An employment agreement was unanimously approved between the Forest City Regional School District Board of Directors, and Louis J. Zefran to act as consultant/acting Superintendent. Mr. Zefran’s effective start date will be June 29, 2015 at a salary of $500.00 per day, which was disclosed at the July 13th School Board Meeting. He is currently retired with an extreme knowledge in the position of Superintendent, and has graciously come out of retirement to help the School Board until a permanent Superintendent is hired. Mr. Zefran stated the most important job the School Board faces at this time is to hire a Superintendent. There have been 19 applications submitted; some are very qualified, and some not too much. A member of the audience asked if the taxpayers would be able to have an opportunity to view the finalists before hiring. School Board Members stated that they would take this request into account.

Leeta Dennebaum was appointed acting elementary principal effective August 1, 2015. Ms. Dennebaum is currently the Curriculum Director receiving a current salary of approximately $80,000.00, which is under review for a salary increase or a stipend for her new role. A parent of a 6th grade student requested that the elementary principal be more involved with the students, and be available for the students every day. Another parent reiterated the same request.

A Secondary Business Computer Information Technology teacher, Nicole Lenz was unanimously appointed effective September 1, 2015 at Step 1 Bachelors with a starting salary of $44,793.

A motion was passed to approve the architectural service contract between the Forest City Regional School District and KCBA. Superintendent Kopecki informed everyone they are entering into the design phase of the contract. Between now and the end of the year they will finalize the design. January or February of 2016 the Legal Notice for the acceptance of bids will go out, and June or July of 2016 they will break ground. The project should be completed by September 2017. The Board has selected Option 2 as its frame, with certain changes to be made at a cost of approximately 10.998M; they will be obtaining a 10M bond. The project information is on the school’s website if the public has any questions on what is to be accomplished in Option 2.

Matthew Tighe, a student, attended the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Competition and Conferences. Matthew, who specializes in Information Technology (IT) competed regionally at Keystone College and came in first place, followed by a state competition in Hershey where he came in second out of 200 students. Matthew went on to attend the national competition and conference in Chicago and spoke about what an honor it was to be able to attend with approximately 13,000 people. He stated he attended multiple seminars while at the conference and brought back a greater knowledge in many areas. He thanked the board members and his teachers for allowing him to take part in a great learning experience. Mr. Jordan stated it was the first time in the school’s history for a first place position.

Other business conducted during Monday nights session included approving Dr. David Tomazic as the school physician for the 2015-2016 school year and approving Dr. Gerard Genco as the school dentist for the same time frame. Mr. Kopecki stated Dr. Genco volunteered for many services and he thanked him for that. Board members approved the resignation of Lori Dolph as a cafeteria worker effective July 13, 2015. Approved also was the Act 93 Administrative Agreement, and the Support Administrative agreement increasing salaries by approximately 2%.

Mr. Kopecki took the time to thank the Board members, and Mr. Peter Jordan for the opportunity to work with them over the past 4 years. He stated he enjoyed working with them and he was grateful for all the support he was given. Mr. Kopecki said he was sure he helped improve it a little bit, and he wishes the board and the new Superintendent nothing but the best.

The entire board will start the interviewing process on Monday, July 20th.

The 2nd Annual Lanesboro Ice Cream Social was held on Saturday, July 11th  at the Lanesboro Community Center. Where approximately 60 people including the young and the young at heart enjoyed free ice cream with plentiful toppings.

Ice Cream Social at Lanesboro Community Center

The Ice Cream Social was made possible by the donation of items from organizers of the event, many thanks to Michele Schell, Amanda Cook and Ashley Depew. The next planned Lanesboro community activity is a town wide Yard Sale on the weekend of August 15th.

The Harford Township Supervisors faced a modest agenda on Bastille Day. The few items covered a broad range of issues and were disposed of within one hour, so Dottie could observe the entire session from beginning to end.

After approving minutes for 2 prior meetings, with the bill list on the table, Conrad Owens moved to shift $4,000 from one place to another in the township’s funds to account for part of the $8,000 trade-in allowance received for the Gradall in the purchase of the new backhoe. He still thinks the Gradall could have been of some use, although he concedes that the township paid way too much ($12,000) for a machine that came with no paperwork and was never used. He didn’t protest too loudly when his motion failed to get a second.

Both Mack trucks had some significant repairs to the tune of just over $9,000 to CJ’s Truck & Tire Service. The township also made a first payment on the new roof for the township building in the amount of $4,500. The Supervisors also advanced $207.50 to crewmember Trevor Payne for CDL licensing and a physical examination; the advance will be forgiven if he sticks around long enough.

