PAXINOS - The National Ticket Company board of directors has announced the appointment of Keith Bax as vice president of sales and marketing.

Bax joins National Ticket Company after a successful six-year stint as vice president of marketing for Research Data Inc., and Conquest Graphics, a leading e-commerce printing company based in Richmond, Va.

Company officials said Bax brings a wealth of marketing, business analysis and complex solutions development experience to his new role at National Ticket.

Prior to that, Bax held a number of executive positions at Xerox Corporation during an 11-year tenure, including being selected as a founding member of the prestigious iGen3 sales and marketing organization, and as a senior business process consultant with Xerox Global Services.

Prior to joining Xerox, Bax held a variety of leadership positions within the graphic arts industry, including vice president of Graphic Innovations Inc., a graphic design and consulting business that he co- founded in 1988.

Bax graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, and was a member of the university's varsity soccer team. He likes to spend time with his wife, Leslie, and his son, Axel. Bax enjoys playing and coaching soccer, working out and gardening, and is a former competitive road racing cyclist.

Bax will continue to live and work in the Richmond, Va. area.

Divorces

Scott A. Brouse, 975 S. Second St., Sunbury, from Kristina M. Brouse, 460 Susquehanna St., Northumberland. Married Feb. 25, 1990.

Crystal L. Hurne, 5150 Susquehanna Trail, Apt. 2, Turbotville, from William B. Hurne, 35 Center St., Watsontown. Married Dec. 10, 1988.

Edward J. Mikulski, 1054 Pine St., Kulpmont, from Michelle C. Mikulski, 228 W. Wood St., Atlas. Married Oct. 2, 1999.

Terrie Jo Mapes, 704 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, from Frank A. Mapes, 200 W. Sleepy Hollow Road, Elysburg. Married Dec. 17, 2005.

Krista L. Maust, 736 Tower Road, Selinsgrove, from Steven R. Maust, 771 Old Danville Highway, Northumberland. Married Dec. 13, 2003.

Heather C. Russin, 102 Sportzone Drive, Northumberland, from Aaron David Lupold Russin, 224 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin. Married July 9, 2007.

Cathy L. Snyder, 1989 Mountain Road, Dornsife, from Robert H. Mummey, 35 Lower Market St., Milton. Married Dec. 5, 2009.

Marriage licenses

William Bud Krumbine and Brenda Ann Schlief, both of 4540 State Route 61, Paxinos. Issued Jan. 3, 2013.

Gilbert Kevin Powell, of 313 S. Chestnut St., Mount Carmel and Nancy C. Giarth, of 241 S. Chestnut St., Mount Carmel. Issued Jan. 5, 2013.

Kenneth S. Mull Jr. and Josette M. Bevan, both of 1800 Tioga St., Coal Township. To be issued Jan. 7, 2013.

Property transfers

Thomas F. Olcese and Jean L. Olcese to Janice E. Miner, property in Shamokin, $1.

Brent J. Kelchner to Brent J. Kelchner and Maria E. Kelchner, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Carson A. Riland and Christine J. Riland to Kevin E. Raker and Mary R. Raker, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Sandra L. Ritchie to Mark E. Ritchie and Debra E. Ritchey, two properties in Rockefeller Township, $1 each.

Anne E. Schlagle to Leon T. Supsic (trustee) and Schlagle Irrevocable Vivos Trust, property in Shamokin Township.

Jolinrae LLC to Joel D. Knoebel and Sarah M. Knoebel, property in Shamokin Township, $110,000.

BWH Properties LLC to Edgar Grigoryan, property in Mount Carmel, $10,290.

Darlene L. Snyder to James L. Lahr and Crystal A. Lahr, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Eddie L. Furman and Vera F. Furman to Melissa L. English, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Lori Kehler, Jeffrey Kehler, Brian G. Persing, Linda Persing, Margaret Shinskie, Joseph Shinskie, Karen Persing, Scott Persing, and Karen R. Persing to Wayne Ross Schultz, property in Shamokin, $10,000.

