The days of Saturday garbage pick-up by the borough’s municipal personnel are numbered. While the exact date of transition to privatization is still to be determined, the borough’s special meeting of Friday, January 17, took the prerequisite steps to signal the go-ahead for how Lanesboro residents will dispose of their refuse in the not-too-distant future.

Present for the 7:00 to 7:30 meeting at the Community Center were President Todd Glover, council members Dan Boughton, Regina Dilello, David Glidden, Tom Nitterour, and Dale Rockwell; Mayor Chris Maby, and Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan. Councilman Jason Fissel was absent.

The special meeting was advertised and called for on one specific topic: the opening of bids from private haulers for the borough’s refuse collection, and the consequent selection of the bid winner, if any. Although there are three county-approved haulers, President Glover received only one bid to be opened at this meeting. The bid, from Freddy’s Refuse Removal, LLC, was discussed for a short time before council took a roll-call vote to unanimously approve sending it to the borough’s solicitor, Myron DeWitt, for review and contract clearance. A second roll-call vote, after further discussion, gave 5-1 approval to accept Freddy’s as the winning bid. Vice-President Boughton was the sole “nay” vote.

Here’s what the winning bid means to Lanesboro residents. At a date still to be determined Freddy’s will take control of refuse pick-up within Lanesboro. That transition date could be set as early as borough council’s next regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, February 11. Before the actual changeover occurs there will be a period for advertising and notification of all borough residents. A representative for Freddy’s present at the meeting indicated that garbage pick-up would be shifted from Saturday to Tuesday so as to integrate the borough into same-day pick-up with Oakland and Susquehanna boroughs.

For Lanesboro residents concerned about the price of service, the news is good for just about everybody, except perhaps those with very large families or those who generate a lot of trash. Freddy’s is offering Lanesboro residents a choice of four different plans, and the ability to change plans if their situation changes. That flexibility of choice gives residents at least two plans which are conceivably less costly than the price ($19/month) currently charged by the borough’s municipal service.

Plan “A” allows collection of one bag per week for $13 per month, with those paying three months or more in advance to pay at a discount rate of $12 per month.

Plan “B” allows collection of two bags per week for $19 per month, with those paying three months or more in advance to pay at a discount rate of $18 per month.

Plan “C” allows collection of three bags per week for $28 per month, with those paying three months or more in advance to pay at a discount rate of $26 per month.

Plan “D” is the “sticker option.” Customers would pay $3.00 for each sticker sold by Freddy’s Refuse Removal, LLC. The stickers can be purchased at various locations, but the purchasing customer must call Freddy’s office to report their name, address, and phone number.

The prices for plans “A, B, & C” include recycling, but for plan “D” recycling is available at a cost of $1.25 per recycling sticker. All plans are predicated on bags or cans having a capacity no greater than 36 gallons. “Toters,” such as 64 or 96-gallon size are automatically classed as two-bags or three-bags, respectively.

Upon request, Lanesboro residents will be able to obtain curbside pick-up of discard furniture/over-sized objects for an additional charge by contacting Freddy’s office in advance. Freddy’s will provide an estimate and accept payment prior to pick-up.

President Glover and Mayor Maby made it clear that while this is basically a done-deal, there remains the legal work to be done, an actual contract signing, advertising as required, and notification of all borough residents of the date of transition, as well as the details contained in this article along with amplifying instructions. Further information will be posted on the borough’s website: www.lanesboropa.com when available.

Next borough council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, at the Community Center. At that time council will likely have more clarity as to when the switch-over in service will begin. What every borough head of household needs to understand is that prior to service implementation he or she will have to contact Freddy’s to pick a plan and make arrangements for prepayment. The number residents will need to contact Freddy’s is 570-727-2067.

On January 17th, 2014, the Susquehanna County Housing & Redevelopment Authority held their annual meeting and dinner at the lovely Crystal Lake Hotel nestled into the Endless Mountains.

Chairman Joseph Matis led the discussion on the elected officers of the Susquehanna County Housing & Redevelopment Authority. Joseph Matis will serve as Chairman and Paul Lukus as Vice-Chairman. Jerry Cronk will serve as Secretary and Treasurer. Ken Adams and Elaine Andusko will also serve as members of Office.

After the minutes and bills lists were approved, the Redevelopment Authority reported on the status of their projects. The two properties on Hudson Street have been rented. The Montrose Streetlight Project is set to resume in the spring  of 2014, in conjunction with Leeward Construction.  Also, the Industrial Sites Reuse Program and Phare Rental Rehab Program are all in progress at this time. Notably, the Career Technology Center for Adult Education completed their first successful term, with fifteen graduates.

Pictured (l-r) are: back row - Ann Rogers, Jaimie Herrmann , Paul Lukus , Joseph Matis, Ken Adams, Jerry Cronk, Elaine Andusko , Karen Allen; front row - Kris Lunger, Pamela Rockwell, Charlene Moser, Bobbi Jo Turner.

