The Harford Supervisors took an opportunity provided by law to conflate their meetings for January on the 6th. The Pennsylvania 2nd Class Township Code requires them to organize themselves on the first Monday of January following an election. Their regularly scheduled meeting would have been on Tuesday, January 14, but, since they had to meet anyway, they held the January monthly meeting immediately following the reorganization. They also adopted a custom followed by many municipalities by starting the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Doug Phelps got right down to business, in a somewhat less formal manner than had been usual in Harford, and quickly got himself nominated and elected chair of the Board of Supervisors. The new man at the table, Conrad Owens, will serve as vice chair. Sue Furney continues as township Secretary and Treasurer; her bond was increased to $1.5 million, reflecting the larger sums she deals with from natural gas impact fee revenue. Carolyn Jennings will also continue as Ms. Furney’s assistant.

Harford Township Supervisors for 2014, from left, Conrad Owens, Doug Phelps and Sue Furney

Most everything else stays the same: same solicitors, Kreder, Brooks & Hailstone; same depository, under its new name, Peoples Security Bank & Trust; same chair of the “vacancy committee,” Dorothy Hagenbuch (who accepted her reappointment in person, before her 8pm curfew). Mr. Owens will be the township’s delegate to the convention of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS).

Jim Phelps was reappointed Roadmaster – nominated by his brother – and Doug Phelps will be his brother’s deputy. The Supervisors decided on the list of holidays for the township’s employees, who had asked to trade the day after Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve; they will get a half-day off on New Year’s Eve as well. Wayne Frederici agreed to serve as Emergency Management Coordinator; Doug Phelps will wear yet another hat as his deputy.

The Supervisors decided to keep the traditional meeting schedule: the 2nd Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00pm at the township office. In doing so, they also rescinded a 2002 resolution that called for 2 meetings per month, a detail that Mr. Owens’s predecessor, Garry Foltz, used to support his desire for more meetings.

Mr. Foltz, in fact, attended the meeting to return his keys, and to present several boxes of tape recordings he had been reviewing, recordings of Supervisors’ meetings going back several years. Referring to the tapes, he renewed his attack on Ms. Furney, alleging that she had voted for her own pension program, and that she voted for a 50% pay increase for herself.

The newly-reconstituted Board listened politely to Mr. Foltz, and agreed to accept his suggestion that recordings be retained for at least 7 years. He also asked when the Supervisors discussed the rescission of the 2002 two-meeting resolution, since he had not attended, and the new Board was not formed until this very evening. Mr. Phelps agreed that had been an oversight.

With the annual reorganization out of the way, the Supervisors took up a normal business agenda, kept to it, and adjourned everything in less than an hour.

The Supervisors accepted a natural gas lease offered by Cabot Oil & Gas, the only bid on a solicitation for the 1.388 acre parcel (also leased to the Harford Water Association, since it is the site of the Association’s wells and reservoir). The township will receive $4,380 ($3,500 per acre) as a lease bonus, and a royalty of 18.75%. The lease was accepted by resolution.

The Supervisors adopted a resolution formalizing the township’s relationship with Peoples Security Bank & Trust, and signed new signature forms. They adopted another resolution supporting the lease-purchase deal for the new Caterpillar wheeled loader that they agreed in December to purchase that has already been delivered. And they established mileage reimbursement at 56¢ per mile for 2014, based on rates issued by the Internal Revenue Service; the new rate is actually lower by a half cent than the old rate.

With a deep freeze on the way, the Supervisors adjourned to an executive session to agree on employee wages for the new year. They will have met with their local auditors a day hence to review salaries of Supervisors employed by the township, Mr. Phelps and Ms. Furney.

See the new Board in action next time, on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 beginning at 7:00pm at the township office on Route 547.

Great Bend Borough resumed their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 10th, following a re-organizational meeting that was held on Monday, the 6th of January.

Space is seemingly an issue within the borough as they seek shelter for their equipment in light of this unpleasant weather that has plagued the area as of late. A small garage, shed, or port is sought as the Borough tries to find a reasonable place to put their tractor. Having acquired only one bid for such a structure, the Council is seeking more bids before they make a decision regarding the matter.

On a similar note, the Borough is also seeking a place to park their new police car for the time being, as its current location is needed for a new truck. As members of the council brainstorm for ideas as to where they could place the car temporarily, no conclusive decision is made for now, but they hope to find shelter for their newly purchased car within the next week.

