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Alba asked for donation to Veterans Memorial Park

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ALBA - Alba Borough Council this week was asked to contribute to the Bradford County Veterans Memorial Park in Towanda.

David Fortune, who is one of the people that have been working to make the Veterans Memorial Park a reality, spoke to council about the park.

"It's taking shape," he said.

He noted that $350,000 has been raised so far for the park.

Fortune said he was one of the many people who are going out to various towns and boroughs in the county to talk to municipal leaders about the park.

"It's going to be quite a significant park," he said. He showed them several illustrations of the park, as he discussed the plans for the park.

"That's what it's going to look like," he told council, after showing them the pictures.

He told council that those raising money for the park are suggesting everyone contribute two and a half percent of their impact fee money for 2012 and 2013. For Alba, that percentage amounts to a little over $400, and Fortune asked council to contribute $400.

Later in the meeting, council agreed to make the contribution.

Council vice president Carol Bastion asked why Towanda was selected for the site of the park. In response, Fortune told her that the borough contributed the land. He also noted the fact that it's the county seat.

She asked when it would be completed. "We've come a long way in two or three years to raise this money," Fortune said.

He said that by the fall, probably by Veterans Day, "it should take pretty good shape with the pavers and that type of thing. It just depends on how much money we raise, and what the needs are."

Council and the mayor were complimentary of the project, and Fortune was thanked for attending.

In other business, council approved an intergovernmental cooperation resolution with Canton Township, LeRoy Township and McNett Township regarding township emergency management coordinator Ray Miller, who attended the meeting. Miller said it was requested by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and ensures that his services would be shared equally among the municipalities, in the event of an emergency.

Miller also updated the notification and resource manual with council.

He told council he completed his last class for advanced certification.

Council will submit its floodplain ordinance to the appropriate parties as part of the pre-approval and pre-adoption process, according to borough secretary Vickie Jackson.

She said that someone vandalized the park by making ruts, and council agreed to put up a chain to keep cars out of the grassy area. She said it will be installed "real soon."

Also, council agreed to put a stone border around the flagpole at the park and put in some pavers this summer.

It was noted that the police were recently seen sitting it town with a radar gun to enforce speeding, which council members found encouraging.

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.


Burlington Motor Park to hold three-day event

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If you're looking for some family-oriented fun revolving around tractors and trucks, the Burlington Motor Park is the place to be, starting today.

The brand-new park is located eight miles from Towanda and 11 miles east of Troy, along Route 6, by the Chesapeake water withdrawal site.

And that's where a three-day event begins today, starting at noon.

Floyd Isbell, president of the motor park, said there will be food vendors, craft vendors, and motor pulling and racing.

"We have the same shows that fairs have and at a much more family-oriented price," he said.

"We have one of the largest pulling tracks in the area," he commented.

"It's huge," Dave Moon of Evergreen, who is also involved with the event, said.

Here is what's scheduled:

- Today: pulling tractors

- Saturday: garden tractor pulls (day) and four-by-four pulling (night)

- Sunday: Tough Truck Competition

Isbell said there will be lots of classes of tractors, including single-engine modified and big turbo diesel tractors.

Moon said there will also be antique tractors on display at the show.

He's excited about the future of the event, and said that Isbell has a vision of providing a show that appeals to a wide variety of people. "If you know him, he's going to pull it off. This is the first year, but I think it's going to be very successful because of the calls that are coming in to Floyd." He noted the track will be lighted at night, there is a lot of parking, and the track is more than 400 feet long and 100 feet wide.

"Food and fun and entertainment is what it is," Moon commented. He added that it's drawing people from out of state, from several states, both to compete and watch.

Admission costs $5 a person per day; children 12 and under are admitted free.

You can buy a wristband on Friday for the weekend for $10.

There will also be midway games.

The event opens today at noon and goes into the evening. On Saturday, it opens at 9 a.m. and goes into the evening, and on Sunday, it opens at 10 a.m. and goes into the evening.

No alcohol is allowed on the grounds.

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.

American Idol Tour to make first stop in Binghamton, N.Y.

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This year's American Idol Live! Tour 2014 will be making its first stop at the Arena in Binghamton, N.Y. on June 24, according to Fox Flash Media. The show will take place at 7:30 p.m. and is being presented by Magic City Productions.

Tickets for the event are on sale now with a price range of $36.50 to $76.00 through ticketmaster.com. You can avoid additional fees by purchasing your tickets in person at the Box Office.

In the past, this publication has covered local contestants such as Aaron Kelly of Sonestown, Pa., who earned his way into the Top 5 prior to his elimination in 2010. Kellie Pickler, another former Idol contestant, will be at Tioga Downs on Aug. 8. You can find information on that performance at www.tiogadowns.com.