The Housing Authority then gave their report, citing vacancies and move-in dates for new occupants.

At the Turnpike Terrace Apartments, a new entry door system was installed. Currently there is one vacancy in those apartments, but a move-in date is scheduled for early February. The William Penn Apartments also have one vacancy, and another rental space will be available at the end of the month.

At Prospect Park Apartments, the final payment was made for the newly-installed security cameras located in and around the apartment complex.  They also have one vacancy currently, but a move-in date for that apartment has been set.

The Howard J. Emerson Apartments in Hallstead currently have one vacancy and are interviewing applicants. At the Emerson Southgate Apartments, there was a water leak last week and maintenance is currently taking place to fix the issue. For now, the Community Room there is closed until further notice, when all of the repairs and issues are resolved.

Tenants of Harford Village Apartments will soon see new floors being installed there.  Harford Village also has four vacancies within their facility and few to no names on the waiting list. Therefore they are in the process of advertising the apartments available for rent.

The New Milford Creekside apartments are currently rotating names on their waiting list, as they collect information from the applicants. There are currently two, two-bedroom apartments available and one application in process. The Maintenance team there has been working with contractors on current projects.

Following the meeting, the Susquehanna County Housing & Redevelopment Authority hosted a beautiful dinner for many guests. Chairman Joseph Matis expressed heartfelt appreciation for Bob Bartron, who passed last November. Mr. Matis thanked Mr. Bartron’s wife for his loyal service and many years contributing to the efforts of the Susquehanna County Housing & Redevelopment Authority.

Kris Lunger was then recognized for twenty years of service to the Susquehanna County Housing & Redevelopment Authority. Also recognized was the outstanding success of the Career Technology Center for Adult Education program. Successfully graduating fifteen students, it was a hit, and sure to become even more successful as the years pass.  

Chairman Matis also remarked that 2013 was a busy but successful year for the Susquehanna County Housing & Redevelopment Authority and from the sounds of it, more good things are set to develop in the new year.

The following are to report at the Susquehanna County Courthouse, Montrose, PA at 9:00 a.m. on February 3, 2014.

Apolacon Twp.: Anthony Lombardo, James McGinniss and Richard York.

Auburn Twp.: Kelly Childress, Gisela Domasiewicz, Judith A. Snyder, Donna Thomas.

Bridgewater Twp.: Dean Brewer, Douglas Cook, John Delaney, William Kelley, John Lamphere, Edwin Mead, Jeffery Mead, Steven S. Mead, Raymond Organisciak, Kathryn Watkins, Randy A. White, Douglas Wilcox.

Brooklyn Twp.: Mary Battaglini, Michael Cook, Teresa Denti, Tricia Totino, Amanda Wilston.

Clifford Twp.: William Belcastro.

Dimock Twp.: Amanda Blaisure, Terry L. Cooper, Victoria Hubert, Cynthia Schneider.

Forest Lake Twp.: Billie-Sue R. Costley, Beverly Malloy.

Franklin Twp.: Richard Robert Gelatt, Carolyn E. Pratt, Elnor Vanbuskirk.

Hallstead Borough: Elisa Ann Ledonne.

Harford Twp.: Keith Baker Jr., Howard L. Gow Jr., Shawn Krause, Pamela A. Selemba.

Harmony Twp.: Susan Lee, Charles R. Wolfe.

Herrick Twp.: Robert Burke, Karen Green, David Palmer, James Swegel, Colleen Trichilo.

Jackson Twp.: Virginia Schroeder, Robert Whitehead.

Lathrop Twp.: Annettia Carpenetti, Stacey Flynn, Marcia Karhnak.

Lenox Twp.: Jason Ceble, Timothy J. Harrison, Sydney Ann Mead, Emma Wilbur.

Liberty Twp.: Debbie L. Bajkowski, Kirk Dreimann, Rodney Hatala, Ralph D. Jackson, Barry E. Miller.

Middletown Twp.: Daniel Nelson.

Montrose Borough 1st Ward: Frank J. Capalaces.

Montrose Borough 2nd Ward: Nanette Dean, Curtis Keihl, Greg Myer.

New Milford Twp.: Ana Bruzek, Michael Newhart, John Peters, Barbara J. Randall, Tim Rogers.

Rush Twp.: Edward Plitt.

Silver Lake Twp.: Michael L. Kumpan, Joseph Nagy, Stanley Pierson, Beth Ramey.

Springville Twp.: Mary Arnold, Eugene M. Michinski, Jamie Orlandini.

Susquehanna Borough 2nd Ward: Christopher R. Getter.

Thompson Twp.: Linda M. Leber.

Union Dale Borough: Barbara Kozlevcar, Thomas Pekarski.

