KULPMONT - Classic cars and imports, show cars and trucks - all of them and more will be on display this Sunday as part of the 10th annual Great Kulpmont Cruise.

The event, which benefits the Kulpmont Baseball and Football Association and the playground project at the Terry Miriello Sports Complex starts at 11:30 a.m. when drivers arrive at the Holy Angels Picnic Grounds to showcase their classic vehicles. Registration begins at noon and the first 200 vehicles will receive dash plaques sponsored by Turlis Sewer and Drain, Kulpmont.

The cost of registration is $13 per vehicle and all proceeds will benefit youth sports and the playground project.

"Since we've been doing the cruise, I would estimate we've raised between $50,000 and $60,000," said event organizer Joe Cesari.

Vehicles will be judged from noon to 3 p.m. followed by trophy distribution. A DJ will entertain the crowd, and food from the Kulpmont Football and Baseball Association will be available. No bicycles, mini-bikes, skateboards or scooters are allowed at the display area.

Cesari said good weather may bring a record number of participants to the cruise again this year.

"I currently have 40 pre-registered," Cesari said. "If the weather cooperates, expect five or six times that number to be there."

For more information about the cruise, contact Cesari at 373-3561.

At 3:30 p.m., engines from Kulpmont's East End and West End Fire Companies will lead the vehicles onto Route 61 (Chestnut Street) as residents and visitors line the sidewalks to admire the rides. WKMC-TV will televise the cruise at a later date and program coordinator Dave McFee will also make DVD's available for interested participants.

Due to damage caused to Route 61 in previous years and the possibility of injury to drivers and/or spectators, PennDOT and Kulpmont Borough prohibit any burnouts along the cruise route.

Musicians will also have a part in entertaining the crowd. Performing on flatbed trucks with generators feeding their instruments will include "Deuce," Frackville's "Another Side," which features, at times, the Jordan Brothers and Mike Macher, former lead singer for "The Mudflaps," and polka band "The Shoreliners." Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, will have a special float in the cruise and the Victorian High Wheelers of Tamaqua will return this year.

For people watching the cruise on Chestnut Street, food and drinks will be available for purchase. Just look for the bright red food trailer, operated by the Wilburton Hose Company No. 1 set up between Shimock's Furniture and Turkey Hill Minit Market. The fire company will have hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries and ethnic food available, along with a variety of drinks. Also on display in that area will be a local racing sprint car, sponsored by H&P Construction and Shimock's Furniture.

Commemorative t-shirts will be available for purchase both on Chestnut Street and at the picnic grounds and 50/50 tickets can be purchased along the cruise route. The cruise committee will also have staff members canvassing Chestnut Street for donations to help defray the cost of staging the cruise. Those that donate will receive a Kulpmont Cruise contributor sticker.

Cesari hopes that with the number of cruisers and visitors converging in Kulpmont Sunday, residents can show some pride in their community.

"I hope that we can clean up Kulpmont and show everyone how proud we are to live here and treat them all with the good old-fashioned Coal Region hospitality we are famous for," he said. Cesari also encouraged everyone to display American flags and banners to greet the many veterans who will participate and spectate at the cruise.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Distinguished honors and honor roll for the fourth marking period of the 2011-12 school year were announced for Shamokin Area Elementary School.

The honor roll is based on the average of the major subjects. Distinguished honors is the range of 95 to 100 percent and honor roll is 90 to 94 percent, along with earning "satisfactory" in conduct and minor subjects.

Distinguished honors

Grade 6: Seth Barrett, Tyler Bendas, Abagail Blass, Kiara Bonshock, Randall Brosius, Jocelynne Calabro, Alexandra Campbell, Jacob Carpenter, Emma Clark, Madison Clauser, Taylor Cullen, Trent Curcie, Madison Daya, Anna Delbaugh, Emily DeMartino, Charles Dettrey, Matthew Dimmick, Gloria Drayer, Kelsee Dunn, Colby Edmondson, Katlyn Ehman, Maryssa Erdman, Warren Eveland, John Fantigrossi, Abbi Fiorey, Nicholas Furca, Kira Golden, Nichole Gribbin, Kiera Griffiths, Mackenzie Hasuga, Brooke Hovenstine, Jacob Jeremiah, Gaige Johns, Nicholas Kirkner, Jennifer Kozlowski, Ethan Lawton, Emma Mangiaruga, McKenna Markowski, Kayla Martins, Kamilyah Nazih, Joseph Olah, Kaile Pancher, Colton Pollock, Madison Primerano, Kali Rebuck, Heather Reigle, Bryan Sakalosky, Cameron Scandle, Scott Schleig, Stephen Smith, Jadyn Snyder, Elizabeth Stevens, Ciara Tharp, Lorraine Whary, Tessa Wheary, Alyssa Wisniewski, Emily Wolfe, George Zalar and Dakota Zimmerman.

Grade 5: Spencer Balonis, Jared Berkheimer, Colby Bixler, Aidan Blackwell, Marshall Buggy, Daniel Buranich, Steven Carpenter, Alyssa Charriez, Juliana DeGreen, John Delorso, Lydia Deptula, Alyvia Erb, Brianna Forbes, Jeffrey Fuernisen Jr., Gaige Garcia, Stephen Gundy, Mara Hashuga, Teagan Heath, Barbara Jemmott, Deven Klock, McKenzie Knarr, Chloe Kramer, Cordell Lucas, Samantha Magee, Todd Maschuck, Abigail Nye, Autumn Purcell, Robert Rebuck, Lake Rodarmel, Quinn Rollman, Shyann Rubio, Garrett Sassani, Matthew Schiccatano, Andrea Segura, Joel Shurock, Peyton Shurock, Mason Smink, Skylar Truchon, John Wagner, Payton Whary, Richard Wright, Valerie Yost, Blake Zalar and Zoe Zimmerman.

Grade 4: Jacob Alvord, Lily Avans, Alison Barvitskie, Matthew Bellis, Margaret Bowers, Cierra Clayton, Morgan Clemens, Violet Dales, Trevor DeHaven, William Delbaugh, Raven DePeal, Joshua Dombrowski, Holly Fegley, Rhaeghan Henz, Callen Herb, Thomas Horstmann, Devin Kays, Elyse Kelley, Farrah Krum, Janet Kulish, Emma Laughlin, Cherie Martin, Sheyenne Moore, Zachery Moyer, Andrew Nelson, Ian Paul, Julia Pavelko, Nathan Persing, Ashley Ponatoski, Brent Reed, Hunter Rodarmel, Abby Rodman, Sophie Rossnock, Savannah Sassani, Jasmine Scandle, Angelina Schaeffer, John Schofield, Isibelle Sienkiewicz, Emily Slanina, Jasmine Slodysko, Molly Stevens, Austin Straub, Max Tillett, Emma Tomcavage, Jonathan Washuta, Leslie Wolfe, Shen Yeager and Katelyn Zawalick.

