This reporter arrived at the New Milford Borough meeting on February 6, 2014 a few minutes after it began. A discussion on codes was underway, which additional information was gathered regarding after the meeting. It was related that Mr. Monteforte had agreed to take the wheels off of the Frito Lay trailer, and to complete the screening in front of the other trailers, in compliance with a court order. The borough’s codes enforcement officer was tasked with overseeing this process, and contacting Mr. Monteforte if it was not done by the established date.

The Codes Enforcement Officer also related that the borough solicitor had suggested a civil suit in regards to another violator. It was stated that it would be easier for the solicitor to file the suit with Judge Jodi Cordner, though it would cost the borough more.

The Codes Officer said that he didn’t want to send anyone to jail, and didn’t want to fine anyone. He just wanted them to comply.

Council made an announcement regarding the Hunt case. This related to a business formerly utilized by Joe Hunt, which was being used as a residence though it was in a commercial zone. After Mr. Hunt’s business moved, the Codes Officer had gone and cited him for putting a residence in a commercial zone. Mr. Hunt had then filed for a variance to allow a residence, and appealed the decision of the zoning officer to cite him, stating that he had always planned to maintain a residence there as a non conforming use.

The borough council had the opportunity to appeal the zoning board’s decision, but had decided not to do so. Though the hearing board hadn’t given a written decision yet, they had decided to deny the variance but to grant the preexisting nonconforming use so that it could be used as a residence. When the signed decision came out, council would not appeal it and the decision would stand.

Mr. Carey said the COG meeting had gone really well, and he spoke of training opportunities through COG that he had been made aware of. He brought copies to disseminate to council members.

Mr. White opined that he felt the borough was keeping up with snow removal pretty well. There had been discussion about cars parking in areas which forced the plow to go around them. He felt they should do something about this, but said that there were only a few and it might be possible to contact the owners and ask them to to move the vehicles.

Ms. Gulick said that PEMA would like to know how much salt municipalities had stockpiled, as the state was running out of it. They also wanted to know the cost of the materials, and how much they anticipated continuing to use. It was responded that the borough was paying $65 a load, which Mr. White called a great deal that the township was giving them. She thought that the state might be looking towards municipalities sharing, which the borough was already doing. It was unknown how much they anticipated using, and the amount they had already had to use was commented upon.

The mayor said that the borough was taking care of their sidewalks now, and suggested that perhaps the townspeople could be made aware of their own responsibilities to do so. Mr. Ainey reiterated that they had talked of taking out an ad. Mr. Ainey also reminded council that they had spoken of having the solicitor review about their cleaning sidewalks. There was some discussion regarding whether or not the borough had a shoveling ordinance. Mr. Ainey said that they had been advised by a solicitor that once they shoveled it, they owned it, which was why they wished to have him look into the borough’s liability.

Ms. Gulick asked where they stood as far as the grant. The grant that they were applying for was a DCED planning grant to do strategic planning and zoning. The borough could not apply for a grant alone without first trying to work with another municipality; they were trying to collaborate with the township. The grant would allow them to hire a planner to help them on the Comprehensive Plan update and on development of a Strategic Plan. The person would work half their time with the planning Commission.

The recreation board had a meeting the previous Monday, Mr. Carey said. They were moving forward for a new sign for the pool parking lot. They were also looking at the patio deck in front of the new concession stand, which was getting some raised edges, and there were falling concerns. They had moved forward on the electric for the gazebo, by speaking with an electrician.

Ms. Gulick asked about 1.4 million dollars for recreation grants. Mr. Carey responded that they were going to work on getting some applications together. One idea was to upgrade the bathhouse.

Mr. Carey thanked Ms. Gulick for a job well done, regarding the police. Ms. Gulick had gone to the January 20th meeting at Montrose. That council didn’t have a lot of questions; they signed the same contract the two municipalities had in place since 2008. They did not increase the hourly fee, and the new contract was for two years. New Milford then ratified the contract.

