The Harford Township Supervisors called a special meeting on the evening of the summer solstice (Monday, June 22nd) to discuss the purchase of a new backhoe, among other things. They did more than discuss it: with Stephen Simko of Cleveland Brothers Equipment they signed papers for a cash purchase totaling $86,134 for a new 2015 Caterpillar 420F. The money will come from “impact fee” distributions related to natural gas operations.
The package price is net of a trade-in allowance on the old backhoe of $26,500, and another $8,000 for the township’s Gradeall machine. The vendor will also eat some $8,000 in repairs on the old backhoe. The new machine is said to be more powerful and slightly larger than the old Cat.
Supervisor Conrad Owens abstained on the final vote for the purchase; he didn’t vote against it, saying that he was willing to go along with the backhoe purchase. He was just reluctant to trade away the Gradall. When the Gradall was purchased for some $12,000 about 2 years ago it didn’t come with any paperwork. It took many months to get a clear title to it. Mr. Owens did much of the work to get the paperwork straightened out, and, although he admitted it was a small and unpopular model, and the township probably paid too much for it as used equipment, he still thought the township could get some use out of it. (It hasn’t been used at all since the township purchased it.) Nevertheless, while he didn’t sign the contract with his colleagues, he said he would sign the check to pay for the new machine.
While they were at it, the Supervisors took up some other pending business.
They signed some paperwork accepting a grant of some $90,000 for renovation of Deer Trail Road. The entire project was costed out at almost $116,000; the township will pony up almost $26,000 to complete the work with pipe and some labor.
The Supervisors also granted some driveway and road-crossing permits to Western Land Services in connection with the wellpad on Blanding Lake Road.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at the township office on Route 547.
At the General Membership Meeting of the Susquehanna County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR), Ellen Holdredge was presented a Certificate of Commendation awarded by the State Board of Directors for PASR. This commendation is provided because of Ellens’ excellent service during her career and in retirement for the association, her church and her community. This recognition is only the fifth to be awarded to a Susquehanna County member since the establishment of the chapter in 1966.
Ellen Holdredge and Bob McNamara Chapter President
The spring meeting was held at the Susquehanna County Historical Society and County Free Library Association Building on Monument Square in Montrose, PA. Prior to the presentation of the Commendation, Susan Stone, Administrator/Librarian provided an interesting and informative program about the Susquehanna County Library. She gave a brief history of the library and all members were able to tour the facility and learn about the activities and programs available.
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.
Hit and Run: On June 26th at midnight, a Clifford Township man was negotiating a right curve in Gibson Township when he lost control of his Saturn Ion and struck a stone wall/fence. The driver then fled the scene. Troopers found the vehicle after following drag marks and car parts on the roadway.
Criminal Mischief: Between the 26th and 27th of June, the mailbox and post belonging to a woman in New Milford Township were knocked over.
DUI: On June 26th the vehicle of a 29 year old Honesdale man was observed to have driven off the left side of the road into the median, and back onto the shoulder. A traffic stop was initiated. Several indicators of DUI were observed. The driver was subsequently taken for a blood draw. Charges were pending BAC testing as of the time of report.
Theft by Deception: Between the 23rd and 24th of June a Hallstead senior citizen man cashed a fraudulent cashier's check in the amount of $2,729. The victim then withdrew money and sent it Western Union to someone in the Philippines.
DUI: On June 26th at 12:35 am a 50 year old Milton, Pa woman was associated with a disabled vehicle which troopers encountered in Ararat Township. It was determined that the operator was under the influence of alcohol, and she was subsequently placed under arrest. Charges were filed in District Court.
Burglary: One or more person(s) listed as “Under Investigation” entered the residence of a Susquehanna man through an unsecured rear door leading to the basement between May 23rd and 29th. The door from the basement to the living room was then forced open, and two (2) guns and prescription medication stolen from within. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police at the number listed below.
DUI: On June 27th at 2:05 am an incident occurred following a traffic stop in Clifford Township, involving a 24 year old man from Clifford Township. Further investigation led to the arrest of the accused for DUI. Charges were filed in District Court 34-3-03.
Criminal Mischief: On June 25th at 10:53 pm police responded to a Thompson Township location for report of damage to a rear sliding truck window. Unknown perpetrator(s) smashed the rear window by unknown means and then fled in an unknown direction. Anyone with information is asked to please speak to the police.
Theft: A 25 year old man reported that a bottle of prescription medication was stolen from him sometime between the 23rd and 24th of June. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police, please.
Theft: On June 24th between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, one or more suspect(s) listed as “Under Investigation” stole the wallet of a 31 year old Hallstead man from McDonald's in Hallstead. The victim was in the bathroom at the time of the theft. Fifteen dollars was stolen from the wallet. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Hit and Run: On June 23rd Christina Bennett of Montrose as traveling north on Sr 29 in Bridgewater Township. At that time an unknown person was leaving a parking area, after the passenger had robbed the gas station. The driver pulled out from the parking lot into Bennet's lane and struck the rear right side of her vehicle with a portion of the other vehicle. The offending vehicle then sped away south on Sr 29. Bennett was utilizing a seat belt; she was not injured.
Theft: One or more unknown perpetrator(s) entered the bedroom of a Thompson woman and removed a Discover credit card from her dresser. On June 8th and 10th the credit card was used at two different locations. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Armed Robbery: On June 23rd at 9:53 am an unidentified male entered the Montrose Beer and Deli Inc. (formerly Lockart's Deli) in South Montrose, brandished a pistol, and demanded all of the money from the cash register. The perpetrator stole over $1,000 from the register, holding the store clerk at gun point. The thief then fled the store and got into a waiting vehicle (a small SUV/possibly a dark colored Jeep Liberty) and fled the scene. The vehicle fled south on Sr 29, towards Tunkhannock, striking a vehicle that was traveling north. The SUV fled the crash at a high rate of speed towards Tunkhannock. Nobody was injured during the course of this incident. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Access Device Fraud: On June 20th information from a bank card belonging to a Laceyville woman was used to make two purchases in Whitehall, PA. A total of $147.09 was charged before the card was deactivated. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Theft/Fraud: On June 18th an account number from a Kingsley man's checking account was used to pay for a Comcast bill. The incident was under investigation as of the time of report.
