“There’s a terrible cost for freedom.” Those words, spoken by Pastor Lauren Wynn, summarized the heartfelt appreciation of participants and onlookers at the May 25th Memorial Day observance held at the I-81S Great Bend Welcome Center.

While this annual memoriam is honoring of all our nation’s war dead, it has special significance for those who knew and specifically honor the eight local men (from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, Pennsylvania 109th) who gave their last full measure of devotion nearly a decade ago during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Individual stone markers commemorate the names of the eight: SPC Lee Wiegand, Hallstead; SGT Eric W. Slobodnik, Greenfield Twp, Lackawanna County; SFC George A. Pugliesa, Carbondale, Lackawanna County; Ryan G. Ostram, Liberty Twp; SPC William L. Evans, Hallstead; SPC Oliver J. Brown, Athens, Bradford County; SCT Andrew W. Brown, Pleasant Mount, Wayne County; and SSG Daniel L. Arnold, Montrose.

Bruce Paskoff opened the ceremony by leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Wynn followed with a short oration as to why “It is fitting we honor them,” followed with a recitation of the poem, “Little Boy,” and concluded with a short history of Memorial Day’s first observance shortly after the Civil War.

Commissioners Alan Hall and MaryAnn Warren each delivered addresses honoring our military members who died in “service to a cause bigger than themselves.” Commissioner Hall noted his own father’s service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, as well as the service of those who throughout history have answered our nation’s call to arms. “Nothing can replace the hole left for the serviceman who has fallen,” Commissioner Hall reverently avowed. “Duty, honor, country” epitomize those who have fallen in combat to preserve our freedoms.

Commissioner MaryAnn Warren likewise paid tribute to the fallen eight. She shared that she had attended funeral services for each of these eight men, and their remembrance on this (and every previous Memorial Day) held particular significance to her. She recalled the words of President Lincoln, “with malice toward none . . .” in his second inaugural speech of March 4, 1865, and asked everyone to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. For those unfamiliar with the National Moment of Remembrance, the 3 p.m. observance does not replace traditional Memorial Day ceremonies, but supplements it as an act of national unity to honor those who died in service to our nation.

To increase community participation in Memorial Day remembrances, Commissioner Warren urged individuals to fly the flag and march in parades; Commissioner Hall urged each person to bring two additional people to this ceremony next year. Commissioners Warren and Hall concluded the observance with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony.

Responsible for organizing the event and arranging speakers were Veterans Al Aronowitz and Director of Veterans Affairs for Susquehanna County, Matthew Fischer.

The Blue Ridge School Board workshop on May 26th was relatively brief, barely 40 minutes long, but welcomed new Business Manager Brian Dolan to the table for the first time, and nourished participants with a delicious pepper-beef soup.

The highlight, however, was a report by Alan Wilmarth, who leads the 6th-grade excursion to Washington each Spring under the sponsorship of Creative Adventures For Education (C.A.F.E.), a local community organization.  Mr. Wilmarth said that this time the group was large enough to fill 4 buses, the largest he could remember.

He said that the visit to the capital usually begins with a walking tour, to help the students walk off some extra energy.  This time, however, their appointment to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery was first on the itinerary.  He was very proud when one of the guards remarked how well-behaved the group was during their solemn visit.  He attributed some of the solemnity to the veterans who accompanied the students to give them a deeper awareness of the meaning of what they were to see.

In fact, Mr. Wilmarth reported “not a single behavioral problem” during the trip.  He thanked the Board for its continued support, the District’s faculty for preparing the students, and the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion for their support as well.  The dates have not yet been finally set for next year’s trip, but Mr. Wilmarth said it would probably be the last week in April.

With a few members absent following the long holiday weekend, there wasn’t much more on the Board’s plate for the evening.  President Laurie Brown-Bonner said the business agenda next week would include consideration of the school handbooks that were examined last month for issues related to dress codes and use of electronic devices.

Shane Rumage, speaking for his Technology Committee, said that they are waiting for a decision on ERATE funding.  If the funding is available in advance, the District can go ahead with a project to upgrade network cabling throughout the schools this summer.

