When a Susky student comes down ill at school, the current procedure requires that the school nurse call the responsible parent or guardian to come to the school, pick-up the “patient,” and make necessary provision for appropriate medical care. When a teacher needs to see a doctor during a school day, time off necessarily must be scheduled for the appointment. Both scenarios may become a thing of the past in 2015--if SCSD Superintendent Bronson Stone can hammer out the details and bring his vision to reality.

This vision, in Mr. Stone’s own words, “brings a smile to my face.” The gist of the Superintendent’s dream is that a huge number of school days are currently lost to illness, but it doesn’t have to be this way; there is a better way. Susquehanna Community School District Directors agreed he may well be on to something here. And at their Wednesday, August 6 school board meeting Directors so empowered Mr. Stone to pursue the vision. More about that later.

SCSD’s last meeting of the summer took 33 minutes to bring Directors and public up to speed on the preparations completed or still in motion for the coming school year. School Board President Steven Stanford called the meeting to order promptly at 7 p.m. Present were Directors Clay Weaver, Evelyn Cottrell, Jason Chamberlain, Amanda Cook, Carol Jackson, Holly Kubus, and Martha Stanford. Board member Lori Canfield was absent. Others present for the meeting included new High School Principal Carmella Bullick, Special Education Coordinator Joni Miller, Facilities Manager Donnie Norris, and (Teacher) Union Representative Jami Hyndshaw.

While the board’s agenda for the meeting didn’t appear as meaty as usual, the board nevertheless accomplished a hodge-podge no less substantial than typical. Early on, the board approved a dozen new policies. Among the issues addressed in those policies were: Special Education, Gifted Education, Student Services, Graduation, Student Involvement in Decision-making, Professional Development, Facilities Planning, Non-Discrimination in School and Classroom Practices, and Mission Statement/Value Statement/Shared Values. In the Board’s Work Session on the previous evening Superintendent Stone identified the specific impact of some of these changes, as well as the genesis for changes in school board policies.

Superintendent Stone explained that SCSD, along with “the vast majority of other school districts” in the Commonwealth, except most notably Philadelphia, subscribe to a service of PSBA (Pennsylvania School Board Association) which writes school board policies and vets them to ensure conformity with state and federal regulations, laws, and court decisions. The end result is that most of the state’s 499 school districts have fairly uniform policies; and those policies are constantly scrutinized, and revised as necessary, in accordance with evolving laws and cultural standards.

Superintendent Stone braced the Board for an estimated 25 policy changes coming down the pike in September. He noted that all policy changes are reviewed by the District’s Solicitor before presentation to the Board for final approval. While the entire 600-plus page policy manual for the school district has been online as a unitary pdf file for many years, a recent change, Mr. Stone noted, makes the online policy manual much more user-friendly. Whereas before, users would have to scroll through the entire document to find the specific policy section and text, the new set-up establishes an individual link for each policy so the specific section needed can be quickly accessed.

Also approved by the Board was a revision of the “Elementary School Building level All Hazards plan and the Susquehanna Community Jr/Sr High School Building level All Hazards plan.” The revision was necessary not only to tweak it so as to bring it up-to-date, but also so that an order of precedence could be firmly established with regard to evacuation of the Elementary School.

That wasn’t the only evacuation discussed. Later in the meeting the Board also approved Barnes-Kasson Hospital and Susquehanna Fire Department use of the campus for an evacuation drill on Wednesday, August 13. Also approved in the same resolution was Luzerne County Community College use of the high school for fall classes.

With the beginning of the new school year fast approaching, Susky School Board approved various annual agreements requiring renewal. They include the following for the 2014-2015 school year:

- the Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement with Susquehanna County “Juvenile” Probation Department;

- “The Waterfront Learning Contract;”

- the Student Assistance Program agreement;

- the Trehab Request for Services;

- the Barnes-Kasson Service Agreement; and

- the utilization of the PA-UTEP (an electronic teacher evaluator portal).

