The New Milford Men’s Club served hot dogs (courtesy PumpNPantry), hot chocolate and sodas to kids and families at the annual New Milford Boro’s Santa in the Park.

Pictured (L-R) are: Ray Telnock, Steve Wolfe, Chuck Young, John Reynolds, Bob Dunn, Aubrey Elbrecht, Jack Beaudry, Andrew Beaudry, Rick Ainey. Not pictures was Jim Carr.

Due to below-normal rainfall over the past several months, Pennsylvania American Water is asking customers in its Susquehanna/Hallstead service area to voluntarily reduce water usage in accordance with the company's drought contingency plan.

“Water levels have been decreasing gradually over the last few months,” said Don Kessler, senior manager of Field Operations, Pennsylvania American Water. To avoid a more serious situation if the dry weather continues, the company is asking its customers in Hallstead and the surrounding communities to voluntarily reduce the non-essential usage of water.

This notice applies only to Pennsylvania American Water customers in the following areas: Hallstead; Susquehanna; Great Bend; Lanesboro; Great Bend Township; Oakland Township.

“Simple reductions in water usage now by customers can make a big difference,” said Kessler. The following non-essential uses should be eliminated:

• Watering of lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, or any other type of plants except by hand-held hose or container
  
  
• Water use for the purpose of washing any paved surface area, including washing streets, garages, sidewalks, driveways, etc.
  
  
• Watering any portion of golf courses, other than tees and greens
  
  
• Water use for ornamental purposes, such as fountains, waterfall, etc.
  
  
• Water use for cleaning of any type of motor vehicle
  
  
• Serving of water in clubs or restaurants or any other public eating places, unless requested by customer
  
  
• Water use for flushing of sewers, except as deemed necessary in the interest of public health and safety
  
  
• Use of fire hydrants for any purpose other than fighting fires.  This includes fire practice drills by all fire departments

Pennsylvania American Water also offered these simple tips to use water wisely:

Inside the house:

• Install water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators in your sinks
  
  
• Shorten showers to 7-10 minutes
  
  
• Temperature settings of hot water for showers should be set down at least 10 degrees to discourage lengthy shower taking
  
  
• Turn off the water while soaping, brushing teeth, etc.
  
  
• Run only full loads in your dishwasher, or wash dishes by hand
  
  
• Rinse produce in a basin rather than under running water
  
  
• Adjust the water level on your washing machine to match the size of your load
  
  
• Locate and repair all leaks in faucets, toilets, and water-using appliances
  
  
• Reduce the number of toilet flushes per day. Each flush uses about 5 gallons.
  
  
• Keep bottle of chilled drinking water in refrigerator

Outside your house:

• Use a broom, not a hose, for cleaning patios, sidewalks and driveways
  
  
• Cover your pool or spa to reduce evaporation
  
  
• Use a mulching mower to slow evaporation from the soil’s surface
  
  
• Water your lawn and plants only when needed
  
  
• Plant appropriately for your local climate
  
  
• Use a spray nozzle with a shut-off valve on your hose

The voluntary water conservation request will remain in effect until further notice.  Pennsylvania American Water will provide updates as necessary.

The Susquehanna County Farm Bureau (SCFB) at their recent annual dinner presented John Benscoter with their “2017 “Distinguished Local Affairs Leader Award.” The award is for ‘Outstanding Performance and Lasting Contribution to Agriculture in Susquehanna County”. Donna Williams, President of the SCFB presented the award at the group’s annual dinner meeting. Mrs. Williams noted, “John has been a longtime SCFB member. He serves as the SCFB Environmental Coordinator, the Farm Bureau’s Northeast Pa. Regional Environmental Coordinator and he is actively involved with our local Board. The award is well deserved.” Mr. Benscoter stated, “There are a lot of people who helped make things happen. It is the group who deserves the award.”

John Benscoter Proudly Displaying His Award Certificate

Mr. Benscoter is a lifelong farmer, living in Auburn Township, Susquehanna County. He works 100+ acres on the family farm. John grew up farming with his father, Ivan, on a 50 cow dairy operation. After his father passed away, in 1980, John expanded the dairy operation to 75 cows. In 1991 he broke his back and after recovering he continued to dairy, however he also started another career working for the Susquehanna County Conservation District (SCCD).

