At the beginning of the October 28th Mountain View School Board meeting Mr. Williams explained that there was not a quorum, so they could not actually start the meeting. As there were several visitors however, they went forward with the planned acknowledgment and recognition. First they recognized students for academic work. Mr. Williams read aloud the names of students of the month in various vo-tech programs. There were certificates which no students were present to receive. Mrs. Shea stated that they would ensure, however, that the students did get them.

Next the junior high soccer team members were acknowledged. The coach assisted in the presentation. The students came forward for certificates and handshakes from the board president and superintendent. Next, the cross country runners were called forward, first varsity then junior high.

Mr. Williams said that he also wanted to bring a few more recognitions forward, one of which was former school board president Dr. Adams. Bill McDonald had provided a donation toward uniforms; he was thanked for this. Mr. McDonald spoke up, stating that they were the only junior high team which was properly attired at the time. Next the Tourje fund was acknowledged, which, with the assistance of the Community Foundation, had donated $1,000 for the purchase of another piano. Mr. Williams said that they all appreciated the assistance very much.

At 7:25 Dr. Plonski-Sezer arrived, and the meeting was able to begin. Present were Mrs. Stine, Mr. Barhite, Dr. Plonski-Sezer, Mr. Stoddard, and Mr. Williams.

Brandon Hawm stood up to speak as the student council liaison, covering the position for the evening. He reviewed a list of student activities. The MVSGA had completed homecoming. There was a pep rally where the educators were able to dance. The Feed-A-Friend program was underway, with a theme stemming from a popular reality television show. They planned to make the show’s logo out of the cans. Mountain View had won the contest the year previous. There was to be a science fair April 12th, and the National Honor Society was running a blood drive. The Envirothon had just completed a field trip to Salt Springs. Big Brothers Big Sisters had begun, as had the Olweus program. The Cross Country team had ended the season the best they had in years, and Jr. High Soccer had ended their season at 9-5. Both the boys’ and girls’ varsity soccer teams were undefeated.

Mr. Williams commented on the Students Against Drunk Driving program, saying that he was very gratified to see that they were also speaking out against distracted driving.

Mrs. Voigt and Mrs. Kile were present to continue a discussion about the Language Arts curriculum. Mrs. Voigt handed out writing guidelines. Ms. Kile spoke on the four electives offered within the curriculum, which included: Public Speaking and Debate, Journalism, Creative Writing, and Theater Arts. She reviewed these, noting the kinds of students they spoke to. Public Speaking and Debate was the newest elective. Dr. Plonski-Sezer asked if there were separate curricula for these courses; it was responded that there was a new educator had helped with the Theater Arts curriculum, it was explained, using her own real life experience to help make sure it lined up with what existed in the “real world” in that field. Mr. Stoddard asked if the students were being corrected in their writing, so that they were using the language properly. Ms. Kile explained that there would be feedback returned to the students regarding all of the aspects of the writing- including grammar. Mrs. Voigt asserted that grammar was being brought through in the writing. An educator present supported this by stating that in seventh grade there was a weekly grammar quiz. Mrs. Voigt also noted that they were following the PA Core standards.

Mr. Williams asked Mrs. Voigt to assure him that somewhere along the line students would be learning the mechanics of the English language. It was responded that they were, every day. Text-speak was not accepted.

Mr. Barhite asked if diagramming a sentence still existed. Mrs. Kile replied that it did, but it had been demonstrated that this was not as effective a method for group instruction. It was more effective for visual learners in individual instruction.

When a request for multiple field trips for the Transitions Program came up on the agenda, Mr. Williams related that they had received a letter from the BSST Area Agency on Aging. The letter expressed pleasure with the students’ interactions with their agency.

Mr. Taylor gave his report, noting that TriGaurd had all of the cameras up on the second floor of the high school. He estimated that they should be done with the project by the next meeting. The school heat was still running off of fuel oil, he explained. He wanted to run it down more, to get some of the sludge out (it was clogging the screens).

Mr. Williams welcomed Ms. Christine Kelly as the new Elementary Principal. She thanked the board for the opportunity. She said that she had spent a lot of time in the classrooms, in hallways, and on buses, and had visited some extracurricular activities. One of the paraprofessionals said that they loved Mrs. Voigt (who had served as interim), but they were happy to have a principal. Mrs. Stine thanked Mrs. Voigt for her service in this regard.

There had been a successful fire prevention program, Mrs. Voigt noted during her own report. The birds of prey group had also come in and given a presentation to students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The ag lab was scheduled to come the following week. The educators picked the lesson that they went out to do within it.

Dr. Plonski-Sezer spoke very highly of Henry Marr. She said that she was who she was because of him. She assserted that he had done a lot for the music department over the years, and brought up the idea of perhaps memorializing him in the school.

