Freshman Karris Fazzi representing the Varsity Girls' Cross Country Team
Members of the Varsity Girls' Volleyball Team
The Blue Ridge School District probably has enough cash available to weather the stormy budget impasse between the state’s governor and legislature, at least for a while. At a Finance & Transportation Committee meeting before the Board’s general session on November 23rd, Business Manager Brian Dolan and Superintendent Matthew Button laid out a plan that should see the district at least through March of next year.
The Blue Ridge district has just over $6 million on hand right now. However, expenditures for the period November through January in recent past years have also been over $6 million. Mr. Dolan said he would be “getting nervous” by the end of the year if there is no break in the logjam in Harrisburg. He said that a state Department of Education website reported the release of over $2 million that could be received by Blue Ridge by the end of January.
The district is now depending on a fund balance of some $3.7 million to help get through the crunch. By March of next year, however, the district will have to start borrowing against its capital improvement fund, among other sources stashed away for other purposes.
Blue Ridge certainly isn’t alone in this difficult situation. Like other districts around the state, it is delaying payments into the Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System (PSERS). Delinquency in these payments could ultimately incur a 6% penalty, but the $1.2 million currently due can help the district avoid having to borrow commercially.
Mr. Dolan is also in charge of transportation (busing) for the district. A replacement for Wanda Harris is being trained. He reported that extra runs for field trips and sporting events are costing more, as expected since the district had to contract with Pocono Transportation.
That’s a sore point with the district’s bus contractors. They were asked to bid on the extra trips, but an arrangement could not be worked out in time. They say that they might have come forward if there had been more money on the table.
Now the district wants to restructure the entire transportation operation, preferably around a longer-term contract. One contractor wanted to know if the Board was considering hiring only a single contractor. None of that has been decided, however. As Mr. Button said, the decisions are up to the Board, and the process so far is “open ended.” The district administration is expecting replies to its proposals from interested parties by the end of December; Mr. Dolan said he had already received submissions from as far away as Ohio and New Jersey. The Board will appoint a committee in January to study the matter, based on a list of requirements that will be drawn up by the administration. The committee is expected to begin interviewing by the end of January, with contracts to be awarded thereafter.
Once the Board gathered for its business meeting, High School Principal Peter Supko introduced some of his outstanding athletes. Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner read resolutions recognizing the achievements of the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball and Cross Country teams, both of which made it to state-level competition this year.
Superintendent Button then recognized three Board members for their service under a program sponsored by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association. Christina Cosmello and Ms. Brown-Bonner have each served 8 years. Harold Empett is now completing 16 years on the school board. A delicious cake with “Thank You!” written in icing celebrated the occasion following the meeting. There was no soup.
The business agenda was relatively brief, as such things go, particularly since it’s the last meeting before the board reorganizes itself. Among the more routine personnel actions, the Board welcomed Shauna Williams as long-term substitute High School Guidance Counselor; Ms. Williams expressed her thanks in person.
Following the resignation of Kaitchen Haney, Michael Courtwright will shift from Boys’ Assistant/JV basketball coach over to the girls, and Thomas Lewis will take his place with the boys.
The Board approved an agreement with Government Software Services, Inc. of Honesdale to print the homestead/farmstead exemption mailings at a cost of 35¢ per mailing. Data for the mailing will be based on county records.
The Board accepted an “Affiliation Agreement” with the University of Scranton that will provide student teaching opportunities to students in the Panuska College of Professional Studies.
The Board also gave final approval to modifications to its policy manual. Most of the changes were minor shifts recommended by the PSBA based on recent legislative and regulatory action. The changed policies cover special education, including evaluations and assessments, tutoring, home education and reporting, and parental involvement.
Ordinarily the Board’s reorganization meeting would be scheduled for December 1. However, because of the number of changes in board membership, and because December 1 is not the beginning of a 7-day “week” (it’s complicated), the December meeting has been moved to the following Monday, December 7. The new Board will decide at that time on its meeting schedule for the next year. Meetings generally begin at 7:00pm in the cafeteria in the Elementary School. Check the calendar on the district’s website for the latest information. The website does not show the menu for board meetings.
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-Criminal Trespass: On November 20th an unknown perpetrator entered the basement of a New Milford Township woman. The perpetrator was observed fleeing from the residence by the listed victim. A description of the person was not available. There were no signs of forced entry and no reports of anything being stolen and/or damaged.
Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle: A complainant reported that an unknown person took her 2007 Chrysler Town and Country minivan overnight (between November 16th and 17th) and evidently struck a deer, causing front end damage. The van was then returned to her driveway before she woke.