Honor roll

Grade 6: Amber Ambrocio, Daizy Barrett, Kalei Bogetti, Jordan Carpenter, Justin Caufield, Brady Collins, Sarah Conrath, Austin Dannheimer, Ariane Daya, Marcus Deivert, Cheyenne Derr, Charles Diehl, Justin Duganitz, Summer Finkelstein, Patrick Gibson, Kendra Haight, Theresa Hancock, Olivia Hausman, Samantha Howell, Olivia Kaleta, Jordan Leiby, Brianna Luddy, Dalton Madara, Sabrina McLaughlin, Sadie Miller, Myles Munson, Brandon Nairns, Victoria Nicola, Rosalee Ortega, Aaron Pancher, Brent Scholl, Skyleigh Sedor, Elizabeth Shurock, Cheyanne Smith, Wanda Sulouff, Saige Taylor, Brianna Wary, Jasmine Wasilewski, Jordayna Whiteskunk, Daniel Zaborny and Cheyanne Zulkowski.

Grade 5: Logan Alderson, Chase Backes, Nicole Bainbridge, Sarah Bainbridge, Cynthia Baumerts, Ashley Beach, Mariah Benedict, Keri Bevan, Kaleb Brown, Sierra Burd, Gavin Clattenburg, James Coleman, Madison Collins, Dakotah Cragle, Dylan Cragle, Gavin DeHaven, Lauren Drumheiser, Rebekah Faust, Ryleigh Fegley-Cull, Nicholas Feudale, Skylar Figard, Abigail Fobia, Mackenzie Glosek, Aubree Haight, Cain Herb, Zoey Hockenbroch, Gary Holdren, Chryssa Kehler, Collin Kern, Jayla Klase, Matthew Knowles, Jameson Kramer, Brianna Lehman, Xavier Lehman, Amber Libby, Owen Long, Caitlin Madison, Christina Marquez, Morgan McGinn, Bryce Mummey, Keira Munns, Cameron Orner, Jessa Paczkoski, Robert Pancher, Melissa Pangburn, Madison Reigel, Arcadio Saez, Destiny Sassani, Joan Schaeffer, Robert Schleig, Shelbie Scholl, Sierra Seiler, Matthew Sheriff, Brooke Strausser, Matthew Swartz, Abigail Thew, Jacob Thompson, Tristen Troutman, Dylan Walters, Cassandra Womer and Zane Zartman.

Grade 4: Conner Anascavage, Sara Baney, Damion Baumerts, River Brabitz, Gabriel Burns, Paige Campbell, John Carl, Abigail Charriez, Fawn Cikanovich, Abbey Diorio, Madelyn Donahue, Andru Druckenmiller, Tykera Duttry, Samantha Ebersole, Deven Elliott, Kayla Erdman, Mason Filarski, Madison Foulds, Tate Frederick, Colin Fritchey, Benjamin Ginck, Allie Godfrey, Blake Hartzel, Leslie Haupt, Victoria Hine, Danielle Hinkle, Jazmyne Hoffman, Molly Hoffman, Brian Hornberger, Brandon Huff, Joseph Jackson, Hunter Kerstetter, Alison Kile, Tiffany Kleman, Amber Klinger, Kaylee Koshinski, Sarah Kratzer, Brittney Lute, Alexandria Madison, Ariana Manley, Blake Markowski, Kevin Markowski, Skyler McKinney, James Mench, Emily Molina, Makayla Moroskie, Ryan Nolan, Kaleb Noles, Connor Nye, Brock Pancher, Kayla Pietkewicz, Sara Ryman, Kyra Sanders, Kolton Scholl, Trinity Schwab, Telaysia Shafer, Bret Smith, Garrett Smith, Hannah Smith, Savanah Smith, Alysa Snyder, Hunter Tharp, Myah Thompson, Joseph Torres, Angel Velazquez, Rhiannon Vlock-Kogut, Logan Williams, Cheyanne Wolf, Megan Wywadis, Chloe Yoder, Destiny Zimmerman and Nicholas Zimmerman.

SHAMOKIN - Welch Art Studios students and associates are proud to present the second showing of their spring exhibit, "Bits and Pieces."

The show debuted at the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts inside the studio's home location at the arts center at 8th and Arch streets, and has now moved to the Independence Street branch of Susquehanna Bank in the lobby.

Bank manager Deb Yeager expressed an interest in hosting artwork at the bank to Northumberland County Council for the Arts director Jeanne Shaffer, who then arranged for Lisa Welch's students and associates to be the first exhibit. "Bits and Pieces" is the first show of its type for Welch Art Studios.

"I teach drawing and painting fundamentals. We don't typically do anything like this," instructor Lisa Welch says, referring to the show's collages and assemblages. "Each year we try to come up with something new and interesting to display for the festival. This year, a few of my students expressed interest in trying collage so I thought, why not?"

The results will be on display at the bank until July 11 and were a featured part of the bank's customer appreciation day event on June 15.

"We're thrilled to be the first show here," Welch commented. "I am so thankful to Deb Yeager and Susquehanna Bank for supporting the visual arts in this community and giving us a beautiful, spacious venue where artwork can be seen by so many people each day."

Welch's students and associates range in age from five years old to retired adults and span a vast area covering Luzerne, Carbon, Schuylkill, Northumberland and Columbia counties. More information about Welch Art Studios is available by visiting www.welchartstudios.com or by calling Lisa Welch at 847-0033.

MOUNT CARMEL - The bidding process for the Shamokin Creek Flood Control project has been delayed, but construction is still expected to begin this fall.

State Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27) and state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) announced Tuesday that a pre-bid meeting was held June 6 for approximately 20 contractors. Due to concerns over compliance with federal regulations, the bid opening, which was scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed until July 11 to "ensure maximum contractor participation," the lawmakers reported.

Todd B. Roup, Gordner's chief of staff, said postponement will not affect the start date of the project.

Officials have up to 60 days from the time the bid is opened to award it; the contractor who receives the bid has another 60 days to sign off on the project, Roup said.

The borough is not responsible for the entirety of the project; rather, the Department of General Services (DGS) bid out the services.

"At this point, it's in the hands of the state," said borough president Tony Matulewicz. "I hope it goes as quickly as it possibly can."

The borough's obligations included acquiring rights to land around the creek and consolidating deeds and signing them over to DGS.

The project has been held up several times over least three decades.

In March, Gordner and Masser presented the borough with a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to help fund the borough's portion of the project.

The $16 million project is designed to alleviate flooding for approximately 100 borough homes along the creek.

Mayor completes first two walks

MOUNT CARMEL - Mayor J. Kevin Jones said he finished his annual tours through the first and second wards of the borough this week, and reported 57 violations to the code officer.

He found 26 violations in the First Ward Monday and 31 violations in the Second Ward Tuesday.

Jones said he'll walk through the Third Ward Monday and the Fourth Ward Tuesday.

Conservation award applications available, must be received by July 1

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Conservation District is currently accepting applications/nominations for its Adult or Youth Conservation Organization of the Year, and The Conservation District Patch for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Award winners will be recognized at the district's annual awards picnic on Aug. 2. Winners will be selected in early July. The district has been honoring individuals and organizations for their dedication to conservation for 58 years.

Detailed award information, and an application for each award is available on the district's website at www.nccdpa.org. Applications for awards must be received by July 1.

MOUNT CARMEL - A 29-year-old borough man has been charged with raping a woman while she was sleeping at her friend's parents' home in the 200 block of South Vine Street in April.

Jonathan M. Mazak, of 29 S. Spruce St., was arraigned at approximately 6:30 p.m. Tuesday by on-call Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones on felonies of rape and sexual assault, and a misdemeanor of indecent assault. He was committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

Mazak is charged by Patrolman Jason Drumheller with raping a 22-year-old Marion Heights woman at about 6 a.m. April 22 at 236 S. Vine St.

