County Living

Through a collaborative effort between Barnes Kasson Hospital and the Department of Health, and due to the large uptick in COVID cases in Susquehanna County, Barnes Kasson Hospital will be sponsoring an additional COVID testing site at the hospital. This testing will run Monday thru Friday, from 10:00am to 6:00pm. This is a drive-thru testing and no appointments are necessary. The testing site is in front of the Barnes Kasson EMS garage.

 

You will access via Convent Street, using the one way traffic pattern shown on the map (above), follow the arrows. This testing site will be active from 11/29 through 12/10 with a possible extension, depending on utilization and positivity percentage. Do NOT call the hospital to schedule these tests, simply go to the site during testing days/hours. Results will come from the State DOH lab.

Have you ever considered what life would be like if cows and dairy farmers didn't exist? I mean, how would that affect our food…especially in grocery stores? Well, one obvious thing that would vanish would be milk. No milk for cereal, no milk for baking, no milk for pudding. What else would be missing? Well, there wouldn't be any heavy cream for whipped cream, which would mean no whipped cream for ice cream sundaes - but wait! There couldn't be any ice cream either, since there wouldn't be any milk to make ice cream with! Can you imagine that? Life with no ice cream? On top of that, we wouldn't have any butter for our toast, or cream cheese for our bagels, or even any cheese to go with our crackers. I'll admit….it's hard to imagine life without dairy.

Now imagine all that we DO have with dairy. We have milk for cereal, cheese sticks and yogurt for snacks, ice cream for dessert, and so much more, making it easy to get your 3 nutritious servings of dairy each day. Don't you agree that life's better with a little dairy? None of this could be possible without the dedicated and tireless hard work of our beloved dairy farmers and their cows. If cows and dairy farmers didn't exist, we would have to use almond milk in our cereal…and that's just nut juice. So the next time you see a dairy farmer, make sure to thank them for all that they do in order to make sure our grocery store shelves are loaded with a wide variety of delicious and nutritious dairy products. They deserve our thanks!

The New Milford Area Rotary recently welcomed a new member at its meeting on October 21, 2021 at St. Marks Community Hall in New Milford. This formal induction, in the presence of the club membership and visitors represented the Rotary tradition and legacy of welcoming new members into a family of fellow Rotarians dedicated to "Service Above Self."

Kimberly Smith formerly joins the club as the newest active member. Kim is the Vice President, Retail Market Manager, Northern Pennsylvania Market for NBT Bank. Kim resides with her husband and family in Harford Township, Susquehanna County. Kim is a graduate of Lackawanna Trail High School, where she served with the student's Rotary Interact Club, and a graduate of Penn State University with a bachelors degree in business.

The New Milford Area Rotary meets the first and third Thursday of each month. For more information, contact NewMilfordPaRotary@gmail.com or on Facebook at NewMilfordRotary.

The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop R, Gibson, continue their investigation of the homicide of Calvin Eugene Fichter. On November 21, 2016, at approximately 3:02pm, Troopers were dispatched to a residence located on Cals Way, Great Bend Township, for a deceased male. The homeowner, Calvin Eugene Fichter was discovered in the upstairs bedroom of his residence. There was no forced entry and a handgun belonging to the victim was missing from the residence. The victim sustained several gunshot wounds and his death was ruled a homicide. If you have information on this crime call PSP-Gibson 570-465-3154. A cash reward could be eligible through Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers.

On a beautiful fall evening, United Way of Susquehanna County (UWSC) kicked off its annual campaign on Wednesday, September 29th at Chet's Place with its Raise the Bar celebrity bartender event. Our hosts, Jean and Mark and their staff put on a wonderful event and our celebrity bartenders did an outstanding job serving up fun and signature drinks to the many who turned out to support United Way.

Congratulations to Sheila Thomas from Liberty Carpet as she was this year's winner of the celebrity bartender competition, raising the most in tips with all proceeds going to support United Way.

Many thanks to all of our fantastic celebrity bartenders: Kimberly Tuttle, Barnes Kasson Hospital; Kim Smith, NBT Bank; Amanda Marcy, University of Scranton; Sheila Thomas, Liberty Carpet; and Kyle Herbert, New Milford Hardware.

Guests enjoyed entertainment kindly provided by Erich Aten and Tyler Ferguson from E&T Music Co. It was a great night and thanks to all who attended.

By supporting UWSC you are getting behind its work of Helping Children Do Well offering children and their families residing in Susquehanna County programs that provide an upward trajectory toward a better life with a focus on: Academic Readiness, Mentorship, Childhood Wellness, Family Development and Financial Stability.