Theft of Motor Vehicle: Michael Newhart of New Milford is accused of stealing the vehicle of a fireman responding to the crash scene of the accused. The fireman's vehicle was owned by a New Milford woman. The accused was facing charges of Theft of Motor Vehicle and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, as of the time of report. The investigation was continuing, awaiting legal proceedings.
Simple Assault, Harassment: A 21 year old Brackney man reportedly assaulted a New Milford woman after an argument. The suspect was facing charges of Simple Assault and Harassment following the incident. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.
Theft by Unlawful Taking: Two firearms and a chainsaw were stolen from a New Milford man between October 31st and November 18th. The items were stolen from within the Bridgewater Township residence. The victim suspects someone known to him. A description of the firearms is as follows: a Taurus 45ACP semi-auto pistol valued at $450, and a Taurus 44Magnum revolver valued at $700. The chainsaw is described as a Husqvarna model 455 valued at $400. Further investigation was pending as of the time of report.
Burglary: On November 18th the rear of a Herrick Township residence was entered by means of a forced open door. Perpetrator(s) went through the house and personal belongings. It did not appear that anything was taken from within the residence. The perpetrator(s) appeared to be looking for money or firearms. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Counterfeit Money: On November 18th at 5:48 pm a white male, approximately 70 years old, passed a counterfeit fifty dollar bill at the Exxon off the Gibson exit. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Theft by Unlawful Taking: On the 3rd of November, a gold Mitsubishi Galant was broken into. The rear passenger side window was smashed out. A 4 GB Xbox 360 with a serial number of 095598644608 was taken from within, as well as $135 in cash. The crime possibly occurred at Brooke's Farm in Springville. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Bad Check: A woman is accused of writing a check for services she received at Danny's Hair in Hallstead Borough on November 18th, which was returned for insufficient funds. The woman was cited for the violation.
DUI: On October 4th at 10:05 pm a woman was in Clifford to pick up her son. A physical altercation happened at that location, and the trooper was dispatched for that altercation. While speaking to the woman, the trooper detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating off her breath and person. The woman was subsequently arrested for DUI.
Hit and Run: On November 14th at 5:35 am Rebecca Levin-Weinberg of West Long Branch, Nj was traveling northbound on Tingley Lake Road when her vehicle exited off the west side of the roadway and struck a ditch with the front driver side, blowing out the tire. The vehicle then continued northbound, weaving back and forth on the blown tire and then went off the east side of the roadway. It struck the ditch on that side with the front passenger side tire, blowing out that tire. It then continued northbound, weaving back and forth, and came to a controlled rest in the roadway facing north about 1 mile north of the initial point where it hit the ditch on the west side. The driver then took the plate off the vehicle and left the scene without calling 911.
Burglary: On November 17th perpetrator(s) entered a Susquehanna residence through the front door. Once inside, the burglar(s) took multiple items- including a 9mm Ruger and a 9mm Beretta hand gun. A 19 inch flat screen TV was also taken, along with several other items. The same perpetrator walked into another residence while the home owner was home. Once confronted by the homeowner, he fled on foot. The perpetrator was described as a mid 20ish white male, approximately 6 foot tall, with a thin build and a goatee. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition: Between November 8th and 9th a Summit brand climbing tree stand that was left in the woods in Jackson Township was taken. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Criminal Mischief: On November 10th at 8:46 a criminal mischief incident occurred in Hallstead Borough in which several items within the residence were damaged.
Retail Theft: On November 9th two New Milford men and one Susquehanna man entered Stone's Hardware and removed two pairs of Forney brand welding gloves without paying for said gloves. The perpetrators then drove to Glezen's Power Equipment and were confronted by the owner of Stone's Hardware. The gloves were recovered from inside Swanson's vehicle.
Crash: On October 25th at 12:12 am Miranda MacMyne of Hallstead was traveling south along Sr 167 in Silver Lake Township when she negotiated a curve in the road to immediately come upon a deer in the roadway. The driver turned hard to the right and traveled into the ditch on the west side of the road. At this point, the momentum carried the vehicle into a rollover. The driver was able to get out of the vehicle on her own. She reported that she was not injured in the crash; a seat belt was in use.
Hit and Run: On November 11th at 11:46 pm Kerry Pierre of Black River, Ny was parked on the east shoulder of I81 Northbound, due to his vehicle being disabled. As the vehicle was parked there, another vehicle was traveling northbound in the right hand lane, and veered over slightly, side swiping the driver's side of Kerry's vehicle, with its own passenger side. The offending vehicle then continued northbound and did not stop. The parked vehicle sustained minor damage and its driver was not injured in the crash.