The meeting was recessed until the following night, as there were interviews for the director of special services position. The board was to convene in case there was positive action.

They said that Mrs. Shea was doing a good job.

The County Commissioner’s meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. on October 22, 2013. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved and Commissioner Giangreco continued with the ratification of the following fiscal items: 10/9/13 General Expenses for the amount of $260,253.52; 10/23/13 Net Payroll for the amount of $165,379.24; 10/23/13 $14,968.53 for Employee Retirement Expenses, 10/23/13 $7,354.94 for State Withholding Taxes; 10/24/13 Federal Payroll Taxes in the amount of $61,708.73; 10/15/13 Jury Expenses for $41.96; 10/17/13 $70,809.08 for CYS Expenses. Moreover, the Commissioners approved Proclamation 2013-06, proclaiming November as Adoption Awareness Month in Susquehanna County.

A Resolution (2013-23) was adopted, authorizing the PHARE Fund Provider Contract. This allows funding to be received during the 2013-2014 contract year for various services and projects within the scope of the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement. Trehab Inc., Montrose has been designated as its service provider for all purposes related, for a total amount of $100,000.

Additionally, the Commissioners approved a non-surface oil & gas lease agreement with Cabot Oil & Gas for the period of October 9, 2013 to October 8, 2018 for a property in Bridgewater Township, covering 12.24 acres. Royalties are free and clear of all costs, claims, charges and expenses, including, but not limited to, the costs of gathering, transporting, separating, dehydrating, treating, compressing, marketing, enhancements, or otherwise making the oil or gas ready for sale or use.

Resolution 2013-11 authorizes the purchase of a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Work Truck for the Emergency Management Department for $44,065.90. The Commissioners also signed the Transportation Service Agreement with Trehab Inc., which provides transportation services for County residents by accepting funding from the Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Services. The term of this agreement shall be from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.

The Commissioners continued with the agenda by approving the hiring of three full-time Dispatchers and agreed to advertise for bids for an Entrance Canopy Project which consists of the removal of an existing concrete entrance ramp and the construction of a new entrance canopy addition and associated improvements to the rear of the existing Courthouse Building at 105 Maple Street, Montrose. With all the items on the agenda covered, the meeting was adjourned at 9:48 a.m.

The Blue Ridge School Board’s October workshop on the 28th actually began with a short business meeting. There were 2 items on the agenda, neither of them explained to the public in attendance (me). They both approved “settlement agreements,” which usually means some sort of litigation was averted, in most cases by a payment. The “special education” settlement will cost the district $18,000; that information was only made available upon inquiry. Settlement in a special education case generally means that a family has objected in some way to the district’s performance under an individual education plan (IEP).

According to Superintendent Robert McTiernan, the other settlement involves no payment. He refused to comment otherwise about the case at all.

Mr. McTiernan also amended each of the items to add “subject to minor amendments” to each motion, again without further explanation. There was no more information forthcoming about either the agreements, or the “minor amendments” thereto. Mystery, secrecy.

Board president Laurie Brown-Bonner also announced that the Board met in executive session before the public meeting on a personnel issue, and would meet again afterwards to discuss contract negotiations (with the teachers). More mystery, secrecy.

The workshops are scheduled so that the Board has an idea what will be on its formal agenda at the business meeting a week hence. It also offers an opportunity to discuss general issues and policies, and hear committee reports. There weren’t many committee reports except that Harold Empett will meet with his Facilities & Grounds Committee at 6:30pm before the business meeting on November 4. And Wellness Committee chair Michael Detwiler will call his committee to order at 4:00pm on Tuesday, November 12.

Christina Cosmello ran down the list of open coaching positions during her Activities Committee report. A debate ensued concerning a request to establish an interscholastic basketball “club” for the younger grades that the district does not now provide. If such a “club” were to be sanctioned by the district, would volunteer coaches need to be vetted? Would the “club” be covered by the district’s insurance? How about transportation? Or would the district sponsor only “home” games? What would they use for uniforms?

The consensus on the Board was that coaches would need appropriate clearances, but that they would not be paid, at least not this year.

Mr. McTiernan reported that medical practitioners are asking for an increased fee due to increased responsibilities, mostly with respect to special education and mental health reviews, from the current $50 to $55.

He also said that the administration is beginning to plan for replacement of the campus telephone system. Installation of a new optical fiber “backbone” network is expected to be completed before the holidays in December, a prerequisite for a new phone system based on “voice over IP technology” (VOIP).

To a question from Ms. Brown-Bonner, Mr. McTiernan reported that 2 candidates for “hall monitors” are under consideration. These posts are intended to provide increased security in the buildings, in response to events last winter in Connecticut.

