County Living

The American Red Cross asks people to help patients in need by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now. Donors of all blood types remain critical to keeping momentum up and the blood supply stable as spring begins.

We’re joining forces with positive lifestyle brand Life is Good to invite donors to show the power of doing good by giving blood. Those who come to give blood or platelets March 30-April 12, 2026, will get an exclusive Red Cross x Life is Good T-shirt, while supplies last. See RedCrossBlood.org/LifeIsGood for details.

“Life is Good has always been about more than a T-shirt; it's a reminder that the world is full of good worth fighting for, and that spreading optimism starts with the everyday choices we make,” says Linne Kimball, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Life is Good. “For us, partnering with the Red Cross was a natural fit, because giving blood is proof that one person and one simple act can make a real difference. We hope this collaboration inspires donors old and new to turn positivity into purpose – because doing good doesn't have to be complicated, sometimes all it takes is rolling up a sleeve.”

Between spring break plans and the return of outdoor activities, busy spring calendars can impact the availability of lifesaving blood products – but the need for blood never stops. “It’s critical that donors make and keep appointments in the weeks to come to help the blood supply stand up to any seasonal disruptions or challenges,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross. “The Red Cross is grateful to Life is Good for joining us in an important mission – sparking optimism and kindness through blood donation.”

It’s good to give. Grab a spot to donate blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

A local upcoming blood donation opportunity is as follows: April 9, from 1:00pm - 6:00pm, at the Montrose Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5642, 16972 State Route 706, Montrose.

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Susquehanna County are hosting the annual Spring Garden Day workshop on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Last year’s event attracted nearly 60 attendees from five counties. Advanced registration is required, and space may be limited. The registration deadline is Thursday, April 9.

Spring Garden Day features Master Gardener-led education sessions designed to provide inspiration and instructional how-to for home gardeners of all experience levels. Presentation topics include the Complete Guide to Growing Tomatoes, Soil Testing for the Home Garden and Landscape, All About Bluebirds, Creating Pollinator-Friendly Habitats, and Separating Gardening Myths from Facts.

Additional displays and demonstrations will be provided by the Penn State Master Home Food Preservers and the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association. Attendees will transplant a houseplant to take home and learn tips for growing healthy houseplants. Take-home resources include a folder with horticulture information and garden seed packs. The program fee includes morning refreshments and a buffet lunch of soups, salads, sandwiches, and dessert.

Spring Garden Day takes place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Montrose Bible Conference (Lake Ridge Center). Doors open at 8:30am. Advanced registration is required. The registration deadline is Thursday, April 9.

Registration is online at the Penn State Extension website here https://extension.psu.edu/spring-garden-day or by calling 1-877-345-0691. For questions about the Spring Garden Day workshop, contact Master Gardener Coordinator Melissa Wright at 570-996-2249 or mbw5781@psu.edu.

Save the date for the Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, May 9, at the Penn State Extension office in Montrose, 9:00am to 2:00pm. The sale features a variety of pollinator-friendly perennial and annual flowers, culinary herbs, family-favorite vegetables, hanging baskets in time for Mother’s Day, and assorted houseplants. Details are here on the Master Gardeners of Susquehanna County webpage: https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/susquehanna.

Penn State Extension Susquehanna County is located at 88 Chenango Street, Montrose, PA 18801.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.

There are two scholarships for $750 each available to graduating seniors from any of the six public High Schools in Susquehanna County. These awards are given by the Susquehanna County Democratic Party. Applications are due by April 10th. Please see your Guidance Counselor or contact Joni at: 570-727-2292.

At its most recent meeting, the Montrose Borough Council welcomed T. Thompson, Executive Director of the Progress Authority. Over the past few months, Thompson has attended various municipal meetings to not only introduce himself but also reintroduce the function of the organization. Thompson relayed that the Progress Authority focuses on economic development within the County, offering a variety of services. In conjunction with local lenders, the Authority offers low-cost, specialized gap-financing for business expansion to encourage private investment and job creation. In addition, the Authority has a micro-loan program, used to assist with an immediate operating cashflow need to mature businesses, while also lending a helping hand to start-ups. Thompson noted that “every commercial deal is a puzzle, and the Progress Authority is just another piece in helping that puzzle become a reality.” The Authority also offers guidance on various grants and state/federal incentive programs utilized to help private projects access public support.

