At the August 26th meeting of the Mountain View school board, the library curriculum was presented before those in attendance by the district’s two librarians. It was based off a model curriculum available from the state and put together in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Schools’ Library Association. Mr. Regeski spoke first, providing a little background. The mission of the school library program was to work with faculty to help students become critical thinkers, researchers, and readers; he said that they were essentially educators who were an educational resource for other faculty. The librarians’ job was to go out to other classrooms to help them help students work on critical skills. They helped instructors work out lesson plans, etc., particularly in how to locate useful and sound information - how to cut through the fluff. They also worked on how to understand and apply that information and focused on digital, textual, technological, and visual literacy. They developed access to information for both students and staff and provided both collaboration and direct instruction. The curriculum was not designed to be used in isolation, but rather in conjunction with subject areas. It was inquiry based.

It was stated that the 7th graders took a one marking period class where they reviewed some basic tenets of the research process on the internet. Also, they worked on how to cite sources properly. Mrs. Voigt asked if the curriculum would follow that course. Mr. Regesky responded that it would and it wouldn’t. It would be a good starting point, but the curriculum should be continued in collaboration with other course work and follow-up.

Mrs. Voigt discussed a course available through the new V-linc. There was a digital citizenship, on-line course which would be free to the district, and they were thinking of having the high school students take the course. It involved internet safety and etiquette and would probably be done with volunteers first as a pilot. Mrs. Shea said that she thought it would be good not only for the content but to get them used to on-line education.

Mr. Griffiths proposed a spring training component for the baseball team, asking for the boards’ permission to pursue the idea. The purpose would be to get on a field before they normally could in the spring. He said that most years their inability to do so put them at a competitive disadvantage. He was looking to go for five days to someplace in the south with the entire team to get the season kicked off. He would like to do the first week in the gym, the second week in the south, and the third hopefully on the field. The cost would be paid for through the program. He wanted the team to spend that second week in South Carolina at a Cal Ripken Baseball Academy at Myrtle Beach. There were baseball fields and unlimited access to batting cages.

He also felt that it would be effective in building camaraderie. The trip would be for both JV and Varsity, grades 9th through 12th. When asked about cutting, he pointed out that cutting hadn’t come into play in the six years he was at the district. Mr. Stoddard asked about logistics. Mr. Griffiths replied that he had been a part of several senior trips, and everything was on base. Mr. Stoddard asked who would go, and he responded that there would be at least three paid coaches and he hoped some parents. They wouldn’t take anyone who had missed a considerable amount of school and whose grades had suffered. It was hoped that they would only miss three days of school. The board said that they would talk about it. A visitor pointed out that when they didn’t get on the field there was a greater chance of the kids getting hurt when they did.

Mr. Stoddard asked if there would be other teams in the area as well. Mr. Griffiths thought Montrose was considering the same facility. Mrs. Voigt asked if there would be a study period built in. Mr. Griffiths responded that they would be caught up on their course work.

Kevin Haugland was appointed to a K-12 Music educator position.

A first reading was held of policy #221 Dress and Grooming and #237 Electronic Devices. Both policies were to go on the website. The latter included devices which provided unrestricted access to the internet or could take or transmit images or videos. It forbade laser pointers and the use of electronic devices during the school day except during designated periods. There was an exception for students who were members of fire companies or emergency response groups, or students who needed access for a medical purpose.

Mrs. Aherne wished to recognize Laurie Rood, who was a newly retired instructor. She was volunteering her expertise and time to the district.

Mr. Taylor explained the conversion to a fingerprint system from a fob system. The staff was in the process of being fingerprinted. The internal cameras were up. Everything was transitioning; they planned to wire that week. Mr. Stoddard asked what their anticipated completion date was - it was responded that it would be no more than two weeks for the elementary building. The high school was expected to be completed by the end of September.

Mr. Presley spoke of the seventh grade orientation held the week prior to the meeting. He wished to thank the staff, and the student government members that helped to chaperone the students around.