This year's contestants on American Idol offered a broad range of musical genres from folk to pop, with contestant Caleb Johnson, a rocker from North Carolina, being crowned the winner of season 13. Johnson will be joined by runner up Jena Irene Asciutto, who impressed viewers and judges with her piano rendition of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love."

They will be joined on stage with eight other top idol contestants in this first stop on their American Idol Live! Tour, right in the Southern Tier of New York and at the Broome County Arena in Binghamton.

To learn more, visit www.americanidol.com. For VIP packages, available through ticketmaster only, visit www.ticketmaster.com/promo/6stmze?ac_link=americanidol14_merchslot_vip for more information.

Other stops for the tour include New York and Los Angeles, before wrapping in Redmond, Washington on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Once again, American Idol Live! has partnered with The Melanoma Research Alliance (www.curemelanoma.org). For every ticket purchased for the tour, American Idol Live! will donate $1 to The Melanoma Research Alliance to help cure melanoma.

The American Idol Live Tour gives fans the unique opportunity to be up close and personal with Season 13 finalists C.J. Harris, Jena Irene Asciutto, Caleb Johnson, Jessica Meuse, MK Nobilette, Alex Preston, Dexter Roberts, Majesty Rose, Malaya Watson and Sam Woolf.

Past tours have featured stars such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Adam Lambert, Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips, Candice Glover and many more.

To learn more, visit AmericanIdol.com.

Jeremy the Illusionist coming to Neath

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Jeremy the Illusionist will be presenting a show at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the Neath Welsh Congregational Church.

Jeremy Beisecker, a Christian illusionist, is based in Gibson, Pa. He began doing illusions as a child and eventually joined the International Magicians Society. He began performing publicly at 14. He also began competing with his Gospel Illusions show at the Teens Involved contests, experiences that helped him grow as an illusionist.

In 2004, he earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Keystone College. Then in 2007 he began attending the Word of Life Bible Institute in Pottersville, N.Y., from which he graduated in 2009.

The church is located 2-3 miles east of LeRaysville on East Street. All ages are invited.

Submitted article.

Roadwork

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PennDOT will be performing work at the following locations:

SR 1053, Sugar Cabin Road, Bridge Work

SR 0187, between Wysox and Durell, Milling Roadway

SR 0706, between Wyalusing and Merryall, Milling Roadway

SR 0706, between Wyalusing and Merryall, Paving

Various Routes, Canton Area, Crack Sealing

County Wide, Guiderail Work

SR 0220, Ulster Area, Clean Ditches

Various Routes, Troy Area, Mowing

SR 4014, Springfield Road, Shoulder Cutting

Various Routes, Wyalusing Area, Crack Sealing

SR 0409, Bridge Work

County Wide, Sign Installation and Repair

SR 0014, Canton Borough starting at the intersection of Tioga Street to Alba, Contractor.

Submitted by PennDOT.

Dotti-Lou Packing Co. destroyed by fire

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STEVENS TOWNSHIP - The Dotti-Lou Packing Co. at 10184 Route 706, Stevensville, was destroyed by fire on Thursday, the chief of the LeRaysville-Pike Fire Company said.

Firefighters arrived on scene at approximately 4:55 a.m. and found the business engulfed in flames, said John Keegan, chief of the LeRaysville-Pike Fire Company.

The fire had been reported at 4:36 a.m., he said.

"It was a total loss," he said.

"I have no idea what started it," Keegan said.

A state police fire marshal has been called in to help determine the cause of the fire, he said. State police fire marshals are routinely called in when a fire company has been unable to determine the cause of a fire.

There were no injuries in the fire, Keegan said.

Vincent Scavazzo, who owned and operated the business, which was a custom slaughterhouse and butcher shop, said he has insurance on the building.

He said he will rebuild the business at the same site.

Scavazzo's family said the rebuilt business will be bigger and better.

Scavazzo said his father had bought the business in 1978, and that he had taken it over in 2003.

Approximately 25 to 30 firefighters were on scene, Keegan said.

The LeRaysville-Pike Fire Company was assisted at the scene by the Wyalusing, Herrickville, and Rush fire companies, he said.

Anyone who needs to contact the Dotti-Lou Packing Co. at this time should call (570) 746-1987, Scavazzo said.

James Loewenstein can be reached at (570) 265-1633; or email: jloewenstein@thedailyreview.com.

Wysox Twp. supervisors end health insurance for themselves

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In a 2-1 vote, the Wysox Township supervisors passed an ordinance Tuesday that eliminates health insurance for the township supervisors, unless they work over 30 hours a week for the township.

Currently, all Wysox Township supervisors are eligible to receive health insurance from the township, regardless of whether they are a township employee.

However, the only township supervisor who currently gets health insurance from the township is Gary Foster.

Supervisors Bill Them and Jon Kulick have opted to not obtain health insurance from the township.

