County Living

The regular meeting of the New Milford Area Rotary at Green Gables Restaurant in New Milford was the setting on September 17th for a formal presentation of a $4,000 Rotary District 7410 District Designated Fund grant. Dory Browning, Executive Director of True Friends Animal Welfare Center based in Montrose formally accepted the donation from New Milford Area Rotary President Peggy Foster.

Pictured (l-r) are: Tom Kurosky, New Milford Area Rotary; Dory Browning, Executive Director True Friends Animal Welfare Center; Peggy Foster, President New Milford Area Rotary

The grant is designated to replace and upgrade the exercise yard fencing for the animals to exercise and recreate in, without requiring a restrictive leash. The grant includes a matching feature for any community corporation and businesses that would like to donate toward this effort that focuses on two of Rotary's seven focus areas, Growing Local Economies and Protecting the Environment. If any business entity would like to contribute toward this effort or discuss membership in the Rotary, please contact newmilfordparotary@gmail.com. The New Milford Area Rotary consists of thirty-seven members from throughout Susquehanna County actively working to improve the community and world through service projects and volunteerism.

The Endless Ride, a short film about gravel cycling in the Endless Mountains, launched on YouTube on July 15, 2025. The video follows professional cyclist Cynthia Carson, cyclist and chef Steven Davis, and route consultant David Landis on a bikepacking trip across Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. Videographer and photographer Sebastian Samek created the film.

The Endless Ride can be found on Carson's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@wattwagon. It highlights the Endless Mountains Gravel Bikepacking Loop, a 430-mile route managed by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region. Viewers will spot many local landmarks, such as the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct, the Martins Creek Viaduct, the Loyalsock Canyon Vista, Mount Pisgah State Park, and more. Within its first week, the video gained over 10,000 views.

Carson and Landis at Brown Hill Farms in Tunkhannock

The film was funded by VisitPA's Great American Getaway Co-Op Grant. The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau received the $74,809 grant in partnership with Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Endless Mountains Heritage Region, and Susquehanna County Promotion & Tourism Agency. In addition to funding the film, grant money is also being used to create branding, photo and video assets, social media content, a website, rider itineraries, and other marketing materials to promote Endless Gravel.

From left, Davis, Carson, and Landis at the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct in Nicholson

While the film highlighted the 430-mile route, there are also 250- and 115-mile loops that are ideal for weekend trips. Shorter day rides are coming soon. To learn more about gravel cycling in the Endless Mountains, follow @endlessgravel_pa on Instagram or Endless Mountains Gravel on Facebook. Maps are available on Ride with GPS at www.ridewithgps.com/partners/endlessgravel.

From left, Landis, Carson, and Davis outside Montrose

The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau is the designated tourism promotion agency for Sullivan and Wyoming counties. Since 1962, this non-profit organization has marketed the region through regional, state, and national publications; newspapers; broadcast media; trade shows; online publications; and more. To learn more, contact EMVB by calling 570-836-5431, visit www.endlessmountains.org, or follow PA Endless Mountains on Facebook and Instagram.

From left, Davis, Carson, and Landis at Jolly Trolley in Dushore

From left, Davis, Carson, and Landis at the route's terminus in Towanda

The Susquehanna County Interfaith has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, to support its Pathways Program.

The Pathways Program provides compassionate, one-on-one mentoring for individuals who are overcoming addiction, transitioning from incarceration, or seeking the next right step in life. The Pathways program is offered to both teens and adults. Recognizing that recovery and reintegration are deeply personal journeys, participants are paired with dedicated staff mentors who offer consistent support, encouragement and practical guidance.

A central goal of the program is to strengthen mental health and overall well-being by promoting self-worth, resilience and hope. Participants are encouraged to set achievable goals, develop coping skills, and build confidence as they move toward stability and independence. With an emphasis on positive mental health, the program helps individuals learn stress management, decision-making and healthy communication – tools that empower them to thrive both personally and professionally.

Pathways also provides hands-on job readiness training in Susquehanna County Interfaith's thrift stores, where participants gain real-world work experience and the opportunity to rebuild purpose and responsibility in a supportive setting. By addressing both the emotional and practical challenges of recovery, the program equips individuals to reclaim their lives and reintegrate into their communities with dignity.

