Susquehanna Community School District Directors held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 5. Having had no meeting in July, as is their regular practice, school board members, administrators, and faculty were eager to herald the impending arrival of the 2015-2016 school year.

Present for the 7:03 to 7:33 meeting were President Steven Stanford, and Directors Jason Chamberlain, Evelyn Cottrell, Holly Kubus, Martha Stanford, and Clay Weaver. Members Lori Canfield and Amanda Cook were absent.

“Meet the Teacher Night” is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 20th. Students’ first day of school is Tuesday, August 25th. With only four days of school each week for the first three weeks, Susky students will be gently eased into the high-tempo academics characteristic of SCSD.

Superintendent Bronson Stone discussed some of the challenges of the year ahead by delving into the most recent PSSA/Keystone results, “While the Keystone Results did not change much from last year, PSSA scores declined dramatically. Math scores declined more than reading scores. This is a common trend around the state, given the ‘common core exams’ and the increased cut scores implemented.” Boiled down to basics, PA Common Core tests are much more difficult and the scores they require for “proficiency” achievement are much, much higher.

To demonstrate just how dramatically those PSSA scores have declined here’s a comparison of last year’s to this year’s results by grade level. Math proficiency, by the new metrics, plummeted: in grade 3 from 88% to 44%; grade 4 - 66% to 24%; grade 5 - 58% to 28%; grade 6 - 58% to 14%; grade 7 - 81% to 33%; and grade 8 - 71% to 30%. Obviously, if the same measuring stick were in use, results would have been comparable. What has really changed is the measuring stick by which students’ abilities are judged, not the students’ actual knowledge or abilities as they were recognized for years before.

“Where do we go from here?” Superintendent Stone asked rhetorically. We could look back and complain, or we could move forward and deal with the situation we have before us. That being the case, to address these poor scores, a new math curriculum will be implemented in grades 3 - 5 and professional development will occur this year on text dependent analysis (TDA). Mr. Stone noted that TDA counted for 19% of a student’s score in English Language Arts. Last year the District only had a partial period to prepare for TDA prep, while this year students will have a full year of preparation.

In line with the above actions to be taken, the Board approved a draft of the District’s Strategic Plan for the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019. The District’s Draft Strategic Plan is currently available online or at the District’s Administrative Office for a 28-day period of public comment, after which it will be voted on by School Directors for final approval. The District’s two plan goals are (1) “to establish a district system that fully ensures the consistent implementation of effective instructional practices (differentiating instruction) across all classrooms in each school, and (2) establishing a district system that fully ensures staff members in every school use standards-aligned assessments to monitor student achievement and adjust instructional practices.”

While faculty and administration are readying to up their game for academic excellence, the district’s campus and buildings were not forgotten over the summer. Facilities Manager Kevin Price provided a succinct overview of the many maintenance tests and upgrades that had gone on over the summer to ensure facilities are in top-notch shape for the coming school year. Notable were the testing of all emergency generators on campus and the replacement of carpeting with rubber matting in the football locker rooms. Additionally, during the course of the meeting the Board awarded the bid for repair of the high school’s chimney. Forrestor Environmental was awarded the bid at a cost of $19,100--far lower than anticipated--to district taxpayers. Work on the chimney is expected to begin shortly and be completed before Labor Day.

The approach of a new school year also heralds audit time. Business Manager Gary Kiernan noted that auditors from Brian Kelly & Associates had already been on campus July 22 and 23 to prepare for audit of the 2014-2015 fiscal accounts. Mr. Kiernan noted that State Auditors would also be coming to the district to conduct a four-year audit. Apparently lack of a state budget doesn’t slow down the state’s auditing abilities; the state remains without a budget to date.

Superintendent Stone delivered a glowing report about two new members of the district’s teaching staff, Travis Pregnar and Ashley Burke. Both are triple-certified and come to the district with impressive credentials. Mr. Pregnar has been engaged for Technology Education; Ms. Burke for Elementary Special and Regular Education. Ms. Burke was present for the meeting and made personal introduction to each school director at conclusion of the meeting.

