Home → County Living ( April 24, 2024 )
There was a meet and greet for US Senate Candidate Dave McCormick at the VFW Post 5642 in Montrose on April 1, 2024. There were about 30 supporters in attendance to hear from Dave about their concerns with the direction of the country and what's going on in our area, as well as share why he is running to represent the people of Pennsylvania in Washington.
Pictured (l-r) are: Michael Marabell, Rep. Meuser staff; Donna Cosmello, Susquehanna GOP Chair; Dave McCormick; Jonathan Fritz, State Rep HD-111
Candidate McCormick made the following comments during the affair:
"The reason you're here is because I believe we're heading in a direction where we're going to wake up and say 'Oh my God, I don't recognize the America that I see right now.' If we don't do something about it, then shame on us. So that's why I'm running. This is the moment that if you believe in America, if you feel like you've been blessed by America and everything America has to offer, and if you feel like you can do something about it, which I do, then this is the time to get in.
"Nowhere is it better to talk about energy than right here in Susquehanna County. Pennsylvania has the fourth largest natural gas reserves in the world. But we can't get the natural gas out of the ground. We can't get pipelines to send it North and South, and we don't have an offshore port where we can send it to overseas allies like Germany, who are dependent on places like Russia. And that's all because of the regulation and the LNG pause by President Biden, and a whole Democratic party, a progressive party that's trying to kill natural gas, despite the fact that natural gas is great for our security, it's great for our economy and it's great for the environment. Our natural gas is a huge part of Pennsylvania's future.
"I have had the good fortune, with the help of some of you in this room, in uniting the Republican Party behind my candidacy. My beliefs are clear and I will fight for Pennsylvania. I am a strong conservative, I believe in America, and I'm going to win.
"We need leadership. And my opponent is the opposite of leadership. Bob Casey has been in public office for 30 years. He's been in the Senate for 18 years. He has never, in his 18 years, been a significant leader on a single issue. There's no one thing you could point to and say that's the Bob Casey contribution. But the thing he has done, he's voted 98% of the time with Joe Biden. So when you look at runaway $6 trillion of spending and a war on energy which has driven up inflation, you can thank Bob Casey. He's voted for every single one of those bills. When you look at the wide open border, you can thank Bob Casey. He's voted for sanctuary cities, he's voted against money to stop fentanyl. When you see crime spiraling out of control, you can thank Bob Casey. He has been associated with, endorsed by and taken money from the defund the police movement."
On April 6, 2024, the Red Cross conducted a blood drive at the New Milford Baptist Church. Blood donors provide an essential service to those who find themselves hospitalized with injuries or illnesses.
Bisa Minton, a member of the church's congregation and a participant in the Susquehanna County Treatment Court Program was there to donate blood and provide a meal to the workers and donors. She recognized the value of the service provided and wanted to recognize and thank people for their efforts and donations.
Bisa Minton
Bisa has been a participant in Susquehanna County's Treatment Court for almost 2 years. The Susquehanna County Treatment Court was established in October, 2021. It is a specialty court created for high risk/high need individuals who suffer from Substance Use Disorder. These courts are found in almost every Pennsylvania County and their results are significantly better than traditional means of supervision of convicted individuals.
Treatment Court provides hope and support to those who have not been successful in conquering addiction on prior occasions within the system. It has been amazing to watch participants complete treatment, stay clean, engage in education classes, seek out and benefit from mental health counseling, successfully obtain and maintain employment and most importantly start to give back to the Susquehanna County Community.
Community Service is an important part of recovery. Participants in Susquehanna County's Treatment Court are required to engage in community service to connect them with positive community members and to help them value themselves. Our participants must initiate and complete a community project prior to completion of treatment court. Bisa Minton made us all proud when she provided her homemade chili and nutritious snacks to all who came out.
Bisa is a valuable member of our community. She lives in New Milford. She works full time. She is bright and optimistic about her life with her family. She truly is an example of how people can overcome their problems and become significant assets to the communities where they live.
The Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) presented the Lauretta Woodson Award at the Susquehanna Community School Board meeting on Wednesday, April 18.