Garth Jay Tonkin, 30, of Carbondale, PA to 1 month to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay a $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, perform 50 hours community service, pay restitution to the victim in this case for Simple Assault in Oakland Township on August 24, 2012.

Christopher Ronald Sweeten, 29, of Greenfield, PA to 12 months probation, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim, 25 hours of community service, not to have contact with the victim, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Criminal Mischief in Forest City Borough on December 14, 2012.

Benjamin Raymond Johnson, 31, of Thompson, PA to 24 months to 56 months in a state correctional facility, followed by 3 years probation, pay restitution to the victim, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, not to possess firearms, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Criminal Conspiracy/Robbery in Great Bend Township on September 18, 2012.

Christopher R Dedonis, 39, of Montrose, PA to 9 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 2 years probation, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive a mental health evaluation, receive a sexual offenders evaluation, not to possess firearms or weapons while on supervision for Endangering the Welfare of a Child on October 1, 2006 in Auburn Township.

Todd Joseph Matias, 25, of Binghamton, NY to 30 days to 60 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $750 fine, pay $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay cost of prosecution, receive drug and alcohol counseling, complete a safe driving school program for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Borough on May 25, 2013.

Nicholas Chaparro, 23, of Hop Bottom, PA to 23 months probation, pay restitution to the victim, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, receive drug and alcohol counseling, not to possess weapons, not to have contact with codefendants for Theft by Unlawful Taking in New Milford Township on June 27, 2012. Mr. Chaparro also received 23 months probation to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Clifford Township on May 1, 2012. Finally, Mr. Chaparro received 23 months probation to run concurrent to the above sentences, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Lenox Township on June 18, 2012.

Lawrence G Twardy, 55, of Uniondale, PA to 30 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Corectional Facility, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS, complete safe driving school program, receive drug and alcohol counseling for Driving Under the Influence in Forest City Borough on August 6, 2013.

John Michael McGuane, 45, of Kirkwood, NY to 30 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $750 fine, pay $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay cost of prosecution, complete safe driving school program, receive drug and alcohol counseling for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Borough on February 17, 2013.

William Wayman, Jr, 34, of Montrose, PA to 11 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 3 years probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Terroristic Threats in Harmony Township on September 8, 2013. Mr. Wayman also received 11 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 3 years probation to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to possess weapons for Terroristic Threats in Harmony Township on September 8, 2013.

Richard Benjamin Diffendorf, 38, of Kirkwood, NY to 5 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS, receive drug and alcohol counseling, complete safe driving school program for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Borough on January 25, 2013.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 9:30AM on JANUARY 24, 2014: Duane M. Aldrich, Edwin Blaisure, Beverly A. Carvin, Cody A. Cook, Marc K. Deesch, Thomas D. Earley, Benjamin D. Fassett, David J. Fischer, James Gerard, Jon W. Hanson, Timothy M. Holmes, Timothy J. Jackson, Richard E. Kalinowski, Kay L. Knolles, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Shawn N. Marcho, Robert J. McCrone, Joseph C. Mikloiche, Matthew S. Miller, Ronald N. Mitchell, Chad A. Ralston, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, Andrew Sepanek, David J. Shiner, Todd J. Slater, Eric J. Snell, Paul E. Steinbiss, 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.

Crash:  On January 20th at 9:13 pm a juvenile male of Thompson was traveling north on Sr 171 in Ararat township when his vehicle lost control on the snow covered road and drove off the west berm.  The vehicle then rolled over and struck a tree located approximately 30  feet off the west berm, coming to a rest against the tree on its wheels.  Of the driver and three passengers, only one sustained injury;  the driver and one passenger were listed as using seat belts. 

Burglary:  On January 15th entrance was gained to a residence off Crystal Lake by means of forcing open the rear entry door with an unknown object, breaking the door jam.  Two bedrooms on the second floor were rummaged through, along with a dining hutch in the kitchen and a laundry room located on the first floor.  An attic storage space located above the attached garage was also opened, but nothing inside was disturbed. 

Burglary:  The police were investigating a report of a burglary in Auburn Township in which weapons and precious furs were stolen while the victim, a Meshoppen woman, was gone to work for the day.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Harassment:  On January 20th at noon two juvenile female students were involved in a physical altercation at the Blue Ridge High School.  One of the girls was cited for harassment.  There were no reported injuries. 

Crash:  On January 19th at 6:15 am Justin Wagner of Montrose was traveling on Waterford Road in Bridgewater Township when he struck a deer that entered the roadway from his right. The vehicle then struck a utility pole and came to rest at that location.  The driver was not seat belted and had a minor injury to his hand. 

