Susquehanna among Counties Benefiting from $381,000 in Community Grants Funding for Emergency Responders, Education and Community Projects

Fire departments, schools, hospitals and townships are a few of the 57 Pennsylvania organizations that will receive more than $381,000 in funding this spring from Williams through its bi-annual community grant program. The total includes $20,000 that will be distributed to organizations in Susquehanna County.

The Susquehanna County Historical Society, plans to use its $10,000 grant to purchase a new scanner.

Grants up to $10,000 per applicant are being awarded by Williams to eligible organizations in communities where the proposed Atlantic Sunrise pipeline project would be constructed and operated. This announcement represents the third grant award cycle since the program was initiated in 2015. Since then, Williams has announced total awards of more than $1.09 million across the entire Atlantic Sunrise project area, including $45,000 in Susquehanna County.

Two cycles of Atlantic Sunrise grant awards are announced each year (spring and fall). This cycle’s grant dollars were dispersed in the following broad categories: emergency response ($224,800), education ($58,250) and recreation or community enhancement projects ($98,500).

$10,000.00 grant to Brooklyn/Hop Bottom Athletic Assoc., Brooklyn, will be used for improvement to Brooklyn/Hop Bottom Athletic Field.

Business Manager Brian Dolan gave the keynote presentation at the Blue Ridge School Board’s workshop on April 25th, with an overview of the new budget for next year.  There are still some details to be worked out, not to mention uncertainties with respect to the level of state subsidy.

One item found its way back into the budget at a brief meeting of the Board’s Finance Committee before the workshop.  Earlier in the month some members of the Board balked at spending $47,000 for the purchase of Chromebook computers for 9th graders.  This time Superintendent Matthew Button made a strong pitch for the program, which he said was becoming a new norm in high schools.  Technology Coordinator Mike Stewart said that issuing the computers that students would keep until they graduated would reduce the need to replace computers in the labs at the school, some of which are 9 years old.  Mr. Button said that some selected students already had the computers, and that there had been no losses or other incidents with them.

Board President Chris Lewis opened the workshop by recognizing a representative of local fire companies who reported that this year’s “mock crash” event in advance of prom night experienced a “dismal turnout.”  He said that there hadn’t been a fatal prom night crash in the area since 1990, and that the mock crash may have been a part of that record.  The event used to be held on the Blue Ridge campus, but apparently there had been concern about the mess it caused.  No excuse, said members of the Board, who expressed support for giving it prominence in coming years.  The fire companies pledge to keep it simple and relatively clean.  The Board’s student representative, Ashlee Derrick, president of Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD), also supported the move back to campus where more students would be able to participate.

The Board will recognize the contributions of the late Rob Robinson.  Mr. Button suggested naming the outdoor classroom after Mr. Robinson, proprietor of the only grocery store in the local area, and a significant supporter of the schools, Blue Ridge in particular.  Several people remembered Rob’s kindness and personal as well as philanthropical generosity.

Looking toward the following week’s business meeting, among other routine items, Mr. Button said that changes in the student handbooks – often a source of debate on the Board – were minor this year.  He would also like to create a program to allow the timely placement of substitutes in emergency situations in several non-instructional areas such as the nurse’s office.  He also reported that the Board needs to approve the renewal of the district’s stop-loss agreement for the district-funded staff health insurance program; otherwise he had been advised that the rate could go up sharply.

Christina Cosmello told her colleagues that the Board’s scholarship fund, begun a few years ago through a fund-raising committee, has a balance of about $2,000.  She would like to continue the program, and asked members to consider helping out.

In committee reports:

• Edward Arnold, chair of Facilities, Grounds and Technology, reported that a direct telephone line had been installed between the district and the State Police barracks.
  
  
• Mr. Lewis told the Board that he wants to review the salaries for extracurricular activities.  Mr. Button said that he too wants to “clean up” the salary structure, particularly for coaches.  He will be offering the Board some options to rationalize coaching salaries.
  
  
• Elementary School Principal Danelle Decker, reported that the Wellness Committee has been studying the district’s wellness policy.  She said that the committee found that the lengthy formal policy could not be easily abbreviated, but that the committee will try to produce more accessible summaries for the various groups in the schools.
  
