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Noteworthy 6/30/11

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Food to be distributed Friday

KULPMONT - Surplus food will be distributed at the borough garage from 8 a.m. to noon Friday. Borough residents enrolled in the food surplus program are reminded to bring their bags.

Joint municipal office closed

KULPMONT - The Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority's office will be closed Monday in observance of Independence Day.

Changes in transportation at Geisinger

DANVILLE - Effective Friday, Geisinger Medical Center is making changes to valet parking, patient shuttle and transit services.

Valet parking will move from the Women's Pavilion to the entrance of the Hospital for Advanced Medicine (HfAM). Hours for valet parking will remain the same: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed weekends and holidays. Patrons who are unable to retrieve their vehicle prior to 5 p.m. should call security at 271-6588 for assistance. Pricing for valet parking also will remain the same: $5 for first two hours, $1 for each additional hour and a maximum of $10 per day.

Hours for patient shuttle service will change to accommodate earlier scheduling times for in-patient surgeries. Weekday shuttles will run from 5 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.

On a trial basis, transit services from Montour and Northumberland counties will drop off riders at the HfAM entrance effective July 1, discontinuing drop-offs at the main entrance.

For more information, call Bruce Rauch, manager of guest service operations, at 214-4710.

Give blood, get ice cream

Donors who give blood at one of four donation sites next week will receive a coupon for a free carton of Friendly's Ice Cream. Blood drives will be held at:

Geisinger Hospital for Advanced Medicine, 100 N. Academy Avenue, Danville, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday; Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, 599 W. Center St., Elysburg, from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 7; Susquehanna Valley Mall, Selinsgrove, from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 8, and Columbia Mall, Bloomsburg, from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 9.


Schlegel Culver's proposal to move PCC headed to House

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HARRISBURG - The first proposal sponsored by Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-Northumberland/Snyder, to protect a valuable work program for young adults and important community service projects, was unanimously reported out of the House Labor and Industry Committee June 23.

House Bill 1683 would transfer the administration of the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps (PCC) from the Department of Labor and Industry to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). By transferring it to another agency, it could be funded through revenue other than the state's general fund. Currently, no funding exists for the program in proposals for the 2011-12 state budget.

"The corps' mission of conservation mirrors that of the DCNR, and as such, it simply makes good sense to bring the corps within the auspices of that agency," Culver said. "The transfer simply helps ensure the viability and future of the program, which has proven to be very valuable to our Commonwealth."

PCC is a statewide program that offers work experience, job training and educational opportunities to young people who complete conservation, recreation and historical preservation projects on the state's public lands. Members are between the ages of 18 and 25, and they work in crews under the guidance of skilled, adult crew leaders.

Nearly 14,000 young people have served since the program began in 1984, with more than 1,000 completed projects.

including work in every Pennsylvania county.

Accomplishments include the improvement of 107 miles of streams, 7,100 acres of wildlife habitat and 23,000 acres of forest lands; the construction or renovation of 700 picnic areas, 721 cabins and lodges, and more than 10,100 miles of trails; the rehabilitation of 387 historical buildings, and the planting of more than one million seedlings and trees.

Culver said that DCNR already employs seasonal workers, similar to PCC crew leaders, and state parks and state forests are two of the primary beneficiaries of PCC projects.

Culver thanked Sen. John Gordner, who has the companion bill in his chamber, and his staff.

The legislation will move to the House for consideration. If approved by the Senate and the governor, the transfer would occur in July 2012.

SCA middle school students learn to build robots, find clues in computers during week-long technology camp

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CATAWISSA - A group of Southern Columbia Area middle school students investigated a series of computers Wednesday morning to determine which of the fake StemTech Corp. employees embezzled $500 from the company.

Across the hall, students were busy programing a wheeled robot to turn around when it detects an object in its path.

"We give these kids the knowledge. What they do with it is up to them. Some think engineering and mathematics are just not fun. We're showing them different," said Chris Gangler, high school business and computer teacher.

"We want to start getting kids excited again. As technology jobs keep getting outsourced, we want the jobs to stay in the area," said SCA kindergarten through sixth grade technology coordinator Victoria Kozlek.

