It’s been a rough winter so far. On the relatively mild evening of March 11, yet anticipating another storm days hence, an unusually large crowd (some 10 people) showed up for the Harford Supervisors’ meeting. They heard how the township’s equipment is being beat up by the weather, and what is being done to deal with it all.

A fairly large expenditure (over $2,300) that showed up in the bill list was to replace a clutch in the township’s newest Dodge truck. The manufacturer is denying a warranty claim, alleging operator abuse. Supervisor Conrad Owens is trying to find a way to get Chrysler to pay for the repair, hinting that legal action might be required. There is some question about the quality of the clutch for the intended purpose – mostly plowing snow.

The township’s old Ford F550 runs, but won’t pass inspection so it can’t be used on the roads. Thus the Supervisors voted to purchase a new chassis of the same type from Hondru Ford under the state COSTARS program for $34,471. Another $22,391 will be spent with Powell’s for a dump box, plow package and other setup.

Jackson Township has offered to buy the engine and clutch from the old F550 for $800. But former Supervisor Garry Foltz recommended soliciting bids for the whole vehicle rather than dismembering it. The Supervisors decided to table the issue for later consideration.

The grader needs at least 4 new tires. The decision was between bias-ply or radial replacements. Radial tires are thought to last at least twice as long, but, at $1,160 apiece, are about twice as expensive. The Supervisors decided to purchase a full set of 6 radial tires from Sandone Tire. The two bias-ply tires that are still serviceable will be kept for emergency spares.

The expense for the new grader tires is already in the budget. And the purchase of a new truck will be paid out of the “impact fee” revenue from natural gas operations.

The old Kodiak truck is another matter. A mechanic’s inspection indicated that there is life yet in the old beast, although it could use a new dump box. Mr. Foltz commented that parts will become increasingly hard to find. But Mr. Owens said he hoped to get another 4-5 years out of it.

Looking forward to better weather and summer road maintenance, the Supervisors opened bids for materials. They selected low bidder SuitKote as primary supplier of up to 41,000 gallons of calcium chloride for dust control at $1.005 per gallon; Vestal Asphalt was named a secondary supplier.

Ronald Kiefer was the lowest of 3 bidders to supply cinders for winter traction at $14 per yard for a total of $7,000.

Eastern Industries was the low bidder for all grades of stone except R3. Lopke was selected for the latter product.

As usual there was only one bid for fuel (diesel and gasoline). There wasn’t much advantage to the bid process, however, since the prices will fluctuate with the price at Harrisburg on the Monday of the week of delivery.

And D & R Lawn Care got the nod to mow the grass at the township building and the sewer plant.

The township’s computers are aging, too. The office computer was installed in 2008 and the operating system (Windows XP) will soon lose support from Microsoft. So the Supervisors accepted a proposal from JMF Computer Services to install new computers and upgraded software for both the office and the shop for a total cost of about $3,300. This replacement has nothing to do with the weather.

If you’ve been following along, you know that the township recently leased (for later purchase) a new Caterpillar front-end loader. The Supervisors signed a package of documents giving the township authority to borrow $100,000 to pay for the machine, which is already in use. The township put down almost $35,000 for the deal.

The auditors haven’t found anything wrong with all this spending. Connie Breese and Bob DeLuca attended the meeting to present their report covering 2013. Their only recommendations were to further reduce hand-written payroll records, and to pay out the fire tax to the fire company in the same year in which the revenue was received, if possible.

Toward the close of the meeting many expressed indignation at the disintegration of the state roads in the township, the result of heavy truck traffic for natural gas operations beating them up in the severe winter weather. The Supervisors will try to apply pressure to the major driller in the area, Cabot Oil & Gas, and to PennDOT, to get the roads repaired. Residents are encouraged to make their own calls to keep the heat on, so to speak.

Despite the unusually large crowd in attendance, there was little comment as the meeting came to a close in efficient order. The next one is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2014, beginning at 7:00pm. All meetings are held in the township office on the seriously endangered Route 547 southwest of the interstate.

Hydro-electric power generation from River Bounty’s plant hasn’t been a reality since the last year of the last century. While most area residents are at least vaguely aware of that fact, the reasons why, and why no new entity has been able to revive the energy concern are much less well known . . . until now. At the Oakland Borough Council meeting of Thursday, March 13th, the borough’s Solicitor, Myron DeWitt, was the star witness in recounting River Bounty’s history (since 1987), the failure in year 2000, and the epic trail of frustration that has ensued in the 13 plus years since.