Pictured above (l-r) are: Bob McNamara, PASR; Ellen Rockwell and Diane Terpstra, SCSD; Ellen Holdredge, PASR
Receiving recognition were Ellen Rockwell, elementary teacher and Diane Terpstra, district office secretary. Presenting the awards were PASR members, Bob McNamara and Ellen Holdredge.
The award was named for Dr. Lauretta Woodson who was a prominent Pennsylvania educator and an active member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR). She left a bequest to honor those who have exhibited creativity, initiative and productivity relative to the learning process and growth of children and who have had a positive influence on the learning process.
Mrs. Ellen Rockwell who has been an educator at Susquehanna for 28 years received the award for a professional employee. She is a dedicated and passionate teacher who works diligently to support all learners, meeting the needs of students by adapting teaching strategies. Parents have indicated to her supervisor that Rockwell was their teacher or the teacher of a sibling; speaking volumes not only to the longevity of her career but also to the impact of her expertise.
Receiving the Woodson Award plaque for a support staff member was Mrs. Diane Terpstra. She has worked in the district office for 28 years. Her duties include assisting the superintendent and the business manager in performing their duties. Through her exemplary career, she has worked on transportation and been a contributing member of the safety committee. Education of students is reliant on a person like her, who works behind the scenes to ensure that day to day things in a district run smoothly for the benefit of the students.
Each woman received a framed certificate and a gift card to Susquehanna Scoops from PASR plus cakes from the district. Both women are dedicated individuals who have had a positive influence on students in the Susquehanna Community School District.
The Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) was pleased to honor them with these awards.
Members of the Beta Rho Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) have been contributing items for baskets to be given to support teachers early in their career. This international project of the Society is called SEE (Support Early Educators). The project was selected because statistics now show that early career educators are leaving the teaching profession after only three to five years, even before the COVID crisis. The stress on teachers now is greater than ever before. Hopefully, with strong support from long-time career educators as well as retired teachers, new teachers will feel their positive support.
Alana Jerauld (center) is holding a basket full of supplies given to her by fellow teachers left to right, Gretchen Warner and April Piasecki
At the recent chapter meeting at the Susquehanna County Library in Montrose, a free drawing was done for a basket of supplies. The winner of the basket was to give her basket to a teacher early in her career. Susan Lee who is a retired teacher from the Lathrop Street School in Montrose, won the basket and gave it to a former student who is in her first year of teaching at the same school. Her name is Alana Jerauld and she is also a graduate of the Montrose Area High School and got her teaching degree from Keystone College in LaPlume. Alana is so pleased to be teaching in her home area and was thrilled to receive the basket of supplies.
The SEE basket was presented to Alana by two Beta Rho Chapter members, April Piasecki and Gretchen Warner, who also teach at the Lathrop Street School. In addition to teaching, Alana loves spending time with her family, friends and her dogs. Her hobbies include hunting, watching baseball and reading.
DKG is an international Society of women educators whose mission is to promote personal and professional growth of women educators and excellence in education. Beta Rho Chapter members represent Bradford, Pike, Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties.
The Montrose Kiwanis and Lions Community Service Clubs are pleased and proud to announce that they will be sponsoring the annual Montrose July 4th Celebration again this year. 2024 will mark the 47th consecutive year that both clubs have presented this festive event.
This year the Summer Olympic Games will be held in Paris, France, beginning in August. The three values of the Olympics are excellence, respect and friendship. They form the foundation of the Olympics to promote sport, culture and education with a view towards building a better world.
In addition, the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs want to focus on how we can build and enhance our nation and communities by uniting our efforts for the benefit of everyone. Our country is known as the United States of America – the key word in this title is UNITED. The history of American democracy has proven that in extraordinary moments of unity, Americans can accomplish extraordinary things. This unity is expressed in the opening words of the Constitution, "We the people…"
In an effort to focus on Uniting America and its people, the July 4th Committee has designated the theme for 2024 as "USA – Living And Working In Unity." The power of unity lies in its ability to bring people together and create a sense of shared purpose. By embracing unity, we can achieve success that goes beyond individual accomplishments and creates a strong foundation for future growth and prosperity.
