Barely 10 minutes it took, and they didn’t even seem to be hiding anything. The Hallstead Borough Council meeting for March on the first day of Spring wasn’t a record for brevity, according to some witnesses, but it may have been close.

Council chair Michele Giangrieco kept asking Borough employee Jim Canfield if there had been any complaints, probably hoping to have something to discuss. Alas, the town is quiet as winter winds down.

The Borough is preparing to open its ballfield on the 3-lane. According to Borough Secretary Cindy Gillespie the infield is almost down to stone. The Blue Ridge School maintenance crew would like to apply 2 loads of topsoil and 2 loads of “conditioner” to the field to get it ready for Spring competition. However, the school district is only willing to pay for 1 load of each. The district, being in a financial pinch, is trying to cut costs and has told the Borough that their crews will maintain the field only through their own season. Council voted to go along and buy the other 2 loads for $1,605 so the field can be put into condition for the upcoming season. Ms. Gillespie said that the Borough would mow the field for the remainder of the summer, after the school season is complete.

The Borough also heard that the new shed for the park is ready and awaiting a gravel pad, which in turn is awaiting better weather.

Ms. Giangrieco wanted everyone to know that the Borough has a stock of photo voter ID forms available. For those without a driver’s license, the simple form can be filled out and taken to the driver license center in Montrose to get a photo ID at no cost. New state law requires voters to present a photo ID at the polls. This free service is for anyone without a driver’s license who would like to vote this year.

Still no complaints, and there being no further business, the Hallstead Council wrapped up while it was still daylight.

Want a brief respite from a hectic day? Try the next Hallstead Borough Council meeting, scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 18, 2013, on the second floor of the Borough building at Franklin and Lackawanna Streets.

One meeting this March wasn’t enough for Garry Foltz, chair of the Harford Township Supervisors. They met again on Tuesday, the 19th, beginning a half hour earlier than usual. There was no formal agenda. Mr. Foltz simply ticked off a list of items he wanted to talk about.

The Supervisors made a minor change in the new flood-plain ordinance requested by the county, and another one in the employee “time-off” policy. The latter was to insert the phrase “by the immediate supervisor or the Board” in the part that requires prior approval for time off. Mr. Foltz thought that without the new language just about anyone on the crew could give anyone else time off.

There was some talk at the meeting a week earlier about granting only a six-month waiver of the noise ordinance on a request by Cabot Oil & Gas for some drilling activity in the Podunk Road area. This time, however, they approved the request for a year-long abeyance. The Supervisors will also be seeking a lease on the 1.38 acres they are acquiring for the village Water Authority once the deed is cleared. Mr. Foltz noted in addition that the company building the new Constitution Pipeline hopes to conduct some public information events in advance of formal application for the project, expected in June.

The major part of the meeting was consumed by discussion of the township’s needs for stone, fuel and such for road work over the coming year. The Supervisors will be soliciting bids for “up to”: 3,000 tons of 2RC stone; 3,000 tons of 2A stone; 5,000 tons of #67 anti-skid stone for winter ice; 100 tons of 2B stone; 2,000 tons of R4 stone; 2,000 tons of R3 stone; 500 tons of state-certified black cinders for winter ice

6,000 gallons of bio-diesel fuel; 28,000 gallons of AEP/EDP oil for dust control; 35,000 gallons of calcium chloride for dust control.

Supervisor and Township Secretary Sue Furney said they need not solicit bids for culvert pipe since their needs would likely fall below the $18,000 threshold, so they can purchase pipe on telephone quotes.

There was some question about whether the Township can use off-road fuel (which is cheaper) even though they often run vehicles on state roads. Ms. Furney is in contact with a contractor who may be able to furnish more information.

Mr. Foltz reported that $18 million of the portion of the Act 13 “impact fee” money allocated to the state may be available to counties and municipalities for “structurally deficient bridges,” or “at-risk bridges.” Harford has one of those, at the lower end of Lower Podunk Road. The Township may be able to contract with an engineering company to develop a bid for some of that money. The last bridge the township replaced, over Butler Creek on Pennay Hill Road, cost nearly half a million dollars, in that case fully reimbursed by emergency management agencies as a result of flooding from 2006 onward.