Looking ahead to Halloween, the Board approved Student Council’s request to hold a “Trunk or Treat” on school property on October 31, along with permission to invite the Lion’s Club to hold their annual Halloween Parade on campus at the same time. Superintendent Stone explained the “trunk or treat” concept to the uninitiated: cars pull into parking spaces and drivers open their car trunks to reveal a cache of treats. Children go from car to car collecting their treats in a safe and supervised manner.

The school board also passed motions for the continued smooth operational planning over the coming year or years. These included:

• Approval of the revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the PA State Police and Lanesboro Police Department;
  
  
• Approval of the MOU between Susquehanna County “Juvenile” Probation Department and SCSD;
  
  
• Approval of the revised Teacher Induction Program;
  
  
• Approval of the L.J. Bogumil planned service agreement for 2015-2018;
  
  
• Approval of Robin Glidden to continue serving as the Roberson’s Educator Advisory Group for the 2015-16 school year;
  
  
• Approval of the Contracted Service Agreement between B-K Hospital and SCSD for the 2015-16 school year; and
  
  
• Approval of a letter of agreement with The Meadows Psychiatric Center for the 2015-16 school year.

At the half-hour meeting-minute mark Martha Stanford answered President Stanford’s call for a motion to adjourn. Directors agreed. Mr. Kiernan swung into motion with brownies all around.

Next month’s SCSD Board meeting returns to the third Wednesday of the month.

Council President Ken Carey opened the floor to people in attendance for discussion, since the New Milford Borough Council did not have enough members in attendance at the start of their meeting on August 6th to form a quorum. 

Katrina Colvinstilts, from Leatherstocking Gas Company, attended the meeting to provide her monthly update.  Ms. Colvinstilts informed everyone more than one hundred people attended the Leatherstocking Natural Gas Vendor Fair on Saturday, July 18th and they considered it to be a successful event.  She said they counted on more people to attend the event, so they had left over food that they donated to the local food bank.  Ms. Colvinstilts said there is an urgency to move forward, to have all the Easement Agreements signed before they can start the pipe laying process.  Many residents have stated they work during the day, and she would like to have the opportunity to meet with them one night at the Borough office.  It was decided that Thursday, August 13th from 6-9 pm was the best date, and time, to have residents come into the office to sign their Easement Agreements.  Residents living on state roads do not have to sign the agreements, only those living on Borough maintained roads have to sign.  Council member Rick Ainey asked that Council be informed of anyone who is reluctant to sign, and Council will speak with him or her about his or her concerns. 

Wayne Bradley stood up and stated he wanted to know why Council member Kathy Wages is allowed to be a part of Council when she and her husband are behind approximately $5,000.00 in taxes.  Mr. Bradley stated it takes awhile before back taxes are posted, so she must have owed back taxes when she joined Council.  He said he would like Council to ask her to resign, or he would like to put together a petition in town to force her to resign.  Council and another resident of the Borough stated they didn’t think petitioning for a resignation would be permitted, since the position was an elected one.  Mr. Bradley stated that Council should be held in the highest standards, and their members shouldn’t be behind on their taxes. 

John McCarthy, who lives on Church Street came in with a signed petition for the Borough to purchase a lighted bulletin board.  Mr. McCarthy stated all events held in the Borough should be placed on the bulletin board so residents and people driving through town will know what events are going on.  Council members stated they have been looking to purchase one for approximately a year and a half and they decided it would be best if this project were turned over to the Economic Development Committee to expedite the project.  Lively discussions were held on the size and type of bulletin board that would provide the information and blend into the natural landscape of the Borough.

