On Monday, January 4, 2016 Thompson Township Supervisors Alex Komar, Susan Jenkins, and Rick Wadman held their 2016 Reorganizational Meeting at 5:00 p.m.  Alex Komar motioned that all positions from 2015 be held the same, Susan Jenkins seconded the motion, which approved unanimously.  Alex Komar will continue as Road Forman Supervisor; Susan Jenkins will continue as Vice Chairman and Rick Wadman will continue serving as Chairman of the Thompson Township Supervisors.

It was approved for Clyde Gorton to receive a one-dollar increase in salary, and a one-week vacation.  Supervisor Komar said Clyde saves the Township a significant amount of money with his welding work.  Supervisor’s Jenkins and Wadman agreed that Mr. Gorton was an asset to the Township.

Appointing a solicitor will be tabled until the next meeting.  The Supervisors are exploring their options on whether they will retain their current solicitor, or go with someone else for 2016.

Other business determined during the meeting: Ken Goldsmith was appointed as Chairman of the Vacancy Board.  Supervisors will renew the Treasurer’s Bond for coverage of $250,000.  Approved was the 2016 Fee Schedule under Resolution 1601.  Peoples Security Bank and Trust will remain the Township’s banking institution.

The 2016 meeting schedule will remain the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Township building.  If the first Wednesday is a holiday, the meeting will then be held the following week.

The Township Secretary will conduct business hours every Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It was determined that Supervisors will be representatives of the Township at the PSAT meeting in Hersey on April 17-20th.

Alex Komar reported Bear Swamp bridge is now open, and PennDOT has completed work.  The plow trucks are ready for the snow; one truck had an issue and has been repaired.

The Supervisors decided to table until their next meeting a contract received from JHA and Associates.

The Township has appointed two new auditors, Lillian Senko to serve a six-year term, and Ardy Callender to serve a four-year term.  The new auditors will join Barbara Komar to conduct the 2016 and any future Township audits.

Membership with PSAT was renewed at a price of $295.00 for the year, and the Planning section of PSAT at a cost of $125.00 was not renewed.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 3rd at 7:00 p.m.

Since this paper’s last coverage of Starrucca Borough Council in December, titanic shifts have begun to take hold in Starrucca.  A recap of January events is necessary to understand the massive changes now taking place

Starrucca began the new year with its Reorganization/Regular Monthly Meeting on Monday, January 4th. At reorganization’s start, Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko swore in six newly-elected Councilmen: Peter Frank, Darl Haynes, Kirk Rhone, Arthur Kopp, Louis Gurske, and Donald Haynes, Jr. Also beginning new terms were Constable David Soden and Auditor Dan Kramer. Election of officers proceeded with the unanimous elections of Peter Frank as President and Donald Haynes, Jr., as Vice-President

Other actions taken at the January 4th meetings included termination of R. Anthony Waldron as borough solicitor.  Councilmen Frank, Rhone, Kopp, Heeman, and Donald Haynes, Jr., voted in favor of termination; Councilman Gurske opposed, and Councilman Darl Haynes abstained

To handle pending law suits and any future legal issues, Council approved Peter Frank and Arthur Kopp to serve as a legal committee, and to request any and all correspondence pertaining to the pending lawsuits against Starrucca Borough. Voting to approve were Peter Frank, Arthur Kopp, Kirk Rhone, and Donald Haynes, Jr. Voting nay were Councilmen Gurske and Heeman. Councilman Darl Haynes abstained from the vote. The pending lawsuits referenced include (a) Ghost properties vs. Starrucca; (b) [Darl] Haynes [et. al.] vs. Starrucca; and the Federal Civil Rights lawsuit of Darl Haynes vs. Starrucca

Also on January 4th, Council voted to LOWER taxes by 0.15 mills, from 1.75 to 1.60 mills; reopen the borough’s 2016 budget for amendment; to hold a Special Meeting to approve the amended budget; and to file the amended budget with the DCED and Wayne County