Scattering Rubbish: Between November 12th and 13th one or more perpetrator(s) threw bags of trash out along Cameron Hill Road in Lenox Township. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.
Criminal Mischief: On November 13th at 4:30 pm the front door window of a New Milford man's home was smashed. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Crash: On November 11th at 6:10 pm Maximo Martinez of Centralia, Wa was traveling south on I81 in the right travel lane in New Milford Township. As he was traveling, the rear passenger side tire of the vehicle blew out, causing him to lose control. The vehicle began to spin counter clock off the left side of the roadway and into the median. It then rolled over before coming to a rest upright facing northeast. All occupants were transported to UHS Wilson Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained. All were utilizing a seat belt. The vehicle was removed from the scene by Vogel's Garage. Police were assisted at the scene by the Columbia Hose Company, New Milford EMS, Montrose EMS, and Vogel's Garage.
Burglary: Between the 11th and 12th of November, one or more unknown perpetrator(s) entered the Choconut Inn after removing the electric meter, broke into the office, and took approximately $500 in cash. The perpetrator(s) then fled the scene in an unknown direction at an unknown time. Anyone with information, please contact PSP Gibson at 570-465-3154.
Hit and Run: On November 12th at 3:02 am an unknown vehicle was traveling north on Valley View Road in Liberty Township when it traveled off the west bound shoulder and struck two mail boxes.
Criminal Mischief: Between the 8th and 9th of November, vulgar language was painted on signs at a Cabot Oil location in Brooklyn Township.
Theft/Criminal Mischief: Between the 8th and 9th of November unknown perpetrator(s) used a sharp object to damage the point on the victim's vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. The perpetrator(s) then took possession of the tonneau cover and fled the scene. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Crash: On November 9th at 9:00 am a crash occurred when Ethan Schumacher of Montrose was traveling south of Sr 29 in Bridgewater Township. He failed to stop for a flagger controlling traffic and struck the victim with the front of his vehicle. The investigation was ongoing 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.
BENCH WARRANTS
The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 8:40A.M. on November 25, 2015: Duane M. Aldrich, Todd A. Andrews, Asa M. Atherholt IV, Tonya S. Birchard, Edwin Blaisure, Allan A. Bucksbee, Michael J. Burger, Tina M. Clark, James Donahue III, David J. Fischer, Jeffrey J. Gamble, Morgan A. Garcia, Angelica Groover, Jonathan L. Hollister, Kristen N. Kelly, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Lawrence M. McGuire, Timothy Murray, Rebecca A. Reardon, Desiree L. Shifler, Jason L. Shores, Christopher Snyder, James E. Turcotte, Steven G. Warner, Pati Welch, Matthew C. Whitney, Roger D. Williams. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.
DEEDS
Thomas F., Linda L. & Jenny Rebecca Shupp to Elizabeth H. Hunsigner, in Harford Twp., for $65,000.00.
Cheryl Buckman (aka) Cheryl Buckman Tocco to Emily C. Bastiaanse, in Montrose, for $219,000.00.
Thomas R. & Cheryl E. Kerr to Diaz Family Limited Partnership, in New Milford Borough, for $175,000.00.
Cathy Slater (nbm) Cathy D. Cottrell & Earl E. Cottrell Sr. to Amy L. Slater, in Liberty Twp., for $1.00.
Pauline B., Larry D. & Deborah N. Hall to Dorothy, John & Sandra Dando, in Jackson Twp., for $203,500.00.
Edward J Sheffler (estate aka), Edward James Sheffler (estate) to Patrick J. Conboy, in Bridgewater Twp., for $100,000.00.
Ellen G. Loew (trust by trustees) Amar & Jacqueline Bhandari, in Silver Lake Twp., for $397,000.00.
Beverly Malloy to Leslie A. Holbert, John, William, Richard & Carollee Carey, in Forest Lake Twp., for $1.00.
Carl Golomboski (estate) to Vincent M. & Jean Naples, in Lathrop Twp., for $325,000.00.
DJR Holdings LLC to Morris E. Wentling, in Lathrop Twp., for $10,407.79.
Michael & Gail M. Budzinski to Michael Budzinski, in Lathrop Twp., for $1.00.
Edward J. Buddy (aka) Edward J. Buddy Jr. & Linda T. Duddy to Daniel W. Frederici, in Thompson Borough, for $50,880.00.
John & Myra Mikloiche to John, Myra & John Peter Mikloiche, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.
