County Living

The Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania has been awarded a Robert H. Spitz Foundation grant for the Ararat Wetland project, a special initiative to preserve and protect the wetlands along the 38-mile D&H Rail-Trail.

The Ararat Wetlands border a one-mile section midway along the trail, providing wildlife habitat, water storage, and filtration along the headwaters of the Starrucca Creek. The Council is collaborating with an environmental engineering firm to develop effective strategies for the long-term stewardship of the wetlands. The grant will help to implement the permitting and installation of a water-leveling device to stabilize wetland hydrology and protect the trail's infrastructure.

The Rail-Trail Council of NEPA, Inc. is a non-profit organization developing recreational trails for public use in northeastern Pennsylvania. The office is located in the Borough of Union Dale, in the Cables Store Building, alongside the D&H Rail-Trail. To learn more, visit www.neparailtrails.org.

Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation since 2016. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation that supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Formed in 2015 through the estate of Mr. Spitz, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation supports an array of projects and programs that improve the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. To date, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has provided over $6 million in funding to the community. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at https://safdn.org/foundation/robert-spitz-foundation/.

As you pass Wayne Memorial Hospital, traveling in Honesdale after dusk, enjoy the Love Lites adorning the trees out front. The holiday lights are symbolic, in honor of and in memory of loved ones from throughout the area. The annual Love Lites ceremony Monday evening December 1st was hosted by the Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary with many in attendance. The event included a blessing by Pastor Mary Bryant of Cold Spring Chapel, Pleasant Mount, remarks from hospital CEO Jim Pettinato and holiday music presentations by the Honesdale High School Band and Chorus. Love Lites was launched in 1991 as a fundraiser and a way to bring the community together during the holiday season. A "Memory Book" listing all the names honored with lights can be found in the hospital lobby and soon on the hospital website, https://www.wmh.org/wmh-auxiliary/.

Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) is excited to announce it has been approved as a partner with the Reach Out and Read Program. Families coming into any of WMCHC's four pediatric offices for well-child visits – ranging from infancy through age five – will receive a new, age-appropriate book to take home and enjoy together.

Leaving your child's doctor's appointment with a crisp, colorful book isn't the only advantage. WMCHC providers have been trained to teach parents how to best engage their child in reading and how to interact with text and images to help them follow along. Parents will learn about the benefits of reading aloud and be encouraged to make it part of their daily routine. At the end of the program, each Reach Out and Read child will have a library of between 8 – 10 books before entering kindergarten.

"Since arriving at WMCHC it has been my dream to bring this program to our patients and their families," stated Veronica Cellini, MD, WMCHC Pediatric Services and medical champion, Reach Out and Read Program. "I have seen the positive impact it can bring to a child's life, not only by encouraging early literacy but also through promoting a bond between caregiver and child."

WMCHC was able to launch the Reach Out and Read program through the generosity of $15,000 in grant funding from AllOne Foundation & Charities. With the help of Amy Cellar, LPN, at WMCHC's Sterling Pediatric Center, who has been designated as WMCHC's Reach Out and Read Site Coordinator, WMCHC has received 400 books to date at a cost of between $2.50 to $3.50 each. More shipments will be coming as Dr. Cellini estimates approximately 350 will be given out in November alone.

"We are grateful to have this wonderful program in our pediatric health centers," stated Teresa Lacey, RN, BSN, chief executive officer, WMCHC. "It gives us another opportunity to support families and help build strong futures – one story at a time."

WMCHC is a federally qualified health center. For more information, visit www.wmchc.net or call 570-253-8390.

Time is critical for patients this December. The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply steady over the busy holiday season. Types O positive, O negative and B negative blood donors are especially needed now and in the coming weeks.

December is National Month of Giving, and your Red Cross blood or platelet donation can bring hope and healing. Create a new holiday tradition and help spread comfort and support lifesaving care. When the unexpected happens, it's the blood products already on the shelves that matter.

Redefine the meaning of a gift bag; give something that means something and schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

For a limited time, those who come to give Dec. 8-18, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Those who come to give Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on December offers, see RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts. If you're unable to give, consider making a financial donation to support our lifesaving mission at redcross.org.

Local upcoming blood donation opportunities are as follows: December 22, from 1:00pm - 6:00pm, Dreyer Lodge at Montrose Bible Conference, 218 Locust Street, Montrose; December 24, from 10:00am - 2:00pm, at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 1148 Main Street, New Milford; December 26, from 11:00am - 3:00pm, at the Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Company, 1035 State Route 106, Clifford.

