County Living

Appearing at a hearing before the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board last week, acting as Manager of Pro-Ag, I said, "It's time that milk handlers and independent dairy farmers enter into a contract for one year with a 60-day termination notice".

I further suggested that this contract would have to be adhered to by both parties. The terms of the contract would simply guarantee to dairy farmers that they would have a market for their milk for one year.

Pictured (center) is: Arden Tewksbury, testifying at the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board on July 2

The contract would be renewed on an annual basis.

The contract would not allow any deductions except what is provided by the Federal or State Orders, such as hauling.

The contract would not allow for any marketing deductions.

There are about 1300 independent dairy farmers in various states in Federal Milk Marketing Order #1.

The contract we are talking about would only apply to independent Pennsylvania dairy farmers.

In the event the Marketing Board did not approve our suggestion for contracts, we would strongly recommend that the termination time would go from the present 28 days to an annual agreement with a 60-day termination notice by either party.

In addition, I referred back to the troublesome times of the 1970 era, when thousands of dairy farms ended up not having a market for their milk.

With the extreme losses that dairy farmers are experiencing, it's high time that the independent dairy farmers have an improved situation by having their milk marketed for at least one year, and hopefully longer.

This also would guarantee independent milk handlers a supply of milk.

I appreciate the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board conducting that listening session in an attempt to improve the stability of the dairy industry in Pennsylvania.

In conclusion, many independent dairy farmers are realizing they are dependent on other people helping them.

Last year United Way of Susquehanna County launched a new signature program called REAL Men Read at Elk Lake School District. This year the program will be serving kindergarten classes in Elk Lake and Blue Ridge Elementary Schools, with hopes of reaching other county school districts in future years.

The REAL Men Read program connects volunteer male readers, MENtors from the community with Kindergarten classes in an effort to encourage reading and learning in young children, and boost early grade reading success.

REAL Men Read MENtor Zach Morahan, reading First Grade Here I Come to Elk Lake Elementary kindergarten students

MENtors make a commitment to read to a class for an hour five times a year, are trained to interact and lead the children in discovery, and must undergo a security clearance to work with the children. At the end of each classroom visit, a copy of the book read to the class will be provided for each student to add to their own personal library.

Why MENtors? In many cases schools are educating children from single-parent homes. Typically teachers are female and so many children do not have a male mentor/positive influencer in their lives promoting the importance of literacy. REAL Men Read helps these children to see men valuing education and reading.

This is a great opportunity for students to have a positive male role model who values education and encourages the love of reading. From K-3rd grade, students are learning to read, and from 3rd grade on students need to be able to read to learn. A child who has trouble reading in 3rd grade is less likely to graduate from high school. We can prepare our kids for a lifetime of success in reading and learning simply by sharing books, encouraging literacy skills, and model the importance of reading.

More MENtors are needed for the program as well as MENtor Assistants (men or women) who will assist during the reading visit.

To volunteer as a MENtor or a MENtor Assistant please contact Robin Cobb at robin.unitedway@yahoo.com or 570-465-3868 by August 1st. A training session will be provided for all volunteers.

Break out the tools and garden your way to a healthier mind, body and spirit. Gardeners have always known it, but now research proves that gardening is a great form of exercise.

You'll work out all your major muscle groups when raking, digging and planting for an hour. Include gardening as a major component of your workout schedule. You'll stretch and strengthen muscles while promoting cardiovascular health and maintaining bone mass. A University of Arkansas study found that yard work, as well as weight training more significantly maintained bone density than aerobics, dancing or bicycling in women over 50.

And for those of us trying to lose weight, add 30 minutes of gardening to your daily or weekly routine to help shed some extra pounds. A half hour of raking burns 162 calories, weeding 182, and turning the compost pile a whopping 250 calories. Gardening several times a week will help keep you and your landscape looking its best. Anytime I can receive double or triple the benefit from my time and energy, the more likely I am to complete the task.

Protect your joints and muscles while gardening. Warm up, just as you would for any workout, with a few simple stretches. Protect your knees by using a stool, kneeling pad or one legged kneel (keeping your other foot flat on the ground and back straight) instead of squatting.

Heliotrope, nicotiana and other fragrant flowers can provide aromatherapy at the end of a stressful day (Photo By Melinda Myers, LLC)

And no matter what shape you are in, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated during and after you finish gardening. This is especially important with the extreme temperatures we are experiencing this summer. Try gardening early in the morning or evening when temperatures are a bit cooler. And time your work in garden beds when they're blanketed in shade.

