Friendsville – The appointment of C. C. Byrne, as postmaster, has been announced. Mr. Byrne succeeds Mrs. Tierney, postmistress of that office for some years.

Susquehanna – The “Matt H. Shay,” the largest locomotive in the world, was given a trial on the Erie on Thursday of last week, which showed it was capable of drawing 250 loaded cars, or an estimated weight of 18,750 tons. This is equal to the drawing capacity of four regular locomotives. The monster is capable of moving 640 loaded cars or a weight of over 90,000,000 pounds. The engine stood the test well, drawing the train, which was nearly two miles in length, at a rate of about 20 miles an hour. A journal became heated on the 75th car, which resulted in some delay, and a breakage on one of the cars made it necessary for the train to be hauled into Susquehanna in two sections, but the monster mogul showed that it could stand the severest test. President F. D. Underwood and other Erie officials accompanied the train, by special train, as far as Great Bend, and then proceeded to New York.

North Jackson – Last Saturday a five-foot rattlesnake was killed on the Judson Savory farm,
the first seen in that vicinity for many years. The reptile had its head taken off by the mowing machine knives and was discovered when the hay was being unloaded.

Silver Lake – One of the best pictures shown by Proprietor W. B. Castle, at the local moving picture theater during the week, was “The Colleen Bawn,” a play by Dion Boucicault. The play is taken from the Celtic novel entitled, “The Collegians,” by the late poet and writer, Gerald Griffin, whose parents lived at “Fairy Lawn,” Silver Lake. [The Colleen Bawn is still being produced on stage.]

Montrose – Rev. N. H. Bexley, the new pastor of Zion A. M. E. church, has arrived in town, and resides on Chenango street. Mr. Bexley is a native of Baltimore and for several years has been connected with the African Methodist Episcopal Conference of Michigan. His ministerial work is highly spoken of. Also Dr. J. Arthur Bullard, of Wilkes-Barre [later of Montrose], who is well known in Montrose, in the Homeopathic Recorder, published in Lancaster, declares that the appendix is neither a “chance” nor “left-over” organ, and that inflammation of it can and should be cured in more than 90 percent of the cases without resorting to the knife. “Don’t let your appendix go if you can help it—it’s an active little oil can, a lubricator for intestinal canal and you would be badly off indeed without it,” says Dr. Bullard. Also it is quite remarkable to know that the Montrose branch of the Lehigh Valley has been in operation for 40 years or more and in all its history but one man has been killed. It is said that he was intoxicated and fell from the tender and broke his neck while on his way to attend a 4th of July celebration. Trains have been off the track innumerable times, on the road, during the many years of its existence, but not a fatality has taken place except the one mentioned.

Auburn – After suffering severe pains in her ear for nearly a month, Amanda Dean, on July 4, made a trip to Dr. Bellstein at Meshoppen and had removed from her ear a pencil eraser that had been there since Nov. 1912. On the following Wednesday she again returned to the doctor’s office, when he succeeded in removing a pearl button which the girl had placed in her ear when about 7 years old. For some time past the young lady had been in poor health, by her hearing being considerably impaired by making so unusual a receptacle of her ears. From the Laceyville Messenger. Also at Auburn Four Corners – George Bennett, a farmer residing about two miles east of here, was found dead in the road Monday of last week by his wife as she was bringing the cows to the barn. Mr. Bennett had been in poor health for some time. The funeral was held from his late home on Wednesday, Rev. Transue officiating. Interment at Bunnell cemetery.

Lanesboro – The Starrucca viaduct, built more than three score years ago, for a single track, has been reinforced and heavier rails laid thereon, so as to enable the greatest engine in the world to pass over it, the Matt Shay, equal in its work to four Mikado types of engine, on the eight mile grade from Gulf Summit to Susquehanna.