The B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program is looking for volunteers. Ombudsman Volunteers are trained advocates for consumers of Long-Term care services who will help by visiting facilities and educate consumers. Become a volunteer and make a difference.

The Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga Counties Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Long Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers are a group of special volunteers that make an impact on the Nursing Home and Personal Care Home communities they serve. Ombudsman Volunteers advocate for the quality of life and quality of care of residents in long term care. Ombudsman Volunteers only act with the approval of and at the direction of the residents served. Interactions are confidential unless the resident (or their representative if the resident is unable to speak for themself) gives the Ombudsman Volunteer permission to share information and intervene.

Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga counties have 10 Nursing Homes, 11 Personal Care Homes and one staff Ombudsman. Skilled volunteers are critical for the program to function. Ombudsman Volunteer candidates receive approximately 30 hours of training, including online modules they complete independently, in-person classes, and shadowing. When Ombudsman Volunteers are confident in their knowledge of resident rights and the Ombudsman philosophy, they choose a facility to visit on a regular basis, getting to know residents and gaining their trust. Quarterly meetings include lunch and continuing education.

For questions about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program or information about becoming a volunteer, please contact Jesse Newman, staff Long Term Care Ombudsman at the B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging 1-800-982-4346.

The B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the United Way of Susquehanna County. For additional information on Area Agency on Aging services, please call 1-800-982-4346.

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a new partnership between the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and Gift of College that provides family and friends the ability to purchase gift cards for loved ones in their life to support their savings through the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program and the PA ABLE Savings Program.

"I'm excited to expand the ways families can save and encourage others to take part in their savings journey through the Gift of College program," Treasurer Garrity said. "Providing the option for digital gift card purchases for contributions to PA 529 and PA ABLE is a new, simple and fun way to give the gift of education and more to Pennsylvanians this holiday season."

"We are thrilled that gift cards for PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts are now available throughout the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," adds Wayne Weber, Gift of College, CEO. "Every gift given is a contribution toward a brighter future."

Gift of College provides an easy way to give meaningful monetary gifts to loved ones at any time. Gift of College gift cards can be redeemed directly into PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts and are now available for purchase online at pa529.com/gift and paable.gov/gift.

The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program allows families to steadily and strategically save in a tax-advantaged way for qualifying educational expenses no matter what career path a child may take. Saving with PA 529 does not impact a student's eligibility for PA state financial aid.

Families can choose from the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) or Morningstar Gold-Rated PA 529 Investment Plan (IP). The PA 529 IP recently earned its third consecutive Gold Rating from Morningstar, maintaining the program's status as a top-five 529 plan in the country.

PA ABLE Savings Program accounts provide a tax-advantaged way to save for qualified disability expenses without impacting important benefits. No federal or state income tax is paid on PA ABLE account growth or withdrawals when used for qualified expenses.

Starting in January 2026, PA ABLE eligibility is expanding so eligible individuals of any age can open a PA ABLE account if their disability occurred before age 46.

In addition to Gift of College gift cards, PA 529 and PA ABLE account owners can continue to share their unique Ugift codes with loved ones who wish to help them save in their accounts.

To learn more about Gift of College and Ugift contributions for PA 529 and PA ABLE, visit pa529.com/gift and paable.gov/gift.

The Governor's Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation is seeking qualified candidates interested in serving the Pennsylvania Game Commission as commissioners in the following regions:

• District 6: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder and York counties.
  
  
• District 7: Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
  

Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Code provides that commissioners are appointed for four-year terms with the opportunity to be reappointed for two additional four-year terms and can serve for six months after their term expires, or until their replacement is named, whichever occurs first.

"With more than 1 million hunters and anglers and nearly 5 million acres of public land it is easy to see why hunting and fishing continue to be among the most popular segments of Pennsylvania's $20 billion-dollar outdoor recreation economy. The Shapiro Administration seeks a diverse group of applicants, one of whom will be nominated by the Governor," said Derek Eberly, director of the advisory council. "We encourage anyone interested in volunteering to serve on the board to send a letter of intent and their professional resume."

Per Pennsylvania Code, individuals interested in serving as a district commissioner shall be persons well informed on the subject of conservation, restoration, hunting and fishing, and a resident of the district. Commissioners receive no compensation for their service but are reimbursed for travel expenses.

Candidates will be interviewed by the advisory council regarding their professional and volunteer experience with wildlife conservation and activities related to hunting and fishing. Appointments to the Game Commission are made by Governor Josh Shapiro and require the advice and consent of the Senate of Pennsylvania.

