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VOLUME 28, NUMBER 9

Late September, 2023

BOXHOLDER Presorted Standard

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Equipment belongs to Firefighters’ Relief Assn., not TTVFD says Tutrone by Ruth Isenberg Ed Tutrone, Tobyhanna Township Volunteer Fire Department chief, took exception to last issue’s article about equipment being removed from the apparatus turned over to Tobyhanna Township. In an interview on September 18, he clarified the status of the items that were removed. “We did not steal the equipment,” he said. The equipment was not purchased with taxpayer money, but with funds provided to the Firefighters’ Relief Association from the Foreign Fire tax. “We can’t give something to the township that we don’t own.” Tutrone noted that the judge’s order recognized that equipment was purchased through the Foreign Fire

tax. The township receives the money from the state, but it passes through to the township’s firefighters’ relief assocation. Over the past 10 years, the relief association has purchased approximately $690,000 of equpment. Neither Tutrone nor assistant chief Troy Counterman are on the board of the relief association. Steve Weirich is current president. The last audit of the relief association came with a finding by the PA Auditor’s office that a proper listing of equipment was not available. There were not receipts for all equipment, and the current location of all the equipment was not recorded. Tutrone said that situation has been corrected, and the supporting documentation is now being computerized.

Once that process is complete, it will be released to the public. Tutrone also objected to the charge that the equipment was removed in secret. He said TTVFC’s attorney Fred Buck notified township solicitor Harry Coleman ahead of time. The equipment is currently safely stored in Pocono Summit and is not hidden. Tutrone also said the computer and modem were not removed; the EMS squad has the modem, and the paging system was left for its use. As of Monday, there was no word on scheduling of a contempt hearing against the TTVFC, or any information regarding an appeal of the order to turn over the equipment and vacate the building.

This giant crane, part of the Turnpike’s project to build a new bridge over the Lehigh River, is one of two that will lift the giant girders into place that will span the gap. You can see both, and related construction activity during the day for the price of a Turnpike toll between Blakeslee and Albrightsville.

JP: Seth Isenberg

Mt. Pocono Rotary asks Airport Authority to reconsider by Lori R. Cooper For the past 26 years the Mount Pocono Rotary Club has held their yearly fundraiser at the Pocono Mounains Municipal Airport. At the September 20 regular meeting of the Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport Authority, members

of the Mount Pocono Rotary Club were in attendance to address potential changes to the event during Public Comments. The “Fly In/ Drive In” breakfast has been hosted by the Rotary Club and they have chosen local charities to receive proceeds from this event for 26 years. Vern Moyer, a former

president of the Rotary Club and owner of Moyer Aviation, sadly passed away in June 2023. His hanger at the airport was used to host the Fly-In/ Drive-In event where anywhere from 3501200 people have attended in the past. Free airplane rides were given to children ages 8-12, and helicopter

rides were available at a fee. In addition to a pancake breakfast, 12 to 15 sponsor booths, a bounce house and activities for the children were part of the event. Businessman Hal Harris, president of the Mount Pocono Rotary Club, read a part of the letter he received, which was unsigned and

sent to an incorrect address, which stated “With Vern’s passing, PMMA plans to proceed with future events and direct any funds raised from the event.” Harris has asked to put the proposed changes on the agenda for several months after receiving the letter. As See AIRPORT, page 2