The Supervisors continue their concern over the finances of the sewer system. When the system was built back in about 1995 the monthly rate for properties on the system was $32 per EDU (equivalent dwelling unit). The fee has been raised periodically to the current $41, but that may not be enough, however cheap it is compared to similar systems in other nearby communities. Mr. Foltz said that the Supervisors, who double as the Harford Township Sewer Authority, should perhaps consider annual increases of about 5%.

In the meantime, the Supervisors are trying to track down the cause for a doubling in the electricity bills for the sewer plant since its renovation last year. Three new blowers were installed with larger motors that were nonetheless supposed to be more efficient.

The Sewer Authority is also paying down its remaining debt faster than necessary. When the Supervisors refinanced the original loan to get a better rate, they decided to continue paying at the old level, thus paying down the principal a bit faster. Some money could be saved by reverting to paying at the required rate on the new loan.

The next meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors is expected to begin at 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 9, at the Township office on Route 547.

There’s a new horse in town, and he (or she) is none too welcome in Lanesboro. Neither are the newfound fowl-feathered friends of the horse like to find any hospitality within boro limits. The discussion of how best to execute eviction of these invaders was perhaps the most light-hearted of Lanesboro Boro Council’s fortnight-delayed meeting.

The Tuesday, March 19, meeting was a redux of the March 5 monthly meeting which failed to garner a quorum. Though to be fair, council had already scheduled a meeting for March 19 for the sole purpose of opening sealed bids for community center renovations. Present for this meeting were Council President Todd Glover, Vice-President Dan Boughton, Council members David Glidden, Jason Fissel, Regina Dilello, and Dale Rockwell; Mayor Chris Maby, and Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan. Councilwoman Colleen Y. Wilkes was absent.

Before council discussed fowl/equine evictions or opened sealed bids, the better part of an hour was spent catching up on routine borough business. Upon opening the meeting, President Glover extended a formal welcome to Councilman Rockwell, “Welcome back, Dale!” Mr. Rockwell appeared in fine form and well recovered from that which had laid him up for most of last year.

Routine unanimous approval of the February 5 meeting minutes followed, along with reading of correspondence by Secretary Hanrahan and Mayor Maby. Mrs. Hanrahan noted that the borough had received a letter of thanks along with donation from Oakland Borough Council for their use of the Community Center for their monthly meetings. Mayor Maby reported that the borough’s insurance premium would be rising by about a hundred dollars, from $400 to $500, due to the rise in replacement costs for the community center from $100,000 to $200,000. Council’s unanimous affirmative roll call vote approved payment of the increased premium and replacement value.

President Glover invited public input at this point in the meeting. And while no one had specific comment at first, President Glover “encouraged” audience members to get it off their chests whatever they wished to say. His “encouragement” brought forward the 800 pound gorilla - residents’ opposition to imposition of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). President Glover and council had obviously well-considered the long-standing and resolute opposition and predetermined a course of action, as evidenced by the fact that the IPMC was not even listed on the meeting’s agenda.

President Glover, with support of council and Mayor Maby, put forward a plan to hold an open meeting this summer to discuss the IPMC at length; to have the borough’s Solicitor Myron DeWitt was present to discuss the code’s legal aspects; and to have a Council of Government (COG) representative explain the code’s beneficent qualities. By all objective observations borough residents - at least those who attend monthly meetings - remain implacably opposed to further regulation, much to the dismay of elected officials who extol the code‘s virtues. Council and mayor believe the issue has been in limbo long enough and are determined to bring it to a vote. Those with strong opinions on the matter may wish to share them before the heat of summer, and battle, arrive.

The Streets Committee reported that the borough will be submitting a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) before March 31, with the aim to have Barnes and Side Avenues paving and drainage projects completed this year. The CDBG is a 100% grant and requires no matching funds from the borough. Another street to be repaved at no cost to the borough is Depot Street, which should be, according to Mayor Maby, repaved by the middle of April.

