Susquehanna Depot formally completed the unification process on May 11, 2016. What, you weren’t aware it needed unifying?  It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek to note this milestone, but it deserves mention because it clears up an anomaly that should have never been. In its heyday, Susquehanna had four wards and a population of 5,000-plus. Over the years the Erie Railroad downsized and receded into history. So too did the population needed to support the Erie Shops. Just when the borough’s ward system was reduced from four to two nobody seems to know, but that’s what happened. Since that point in time indeterminate the borough has operated with two wards.

Well, almost! The borough maintained a ward system, but the wards were not adjusted for population after each decennial enumeration. And somehow council members came to be elected borough-wide rather than by the existing wards. Just how the ward system evolved and deformed in Susquehanna Depot remains shrouded in mystery. But with the adoption of Ordinance No. 472, Susquehanna’s borough council has formally eliminated the ward system and closed a chapter of municipal history.

Presiding over the May 11 borough council meeting was Vice-President Debbie Zayas. Council members present: Sue Crawford, John Hendrickson, Barbara Larsen, Dana Rockwell, and Roy Williams. Council President Joe Varsik was absent. Others present were Mayor Nancy Hurley and Secretary/Treasurer Margaret Biegert. The meeting, from 6 to 6:33 p.m., while much shorter than usual, lacked nothing in productivity.

Elimination of the ward system wasn’t the only thing on the borough’s mind.  Council also passed Ordinance No. 471, titled “Street and Sidewalk Opening and Excavation Ordinance,” and Resolution 051116. Passage of Ordinance #471 provided a comprehensive solution for what has been a growing problem in the borough, namely the unregulated opening and excavation of right-of-ways controlled or maintained by the borough. The ordinance not only institutes a permitting system, but provides for revocation and enforcement processes, and requires restorative and maintenance requirements of those performing such work. The accompanying resolution provides a current fee structure based on square yardage to be excavated under Ordinance #471.

Councilman Williams provided the Codes Report. He noted that with the onset of mowing season borough residents can expect inspection of yards. Grass is to be kept no longer than six inches. Violators will be cited. Grass clippings may not be left on adjacent sidewalks (presents safety issue) or roadway (clogs drainage system); violators will be cited. Meanwhile, two blighted property structures have been recently demolished; another is currently in process; and two more are scheduled for June. The borough has already initiated litigation concerning the property at 165 Front Street, a decisive decision expected next week.

Mayor Nancy Hurley presented the Police Report for the month of April 2016. It showed 54 response events by Susquehanna PD. Thirty related to traffic stops or other motor vehicle associated incidents. Of the remaining events the more serious were classified as follows: theft (4); assault, police response only (3); disorderly conduct (2); and one each of the following: fraud, harassment by communications, harassment, missing person, psych/behavior/suicide attempt, and convulsions/seizures. Mayor Hurley also warned that con artists are focused on swindling local residents through a scam known as “the IRS call.”  Unknown callers will cold call residents, particularly seasoned citizens, and demand the call recipient make tax payments immediately lest the IRS begin immediate seizure of property and bank accounts. The Mayor advised that IRS does not make phone calls; all official IRS business is conducted by USPS letter; residents receiving such calls, she advised, “[should] not talk to them--just hang up!”

Mayor Hurley additionally provided a summary of the very successful drug take-back program sponsored by Susquehanna Depot PD and held at Schneider’s Plaza on Saturday, April 30. Police records indicate that 18 people turned in a cumulative 36.7 pounds of prescription medications. Mayor Hurley expressed unabashed enthusiasm for another such drug take-back collection later this year. 

In DPW matters, Councilman Williams requested council’s permission to look into formation of a regional/community transportation committee to investigate and document the dire condition of state roads in the northeast corner of Susquehanna County. Councilman Williams’ request was met with overwhelming approval. In fact, members of both council and audience launched into full-throated denunciations of the extremely poor performance of PennDoT in our county. State roads and SR 92 in particular, were singled out for their “disgraceful” and “despicable” condition. Several persons related anecdotal stories concerning the lengths to which motorists would go to circumvent the most monstrous of roadway hazards. A member of the audience went so far as to suggest the borough contact County Commissioner Alan Hall, who has been working Farm Bureau members on these same roadway issues. Council and audience voiced unanimous agreement that PennDoT must be held to account for their indisputably poor performance.

Before closing at evening’s meeting Council and Mayor hailed SCSH students for their remarkably good performance in community service. The school’s “pride & polish” community service project was nothing less than a smashing success. Among the many service projects students completed in Susquehanna Depot were these:

• Washing of the borough building’s exterior;
• Cleaning and polishing of Fire Department equipment;
• Roadside trash pick-up along Front Street, Erie Avenue, and Drinker Creek; and
• The filling of a large dumpster with the trash picked up throughout the borough.

The next borough council meeting for the newly unified Susquehanna Depot borough is scheduled for the second Wednesday in June.

Superintendent Jessica Aquilina conducted a presentation of the 2016-2017 Forest City Regional School budget during the school board meeting on May 9th.  She thanked Business Manager, Mrs. Seifried profusely for helping her prepare and present the budget.  The budget needs to provide the costs of instruction, support services, operation and maintenance of plant services, and other expenditures.  The projected budget is fourteen million, twenty-five thousand, five hundred and one dollars.