The Progress Authority is also in the midst of expanding its middle mile, dark-fiber broadband within the County. The Authority was provisionally awarded roughly $4 million through the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority to support its deployment of dark-fiber throughout the County to ensure every resident and business has connectivity to reliable, high-speed broadband. This connectivity is crucial for education, healthcare and entrepreneurship.

For questions on how the Progress Authority can help your business or municipality, they can be reached at 570-265-0937 or www.cbprogress.org.

Safe travel on Pennsylvania roadways is a top priority for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), no matter the season. With spring beginning, PennDOT is seeking the public’s feedback on its services this winter through an online survey.

“I’m incredibly proud of how the PennDOT team met the mission across Pennsylvania this season, working around the clock to keep people and goods moving,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “The public’s input through this annual survey helps us review perceptions and knowledge of our operations, while we also look for public information opportunities.”

The survey is available through April 14 and should take about five minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous.

The 17-question survey asks respondents about their timeline expectations for safe and passable roadways, how they rank snow-removal priorities, and how they rate PennDOT’s winter services.

Respondents are also asked how they receive PennDOT roadway information, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. During the winter, www.511PA.com offers its standard traffic and incident information while adding PennDOT plow-truck locations, winter roadway conditions, and other services.

At any time, drivers can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.

Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects. Subscribe to local PennDOT news or statewide PennDOT news on the department’s website.

Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

US Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area Act to designate Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains region as a National Heritage Area (NHA), a long-sought recognition that would preserve the region’s rich history and natural beauty while boosting economic growth through tourism. The legislation is the Senate companion to a House bill led by Congressman Dan Meuser (R-PA-09).

“Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains are a cornerstone of our Commonwealth’s history and natural beauty, with a legacy that stretches back to the earliest days of our nation,” said Senator McCormick. “Especially as we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, this designation is a major win for Northeast Pennsylvania – protecting our historic landscapes while growing a tourism economy that supports thousands of hardworking families. I’m proud to work alongside my Pennsylvania colleagues to bring national recognition to this truly world-class destination.”

“Our public lands are some of the very best parts of what our great country has to offer,” said Senator Fetterman. “We have a responsibility to safeguard the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area. I’m proud to help ensure it will be protected and enjoyed for generations to come while supporting economic development throughout the region.”

"The Endless Mountains region is one of Northeast Pennsylvania's most scenic landscapes, full of history, natural beauty, and local culture. Whether you're enjoying its fall foliage or its vast forests during summer, it provides some of the most stunning scenery in our Commonwealth. Establishing the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area will help protect that legacy while increasing tourism, encouraging local economic activity, and strengthening relationships among communities, small businesses, and conservation groups across the four counties. I am happy to lead this effort in the House, alongside Senators McCormick and Fetterman in the Senate, to ensure the history and culture of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties are recognized and supported for generations of Pennsylvanians to come,” said Congressman Meuser.

* This bipartisan bill would designate Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties as a National Heritage Area and name Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc. (EMHR) as the local coordinating entity.
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* As a National Heritage Area, the region would remain a lived-in landscape, with projects led by local communities through public-private partnerships – not federal mandates.
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* The legislation does not alter existing land-use regulations and does not grant the National Park Service any zoning authority or eminent domain power.
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* Outdoor and heritage tourism in the region already supports nearly 2,000 jobs and generates more than $166 million in annual economic activity. NHA designation would increase national visibility, attract more visitors, unlock additional federal resources, and could generate up to $350 million in annual economic activity.
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* The designation would help protect and elevate the legacy of the Munsee-Lenape, Susquehannock, and Iroquois peoples, along with the region’s agricultural and industrial history.
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The effort has garnered strong local and statewide support, including formal resolutions from all four counties and backing from a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania state legislators.

