Airport Road in Ralpho Township was reopened at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning, the latest road in Northumberland County to be reopened following the Flood of 2011.

Three roads remain closed in Northumberland County: Reading Turnpike Road, from Route 61 in Shamokin Township to Airport Road; Snydertown Road, from Black Mill Road in Upper Augusta Township to Market Street in Snydertown, and Irish Valley Road in Shamokin Township, from Route 61 to Schoolhouse Road.

PennDOT Communication Relations Coordinator Rick Mason gave updates on the remaining closures, with some soon to be addressed but others expected to be closed for a few more weeks.

"On Snydertown Road, there were a couple of pipes washed out on it, so we are hoping that our departmental forces (workers) will address the problem later this week," Mason said. "On Reading Turnpike Road, there are three areas that need to be looked at after flood waters removed some of the rock or support materials for a bridge on the road, and some possible undermining. We hope to have that problem corrected sometime in the next two weeks."

Irish Valley Road is a different story, according to Mason.

"We have a large diameter drainage pipe that was washed away, along with some undermining of roads," Mason said. "That will be a long-term closure, but we are currently readying an emergency contract on the work and hope to put that out to bid very soon."

In the meantime, county PennDOT workers will be working later this week on part of the roads, specifically its connection to Route 61 and Badman's Road, to see if the closure route can be shortened.

It could also be another three to four weeks before Route 487 in Columbia County is fully open, as well.

"We have developed an emergency contract for repairs on the road and are working to put that out on bid Friday," the coordinator said. "We may award the bid early next week and let them get to work, but the job could take three to four weeks to complete."

Shamokin Area Community Hospital will be offering tetanus booster shots on Thursday, September 22nd from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Knoebels Amusement Resort's First Aid Station. Due to recovery flood efforts, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is recommending individuals exposed to contaminated dirt, soil, metals, sewer water and suffered minor cuts, abrasions, burns or puncture wounds are urged to get a tetnus booster if they have not had a shot in the preceding five years. Shots will be offered on a first come, first serve basis for individuals 18 years and older, and will be free of charge.

GIRARDVILLE - A Mount Carmel man was placed in Schuylkill County Prison after being arraigned on charges he kidnapped and assaulted his wife Sunday evening.

Kyle Kent, 31, of Mount Carmel,was placed in prison after being video arraigned Monday before Magisterial District Judge James Reiley of Pottsville. He was charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault and burglary and other charges following an incident which occurred between 6 and 11:30 p.m. Sunday evening.

State police at Frackville report the victim, Melissa Kent, 31, of Mount Carmel, was alone at a home on East Mahanoy Avenue, in Girardville, when she heard a noise at the exterior side door. The door then flew open and Kyle Kent entered the residence, approaching her and physically assaulting her.

The assault continued as Kent dragged her out of the residence through a side door., directed her to his vehicle, forced her inside and drove away. Kent continued to assault her as he drove.

At one point, Melissa attempted to jump out of the vehicle and flee on foot, but was caught and returned to the vehicle.

Eventually, Kyle Kent took Melissa to his mother's residence in Mount Carmel where they cleaned her up and gave her different clothing. Eventually, the mother drove Melissa to the Shamokin Area Community Hospital for treatment. Mount Carmel Borough Police learned of the incident and then notified state police.

Melissa Kent sustained multiple contusions and a facial fracture during the assault. She was transported from the hospital by police.

Police charged Kent and issued an arrest warrant for him. He was taken into custody Monday afternoon. After failing to post bail, he was remanded to Schuylkill County Prison to await his hearing.

MOUNT CARMEL - A 19-year-old Mount Carmel man, who brandished a knife at a clerk inside Community Pharmacy on Tuesday afternoon in an attempt to obtain oxycodone, was detained a few blocks away within minutes after the robbery by two borough residents until police took him into custody.

Charles Raymond Frantz Jr., of 224 S. Locust St., was arraigned at 7 p.m. Tuesday by on-call Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones on three felony counts of robbery and misdemeanors of possessing an instrument of crime, simple assault and criminal attempt to commit theft.

He was committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $100,000 cash bail and ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. Sept. 28.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Cpl. Christopher Buhay and Patrolman Matthew Dillman, Frantz was observed pacing around the store at Oak and Fourth streets at about 3 p.m. before placing an item on the counter to purchase. As a female clerk rang up the item, Frantz looked in his black shorts pockets for money. The clerk told police Frantz told her he would be right back and walked over near the door before returning to the register, throwing a dollar on the counter and brandishing a knife in his hand, police said.

Frantz then told the clerk that he wanted oxycodone "right now." The clerk asked Frantz if he had a prescription for the drug, to which he replied, "No, I want it right now." Frantz then ran out of the building empty handed.

