The August 25 meeting of the Mountain View School Board directors was fairly short, though several items were dealt with. There was talk of the school year's start and a somewhat involved discussion of baseball program projects.

A variety of personnel matters were attended to. David Breese was appointed as the elementary intramural basketball coach. A number of additions to the substitute list were approved, as was the revised job description for the Director of Athletics.

The K-6 math curriculum passed as presented. Mrs. Voigt spoke briefly on this, noting that part of the standards dictated that students would be fluent with products (the multiplication facts of two digit numbers). She said there was sometimes concern that, with common core, students learned problem solving but didn't know the facts; she wished to reassure the board that they were approving a balanced math program.

Mr. Taylor gave his report, saying that they were ready for the start of school. They had the buildings all done, except for little incidentals. They would be going back to their regular schedule on Wednesday morning. Mrs. Stine opined that the walkway looked good, and Mr. Taylor concurred that it had come out well- though he still wanted to paint the curbs. Mrs. Aherne also called it beautiful.

Mr. Casselbury asked what was going on with the artificial turf by the ballfield. It was responded that Mr. Griffis had picked up a (for free) form somewhere. It was heavier than they initially thought, and they used a skidsteer to pick it up. Mr. Taylor thought that the coach wanted to put it down in the batting cage. It was noted that he also wanted the infield done in turf, and when Mr. Casselbury asked why Mr. Taylor pointed out that the team could get on it sooner in the year and that it could be plowed. Basically, he explained, it was concrete with a carpet over it. Mr. Casselbury asked if there would be any savings or additional cost over what it would be to redo the field otherwise. The return on investment, Mr. Taylor responded, would probably be out to 20 years, but the investment would be in the time- which would be cut down significantly. Mr. Stoddard asked if that had been looked at as part of the field proposal. Mr. Griffis had said that he was going to talk to someone who would get him a ballpark estimate of of the cost, Mr. Taylor replied. The turf, he related as another consideration, was only good for ten years and then would have to be replaced.

Mr. Stoddard asked to confirm that the district had four big rolls of turf down. They did, and Mr. Casselbury said that it looked to be in good condition. Mr. Griffis had gotten it from Scranton Memorial; it had come off their football field. It was going to be thrown away, so he had taken it for the district's batting cages.

Mr. Casselbury asked if Mr. Taylor was going to any of the meetings they had with the people who were going to donate. Mr. Taylor replied that he hadn't known about the meetings. Mr. Cassselbury said that Mr. Griffis had some donations in the wings, maybe with Cabot. Mr. Stoddard asked about the meetings, saying it seemed like it would be nice if the board knew about the matter. A few other board members agreed. When Mr. Casselbury said he didn't know many people who would be against getting that kind of money, Mr. Stoddard replied that the board needed to be in the loop.

Mr. Richmond asked Mr. Griffis who had set up meetings; Mr. Casselbury replied that he had not. Mr. Richmond said that as he had heard it, this was just a preliminary thing to see if it was even possible. Mr. Barhite noted that whether or not they got a donation from someone to put in a beautiful new field, in ten years it would be the district's cost to replace it. Mr. Taylor concurred that there would be a cost. Mr. Richmond said Mr. Taylor would have to look into seeing if the district would get a return on their investment in those ten years.

Mr. Stoddard asked if Mr. Presley and Ms. Price had been involved in any of this discussion. Mr. Presley replied that this was the first he had heard of it. Mr. Stoddard said they should have been involved, even if if it hadn't made it to the board. He opined that it was good that a person wanted to do something good, but there were processes and he felt that the administration and the board needed to be involved. Mr. Richmond reiterated that the last he knew he thought it was just a feasibility thing. Mr. Stoddard understood this, he said, but there were four rolls of turf sitting over there. Mr. Richmond stated that was different; the turf was a separate matter.

Mrs. Stine asked Mr. Presley if he knew the turf was for the batting cages. He said no, he hadn't known about the batting cages. Some of the board members spoke up, saying that things couldn't be done that way. Mr. Taylor said that a lot of the labor was donated, but it was reiterated that Mr. Presley ought to know about such things.

After the meeting moved on, Mrs. Voigt thanked Mr. Taylor for his help that day with the blood pathogens presentation. Mrs. Stine expressed her opinion that the safety presentation had been very good. Mrs. Aherne called it interesting.

The construction and repairs to the high school lobby entrance was awarded to Timz Construction Company of Kingsley, PA.