Protect both your eyes and skin from the sun's intense rays by always wearing sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. And consider regular checkups with a dermatologist to monitor for skin cancer.

Pace yourself so you can enjoy the process and smell the roses, heliotrope, daphne and alyssum along the way. Gardeners have been into aromatherapy long before its recent rise in popularity. A few strategically placed fragrant flowers can create a delightful welcome home, soothing scent in your secret garden or aromatherapy as you weed and tend your landscape.

Include some edible flowers and fruit for you, the birds and the butterflies. Nothing beats the flavor or nutritional value of fresh-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables. Plus, watching the butterflies and hummingbirds sip on nectar from a fuchsia, coral honeysuckle, verbena or salvia as the finches feed on coneflower seeds will provide added beauty while the squirrels' acrobatic antics on giant sunflowers are sure to entertain.

If the task is too big or your time is limited, ask for help. Gardening can also be a great team sport. Or make it a round robin as you take turns gardening in each other's gardens. You'll all enjoy a day filled with gardening, conversation and laughter. What was once an overwhelming task suddenly becomes a chance to spend time with friends, enjoy the garden and create new memories. Sharing your knowledge, plant divisions or other talents like cooking or pet sitting may be the perfect trade for your friends' time and energy.

And as a wise person once said "Planting a garden is a way of showing you believe in tomorrow."

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers's web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.

Summer is here and families will spend more time outside dining, playing, relaxing, and gardening as the weather improves. And while they may enjoy being outside, they may not know that getting outside is also good for their health. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) outlines five health benefits of getting outside:

Reason #1: Your lawn can make you happier! Our stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces. Knowing and experiencing nature makes us generally happier, healthier people.

Reason #2: Getting dirty is good for you! Mycobacterium vaccae in soil mirrors the effect on neurons that Prozac provides. Give your kids a pair of gardening gloves and have them work with you in your green spaces for a hefty dose of Vitamin N(ature) and G(reen). People who spend time gardening and have direct contact with soil feel more relaxed and happier.

The simple act of planting a flower, shrub, or tree will stay with a child forever

Reason #3: Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children. Children gain attention and working memory benefits when they are exposed to greenery.

Reason #4: Living landscapes help people and pets be healthier. Playing outdoors increases fitness levels and builds healthy, active bodies. Research also shows that children reap numerous health, social and personal benefits from spending time outside playing.

Reason #5: Your lawn produces lots of oxygen and cleans the air too. Fifty square feet of grass generates enough oxygen each day for a family of four, and reduces the "code red" effect since grass removes pollutants from the air we breathe.

"Our living landscapes not only provide beauty, but are a stress-reliever, a recreational space, a wildlife habitat, and an outdoor living area," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO, OPEI. "Studies show that our green spaces contribute to our health, happiness and intellect."

Our outdoor living spaces offer great health benefits to us. Trees, shrubs, grass and flowering plants are integral to human health. They provide a place for children and pets to play and directly contribute to our mental and physical well-being.

For more information please visit www.savelivinglandscapes.com.

Spots and patches of white or gray talcum powder-like substance on your plant means powdery mildew infected your plant. This is one of the most widespread fungal diseases and attacks a wide range of plants. You may see mildew on a variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables and lawn grasses. Don't despair—you can reduce the risk of this disease with proper plant selection, maintenance and if needed organic intervention.

Powdery mildew is most common during hot dry weather. Wet foliage does not increase the risk of this disease, but high humidity does. You'll typically see more mildew problems in crowded plantings, damp and shady locations as well as areas with poor air circulation.

Powdery mildew occurs when the fungal organism and susceptible plants are present and the environmental conditions are right for the disease to occur (Photo credit: Melinda Myers, LLC)

Powdery mildew, like other diseases, occurs when the fungal organism and susceptible plants are present together and the environmental conditions are right for the disease to occur. Remove one of these factors and you eliminate the disease. You can't change the weather but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of powdery mildew.

Avoid purchasing mildew susceptible plants. Instead select disease resistant varieties whenever possible. Fortunately, many new varieties of phlox, bee balm, lilacs and other mildew-resistant plants are now available at your favorite garden center.