For four days this week, the technology department offered a summer camp that focused on computer forensics and robotics. Twenty-three students learned how to build and program a robot, use forensic tools and computer programs and conduct hands-on tests. They also practiced computer skills through web games.

When the students arrived at the school for the four-day program Monday, said Kozlek, they received an orientation and were photographed for company badges. On Tuesday, they learned how to recover deleted files and read binary code and other computer languages. Today, the last day of the program, they will use the skills they've learned this week and go on a scavenger hunt around the school for QR codes.

Computer forensics

Eli Yemzow, 11, of Numidia, said he enjoyed searching through the computers and finding lost data people thought were gone.

"We were looking for anything like a search for how to hack or anything malicious toward the case," said middle schooler, a son of Mark and Amy Yemzow.

On the first computer Yemzow and his fellow students searched, they determined that someone had gone online to learn how to open an online bank account and quit one's job to raise chickens. The second computer, which most of the students thought had been used by the culprit, contained a bank account number on its desktop and Internet searches on how to spend $500 and how to hack a bank account. The third computer was slow due to a virus.

The goal of the program, said Kozlek, is to get the kids interested early so when they reach high school, they can participate in technology courses, and eventually may take more courses in college to further their careers.

Robots big draw

The robotics class was the big draw, she said, an opinion Chase Urban, 11, of Catawissa, shared.

"You can program them to do whatever you want. It's really fun," said the son of Ruth Ann and Mark Urban.

On Monday, they assembled the robots from Lego Mindstorms (a line of programmable robotics/construction toys). On Tuesday, they programed it to travel from one piece of tape to another. On Wednesday, the students learned how to program their robots to travel between two marks on the floor, turn 360 degrees, travel back, turn again and stop. The robots were then programmed to detect an object in their path and turn to avoid it. Today, the robots will be programed to follow a length of tape on the floor.

"Teachers often recognize (the robots') behavior as insect-like," said Gangler. "A lot of robot designs follow animals and insects. When we design them, we take it from nature."

The robotic program is a condensed version of a class he teaches at the school, in which the students have 50 class days to create a robot.

"The kids eat it right up. I'm happy to be part of it," he said.

Kozlek said she saw a lot of "future technicians" at the camp.

"It has been a fabulous week," said Kozlek.

The camp was free to Southern Columbia Area middle school students via funding from a 21st Century grant. Travis Williams, middle school computer teacher, assisted Kozlek and Gangler this week. Chris Gangler, high school business and computer teacher, helps Jared Ebersole, 10, of Catawissa, with programming his robot at Southern Columbia Area Wednesday morning. Ebersole is the son of Vicky and Scott Ebersole.

Car hits three vehicles, porch; no one injured

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SHAMOKIN - No injuries were reported in a four-vehicle accident Tuesday morning at Grant and Arch streets near Northumberland County Career and Arts Center that resulted in damage to a concrete porch at a residence.

Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver reported Tonia Brosius, 34, of 117 N. Marshall St., Shamokin, was driving a 2003 Dodge Caravan north on Grant Street at 12:25 p.m. when she accelerated upon seeing a 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight driven west on Arch Street by Markist Kareem Moore, 34, of 126 N. Eighth St., Shamokin, coming toward her.

Police reported Moore's car collided with the left rear quarter panel and wheel area of the van, causing it to spin slightly, mount a pavement and break through a set of basement doors lying on the sidewalk.

Police said Moore's car continued in a straight path between two parked cars before striking a concrete porch attached to a home.

Police said one of the parked cars sustained minor damage to its front bumper, while the other stationary vehicle was not damaged.

Moore's auto sustained damage to its entire front end and had its windshield broken, requiring it to be towed from the scene. The van sustained minor damage.

Brosius, Moore and a few passengers involved in the accident escaped injury.

Prosecutor will appeal Grohowski acquittal

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STATE COLLEGE - Senior Deputy Attorney General David C. Gorman said his office plans to appeal last week's ruling by Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage to acquit former Northumberland County Prison guard Kazimir C. Growhowski of felony drug-related charges that he was convicted of in 2006.

Reached at his State College office Wednesday afternoon, Gorman stated, "At this point, our plan is to appeal the ruling to the state Superior Court. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of when the order was issued by the judge."