That Special Meeting for approval of the amended 2016 budget was held on Thursday, January 21.  Being that the Special Meeting was called exclusively for the purpose of considering the amended budget for 2016, no other subject was considered for any official action at this meeting. Ultimately, Council voted approval of the amended budget, with Councilmen Darl Haynes, Kirk Rhone, Art Kopp, Peter Frank, and Donald Haynes, Jr., all voting aye; Councilmen Gurske and Heeman voted nay

Notably, the approved amended budget DID lower taxes as discussed at the January 4 meeting. It also settled on a projected figure of $6,600 in legal fees for the borough for the 2016 year. (The borough already had in hand a bill of $4,500 for Attorney Waldron’s fees from 2015; a bill which the previous borough council had neglected to pay during its term of office in 2015.) General fund expenses (covering everything except Liquid Fuels and UCC Fund) are projected at $37,678, as opposed to projected revenues of $38,826

With the aforementioned history in mind, council members gathered for their February 1 meeting. Council President Peter Frank chaired the meeting. Councilmen Kirk Rhone, Louis Gurske, Art Kopp, Darl Haynes, Jason Heeman, and Donald Haynes, Jr., were all present for the meeting.  Also present were Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko and Secretary/Treasurer Pattie Smith. The evening’s meeting kicked off at 7 p.m., went into Executive Session at 8:04, and returned to regular order at 8:32 p.m.

As is typical at borough council meetings, consideration of previous meeting minutes, of the treasurer’s report, and of the bills list are routinely up for early review and approval. But review of these items was anything but routine this night. Council was more than half an hour into the meeting before dispensing with these items. Approval of the January 4th meeting minutes was tabled until emendments and amendments could be made, with reexamination to be conducted at the March meeting. January 21st meeting minutes, the Treasurer’s Report, and the Bills List were ultimately approved after extended discussion and various corrections were made.  

Secretary Smith read or reported on a number of items of correspondence to the borough.  Included in that correspondence was a statement from NBT Bank showing that the borough’s loan on Buck Bridge totaled $12,458, with $12,136 being principal and penalties, and $322 in interest, as of the statement date. 

The key correspondence of the evening, however, was read by Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko. The letter, dated January 8, 2016, from Courtney Nadler Covici, Esq., Senior Claims Analyst for Allied World Assurance Company, stated, in part, “By letter dated November 6, 2015, I [Covici] advised you that Allied World would afford coverage for the matter styled “Darl Haynes v. Borough of Starrucca . . . (M[iddle] D[istrict] Pa) the ‘Haynes Action’), subject to Allied World’s reservation of rights. The letter further advised that Allied World’s duty to defend may cease in the event developments in this matter place it outside the scope of the coverage that is afforded under the Policy. For the reasons discussed below, in light of certain recent developments Allied World has concluded that there is no coverage for the Haynes Action under the Policy. Accordingly, Allied World will NO LONGER PROVIDE A DEFENSE FOR THIS MATTER. (In a footnote to this matter, the insurer states, “We have been advised that on December 21, 2015, Mr. [Darl] Haynes filed an Amended Complaint. The reservation of rights in the November 6, 2015 letter, as well as the coverage analysis herein, applies to both the original Complaint and the Amended Complaint.)

The letter goes on to quote specific exclusions of the Policyholder‘s (Starrucca Borough) insurance policy. At least two exclusions within the policy preclude further payment for loss or defense expenses in connection with the “Haynes Action.” “[First] Allied World has learned that on or about November 3, 2015, Darl Haynes was elected to a two-year term on the SB Borough (sic) Council. We understand that he took office on or about January 5, 2016. Insofar as Mr. [Darl] Haynes is now a ‘duly elected . . . director or official of the Named Insured,’. . . [Second] . . . Allied World has learned that from approximately 1981 through at least April 12, 2012, members of the Haynes family were in litigation with S[tarrucca] B[orough] concerning the same property that is the subject of the current Haynes Action . . . Related Claims will be treated as a single Claim made when the earliest of such Related Claims was first made . . . Based on our review, it appears that the Haynes Action may be a Related Claim to the 1981 Action. . . Moreover, both the 1981 Action and the Haynes Action arise out of SB’s alleged attempts to avoid its obligations to provide maintenance to the road on Mr. Haynes’ property.”

