COAL TOWNSHIP - Bob Getchey has defended the way he acted at Tuesday's meeting of the Shamokin Area School Board.

Getchey contacted The News-Item Thursday morning, upset about an article published in that day's edition reporting on his angry exit from an executive session and his behavior surrounding a controversial vote on the privatization of the district's food services.

"I did my homework for a week. I did my homework," Getchey said, responding to a comment made by fellow Director Brian Persing questioning Getchey's preparedness in general. "I about knocked my head off thinking what I should do, what's best."

Repeated attempts were made to contact Getchey for comment Wednesday. However, the school board director said a recent health scare prevented him from returning messages left for him.

On Thursday, Getchey discussed events leading up to Tuesday's meeting.

He said Steve Curran, business manager, had given him for review the "most important" papers from a 1.5-inch thick binder containing a proposal from The Nutrition Group, a food service management company that was awarded a contract to take over Shamokin Area's cafeteria services.

Other directors had taken the whole binder to look over.

Also, he said he'd spoken about the issue with Curran, food service director Mindy Lagerman, directors Persing, Jeff Kashner and Bernie Sosnoskie as well as personnel from another school district whom he would not name.

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

The proposal approved on a 5-4 vote, with Getchey casting the tie-breaking vote, 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.

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

3 concerns

Getchey reiterated that he didn't have sufficient information to make a decision when he abstained from the first vote on proposed contract options with The Nutrition Group.

He said he had three concerns: whether the company would guarantee employment for district cafeteria employees; whether the company would, in the least, maintain those employees' current wages, and what options existed for employee health insurance.

(District officials have said the company would guarantee employment, maintain wages and pay for single member health coverage, with the district paying the difference for family coverage for any employee who has family coverage at present.)

All three of those concerns were addressed by Curran during a 10-minute executive session, Getchey said, and that's why he subsequently cast the deciding vote.

"The people that are working there for years are hard-working people, they're good people, and I wanted to be sure that they were protected," he said. "And if this fails, I am going to be very disappointed in our administration. I asked them these questions and they said they'd be taken care of."

Getchey said he wouldn't have voted in favor of a contract longer than one year.

"If it doesn't work out after the year, I will change my decision and I will stop it and I will never go with it again," he said.

'I got mad'

Getchey said he didn't believe his concerns could have been eased by speaking directly with representatives of The Nutrition Group, who addressed the board during a closed-door session prior to Tuesday's meeting. Getchey said he wanted answers from Curran or Superintendent James Zack.

Getchey stormed out of the executive meeting prior to the company's question-and-answer session, according to fellow directors.

Getchey denied issues surrounding the head coaching vacancy for girls basketball had anything to do with him losing his temper. Instead, he said it was a perceived lack of respect when he requested answers regarding the district swimming pool and a district-owned bus.

"Tracey (Witmer, board president) said, 'Hey this is getting out of order.' I thought she meant me and I misunderstood her and I got mad and I left," he said.

"Here I came with all this on my mind, I'm a director all these years and I don't get any respect. It had nothing to do with coaching."

He said he didn't think his temper got the best of him.

"I think I had just cause because of the way I was treated when I had the floor," he said.

On basketball

Bill Callahan will return to the bench next season to coach girls varsity basketball. Chris Zimmerman will take over the boys program.

Getchey had sought to become head coach of the girls team.

There has been much discussion about how the girls coaching job was filled and the effect that decision had on hiring a coach for the boys team.

Joe Dudeck sought the girls position, too. He claimed to be black-balled by both Getchey and Persing in his quest.

For his part, Persing kept quiet when the allegations were made during Tuesday's meeting.

Getchey responded, denying any claims that he lied or undermined Dudeck. He stood by those claims Thursday, saying he'd never done anything to keep Dudeck from obtaining the job.

After pursuing the girls job himself, Getchey said he withdrew his name when he learned Zimmerman was interested. That job was all but given to him officially, he said, because Persing made phone calls to fellow board members for approval to install Zimmerman. Getchey said he wished to wait until Tuesday's meeting to vote on the matter but his request was ignored.

When Joe Klebon, longtime boys coach and guidance counselor, announced his retirement, Zimmerman sought and was awarded the job.

With the girls gig open again, that left Dudeck and other unnamed candidates to vie for the job, Getchey said. Another option was to readvertise the position. Instead, he said a decision was made to bring back Callahan, who had resigned from the post in March.

"I don't even know as a chairman how Mr. Callahan got involved in this," Getchey said, noting Callahan has his support.

Regrets

Getchey is chairman of the athletic committee. Asked if he felt his roles as a school board director and chairman created a conflict of interest in seeking the coaching position, he said, "I thought because of the crisis with money; I was more worried about saving us money."

He said he thought he had support of fellow directors, but said he was lied to by unnamed members who claimed they wouldn't vote in his favor. He said he was also hurt by rumors that some parents of basketball players on the girls teams did not want him coaching their children, and that they would quit if he was hired.

Getchey was an assistant coach on Callahan's staff last season. He said he has more than 30 years combined coaching experience in youth girls basketball and in softball, and that his desire for the position as head girls basketball coach was not just to help the district financially but because he wanted to coach a group of girls he's coached in the past.

In the end, Getchey said he's happy that both Callahan and Zimmerman will be coaching next season.

But he's unhappy with how everything has transpired.

"Do I regret all that happened? Yes, I'm disappointed in some of the people who hurt my feelings through this," he said.

by peter e. bortner

POTTSVILLE - After promising a judge he would not contact his former wife in any way, Kyle C. Kent had his bail lowered Friday in Schuylkill County Court.

However, Kent still must post $30,000, and comply with several conditions, in order to be free pending his retrial on seven charges stemming from his alleged assault against, and kidnapping of, Melissa Kent in September in Girardville.

"I would never contact her in any way," Kyle Kent, 32, of Marion Heights, testified before Judge John E. Domalakes during Friday's 30-minute hearing. "There's no reason for me to go near her at all."

Domalakes reduced the defendant's bail to $30,000 straight cash from $75,000 straight cash, under the stipulation that he have no contact with Melissa Kent or her boyfriend Ronald T. Krick, not enter Girardville and not possess a firearm.

A county prison spokesman said Friday afternoon that Kyle Kent still is behind bars.

Ex-wife fearful

State police at Frackville alleged the defendant entered Krick's house at 334 E. Mahanoy Ave., where Melissa Kent was staying, between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Sept. 18. Kyle Kent punched Melissa Kent, dragged her outside, forced her into a sport-utility vehicle, hit her again, drove her to a dirt road near Aristes, slammed her head off the road several times and forced her back into the SUV, police said.

After a two-day trial, a jury found Kyle Kent not guilty of burglary or terroristic threats but could not reach a verdict on seven other crimes: aggravated assault, kidnapping, criminal trespass, stalking, unlawful restraint, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin, who presided over the trial, convicted him of two summary charges, criminal mischief and harassment and has sentenced him to pay costs, $600 in fines and $259.58 restitution to Krick.

