Members of the Susquehanna County Jr. Holstein Club recently attended the PA Jr. Holstein Convention February 5-7, 2016 in Greensburg, Pa. At the Convention members had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and contests. The highlight of the convention for members was participating in the Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest.

Pictured #2 (L-R) are: Members of the third place Jr. Dairy Bowl Team, Emory Bewley, Vicki Clark, Kyle Vanderfeltz, Brooke Arnold with Coach Heidi Stephens-Pavelski.

Susquehanna County was well represented in the dairy bowl contest, sending five teams. In the Junior Division, 32 teams from across the state competed. Susquehanna County’s Junior Team consisting of Brooke Arnold, Springville; Emory Bewley, Susquehanna, Vicki Clark, Springville and Kyle Vanderfeltz, Lawton finished in third place.

Pictured #3 (L-R) are: Members of the second place Sr. Dairy Bowl Team, Cassie Clark, Sabrina Clark, Brian Deome, Sharon Snyder, with Coach Heidi Stephens-Pavelski.

Other members of the Susquehanna County Junior Dairy Bowl Teams that competed included Gavin Bewley, Susquehanna; Alex Empet, Kingsley; Michayla Stahl, Montrose; Alexis Sebring, North Abington Township; Amanda Voll, Springville; and Allana Warner, Montrose. In the senior division seven teams competed. The Susquehanna County team consisting of Cassie Clark, Springville; Sabrina Clark, Springville, Brian Deome, Montrose and Sharon Snyder, Greenfield Township finished second. Other members from Susquehanna County that competed in the Senior Division included Taylor Sebring, North Abington Township; Emily Supancik, New Milford; Jamie Supancik, New Milford; and Laurren Whitney, New Milford.

The Susquehanna County Dairy Quiz Bowl teams are coached by Dr. Mike and Michelle Kowalewski, Montrose and Heidi Stephens-Pavelski, Greenfield Township. Dairy Quiz Bowl is a team event in which youth must answer questions on dairy related topics. Youth must be knowledgeable of such subjects as animal breeding, genetics, herd health, nutrition, record keeping and Holstein history. Dairy Quiz Bowl challenges youth to learn life skills as they prepare for the contest - critical thinking, decision-making, problem solving, communication skills, listening skills, speaking skills, and independent thinking.

Emory Bewley, Susquehanna received special recognition at the Jr. All-PA Dinner for her Excellent – 92 point Holstein Cow, Windy Brae Hefty Janet. This cow was selected as Honorable Mention in the 4-Year Old Class for the 2015 show season.

Alex Empet, Kingsley with his first place Tri-Fold Display.

Alex Empet, Kinglsey placed first in the Tri-Fold Poster – Scientific Division for his display on “Processed Vs. Raw Milk.”

The Susquehanna County Jr. Holstein Club strives to increase our youth’s knowledge of the dairy industry, strengthen self-confidence, build leadership skills, and to help prepare them for the future. Membership is open to youth ages 9-21 that have an active interest in the dairy industry and Holstein breed. For more information please contact, Michelle Kowalewski at 570-278-2996 or meckpsu01@gmail.com.

Susquehanna County Attorney Laurence M. Kelly was recently named as the Susquehanna County, Boy Scouts of America 2016 Distinguished Citizen Award honoree for his numerous years of service to the youth and adults of Susquehanna County. He has over 50 years of service as a practicing attorney and as a member of other countless organizations in making Susquehanna County a better place to live.

The Distinguished Citizen Award is an annual honor presented by the Delahanna District which is part of the Baden-Powell Council in Binghamton, NY.  The Delahanna District serves most of Susquehanna County, consisting of 482 registered youth in 20 scouting units.  This year’s event will mark the 26th year that the Boy Scouts have presented a Distinguished Citizen Award in Susquehanna County.

