Court of Common Pleas
26th Judicial District

Voice: 570-389-5667
Fax: 570-389-5621
35 West Main Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815


CIVIL OPINIONS


CONTRACTS

JOINDER

MUNICIPAL EMPLOYMENT

ZONING



Summary Judgment
Nationwide Mutual Fire, Insurance Company District v. Lee Benjamin, Jr., Benjamin Construction, Lee Benjamin Construction, Benjamin Roofing and Modular Homes, Jamie Dietterick and Mark Davenport
1182 of 2017 Columbia County
Opinion Date: December 26, 2019
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF format



Opinion
Employment Medical Marijuana Wrongful Discharge
Eric Laidacker, Jr. v. Berwick Offray, LLC
726 of 2019 Columbia County
Opinion Date: January 2, 2020
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF format



CONTRACTS

P.O.'s - Demurrer: Defendant is not a Party to Written Contract; Agency.
Heinrich v. Woodward
453-00
Opinion date: April 24, 2000
RTF format


P.O.'S - Paragraphs with Multiple Allegations; Identification of Written Contract; Damages; Notice of Breach of Contract 13 Pa. C.S.A. § 2607(c)(1)
Hornberger v. Shaffer Landscapes
108-99 UNION CO.
Opinion date:  May 9, 2000
RTF format


Civil Contract This is an insurance contract interpretation; pollution exclusion; and duty to defend.
Municipal Authority of the Town of Bloomsburg v. Pennsylvania Pooled Risk Insurance for Municipal Entities a/k/a Penn Prime Trust
160 of 2004 Columbia County
Opinion Date: May 19, 2005
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF Format


1. Real Estate Sales  Agreement, 2. Statute of Frauds, 3. Agency, 4. Prejudgement Interest, 5. Post  Judgement Interest  and 6. Attorneys' Fees
Patrick A. Shea V. Turbine Engine  Components Textron, Inc., and Textron, Inc.
186 OF 1999 MONTOUR COUNTY
Opinion date: September 14, 2000
RTF format


Contracts and Time of the Essence
Cameron v. Patel et al
426 OF 1999
Opinion date: October 17, 2000
RTF format


Deed to improperly formed Limited Partnership
James A. Kuziak, Cheryl N. Kuziak, and Andrea P. Lenzi v. Douglas P. Kuziak and Kuziak Enterprises, a purported limited partnership
1576 of 1999
Opinion date: May 23, 2001
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format


Default Judgement
Clying Corp. dba HAMLIN-STEVEN, plaintiff vs. All American Lighting Corp. defendant vs. M&T Bank (Garnishee) FCI Corp (Petitioner)
No. 730-CV of 2003  No. 159-ED of 2003
Opinion date: June 2004
Judge Thomas Arthur James, Jr.
PDF Format



CUSTODY


Immunizations
ERIN HARMONY (MOLICK) SULLIVAN v. ANDREW ROBERT MOLICK
1312 OF 2005
Opinion date: May 15, 2012
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF Format


Jurisdiction
Al-Raddahi v. Al-Raddahi
322 of 2006 Columbia County
Opinion date: May 17, 2006
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF Format

Custody Relocation "Gruber"
Billie Jo Heimbach v. Mark H. Cashner
1098 of 2005 Columbia County
Opinion date: June 23, 2006
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF Format

Primary custodian
Edward T. Fochler v. Margaret C. Groves
325 of 2005 Montour
Opinion date: March 6, 2006
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr., J.
PDF Format

Best Interest
Lucinda A. Wolfe V. Roger Wolfe
1497 of 1999 
Opinion date: October 19, 2000
RTF Format

Best interest of the child
Bacon v. Bacon
933 of 2000
Opinion date: May 18, 2001
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format

Best interest of the child
Keith Stalker v. Robin Puderbaugh
1441 of 1999
Opinion date: July 6, 2001
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format

Changing the Custody of Three Children
Lisa L. Whitesell v. James P. Whitesell 
1436 of 1997 Columbia
Opinion date: February 1, 2001
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF Format

Child Custody separating half siblings
Jamie Lee Norris v. Kimberly Anne O'Brien
 
169 of 1999
Opinion date: January 22, 2001 
RTF Format

A de novo hearing seeking primary custody of parties' minor son.
George A. Baldwin, Jr. v Rosalba Baldwin
524 of 2000 Columbia County
Opinion date: November 26, 2001
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF Format

Exceptions to Master's Recommendation
Leroy F. Force v. Pamela R. Force
925 of 2001 Columbia
June 5, 2002
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr
RTF Format

