Susquehanna Community School District rates in the middle of the pack among county elementary schools. Her high school rates second in the county, with only Montrose a notch higher in academics. Those were the results presented by Superintendent Bronson Stone at SCSD School Board Director’s monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 16th. The Pennsylvania School Performance Profile (SPP) rates the academic quality of public schools across the Commonwealth via criteria established by the PA Department of Education. Superintendent Stone presented a slide show on the schools’ profiles at the board’s work session an evening earlier, and he offered that detailed information was available at the district’s website, www.scshools.org, as well as at www.paschoolperformance.org.

The elementary school came in with an SPP score of 77.6, fourth among the seven elementary schools in the county. The high school received an SPP score of 77.3, with Elk Lake, Forest City, and Mountain View trailing, but all with scores above 71. To put the SPP scores into context, a score of 60 or below indicates the school is academically deficient and triggers imposition of penalties; a score of 90 or above defines academic excellence at a superior level and results in rewards.

The Board’s October meeting kicked off with an oddity. Both President Steven Stanford and Vice-President Clay Weaver were absent. That being the case, board members present, Jason Chamberlain, Lori Canfield, Amanda Cook, Holly Kubus, and Martha Stanford were left to choose among themselves a President Pro-tempore to chair the proceedings. Mr. Chamberlain was unanimously chosen to fill the bill for the next 30 minutes. The evening’s meeting was jam-packed with motions likewise unanimously approved, but general housekeeping, rather than controversy, was an apt description of everything that proceeded thereafter.

The board steamrolled approval of the minutes of their last meeting, the Treasurer’s Report, the General Fund Bills, the Food Service Report, and the Activity Fund and Athletic Fund Reports, after which Business Manager Gary Kiernan announced there was no correspondence to be read. Mr. Kiernan, it should be noted, was playing the role of Board Secretary in the absence of Evelyn Cottrell.

Superintendent Stone took the quick hand-off from Mr. Kiernan to present his report of District Personnel and neatly summarize the aforementioned SPP results. He noted that Title I and Title VI grants had been submitted and were awaiting approval, after which one of the key actions to be taken would be conversion of a classroom into a computer lab. He also extolled the virtues of the newly implemented Carnegie Math program, which is now proving far superior to the Saxon Math system it replaced.

With High School Principal Mark Gerchman absent, elementary principal Bob Keyes took the spotlight to report the swelling numbers of grade 3 through 6 students enrolled in after-school tutoring. The program, initiated just yesterday, has 23 students in it, and it is projected to grow as more students turn in permission slips to stay after school. He also noted that during the week of October 21-25 the Red Ribbon Program will be the school‘s theme, emphasizing drug education and a tough stance against the drug abuse that is all too common in today’s society.

The spotlight returned to Gary Kiernan in his business manager role. He noted 20-plus bus contracts up for approval; busing to support after-school tutoring; and that Kelly Associates are currently working on the 2012-2013 school year audit, with wrap up projected sometime in November.

Other concise reports were made by Joni Miller, Donnie Norris, and Union Representative Jami Hyndshaw. Ms. Hyndshaw stressed that the teachers’ union would be putting on a Community Dinner in the elementary gym on Saturday, November 9th, from 1 to 4 p.m. She explained that the dinner is open to all residents of Susky School District. She noted that attendance had been poor at last year’s dinner, in part because a misconception had spread that the dinner was limited to low-income families. She emphasized that that was not the case, and all residents were invited to this dinner. The broad welcome, she hoped, would swell this year‘s attendance.

Besides the plethora of personnel actions approved by the board (See “Susky Schools Personnel Actions”), the board approved 11 requests by the school’s choral and band, a number of which were contingent on the school’s or individual student’s advancement in various competitions. Also approved were some two dozen requests for outside groups’ requests to use district facilities, for district personnel/students to attend external events; and for school personnel to conduct on-campus events. Superintendent Stone specifically commended two of those events: a natural-gas site field trip on October 25th, and a senior class field trip for “Local Government Day” at Blue Ridge HS on October 22nd.