She said that there had been a question raised as to whether or not the mayor was supposed to do the police scheduling. She said that the mayor was in charge if the borough had their own police force, but they simply hired a service. All she did, she stated, was to liaison and schedule. She asked if they could have their solicitor look into the matter.

Mr. White said that the CDBG project on Johnson Street still wasn’t completed. He had spoken with a gentleman from the Canadian Pacific Railroad, who had told him that they were very busy but it was on the list.

Mr. Ainey wanted to know how well the Earned Income Tax was working. There were people who had been paying it anyway, who were receiving a savings. However there were other people who hadn’t paid it in the past, and though they were saving they had an added expense. It was agreed that they would like to know. It had treated the borough well, but they said that they would like it to be good for the citizens as well and were curious about the taxes’ true impact.

Mr. White reported that they had done annual reviews, and made a recommendation to give the borough secretary a $.50 an hour raise. This was approved.

The ordinance committee had two items for discussion. Mr. Ainey said that they were given the responsibility of coming up with rules for public participation at meetings, and they had a list of rules which they wished to recommend. Mr. Carey read them aloud. The rules restricted people’s ability to speak to five minutes. Council could direct a group speaking on the same topic to appoint a spokesperson. Any video recording device would have to be located at the back, behind the last row of chairs. Any of the rules could be waived at the agreement of two council members. It was pointed out that any recording of a public meeting was a matter of public record. Council didn’t feel they had a problem yet, but they wanted to thwart any possibility. They had taken some of the rules of another municipality, but not all of them, not believing that they had to be that intense.

The International Property Maintenance Code was discussed. Mr. Ainey said that they had been given the opportunity to look it over and make recommendations. He called the code pretty intense. It set minimum internal temperatures, stated that there be no weeds whatsoever, and set room sizes. Mr. White pointed out that the term “weeds” was open to interpretation, saying that he liked dandelions. Mr. Ainey thought that they should really review it and think hard and deep if they wanted to get into it. He asked what the point would be of having it if they weren’t using it, and he wasn’t sure they wanted to use it. Mr. Smith asked what was the downfall to not using it. It was responded that if they were doing a housing rehab grant they might be asked to adopt it. However, the last housing rehab grant the borough did was in 1983. It was questioned whether they would have to follow it to the letter, whether they could make revisions, and how it would be enforced. It was suggested that they send it back to the solicitor to look over.

The ordinance committee had also met regarding cable contracts. They had met with NEP and had come up with a five year contract for the borough’s approval. Ms. Guilick made a motion that they sign the NEP Datavision contract. It passed.

Mr. Cary was contacted by a constitutional attorney to provide them with a fee schedule for a conversation regarding the ability to distribute Bibles in the park. The document he would draft would be a policy granting use of public property.

They made the motion to appoint Joseph Colloura as the auditor for New Milford Borough.

Members of council had met with Leatherstocking regarding a new process update. They didn’t feel that residents had not been adequately updated regarding processes. The school was originally going to be blocked in as a large customer, and that situation had changed. Council would like to move forward anyway, it was said, and make sure that the residents of the town were properly informed and given the chance to let Leatherstocking know that people wanted gas in the town. Leatherstocking believed that borough resident’s did not want this. Council felt that there had been problems with the administrative process, and that interest hadn’t been adequately expressed. The goal was to have 180 meters in the town, in order to supply gas to it. Council had created a new system whereby they would control the process of ascertaining interest. There was to be a public meeting on it. Mr. Ainey had created clipboards with applications and log sheets, which he distributed to council members. He directed them to give out the applications, and list every contact they made regarding this. At the end of every week council members would turn the sheet in to the borough officer. He had a master list of every property in town, and would mark off who was reached. As he understood it the applicatin was not a commitment to hook up, but a commitment to further discussion about doing so.

Mr. Ainey related that Ms. Wages had represented the borough at an unemployment claim, and the original decision was upheld.

Mr. Carey had a resident complaint about water trucks on Main Street at two or three am. They were at a residence in the town. It was decided that the codes enforcement officer would look into it.