According to a criminal complaint, the victim went to a friend's parents' house for a cookout during the afternoon of April 21. The victim told police her friend was staying at his parent's home for the weekend while they were away.

After the cookout, the victim told police she and several friends consumed alcoholic drinks at Locust Gap Fire Company and Jan Sobieski Club in Kulpmont before returning to her friend's parents' home on South Vine Street at approximately 1 a.m. April 22.

The victim told police she went to sleep on a love seat in the living room, while her male friend was sleeping on another couch in the same room. Another male friend was sleeping upstairs, police said.

The victim said she woke up at approximately 6 a.m., and Mazak was having sexual intercourse with her. She said Mazak also had raped her while she was sleeping.

Police said the victim reported Mazak pretended to be asleep when her male friend confronted him about the incident.

According to the victim, Mazak began making references about a knife he had in his vehicle. Mazak told the victim he would retrieve the knife and allow her to "kill him right now."

After being interviewed by police, the victim was transported to Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, where she underwent a forensic rape examination.

SHAMOKIN - The What Not Shoppe Cafe is now open, offering a variety of homemade delicacies, speciality coffee drinks and the area's first "wafflewich."

Owners Tom and Cindy Carpenter say they'll offer the same recipes and care they had at their original business, a bed and breakfast in Vermont, to their Shamokin customers.

Tim Carpenter, standing near a picture of the bed and breakfast on the back wall of their new cafe, said a fire in an apartment on the premises affected the kitchen and forced them to close.

After moving back to this area in 2008, the Carpenters, of Stonington, looked for the right location to get back in business. They did so with a downtown location at 139 E. Independence St.

The couple pride themselves on being community-minded and hope to reflect that in their new venture.

"We hope that we can bring a little breath of life into the area with our shop," Cindy Carpenter said.

The restaurant features items made from scratch and a full coffee bar. Foods not made on site are purchased from vendors that are community-minded as well.

"If we don't make the baked goods here, we get them from the nonprofit CSG Bakery in Sunbury," Cindy Carpenter said. The CSG is Community Services Group, an organization that works with people with physical and mental disabilities to function in the workforce. "Our coffee comes from a company in Chambersburg that helps children all over the world."

One of the signature meals at the restaurant is the "wafflewich," a luncheon special that features homemade ingredients.

"The wafflewich is a ham and turkey sandwich, with meats we either roast or bake here every day, plus cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion on a Belgian waffle," Tom Carpenter said. "Many people like the 'What-Not Salad' as well," he said, noting it's filled with "every vegetable you can think of," and some fruit as well.

The shop is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The Carpenters are planning to offer special dinners from 4 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of the month, starting in July, with three complete meals from which to choose.

On the first Saturday of the month, also starting in July, What Not Cafe will be offering an all-you-care-to-eat breakfast for $9.

"We think that sitting down to eat should be a great experience, from the good food, the garnishes you can really eat and this relaxed atmosphere," Cindy Carpenter said about the philosophy at What Not Shoppe Cafe. "We don't want anyone to feel like they are in a rush to leave."

POINT TOWNSHIP - A Point Township supervisor is considering resigning as chairman of the county planning commission over a dispute involving the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

DCED has ordered the township to repay $381,000 by June 29 because municipal officials failed to adequately track how a developer spent a grant that was to be used to build low-income housing eight years ago.

Although he maintains supervisors have done nothing wrong and are contemplating taking legal action against the developer if he fails to pay back the money, Montie Peters told The News-Item Tuesday that he may resign as chairman of the county planning commission.

Before making a decision, Peters said he plans to consult with the other eight members of the commission ahead of its next meeting, which is Tuesday. Peters, who has served as chairman since January 2006 and was appointed to the commission - a volunteer position - in October 1998, plans to remain on the commission even if he resigns as chair.

The case has overtones to the HOME program fiasco in Shamokin that led to federal charges against the former city manager. Also, it has created further tension between county Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Rick Shoch, whose service as solicitor for Point Township and its municipal authority has been questioned by Clausi as a potential conflict of interest with his commissioner post.

To repay or not repay

According to reports in The Daily Item, the DCED grant problem was revealed last year when state auditors discovered the township had not overseen the spending or provided the state with required progress reports.

Peters, who serves as vice chairman of the board of supervisors, and township supervisor chairman Randy Yoxheimer have different opinions about repaying the money to DCED. But both say the money is actually owed by Bob Yoder, of The Yoder Group, Turbotville.

In 2003, Yoder told supervisors he wanted to build 16 low- to moderate-income townhouses in a project named Kings Pointe. According to supervisors, Yoder told the board about DCED's HOME Investment Partnership Program and how the township could receive a $500,000 grant for the project, the Sunbury newspaper reported.

Supervisors agreed with Yoder's recommendation and held a public meeting for interested contractors. Yoder, the only contractor to attend, was awarded the contract.

Over the next two years, 16 homes were built. In 2004, Point Township received the grant from DCED and issued a check to Yoder for $500,000 without making him sign a contract or reading the HOME Investment Partnership Program documentation, according to the newspaper.

Peters said supervisors don't have any written contracts explaining how the deal was supposed to be managed and "trusted" Yoder to follow state guidelines.

Yoder sold four of the homes to low- to moderate-income families before the real estate market began to collapse. With 12 houses vacant, Yoder decided to sell the homes to anyone who was interested, according to the newspaper.

But that decision violated the terms of the DCED program and put Point Township at risk of being liable for the funds.

Supervisors said they received a letter from DCED in January 2011 after an audit was conducted and state officials couldn't find any explanation for how the money was used.

DCED then demanded payment from Point Township. Peters and Yoxheimer called Yoder and explained they needed documentation to provide to the state showing how the grant money was used. Supervisors said Yoder initially refused to cooperate.

Peters said he refuses to have the township pay back the money, while Yoxheimer said he understands the board made a bad decision by not asking for a signed contract.

"Ultimately, we are responsible for this," he told The Daily Item.

Meanwhile, Peters said in a phone interview Tuesday that Yoder has taken responsibility for not abiding with the grant guidelines.

"Mr. Yoder told me he was going to the bank in an attempt to make the contract whole," he said.

Clausi's questions

In a press release issued Monday afternoon, Clausi called for Peters' resignation.

"In light of this major leadership failure, I have concerns over whether Mr. Peters should continue to serve on the planning commission," Clausi said. "The taxpayers of Point Township may be forced to bear a significant increase in their taxes. ... How can you just give away government grant money without anything in writing or in a contract? It is outrageous."

Clausi also questioned why the issue was kept from township residents until recently, a point he made in directing attention toward Shoch.

"Who advised these supervisors to try to keep this from the public? I hope their solicitor, Rick Shoch, informed them how ill advised it was not to bring this to the attention of the taxpayers who may now have to bear the burden of all this in increased taxes and in increased legal fees to be paid to their solicitor," his statement reads.

Clausi suggested an "outside investigation" be conducted.

Peters - who spoke publicly against the May 8 decision by Clausi and Commissioner Stephen Bridy to remove Shoch as chairman of the board of commissioners, a high point in tension that has been building among the commissioners since Bridy and Shoch were elected in November - said the township issue has nothing to do with the planning commission.

