We do have other logs but all are currently promised out. Check back later in the summer for more options.

We have no regular store hours, so please contact us to set up an appointment.
Give Mike a call at 716.604.8761 or email him at fmp1816@yahoo.com for more details.

Available wood in stock that’s been cut and is ready to go.

COOLBAUGH TOWNSHIP — A barber in the Poconos will likely face trial for the death of his coworker.

Police say they got into an argument last week that turned physical. The coworker ended up dying after the fight.

Police say Shawn Develvet started arguing with his coworker and that arguing turned into a fight inside the barber shop where the two worked.

Develvet’s attorney says it’s a fight that got out of hand but the victim’s family says Develevet has no remorse.

The sister of the victim shouted at Develvet on Wednesday. She wants the accused killer to know how she feels about the loss of her brother Quentin Thomas.

“Are you satisfied, are you satisfied? I hope you rot!”

Prosecutors say on May 9, accused killed Shawn Develvet and his coworker Quentin Thomas of Tobyhanna Started to argue inside Stylez Barber Shop off Route 196 near Tobyhanna. The argument turned into a fight. The two got tired, stopped fighting, and both walked away. But Thomas started having trouble breathing and minutes after the ambulance, arrived he died.

As Develvet was escorted by police Wednesday, he said nothing, looking past reporters to the friends and family of the victim who were surrounding the entrance to the district court.

In court, the victim’s girlfriend testified she was at the barber shop that day and that it was Develevet who got physical first. The woman then blurted out, “It was a nightmare, it’s the reason I can’t sleep.”

At one point during her testimony, Develvet shook his head and was overheard whispering to his attorney, “that’s not true.”

Then as a police detective testified, Develvet became emotional and his attorney wiped away his tears.

“Some sort of banter precipitated into a fight. This was a mutual combat fight,” said Develvet’s lawyer Jennifer Bathon.

The sister of the victim doesn’t believe Develvet’s tears are true.

“He has no remorse about nothing. He did create pain in everybody’s lives right now.”

Shawn Develevet is scheduled to be tried on criminal homicide charges.

He’s locked up in the Monroe County Prison.

In 1949 aerials, most of the original homes can be seen on S College Avenue still standing as they had for almost 100 years. A side by side of the 1913 Sanborn Maps and 1949 aerials shows very little change over the 40 years between them.

CLICK TO ENLARGE 1913 v 1949.

The M E Church on College and 3rd Street was gone and replaced by Graham Motors, today the Convention Center. The S College neighborhood was still alive and well in 1949 and the old Central School, built in the 1870s to serve Bloomington’s youth, still stood along the west side of College Avenue.

CLICK TO ENLARGE. Old Central School still stood in 1949 at 328 S College Ave.

The neighborhood had a long history of being home to prominent doctors, educators and citizens of Bloomington. At one point, much of the land had been settled and developed by the pioneer Maxwell family. The Howes, Bollenbachers, Neelds, Becks, Hoadleys, Mathers, Hollands, Breedens, Adams and Tourner families all lived along S College Avenue over the years. Today, only the Adams family mansions still stand near 2nd Street and College Ave–but many of the other homes from that era were equally impressive.

The James K Beck’s Mansion at 327 S College was a sight to be seen in both its massiveness and it Victorian glory. It rivaled some of the largest homes in Bloomington and stood right across the street from the old Central School and was the home of professor Beck who served as Bloomington High School principal and Supterintendent starting in 1870s and retired in 1905.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Beck also started the Bedford Products Company (stone company) with neighbor George Bollenbacher in 1911. The home only lives in descriptions and aerial photos, as no known family photo of the home exists.

CLICK TO ENLARGE The names of the former homes along S College Ave.

Joshua Howe owned the first “car” in Bloomington in 1903. He was a well-known jeweler in town and lived at 409 S College.

George Bollenbacher owned one of the largest spoke factories in town in the early 1900s–starting out as a shoe store man in 1874.

The Neelds were a well-known pioneer family who owned 402 and 408 S College, built by Cyrus Nutt Simpson Neeld in the mid 1800s. Cyrus was a self made man and Civil War veteran and named after former IU President Cyrus Nutt. Cyrus went on to be a prominent owner of a hardware store on the west side of the square.

CLICK TO ENLARGE. Cyrus Nutt Simpson Neeld

George Stodgsdill owned a few grocery stores in Ellettsville and Bloomington and still lived at 323 S College in 1940 after serving as county assessor in 1934.

Frank Tourner served as County School Superintendent in 1893 and on the Health Board in 1925 all while living at 311 S College Street.

