A moment of silence was held at the beginning of the Aug. 12 Waymart Borough Council meeting for Sgt. Dallas, the beloved K9 of the Waymart Police Department. Councilor Theresa Stratton requested it.
The specially trained dog had served Waymart police for eight years, assisting with searches for lost people and aiding narcotics investigations. Due to age and health considerations, Dallas retired in May. He died July 30, 2025.
Fundraisers and donations paid for the care for the part-time police department’s first K9.
Stratton stated on Facebook that Dallas started life as a street dog. He was rescued by Texas Star Rescue and trained by UniversalK9 with trainer and handler Assistant Chief Harry Shaffer.
Lt. Aaron Bertholf, who assisted as Dallas’ handler, said in an interview that their K9 assisted other law enforcement agencies as well, and participated in presentations for local daycares, scouting groups and many other organizations.
“His temperament was extraordinary. When in uniform he knew it was time to work and he had a job to do,” Shaffer’s daughter Seirra Amber said. “When not on duty he was living the typical farm dog dream. Always playing fetch and eating home-cooked meals.”
The presence of their K9 also was good for morale, Bertholf said. “He always lit up the office when he got to work. He was very happy to be around us and was definitely a welcomed change to the community,” Bertholf said.
Ballfield nears completion
Councilor Jane Varcoe reported substantial progress in the major upgrade being performed to the Bob Wilson ballfield. The fence has been put up, lights are installed, and grass is growing. “We are coming into the final stretch,” Varcoe said. “We’re really thrilled to see the grass coming up because we need to have that turf.”
Council President Shane Bayly said that the project should be ready for the 2026 spring ball season.
Veterans housing
Wayne County Housing Authority, which operates the subsidized Gravity Plane apartments at 130 Carbondale Road is proceeding with borough requirements for approvals to erect an affordable, 30-unit apartment rental project next door specifically with veterans in mind.
Their attorneys discussed with the council requests to have an amended conditional use hearing before the council, and a variance hearing before the zoning hearing board. The latter regards variation from the zoning ordinance in the building’s three-story height and number of rental units. Hearing dates are being discussed, to be held before Oct. 5.
Wayside Park bid
The council wants to complete phase one of a major renovation of Wayside Park before the celebrations in 2026 of the borough’s 175th anniversary and the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The low bid of $98,970 was approved, submitted by Reinfurt Excavating, Inc. Varcoe stated that Reinfurt agreed to deduct several things from the bid to meet budget such the split-rail fencing and repaving the parking area.
Varcoe, who manages grant applications, is seeking additional funding sources to raise the money needed to complete phase one as designed.
Solar farm regulations
A zoning amendment regulating solar farms was approved for advertising. Large scale solar installations will be allowed as a special exception within the industrial zoning district. There are numerous stipulations including a minimum of five acres, a glare analysis, setback and height restrictions and a decommissioning plan.
Regulations also are listed for residential solar energy projects.
Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com.