For all the variables that exist surrounding Shamokin Area School District's budget for next school year, there appears at least one certainty - property taxes will rise for the first time in 20 years.

For the seven other public school districts in which Northumberland County residents reside, it's been quite another story during that time.

Since Shamokin Area's rate last increased, in 1992, there have been a combined 93 property tax increases among the other seven districts - including 43 in the past seven years.

The county itself made a pair of changes in its assessment ratio over the past two decades, and while Shamokin Area's millage rate was adjusted, residents' tax bills remained steady.

On Jan. 25, the district's board of directors adopted its preliminary budget with a projected millage rate of 26.4195, up from the current rate of 25.75.

The increase is minimal, just 2.6 percent, but is also telling of the challenges the district faces as its directors attempt to erase a estimated $4.6 million shortfall.

Some have wondered what a gradual rate increase would have meant for Shamokin Area's estimated budget deficit. Steve Curran, district business manager, said during the Jan. 25 board meeting that if taxes had been raised 1 mill each of the past 20 years, the result would have been about $2 million in additional tax revenue for the 2012-13 school year.

Districts' hikes

In the past, Pennsylvania school boards could have conceivably made up any deficit with a tax increase. That all changed in 2006 when restrictions tempering tax hikes were established.

Under current law, a school board can raise taxes only as high as the rate of inflation; 2.6 percent for Shamokin Area in 2012.

If a tax hike exceeding that index were desired, it must be put to referendum for voter approval.

One option to circumvent referendum and raise taxes above the inflation rate is for school boards to petition the state for certain specific exceptions regarding school construction, special education and retirement contributions.

Danville Area and Shikellamy had 16 tax increases in Northumberland County over the past 20 years, tied for most among all eight schools. Milton Area had 14 tax increases, Line Mountain and Warrior 13 apiece, Southern Columbia Area had 12 and Mount Carmel Area had nine, six of which occured in the past seven years.

It should also be noted that Southern Columbia Area, Warrior Run and Milton Area all had years with varying decreases in their respective property tax rates since 1992.

Collecting taxes

Real estate taxes are levied against a property's fully assessed value. Each mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of the assessment.

A property within Shamokin Area assessed at $20,000 would be taxed $515 under the current rate; $528.39 under the proposed rate for the 2012-13 school year.

A single mill of real estate tax generates approximately $94,500 revenue for Shamokin Area, considering the district's 84-percent collection rate.

The proposed rate increase of 0.6695 mills would create $63,920 revenue.

The district's collection rate is comparable to that of Mount Carmel Area's, estimated between 80 and 85 percent. The remaining districts in which county residents reside all have collection rates of at least 92 percent.

Danville Area's millage is the most valuable, where a single mill generates $830,000 revenue for the district. Line Mountain's is lowest among county schools at $63,962.

Dwindling funds

Shamokin Area long appeared on fiscally sound ground. In fact, its fund balance - money carried over from one school year to the next - exceeded $10.3 million just four years ago.

Over the past four years, however, the district has had four straight budget deficits surpassing a combined $7.9 million, according to district paperwork, all of it erased at least in part using the fund balance.

That Shamokin Area went 20 years without a tax increase was pretty unusual, said Jay D. Himes, executive director of Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials. Without specifics to reference, he estimated the district had sound, frugal management to maintain its steady tax rate for so long.

But when a school district continually uses its fund balance to balance its budgets, Himes said it runs the risk of creating a structural deficit.

"You essentially remove that entire safety blanket for anything happening that's unanticipated," he said.

A fund balance is in place as a contingency, for the most part, to cover any unforeseen expenditures a district may encounter, Himes said. He suggested a district maintain a fund balance of at least 5 percent of its budget.

Shamokin Area is hardly alone in using its fund balance to erase its debt. Himes said his organization has found that seven of 10 Pennsylvania school districts are doing the same.

The financial straits many districts encountered, he said, is partially the result of revenue shrinking across the board - federal, state and local.

Districts are also facing enormous increases in contributions to members of the Public School Employees' Retirement System over the next three years.

Himes said the contribution rates statewide will rise 3.5 percent next school year, followed by a pair of 4.5 percent hikes each of the next two school years. One percentage point represents about $125 million statewide, he said.

"In some cases, he said, "districts won't have enough taxing revenue to make up for the increasing costs of pensions."

Steve Robinson, director of publications and public relations for Pennsylvania School Boards Association, said streaks such as Shamokin Area's can be predicated by the wants of a district's constituents.

He wouldn't offer any opinion on the prudence of the move, but did say that long stretches where taxes aren't raised is not unprecedented, saying much of that is a result where an area's tax base is growing.

"Raising taxes should be a local decision," Robinson said, "and the community elects school directors to make those difficult decisions."

Editor's note: The following story moved on the McClatchy News Services wire, providing further content on the Henry Hynoski story from a broader geographic perspective.

In a bucolic part of central Pennsylvania historically known for its vintage amusement park, sprawling cornfields and proximity to anthracite, locals are embracing a new hallmark of their hometown.

The object of their growing affection: Henry Hynoski, a prototypical bruising coal region football player known as "Hyno" among those in this small village about 80 miles northwest of Allentown. At 23, Hynoski is fast becoming a living

legend, seemingly with the weight of a community on his shoulder pads.

Come Sunday, the rookie New York Giants fullback - all 6 feet and 266 pounds of him - will become one of only a handful of players produced in the football-rich anthracite region to play on his sport's biggest stage. He could become his town's first Super Bowl champion.

In a region where Friday night football still elicits genuflection and where state championship runs are as common as roadside produce stands, this qualifies as the news.

"Yeah, it's a huge deal," Austin Zelinski, a senior at Southern Columbia High School, Hynoski's alma mater, said matter-of-factly Wednesday. "It's the talk of the town."

Now, blue and red, too

Indeed, Hyno-mania is gripping the community, overtaking Elysburg's Route 54 business district and Hynoski's home township of Ralpho, population 4,000-plus, and the Southern Columbia School District at large.

In an area that has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state and has had its share of tragedy in the recent past - two Southern football players died in a 2004 drowning accident and two recent Southern graduates died in car crashes last year - people have basked in the exposure Hynoski has brought and have done their own version of an end zone dash.