Individuals interested in applying should email a resume and cover letter, formatted in a Word or PDF document, to Derek Eberly, Director of the Governor's Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, deeberly@pa.gov.

Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm, Friday, January 3, 2026.

Patrick Kipar, Meshoppen, PA, is a new member of the American Angus Association®, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national breed organization headquartered in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

The American Angus Association, with more than 21,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef breed association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on over 21 million registered Angus.

The Association records ancestral information and keeps production records and genomic data on individual animals to develop industry-leading selection tools for its members. The programs and services of the Association and its entities – Angus Genetics Inc., Angus Media, Certified Angus Beef LLC and the Angus Foundation – help members advance the beef cattle business by selecting the best animals for their herds and marketing quality genetics for the beef cattle industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.

Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), a West Point graduate and US Army veteran, has introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), which aims to improve treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) among veterans.

The Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act establishes a new grant program through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fund research and development of innovative treatments for chronic mild TBI among veterans, with a focus on neuro-rehabilitation, mental health outcomes, and suicide prevention. This new program will develop pilot programs, partnerships, and independent studies to test and validate new therapies to support innovative treatments of brain injury or mental health care.

"Members of our nation's military put their lives on the line in defense of our freedom and far too often are plagued by the physical and mental wounds of war when they return home," said Senator McCormick. "As I think about the soldiers I served alongside, I feel this issue deeply. Our veterans deserve access to innovative and groundbreaking TBI treatments that will enhance their quality of life and finally address the suicide epidemic among service members."

"Our veterans put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms, and they deserve every resource available to heal from the invisible wounds of service," said Senator Rosen. "I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to expand access to innovative treatments to improve long-term recovery and enhance the quality of life for veterans living with Traumatic Brain Injuries. As long as I'm in the Senate, I'll always work across party lines to provide the men and women who serve our nation with the support and resources they deserve."

Senator McCormick is also the lead cosponsor of Senator Rosen's VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2025.

When looking for a unique holiday tree this season consider adding a plant you can enjoy now and throughout the year. Select a larger specimen to use as a floor plant, adding dramatic scale to your indoor décor. Smaller plants can be placed on tabletops throughout the house to add a bit of extra cheer in any room.

Transform a weeping fig, rubber tree or fiddleleaf fig into a holiday tree with a few lights, garland and ornaments. All three of these make great additions to an indoor garden and their tree-like appearance makes them a perfect substitute for more traditional Christmas trees.

Grow them in bright, indirect light with evenly moist but not soggy wet soil. Water thoroughly and pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer. Or place pebbles in the saucer to elevate the pot above the water, creating a gravel tray. The excess water will evaporate, increasing humidity around the plant. Avoid drafts of hot and cold air and be prepared for some leaf drop on the weeping fig with a change in the seasons or growing conditions. It will survive and eventually send out new leaves. Consider a Norfolk Island pine when looking for something that looks more like a pine tree. You will often find them decorated and sold for the holidays in garden centers and floral shops. Or add your own decorations for the festive look you prefer.

Grow Norfolk Island pine in a cool, well-lit location that's free of drafts of hot and cold air. Regularly turn the plant to encourage even growth. Avoid dry air and keep the soil evenly moist to retain green, flexible and healthy needles and branches. Boost the humidity around this and other plants while reducing maintenance by using a gravel tray.

Purchase Rosemary wreaths and tree topiaries for a festive as well as fragrant and edible addition to the holidays. Just give the leaves a pet to enjoy the fragrance as it boosts your spirits. Pluck a sprig or two to add flavor to your winter meals and beverages.

Growing Rosemary indoors can be challenging so don't let past failures stop you from trying. Experiment until you find the location and maintenance routine that keeps your plant thriving. Grow it in a sunny window or under artificial lights and water thoroughly as the soil begins to dry. If the plant turns brown, move it out of sight to the back of your indoor garden. It still smells good when you give it a pet and only you will know.

Lemon Cypress makes a great miniature holiday tree, centerpiece or gift for a friend. The fragrant chartreuse foliage of this dwarf evergreen continues to brighten your winter décor long after the holidays are over. Grow it in a sunny window and turn it occasionally to encourage even growth. You'll have the best results if you keep it in a cool location free from cold and hot air drafts.

Investing in one of these plants is sure to brighten your spirits and holiday décor. With proper care you can continue to enjoy them year-round and for next year's holiday celebrations.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener's Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt certified the results of Pennsylvania's 2025 municipal election after county officials confirmed the accuracy of their reported results through two pre-certification audits.

