The Athens Borough council Monday adopted a resolution updating the fee schedule for brick or granite pavers sold for placement in Teaoga Square.

Under the passed fee schedule, a four-by-eight-inch brick paver will cost $55, including up to two lines of text, and an eight-by-eight-inch granite paver will cost $100, including up to four lines of text.

Officials developed the paver program as a way to fund ongoing additions and maintenance of the square and give the community a chance to become involved, according to the resolution. In the past, businesses and groups have purchased pavers, and individuals have contributed in memory or in honor of loved ones.

"Teaoga Square is a natural hub of activity downtown and the focal point of Athens Borough for residents and visitors alike," the resolution reads.

The council Monday also passed a resolution adopting the borough's amended comprehensive plan and authorized council president Bill Cotton to submit a letter of support for Futurescapes' application for a grant toward the Diahoga Trail project, which would create a recreation trail along the Susquehanna River levee.

The borough's long-term community recovery organization plans to apply for a Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant through the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

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

HARRISBURG - In order to execute the $29.1 billion funding plan outlined in the 2014-15 state budget, the General Assembly must pass a Fiscal Code bill. This year, the Fiscal Code was inserted into House Bill 278, authored by Rep. Matt Baker (R-Bradford/Tioga), to address Medicaid reimbursements for the state's 13 rural critical access hospitals.

"I am honored to have authored the legislation to help our small rural critical access hospitals that was used as the vehicle to implement the spending plan contained in the state budget we passed by the deadline of June 30,� said Baker. "The Fiscal Code and state budget bill go hand in hand, and I am pleased we were able to complete both essential pieces of legislation in such a timely manner.

"The Fiscal Code is a 115-page document that drives out all the funding in the state budget, which totals $29.1 billion. The budget contains no tax increases and keeps spending below the rate specified by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Contained in the budget is $10.5 billion for K-12 education - the most state dollars ever dedicated to education - and $11.2 billion was also approved for health and human services. That combined represents 75 percent of the entire budget, said Baker, who is chairman of the House Health Committee. "Furthermore, there are $22.4 billion in federal funds that the state can draw down to go along with the $29.1 billion in state General Funds, which makes for a total of $51.5 billion for the Commonwealth.

Some of the funding measures that will be implemented through the state's Fiscal Code include the following:

- $200 million for the Ready to Learn Block Grant Program giving schools the flexibility to use money where needed to support student academic achievement.

- $5 million for the Ready to Succeed Scholarship program that provides merit-based scholarships for students from middle-income families.

- A total of $1.046 billion for special education, including an increase of $20 million allocated through a new funding formula that more equitably distributes funding.

- $306.2 million for the PlanCon program, which distributes reimbursements for school construction costs.

- $327.69 million for early childhood education programs.

- $5 million for the attorney general's office to fight crime and address the drug epidemic.

- $412.75 million for our 14 state universities.

- $344.8 million for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) for grant funding.

- $61.1 million for the state and public libraries.

- $11.4 million for the training of four new state police cadet classes.

- $13 million for services and to reduce the waiting list for those with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Baker noted that the above mentioned items are only a small sampling of the extensive amount of funding measures included in the Fiscal Code.

"As chairman of the House Health Committee, I am also pleased to see funding allocated through this bill to provide funding for items in the budget such as biotech research, autism, mental health services, breast cancer screenings, rural hospitals and newborn screenings, among many other health-related appropriations, said Baker. "Funding for these programs is essential to making sure all Pennsylvania citizens continue to be able to have access to quality health care.

Baker voted in favor of both the state budget bill (House Bill 2328), which is waiting to be signed by the governor, and the Fiscal Code (House Bill 278), which has been sent to the Senate for concurrence.

Submitted article.

TROY - There was a birthday party Tuesday in Troy - for a car.

At the Troy Town Cruisers weekly car show in downtown Troy, "Mustang Night" was held as people brought in their classic cars.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Mustang.

Dave Rockwell, who is a member of the Troy Town Cruisers committee, said there were several Mustangs among the 69 cars that were on display at the car show Tuesday. He didn't know the exact number of Mustangs that were brought to the show, however.

But they could be spotted in rows of cars lined up for the show.

He said that the North Central Mustang Club from Williamsport was at the show, with six Mustangs.

"It was great, a nice show," said Tom Gouldy of Montoursville, a member of the club who brought a newer model 2009 Mustang to the show.

Art and Johann Dickerson of Troy brought an older Mustang, a 1972 Mustang convertible.