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation supports nonprofit organizations across Lackawanna County and Northeast Pennsylvania that address key community needs, including breaking the cycle of poverty, removing economic barriers, and fostering independence. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded nearly $6 million in community grants. The Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as its administrator since 2016. To learn more, visit safdn.org.

Susquehanna County Interfaith is a beacon of hope, help, and community connection. Known for its compassionate, hands-on approach, the organization provides critical support to families in need through emergency assistance, mentoring, and seasonal outreach like the Back-to-School Shoe Program and Christmas Bureau. Their Pathways Program and Adulting 101 empower individuals with life skills and job readiness. The welcoming and beautiful Interfaith Stores offer affordable goods while funding vital services. With three locations – 526 Church Street in Montrose, 699 Jackson Ave. in Susquehanna, and 420 Main Street in Forest City – Interfaith is strategically placed to better serve people across the county. To learn more or to enroll in the pathways program call 570-273-8695 or visit www.Interfaithsc.org.

As fall officially begins, the American Red Cross urges people to mark the new season with a lifesaving blood or platelet donation to help keep the blood supply strong. Donors of all blood types, especially those with types O positive and B negative blood, are needed now.

For many, daily routines shift as the seasons change, but blood and platelet donations must remain top of mind. Every single donation is key to making sure all patients relying on critical transfusions, including car accident victims, those living with sickle cell disease and those facing cancer, get the care they need.

Fall into donating blood or platelets. Make an appointment to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Sept. 22-Oct. 19, 2025, will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.

Local upcoming blood donation opportunities are as follows: October 13, from 12:00pm - 5:00pm, at Bridgewater Church, 10142 State Route 167, Montrose; October 13, from 1:30pm - 6:30pm, at South New Milford Baptist Church, 2967 Harford Road, New Milford.

The Red Cross provides lifesaving blood products to all hospital systems within the Western New York region. In addition to providing lifesaving blood products, the Red Cross mobilizes relief to families affected by disasters, trains people in lifesaving skills and provides services to active and veteran U.S. military personnel and their families. Donors can feel good knowing that by supporting the Red Cross, they can help family and friends in their communities and across the country.

In preparation for the Nov. 4 municipal election, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt launched the Shapiro Administration's voter education efforts to ensure Pennsylvanians are aware of key dates and deadlines ahead of the election, as well as how to cast a ballot for those who choose to vote by mail.

"Governor Shapiro is committed to strengthening our democracy and ensuring safe and secure elections. That commitment includes educating Pennsylvania voters about upcoming elections," Schmidt said. "Every voter should have the opportunity to make their voice heard, and that is why the Department is providing clear, nonpartisan information about how Pennsylvanians can properly cast their ballot."

Among the key dates:

Oct. 20: Last day to register to vote in the municipal election

Oct. 28: Last day to apply for a mail ballot

Nov. 4: Municipal Election Day. Polls are open from 7:00am-8:00pm

8:00pm Nov. 4: Deadline for county elections office to receive your completed mail ballot

Schmidt highlighted the Department's voter education toolkit, which provides ready-made graphics with election facts – in English, Spanish, and Chinese – for stakeholders and the public to share online to further educate voters about the election.

In July, the Department of State introduced redesigned provisional ballot envelopes, making them more user-friendly. Schmidt also reminded voters about redesigned mail ballot materials and redesigned online mail ballot applications. The changes institute more uniformity in mail ballot materials across the Commonwealth's 67 counties, streamline the application process, provide clearer instructions for voters, and reduce the chances of voters making errors, Schmidt said.

"Last year, we saw a 57% decrease in the number of mail ballots rejected for being improperly filled out," Schmidt said. "The Shapiro Administration's redesigned mail ballot materials have made voting by mail easier to understand for Pennsylvania voters, and we will continue to make any improvements we can to ensure every eligible vote is counted."