From Knoebels Amusement Resort, known worldwide for its wooden roller coasters and old-fashioned charm, to pizza shops on the outskirts of Ralpho, "Go Henry" signs have become as pervasive as Knoebels' long-standing roadside advertisements.

"Give the ball to Henry," one marquee screams.

Familiar yellow, black and white ribbons that dot the landscape to commemorate Southern's school colors have been supplemented with red, blue and white arrangements in support of a Giants team in territory claimed primarily by Eagles and Steelers fans.

The Wayside Inn sports bar on Route 61 is offering the 6-inch high, $7.99 Giant Hyno Burger, complete with a pair of quarter-pound cheeseburgers, breaded onion rings, bacon and barbecue sauce.

"I consulted with Henry," bar owner and state Rep. Kurt Masser said. "There are quite a few people who can eat it."

Rivalries aside

Hyno hysteria has even spread to the rival town of Shamokin, where one business is handing out Oh Henry candy bars and another is offering red and blue hair extensions.

"That says a lot," said business owner and longtime Giants fan Ken Horvath, who scored Super Bowl tickets for his family. "There's no love lost between a lot of these local teams. They're putting rivalries aside just to support Henry."

Crystal Morelli, wears the scar of the community's love for and pride in Hynoski. She showed off the finger blistered by hours of ribbon work she's done to celebrate Hynoski's playoff run. She's donating the arrangements to businesses and selling others at $4 a pop. By midweek, she had created 200 and expected to double production by Sunday.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing," Morelli said. "There's been a lot of hurt and loss in the school. For me, it's good to be celebrating something."

It's the latest in welcome feel-good news for an area that lost about 600 jobs at two local plants in 2008, but recently became home to a foam cooler and refrigerator manufacturer that moved in from the Midwest. The firm brought roughly 50 jobs paying $12 to $22 per hour, according to The News-Item. The median household income in Northumberland County is around $38,400, according to U.S. Census data.

'Delighted' about success

The latest source of community pride, by all accounts, couldn't have come from a better family, which counts relatives in the Allentown area. Hynoski's sister Mary Frances, also a standout athlete, played on the women's basketball team at Lehigh University.

"Everyone is just delighted to see young Henry excel," said Frank Berger, the owner of an Elysburg religious gift store. "He comes from strong roots. He carries himself well. Gentleman is a good word."

Local observers of high school football aren't surprised by Hynoski's success.

Doyle Dietz, a longtime sportswriter who has covered the coal region since the late 1960s, said he first met Hynoski when he was in elementary school. Hynoski's first comment: "I was born to play football."

Chuck Souders, a Shamokin News-Item reporter who has covered coal region football since the late 1970s, said Hynoski was well-liked by the student body at Southern, where he racked up a school-record 7,165 rushing yards and 112 touchdowns before he graduated in 2006 and moved on to the University of Pittsburgh.

"He's very courteous and nice," Souders said. "He couldn't come from a better background."

Henry Sr. living vicariously

Hynoski's genes certainly didn't hinder his chances of playing pro ball. Henry Hynoski Sr., a former representative on the local school board, had a standout career at Mount Carmel and Temple University before briefly cracking the pros with the Cleveland Browns. But a violent training camp collision left him with a badly damaged shoulder that required surgery he wasn't willing to undergo.

The elder Hynoski is now proudly living vicariously through his son.

"Actually, it's even more exciting," said Hynoski Sr., who will be at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis with his wife Kathy to watch his son on Sunday. "What he's accomplished now, I used to dream about.

"It's been a whirlwind," he added, "but it's a good whirlwind."

Kathy Hynoski said she's been most proud of the way her son has remained grounded since joining the Giants. "He is so very humble," she said. "This has not gone to his head."

Few from region

Local football experts could only think of a few local players who made it to a professional football championship, which isn't many for an area where football is king.

"I always said high school football in the coal region may not be the best thing around, but it's better than anything else," Dietz said.

Ed Sharockman, from the St. Clair area, was a Minnesota Vikings defensive back who played on the losing team in Super Bowl IV in 1970. Glenn Ressler, who played at what is now Line Mountain High School, appeared in two Super Bowls with the Baltimore Colts as an offensive lineman, losing one in 1968 and winning in his second trip in 1971. Jack Dolbin, from Pottsville, played in the game in 1978 while with the Denver Broncos.

So Hynoski will be venturing into rare territory on Sunday. If all goes well, folks around here may have to alter the signs welcoming visitors into Elysburg. Perhaps something like, "Home of Super Bowl Champion Henry Hynoski."

"That would be nice," Hynoski Sr. said. "Think positively."

SHAMOKIN - It was a very successful campaign year for the local United Way.

The Lower Anthracite Region chapter reported this week that its' annual campaign has ended Tuesday with $61,516.88 - well above the $50,000 goal.

"Thanks to all of the generous donors, our member agencies will continue to flourish in these difficult economic times," said Whitney Fetterman, the executive director who was hired in October.

The chapter has a number of small businesses, corporations and individuals to thank for all of the generous donations, she said.

"This goal could have never been reached, let alone surpassed, without the help of the loyal contributors in this area," she said. "Thank you to every individual and business who donated to the 2011 campaign; its success was dependent upon your generosity."

The chapter serves Shamokin, Coal Township, Elysburg, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont, Paxinos and the Trevorton area in Northumberland County.

All the campaign funds are donated to charitable organizations. The current 10 member agencies Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Central Susquehanna Sight Services, Manna for the Many, American Red Cross, The ARC of Susquehanna Valley, Girls Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Avenues and VNA.

The local chapter thanked these business for their generous contributions; IBM, Farrow Funeral Directors, Olvany Insurance Agency, Daniel Shingara Enterprises Inc., Eyesense, Masser's Inc., Union National Bank of Mount Carmel, Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Masonic Lodge, Geisinger employee campaign, Marvin E. Klinger Inc., The Medicine Shoppe, AT&T employee campaign, Service Electric Cablevision, Nolan's Lumber Company Inc., The News Item, Weis Markets Inc., PPL for its corporate pledge and employee campaign, UGI for its corporate pledge and employee campaign, National Ticket Company, Susquehanna Bank for its employee campaign and corporate match, General Electric for its employee campaign, Wal-Mart for its employee campaign and corporate match and the Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital medical staff.