In his report to the School Board, Superintendent Stone made mention of a wide assortment of issues on his plate. The school district’s new VOIP (Voice-Over Internet Protocol) phone system is 50% implemented and will be completely in place by August 22. A new bike rack has been installed in front of the high school. “Meet the Teacher Night” is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 on August 21st. And because of the new scheduling system implemented at the Elementary School those students will experience nearly a doubling in the amount of time they spend in physical education.

But moving back to the topic that especially animated Superintendent Stone, the School Board approved “granting permission to the Superintendent of Schools to pursue an agreement with NEPA Health for the establishment of a school-based community health center.” As Superintendent Stone explained, there remains much to be negotiated and investigated before the health center becomes a reality. Tentative ideas for staffing and operation call for five days a week, two hours a day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sign-up forms for staff and students would have to be completed before services could be offered.

Also necessary before operation is a signed contract with NEPA Health to definitely establish liability separation. As Mr. Stone explained, the health center would be located within the Elementary School, but students and staff in both buildings would theoretically be in the field of eligibility for services and could see a healthcare provider during an appointment scheduled within lunch period. He emphasized that it would be NEPA Health offering the medical services, not the school district itself. And because NEPA Health is subject to applicable federal law the health center would be required to offer all health services as required under the Health Care Affordability Act of 2010.

In Superintendent Stone’s estimation, if negotiations result in successful implementation and practice, potential exists for the addition of dental services somewhere down the road. Mr. Stone noted that the health center would NOT be open to the general public; the purpose of the on-campus health center is to reduce absenteeism by students and lost work time by staff.

The monthly meeting adjourned at 7:33 on the motion of Martha Stanford. With Business Manager Gary Kiernan vacationing on the beaches of New Jersey and Bob Keyes retired after 38 years of faithful service, last year’s cadre of gentlemanly servers was depleted. Superintendent Stone took a long look around the table, realized the seriousness of the situation, and leapt to the call to duty--offering up the no-bake cookies. So summer’s meeting closed and participants slipped away into the night after the usual chit-chat and pleasantries.

Next Susky School Board meeting is scheduled for Constitution Day--September 17th.

Council Members Donna Cosmello and Kathy Wages manning a Welcome Table

On Monday, August 4th, the New Milford borough council sponsored a natural gas vendor fair with Leatherstocking Vice President Russ Miller as guest speaker. Though this reporter arrived a little late due to a conflict, Mr. Miller was still speaking to an assembled crowd in the sanctuary. He addressed various questions which community members had.

A visitor asked about the cost if a resident did not make the decision to switch at that time. Mr. Miller related that as long as someone made the decision when the 30cc charge was still factored into the rate, the cost would be pretty much the same. That charge was likely to be in place, he thought, for the next ten years or so. A visitor asked if a resident could quit service if costs skyrocketed. It was responded that they could disconnect at any time, though the company couldn’t. The company wouldn’t take parts out in this case, they would just shut the valve and the monthly fee would end.

He also related that budget billing was an option, which would divide up the average cost and break it out over the year. He spoke, in response to a question, about how if customers overpaid over a 12 month period that credit would be broken out into the next year. The opposite could happen as well, however, where they would collect the difference in the next year. However, the gas bill couldn’t be as volatile as some forms of heat as it was a public utility and the PUC required that for a rate change they would have to make a request, demonstrate need, and give lead time.

He spoke briefly of safety, noting that the gas would be odorized, and if a resident smelled gas the company was obligated to make it right. They did not own the pipes in the home, but they would address making the situation safe.

A visitor asked about the availability of the gas being pushed back. It was responded that the New Milford Council was pushing hard to get gas during the 2015 construction season. They had received 208 applications, and if 180 of those became commitments then Mr. Miller said that they would plan to bring the gas between June and October of that year. Those signing a commitment were committing to convert at least one item in the home to natural gas within six months of getting the gas to a resident’s home. It would take the better part of the summer to build the system.