Regarding the new Great Bend Police car, there are still tasks to be completed before it is ready for use by local Policemen. The light bars and wiring for the light bars still need to be replaced before it can be put to use. They are also working on changing the lettering from its previous owners to then represent Great Bend Borough. It was noted that a decal in remembrance of late Officer J.J. Lomax will be placed somewhere on the car as well. Once the plates are transferred from the old car to the new and all alterations are made, they hope to have it routinely serviced and then finally, put to use as the Borough’s new Police car.

This also means the Borough will be putting up for sale their current police car, at the asking price of $4,500. Police Chief J. Record will begin advertising the car for sale both online and locally.

There are a number of Road Projects in Great Bend Borough that are still ongoing at this time. The water issue on Rt. 81, drainage on Carrol Street, re-surfacing on Maple Lane and current projects on Mountain Vista Lane are all included in these on-going projects.

The Council did see improvement over the last month regarding the water lines that are being re-done by the Pennsylvania-American Water Company. Last month, a number of complaints surrounded the project but this time around the subject was met with a little more hope that the project will be completed successfully in the end, as ground settles and more work can be done in the spring.

Southwestern Energy Company has applied for another permit to drill on Hughes North 1H in Great Bend Township, near Locust Hill. They will be beginning seismic testing shortly.

Efforts were made by Ms. Sheila Guinan to contact Adams Cable Company in regards to the proposed franchise agreement. This has been an on-going issue as the Borough contemplates how to handle the current situation regarding cable and internet within the Borough. It was suggested by Ms. Guinan that no contract be specifically made, but that residents may take it upon themselves to obtain whichever cable/internet supplier they personally choose. This matter, however, is still being discussed and negotiated and therefore, no official decisions were made.

It was debated at the meeting whether or not to lock the gates of Billy Greenwood Memorial Park in Great Bend during the winter months, as worries flood the Council over improper use of the park area, particularly at night. But a number of Council members mentioned that children use the hills there for sleigh riding and residents still stop by and use the park for its intended use during these long winter months. Having said that, it is unclear what the Council decided to do, but hopefully residents can learn to respect the rules of the park so that it may continue to be open for those who seek to enjoy themselves at the park.

The next monthly meeting will take place on the first Thursday of the month in February at the Great Bend Borough Building at 7 o’clock.

Oakland Borough Council completed its post-election reorganization on Monday, January 6, from 7:01 to 7:18 p.m., before proceeding with their regular monthly meeting for January. To commence the Reorganization Meeting Secretary Flo Brush administered the affidavit of residency and oath of office to Ron Beavan, thereby installing the borough’s new mayor for the next four years.

Mayor Beavan proceeded to chair the remainder of the Reorganization Meeting. Sworn into office for four-year terms were Doug Arthur, Eric Page, Brian Rhone, and Nelson Towner. The election of borough council officers proceeded, with Brian Rhone unanimously elected President, and Gary Boughton narrowly elected Vice-President over Eric Page.

At 7:18 President Rhone gaveled the borough’s regular monthly meeting into session. Council moved through the normal order of business: approval of minutes, acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report, review of time sheets, and discussion of the Codes Report. New council members Arthur and Towner asked several questions along the way to bring themselves up to speed on matters with which the “old-timers” could give them background and context.

In the discussion of the Codes Report more than a half-dozen properties in the borough were discussed, and council members exchanged what information they had on those that are variously troubled. Secondarily discussed was the issue of house re-numbering. Code Enforcement Officer Shane Lewis is still working to get residents to comply with readdressing regulations some six years into the program. Correct 911-addressing is an essential component of emergency responders’ ability to arrive on scene expeditiously and residents not in compliance are urged to take this seriously. Mayor Beavan intimated that CEO Lewis would like to be present at council’s next monthly meeting to ensure he is following the priorities established by borough council. In past years council has directed CEO Lewis to focus on unsafe structures in the borough.

For the Parks Report Councilman Boughton focused on park security. Council members discussed how best to implement security improvements and the timeline for their implementation. Further details are not elaborated lest the criminal element prone to vandalize the park is given any insight into the measures taken to deter and detect them.

For the Mayor’s Report Mr. Beavan acknowledged that he was not in possession of the previous month’s police report, but that he would provide it at next month’s meeting along with the police report for January. Nevertheless, Mayor Beavan went on to explain that he had met with Chief Sweet. Mayor Beavan assured council he was up to speed on all police issues, including the need for a new tire on one of the police cruisers.