Closer to home, the board also agreed to approve “settlement of a matter concerning special education student #05703. The terms of the written settlement agreement include the District establishing a $15,000 compensatory education fund and reimbursing $15,000 in attorney’s fees.” Superintendent Stone recommended approval and board approval was unanimous, with no further comment other than what is quoted above.

Superintendent Stone did, however, cheerily comment before the board’s unanimous approval of revising the “Memorandum of Understanding between the Claire Williams O’Neill Foundation and SCHS.” He explained that the Foundation would be adding - on a trial basis - a full-ride scholarship for SCHS senior at Lackawanna Community College for their two-year Natural Gas Program. Mr. Stone noted how consequential this scholarship is in light of the expanding natural gas industry locally.

Miscellaneous board approvals included 24 district transportation contracts; permission for Superintendent Stone to tentatively hire pending Board Approval for any vacancies that may occur October 16 - December 4; permission for the Business Office to pay bills that may occur October 16 - December 4; and a donation in the amount of $100 to the Susquehanna Depot Fire Department. Mr. Stone praised the Fire Department and their close working relationship with the school district in carrying out annual fire drills and mass evacuation drills.

With adjournment at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Kiernan broke out the brownies and served up round after round to all who would partake. The cafeteria ladies deserve high praise for the extra-chocolaty gastronomic delight. Many thanks!

SCSD gets a break from meeting in November. Next meet is scheduled for the first Wednesday in December. Happy Halloween and Thanksgiving to all until the next meeting - in meteorological winter!

Jack Conroy was absent from the October 16th meeting of the New Milford township supervisors. The remaining two supervisors carried on the business.

Mr. Hunter explained that the township had upgraded one of its pickups, and was selling one of the old ‘92 trucks. They were looking to receive $800, or a best offer.

Mr. Hunter explained that out at the Gibson exit, where the truck stop was, there must have been a fuel leak quite some time ago. A company was in the process of venting it out, and they needed to put three phase electric in, and desired to put a pole in the township right of way. However, if something was put in the township right of way the township would be liable if someone got hurt. Thus the solicitor had drafted a legal agreement, which would absolve the township of potential liability (and the insurance would be taken care of by the company). It would be a temporary pole. The supervisors signed and made a motion to approve the agreement.

Various permit notifications were reviewed. There was a notice from DEP that an NPDES mining permit had been approved for the Shursky Quarry Operation. A Surface Mining, NPDES and Authorization to Mine permit was also granted to New Milford Quarry. Notification was received that EC Bluestone Quarry had submitted a permit application to DEP for a small non-coal mine permit.

There were two subdivisions discussed. One was for the Decker property, and the other was up on Quarry Road.

Through the past years, Mr. Hunter said, they had had a difficult time finding auditors. No one had even run previously. One way to get around this difficulty was that the township could hire a CPA. They had found one, Joseph Collura, and his rate was within the township’s budget and within what was allowable by code. Mr. Hunter said that they still needed two more auditors, however. The only reason they needed the auditors was to set supervisor salaries, as the CPA and the supervisors could not do this. They had already found one of the three auditors. With having the CPA, the auditors would only have to meet once a year. Candidates would have to live in the township.

Mr. Bondurant stated that he had met with Community Neighbor’s Connecting, a group which met on a monthly basis, as their guest speaker. The Blue Ridge Senior Center had then requested that he come and talk. He felt this to be a sign that people were becoming interested in emergency management. He had also attended a workplace violence seminar.

The meeting then adjourned, but those present didn’t leave. Matt Warren was in attendance to give a small presentation to those present. He joked that he didn’t want to double the duration of the meeting (roughly 20 minutes to that point), and began his presentation on Good Will. The organization had roughly nine programs throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, and had about two in Susquehanna County. He said that, like all state and government funded agencies, they were kind of limited in what they were able to do. He was an employment specialist for the agency, and they were supplier services through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. He went out to the community with clients, and spoke with managers to help them find a job, and when they found one, he worked as a job coach with them.