In addition, UWSC funds Safety Net services that assist families who are facing an immediate threat to their safety and well-being. This work would not be possible without the continued support of the community and many volunteers who compassionately serve.

In addition to our partner agencies, support for UWSC also helps fund the following programs: 2-1-1 Helpline; Dolly Parton Imagination Library; Real Men Read- Early Learning MENtor Program; PA Pre-K Counts Summer Literacy Kits; Nurse's Pantry; Little Free Library; Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

Hundreds of county residents were connected via 2-1-1 to agencies that provided assistance for such serious matters as health related matters, homelessness, short term rent and utility assistance, recovery from the aftermath of natural disaster, abuse, hunger, neglect, suicide prevention and mental health emergencies.

With your generous support, we know we are making a positive, lifelong difference in the lives of children and their families. If you would like to learn more about United Way's work or donate, please visit unitedwayofsusquehannacounty.org.

The brilliant fall color in our landscapes is a magical transformation that happens each year. And the science behind it is just as intriguing.

Each fall as the days shorten our deciduous trees and shrubs begin this transformation. The plants produce less of the chlorophyll that gives leaves their normal green color. The existing chlorophyll starts breaking down, revealing the underlying pigments of yellow, red or orange.

The carotenoid and xanthophyll pigments assist the chlorophyll in capturing light and producing sugar during the growing season. The beta-carotene contributes to the orange and orange-yellow fall color. Lutein is the most prominent xanthophyll pigment producing bright yellow fall color. There are over 80 different pigments in these two categories contributing to the variations in fall color.

The tanins in leaves contribute to the golden and brown fall colors. These are thought to discourage animals and insect pests from feeding on the leaves and help defend the plants against disease organisms.

At the same time, these plants begin to create an abscission layer between the leaf and stem. This barrier prevents the sugars produced in the leaves from moving down into the roots for storage.

Purple and red fall color, from the anthocyanin foliar pigments, is produced when sugars build up and are trapped in the leaves. This results in brilliant red and purplish-red fall color. Some of these pigments are present during the growing season and can be seen in new growth and mature leaves of some plants. These add color to the garden, help protect the plant cells from high light damage, and may discourage animals and insects from dining on the plants.

Warm, sunny days followed by cool nights without a hard frost mean more sugar and better red, orange, and purple fall color. Sufficient soil moisture helps keep the leaf color bright for a longer period of time. Leaf color fades, turns brown and leaves drop from the tree more quickly during dry fall weather.

Fall foliage is not restricted to deciduous trees and shrubs. The leaves of many of our favorite perennials also turn brilliant colors in the fall.

Solomon's seal and hosta leaves turn a beautiful yellow, echoing the fall flowers of witchhazel and yellow leaves of ginkgo and quaking aspen. The delicate heart-shaped leaves of barrenwort, botanically known as Epimedium, turn red in fall. Some of the leaves drop in fall like most trees and shrubs. Others will persist through winter and drop as new leaves and flowers appear in spring.

Perennial geranium and Bergenia leaves turn reddish-purple in fall. Both will persist, adding color to the winter and early spring garden.

Brighten up the fall landscape with the fine texture and amber-gold fall foliage of Angelina sedum and willow amsonia.

The fluffy white seed heads of our native little bluestem complement the coppery-red fall color that persists throughout the winter.

Genetics determine the color each plant tends to produce in fall, while weather and the plant's health influence if and how intensely the color will be expressed. Consider fall color when adding plants to the landscape. Then provide proper care to keep them healthy and looking their best throughout the year.

Melinda Myers is the author of over 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener's Handbook and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.

Hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts heading into Pennsylvania's state-owned woodlands this autumn will find additional roads open in 18 of the 20 state forest districts, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced.

"This improved accessibility, coupled with DCNR's promotion of deer hunting, benefits forest regeneration and the overall ecosystem," DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. "As a result, the Bureau of Forestry is opening more than 515 miles of state forest roads normally open only for administrative use. They again will be available to hunters, hikers, foliage viewers, and others visiting state forestlands this fall."

When combined with state forest roads that are normally open most of the year for public travel, more than 3,200 miles of state forest roadways were open during the statewide archery deer season, which opened Saturday, October 2, and closed Saturday, November 13. Many of these roads will continue to stay open through other hunting seasons, continuing into January, 2022. Forest managers may close these roads at any time if weather conditions dictate, to prevent damage or deterioration to road surfaces or forest surroundings.

"Regardless of whether they seek deer, bear, turkey or small game, hunters in our state forests will find more than 90 percent of that land now is within one-half mile of an open road," said State Forester Ellen Shultzabarger. "We encourage safe, responsible use of the additional roads as we share our forests this fall and winter."

DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission continue to update a new interactive map of state forestlands and game lands across Pennsylvania. The map offers information on the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) and Disease Management Areas, and details on newly opened roads, timber harvesting activity, forestry office contacts, and more. Use the new interactive map.

Meanwhile, top-quality hunting is offered at many state parks – including those in the 12.5-county Pennsylvania Wilds region – where state forestland often surrounds them. Inexpensive camping can be found at many of those parks.

Primitive camping, where a motor vehicle is not used for storage or transportation during the camping experience, on state forestlands is also an option, giving hunters a backcountry camping or hunting experience. When primitive camping at the same state forest site for more than one night, a camping permit is required. Camping permits, issued by the managing forest district, are also required when motorized camping on state forestlands and while camping at designated sites. Motorized camping is overnight camping in or near a vehicle when the vehicle is used for storage or transportation during the camping experience.

Many of these campsites are close to state parks and forestlands enrolled in the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Deer Management Assistance Program, permitting hunters to take one antlerless deer or more when properly licensed.

Hunters traveling to some north central areas of the state are reminded some hunting areas and travel routes may be impacted by Marcellus Shale-related activities. Some state forest roads may be temporarily closed during drilling operations or other peak periods of heavy use to reduce potential safety hazards.

Some of the state forest administrative roads will only be opened for the second week of the traditional rifle season because they cannot withstand the expected heavy traffic of the first week of that season. Two- or three-month-long openings will be in effect only where there is minimal threat of damage or deterioration to road surfaces or forest surroundings.

Following the last day of the regular firearms antlerless deer season on December 11, many state forest roads that are open for year-round travel are opened for joint use by snowmobiles and licensed motor vehicles, including hunters and other recreational users. After December 11, forest maintenance staff groom many state forest roads to allow snowmobile travel when conditions permit, so exercise extreme caution, as you might encounter a groomer or snowmobiles on joint use state forest roads during this period.

A high-clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive and tire chains may also be needed at this time, depending on existing road conditions. Because state forest roads are groomed for snowmobiles and not plowed or cindered like most other public roads, they may also be impassable at times, due to snow depth or icy conditions.

A packed agenda led to an extended annual meeting of the board and members of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR). On Oct. 1, representatives of 12 organizations that had received DCNR funding through the EMHR's Partnership Mini-Grants Program provided progress reports to virtual meeting participants. Some projects are still in the planning and development stages, while others are completed and can already be enjoyed by the public.

In the spring, the EMHR allotted $65,000 to non-profit organizations like Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Troy Lions Club Foundation, and the Wyoming County Cultural Center. Two municipalities – Oakland Borough in Susquehanna County and Sayre in Bradford County were also among the winners. The grants required a 100% match so, as EMHR executive director Cain Chamberlin noted, the net result is that more than $130,000 was spent on improvements in local communities.

Among the projects that have been completed are enhancements to the D&H Rail Trail from Union Dale to Herrick Township, new lighting along a walking path from downtown Troy to Alparon Park, more completed sections of the Diahoga Trail between the boroughs of Sayre and Athens, and exterior rehabilitation of the Wyalusing Valley Museum Annex and a former hotel in Leroy that will serve as the Leroy Heritage Society's new museum.

Lynn Conrad of the Rail-Trail Council explained that the surface of the stretch from Union Dale to Herrick Center had not been improved since it opened in 2006. Parts of it had suffered significant deterioration, and grass had overtaken other sections. A smooth roadbed is now suitable for hiking, biking and equestrian use. The D&H Rail-Trail also celebrated 2021 as the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year a year after being nominated by the EMHR.

Wyoming County Cultural Center director Erica Rogler showed meeting attendees renderings of a new mural that is currently being applied to the north side of the theater building that faces Bridge Street. Previous mural installments, designed by Tunkhannock artist Bob Lizza, depict the Tunkhannock Viaduct (AKA – Nicholson Bridge) as it appeared on postcards from the 1930s. Postcards were also the inspiration for the new mural, which features an aerial view of Vosburg Neck in peak fall foliage with the Susquehanna River winding around it.

Additional projects represented at the meeting included work in Clifford Township Community Park, where a hiking and cycling trail along Tunkhannock Creek was extended and the establishment of a new soccer field, the development of signage for Riverside Cemetery in Towanda that will guide visitors to the burial sites of 25 prominent military veterans, the creation of a scenic overlook in Oakland Borough that will afford residents and visitors views of neighboring Susquehanna Depot, the production of activity kits for three- to six-year old children participating in the Bradford County Regional Arts Council's ongoing Young Explorers program, construction of a 15-by-40 foot replica glacier in the Clifford Township Historical Society's history-based Children's Garden, and a bicycle- and trail-themed mural in downtown Forest City by an organization called Valley in Motion.