Real Estate taxes are the primary source of funds, which support the school, stated Superintendent Aquilina, the other sources are the earnings on investments, per capita taxes, and realty transfer tax.  Forest City, Union Dale, Herrick Township, Clinton II, Pleasant Mount, and Vandling are the areas that support the school. 

The local revenue is six million, four hundred forty-three thousand, four hundred forty-six dollars; state revenue is six million, six hundred fourteen thousand, five hundred eighty-seven dollars; federal revenue is four hundred eighty-three thousand, forty-two dollars.  The total for local, state, and federal funding is thirteen million, five hundred forty-one thousand, seventy-five dollars. 

The Susquehanna tax rate will increase for 2016-2017 by approximately three percent.  Act 1 is a property tax relief bill that regulates school district property taxes in Pennsylvania, and the average household bill in Susquehanna school tax will be increasing approximately thirty-three dollars, eighty-four cents.

A copy of the budget can be obtained at the schools district office, or on-line at www.forestcityschool.org under Quick Link, District Policies, May 9th Agenda.

Mrs. Dennebaum recognized Ashley Dulski for May’s Super Sixth Grader.  She stated Ashley has been on the honor roll since 4th grade and on distinguished honor roll for 5th and 6th grade.  An enormous accomplishment of Ashley’s is she is almost finished writing her second book, which she hopes to publish.

Principal Peter Jordan recognized two outstanding seniors, Kayla Bebla, and Haley Moyer.  Kayla Bebla is serving as the Parliamentarian of National Honor Society, the co-president of C.H.O.P.S., and Vice President of Envirothon.  She is also an active member of Future Business Leaders of America and Watersheds.  As if these duties don’t keep her busy enough she is also a waitress at the Manhattan Manor in Carbondale, and a hostess at Non and Pops place in Waymart.

Haley Moyer, recognized as outstanding senior, has been a member of Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, C.H.O.P.S., Yearbook committee, and the Prom Committee throughout her high school years.  Haley waitresses at the Red Schoolhouse in Pleasant Mount, and plans on attending Lock Haven University to study Bio-Chemistry.

Another senior, who has been previously recognized a few times, was also acknowledged for his chorus accomplishment.  Neal Albright auditioned at the pre-audition phase, District Chorus, and Regionals, which qualified him for Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Chorus.  Neal was selected as one, out of only two hundred forty students, from across the entire commonwealth to qualify for All-State Chorus.  Superintendent Aquilina also recognized Mrs. Yuravich, his music teacher who was instrumental in getting him through the process.  Superintendent Aquilina gave his proud mother, School Board Member Christina Albright, the honor of presenting Neal with a jacket.  Neal plans to attend Penn State to study Computer Science, and is hoping to stay involved with music and chorus in college.

President Mary Emmett said she wanted to provide a brief statement about the bids that came in for the construction project.  The general contractor came in at six point eight million dollars, a cost that was twenty percent more than what was budgeted.  President Emmett said the plumbing and electrical contractors were more in-line with the budget.  She said everyone is very disappointed, and they are going to have to rebid the entire project, which is going to change the timeline.  Changing the timeline is going to impact the teachers, students and staff since they will not be able to start the project in June as was previously planned.  They are hoping to have the new RFP ready for June, and the bid opening in July.  Superintendent Aquilina said they are under a time crunch and will share the information with the public as soon as it becomes available.

Another increase that was passed at the Board meeting was for cafeteria pricing, which will go up ten cents for 2016-2017 school year.  The elementary breakfast will be universally free, elementary lunch will be two dollars, the high school breakfast will cost one dollar and twenty-five cents, high school lunch will be two dollars and twenty five cents, and the adult lunch will cost three dollars and forty cents.  This is the first increase in two years.

The school board accepted, with regret, the resignation of Sharon Blodnikar who will be retiring after this school year ends in June.  Principal Jordan said Ms. Blodnikar was integral to both the elementary and high school, and she will be sadly missed.  President Emmett agreed and said she wishes her all the best in her retirement.

The Board unanimously approved Brian Kelly as the Elementary Principal starting July 1, 2016, at a salary of ninety thousand dollars in accordance with the Administrative Act 93 Agreement.  Mr. Kelly said that he is excited about starting with the FCRSD, and he is looking forward to getting to know everyone and the community.

Superintendent Aquilina during her report said she would like to thank Mr. Glynn and Mrs. Chesnick for getting the BoardDocs up and running.  She said tonight’s Agenda contained thirty-two attachments, which did not need to be printed for each Board member and visitors. This created a large savings, and it was a very green decision that was made.  Superintendent Aquilina went on to say it was not only environmentally helpful, but it also helps with the transparency for public awareness.

Of major projects there were none. But Oakland Boro Council DID handle a whole lot of little things that made for routine governance. Put another way, had it been a baseball game there would have been no home runs, triples, or doubles, but a whole lot of singles, a fair share of walks, and a few strike-outs.

 Here’s a sampler from Oakland Boro’s playbook for its Thursday, May 12 meeting at the Lanesboro Community Center. Presiding over the meeting was Council President Brian Rhone. Present for the meeting were Councilmen Jack Agler, Eric Page, Dave Dibble, Nelson Towner, Gary Boughton, and Doug Arthur, along with Mayor Ron Beavan and Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush. To complete the full nine-inning “game” required an hour and five minutes.

Play opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a Moment of Silence. Early innings were routine, as expected, with quick approval of previous meeting minutes, non-controversial passage of the Treasurer’s Report, and cursory review of time sheets.