"After reviewing the certified results from all 67 counties, I have formally certified the outcome of the Nov. 4 municipal election," Schmidt said. "I extend my thanks to county election officials, who spent the last few weeks diligently counting eligible votes and confirming that Pennsylvania held yet another free, fair, safe, and secure election."

Roughly 42.45% of registered Pennsylvania voters cast a ballot in the November election, which is well above the 36.77% turnout for the 2023 municipal election.

Schmidt emphasized that counties again successfully conducted two audits of their vote tallies before they certified their results.

"Both audits confirmed the accuracy of the reported results, again showing Pennsylvanians that they can have confidence in the accuracy and integrity of our electoral system," Schmidt said.

The two audits take different approaches to reach the same goal: confirming whether all results have been reported correctly.

One audit is a statutorily required statistical recount in each county of a random sample of at least 2% of all ballots cast – or 2,000 ballots, whichever is fewer. All counties must perform this audit after every election.

The other is a statistically based risk-limiting audit, known as an RLA. RLAs involve randomly chosen counties hand-tallying votes for one randomly chosen statewide race in randomly selected batches of ballots.

Demonstrating the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to transparency in election administration, the Department livestreamed the random contest selection for this RLA on social media, then one week later livestreamed the process to produce a random 20-digit number used to identify which counties were selected to audit which batches of ballots.

In total, auditors in nine counties manually reviewed 4,343 ballots and determined the reported outcome of the randomly selected retention contest for Superior Court Judge Alice Beck Dubow was correct.

Learn more about how Pennsylvania verifies the results of every election at vote.pa.gov/audits. Official vote returns for all of November's statewide races are on the Department's website.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is announcing that public voting is now open for this year's Paint the Plow program. snowplows were creatively painted by high school students in 4 counties.

Paint the Plow is a statewide initiative that highlights safe winter driving while showcasing the artistic talents of students across Pennsylvania. This year's theme, "Don't race. Allow some space.", encourages motorists to keep a safe distance from plows and other vehicles during winter weather conditions.

Earlier this year, students from Carbondale, Delaware Valley, Dunmore, North Pocono, Northwest Area, Hazleton, West Scranton, and Western Wayne High Schools put their creativity to work, transforming PennDOT plow blades.

This year, the public is invited to vote for their favorite design through an online survey posted on the PennDOT website www.penndot.pa.gov/PaintthePlow. The voting form can be found by clicking on the county names within the table.?Participation is limited to one vote per person per district.

Voting runs from December 8 through December 14, 2025. The plow with the most votes in each district will earn the title of "Fan Favorite", while PennDOT staff will also select a "Judges' Pick" based on creativity, theme execution, and overall appearance.

Winners will be announced later in December.

Students and schools are encouraged to share the voting link to rally support. While PennDOT may share photos on its regional and statewide Facebook pages, only votes submitted through the official survey will count.

For more information on PennDOT's winter preparations and additional winter-driving resources for motorists, visit the department's winter website.

Pennsylvania American Water (PAW) wants to keep customers and the general public safe on Utility Scam Awareness Day by providing valuable tips to help identify and avoid scammers from targeting unsuspecting utility customers.

"Pennsylvania American Water cares about the safety of its customers. As utility scams continue to rise, it's important that everyone exercises caution and takes steps to protect themself by confirming the identity of workers before granting access to homes or businesses or sharing personal information," said Pennsylvania American Water Director of Health and Safety Kyle Durko. "When receiving incoming calls with requests for personal information that seem suspicious, customers may call back and verify the callback phone number with the one on our website. Our employees and contractors will never collect money or credit card information from customers in the field."

Utility company imposters often attempt to scam individuals in two main ways: 1) they may pose as utility workers to gain access to someone's home; 2) they might urgently contact the person, either by phone or another method, demanding immediate payment to prevent disruption in services.

Safeguard personal information from scammers by following these tips:

Always verify. When unsure about an incoming phone call or email, stop the communication and verify with the utility company's customer service number to confirm legitimacy.

Be skeptical. When receiving a phone call, text message, email or visit from someone, be sure to ask questions and verify their identity before giving out any personal or financial information.

Remain calm. Scammers often attempt to provoke a sense of urgency. If concerned, end the call or lock the door, and contact the utility company directly to verify.

Never give money. Our employees and contractors never collect money or credit card information from customers in the field.

For more information, visit the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tips page at: https://www.bbb.org/all/scamtips.

Add a bit of seasonal beauty to your front steps, window boxes, and other outdoor spaces with winter containers. Fill them with greenery, berries, cones, baubles and more. You'll find many of these items in your own backyard and more at your favorite garden retailer.