Prosecutors can retry him on the seven remaining charges without violating the constitutional ban on double jeopardy because the jury did not render any verdict on them. The earliest a trial could be held is during the criminal court term scheduled to run from Aug. 27 through Sept. 5.

Kyle Kent's promise did not mollify Melissa Kent.

"Are you fearful of the defendant?" Assistant District Attorney Rebecca A. Elo asked her during Friday's hearing.

"Definitely," Melissa Kent answered.

PFA violation

In a separate case, Dolbin found Kyle Kent guilty on Dec. 21 of indirect criminal contempt for violating the protection from abuse order that Melissa Kent had obtained against him. Dolbin sentenced him to serve 30 days in prison and pay costs and a $250 fine.

State police at Frackville had charged Kyle Kent with violating the order on Oct. 29 by sending letters to Melissa Kent.

Kyle Kent testified on Friday that he has a herniated disk and would get treatment for it if released on bail. He also said he would try to repair his relationship with his three children, all of whom are in foster care, and would take both anger management and parenting classes.

"I promised my children I would bring them home," he said when questioned by his lawyer, Stephen P. Ellwood, Pottsville. "I have to show them that I'm willing to be a part of their lives."

He also testified he will appear in court for any further proceedings.

"There's no reason for me to run," Kyle Kent said. "I didn't do what they said I did."

Melissa Kent testified she already has taken parenting classes and is seeing the children regularly.

Kyle Kent's legal troubles are not confined to Schuylkill County.

He is scheduled to appear in Northumberland County Court at 1:15 p.m. Monday before Judge Charles H. Saylor to enter a guilty plea in a case where he is charged with carrying a firearm without a license, simple assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Mount Carmel police charged him with committing those crimes on June 29, 2011, in the borough.

Pool party tonight in Shamokin

SHAMOKIN - A luau pool party is scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. today at the Lawton Shroyer Memorial "Rock Street" Pool.

Rain date is Sunday.

Food and music will be provided. The event is hosted by the Student Advisory Council of Shamokin.

There is a $5 entrance fee.

Repository sale planned, date not set

SUNBURY - An auction style repository sale will be held later this year, but will not be held June 27 as previously reported by a neighboring newspaper.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau Director Jan Nestico said properties not sold at the June 13 judicial sale will be added to the county repository list, and an auction-style sale will be held at a later date announced upon approval of all of the taxing bodies. No bids are being accepted at this time.

A complete list of properties that will be exposed at the sale can be found at www.northumberlandco.org and in the tax claims bureau office at 399 S. Fifth St.

Bidders can pre-register in the tax claims office or print forms from the website. Bidder numbers will be assigned the day of the sale. An affidavit of bidder and conditions of sale will also be necessary and are available online as well.

PAXINOS - Michael K. Mariano, 54, of Shamokin, escaped injury Thursday afternoon when a truck he was driving and another truck being towed traveled off the east side of Route 61 and rolled over, approximately one-half mile south of Route 487.

State police at Stonington reported Mariano was traveling north in the right lane of Route 61 at 4:26 p.m. when he lost control of his 1999 Chevrolet S-10 truck when the pickup truck he was towing began to sway while negotiating a right curve.

Police said both trucks traveled off the highway and rolled over with the tow bar still connected to the vehicles.

Mariano was cited by Trooper James McCormick for careless driving.

COAL TOWNSHIP - In an effort to raise funds and encourage donations directly allocated to Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School (OLOL), a group of volunteers and alumni have joined together to create the Our Lady of Lourdes Alumni Foundation.

The OLOL Alumni Foundation is a network for alumni and friends of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation is raising funds for the school through endowments, sponsorships, tuition assistance plans and the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.

The foundation is committed to maintaining and enhancing excellence in Catholic education.

Like many private schools across Pennsylvania, Lourdes' subsidies from benefactor organizations have substantially decreased. This makes outside donations to Lourdes even more crucial to maintain the sustainability and growth of the school's educational programs, as well as its scholarship funds, according to school officials.

Raising awareness

The foundation, which was established three months ago, is already making headway with regional businesses that have the opportunity to donate directly to the school through the Neumann Scholarship Foundation (NSF), a charitable scholarship organization. Under the EITC program, qualified private businesses that donate to the school via the NSF are eligible to receive a tax credit of 75 to 90 percent of their donation, with credits exceeding no greater than $300,000 per taxable year. Monies designated through EITC to Lourdes are then available for need-based tuition assistance.

"Our goal is to raise awareness and rally area businesses to take advantage of money available that can help the future of OLOL," said Tony Varano, chairman of the foundation and a 1975 graduate of Lourdes. Varano serves as chief operating officer for DSG Inc., Philadelphia, a company in the pharmaceutical industry that provides software and services to support clinical trials or studies. He founded the company in 1992.

The Shamokin native got involved with helping establish the foundation earlier this year after rumors had been circulating that the high school was in danger of closing when assessments to the high school from local parishes were significantly reduced, meaning money may have to be borrowed from the Diocese of Harrisburg to keep the school operating.

After consulting with officials from Lourdes, Varano said he met with Bishop Joseph McFadden in Harrisburg in April to discuss the foundation and its objectives. He said the bishop was very impressed by the presentation and offered his full support.

Varano pointed out that many people have benefited from receiving a Catholic education at Lourdes. "The foundation is only asking that people who benefit from tuition assistance programs, EITC and scholarships share their time, talents and treasures with the school," Varano said.

"There are a lot of people in the Shamokin-Mount Carmel area who can't afford to provide their children with a Catholic education. The programs being supported through the foundation will give more families a better opportunity to send their children to Lourdes."

As for silencing the rumors that surface every year about the high school closing due to low enrollment, Varano said, "Today, there is a lot less risk of the high school closing than there was 10 years ago due to the efforts of the alumni foundation and the programs it supports."

Varano said state monies have been available to charities and schools through the EITC program for 10 years. But he said Lourdes has failed to take advantage of the program. He said the state provides approximately $100 million of business tax dollars per year through the EITC program.

He praised the efforts of Lourdes alumnus Joe Sandri, an accountant who operates Keystone Tax Associates, a sales and tax consulting company in Camp Hill. Sandri, who has donated $10,000 each of the past two years to Lourdes through the EITC program, made the school aware of the business tax credit program and is a member of the alumni foundation.

"This is all about helping needy families who want to attend Lourdes," Varano said. "There are a lot of businesses on the fence about this program, but they have to get off the fence and join us. To me, this is an absolute no-brainer for companies."

For businesses that wish to participate in the EITC program, applications for fiscal year 2012-2013 will be accepted by the state starting July 2. Varano said all applications must be received by the foundation as soon as possible so they can be hand-delivered to the state on July 2 by foundation members.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis until the commonwealth funding is exhausted.

The foundation will assist businesses through the application process and work with the NSF to ensure timely completion and that monies are designated directly to Lourdes. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application within 60 days of submission by the commonwealth.