Gruber Analysis
Elise M. (Crawford) Welliver v. James E. Crawford
435 of 1990 Columbia County
Opinion date: February 21, 2001
Judge Thomas A. James Jr.
RTF Format

Gruber Analysis
Kowalchick v. Kowalchick
1508 OF 1993
Opinion Date: October 10, 2000 and Order Amended Opinion date: October 12, 2000
RTF format

Modify Custody
John C. Diehl, Sr. v. Deborah A. Sponenberg
1167 of 2001
Opinions Date: May 22, 2002
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format

Modify Custody
Todd A. Moyle v. Shirley J. Moyle
1788 of 1997
May 20, 2002
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format

Partial custody schedule altered to accommodate the parties's schedules.
Yocum v. Yocum

416 of 2002 Columbia County
Opinion Date: April 10, 2003
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format

Petition to Modify
Markell (Kingsley) v. Markell
805-93 
Opinion date: June 28, 2000
RTF format

"Geographical" Case
Yohey v. Yohey
1026-99 
Opinion date: March 8, 2000
RTF format

Relocation Gruber
Lorenda M. Renninger V. Gregory Allen Renninger
1472 OF 1995 
Opinion date: October 18, 2000
RTF Format

Hess v. Smith
1692-99 
Opinion date: March 9, 2000
RTF format

Special Relief
Norris v. Young (O'Brien)
169 of 1999
Opinion date: May 18, 2001
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format

Child placed in the custody of father while mother attended law school, father did not want to return child.
Amber Kachurka-Powell v. Marcus T. Powell
1041 of 1997
Opinion Date: July 23, 2003
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format


PLOWMAN HEARING
Mother wanted to move to Tennessee
Ralph P. Hart v. Regina J. Hart
62 of 2001 Montour County
Opinion date: June 19, 2001
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format



DEFAMATION (libel)
Toth v Shultz
845-CV-2001
Columbia County
Opinion date: November 20, 2001
Judge Scott Naus
RTF Format
 


DISTRICT JUSTICES

Appeals
Slusser Brothers Excavating Co. V. Robert C. Briesh, et al
640 of 2000
Opinion date: September 1, 2000
RTF format


DIVORCE

Post nuptial agreement; rescission; breach of contract
Stephanie A. Knorr v. James W. Knorr
1279 of 2004 Columbia County
Opinion date: October 5, 2005
Judge
PDF format


Amount
Izzo V. Izzo
185-98 (Montour County)
Opinion date: August 4, 2000
RTF format


Alimony/Temporary Alimony
William E. Titman V. Nancy L. Titman
562 OF 1996 Montour County
Opinion date: September 5, 2000
RTF format


Alimony
William E. Titman V. Nancy L. Titman
562 OF 1996 Montour County
Opinion date: October 19, 2000
RTF Format


Alimony Pendente Lite
Benjamin E. Dainowski v. Evelyn M. Dainowski
82 of 1982 Columbia County
Opinion date: February 16, 2001
Judge James
RTF Format


Bifurcation
Adams v Adams
1177-CV-1999 Columbia County
Opinion Dated: March 14, 2001
Judge Naus
RTF Format

Child Support
Schuler v Schuler
1217-CV-2000 Columbia County
Opinion Dated: November 7, 2002
President Judge Naus
RTF Format

Common Law Marriage
Lampshire v. Lee-Lampshire
82-00 and DR27-00
Opinion date: August 18, 2000
RTF format

Living Separate and Apart for Two Years
Lloyd v. Lloyd
1720-98
Opinion date: March 6, 2000
RTF format


DOMESTIC RELATIONS

Child support, birthing expenses and Statute of Limitations
Stacey R. Manning v. Fred H. Fausnaught, Jr.  
DR 447 of 1999
Opinion date: November 3, 2000
RTF Format

Child Support arrearages D.P.W. assignment
Kathy Barlet v. Hyes D. Horner, Jr. 
DR 364 of 1985
Opinion date: January 22, 2001
RTF format

Child support-voluntarily leaving employment-worker's compensation settlements
Heather L. Bredbenner v. Jesse M. Bredbenner

DR 398-00 PACSES #146102835
Opinion Date: February 12, 2003
Judge Thomas Arther James, Jr.
RTF format

Movant seeks to modify based upon a Workers' Compensation settlement.
McGaw v. McGaw (474 DR 1998)
Opinion date: February 8, 2001
Judge Scott Naus
RTF format

Modification of Child Support Obligation-decreased earnings
Leane M. Coladonato v. Edward M. Coladonato
DR 00062-00 PACSES 824101982
Opinion Date: May 2002
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format

Spousal support entitlement
Donna K. Nevius v. Randy S. Nevius
DR 199 of 2002 PACSES 251104530
Opinion Date: June 9, 2003
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format

