Council President Ron Beavan has been wielding the gavel at Oakland Boro council meetings for years. At 7:04 p.m. on Thursday, December 12th, his particularly vigorous swing manifested memorable significance. Meeting attendees literally flinched when Mr. Beavan brought down the hammer for his last regular monthly meeting as President of this august body. For at least the next four years Mr. Beavan will no longer be wielding the gavel at borough council meetings.

Councilmen Gary Boughton, Dave Dibble, Eric Page, Dave Trevarthan, Brian Rhone, and Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush were present to witness the power blow and to play their respective roles in municipal governance. Councilman Jack Agler was absent, but in the audience to ask questions and share thoughts was Councilman-elect Nelson Towner.

Likely the most consequential accomplishment of the evening was council’s tentative approval of the borough’s 2014 budget. Councilmen discussed various minor differences from the current-year budget and the underlying reasons necessitating adjustments. The 2014 budget balances revenues, with expenditures at $126,376.10. It is available for review at the borough office, by appointment, through 9 a.m. on Monday, December 30th. At that time Oakland borough council will convene a Special Meeting to give final approval for the ’14 budget.

In addition to that Special Meeting, council set 7 p.m. Monday, January 6, 2014, as the time and date for its Reorganization Meeting. Immediately following that reorganization, council will conduct its Regular Monthly Meeting for January.

Budget matters and meetings aside, council dug in for regular house-keeping duties at this meeting. President Beavan presented the Codes Report which contained brief updates on five troubled properties in the borough. At least one property requires “eternal vigilance” (with weekly inspections); two more are in various stages of resolution; and two more may be nearing the end of their troubled history - as one has been sold and the other is a candidate for demolition.

Gary Boughton presented the Parks Report which consisted entirely of the ongoing fight against prospective park vandals and juvenile delinquents. Council’s ten-minute discussion sharpened ideas for the most effective approach to protect property and ensure order in the park.

In the absence of Mayor Randy Glover, President Beavan presented the borough’s Police Report for the month of November. It showed a total of 31 incidents, of which 18 were traffic stops (including one DUI). Of the remaining 13 incidents, there were two related to “breathing problems,” two cases of disorderly conduct, three miscellaneous investigations, and one each of the following classifications: burglary alarm, criminal mischief, lost/found property, miscellaneous, suspicious vehicle, and larceny/theft.

Under Old Business, Councilman Page discussed the progress made thus far in his committee’s research and preliminary planning for the new borough building. The committee will next meet at 6 p.m. on December 19th at the borough office.

Under New Business, council reappointed Mike Ryder to the Water Board. Myron DeWitt was reappointed Solicitor for the borough with a $5 per hour increase for a rate of $130 per hour. Council also unanimously approved the mutual aid agreement presented by Lanesboro Council President Todd Glover. The benefit to Oakland borough is council’s continued use of Lanesboro’s Community Center for council meetings.

Before transitioning the meeting into Executive Session at 8:05 p.m., out-going Councilman/Vice-President Brian Rhone had words of sincere gratitude for council at large and for Councilman Trevarthan and President Beavan specifically. His soliloquy conveyed thanks for all the knowledge and wisdom others had shared with him and the many opportunities he had had to learn by experience and through his service. His words struck an emotional chord. Councilmen responded with overwhelming expressions of gratitude and well-wishing, and President Beavan thanked Mr. Rhone for his 10 years of dedicated service as well as the pleasure of working with him on many issues over the years.

President Beavan will be passing the gavel to a new council president on January 6, 2014. Whether that new president will wield the gavel with President Beavan’s zest and dynamism only time will tell. But President Beavan will be present to see - in his new role as the next mayor of Oakland Borough.

Phillip Medico is a member of the family that owns Medico Industries of Wilkes-Barre, a heavy equipment dealer that specializes in Case machines and supplies many municipalities throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.  He clearly takes a personal interest in relationships with his customers – and potential customers – for his sales pitch consumed more than an hour of the Harford Township Supervisors’ meeting on December 12th.

The meeting was actually postponed for 2 days from its usual Tuesday schedule because of the weather.  Mr. Medico actually traveled to Harford twice to make sure he could attend.