As we kick off a new year, I want to present some basic information about the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce for this month's column.

Mission statement

"Our mission is to be a catalyst and advocate for economic and social growth and development, while providing positive leadership throughout the Brush Valley Region. We will aggressively promote and market the Brush Valley and its people, thus ensuring the highest quality of life for everyone."

Priorities

- Expand programs to enhance career education and workforce development.

- Establish a regional coalition of governments to promote regional development.

- Partner with local legislators and municipalities for economic development and industrial growth.

- Expand and enhance member relations to include specific member benefits for continued business growth and stability.

Benefits to members

- Commercial and residential energy pool products.

- Health insurance options.

- Factbuilt credit reporter.

- Commercial and industrial property listing.

- Networking opportunities.

- Free notary services.

- Marketing/promotion opportunities.

- Business directory/search opportunities.

- Business referrals.

- Local, state and federal representation.

- Many other events and business opportunities to help improve the economic environment of not only your business but the surrounding communities.

Committees

- Economic development and governmental affairs.

- Business and education.

- Community wellness.

- Membership.

- Events.

- Public relations and marketing.

- Administrative committees.

We are always looking for new members. If you would like to join, contact me at 644-6575, extension 122.

(Sandy Winhofer is executive director of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Your Chamber" is published the first Sunday of each month.)

The pressures to cut federal spending and resolve lingering issues from the last Congress overshadowed the priorities of northeast Pennsylvania delegates in their first few days in office.

Whether and how soon they can accomplish anything will depend a lot, as always, on timing, political circumstances, their own persistence, seniority and relationships in Congress and a variety of other factors still unknown.

Undoubtedly, anything they accomplish will hinge partly on what the newly sworn-in 113th Congress does to reign in federal deficits.

Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, vow to use a late February deadline to increase the nation's debt limit to produce spending cuts large enough to eventually balance the budget.

It has been Toomey's top priority since he took office in January 2011.

He wrote his own budget and served on a supercommittee of congressmen whose mission was to come up with $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction by the end of 2011. They failed, and Congress negotiated a deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff" that would have resulted this year if all Bush-era tax cuts were

allowed to expire and automatic spending cuts kicked in Jan. 1.

For now, income tax rates on all but the wealthiest Americans remain the same with spending cuts to be negotiated. The Social Security payroll tax went up two percentage points. But the government's 2012 fiscal year ended Sept. 30 with a $1.1 trillion deficit, the fourth year in a row of trillion-dollar-plus deficits.

"You know, we've got the most certain fiscal disaster in history looming," Toomey said. "It's not a question of whether that's going to happen, it's a question of when. No country has ever been able to rack up the kind of debt we're racking up and not have it end very, very badly."

Toomey made national news last week when he openly said Republicans should be willing to shut down the government.

"If we have to go through a disruptive, temporary, partial government shutdown, I hope we can avoid that, but I think the more important thing is to get on the right fiscal path," Toomey said in an interview Friday.

In his second term, Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, Hazleton, will join the Homeland Security Committee and target illegal immigration, expected to be a hot topic.

Barletta has long opposed finding a pathway to citizenship for more than 10 million illegal immigrants, a goal of many Democrats and interest groups. He hasn't changed his mind, but said he would be willing to examine that once the nation's borders are secure. One major issue to tackle is finding a way to track people who failed to leave when temporary visas expired.

"A third to a half who are in the country illegally didn't cross a border. Their visa expired and we just can't track them," Barletta said. "First things first. If you have a hole in the roof, you don't replace the carpet. You fix the hole in the roof."

Barletta, a transportation committee member, was unhappy Congress passed only an 18-month highway and transportation funding bill so he also plans to focus on developing a multi-year deal.

Barletta said transportation funding will have to shift away from gasoline taxes because conservation measures are reducing revenues. He favors considering tolling and taxes based on a driver's average annual mileage traveled. He also plans to work on tax reform and to reintroduce his bill to reduce the interest on federal loans for businesses struck by natural disasters.