"We appreciate the donations made by all of the individuals who reside in this area," Fetterman added. "All of the residents, small businesses and corporations help a small area like ours continue to prosper in such difficult economic times."

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Conservation District (NCCD) has been awarded a $195,193 Growing Greener Grant for improvements to the Little Shamokin Creek Watershed.

The grant is part of a larger pool of 73 watershed protection projects that the Department of Environmental Protection announced today it will invest in to improve watersheds, stormwater runoff, acid mine drainage and educational programs, among other environmental efforts.

This year, the Growing Greener program, which is funded by the Environmental Stewardship Fund, will award $9.72 million for 57 projects around the state. An additional project, funded by the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Grant, will cost $72,912. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program, which was created through the federal Clean Water Act to help reduce water pollution from nonpoint sources, is funding 15 additional projects, which would total $3.12 million.

"We are delighted to provide support to local communities and watershed groups to fund projects that enhance and protect Pennsylvania's water quality," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said.

These projects will reduce nonpoint source pollution in watersheds where streams are impaired by implementing agricultural and stormwater best-management practices; developing, repairing or installing passive systems to treat abandoned mine drainage; and supporting the establishment of riparian buffers, among other goals.

"The restoration of our streams is so important to the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay," said NCCD Board Chairman Dave Crowl.

One of the Growing Greener program's goals is to invest in projects that protect watersheds from impairment due to nonpoint source pollution or those that will restore damaged waterways. Some examples of priority areas are restoration activities to reduce pollutant load in impaired watersheds for which total maximum daily loads have been developed; projects in priority watersheds that would reduce the source of impairment; and priority activities that lead to water quality restoration and protection.

JERSEY SHORE - The law firm of Carpenter, Harris and Flayhart has announced that Jonathan F. Bach, esquire, has joined the firm as an associate. He will concentrate his practice in the areas of family law, civil litigation, personal injury and general practice.

Raised in Mount Carmel, Bach is a 1995 graduate of Villanova University, a 2005 graduate of Penn State-Dickinson School of Law, and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 2006. He served in the U.S. Navy and now serves in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps with his current assignment as the deputy staff judge advocate at the 193rd Special Operations Wing of the PA Air National Guard.

He spent two years as a law clerk for Judge Charles H. Saylor in Northumberland County before moving to Williamsport in 2009. Bach is a member of the Pennsylvania, Lycoming and Northumberland County bar associations and has successfully argued cases in the Pennsylvania Superior Court. He is an avid sports fan and has been involved in volunteering with Special Olympics.

He joins the firm's two partners, L. Craig Harris and Martin A. Flayhart, whose practice handles a broad scope of legal matters including real estate, elder law, estate administration, estate planning, corporate and municipal law. He also joins the firm's associate, Lori A. Rexroth, whose practice is concentrated in family law, civil litigation and criminal/juvenile defense.

Carpenter, Harris & Flayhart has offices in Williamsport and Jersey Shore, and has served the residents of Clinton, Lycoming and surrounding counties for more than 80 years. With the addition of Bach and Rexroth, the firm has expanded to serve an eight-county area.

Divorces

David A. Boudman, 276 Schoolhouse Road, Milton, from Linda G. Boudman, 296 Satellite Drive, Milton. Married Oct. 8, 2005.

Stuart L. Hagenbuch, 493 Rovendale Drive, Watsontown, from Michelle L. Hagenbuch, 142 Broadway St., Turbotville. Married May 6, 2000.

Alicia Pauling, 174 Woodland Drive, Sunbury, from Allan Pauling, 17151 State Route 44, Allenwood. Married Oct. 29, 2005.

Debra A. White from Charles E. White, both of 1590 Housels Run Road, Milton. Married July 15, 2005.

Katherine A. Bobeck from Joseph R. Bobeck, no address listed. Married May 17, 1986.

Eric A. Thompson, 14119 Bay Vista Drive, Woodbridge, Va., from Bethany S. Thompson, 924 Wertman Road, Muncy. Married Jan. 20, 1999.

Property transfers

William L. aka William J. Carpenter Sr. and Joan A. Carpenter to Darren L. Kain, property in Shamokin, $19,000.

Ray W. Rothermel, Linda K. Rothermel, Kay L. Shulski, Aloysius J. Shulski, Donna M. Hirst, Edmund B. Hirst to Charles H. Evans and Jodie A. Evans, property in Mount Carmel, $67,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Harvey H. Groneau to John Gembic and Stephanie Gembic, property in Coal Township, $801.99.

Francis J. Bower to Dennis J. Fellin and Patricia A. Fellin, property in Ralpho Township, $142,000.

Arlene E. Seedor to Jeffrey L. Seedor and Linda S. Britton, property in Shamokin, $1.

Roger G. Maurer estate, and executor Clarence J. Masser to Clarence J. Masser, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Scott A. Herb and Suzette Herb to Thomas J. Trego and Daryia A. Trego, property in Upper Augusta Township, $35,000.

Robert L. Porter to William B. Hoffman and Lisa M. Lauro-Hoffman, property in Shamokin, $2,000.

Sylvester Worhacz estate and executrix Margaret P. Worhacz to Margaret P. Worhacz, property in Shamokin, $1.

Norman R. Witt estate and administratrix Eleanor Witt to John J. Witt, property in Coal Township, $1.

Edward A. Baluta to John P. Baluta and Kristina A. Baluta, property in Kulpmont, $1.

Jeanne L. Regevitz (by agent) and agent Greggory Appleman to William J. Concini Sr. and Wendy K. Concini, property in Coal Township, $1.

REI Partners Inc. to Larry L. Bidelspach III, property in Jackson Township, $1.

Laura M. Marcheskie, Laura M. Howerter and Warren Q. Howerter, to Budget Boo Inc., property in Kulpmont, $1,000.

Yogi's World LLC to Brenda Keller, property in Coal Township, $1,000.