The Supervisors recognized Phil McIntyre, landman representing Cabot Oil & Gas, who asked them to approve an extension on the gas lease for the 3.76 acres at the township office and garage. Cabot eventually expects to include the property in a production unit, so in order to hold the lease the company will pay an incentive bonus of $1,000 per acre for the 2-year extension. Agreeing to the extension, the Supervisors learned that the sewer property (so far) is not scheduled for inclusion in a production unit.

The Supervisors approved some driveway permits for pipeline construction. The paperwork for one, for the Ferguson pad on Bartholomew Road had gone missing, but Mr. Owens was able to come up with an older version of the application, which was amended and approved. The other was for the Williams Company in the Three Lakes Road area.

The township will be advertising for bids to do a “calcium grind” for the roadway from Route 547 to Grinnell Road along Stephens Road, thence along Grinnell to Miller Road. The state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) helped to develop the bid package, which the supervisors hope, will stabilize the surface and alleviate some of the dust problems in that area.

Harford will also be advertising its intent to file an application with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a Rural Development low-interest loan in the amount of $1.4 million. The money will make up most of the estimated $1.5 million cost of a project to continue renovation of the township’s sewer plant. The package includes refinancing the remaining balance (about $700,000) on the original loan that financed the building of the system some 20 years ago.

And the Supervisors decided to purchase a new tamper from Medico, for $2,249 for use in compacting fill material, particularly around sluices.

The next public meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2015 beginning at 7:00pm at the township office on Route 547.

Lanesboro’s Second Annual Ice Cream Social was a big success, so declared Ashley Depew during the public comment portion of the borough’s Tuesday, July 14 meeting. Ms. Depew reported that there were over 50 residents in attendance at the Social, many of them children. Ms. Depew turned over donations totaling $57 to Borough Council and noted that her co-chair, Amanda Cook, would be posting pictures from the event on the borough’s website.

With the success of the ice cream social in the rearview mirror, Ms. Depew offered several other community events she and Ms. Cook were formulating for the next few months: a lemonade stand operation during the community yard sale, movie night in Luciana Park, and a children’s Halloween Party in the community center. Council expressed thanks for Ms. Depew and Ms. Cook’s volunteerism and encouraged them to develop and move forward with their calendar of events for the borough.

Council members present for the 7:03 to 7:45 p.m. meeting were President Dan Boughton, Dale Rockwell, Ed Arzouian, and Regina Dilello. Also present were Mayor Chris Maby, Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan, and Chief Jim Smith. Councilmen absent were David Glidden, Tom Nitterour, and Jason Fissel.

Without mentioning the name, President Boughton brought up the issue of a certain councilman’s continuing absenting of himself from borough council meetings (for over eight consecutive months). The member to whom he referred, Mr. Fissel, will be mailed a letter to see if it can be ascertained what his intentions are concerning continued service or removal from council. Action will be taken accordingly.

The borough had one piece of correspondence, a letter from a Mr. John Hamilton of Scottsdale, Arizona. Mr. Hamilton had been visiting in the borough of late. He reminisced about his fond memories growing up in Lanesboro and he remarked upon the continuing natural beauty of the scenery and Starrucca Viaduct. Nevertheless, he commented upon what he judged to be the present shabby appearance of borough homes relative to those of his idyllic remembrance. He also urged the borough to make a donation to the Lanesboro Cemetery Association to enable better upkeep and maintenance of the local cemetery.

Chief Smith presented the Police Report for the month of June. It showed 56 traffic stops, resulting in issuance of 26 citations and 30 warnings for the following reasons: Speeding Violations (33), Inspection Violations (7), Registration Violations (4), Equipment Violations (4), and Stop Sign Violations (8). LPD hours totaled 180.5 hours with 15 contract hours for Thompson and 32 hours on school patrol.

Police responses were also made for several more serious incidents: vandalism, harassment, possible animal abuse, an assist to State Police (for a drug arrest in conjunction with a traffic stop), and finally foot pursuit of a fleeing suspect (open case, but police have leads). Police officers also served a water notice for sewer bill delinquency, closed a case concerning a suspicious vehicle, and gave a courtesy ride to an individual who had a little too much to drink.

Chief Smith also brought to Council’s attention a few of the Department’s material needs. The borough’s 2008 Impala police car requires repairs to the tune of $900 to $1,000, and several items of police equipment are needed for routine duty. Council members voted unanimously to authorize police car repairs; Councilman Arzouian volunteered he would pursue a grant from the NRA for the other items. Mr. Arzouian expressed confidence that the NRA would be supportive, and that their grant would save expenditure of borough funds.