In Old Business Councilman Page presented an overview of the progress made by his committee in planning for a new borough building. His committee met on December 19 and their work remains in the very preliminary stages. Sketches are being made to define how the building could be conceivably laid out and to provide a basis for planning the best way to proceed.

There being no comments from the public, council moved on to New Business. Councilman Arthur brought up the issue of icing on State Street. Council agreed that the situation should be looked at and monitored to determine its seriousness and how to proceed. Changing topics, Councilman Boughton suggested that the borough’s police officers come to the February meeting to introduce themselves to new council members. Mayor Beavan agreed he would look at scheduling and make it happen, as feasible.

With all business completed President Rhone gaveled the meeting to adjournment at 7:51 p.m. Council will next meet on the second Thursday in February.

Reporter’s Correction: This Reporter is informed that her December report of Oakland Borough Council conveyed incorrect information. Brian Rhone, as evidenced by the above story, is not an outgoing councilman; he was reelected in 2013. Mr. Rhone’s elegant soliloquy was to commend Dave Dibble (outgoing councilman) - not Dave Trevarthan - for the many years of loyal service by Mr. Dibble. (No disrespect to Mr. Trevarthan intended by this revelatory public correction.) I apologize for my “getting the wrong end of the stick.” The truth is always important and I’ll continue to report it, including when in those instances, hopefully rare, I err. Mea culpa! I extend thanks to the residents of Oakland who graciously helped me to get it right when I had it wrong.

Due to conflicts in meeting caused by the state reorganization requirements, this reporter arrived at the New Milford borough meeting at approximately 7:30 pm.  The meeting had been underway at that point for a half hour.  At that time the assembled were discussing Leatherstocking, and a reported lack of surveys, as part of the minutes.  It was suggested that more surveys had been completed, and perhaps they just hadn’t been processed yet.  Mr. Ainey proposed that if New Milford wanted gas they would have to continue to be proactive about it.   

Mr. Ainey said that they hadn’t paid the solicitor, Mr. Briechle’s bill the month prior.  He motioned that they pay it, rather than waiting for the meeting where they normally paid bills. This was approved.

During the first present to speak section, two visitors spoke about plowing.  The first wished to make it known that her husband was still interested in plowing for the borough, though it had been rumored that he was not.  The second asked if, on Park Place Street, the snow could be plowed towards the park rather than the driveways.

It was stated that the borough had received, on December 19th, notice from the Susquehanna County Planning Commission regarding final approval for the 24 unit elder housing development plan.  Someone quipped that this was good, as the residents had already moved in.   

The new mayor, Scott Smith was present.  He thanked the previous mayor, Joe Taylor, for the time that he put in, and offered to do whatever he could to help council and the town.  He asked what council wanted reported during the mayor’s report.  Mr. Ainey replied that he could discuss what he wanted, and communicate the concerns of the town. 

Mr. Smith said that he did have an issue with the streets, and it was the same one that had been going on for probably thirty years.  When the road was plowed in front of the old school there were always cars there, so there was a section which couldn’t be plowed.  He brought up the idea of a snow ban, though he didn’t know if it would be possible.  It was said that an ordinance would have to be passed, and then a sign could probably be put up saying that there was no parking in the event of snow.  Mr. White thought it was runoff of residents of Jackson Street, who had inadequate parking at their apartments.  Someone suggested that the plow drivers could always plow the cars in.  Mrs. James suggested putting it on the alert now system, asking people not to park there as a courtesy.  It was suggested that that the people parking there might not be signed up for the alert now system. 

Mr. White noted that the new employee doing winter maintenance was doing a good job, saying that they had few to no complaints.  He said that he talked with the employee on a daily basis, whether the weather was good or bad.  New Milford Township had offered assistance with Montrose Street, where there was an ice jam.  They had brought the grader up and salted it, as they were working up on that dirt road.  Since that time the township had salted it again.  It was noted that they were taking good care of the borough, and that the borough had gotten salt from them twice.  The borough had been getting salt from Montrose, but had decided to start getting it from the township instead.  The township had even offered the borough a key to the shed in case they needed salt in a pinch.  So far the arrangement was working out really well. 

A visitor asked about liability as one corner was really bad.  She said that fuel trucks were out every morning hitting that corner.  There was also discussion about a huge hole in the middle of the street.  It had been filled repeatedly, but continued to be a problem.   

