Oakland Boro STILL has a problem with howling hounds. An irate resident of the borough brought her concerns before the borough council at their Thursday, April 14, 2016, meeting. It wasn’t the first time she made a clean breast of the problem that has been troubling borough residents since at least last summer. At the October 2015 borough council meeting she had made an in-dept complaint about the extent of the problem and asked for help. Council, at that time, had Chief Sweet present, and he had advised complainants to call 9-1-1 to report nuisance barking dogs. He went on to explain that if Oakland Police are on duty they will respond and investigate; police will pay a visit to the offending dog’s owner to verify the dog’s licensing, vaccination record and living conditions, as well as to observe if the dog is being properly cared for and provided with legally required living conditions/shelter. Chief Sweet also advised in October 2015 that police are empowered to write citations under the borough’s nuisance ordinance, the fine being $25.00 for each citation.

Residents responded at that October ’15 meeting that they were concerned that the fine amount was so insignificant that it served as little to no deterrent to dog owners whose dogs were consistent barking nuisances. While suggestions were made that perhaps that fine amount should be raised, no action was taken then, or since, to increase the citation amount higher than $25.00.

The issue has now come full circle. The complainant in October 2015 voiced that she has received no relief from the nuisance barking by her neighbor’s dog. The offending dog, she explained, is housed in a wire kennel in the neighbor’s front yard. The dog is there 24 hours a day, and barking loudly except for down-time for sleeping and eating, but the dog’s owner is gone all day and much of the night. Attempts to talk directly to the neighbor have been met with “unfriendly” rebuffs leaving the complainant fearing for her safety. Complainant also alleges that if she walks her three dogs, it immediately unhinges her neighbor’s dog which launches into full-throated barking objections which set off canine barking at several neighboring households also having dogs.

What to do? Mayor Beavan responded that borough police had to observe the offending dog in the commission of barking before action could be taken against the owner. He requested the exact street address of the residence when the offending dog is located, but the complainant reported that she did not know. Apparently, approximately 10% of homes in Oakland Borough are not in compliance with 9-1-1 addressing standards. The house in question has neither a street address on the residence nor on its corresponding mailbox.  Further investigation is to be made to verify the name of the resident and his exact mailing address so that official correspondence can be drafted by the borough and police as concerns the issue. Police, Mayor Beavan said, will also be assigned to make passes into the troubled neighborhood to make first-hand observations of the situation.

Councilman Eric Page spoke up to say that he had observed the problem from his residence, so there was certainly no disputing the veracity of what the complainant had said. But the crux of the matter is that close observation and documentation by police is the only viable solution, short of direct action by the dog’s owner to resolve the issue. Complainant resident thanked borough council for listening, but noted that she would continue to monitor the situation for improvement and redouble her efforts to keep this issue at the forefront of council’s attention until the matter is resolved.

Presiding over Oakland Boro’s April 2016 meeting was President Rhone. Councilmen present were: Jack Agler, Doug Arthur, Gary Boughton, Dave Dibble, Eric Page, and Nelson Towner. Also present, Mayor Ron Beavan, Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush, Solicitor Myron DeWitt, and Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) Shane Lewis.

Solicitor DeWitt and CEO Lewis aren’t regular attendees at borough meetings, but they were on hand this night due to a specific code violation which had been discussed at November 2015’s meeting, but which was as of yet unresolved. At that November meeting Oakland resident Dennis Price provided a detailed history of a code violation on an adjoining property. He described how that violation had adversely affected his property, including garage. At this meeting, the neighbor on whose property the code violation existed brought his architect to present a plan for mitigation of the ongoing problem. Council inquired as to the adequacy of the solution, who was going to do the work, and when council might expect the work to be completed. After some 25 minutes of discussion and haggling, Council passed a motion to accept construction mitigating the water problem [code violation] on High Street, with a deadline of 30 July 2016 for completion of work, and subject to approval by CEO Lewis who will monitor progress and determine sufficiency of final work product.

In providing the Building Committee Report, Councilman Page delivered a progress report on negations for purchase of a structure in the borough for Oakland’s Municipal Offices. He noted that progress was going well, and he offered that Council should consider purchase of office furniture so that operations could commence as soon as the borough takes possession of the building. Council considered his request carefully and then approved a motion to consider the purchase of office furniture, as agreed by council members, and as agreed upon when Council settles on a negotiated price.

