Tri-County Independent

The 7th annual soup sale, sponsored by the Bethany Collective, will be pre-order and pick up only. To order, call Janet Heinly at 570-470-1562, then, on Sunday, February 28, stop by from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the parking area in front of the Bethany Borough Building at 8 Court Street in Bethany.

Granted nearly $1 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding earmarked for broadband-related development, the Wayne County Board of Commissioners funneled this money into six projects throughout the county.

Subscriber only: The Commonwealth has collected more than $1.7 million in fines from the violations last year, with still more owed, according to state officials.

Wolf said he sees a light at the end of the vaccination tunnel, when 65-to-75% of Pennsylvanians are vaccinated, new case numbers begin to rapidly drop and hospital capacities return to normal where he would lift restrictions.

The Pike County Commissioners, February 3, authorized and directed issuance of a General Obligation Debt totaling $5 million for the repair of replacement of five county bridges.

Tafton Fire Company (Station 37) while announcing their high call volume for 2020 issued a plea for volunteers. Described as very high for the volunteer fire department at Lake Wallenpaupack, Station 37 answered 1,664 calls last year. http://ow.ly/8EH450D9BRz

Honesdale Set for a Crucial Week of Wrestling... https://www.tricountyindependent.com//honesdal/4432930001/

The $300 is automatically added to each claimants’ payment; they do not need to apply. Approximately 127,000 claimants in the Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits programs will receive the $300 FPUC boost as soon as Tuesday. The program runs the claim weeks ending January 2, 2021 to March 13, 2021. There is no additional cost to the state’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. http://ow.ly/ceGe50D3Hol

Wayne County Wanderings: Clarence "Juney" Rickard... https://www.tricountyindependent.com//clarence/4172145001/

U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, 42, was one of five people to die in the assault on the U.S. Capitol building.

At 2:45 a.m. on December 29, local volunteer fire companies were called out to an active residential chimney fire. The house is on the 500 block of Rowland Road, Lackawaxen Township. http://ow.ly/f3hA50D3Buc

In the OOR decision, the hearing officer, Magdalene C. Zeppos-Brown, found that the language in the Right-to-Know Law clearly states that the PIAA is an agency that falls under the statute.

Wildcat Cagers Ready to Rock & Roll... https://www.tricountyindependent.com//western-/6652396002/

Assistant Superintendent Keith Gunuskey said due to the uptick in COVID-19 cases and concern of another spike following the Christmas-New Years Holidays, it was premature to resume education in the classrooms on the 4th of January as planned. Remote learning in the district will continue through at least Jan. 19. http://ow.ly/CiAS50D3jlO

North Pocono rifle team set for the season http://ow.ly/uGzT50D8shm

Before the polls opened on Election Day, more than 20,000 people across Wayne & Pike County had already voted. https://www.tricountyindependent.com//over-20-/6122693002/

Additional condo homes are planned at the Retreat at Millbrook, formerly part of Tanglwood Resort, but not without concerns expressed by some neighbors at a hearing held October 20 before the Palmyra Township supervisors. https://www.tricountyindependent.com//neighbor/6053371002/

President Trump told supporters Wednesday at the rally near the White House he would "never concede." This is as close as he has come to doing so.

A small surprise (Covid-safe) birthday party was held in the lobby of Hawley Village Apartments to honor Frances Lloyd, with many of the tenants attending to help her celebrate. https://www.tricountyindependent.com//mrs-fran/6084821002/

While no voter will be denied their right to vote for not wearing a mask, Secretary Boockvar urged all voters to wear a mask for their own safety and to protect other voters and the poll workers who will be spending all day at the polls so their neighbors can cast their ballots. https://www.tricountyindependent.com//no-voter/6123231002/

A free COVID-19 drive-through testing site will be available in Pike County, January 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. The site is at the Park & Ride on Route 739, Dingmans Ferry. http://ow.ly/rhPM50D2Q8F

As part of our weekly look at local history, we celebrate the greater Moscow area, roughly from Elmhurst to Daleville to Hollisterville. https://www.tricountyindependent.com//story-ex/6053539002/

OPINION: President Trump poses danger to nation; Congress, Pence, Cabinet must stand ready to act

Today is Election Day and the polls are open 7 a.m. - 8 - p.m.