Under the topic of Streets it was noted that a six-inch water main will be laid this summer by PAWC. Jefferson Street and Barnes Avenue need brush cut back from the roadway.

The only item of note under Parks and Recreation is that President Boughton is still working on obtaining chains for the borough’s swing sets. There being no feedback from Boy Scout Campout or the Ultra Marathon events of Independence Day weekend, Council assumed all went well, or that at the least there had been no hitches with either event.

There was no news to report from the Sewer or Borough Website Reports, but Community Center issues were briefly discussed. There are no rentals of the center scheduled for the rest of July, but B-K Hospital is scheduled to hold its Annual Board Meeting at the center on Thursday, July 23rd. Councilman Arzouian will arrange fire extinguisher inspection scheduling. Also, four standard smoke/fire alarms and one carbon monoxide alarm will be procured and installed in the building. Finally, Council unanimously approved an expenditure of $225 for kitchen remodeling. That amount includes cost of paint and labor for painting of the kitchen, as well as renovating window frames.

Council adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Lanesboro’s next meeting is scheduled for the second Tuesday in August.

NBT Financial Services Managing Financial Consultant Michael Cheslock announces that Jill Singer has been hired as financial consultant. She is located at the NBT Financial Services office in NBT Bank’s Montrose, Office located at 36 Public Avenue in Montrose.

Jill Singer

In this position, Singer will assist clients in the pursuit of their financial goals utilizing her experience in investments, insurance, retirement plans and the overall financial planning process. She will provide customers in Susquehanna County with access to financial and insurance products through LPL Financial.

“We welcome Jill to NBT Financial Group,” said Cheslock. “Her experience in financial services will be a valuable resource for our customers seeking assistance with their financial planning needs”

Singer has 26 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining the NBT Financial Group, she was a financial advisor at GHS Federal Credit Union in Binghamton. Previously, she was employed at INVEST Financial in Dunmore, PNC Investments in Jessup and Alliance Capital in Moosic. A resident of Archbald, she attended the Community College of Rhode Island and holds series 7, 63, 65 and life, health and accident insurance licenses with LPL Financial.

Legislation to make it easier for owners of life insurance policies and annuities to receive their documents more efficiently was signed into law on July 10, said Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna), author of the measure.

House Bill 972, now Act 30 of 2015, gives life insurance companies the option to send policies and annuities to their customers electronically, if so chosen by the consumer. Companies still will have the option of delivery via the United States Postal Service or another postal delivery service.

“State laws need to keep up-to-date with current technology, and that also includes our insurance laws,” said Pickett, who chairs the House Insurance Committee. “Before this law, insurers were required to either hand deliver or send via certified mail to a policyholder an insurance policy or annuity. This update in state law makes this process less cumbersome for both the customer and the company.”

Under the new law, proof of delivery is established by the mailing to the owner; or the date of electronic transmission, as long as the consumer has agreed to use that format. In the event of a dispute with the policy/annuity owner, the burden of proof shall remain with the insurer to establish that a policy or annuity was delivered.

The new law takes effect from 60 days of being signed by the governor.

Steven Charles Gatch, 41, of Uniondale, PA to 15 Months to 4 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 Possession of Red Phosphorous, etc. with the Intent to Manufacture in Susquehanna Borough on May 15, 2015.

Jennifer Lynn Thatcher, 34, of Montrose, PA to 10 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 3 years probation, pay $400 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with codefendant for Criminal Conspiracy/Escape in Montrose Borough on April 9, 2015.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:15 a.m. on July 17, 2015: Duane M. Aldrich, Craig J. Anderson, Todd A. Andrews, Asa M. Atherholt IV, Edward Bentler, Michael J. Burger, Brian N. Carter, Tina M. Clark, Eric J. Darde, Cynthia Dean, James Donahue III, Duane C. Faulkner, David J. Fischer, Justin T. Giberson, Angelica Groover, Jeremy W. Hall, Jeremy Halstead, Christopher M. Kuiper, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Timothy Murray, Matthew J. Peters, Veronica D. Phelps, Bruce C. Runion, Lisa Ruppert, Desiree L. Shifler, Tessa E. Thomas, Kurtis Tracy, John R. Turner, Jr, Steven G. Warner, Matthew C. Whitney, Kyle D. Wilbur, Jamie L. Williams, Sr., Anthony Youncia.

Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.

DEEDS

Anthony J. Conarton to Anthony J. Conarton in Great Bend Borough for $1.00.

Anthony J. Conarton to Anthony J. Conarton in Great Bend Borough for $1.00.

William J. Gilb (by sheriff) to David & Susan Eddleston in Great Bend Twp., for $ 4,582.02.

