Shamokin Area is the winner in the high school division of the EconomicsPennsylvania Stock Market Game, and Mount Carmel Area was the victor in the middle school division. The winners were determined by the results of the 10th and last week of the competition.

The Shamokin Area High School team adviser is David Kopitsky. Aaron Domanski advises the winning Mount Carmel Area middle school team.

Mount Carmel Area, advised by Robert Scicchitano, finished second in the high school division. Line Mountain, advised by Karrie Bowman, was third.

In the middle school division, Shamokin Area, advised by Stephen Keller, was second, and a team from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, which is advised by Katrina Gownley, was third.

The Stock Market Game is sponsored by The News-Item and Sunbury Motors. The Stock Market game is an award-winning educational program in which students are given a virtual cash amount of $100,000 and are encouraged to create the best performance portfolio using a live trading simulation. Students work in teams.

(While there are multiple teams taking part in the game at each participating school, Economics Pennsylvania reported the dollar amount for the leading team at each school for the weekly reports.)

COAL TOWNSHIP - A 76-year-old Coal Township man suffered minor injuries to his face Saturday after he rear-ended a charter bus stopped at a red light along Route 61 at the entrance to BRL Grocery Outlet.

Joseph G. Dorko, 76, of 905 W. Arch St., was treated at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital and released.

No one else was injured in the crash.

Ronald Costella was driving the King Coal bus, a 2005 MCI, which had nine passengers aboard. He had just made his first stop on a tour bound for Peddler's Village in Lahaska, Bucks County, where a strawberry festival was being held.

"I was stopped and we were chatting and all of a sudden it hit us from behind," said Costella, 55, of 2 W. 14th St., Danville.

The crash occurred shortly after 7 a.m. in the right lane of southbound Route 61. A low-rising sun in the east hampered visibility for southbound motorists.

The impact was strong enough to deploy the air bags in Dorko's 2004 Buick LeSabre and wedge its front end beneath the bus's rear bumper, popping the hood and crinkling it inward and causing significant damage to the vehicle's engine.

Both lanes of Route 61 south were closed as emergency responders cleaned up fuel and debris, and as Dorko's car was loaded onto a wrecker. Traffic was diverted into the adjacent parking lot and rerouted to the state highway, which reopened about 8 a.m.

King Coal sent a second bus to continue the trip south. The damaged bus was driven from the scene.

Assisting Detective Jeffrey Brennan at the scene were members of East End and Brady fire companies, Coal Township Rescue, Coal Township Fire Police and AREA Services.

After carefully observing activities in the area over the last few months, I felt compelled as president of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce to reach out to the residents of the area to talk about progress and what it can mean for our region.

Progress can come in all forms - whether it is new lighting in the downtown, blighted buildings being torn down, community gardens being established, rail and other transportation services that are enhanced, and groups that have volunteered to do cleanups.

Let me ask you a few questions. You live in this area for a reason, correct? Either your family was here and you remained, you moved here for a job, or you wanted to find a nice community in which to raise your family. Are you proud of the area in which you live? Do you know what the perception is of the coal region?

I will say this, with a sputtering economy, our region can ill afford to overlook any opportunities for enhancement or progress.

If we take a look at one area - Shamokin's downtown, for example - a new streetlight project partnering of the city with PPL may not be the answer to all the downtown woes, but it is a step in the right direction.

The cleanups need to continue, whether downtown or in other areas. The chamber would like to put an emphasis on the Shop Local Campaign this year, which will help to highlight our downtown and other local merchants. Many groups have worked tirelessly over the last year to prepare for this year's Anthracite Heritage Festival and parade, and other events to be held throughout the year.

My goal is simple but challenging, I want to look for any and all partnerships that can help us improve and enhance the area as a whole. Trusted and respected groups need to overlook differences and come together to make change happen, share resources and to support one another. Did you know that members of the Mount Carmel Township Supervisors office recently signed a petition for Shamokin City to provide more decorative lighting in its downtown. Why, you ask? Because if we work to improve one area it helps the region as a whole.

Don't take a backseat. Get involved in your city or township government. Attend their meetings and find out what is going on. Change takes time, but it also takes manpower.

Any and all help is appreciated.

The following landlord/tenant claims and judgments were filed in magisterial district court:

Office of John Gembic III, Shamokin

- Robert Hess, of Danville, awarded $1,403.63 on Thursday in unpaid rent and court fees from Daniel Fisher, of Shamokin.

- Bressi and Martin Real Estate Inc., Shamokin, awarded $1,003.65 on Wednesday in unpaid rent and court fees from Jonathan Morgante, of Mount Carmel.

- Joseph Meneghin, of Toms River, N.J., against Ryan Howell, of Shamokin, for $350, filed April 30. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

- Harvey Green, of Kulpmont, awarded $3,695.84 on April 22 in unpaid rent and court fees from Curtis and Maria Lahr, of Coal Township.

- Cory T. Paczkoskie, of Sunbury, awarded $2,410.63 on April 22 in unpaid rent and court fees from Wendy Thorpe and Oscar Keller, both of Shamokin.

Monday Profiles are published on the first Monday of each month.

Joe Garcia loved coal mining.

He was born in Throop, but grew up in Kulpmont, graduating in 1949 from Kulpmont High School, where he excelled at boxing and football.

During his high school years, he worked as a miner with his father, John Garcia, and uncle, Terry Garcia, and followed them into the arduous and dangerous work of underground mining after his graduation. He enjoyed the work and the friendships of the other miners. He also developed an extensive knowledge of anthracite mining and the dangers involved. This expertise led to his being appointed a federal coal mine inspector for the U.S. Bureau of Mines in 1967.

Joe relocated his growing family to the Pittsburgh area. Following the enactment of the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act of 1969, he rose rapidly through the ranks of the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA). In 1988, Garcia's 34 years as a federal coal mine inspector culminated into his selection as one of 10 federal district managers for MSHA, a role he had for 13 years, working in Kentucky, Alabama, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

He retired from MSHA on Jan. 2, 2001.

Early days in Kulpmont

"I remember my first job when I was about 13," Garcia said. "I worked on a garbage truck throwing garbage into a small dump truck for 50 cents an hour. Then I had to go to the house and collect the 10 or 20 cents owed. But then I also got to deliver coal to homes, and I liked that. We would run a chute from the truck to the basement window into the coal bin. Most of the time it was two tons of coal. I would shovel until all the coal was gone. I enjoyed the work. My dad decided that since I liked the work, I could be more helpful to him at his small mines. So he decided that I could help him - and I loved it."

