There were only a few items of correspondence at the beginning of the Elk Lake School Board meeting. Among these, a letter of resignation was received from Alexandra Van Derlyke, and a letter of retirement from Linda Phillips. Both were accepted with regret.

Dr. Bush provided an update regarding security measures. He explained that the district was set to add additional entranceways, with the addition of internal security doors prior to entering the school. Educators and staff members would enter the building using some type of recognition system, such as a fob or a swipe card. He said that the district had not made plans to have security personnel on site during the day, though this had been discussed at the board and administrative level. Mr. Tewksbury opined that doing so would make a lot of difference, though he spoke of the possibility of doing more in the future. Dr. Bush explained that there was pending legislation, and that there had been discussion in Harrisburg regarding financial support for districts to utilize security guards, though how this played out was anybody’s guess.

The next item for discussion was the matter of class size. Dr. Bush said that there were two grades at the elementary level where the number of staff had been reduced and the number of students per class had changed by two or three students. He said that this was contingent on what happened in August, citing as an illustration a time where there were so many kindergarten students that an instructor was added. The previous year’s enrollment had stayed pretty much consistent from the beginning to the end of the year, he related.

At the high school the average class size had increased by two students in the Math and Science areas, he continued. He thought that Social Studies and English had stayed relatively the same. In summation, he stated that he didn’t think the average class size exceeded 24 students from grades K-12.

Dr. Bush next reported that he had gone back and checked the student handbooks regarding clear backpacks. This investigation had confirmed that this policy had been changed per board vote, and it stated in the student handbook that the district did not require clear backpacks. He said that parents had complained in the past that they had difficulty finding such backpacks. He also opined that he wasn’t sure if having them would make a difference in the long run, as if someone was going to take an item to school with the intention of doing harm they would likely not carry it in the clear backpack without covering it up.

Dr. Cuomo acted as spokesperson for Mrs. Staats during the administrators’ reports. Each board member had received a copy of an article from a national occupational therapy publication. It was written by the woman who provided occupational services to the district. It was thought that the board might like to see that someone who provided services to the district was published in a national journal.

Dr. Cuomo, during his own report, spoke positively of the graduation ceremony. There had been eight who did not walk; all were enrolled in credit recovery and it was expected that they would have their diplomas by summer’s end. The Title 1 Summer Reading Program and NEIU Extended School Year Program were to begin at some point not long after that meeting’s date.

It was recommended that lunch prices remain the same. Mr. Tewksbury asked how much in arrears the cafeteria had run, how much the district had to contribute. Mrs. Hollister responded that this number was in the area of $100,000. Mr. Tewksbury noted that there was legislation which might effect this in the future. Dr. Bush said that through sequestration the district had lost about 10% of Title 1 funds.

The district had gone through an interview process for music, and was requesting Mr. Ryan Berry. The motion passed despite not being unanimous.

Dr. Bush recommended a stipend for Mr. Pironne in the amount of $30,000, which would be a payment which could be used per his discretion. This would be looked to be paid out over one year in accordance with retirement regulations.

The final Elk Lake budget was reviewed. It totaled $18, 281, 771, and was the same as the preliminary budget. The millage was somewhat different due to a Homestead Farmstead Calculation- 38.31 for Susquehanna and 43.34 for Wyoming. Dr. Bush made a couple of comments about the budget. He said that they were very pleased to come to the board without the budget changing. Since the preliminary budget there had been positions which were vacated but the district did not plan on replacing. Everyone in the state was in the same situation, he stated, citing one estimate that 10 to 20% of districts could be fiscally distressed in coming years. He said that as administration they sat and debated the budget. They did not make decisions lightly, and while he knew that these decisions wouldn’t please everybody they tried to make them in the best interest of the students. They had not taken anything out of reserves. He commended the business office for their work.

Three athletic positions were approved- being Cross Country Assistant, Varsity Field Hockey, and JV Softball. A 60% stipend was approved for certain positions, given when there was only one coach.

BoardDocs training was scheduled for July 10th at 6 pm.

Mr. Place said that he thought they might have gone through the last year of the contractor’s fuel adjustment 5-year plan. He thought that this was something which could be looked into.

Also, since it was Mrs. Hollister’s last board meeting as the secretary, Mr. Place expressed a desire to thank her for all that she had helped him with through the years. Mrs. Hollister replied with a thank you of her own, saying that it had been a pleasure.

