KINGSTON TOWNSHIP | December 2024 | |
Kingston Township Unveils Its First Official Flag! | |
Kingston Township is ringing in the New Year with a vibrant new emblem that captures the heart of our community: our first official Township flag! This beautifully designed flag proudly displays Kingston Township’s identity as the “Gateway to the Back Mountain,” paying homage to our heritage, landscape, and commitment to local pride.
The flag celebrates Kingston Township’s storied past and promising future. A designation that reflects our breathtaking rural landscape and abundant natural resources, as the bold orange ribbon reads “Kingston Township – Established 1790,” honoring our rich history, while the phrase “A Home Rule Community” reflects our residents’ dedication to self-governance and progress. Together, these elements celebrate what makes Kingston Township a truly special place to call home.
This is a representation of Kingston Township’s forward-looking culture and dedication to fostering unity among residents, employees, and all who call our community home. As we step into 2025, let’s celebrate this new symbol as a reminder of what makes Kingston Township unique—a community rooted in tradition, strengthened by its people, and always looking toward the future.
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Kingston Township 2025 Meetings Are Set! | |
Get involved and stay informed! Kingston Township’s 2025 meeting schedule is here, and we want YOU to join the conversation. Whether it’s brainstorming, planning, or making big decisions, there’s a meeting for everyone. | |
Planning Commission Meetings
First Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM.
Curious about new developments or land use plans? The Planning Commission reviews everything from zoning changes to subdivision plans to land use proposals. They make sure all development fits the Township’s vision while considering community input.
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Public Work Sessions
Monday prior to Regular Meeting of each month at 7:00 PM.
Think of this as a warm-up! These open discussions cover the agenda for the upcoming Supervisors’ Meeting. It’s your chance to ask questions and share ideas before decisions are made.
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Regular Supervisors Meeting
Second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
At the Regular Supervisors' Meeting, important decisions are made and votes are cast on key issues affecting the Township. It's your chance to see democracy in action, hear about upcoming projects, and have your voice heard in the decisions that shape our community!
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Zoning Hearing Board Meetings
Second Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM, IF an application for a hearing is scheduled.
Got zoning challenges? These meetings are your chance to appeal decisions, request variances, or seek special exceptions. It’s all about balancing property rights with fair rules.
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Police Pension Fund
Third Tuesday of the last month in each quarter at 10:00 AM.
It’s not just numbers—it’s about securing the future for our amazing police force. This is your chance to peek behind the curtain of pension plans, hear the latest updates, and see how the fund is performing.
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All meetings will be held at the Kingston Township Municipal Building, located at 180 East Center Street, Shavertown, PA 18708. Public Work Sessions & Regular Supervisors Meetings agendas and updates will be posted on the Township website and Facebook, so you can stay in the know even if you can't attend.
Your participation ensures a stronger community. Whether you’re interested in local projects, land use planning, or have concerns to voice, these meetings are an opportunity to stay informed and involved.
Be part of the process—let’s make 2025 a great year for Kingston Township! We’ll see you there!
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Approval of November Meeting Minutes | |
The minutes from the Kingston Township Public Work Session held on November 11th, and the Regular Supervisors Meeting held on November 13th, were formally approved during the December 11th, Board of Supervisors meeting. These records are now readily available for public viewing on the Kingston Township eCodes website. Residents are encouraged to review the minutes to stay informed about Township discussions, decisions, and ongoing projects. | |
East Franklin Street Bridge: Contract Awarded to Minichi Inc. | |
At the November 13th meeting, the Kingston Township Board of Supervisors awarded the East Franklin Street Bridge Replacement Project contract to Minichi Inc. This decision was made based on the recommendation of Verdantas, the Township’s engineering consultant, who provided a thorough review of the submitted bids.
The replacement of the East Franklin Street Bridge is a significant infrastructure improvement aimed at enhancing safety and ensuring reliable transportation for residents as Minichi Inc. was selected for their competitive proposal and proven track record of quality construction.
