All supervisors, the secretary, the emergency management coordinator, a press member, and a few visitors were all present at the August 19 New Milford Township meeting. Two of the visitors wished to revisit an old topic of discussion. Prior to that point, business progressed quite normally.

It was related that Bluestone Pipeline Company was submitting notice of application for a BAQ-GPA General Permit and a GP-5 Air Permit. These were for an existing natural gas compressor station, up on Carey Road.

It was also noted that Fox Engineering had submitted an application for a Small Non-Coal Mining Permit to DEP for Cosmello Quarry, off of Gunn Road.

Mr. Conroy suggested that the township ought to order a second truck. They were looking into getting it through CoStars.

It was stated that within the previous five weeks, the township had spread $57,280  worth of calcium in the township for dust control. Residents had expressed that this wasn’t working, but if it wasn’t working it was said that it was due to a lack of moisture in the air.

Two men from Page’s Lake were present, interested in getting the sewer committee back together. It was thought that, last one supervisor knew they had been looking at a needs assessment. It had been a while since there had last been a meeting about it. Mr. Conroy asked if it was an all new committee; one of the representatives replied that there were some old members and some new members. Mr. Shibley said that there had, presumably, been interest in the idea before and it had fallen by the wayside. The men said they were present asking for the supervisors’ support. Mr. Conroy said they had his blessing. A supervisor said that they thought the next step would be for the men to contact DEP and see where they stood with them. It was related that in the past there had been talk of it running along 492, and whether or not hookup would be mandatory. One of the visitors thought that it would not be mandatory.

The Progress Authority held its Susquehanna County Annual Economic Development Breakfast Meeting at Dreyer Hall on the grounds of Montrose Bible Conference on Tuesday, August 25th. Anthony J. Ventello, Executive Director of The Progress Authority, and Joe Andre, Susquehanna County Economic Development Advisory Board Chairman, shared Master of Ceremonies duties. Special Assistant to Governor Wolf, Mark Smith delivered the event’s keynote speech. Awardees recognized for their distinguished contributions were Lee’s Fine Home Furnishings, Forest City Nursing & Rehab Center, and the sitting Board of Susquehanna County Commissioners.

Forest City Nursing & Rehab Center was presented with the “2015 Business of the Year Award” in recognition of its superior business model, its extraordinary level of customer service, and its overall contribution to the county’s quality of life. The Center employs some 170 persons, many of whom have more than 20 years of Center service. While many people might think of a Nursing & Rehab Center as some place the elderly go as their last home, FCN&RC has the distinction of returning 74% of its residents to private homes upon completion of rehabilitation. Accepting the award for FCN&RC were Drew Sparks, Dave Klugerman, Sr., Dave Klugerman, Jr., Lisa Demdhak, Carol Rotherforth, and Mia Crotte. It’s obvious FCN&RC attributes success to team effort, and without the dedicated efforts of each staff member the Center could not have achieved the level of excellence so recognized this day.

Pictured (l-r) are Mia Crotte, Carol Rotherforth, Lisa Demdhak, Dave Klugerman Jr., Dave Klogerman Sr., Drew Sparks, Alan Hall and MaryAnn Warren.

The sitting Board of Susquehanna County Commissioners was selected for The Progress Authority’s “Outstanding Recognition of the Year Award.” Mr. Ventello saluted the County Commissioners’ many achievements. Susquehanna County, he noted, is one of only two counties in Pennsylvania to have a fully-funded county pension program. Additionally, County Commissioners have been able to reduce taxes for three consecutive years, even while maintaining the county’s debt-free status.

The current Board of Commissioners consists of Alan Hall, MaryAnn Warren, and Michael Giangrieco. Chairman Hall and Commissioner Warren were present to accept the award. Mr. Hall, in his acceptance speech for the Board, noted with satisfaction the progress the county had made in economic development over the last four years. Four years ago the county’s pension program was funded at only 45%; today 100%. County workers, he flatly stated, are not holding down “cushy jobs.” Quite to the contrary, every county worker is toeing the line and is a productive employee being held accountable to the highest standards. Commissioner Hall made it known that the Board’s supported installation of a water line from Montrose (including the jail) to South Montrose, and has committed some $750,000 to the project. Also Commissioners have pushed forward with extensive renovations for the Courthouse; when its classic columns are replaced with Washington redwood the courthouse will require no further major work for the next 20 to 25 years.