Mr. Ainey talked about shoveling sidewalks.  He said that council had talked about people not shoveling their sidewalks, yet the borough was a bad offender itself.  There were properties that were the borough’s responsibility, including the sidewalk in front of the midtown park, bridges, etc. that weren’t always cleared.  It was suggested that the borough hire someone to ensure these areas were cleaned, or that the winter maintenance employee could take it on as an additional task. 

It was stated that there was an ordinance, which covered sidewalk clearing.  Everyone had 24 hours after a storm to have their sidewalks done.  The ordinance said that if a resident didn’t clear the road the borough would, or put a lien on the property.  Mr. Ainey said council had been advised in the past, however, that the minute it touched a sidewalk it incurred potential liability. 

Mr. Ainey broached the topic of thinking ahead about what the borough would do for sealing streets.  Mr. White noted that he was still impressed with what had been done with Broad Street.   

Mr. Carey asked if, since he was made the president of council, it was still alright with council that he also remain president of the recreation board.  No one voiced a protest. 

Money had been given to the borough by the Bicentennial Committee to upgrade the electric in the Midtown Park.  Mr. Ainey wanted to alert the Recreational Board about the money’s availability, with a request that they initiate the work.  

It was related that representatives of council had met with representatives of the state and talked about getting a grant to bring a professional in to help with a strategic and comprehensive plan. They had been advised to wait and have a meeting with the township about joining in on the strategic plan, but the township had asked them to wait until the start of the new year.

The two year contract with Montrose Borough for police was up.  A proposed contract had been sent to Montrose, and they were to be discussing it at their meeting that same evening. 

Word had been received from NEP’s attorney that the cable contracts had to be the same.  This was in regards to contracts.  There were two cable companies within the borough, NEP and Adams.  Council had wondered if they could have two different contracts since NEP did a lot for the community.  With the new information Mr. Ainey suggested sitting down and finalizing NEP’s contract, and then talking to Adams. 

The topic of rules for public participation in meetings was broached.  Council had received the list of rules from Montrose borough, though it was noted that Montrose was in court over one of them.  Mr. Ainey suggested that, before they ran into a problem, council could have regulations to at least limit the number of minutes a person could speak. 

The borough needed to find somebody to do the audit.  Joseph Coulluera was suggested, who did the municipal authority’s and had been appointed to be the township’s CPA earlier that evening.  A woman had also been suggested.  Both were to be looked into.   

After the meeting, this reporter asked about the events that occurred prior to her arrival.  It was explained that during reorganization Ken Cary was appointed council president, with Lawrence White as vice president.  Everything else was the same as the previous year. 

At the December meeting taxes had been cut by just under 50%, from 10.3% to 5.3% in total.  The borough had collected enough so far, it was thought, that they might be able to reduce taxes another two mills the next year.

Great Bend Township began their meeting on Monday, January 6th 2014, by re-organizing. Ms. Sheila Guinan, the Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. Brian O’Connor, sworn in as Chairman in place of Mr. Ron Cranage, and Mr. David Hinkley, the elected new Supervisor and Vice-Chairman were all in attendance. Mr. Joseph Gaughan, a previous Supervisor, was also in attendance to thank and congratulate the new council members on their new endeavors.

New Chairman Brian O’Connor offered his service as a Representative to the Susquehanna County Council of Governments, and Sheila Guinan as the alternative. David Hinkley accepted the position of Roadmaster.

Motions were also made to keep Michael J Giangrieco as the Township’s legal counsel and the Chairman of the Vacancy Board position will be occupied by Ed Eckenrod, Jr.

Several issues were set aside for the time being, as there was only one auditor and three are needed. Pay scale for the Supervisors was among those issues as this must be decided by the Auditors.

After re-organizing, the township took to the current agenda, which was approved by Ms. Guinan and seconded by Mr. Hinkley. Following, the Treasurer’s Report was also approved by Mr. Hinkley, then Ms. Guinan.

First on the agenda, it was noted that interviews were held for the position of Road Worker. This position was filled by Mr. Daniel Stroka, who started on the 6th of January. The Council also wanted to note the great job that is being done by the current workers, who provided their services during the last couple weeks of bad weather.

After months of seeking, there is still an open seat on the Sewer Authority and an opening for Emergency Management Coordinator. Anyone interested in helping out with these positions is encouraged to contact the Township.

