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Strike looks imminent at SASD

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COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area School Board released its most recent teacher contract proposal publicly Thursday, revealing an offer of raises totaling $4,900 to $5,900 over the next three years.

The publication of the proposal came after the board and teachers union issued statements criticizing each other for failing to schedule additional negotiation sessions before a scheduled Tuesday strike.

"Our association offered the board two meeting dates in an attempt to avert the strike," the Shamokin Area Education Association (SAEA) wrote on its Facebook page Thursday morning. "The school board declined both dates, without reason."

A short time later, Antonio Michetti, the board's representative, issued a statement on behalf of the board.

"Contrary to the union's statement, the board did offer to meet with the union by coming in on a holiday, Monday, Sept. 7, to continue negotiations and hopefully avoid a strike," he said. "No response was received from the union."

An interaction between board member Charlie Shuey and the administrator of SAEA's Facebook page reveals the union offered to meet on Friday and Sunday.

"Those dates were selected by you, knowing that members and administrators would probably be away for the holiday, and therefore not available," Shuey wrote.

"Our team members were willing to cancel plans to attend on either or both days, as we see and understand the urgency of settling this contract," SAEA responded.

Definitive proposals

Michetti also said in the statement the board has attempted to engage in negotiations via email, with no success.

These negotiations include "repeatedly requested a concrete responsive proposal from the union to the board's offer, setting forth the exact amounts of wage and benefits compensation the union was seeking for its membership," he said. But instead of providing a proposal, the union has stuck to a fact-finding report issued in June, he said.

SAEA voted to accept the report. The board rejected it, saying it was feasibly impossible for the district.

"The union has failed to give specific financial requests, other than continuing to refer back to a flawed and unanimously rejected fact-finding report," Michetti said in the statement. "With the present uncertainty over education funding in the state and federal budgets, and the already overburdened taxpayer, the board needs definitive proposals from the union to evaluate given its budgetary constraints and respond accordingly."

Raises, health coverage

Michetti said in the statement the board hoped to "assist the parents, taxpayers and union in evaluating the board's proposal" by posting it on the web.

The board is proposing a wage freeze for the two retroactive contract years, 2013-14 and 2014-15. In exchange, teachers who were employed by the district by those years will receive a $500 per year raise in 2015-16. All teachers will also receive a $2,500 raise.

In 2016-17 and 2017-18, all teachers will receive a $1,200 raise, an average increase of 2.74 percent and 2.67 percent, respectively.

In exchange for the raises, the board is asking the teachers to pay 5 percent of their medical insurance premium costs. Currently, teachers pay 1 percent of salary toward medical insurance.

The board estimates an employee with single coverage will pay $15.67 per check, an average annual increase of $2.37. A family coverage recipient will pay $43.82, an average annual increase of $734.36, the board said.

The proposed plan has no deductible.

Teachers who opt out of plan receive a stipend of $2,500, up from $1,000, the board proposed.

The board also proposed an alternative with even higher raises, if the teachers agree to raising the maximum elementary school class size by seven students.


New prison information shared with public

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SUNBURY - Approximately 32 public officials and citizens turned up at the Northumberland County Administration Building Thursday to hear information and ask questions on the impending prison project.

Raymond Minarovic, a project manager with Apex Companies LLC, the county's environmental consultant on the project, spent about a half hour presenting the company's findings on the site before a lengthy question-and-answer session.

Minarovic said the former Moran Industries site was tested for 145 compounds commonly found at brownfield sites. Only five compounds of concern were found to be at unsafe levels for residential use: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and two forms of benzene. Only arsenic and one of the benzene compounds were found in more than one of the 48 testing locations.

"There is contamination at the site," said Minarovic. "Once we do our work, there will be no exposure."

Remediation work on the site includes placing a soil cap on affected areas that will not be covered by parking lots or buildings. A stormwater project that includes installing drainage around a perimeter of the site will prevent contaminants from floating away.

During remediation work, the crew will use safety precautions to ensure no contaminants escape into the air.

Minarovic said the company had also looked into information sent from the public.

They found no traces of many of the rumored contaminants, which included fracking materials, and buried asbestos and chemical drums.

"If found, we will address it and remove it," he said.

Members of the public raised additional concerns during the question and answer period. A chief concern - that the former property owner had parked leaking rail cars on the site for an extended period of time - may be investigated alongside several of the other issues pointed out by homeowners of the adjacent residential area.

