County Living

Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) encourages eligible Pennsylvanians to apply now for the Grow PA Scholarship Grant program for the 2026-27 academic year at pheaa.org/growpa.

“Grow PA takes a student-first approach to meeting the future needs of Pennsylvania’s workforce and sets us on a path to finally reverse the commonwealth’s decades of economic and demographic decline,” said Martin, who authored the law creating the Grow PA program last year. “This program tells students that we’re willing to invest in their future if they’re willing to stay here and work here after graduation in the occupations our communities need most. I am grateful to PHEAA for their hard work in administering this program and helping create a future for thousands of young people that involves more career opportunities and less student debt.”

The Grow PA Scholarship Grant program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Nearly 5,700 recipients from 131 participating schools were awarded grants in the first year of the program. An additional $7.5 million was included for Grow PA in the 2026-27 state budget to meet the growing demand for the program.

Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other in-demand programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available online.

To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid and agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant.

Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year.

Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Failure to meet the work and residence requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan that must be repaid.

The Grow PA Scholarship Grant program was created by the General Assembly in 2024 to address the growing crisis of a declining workforce within certain in-demand occupations in Pennsylvania and more students pursuing education and employment in other states.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity is working to help families understand Trump Accounts (formally titled 530A accounts) established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This new investment account for American families has a pilot program that offers a $1,000 contribution for children born in 2025 through 2028.

“The money available through the Trump Account program is a real investment in the future leaders of our country,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I encourage eligible families across Pennsylvania to take advantage of the $1,000 and to learn more about the program as it rolls out.”

Trump Accounts are a new type of tax-deferred investment account in which individuals and employers will be able to contribute a maximum of $5,000 per year. While the $1,000 deposit is not available for those born before 2025, families with children under 18 can open and save with a Trump Account on their own.

When filing 2025 federal taxes, families can elect to enroll in a Trump Account for eligible dependents by submitting IRS Form 4547. This form can also be filed separate from a tax return. According to TrumpAccounts.gov, families will also be able to enroll through an online portal starting this summer.

Other charitable contributions may be available for a child’s Trump Account, such as those offered by Susan and Michael Dell. The Dells have committed $6.25 billion to the program to provide a $250 contribution to the first 25 million accounts opened for children under the age of 10 who live in ZIP codes with a median income below $150,000.

Additional charitable or government entity deposits will not count toward the contribution limit. Beneficiaries cannot make withdrawals from Trump Accounts before the age of 18. Trump Accounts can be used to help fund education, a home purchase or investment in a small business. For beneficiaries with a qualifying disability, assets in a Trump Account may be transferred to an ABLE account during the calendar year of their 17th birthday.

“Trump Accounts are another tool that families can use in conjunction with Treasury’s Keystone Scholars and PA 529 College and Career Savings Program to help them meet their family’s financial goals,” Treasurer Garrity said.

Pennsylvania families with children born in 2019 and after (and those subsequently adopted by a Pennsylvania family) have a free $100 scholarship for their child through Keystone Scholars. Pennsylvania families are encouraged to start saving for future education expenses with a companion PA 529 account.

The $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars is invested by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and grows alongside the child. Money in a Keystone Scholars account can be used for post-high school education expenses once a child turns 18 until their 29th birthday. The program uses no taxpayer dollars. Similar to Trump Accounts, additional contributions from philanthropic and community organizations, as well as employers, can be made into Keystone Scholars accounts.

“It’s exciting to see the Federal government implement a program much like our successful Keystone Scholars,” said Treasurer Garrity. “I encourage families to claim their Keystone Scholars scholarship and learn about saving with PA 529 and of course make sure they elect to receive contributions for their children that are offered by any government or philanthropic organizations.”

PA 529 accounts help Pennsylvania families save for a wide variety of qualifying educational expenses, including those for technical schools, colleges and universities, K-12 education, and certain apprenticeships and credential programs. There are two PA 529 plans to choose from, the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) and the Morningstar Gold-Rated PA 529 Investment Plan (IP).

Research shows that children with even a modest amount of savings are three times more likely to further their education after high school and four times more likely to graduate. Programs like Keystone Scholars and the new Trump Accounts have been designed with more than financial well-being in mind; these programs can provide numerous social and emotional benefits for families and children.