A peddler permit was granted to Schwan’s Home Service, Inc. for the year of 2014 that will allow them to go door-to-door and solicit business. Also, the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) granted a permit for Bluestone Mining and a General NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Storm water permit to Cecil Kilmer. PennDot also applied and was approved for the GP-03 Permit for stream bank stabilization on Route 11. A GP-03 permit allows for bank rehabilitation, bank protection, and gravel-bar removal.

The Walking Trail is at a stand-still as of late, while permits are acquired and paperwork passes through the system.

There was little comment from the public. An issue was brought up however, that the North end of Bogart St. was deteriorating both from use by heavy equipment and the abundance of salt put on it during the winter months. The Council was encouraged by the member of the public to investigate the matter and make plans for repair, who agreed to examine the site.

Another citizen inquired about who to contact about road issues and plowing during winter months, as he is finding travel in certain areas difficult. The Council replied that if issues need to be immediately addressed pertaining roads to call the Township building and leave a message as they are checked frequently.

Furthermore, the monthly meetings will continue to take place on the first Monday of the month at the Township building on Route 171 at 7 o’clock. If this date falls on a holiday, the meeting will be re-scheduled to the Tuesday after.

Privatized garbage pick-up may be coming to Lanesboro in the near future. As early as Friday, January 17th, Council will open bids from as many as three competitors for the exclusive once-weekly pick-up of refuse in the borough. The special meeting on this single topic is slated for 7 p.m. at the Community Center.

Prior to the discussion of the refuse issue during the Tuesday, January 7th regular meeting, council conducted its 2014 Reorganization Meeting. With Mayor Chris Maby presiding, officeholders elected in the 2013 Municipal Election were sworn in for four-year terms. Councilmen Jason Fissel, David Glidden, and Todd Glover, all re-elected, were sworn in along with new councilman Tom Nitterour. Mayor Maby also administered the oath of office for the borough’s newly elected Minority Inspector of Election, Kerri Ellen Wilder.

With oath-taking completed, election of Council President proceeded. Council members reelected Todd Glover as President, and Mayor Maby handed him the gavel to preside over the remainder of the Reorganization Meeting. Dan Boughton was chosen as Vice-President and Jason Fissel was elected as President Pro-Tempore. The Reorganization meeting closed and council transitioned into their regular meeting for January.

Beside the principals aforementioned, other borough officials present for the meeting were council members Regina Dilello and Dale Rockwell, and Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan. In short order council arrived at the public comment period of the meeting. While no borough residents had any questions or comments, a party of three out-of-towners did have some comments. Their comments and a read public statement of complaint concerned a traffic stop within the borough. Mayor Maby provided the commenters with the appropriate form to formalize their allegations for investigation in the appropriate forum.

While Mayor Maby was locating the complaint form President Glover delivered the Police Report for the month of December. It showed 186 total Lanesboro Police Department hours, including 15 hours in Thompson and 38 hours at School Patrol. For Lanesboro there were 50 traffic stops, with 20 citations and 30 warnings issued for the following causes: Speeding violations (34), Inspection violations (3), Careless driving (1), Equipment violations (5), Registration violations (4), and Stop sign violations (3). A case of stolen checks resulted in an arrest, and the serving of a warrant landed an accused in the County’s Jail. Matters of a more routine nature included two medical assists and a courtesy ride for a hitchhiker.

President Glover also provided the Streets Report. Council members agreed that the new plow truck was performing superbly and getting the job done. Council also expressed satisfaction with their working agreement with Oakland borough for assistance in loading salt. President Glover then moved to open bids for the old plow truck. Half a dozen bids had been received, ranging from a low of $600 to the highest bid of $2,176 by a gentleman resident to Afton, New York. By roll call vote council unanimously accepted the highest bid as the winning bid. Lastly, it was observed that potholes are worsening on Grand Street. Those potholes, it was agreed, would be filled as soon as possible, followed by repaving during 2014’s warm weather seasons.

During the report of the Sewer/Refuse Committee there were no new developments in the sale of the borough’s sewer system, but council did discuss the special meeting to be held on January 17th to sort out privatization of garbage pick-up. Mayor Maby and President Glover stated that council will open and review all bids submitted by approved refuse haulers at the Special Meeting. Council may approve a bid or nix all bids at that meeting. The winning bidder will be required to provide pick-up between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. one day per week, with a contract for one year. After satisfactory performance over the course of the one-year contract council could agree to an additional two-year contract with the same hauler.