Joseph D. Lapotsky and Katherine A. Lapotsky to Daniel R. Renno and Kelly L. Renno, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Ashley M. Pyle to Carole Keenan, property in Mount Carmel, $23,000.

Gloria F. Long to Dennis L. Long Sr., property in Shamokin, $1.

Mountainside Industries Inc. and Mountainside Ind Inc. to Northeast Apartments LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $5,000.

Tracy Diorio and Tracy Brown to Tracy Brown, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Brian D. Leslie and Dyan M. Leslie to Brian D. Leslie and Dyan M. Leslie, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Phillip R. Showver to Phillip R. Showver, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Robert R. Seik estate and executrix Diane E. Wasilewski to Steven R. Barnett, property in Marion Heights, $20,000.

Gina Webb to Henry Waskiewicz and Henry Waskewicz, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Thomas G. Krick to Victor Mirarchi, property in Shamokin Township, $150,000.

Eric M. Konopka and Jeanie M. Konopka to Apartments and Acquistions LP, property in Shamokin, $9,750.

Beverly C. Mattson estate and Beverly Sanko estate to Victor C. Mattson, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Nancy Kuznicki to Martin J. Kuznicki and Bonita Kuznicki, five properties in Mount Carmel Township, $1 each.

James Reiner Irrevocable Trust, Emily Reiner Irrevocable Trust and trustees Judy M. Reiner and Susan A. Reiner to Leonard L. Maurer and Debra A. Maurer, property in Mount Carmel, $5,000.

James M. Lenig and Lori A. Lenig to Jenna M. Lenig and Devin Milbrand, property in Shamokin, $1.

Wells Fargo Bank NA and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Inc. to David C. Pennypacker Jr., property in Shamokin, $29,211.85.

Elysburg drive under way

ELYSBURG - The Elysburg Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services' annual ambulance subscription drive is under way for residents of Ralpho Township and surrounding communities. The cost of a single subscription is $35 while a family subscription is $50.

The Elysburg Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services depend on and appreciate the donations to continue operating professional advanced and basic life support services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you have not received a subscription flyer and would like one sent to you, contact the fire department at 672-2920. Subscriptions are also available for download at www.elysburgfire.com and can be found at local businesses throughout the community.

SHAMOKIN - Plans for mid-week worship services during the Lenten season and an annual community-wide observance on Good Friday during Holy Week were discussed at the February meeting of the Shamokin Area Ministerium of Churches with the Rev. David Byerly, president, officiating.

Continuing an annual tradition, "Soup and Sandwich" worship services and Bible study will be held each Wednesday evening during Lent at a rotation of churches affiliated with the ministerium. Soup and sandwiches will be served at 6 p.m. preceding the worship service, during which time hymns will be sung, scripture read and a homily presented, usually by the pastor or representative of the host church.

The first in a series of five services is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 29, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Seventh and Chestnut streets.

Subsequent services are scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, at either Our Lady of Hope, West Chestnut Street, or the Pregnancy Care Center, 151 S. Market St.; Wednesday, March 14, St., John's United Church of Christ, North Eighth Street; Wednesday, March 21, Seventh Street Primitive Methodist, and Wednesday, March 28, Trinity Lutheran, East Sunbury Street.

A committee consisting of the Revs. David Byerly, Karyn Fisher and Kay Painter was named to formulate plans for a traditional three-hour Good Friday service between noon and 3 p.m. on April 6 at St. John's United Methodist Church, West Arch Street. Speakers and other participants in the service, based on "The Seven Last Words of Christ," will be announced at next month's ministerium meeting.

Frank Stoshak, a lay representative of Our Lady of Hope Church and vice president, reported plans for a retreat of ministerium members at SS Cyril and Methodius Academy in Danville are still being considered. A date in mid-May was initially discussed for the retreat, but because of conflicts, the group is considering a new date sometime in the fall.

In reporting on efforts to obtain funds to provide emergency fuel assistance to those in need, the Rev. Jean Eckrod said several businesses were approached for possible donations. Painter, treasurer, reported some favorable response to letters of appeal for financial assistance. Churches throughout the area are asked to continue their support of the emergency fund project through voluntary monetary contributions.

The Rev. Betty Ford, president of Manna for the Many, one of several community service projects sponsored by the ministerium, said the food pantry is serving more than 500 families with new families being added as clients each week. She called attention to ministerium members to remember Manna's annual appeal today for food and monetary donations during the observance of "Souper Bowl" a national fundraising project in all churches of the area. All monetary and food donations remain in this area to assist Manna in its program of providing food to eligible clients in need.

Margaret Conrad, a representative of the Pregnancy Care Center, said the facility is being located to its new quarters at 151 S. Market St.

The session was held in First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Zach Hopple as host. Attending were the Revs. Hopple, Byerly, Eckrod, Fisher, Ford, Painter, Sam Ballavia, secretary; Alfred Bashore, David Hauck, Richard Hazzard, John Silliman and David Widoner, and lay representatives Stoshak and Conrad.

The next meeting of the ministerium will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 1, at Seventh Street Primitive Methodist Church.

MANDATA - Members from the Alvin E. Long Post 504 American Legion presented Brian Smith with a flag in honor of his years of service in the U.S. Navy.

"I was a regular Joe," Smith said during a breakfast at the Legion, recalling when he joined the military on delayed entry between his junior and senior years of high school at the age of 17. After boot camp in Great Lakes Chicago, Smith studied to be an operations specialist in Virginia Beach, Va..

Graduating first in his class, his first choice for placement became a reality. Smith was stationed for five years at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the USS Fletcher, DD 992. It was there that through a friend, he met Agnes, who became his wife following a three-year long-distance courtship between America and the Philippines.

Smith returned to Pennsylvania after his stint at Pearl Harbor, serving as a recruiter and job counselor until 2000, helping to match individuals to careers suited to them.

Smith then studied to work in naval intelligence, where he served through 2004. Again graduating first in his class, Smith was assigned to Norfolk, Va., where he served on the USS Mount Whitney, LCC 20. His second assignment was as a shipboard intelligence officer on the USS Thorn, DD 998, also in Norfolk.