Along the avenue were others: at 319 Stuart Strout the railroad conductor; at 315 William Ashley the Insurance Salesman; 335 Alango Morris the coal salesman; wife of Reverend John Ramsey (Mary) still lived at 342 as a 76 year old widow in 1940 (the home was demolished before the 1949 aerial).  Paul Strain still ran his optometrist office at 350 S College at the age of 59 in 1940.

CLICK TO ENLARGE Looking south along College not long before you hit 2nd Street.

But as it happened all across Bloomington after World War 2, the feelings about old neighborhoods and old buildings had changed. Progress was the new theme. The 1950s and 1960s post war trend was about gadgetry, modernism, new electronics and comforts, and a whole new vision of architecture. There was little outcry as whole neighborhoods and old homes were bought up by developers and razed to the ground in order to build the new “Third Generation” landscape of Bloomington.

By 1961, most of the buildings along the east side of S College were demolished and paved over by developers for new businesses or offices. The problem was, they had made a grave miscalculation. What once was a thriving neighborhood full of old homes, family residences and doctors offices became a desolate undeveloped desert of pavement.

CLICK TO ENLARGE. Demolition of S College Ave can be seen in this 1949 v 1961 aerial comparison.

Unlike the development of East 4th Street whose preserved old homes were eventually filled by offices, businesses and restaurants and became a thriving economic community, businesses and entrepeneurs looked at the vacant and barren S College and saw little opportunity for growth. And so, the land has sat barren and unused for nearly 50 years. Had the old homes and structures been saved, might had law offices, realty companies, restaurants or even businesses eventually decided to occupy those old homes? We’ll never know now.

UPDATE: 4:30 P.M.

STROUDSBURG — A man turned himself in Tuesday, two years after a deadly hit and run in the Poconos. Police believe that driver is the brother of the man killed two years ago in Stroudsburg.

The suspect was in court Tuesday on charges he ran over his brother while driving drunk.

Kyle Risko of New Jersey turned himself in at the magistrate’s office in Stroudsburg.

Police say the man and his brother were out at the bars earlier in the evening, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in 2011. When it came time to go home, the suspect’s brother tried stopping him from driving and ended up getting killed.

Police say Kyle Risko first told them he didn’t know what happened to his brother. He was found lying in the middle of North Eight Street in Stroudsburg in March, 2011.

Police got surveillance video of the area and investigators say that video showed them that Kyle Risko not only knew what happened, he also caused his brother’s death.

“Usually in a case like this, there’s a family demanding justice, wanting to get something done, wanting to punish somebody. In this case, the family is definitely not asking for this to be done. The district attorney is doing this against the family’s wishes,” said defense attorney Michael Ventrella.

Kyle Risko originally told them he found his brother William, 29, lying in the middle of the street and that William was hit by someone else’s vehicle.

But days later, police looked at some surveillance video taken from a camera at Pure Day Spa a half block away. Investigators say they noticed there was more to the story than what Kyle was telling.

When police reviewed the surveillance video, they saw the person they believe is Kyle driving down an alley way with his brother William hanging on the side of the car. William then fell off and landed in the middle of the road on North Eighth Street in Stroudsburg. The video then shows Kyle driving up North Eighth Street, stopping and backing up and that’s when, police say, he ran over his brother’s head.

Police say the video then shows Kyle pulling forward getting out of his vehicle to check on his brother, calling 911 and staying with his brother until police arrived.

Police say Kyle Risko later admitted he was the person behind the wheel but insisted he didn’t know his brother was hanging on the car.

“He drove out of the church alley onto North Eighth Street and saw something glittering behind him and for some reason he did a three point turn, turned back and saw that his brother was bleeding on the ground. There’s inconsistencies between what he told us and what we saw on the video,” said Capt. Brian Kimmins, Stroud Area Regional Police.

Police would not elaborate on why the investigation took two years and would only say there was an incredible amount of investigation involved.

We also contacted the district attorney’s office about the case and are waiting to hear back about why it took two years to make an arrest.

Kyle Risko is out on bail.

STROUDSBURG — A Pocono Mountain West High School teacher facing child sex charges was back in court Monday.

Christopher Martinelli is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy at his home near Tobyhanna in 2011.

His lawyer questioned some testimony the alleged victim gave at Martinelli’s preliminary hearing. Because of that, a judge agreed to move the trial date from June until September in Monroe County.

MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP — The rule of thumb for many green thumbs this time of year is to plant your annuals, vegetables, and herbs after Mother’s Day.