A visitor said that she would like some figures about the existing employees, broken down into the administration, support, and professional categories. She said that she would also like to know the number of staff who had retired but were still part of the budget. Mr. Place clarified that about the only thing which held on was the medical, and it was confirmed that she wanted to know how many still had medical.

A dad spoke up, saying that he had a son in fourth grade and it was his understanding that fourth grade was going from four instructors to three. He wanted information regarding the motivation behind this move, especially with common core being added to instructors’ responsibilities. Also, that grade level was reverting to a self-contained framework rather than switching classes. He said that as an instructor himself he knew that he could do really well with one subject, but not as well with five. He wanted to know why this was occurring.

Dr. Bush responded that it came down to budget concerns. He said that the number of instructors who hadn’t been replaced recently was indicative of the financial straits they were in. He said that this wasn’t how they would like to do it, however they felt that an additional two kids in a class was reasonable.

The parent said that he became frustrated as he saw academic programs not receiving the support they needed. He felt that they had to start supporting the academic programs more, and that reverting to self-contained classrooms was not giving instructors adequate support in the face of increased demands. That grade had moved to rotating classes the year previous, and he wished to know why it was going back.

Dr. Bush said that he would check into the matter, as Mr. Pironne was not present that evening. He stated that this would be discussed administratively; Dr. Cuomo was to be assuming the responsibilities of the elementary principal.

Another visitor asked why they took Rita Spila, a Reading instructor who could impact 100 students at the middle school level, and moved her to a Title 1 elementary position, where she could impact 20 students. Dr. Bush said that when they made decisions about personnel they looked at the best interests of the district. He continued that she had a right to disagree, but they felt it was the right decision.

Dr. Cuomo asked if he could speak. He stated that the subject was no longer Reading, it was English Language Arts. Reading was no longer a Reading or English instructor’s job- it ran across all of the subjects. There had then been extensive training in reading instruction. This was required by the new assessments and common core. Reading at the secondary level was significantly different than had been, and it had to be. Everyone was responsible for reading instruction.

At the SCCTC meeting, held that same evening, various items were reviewed prior to being voted on. The school asked the board for approval for a Massage Therapy program. At that time there were 15 students interested in the program, along with one instructor. They were looking at paying an hourly rate of $24 to the instructor, and would be opening up and interviewing for that position with hopes of bringing the staff before the board for approval in July. This would be an adult program and would be run during the day.

There was also an item for approval regarding LPN Clinical Supervisors, who would go into clinical settings with students for supervision. They would be paid $36 per hour.

The SCCTC final budget was briefly reviewed. The total budget came in at $5,292,710, with $4,873,503 in expenses. This made the difference $418,207 in revenue, leaving the school with an unbalanced budget in terms of revenue far exceeding expenditures. There had been changes since the preliminary budget, representing a grant and factoring in the potential massage therapy program.

Mr. Emmerich said that he was a little hung up on the massage therapy program. There had been some young ladies who had presented that they would like to see one, and since that time there hadn’t been board discussion that he knew of. He wondered how they would guard from allegations and issues which might arise from training where people touched other people. He said that it had not been discussed. Mr. Tewksbury agreed, saying that in the current climate Mr. Emmerich was bringing up a topic that might need a little more discussion. Mr. Emmerich continued, saying that he wanted to know how the school would guard against allegations between someone receiving a massage and someone giving a message. Mrs. Teel pointed out that there was therapeutic massage which was different than a regular massage.

Mr. Curley wished to know whether it would be education, or whether they would be serving the public. If any portion of the program was revenue from massages being sold to the public he would want to know a lot more, and to know more about the people enrolling in the program and their motivations. Mr. Emmerich also wanted to know about the parameters. Due to all of this discussion, the topic was tabled for further discussion in July.

A visitor spoke up about massage, saying that after a while you had to stop working on mannequins and that the students would have to work on people. She also pointed out that the LPN program was an adult program and asked for clarification that there was no way that non-graduates could mix in with the LPN program. When this was confirmed, she wondered if maybe the LPN program could pay rent.

Mrs. Hollister pointed out that part of the surplus that had been mentioned, was because of the LPN program. This helped the district with the building, as the career center did not have to borrow from its parent school. Dr. Bush replied that one of the mandates of career and technology centers was to provide career programs, not just to supply k-12 education.