Ever since the engine on the township’s 30-year-old loader (a Case, as a matter of fact) locked up, the township has been looking for a replacement, and soon, because the crew now has only a backhoe to load the trucks with stone, cinders and anti-skid.  And Mr. Medico has just the thing: a brand new Case loader with all the bells and whistles.

Harford Supervisors and road crew have looked at John Deere, Caterpillar and Case equipment.  Flush with cash from “impact fee” money from the gas drilling in the area, they are forsaking the used market and are looking to purchase a new machine this time.  Because they will be buying through the state COSTARS program, they do not need to solicit bids to get a good price.  Nevertheless, according to Supervisor Garry Foltz, the Deere machine was out of the running as too expensive.  He said the Supervisors and road crew were leaning toward the “Cat” machine, although Roadmaster Jim Phelps, who tried them all out, said that he would be satisfied with any of them. Mr. Foltz said that one of his original concerns was that his research showed that Case machines depreciate in value much more rapidly than equivalent Caterpillar equipment.

Even Mr. Foltz conceded that the township would probably keep the machine until it falls apart some years down the road.  And although Mr. Medico didn’t directly address the loss in value over time, he made an impressive pitch.  Although the machine he is offering is a bit larger than the Caterpillar under consideration, and is fitted with more options than Mr. Foltz thinks are necessary or even desirable, Medico had already offered a significant discount from the COSTARS price, and Mr. Medico, as an owner of the company, cut another $2,000 at the meeting.  His final price was $142,000.  According to Mr. Foltz, the Caterpillar machine is offered at $135,000.

This may be the last major decision of Mr. Foltz’s tenure.  His replacement, Conrad Owens, listened to the Medico pitch and declared that he liked the deal.  The incumbent Supervisors, however, weren’t to be pressured, and scheduled another meeting on the following Tuesday to make a decision, giving them time to consider both offers.

Aside from price, the purchase contract could include things like financing, perhaps involving a lease-purchase arrangement.  More important, however, are the warranty and service provisions.  Both are offering a 3,000-hour warranty, one for 5 years, the other for 3.  That may be moot since the township is hardly likely to put 3,000 hours on this machine in even 5 years.  One warranty would cover the entire machine; one covers only powertrain and hydraulics after the first year.  One service agreement would provide all regular maintenance at the township at no charge (including travel) during the warranty period; the other service contract is somewhat less generous.

Mr. Medico emphasized the relationship that his family-owned business maintains with its customers.  He was clearly eager to close the deal then and there, pushing hard to assure his listeners of his company’s commitment to its customers’ satisfaction, including an annual training event (with food) at its headquarters.  He even threw in a smaller, custom-manufactured bucket – with teeth (the standard bucket on this big machine is too large to efficiently work with the township’s trucks).

So Medico will have to wait a few more days to find out what the Harford Supervisors will do (and so will you, since the second meeting will take place while you read this).

In the meantime there was other business on the agenda, not the least of which was the new budget for 2014.

There will be no changes in the budget from that proposed last month.  Absent the impact fee revenue, the township would spend almost $74,000 more than its income.  According to Supervisor Doug Phelps, a deficit of some $24,000 in the sewer component will be covered from the accumulated cash balance.  The township component (financed from local revenue, including property taxes) will be short about $7,000, again covered from cash balances.  (The “state” component, financed largely from state liquid fuel subsidies, must be balanced.)  Overall, the township estimates spending for 2014 at $730,287.  There will be no increase in tax rates or fees.

The budget also takes $43,000 for road materials from impact fee revenue instead of the township budget.  That, and anticipated expenses for a 4th part-time employee on the road crew, who Mr. Foltz thinks will end up full-time led him to vote against the budget, as he did in November.

Mr. Phelps reported that road work has segued into winter activities.  He said that all projects financed under flood-remediation funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have been completed.  The Tyler Lake Road drainage project is also complete, and paid for from a “Dirt & Gravel” grant.  The Supervisors also reviewed and approved pipeline road-crossing completion documents.

The township will advertise to solicit bids from gas companies for a lease on 1.388 acres of land on the property at the village reservoir whose title was recently cleared by arrangement with the Harford Water Association.  A lease in that location would presumably not permit surface activities.