The reason is because the weather is usually warmer for those plants to grow. But that’s not true for Monday night.

Cold weather is on the way and you must get your plants prepared.

Carts filled with flowers, vegetables and herbs spent a cozy evening Sunday night inside the greenhouse at Richard’s Tree Farm near Marshalls Creek. Other plants were tucked away underneath these tarps as a way to prevent damage from cold nighttime temperatures.

“It’s just simple protection from the frost and tonight, actually, they’re calling for some freeze,” said Seth Richards, the CEO of Richard’s Tree Farm.

Richards says the cold nighttime spring temperatures aren’t abnormal. His customers know this, too.

“I’m leaving them in the garage. Last year, I had them outside. It was too late to bring them in, so I had big garbage bags over them, then take them off in the morning,” said Tom Pacetta from Middle Smithfield Township.

So let’s say you just planted your annuals, your vegetables, and your herbs. Richards says if the temperature at night is 40 degrees or below, you want to take action and protect those plants. First you want to get a basket, for example, a laundry basket, and put it over your plant. Then get a garbage bag or bed sheet and put it over the basket, like a tent. Make sure it isn’t touching plant. Then, weigh down the bag or sheet, so it doesn’t blow away.

“There’s nothing worse than going through the whole routine of time and effort and come out in the morning and the plastic or cloth is in your neighbor’s yard,” said Richards.

One customer decided to take the day to browse around the greenhouse and to wait-out the cold before buying anything.

“Another time I’ll just come back and get some more stuff, when the temperature is warmer,” said Susan DiPiazza of Bushkill.

The coroner says Linda Serrano, 46, died just after 3 a.m. at Pocono Medical Center.

Authorities say a passing driver found Serrano about three hours earlier along the berm of westbound Interstate 80 in Bartonsville.

According to authorities, Serrano was able to tell them that she had been in a car with her husband on Saturday evening. They started arguing, and she asked to be let out of the car.

Serrano said she was walking toward Route 33 where it crosses over Interstate 80. She said she lost her footing and fell about 15 feet down to the berm of the Interstate in Monroe County.

Fett Svin continues to celebrate National BBQ Month with service throughout the Genesee Valley.  Coming up are chances to catch the Viking I Mobile Landraider in Livonia and Rochester:

- Friday, May 17 * Abilene Bar & Lounge starting at 4:00pm for our regular Happy Hour and beyond engagement.  Live tunes, drink specials, the back patio has opened and the fine proprietor of ROC’s best watering hole has also situated tables and chairs on the front sidewalk for your outdoor dining and drinking pleasure.  Our craft brisket and more will be featured in the weeks to come.

- Saturday, May 18 * Village of Livonia Yard Sale Days / Abilene Late-Night * While out looking for values be sure to stop out to Fett Svin global headquarters at 38 Washington St. in Livonia where our award-winning ribs and more will be available to purchase.  The Viking I will also make its regular Saturday night appearance at Abilene Bar & Lounge.

- Sunday, May 19 * Village of Livonia Yard Sale Days (Day Two) * Your second chance to visit us at 38 Washington St. in Livonia and feed the family from Fett Svin’s offerings.  To-Go order packaging available.

In the coming days you will have the opportunity to sample our competition-style BBQ as we ramp up for Roc City Rib Fest over Memorial Day Weekend where Fett Svin will be returning to vend and compete in defense of our seven different awards from 2012.

Emmanuel Riopelle, a 44-year-old Grosse Ile resident, pleaded no contest Friday in Monroe Circuit Court to one count misconduct in office, a five-year felony.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said the conviction effectively ends Riopelle’s law enforcement career. Because Riopelle’s misconduct occurred while he served in a position of public trust, state law requires him to also forfeit his pension.

“Law enforcement officials who abuse their position for personal gain undermine public safety for everyone,” Schuette said in a statement. “We will hold corrupt officials accountable, wherever they are found.”

Schuette said Riopelle was charged in Feb. 2011 for coordinating an extensive scheme to systematically embezzle property and money seized from suspects from March 2006 to December 2008.

Former Michigan State Police Lt. Luke Davis, 50, of Monroe, and Monroe County resident Lawrence Dusseau, 44, were also charged in Feb. 2011 for their roles in the scheme. On March 26, 2013, Dusseau pleaded guilty to two counts of title jumping to avoid the state use tax, a five-year felony. Dusseau’s sentencing is set for May 30, 2013. Davis is scheduled for trial on May 13, 2013.

