide traffic in one direction around the Community Center.

Sidewalk snow clearance was discussed during the meeting. An email, as well as a verbal complaint indicated that the snow blower was angled incorrectly and had piled up snow on residents’ porches and houses. Corrective actions were taken and the issue is now considered resolved.

The meeting’s early moments were marked with solemnity as all present stood in a moment of silence for recently deceased borough resident Miles Limbert, as well as for those victims of the mass murder at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

That mass murder continues to impact communities and school districts across the nation. Mayor Maby briefly outlined a number of safety measures already taken at Susquehanna Community School District. He further explained that with Lanesboro the host borough for SCSD, he was in discussion with the District Superintendent, Bronson Stone on further steps being considered, including beefed-up police protection. While those arrangements have not yet been finalized, and are contingent on School Board approval at next week’s work session and board meeting, Mayor Maby wanted to reassure those present that proactive security measures were being implemented. The Mayor also made clear that while the borough would have a role in the upgraded security, the measures taken would not result in a local tax increase since grants were likely available to assist with costs that might be incurred.

The Mayor’s Police Report for December 2012 seemed mundane by comparison. Lanesboro Police clocked 125.5 hours patrolling/policing Lanesboro and spent two additional hours in court for the month of December. Their report showed 25 traffic stops, with 15 citations issued and 10 warnings given. Those 25 stops were made for speeding violations (19), inspection violation (1), careless driving (1), oversized load (1), failure to signal (1), and equipment violations (2). Non-traffic-related responses included incidents described as follows: welfare check for a domestic victim; chimney fire; assist to Susquehanna Depot P.D. for a disorderly conduct, and a second assist for a suspicious person; patrolling SCSD for Christmas activities inside and out with assistance by Susquehanna Depot P.D.; child custody issue; possible suicide attempt; and littering with beer bottles. Arrests were made on December 21st for P.F.A. violation, and December 26th for trespassing and theft.

For the borough of Thompson, Mayor Maby reported Lanesboro Police completed 11.5 hours on patrol, and one-half hour in call out. They made 11 traffic stops, with citations issued in nine cases, and warnings in two. The stops were made for speeding violations (7), stop sign violation (1), inspection violation (1), and equipment violations (2). Two non-traffic-related responses were made, one for an open burning complaint, and one for a welfare check on a child.

More issues of major consequence occupied council’s time. Council unanimously approved the plans/drawings set forward by Mayor Maby for the Community Center renovations. Those plans are to be submitted to an engineer for review, followed by submission to Council of Governments (COG) for a permit, and subsequent advertising to put the job out to bid upon COG approval. Included in council’s motion for approval was a provision to put out for separate bid the alarm system wiring of all interior offices of the Community Center. Once all construction is completed, the main room will be made available for social occasion rentals.

One of council’s more pressing issues was discussion of time-sensitive, must-pass legislation: a Flood Plain Management Ordinance (FPMO). The most recent FPMO dates to the late 1970’s and is classified as obsolete by federal authorities, namely FEMA. The new ordinance must be in place before the end of April 2013 or there could conceivably be repercussions unpleasant for borough residents living in what FEMA considers to be the flood plain. Council members were concerned about the exact wording of the ordinance, and it was agreed that the borough’s solicitor, Myron DeWitt, should be present at the next borough council meeting to provide enlightenment.

Solicitor DeWitt’s presence will also be requested to provide answers concerning the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). The problematic proposed ordinance was again tabled until next month’s meeting. In the discussion that did take place prior to tabling, Councilman Fissel asserted that the IPMC severely over-regulated and should focus more narrowly on rental and owner-occupied residences, with regulation of residential interiors limited to rental properties. Mayor Maby suggested that for borough residents to file complaints against other property owners the method would not be anonymous; rather, complainants would necessarily have to file an affidavit to back up any complaint, and complainants should also be prepared to go to court, if necessary. Complainants requesting enforcement of the IPMC against a neighbor, he theorized, could do so only as concerned code violations readily observable from the street. Tenants of rental properties could, theoretically, file complaints concerning interior code violations against their landlord. Solicitor DeWitt and council will be busy indeed should they move ahead with a line-by-line review of the IPMC in future meeting/s.