The new watchword for Pennsylvania school districts is “austerity.” While Susquehanna Community School District’s fiscal situation is, by several metrics, far healthier than those of many of the other 500 districts, harbingers of collapse are looming on the horizon. SCSD Directors passed the final 2013-2014 budget by a 6-0 roll call vote, with President Steven Stanford, and board members Amanda Cook, Evelyn Cottrell, Carol Jackson, Martha Stanford, and Clay Weaver all voting “aye.” Board members Lori Canfield, Jason Chamberlain, and Holly Kubus were not in attendance at the Wednesday, June 19 meeting to vote on the $13.7 million budget.

The fiscal year for each school district commences on July 1, and district budgets are mandated to be enacted by June 30 regardless of the status of the state’s progress in passing a budget for its new fiscal year. Whether the state legislature will pass its budget on time, and at what level of funding for school districts, is anyone’s guess.

What is knowable is that the General Assembly has thus far failed to advance any legislation to cope with the crisis in unfunded liabilities of the state pension system for teachers (PSERS). Unwise decisions, dating to a generation ago and since multiplied, are bringing chickens (in the billions of dollars) home to roost.

That narrative from Superintendent Bronson Stone and Business Manager Gary Kiernan at the district’s information and deliberation session on June 18, and reiterated at this board meeting, prompted their pleas for district taxpayers to contact legislators. Without reform of the pension system mandatory pension contributions, for which SCSD will be obligated, will escalate by $300,000 in the 2014-2015 budget.

Markers of austerity already in the newly passed budget include the following: Reduction of Superintendent Stone’s annual salary by $2,750; Zero increase for Mr. Kiernan for the third consecutive budget; Reduced Federal subsidies of $55,000 in Title I and IDEA allocations; Elimination of two teaching positions (and the costs they entail); Replacing retiring maintenance man (full benefits) with two part-timers (no benefits); Limiting increase in this budget’s expenditures by a miniscule 1.76%.

The above harbingers, when analyzed in the context of as-yet undone pension reform and continued economic depression, do not auger well for teacher salaries & benefits at contract negotiations next year. Superintendent Stone added that school enrollment, long on a downward trend, has leveled off and is now showing an ever-so-slight increase. That too may impact budgetary considerations in out-years.

In updating district policies, SCSD directors approved a laundry list of PSBA (Pennsylvania School Board Association) best-practices concerning: Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies; Discipline of Students with Disabilities; Behavior Support; Student Discipline; Tobacco; Public Attendance at School Events; Nondiscrimination – Qualified Students with Disabilities; Municipal Government Relations; Weapons; Terroristic Threats; Emergency Preparedness; Controlled Substances/Paraphernalia; Drug and Substance Abuse.

The above new policies, some of which were necessarily adopted because of the full-time police presence on campus next year, are all available for review at the district’s administrative office, or online incorporated within the district’s policies.

Campus and facility repairs approved by the board included staff personnel repairing concrete at various locations, and installation of a wheel chair ramp at the elementary school. Also given the nod for approval was procurement of a quote from Moore Wood Floor Refinishing to repair the high school gym floor, and refinish both the high school and elementary school gym floors. Repairs to cost $4,565 were authorized for two large cracks on the school’s tennis courts. Nagle Athletic Surfaces will be performing court repairs, and will additionally provide the district with a quote for construction of a pole vault runway and long jump runway.

In his report to the School Directors, Superintendent Stone noted that state Department of Education (DOE) had approved the SCSD’s Strategic Plan, as submitted in November of 2012. Mr. Stone, while noting that the DOE abolished the requirement to submit Strategic Plans shortly after SCSD was required to make submission, thanked the state for their timely feedback on the district’s Strategic Plan. The district received approval of its strategic plan on Monday, June 17. On an even brighter note, Superintendent Stone reported that the district had been awarded $7,500 in grant monies, $5,000 for the Sixth Grade math program, and an additional $2,500 from the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains.

In his report to the board Elementary Principal Bob Keyes discussed the school’s summer program. Some 38 students are enrolled in summer school, which commenced on June 17 and finishes on July 11. Mr. Keyes reported that students attend Monday through Thursday of every other week (although they will have Independence Day off). Fifteen students are also enrolled in ESY (Extended School Year).