The restrictions on the ability of supervisors to obtain health insurance from the township will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2016, according to a copy of the ordinance.

"I just don't think the taxpayers should be paying for health insurance for the township supervisors," Them has said.

Foster cast the "no" vote on the ordinance.

The supervisors also decided to solicit the input of township residents on whether the supervisors should enact a property maintenance ordinance for Wysox Township.

Specifically, a question on whether the township should enact such an ordinance will be included in a survey that will be distributed to the township's residents, the supervisors decided. The main purpose of the survey is to solicit input from residents on what should be included in the township's updated comprehensive plan.

Some residents have called for a property maintenance ordinance as a way to address the potholes at the Bradford Towne Center.

The supervisors decided to hold a "spring clean-up" type event in 2014, although it will actually take place this summer.

For the clean-up, which will take place on Saturday, July 19, the township will set up containers at the Wysox Township Municipal Building on Hillside Drive to accept residents' couches, old computers and other trash, said Jon Kulick, chairman of the township supervisors.

Township employees will be there to assist residents in disposing of their trash, the supervisors said.

The supervisors said the township still needs to come up with a list of items that could be accepted for disposal at the clean-up event.

Also, the hours of the clean-up event have yet to be set, Kulick said. The hours and the list of acceptable items will be publicized by the township, Kulick said.

The supervisors also approved a maintenance agreement with the Sheetz convenience store chain for the planned traffic light at the intersection of CraftMaster Road and U.S. Route 6.

A businesswoman on Route 6 said she was concerned that traffic backed up from the light would make it difficult for her customers to get back onto Route 6.

Supervisor Bill Them and engineer Eric Casanave, whose firm did the site development work for the Sheetz store that is planned for the intersection, said she should bring her concerns to the state Department of Transportation.

The township's supervisors do not determine whether a light is installed or not on a state road, Them said.

James Loewenstein can be reached at (570) 265-1633; or email: jloewenstein@thedailyreview.com.

'Kansas' to take the stage at Tioga Downs on June 20

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On June 20, at 8 p.m., legendary rock band "Kansas" will take the stage at Tioga Downs for a live performance. Kansas, who started out in Topeka, Kansas as a garage band in the early 1970s, continues to tour with three of its original members - drummer Phil Ehart, guitarist Richard Williams and Steve Walsh on keyboard and lead vocals.

This one time garage band grew after discovery by Wally Gold, who worked for music publisher Don Kirshner. By 1974 they produced their first studio album.

Since that time, the band has produced eight gold albums, three platinum albums, one platinum live album, and their biggest selling hit, "Dust in the Wind."

During an interview with violinist David Ragsdale, who joined Kansas in 1991, he stated, "Dust in the Wind was a big moment for rock violin in the industry." Ragsdale also attributed the band's original violinist, Robby Steinhardt, as being the inspiration to almost any violinist who performs in a rock band.

Ragsdale himself, who is one of the band's later members, began playing violin at the age of three, and then played lead guitar in several rock bands before furthering his violin education at the University of Tulsa. Ragsdale later performed with Louise Mandrell, and the Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra in Oklahoma.

Billy Greer, who joined Kansas as their bassist in 1985, formerly performed with The Outlaws in earlier years and remains a member with Kansas since that time.

But now, with three of the original members and the addition of Ragsdale and Greer, Kansas continues to tour, performing anywhere from 70 to 80 shows a year internationally, and throughout the United States.

"We play various and sundry venues," said Ragsdale, "but they are all over the world."

Back in the United States, Kansas seems to draw their biggest fans in Wisconsin, Chicago, Pennsylvania, and in most every state in the United States.

"I guess you could say," stated Ragsdale, "that we're an 'All American Band,'" although the band is maintaining a high level of popularity in Europe as well.

Behind the band is a long rock history of success and recorded albums to include Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, Best of Kansas, Two for the Show, and their gold single - 'Dust in the Wind.'

Kansas also appeared on the billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and played to sold out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan.

In fact, and according to press information received by Kansas prior to a recent interview with one of their band members, 'Carry On Wayward Son' was the No. 2 most played track on classic rock radio in 1995 and went to No. 1 in 1997.

Since that time, the band continues to tour, mostly flying to a central area and then playing venues within that region, according to Ragsdale.

Ragsdale also talked about their latest DVD, "There's Know Place Like Home" that was recorded during the band's celebration of their 35th year, and is accompanied by the Washburn University Symphony Orchestra. The DVD contains Kansas favorites like "Dust in the Wind," and is available at Amazon.com.

Tickets for the June 20 performance at Tioga Downs are $20, $25 and $30, and are available at all Ticketmaster locations (ticketmaster.com) and the Tioga Downs Gift Shop. Visit www.tiogadowns.com for directions, ticket and venue information.


Canton handles police items

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CANTON - Borough council took up several police matters at its meeting this week.

