HARRISBURG – Two bills protecting natural gas leaseholders across the state were unanimously approved by the full state Senate, according to Senator Gene Yaw (R-23).

Yaw, who sponsored both legislative measures, said Senate approval of the bills was a clear sign that fair and proper treatment of landowners leased with natural gas drilling companies must remain paramount.

“These bills will give landowners more weapons to use in their arguments with the gas drilling companies that pay their royalties,” Yaw said.  “We’ve tried to provide them with the tools that they can use to determine the accuracy their royalty reports.”

As approved, Senate Bill 147 would allow a royalty interest owner the opportunity to inspect records of a gas company to verify proper payment.  In addition, the legislation requires that proceeds from production of oil and gas shall be paid within 90 days of production to ensure monthly royalty payments, unless otherwise stated in the lease.

Further, Senate Bill 148 would prohibit a gas company from retaliating against a royalty interest owner by terminating the lease agreement or ceasing development because a landowner questions the accuracy of the royalty payments.

Both bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

For more information, visit Sen. Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com, on Facebook www.facebook.com/gene.yaw.3, or on Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.

The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is accepting applications for up to $750,000 in competitive grants for programs providing treatment of Pennsylvania veterans for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse, according to Senator Randy Vulakovich, Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee.

Veterans’ service organizations and statewide charitable organizations that serve veterans are eligible to apply for the funding. More information and the application are available on the DMVA website (www.dmva.state.pa.us), then clicking on the “Veterans Affairs” tab, and then on the “PTSD Grant Funding Opportunity” tab.

Applications must be received by 3 p.m., Friday, February 13, 2015. 

HARRISBURG – Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) will be holding her regular monthly satellite office hours on Thursday, Feb. 12, between 10 a.m. and noon, at the Preston Township Building on Crosstown Highway (Route 370) in Lakewood.

“Although I now have a new district office in Wayne County located in Honesdale, I will continue to hold these office hours in Lakewood in order to provide more convenient access for those in the northern portion of the district,” said Major. “Please feel free to stop by for assistance with any state-government-related issues. We are here to help.”

The satellite office provides the following services: Driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals.; Assistance with PennDOT paperwork (lost cards, changes, corrections, special registration plates, vanity plates and temporary placards for disabled persons); PACE and PACENET applications for seniors; Voter registration forms; State tax forms; Student aid applications; Free state maps, state park information and PA Vacation Guides; Referrals to agencies to resolve state-related matters.

Residents in Wayne County who are unable to stop by the satellite office are encouraged to contact Major’s district offices in Montrose at 16501 S.R. 706, Suite 2, phone (570) 278-3374 or toll free at 1-800-418-5048; or in Honesdale at 32 Commercial St., Suite 300, phone (570) 253-5533. Major can also be contacted via her website at RepMajor.com, email at SMajor@pahousegop.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/RepMajor.

TOWANDA – Staff from Rep. Tina Pickett’s (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) legislative office will be in Sullivan and Susquehanna counties on alternating Wednesdays in February and will continue to offer special assistance for veterans at her Sayre office.

“As tax season gets underway, residents can stop by these satellite office hours to pick up state tax forms, along with applications for the 2014 program year for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program when they become available in a few weeks,” Pickett said.

Pickett’s staff will be at the Heft’s Buy & Sell (formerly Flynn’s Consignment Shop), which is located along State Route 706 in Lawton, on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, Feb. 11 and Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Likewise, Pickett noted the Sullivan County office hours will be held on the first and third Wednesdays, Feb. 4 and Feb. 18, at the commissioners’ office in the courthouse from 10 a.m. until noon.

To help veterans in the northern area of Bradford County, Pickett’s Sayre district office will host free veterans assistance hours provided by the American Legion Service Officer Outreach Program on the third Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The date for this month will be Feb. 19.

“Any veteran or family member is encouraged to make an appointment to see how we can help the veteran or loved one better access services through any level of government,” Pickett added. “Sometimes services are available – especially for job training and education -- but veterans just don’t realize that type of assistance is out there.”