Rep. Tom Marino, R-10, Lycoming Township, said tax reform and cutting federal spending are his top priorities in his second term. He has already spoken with Toomey about lowering overall rates while eliminating loopholes and deductions that cost the treasury money. He plans to introduce a flat-tax bill, though he hasn't settled on its nature, but favors keeping deductions for home mortgage interest, children and tuition.

"You've heard me say a million times, we don't have a taxing problem, we have a spending problem," he said.

Marino also said he will fight again for his bill to limit bills to one subject rather than continuing the practice of lumping unrelated measures together.

Other congressmen think he's crazy, he said.

"There may be 20 things in that package and I may agree with 10, not agree with 10 and then I have to weigh, which is going to be more beneficial to my district," he said.

He also plans to introduce legislation limiting members of the House and Senate to 12 years in office and to require floor votes on bills approved by a House committee.

Two years in office taught him that a major problem with Congress is entrenched congressmen who wield inordinate power to thwart floor votes on good bills, he said.

"I think we have to fix the inside here in Washington before we can fix the other problems," he said. "It's not rocket science, it's common sense."

Marino also said he will reintroduce his legislation to regulate animal fighting and allow independent pharmacies to band together to buy drugs to cut prices for consumers.

Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat, said job growth will remain a top priority, including the reauthorization of funding to train workers for new jobs. So will coming up with a replacement for the No Child Left Behind school-reform law. That should include proper funding for early childhood education, a major component in economic growth, he said.

"This idea that you can create jobs because you have a good economic policy doesn't work too well over the long term. You've got to put in place strategies right now that will lead to job growth down the road," he said.

He also plans to help tackle deficits, but hopes members on both sides of the aisle avoid "line-in-the-sand kinds of statements" that automatically reject one solution or another.

He seemed to question Toomey's push for using the upcoming debt-ceiling debate to force spending cuts.

"I think it's a great opportunity to talk about how to reduce spending, how to make sure we're putting ourselves on a sustainable fiscal path," Casey said. "But I think it's the wrong approach to start conditioning what's going to happen. We've got to make sure that people are working together. The last thing we need is a partisan fight."

As a new member of the Senate Finance Committee, Toomey said he will also focus on reforming Social Security and Medicare, closing tax loopholes and reducing deductions to offset cuts in federal tax rates.

Toomey said he's flexible about the deductions and loopholes, though a cap on deductions seems like a good idea.

"I think the principle is what's important - broadening the base of the sources of income and the nature of income that gets taxed and using that broader base to lower marginal rates," he said.

Noteworthy

Final sign-ups for memory program

DANVILLE - The Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community is offering a "Memory Care and Thought Stimulation" enrichment program that is open to the general public as well as its residents. Final sign-ups are taking place now for the winter class which will meet for six weeks starting Jan. 14.

The program meets at the Maria Joseph Manor Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for two hours, with a choice of two sessions - either 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. There is no charge for the memory program. It is designed for older adults who wish to improve their memory and thought retention.

The program does not require previous computer experience. All of the exercises can be done using a touch screen, and the instructor provides individual assistance. Participants work at their own pace and only they see their scores after completing each section.

For more information or to register, contact Jenna Hampton at Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community, 275-4221, extension 2016, or jhampton@mariajosephccc.org

By Rob Wheary

COAL TOWNSHIP - Wednesday marked the first day of operation for the Darla Fausey Agency, located at The Plaza at Coal Township.

During an open house to mark the occasion, Fausey, a 1997 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, welcomed customers and friends.

"I took over the agency Tuesday and I'm ready to help our area neighbors with their needs," Fausey said.

After graduating college, Fausey started out in the public relations/marketing field, but didn't take to it. When she starting working with State Farm, she knew she had found her calling.

"There is such a family atmosphere here with State Farm that, when I started, I just wanted to help in any way I can," she said. "Now I'm an agent and I've been with the company for 10 years."