At its regular monthly meeting, council gave permission to police officer Joshua Heckman to go from full-time to part-time, for personal reasons. Canton Police Chief Doug Seeley received a letter from Heckman June 1.

Mike Kreischer was hired as a part-time officer, pending a background check and other paperwork. Canton Mayor John Vineski noted that Kreischer, who is from the Catawissa, Pa. area, is willing to commute and is interested in possibly "relocating up this way." He was recently interviewed by the police committee.

He said Kreischer "kind of liked the area" and is looking for full-time work. "If he can get full-time employment, he will move here," he said.

Vineski and council member Darryl Jannone were impressed with his experience and credentials.

Vineski said, "My opinion, if we're looking to hire somebody, I'd like to hire him part-time to see what he's like before we would decide to put him full-time."

In other business, Chief Seeley noted that he asked permission from council last month to look into purchasing "a taser or two" for the police department.

He told council that John Mosser, the coordinator of Canton Borough's emergency operations, has obtained a donation from the Canton American Legion to purchase one taser.

Chief Seeley asked for permission to purchase a second taser, noting he had money in his equipment fund for that purpose.

"I think if we can afford it, we need to do it," said Jannone. "It's less than lethal, and it's a lot better than an application of deadly force, and it is a very effective deterrent."

Council gave the OK.

Chief Seeley said a police officer in another area police department was willing to provide help with training and policy regarding the tasers.

In addition, Chief Seeley noted that Mosser obtained a donation from the Canton VFW for two bulletproof vests. When asked for comment, Mosser said they have been ordered.

Chief Seeley asked for permission to purchase two more bulletproof vests, noting he had money in his budget for the expenditure. Council gave him the OK.

The vests cost $750 a piece.

Chief Seeley thanked Mosser and the organizations for making the donations and supporting the police department.

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.

New bridge in Alba to reopen soon Sister Street Bridge has been closed since 2011

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ALBA - At long last, the Sister Street Bridge in Alba will be opening.

It's a newly-constructed span.

Work finally began last year on the replacement of the former Sister Street Bridge, which was damaged in the September 2011 flooding and has been closed ever since.

Silverline Construction of Burdett, N.Y. started the job on constructing the new bridge last year.

At this week's borough council meeting, council president Gordon Jackson said that the bridge would be open by June 30. He said this date is the end of the last extension that was granted on the work.

Council members appeared to be pleased with the new bridge.

A single span composite steel girder bridge was built.

A total of $263,000 in FEMA/PEMA money was allocated to replace the entire bridge.

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.

Troy board member favors Referendum Exceptions Another school director disagrees

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TROY - A Troy Area School Board member expressed support this week for using the Referendum Exceptions that were approved for the district.

If those Retirement and Special Education Referendum Exceptions were used in the district's budget, the school board could raise taxes higher than the Act 1 Index amount. But the board hasn't gone that route so far.

The board is set to vote at next week's meeting on adopting a general fund operating budget for the 2014-15 school year in the amount of $22.8 million. The spending plan has a 2.9 percent tax increase, equal to the Act I Index, which would take mils from 36.81 mils to 37.88 mils, a 1.07 increase. The Referendum Exceptions would allow the mils to be raised to 39.515 mils.

At this week's meeting, board member Michael Olsyn asked about the Referendum Exceptions as district business administrator Traci Gilliland went over the budget.

He asked if the budget included the Referendum Exceptions.

"No, it does not," Gilliland said. "After the May meeting, the feeling I got from the board was that I was asked to leave it at the 2.9 percent for the Act I increase."

Olsyn asked whether the district would "go broke quicker" if it didn't make use of the Exceptions.

"Am I wrong?" he asked.

District superintendent W. Charles Young had the same recollection about the board's wishes as Gilliland. He also clarified for Olsyn that the district had already applied to the state for the Exceptions, and had been approved for them.

"The impression I had walking out of the meeting in May was you wanted to just leave it at the Act 1 increase," he said.

"I don't agree with that," Olsyn said. He said he was only one of nine board members, but said the board needed to "go for" the Referendum Exceptions.

Board vice president Dan Martin disagreed.

"Well, I feel that we're hitting the community hard enough in making these cutbacks, and we don't need to dip in their pockets any more than we already are," he said. "I don't even want to do this."

Olsyn said he thought it was a mistake "not going for" the Exceptions.

"We'll find out who's right."

At a previous meeting, Young called for the district to keep its financial house in order. He said if nothing changes with funding and the district does nothing, "we'll be out of money in four years, and this district will be in some deep water."

The board will vote on some proposed eliminations and furloughs next week.

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.

Towanda Fire Dept.'s ladder truck is back in service

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TOWANDA - The Towanda Fire Department's ladder truck, which was out of service for 30 days due to a problem with its cooling system, is back in service, the Towanda fire chief announced on Tuesday.