Councilman Boughton reported that Little League had cleaned up the Park’s field and adjoining grounds. Additionally, an agreement had been reached with Little League for lease of the concession stands at a flat-rate price of $100. It was later noted in the evening’s meeting that for the Saber’s Pride and Polish Day on Friday, May 6, further trash pick-up and sprucing up of the Park would be the primary objective of Oakland Boro. Students participating were preliminarily hailed for their service project work and Little League was recognized for all the hard work they had put in.

Mayor Beavan presented the Police Report. For the month of March it showed, the following 17 responses by category: Animal Complaint - 2, Traffic Stop - 5, Criminal Trespass - 2, Miscellaneous Investigations - 4; and one each in all of the following categories: ATV/Snowmobile, Criminal Mischief, Suspicious Vehicle, and Theft.

In Old Business, Secretary/Treasurer Brush reported that the 2015 audit is now completed. Also, a total of six boroughs, including Oakland, had signed on with New Milford Borough as concerning gas royalties and contacting state legislators about the issue.

Just before meeting’s end Councilman Arthur announced that bears were being sighted in the trailer park again. As spring follows winter, so too do bears arise from their slumbers and return to their favored haunts. Residents should be vigilant with bears about.

Council adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Its next meeting is scheduled for the second Thursday in May.

HARRISBURG – To help local schools receive the state funding they are due in the 2015-16 state budget, Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) voted in favor of new legislation that addresses the governor’s veto of the state’s Fiscal Code.

House Bill 1589, which passed the House with bipartisan support, is another attempt at implementing the Basic Education Funding formula, which passed the General Assembly last summer and was praised by Gov. Tom Wolf. That funding formula, which was part of the Fiscal Code Wolf vetoed in March, would dictate how the $150 million in new basic education dollars and $50 million in flexible grants are to be spent.

“When the governor vetoed the Fiscal Code – and with it the new Basic Education Funding formula he praised last summer – I was disappointed in that he would continue to harm schoolchildren,” Pickett said. “That disappointment further deepened when he decided to create his own funding formula – which he isn’t authorized to do without legislative consent – and sent at least half the money to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Chester Upland. It’s obvious to me that the governor’s priorities lie with our large urban centers and not our rural areas.”

Pickett pointed out that every school district in Pennsylvania is receiving more state aid than in 2014-15. However, under Wolf’s own formula and with half the money going to three large-city districts, the remaining 497 districts are sharing the remaining $100 million.

Locally, schools across the 110th District will collectively lose out on nearly $310,000.

“For years, one of the biggest challenges in Harrisburg has been the way in which our schools are funded,” Pickett said. “It’s disheartening that when we are finally within reach of a fair formula that factors in the realities of our rural schools, the governor decides it’s not good enough for the districts he favors. That’s patently unfair, and the people of Pennsylvania deserve better.”

The Susquehanna Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) held their 15th annual membership and fund raising banquet. This was the 13th year of a total sellout of 180+ (maximum seating capacity) at the Ayres-Stone Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5642 in Montrose. The annual banquet features great food, live and silent auctions, many raffles and games, donated fishing trips, pheasant, bear and coyote hunts, sporting clay shoots, that raise funds for specific Branch projects.

Branch President Mike Koneski noted, “The funds raised at the past annual banquets helped the branch participate in many activities.” Mr. Koneski further explained what the Branch has  accomplished during 2015,

Part of the crowd/attendees at the banquet. Photo courtesy of the Susquehanna branch of QDMA