"No one kept it a secret from anyone," Peters said by phone Tuesday. "I can't believe the supervisors are taking a beating like this. This is absolutely ridiculous.

"We did nothing wrong," he added. "The money is owed by Mr. Yoder. The taxpayers aren't paying this money back."

Peters said township supervisors have had multiple conversations with DCED officials for six months. "When we became aware the train had come off the tracks, we jumped right into the fire in an attempt to resolve the issue," he said.

Shoch replies

Clausi previously called for Shoch to resign as township solicitor, arguing he can't fairly represent all of Northumberland County if he has to abstain from votes that could impact Point Township. Shoch said serving in both posts doesn't constitute a conflict of interest, and said the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission and County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania have told him no conflict exists.

Shoch, who was appointed Point Township solicitor in early 2005 after the township received the grant, said DCED enters into a contract with municipalities, not developers, when dealing with grant money through HOME.

Although DCED has requested the township pay back the $381,000 in HOME funds spent on the project, Shoch said $284,652.25 was the actual amount of funding determined by a DCED audit to be ineligible and returned to the state. Shoch said DCED closed out its account audit in 2010, but the township didn't receive it until June 2011.

"The supervisors, myself and Mr. Yoder met with DCED in January in Harrisburg to discuss this issue," Shoch said. "Mr. Yoder said he knew he sold the units to non-qualified buyers and would take responsibility for that. There was an ongoing dialogue with DCED over this issue and we assumed the problem would be rectified with Mr. Yoder. But then, without warning," came the letter from DCED.

But DCED spokesman Edward Jordan said Wednesday that Point Township was notified in June 2011 of the issues and the need for documentation to support the costs.

"After unsuccessfully working for a year to obtain the requested information, we have requested repayment in 10 days," he said.

Shoch said he is not in favor of having the township pay the money, although he understands DCED must go after the municipality.

'Temper tantrum'

As for Clausi calling for Peters' resignation, Shoch said, "I don't think Montie should give up being chairman. Vinny is going after the supervisors because they are connected to me and supported me."

He said the commissioners appoint people to the planning commission, but they can't remove them without just cause.

Shoch added, "When my 5-year-old throws a temper tantrum, I don't give in, and when Commissioner Clausi throws a temper tantrum, I don't give in either."

Shoch said because supervisors were working behind the scenes with Yoder and DCED to rectify the issue, the issue didn't need to be made public.

He said the five-member board of supervisors has instructed him to discuss the issue with Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini to determine if criminal charges are warranted if Yoder refuses to pay back the money.

"The supervisors have nothing to hide," he said. "If the township is not made whole on this, supervisors will be looking at both civil and criminal remedies."

Shoch, who earns $110 per hour as township solicitor, said he was billing the township for his time. He didn't say how many hours he has worked on the problem.

Yoder did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Culver helping

State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) of Sunbury said Peters and Yoxheimer called her two weeks ago seeking assistance. Culver said supervisors were under the impression DCED was corresponding with Yoder to resolve the problem before receiving the payback letter.

"I'm sure Point Township supervisors will do everything in their power to make sure their taxpayers don't have to pay anything," she said by phone Tuesday.

At the time the township received the grant money and Yoder built the 16 homes, the Wiest law firm of Sunbury was the solicitor for Point Township. But Yoxheimer doesn't blame the firm for not requesting a contract with Yoder, saying it was the board's responsibility, he told The Daily Item.

Ala Shamokin's mess

Shoch said an audit performed by the Office of the Inspector General on DCED in 2005 states that the state is not adequately monitoring its localities to ensure HOME funds are expended correctly, and is improperly allocating staff time for administration. Shoch said the audit also says the state did not develop or implement an adequate monitoring program.

The city of Shamokin is paying back $504,495 to DCED and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for misappropriations of funds dealing with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in 2003, 2004 and 2005, and the HOME Program in 2003. The debt is connected with former Shamokin city clerk and treasurer Brian Jeremiah, of Shamokin, being charged with misappropriating more than $8,000 in federal grant money from HUD.

Jeremiah was sentenced in March 2011 in federal court to two years probation and to make restitution to HUD. Jeremiah, who pleaded guilty, was also ordered to make $8,100 restitution and pay a $1,000 fine.

Federal attorneys reported in an indictment that Jeremiah used the grant money and income derived from the home sales to rehabilitate commercial properties under the auspices of the Shamokin Redevelopment Authority, for which he served as executive director, and also cut two checks to himself.

The day after his indictment, Jeremiah was fired from his job with DCED.

MANDATA - In an economic climate where other school districts are cutting staff and programs or raising taxes - or both - the Line Mountain School Board has voted to cut the property tax rate by 1 mill as part of its 2012-13 budget.

President Troy Laudenslager suggested the change Tuesday night at the board meeting in the junior/senior high school, since the board had previously raised taxes to fund a remodeling project for the elementary schools, but now plans to consolidate those schools instead. With that, the district could lighten the load on taxpayers, who have seen property taxes increase for seven straight years.

"We made a lot of cuts last year to maintain our budget. We're looking at building closures next year and there's some significant savings expected," Laudenslager said. "I'm willing to take the gamble. If it doesn't work out, we can raise next year."

The board's subsequent vote dropped the millage to 70. For an average taxpayer with an assessed property of $50,000, it represents a decrease of about $50.

The plan to consolidate elementary schools is expected to save at least $500,000. It involves closing schools in Leck Kill and Dalmatia, sending kindergarten through fourth-grade students to Trevorton Elementary and having fifth- and sixth-grade students join seventh- and eighth-graders at the junior/senior high school in Mandata.

At the July 10 meeting, elementary Principal Jeanne Menko will give a presentation to the board as to whether or not Trevorton will need an addition to accommodate the increased enrollment.

Tax vote passes 5-4

Originally, the board was prepared to vote on the budget without a change in taxes, but Lamont Masser made a motion and Laudenslager seconded it to amend the budget for a 1-mill decrease.

The vote passed 5-4, with Lawrence Neidig, Ronald Neidig, Dennis Erdman and Lauren Hackenburg voted against it. Directors Marlin Yeager Jr., David Scott Bartholomew and Denise Clouser voted with Masser and Laudenslager.

When it came to a vote on the $16,921,548 budget with the amended millage rate, the board unanimously passed the motion.

The budget for the 11-12 school year was $16,707,263 with a 7-mill increase. For the 10-11 school year, it was $17,638,992 with a 3-mill increase.

Pending state funds

The millage rate decrease creates a $150,000 budget deficit, but Superintendent Dave Campbell said the district is expecting at least $100,000 in additional state money when the state budget is given final approval later this summer.

There is also emergency fund money budgeted without revenue that might not be used during the year budgeted.

Campbell, although not a voting member of the board, said he supports the decrease.

"It's about time we start saving people money when we're saying we're getting more money," he said.

He said, however, he understands the reservation of those who voted against the decision.

"What happens if we have a bad year and we gave that mill back?" he said Wednesday.

Act 1 this year limits public school districts from raising taxes higher than 2.2 percent, but districts can apply for exceptions from the state. With the exceptions, Line Mountain could have increased the millage rate by 7.5 mills for the upcoming school year.

"The intentions are right for Act 1, but it can sometimes act as an inhibitor to lowering taxes," Campbell said.