Along similar lines, the Superintendent reported that district staff are installing 2 video cameras in each of the buses (but not the vans). The equipment has the capability, but it will not record audio, since that feature is not currently provided for in law.

The district is also considering a permanent, but part-time, career counselor, to help students with “post-secondary school planning.” The position would be considered a “professional service” and carry no benefits. Career Development Committee chair Christina Whitney said she would like the hourly job, allowed up to the maximum of 29½ hours per week for part-time employment.

The administration will request approval of an arrangement with the Susquehanna Community School District under which SCSD would assist Blue Ridge with “district office operations” at a rate of about $291 per day. The “consulting” may be related to the replacement of Business Manager Loren Small by “interim” Board Secretary Debbie Bennett and “interim” Business Manager Penny Greene.

The contract for consolidated bus runs will be up for approval at the next business meeting. And Board members were asked to review the comprehensively updated policy manual so that it can be presented for 30-day review. The new manual is said to give administrators discretion to implement Board policy in a general way.

Ms. Brown-Bonner noted that two months of the school year have passed and no student representative has yet appeared at Board meetings. She asked that Middle/High-School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski look into that, and possibly nominate someone else more likely to attend. Nicholas Swaha has been the designated student representative so far this year.

She also asked the administration to present a staff member for recognition each month in the same way that Mr. Nebz presents a couple of seniors at each business meeting.

It may not dispel the mystery behind the proceedings, but you can see for yourself whatever is offered to the public at the Blue Ridge School Board meetings usually on the 1st and 4th Mondays of the month, beginning at 7:30pm, in the cafeteria in the Elementary School. Sometimes even delicious brownies mysteriously appear.

According to Clifford Magistrate Suzanne Brainard, regarding the case of Mr. William Tigue, Jr., Kingsley, Mr. Tigue was found Not Guilty of: failure to notify police of an accident; careless driving; not wearing a restraint; and abandoning a vehicle.

Mr. Tigue was found Guilty of: not driving in a single lane; and not driving his vehicle at a safe speed.

According to Mr. Tigue, he is appealing the two guilty charges in higher court.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners announce the Courthouse will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2013 in observance of Veteran’s Day. All court related offices will be available.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 11:55 a.m. on November 1, 2013: William D. Barton, Allen S. Bowman, William J. Casey,, Anthony M. Choplosky, Richard A. Durand, Jr, Thomas D. Earley, David J. Fischer, John S. Frisbie, Jr, Jon W. Hanson, Douglas R. Heath, Timothy M. Holmes, Matthew Ivanitch, Kay L. Knolles, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Matthew S. Miller, Ronald N. Mitchell, George M. Moran, III, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Anthony Reed, Jose A. Rodriguez, Sherri M. Rosa, 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, Kathleen M. Visavati, Steven G. Warner, Kyle D. Wilbur, Richard D. Williams. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Crash: On October 24th at 7:39 pm Cathleen Farnelli of Montrose was traveling south on Sr 3023 when, for unknown reasons, her vehicle exited the edge of the road and struck a utility pole. Farnelli was not injured; a seat belt was in use.

Missing Person/Runaway: A 17 year old male juvenile was reported as being a runaway from his residence in Lenox Township on October 23rd.

Burglary: A Montrose senior citizen discovered that money was taken without her authorization. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

Crash: On October 23rd at 4:55 pm Skyler Yurko-Warner of Berwick was traveling eastbound on Sr 3004 in Auburn Township. Robert O’Connor of Wyalusing was off the roadway on the southern side, preparing to turn left onto SR 3004 going west. O’Connor pulled out onto the roadway into the path of Yurko-Warner, who swerved to the left to try and avoid him. The right front corners of both vehicles struck the other. All involved were utilizing seat belts; there were no injuries.

Crash: On October 22nd John Timme of Starrucca was traveling east along Sr 370 when a deer ran onto the road from the right side and he collided with it. Timme was not injured in the crash, however the vehicle suffered enough front end damage to disable it.

Commercial Vehicle Crash: On October 21st at 8:34 pm Brittany Mason of Kingsley was traveling south on Sr 167 at the same time as Jordan Cunningham of New Milford, who was operating a Mack Vision water truck. As Cunningham was slowed and attempting to turn left from the right lane, Welch overtook him on the left side and entered his turning path. Mason struck the front left tire of Cunningham's vehicle with the front right bumper and fender area. Mason's vehicle then continued south, sliding along the passenger side against the tire of Cunningham's vehicle, crossing the northbound lane and striking an embankment on the left side of the roadway, continuing, and coming to a rest facing a southerly direction on the right shoulder. Both driver's were utilizing seat belts; Mason sustained minor injury. She was transported to Community Medical Center in Scranton prior to the trooper's arrival.

