Susquehanna Community Elementary School will be welcoming a new principal at the end of the current school year. Robert Keyes, with over 31 years as principal and 38+ years in the district’s educational system will be retiring in June 2014.

At the SCSD School Board meeting on Wednesday, January 15, Mr. Keyes’ “intent to retire” at the end of the 2013/2014 school year was accepted. Board members and Superintendent Bronson Stone, notably reluctant to lose Mr. Keyes' wealth of knowledge and experience, spoke glowingly of his many years of faithful service and his enviable record of achievement. Mr. Stone noted that in every single year of Mr. Keyes’ stewardship the elementary school achieved AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) as defined by the state Department of Education. Susquehanna Community Elementary School has long served as a model of excellence throughout Pennsylvania, in no small measure attributable to Principal Keyes’ hard work and vision for success.

When asked about his post-retirement plans, Mr. Keyes replied he would like to do some traveling, and then settle into some part-time educational work at the collegiate level. Board members and faculty unanimously extended their best wishes to this classy leader whose name is, as they say, synonymous with Susquehanna Elementary and its reputation for excellence.

A brief monthly meeting of the Hallstead Borough Council took place Thursday, January 16th, 2013. Motions to approve the minutes, treasurer’s report, and the payment of bills were quickly made.

With only one Hallstead resident in attendance as far as the public is concerned, Margo Benjamin expressed her interest to serve on the Sewer Authority to the Council under public comment. Having said this, the Council moved swiftly to the New Business section of the meeting, where the only business was the vacancies on the Sewer Authority. Council Members noted also that Bob Woosman wished to serve on the Sewer Authority. Therefore, Margo Benjamin and Bob Woosman were approved to serve on the Sewer Authority and appointed to the positions. The Council, however, is still seeking a third person to serve on the Sewer Authority.

Also on the Agenda for the evening was the issue of acquiring salt for the Borough. As the Borough does not use a large amount of salt, it seemed unreasonable to purchase a full load at this time, as the minimum they can purchase directly from the supplier is twenty tons. Council members discussed the potential of splitting the costs with a nearby Borough/Township, or perhaps buying a smaller amount from one of them. No decisions were made as they are still inquiring about prices and which route to take. The Council did however mention that this issue could not wait to be solved until next the meeting as winter would long be underway. That being said, they agreed that they would gather all of the information and prices and make a decision in the next week or two.

Potholes were a subject of conversation, as they are amongst most local governments this time of year. The Borough is working on having the potholes filled to the best of their ability considering the less-than-ideal conditions this time of year. One Council member mentioned a pothole the size of a “crater” between Main Street and Rose Street, and hopes this in particular will be fixed quickly.

The Borough also addressed a number of mail boxes that need to be repaired from last month’s plow mishap. They are working on getting these repaired or replaced at this time.

It was also mentioned that Christmas lights had been stolen from the Borough, who was already short on lights this year. At a previous meeting they discussed the need for more lights as not all of the trees on Susquehanna Street this year were able to be decorated for the Holiday season, so it is especially unfortunate that now they are even more lacking than before.

On the subject of Susquehanna Street, the Council noted a number of dead or unhealthy trees on the street that need to come down. They noted that these specific trees were planted in remembrance. Considering that fact, they are going to decipher the details of their placement. Once they do this, they will remove the trees and then re-plant trees again in that location, so as not to lose what they represent. There was no mention of dates to begin on this project as the Council is figuring out the details of the current trees first, and they wish not to disrespect their status of remembrance.

Hallstead Borough’s next monthly meeting is to be held Thursday, the 20th of February.

At the January 16th meeting of the SCCTC school board, Matt Curley opened proceedings, serving as acting president.

Early in the meeting they discussed correspondence. Thank you notes had been received from Trehab and the Deitrich Theater. A letter was read aloud from Mrs. Hollister, announcing her intent to retire from her position as the district’s business manager at the end of the year. Dr. Bush and Mr. Tewksbury spoke highly of Mrs. Hollister, acknowledging her years of service to the district. Mr. Tewksbury noted that the school had ten years of not being cited, feeling that said something for the staff and administration.

Dr. Davis, during her director’s report, showed a 2 minute video that channel 16 had put on regarding the carpentry department. The students had built more than 20 wooden toys for the Marine’s Toys for Tots Program. The reporter related how the program gave back to the community in other ways as well, building dog houses, bird houses, and human houses. Dr. Davis said that they were proud of the students, and publicly thanked the instructors.

The second LPN class was scheduled to begin January 27th, she announced. The school was looking into the idea of having a two year LPN program offered in the future, to allow people to work at the same time.