There was some talk about the process. The company would restore the landowner’s yard to it’s original condition after the work was completed. This did not represent perpetual care, it was clarified. Representatives of the company would take surveys and read meters on a monthly basis. The gas lines would typically be put in the shoulder of the roadway, between 3 and 5 feet deep. As a public utility they typically had a right to go in the public right of way. No easement would be needed if they went through a resident’s property to access that resident’s home. However, if they desired to go through a resident’s property to access his or her neighbor, an easement would be necessary. The company would sometimes try to punch under driveways.

A woman asked if there were ever leaks. Mr. Miller responded that it did happen, but that it was unlikely to happen with the newer pipes. When there were leaks, it released hydrogen. The company had a unit that drove around and could sense the added hydrogen to alert them to the problem. Alternately, a customer who heard or smelled a leak would call the company and they would likely come out quickly to assess it. The majority of leaks were not the company’s fault, they were due to other people digging. People were encouraged to call 811 prior the digging, to see if there were gas lines present in that location.

At a certain point, while the discussion continued in the sanctuary, various community members began to leave that room to visit the area where the vendors had set up. The entities present included: People’s Security Bank, Hinds Heating and Cooling, Mirabito Energy, NBT Bank, Tall Pines, Hargo Appliance Service, Haggarty’s Comfort Plus, and Petcosky and Sons. Residents could talk to representatives about the conversion to gas, financing for such work, and what different options might cost. Each vendor had a table set up and residents flowed freely among them.

Great Bend Borough held their monthly meeting on August 7th, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. Although Secretary Sheila Guinan and Council Member Brett Jennings were not in attendance, all other Council Members were present, as well as four members of the public, and two more arriving later on. The meeting began simply enough, although later more heated discussion would ensue regarding the proposed halfway house project.

Following brief questions regarding the Treasurer’s Report, that could not fully be answered without the Secretary present, the Council moved directly into permits. Permits were issued to Daniel & Margaret Glezen, Great Bend Borough, Great Bend Hose Company and James Cebula.

Under this category was a question regarding a small, non-permanent structure on the property of Mr. Flynn. Unsure of whether the location is serving as a “permanent garage sale” or as a store, members of the Council stated that it would be unfair to others locally who need to go through the right processes to obtain permits for businesses and structures. Having said that, COG has been made aware and the topic is being investigated further.

Next, it was noted that the new merry-go-round has been put in place, as well as surrounding mulch. At Greenwood Memorial Park, it was mentioned by members of the public that people from surrounding areas, including Hallstead and New York, have been coming in dumping “truck loads” into the clean fill dumping area; an area intended for use of Great Bend Borough residents only.

Also under the Road and Park Report, was that the new storage building was put up, taking only hours to complete. The road projects Mountain Vista Lane and Orchard Road should be completed at the end of August.

Only one bid was received for the paving of the garage/police parking lot, however two additional bids are needed to make a motion. Having said that, no bid was accepted for the time being.

Next, Police Chief Jon Record was on hand to give the monthly Police Report. He noted they Police Department had served 133.5 hours this month, with eight incidents, fifteen traffic citations, and twenty-two traffic warnings, along with five parking tickets. National Night Out was a still a “hit,” Chief Record stated, even with the rain.

He stated former Great Bend Borough Police Officer Tom Golka passed away suddenly, on the 4th of August. Great Bend Borough Police Department will have their car at his services, alongside others.

There were also three arrests made. The first being charged with cruelty to animals and lack of a dog license, since this person was also a “wanted” person, he/she was taken to the Susquehanna County Jail. In another arrest, a routine traffic stop turned DUI and drug possession/drug paraphernalia. The third arrest was also a DUI.

A two-car crash was reported on Main Street around the 4th of July as a result of careless driving, where minor injuries resulted.