A resident in attendance stated it’s very hard to see oncoming traffic on Main Street when approaching it from Wall Street, coming down from Church Street.  Council members stated they were aware of this issue and had already sent a letter to PennDot, with no reply as of this date.  Council member Rick Ainey stated they would reach out to PennDot again to see if there was anything they can do to rectify this presumably dangerous intersection.

Kathy Wages arrived at 7:50 pm, completing the quorum and Council started their agenda items for normal business at 7:55 pm.

Mayor Scott Smith stated Council was able to engage someone who will be going around town to video the properties and streets, to provide evidence of the current conditions of the Borough.  He urges all homeowners to also take pictures of their property for their own record.

Due to unfortunate circumstances the Concert on the Park for August 9th was cancelled.

The Parade of Lights was motioned and approved by Council to be held on October 24th; events will be held in conjunction with the parade.

If you love children, can give at least 15 hours a week or more of your time and would appreciate a modest stipend for volunteering, the B/S/S/T Foster Grandparent Program may be the volunteer opportunity you are looking for.

You will work one-on-one in a setting and location of your choice to improve the lives of at-risk children. Settings include child care programs, Head Start, elementary schools and after-school programs.

As a Foster Grandparent, you will help your assigned “grandchildren” with developmental and learning tasks, like reading, math and other school skills. But you will also be doing something even more important. You will be providing the love and care your at-risk “grandchildren” need. By encouraging their confidence and sense of self-worth, you will be changing their lives and giving them the chance to grow up to be happy and productive adults.

The Foster Grandparent Program is part of the National Senior Corp that offers low-income older Americans across the country opportunities to “give back” to their communities. In addition to receiving a modest tax-free stipend, Foster Grandparents receive reimbursement for transportation, monthly training and accident and liability insurance.

For more information on the Foster Grandparent Program and other Area Agency on Aging services please call 1-800-982-4346.

To a color-blind person red and green are indistinguishable. An eight-ounce glass with four ounces of liquid could be perceived as half-full or half-empty. Sometimes distinguishing reality is the root problem; other times it is our perception of reality that is cause for difficulty. Is either or both the genesis of polarization in Starrucca Borough? Starrucca is filled with shades of gray--pixels of black and white where few agree which are black and which are white. How those pixels (elemental points) are defined can create alternate realities, though only one can be authentic. Consider today’s case in point.

Starrucca Borough Council held its monthly meeting on Monday, August 3rd, from 7 to 8:20 p.m. Council President Jack Downtown chaired the meeting. Others present included council members Louis Gurske, Barbara Glover, Jason Heeman, and Art Kopp. Also present were Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko and Secretary/Treasurer Patti Smith. In attendance on the audience side were Preston Township Constable Ken Arnott and nearly a dozen Starrucca residents. Absent were Councilmen Paul Everett and Robert Weldy.

Council, as is its routine, approved the previous month’s minutes. Also approved were the June and July Treasurer’s Reports, as well as the list of bills to be paid. The one irregularity in the approval process was the caveat attached to approval of the Treasurer’s Reports. Council approved the Reports, with the reservation that appropriate adjustments need to be made to account for the loan payment on Bucks Bridge.

Under the agenda item of Correspondence, Secretary Pattie Smith read a letter, dated July 6, 2015, from the Borough’s Solicitor R. Anthony Waldron. His letter focused on two key areas. Attorney Waldron will be representing the borough at a hearing on August 18 at 9:30, in an attempt to overturn the stay of vacation of Kellogg Road. Darl Haynes obtained the stay of vacation of Kellogg Road in December of 2013 in response to the borough’s move to vacate Kellogg Road. Notably Solicitor Waldron represented the borough at that December 2013 hearing conducted by President Judge Raymond Hamill. Judge Hamill will be sitting the August 18 hearing also.