SUPPORT
Second Paternity Test 23 Pa. C.S.A. § 4343(c)(1)
Shuman v. Simon
CV60066-99 MONTOUR CO. Domestic Relations
RTF format

Allocation of Childcare Costs
Morgante v. Morgante 
DR 71-98 MONTOUR CO.
Opinion date:  June 13, 2000
RTF format

GAMBLING
Is Texas Hold'em poker "unlawful gambling" under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code?
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vs Dent
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vs Watkins
733 and 746 of 2008
Opinion Date: January 12, 2009
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF format


ESTATE

Non-Precedential Decision
ESTATE OF ARTHUR M. PETERS, JR.,
DEC’D, - APPEAL OF: COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, - No. 1359 MDA 2014
The Office of Attorney General of Pennsylvania, on behalf of the charitable beneficiaries of the Estate of Arthur M. Peters, Jr., challenges on appeal the orphans’ court’s decision to approve the amount of fees charged by the executrixes of this estate.
PDF Format

Claim For Wrongful Death Action and Survival Action
in re: Estate of Hazel Joan Kratzer, Deceased, a minor 
134 of 1999 (Snyder County)
Opinion date: October 5, 2000 (specially presiding)
RTF format

Objection to the First and Final Account
Estate of Bruce H. Keefer 74 OC 2000  
Columbia County
Opinion date: November 29, 2000
Michael Gregorowicz, Esquire and Stephen P. Ellwood, Esquire
RTF format


WILL CONTEST
Orphans' Court
Estate of Robert H. Schamacher, Sr., CASE NO: 165 OC 2014
Opinion Date: Janary 7, 2015
Judge Thomas Arthur James, Jr.
PDF Format


INTER VIVOS GIFTS

Earle W. Lanning, Personal Representative For The Estate Of Ruth M. Lanning, Deceased v. H. June West 
CV-27-1998; Montour;
Opinion date: October 6, 2000
RTF format

 


JUDGMENTS

Petition to Strike, Vacate or Open
Austin v. Boyte, et al 
1318-98JU
Opinion date: January 31, 2000
RTF format

General Release
Dietterick, et al v. Kline 
1620-99
Opinion date: May 12, 2000
RTF format

Specific Performance of Buy-Sell Agreement
Latour v. Davis 
1162-99
Opinion date: March 10, 2000
RTF format



MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Opinion on Medical Malpractice; Gross Negligence; Immunity; and Mental Health Procedures Act.
JANE DOE, individually and JANE DOE through her power of attorney and mother MARY DOE, vs ERIC MARTZ, SUSAN MARTZ, COLUMBIA MONTOUR SNYDER UNION COUNTIES OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SYSTEM SERVICES, and CHAS HOUSE
82-2009 Montour County
Opinion Date September 15, 2010
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr
PDF format


Parents' liability to third party medical providers for rendered services to minor children
Geisinger Medical Center and PennState Geisinger Clinic v. Carol Oeller and Tiffany Oeller 
124 of 1999 Montour County
Opinion date: January 3, 2001
RTF format


Linda Miller et al v. Geisinger Medical Center et al

398 of 2003 Montour County
Opinion Date: March 28, 2006
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF format

Medical Mal Practice Trial continuance, sanctions, costs, nonsuit and Summary Judgment
Dorese Wade, Administratrix of the Estate of Anthony Dawkins v. mercy Hospital and Shishir Prasad, M.D.

419 of 1995 Montour
Opinion Date: June 29, 2005
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF format

Medical Malpractice Speculative nature of expert opinion
Herb, Admin of Estate of Rochelle R. Herb v. Spock, MD, et al
82 of 2000 and 442 of 2001 Montour County
Opinion Date: May 27, 2005
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF format

P.O.'s - Allegations of "Material Facts"
Clarkson v. GMC, et al 
123-00 MONTOUR Co.
Opinion date: May 25, 2000
RTF format

P.O.'s - Allegations of "Material Facts"
Sola v. Chao 
122-00 MONTOUR CO.
Opinion date: May 25, 2000
RTF format


MISCELLANEOUS

LAND USE APPEAL
A use variance for two lots in a Commercial District
Borough of Berwick v. Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Berwick and William Zehner
646 of 2002
Opionion Date: October 16, 2002
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format

LICENSE SUSPENSION
Reasonable Grounds for Arrest; Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing
Crittenden v. Com. of PA DOT 
MONTOUR CO.
Opinion date: March 22, 2000
RTF format