  
• Transportation Committee Chair Jessica Wright and Mr. Button reported that discussions with contractors are continuing to finalize details of the new 5-year bus contracts.  Harold Empett wondered how a bus operator new to the business could gain entry.
  
  
• Mr. Empett is also the Blue Ridge representative to the Instructional Unit.  He reported that some of the IU’s various facilities have deteriorated, and that the IU Board is considering consolidating its activities.  Whatever they do is likely to cost money, and the 20 school districts that are part of the IU will likely be assessed for additional contributions.

Mr. Lewis reported that the district and its teachers had a “great dialog” recently, resulting in the decision of the teachers’ union, the Blue Ridge Education Association (BREA) to call off the strike most recently scheduled to begin that very day.  Mr. Lewis thanked the teachers for the action to cancel the strike, and said that the remaining obstacle to an agreement seems to be over contributions for health insurance.  Negotiators will meet again on May 5, together with the district’s insurance consultant.

Mr. Dolan then took center stage to present an overview of the budget process that resulted in what he characterized as a “conservative” spending plan that cuts “controllable” overhead by about $10,000, yet calls for an overall increase in spending of just under $500,000.  Several times he repeated that the primary goals are “learning” and “student achievement,” and that cuts must not to affect those objectives.

Emphasizing that this budget is not yet final but depends on Board decision in a number of areas, as well as a better reading of subsidies that might be expected from the next state budget, he noted increases in costs of about 2.4% in salaries and benefits (subject to a final agreement with the teachers), health insurance cost increases of about 6%, rises in energy and maintenance expenses of about 8.8%, and increases in the assessments for charter schools of about 4.1%.  There is also to be another 4.19% increase in the contribution of Blue Ridge to the state’s teacher retirement fund, to a full 30.03% of total salaries.  Salaries and benefits make up 67% of the district’s expenses. 

Against those cost increases, the state subsidy increase is projected at only 2.6%, and a rise of only 0.8% in local real estate assessments.  Federal contributions are “miniscule.”  Mr. Dolan said that, while the state subsidy for basic instruction will rise, its share of total revenue continues to fall, the difference to be made up from local taxes, mostly property taxes.  And the schools are the single largest employer in the district.

It was notable that local tax delinquencies are projected at nearly half a million dollars.

Mr. Button noted major increases in staffing expenses in a few areas, notably in “emotional support,” special education and pre-kindergarten.  He also pointed out that cuts in coaching staff for the 2011-2012 school year have already been largely reinstated, one of the reasons for his call to review those salary structures.

Overall, the budget for 2016-2017 so far calls for spending $17,670,735, an increase of about 2.8% over the current year.  The administration is recommending a property tax increase of 2.78%, below the state-computed index of 3.3%, boosting millage from 48.39 to 49.56 (dollars per thousand of assessed valuation).

The Board will continue to consider the budget proposals before offering a plan to the public next month.  The budget must be formally adopted before the end of the current fiscal year on June 30.

Mr. Lewis called the Board into executive session following the workshop, primarily to discuss candidates for the open position of Special Education Director.

The Wellness Committee may be having trouble making sense of the district’s wellness policy, but the awesome minestrone soup provided by Food Service Director Linda Cole-Koloski certainly couldn’t have violated it.

The next meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board will take place a week hence, May 2, 2016, beginning at 6:00pm.  Committee meetings may be held prior to the Board’s business session.  All meetings take place in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.

State Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) announced that 33 fire and ambulance companies serving communities in the 110th Legislative District will share more than $431,000 in state grants.

“The costs associated with running fire and ambulance companies continue to soar, and for the past decade, the Commonwealth has offered a grant program that helps offset some of the expenses our volunteers face,” Pickett said. “Since the grant program was established, millions of dollars have come back to our district to help our valuable first responders better afford equipment, training or even construction and repairs to their facilities. I’m pleased so many of our local organizations and their leaders apply for this funding, and I thank them for all they do to keep our communities safe.”

The Pennsylvania Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program awards funding to local organizations for the construction or renovation of a fire company or ambulance service’s primary structure; the purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; training; or debt reduction.  The grant program, which is funded by state gaming proceeds, is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of Fire Commissioner within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

The funding comes from proceeds from slot machine gaming in Pennsylvania.