Police, who were summoned to the pharmacy at 3:08 p.m., reported Michael Guise of Mount Carmel, a maintenance employee at Community Pharmacy who was inside the pharmacy at the time of the robbery, pursued Frantz on foot. Barry Roseman of Mount Carmel, who was in the area when the robbery occurred, also chased after Frantz in his work truck. Both civic-minded residents caught up and cornered Frantz about three blocks away in a parking lot at the rear of Mount Carmel Post Office at Hickory and Third streets.

Guise and Roseman detained Frantz at about 3:10 p.m. until police arrived and took him into custody.

Guise told police Frantz may have dropped something from a small ledge that he ascended before being apprehended. Dillman climbed up the ledge and recovered a black folding knife that was allegedly used in the robbery.

Buhay praised the heroic efforts of Guise and Roseman. "They did an outstanding job chasing Frantz and deserve a lot of credit," the corporal said.

Also assisting in the investigation were Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush, Kulpmont Police Chief Richard Wilson III and Constable Larry Rompallo.

Buhay said a pharmacist, another clerk and one female customer also were inside the pharmacy when the robbery occurred. The corporal preferred not to release the names of the other employees and customer.

He said no injuries were reported.

Police said a video surveillance camera inside the pharmacy shows Frantz walking to the counter, pulling a knife out in his left hand, opening the blade with his right hand and then switching the knife into his right hand. The camera also depicts Frantz running from the counter.

After being advised of his Miranda rights at the borough police station, Frantz provided police with verbal and written statements in which he admits to committing the robbery. Frantz said he fled from the store because he thought the clerk had activate an alarm.

Police said Frantz, who is originally from Locustdale, also was charged in connection with a Feb. 10 robbery at Bracey's Pharmacy in Ashland. He posted bail on those charges and had been free before allegedly committing Tuesday's robbery.

WILKES-BARRE - Danielle Pachkoski, Ashland, received a master's degree in physician assistant studies from King's College during summer commencement.

A physician assistant is a dependent mid-level health professional licensed by the state to practice medicine as delegated by and under the supervision of a physician. Physician assistants perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, develop and carry out treatment plans, order and interpret lab tests and assist in surgeries.

Upon successful completion of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam, graduates can practice in almost any field of medicine, including family practice, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry and orthopedics.

WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-10, expressed disappointment Wednesday when the House voted down a measure that would have provided immediate assistance to flood victims. By a 230-195 vote, the House rejected HR 2608, which funded the federal government through November.

"I am embarrassed that the House chose form over substance and let politics get in the way of helping the victims of these terrible disasters," Marino said. "Passage of this measure would have meant immediate relief for flood victims. That help would have come as early as the end of next week."

Marino vowed to bolster his efforts to ensure the individuals, businesses, farmers, and local governments affected by the recent hurricane and flood could take the first step on the road to recovery.

"I will continue this battle with more vigor," he said. "I will double my efforts to get the rebuilding process started. I will not rest until every family that was impacted has safe, clean living arrangements."

HR2608 allocated $1 billion in disaster assistance for the fiscal year 2011 - which ends Sept. 30.

Marino said the funding represents a substantial start and noted that most victims have not yet completed a thorough assessment of their losses.

"We do not even have an estimate as to how much damage has been incurred," Marino said. "Even the governor does not have a figure. It is not fair to these people to make them wait until all of the damage has been assessed."

Marino said the one and only reason he voted for the continuing resolution was the promise of immediate flood relief.

"I wanted to see us pass a spending bill for the entire fiscal year, however, my top priority is to get help for the flood victims in my district," Marino said. "This measure would have provided timely help and that is what is important to me, getting resources to affected families, businesses, and local governments immediately. This was a good start."

Friday declared Helen Kuzo Day

MOUNT CARMEL - On behalf of council and all Mount Carmel citizens, Helen Kuzo was congratulated on her centennial birthday. It is proclaimed by Mayor J. Kevin Jones that Sept. 23, 2011, as Helen Kuzo Day in the borough. She was born Sept. 23, 1911. At the age of 18, she married John and moved to the area. Her family owned and operated the Kuzo Brothers Ford-Mercury Dealership for more than 30 years. She is recognized as the matriarch of a family of five children, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

She was always an integral part of the community and was in particular an active member of Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Electronic recycling begins today

COAL TOWNSHIP - Coal Township commissioners announce that beginning today, the township recycling center will offer free disposal of most electronic products. For the time being, these products will be accepted only on Thursdays.

Products that will be accepted include computers, monitors, televisions, radios and cell phones, as well as small, non-freon containing appliances such as sweepers, toaster ovens and microwaves.

Progress reports out Monday

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area Middle/High School will distribute progress reports to students Monday. All students in grades seven through 12 will receive a progress report to update parents on their child's academic status.