The Krayeski’s were in attendance, unhappily served with code enforcement documents on the 4th of July, that turns out were irrelevant anyway. The property at issue, Erie Street, which lies between Depot Street and Kilrow Street, is in fact not owned by Great Bend Borough at all. It was actually sold a number of years ago to the Alesky’s and the Krayeski’s. This has been a topic of conversation at meetings for a number of months now, where concerns over the placement of a camper were stated a number of times. But since the land is not currently in the Borough, there are no issues on the property. Great Bend Borough offered their apologies to the parties involved, stating that “we were wrong, and you were right.” The Krayeski’s humbly accepted the apology.

In correspondence, the Borough received a letter from the Susquehanna County Library and Historical Society, who wanted to make known the services available at their locations, such as free library cards, free computer and internet access, as well as options to borrow books at other locations. They also asked for time at a later meeting to give a ten-minute presentation to “raise awareness” about their services.

In other business, there was brief discussion regarding a case the Borough has been seeking in the past couple of months, with no success. The display case would be used to display local artifacts and items from the past.

In one of the final discussions of the meeting, a discussion was held on the proposed Trehab project of a halfway house in Great Bend Borough at the former Keystone Hotel building. Although Great Bend Borough cannot definitely reject the proposed project, County Officials stated they could try to move the program elsewhere. With many different opinions and thoughts, most not in favor of the facility, Council Members Rick Franks and Mike VanGorden played “devil’s advocate” representing the minority of people who were in favor of the facility. However, rightly representing Borough residents, Rick Franks stated that he would not sign the one of two signatures requested by the County Commissioners to move forward, stating that regardless of his personal feelings, it was his duty to represent the local residents, who are seemingly not in favor of the proposed halfway house. With no members of the Council willing to sign-off, a Petition was drawn up by Attorney O’Connor, to represent the lack of support for the program, which are now available through various members of the Council. Police Chief Record also stated that these people are unmonitored in the street anyway, subtly expressing his support for the program, while Mayor Jim Riecke staunchly opposed it, stating that young families wouldn’t want to set up homes in such an area. Although the halfway house could provide a good opportunity for those in need of a fresh start, it simply has little to no support in Great Bend Borough, as members of the public and certain members of the Council seemed to think it was a good idea and program, as long as it wasn’t in their town. Following the intense debate, and no one on the Council willing to agree to the program, petitions were distributed so that signatures could be gathered.

The next Great Bend Borough meeting will occur on September 4th, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Bend Borough municipal building.

Susquehanna Community School District Board Directors took the following personnel actions during their regular meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2014.

Approved hiring the following personnel: Mary Jo Cotter - Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach; Kelli Kane - Substitute Basketball Score Keeper; Brent Soden - Teacher Mentor.

Approved hiring the following personnel for the position of Co-Advisor for SADD and Student Council:  Lisa Carpenter, Kristi Rossi, and Carly Batzel.

Approved the following resignations: Stephen Nayduch - Football Ticket Taker and Varsity Basketball Timer; Craig Hubal - Junior High Football Coach (though he will stay on as a volunteer).

A rather crowded meeting was held on August 4th, 2014 at Great Bend Township’s monthly meeting. Supervisors Sheila Guinan, David Hinkley, and Brian O’Connor were all present to discuss the monthly issues.

Mrs. Tanner and fellow neighbors on Merrill Avenue made up a majority of the public in attendance, addressing concerns regarding the condition of the dirt portion of the road. As it turns out, the dirt portion of the road is deemed a “private road,” and therefore, the Township is not responsible for maintaining this portion of the road. Residents say the street is being flooded, particularly with the heavy rain that ensued the week prior. Mrs. Tanner stated that it’s possible the catch basin on Pine Street above isn’t functioning properly and may not be catching the water, causing the water to flow elsewhere, particularly onto Merrill Avenue. Citing that this had served as an issue in the past, the Supervisors reminded residents that, providing the road was brought up to State and local ordinances, they would consider taking over the road. Though most residents on the street seem to be on board with this idea, it seems not everyone is and without a turn-around at the end of the street, it would not be acceptable. Until that happens, the Township stated, the most they can do is investigate the catch basin on Pine Street.

