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VOLUME 16, NUMBER 7
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DECEMBER 2023–JANUARY 2024
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Kidder Supers wrap up a good year by Seth Isenberg
WORK IS PROGRESSING on a new bathroom facility in the Group Camping Area at Hickory Run State Park. On a late December evening, we found lots of mud and a rising full moon. JPK: Ruth Isenberg
Road closure continues to concern Penn Forest Twp. supervisors by Seth Isenberg Residents of Hatchery Road were back at January’s Penn Forest Township supervisors meeting to demand help as the time for the closure of the bridge over the Turnpike draws near. Residents Keith and Audrey Fox, and Harry Diehl, reviewed the situation, noting that a letter from the Turnpike did get sent to the township in July of 2021. It was noted that the letter offers no details about the
Supervisors heard residents Audrey Fox and Harry Diehl regarding Turnpike plans to close Hatchery Road for bridge replacement. bridge replacement project. Audrey Fox laments the time lost to engage with the Turnpike about the seven
families including her own that would be cut off from the township and emergency See HATCHERY RD, page 4
Kidder Supervisors made quick work of the agenda on December 21, conditionally approving subdivisions for the Split Rock Country Club of three lots and one lot, as well as a lot line adjustment for two lots in Split Rock for the Tronzo family. Supervisors were unanimous in approving two-year contract extensions for township manager Suzanne Brooks and chief of police Matthew Kuzma. Brooks reports that the township is actively interviewing for a township secretary/treasurer and for a township clerk. Kuzma was pleased to recommend officer Michael Nikityuk for a full-time officer position. “[His] enthusiasm and work ethic are commendable. I am sure [he] will be a continuing asset to our department and the residents of Kidder Township,” wrote Kuzma in his recommendation. The annual cost of living adjustment (3.4%) for 2024 was approved for eligible recipients. The 2024 annual budget was approved. Taxes remain at 3.65 mils, 2 mils for the real estate fire tax split between the two fire companies, and 1.3 mils for
ambulance and rescue. An earned income tax of 1% is split between the township and school districts. A 1% real estate transfer tax is also split between the township and school districts. There is a $52 local services tax. On mechanical amusement devices, there is a tax of $50 each. A 4% tax is applied on revenues from amusement activities, limited to 40% on golf. The 2024 fee resolution setting fees for the year was tabled. The general fund will be $1,593,000 – up $92,253 from 2023. The 2023 budget was adjusted to match expenses. Bills of $145,497 were approved. ARRO Consulting engineers submitted invoices for $20,658 and $11,553. The Flying Locksmiths billed $10,960, and $9,862 went to the Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Co. towards their new truck. For emergency services, a total of $7,071 was disbursed. County Waste GFC was paid $25,589 for trash collection. A permit was approved for Big Boulder Ski Area to hold a fireworks display on January 27. A list of fireworks, D&M Fireworks LLC — a licensed fireworks company, a $500,000 See KIDDER, page 2