The township was asked for a donation to the Bradford-Sullivan-Susquehanna-Tioga Area Agency on Aging.  The Agency’s ties to government being unclear, no one was able to recall if the township had contributed before.  The only organization to which Harford regularly donates is the local Little League club.  Supervisor and township secretary Sue Furney was asked to find out what, if anything, the township had contributed to the BSST AAA in the past.  Non-profit regional aging advocacy organizations have generally been funded by the state  and federal governments under the Older Americans Act of 1965.

So all we need now is to find out whether it will be a Case or a Caterpillar loader that they will buy.  According to the December treasurer’s report, the impact fee fund currently has over $192,000, of which $43,000 is committed to stone for the new year.

Stay tuned.  Or, if you’re not so interested in that, consider the reorganization meeting scheduled for Monday, 1/6/2014 beginning at 7:00am at which time Mr. Owens will take his place at the table and the reconstituted Board of Supervisors will decide who will be chief.

Lanesboro borough council kicked off its final meeting of 2013 at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10. Present for the meeting were President Todd Glover and council members Dan Boughton, Regina Dilello, Jason Fissel, and David Glidden, along with Mayor Chris Maby and Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan. Council members absent were Colleen Wilkes and Dale Rockwell.

Council approved the borough’s 2014 budget without controversy on a roll call vote of 5-0. As reported last month, the budget expenditures and revenues balanced out at $244,561 for 2014, and included no tax increase in sewer and garbage pick-up rates.

But sewer and garbage were definitely front and center for much of the December meeting. The easier of the two was discussion of the borough’s sewer system. President Glover and Mayor Maby reported that they believe their discussion with the Tri-boro Sewer Authority is progressing to a deeper level and sale of the borough’s sewer system is much more likely today than at any time in the past. Serious negotiations are ongoing and it is likely 2014 will bear fruit, i.e., get the borough out of the position of having to maintain sewer oversight and ownership.

Council’s discussion of garbage was much lengthier, and despite the decisions ultimately reached, represented not so much consensus but exhaustion from extended debate as to how to proceed. To continue maintaining garbage pick-up as a municipal service would require a serious financial commitment: major repairs on the borough’s obsolescent truck - or purchase of a new truck. The borough’s truck is presently in the shop for repairs, and has been for some time. To complete recent garbage pick-up council had to contract with Fred’s Garbage Hauling at an expense of $750 (plus tipping fees).

With council concluding it did not want to sink major funds into repair or purchase of a new truck, discussion turned to privatizing the service; what specifics contractors would bid on; and how to structure the requirements for bidding so that council could carefully compare bids “apples to apples” rather than “apples to oranges.” By roll call vote Council approved a motion made by Councilman Fissel to advertise for bids from any approved hauler in Susquehanna County to pick up garbage, based on per bag (36 gal.) pick-up, with offer (if any) of discount for prepayment for service.

Wording for advertisement for the above service will be placed in the hands of Solicitor Myron DeWitt, as will the writing of the borough ordinance necessitated to circumscribe all matters related to garbage service. Borough council’s position is that the service should be privatized at the earliest feasible date. No doubt there will be much more discussion of the matter at next council meeting.

The date and time of that next council meeting was also a matter for discussion. Because of the Municipal Election last month, Council must hold a Reorganization Meeting during the first week of January. Mayor Maby, newly reelected to a four-year term, volunteered that he will be sworn into office at the county courthouse at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 3. With the completion of his swearing-in he is thus empowered to swear in the newly-elected borough officials.

Council therefore set 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, as the time and date for the Reorganization Meeting. Newly-elected officeholders declining to be sworn in at the County courthouse ceremony on the 3rd will be sworn in on the 7th, and borough council will complete its reorganization. For the sake of efficiency, the borough’s next regular monthly meeting will be moved from the second Tuesday in January to 7:15 p.m. on the 7th. Both the Reorganization Meeting and the change in Regular Monthly Meeting schedule will be advertised in the legal notices of the newspaper.

Previous advertising in the newspaper - for the hiring of a snowplow driver - has not evoked the desired response. To date the borough has received no applicants - none. Jim Maby is filling in for now at the wheel of the new plow truck. Meanwhile, the new plow truck has made the old plow truck redundant. Consequently council, by roll call vote, unanimously approved advertising sale of the old plow truck, with bids to be opened at next meeting.

