KINGSTON TOWNSHIP | October 2024 | |
Important Election Information | |
With Election Day approaching on November 5th, residents should be aware of a recent ruling by the federal court of appeals regarding political yard signs. The court found that a Pennsylvania borough's ordinance regulating the display of political yard signs was unconstitutional, stating that it violated free speech rights. This decision reaffirms that residents have the freedom to express their political views through yard signs without undue restrictions. As always, please be respectful of your neighbors as we approach this important election.
If you have any questions about your involvement in the election, voting procedures, or polling locations, please contact the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections:
Kingston Township residents can cast their votes at the following polling locations:
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District 01 - Shavertown UMC Social Hall - 163 North Pioneer Avenue, Shavertown
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District 02 - Kingston Township Administrative Building - 180 East Center Street, Shavertown
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District 03 and 04 - Cross Creek Community Church - 370 Carverton Road, Shavertown
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Bunker Hill Road Completion | |
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We are thrilled to announce the completion of paving on Bunker Hill Road, a project made possible by generous funding from Williams Gas Company. This project underscores our commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing road safety and accessibility for all residents.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the dedicated road workers who invested countless hours of hard work into making this project a reality. A special shout-out to Superintendent Todd Chamberlain for his exceptional leadership throughout. Together, they have transformed Bunker Hill Road, bringing a new level of quality and beauty that will serve our community for years to come.
Thank you to everyone involved for making this vision a reality!
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Approval of September Meeting Minutes | |
At the regular supervisors meeting held on October 9th, 2024, the Kingston Township Board of Supervisors approved the minutes from the September Public Works Session and the September Regular Supervisors meeting. The approved minutes are now available on the Township’s eCodes website for public viewing. These records provide a detailed account of the discussions and decisions made during the meetings, ensuring transparency and accessibility for residents. | |
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Strengthening Local Cooperation and Public Works
Kingston Township is proud to support the Back Mountain Community Partnership by participating in a grant application through Luzerne County's Local Share Assessment Fund. This grant will fund shared public works equipment, benefiting both Kingston Township and neighboring municipalities. With Jackson Township serving as the sponsor and grantee, the initiative reflects a strong commitment to regional collaboration. By joining this effort, Kingston Township strengthens its ties with surrounding communities while improving essential public services for residents.
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Strengthening Kingston Township’s Emergency Response
The Kingston Township Board of Supervisors enhanced the Township’s ability to respond swiftly to local emergencies by appointing the Township Manager to declare disaster emergencies and take immediate action to protect residents and property. It enables quick deployment of resources, such as temporary workers, equipment, and supplies, without procedural delays. By streamlining emergency response efforts and ensuring coordination through the Emergency Management Coordinator, the resolution strengthens Kingston Township’s capacity to safeguard the community during critical situations.
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CODY Pathfinder Police Department | |
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The Cooperation Agreement signed on October 11th, involves Dallas Borough, Dallas Township, Harveys Lake Borough, Jackson Township, Kingston Township, and Lehman Township. These municipalities will collaborate on the Back Mountain Community Partnership Police Departments Records Management System (RMS) Project, funded by a grant received by Kingston Township from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, LSA Funding.
Additionally, the Kingston Township Police Department is partnering with CODY Systems to implement the Pathfinder RMS, which will streamline operations by providing real-time access to data, improving reporting and case management, and enabling officers to be able to make faster, well-informed decisions in the field, ultimately enhancing public safety. This new system reflects the department's commitment to using advanced tools to serve the community more efficiently.
This partnership reflects our commitment to using the best tools available to protect and serve Kingston Township, and we look forward to the positive impact this system will bring to our department and the residents we serve.
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Thanks to Zoning & Code Enforcement Team | |
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Since June 1st, 2002, Kingston Township has successfully demolished 89 structures, all at no cost to the Township. This remarkable achievement showcases the tireless commitment, hard work, and determination of our Zoning and Code Enforcement Office, led by William Eck. His efforts have greatly benefited our community by removing blight, unsafe, and deteriorating structures, enhancing property values, and making Kingston Township a safer and more visually appealing place to live.