Collect a few evergreen stems, interesting seedheads and pods, colorful stems, and fruit and berry covered branches from your landscape. Plants you enjoy in the winter garden are good candidates to include.

Many native plants make excellent additions to winter containers. Include berry-laden stems of plants like winterberry, dried flowers of smooth hydrangea, colorful stems of red twig dogwood, branches of paper bark birches and fruit from native crabapples, hawthorns and roses.

Collect a few evergreen cones and harvest some stems topped with seedheads and pods from gardens and native plantings. Add some airy texture and motion to your winter containers with native and ornamental grasses. Leave them in their natural state or add some paint and glitter for a bit of bling.

Do not include invasive plants like phragmites, teasel and oriental bittersweet. These will drop seeds in your landscape and soon become a problem in your gardens and surrounding natural spaces.

Convert one or two of your summer or fall containers into a winter display or start with an empty planter. Make sure the container you select can tolerate winter weather. Concrete, iron, metal, wood and fiberglass containers are best suited for year-round use. Even plastic pots will last for a few years when left outside and kept safe from damage by snow shovels and snow blowers.

Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil and water from overflowing the pot. Fill the container, up to an inch below the rim, with a well-drained potting mix, sand or topsoil. The soil helps hold the greenery, twigs and other materials in place and adds weight to keep the pot upright throughout the winter. Add a rock to the bottom of lightweight containers to prevent them from blowing over in the wind.

Use a mix of evergreens to provide a variety of textures, various shades of green and a backdrop for the items. Pine, spruce, arborvitae, boxwood and junipers may be growing in your landscape and most of these are available at garden centers. Spruce tips make it easy to create vertical accents in your containers. Select fresh greenery with pliable branches and firmly attached needles. Secure the stems by placing them at least four inches into the soil.

Next, add the other materials you purchased or collected from your landscape. Create vertical interest with colorful and fruit-laden stems and branches. Tuck in seedheads, pods, cones and colorful branches for added interest throughout the arrangement. Depending on your style, add artificial materials such as ribbon and outdoor ornaments. It's your opportunity to be creative.

Water thoroughly to remove air pockets and lock your ingredients in place. Keep the soil moist until the potting mix freezes to extend the beauty of your winter arrangement. If possible, set your planter in a sheltered location out of drying winter winds and sunlight to keep it looking good even longer.

Once your container is complete, it's time to relax and enjoy your favorite winter activities and celebrations.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener's Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity encouraged eligible Pennsylvanians who have not already applied for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to do so before the Dec. 31 deadline.

"There's still a few weeks left to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, and I hope every eligible Pennsylvanian will take advantage of this opportunity," Treasurer Garrity said. "Treasury works as quickly as possible to process approved rebates to Pennsylvanians in need."

Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments were disbursed starting on July 1. Since then, Treasury has paid 502,163 rebates totaling over $307 million.

Pennsylvanians 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older who meet the income limit are eligible to apply for a rebate.

The current household income limit is $46,520 for renters and homeowners. Applicants can exclude half of their Social Security income. The maximum standard rebate is $1,000, and some applicants may be eligible for supplemental rebates.

Last year, Treasury paid more than $315 million to about 517,500 Pennsylvanians.

Applicants can check the status of their rebate with the MyPATH tool found at www.pa.gov/services/revenue/track-status-of-property-tax-or-rent-rebate.

For more information, visit pa.gov, call 888-222-9190 or contact your local legislative office.

The Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, chaired by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16), issued three subpoenas – two of which were related to the unprecedented expenditure of $1 million on Gov. Josh Shapiro's private residence.

Coleman led the effort to authorize the subpoenas after months of stonewalling and incomplete responses from state agencies and local officials.

"This is about setting a precedent," Coleman said. "No administration – Republican or Democrat – should be allowed to operate in the shadows when public funds are involved. Are we just going to give every future governor a blank check to spend on security without any oversight?"

In addition to the $32 million in upgrades to the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg, another $1 million in taxpayer money was quietly spent on modifying the governor's private home in Montgomery County. No one in the General Assembly was informed about this until Coleman began asking questions of the administration in October.

"Arguably we are in this position today because our laws and procedures do not address this situation. We as legislators can fix that," Coleman said. "We need to evaluate if our laws as they are written today are enough to protect the governor and the taxpayers of Pennsylvania at the same time. I believe there is a place where those both can exist."