The day after the board meeting, a meeting was scheduled with the Rush Township chief. They were going to donate a fully functional truck to the school’s Protective Services program, Dr. Davis announced. They would train students on it as well.

Three students had obtained first place at the FBLA competition, along with several other students who scored near the top. There were 9 first place medals at the Skills USA competition as well.

The Massage Therapy program had opened. Dr. Davis reviewed its days of operation.

Dr. Davis provided an update on the third house project. Bids had been opened, and less than a month thereafter it was sold. The owners were in it for Christmas. The school was moving forward with house number four.

Mr. Emmerich asked where the district was regarding snow day make ups. It was responded that at that point there were six days to make up. Mr. Curley pointed out that though they had tried to make up a day twice, they hadn’t successfully made up any yet.

Dr. Bush acknowledged a donation from the Community Foundation, stating that they certainly appreciated this, along with a private donation. He also pointed out that each year the district recognized its board. He wished to personally thank the board for their dedication and service, he said, speaking very highly of them.

The Elk Lake school board meeting opened shortly after the SCCTC meeting closed.

During the administrators’ reports, various items of note were reviewed. Mr. Mallery spoke of Christian Sprout attending district chorus. He placed fifth in the Bass 1 category, qualifying for regional chorus. He had also qualified for District Orchestra. A girl had already broken the diving record twice, breaking her own record shortly after setting it. The annual talent show had been held before Christmas, he related. The student council made the decision not to judge the acts, and there was the highest level of participation yet.

Dr. Cuomo spoke highly of the elementary school’s band and chorus concert. He also talked about a Reading curriculum entitled Reading Street, and how the district was also looking at a Math curriculum.

The district had received notification that the West Nicholson Road was to be closed indefinitely for bridge work. PennDot had told the district they could send the students via that road home that day, but not the next. Alternates had been worked out. Mr. Place spoke of the poor conditions of that road.

Mrs. McGee said that she had a chance to attend the Polar Express show at the elementary school, and she called it the coolest thing ever. She encouraged anyone who had a chance to go, to do so. Dr. Cuomo spoke further about this, calling it amazing. He said that he was trying to push them to open it up to bring parents in. The fifth and sixth grade students put on the show, and involved the younger students.

The JCI project options were to be discussed that evenning, and representative Nick Sracic was called upon to speak before the board. What was being discussed, from previous workshops, was option three, he related. This would encompass a complete changeover within the district to natural gas. The old steam piping and boiler room would be removed in the secondary building; a combined boiler room would cover both the elementary and secondary schools. There would also be better ventilation in the secondary building. The project would cost just under 5.6 million dollars, and if the district contributed $702,000 total they would end 2.3 million dollars to the positive over the life of the project. The contribution would be divided- $2,000,000 from the SCCTC’s reserves, and $500,000 from Elk Lake’s. If the motion passed that night, then JCI would come back with a full contract in February. Mr. Curley asked if they had a contingency plan for a July 1st graduation, to the amusement of those present.

Mr. Place asked Mr. Sracic to touch upon the availability of the gas, for the public’s information. Mr. Sracic said that they were present that evening because of certain revelations over the last few weeks. Leatherstocking had agreed to provide gas to the district by the end of December 2014, if they missed that date they would pay money to the district. Mr. Sracic suggested that he thought they would work hard to meet the deadline; as they wouldn’t want to pay. The idea was to trench from the Church compressor, however if something arose that would foil this plan they would look at putting in a compressor station and a drying station on district property. The district wouldn’t depend on Leatherstocking’s deadline however, the project would include a backup situation in case the gas was not delivered on time. A propane tank would be put in which could provide an alternate heat source.

It was pointed out that the entire energy and operations savings over 20 years was to be $9,092,136; the 2.3 million dollar savings figure was the savings minus expenses and financing.

A gentleman from R. W. Baird then stood to discuss finances. He said that the district didn’t have the funds outright to complete the project, so they would look at financing, which would begin in 2013 and run to 2030. The last four and a half years would be all savings; there would be no additional impact to the district after the initial 20 years. The total cost of the project with financing, including principal and interest, would be about 6.8 million. He said that they did a lot of financing for these projects, and this was probably one of the greatest total savings he had seen.

He reviewed the timeline if the board moved forward. The average interest rate would be about 3%, all in all. Mr. Place asked if the district stood well in receiving a good bond rating. The man responded that the district stood in a very good place to receive a strong rating, noting that they had savings and were going to commit parts of it to the project. He commended the district on this.

The board motioned and approved both option three and the financing.

The district was looking to move graduation from June 7th, to June 14th, due to the snow days. This was motioned and approved.

