Thompson – At the Jefferson Junction, Sunday night, Pat Ferrio became suddenly infuriated at the car in which many of the track hands are quartered and before the fracas ended had attempted to murder the track foreman, Charles Ross and then killed himself. This man was first seen running up and down the tracks and later began shooting up the switch shanty at the Junction in which were several men, including Foreman Ross. One of the shots took effect in his arm but fortunately caused but a slight wound. In the excitement, and Mr. Ross not knowing the extent of his injuries, he fell to the ground and his assailant seemingly believing he had killed the foreman, turned the revolver upon himself. The dead man had relatives in the earthquake zone in Italy and it is believed the calamity had turned his brain.

New Milford – Three sleigh loads of men went from this place last Wednesday night to help organize a men’s Bible class at Harford. Also the following teachers, Prof. T. C. Hinckley, Misses Helen Beebe, Lucia VanCott, Ruth Austin, also director C. S Vail, attended the Teachers’ Association meeting at Susquehanna, Saturday.

Welch Hill, Clifford Twp. – Last Friday night a debate was held at Cambrian Grange. The subject for discussion was “Resolved that it is easier for a young man of no capital to start at present than it was when his father started.” E. A. Reynolds was chosen affirmative and W. E. Bennett negative. The judges were: Merryle Jones, Mr. Gent and Wellington Howell. The judges decided in favor of the affirmative.

Springville – George Halderman, Springville’s progressive lumber dealer, has an auto truck for conveying logs and lumber. ALSO Thomas Loomis has installed hot water and bath in his house. Messerole Bros. did the work.

Lackawanna R. R. – The Lackawanna railroad has found it necessary to erect ten new passenger stations between Hallstead and Clark’s Summit. Hallstead is to have a new station which will be modern in every respect. It will be an elevated station with two entrances.

Alford – “No. 217,” the faithful, old locomotive, which hauled trains on the L. & M. from Alford to Montrose for fifteen years or more, is no more, being “junked” a few days ago. She was a strong machine and always handled her loads well on the hard grades, but her frame was light and frequently had to be sent away for repairs.

Bridgewater Twp. - Scores of Susquehanna Co. friends and admirers will be glad to learn that Chas. E. Bunnell, a former Bridgewater boy, and son of Lyman Bunnell, has been appointed as a federal judge in Alaska. [Charles Bunnell later founded the University of Alaska.]

Hop Bottom – E. L. Yaw, the hustling proprietor of the Foster House, is brightening up the interior of his hostelry by papering and painting, which makes it much more cheerful and inviting for his guests. Yaw spares no pains to give first-class service to the traveling public. Also Friday evening the High School boys will play basketball with the girls, after which there will be a box social for the benefit of the M. E. Sunday school.

Silver Lake – The death of James, the last of the twin sons of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Shea, occurred Jan. 12. He was four months and twenty-four days old. [His twin brother, John, died Dec. 30, 1914.] He is survived by his mother and father and two sisters, Lillian and May.

Montrose – Mrs. Homer Johnson, historian of the D. A. R. Chapter, states that the chapter is soon to erect a suitable memorial under the “Grow elm” on Monument Square. A large boulder from the old [Galusha] Grow homestead, at Glenwood, has been presented by Mrs. Kellogg, a niece of the former speaker of the national House of Representatives, and will be brought to Montrose. The D. A. R. will provide a tablet making known this object of interest, which will be affixed to the boulder. Also Fayette Avery McKenzie, professor of Sociology at Ohio State University, has been elected president of Fiske University at Nashville, Tenn. Dr. McKenzie, a graduate of Lehigh University, with a degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, will assume his new position at the close of the present scholastic year. “Fay”, as we call him, will always belong to Montrose, and we congratulate him upon the honor which has just been conferred upon his manly shoulders.

New Milford – G. C. Howell, formerly of this place, is now employed in the job printing department of the Lestershire [Johnson City] Record office. The Record has one of the finest equipped plants to be found in the smaller towns. Jesse L. Lane, a former Montrose boy, son of ex-Sheriff S. F. Lane, is employed in the same office.

Forest Lake – Miss Mary Quinlivan has gone to Montrose to work as dining room girl at the Tarbell House.

Dimock – The Dolan House, conducted by J. F. Dolan, has been sold to the temperance people of Dimock township for $2650. The hotel is a commodious building, with a good barn and three acres of land, and had been conducted as a licensed hotel for many years, and was granted a license at this term of court. Mr. Dolan will retain possession until April 1, when it is said, Lee Estus, of Dimock, will take charge and conduct a temperance house. This marks the passing of a licensed hotel in Dimock township.