The next meeting may also produce some details of criminal activity in Lanesboro. Mayor Maby had only the Lanesboro Police Report for service in Thompson, but none for Lanesboro itself (Lanesboro’s Report not printed, hence not provided). What Mayor Maby did have to report was the hiring of two new officers. To quote from the meeting’s agenda, “Mayor, with prior approval at last month’s meeting, has hired Thomas Sheehan and Joshua Hale. Thomas comes with a recommendation from and is working for [Chief] Jon Record in Great Bend. Joshua has been recommended by [Chief] Jim Smith and is currently working with Montrose PD. They will be covering the remaining open time at the school such that we now have full time coverage. They will also be working some patrol shifts as well.”

Occupying a good chunk of time late in the meeting was discussion of the Community Center. The ultimate decisions of council were embodied in a roll call vote for a motion unanimously approved. It’s provisions included (1) setting the center’s rental fee at $150 CASH per day, with an additional $50 CASH deposit refundable after council’s satisfactory inspection of completed cleaning; (2) waiving of fees for funeral dinners and children’s events; and (3) advertising for a “1099 employee” to clean the community center on a per cleaning as-needed basis.

Also concerning the Community Center was the ongoing discussion of who would be responsible for maintaining the schedule of rentals, and at least as importantly who would be responsible for conducting inspections. Amanda Cook has agreed to serve as scheduler; council agreed to maintain collective responsibility, although Councilman Fissel and a Councilman-elect Tom Nitterour acknowledged that they two would take the lead in conducting inspections. Council also commended Councilwoman Dilello for her dedicated service in stewardship of the community center.

Council finished out the evening with two executive sessions - one for a resident’s billing issues with the borough, and a second for an unrelated matter. Before the hour ticked over to 9 p.m. council closed out their meeting and with it their official business for 2013.

The Suquehanna County Commissioners announce the Courthouse will be closed on Wednesday, December 25, 2013 in observance of Christmas. All court related offices will be available.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 11:30 a.m. on December 13, 2013: Duane M. Aldrich, Edwin Blaisure, William J. Casey, Anthony M. Choplosky, Cody A. Cook, Justin D. Cook, Marc K. Deesch, Thomas D. Earley, David J. Fischer, James Gerard, Jon W. Hanson, Timothy M. Holmes, Kay L. Knolles, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Shawn N. Marcho, Jason N. Masteller, Robert J. McCrone, Matthew S. Miller, Ronald N. Mitchell, Vincent J. Petriello, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Jose A. Rodriguez, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle, III, Justin S. Thompson, Donna N. Tunstall, Kathleen M. Visavati, Steven G. Warner. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Crash: On December 12 at 5:04 pm Thomas Walsh of Throop was traveling south on I 81 in Great Bend borough, behind Dayburn Merrill of Greene, Ny. Merrill was slowing in an attempt to exit the interstate at exit 230; Walsh failed to slow and collided into the rear of Merrill's vehicle. The force of the collision caused Merrill's vehicle to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction traveling easterly across both lanes and impacting a concrete barrier head on. No injuries were reported. All involved were utilizing seat belts. Police were assisted at the scene by Great Bend Fire and EMS.

Crash: On December 10th at 2:39 pm Joseph Valentine was traveling west on Sr 2010 at the same time as Anthony Melovitz was traveling east. Sr 2010 was snow covered at the time. The two vehicles, a Ford F150 and a GMC C5500 collided on a curve. Both drivers were utilizing seat belts; neither sustained injury.

Crash: On December 9th at 7:15 pm Dustin Williams of Hop Bottom was traveling southbound on Sr 167 in Brooklyn Township when he drove off of the west side of the roadway and rolled over onto its roof. The vehicle then came to an uncontrolled rest on the west side of the roadway on the roof facing south. It needed to be towed from the scene. Neither the operator nor the passenger were injured in the crash; both were utilizing seat belts.