Under Old Business President Glover noted that Lanesboro had won the bid for the sheriff’s car that was up for sale in December. The car had cost the borough $2,672. As soon as the paperwork can be completed with the county the police cruiser will be put into service, likely on the SCSD campus.

Finally, under New Business council members discussed the issue of water shut-offs. By way of roll call vote council unanimously agreed to continue the borough’s policy of posting those houses with past-due accounts, and should accounts remain in delinquency to shut off water to the premises. A handful of shutoffs are in the offing for delinquent accounts.

Council adjourned at 7:54 p.m. The next regular meeting will be on the second Tuesday of the month in February. But borough residents interested in how refuse privatization shakes out may wish to mark 7 p.m., January 17th on their calendar for a date at the Community Center.

The New Milford Township supervisors held their reorganization meeting on January 6, at the special time of 7:00 p.m. Don Shibley stated that he would be acting as chair until a chair was appointed. Mr. Conroy motioned that Mr. Shibley be chairman. New council member Scott Forenczi seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

The chair of the vacancy committee was appointed, being Jim Hunter. It was explained that this position would come into play if one of the supervisor seats became vacant and the remaining supervisors didn’t agree on a replacement.

Various people were appointed to continue their positions. Jack Conroy was to remain the Road Master. Michael Briechle would continue as solicitor; Mr. Shibley expressed contentment with him. Julene Graham was nominated to maintain her roles as Secretary, Treasurer, Open Records Officer, and Right to Know Officer. Both Ms. Graham and Mr. Conroy would remain pension officers.

Mr. Ken Bondurant was to retain his position as emergency management coordinator, with Mr. Shibley stating that he had done a fantastic job for the township in that role. Jim Carpenetti, the Emergency Management Coordinator for the borough, was appointed as the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator. This was an arrangement which was reciprocated on the borough’s side.

Tom Button was appointed Sewage Enforcement Officer with Jay Lynch as secondary. The supervisors agreed to remain with Keystone Engineering, with Fox Engineering as the alternate. Mr. Conroy would be the supervisors’ voting delegate at the township supervisors’ convention. Pennstar was to stay the bank of deposit; Mr. Shibley opined that they had been doing a good job.

There were three auditors for the township: Peggy Maloof, Cindy Allen, and Judy Dennis. Joseph Colleura was accepted as the township’s CPA.

It was agreed that meetings would remain scheduled for the third Wednesday of the month, at 7:30 p.m.

The proposed 2014 budget, in the amount of $845,000, was accepted. Employee benefits were to remain the same.

A motion was made to give full-time employees a cost of living raise, starting at the next pay period. A visitor asked how many full-time employees the township had. It was responded that there were seven; Mr. Conroy pointed out that there were also 68 miles worth of road.

A motion was made and approved to lower taxes a quarter mill.

Pension was also kept the same.

Health, dental and vision insurance was kept the same.

At that point the reorganization meeting was closed. A brief regular meeting was opened.

It was stated that the township was putting road material, calcium, diesel fuel, propane, and gas out to bid, to be opened at the February 19th meeting. The road material was to be with state certification.

A motion was made to pay the bills and adjourn the meeting. Both meetings together took roughly a half an hour to complete.

Crash: On January 10th at 9:30 am Alyssa Howard of Conklin, NY was traveling on Church Street in Great Bend Township when she lost control on a road that was slushy. Her Toyota SR% went off the road and landed in a deep ravine. Howard was utilizing a seat belt; she sustained minor injury.

Crash: On January 9th at 8:00 am a juvenile male of Kingsley was traveling northbound on Tingley Street in Harford Township when he lost control of his Dodge Ram 2500 on the icy road while negotiating a left curve. The truck exited the roadway then rolled down an embankment, coming to rest on its roof. The driver was not injured; a seat belt was in use. The truck required towing from the scene.

Crash: PSP Gibson was investigating a two vehicle crash that occurred on Turnpike Street in Oakland Township. At this time Michelle Burke of Susquehanna was traveling north on Turnpike Street at the same time as a Nissan Pathfinder driven by an unknown person was traveling southbound. The unknown driver lost control and impacted Burke's vehicle, forcing it to exit the roadway and subsequently impact a tree head on. The driver of the Nissan fled the scene on foot, traveling North on Turnpike Road toward the town of Susquehanna. All four occupants of Burke's vehicle were transported from the scene to Barnes-Kasson Hospital for minor injuries by Thompson EMS. The identity of the fled driver was still unknown as of the time of report. Seatbelts and a child safety seat were in use in Burke's vehicle.

