Local News

Barrett Township is preparing to introduce a package of new ordinances aimed at curbing property neglect and long-term vacancy. However, during a recent township meeting, a warning was issued to the supervisors about the potential for extremely costly litigation if these ordinances are challenged. Officials acknowledged that while the ordinances are necessary to address blight, the township could face significant legal expenses and, in some cases, may not achieve the desired results. These concerns were raised alongside discussions on updating the existing International Property Maintenance Code and drafting five new ordinances to address what they describe as growing “blight issues” in the area.

Monroe County's townships have supervisor elections in 2025.

March 11 was the deadline for candidates to file. Primary elections will be held on May 20. The voter registration deadline is May 5.

In Barrett Township:

One six-year term is up.
Democrat Sean Anlauf filed to run.
Republicans Grover J. Cleveland and Grant Hilfiger filed to run.
Cleveland is currently a supervisor.

The Monroe County coroner has released the name of a woman who died after a car crash in Barrett Township.

Linda Knecht, 63, of Barrett Township, was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday, April 5, shortly before 8:30 p.m., according to the coroner's office.

The coroner's office says that Knecht was the driver of the vehicle and was the only car involved in the accident. The crash happened on Route 447 near Gravel Road in Barrett Township, police say.

The coroner ruled the cause of death as blunt force injuries, and the manner of death was ruled accidental.

The Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department says it was dispatched to the crash at around 7:20 p.m.

A Compliance Audit was completed for Barrett Township Firemen's Relief Association for years 2021 - 2023.

Get ready to dance, sing, and experience the magic of Mamma Mia! as the talented students of Pocono Mountain West High School take the stage this April.

Show Dates & Times:

• Friday, April 25 at 7:00 PM

• Saturday, April 26 at 7:00 PM

• Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 PM

The Barrett Township Supervisors have launched their own official email newsletter, providing updates on township matters. If you'd like to sign up, you can do so here:

Sign up for Barrett Township’s Official Newsletter

Their newsletter allows you to provide a mobile number for important SMS notifications from the township. While only an email is required to sign up, you also have the option to share your phone number for text message alerts, as well as your birthday or anniversary to receive a congratulatory message.

Attention! The Barrett Township Supervisors are looking for artists, graphic designers or anyone that may be interested in submitting a new logo design for Barrett Township!  The logo will be used on the township's website, social media, newsletter, forms, vehicles, and more.  

Monroe County is starting work on a Price Township bridge, as well as two in Polk Township.

The bridge is over the Brodhead Creek on Clark Road (Township Road 533) near the intersection with Route 447.

Robert Gress, chief clerk for the county, said the bridge was built in 1956 and needs a steel I-beam replaced, wing wall work off the shoulder, and other structural repairs.

“We don’t want to close the bridge,” Gress said. “That isn’t an option.”

Gress said closing the bridge would cause a long detour. If limited access is needed during the work, then an announcement will be made.

The repairs were recommended by the county’s bridge engineer Borton-Lawson in Wilkes-Barre, a Verdantas Co. The Monroe County commissioners awarded the contract to Rylind Construction of Muncy, Pennsylvania at their meeting on Wednesday. The work will consist of repairs to this bridge, as well as a second bridge also over Brodhead Creek but in Barrett Township. It is located on Spruce Cabin Road (Township Road 606).

If a spouse dies in a suspicious car accident after a person is murdered, the procedure involves immediate police notification, scene preservation, evidence collection, autopsy, a thorough investigation including a negative investigation to determine the cause of death and any potential criminal involvement.

This investigation was never done, therefore; we demand our Mom’s highly suspicious car accident be investigated as a homicide as the police do nothing and will not investigate it because they are afraid of the people involved.

Madeleine’s Story:  On February 21, 1973 our Mom, Madeleine Leonard, called us, Debbie and Lori Leonard, at 10 pm after finishing a waitressing shift at the Top Hat Rotary Dinner in Mountainhome, PA to tell us she “had a tip on our Dad’s murder (John W. Leonard, Sr., September 8, 1970) and was going to Mount Pocono to check it out.” We begged her not to go alone but she said she “would be alright and would be home shortly.”

That was the last time we talked to our Mom and we, the five Leonard Children became orphans and began taking care of ourselves, as we had no other choice.

PARADISE TWP., Pa. - On Wednesday night, the Pocono Mountain school board voted to participate in a public hearing with the township regarding a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Abatement (LERTA) ordinance.

At its last meeting in January, the board heard a request from the Pocono Mountain Economic Development Corp. and Pocono Township that the Pocono Mountain School District agree to participate in a public hearing on the LERTA ordinance, followed by the adoption of a resolution to participate. 

Michelle Bisbing of Pocono Mountain Economic Development Corp. attended the Wednesday night meeting with Jerrod Belvin, Pocono Township manager, to provide an update on the program and to answer any questions regarding the request to the Pocono Mountain School District. 

Recently appointed Township Supervisor - Grover Cleveland - recently interviewed by Associated Press.

Barrett Township has officially appointed Grover Cleveland as the newest Township Supervisor following the resignation of long-time Supervisor John Seese. This decision was made during a recent township meeting, as the Board of Supervisors moved swiftly to fill the vacant position within the required 30-day period.

Cleveland will serve in this role through the end of 2025, with a new election scheduled for November to determine the Supervisor for the 2026 term and beyond.

Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming township meetings to stay informed and engaged in local governance. For further updates, stay tuned to BarrettCommunity.com.