Grants totaling $56,437 were awarded to the following companies located in Susquehanna County; Little Meadows Volunteer Fire Company -- $11,511 for fire and $7,201 for EMS; Hop Bottom Hose Company -- $13,334; Rush Volunteer Fire Department Inc. -- $11,511; Springville Volunteer Fire Company -- $12,878.

HARRISBURG – Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) has announced her monthly satellite office and veterans assistance hours for the month of May.

On Thursday, May 12, at the Preston Township Building on Crosstown Highway (Route 370) in Lakewood, the satellite office will be open from 10 a.m. to noon and include the following services:

• Driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals.
• Assistance with PennDOT paperwork.
• PACE and PACENET applications for seniors.
• Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications.
• Student aid applications.
• Free state maps, state park information and PA Vacation Guides.
• Referrals to agencies to resolve state-related matters.

In addition to the state services her offices provide, Major has also teamed up with the American Legion to provide assistance to veterans seeking information on VA benefits and services.  This service is available in her Honesdale district office on the second Monday of each month. The next scheduled appointment day is Monday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The office is located at 32 Commercial St., Suite 300, in Honesdale. Anyone interested in speaking with the department service officer should call the office at (570) 253-5533 to schedule an appointment.

Some of the services available to veterans and their dependents during these special hours include assistance with compensation, pension, death benefits, education and health care, as well as any issues pertaining to veterans benefits. An individual requesting service does not need to be a member of the American Legion.

“Both of these special services are designed to afford area residents more convenient access of state services,” said Major. “I encourage veterans and folks in the northern Wayne County area to take advantage of these opportunities to talk with someone in person and get the help needed to resolve any issues they may be having.”

Major’s full-time office in Montrose, Susquehanna County, is located at 16501 S.R. 706, Suite 2. The phone number is (570) 278-3374 or toll free at 1-800-418-5048. She can also be contacted via her website at RepMajor.com, email at SMajor@pahousegop.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/RepMajor.

Hit and Run:  On April 18th at 10:34 pm an unknown driver was traveling south on Sr 167 in Bridgewater Township in a Hyundai Accent when he or she traveled onto the right shoulder of the roadway then back across both lanes before losing control.  The vehicle was sliding sideways, driver's side first, leading up to an impact with the embankment.  After impact with the embankment the vehicle rolled onto its roof. 

Attempted Burglary, Criminal Mischief:  Timothy Holmes of Montrose was charged with Attempted Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Trespass, and related offenses following an incident at a woman's residence on April 8th.  The situation was awaiting future proceedings as of the time of report. 

Crash:  On April 21st 2:58 pm a Ford F150 was traveling south in a parking area in Bridgewater Township, operated by a juvenile female.  Two juvenile female passengers were hanging from the exterior of the vehicle as it was moving slowly through the parking area.  One of the two passengers fell from the moving vehicle and sustained minor injury. 

Crash:  On April 17th at 6:35 pm a 70 year old Springville man was making a left hand turn onto Sr 3023 in Dimock Township when he turned into the path of a vehicle driven by Matthew Laubach of Susquehanna, who was traveling south on Sr 29.  Minor injuries were reported at the scene.  Both men were utilizing seat belts. 

Theft:  On April 8th at 12:00 pm trooper responded to a Friendsville Borough location for a reported theft of aluminum cans taken from the Willy's Friendsville Inn.  Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to please contact PSP Gibson barracks at 570-465-3154. 

Theft by Unlawful Taking:  Between April 18th and 19th, one or more unknown perpetrator(s) gained entry to a John Deere spreader located in Great Bend Township and removed a pair of red AM/FM head phones and a Kenwood 2-way radio from it.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.  Anyoen with information is urged to contact PSP Gibson at 570-465-3154. 

DUI:  On April 19th at 9:10 pm Kathryn Lewis of Binghamton was involved in a one vehicle crash in Silver Lake township.  Through the investigation it was learned that the accused was driving under the influence of alcohol.  The accused was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital for injuries suffered during the crash.  Charges were to be filed through District Court 34-3-01 as of the time of report. 