For more information on voting in Pennsylvania, including mail ballots, call the Department of State's year-round voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA, visit vote.pa.gov, or follow #ReadytoVotePA on social media.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) issued the following statement in reaction to Governor Shapiro's recent comments on energy policy:

"It is beyond frustrating to hear Governor Shapiro continuing to make our regional grid operator a scapegoat for his poor energy policies. The single biggest impediment to increased energy production, expanded baseload capacity and lower prices for consumers is the looming threat of Pennsylvania being entered into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and having over a billion dollars of new taxes levied on Pennsylvania consumers and energy producers. That threat only exists because Governor Shapiro is continuing to push the issue in the courts.

"The Commonwealth Court already ruled that RGGI is unconstitutional. The most important thing Governor Shapiro could do to unleash Pennsylvania's energy potential is dropping his appeal of the RGGI ruling and getting government out of the market's way. He hasn't come anywhere close to doing that during his nearly three years in office.

"Part of being a leader is reflecting on your approach to issues and making positive changes when your method isn't working. Governor Shapiro's approach isn't working, and it's preventing us from expanding baseload capacity to prevent price increases and avoid potential blackouts in the years ahead. His unwillingness to reexamine issues like the RGGI appeal, moratoriums on natural gas drilling, and the deep flaws in his 'RGGI lite' Lightning plan are setting us back at a time when we need to move forward.

"Governor Shapiro needs to do more than just complain and deflect blame. It's time for him to take accountability and actually get stuff done for Pennsylvanians – not just talk about it."

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro's Summit on the State of PJM Interconnection:

"Yesterday's PJM Summit revealed a fundamental misunderstanding of how our electric grid operates. The governor incorrectly blamed PJM for higher electricity prices largely caused by progressive energy policies in states across PJM's footprint. PJM does not own generation facilities or distribution lines. It simply manages the flow of electricity across the grid.

"PJM is like an air traffic controller. The controller does not own the airport or the planes. They just direct traffic to ensure everyone gets where they need to go safely. Blaming PJM for higher energy costs is like blaming air traffic controllers for expensive airline tickets.

"Instead of pointing fingers, the governor should join Senate Republicans in our efforts to strengthen reliability and encourage affordable baseload generation. Pennsylvania helped build PJM into one of the most reliable power markets in the nation, and we should work with PJM and regulators to keep it that way."

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

Dennis Joseph Blanchette, 33, of Clarks Summit, PA to 30 days to 12 months incarceration pay a $50 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, submit a DNA sample, abide by the standard terms and condition of supervision for Simple Assault on February 1, 2025 in Franklin Township.

Nicole R Pichalski, 37, of Hallstead, PA to 24 months of probation, pay a $25 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, 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, obtain a mental health evaluation, not to have contact with the Victim in this case, not to make any social media posts about the Victim in this case, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Recklessly Endangering Another Person on April 13, 2024 in Hallstead Borough.

John E Williams, 50, off Susquehanna, PA to 6 months of probation, the first 3 days of which shall be served on home confinement, pay a $1,000 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $25 EMS, pay $75 PA Department of Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $100 Act 198, 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 March 4, 2023 in Jackson Township.

Deborah Ann Phillips, 54, of Montrose, PA to 3 months to 18 months incarceration, pay a $100 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, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, obtain a mental health evaluation, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Unauthorized Purchase on May 11, 2021 in Choconut Township. Ms. Phillips was also sentenced to 30 days to 6 months of incarceration to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay a $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $25 EMS, 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, obtain a mental health evaluation, complete a CRN evaluation, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Driving Under the Influence on February 14, 2022 in New Milford Borough.

William James Finnegan, 80, of Susquehanna, PA to 6 months of probation, pay a $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $25 EMS, pay $75 PA Department of Transportation 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, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Driving Under the Influence on February 27, 2025 in Oakland Township.

James M Franck, 32, of New Milford, PA to 6 months of probation, pay a $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $25 EMS, pay $75 PA Department of Transportation, 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, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Driving Under the Influence on October 22, 2023 in New Milford Township.

Ashley Marie Tomeo, 27, of Hallstead, PA to 24 months of probation, the first 30 days of which shall be served on home confinement, pay a $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $25 EMS, pay $300 PA Department of Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, complete 10 hours of community service, 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, obtain a mental health evaluation, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Driving Under the Influence on December 27, 2024 in Great Bend Township.