The first mine

"My dad and my uncle took me and my older cousin, Joe Garcia, to a mine site they found near Hickory Ridge near Kulpmont. I was 12; Joe was 13. Dad had us dig by hand a four-sided shaft about 10 feet wide and about 7 or 8 feet deep. Then Dad and Terry built a platform over the hole and set up a windless - a device for lowering a large bucket with a cable attached into the hole. A man in the hole would fill the bucket and holler for the men to crank it to the surface and empty it."

Mining methods

"When we found the vein, we drilled holes in the coal. Each hole was about 1 ½ inches in diameter and 6 feet deep. We drilled these by hand. We placed dynamite into the holes, and used blasting caps and a fuse to set it all off. The loose coal was shoveled into the bucket, hoisted on the windless and spread on the ground. Then we shoveled it all into a truck for transport to a coal breaker. We made $3 to $4 a ton. Later my Dad and Terry designed and built a tipple, or bin where the coal could be stored then loaded by chute into trucks. It cut out a lot of shoveling.'

Danger strikes

"I was working with my friend and brother-in-law, Ed Gusick, in a mine where we had some water. We were down about 200 feet in a mine car when we stopped to move a pump off the tracks. I went down another 20 feet or so and fell to my knees. I hollered to Ed that I was in trouble. He was screaming, 'Black damp, get out!' Black damp is commonly known as oxygen deficiency in coal mining.

I started crawling toward the top, not seeing Ed. Then I saw his cap light about 30 feet below me. I kept crawling and screaming for help. Dad appeared and he knew we had to get out of the black damp environment in order to breathe.

Dad saw Ed's light and decided it looked like Ed had crawled into the mine car below us. Dad tried raising the mine car with the hoist and saw Ed's light move. Ed had been overcome and passed out, falling across the two tracks with the hoist cable under his stomach. Dad carefully raised the cable until Ed came to near the top and started breathing again. We were both saved."

Local tragedy

"On May 30, 1962, I heard on the radio that a 12-year-old boy, Kenneth Schickley, had fallen into an abandoned mine near Shamokin while chasing a squirrel. I went to the scene to volunteer to help. Another man, John Varano, of Shamokin, and I went down 400 feet in a mine buggy, then another 100 feet by rope when we found the boy. He was fatally injured and was lying on a long abandoned buggy, his skull fractured by the fall. I have never forgotten that little boy. The image of him remained with me throughout my mining career. In 1969, the Mine Health and Safety Act was passed and abandoned mines had to be sealed to keep that kind of tragic accident from happening. The experience influenced my whole life and focused my efforts on mine safety."

As a result of the tragedy, a grassroots movement to seal all abandoned mines in the Shamokin area was launched by the Independent Miners, Breakermen and Truckers Association and the Rosini Coal Company.

The final years

"After I was appointed a federal mine inspector, I was assigned to Kittanning to learn bituminous coal mine inspections. I became very proficient in inspecting coal mines and conducting mine recovery and rescue operations. At that time, I reported to District 1 manager Tom McDonald, who was determined to eliminate the number one cause of fatalities: roof falls. He began requiring every mine roof to be adequately supported according to strict guidelines. He appointed me leader of a team that would investigate roof falls and find a reason to require full roof support. Eventually, full overhead roof support became mandatory for every coal mine in the United States. This was a major step in improving safety conditions in the coal mining industry."

Major influence

John Garcia, who has created his own career in mining, said his father was driving to make mining safer by the conditions he experienced in his early days in eastern Northumberland County.

"My Dad looked back on his early days dangerously working underground as a young man and vowed to protect the health and safety of our nation's coal miners," he said. "The guy from the little town of Kulpmont, Pa., was a major influence in improving mine safety throughout the country."

HARRISBURG - The Diocese of Harrisburg said Sunday that the cause of Bishop Joseph McFadden's death on Thursday was a heart attack.

McFadden had been staying on the grounds of St. Christopher's in Philadelphia as he was visiting the area for a semi-annual meeting of the state's bishops. At 6:30 a.m. Thursday, he called Monsignor Joseph Garvin, pastor of St. Christopher Parish, to say he wasn't feeling well.

"I think I'm having a heart attack. I need you to take me to Holy Redeemer Hospital," McFadden said, according to a report by Lou Baldwin of CatholicPhilly.com, a website for news from the Diocese of Philadelphia.

Garvin drove McFadden to the emergency room at the bishop's request rather than calling for an ambulance. About one mile from the hospital, McFadden made a second request: "Joe, would you please give me absolution?"

The pastor recited the prayer of absolution and made the sign of the cross, and McFadden blessed himself. Moments later he slumped over. Resuscitation efforts by Garvin and shortly thereafter of emergency medical personnel were not enough. McFadden was dead at 65 years old.

"I have to say I was in the car focused on getting him to the emergency room and he was focused on getting ready to meet the Lord," Garvin told Baldwin.

McFadden entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, in 1976, graduating summa cum laude. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 1981 by Cardinal John Krol of Philadelphia in the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul.

On June 22, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him the 10th bishop of Harrisburg. His installation took place Aug. 18, 2010, at St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg.

McFadden was due in Mount Carmel on Sunday to perform the Sacrament of Confirmation at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

ATLAS - Mount Carmel Township Police confirmed Sunday that six people were displaced by fire Saturday on West Girard Street.

The occupants of 101-103 W. Girard St. were Gennaro Galizia, 56, Noelle Galizia, 27, Johnathan Galizia, 24, Alexis Galizia, 6, Shawn Frankenhauser, 22, and Floyd Harper, 33.

A faulty electrical outlet on the building's ground floor was blamed for causing the two-alarm blaze. The township fire marshal said he believed the building is a total loss, adding that the home was uninsured.

No one was home at the time of the blaze, which was reported shortly before 3:30 p.m.

While no injuries were suffered by citizens or firefighters, two pit bulls and a cat were killed.

The local chapter of the American Red Cross was assisting the victims.

Students encouraged to apply for conservation scholarship

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Conservation District (NCCD) is providing a scholarship for a local high school student to attend the Penn State Conservation Leadership School (CLS). CLS is a one-week summer program which allows students to learn about the environment and explored environmentally-related careers.