At the February 3rd Montrose Borough Meeting, council president Tom Lamont was absent from the proceedings. Mr. Granahan reported that the bank accounts had been successfully moved over to People’s, though there were two token amounts left at First National in case something came through.

Julanne Skinner asked if the meters were numbered properly. Mr. DiPhillips responded that they had been numbered properly, until some got pulled and replaced. They were still all numbered, not chronologically. He wanted to wait until after the 706 project, he explained, and then they planned to fix this irregularity.

Speaking of meters, Mr. DiPhillips said the last meter collection was huge, despite having just been collected before Christmas. The secretary quoted the amount from the collection to be $2222.60.

Ms. Skinner asked if the borough had ever received the large sign regarding calling before digging. She felt that, especially with the distribution lines coming through town, the sign was needed. Mr. DiPhillips related that they had not yet received the sign.

Chief Smith said, during his police report, that it had been one of their busier Januaries. He hoped it was not a harbinger of the future. For instance, somebody took a safe from the County Seat. The individuals had been caught, due to the cameras being inside, and charges were to be pressed. The safe was still in the creek, though there was no money in it.

Ms. Skinner asked about a hit and run on January 25th, wondering if it was confirmed that it was indeed a hit and run. Chief Smith responded that the incident had occurred at the Pump and Pantry, and that it was more of a state police case. Montrose’s police had only been called because they didn’t know which way the car was heading.

The Chocolate and Wine Festival requested permission to close Chestnut Street from noon until 10 pm on the day of their event. This request was granted.

Ms. Skinner asked if there was a policy regarding what council members could take advantage of Continuing Education with PSAB. Mr. Granahan responded that so far, if someone wanted to go to something they just spent the money and went. Ms. Skinner stated that she had attended an event in 2012, and hadn’t requested mileage though council had reimbursed the fee. She said it was a great thing, and she would like to go again, and that she could cover her own travel. Mr. Granahan expressed his opinion that council members were there as individuals donating their time to help taxpayers, and that he didn’t see spending taxpayer money on that expense. He spoke of a training he had attended, and spent his own money.

Ms. Skinner asked if it was tax deductible for the borough. Mr. Granahan said that they did not pay taxes to the federal government. She felt that there must be something they could take advantage of. He replied that there wasn’t, as the borough didn’t file taxes.

Mr. Reimel stated that in the past this was something that council had made available if a new council member wanted to go, but that she was the first one who wanted to go back.

There were also two webinars which Ms. Skinner wished to attend. Mr. Granahan said that Montrose was a small borough, and a small group of people paying taxes, and he didn’t see spending the money for that.

Ms. O’Malley had been contacted by a gentleman who didn’t work for Leatherstocking, but was working with them as a part of the company which would be digging up the streets and laying the line. He was wondering about municipal rights of way. He had the 1885 map, but Ms. O’Malley asked if there was something newer. There was some discussion about this.

Mr. Granahan related that he had attended a meeting with Leatherstocking and a few other people, where it was related that the company was planning to come down Public Avenue and High Street, and that they wanted to go back behind the square and cut under 706. They wished to go on as few PennDOT roads as possible. They wanted to use private easements in places. They were looking to start in the spring. The Codes Enforcement Officer said that the setbacks should be in an ordinance somewhere. This was to be looked into further.

Ms. Skinner returned to the topic of training, saying that Section 701 of Borough Code provided for reimbursement of mileage, conference fees, and other expenses for the conference, and she wondered if that meant council would be reimbursed. Mr. Granahan said that there was no one to reimburse them. She was to look into it further though.

The trees on Church Street were discussed. There was a desire to get the Gingko Trees out. There was money in the tree fund. Three trees would be purchased in their place to match the ones which had already been put in.

The Redevelopment Authority had started another Streetscape grant. There would be the possibility of working on South Main Street with this, but there was not a lot of sidewalk space. The existing trees were Bartlett Pear, it was said, and they could survive. The grant might only need to cover the replacement of the sidewalks. A representative of the Redevelopment Authority had asked if the Borough wanted to be a partner again, either as the recipient of the grant or by allowing the authority to receive the grant in its stead. This was motioned and seconded.