Smith earned his master training specialist qualification, which gave him the opportunity to teach. His last seven years of his military career, through August 2011, were spent at the CSCSU (Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit, Dam Neck) in Virginia Beach. He retired as an intelligence specialist, chief petty officer, which he said was a great way to end his career. Smith said he tried his best to give sailors the tools and tips to be successful, and he found this aspect of his career to be most rewarding.

Smith is a son of Terry and Audrey Smith, of Herndon. Smith and his family, including his wife, Agnes, daughters, Arianna, 8, Lindsey, 13, and son, Mark, 18, still live in Virginia Beach. His son recently enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

Smith already misses serving in the military. "You always have someone who got your back. I miss that camaraderie," he remarked.

HARRISBURG - Struggling school districts, social service agencies and charities that help feed, clothe and house children, the elderly and disabled are bracing for another round of deep spending cuts in the state budget proposal Gov. Tom Corbett will present Tuesday.

Corbett will propose his 2012-13 spending plan as the recession continues to hold down state tax revenue and unavoidable cost increases present hurdles in balancing the budget. The address will kick off

four months of wrangling at the statehouse. The deadline for passing the budget is June 30.

Given the state's bleak fiscal outlook and Corbett's pledge not to raise taxes, deep cuts seem inevitable.

Budget Secretary Charles Zogby is projecting a tax revenue shortfall of $500 million by the end of the fiscal year in June. The governor's proposed budget will contain no tax hikes and few spending increases, Zogby said at a recent briefing. State agencies were asked recently to provide options for spending cuts.

Corbett recently trimmed existing appropriations by nearly $160 million, including funding for social service programs for children, elderly and the disabled.

When he took office a year ago, Corbett made no secret of his determination to rein in state spending, but his priorities have drawn sharp criticism. The adoption of the first on-time state budget in nine years was a defining moment of Corbett's first year in office. The 2011-12 budget hewed to the no tax-hike pledge made by Corbett during his campaign and contained an overall $1.1 billion, or 4 percent spending cut from the previous year, and some deeper cuts to public education and human services programs.

One-party rule helped get the $27.15 billion budget - balanced with spending cuts - enacted hours before the July 1 deadline.

"He (Corbett) has changed the culture of Harrisburg from a tax-and-spending mentality to a realization we have to reduce the size of government," said Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley.

Sixty-nine percent of nonprofits received a state funding cut in the current budget even as 80 percent of them report increased demand for services, according to a survey released in December by United Way of Pennsylvania.

According to the survey, 52 percent of nonprofits have laid off staff, 32 percent canceled programs, 46 percent cut back program hours and 45 percent expanded waiting lists for services due to fiscal 2011-12 budget cuts.

Another area where state cuts hit home under the current budget is public welfare. A companion law to the state budget directed the Department of Public Welfare to produce $400 million in cost savings. DPW Secretary Gary Alexander can exercise special authority under that law to set new eligibility rules, change benefits and require copayment for services.

One result is a DPW pilot project in Schuylkill County to conduct random drug tests of applicants and recipients of benefits under General Assistance and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families who have been convicted of a drug felony offense during the past five years.

"The pilot program will seek to answer how much the state can save by removing individuals who continue to abuse illegal drugs, while at the same time, collecting the hard-earned tax dollars of local constituents in the form of welfare benefits," said Sen. David Argall, R-29, Tamaqua, an appropriations panel member. The Corbett administration and GOP lawmakers say welfare savings can be realized by attacking "waste, fraud and abuse," while critics anticipate more DPW budget cuts that hurt the truly needy and poor.

"I think the war on the poor will continue," said Kathy Jellison, president of Pennsylvania SEIU Local 668.

The final shape of the budget will depend partly on revenue collections. In January, collection were $10 million lower than anticipated, according to the state Revenue Department. "It's still too early in the fiscal year to make a firm projection of the year-end revenue picture because March and April are, traditionally, significant collection months," said Rep. Joseph Markosek, D-25, Monroeville, ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. The ongoing problem with revenue shortfalls is compounded by cost increases in mandated programs. The three main cost-drivers are:

- Medical assistance/long-term care: A projected $400 million increase because of growing enrollment and inflation in health care costs. States no longer get federal stimulus money to meet Medicaid costs. DPW is removing tens of thousands of medical assistance recipients from rolls on the grounds that they don't meet eligibility requirements. Markosek has criticized the department for not providing information to support its claims.

- Debt service: An $80 million increase to service existing debt on capital projects. Zogby outlined plans to reduce the number of state capital projects approved each year. House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-28, Pittsburgh, is preparing legislation to reduce the borrowing capacity and emphasis of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

- Public pension obligations: An increase of $320 million to pay pensions for retired public school employees and $200 million increase to pay pensions of retired state employees.

Looming over the state budget debate for a fourth year is the Marcellus Shale issue and the absence of a severance tax on gas drilling. The Corbett administration and the Republican-controlled House and Senate have yet to agree on legislation to levy an impact fee on Marcellus drillers.

The impasse has cost Pennsylvania $300 million in lost revenue since 2009, said the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, a Harrisburg think tank that supports a gas severance tax.

"Drillers continue to get a free pass in Pennsylvania, while teachers work without pay and victims of domestic violence are turned away from shelters," said center director Sharon Ward.

There is also a new twist with another state business tax issue.

House Republican leaders hope that a new proposal to close a business tax loophole in exchange for cuts in the state corporate tax rate will be considered as part of the final budget. The bill would end the Delaware loophole, which allows businesses headquartered in other states to avoid paying corporate net income tax. These businesses would pay tax on profits made in Pennsylvania and the CNI tax rate would be reduced to 6.99 percent from 9.99 percent over six years under the measure.

Sarah Hofius Hall contributed to this story.

Near the NCAA Hall of Champions is a sculpture that has colored blocks on one side and mirrors on the other.

At the right time of the day, these mirrors can either blind or inspire you.

Frustration works the same way.

I sat in a hotel room in Indianapolis, hating the city and the big bad NFL for making me stand outside despite whatever talent I had that the morons from some MMA-affiliated website clearly did not.

It wasn't Indy's fault or the NFL's fault. It's what happens when you're low man on the totem pole.

There are two ways to look at that. You're on the bottom, or you have a great view to where you want to be.