New Milford – Mr. and Mrs. Ed. T. Lewis, of St. Petersburg, Fla., arrived here Saturday. They made the trip in their Cadillac car, covering the distance of nearly a thousand miles in seven and one-half days. Mr. Lewis is an enthusiastic autoist, and next to visiting the scenes of his boyhood days in New Milford, enjoys a spin over the country roads in his car. He said that he found the roads in much worse condition than when he made the same trip last year. Also New Milford Borough is wide-a-wake and wants better streets. A petition has been circulated and very generally signed, petitioning the borough council to make the necessary preliminary move to secure State aid in improving Main street.

Harford – A tramp passed through Harford Sunday eve which struck terror to the hearts of the most timid ones although nothing serious happened. Also Frank Forsythe has acyteline gas lights installed in his home and barn.

Hop Bottom – E. M. Loomis is putting up a new three story building in connection with his store.

Fair Hill, Forest Lake Twp. – William Young, William Mulkey, Claud Seely, Silas Jagger and Myron Green autoed to Nicholson Sunday to view the Lackawanna cut-off. They made the trip in Mr. Green’s car.

Hallstead – A warrant was sworn out last week before F. A. Davies, Esq., charging “Sim” Fisher, of this place, with entering the house of Arthur Bolles. It is alleged that Fisher first cut up the clothes line, then entered the house and tied Mrs. Bolles’ feet, first however taking the precaution to cut the phone wires. Mrs. Bolles was scared almost to death, being told if she screamed she would be killed. Mrs. Bolles recognized Fisher’s voice and told him she knew who it was. He then lighted a lamp and begged her not to give him away, which she promised, when he released her. Mrs. Bolles regards her escape very lucky, for Fisher had told her he intended to rob and murder her. Fisher has not been found.

Forest City – More on Samuel Roxy Rothafel—“Rothafel’s greatest achievement was his Roxy Theatre at Times Square, opening in 1927 and later Radio City Music Hall. The
Roxyettes (later called the Rocketts) followed Rothafel from the Roxy Theatre to Radio City. He was known on network radio as the creator of “Roxy and His Gang” and had an audience of about five million listeners. He died in 1936 in New York City. His is the great-grandfather of the actress Amanda Peet.

After 15 years in the courtroom, I have developed very low expectations when it comes to how defendants dress for their court appearances.  It has gotten to the point that I do not even register surprise when a see a particular defendant step into the courtroom wearing a tank top or a t-shirt with an off-color message.  There was a time when I was not only surprised, but shocked and outraged over the lack of respect demonstrated in the terrible fashion ensembles that some defendants wore to a court proceeding.  Sadly, I have to admit that I have become somewhat resigned to accepting the reality that some people simply do not get it.

Now, this is not to say that I have not witnessed sharp dressed defendants – they actually stand out pretty quickly in a crowded courtroom.  I am not talking just about defendants who wear suits, but my observation includes those who took the time to wear clean clothes without cuts or tears, and actually took the time to engage in some level of personal grooming.  Admittedly, in a poor rural county there are many defendants who simply lack the financial resources to even own a sports jacket, let alone a suit.  But even those without financial means can make an effort at demonstrating through their appearance that they have some respect for the court.

I have found that it is not only defendants who appear in court in less than appropriate attire – I have also had witnesses show up in a similarly poor state of dress.  It has become a common discussion item with witnesses to assure that they dress in a respectful manner.  In one particular discussion with a witness prior to a trial involving a bar fight, I remember the witness saying to me that there was no way he was going to wear a suit.  I laughed and said you can’t put lipstick on a pig and then suggested something close to a business casual look.  He glared at me for a minute and then he started laughing as well – and when he showed up to testify, he had dressed appropriately.

I was thinking about this recently when I read a news report about a magistrate judge in Lehigh County who held a young man, Adam Dennis, in contempt of court for wearing “sagging pants” into the courtroom – and the magistrate ordered that Dennis pay a $50 fine.  This particular magistrate actually had a sign outside the door that led into his office area warning kids to “pull up your pants.”  The sign provided further that individuals with sagging pants would not be assisted.  Dennis appealed the contempt finding to the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County.