SHAMOKIN - A large mine subsidence opened Wednesday night along State Route 125 south of Shamokin, forcing PennDOT to close the highway.

As of 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Route 125 was closed between Market Street in Shamokin and Upper Road in East Cameron Township. Traffic will be detoured via Upper Road to Trevorton, then onto Route 225 and Route 61 into Shamokin.

The mine subsidence is near the edge of the roadway on Route 125 south of Burnside and is at least 200 feet deep.

PennDOT anticipates an extended closure.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Northumberland County Nutrition Greenhouse will bear great fruits - and vegetables, and flowers, and herbs and spices - for students and seniors of the area.

"It's about common ground. No matter what side of the issue you're on, we can come to the table to eat. Dining is a common experience, and it brings people together," Secretary of Aging Brian Duke said Wednesday morning at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the new greenhouse at the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center.

He was joined by several other state, county and local officials in welcoming the new addition to the center, which will provide fresh produce for senior action centers in Herndon, Coal Township and Mount Carmel.

It was designed to help senior centers develop innovative nutrition programs that will help attract a new generation of older Pennsylvanians. While the seniors will grow and nurture the food, the culinary students at the school will utilize the food and prepare dishes for the three action centers. Those particular centers were chosen because the majority of students attending the school come from Line Mountain, Mount Carmel Area and Shamokin Area school districts.

The 2,160-square-foot greenhouse and class features radiant flooring, geothermal and solar capabilities, computerized venting and shading system and a 500-gallon water reclamation tank.

Following a tour of the facilities, Duke noted how "amazing" it was.

"It's an example of what a community can achieve when they come together to improve health and wellness," he said.

Joining two generations

Many of the speakers during the ceremony reiterate the cooperation between two generations - the youth and the seniors.

Northumberland County Commissioner Frank Sawicki said it's not only food for the older generation, but a learning tool for students.

"It's a double dip, and I love it," he said.

"Our youth and elderly can work together and learn from each other. It will unify the community," Commissioner Merle Phillips said.

State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) said it was a "great marriage" between the vibrant youth and the seniors with "real world knowledge, experience and wisdom."

James F. Monaghan, center administrator, said the greenhouse best shows what the school stands for.

"Our focus is to promote lifelong learning and this exemplifies that," he said.

"It's much more than a greenhouse. It's a community vision and endless possibilities," Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Pat Rumberger said.

She added, "I hope you grow with the greenhouse as much as we have."

Partly funded by ARRA grant

Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) was awarded a $163,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant for the construction of the structure. AAA had to put more than $200,000 into the construction as well.

The project was among 160 grant applications and 47 granted, totaling $3.7 million in 42 counties selected through a competitive grant application process.

Additionally, the county installed more of a food court setting and use a grab-and-go breakfast method. The centers were also be renovated to include modern decorations, soft couches, area rugs and new lighting.

AAA Deputy Administrator Pat Rosini, Commissioner Vinny Clausi, Deputy Secretary for Consumer Protection and Regulatory Affairs/Agriculture Jay Howes, state Sen. John Gordner's representative Martha Milbrand (R-27), state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) and greenhouse manager George D. Stahl also spoke during the ceremony.

Rumberger noted that her staff, county and local officials, Stahl, culinary arts instructor Jim Schiavoni, architect Gary Wolfe and Ginny McNeil were instrumental in the process of implementing the program.

Melissa Wynn has all along defended her 5-year-old daughter's participation in beauty pageants despite the uproar created when the "Toddlers & Tiaras" reality show came to Shamokin for filming earlier this year.

Now that the popular but controversial show has been broadcast to its international audience, criticism has boiled up again for the Dalmatia family.

In fact, it started before the Wynns were featured in the show's season finale, which aired on TLC at 10 p.m. Wednesday. A clip on MSNBC's website first posted Tuesday fanned the flames.

And Wynn again went on the defensive through Facebook posts.

The advance clip showed Wynn and her daughter, Carley, during filming at their home. A resulting story by MSNBC entertainment news contributor Anna Chan describes how a "pageant-obsessed mama can be seen forcing her little girl to practice even after Carley insists she knows the routine. But that's not all.

"Melissa, who admits to spending $30,000 in the past year on pageants," the story continues, "isn't happy when her little mini-me doesn't want to play Cruella de Vil," the story says.

"But Carley," the story says, "had the last word. While doing a run-through of her routine, the little girl declared to her mom, "'You are driving me crazy.'"

Mother: It's 'orchestrated'

Wynn, a Shamokin businesswoman, posted publicly on her Facebook site Wednesday that, while it's a reality show, there is a lot of "acting."