From 1987 onward River Bounty was a thriving energy generator producing revenue and very low-cost electricity resold to Penelec at a handsome profit for its operator, American Hydro, as well as its backers (the entities constituting River Bounty), namely Barnes-Kasson Hospital, Oakland Boro, and Susquehanna Depot, which reaped profits in the following respective percentages: 41.67%, 33.33%, and 25% from those revenues. A 99 year lease assured secure, clean, green energy production till the year 2086. What could go wrong?

Default! This felicitous situation was upended in the year 2000 when American Hydro defaulted. The reasons for its financial default were not the focus of the meeting and were not discussed (although those with long memories may recall the year 2000 marked the end of the dot-com boom era). In any case the end result of that default was seizure of American Hydro’s assets and the discontinuance of electricity generation from the dam.

River Bounty, being the tenant entity still in existence, sought a new energy operator to take over the operation and restore energy production. Many times, it appeared River Bounty had attractive prospects and the parties concerned were close to a deal. What happened? Two Great Floods, one in June 2006, and the other in August-September 2011, inflicted serious damage. But more serious than the Great Floods was another force---one immovable and impervious to reason and reality. That force was the Federal Government, focally concentrated within the stodgy bureaucratic agency known as FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission).

FERC would brook neither compromise nor grand-fathering from regulatory micro-management of River Bounty‘s operation to permit restoration of power generating services by a white knight. FERC regulators proved oblivious to common sense. FERC was unmoved by private industry pleas to waiver the minutia of massive federal regulations. FERC prioritized the thriving of a particular species of fish over the thriving of the area residents. FERC proved impervious to political influence from both Democrat and Republican legislators who sought to bring some level of reason to the process. Conclusively, FERC did everything possible to obstruct renewable energy in the Tri-boro area.

Solicitor DeWitt observed that River Bounty had no lobbyists, no one to spread money around, and no one to drink cocktails with at the “right parties” where the “right people” were in attendance. He contrasted River Bounty’s lack of influence with that of a large energy supplier in another part of the country. That supplier, he noted, had similar situations in its network of energy generation, but FERC seemed interested not at all in applying the letter of the law to every detail of its operations. The difference in application of the law is stark indeed between those when enforcers make distinctions between those who are politically connected and those who are not so.

The bottom line is that River Bounty is essentially a defunct and virtually insolvent entity having what is termed “an impossibility of performance.” The likelihood that any energy company or wealthy individual will take over the operation is nearly nil. Oakland, being the borough where the dam and plant are physically located, is the property owner and has legal liability with regard to the properties involved. When River Bounty formally transfers one additional acre of land on the Susquehanna Depot side of the river to Oakland Boro, Oakland will also assume liability for that acreage.

So going forward, what needs to happen? River Bounty has $5,000 to $6,000 in its treasury. Those funds will ultimately be transferred to Oakland Boro and applied for the upkeep and maintenance of all physical “assets” of the former tenant (River Bounty). “No Trespassing” signs will be posted to limit the borough’s liability since the dam and plant are essentially uninsurable risks. The borough’s caretaker for the complex will continue to perform his duties, even as River Bounty is dissolved and consigned to history.

Finally, Solicitor DeWitt and various council members noted the extent of the Susquehanna River’s sediment build-up. The river is essentially full because no dredging has been done for over 20 years (Thank you, government regulatory agencies.). The net effect of this policy results in more wide-spread flooding, even while the federal government subsidizes flood insurance and builds levees downstream in an attempt to funnel flood waters. The folly of a government faraway and detached from reality seems to know no bounds.

After nearly 50 minutes of hashing River Bounty’s woes, council thanked Solicitor DeWitt for his guidance on the way forward, and excused him from further testimony. Council then proceeded with their regular monthly meeting. Present were Council President Brian Rhone, Dave Trevarthan, Gary Boughton, Eric Page, Jack Agler, and Nelson Towner. Absent from the meeting was Doug Arthur. Also in attendance was Mayor Ron Beavan and Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush.

