Susquehanna County Blog

After speaking to a well respected independent insurance agent, it was confirmed that if drilling occurs on your property, your homeowners insurance is no longer adequate.  You have to have a commercial policy.  Currently, the underwriters of several insurance companies are determining whether you need  a commercial policy if you have signed a lease (never mind drilling).  If that becomes the case, that almost certainly would force the issue of a Clean and Green violation.

The amount of water used to frac the well in the Penn State Extension video was stated to be approximately 800,000 gallons.  Let’s put that in perspective.  If one checks with Pennsylvania American Water, they can confirm that is much more water than is used from Comfort’s Pond in a day to supply Susquehanna, Lanesboro, Hallstead and Great Bend.

Last but not least, if you signed a lease and got a check, did you set aside the appropriate amount to pay your income tax?  It is known that more than a few have not.  Will there be a scramble to pay it later or will you see various properties for sale at a discounted price to address the tax liability?  Will those be with or without the lease?

It has been reported that the upfront money for these leases is well over $3,000 in Wayne County and royalty percentages as high as 25%.  How much did you get?

This is almost too good! For those who are so inclined, go to youtube.com and type in gas well in the search box. One of the first results will be a video from Penn State Extension in Wayne County. It was made in Lycoming County on February 20, 2008. A couple of items of note are: the amount of equipment “needed” to “frac” a well, the really muddy access roads and the statement that 800,000 gallons of water was used in the process. They also show a lined retention pond. There is no mention of what happens to the debris created in this process. 

Here is the link  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QefLQKLb5co

Is it just me or is 800,000 gallons of our good Susquehanna County water being used (presumably on each and every well drilled) a whole lot of water? Won’t this be potentially extremely damaging to our water supply, both in quantity and quality? Maybe 800,000 gallons won’t be used for every well, some may be less, some may be more depending on the well depth and strata drilled through.

If Susquehanna County is anything at all like Fayette County, we can eventually expect to have wells numbering in the 1,000’s. For the record, Fayette County has roughly 4,000 active wells.

So what is 4,000 wells times 800,000 gallons each? 3,200,000,000 or 3.2 Billion gallons. Now that all has to go somewhere. Will the retention ponds be enough to keep the debris out of the almighty Chesapeake Bay? Got to make sure those crabs are protected at any price to Susquehanna County.

Watch the video and post your comments here. Oh yes, there are several others, including one where two guys walk around one and note the sound as well as the SMELL emanating from the site.

Do we have any idea at all what we are in for?  Of course not, we just smell the money.  Shortly, we will ALL be smelling the gas.

By the way, does anyone have any idea what this will do to our hunting here?

Your comments?

 NOTE: THIS IS ONE OF THE EARLIER ARTICLES REGARDING GAS LEASING, WELLS, ETC. ON THIS SITE.  ALL ENTRIES ARE SEARCHABLE UNDER THE “GAS WELLS” CATEGORY.  Please take the time to review these articles which are all documented, rather than just opinion.

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It seems that the longer these “landmen” run around the county attempting to get you to sign off on your mineral rights, the more questions are raised. 

One of the more recent questions has been raised about the validity of these landmen.  Are they operating within the scope of the law?  This question has been raised by several in the real estate community who believe that the “landmen” who are signing leases on behalf of their respective companies are required to be licensed a real estate brokers.  It is known that as of this writing, a complaint has been filed with the state real estate commission (the agency who oversees licensure in Pennsylvania).  It will be interesting to see what their investigation will turn up. 

Another group of landowners (presumably ones who leased their mineral rights for $25 - 100 per acre) believe they have found that these leases weren’t written in accordance with state law.  It is the understanding of this writer that a class action has or will be filed shortly.

This is arguably the biggest transfer of mineral rights affecting the county in it’s history.  

Where is our county government weighing in?  Oh yeah, “they are looking into it”.  Is there a connection with the proposed class action suit and a certain county commissioner who is also an attorney?  Enquiring minds would like to know…

Better yet, did various townships and school districts sign on to these leases without proper advice, giving away a valuable asset for pennies on the dollar?

Does anyone have information they want to share here?

The Authority met March 14th.  There were two new members just appointed by the new commissioners.  Don Button, New Milford and Dave Darrow from Franklin Township took their place at the table.  An overview of the past of the Rail Committee and the Railroad Authority was given to the new members and those in attendance. 