President Rhone was expecting the arrival of a key player--Solicitor Myron DeWitt--for the home team, but he hadn’t shown by game time, so agenda items were brought into play in jumbled order. Councilman Boughton was moved up in the batting order to present the Parks Report. Fans in the stands were flabbergasted when he flatly stated that he “had nothing to report” and figuratively trudged back to the club house.

President Rhone shifted play to the Codes Report and tipped his hat to CEO (Code Enforcement Officer) Shane Lewis, “You‘re up!” Mr. Lewis ably discussed four troubled properties in the borough. Prospects for quick resolution for any of the properties was anything but bright. A verbal warning, a letter to be sent, condemnation proceedings on a third, and finally--and inevitably--discussion of the borough’s most notorious property and its cunning gamer of every property maintenance code known to man. Essentially, the borough is left in the position of daily monitoring of the property just to keep it barely within code specs, Mr. Lewis explained. Full scale coercive prosecution is an untenable position for the borough because the legal costs are so prohibitively expensive. 

President Rhone checked his player roster again, and called up Councilman Page as the next hitter in the lineup. Mr. Page reported that the prospective municipal borough building had had its tanks filled with heating oil recently and the borough would be making reimbursement for the fuel before taking possession of the team’s new home. Additionally, an assessment of the building was to have occurred (May 12), but there was still no definite date on when the purchase would close. With that solid single Mr. Page signaled President Rhone from first base that he was finished and the next batsman could swing away.

Mayor Beavan spoke up, “Put me in Coach!” President Rhone nodded and the Mayor proceeded. He presented the Police Report for the month of April. It showed 17 event responses, 10 of which were routine traffic stops and one a vehicular accident. The remaining six responses were categorized as follows: animal (2), ATV/snowmobile (1), burglary (2), and littering (1). Mayor Beavan went on to explain the importance of keeping garbage safely stowed and out of reach of bears; likewise, with bird feeders. Bears continue to have an affinity for Oakland Boro. Residents should do nothing to encourage unwanted, uninvited, and undocumented wildlife seeking refuge to live among us. Mayor Beavan laid down another solid single with discussion of the borough’s burn ordinance. He pointed out that residents should never leave a fire smoldering; “Make it a clean burn,” he advised. As discussion of the burn ordinance proceeded, councilmen moved the base-runners forward with reminders that an outdoor fire may never be left unattended, and garbage is ALWAYS prohibited from burning.

Before Mayor Beavan moved off the playing field from this at-bat, Councilman Arthur brought up the borough’s unmarked police car for discussion. Mr. Arthur suggested the unmarked car should be “lettered” to raise the police department’s profile in the borough. Councilman Boughton seconded that motion, but five other councilmen disagreed. The negative vote does not preclude council from reconsidering the issue at a later date, but several reasons were advanced as to why one police car might best remain unmarked.

As discussion of police matters wrapped up, President Rhone surveyed the field of play once more. He concluded his star player was not going to make this evening’s game. And so he entertained discussion between two parties who have been at odds over a collapsed retaining wall in the borough. This legal matter between two private parties has been going on for well over a year. It appears that a final solution is now at hand. The agreement reached at last month’s meeting has been modified by a new agreement concerning redesign of the retaining wall to be built. The deadline for project completion remains the end of July, but a rock-solid agreement has been reached to include use of a PVC pipe and construction to be completed by a licensed contractor. After extended discussion of the matter was completed all parties concerned, including CEO Lewis, hung up their cleats and headed home, satisfied that justice had been done.

Old Business brought up discussion of the Sabers’ “pride and polish” program. The borough will be fielding their request for participation in a more expeditious manner next year. This year the borough was out-hustled and shut out. Having failed to submit its projects early enough to obtain students for service projects, Oakland was left out of program participation. Councilman Arthur reassured that he would be prepared with timely project preparation and submission when “pride and polish” makes its approach next spring. 

In New Business the borough opened two bids for the sale of the borough’s old truck. The truck doesn’t run and it won’t pass state inspection (as is), so the borough was more than happy to accept Robert Myers’ bid of $1,101.00 for the truck’s purchase. With the truck goes a plow. Looks like both sides achieved full satisfaction on this deal.

Before closing, council discussed the need to get a better handle on just who is living in Oakland. It seems that despite the best efforts of record-keepers, the borough isn’t sure who’s who in the borough and where those who’s are living. As a first step to get their records straightened out council agreed to advertise a job opening--for a “census taker.” The temporary job will be advertised in the near future and council will interview job applicants. With that 9th inning maneuver completed, council adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Game over.

Next council meeting is scheduled for the second Thursday of June, game time 7 p.m. Whether that meeting will be the borough’s last in Lanesboro, or their first in Oakland borough’s new offices remains to be seen. Attendees may wish to monitor legal ads in this paper to be certain of venue.

They’re paid nothing at all, yet they sometimes put in long hours studying dreary columns of figures, and no one notices – until the tax bills show up.  They are members of school boards in Pennsylvania.  At Blue Ridge, nine of them decide on how much you will have to pony up to pay for educating just over 1,000 children year by year.

The Blue Ridge School District fiscal year coincides with the state government’s fiscal year, beginning on July 1.  The district, however, unlike the state government, does not have the luxury of stalemate.  A budget must be available for at least 30 days for the public to review before formal adoption prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.