“The Branch had a custom made tree planter ($2000) fabricated by a local company Pennypacker Welding which was then donated the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) for use here in Northeast Pennsylvania; purchased and donated bucket loader forks for one of the PGC’s tractors; donated dunstan chestnut trees – tree tubes – wooden stakes to the PGC which the branch planted on SGL 35; partnered with the Wilson F. Moore chapter of the National  Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) on a working field day at PGC State Game Lands 219 in February when the morning temperature was minus 3 degrees. Funded habitat improvement plantings on PGC State Game Lands 219; funded a student/assistant leader (from Susquehanna Community High School) to attend the PICE Wildlife Leadership Academy class; purchased 6 QDMA in the Classroom kits for local high schools; Donated money to Archery in the Classroom for the Lathrop St. elementary School and  the Choconut Valley Elementary School programs; Donated dunstan chestnut trees, wooden stakes and protective tubes to the Mt. View High School environmental class branch members taught the students how to plant the trees and supervised the students efforts; helped sponsor the Susquehanna County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs "Youth Field Day" at the Harford Fairgrounds and made a presentation on whitetail deer families and deer density; donated money to the Roger Everitt Memorial Shoot at the Silver Lake Rod and Gun Club in support of 4H Shooting Sports; held a Dunstan chestnut tree sale with over 600 trees sold; helped fund the PAQDMA Chapter’s booths at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg and the Agriclutural Progress Days at State College; presented several educational programs to youth and adults; sponsored outdoor events (Hunts for Healing, Sporting Clays Shoot, Ag Progress Days, etc.) had 5 short videos made featuring branch directors, their wives, children and grandchildren which were about Quality Deer Management, they are on YouTube under QDMA”.

Koneski further stated “The Branch Directors, Volunteers and members working together, whether on one or many projects, are what makes this branch a very good branch that gets a variety of activities done.”

The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is a non-profit conservation organization working to ensure the future of white-tailed deer, wildlife habitat and our hunting heritage. Since 1988, QDMA has worked to promote sustainable, high-quality deer populations, wildlife habitats and ethical hunting experiences through research, education, advocacy, and hunter recruitment. QDMA teaches deer hunters how to improve local deer populations, habitat and hunting experiences. “To ensure the future of white-tailed deer, wildlife habitat and our hunting heritage.”

Criminal Mischief:  Between February 28th and March 6th several gates and a trail camera were damaged on Svecz Road in Herrick.  The perpetrator(s) fled the scene, possibly on ATVs, traveling back and forth to the Herrick Lodge.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Theft:  On March 3rd a Road Work Ahead sign was taken from Williams Pond Road. 

Bank Robbery:  On March 9th at 3:10 pm the police were called to respond to a bank robbery at First National Bank in Clifford township.  A white male entered the bank wearing a knit cap, sunglasses, and a yellow bandanna.  The perpetrator demanded money and left the bank, going north on Airport road.  The unknown perpetrator is described as being 5'8” tall and a slender build.  He was wearing all black clothing at the time of the robbery.  Surveillance photos were to follow at the time of report.  No weapon was displayed.  Anyone with any information is asked to please contact the police.  A possible vehicle involved is described as being a reddish colored (between red and maroon) color, and an older model four door sedan. 

Recklessly Endangering Another Person:  On February 20th at 9:30 am unknown perpetrator(s) shot a BB gun at the vehicle of a victim in Liberty Township.  The vehicle was struck on the driver's side front and rear doors.  The vehicle was also struck in the windshield, on the passenger side.  The crime occurred at 9:30 am, but wasn't responded to until 5:30 pm. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Hit and Run:  On February 26th at 1:09 pm an unknown driver was turning onto Church Street in New Milford borough when his vehicle struck the rear of a vehicle driven by William Mercadante of Scranton.  Mercadante pulled to the berm on Church Street, and the offending vehicle sped off, traveling west on Sr 492.  Mercadante and two passengers were not injured. 

Harassment:  On March 9th at 8:08 am troopers responded to a fight at the Montrose High School.  An altercation occurred between two 15 year old males in the hallway of the school. The accused was cited for Assault Harassment through District Court 34-3-01. 

Crash:  On March 1st at 12:35 am John Justis of Binghamton was traveling north on Sr 167 in Silver Lake Township when, as his vehicle was traveling north just prior to a curve, deer entered into the roadway.  The driver attempted to avoid the deer and went off the roadway.  The vehicle lost control and struck multiple trees, prior to being flipped around and coming to a rest in the northbound lane of SR 167.  The driver was not on scene upon police arrival.  Bennett's Towing removed the vehicle from the scene.  Silver Lake Fire Department assisted on the scene. 

Identity Theft:  On February 22nd at noon, a perpetrator attempted to file the 2015 federal tax return of a Montrose woman, using the victim's name and social security information.  Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to please contact the police. 

Harassment:  On March 2nd two 13 year old male juveniles were involved in a physical altercation that occurred at the Montrose High School.