Middle/High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski reported that some students have been able to acquire safety certification through an on-line course sponsored by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Ms. Brown-Bonner is still optimistic about her Fundraising Committee, which has received “a lot of applicants” for its scholarships this year.  The Committee had no major events this year, having cancelled the continuation of the golf tournament.  Yet Ms. Brown-Bonner still hopes to form a Blue Ridge alumni association to continue funding the scholarships.  Interim Superintendent Matthew Button selected two tickets from a bowl offered by Ms. Brown-Bonner, winners of the Committee’s raffle.  Becky Upright won the bookcase built by a student.  Jaylyn Thatcher won a round of golf at the Conklin Players Club; being only 4 years old, one hopes the pass has no expiration date.

Ms. Brown-Bonner reported under Personnel, “a lot going on,” without being more specific.  She did announce an executive session on personnel issues to follow the workshop.  The Board and the District’s teachers are trading contract proposals and expect another meeting on June 22.  The teachers have been working under the old contract that should have expired last year about this time.

The Blue Ridge School Board will meet for a business session on Monday, June 8 beginning at 7:00pm in the Elementary School cafeteria.  Don’t expect soup.

The May 20th meeting of the New Milford Township supervisors was even shorter than normal. From start to bill pay and meeting adjournment, the meeting lasted roughly eight minutes.

The supervisors had received notification that Diaz Supplies Quarry Operation was granted a NPDES-small non-coal mining permit.

The supervisors were planning to make a donation to the local Special Olympics, it was stated.

A reporter asked how voting had gone the first time in the new building. The supervisors related that they had received positive feedback form the public on the space.

The Emergency Management Coordinator related that the supervisors were required under new PEMA requirements to take two emergency management classes from FEMA online. All supervisors would have to have both of these classes so they had an introductory understanding of incident management.

Susquehanna Community School Directors assembled for their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 13. Hat tip to Board Secretary, Evelyn A. Cottrell, for preparation of unofficial meeting minutes and the District’s release of those minutes to “The Transcript”--making possible this report to you, our readers.

Board members present for the meeting were Steven Stanford, Lori Canfield, Jason Chamberlain, Amanda Cook, Evelyn Cottrell, Carol Jackson, Holly Kubus, and Martha Stanford.

The taxpayer highlight of the evening’s meeting arrived early with unanimous passage of the tentative District Budget of $13,972.963 for the 2015/16 school year. Included in the motion’s passage was a 2.8% tax rise. District millage for Susquehanna County will see a rise from 45.78 to 47.09; millage for Wayne County (Starrucca Borough) will rise from 13.39 to 13.69 for the 2015/2016 school year. Notes from the Board’s work session indicated that the State’s Budget may not be ready for the start of the new fiscal year (beginning July 1). The board is, naturally, prepared for just such a possibility.

Board members also planned for the possibility of another hard winter. With winter a recent memory etched in everyone’s mind the Board gave unanimous approval for an NEIU fuel bid from Santarelli & Sons at a cost of $2.059/gallon with a delivery fee of .0445/gal. Approvals were also granted for George Ely Associates, Inc., to buy a “Rocky Hideout” playground set at a cost of $13,352, and for Northeast Data to provide a 10 gigabyte fiber optic network upgrade in the amount of $33,238.42. Northeast Data was the only company to bid on the project, but its bid was in the range anticipated by the District.

Three District policies received Board attention at the May meeting. The Board approved a revision to the Dress and Grooming Policy (No. 221) prohibiting “jeggins” and other forms of form-fitting spandex/cotton pants. “Use of Personal Technology Devices” Policy (No. 237) has been updated to allow for a pilot BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program in the high school next school year. Also, by unanimous vote the Board affirmed review of the District’s Bullying/Cyber-bullying Policy (No. 249).

In assorted leadership decisions the Board voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Douglas Arthur as Oakland Borough Deputy Tax Collector; to appoint Attorney Joseph Gaughan as the District Solicitor for the 2015/16 school year; and to elect Martha Stanford as Board Treasurer for the 2015/16 school year.

Students in grades 7 through 12 will find a new activity open to them next school year: archery. By unanimous vote the Board approved creation of an after-school Archery Club for high school students, to run approximately 14 weeks during the 2015/16 school year. By separate vote the Board also approved of a non-instructional archery club advisor position for next year, with the incumbent to be remunerated with a $600 salary.