Mr. Hall reported that Commissioners had identified a bona fide need for new housing in the county. Homes 150 to 200 years old have been fixed up for many years; but new housing stock is sorely needed. The housing study cited can be accessed at the home page of The Progress Authority, www.cbprogress.org. In addition to the completed housing study, a “Target Site Assessment” has recently been completed. It includes a thorough examination of the six exits off I-81 for potential development of an industrial park. Results of that study indicate that the Gibson Interchange appears to be the optimal location for industrial park development. The study further identified implementation steps for site development, and an evaluation of investment opportunity, as well as investment risk and profit potential. The county is considering several options for site control as a critical step for implementation and construction. No specific timeline for forward movement was delineated.

Commissioner Hall expressed the lament of generations of Susquehanna County residents: we raise children here, but there are no jobs for them when they grow up. We’re (the Commissioners) trying to erase the perception that nothing good happens north of I-80; we need to bring jobs here for our children and for others who will move here to join in our prosperity.

County Commissioner MaryAnn Warren presented Craig Reimel with the Legacy Award for Lee’s Fine Home Furnishings. She recounted Lee’s business history in the county through three generations of leadership spanning more than 75 years.

Mark Smith, Special Assistant to Governor Wolf, sketched the Governor’s objectives and priorities in broad strokes through his keynote speech. Smith, the former two-term Bradford County Commissioner noted his association with, and understanding of, rural and northern Pennsylvania issues and his role in providing state-level assistance to local and county subdivisions. Mr. Smith expressed the Governor’s interest in local-government issues and his strong desire to be involved with helping to solve local issues. He additionally provided insights into Governor Wolf’s philosophy concerning education investment, business tax cuts, and economic development.

In answer to questions from the audience, Mr. Smith categorically asserted that Act 13 monies would continue to flow to local and county governments under any proposed change signed by the Governor. Additionally, he reassured that the Governor fully supports and would sign a bill proposed by our own State Representative, Sandra J. Major, to ensure fairness in payment of royalties by gas companies to landowners. In the meantime, Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s office is currently investigating possible abuses in the system of royalty payments.

Other dignitaries in attendance at the breakfast included State Senator Lisa Baker, Democratic Party Chairman Rick Ainey, District Attorney Candidate Bob Klein, and Susquehanna County Economic Development Advisory Board Members George Conner, Bill Owens, William Kelley, Ken Bondurant, John Kameen, and Debra Dissinger. Joe Andre and Tony Ventello both expressed thanks to Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation for its sponsorship of the Annual event.

The Susquehanna County Economic Development Advisory Board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month in the County Executive Building at 10 a.m. Its meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners wish to announce the Courthouse will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2015 in observance of Labor Day. All court related offices will be available.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 9:12AM on August 28, 2015: Duane M. Aldrich, Todd A. Andrews, Asa M. Atherholt IV, Tonya S. Birchard, Edwin Blaisure, Allan A. Bucksbee, Michael J. Burger, Joshua Burns, Tina M. Clark, Cody A. Cook, Cynthia Dean, James Donahue III, Jonathan Fathi, Duane C. Faulkner, David J. Fischer, Morgan A. Garcia, Jeremy W. Hall, Keith G. Harms, Christopher M. Kuiper, Alicia S. Labbe, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, William P.I. Magdin, Lawrence M. McGuire, Joshua K. Mess, Ithel B. Miley, Jr., Timothy Murray, Matthew J. Peters, Bruce C. Runion, Desiree L. Shifler, Amy S. Shreve, Jerome W. Slick, Tessa E. Thomas, Kurtis Tracy, Robert J. Twilley, Kathleen M. Visavati, John H. Walter, Steven G. Warner, Matthew C. Whitney, Roger D. Williams, 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.

DEEDS

DJR Holdings LLC to Bryan Davis, in Gibson Twp., for $11,088.15.

Edith G. Adams (by atty fka) Edith H. Gilkin (by atty) to Sherman S. & Janis E. Burpee, in Lenox Twp., for $40,000.00.

Florence Gail Harvey & Donna Goskowsky to Charles A. & Kathleen M. Duddek, in New Milford Twp., for $170,000.00.

