(2/2021) CV advised of ‘sick’ raccoons

Law enforcement was compelled to kill two ‘sick’ raccoons found in Carroll Valley Borough over the past number of weeks.

Police Chief Hileman reported at the borough Council’s January meeting, "We did have two raccoons destroyed. We’re having an abundance of sick raccoons in the borough," adding, "That’s that the second one in just that month (December), and I think we’ve already had one this month … not sure what’s behind that."

He stated police have no idea if they were simply sick, "because animals get sick and die. In this case, we just knew these were sick," further noting that: one that was found in K Section of the borough was hanging around in the yard, staggering, laid down in a flower-bed and showed no fear of humans.

When asked by council President Mathews if any rabies had been reported among the feral cats, the chief responded that none had been reported. The chief stated that the general rule on testing for rabies in animals, (either wild, feral, or domestic) is that there has to have been an actual suspected exposure to a human before an animal is tested.

Hileman said anyone wanting to report an animal that was behaving in an unusual manner can be reported to county dispatch (9-1-1). "We do have a fairly-high rate of rabies in this part of Pennsylvania," the chief stated.

‘Iron Springs Plaza’ still on the books

Local developer David Sites’ "Iron Springs Plaza" still appears to be on-track to becoming a reality, as Sites has indicated pursuing a zoning amendment that would allow him to proceed with a portion of the 14-year old project.

The initial focus on the development of Site’s acreage at the intersection of Iron Springs and Fairfield roads had been a shopping center, but efforts to establish an anchor-store, which was to have been a grocery store, proved as being too challenging.

Now he is re-thinking the development of the site and is considering beginning with an adult-housing development, which would require some additional land, which he has already acquired, but needs an amendment of the Hamiltonban Township zoning-ordinance in order to continue.

Supervisor Coleen Reamer told the News-Journal, "(the township) recognizes the need for adult-housing in our community… and would like to see an adult-community on that site," adding, "Therefore, will be working with our solicitor and Dave Sites to come to a solution and ordinance change (or) addition."

Supervisor invites participation

A Liberty Township Board supervisor invited residents to participate in the functions of the municipality at their January meeting.

Supervisor Kienholz said, "I’d like to thank the citizens of the township who did step up to the different positions we were meeting (at the reorganization meeting) to fill in our township. My hat’s off to them for taking an interest in our township."

Bobby Keilholtz asked if there is anyone who has an interest in stepping-up for any of the positions on the planning board, or the zooming board, or any of the other volunteer positions, to please make it known "and we’ll certainly discuss it with you."

Several volunteers were confirmed at the board’s reorganization meeting which preceded the supervisors’ regular meeting on January 4.