Statewide issues

School districts across the state implemented cost-cutting measures last year, and have been considering more for the upcoming school year because of funding changes in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed state budget.

There were no plans for significant cuts in Line Mountain's budget for the 12-13 school year. Last year, however, the teaching staff for 11-12 school year was reduced by 12.

Southern Columbia Area School Board had plans to demote four teachers, furlough at least 16 employees and cut four sports programs, but they raised property taxes Monday night by 2.05 mills for Northumberland County property owners and 4.67 for those in Columbia County, allowing the furlough number to drop to three.

Tuesday night, Shamokin Area School Board voted to reinstate nine employees from an original furlough list that totaled 21, but voted to cut the K-4 program and privatize its food service.

Stipend returned

Tuesday night at Line Mountain, Director Lawrence Niedig told the board he felt it was inappropriate for him to continue accepting the $500 stipend he is paid as treasurer.

"I have only signed three or four checks this year," he said.

He noted the school code outlines extensive duties for him to perform, but those are mostly performed by the business manager and board secretary.

The board voted unanimously in favor of returning the stipend.

Other business

The board approved:

- The purchase of 55 computers at a cost of $43,189.01. Included are 13 laptop and 42 desktop computers, all with five-year warranties.

- The installation of approximately 1,600 feet of water line from the high school football field well to the athletic fields by Frank's Electrical Construction Co. at a cost of $9,275.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area's newly contracted food management agency will renegotiate a union contract if more than half of Shamokin Area's cafeteria workers accept employment with the company next school year.

The cafeteria employees are members of AFSCME. With the school board's vote Tuesday night to privatize food services in 2012-13, they'll be offered employment with The Nutrition Group, voiding any contract terms the union holds with the school district.

Steve Curran, business manager, estimated that with the retirement of six cafeteria employees, 17 others are left to decide whether or not to accept employment with the private company.

One Cafe Trac worker will remain under the employ of the district.

The school board voted 5-4 to contract The Nutrition Group for one school year to operate its cafeterias and take over personnel. In turn, the food service management company promised a return to the district as high as $175,000.

Those estimated savings were used when balancing next school year's budget.

"To me it was a no-brainer for the district," Director Brian Persing said Wednesday.

The Nutrition Group will be paid a combined total of $55,823.88 in administrative and management fees, according to terms outlined in its proposal.

A second option where the district would keep the cafeteria employees on the district payroll and yield a savings of approximately $32,900 was also considered.

District officials have said that The Nutrition Group has guaranteed jobs for any employee wishing to stay on at Shamokin Area cafeterias. The district sought that guarantee in its request for proposals: "It is the district's desire that all other current employees be offered continued employment."

Their wages are guaranteed at a minimum of what they earned with the district, according to board members and Curran. They'll also be eligible for 401k and profit sharing, and with the retirement of six employees, including two head cooks, some have the potential to seek higher paying positions.

Scheduled for 180 days of employment, district officials said the employees would also be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits, something they were ineligible for as Shamokin Area employees.

The firm offers employer-paid health insurance. That's for single members only, district officials said. In turn, the school board is offering to cover the difference of any cafeteria employee who has family coverage with the district and would like to continue similar coverage with The Nutrition Group.

That would eat into the $175,000 return the firm promised the school board, but is worth the cost to take care of the employees, according to Directors Ed Griffiths and Jeff Kashner.

"We made sure the people will be taken care of. I wouldn't have gone for it if the employees weren't taken care of," Griffiths said.

Kashner said he gave due diligence into researching the company's proposal on his own. He said he is satisfied that it will balance the budget and save the district money while also maintaining employment for the cafeteria workers, saying that the move also spared the furlough of two mathematics teaching positions related to state standardized testing.

"I think the employees are taken care of, that's the way I see it," Kashner said.

Noting that the contract is for one year, Kashner said the board can tailor its next request for proposals to maintain the employment guarantee moving forward, or it could decide to resume control of food services altogether if it sees fit.

Charlie Shuey has been critical of the proposal adopted by the school board. He sought the adoption of the option where the district would maintain control of personnel.

On Wednesday, he continued that criticism, saying he believed the contract may allow for hidden costs to tax the district. He also doubted that cafeteria workers were being looked after.

"I'm sure existing employees are not going to get what they have now," he said of a renegotiated contract between The Nutrition Group and cafeteria workers.

Shuey noted the difference in line items under the two proposals regarding labor costs - nearly $157,000 less is set aside for labor in the agreement approved Tuesday.

That's proof, he said, that the savings guaranteed to the district will come at the expense of cafeteria employees.

Griffiths disagrees. He said that the difference in the figures is a result of the company not offering to pay for family insurance plans and not having to pay into the Public School Employees' Retirement System.

Having just erased a near crippling budget deficit ahead of next school year, Shamokin Area is already in the hole for 2013-14 - it's facing a new deficit of nearly $3 million.

If the district were to maintain cafeteria personnel, Griffiths said those employees could have been in danger of being furloughed by the school board when it works to balance its future budget.

Shuey remains skeptical.

"Some of them were willing to retire rather than work for (The Nutrition Group). That, to me, is telling," Shuey said.

The Nutrition Group has contracts with 144 of Pennsylvania's public school districts, Persing said. Of those, he said 66 districts have the same plan approved Tuesday by the school board.

Mount Carmel Area and Line Mountain are among its clients, according to its proposal documents.

"I think their track record speaks for itself," Persing said.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A board member who cast the deciding vote to privatize food services at Shamokin Area School District stormed out of an executive session held prior to Tuesday's meeting, missing a question-and-answer session with the firm awarded the contract.

Bob Getchey said later during the public meeting that he needed more answers and more time to make a decision on the matter.

This came after he lost his cool during the closed-door session with fellow board members, several directors confirmed Wednesday, removing himself from a situation in which he could have posed questions to representatives of The Nutrition Group, the management company hired on a split vote by the board.

Multiple attempts to reach Getchey for comment Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Director Charlie Shuey chided Getchey for his actions.

"The reason Getchey didn't have the information is because at the executive session he launched into one of his famous hissy fits, threw his papers on the floor and walked out," Shuey said Wednesday. "He does this more and more frequently."

Shuey said the outburst came amid discussion on an unrelated matter with board President Tracey Witmer. Brian Persing, director, said it followed discussion on the girls basketball head coaching position - a discussion held without Getchey present since he desired the job.

Abstained initially

The Nutrition Group provided two proposals for management services, each designed to save the district money.

The proposal eventually approved is said to save the district as much as $175,000. In doing so, the board handed over control of personnel to The Nutrition Group, meaning cafeteria workers will become former employees of Shamokin Area.

The proposal that failed had the district saving an estimated $32,290 and keeping cafeteria workers on its own payroll.

Getchey initially abstained from a vote on the two plans, citing a lack of information. That lead to a 4-4 tie and without a majority, the vote failed.

After a 10-minute executive session, Getchey returned and cast a vote that turned over management and personnel to The Nutrition Group.

His promise to watch over the company drew catcalls from the audience and a response from fellow director Ron McElwee informing Getchey that the vote took any control of personnel out of the hands of the board.

Binder of information

All directors were provided a binder June 14 containing substantial information on The Nutrition Group's proposal to manage food services at Shamokin Area, Witmer said.

