Nights are still chilly, days are warming up with Spring sports in full swing.  With graduation scarcely more than a month away, and summer peeking around the corner, the Blue Ridge School Board met on May 5th to consider a fairly routine agenda that couched some items looking forward to the warmer months.

Before getting down to business, Principals Matthew Nebzydoski and Matthew Button welcomed families of some of their Students of the Month in all grades from Pre-K though High School Seniors.  Mr. Nebz said that the Board and the Administration began these monthly gatherings a few months ago so that parents can share in the recognition of their offsprings’ achievements.  He also announced that sophomore Amber Brecht was chosen for the montly Character Award for random acts of kindness.  She and her family will enjoy a dinner at Armetta’s.

Some of the April standouts at Blue Ridge, flanked by Principals Matthew Nebzydoski and Matthew Button

The High School Principal then introduced his High School stand-outs individually.  Bethany Krug told the Board that her interest in ecology and the environment would take her to Shippensburg University next year to study biology.  Ethan Robinson will attend Wilkes University to study public policy.

To sweeten it all, members of the National Honor Society in collaboration with the cooking classes, upstaged the normal Board meeting fare of pretzels and water with fresh strawberry shortcake with whipped cream.

Once the business meeting got under way, Board members made short work of what became a 22-point agenda, passing all but a few items in one swell foop.  As usual, items were held out for separate vote where members had a potential interest in the measure and elected to abstain.  These included payment of transportation bills (several members have interests in school busing operations), Harold Empett’s reappointment as Board Treasurer, and the award of part of the Board’s $1,500 allocation for special student requests for assistance to the daughter of Dr. Patrick MacConnell.

Among other more routine measures approved by the Board, it renewed the contract with Donna M. Brink (Tier Occupational Therapy Services, PC) to provide occupational therapy services as needed for the next school year; chose Craige’s Photique to offer photography services for the next school year; accepted the quotes from Premier (a division of School Specialty of Bellingham, Washington) for planners/handbooks for all grades; will continue using Peoples Security Bank & Trust, NBT Bank, Salomon Smith Barney, PA Invest, PLGIT (Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust, a divison of PFM Asset Management LLC of Harrisburg), First Liberty Bank, and First National Bank as district depositories for the next school year; renewed the district’s association with its solicitors Sweet, Stevens, Katz and Williams for the next fiscal year; accepted a price schedule from the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) for software services for the next school year.

Superintendent Robert McTiernan finally got the arrangement with Hallstead Elderly, Inc. figured out.  The organization is a “component of the Susquehanna County Housing Agency,” and as such is entitled to make such a request for a payment “in-lieu of taxes” for the 3-story Emerson Southgate Apartments in Hallstead, which provides 24 new “affordable rental units to households age 62 and over.”  Hallstead Elderly will make an annual payment of 20% of the assessed tax valuation to the various taxing authorities within its jurisdiction.

The district will add a new part-time, as-needed substitute nurse position at a rate slightly lower than that paid to the school nurse.

Four students will share in a $1,500 pool for special summer programs: Peverall Antao will attend a National Young Leaders State Conference in Leadership Essentials and Skills for Personal Success.  She was nominated by her Spanish teacher, Mrs. Guerrero. Paige MacConnell was selected to be a People to People Ambassador.  Among 40 others from Northeastern Pennsylvania she will travel throughout Europe this summer. Skylar Secord was also selected for the People to People Ambassador program in Europe this summer. Nicholas Swaha was accepted to perform with the 2014 Pennsylvania All-State Lions Club band this summer.  Among other venues, the group will perform at the Independence Day parade in Montrose.  The band’s tour will end in Toronto at the Lions’ International Convention.

Many will be staying home this summer.  For them the Board appropriated $2,500 to support the Summer Adventures program run by Blue Ridge Education, Inc.  The organization’s letter to the Board speaks of planning for the 2015 program, rather than 2014.  Perhaps they are ahead of themselves?