Johann said a Mustang "looks sharp."

"All the young kids go 'ooh' and 'aah' when you go by," she said.

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

TROY - A 45-year-old Elmira, N.Y. man faces a preliminary hearing at 1:45 p.m. today before Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox of Troy on felony aggravated assault charges and other offenses for reportedly punching a man and throwing his motorcycle sometime between 4:40 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. July 5 on School Street in Wells Township.

He is also accused of using his truck to strike the victim, who police said suffered a ruptured left eye in the assault, which more than likely will result in permanent loss of vision.

According to court papers, Leonard E. Storms faces two aggravated assault charges, one a felony of the first degree and one a felony of the second degree, and the following other charges: simple assault, criminal trespass, harassment, disorderly conduct, and criminal mischief.

In an affidavit, Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Joshua Thompson said he and Trooper Robert Richter were assigned July 5 to investigate an assault that had occurred at a woman's residence on School Street in Wells Township.

The woman said her ex-boyfriend, Leonard Storms, came to her residence unannounced and assaulted her current "friend and/or boyfriend" Robert Brewer, 52, of Elmira, N.Y., who was inside the house. She had confronted Storms outside of her house and told him to leave and not enter the residence. However, the woman said Storms ignored her verbal commands, shoved her aside, went inside her house and punched Brewer in the face. Then, he came back outside and picked up Brewer's Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which was parked in the driveway, and threw it down, damaging it.

The affidavit continues:

The woman said Storms continued to yell and scream outside of her residence and eventually got into his truck and spun his tires down the street. At some point during this time, Brewer came outside and tried to leave to get to a better cell phone coverage area to call for help. Police said Storms struck Brewer with his truck, as Brewer was trying to leave the driveway on his motorcycle. According to the woman, Storms fled the scene in this truck, probably to his residence in Elmira, N.Y.

Brewer said Storms punched him only once in the face, but it caused significant injury to his left eye area. He told police he couldn't see out of his eye. Eventually, Brewer was able to leave and went to a store along Route 14 in South Creek Township to call for help. Police said the motorcycle had fresh damage, namely to its mirrors, foot pegs, and handle bar area. Brewer estimated the damage to be in excess of $1,000. Police said Brewer's eye was black and blue and severely swollen. He went to Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, N.Y. on July 5 to seek medical treatment, and was diagnosed with multiple facial fractures and a severe left eye injury. He was flown by medical helicopter to the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital for more advanced treatment.

Police contacted Arnot Ogden Hospital and confirmed that Brewer had sustained a ruptured left eye, which more than likely will result in permanent loss of vision, as well as multiple facial fractures around the left eye and nose area.

Police said an arrest warrant was obtained and Storms was arrested by the Elmira City Police Department on July 6 on the warrant and remanded to the Chemung County Jail.

According to Wilcox, Storms' bail was set at $80,000 and wasn't posted. Storms had his preliminary arraignment July 11.

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

HARRISBURG - Rep. Matt Baker (R-Bradford/Tioga) recently announced that school districts in the 68th Legislative District will share more than $2.2 million in new education money coming to the area as the result of the recently approved 2014-15 state budget, which he supported.

"Schools are an essential part of every community, and here in the northeast, we have some of the best schools in the state," said Baker. "However, increased state funding is still of benefit in order to continue to provide a quality education and address the many financial obligations our schools must meet. I am pleased that even though it has been a financially challenging year for the state, we were still able to increase funding for education to historic levels."

The 2014-15 state budget spends a total of $10.5 billion on K-12 education, which is the most state dollars ever dedicated to education. In fact, Baker noted that the allocation for education represents nearly 36 percent of the entire state budget, which demonstrates the state's commitment to student success.

Also contained in the budget is a $20 million increase in special education funding, which represents the first increase for this sector of education in six years. There is also $100 million in new money for block grants for schools, which offer flexible funding for schools to use where most needed, whether for pre-K programs, hybrid learning or other approved uses.

Overall, school districts in the 68th Legislative District will receive the following:

Bradford County

- Canton Area School District - $9,302,613, an increase of 2.9 percent, or $261,094.

- Troy Area School District - $12,927,866, an increase of 3.1 percent, or $383,744.

Tioga County

- Northern Tioga School District - $18,181,985, an increase of 4 percent, or $691,129.

- Southern Tioga School District - $12,519,054, an increase of 3.6 percent, or $431,741.

