A wonderful "Breakfast with Santa" happened on Saturday, December 2nd, at St. John's Parish Hall. A scrumptious breakfast was prepared by the talented chefs of the St. John's Men's Club. Close to 250 folks, the young and the young-at-heart, were served, and 100 photos were taken and distributed as mementos of this special day.

Santa, Don DeWitt, surrounded by his “Elves”; Members of the Susquehanna Community Development Association events committee and the Nellie Jane DeWitt Business and Professional Women's Club)

Santa (Don DeWitt) patiently listened to the children's fervent wishes and, most important, checked to see if they had been good girls and boys this past year. Santa's Elves, Members of the Susquehanna Community Development Association Events Committee, assisted by N.J.D. B.P.W. Members, kept everything running smoothly.

The talented chefs of St. John's Men's Club

The S.C.D.A. wishes to extend a huge "THANK-YOU" to the following, who, with their help, kindness and generosity made the Breakfast a resounding success: St. John's Men's Club, Nellie Jane Dewitt Business and Professional Women's Club, Schneider's Market, Barnes-Kasson Hospital, Turnpike Terrace Senior Center, County Transcript, American Legion Post 86 Auxiliary, and the Susquehanna Community School District. A special, warm round of "Thanks" to Don DeWitt, for making young eyes light up with belief, and spreading joy and happiness in this Holiday Season. Of course, an event like this would not be possible without the continuing support of our wonderful community and surrounding areas.

We wish you all the "Merriest of Holidays" and a bright and beautiful 2018!

Elias Gray was presented his Eagle Scout award on November 25, 2017. His journey began in 2006 as a Cub Scout. Then, in 2011 he became a Boy Scout, received his Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life Scout, and the finalization of his journey to Eagle Scout.

Eagle Scout, Elias Gray

Elias began his Eagle project in August, 2016, which consisted of designing and building three benches to be placed on a portion of the Rails to Trails in Union Dale, Forest City and Simpson. Elias, with the help of other Scout members of Troop 81, his father, Brian, Scoutmaster, Mike Gebhard, along with some Scout troop family members finished the project in October, 2016.

A reception was held after the ceremony at the Thompson United Methodist Church to celebrate with family, friends, a county commissioner, and several adults who have also attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Elias’s journey has not ended. He promises to uphold his pledges made throughout Scouting as he heads into his future.

* If you need any information or cannot print this article, please let me know. Mary Gray 570-756-2652

It was a doubly gratifying moment for the staff at Wayne Memorial Hospital’s New Beginnings Birthing Suites. First, the March of Dimes presented them with a thank-you plaque marking National Prematurity Awareness Month and, specifically, the group’s “Day of Gratitude” on November 16th.  In turn, the staff was able to show off its new tele-neonatology unit, which is designed specifically to help high-risk infants such as premature newborns.

Pictured (L-R) are: Dastalfo; Trapp; Pettinato; Christine Haggerty, RN; Natasha Freethy, RN; Misty Kordish, LPN; and Joyce Bannon, RN

The unit offers immediate access to neonatal intensive care specialists at Lehigh Valley Hospital via advanced tele-medicine equipment.  New Beginnings Clinical Coordinators Mary Beth Dastalfo, RN and Janice Pettinato, RN, said it’s a great asset in the unit and “comforting to know an expert is immediately available to give consult and recommendations.” Noting that the March of Dimes is a non-profit committed to preventing birth defects and infant death, Tracey Trapp told the staff   “how much we appreciate all the work you do at Wayne Memorial for babies.”  The tele-neonatology unit was funded in part by a grant from the USDA.

Looking for a new holiday recipe? You’ve come to the right place! My name is Dana Nunemacher and I am the Alternate Dairy Princess of Susquehanna County. With Christmas right around the corner, it’s the prime time to enjoy some fudge. A personal favorite of mine is peanut butter fudge! I love peanut butter. Besides a great taste, this great recipe includes moo-tastic DAIRY! Follow the directions below and I hope you enjoy this fabulous recipe.

Dana Nunemacher, Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess

Don’t forget to enjoy your “Three Every Day of Dairy,” milk, cheese and/or yogurt. Happy Holidays from the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion Team!

Recipe: ½ cup of butter, 2 ¼ cups of brown sugar, ½ cup of milk, ¾ cup of peanut butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar.

First, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Next, stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring this mixture to a boil and continue to boil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add in peanut butter and vanilla. Pour over confectioners' sugar into a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth; pour into an 8x8 inch dish. Chill until firm and cut into squares.

Since 2009, The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), a 501(c)3 non-profit Environmental Organization, has been assisting local municipalities and other non-profits in cleaning up illegal dumpsites.

In 2015, PEC obtained funding as the result of the settlement of a Department of Environmental Protection enforcement action to continuing cleaning up illegal dumpsites in Pike County, Potter County, Susquehanna County, and Wayne County.