"Carley and I were both fed many lines to make the show more enticing and every location, every scenario was orchestrated by TLC ... a lot of scenes were done and redone again and again... reality TV is not so reality," she wrote. She said an hour of filming - including the scene where she's encouraging Carley to practice - shows "the most dramatic 60 seconds" in the clip. She says it was "edited to look like it was EXTREME ... there was a lot of dialogue and we sat there literally for 30 minutes laughing and talking, and that of course will not be shown," she wrote.

Wynn also disputed the $30,000 figure quoted in the story.

"I did not spend $30,000 last year on pageants. I settled on a much lower number during the interview, but TLC liked the higher amount ... That's reality TV for you," she posted.

The Wynns declined comment for this story.

'Negative backlash'

In a letter to the editor published soon after a story about the filming in February, Melissa Wynn said she contacted local media about the show "solely due to the fact that we are proud of our daughter and also because we wanted to share our magnificent news with the area that we love so much." She said the "negative backlash" was undeserved, as is criticism of her daughter.

"As a mother, I will go to the end of the Earth to protect my children," she wrote, "but I refuse to hide her extraordinary success due to a closed-minded area." Most critics, who addressed the issue at the time through social networking and also The News-Item's "Sound Off" column, said they had no criticism of the children but instead of parents who allow their children to participate in pageants at such a young age.

"Toddlers & Tiaras," which debuted in 2009, has been the target of some criticism, but producer Tom Rogan was quoted in a TODAYshow.com story earlier this year saying, "We document what's happening in the field. We're not causing these things to happen; we're just seeing what people do in the lead-up to the pageant."

Reaction to MSNBC

The clip seen on MSNBC, which was also posted at the "Toddlers & Tiaras" Facebook page, produced dozens of comments, most of them negative.

"Talk about exploiting children ... this is just wrong, really really wrong," one comment said.

Another took a more understanding tone.

"Not much difference from what I have seen and heard come out of mouths from parents and sports ... actually I have heard worse!"

Another made a sports analogy, with an even more positive tone. "But look what seven-day-a-week training for six hours a day did for Tiger Woods. Bet he's glad his Dad was so tough, huh!"

The well-known Huffington Post website Wednesday afternoon jumped into the issue, posting a story - accompanied by a still of Wynn taken from the "Toddlers & Tiaras" clip - titled "Top 5 Lessons Normal Parents Can Learn From 'Toddlers & Tiaras.'" advising parents to praise intellectual, creative and athletic accomplishments, praise displays of kind behaviors, provide incentives that are based on factors they can control, promote positive relationships with other girls, and to treat your kids with compassion without projecting your insecurities onto them.

Other controversies

The finale isn't the first "Toddlers & Tiaras" this season to create international headlines. Earlier this month, the Parents Television Council advocacy group criticized the series for showing a three-year-old contestant named Paisley dressed as Julia Roberts' prostitute character from the movie "Pretty Woman." The mother told Entertainment Weekly that the show was clipped to show just that outfit and not the entire routine, which later has Paisley dressed as Roberts' character in a demure brown dress.

The show also came under fire for showing another young pageant contestant dressed as Dolly Parton, complete with an outfit padded to reproduce the country singer's famed hourglass figure.

SUNBURY - A 27-year-old Shamokin man charged with fracturing his two-month-old son's skull and ribs by slamming him into a car seat pleaded no contest earlier this month to misdemeanors of simple assault, endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.

A felony offense of aggravated assault was not prosecuted under the plea agreement.

Lawrence Beaver Jr., of 229 W. Sunbury St., entered the no-contest plea Sept. 2 before Northumberland County Judge William H. Wiest, who sentenced the defendant to serve 91 days to 23 months in the county prison and serve two years consecutive probation upon his release. Beaver, who was given credit for prison time previously served, also was ordered to pay fines totaling $350 plus costs.

Since Beaver was previously incarcerated in the county prison for a minimum of 91 days, he was released on Sept. 2.

By pleading no contest, Beaver is neither admitting nor denying guilt, but acknowledges that he could be convicted of the charges if the case went to trial.

Beaver was charged in May by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery and waived his right to a preliminary hearing on the charges in July before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.

Police reported Beaver is accused of slamming his two-month-old son into a car seat, causing the child to suffer a fractured skull, two fractured ribs, a brain injury and retinal hemorrhaging. Police said the offenses were committed between Jan. 29 and March 23 at Beaver's home.

Beaver was represented by Northumberland County Public Defender Michael Romance. Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski prosecuted the case.

The reopening of a section of Snydertown and a zero-tolerance enforcement of a road closure in Columbia County led the latest developments stemming from the Flood of 2011.

Snydertown Rd. open

MONTOURSVILLE - PennDOT officials announced Wednesday that Snydertown Road from Black Mill Road in Upper Augusta Township to Market Street in Snydertown has been reopened to the public. This leaves just two roads closed in Northumberland County, which were damaged earlier this month due to flooding.