“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from our state and federal legislators – particularly Senator Dave McCormick, Senator John Fetterman, and Congressman Dan Meuser – as we work to achieve a National Heritage Area designation for the Endless Mountains,” said Cain Chamberlin, Executive Director of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region. “This effort reflects years of collaboration, research, and community input, and highlights the region’s unique history, natural beauty, and cultural significance.”

With Pennsylvanians facing rising costs on everyday essentials, House Republican policymakers launched their “Freedom Through Affordability” initiative – a plan to deliver tax relief and lower costs to make Pennsylvania a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.

The initiative, unveiled at a Capitol press conference, includes a package of six-month tax cuts and sales tax holidays, a multi-billion-dollar relief effort, aimed at providing immediate relief to families and workers struggling under the weight of higher prices.

Framing the effort, Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, emphasized the direct connection between affordability and opportunity.

“Our goal is simple: Make Pennsylvania a place where families can afford to live, work and build their future. When people can keep more of what they earn and the cost of everyday life is within reach, they have the freedom to make their own choices about their future. That’s what this effort is about – achieving freedom through affordability for people across the Commonwealth,” said Rowe.

At the center of the initiative are targeted proposals designed to provide immediate relief on some of the most pressing household expenses, including the suspension of key taxes for six months, directly reducing costs on essential services and daily expenses.

Rowe is sponsoring legislation to reduce the state Personal Income Tax rate from 3.07% to 2.99% for six months.

Reps. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks), vice chair of the House Republican Policy Committee, and Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) are co-sponsoring legislation to suspend the Gross Receipts Tax on electricity and telecommunications for six months.

Highlighting the impact on everyday families, Marcell pointed to the growing pressure households are facing.

"Everywhere I go in my community, people are looking for a break from rising costs, especially on the basics of life,” said Marcell. “This temporary tax holiday is a commonsense way to give them that break, save them some money and help make life just a little easier."

Davanzo underscored how energy costs ripple throughout the broader economy.

“The message from Pennsylvanians has never been louder or more clear: Energy costs are making their day-to-day unaffordable. Right here and now, we can give families a little bit of breathing room and help them stretch their budgets a little bit further,” Davanzo said. “Because energy costs factor into production, wholesale and retail costs on everyday products, this relief will be felt across the Commonwealth’s entire economy.”

Focusing on transportation, Rep. Abby Major (R-Armstrong/Westmoreland) emphasized the burden of fuel costs on working families in introducing legislation to suspend the state’s gas tax for six months.

“High fuel costs compound the financial strain Pennsylvanians already face due to inflation and ongoing cost-of-living increases,” Major said. “My legislation will provide temporary relief to make it easier to balance a family’s budget. I urge immediate action so there is more money in the pockets of our hardworking residents.”

In addition to advancing immediate relief, lawmakers stressed the importance of continuing to hear directly from residents across the Commonwealth.

Rep. Joe Hogan (R-Bucks), deputy chair of the Policy Committee, announced the launch of the “Affordability Starts Here” tour, which will bring lawmakers across the Commonwealth to hear directly from families, workers and employers about what it takes to make life more affordable.

“As the Policy Committee’s Deputy Chair on affordability, I know how important this ‘Affordability Starts Here’ Tour of Pennsylvania is for so many families,” said Hogan. “Starting next week, we will make our first stop in Hanover for a hearing on how we can reduce the costs of child care and expand the tour to all sectors of our economy. Folks across our Commonwealth have great ideas and I’m looking forward to identifying and promoting more ways to make Pennsylvania more affordable for everyone.”

Hogan, a new father, joins Rep. KC Tomlinson (R-Bucks) in co-sponsoring six-month sales tax holidays on car seats as well as newborn/baby products.

Jonathan Fritz (R-Wayne/Susquehanna) is a co-sponsor of the affordability-related tax relief proposal.

For more information, visit: policycommittee.com.

Following are February, 2026 sentences as handed down by Susquehanna County Court.