The Board took financial positions on several other matters. By separate votes, the Board agreed to NOT fill the current vacancy posting for a high school reading specialist due to an internal transfer; approved a resolution for Business Manager Gary Kiernan to transact business with Mass Mutual on behalf of the District; and approved a Cost Containment Health Care incentive for the 2015/16 school year for retirees currently receiving Traditional Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

According to Superintendent Bronson Stone, “For Traditional BC/BS the costs are to the school district per plan (some old retirees had H&W plans). Retirees pay $100/month, but the plan costs have skyrocketed for that plan because there are only 10 plans. All retirees since the beginning of this contract received the PPO plan. The savings of $40K would be if we could get the Traditional Plan holders to convert to the PPO. We would save $40K of next year’s plan increase.” Rate increases of 87% motivate the District to offer this incentive program: Single plans are projected to increase from $5,981 to $11,234; H&W plans increase from $15,684 to $29,460. Those figures speak for themselves, no?

During the course of the meeting, the Board also approved the 2015/16 Title I Parent Involvement Policy and the Special Education Plan final draft for the 2015/16 school year.

At 7:40 p.m. May’s meeting was a wrap. Next meeting is scheduled for the third Wednesday in June.

EDITORS NOTE: These reports are taken directly from the Gibson State Police Barracks Blotter. Anyone having an issue with how they are worded is advised to visit the Barracks and inspect same before complaining about contents.

Burglary: Between July 30th and November 1st the detached garage of a seasonal entrance was unlawfully entered, and a 19974 Ducati 750cc motorcycle stolen from within. The motorcycle had an estimated value of $3,500. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

Crash: On May 29th at 4:37 Caleb Tunilo Waymart, PA was traveling northbound on SR3001 when it came up over the crest of the hill, exited off the west side of the roadway, and struck a utility pole on the west side of the roadway with the passenger side. The vehicle then continued south on the west shoulder of the roadway and then shot across the roadway and rolled to a final rest on the east side of the roadway facing southeast. The vehicle sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene, and neither the operator nor the passenger were injured in the crash. Both were utilizing seat belts.

Access Device Fraud: Between May 12th and 28th an access device fraud occurred in which unknown person(s) fraudulently obtained the victims' bank account information and created a fake card. The perpetrator(s) used the fake card to make several charges. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Drug Possession: On May 18th at 1:09 am troopers conducted a traffic stop on a Syracuse man for speeding. During the course of the traffic stop indicators of criminal activity were observed. During a consent search, the accused was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana. Charges were filed in District Court.

Drug Possession: On May 18th at 8:01 pm a traffic stop was conducted on a Hall stead man in Bridgewater Township for an expired inspection. During the course of the traffic stop, drug paraphernalia was observed. The accused was charged with drug possession/paraphernalia Charges were filed in District Court.

Crash: On May 13th at 12:53 am a juvenile Nicholson male was traveling eastbound on SR 3004 in the area of Carl Teel Road in Springville Township, going over the crest of a hill. As the vehicle came over the crest of the hill and started downhill, it exited off the south side of the roadway and struck the embankment. It went up onto the embankment and rolled over onto its roof, coming to a final rest in the eastbound lane facing northwest. The vehicle sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene. The driver was not injured in the crash; seat belt use was listed as none used/not applicable.

Theft from a Motor Vehicle: Between May 26th and 27th, a woman had her wallet stolen from her purse on Sr 11 in Great Bend. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

Burglary: On April 14th at 10:10 am a New Milford man reported that his garage was broken into over the last few weeks. The burglar(s) got away with a number of hand tools. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police please.

Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicles: Charges were filed on a Montrose man, following his involvement in taking his mother's vehicle without her permission. The incident was awaiting future proceedings at the magisterial level, as of the time of report.

DUI: On May 25th at 12:35 am a young New Milford woman was stopped for traffic and equipment violations in Hall stead borough. Upon investigation it was discovered that the accused was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The accused was transported to PSP Gibson where she submitted to a chemical test of her breath. The accused was found to be under the influence of alcohol. Charges were pending as of the time of report.

DUI-Drug: On May 24th at 8:15 pm a 20 year old Montrose man was arrested for DUI-Drug related (heroin) following a traffic stop on SR 29 in Bridgewater Township. Charges were pending blood results as of the time of report.

Act 64: On May 23rd at 9:06 pm a 20 year old Scott Township man was stopped for multiple traffic violations. Upon investigation it was discovered that the accused had a small amount of suspected marijuana and a small amount of prescription medication in his possession. Charges were pending as of the time of report.