The impact of the above insurance carrier decision is that Starrucca Borough [taxpayers] are exposed to virtually unlimited legal expenses to defend. In the event the Middle District Court for Pennsylvania rules favorably for Darl Haynes the Borough is further exposed to the full cost of his legal expenses, as well as damages for civil rights violations

In a tangentially related item, Mayor DeBalko announced her reply to Starrucca resident Jack Downton, who had questioned the legal residency of Darl Haynes at the January 4 meeting. Mayor DeBalko reported that according to voter registration rolls, Real Estate tax records, and to the best of her knowledge, Darl Haynes was and is a resident of Starrucca Borough

Borough Council took action on a number of personnel items during the course of the meeting. With the termination of Attorney Waldron (and approval of his final bill of $4,500 after supplying an itemized break-down for his fees), Council had conducted a search for a new Solicitor. Hired at this meeting was Attorney Jason Beardsley, originally from Dimock, with offices in Montrose. Attorney Beardsley was present for the meeting, introduced himself, provided his resume, and explained his fee structure for service. On Councilman Kopp’s motion to hire Mr. Beardsley, Councilmen Rhone (seconded) and voted aye along with President Frank and V.P. Donald Haynes, Jr. Councilmen Gurske and Heeman opposed, while Darl Haynes abstained.

Also hired by the borough was a new Sewer Enforcement Officer (SEO): Chris Martin. Keith Payne volunteered to serve as Chairman of the Borough’s Vacancy Committee. Mr. Payne was also hired by council to serve as the borough’s new Secretary/Treasurer when the current incumbent, Pattie Smith, unexpectedly resigned just prior to conclusion of the evening’s meeting

The borough’s next monthly meeting is scheduled for the first Monday in March at 7 p.m. Further titanic shifts may be in the offing.

Statewide, the Pennsylvania public employees retirement system (consisting of the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System and the Pennsylvania Public School Retirement System), collectively often referred to as PSERS, is deep into red ink, as much as $50 billion by some estimates.  And no one yet knows when the hammer will fall, when the shortage of funds will begin to actually show up in benefit payments to retirees.

These are “defined benefit” plans rather than the “401K”-type plans more common in the private sector in recent decades.  Most school district plans in Pennsylvania require little if any contribution by employees.  Each district is obligated to pay its share into the fund.  Just to keep up, employer (and state) contributions for 2016 should be as much as $3.4 billion. 

The share of the Blue Ridge School District in the total shortfall is estimated to be about $20 million over the next several years.  The state has mandated that local districts increase their contributions to the fund each year, for 2016 a whopping 26% of total payroll.  That was the elephant in the room when the Blue Ridge School Board heard a report by its auditors at the business meeting on February 1st.

But first the Board wanted to recognize some of the district’s people for their achievements.

First up was Megan Houlihan, chosen by Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches to join its Class A All-State Team.

Zach Conrad, the only one of High School Principal Peter Supko’s seniors to appear to be honored as Student of the Month for November 2015, was also recognized for his selection to All-State Football; he was captain of the football team last season and is choosing from among a number of football powerhouses for his college career.

Ashlee Derrick always attends Board meetings as the Student Representative.  This time she was also chosen as Senior of the Month for January 2016.  Ms. Derrick recited from a long list of her activities.  She will attend Mansfield University next Fall to study nursing.

Of 3 students and their teacher honored for their awards in the 2016 Scholastic Art Competition, Desiree Alvarez attended to accept a certificate of appreciation from the Board.

Last but not least, Band Director Vincent LoRusso, was recognized for being selected as a “Conn-Selmer VIP” as a leader in music education.  Conn-Selmer is a major manufacturer of musical instruments.  Mr. LoRusso will be invited to visit the company’s headquarters in Indiana.

Yet even before the recognitions and honors, the Board’s Facilities & Grounds Committee met under its new chair, Edward Arnold to hear from Technology Coordinator Mike Stewart and Maintenance Supervisor Ron Cranage.

Mr. Cranage’s staff will have a full summer, with several classroom configuration changes planned.  Yet there are still other, large projects to fit into the schedule, and into the budget.