DUI Arrest: On November 30th at 11:35 pm a vehicle driven by Matthew Gibblets was stopped for several traffic violations in Jessup Township. During the traffic interview it was determined that the driver had consumed alcoholic beverages. He failed field sobriety testing and was subsequently arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Crash: On December 8th at 10:31 am Justin Welch of Hallstead was traveling north along School Road in New Milford Township when he lost control of his vehicle, which entered the north bound side of the roadway and struck a vehicle driven by James Phelps of Great Bend. Welcho was flown to Geisinger CMC for treatment of his injuries; Phelps and three passengers were treated for minor injuries. Hallstead and Columbia Hose companies assisted at the scene.

DUI: On December 11th at 8:44 pm Kimberly Bolding of Nicholson was involved in a traffic stop on Sr 11 in New Milford Township, for failing to maintain a single lane of travel. Further investigation led to the arrest of the accused for DUI. Charges were pending BAC results as of the time of report.

Crash: On December 8th at 11:35 pm Sara Fair was traveling South on Sr 29 in Bridgewater Township when she lost control of her vehicle, and exited the roadway to the left. The vehicle struck a sign then rolled onto its left side, coming to an uncontrolled rest area in the front yard area of the South Montrose car wash facing Northwest. Motnrose Fire and EMS responded. Fair was transported to the Montrose hospital for treatment; a seat belt was in use. JD Towing towed the vehicle from the scene.

Crash: On December 8th there was an incident in which the driver's side window was smashed in the 2000 Dodge Ram belonging to a Jackson Township man. The vehicle was parked on Depot Street in New Milford Borough at the time of the incident.

Fire Investigation: PSP Gibson was investigating a structure fire at 203 Patton Road in Silver Lake Township at the time of report. The fire was discovered by a neighbor on December 1st at 4:15 am. The home was fully involved with fire and the home and its contents were completely destroyed. The cause of the fire was still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the PSP Fire Marshal Unit at (570) 963-3156.

Crash: On December 8th at 2:36 am Joseph Blaisure of Hallstead was traveling North on Sr 29 when he lost control of his vehicle which slid into a guide rail and a utility pole with its left rear end area. The vehicle then spun and landed at an uncontrolled rest area on its roof in a creet. Blaisure was freed by Snake Creek Fire Department and transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment by Montrose EMS. Americas Best towed the vehicle from the scene. Blaisure sustained injury of unknown severity; a seat belt was in use.

Theft of Services: On December 6th one or more unknown person(s) threw five bags of garbage in the private dumpster of the Family Dollar of Montrose, Pa. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Burglary: Between the 5th and 6th of December, one or more person(s) broke into the detached garage of a woman in Jessup township, and stole a space heater. The heater was an older model Sears with an estimated value of $100.00. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Criminal Mischief: Between the 5th and 6th of December one or more person(s) put super glue in the keyholes of several padlocks located at the storage rental units behind Dunkin Donuts in Great Bend Township.

Theft of Property Lost: Long Ly of Allentown, Pa thought he lost his wallet in the men's room of the I-81 rest area at Mile Post 208 in Lenox Township. When he went back a few moments later it was gone.

Crash: On December 6th at 3:21 am Xin Sun of Markham, On was traveling southbound on I81 in Lenox Township when he lost control of his vehicle as it traveled on the wet roadway. The vehicle traveled into a grass median divider in the highway, rotated counter clockwise, and impacted a series of guardrails on the northbound travel lanes. The vehicle began a rolling maneuver as it traveled out to the median, upon the guardrail, and into the northbound lanes of the highway. It came to a rest facing north on the northbound travel lane of I81. Three occupants of the vehicle were transported to CMC Scranton Hospital for treatment of minor injuries obtained during the collision. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Duchnik towing.

Commonwealth Vehicle Crash: On December 5th at 5:54 pm Charles McFarland of Nichols, Ny was traveling west on Sr 706 in New Milford Township when his Kenworth Triaxle entered a left hand curve in the roadway and left the right side of the road. The vehicle went down a slope away from the roadway and over turned onto its passenger side, coming to rest facing a south direction to the right of the roadway. The driver was assessed by Montrose Minutemen Ambulance crew and refused any treatment, and was released at the scene. A seat belt was in use. Assistance was provided by United Fire Company.

Criminal Mischief: Sometime between the 3rd and 4th of December the trailer belonging to a New Milford man was apparently kicked, causing damage.

Burglary: Between November 11th and December 4th one or more unknown person(s) broke into the home of a Nicholson woman and stole a 40” flatscreen television. Anyone who may have information to aid in the investigation is asked to please call the police. Tips can remain anonymous.