Mrs. Voigt started off the administrators' reports by noting that opening day had been that day, and spoke highly of it. She said the admin team was working very well together. Pictures had been taken. Mrs. Makosky was to offer payroll deduction for United Way. It was really a nice group effort.

The board had asked for information regarding how many students were getting credit through the agreement with Lackawanna College. Mrs. Voigt reported that nineteen courses were awarded for credit.

Mrs. Kelly spoke of opening day at the elementary school, saying it had gone very well. The next day an IU representative was to come to do a half day training regarding some RTII stuff. It was hopefully to be tailored to the needs of their educators. The IU representative had been given the opportunity to invite one district to participate in the Tier 3 program, and Mountain View was chosen.

Mr. Presley spoke about trainings that his staff would undergo. He wanted to give thanks to all the students and parents who participated at the band booth. He had taken his turn in the booth as well, and called it a lot of fun.

Mr. Stoddard asked if Mr. Presley had any information regarding the outcome of the LIAA meetings transpiring in Scranton. He replied that he did not. There were a select few schools that were looking to break away or drop out of the league, but that was only an Athletic Directors meeting not the AD and principals meeting. There were some schools that were pushing to start their own league again, with only Lackawanna schools in it. That would mean every Susquehanna County school, along with Western Wayne and DV, would be considering what they were going to do. He said there were people in the area that wanted to do it, but there were also schools that did not. It was the principals who would vote on the subject, it was confirmed. Mr. Stoddard confirmed that the structure for the next two years was in place, and Mr. Presley asserted that nothing was changing for the two year cycle which had already begun.

Ms. Wnorowski spoke of a busy opening day in her department. She had been with Ms. Kelly on the elementary side and had done a faculty meeting. She had also worked with paras that day. They were trying to provide levels of support. They heard a lot of good comments. The next day they were planning to have a training through PSEA with instructors and paras working together.

She gave information about a fellowship for which she was accepted. It was aligned with Pennsylvania Inspired Leaders. She would be off campus five times through the school year. It involved networking with people on the state level. It was intense she explained, and she had heard great things about it. The fellowship was for special education staff only. She thought it would be worthwhile and hoped she could do it.

Mrs. Kelly noted that the administrators wanted to see more collaboration and teamwork, but the first thing they wanted to do was model this. The administrators, then, were collaborating. Mr. Presley quipped that the sidewalk had come to use already.

Mrs. Voigt mentioned that through the Community Foundation, a benefactor had offered the Susquehanna County schools $6500 each, which had to be spent in the area of music and the arts. Mountain View, then, wanted to bring back the Artist in Residence program. At the high school they would bring back Ms. Munley's Spanish Dancing, and at the elementary Ms. Phillips would be able to bring in a clay artist. The other $1500 would go to the music department.

During the second hearing of visitors a parent spoke up wishing to take a moment and thank Ms. Wnorowksi and Ms. Thomas for their efforts in making her handicapped child feel safe in school. They had met with him at a time when there weren't a lot of others present.

She then said that it was 36 hours before school started, and she hadn't been notified if appropriate ADA compliant transportation had been arranged or not. She asked if there was transportation. Mr. Patchcoski replied that they had gotten it confirmed that day. He said they did a lot of rerouting that year due to additional needs of other students and new students. That was the only visitor comment and the meeting dismissed.

The Progress Authority held its Susquehanna County Annual Economic Development Breakfast Meeting at Dryer Hall on the grounds of Montrose Bible Conference on Friday, August 22nd. The climactic end of the meeting featured the naming of Leatherstocking Gas Company as the county’s Company of the Year. Standing in to make the presentation was Pennsylvania State Representative Tina Pickett (R-110). Accepting the award for Leatherstocking was Michael German, President & CEO of Corning Natural Gas Corporation.

Pictured (l-r) are Michael "Mike" German, President and CEO of Corning Natural Gas Corporation; Bill Mirabitio, Vice President Mirabito Holdings, Inc.; Mario Martello, Construction Manager, Corning Natural Gas Corp; Russ S. Miller, Vice President Gas Supply & Marketing Corning Natural Gas corporation. Presenting the award was Tina Pickett PA State Representative. Photo Courtesy of Miss Ashley Depew of Whiteknightpro.