The largest of these, and the one chosen for number 1 priority is fixing the sewer line under the cafeteria floor.  For causes yet unknown, the pipe developed a sag that caused backups.  The maintenance staff is coping with the problem now by flushing the line every week.  But fixing the problem will require breaking up the floor, possibly for the length of the cafeteria.  Mr. Arnold asked the Board to allow the administration to begin the process of hiring engineers to study the situation in depth.  Considering the scope of the project, Mr. Arnold said that he hoped to have jackhammers in the cafeteria the day after graduation.

Mr. Stewart reported that his own department’s highest priority is to bring two generators on line so that power failures like the 7 hours the schools went without electricity on January 10 would not be so disruptive.  An old generator has been restarted and could be used to power refrigeration in the cafeteria.  Wiring changes would be required, and Harold Empett hoped that the qualified electricians on staff could do that part of the work.  Mr. Stewart would also like to have another new generator installed to provide power to the computer systems that are so vital to the operation of a modern school system.

The committee also decided to recommend that the Board consider discontinuing  supplying the tax collectors with computers, printers, supplies and support.  Mr. Stewart said that he didn’t think any other nearby school district was so generous.  The tax collectors would likely request an increase in their fees to compensate, so the committee asked the administration to study the issue further.

Mr. Arnold had asked the administration to design a more secure main entrance as an obstacle to anyone with violent intent.  Mr. Cranage came up with a couple of options, one of which would be very expensive, the other somewhat temporary.  The administration and the committee will continue to study the idea.

The audit report was presented by Michael Dougherty, the district’s external auditors for the past many years, and covered fiscal year that ended June 30, 2015.  The report was some months later than usual.

Mr. Dougherty seemed relatively pleased with the district’s financial condition.  Some districts around the state have had to borrow to fill the gap as the legislature and the governor locked horns over the budget and failed to provide any money to the public schools until December 2015, and then only in part.  Blue Ridge at least had sufficient resources to see it through so far.  Band Director LoRusso thanked the Board for its continuing support for music and the arts, a measure of the health of a public school budget.

However Mr. Dougherty did add to the pension shortfall by noting that the state now requires that pensions for food service staff be included in the contributions the district must make to the state fund.  He said that would add another $531,000 to the bill.

He also said that the district’s ability to cover its food service expenses from meal price revenue alone will shortly come to an end.  Sharply rising costs due in part to new regulations covering the types of food and balanced meals that must be offered (whether or not they are actually eaten) won’t be covered by the prices that the district can charge.

Otherwise, Mr. Dougherty reported that the fund and reserve balances were all up modestly, and revenue overmatched expenses in the general fund by about $700,000.  Blue Ridge funds its own health care plan, which had a balance of $1.45 million at the end of the last fiscal year.  Asked if that would be enough, he smiled and said, “That’s the sixty-four thousand dollar question.”  He said he thought it looked good enough to him, but was not an expert in such things and would not make a firm recommendation.

All of that out of the way, Board President Chris Lewis called an executive session.  After about 20 minutes, members returned to the table with a 4-item addendum to the agenda.  Mr. Lewis said that the session covered the resignation of Jill Hoffman as Athletic Director, and the appointment of some additional staff.

Once the Board got down to the formal business agenda, they passed all 19 items in short order.  Most of them were routine personnel matters, the exception being, of course, the departure of the long-serving Ms. Hoffman.

The Board also approved an affiliation agreement with the University of Phoenix.  Phoenix provides instruction primarily on-line.  Its instructors, however, like other teachers, require classroom experience, which Blue Ridge agrees to provide by agreement.

The Board offers 3-day review of a policy revision – described as a compromise – that hopes to ensure that, for example, referees for athletic events can be paid as expeditiously as possible, rather than requiring the long delays associated with formal board approval of each payment.

The Board eliminated the annoying $5 “per-capita” tax for the next school year; and approved the write-off of uncollectable property taxes reported by the district’s 6 tax collectors.  The total “exoneration” comes to $436,569.38.

And, in keeping with its obligations to its employees’ pension fund, the Board “adjusted” the district’s contribution to $1,367,659.  It would be nice if that was the end of it.