Theft by Unlawful Taking: A Hallstead man reported his 1985 Honda 250 Fourtrax ATV stolen. The ATV is red in color with a torn black seat. Anyone with information is asked to please call the police.

Commonwealth Vehicle Crash: On December 3rd at 7:14 pm Christopher Chludzinski of Pittston pulled out of the intersection of Sr706 and Sr267 in Rush Township, turning right. He turned into the path of Frederick Marks of Nicholson. Cludzinski struck the passenger side of Marks' vehicle with his vehicle's front end. Chludzinski's vehicle rolled to an uncontrolled rest approximately 20 feet west of the intersection, partially in the westbound lane facing southwest. Marks' tanker truck pulled to a controlled rest on the north side of the roadway facing west. Chlludzinski's vehicle sustained severe damage and was towed form the scene. The tanker truck sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. There were no injuries in the crash; both men involved were utilizing seat belts.

Theft-Fraud-Forgery: Between October 14th and November 11th Joshua Wanamaker of the Scranton area manifested himself at Flynn's Castle Store in Rush Township and fraudulently utilized checks to obtain monies and good. He had no authorization to use said checks. Charges were pending for violations at PACC as of the time of report.

Crash: On December 2nd at 10:55 am Gerald Sutton of Laceyville was traveling northbound on T354 in Auburn Township at a time when the roadway was snow and ice covered from an adverse weather condition. The vehicle exited the roadway after its driver lost control while traveling over slippery roads. It then impacted a series of trees as it began overturning, coming to a rest off the road and overturned. Sutton reported no injury; a passenger complained of minor pain and indicated she would self transport for medical evaluation. Both were utilizing seat belts.

Burglary: Between November 27th and December 1st a burglary occurred at a home in Dimock Township in which the residence was forcibly entered through a basement door. Various construction tools were removed from the premises. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Crash: On November 30th at 9 pm Gina Pascoe of Carbondale was traveling east on Sr 374 when her vehicle drove off the roadway at a curve. The vehicle then traveled over a snow-covered parking lot, which caused it to lose control. It skidded through the parking lot until it impacted a tree, then bounced off the tree and reached a rest. Pascoe sustained minor injury; a seat belt was in use.

Theft: A hunting blind located in the woods near a residence in Rush Township was removed. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

DUI: On November 7th at 12:48 pm Gonzalo Cortez of Henryville, Pa was traveling north on Interstate 81 North in the left lane when an unnamed victim attempted to pass the accused on the right and the accused swerved into the victim's vehicle. He then continued to travel North until troopers initiated a traffic stop on his vehicle at mile marker 223.1. It was determined that the accused showed signs of intoxication. He refused to submit to a chemical test of his breath. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-02.

Criminal Mischief: Between the 23rd and 30th of November several windows were shattered from a location on Ebbs Corner Road in Franklin Township, with an unknown object. The total damage incurred was approximately $500. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft: An elderly female victim from Springville reported that approximately 90 Alprazolam pills were missing from her pill container. The incident occurred between the 15th and 24th of November. .

If you have information regarding any of these incidents, please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3514.

Suspicious Vehicle: On 11/01/13 at 10:30 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police took a report of a suspicious vehicle on Lower Woodside Drive. The caller stated that a Blue S.U.V was parked on the roadway for several minutes on three separate nights. Silver Lake Township Police checked the area for the vehicle. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report.

Disabled Vehicle: On 11/02/13 at 12:50 a.m. While on patrol, Silver Lake Township Police found a vehicle parked on the roadway by the Quaker Lake Cottage Association. The driver of the vehicle stated that the vehicle just shut off as he was driving. Silver Lake Township Police called for a tow truck for the driver’s vehicle and assisted the driver in getting to his destination. Chief Timothy Burgh and Officer Levi Tiffany were the patrol officers.

Identity Theft: On 11/02/13 at 9:40 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police took a report of identity theft from a resident that lives in Silver Lake Township. The resident told our department that someone in Albany N.Y. Had taken money out of her banking account. N.Y. State Agencies were contacted by our department and an investigation revealed that it was a State Employee of N.Y.  The person responsible for the theft is being prosecuted by the N.Y. State Attorney General’s Office. Silver Lake Township Police will also file charges for this incident. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report and investigated the incident.