Also provided by Mayor Maby was the borough’s police report for the month of February. It showed 137.5 call-out hours, including nine hours in Thompson and six hours at Susquehanna Community School District. For Lanesboro there were 16 traffic stops, with nine citations and seven warning issued for the following causes: Speeding violations (9), Inspection violations (2), Stop-sign violation (1), Registration violations (2), and Equipment violation (1). Arrests were made for harassment by communication, harassment and trespass, and for drugs found (charges pending); as well as the service of arrest warrants in three cases, two of which resulted in arraignments, and one with court settlement.

For their nine hours of patrol in Thompson, Lanesboro police made 15 traffic stops, with 10 citations issued and five warnings given. Reasons for the stops included: Speeding violations (12), Required to be licensed (1), Equipment violation (1), and Registration required (1). Police additionally filed a crime report for theft by deception.

In the Sewer/Refuse Committee Report, council noted that the dump truck was seriously rusted and in need of preventive and corrective maintenance to make it and keep it roadworthy. Council President Glover also acknowledged that the Tri-boro Sewer Authority is still interested in purchasing the borough’s sewer system, but nothing is happening quickly due to higher priority issues at the Sewer Authority.

Under Old Business, council needed little discussion before passing their new Floodplain Ordinance. As Mayor Maby explained, council had no free-will choice in the matter. Without passage of the ordinance borough residents would be unable to purchase flood insurance. On the roll-call vote all council members voted “aye.”

Also under Old Business the borough’s One-call system (emergency phone notification) setup was discussed. Only about 30 percent of the borough’s households have elected to voluntarily participate in the program. Councilman Fissel and others expressed interest in going door-to-door to explain the program’s benefits to those who had not taken the opportunity to enroll. All agreed, however, that house calls would have to hold off till Old Man Winter left town.

Which brings us back to this story’s beginning: the chickens and the new horse, who will necessarily have to leave town too. Seems the “resident” chickens, horses, and other farm animals have grand-fathered residence in this borough, so they’re on the right side of the law. Those “newcomer” chickens and horse can’t be made legal, not no-how, not no-way. Mayor Maby volunteered to “ride herd” on seeing to it that proper authority remove offending alien equine and fowls.

And what of the original reason for the evening’s meeting - to open sealed bids. Well, it turned out that council received one - and only one - bid; that of one Fissel Construction Co. for $34,500, to complete all the interior renovations council desired. Councilman Fissel explained how costly it was to put in doors, to make a new doorway, and to grind down the structure’s concrete deck. Not having set aside nearly so much for the project, council discussed the matter at length, then came to consensus, as President Glover expressed it, “to table until next meeting to research adequate funding for it.”

That “next meeting” is right around the corner, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, at the Community Center. Council shall surely hear if any alien avian still foul their burg or foreign equine neigh to their “nay.”

Supervisor Jim Hunter returned from a one month absence to join his cohorts at the March 20th New Milford Township meeting. The meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes.

Quite a while ago, Mr. Hunter stated, people had attended the meeting regarding a subdivision for the Vancott farm. The county had pretty much approved it, and the supervisors had no objection to it so long as they followed the sewage plan.

Southwestern Energy had applied for a drilling permit for an additional well to be drilled off PAD 23 near Mitchell Hill. The pad was not currently built.

Susquehanna Gathering Lines was applying for an Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit for a pipeline to run from roughly Franklin Township to the compression station (CDP1). The meeting ended in roughly 11 minutes.

Ms. Graham was asked to explain an item which wasn’t on the agenda. She reviewed some of the services available through the Area Agency on the Aging. The agency was currently serving 34 residents in the New Milford Township area alone. They relied mostly on grants and funds from the state to operate, in addition to donations. The costs for the different services provided were relatively low, she stated. They wanted to know if the supervisors were interested in donating to the cause. Mr. Hunter quipped that seeing as he was getting up there, he would suggest $300 a supervisor. Ms. Graham said that based on the budget she was okay with that. Mr. Hunter asked to confirm that they could afford that, and it was responded that they could.