Last fall, the truck had gone out of service for about a half-year to address problems with its electrical and hydraulics systems, and it was six weeks to two months after it had returned to service that the issue with the cooling system arose.

The problem with the cooling system was that a nut had fallen off a bolt on a tightener for a fan belt, which prevented a fan from running, Towanda Fire Chief Bill Roof said.

While the cooling system prevents the truck's engine from overheating, the department protected the engine by not using the truck after the problem was discovered, he said.

The diesel mechanic who fixed the problem with the cooling system could not see any damage to the engine, he said.

Roof said he had driven the truck from the repair shop to the fire station on Monday, and it seemed to be in good shape.

The Towanda Fire Department bought the truck, a 1987 Grumman Aerialcat model, for $40,000 in 2009.

A new, similar truck would cost well over $1 million today, Roof said.

The truck, which is also referred to as a tower truck, has a platform at the top of its ladder that can carry firefighters.

The truck is the Towanda Fire Department's only ladder or tower truck.

James Loewenstein can be reached at (570) 265-1633; or email: jloewenstein@thedailyreview.com.

St. Agnes graduates eight

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TOWANDA - The eight-member St. Agnes School Class of 2014 celebrated their graduation Friday at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Towanda.

The graduating sixth-graders received their diplomas Friday during a graduation liturgy and ceremony in honor of their success.

Graduates Friday included Riley Elizabeth Cobb, Gracie Anne Detrick, Jessica Anne Hartmann, Taylor Nicole Marshall, Mary Frances Stretch, Dominic Matthew Tavani, Maximiliano Vega and Christina Lynn Wildonger.

Wildonger and Stretch each received the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for highest grades, while Marshall and Stretch received the State Sen. Gene Yaw Good Citizenship Award. Several other awards were also handed out to graduates Friday.

Rev. Edward Michelini, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Church, told the class that while learning the traditional subjects is important, the students will also take other lessons with them from their time at St. Agnes.

"I hope you're beginning to discover who you are as a person," Michelini said.

Michelini also encouraged students to discover God's role in their lives and to continue practicing their unique talents while recognizing the talents of others.

The night was extra special for principal Sandra Kasenga, who said that she has been with the graduates for much of their time at St. Agnes. The Class of 2014 is Kasenga's first graduating class as principal of the school.

Kasenga advised the students to believe in friendship, love their families and friends and treasure their memories as they move on to new chapters in their lives.

"I believe in you. We all believe in you," she said. "You are, and always will be, a part of the St. Agnes family."

Amanda Renko can be reached at (570) 888-9652; or email: arenko@thedailyreview.com.

It's safe to fish in the Susquehanna No adverse effects reported from recent GTP chemical spill

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TOWANDA - There are no restrictions on boating or fishing in the Susquehanna River following last week's release of a solvent into the river at the Global Tungsten & Powders Corp. plant in Towanda, a state official said.

"There are no restrictions on fishing and boating (related to the release of the chemical)," Tim Schaeffer, director of policy and planning at the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, said on Friday. "People are free to go out and use (the river)."

Global Tungsten & Powders Corp. (GTP) had issued a press release stating that approximately 100 gallons of a solvent was released into the river on June 4 as a result of a spill inside the plant.

GTP said the solvent is "similar to a kerosene-based product."

The state Department of Environmental Protection has identified the solvent as napthalene.

At the time of the spill, North Towanda Fire Chief Terry Sheets had said that, as a result of the release, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission was recommending that the public not fish in the river, for the time being, between Hornbrook Park in Sheshequin Township and the Wysox boat launch.

But Schaeffer said the Fish & Boat Commission never issued such a recommendation.

"There was a really high river flow rate" at the time of the release, Schaeffer said. "There was no evidence of a fish kill or anything. We did not put any restrictions on fishing," he said.

The state Department of Environmental Protection also issued no notification to not fish, said Dan Spadoni, a spokesman for the DEP.

GTP and Sheets had both said the release of the solvent poses no danger to the public.

"It will be diluted," Sheets had said at the time of the release.

The nearest public water supply that draws water from the river is 25 to 30 miles down river, he had said.

The DEP is satisfied that the effect of the solvent on drinking water "won't be an issue," he had said.

The spill occurred when a power outage occurred at the plant, which caused a tank containing the solvent to overflow, Sheets said. The spilled solvent went into a storm drain which carried it to an outfall along the Susquehanna River, he said.

Sheets had said that the best estimate for the amount of the solvent that was released into the river is 100 gallons.

James Loewenstein can be reached at (570) 265-1633; or email: jloewenstein@thedailyreview.com.

Sullivan High School graduates 50

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The weather looked ominous.

There were dark clouds in the sky, and it had started to rain a little as the crowd entered the Sullivan County High School gymnasium Friday evening.