"This isn't the end," said Minarovic. "This project is ongoing."

The company's findings will be made available to the public, with a physical copy placed in either the courthouse or the library, he said. Any additional findings are also public record.

Commissioner Stephen Bridy, who chairs the prison board, was also onhand to answer questions. He said he hoped site work would begin on the prison and work release center project by the end of October.

Students, parents respond to SASD, LM strikes

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MANDATA - Neither the rain nor the impending strikes dampened the mood at Friday night's football game at Eagle Stadium.

The match up was between Line Mountain and Shamokin Area: two districts that are also in the midst of contract battles off the field.

Students in both districts have yet to return to class for the coming school year. At Line Mountain, the start date was pushed back to Sept. 8 to accommodate a strike scheduled to begin Sept. 16. With a later start date, the strike can run for fewer days.

Shamokin Area also announced a start date of Sept. 8, citing issues with ongoing construction. But the district's 2,317 students have been told to not come to school that day because the Shamokin Area Education Association plans to strike (see separate story).

'Ridiculous'

Parents and students in both districts in attendance at Friday's game expressed detestation toward the coming strikes.

"I think it's ridiculous," said Hali Phillips, a junior at Line Mountain High School. "Teachers should just accept an offer if they're being offered good deals."

"I think it's a bunch of bulls---," said Jesse Zerbe, a resident of the Shamokin Area School District. "They should do it when they're not in school."

Students said they worried about how the strike would affect the academic calendar. When a first strike occurs, the state mandates students must still complete 180 class days before June 15. Districts are forced to hold class on previously scheduled vacation days until all are depleted. The union must then conclude the strike.

"I'm upset about it," said Michaela Haddock, a senior at Line Mountain High School. She was concerned about the loss of holidays, especially around Christmas when Line Mountain expects to make up three strike days. "It's my senior year, and I want to be in school when I should be."

Christian Stump, a senior at the Line Mountain School District and a student at Northumberland County Career and Technology Center, said he disliked that the strike put him on a different class schedule than his friends and girlfriend at the high school.

"I'm happy because we don't have to make the days up," he said. "(But) I can't go visit my girlfriend."

Though many of extracurricular coaches are also teachers, students and parents agreed after school activities like football games should not be cancelled because of the strike.

Caitlin Heim, a senior at Line Mountain High School, said it is unfair to punish the student athletes.

"Why should they have to change all the games?" she asked.

"You can't make up the games, but you can make up school," said Brooke Hovenstine, a sophomore at Shamokin Area High School.

Rep. Marino hearing involves ACA repeal

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law will hold a hearing at 10 a.m. Thursday on the state of competition in the health care marketplace, how the Affordable Care Act has impacted competition and the consequent impact on accessibility and affordability of health care for Americans, according to U.S. Rep. Tom Marino (R-10), the subcommittee chair.

"The committee will start its series of hearings on competition in the health care marketplace with a broad examination of competition within the hospital, insurance and physician marketplaces," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Marino said in a statement. "Since its enactment, Obamacare has had a significant impact on each of these markets. Americans are already starting to see their medical bills rise, the quality of their care becoming diminished, and their options for care becoming more limited. Next week's hearing will add to the growing record of how Obamacare led to each of these results, and why the broken law demands repeal."

This hearing is the first in a series of subcommittee hearings on competition in the health care marketplace. Witnesses include Thomas L. Greaney, professor of law at St. Louis University School of Law; Richard J. Pollack, executive vice president, advocacy and public policy, American Hospital Association; Dr. Barbara L. McAneny, member of the board of trustees, American Medical Association; Dan Durham, executive vice president, strategic initiatives, American Health Insurance Plans; and, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, resident fellow, American Enterprise Institute.

The hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at http://judiciary.house.gov/.

Two in day dare heroin case headed to trial

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SUNBURY - Two individuals charged with using and dealing heroin after-hours at a Shamokin day care will face trial before the end of November.

Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey reported Friday that Christian Kehler, 37, of 1114 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, and Ryan Varano, of 114 S. Fifth St., Shamokin, will stand trial on drug charges within the next 90 days.