And the Board renewed its support of the Summer Food Service Program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  This popular and successful program offers meals at no charge to virtually anyone participating in activities on the Blue Ridge campus during the summer.

Mr. Nebz distributed a notice that the High School Concert Band will try again for a “Concert in the Park” on Wednesday evening, May 21, beginning at 6:30pm in the mid-town park in New Milford.  Last year the concert had to move inside out of the rain.  This year bring optimism and a lawn chair, and enjoy the show.

The next major topic for the summer will be the budget.  Business Manager Penny Greene will lead Board members through the thicket of finance at a special meeting on Monday, May 12 (before you read this), beginning at 6:00pm.  The budget must have formal approval before the end of the district’s fiscal year on June 30.  If you have an interest in taxes and school spending, you won’t want to miss out on the next regular board meetings and workshops scheduled for May 27 and June 2.  Regular meetings begin at 7:00pm.  Most meetings convene in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.

Great Bend Township held a fairly brief monthly meeting on Monday, the 5th of May 2014. At seven o’clock, the meeting was promptly called to order by Chairman Brian O’ Connor. All were in attendance, including Brian O’Connor, Sheila Guinan, and David Hinkley. There were also seven members of public in attendance. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and having no persons requesting time on the Agenda, the Supervisors moved forward onto the Road Report, Permits, and Correspondence.

After a discussion with Great Bend Township’s Solicitor, Michael Giangrieco, Esquire, the decision was made that Green Valley Road could be turned back over to the owner of the trailer park, as long as all owners agreed. The Supervisors agreed to proceed with this.

Supervisor Hinkley gave a brief update on local roads, stating that the Township roads have been reviewed. Now, the Township will proceed in coming up with a list of work that needs to be completed and roads that need re-surfacing.

Two permits were issued within Great Bend Township recently. An assessment permit was issued to Ms. Wiegend for a shed and also a peddler permit was issued to Keystone Novelties Distributors, LLC.

A letter was received by Great Bend Township from Commissioner Alan Hall. Commissioner Hall noted that he wanted to open a “formal line of communication” with the Township, so that effective measures could be taken as far as State roads and bridges are concerned. He also requested the Township send him monthly updates if there are issues needing to be addressed.

The Great Bend Halstead Volunteer Ambulance is hosting a Dedication and Grand Opening of their new building on Sunday, the 18th of May from noon until three p.m. Also, Medico Industries, Inc., is having their annual Government Day 2014 on May 22nd.

The Township also received correspondence from the Conservation District seeking donations for the annual Envirothon competition. A motion was made to donate monies to the annual competition.

Further, it was noted once more that there are still two open seats on the Sewer Authority and also an opening for Emergency Management Coordinator.

There was an update given, as well, on the walking trail. Surveying has begun and they are finally able to move forward and will soon be sending the elevations to the engineers.

Supervisor Guinan also wanted to make a note that Primary Elections will be held on the 20th of May. Also, as a reminder the June meeting will be held on the 9th of June, instead of the 2nd. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Great Bend Township Building.

Oakland’s park “looks the best it has in a long time,” so said Oakland Boro President Brian Rhone at the borough’s regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 8, in Lanesboro’s Community Center. The reason for the long-overdue improvement? Well, there’s the rub. Credit goes to a huge cast of characters, not least of which is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many Mormons accepted as their May 4th service project the hard work of bringing the park up to the level now adjudged so remarkable and praiseworthy. Borough Secretary Flo Brush read a prepared letter, signed by President Rhone, thanking the Church and singling out specific individuals who played particularly key roles in making the project come to fruition and great success.

But it wasn’t only Mormon elbow-grease that brought the park back from life support. Councilmen Gary Boughton and Doug Arthur came in for praise from councilmen and Mayor Beavan for their hard work and dedication in breathing new life into the old park. Not to be left out, Shane Lewis was also praised for completion of his contractually agreed upon annual spring cleaning.