There were perks, he said, to hiring a Goodwill client. The agency paid the first four weeks of salary, if the employer so desired.

Not only were there employment opportunities, but they did job options as well and were looking for businesses to do job options in. Everything for this program was funded by the state. It involved approximately two hours a week per client. The clients would be funded to work, and get paid minimum wage.

Goodwill also had an adult day care center, with about fifteen or sixteen clients. This was located in Montrose. For four to five hours a day, five days a week, clients worked on different kinds of skills, learned about healthy living, and went on recreational trips. That program was always looking for clients.

Mr. Warren left his contact information at the township, in case someone was looking for employees or extra work through non-traditional means.

October 16th’s meeting for Susquehanna Borough started out with a number of concerns from the public and a bit of discomfort in the meeting room.

One resident expressed concern over the qualifications of certain individuals and questioned the processes of the Zoning Board and Variance Committee and it’s members. The conversation was met with a seemingly unsatisfactory answer and the Council members suggested she take the issue up with the Zoning Committee at the following Friday’s meeting.

Another concern of this resident was whether or not Council members are still being paid if they are absent from meetings, as it seems to be an ongoing issue that certain members are not regularly attending the meetings. Roberta Kelly stated that it was out of their control, as the public elects these individuals. She suggested that residents who aren’t happy with the attendance of these members, elect new individuals they may find more suitable for the job at hand.

There was also concern over lighting at Prospect Park. It seems one light near the baseball field, that is inaccessible to fix, is out and in need of repair. This lead up to his other concern, that a road be made to make this area accessible. The Council stated that it was slightly late in the year to be bringing this issue to the table and that there were no complaints made by any party throughout the spring, summer, or fall months regarding the light. They also stated that they have had a very successful season at Prospect Park. Having discussed the issue, no official decision was made, however they are looking into having it fixed and also possibly replacing the present lighting system all together.

Two requests were also made at the meeting to lift the condemnation of two houses, located on Washington Street and Broad Avenue. These properties, once the condemnation has been lifted, will be restored and then either sold or inhabited. A motion was then made to lift the condemnation so work could begin on these properties.

A new ordinance is being considered locally regarding abandoned houses and buildings in the area. Under this ordinance, property owners would be fined for leaving their properties abandoned and unkept, with a gradual increase in the fine over years. Council hopes that this may encourage owners to either keep the properties up or sell them.

Trehab is having their annual Thanksgiving Feed-A-Friend program and is seeking volunteers to help with transferring food from Main Street to the Canawacta Rod & Gun Club on Sunday, Nov. 23, beginning at noon.

Council members wanted to address the issue of loose dogs once again. Residents are advised to keep their dogs on leashes or runs while outside, as these ordinances will be enforced. Residents encountering problems are instructed to contact the Susquehanna Police Department, who will then contact the dog warden.

Residents also now have the option of raking their leaves to the curb of the property to be picked up by DPW. These leaves must not be bagged and residents should call either the DPW or the Borough to have these leaves picked up.

Also, a letter was received from the parent of preschoolers, thanking Police Chief Robert Sweet for listening to her concerns and helping her discover ways to protect her preschool age children and that his efforts were greatly appreciated.

As far as Halloween is concerned, Trick-or-Treating will be held on October the 31st between six and eight o’clock pm. A light on in the porch or door area is said to signify that the particular household will be handing out candy. Also, the Lions Club Halloween Parade with be held Sunday, October 27th.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20th, at 7:00 p.m.