Crash:  On January 15th at 12:16 pm Derek Conroe of Nicholson was traveling South on Sr 3023 in Lathrop Township when he lost control, went into the Northbound lane, and exited the roadway to the East side of the Northbound lane.  The Ford F250 then continued along the embankment, rolled onto its right side, slid across the southbound lane, and came to an uncontrolled rest area.  Prior to police arrival the vehicle was brought back onto its wheels, as the driver attempted to flea the scene.  The driver struck a tree with the right front side of his vehicle.  He then fled the scene on foot back to his residence.  PSP responded to his residence and contacted EMS.  Factoryville EMS along with Montrose EMS responded to the scene.  Mile Hill towed the vehicle.  A seat belt was in use;  an injury of unknown severity was sustained. 

Theft:  Between January 18th and 20th 54 precut 2x4 boards were stolen from the Tiffany Pines Construction site in Bridgewater township. 

Crash:  On January 19th at 5:25 pm Lucas Estes of Montrose was traveling south on Sr 3027 in Jessup Township when he failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway, causing his vehicle to travel off of the road.  The vehicle then caught fire upon traveling off of the roadway. 

Criminal Mischief:  On January 17th a juvenile male, being upset about his ex-girlfriend being out in a vehicle with another male, took a bat to the second male's vehicle, smashing out several windows.  He was arrested for misdemeanor criminal mischief. 

Theft:  Between January 7th and 8th an envelope containing cash and personal check was stolen form the owner's desk at the site of Mary's Home Furnishing in Bridgewater Township.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Hit and Run Fatal Crash:  PSP is investigating a hit and run crash on Sr 11 near Sunset Bowling Lanes in Great Bend township, in which a pedestrian was struck and suffered fatal injuries.  Police are looking for a small SUV, silver in color, with black plastic trim.  The vehicle will also have damage to its front end and passenger side headlight assembly.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Criminal Mischief:  Between the 13th and 15th of January a Hallstead man discovered paintball damage to his residence and vehicle.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of the report. 

Burglary:  On January 14th at 3:30 pm an unknown person entered the residence of a Clifford Township woman through the basement door.  The perpetrator then walked upstairs and observed the home owner return.  As the home owner entered the residence the actor fled through the front door and ran South on Elkdale Road.  The perpetrator then got into an old white box van which had not windows in the back.  The van then sped South on Elkdale road a ta high rate of speed.  The perpetrator did not take anything from the residence. 

Burglary:  On January 14th between 8:15 and 11:00 am the front door of a residence near South Gibson was kicked in, and approximately $20 in change removed from within.  The perpetrators then fled the scene in an unknown direction. 

Criminal Mischief:  Sometime during the day on January 13th a window was broken in the rear of the house of a Uniondale man.  Anyone with information is asked to call the police. 

Burglary:  Between the 4th and 6th of January forced entry was made into the home of a Herrick Township man.  The investigation was continuing as of the time of report. 

Crash:  On January 10th at 2:42 am an unnamed driver was traveling east along SR 171 in Great Bend Township when the vehicle slid on the icy road surface and he or she could not regain control.  The vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, climbed an embankment and rolled onto its left side.  The vehicle was removed by French's Towing.  PSP was assisted by Great Bend/Hallstead V.F.D.  The driver was not injured. 

DUI:  On January 12th at 8:17 Ezekiel Lee of Oklahoma was stopped in Hallstead Borough for erratic driving.  Further investigation led the the arrest of the accused for DUI.  The accused later refused to submit to the blood test.  Charges filed in District Court 34-3-02. 

Reckless Endangering, DUI, Drug Possession:  On January 11th Mark Cardew of Hallstead and a female were involved in a dispute.  Cardew is accused of driving the victim's car into a snow bank.  The accused then returned on an ATV and was driving erratically around the parking lot of the Mountain View Plaza in Great Bend Town ship, nearly striking the victim. The accused then struck the victim's parked car with the ATV.  The victim got struck by the ATV as she stood between it and the car.  The accused was taken into custody and charged with Reckless Endangering, Simple Assault, Driving Under the influence, Drug Possession/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Disorderly Conduct, and Reckless Driving. 

Burglary:  A Harford Township home, belonging to a Staten Island man, was entered by means of a rear window, and a jewelry box was stolen.  Approximately $50 of jewelry was taken. 

Burglary:  An incident occurred between January 9th and 10th wherein the Auburn Township residence of a Meshoppen woman was entered by means of a window.  Jewelry, DVD's, a purse, and a piggy bank were taken from within. 

Crash:  On January 11th at 3:17 am Renee Galarza of Carbondale was traveling east along SR 374 when she came upon a curve in the road and lost control of the steering due to the icy conditions.  The vehicle slid off the road to the right and struck the embankment, proceeding to then roll over onto its left side.  The driver was not injured; a seat belt was in use.  The vehicle was removed form the scene by Dutchnik's towing.

If you have information regarding any of these incidents please contact PSP Gibson at 570-465-3154.