"Through a thoughtful and thorough review of what's happened, I believe we can ensure our laws and procedures are adequate to meet the needs of the governor, his family and that of the taxpayers," Coleman said. "Oversight is not a partisan issue. It's a constitutional responsibility."

The committee authorized subpoenas to compel the production of documents by Fri., Jan. 16, 2026, at noon, from the following entities:

Pennsylvania State Police

Subpoena directed to Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris

Requested documents include:

• A copy of the May 2025 Independent Security Assessment of the governor's residences.
  
  
• Contracts, invoices and communications related to construction and security work at the governor's private home and a neighboring property.
  
  
• Body camera footage from State Police officers on the properties between Sept. 20 and Nov. 19, 2025.
  

Abington Township

Subpoena directed to Open Records Officer Tara Wehmeyer

Requested documents include:

• Permits, applications and zoning hearing transcripts related to work at the governor's personal property.
  
  
• Communication records related to work undertaken at the property.
  

Let's Go Air, Inc.

Subpoena directed to CEO Michael Hartle

Requested documents include:

• Passenger manifests, itineraries and TSA screening confirmations for charter flights taken Jan. 14-16, 2025.
  
  
• Booking records and communications between Let's Go Air and commonwealth officials.

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

Thomas E Wood, 62, of Montrose, PA to 30 months to 72 months in a state correctional facility, with credit for time served, pay a $1,000 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, submit a DNA sample, comply with the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Discharge of Firearm into Occupied Structure on August 24, 2024 in Bridgewater Township. Mr. Wood was also sentenced to 8 months to 24 months in a state correctional facility, with credit for time served, to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, submit a DNA sample, comply with the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Weapons of Mass Destruction on August 27, 2024 in Bridgewater Township. Mr. Wood was also sentenced to 24 months of probation to run consecutive to the above sentences, pay a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, complete 25 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 Terroristic Threats on August 24, 2024 in Bridgewater Township. Mr. Wood was also sentenced to 24 months of probation to run consecutive with the two sentences above that include incarceration and concurrent with the sentence above that includes probation, pay a $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, complete 25 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, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Recklessly Endangering Another Person on August 2, 2024 in Bridgewater Township. Mr. Wood was also sentenced to 24 months of probation to run consecutive with the two sentences above that include incarceration and concurrent with the two sentences above that includes probation, pay a $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, complete 25 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, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Recklessly Endangering Another Person on August 2, 2024 in Bridgewater Township. Lastly, Mr. Wood was also sentenced to 24 months of probation to run consecutive with the two sentences above that include incarceration and concurrent with the three sentences above that includes probation, pay a $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, complete 25 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, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Recklessly Endangering Another Person on August 2, 2024 in Bridgewater Township.

John Swift, 51, of Wilkes Barre, PA to pay a fine in the amount of $100 and pay the cost of prosecution for Harassment on June 29, 2024 in New Milford Township.

Duane Carl Burgess, 51, of Hallstead, PA to 24 months of probation, pay a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, 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 and pay the applicable $250 fee, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Theft by Unlawful Taking on November 2, 2024 in Bridgewater Township.

Christopher William Vroman, 30, of New Milford, PA to pay a $25 fine & costs of Prosecution for Operate Vehicle without a Valid Inspection, to pay a $75 fine & costs of Prosecution for Registration and Certificate of Title Required and to pay a $500 fine and cost of prosecution for Driving while License is Suspended in Montrose Borough on January 17, 2025.

Gerald E Sutton, 42, of Laceyville, PA to 7 months to 23 months incarceration, followed by 24 months of probation, pay a $500 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, obtain a mental health evaluation, not to possess firearms, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to have contact with the Victim in this case, submit a DNA sample and pay the applicable $250 fee, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Attempt Robbery on June 7, 2025 in Auburn Township. Mr. Sutton was also sentenced to 7 months to 23 months incarceration to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay a $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the Victim in this case, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, not to enter any establishments whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, obtain a mental health evaluation, not to possess firearms, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to have contact with the Victim in this case, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Recklessly Endangering Another Person on June 7, 2025 in Auburn Township.

Leon C Ball, 42, of Montrose, PA to 24 months of probation, pay a $25 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, obtain a mental health evaluation, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Receiving Stolen Property on September 17, 2024 in Dimock Township. Mr. Ball was also sentenced to pay a $10 fine, pay the $100 Act 198 fee, pay the cost of prosecution and perform 10 hours of community service for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on March 26, 2025 in Bridgewater Township.