Mr. Bondurant asked if it would be possible for a list to be obtained of the people being assisted, as they might be those who would need additional assistance in case of an emergency. There was some discussion regarding this, and whether it would be given to them given confidentiality issues. It was suggested that this could be discussed with the AAA, and that residents using those services who might need additional help could be encouraged to contact the township office themselves. The borough secretary could be reached at 465-3749 on Monday through Wednesday 9-2.

Each year the township sponsored the local government contest at the Blue Ridge Elementary, the secretary explained after the meeting officially ended. This year, instead of doing a coloring contest or an essay contest they were holding a collection contest, collecting items for troops. The items requested were Department of Defense approved. The grade level that collected the most were to win a goody bag with patriotic prizes and movie tickets good for one child and one parent admission to a movie of their choice. The Montrose Movie Theater was donating the adult ticket, and co-sponsoring the contest. The collection was to occur the week of the eighteenth (the week of the meeting), with the winner announced on March 28th.

Chair Reddon opened the Susquehanna Borough Depot meeting at 7pm with a majority of her council present, only Paul Barnes and Joe Varsic were in absence. What would follow would be a blur of partial information, missing information, and overabundancies of information. With no public comment at the start, a head first dive into the fiduciary report was made.

Multiple audits had been performed in the past month. Sadly the system for organizing the needed information was in need of reorganization. Going forward all information will be kept in a more organized single system, allowing point of demand access.this will stream line compilation of data for filing as well as redundant checks. The IRS was lacking some information and the borough was diligently working to provide the corrected forms in a timely manner. The two vehicles out for bid found several parties interested in the Ford 550. However the former cruiser was not able to receive sufficient bids, it will be re-advertised in the coming weeks in hope of finding a bid above the price for scrap.

Police Chief Sweet had pursued continuing safety training and is now certified to train other officers in the usage of a tazer unit. This will allow a lower cost to train fellow officers. His training comes at a great time for the borough as 2 part time positions in law enforcement are now open. These positions will be posted in the near future and the council will make hiring decisions based on the advise of the mayor and police chief.

The borough has a new policy for substance abuse among its employees. The “substance free work place policy” was initially adopted with no question or comment from the council. Chair Reddon had done all the leg work on finding a company to administer the random tests required by the new policy. However, while she had chosen to advance the employment of “independent drug and alcohol testing” she was ill prepared to produce the financial information needed. Council member Crawford seemed particularly stunned that a body which had been known for being hawkish on expenditures would now consider granting a contract with no written copy present, or even an estimation on hand. Council members Zayas and Williams both recalled previous presentations on the matter and believed an amount of $150 per test had been offered by another service provider. Seeing as the current allotment in the budget was in the area of $4500 an amended motion to proceed with the hiring, contingent upon the documentation that it would stay in budget was advanced and passed.

Little league season is around the corner and a full season from April thru July is planned. The hometown days festivities are now slated for August 8-10. The traditional parade will take place on the ninth and fireworks will commence on the tenth. The carnival will begin set up on the fifth, so individuals driving thru the municipal parking area should expect equipment being placed for the enjoyment of the community. The parade is contingent on the timely filing of a form due to PennDOT, which was now in hand and hopefully would be completed in time.

Susquehanna Community School District Board Directors approved the following personnel actions during their regular meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2013.

Added to the Substitute List: Kathryn Matis - Elementary Certification – Teacher; Erin Sackett – Teacher; Earl Cottrell - Maintenance & Security’ Shannon Buck - Van Driver; Stephanie Major - Short-Term H.S. English; Robert Wayman - Van Driver.

Hired for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years: Kathryn Matis - Yearbook Advisor; Lawrence Tompkins - Senior Class Advisor; Carol Bushong - SADD Advisor; Julie Gallo - RTI Coordinator; Hannah Taylor - Scholastic Bowl Advisor; Paul Rooney - Varsity Assistant Football Coach; Stephanie Ficarro was hired for a 90-day H.S. Aide position.