The East Side of Lower South Main was discussed. There had been discussion that day with Leeward and a PennDOT representative. What was said was that they planned to connect a number of storm drains and patch them into the corner where the broken culvert was. Leeward hadn’t really wanted to give them a price estimate on it as PennDOT meant permits. It had been explained that the culvert was broken. Mr. DiPhillips said that there was already a flooding problem with that culvert. Mr. Reimel suggested telling them that the borough would block the water flow before it got to the publishing company. By law the state owned the water; council could block it, it would turn back out onto 29, and the state could deal with it. He said that if they couldn’t make arrangements for where the water could reasonably go without wrecking a building, the borough had no choice but to block it from wrecking that building. The state would have to deal with where it went after that. The building was part of their tax base and they weren’t going to wreck it with the state’s water. Mr. DiPhillips said that one of the telephone poles had been put right through that culvert.

Mr. Reimel gave a report on the Susquehanna County Tax Collection Committee. Everything was completed in regards to their first tax collector, with whom things had gone badly. Due to a combination of a settlement from that situation and other funds, none of the municipalities and school districts were going to have to pay any assessments to the committee for at least the next two years, he related.

Council then went in for executive session for pending litigation. They reported nothing when they came back out, however.

On Thursday, February 6th, 2014, Great Bend Borough held their monthly meeting. Citing they had received their Annual 2013 Report from COG, showing who all received permits in the year, they then moved on to the numerous road projects.

Briefly the Council also noted that the road issues regarding Carrol Street, Maple Street, Mountain Vista Lane, Orchard Road, Washington Street, the water issue at Shane Rumage’s are all on going at this stage and will be, until the spring.

From there the Council dived into a lengthy discussion comparing and contrasting different estimates for a building or shed-like structure to enclose the Backhoe. Among specific issues that are important to the Council would be the kind of floor it had, the size of it and the type of door it would use. Having a lot of time-consuming information to go over and with no clear best choice, the decision was tabled until next meeting. In the meantime, a spreadsheet will be made to better compare the choices clearly.

Unfortunately, the excitement of a new structure to enclose the backhoe was dampened by news that there is a problem with the backhoe. An even bigger problem being that the proper part for the John Deere backhoe is no longer made and one cannot be located at this time, even through John Deere. This means the Borough is now on a search for a part that cannot be located using traditional means. They are hoping this part can be located through a thorough search and if not, an alternative to the part can be found.

From there, the Council moved on to another pressing issue within the Borough; the new police car. Police Chief Jon Record presented an estimate for costs of all of the repairs and parts that would be needed to make the new police car safe. As in many cases when purchasing a new vehicle, there were unseen repairs that needed to be made upon purchasing the vehicle, which include a new starter, battery, bulbs, and sway bar. The total estimate was $764, and then through other modifications that may need to be made to the car, that number rose to nearly $1,000-$2,000. A number of the Council members wished for Mr.  Record’s opinion as to whether or not they should keep the new car and move forward with repairs or to keep the old car, which has less miles, but more idle time, and is a year older than the new car. A debate was then held over whether or not to keep both cars, but this idea was quickly nixed as the Borough is so small there is no need for two police vehicles at this time.  There seemed to be a division among the Council members as well, as it was questioned on whether that police car should have been purchased in the first place without taking it to an actual mechanic, and whether the Police Department needed or wanted a new vehicle. Council members Mike Crook and Jerry MacConnell seemed to be at odds in regards to this subject. A couple members of the Council suggested that next time a Representative from the Police Department be present at the time when looking at a new car so that their opinion may be expressed. Jerry MacConnell, though not completely objective to that idea, stated that ultimately the Council would be purchasing the car, and that fact should be taken into consideration.