And so, Blue Ridge School Board members have met at least 3 times already this month to pore over those columns of numbers provided by Brian Dolan’s Business Office, trying to decide on the minimum necessary to properly educate the children of their constituents.  On May 11, at a special meeting with the budget as the sole item on the agenda, they decided that $17,685,063 was just enough.  The total is slightly higher than the amount proposed last month, yet about $100,000 less than a more recent estimate that requested expenditures that the Board ultimately resisted.

Only 2 days before, on May 9, Board members spent 3 hours examining Mr. Dolan’s figures line by line.  They spent a full hour on athletics alone.  Mr. Fred Lewis had studied those numbers in detail, and wondered at some $5,000 requested for the purchase of balls – soccer balls, volleyballs, softballs, baseballs, all kinds balls.

The Board has direct control over only about a third of the budget; salaries and benefits account for just about 67% of the total.  Large sums are required for debt service, and contributions to the state retirement fund for teachers. And the Board has yet to agree on a new contract with those teachers.

Some members haggled over maintenance requests, hoping to “minimize some of these inflated numbers,” in the words of Board president Chris Lewis.  He was talking about 3 separate accounts for “miscellaneous” expenses that totaled over $20,000.  Mr. Dolan tried to explain that not all such expenses could be anticipated in advance in detail.  Even Mr. Dolan “can’t put a price tag on the [cafeteria sewer project] yet.”  On the other hand, Christina Whitney asked to include money for hand-cleaning supplies in each classroom.  And no one objected to the cost of sending Board members to annual state and national conferences.

One large cut was a program that Superintendent Matthew Button promoted as “one-to-one,” the distribution of Chromebook computers to each freshman at a cost this year of nearly $24,000.  The Chromebooks became a mild joke threaded through the discussions.  Few on the Board had any enthusiasm for the project.  Another collection of Chromebook computers will cost another $24,000 to replace the aging Pano “thin-client” systems that are no longer supported by a defunct company.

The single biggest cut was about $82,000 for students attending the Career Technology Center at Elk Lake.  The program costs about $16,600 per student per year.  Mr. Dolan said he expects enrollment to be lower next year than originally projected.

Periodically the Blue Ridge Board expresses a desire for more detail in the financial reports it receives.  And just as periodically they eventually lose interest with the inundation of figures.  Ms. Whitney noted also that prior boards have striven mightily to get by each year without raising tax rates; so far, with enrollment gradually declining, that has been possible.

This time, however, property tax rates will rise by 1 mill, or about 2%.

All of this is made easier, of course, by people like Lorrie Detwiler, the Board’s recording secretary (even the need for both a Board secretary and a “recording secretary” was questioned).  For the long budget workshop she brought homemade corn chowder, bread and butter, and an awesome chocolate cake with what tasted like peanut butter frosting.  As an employee, unlike Board members, Ms. Detwiler is paid, but maybe not enough.

The Blue Ridge School Board will vote to approve the official budget for next year at its business meeting on June 13, 2016.  They will have a workshop on June 6, 2016.  All meetings are held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.

Street repair and maintenance topped Lanesboro’s agenda at its Tuesday, May 10 meeting. Grand Street and Side Avenue will undergo major road work this summer. Convent Street will also come in for repair work. All hard-surface roads in the borough will have been cleaned when street-sweeping is completed courtesy of Harmony Township--Lanesboro paying regular and customary fees, of course. With the completion of these projects Council expects major road work to be finished for the foreseeable future.

Presiding over Lanesboro’s May meeting was Council President Dan Boughton. Also present were Councilmen David Glidden, Dale Rockwell, and Tom Nitterour, along with Mayor Chris Maby, Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan, and Police Chief Jim Smith. Councilman Jason Fissel extended his year-plus record of consecutive absences.

Lanesboro’s hour-long meeting, from 7:02 to 8:02 p.m., covered the gamut of routine business. Noteworthy amongst the borough’s correspondence was receipt of Judge Legg’s Order granting the gradual reduction of borough council’s size from seven to five members. Council’s official reduction in size will be accomplished over the next two Municipal Election cycles, in 2017 and 2019. Unless or until Councilman Fissel leaves office, Council will continue to function de facto with four members all of whose presence will be required for achievement of a quorum.

Chief Smith presented the Police Reports for the months of March and April. March’s Police Report indicated LPD put in 166 hours patrolling Lanesboro’s streets and another 164 hours on school campus patrol. Police made 13 traffic stops, resulting in 7 warnings and 6 citations. Police also responded to a wide variety of other incidents, among them tobacco on school grounds (charges filed); stolen license plate (cleared); trespassing (case closed); harassment (case closed); DUI pursuit arrest (charges filed); and terrorist threats (charges filed). LPD also assisted PSP by responded to a burglary in progress in Oakland, and assisted Susquehanna PD with a DUI arrest.

April’s Police Report listed 162 hours patrolling Lanesboro, and another 136 hours dedicated to school campus patrol. Police made 30 traffic stops, resulting in 20 warnings and 10 citations. Traffic stops were made for the following reasons: Speeding Violations (15), Inspection Violations (4), Careless Driving (1), Registration Violations (1), Equipment Violation (8), and Drivers License Suspended (1). Other incidents to which LPD responded included: harassment (charges filed); missing person (found); two cases of suspicious vehicles (both closed); vandalism (unfounded); and land dispute/trespassing (case open).  LPD additionally responded to a case of domestic dispute in Oakland Borough (Oakland PD not on duty at the time.).