A pre-trial conference was held in the chambers of Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor Friday morning for the two men, accused of a March 28 incident at Jesus' Lil Helpers Daycare, 114 S. Fifth St., when Kehler allegedly overdosed on heroin and was revived by police and emergency medical personnel through the use of CPR and Narcan before being rushed by ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Both individuals face felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility and misdemeanors of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and recklessly endangering another person.

Varano also faces both a felony count of criminal trespass and a misdemeanor charge of defiant trespass after his mother, Kelly Ebersole, said he repeatedly told him not to be in the daycare.

At the time of the overdose, police reported in a criminal complaint they found 52 filled bundles of heroin, 65 empty packets, and 38 partially empty packets, along with other forms of paraphernalia in the area, with some of them in places accessible to children.

Police say Kehler and Varano were allegedly driven to Philadephia by a third man, Frederick Russo, 49, of Chestnut St., Kulpmont, to purchase the drug.

The prosecution had originally offered a plea deal to Kehler for a single county of possession with intent to deliver heroin. Due to his prior record, Kehler would have to serve a state prison sentence.

The daycare has been investigated by the state Department of Human Services and no violations were found. The daycare center was cleaned and sterilized before it reopened.

Coal Twp. to advertise sale of three blight lots

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COAL TOWNSHIP - Advertisements for the sale of three vacant lots will be published next week, marking the final step in a blight remediation project.

Using Keystone grant funding obtained through the Northumberland County Housing Authority, the township purchased the properties through the tax claims bureau over the past two years and tore down blighted houses. A requirement of the funding was to have a reuse plan, which for the township involves selling the lots.

A minimum bid that matches the market value is required for the lots, the sale of which will be advertised in The News-Item starting late next week, said Rob Slaby, township manager.

Proceeds from the sales will go back to the township's demolition program, Slaby said.

The lots are at:

- 12 S. Poplar St., measuring 18 by 25 feet with a market value/minimum bid of $759.

- 1600-1602 Pulaski Ave., 25 by 109, $1,447.

- 1101 W. State St., 24 by 75 feet, $875.

Anyone can bid on the properties, Slaby said, but it's logical that neighbors may try to acquire the lots to expand their yards or create parking areas. Deadline to bid is Sept. 29.

While houses were located on the sites previously, they may not conform to current regulations for construction, he noted.

A motion to advertise for bids for the sale of the lots was OK'd 4-0 by the board at its meeting Thursday night. Craig Fetterman was absent.

Blight problem

In other business Thursday, and on another issue of blight, the board heard from Fran Adams, who complained about the condition of a neighboring home, Slaby said.

Adams, who lives at 1407 W. Walnut St., next to 1405, asked if there's anything more that can be down to force those responsible to clean up the property. Slaby said code enforcement officer Chris Petrovich has cited Donald Kuntz numerous times, but he didn't appear for his most recent hearing. The township will check with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on the status of the case and continue to issue citations, Adams was told, according to Slaby.

Among the code issues, the property has high grass, and damage from a leaking room is impacting Adams' home, he said.

- The township has been notified by Aqua Pennsylvania that it will be painting the Ferndale water tank in the next few weeks. Smaller tanks will be brought to the site temporarily while the work takes place, but no water pressure problems or other disruption in service is expected.

- The township agreed to allow PennDOT to change its signal detection equipment at the Route 61 and 225 intersection from underground to overhead when a paving project takes place next year. PennDOT pays for the installation, but the township pays for maintenance, which will be less expensive with it above ground, Slaby said.

- Supervisors received a letter from the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library thanking them for the township's $10,000 allocation.

Man pleads guilty to sex assault after DNA proves he fathered teen's baby

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SUNBURY - A Selinsgrove man pleaded guilty to statutory sexual assault in Northumberland County Court after it was determined he is the father of his victim's baby.

Standing before the judge in an orange prison jumpsuit, Dustin Gearhart, 27, of 1823 Sunbury Road, entered his plea in court Friday to a single count of statutory sexual assault.

In May, President Judge William H. Wiest ordered Gearhart to undergo DNA testing to determine if the defendant is the father of a child born to the teenage victim.

Gearhart was charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old April 3, 2014, in the third patch of Bear Valley after the pair went for a ride in Gearhart's vehicle.

In the hearing for the DNA test, Jonathan Lehr, Gearhart's parole officer, said Gearhart told Coal Township detective Jeff Brennan Sept. 25 he had consensual sex with the girl but said he did not ejaculate because he worried she was underage.