DUI: On May 24th at 8:20 pm an unnamed Scranton resident was stopped on Sr 670 and SR 170 in Pleasant mount Township, Wayne County for failing to stop at a posted stop sign. Upon approach to the vehicle the trooper detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating form within the vehicle. The suspect attempted field sobriety tests and displayed signs of intoxication on all tests. The driver was then arrested for suspicion of DUI.

DUI: On May 24th at 12:47 pm an unnamed Wilmington, DE driver in a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro was stopped for a traffic violation on East Lake Road in New Milford Township. Upon approach to the vehicle the trooper immediately detected the odor of marijuana emanating from within it. The officer interviewed the driver, who related he was recently smoking marijuana and was subsequently arrested for suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs. A consent search of the vehicle yielded narcotics. Two passengers were arrested, one for possession of marijuana and both for open containers of alcohol in vehicle. Charges were filed in District Court- 34-3-02.

Criminal Mischief: Between the 15th and 22nd of May, at 1:30 pm the hood of a man's vehicle was damaged with an unknown object by perpetrator(s) listed in the report as “under investigation”. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Simple Assault: On May 11th at 6:37 pm a man came to a Friendsville residence, Choconut Township, where a 28 year old woman was staying, went to the rear door, and saw her through the door. The door was locked and the man used his shoulder to open it, striking it three times. Once the door was open, the woman yelled at the accused to leave several times. Initially he didn't, but eventually he did. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

Assault-Harassment: On May 22nd a Hall stead man slapped a one year old baby on the back of her head, and then pushed a New Milford woman ash she was holding the baby. The woman then fell. The accused faces charges in District Court 34-3-02 for Assault-Harassment.

Theft from Motor Vehicle: Between May 7th and 18th, a Ruger P90 .45 ACP with Serial Number 66017832 was stolen from a vheicle on Hart Road in Jessup Township. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft from Motor Vehicle: On May 21st at 3:15 pm a Moss berg 12 gauge shotgun and a pair of Leupold binoculars were stolen from the parked 2011 Chevrolet Silverado truck of a Union Dale man while it was parked in the driveway of the man's workshop. The shotgun was valued at $450. The binoculars were valued at $550. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Reckless Endangering: On May 19th at 7:10 am a Montrose man drvobe by his parents' house in Kingsley and shot 5 rounds from a firearm out of his moving vehicle. No rounds struck anyone or the house. The accused was taken into custody and is lodged at the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility.

Drug Possession: On May 15th at 10 am state police were called to a Dimock residence for a complaint of an argument. During the investigation, a man was arrested for possession of a small amount of suspected methamphetamine, and Zanax for which he did not have a doctor's prescription.

Crash: On May 19th at 5:15 pm an unnamed person was traveling eastbound on Sr 2030 in Clifford Township when she began coughing and lost control of her vehicle, going off the right side of the roadway. The vehicle struck and damaged several wood fence posts along the edge of the Panorama golf course.

Criminal Mischief: On May 19th at 6:30 am unknown perpetrator(s) struck the driver's side mirror on a Honda Element belonging to a Montrose man. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

Commercial Vehicle Crash: On May 19th at 4:27 am Jean Brouard of Johnson City was traveling north on I-81 in New Milford Borough when his vehicle crossed into the left land and was struck by a vehicle driven by Carl Carter of Deptford, NJ. Upon contact, Brouard's vehicle crossed the center grass median and both southbound lanes prior to striking the guide rail, proceeding over the guide rail, striking a tree, and traveling down an embankment. The vehicle sustained disabling damage as a result of the crash and was towed from the scene by Marv's Towing. The driver was wearing his seat bent and sustained a wrist injury. He was transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment via Montrose Ambulance. Carter's vehicle sustained minor front end damage as a result of the crash. He sustained no injury; he was wearing a seat belt as well. Police were assisted on scene by Montrose Ambulance, Hartford Volunteer Fire, New Milford Fire, and Marv's Towing.

Criminal Mischief: Between May 15th and 16th unknown perpetrator(s) cut the driver belt and damaged the alternator mount on a pump belonging to Red Oak Sand and Gravel, while it was located on Sr 171 I n Oakland. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

CSDDCA: On May 18th at 3:08 pm a 29 year old Kingsley man was found to be in possession of marijuana after being stopped for a traffic violation on Rt. 11 in New Milford Township.