Special Education Coordinator Barbara McCain closed the meeting on a high note, describing the Life-Skills Prom to be held this year at Blue Ridge during the day on Friday, May 6.  She said that 110 people – students, staff and aides – have already shown interest.  The annual event is sponsored by the 6 school districts in Susquehanna County, plus Lackawanna Trail, and this year Blue Ridge is proud and excited to be the host.

The next meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board will be a workshop (with perhaps some business as well) scheduled for Monday, February 29, 2016.  Check the calendar on the district’s website for the latest information.

On Sunday, January 31 Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA) met with several dairy farmers and two county commissioners at his headquarters in Scranton, Pennsylvania. 

According to Pro-Ag officials, who arranged the meeting, a serious give-and-take session lasted about two and a half hours.  According to Arden Tewksbury, the Senator listened attentively as everyone present reported the serious financial conditions on their dairy farms.  Pro-Ag is estimating the pay price for February’s produced milk could drop to nearly $15.50 per cwt. (hundred-weight)

This will be nearly $9 per cwt. (90cents per gallon) less than the average price of $24.28 in 2014.  The Pro-Ag officials claim the severe plummet in milk prices can be blamed on an inadequate, inferior milk pricing formula the USDA uses to price milk to all dairy farmers.   According to Pro-Ag, the formula does not consider the dairy farmers’ cost of production, but the formula does contain a make allowance that is geared to cover the milk processors’ cost of converting milk into manufactured dairy products.  The dairy farmers present responded loud and clear that they are tired of paying high hauling costs to have their milk transported to the milk processors’ plant.  They were also vocal regarding the US Congress for mandating that all dairy farmers pay 15cents per cwt. to advertise their milk.  Other dairy farmers are paying some high costs to their dairy cooperatives to have their milk marketed.  In addition to the extreme low milk prices, the above costs are deducted from the dairy farmers’ pay price, so in essence, the $15.50 estimated pay price will be around $13.50 per cwt. for many dairymen. 

According to Tewksbury, these prices are unbelievable, and something must be done and done soon. Pro-Ag is urging a $20 per cwt. floor price be placed under all milk used to manufacture dairy products, and they are urging the USDA to immediately develop a new pricing formula that will allow dairy farmers a fighting chance to cover their cost of production plus a reasonable profit.

Everyone in the room had a chance to address Senator Casey.   Chris and Linda Broyan whose farm is in Berwick, Pennsylvania, (Columbia County) who milk nearly 500 cows, reported that the farm is a true family farm, with nieces and nephews working together in an attempt to maintain their farm.  Chris Broyan tearfully told the Senator he doesn’t have time to spend with his two young children.

Brenda Cochran of Westfield (Tioga County) drove over three hours to be present at the session.  Brenda shared many stories concerning the hardships her family experiences on her farm and in her rural community because of the low milk prices.  She strongly supports federal investigations into the current dairy policies to include examining the role Capper-Volstead dairy cooperatives have played in milk pricing and the marketing of milk in the Federal order system.

Tom Henry, Wyoming County Commissioner, and Betsy Arnold, newly elected Susquehanna County Commissioner, were present and both made strong presentations in support of the needs of their dairy farmers in their two counties.

As the meeting drew to an end, Pro-Ag officials strongly urged Senator Casey (a member of the Senate Ag Committee) to become a spokesperson for all dairy farmers in Washington DC and asked the Senator to take the initiative to correct these problems in Washington.  The session ended with Annette Kuzma relating a story concerning their 13 year old son, asked by a neighbor the three most important things he would like to become.  His answer: a professional baseball player, take over the family dairy farm, and a judge.  Why a judge, son?  He answered:  So I could punish all the people who are mistreating dairy farmers!

Pro-Ag can be reached at 570-833-5776.

Council President Rick Ainey stated he is very concerned with the storm water drainage in New Milford Borough during Council’s February 4th meeting.  He took a ride throughout town during the heavy rain on Wednesday, February 3rd and found several areas that were flooding.  President Ainey is particularly concerned about Susquehanna Street; the water was pouring down the road, and the side of the road is crumbling.  With the help of a neighbor who lives on that street, he found a drain that you couldn’t see, and an indication of what might have been a ditch at one time.