It's easy to let frustration get the better of you, but as I read article after article about Henry Hynoski's return to Indianapolis, the place where he pulled his hamstring during last year's NFL combine, an injury that cost him his place on most draft boards, I realized there is a choice between letting frustration get the better of you or not.

"I seriously never worked out so hard in my life - I'm talking sometimes three times a day - because I was just so ... I don't know if 'angry' is the word, but I just wanted to prove people wrong and show them what I can do," Hynoski told CBSSports.com's Alex Raskin earlier this week.

Hynoski didn't need to prove anything to anyone around here, but there were bigger things that he wanted - bigger stages and bigger games, until he landed in the biggest.

While he thanks his family, friends and coaches for pushes along the way, it was his dream and his torch to ultimately carry.

Despite his pre-draft stock, he never took anything for granted, but who can blame him for being upset? While everyone is allowed a day to reorganize, nothing got in Hynoski's way.

There are those of us with dreams who have to put them on the back burner for a number of reasons, and then there are those of us with dreams who decide the path is too hard.

This week's stories on Hynoski have been for those people with dreams in any area with the wherewithal to keep pursuing them no matter what, and it's important to recognize that on any level, in any profession.

I'm still not crazy about the NFL's rules and regulations, and Indy has a seedier side that needs to be talked about but isn't.

On my way to the airport, I bought a New York Giants t-shirt, a reminder that people still work hard, don't let frustrations stop them and that they remember where they're from.

I am not a Giants' fan, I am not supposed to be a fan at all, but I am a Henry Hynoski fan.

MOUNT CARMEL - The first official event of Mount Carmel Borough's 150th anniversary celebration is a sesquicentennial kickoff banquet that will be held Saturday, March 3, at the American Legion, Avenue and Maple Street.

Mayor J. Kevin Jones and Ricky Schnee, representatives of the sesquicentennial committee, said the banquet will be held from 7 to 11 p.m., with doors at the Legion ballroom opening at 6 p.m. A live band, RATL, will perform, and attendees will enjoy a buffet-style meal and drinks. Admission is $30 per person or $50 per couple.

"The event is planned as a way to bring members of the community together," Jones explained. "It is open to everyone, whether someone lives in town for just one year or happens to be a resident of 50 or more years."

Tickets are available at the Academy Sports Center, and also may be obtained by contacting Jones at 339-2471, Schnee at

339-2856, or any other committee member.

Although the banquet is almost four weeks away, Jones said it is important that interested persons make reservations, if possible, within the next two weeks. "We need to provide information to the caterer on approximately how many people are expected," he explained.

The small core of community volunteers which comprise the sesquicentennial committee is finalizing plans for additional events that will be scheduled throughout the year. The committee now meets weekly - at 7 p.m. every Wednesday at the Mount Carmel Elks lodge. Jones and Schnee stressed that additional committee members are needed and will be welcomed.

"We are looking for more people to get involved with the celebration, and we are hoping more ideas are generated," Schnee said.

One of the highlights of the sesquicentennial celebration is a parade on Saturday, June 30, which will coincide with Mount Carmel firefighters' hosting of the 2012 Six-County Firemen's Convention. The borough's firefighters will be busy later that day with their own activities, but the celebration committee is planning to organize a post-parade event in the town park for other borough residents and visitors. The committee will be looking for vendors for the event.

The effort to sell banners to honor borough veterans has met with great success, Jones said. Deadline for the project is Feb. 12. Interested persons may call Jones or pick up an application at Academy Sports Center.

The banners will hang from street light poles on Oak Street and parts of Market and Third streets, and possibly on the Avenue. Banners will include the name and rank of the veteran and either the war in which they served or the branch of service.

The 150th anniversary committee has sold T-shirts and Christmas ornaments to promote the celebration, and soon will have commemorative coins on sale.

The committee will soon publicly announce the names of the students who designed the celebration's official logo and wrote the official slogan.

Throughout the celebration year, The News-Item will publish old-time photos depicting events and organizations throughout Mount Carmel's 150-year history as a borough. Many of the photos will be provided by Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones, who is a local historian.

From the day most young football players put on pads for the first time, their dream is to one day play in the Super Bowl.

The region will watch today as one of its own, Henry Hynoski, of Elysburg, sees his dream come true when he steps onto the field for Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, capping off his rookie season in the National Football League with the New York Giants.

It marks the first time a football player from Northumberland County has played in the Super Bowl since Mahanoy Joint (now Line Mountain) graduate Glenn Ressler did it in 1969 and 1971 as a member of the Baltimore Colts. He lost the first time and won the second.

Meanwhile, it is the first time Southern Columbia - known statewide for its record 13 appearances in the state high school football championship game - will have an alumnus playing in the NFL championship.

Hynoski's parents, Henry Sr. and Kathy, are in Indianapolis for today's game, as are other members of his family, and local fans. Back home in Northumberland and Columbia counties, many parties are planned to watch the game and its local star. Even diehard fans of other teams are throwing away decades of allegiance to cheer for the Giants in their Super Bowl rematch with New England from four years ago on this perhaps once-in-a-lifetime local occurrence.

It's been a quick rise for Hynoski, who wasn't signed with the Giants until late July - just over six months ago. But for those who've coached "Hyno" on the field and watched him mature as a person, they're not surprised he's gotten to football's biggest stage.

'Most relentless'

Southern Columbia head football coach Jim Roth will be among those cheering on Hynoski today.

"It's been very exciting for everyone in our program to see Henry get to this level," Roth said Friday. "I've seen the drive he has and know that today completes a journey that started when he wasn't drafted in April."

After a pulled hamstring at the NFL combine - held, ironically, in Indianapolis - hurt his chances in the draft, Hynoski, who turned 23 on Dec. 30, waited through the NFL lockout for a free-agent deal.

That time came with a one-year contract from the Giants in July. Hynoski then made the 53-man roster and earned the starting role at fullback. Despite a shoulder stinger that kept him out of six mid-season games, Hynoski has solidified his role in the Giants backfield. He has caught 12 passes for 83 yards, but his primary duty is as a lead blocker for the running backs, a job he's well built for at 6-1, 266 pounds.