- Wellsboro Area School District - $8,823,933, an increase of 3.9 percent, or $331,476.

Potter County

(Part of Potter County will become part of the 68th Legislative District in December of this year due to redistricting.)

- Galeton Area School District - $2,887,986, an increase of 3.8 percent, or $105,462.

In addition, early education will see an increase of $10 million for the Pre-K Counts program and $9.45 million for early intervention services.

"As a member of the board of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, known as PASSHE, I am also very concerned about our commitment to our higher education institutions," said Baker. "Under the newly passed budget, PASSHE schools, which include Mansfield University, will have the same funding amount of $412.7 million as last year. In addition, a new state scholarship program, called Ready to Succeed, will help enable more middle-income families to send their kids to college."

For more information on the 2014-15 state budget, go to Baker's website at www.RepBaker.com.

Submitted article.

CANTON - There's a new twist at the Canton War Memorial Pool.

During the pool report at the Canton Borough Council meeting this week, council member Dianna Thompson noted that soft pretzels have been added to the offerings at the concession stand at the pool, in addition to other candy and drinks.

"I understand the soft pretzels are awesome," she told council.

"I get them for lunch on occasion," commented borough administrator Amy Seeley.

When asked for comment, pool manager Kari Koval said the pretzels are popular.

"They go over pretty well," she said.

Janel Staton, also on the pool staff, said the pretzels are "really good."

She said parents like having the pretzels on the menu to eat during swimming lessons.

Staton said they like having "something more filling."

The soft pretzels cost $2.

It was also noted in the pool report that the pool had hoped to add ice cream this year, "but we need to call sooner for freezer availability."

At the opposite end of the spectrum, there was less encouraging news as Thompson reported that there are additional tears in the resurfacing product on the southeast ledge at the 11-foot level of the pool. She said Seeley notified the council solicitor and Wade Associates.

Also in the report, it was noted:

- To date, two individual season passes and 20 family season passes have been sold

- The pavilion was rented for a church camp the last week of June

- The first session of swimming lessons have begun

- Parker Machine completed the railings for the handicap ramp and the street department will be installing them

- The pool has scheduled adult swims and a free swim event on July 19

- Goggles and floaties are available for rent

- The picnic tables in the pavilion were painted by the Boy Scouts group

- The pavilion is being rented Wednesday, July 30 by the Bradford County Housing Authority for their tenants for a safety instruction program

Also, it was noted that the following free Community Saturdays are scheduled:

- July 19, anonymous ("Painting in the Pavilion")

- July 26, Chamber of Commerce (tie-dye will be available)

- Aug. 2, Lighthouse of Faith (church-sponsored events)

- Aug. 9, Church of Christ (church-sponsored events)

- Aug. 16, East Canton United Methodist Church

- Aug. 23, last day

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

The Bradford County Conservation District and Penn State Extension are looking to study the effect that gas pipeline installation is having on crop yields. The goal is to confirm and develop protocols to follow in order to most effectively maintain, or bring the soil productivity back to, pre-construction (or better) condition. We are seeking landowners that would be willing to share their experience with these situations (both good and bad) and partner with us to potentially include their operation and property in the study. If you or anyone you know would like to speak with us about participating in this study, please give Kevin Brown a call at (570) 265-5539 ext. 101.

Submitted by Kevin Brown, Ag Resource Specialist, Bradford County Conservation District.

In a 5-2 vote, the Sullivan County School Board on Tuesday decided to sell the Turnpike Elementary School building in Mildred through a public auction.

The Sullivan County School District will subdivide the Turnpike School property and retain approximately three to five acres of the property, including the school's baseball field.

The district will also retain the gas rights under the three to five acres.

The remaining seven to nine acres of the property, including the school building and the gas rights under the seven to nine acres, will be auctioned off.

School board member Tim Nitcznski said the baseball field will be an important asset to the community as there are few baseball fields in the Mildred area.

The school district closed the Turnpike School three years ago when the district's elementary school students were consolidated at its Laporte campus.

The school has been on the market for three years, but the district has been unable to sell it.

Those voting to subdivide the Turnpike School property and auction off the school building were Molly Kinsey, Virginia Miller, Kimberly Phillips, Rebecca Ferguson and Nitcznski.

Voting against the motion were Darwin Hatch and James Lambert.

J. Wilson Ferguson abstained from the vote.

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

TROY - A 22-year-old Canton man is accused of using brass knuckles to injure another man at 4:26 a.m. July 14 on West South Avenue in Canton, according to court papers filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox of Troy.