"Welcome to the Friday the 13th version of the Sullivan County High School graduation," Superintendent of schools Craig Skaluba told those at the ceremony, in a nod to the date.

While the weather had forced the school to hold the ceremony indoors, when it was all over, the 50 graduates emerged from the school to find the rain had stopped and the skies were mostly clear.

In her speech, salutatorian Ysabela Bialer encouraged her classmates to make the most out of life.

"What would your fondest memories of your high school years be?" she said. "In 20 years, would you still be able to remember those memories? Make life matter; don't watch others make memories. Make them yourself."

Bialer also talked in her speech about overcoming hardships and difficulties.

"We have all faced a battle which may have been unknown by those around us," she said. "By overcoming all of our hardships, it has made us stronger and has gotten us here today.

"My voyage down the old dirt road is, as you can say, a little bumpy," she said. "Some bumps are bigger than others; slow it down, take one bump at a time, and keep moving forward. The rut gets deep sometimes, but there will always be someone to tow you out."

"When life takes you to troubled waters, build a bridge because you never know what will be waiting for you on the other side," she said.

In his speech, valedictorian Edward Garcia talked about how Sullivan County is a special place.

"It took me a long time to realize just how lucky I am to live in a community like Sullivan County," he said.

He said that in the past, he and many of his classmates had felt dissatisfied living in the rural county.

He said they would say things like: "Why is the closest mall an hour away? Why can't there be a movie theater in town?"

"But then I and many of the others realized that Sullivan County is much more than that," he said. "The citizens of our community would do anything for each other and always go out of their way to be friendly. I always have family come visit here and someone that we don't know will smile and wave at us and my family will ask, 'Why are strangers so friendly here?'

"I always respond, 'Why not?'"

Garcia also spoke about the potential for success that his classmates have.

"Everyone up on this stage has the ability to do great things, and I know that we all will," he said.

"We all have our strengths and weaknesses," he said. "No one is great at everything, but everyone is great at something. We are moving on to become biologists, artists, business professionals, mechanics, teachers, etc., and we will all make an impact on the world in some way. As we move on to do great things, however, we must always remember where we got our start: in a small, picturesque, quiet community, with one stop light. The place we all call home ... Sullivan County."

During the ceremony, the officers of the senior class presented the Class of 2014's gift to the school: a $1,000 donation to purchase a motorized projection screen for the school's auditorium.

"Thank you for your generosity," Principal Edward Pietroski told them.

Pietroski also announced the awards to members of the Class of 2014, including awards of $2,500 each that were made to 15 members of the class from the Sullivan County Scholarship Association Inc.

A total of $203,700 in awards were made this year to the members of the Class of 2014, which were made by individuals, families, organizations, agencies and businesses in Sullivan County, Pietroski noted.


Article 8

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Price of gas

Question. Why is it that gasoline is 4 to 5 cents cheaper up in Athens and Sayre than it is in Towanda?

Grass needs mowing

I'd like to know why Athens Borough does not mow the grass along the levee on River Road. It is so high and it really is looking pretty bad. I assume the Athens Borough Street Dept. is supposed to keep that mowed to make it look good.

More than one?

I read your article about the Prothonotary's office in Bradford County not doing passports because there is only one person who does that and she is not there. My wife and I went to the Wyoming County Courthouse. We had two ladies help us get our passport applications filled out. They told us everyone in their office is able to do passports. Why isn't there more than one person in the Bradford County Courthouse that can do this? That would solve our problem and we wouldn't have to go to another county's courthouse.

What's going on?

How come we never hear anything about what's happening with the Sheshequin Narrows? It was supposed to have started this spring.

No beer sales please

I think there's enough problem with alcohol without having more beer sales.

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Care to share?

The Daily Review's new Sound Off column will include items, both positive and negative, called in to a Sound Off hotline. That number is 570-265-1603. Calls will be anonymous; names will not be published. Profanity, as well as libelous content will be edited out. Give us a call. Let us know what's on your mind. We look forward to hearing from you!

Canton tractor event also features Old West theme

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CANTON - The Canton Fireman's Field is located south of Canton, but it was The Old West that came alive there Friday.

At the Seventh Annual Endless Mountains Antique Tractor & Machinery Association Show at the fireman's field, people could watch "Shadows of the Old West," which is a western show depicting the West of the 1880s.

It's just one of the many features at this year's show, which kicked off Friday and runs through Sunday.

Ernest Spencer of Newark Valley, N.Y. said the actors in the show depict life in a "tent town" of the 1880s. He noted these towns sprang up as people moved west.

He said the towns were "pretty rough."

"Everyone carried a gun because they didn't have any law in the town," he said.

One of the sets in the show is "The Golden Nugget." Don't be surprised if a bar fight breaks out there - all part of the show, of course.