Nevertheless, even with all the progress that has been achieved so far, deferred maintenance and the harshness of last winter’s weather have taken their toll. Councilman Boughton stressed that fences and steps still need work. And of most imminent criticality is the replacement of a retaining wall. Councilmen vowed to stay on top of issues at the park to keep the park’s appearance up to snuff. Very gratifying to all involved is the fact that the public have sat up, taken notice, and paid many a complimentary comment. Also coming in for kudos is the park’s top-notch concession stand, as well as those responsible for its operation, Dawn and Ricky French.

While park status took up much of the evening’s meeting time, other issues were discussed in their turn: roads & ditches, Codes Report, the Mayor’s Report, and River Bounty chiefly. Doug Arthur raised discussion about roads and ditches; Secretary Brush responded with details of the first two streets whose repairs have been completed, and those awaiting repairs consistent with cooperative weather. She and President Rhone made it clear that although there may be a lot of work ahead, the warmer weather will facilitate the rapidity of repairs and ensure some semblance of durability.

President Rhone presented the Codes Report, centering chiefly on the church on Westfall Avenue and two residences which have concerned council for not a little time. In later discussion council members discussed what procedures were necessary to focus attention on structures readily observable as not in compliance with the borough’s code. Mayor Beavan noted that any borough resident could file a complaint form with the borough, and complaints would be investigated by the Code Enforcement Officer, Shane Lewis.

For the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Beavan presented the Police Report for the month of April. In so doing, he noted the more detailed report that was now produced and concordantly apprised council of the more detailed reports now available back to January 1st, should council members wish to review them. The April Police Report showed four traffic stops, one fall, one domestic dispute, two cases of mental problems, one harassment incident, one larceny/theft case, a report of narcotics and a suspicious fellow, and a case of a woman in the roadway classified as “miscellaneous.”

Mayor Beavan added one other item of importance. Some time back a “gang” of individuals, including both men and women, had been in the boro going door-to-door claiming to be Kirby vacuum salesmen. Thing is, they hadn’t procured a solicitation license from the borough and their odd behavior gave clues that they were up to no good. Police were notified and residents were warned to be on the look-out for these individuals. Mayor Beavan reported the gang had been intercepted in Gibson recently, that there were some 10 individuals in the van at the time, and that Oakland borough residents could breathe a sigh of relief as this gang should henceforth pose no threat. He further reminded residents that they should always call 9-1-1 if there is a true emergency, but the police number to call for non-emergencies is 853-2911.

Concerning River Bounty, two important actions took place. Borough Council accepted Cynthia Beavan’s letter of resignation as Treasurer for River Bounty including her resignation from any further association with the organization. Mrs. Beavan, present at the meeting, assured council she would go to the bank to assist in the transfer of records designations and duties when a successor is named.

A related action concerning River Bounty was council’s unanimous election of President Rhone to serve as a borough representative to River Bounty. Secretary Brush was instructed to send a letter to River Bounty notifying the organization of Mr. Rhone’s designation. Mayor Beavan noted that the next meeting of River Bounty is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, at Attorney Myron DeWitt’s office. River Bounty, he noted, has been hamstrung in recent years by its inability to achieve a quorum to conduct business. While one member is now deceased (thereby giving him a reasonable excuse for non-attendance), a number of other members, including the designated County Commissioner, have failed to appear without good reason. Nevertheless, River Bounty IS in its death throes, and quorum or no quorum, will at some point wrap up business and cease to exist.

In other odds and ends, Secretary Brush noted that the borough had a letter from Margaret Biegert of the SCDA (Susquehanna Community Development Association) thanking the borough for its donation to SCDA. Concerning Oakland’s development, council is continuing to look into the possibility of placing a “Welcome to Oakland” sign at the end of Veteran’s Memorial Bridge. A few legal issues need to be clarified before the project can proceed.

