Every year since 1992, Doug Puzo of Puzo’s Collision has made sure the pulling tractors and weight sled were in tip top shape for kids to “peddle their hardest” to the finish line at the Harford Fair. This year, the O’Reilly’s of Timberline Lawn & RV, donated a Kubota peddle tractor to be used at the pull. Doug made a few alternations to the tractor and it was ready for the 2017 Kiddy Tractor Pull.

Over one hundred and thirty contestants, ages 4 through 10 participated. Enthusiastic children pulled as parents and other spectators cheered them on. Children from all across Susquehanna County took part in the pull, as well as children from neighboring counties and states.

Harford Fair Queen Amanda Gawel, Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess Dana Nunemacher, Dairy Ambassador Alivia Hughes and Dairy Maids Katelyn Farley, Courtney Marvin and Kaelynn Brant were on hand to present awards.

Alternate Dairy Princess Dana Nunemacher took a moment to tell the kids and adults the importance of having “three every day of dairy” milk, cheese or yogurt to have strong bones. Dana also made sure each of the boys and girls pulling received a coupon for a free glass of milk, compliments of the local Farm Bureau.

In the junior division the first place winners were Mollie Barbour, Rylee Traver, Kali Harvatine, Madison Atherton, Grant Vincent, Benjamin Hobart, Bryce Cook and Aydan Zaleski.  In the senior division the first place winners were Lynndee Barbour, Tilly MacNamee, Kaelynn Brant, Jeffery Benson, Dakota Gardner and Jarret Pratt each receiving a trophy.

Cooper VanCott, VanCott Nursery and Landscaping, sponsored the event and handed out treats to all of the participants.

Six year old Christopher Kowalewski peddles for all he’s worth

Madison Atherton (left) and Kali Harvatine (right) proudly display their girls junior division champion ribbons

Left to right: Susquehanna County Dairy Maid Katelyn Farley, Dairy Maid and Reserve Champion Puller Kaelynn Brant, Alternate Dairy Princess Dana Nunemacher, Grand Champion Puller Lynndee Barbour and Dairy Maid Courtney Marvin

Four year old Grant Vincent displays his trophy as Harford Fair Queen Amanda Gawel looks on

Alan Hall, your County commissioner, recently attended the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania’s (CCAP) Annual Conference in Erie County, as leaders from throughout Pennsylvania participated in workshops and training sessions, networked with peers, and discussed state and federal issues that impact services to residents. 

“CCAP serves to strengthen the ability of counties to govern their own affairs and improve the well-being and quality of life for county residents,” said Alan Hall. “To that end, the information included in the conference was invaluable. I learned more about critical issues and how to help solve problems, and was able to compare challenges and successes with other counties’ leaders. There is no substitute for this type of training and the benefits of the one-on-one interaction that leads to understanding complex issues that all counties must manage.”

Alan Hall continued, “The bottom line is about enhancing services for everyone that depends on your County’s involvement in such issues as children and youth, mental health, intellectual disabilities, drug and alcohol and other human services, environmental issues, public health and safety, transportation, courts, prisons, elections, tax assessments, community and economic development and emergency management.”

“It was a positive experience that allowed the flow of information between colleagues.  This type of interaction is all about our counties and our constituents and not about the individual leaders.   As we learn about programs that are successful across the state, we also learn of the programs that are not successful and that we should stay away from. For those colleagues new to government, this gives them an opportunity to learn from the experiences of veterans like myself.”

CCAP is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. CCAP members include county commissioners, council members, county executives, administrators, chief clerks and solicitors. It advocates for favorable state and federal legislation, programs and policies on behalf of counties. Founded in 1886, CCAP is an affiliate of the National Association of Counties.

The scheduled closing of the Route 11 (Main Street) bridge over Fishing Creek in New Milford Township has been rescheduled to begin during the week of September 11 and be complete in April, 2018. During this time, an alternating traffic pattern will be controlled by temporary traffic signals. 

In the event of unfavorable weather or unforeseen activities, this schedule may still change.

The Empet family of Kingsley entered the Animal Costume Contest at the Harford Fair as the Little House on the Prairie family. Pictured with the Empet family is the Harford Fair Queen Amanda Gawel and members of the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion Court. Amanda and the Dairy Court served as judges for the event.

Torrential downpours on Friday, August 4th, did not dampen the spirits of the Kayakers, Canoeists and campers at the 2nd Annual North Branch River Festival. Many turned out to either paddle their way down our mighty (although murky) Susquehanna River or cheer on those who participated. We wish to thank everyone who helped in any way to make this year’s event a success and we sincerely hope we see you next year. Listed below are the winners of the races and their times.

BOY'S KAYAKING

1. Jonathan Jenkins -- 27 min. 50 sec.

2. Austin Presley --28 min. 31 sec.

3. Memphis Collins -- 32 min. 30 sec.

4. Jeffrey Benson -- 32 min. 31sec.

WOMEN'S KAYAKING-K2

1. Kim Carpenter -- 23 min. 37 sec.

2. Sigrid Gustinucci -- 28 min. .05 sec.

4. Eloise Chrobak -- 29 min. 14 sec.

5. Wanda Rockwell -- 29 min. 42 sec.

6. Margaret Sheldon -- 33 min. 25 sec.

7. Rose Dooley -- 35 min. 28 sec.

WOMEN'S KAYAKING – K2 (OWN AGE CATEGORY)

1. Jennifer Rivera Rockwell -- 24 min. 54 sec.

MEN'S KAYAKING

1. Charlie Anderson -- 23 min. 35 sec. (FASTEST OVERALL TIME)

2. Doug Sheldon -- 24 min. 38 sec.

3. Craig Benson -- 24 min. 39 sec.

4. David Buck -- 25 min. .06 sec.

5. Joe Chrobak -- 30 min. .07 sec.

6. Bill Collins -- 34 min. .02 sec.

COMPETITIVE CANOEING

1. Airyll Rockwell -- 24 min. 39 sec.

2. Justin Magee -- 24 min. 47 sec.

RECREATIONAL CANOEING

1.Jackie Stockage -- 32 min. .09 sec.

2. Jason Owens -- 37 min. .03 sec.

KIDS' OVAL COURSE

1. Jeffrey Benson

2. Jesse Yurksha

3. Adrianna Rockwell

4. Memphis Collins

CANOE WITH YOUR DOG RACE

1. Dana Rockwell and Jock

2. Chuck Culnane and Red

3. Airyll Rockwell and Baby