Jacob E Napierkowski, 27, of Kingsley, PA to 3 months to 23 months incarceration, pay a $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the family of the Victim, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, not to enter any establishment whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, obtain a mental health evaluation, submit a DNA sample and pay the applicable $250 fee, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Accidents Involving Death while not Licensed on December 8, 2024 in Lenox Township.

Michael Gerard Lisowski, 71, of Pleasant Mt, PA to 6 months of probation, pay a $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $25 EMS, pay $75 PA Department of Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, continue with drug and alcohol treatment, complete the alcohol highway safe driving school program, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, not to enter any establishment whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Driving Under the Influence on June 28, 2025 in Uniondale Borough.

Heather Lynn Cooper, 38, of Hallstead, PA to 26 days to 23 ½ months incarceration, pay a $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, complete 10 hours of community service, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, not to enter any establishment whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, obtain a mental health evaluation, not to have contact with the Victim in this case, submit a DNA sample, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Terroristic Threats on December 2, 2024 in Montrose Borough.

Robert Paul White, 44, of Dalton, PA to 4 months to 36 months in a state correctional facility, pay a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, submit a DNA sample, not to have contact with the Victims in this case for Robbery on July 26, 2025 in Susquehanna Borough. Mr. White was also sentenced to 3 months to 24 months in a state correctional facility to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay a $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, submit a DNA sample for Terroristic Threats on July 26, 2025 in Susquehanna Borough.

David Branning, 41, of Hallstead, PA to 7 months to 60 months in a state correctional facility, pay a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, submit a DNA sample, not to have contact with the Victims in this case for Robbery on July 26, 2025 in Susquehanna Borough.

Talan Ayden Slivinski, 20, of Montrose, PA to 9 months to 23 ½ months incarceration, pay a $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, complete 50 hours of community service, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, not to enter any establishment whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, obtain a mental health evaluation, not to possess firearms, submit a DNA sample and pay the applicable $25 fee, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Possession with Intent to Deliver on September 23, 2025 in Dimock Township. Mr. Slivinski was also sentenced to 24 months of probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay a $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, not to enter any establishment whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol, obtain a mental health evaluation, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, not to possess firearms, submit a DNA sample and pay the applicable $250 fee, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Criminal Use of a Communication Facility on September 23, 2025 in Dimock Township.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program: Alex James Heasley, Carl A Diggs, Jr.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 8:47am on March 27, 2026. Lloyd Baker, Justin D. Cook, Patrick A. Fournier, Charles R. Groover, Patrick E. Leblanc, Charles M. Lynady III, Christopher M. Stephens, Roy M. Wade. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.

DEEDS as of 04-01-26

Lowe Lake Properties LLC to Abella, Thomas Andre and Abella, Alexandria Nicole and Drake, Casey Bartron and Drake, Haleigh Theresa for $336,500.00 in Herrick Township.

Interval No 20 Unit No 36: Brown, Harold and Beasley, Audrey to Bremer Hof Owners Inc for $100.00 in Herrick Township.

Evansky, Maureen to Evansky, Maureen and Evansky, Edward for $1.00, three locations in Rush Township.

Flannery, Edward J and Flannery, Kathy J to Flannery, Edward J and Flannery, Edlyn A for $1.00 in Lathrop Township.

Flannery, Edward J and Flannery, Kathy J to Flannery, Edward J and Flannery, Edlyn A for $1.00 in Brooklyn Township.

Goff, Betty J (Estate) and Goff, Kevin and Goff, Jeffrey to Goff, Jeffrey A for $50,000.00 in Hallstead Borough.

Harding, William D (AKA) and Harding, William to Ross, Jason for $15,000.00 in Clifford Township.

Fitzgerald, Lori Janeen to Linger, Harlow A and Linger, Ashley for $580,000.00 in New Milford Township.