South Auburn – Through the efforts of Frank M. Baldwin, of South Auburn, six petitions are being circulated throughout the south-western corner of Susquehanna county and the northern end of this county asking that a Sproul State dirt road be constructed, starting from Laceyville, thence to Skinner’s Eddy, then over Doolittle Hill to South Auburn, Auburn Center, Auburn Corners, Elk Lake, South Montrose and Montrose. Such a road, as mapped out, runs through some of the finest farm land in this section and if constructed will mean much to the farmers along the route.

Franklin Forks – The G. A. R of this place will give a birthday party in honor of J. J. Stockholm and John McLeod at Alliance hall on January 28. The comrades, their wives, friends and neighbors are all cordially invited. Bring well filled baskets. All come and do honor to the heroes of the past.

Over four years ago, I had the privilege to serve on the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice, which conducted an investigation into the infamous “Kids for Cash” scandal in Luzerne County.  The task of our 11-member Commission was not simply to investigate what occurred, but we were also asked to consider how or why it occurred and directed to make recommendations aimed at curbing future abuse and protecting juveniles.  It was a life-changing experience for me – it hammered home the certainty that power has the ability to corrode and corrupt whatever it touches.

During the course of the hearings that we conducted, I remember one exasperated witness asking the rhetorical question: How do you stop criminal judges?  It was meant to defend the failure of the system to challenge a rouge judge, i.e., what can anyone really do to stop judicial misconduct.  Judge Cleland - the man who so admirably ran our Commission – shot back quickly that you report them.  In other words, you cannot sit silent when you see bad judicial behavior.

After the Commission finished its work, I had the opportunity to speak at some training seminars on the nuts and bolts of reporting judicial misconduct.  The judicial position itself has a certain respect in our society – and it’s both healthy and necessary.  In those trainings, it was clear that a lot of attorneys had the same reservations about reporting a “bad” judge.  It simply is not something that is easily done.  With that having been said, it is also something that likely never occurs in most judicial careers as judges generally serve with distinction, integrity and honor.  Unfortunately, it is the bad judges that make the news – and people tend to view the rare exception as then being the rule.

As I have watched the news over the past several years, I have thought more and more about the Interbranch Commission’s work – and how hard we worked to maintain the integrity and respect that not only the judicial position, but the legal system as a whole, deserves and really requires in a nation built on the rule of law.  It seems that here in the Commonwealth there have been an inordinate amount of bad behavior by judges – and other members in the legal system – over a very short period of time.

We lost two Supreme Court justices for misconduct – one as a result of conviction and the other as a result of pornography.  We had county commissioners in an adjoining county convicted for misusing their office for personal gain.  There was the pornography email scandal in the Attorney General’s Office, and that scandal launched into another one as to whether the Attorney General herself improperly leaked grand jury material to the press.  There have been national grand jury investigations coupled with accusations from prominent leaders that the criminal justice system did not work – and demonstrations throughout the country aimed at attacking the integrity of law enforcement.  This would be to simply name a few things that followed the “Kids for Cash” scandal.

There are people who simply think all politicians or government officials are corrupt – and given the recent activities of a very small minority of those within the legal system, there is very fertile soil for the growth of such claims.  What can we do about it?  I guess we could have a fatalistic attitude like that witness in the Interbranch Commission hearings – a powerless acceptance of things that we cannot control where we learn to live with it.  We should also have the courage to report it – and seek appropriate sanctions and corrective measures.

In the end, however, the most powerful thing that those of us within the legal system can do is lead by example – hold ourselves to a high standard of conduct and meet or exceed that standard every single day.  Most of us in the legal system will likely spend our careers without ever seeing anything even remotely similar to the stories we hear about in the media. That type of corruption and malfeasance is truly the exception – not the rule – but it has a devastating impact on the public perception of the legal system.  We can slowly turn the tide of that perception by our own behavior and conduct – so that each person who encounters the legal system comes to the realization that the rule of law is important and there are many good people who have dedicated their lives to preserving it.

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/.

“Look up at the miracle of the falling snow,—the air a dizzy maze of whirling, eddying flakes, noiselessly transforming the world, the exquisite crystals dropping in ditch and gutter, and disguising in the same suit of spotless livery all objects upon which they fall.” ~John Burroughs, "The Snow-Walkers," 1866

With the snow, ice and frigid temperatures, what could be more satisfying but curling up in your favorite chair with a good book, and perhaps a cup of herbal tea and something to nibble? 2014 gave us many wonderful titles and 2015 promises as many, if not more to enjoy. Make a New Year’s resolution to visit your local Library Branch more often, perhaps making it a weekly family outing. Since we gain a minute every day and the seed catalogs have begun to arrive in the mail, Spring cannot be far behind—but, as we wait for its appearance, robins and all, we are able to follow along on adventures and visit foreign lands, all from our armchairs—no travel required, just your imagination is needed.

