TRR photo by Sandy Long An example of “directional pruning” performed by Jaflo along Greeley Lake Road. The PPL Electric Utilities brochure, “Tree Pruning We All Can Live With,” explains that such pruning removes only the branches growing toward power lines. It adds, “Remaining branches are left to grow naturally. Trees retain more of their natural shape and spacing.”

Scenic beauty versus power delivery

Pike couple outraged at tree pruning practices

By SANDY LONG

GREELEY, PA—Ten years ago, Herman “Skip” Van de Vaarst and his son, Jeff, planted a screen of carefully sited white pine and hemlock trees to shield their home from the road and provide cover for the wildlife they enjoy watching. On August 3, Van de Vaarst and his wife, Elizabeth, stood helplessly by as 19 of those trees were removed in a matter of a few hours by Jaflo Inc. of Orefield, the tree-trimming contractor hired by PPL Electric Utilities.

When Skip and Elizabeth confronted the crew’s foreman, they were told that PPL holds an easement, or right-of-way, which permits pruning trees or brush and that the couple should check their deed for proof.

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Cats in crisis

Dessin Animal Shelter strives to cope

By SANDY LONG

HONESDALE, PA—It’s that time of year when beauty abounds as the harvest is brought in and regional forests display a changing panorama of brilliant color. It is also the time when area shelters can become overrun with cats. Most are the result of the culmination of the breeding season, which begins in early spring and concludes in late fall as cold weather approaches.

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Local clerk candidates oppose Spitzer’s license agenda

Plan would give driving licenses to illegal immigrants

By FRITZ MAYER

MONTICELLO, NY—Both candidates who are running to capture the county clerk’s office in November said Governor Eliot Spitzer’s plan to grant drivers licenses to illegal aliens is a bad idea.

Neil Gilbert, the clerk who was appointed by Spitzer to the position of Sullivan County Clerk in May and who is seeking to be elected to the position, said the plan would “undermine security in my state, that’s why I’m against it.

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Other stories in this issue:

• Gerry brothers honored
• Highland Senior Center trashed
• County to provide driving license tests in Sullivan high schools
• No Sullivan property tax increase in 2008
• Wayne to work on storm water plan with Pike
• Election residency questions raised
• The guiding hand

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S