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Curbside Christmas Tree Pickup is Back! | |
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The Annual Christmas Tree Collection Program kicks off January 2nd, 2025, and runs through January 31st, 2025.
Curbside pickup will occur Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Residents must remove plastic bags, ornaments, lights, and tree stands before placing trees at the curb, as these items can damage mulching equipment.
Important reminders:
- No artificial trees or wreaths with metal frames will be accepted.
- With the Kingston Township Compost Site is closed for the season, just leave your tree at the curb, and we’ll take it from there.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and efficient program!
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Winter Parking Ordinance - Let’s Keep It Clear! | |
The Kingston Township Winter Parking Ordinance is currently is in full swing! From now until March 31st, 2025, no parking on Township streets from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily. Plus, during snowstorms (and for 8 hours after), your car must stay off the roads! Let’s keep the streets clear for snowplows and make winter a little smoother for everyone. Thanks for helping out! | |
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Did you know that the word “dilly” actually means something amazing?
According to Merriam-Webster, a "dilly" is defined as:
Dilly (noun) : An outstanding or excellent person or thing.
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Basically, if something is called a "dilly," it’s a total showstopper—a standout in the best possible way! This delightful little word popped up in the late 19th century, likely as a playful abbreviation of "delightful." And it’s stuck around to describe things (or, in this case, someone) truly remarkable.
Speaking of remarkable, Kingston Township’s very own K-9 Dilly lives up to her name and then some! From her top-tier police work to her charming personality, Dilly is the definition of excellence, reliability, and pure charisma. Whether she’s on duty or stealing the show at community events, this “Dutch Dynamo” is always making tails wag and hearts melt.
When we say Dilly is a "dilly," we mean it in every sense of the word—she’s simply the best!
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Get Ready for Takeoff: REAL ID Lands May 7th, 2025! | |
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REAL IDs are now available to Pennsylvanians who want them, but they’re completely optional. Starting May 7th, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID or another federally-acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or military ID, to board domestic flights, enter military bases, or access certain federal facilities. If you don’t plan to do these things, a standard driver’s license or ID will still work for driving and general use.
To get a REAL ID, you’ll need to visit a PennDOT Driver Licensing Center in person with the required documents for verification. These include proof of identity (like a certified birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number, and two proofs of Pennsylvania residency (such as utility bills or vehicle registrations). For security purposes, PennDOT will never ask for or accept these documents online. Beware of fraudulent websites claiming otherwise—they’re not affiliated with PennDOT and could misuse your information.
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If your documents are already on file with PennDOT, you may be eligible for pre-verification through their official website, but this process doesn’t involve uploading any documents. For more information, visit here.
Don’t wait—prepare early and avoid the last-minute rush. It’s your ticket to smoother travels and federal access. May 7th, 2025, will be here before you know it!
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PennDOT Launches Refreshed Website | |
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The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Driver & Vehicle Services (DVS) websites have a fresh new look! Both sites have been updated to match the streamlined design of the state’s new pa.gov interface, introduced earlier this year.
Here’s whats new and how to navigate the updated pages:
- All service-related content from PennDOT and DVS is now included in the statewide directory on pa.gov. This ensures you’ll always find what you need, no matter where you start your search.
- PennDOT and DVS still have their own web pages, accessible via links on the new platform.
- PennDOT contacts are consolidated into a single, searchable database, making it easier to find regional or business-specific information.
- Construction project pages are standardized for better organization and accessibility.
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Forms and publications have moved! You can now find PennDOT’s resources here and DVS’s materials here. A new hub for PennDOT maps has also been created for a smoother user experience.
Familiar features such as Online Services, Programs and Doing Business, and Permits are still just a click away. For a preview of the new look and to explore the improvements, visit the refreshed PennDOT site today!
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Got a pesky pothole or a drainage dilemma on the road? Before you gear up to report it, let’s make sure it’s in the right hands! While Kingston Township works hard to maintain our local roads, some streets are owned and maintained by PennDOT. | | |
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The PennDOT-maintained roads in Kingston Township are:
- Bodle Road
- Bunker Hill Road (part)
- Carverton Road
- Dug Road
- Manor Drive
- State Route 309
- Mt. Olivet Road
- Mt. Zion Road
- West Eighth Street
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If you spot an issue on these roads—whether it’s a pothole, stormwater problem, traffic concern, or even property damage—PennDOT is the one to call.