 Secretary/Treasurer Tom Wooden indicated the finances of the Authority total about $50.00.   Actually, the financial picture is significantly worse as the last commissioners didn’t see fit to help fund the ongoing expenses of the Authority, 5 of the 7 members had to pony up $206 each last August to pay for Directors and Officers Insurance.  The other two members, Paul J. Amadio and Janet Haulton refused to contribute to the bill, so it was divided between 5 rather than 7. 

Quite a slap in the face to the members of the Authority, who serve without any compensation and who we able to secure a $15,000 and $25,000 engineering grant along with a $4,000,000 capital budget line item. 

Both Commissioners Warren and Allen were in attendance.  Although both are very aware of the situation, no offer of help was forthcoming.  Instead, Commissioner Warren suggested another meeting with PennDot Rail Freight as soon as possible.   A tentative date of April 11 was chosen as it is the regular meeting date of the Authority.  Commissioner Warren indicated that PennDot would be receptive to a new application to use a portion of the $4,000,000 capital budget item for a second try to create a transload facility in the New Milford area. 

One member stated that it was good that there is a positive attitude from the Harrisburg crowd, but without the commissioners agreeing to guarantee the local match portion of the grant, the Authority would be no further ahead then they were before.  No offer of a guarantee was made by either commissioner at todays meeting.  Another member asked whether or not the land, targeted for the project was still available. 

 It seems that no matter how hard the Authority members work to make the transload project work, it still requires the cooperation of the commissioners.   So, while a meeting with the PennDot officials is a positive move, the commissioners need to step up to the plate very shortly if there is any hope of this project eventually succeeding. 

 Your thoughts? 

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In the final phase of his second murder trial in Montrose, convicted murderer Stephen Scher was sentenced to life in prison.  Scher was convicted of the 1976 killing of Martin Dillon, an attorney in Montrose.  He was also ordered to pay court costs, etc.  Although it has been established that Scher is indigent, it appears the thought may be that if he were to come into money at some point or if there is a life insurance policy, a portion or all of the proceeds could be used to satisfy this demand. 

 Scher, of course has the right of appeal.  It is not known at this time whether he will excercise this option.

Around 3PM  (3-13-2008) in Montrose, the Jury announced their decision, finding Stephen Scher Guilty of First Degree Murder of Martin Dillon in 1976.

 No doubt there will be an appeal - as one should do who has been convicted of Murder.  The question will be “how far will the appeal(s) go?”  Does the Convicted have the stomach and the will to continue?  As he has been declared without sufficient funds to defend himself, the taxpayers will continue footing the bill. 

This writer attended portions of the first trial.  To say the proceeding was bordering on being a circus is not stretching the matter too far.  At least 10 times during my attendance, the members of the public attending the trial laughed out loud at statements being made.  It actually reminded me of a laugh track on a sitcom.  Each time, Scher’s attorney would move for a mis-trial and each time Judge Seamans admonished the audience, telling them not to do it again.  Disregarding what was said, the laughter had to influence the Jury’s opinion of the testimony.  It was not a shining example of the Justice system.  Or maybe it was.  This is Susquehanna County and feelings and prejudices have been known to run very deep.  This may have something to do (at least the at time of the first trial) with more than a few skeletons rattling around in local closets. 

Of course, Scher really didn’t help himself from the onset when he was shown on a local television station carrying a  Bible (I believe at the time of his arraignment); Scher is a Jew.  This area has a significant number of people who are deeply devout Christians, who didn’t appreciate that at all. 

Later on when he recanted his story about the porcupine, most people believe he really destroyed his credibility. 

 In any event, porcupine or not, Scher was found guilty in the first trial.  Of course there was an appeal, which this writer believes was at least partially based on the attending public and Judge Seamans actions, causing the second trial which just concluded.  Of course a change of venue was petitioned for by Scher’s attorney, but it was not granted. 

 Since this writer did not attend any portion of the second trial, no comment will be made as to procedure, etc.  Suffice to say, he was found guilty. 

 One interesting aside, another well known murder case (in New Jersey) involving Rubin (Hurricane) Carter, a professional boxer who was convicted twice of murder which occurred June 17, 1966.  The first conviction was in 1967.  Carter always maintained his innocence.  Through the efforts of many, including Bob Dylan who wrote a song about the event, Carter got a second trial in 1976.  Carter and a co-defendant were again sentenced to life in prison.  Carter’s defense continued to appeal on various grounds.  In 1982 the NJ Supreme court acknowledged that the prosecution had withheld evidence, but upheld the conviction 4-3.  In 1985 Carter filed a writ of Habeas Corpus in federal court, a move which is rarely successful.  Various appeals ensued from both sides with the prosecutors winding up with the US Supreme Court, which declined to grant certioari (which means “to be searched or to make certain”)  to the case.  The ruling left prosecutors with the option of trying the case a Third time or dismissing the charges. 