Council moved to approve the minutes from their February meeting. Usually that’s a routine review with unanimous approval. Not so this night. Councilman Trevarthan took exception to the minute’s reflection of the borough auditor’s description of Parks Committee record-keeping. Discussion of the matter resulted in a robust back-and-forth, and led to Councilman Trevarthan’s motion to delete what he saw as the offending line in the February minutes. Mr. Agler seconded the motion. The motion’s outcome was a cliffhanger: Councilmen Trevarthan, Agler, and Towner voted “aye,” while President Rhone, and Councilmen Boughton and Page voted “nay.” In the absence of Councilman Arthur, Mayor Beavan was called upon to cast the tie-breaker. Mayor Beavan’s “nay” turned back Councilman Trevarthan’s motion. After other unrelated amendments to the February minutes, Council gave approval by a 5-1 margin, with Councilman Trevarthan providing the single “nay.”

The rest of the council’s meeting reverted to its more routine nature, except for Mayor Beavan bringing up a very recent incident in the borough. It appears that a gang from out-of-area, still unidentified, is soliciting without a permit (though their actions portend a more ominous intent). According to Mayor Beavan, at least three individuals are involved, two men and one woman. They knock on residents’ doors and attempt to gain residential entry with claims to be selling vacuum cleaners. A handful of residents have notified police of these pushy people attempting to gain entry to their homes. Residents are advised to be on the look-out, keep their storm doors locked, and exercise caution before admitting any strangers entrance. At this point Mayor Beavan brought up the idea of starting a “crime watch.” Councilmen were very receptive to this idea and although no action was taken at this meeting, it will likely be included in future agenda.

At 8:26 p.m. Council adjourned its March meeting. Next meeting is scheduled for the second Thursday in April at Lanesboro Community Center.

Lanesboro residents can choose to pay $3 per bag. Or they can choose to pay as little as $12, or as much as $28 with their selection of a monthly plan. But choose they must, and by April 1st. Full details of choices, with or without the bells and whistles, are to be posted on the borough’s website: www.lanesboropa.com. Also posted are the borough’s new ordinance and recycling information. Additionally, residents will be mailed a copy of the details so they can pick a plan for garbage pick-up that meets their individual needs, lifestyle, and budget.

All Lanesboro residents currently having a garbage account will have to make their choice known by calling Freddy’s Refuse Removal, 570-727-2067. The last day for municipal garbage pick-up by borough employees will be on Saturday, March 29th. Borough residents must individually contract with Freddy’s for refuse removal, although Freddy’s does not draw up an individual contract for each accountholder. The duty of each accountholder is simply to instruct Freddy’s as to the level of service required (Plan A, B, C, or D), and then make prepayment for at least one month, or for at least three months to obtain a discounted rate.

Lanesboro Borough Council cast in stone the above requirements by two key roll-call votes at their Tuesday, March 11 regular monthly meeting. Members present and voting “aye” on both votes were Council Vice-President Dan Boughton, along with Jason Fissel, David Glidden, Dale Rockwell, and Tom Nitterour. Council President Todd Glover and Regina Dilello were absent. Others in attendance were Mayor Chris Maby and Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan.

The first roll call vote enacted Lanesboro Ordinance #2014-3-01, Municipal Solid Waste Management. By this act the borough detailed the requirement for “all generators of municipal waste in the Borough [to] contract for the collection of disposable waste and recyclable items.” It further required all residential properties to use an authorized collection service, and proceeded to define the standards for such collection and the parameters constituting compliance. By a second 5-0 vote borough council awarded the contract for exclusive garbage pick-up services within the borough to Freddy‘s Refuse Removal.

Council members noted that police are empowered to enforce the borough’s new ordinance to the extent that residents may not accumulate/hoard refuse on their property, nor may they contract with any other hauler to remove their refuse. Residents having over-sized items or appliances for pick-up will have to contact Freddy’s in advance and make prepayment for that additional service. A representative for Freddy’s noted that the company will notify borough government of refuse-producing residences which fail to participate in removal services. And in response to a question about neighbors who co-locate their garbage cans for pick-up, it was recommended that all parties concerned put a strip of tape on their can and write their last name on the tape so that ownership can be differentiated for correlation to the respective service agreed upon.

The second major topic drawing council’s time and attention was the borough’s sewer system. The borough is currently in negotiations with Tri-boro Sewer Authority for the sale of Lanesboro’s sewer system. Tri-boro already performs scheduled maintenance and repairs on Lanesboro’s system, and the consensus of opinions is that without any increase in monthly costs to Lanesboro residents for the foreseeable future Tri-boro could provide comparable, if not superior service. The borough’s Solicitor, Myron DeWitt, was on hand at the meeting to answer council’s questions and ensure his legal work reflected council‘s policy concerns. Council’s bottom line is to, at minimum, break-even when debts, expenses, and attorney fees are included in the bottom-line calculation for the sewer system’s sale.