Further decrease the risk by growing plants at the recommended spacing in the preferred amount of sunlight. Giving plants room to reach full size ensures they will receive sufficient sunlight and air circulation, thus reducing the risk of this and other diseases. Your plants will be healthier and better looking when they have space to show off their beauty.

Thin susceptible varieties of perennial plantings like phlox and bee balm in spring as new growth emerges. Removing one fourth of the stems increases light penetration and airflow reducing the risk of powdery mildew. Grow vine crops like cucumbers and squash on trellises and fences to accomplish the same results. Support large fruits of squash and melons with cloth slings anchored to the trellis.

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization that encourages lush succulent growth that is more susceptible to this and other diseases and many insect problems. Consider using low nitrogen slow release fertilizers that promote slow steady growth above and below ground.

If mildew continues to be a problem and is impacting the health and beauty of your plants, you may decide to intervene. Lightweight horticultural oils trap the fungal spores on the plant preventing it from spreading. Select OMRI certified products like Summit® Year-Round® Spray Oil (SummitResponsibleSolutions.com) that are approved for organic gardeners.

Always read and follow label directions of all chemicals, organic or synthetic, before applying to any plant. Thorough coverage of the upper and lower leaf surfaces and stems will improve your success rate.

Check plant tags, purchase wisely and adjust plant maintenance to reduce powdery mildew problems in your landscape. A bit of prevention and proper care go a long way to reducing the time spent maintaining healthy, productive and beautiful gardens and landscapes.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Summit for her expertise to write this article. Myers's web site is www.melindamyers.com.

The Susquehanna County Library Historical Society and Free Library Association presented Pump N Pantry Convenience Stores, Inc. with a plaque of appreciation at their monthly board meeting on June 18.

Pictured (l-r) are: Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association Board of Trustees President, Robert Vermette; Pump N Pantry Convenience Stores, Inc. President, Scott Quigg; Melinda Quigg

Pump N Pantry Convenience Stores, Inc. has been dedicated supporters of the Association since the 1990s. In 1995, they agreed to cover the cost of gas, repairs and maintenance for the Books on Wheels van and the subscription to the New York Times, and this support continues to this day. The Association was also allowed use of the Montrose Theatre, which was then owned by Pump N Pantry Convenience Stores, Inc., without charge, for Association programs such as the Write and Illustrate your Own Picture Book Contest, and visiting author programs.

In 2013, children's author/illustrator Lee Harper appeared at county library locations. To facilitate the program, Pump N Pantry Convenience Stores, Inc. helped cover the cost of hardcover books to be donated to children attending the program around the county.

The Association extends their gratitude to Quigg Family and Pump N Pantry Convenience Stores, Inc. for their continued support of the Susquehanna County Library, Historical Society and Outreach Program.

Hello! My name is Brooke Arnold and I am Susquehanna County's 2018-2019 Alternate Dairy Princess. I grew up near my grandparent's retired dairy farm in Springville, PA and attend school at Elk Lake Jr./Sr. High School. I am currently an active dairy member in Susquehanna County 4-H and I raise my own show heifers. Although my family doesn't ship milk anymore, I spend a great deal of my free time at neighboring dairy barns helping and learning about the dairy industry.

Alternate Dairy Princess Brooke Arnold

I'd like to begin by asking you, what is your favorite way to cool off during the hottest month of the year? Well let me tell you a little bit about my favorite way to cool off. When the summer heat becomes tough to deal with, my favorite thing to do is go get ice cream! During the hot summer days I love to visit the Lake View Ice Cream Parlor for ice cream, in Silver Lake, PA where my family's lake cottage is. My favorite item on the menu is a Chocolate Moosetracks milkshake but there are many more delicious flavors to taste. After getting ice cream, it's always fun to enjoy it by Laurel Lake with family and friends and maybe even take a dip in the water.

Now that you know that ice cream is a great way to cool off, did you know that July is Ice Cream Month? Throughout the month of July the dairy industry loves to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. In 1984, President Ronald Regan officially made July, "Ice Cream Month." In case you didn't know, vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor in the U.S. with other flavors like Mint Chocolate Chip and Moosetracks topping the charts as well. Also, it takes about 50 licks to finish one scoop of ice cream. All in all, ice cream is a delicious treat and a great way to to treat yourself, so next time you need an excuse to stop for ice cream, remember July is a time to celebrate "National Ice Cream Month".

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) leszekglasner/stock.Adobe.com

This school year, you can help set up your kids for success. It's all about having the perfect study zone at home. Here are five cool ideas for creating a workspace for kids that will promote great study habits and inspire learning.