As part of the outreach, Gina Svoboda, a department service officer with the American Legion, can help with compensation, pension, death benefits, education and health care, as well as any issues pertaining to benefits for veterans. Veterans do not need to be a member of the American Legion to receive these services. Appointments can be made by calling Pickett’s Sayre office at (570) 888-9011.

Pickett’s full-time offices are located at 321 Main St., Towanda, phone (570) 265-3124 and 106 West Packer Ave., Sayre, phone (570) 888-9011. More information is available 24 hours a day on Pickett’s website at www.RepPickett.com  or on her Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/RepPickett. Residents can also sign up via her website to receive a weekly email about local and state activities.

Miscellaneous Investigation: On 12/01/14 a N.Y. State resident reported possibly seeing a vehicle that was involved in a hit and run in N.Y. State. The caller stated that the vehicle in question was located on Hawleyton Turnpike Road. Upon arrival by police the investigation showed that the vehicle in question was not involved in the hit and run case. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Harassment: On 12/15/14 a resident located on the Brackney Hill Road reported being harassed by his ex-girlfriend. The resident stated that he is being followed around by his ex-girlfriend. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer. This case is still active.

Motor Vehicle Accident: On 12/18/14 Silver Lake Township Police responded to a motor vehicle accident located on State Route 167. A vehicle was travelling North on State Route 167 when the driver hit a patch of ice and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled over before coming to rest in a ditch. Two people were transported to the hospital. Officer Levi Tiffany was the responding officer. This case is still active.  

Criminal Trespass: On 12/19/14 .A resident located on Sweeney Road reported hunters trespassing on his property. The resident believed he knew who the actor/s might be. The possible actor/s were contacted by police and the incident is presently resolved. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer. The case is still active.

Traffic Control: On 12/29/14 Silver Lake Township Police responded to a truck tractor trailer that was stuck in the roadway on the Quaker Lake Road. The driver had made a wrong turn into a driveway trying to make a delivery. The driver had called Wilcox Towing to pull his vehicle back out onto the roadway. After about one hour the driver was able to go on his way.   Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Animal Complaint: On 12/30/14 Silver Lake Township Police responded to a report of a deer that was hit by a vehicle on State Route 167. Upon arrival by police the deer had to be dispatched. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Silver Lake Township Police assisted the Silver Lake Township Ambulance a few times during the month.

Any information or questions for Silver Lake Township Police, please call 570-278-6818 or email us at silverlaketwppd@epix.net, all information will be held strictly confidential. You can look at the Silver Lake Township Website at www.silverlaketwp.org, to see all Silver Lake Townships' news, profiles, and resources, including the police reports.

Following are Susquehanna County sentencing decisions made by Judge Kenneth Seamans on January 22, 2015.

Gary Edward Snow, 47, of Montrose, PA to 90 days to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, receive a CRN evaluation, pay $1,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $300 PennDot fee, pay $300 Act 198 fee, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, complete a safe driving school program, receive drug and alcohol treatment counseling for Driving Under the Influence in Montrose Borough on January 31, 2014.

Sylas Woods, 21, of Brick, NJ to 6 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 5 years probation, not to have contact with the victim in the case, receive a sexual offenders evaluation and treatment, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess firearms or other weapons for Statutory Sexual Assault on November 1, 2012 in Montrose Borough.  Mr. Woods also received 12 months probation, pay $1,000 fine, and pay cost of prosecution for Selling or Furnishing Liquor or Malt or Brewed Beverages to Minors in Montrose Borough on August 1, 2013.

John Joseph Deakin, 37, of Montrose, PA to 18 months to 10 years in a state correctional facility, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $50 Criminal justice Enhancement Act fee for Manufacture, Delivery or Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver in New Milford Borough on August 14, 2013.  Mr. Deakin also received 1 year to 7 years in a state correctional facility, pay restitution to the victim, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Receiving Stolen Property in Great Bend Borough on September 24, 2013.