Michael R Poquette, 50, of Little Meadows, PA to 65 days to 18 months incarceration, pay a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the Victim in this case, perform 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, obtain a mental health evaluation, submit a DNA sample, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Theft by Unlawful Taking on April 18, 2024 in Great Bend Township.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program: Joshua Wayne Spencer.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 8:50am on September 26, 2025. Matthew S. Elders, Charles M. Lynady III, Robert Mireider III, Tyler J. Nelson, Christopher M. Stephens, Robert M. Vanostrand, Charles Vanwinkle Jr. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.

DEEDS as of 10-01-25

Warner, Michele to Deal House Capital Fund II LLC for $20,000.00 in Susquehanna.

Bevan, Anna C (By Attys) to Bevan, Steven B and Booth, Lesa B for $1.00 in Liberty Township.

Bevan, Anna C (By Attys) to Bevan, Steven B and Booth, Lesa B for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Shears, William O (Estate) and Shears, Betty to Shears, Betty for $1.00, three locations in Little Meadows Borough.

Rood, Raymond (Estate) to Stabell, Malinda M and Stabell, Richard W for $1.00 in Hallstead Borough.

Hunsinger, Donald (AKA) and Hunsinger, Donald J and Hunsinger, Margaret I to Hunsinger, Donald J and Hunsinger, Margaret I for $1.00 in Dimock Township.

Hammons, Scott K and Hammons, Julie A and Hammons, Catherine J to Brown, Aiyana Kaylee and Penny, Jasmine Marie for $325,000.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Kazmierski, Allan to Kazmierski, Allan and Torch-Kazmierski, Tammy (AKA) and Kazmierski, Tammy Torch for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Kazmierski, Allan to Kazmierski, Allan and Torch-Kazmierski, Tammy (AKA) and Kazmierski, Tammy Torch for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Kazmierski, Allan to Kazmierski, Allan and Torch-Kazmierski, Tammy (AKA) and Kazmierski, Tammy Torch for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Kazmierski, Allan to Kazmierski, Allan and Torch-Kazmierski, Tammy (AKA) and Kazmierski, Tammy Torch for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Kazmierski, Allan to Kazmierski, Allan and Torch-Kazmierski, Tammy (AKA) and Kazmierski, Tammy Torch for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Kazmierski, Allan to Kazmierski, Allan and Torch-Kazmierski, Tammy (AKA) and Kazmierski, Tammy Torch for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Kazmierski, Allan to Kazmierski, Allan and Torch-Kazmierski, Tammy (AKA) and Kazmierski, Tammy Torch for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Kazmierski, Allan to Kazmierski, Allan and Torch-Kazmierski, Tammy (AKA) and Kazmierski, Tammy Torch for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Kazmierski, Allan to Kazmierski, Allan and Torch-Kazmierski, Tammy (AKA) and Kazmierski, Tammy Torch for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Kazmierski, Allan to Kazmierski, Allan and Torch-Kazmierski, Tammy (AKA) and Kazmierski, Tammy Torch for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Kazmierski, Allan to Kazmierski, Allan and Torch-Kazmierski, Tammy (AKA) and Kazmierski, Tammy Torch for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

O'Keefe, Norma Burke (Trust By Trustee) to Trinidad, Justin T for $185,000.00 in Liberty Township.

Cleveland, Lynelle Place and Cleveland, Bary to Cleveland, Blaise Matthew and Cleveland, Ali Elizabeth for $290,000.00 in Auburn Township.

Sheridan, Dustin A and Sheridan, Wendy Sue to Sheridan, Wendy Sue for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Oil, Gas and Mineral: Kunkle, Verna B to Jayne, Eileen for $18,756.92, two locations in Rush Township.

Oil, Gas and Mineral: Kunkle, Verna B to Shultz, Judy for $18,756.92, two locations in Rush Township.

Oil, Gas and Mineral: Kunkle, Verna B to VanWinkle, Bette for $18,756.92, two locations in Rush Township.

Pandich, Robert G Jr to Dillenbeck, Krystal for $75,000.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Pandich, Robert G Jr to Pandich, Robert G Jr to Dillenbeck, Krystal for $1.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Daugherty, Thomas and Daugherty, Patricia Ann to Meca Realty LLC for $25,000.00 in Forest City 2W.