The only county-owned road in Kingston Township is Hillside Road. To report potholes on Hillside Road, call 570-825-1604 or email with detailed location information.
Together, we can keep our roads safe, smooth, and stress-free. Thanks for helping us direct concerns to the right team!
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Stay Informed and Safe with CodeRED and Smart911 | |
Kingston Township is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our residents. Two powerful tools—CodeRED and Smart911—public safety technologies that help improve communication between residents and emergency services. |
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CodeRED: Emergency Alerts at Your Fingertips
What It Is: An emergency notification system used by local governments to send critical alerts to residents via phone, text, email, or mobile app.
Purpose: To quickly inform the public of time-sensitive issues like severe weather alerts, evacuation notices, road closures, boil water advisories, or other emergencies.
How It Works: Residents register their contact information with the system. Once signed up, they receive alerts tailored to their location.
Features:
- Geo-targeted alerts (specific to your area).
- Ability to select the types of notifications you want to receive.
- Mobile app for real-time updates.
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Smart911: Empowering Emergency Responders
What It Is: A safety platform that allows residents to create a secure profile with critical personal information to assist emergency responders during 911 calls.
Purpose: To provide dispatchers and first responders with detailed information that can help them respond faster and more effectively during emergencies.
How It Works:
- Residents create a profile with information such as medical conditions, disabilities, household members, pets, and home layouts.
- When a 911 call is made, the dispatcher can view this profile to provide more informed assistance.
Features:
- Secure and private data storage.
- Tailored for individuals with special needs or medical conditions.
- Can include photos or contact information for all household members.
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Together, these systems enhance public safety by improving communication and enabling faster, more effective responses in emergencies. We encourage all residents to take advantage of these free public safety technologies. Together, we can ensure Kingston Township remains a safe and secure community. | |
DAMA’s Updated Pollution Reduction Plan | |
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The Dallas Area Municipal Authority (DAMA) has released its revised Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Pollutant Reduction Plan (PRP), aiming to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment levels in local waterways, including the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. The plan outlines Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as detention basins, stream restorations, and permeable pavements to meet state-mandated pollution reduction goals.
The PRP emphasizes public involvement, with opportunities for feedback incorporated into the planning process. Funding comes from stormwater fees based on property impervious surfaces, with additional grant opportunities being pursued. Residents can view the full plan on the DAMA website or Kingston Township's website.
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Luzerne County Burn Ban Lifted | |
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Luzerne County Council has lifted the countywide burn ban, effective immediately, after weather conditions improved with significant rainfall and snow. However, Kingston Township residents are urged to exercise caution when burning, as dry conditions may persist in some areas. While burning is now allowed, it is important to follow safety guidelines to prevent wildfires.
For any questions regarding burning questions or permits, Kingston Township residents should contact the Zoning & Code Enforcement Officer, as Mr. Eck is available to provide guidance on what can and cannot be burned and to ensure compliance with Township rules.
Please remain vigilant and ensure all fires are properly contained and managed to avoid potential hazards.
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As we celebrate this special time of year, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for making Kingston Township a vibrant and caring community. Your support and dedication help make our Township a wonderful place to live, work, and grow.
The holidays are a time for reflection, connection, and joy. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones, enjoying our winter scenery, or simply taking a moment to unwind, we hope this season brings you peace and happiness.
Please note that the Kingston Township Administration Building and Public Works Department will be closed on December 24th, 25th, and 26th in observance of the Christmas holiday, as well as on January 1st, 2025, for New Year’s Day.
As we prepare to welcome 2025, we look forward to another year of growth, collaboration, and community spirit. Together, we can continue to make Kingston Township an exceptional place to call home.
Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season and a safe, prosperous New Year!
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With Joy & Gratitude,
Kingston Township
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