THE
BOXHOLDER
JOURNAL of the POCONO PLATEAU ©2021, All Rights Reserved
VOLUME 26, NUMBER 5
July 22–August 12, 2021
“Pennsylvania is the only state that does not permit its local police to utilize radar,” sighed Pocono Mountain Regional Police Chief Chris Wagner during the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Commission meeting on July 13, following familiar pleas from members of Mount Pocono’s newly formed safety committee for aid in slowing autos along Route 611 in the Borough. First used by law enforcement nearly 70 years ago with the first hand held radar gun deployed in 1972, the tool is used to aid in public safety on the roads. Explaining that ongoing pressure to pass legislation is imperative, he reported Pennsylvania Senate again passed Radar bill 49-1, for the fourth time, now sponsored by Senator Mario Scavello. Chief Wagner later described a study by Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police of data complied by Balliet said, “We are dedicated the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that to correcting this unforeseen estimated between 2011 and situation, however, the safety 2017 more than 1,930 motorof the postal workers, IMLCA ists involved in fatal crashes staff and our residents comes might have been saved with first.” PPL responded and removed the approval of radar for local the power supply line at 4 p.m. police. He added, “Pennsylvania has the worst record for on July 15. Demolition of the damaged structure began. It is speed related fatalities in the uncertain when the mailboxes country.” To cancel myths about traffic will be accessible to residents. citations as resources for local The Postmaster is not revenue, the chief noted that permitted to comment .
IML mailbox accident sends postal patrons to Albrightsville
hurt. Mail can be picked up at Repairs are underway in the the Albrightsville Post Office, community of Indian Mountain about 5 miles away. Lake, after a tractor trailer hit The small post office has the structure covering the mail- seen a sudden influx of people. boxes that serve approximately Identification is required to 2,000 residents on July 13. pick up mail. A postal employThere are 2 mailbox areas, ee stated that individuals who one on each side of the comcannot get to the post office munity, each serving half of can provide a letter and their the 4,000 residents. This acci- ID for another resident to get dent occurred near the Route their mail. 534 mailbox area. No one was Association Manager Tyler
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On our radar by Jeanine Hofbauer
by Lori Cooper
Presorted Standard
while tickets are costly, actual fines are $25 with associated fees adding upwards of $150. PMRPD receives $0 from a citation. Municipalities receive half of the actual fine ($12.50). Remaining fine funds are distributed to the courts, and other state and county funds. Suggesting citizens assist in seeking law enforcement radar legislation in Pennsylvania, he asked all to reach out to local legislators for support.
Officer returns “Bring back an officer that served us well,” said Wagner, explaining how last month’s commission agreement to accept the resignation of officer Josh Soto to pursue a career in Virginia has turned to consideration to agree with his return. Discussion acknowledged an advantage of a professional familiar with the area and the department’s approach to the position. Soto would be returning to his regular salary with an adjustment to his seniority. Regarding this first instance of an officer’s request to return to the department, commissioner Kurt Cummings commented, “Take it as a compliment.” A motion to rescind last month’s motion to accept the resignation passed unanimously. Independent audit results presented by Carl Hogan of BBD detailed budget versus See PMRPC, page 2