After a lengthy and at times tense debate, Mayor Jim Riecke ultimately made a sort of peace by saying that since they have already purchased the new police car, they might as well move forward as they intended and make the necessary repairs to the vehicle and sell the old one. Chief Record stated it didn’t matter much to him, as long as the vehicle of choice was safe for his fellow policemen. From there, a motion was made and Police Chief Jon Record was given the go-ahead to have the necessary repairs made.  Mr. Record also noted that Hawks Bussing have graciously allowed them to store their new police car for them.

Also on the subject of the Police Department, Mr. Record stated that he had a meeting with the Attorney General’s Office in January to go over general crime statistics regarding Great Bend. There, they discussed some equipment needs. They also discussed the recent spike of drugs in the area, particularly heroin use and what could be done to address the issue.

The meeting quickly winded down to a close after these lengthy discussions and the Council moved forward to briefly discuss the remaining items on the agenda.

Members of the Council noted that the “no trespassing” signs near Depot and Erie Street are still up, or have been put up again, despite efforts made to have the signs removed, as it is not private property and in fact, the property of the Borough. The Borough also noted at least one code violation in the area, where logs are laid inappropriately. They are still investigating this issue and searching for a peaceful resolution.

Finally, it was noted that the pressure washer would need to be repaired or replaced. The Council is currently looking for a proper and cost effective solution to get a pressure washer running in the Borough again. Also, a problem with the Borough’s plow had arisen, but was already in the process of getting fixed. 

Great Bend Borough also made a motion to move the June meeting to the 11th of the month. This was approved. Next month’s meeting, however, will be held on the scheduled date, the 6th of March, 2014 at 7:00 o’clock pm.

Great Bend Township held their monthly meeting on the 3rd of February, 2014. With a number of items to discuss on the agenda, including roads, Southwestern Energy, open positions within the township, and an update on the walking trail.

The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) will hold their annual conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania in the beginning of April. Possibly all three members of the Township will attend the meeting and so arrangements can be made accordingly. The Township also received their 2013 Annual Report from COG, which is a rundown of the permits issued over the course of the year.

A Spring Road Safety and Maintenance Class is being offered through PSATs on March 13th at the PennDOT District 4 Office in Dunmore. A number of the township’s maintenance workers and a member of the Council are expected to attend the class.

As far as roads are concerned, Southwestern Energy has made contact with Great Bend Township. They are currently discussing a Road Maintenance Agreement between Southwestern Energy and the Township. Right now, they are making arrangements in regards to Tarzan Road and McHugh’s, but eventually this agreement would encompass the township as a whole.

Walt Dahlander from the Sewer Authority submitted a letter of resignation, effective on the 21st of January. The Township regretfully accepted his resignation. This leaves two seats now open on the Sewer Authority. From there a brief discussion was held and it was decided that the Township would place an advertisement in the paper, encouraging residents of Great Bend Township to serve on the Sewer Authority.

There is also still a need for an Emergency Management Coordinator within the Township. Though the members of the Council may be able to contribute and help in the event of an emergency, it would be extremely useful if there were someone specifically dedicated to the cause. The position of Emergency Management Coordinator has been open for a number of months now and anyone with interest is encouraged to contact the Township.

A resolution for Plan Revision for New Land Development also had to be passed at the February 3rd meeting that would allow for the division of land on the property of Brian Hinkley. Also a Subdivision Plan for Addison & Jon McHugh and Keith & Pamela Brant was also approved.

Two driveway permits was also issued. One of those permits to Brian Hinkley and the other to Southwestern Energy for Bowtie Quarry. A “minor road crossings” permit was also issued from the DEP for Bowtie Quarry.

Southwestern Energy also filed two Notices of Intent of Consumptive Use in the Township and also notified the Township of their intent to apply for a permit that would allow them to drill in Great Bend Township. Southwestern Energy also intends to apply for permits that would allow them to drill in Liberty and for several sites in New Milford.

The Walking Trail is still a work in progress, as final stages of paperwork are going through the system. All of the money has been raised for permits. They are currently seeking the person who last surveyed the land there, in order to lessen the costs of having it surveyed again. Once this is done, the project can move forward.