"He felt dirty, for lack of a better term," Lehr said.

County assistant district attorney Michael Toomey said Friday the results may have made a difference in the defendant's plea.

"It certainly was the straw that broke the camel's back," Toomey said Friday.

Sentencing was postponed to a later date since the victim was not in court to possibly give a statement.

Gearhart was originally scheduled to spend one to two years in county prison for the crime after receiving the sentence on March 25, but the punishment was rescinded due to an error.

Prosecutors made an error in Gearhart's record score, which is used to determine an offender's sentence based on past convictions and the likelihood to re-offend.

Gearhart's score was originally a "two," but then changed to a "five" which would have brought out a minimum sentence of 24 months in state prison.

Once the harshest sentence was handed down, Gearhart withdrew his guilty plea in March. Gearhart was originally scheduled for a pre-trial conference Friday morning but decided to make the plea in court that day.

Drivers hurt in Route 61 crash

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PAXINOS - A two-vehicle crash at 6:42 a.m. Friday on Route 61 sent both drivers to the hospital.

State police at Stonington said a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze driven by Amanda M. Krallman, 24, of Trevorton, was making a left onto Route 61 from Irish Valley Road and traveled into the path of a 2015 Toyota Corolla driven by David J. Hilliard, 66, of Elysburg.

Krallman's car, which suffered severe front-end damage, stopped in the middle of the highway, while Hilliard's sedan continued south across the northbound lanes and off the east berm, striking a sign before coming to rest in a thicket along the highway.

Hilliard was trapped and had to be extricated by paramedics and firefighters from Elysburg and Stonington. He was taken to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital. He reportedly sustained moderate injuries.

Krallman was also transported to the hospital with a minor injury.

Both were treated and released, a nursing supervisor said.

There was light fog at the time, and the accident snarled commuter traffic.

Elysburg and Stonington fire departments and fire police responded.


No classes at SASD Tuesday; board, union to meet that afternoon

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SHAMOKIN - No classes will be held Tuesday at Shamokin Area School District.

The school board and teachers union agreed to meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday, one hour after the first day of school would have concluded.

Both sides proposed dates over the weekend but could not agree on a time that worked. The Shamokin Area Education Association (SAEA) requested Friday and Sunday and the board asked for Monday.

Antonio Michetti, who is representing the board in the negotiations, said that while Sunday did not work for him for personal religious reasons, the board will still show up at 4 p.m. Monday with the hope of avoiding Tuesday's strike.

"We are still willing to meet on Monday. The board and myself will be there," he said. "I don't know how you can prevent a strike by meeting after the strike commences."

SAEA president Mary Yohe confirmed via email Friday the union's intention to meet on Tuesday but not Monday. She said the teachers will strike until the meeting.

Since May

SAEA and its state union representative announced the decision to strike July 15, approximately two years after the district's last contract expired. SAEA announced its intention in April to strike starting May 22 if a contract wasn't reached, but when the board requested fact-finding, the strike was temporarily nullified.

In a press release issued Friday by SAEA, the union urged the board to accept the contract terms proposed by the fact-finder. The board had rejected the report unanimously in June, while SAEA accepted it.

"Let's be clear: the state appointed fact-finder (Walt Glogowski) issued a report worthy of a yes vote by both parties," Yohe is quoted as saying in the press release. "The fact-finder ruled on three substantive issues: salary, health care and tuition reimbursement. He (Glogowski) ruled in favor of the school board with health insurance and tuition reimbursement - and he awarded the school board the first two years of its salary proposal. The teachers only got the last three years of their salary proposal."

Michetti responded that the fact-finder's report became void when the board refused it. Instead, he asked the union to provide their own list of demands so the board could work toward a mutual agreement.

"We've made definitive proposals on salary, health care. We need a response to continue negotiations," he said. He added that the board had no control over the choice of fact-finder, and was displeased to discover he may have had a bias towards SAEA. "Mr. Glogowski - they've called him a school board member but conveniently they leave out the part that he was a teacher and a union activist."

Both sides maintained they would like to avoid any work stoppage.

Noteworthy: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015

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City offices closed for holiday

SHAMOKIN - City Hall, code enforcement office tax office and street department will be closed Monday for the holiday.These offices will open at their normal times Tuesday.