There was some talk about the Tax Payer’s Bill of Rights. The district had a long standing bill of rights approved in 1971. Dr. Bush said that the district needed to upgrade it based on the entire PSBA policy upgrade. Mr. Place asked if it changed anything in how they did business. Dr. Bush responded that it did not- it was basically a tweaking of it.

Dr. Bush recognized the Elk Lake board for their outstanding devotion as well, thanking them once again.

Susquehanna Community School District Board Directors took the following personnel actions during their regular meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2014.

Approved the following list of substitute teachers for the 2013-2014 school year: Amanda Cino (HS), Alyssa Dooley (Elem), Lisa Carpenetti (Elem), Shane Decker (HS & Elem), and Todd Calabro (HS).

Approved William Albert III as chiropractic physician/volunteer physician for sports events.

Hired for the 2013-2014 season as substitute basketball timers: Meghan Gilleran, Ryan Gilleran, and Kyle Cook.

Approved as substitute bus drivers for the 2013-2014 school year: Rose Stewart, Earl Cottrell, Sr., Betty Jean Carey, and Jessica Ferg.

Approved a leave of absence for Andrea Sanders, to begin on March 24, 2014 for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year.

Approved a leave of absence for Lisa Carpenter, to begin approximately May 19, 2014 for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year.

Accepted Carol Bushong’s intent to retire as of June 2014.

Accepted Robert Keyes’ intent to retire at the end of 2013/2014 school year (See related story.).

Susquehanna’s Borough meeting began promptly at seven o’clock on Wednesday, the 15th of January. The current agenda, minutes from the last meetings, and the bills list were quickly approved and the Council dived into the Mayor’s report, including the Police Report from the last month.

Within the report, Mayor Nancy Hurley stated that there were forty-one incidents and sixteen traffic violations. There were also three burglaries, which were located in the vicinity of Prospect Street. Having said this, the Mayor urged the public to adhere to common sense when protecting your home and property from burglaries, including always locking your home, garage, and vehicles.

Regarding New Business, Roberta Reddon commented that in the coming meetings, she hopes to attain brief monthly reports from the different committees and departments within the Borough so that both the public and the Council can be made aware of progress, projects, and issues that are being addressed. Some of these reports would include a monthly Police Report, a report from the DPW, and street maintenance.

Margaret Biegert then addressed the pile up of documents and records that have accumulated over the years within the Borough, many of which are out-dated and irrelevant. She said that along with other members of the Council, she is slowly sorting through them and finding a proper way to discard of the unnecessary files. She also provided a list of documents, most dated pre-2006 that could be discarded upon the Council’s approval. This is a tedious task, which will take place over a period of months.

The Council also addressed, once again, the vacant properties within the Borough. These properties that are and have been uninhabited for a lengthy period of time not only cost the Borough money, but are usually unsightly as well. The Council discussed the possibility of new ordinances and the possibility of speeding up the process of getting these properties taken care of in a timely fashion. This issue will come into play, more so, though in the spring of this year.

Also from the Police Department, Mayor Nancy Hurley noted that Chief Sweet had stated that the residents have been very compliant when it came to re-locating their vehicles in light of safety during times of heavy snow and icy conditions.

The Council stated that on the following day, the 16th of January, the DPW would be on “pothole patrol,” locating and taking the appropriate action to fix the damaging and countless potholes located around the Borough.

Roberta Reddon also expressed her desire to compile a list of issues to be addressed this year, particularly regarding roads, sidewalks, and similar projects. She then asked members of the Council to compile ideas of their own to add to the list. Projects the list may contain are the bluestone sidewalks, that are cracking and uneven due to large tree roots beneath, dead trees presenting problems within the Borough, the steps going up towards West Main Street near the Post Office and drainage problems near driveways and roads that are presenting issues during the winter months. The Council hopes that by making a list of prominent issues they can be efficiently be handled.

It seems there is much to come in the New Year for Susquehanna, as new members of the Council, Mayor Nancy Hurley and John Hendrickson seem to be taking a pro-active approach to the Community. John Hendrickson discussed ideas and the possibility of using Prospect Park for more community events, such as community yard-sales, concerts, and various other activities that would benefit the community. He also suggested a Community Calendar that would show local events. Nancy Hurley expressed her wishes to develop a type of Committee in the coming months that would informally discuss and brainstorm ideas for activities and events within the Borough. Roberta Reddon also expressed interest in partnering up with gas companies, who have leases locally, to develop more opportunities for the community. These ideas for the community expressed by the Council may alleviate some of the concerns of Susquehanna residents, who express time and time again via social media their concerns and fears that Susquehanna is becoming jaded. The Council hopes the development of these ideas will breathe new life into the town.