When it came to public comment, there were a couple of concerns from residents. One resident noted that Simmons-Rockwell had been removing trees from a different section of their property, and thus, questioned whether or not there had been an update on their inquiry about a potential widening of the road in that particular area. Sheila Guinan once again assured the concerned citizen that there were no more inquiries about such a project and that if Simmons-Rockwell wanted to pursue a widening of the road there, they would have to go to the local residents directly and ask for permission, something that has not been done.

There were also concerns over roads in the area, including Jackson and Randolph Road. A resident requested that no more salt be placed in that area, as the road is deteriorating in that location, but that perhaps cinders should be added towards the stop sign as it gets slick on wintry days. It was also noted that Bogart Street would need repairs come spring, but for now they are adding gravel to help the issue there.

There was some confusion about a project in progress on Baptist Hill Road, where bulldozers and excavators were seen digging into the hillside and the placement of a pipe leading into the creek area. Council members noted that this particular project was located on private property and thus not an issue for the Township.

Sheila Guinan also made a motion move the June meeting to the 9th of June, and this was approved by the council. The meeting in March will be held the regular first Monday of the month, the 3rd of March, 2014 at 7:00 o’clock.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners announce the Courthouse will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2014 in observance of President’s Day. All court related offices will be available.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:30 a.m. on February 7, 2014: Duane M. Aldrich, Cody A. Cook, Marc K. Deesch, 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, Ronald N. Mitchell, Chad A. Ralston, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, Andrew Sepanek, Todd J. Slater, Eric J. Snell, Paul E. Steinbiss, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle, III, Justin S. Thompson, Kathleen M. Visavati, Steven G. Warner, Richard D. Williams. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals. 

Criminal Mischief: Sometime between the 28th of December and 7th of February, a window screen was damaged on the residence of a Lawton man.

Commercial Vehicle Crash: On February 7th at 3:39 pm a Kenworth W900S that had chains on the wheels was traveling west on Sr 706 at the same time as a Dodge Caravan was traveling east. A chain from a wheel on the driver side of the trailer broke on the roadway and swung across the center lane, striking the driver side windshield of the Caravan and smashing the windshield. Both units pulled to a controlled rest on the side of the roadway. Neither of the drivers, who were unnamed in the report, were injured.

Theft: Between February 3rd and 4th several pieces of scrap metal were removed form a pile next to the Jessup Township municipal building. The township reported that they normally scrapped the metal themselves to help defer costs.

Crash: On February 5th at 12:25 pm Robert Ripke of Brownsville, Tx was traveling north in the left lane on I-81 northbound. He was attempting to pass a vehicle in a Freightliner Truck Tractor when he lost control on a snow covered road surface. The vehicle swerved to the right and then over-corrected and steered to the left. The truck was unable to negotiate the curve, and exited the travel lane, first striking a guide rail and then traveling through the guide rail and down an embankment, before jack-knifing and sliding to a rest partially in the southbound lane.

Crash: On February 3rd at 10:58 am Joseph Polson of Levittown, PA was traveling south on Interstate 81 when, while exiting the interstate at exit 219 and negotiating a right curve in the roadway, his vehicle continued to travel south and impacted the concrete divide barrier. The vehicle then continued to slide along the barrier and come to a rest facing a westerly direction. The occupants were examined at the scene by EMS and refused treatment. No injuries were sustained; seat belts were in use. The police were assisted at the scene by the Columbia Hose Company and Ambulance.

Crash: On February 5th at 3:50 am Clifford Post of Binghamton was traveling northbound on I81 in Lenox Township when he lost control of his vehicle on the snow covered roadway, exited the road off the east berm, and struck an embankment. The vehicle came to a rest at that location. The driver was transported to Community Medical Center via ambulance for treatment. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Kozlowski towing. Injury of unknown severity at the time of report was sustained; a seat belt was in use.