Near the beginning of the October 14th Montrose school board meeting, Duane Benedict, the FBLA adviser, spoke to the board about the program, saying that he was a little bit at a loss for words. He was speaking of the two boys being honored that evening for the program, Konstantinos Konstas and David Koloski (who was not present that evening). The boys had done a wonderful job locally, he asserted, and they both placed at the regional level. When they got to the state conference at Hershey, they had both won the chance to go to California for FBLA nationals, representing both Montrose and Pennsylvania. (Mr. Benedict explained that in the world of FBLA there was a huge rivalry between the two states.) He thanked the board and Mr. Ognosky for their support. For six years running the district had had someone qualify for nationals. Multiple times Montrose had students place in the top ten. This year Kolosky had finished sixth. Montrose was also scheduled to host the Regional conference again. At that time the program had 39 high school students, and 17 or 18 seventh and eighth grade students.

Mr. Ognosky pointed out that seven years ago the district hadn’t had an FBLA chapter. He invited Konstas and Benedict forward for handshakes and certificates of achievement.

Mr. Ognosky then stated that the second “Good Things Are Happening” item on the agenda was bittersweet for him. Certificates of appreciation were given by PSBA to board members who had served for at least twelve consecutive years. Mrs. Homan had received one the previous year, so that was her thirteenth year. Mr. Gow had recently resigned, but had returned for the evening to receive his award. Mr. Caterson, the board president, had also received one. Mr. Ognosky said that the district required a lot of their board members, as they had many meetings and active boards. Mr. Caterson, Mr. Gow, and Mrs. Homan shook hands and received certificates.

Mr. Ognosky said that he had given the administrators the night off due to the holiday, thus the administrative reports were all submitted remotely.

Prior to reviewing the agenda, he stated that he wasn’t feeling well and was planning to leave. The regular meeting was scheduled to be different that evening, as when it began they were going to select a board member to replace Mr. Gow. . There were four applicants for the position, and Mr. Ognosky explained that this was a very open and very public process. He thanked them for their interest.

There was to be a motion to accept with regret the resignation of Mr. Tallarico, effective the end of December. He was planning to take a position as Superintendent at Mid Valley.

Prior to Mr. Ognosky’s departure, Mr. Caterson said how proud he was to have served on the board with him as superintendent. He said that he was pretty sure he spoke for the board by saying he was sorry he was leaving but glad he was moving on to the next chapter of his life.

Andrew Falonk was present, on the agenda to be appointed as acting superintendent as of the 30th of October. This was to last through June 30th or until they appointed someone else. He had spent 10 years as the superintendent and 10 years as the assistant superintendent at Western Wayne. He had worked with Mr. Ognosky previously, at that district.

When the work session ended and the business meeting began, Mr. Caterson said that there was something quirky about that night. They weren’t leaving the meeting without appointing someone to the board, he said, but that person would only be acting on motions for two months. Mr. Gow was on the ballot for November, he explained. Unless someone chose to start an aggressive write-in campaign, he was likely to win. He would then be given the opportunity to take the position. If he declined, the board would have to start the entire process over again- advertise, review resumes, and appoint someone. This was due to regulations.

Given the situation, he offered the candidates the opportunity to leave. No one took him up on it. Mr. Caterson then explained the process. The board would ask each candidate four questions. A member would then make a motion for one of the candidates. The winning candidate would have to get five votes.

Jeffery Mead was the first to give his opening statement. He had over 20 years experience with the special needs population. His undergraduate degree was in psychology, and he had a master’s degree in education. He served in the army national guard for over 20 years. He also had graduated from Montrose.

Richard Jordan spoke next. He said that he practiced law in Philadelphia for over 30 years, and had been in the community since 2007. Two of his children had graduated as valedictorian. He thought he brought a unique skill set to the board based on his legal background. He also thought he had paid some dues to the district, as he had served on Mr. Ognosky’s Community Advisory Committee, he was part of the Committee that reviewed Act 1 and made recommendations regarding the proper method of taxing, he was part of wording the gas lease, and he was part of the interview team for the new business manager. His desire was to make Montrose stronger for all students, and he desired to enhance the reputation of the school. He stated that he was acutely aware of the fact that it wasn’t just the academic subjects which made the students great.