Saving with either PA 529 plan provides state and federal tax benefits, including tax-free growth and tax-free qualified withdrawals. Additionally, Pennsylvanians can deduct up to $19,000 ($38,000 if married and filing jointly) in PA 529 contributions annually on their state income taxes. PA 529 accounts are not subject to state inheritance tax and do not impact eligibility for state financial aid.

To claim your child’s Keystone Scholars account and learn more about PA 529, visit pa529.com/keystone.

Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) issued the following statement after President Trump delivered his 2026 State of the Union Address to a Joint Session of Congress:

“Tonight, President Trump once again delivered a message focused on the priorities that are top of mind for hardworking Americans across the country. He outlined the progress we’ve achieved together and his bold vision to continue delivering for the American people in 2026.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts, signed last Independence Day, delivered relief from financial burdens inflicted on the American people by the previous administration. President Trump and House Republicans are advancing a housing agenda to increase supply and expand access to homeownership. Crime is down. Peace through strength has been restored. Prescription drug prices are falling thanks to the President’s policies. And Trump Accounts are giving every newborn a financial head start.

“The President showed Americans a future of financial freedom that doesn’t rely on their government. He laid out how we will continue building on the momentum we created in 2025. That includes being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars by eliminating waste, abuse and fraud.

“Under the Biden Administration, Americans endured four years of inflation that hit a 40-year high, gas prices that exceeded $4 a gallon for nearly his entire presidency, rampant fraud across government as seen in Minnesota, and mortgage rates that peaked at 8.5%. Today, under President Trump, inflation has fallen to 2.4%, the price of gas averages $2.98 per gallon, and the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has dropped below 6%.

“The President also invited Americans positively impacted by his economic policies to witness the Address firsthand, including Pennsylvania native Megan Hemhouser. Megan homeschools her children by day and works as a waitress by night, while her husband works overtime as a heavy machine operator. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, their family is keeping roughly $5,000 more in take-home pay each year through provisions like 'No Tax on Tips' and 'No Tax on Overtime'. Megan and her family will also benefit from an increased Child Tax Credit, included in the WFTC.

“Under President Trump's steady leadership and with a Republican majority in Congress, the wind is finally at our backs. We are advancing pro-growth policies, unleashing American energy, strengthening domestic manufacturing, supporting small businesses, incentivizing capital investment, and making sure hardworking Americans keep more of what they earn.

“The President's policy points were grounded in common sense, focused squarely on strengthening public safety and national security. He called on Members of Congress to stand behind those priorities and the American people, yet nearly every Democrat refused. The only one who broke ranks and applauded these policies was Senator John Fetterman.

“The American people voted for financial freedom in 2024. They voted for higher wages, lower costs, and a government that works for them, not against them. With President Trump and Republicans in Congress, we are delivering on that mandate. Only disciplined, pro-growth leadership will keep this country on track – and we intend to see it through.

“We must stay the course, not just for a stronger economy, national security, and everything we voted for, but to keep the momentum going. We must prove to America that, for the long-term, these are the policies and programs that are in the best interest of the American people.”

Boost the beauty and pollinator appeal of your gardens and containers with flowering bulbs. A combination of spring- and fall-planted bulbs can provide season-long color and nectar for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Include a few dahlias known for their excellent pollinator appeal. The award-winning Collarette Pooh grows 24 to 30” tall and features cherry red and yellow daisy-like flowers. Light up your gardens with Kelsey Sunshine collarette dahlias. The pale-yellow outer petals make a nice backdrop for the frilly white inner petals. Add even more color with the HS Date single dahlia with burgundy leaves and melon-colored flowers. Grow these and other dahlias in a sunny location with moist well-drained soil.

Add vertical interest and color to flower beds and containers with gladiolas. Start planting batches of the corms in spring and continue every week through early summer. You and the hummingbirds will enjoy the longer bloom time. Select from a wide range of colors, including white, pink, orange, yellow, red, bicolors and more. Once flowering begins you may need to provide some support. Just slide a bamboo stake next to the plants and secure the stems with twine to keep top-heavy plants upright.

Enjoy the bold foliage, showy flowers and visiting hummingbirds and other pollinators by including cannas in the full to part sun areas of your landscape. Select dwarf varieties for containers and grow cannas where you can easily view the visiting birds.