Chief Smith also reported on an assortment of other matters under his purview. He noted that Officer Mike Devries had submitted a letter requesting retirement (after 25 years of service) as of June 30, 2016; Council approved Officer Devries’s retirement request. June, July, and August will see an increased police presence in the borough. Also, unannounced saturation (swarm) police patrolling (under the aegis of D. A. Klein) will be ongoing throughout the year. For the Saturday, April 30, drug turn-in event throughout the county some 270 pounds of prescription drugs were collected and taken off the streets. Locally at Schneider’s Market in Susquehanna 37 pounds of prescription drugs were collected. Lastly, Council noted that Susquehanna Community School District had approved and returned the signed contract for 2016-17 campus police services, as provided by Lanesboro PD. Councilmen and Mayor noted that they had heard only good things about Lanesboro Police at SCSD, and to their knowledge it was the only borough police/school district arrangement of its type in the entire county.

SCDA (Susquehanna Community Development Association) notified the borough that it would be holding its Third Annual Hometown Days 5-K Run this summer, and requested Council’s consideration of a donation to help with expenses. Council agreed and unanimously approved a donation of $100 for said purpose.

Lanesboro’s next monthly meeting is scheduled for the second Tuesday in June.

Susquehanna Community School Directors gathered for their May meeting on Wednesday, the 11th, a week earlier than usual to allow at least 30 days consideration between tentative and final passage of the 2016-17 budget. The proposed budget projects spending of $15.2 million on revenues of $14.7. The shortfall would be made up from the District’s rainy day fund and a proposed tax increase of 3.5%. According to Superintendent Bronson Stone, “Overall, the district will receive an increase in state funding of approximately $145,000 over the 2014/2015 amount. Final special education funding levels have not been sent down from Pennsylvania Department of Education, but a $13,000 increase is expected.”

The 3.5% school property tax increase will result in tax rate equalization between district properties in Susquehanna County and Wayne County. The new millage for school property taxes will be 48.74 in Susquehanna and 14.09 in Wayne County. The paradoxical situation comes about because Susquehanna County bases its millage upon 50% of assessed valuation; Wayne County 150%. In any event all farmsteads and homesteads, whether they be in Starrucca borough or in a Susquehanna County borough or township within SCSD’s taxing jurisdiction will be eligible for the same tax reduction due to distribution of state gaming proceeds. The tax reduction for each homestead/farmstead exclusion, as passed by resolution at this meeting, will be $306.00 this year. [There are 499 school districts in PA; 411 lie entirely within a single county; 88 extend across county lines; SCSD is one of those 88.

School Board President Steven Stanford presided over the 24 minute meeting. School Directors present were Lori Canfield, Amanda Cook, Evelyn Cottrell, Ashley Depew, Jamie Koziol, and Martha Stanford. Others present included Superintendent Stone, H.S. Principal Carmella Bullick, Business Manager Gary Kiernan, Facilities Manager Kevin Price, and the newly elected union leadership team (See separate story.) headed up by SCEA President Lawrence Tompkins.

Facilities management issues focused on three matters. The good news is contractor completion of the high school’s exterior stairway. After nearly a year of focus the project has been completed and the results are spectacular. The bad news, as reported by Mr. Price, is that he has completed inspection of the high school’s boiler. Seven of sixteen sections are leaking, and it will cost the district a minimum of $72,000 for replacement. Of secondary concern is the elementary school’s dishwasher. The dishwasher, original equipment when the school was built in 1976, requires replacement parts. Mr. Price is optimistic that he can find or fabricate necessary replacement parts, but should repairs go south a $4,000 cost could suddenly change into a $40,000 expense for replacement with a new dishwasher. He doesn’t expect that to happen, but he also did not want board members caught unaware.

High School Principal Bullick noted that summer school would begin on June 13, with the summer session running three four-day weeks. And on a different subject, she reported the joy with which high school students embraced Saber pride & polish service projects. Although there were four service projects on campus, another 18 were off-campus, and that was where most students were found. When they returned to school at the end of their service projects students shared how much fun they had had making a difference and helping others--even while picking up garbage.

Superintendent Stone reported with pleasure the extremely successful building-to-building evacuation exercise the previous week, as well as the full-campus evacuation this week. The full campus was evacuated in just 15 minutes, and students were returned to their on-campus routine in a mere 30 minutes. Additionally, lines of communications with parents are extremely good; no parents showed up to pick up their child in the mistaken belief that a real emergency existed.

Beside tentative passage of the 2016/2017 budget and approval of the Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion Resolution, the Board also took the following actions:

• Unanimously elected Martha Stanford Board Treasurer for the School District for the 2016/2017 school year.
• Approved appointment of Attorney Joseph Gaughan as the District Solicitor for the 2016/2017 school year.
• Approved PSBT (Peoples Security Bank & Trust) as a depository for the District’s funds for the 2016/2017 school year.
• Approved the Managed Vision Care Contract Renewal for the 2016/2017 school year.

When the board adjourned at 7:27 p.m. Mr. Kiernan served up the evening’s sweet treats, yellow cake with chocolate frosting and/or chocolate cake with white frosting. With the choice of “either or” or “both” meeting attendees realized they could have their cake and eat it too!  An enviable situation, indeed!

June’s meeting of school directors will be on the third Wednesday of the month in the high school cafeteria.