Secondly, issues revolving around the recent painting of the Community Hall were addressed. Mr. Waldron stressed that non-employees cannot work on the borough’s building without council’s prior consent. (This relates to Councilman Kopp’s procurement of prisoners from the county to perform painting.) Related also was the issue of “unauthorized contractual obligation.” No person may obligate the borough for expenses without the borough’s prior approval. (This relates to Councilman Kopp’s procurement of paint and related materials for use by the prisoners painting the Community Hall.) Nevertheless, the Community Hall’s appearance has been vastly improved through Councilman Kopp’s initiative and numerous residents voiced their appreciation for all that Mr. Kopp had accomplished for the good of the community.

At this point council excused the audience and went into Executive Session to discuss legal issues from 7:25 to 7:47 p.m. Upon council’s return to regular session President Downton instructed Secretary Smith to read Solicitor Waldron’s letter of July 31 in response to Starrucca resident Keith Payne’s letter of June 30--which letter Mr. Payne read at July’s borough council meeting. Attorney Waldron’s letter read in part, “I do not understand why Mr. Payne would make such allegations, but I agree that the Council should not give them due consideration, nor spend Borough money for me to debate the issues raised with Mr. Payne. Quite frankly, his continued accusations and apparently argumentative action at Council meetings border on harassment. Unless Mr. Payne is prepared to support his allegations with documentation, Mr. Payne should be advised that Council will not tolerate further harassment. If he does have such documentation, have him provide copies to me and I will evaluate it and provide a response to Council and, as needed, to Mr. Payne . . .”

President Downton then addressed Mr. Payne and inquired if he had any documentation to support his allegations. Mr. Payne appeared genuinely gobsmacked and blindsided by the question. Which allegations was Attorney Waldron referring to, Mr. Payne inquired? Mr. Downton didn’t specify. One might infer that Mr. Waldron was looking for documentation to support each and every allegation made by Mr. Payne. In any case, Mr. Payne had no documentation to hand to Mr. Downtown.

Seizing the obvious advantage, President Downton suddenly pivoted to address the conditions under which Mr. Payne and Ursula Lacey had been issued a building permit. One of those conditions required construction and installation of an acceptable septic system. Mr. Payne responded by providing a chronological narrative of how work had proceeded and been accomplished. Mr. Payne further reassured that whatever document was needed for verification/proof would be provided, again.

Next, Council addressed three “Old Business” items of interest to Mr. & Mrs. Donald Potter. President Downton explained the timeline under which the borough makes payment to Mr. Potter as the tax collector. The borough is always about six weeks behind in making payments to Mr. Potter for his work because of timing issues--that of submission for payment, and that of the borough’s monthly meeting. Essentially inopportune sequencing precludes reconciliation of payments until six weeks have passed.

Regarding Mrs. Potter’s complaint about the borough’s Memorial, Councilman Heeman noted the careful work he was doing insofar as mowing and maintenance and he considered the matter closed. An awkward moment followed, as if to allow time for any dissent to be lodged, but silence was the only reply.

President Downton then shifted to the subject of certification costs. The borough’s position is that it is not responsible for the tax collector’s certification costs. However, because Mr. Potter collects taxes for Starrucca Borough, SCSD, and Wayne County, it would be a fair arrangement, Council opined, if the borough made reimbursement for one-third of the costs of state-mandated courses, provided adequate evidence is submitted as to satisfactory completion of such certification and upon approval of borough council.

The issue of calcium chloride for dust suppression on dirt roads, raised at last month’s meeting, was decided at this meeting. It wasn’t to the liking of folks living on dirt roads. Council, by a 4-1 vote, decided that borough monies would be better spent on snow plowing and more road improvements rather than applying calcium to the borough’s dirt roads. Councilman Kopp strongly disagreed, as evidenced by his “nay” vote.

In Public Comment Peter Frank asked if the borough was going to follow up on contacting advertisers having signs at the borough’s ball field; collecting payment for their advertising had fallen through the cracks in recent years. Council directed Secretary Smith to compose and send the necessary letters. Collections could provide revenues to the borough.