This year's program will be held at Stone Valley Recreation Area near Penn State University on July 8 to 14. This year's theme is "how Pennsylvania's valuable natural resources influence our future and their value to all of us." Hands-on activities include ropes course activities, leadership activities, green initiatives, learning in the outdoors, PA Game Commission Hunter/Trapper Education certification for those who wish to participate, and a wind farm tour.

The scholarship for CLS will cover the full tuition expense of $495. Transportation is the responsibility of the student. Students between the ages of 14 to 18 who have an interest in conservation and the environment are encouraged to apply. The student must be a Northumberland County resident. For a scholarship application or for more information, contact the NCCD at 495-4665 Ext. 305 or visit www.nccdpa.org. Deadline to apply is Friday, May 31.

SASB meeting scheduled

COAL TOWNSHIP - The regular monthly meeting of the board of directors of the Shamokin Area School District for May is rescheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, in the board conference room.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Sunday afternoon was the opening day of the local co-ed softball league, and in the crowd to watch her children play was Cindy Balonis.

The 51-year-old township woman says she's never missed a game that any of her three children have played, even as adults, even in something as casual as high-arc softball at the Bunker Hill fields.

There she was to lend her support and to watch over her 3-year-old granddaughter, Jordyn.

The men on the team sponsored by Dobson's Carpet Service were dressed in black jerseys; the ladies had pink, as did Cindy. Hers has "mom" printed on the back.

On the front of all of them, in place of the second letter "o" in the Dobson's name is a pink ribbon. The ribbon is symbolic of breast cancer awareness, and it's printed on the team's jerseys to show support to Cindy as she continues her own fight.

"I wasn't supposed to know until they took the field," she said last week, telling of how her ex-husband, Tony, with whom she maintains a great friendship, blew the lid on the surprise. "He said, 'Oh did you see them?' So he pulls them up on his phone and I saw them."

Tony, she said, didn't know any better. "'Nobody said I wasn't supposed to show her,'" she recounted him saying as she laughed.

'Can't wait'

Cindy was diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump in her underarm in October. She underwent her seventh chemotherapy treatment last week. Her eighth and last treatment follows in two weeks. That appointment is marked in bold lettering on her calendar, the letters underlined.

"I'll just be so happy and dancing all over the streets when I have that last chemo. I can't wait."

She'll undergo surgery this summer. After that is a month's worth of radiation treatments.

Cindy has long worn her hair down to her waist; even longer when she was in school, so long she could sit on it. It's gone now, a common side effect of the chemotherapy. She wears a cap and refuses to wear a wig.

"They know I have cancer because they don't see the long hair and Cindy doesn't wear a hat," she said of friends and neighbors who she runs into. "I've had more people cry when they see me. I tell them, 'it's still me, it's still me inside.' "

The physical, emotional and mental tolls that come with a cancer diagnosis have been exhausting, she said, and she's noticed the impact it's had on her three children - Alicia, Amanda and Drew, all in their 20s.

"I adore my kids. They're first and foremost in my life, and I didn't want any of this to burden them - financially, emotionally, mentally, nothing," she said, adding that she had worried about how it would affect her relationship with Jordyn, Drew's daughter.

She talks on the phone with her three children daily, and they visit as often as they can. Their support is inherent, but she won't allow them to go with her to the chemotherapy treatments. She says she doesn't expect them at surgery, either, but admits they may not heed her advice when it comes to that.

Not alone

His mother and oldest sister say the jersey idea was Drew's, although he defers to others on the team for coming up with the design. He said she always treated his friends as her own children.

"For everybody to support her like that, it means a lot to her," her youngest child, Drew, said last week of his teammates wearing the pink-ribbon jerseys.

Amanda, her oldest child, said using softball as a way to honor her mother made sense. She and her father have long played the game together. Cindy used to play, too. The family has always been into athletics.

It made sense, too, because Cindy isn't alone in her fight.

"A lot of the guys, they want to make playoffs and win it for their parents. There's a couple of them who have cancer," Amanda said.

One of them is Gerry Shipe. Her son, Ron, is on the Dobson's team.

Gerry has stage three breast cancer. She was diagnosed in June, went through chemotherapy and underwent a double mastectomy last month. She begins radiation in six weeks.

"You got to have a positive outlook on this," her husband, Don, said at the game Sunday.

"I agree," his wife said.

Like Cindy, Gerry and Don said their children and grandchildren have given Gerry their full support.

Two weddings

Amanda, Cindy's middle child, wasn't at the game Sunday. She lives out of state. She was with Cindy when her mom received the results of her biopsies last fall and broke the news to the entire family so her mother wouldn't have to.

Amanda is planning a wedding for October, and Cindy says they're ahead of the game. She'll be there, she says. Her son's wedding follows the year after, and she has that one on her mind too.

As she talked of the weddings she mentioned that her hair is just beginning to grow back. She pulls her cap back and shows the proof.

"I'm positive. I will not allow it to get me down," Cindy said.

Cecilian Club

SHAMOKIN - The Cecilian Club held its April meeting at St. John's United Church of Christ.

The evening's concert theme was "Sports and Recreation." The program opened with a chorus of all the men present singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." They then asked the women to join in on a repeat of the chorus. This number by Tilzer was accompanied by President Nan Weller on piano. Carol Ellis, Marily Stasney and Linda Latsha, accompanied by Grethel Vinup, then sang "The Sleigh" by Kountz-Baldwin.

Tom Christ entertained the group with "The Baseball Game" from "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" by Gesner. Margaret Morris accompanied him. Next was a piano solo as Bonny Klinger played her own arrangement of "College Fight Songs." The audience was asked to pay attention and then identify each of them.

Carolyn Weaver followed with a piano solo as she played "Skater's Waltz" by Waldtuefel. Grace Stank, Kathi Christ, Merle Kashner and Rob Ensinger, accompanied by Bonny Klinger then sang "Skatin' with My Baby" by Naish, Alexander and Hatch.

Ensinger played a trombone rendition of "Sweet Georgia Brown" by Pinkard and Bernie. He was accompanied by Klinger. The concert portion of the meeting concluded as Chris Wetzel, accompanied by Klinger, sang "Enjoy Yourself" by Sigman.

Members and guests joined in singing "Fairest Lord Jesus" before refreshments. The business meeting followed. Members were asked to remember several colleagues who are sick or recuperating from injuries.