The papers note that Trevor Jacob Dannelley of North Minnequa Avenue, Canton, has been charged with aggravated assault, a felony of the second degree; simple assault - attempt; recklessly endangering another person; criminal trespass, a felony of the second degree; endangering welfare of children; a violation of "prohibited offensive weapons;" harassment; and disorderly conduct.

Wilcox said Dannelley had his preliminary arraignment Tuesday, with his bail set at $75,000, which wasn't posted. He was placed in Bradford County Correctional Facility and faces a preliminary hearing at 1:15 p.m. July 30 before Wilcox.

The papers note that Dannelley is accused of causing bodily injury to Jesse O'Conners with a deadly weapon, namely brass knuckles.

In an affidavit, Canton police officer Trey Kurtz said he was dispatched around 4:46 a.m. July 14 to an address on West South Avenue for an assault. He said O'Conners had multiple lacerations on his head and was bleeding from different areas of his head.

"I asked him who did this to him and he stated, 'Trevor Dannelley,'" Kurtz wrote.

O'Conners said that Dannelley had "used something hard, but he didn't know what it was," Kurtz noted.

According to Kurtz, O'Conners said he needed nine stitches in his head and a few in his chin and is getting x-rays, because the doctors think he might have a broken nose.

A few hours after the incident, Kurtz saw Dannelley on North Minnequa Avenue, read him his rights, and asked him what happened.

Dannelley told Kurtz he went to the West South Avenue address "to get his family" and when he saw O'Conners and a female together, "he just lost it and began hitting O'Conners." The same female told Kurtz she had been dating Dannelley for a long time. She said that Dannelley carries the brass knuckles on him at all times, and they have a belt buckle on them.

According to a witness account in the affidavit, Dannelley's shoe came back and hit a baby in the face unintentionally, as he was pushing the female.

Once Dannelley was in the residence and was causing a disturbance, O'Conners tried to help get Dannelley out of the house and away from the three young children in the residence, and was able to hold him for a few minutes, until Dannelley "kicked off the wall, forcing O'Conners to lose his balance and fall backwards, hitting his head," according to the affidavit.

"Before O'Conners could get up, Dannelley began hitting him in the head and face with brass knuckles," Kurtz wrote.

"When I asked him what he hit O'Conners with, he stated he didn't remember, just something he found on the ground while struggling," Kurtz wrote.

Wilcox informed Kurtz that he had an active bench warrant for Dannelley. Kurtz then transported Dannelley to the Bradford County Correctional Facility.

Dannelley faces a preliminary hearing before Wilcox at 1:15 p.m. July 30 in Troy.

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

Claim ownership

I'd like to know why Towanda Twp. trucks and township equipment are not marked with the township logo or anything. It seems like since the township owns them, they should claim ownership by putting markers on the side. Other townships have their township name and seal on them, so why doesn't Towanda Twp.?

Who knows about cable in the Valley?

Has anyone heard an update about the new cable company that was supposed to come to the Valley? They were to sign up businesses in May and residential customers beginning in June. I'm not speaking of Comcast trying to buy Time-Warner. Please call the Sound Off and leave a message with any information.

Power in numbers

I'm a resident of Rome Twp. and I've noticed that several people have sounded off to this segment of the paper about the roads, the conditions and road crew. I would just like to say, if you have a complaint, and everybody is complaining about all these roads, why don't all of you go to the meeting and express your complaints as a group? Then maybe something will be done!

Too much plea bargaining

I'd like to know why all these criminals that are charged with a crime are pled down to a lot lesser offense and given a lot smaller sentence than they normally would have if they had been found guilty on all the original counts. I think the police are getting a little upset that they are charging these people with crimes and they are pleading down to a lot lesser crime than they are originally charged with.

A soccer fan

I would like to thank you for your excellent coverage of the World Cup games this summer. It was so thrilling to see real football played with FEET and FEAT.

-----------------------------

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!

TROY - The Troy Area School Board brought some new teachers on board this week.

At its regular monthly meeting, the board hired several teachers.

The following elementary teachers were hired: Lacy Young, Ashley Raynor, LaRisa Woodruff, Christina Webster, Jill Hoffmann, and Heather DePhillips.

Also, the board hired two other teachers: Kelly Hollenback, social studies, and Sarah Brown, biology.

Troy Intermediate School Principal Rebecca Stanfield was among those welcoming the new teachers to the district.