In 1988, prosecutors filed to dismiss the original indictments saying “It is just not legally feasible to sustain a prosecution, and not practical after almost 22 years to be trying anyone.”

 Although many differences exist between the two cases, the prosecutor’s comment was interesting.  Thus, many questions are raised.  Can a man actually get a fair trial after so many years, when the original prosecution was 20 years in the making?  How about 32 years later, when a significant number of witnesess deceased?  What happened to Scher’s marriage to Dillon’s widow?  It was brought out that they are divorced.

Please make no mistake, the writer is in NO WAY advocating on behalf of Stephen Scher.  He was found Guilty of Murder - twice.  These comments should be thought of as a layperson’s questions of the judicial system, both here and other places as well as our own actions as the general public.

Have we heard the last of Stephen Scher?  Probably not.  Probably there will be appeals.  However, it is apparent from various media pictures, that time is catching up with him.  Even if he mounts a succesful appeal,  will he be around to enjoy it?

 Your thoughts.

Readers of this blog may have noticed that there has been nothing to this point (other than noting the start date of the trial) on the retrial of Stephen Scher.  The reason for this is not to become a part of the media feeding frenzy and let the events continue on their natural course. 

By all appearances, this trial does not have the appeal the first one did - although a man is on trial for his life.  It is expected that the closing arguments will be completed by the end of the week. 

This writer offers no opinion as to the innocence or guilt of Stephen Scher at this time, only thanks that this country’s judicial system is set up to attempt to be sure the accused gets a fair trial. 

Depending on the outcome, there may be appeals - from either side. 

After the jury has rendered it’s verdict there can and should be a discussion here.  Until then, let Judge Henry and the Jurors do their job. 

According to published reports, Pittsburgh based JEC Technologies plans to build an assembly plant with just over one acre under roof in the Greater Forest City Industries Industrial Park.  For those who are not familiar, the GFCI Park is located at the extreme Southeastern corner of Susquehanna County, on the edge of Forest City. 

According to JEC Technologies website: “JEC Technologies is a US Government 8(a)/SDB Certified electronic manufacturing services (EMS) company “We provide world-class advanced electronic manufacturing solution and customized supply chain management to the Defense & Aerospace, the Industrial, and the Medical electronics industries. We offer our customers comprehensive and integrated design services, efficient manufacturing methodology, and quality assurance; from initial product design and printed circuit board layout to prototype, full production and test development.”

Apparently the plan is to construct the facility over an 8 month or so period and eventually create 260 jobs within 5 years.  CEO and Co-Founder Joey Ahia indicated the company would be hiring the semiskilled, technicians and engineers.  The average salary will be $41,000. 

Giving credit where it is due is important.  This company locating here is at least partially due to the efforts of the Central Bradford Progress Authority, the fact that the property is in a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone (KOEZ) as well as an Enterprise Zone. 

While this project will, when completed have an obvious positive economic impact on the area, remember another important consideration.  Even if this company relocates from the area at the end of the economic incentives, the infrastructure will be in place to more easily attract another industry.  Further, after this plant is built and operational, it will give credibility to the area, making the area more attractive to other similar businesses. 

More information may be found about JEC Technologies on their website   http://www.jectechnologies.com

Actually this has been around  for a couple of weeks now.  Just now getting the time to address the matter.

If you need to really make a point which will survive the length of a Commissioners’ meeting in Susquehanna County, you need to get on the agenda.  Otherwise, it is the understanding of this writer that there will be no writtten record kept of the public comments.  Although this may be legal, it certainly is a slap in the face of the public who takes the time to attend the 9am meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.  Are the commissioners attempting to save money by not having to keep a record of the public comment?  Or are they attempting to add a(nother) layer of opacity to their workings?  Let’s not forget they were hired by the voters of this county to represent the entire county.  Doesn’t representing the citizenry of this county include keeping a COMPLETE and ACCURATE record of their PUBLIC meetings?  Although probably not legally required, it certainly fits the idea of using common sense.  

Why the sudden change?  Why now?  Is this some bush league attempt to effectively silence the attendees of commissioners’ meetings? 

Don’t be afraid to ask your employees (the ELECTED commissioners of our Fair County) what their purpose was by this ridiculous action, and what their perception of gain for the County at large is and will be by not keeping a complete record of their public meetings. 

 Your thoughts?