Mayor Maby presented the borough’s police report for the month of February. It showed 133 total Lanesboro Police Department hours, including 14 hours in Thompson. For Lanesboro there were 29 traffic stops, with 15 citations and 14 warnings issued for the following causes: Speeding violations (16), Inspection violations (4), Equipment violations (2), Registration violations (3), Suspended driver license violation (1), and Stop sign violations (3). Arrests were made in various incidents involving the following: disorderly conduct, illegal parking, illegally parking in roadway, criminal mischief, harassment, and the serving of a police warrant. Other police actions included an assist to a motorist whose tire fell off on Riverside Drive; a motorist assist to a locked-out driver; and an assist to Susquehanna Police.

In other police matters council accepted the resignation of Nate Williams from his part-time position with Lanesboro PD. To fill those part-time hours Officer Williams will not be patrolling, council agreed to hire Officer Rhonda Smith who formerly worked in the borough’s police department. Mayor Maby expressed the opinion she would be a superb asset for patrol hours on the SCSD campus.

For the Streets Report collapsing drains dominated discussion. Four drains were cited for their serious to severely deteriorated condition. Also Councilman Dale Rockwell expounded at length concerning the problem of water and ice at the environs and intersection of Jefferson and Main Streets. Council concluded that a new inlet should be constructed to resolve the problem. A motion passed unanimously to get an estimate on the cost of work for all the above problems, and Mayor Maby promised to get a price.

The Community Center is now being rented and various councilmen volunteered for associated responsibilities to make sure everything runs smoothly. Desks in the main room will be moved out as soon as possible, and kitchen renovations will be in the offing. Councilman Fissel agreed to lead on the kitchen’s renovation project.

Concerning the borough’s website, webmaster Amanda Cook brought to council’s attention that updates are needed. A new picture of borough council will be taken at next regular monthly meeting. Also to be added to the website will be new pictures of the borough’s police, police cars, and trucks, even as obsolete information and pictures are deleted.

At 8:13 p.m. council concluded business for the evening. Next monthly meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at the Community Center.

Susquehanna Borough held their monthly meeting on March 12, 2014. All Council members were in attendance except for Roy Williams and Sue Crawford. There were about ten members of the public present, as well as Police Chief Sweet. After the Agenda, last month’s minutes, the bills list, and treasurer’s report were all approved, the meeting moving forward very quickly. A motion was also made quickly to approve the shredding of obsolete records that have built up in the Borough offices.

As the meeting moved to Public Comment, Mr. Andreas Plonka, owner of the beloved Starrucca House, was the first to speak. Mr. Plonka then requested a copy of a document regarding the Condemnation of the Starrucca House and information as to when electricity would be restored to the historical building so he could resume repairs. Roberta Reddon then replied that she could not discuss it, as the matter was “in litigation.” Mr. Plonka replied that it was not in litigation and that they should have the proper documents he requested. Roberta Reddon then noted that Roy Williams, the local codes enforcer and Council member, was not present at the meeting and that he would have the proper information for him. Mr. Plonka then responded that Mr. Roy Williams has not been sufficiently responding to him, and that is why he attended Wednesday’s monthly Borough meeting in the first place.  When asked when he could receive the requested documents, he was given no specific date or time for when he could retrieve them, but was told that it would be when they could make contact with Mr. Williams. Mr. Plonka was then told by the Council that he had “said what he needed to say.” After, the Council then swiftly moved on to the next member of the public wishing to speak.

Bill Kuiper was next to speak, informing the Council that upon returning from vacation they would be making water and sewer line repairs and repairs to the storm drain near his home and that because of this, part of the road on 4th Avenue may need to be closed at that time. He was then told by the Council that this is also something that must be passed through the codes department.

Moving on to the Police Report, given by Mayor Nancy Hurley, she reported that there had been twenty-nine incidents in Susquehanna Borough within the last month. She also wanted to once again thank residents for moving their cars during times of snow and ice to allow for proper care of the roads in the area.

It was then brought to the Council’s attention that it would be of use to the Borough if they could purchase a smaller utility pick-up truck that would make for better gas mileage and easy transportation of smaller items, like lawn mowers. A motion was then made to begin looking for a small utility truck, priced at $6,000 or less. Options would be presented at next month’s meeting and the money would come from the Capital Reserve funds.