Mr. Presley then asked the board if they had ever authorized advertisement for a wrestling coach. He did not believe it had ever come through and asked if there was any way to approve advertisement so they could get moving on this. Mr. Twining said that he thought they needed to discuss it so they were clear on information. When Mr. Presley asked what information he was referring to, Mr. Twining alluded to financial responsibilities. Mr. Presley proceeded to overview some of the costs. He said that he had included it in the athletic budget so it wouldn’t be additional cost.

It was clarified that the board had verbally approved to bring the program back, but there hadn’t been a vote. He had given them the estimates of cost previously. He was requested to bring more information and to give the board the proposal he had provided before.

Mrs. Shea provided her report. There was an opener that day and staff had been provided with breakfast. She had received positive feedback from it. She stated that Mr. Taylor did a really good job with the blood borne pathogen training. Further training was scheduled for the next day.

Karen Voigt related that there was a pre-k counts orientation the following day, along with a kindergarten orientation. Various other meetings were scheduled as well.

Mrs. Voigt also related that there had been 19 students enrolled in V-Linc during the summer. The program was going to start being referred to as NOLA. Thirteen of the students successfully passed their courses. Five hadn’t been successful. She said that the bottom line was that the students had to do the work. Progress reports had been sent home and help was available.

She then explained that the PA waiver went through, which meant that there was no more AYP. There would still be accountability, and results which would look at students making progress and closing achievement gaps among the subgroups. Race was being dropped as a subgroup for Pennsylvania reporting though it was still considered on a federal level. The elementary school would still be tied to federal not state standards, due to receiving Title One money.

There was a graduate that summer, as a student had completed two courses at Scranton High School and completed all of his requirements for graduation. They held a graduation ceremony at the lobby, with some staff present. He graduated in cap and gown and was presented a diploma by the principal. His parent was able to attend as well.

Mr. Twining wished to publicly commend Mrs. Voigt on her work with V-linc (now NOLA), saying that he knew how hard she worked with the program. Mrs. Shea stated that she had done a great job being the acting principal as well.

Mrs. Shea provided the report on special education, saying that they had the rosters up to date, with students transferring in as late as that day. She said that she was still working on the schedules for the paraprofessionals. There was limited discussion about how some of the unique programs were still having the schedules worked on.

Another visitor asked what criteria the board used in awarding the contract for bus thirteen. Mr. Stoddard said that one of the criteria was the age of the bus. There was discussion on this selection process.

The County Commissioners meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. on August 28, 2013. The minutes of the prior meeting were approved, and Commissioner Giangrieco requested a change to the printed agenda. He requested that items 17 and 18 be moved up and presented prior to the ratification of the finances. This was approved – and these items were moved. The first is regarding the retirement of Sylvia Beamer, Chief Clerk, the second was regarding the transfer/appointment of Constance Hitchcock to the open position effective August 28, 2013 with a salary increase after a six month review. This personnel matter being completed, the meeting continued with the ratification of the following fiscal items: 8/16/13 General Expenses for the amount of $230,766.75; Net Payroll of $159,245.44 on 8/28/13; 8/28/13 $14,390.86 for Employee Retirement Contributions; State Withholding taxes on 8/28/13 in the amount of $7,050.22; Federal Payroll taxes of $24,068.81 also on 8/28/13; and $105,865.13 for CYS Expenses on 8/16/13. Additionally, five seminar requests were submitted and approved.

The Commissioners signed the Cooperation Agreement for Management Responsibilities of the Community Development Block Grants Disaster Recovery Program. A Resolution (2013-14) was adopted to advertise the sale of four vehicles and a utility trailer. Resolution 2013-15 was adopted authorizing the filing of an Application for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program Funds. The following seven resolutions have to do with this application for Program Funds. It was noted by the Commissioners that these resolutions must be adopted every year if the County wishes to apply and receive these assistance monies. The Resolution 2013-15 is specifically for the Redevelopment Authority seeking $358,900 for the creation of a flood control mitigation effort at the Tri-Boro Municipal Authority Sewage Plant. Resolution 2013-16 is in regards to fair housing and that the County of Susquehanna will not discriminate in the sale, rental, lease, financing or housing or of the land to be used for construction of housing based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, handicap or disability. Resolution 2013-17 was adopted for the authorizing the filing of an application for FFY 2013 Pennsylvania Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Program Funds. Resolution 2013-18 presents the adoption of a policy prohibiting the use of excessive force against non-violent civil rights demonstrators; 2013-19 allows the County of Susquehanna to enter into a cooperation agreement with the Susquehanna County Housing/Redevelopment Authority for the administration of the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program; Resolution 2013-20 is to adopt the Section 3 Plan to comply with 24 CFR, Part 135 of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 3. Per Resolution 2013-21 Susquehanna County will replace all occupied and vacant places able to be occupied low/moderate income dwelling units demolished or converted to a use other than as housing as a direct result of activities with funds provided under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Resolution 2013-22, the final one on this agenda, involves the County of Susquehanna Minority Business Enterprise Plan and Statement of Goals to allow socially and economically disadvantaged person to obtain social and economic justice.

