Home → Columnists ( January 15, 2025 )
Montrose – Warren Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, observed their 75th Anniversary. The meetings have been held in what is known as Masonic Hall, at No. 50 Church Street, erected by Brother Azur Lathrop, in 1862, who was a member of the lodge and a very enthusiastic Mason. The bricks used in its construction were made by Bro. James Wheaton, of Franklin Township. Later title to the building passed to Brother Moses S. Dessauer, who also took great interest in the Fraternity. In 1922 Samuel Dessauer named a special low price to the trustee should the lodge purchase the building. The deal was consummated and title passed to the Lodge in the same year, and the Lodge is now the owner of the three-story brick building free from encumbrances. The lodge now has 206 members.
Susquehanna – Mrs. Mary E. Wright, widow of the late Congressman Myron B. Wright, died at her home on Jan. 5, 1925. Deceased was before her marriage Miss Mary E. Falkenbury, a daughter of the late Hon. Samuel Falkenbury, of Susquehanna.
Great Bend – Lyman Stoddard, Civil War veteran of the 203rd PA Volunteer Regiment, died Jan. 7, 1925. He is survived by his wife and three sons and two daughters. One son, Chauncey Stoddard, is in the Naval Aviation, Langley Field, VA.
Forest City – George (Babe) Ruth, the King of Swatters and one of the most celebrated ballplayers of the age, was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Kelly and the Forest House on Sunday. He was accompanied by Mike McNally, formerly of the New York Yankees. He recently became a member of the Washington team, pennant winners last year. Babe is a large man, standing over six feet with powerful shoulders. He is fleshy at present and will reduce about 40 pounds before the season opens. He is a lively conversationalist and humorous in his remarks. ALSO A musical organization composed of young ladies, to be known as the "Booby Hatch Funmakers," was recently organized. The "funmakers" consist of Misses Eleanor and Susan Yanchitis, Fannie and Angeline Skubic, Helen Dunleavy, Rose Fararo, Loretta Teague and Margaret Fleming.
Brooklyn – Willeston Palmer, Oscar Sterling and Robert Bedell are representing the vocational department of Brooklyn High School at the State Farm Show in Harrisburg.
Uniondale – Veterans of the World War here are receiving their bonus certificates. They would be better pleased with the cold cash. ALSO The storms of Monday and Tuesday played havoc with the roads. Our mail men went their rounds with great difficulty. Of course they had to depend on the reliable horse. No autos for the present.
Springville – Six of our high school boys walked to Harford to a basketball game on Friday evening and came back after the game, making a distance of 36 miles. Some walk.
New Milford – H.W. Lewis, proprietor of the Park View Hotel, conducted a very enjoyable dance at his hostelry. Lackawanna Ramblers furnished excellent music for the occasion. A number of out-of-town guests were entertained during the evening and a very tasty lunch was served at midnight. Mr. Lewis promises more of these pleasant affairs in the near future.
Lawton – The neighbors here made a wood-bee for Mrs. Della Deuel on Tuesday.
Lanesboro – William Soop died in the Barnes Hospital, Jan. 11, 1925. He was stricken with paralysis while attending a banquet and was one of the guests of honor at the banquet. He was employed by the Erie Railroad for many years.
Dimock – Mr. and Mrs. F.R. Cope delightfully entertained 32 of the Woodburne friends on New Year's eve. After dinner, at which much merriment was occasioned by the jokes found in various dishes and places, Santa Claus, who did not arrive at this particular house at Christmas, distributed presents to all the guests. ALSO Several people from here, who intended to take the Sunday train going south, missed the train at noon, as they had supposed the Sunday schedule was the same as the weekly ones. Let it be known that this one train, during the week, leaves Dimock going south at 11:55, and an hour later on week days. These folks were obliged to get a car to take them to Tunkhannock.
WHAT FRIENDLY GOSSIP CAN DO: Because Juror Jerry Bates followed a time honored custom and entered into a discussion of county affairs with a group of farmers gathered around the big stove in Holmes' store in Apalachin, NY, Samuel Diamond, of Elmira, had his case against the Alliance Insurance Company declared a mistrial, and the litigants as well as the County of Bradford, are out about $5,000 thus far expended in court costs. Bert Morrel, of Apalachin, clerk in the office of former State Senator Harvey D. Hinman, of Binghamton, happened to be in the Holmes' store when Juror Bates expressed his opinion.
Pensioners – It appears from an official document aid before Congress the present session, that the following sums have been paid by the United States to pensioners in the year 1824, viz: The Revolutionary Pensioners amount to 13,034, and their pay to 1,337,316 dollars; the Invalid Pensioners amount to 3,736, and their pay to 298,000 dollars 69 cts.; those who receive half pay in lieu of bounty land, amount to 202, and their pay to 9,876 dollars. During the year 1824, there have died of revolutionary pensioners 441, invalid 73, half pay, none; and in the same period there have been added to the number of revolutionary pensioners 675, invalid 75, and half pay 1.
CRACKERS – For sale by B.R. Lyons. Also, a few Christian Almanacs remain unsold. The good people of Susquehanna will do well to improve the opportunity, and supply themselves with this valuable work. Dec. 31.