No bus service Monday

YORK - Rabbittransit will not operate any paratransit service Monday in observance of Labor Day. Service will resume at the regularly scheduled times Tuesday.

For more information, call the customer service care center at 717-846-RIDE or 1-800-632-9063.

Kulpmont offices closed Monday

KULPMONT - The borough's municipal office, code office and street department will be closed Monday in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

What you need to know on possible strikes at Shamokin Area, Line Mtn.

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Line Mountain

Scheduled strike date: Wednesday, Sept. 16

Estimated strike length: Nine days

Teachers affected: Approximately 100

Last contract year: 2011-12

Shamokin Area

Scheduled strike date: Tuesday, Sept. 8

Estimated strike length: Unknown

Teachers affected: Approximately 200

Last contract year: 2012-13

Divine Redeemer Church

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The following memorials/donations have been presented to Divine Redeemer Church, Mount Carmel, for the month of August.

In memory of

Angelo J. D'Alexander Jr. from John and Carla (Niglio) Gabreski, Antoinette Niglio, Carol (Niglio) Altomare.

Jared Seedor from Rich, Mary, Jonathan and Sarah Novack.

Ramona Novack from Rich, Mary, Jonathan and Sarah Novack.

Isabelle R. Scaran from Rita and Jean Grochowski, Dora and Joan DiFrancesco.

Mary Rita Socoloski from Frank and Mary Sawicki.

Diane D. White (Second anniversary of death, Aug. 16) from husband Michael.

In honor of

St. Francis from Daniel Rossi.

Frackville Museum prepares to celebrate 4th anniversary

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As time moves forward, special events and items in our lives fade into memories. Every so often, we see something that triggers those memories and creates a sense of nostalgia.

As the Frackville Museum prepares to celebrate its fourth anniversary, the crew is setting up displays featuring items from the past that will provoke a yearning for a time when these artifacts were new and prominent. The exhibits will be featured at an anniversary open house set from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 13.

Lorraine Stanton, museum director, said the theme for the open house is "Americana Collections." Throughout the years, Americans have built collections of items special to them, such as teacups, while collectors gather memorabilia from companies such as Coca-Cola and Avon. These collections sparked the idea for the open house theme.

"Everybody has their own idea of what they want to save, which is great," Stanton said.

The items are the latest additions to the Frackville Museum, which opened in September 2011.

It was a dream project for Stanton that began in 1974 as the borough prepared for its centennial celebration. According to a museum brochure, Stanton began interviewing residents in what would become Old Frackville Times - articles published in the Shenandoah Evening Herald. The articles ran from 1975 until the centennial edition in August 1976. She continued her historical journey for many years. A few years ago, the borough council agreed to offer Stanton a space for her collection and the museum made its home in the Frackville Municipal & Community Center, 42 S. Center St.

The museum is made up of donated items. Most items are from local people, but Stanton said one of the items in the Americana Collections came from Colorado.

"People are very generous with donations, especially with hats and dishes from American culture. That's what we are focusing on for the fourth anniversary," she said.

The exhibits feature pieces from people whose names visitors will easily recognize, such as Norman Rockwell and Thornton Utz. These men were famous for their paintings in the Saturday Evening Post, and some of the items in the museum decorated with their art include mugs, plates and bells.

Stanton said people will also enjoy a collection of items adorned with images of Betty Boop - the Queen of Cartoons - as well as the Campbell Soup Kids.

The highlight of the collections, according to Stanton, is the Avon collectibles. Stanton said Avon is a true American enterprise and many people remember the products.

A main component of the Avon collection is the Mrs. Albee Award statues. The statues were given to saleswomen who reached a significant level of product sales. The etagere they are displayed on was donated by Frank Wagner, a 1963 Frackville High School graduate. For the men, there is a collection of vintage car cologne bottles.

Other significant pieces include a hutch donated by Diane Hayek, punch bowl and glasses donated by Dave Bowen, Ethan Allen table and chairs donated by the high school Classes of 1949 and 1950, a vintage setting that includes an antique washstand with bowl, pitcher and chamber pot donated by Allen Yudacufski, shaving mugs donated by Barry Janov and Liz Puls, and hair clippers donated by Jim Kiefer.

While donations are the lifeline of the museum, the volunteers are its heartbeat.

"It's an interesting place to volunteer because you are always meeting people," Stanton said.

She said they currently have 10 volunteers on and off.