Douglas Kilmer to Stephen &n Louise M. Guszick, in Clifford Twp., for $150,000.00.

Donald & Tracy Carey to Andrew Anderson & Lynn Ann Racht, in Forest City, for $1.00.

Peter & Vickie Downton to Peter A. & Ileana J. Seman, in Thompson Borough, for $45,000.00.

Elizabeth Ann Jackson (estate), Shannon Jackson, Elizabeth Ann Jackson (aka) Elizabeth Anatasia Jackson, to Elizabeth Ann Jackson, in Brooklyn Twp., for $1.00.

Distant Ventures Limited Partnership to Jason McCarey, in Clifford Twp., for $325,000.00.

James G. & Jeanette L. Smith, Arden Martinez (aka) Arden Martenz to Gregard LLC, in Oakland Borough, for $500.00.

Kurt Fuxjager to Charles & Christine M. Rosecrans, in Liberty Twp., for $30,000.00.

Iner Michael Nielson & Bernadette Nielson to Samuel S. & Paula L. Rosecrans., in Liberty Twp., for $93,000.00.

Marilyn Swavola to Thomas R. & Jennifer R. Ehrie, in Great Bend Twp., for $25,000.00.

Douglas L. & Bonnie L. Steen Sr. to Deborah L. Tomchick, Elaine D. Zurn & Douglas L. Steen Jr., Apolacon Twp., for $1.00.

Mark L. & Judith A. Sartell to Susquehanna County Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in Gibson & Jackson Twp., for $180,660.00.

Estate of James W. Zick to Carol M. Zick, in Lenox Twp. & Harford Twp., for $1.00.

Estate of James W. Zick & Carol Zick (executrix) to Williams Field Services Company LLC, in Lenox Twp., for $1,069,325.34.

Carol Zick to Williams Field Services Company LLC, in Lenox Twp., for $310,674,66.

Scott W Lee (By Tax Claim Bureau) and Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to BB Land Holdings LLC, in Thompson Borough, for $3,000.00.

Stephen & Louise Guszick to William K JR & Shiela M Roberts, in Ararat Twp., for $595,000.00.

Scott C. Snyder to Appalachian Basin Minerals LP, Pennmarc Resources II LP, Wildes Mineral Interests LLC, McCrow Energy Partners II LLC, in Springville Twp., for $112,500.00.

Jospeh P Franceski Jr (dba), Michael Franceski (dba), Franceski Lumber Yard (nka) Franceski Lumber Company to FLC Resources LLC, in Forest City for $1.00.

Wells Fargo Bank to Susquehanna County Housing/Redevelopment Authority, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.

James Waldorf to James Waldorf, Peggy A. Waldorf & Rebecka Root, in Auburn Twp., for$1.00.

Charlene M. Shoop (estate) to Thomas V. Shoop, in Jessup Twp., for $1.00.

Mary A. & Paul J. Payne to Michael & Margaret E. Endy, in Ararat Twp., for $240,000.00.

Joseph V. Pavlovich, Joanne M. Swartz, Michael J. Pavlovich (aka) Michael Pavlovich & Anne Pavlovich to Michael J. & Sally M. Pavlovich, in Forest City, for $1.00.

John S. Crossen (estate aka) J. Stuart Crossen to Sylvia S. Crossen, in Forest Lake Twp., for $1.00.

Maryann E. Zeffer to Catherine M. Holleran, in New Milford Twp., for $14,000.00.

Fannie Mae (aka) Federal National Mortgage Association to Stephanie Button, in Hallstead Borough, for $17,000.00.

Keith Lane to Keith Lane, in Bridgewater Twp. & New Milford Twp., for $1.00.

Roger Taylor, Marybeth Taylor (aka) Mary Beth Taylor to April Kveragas Oliveira, in Choconut Twp., for $210,000.00.

Robert B. & Rebecca J. Cooley to Robert B. Cooley, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Robert B. & Rebecca J. Cooley to Robert B. Cooley, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Robert B. & Rebecca J. Cooley to Robert B. Cooley, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Steven Portuese (aka) Steven T. Portuese to Alicia Portuese, in Harford Twp., for $0.00.

Marjorie L. Callender to Jack King Callender III, Jamie Scott Callender & Tyler Stevens Callender, in Thompson Twp., for $1.00.