How to help

To donate to the school, companies must complete a simple, one-page application to donate funds through the NSF, designating Lourdes as the desired recipient.

Interested businesses can email OLOLinfo@SupportLourdes.org for more information. The Lourdes Alumni Foundation is available to answer any questions donors and prospective donors may have.

For more information, visit the OLOL alumni page on Facebook to connect with other members of the Lourdes community and receive updates on the latest foundation initiatives.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; cards and puzzles.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; cards and puzzles; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Gab Fest, 10:30 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Central Penn Physical Therapy program on balance, gait training and gentle range of motion, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; chit chat, 10 a.m. lunch, 11:45 a.m.; puzzle time, 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; current events, 10 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Sunday - Pinochle and rummie, 1:30 p.m.

Monday - Bean bag with Wii to follow, 10:30 a.m.; Noodle Balloon, noon; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii in the morning; knitting; Pinochle-rummie, noon.

Wednesday - Wii in the morning; Bunco, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii in the morning; Amy and Shelly from Mountain View here for exercise, noon.

Friday - Wii in the morning; picnic, noon; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Breakfast, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.

Tuesday - Beverly Sybert speaking on "Salt," 10:30 a.m. and open to the public.

Wednesday - Bring a friend day.

Thursday - Playing pinochle/Pokeno or just socializing; site manager's meeting, 1 p.m.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 11 a.m.

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

Trevorton

Monday - Free members breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; sight screening, 9 a.m.; card games; evening card party, 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; shopping at Coal Township Wal-Mart, noon to 2 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Scrabble, 9:30 a.m.; Movie "Amish Grace" and snacks, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Picnicking at the Marina, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

SUNBURY - The death of an 11-month-old Northumberland girl remains under investigation, according to the Northumberland County coroner.

James F. Kelley said in a statement Friday that he would await results of toxicology testing, x-rays and microscopic examinations of specimens before issuing a ruling on the cause and manner of death.

The results of all the testing should be completed in approximately 12 to 15 weeks, Kelley said. Until that time, he said no further information will be released by the coroner's office.

An autopsy was performed Friday morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, by Dr. Samuel Land, of Forensic Pathology Associates.

The girl, whose identity has not been released, died at 6:49 a.m. Thursday in the emergency room of Sunbury Community Hospital. She had been transported from her Orange Street home by AREA Services ambulance.

The identities of the girl's parents have also not been released.

Several calls made to Northumberland police seeking additional information have not been returned.

NUMIDIA - Lightning is being blamed for a fire that destroyed a 24-square-foot shed along Mountain Road near here Friday afternoon.

Locust Township Police Chief Allen Breach said firefighters were called at approximately 2:54 p.m. to the home of Ray and Julie Petro. He said neighbors saw smoke at the Petro property after a loud strike of thunder and lightning.

"When (a neighbor) came down to check it, they saw the fire and called 911," Breach said.

When the chief arrived at approximately 3:04 p.m., the structure was fully engulfed in flames.

The shed was completely destroyed, as were its contents, including weightlifting and woodworking equipment and materials for a kennel, Breach said.

Firefighters pulled off some melted siding from the front of the Petro home, which suffered heat damage.

Their efforts took about one hour. Breach said no one was injured, and that the family is insured.

A state police fire marshal was on scene Saturday, but Breach said there is no evidence the fire was anything but accidental.

Responding and assisting police were the Valley Chemical Fire Company, Numidia, fire crews from Catawissa and Aristes, and a tanker truck from Montour Township.

Divorces

Anthony M. Herrold, 135 Jacob St., Montandon, from Tylene L. Herrold, 1124 Wolverton St., Sunbury. Married April 12, 2003.

Jeffery D. Green from Mary A. Green, both of 2630 Hallowing Run Road, Sunbury. Married Aug. 15, 1981.

James L. Rowe from Kathy G. Rowe, both of 20 Ridge View Colony, Milton. Married July 4, 1981.

Marriage licenses

Blake E. Scott, 292 Green Acres Lane, Herndon, to Keri M. Schlegel, 1426 State Route 147, Dalmatia, issued June 21.

Michael F. Treibley, 412 N. Oak St., Apt. B, Shamokin, to Samantha Jo Hoke, 412 N. Rock St., Apt. 3B, Shamokin. Issued June 22.

Timothy M. Mazer, 208 North Fifth St., Trevorton, to Laura M. Backes, 1860 W. Pine St., Coal Township. Issued June 22.

Jesse A. Snyder, 150 Hillside Road, Dalmatia, to Mara L. Lagerman, 869 Pottsville St., Herndon. To be issued June 25.

Property transfers

Lee Leon Edward aka Lee E. Korbich estate and John R. Luberecki Jr. (administrator) to Deborah A. Korbich estate, and executors Ryan E. Luberecki and John R. Luberecki Jr., property in Shamokin, $1.

Deborah A. Korbich estate, executors Ryan E. Luberecki and John R. Luberecki Jr., Christopher L. aka Kris L. Korbich and Kathleen M. Korbich to James A. Schiavoni, property in Shamokin, $39,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff's Office, Robert E. Belfanti III and Angela M. Belfanti, to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., property in Mount Carmel, $1,127.01.

Northumberland County Sheriff's Office and Kenneth D. Rothermel to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $968.69.

Robert aka Robert J. Pasco, Nancy aka Nancy C. Pasco and Robert J. Pasco to Robert J. Pasco and Nancy C. Pasco, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Robert aka Robert J. Pasco, Nancy aka Nancy C. Pasco and Robert J. Pasco to Robert J. Pasco, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Thomas Valeiko and Margaret Valeiko to Isaac Wasie, property in Coal Township, $3,800.

Richard aka Richard M. Shipe to Ronald Yost and Donna Yost, property in Shamokin, $8,000.

John Glowa (by agent) and Richard M. Price (agent) to Mark A. Knapick Sr., property in Shamokin, $7,000.

Paul F. Froutz to Don Filippo Scicchitano, Carmine D. Scicchitano and Maria A. Scicchitano, property in Mount Carmel Township, $25,000.

Barry Deitrick estate and Kenneth Deitrick (executor) to Kenneth Deitrick, property in Coal Township, $1.

Lorraine Deitrick estate, Kenneth Deitrick (executor) and Donna Deitrick (executrix) to Kenneth Deitrick, property in Coal Township, $1.

Cynthia F. Startzel and Thomas R. Zujkiewicz to Thomas R. Zujkiewicz, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Rita M. Searls, James Searls and Karen C. Sarfine to Joseph Wisgo and Angelic M. Christian, property in Coal Township, $33,000.

Travis L. Long to Travis L. Long and Taren A. Adams, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Roland B. Staubs Sr. aka Ronald B. Staubs estate, Roland Brooks Staubs estate and Michael E. Staubs Sr. (executor) to John Rosselli and Kaitlin M. Witt, property in East Cameron Township, $118,000.

Mary Louise McCann to John S. Habowski, property in Mount Carmel, $87,500.

Deena R. Erdman to Robert Erb, property in Shamokin, $14,000.