With this funding, PEC financed and coordinated a total of 126 illegal dumpsite cleanups, sent hundreds of letters, emails, made phone calls, hired contractors, contacted land owner's, acquired insurance, provided dumpsters, gloves, bags, vests, food, drinks, educated and recruited volunteers and formed many partnerships.

The 126 illegal dumpsite cleanups resulted in the removal of 185 tons of trash, 37 tons of scrap metal and 105 tons of tires. That is over 8,500 tires.

PEC municipalities, conservation districts, foresters, and others cleaned up 29 of the sites; in addition, PEC with the help of 1,238 volunteers worked a combined total of 6,773 hours cleaning up 72 of the sites. PEC also hired contractors to eradicate 25 of the sites. Of the 126 sites, 66 of them were within our waterways.

The breakdown of the 126 illegal dumpsite cleanups that took place per county is as follows:

Pike County, 16 sites were eradicated, 513 volunteers worked 3,544 hours, 37 tons of trash, 80 pounds of scrap metal and 23.32 tons or 1,965 tires were removed and disposed of properly. Six of these sites were within a waterway.

Potter County, 36 sites were eradicated, 69 volunteers worked 205 hours, 15.94 tons of trash, 6.1 pounds of scrap metal and 15.23 tons or 1,261 tires were removed and disposed of properly. Twenty-one of these sites were within a waterway.

Susquehanna County, 55 sites were eradicated, 527 volunteers worked 2,522 hours, 110 tons of trash, 19.43 pounds of scrap metal and 60 tons or 4,693 tires were removed and disposed of properly. Twenty-eight of these sites were within a waterway.

Wayne County, 19 sites were eradicated, 129 volunteers worked 502 hours, 22.61 tons of trash, 11.25 pounds of scrap metal and 6.60 tons or 581 tires were removed and disposed of properly. Eleven of these sites were within a waterway.

Many thanks go out to all the volunteers, various organizations, watershed groups, schools, churches, clubs, sponsors, conservation districts, county work release and probation offices, county and state employees, municipalities and local officials for supporting this much needed project.

We could not have done it without you.

“We did it! One big step forward!” That was the reaction of the grassroots group calling itself The Wayne Pike Trails and Waterways Alliance (WPTWA) upon learning of a $40,000 matching grant from the state.  The grant, announced by Governor Tom Wolf’s office, will help fund a feasibility study for a massive 15-mile project to build recreation trails from the Greater Honesdale area to Hawley.

The grant application was made to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources by the Wayne County Commissioners on behalf of the Wayne County Community Foundation, a nonprofit which agreed to oversee the WPTWA’s funds.  The award will match monies raised by the WPTWA, a consortium of groups dedicated to creating a connected trail system involving the area’s rivers, parks and railroad tracks.

“This feasibility study will help us identify our next steps,” said Dan Corrigan of the WPTWA. “It will look at property lines, easements, municipal concerns, construction costs and more.  Our job now is to find the right company to do the study.”

Corrigan added that work has already begun in some places, such as around Gibbons Park, Irving Cliff and Apple Grove Park in Honesdale Borough and Bingham Park in Hawley. The county has also made improvements on the riverbank at the Park Street Complex in Honesdale.  In a statement, the Wayne County Commissioners said they are “excited to support this project,” and added, “The completion of the riverbank trail at the Park Street Complex will only enhance the planned trail system and we look forward to working cooperatively on this study.”

Corrigan suggested that the grant serve to encourage others to pitch in.

“We thank the donors who pledged support for our feasibility study grant and we hope they can continue to help us with these ‘feet on the ground’ projects,” he said.

George Brown, another WPTWA member, said the ultimate goal is to create both recreational and economic opportunities by bringing many elements together.

“Connected is the key word,” he explained, “Imagine putting in a kayak at the Stourbridge Complex, stopping in White Mills at the historic Lock House, and hopping on a train the rest of the way to Hawley, then back to Honesdale.”

WPTWA’s very informal membership includes Tom Myles, owner of the Stourbridge Line, Molly Rodgers, Lisa Champeau, Grant Genzlinger, Dan Corrigan, Jim Jennings, Jeff George, Carol Dunn from the Wayne County Historical Society and Reverend Edward Erb.

The Governor’s office awarded $44 million across the state for 266 projects that will create new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources, and help revitalize local communities.

In making the announcement with the DCNR, Governor Wolf said, “Communities go from good to great when they provide residents and visitors with parks and trails, access to waterways, and opportunities for healthy outdoor activity.”

“I couldn’t have said it better myself,” said Brown.

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

“The in-depth training provided at these conferences gives me up-to-date information on many complex issues that are critical to properly managing Your County programs,” Said Alan Hall.