Gregory Scheer spoke next, saying that he should be on the board because of the words “full circle”. He said that his superintendent (principal at the time) and guidance counselor were his heroes. He had spent 26 years in the military, lived extensively abroad, and was comfortable with diverse cultures. He said that he was able to do that because of mentorship, and that he was invested, and was a lifelong learner. He was an adjunct instructor at Lackawanna College, and had instructed others throughout his military career. He currently owned a flight instruction business. He understood what it was like to be an instructor, and he also understood how to work with people. He was active in the community. He asserted that the future was the children, which he knew as he had children in the district. He said they had to provide support and mentorship for the children. He felt it was time for him to continue in a civilian world to give back.

Dr. Robert Sullivan spoke last, saying that he had to bow to the experience of the other gentlemen. His reason for wanting to be on the school board was his experience with Montrose, which had been throughout his entire life. He wanted to contribute and give back to the community. He was a businessman in Montrose, and he said that being a school member was like running a business. His business had been his own for eight years, and he thought he was doing okay. Finally, he also felt that the students were the future. Having the best school for them to go to, giving them the best education, was the magic bullet.

The board then asked candidates what qualifications would make them an asset. Mr. Jordan reiterated that his time on the community advisory board was his biggest qualification. He also spoke of his experience building his law firm, quipping that managing lawyers had been likened to herding cats.

Mr. Scheer spoke of his ability to work in the world of ambiguity, under pressure in short timelines, and to do it with quality.

Mr. Sullivan spoke of his ability to build a business from the ground up and to contribute to the community. He alluded to his educational background, and the need to learn on a daily basis in order to give his patients the best service (which gave him some sense of what students were going through). He quipped that he did herd cats on a daily basis, and spoke to his ability to manage the people he worked with.

Mr. Mead said that in addition to his education in Education, a lot of his experience had been in community settings helping people, instructing real skills to people in a real world. He said that his biggest strength would be he could help with the school’s Transition program.

The next question was which specific committee the candidates would want to be a member of, and why. Mr. Caterson reviewed the committees in advance.

Mr. Scheer expressed interest in the curriculum committee, as it was connected to FBLA. He spoke of his military experience, where he built curriculum and exercise scenarios, and then evaluated them. The doctorate he was pursuing was in rural entrepreneurship, and he felt this and the FBLA went hand in hand.

Dr. Sullivan said it would be difficult to choose from the list they gave. He reverted to the topic of business, stating that the finance and technology committees were definitely on the list. The building and grounds committee would be of interest, as having just built a new business he was very familiar with the rules and regulations for building a business. He seconded that curriculum would be his primary drive however, as he wished to make sure students received the best education with the best instructors possible.

Mr. Mead said that he had some experience with all of the committees. He too felt that curriculum would the committee he was best suited for. A lot of his experience was instructing people in real life skills. In his military position he had also planned all of the artillery training.

Mr. Jordan stated that finance and curriculum would be on a equal level for him. He said that he was chairman of the operations committee for the firm he worked at, which created a budget and made sure the firm conformed to the budget. He said that curriculum was where he would have the most passion; he felt it was where a board member could have the greatest impact.

Given these answers, Mr. Caterson quipped that it wouldn’t be hard to do committee assignments.

The last question involved whether or not the candidates were aware of the amount of time involved, and if they could give this time. All four said that they were, and that they could.

Mr. Caterson asked the board if there was anything anyone wanted to ask the candidates. Mr. Wilcox thanked all of them for being interested. He alluded to Mr. Jordan’s service on the Community Advisory committee, and the difficulty of finding people to serve on that committee. He said that he hoped, regardless of who they appointed, that the other three candidates would consider being on that committee.

Mr. Caterson agreed, opining that the community advisory committee was a great training ground for the board. He also said he didn’t know if they’d ever had a more qualified group of people.

Mrs. Homan nominated Richard Jordan, which nomination went to a voice vote. All board members voted affirmatively.

Mr. Jordan was appointed for two months. Mr. Caterson again thanked everyone. Ms. Smith pointed out that they could come to any of the meetings; Mr. Caterson noted that any meeting which the public knew about was a public meeting.

