Prothonotary's report

A total of 406 cases were started in May in the office of Carbon County Prothonotary Joann M. Behrens, according to a monthly statistical report released by the officeholder. A breakdown of the cases is as follows:Civil actions, 37; custody complaints, 24; district justice appeals, 4; divorce complaints, 20; ejectment complaints, 4; license appeal, 1; mortgage foreclosure complaints, 35; judgments, 233; miscellaneous, 14; protection from abuse petitions, 26; and stipulations/waivers of liens, 8. The office staff also received and processed 129 applications for U.S. Passports.Behrens' financial report shows $33.714.35 was generated as follows: prothonotary's fees, $28,114.10; interest income $7.82; PFA Surcharge, courts, $75; PFA Surcharge, Sheriff, $75; custody fees, $450; and data processing fees, $4,992.43.The prothonotary also remitted $4,025.12 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Revenue, representing state fees collected locally, and $66 to the Administrative Offices of the Pennsylvania Courts, this being surcharges on new custody cases in accordance with Act 119 of 1996. Another $1,296.70 was deposited in the Prothonotary's Automation Fund for future use in automating the office.For defenseA jury in a civil trial held on June 3 and 4 ruled in favor of the defendant.Stephanie Molden, of 4 Foxhall Rd., Newtown, Bucks County, filed a suit for damages against Tuthill Corporation, Blue Mountain Ski Area, 1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton, Lower Towamensing Township.Molden claimed on Feb. 7, 2009, she was at the ski area and walking on a designated walkway when she was caused to slip and fall on ice sustaining injuries.She alleged negligence against the defendant and sought damages in excess of $50,000.After listening to testimony, and deliberating for about two hours, the panel ruled in favor of Tuthill Corporation and awarded no money damages.Judge Joseph J. Matika presided over the trial.