TRR photo by Sandy Long The juxtaposition of farms and gas wells occurs with increasing frequency as rural landscapes, like this one in Bradford County, PA are transformed by natural gas exploration.

Gas transforms a landscape and way of life

By SANDY LONG

[Editor’s note: The River Reporter traveled to Bradford County, PA last week to observe the natural gas exploration occurring there. We were given a driving tour of areas where gas wells, pipelines and a compressor station are in place or being installed. We saw water storage and withdrawal sites as well as seismic testing activities. Our questions were answered by Michael Lovegreen, Bradford County Conservation District manager; John Sullivan, County Commissioner, Conservation District board member, farmer and leaseholder; and Terry Lutz, a 22-year township supervisor and leaseholder. The photos provided here are representative of the evolving landscape.]

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Sager rejects ‘elite’ tag

Local boy aims for Albany

By FRITZ MAYER

MONTICELLO, NY—Sullivan County Legislator David Sager shook up the local political landscape last week when he announced that he would switch parties and run for the state senate in the fall. The office of Senator John Bonacic, whom Sager will face if he secures the Democratic nomination, linked Sager to New York City “elites” because of his stand on gas drilling issues.

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Gurdjieff tax deal nixed by court

County wins round against Tusten

By FRITZ MAYER

TOWN OF TUSTEN, NY—The court did not address whether the organization should be tax exempt, but it did say that the deal the town struck with the organization was not allowed.

The decision by the Supreme Court appellate division, which was handed down on April 29, overturned a decision by the lower court in February 2009, in which the judge dismissed the proceeding against the town.

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Other stories in this issue:

• Eco hero award
• Walsh retires from the cooperative extension
• Damascus supervisor-for-a-day
• Correction
• Gas at a glance
• Fourteen test wells in Wayne
• Three Republicans aim at Carney’s seat
• Gunther to run again

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