Mr. Frank also inquired if the borough was going to submit the monthly minutes to area newspapers for printing. President Downton assured everyone that the borough had and would continue to submit minutes for printing. The “Susquehanna County Transcript” is one of three newspapers agreeing to print borough minutes. Mrs. Donald Potter asserted her First Amendment Right to chime in that that was a good thing because--in reference to the only reporter present--“You put words in people’s mouths. You are NOT a reporter; you’re a muckraker expressing incendiary opinions.” President Downton added, “I can’t disagree with that.”

The highlight of the evening was President Downton’s presentation to address “misinformation” concerning Vacation of Kellogg Road and the stay obtained by Darl Haynes to prevent vacation of Kellogg Road. President Downton held up survey maps from 2007 to help the public follow the logic of his explanation, as well as his timeline of events from 2007 to present. His presentation focused on the borough’s boundary lines since creation in 1853 when carved out of adjoining townships. Leech Creek Road and Kellogg Road--their length and the motives ascribed to those manipulating their jurisdictional boundaries came in to focus. As evidence to back up his narrative of events he presented Starrucca Resolution Number 2009-05, approved by the lame-duck borough council on November 24, 2009. As if to put the icing on the cake, President Downton directed his attention to Starrucca resident Donald Haynes, and inquired, “Do YOU have anything to say?” Mr. Haynes, holding a steady gaze at Mr. Downton, replied, “I have nothing to say to you.”

When the meeting adjourned I went forward to take a closer look at Mr. Downton’s survey maps and documents. I examined these maps. President Downton elucidated further about the borough’s case for road vacation and issues of boundary lines. Mr. Downton does indeed possess an impressive array of information and can certainly make a case in cogent fashion. The problem, I said to him, is that his narrative runs contrary to every case thus far adjudicated. It’s also opposed (as recounted by Mr. Downton) and been rejected by “the powers that be” at all levels of government, except within the presently constituted borough council. If his narrative (of what is right) were to be accepted legally, it would upend the entire system as it currently exists. And perhaps most importantly, at some point the presiding judge hearing these inter-related cases would have to repudiate previous rulings by himself to vindicate President Downton and borough council. How likely is that? The hearing scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on August 18 in Honesdale may be instructive as to what distinguishes reality--or at least the only reality that really matters, that of President Judge Raymond Hamill.

Starrucca Borough Council next meets on September 8, an unusual Tuesday meeting due to the Labor Day holiday. All future meetings of Starrucca Borough Council meetings attended by this reporter will be audio taped to attest to the accuracy of verbatim notes made during the course of Starrucca meetings.

Thompson Township Supervisor Alex Komar reported they are continuing to grade, roll and spread liquid calcium on the roads during their monthly meeting held on August 5th.  Some roads had more repairs to make compared to others, but they are progressing and have only five more roads to complete.  Supervisor Komar stated on the top of Perry Road they aren’t going to be able to grade it since there’s no material left to work, with only rocks.  They are going to have to add modified to the road before they can grade, roll and apply the calcium.  He also reported PennDot started the bridgework on Bear Swamp Road and the bridge is now officially closed.

Supervisors conducted their mid-year budget review and are very pleased they are under budget with most of their expenses.  They hope to continue the rest of the year at the same pace.

The Supervisors received a letter from their Solicitor, Francis O’Connor, who addressed an issue the Township is experiencing with recreational cabins.  Solicitor O’Connor stated a recreational cabin that contains no power, septic or water is charged a different tax than one who has those utilities.  Once a cabin is upgraded with power, septic and water it should be reassessed, and taxed appropriately. 

The Township is looking into the First Energy Rebate Program through Penelec and contacted Electrician Dave Svecz in Uniondale.  Mr. Svecz arranged for an engineer from his distributor, to assess the situation of replacing fluorescent lighting with LED lighting.  The engineer came in on Friday, July 31st to conduct his assessment and will provide them with a report on what changes they will need to make.  The engineer and the report are provided to the Township at no cost.  Supervisor Rick Wadman said it will cost the Township money to change over to the LED lighting, and they aren’t quite sure the amount they would receive from the rebate would immediately pay for the upgrade.  By upgrading the lighting system the Township will be saving money over the years, since the LED is more efficient, durable, and longer lasting. 