1. Find the right real estate. Every child learns differently. So, depending on the person doing the studying, the perfect space could be a quiet, bright corner of the house away from the hustle and bustle, or it could be in the midst of family life and activity. Experiment with each set up, periodically checking in with your child to see what's working and what's not.

2. Upgrade visual learning. Is your child a visual learner? Upgrade study time in any sized space with a short throw projector that automatically adapts the projection brightness to the lighting conditions in the room. One option that allows you to control the projector wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet is the Casio Ultra Short Throw LampFree Projector XJ-UT351WN which features a mercury-free laser and LED hybrid light source, making it an eco-friendly and safe option for young students.

3. Embrace the principles of natural wellness. It is said that certain essential oils can promote focus and improve concentration. These can be diffused, rolled, or simply inhaled to give students a boost when it comes time to cram for an exam.

4. Make time for music. Studies have found that music can help improve memory. And making music can be an effective stress reliever in the face of school-induced stress. Consider outfitting your child's study area with an affordable, lightweight instrument like a Casio CT-X Keyboard, which features an extensive library of 600 tones and 195 rhythms, supporting diverse musical genres. Whether it's a 20-minute study break, or a jam session once homework is completed, make it possible for musical creativity to come to life.

5. Incorporate educational tech. Education tech tools can help synthesize classroom concepts. Be sure your child's workspace incorporates new tech like ClassPad.net, a web-based mathematics resource for K-12 and beyond, which students can use to draw geometry figures freehand and input calculations as they would on real scratch paper. Great for study buddies, the tool allows for simultaneous work with calculation, graphing, geometry and data analysis/statistics. (StatePoint)

The season of the yard is upon us. Across America homeowners are opening up their garages and sheds and getting out their mowers, trimmers, blowers, power washers, and other outdoor power equipment.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine, and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, reminds homeowners to use smart fueling practices before starting their engines.

"You want your equipment available when you need it, and that starts with proper maintenance and fueling," said Kris Kiser, OPEI President and CEO. "Always check which fuel you're buying before filling up."

Here are four questions to ask before you start fueling outdoor power equipment:

1.  Have you read the owner's manual for the equipment? Always follow manufacturer's fueling recommendations and use the type of fuel specified.

2.  Have you drained your equipment of old fuel from last season? Fuel should not sit in the tank for more than 30 days. Untreated gasoline (without a fuel stabilizer) left in the system will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system.

3.  Did you purchase the correct fuel? What goes in your car or truck may not be the correct fuel to use in your outdoor power equipment. There are many choices at the pump today, and you should only use E10 or less fuel in any outdoor power equipment. Some gas stations may offer 15 percent ethanol (E15) gas or higher ethanol fuel blends, but any fuel containing greater than 10 percent ethanol can damage – and is illegal to use, says the Environmental Protection Agency – in small engine equipment not designed for it.

4.  Are you using a fuel additive or the manufacturer's fuel? Many manufacturers make fuel additives and fuels, sold at retail locations, to improve equipment performance and mitigate any fueling problems caused by ethanol-based fuels. Check with your manufacturer's recommendations and make the best choice that will keep your equipment running strong all season.

"A clean machine performs better and lasts longer. Before you start your machine, do a visual inspection. Make sure the safety guards are in place and that your equipment is in good shape," adds Kiser. "You should also review the operating instructions and re-familiarize yourself with the controls before using your equipment."

For more safety tips, go to www.opei.org. For further information on proper fueling, go to www.LookBeforeYouPump.com.

By order of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania dated July 9, 2018, Susquehanna County attorney Frederick J. Meagher, Jr., whose office is in Montrose, PA has been suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year, reciprocal with New York. The suspension will take effect on August 8, 2018.

Busy schedules, over indulging, and strenuous summer activities can lead to sore muscles, indigestion and headaches. When searching for pain relief, look no further than your own garden or your local farmer's market. These five foods fresh from the garden – or pot – are packed with super pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory power.

Mint

Infuse mint into your tea or ice water to refresh and rejuvenate, so you're ready for more summer fun. Mint also helps relieve headaches and general aches and pain. Grow this vigorous perennial herb in a container so it won't overtake your other plants. Then at the end of the season, root a few cuttings to start new plants to grow indoors. All you need is a sunny window, quality potting mix and regular watering.