Edward H. Kurtz and Marie Kurtz to Edward H. Kurtz, Marie Kurtz and Matthew Kurtz, property in Shamokin, $1.

Audrey J. Dunkelberger to Timothy T. Maguire and Debra A. Maguire, property in Shamokin Township, $45,000.

Lawrence E. DiOrio and Joann L. DiOrio to Tammy Lynn Sosnoski and Philip Lawrence DiOrio, property in Shamokin, $1.

Jae E. Eisenhauer and Gale L. Waldron to Karen J. Martin, property in Coal Township, $24,500.

John H. Horn Jr., Jana L. Horn and Jana L. Long to John H. Horn Jr. and Jana L. Horn, property in Shamokin, $1.

Harriet Roshon to Cynthia A. Eisenhower, Debra L. Duttry, Lesa J. Holdren and Heidi A. Wolf, property in Rush Township, $1 (corrective).

Northumberland County Sheriff's Office, Gregory E. Grebush and Paula Ann Grebush to Wells Fargo Bank NA, property in Mount Carmel, $1,136.07.

Mark A. Burns to Martha L. Schrade and Sondra Krebs, property in Kulpmont, $30,500.

Street sweeping set in Atlas

ATLAS - Mount Carmel Township Board of Supervisors remind Atlas residents to remove their vehicles from the odd sides of the streets Tuesday and the even sides of the streets Thursday for the street sweeper.

Fire training slated Tuesday

MARION HEIGHTS - Marion Heights Fire Company will conduct fire training from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Training will continue on Tuesday evenings through August.

Fire officials warn residents that they may experience water discoloration during the training sessions.

Kulpmont food surplus distribution

KULPMONT - Borough residents enrolled and signed up for the food surplus program are reminded the borough will be holding a distribution from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday at the borough garage.

Free lunch at Shamokin Area schools

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area's annual free lunch program is under way at the middle/high school and elementary annex.

Free meals are served to all children 18 years and younger from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at both school buildings, Monday through Thursday, except for July 4. The program ends Aug. 9.

LOCUST TOWNSHIP - A Mount Carmel man is in Columbia County Prison after being arrested Friday on charges of theft and using stolen credit cards to make over $1,200 in purchases from local stores.

Locust Township Police charged Adam J. Powell, 27, of 226 S. Poplar St., with third-degree felony counts of fraud with an unlawful device and theft from a motor vehicle, and misdemeanor charges of theft by unlawful taking and loitering and prowling at night time. He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Craig Long, of Catawissa, and placed in prison on $25,000 cash bail.

According to a criminal affidavit filed by Locust Township Police Chief Allen Breach, police were called to a home in Roaring Creek Township at 3:44 a.m. Friday when a person was scared away from a vehicle after a resident heard noises coming from outside. A patrol of the area by police found a black reversible coat lying on the roadway, which was identified by the resident as being worn by the suspect.

Five hours later, police were called to the home of Anthony Chatkiewicz Jr., of Hollow Road, Locust Township. Chatkiewicz told police his truck keys and wallet had been removed from his vehicle sometime in the overnight hours.

The victim told police the wallet contained a credit card, approximately $320 to $350 and various personal identification cards, pictures and notes. An investigation showed the credit card was used approximately six times in a two-hour period, including a total of $800 in purchases at the Wal-Mart SuperCenter, Coal Township, a $213 purchase at Boyer's Food Market in Mount Carmel, and at various convenience stores.

It was at Boyer's that a break in the case was made, Breach said Saturday.

"One of the employees had a feeling something was amiss, so she went outside and recorded the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect was using," Breach said. "With the help of Kulpmont, Mount Carmel Borough and (Mount Carmel) township police, we were able to locate him."

While the investigation was going on, Tera Krebs, of Andrew Lane, Roaring Creek Township, reported to police that, also overnight Thursday into Friday, her purse was stolen from her vehicle. The purse contained an iPhone, a wallet containing a debit and credit card and $12 in cash, plus $43 in a baggie.

When Krebs discovered her purse was stolen, she started to make notifications of the theft to financial institutions. She was then advised of the charges made to her checking account that morning, consisting of purchases at convenience stores, Boyer's in Mount Carmel and Redner's Market - for $211.90 - in Shenandoah.

Mount Carmel Borough Police took Powell into custody at his residence, and during questioning by Breach, Powell admitted to police that he committed the thefts, but couldn't remember all of the exact details because "he was high at the time," according to the affidavit.

Powell also allegedly admitted to police that he used the stolen credit cards to make the purchases and, after questioning at the station, took officers back to his home to obtain the gift cards he purchased and some of the stolen items. Powell then took officers to a Mount Carmel Township car wash where he had dropped Krebs' purse and Chatkiewicz's wallet into a trash can.

TREVORTON - Two people were flown for treatment and police and emergency officials had to conduct a search for the driver who they believe caused a near head-on collision in Trevorton Saturday evening.

Two of the three occupants of a Kia Sedona van were transported via Life Flight helicopters for treatment while a third was transported by ambulance following the crash at 6:45 p.m. in the 400 block of East Sham-okin Street (Route 225) near the White Owl Inn.

Zerbe Township Fire Chief Ed Reed reported the Sedona was traveling south on East Shamokin Street when a Ford Ranger truck, heading north, attempted to turn into the tavern parking lot and traveled into the path of the Sedona.

The impact spun both vehicles, leaving them facing in the opposite direction they were traveling. Air bags deployed in each.

As emergency crews were tending to the injured in the van, fire officials and state police from Stonington began a search for the driver of the pickup.

He was originally believed to have run into a wooded area behind the bar and to a

street down the hill from the crash. Reed said at the time the driver may have had a head injury.

As the search began, a bystander approached Reed and troopers and said the driver was spotted in the area between the Sunoco gas station and pizzeria, prompting police to speed to that location less than a half-mile away, but he was not located.

Soon Reed and other fire officials were giving chase as well.

"We got a trip that he was up on Coal Street, near the cemetery, so he headed up there and spotted him," Reed said about a location south, up the hill, from the crash scene.

With a fire police officer giving chase, the driver ran to Third and Carol streets, about a half-mile from the crash scene, as police were alerted.

Reed said the driver entered a yard in that area and hid under a bush, but police were able to take him into custody. He was in the back seat of the cruiser as police came back to the site of the accident for a short time before leaving.

Names of the victims and the suspect driver were not available Saturday night.

Assisting police at the scene and setting up the helicopter landing zone at the Trevorton ballfield were members of Trevorton Fire Company, Trevorton Community Ambulance, Coal Township Rescue Squad, East Cameron Fire Company and AREA Services Ambulance.

PAXINOS - Stephanie Peek stood at the starting line of the Filthy Fun Mud Run and watched other runners go through mud holes and climb hay bales, trying to formulate some sort of game plan for the race.

"Oh, my God, look at that," she kept saying to family members. "That's what we are doing? I thought it was going to be running through a few puddles. Okay, deep breaths, deep breaths."