Hired for the 2012-13 school year: Jon Carpenter - Long-Term 93 days H.S. Substitute Teacher; Susan Day - Boys’ Jr. High Track Coach; Tiffanie Wolf - Track Helper.

Resignations accepted: Robin Burdick for Jr. High Boys’ Track Coach; Paul Rooney - Jr. High Football Coach.

Volunteers approved: Charlie Wormuth - Varsity Softball for the 2013 Spring Season; Craig Hubal - Varsity Football for the 2013 Fall Season.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 9:55 a.m. on March 22, 2013: Elbert G. Allen, Sharon Baker, Beau Baker, Christopher R. Brenner, William J. Casey, Thomas D. Earley, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, MaryJo Gana, Keith R. Hurd, John J. Jenisky, Jr, Kay L. Knolles, Whade A. Koch, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Robert Lewis, Heather L. Nystrand, Mary Perschau, Sunshine X. Quick, Lacy M. Quick, Anthony Reed, Bruce A. Schurr, Neil D. Shaffer, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Stephen Sorensen, Tessa E. Thomas, Justin S. Thompson, Earl H. Thompson, Jr, Steven G. Warner, Roger D. Williams. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals. 

Crash: On March 13th at 4:09 pm Craig Spross of New Milford was traveling south on State Route 11 in Great Bend when, for unknown reasons, he left the roadway and struck a utility pole. After striking the pole, the vehicle continued to travel south where it impacted with a tree and came to a final rest. Spross and a passenger were utilizing seat belts; he was uninjured but the passenger sustained an injury of unknown severity. The passenger was taken to Montrose Hospital by Great Bend/Hallstead Ambulance. The vehicle was towed by America’s Best Towing.

Terroristic Threats: Between the 11th and 12th of March, a juvenile male told another juvenile male that he was going to stab or shoot him. The incident occurred at Blue Ridge High School in New Milford. Charges were pending as of the time of report.

Burglary: A crime occurred as Wesley Freeman is accused of breaking into the residence of a man in Clifford Township, through the kitchen window, damaging the locking mechanism. Freeman then took 2 blank checks and subsequently forged the victim’s name, cashing the checks at the Tobyhanna Credit Union in Scranton, Pa for $1550. Charges were pending as of the time of report.

Theft of a motor vehicle: Between February 20th and March 10th a man had his ATV parked on Fountain Road in Clifford Township. Unknown perpetrator(s) arrived at the property, pushed the ATV to the road, and loaded it into an unknown vehicle, fleeing the scene undetected. The vehicle is described as a 1988 Honda 250.

Theft of Services: Between the 11th and 12th of March, residential trash was dumped in the commercial dumpster at the Lunkerz Deli in Clifford township.

Commercial vehicle crash: On March 11th at 8:50 pm Dana Francis of Binghamton was traveling in a south-western direction on Froest St., approaching Sr 11 in Hop Bottom borough. As the Peterbilt truck traveled through a railroad tunnel it lost control and struck the wall of the tunnel, continuing to travel south-west where it struck a wall and then a house at 145 Forest St. The truck then continued to travel south-west through the house until it impacted a garage, coming to a rest partially in the garage. The house was occupied by one resident at the time of impact. The resident was transported to CMC Hospital for treatment. Francis was utilizing a seat belt; he sustained major injury. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

Crash: On March 11th at 11:20 pm Phillip Curran of Brackney was traveling northbound on Sr 0029 when he lost control of his vehicle, which traveled across the southbound lane and off the roadway. It traveled approximately 25’ northwest form the roadway before going up an embankment, then continuing north parallel to th roadway. It then proceeded approximately another 100’ where it struck a tree with the left side oft eh vehicle, then continued approximately 15’ before striking a second tree with its left said, and approximately another 30’ wehre it struck a third tree. The Subaru then continued another approximately 21’, striking several more trees with both sides of the vehicle prior to coming to a rest at an impact point, facing in a northwesterly direction. Seatbelt use was listed as unknown. The driver was sustained an injury of unknown severity.

Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana: On February 24th at 11:36 am William Green of Fredrick, MD was a passenger in a blue 2003 Ford Expedition with MD registration, which was stopped for a motor vehicle violation. An odor of marijuana was emitting from inside the vehicle. Consent to search was asked and granted verbally and in writing. The search yielded two glass bowls and a bag of marijuana. Information was gathered roadside to file charges against the accused and he was released as per rule 519. The evidence seized was placed into evidence at PSP Gibson. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-02.

Access Device Fraud: On March 5th the credit card belonging to a Hallstead woman was used without authorization to make a purchase. The incident remains under investigation.

Harassment/Criminal Mischief: On March 10th at 10:00 pm a juvenile male allegedly struck a woman at the Colonial Brick Inn in Great Bend Township, and dented her car.

Theft-Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle: On March 6th at 4:44 am a 2002 Jeep Liberty belonging to a Scranton man was stolen, and later recovered at a location in Harford. It was discovered that the vehicle was in use without the victim’s authorization. The perpetrator, Omar Bailey of the Newark, Nj area, was also found to be wanted by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, NJ, and remanded to the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility. Charges were pending for violations of the PACC as of the time of report.

Crash: PSP Gibson is investigating a one vehicle crash that occurred on Fisk Mill Rd. in Bridgewater Township. The vehicle, a fuel tank truck driven by Daniel Tamburro of Montrose, was traveling east on Fisk Mill Rd. and failed to negotiate a left hand curve in the roadway, subsequently rolling onto its roof. PSP was assisted by Montrose Fire, Montrose EMS, and the Department of Environmental Protection. The driver was transported from the scene by Montrose, EMS to the Endless Mountain Health Systems for minor injuries.

Lost and Found: On March 10th at 5:36 pm an unknown female dropped her book bag in the parking lot of the Flying J Parking Lot. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

Possession- Small Amount Marijuana: On March 8th at 6:18 pm a traffic stop was conducted on Harrison Nogin, while he was on Sr 2081 in New Milford Township. While conducting the traffic stop a strong odor of marijuana was detected in the vehicle. A plastic bag containing marijuana and a pack of e-z wider rolling papers was subsequently recovered from the vehicle. Charges were pending as of the time of report.

Arrest Prior to Requisition: On March 6th at 6:33 am Omar Shareef Bailey of the Newark, Nj area was found to be wanted by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Nj. He was arrested as a fugitive from justice and remanded to the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility.

Crash: On March 9th at 6:48am Tory Newhart of Meshoppen was traveling east on the Dimock to Brooklyn Road in Dimock Township when she failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, traveling off the road into a ditch. The vehicle then struck several trees and overturned, coming to rest in the middle of the road on its roof. The driver was utilizing a seat belt; she sustained minor injury.

Hit and Run: On March 7th at 5:30 am Leeann Evans of Mentor, Oh was traveling west on Creamery Road in Clifford Township when she failed to negotiate a left hand curve and lost control. The vehicle entered a clockwise rotation, traveling approximately 237’ from the north shoulder, across both lanes and off the south shoulder, where it struck a tree with the passenger side. Evans was not injured; seat belt use was listed as unknown.

Criminal Mischief: A Hallstead man reported that sometime overnight between the 3rd and 4th of March, his mailbox was smashed.

Theft: A crime occurred as Joseph Lee was accused of taking fuel from the Uniondale Fire Department over the course of the past year, totaling around 100 gallons. The accused was arrested for theft.

Theft: Sometime between the 5th and 8th of March two bags of aluminum cans and copper wire were taken from the property of a Nicholson woman, in Lathrop Township.