At 7:56 p.m. Councilman Arthur moved for adjournment; Councilman Page seconded and council unanimously agreed. With only Councilmen Jack Agler and Dave Trevarthan not present to bask in the warm glow of the park’s regeneration, the powers that be took appropriate pride with their momentum building for next month’s meeting on the second Thursday in June. Council and Mayor encourage all Oakland Borough residents with questions, concerns, or comments to join in attendance and participation.

Burglary:  PSP Gibson is investigating a report of a burglary at the Clifford Laundromat in which unknown perpetrator(s) removed an ATM from inside the business while it was closed. The perpetrator(s) fled in a late 1980's to early 1990's model Ford pickup truck, dark in color. The vehicle may have damage to the right rear.  Anyone with any further information is asked to please contact the police. 

Burglary:  Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a report of a burglary at the Lunkerz Deli in which unknown actors removed an ATM from inside the business while it was closed.  It is likely the burglary at the Clifford Laundromat and this incident were committed by the same actors.  Anyone with further information is asked to please contact the police.  Both incidents occurred on May 7th between 1 and 2 am. 

Disorderly Conduct:  On May 7th at 1:18 pm a juvenile male caused public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm by cursing and spitting towards an educator, causing the state police to be summoned to the area.  Charges were pending at the time of report for violations of PACC. 

Harassment:  On May 7th at 8 am two students engaged in a fist fight at the Montrose Area High School.  Both were charged with harassment via non traffic citations. 

Burglary:  On May 5th between 9:30 and 11:30 am,  one or more perpetrator(s) gained entry into the unoccupied residence of David Griffiths of Meshoppen,  and took a Glock 17 caliber handgun and a Chinese SKS rifle from within.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. 

Attempted Burglary:  On May 6th between 7:30 am and 4 pm one or more person(s) attempted to burglarize two Springville residents.  The perpetrator(s) did not gain entry into the residence, but damaged an entrance door and window screen. 

Crash:  On April 28th at 3:25 pm a Susquehanna women was traveling north on Sr 547 in Jackson Township when she fell asleep and exited the roadway on the west berm.  The vehicle went down an embankment, striking a utility pole with the front portion and flipping over before coming to an uncontrolled stop on its wheels.  The vehicle was facing north.  The driver sustained a minor injury;  a passenger was not injured.  Both were utilizing seat belts. 

DUI:  On April 19th at 1:08 am Brady Goldsmith of Montrose, PA operated his vehicle at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at a stop sign at a given location.  He was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI.  Charges were to be filed in District Court 34-3-01 as of the time of report. 

Theft:  One or more perpetrator(s) stole approximately 1000 lbs. Of scrap aluminum that was piled outside of Jeff's Autobody in Clifford township.  The aluminum had an estimated value of between $1000 and $1500.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the police. 

Burglary/Criminal Trespass:  On May 4th at 7:50 am a man called and reported that another man had kicked in his back door and entered his house.  The man left after  being confronted by the victim.  Security camera footage provided images of the suspect as he forced his way into the residence.  The individual, later identified as John Sutton of New Milford, was located in front of a residence on Pine St. in Hallstead.  Sutton was taken into custody and charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Criminal Mischief, and Public Drunkenness.  He was arraigned and remanded to Susquehanna County Jail on $50,000 bail. 

DUI:  On April 21st at 2:41 am, following a traffic stop for speeding in Liberty Township, further investigation led to the arrest of Kyle Balch for DUI.  Charges were filed in District Court 34-3-01. 

Criminal Mischief:  A Hop Bottom man reported that his mailbox had been removed from the ground, in Brooklyn Township.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. 

Crash:  On April 7th at 5:20 pm Jason Whitman of New Milford was traveling northbound on Sr 11 when a green Ford Mustang convertible passed his Ford F150, then stopped along the road.  As Whitman passed the green Mustang, it pulled back onto the roadway, causing the truck to swerve and exit the roadway off the east berm.  It then struck an embankment and rolled over.  The green Mustang fled the scene.  Whitman was transported to EMHS in Montrose for treatment of an injury; a seat belt was in use.  Anyone who witnessed this crash is asked to please contact the police. 