In 1999 John sold his dairy herd and started custom raising heifers for the next 5 years. From to 2004 to present day 2017 he has been raising beef. Mr. Benscoter noted, “In 2004 I went to the dark side and started raising beef cattle. By 2006 I came to the realization that if I did not improve the quality of my beef herd, I was wasting my time and not making any profit. I then switched my herd to all Black Angus cattle and I have been happy ever since. Black cattle bring the top dollar when you are selling them for beef.”

During his time with the SCCD, as their Chesapeake Bay Technician, he worked with farmers and landowners helping them to solve soil and water problems and addressing nutrient management concerns. In 2011, after a 20 year career (1991-2011) with the SCCD he retired. Early in 2012 he became employed for the Montrose office of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). John stated, “I now work for the NRCS through the National Old Workers Career Center (NOWCC). To be working for NOWCC and NRCS, in this program, you have to be older than 55 and have farming and conservation experience. I really enjoy working for NRCS, in the Susquehanna County office, because they treat me well and the work we do with farmers helps them solve specific problems on their farms. Not only do I identify the environmental problem, but I design and inspect the installation of the solutions to the problems. I am glad able to continue to make a positive difference.”

On November 18th, the Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute (PFESI) presented Senator Randy Vulakovich (R-Allegheny) its “Legislator of the Year” Award.

“From his first day in the Senate, Senator Vulakovich has expressed his desire to improve Pennsylvania’s emergency services,” said Don Konkle, PFESI Executive Director.  “As Chairman of the Veteran Affairs and Emergency Services Committee, he has worked tirelessly to pass legislation to achieve these goals.  The Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute is honored to have the support of such a distinguished member.”

Pictured (L-R) are: State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay, State Senator Randy Vulakovich, Rep. Harry Readshaw and Don Konkle, PFESI Executive Director.

Senator Vulakovich is the prime sponsor of Senate Resolution 6, which established a bipartisan Commission to study our Fire & EMS System.  The Commission has until June 30, 2018, to make recommendations to the General Assembly to improve the delivery of emergency services in Pennsylvania.  While the Commission is conducting its review, the Chairmen of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committees have a 16-point agenda, including Senator Vulakovich’s legislation establishing a pilot program to create partnerships between community colleges and secondary schools to train students in fire & EMS.  The Senator has also helped lead the effort in the Senate to permit local governments to provide tax credits to their volunteer fire and EMS members; provide a process for allowing fire companies to hold boot drives; and cover all career firefighters under the Heart & Lung Act.

“I am extremely grateful for this award,” said Sen. Vulakovich.  “I have great respect for the men and women who serve their communities as firefighters.  These men and women are jumping into harm’s way when everyone else is running away from fires.  They are truly heroes and I am honored to be recognized for the work we’re doing in the General Assembly for them.”

Back again this year by popular demand, the Lottery Calendar Fundraiser coordinated by B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. directly benefits services for seniors living in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga Counties. Each lottery calendar is sold for &20.00, and comes with 120 chances to win from January 1 to April 30, 2018. The evening “You Pick 3” lottery numbers are utilized, and the cash prize for each day is awarded to the calendar holder with the corresponding number. Daily cash prizes range from $30.00 up to $100.00, and a total of over $4,000 in cash prizes are possible.

Calendars can be purchased at any B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. office, with the Susquehanna County office being located at 157 Spruce Street, Suit 1 in Montrose, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

For more information about the Lottery Calendar Fundraiser or B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. services, please call 1-800-634-3746.

The B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging; the United Way of Bradford County; the Lycoming County United Way; the United Way of Susquehanna County and the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga County Commissioners.

The Susquehanna County Forest Land Owners Association’s (SCFLOA)          “My Favorite Tree” photo contest will be ending soon. The contest was kicked off during the week of the 2017 Harford Fair, with over 150 people picking up the photo contest entry card and information.

SCFLOA’s Scribe John Reynolds notes, “The last day for photo entries of your favorite tree is December 31st 2017. The trees must be located in Susquehanna County. Photos can be dated any time prior to contest deadline, they can be photos that were entered in other contests or may have been entered in other venues. SCFLOA will be awarding a grand prize of $100, second prize of $50 and a third prize of $25. Each of these winning entries, along with at least 9 other honorable mentions will be published in the 2019 calendar.”