Gorman said he disagreed with Sacavage's ruling to acquit Grohowski. He said his reasons for disagreeing will be presented in the appeal.

When asked to respond to comments made by defense attorney Edward J. Kopko, of Ithaca, N.Y., who described Gorman as an "overzealous and inept prosecutor" who "tainted the jury with inappropriate comments," Gorman replied, "I disagree with those statements, but it's a free country and people can say what they want."

The 39-year-old Grohowski, a resident of Mount Carmel, was acquitted June 23 in a ruling by Sacavage, who cited ineffective defense counsel at the trial, a prejudicial remark by Gorman in his closing argument in the case and insufficient evidence as the primary reasons.

Sacavage's ruling came three months after he heard arguments by Kopko and Gorman regarding a post-sentence motion filed by Kopko requesting the judge to acquit his client or grant a new trial.

The judge had the option of overturning Grohowski's 2006 conviction, upholding the conviction or granting him a new trial.

Sacavage's order filed with the county prothonotary's office states, "The court finds that trial counsel (Attorney Richard Feudale) was ineffective by failing to object or make a request for either a curative instruction or a new trial during the commonwealth's closing argument when the prosecutor (Gorman) utilized language asking the jury to consider 'sending that message.'"

Sacavage ruled Grohowski was prejudiced by the "sending that message" remark and found that the evidence supporting the guilty verdict was insufficient.

In an e-mail sent to The News-Item Wednesday morning regarding the acquittal, Feudale stated, "My heart goes out to him (Grohowski) and to his family. I would not want any human being to spend a day in jail for anything that I may have failed to do."

Grohowski was among seven current or former county prison guards charged on April 14, 2004, as the result of a two-year grand jury investigation into offenses allegedly committed between 2000 and 2002 at the prison. Charges against one of the other guards were withdrawn. Another guard was acquitted of drug charges during a 2005 trial and allowed to return to work at the prison. The other four guards entered guilty pleas and received various sentences, but avoided spending time in prison.

Woman walking to Philadelphia to bring light to complex disease

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EAST CAMERON TOWNSHIP - A journey of nearly 150 miles starts today for Shana Neidig as she walks from her home in East Cameron Township to Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia to raise awareness about Tourette syndrome, a disease that affects her 12-year-old son.

"It's a complex disease and is often misunderstood," said Neidig. "My goal is to raise awareness and help bring a better understanding of the disease to kids. It's the least I can do for my boy."

With no sponsors and only the clothes on her back - including a shirt that says "For Kasey" - Neidig plans to start walking Route 61 around 8 a.m. and make her way towards Pottsville, stopping only to rest at night. Once at the stadium, she hopes to have attracted the attention of former Philadelphia Phillie Jim Eisenreich, who played major league baseball for 15 years with Tourette syndrome and founded the Jim Eisenreich Foundation for Children with Tourette Syndrome in 1996 as a way to help children with the disease achieve personal success.

Eisenreich also played for the Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Florida Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers. In 1990, he was the first player to receive the Tony Conigliaro Award, which is given annually to a Major League Baseball player who has overcome a significant obstacle.

Neidig hopes to talk to Eisenreich and have him come to Mount Carmel Area High School and help educate her son's classmates about the rare disease.

"The kids will take notice to him," she said. "It would also be nice for him to meet my son and tell him it's an obstacle that doesn't have to hold him back."

Although choosing not to draw attention to himself, Neidig's son, Kasey Grohowski, is a three-sport athlete and a distinguished honors student as he enters the seventh grade. He recently pitched a game for Anthracite Fire Company with 13 strikeouts and dreams of playing in the major leagues.

"He's really driven to play baseball and would be really excited to meet (Eisenreich)," said Neidig.

Grohowski was recently diagnosed with a severe case of Tourette syndrome.

Neidig said it's hard for others kids to understand the disease because there are no physical attributes when a person is not having an episode. Episodes can be very shocking to others: Symptoms of Tourette syndrome can be as mild as an eye twitch or as severe as stomping one's feet and cursing uncontrollably.

"It's rough for him," said Neidig. "It's hard for other kids to understand."

The direct cause of Tourette syndrome is still unknown, and it is generally treated medically with antidepressants. Grohowski's parents are hesitant about such medication because they don't want to restrict their son's active lifestyle.