The two roads still blocked are Reading Turnpike Road from Route 61 in Shamokin Township to Airport Road in Ralpho Township and Irish Valley Road in Shamokin Township, from Route 61 to Schoolhouse Road.

Police to enforce road closure

CATAWISSA - Effective immediately, the Locust Township Police Department will be strictly enforcing the "road closed" signs that are located on Route 487 (Southern Drive) at the Krick Road intersection and Knoebel's Parkway intersection.

Police Chief Allen L. Breach said it will be a zero tolerance enforcement detail, and all violators will be cited. Also, additional citations will be issued to those who are caught moving the barricades and road cones placed by PennDOT.

"It is our understanding that Route 487 will be closed until on or about Oct. 6. Motorists are advised to give themselves plenty of extra travel time and follow the posted detour routes," Breach wrote in a press release.

Residents and visitors are reminded that they can check on road status updates or post questions to the department at its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/locustpd.

Disaster Recovery Center coming to Snyder County

HARRISBURG - FEMA and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Snyder County today to help residents and business owners with their recovery from the recent storms and flooding. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to answer questions about low interest rate loans.

The DRC will open beginning at 1 p.m. today at the CareerLink Center, 713 Bridge St., Selinsgrove. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week beginning Friday.

Disaster officials recommend residents and business owners register by phone before visiting a DRC to streamline the process. Anyone may visit any DRC regardless of where they live or work.

To register for assistance, call (800) 621-FEMA (3362). Applicants with a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call (800) 462-7585 or go to DisasterAssistance.gov. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call (800) 621-3362. Operators assist callers seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini is attempting to have state legislation passed to establish a statute for child abuse charges.

"Defendants charged with assaulting a child aren't receiving adequate punishment for the crimes they commit because there is currently no statute for child abuse cases," the district attorney said.

On Sept. 2, Lawrence Beaver Jr., of 229 W. Sunbury St., Shamokin, was released from jail after being given credit for time served in a child endangerment case. Beaver was sentenced to 91 days to 23 months in prison for fracturing his two-month-old son's skull and ribs by slamming him into a car seat. A felony offense of aggravated assault was dropped (See separate story).

"An aggravated assault charge against a child is difficult to prove because it requires that the defendant act with extreme indifference to the value of human life. The burden of proof for aggravated assault of a child is similar to third-degree murder. Assaulting a child is more serious than assaulting an adult because it could have more lasting effects such as brain damage. Defendants who assault children should be punished accordingly," Rosini said.

Rosini said Northumberland County Judge William H. Wiest sentenced Beaver within the current guidelines established for the simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and endangering the welfare of children charges. But he said if simple assault of a child was changed from a misdemeanor to a felony offense, Beaver would have a received a harsher sentence.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area School Board unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday night to obtain an interest-free $4.068 million federal loan through the State Public School Building Authority to pay for the elementary school renovation project.

District business manager Steve Curran said the elementary school renovation project, which is scheduled to begin in the spring, includes replacing the roof (approximately $1 million) replacing a water heater, installing a new road at the front entrance of the school, cafeteria improvements, air conditioning, heating and ventilation work, new doors and hardware, tile work and a new clock system.

Voting to approve the six-page resolution were Directors Charles Carpenter, Todd Hockenbroch, Daniel Venn, Barry Rebuck, Mark Anonia, Brian Persing and Edward Griffiths. LaRue Beck and Tracey Witmer voted against the resolution.

In other business

The board renewed its agreement with Coal Township police for a school resource officer (Patrolman Chris Lapotsky) to be stationed in the school district on a month-to-month basis, effective Oct. 1.

The school district will be responsible for 70 percent of his annual salary and benefits that total $81,840. The district's tentative share per month will be $4,774. Coal Township will be responsible for any non-district related hours.

The board approved an agreement with Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit to provide special education programs and services for the 2011-2012 school year in the amount of $681,855.

Directors also approved an agreement with Northumberland County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Department to provide a mental health school social worker to the district from Aug. 23, 2011, to June 30, 2012, at a cost of $30,000. The district will be reimbursed with Title I and Pre-K Counts grant money.

The board approved a field experience agreement with Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) in which students from LCCC will complete their early childhood education practicum with a coordinating teacher at Shamokin Area.

The board entered into a contract with Dawn Stickler to provide certified sign language interpreter services three days per week as needed for a district student during the 2011-2012 school at a cost of $45 per hour and $34 per day travel time.

Janna Walsh was hired to provide sign language interpreter services two days per week as needed at a cost of $45 per hour and $180 per day travel time.