Finally, under new business, Mayor Maby mentioned that he had received a call from the Regional Executive Director of the Red Cross. Regular readers of this column may recall that at December’s borough council meeting, Lanesboro resident Bob Mireider recounted his loaning of a hand-cart to the borough and Red Cross during the Great Flood of 2006; and that council, unable to account for the hand-cart’s whereabouts six and one-half years later (on short notice), had agreed to make Mr. Mireider whole. The Red Cross Executive Director, Carmine Russo, having read of the account, inquired of Mayor Maby if there was anything he could do to right the situation. Mayor Maby thanked him, but was at the same time able to decline his assistance, as the subject hand-cart had been located by a council member. At that point, Council Vice-President Boughton picked up the story, relating that he had cogitated over the matter and finally recalled in what dark corner of the borough the hand-cart might be found. His search being fruitful, the hand-cart was reunited with its long-suffering owner, and such blossomed a felicitous ending for all concerned.

Council closed the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The borough’s next monthly meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5, when weighty matters will again be discussed and decided, tabled or tackled.

At the January 3rd 2013 meeting of the New Milford Borough Council, which ran shorter than is the custom, various annual appointments were made. Michael Briechle was appointed to be the solicitor for another year, with Rick Ainey being the sole vote against this. Mr. Ainey explained that he had no problem with Solicitor Briechle's abilities or rate, but thought he sometimes took liberties. People's bank was designated to be the borough's bank, and both the Susquehanna County Transcript and the Montrose Independent were made newspapers of record. Phil Hari was appointed Chairman of the vacancy board, Jim Carpenetti the Emergency Management Coordinator, and Steve Ferenczi and Chris Allen were appointed to the Municipal Authority. Eleanor Lempke's term on the Zoning Hearing Board was renewed. It was stated that the borough still needed someone on the Zoning Hearing Board, as well as a Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator.

Some updates were provided regarding code enforcement matters. The Codes Enforcement Officer had been up on a local property reported to have unregistered vehicles, and had only seen two there. However, he had been unable to get fully up on the property. He had also visited the burned out house and the house on Montrose Street, discussed at the previous meeting. He had sent the properties' owner a letter regarding non-compliance on both, under the borough's nuisance ordinance.

Ken Carey had met with someone regarding the COG lease, and alterations were made. It was decided that a meeting should be set up to discuss it further, and that he would keep council updated on the negotiation.

Larry White broached a need for fuel oil for the garage. Teri Gulick stated that she had attended the Municipal Authority meeting and they had agreed to pay for the next tank of fuel.

Borough secretary Amy Hine reported that she had not heard back yet regarding whether or not the balance of the grant money could be reimbursed to the Parks Association. There was then further discussion regarding the creation of a Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. Ainey said that it would take an act of council to create it. Ms. Gulick agreed that the borough should have a board, as there had recently been large projects and it would bring added accountability. The board would have to abide by a new law, and would be required to have minutes, a treasurer, etc. Mr. Carey opined that it would also provide additional transparency. Mr. Ainey suggested that the new law be sent to the solicitor for his review. Ms. Gulick asked what the first step would be. Mr. Ainey thought that an ordinance was needed, but offered to do research.

The question was raised regarding the street work on Maple Street. The work was done, and Mr. Ainey asked what the situation was regarding funding. Ms. Hine responded that as the work was comprised of small projects, the borough had to submit them together as one for funding. This was motivation to move forward on the Peck Hill drainage project.

Council recognized the service of community member Richard DeAngeles, who voluntarily used a snow blower to clear the walking track.

Donna Cosmello stated that she had met with Gary Baker from DCED, regarding the matter of economic development. He was coming to Susquehanna County for a meeting, and had offered to then come to the borough to meet with them to discuss potential funding.

The Earned Income Tax meeting for employers with Berkheimer representatives was officially scheduled for January 22 at 4:00 pm, it was announced.