A dinner in Larry Kelly’s honor will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Elk Lake High School Gym with doors opening at 5:00pm and dinner beginning a 5:30pm.  Co-Chairs for Larry Kelly’s Distinguished Citizen Award are Tom Chamberlain of Hallstead and Dr. Alice Davis PH.D, Executive Director of the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center.  All proceeds from the dinner will go to support local scouting.  For more information please contact Adam Kovalchick at the Baden-Powell Council Service Center at 607-648-7888.

The Greater Forest City Business Alliance board of directors gets personal with each other twice monthly among keeping their momentum in gaining the attention of its residents, business owners, visitors and civic and county representatives. One meeting a month is dedicated to inviting community leaders and school officials.

“We have our strategic plan and momentum and now it’s just having these conversations and focusing on a plan,” states Erin Debish, its 3rd year President.

Joining the Alliance recently at Shirley’s Restaurant were Robert Klein, District Attorney for Susquehanna County, Deb MacNamera, Program Manager for the Rail-Trail Council of NEPA, Mark Lewis, President of Forest City Little League, and Forest City Mayor Pauline Wilcox. The array of topics on the agenda included an ongoing working relationship with the community Little League, opportunities for community involvement at highly anticipated and locally - popular events and ways the county is tackling an increasing drug problem. “Susquehanna County is second in the state only to Philadelphia in drug-related deaths,” noted Klein. “We are aiming to fight crime by offering our residents an online drug activity reporting form, via www.susqco.com, that can be completed anonymously if so desired.” Additionally, Forest City Mayor Pauline Wilcox has taken steps to fight drug-related crimes and deaths in her jurisdiction with a similar form targeting drug dealers and their competition. Both efforts were lauded by the Alliance as great first steps in rebuilding the community.

In other efforts, the Alliance will be working alongside the Rail-Trail Council of NEPA to help promote the Greater Forest City area and businesses when its 9th Annual D & H Distance Run takes place on September 11. “This year we are looking to hold our “Packet Pick-Up” for runners at a GFCBA member restaurant,” added Deb MacNamera, “in addition to some other ideas that help promote Forest City. A survey of our past participants notes a desire for more supporters along the trail route, so we are brainstorming on how to create that atmosphere this year by reaching out to our community and school district. We’ll do this through our great partnership with the GFCBA.” The Rail-Trail Council of NEPA is celebrating their 25th year in operation in 2016.

Other events being planned are a Baseball and Softball Tournament at Kennedy Park on June 4, sponsored by the Forest City Cal Ripken Baseball and Softball League. The tourney will feature games every two hours from 9 am until 9 pm with vendors, concessions, bands, games and a fishing derby. The GFCBA Spring Mixer will take place on March 9 at Shirley’s Restaurant on Main Street – the event will be in conjunction with Ros-Al Floral & Events Wine Tasting. The Alliance’s June Mixer event will take place on June 1, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Forest City branch of the Honesdale National Bank, in conjunction with celebrating their 20 years of service to the community.

Crash:  On February 26th at 6:30 am Jerlyn Marshall of New Milford was traveling east on Sr 706 in New Milford township when she lost control of her vehicle on the snow covered roadway.  The vehicle exited the roadway to the right, struck a tree, and came to an uncontrolled rest off the eastbound lane facing east.  The driver went to Wilson hospital, transported by her husband.  A seat belt was in use.  JD Towing towed the vehicle from the scene. 

Theft by Deception:  A Susquehanna woman attempted to buy a vehicle on Craigslist from the state of Wyoming.  The victim sent the payment for the vehicle to an unknown seller and never received the vehicle.  Anyone with information or who experienced a similar incident should call the police at 570-465-3154. 

Fugitive from Justice:  On February 25th at 9:40 am David Shears was taken at a location in Little Meadows borough for being a fugitive from justice from New York state.  Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-01. 

Hit and Run:  On February 10th at noon, Jacob Slates of Susquehanna was traveling on Berg Hill Road in Gibson Township when he observed a white pickup truck traveling towards him in the opposite travel lane.  Slates slowed down and moved over to allow the pick up to pass.  The other vehicle then struck the driver side mirror of Slates' vehicle, and did not stop.  No injuries were reported at the scene.  The offending vehicle is described as being a Ford F250 truck. 