Third and Last Call! Those persons owing Grain to the Subscribers for Whiskey are informed that it must be delivered immediately. Forty-four cents per bushel will be allowed for Rye and Corn on old accounts. HERRICK & FORDHAM. Montrose, Jan. 6.
Christopher Dimmick worked as a police officer for the Mahoney City Police. On September 11, 2023, Officer Dimmick was performing routine patrol when he pulled over a motorist because Officer Dimmick knew that the motorist had a suspended license. Officer Dimmick told the motorist that he would have to call someone to give him a ride home. The motorist stated that he would call his girlfriend to come and pick him up.
A short time later, a woman arrived to pick up the suspended motorist. Officer Dimmick immediately recognized the woman as his stepmother, and she was operating Officer Dimmick's father's jeep. The appellate decision does not indicate whether the stepmother was also the girlfriend of the waiting motorist, i.e., remember the motorist claimed that he was calling his girlfriend for a ride. Officer Dimmick knew that his stepmother, Tanya Dimmick, had a restriction on her license that only permitted her to operate a motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device. Officer Dimmick also knew that his father's jeep did not have an ignition interlock device. Thus, Office Dimmick knew that his stepmom should not have been driving his father's jeep.
As a dutiful officer of the law, Officer Dimmick contacted Officer Smith to run his stepmom's driving record. Officer Smith confirmed that Tanya needed an ignition interlock in any motor vehicle that she was operating. Because of the potential conflict, Officer Dimmick turned the case over to Officer Smith who charged Tanya with illegally operating a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock system.
The matter proceeded to a non-jury trial where Tonya was convicted. The trial court sentenced Tanya to a period of incarceration of 30 days to 90 days at the Schuylkill County Prison along with a $300 fine. Tanya appealed her conviction contending that there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that she knew that she was prohibited from operating a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock system.
Tonya's argument was simple. She conceded that she had a prior DUI conviction which resulted in the restoration of her driving privileges with a restriction that required an ignition interlock device. Tonya noted that more than a year had passed since she had obtained her ignition interlock restricted license and that she was eligible to obtain an unrestricted license but simply had not done so. Tonya argued that she should not be convicted of this offense where she had "served her time" on the ignition interlock restricted license and was otherwise eligible to get her unrestricted license. The only thing she had left to do was the paperwork.
The Superior Court rejected the argument. The trial court concluded that Tonya had received notice from PennDOT that explained that she could not drive without an ignition interlock until she had obtained an unrestricted license – even if more than a year had elapsed from the issuance of the original restricted ignition interlock license. On appeal, the Superior Court noted that Tonya's certified driving record verified that such notice had been provided to her by PennDOT. While the Superior Court conceded that the actual letters were not admitted into evidence, the trial court had accepted PennDOT's notations in the certified record as accurate. Because the trial court had found those statements in the certified driving record as truthful, the Superior Court could not substitute its judgment for that of the trial court as to the veracity of that evidence. Tonya's conviction and sentence were affirmed.
Setting aside the legal arguments, Officer Dimmick turned in his stepmom for illegally driving his father's jeep without an ignition interlock device when the stepmom was doing a favor for another motorist to give that motorist a ride because that motorist had a suspended license and could not drive. The stepmom had already spent more than a year on the ignition interlock and could have obtained her unrestricted license if she simply finalized her paperwork. Should Officer Dimmick have exercised his discretion and not reported his stepmom when she was simply trying to help a stranded motorist? After all, police officers routinely issue warnings to motorists rather than actual citations for violations. In opting not to give a warning, do you think Officer Dimmick was influenced by the circumstances leading to his stepmom's appearance at the scene? Remember that the motorist told Officer Dimmick that he was going to call his "girlfriend" for a ride home. After this evening, one suspects that Thanksgiving Dinner at the Dimmick residence may be an awkward event.
Winter biking can be an exhilarating experience. There's something magical about riding through quiet, snow-dusted trails or feeling the crisp winter air on a clear, chilly day. If you've never biked in winter before, it might sound a bit daunting, but with the right gear and a few key tips, you'll find it's an adventure worth trying.
If you're planning to tackle snowy trails, a fat tire bike is your best friend. These bikes are built for winter conditions, with wide tires that offer better traction and stability on snow. The wider surface area helps distribute your weight more evenly which helps prevent sinking into soft snow. They're particularly effective on packed snow or groomed winter trails. If you're not ready to commit to buying one, many bike shops offer rentals. An added perk of renting is giving fat biking a try before deciding if it's right for you.
For those who prefer to stick to their trusty mountain bike, winter biking is still very doable, especially when the trails are clear of snow. One of the best things you can do is lower your tire pressure slightly to increase traction. This helps your bike grip the trail better even if you encounter icy patches. Regular maintenance becomes even more important in cold weather, so be sure to clean and lubricate your chain frequently to prevent it from freezing or rusting. A little extra care goes a long way in ensuring your bike stays in good working order throughout the winter.