The 45-year-old Mount Carmel woman was one of 900 runners (plus some 200 children) who came to the Irish Valley Motocross Park Saturday morning to challenge themselves on the daunting 3 1/2 mile course, dotted with muddy obstacles, hill climbs and so many chances to get dirty.

The course, modeled after the popular "Tough Mudder" events, brought racers from as far away as New York and from all over the area and state willing to accept the challenge.

The mud run, and the festival that followed it, not only was a good time on a Saturday afternoon, but also helped a good cause as a portion of the proceeds went to Cradles To Crayons, an organization that provides children from birth through ages 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive - at home, school and play.

'A great day'

Megan Putt, owner of Filthy Fun Events with her husband, Brandon, said the response to the first event in this area was incredible.

"We have perfect weather today and a perfect location for the event," Megan Putt said. "The Irish Valley Motocross Park really helped us out today by giving us this great place to play in the mud."

It was a day for kids to get a little dirty, too, as more than 200 children from ages 4 to 12 had their courses to run.

One thing Putt was encouraged about was how many of the runners, some of them never participating in such an event before, had a very good time.

"For the first time having an event like this year, it's good to hear all the positive comments," she said.

Heartbreak hills

After about 30 to 45 minutes on the course, participants found themselves going over "The Walls of Shame": Three hills of mud, each one taller, they had to climb over. On the third one, a slide down into a small watering hole awaited.

At that point, Peek could still be heard saying "Oh, my God" as she began to climb over the hills with the help of her teammates, her white shorts and T-shirt, an outfit she purchased for the event, now stained brown with Irish Valley mud.

"Is this a bad time to mention I'm a germaphobe?" she yelled as she walked away from the hills.

The good news was that she had conquered that section. The bad news: she was only at the halfway point.

End in sight

Following the hills, runners made a trek up and down the mountain at the edge of the course until finally coming to a three-obstacle section that was the home stretch of the race.

To start, runners had to traverse a single rope bridge across a small body of water, followed by a short run through the woods and then another muddy waterhole. Participants stood at the edge waiting to go in.

"Watch out for that first step, the hole is a little deep," a female staff member said as runners walked into a hidden pit that put some of them into waist-high cold water, others underneath the surface.

"We added ice before we started," the staff member said in earshot of a reporter only.

After a brief swim, another hill and a belly crawl through more water, it was a 100-yard run to the finish line at Krebs Grove, where family and friends were waiting to cheer on participants.

Some ran alone as personal challenges, others did it as part of a team, with such monikers as "Dirty Birds," "The Mudslingers," "Talk Dirty to Me," "Dirt Devils" and "Fifty Shades of Pink."

There were some who came wearing superhero attire and capes, one wearing a party hat for her birthday and another running in a button-down shirt and tie.

All those who finished the course seemed tired, but were smiling.

"In the initial part, you have the wide open run and the first few hurdles," said Abbey Fitch, of Bloomsburg. "About 75 percent of it was through the woods on narrow, rocky paths. It was pretty wicked."

"It was incredibly wicked," added Kelly Fleming, of Catawissa. "I've been training in the gym with the treadmill, but this was nothing like I've ever done before."

But would she do it again?

"If there is another event like this within a 100-mile radius, sign me up," Fleming said. "This was so much fun."

Sweet victory

Joined by fellow runners, Stephanie Peek crossed the finish line in one hour, 26 minutes, a respectable time for the woman who had never run a race like this before.

"I can't believe I finished," she said after crossing the finish line. "It was so hard, but a lot of fun. A great challenge I'm glad I accomplished."

Asked what her favorite part of the course was, Peek joked, "The water breaks they supplied for us."

Many of the runners said after the race that they would do the Filthy Fun Mud Run again, and Brandon and Megan Putt are more than happy to oblige.

"We will be back next year in June," Megan Putt said. "Bigger, better and dirtier than ever."

ELYSBURG - Twenty-five boys and girls from throughout the area signed up Saturday morning to learn a little something about firefighting.

The second annual Fire Cadet Weekend got off to a great start Saturday. The event, sponsored by the Elysburg Fire Department, includes volunteer training instructors from several fire companies, including Catawissa, Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont and Herndon.

Elysburg fire department president and assistant chief Harvey Boyer said they had tremendous cooperation from Northumberland County Emergency Services as well as local fire departments. He also wanted to mention his gratitude to many local businesses who contributed, making this special weekend possible.

As he did at last year's event, Blaine Madara Jr. began the weekend with some get-to-know-you games, where participants worked blind-folded and verbally guided friends through a path; following directions games and other games to break the ice.

Trooper Kirk Renn, state police fire investigator, gave a brief talk followed by a spectacular fire demonstration. The practice house, built for the demonstration, burned quickly as volunteer firefighters went through the steps to successfully extinguish the flames.

Search and rescue

Saturday's hands-on activities for the cadets were hose advancement led by Eric Haupt and Jerry Mulberger; fire extinguishers with Tim Bixler, Cal Deitrick and Jim Jones; vehicle rescue with Dennis Kroh and Joe Pechulis; SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) and search and rescue with Chris Herb, Doug Gessner and Guy Thompson; wildland firefighting with Wes Harner; and rope rescue and repel with Mike Timco and Dale Hendricks.

Cadets broke into groups or "mods" and spent 45 minutes at each station. After finishing each one, they went inside the fire station for what was called rehab - five minutes of rest and hydration.

Many of the participants enjoyed the search-and-rescue building, which required the cadets to wear heavy SCBA in addition to fire gear, crawl blindly on hands and knees through a maze in a smoke-filled building and rescue a baby (doll) while verbally communicating with a partner.

Stephany Reader of Sunbury found it difficult to hear with the head gear on. She said she didn't hear her partner Evelina Scicchitano yell out the word obstacle, which caused her to fall into a tire.

Before entering the building, Chris Herb explained in great detail the workings of the SCBA, as well as safety features. He told cadets that two firefighters would be inside the building to help if anyone had a problem. He also said the "smoke" was actually a water-based fog, and not at all harmful.

Before performing any of the activities, cadets received detailed instruction, safety advice and sometimes did practice runs first.

The health and safety of each cadet was closely monitored, including intake/outtake cards recording how much water they were drinking to make sure they didn't become dehydrated.

Junior firefighters

Guy Thompson remarked that since last year's event, it seemed like the company had more junior firefighter sign-ups. Fifteen-year-old Evelina Scicchitano, Mount Carmel, is already a junior member of the Anthracite Fire Company. She participated in Elysburg's Cadet weekend last year.

Anyone 14 to 17 years of age can become a junior firefighter. Naturally, there are restrictions, but the junior firefighter can do up to two-thirds of the training before reaching the age of 18, at which time they would only need one more training area to become a firefighter.

At 55 inches tall, Chloe Frost of Mount Carmel, who is "almost 12," had a great day, although she wasn't able to do her last assignment. After rapelling from the second story window, smiling the whole way down and tackling all of the other stations, it was time for the rescue building. As she was suiting up, Chris Herb saw that the head gear was too large for her. It had to be an air-tight fit, and it just wouldn't work. Although she was disappointed, Frost said she still had fun and is anxious to come back for the second day.