“When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels.” ~Author Unknown

“Snowflakes are kisses from heaven.” ~Author Unknown

Despite the frigid temperatures, the Susquehanna Library Branch Reading Group met on January 15th and discussed at length, “ Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker” by Jennifer Chiaverini, the well-known talented Author of the “Elm Creek Quilt Series” and “Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule”, another sweeping historical novel, due out in early March of 2015. “Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker” is a a riveting historical novel about Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, who was born a slave but, being a gifted seamstress, earned her freedom by the skill of her needle and won the friendship of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln by her devotion, designs and kindness. The book highlights the special relationship that the two women shared and how the talented seamstress helped Mrs. Lincoln through such rough passages as her son’s death and the President’s assassination. If you were unable to join in the lively gathering, you can still check out this volume and perhaps, February’s selection, which is “The Astronaut Wives Club: A true story” by Lily Koppel which will be discussed on February 19th, starting at 4:00 pm.

“The snow is sparkling like a million little suns.” ~Lama Willa Miller

“I love snow, snow, and all the forms of radiant frost.” ~Percy Bysshe Shelley

I have some exciting news to share as well. If you are a devoted “Cozy” mystery reader and love Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen series, you’ll be delighted to know that Hannah’s next adventure is due to be released on February 24th, 2015, and is entitled “Double Fudge Brownie Murder”. This is the eighteenth volume in the series and I have it from good sources that it won’t be the last. Oh, I haven’t told you the rest of the exciting part—my Husband Heiti and I are characters in this book and are supposed to be in number 19 as well! I have already been mentioned in two previous volumes, “Red Velvet Cupcake Murder” and “Blackberry Pie Murder”—I am Lisa’s (co-owner of the “Cookie Jar” Café) “Aunt Nancy”, and will be traveling to Lake Eden, where who knows what I’ll get into! The announcement has also been released that Hallmark Movies and Mysteries will launch an original TV Movie Franchise based on the first book in Ms. Fluke’s best selling Hannah Swensen culinary mystery series, entitled “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder”. This movie will star two well-known daytime drama actors, Alison Sweeney and Cameron Madison and is scheduled to be released in the Spring of 2015. Author Fluke’s Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series debuted 15 years ago and many of the 18 titles can be found on the shelves of your local Library Branch. I know you’ll enjoy them. If you would like to view Hallmark’s interview with the Author, please go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSluOOIXUs8

As I curl up with a mystery and a steaming mug of tea on this frigid afternoon, I will leave you with this thought:

“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.” ~Vista M. Kelly

Ice Skates – Toboggan Rides—Hand-Knit Mittens

ENJOY!!

When Sleep Does Not Come Easy

Maryann, 35, comes into the pharmacy for a refill on her sleep medication. She yawns as she hands the prescription to the pharmacist who notices that it has 5 refills on it – that’s a total of 6 months worth of pills. “Do the pills work for you?” asked the pharmacist. “Not as they did before,” replied Maryann. “Sometimes I have to get up in the middle of the night to take a second dose.” The pharmacist responded, “Doing it that way can leave you groggy all day.”

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults, including the elderly, need 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Sleep is essential in all animals. If sleep was not necessary, one would expect to find animal species that do not sleep at all, animals that do not need recovery sleep after staying awake longer than usual, and animals that suffer no serious consequences because of lost sleep.

However, some factors interfere with sleep such as obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and arthritis pain. When insomnia ensues, the brain cannot effectively be restored. Sleeping medications such as are popular treatments for insomnia, and have become a major source of revenue for drug companies. Although these non-benzodiazepine medications are generally believed to be better and safer than earlier generations of sedatives, such as the benzodiazepine sedatives Halcion and Dalmane, they have generated some controversy and discussion regarding side-effects. The best thing is to discontinue sleeping pills ASAP before you become psychologically addicted to them.

To get better sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends that you follow these sleep tips:

Establish consistent sleep and wake schedules, even on weekends.

Create a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath or listening to soothing music – begin an hour or more before the time you expect to fall asleep.

Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.

Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.

Buy a white noise machine which can pleasantly minimize outside noise.

Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex; avoid watching TV, using a computer, or reading in bed.

Finish eating at least 2 to 3 hours before your regular bedtime.

Avoid caffeine, cola, chocolate and alcohol products close to bedtime.

Take a short afternoon nap to recharge. But, napping too long means having trouble sleeping that night.

The pharmacist explained this to Maryann who conceded that she had some work to do to improve her sleep architecture. Within a few months the pharmacist noted that Maryann was not getting her sleeping pill refilled every month. The next time she saw the pharmacist, she said that she never felt better. She especially likes her new white noise machine which gradually lolls her to sleep to the sound of waves crashing on the beach.

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