The contest is open to everyone and you do not have to be a SCFLOA member to enter. Go to SCFLOA.org on the internet and hit our “My Favorite Tree Contest” button. Follow the instructions which includes a short description of why this tree is your favorite. If you have any trouble with the site contact robert.wagner@pa.usda.gov for assistance.

The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau (EMVB) is encouraging everyone to start submitting events now to be included in its next annual calendar of events brochure.

The deadline to submit an event for the printed piece is not until February, but the bureau wants to be sure everyone who wants an event in the calendar has plenty of time to gather their information and send it in.

“It takes a while to get event details planned and we understand that,” noted EMVB staff Shelley McAndrew.

The calendar will cover events taking place between April 1, 2018, and March 31, 2019.

Community, government, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit their events free of charge. The events must be held in the Endless Mountains Region of Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties, and should be of interest to visitors coming to the area. 

To get an event in the brochure, go to the visitors bureau’s website – www.EndlessMountains.org – and click on ‘add event’ on the homepage; fill out the online form and submit once complete. Events that have multiple dates that are not consecutive must be submitted individually (example: a performance given on July 3, 10, 17, and 24, would need to be submitted four times – one for each show date).

The brochure will be distributed at the bureau’s visitors center on Route 6 in Tunkhannock, in brochure racks throughout the area, as well as at visitors bureau member businesses, PennDOT welcome centers, travel and sports shows the bureau attends, individual requests, and other bureau marketing initiatives.

For more information, contact the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau at 570-836-5431, 800-769-8999, or shelley@endlessmountains.org.

Bench Warrants

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 8:09A.M. on December 1, 2017: Brian M. Anderson, Ryan A. Aukema, Brett F. Barnes, Amanda C. Bedell, Christina L. Birchard, Allen S. Bowman, James L. Bradley, Brandon J. Cicon, Tina Dolan, Nathasha Everett, Morgan A. Garcia, Vincent Gordon, Jeremy W. Hall, Timothy M. Holmes, Bryan Homsher, Tara M. Humphry, John J. Jenisky, Jr., Jean M. Larson, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Lawrence M McGuire, Bradley W. Megivern, Peggy J. Mills, Zachary A. Nybeck, Carol Parker, Charles Perry, Vincent J. Petriello, Matthew J. Setzer, Richard D. Shoemaker, Robert Staff, Tyrone M. Taylor, Justin S. Thompson, Renee A. Valentine, Charles Vanwinkle, Jr., Robert C. Walter, II, Robert C. Walter, II, Jeffrey Warner, Brandi R. Wayman, William R. Wayman, Jr., Roderick R. Williams. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Deeds

Wilbur, Adam D (aka) Wilber, Adam D and Wilbur, Lindsey R (aka) Wilber, Lindsey R to Vancott. W Cooper for $35,000.00 in Great Bend Township.

Johnson, Patricia Elizabeth and Pomeroy, Mary Elizabeth to Williams, Alexander and Williams, Abigail and Williams, Lisa for $208,000.00 in Choconut Township.

Corrective Deed: Edith Anne Dodge Family Limited Partnership to Condon, David and Carnavale, Christine for $1.00 in Auburn Township.

Heitzenroder, Victoria Lynn (nka) Robinson, Victoria to Smith, Rita and Smith, Zachary for $130,000.00 in Montrose.

Congdon, David and Carnavale, Christie to Cannella, Martin J for $30,000.00 in Auburn Township.

Van Buskirk, Frances R to Misura, Mark A Jr. and Bedford, Bridget C for $ 283,000.00 in Lenox Township.

Taetzsch, Sandra Z to Taetzsch, Roy Scott and Taetzsch, Eric Martin for $1.00 in Gibson Township.

Reverse Mortgage Solutions Inc to Taylor, Christopher L and Piza-Taylor, Emily J for $167,500.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Quit claim Deed: United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Citimortgage Inc. for $0.00 in Forest City 2W

Deed in lieu of foreclosure: Hall, Chad R and Hall, Jennifer S to Kelly, Blake A and Kelly, Andrew J for $1.00 in Apolacon Township.