Theft: Diesel fuel was removed from four pieces of heavy equipment that was parked along SR 267 in Choconut Township. Approximately 500 gallons of off road diesel was stolen. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Burglary: On January 6th the home of Hop Bottom man and woman, located in Springville Township, was entered by means of a kicked in rear door. Once inside, the perpetrator(s) took possession of a Glock 9 mm pistol, several cameras, and a large amount of jewelry. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact the police.

Hit and Run: On January 8th at 12:04 am an unknown person was driving a 2008 Honda Civic northbound on SR 3029 in Jessup Township, between the intersection of TR600 and TR602. At this location SR3029 is a two lane asphalt covered roadway with a double yellow separating the travel lanes. At the time of the collision the Civic exited the roadway after the operator lost control of it. The vehicle exited the roadway to the right of the travel lanes, impacted a utility pole, and traveled down an embankment. It came to a rest off the roadway facing north in a swamp area. The driver fled the scene prior to police response; the vehicle was towed from the scene by JD's towing.

Criminal Mischief: On January 6th between 4:37 and 4:51 am someone cut a hole in the side of the Visions Credit Union ATM wall. The perpetrator caused damage to the ATM but did not get any money, before fleeing the scene toward Felix's. Anyone with information is asked to please call the police.

Crash: On January 4th at 11:11 pm Jason Hurlburt was traveling south on Sr 267 in Auburn Township when, while negotiating a left hand curve in the roadway, his vehicle exited the right side of the roadway. The Nissan Juke then came back across the roadway, sliding counterclockwise. It then continued across the roadway and started to spin clockwise, leaving the left side of the roadway. After leaving the left side of the roadway, the vehicle impacted a utility pole coming to rest facing a west direction. The driver fled the scene prior to the trooper's arrival. Citations were to be filed in District Court 34-3-01 on the owner of the vehicle.

Hit and Run: On January 5th at 5:09 am David Bucy of Apalachin, NY was traveling northbound on SR 1033 when, approximately 492 feet north of the Baptist Hill Road intersection in Great Bend Township he lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle exited the roadway to the left of the travel lanes. After leaving the roadway, it impacted a ditch and rotated counter clockwise, coming to rest in the ditch, facing east. The driver fled the scene prior to police response. It was towed from the scene by Marv's Towing.

Criminal Mischief: On January 3rd at 6:26 pm David Duane of Hallstead is accused of exiting his vehicle at a red light and approaching the left side of a vehicle operated by Will Ralston of Great Bend. Duane is accused of striking the side window with his hand, breaking the vent shield on the left side of the victim's Dodge pick up. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-02.

Crash: On December 30th at 9:37 am Andrea Gregory of Montrose was traveling north in Oakland Township when she lost control on a patch of ice. The vehicle went off the road, hit an embankment and rolled onto its roof. Gregory did not sustain injury; a seat belt was in use.

Crash: On January 4th at 2:51 pm Dustin Barton of Susquehanna was traveling northbound on SR 92 between the intersection of Erie Street and East Street in Susquehanna Borough when he lost control of his vehicle as it negotiated a right hand curve in the roadway. The vehicle exited the roadway to the left of the travel lanes. After leaving the roadway it impacted a series a ditch (phrasing from police report) and rotated counter clockwise. As it rotated it began a rolling maneuver and came to a rest on its passenger side, partly on the travel lane. Barton reported no injuries. A passenger suffered a minor injury in the form of a cut to the chin area. Seat belt use was listed as none used/not applicable. The vehicle was towed form the scene by French's Towing.

Crash: On January 3rd at 2:52 pm Mehmet Bak of Somerville, MA was traveling in the left passing lane of I81 in Lenox when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a guide rail off the west side of the north bound lane. The Pontiac Vibe spun around and into a Peterbilt truck driven by Joseph Ortega of Jamestown, NY. Both vehicles came to a rest off the east side of the northbound lane facing north. Duchnikl's towed the Vibe from the scene. There were no injuries reported; all involved were utilizing seat belts or a child safety seat.