"(Getchey) said he reviewed and talked to Steve (Curran, business manager) on it, but with him losing his temper and storming out, the information Nutrition Inc. provided maybe would have answered any questions he may have had," Witmer wrote in an e-mail Wednesday in response to The News-Item's request for comment.

Persing alluded Getchey may have been unprepared to vote, saying that while other board members took the entire 1.5-inch thick binder to review, Getchey removed a single paper on finances on which he had questions.

"I don't know how much work Bobby did on it. I always tell him to come to the meeting prepared," Persing said Wednesday. "My gripe with Bobby is that he doesn't do his homework."

ATLAS - A shakeup among the Mount Carmel Township Board of Supervisors saw the board chairman step down and a township position dissolved Wednesday.

At the start of the meeting, board chairman Reynold Scicchitano announced that he was resigning as chairman, due to health reasons. He did not elaborate, but Wednesday's meeting was the first he had attended since February.

In stepping down, Scicchitano made a motion to appoint vice-chairman Charles Gasperetti as chairman. That motion was seconded by Joseph Zanella and approved on a 2-0 vote with Zanella and Scicchitano voting yes and the new chairman abstaining.

Gasperetti then asked Scicchitano if he would serve as vice-chairman. Scicchitano agreed, but said his attendance would be dependent on his health.

The appointment was approved with Zanella and Gasperetti voting yes and one abstention.

Another shakeup

The next shakeup came later in the meeting when the board unaminously dissolved the position of township manager Meg Bartos.

While the board was very happy with the work Bartos had been doing since being hired in September, supervisors thought the money spent on the position could be better used elsewhere.

"We wanted to try having the office for a six-month trial, but tonight's motion is not to say that we are never going to have a township manager again," Gasperetti said following the meeting. "We are going to discuss the parameters of the job in the future, but its not economically feasible right now."

Bartos said she will be available to help the township secretary with any of the projects she had started during her tenure.

Breaker debate

Debate over the breaker owned by D. Molesevich and Sons Construction Company resurfaced when Atlas resident Joseph Chimel complained during the meeting about the noise coming from a new crusher on the property.

"I tried to call the township twice and the police department, but their voicemail box was filled," Chimel said. "I wanted to complain about the excessive noise coming from the breaker."

The complaint was cut off by Zanella, who chastised Chimel for being verbally abusive to the township secretary.

"You identified yourself and were verbally abusive to her. She was very upset over it," Zanella said. "I told her that if it happens again, to contact the police department. She's not here to take abuse from anyone."

Zanella said that the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection (DEP) was at the site and said the decibel levels were within range, so no violation occurred.

"You have passed an ordinance for intermittent noise from the jake brakes and are considering amending the township ordinance for dogs for excessive barking," Chimel replied. "Between 8 and 11 a.m. yesterday, the noise was so bad, I could hear it even when I closed my window. What are we, throwaways?'

When asked where the other complainers were, Chimel replied, "I'm the only one that comes to the meetings to represent the people down there."

Township solicitor Vincent Rovito addressed Chimel on what the township can enforce.

"The ordinances we are passing on noise are for issues that we can enforce under the Second Class Township Code." Rovito said. "DEP, EPA, Labor and Industry, and the Department of Mining are the people that control that breaker, not us."

"If he's not violating any of our ordinance or any of our zoning laws, he's okay," Rovito continued. "If you have a problem with that, you can take it up with private counsel or with the agency, not keep coming here because we can't do anything."

At the end of the meeting, Gasperetti made a statement about the complaints supervisors have been getting.

"We get complaints on the streets and talk to frustrated people who expect an answer right away," he said. "I'm only one person, they are one person each. If residents want to do the right thing, come to the office and fill out a complaint form, or contact us when the problem is occurring, not a week later on the street or a month later at the meetings."

Other business

In other business, the board asked Rovito to review the township's dog ordinance for excessive barking and to strengthen the township's high grass and weed ordinance.

The board unanimously approved motions to allow the Mount Carmel Fireworks Committee to have a fireworks display on Saturday, July 28; to establish a safety committee for employees; to approve the 2011 audit of the township's finances; to have Joshua Pastuka as a part-time police officer, and to advertise the township's street sweeping schedule.

BELLEFONTE — Assumptions and false allegations fueled by overzealous investigators and wild dreams of a financial windfall led eight men and two eyewitnesses to smear Jerry Sandusky with allegations of heinous sexual abuse, his attorney told jurors this morning in a closing argument.

"The system decided Mr. Sandusky was guilty and the system set out to convict him," Attorney Joseph Amendola told the jury of seven women and five men.

Amendola, speaking for more than an hour, implored jurors to look past the snap judgments of the media after Sandusky's arrest last November and the hawkishness of the civil attorneys who flocked to represent the accusers in the wake of a grand jury investigation into his behavior.

The Penn State board of trustees reacted swiftly to Sandusky's arrest and allegations senior officials may have covered up a former assistant coach's report that he saw Sandusky raping a boy in a shower a decade ago.

Amendola recalled how the board fired university president Graham Spanier and the longtime head football coach Joe Paterno within days of Sandusky's arrest. Paterno died two months later.

"I'll be the first one to tell you: if he did this, he should rot in jail for the rest of his life," Amendola said. "But what if he didn't do this? What if he maintained his innocence? His life is ruined. We have a fired university president. We have a dead coach. We have a tarnished institution."

Wesley M. Oliver, a Wiedner Law professor and NBC News analyst, lauded Amendola's presentation.

"For the case he was working with, this is the single best closing argument I have ever seen," Oliver said.

Amendola spent the bulk of his argument dissecting the allegations against Sandusky and the evolution of the investigation, from an initial complaint in November 2008, to the start of a grand jury probe in June 2009 with just two accusers, to the publication of a story in the Patriot-News in March 2011 that compelled yet more young men to come forward.

After a year and a half, Amendola said, investigators only located two accusers — the now 18-year-old man identified as Victim 1, who made the initial report to authorities in November 2008, and the man known as Victim 6, whose 1998 report of abuse in a team shower never led to charges.

"Until Victim 1 came out, no one reported Sandusky," Amendola said, referring to the Clinton County man who disclosed allegations of abuse to a school guidance counselor and children and youth caseworker. Initially, the accuser said Sandusky had only touched him over a layer of clothing. Eventually, the allegatons evolved to include forced oral sex.

"The hundreds of thousands of kids that he had interacted with — not one of them reported him," Amendola said. Not one teacher, not one parent, none of them."

"It doesn't make sense, it doesn't add up," Amendola said repeatedly.

The earliest allegations date back to 1995, when Sandusky was 51. He took accusers to football games and allowed them to stay over at the team hotel. He even included some of them in his memoir: "Touched, the Jerry Sandusky Story."

"Now, not only do we have a pedophile who isn't a pedophile until his mid-50s, then he writes a book and puts the victims in the book! That's smart!" Amendola said. "Folks, you have to use your common sense. Jerry Sandusky took these kids everywhere. Is that what a pedophile does? Does he try to hide it, does he try to cover his tracks? Or does he parade them around?"

Check back to News Item for updates throughout the day.

LEWISBURG - The American Red Cross has launched its official first aid app, putting free and simple lifesaving information right in the hands of smart phone users.

This app is the first in a series to be created by the American Red Cross, the nation's leader in first aid and emergency preparedness information. It's also the only first aid app created or endorsed by the American Red Cross for use on both the Android and iPhone platforms.