"It was a very competitive process for the grant review committee this year in choosing the projects that would be funded. There were so many great applications, it was very difficult for them to decide," said Chamberlin. "Each and every one of these projects that have been funded either improves outdoor recreation access in our region, educates our youth, enhances downtown streetscapes, or preserves a piece of our history. We truly love working with all of these heritage partner organizations and couldn't be happier with their work and the progress of their projects."

To learn more about the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, including application schedules for various grant opportunities, interested readers can log on to www.EMHeritage.org.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) was joined by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Lower Allen Township Police, and West Shore School District transportation partners to reinforce the importance of school transportation safety and highlight the potential school transportation challenges posed by changing daylight conditions.

The results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual school bus enforcement and education initiative that was held on October 20 this year, were also announced.

Operation Safe Stop data revealed that participating school districts and law enforcement agencies reported 252 violations of the law, up from the 120 reported last year. The initiative is held in conjunction with local and state police departments, school districts, and pupil transportation providers to conduct enforcement, raise public awareness about the consequences of improper passing of school buses, and reduce occurrences. Convictions for breaking the School Bus Stopping Law decreased from 746 in 2019 to 314 in 2020.

"Although there were less convictions of the School Bus Stopping Law last year, one incident of passing a school bus is one too many, which is why we're reminding motorists of its importance," said PennDOT Deputy Secretary Kurt Myers. "With additional challenges such as darkness coinciding with more of our students' school bus ride times and the distraction of the quickly approaching holiday season, it is important that motorists remain vigilant while sharing the road with school buses and students,"

The School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, to stop at least 10 feet from the bus. Motorists approaching from all directions are required to stop. However, motorists who encounter a school bus stopping on the opposite side of a divided highway are not required to stop when lanes of the highway are clearly separated by a divider, such as a concrete barrier or grassy median.

"The penalties if convicted of disobeying the law are a $250 fine, five points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension," said Corporal Zeina Black, Permits and Bus Safety Unit Supervisor with the Pennsylvania State Police. "But even worse than these penalties, a tragedy could occur if either a driver or a student is not paying attention to their surroundings."

"Student safety at school bus stops is a top priority that requires the cooperation and attention of all motorists," said John Kashatus, School Safety Education Advisor, Department of Education. "Local school districts work hard to identify the safest locations possible for school bus stops and to train their staff. But to ensure that students remain out of harm's way, we urge all drivers to be attentive and watch for the flashing lights of school buses and always stop when students are getting on and off."

For more information on school transportation and other safety subjects, visit www.penndot.gov and under "Travel in PA" look under "Safety," then click on the "Traffic Safety and Driver Topics" tab.

The Pennsylvania Lottery's North Pole Payout Second-Chance Drawing is now open to players, offering a total of $1.16 million in prizes, including money to play the PA Lottery online.

Starting now, the following non-winning holiday-themed Scratch-Off tickets may be entered: [$20] $1,000,000 Merry and Bright, [$10] Snow Much Fun, [$5] Ho Ho Whole Lotta $500s, [$3] Naughty or Nice, [$2] Gingerbread Dough and [$1] Gnome for the Holidays. Eligible Scratch-Off tickets may be entered for chances to win one of two top prizes of $100,000, one of two prizes of $50,000, one of ten prizes of $10,000, one of fifteen prizes of $5,000, plus a chance to win one of 50 prizes of $100 to play online.

Also open are the following non-winning holiday-themed Fast Play tickets for entry: [$10] Frosty Fun, [$5] Holiday Cash Drop, [$2] To Me, From Santa, and [$1] Baking Spirits Bright. Eligible Fast Play tickets may be entered for chances to win one top prize of $100,000, one of two prizes of $50,000, one of five prizes of $10,000, one of five prizes of $5,000, plus a chance to win one of 50 prizes of $100 to play online.

Finally, starting November 9, the following non-winning Draw Games tickets can be entered: PICK 2, PICK 3, PICK 4, PICK 5, Cash 5 with Quick Cash, Keno, Treasure Hunt, Match 6 Lotto, Cash4Life®, Powerball® and Mega Millions®. Eligible Draw Game tickets may be entered for chances to win one of two top prizes of $100,000, one of two prizes of $50,000, one of five prizes of $10,000, one of ten prizes of $5,000, plus a chance to win one of 50 prizes of $100 to play online.