If you want a great story to balance out all the negative nonsense that's been going down the past few days, please check out my next column! Ed Jonas of Cold Spring was a member of the very first Little League Baseball championship team. I interviewed Ed today at the Family Farm and at 84 he's as upbeat and engaging as ever. Courtney Harrison from WNEP will also have a piece on Ed this evening as Little League opens up yearlong its 75th Anniversary celebration. ... My column will be online tomorrow and on newsstands Saturday morning. It's going to be a good one, so please check it out Kevin

Kurt Reed, Curator of the Dorflinger Factory Museum, has donated a Dorflinger punch bowl set to the Museum in memory of his friend and mentee Dr. Walter B. Barbe. https://www.tricountyindependent.com//glass-do/6083787002/

The Pa. Secretary of Health and Acting Secretary of Education recommended an in-person option for elementary students who attend schools in counties even where community spread of COVID-19 is considered substantial.

A Lackawanna County woman is charged with three counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, all felonies, one count of Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, a felony, three counts of Criminal Use of Communication Facility, all felony 3rd degree, two counts of Endangering Welfare of Children, both misdemeanor 1st degree and three counts of Possess of a Controlled Substance, all misdemeanors. http://ow.ly/dPVk50D2CXr

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of the Greater Lake Region is sponsoring a basket/gift voucher raffle during the month of November. https://www.tricountyindependent.com//relay-li/6085084002/

According to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, a 50-year-old Ringtown, PA man is one of three people who apparently died of medical emergencies.

Twin Lakes Road in Pike County is closed between US 006 (G.A.R HW in Milford) and the intersection of PA 434 (Shahola Road) because of a downed tree on wires. Crews are working on removing the tree. The road will reopen Tuesday, November 3rd at approximately 9:00 AM.

The individual tested positive after known international exposure to the new coronavirus strain.

Lady Hornets Are One Win Away... https://www.tricountyindependent.com//honesdal/6123154002/

Pa. House Republicans said they'd object the election results, and they followed through with their votes.

'Cats Capture LFC Divisional Grid Title... https://www.tricountyindependent.com//western-/6123449002/

Orders should be placed in advance by calling 570-253-4191, texting 570-905-5041, or emailing [email protected]. http://ow.ly/BYLV50D2jC2

Delaware Valley Celebrates 6A Championship... https://www.tricountyindependent.com//delaware/6123251002/

Vice President Mike Pence declared early Thursday morning that Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump.

See the aftermath of the riot at the Capitol.

For more information visit www.pikepa.org/elections or call 570-296-3427. https://www.tricountyindependent.com//prepared/6054236002/

"We have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use."

The unprecedented security breach disrupted what, during normal times, should have been an uneventful democratic process of counting electoral votes. How did it happen?

"This means that the account of @realDonaldTrump will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets," Twitter Safety said. "If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked."

Rioters breached security and entered the Capitol Wednesday. See the photos from D.C.

Wallenpaupack Vets for Vets (WVFV) remains dedicated to assisting veterans and first responders in Pike and Wayne Counties, an announcement from the organization states.

"This, of course, is a shameful lie," Wolf said during a news conference. "The very democracy these lawmakers swore an oath to uphold is at risk here."

Trump supporters are gathering in Washington D.C. to protest the election as Congress counts Electoral College votes.

Several U.S. representatives from Pennsylvania in a joint letter said they will oppose the popular vote in their home state and will not certify the commonwealth's electors when the U.S. House meets Wednesday.

The Wayne County Commissioners passed the final 2021 General Fund Budget. The budget balanced at over $35 million with zero tax increase for County taxes. The County tax rate will remain at 4.99 for 2021. Of the millage rate, 4.61 mills will go toward revenue and the remaining .38 mills will be used to make payments on outstanding debt.... http://ow.ly/lgHO50D1ASb

Tanner Gillette Wins Online Big Buck Photo Contest... https://www.tricountyindependent.com//lake-ari/6560788002/

"Nationally, we expect the vaccination efforts to move into high gear now in the new year."