It gives instant access to information on how to handle the most common first aid situations, and includes videos and interactive quizzes. Users who take quizzes can earn badges to share with friends through social media.

Due to the rapid increase in smart phone users, the app takes critical first aid information normally stored on bookshelves and in pamphlets and places it at the fingertips of tens of millions of individuals - which will save lives. The Red Cross app also includes trusted Red Cross disaster preparedness information for a number of common situations.

"American Red Cross First Aid app users have expert advice in the palm of their hands," said Pam Malene, Red Cross health and safety services manager. "The app is simple to use and will aid those in an emergency, whether it's in the backyard, in the conference room or anywhere in between."

"The American Red Cross First Aid app is a free and easy way to get life-saving first aid instruction and disaster preparedness information anytime, anywhere," said Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council chair Dr. David Markenson. "Everyone should load this onto their smart phone as an important first step in learning what to do for medical emergencies and in creating a family preparedness plan."

App features include:

- Simple step-by-step instructions for everyday first aid scenarios.

- Prioritized steps to take during an emergency, with 9-1-1 call button.

- Sharable badges to be unlocked through interactive quizzes.

- Videos and animations to make learning first aid fun and easy.

- Safety and preparedness tips for a range of conditions including severe winter weather, hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes.

- Preloaded content that gives instant access to all safety information at any time.

The app is available at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross.

More than nine million people a year receive Red Cross training in first aid, water safety and other skills that help save lives.

Downloading the app is not a substitute for training. To learn more about American Red Cross first aid or register for a course, go to redcross.org/takeaclass.

BLOOMSBURG - In preparation for summer, PPL Electric Utilities reports it has completed more than 80 local improvement projects on its electric transmission and distribution system in every area of its service territory over the past five months.

That includes several projects, ranging in cost from nearly $100,000 to multimillion-dollar improvements, in northcentral Pennsylvania - primarily Schuylkill, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland and Clinton counties.

The projects were designed to maintain or improve reliability, meet increased customer demand, replace aging equipment and improve operations throughout the company's 10,000-square-mile service territory. All told, officials say the company plans to invest $664 million this year and $3.6 billion over the next five years to modernize its delivery system.

"These investments in our communities will pay off in stronger reliability at a time when demand is especially heavy with warmer summertime weather," said Frank Gaida, regional operations director.

Projects included upgrades of critical equipment at 22 substations, including in Frackville, Schuylkill County; Franklin Township and Shamokin Dam Borough, both Snyder County; and Sunbury, Northumberland County. Also, upgrades were completed along transmission lines in Lycoming, Schuylkill and Northumberland counties, where older lines were replaced and new switchgear installed.

The company also is spending more than $20 million systemwide this year on inspections and reinforcement of utility poles. The company has nearly 1 million poles across its system and inspects 10 percent each year on a cyclical basis.

PPL Electric Utilities has also allocated about $45 million this year, up significantly from last year, for clearing trees around power lines and vegetation management to reduce tree-related interruptions, which are the most common cause of sustained outages. That work continues throughout the year.

Last July, the company set a new record for energy delivery in a summer month, delivering 3,823,346 megawatt-hours of electricity. Demand reached 7,527 megawatts on the afternoon of July 22, just shy of the daily record of 7,577 megawatts set in February 2007.

PJM Interconnection, the grid operator serving 13 states and the District of Columbia, expects to have adequate electric supply available this summer to handle high electricity demand. The peak demand for electricity this summer is forecast below PJM's record for all-time peak demand, assuming normal temperatures.

Community service work set Saturday

COAL TOWNSHIP - Members of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III's community service project will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Coal Bowl.

Religious freedom rallies planned

MOUNT CARMEL - Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 41 S. Market St., will host prayer rallies in response to the Catholic Bishops of USA, which is encouraging all Catholic churches to pray for religious freedom through July 4.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is calling it a "Fortnight for Freedom" (a fortnight is 14 days). The Diocese of Harrisburg has provided prayers and reflections for local churches to use.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel will have a short prayer after each Mass during the 14 days, and at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the church parking lot at Fourth and Market streets, a prayer service and Prayer Rally for Freedom of Religion will be held. The church will also have a prayer rally on July 3 at the same time and place.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School Board passed a $16 million budget for 2012-2013 Thursday night that calls for no tax increase.

Directors also accepted the retirement of elementary school principal Donna Veach, who has served the district for 27 years as a teacher and administrator.

Voting to approve the $16,070,052 spending plan were Directors Nicholas C. Goretski III, Thomas Ditchey, Michael Rovito, Robert Muldowney, Charles Mannello, Dr. Ray Kraynak and Michael Brinkash. Donna James and Raymond D. Kraynak were absent.

Last year's budget totaled $16,671,332.

The board was able to eliminate a proposed $675,000 budget deficit primarily through the retirement of eight teachers and a nurse's aide.

All tax levies will remain the same for the next fiscal year, including a $5 per capita and $10 occupation tax. The board re-enacted the real estate tax rate of 40.47 mills on a dollar for Northumberland County residents and 19.21 mills on a dollar for Columbia County citizens.

One mill is equivalent to $69,000.

Goretski, who serves as board president, said more budget cuts may have to be made in the future.

Before the board voted on the budget, Goretski criticized Gov. Tom Corbett's proposal for a $1.7 billion tax break designed to lure an integrated petroleum chemical industry from the Netherlands to Pennsylvania.

"Corbett believes taxes should be paid by all residents, and raised if necessary, to keep schools functional," Goretski said. "He's willing to give a 25-year discount on paying taxes to a company from out of the country, even though that company will be making a profit on its venture. Meanwhile, school districts throughout the state continue to experience cuts in educational funding."

Veach retires

The board accepted Veach's retirement, which becomes effective June 30.

Ditchey and Goretski commended Veach for her long, dedicated service to the district.

Veach was an elementary school teacher for 23 years at Mount Carmel Area. In addition to serving as elementary school principal for the past year, she was an assistant junior-senior high school principal for one year and principal for two years.

Veach will be retained on a per diem basis based on her 2011-2012 salary until a new elementary school principal is named. The board agreed to advertise for the position after accepting the resignation.

In other business

Rovito was elected board treasurer for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Solicitor Edward Greco was reappointed at a retainer of $7,500.

Union National Bank was approved as depository for the school district.

Directors approved the 2012-2013 budget for the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center, with Mount Carmel Area's share being $304,861.

The board approved the use of one classroom by the CSIU for the Head Start program at a rental fee of $300 per month.

Directors ratified the purchase of a new telephone system from Berkshire Systems Group at a cost of $28,393.51.

The board approved the resignation of Marion Heights Tax Collector Doris Fernandez and awarded the district's insurance contract to Varano Insurance Agency in the amount of $157,442.

Directors agreed to delay the discontinuation of the KHP plan for current employees until January 2013.

Amy Mudry, Diane Yoder and Jesse Wagner were approved to teach summer school at a rate of $20 per hour for three hours per day for a total of 10 days.

Andrew Yaracz was approved to teach summer math credit recovery at a rate of $20 per hour for 4 1/2 hours per day for a total of 23 days. Students must pay $75 each to attend the class.

The board approved a two-year agreement with Charles J. Mannello, a certified public accountant, to serve as a business consultant for the district. Mannello is a son of board director Charles Mannello.