The Annual Breakfast, sponsored by Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation for the third consecutive year, kicked off promptly at 8:30 with Economic Development Board Chairman Joe Andre’s opening remarks and recognition of the many dignitaries present. Mr. Andre introduced the board members of SCED. Also recognized were Keynote Speaker Scott Dunkelberger and Progress Authority’s Executive Director Tony Ventello and Economic Development Specialist Chris Brown. Elected officials present included Commissioner Alan Hall, Rep. Tina Pickett, and a who’s who of municipal officers. Rep. Sandy Major (R-111) was represented by a member of her staff.

After Mr. Andre finished speaking he proffered the delicious and bountiful breakfast put on by the Bible Conference’s Staff. By 9:20 a.m. breakfast had concluded and the entire breakfast party reconvened in the conference room at the opposite end of Dryer Hall.

John Kameen, SCED Board Member from Forest City, opened the after-breakfast portion of the meeting with an introduction and review of the keynote speaker’s professional accomplishments, as well as his connection to the Progress Authority’s and SCED’s energetic efforts to grow Susquehanna County’s economy. Included within those accomplishments was the keynoter’s role in pushing through nine loans totaling $12.5 million to various county businesses either starting up or expanding.

And with that, guest speaker Scott Dunkelberger stepped forward to make his presentation. Mr. Dunkelberger highlighted Pennsylvania’s many strengths, including its world-class universities and medical research facilities; its natural resources of water, gas, climate, and soil; its traditions of entrepreneurship and craftsmanship; and the role of tourism in the state. Because Pennsylvania residents are focused on taking advantage of these strengths it is not surprising that Pennsylvania’s unemployment is half a percent below the national average, he stated. “A lot of positive things are going on around the state.”

Turning his attention to Susquehanna County, he referenced statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration which show the five most productive gas wells in the United States are located in Susquehanna County. Pennsylvania gas production from unconventional wells have shown a dramatic increase, and are, according to the most recent figures producing 2 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas in the first six months of 2014.

Susquehanna County, he pointed out, is the top producing county with 455 BCF (billion cubic feet) of production during that same period. Adjoining Bradford County is second with some 411 BCF. Interestingly enough, nine of the top ten producing wells in the state are located in Susquehanna County, and just those top ten wells produce over 20 MCF (million cubic feet) of natural gas PER DAY.

Mr. Dunkelberger (besides serving as the Director, Center for Business Financing, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development) serves as the “Executive Director for the Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA) which oversees 29 financing programs targeted to business development, infrastructure development, and alternative energy development with over $2 billion in funds.” Those alternative energy developments, he opined, may well include Susquehanna County having a role through creation of CNG stations for public access; development of LNG infrastructure for export; and development of county transportation projects. Mr. Dunkleberger noted that the price of natural gas in Pennsylvania in November 2013 was one-fifth the price being charged for the same product in Europe. Might that suggest economic opportunity and profitability for Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry, he asked rhetorically.

Tony Ventello, Executive Director of the Progress Authority, followed on Mr. Dunkleberger’s speech, with more upbeat commentary. He thanked Cabot for being a continuing source of support and the importance of their role as evidenced by their sponsorship of this breakfast meeting. He further reminded those present that local businesses can contact Mr. Dunkelberger through The Progress Authority. He noted Mr. Dunkelberger’s DCED (Dept. of Economic Development) routinely receives over one hundred calls a week from businesses seeking help with plans for start-up or expansion. An additional “tool” for county businesses is Chris Brown, The Progress Authority’s Economic Development Specialist. Mr. Brown, he noted, is ready, willing, and able to meet one-on-one with businesses and local municipalities looking to take advantage of economic opportunities for development.

Mr. Ventello highlighted two bills currently making their way through the General Assembly: SB-1452, pertaining to establishment of Keystone Opportunity Zones; and HB-1550, which has as its purpose to bring together various loan programs “under one roof.” He urged enactment of both bills and urged those in attendance to make their support for them known to their legislators.

Just out of curiosity I researched both of these bills. HB-1550 was introduced in the House on June 17, 2013 and gained final passage (without a single vote in opposition) on June 27, 2014. Here’s the summary description of the bill for those readers who have an interest: “An Act amending Titles 12 (Commerce and Trade) and 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in economic development financing strategy, further providing for definitions; in small business first, further providing for definitions, for fund and accounts, for department responsibilities, for capital development loans, for EDA loans, for loans in distressed communities, for pollution prevention assistance loans, and for export financing loans; providing for delegation; and further providing for reporting and inspection; in machinery and equipment loans, further providing for definitions, for establishment, for eligibility for loans and terms and conditions, for application and administration, for powers of secretary, for reporting and inspection, for nondiscrimination, for conflict of interest, for reports to General Assembly and for guidelines; providing for the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Program; in Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, providing for general provisions, for Pennsylvania Industrial Development Program and transfer of loans; repealing certain provisions of the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority Act; and making editorial changes.”