Neidig had the support of family and friends as she prepared for her journey. Victoria Steckler, who ran cross country with Neidig in high school, will be there to check on her friend's safety and occasionally join her on the walk. Steckler is confident that Neidig will accomplish her goal as she started her journey this morning.

"I knew Shana a long time," said Steckler. "When she sets out to do something, she does it."

Mount Carmel fireworks not tonight

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A fireworks display is not scheduled tonight in Mount Carmel as noted in a list of fireworks displays in today's edition. The display is scheduled for Saturday, July 30, as part of Picnic in the Park.

House-Senate dispute arises on school tax bill; impact on budget signing unknown

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HARRISBURG (AP) - An 11th-hour disagreement is dividing top Republican lawmakers and fellow Republican Gov. Tom Corbett over a bill that would further limit the ability of school boards to raise property taxes, AP reported at 2:19 p.m.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati said the sides are trying to work it out, but a bill in the House would place too many restrictions on a district that needs to build a new school building.

He says Corbett has demanded that the bill be part of the budget-related bills that lawmakers are scrambling to finish on the final day of the fiscal year.

Asked whether Corbett told him whether he'd sign the budget without the school tax bill on his desk, Scarnati declined to comment. The governor's office didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.


Graduate of Rosemount College

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ROSEMOUNT - Nicole Chapla graduated May 14 from Rosemount College with a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a minor in English literature.

She was named to "Who's Who in America's Universities and Colleges." While at Rosemount, she participated in the Petal Tones Concert, held in April, in which she performed two solos and a duet.

On Martin Luther King Day, Chapla volunteered for the National Day of Service, repairing fences at a Catholic elementary school in west Philadelphia. She did her senior thesis on "Religion and Media."

Chapla was an interfaith service coordinator and performer and an autobiographical documentary producer. She participated in the Model for International show as an opening singer for "We are the World."

She is a graduate of Lehigh Valley College with an associate in science degree in business administration, with a concentration in fashion merchandising. She participated in the Ecofusion 2007 fashion show at the Bethlehem Music Fest and in Adopt a Platoon for the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

Chapla is a 2004 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, where she was a member of the cross country team her senior year.

A reception in her honor was held May 14 at the home of her parents, Walter and Lois Chapla, in Rydal.

She is employed by Hollister's at the Lycoming Mall.

She is a granddaughter of Lois McCormick, of Coal Township, and the late Phil McCormick.

Student takes part in London program

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SELINSGROVE - Scott Marcinek, of Coal Township, was one of eight students from Susquehanna University who recently spent three weeks living in London, learning about British law and culture. The trip, which included visits to the British Parliament, Cambridge and Wimbledon; the European Union Parliament in Brussels and Edinburgh and St. Andrews, Scotland, is part of the university's Global Opportunities (GO) program.

Participating students took field trips and collaborated with British professors and law enforcement officials, allowing them to examine British law in the context of the European Union. They compared the law with that of the United States and analyzed legal systems, law enforcement practices, sports law and university law. When they return to campus in the fall, they will visit and interact with local law enforcement facilities and personnel.

Marcinek is studying business administration with an emphasis in finance at Susquehanna, where he will be a junior in the fall. He is a 2009 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and is a son of Frank and Cindy Marcinek.

Study away is an integral part of a Susquehanna education. In addition to optional study-away arrangements, Susquehanna is distinguished by its GO program, which requires all students to spend at least two weeks off campus, immersed in a culture different from their own. Currently, Susquehanna students can choose from study-away programs, ranging from a few weeks to as long as a full semester, in Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, Europe, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., among other options. For more information on Susquehanna's GO program, visit www.susqu.edu/GO.

Dean's list at Bloomsburg University

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BLOOMSBURG - John J. Shilpetski IV was named to the dean's list at Bloomsburg University with a 3.89 grade-point average.

Shilpetski is a son of Jack and Sheryl Shilpetski, of 44 S. Market St., Mount Carmel. A junior English major, he is a 2008 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School.

Article 9

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Saturday

- Sunbury - dusk, N. Fourth St. Recreation Area.

- Numidia - dusk, Numidia Dragway.