The teachers' effective date is Aug. 20. The salary was listed "as per contract." Salary amounts were not listed on the agenda.

Tammy Shedden was hired as part-time athletic director.

The board also hired Pamela Callahan, Melissa Arnold, and Deanna Richardson as 19.75 hour/week casual custodians, and Barbara Morgan as a 19.75 hour/week casual cafeteria employee, with the salary listed "as per contract."

Look for more coverage of the school board meeting in a future edition of The Daily Review.

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

GILLETT - A two-vehicle crash Wednesday night on Route 14 in Gillett sent one of the vehicles into the porch of a house.

Matt Harkness, fire chief of the South Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department, said no one was injured in the accident. He said the call for the crash was received at 6:41 p.m.

The house, which had a house number of 33310, is located at the intersection of Route 14 and Monkey Run Road - ironically, next to the fire department station.

Harkness said no one was home at the time of the accident. He said the vehicle, an SUV, went onto the porch, but didn't penetrate the house. He said a window was broken.

The other vehicle involved in the accident was a Buick sedan.

Harkness said he believed the SUV was heading north on Route 14 and the car pulled out from Ayers Road. They both were destroyed and had to be towed, he said.

The car didn't strike the house, and came to rest in the area of Route 14 and Ayers Road, he said. It was later pulled off to the side of Route 14, by the house, as firefighters worked at the scene.

Marland Johnson, who lives three houses down from the scene of the accident, said he was eating dinner at the time of the crash.

"We heard a screech and a thump, thump, thump."

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

If there's one thing many people have in common, it is their love for their pets! That's what the Troy Fair Junior Board had in mind when brainstorming ideas for an event to plan for the 139th Troy Fair.

If you already have a furry loved one or possibly want another one, stop by the large tent in the lower meadow from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 21 to see what the Pet Expo has to offer.

The Bradford County Humane Society and the Animal Care Sanctuary will be there with adoptable animals! Plus, Endless Supply Co. will be offering an array of critters that you will have to come and see for yourself! Many other business will also be available to provide you with information of their products and services.

If you have a pet/animal-related business and would be interested in becoming a vendor at the 1st Troy Fair Pet Expo please call Hannah at the Troy Fair office (570) 297-3648.

For the Review

YMCA campers and their counselors as well as other invited guests enjoyed the Welcome to the Garden Celebration provided by the YMCA kids' garden volunteers.

Each group of campers toured the garden, made a rain gauge, planted vegetables in a straw bale and tasted some of the early harvest from their garden. Some campers even had time to pick some peas and plant a few rows of corn. The campers then got to try fresh broccoli, sugar snap peas, basil pesto, and breads made with garden herbs and vegetables.

The four groups of students ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old were enthusiastic about working in the garden. Many were gardeners from previous years of "Y" camp and many had gardens at home. More than one child asked if he could bring his parents up to see the garden, which is, of course, encouraged. Campers will resume their gardening this Friday and continue until August 22. During that time, they will have lots to do and lots of vegetables to harvest and enjoy.

Other guests at the garden celebration included Charity Field, executive director of the YMCA, and Laura Hewitt from the Endless Mountains Resource Management Council, the organization whose grant is responsible for the garden. Hewitt commented that she was "very excited with the state of the garden and the fact that it represents a teaching garden." Penn State Extension Horticulture Educator Tom Maloney was on hand to answer questions and snap pictures of plants and the pollinators that are encouraged at the garden. He noted that, "The garden is a Penn State worthy garden and it's taking the direction it needs to go."

The YMCA Kids' Garden is made possible through funding and help from the Endless Mountains Resource Conservation and Development Council, First Community Foundation Partnership, Bradford County YMCA and the borough of Towanda.

Deb Howard is overseer of the garden and is assisted by Penn State Master Gardeners. YMCA kids' Garden could use some volunteers to help the counselors to prepare and cook their vegetables. Anyone interested should contact Charity Field at the YMCA.

Submitted article.

TROY - A 19-year-old Ogdensburg man who led a Canton police officer on a high-speed chase June 22 in the Canton-LeRoy area and reportedly bragged about it on his Facebook page wasn't doing any boasting in the courtroom Wednesday in Troy.

Tyrone Earl Hartford of Ogdensburg, Pa. was charged in the chase and faced a preliminary hearing Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox of Troy.

In the courtroom, Hartford waived his preliminary hearing on two charges - a fleeing and eluding charge, a misdemeanor of the first degree, and a recklessly endangering another person charge, a misdemeanor of the second degree, according to Wilcox.