The board approved the purchase of a 2011 Ford F-350 truck from Sunbury Motor Co. at a total cost of $38,497 as per state contract. The truck will be paid for with proceeds from the sale of district vehicles and equipment through Municibid.com, which were deposited in the capital reserve account.

Susan Fletcher was reappointed math tutor/coordinator for grades nine through 12 with compensation at $5,000 for the position of coordinator plus $18.50 per hour for tutoring.

Amy Zartman was appointed reading tutor/coordinator for grades seven and eight with compensation of $5,000 for the position of coordinator and $18.50 per hour for tutoring.

Directors established the Jean Stellfox Memorial Award in memory of the former longtime English teacher at Shamokin Area High School who was killed in an unsolved hit-and-run accident in Mount Carmel in 2003.

Under personnel, the board accepted the resignations of teacher aide Lynn Wallish and boys' varsity basketball cheerleading adviser Lauren Zimmerman.

Megan Ciborowski, Courtney Kashner, Hilary Feudale and Samantha Schiccatano were appointed lifeguards for the Community Swim Program at a rate of $7.25 per hour.

Chris Sosnoskie was added to the event security list with compensation at $8.15 per hour ($25 minimum per event).

The board furloughed one groundskeeper.

MOUNT CARMEL - Ten juveniles have been charged by Officer Matthew Dillman with burglary and related offenses in connection with the theft of numerous items from a residence at 238 S. Poplar St. last month.

Police said the home of Ashlee Kruskie and Tim Stehr was burglarized several times between the beginning of August and Aug. 22.

The victims said they were in the process of moving when someone entered their residence and stole numerous items they planned to take with them to their new home. Police said the juveniles gained entry to several locations at the home and smashed out a storm window.

Over the course of several weeks, the juveniles allegedly stole items ranging from knick knacks to an air conditioning unit. The teens also are accused of consuming alcohol that was inside the home and spreading butter on the kitchen floor to make it slippery.

A 16-year-old Mount Carmel male and his 13-year-old sister were charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal trespass, conspiracy to commit criminal trespass, theft, conspiracy to commit theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property.

Several items such as clothes, a flashlight, tin cans and knick knacks that were stolen from the home were recovered at their residence.

A 17-year-old Mount Carmel male was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal trespass, conspiracy to commit criminal trespass, theft, conspiracy to commit theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Police said a knife that was stolen from the residence was recovered in the 17-year-old's bedroom.

The 17-year-old male's 14-year-old sister was charged with criminal trespass and conspiracy to commit criminal trespass.

A 13-year-old male from Mount Carmel was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal trespass, conspiracy to commit criminal trespass, theft, conspiracy to commit theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

While the teen was being interviewed by police, he was wearing a T-shirt that he stole from the residence. Several items, including a DVD player, clothes and an air conditioning unit, that were stolen from the residence were found in the juvenile's possession.

A 15-year-old male from Mount Carmel was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal trespass, conspiracy to commit criminal trespass, theft, conspiracy to commit theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and underage drinking.

Several stolen items, including knives, knife sharpeners and flashlights, were recovered from the teen's bedroom.

A 14-year-old female from Kulpmont was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal trespass, conspiracy to commit criminal trespass, theft, conspiracy to commit theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property.

Several stolen items including clothes were recovered from the teen's residence.

A 16-year-old male from Mount Carmel was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal trespass, conspiracy to commit criminal trespass, criminal attempt to commit theft and criminal mischief.

Police said the juvenile and another teen entered the residence to obtain the access code for a WiFi device so they could play a video game.

A 14-year-old female from Mount Carmel was charged with criminal trespass and criminal conspiracy to commit criminal trespass.

A 14-year-old female from Locust Gap was charged with criminal conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal trespass, criminal conspiracy to commit criminal trespass, conspiracy to commit theft and conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property.

All the charges were filed with Northumberland County Juvenile Court Services.

Food pantry to have distribution

ATLAS - The Mount Carmel Township Food Pantry will hold its monthly food distribution from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the township complex for residents in Atlas, Diamondtown, Strong, Locust Gap, Connorsville, Dooleyville and Beaverdale who have signed up.

Community service group to meet

COAL TOWNSHIP - Individuals who are part of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic's community service group are asked to meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at The Coal Bowl on Logan and Tioga streets.

Collection for flood victims at game

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - The North Schuylkill School District will conduct a "Stuff the Bus" event to benefit the victims of recent flooding in the Pine Grove area. At tonight's homecoming football game against Schuylkill Haven, the school district is asking anyone attending the game to bring a donation. Any student who makes a donation will be permitted into the game for free, while any adult making a donation will receive $1 off the price of admission.

Items requested for donation include cleaning supplies (laundry detergent, bleach, brooms, mops, gloves); toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant); baby supplies (diapers, formula, baby wipes), and non-perishable food items (canned goods, rice, pasta, cereals).