Burglary:  Between March 4th and 5th, one or more perpetrator(s) forced their way into a Jessup Township residence through a front door.  The perpetrator(s) proceeded to remove three small space heaters and miscellaneous lumber from within.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Crash:  On March 4th at 3:40 am Danielle Chilson of Owego was traveling southbound on Sr 858 in Little Meadows Borough an, while her vehicle was negotiating a right curve, it went through the curve and straight off of the east side of the roadway.  Once off the roadway, it rolled over onto its roof and came to a rest  on the east side of the roadway on its roof facing west.  The occupants were not injured in the crash,  and the vehicle sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene. 

Scattering Rubbish:  Between March 1st and 2nd, a large bag of garbage was deposited along the property of  a New Milford man, along Highland Road.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Retail Theft:  On March 2nd at 5 pm an unknown female was observed to be concealing several items in her purse and fleeing the store.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police at (570) 465-3154. 

Crash:  On February 29th at 8:32 pm Kayla Valentine of Kingsley was traveling on Route 0167 when it traveled off the roadway and struck a tree.  The driver was not injured;  a seat belt was in use. 

Retail Theft:  On February 17th, at 3:27 am a black male removed a box of Pop Secret Pop Corn from the Harford Exxon.  The suspect then left in a blue vehicle, possibly a Charger or Challenger, in an unknown direction.  A gold in color vehicle was also waiting for the suspect outside.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Fire Investigation:  The police are investigating a fire that occurred in Liberty Township on February 28th at 2:00 am.  The fire was ruled arson in nature.  The fire was discovered by a neighbor.  No one has lived at the trailer for several months, and there was no power to the trailer.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Troop R Fire Marshal Unit at (570) 963-3156. 

Crash:  On February 27th at 1:40 am an unnamed driver was traveling on Kingsley Road towards Rt 11 in Lathrop Township when he or she attempted to negotiate a right curve with a tractor trailer, when the trailer could not make the curve.  The trailer then impacted the safety rail of the small bridge on Kingsley Road.  The driver related that he was coming from Tobyhanna and heading for Tunkhannock when his GPS took him to this road.  He related that he did not know where he was and came upon the curve, and that he thought he could make it. The driver related that he could no make the curve then and hit the side of the bridge.  Lathrop Township was notified by a copy of the driver exchange report for the damage to the bridge. 

Anyone having information on any of these incidents is asked to please contact the police at (570) 465-3154. 

DEEDS

Michael S. Dropp (AKA) Michael Dropp to Michael J. Dropp, in Jackson Township, for $1.00.

Philip F. Chamberlain to Todd G. Chamberlain, in Montrose, $1.00.

James W. Jones (ESTATE) to Andrew D. & Natalie E. Nice, in Harford Township, for $209,750.00.

Terry Lynn Bennett, Richard Dean Allen & JoAnne Allen to Mark & Stephanie L. Rozelle, in Bridgewater Township, for $106,500.00.

Robert M. Squire (BY ATTY) & Mary Jane Squire to Joshua L. Weaver, in Great Bend Township, for $179,900.00.

Scott T. Andre, Mark L. Andre, Sarah E. Birchard (AKA) Sarah A. Birchard to Scott T. Andre, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.

Lester & Cheryl Zimmerman to Kenny Joe McKee, in Ararat Township, for $190,000.00.

Charlotte Ann Alexander (ESTATE) to Carl W. & Joan M. Osen, in Great Bend Township, for $105,000.00.

Robert F. Burns Jr. to Donald A. & Mary A. Burns, in Susquehanna, for $1.00.

Donald H. Henry to Donald S. and JoAnn Henry, in Liberty Township, for $1.00.

Bonnie Smith to William J. Collins Jr. & Amy Collins Jr., in Thompson Township, for $139,000.00.

Nick E. & Erica A. Johnson to Alan J. and Julina C. Arthur, in Liberty Township, for $190,000.00.

Susan Bennett-Dyson to Dyson Windy Crest Acres (TRUST), in Springville Township, for $1.00.

Susan Bennett-Dyson to Dyson Windy Acres II TRUST, in Springville Township, for $1.00.