The short title of SB 1452 is “ An Act amending the act of October 6, 1998 (P.L.705, No.92), known as the Keystone Opportunity Zone, Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone and Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone Act, providing for keystone opportunity expansion zones for job creation; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.” SB 1452 was referred to the Finance Committee on July 10, 2014.

Without ever using the term “autarchy” Mr. Ventello briefly explained why he favored free-market trade rather than autarchy, insofar as concerns natural gas. He sighted the example of Australia’s decision in 2011 to keep natural resources within its borders rather than to permit their export. “It proved disastrous,” he said. The key to prosperity, he argued, was to ensure natural gas is processed in this country first before export abroad. The value added by processing of natural gas promotes ancillary services and industries, thereby producing wealth and prosperity for America, just as surely as it does with any other product we export.

Mr. Ventello boldly declared that President Putin knows where Susquehanna County is, and he (Putin) is very interested in our gas production, as well as where our gas goes. As a matter of fact a Ukrainian delegation recently visited Susquehanna County to see what is going on in our county with gas production. The delegation made a documentary on what they observed in our county, and how Susquehanna County’s experience can be replicated in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government is vitally interested in exploiting what are believed to be possibly significant shale gas reserves. Such development of gas fields in Ukraine would necessarily lessen the country’s dependence on the goodwill of Putin’s Russia for the natural gas which powers most of Ukraine. Shell Oil, he mentioned, is exploring opportunities for natural gas production in Ukraine.

Mr. Ventello went on to offer that natural gas provided other opportunities that are being explored. Might natural gas be used for processing into unleaded gas? Could the natural gas industry safely dispose of waste water (from fracking) by means of deep ground waste water disposal methods, as is done in Texas? If such a process is feasible it could greatly reduce disposal costs (presumably increasing profit margins).

Finally, Representative Tina Pickett was called forward to make the presentation for Company of the Year. Commissioner Alan Hall had been scheduled to make the presentation, and he had been present and partaken of the breakfast meal. However, he had been recalled to duty at the Courthouse due to the effects of the previous night’s storm. (Apparently the Courthouse had been struck by lightening and Courthouse computer systems were experiencing serious electronics problems. Additionally, serious problems were ongoing in several areas of western Susquehanna County where bridges were out.)

Representative Pickett ably filled Commissioner Hall’s large shoes in presenting Leatherstocking Gas Company with a plaque in recognition of its selection as Company of the Year. Mike German, President and CEO of Corning Natural Gas Corporation, accepted the award and spoke briefly on behalf Leatherstocking. Also sharing the stage with him were Bill Mirabitio, Vice President Mirabito Holdings; Mario Martello, Construction Manager, Corning Natural Gas Corporation; and Russ S. Miller, Vice President Gas Supply & Marketing Corning Natural Gas Corporation.

Leatherstocking Gas Company is a 50/50 partnership between Corning Natural Gas Corporation and Mirabito Holdings, Inc. “LGC‘s mission is to provide low cost, domestically abundant, clean burning natural gas to the citizens of the region via a low-pressure state-regulated natural gas distribution network. Their goal is to provide a local benefit to individuals in the region from the natural resource in the region.” Or, as Mr. German put it more succinctly, “Local gas for local people.” President German provided a review of the LGC’s accomplishments over the last year, including piping of gas in Montrose and Bridgewater, the build-out to New Milford, and continuing work to expand further. Kudos to Leatherstocking for their recognition as Company of the Year.

At 9:05, the meeting was well underway on  the 27th of August 2014, following the usual slow-moving traffic that seems to catch everyone on their way to Montrose. Commissioners Alan Hall and Michael Giangrieco, as well as Treasurer Benedict were all in attendance, while Commissioner MaryAnn Warren was absent. Only a handful of public occupied the room, seemingly less than usual.

The Commissioners were then acknowledging the hiring of Mark Shelp, taking the position of Warden and also of Attorney Jason Beardsley, taking the part-time position of Assistant Public Defender. 