All donated items will be delivered to the Pine Grove area to be distributed to those in need.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The News-Item incorrectly reported Thursday that the Coal Township Recycling Center was offering free disposal of most electronic products beginning Thursday. The correct date is Thursday, Sept. 29. We apologize for the inconvenience to anyone who took their goods to the center, and to the center staff.

A wide variety of electronics, such as computers, monitors, televisions, radios and cell phones, as well as small, non-freon-containing appliances such as, sweepers, toaster ovens and microwaves, will be accepted. This service will also feature 100 percent secure data destruction.

For the time being, these products will only be accepted on Thursdays, the township reports.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The 2011 homecoming festivities for the Shamokin Area School District will be held Friday at Kemp Memorial Stadium. The new queen will be crowned before the football game between the Indians and the Selinsgrove Seals beginning at 6:30 p.m.

This year's court consists of five senior girls their and escorts:

- Allyson Delbaugh, a daughter of Michael and Jennifer Delbaugh, will be escorted by Josh Dunn.  Allyson's activities include volleyball, track, indoor track and varsity club. After graduation, Allyson plans to attend a four-year university to major in occupational therapy.

- Hilary Feudale, a daughter of Miranda Bower and Brian Koharski, will be escorted by Sean McLaughlin.  Hilary's activities include National Honor Society, volleyball, swimming, chemistry club, Students Against Bullying, varsity club and The Works. After graduation, Hilary plans to attend college to study pre-med.

- Brooke Moroskie, a daughter of Barry and Stacey Moroskie, will be escorted by Kevin Carsto.  Brooke's activities include track, Students Against Bullying, The Works, chorus, swimming, varsity club and the musical. After graduation, Brooke plans to attend a four-year college to major in special education.

- Anna Summers, a daughter of John and Christine Summers, will be escorted by Tom Reed. Anna's activities include Volleyball, cross country, indoor track, track and field, Bible club, varsity club, Students Against Bullying and key club. After graduation, Anna plansto attend a four-year college to major in criminal investigations.

- Briaun Williams, a daughter of Brian and Karen Williams, will be escorted by Bobby Taylor.  Briaun's activities include soccer, track, yearbook, key club, varsity club, The Works and Students Against Bullying. After graduation, Briaun plans to attend a four-year college to major in speech pathology.

Hannah Martin, 2010 homecoming queen, will crown the new queen. She currently attends Kutztown University, where she is majoring in sports and leisure studies. She will be escorted by Preston Ford, also a Shamokin Area graduate who is attending Kutztown University. 

COAL TOWNSHIP - Don't call the empty Paxinos plant the former Fleetwood Enterprises building, but rather the new Polar Tech Industries, Inc., which is expected to employ 50 people by November.

"We look forward to growing this facility, making things better for the people of Northumberland County and Ralpho Township and working together to make life better for all of us," Polar Tech general manager Bob Hallick said during the announcement Thursday night at Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi's restaurant Two Guys From Italy.

"We welcome you with open arms. The commissioners, the state, the legislators, whoever, we will do whatever we can to help you, from the bottom of my heart," Clausi said.

Production is expected to start by mid-November, and the company is expected to start accepting applications through the Northumberland/Snyder/Union Counties PA CareerLink sometime within the next month. People to fill the approximately 50 full-time jobs, with hourly wages ranging from $12 to $22, will be needed to operate the facility. Jobs include management, production supervisors, machine and forklift operators and maintenance personnel.

Food, science industries

Founded in 1984 by Don Santeler in Genoa, Ill., the company has expanded to move nearly 3 million units of temperature-safe shipping and transfer packaging products a year. Their products include insulated foam coolers, commercial refrigerators and freezers, ice packs, tape, labels and dispensers catered mostly to the food and science industries.

Because of an expanding customer base on the East Coast as well as increasing costs, company officials started searching for a second facility in 2008.

They first looked at the former Paper Magic building, just a half-mile away from the current building, but it became too expensive of a venture. Although the deal didn't pan out, through it they met Clausi, who continued to stay in contact with Polar Tech officials.

Polar Tech finalized the deal Thursday, spending approximately $1 million dollars on the property.

Hallick said Clausi is "primarily responsible" for bringing the business into the area and has been the "best ambassador."

"He's a hard man to say 'no' to. He kept saying how great the region is and how terrific the workforce is," Hallick said.

The facility is expected to move nearly 600,000 units in the first year, but that number is expected to increase.

"We believe we will grow to be larger than Illinois," Hallick said.

Hallick was joined by Paxinos-plant President Autumn Santeler, who now lives in Danville, and owner Don Santeler.

'Breath of fresh air'

The announcement is a breath of fresh air to the Ralpho Township area, which lost more than 600 jobs between the closing of Fleetwood and Paper Magic in 2008.