On James Street, the drain is plugged and will need to be cleaned out.  Vice President, Lawrence White will take a look at the areas identified by President Ainey and inspect the drains to see if they can be cleaned out, or if they need to be replaced.

Leatherstocking representative Katrina Covin-Stilts, attended the meeting to provide her update on the progress of the gas line.  Ms. Stilts said the heater for the station was delivered that day, they have a mile of pipe and have all the components to start the pipeline project once the ground thaws.

Councilperson Terri Gulick asked why they didn’t claim eminent domain on the one person who is holding up the main trunk line by not signing the easement paperwork.  Ms. Stilts stated Leatherstocking is working on correcting their corporation status from an LLC to an S status so they would be able to subject property owners to eminent domain.  At this time Leatherstocking cannot issue eminent domain on a property.

President Rick Ainey said he spoke to the property landowner who is all for the gas line, he has no objection to the line, but he’s fearful where the pipe is going to be laid on his property.  The property owner does not want the pipe run where it would create problems if he had other plans for his land in the future.

Council wanted to know if Leatherstocking was still on schedule, which Ms. Stilts confirmed it was.

A request was received from the New Milford Rotary Club and Community Men’s Club requesting a police presence at their Mid-Summer Fair hosted at Green Gables.  The Fair will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2016 and they are requesting a police officer during the hours of 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. 

Vice President Lawrence White reported on the work for the Street Department.  He said they have been examining the streets to see what has been slurried, and which ones need to be.  VP White said he keeps track of the maintenance of the roads and is obtaining the square footage to get an idea of what the cost will be.  So far, three or four streets need to be addressed, but in order to work on a plan he needs to know where Leatherstocking is going to be digging so they can work in conjunction with the gas line project. 

President Ainey stated the borough has a website, but it is still a work in progress.  To access the site go to nmboro.com.

A few months ago residents came to Council with concerns about how the gas industry had wells surrounding the Borough, but Borough residents did not receive any compensation for the gas, even though they were sure the gas under their properties was going into those wells.  Mayor Scott Smith informed the resident he spoke with the natural gas industry officials, and they informed him that course of action was something they didn’t offer.  Council members contemplated on whether or not other Boroughs in Susquehanna County were having the same concerns, and what they were doing about it.  It was decided to send out a letter to all borough officials in Susquehanna County to see if they would be willing to meet and conduct an information gathering session.

Three Borough’s responded stating they are willing to join the Council in New Milford for the information gathering session on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 7 p.m. which will be held at the Borough office.  The public is welcome to attend.

Chairman of the Susquehanna County Democratic Party, Rick Ainey, welcomed all Democratic and Republican leaders to the breakfast that was held to sign petitions for the 2016 Democratic Primary Candidates at the VFW in Montrose, on February 6, 2016.  Petitions that were available to sign included; the President of the United States, United States Senator, State Auditor General, State Treasurer, and State Attorney General.

Chairman Ainey said it was challenging to be a Democrat in a county where the Republican Party outnumbered them three to two, but not impossible.  He stated your vote is important, every vote counts and Democrats have obtained their position with as little as a few votes. 

Susquehanna County Commissioner Mary Ann Warren introduced herself and said she is the longest serving Democrat County Commissioner in Susquehanna County.  She thanked everyone for supporting her and she is currently in her third term as a minority, working with two Republicans. 

Commissioner Warren stated it takes teamwork to make the dream work, and to do the right thing for everyone.  She said once you are elected, you are no longer a Republican, or a Democrat, you are a team, doing the right thing for the right reason.

She brought to everyone’s attention the drug problem in Susquehanna County, stating the County is the second highest in the Commonwealth for drug overdose deaths; Philadelphia ranks first.  Commissioner Warren thanked Susquehanna District Attorney, Robert Kline who was present at the breakfast, for his new initiative to combat the drug problem in Susquehanna County.