Chesapeake Royalty LLC, Chesapeake Exploration LLC, Chesapeake Appalachia LLC, Chesapeake-Clements Acquisition LLC, CHK-MAC LLC, CHK UTICA LLC, EMPRESS LLC, EMPRESS PROPERTIES LLC, GSF LLC, MC Louisiana Minerals LLC, MC Mineral Company LLC, Chesapeake Louisiana LP to Haymaker Properties LP, in Auburn Township, Ararat Township, Bridgewater Township, Brooklyn Township, Dimock Township, Forest Lake Township, Gibson Township, Great Bend Township, Harford Township, Harmony Township, Hop Bottom Township, Jackson Township, Jessup Township, Lenox Township, Middletown Township, New Milford Township, Oakland Township, Rush Township, Silver Lake Township, Springville Township & Susquehanna, for $10.00.

Jenny A. Mitchell (NBM) and Jenny A. Phillips to Jenny A. and Robert G. Phillips, in Forest City, for $1.00.

Margot Sheller to Jeffrey Welaish and Christyn B. Olmstead, in Thompson Township, for $115,000.00.

Gerald L. & Elizabeth K. Hoffius to Gerald L. Hoffius, in Liberty Township, for $1.00.

Randy Noble, Caroline Nobile (AKA) Caroline Malinchak to William R. Noble, in Springville Township, for $1.00.

Dorothy, John and Linda Gliha to David Robbins, in Forest City, for $35,500.00.

Lynne McDevitt  (ESTATE) to Michel W. and Melanie R. Pratola, in Herrick Township, for $26,500.00.

Andrew R. and  Inga G. Morris to John Joseph & Mary Beth Kasper Nealon, in Clifford Township, for $255,000.00.

Scott J. and  Melinda L. Freeman to Christopher V. McDonald and Dayle C. O’Connor, in Forest Lake Township, for $225.000.00.

David F. Bianco and Janette Young Bianco to FC Realty LLC, in Forest City , for $90,000.00.

Carol Fiske (AKA) Carol F. Fiske and Carole F. Fiske to Leanne N. Ferenczi, in New Milford Township, for $127,500.00.

Catherine M. Rudovsky to Gerald V. and Laura M. Zelenka, in Liberty Township, for $1.00.

Bernadette A. Colvin (AKA) Bernadette A. Crawford to Adam L. West and Chelsea M. Evans, in Silver Lake Township, for $87,765.00.

George E. Frailey Jr. (BY SHERRIF) and Laure R. Frailey (BY SHERRIF) to Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company (SBM) and Peoples National Bank, in Great Bend Township and Halstead Borough, for $7,921.97.

Ward L. and Nancy L. Deska to Nancy Deska, in Dimock Township, for $0.00.

Dale A. and Jerlyn D. Marshall to Joshua M. and Megan M. Osterhout, in Great Bend Borough, for $30,000.00.

Robert E. and Ella L. Darrow to B & D Brothers LLS, in Franklin Township, for $380,000.00.

Martin M. Ofalt (ESTATE) to Mary Ellen Ofalt, in Gibson Township, for $1.00.

Charles H. Snyder Jr. and Michelle Fox Snyder to Bonnie Smith, David Forker and Cathi Forker, in Oakland Township, for $119,00.00.

James W. McMahon Sr and Dorothy McMahon, James W. McMahon Jr. and Lorraine McMahon to James W. McMahon Jr. and Lorraine McMahon, in Hop Bottom Borough and Lenox Township, for $1.00.

David Scott Farrar to David Scott Farrar & Jack Henry Farrar, in Clifford Township, for $1.00.

Bruce DeRosier Jr. and Kathleen DeRosier Jr. to Nancy P. Kimberly A. and Jennifer L. DeRosier, in Harmony Township, for $1.00.

Johan J. and Anna McNamara to John J. and Anna McNamara, in Jackson Township, for $1.00.

John & Elizabeth A. Securest to Fiondi, Inc., in Forest Lake Township, for $125,000.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

Elmer Beebe Jr., Tonya S. Birchard, Edwin Blaisure, Michael J. Burger, Brian N. Carter, David J. Fischer, Morgan A. Garcia, Jonathan L. Hollister, Christopher M. Kuiper, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Casey M. Lehman, John J. Liepinis III, James Mackey, Robert J. McCrone, Peggy J. Mills, Timothy Murray, Cindy Pellew, Desiree L. Shifler, Jason L. Shores, Marcus E. Spickerman, Christopher D. Taylor, Robert C. Walter II,