Following the planning commission meeting of Tuesday, January, the 8th, the County Commissioners opted to move the venue of their meeting to the upper courtroom. As is the norm the brief agenda went by as a blur of unanimous concent for the workings of the county. Thanks was offered to individuals for continued service, and payments approved for training. The three commissioners were only paused a moment to explain the hiring of Robert Stoud, the Emergency Management coordinator for the county to a part time position on the drug/DUI task force at the request of Jason Legg the District Attorney. The position was contingent on yet unsecured grant funds.

Public comment was consumed with discussion of the current noise level allowed from compressor stations. As well as the topic of the new Dimock compressor station which had been covered in the preceding nights meeting. Again the public on hand requested noise meters and training for county personnel to investigate the issue of excessive noise from the numerous compressor stations throughout the county. Additional concerns were raised about irregularities in the planning commission meeting, from lack of reorganization to members resigning after a closed door session, and a failure to close in the proper manner. Chairman Hall was unable to comment as he had not attended the meeting which occurred less then a day before, and had previous meetings wednesday which would require him to investigate the matter at a later time.

Great Bend Township opened the year with a reorganization that saw no serious changes to board or appointments. The few members of the public had gathered to show support for the council and voice concerns. Of concern to the council was the need to fill a vacancy on the sewer authority and to fill an emergency management position, both of which carried over from last year. Individuals interested in either position should contact the council.

Public comment was brief, as the topic of a memorial park which had been organized but little work had been done on was addressed; plans for more work to be done after the spring thaw were welcomed. Individuals would begin seeking funds from organizations to realize this projects fruition. Some road work was still needed in several locations as water is skipping embankments and making some roads treacherous with black ice. The council promised to look into the situation and rectify it with all due haste.

Sadly the road crew had applied “boulders” during the recent storms to some roads. Clearly the nature of the issue was that particulate for traction which was beyond the norm for the incline on some roadways had been applied. The council did commend the employees for their handling of the storm and promised to investigate and rectify the matter of proper aggregate selection for the various roadways which the borough encompasses. As always the council would appreciate hearing of public concerns as only through notification and investigation can change occur on the borough level.

The Oakland Borough Council was pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Page to their body. After months of extensive searching, and requests for the public to submit nominations, Eric was sworn in and joined his fellow council members for what was surly one of the simplest meeting the council could have hoped to hold. The flu having struck several members all were reminded to strive to stay healthy in the coming weeks.

With the new township computer on order, the floodplain insurance ordinance nearly finalized, and a new SEO in place, even the mayor was pleased to point out the drop in activity for the police over the last month.

All the council had left to approve was a reassignment of some funds to the water authority. Public comment was limited to concerns to school children using crosswalks, which was beyond the scope of the council’s ability to handle in the meetings time frame. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 11:25 a.m. on January 11, 2013: Elbert G. Allen, Jeremy E. Anderson, Sr, Sharon Baker, Christopher R. Brenner, Sarah A. Briggs, Daniel M. Brown, William J. Casey, Thomas D. Earley, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, John J. Jenisky, Jr, Richard E. Kalinowski, James Karhnak, Kay L. Knolles, Lee Labor, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Ricahrd A. Murphy III, Anastacia V. Poff, Anthony Reed, Perry Rohan, Bruce A. Schurr, Neil D. Shaffer, David J. Shiner, Jerome W. Slick, Eric J. Snell, Stephen Sorensen, Tessa E. Thomas, Justin S. Thompson, Earl H. Thompson, Jr, Steven G. Warner, Roger Williams, Jamie L. Williams, Sr., Dina C. Wilson, 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 by Unlawful Taking: On December 8th Lawrence McGuire of Hallstead allegedly stole pain prescription medication from a Hallstead woman's residence. The accused was charged at District Court 34-3-02. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the accused is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

Criminal Mischief: Sometime overnight on January 2nd a paintball was fired at the residence of a Hallstead man, damaging a screen.