Joni Miller, Special Education Coordinator, reported that she was deep into making submissions of extensive data required by higher educational authorities. Also keeping her busy was compliance with the new reporting requirements for students who have suffered concussions; there were eight this school year. Her other summer duties included evaluating home-school portfolios. She had already completed her evaluation of two and had four remaining.

High School Principal Mark Gerchman, as well as the teachers’ union representative, and Facilities Manager Donnie Norris, were absent from the June 19 meeting. Nevertheless, Superintendent Stone had lavish praise for Mr. Norris – his vast skills in making repairs, his mowing of the school’s grounds (with his own equipment when the school’s old mower died); and his overall can-do attitude to meet any challenge. Also coming in for praise was Sara Dubanowitz who responded to emergent maintenance needs when no one else was available. (The board also approved her hiring as Maintenance Substitute during this meeting, based on her recently demonstration of skills.)

Various other approvals granted by the board included: Use of the campus by a church for an outside concert and fireworks display on Saturday, July 20; Agreement with the American Red Cross (for continued use of the elementary school as an emergency shelter); Permission to sell an Apple, I-Mac computer to Doug Camin; A $100 donation to Barnes-Kasson Hospital’s annual golf tournament; Envirothon – trip to Rickett’s Glen State Park, June 2013; Permission for Kimberly Garrison to attend “Trout in the Classroom” on June 27. (Curious board members inquired as to this request, and in response Superintendent Stone provided an eloquent two-minute discourse on the virtues of raising trout; the challenge of Brook Trout; and the high hope that Rainbow Trout eggs might be made available this year. Board members were simultaneously astounded and entertained by the Superintendent’s vast knowledge of trout, and the school’s historical association with trout.); Request for the Pep Band to play at NEPA Miners football game on August 3 at Scranton Memorial Stadium; Permission for the Class of 2014 to go to Virginia Beach for their senior trip in May or June of 2014.

Also being added to the district’s website is a link to Safe Teens: www.safeteens.org. According to the hand-out provided at the district’s information and deliberation session, “Safe Teens is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and provided by Maternal and Family Health Services, Inc. Safe Teens is Pennsylvania teens’ guide for a healthy lifestyle. A confidential web and phone connection to Pennsylvania’s family planning health centers with information on everything from pregnancy to drugs and alcohol, Safe Teens challenges teens to replace risky and unhealthy behaviors and attitudes with responsible and healthy ones.”

Finally, the board approved the Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion Resolution. On average the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion provides those property owners who qualify with an average savings of $304 this year. So while the 2.5% real estate tax increase raised taxes by an average of $20 on each taxpayer, the increase is negligible for those receiving the exclusion. Superintendent Stone reiterated that the continued heavy gambling at Pennsylvania’s casinos makes this benefit possible. Additionally, SCSD remains one of only 46 districts in the state that still does not impose an Earned Income Tax (EIT) or Personal Income Tax (PIT). Despite these bright spots for district taxpayers, no one should underestimate the PSERS tsunami poised to strike if the General Assembly fails to undertake systemic pension reform. The “new normal” gripping school districts portends a future not of abundant revenue and sparse expense, but exactly the reverse.

At 7:32 p.m. the board adjourned & brownies were served. The “Super K’s” – Kiernan and Keyes – carved and served a treat chocoholics in attendance well and truly enjoyed. School’s out for summer, folks. Next board meeting doesn’t convene until Wednesday, August 7.

The June 19th New Milford Township meeting dealt with bids, and a permit. The treasurer’s report and minutes were accepted, with the minutes being mildly amended.

The supervisors opened bids for a general contractor, to be used in instances where the township might need one during the period between June 2013 and 2014. The purpose of this was to help the township out in situations where they did not have the equipment- instead of renting it they could use the contractor and the equipment at the same time. The bid called for a contractor with availability of: a bulldozer 22,000 lbs. or larger, a backhoe, a tri-axel truck, a track excavator 34,000 lbs. or larger, a skidsteer with tracks 7,000 lbs. or larger. Ron Kowalewski Construction was the only bid.

James W. Barber Trucking and Excavation had applied to DEP for an Air Quality permit, the supervisors had been notified. The permit was for the purpose of crushing stone at the Morrison quarry within the township.