At the appeal hearing, a deputy sheriff testified that Dennis appeared in court with pants sagging to the point that you could see about 4 inches of his white undershorts.  The magistrate judge then called Dennis up to the bench, asked him to turn around, and, upon seeing the offending 4 inch sag, the judge directed that Dennis leave the courtroom and return when he was properly attired.  Dennis left the courtroom and returned with his pants pulled up – no undershorts showing.  Unfortunately for Dennis, gravity took its toll and by the end of his hearing, the sagging had returned to the point that 2 inches of undershorts were again peeping out – and the magistrate judge held him in contempt and ordered him to pay $50.

On appeal, the Court of Common Pleas judge determined that the behavior was not appropriate for a contempt finding.  The Judge concluded that a contempt finding requires more than simply wearing inappropriate clothing – it requires disruptive behavior that interferes with the operation of the court itself.  In the end, Dennis avoided a contempt finding and a $50 fine for his baggy, saggy pants – but hopefully he learned a valuable lesson about appropriate court attire.

Please submit any questions, concerns, or comments to Susquehanna County District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 218, Montrose, Pennsylvania 18801 or at our website www.SusquehannaCounty-DA.org or discuss this and all articles at http://dadesk.blogspot.com/

“A perfect Summer Day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.”~ James Dent

Many families in our area will be venturing out to a sandy beach this summer. How relaxing it will be to stretch out under an umbrella and watch the world and the waves go by? Among the many items you’ll pack for your trek is a good supply of reading material. Whatever your definition of “Beach Reads” may be—romance, mystery, a gripping tome of women’s or historical fiction—you’ll find “A Shore thing” as close as your local Library Branch! “Beach Reads”, were also known as “Hammock Reads” in the distant past and have quite a history that I would like to share.

During the summertime in the 1890’s, a table would be placed by the front door of the home, offering a selection of paper-covered volumes for summer reading. For some reason, it was thought that lighter books were more suitable for reading in the hot weather. 

In 1897, society and civilization took hope from the improved quality of summer reading. It seemed like everyone in the world were writing novels—with bad ones being plentiful and how splendid the best offerings were.

The years, 1900-1907 brought the thought that if there is one season in which the printed book might be regarded as a questionable intruder, it is when the full blossom of summer has enchanted us with its splendor—while the coaxing pages of any book lie open before us—waiting to be devoured.

However, it was discovered that you don’t have to travel to the beach in order to enjoy summertime reading. You can get as much enjoyment under a shady tree or by a garden patch as you can by dipping your toes in the sand!

When the 1920’s rolled around, how summer reading progressed with all of the excitement in the world around us! Gone were the days when a reader would lie in a semi-comatose state, either in the sand or a grassy spot, blindly turning pages of volumes featuring trashy love scenes or even trashier thrillers. Hotels started featuring an ample assortment of quality reading materials suitable for many summer travelers’ tastes. Larger cities began “Bookmobile services” to help bring books to those individuals unable to access same. These features helped one to escape from the fears and depression of the outside world.

The 1950’s erased one error which had circulated for much too long—that, of the assumption that “Light Books” were the only ones suitable for summer reading. Many also thought the books meant trivial or foolish subjects or poorly written volumes. We all know there is nothing more difficult than trying to read a tome which, after a few pages, is determined to be not worth your time—and the boredom that ensues while trying to plow your way through it, rather than escape and go on to something else. The fifties brought rock and roll, beach blanket movies and young starlets and reading light romantic novels were all the rage. However, it was not unlikely to see a much more serious volume being devoured before and after a picnic, proving that even on vacation, the thirst for knowledge can be quenched.

The 1960’s saw home Libraries skyrocket in popularity—even in summer cottages. No volumes were ever discarded no matter how obscure their subject—just moved to the cottage with the hopes someone would open their covers and enjoy the passages.