Raebecca J Curry, 30, of Binghamton, NY to 30 days to 1 year in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Montrose Borough on May 19, 2013.  Ms. Curry also received 5 years probation, to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Ac fee, continue with drug and alcohol counseling, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, pay restitution to the victim in the case for Criminal Conspiracy/Receiving Stolen Property in Bridgewater Township on April 8, 2014.

James Herbert Sutton, 59, of Montrose, PA to 18 months to 36 months in a state correctional facility, followed by 5 years probation, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess firearms, not to have contact with the victim in the case, receive a sexual offenders evaluation and treatment for Incest in Harford Township on August 20, 2014.

Dino Scott Grindle, 46, of Montrose, PA to 10 years probation, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to possess firearms or other weapons, maintain employment, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Possession of Firearm Prohibited in Lenox Township on September 18, 2014.

John Charles Clapper, Jr, 47, of Montrose, PA to 5 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, receive a CRN evaluation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $150 Penndot fee, pay $10 EMS, complete safe driving school, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Driving Under the Influence in Bridgewater Township on June 6, 2014.

Paul Paci, 22, of Montrose, PA to 12 years to 30 years in a state correctional facility, pay $2,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution for Third Degree Murder in Jessup Township on July 2, 2014.

Ronald E Raffensberger III, 24, of Hallstead, PA to 23 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess weapons, not to possess firearms, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to have contact with the victims in the case for Simple Assault in Great Bend Township on April 24, 2014.

Michael Scott Kovacs, 23, of Clifford, PA to 6 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 4 years probation, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive sexual offender treatment, not to possess a computer or pornography, subject to Megan’s Law for Sexual Abuse of Children in Clifford Township on April 23, 2013.

DEEDS

John W. Gaudenzi Jr. & Cheryl R. Gaudenzi to Peter A. Sabia Jr., Lisa M. Calciano, Dean Sposto, Kevin Sposto & Greg Brotzam, in Uniondale Borough for $1,800.00.

John P. Spila to Rita J. Carr Spila, in Rush Township for $1.00.

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to Timothy James & Lea Deaydre Paulliam, in Harmony Township for $26,900.00.

Bank of America to Anthony C. LaTrella, in Oakland Borough for $5,000.00.

Wayne A. Taylor to Wayne Aldon Taylor (TRUST), in Lenox Township for $1.00.

Wayne A. Taylor to Wayne Aldon Taylor (TRUST), in Lenox Township for $1.00.

JoAnne Henk (AKA) JoAnne A. Henk to JoAnne Henk, in Jackson Township for $1.00.

Joshua A. & Cambria G. Ely to DIZA Oil LLC, in Bridgewater Township for $200,000.00.

Harold L. & Joan M. Brobst to Jason E. & Nora Wait, in Forest Lake Township for $55,000.00.

PENNSTAR BANK to TREHABE ASSOCIATES INC. in Susquehanna for $1.00.

George Stephens & Rebecca D. Jesse to Randy & Joni Estabrook, in New Milford Township for $159,000.0.

Hilda R. Williams (ESTATE) to Jenny Payne, in Harford Township for $15,000.00.

Samuel J. Reed to Samuel J. Reed, Philomena Cottrell-Reed (AKA) Philomela Cottrell Reed, in Franklin Township for $1.00.

Marie Hornbeck (NBA), Marie Gillette Speicher & Charles Speicher, in Clifford Township for $1.00.

Mark G. & Rhonda S. Holbrook to Matthew & April Holbrook, in New Milford Township for $1.00.

Philip A Gullone & Brian Nee to Philip A.Gullone & Brian Nee, in Harford Township for $1.00.

Isabell A. Powell & Edward James Powell Jr. to Eugene Giordano, in Lenox Township for $45,000.00.

Thomas Huf (ESTATE) & Elaine C. Huf (ESTATE) to Kenneth Rivenburg Jr., in Harford Township for $350,000.00.

Donald M. Shilling (AKA) Donald M. Shilling Sr. to Donald M. Shilling, in Clifford Township for $1.00.

Fritz Loewenstein (ESTATE), Nina Loewenstein & Robert Seth Green to Nina, David & James Loewenstein, in Silver Lake Township for $1.00.