Erratic Driver: On 11/03/13 Silver Lake Township Police took a report of an erratic driver on Quinn Road. The caller stated that the individual was speeding everyday between 4:00 p.m. And 5:00 p.m. The vehicle and driver were located and the driver was given a warning about his speeding. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report.

M.V.A. – Police only: On 11/12/13 at 9:05 a.m. While on Patrol Silver Lake Township Police found that a stone truck had slid sideways in the road and gone into a ditch.  Silver Lake Township Police did traffic control while the vehicle tried to get out of the ditch. The driver was able to get the truck out of the ditch and able to continue on his way. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Disabled Vehicle: On 11/12/13 at 9:55 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police were called for a vehicle stuck in the middle of the roadway due to icy conditions. Silver Lake Township Police responded and assisted the driver until Penn Dot plow trucks could cinder the roadway. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Harassment/Disorderly Conduct: On 11/13/13 at 7:45 a.m. Penelec Electric notified our department of an incident that occurred on 11/12/13. The person reported that on Russell Road where Penelec was doing work someone was acting in a threatening manner and refused to let them trim certain tree branches near the power lines. The home owner was contacted by our department and the situation was resolved. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Alarm Security: On 11/13/13 at 9:00 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police were requested to respond to a security alarm that was going off on State Route 167 at a residence. Upon arrival it was found to be an accidental trip of the alarm. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Alarm Security: On 11/13/13 at 1:15 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police responded to an alarm on Barney Road. Upon arrival police spoke to the home owner who stated that it was an accidental alarm. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Suspicious Person: On 11/14/13 a resident advised our department of a possible attempted burglary that was taking place near Silver Lake Township. Upon investigation information was obtained that showed that it actually was taking place in N.Y. State. Vestal Police were contacted and Silver Lake Township Police assisted in their investigation.  Case is still active.

Assist other Agency: On 11/14/13 at 6:30 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police assisted the Susquehanna County Sheriff’s Department with serving a P.F.A. On Progy Road. Officer Levi Tiffany was the responding officer.  

Miscellaneous Investigation: On 11/14/13 at 8:00 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police were called for a report of stolen checks. Upon further investigation it was found to be a civil dispute between husband and wife. Officer Levi Tiffany was the responding officer.

Suspicious Vehicle: On 11/18/13 at 3:00 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police took a report a suspicious vehicle on State Route 167.  While responding to that report Silver Lake Township Police observed a white pickup on Arrowhead Lake Road acting in a suspicious manner. The vehicle did a uturn upon seeing police and one person jumped out of the back of the truck. The vehicle was stopped and the occupants were identified and checked out. The driver was cited for driving an unregistered vehicle. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Animal Complaint: On 11/19/13 at 4:00 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police received a call from a resident located on Pops Hobby Lake Road. The resident stated that horses are in the roadway and look as if they haven’t been feed in awhile. ASPCA was contacted and took over the incident. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report. Case is still active.

Aggravated Assault: On 11/24/13 at 7:40 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police took a report of an assault that took place at 1:00 a.m. on the Brackney Hill Road. The caller stated that he was punched in the face multiple times and received medical attention at a hospital in N.Y. State. Charges were filed and are pending before the courts. Chief Timothy Burgh was the arresting officer. This case is still active.

Theft: On 11/25/13 at 8:00 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police took a report of a theft of a hunting trap. The residence is located on the Silver Creek Road. The caller stated that the trap was located on their property and that someone took it out of the woods.  Chief Timothy Burgh took the report. Case is still active

Criminal Mischief: On 11/27/13 at 12:00 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police responded to a report of a criminal mischief on the Quaker Lake Road. Someone blew up the residence mail box during the night. The U.S. Postal Inspectors Office is assisting the Silver Lake Township Police in their investigation. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer. Case is still active.

Any information or questions for Silver Lake Township Police, please call 570-278-6818 or email us at silverlaketwppd@epix.net, all information will be held strictly confidential. You can look at the Silver Lake Township Website at www.silverlaketwp.org, to see all Silver Lake Townships' news, profiles, and resources, including the police reports.