La Befana visits children on Epiphany Eve, January 5, and fills the socks of good children with candy and trinkets. Naughty children would receive coal or dark-colored candy. Sweets, including the delicious struffoli, are served on the Epiphany. http://ow.ly/2Zwy50D0Hvw

As of January 9th, individuals with a prescription will be able to acquire a COVID test from 7:30am noon on Saturdays, in addition to Monday Friday from 7:30am 4pm, at the Wayne County Fairgrounds at Route 191 North and Miller Drive, Honesdale. For more information, visit www.wmh.org. https://www.tricountyindependent.com//wmh-labo/4142849001/

As of January 2, there have been 493 people vaccinated. The most was on New Year's Eve, with 93 shots being given.

Lady Bucks return to the hardwood

Western Wayne music students auditioned virtually for District Band and District Chorus this year. http://ow.ly/z4ai50CZPsP

In the middle of the major snow storm that struck the region, volunteer firefighters were called to do battle against a raging structure fire in the Hemlock Farms community. http://ow.ly/w9DE50CZT4q

Our view: We plan to leverage our coverage and our editorial voice and also, more importantly, your voices and experiences, to spotlight our challenges and bad habits and identify good ideas, best practices and solutions.

Wayne Memorial Hospital’s first baby of 2021 is little Carter Schariest, born to Kayla and Steven Schariest of Hawley. http://ow.ly/dIz550CZPoi

The Caregivers Support Group, sponsored by the Wayne County Area Agency on Aging, will not meet in January do to the increasing community spread of COVID-19. http://ow.ly/wyaF50CZF4R

2021 is off to a wintry start. Here are photos from around the state of yesterday's snow.

Western Wayne poised for a breakout season

Congratulations to our Final NEPA EAT SWEEPS WINNERS! Diane Cutaia of Dingmans Ferry Susan Campino Haynes of Pleasant Mount Cheri Lombard of Jefferson Township

The scene was just too beautiful for me to pass by on my way in to the newsroom this morning. Six inches of heavy wet snow fell on Honesdale overnight, making for a messy clean-up but also for some postcard-worthy photo opportunities. Have a wonderful day, folks!... Kevin

Our New Year’s resolution? To deliver the latest local news and exclusives to you. It's the last day of our sale, so don't delay: https://bit.ly/3aRVy2r

AgChoice Farm Credit announces a complimentary Farming for the Future educational webinar series this winter. Hosted from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. on the first Thursday of January, February and March, the series features the following nationally recognized speakers and topics. http://ow.ly/u5q150CYHJT

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Jan. 3 for Pike and Wayne Counties. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches expected. Snow will develop between noon and 2 pm, peak in intensity late this afternoon and taper off late this evening.... Plan on slippery road conditions. Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Three seniors were honored by the Wallenpaupack school board for outstanding academic performance and use of extracurricular opportunities. They are Kaitlyn August, Lauren Brand and Timothy Stopyra. http://ow.ly/D9lr50CYHjJ

Vandals also left fake blood and a severed pig's head on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's driveway, according to local news reports.

The 2021 budget was passed by Palmyra Township, Pike County Board of Supervisors, December 15, with no change in tax levels. The budget totals $1,225,800 in the General Fund, and $275,820.69 in State Highway Aid. The tax millage remains at 3.40, General Fund, .50 Ambulance, and 1.00 mill, fire. http://ow.ly/XRxw50CYms8

The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) contributed $14,847.18 to Lackawaxen Township on December 21 to support The Care Cabin in its mission to provide food for those in need. http://ow.ly/ICOK50CYmqL

Western Wayne FCCLA presented a check to The Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau in the amount of $455.09. http://ow.ly/9G4v50CYmhA

A 6% toll hike begins Sunday for all E-ZPass customers, and for those drivers using Toll by Plate, the increase is much larger.

In order to recoup costs for Tafton Ambulance, Palmyra Township, starting January 1, 2021, plans to start billing other municipalities $500 every time Tafton is dispatched outside Palmyra. http://ow.ly/HwiK50CY1IT

The City of Carbondale and Borough of Honesdale, divided by a mountain ridge and a county line, are forever linked in history. One would not exist without the other. Their heritage is bound together by the discovery of Carbondale's coal in 1812 and the subsequent establishment of the Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Canal Company in 1823, as a means to transport that coal to market. http://ow.ly/HaCA50CY1I0

Honesdale Borough Council is seeking public comment on a proposed ordinance that would add Article II, Rapid Entry Systems, to Chapter 109, Fire Prevention of the Code of the Borough of Honesdale. The proposed ordinance can be viewed from the Borough’s website, honesdaleborough.com under the Public Announcements tab, or in the Borough Office or at the Wayne County Law Library. The proposed ordinance was developed upon a request received from the Honesdale Fire Department.... http://ow.ly/lYPa50CY18V

With many eager to bid farewell to 2020, take a look back at popular New Year's traditions both near and far. http://ow.ly/7lSV50CXHNd

The Armed Forces Bowl ended in a brawl Thursday afternoon. See video of what happened.