Those charges were bound over to the Bradford County Court of Common Pleas.

Hartford waived his formal arraignment July 31 and will enter a "not guilty" plea, Wilcox said.

Originally, the fleeing or attempting to elude officer charge was listed as a felony of the third degree. All the other charges, with the exception of the fleeing and eluding and the recklessly endangering another person charge, were dismissed.

In an affidavit, Canton police officer Trey Kurtz said that he was contacted by two people and they showed him several posts on Tyrone Hartford's Facebook page "where Hartford bragged about how he outran the police last night and described how it was fun and continued commenting and joking with his friends about it."

According to Kurtz, Hartford wrote in his confession that he was nervous because he thought he had a warrant out for his arrest and he panicked.

Hartford's confession read, "I know what I did was wrong and I take full responsibility of my actions. And to the people I could've caused harm to, I apologize. I also apologize to the officer on duty for risking his life."

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

TOWANDA TOWNSHIP -

The Corbett administration announced Wednesday that the Bradford County Airport will receive approximately $960,555 in federal and state funds to help pay for the ongoing construction of a taxiway and to reimburse the airport for land that it has acquired, according to state and county officials.

The bulk of the money - $760,000 in federal funds and $42,222 in state funds - will be used to help pay for the construction of a 1,100-foot section of a taxiway that, when complete, will run parallel to the airport's runway, along its entire length, said Bradford County Airport Manager Heather Blokzyl.

The taxiway, which is halfway complete, is being built so that planes and jets won't have to taxi on the airport's 4,300-foot runway before they take off and to reduce the time they taxi on the runway after they land, in order to avoid a potential collision with another aircraft that is taking off or landing, said Bradford County Airport Manager Heather Blokzyl.

"It's a big safety issue," Carl Lafy, the former manager of the airport, has said.

There will also be several paved interconnections between the runway and the taxiway for taxiing aircraft to travel on, including interconnections at both ends of the runway. The taxiway is about 200 feet from the runway.

Construction of the 1,100-foot section of the taxiway, which will cost $1.3 million, will make the taxiway three-quarters complete, Blokzyl said.

The Airport Authority had opened bids for the construction of the 1,100-foot section on Jan. 15, but has had to wait for funding to be approved before the project could get underway, Blokzyl said.

The low bidder for the 1,100-foot section was Middendorf Contracting of Towanda, she said.

The entire $960,555 is in the form of grants, she said.

Blokzyl said she expects another federal- and state-funded grant to be approved "shortly" for the 1,100-foot section, which will provide the remaining funds needed to complete that portion of the taxiway.

The airport itself must pay 5 percent of the cost of the 1,100-foot section, she said.

Construction of the 1,100-foot section is expected to get underway this summer and be completed later this year, she said.

Of the $960,555 disbursement that was announced Wednesday, $158,222 will be used to reimburse the Bradford County Airport Authority for some of the property it acquired on which eight flood-damaged structures - including three homes, garages and a barn - are located, Blokzyl said.

The $158,222 will also pay for the demolition of the eight structures, she said. The acquired land will be used for future development of the airport, she said.

Safety

One reason why it is unsafe for aircraft to taxi on the runway is that pilots who are starting their takeoff at the northern end of the runway cannot see the southern end of the runway, she said.

A pilot operating an aircraft without a radio, such as a vintage aircraft or a sport aircraft, might not be able to be warned about an approaching aircraft that is landing or taking off, Blokzyl said.

Blokzyl said she hoped the final phase of the taxiway's construction will take place in 2015. However, completing the taxiway next year "is contingent on the availability of grant funding," she said.

Government officials applauded the award of the $960,555.

"We must not forget that funding for airports and other important projects like this enhance our local economies, stabilize jobs and provide stimulation for local and interstate commerce," U.S. Rep. Tom Marino said. "In order for Pennsylvania, and the country for that matter, to be competitive, it is important we continuously maintain and expand economic infrastructure around the state. I applaud all involved and look forward to more improvements."

"As a member of the state Senate Aviation Caucus, I am very pleased to hear of this important investment in rural Pennsylvania," state Sen. Gene Yaw said. "Securing this funding provides a tremendous lift for the airport and our rural transportation infrastructure."

"I am pleased to see both state and federal funding coming to the Northern Tier so that the Bradford County Airport can enhance its facilities," state Rep. Tina Pickett said. "In order to attract additional investments and job-creating industries in Bradford County, this type of transportation infrastructure is vital to our overall economic growth."