The removal of these structures not only improves public safety but also frees up valuable space for future development, revitalizes neighborhoods, and contributes to the overall quality of life for residents. By achieving these demolitions at no cost, Mr. Eck and the Zoning and Code Enforcement Office have demonstrated their dedication to maintaining the safety and well-being of our Township, while being fiscally responsible.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Mr. Eck and team for their outstanding efforts in ensuring that Kingston Township remains a thriving, safe, and beautiful community for all.
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Halloween Fun with K9 Dutch Dynamo, Dilly! | |
Who is the most adorable Halloween helper in Kingston Township?
If you guessed K9 Dutch Dynamo, Dilly, you're absolutely right! This festive pooch knows how to bring the Halloween spirit to life!
Last year, Dilly brought the spooky spirit to life with her delightful costume as "Wednesday" from the Addams Family. This cheerful pup didn’t just look the part; she was also on a mission to spread joy throughout the neighborhood!
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Dilly’s Wednesday outfit was nothing short of a hit. With her signature dark dress and braided pigtails, she perfectly captured the essence of the beloved character. But it wasn’t just her costume that made her stand out — Dilly was on candy duty! With her playful personality and wagging tail, she eagerly handed out treats to all the excited children who stopped by her trunk for treats!
As little ghosts and goblins approached, Dilly welcomed them with a happy bark and a wag. The kids couldn’t get enough of their furry friend, who was always ready to make their Halloween a little sweeter. With every piece of candy she shared, Dilly spread smiles and laughter, reminding everyone that Halloween is about fun, friendship, and a few tasty treats!
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Dilly’s charming Halloween antics not only showcased her playful spirit but also strengthened the bond between our community and our K9 Officer Jeffrey Carter. This lovable dynamo is more than just a dedicated working dog—she’s a cherished member of our Township, bringing joy and excitement to every occasion.
As we look forward to this year’s Halloween festivities, we can’t wait to see what Dilly, our spooktacular Dutch Dynamo, has in store! Will she take on another iconic character, or will she surprise us with something completely new? Be sure to keep an eye out for Dilly as she joins in on the Halloween festivities! Dilly and Officer Carter will be at the Trunk or Treat event at Cross Creek Community Church on Wednesday, October 30th, at 6:30 PM.
One thing’s for sure: this four-legged friend will always find a way to make Halloween a little more magical! Stay tuned for more adorable adventures with Dilly, Kingston Township's favorite K9!
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Compost Site November Schedule | |
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The Kingston Township Compost Site will operate under a new fall schedule for November. Residents can drop off compost materials during the following hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM. to 5:30 PM
- Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Please note that the site will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 28th. The compost site will officially close for the season at the end of the day on November 30th at 5:00 PM. Residents are encouraged to make use of the site before it shuts down for winter.
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Yard Waste/Bagged Leaf Pickup Schedule | |
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The Kingston Township Board of Supervisors has announced that the Yard Waste/Bagged Leaf Pickup will take place from November 1st through November 30th. Collections will occur curbside only during the hours of 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Residents are encouraged to have their yard waste and bagged leaves placed at the curbside for pickup. Please note that bags containing grass clippings will not be accepted. According to Ordinance 2004-4, the burning of leaves is prohibited.
Yard waste should consist of sticks and twigs bundled to a maximum length of three feet, with a height and width of one foot each, and residents are limited to two bundles. Large limbs will not be accepted. Additionally, the Township ordinance prohibits sweeping leaves into gutters and roadways, as this can block storm drains and create maintenance issues.
The Kingston Township Compost Site will officially close for the season effective December 1st.
For any further questions, please contact the Township office or the Public Works Department at (570) 696-3650.
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Attention Residents: Winter Parking Regulations
As we prepare for the winter season, Kingston Township Police Chief Martin Maransky would like to remind residents that the winter parking ordinance will be in effect from November 1st to March 31st, 2025. During this time, parking on Township streets is not permitted between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. This regulation ensures that our streets remain clear for efficient snow removal operations.
Additionally, please remember that vehicles should not be parked on Township streets during snowstorms or for 8 hours after a storm has concluded. Adhering to these rules will help the Public Works Department maintain safe and accessible roads throughout the winter months.
Thank you for your cooperation!