Draw game tickets purchased online are not eligible for this drawing. Additionally, Millionaire Raffle and Xpress Sports tickets are also not eligible for entry.

Enter by January 6, 2022 through the VIP Players Club at palottery.com or scan-to-enter using the Official App after reviewing entry instructions, prize details, rules, restrictions and drawing information. Winners will be announced at palottery.com.

Enter tickets as soon as possible after play and please play responsibly. Mailed or late entries are not accepted. Games will remain for sale after the second-chance promotion ends.

Players must be 18 or older. Please play responsibly. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for help with a compulsive gambling problem.

Visit palottery.com for winning numbers, rules, chances of winning, and to join the VIP Players Club to play online or enter for second chances to win.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 1:07pm on November 24, 2021. James L. Bradley, Charles W. Bray, Lee M. Carter, Joshua Capwell, Morgan A. Garcia, David Osterhout 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 12-01-21

Wert, Robert C to Porrini, Joseph E for $1.00 in Montrose.

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

Parusa, Howard to Whiting, Susan E for $1.00 in Franklin Township.

Lobue, Joseph to Lobue Family Trust (Trust) for $1.00 in Auburn Township.

Wood, Alma W to Wood, Alma W (Trust) for $10.00 in Jessup Township.

Kurtz, Mackenzie to Lambert, Peter J and Bridge Mineral LLC for $16,632.00 in Brooklyn Township.

Earl, Robert E Jr to Franklin Township for $17,100.00 in Franklin Township.

Boot, William G and Boot, Amy L (AKA) and Boot, Amy to Franklin Township.

Johnson, Rebecca L and Johnson, Matthew S to Franklin Township.

Barton, Duane, A and Barton, Larene to Barton, Lisa A for $1.00 in Lanesboro Borough.

Holle, Frederick A to Robinson, Timothy J for $88,500.00 in Great Bend Borough.

Higgins, Karen Francis to Higgins, Ryan S for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Campbell, Douglas and Boscia, Cynthia Marie to Amendolia, Margaret Joan and Amendolia, William Pat for $307,500.00 in Jessup Township.

Draves, Joshua C to Baker, Emily and Richards, Joshua for $250,000.00 in Harford Township.

Cronk, Harriet L (Estate AKA) and Cronk, Harriett (Estate) and Warren, Sharon L to Warren, Sharon L for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Warren, Sharon L to Warren, James Jr for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Pipitone, Michael D and Pipitone, Alexandria M to Schwartz, George M Jr and Schwartz, Ann M for $239,500.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Stover, George H Jr and Stover, Judy Y to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in Great Bend Township.

Lord, Matthew L and Lord, Shannon H to Ryce, Timothy S for $250,000.00 in Auburn Township.

Deed of Easement: Hickey, Theresa (FKA) and Waldeck, Theresa to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in Great Bend Township.

Deed of Easement: Eddleston, David and Eddleston, Susan to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in Great Bend Township.

Deed of Easement: Young, Ronald E Jr to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Deed of Easement: Lawrence Family The Hill LLC to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in New Milford Borough.

Motz, Joyce Scott to Parsons, Harrison S for $180,000.00 in Great Bend Township.

Borough of New Milford to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in New Milford Borough.

Sommerville Land Development Inc to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

James, Phillip E and James, Jean Lorraine to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in New Milford Borough.

Kaminski, Rebecca to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in Great Bend Borough.

Deed of Easement: Marvin, Harry W Jr to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in Great Bend Township.

Deed of Easement: Kinney, Rebecca Lynn to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in New Milford Borough.

Deed of Easement: Abbott, John J and Abbott, Susan J to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in New Milford Borough.

Deed of Easement: Stone, Erick M and Stone, Kelly L to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in New Milford Borough.

Deed of Easement: Birtch, Jason R to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of -Dept of Transportation for $1.00 in New Milford Borough.

Weisman, Isabel F to Kastelanski, Daniel and Kastselianski, Mechal for $299,000.00 in Springville Township.

Amato, Massimiliano and Amato, Marisa to Rocks Investments LLC for $80,000.00 in Bridgewater Township.

John, Heidi L and John, Barbara to John, Gregory, P and John, Donna for $40,685.00 in Auburn Township.

Oil, Gas, and Mineral Deed: Bowman, Virginia A (Estate) to Polovitch, Beth A for $1.00 in Auburn Township.

Haydt, John M and Haydt, Denise M to Haydt, John M and Haydt, Denise M for $1.00 in Liberty Township.

Hackett, Judith M (Estate) to Garrehy, Joseph R and Arnold, Becky for $150,000.00 in Silver Lake Township.