Crash: On January 28th at 4:20 pm Veronica Pavlovich of Union Dale was traveling eastbound on Sr 374 in Herrick Township, having negotiated a right hand curve in the roadway and driving at the time in a straight stretch of roadway, behind a residential oil truck. For unknown reasons Pavlovich's vehicle entered the opposing lane and lost control on slush in the roadway. It veered to the left and went over an embankment, rolling over onto its roof and coming to a rest in a field facing northerly.

DUI-Drug: On February 1st Stephen Smith of Susquehanna was stopped in Susquehanna Borough for an expired inspection sticker. Further investigation led the arrest of the accused for DUI-Drug related. Charges were pending blood results as of the time of report.

Crash: On February 3rd at 10:40 pm John Schultz of Kingsley was traveling southbound on TR432 in Lenox Township, on ice covered roadways. At this location the vehicle exited the roadway after the driver lost control traveling over slippery roads. The Dodge 2500 left the roadway to the left of the travel lanes, as one travels south. After leaving the roadway, the truck impacted a mail box and a tree. The truck came to a final rest off the road. The driver reported no injuries but complained of pain. A seat belt was in use. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Kozlowski Towing.

Harassment: On January 30th at 7:25 pm James Cliff of Clifford is accused of shoving and threatening a female during a domestic dispute in that town. He was charged with harassment.

Crash: On February 1st at 7:51 pm Brenda Vasquez of Azle, TX was traveling southbound on Stump Pond Road in New Milford Township when her Dodge 3500 went off of the west side of the roadway and struck a tree with the passenger side of the vehicle. The truck came to a rest on the west side of the roadway against a tree, facing southeast. The driver was not injured; a seat belt was in use.

Crash: On February 1st at 2:43 am Stephen Omalley of Brackney was traveling southbound on SR 11 in Lathrop Township when he failed to negotiate a left hand curve and exited the road side, swiping a guard rail. The vehicle then crossed both lanes, exited the road off the east berm and struck an embankment. It then rolled over. The driver received an apparent minor injury and refused treatment; a seat belt was in use.

Burglary: On January 10th between 12:01 am and 11:59 pm entry was gained to a Clifford Township home by means of a kicked in rear basement door. The copper plumbing pipe was then removed from the basement rafters.

Burglary: PSP Gibson is investigating a burglary in which one or more unknown person(s) arrived at the residence. Once inside the burglar(s) rummaged through the residence and stole silver coins. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. The incident occurred on February 1st at 1 pm.

Crash: On January 29th at 9:48 pm Ann Karg of Springville was traveling South on Sr 29 when her vehicle traveled off the West Berm and struck a ditch located along the roadside. The vehicle then traveled back across the roadway and came to rest in the Northbound travel lane of SR 29. The driver was arrested for suspicion of DUI.

Burglary: Between 1 pm January 29th and 10:00 January 30th a burglary occurred at Mary's Home Furnishings in Bridgewater Township when one or more unknown perpetrator(s) entered the front door of the business by forcible means. Several items were stolen from within. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft: Between January 19th and February 2nd 250 feet of chain link fence and metal poles was stolen from the Whites Trailer Park in Clifford. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Crash: On January 30th at 4:34 am Terrell Gotreaux of Jennings, LA was traveling northbound on TR 574 in New Milford Township when he lost control of his Chevrolet 3500 on the roadway, which was slippery from packed snow and ice. The truck left the roadway to the right of the travel lanes, as one travels north. After leaving the roadway, it impacted a tree. It came to a rest off the roadway facing north. The driver reported he was not injured during the accident; a seat belt was in use. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Vogel's Towing.

Crash: On January 28th at 5:40 pm Denise Proctor of Coudersport, PA was traveling south on SR 81 in Harford Township. There was a tire in the middle of the passing lane and she swerved to the left to avoid striking the tire. The vehicle lost control and rotated clockwise, traveling off the west side of the roadway, and striking a guard rail with its front end, rotating clockwise and striking its rear bumper into the guard rail post. The driver was not injured; a seat belt was in use.