Mike Arniak and Steve Rawlings from Bluestone Gathering attended the meeting to check in with the Supervisors to see if there was anything they needed from them.  Supervisor Komar stated they were very happy with the way Bluestone Gathering conducted their business in the Township, and the only issue was with one crew working on Bear Swamp Road but he already addressed that issue with them.  Mr. Arniak stated if there are any other issues, or if they have any questions to call him at any time.  The Supervisors thanked him for his concern and for following up on the work.

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.

Drug Possession:  On August 8th at 3:55 pm a 19 year old man from New Milford, whose name was not disclosed in the report, was in possession of heroin and marijuana paraphernalia. 

Theft by Unlawful Taking:  An incident occurred between July 1st and August 3rd in which Jamie Crowley of Susquehanna is accused of stealing field stone from the property of a Susquehanna man, which he was not authorized to take, and selling it to a quarry. 

Burglary:  Between August 6th and 7th, an unknown perpetrator(s) gained forcible entry into the New Milford borough business of a  Great Bend man, and rummaged through the same.  Nothing of any substantial value was reported missing.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the state police. 

Burglary:  Between the 5th and 6th of August, one or more perpetrator(s) forced entry into the garage of a Lathrop Township man.  Upon gaining entry, a concrete/asphalt saw was used to cut and open a gun safe.  Several rifles and several tools were taken from the garage.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Public Drunkenness:  On August 5th Kelly Clark of Newark Valley, NY was walking on Harmony Road while intoxicated.  She fell on the roadway several times and also laid in the roadway.  Hallstead EMS responded to the scene. 

Retail Theft:  On August 4th at 8:15 pm an unnamed 27 year old Montrose woman is accused of stealing $30 from the Dollar General in Hallstead, Great Bend Township.  The accused was charged with PA Crimes Code section 3929 (Retail Theft). 

Workplace Shooting Incident:  On August 3rd at approximately 9:15 am the police received a report of a man shooting inside the Twin River Poly Building in Oakland Township.  Upon arrival of PSP units, Oswin Clark was discovered outside of the building with no gun observed.  Two other employees working at the business evacuated the building and were not hurt.  Clark was detained and questioned at the scene but stated he never had a gun but did not admit to an argument with another employee, Edward Hermann, over alcohol.  Clark transported to the police station for further interviews, and once there admitted to having an argument with the other employee, and to the shooting stemming from the argument.  No injuries were reported.  A .45 caliber pistol was recovered from the scene along with one spent .45 caliber bullet casing and three live .45 caliber rounds on the floor in the area where the shooting was reported to have taken place.  Clark was to be arraigned before DJ Susanne Brainard in Clifford on charges of Felony Terroristic Threats and Simple Assualt, as of the time of report. 

Access Device Fraud:  Between August 1st and 3rd, a Susquehanna man suffered attempted unauthorized credit card purchase(s).  The victim did not suffer any monetary loss. 

Attempted Burglary:  Between June 29th and August 2nd one or more perpetrator(s) attempted to gain access into the garage of an elderly Herrick Township woman, by means of prying the door handle.  The perpetrator(s) also tried prying open the door where the door met the door frame. 

Crash:  On August 1st at 5:53 David Thompson of Hallstead was traveling west on Lower Rhiney Creek Road when his vehicle veered off the left side of the roadway, striking a parked trailer.  Upon striking the trailer (ramp), the vehicle became airborne, subsequently striking the center of the roadway on its hood/roof.  The vehicle sustained disabling damage as a result of the crash.  The driver was not injured and was wearing his seat belt.  Police were assisted on the scene by Snake Creek Volunteer Fire, Montrose EMS Ambulance, and America’s Best Towing. 