Susquehanna Community School District Board Directors took the following personnel actions during their regular meeting on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

Approved, pending all appropriate clearances, hiring of the following for Summer School Elementary Teacher for the 2016 summer: Kim Marco, Krista Paterno, Amy Decker, and Brandy Gaylord. 

Approved, pending all appropriate clearances, hiring of the following for Summer School High School Teacher for the 2016 summer: Lisa Carpenter, George Paterno; and Kyle Cook (Special Education).

Approved, pending all appropriate clearances, hiring of the following for Extended School Year for summer 2016: Kim Burdick - H.S. Teacher, Ellen Rockwell - Elementary Teacher, Roze DeCicco - H.S. Aide, Tara Ruckle - Personal Care Aide, and Alyssa Dooley - Elementary Aide. 

Approved, pending all appropriate clearances, the following volunteers as Chaperones: Donald Norris, Courtney Benson, Lisa Stone, Angela Hadden, Sarah Bucci, Amye Pelly, Brian Woodruff, Kylie Slocum, Christie Hurlburt, Stacy Huyck, Kim Harris Keyes, Amanda Williams, Jamie Stone, Donald Potter, Catherine Corse, Amy Collins, David Jenkins, Cindy Lovuolo, Heather Krayeski, Jack Beamer, William Steele, Michelle Schell, Brian Bullick, Amanda Roe, Sarah Bishop, Christi Albert, Crissie Haley, Jason Fissel, and Sarah French.

Approved, pending all appropriate clearances, the following as camp counselor: Luke Falletta.

Approved, pending all appropriate clearances, the following additions to the substitute list: Nancy Norton & Mark Lamen - Substitute Bus Drivers; Sarah Richard & Mary Boyle - Substitute Teachers; and Thomas Romanoski - Substitute Custodian. 

 NOTE TO READERS: The phrase “pending all appropriate clearances” is directly linked to state law, effective January 1, 2015, requiring a heightened level of investigative background checks for all volunteers, district employees, and contractors.

Susquehanna Community Education Association has elected a new leadership team.  SCEA President Lawrence Tompkins introduced the union’s new officers to School Directors at SCSD’s May 11 meeting. The newly installed officers are:

• President - Lawrence Tompkins,
• Vice-President - Tom Adornato,
• Secretary - Dawn Steele,
• Treasurer - Richard Emmons,
• High School Bldg. Rep. - Kim Garrison, and
• Elem. Bldg. Rep. - Michele Conklin.

President Tompkins had words of praise for SCEA’s former President, Kathleen Hinkley, who had served in that capacity for the past 14 years.

President Tompkins also noted that SCEA would be presenting three scholarship awards of $1,000 to graduating seniors on Class Night, names to be announced at that time.

Identity Theft:  On May 6th at noon a Kingsley woman received unknown packages from Amazon.com in the mail.  She did not order these packages.  Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to please contact the police. 

Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Trespass:  On May 6th at 2:17 am troopers responded to a location in Susquehanna borough for a report of an intoxicated male entering the residence of another man, while intoxicated.  The accused then passed out on the victim's couch, prior tot he victim arriving home.  The accused fled the scene prior to trooper's arrival.  The accused was cited for Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Trespass through District Court 34-3-02. 

Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition:  Between October 30th and May 4th approximately 3 pieces of copper water lines were cut from underneath a Clifford Township cottage, belonging to a Clarks Summit woman.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Crash:  On May 4th at 4:45 pm an unnamed driver had just turned right from Prospect Street onto Westfall Avenue in Oakland Borough when he or she failed to return the front wheels of the Ford Explorer to the straight position quickly enough, and exited off the right side of the roadway.  The vehicle went into a yard and struck a large bush.  Injury information and seat belt use were not listed in the report. 

Crash:  On May 3rd at 7:20 pm an unnamed Peckville man attempted to pass an unnamed Uniondale man on Sr 2023 south of Uniondale in Clifford Township.  The Peckville man was driving a Chevy Impala;  the Uniondale man was operatingng a 1996 Agco Allis Tractor.  The former ran into the latter as the tractor was leaving the roadway and entering a farm field.  The Peckville man and two minor passengers were transported to CMC for treatment;  the vehicle sustained severe damage and was towed by G&G Towing.  The tractor sustained moderate damage.  Police were assisted at the scene by Clifford Fire Company, Clifford Township Ambulance Service, and Forest City Ambulance Service.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. 

Theft:  On May 3rd at 9:45 pm PSP Gibson was notified that a theft was believed to have occurred from a Middletown Township property.  The township supervisors reported the theft of four heavy duty vehicle batteries from their facility on Corby Road. 

Theft:  On April 24th , between 2 and 5 pm, prescription medication was stolen from a Lenox Township woman.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Burglary:  On April 24th, at approximately 2 am, one or more unknown perpetrator(s) gained entry to the residence of a Springville woman by means of a patio door.  The victim heard the perpetrator(s) attempting to gain entry to the residence through the windows before entering through the patio door.  The perpetrator(s) fled the scene prior to the trooper's arrival.  No items were taken from the scene.  The incident was under investigation as of the time of report. Anyone with information is urged to please contact the police. 

Theft by Unlawful Taking:  On April 25th at approximately 8:45 pm a Verizon Motorola Android Droid Ultra Cell Phone was removed from Chase Avenue Park in Hallstead while the owner was playing basketball in the park.  The phone was red in color, as was the case it was stored in.  The victim did not have a serial number.  The phone was valued at $500.00.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.  Anyone with information is urged to please contact the state police at 570-465-3154. 