Sunday

- Ashland - dusk, Memorial Field.

- Allentown - 9 p.m., Dorney Park.

- Shamokin - dusk.

Monday

- Bloomsburg - dusk, Town Park

- Williamsport - 9:45 p.m., downtown.

- Berwick - after the Jackson Mansion concert, Crispen Field.

- State College - dusk, adjacent to Beaver Stadium.

- Moosic - after the baseball game, PNC Field.

- Harrisburg - City Island, at the conclusion of the Harrisburg Senators baseball game.

- New Berlin - 10 p.m.

Saturday, July 30

- Mount Carmel - 10:30 p.m., Picnic in the Park.

Valley hosts 'awesome' July events

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Summer is officially upon us. Don't complain about the heat too much, as I can guarantee you, we will be moaning about the cold and snow before you know it. Now is the time to embrace July and all the month has to offer in the Susquehanna River Valley.

Now, I must warn you - I do not have room to list all the awesome happenings this month. But believe me, there are a lot of events. Be sure to check out VisitCentralPA.org for all the great things to do, plus more information on fees, dates and times. So here we go with a quick sampling of the insane amount of events in July:

July is full of festivals. We have Lewisburg's Sidewalk Chalk Festival, the Lycoming County Fair, the Sunbury Celebration, Mifflinburg's Blueberries and Bluegrass, Selinsgrove's Antiques on the Isle, Danville's Iron Heritage Festival, Northumberland's Pineknotter Days, the Ned Smith Center Nature and Arts Festival, Home Made Days at River Fest at Susquehanna State Park near the Hiawatha, plus the Union County West End Fair.

Events "just for kids" make me jealous I'm no longer one. July offers a variety of themed camps at the Children's Museum, T&D's Cats of the World's "Animal Encounters" camps, camps for arts and crafts, rowing, chemistry, science, claymation, tennis, superheroes and even Legos (the building blocks, including robotic Legos). The Susquehanna River Valley offers amazing opportunities for kids to learn how to become a wilderness detective or learn how to make your own ladybug, dragonfly or butterfly "bug fan" at the Country Cupboard. And you won't want to miss Central Oak Height's Acorn Children's Festival.

Live music can be heard throughout the Susquehanna River Valley. Enjoy the Slifer House summer concerts and socials, live music in the downtowns of Milton, Mifflinburg, Lewisburg, Sunbury and Selinsgrove; music in such venues as Central Oak Heights, Shikellamy State Park (at the Outlook and for brunch at the Point) plus such area restaurants as Skeeter's Pit BBQ and the patio at the Front Street Station, just to name a few. Don't forget the wildly entertaining drum and bugle corps showmanship at the Cavalcade of Champions or the legendary rock music of Blue Oyster Cult and Foghat at Spyglass Ridge Winery outside of Sunbury.

If being outside and enjoying our great outdoors is your favorite way to enjoy summer, July provides you with a plethora of choices. Animal lovers will enjoy the new butterflies exhibit at Reptiland, plus a brand new exhibit called "Dinosaurs Come to Life;" the annual Wild Adventure in the Valley Weekend offered by T&D Cats of the World and Canoe Susquehanna, plus farm tours - EIEIO - at Owen's Farm outside of Sunbury. July showcases the Susquehanna River, offering the Lewisburg Appetizer Kayak Trip, the Peace of the Susquehanna Kayak Trip, the McKees Adventure Guided Recreational Kayak Trip, the Jewel of the West Branch Kayak Trip or if you prefer to simply sit back and enjoy the beauty of the river, be sure to catch a cruise on the Hiawatha paddlewheel river boat.

I'm running out of space to mention all the amazing and fun things to do in July, so be sure to check out our website to learn more about Half Price Wine Night, Chef's Tasting Menu, Central Oak Height's Chicken BBQ, exhibits and historical walking tours at regional museums and historical societies, free movies in Selinsgrove, Kohl's Stony Hill Tree Farm's Christmas in July, plus a cruise-in at the Country Cupboard.

And last but not least: What is July without fireworks and Fourth of July celebrations? Be sure to check out our Calendar of Events for more information on firework displays throughout our magnificent Susquehanna River Valley.