Gregg A Birchard, 51, of Brackney, PA to pay a $100 fine, pay the $100 Act 198 fee and pay cost of prosecution for Possession of a Small Amount on October 9, 2024 in Forest Lake Township.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program: Sean Richard Birmingham, John Stuart O'Neil, Billy Eli Dawson.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 8:10am on December 12, 2025. Richard R. Forba, Charles M. Lynady III, Tyler J. Nelson, Danielle J. Norris, Kyle P. Spencer, Christopher M. Stephens. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.

DEEDS as of 12-17-25

Corrective: Reimel, Jay L and Reimel, Jay (DBA) and Lee's Furniture Store to Change Agents LLC for $1.00 in Montrose 2W.

Holbrook, Judd E and Holbrook, Deborah J to Page, Philip R and Page, Kara G for $215,000.00 in Montrose.

Oil, Gas, Hydrocarbon & Mineral: Evans, Glen David (By Atty AKA) and Evans, Glen D (By Atty) to Buckwalter, Michael S and Buckwalter, Catherine D for $114,000.00 in Lenox Township.

Heller, Michelle (NKA) and Heller-Gula, Michelle (AKA) and Gula, Michelle Heller to Heller, Rechelle Margaret for $1.00 in Uniondale Borough.

Oil, Gas & Mineral: Kemble, Raymond to Coterra Energy Inc (FKA) and Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation for $10.00 in Dimock Township.

Stackowitz, John R Jr (By Sheriff AKA) and Stackowitz, John R (By Sheriff) to Gow, Gerald F Jr for $570,001.00 in Susquehanna.

Distant Ventures Limited Partnership to Pedro, Michael L and Fisher, Lisa M for $40,000.00 in Jackson Township.

Broad, Martha A and Broad, Jeffrey W to Cosmello, Christina and Cosmello, Samuel J III for $25,000.00 in New Milford Township.

Agler, Kelli (NKA) and Yeakel, Kelli to Schmitt, Douglas Jr and Schmitt, Jillian for $289,000.00 in Ararat Township.

Koshinski, John R and Scott, Danielle to Scott, Alexander William Jr and Scott, Danielle for $1.00 in Harford Township.

Grant, Dale T (Trust By Trustees) and Grant, Elizabeth M (Trust By Trustees) to Kirchem, Joshua for $459,000.00 in Harford Township.

Tomeo, Joseph A and Tomeo, Cheryl L to Blue Ridge Property Managers LLC for $185,000.00 in Great Bend Borough.

Gigliotti, Carmine (AKA) and Gigliotti, Carmine P and Gigliotti, Annette (AKA) and Gigliotti, Annette R to Giglliotti, Carmine P and Gigliotti, Annette R for $1.00, three locations in Herrick Township.

Kobbe, Devon to Kitaigorodsky, Andrew for $90,000.00 in Clifford Township.

Spaltro, Merle to Shabat, Jesse and Shabat, Alison for $207,000.00 in Ararat Township.

Toma, Theodore S and Prebola, Deborah J to Oliver, Dennis and Oliver, Connie B for $126,500.00 in Dimock Township.

Troupe, Gary C (Trust) and Nelson, Grant E III and Nelson, Susan T to Al-Salman, Husain (AKA) and Salman, Husain Al for $120,000.00 in Forest Lake Township.

Wolski, Chester (Estate) to Carruthers Development Group LLC for $235,000.00 in Harmony Township.

Mineral and Royalty: Secor, John E and Secor, Elizabeth K and Adams J 003 Comp1 and Adams J 005 Comp1 and Carey R 002 Comp1 and Carey R 004 Comp1 and Carey R 006 Comp1 and Ferguson A 009 Comp1 and Ferguson A 011 Comp1 to CMIN3 LLC for $26,000.00 in Harford Township.

Alderson, James R and Alderson, Melinda J to Alderson, Verne H and Alderson, Maxine L for $1.00 in Choconut Township.

Goff, Donna M (Estate) to Cooney, Corey C and Cooney, Yovonne for $240,000.00 in Montrose.

O'Neill, Joanne to Budd, Darell F for $309,000.00, one location in Jackson Township and one in New Milford Township.

Davis, John A and Davis, Bonnie G to Davis, Christopher A and Davis, Danielle for $1.00 in Gibson Township.

Henry, Mark and Henry, Brenda to Davenport, Julianne for $170,000.00 in Franklin Township.

Poet Revocable Living Trust (By Trustees) and Poet, Cynthia J and Poet, Steven E to Franklin, Gene A and Franklin, Lynn M for $400,000.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Jones, Martha A to Jones, Martha A and Mayo, Forrest D for $1.00 in Gibson Township.