Consider growing a few begonias in containers and hanging baskets. Most tolerate some shade and many bloom from spring through frost.

Grow a few containers of some of the lesser-known bulbs. Hymenocallis, also known as Peruvian daffodil or spider lily, has large, lightly fragrant white flowers. The blooms attract butterflies, moths, and other pollinators while deer and rabbits tend to leave them be. Pineapple lily (Eucomis) has spikes of blooms topped with a small cluster of leaves. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Provide some late-season nectar for a variety of butterflies by growing blazing star (Liatris spicata). This North American native plant produces spires of fuzzy purple flowers and combines nicely with rudbeckias, asters, dahlias and other late-season bloomers.

Plant pre-chilled lily bulbs in spring or fall with other spring-flowering bulbs that need a winter chill to bloom. Either way, you’ll enjoy their color throughout the summer by planting various early-, mid- and late-season lilies. See Longfield Gardens’ Bloom Times for Lilies article at longfield-gardens.com for help with your selection. Ensure success by planting them in full sun and well-drained soil and protecting them from rabbits and deer.

Support early visiting pollinators with fall-planted spring-blooming bulbs. Look for opportunities to add these to your landscape. Make a list and note in your calendar so you are sure to get them planted in fall.

Plan for months of spring color starting with early-blooming crocus, snowdrops (Galanthus), glory of the snow (Chionodoxa) and grape hyacinths (Muscari). Include early-, mid- and late-spring blooming tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Add a few uniquely flowered fritillarias, bearded iris in a rainbow of colors and a few showy alliums.

Use Longfield Gardens’ Bloom Time Chart for Spring and Summer Bulbs (longfield-gardens.com) to help you plan for months of beauty and pollinator appeal.

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 was commissioned by Longfield Gardens for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 9:05am on March 3, 2026. Lloyd Baker, Richard R. Forba, Patrick E. Leblanc, Charles M. Lynady III, Paul Newhart III, Andrea Noble, 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 03-11-26

Subsurface: Burnwood Road LLC to Non, Carolyn for $200.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Kwan, Carlton L and Kwan, Catherine L to PAFirm1 LLC for $180,000.00 in Great Bend Borough.

Newhart, Brian J (AKA) and Newhart, Brian James to Newhart, Brian James and Newhart, Amy Marie for $1.00 in Rush Township.

Mullen, Mark A and Mullen, Patrice M and Mullen, Timothy J and Mullen, Joy Cheryl to Rose, Douglas T for $130,000.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Burke, Patrick A and Burke, Laura A to Burke, Patrick A and Burke, Laura A for $1.00 in Auburn Township.

Ely Family Trust to McKeen, Robert and McKeen, Susan and McKeen, William and McKeen, Lori for $79,800.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Phillips, Richard (AKA) and Phillips, Richard D to Phillips, Richard D and Phillips, Sharon H for $10.00 in New Milford Township.

Karmazin, John H and Karmazin, Margaret McKinney to Guilfoyle, Kevin and Witt, Brenda for $15,000.00 in Jackson Township.

McNamara, William F (Estate AKA) and McNamara, William (Estate) to Waltman, Douglas Mark and Waltman, Jessica Fulginiti for $69,900.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Upset Sale Deed: Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau and Healey, Joshua (By Tax Claim Bureau) and Healey, Jessica (By Tax Claim Bureau) to Tiffany, Rex E for $3,280.22 in Harford Township.

Davies, Scott P and Davies, Brandy P to Davies, Brandy P for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Haynes, Brent Adam and Haynes, Frederick W (Estate AKA) and Haynes, Frederick William Sr (Estate) to Haynes, Linda Sue Richter for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Subsurface: Bolen, Scott to Bolen, Jonathon and Stankiewicz, Alyssa for $200.00 in Jackson Township.

Int No 10 Unit No 24: Bremer Hof Owners Inc to Dion, Wayne C for $100.00 in Herrick Township.

Schermerhorn, Troy and Schermerhorn, Nicole to Schermerhorn, Nicole for $1.00 in Harford Township.

Schermerhorn, Troy and Schermerhorn, Nicole to Schermerhorn, Nicole for $1.00 in Harford Township.