While Hynoski was more accustomed to running over, not blocking, opposing players in high school, where he rushed for 7,165 yards and 112 touchdowns, Roth said the common denominator is his attitude.

"I've always said that he is the most relentless player I've ever coached, on every game, every down, every practice," Roth said. "That's just the way he approached his career to accomplish his goal of playing in the NFL."

'New' school colors

Whether or not he puts on the Super Bowl Champions hat at the end of the game, Hynoski has all ready won over local hearts.

"The school colors of Southern Columbia changed to red, white and blue this week," said Southern Columbia Superintendent Charles Reh. "The support that the students, staff and area has shown him is just great. We are all so proud of him."

"We are very proud of the accomplishments he has earned over the years and now here he is playing in the Super Bowl," said Ralpho Township supervisor William "Chip" Wetzel. "It's a story you want to hear: a kid from a small school, making something of himself and playing at this level and starting for that matter. It's just amazing."

Giants victory?

State Rep. Kurt Masser, R-107, owner of the Wayside Inn in Weigh Scales, is thrilled that his restaurant's "Hyno Burger" - one of the most popular items on the menu - was recently discussed by its namesake.

"There is a video on the Giants' Facebook page where Henry is talking about the burger, and he jokes about how he has to come back for one of those," Masser said.

The Wayside will have its TVs tuned into today's big game, and there's no doubt the crowd will be leaning heavily toward the Giants.

"It's fantastic to see it all come together for him, and we'll watch the next chapter Sunday," Masser said.

He's predicting a great game and a Giants victory - despite their role as underdogs.

"I think the defense will be the key to the win," Masser said.

Strong role model

Win or lose, it's a big day for Southern Columbia, the region and Henry Hynoski.

"Either way, this is a great experience for him," Reh said. "He is going to be playing in the most elite athletic contest in the world. It's a dream come true."

Roth said it can't be overstated how rare it is to have a person like Hynoski come along, with a combination of great athletic ability, mental strength and character. He's a "real strong role model," his ex-coach said, and these qualities showed after his hamstring injury last spring at the combine and the resulting pass by NFL teams in the draft.

"It's a culmination for Henry, going from disappointment to elation in a few months," Roth said. "There are many players who never get to the Super Bowl and have been in the league for years, and here he is in his rookie season. His fortune has turned around."

Critically ill or terminal patients can most benefit from the healing presence that comes from loved ones and healthcare providers around them. Whether placed in a nursing facility or being cared for at home, the knowledge that someone is there can lend comfort to and ease the suffering of the patient. Simple gestures can convey love, concern, and alleviate suffering in a loved one. It's believed that patients with dementia or Alzheimer's, who are very ill can "recognize" when a person cares and knows when your presence is genuine. Hold their hand and gently rub someone's arm while sitting at their side. Sometimes not saying anything is best, other times people like to listen to music or hear about someone's day. If they are spiritual, reading the Bible or other inspirational books is helpful. Allow the person to do the talking and just listen. Most of us have a "fix-it" response ; try to just allow your presence to be enough. Children visiting can also cheer people up. Pets, too! Having something soft to hold or to cuddle is also nice. The sense of smell can be relaxing if the right scent is picked like lavender, chamomile or eucalyptus; all three have a calming effect. Lotions can be applied for gentle tactile stimulation if the patient is not in pain.

Visitors to our facility may notice a dove symbol outside resident rooms. This serves as a reminder that the resident is hospice or comfort and care. Journals are kept in the room for visitors and staff to let the family know how their loved one is doing and to note that someone has visited. Healthcare facilities are starting programs of "palliative" care and "comfort care" for residents with terminal illnesses. Efforts are made, within these programs, to relieve and prevent the suffering of the patient and to meet their emotional and spiritual needs. In order to be effective, it's important to know the patient. Working together with the staff increases the probability that your loved one will receive the care to best meets their needs. The phrase "healing hands" takes in more than competent physical care. Loved ones can personalize the total care process for those who are critically ill. Just say "I am here."

("Sensible Seniors" is a monthly column for and about older adults. The information is provided by the staff of Mountain View: A Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Coal Township.)

Sunbury YMCA to hold Chinese auction

SUNBURY - The Sunbury YMCA will be holding a Chinese Auction at Special Occasions, 132 S. 2nd St., Sunbury, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 to benefit the Daycare Center.

Drawings will be held at 3:30 p.m. and winners do not have to be present to win. Items to be given away range from sports tickets, massages, bed and breakfast accommodations, a variety of gift certificates and more. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

For more information, call 286-5636 and ask for Melissa Barnes or Kate Maurer.

Food pantry distribution Saturday

ATLAS - Mount Carmel Township Food Pantry will have its surplus food distribution from 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 at the township complex.

Residents in Atlas, Diamondtown, Strong, Locust Gap, Connorsville, Dooleyville and Beaverdale who signed up previously are eligible to receive food.

MANSFIELD - Jordan Pinamonti, the 2010 salutatorian of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, was named to Mansfield University's president's list of distinguished undergraduate scholars for having attained a perfect 4.0 grade point average in fall 2011.

She has achieved this honor each semester since her freshman year.

Pinamonti is a sophomore nursing major and is a member of Mansfield University Nursing Association, Students for Peace, Saddle Club, Lambda Sigma National Honor Society, and is a co-captain of the Relay for Life team at the university.

Last summer, she participated in a 10-week summer temp nursing assistant program at Geisinger Health System, which led to her securing a flex position at the hospital. She works in the Women's Center as a labor and delivery nursing assistant during school breaks.

Pinamonti is a daughter of Joseph and Susan Pinamonti, of Elysburg, and granddaughter of Richard and Eleanor Olcese, of Shamokin, and Joe Pinamonti, of Elysburg, and the late Martha Pinamonti.

Submitted Photos

WEIGH SCALES - An Overlook man was rescued from a vehicle that overturned into a sewer ditch off of Mountain Road in Weigh Scales Sunday evening.

Emergency crews were initially called out at approximately 7:08 p.m. for a vehicle trapped in water. Responders found the vehicle upside down in a sewer ditch with Tom Weaver, 65, of Overlook inside. Firefighters removed Weaver from the wreckage placing him into a waiting ambulance.