The alleged embezzlement was uncovered by state police following a Nov. 28, 2008 complaint from a suspect alleging Davis stole property from his home. Schuette said a search of Davis’ home on Dec. 4, 2008 revealed the stolen property, as well as vicodin, oxycotin, steroids, a wall covered with a large quantity of men’s and women’s jewelry, 30 designer purses, 22 cell phones, computers, televisions, motorcycles, and a golf cart, among other property.

Subsequent investigation revealed Davis allegedly developed a system of embezzling seized property from the drug unit he commanded. According to Michigan State Police policy, seized property is to be sold at public auction, put to official use, or destroyed. But in March 2006, Schuette said Davis, with the help of Riopelle and Dusseau, began diverting some property for his own use or giving it away rather than selling it at auction.

It is also alleged Davis used Dusseau as a “straw buyer” at the auctions, falsifying receipts to show Dusseau purchased the property at auction, but Dusseau would later sell the property to a third-party and then split the profits with Davis. Embezzled items included flat-screen televisions, designer purses, furniture, cell phones, automobiles and electronics, according to police.

Upon issuance of the charges, Davis and Riopelle were placed on unpaid suspension.

“The Michigan State Police does not tolerate criminal behavior within its ranks,” Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, Michigan State Police director, said in a statement. “However, I am encouraged that two of the three charged in this case have entered pleas and am confident Mr. Davis will be held responsible for his criminal acts.”

A no contest plea isn’t an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

COOLBAUGH TOWNSHIP — Hours after a fight broke out inside a barber shop in the Poconos, one man is dead and one man is charged with homicide.

Police want to find one man they believe saw the whole thing.

The fight happened Thursday afternoon inside a barber shop near Tobyhanna.

Police hope a witness steps forward: a customer who was inside the barber shop when the fight broke out

Stylz Barber Shop is on Route 196 near Tobyhanna.

The owner of the day care next door says she was surprised such a thing happened.

“I was kind of, like, in shock. I’ve been here for nine years and I’ve never seen anything of such,” said Myra Quinones. “Everybody here is like family. So to hear someone passed away, it was shocking.”

Quinones cares for 40 children each day and when the fight broke out in the afternoon, she says she didn’t hear anything

“Nothing, actually. We were inside. I didn’t’ know anything that was going on until the phone calls started coming in to see what happened.”

The police chief from the Pocono Mountain Regional Police department says sometime Thursday, there was a fight that broke out inside the barber shop. When police arrived on scene, they found the 34 year old victim beaten badly.

Police believe Quentin Thomas and Shawn Develvet two got into an argument which then became physical. After the fight, police say Develvet started cleaning up the scene before officers arrived.

Thomas died on the way to the hospital.

“It’s not the greatest news to hear on a work day.”

Edward Cardiello, manager of Ed’s Auto Service and Towing across the road says he’s also surprised by what happened.

“Out of the blue, we just saw a bunch of ambulances and police cars roll on scene. There was no noise no yelling, no shouting, nothing like that.”

Shawn Develvet is locked up a homicide charge

The Monroe County coroner says he’s waiting for more test results before ruling on Thomas’ death.

Police are looking for the customer who was inside the barber shop when the fight broke out.

Police say that customer left just before police arrived and would like to talk to him about what happened.

COOLBAUGH TOWNSHIP — One man is dead, and another is in police custody after a fight Thursday in Monroe County.

Police were called to Stylez Barber Shop along Route 196 near Tobyhanna.

Officers said they were called to the shop for reports of a fight.

When they arrived they found Quentin Thomas, 34, who was beaten badly.

They took him to the hospital where he later died.

Shawn Develvet, 48, was arrested and is facing charges of homicide, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, and making false reports to law enforcement.

Police said both men worked at the barber shop.

Authorities are still investigating.

In case you weren’t aware, Mother’s Day is right around the corner.

If you’re still undecided on what to get mom, it’s not too late to get a gift that can be both “sweet” and “neat”.

Outside the Pocono Cheesecake Factory near Tannersville, a sign says it all: “Mom wants cheesecake for Mother’s Day”.

When you venture inside the store, you might understand why.

“This is more in line of a gourmet gift,” said Michelle Van Fleet, a baker at the Pocono Cheesecake Factory.

Van Fleet says there are all sorts of cheesecake flavors available for mom, including chocolate, caramel and cookies.

But when it comes to the most popular, “Believe it or not, plain is the most popular. Plain or plain with topping is the most popular cheesecake we sell,” said Van Fleet.