Following a somewhat long, yet upbeat conversation regarding Merrill Avenue, the Supervisors moved onto the Road Report. Supervisor Guinan stated that they are still currently discussing project details regarding Green Valley Road. Next, the Supervisors opened bids for the oil and chip work needing to be done, in which they received two bids, one from Suit-Kote and another from Vestal Asphalt. An in-depth discussion ensued on whether a single or double layer should be done on the roads, and with further discussion agreed to the possibility of adding a second coat later on if needed, as the price would be the same or cheaper. The Supervisors then agreed to accept Suit-Kote’s bid of $87,837.50 for the work. Next month bids for road materials, diesel, and heating oil will be opened at the monthly meeting.

Also, there has been no reply regarding the arrows needed at the local red light. The Township will move forward with putting them in place as soon as they get the go-ahead.

There was only one COG permit this month, issued to Bonnie Colwell.

The next order of business was stating that (like usual) there was one open seat on the Sewer Authority. However, a member of the public in attendance, Mr. Barry Domaes, offered to help out and fill the open seat. The Supervisors thanked Mr. Domaes and made a motion to accept, and at last, all the seats on the Sewer Authority seem to be filled for the first time in months. On a side note, sewer bills can now be paid with a credit card.

A letter of correspondence was also received from the Susquehanna County Library and Historical Society. The letter was to briefly discuss and inform the public, as well as the Supervisors, of the services provided for Susquehanna County residents, such as free library cards, free computer and internet usage, as well as books, movies, and dvd’s that are available to be rented. Also, if they do not have a book you would like, it can be borrowed in from another location. They also asked for some time at a later meeting to come and do a brief presentation on their services, which the Supervisors agreed to.

In a second letter of correspondence, Mrs. Barb McKetta sent a letter regarding Mountain Vista Lane and branches that need to be trimmed by the light. Unsure of what could be done legally regarding this issue, the Supervisors agreed to look further into it before taking any particular action.

In Unfinished Business, there is still an opening for an Emergency Management Coordinator, another spot that has been vacant for some time now. On the last item of the agenda, the walking trail was briefly discussed. Work being conducted there for the bridge should be completed by the end of October, at which time some progress perhaps can be made on the trail.

With that, the Supervisors made a motion to adjourn just after 7:40. The next Great Bend Township meeting will take place on the first Monday of the month, September 1st, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Great Bend Township Municipal building.

DEEDS

Brenda Rose Sanauskas to Jodi L. Zech, in Hop Bottom Borough, for $5,000.00.

Robert P. & Michelle A. Minier to Christopher & Larysa Meyer, in Thompson Borough, for $72,000.00.

Fannie Mae (aka by atty) & Federal National Mortgage Assoc. (by atty) to Gary D. Satunas, in Clifford Twp., for $160,000.00.

Carlos & Maria Rosa Vales to Doug Wiser, in Thompson Borough, for $115,000.00.

Sophie Baron (estate) & Joseph Baron to Joseph & Jill Baron, in Forest City, for $1.00.

Jeffrey D. Burman to Jeffrey D. Burman (trust), in Ararat Twp., for $1.00.

Jeffrey D. Burman to Jeffrey D. Burman (trust), in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.

Voncile L. Bost to Jean Marie Heid & Lori A. Bonneau, in Forest City, for $114,000.00.

Rodger C.  & Mary Ellen Sayre to Betsy Anne Sayre, in Springville Twp., for $1.00.

Papera Living Trust (by trustees) to Frank A. Papera (trust), in Lenox Twp., for $1.00.

James A. Volz & Richard S. Kauffman to Ashlee Hunt, in Apolacon Twp., to $48,000.00.