Commissioner Giangrieco then made a motion to purchase a new Belmont D0924-12, 12K Deck Over Trailer with 24 foot deck, after trading in the used Belmont 10k Skid-Steer Trailer.

Next, the lowest bid for windows and doors was accepted from Pella, to replace and install sixty-two windows within the Courthouse and courtrooms and four doors. The cost being $208,998.00 from General Funds and $125,000 in borrowed funds. 

County bridge #38, located in Springville, was also approved for repairs, in a motion made by Commissioner Giangrieco. Act 13 Bridge Money will cover the approximately $18,000.00-$22,000.00 that the project will cost.

A Hobart Convection Oven was then approved for purchase for the County Jail. At $13,452.00.08, the bid went to the bidder with the most complete Prison Package, Valiant Equipment.

KOVA, Corp Maintenance and Service Agreement for the recorder in 911 was also approved for purchase, for the recorder in 911. This would come at a cost of $7,430.36, to be paid for out of General Funds.

With yet another purchase, Commissioner Giangrieco approved the concurrent use license for GIS (Geographic Information Systems) from ESRI, located in Redlands, California, this being the only vendor that offers the specific product. This product will come at a cost of $7,753.00 from General Funds. 

Commissioner Giangrieco then made a motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the 2015-2016 Rights and Services Act, otherwise known as RASA, which is funding to the Victim/Witness Program, which seems to mostly serve as partial salary for the Victim/Witness Coordinator. This would provide $44,566 for the years 2015-2016. This program facilitates guidance through the Court process for victims and witnesses.

Bringing the meeting to end, public comment was opened and the topic of illegal immigrants arose. The Commissioners stated that they personally have not been contacted by anyone yet in regards to the housing of illegal immigrants. They did however receive a note from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) that should the Sheriff's Department intervene, that they would be violating their rights. However, they are preparing to deal with the issue should it arise, where these illegal immigrants are being pushed into federal housing, into the medical program, and the schools. Commissioner Hall stated that this was not something they were in favor of.

Members of the public then agreed to present and provide a resolution regarding the matter, as several other locations in America have already done so, at which time the Commissioners could look it over and possibly approve it. The members of the public who would be presenting the resolution said it could be ready as early as the afternoon of that day.

There was also some brief discussion on how delinquent tax sales worked, before the meeting was adjourned. The next Commissioners meeting will take place on September 10th, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in the meeting room of the Susquehanna County Courthouse.

Crash:  On August 20th at 8:34 pm Stephen Duda of Carbondale was traveling south on SR 2027 at the same time as Pauline Brown of Philadelphia was going north.  Duda's Ford F350 crossed over the double yellow lines at a time when Brown's Volvo was traveling close to these lines.  The truck struck the left front of the Volvo with its left rear.  All involved, including three passengers in Brown's vehicle, were utilizing seat belts and sustained no injury. 

Crash:  On August 23rd at 5:00 pm Dennis Robinson Jr. of Hallstead was cutting doughnuts in the Harford fairgrounds parking lot.  When fair security went to admonish him, he drove around them.  As he was exiting the parking lot, he struck a fence pole, knocking it down.  He was charged in District Court. 

Crash:  On August 21st at 2 am a Chevrolet pickup operated by an unnamed driver was traveling southbound on Sr 267 when it went off the west side of the roadway and struck a tree. It continued west in the property owner's yard and struck a planter.  It then came to a final rest in the yard facing north.  The vehicle sustained minor damage and the operator did not sustain injury as a result of the crash. 

Criminal Mischief:  On August 21st at unknown times, the windshield and dash on a Dodge Ram pickup had damage while located on Carter Road in South Auburn. 

Theft:  On August 18th at approximately 10 pm approximately $120 was taken from the wallet of a Harford man. 

Crash:  On August 19th at 11:36 am David Wyman of Factoryville was traveling west on SR 2073 when he lost control of his vehicles, which exited off the south side of the east bound lane, struck several trees with its left side, and came to an uncontrolled rest area facing north. Harford Fire and EMS responded.  Koslowski towed the vehicle from the scene. 

Theft:  On August 21st between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm a Hallstead man had a black colored gas stove removed from in front of his property without his authorization.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. 

Theft:  Sometime between April 10th and August 12th,  the estate of a Jackson Township man had a Cub Cadet 52 inch cutting deck mower taken.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. 