Theft: On January 1st a Montrose woman prepaid with a check for gas at Flynn's Castle in Lawton. The woman then got the change, when she did not have enough money in her account. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

DUI: On December 25th at 2:26 an incident occurred following a crash on SR 374 in Clifford Township. The crash occurred when Joseph Valentine's (of Uniondale) vehicle slid off the roadway and struck a tree with its front end. Further investigation led to the arrest of the accused for DUI-Drug related. Charges were pending blood results as of the time of report.

Theft: Between December 18th and 26th one or more perpetrator(s) entered a construction site at Arrowhead Lane in Apolacon Township and removed an uncertain number of gallons of fuel from machines. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Assault-Simple/Terroristic Threats: A Hallstead area man became engaged in a domestic dispute on January 3rd at 1:06 am that escalated to the point of threatening to kill a woman. The accused became combative and violent towards two victims and the residence. He was taken into custody and remanded to the Susquehanna County jail after failing to post bail. Charges were pending for violations of PACC as of the time of report.

Crash: On January 2nd at 10:56 pm Joseph Fizzano of Little Meadows was traveling west on SR4016 in Choconut Township at the same time as Eric Pike of Little Meadows was traveling east. Pike lost his cigarette on the floor and went to pick it up. He lost control and struck Fizzano's vehicle int the front end in the west bound lane. Silver Lake fire and ems responded. Parks garage towed both vehicles form the scene. Pike sustained injury of unknown severity; seatbelt use was listed as unknown. Fizzano was utilizing a seat belt; he was not injured.

Theft from Motor Vehicle: One or more unknown person(s) broke into a woman's vehicle while it was located at Rob's Market in Hallstead PA. Once inside the vehicle, the perpetrator(s) stole an i-phone and a Northface jacket before fleeing the scene. No video surveillance was available. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft: Between December 22nd and January 11th 6 cords of wood were stolen from a rear porch on Camp Road in New Milford Township. The perpetrators then fled the scene in an unknown direction. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact the police.

Burglary: Between December 10th and January 1st one or more person(s) entered a residence on Sr 367 and took a Dell computer tower. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Burglary: On December 31st between 6:45 and am and 5 pm a bathroom window was broken in a Uniondale residence. A Ruger P90 handgun, a 17” Toshiba laptop, and some change were stolen from within. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

DUI: On December 31st at 12:42 am an incident occurred following a traffic stop at the Lennoxville Community Hall in Lenox township, for speeding. Further investigation led to the arrest of Edward Kilgore from Malvern, PA for DUI. Charges were to be filed in District Court 34-3-03 as of the time of report.

Corruption of minors: On December 27th a mother from Jackson Township reported that an unfamiliar man sent a private Facebook message to her 14 year old daughter soliciting topless photos from her after asking her how old she was, how large her breasts were, and describing his anatomy to her. The man was identified as a 40 year old Uniondale man and, after further investigation, was charged with Corruption of Minors for Soliciting the transmission of sexually explicit images and using sexually explicit language. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for this incident at DJ Jodi Cordner's office in New Milford.

Theft: A Kingsley man reported that someone stole an old, red, rusty wheelbarrow from his front yard, between December 29th and 30th.

Burglary: A man from Tabernacle, NJ reported that his cabin on Oliver Road in Harford was entered, and various grocery items, including food from the freezer, along with small tools and toiletries.

Criminal Mischief: Between December 27th and 28th one or more perpetrator(s) arrived on the scene of M&M Buggy Bath in South Montrose, PA, bent a stainless steel door handle on a coin vault, and smashed several masonry blocks around the vault. The perpetrator(s) fled the scene gaining nothing for their efforts.

Crash: On December 27th at 11 am Michael Towbridge of Meshoppen was traveling westbound on Carter Road, around a curve, when the Dodge Ram 2500 went off the north side of the roadway, and struck the first tree with the passenger side of the vehicle. The truck then continued westbound and struck another tree with the driver side. It then spun 360 degrees and came to a rest against a third tree on the north side of the roadway.

Criminal Mischief: On December 26th a criminal mischief incident occurred on Laurel Lake Road in Brackney in which one or more perpetrator(s) punctured the tire of a woman's vehicle as it was parked in her driveway, utilizing an unknown tool. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to please contact the police.

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

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:05 a.m. on January 10, 2014: Duane M. Aldrich, Edwin Blaisure, Cody A. 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, Shawn N. Marcho, Robert J. McCrone, Matthew S. Miller, Ronald N. Mitchell, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, Andrew Sepanek, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle, III, Justin S. Thompson, 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.