Unity is important at every step of our life. Helen Keller said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Our greatest strength rests in steadfast unity!
The July 4th Committee is pleased to recognize a special group of young Americans who strive to build a better today – and tomorrow. This year, those Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts who have attained their respective Highest Awards, will be honored as our Grand Marshals. The scouting experience promotes the spirit and vision for making a better world by creating lasting change in their troop, community and country.
For the Girl Scouts, this is either the Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. Each Award is based on differing age groups. The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest award for the Boy Scouts. As part of each Scout's efforts to attain their Award, they must plan, develop and lead a service project that will help improve life in their communities.
The Committee also wants to salute and recognize the Northeastern Regional Special Olympians as this year's Honorary Grand Marshals. The Northeast Region includes the 6 counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Special Olympics PA provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Their purpose is designed to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community. The attitude and desires of all Special Olympians can best be stated in the Special Olympics motto: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
For additional information contact: www.montrosepajuly4th.com; or on Facebook – July 4th Celebration Montrose, PA.
For Administration: Committee Chair – Ed DeWitt, 570-278-3537, fasteddie1941@twc.com; Admin. Associate – Meghan Butler, 607-242-4211, klr4t@gmail.com.
Event(s) Schedule and Contacts: 8:00am- 4:00pm – Arts & Crafts "On-the-Green," Dan Regan, 570-278-4427; 8:00am – Montrose 4th of July 5k/10k – Court House Front, Matt Nebzydoski, 570-533-1281, manebzy@yahoo.com; Race Sign-Up – www.montrosepajuly4th.com; 10:00am – Chicken BBQ – Fire Hall *** Food Trucks – Lake Ave.; 11:00am – Patriotic Parade – Grow Ave., Church St., Public Ave., Greg Myer, 570-533-1500, greg@bartronmyer.com; DUSK – Fireworks – Montrose High School, Montrose Chamber of Commerce.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hardworking individuals for paid internships, summer maintenance, and student summer workers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties. If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment with the potential for promotion into a permanent position, check out the various opportunities at PennDOT and apply today!
Are you looking for a paid internship? The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers statewide paid internship opportunities during the summer to students in a variety of majors, predominantly in engineering, science, and technology fields; however, PennDOT does more than just road construction and snow removal. PennDOT is a customer-driven service organization responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of Pennsylvania's multimodal transportation system.
PennDOT interns enjoy opportunities in various areas of PennDOT operations. Internship opportunities associated with this posting will be headquartered throughout PennDOT's Engineering Districts. Although all assignments may not be offered in every location, additional examples of work and special projects may be available.
You may be able to obtain academic credit through participation in PennDOT's internship program. Ask your academic advisor if your college offers credit for paid internships.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4.
Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) introduced H.R. 7959, the Safeguarding Homes from Illegal Entry, Living, and Dwelling (SHIELD) Act. The legislation would make trespassing a deportable offense for illegal aliens, as well as deem the migrant permanently inadmissible for entry into the United States.
This legislation has become glaringly necessary due to the recent surge in cases of illegal aliens squatting in American homes, particularly after a Venezuelan TikToker urged fellow migrants to exploit adverse possession laws in American states.
Homeland Security officials recently arrested eight illegal immigrants on drug and gun possession charges who had been squatting in a Bronx, NY, home and federal agents also arrested three migrants squatting and dealing drugs in a home in the Bronx.
"The dramatic increase in the number of illegal immigrants squatting in American homes is yet another example of how the disastrous situation at our southern border is impacting communities across the country," Congressman Dan Meuser said. "This legislation will serve as a deterrent to illegal aliens contemplating violating the homes and properties of American citizens. It will force migrants to think twice before attempting to trespass on or unlawfully possess an American's property. The SHIELD Act ensures illegal immigrants are held accountable for squatting via deportation and permanent inadmissibility into the United States. If Congress does not address this issue, illegals, who are entering the United States due to Biden Administration's disastrous border policies, will continue abusing adverse possession laws and squat in American homes, with many causing thousands of dollars in property damage and mental suffering for homeowners."