The wrapup

Today's activities include visits from Life Flight, the state police horse division and Ralpho police. Cadets will also have first aid and hazardous materials training. Then comes a chance to show their parents what they learned.

The weekend will wrap up with a graduation ceremony led by Boyer.

Fire chief Dennis Kroh and fire department chaplain Guy Thompson will deliver messages as well, followed by guest speaker, state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107), and a special message from Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Ed Mann. Certificates will be presented by Madara.

Boyer said he hopes to inspire some of the cadets to join their local fire departments as junior firefighters. But if they choose not to pursue that, at least they'll leave with some life-saving techniques and skills that they normally wouldn't have, Boyer said.

This year's participants are Calvin Dietrick, Chloe Frost, Jacob Gessner, Callen Herb, Jacob Herr, Gage Hertzog, Blayze Hommel, Carter Houseknecht, Jesse James, Tyler Kriebel, Joseph Lobos, Dalton Mulberger, Jordan Persing, Lear Quinton, Stephany Reader, Sean Richenderfer, Don Carmine Scicchitano, Evelina Scicchitano, Cally Seidel, Elijah Seidel, Colm Sullivan, Ryley Wetzel, Robert Williams, David Wolfe and Isaac Wynn.

Helps at Wash. Special Olympics

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin J. Dumbaugh, son of Jamie L. and Bryan M. Dumbaugh, Catawissa, and sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), volunteered to assist in the Special Olympics Washington (SOWA) competition at the Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma, Wash.

The annual Southwest Spring Games kicked off with a track and field competition, where sailors supported participating athletes by guiding and cheering them to the finish line. Throughout the sporting events, sailors were spread along the football field and track, filling in as time-keepers, award presenters, data-entry personnel, announcers and judges.

Established in 1976, SOWA is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization. The Special Olympics are open for participation by disabled athletes ages 8 and older.

The vision of Special Olympics is to help bring all persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens.

Dumbaugh is a 2009 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and joined the Navy in February 2010.

Shamokin Area

COAL TOWNSHIP - The honor roll for the fourth marking period at Shamokin Area Middle/High School has been announced.

A student must achieve an average of 90 to 94.9 for honor recognition. Distinguished honors require an average of 95 or better.

All subjects except driver training are included in the calculations of a student's average. Also, all subjects must be passed and a minimum of 90 percent in deportment is required.

Distinguished honors

Grade 7: Zachary Anascavage, Kayla Baney, Jacob Bartol, Madyson Bateman, Alex Black, Madison Blackwell, Patrick Bradigan, Scarlett Brown, Cheyenne Burasz, Desiree Cohoon, Samuel Deptula, Rachel Drumheiser, Emilee Dunn, Cierra Eby, Thomas Eby, Aleea Faus, Amy Frasch, Mackenzie Fulginiti, Tiffany Gordon, Brandi Hatzel, Carollyn Hine, Cameron Jacoby, Alicia Kapushinski, Mackenzie Koharski, Megan Krumbine, Jenai McKeen, Lindsey Miller, Abigail Mummey, Marcella Nahodil, Carson Quinn, Jarred Rachau, Anne Richardson, Madison Rodarmel, Anthony Roughton, Kaitlyn Schrader, Dylan Smith, Ellen Spotts, Scotty Villari, Matthew Vrona, Aleksandr Washuta, David Wolfe, Brittany Wondoloski, Saphire Yeager and Sydney Zartman.

Grade 8: Patricia Clark, Claudia Collins, Jeannette Costa, Autumn Craft, Dilin Decample, Justin Deutsch, Jacob Dirienzo, Amber Disidoro, Jadyn Dunkelberger, Lillie Fidelman, Andrew Jones, Evelyn Madrak, Emily McDevitt, Christopher Petraskie, Kelsey Rogers, Ivy Savidge, Kayla Schell, Paige Sherman, James Snyder, Amanda Stanchick, Alissa Troutman, Christina Troutman, Rebecca Wargo, Cameron Wayne, Jakob Weaver and Danielle Wilk.

Grade 9: Hunter Bloom, Michelle Bressi, John Brown, Tyler Candelora, Jasmine Coleman, Joseph Deptula, Megan Dimmick, Draven Faus. Darian Jones, Elizabeth Kapushinski, Megan Kerstetter, Zachary Koharski, Brett Long, Graeme Shappell, Jacob Snyder, Savannah Tellander, Taylor Tobias, Dylan Williams, Jarret Willis, Casey Wilson and Cierra Zimmerman.

Grade 10: Elizabeth Bednar, Brianna Bonshock, Olivia Bonshock, Kylie Christiana, Joseph Colangelo, Jordan Collins, Nicole Cullen, Daniel Delbaugh, Alexa Foor, Justin Forbes, Nathaniel Haggerty, Skylar Hughes, Richard Jones, Dana Madl, Sean McLaughlin, Catelin Pancher, Lydia Sandri, Kevin Searls, Kaitlyn Shultz, Melissa Smallets, Erik Taylor and Corinne Weikel.

Grade 11: Anthony Anonia, Kortney Bozza, Darien Craft, Theodore Deptula. Stephanie Dressler, Amber Erdman, Austin Fry, Matthew Gass, Abbygail Halderman, Kayla Hart, Andrew Hasuga, Ashley Keiser, Amber Kelly, Kyla Martin, Courtney McGrath, Christie Munson, Sarah Purcell, Samantha Schiccatano, Megan Sheriff, Samantha Strausser, Cailin Wilson, Victoria Young, Michael Yucha and Alex Zalar.

Grade 12: Peyton Autry, Kim Bills, Charles Black, Danielle Boyd, Scott Bradley, Stephen Bressi, Jessica Britton, Stephanie Broscious, Bradley Burasz, Kevin Candelora, Megan Ciborowski, Rebecca Dressler, Erin Duganitz, Jacob Eveland, Ryan Fifield, Alexandria Fiorey, Ashley Fiorey, Courtney Krieger, Caleb Latovich, Brieanna Lindstrom, Kristi Morris, Stephanie Pancher, Megan Ramp, Justin Reichner, Brittany Reid, Ashley Strouse, Briaun Williams and Haley Zink.

Honor roll

Grade 7: Alana Bendas, Breanna Bickert, Robert Carapellucci, Dillon Carpenter, Nicolas Christiana, Allison Clymer, Brittany Dascani, Katelynn Dewitt, Zachary Druckenmiller, Alexis Herb, Skyler Hoffman, Austin Hornberger, Kirsten Hynoski, Jarred Jones, Jenna Keisling, Tiffany Klinger, Joshua Kratzer, Sarah Long, Noah Mangiaruga, Patrick McGuinn, Kelsey Mench, Kiara Moore, Bradley Morgan, Jordan Moyer, Abigail O'Day, Caroline Palmer, Aubrey Persing, Sara Popewczak, Vincent Quincy, Gregory Rishel, Jasmine Rosa, Jaden Schlagle, Jarrod Shaffer, Aubrey Snyder, Lauren Stanchick, Brianna Stanke, Kelsie Stewart, Cody Strausser, Gabrielle Velez, Jacob Wolfe, Page Wormald and Tobias Zerbe.