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Bid Opening for East Franklin Street Bridge Replacement Project
The Kingston Township Board of Supervisors has announced the opening of electronic bids for the East Franklin Street Bridge Replacement Project. This project involves the replacement of the bridge superstructure and all related incidental work.
Interested contractors can submit their sealed bids through the PennBid Program, with submissions being accepted until 12:00 PM on November 8th. The bids will be reviewed and considered at the Board of Supervisors' regularly scheduled meeting on November 13th at 7:00 PM at the Township Municipal Building.
All necessary bidding documents are available for free at the PennBid website and also can be found on our website under Request for Proposals and Bids.
This bridge replacement is an important infrastructure project for Kingston Township, ensuring safer transportation and modernized structures in the community.
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Kingston Township Public Works Vehicle Auction
Kingston Township’s Public Works Department is offering a reliable, fully equipped 2007 Ford F550 for auction on Municibid. This vehicle is in excellent working condition, complete with a snow plow and salt spreader, and is ready for the upcoming winter season. Interested bidders can inspect the vehicle in person by appointment. Don’t miss out on this well-maintained asset to tackle winter road maintenance!
Vehicle Details:
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Make/Model: 2007 Ford F550
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Engine: Diesel, Automatic Transmission
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Mileage: 70,970 original miles
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Features: Power windows, locks, AC, heated mirrors
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Condition: Runs perfectly, with light rust on the driver’s side rocker and cab corner, newly inspected
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Equipment: 9' fisher MC snow plow (carbide blade), LED heated plow lights, flink stainless steel salt spreader, LED backup lights, and J&J aluminum box with power tarp
Auction Information:
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Start Date: October 24th at 3:11 PM
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End Date: November 4th at 5:00 PM
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Platform: Municibid or our website
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Pickup Location: 225 E. Center Street, Shavertown, PA 18708
In-Person Inspection: Available by appointment only. Please contact Road Superintendent Todd Chamberlain at (570) 696-3650 for inspection scheduling and additional information.
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Right-to-Know Request Process Update | |
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The Office of Open Records (OOR) recently updated its Standard Right-to-Know (RTK) Law Request Form. The key changes include expanding the form to two pages and adding a checkbox to confirm that the requester’s name and contact information are accurate, as well as affirming that the requester is a legal U.S. resident.
In Kingston Township, public access to Township records follows the Right-to-Know law and the recent changes & updates from the OOR. Individuals can request records by submitting a completed RTK Request Form. These requests may be submitted in person, by mail, email, or fax. However, it is essential to note that verbal or email requests not accompanied by the proper form will not be accepted. This ensures that all requests comply with the law and the Township's processes for record-keeping.
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Frances Slocum Celebration
The Heritage Day and Fall Festival held at Frances Slocum State Park on October 13th was a wonderful celebration of community, culture, and history. The event drew families and local residents for a day filled with engaging activities and educational experiences amidst the park's beautiful scenery.
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The festival not only highlighted the area's natural beauty but also celebrated the compelling story of Frances Slocum, a young girl who was abducted by Native Americans in 1778 at the age of five. Slocum was captured during a raid in the Wyoming Valley and taken to live with the Delaware tribe. Over the years, she adapted to her new life, eventually marrying a Native American man and starting her own family.
Frances Slocum’s story is a poignant reminder of the complex history between early settlers and Native Americans. Despite her abduction, she retained a fondness for her birthplace, and her journey highlights themes of resilience and cultural exchange. The park named in her honor serves as a tribute to her legacy and the rich cultural history of the region.
Throughout the day, there was a rich mix of interactive displays, from the 24th Connecticut Militia Regiment, traditional spinning and wool work, blacksmithing, and natural dye demonstrations. Family-friendly activities included face painting, crafts for kids, and brain-teaser games, while educational booths hosted the Nanticoke Conservation Club, Master Gardeners, Dept. of Health, and Luzerne Historical Society, and much more. Attendees also enjoyed a cider press demo, Native American artifacts, live reptiles and amphibians, forestry info, taxidermy mounts, and local produce for sale.
Overall, the Heritage Day and Fall Festival successfully celebrated the community's vibrant history and the natural beauty of Frances Slocum State Park. Attendees left with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the area's heritage. We are truly fortunate to have a State Park in our jurisdiction!
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