Cruelty to Animals: On December 30th troopers from the Gibson station responded to a Dimock Township location for a report that Matthew Debonis of that municipality shot his neighbor's dog. On the way to the scene troopers intercepted the victim transporting the injured dog to the Clarks Summit Emergency Veterinary Clinic. It was determined that the dog had a gunshot wound to the chest. Troopers then responded to the road. Evidence was photographed and it was determined that the accused shot the dog when he crossed onto their property, with a 22 caliber rifle. Charges for cruelty to animals were to be filed on the accused. “Bear” was transported to the Clarks Summit Emergency Veterinary Clinic; the bullet missed all vital organs and the vet said he is expected to make a full recovery.

Commercial Vehicle Crash: On January 2nd at 6:37 pm Larry White of Laceyville and Donald Cook of Rome, Pa were both traveling on State Route 3003 in Auburn Township when White failed to negotiate a right hand curve and went onto the snow covered shoulder, losing control. His vehicle then veered into the opposing lane of travel and struck Cook's vehicle head on. Both came to a rest upon impact. White's vehicle had considerable front bumper area damage and required towing from Mile Hill. Cook's truck had minor front bumper damage. Both men were utilizing seat belts; White had a busted lip but refused medical attention on scene.

Crash: On December 27th at 4:40 am Michael Kelvin of Ottowa, On was northbound on I 81 in the left lane when he lost control of his vehicle on the snow covered roadway while negotiating a slight left hand curve. The vehicle exited the roadway off the east berm and struck a guide rail and a traffic sign, coming to rest on top of the guide rail. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Vogel's Towing of New Milford. All involved were utilizing seat belts and/or child safety seats; no one sustained injury.

Theft: A crime occurred as Jennifer Spadine worked cleaning the homes of two Dimock victims and allegedly took jewelry from both residences, subsequently pawning it at a pawn shop in Binghamton. The accused was charged with theft.

Crash: On December 29th Nichole Fuller of Brackney was traveling east on Sr 4002 in Silver Lake township at the same time as Taylor Britton was traveling west. Fuller's vehicle began sliding out of control into the lane of Britton's vehicle, resulting in a collision. Both were utilizing eat belts; Fuller sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash.

Crash: On December 26th at 3:37 pm David Hunsay of Port Crane, Ny was traveling north on the Bridgewater and Wilkes Barre Turnpike in Silver Lake township when his vehicle slid off the road due to the snow conditions, impacting a ditch and rolling onto its side.

Crashes: On December 29th at 11:47 pm Gennadiy Kalish of Philadelphia was traveling north on Sr 81 when, while negotiating a right hand curve, his truck tractor began to slide across the other northbound lane. The vehicle impacted the guide rail, then began to jackknife and came back across the right lane. In what appears to be related to this incident, John Rooney of Topeka, Ks and David Walker of Montrose were also traveling north in Lenox township. Rooney was trying to avoid the jackknifed truck and semi-trailer and came across the center line, striking Walker's vehicle in the front right wheel area. Walker's vehicle continued north and came to a rest on the left shoulder. Rooney's vehicle continued north past the other crash and came to a rest on the right shoulder. All three drivers were utilizing seat belts; no one sustained injury.

Crash: On December 26th at 10:14 pm Susan Nickel of Clifford township was traveling west on Sr 374 when her vehicle exited the right side of the roadway and impacted with a utility pole. The Dodge Ram 1500 then proceeded to overturn and came to a rest on its wheels. Nickel and a passenger, James Haubert of Clifford Township, left the scene prior to the trooper's arrival. Assistance was provided at the scene by Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Company. Haubert was utilizing a seat belt; Nickel was apparently not doing so. Neither one sustained injury.

Hit and Run: On December 26th at 10:55 pm Moustapha Seck of Charlotte, NC was traveling north in the passing lane of Sr 81 in Lenox Township while another vehicle was traveling in the right lane. The trailer from that other vehicle exited the right lane and struck the rear right corner of Seck's vehicle, which then spun counterclockwise and struck the trailer with the right front corner. Seck's vehicle then traveled across the right lane and shoulder and struck the guard rail. The other driver continued north without stopping. Seck's vehicle was driven to a point of controlled rest approximately 2/10 of a mile north of the crash scene. Seck was utilizing a seat belt; he was not injured.