Crash: On March 6th at 9:28 am Casey Brogden of Jermyn was traveling west along Sr 106 at the same time as Mark Zrowka of Clifford Township was traveling east. At a point west of the intersection with Cameron Hill Road, Brogden attempted to illegally pass a large commercial truck by driving into the oncoming lane, crashing into Zrowka. Brogden’s vehicle then traveled back across the west lane and off the road to the right side and came to a rest on Cameron Hill road. Occupants were treated at the scene by Clifford Township ambulance members and subsequently transported to CMC for follow-up treatment. Brogden was to receive multiple citations for the traffic violations that led to the crash. Both drivers were utilizing seat belts.

Theft: The sign of True Friends animal Welfare Shelter in Montrose was stolen off the mount.

Hit and Run: PSP Gibson is investigating a hit and run crash that occurred in the Elk Mountain parking lot in Herrick Township. The offending vehicle struck a parked unattended vehicle while exiting from a parked position, causing minor damage to a 2009 white Volkswagon Jetta.

Crash: On March 8th at 7 am Dylan Villenueve of Montrose was traveling south on Sr 11 in Lathrop Township when he lost control of his Ford F150, which exited the roadway on the Northbound side, spun, and struck its left rear area in a ditch. As the truck continued to spin to its left it struck a tree, then rolled over onto its roof before coming to an uncontrolled rest off of the east side of the north bound lane facing south. Hop Bottom hose and EMS responded. Route 6 towed the vehicle from the scene. Villenueve was not injured; seat belt use was listed as none used/ not applicable.

Crash: On March 8th at 10 am James Grecco of Clifford Township was traveling eastbound in Lenox Township when he failed to properly negotiate a left hand cure in the roadway. The Dodge 3500 went off the right side of the roadway and side swiped a small tree, traveling up an embankment. It then came back down the embankment and onto the roadway, which caused the left front wheel assembly to break, disabling the vehicle. Grecco sustained no injury; he was utilizing a seat belt.

Crash: On March 8th at 10:58 am Hannah Hogan of Binghamton was exiting from Interstate 81 at Exit 223 in New Milford Borough at the same time as Bevon Anderson of Wilkes Barre was traveling east on Sr 492. Hogan proceeded from the stop sign and into the path of Bevon. Hogan’s vehicle came to a rest facing a north direction on the north side of 492, and Bevon’s came to a rest facing an easterly direction against the other vehicle, on the north side of the road.

Burglary: The police are investigating a burglary which occurred between the 18th of February and the 1st of March. Truck batteries and numerous pieces of scrap metal were stolen.

Theft: On February 24th at 10 am Kory Wheeler is accused of stealing an apple iPod belonging to a woman. He was accused of theft.

Theft from Motor Vehicle: Between the 1st and 6th of March two air hoses were cut from the Volvo Tractor Trailer of a Harford man. An electric cord and an air hose hanger were then removed. The incident occurred at the Liberty Truck Stop in Harford Township.

Collision-Traffic-Hit and Run: On March 4th at 3:00 am Jamie Barrett of the Montrose area was traveling on Sr 4007 in Choconut Township when she lost control of her vehicle, which traveled up on an embankment south of the roadway, entered back onto the travel lanes, crossed both lanes, and exited Sr 4007, north of the road. The truck overturned towards the driver’s side, coming to a final rest in a field north of the road. The driver then exited the vehicle and approached the residence at 6524 North Road in Friendsville. Barret made a commotion outside the residence before fleeing prior to police response. Update: both the driver and passenger were later located. Charges were pending for violations of PAVC as of the time of report.

Burglary: On March 4th between 6:15 pm and 11:50 pm entry was forced into a Springville Township residence and personal items stolen from within.

Burglary: A Nicholson woman reported that while she was away, someone entered her home and stole a red colored Wii gaming system with one red remote and one blue remote. The incident occurred on March 3rd between 8:45 am and 2 pm.

Burglary: Between the 27th of February and the 1st of March, the home of a Little Meadows borough man was entered by means of an open door located at the front of the residence leading to the garage. The perpetrator(s) then walked through the garage and broke the window on the door that leads into the residence with an old wooden ball pin hammer. Being unsuccessful unlocking the door, the perpetrator(s) forced it open, then entered the living room of the residence. A 40” flat screen Samsung television and a DVR/DVD player were removed from within.