"This is great news for Bradford County," state Rep. Matt Baker said. "This funding is beneficial on a number of levels, especially for creating and retaining new and added jobs to our area. I look forward to the continued growth and progress at the airport."

Airport Manager Heather Blokzyl said: "This (funding) will promote future business in Bradford County. It's one project closer to ultimately accepting larger aircraft here, and will aid in additional safety measures at the airport. We are very thankful and excited for this progress."

The Bradford County Airport is located in Towanda Township.

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

TROY - Robert Brewer testified Wednesday in Troy about being assaulted earlier this month in Wells Township, but he didn't have to say a word.

The very visible injury on his left eye area was perhaps the strongest evidence of the attack.

According to police, Brewer, 52, of Elmira, N.Y., was punched by Leonard E. Storms, 45, of Elmira, N.Y. between 4:40 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. July 5 on School Street in Wells Township.

Police said Brewer's serious injury to his left eye and facial area will more than likely result in permanent loss of vision. Hospital officials told police that Brewer sustained a ruptured left eye and multiple facial fractures around the left eye and nose area.

Brewer testified that Storms had been "in a rage" when he punched him.

Following a preliminary hearing, Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox bound all charges against Storms over to the Bradford County Court of Common Pleas.

Wilcox declined to reduce Storms' $80,000 bail, due to Storms' criminal history that Wilcox described as "extremely extensive" and "very extensive." When asked for comment, Wilcox said that Storms' criminal history consisted of "a lot" of criminal mischief incidents. Prosecuting attorney Al Ondrey from the Bradford County District Attorney's office described it as a "significant" criminal history.

In addition, Storms agreed to waive his formal arraignment July 31 and enter a "not guilty" plea at that time.

Storms is charged with two aggravated assault charges, one a felony of the first degree and one a felony of the second degree, and the following other charges: simple assault, criminal trespass, harassment, disorderly conduct, and criminal mischief. Wilcox declined a request from the defense to dismiss all but one of those charges, the aggravated assault charge for punching Brewer.

In an affidavit, Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Joshua Thompson said he and Trooper Robert Richter were assigned July 5 to investigate an assault that had occurred at a woman's residence on School Street in Wells Township.

The 43-year-old woman, with a Millerton address, was called as a witness Wednesday, and testified that Storms came to her residence unannounced and assaulted Brewer, who was inside the house. After the hearing, she objected to police describing her as Storms' ex-girlfriend. She said they had only dated briefly, and she was not his "girlfriend."

She testified how she told Storms to leave, when he arrived at her house, and how Storms "just kind of went on by" and went over to where Brewer was sitting in the house, yelling at him and punching him.

"It was quick and fast and over and done with," she told the court.

A photograph of Brewer's injuries was shown in court.

"It got a lot worse," the woman said of the injuries, after looking at the photograph.

She testified that Storms told Brewer to "clean his face off," after punching him, and how Storms told Brewer not to come back to her house. She testified that Storms doesn't like Brewer, but said she didn't know why.

The woman said that Storms "smelled like booze," prior to assaulting Brewer.

"When someone is in your face screaming at you, you can tell," she testified in response to questioning from Carrie Donald, from the county public defender office, who was the defense attorney for Storms.

Taking the stand, Brewer testified about the loss of vision in his left eye and the many hours of surgery he has had to endure, and said he is still in pain. Brewer talked about the impact of Storms' punch on his eye and face in terms of an explosion.

In 2011, Brewer testified, he had some surgery on his eye, due to a previous mishap. There had been a chance that vision in his eye would improve, had it not been for Storms' punch, he testified.

He also testified about the damage to his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which police said Storms picked up and threw. Prior to Storms' throwing the motorcycle, Brewer said, it had been in "mint condition."

"There was not one scratch at all on that motorcycle, not one scratch at all."

Brewer testified that the damage to the motorcycle was cosmetic rather than mechanical.

Cpl. Thompson, who also took the stand, testified about Brewer's left eye being severely swollen and black and blue in color while he was interviewed, and then being "completely shut" by the end of the interview.

According to the police criminal complaint, Storms tried to injure Brewer by striking him with his truck while Brewer was trying to leave on his motorcycle. At that time, police said, Brewer didn't sustain further injury, but his motorcycle was further damaged.

Brewer testified that Storms backed up and hit the front wheel of his motorcycle. There was testimony that Storms commented that he was sorry and didn't know his truck was in reverse. After the hearing, the woman said the comment sounded sarcastic.