Mr. Hunter said that there were a few other items they wished to bring up. It had been mentioned in a  previous meeting that Southwest Energy was going to be doing soil stabilization on some of the roads: Three Lakes Road, Washburn Road, and Highlands Road. Highlands Road had been completed, but Three Lakes Road and Washburn Road were behind schedule due to Mother Nature. Soil stabilization involved the company using a grinder to grind the road up and mix concrete with the soil. It was still a gravel road, but it stabilized it. The company was working on completing the other two roads still, Mr. Hunter assured those present. It was stated that Highlands Road had turned out well.

The township had acquired some blacktop roads, Mr. Hunter noted. Salt in the wintertime or spring on gravel roads did not work very well. The township had a big cinder building, but they wanted to add a 26 ft. lean-to to the structure. This would be divided- half would have salt, and the rest would be used to put equipment in to get it out of the weather. They would also put cinder blocks around the inside of the cinder shed to keep the materials away from the walls.

Mr. Hunter then explained that, because they had some extra money, the township was going to put guardrails on part of two sections of Highlands Road, part of Mitchell Hill, part of Peck Hill, and part of Pond Road. They wanted to put out for bid for used guardrail, installed.

It was noted that Mr. Bondurant needed an Emergency Management deputy. He had spoken with the borough and Jim Carpenetti, who was Emergency Management for the borough. As both men needed a deputy, and it could be difficult to find one, it had been proposed that they serve as each other’s deputies. This made sense, he said, as very little would happen to one municipality which wasn’t going to affect the other. Mr. Bondurant had been appointed deputy to Mr. Carpenetti at a previous borough meeting. Mr. Hunter made the motion, therefore, to make Mr. Carpenetti the deputy for Mr. Bondurant officially.

The supervisors were going to purchase a new truck under the Costars program to replace the white GMC truck.

Mr. Conroy stated prior to the meeting’s adjournment that he had spoken to Southwest about some of the other roads that they had been on, and they were going to address the matter.

Flag Day and the Fourth of July are two holidays associated with American freedom, though the first typically is not recognized. On June 14th, 1777 the Second Continental Congress not only adopted the flag of the United States, but it also celebrates the Army birthday on this day.

Flag Day is not an official government holiday, but the state of Pennsylvania is the first (and only) U.S. state to recognize Flag Day as a state holiday, since 1937. Betsy Ross, the woman who created the flag, was a Pennsylvania native.

Some organizations hold parades, ceremonies, or celebrations surrounding the flag, but in Susquehanna on the 14th, The American Legion and the Boy Scouts informed everyone not only about the significance of Flag Day but the proper way to dispose of our nation’s flag. At 7:00 p.m., the Chaplain recited a dedication to the flag. The Legion members and Boy Scouts all removed their hats and saluted as the flag was dropped into the fire. Several bags filled with worn American flags were sitting by the fire pit and the Boy Scouts took turns respectively retiring them into ashes, commemorating the loss of Veterans as well as patriotically honoring the significance of our national symbol.

The Hallstead Borough Council met on June 20, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. With the establishment of quorum the council opened the meeting for guest commentary. One resident was in attendance to discuss a dead tree that needs to be removed. He spoke at length about the response from Penelec to the tree, and the Council agreed to contact them on his behalf to try to resolve the issue. There was a note brought up that the Flag on the pole at the Little League field needs to be illuminated at night. This will be brought up to the pertinent individual.

The Council returned to the agenda for the approval of the prior meeting minutes, the Treasurer’s report and presentation and payment of the Borough bills. There was a brief discussion on the upcoming Community Fun Day and how things have been going with the planning of the event.

Discussion was had regarding the tennis courts and their unkempt state. It was noted they had gotten information prior regarding the courts and repairs needed. The council approved the required repairs to return the courts to full functionality.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Susquehanna Community School District Board of Directors approved the following personnel actions during their regular meeting on Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

Hired as Substitute Summer School Teachers: John Adams (Speech), Kim Marco, Jami Hyndshaw, Sarah Krause, Richard Emmons, Karyn Armitage.

Hired to perform district maintenance work: Gerald Hull (weekend), Earl Cottrell (week nights), Sara Dubanowitz (substitute).

Hired for Summer Homebound Teacher: Jon Carpenter.

Hired as Varsity Basketball Cheer Coach for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 school years: Amy Branning.