Act 64:  On February 20th at 4:23 pm a trooper was checking on a possible disabled vehicle on I81 in Great Bend.  He made contact with the perpetrator, Chanique Banksdale of Buffalo, and while speaking with her detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.  He conducted a search of the vehicle and found suspected marijuana.  The perpetrator was arrested. 

Burglary:  Between January 22nd and February 23rd a residence in Jessup Township was entered, and several items removed from within.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Theft/Forgery:  Brandon Henneforth of Blakely is accused of stealing the checkbook of a Lenox man from his residence in Hop Bottom.  Henneforth then forged the man's name on those checks and cashed them.  Charges were filed against the accused in regards to these crimes. 

Crash:  A one vehicle crash occurred as Joseph Schmidt of Kingsley was traveling west on Sr 106 in Lenox Township on February 22nd at 6:35 pm.  The driver failed to negotiate a left curve and exited the roadway, going onto the berm and striking a utility pole with its right front end, before continuing off the road, striking a couple trees, and coming to a stop. 

Simple Assault/Resisting Arrest:  On February 23rd at 8:20 am a New Milford man is accused of assaulting a New Milford woman at their residence.  Upon interviewing the accused, he refused to follow verbal commands and a struggle ensued to arrest him.  Charges were field at District Court 34-3-02. 

Crash:  On February 23rd at 8:33 am Phillip Wilbur of Dalton was traveling west on Glenwood Drive in Lenox Township when, while traveling west, he fell asleep at the wheel.  The vehicle then exited the roadway and side swiped a tree, before coming to a rest in the creek. Factoryville EMS and Nicholson Fire were on scene.  Kozlowski's Towing arrived on scene to remove the vehicle. 

Crash:  On February 23rd at 2:20 am Shand Ford of Scranton was traveling northbound on Sr 106 and going around a left curve when his vehicle under compensated the curve and exited off onto the gravel and dirt berm on the east side of the roadway.  The then continued north on the berm and went into the trees, striking a tree with the front passenger side of the unit.  It continued north and struck another tree with its front end, where it came to a rest facing north against the tree.  The driver was not injured in the crash;  seat belt use was listed as none used/not applicable.  The vehicle sustained disabling damage and needed to be towed from the scene. 

Theft:  Between February 20th and 23rd, snow shovels were stolen off the porch of a New Milford senior citizen, living on Stump Pond Road. 

Commercial Vehicle Crash:  On February 16th at 3:04 am Kristy Ketcham of Hannibal, Ny was traveling north along Sr 81 in Lenox Township when her vehicle slid off the road to the right and collided with the rear end of a tractor trailer, which was parked on the right shoulder mechanically disabled.  Both occupants of Ketcham's vehicle were transported to CMC for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision;  seat belts were in use.  The operator and mechanic of the truck were both outside the vehicle when the impact occurred, and were unharmed. 

Access Device Fraud:  On February 19th unknown perpetrator(s) used a man's debit account to make purchases at a Walmart in Florida.  The incident was under investigation as of the time of report. 

Theft:  Between February 20th and 21st, unknown perpetrator(s) forced entry into the Liberty Township residence of a woman, by means of the front door.  The perpetrator(s) removed approximately $500 and a machete.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the police. 

Theft:  On February 22nd at 11:42 am a Montrose man reported theft of a 1996 Ford Ranger, green in color, bearing PA registration – ZCG1586 from his friend's residence in Montrose. Anyone with information is asked to please call the police. 

Burglary:  Between the 10th and 14th of February, an incident occurred in which one or more unknown perpetrator(s) entered a New Milford Township location and removed a broach, pearl necklace, diamond emerald necklace and miscellaneous pieces of costume jewelry.  A Mountain View High School class ring, from the class of 2002 was also taken.  The class ring had a cross and a field hockey stick on it, and the stone was blue in color.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Burglary:  Between the 14th and 21st of February, undetermined actors pried open an entry door to the rental house trailer owned by a man in Auburn Township.  No other times were observed to be damaged or missing from the home.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. 