Hit and Run: On February 27th at 3 pm an unknown driver was traveling north on Sr 4013 in Apolacon Township when, upon negotiating a curve in the roadway, he or she traveled off the left side of the highway and struck a mail box on the shoulder of the road, then fled the scene. The vehicle was described as a white hummer with driver-side mirror damage.

Crash: On March 2nd at 9:03 am Frank Beader of Simpson was traveling south on state route 171 in that township when, for unknown reasons, his vehicle exited the roadway and traveled up an embankment. After striking the embankment, the vehicle rolled at least once in the air before coming to rest on all four wheels in the southbound lane of the road. Beader was transported to Geisinger CMC in Scranton for further medical evaluation; he was utilizing a seat belt.

Criminal Conspiracy: On February 20th at 9:12 am a traffic stop was initiated for two violations of the motor vehicle code on a 1997 Green Mercury Mystique bearing Ny registration. In making contact with the occupants of the vehicle, numerous indicators of criminal activity were present. The driver, Raymond Valentine of Syracuse, Ny, voluntarily allowed the trooper to search the vehicle without even asking. He was given a written warning for the violation. The search yielded $4,195 in US currency in various denominations concealed in a Pringles Potato chip can. A k-9 trained in narcotics detection was summoned and performed a cash scan on the currency. The k-9 alerted to the currency and it was ultimately seized pending state forfeiture.

Crash: On March 3rd at 11:26 pm Guevara Benigno of Richmond, Va was traveling northbound on Interstate 81 in New Milford Township when he lost control of his vehicle which began a clockwise rotation and exited the roadway to the east of the travel lanes. It then impacted a series of trees and a ditch off the travel lanes. It began a rolling maneuver towards the driver’s side. Benigno was not injured; he was utilizing a seat belt.

Crash: on March 3rd at 5:55 am Aric Copeland of Binghamton was traveling west bound on Sr 4006 Hawleyton Turnpike in Choconut Township when he exited the roadway to the north of the travel lanes. It then traveled over an embankment, impacted a tree, and overturned, coming to a rest overturned off the roadway. The driver was not injured during the collision; he was utilizing a seat belt.

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

Deana K Vandermark, 50, of Montrose, PA to 5 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS, pay $100 Act 198 fee, abide by Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Law, complete safe driving school program, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Driving Under the Influence in Jessup Township on April 18, 2012.

Kaci Jo Howell, 29, of Montrose, PA to 3 ½ months to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay restitution to the victim in this case, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive drug and alcohol counseling, not to possess weapons, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to enter any establishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcohol for Theft by Deception in Bridgewater Township on March 9, 2012. Ms. Howell also received 6 months probation to run consecutive to the above sentenced, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, receive drug and alcohol counseling and treatment for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on July 26, 2012 in Montrose Borough.

Seth Michael Wells, 23, of Laceyville, PA to 5 years probation, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, continue with drug and alcohol counseling, obtain your GED, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to possess firearms, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample for Manufacture, Delivery or Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver in Montrose Borough on June 6, 2012.

Cassaundra Jo Wells, 25, of Laceyville, PA to 15 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Manufacture, Delivery or Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver in Montrose Borough on May 30, 2012.

Shawna Rae Whritenour, 30, of Kirkwood, NY to 21 months to 48 months in a state correctional facility followed by 5 years probation, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Manufacture, Delivery or Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver in Oakland Borough on May 31, 2012.

Lisa Marie Miszler-Ruppert, 23, of Kingsley, PA to 6 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS, complete safe driving school program, receive drug and alcohol counseling for Driving Under the Influence in Lenox Township on July 4, 2012. Ms. Miszler-Ruppert 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, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Lenox Township on July 4, 2012.

Dylan Matthew Wade, 25, of Susquehanna, PA to 3 ½ months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victim in this case, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample for Robbery in Susquehanna Borough on October 7, 2012.