Mother’s Day, typically, is one day where mom is pampered with sweet treats, all sorts of gifts like cards or flowers. But let’s be honest, mom out there can use a couple extra days of pampering, which may include someone else helping out around the house.

Jan Toepert is the owner of Busy Bee Cleaning Services, based in Reeders. She says buying mom a little more time to pamper herself, by getting her to do the chores, is worth it.

“All the cobwebs, smudges, stairs, you name it, kitchen,” said Toepert.

Jan says she loves to clean and depending on the size of the home, it can take her a few hours or a whole day.

But no matter what, she gives mom’s home some “tender loving care”, which means, “For moms, less stress,” said Toepert.

And one happy mommy.

WIN is a joint effort of eight community colleges, seven Michigan Works Agencies and other organizations to create a comprehensive work force development system in Southeast Michigan that provides employers with the talent they need.

Following a recent report on the past five years of job growth, WIN is now releasing quarterly reports for Southeast Michigan, with real-time employer data.

The first report, which studied the first quarter of 2013, looks at employment opportunities in the region and growing demand in industry sectors. Included is data from nine counties — Genesee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne — and the city of Detroit.

For first quarter 2013, WIN found the following:
* The regional labor market held fairly steady over the last year, from January 2012 to January 2013:
* The size of the region’s labor force — those actively working or seeking work — increased by 7,495, less than a fraction of a percent.
* The number employed — those with either full-time or part-time jobs — declined by 2,324 workers, also less than a fraction of a percent.
* The number of people unemployed — those actively looking and available for work — climbed by 9,819, almost 4 percent.
* The number of online job postings for the first quarter of 2013 was 76,185. That was up 37.8 percent over the fourth quarter of 2012, but down 7.7 percent from the first quarter of 2012.

WIN’s priority occupational clusters include information technology, health care, engineering and design, and skilled trades:
* Information technology saw the strongest employer demand in the first quarter of 2013 with 11,360 postings. This is up 21 percent from the fourth qurater of 2012 and 22 percent compared to a year ago.
* First quarter 2013 health care postings jumped 40 percent over fourth quarter 2012 but showed a 1 percent decline compared to the same period last year.
* First quarter 2013 demand for engineers and designers was up 7.8 percent over a year ago but down 14 percent from the fourth quarter of 2012.
* First quarter 2013 demand for skilled trades climbed 45 percent over the first quarter of 2012 but fell 14 percent from the fourth quarter of 2012.

The region’s top 5 job postings for first quarter 2013 were:
* Mechanical Engineers (2,434 postings)
* Computer Programmers (2,121 postings)
* Software Developers, Applications (2,101 postings)
* Registered Nurses (2,060 postings)
* Retail Salespersons (1,968 postings)

The top-five demand mix is roughly the same as in 2012, although demand for computer programmers has moved to second overall, up from seventh. Together, these top-five jobs represent 15 percent of the region’s total employer demand, in terms of online postings, in the first quarter 2013.

Each WIN county and the city of Detroit showed gains in job postings in the first quarter 2013 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2012. Only Wayne County, spurred by demand in the city of Detroit, showed continued gains in demand above first quarter 2012 levels. All others saw postings below first quarter 2012 levels.

WIN was founded with the support of the New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan and launched in November 2011. Community college partners in WIN are Macomb Community College, Monroe County Community College, Mott Community College, Oakland Community College, Schoolcraft College, St. Clair County Community College, Washtenaw Community College and the Wayne County Community College District. Participating Michigan Works agencies include the Detroit Employment Solutions Corp., the Genesee-Shiawassee Michigan Works Agency, the Livingston County Michigan Works, the Macomb-St. Clair Michigan Works, Oakland County Michigan Works, Southeast Michigan Community Alliance and the Washtenaw County Michigan Works.

AT&T also announced it had upgraded additional mobile Internet cell sites in Dearborn and Detroit to expand AT&T 4G LTE coverage for area residents and businesses.

And, AT&T announced it had upgraded two mobile Internet cell sites in Monroe County’s Newport and LaSalle to expand AT&T 4G LTE coverage in those areas.

The AT&T 4G LTE network provides several benefits, including:
* Faster speeds. LTE technology is capable of delivering mobile Internet speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G. Customers can stream, download, upload and game faster than ever before.
* Cool new devices. AT&T offers several LTE-compatible devices, including new AT&T 4G LTE smartphones and tablets.
* Faster response time. LTE technology offers lower latency, or the processing time it takes to move data through a network, such as how long it takes to start downloading a webpage or file once you’ve sent the request. Lower latency helps to improve services like mobile gaming, two-way video calling and telemedicine.
* More efficient use of spectrum. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource, and LTE uses spectrum more efficiently than other technologies, creating more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better network experience.