Crash: On January 28th at 6:55 am John Mandarano of Scranton was traveling westbound on SR 2024, in Brooklyn Township. Mandarano lost control of his vehicle, which exited the roadway to the right of the travel lanes as one travels west. After leaving the roadway it impacted a tree as it rotated clockwise. It came to a rest on the roadway facing north. The driver reported he was not injured during the incident; a seat belt was in use. The vehicle was towed from the scene by JD's towing.

Burglary/Criminal Trespass: On January 27th at 1:15 pm a Springville woman discovered a female standing in her kitchen. The suspect was looking in the victim's refrigerator. When the victim confronted the suspect, the suspect identified herself as “Bridget” and claimed to be an employee of “Children's Services”. The suspect posed to be investigating an official children's welfare complaint. It was determined that the suspect was not an employee of a government/social services agency. The suspect was described as a white female in her late twenties to early thirties, approximately 5'6” tall with a medium build, short black hair, a full face, and a pierced lip on the left side. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

Criminal Mischief: The police are investigating an incident in which the front doorknob of a Brooklyn man was damaged. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Crash: On January 25th at 10:15 am Melissa Bollinger of Montrose was stopped at a stop sign on Waterford Road in Bridgewater Township at the same time as Dominick Lucenti of Montrose was eastbound on Post Pond Road. As Bollinger began to pull out from the stop sign her Ford F150 was struck in the left front corner by Lucenti's Nissan Frontier. Lucenti then veered to the left and struck a tree. No injuries were sustained; all involved were utilizing a seat belt.

Crash: On January 25th at 9:21 pm Ezra Kolitz of Roslyn Heights, NY was traveling north on SR 81 in New Milford Township when, while changing lanes form the right to the left the vehicle continued to travel across the shoulder and into the median. It then traveled down the median, spinning in a counter clockwise direction and impacting with the guard rail, before continuing to spin counter clockwise and striking the guard rail again, coming to a rest facing a southerly direction. The driver refused medical treatment when asked if he needed EMS; a seat belt was in use and he was listed as not injured. He was warned for driving at a safe speed in inclement weather.

Theft: Between the 21st and 23rd of January approximately 35 bags of mixed cans and bottles which were to be recycled were taken from the Great Bend Bowling Alley. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Robbery/Home Invasion Shooting: On January 13th a New Milford Township man contacted Susquehanna County 911 Communication Center and related that a man had entered his residence wearing a ski mask that evening and assaulted him. He related that in the course of the struggle he fired three shots at the man inside his home. He related that he shot the man, who then fled his residence. The investigation revealed that around 7:40 pm Francis Muchanic of Susquehanna, Dylan Brewer of New Milford, and Evan Hess of Forest City arrived at the residence of the victim. The three men were driven to the residence by Erica Major of Susquehanna. The men approached the residence. Muchanic then knocked on the victim's door wearing a ski mask. The victim answered his door while carrying a loaded 357 Smith and Wesson Revolver. Muchanic then told the victim that he needed to use his phone due to car problems. The victim then realized that the man was wearing a ski mask and attempted to close his door. Muchanic then forced his way into the residence and then began to physically assault the victim and then knocked him to the ground. The victim then fired three shots at Muchanic, hitting him once in the groin area. Muchanic then exited the residence and fell to the ground. Brewer and Hess then left Muchanic at the scene and fled the area on foot. Muchanic's girlfriend Erica Major then picked up Muchanic and fled the scene in her vehicle. Shortly after the robbery she contacted Susquehanna County Communications Center in Montrose and reported that her boyfriend just stopped on SR 0081 northbound in Great Bend Township to assist a disabled motorist who she said was broken down on the side of the road. Major related to 911 that when her boyfriend got out of his car, the motorist shot him in the groin area. Major then drove her vehicle to the north bound rest area on SR 0081 just into New York State where he was then transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Binghamton to be treated for a gunshot would. Muchanic was listed in critical condition. Major was charged with False Reports along with Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Robbery. Muchanic was charged with robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault, and criminal conspiracy. Brewer was charged with criminal attempt/theft and criminal conspiracy to commit robbery. Hess was charged with Criminal Attempt/Theft and Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Robbery.

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