Farthing, Matthew J to Farthing, Matthew J and Farthing, Brandi L for $0.00 in Hallstead Borough.

Powers, Elaine (Estate AKA) and Powers, Elaine J (Estate) to Boyd, Brenda B for $40,000.00 in Susquehanna.

Tucker, Richard H and Tucker, Eva M to Tucker, Richard H and Tucker, Eva M for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Marconi, John R to Marconi, John R Jr for $1.00 in Forest Lake Township.

Ayers, Richard Stanley and Ayers, Gwen Lynn to Dubyk, Anthony E for $35,000.00 in New Milford Township.

Schwartz, Gustave F and Schwartz, Lorraine K to Newport Land Company LLC for $14,000.00 in Ararat Township.

Sheridan, Dustin A to Sheridan, Wendy S for $1.00 in Rush Township.

Weidow, Sharon to Weidow, Ashley G for $1.00 in Lenox Township.

Kilhullen, Jeffrey J to Welch, Jimmy L for $9,000.00 in Susquehanna.

Mather, Janet to Mather, Janet for $1.00 in Forest Lake Township.

Erdmann, Jacob and Erdmann, Melissa to Shinoski, Frederick Jr and Shinoski, Judith for $300,000.00 in Forest City.

Wescott, David J to Wescott, David J for $1.00 in Oakland Township.

Cottrell, Richard G and Cottrell, Evelyn A to Cottrell, Richard B and Cottrell, Sue E for $1.00 in Ararat Township.

Cottrell, Richard G and Cottrell, Evelyn A to Cottrell, Karlene S and Cottrell, Cody J for $1.00 in Ararat Township.

Wootton, Earle A and Wootton, June to Commonwealth Charitable Management Inc for $1.00 in Montrose.

Stine, James Walter to Koch, Julian for $175,000.00 in Hop Bottom Borough.

Woody, Joseph R and Woody, Sarah to Becker, Brant Taylor and Becker, Krista for $215,000.00 in Forest City 2W.

Yannone, John Jr to Feuchtbaum, Jeffrey for $360,000.00 in Harford Township.

Estabrook, Malynda R to Estabrook, Amanda R for $1.00 in Harford Township.

Estabrook, Malynda R to Estabrook, Holly M for $1.00 in Harford Township.

Lewis, Thomas J to Lewis, Chad D for $1.00 in Hallstead Borough.

Farr, Dorothy to McEckron, Rebecca L for $34,500.00 in Clifford Township.

Welch, Nicholas and Welch, Sarah and Chiarella, Lisa to Welch, Nicholas and Welch, Sarah for $1.00 in Montrose 2W.

Slish, Joseph T and Slish, Judith M to Hartman, Thomas P Jr and Hartman, Tiffany for $200,000.00 in Forest City.

R-Farm LLC to McCollum, Blaine for $336,708.00 in Harford Township.

Ryce, Chaz to Ryce, Chaz and Ryce, Annette for $1.00 in Auburn Township.

Czarnecki, Edward J (Estate) to Tomeo, Jeffrey J and Tomeo, Laura A for $234,900.00 in Great Bend Township.

Sherman, Nelson and Darrow, Marguerite to Moore, George D and Moore, Debra A for $215,000.00 in Harford Township.

Tracy Realty LLC to Optimal Land Holdings LLC for $1.00 in New Milford Borough.

Tracy Realty LLC to Optimal Land Holdings LLC for $1.00 in New Milford Borough.

Conklin, Deborah R to Cooney, Corey Clarance and Cooney, Merritt Yovonne for $240,000.00 in Montrose.

Mineral Deed: Stone, Kayla D and Stone, Nathon D to Brandon, Richard P and Yurcho, Helena for $1.00 in Apolacon Township.

Wyber, Robert N (Estate AKA) and Wyber, Robert N Sr (Estate) and Wyber, Robert N Jr and Wyber, Michele M and Wyber, John B and Wyber, Colleen L to Scopelliti, Robert and Scopelliti, Lori Ann for $200,000.00 in Jackson Township.

Brink, Jennifer (FKA) and McKeen, Jennifer L to Brink, Jennifer and Brink, Jedediah for $10.00 in Susquehanna.

Williams, George L (Estate) to Bremer Hof Owners Inc for $100.00 in Herrick Township.

Smith, Todd W to Scarfalloto, Rodolfo A for $20,000.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Oil and Gas: Canty, James S Jr and Canty, Diane to SBM Minerals LLC for $1.00 in Auburn Township.