AT&T claims the nation’s largest 4G network, covering more than 292 million people with ultra-fast speeds and a more consistent user experience. Our 4G LTE network delivered faster average download speeds than any of our competitors in PCWorld’s most recent 13-market speed tests.

AT&T’s 4G LTE network delivers speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G, as well as multiple innovations that optimize the network for performance. Its radio components are placed close to the antenna at most cell sites, instead of inside the base station, which helps minimize power loss between the base station and antenna and, in turn, improves the performance of the network. The network also is designed with its core elements distributed across the country, which helps reduce latency, or the delay when using the Internet, because requests aren’t traveling as far.

Even as AT&T continues to expand its 4G LTE coverage, customers can get 4G speeds outside of 4G LTE areas on our 4G HSPA+ network, unlike some competitors, where smartphone customers may fall back to slower 3G technologies when outside of LTE coverage.

AT&T also operates the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network, including more than 32,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers, and provides access to more than 402,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to the national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn’t count against customers’ monthly wireless data plans.

AT&T also is a leading developer of Distributed Antenna Systems, which utilize multiple small antennas to maximize coverage and speed within stadiums, convention centers, office buildings, hotels and other areas where traditional coverage methods are challenging. 

Over the past five years, AT&T invested nearly $98 billion into its operations across the country. Since 2008, AT&T has invested more capital into the U.S. economy than any other public company. In a July 2012 report, the Progressive Policy Institute ranked AT&T No. 1 on its list of U.S. “Investment Heroes.”

BLAKESLEE — Flames left a home in ruins in Monroe County.

Fire started around 11 p.m. Wednesday at a house on Lake Lane in Locust Lake Village near Blakeslee.

Crews on the scene said a man was inside the home but got out safely.  He is staying with relatives.

The fire marshal will investigate what sparked the flames.

POLK TOWNSHIP — A group of veterans spent the day fly fishing on Wednesday as a way to heal from physical and mental challenges.

The group meets monthly and is looking for more veterans to join in on the hobby.

The veterans got a ride from the Veterans Hospital near Wilkes-Barre to the Indian Mountain Rod and Gun Club near Brodheadsville.

They’re part of “Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.”

It teaches vets to cope with physical and emotional challenges through teaching the art of fly fishing.

“It’s a good way to let it all hang out,” said Mike Sherba of Wilkes-Barre.

Sherba served in the Navy from 1966 to 1968 and says he now is learning to cope with his stress and depression by casting his line.

“Pretty much learning how to stay mellow and not get upset like I just did, because I lost a fish. But that’s OK,” said Sherba.

Another benefit of belonging to this group, Mike says, is the camaraderie he’s gained and the friendships he’s made.

“A lot of us talk about what we did in the service and how you did. A good friend of mine, Tony, got me into other programs for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and all that stuff,” said Sherba.

Camaraderie is also a big thing for Tom Tucker, a Vietnam veteran who served in the air force from 1969 to 1973.

“It does help you get out with other veterans and to actually catch a fish,” said Tucker.

For Sherba, he caught a few trout, sending an enormous smile across his face.

“Feels great, feels great,” said Sherba.

From April through October, the veterans can be found fly fishing throughout parts of our region. The main goal is for these veterans to grab the fishing rod and go fishing when times get tough.

“It helps get your mind off of everything. It gives you peace of mind.  A piece of well-being,” said Tucker.

“On the way here we’re on the bus, talking and laughing and all that stuff and having a good time.  We get here and we just laugh and have a good time,” said Sherba.

If you or someone you know is a veteran and interested in joining the group, click on the link, call the Veterans Hospital in Wilkes-Barre and ask for “recreation services”.

Police said the bus veered into oncoming traffic along West Main Street in Stroudsburg, hit a car and then a utility pole. It happened around 6:30 a.m.

Both drivers were taken to the hospital.

No students were on the bus.

Police in the Poconos have not said if charges will be filed.

STROUDSBURG — One man is in custody and another was taken to the hospital after a stabbing in Monroe County.

Police tell us a fight broke out Tuesday afternoon between two men on South Eighth Street in Stroudsburg.

According to officers, Andrew Rondon, 26, stabbed Dennis McWilliams, 27, in the shoulder and broke his leg by stomping on it.

Rondon was taken into custody and McWilliams is in the hospital after the incident.

MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP — Charges were filed Monday against a man police believe installed video cameras in showers at a campground in the Poconos.

Troopers said Kenneth Schiff, 49, of Somerset, New Jersey placed several hidden cameras in the showers at Otter Lake Campground near Marshalls Creek.

People staying there discovered the cameras in August of 2012.

Investigators said Schiff was a guest staying at the campground.

He is being charged with invasion of privacy.

I’ve posted below some examples of stories that appeared in local papers that seem typical of how these accidents occurred. In many cases those that perished under the wheels of the trains did so out of the carelessness of youth. Sadly, in this case, the victim was the second child in the family to die in a train-related accident. The article uses the name “Roland” but that was a younger brother and later articles correct this and correctly name the Bush boy as Ralph Bush. He was also only 16 years old. Ralph’s older brother Ross died just a few years before him attempting to hop a train to Indianapolis (he was only 20 years old). Their parents (Mr. and Mrs. John Bush) must have felt cursed:

———————————————————-

Bloomington (IN) Evening World, September 10, 1912, p.1

RAN DOWN BY MONON TRAIN; CROSSING TRACKS

Roland Bush, 17 Years Old, Meets With Probable Fatal Injuries At Noon Today

Roland Bush died at the hospital at 3:30 this afternoon

While attempting to cross the Monon railroad track at Curve street near the basket factory shortly after noon today, Roland, 17 year old son of John Bush, an employee of the Hoadley Stone Mill, got his foot caught between the tracks and was probably fatally injured by a south bound freight train. His right leg was completely cut off at the hip, his left arm was cut off at the elbow and his skull fractures.

The accident occurred on the presence of four or five other young men who had been with Bush. The youths were sitting on a mound above the railroad tracks when the train was heard coming down the grade. Bush suggested that the boys the boys cross the tracks to the other side before the arrival of the train and he started ahead of the others. He put his foot between the rails at the crossing, could not get it released, and was run down by the train.

Ralph Bush is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery.

The engine ran down to the Kirkwood Avenue crossing before the train could be stopped. Bush was thrown to the east side of the track and when the Templeton & Barrow ambulance arrived, his leg was about five feet away from the other parts of his body. Bush was rushed to the Bloomington hospital where Monon surgeon Dr. C.E. Harris attended his injuries. He was in unconscious condition and from all appearances it seemed that he would live but a few hours. His face and body were covered with clots of blood and cinders and his arm was hanging by a small piece of flesh. The youth was not working today but had been employed some time ago in the opening of the Johnson quarry east of the city.

Just over a year ago his brother, Ross, aged 22, was killed at the Illinois Central station in this city as he was attempting to board a train for Indianapolis. Bush lived in South Park with his father, mother, brother, T.J. aged 9; and sister, Goldie, aged 12.

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Even the rich and famous weren’t immune from the same moments of carelessness and meeting the same fate.  In this case, Charles Showers of the famous Showers Furniture Factory in Bloomington met his end below the wheels of a train on his way to Ohio in Greencastle:

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Charles C. Showers Died

Greencastle (Putnam County, Indiana), Banner, January 19, 1882, p. 5.

HORRIBLE

Elisha Sublett of Warren Township and Charles C. Showers of Bloomington Fall

Prey to the Murderous Car Wheels

This past week has witnessed two of the most horrible accidental deaths that it has ever been our misfortune to chronicle. The first was that of Elisha

Sublett of Warren Township.[He] was a man of about 50 years of age and was an habitual drunkard.

Charles C. Showers, the second victim, was exactly the opposite of Sublett.

He had an acrimonious abhorrence of whisky and was a thorough, consistent Christian, for many years a member of the Methodist church at Bloomington and local preacher. His death, which occurred Monday afternoon, was an exceedingly sad affair and could scarcely have been more horrible.

Mr. Showers is the head of the well known Showers Brothers furniture manufactory at Bloomington and was on the road to Ohio on a collecting tour. He came up on the train from the south and was waiting for the I. & St. L. train going east. He had walked across from the depot to Foxworthy’s planing mill, and when he heard the passenger train coming in from the north on the New Albany road, he started back across the track to the depot.

Charles C. Showers is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery.

The train had stopped for the crossing and was pulling up to the depot pretty rapidly. Mr. Showers had his hand up to his head to shield his face from the storm and, whether he saw the train or not, or whether being somewhat absent minded, he failed to note its near approach, is not known, but he had not more than stepped on the track when the engine struck him carrying him about 20 feet when his foot was jammed in a “frog” and he fell.