Councilmember John Hendrickson then gave a thorough and informative review of several issues that have been occurring on both Washington and Prospect Street. Issues with the cold causing broken, frozen pipes, water in the road, low water pressure, and at times loss of water completely to certain properties. After clearing the road and bringing in a better listening device, a leak was found and water issues have since been noted and resolved. He also wanted to note once again that secondary heaters are of much concern, as they can be a fire hazard. He then wanted to thank local residents who have been shoveling out fire hydrants, as this is a great help to the fire company and other residents.

Regarding correspondence, River Bounty, Inc., a local non-profit organization had sent a letter to the Borough regarding the dam and surrounding land. The Oakland Hydroelectric Project that was licensed in 1981 was then sub-leased to American Hydro Power Co. in 2011. The Company has since struggled to be able to make sufficient repairs to the dam and facilities, despite numerous plans for repair, one large blow being the breach in the dam that occurred in 2007 and widened in 2008. Now, in a state of disrepair, they would like to terminate their 99 year lease with Oakland Borough and in turn, give them the one acre of land that resides on the Susquehanna side of the dam. It was decided that more information was needed on the situation before they could go any further.

Regarding the water tower, the public was informed that water has not yet been completely turned over to the new tower, as progress depends on weather and numerous paving and park projects that they are also working on.

Next month’s meeting will occur on April 9th, 2013 at 7:00 PM in the Susquehanna Borough Building downtown.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 9:15 a.m. on March 14, 2014: Duane M. Aldrich, Sharon Baker, Timothy J. Brennan, Cody A. Cook, Marc K. Deesch, Benjamin D. Fassett, David J. Fischer, James Gerard, Justin T. Giberson, Francis M. Hagemeyer, Jr, CeeJay B. Halstead, Jon W. Hanson, Larry Harbst, Timothy M. Holmes, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Casey M. Lehman, Derrick Lezinsky, Robert J. McCrone, Ronald N. Mitchell, Andrew J. Muscarelle, Mary Perschau, Matthew J. Peters, Chad A. Ralston, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, Andrew Sepanek, Todd J. Slater, Eric J. Snell, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle, III, Justin S. Thompson, Steven G. Warner, Richard C. Whitney. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Crash: On March 14th at 7:12 am Dawn Crook of Great Bend was traveling southbound on SR 11 in the area of Airport Road when her vehicle exited off the east side of the roadway and struck a tree with the passenger side door. It then rolled to an uncontrolled rest just east of the point of impact facing northeast. Crook was not injured; a seat belt was in use. The vehicle sustained disabling damage and needed to be towed from the scene.

Access Device Fraud: On March 13th a Hallstead woman was the victim of an unauthorized credit card purchase. The total purchase totaled about $547.48.

Burglary: Between the 10th and 11th of March one or more person(s) gained entry into the premises of Sheila's Hair and Beyond in New Milford by means of a pried open window. A small amount of cash and skin product were stolen from within. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Commonwealth Vehicle Crash: On March 11th at 12:20 pm Douglas Fry of Unityville, Pa was traveling east on Sr 492 in New Milford Township at the same time as Jason Lett of Avella, Pa was traveling west on that road. Lett struck a bulldozer blade which was loaded on a trailer being pulled by Fry. The impact occurred in the west-bound lane because the blade on the bulldozer extended into this lane. After impacting the blade, the front left tire on Lett's vehicle Peterbilt Truck was damaged. The truck lost control and skidded into the east bound travel lane where it impacted a Ford E-350 van driven by Eric Verblaauw of Washington, Oh which was traveling east behind Fry's vehicle. No one involved in the incident was injured; all were utilizing seat belts.

Theft: Between March 2nd and 9th a 100 gallon Lenox Propane Gas tank located at the rear of the Welsh Hill Congregational Church was stolen. The incident occurred in Clifford Township. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft by Unlawful Taking: An incident occurred between February 21st and 26th in which Summer Perry of Hawley is accused of taking $140 from the purse of another woman at a location in Lenox Township. The accused was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking via summons.

Burglary: Between the 10th and 14th of March, forced entry into the Hillside Hair Salon in Bridgewater Township was made, and items stolen from within. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Harassment: On March 12th at 1:15 pm two juvenile females were involved in an argument at the Montrose High School, in which each subjected the other to physical contact. Both were cited with harassment at District Court 34-3-01. The investigation was continuing pending disposition of charges at the time of report.