LIQUOR LICENSE
Appeal From Liquor Control Board
Wesley Wertman & Judith Wertman, V. Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, V. Meeting House Restaurant, Intervenor 
268 OF 2000 Montour County
Opinion date: September 5, 2000
RTF format

PLCB appeals "resort area" designation
Magee t/a The Blue Moose v PLCB
(551 CV 2000)
Opinion Date: February 12, 2001
Judge Naus
RTF format

MECHANICS LIEN

SET OFF
Zeisloft v. Sierer  
15-99ML
Opinion date: January 19, 2000
RTF format


MUNICIPAL EMPLOYMENT

Termination of Police Officer under Twp.'s Police Rules & Regulations
Klischer v. Conyngham Twp. 
1494-99
Opinion date:  April 28, 2000
RTF format


POLICE TENURE ACT
The issues in this civil case are: 1. "Rules of Necessity"; 2. Police Tenure Act; and 3. Local Agency Law.
In Re: Steven G. Keller Chief of Police of Scott Township Columbia County, Pennsylvania
Case No. 2001 MV 76
Opinion date: September 5, 2001
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format

Appeal from suspension of the Chief of Police by the Supervisors of the Township
In Re: Steven G. Keller Chief of Police of Scott Township Columbia County, Pennsylvania
2001 MV 76
Opinion date: October 15, 2001
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
RTF format




NEGLIGENCE
auto accident; township road; governmental immunity; dangerous conditions
LONNIE CLARK, individually and as parent, natural guardian, and administrator of the estate of CAITYN WILLIAM CLARK, v. STEPHANIE STEINER and JACKSON TOWNSHIP, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, a Body Politic

1266-2006
Opinion Date: November 4th, 2010
PDF Format

PERJURY
No Civil Action
Philip C. Brown V. Eleanor Lambert  
256 OF 2000 Montour County
Opinion date: August 18, 2000
RTF format


JOINDER

Additional Defendant - Timeliness
Paul v. Heitman v. Schaad 
463-96 
Opinion date: June 6, 2000
RTF format

P.O.'s - Adequate Remedy at Law in Equity Action; Misjoinder of Equity Action with Action at Law
Lamar Advertising v. Roberts  
1162-99 
Opinion date: March 10, 2000
RTF format

STATUE OF LIMITATION

The issues include subrogation; incorrect designation of the Plaintiff; and statute of limitationsNorguard Insurance, Individually and as Subrogee on behalf of K Cab Company and K Cab Company v. Classy II, Inc. dba The Washery System aka The Washery Car Wash
120 of 2005 Columbia County Opinion date: May 11, 2005 Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF format

SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Landlord Out of Possession
Derk v. Confair, et al 
572-97 MONTOUR CO.
Opinion date: January 24, 2000
RTF format

Slip and Fall; Hills & Ridges Doctrine; Summary Judgment
David Rozell and Donna Rozell, his wife v. Becker Associates, Becker Associates, t/d/b/a Berwick Shopping Center, and Berwick Associates, L.L.C. v. Don E. Bower, Inc., Additional Defendant

272 of 2003
Opinion Date: June 17, 2005
Judge Thomas A. James, Jr.
PDF format

Entitlement
Burke v. Burke III  
DR140-00
Opinion date:  August 21, 2000
RTF format

TAX APPEAL
In re: Tax Claim Bureau Columbia County 2000 Real Estate Tax Sale Upset Sale 68 MV 2000
Charles W. Carr and Irene J. Tarnoweckyj v. Columbia County Tax Claim Bureau and George and Carolyn Sheffield
104 c of 2001 Columbia County
Opinion date: March 2, 2001
Judge Thomas Arthur James, Jr.
RTF format

TORTS
Abuse of process and Intentional infliction of mental distress
Clausi v. Stuck et al. 353 of 2010 SJM Opinion and order

Northumberland County Branch
Opinion Date: October 24, 2012
Judge Thomas Arthur James, Jr.
PDF Format


ZONING

Ordinance Challenged as Exclusionary RE: Billboards
Lamar Advertising v. Hemlock Twp. ZHB 
1270-99
Opinion date: June 19, 2000
RTF format

Drexel Levan and Debbie Levan, his wife, Appellants v. The Zoning Hearing Board of Scott Township, Appellee, Scott Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, Intervenor 
318 of 2000
Opinion date: November 20, 2000
RTF format

Use of Nonconforming Sign Not Abandoned
Loduca v. ZHB of Danville Borough MONTOUR CO.
Opinion date: February 23, 2000
RTF format

Deemed Approval
Wolfinger v. Zoning  Hearing Board of N. Centre Township 1219-99 consolidated with N. Centre Township v. Wolfinger  
104-2000
Opinion date: August 3, 2000
RTF format

 

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