Our region offers all you need for summer memories with family and friends. Remember, the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau is here to be your resource for making summertime memories happen! Call us at 1-800-525-7320, visit us online at VisitCentralPA.org or on Facebook, or stop by our Visitor Info Center in Lewisburg.

(Miller is executive director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.)

Noteworthy 7/1/11

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'The Race' is on

SHAMOKIN - Peach Krebs, organizer of "The Amazing Coal Cracker Race," announced that 14 teams have signed up for the race as of Thursday morning, and the race will be held as scheduled Saturday morning.

The public is invited to watch the start of the race at 9 a.m. from the Fireman's Memorial at Market and Independence streets.

Municipal offices closed July 4

- Kulpmont Borough offices will be closed Monday in observance of Independence Day. Normal hours resume Tuesday.

- All Coal Township offices will be closed Monday in observance of the holiday. Also, the recycling center will be closed Saturday. All offices and the recycling center will reopen Tuesday.

Butterfly releases this summer

SUN Home Health and Hospice will hold four butterfly releases to benefit its hospice program.

The releases will be held Saturday, at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at Derry Township Community Park, Electric Avenue, Lewistown; at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at Brandon Park, Williamsport; at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 24, at Keithans Bluebird Gardens, 1042 S. Front St., Sunbury, and at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Perry County Fair Church Service, Newport.

Families and friends can sponsor butterflies in honor or memory of a loved one for $25.

According to Indian legend, anyone with a wish must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it. Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly cannot reveal the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all. In gratitude for the butterfly's freedom, the Great Spirit always grants the wish.

Proceeds benefit SUN Home Hospice, which has been providing support and comfort to patients with a life-limiting illness in 13 counties for 30 years and is a not-for-profit agency. For more information or to make a butterfly donation, call 1-888-478-6227 or visit www.sunhomehealth.com.

Hoagie shop to hold its grand opening Saturday

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COAL TOWNSHIP - Good food. Good entertainment. Good price. Good people. That's the goal of Dick Rehrer and April Dellinger as they prepare the Hoagie Spot for the grand opening ceremony on Saturday.

"We want to offer good value and entertainment to good people," said co-owner Rehrer. "There's nothing like us. We do it our way."

Dellinger and Rehrer both have years of experience in the food industry. Dellinger was a manager at Subway for 10 years and Rehrer also managed several fast food restaurants.

"I love making hoagies for friends," said Rehrer. "I wanted to work for myself and enjoy what I'm doing, and I finally found what I was looking for. All we want to do is give people a better experience when they come for food."

The Hoagie Spot offers a variety of hoagies, wraps, and sandwiches made with hand-sliced meats and cheeses, as well as entertainment. Scattered among the tables and chairs in the dining area are movie and game posters, a computer with free Wi-Fi, and a flat screen television. Also, around the corner is a gameroom complete with a 61-inch screen television, PS3, Xbox 360, movies, board games and a couch.

The owners said that they are planning to host family movie nights, video game tournaments, and live bands.

The grand opening will be all day Saturday and will feature a local radio station and prizes, including a $50 gift certificate. Regular store hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday , and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.


Gordner calls for toll credits to help funding of 'thruway'

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HARRISBURG - The Senate of Pennsylvania today unanimously passed a resolution calling on the United States Congress to reauthorize toll credits as part of any new Surface Transportation Act. The resolution noted that several Pennsylvania road projects, including the proposed Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT), are dependent upon toll credits, according to Senator John R. Gordner (R-27). Senator Gordner co-sponsored the resolution authored by Senator John Wozniak (D-Cambria) and included the language relating to the CSVT.

"Toll credits are matching federal funds earned by states that improve toll roads within their borders and have been a part of virtually every Surface Transportation Act," said Senator Gordner. "With the recent addition of the CSVT to the Appalachian Development Highway System, toll credits will provide important funding to move this proposed project to reality."

Gordner noted that the current version of the Surface Transportation Act does not contain the toll credits provision.

"While this issue has strong support among the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation, the unanimous passage of this resolution may help show other members of Congress the importance of toll credits."

Senate Resolution 57 is being transmitted to Speaker of the House John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and members of the Pennsylvania delegation.