Staying warm is, of course, a top priority. The key is to dress in layers. Start with a thermal base layer to keep your core warm, add an insulating layer, and finish with a windproof outer shell to protect against the chill. Don't forget about your extremities, which can get cold quickly. Insulated gloves are a must, as are thermal socks and shoe covers to keep your feet warm. A balaclava or face mask can make a huge difference, especially on windy days. Some cyclists even use insulated handlebar mittens for extra warmth.
Winter biking does come with its own set of safety considerations. Trails can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to scout them out beforehand if possible. Look out for icy spots, hidden debris, or changes in terrain that could catch you off guard. Winter days are shorter, so plan your rides during daylight hours and always carry lights in case you're out longer than expected. It's also smart to pack a basic repair kit and a fully charged phone and extra battery, just in case.
One of the best parts of winter biking is that it can be a family-friendly activity. Short trails work well for kids, and the promise of a hot cocoa break can keep everyone motivated. It's also a great time to look for wildlife tracks in the snow, turning your ride into a mini adventure. With the right preparation, winter biking can become a beloved seasonal tradition for you and your family.
Good day dear hearts, I love you. Throughout the Christmas season the word "Innocence" kept crossing my mind. There was the thought of a baby brought into this world to sacrifice himself for us, or maybe because of the alarming statistics of nearly one million kids who are abused or abducted in our country every year, or maybe it was the four kids in Susquehanna that had to be pulled out of their homes a few days before Christmas and put into emergency foster homes. Innocence refers to the quality of being free from guilt, sin or moral wrong. It often implies a sense of purity, naivety or simplicity and is frequently associated with childhood or a state of being untainted by the complexities and corruptions of the adult world. Innocence can be applied in various contexts: 1) Legal Innocence. Being found not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing. As Christians we believe, through Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection, we could be found not guilty. When you have time, read Romans 3:21-26. 2) Moral innocence lacks knowledge of evil or wrongdoing, often seen as pure and virtuous. Many, if not all of us lose our innocence, our faith for example when we get crushed by the loss of someone. Think about the families of those killed in New Orleans, or if we get a serious illness. 3) Childhood innocence is the natural state of children, who are typically seen as innocent because they have not yet been exposed to the harsher realities of life. In this context, childhood innocence could mean how we innocently look at the goodness of the world and have it shattered by someone only to see the harsh reality of life. Isaiah the prophet gives us a vision of a world that portrays a scene of perfect peace, where natural predators and prey coexist without fear. Read Isaiah 11:6-10. The image of a child leading these animals emphasizes innocence, trust and the transformation of nature under divine influence. There is the theme of harmony among traditionally hostile creatures, indicating a radical change in nature and behavior. Isaiah's prophecy declares that violence and destruction will be non-existent in God's holy realm. A golden age is yet to come! President-elect Trump speaks about a golden age to come in America, but I'm talking about a Spiritual golden age of eternity. It will be a time of peace where children can play safely with formerly dangerous animals. Not all of this was fulfilled at Christ's first coming. Such perfect tranquility will be possible only when Jesus reigns over the entire earth. At that point all the innocence, the purity, the positiveness of good will return to us.
The heart of innocence often refers to the purity, simplicity and genuine goodness that children and uncorrupted aspects of human nature possess. It's about seeing the world with wonder, trust, and an open heart, free from cynicism and malice. It's also about maintaining a sense of wonder, genuine kindness, and the ability to find joy in simple things. Again, while we hear the words childhood innocence, remember that's a context. We can and have lost that childhood innocence during our life. Losing our innocence can feel like a harsh transition from a world of simplicity and purity to one where complexity and sometimes harsh reality emerge. It often involves deeper understanding of the world, including its imperfection and challenges.
In 2022 approximately 559,000, more than half a million children were victims of abuse and neglect. The most common form of maltreatment was neglect, followed by physical abuse and sexual abuse. That's just here in our country! On top of that approximately 460,000 children are reported missing each year in the United States. There are family and non-family abductions and then there are the kidnappings for slave trade and other purposes. These are sobering statistics, and it underscores the importance of community vigilance. Pay attention to what's going on around you. Galatians 6:2 says, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Where did all this violence and hate come from? From a Christian perspective, from what God's Word tells us it all began with sin and the fall of man as described in Genesis chapter 3. The act of disobedience by the bite of the apple shattered the innocence of the world and has become inherent in us. In a more personal context, when an individual strays from the path of innocence, be it through sin, deceit or other moral failings, it's seen as a departure from the pure and righteous state that God intends for His people. This could lead to feelings of guilt, shame and spiritual separation from God.
The good news for all of us is our path to redemption and healing through Jesus Christ. Throughout the New Testament Jesus tells us He's going to His Father's house to prepare a room for us, the offer of Salvation, the forgiveness of all our sins, the promise of living in a childlike world with our creator eternally. Revelation 21:1-8 confirms what I just wrote. God Bless.
Father, we ask your blessing upon our little town. Send your Spirit and touch the broken-hearted, give peace to the sick, bless the poor. Join us for our free Community Dinner "Smorgasbord of Goodies" Saturday, January 18 at 12:00pm.
Contact me anytime. Pastor Vince Chiaramonte, 570-853-3988, Susquehanna Christian Community Church, 1361 Main Street, email clearmountain2158@gmail.