Grade 8: Chelsea Bowers, Kaitlyn Bridy, Kyran Brown, Logan Bulchie, Thomas Campbell, Bradley Carpenter, Samantha Chykosky, Nicholas Curran, Gabrielle Erb, Haley Erb, Nicole Faust, Ashton Foor, Ryan Gass, Megan Greenwalt, Megan Grinaway, Kaylan Haight, Brady Haupt, Russell Henz, Ryan Kelly, Kitana Kurtz, Bryson Loman, Amanda Lucas, Brayson Pawelczyk, Caitlyn Pope, Kasey Puchalski, Brett Rebuck, Danielle Reed, Isaiah Reiprich, Gavin Shaffer, Christina Snyder, Christopher Snyder, Dakota Sutsko, Nicole Thompson, Chase Tillett and Garrett Zalar.

Grade 9: Alek Bonshock, Abigail Breeding, Jill Britton, Richard Brown, Samantha Carpenter, Ryan Charowsky, Darren Egick, Heather Elliott, Shana Fite, Tevin Gonzalez, Bridgette Hine, Aaron Kalinowski, Brittany Madison, Kayla Marchett, Brianna Martin, Mitchell McGinn, Rhiannon McKinney, Brianna Moore, Zachary Moyer, Carley Nash, Alexis Pauzer, Brittney Pope, Sean Reichner, Ronald Rhoads, Jenna Wasarhelyi and Tucker Yost.

Grade 10: Elizabeth Bensinger, Alisha Black, Kelsey Bryant, Eryn Cook, Breanna Dowling, Noelle Erickson, Megan Goodrich, Kayla Gordon, Alyssa Green, Jennifer Hornberger, Austin Huntington, Ashley Huxta, Robert Kozar, Draven Miller, Mariah Mong, Laryah Moyle, Scott Reed, Adam Richardson, Melissa Rishel, Trisha Rosini, Brooke Sejuit, Alyssa Shuey, Kristina Slodysko, Jodi Smith, Jennifer Springer, Caleb Stahl, Helana Supsic, Brianna Wengrenovich and Natalie Wolfe.

Grade 11: Destiny Bowers, Dylan Bowers, Miranda Canouse, Michaela Caulder, Jonathan Deitrick, Adella Doncheski, Marlena Ford, Kiesha Foulds, Jordan Glosek, Molly Hasuga, Sarajane Healey, Nicholas Kleman, Todd Markhorst, Amber Martin, Molly McDevitt, Mary Ann McKimm, Ashley Mulkins, Faith Neiter, Autumn Peck, Derrick Persing, Bunnie Radel, Matthew Reichner, Michael Rodarmel, Ciana Rollman, Ryan Rompolski, Rebecca Rummel, Samantha Spishock, Zachary Straub, Erika Strausser, Shiloh Witmer and John Wondoloski.

Grade 12: Regan Abromitis, Rebecca Aurand, Robert Bainbridge, Kaleb Bowers, Cameron Bradley, Renea Broscious, Jessica Brown, Christopher Charowsky, Courtney Chowka, Evan Dixson, Emmett Donahue, David Dorsett, Amber Ebbecke, Blair Faust, Hilary Feudale, Andreena Forbes, George Frick, Kirstyn Griffiths, Jordan Hartenstine, Alexandrian Hartman, Jacob Hartzel, Alina Hensel, Courtney Kashner, Devin Madara, Kyra McClintock, Shelby McCloskey, Brandon Mendoza, Brittany Miller, Brittany Nye, Alyssa Orme, Ashley Persing, Breana Pietkiewicz, Catherine Reigle, Sierra Smeltzer, Cody Stine, Anna Summers, Christi Taylor, Cyle Taylor, Robert Taylor, Joceline Toro, Stephen Troutman, Jonathan Vanaskie, Stephen Wengrenovich, David Williams, Brenna Wisniewski, Keena Zalar, Samantha Zielinskie and Justin Zimmerman.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The hot dog, a summer cook-out staple, is getting the international Olympic treatment thanks to Brewser's Sports Grille.

Starting Sunday, 11 gourmet hot dogs will be on the menu at the popular local restaurant.

"We are going for the Olympic feel of the U.S.A. versus the world," co-owner Dan Hauer said Wednesday during a final taste test of the 11 varieties of hot dogs that will be offered during July.

The new menu will consist of favorite styles from the U.S., Poland, Mexico, Germany and England, just in time for the Summer Olympics.

Hot Dog month will be similar to the restaurant's popular $5 Burger month, the last of which was "March Burger Madness." According to Hauer, Brewser's sold 5,181 hamburgers that month.

The hot dogs will also be $5, but don't be fooled. These are not burnt and shriveled hot dogs from your backyard grill; they are quarter-pound Berks gourmet hot dogs. In fact, Brewser's may suggest you use a knife and fork to eat them - especially with the toppings piled high on each. They will be served with cole slaw and Brewser's homemade potato chips.

The new hot dog menu is the latest effort by Brewser's to stay fresh and set trends, Hauer said. He noted local restaurants have plenty of competition during the summer - be it Knoebels, church picnics, cookouts or people being away on vacation.

Through that, hot dog month was born.

"As stressful as it is to kick something off, it is so much fun," Hauer said.

Taste-testing

Hauer, along with co-owner Geno Welsh, have been working hard on what kind of styles, toppings and buns to use. They settled on six American favorites and five world varieties of dogs.

Wednesday afternoon, four individuals were invited to taste the final menu and give feedback and constructive criticism as sort of a focus group. Hauer credited News-Item account executive Lanza Williams for suggesting the taste-testing while Brewser's worked through the final tweaks before hot dogs join the menu. (Right now, dogs are only an option on the kids' menu.)

On hand for the taste test were Brantley Lefever and Clay Funk, both account executives from Ad One in Sunbury; Eric Boughner of Evenlink in Sunbury and Andy Heintzelman, editor of The News-Item. Each was served half of a hot dog, but were urged not to eat too much of any given one because they had to taste all 11 styles.

The dogs were served every 10 minutes or so by Tammy Wetzel, kitchen manager. She had a full dog of each variety for visual appreciation, and the half-dogs for tasting.

First up for the taste test was the Polish Hot Dog, with the only topping being a heap of homemade haluski. It's one Welsh and Hauer think will be a favorite due to the popularity of that old-world staple in the area.

"It is a unique combo that will grab people's attention," Funk agreed. He later added that some people love haluski so much they would "eat it off a brick."

"It is hard to stop eating," Heintzelman said, setting his Polish hot dog aside after a few bites.