Burglary: In the commission of this crime a rock was thrown through the window of a victim's garage door in Union Dale. The basement door was also kicked, causing damage to the same. Entrance never was gained to the residence or the garage. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at 570-465-3154.
Crash: On June 21st at 4:40 pm Carol Ainey of Hop Bottom and Roy Kiseli of Westover, Wv were both traveling North on Sr 11 in Lathrop Township. It was during or right after a rain downpour. Kiseli's vehicle was stopped in the roadway to allow a deer to cross the road. Ainey's vehicle struck it in the rear with its front end. Both vehicles stopped in the northbound lane facing north. Kiseli was taken to CMC for treatment by Harford EMS; a seat belt was in use. Ainey also sustained injury of unknown severity; a seat belt was in use. Hop Bottom fire and EMS responded to the scene. Ainey's vehicle was towed by Clark's Garage. Kiseli's vehicle was towed by Duchnik's.
Public Drunkenness: On June 20th at 10:07 pm the police responded to a location on Sr 106 approximately ½ mile east of Old School House Road in Lenox Township, for report of a female off the roadway. Upon arrival, troopers discovered a disoriented 43 year old Throop female with injuries sustained by unknown means. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.
Attempted Burglary: On June 20th at 5:07 pm one or more unknown perpetrator(s) gained entry into the residence of a North Abington Township man in Harford Township, using force via a side door. The perpetrator(s) then fled in an unknown direction. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police at 570-465-3154.
Criminal Mischief: Between the 19th and 20th of June, the mail box belonging to a New Milford Township woman was damaged. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Institutional Sexual Assault: Megan Clough of Susquehanna was arraigned before District Judge Jodi Ellis-Cordner on one count of Institutional Sexual Assault. The charge stems from an investigation at the Mountain View High School, when it was discovered that a male student had sexual intercourse with Clough, who was an educator at the school. Bail was set at $5,000 unsecured and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for June 29th in District Court 34-3-02 in New Milford PA.
Crash: On June 19th at 9:42 am Maybell Herrera and Ashley Herrera both of Scarborough, On were traveling south in the left lane of I 81 south in Harford Township when the vehicle veered to the right, crossing the right travel lane and ultimately striking the guide rail. Upon impact with the guide rail, the vehicle spun back into the right southbound travel lane where it came to a stop facing north. The vehicle sustained disabling damage, and was towed from the scene by Vogel's Towing. Both occupants were wearing their seat belts and not injured. Police were assisted by Harford Volunteer Fire Department.
Simple Assault: On June 18th at 11:30 pm the police responded to a disturbance call. While approaching the scene the police encountered the victim walking on the road near Montrose High School. The victim stated that he was jumped in the parking lot of the restaurant. The victim was polite but uncooperative in the investigation and refused prosecution. The victim was picked up from the scene by his mother. No other involved parties/witnesses were located. Anyone with any information is asked to please get in touch with the police.
Burglary: On June 17th at 8:50 pm one or more perpetrator(s) entered an Ararat Township residence by means of an unlocked door. Medicine, belonging to two Ararat Township residents, was stolen from within. . Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Burglary: Staci James is accused of removing jewelry from a victim's jewelry box on top of her dresser in her bedroom. The perpetrator was arrested and placed in the Susquehanna County Jail and bail was set at $50,000.
Burglary: Between June 14th and 15th, the Little Meadows Methodist Church was entered through a side door. Once inside one or more perpetrator(s) stole a gray Dell laptop computer and a transmitter for a wireless microphone before fleeing the scene in an unknown direction by unknown means. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Unauthorized use of automobile: On June 13th, Christopher Sack is accused of taking and using a woman's vehicle without her permission. Charges were filed in District Court 34-3-03.
Burglary: Between the 15th and 16th of June, a burglary occurred in Thompson in which a Thompson man's unlocked residence was entered. A hot water heater was stolen, and a water pump damaged.
Theft: As of the time of report, police were investigating a report of a tractor trailer driving away from the Gibson Sunoco in New Milford Township after pumping diesel fuel, without paying. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.
DUI Crash: On May 13th at 12:07 am troopers were dispatched to a Bridgewater Township location, in front of the Pump and Pantry, for a report of a one vehicle crash. Upon arrival on scene and speaking with the operator, a 32 year old Montrose man, he was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was transported to EMHS for a blood draw. Charges were to be filed pending blood results, as of the time of report.
DUI Crash: On May 14th at 11:54 pm a 22 year old Hop Bottom man was involved in a rollover crash in Lathrop Township. He was later transported to CMC Hospital in Scranton for treatment. It was determined that the operator was under the influence of alcohol. While at CMC he submitted to a blood draw. Charges were filed in District Court.
Theft, Fraud, and Forgery: On June 10th an employee at the Hallstead Subway noticed a counterfeit ten dollar bill while giving a customer change.
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 WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:00 a.m. on June 26, 2015: Duane M. Aldrich, Michael J. Burger, Brian N. Carter, Tina M. Clark, Ronald S. Cook, James Donahue III, David J. Fischer, Justin T. Giberson, Charles R. Groover, Jeremy Halstead, Todd J. Layton, 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, Kyle D. Wilbur, Jamie L. Williams, Sr. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.