Reckless Endangering/Fleeing and Eluding:  On April 19th at approximately 8:40 pm Dominic Gerhardt of Susquehanna was traveling east on Sr 171 with a 17 year old juvenile in the passenger seat.  While attempting to stop the vehicle Gerhardt was driving, he drove at a high rate of speed, into the oncoming lane, and passed a vehicle while in a curve near Red Rock.  Gerhardt continued to drive to his residence on Sr 171.  He was taken into custody and arraigned at court 34-3-03.  He was unable to post bail and was committed to the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility. 

Fleeing and Eluding Police/Recklessly Endangering Another Person:  Charges have been filed on Cuinn Foley of Clarks Summit, in addition to charges filed the previous week in Lackawanna County, for a pursuit that occurred starting in South Abington Township that led to the vehicle being later spotted in Nicholson Township, Wyoming County by Troopers from the Gibson Station.  Foley fled police for the second time with a passenger who was telling Foley to stop the car and let him out, but Foley refused.  During the pursuit, he struck the state police vehicle on two occasions trying to flee.  During one point in the pursuit, the passenger jumped out of the vehicle, when he had a chance to safely do so, and was taken into custody by troopers.  Foley fled the scene but later turned himself in to South Abington Police.  No injuries were reported.  No charges were filed on the passenger.  Charges were filed on Foley at DJ David Plummer's office in Tunkhannock Township on April 19th for Fleeing and Attempting to Elude Police, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Unlawful Restraint, Resisting Arrest, and Reckless Driving. 

State Police Vehicle:  On April 13th at 12:23 am an unmarked state police vehicle driven by a trooper from New Milford was traveling south on Sr 4007 in Forest Lake Township when a deer entered the unit's path of travel.  A collision occurred.  The driver, who was seat belted, was uninjured.  The vehicle was driven from the scene. 

Crash:  On April 18th at 9:05 pm Lisa Jemmot of Friendsville was traveling north on Sr 267 in Choconut Township when her vehicle struck a deer.  The vehicle then traveled into the south bound lane of Sr 267 and struck a second vehicle, driven by Oluseyi Oladeji of Rochester, Ny. 

Crash:  On April 8th at 1 am Joshua Harvey of Meshoppen was traveling west on Sr 3006 in Springville Township when he drifted off the left side of the roadway due to falling asleep on his way home from work.  The vehicle then exited the roadway to the left and entered into a ditch.  It then impacted the drainage pipe in the ditch, causing him to roll over onto his driver side.  No injuries were reported on scene.  A seat belt was in use.  Marv's towing removed the vehicle from the scene.

DUI:  On April 15th at 5:29 pm troopers responded to a report of a male passed out in his vehicle in Bridgewater Township.  Through the investigation it was learned that the accused had driven the vehicle to the location while DUI.  Charges against the accused were to be filed through District Court 34-3-01. 

Aggravated Assault:  On April 9th at approximately 6:48 pm a black SUV pulled over Tim Brewer of Browndale along Fiddle Lake Road, and assaulted him.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Barricaded Gunman:  On April 12th at 7 pm PSP Gibson received and responded to a report of a disturbance and gun shots fired at the David Shears residence in Little Meadows, and that Shears had pointed a rifle at another man, and threatened to kill him.  Troopers interviewed a neighbor who stated that he heard the gunshot and what he believed was the bullet hit his house. For several hours, troopers made many attempts to hail Shears form the residence via verbal commands over a patrol car PA system, and by knocking on the door with negative results. Phone calls were placed directly to Shears inside the home by his parole officer, friends, family, and troopers, but Shears refused to come out of his residence.  The State Police Special Emergency Response Team later conducted an extraction of Shears from the home, resulting in a successful arrest.  Shears was transported by EMS to Robert Packard Hospital in Sayre from exposure to tear gas.  Neighbors had first reported hearing the sounds of gunfire at the scene, but no shots were fired by Shears or state police.  Sounds heard by neighbors were from the tear gas rounds being fired into the house.  Charges were to be filed on Sears upon his release from the hospital, as of the time of report.  The cause of the disturbance was still under investigation. 

Anyone having information regarding any of these incidents is requested to please contact the state police at 570-465-3154.