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Issue 36 — Thursday, April 12, 2012
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Pike County Outdoors
Trout Anglers Poised
To Wet A Line
By Ron Tussel

Just a couple of days separate us from opening day of the Pennsylvania season for trout fishing. Granted, some of our neighbors to the southeast started a little earlier, but the vast majority of the Commonwealth will be awaiting the 8 o’clock whistle on April 14th to kick off the new season.

Trout season is almost as popular as the opening day of deer season throughout Pennsylvania. Young and old, single anglers, families or groups of friends, many find just getting out there for opening day a tradition passed on from one generation to another.

We always enjoy getting up early and packing a lunch and snacks for later in the day, and then having a family breakfast before heading out. Of course, if there is a local fire company holding a fund-raising breakfast, we might hit that instead. So long as we are sharing a meal with family and friends while talking trout, all is good.

Hopefully the weather will be nice for opening day as few things impact participation as much. Cold, windy weather with a few flurries flying about is not unusual for our region for the opening day of trout season. Warmer weather of course will bring out more fishermen.

Weather ahead of the season can also have some impact on angler success. We had a virtual lack of winter this year, with zero snow pack. The lack of melting snow pack and lower than average rainfall could have long-term effects on trout anglers.

Water levels are low in many places across the northeast as a result of the lack of spring melt off, but the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has been busy stocking literally millions of trout to waterways across the commonwealth, with thousands hitting our local streams, lakes, and ponds. Concerns for the survival and availability of these stocked trout are valid, given the field conditions at hand, resulting from the “trickle down” effects of zero snowfall this winter. I contacted the northeast region office of the Fish and Boat Commission and spoke with Walt Dietz, Regional Outreach & Education, Coordinator, Bureau of Boating and Outreach.

“I doubt that the lower water levels, lower amounts of rain and lack of snow melt will have a huge impact on stocked trout survival here in the early part of the spring. Trout can adapt to water flows and will move to new suitable spots.

“The main concern comes when we get into the hotter temperatures and the water is still low towards the late spring and early summer. Those warmer water temperatures are not suitable for trout, and the lower water makes it hard for them to move to deeper water or cooler spots (like where a spring may enter a stream or a deeper shaded hole). And these factors would also affect trout stocking in the later spring months. Stocking trout from the cold water in a hatchery truck and into warmer water becomes an issue. That’s why our field staff always measures the water temperatures before stocking trout. If the water is too warm, then it is on to plan B.”

Trout require higher dissolved oxygen levels than other species such as perch, bluegills or bass. Trout need water with at least 6 mg/L D.O. The oxygen demand of aquatic plants and cold-blooded animals also varies with water temperature. A trout uses five times more oxygen while resting at 80° F than at 40° F.

Presently things are on schedule, according to David Arnold, Area Fisheries Manager for the Fish and Boat Commission. “I do not anticipate any waters not to be stocked, or reductions in allocations at this time. All streams will still receive their annual allocation. As always, particularly for in-season stockings, anglers should check our website to ensure that the water was stocked on the date listed before traveling long distances. The PFBC makes all attempts to ensure that the stocking schedule is up to date as possible. Doing so will greatly aid in the start of an enjoyable fishing experience.”

With the fish in place all anglers need to do is pick their choice of water for the opening day. In Pike County, Lily Pond is always a popular choice on opening day, especially for the young anglers. Shohola Creek, the Lackawaxen River, Fairview Lake, Masthope Creek and plenty more will all be on the hit list for a wide variety of trout anglers. Whether you prefer to fish with dry flies or marshmallows, spinners, spoons or garden worms, opening day is a day to be enjoyed by everyone who just loves getting out there. Catching a couple of trout is of course, always a bonus.

River LAX

MILFORD — On April 14, Delaware Valley Warrior Youth Lacrosse will be hosting River LAX 2012, an all day youth lacrosse festival. There are 21 teams coming from across NY and PA. They are expecting about 550 youth players, and three fields will be running for a total of 46 games.