The Commissioners continued with the agenda by approving the hiring of a new full time 2nd Deputy Prothonotary and signing a contract with Jones Kohanski Certified Public Accountants of Moosic, PA to audit the Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act Special Purpose Statements for the period of January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2012. Fees for this service with Jones Kohanski CPA will be at a standard hourly rate not to exceed $1,650.00 per year or $4950.00, plus out of pocket expenses. A second agenda item involved Jones Kohanski CPA of Moosic to audit the Financial Statements of the Commissary Fund of the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility for the years ending December 31, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Fees, respectively, will not exceed: $3,000.00; $3,100.00; $3,200.00; and $3,300.00. A maintenance and service agreement with KOVA Corp for 911 Audiolog equipment was approved and signed, and the Commissioners approved a motion to advertise for bids for an Oil and Gas lease, with no surface activity covering 12.24 acres in Bridgewater Township, Susquehanna County, PA. It was noted that this is the Jail/Recycling Center location.

The final items on the agenda were to authorize the purchase of new vehicles for several County Departments including the Sheriff, Children and Youth and the Maintenance Department. With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:27 a.m.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 9:55 a.m. on August 30, 2013: Thomas D. Earley, David J. Fischer, John S. Frisbie, Jr, Jon W. Hanson, Douglas R. Heath, James Karhnak, Joe R. Kimmell, Kay L. Knolles, Whade A. Koch, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Lawrence M. McGuire, Ronald N. Mitchell, Frank T. Perera II, James Purse, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Anthony Reed, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, Desiree L. Shifler, David J. Shiner, Brian R. Shio, Eric J. Snell, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle III, Robert J. Twilley, Steven G. Warner, Todd M. West, Kevin E. Yanney. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals. 

Theft: On August 25 an unknown person took possession of a cell phone left in the rest room of the PA welcome center off Interstate 81.

Assault-Resisting Arrest: On August 28th Thomas Andzulis of the Nicholson area, being wanted by the Pennsylvania State Parole Department did attempt to resist arrest and flee on foot. After a short foot pursuit he was taken into custody. Charges were pending for violation of PACC as of the time of report.

Crash: On August 25th at 2:06 pm a juvenile South Montrose boy was traveling southbound on Sr 29 when his vehicle lost control, exited off the east side of the roadway, struck a dirt embankment, and rolled over. The vehicle came to a final rest on its wheels facing west on the east side of the roadway. It sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene. The driver was not injured in the crash; a seat belt was in use.

Crash: On August 28th at 6:10 am Ian Billets of the Nicholson area was traveling east on Sr 3017 in Springville Township when he failed to negotiate a right curve and left the roadway, striking a large tree with the front of the Ford F250 he was operating. The driver sustained major injury; seat belt use was listed as none used/not applicable in the report.

Criminal Mischief: On August 24th between 12:30 and 1:00 am an incident of criminal mischief occurred at a location on Sr 267 in Choconut Township, in which one or more perpetrator(s) drove into the victim’s field and did a donut, tearing up some of the grass. The person(s) then attempted to exit the field and, in the process, struck a telephone pole and took out a guardrail, damaging both. Anyone with information is requested to please contact the state police.