Alan Hall continued, “Your county provides services that form the fabric of our community, including those related to such vital issues as children and youth, mental health, intellectual disabilities, drug and alcohol and other human services, as well as those surrounding environmental issues, public health and safety, transportation, courts, prisons, elections, tax assessments, community and economic development and emergency management.”

He was able to attend several training sessions on a wide variety of topics. He also had the opportunity to meet with Senator Pat Toomey to discuss tax reform.  In addition, he networked with other commissioners throughout the State discussing our local issues and the affects federal and state policies have on us all. Hall commented “Attending this conference and taking an active role with the all the events gives us more knowledge to make better informed decisions that affect our County.”

The County Transcript will be closed Monday and Tuesday, December 25th and 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

Prince with a friend

Trembling, frozen in fear, feeling totally defeated and languishing in his kennel, volunteers at an inner city kill shelter knew they needed to reach out to us for help in rescuing their beloved Prince.  We took one look into those soulful eyes and couldn't say no. And so, after making the long "Freedom Ride" to PA, dear, sweet Prince is a totally different dog, bursting with love  and enjoying everyday to the fullest, thrilled to be among all his new friends. This adorable bubbly bundle of pittie joy is all smiles as he waits patiently for someone to share his life with. No doubt our Prince is royalty with a heart of gold instead of a crown. UTD, neutered, microchipped, and ready to move in to his new palace for the holidays, this will surely be one gift made of pure love.  

We hope to see all our friends at our Ugly Sweater Party this Friday, December 8th from 7:00- 11 PM at 2 Dogz and A Guy Brewing in Montrose.  Admission is a $10 donation, Canary Circus will be performing, we will have a pot luck buffet, and lots of great raffles.  It is promised to be a fun filled festive night to support our local shelter.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners wish to announce the Courthouse will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 25th and 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday. All court related offices will be available.

Following are October, 2017 sentences as handed down by Susquehanna County Court.

Allen G Babcock Conklin, 20, of Starrucca, PA to 12 months probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, no to utilize any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Ararat Township on May 24, 2016.

Steven McGlade, 46, of New Milford, PA to pay a $150 fine and pay cost of prosecution for Harassment in New Milford Township on April 7, 2017.

Andrew James Zuidema, 24, of Honesdale, PA to 12 months probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with the victim in this case, continue with drug and alcohol treatment, not to utilize any alcoholic beverages nor controlled substances without a valid prescription while on supervision, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, not to enter any establishment whose principle purpose is the sale of alcoholic beverages, perform 10 hours of community service for Disorderly Conduct in Forest City Borough on April 21, 2016.

Charity L Turner, 32, of Susquehanna, PA to 24 months probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, perform 10 hours of community service for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Susquehanna Borough on September 3, 2016.

Sharad Homily, 52, of Montrose, PA to 2 days home confinement followed by 5 months and 28 days of probation, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $75 PA Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $10 EMS, complete an alcohol highway safe driving school program, receive and drug and alcohol evaluation, not to utilize any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances while on supervision without a valid prescription, not to enter any establishment whose principle purpose is the sale of alcoholic beverages, perform 10 hours of community service for Driving While Under the Influence in Montrose Borough on May 6, 2017.

Brett White, 39, of Binghamton, NY to 90 days home confinement followed by 2 years probation, pay $1,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $150 PA Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $300 Act 198 fee, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $10 EMS, continue with drug and alcohol treatment, not to consume alcoholic beverages while on supervision, not to enter any establishment whose principle purpose is the sale of alcohol, 25 hours of community service for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Township on October 15, 2016.

Gregory Scott Price, 24, of Susquehanna, PA to 12 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to utilize alcoholic beverages or controlled substances while on supervision without a valid prescription, not to frequent establishments whose principle purpose is the sale of alcohol, perform 25 hours of community service for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Oakland Township on January 15, 2017.

Joseph Lee Snedeker, 32, of Clifford, PA to 1 months to 6 months incarceration in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police in Clifford Township on March 18, 2017.

James R Walsh, 22, of Montrose, PA to 90 days to 23 ½ months incarceration in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $1,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $150 PA Transportation Trust Fund Fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $10 EMS, obtain and drug and alcohol evaluation, complete an alcohol highway safe driving school program and pay the tuition thereto, not to consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, perform 10 hours of community service for Driving Under the Influence in Montrose Borough on May 8, 2017.  Mr. Walsh also received 30 days to 23 months incarceration in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent with the above sentence, to pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with the victim in this case, to obtain and drug and alcohol evaluation, not to consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings and perform 10 hours of community service for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in Montrose Borough on May 8, 2017.