Robert G McNamara, Sr. (estate aka) Robert G. (estate) & Mary L. McNamara to Robert McNamara, Jr., Carol, Dennis, Jane, Maureen, & Ann McNamara in Susquehanna for $1.00.

Sean R. & Kristine K. Morris to Timothy D. & Kelly J. Gaughan in Hallstead Borough for $118,000.00.

John N. Gardner to John C. Gardner, Susan L. Polage, Jeffrey P. Gardner, Lori A. Darling, & Stacy L. Hegedty inAuburn Twp., for $1.00.

John N. Gardner to John C. Gardner, Susan L. Polage, Jeffrey P. Gardner, Lori A. Darling, & Stacy L. Hegedty inAuburn Twp., for $1.00.

Mitzi F. Perry Miller (aka by poa) Mitzi F. Perry-Miller to Mitzi F. Perry-Miller (trust aka) Mitzi F. Perry Miller (trust) in Silver Lake Twp., for $10.00.

Mark J. & Stephanie N. Richards to Springbok Energy Partners, LLC. & Silver Spur Resources, LLC in Harford Twp., for $40,000.00.

Freestar Energy Group, LLC., to Mitchell Royalty LP, Amcon Resources INC, & GIB Knight Minerals, LLC., in Auburn Twp., for $10.00.

Jeanette Buchheit to JHB Lands LP., in Apolacon TWP., for $1.00.

Jeanette Buchheit to JHB House LLC., in Apolacon TWP., for $1.00.

David J. Williams (estate) to Thomas H. & Tasha J. Williams in Silver Lake Twp., for $1.00.

Arthur C. (aka) Arthur & Joan B. Gray to Shannon Gray Wagner in Lenox Twp., for $1.00.

Mark & Michelle Antinnes to Zachary R Magdin & Crystal R. Greene in Dimock Twp., for $131,000.00.

Mickey G. & Sherri L. Sible to Mickey G. & Rebecca Sible, II in Aurburn Twp., for $1.00.

Musa Stiles Post No 6223 Veterans of Foreign Wars of United States Home and Club Association (aka) Musa Stiles VFW Post 6223 to Musa Stiles Post No 6223 Veterans of Foreign Wars of United States Home in Great Bend Borough for $1.00.

R & S Realty of New York LLC. To Charles H. Snyder, Jr., in Oakland Twp., for $135,000.00.

Joseph & Debra A. Stone to Anthony Joseph & Bridgette M. McKennas in Bridgewater Twp., for $125,000.00.

Tina McGroarty (nbm) Tina M. Aston to Tina M. Aston in Montose for $1.00.

Richard & Nancy D. Celeste to Paul A. Lauer, Irma Silva-Lauer (aka) Irma Silva Lauer in Springville Twp., for $225,000.00.

Robert J. & Nancy L. Butts to Robert J. & Nancy L. Butts in Liberty Twp., for $1.00.

Miriam Bartlett (by atty) to Dianne C. Connolly in Montrose for $115,000.00

Michael J. & Jo Ellen S. Greene to Robert W. Hubal in Thompson Twp., for $200,000.00.

Joseph A. & Susan B. Pipitone to DT Family Trust Number One in Forest Lake Twp., for $140,000.00.

Joseph J. & Lori A. Hunt to Anthony Boiselle & Ronald R. MacIntyre in New Milford Borough for $152,500.00.

K & M AG LLC. to B & B Housing LLC. in Bridgewater Twp., for $37,000.00.

Elizabeth M. Geiger (by atty) to Frank V. & Susan C. McCleaster, Sr. in Bridgewater Twp., for $ 205,000.00.

S&S Realty LLC, Robert M. Sedor Jr. & Marjorie A. Sedor to Marjorie A. Sedor, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Mary A. Weaver (by atty), John, Jean, Robert & Linda Baglino, to Christopher D. & Sharon M. Gorick, in Great Bend Twp., for $175,000.00.

Richard M. & Cheryl E. Harvey Jr. to Richard M. Harvey Jr., in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.

Margaret I. Furman to Wyatt Furman, in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.

Carmine, Lawrence T., Thomas J., Joanne to John Franklin Burt, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Timothy & Stephanie Thomas to Matthew Thomas, in Harford Twp., for $1.00.

Carl Tross, Rebecca Hinkley, Brooke Hinkley (nbm) Brooke Ferro, Bradley Ferro, Danelle Oneil (nbm) Danelle Decker, Shane Decker, Kelsey Oneil, Taryn Tross & Kevin Carl Tross (by guardian) to Carl Tross, in Great Bend Twp., for $1.00.

Carl Tross to Kevin Tross, in Great Bend Twp., for $1.00.