Ten other varieties followed, one after another for the testers, and they dutifully tried each one and provided feedback for Hauer and Welsh. The tasting ended with the New York Style dog.

In the end, all four taste-testers chose their favorites - and agreed Breswer's is on to something good. The Mexican style - which includes jalapenos and fried tortillas made on-site, and the Texas Hog Dog - which is lathered in pulled pork and barbecue sauce - each generated a lot of comments.

"It's not a hot dog, it's a meal," Funk said in discussing Brewer's goal to be sure customers are getting their money's worth. "I don't see how anyone would be disappointed."

'World' menu

Polish: topped with haluski.

Mexican Style: a fiesta dog (with spices cooked in), nacho cheese, jalapenos, fried tortillas and spice.

German Style: Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and 1,000 Island dressing.

Branston's Sweet Heat: yellow mustard and "sweet heat" relish.

UK's Sweet Onion: ketchup, mustard and sweet onion relish.

U.S.A. dogs

Boston's BLT: lettuce, bacon wrapped hot dog, tomato and onion.

Three Rivers: lettuce, American cheese, diced tomato, cole slaw and bits of French fries on top.

Brooklyn's Coney Dog: American cheese, coney sauce and fried onions.

Texas Hog Dog: pulled pork, cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce.

Chili-Cheese Dog: chili, nacho cheese, diced onions and sour cream.

New York Style: lettuce, diced onions, diced tomato and New York sauce.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. (MCDI) may have re-organized and re-evaluated its goals, but the 4-year-old 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is still concentrating on business in the borough.

"We're different than when we started. We're still focused on the downtown, but we're taking a more hands-on approach with business owners," said Secretary Ed Fegley, former code enforcement officer for the borough.

In January, the organization appointed new officers. Lenny Chieu, the owner of Five C's, is the new president; Frank Ferrari, a retired school administrator, is the new vice president; Fegley, current code enforcement officer for Bloomsburg, is the new secretary; and Tom Letcavage, owner of Landscape Services in Locust Gap, is the new treasurer.

Other directors include borough Mayor J. Kevin Jones, Paul Kaminski, Cathy Welker and Frank Morrison.

The group has been regularly meeting with business owners to determine how they're changing and what kind of help MCDI can offer. They're also researching grant projects, actively cleaning up the downtown area and planning events and fundraisers to draw people into the business district on and near Oak Street.

"I consider this past year as a snapshot of what we're about and what we're trying to accomplish in the future," Fegley said.

In April, the group sponsored and organized "Art in Our Town," an exhibit with 100 different pieces of art at the Guarantee Trust Building on Third and Oak streets.

The group has also been cleaning up properties on Oak Street in preparation for the 150th anniversary celebration this week.

"In the last few years, we've been involved with the complete or partial reconstruction and revitalization of seven buildings on the main streets. We're happy about that, and we want to keep that going," Fegley said.

Business owners have purchased paint and materials while MCDI members have provided labor and equipment at no charge.

The priority of the group is the downtown, but they have been working with business owners from all around the borough.

"Although it's called Mount Carmel Downtown, the goal is to make a better Mount Carmel as a whole," Fegley said.

The Northumberland County Historical Society is sponsoring a bus trip on Saturday, July 14, to historic sites along the Tulpehocken Trail.

The Tulpehocken Trail is the Indian path by which many explorers, Indian traders and pioneers came to this region in the 18th century. Historic sites on the itinerary for this event include the Conrad Weiser Homestead, Fort Zeller and the Ephrata Cloister.

Bus transportation has been arranged through King Coal Tours.

Weiser, whose homestead at Womelsdorf, Berks County, is a state historic site, was famed as a diplomat between the Pennsylvania colony and the Native Americans. He frequently visited this area to meet with his friend Shikellamy at Shamokin (present day Sunbury), the great multi-tribal Indian village on the Susquehanna river. Members of Weiser's family later settled in Northumberland County.

Fort Zeller at Newmanstown, Lebanon County, is Pennsylvania's oldest, existing fort. Originally erected in 1723 by pioneers who came to the Tulpehocken region from New York's Schoharie valley, it was rebuilt in 1745 and was used by the Heinrich Zeller family and neighbors as a refuge from attack during the French and Indian War.

The Ephrata Cloister is among America's oldest religious communities. It was founded in 1732 by Conrad Beissel, a German emigrant, and followers who practiced an ascetic, celibate-lifestyle. Though he didn't practice celibacy, Conrad Weiser lived at the monastic settlement for six years. The community became as well known for its music, calligraphy and publishing enterprises as for its unusual religious practices. Today the National Historic Landmark is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

En route to these interesting sites, Dr. Katherine Faull, a member of the historical society board and a professor at Bucknell University, will provide a historical narrative.

The tour will leave at 6:30 a.m. from the Kmart parking lot at Shamokin Dam and return around 9 p.m..

Tickets are $50 for non-members and $45 for NCHS members, which includes admission to all sites and transportation. The tour will stop for lunch at the Heidelberg Restaurant in Womelsdorf and the Good n Plenty restaurant near Lancaster for dinner. Meals are not included in the tour fee.

For further details and to purchase tickets, call NCHS at 570-286-4083 during office hours or Barbara at 570-556-6779.

by justin strawser

SUNBURY - The deficit at the end of 2011 for Northumberland County is $1.8 million, which is $300,000 higher than the deficit predicted by county Controller Tony Phillips.

Phillips reported this information Tuesday afternoon to the commissioners during their regular meeting, saying he was informed the state would be providing only $200,000 for the 2010 and 2011 losses in the transportation department compared to the expected $450,000.

"The county finances are in a very fragile state at the current time. The deficit that has been amassed in 2011 is not insurmountable, but it cannot be allowed to get any deeper," Phillips said.

The four-year financial plan adopted by the commissioners earlier this month, which will raise property taxes by 2.5 mills, will allow the county to meet its obligations for 2012 and should keep the county "on solid financial footing" until 2016, he said.

Otherwise, the county would have had to decide between the repayment a $3 million TRAN loan payment in December or paying the last two payrolls of 2012, Phillips noted.

"This board has shown to be fiscally conservative by making tough decisions particularly in the area of staffing and payroll. If decisions such as these had not been made, we would have been on the fast track to bankruptcy," he said.

The county faced numerous challenges in 2010 and 2011, including mandatory health care costs, mandatory multimillion dollar communications upgrade at the 911 center and aging buildings such as the prison.

Another large cost like one of those would "completely turn 2012 upside down," Phillips said.

"That is something the county cannot afford," he added.

The budget report was filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas.

The final and audited financial statement will be released following the single audit to be completed by Klackik and Associates, Shamokin, and SB and Company, Philadelphia.

Currently, there is a matter of $190,000 discrepancy that the controller's office is working through with the auditors.

"While we are confident that this will eventually be resolved in our favor, if it is not, the loss could increase by that amount," Phillips said.

The 2011 county annual financial report can be viewed at the controller's office, 399 S. Fifth St., Sunbury, or online at www.norrycopa.net.