Mayor of Susquehanna Borough, Nancy Hurley, Rick Franks, the President of the Great Bend Council, and Peter Seman, Ararat Township Supervisor, all spoke about their positions, the challenges they face, and the initiatives they plan to work on.

Chairman Ainey also serves as Council President for the New Milford Borough.  He said the Borough has eight hundred and fifty-six residents, and the finest public park in the County.  New Milford Borough owns their own water company and they do not have any general real estate tax.  The Borough will be the second in the county to offer their residents natural gas service.

Chris Munly, Delegate for Hillary Clinton, Peg Maloof, Delegate for Bernie Sanders, and Ryan Smith, the Political Director for Josh Schapiro, spoke about their Candidates and the reasons why they would be the best choice.

Chairman Ainey congratulated and thanked everyone, and said there are wonderful elected Democrats in Susquehanna County, all serving to make their community a better place to live.   

(Binghamton, NY) Messenger Hall of the Calvary Fellowship on the Upper Delaware in Hancock, NY will be the site of several Heroin education seminars over the next month.

Coordinated by Truth Pharm founder, Alexis Pleus, who lost her son to Heroin in 2014, the series will address the heroin and opioid epidemic that has impacted Hancock. Two young lives have been lost in the community within the past year.

"Awareness and education are key in the fight against addiction. This disease affects the lives of everyone around it and it needs our understanding and support," said Sherri Resti. Ms. Resti is a Starlight resident who lost her son Anthony Resti to a heroin overdose in December of 2014. Anthony grew up in Hancock, NY. Anthony’s father, Pat Resti will be presenting during the awareness event.

Truth Pharm founder, Alexis Pleus wanted to offer this community the same support she received from them when she lost her son, Jeffrey Dugon to an heroin overdose in 2014. Jeff’s father is a Hancock native and the family lived there until Jeff was 10. Pleus says she was overwhelmed by the turnout and support from the Hancock community at her son’s services and memorial picnic.

“I know the strength of this community and their willingness to rally together,” said Ms. Pleus. “We are just showing up to give them the tools they need to move forward in a positive way.

We are so grateful for Pastor Kenny Bascom of Messenger Hall who has offered his support to this series.”

Events include: February 11, 2016 – 5:30pm – 8:00pm, A Community Awareness Event, Free refreshments – Speakers – Addiction Specialists – Resource Tables; February 17, 2016 -5:30pm, Free Naloxone Training, Free training to all 16 years and older. Free Naloxone Kit; March 10, 2016 – 6:00pm -8:00pm, Heroin and Opioid Addiction – In-Depth. Learn about the disease. Know the signs. Learn how to provide support and discover treatment options.

Messenger Hall of the Calvary Fellowship on the Upper Delaware is located at 238 Wheeler St., Hancock, NY 13783.

TOWANDA – Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) has announced that her staff will be available to serve residents of the Sullivan and Susquehanna County area of the 110th District during special office hours in February.

“With winter weather here to stay, these office hours allow residents of the Susquehanna and Sullivan County areas to have better access to the state services my office provides,” Pickett said. “In addition to an array of information about state programs, we will also have state tax forms and applications for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for the new year. I encourage anyone in need of help to stop by.”

In Susquehanna County, staff will be at Heft’s Buy and Sell in Lawton, from 10 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Wednesdays, Feb. 10 and Feb. 24.

To help veterans navigate the complexities of government programs and services designed specifically for them, Dan Falls from the American Legion will be meeting with veterans and/or their family members from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18. Falls can help veterans and their family members with compensation, pension, death benefits, education and health care, as well as any issues pertaining to benefits. Veterans do not need to be a member of the American Legion to receive these services, and appointments can be made by calling Pickett’s Sayre office at (570) 888-9011.

Pickett’s full-time offices are located at 321 Main St., Towanda, phone (570) 265-3124, and 106 West Packer Ave., Sayre, phone (570) 888-9011. More information is available 24 hours a day on Pickett’s website at www.RepPickett.com  or on her Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/RepPickett. Residents can also sign up via her website to receive a weekly email about local and state activities.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners wish to announce the Courthouse will be closed on

Monday, February 15, 2016 in observance of Presidents’ Day. All court related offices will be available.