Rosanne & Daniel P. Dooley to Rosanne & Daniel P. Dooley, in Liberty Twp., for $1.00.

Bonita A. Mitrow (estate aka) & Bonita Mitrow (estate) to Andrew P. Delaney & Ashley D. Kresge, in Montrose, for $1.00.

William & Clara Burke to William A. Burke II (trust) & Clara B. Burke (trust), in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.

William A. & Clara Burke to William A. Burke II (trust) and Clara B. Burke (trust), in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.

William A. & Clara Burke to William A. Burke II (trust) and Clara B. Burke (trust), in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.

William A. Burke, Clara J. Burke (aka) Clara B. Burke to William A. Burke II (trust) and Clara B. Burke (trust), in Auburn Twp., for $0.00.

William A. Burke II to Willam A. Burke II (trust) & Clara A. Burke (trust), in Auburn Twp., for $0.00.

William A. Burke II & Clara B. Burke to William A. Burke II (trust) & Clara B. Burke (trust), in Auburn Twp., for $0.00.

Seldon Carey (estate) to Mark A. & Charlotte L. Conklin, in New Milford Twp., for $125,000.00.

Doris F. Baum (by atty) to John Transue & Amy Paolucci, in New Milford Twp., for $239,900.00

Elaine B. Corey (estate aka) Elaine Blye Corey (estate) to Bryce R. Williams & Patricia L. Gesford, in Springville Twp., for $260,000.00.

Steve Neer (aka) Steve J. Neer Sr. & Jennifer Ahern to Susquehanna Depot Borough, in Susquehanna for $5,000.00.

Sarah L. Merrill to Eric C. Merrill, in Montrose, for $9,000.00.

Karl A. Kail IV & Laura Kristine Kail to Heart Lake Association Inc., in Bridgewater Twp., for $2,481.57.

John D. & Ann Marie Rasmus to NM-Appalachia-IV LP, in Franklin Twp., for $130,068.00.

Theodore S. Kilmer, Gary Kilmer & Robin Kilmer to Lenox Real Estate Inc., in Lenox Twp., for $182,406.00

Theodore S. Kilmer to TSK Real Estate LLC, in Lenox Twp., for $73,326.00.

Gary & Robin Kilmer to G&R LLC, in Lenox Twp., for $68,478.00.

Homer C. Ross (estate) to John C. & Amanda J. Ross, in Jackson Twp., for $350,000.00.

Curtis W. Leet to Wendy E. & David J. Vertacnik, in Liberty Twp., for $0.00.

Barbara L. Steingraber to Guy & Karen Parrish, in Bridgewater Twp., for $197,000.00.

Juliane M. Gourley (by sheriff) & Gregory Allen Rought to John R. Marconi & John R. Marconi Jr., in Silverlake Twp., for $5,090.16.

Earle A. Wootton to ESE Equity LLC, in Montrose, for $29,000.00.

Earle A. Wootton to ESE Equity LLC, in Montrose for $87,000.00.

Earle A. Wootton to ESE Equity LLC, in Montrose for $464,000.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 8:25AM AUGUST 8, 2014: Duane M. Aldrich, Brent V. Birtch, John R. Bush, Gerald E. Case, Anthony M. Choplosky, Tina M. Clark, Christopher J. Clark, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, Jeremy W. Hall, Shannon J. Hollister, Nathan Hollister, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Casey M. Lehman, Derrick Lezinsky, Robert J. McCrone, Matthew S. Miller, Ronald N. Mitchell, Jordan L. Payne, Wallace J. Penny Jr., Vincent S. Perico, Matthew J. Peters, Veronica D. Phelps, Eric A. Pike, Desiree L Shifler, Todd J. Slater, Anthony L. Smith, Frederick Swingle, III, Tessa E. Thomas, Kurtis Tracy, Donna N. Walter, John H. Warner, Steven G. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.