Megan's Law Violation:  An incident occurred as a man not named in the report is accused of having a Facebook account and failing to update his Megan's Law Registration with the account. The accused was charged with failing to comply with Megan's Law through District Court 34-3-02. 

Theft-Fraud:  An incident occurred as Michael Johnson and Baron Mays, both of New York, are accused of using a dozen forged American Express cards to make multiple purchases and attempted purchases throughout Susquehanna County.  The two accused were found in possession of the cards along with forged Florida ID's and related electronics.  Both have been charged with Access Device Fraud and related counts.  Both men were remanded to the Susquehanna County prison after failing to post $50,000 bond. 

Burglary/Theft:  Between March 24th and April 24th, a plastic water jug full of currency/coins was removed from the home of a Hallstead Borough man.  The estimated loss was valued at $2,700.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. 

Theft:  Between March 23rd and April 23rd, two Sage fishing poles valued at approximately $1,300 were found to be missing from the residence of a Montrose woman, in Liberty Township.  There were no signs of forced entry, and no other items were reported missing. 

Crash:  On April 28th at 7:40 am Kaitlin Munley of Scranton was traveling in Springville when her vehicle exited the roadway and crashed into mailboxes, then a utility pole, while traveling west. 

Criminal Mischief:  Between April 27th and 28th , the garage door and the door handle of a storage garage and concession stand were damaged.  The perpetrator(s) fled the scene in an unknown direction at an unknown time.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Crash:  On April 28th at 4:37 pm Nicole Proske of Meshoppen was traveling south on Sr 267 in Auburn Township when she swerved to avoid contact with a deer in the roadway.  The vehicle began to slide sideways int eh south and north bound lanes before leaving the east side of the highway.  The vehicle struck a ditch and two fence posts prior to rolling over and coming to its final uncontrolled rest area, in a field to the east side of the north bound lane.  The vehicle was facing north.  Meshoppen Fire and EMS responded to the scene.  The driver was transported to Tyler Hospital in Tunkhannock for Treatment.  Phils' Auto towed the vehicle from the scene.  A seat belt was in use. 

Hit and Run:  On April 30th at 7:14 pm a Susquehanna man was traveling east on Sr 171 in Great Bend Township when he lost control of his vehicle around a left curve in the roadway. The Nissan Sentra then struck a guard rail on the north shoulder of the roadway.  The impact caused it to spin around counter clockwise, to be facing west on Sr 171.  It then traveled west on that road fro approximately half a mile before traveling off the south shoulder.  It then drove through two yards, approximately 150 yards, and ended up striking a well on one of those properties.  The driver backed up after striking the well and drove around it, driving approximately another 50 yards before the vehicle came to a rest on an embankment. 

Drug Possession and Paraphernalia:  A 30 year old Clifford Township man was arrested on April 29th for being in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and several syringes. The listed accused was arraigned before district magistrate 34-3-02 and remanded to the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 bail. 

Drug Possession:  On April 20th at 10:45 am a trooper went to a Franklin Street, Great Bend Borough location to follow up on a Hit and Run crash.  An odor of marijuana was coming from the apartment, and the accused gave the trooper consent to search his apartment for drugs and drug paraphernalia.  He found drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the apartment  The evidence was collected, and charges were to be filed on the accused as of the time of report 

If you have information regarding any of these incidents, please contact the police at (570) 465-3154.

Following is the March, 2016 Police Report for the Silver Lake Township Police Department, as submitted.

Found Lost Property: On 03/01/16 Silver Lake Township Police were notified of a wallet that was found on one of the township roads. The owner of the wallet was located and reported to police that the wallet was possibly stolen by a person known to them. Chief Timothy Burgh is the investigating officer. This case is still active.

Fraud: On 03/03/16 Silver Lake Township Police took a report of fraudulent charges on a township resident’s credit card. The victim reported that someone had made charges on their credit card and were notified by their credit card company of the fraudulent charges. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report.  

Fire: On 03/16/16 The Silver Lake Township Police were dispatched for a brush fire that occurred when lightning struck a tree at a residence located on State Route 167. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Criminal Mischief: On 03/17/16 Silver Lake Township Police took a report of criminal mischief that had taken place on Lyon Road in Silver Lake Township. The victim stated that 2 people came to her home while she was away and one of the individuals broke her front door. The victim stated that her son and his girlfriend were home at the time that the incident occurred. An arrest for the alleged damage was made by Chief Timothy Burgh based on information received. This case is still active pending court action.

Miscellaneous Investigation: On 03/22/16 Silver Lake Township Police while on patrol observed a vehicle with a flat tire on State Route 167. Silver Lake Township Police assisted in changing the tire and traffic control. Officer Levi Tiffany was the responding officer.

Animal Complaint: On 03/23/16 Silver Lake Township Police took a report of chickens going onto someone’s property. The resident stated that her neighbor’s chickens keep coming onto her property and harassing her dog. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer. This case is still active.

Aggravated Assault: On 03/23/16 Silver Lake Township Police were dispatched for an assault in progress. Prior to arrival of police the known suspect had fled the scene. Upon arrival by police the victim stated that she was assaulted multiple times with a baseball bat by a person known to her. The victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Multiple agencies attempted to locate the fleeing suspect that night. On 03/24/16 Chief Burgh located the suspect and he was arrested while he was attempting to go to leave the area. The suspect was taken before the courts and then taken to jail. This case is still active pending further court action. Chief Timothy Burgh is the investigating officer.