James F. & Moira Shields to Richard E. Miller, in Herrick Twp., for $235,000.00.

Karl F. & Sharon M. Laude to Karl F. Laude, in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.

Richard R. & Diane Buckley to Eugene Wendolowski, in Ararat Twp., for $16,000.00.

Charlotte B. Demmer (estate) to Peter Demmer Jr. (trust) & Charlotte B. Demmer (trust), in Brooklyn Twp., for $1.00.

Peter Demmer Jr. (trust) & Charlotte B. Demmer (trust by trustee) to Luann Ransom, Donna Giles, (fka) Donna Kent, Richard Demmer & Robert Demmer, in Brooklyn Twp., for $1.00.

Brandon L. & Suzanna M. Gendron to Christopher John Lake, in New Milford Twp., for $129,000.00.

Robert E. Lee Jr & Beverly B. Lee (By atty) to James H. & Shana L. Jump, in Great Bend Borough, for $30,000.00.

Esther Kvergas (estate) to Charles & Anne M. Kveragas, in Forest Lake Twp., for $1.00.

David Maloof to David Maloof, in Bridgewater & New Milford Twps., for $1.00.

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.

Crash:  On August 20th a crash occurred in which a Ford Econoline Van, operated by Luis Guzman of New York, Ny, was traveling south along Sr 81 when it struck something on the road.  This object caused the vehicle to swerve to the left.  The van then bumped a sign, which crinkled the front left portion of the bumper and cracked the windshield.  The vehicle was towed from the scene due to damage underneath the vehicle, which caused a loss of vehicular fluids.  No one was injured in the crash.  A seat belt was in use. 

Recovered Stolen Property:  On August 10th one or more unknown perpetrator(s) disposed of an ATM and small safe that were stolen from Clarks Sharp All (Nicholson) the prior night.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Burglary:  Between August 12th and 19th, a burglary occurred on Hobbs Road in Ararat Township, in which one or more unknown perpetrator(s) entered the garage of a Thompson woman by forcible means.  Several tools were stolen from within the garage.  A rear basement window on the residence was also smashed.  Anyone with information on this incident is asked to please contact the state police. 

Harassment:  On August 19th at 10 pm a 20 year old Kingsley woman is accused of striking an 18 year old Kingsley woman in the face with her hand, which was holding a drink at the time.  Charges were pending as of the time of report. 

Burglary:  On July 27th at 9:11 am perpetrators broke into “The Old Barn” located on Sr 3029 in Bridgewater Township and stole a safe that was in the office of the business.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Theft:  On July 21st a Springville woman reported the theft of lawn ornaments from her yard. 

Crash:  On August 19th at 10:21 pm Matthew Wambold of Lawton was traveling north along Sr 267 in Augburn Township when a deer ran onto the roadway.  The vehicle exited the roadway, then struck a tree off the east side of the northbound lane.  No fire or EMS responded to the scene.  The vehicle was towed by Rt. 6.  No injury was sustained;  a seat belt was used. 

Harassment:  On August 19th two known 15 year old females did engage in a physical altercation at the Fairgrounds.  No injuries were sustained. 

Theft:  A Springville woman reported unauthorized withdrawals from her savings account by persons whom she may know.  The investigation was continuing as of the time of report. 

Burglary:  Between the 14th and 17th of August, one or more perpetrator(s) entered a barn located in Bridgewater Township and removed bolts and chains.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Theft:  Between the 14th and 17th of August, an Ingersoll Rand Air Compressor was stolen from the Ellsworth Wellpad in Bridgewater Township.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Commercial Vehicle Crash:  On August 12th at 4:20 pm two unnamed drivers were going northbound on Interstate 81 in Harford Township.  The 1st, a Freightliner Tractor, was in the right hand lane, and the second, a Kenworth T2000, was in the left hand lane.  The freightliner driver claims that the Kenworth veered into him, causing the side mirror of the Kenworth to fold back.  The Kenworth driver claims that the Freightliner was pushing him toward the median, and that it struck his side mirror.  There was no damage to either vehicle, other than the mirror being folded back.  Both commercial vehicles stopped on the northbound shoulder and the drivers had a minor physical altercation, each blaming the other and stating the other hit them.  Both drivers were cited for harassment. 