There will be different lacrosse merchandise vendors, the DV booster club and players will be running lacrosse activities to raise money for the program. Opening ceremonies will take place at 8:30 a.m. at the DVHS stadium. Call 570-982-4289 with questions.

Old Mine Rd.

WALPACK, N.J. — On Sunday, April 15, the Walpack Historical Society will conduct a hike with historical commentary down the Old Mine Road from the Sandyston-Walpack border, south the Van Campen Inn, a distance of two and a half miles.

Hikers will meet at the Rosenkrans Museum, Main Street, Walpack Center, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, at 11 a.m. and carpool to the start of the hike.

The hike will be over a gravel surface, all on a down grade. Hikers should bring insect repellent and a snack, wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. The public is invited. Call 973-948-4903 for further information.

 

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Criminal Sentences

MILFORD — Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin announced the following criminal sentences were issued by Pike County President Judge Joseph F. Kameen on Thursday, April 5:

Crystal Presto, age 21, of Port Jervis, NY was sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay a fine of $300 for the crime of retail theft. On May 1, 2011, at the Wal-Mart in Westfall Township, Presto took a number various items without paying the full retail value.

Allan Spangenburg, age 29, of Dingmans Ferry, PA was sentenced to the Pike County Correctional Facility for three months and three days to 18 months, ordered to pay a fine of $1,300 and had his driver’s license suspended for 18 months for the crime of Driving Under the Influence and Possession of a Controlled Substance. On February 25, 2011 on SR 2001 in Dingman Township, Spangenburg drove his vehicle off the road and was found to be driving under the influence of Meprobamate, Hydrocodone and Carisoprodol. He was also found in possession of Meprobamate and Hydrocodone without a valid prescription.

Steven Brennen, age 48, of Lords Valley, PA was sentenced to the Pike County Correctional Facility for 4 to 8 months and ordered to pay a fine of $500 for the crime of Simple Assault. On July 17, 2011 at the Pike County Correctional Facility in Blooming Grove Township, Brennen assaulted two corrections officers by kicking and biting causing bodily injury.

William Murphy, age 30, of Bushkill, PA was sentenced to 12 months of probation, and ordered to pay a fine of $200 for the crime of Simple Assault. On May 26, 2011, in Lehman Township, Murphy put another person in imminent fear of bodily injury by engaging in threatening behavior while on a second story deck.

Derrick Montgomery, age 19, of Bushkill, PA was sentenced to the Pike County Correctional Facility for six days to 15 months and ordered to pay a fine of $450 for the crime of Criminal Trespass. Between November 27 and December 11, 2011, in Lehman Township, Montgomery entered a residence through and unlocked window knowing he was not privileged to be there.

Heidi Freer, age 39, of Liberty, NY was sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay a fine of $100 for the crime of Bad Checks. On August 29, 2011, in Westfall Township, Freer issued a check to a business knowing it would not be honored.

Wenzel Zaruba, age 51, of Milford, PA was sentenced to the Pike County Correctional Facility for 72 hours to 6 months, ordered to pay a fine of $ 1,025.00 and had his driver’s license suspended for 12 months for the crimes of Driving Under the Influence and Driving on Roadways Laned for Traffic. On October 23, 2011, Zaruba struck a Pennsylvania State Police car in Delaware Township and was found to be driving under the influence. His blood alcohol level was .284 percent.

Theodore Potts, age 27, of Newfoundland, PA was sentenced to a State Correctional Facility for 12 months to five years and ordered to pay a fine of $300 for the crime of Receiving Stolen Property. On August 22, 2011, during of a search of his residence by State Parole Officers, in Greene Township, Potts was found in possession of a 2007 Suzuki ATV knowing it had been stolen from the Philadelphia area.

Frank Bastone, age 42, of Glen Spey, NY was sentenced to a State Correctional Facility for two to four years, ordered to pay a fine of $500 and had his driver’s license suspended for 12 months for the crime of Delivery of a Controlled Substance. On August 18, 2011, in Milford Borough, Bastone sold 24 Suboxone pills to a confidential informant for $240. In a separate incident on September 2, 2011, Bastone sold 25 Suboxone pills to a confidential informant for $ 250.00 in Westfall Township.