Theft:  A Hallstead man reported that during the 26th and 30th of April, someone removed a portable DVD player from inside his Chevrolet Malibu as it sat in his driveway. 

Crash:  On April 27th at 4:22 pm Nicole Quaranta of Carbondale was traveling eastbound on SR 171 when her vehicle exited off the south side of the roadway and struck a guard rail on the side of the road with the front passenger side.  The vehicle sustained disabling damage from contact with the guard rail and had to be towed from the scene.  The driver was not injured in the crash;  a seat belt was in use. 

Burglary:  Between the 6th and 30th of April, the residence of a woman from the Raleigh, NC area was forcibly entered by means of a defeated locked window on the structure.  Once inside the residence, the perpetrator(s) proceeded to rummage through drawers and closets within the residence.  Items removed from within  included:  a 46 inch LCD television and a Dell 15 inch laptop.  The residence was located in Franklin Township.  Anyone with any information is asked to please call the police.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. 

Commercial Vehicle Crash:  On April 29th at 7:45 pm an unnamed driver operating a Kenworth truck was turning right from SR 547 to SR 2067 in Gibson Township.  While doing so, the trailer of his vehicle swiped a utility pole, putting a minor crease in the same.  No other damage was observed.  A witness related that he observed a blue truck tractor with a flat bed trailer carrying large pipes used in gas well production strike the pole and continue on SR 2067.  The operator related that he was unaware that he hit the pole.  The vehicle was driven from the scene.  The pole had only minor damage.   

Theft, Receiving Stolen Property:  Calla was taken into custody following an incident of theft form a motor vehicle at the Hallstead location of McDonald's, where a backpack was reported stolen.  He was lodged in the Susquehanna County Prison after troopers discovered he was in violation of his probation. 

Theft:  Between the 25th and 28th of April several wooden silhouettes of dogs and raccoons were stolen from the property of a man in Jackson Township.  Anyone with information is asked to to please contact the police. 

Burglary:  On April 28th between 7:30 am and 12:30 pm one or more person(s) entered a rear door of a Silver Lake Township property, using what appeared to be a screw driver.  Once entrance was gained,  $600 in silver change was stolen from within.  Anyone with information is asked to please call the police. 

Criminal Mischief:  Between the 18th and 21st of April, the front passenger side door window of an Enterprise rental van parked at the Kingsley Community Church parking lot was broken. Anyone with details of this incident is asked to please contact the police. 

Burglary:  On April 17th between 2:30 and 3:30 a burglary occurred on Upper Brandt Road.  In the commission of the crime unknown person(s) arrived at the scene, gained entry through the unlocked door, took a safe, and fled the scene by unknown means.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Burglary:  The police are investigating a burglary in Lenox Township during which one or more unknown person(s) arrived at the scene, attempted to gain entry at all doors to the residence, stole approximately 12 antique glass lanterns, pried open the shed door, and fled the scene in an unknown direction.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the police. 

Burglary:  On April 27th between 9:30 and 11 am a Bridgewater Township residence was burglarized when one or more perpetrator(s) gained forcible entry into the residence, rummaged through the residence, and stole various pieces of jewelry.  The estimated value of the stolen jewelry was $3000.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

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

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:00 a.m. on May 9, 2014: Duane M. Aldrich, Anthony M. Choplosky, Tina M. Clark, David J. Fischer, James Gerard, Justin T. Giberson, Francis M. Hagemeyer, Jr, Bradley M. Huzzard, Christopher M. Kuiper, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Casey M. Lehman, Derrick Lezinsky, Robert J. McCrone, Lawrence M. McGuire, Ethan A. Meagley, Ronald N. Mitchell, Matthew J. Peters, Veronica D. Phelps, Eric A. Pike, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, Todd J. Slater, Anthony L. Smith, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle, III, Tessa E. Thomas, Justin S. Thompson, Carolyn A. Thompson, Donna N. Tunstall, Amie J. VanVleck, Steven G. Warner. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.