Mr. Jordan was then sworn in. The other candidates shook hands and congratulated Mr. Jordan. The meeting then progressed further.

A motion was made and approved to appoint a three-year extension to the existing contract with Murphy, Dougherty & Company, Certified Public Accountants, for audit services through June 30, 2018.

The resignation of Jerry Homsher as Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach was accepted with regret. Daniel Brown was appointed as Head Varsity Wrestling Coach, Joseph Gilhool as Junior High Assistant Boys’ Basketball Coach, Samantha Abbott as Assistant Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach, and Robert Sherbinko as Assistant Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach. It was noted that previous years coaching counted toward the pay scale; this was cumulative and counted regardless of sport.

Various other personnel motions were made and accepted. The last of these was the resolution to appoint Mr. Andrew Falonk as the acting superintendent, through June 30 or upon the appointment of a new superintendent, whichever came first. He would be at the school a few days a week as needed, as he was a per diem contracted employee.

Mr. Caterson said that they wished Mr. Tallarico well in his new position.

A visitor pointed out that the next week was national school bus safety week.

Hallstead Borough’s meeting on Thursday, October 17 was fairly simple and short, lasting just short of thirteen minutes, including the Pledge of Allegiance.

With just one member of the public present, one reporter, the Council reiterated old news from last months meeting, which included work to be done in the borough by their new employee, Kyle Callender, including the formation of the concrete bollards and also the demolition of an old building owned by the Borough.

There was concern, however, from Council members that trash is being dumped behind a trailer on Prospect Street in Hallstead. This issue is being investigated (still) and hopefully will be resolved soon.

Next month’s meeting will be earlier than usual, on Tuesday, Nov. 19th at 7:00 p.m.

Mark Smith, two-term county commissioner for Bradford County, is seeking the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania Lt. Governor. On Thursday, October 17th, Susquehanna County Democratic Party faithful gathered for a fundraiser at the home of Peggy and David Maloof on Heart Lake to meet Mr. Smith. Accompanied by his wife Jane, Mr. Smith provided an overview of his background, his past successes in governance, and his views for Pennsylvania’s future with a Democratic chief executive team at the helm, and hopefully, increased strength - if not outright Democratic majorities - in the State House and Senate.

While primary election day is not until May 2014, Mr. Smith knows he’s not backed by the big-money men of Wall Street. His campaign, he acknowledged, will be an uphill fight for name recognition and support across the broad expanse of the Commonwealth. In a field still not fully defined, Mr. Smith made clear that he is acutely aware any Democratic candidate can greatly improve his odds of victory in the 2014 general election by winning not just in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but by reaching out to rural to Pennsylvania.

But first things first, Lt. Gov. Candidate Smith has a primary election to win. He’s already been on the road for months, and only has seven more to bring his campaign to its zenith. His rationale for running: He’s “a moderating voice who can work across the aisle and get things done.” To back up his assertion, he cited his record in two terms as Bradford County Commissioner. In his first term he was a Majority Commissioner; in his second, as a sitting commissioner, he is a Minority Commissioner. But in both terms he cited his bipartisanship, and his ability to hold gas companies accountable for repair and maintenance of roads, even as PennDot proved inadequate to the task. He also asserted his strong belief in property rights and opposition to forced pooling.

Mr. Smith detailed his hard scrabble youth in rural Pennsylvania, his working-class roots; and the helping hand his family received from government to make it through many lean years. As such, it was clear he was analogizing that he could identify with families who are enduring the current hard economic times. He added that a rural Democrat in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania has a firm grasp of the issues which city folk can’t even imagine, much less understand. As the man at the right hand of the governor he could be a strong advocate for rural Pennsylvanians on issues unique to our region’s culture and topography.

Mr. Smith voiced criticism of the current administration in their education and transportation funding and policies; noted the reductions in programs to support mental health and other human services; and decried the current system of corporate taxation which is so riddled with loopholes that only 30% of corporations in the state actually pay the tax.