So far, only one scholarship application has been received. Students have until the end of the month to submit their applications. This year's scholarship will be for $500. Any area high school senior who will be attending college next year with a major in music is eligible to apply. Instructions are with the application forms which are available from music teachers at area schools.

The nominating committee reported a proposed slate of officers for the next two years: president, Kathi Christ; first vice president, Weller; second vice president, Mary Anne Miller; secretary, Carolyn Weaver; treasurer, Noriene Ladd and librarians, Martha Lynch and Carolyn Weaver. With no other nominations, the president cast the ballot. Officers will be inducted at the June banquet.

The spring dinner for members and adult guests will be held June 10 at Harry's. Those attending will order from the menu and should plan on arriving between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Printed invitations with the details were distributed.

Proposed revisions to the club's constitution and by-laws were presented. These will be voted on in May.

There was a lengthy discussion about additional things we might be able to do to encourage and support music education in our area. It was agreed to provide a scholarship for one student to attend the music camp at Pocono Plateau and two scholarships for the children and youth involved with the summer theater productions at the career and arts center.

At 7 p.m. Monday, the club will present a concert of highlights of the season's programs at Mount Zion Welsh Congregational United Church of Christ. This is a free concert and the public is invited.

Concerts, art show planned

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area students are planning several concerts and an art show in the Richard F. Bierschmitt Auditorium this week.

Seventh- and eighth-grade junior high chorus and band concert will be held at 7 p.m. today. The director for both choir and band is Sharon Styer and the piano accompanist is Rachel Ulsh.

The elementary band and chorus concert featuring students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Chorus director is Rachel Ulsh and elementary band director is Nicole Rosko.

The Mount Carmel Area High School and Elementary School art show will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the high school gym.

Township residents asked to clean up

ATLAS - The Mount Carmel Township Code Enforcement Office reminds township residents to keep their grass cut and garbage cleaned up around their properties during the warmer months.

Grass needs to be less than six inches high, according to the township's ordinance. Residents are urged to report violations by calling the office at 339-1287.

Ascension Thursday Masses planned

MOUNT CARMEL - Holy day of obligation Masses for Ascension Thursday will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 S. Market St.

American Wine Society

RIVERSIDE - The Susquehanna Valley Chapter of The American Wine Society (AWS) conducted its monthly wine tasting at the home of Carl and Mary Romanskie on April 14.

Carl Romanskie introduced guests Bob and Kim Hale. Bob Hale is AWS northeast regional vice president and a member of the Northampton chapter and resides in Easton. He presented a wealth of information on cork quality, wine tasting and wine purchasing.

The national tasting for 2013 will be Rhone wines. No date has been set.

Bob Hale's theme for the tasting was "Same Grape, Different Dirt." Tasters were treated to two wines for five different flights. Wines tasted were: Caba martin 2008 Sauvignon Blanc from Chile, Raimbaulst 210 Sancerre from France, Beringer 2006 Chardonnay from Calf., Louis Michel 2006 Chablis from France, Beckley 2008 Zinfandel from Calf., Cantele 2008 Zinfandel from Italy, Schild Estate 2008 Shiraz from Australia, Alain Paret 2009 Syrah from Burgandy, Blacktrack 2004 Estate from Blend from Calf., and Sociando Mallet 2004 Bordeaux from France.

After the tasting, the club enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring roast beef, potatoes and vegetables served by our the hosts.

The next tasting will be hosted by Tony and Cynthia Bressi, Kulpmont, on Saturday, May 18.

For information about the society, call Joe at 648-6136.

SHAMOKIN - City council is expected to vote Monday on proposals to terminate a pair of lease agreements for the American Legion building and for the Rescue Fire Company museum.

A new 99-year lease agreement would replace the existing one ratified in the 1960s between the American Legion Memorial Corp. and City Hall, removing contingencies that would automatically break the agreement if a subletter were to leave the property.

The city leases the building for $1 annually from the legion group and, in turn, manages the property and its sublease agreements, such as with the public library.

More than $1 million in grant funding is being sought by the city for building upgrades. A new lease was drafted on request by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure the city has firmer control over the premises given the potential investment. The financial arrangement would remain the same.

Steve Bartos, city clerk, said last week that Legion officials had indicated their cooperation with the proposed lease arrangements.

Some basic upgrades were completed last year, including to the building's electrical infrastructure. If the city is successful in obtaining a federal grant, the upgrades would be much more significant: installation of an elevator, restoration of marble walls and staircase, and the addition of handicapped-accessible bathrooms among them.

Three parcels of land were acquired more than 90 years ago to construct the historic landmark in downtown Shamokin. Its cornerstone was laid on Nov. 11, 1922, and the building was dedicated exactly two years later on Armistice Day for World War I.

Fire company museum

As to the Rescue museum, located directly across from the fire station, Bill Milbrand, city councilman, has said that Rescue leaders are on board with the lease termination. It will allow the city to assume control of the building in an effort to repair and reopen the museum.

The building's roof will need repaired, mold removed and a heating system either repaired or installed.

Larry Deklinski, a photographer for The News-Item, has volunteered to take over for John Smith as curator. The city is expected to allocate an annual budget of $500 to operate the museum.

Milbrand said he would speak with Shamokin Fire Bureau officials about creating a museum commission consisting of one representative from all six fire companies, allowing them to protect any assets donated by the individual companies.

Bigger picture

The proposed renovations to both buildings are seen as pieces of a larger "greenway" project centered around the restoration of the Shamokin Creek channel, including the addition of landscaping and walking paths along the creek. Also targeted for upgrades are the "99 steps," the stone staircase located directly across from the Rescue, and Claude Kehler Community Park, where a community garden is in the works.

All of it is reliant upon the approval of several pending grant applications.

In other business

Bartos has requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) release to the city grant funding in order to finalize the settlements on seven flood-damaged homes tabbed for demolition.

FEMA has previously approved $203,120 for the acquisition and demolition of the homes. The settlement offers have not yet been made public.

Homes from 10 to 16 S. Rock St., 44 and 48 S. Rock St. and 606 N. Third St. were all condemned in September 2011. The city has 90 days to tear them down once they're acquired.

R. Craig Rhoades, city councilman, has asked that Bartos seek permission to use the buildings for training exercises by city firefighters, saying such opportunities are rare.