Bath salts case 'most violent'

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MOUNT CARMEL - A 48-year-old Atlas man was hospitalized Thursday after what borough police said was the most violent incident they've had involving bath salts.

The man, who police would not identify because he hasn't formally been charged, allegedly stole a truck and crashed it into a parked vehicle before he broke into a home on South Beech Street and kept police at bay for approximately 30 minutes.

"This is the second incident in the past month, during the daylight hours, where we have encountered someone under the influence of bath salts," borough police Chief Brian Shurock said. "It is very lucky that no one was injured."

Shurock said at approximately 7:57 a.m., officers received word that someone was smashing out second floor windows from inside a home in the 100 block of South Beech.

Upon arrival, police noticed a red pickup truck double-parked. That corresponded with calls police had been receiving about a hit-and-run incident involving a red pickup in the area of Fifth and Willow streets.

They witnessed a man breaking a window and saw him holding weapons.

"The individual was holding a baseball bat with screws sticking out in one hand and a large knife in the other," Shurock said. "He was screaming about how he had the people pinned down in the house."

Shurock entered the house and determined the people the man was describing were imaginary. Shurock began talking to the man in an attempt to calm him down.

"We determined he was high on bath salts because of his paranoid behavior," the chief said. "He kept going back and attacking the people who weren't there."

As officers from other departments arrived, the man became increasingly violent and ignored police commands. Shurock left the house and directed fire police to cordon off the 100 block of South Beech while he called for an emergency response team.

Before the team arrived, the suspect left the home and approached police, carrying a large club. Shurock and other officers tackled him and took him into custody.

MH/MR involved

With the help of the Northumberland County Mental Health/Mental Retardation program, the individual was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment, police said.

The truck at the scene was reported stolen from South Walnut Street. The suspect hit a parked, but occupied vehicle, pulling it for a distance before it broke free.

The investigation continues by borough police Officer William Adamski. Shurock said the suspect is expected to be charged with a number of violations, including vehicle theft, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and reckless driving.

Incidents increasing

Though Thursday's incident was one of the worst, Shurock said bath salts incidents are increasing in Mount Carmel.

"We have cited at least six people for possession, according to our ordinances, and as far as we know, no store in the borough is selling them," he said.

On June 23, Gov. Tom Corbett signed a bill banning bath salts, a stimulant similar to cocaine that can produce hallucinations when ingested, injected or smoked, and synthetic marijuana products, which are said to be more addictive and potent than the natural product.

The law takes affect 60 days after signing, but Shurock wished it was sooner.

"They are worse than cocaine and heroin," he said about bath salts.

With no shops selling them locally, the chief believes people are driving to areas such as Pine Grove and Hershey to buy the products, then sell or use them locally.

"This is an epidemic and we are just seeing it get worse and worse on a daily basis, and the incidents are becoming more violent," the chief said.

Local reps happy with state budget

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HARRISBURG - Local representatives shared their approval of the state budget that - despite an 11th-hour disagreement that threatened to keep it from being the first budget in eight years to be passed before the June 30 deadline - Governor Tom Corbett signed into action minutes before midnight Thursday.

"It decreases spending by 4.1 percent - about $1 billion," said state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) in statement released Thursday. "This is a remarkable accomplishment after spending increased by $8 billion over the last eight years. Spending increased at twice the rate of inflation during this period. It simply was unsustainable."

Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108), who called on her way back to the district from Harrisburg late Thursday night, said the budget took compromise, but reflects the needs of Pennsylvania's citizens while also being responsible with taxpayer dollars.

"I don't think you'll ever have a perfect product, but it's a very good budget."

In a statement issued Thursday, she said the budget represents many difficult decisions, but stays on point.

"The main focus of this plan is to right-size government and bring spending in line with actual, recurring revenues we have available," she stated.

The budget includes no new taxes or tax increases and adds $500 million dollars to local healthcare programs. State-related universities will receive 81 percent of last year's funding and the State System of Higher Education, which includes nearby Bloomsburg University, will receive 82 percent of its funding from last year.

Pool opens Sunday

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SHAMOKIN - A 1,500-pound recirculating pump for the filtration system at the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool has been rebuilt, allowing the city to finally open the pool for the summer season.