From the friendly audience Mr. Smith took a wide variety of questions. His answers were revealing. He supports marriage equality, favors a raise in the minimum wage, sees education and transportation as “investments” deserving of greater support at the state level, favors increasing revenues by reforming the corporate tax structure, favors increased taxation of tobacco products, and opposes Pennsylvania’s Voter ID law.

In opposition to Pennsylvania’s Voter ID law, Mr. Smith said, “They’ve come up with a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.” Several committeemen in the audience cited specific examples of elderly voters who did not have ID, but had been registered and voting in the same election district for over 50 years. In their view, the law “creates tension” because election officials are required to ask voters to show their ID, but voters are not required to actually show ID (according to the current court ruling and consent agreement with the state). The state’s expenditures for advertising the Voter ID law is a complete waste in Mr. Smith’s view, and he would eliminate the expense as a first step toward repeal - if Democrats gain sufficient support in the General Assembly at the 2014 election.

More central to many voters’ concerns is the fracking issue. Commissioner Smith has been dealing with the fracking issue since 2007, and with Bradford County in the heart of the gas drilling region he’s intimately familiar with the issue. He stated that while gas drilling has many benefits, he’s aware that it can be done better and government has a necessary and essential role in its regulation.

In other gas drilling issues, he believes that it is only a matter of time until a severance tax is instituted, and that such tax will help alleviate the local impact of gas drilling, as well as strengthen education and transportation funding. Mr. Smith has also been deeply involved in looking into the royalty-reduction issue.

Wrapping up the evening, Mr. Smith thanked the Democratic Party faithful for turning out to hear him and asked for their support in the battle ahead. Susquehanna County Democratic Party Chairman Bob McNamara thanked Mr. Smith on behalf of the entire Democratic Party.

With the event’s formal proceedings over, attendees were left to chat with the candidate and with each other. Among the party luminaries in attendance were Susquehanna County Commissioner MaryAnn Warren, former party chairman Joe Plonski, State Committeewoman Nancy Hurley, and staunch committeemen from various boroughs and townships in our fair county.

Before my departure, I asked Mr. Smith one last question, “How would you classify yourself - if someone were to put a label on you? Moderate . . . Liberal . . . Progressive?” His reply, “Democrat . . . just Democrat!”

[Editor’s Note: The author is neither registered in either major political party nor received any compensation from the candidate or the Democratic Party to attend this function or write this story. The intent is to ensure an informed electorate.]

Susquehanna Community School District Board Directors approved the following personnel actions during their regular meeting on Wednesday, October 16, 2013.

To hire for Elementary After-school Tutoring Teacher: Karyn Armitage, Debra Stone, Dan Maurer, and Sarah Krause.

To hire for H.S. After-school Tutoring Teacher: Elizabeth Updyke, Matthew Misiura, and Stephen Nayduch.

To hire the following personnel for the respective positions noted: Ryan Gilleran - H.S. After-school Tutoring Substitute Teacher; Joel Hubal - Substitute Maintenance; Ed Krug - JV Softball Coach; Jeff Baldwin - Boys Assistant Jr. High Basketball Coach; Alice Rhone - Track Helper and Substitute Basketball Scorer; Jessica Welch - Track Helper; Carol Bushong - Varsity Boys Basketball Ticket Taker; William G. Albert III - Varsity Boys Volleyball Coach; and Craig Hubal - JV Boys Volleyball Coach.

To approve as volunteers for the 2013/2014 school year: Jami Hyndshaw - 5th & 6th grade Girls Basketball Volunteer Coach, and Debbie Branning - Varsity Basketball Cheerleader Volunteer.

To approve as volunteers: Brian Woodruff -Elementary Wrestling; Michael Beamer - 5th & 6th grade Boys Basketball; and Todd Cundey - Boys Volleyball.

To approve as Substitute Teachers: Courtney Rudat - H.S. English, and Heather Colwell - Elementary.