Approved as a volunteer with the Cross Country Team for the 2013 season: Mary Ann Lawrenson.

And finally, School Directors approved a correction to the May 15 agenda which mistakenly proposed hiring Richard Emmons as the Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Coach; Mr. Emmons was, in fact, hired as the BOYS Junior Varsity Basketball Coach.

At 7:00 p.m. on June 19th, the monthly Susquehanna Borough Meeting was called into order. With only four board members out of the seven present, along with Mayor Bill Perry, the meeting moved quickly into the agenda. After the approval of the agenda and minutes, the board dedicated time to thank a member of the Susquehanna Community, Joe Canini, for his hard work painting the 36 fire hydrants located around the Borough. It took roughly thirty minutes to paint each fire hydrant and approximately a little over a month for Mr. Canini to finish this project. The Borough expressed its deep gratitude and awarded him with a certificate of appreciation.

Next on the agenda was the discussion of insurance for Volunteer Fire Fighters workman’s compensation from Jim Davis. Mr. Davis explained the Act 46: Cancer Presumptive Act that was passed in 2011 surrounding many changes to fire service benefits. Within the last eleven years, if a paid or volunteer firefighter is exposed to carcinogens is not covered within their workman’s compensation benefits. According to Mr. Davis, most of the claims surfacing are post-mortem. After comparing several insurance companies, Mr. Davis suggested the state as being the most cost efficient for the Borough (at $20,164). This Act has caused several changes and the result of the state’s actions is that this workman’s compensation issue is now being pushed down to the local level, hurting taxpayers and shifting the cost of cancer treatment from health insurance to workman’s compensation. After several questions, there was a motion for the 994 Volunteer Class Code shift to state under recognition of the workman’s compensation fund. Pat Frederick approved and it was seconded by Joe Varsik.

Mayor Bill Perry then gave his report, as he was sick and intended on leaving. He briefly discussed a community event called Project Safe Child and intends on having a table set up during Hometown Days. The Mayor then discussed the power outage that caused the traffic lights to go out. They were blinking red and the police went down to direct traffic because the contact for the malfunctioning lights could not be reached. That contact ended up not coming down to repair the lights until the next day. Legally, the company is in charge of the traffic lights and the Borough has no access to reset them. Thankfully, the bridge project will be finishing up in November, and perhaps even sooner according to Mayor Perry.

The discussion of old business came next on the agenda. The council spoke about an update from the Pennsylvania Water Company about the site. The site is ready, the tank is on schedule, and the building will begin July 8th. What this tank will do will improve water pressure for the Borough residents. Some questions that arose from the public surrounded concerns about the pressure that their pipes could withstand. Mr. Bill Malos instructed that they will slowly bump the water pressure up so that the pipes will not undergo significant change. Also, if there does happen to be damage, which he believes would not happen, the homeowners are not responsible.

The dates for Hometown Days were also confirmed. Mark your calendars for August 8th, 9th, and 10th. The carnival will be set up on August 4th, with the parade on August 9th, and a fireworks show on the 10th. After this, the Prospect Street Project was discussed briefly and there was a meeting scheduled on Thursday with PennDot to discuss their committal to the project. Another issue that was discussed concerned the Vehicle Undercoating for Borough Vehicles. Ziebart, would undercoat and provide yearly maintenance for the DPW GMC Truck, Dodge Charger, and the Dodge Durango. Mayor Perry’s suggestion to include the other vehicles in the quote turned out to provide a better deal. For one vehicle, the cost would have been $699, whereas for three it is $800. A motion was passed to accept the quote by Joe Varsik and Pat Frederick seconded the motion.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Lisa Marie Miszler-Ruppert, 23, of Kingsley, PA to 15 months probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victims, continue with drug and alcohol counseling, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Ararat Township on March 24, 2013.

Scott Alan Groover, 47, of Susquehanna, PA to 18 months probation, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, continue with AA meetings, continue with mental health treatment, perform 25 hours of community service, subject to drug and alcohol screenings for Terroristic Threats on December 25, 2012 in Lanesboro Borough. Mr. Groover also received a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution and pay restitution to the victims for Criminal Mischief in Lanesboro Borough on December 25, 2012.

Melissa Bollinger, 29, of Montrose, PA to 23 months probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, comply with children and youth services, continue with mental health treatment for Endangering the Welfare of Children in Montrose Borough on September 16, 2012.