SHAMOKIN - Last month's arrest of a Philadelphia man accused of selling heroin and Spice in the area has led police to file additional charges against the defendant and three Shamokin residents.

Terrance Giddings, 34, of Philadelphia, who was charged April 24 by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano with delivering $200 worth of heroin and $100 worth of Spice to a confidential informant, now faces two counts each of delivery of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver cocaine and criminal use of a communication facility.

Also charged were Giddings' female acquaintance, Donna McDonald, 30, of 550 N. Market St., Apt. A4; William Byrd, 27, of 615 N. Shamokin St., Apt. 4, and Geoffrey Koser, 27, of 615 N. Shamokin St., Apt. 3.

Giddings is accused of conspiring with Jessica Yetter, of 1135 Susquehanna Ave., Sunbury, to deliver two plastic containers of cocaine to a confidential informant for $20 at about 9 p.m. April 18 in Shamokin. Yetter has not been charged.

Giddings also is charged with delivering five containers of cocaine to a confidential informant for $50 at approximately 11:45 p.m. April 18 in the city.

McDonald faces charges of possession with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia, two counts of criminal conspiracy and possession of Spice, cocaine and heroin relating to an April 24 incident inside her apartment.

Three criminal complaints have been filed against Byrd relating to incidents on April 22, April 24 and April 25 in Shamokin.

He is charged with delivering two packets of heroin to an informant for $75, possessing with intent to deliver heroin and criminal use of a communication facility. He also is charged with delivering two packets of heroin to an informant for $70, possessing with intent to deliver heroin and criminal use of a communication facility. A third complaint charges Byrd with delivering five packets of heroin to an informant for $160, possessing with intent to deliver heroin, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of heroin and marijuana and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Koser was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia relating to a March 1 incident at his apartment. Police said Koser possessed a used heroin wrapper, syringes and a marijuana smoking pipe.

All the charges were filed by Primerano.

Approximately $1,000 in heroin, Spice and cocaine was confiscated by city police in last month's arrest of Giddings, who was taken into custody in the downtown district and charged with multiple felonies.

A confidential informant was used in a drug buy that resulted in Giddings' previous arrest. He remains incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $50,000 cash bail.

McDonald, Byrd and Koser were not arraigned on the charges. They were charged by summons and remain free.

Primerano said Yetter has not yet been charged in the ongoing investigation.

WEIGH SCALES - An Elysburg man is in fair condition and his wife in serious condition after being extricated from their mangled car that became sandwiched between a truck and another vehicle in an accident along Route 61 in front of Masser's Wayside Inn Monday afternoon.

A Shamokin woman also was injured in the 4:30 p.m. crash.

Ralpho Township Patrolman Christopher Grow reported Charles Klemanski Jr., 72, of Elysburg, was operating a red Chevrolet Malibu north on Route 61 toward Paxinos at 4:30 p.m. when he attempted to turn left into the parking lot at Masser's Wayside Inn. Grow said Klemanski drove into the path of a white Ford Escort driven south by April Slavinsky, of Shamokin, resulting in a T-bone collision.

Upon impact, Klemanski's car flipped over several times along the highway before being pushed by the front of the Escort into a stationary, black, 2008 GMC Sierra truck operated by Dan Shingara, 48, of Irish Valley, who was stopped for a stop sign in front of Masser's. Shingara was waiting to turn left to travel south on Route 61 when Klemanski's car crashed into the driver's side of his truck.

Couple pinned

Klemanski's car came to rest on its driver's side wedged between the Escort and truck near a sign for the business.

Klemanski and his wife, Evelyn, were pinned in the wreckage for approximately 25 minutes before emergency personnel were able to extricate them. They were treated at the scene before being transported by Elysburg and AREA Services ambulances to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

Slavinsky suffered less serious injuries and was treated by emergency medical personnel while sitting on a nearby curb. She was later taken by AREA Services to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where she underwent emergency room treatment before being released.

Shingara, who escaped injury, said he was working as a subcontractor at the Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority plant when he witnessed the cars collide. "I saw the red car on its side being pushed by the white car like a dozer," he said. "The next thing I knew, the red car crashed into the driver's side of my truck."

Witnesses help

After the crash, Shingara, owner-operator of Dan Shingara Enterprises Inc., Route 61, Paxinos, said he exited his truck and attempted to offer aid to the occupants of the Malibu, but couldn't reach them because they were trapped inside.

Earl Moore, 54, of Bloomsburg, who was traveling north in the passing lane of Route 61 behind Klemanski's car, said he spotted Klemanski's vehicle pull into the path of Slavinsky's car while attempting to turn left.

"The red vehicle flipped several times and hit the truck sitting at the stop sign," Moore said. "I then called 911 and came over to assist."

Joey and Tiffany Baskin, of Coal Township, also witnessed the accident while traveling south on Route 61 a short distance behind Slavinsky's car. They also told police the Malibu pulled in front of the Escort, causing the collision.

The Baskins, who were on their way home from Sunbury, stopped at the scene to render aid to the occupants of the vehicles.

Grow said the accident remains under investigation.

Investigation continues

Northumberland County Deputy Sheriff Henry Schrader, who is a retired Coal Township policeman, was the first law enforcement officer to come upon the accident and called 911 before directing traffic along the busy thoroughfare. Schrader said he was on his way to Shamokin Police Station to drop off court papers when he spotted the crash.

Within minutes, Grow, Coal Township Deputy Police Chief Chris Williams, Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn and Shamokin Patrolmen Mark Costa and William Zalinski arrived at the scene and began checking on the condition of the victims, interviewing witnesses and evaluating the damage.

Both cars were towed from the scene, which was cleared at 5:40 p.m. Shingara's truck sustained damage to its driver's side, but did not need to be towed.

Also assisting were members of Elysburg and Ralpho fire companies, Elysburg Ambulance, AREA Services Ambulance, Shamokin Emergency Squad and fire police.MIKE STAUGAITIS/Staff Photo

SHAMOKIN - Construction of a welcome center and parking area at the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) is expected to start in less than a month. It will mark the first permanent construction at the off-highway vehicle park that's been in the planning stages for more than three years.

AOAA Authority member Pat Mack, speaking at Tuesday night's authority workshop, said he was pleased to see least 20 contractors attend a pre-bid meeting Monday morning.