To accept the following resignations: Kris Gardner - Jr. High Boys Basketball coach, effective October 4, 2013, and Debra Benson - Varsity Boys Basketball ticket taker, effective September 30, 2013.

To approve unpaid time off for Susan Whitney from December 16th through 20th.

To approve the wage adjustment for Nicole Furch from $12.20/hour to $13.20/hour, because of a new work location.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 11:50a.m. on October 18, 2013: William J. Casey, Anthony M. Choplosky, Thomas D. Earley, David J. Fischer, John S. Frisbie, Jr, Jon W. Hanson, Douglas R. Heath, Kay L. Knolles, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Ronald N. Mitchell, George M. Moran, III, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Anthony Reed, Jose A. Rodriguez, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle III, Timothy T. Towers, II, Robert J. Twilley, Steven G. Warner. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Theft/Motor Vehicle: On 09/01/13 at 8 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on State Route 167. Upon arrival the victim stated that PSP- Gibson had taken the call the day before. The vehicle was later located in Montrose Borough and an arrest was made for the driver of the stolen vehicle. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer. Case is still active.

Littering: On 09/02/13 at 7 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police responded to three separate reports of littering on Arrowhead Lake Road. It was found that several bags of garbage and other miscellaneous items were dumped off the side of the roadway. After a brief investigation charges were filed against two individuals from N.Y. State for littering. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer. Case is still active.

Theft: On 09/04/13 at 4 p.m. A theft was reported of some farm equipment on West Wilkes Barre Turnpike. Upon investigation of the incident, it was found to be a civil action. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Disabled Vehicle: On 09/10/13 at 7:10 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police responded to a disabled vehicle located on the Quaker Lake Road. The driver was contacted and had already made arrangements to tow the vehicle. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Burglary: On 09/11/13 at 2:40 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police responded to a report of a burglary that had occurred on State Route 167. The actor/s entered the residence during the daytime and stole several thousands of dollars in items. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer. This case is still active.

Motor Vehicle Accident: On 09/11/13 at 3:10 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police responded to a one vehicle accident located on State Route 167. The victim of the accident was a Broome County Resident and pronounced dead at the scene. The accident occurred when the victim’s motorcycle left the roadway while trying to negotiate a curve. PSP- Gibson along with Montrose Borough Police assisted Silver Lake Township Police with the accident. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer. This case is still active.

Noise Complaint: On 09/13/13 at 3:20 p.m. A resident complained about loud explosive noises near their residence. Upon investigation by Silver Lake Township Police, it was found that neighbors were shooting at targets. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Animal Complaint: On 09/13/13 a resident reported to Silver Lake Township Police that one of their animals had been killed by a dog. P.S.P.C.A was contacted and assisted Silver Lake Township Police with the incident. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer. This case is still active.

Theft/Fraud/Forgery: On 09/17/13 at 4:48 p.m. A resident located on the Quaker Lake road reported theft and forgery of some personal checks. The incident took place in Florida while the residences were away on vacation. Florida Police are handling the incident. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

D.U.I.: On 09/19/13 at 5:50 p.m. A vehicle was stopped for speeding on the Quaker Lake Road around Quaker Lake. The vehicle was clocked at 65 m.p.h. In a 25 m.p.h zone. The driver was stopped and upon further investigation placed under arrest for suspicion of D.U.I. Officer Justin Sprout was the arresting officer. This case is still active.

Structure Fire/False Alarm: On 09/25/13 at 2:40 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police were called for a report of a structure fire. Prior to arrival of police, it was found to be a false alarm. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Domestic Dispute: On 09/25/13 Silver Lake Township Police were given a report of a domestic dispute that had taken place on 09/24/13. Upon arrival of police it was found that an argument had occurred between mother and son. The mother stated that everything was worked out. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Animal Complaint: On 09/30/13 at 7 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police responded to an animal complaint on Mahoney Road. The resident reported that they had someone’s llama in their yard. Upon arrival of police the llama had left the area.