Donovan, Shannon to United Homes RLB LLC for $95,000.00 in Hallstead Borough.

Gregory, Robert and Gregory, Heather to VannOstrand, Dillan and VannOstrand, Daryan for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Konstas, Phyllis to Konstas, Phyllis ans Souder, William A for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Decker, Linda S to Hitchcock, Amy S and Hitchcock, Wilbert A Jr and Decker, Scott E and Decker, Holly for $1.00 in Rush Township.

Decker, Linda S to Hitchcock, Amy S and Hitchcock, Wilbert A Jr and Decker, Scott E and Decker, Holly for $1.00, one location in Rush Township and one in Jessup Township.

Decker, Linda S to Hitchcock, Amy S and Hitchcock, Wilbert A Jr and Decker, Scott E and Decker, Holly for $1.00 in Rush Township.

Lombardo, Robert J and McQuade, Charles P to Rollo, Nicholas and Rollo, Erin for $730,000.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Ambagais, William Francis (Estate AKA) and Ambagais, William F Sr (Estate AKA) and Ambagais, William F (Estate) and Ghent, Catherine Anne and Ambagais, William F Jr and Bossert, Frances D to Panatech LLC for $350,000.00 in Gibson Township.

Purdum, Jessie and Everson, Jessie (NKA) to Everson, Jessie for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Blaisure, Shawn to Dougherty, Justin and Stanziale, HollyAnne for $206,000.00 in Rush Township.

Atwell, Nicholas Robert (Estate AKA) and Atwell, Nicholas (Estate AKA) and Atwell, Nick (Estate) to Atwell, Matthew N for $1.00, two locations in Brooklyn Township.

Evans, Richard W to Evans, William W and Boyd, Tabitha N for $180,000.00 in Lenox Township.

Confirmatory: Carpenter Irrevocable Grantor Trust (By Trustee) to Carpenter Irrevocable Grantor Trust for $1.00 in Oakland Township.

VannOstrand, Dillan and VannOstrand, Daryan to McAbee, Thomas Oliver III and McAbee, Carin Diana for $230,000.00 in Montrose.

Squid Holdings Inc to Sienkowski, Daniel and Cortazar, Samantha L for $230,000.00 in Liberty Township.

DeSantis, Daniel and DeSantis, June to DeSantis, Daniel B (Trust) and DeSantis, June M (Trust) for $1.00 in Herrick Township.

Burgh, Margaret R (Estate AKA) and Burgh, Margaret Rose (Estate) to Burgh, Yuri for $1.00 in Montrose.

Reginas Estates LLC to H&J Together LLC for $85,000.00 in Susquehanna.

Croasdale, Dakota to Olivo, Joshua James for $60,000.00 in Harford Township.

Susquehanna Precision Inc to Vaccaro, Michael for $1.00 in Susquehanna.

Vaccaro, Michael to Susquehanna Fire Department Inc for $1.00 in Susquehanna.

Vaccaro, Michael J to Susquehanna Fire Department Inc for $1.00 in Susquehanna.

Andzulis, Rita to O’Dell, Patricia for $1.00 in Forest City.

EAS8 Realty LLC to Briggs, Robert C for $160,000.00 in Great Bend Township.

Bennett, Claude to Lake, Tammy L for $1.00 in Jessup Township.

Smith, Jeanette L to Smith, Christopher L for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Corrective Deed: Conklin, Brent D and Conklin, Dwayne to Purdum, Jessie for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Dzoirny, Edward Wilson and Dziorny, Mary Patricia to Dziorny, Edward Wilson for $1.00 in Harmony Township.

Castagna, John D to Castagna, John D for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Castagna, John D to Castagna, John D for $1.00 in Clifford Township.

Havens, Sue A to Havens, Harry F for $1.00 in Uniondale Borough.

Wood, Thomas E (By Atty) and Wood, Shelley M to Burnwood Road LLC for $84,300.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Corrective: Ralston, Rhonda and Stalker, Derek D to Rockwell, Rachel J for $150,000.00 in New Milford Township.

Weskerna, Gary C to Tiffany, Joyce and Tiffany, Amy and Cole, Bruce for $390,000.00 in Springville Township.

Polemis, Leonidas to Polemis, Anna for $1.00 in Brooklyn Township.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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