Hot Peppers

Capsaicin, the spicy element in chili, jalapeno, habanero and cayenne peppers, is a great pain-fighting tool and is often used in topical creams to help treat backaches, arthritis and muscle pain. Hot peppers are ready to harvest when they are fully colored. Ask friends to share their harvest or purchase hot peppers at your local farmer's market if your garden is lacking this plant. Be sure to purchase extra hot peppers to dry and enjoy year-round. Then add these tasty and pain-relieving plants to your garden next summer. Plant them after the soil and air warm, at the same time you plant sweet peppers and tomatoes.

Cherries

Manage muscle pain and inflammation with sour cherries. They are loaded with disease fighting chemicals and antioxidants. Plus, they help fight inflammation and relieve pain. Purchase plenty of cherries to juice, dry and preserve so you can enjoy their health benefits all year long. And consider planting a sour cherry tree in your backyard. Montmorency is the most popular sour cherry tree, needing only 700 hours of air temperatures between 34 and 45 degrees to initiate flowering for fruit development. New hardier dwarf introductions from the University of Saskatchewan can be grown in colder regions including zone 2. Although it takes several years for cherry plants to start producing fruit, you'll enjoy watching your tree grow into maturity and bear its first crop. Just make sure to cover the plants with netting so the birds don't eat your harvest.

Ginger

Grow ginger in a pot outdoors or sunny window along side your other indoor plants. Ginger helps reduce inflammation and combat migraines, muscle pain, arthritis and post workout or post-gardening soreness. All this and it helps fight nausea so common during a summer filled with barbeques and celebrations. Although it's a tropical plant, you can find plants or rhizomes (the part you eat) online. Or join other enthusiastic gardeners who have had success rooting the rhizomes they have purchased at the grocery store to start new plants.

Sage has long been used to sooth scratchy and irritated throats (Photo By Melinda Myers, LLC)

Sage

Harvest a few sage leaves, add hot water and brew a bit of sore throat relief. Sage tea has long been used to sooth scratchy and irritated throats and showed positive results in a 2006 clinical trial. Grow this herb in the garden or container. It thrives in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the season. Regular harvesting encourages more growth for future harvests. You can remove as much as one third of the plant at one time for preserving.

So next time you're feeling a bit of pain, look to the garden for a bit of relief. Even the simple act of tending your garden and harvesting produce can elevate your mood, lower your blood pressure and start you on the road to feeling better.

The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is pleased to announce that a new charitable fund has been established to help support the Girl Scouts' Camp Archbald in Kingsley, Pennsylvania.  The camp is the second oldest Girl Scout camp in the United States, founded in 1920.  Because of economic constraints, Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA and their Board of Directors have recently slated Camp Archbald for downsizing and cutting back on facilities and programs.

Many generations of women have attended and worked at the iconic Camp Archbald. A group of concerned Girl Scout alumni, friends, camp staff and supporters have formed the Supporters of Camp Archbald to help support and maintain the camp so that its storied past may continue to serve girls today, and far into the future.  Supporters of Camp Archbald intends to reinstate programming, maintenance and upkeep of the camp structures and legacy.

The Supporters of Camp Archbald Fund at The Community Foundation has been established to be a repository for donations to help support the camp.  It is hoped donations will arrive to help offset the expenses of restoring, programming and maintaining the camp. Donations may be sent to the: Supporters of Camp Archbald Fund at The Community Foundation 270 Lake Avenue, Montrose, PA 18801, or made online at: www.community-foundation.org.

As Eileen Head, a lifetime Girl Scout and a member of Supporters of Camp Archbald points out, "The camp outdoor experience is a vital part of Girl Scouts. Living, boating, swimming, singing and hiking at Camp Archbald with their friends has a lasting impact on girls who become women that care about the lake, forest and animals.  In many cases these women decide to study sciences, engineering, technology, teaching and the arts based on their appreciation, friendships curiosity about the outdoors at Camp Archbald.  These women pass along this legacy oftentimes to their troop, family and friends...sometimes for generations."

Representatives from the Apprise program are available year-round at the B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. office in Montrose to counsel individuals regarding Medicare, Medicaid, Advantage Plans, Medigap/Supplement, prescription plans and the Pennsylvania PACE program. Information is available on the numerous medical insurance and prescription drug eligibility programs available. Assistance with the completion of various medical forms and applications is also available. These services are offered as part of the Apprise program.