Ralpho Township Police Officer Christopher Grow said that Weaver had been in the vehicle for some time before crews were called.

"A passing motorist was coming down Mountain Road toward Route 61, when he thought he saw the vehicle," Grow said. "He turned around and checked again and that was when he found the vehicle with Weaver inside."

Grow could not provide any more information on scene and stated that that Weaver was being uncooperative in the ambulance, and it was unclear if he was going to be taken for treatment.

Assisting police at the scene were Elysburg and Area Services Ambulance, Elysburg and Overlook Fire Departments and Shamokin City Police.

Name: Jason Laczkoski

Hometown: Coal Township

Age: 28

Family: parents Cheryl Laczkoski and Robert Kolody, of Coal Township, girlfriend Anna Draper with whom he is expecting his first child.

Education: 2001 graduate of Lourdes Regional High School, bachelors of arts degree in performance and saxophone from Mansfield University.

Occupation: instructor of saxophone at Lycoming College in Williamsport, and a private teacher of woodwind instruments.

Hobbies: drawing, weightlifting and finding time to have a hobby.

Ain't no party like a Super Bowl party.

Area restaurants and other gatherings provided plenty of opportunities for the local community to share in the appearance of Southern Columbia alum Henry Hynoski and his New York Giants' teammates in Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.

The Wayside Inn in Weigh Scales played host to a number of red-and-blue clad fans, while Queen of the Most Holy Rosary in Elysburg, Hynoski's church, offered just as jubilant a place to watch the game as the Giants beat the Patriots 21-17.

Local fans even checked in from Indianapolis to give an account of the atmosphere surrounding the big game.

It's clear though, that wherever you were, fans were tuned in to Hyno in the Super Bowl.

'Pretty insane'

Dave Fegley, Southern Columbia grad and an assistant coach with the boys basketball team, went to Indianapolis with friends eager to experience part of the excitement surrounding Lucas Oil Stadium.

"It's pretty insane out here," Fegley said by phone from Indianapolis. "We were going to watch outside the stadium on the big screens they have, but it was just too crowded."

Fegley instead went to a nearby watering hole, but from walking around the stadium and Super Bowl village he estimated there were close to half a million people in the area for the game.

"We talked to a lady at the NFL Experience yesterday and she estimated that this will break a Super Bowl record for attendance," he said, and approximated that about 80 percent of the crowd was pulling for the Giants.

'I know him'

At the Wayside Inn, the number of fans was skewed significantly in favor of the Giants, although one fan was brave enough to wear a Tom Brady jersey.

"As long as the Giants aren't playing New England, I'm a Giants fan, but my family is originally from Massachusetts," Kim Leshock said, but added that she does hope Hynoski does well.

The rest of the crowd was decidedly partisan in favor of the Giants.

Liz Deptula and Krysten Varano came back home from Philadelphia to watch the game with friends Mary Frances Klebon and Kayla Hoffman at the Wayside.

All four graduated from Southern Columbia in the same class as Hynoski and Klebon and Hoffman both also went to the University of Pittsburgh at the same time.

All consider him a close friend, although none were Giants' fans before July.

"We're chicks and now we have something to root for," Deptula said. "It's a good feeling."

Like most of crowd, the girls were doing the Giants proud with jerseys and t-shirts with a name that's suddenly getting more recognizable - Hynoski.

"They're in shock when you tell people, and it's an even bigger deal because we're from such a small town," Varano said.

All four were also at the Wayside well in advance of the game and led the cheers when Hyno took the field and was shown around the world, jumping up and pumping his fist.

There were gasps of "I know him," and "This is so cool" from around the room as it began to sink in that the hoopla was over and the game was about to begin.

"I work for a housing complex at Bloomsburg University and I'm surprised because students knew who he was before this all even happened and they're from hours away.

"I didn't understand he was such a big deal to other people," Hoffman added.

All agreed that, "He's just Henry to us."

Tony Caprio and Barbara Bobkoski both came from Trenton to watch Hynoski.

"We had reservations and plans for other parties, but Barb suggested that come up to Henry's hometown," Caprio said.

There's a good reason the pair decided to make the drive instead of watch it closer to home - Barb and Kathy Hynoski, Henry's mother, are first cousins and she's excited to see one of her own in the game.

"I don't know a whole lot about football, but I like the Eagles because my daughter likes the Eagles," Bobkoski said. "But we're Giants tonight."

The biggest cheers came when Hynoski caught a 13-yard pass from Eli Manning for a first down in the first quarter.

On the television, Cris Collinsworth said, "He is a pretty good receiver."

Everyone here could have told you that, they knew who to watch.

'There you go, Henry!'

Just like at the Wayside, the 40 football fans gathered in the Knights of Columbus Hall at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, Elysburg, to watch Hynoski play in the big game whooped and hollered when Hynoski caught the first of his two passes in the Super Bowl.

"There you go, Henry!!" Giants' fan Mike Gillespie said, clapping his hands. "That is great that he got a play in the Super Bowl and made a first down."

The gathering was brought together by the church's pastor, The Rev. Al Sceski.

"With this being Henry's home parish, many people, including myself, have been following this season, so we thought it was fitting to get together, have a great time and support him," Sceski said.

It marked the second year the church had this time of fellowship on Super Bowl Sunday, but with one of their own in the game, all eyes were glued on the LCD TV when he ran out onto the field during the team introductions, pumping his fist and jumping.

"I've been following the team all year," Gillespie, wearing his No. 45 Giants jersey, said. "It's great to see him get to this level."

The Giants fan was hoping for a Super Bowl win.

"I think that if we stick with the game plan that (head coach Tom) Coughlin laid out, and the defense can contain Brady, we can get the win," he said.

Perfect ending

If the pre-game madness was anything to write home about, the scene immediately following the Giants' victory in Indianapolis was unlike anything most people have ever experienced.

"I don't think I've ever seen anything like this," Fegley said following the game.

"People are hugging you like you're family, and I must have gotten 15 compliments on my Hank jersey."

One thing was for sure, this whirlwind year for Hynoski ended in a "Super" way.