Mayor Nancy Hurley also wished to thank John Hendrickson who is the Emergency Management Coordinator, the Police Department, Chief Sweet, the DPW, and Kevin McKee for their efforts as of late in helping out with a number of issues.

All-in-all it seems it will be a good year for Susquehanna and this was evident by the positivity of the Council. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, the 19th of February, 2014 at 7:00 o’clock at the Borough Building.

SCSD school directors met for their first regular meeting of 2014 on Wednesday, January 15. During the 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. meeting board members methodically and efficiently dispatched all agenda items. At adjournment they celebrated “School Director Recognition Month” with peanut butter chocolate cake.

And while most Susky school board meeting appears to operate like a well-oiled machine, that superior efficiency comes at a cost. That cost is the time required for preparation for foundational understanding of the issues involved. Board members and administrators performed real yeoman’s service during the public work session on the preceding evening. That lengthy work session included an hour-long presentation by a contractor seeking to replace the district’s obsolete phone system. It also included a co-presentation by the president and vice-president of the school’s student council concerning student activities and community service events; discussion of other educational issues on the district’s agenda; and a lengthy executive session to fill out the evening’s remainder.

Under the aforementioned circumstances President Steven Stanford and board members Clay Weaver, Evelyn Cottrell, Martha Stanford, Jason Chamberlain, Amanda Cook, and Carol Jackson gathered to carry out their duties. Board member Lori Canfield was absent.

Felicitous was much of the news from the meeting’s commencement. Carol Jackson was recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation for completing eight years of service on the school board. Also the Williams Corporation donated $2,500 to the school district - with no strings attached. Additionally, Superintendent Bronson Stone reported a nod of approval from the state Department of Education: notification that the district’s September request to use its Title VI funds for classroom conversion to a computer lab could proceed forthwith without delay.

Superintendent Stone also had the pleasure of reporting that the district was still in good shape, having another four to six days in reserve in the event future snow days are called. As the schedule now stands, make-up days are already scheduled on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and President’s Day, but both Spring Break (April 17-21) and the last day of school (as June 9th) are still on target.

Shifting gears a notch Business Manager Gary Kiernan had good news/bad news. The school’s reserve fund has grown from unexpected sources, including delinquent tax collections to the tune of $185,000. The bad news is that PSERS (Public Schools Employees Retirement System) will rise to 21.4% of payroll costs this year, and by 2017 are projected to rise to 30.2% of payroll. He was “guardedly optimistic” that state legislators will act to institute reforms sufficient to preempt financial collapse.

In her representation of the Teachers’ union Cathy Hinkley reported that at the union’s dinner for the community in November, 2013 teachers had served some 100 to 110 families. While the dinner is free and open to all she indicated that there seemed to be a much greater need (food insecurity) than in years past. Mrs. Hinkley also reported that the teachers’ union is opening up its scholarship award competition to seniors going on to higher education in any vocation, rather than limiting the scope of competition to only those pursuing degrees in education. She added that this change will give students more experience in the interview process, thereby improving their preparation for the Claire Williams O’Neil Scholarship competition process.

President Stanford directed board members’ attention to the proclamation designating January as “School Director Recognition Month” in the commonwealth. And for those who may have forgotten their history, according to the resolution local school boards have played a key role in the commonwealth’s public education since passage of the Free School Act of 1834.

In other actions the board approved motions for the following:

• To contract with Waterfront Learning Services for cyber education, 2013-2014;
• To contract with Freddy’s Refuse Removal, LLC for trash removal for 2014 at a cost of $9,235.49;
• To move the April 2014 work session from April 15 to April 8, and the regular monthly meeting from April 16 to April 9;
• To end the district’s performance contract with Schneider Electric;
• To give assent to a host of organizations requesting extra-curricular use of campus facilities, and to approve staff/administration attendance at various workshops or conferences.

At 7:30 p.m. the board adjourned and all present had the pleasure of partaking in a delicious cake, courtesy of Kim Harris’ baking skills and Gary Kiernan’s gentlemanly duty in slicing and serving the delicacy.

Next regular school board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19th.

DEEDS

Dale Weidner & Jerry Weidner (aka) Jerry D. Weidner to Dale Weidner & Jerry Weidner (aka) Jerry D. Weidner, in Liberty Township, for $1.00.

Bremer Hof Owners Inc to Kathleen Kuzminski, in Herrick Twp., for $800.00.

Rhouse 516 LLC to Wendy J. & Jeffrey C. Thomas, in Gibson Township, for $110,000.00.