Apprise representatives are available to discuss insurance and prescription medicine issues for Medicare beneficiaries of all ages, and to advocate for individuals as necessary. This service is confidential and offered at no cost.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call the B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. at 1-800-634-3746.

The Apprise program is also in search of people that are interested in volunteering. Helping people understand their benefits can be such a highly rewarding opportunity. You can be part of the team.

To volunteer as an Apprise Counselor or to receive more information about the volunteer opportunities, please call theagency at 1-800-982-4346.

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

Harrisburg, PA - Following the recent decision of the Federal Reserve Bank's Federal Open Market Committee to raise the target range for the federal funds rate, Secretary of Banking and Securities Robin L. Wiessmann advises Pennsylvania consumers to be aware of five ways this vote in Washington, D.C. might impact their personal finances.

"This important decision by the members of the Federal Open Market Committee considers many complex economic factors and policies that attempt to both stimulate employment growth and manage inflation," Secretary Wiessmann said. "Raising the target range can be a sign that the overall economy is doing well, and may mean a better return on savings and investments. However, it can also affect the cost to consumers for every day borrowing for mortgages, credit cards, and student loans."

Wiessmann points to five areas to where consumers may notice increased costs, and actions to consider that may mitigate the pinch to their wallets:

Mortgages: The cost of purchasing a home may increase for both 15-year and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, as well as adjustable-rate mortgages. It may be time to consider refinancing an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate one.

Credit cards: Banks often raise their prime interest rates following a federal rate hike, so consumers who do not pay off their credit card balances can see an increase in the amount they owe. Prioritizing paying down your credit card balances or signing up for zero-interest balance-transfer cards are two tactics to consider.

Auto loans: Consumers shopping for a car may find it less likely to come across zero-percent financing deals that have been staples for well-qualified borrowers over the last decade. Investigate your financing options through the dealer and your bank or credit union before committing to buy.

Student loans: Students taking out new loans this fall may pay more than previously. Those paying back student loans that have a variable rate are also likely to see an increase in their payments. Consider refinancing your loans and locking in fixed interest rates, keeping in mind that you would no longer be eligible for student loan forgiveness programs.

Savings Accounts: Savers will likely see a small boost in the amount of interest they earn on their savings accounts. As banks compete for the deposits of customers, they may be more willing to pay higher rates to win customer business.

Wiessmann notes that this is seventh rate hike approved by the Federal Open Market Committee since 2015, and that two additional hikes are expected this year.

Anyone can contact the Department of Banking and Securities at 1-800-PA-BANKS or 1-800-600-0007 to ask questions or file complaints about financial transactions, companies, or products. Members of the public are also invited to connect to the department through Facebook and Twitter, or subscribing to the department's newsletter.

Bench Warrants

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT'S for the following individuals as of 10:00 am on July 13, 2018: Ryan Aukema, Brett F. Barnes, Allen S. Bowman, James L. Bradley, David Branning, Ryan T. Brooks, Lee M. Carter, Christopher J. Clark, Jeremy T. DeGraw, Tina Dolan, Nathasha Everett, Jeffrey J. Gamble, Jeremy W. Hall, John J Haney, Keith G. Harms, Timothy M. Holmes, Lyle J. Hugaboom, Tara M. Humphry, Timothy J. Jackson, Justin A. Johnson, James Krauss, Jean M. Larson, Todd J. Layton, Lawrence M. McGuire, Peggy J. Mills, Matthew J. Moxen, Nick Petersen, Vincent J. Petriello, Thomas C. Phillips, Matthew J. Setzer, Kelly A. Skinner, Jerome W. Slick, Robert Staff, Tyrone M. Taylor, Edward Teshara, Renee A. Valentine, Jeffrey Warner, Billie Jo Warner, Brandi R. Wayman, William Webb, Roderic R. Williams. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Deeds

Schaefer, David (Estate) and Schaefer, Denise E (AKA) and Schaefer, Denise and McClave, Elizabeth and McClave, Christopher and Schaefer, Mark and Schaefer, Shannon and Schaefer, Peter and Schaefer, Rachel to Mount, Robert and Mount, Tracy for $240,000.00 in New Milford Township.

Mead, Karin and Mead, Bruce to Hoehle, Francis and Hoehle, Kimberly and Chapman, Jennifer Lee for $129,101.00 in Harford Township.

Susquehanna County Housing/Redevelopment Authority to Hagen, Amy V for $125,000.00 in Susquehanna.