Quit claim Deed: Dradenett, Alan to Cottrell, Earl E Sr. for $1.00 in Thompson Borough.

Karl & Nelson Herrmann LLC to Prisco, Ramond and Yale, Laura for $51,600.00 in Herrick Township.

Holzman, Norman J Jr. (Estate) to Holzman, Norma S. for $1.00 in Brooklyn Township.

Seamans, Elbert C and Seamans, Linda M and Zeffer Family Trust to Seamans, Elbert C for $1.00 in Harford Township and New Milford Township.

Seamans, Elbert C and Seamans, Linda M and Zeffer Family Trust to Zeffer Family Trust for $1.00 in Harford Township and New Milford Township.

Mulqueen, Edmund V Jr. to Bear Swamp Forest LLC for $95,000.00 in Harford Township.

Quit Claim Deed: Jones, John Paul and Jones, Carol to Jones, Carol for $1.00 in Dimock Township.

Singer, Bernard J and Singer, Christine M to Wallace, Terence J and Corniel, Sandra Elizabeth Garcia for $24,900.00 in Harmony Township.

INT NO S 50 UNIT NO S 45: Henry, William D to Bremer Hof Owners Inc. for $100.00 in Herrick Township.

INT NO S 35 UNIT NO S 25: Logwood, Kennith to Bremer Hof Owners Inc. for $1.00 in Herrick Township.

INT NO S 16 UNIT NO S 26: Edwardo, Philip A and Edwardo, Kristin to Bremer Hof Owners Inc. for $100.00 in Herrick Township.

Geritz, Carl A and Gertiz, Joyce Elaine to Lambros, George J and Gatto, Grace B and Lambros, George II for $145,000.00 in Springville Township.

Quattrocchi, Vincent C to Straw and Stream LLC. for $200,000.00 in Jessup Township.

Hall, Donna Kay and Heckman, Joann to Hall, Donna Kay and Heckman, Joann for $1.00 in Harford Township.

Chickey, Thomas J to Parsons, Edward for $21,000.00 in Hop Bottom Borough.

Decker, Florence I to Janick, Joseph J and Janick, Andrea M for $180,000.00 in Clifford Township.

United States Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development to RHOUSE16 LLC. for $50,000.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Conrad, Lewis Edwin and Conrad, Winifred E to Conrad, David E and Conrad, John F, and Conrad, Kevin L for $1.00 in Harford Township.

Roy, Susan M and Roy, Shawn to Kukowski, John Anthony and Kukowski, Donna Lea for $185,000.00 in Harmony Township.

Thomas, Luke A and Thomas, Bridget L to Petrochko, Theodore for $100,00.00 in Harford Township.

Pentagon Energy LLC. to Pentagon Energy LLC. for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Little Meadows Volunteer Fire Company & Rescue Squad to Kuhr, Jeffrey J for $25,000.00 in Little Meadows Borough.

Peck, Gerald and Peck, Kendra to Whitney, Phillip and Whitney, Teresa for $12,500.00 in Montrose 2W.

Mroz, Gail (NKA) Zurn, Gail M to Steinel, Florence L and Steinel, Charles J for $10,000.00 in Susqhehanna.

Boomerang

Meet Boomerang, who was found outside in the cold trying his best to survive on his own.  He was recently brought to True Friends and is now eager to leave his past behind him.  Boomerang like many of our cats and dogs at True Friends, is very much hoping for their own Christmas wish to come true and someone  will pick them to be their new forever friend.  Boomerang is 6 months old, neutered, up to date on shots, dewormed, and microchipped.  He is a fun loving cat who loves to play and be held.  If you are looking for a new feline companion please consider sweet Boomerang or another one of our homeless animal at True Friends.  They will give you a lifetime of love in return.

True Friends is gearing up to celebrate their first Ugly Sweater Party at 2 Dogz and a Guy Brewing in Montrose.  The event is set for Friday, December 8th from 7:00- 11:00 PM and admission at the door is a $10 donation.   Canary Circus will be performing live, we will have a buffet of home cooked food, raffles, and a ugly sweater contest.  Bad sweaters, good beer, and a great cause.  What more can you ask for?