Drug Possession:  On July 11th at 2:35 pm a New Milford man was found to be in possession of drugs and related paraphernalia. 

Criminal Mischief/Underage Drinking:  On July 12th at 2:30 am Bradley Meheltz of Pleasant Mount is accused of pushing in a window screen causing the screen to break.  Upon investigation the accused was found to be intoxicated.  Charges were pending as of the time of report. 

Theft:  Between the 28th and 29th, four roadwork signs were stolen from Linde Corporation in Jackson Township.  The signs included two “be prepared to stop” signs, and two “work ahead” signs.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Hit and Run:  On July 8th at 1:58 am Dustin Barton of Susquehanna was traveling north in the right lane on SR 171 approximately 100 yards north of Spring Avenue.  The Ford F150 left the roadway off of the right side of the road for unknown reasons and struck a concrete retaining wall with its front passenger side.  The truck rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise and came to a rest blocking the north bound lane.  Injury was listed as unknown. 

CSDDCA:  On July 27th at 7:43 pm, an unnamed Great Bend woman was found to be in possession of crack cocaine after being stopped for motor vehicle code violations. 

Simple Assault:  On July 20th at 4 pm David Smith of Laceyville is accused of assaulting a woman by threatening her with a firearm.  The accused was charged with PA Crimes Code sections 2701 (Simple Assault), 2709 (Harassment), 3503 (Criminal Trespass), and 5503 (Disorderly Conduct). 

Aggravated Assault:  On July 28th at 11:40 pm the police responded to report of a stabbing.  At the location a juvenile male attacked his mother with a small knife.  The mother suffered a small cut to her lower back.  The accused’s brother and sister tried to restrain the accused and also suffered superficial wounds.  The accused then fled the scene and was discovered in a neighbor’s pool.  Both the victim and the accused were transported to CMC Geisinger.  Charges were pending as of the time of report.  Police were assisted at the scene by EMS. 

Fraud/ID Theft:  On July 30th a Susquehanna woman’s social security number was used to open up two credit accounts.  The investigation was pending as of the time of report. 

Crash:  On July 31st Maureen Woolner of Barrie, On was traveling north on Sr 81 in New Milford Township, towing a 27’ camper trailer.  She attempted to slow down in traffic and lost control.  The Ford F150 went up an embankment off the east side of the northbound lane, before coming to its final uncontrolled rest area.  The unit in tow was still attached to the truck, and tipped on its left side and slid down the interstate approximately 60 feet before coming to an uncontrolled rest in both lanes of the northbound lane (and on the berm).  New Milford fire and EMS responded to the scene.  Marvs towed the truck and the trailer from the scene.  Neither the driver nor three passengers were injured;  all were utilizing seat belts. 

Burglary/Stolen Dirt Bikes:  Between July 7th and 31st, unknown perpetrator(s) gained entry into a North Abington Township man’s residence in Rush Township, without using force, via a lower level door believed to be left unlocked.  Two Honda 100 cc dirt bikes were removed from the attached garage.  The dirt bikes were described as red and white;  one had a #1 plate on the front.  The investigation was continuing as of the time of report. 

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 11:10 a.m. on August 7, 2015:

Duane M. Aldrich, Craig J. Anderson, Todd A. Andrews, Asa M. Atherholt IV, Edward Bentler, Edwin Blaisure, Michael J. Burger, Tina M. Clark, Cynthia Dean, James Donahue III, Duane C. Faulkner, David J. Fischer, Justin T. Giberson, Angelica Groover, Jeremy W. Hall, Jeremy Halstead, Karl Knapp, Christopher M. Kuiper, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Lawrence M. McGuire, Timothy Murray, Matthew J. Peters, Bruce C. Runion, Desiree L. Shifler, Tessa E. Thomas, Kurtis Tracy, Kathleen M. Visavati, John H. Walter, Steven G. Warner, Matthew C. Whitney, 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.