The "Shadows of the Old West" actors present a variety of scenarios with such themes as "snake oil salesman," "cattle barons," and "the jealous lover."

"The jealous lover is a good one that people look forward to seeing," Spencer commented.

There's also pre-skits too, with such titles as "tooth pull," "sharp shooters," and "rope demo."

Ruby Blow, secretary of the association, said the "Shadows of the Old West" show was included in this year's event because the association wanted to expand to a larger audience.

Of course, there's still plenty of antique tractors on display at the show. Today, a tractor parade will be held at 11 a.m.

Today's schedule is as follows, according to the show brochure:

- 6:30 a.m., breakfast

- 9 a.m., flea market opens

- 11 a.m., tractor parade

- 11 a.m., cake walk

- 11 a.m., giveaways

- 12 p.m., Smooth Country

- 1 p.m., cake walk

- 1 p.m., giveaways

- 1 p.m., kiddie tractor pull

- 2 p.m., kiddie tractor race

- 2 p.m., Covert Action

- 4 p.m., Smooth Country

- 6 p.m., Covert Action

There is an auction at 5 p.m.

A raffle is being held, with the following prizes: first prize, John Deere riding lawn mower; second prize, pedal tractor; third prize, dinner cruise for two on Seneca Lake.

Barb Perry, president of the association, said the friendly atmosphere of the show makes it a draw for visitors.

"Come out and have a good time with us," she said.

Chainsaw carver Gary Hilfiger is back at the show again this year with his demonstrations.

On Friday, he was carving an angel. He noted that it was a more difficult job, since it required a lot of details, such as putting in feathering details in the wings.

He said the angel is a commissioned order that is being made for a woman in Connecticut who is battling cancer.

He was excited about the show.

"The weather forecast is nice for the weekend," he said. "This ought to be a pretty good event."

Jeff Deutschle of Granville Summit was at the show with his treadle lathe. He makes wooden whistles for kids, and they get to pump the handle on the lathe.

He shared a story about the Whistle Fairy.

He said that if boys and girls become annoying with their whistles, the Whistle Fairy takes their whistles and gives them to kids who can behave better with whistles.

"And the parents think that is just fine."

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.

Troy High School graduates take next step: Class of 2014 made up of 111

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TROY -

For a moment, Troy High School Valedictorian Sara Hunsicker wanted time to stop Friday night.

She said that she wanted to continue making memories with her classmates, before they went their separate ways.

"Unfortunately, time will roll on and tomorrow will come," she said during the 144th commencement at Memorial Auditorium in Troy, as she addressed the Troy High School Class of 2014. A total of 111 graduated this year from Troy High School.

"At some point in the coming days each of us will reflect on the years that led up to graduation," she said. "Some of us will wish we had taken a certain class, played a sport, or participated in something we decided to sit out on. You are the only one that can judge what you did or did not do with your time you spent here."

With time as the theme of her speech, she told the graduates that they cannot take back time, for it shows no mercy.

"Do not regret anything for it cannot be changed; but take that situation and learn from it," she said. "If you are anything like me, you have had many experiences that served as a lesson to you. Use these lessons as a road map to guide your choices in the future."

Hunsicker told the graduates to reflect back on their high school careers, and take into consideration how fast they went by.

"Time is not going to change its pace," she said. "Your future will go just as fast as the last 13 years went. Soon we will be sitting here at our 10-year reunion talking about what we have done with our lives between today and that day 10 years from now. I hope that when we reflect on that next milestone each one of us can say that we wasted no time. As long as you are using your time to do something that you enjoy you can say it was time well spent."

She told the Class of 2014 to cherish time, and then related a personal story.

"Exactly one year ago today, my cousin Paul died at the age of 20 from brain cancer," she said. "This is the moment I realized that I needed to stop going through the motions and truly start living out the time I have been given. There were many things Paul would have liked to do before passing that he was never able to achieve. Do not let that be you."

"While you are young, go travel the world, meet new people, experience different cultures. Use the time that you have been privileged with here on earth to tackle all your goals and dreams. Do not waste a moment being bitter or angry because life is much more enjoyable with a positive attitude and a smile."

Hunsicker challenged the Class of 2014 "to wake up every day and be thankful that you are here and that those around you are here. Hold the moments with those you love close to your heart because their time will eventually run out as will yours and it may come before you think. Acknowledge and cherish your gift of life because it is truly a gift."

Hunsicker had some words of gratitude.

"If I was asked to reflect on my time here in high school, the only thing I would have wished I had done more of was say thank you," she continued. "Therefore I will leave Troy High School giving thanks to those that deserve it most. I would first like to thank the administration for all of their hard work. Next, I would like to thank my teachers. Mr. Williams, Mrs. Lathrop, and Mr. Stark, thank you for the great stories and words of wisdom. You have made my years here very interesting and enjoyable. I want to give a special thank you to Mr. Harold. Thank you for always being there for me, believing in me, and pushing me to be the best person I could be in and out of the classroom. At times I wasn't sure if you were my teacher or my father because of the way you lectured me, but either way the conversations we had greatly helped to shape and impact my character throughout my high school years. You will be missed."