Theft from a motor vehicle: Between August 22nd and 23rd the tailgate was stolen from a 2013 Ford F-250 truck, which was displayed for sale at Simmons-Rockwell Ford in Great Bend Township. The estimated value of the tailgate was $750. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the state police.

Crash: On August 26th at 7:50 am Paul Brojack of Lawton was traveling northbound on Sr 267 in Rush Township when he lost control of his vehicle while traveling north. The operator reported that he fell asleep prior to losing control. The vehicle, after negotiating a right curve in the roadway, began a counter clockwise rotation. It then exited the roadway off the southbound travel lane shoulder and impacted an embankment, coming to a rest off of the roadway with its rear end in contact with the dirt embankment. The driver was not injured during the collision; a seat belt was in use. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Parks Towing.

Criminal Mischief: On August 24th at 1:00 am the gate at the WPX Energy site on Donovan Road in Silver Lake Township was damaged. The perpetrator(s) then continued to travel into the construction site in an unknown vehicle. The landowner contacted the police and reported the incident.

Crash: On August 23rd at 10:20 am David Wiliams-Hallisey of Susquehanna was traveling north on T-513 in Gibson Township when his vehicle travelled off of the roadway and struck a tree. The operator sustained minor injury; a seat belt was in use.

Crash: On August 13th at 11:10 pm Autumn Hadlick of Hallstead was traveling west along Sr 706 when his vehicle exited the shoulder of the road to the right. The vehicle then veered back onto the roadway and across both lanes of travel. It then collided with the south guardrail and came to rest in the roadway. The westbound lane was blocked for a short time until the wreckage was removed. The driver was not injured in the crash; a seat belt was in use.

Crash: On August 20th at 8:18 am Anthony Baker of Kingsley failed to pay attention to the speed limit. He exited a curve and a short distance later lost control of his steering. The vehicle subsequently spun out, rolled and landed on its side. All occupants were uninjured in the incident. All were utilizing seat belts.

Crash: On August 18 at 1:45 am John Steinruck of Scranton was traveling south on Sr 3027 in Jessup Township when, while attempting to negotiate a left curve at the intersection of Oakes Rd. The vehicle exited the roadway on the east berm and struck a road sign, then struck a stone wall and several trees. Neither the driver nor passenger were injured; seat belts were in use.

Crash: On August 20th at 2:23 am James Jump of Montrose was traveling westbound on Sr 706 in Bridgewater Township when the vehicle he was operating exited the roadway when he failed to negotiate a right hand curve in the roadway. The driver left the scene prior to police response. There was no injury; a seat belt was in use.

Act 64- Possession: On August 19th at 7:40 pm James Lewis was taken into custody following an incident of public intoxication, disorderly conduct and possession of a small amount of marijuana. Being further found to be in violation of his probation; he was subsequently housed in the county jail for the same.

Crash: On August 20th at 12:55 am Monique Drag of Susquehanna was traveling northbound on Sr 1013 in Oakland Township when her vehicle struck a deer that encroached into the vehicle’s path of travel, which caused the operator to lose control, exit the roadway, and strike a tree. A rear seat passenger suffered a non-life threatening injury and was transported to Barnes Kasson Hospital in Susquehanna for treatment. Seatbelt use for this passenger was listed as unknown; the other passenger and driver were utilizing seat belts and were not injured.

DUI Crash: On August 17th at 6:05 pm Brian Ernst of Simpson was traveling west on Sr 0106 when he failed to negotiate a right curve in the roadway. The vehicle travelled off of the roadway and struck a guide rail. He was arrested for Suspected Driving under the Influence of Alcohol or a Controlled Substance. Charges were pending as of the time of report. No injury was sustained; seat belt usage was listed as unknown.

Assault-Harassment: On August 18th between 2:15 and 2:30 am Timothy Weidman and a woman, both of the Binghamton area, were traveling north on I 81 at MM 232 when Weidman struck the woman in the forehead area, utilizing his hands. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

Crash: On August 15th at 8:25 pm Patrick Treacy of Thomspson was traveling north on T-510 in Dimock Township when the Ford F-450 he was operating failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway. The vehicle lost control and rolled onto its roof. Treacy and a passenger both sustained minor injury; both were utilizing seat belts.

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