Contractors have until noon Monday, May 20, to submit bids. The authority will accept those bids May 21 at their regular monthly meeting and award contracts for plumbing, heating-ventilation-air conditioning, electrical and general contracting work pending approval from the state.

"A good majority of them were local. I didn't see anyone leave saying they wouldn't be able to do it," Mack said.

He said the general contractor can start construction by June 3, and authority members expect the project to be finished by Sept. 2, which is Labor Day.

The trailhead area, which will be just off Route 125 south of Burnside, will have an administrative building with an office, conference room and three maintenance garages. There will be 75 parking places on a paved lot and 180 spaces on a gravel lot, with additional overflow parking. The area will also include an ATV safety course, benches, lights and signs.

Authority member Barry Yorwarth said three months to finish the project is realistic due to the type of work.

"It's a large-scope project, but it's not technical or real demanding," he said.

The majority of the work is building a parking lot and constructing a small building, he noted.

Mack also said a 3,000-gallon septic tank would need to be installed on the property, meaning it would have to be serviced and pumped regularly.

The money to fund the construction project is coming from a $1.5 million grant that was awarded in 2011 from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

In other business, the authority expects to vote on the following at its next regular meeting, May 21.

- The purchase of "no trespassing" signs at a price not to exceed $1,000. The solicitor finalized his approval for the design.

- Participation at the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts parade on May 24 pending further information.

- Drafting a letter to the federal Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in support of a grant program to update the authority's technology.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area Middle/High School announced its distinguished honor roll and honor roll for the third marking period of 2012-13.

The two levels of achievement are an honors level and a distinguished honors level. A student must achieve an average of 90 to 94.9 for honor recognition. Distinguished honors require an average of 95 or higher.

All subjects except driver training are included in the calculations of a student's average. Also, all subjects must be passed, and a minimum of 90 percent in deportment is required.

Distinguished honors

Grade 12: Anthony Anonia, Kortney Bozza, Theodore Deptula, Rebekah Dietterick, Stephanie Dressler, Marlena Ford, Kiesha Foulds, Erica Gammon, Matthew Gass, Abbygail Halderman, Kayla Hart, Andrew Hasuga, Molly Hasuga, Ashley Keiser, Amber Kelly, Angela Kinder, Falynn Kroh, Amber Martin, Christie Munson, Sarah Purcell, Ciana Rollman, Kelsey Yacko, Michael Yucha and Alex Zalar.

Grade 11: Batool Alvi, Elizabeth Bednar, Alisha Black, Brianna Bonshock, Olivia Bonshock, Logan Carpenter, Joseph Colangelo, Nicole Cullen, Justin Forbes, Kayla Gordon, Kenya Graham, Alyssa Green, Nathaniel Haggerty, Austin Huntington, Mariah Mong, Laryah Moyle, Catelin Pancher, Melissa Rishel, Kevin Searls, Anthony Shalamanda, Kaitlyn Shultz, Melissa Smallets, Helana Supsic, Erik Taylor, Corinne Weikel and Brianna Wengrenovich.

Grade 10: Michelle Bressi, Jill Britton, John Brown, Tyler Candelora, Samantha Carpenter, Jasmine Coleman, Joseph Deptula, Megan Dimmick, Heather Elliott, Draven Faus, Tevin Gonzalez, Bridgette Hine, Darian Jones, Elizabeth Kapushinski, Megan Kerstetter, Zachary Koharski, Brett Long, Kayla Marchetti, Brianna Martin, Christopher McCabe, Rhiannon McKinney, Jessica Schleig, Graeme Shappell, Jacob Snyder, Michaela Snyder, Taylor Tobias, Casey Wilson and Cierra Zimmerman.

Grade 9: Kyran Brown, Thomas Campbell, Patricia Clark, Claudia Collins, Jeannette Costa, Justin Deutsch, Jacob Dirienzo, Amber Disidoro, Nicole Faust, Lillie Fidelman, Brady Haupt, Russell Henz, Kyle Kauffman, Evelyn Madrak, Emily McDevitt, Maxwell Morrison, Brayson Pawelczyk, Christopher Petraskie, Brett Rebuck, Ivy Savidge, Kayla Schell, Paige Sherman, Christina Troutman, Rebecca Wargo and Cameron Wayne.

Grade 8: Kayla Baney, Scarlett Brown, Cheyenne Burasz, Robert Carapellucci, Samuel Deptula, Thomas Eby, Aleea Faus, Amy Frasch, Tiffany Gordon, Brandi Hatzel, Cameron Jacoby, Mackenzie Koharski, Abigale Mummey, Jarred Rachau, Anne Richardson, Gregory Rishel, Madison Rodarmel, Kaitlyn Schrader, Ellen Spotts, Samantha Startzel, Aleksandr Washuta and Sydney Zartman.

Grade 7: Abagail Blass, Kiara Bonshock, Michael Breslin, Randall Brosius, Jacob Carpenter, Emma Clark, Madison Clauser, Taylor Cullen, Trent Curcie, Anna Delbaugh, Matthew Dimmick, Gloria Drayer, Kelsee Dunn, Colby Edmondson, Katlyn Ehman, Maryssa Erdman, John Fantigrossi, Michael Faust, Summer Finkelstein, Abbi Fiorey, Kira Golden, Kiera Griffiths, Mackenzie Hasuga, Jacob Jeremiah, Gaige Johns, Nicholas Kirkner, Jennifer Kozlowski, Ethan Lawton, Emma Mangiaruga, Sadie Miller, Kamilyah Nazih, Joseph Olah, Madison Pancher, Colton Pollock, Kali Rebuck, Bryan Sakalosky, Cameron Scandle, Jason Schank, Stephen Smith, Ciara Tharp, Brianna Wary, Daniel Zaborny, George Zalar and Dakota Zimmerman.

Honor roll

Grade 12: David Bernsteel, Mariah Bielski, Savannah Black, Destiny Bowers, Dylan Bowers, Emily Bridy, Miranda Canouse, Michaela Caulder, Jonathan Deitrick, Julian Deitrick, Karrah Derk, Jacob Domanski, Adella Doncheski, Amber Erdman, Michelle Etzel, Austin Fry, Jordan Glosek, Ian Hancock, Nikole Hartman, Siera Hornberger, Amber Kehler, Shannon Levi, Victoria Mangiaruga, Todd Markhorst, Kyla Martin, Luis Martinez, Molly McDevitt, Courtney McGrath, Mary McKimm, Chelsea Moroskie, Ashley Mulkins, Faith Neiter, Autumn Peck, Bunnie Radel, Jessica Ramer, Matthew Reichner, Michael Rodarmel, Ryan Rompolski, Deanna Rosini, Rebecca Rummel, Samantha Schiccatano, Samantha Schnee, Brandi Segura, Megan Sheriff, Samantha Spishock, Erika Strausser, Samantha Strausser, Cailin Wilson, John Wondoloski and Brody Young.