Julian Gerard Hyland, 22, of Montrose, PA to 5 ½ months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 3 years consecutive probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victims, receive drug and alcohol counseling, not to have contact with the victims for Criminal Trespass in Ararat Township on April 10, 2013. Ms. Hyland also received 5 ½ months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent with the above sentenced, followed by 3 years probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive drug and alcohol counseling, not to have contact with the victims in this case for Criminal Trespass in Preston Township on April 10, 2013.

Jeremy Wayne Truckenbrod, 24, of Montrose, PA to 1 month to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $100 fine, pay $100 Act 198 fee, receive drug and alcohol counseling, subject to random drug screenings for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Montrose Borough on October 11, 2013. Mr. Truckenbrod also received 1 month to 18 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Liberty Township on March 26, 2012. Mr. Truckenbrod also received 90 days to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, served 45 days incarceration and 45 days home confinement, pay $1,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $200 CAT Surcharge, pay $100 Act 198 fee, continue with mental health treatment for Driving Under the Influence in Montrose Borough on June 3, 2012. Finally, Mr. Truckenbrod received 1 month to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution for Disorderly Conduct in Montrose borough on June 3, 2012.

Keith Robert Jenkins, Jr, 37, of Kingsley, 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, attend alcohol safe driving school program, receive drug and alcohol counseling for Driving Under the Influence in Montrose Borough on September 4, 2011.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners announce the Courthouse will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, 2013 in observance of Independence Day. All court related offices will be available.

Crash: On June 20th at 11:24 pm Jonathan Sechrist of Brackney, PA was traveling east bound on Sr4006 Hawleyton Tpk in Silver Lake Township when, while negotiating a left curve in the roadway he lost control of his vehicle which impacted mailbox. The vehicle then entered back onto the eastbound travel lane and began rotating clockwise. It then exited the eastbound lane, made frontal impact with an embankment, overturned, and came to a final rest facing west upon its driver’s side, off the roadway. Sechrist sustained minor injury; he was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital in New York.

Crash: On June 19th at 10:50 pm Christopher Visavati of Montrose was traveling west on Sr 2024 in Brooklyn Township when he failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway. The vehicle travelled off of the roadway and struck a tree. Both Visavati and a passenger sustained minor injury.

ATV Crash: On June 18th at 11:30 am a 16 year old Kingsley boy was operating a KYMCO all-terrain vehicle northbound on T404 in Brooklyn Township when, failing to negotiate a right hand curve in the roadway, the vehicle exited the left berm and struck a tree. The boy was utilizing a motorcycle helmet; he sustained an injury of unknown severity.

Burglary/Theft of Motor Vehicle: Between the 15th and 16th of June, during the night or early morning hours, a detached garage in Apolacon Township was entered, and a 2006 Kawasaki KFX400 ATV, bright green in color, removed from within. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

Scattering Rubbish: Between June 14th and 16th four tubs of waste were left on the property of a Meshoppen man, in a wooded Auburn Township area.

DUI: On May 18th at 8:20 pm Richard Mackiewicz Jr. of the Brackney area was stopped for speeding. The suspect, who was the operator of a blue 2003 Chevrolet Silverado bearing PA registration, displayed signs of intoxication. A field sobriety test was administered, which the suspect failed. A preliminary breath test was given and the suspect exceeded the state legal limit of .08%. He was transported to Endless Mountains Hospital in Montrose, where he agreed to submit to a blood test to determine to BAC.

Criminal Mischief: Between the 11th and 12th of June the windshield and windows were smashed on a 2003 Dodge Caravan belonging to a Montrose woman, while the vehicle was located in Auburn Township.

Retail Theft: On June 12th at 9:20 pm Breeanna Curry of Johnson City is accused of pumping $49.01 worth of fuel into a 2003 black Chevy Avalanche and fleeing the scene without paying. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-02.

Harassment: On June 11th at 12:41 pm a 17 year old juvenile male and a Clifford woman entered into a verbal argument. The boy is accused of becoming enraged and pushing the woman, causing red marks on her neck. Charges were filed for the crime of harassment at District Court 34-3-03.

Recklessly Endangering: On May 25th at approximately 8:10 pm a Kingsley woman was traveling south on Sr 11 in Great Bend Township when a black Dodge Ram pick-up truck, traveling behind the victim, intentionally tapped the rear bumper 3-4 times. The perpetrator then drove Sr 11 south, fleeing the scene.