Burglary:  Between the 4th and 21st of February, the metal door on the side of a Clifford garage was kicked in.  Items were stolen from within.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Criminal Mischief:  On February 19th at 10:25 am Amber Schurr of Choconut is accused of breaking the window of a Choconut Township location.  The actor was cited. 

Act 64:  On February 20th at 10:15 am a 16 year old juvenile male was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and paraphernalia at a stone quarry along Sr 2009.  Charges were filed through juvenile court. 

Crash:  On February 18th a juvenile female was traveling north on Sr 848 in New Milford Township when she lost control of her vehicle as it traveled over an ice covered portion of the roadway, left the roadway, and crashed into a tree.  The driver wasn't injured;  a seat belt was in use. 

Commercial Vehicle Crash:  On February 18th at 5:26 am a Volvo VVN pulled into the Flying J travel plaza parking lot and, in the process of trying to turn around in the parking lot, struck a gas pump, knocking the pump off its base.  The vehicle then stopped and came to a controlled rest in the parking lot next to the pump. 

Harassment:  On February 18th at 12:15 am a Kingsley man and woman got into an argument. The woman spit in the man's face and scratched him.  The man held the woman down and threatened her.  Charges were pending as of the time of report. 

Theft from Motor Vehicle:  A Lackawanna County man had his vehicle broken into while in the parking lot of the Elk Mountain Ski Resort on February 17th between 1 and 4:50 pm. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Crash:  On February 16th at 10:33 am Emily Monday of Randolph, Nj was traveling north on I81 in Lenox Township when her vehicle traveled off the west shoulder.  The driver steered to get back on the roadway and lost control due to ice on the shoulder.  The vehicle traveled across both lanes of I81 and struck Mile Marker 211.2's sign.  The vehicle was traveling sideways through the grassy area off of the 211 exit shoulder, and caused damage to the rear driver side tire, making the vehicle not drivable.  The driver was not injured;  a seat belt was in use. 

Theft of Motor Vehicle:  Between February 16th and 17th, a 2012 Chevy Traverse was taken from the residence of a Nicholson couple.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Burglary:  Between February 14th and 15th, a Kingsley residence was entered by means of a rear window.  A 32 inch television was stolen from within.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Burglary:  The police are investigating a report of a burglary in Harford Township in which unknown perpetrator(s) forced entry into a residence and stole money and documents.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Hit and Run:  On February 15th at 8:54 pm Neil Austin of Ravena, Ny was traveling south in the right lane of I81 in Lenox Township when his vehicle was sideswiped by a green tractor trailer traveling south in the left lane.  The truck did not stop and provide information to Austin, whose vehicle sustained damage to its driver side rear view mirror and left front bumper.  No injuries were reported and Austin's vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. 

Crash:  On February 15th at 8:13 pm Donald Ezirim of Silver Spring, Md was traveling northbound on I81 in New Milford borough when he lost control of his vehicle on the snow covered roads and traveled off the east shoulder.  The vehicle traveled up the embankment and continued heading north until striking two trees head on.  It came to a rest facing east on the shoulder.  The driver was not injured; a seat belt was in use.

Commonwealth Vehicle Crash:  On February 8th at 8:28 am a PennDOT Truck was traveling south along Sr 2003 in Bridgewater Township when its plow struck a branch that was hanging out onto the road.  The branch then cracked and traveled backwards onto the windshield of a Silverado driving behind it.  The windshield was broken/cracked on the second vehicle.  Some minor fender damage was also noted on the driver side front.  No one was injured in this collision. 