"The number of volunteers have been great. They are an asset to the community," Stanton said.

In accordance with the fourth anniversary, the museum has released a DVD called "Photographs and Memories" containing scenes of Frackville from its earliest days to present. The DVD is in chronological order and also shows the museum's grand opening in 2011 to current exhibits. The DVD costs $20 at the museum or $25 by mail.

For people interested in seeing the Americana Collections, the museum is open once a month, usually the second Sunday of the month. However, visitors can make an appointment by calling Stanton at 570-874-2814.

Hynoski released by Giants

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NEW YORK - Former Southern Columbia standout Henry Hynoski's four-year career as the New York Giants' fullback came to an end Saturday when the Giants, in getting down to the required 53-man roster, elected to cut the veteran.

Hynoski, who played at the University of Pittsburgh after helping lead Southern Columbia to four PIAA Class A state championships during his high school years, was a member of the Giants' Super Bowl championship team in 2012 when they defeated the New England Patriots 21-17.

Undrafted following his collegiate career, Hynoski signed with the Giants as a free agent and became a fixture as a devastating blocker.

Touching the ball infrequently during his four seasons, he wrapped up his Giants' career with 12 rushes for 33 yards and 24 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown.

He played in 46 games during his time with the Giants. The move means he is now a free agent eligible to sign with any team.

The New York Post said Hynoski, who is 26, was set to make $975,000 this season. Of that, reportedly $500,000 is guaranteed.

"He was used sparingly this summer - he did not have a rushing attempt in the preseason and had only one reception - and his work as a lead blocker did not outweigh his cost in the eyes of the Giants," Paul Schwartz wrote.

Rookie Nikita Whitlock, a defensive tackle turned fullback, will make $435,000 if he is on the opening-day roster, the Post story said.

Following his release, Hynoski made the following statement on his Instagram account: "Farewell giants nation: I just wanted to take a moment to thank the Mara family, the entire giants organization, and of course the amazing fans for the past four seasons. It has truly been an honor and a blessing to be part of such an amazing organization. I will forever love each and every one of you. I have many great memories to look back upon that will last a lifetime. Every moment I stepped on that field I gave it everything I had, so I have no regrets. I hope I brought you all as much enjoyment as you brought me each and every day. I look forward to the next chapter of my life wherever it may take me. I also want to thank my family, fiancé, and all of my friends for the incredible support and love you have given me in living my dream. This is just a bump in the road and I will bounce back like I always have! I will forever be the "Hynocerous," your fullback!

Man subdued by taser pronounced dead

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GIRARDVILLE - An investigation continues into the death of a Minersville man who died after state troopers used a taser to subdue him Friday morning.

Lucas Markus, 33, of Minersville, was pronounced dead Saturday at Penn State Health St. Joseph's Hospital, Reading. He was flown there Friday after the incident at 4:10 a.m. in the area of Main and Second streets.

State police at Frackville said in a news release an autopsy will be performed at a later date to determine the cause of death.

Police said they were dispatched to Girardville after receiving multiple calls for a man who was running up and down Main Street yelling and trying to get into passing cars.

Troopers made contact with Markus in the area, but he did not respond to verbal commands. He was then tasered by police to get him under control and into custody.

As he was being handcuffed, Markus went into cardiac arrest. Troopers called for an ambulance and began CPR on Markus. Members of the Ashland Ambulance squad and Shenandoah Advance Life Support team responded to the scene and took over emergency care, getting the victim ready for transport to Reading via helicopter.


New business coming to Station Row

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SHAMOKIN - A new business that caters to the popular practice of "vaping" is kicking off a revitalization of business in one section of downtown Shamokin.

Black Hills Vapes, located along Station Row at 136 E. Independence St., will hold an official grand opening Tuesday, but the company has actually been in operation since March.

"In an effort to quit smoking, I started vaping and fell in love with it," said Christopher Walters, who co-owns the store with Steve Jacobs.

"Vaping" is short for "vaporizing." Those who "vape" place a flavored liquid inside a small tank. The device then heats up the liquid, turning it into a vapor, which the user then inhales and exhales, like one would do with tobacco.

"The biggest difference between tobacco smoking and vaping is there are no combustible elements here because nothing is burning," Walters explained.

Unlike cigarettes, vaping is different because of the makeup of the vaping liquid, Walters and Jacobs said..