Brown, Christine J to Wiser, Douglas M and Wiser, Meghan V for $100,000.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Weaver, Dale E and Weaver, Mary P to Weaver, Dale E and Weaver, Mary P for $1.00 in Oakland Borough.

Montalbano, Paul G and Montalbano, Linda E to Ryce, Chaz for $242,000.00 in Auburn Township.

Baker, Keith E Jr and Baker, Christine to Ofalt, Michael J and Ofalt, Charissa A for $1.00 in Harford Township.

Wasnowic, Helen M Bradbury and Wasnowic John F to Jenkins, William D and Jenkins, Amanda K for $145,000.00 in Lenox Township.

Corrective: Petroski, Thomas and Petroski LLC to Harris, Michael for $1.00 in Lenox Township.

Scott, Laurie to Calamari, Joseph for $1.00 in Hallstead Borough.

Hatch, Gail and Hatch, William H Jr to Hausser, Renee for $68,000.00 in Thompson Borough.

Mineral Deed: Monteforte, Ireno and Monteforte, Mary and Monteforte, James to Monteforte, Renee for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Wiseman, Sterling to Kelly, Kristen for $1.00 in Hallstead Borough.

Kelly, Kristen to Erceg, Courtney and Golwitzer, Courtney and Erceg, Guy A II for $1.00 in Great Bend Township.

Warriner, Jane H (Estate) to Warriner, John D Jr for $365,000.00 in Dimock Township.

Warriner, Jane H (Estate) to Warriner, John D Jr for $1.00 in Dimock Township.

Warriner, Jane H (Estate) to Warriner, John D Jr for $1.00 in Dimock Township.

Tyler, Anthony R and Tyler, Love M to Fraunfelter, Todd L and Fraunfelter, Kimberly J for $165,000.00 in Auburn Township.

Sillaman, Mark and Sillaman, Michelle M to Richards, Robert Joseph for $193,000.00 in Gibson Township.

Phillips, Robert T Jr to Molnar, Stephen J Jr and Molnar, Stephen James Jr for $210,000.00 in Rush Township.

Int 52 Unit 37: Druce, Russell and Druce, Helen to Acheson, Karen D for $100.00 Herrick Township.

Belcher, Andrew to Ransom, Eric D for $177,000.00 in Herrick Township.

Hodges, Philip Jr (AKA) and Hodges, Phillip Jr to Bucksbee, Randy L and Bucksbee, Phyllis M for $72,080.00 in Forest City.

Empet, Dale G and Empet, Margaret W to Herbert, Brendan E and Herbert, Rebecca J for $320,000.00 one location in Harford Township and one location in Lenox Township.

Begley, Georgia to Satteson, Gordon D and Anderson, Walter J for $315,000.00 in Clifford Township.

Jennings, Carolyn and Jennings, Donna K (NBM) and Bailey, Donna K to Bailey, Paul D and Bailey, Donna K for $1.00 in Gibson Township.

Mineral: Manzer, Adam B and Manzer, Donna L to Manzer, Adam B and Manzer, Donna L for $10.00 two locations in Lenox Township.

Mineral: Manzer, Adam B to Macondo Holding Corporation and Castello Enterprises Inc for $10.00 two locations in Lenox Township.

Borove, Robert A and Borove, Kathleen Sue to Gassearch Drilling Corporation for $122,200.00 in Lenox Township.

Wilczynski, Paul T and Wilczynski, Andrea to Deojay, Janice C and Deojay, Gerald W for $46,000.00 in Ararat Township.

Littman, Ruth (AKA) and Schmick, Ruth A to Naples, Samantha for $16,500.00 in Brooklyn Township.

Usatch, Benjamin and Usatch, Robin M to Kohut, Andrew R (By Atty) and Kohut, Ingrid F for $305,000.00 in Herrick Township.

Jem

Recently Jem was adopted with his sister Ruby into a wonderful home. Although Ruby was flourishing with their new family, Jem was extremely nervous with the small child and becoming increasingly stressed. As sad as it was, we thought it would be best for Jem to find another home. He is now back at the shelter and we desperately want to find him HIS perfect family. Pictures do not do this guy justice, he is an absolutely stunning dog. He is shy, but warms up almost immediately and will make the perfect family dog with older children. Jem is a 2 year old, neutered, Doberman Pinscher/Akbash mix. He is housebroken, walks beautifully on a leash, and very loving.