DUI:  On August 17th at 4:41 pm a traffic stop occurred on Sr 29 at Lockhart’s Gas Station.  Further investigation led to the arrest of the accused for DUI-  Drug related.  Charges were pending blood results as of the time of report. 

Hit and Run:  On August 15th at 11:36 pm Carrie Galambos of Clifford Township was traveling westbound on Sr 374 in Lenox Township.  At that time a white truck of unknown make and model was getting off the interstate at mile marker 206 northbound and failed to yield to through traffic.  It pulled out from the ramp and struck the left front corner of Galambos’ vehicle.  The white truck then fled in an easterly direction. 

DUI:  On August 15th at 4:27 am Ronald Henry of Hallstead was traveling eastbound on Susquehanna Avenue approaching Route 11 when a vehicle driven by Robert Clayton of Hallstead turned from Route 11 southbound onto Susquehanna Avenue in a Dodge Ram.  The Ram crossed into the opposing lane and went up onto the grass.  It then came back onto the roadway and toward Henry’s vehicle, which was now stopped, having seen the other vehicle’s erratic driving.   The Ram went partially onto the eastbound curb and struck Henry’s vehicle head on, causing it to spin and putting it broadside in the road.  The Ram then got past the other vehicle and veered to the right, going over the embankment and into the Susquehanna River.  The drivers were attended on scene by EMS for apparent minor injuries;  both were utilizing seat belts.  Clayton displayed signs of possible intoxication and admitted to having been drinking earlier in the evening.  He was taken into custody and transported to PSP Gibson where he voluntarily submitted to a breathe test.  Charges for DUI were pending as of the time of report. 

Crash:  On August 15th, Isaiah Graham of Montrose was traveling north on North Road in Bridgewater Township when his vehicle failed to negotiate a left hand curve and traveled off the roadway, striking a yellow arrow sign and a utility pole.  He was not injured;  a seat belt was in use. 

If you have information regarding any of these incidents, please contact the police at 570-465-3154.

The following are to appear at the Susquehanna County Courthouse on September 8, 2015 at 12:50 pm.

Ararat Township: Nina Hubal, Tracey Swartz, Misty Thorn.

Auburn Township: Sandra Fletcher, Gina Garrison, Joseph Perez.

Bridgewater Township: Melvin Ely, Kathleen B. Herb, Rodney T. Hunsigner, Lauri Newhart, Douglas Wilcox.

Brooklyn Township: Marty Evans, Amy Natterer.

Choconut Township: Janet Flaherty, Rodney Stone, Seth Striley.

Clifford Township: Thomas Conner, Elizabeth Donvito, Edward Kraft, David Krizauskas, Owen Williams, James White.

Dimock Township: Gabriela Cozzoli, Michael Rogers, Jan Vanden Hengle.

Forest City 1st Ward: Roxanne Kimmel.

Forest Lake Township: Janice Zamorski.

Franklin Township: Kenneth Coy.

Gibson Township: Tammy Gaughan, Kenneth Gelatt, Dale Perry.

Great Bend Township: Mary Holgate, Ronald Kowalewski.

Hallstead Borough: George Frailey, Joanne Frink.

Harford Township: Robert Deluca.

Harmony Township: Nickolas Argyros.

Herrick Township: Adam Smith.

Jackson Township: Michael Cook.

Lathrop Township: Jeanette Wulff.

Lenox Township: Eric Conklin, William Lopatofsky, Bradley Marcy, Frank Mayorowski, Mary Trotter.

Liberty Township: Gail Aldrich, Richard Brown, Tammy Clapper, Joni R. Conlon, Robert Heeman.

Little Meadows Borough: Elizabeth Baldwin, Judith Mallery.

Montrose Borough 1st Ward: Timothy LaRue.

Montrose Borough 2nd Ward: Bonnie Morgan.

New Milford Borough: William Weber.

New Milford Township: Lauren Darrow, Sharon Gillett, Duane A. Woodruff.

Oakland Borough: Marie Curtis, Kevin Dubanowitz.

Oakland Township: Bernard Smith.

Rush Township: Stephen Kamarauskas, Chadd Smith, Kevin Tewksbury.

Silver Lake Township: Bette Brown, Scott Dearborn, David Jones, David Rossi.

Thompson Borough: Ida Lewis.