Anthony F. & Loretta M. Capriotti to Capriotti Family LLC, in Rush Twp., for $1.00.

Elizabeth F. Smith to Robert L. & Mildred M. Nemcek, in Choconut Twp., for $1.00.

Nelson Medynec to Nelson & Lesley Ann Medynec, in Jackson Twp. & New Milford Twp., for $1.00.

Gladys W. Herbert to Salvatore R. Peretore Realty LLC, in Bridgewater Twp., for $95,000.00.

Robert A. & Tammy K. Jarnagin (by sheriff) to Bank of New York Mellon (fka) Bank of New York, in Harford Twp., for $1,450.79.

Jamie G. Smith & Melissa Smith to ESE Equity LLC, in Montrose, for $109,000.00.

Dianna Albright, James Albright (aka) James L. Albright, Debra A. Baldwin, Bonnie L. Gall & John Gall (aka) John M. Gall, in Rush Twp., for Jacob Fissler.

Deborah A. Zayas to Deborah A. & Jonathan H. Zayas, in Susquehanna, for $1.00.

Cynthia L. & Frederick M. Rindock to Benefical Consumer Discount Company (DBA) & Beneficial Mortgage Company of Pennsylvania, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.

Elizabeth Romich (estate) to Jean Marie Konzman, in Forest City, for $1.00.

Robert Stankiewicz (aka) Robert A. Stankiewicz & Beverly Stankiewicz (aka) Beverly D. Stankiewicz to Robert A. & Beverly D. Stankiewicz, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Robert Stankiewicz (aka) Robert A. Stankiewicz & Beverly Stankiewicz (aka) Beverly D. Stankiewicz to Robert A. & Beverly D. Stankiewicz, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Robert Stankiewicz (aka) Robert A. Stankiewicz & Beverly Stankiewicz (aka) Beverly D. Stankiewicz to Robert A. & Beverly D. Stankiewicz, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Robert Stankiewicz (aka) Robert A. Stankiewicz & Beverly Stankiewicz (aka) Beverly D. Stankiewicz to Robert A. & Beverly D. Stankiewicz, in Brooklyn Twp., for $1.00.

Roy N. Vandenburgh to Roy N. Vandenburgh (trust), in Forest Lake Twp., for $1.00.

Geo Schoefield Co. Inc. (aka) Geo Schofield Co. Inc. to Jackson Baptist Church Inc., in Jackson Twp., for $1.00.

Marion Lewis to John R. Rosario, in Rush Twp., for $1.00.

Emily R. Giorgianni (estate) to Patrick J. Durland, in Harford Twp., for $60,054.05.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:10 a.m. on January 17, 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.

Motor Vehicle Accident/Non-Reportable: On 12/03/13 at 6:13 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police took a report of a car vs. deer accident located at the intersection of State Route 167 and Kennedy Road. Officer Levi Tiffany took the report.

Animal Complaint: On 12/03/13 at 7:06 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police took a report of dogs chasing deer at a property on Lyons Road. The caller stated that three dogs keep chasing deer in the woods on his property. The owner of the dogs was contacted and the incident was resolved. Officer Levi Tiffany was the responding officer.

Speeding: On 12/05/13 at 9:00 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police took a report of speeding on the Laurel Lake Road. The caller stated that dump trucks are speeding around Laurel Lake in the early morning hours. Chief Timothy Burgh took the complaint.

911 Hang-Up: On 12/05/13 at 1:30 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police responded to a 911 hang-up call located at a camp ground in Silver Lake Township. Upon arrival it was found that the phone lines were not in service at this time. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Miscellaneous Investigation: On 12/05/13 at 8:00 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police were called for a complaint of a commercial vehicle operating at night with broken headlights. The caller stated that the vehicle was parked on the roadway on a curve and couldn’t be safely seen when approached. The incident occurred on State Route 167. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report.

Suspicious Vehicle: On 12/13/13 at 1:00 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police took a report of a suspicious vehicle that had driven on the lawn of a residence located on Patton Road. The caller stated that the vehicle had driven all over the lawn, and that it had occurred 2 or 3 days prior to her reporting it. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report.

Theft: On 12/17/13 at 1:40 p.m. A resident located on State Route 167 reported that a package had been stolen from her mail box. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer. This case is still under investigation.

Disabled Vehicle: On 12/27/13 at 2:40 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police while out on patrol viewed a tractor trailer at the intersection of John C. McNamara Drive and State Route 167 that had an unsecured load. The vehicle was attempting to turn right off of State Route 167 when the load it was carrying started to fall off the truck. Silver Lake Township Police did traffic control while the load was secured again. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.  

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.