And she thanked her family.

"Thank you to my sisters for being outstanding role models and leading me in the right direction. Being the baby of the family was not always easy but I would not be half as motivated as I am today if I did not always have to fill your big shoes. Marlene and Kenny, my parents, these two words will never be enough, but thank you. Thank you for being amazing parents, for giving me tough love when it was needed and dealing with the attitude I had every once in a while. Thank you for allowing me every opportunity to succeed. You have done a great job of preparing me for my future as I move away for college and enter the real world. Thank you to all my friends and family that are supporting me today and all the days that have led up to this moment. I would not have been able to do it without you."

And, of course, she thanked her fellow graduates.

"Most of all I would like to thank my class. Class of 2014, thank you for such an amazing unforgettable school experience. I wish each one of you the best of luck in whatever you do, and if you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance."

On stage, high school principal Sue Shipman presented her the William McCord Memorial Award for having the highest academic average.

Salutatorian Kayla Stephani told the Class to "not be afraid to take advantage of opportunities that come along."

She said they may seem like hard work, "but we cannot be afraid to work hard. Hard work is what makes things happen, and is what causes change."

"How we react to these opportunities, will make us better people or take us off our paths. These opportunities will shape who we are and who we will become. The success we will achieve will be based on the education we received here at Troy High School, and the opportunities that we take advantage of. As we stride across this stage tonight, as the Class of 2014, soak up the last youthful moments of bliss. Because class is finally over, and we are dismissed."

The Third Honor graduate, Kassidy Colton, told the Class that "new opportunities in life are going to force us to make life-altering decisions, and we have to do what is best for ourselves. Do not let anyone get in the way of your dreams and what you want for your future."

"Do not be afraid to make the change that is going to happen in your life, the change that you want for yourself," she told the Class.

"Class of 2014, don't let anyone discourage you and your goals in life. If you believe in yourself, others will not have a choice but to believe in you as well."

Courtney Binford, president of the Class of 2014, said she wanted to leave her Class with three words: "good, better and best."

"Don't stop until your good is better and your better is best."

Following graduation in the gym in the Commons, Wendy Owens and Renegade performed a live concert for the community, featuring local artist and 2010 Troy graduate Devon Franks, thanks to a State Farm grant.

"It feels great," Franks said of returning to Troy and performing in front of the Class of 2014 and the community.

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.

Burlington Motor Park event continues today

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Dan Barto of Wyalusing couldn't help but refer to a famous movie as he talked about the track at the new Burlington Motor Park Friday.

Before it was built, he said the track had been just a "Field of Dreams."

"You build it and they will come," he said, paraphrasing a quote from the classic 1989 Kevin Costner baseball movie.

And that's just what he and organizers of an inaugural three-day event, which kicked off Friday at the motor park and its mammoth lighted track, are hoping. The event, which wraps up Sunday, revolves around trucks and tractors.

Today, there will be garden tractor pulls in the day, and four-by-four pulling at night.

On Sunday, a Tough Truck Competition will take place.

The brand-new park is located eight miles from Towanda and 11 miles east of Troy, along Route 6, by the Chesapeake water withdrawal site. Barto is impressed with the size of the very large track at the motor park.

Floyd Isbell, president of the motor park, said there will be food and craft vendors in addition to the truck and tractor events.

Barto is excited about the garden tractor pulls, noting that the horsepower range for these tractors is from 8 to 100-plus. The tractors will include such brands as Cub Cadet, Wheelhorse, Sears and John Deere.

Admission costs $5 a person per day; children 12 and under are admitted free.

There will also be midway games.

Today, the event opens at 9 a.m. and goes into the evening, and on Sunday, it opens at 10 a.m. and goes into the evening.

No alcohol is allowed on the grounds.

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.

Father's Day to be celebrated at Unitarian Church

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Local Briefs

"The Towanda Universalist Unitarian Fellowship" will be celebrating Fathers day at 3 p.m. on Sunday June 15, in the social room at 305 Second Street Towanda, Pa. Please enter the back door off of Poplar Street.

All are welcome to come, listen and share.

Paul Shapiro will introduce the session centering on "What I learned or did not learn from my Father." After a musical introduction Paul will start with one of the fascinating lessons his father taught him on living a meaningful life. Participates are asked to come prepared to listen and learn about each of us. Also be prepared, if you so desire, to share a story or two about your father or grandfather. Our fathers have had a very meaningful positive influence on our life. Some may not have been positive but we would welcome hearing about them also.

Coffee, donuts and soft drinks will be available.

For more information contact Paul at 570-265-3789.

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