Robert M. Brown Jr., to Michael J. & Susan M. Cybulski, in Thompson Twp., for $35,000.00.
Ireno & Mary Monteforte to Double Eagle Real Estate Ventures LLC, in New Milford Twp., for $240,000.00.
Pamela A. Hampton & Joseph J. Fabrizi to Richard W. & Rebecca K. McCoy, in Choconut Twp., for $265,000.00.
Eudonna Legg, Bruce Legg, Edwin J. Mead, Helen Mead, Anne M. Yankay, Rick Mead, William T. Mead, Kathleen Mead to Eudonna Legg, Edwin J. Mead, Anne M. Yankay, Rick Mead, William T. Mead, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
Eudonna Legg, Bruce Legg, Edwin J. Mead, Helen Mead, Anne M. Yankay, Rick Mead, William T. Mead, Kathleen Mead to Eudonna Legg, Edwin J. Mead, Anne M. Yankay, Rick Mead, William T. Mead, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
Eudonna Legg, Bruce Legg, Edwin J. Mead, Helen Mead, Anne M. Yankay, Rick Mead, William T. Mead, Kathleen Mead to Eudonna Legg, Edwin J. Mead, Anne M. Yankay, Rick Mead, William T. Mead, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
Eudonna & Bruce Legg to Eudonna & Bruce Legg, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
Eudonna & Bruce Legg to Eudonna & Bruce Legg, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
Eudonna & Bruce Legg to Eudonna & Bruce Legg, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
Daniel & Laura Martin to Susquehanna Partners LLC, in Forest City, for $14,100.00.
Nettie J. Miles to Lynn R. & Barbara Ann Powell, in Montrose, for $22,000.00.
Thomas J. & Renee M. Flynn to Angelo J. Petriello, in Great Bend Twp., for $143,000.00.
Paul & Catherine Orobello to John R. Marconi Sr., in Forest Lake Twp., for $150,000.00.
Joseph McDonald (aka) Joseph A. McDonald, Margaret McDonald (aka) Margaret M. McDonald, to McDonald Family Trust, in New Milford Twp. & Jackson Twp., for $1.00.
Margaret Kowalewski (estate) to Ronald Kowalewski, in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.
Helmuh A. & Gisela L. Keller (by atty) to Barry H. & Debra Keller, in Herrick Twp., for $88,000.00.
Ida Mae & Billy C. Strickland to Claudia Lopatofsky, Bradley Strickland & William G. Strickland, in Lathrop Twp., for $1.00.
Charles & John Horton to Horton Family Trust, in Clifford Twp., for $10.00.
Thomas V. Shoop to Eva J. Shoop-Shafor (aka) Eva J. Shoop Shafor, in Jessup Twp., for $1.00.
Hugh F. Bunnell (trust by trustee) to Timothy H. Bunnell & Lois A. B. Pollock, in Rush Twp., for $10.00.
Timothy H. Bunnell & Lois A. B. Pollock to Bunnell Farm LP, in Rush Twp., for $10.00.
Robert M. & Maryjane Squier to Robert M. & Maryjane Squire, in Hallstead Borough, for $1.00.
Robert M. & Maryjane Squier to Robert M. & Maryjane Squire, in Hallstead Borough, for $1.00.
Robert M. & Maryjane Squier to Robert M. & Maryjane Squire, in Hallstead Borough, for $1.00.
Robert M. & Maryjane Squier to Robert M. & Maryjane Squire, in Great Bend Twp., for $1.00.
David Eddleston & Susan F. Eddleston (aka) Susan L. Eddleston to Adam & Lindsey Wilbur, in Franklin Twp., for $70,000.00.
Louis Zefran & Nicholas Luchonok to Nicholas & Regina M. Luchonok, in Forest City, for $1.00.
Thomas Opalka to Thomas Opalka & Margo Pulling, in Ararat Twp., for $1.00.
Ervin D. & Lorraine Belcher to Terri S. Taugher, Ervin D. Belcher, Jo Ann Ferrell, Dawn R. Payne & Donald J. Belcher in Gibson Twp., for $1.00.
Alan J. & Sue E. Dayton to Benjamin L. Stiles, in Lenox Twp., for $123,000.00.
Neil M. & Andrea L. Leschak to Robert Borys & Amber Martin, in Lenox Twp., for $212,180.00.
Malandri Family Limited Partnership to Freestar Energy Group LLC, in Springville Twp., for $10.00.
Mark Thomas Robinson & Wendy Robinson (by sheriff) to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, in Bridgewater Twp., for $3,083.95.