Simple Assault:  On August 18th at 2:30 pm a simple assault occurred at Lake Road in New Milford in which two men entered into a physical altercation following an argument.  Both of the individuals sustained minor injuries from the altercation.  The two individuals were charged with PA Crimes Code section 2701 (Simple Assault). 

Hit and Run:  On August 18th at 8:43 pm an unknown person was traveling southbound on SR 11 in an unknown vehicle, at the same time as Anthony Mistretta III of Middletown, NJ was stopped in the southbound lane waiting for traffic to clear northbound to turn left.  The unknown driver tried to go around the passenger side of the stopped vehicle and struck its rear passenger side with its front driver side, causing minor damage tot he stopped vehicle.  The unknown driver the continued south on SR 11 and did not stop or give information to the other operator. 

Crash:  On August 13th at 12:42 am Steven Jones of Clifford Township was traveling eastbound on SR 374 when his truck drove off the south side of the roadway and struck a concrete drainage culvert on the side of the roadway.  The truck then continued east on the south shoulder of roadway, approximately 20 feet and came to a rest on the south shoulder of the roadway in the grass facing east.  The operator and passenger went tot he hospital on their own for injuries sustained in the crash; seat belt use was listed as none used/not applicable. 

Crash:  On August 17th at 6:45 pm Morgan Lundy was traveling north on Sr 0167 when he failed to negotiate a right curve in the roadway, causing his vehicle to loose control.  It traveled off the roadway, rolled onto its roof, and struck a utility pole. 

Unlabeled Offense:  Between August 3rd and 16th one or more perpetrator(s) attempted to gain entry into the victim's garage and damaged the victim's mailbox.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP-Gibson at (570) 465-3154. 

Unlabeled Offense:  On August 15th between 9 and 9:30 pm the victim's mailbox was damaged with a blunt object.  The perpetrator(s) were believed to be driving a car with a loud exhaust. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. 

Crash:  On August 16th at 6:18 pm Zachary Smith of Nicholson was traveling eastbound on SR 706 in Bridgewater Township when his Chevrolet C3500 exited the roadway after the driver lost control of the vehicle.  It left the roadway to the north of the travel lanes, as one travels east.  After leaving the roadway, it impact an embankment, impacted a tree, and overturned.  It came to a rest upon its roof partly on the roadway.  The driver was transported to Endless Mountains Health Systems Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  A passenger was uninjured. Seat belt use for both was listed as none used/not applicable.  The vehicle was towed from the scene by JD's Towing. 

Crash:  As of time of report, the police were investigating a two vehicle crash that occurred on SR 171 at the intersection of SR 11 in Great Bend Township.  Both vehicles, driven by Patrick Singer and John Singer respectively, were exiting SR 11 and attempting to merge onto SR 171. Singer's vehicle slowed/stopped for right of way traffic and was struck in the rear by Singer's vehicle.  No injuries were reported; all were utilizing seat belts. Police were assisted at the scene by Great Bend Fire and EMS. 

Crash:  As of the time of report the police were investigating a crash involving a silver Honda Pilot traveling north on SR 167 in Hop Bottom Borough, which veered into an oncoming motorist's path of travel.  As the silver Pilot veered into the southbound lane, Dustin Wren of Smock, PA abruptly swerved to the right to avoid it and lost control.  Smock was not injured; a seat belt was in use. 

Hit and Run:  On August 16th at 12:38 pm an unknown person was traveling west on SR 706 when his vehicle lost control and traveled off the roadway.  It traveled off the north shoulder and struck a mailbox with its front end.  After impact, the vehicle fled the scene west on SR 706.  The vehicle was of unknown make, model, and color. 

Theft of Motor Vehicle:  On August 9th between 2:30 and 7:00 pm the 2005 Subaru Legacy sedan belonging to a Nicholson woman was taken.  The vehicle was subsequently located and recovered at the former Bendix property. 

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

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 4:05 p.m. on August 26, 2014: Jack Akers, Duane M. Aldrich, Brent V. Birtch, John R. Bush, Anthony M. Choplosky, Tina M. Clark, Christopher J. Clark, Christopher D. Cole, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, Jeremy W. Hall, 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, Vincent J. Petriello, Veronica D. Phelps, Eric A. Pike, Roy G. Rink, Anthony L. Smith, Frederick Swingle, III, Tessa E. Thomas, Kurtis Tracy, Kathleen M. Visavati, John H. Walter, Steven G. Warner. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.