Crash: On October 3rd at 1:20 am an unnamed person was traveling east along on Sr 3001 on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The driver attempted to make a u-turn at the intersection with Sr 3009 when he tipped and fell onto his side during the turn. A passerby assisted, getting the motorcycle up righted off the operator. The passerby went to a nearby residence to phone for EMS assistance. The driver was not injured in the crash; however he fled the scene prior to PSP arrival, leaving the motorcycle behind.

Crash: On October 20th at 12:19 am Michael Lathrop of Montrose was traveling east along Sr 706 in Lathrop Township when he came upon a stretch of road that was about to curve to the left. The driver observed a large commercial vehicle in the oncoming lane. He steered to the right and went off the road. In doing so, the vehicle struck a guard rail end and traveled down into a creek bed. A seat belt was in use; the driver was not injured in the crash.

Hit and Run: On October 9th at 4:30 am an unidentified commercial vehicle was traveling through Harford. At a point between Sr 547 and School St. the truck collided with a utility pole, causing it to crack. The electric company was notified and responded. The vehicle left the scene before being identified for responsibility.

Crash: On October 18th at 10:39 pm Joel Lehr Jr. of Friendsville was traveling West on The Quaker Lake Rd. when his vehicle traveled off the North berm on the roadway striking a ditch. It then continued to travel West with its right tires partially in the ditch and its left tires partially in the roadway. It came to a final rest partially in the roadway on the Quaker Lake Rd. in front of Box 2412. The driver and passenger fled the scene after a brief verbal argument.

Burglary: On October 20th at approximately 4:30 pm unknown perpetrator(s) arrived at an apartment in Hallstead Borough, entered through an locked front door, took prescription pills, and fled the scene by unknown means or direction. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Crash: A crash occurred on October 19th at 7:05 pm when an unnamed person was traveling northbound on I81 in the left lane when it struck a deer with the front driver side that was standing in that lane. The deer was driver off the west side of the roadway and the vehicle sustained minor damage to the front bumper and front driver side quarter panel, and it was pulled to a controlled rest to the east side of the roadway. The unit was ultimately driven from the scene and there were no injuries reported in the crash.

Crash: A one vehicle traffic collision occurred as Dustin Controe was traveling north on Sr 0029 in Dimock Township when his vehicle traveled off of the roadway and struck a utility pole, causing it to break. The vehicle then proceeded to travel north for a short distance, impacting a tree. The driver was apparently traveling at a high rate of speed. He sustained an injury of unknown severity; seat belt use was listed as unknown.

Criminal Mischief: The police are investigating a criminal mischief incident in which one or more unknown perpetrator(s) drove through the yard and garden of a Kingsley man, turfing the lawn. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

Harassment: On October 18th at 12 pm a harassment incident occurred at Blue Ridge High School in which a boy threatened physical harm on a 17 year old boy. He was cited for section 2709 (Harassment) of the PA Crimes Code.

Crash: On October 11th at 10:54 pm Howard Walter Jr. of Towanda was traveling northbound on Tr300 in Auburn Township. His vehicle exited the roadway to the right of the travel lane, and impacted a barbed wire fence, traveled down an embankment, and overturned. The vehicle rotated, coming to a rest overturned in a field, wast of the roadway. The driver fled the scene and was later discovered with minor injuries at his residence. Walter was transported to Geisinger CMC for minor injuries; seat belt use was unknown.

Burglary: On October 14 one or more person(s) broke into a residence in Silver Lake Township and stole various pieces of jewelry, tools, and electronic equipment. The estimated value of the stolen goods was $5,000. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the PA State Police in Gibson.

Crash: On October 14th at 4:46 pm William Sebring of Moscow, PA was traveling south on Interstate 81 in Lenox Township. The vehicle was towing a camper trailer, which started to sway. The vehicle then lost control and swerved from the left lane to the western shoulder where it struck a guide rail. It then slid in an eastern direction across the travel lanes, where it rolled onto the passenger side and reached a rest. Clifford Township Fire Department and Ambulance and Harford Ambulance assisted at the scene. Two passengers sustained minor injury; all involved were utilizing seat belts.

Crash: On October 11th at 8:15 am Joseph Mucha of Mountain Top was traveling on Sr 374 in Lenox Township when, while traveling east, he failed to negotiate a left hand curve in the roadway. The Ford F-250 subsequently traveled across both lanes of travel prior to rolling over on its passenger side. The driver was not injured; a seat belt was in use.

Criminal Mischief: On October 12th at 7:53 am Terry McLean is accused of damaging a victim's vehicle during an argument outside the residence. The accused was charged with criminal mischief for breaking a window of the vehicle.

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