Grade 11: Jacob Arnold, Elizabeth Bensinger, Kelsey Bryant, Kylie Christiana, Jordan Collins, Eryn Cook, Nicholas Davis, Daniel Delbaugh, Cody Derr, Breanna Dowling, Brendan Drachler, Noelle Erickson, Caitlin Fellin, Megan Goodrich, Katelyn Green, Mitchell Haupt, Molly Haupt, Stefanie Hile, Samantha Holdren, Jennifer Hornberger, Richard Jones, Kevin Keefer, Corey Levi, Sean McLaughlin, Draven Miller, Marielle Miller, William Moll, Cheyenne Popewczak, Noah Rachau, Matthew Renn, Adam Richardson, Levi Rosini, Trisha Rosini, William Ruch, Lydia Sandri, Alyssa Shuey, Jodi Smith, Victoria Snyder, Caleb Stahl, Bailey Stank, Kent Stewart, Natalie Wolfe and Ronald Zimmerman.

Grade 10: Jacquelyn Augustitus, Tara Blom, Richard Brown, Kourtnie Chapman, Ryan Charowsky, Autumn Costa, Summer Feather, Cole Fegley, Kendall Forney, Devvon Gallie, Derek Gross, Carson Houser, Stephen Latsha, Kathryn Madara, Brittany Madison, Brianna Moore, Zachary Moyer, Carley Nash, Darian Paul, Rachel Poplaski, Ronald Rhoads, Sara Rozinski, Daniel Searls, Teya Smeal, Taylor Steinhart, Feliph Taylor, Jenna Wasarhelyi, Jarret Willis and Tucker Yost.

Grade 9: Kaitlyn Bridy, Bradley Carpenter, Cheyenne Collier, Tajuan Crum, Dilin DeCample, Brandon Dorsett, Haley Erb, Kathryn Faust, Chelsey Garancheski, Ryan Gass, Kaylan Haight, Quintin Herb, Jessica James, Andrew Jones, Kayla Parker, Isaiah Reiprich, Kelsey Rogers, Nathan Shurock, James Snyder, Amanda Stanchick, Cole Supsic, Dakota Sutsko, Nicole Thompson, Alissa Troutman, Jakob Weaver, Danielle Wilk and Kayla Witkowski.

Grade 8: Zachary Anascavage, Guenivere Angstadt, Madyson Bateman, Breanna Bickert, Anique Cress, Brittany Dascani, Katelynn Dewitt, Zachary Druckenmiller, Emilee Dunn, Kirsten Hynoski, Alicia Kapushinski, Jenna Keisling, Rachelle Klinger, Tiffany Klinger, Jenai McKeen, Lindsey Miller, Kiara Moore, Sara Popewczak, Vincent Quincy, Carson Quinn, Jarred Rachau, Anthony Roughton, Gabrielle Ruiz, Jaden Schlagle, Dylan Smith, Lauren Stanchick, Brianna Stanke, Gabrielle Velez, Matthew Vrona, David Wolfe, Jacob Wolfe, Page Wormald and Tobias Zerbe.

Grade 7: Daizy Barrett, Kasey Brown, Hunter Dabrowski, Madison Daya, Emily Demartino, Brydee Derk, Charles Diehl, Warren Eveland, Nicholas Furca, Brooke Hovenstine, Olivia Kaleta, Patrick Latsha, McKenna Markowski, Sabrina McLaughlin, Ethan Lawton, Timothy Moll, Victoria Nicola, Aaron Pancher, Kaile Pancher, Cameron Popiel, Scott Schleig, Cheyanne Smith, Elizabeth Stevens, Jasmine Wasilewski, Lorraine Whary, Tessa Wheary, Alyssa Wisniewski and Mackenzie Young.

Marine Corps League meeting today

SHAMOKIN - The Marine Corps League, Black Diamond Detachment 846, will meet at 7 p.m. today at the Knights of Columbus hall, 400 E. Independence St. Membership is open to men and women, officers and enlisted men, active duty, Reserve Marines, honorably discharged Marine Veterans, and qualified FMF Corpsmen.

Student artwork on display at bank

SHAMOKIN - As a member of the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities, Northwestern Academy is the latest to showcase student talent through an art exhibit at Susquehanna Bank, 300 E. Independence St. The exhibit is on display until May 22; the public can view it during normal banking hours.

The exhibit provides opportunity for students to showcase their talents in art, creative writing skills, construction and creative craft activities. The students contributed not only works of art but reflective writings about their experiences and issues they are facing.

Northwestern Academy provides residential care to students placed from contracted counties in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Early dismissal at Shamokin Area

SHAMOKIN - Friday will be an Act 80 Day early dismissal day for Shamokin Area students. The middle/high school will dismiss at 12:18 p.m. and the elementary will dismiss at 12:45 p.m. K-4 PM students will have class.

Food pantry distribution Saturday

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Food Pantry will hold its monthly distribution from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Notary Shop, 215 S. Oak St., for borough residents who have signed up in the past.

Residents at the Midrise are asked to meet in the lobby at 11 a.m.

Yard sale date set in Mount Carmel

MOUNT CARMEL - The borough's annual communitywide yard sale is set for 7 a.m. until ? on Saturday, June 15.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County commissioners unanimously approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement Tuesday with non-court related employees that calls for a 35-cent per hour raise each year and requires the workers to pay less toward health care.

Approving the pact, which is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2013, were Commissioners Vinny Clausi, Richard Shoch and Stephen Bridy.

County human resources director Joseph Picarelli said the agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO Local 2016, Council 86, covers 20 employees in various positions, including maintenance, weatherization and clerical.

In addition to the hourly increase, Picarelli said the agreement calls for employees to pay only 10 percent toward health care, which is less than what they were paying under their former contract.

Picarelli thanked the union for its cooperation during negotiations, which he said were cordial.