Criminal Mischief: Between the 8th and 9th of June a Gibson Township woman witnessed a large white truck back into her yard. The truck backed over the victim’s light and light pole and stone wall, and caused large ruts in her yard. It may have had Environmental written in blue letters on its door. Anyone with additional information in regards to this incident is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

Crash: On June 11th at 11:00 pm Kyle Story of Brooklyn was traveling south on Sr 167 in Bridgewater Township when he lost control of his vehicle while negotiating a curve to the right. The vehicle exited the roadway, traveling approximately 210 feet before striking a water well head, several trees, and a large rock, before coming to an uncontrolled rest area in a field. Story then fled the scene. Injury was unknown though seat belt use was listed to the affirmative.

DUI: On June 8th at 2:30 pm Thomas Matias of Binghamton was traveling north on Sr 11 in Great Bend Township and approaching the intersection to Sr 171 in the right lane. At that time William Riley of Endicott was traveling west on Sr 171 and was in the right lane, attempting to go straight across Sr 11 onto Hinkley Drive. As He attempted to cross the intersection, Matias came through the intersection and struck him within the intersection. Both units came to rest in the intersection with Matias’ vehicle facing a northerly direction and Riley’s vehicle facing a northwest direction. It was determined that Matias was driving under the influence of alcohol, and he was arrested. No injuries were reported to the trooper; seat belts and a child safety seat were in use. Charges were to be filed in District Court 34-3-02 as of the time of report. Police were assisted at the scene by Great Bend Police and Great Bend/Hallstead Fire Company.

DUI: On June 7th at 10:57 pm Michael Fiorillo of Clifford Township was found in physical control of the operation of a motor vehicle after imbibing alcoholic beverages. He was charged with DUI in District Court 34-3-03, along with other related traffic offenses.

Criminal Mischief: A Susquehanna man discovered damage to the side of his residence in Great Bend Township facing the Susquehanna River, which appeared to be a small caliber bullet. Due to the location and surrounding terrain, it appeared to have been a ricochet.

Theft: PSP Gibson is investigating the theft of a Stihl Farm Boss Chainsaw. Between the 5th and 6th of June, perpetrator(s) arrived at the scene in Dimock Township and stole the chainsaw from the roar porch a residence. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Disorderly Conduct: On June 6th at 11:30 am two Clifford boys became engaged in a fight in the cafeteria at Mountain View High School. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-03.

Criminal Mischief: A padlock was cut from a storage unit being rented to a Meshoppen man, located on Sr. 29.

Crash: On June 7th at 3:30 pm Stormy Knight of Hallstead was traveling westbound on High School Road in New Milford Township when she failed to properly negotiate a right hand curve in the roadway. The Chevrolet 2500 exited the left side of the roadway and struck an embankment. The vehicle then veered right, crossing the entire roadway and exiting to the right side of the roadway. The vehicle then struck a tree off the right side of the roadway coming to rest facing a northerly direction. Injury was listed as unknown.

Hit and Run: On June 9th at 5:15 am an unknown driver was traveling south on State Route 29 in Liberty Township. Impact occurred as the driver exited the roadway. In an attempt to get back on the roadway, he or she backed up onto a property there, causing damage to the property owner’s lawn. The driver then fled the scene south on State Route 29 towards Montrose Borough. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to please contact the police.

Scattering Rubbish: On June 1st through 8th an old boat and trailer were left on the property belonging to a man from Milltown, NJ, located in Harmony Township.

Crash: On June 6th at 3:18 pm Jose Torres of Dallas Texas and John Ballard of Conklin were both traveling on Tripp Road in Liberty Township. Impact occurred as Torres was traveling south and negotiating a right hand curve. He lost control of his vehicle on the wet dirt road and slid into Ballard’s vehicle as it was traveling north. After impact, both Torres’ Ford F350 and Ballard’s GMC C5500 came to a rest. Torres had to be extricated by rescue and was taken by ambulance to Wilson Hospital for medical treatment. He was utilizing a seatbelt. Ballard was not injured; he was also utilizing a seat belt. Both vehicles required towing- one was towed by Bennett’s Towing and the other was towed by Marv’s at the request of the owner.

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