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Wayne & Pike Counties from 3 p.m. Jan. 1 to 7 a.m. Jan. 2. Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of one tenth to three tenths of an inch. A mix of snow and sleet will develop by early evening New Year`s Day. The precipitation will change to freezing rain in the evening and last into the overnight and early morning of Saturday. The freezing rain will taper off to a few rain... showers by sunrise Saturday as temperatures rise above freezing. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute New Year`s Day. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) is holding COVID-19 vaccine clinics for area healthcare professionals with direct patient contact. Eligibility is in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines for those who fall into Category 1A. Healthcare workers who have not already been contacted by WMCHC staff may either email [email protected] or leave a message at 570-253-8197 for information. Clinics will be held in Wayne and Pike Counties as w...ell as Carbondale. If calling for a group, please leave one individual as a primary contact. Supplies are limited and prioritization is based on Health Department guidelines. http://ow.ly/MhPw50CXNJQ

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS are being given at Wayne Memorial Hospital. According to the PA Department of Health, as of December 31, there have been 385 vaccinations for COVID-19 administered to people who live in Wayne County.... A story by Peter Becker, with photos, is being planned.... QUESTION: Are you planning to be vaccinated, when the opportunity comes? What are your thoughts? Comments posted here might be used in the story, as space permits. (PHOTO: Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale, Pa., as seen from Irving Cliff. Photo by Peter Becker)

Effective 2:00 PM on Friday, January 1, vehicle restrictions reflecting Level 4 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan will be implemented on I-81, 84 and 380 north of I-80). No commercial vehicles are permitted. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place. Speed ...limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while restrictions are in place, and commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane. https://www.tricountyindependent.com//penndot-/4098883001/

SR 690 is closed from the intersection of Bryant Lane in Moscow Borough to the intersection of Foundry Rd. & Willow St. due to a bridge closure. A detour is in place from Eastbound SR 690 head north on Aberdeen Rd (SR 2005) to right turn onto Reservoir Rd (SR 2004) to right turn onto SR 690 West. From Westbound SR 690 turn right onto Reservoir Rd (SR 2004) to left turn onto Aberdeen Rd (SR 2005) to left turn onto SR 690 East. The work should take several weeks.... http://ow.ly/zeSa50CXB4R

Carbondale Area Senior Julian Turonis, who plans on majoring in Art in college, won the senior high contest. His work was displayed on a trio of billboards in Lackawanna County. http://ow.ly/atEu50CXzBT

See how to make sure you get your $600 stimulus check via direct deposit or direct mail.

Restaurants, big and small, have been impacted by the restrictions on in-person dining placed by the Wolf Administration statewide to help curb the Covid-19 surge over the Christmas- New Year Holiday. http://ow.ly/iR0a50CX4SW

Extracurricular activities and youth sports will be allowed to resume in Pennsylvania beginning next Monday.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) on Dec. 17 voted to investigate proposed rate increases submitted by Pike County Light & Power Co. (PCL&P) to increase its electric and natural gas distribution rates. The Commission voted 4-0 to suspend the proposed rate increase requests for up to seven months from the time the rates would otherwise have become effective, and to assign the case to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge (OALJ) for corresponding proceedings and the issuance of a recommended decision. A final decision must be made by July 28, 2021. https://www.tricountyindependent.com//puc-prob/4051287001/

The Christmas Shopping Tour is an annual tradition for the Honesdale Area Jaycees. http://ow.ly/NICN50CWRhd

Enter today and every day for your chance to win $75 total in Gift Certificates form Villa Como, Two Guys from Italy and Scarfalloto's Towne House Restaurant. https://wayneindependent.gannettcontests.com/NEPA-Eat-Swee/

Because of the pandemic, no fireworks at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, and no Mummers Parade on Broad Street. Harrisburg and Pittsburgh are holding virtual celebrations.

Check those bank balances! Stimulus money could be coming to your account tonight.