He was crushed beneath the cow catcher and dragged about 8 feet, the wheels running over one foot and cutting it off at the ankle and mutilating the other one in a horrible manner. A great gash was cut in his hip and side, and his head received a terrible blow. After the engine and the front wheels of the baggage car had passed over him, his body was thrown on the outside of the track. It was at once picked up and carried into the waiting room where Dr. Rogers waited on him. He died in about 30 minutes after the accident without recovering sufficiently to speak. He struggled very hard to say something seemingly having something on his mind which he desired to divulge. He finally muttered in an almost unintelligible voice, “Let loose of my arms.” But this was all he could say.

A telegram was at once sent to his relatives at Bloomington informing them of the sad affair. Two sons, William and C. H. Showers, and a son-in-law, John Sayres (sic), came up on an extra train arriving here at 10 o’clock. The body was removed to the undertaking establishment of Hanna & Black where it was dressed, after which it was removed to Mr. Hanna’s residence on East

A view of the new train passenger depot between W Kirkwood and 4th Street along Morton Street in the early 1900s.

Washington Street. It was taken to Bloomington on the afternoon train Tuesday, and the funeral services took place from College Avenue Church in that city on yesterday morning, Dr. J. W. Webb of this city officiating.

Mr. Showers was 65 years of age and was noted for his piety, having been a member of the M. E. Church nearly all of his life. He professed sanctification and utter abhorred the appearance of evil. He stood in the front ranks as a citizen at Bloomington, and the people there will greatly regret their loss.

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And these were regular fatal occurrences, unfortunately. This is only a portion of the total list of Monroe County citizens who perished in one way or another in train-related accidents from 1879 to 1927:

Aitkin, James, p. 51 (struck by train, age 52, May 8, 1879)

Woolery, Andrew H., Inquest, P-7-25, Died by jumping from a train, 1882

Seaman, Anna, Inquest, P-7-16, Died by a fall from a moving train, 1883

Hill, Joseph, p. 30, fell from train, no age noted, d. Oct 28, 1895

Brown, Sanford, p. 32 (crushed by train, no age noted, April 28, 1897)

Benzie, Walter, p. 48 (hit by train, no age noted, 1898)

Brinson, Charles, p. 67 (run over by train in Stinesville, age 48, September 18, 1903)

Medley, Vincent B., p. 89, hit by train, age 16, Jul 16, 1905

Neil, Kenneth, p. 115, railroad accident, age 17, Jul 28, 1906

Rhodes, Samuel, Col., p. 118, fell from moving railroad handcar, age 23, Sep 25, 1906

Baker, Joseph, p. 125 (run over by train, age 67, April 10, 1907)

Swafford, Thomas, p. 132, run over by train, age 66, Aug 14, 1907.

Robinson, W. H., p. 159, hit by train, age 35, Mar 31, 1909

Kerlin, William Henry, p. 172, hit by train, age 22, Aug 11, 1911

Nelson, W. G., p. 173, crushed by train, age 43, Sep 14, 1911

Bush, Ralph, p. 179 (hit by train, age 16, September 12, 1912)

Williams, John W., p. 193, struck by train, age 69, Mar 1915.

Spicer, Carl, p. 210, struck by train, age 23, Mar 9, 1923.

Sackett, Harry, p. 281, ran over by train, age 35, Aug 5, 1924.

Stidd, Lois Mann, p. 340, hit by train, age 36, Dec 13, 1925.

Wagner, Curtis, p. 349, train accident, age 22, Jan 19, 1926.

Rix, George, p. 377, hit by train, age 22, Jan 3, 1927

The fire even sparked a brush fire near Marshalls Creek.

The fire started in a chicken coop and spread to the barn.

Fire crews said one firefighter who was saving the animals had to be treated for breathing in too much smoke, but all of the animals are okay.

It took fire crews most of the night to get the resulting brush fire under control.

Troopers tell us Kenneth Harbison, 53, from Warrington was killed Sunday along Route 447 in the Mount Pocono area.

State police say the man lost control of his bike and was hit by an SUV.

He was taken to a hospital where he died.

According to police, the body of Anna Eliva Pinto, of Milan, was found near the edge of a wooded area in London Township that was burning.

The woman had apparently been working in the area, burning small piles of brush. Investigators say she was unable to escape the fire and was overcome by smoke and flames.

The Milan Area Fire Department was called to the area Wednesday afternoon following a report of a field fire and found the wooded area engulfed in flames. Other departments responded, and a sheriff’s department helicopter was used to search the area.

An investigation is ongoing.

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