Michael Destefano, age 32, of Canadensis, PA was sentenced to the Pike County Correctional Facility for 72 hours to six months, ordered to pay a fine of $1,000 and had his driver’s license suspended for 12 months for the crime of Driving Under the Influence. On May 25, 2011, Destefano was found to be driving under the influence on SR 390 in Greene Township. His blood alcohol level was .218 percent.

State Police Reports

BLOOMING GROVE — Pennsylvania State Police at Blooming Grove have announced the following activities. If anyone has any information on any of the incidents that have occurred below, please contact the Pennsylvania State Police at Blooming Grove at (570) 226-1862 or (570) 226-5718.

Tfc. John Chervanka of the Honesdale PSP station reported a hit and run crash on April 6 at approx 6:45 a.m. at 533 Hudson St., in Hawley Boro. The crashed involved a 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup truck, silver in color, and an unknown vehicle.
The unknown vehicle travelled west on Rt. 590 and failed to keep the vehicle in the westbound lane of travel and struck the Dodge, which was parked in a driveway located along the North Berm of 590.
The unknown vehicle departed the area traveling west on 590 without stopping and providing any information. The unknown vehicle should have significant front end damage.
Anyone with information of this crash is asked to contact PSP Honesdale at 570-253-7126.

Trooper Robert Urban os the PSP Swiftwater station reported a theft on April 6 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 56 Lakeland Dr., Wallenpaupack Estates in Paupack Twp. The victim is Ghilas Basilios, 73, of E. Stroudsburg. Actors remain unknown.

The PSP are investigating a theft of a 1987 Yamaha 50cc Razz scooter. The scooter is blue in color, bears VIN # JYA2HU006HA000465 and is valued at approx. $800. On April 6 at 4 p.m., the victim returned to his residence from shopping and noticed that his shed door was ajar. Upon further investigation he noticed the said scooter missing. If anyone has information regarding the theft contact Trooper Urban at the PSP Honesdale Barracks.

Trooper Kevin Varcoe reported a burglary on April 5 at approx 7 p.m. on Lake Shore Drive, Wild Acres, Delaware Twp. The victim is Adam Ottavino, 74, of Dingmans Ferry.
Unknown persons made entry into the victim’s residence and proceeded to remove a Dell laptop computer and a bronze statue of a golfer.
Value of stolen items is approx. $1,600. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Blooming Grove at 570-226-5718.

Trooper Urban at the Honesdale station reported a burglary on April 6, 2:30 p.m., at 46 Alpine Rd., Beech lake, Damascus Twp.
The victim is Tabatha DeGroat. The accused is Lawrence Mullally, 22, of Beech Lake.
On the above date and time, the accused was arrested for burglary, criminal trespass, and theft. On March 29, the accused unlawfully entered the victim’s residence and took items such as a white gold necklace with two heart shaped keys attahced and a chain link silver bracelet totaling $175. Mullally then took the items to a local jeweler which yielded his arrest.
He is at the Wayne County Prison held on $10,000 bail.
This case awaits further court proceedings.

Pike County Fire Calls

MILFORD — Pike County Communications Center reports these emergency calls for the period of April 4 to April 9.

April 4
Central-Forest, vehicle accident-unknown injury, Blue Eddy Rd.,, Lackawaxen, 6:55 a.m.; Forest-DCNR-Hawley, vehicle fire-1A, Rt 590, Lackawaxen, 11:14 a.m.; Central, standby in station, Lackawaxen, 11:30 a.m.; Dingman-Hemlock Farms-Milford-Westfall, residential structure fire-1A, Foster Hill Rd., Milford Twp., 12:44 p.m.; Forest, fire chief investigation, Towpath Rd., Lackawaxen, 3:10 p.m.; Hemlock Farms, brush Fire-1A, Goldrush Dr., Blooming Grove, 5:18 p.m.

April 5
Promised Land, residential structure fire-1A, Rt 447, Greene, 1:24 a.m.; Dingman, utility/wires, Gold Key Rd., Dingman, 6:49 p.m.