Burglary: On March 12th between 1 and 1:30 am A subject gained access to the Lawton Branch of the Community Bank, by means of removing a window on the west side of the building. Once inside, the subject triggered the alarm system. The investigation is still ongoing. The bank is still conducting an inventory for missing items. Anyone with any information about the burglary is asked to contact the police and reference incident number R5-921889.

Theft: On March 11th at 3:16 pm one or more perpetrator(s) were witnessed removing scrap metal from a location in Lenox Township without authorization. The perpetrator and pertinent vehicle information were withheld form the report due to an ongoing investigation. Charges were pending at the time or report.

Crash: On March 5th at 6:10 am John Wood of Hop Bottom was traveling westbound on Sr 374 in Lenox Township when his vehicle went straight through the intersection with Sr 92 and struck a tree on the west side of Sr 92. The vehicle came to a final rest against the tree facing west. The driver was not injured in the crash.

Criminal Mischief: On March 10th at approximately 1:41 am an object was thrown at the vehicle of a Kingsley woman while parked at Master's concrete. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Hit and Run: On March 9th at 3:56 pm an unknown person was traveling northbound on Sr 29 in Springville, when he or she drove the vehicle from the roadway, impacted a mailbox, and fled the scene. The driver then fled the scene prior to police response.

Drug Violations: On February 26th a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle on Interstate 81 in Great Bend township, due to accused vehicle traffic violations. Numerous indicators of criminal activity were observed. Consent to search the vehicle was granted by an occupant. A search of the vehicle yielded approximately 16 ounces of PCP. All occupants, Shabar Dunham of Syracuse, Waltese Haygood of Syracuse, and Lemrick Thomas of Philadelphia, were arraigned before Judge Suzanne Brianard and remanded to the Susquehanna County Prison in lieu of $150,000 bail. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

Found Property: On march 7th at 5:33 pm a safe was found on the ice at the Susquehanna River, approximately 100 yards east of the Hallstead Boat Launch in Hallstead Borough. The safe was apparently thrown from a bridge onto the ice river. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police.

Theft: Between the December 1st and March 3rd a Jackson Township residence was entered and removed 30 boxes of various ammunitions were removed from within.

Burglary/Theft: On March 4th at 4 pm PSP Gibson received a call from a resident that there was a strange person walking around the neighborhood looking into sheds and barns. Gary Haskell confronted the accused, who became belligerent and threatening. Haskell pointed troopers to the last direction of travel. Troopers learned form another neighbor, who spoke with the same person, and then watched the accused walk back through the rear of his property. Troopers tracked the individual some distance through the snow, and found him on creek road searching another persons property. It was eventually discovered that the accused had been stockpiling scrap on these properties in order to return later and remove the scrap from its owners. The accused was arrested, charged, and sent to the Susquehanna County Jail when he was unable to post bail. The accused was Lucas M. Rumola of Windsor, Ny.

Crash: On February 26th at 8:51 am Joseph Natale of Scott Township was traveling north on Sr 81 in the left lane. As his Dodge Ram 1500 crossed over a bridge it crossed toward the median and impacted the guide rail. The vehicle spun in a counterclockwise direction into the median and came to rest in an easterly direction partially in the roadway and median. The operator was assessed by EMS at the scene and refused treatment. Police were assisted at the scene by Clifford Township and Greenfield Township volunteer fire companies. He was not injured; a seat belt was in use.

Crash: On February 23rd at 7:17 pm Jesse Angevine of Binghamton, Ny was traveling south on T-760 in Franklin Township when his vehicle traveled off the west berm and struck three trees. The driver fled the scene prior to police arrival. Injury and safety equipment use were both listed as unknown.

Identity Theft: PSP Gibson investigating an Identity Theft incident involving a Kingsley senior citizen.

Simple Assault: On February 28th at 7:15 pm David Duane of Hallstead was observed striking a woman inside a white Chevrolet pickup at a Great Bend township location. The vehicle was stopped on the entrance ramp of Sr 81 northbound and the perpetrator fled on foot. He was pursued through the woods for approximately 3.5 miles by two troopers, before being captured art a residence. He was arrested for simple assault, resisting arrest, and harassment, and arraigned and incarcerated at the Susquehanna County jail.

Crash: On March 2nd at 1:24 am Jimmy King of South Montrose was traveling southbound on Sr 29 when his Ford F350 struck two horses that were in the southbound lane with its front end. It came to a controlled final rest in the southbound lane facing south. The operator was not injured in the crash and the vehicle was pulled off the roadway into the owner's driveway, which was right near the crash site. King was not injured, seat belt use was listed as none used/not applicable.

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