Reviewers guided us in the 1970’s. We poured over the best seller lists before we packed our suitcases, anxious to read the latest of a favorite author or two, if they didn’t weigh us down to much to accompany us in travel.

The 1980’s, the 1990’s, right up to present day make us realize the incredible number of hours we have for the enjoyment of the written word—light reading, heavy reading, reading that works you up into a tizzy and a sweat when the humidity is low—and before we know it, summer has melted into Autumn with the onslaught of winter not far behind. Being a reader, in the summer, or any other season of the year is not a choice based on lifestyle—it’s part of the inquisitive soul you are and we learn more with every volume we delve into, so spread your blanket, set up your lawn chair and read. Children learn by example, and what better example for them to learn is the love of reading and books by their parents and grandparents. Make it a point to visit your local Library today.

We hope to see you at the Blueberry Festival. While there, why not check out the thousands of quality books as well as magazines, CDs, DVDs and even some vinyl LPs.  There have been a few changes to the schedule that, hopefully, will make it easier for all to browse and enjoy. An “Early Bird Opening” for the book sale will happen on Thursday night  (8/31) from 5pm to 8 pm. There is an admission charge of $10.00 per person for those who want to come and buy before the festival crowds. On Friday, August 1st,

the book sale will open early at 8am and will stay open until 6pm. The sale will again open early on Saturday, August 2nd—8am and will remain open until 5pm. Please note: The usual $2.00 “Bag Sale” will be on Saturday, August 2nd, from 3pm to 5 pm and continue on Sunday, August 3rd, from 9am to 2 pm, when the sale will close. **Please note: book scanners and electronic handheld devices will not be permitted within the sale.

As I relax and begin some summer reading myself, I leave you with this thought: “Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer’s year-it brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul.” ~ Author Unknown

Newly Mown Hay—Swimming Holes—Blueberry Pie

ENJOY.

When are antibiotics dangerous?

Sheila was prescribed an antibiotic for her bronchitis. The doctor wrote on the prescription: Take 1 tablet a day for 10 days. Her pharmacist counsels her to finish the full 10-day course of medicine. Sheila asks, “But what if I feel better after 4 days?”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibiotics have been used for the last 70 years to treat patients who have infectious diseases. Since the 1940s, these drugs have greatly reduced illness and death from infectious diseases, from pneumonia to syphilis. Antibiotic use has been beneficial and, when prescribed and taken correctly, their value in patient care is substantial. However, these drugs have been used so widely and for so long that the infectious organisms (germs) the antibiotics are designed to kill have adapted to them, making the drugs less effective. People infected with antibiotic-resistant organisms are more likely to have longer, more expensive hospital stays, and may be more likely to die as a result of the infection.

When the drug of choice for treating their infection fails to work, the patient will require treatment with second- or third-choice drugs that may be less effective, more toxic, and more expensive. This means that patients with an antimicrobial-resistant infection will likely suffer more and pay more for treatment.

Similarly, stopping a course of an antibiotic too early can result in the infection returning. Thus, Sheila would be wise to finish the full course of her medication. The doctor prescribed the antibiotic for her bronchial symptoms, which usually indicates infection. Her body may have reacted quickly to the medication. However, she still needs to make sure that the bacteria in her lungs have been eradicated. The only time when an antibiotic should be stopped is when the side effects – such as diarrhea and vomiting – become intolerable, dehydrating the patient.

While viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics, occasionally a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic as a preventative in individuals who have signs of a virus and who are frail and/or have weak immune symptoms. Otherwise, do not clamor to your doctor about obtaining an antibiotic which may not work anyway. Antibiotic resistance is a major global health crisis, with approximately 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths caused each year in the US by infections that are antibiotic-resistant. In Sheila’s case, after the pharmacist explained the idea of antibiotic-resistance to her, she understood the value in finishing her course of medicine.

Ron Gasbarro, PharmD is a pharmacist, medical writer, and principal at Rx-Press.com. Write him at ron@Rx-Press.com.