April 6
Central-Lackawaxen, residential fire alarm, Powderhorn Dr., Lackawaxen, 8:42 a.m.; Milford, fire chief investigation, Partridge Cir., Dingman, 11:38 a.m.; Greeley-CentralLackawaxen-Shohola-Forest, brush fire-1A, Lackawaxen Rd.., Lackawaxen, 11:38 a.m.; Delaware, structure-chimney fire, Doe Dr., Delaware, 3:36 p,.m.; Hemlock Farms, residential fire alarm, Waterview Dr., Blooming Grove, 4:17 p.m.; Bushkill-Dingman-Delaware-Milford, brush fire-1A, Griff Ct., Delaware, 7:15 p.m.

April 7
Westfall, vehicle fire-1A, Penna Ave., Westfall, 1:33 a.m.; Dingman, residential fire alarm, Kiel Rd., Dingman, 11L46 a.m.; Greeley-Dingman-Matamoras-Milford-Mill Rift-Westfall, brush fire-1A, Wild Turkey Ct., Westfall, 12:13 p.m.; Greeley-Dingman-Hemlock Farms-Milford-Shhohola-Montague, brush fire-1A, Mud Pond Rd., Dingman, 12:59 p.m.; Tafton, vehicle accident-ALS-1A, I-84 Em Palmyra, 3:56 p.m.; Blooming Grove-Tafton, crush fire-1A, Rt. 402, Blooming Grove, 3:58 p.m.; Tafton-Hawley, brush fire-1A, Gunstock Ln., Blooming Grove, 4:50 p.m.; Shohola, fire-unknown type, Knealing Rd., Shohola, 8:52 p.m.

April 8
Dingman-Milford, standby-transfer to station (fire), unknown municipality, 12:10 p.m.; Delaware, standby-trasfer to station (fire), Lehman, 1:08 p.m.; Dingman-Hemlock Farms, vehicle accident-entrapmenet-1A, Rt. 7329, Dingman, 4:40 p.m.; Dingman-Matamoras-Milford-Westfall-Montague, brush fire-1A, Old Bridge Rd., Dingman, 5:03 p.m.; Westfall, standby-transfer to station (fire), W. Catherine St., Milford Boro, 5:33 p.m.

April 9
Dingman-Milford, commercial fire alarm, Broad St., Milford Boro, 10:02 a.m.; Westfall, fire chief investigation, Penna Ave., Westfall, 10:13 a.m.; Tafton-Hawley, utility/wires, Kimbles Rd., Palmyra, 10:54 a.m.; Hemlock Farms, utility/wires, Rt. 402, Porter, 10:56 a.m.; Greeley-Central-Hemlock Farms-Lacakwaxen-Forest-DCNR-Hawley-White MIlls, brush fire-2A, Creek Rd., Lackawaxen, 11:15 a.m.; Dingman-Delaware, brush fire-1A, Lehman, 11:53 a.m.; Tafton-Hawley, brush fire-1A, Rt. 6, Palmyra, 2:47 p.m.; Greeley-Central-Hemlock Farms-Lackawaxen-Forest-Hawley, residential structure fire-1A, Turkey Cir, LAckawaxen, 3:35 p.m.; Milford, outside invesitagtion-fire dept., Christian Hill Rd., Dingman, 3:56 p.m.; dingman-Milford-Shohola-NPS, brush fire-1A, Cliff Park Rd., Dingman, 4:21 p.m.; Hemlock Farms, fire chief investigation, I-84 E., Dingman, 4:31 p.m.; Tafton-DCNR-Hawley, brush fire-1A, Dirk Rd., Palmyra, 6:18 p.m.; Milford-Westfall-Montague, vehicle accident-entrapment-1A, I-84 W., Milford Twp., 6:39 p.m.; Blooming Grove-Hemlock Farms, commercial fire alarm, Old Field Rd., Blooming Grove, 8:43 p.m.; Central-Forest, brush fire-1A, Church Rd., Lackawaxen, 10:43 p.m.

 

 
 
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