Anyone having information regarding one of the above incidents is asked to please contact the police at (570) 465-3154.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relatios Section has outstanding Bench Warrants for the following individuals as of 10:30 a.m. on February 26, 2016

Jeremy E. Anderson Sr., Tonya S. Birchard, Edwin Blaisure, Danielle Boyes, Allan A. Bucksbee, Michael J. Burger, Melanie M. Button, Brian N. Carter, Donald G. Darrow, James Donahue III, Christopher M. Dudock, Shawn P. Fiorentino, David J. Fischer, Morgan A. Garcia, Jonathan L. Hollister, Lyle J. Hugaboom, James R. Johnson Jr., Christopher M. Kuiper, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Elijah Maginley, John R. Martin, IV, Peggy J. Mills, Timothy Murray, Cindy Pellew, Brian T. Phillips, Desiree L. Shifler, Jason L. Shores, Michael A. Sipple, Christine Smith, Marcus E. Spickerman, Joseph W. Sutton, Christopher D. Taylor, Jarred Tennant, James E. Turcotte, Robert C. Walter II, Roger D. Williams, Louis Yachymiak, Edward K. Zajaczkowski,

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

February Sentences

Following are the Susquehanna County Sentencings for February, 2016 as sent down by the Susquehanna County Court.

Devon Lucas Weldon, 20, of Clifford, PA to 1 month to 18 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Clifford Township on July 24, 2015.

Toddy Alan Spry, 30, of Great Bend, PA to 12 months probation, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to consume or possess any alcoholic beverages, not to have contact with anyone on supervision except for bona fide work purposes, undergo a 11 PM curfew unless for bona fide work purposes for Disorderly Conduct in Great Bend Borough on October 3, 2015.

Timothy J Millard, 34, of Montrose, PA to 1 year probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, no contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess any firearms, continue with drug and alcohol treatment for Receiving Stolen Property in New Milford Township on September 21, 2015.

Patrick Kevin Astleford, 57, of Kingsley, PA to 2 months to 1 year in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 3 years probation, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, not to utilize controlled substances without a valid prescription, continue with drug and alcohol treatment, not to possess firearms or any offensive weapons, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to enter any bar, tavern or establishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcohol for Manufacture, Delivery or Possession w/ Intent to Manufacture or Deliver in Lenox Township on September 17, 2015.

Jesse Alan Cook, 32, of Binghamton, NY to 12 months to 24 months in a State Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, perform 50 hours community service, subject to DNA testing requirements, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, not to possess any firearms for Fleeing or Attempt to Elude Police in  Great Bend Township on January 7, 2016.

Patrick Michael Moser, 25, of Great Bend, PA to 12 months probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances without a valid prescription for Receiving Stolen Property in Great Bend Borough on September 1, 2014.

Gary C Coleman, 26, of Olean, NY to 30 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $10 EMS, pay $150 Pennsylvania Transportation Trust Fund Fee, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, successfully complete alcohol highway safe driving school program for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Borough on July 5, 2015.  Mr. Coleman also received 2 years probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Great Bend Borough on July 5, 2015.

Donna C Long, 51, of Starlight, PA to 6 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $75 Pennsylvania Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $10 Ems, successfully complete alcohol highway safe driving school program, complete a CRN evaluation within 30 days, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Driving Under the Influence in Ararat Township on June 26, 2015.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program: Brock Edward Blumer, Brett Leroy White.

The Forest City Baseball/Softball Association has been developing a softball program for the last five years, but has no dedicated softball field for the program to use. Looking to fix this issue, the association is running an online fundraising campaign on RedBasket.org, a free crowdfunding website, to help pay for the building of a new field.

For the past several years, the softball program has been getting by with sharing a field with the baseball program. However, this field is not designed for playing softball. A group recently came together to create a multi-use field for the softball program as well as other local programs. “We are attempting to raise money to convert an old, rundown, baseball field into a beautiful new softball field for the girls of our community for generations to come,” said Judy Graham, a coordinator of the fundraiser.

This project will benefit the entire community in many ways. It will serve as a multi-use field for youth and adult softball, as well as pre-teen and teen baseball. The new complex will improve Kennedy Park, a popularly used facility, and help bring tournaments and visitors into the community.

To support this new softball field with your tax deductible donation, visit RedBasket.org/857.