"The liquid is made up of four basic ingredients - water, flavoring, vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol," Jacobs said. "Not like tobacco, which has thousands of harmful chemicals in it."

For those who are trying to quit smoking, Walters said it gives the same effect as inhaling smoke.

"We have about 51 different flavors available at the store, and we continue to expand that number," Walters said. "The best thing about it is you can vape in places where they don't allow smoking indoors. The odor is not offensive and doesn't hang on your clothes."

Tuesday's grand opening will feature samples, raffles and giveaways.

Black Hills Vapes is the second business to open on Station Row in the last few months. Recently, LC Nutrition - a nutritional supplement store, opened, and there are plans for a third business opening within the next month or two.

"We had so much help to open the store and getting it ready," Jacobs said. "Our regular customers couldn't wait for us. We looked at some other locations, but we hoped we could spark some revitalization in the town, and it looks like it's working."

Black Hills Vapes will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Art and Antiques: Should you dump that lunchbox?

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Dumpster or No Dumpster is now a familiar game that many play during my TV appearances, at my antiques appraisal events, and via social media on www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori. After developing the game, I play it with folks as a fun way to help guide them through the process of figuring out what to trash and what's worth cash.

When faced with the decision about which items to pitch from a pile of school stuff, which items would you toss? Get ready to choose. Which would you Dumpster?

A Munsters TV show lunchbox, circa 1970s.

A classroom set of instructional cursive writing panels, circa 1960s.

A macaroni picture frame, circa 1980s.

Pokemon trading cards, circa 1990-2000s.

A United States history textbook, circa 1965.

Some people don't realize how much money they are tossing out while cleaning out an attic, basement, storage unit or vacant home. When you clean out a house and you come across old items that you don't know about and don't know their worth, remember they could have significant monetary value. Using the five back-to-school items above, I will guide you as to how to identify the valuables.

Lunchboxes have been collectible for decades. Since the early 1930s, the lunchtime carryall has been a highly recognizable collectible. In the 1950s, when cartoon characters, celebrities and athletes appeared on lunchboxes, they became traded, collectible and widely desirable. The Munsters TV show lunchbox from the 1970s featuring characters Herman, Lily and Eddie is a keeper. Value: $175 to $250.

Ok, so that was an easy one. What about the other back-to-school items? Do they make the Dumpster or not? Remember you only have to decide the fate of five items. Get an in-home appraisal first when you are going through a whole houseful of stuff. Many people call on me for help. Ok, let's continue.

You are cleaning out your aunt Christine's house and she was an elementary school teacher. Do these items get relegated to the Dumpster?

Instructional cursive writing panels were once posted above chalkboards in American classrooms. These teaching aids helped children learn to write in cursive letters. Some of you may remember them, but there is a generation of millennials who were never taught cursive writing. With the introduction of personal computers, teaching cursive writing became a thing of the past. Unlike other valuable classroom items, these cardboard alphabet letter forms can go to the Dumpster. They aren't worth much.

You have to keep the macaroni picture frame because a child in your life made it with love. You can store it for the long term in a plastic storage bag within a plastic tub to prevent insects from chewing it up in your storage area. Value: Sentimental and priceless.

Pokemon trading cards, circa 1999-2000s. Some are valuable today and some are perpetuating a longstanding myth. Here is the real deal: There are some Pokemon cards like the holographic version of Charizard from the first edition printed in 1999 that bring big bucks from collectors. This card in excellent condition can command several hundreds to a few thousand dollars. Most Pokemon cards are worth $5 to $50 each.

But, another Pokemon card that gets a lot of press is the famous Pikachu Illustrator card. And - this is important - this card was purportedly never released in English and never sold. It was a contest prize in Japan. It is believe that fewer than five such cards exist worldwide and some say that each Pikachu Illustrator card is worth $20,000.

In my expert opinion, I don't think that card is worth $20,000 because no comparable card has ever been sold. If another card like it hasn't sold for $20,000, then the illusive Pikachu Illustrator card isn't worth $20,000. Don't buy the hype. If you find good condition Pokemon cards, make sure they don't end up in the Dumpster.

Lastly, do you pitch the old United States history textbook full of out of date information?