This legislation comes on the heels of the House's passage of H.R. 6976, the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, which makes driving under the influence a deportable and inadmissible offense. H.R. 6976 passed in the House on February 1, 2024, by a margin of 274 to 150, with significant bipartisan support.
Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), and Austin Scott (GA-08) are cosponsors of the SHIELD Act.
Following are February, 2024 sentences as handed down by Susquehanna County Court.
Joshua Michael Antalek, 35, of Vestal, NY to 18 months of probation, pay a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, 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 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 Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle on November 14, 2022 in Great Bend Township.
Seth Reynolds, 21, of Nicholson, PA to 12 months of probation, pay a $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, 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, not to have contact with Elk Lake School District property, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Disorderly Conduct on March 17, 2021 in Dimock Township.
Jason R Christ, 51, of Nicholson, 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 complete 10 hours of community service, 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 May 5, 2020 in Lathrop Township.
David Charles Drazdauskas, 27, of Scott Township, PA to 136 days to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay a $200 fine, pay the cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, submit to random drug and alcohol screening, obtain a mental health evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess firearms, 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 July 3, 2023 in Forest City Borough. Mr. Drazdauskas was also sentenced to 5 years of probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay a $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances while on supervision, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, obtain a mental health evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess firearms, 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 Terroristic Threats on July 3, 2023 in Forest City Borough.
Daniel J Pecka, 35, of Binghamton, NY to 6 months to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, 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, submit to random drug and alcohol screenings, 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 Theft by Unlawful taking on May 25, 2023 in Great Bend Township. Mr. Pecka was also ordered to pay a $100 fine, cost of prosecution and $100 Act 198 fee for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on August 25, 2022 in New Milford Borough.
Matthew S Edwards, 41, of Clifford Township, PA to 30 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, 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, abide by the standard terms and conditions of supervision for Driving Under the Influence on May 7, 2022 in Lenox Township.
Catherine Hope Linden, 29, of Montrose, PA to 18 months of probation, pay a $200 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 Flight to Avoid Apprehension on January 13, 2023 in Bridgewater Township.
Monroe Leonard Gardner, 42, of Forest City, 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, complete 10 hours of community service, 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 18, 2023 in Forest City Borough.
The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program: Michael Paul Nutter, Jennifer Mari Nitterour, Jay B Pollack, Devin William Decker, Denise Ann Lane.
The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 8:50am on April 19, 2024. Jeffrey A. Fisk, Jeremy W. Hall, Jearmy s. Kowaleki, Charles M. Lynady III, Matthew M. Morley, Matthew A. Williams. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.
Oil, Gas and Mineral: Gontarski, Jean Joan (Estate AKA) and Gontarski, Jean J (Estate) to Eddleston, Susan F and Gontarski, Joseph S for $1.00 in Franklin Township.
Oil, Gas and Mineral: Gontarski, Jean Joan (Estate AKA) and Gontarski, Jean J (Estate) to Eddleston, Susan F and Gontarski, Joseph S for $1.00 in New Milford Township.
Collins, Monoka Murl (Estate) and Collins, Monoka N (AKA) to Collins, Jeffrey K and Bailes, Marsha and Passantino, Jane for $1.00 in Franklin Township.
Tatarka, Breann (Estate) to Tatarka, Heather for $1.00 in Lenox Township.
Birtch, Doris to Flynn, James A for $108,000.00 in Ararat Township.
Buck, Kevin and Buck, Kathleen to Wagner, Stanley A Jr and McCarthy, Patricia A for $239,900.00 in Montrose 2W.
Mikolon, Emil F Jr and Mikolon, Theresa A to Mikolon, Theresa A and Mikolon, Emil Jay for $1.00 in Herrick Township.
Antinnes, Mark to Antinnes, Mark for $1.00 in Dimock Township.
Frailey, Rita K to Frailey, Rita K for $1.00 in Hallstead Borough.
Stewart, MaryLu E to Bedford, Jamie R for $1.00 in Jackson Township.
Apex Bank to 558 Main Street LLC for $95,000.00 in Herrick Township.
Barbaro, Caterina R to Trivett, Daniel for $65,000.00 in Rush Township.