Christopher William Rogenkamp, 34, of Harford, PA to 6 months to 23 ½ months incarceration in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victim in this case, continue with mental health treatment, refrain the use of controlled substances without a valid prescription, not to utilize alcoholic beverages while on supervision for Simple Assault in Harford Township on August 7, 2016.  Mr. Rogenkamp also received 24 months probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victim in this case, continue with mental health treatment, refrain from the use of controlled substances without a valid prescription, not to utilize alcoholic beverages while on supervision, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings for Recklessly Endangering Another Person on August 7, 2016 in Harford Township.

Randy M Ward, 55, of Springville, PA to 24 months incarceration in a state correctional facility to participate in the State Intermediate Punishment Program, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, be subject to DNA testing requirements and pay the $250 fee for Possession with Intent to Deliver in Rush Township on December 8, 2015.  Mr. Ward also received 5 years probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to utilize alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to frequent any establishment whose principle purpose is the sale of alcoholic beverages, perform 25 hours of community service for Possession with Intent to Deliver in Rush Township on January 21, 2016.

Randall P Austin, 40, of Susquehanna, PA to 5 months to 12 months incarceration in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, continue with drug and alcohol treatment, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, perform 10 hours of community service for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Hallstead Borough on March 24, 2017.  Mr. Austin also received 3 months to 12 months incarceration in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, continue with drug and alcohol treatment, not to utilize alcoholic beverages or controlled substances while on supervision, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, perform 10 hours of community service for Flight to Avoid Apprehension in Great Bend Township on May 6, 2017.  Finally, Mr. Austin received 3 months to 12 months incarceration in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, continue with drug and alcohol treatment, not to utilize alcoholic beverages or controlled substances while on supervision, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, perform 10 hours of community service for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Great Bend Township on May 6, 2017.

Dennis Edward Robinson, Jr, 33, of New Milford, PA to 3 years probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18 without appropriate adult supervision, however, defendant may have unsupervised contact with his natural children, obtain a mental health evaluation, not to have contact with the victim in this case for Endangering the Welfare of a Child in Bridgewater Township on June 3, 2016.

Randy Dean Decker, 63, of Susquehanna, PA to pay a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Harmony Township on August 30, 2016.

Mark Gregory Swisher, 54, of Susquehanna, PA to 18 months probation, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Jackson Township on June 8, 2017.

Nzinga Callender, 29, of Bear Creek, PA to 2 days to 5 months probation, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Ac5 198 fee, pay $75 PA Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $10 EMS, attend and successfully complete an alcohol highway safe driving school program, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Driving Under the Influence in New Milford Township on March 23, 2017.

Thomas Andrew Glovich, 32, of Windsor, NY to 12 months probation, pay $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to utilize any alcohol or controlled substances, perform 10 hours of community service for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Montrose Borough on February 16, 2017.

Kristie Rumola, 39, of Montrose, PA to 24 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess, transport or consume controlled substances without a valid prescription, perform 25 hours of community service, pay restitution to the victims, submit DNA sample for testing and pay $250 testing fee for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Harmony Township between June 11th and 25th 2016

Lindsay J Evans, 32, of Montrose, PA to 10 months to 24 months in a state correctional facility, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, no to have contact with the victim in this case, submit same for DNA testing and pay $250 DNA testing fee, obtain a mental health evaluation, not to utilize any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances while on supervision for Aggravated Harassment by a Prisoner in Bridgewater Township on October 30, 2017.

Alex Benjamin Chandler, 22, of Endicott, NY to 74 days to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription, continue with drug and alcohol counseling, perform 10 hours of community service, pay restitution to the victim in this case, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Silver Lake Township from March to May 2016.

Vernone Lee Smith, 55, of Kingsley, PA to 11 ½ months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 3 years probation, pay, a $1,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $150 PA Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $10 EMS, attend and complete an alcohol highway safe driving school program, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to utilize any alcohol or controlled substances, not to enter any establishment whose principle purpose is the sale of alcohol, undergo a 10 PM curfew, perform 25 hours community service for Driving Under the Influence in Lenox Township on July 20, 2016.  Mr. Smith also received 11 ½ months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $1,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $300 PA Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $100 Ac5 198 fee, pay $10 EMS, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances without a valid prescription for Driving Under the Influence in Lathrop Township on July 13, 2017.  Finally Mr. Smith received 24 months probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, complete an alcohol highway safe driving school program, not to utilize any alcohol or controlled substances without a valid prescription, perform 10 hours of community service for Recklessly Endangering Another Person on July 13, 2017 in Lathrop Township.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program:

Mary Farley

Steven Daniel Butts

Laura A West

Darren Michael Davies

Evan Michael Shelp

Dalton Gary Angevine

Richard Thomas Parks

Sean Michael Cunningham

Jessup Ethan Odell

Dillon John Marshman

Steven T Bossick

Joseph Enrique Nazar

Aaron Munro Ward

Randy Dean Decker

Noah Gideon Cohen

Julie Rickard

Michael Robbs