Michael Krzan & Christine M. Feduchak (by sheriff) to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, in Forest City, for $1,780.35.
Teresa M. Corse (by sheriff) to CNB Realty Trust, NBT Bank (fka) Pennstar Bank – A Div of NBT Bank, in Lanesboro Boro., for $3,878.06.
Richard A. & Margaret J. Miller to Wayde Williams, in Lenox Twp., for $1.00.
Susquehanna County Housing Development Corporation to Susquehanna County Housing Development Corporation, in Forest City, for $1.00.
Phoebe McManus (estate) to Dwight A. Basa & Hilary Hopkins, in Forest Lake Twp., for $133,000.00.
Bank of New York Mellon (fka) Bank of New York to Craig Andrew Butler, in Lenox Twp., for $74,600.00.
Ellie M. Dunbar (by sheriff) & Lawrence L. Norton Jr. (estate by sheriff) to LSF8 Master Participation Trust, in Montrose, for $2,817.57.
Richard Randall to New Milford Pie LLC, in New Milford Twp., for $75,000.00.
Louis Fortuna (estate) to John L. Fortuna, in Harford Twp. & New Milford Twp., for $1.00.
Charles W. Chapman Sr. & Emer M. Chapman to Gallatin Natural Resources LLC, in Auburn Twp. & Gibson Twp,. for $10.00.
Robert J. & Tracy L. Marinari to George Dale Howell, in Ararat Twp. & Gibson Twp., for $135,000.00.
Julie Kline to Lester C. Hall Jr. & Marion Sherman, in Jackson Twp., for $22,500.00.
John E. & Sandra J. Kugler to Douglas C. & Adam G. Dunstatter, in Ararat Twp., for $56,000.00.
Dennis & Victoria Larue to Ryan J. & Megan E. Kipar, in Rush Twp., for $1.00.
Joseph R. & Sandra Pavelski to Matthew R. & Glenda M. Pavelski, in Gibson Twp., for $1.00.
Herber R. Bonnice Sr. (estate aka) Herbert Bonnice (estate) & Bruce Bonnice to Jesse & Lindsey Bonnice, in Jessup Twp., for $1.00.
Matthew S. Peckins & Nadine Krisa-Peckins (aka) Nadine Krisa Peckins to Matthew S. Peckins & Nadine Krisa-Peckins (aka) Nadine Krisa Peckins, in Harford Twp., for $1.00.
Marlene R. & Ronald L. Clapper to Clapper Family LP, in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.
Keith David & Lauren June Geiger to Keith David & Lauren June Geiger, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
Karen A. Worden, Francis J. Worden, Kenneth E. Yeisley (aka) Kenneth G. Yeisley & Bonnie Yeisley to Karen & Fracis J. Worden, in New Milford Borough, for $1.00.
Alan Siebold to Brent W. & Lisa E. Vanteger, in Lathrop Twp., for $30,000.00.
Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau, Morris G. & Donna Fisher (by tax claim bureau) to BB Land Holdings LLC, in Clifford Twp., for $25.00.
Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau & 454 Auto Repair & Towing Corp (by tax claim bureau) to Robert & Larena Nickerson, in Oakland Borough, for $50.00.
Joseph J. Martino, Rachel W. Hill (nbm) Rachel W. Hill Martino to Vernon T. & Lori D. Moore, in Brooklyn Twp., for $168,500.00.
Kowalewski Family Limited Partnership to Kowalewski Family Limited Partnership, in Great Bend Twp., for $1.00.
Norma A. & Anita V. Beckles to Chad Adams, in Herrick Twp., for $100.00.
Cindy L. Harrison (nka) Cindy L. Monroe, Elizabeth A. Frost (estate aka) Elizabeth E. Frost (estate aka) Elizabeth Frost (estate) & Jack P. Frost, to Cindy L. Monroe & Jack P. Frost, in Oakland Twp., for $1.00.
Rocco Domiano (by tax claim bureau), Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau, to BB Land Holdings LLC, in Hallstead Boro, for $25.00.
William D. Jones Jr. & Vicky E. Jones to William D. Jones III & Benjamin Jones, in Middletown Twp., for $1.00.
Alyce Suponsic to Alan J. Oakley, in Forest City, for $80,000.00.
Wesley H. Silfee & Jennifer S. Silfee to Kerrco Inc., in Auburn Twp., for $10.00.
Samuel R. & Patricia Smith to Samuel R. & Patricia Smith (trust), in Middletown Twp., for $1.00.
Gary S. & Barbara J. Stone to Deck Holdings LLC, in New Milford Borough, for $500,000.00.