Like outdated encyclopedias, old history textbooks aren't worth that much to collectors unless they are special editions, series, etc. Most are best used for DIY or interior design projects, scrapbooking, etc. For instance, I've seen DIY bookcases made out of a wooden frame and glued together old textbooks and DIY table base of vintage books with a glass top, too. Some people use the colorful, outdated and cheaply printed maps from these books for a decorative wall display with a vintage look.

Keep playing Dumpster or No Dumpster to discover which items are worth holding on to long term. Welcome back to school.

(Dr. Lori Verderame hosts antiques and collectibles appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel. Visit www.DrLoriV.com/Events, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori or call 1-888-431-1010.)

College News: IUP graduates

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INDIANA, Pa. - Two area student have completed requirements for graduation in May from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

They are:

Brett Andrew Duell, of Frederick Road, Paxinos, Bachelor of Science in chemistry.

Michelle Giordani, of Shipman Road, Sunbury, Bachelor of Science in physical education and sport/exercise science.

Senior Center Activities

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Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Center closed. Labor Day.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9 a.m. new walkers welcome. Lunch at Annabelle's, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; world news, noon; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Poker, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowl, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9 a.m.; Wii bowl, 10 a.m.; Dr. Mary Stout, Central Pennsylvania Physical Therapy, will speak at noon. Topic is "Gait and balance." Bingo will follow.

Friday - Cards, shuffleboard and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowl, 10 a.m. Game show 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Center closed. Labor Day.

Tuesday - Wii games, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; CSFP commodity food box pick up, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; unlucky 7's/pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Board games, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Nickel bingo, 1 p.m.; milkshakes at break time around 2 p.m., cost is $2.

Thursday - Trip to Hoss's, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wii games, 9:30 a.m.; regular bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning talk show, coffee and laughs, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; speaker Linda Walker, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Center closed. Labor Day

Tuesday - VNA will be doing blood pressure and blood sugar, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; puzzles, 10:30 a.m.; commodity food pick-up, noon; rummy, 12:30 p.m.; bowling, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Scrabble and parchisi, 10 a.m.; sausage hoagie for lunch, 11:30 a.m., you must be signed up; LCR 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Puzzles, 10 a.m.; handheld games 11 a.m.; exercise with Amy and Shelly, noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Bowling, 10 a.m.; puzzles 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Center closed. Labor Day.

Tuesday - Coffee and snack, 9 a.m.; blood pressure screening, 10 a.m.; chair exercise with Carol, 10:30 a.m.; game/let's talk, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Center closed, trip to Sands Casino, Bethlehem.

Thursday - Food pantry and food bank, 9 a.m.; coffee and English muffins, 9 a.m.; 12:30 p.m., bingo.

Friday - Fun Friday, pick your game day.

Elysburg

Monday - Center closed. Labor Day.

Wednesday - Healthy steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Monday - Center closed. Labor Day.

Tuesday - National Ants on a Log Day (served as snacks); exercise, 10 a.m.; rummikub, 10:30 a.m.; shopping at Weis Market, noon to 1 p.m.

Wednesday - National Teddy Bear Day (bring your favorite); HSIM, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; trip to Mohegan Sun Casino leaving center at 8:20 a.m.

Thursday - National Swap Ideas Day (bring lots of ideas to swap); HSIM, 10 a.m.; board games, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday - Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance; Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; making grape jelly, bingo, 12:30 p.m.

All Home Days continues today and Monday

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ELYSBURG - The 96th annual Ralpho Township All Home Days Celebration continues today and Monday.

Here are some of the activities:

Today

8 to 11 a.m. - Breakfast in dining hall sponsored by business association.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Church service.

1 to 8 p.m. - Flower show.

2 p.m. - Cub Scout soap box derby.

2 p.m. - Car show awards.

2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. - Music by "Covert Action."

4:30 to 6 p.m. - Sumo wrestling.

4:30 to 7 p.m. - Beef dinner sponsored by SCA music program)

Monday

7:30 to 10:30 a.m - Breakfast in dining hall Sponsored by Elysburg Methodist Church.

9 a.m. - Rotary "5K."

1 to 8 p.m. - Flower show open.

Noon to 1:30 p.m. - Lip sync.

2 to 4 p.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. - Music by: "Memory Lane."

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. - Chicken barbecue in dining hall sponsored by All Home Days Association.

7:30 to 9 p.m. - Tribute to military nurses, POWs and MIA remembrance, featuring music by "The Vic Boris Trio."

Source: All Home Days website

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