After the incident, Brewer had gone to a store to call for help, and he testified that Storms took his phone from him and threw it, inadvertently hitting a vehicle passing by on the road.

Brewer also testified that Storms was obsessed with the woman and wanted her to "obey" him.

Storms, who sometimes looked straight ahead at Brewer as he testified on the stand, did not testify during the preliminary hearing.

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

TOWANDA - Scott Raymond Kunkle of Monroe Township has pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of his wife, according to online court records and the Bradford County District Attorney's Office.

Kunkle, 30, caused his wife's death by banging her head against a wall in their home on July 14, 2013, according to Bradford County Assistant District Attorney Al Ondrey.

Kunkle had told police that his wife had his left middle finger in her mouth and was trying to bite it off, when he slammed her head against the wall twice with his forearms, according to a criminal complaint that was filed against him in Towanda District Court by the state police. At that point, she let go of his finger and flailed her arms at him, and fell to the ground, Scott Kunkle had told the police.

As part of a plea agreement with the Bradford County District Attorney's Office, the other two charges that were filed against Kunkle - aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person - are being dropped, Ondrey said. The aggravated assault and recklessly endangering charges will be withdrawn at Kunkle's sentencing, which is scheduled to take place on July 28 in Bradford County Court, Ondrey said.

The death of Kunkle's wife, 28-year-old Patricia Joyce Kunkle, has been ruled a homicide by the Bradford County Coroner's Office.

The coroner's office has said that she died of terminal aspiration of gastric contents, acute subarachnoid hemorrhage, and blunt force head trauma.

Patricia Kunkle died at Memorial Hospital in Towanda, within hours after she suffered her head injuries.

Scott Kunkle had told police that the violence on the day of her death had stemmed from an argument they were having over the use of bath salts, according to the criminal complaint. The couple had been doing bath salts that weekend, and Patricia Kunkle wanted to do more of them, but Scott Kunkle didn't, Scott Kunkle had told the police.

The involuntary manslaughter charge was filed because Scott Kunkle had acted in a reckless or grossly negligent manner, which caused his wife's death, according to the state police at Towanda.

Scott Kunkle pleaded guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charge in June, court records show.

Toxicology tests revealed that there were bath salts in Patricia Kunkle's system at the time of her death, Bradford County Coroner Thomas Carman has said.

Contact The Daily Review's newsroom at (570) 265-1632, or reviewnews@thedailyreview.com.

New this year, the Troy Fair Jr. Board is hosting a canned food drive to benefit the Troy Food Bank. Cans will be collected prior to fair week, from today through Sunday from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. at the Fair Office at Alparon Park.

All cans collected will be used to design a can display for the public to view during the fair.

A coupon sheet will be given to each person donating. The coupons are good for the following fair vendors during the week of the fair:

- Marchione's Family Concession: Free drink with the purchase of a sandwich.

- William's Concessions: .50 cents off a medium drink

- Klinger's Fresh Fruit: $1 off any food item

- Ralston Candy: $1 off any food item

- Cactus Taters: $1 off any size taters

- Troy Fair Merchandise: $1 off any purchase $10 or greater

The Troy Fair Junior Board thanks you for your support!

SR 0409, Wyalusing Twp., Bridge Work

SR 4013, Berwick Turnpike, Ridgebury Twp., Paving/Driveway Adjustments

Various Routes, Canton Area, Mowing

SR 0706, Wyalusing to Camptown, Shoulders Back Up

SR 1054, Orange Hill Road, Athens Twp., Cleaning Ditches

SR 4033, Sopertown Road, Columbia Twp., Shoulder Cutting

SR 4019, Iron Mine Road, Columbia Twp., Shoulder Cutting

SR 4037, Old Royd Road, Columbia Twp., Shoulder Cutting

SR 4038, Baker Road, Wells Twp., Shoulder Cutting

Various Routes, Towanda Area, Mowing

SR 0467, Pike Twp., Cleaning Ditches

County Wide, Sign Installation and Repair

SR 1067, Hill Road, Litchfield Twp., Seal Coat

SR 0119, Athens Borough/Athens Twp., Seal Coat

SR 1056, Front Street/Cotton Hollow Road, Athens Borough, Athens, Litchfield and Windham Twp., Seal Coat

SR 0467, Orwell Twp., Pike Twp., Seal Coat

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

Submitted by PennDOT.