Commercial Vehicle Crash: On December 26th at 3:56 pm Lindsey Pratt of Hop Bottom was traveling north at the same time as Valeri Klenosky of Montreal, QC was traveling south. The two were driving south on Sr 11 in Lathrop township. Pratt's vehicle began to slide and spin out, crossing the southbound lane and into the path of Klenosky. Pratt's vehicle then sput across the northbound lane and came to a rest on the east side. Klenovsky came to a rest in his lane facing south. Assistance was provided at the scene by Hop Bottom volunteer fire company.

Criminal Mischief: Kyle Smith of New Milford and Ryan Allen of Nicholson were charged with Criminal Mischief after a Jermyn man reported that they damaged his car on December 27th at 9:15 pm.

Terroristic Threats: PSP Gibson is investigating an incident in which Scott Groover of Susquehanna allegedly threatened to shoot three victims in their household. Groover was charged with terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment, criminal mischief, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Crash: On December 21st at 9:40 am Amanda Maffett of Binghamton was traveling south on Sr 267 in Rush township when, while attempting to pass a white truck in a passing zone, her vehicle slid on a water covered roadway. The Blazer struck trees with its right side and came to a rest on its right side facing northwest, in a creek that went over its banks. Maffett and three passengers were utilizing seat belts; all sustained minor injury.

Scattering Rubbish: Between the 24th and 25th of December a truck was driven to the property of a Clifford man in Lenox Township and approximately 50 passenger vehicle tires were disposed of on his property without his consent. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police station.

Attempted Burglary: Between the 20th and 21st of December, the screen was removed form the basement window of an Ararat township house. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police station.

Crash: On December 22nd at 11:30 am Michael Fidurski of Montrose was traveling south on Sr 167 in Bridgewater township when, while negotiating a left curve on slushy roadways, he lost control of his vehicle, which started to slide toward the oncoming traffic. Fidurski attempted to gain control as his vehicle struck a tree on the right side of the road. It traveled back onto the roadway before coming to a stop. Both the driver and a passenger were utilizing seat belt and both remained uninjured.

Commercial Vehicle Crash: On December 22nd at 4:50 am Herbert Gleason of Laceyvill was traveling on Sr 2053 in Dimock township when, while attempting to make a hard right turn, he pulled into the oncoming traffic lane to make the swing, and the rear tires on the trailer slid off the road. This caused the tractor trailer to flip onto its left side. The trailer then struck a tree. Gleason was utilizing a seat belt; he sustained minor injury.

Crash: On December 22nd at 1:40 pm Jessica Krupski of Albany, Ny was traveling downhill on Sr 2027 in Herrick township when her vehicle exited the right shoulder of the roadway, struck an embankment, and rolled over onto its roof. Krupski was not injured as a result of this crash and was wearing her lap and shoulder belt at the time.

Crash: On December 22nd at 10:35 pm an unnamed driver was traveling east on Sr 374 in Lenox township when, while negotiating a left curve in the roadway, he lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle exited the roadway, struck an embankment with its right side, and rolled onto its left side before coming to a rest. Both the driver and right front passenger escaped injury. The right rear passenger was transported to CMC in Scranton via Greenfield Ambulance for minor injuries. Both passengers listed in the report were utilizing seat belts. Information on the driver wasn't available in the report.

Crash: On December 22nd at 7:30 pm two unnamed drivers were traveling north on Sr 81 in Great Bend township when one sideswiped the other. The offending vehicle proceeded to travel north on that road.

Crash: On December 8th at 1:19 am Shane Coburn of Lawton was traveling east along Sr 706 in Rush township when his vehicle crashed into the guardrail. The Ford F250 continued on its easterly path while overturning, then struck the porch columns of a building and came to a rest against a large tree. Coburn fell asleep at the wheel. He was transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment of minor injuries; he was utilizing a seat belt.

Crash: On December 21st at 12:34 pm Jonathan Daniels of Simpson was traveling northbound on Sr 2023 when he lost control on a snow covered roadway. The vehicle exited the road and struck a tree.