"We're thrilled with the type of jobs, the pay scale and the amount of jobs," said Ralpho Township Chairman Ed Payeskie.

"We're ecstatic they're moving in and giving opportunities to people in the town," said Ralpho Township Supervisor Blaine Madara.

The new businesses isn't just good news for Ralpho Township, but the surrounding areas as well, Payeskie noted.

"We've all pledged to make their transition as easy and smooth as possible," he said.

Also attending the announcement were Northumberland County Commissioners Frank Sawicki and Merle Phillips, state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107), Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini, Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones, local officials from Coal Township and Ralpho Township, employees of Northumberland County Planning Department and members of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Clausi provided dinner and drinks for all in attendence.

On the Web: http://www.polar-tech.com/

BLOOMSBURG - A stand at the Bloomsburg Fair would have brought in a third of Art Catino's income for the year. But even though the fair has been canceled because of flood damage, the owner of Catino's Italian Specialties said his situation could have been worse.

"We start ordering the ingredients several weeks in advance. We do food preparation a week in advance. If this happened a week later, we would have been in big trouble," Catino said Tuesday. "We were fortunate we didn't get stuck with prepared food."

Fair officials announced last week that the fair would be canceled for 2011, its 157th year, a move that followed extensive damages from the record rainfall of Tropical Storm Lee. The Susquehanna River crested at 32.75 feet at Bloomsburg on Sept. 9, the highest in history, and the fairgrounds were covered in 10 to 12 feet of water.

Catino's business is located at an 18 by 20 foot stand on Fifth Street and D Avenue behind the farm museum, and would have celebrated its 20th year at the fair. They have been recognized twice as best food stand.

Catino didn't want to divulge the exact dollar figure he brings in each year, but shared that he sells approximately 4,000 cups of soup and 5,000 sandwiches of various kinds during the week.

Much of the food was able to either be returned or the orders were canceled, but no food was lost, he said.

"We'll survive this. It's a hit, but we're survivors," he said.

Catino said he was concerned had the fair gone on as scheduled because the amount of devastation he had been seeing in the news.

"We run a clean operation. We cannot jeopardize contaminating anything, or risk one person getting sick," he said.

No way to make up

Catino and his wife, Maria, sell soupies and ingredients five months out of the year, distribute wine and grape juice and operate a canning and gift ship at 9 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel. They don't have a sit down restaurant nor do they have a mobile trailer in order to travel from fair to fair.

There is no way to make up that lost income, Catino said.

In previous years, the business had leftovers following fair week, and they would donate to local food banks.

"At this point, I don't have anything that I'm losing. My biggest problem is losing the income," he said.

Dave Petrovich, of Overlook, co-owner of The Soupie Stand with his wife, Dyan, said he wasn't scheduled to have his business at the fair this year, only because he couldn't devote enough time while working his full-time job.

"I know some vendors who prepare all winter. This is a big hit for everyone," he said.

In previous years, he started making soupies in December, and would sell nearly 2,000 during fair week and bring in at least $7,000 in profits. If he had been signed up, he said he wouldn't have known what to do with that many food items.

Paul Nye, owner of Trains and Things, said his loss was materialistic, and he was more concerned about Bloomsburg residents who lost everything than he was about his own situation. He declined further comment.

Gyros, pizza on Route 11

Along Route 11 in Scott Township, John Koutoufaris set up his "John the Greek" stands to sell gyros and pizza to residents and passersby and to keep his employees working, who would have missed out on two week's income because of the cancelled fair.

The Press Enterprise reported Koutoufaris plans to be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Oct. 2 - a move that requires him to purchase a permit from the township.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A 31-year-old Danville man has been charged by Coal Township police with stealing approximately $6,000 from Radio Shack in the Plaza at Coal Township, while he was employed there.

John Stone, who formerly resided in Tharptown, was arraigned at 2:15 p.m. Thursday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on felony offenses of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Stone, who voluntarily appeared for his arraignment, was released on $10,000 unsecured bail and ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing before Gembic at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 4.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Detective Jeff Brennan, Stone, who was the manager at Radio Shack for about a year, is accused of stealing $6,115.88 worth of property from the business on Route 61 between Nov. 12, 2010, and Aug. 30, 2011.

On Aug. 31, police received a complaint from Radio Shack about a theft committed by an employee. Sam Reichman, an investigative manager with Radio Shack Corporation, informed Brennan that he discovered Stone had submitted numerous fictitious merchandise returns totaling approximately $6,000. Upon interviewing Stone, Reichman said the defendant admitted to submitting the false merchandise returns and taking the money.

Stone also admitted to Brennan that he stole the money, four gift cards valued at $75.89 and a cordless phone valued at $39.99 from the store.