MacConnell, Joseph R to Houlihan, Timothy J and Houlihan, Rebecca J for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Holbrook, Mark G and Holbrook, Rhonda S to Holbrook, Matthew M and Holbrook, April L for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Holbrook, Mark G and Holbrook, Rhonda S to Holbrook, Matthew M and Holbrook, April L for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Holbrook, Mark G and Holbrook, Rhonda S to Holbrook, Matthew M and Holbrook, April L for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Scarfalloto, Angelo to Revival Residencies LLC for $150,000.00 in Montrose 2W.

Cimino, Delano A and Cimino, Suzanne E (AKA) and Cimino, Susan E to Prezkop, Gary M and Prezkop, Gabrielle M and Prezkop, Joshua T and Prezkop, Teresa Rose and Prezkop, Amelia M for $1.00 in Forest Lake Township.

Yuhnick, John H and Yuhnick, Kimberly A to Yuhnick, John H for $1.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Bennett, Donald F and Bennett, Kathleen M to Bennett, Ryan Matthew for $1.00 in Ararat Township.

Butler, Cheryl to Butler Family Trust for $1.00 in Herrick Township.

Konsur, Barbara A to Konsur, Jeremy for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Marquez, Robert M and Marquez, Kathy J to Marquez, Robert Jr and Young, Marcie for $1.00 in Lenox Township.

Silvia, Michael and Silvia, Paula to Silvia, Michael (Trust) and Silvia, Paula (Trust) for $1.00 in Gibson Township.

Kodak View LLC to Luger, Walter G for $3,500.00 in Dimock Township.

Russell, Terry L and Russell, Ellen M to Russell, Terry L and Russell, Ellen M for $1.00 in Apolacon Township.

DeGrazia, Cathleen Marie and DeGrazia, James G III to Lowe Lake Properties LLC for $206,500.00 in Ararat Township.

Montemayor, Susan D to Montemayor, Susan D for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Hawley, Mary Alice and Smith, Virginia M and Smith, Brian Todd to Smith, Virginia M and Smith, Brian Todd for $1.00 in Forest Lake Township.

Hawley, Mary Alice and Smith, Virginia M and Smith, Brian Todd to Hawley, Mary Alice for $1.00 in Forest Lake Township.

Furman, Wyatt and Furman, Cheryl to Gillard, Laurin E for $1.00 in Auburn Township.

Change Agents LLC to Lackawanna Valley LLC for $320,000.00 in Montrose 2W.

Mineral: Church Run Minerals LP to FWZ Royalty LLC for $10.00, two locations in Thompson Township.

Following are December, 2025 sentences as handed down by Susquehanna County Court.

Francisco Vasquez, 28, of Windsor, NY to 6 months of probation, the first 5 days of which shall be served on home confinement, pay a $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $25 EMS fee, pay $150 PA Department of Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, complete the Alcohol Highway Safe Driving School Program, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, not to enter any establishment whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, complete a CRN evaluation, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Driving Under the Influence on October 20, 2024 in Jessup Township.

Zachary Dean Swire, 34, of Oneonta, NY to 5 years of probation, to run concurrent with Wyoming County's sentence, pay a $500 fine, pay cot of prosecution, $50 Criminal Justice Enforcement Act fee, submit a DNA sample for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude the Police on November 25, 2024 in Choconut Township.

Brock Tyler Freer, 48, of Forestport, NY to 2 days to 6 months incarceration, with credit for time served, pay a $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee for Driving While Under the Influence on March 21, 2021 in New Milford Borough.

Tyler Christopher Fiske, 53, of Hallstead, PA to 24 months of probation, the first 60 days of which shall be served on home confinement, pay a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the Victim in this case, continue with drug and alcohol treatment, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, not to enter any establishment whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, not to possess any firearms while on supervision, submit a DNA sample, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Receiving Stolen Property on March 6, 2025 in Hallstead Borough. Mr. was also ordered to pay a $100 fine, the cost of prosecution and pay the $100 Act 198 fee for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on April 3, 2025 in Hallstead Borough.

Robert William Staff, 56, of Springville, PA to 24 months of probation, to run concurrent with any sentence currently being served, pay a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, not to enter any establishment whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Tampering with Physical Evidence on August 11, 2025 in Springville Township.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program: Storm A Visage.