Criminal Mischief: On 03/28/16 a resident located on Tripp Lake Road reported that someone had hit a stop sign and their mailbox on the roadway during the night. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report. This case is still active.

Criminal Mischief: On 03/28/16 a resident reported that someone had hit their fence and a speed limit sign at the residence located at Quaker Lake during the night. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report. This case is still active.

Search and Rescue: On 03/31/16 Silver Lake Township Police were dispatched for a lost child. The individual was located approximately 20 minutes after police were dispatched. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer. Multiple fire companies responded to assist in a search.

Silver Lake Township Police responded with The Silver Lake Fire Company or Silver Lake Ambulance a couple of times during the month of March.

Any information or questions for Silver Lake Township Police please call Chief Burgh at 570-278-6818 and leave a message or email him at silverlaketwppd@epix.net, all information will be held strictly confidential. You can look at the Silver Lake Township Website at www.silverlaketwp.org, to see all Silver Lake Townships' news, profiles, and resources, including the police reports. For all emergencies calls or if you need an immediate police response, dial 911.

DEEDS

Curtis & Sarah Merritt to Adam E. Ives, in Auburn Township, for $235,000.00.

Edward J. & Catherine Bryk to Bruce A. Masteller, in Springville Township, for $191,000.00.

David Dwayne Hine to William F. & Maureen A. Addesso, in Ararat Township, for $5,000.00.

Dennis & Victoria Larue to Ryan J. & Megan E. Kipar, in Rush Township, for $1.00.

Gordon Woodbury (BY ATTORNEY) & Anitra K. Woodbury to Anitra K. Woodbury & Maximillian D. Webster, in Harford Township, for $1.00.

Edward Goblin (BY ATTORNEY) to Nance J. & William R. Brown, in Silver Lake Township, for $110,000.00.

Raymond F. Creeden to Raymond F. Creeden & Lynn Tilghman Regu, in Jackson Township, for $1.00.

James D. & Lisa M. Baileys to Lena M. Valada, in Silver Lake Township, for $1.00.

US Bank National Association, Bank of America NA, Lasalle Bank NA to Jordan Cunningham, in Oakland Township, for $2,500.00.

Richard G. & Dorothy C. States to Michelle Lynn Kerr & Joseph Parke States, in Springville Township, for $1.00.

Josa Paunkovic & Aurelia Stosic to William Wayman Sr. & Barbara  Wayman, in Susquehanna, for $50,000.00.

Eric & Lourdes Schaffroth to Freestar Energy Group LLC, in Gibson Township, for $27,500.00.

Walter O. & Marilyn J. Race, in Auburn Township, for $1.00.Bremer HOF Owners, Inc. to Neil D., Rita H. Eric S. & Lori E. Hill, in Herrick Township, for $100.00.

Jack Murray Seymour, Marshall M. Seymour Jr. (AKA) Marshall Metcalf Seymour to Jack Murray Seymour (TRUST & Marshall Metcalf Seymour (TRUST), in Great Bend Township,for $1.00.

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

Steven Sedor (BY SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE) to Guy F. & Sherry L. Babcock, in New Milford Township, for $5000.00.

Joseph Weidner to Joseph Wedner, in Brooklyn Township, for $1.00.

Thomas J. States to Thomas J. & Kristie A. States, in Springville Township, for $0.00.

Janet L. VanGorden to Michael J. & David L. VanGorden, in Great Bend Borough, for $1.00.

Denise & Alan C. Bloomer to KSAT Enterprises LLC, in Middletown Township, for $2,000.00.

ICHI San Inc. to Triple J. Properties Inc., in New Milford Township, for $1.00.

ICHI San Inc. to Triple J. Properties Inc., in New Milford Township, for $1.00.

Peter & Margaret Hamza to William & Deborah Hamza, in Clifford Township, for $21,500.00.

James & Diane Monteforte to Diane Monteforte, in New Milford Township, for $1.00.

James & Diane Monteforte to Diane Monteforte, in Franklin, Great Bend & New Milford Townships, for $1.00.

Keith L., Nathan A., Gary W. & Joel R. Foster to Keith L. Foster, in Uniondale Borough, for $1.00.

Michael A. NewHart to Michael A. NewHart, in Auburn Township, for $1.00.

David W. Pritchard to Janet L. Buxbaum & David W. Pritchard Jr., in Harford Township, for $1.00.

William F & Maureen A. Addesso to William F. & Maureen Addesso, in Ararat Township, for $1.00.

Jacqueline Bunney (AKA) Jacqueline M. Bunney to Bremer HOF Owners Inc., in Herrick Township, for $100.00.

David L. Bean to Brian M. Bean, in Clifford Township, for $190,000.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

Michael J. Burger, Joshua Burns, Joseph J. Carpenter, Brian N. Carter, David J. Fischer, Morgan A. Garcia, Jonathan L. Hollister, Lyle J. Hugaboom, Scott A. Kochmer, Christopher M. Kuiper, Todd J. Layton, Joshua S. Lee, Charlie J. Legere, Casey M. Lehman, John J. Liepinis III, Michael A. Linden, Robert J. McCrone, Peggy J. Mills, Timothy Murray, Desiree L. Shifler, Jerome Slick, Marcus E. Spickerman, Robert C. Walter II,