Councilman R. Craig Rhoades, director of parks and public buildings, said Thursday afternoon that the North Rock Street facility will open Sunday, weather permitting, and remain open through Aug. 28.

"We're 95 percent certain the pool will open at noon Sunday," Rhoades said. "Barring any unforeseen circumstances or bad weather, we will be ready to go for the remainder of the summer season."

"We did everything humanly possible to make this happen," said Larry Strausser, aquatic facility operator. "Unfortunately, we kept running into roadblock after roadblock, but we're finally ready to open Sunday."

$9,000 repair bill

Strausser said the bearings and sealer on the pump were found to be worn out when the pump was activated in early June. Due to the required repairs or replacement, opening of the pool, which was initially scheduled for June 11, had to be delayed.

Rhoades said the cost to rebuild the pump exceeded $9,000, which will be covered with money from a two-mill recreation tax imposed by the city last year that generates approximately $60,000 ($30,000 per mill).

Strausser, who also serves as the city's public safety technician, and street department employees removed the pump in early June and took it to RAM Industrial Services Inc., Winfield. Strausser said the city was informed that it could be repaired, but that it would take three or four weeks to obtain parts. Through the recent persistent efforts of city clerk Steve Bartos, the city was able to secure parts within five days and had the pump rebuilt by RAM, Rhoades said.

Almost a no-go

City employees used a payloader to lift the pump onto a truck at the Winfield business and delivered and installed the equipment at the pool Wednesday morning.

Rhoades acknowledged that the city was going to "write off the season" and not open the pool.

"We figured if we couldn't open by July 4, it wasn't worth opening at all for the summer. But thanks to the tireless efforts of Mr. Bartos and the hard work of Larry Strausser and other city employees, we were able to get the pump rebuilt and open the pool."

Strausser said the pump couldn't be tested until the pool was filled with water several days before the original opening date. The pool is drained yearly for maintenance work on its shell.

He said 1,100 gallons of water per minute flows through the pump, which is 15 years old. He said it takes two days to fill the pool, which holds 400,000 gallons of water, and another day to vacuum it and balance the chemicals. Strausser said water is tested every year at Wilson Testing Laboratories in Shamokin before the pool can be opened.

He said it would have taken 10 to 12 weeks to deliver a new pump, which is built to order and would have cost $15,000 to $20,000.

Strausser has previously said it costs the city $50,000 to $60,000 per year to staff, operate and maintain the pool. Rhoades previously described the pool as a "necessary evil," one that loses money but is important to local citizens.

Strausser said the pool employs approximately 30 people, including lifeguards and support staff. He said the city is required by state law to have a certain number of lifeguards on duty regardless of the number of people using the pool.

Man aborted suicide, but still grazed nose and lip with bullet

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MOUNT CARMEL - Police are investigating a bizarre incident Wednesday night in which a man apparently changed his mind about committing suicide, pulling a pistol out of his mouth at the last second, but still grazing his lip and nose with the shot.

The man, blood on his face, then entered Shaulinski's Bar, 201 S. Market St., looking for friends, sparking a buzz through town that a shooting had occurred at the bar.

He was eventually taken for treatment, but not until police arrived at the bar to investigate.

As of Thursday afternoon, police still had questions to answer.

"At this point, we have no idea where the (shooting) incident took place or what the exact details are. We were called to assist an injured person," borough police Chief Brian Shurock said. "We are coming in at the tail end of it."

He would not release the man's name, citing privacy concerns and the nature of the incident.

An employee at Shaulinski's Thursday afternoon said "there was no incident here in the establishment."

The man, who refused to give his name, said the victim came in looking for his friends, and that he had blood on his face. He is someone who frequents the bar two or three times a week and is in his late 20s or early 30s, the employee said.

Some friends arrived a short time later, "stressed out," the Shaulinski's employee said. But he said the victim was able to carry on a normal conversation.

The friends learned that the victim had a handgun in his mouth at one point, but apparently pulled the gun out just before he fired it, the employee said.

Upon arrival, police asked the victim's friends to bring him outside, which took some convincing but he eventually went out.

"They convinced him to have the medics take a look at him and then they took him for treatment, and it was over," the employee said.

Shurock said a gun was recovered from a vehicle.

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