Directors approved the termination of a lease agreement between the district and Utopian Wireless, effective today.

The board approved a license and right-of-way agreement between the district and state Department of Environmental Protection for the Mount Carmel flood protection project.

MOUNT CARMEL - An idea proposed by Mount Carmel Borough Council President Tony Matulewicz to privatize the majority of services in efforts to save money and time was shot down by the other members of the council.

The subject had been brought up by Matulewicz in the last few months since one borough street department employee retired in March, another was scheduled to retire July 31 and will use vacation time starting today, and a third will retire in November. Salaries and benefits combined, the borough was paying $164,000 in labor, Matulewicz said, and it could be cheaper to privatize garbage removal, road maintenance or grass cutting, and only keep police and fire departments as public services.

However, it was the desire of the council to replace those employees.

Alan Matzura was hired full time at $15 an hour plus benefits, while Howard Watkins was hired part time at $12 an hour without benefits.

"We need employees. These people deserve to have their town cleaned up. Why do you want to break something that's not broken?" Councilman Leroy "Chico" Moser asked Matulewicz.

Councilman Joe Lapotsky was of the opinion there wouldn't be enough companies to bid out to for private services - especially snow removal in the winter - and he couldn't vote for privatization.

"There are a lot of 'ifs,'" he said.

Lapotsky said the idea sounded like a good one, but asked why no other local municipalities had even tried it.

Matulewicz said he didn't want the whole town running without employees.

"I just think it's too expensive to have full time. It's time for part-time employees, and we'll sub out the rest," he said.

He added, "These are all good points, but the borough will never know because we never tried."

Matulewicz voted against hiring Matzura, but voted for hiring Watkins.

Earlier this month, the borough privatized its lawn maintenance by awarded a two-year contract to DMP at an approximate annual cost of $7,800. That does not include the cost to trim along the Shamokin Creek bed; however, such work will not be needed for long because a section of that area will soon be demolished to make way for an improved creek channel.

However, council rejected a bid from Mostik Bros. Disposal Thursday for trash removal at a 2-3 vote. Moser, who is the owner of Mosers Bros. Sanitation, abstained from voting on this motion.

They also rejected an ordinance that would have required the borough to annually evaluate its services to determine whether the private sector could perform the duties cheaper.

"We're not saying we won't. We just don't need an ordinance that says we have to," Councilman Clem Plisiewicz Jr.

In other business, the council accepted:

- A $25,050 bid from John Thurick, of Natalie, to purchase 33 N. Vine St., which is the former West End Fire Company building.

- The resignation of Brian Shurock as acting director of transportation effective June 19.

MOUNT CARMEL - A Mount Carmel native known worldwide through movie and television appearances, will help her hometown celebrate its 150th anniversary as grand marshal of a parade June 30.

Ellen Albertini Dow, who has starred in various television shows and movies, including big-screen hits "The Wedding Crashers" and "The Wedding Singer," will lead the parade, which includes emergency personnel, antique vehicles and floats.

"She is making an effort to fly here from California," Mount Carmel Mayor and committee member J. Kevin Jones said of the 98-year-old star. "We have had several famous people from Mount Carmel who didn't come back."

The Woodland String Band from Philadelphia, which captured first place in this year's Philadelphia Mummers Parade, will also be a part of the event.

The parade, held in conjunction with the Six-County Firemen's Association Convention, will start at 2 p.m. at Mount

Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School.

The parade will travel on Sixth Street to Oak Street, north on Oak Street to Second Street, east on Second Street to Market Street, south on Market Street to Fifth Street, then east on Fifth Street to Chestnut Street.

Emergency apparatus will continue to the Fifth Street soccer fields along state Route 61 for judging. The public is welcome to get a closer inspection of the units.

An entertaining town party and a grand fireworks display will continue the celebration.

"Party in the Park"

The excitement continues with a "Party in the Park" at the Town Park along Market Street from noon to 7 p.m. Children will be able to enjoy a moon bounce, a variety of games and activities. A DJ will provide music from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Fifteen vendors will offer a variety of food and drinks. In addition to local ethnic treats, such as pierogies and bleenies, just about any type of food imaginable will be available, committee member Melissa Katch said.

"There will be pulled pork, torpedo subs, homemade soupie and a stand that will offer 55 flavors of Hawaiian Ice," said Katch. "A lot of the vendors will bring large trailers will a lot of food."

A fireworks show at dusk will conclude the day's activities. The display will be shot from a culm bank along Mid-Valley Road, allowing most people in town an excellent view. The committee said the display will be a perfect way to end what is sure to be a great day.

Commemorative booklet

The committee also said a 75-plus page commemorative booklet will be ready in time for the events.

"The book shows the early history of Mount Carmel and how coal, used to fuel the needs of the Civil War, started its growth," said committee member Frank Sawicki. "There will also be pictures of early Mount Carmel."

The book will be for sale for a donation of $10 at the "Party in the Park."

For more information, contact mc150th@gmail.com or go to the Mount Carmel 150th Anniversay Committee's official Facebook page.

Firemen's convention

As for the firemen's convention, it begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 28, at the American Legion Building. A banquet will be held there at 7 p.m. that night.

The convention continues at 10 a.m. Friday, and includes a memorial service at 11:15 a.m. at Zion Primitive Methodist Church, 33 N. Market St.

SUNBURY - Sunbury police and members of Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force took four people into custody at a city residence just after midnight Thursday in connection with a drug bust that resulted in the seizure of 358 bags of heroin and $958.

Sunbury Patrolmen Travis Bremigen and Stephen Bennick, the arresting officers in the case, said the bust marked the largest heroin seizure in the history of the city.

Bremigen said controlled purchases of heroin were made at the residence of Matthew Romero, 29, and Jason Mercado, 26, of 331 Pennsylvania Ave., between Tuesday and Thursday before a search warrant was served at the home at 12:19 a.m. Thursday.

Romero, also known as Matthew Suarez, Mercado and two unidentified women were taken into custody at the residence, where 358 bags of heroin and $958 were seized.

Charges

Romero, who formerly resided in New York City and Florida, and Mercado, who previously lived in New York City, are both charged with felonies of possession with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin and criminal use of a communication facility, and a misdemeanor of possession of heroin.

The criminal use of communication facility offense has a maximum penalty of seven years incarceration and $15,000 fine. The possession with intent to deliver heroin and delivery of heroin charges each carry a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and $250,000 fine. The possession of heroin offense has a maximum penalty of one year in prison and $5,000 fine.

Romero and Mercado were arraigned at 9 a.m. Thursday by Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum and committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $125,000 and $115,000 cash bail, respectively.

The two females were committed to Northumberland County and Snyder County prisons on probation detainers. Bremigen said one of the women resides in Sunbury and formerly lived in New York City. The other female is from Selinsgrove. He did not identify the women because they haven't been formally charged yet.

Police said additional charges are pending in the ongoing investigation.

Report drug activity

In the past month, Sunbury police have seized more than $18,000 worth of heroin in the city.

Sunbury Police Chief Steve Mazzeo commended Bremigen, Bennick, other officers from the drug task force and the city's canine unit for their great effort in the drug investigation.

Bremigen urged residents who witness any suspicious drug activity to immediately call Sunbury police at 286-4587 or the drug task force hotline at 1-800-DRUG-TIP.