Crash: On May 12th at 12:55 am an unnamed man was traveling east on James Street in New Milford township when he sweved to miss a deer in the roadway and lost control on the gravel road surface. The man's vehicle exited off the north side of the roadway and became stuck in a ditch. At the scene the trooper observed minor driver's side damage. On May 13th at approximately 1:30 am the officer spoke to the driver, who related that he swerved to miss a deer that ran form the right side of the roadway, and that when he swerved the rear tires of the vehicle lost traction and the ceilidh spun around and went off the road into the ditch.

Criminal Mischief: On May 16th a Scranton man admitted to cutting the pad lock off a shed belonging to a Nicholson woman, in Harford Township. The accused was cited for criminal mischief.

Theft-Motor Vehicle: On May 12th at 3:30 am unknown perpetrator(s) stole a Susquehanna man's motorcycle from the front porch of his Great Bend Township residence. The motorcycle was then pushed approximately .2 miles west on Brant Crossing Road, and the ignition was damaged with an unknown object. The motorcycle was then left in the grass just off the north shoulder of that road, while the perpetrator(s) fled in an unknown direction. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Burglary: On May 17th at 4 am Victor Brown Jr. of Laceyville entered the residence of a Laceyvillwoman, removed two sets of keys from within, and was later apprehended on her property after a brief foot pursuit. Burglary and related charges were filed in District Court.

DUI: On May 16th at 2:47 am a Montrose woman was pulled over for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop it was determined that she was under the influence of alcohol, and she was subsequently placed under arrest. Charges were filed in District Court.

Criminal Mischief: Between May 14th and 15gh unknown perpetrator(s) tried to put an unknown white substance (sugar) into the fuel tanks of vehicles belonging to a Friendsville man: a 2009 Jeep Patriot and a 2002 Jeep Wrangler. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Fatal Fire: On May 14th at 4:57 am a fire was reported at a mobile home in Apolocan Township. The home was completely destroyed by the fire and a body was found in the remains of the structure. The person had not been positively identified as of the time of report. An autopsy was scheduled and the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

Scattering Rubbish: On May 12th at 11:03 am a Windsor man is accused of dumping a mattress at a property on Chase Avenue in Hall stead Borough. Charges were filed in District Court 34-3-02. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft: Sometime between February 1st and May 12th a large propane tank was stolen from the front yard of a Hall stead PA location. The tank was left in the yard unsecured; the residence was vacant. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft: Between May 13th and 14th a Hop Bottom woman had diesel fuel stolen from a tank next to her garage. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Criminal Mischief: On May 13th unknown perpetrator(s) used an unknown explosive to cause damage to the Rent A John of a Pleasant Mountain man in Union Dale. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police at 570-465-3154.

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

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 10:15 a.m. on May 29, 2015 Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals: Duane M. Aldrich, Michael J. Burger, Brian N. Carter, Anthony M. Choplosky, Tina M. Clark, Ronald S. Cook, James Donahue III, Benjamin D. Fassett, David J. Fischer, Justin T. Giberson, Charles R. Groover, Jeremy W. Hall, Jeremy Halstead, Todd J. Layton, Joshua S. Lee, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick Lezinsky, Lawrence M. McGuire, Matthew J. Peters, Veronica D. Phelps, Bruce C. Runion, Desiree L. Shifler, Courtney M. Sterling, Tessa E. Thomas, Kurtis Tracy, Steven G. Warner, Bradley D. Warner, Sr., Kyle D. Wilbur, Jamie L. Williams, Sr.

In last week’s County Transcript, we ran an article regarding a reunion of the Susky High School Class of 1955.

Even though the school was (then) referred to as Laurel Hill Academy, it was later (circa 1955) called Susky High, once (then) Susquehanna High School was built.

No surprise for Tom Charles--he’s the winner of the Democratic Party’s May 19 Primary Election for the office of Register, Recorder and Clerk of the Courts. Mr. Charles will face off against Michelle Estabrook, Republican Party nominee, in the November Municipal Election.

The Transcript erroneously reported in a story last week that there was no candidate running on the Democratic ballot and that several Republican candidates were vying for nomination by write-in vote. In fact, Mr. Charles received 1351 votes, and only 261 votes were counted for write-in candidates. The Transcript apologizes for any inconvenience caused by its error in reporting.