The board once again passed a resolution abolishing the positions of two county jury commissioners in accordance with Gov. Tom Corbett's recent bill to abolish the post.

The position of jury commissioner will not be on the ballot for the May 21 primary election despite a previous decision by the state Supreme Court to overturn a law allowing the abolition of the posts.

In January 2012, Clausi, Shoch and Bridy agreed to eliminate the office held by Democrat George "Norge" Dorko and Republican Samuel Deitrick, a former county commissioner. But the abolition of the posts wasn't scheduled to take effect until Dec. 31, 2013, when their terms expire.

On March 14, the state Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional after finding that the authority given to county commissioners under Act 108 to abolish the positions was improperly added to an original bill that was designed only to give the county commissioners the power to hold private property and farm surplus auctions online.

Act 108, which was born as House Bill 1644, initially only addressed the online auctions. The provision for allowing abolition of jury commissioners was added to it when the measure went to the Senate. The revised bill was passed by the Senate in late 2011 and was promptly signed into law by Corbett before it was later challenged.

The commissioners agreed to extend the deadline to accept proposals for upgrades to the county communications center until May 20 in an effort to attract competitive bids that could possibly reduce the cost of the project.

The commissioners passed a resolution to have Doli Construction Corp. remove a pedestrian bridge on Mulberry Street in the Fifth Ward of Shamokin that was heavily damaged by the Flood of 2011. The bridge is expected to be replaced by the end of the year.

On a 2-1 vote, the board approved a proposal from Olcese Plumbing and Heating not to exceed $18,999 to replace the coal boiler at the weatherization building with a gas-fired steam boiler.

Bridy said changing the heating system to gas will save the county a significant amount of money. He and Shoch approved the move, while Clausi voted "no." Clausi agreed that changing over to gas will save the county money, but believes the project should be paid by the state rather than with money from the county general fund since the weatherization department is funded through the state and federal governments.

Connie Tressler of Herndon and Frances Brennan of Shamokin were re-appointed and appointed, respectively, to the Behavioral Health & Intellectual Developmental Services Advisory Board for a term that will expire Dec. 31, 2014.

Northumberland County Chief Assessor Al Bressi was presented a certificate by the commissioners for being named "Employee of the Month" for May.

Bressi also received the Garrity Award on April 13 from the Assessor Association of Pennsylvania at its annual conference. The award is given to someone who is active in projects and committees and makes the association and local chapters better.

He is vice president of the North Central Chapter and serves on the board of governors on the state level. He has been in the assessment field since 1996 and returned to county employment in August 2009.

Shoch presented a proclamation to Jeremy Frits, secretary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Sunbury, for the nonprofit organization's continual involvement in the community since being chartered in 1903.

The Eagles organization donated more than $60,000 in 2012 to nonprofit groups and charities throughout the region.

The proclamation by the commissioners also designated May 4, 2013, as "Fraternal Order of Eagles, Sunbury Aerie 503 Day."

SUNBURY - Accusations against the county for violating the Sunshine Act and conducting business "behind closed doors" has prompted one commissioner to recommend holding public meetings every business day of the year.

A motion Tuesday by Commissioner Stephen Bridy to conduct meetings Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until all business is transacted was tabled for further research by solicitor Frank Garrigan. If the move is approved, it most likely would set a precedent in county government.

Bridy said he made the recommendation to make county government as transparent as possible and avoid future claims of violating the Sunshine Act.

Bridy said Commissioner Richard Shoch and several

citizens, including David F. Kaleta, of Shamokin, have been critical of the way county business has been conducted.

Shoch has claimed numerous times that Bridy and Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi have excluded him from certain discussions and actions involving county-related business. Kaleta has filed a federal lawsuit against Clausi, Bridy and the county, claiming they violated the Sunshine Act in his battle with the county over being barred from county-owned property that makes up the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).

Kaleta, who has been critical of the county's plans to build the 6,500-acre recreational area on forest and abandoned coal lands in Coal, East Cameron, Mount Carmel, West Cameron and Zerbe townships, was informed in a Sept. 10 letter from county planning director Pat Mack that his request to use the land for hunting and walking his dog had been denied after consideration by "two of three members of the board of commissioners," later determined to be Clausi and Bridy.

Kaleta, claiming the discussion to deny access was a violation of the Sunshine Act, won a preliminary injunction allowing him access to the AOAA land in Northumberland County Court. His lawsuit is proceeding through federal court.

Bridy and Clausi agreed Tuesday that something must be done so the commissioners can move forward with business without the fear of being sued. The topic led to more tension between Clausi and Shoch, who have been at odds over numerous issues for the past year.

"This is insane," Clausi said. "We must move forward. My name has been destroyed because of Rick Shoch. We can't keep doing business like this. He (Shoch) has ruined my reputation."

Asked by Clausi to comment, Shoch turned around to his fellow commissioners and told the crowd, "This is county leadership right here." His comment drew laughs and applause from the crowd.

Attempts were unsuccessful Tuesday afternoon to get comment from the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania on the daily meeting proposal. The commissioners generally meet twice each month, while most municipal governments hold only one monthly meeting.

It's unclear how daily meetings would fit with the requirements of the Sunshine Act and how public participation would be impacted.

Minority party votes

Another motion by Bridy to send letters to Gov. Tom Corbett, the state House of Representatives and state Senate encouraging state government to allow Independents and other minority party members to vote in primary elections was approved on a 2-1 vote, with Shoch voting "no."

Clausi, a Democrat, and Bridy, who won election in the 2011 general election as an Independent, said they believe everyone who pays taxes should be allowed to vote in the primary and general elections. Shoch said he doesn't believe that matter is a responsibility of the county commissioners.

Pennsylvania is one of just 13 states that does not allow voters to participate in primary elections unless they are registered as Democrats or Republicans. Most states allow open primaries, with subsequent run-off elections, or some other means of ensuring that voters other than Republicans and Democrats may vote.

911 Disability Initiative

All three commissioners agreed with Bridy's recommendation to establish a 911 Disability Initiative that involves providing the county communications center with addresses and other specific information for disabled residents living in homes throughout the county so first responders can be made aware of any disabilities.

Bridy said the information, which will only be provided to first responders, will be stored in the computer system at the communications center.

Bridy urged citizens to e-mail information to 911info@norrycopa.net or mail it to the commissioners' office at 399 S. Fifth St., Sunbury 17801.