Fausey and her staff, business acquisition specialist Andrea Whyne, business retention specialist Clarissa Narvaez and business assistant Kayleisha Miller, are ready to explain and help customers with the more than 90 products State Farm offers, from insurance to retirement planning to banking services.

Fausey hopes to offer her services to the community, too.

"I've been in contact with several local school districts about coming in and teaching the students about such things as the do's and don't's of credit cards and how to open a checking account," Fausey said.

She also plans to participate in community events.

On the first day at her agency, Fausey gave a piece of advice to her staff.

"I told them that we are here to be able to change people's lives, give them peace of mind," she said.

Hours are Monday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Call 648-0809.

By Justin Strawser

RINGTOWN - To hear Paul Caputo and his family discuss Southern Columbia Area School District, one might think they're talking about "the one who got away."

Caputo, current superintendent at Upper Dauphin Area School District, was SCA high school principal from 2003 to 2006. While he moved on to new jobs in new places, he never discarded the memories from his time at Southern.

There are folders of photographs saved on his computer desktop, school apparel in his closet and mementos in his "man cave," including a giant framed photograph of a Tiger.

He may be an Upper Dauphin Trojan right now, but he's full of Tiger pride inside.

And now Caputo will be reunited with his past love.

Caputo was hired Dec. 10 to replace retiring SCA Superintendent Charlie Reh. He'll start at Southern Feb. 4 at a salary of $103,000.

"He's always had Southern in his heart. I knew he'd go back," said his wife, Michele.

Caputo's 19-year-old son, Paul Michael, said despite graduating from North Schuylkill, he has always felt a certain dual-enrollment with Southern because the family would go to sports events or choral concerts there.

"It's always been a part of my upbringing. He would go to everything, and wherever he goes, we go," he said. "There's a soft spot in our hearts. It's been such a big part of our lives for so long."

In an interview with The News-Item Jan. 2 at his home at in Ringtown, Caputo said Southern has a "wholesome attitude" and he admires the "great staff, the supportive community members and the hard-working students."

"Parents should be very secure and happy their children attend that district. There's a lot of camaraderie," he said. "Everyone works together well, and they're there for the right reason: the benefit of the students."

Michele describes Southern as a unique place that has residents who "really own" their schools.

"Everybody we've ever met, they seem to take ownership. The school is the glue for that whole entire area," she said.

Southern is a winner in both athletics and academics, but Michele said it's their pride that drives the district to success.

"From the students to the teachers to the faculty to the entire community, they love being there," she said.

New York native

Caputo, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., graduated from Shenandoah Valley High School in 1979. It was his sophomore year when he realized he wanted to be an educator.

He earned a bachelor's of science in secondary education and social studies/history from Kutztown State College in 1983, his master's in history from East Stroudsburg University in 1998 and his secondary principal certification from the University of Scranton in 2000.

His career started as a substitute teacher for social studies and science at Shenandoah Valley School District in 1984, and he landed his first permanent position in August 1984 as social studies teacher at Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville, where he remained until 1992. During his time there, he also served concurrently as director of development.

He spent most of his educational career at Carbon County Area Vocational-Technical School in Jim Thorpe. He was hired as a social studies teacher in May 1992, was the high school vice principal for two weeks in 2000 and served the rest of his time there as high school principal until 2003.

After three years at Southern, he was hired as the supervisor of curriculum, technology and federal programs at North Schuylkill School District until July 2010, at which time he took the superintendent post at Upper Dauphin.

Sports, history buff

Caputo is also a big sports enthusiast - his favorite pastime is watching New York Mets and New York Ranger games - and has coached baseball and football at various school districts and local leagues. His sons played for some of those teams.

"Baseball was always on," Paul Michael said. "I had a natural interest in it from day one. I started playing soccer when I was little, and I stuck with it. I had a love for that as well."

He said his younger brother Joel, 14, was quick to follow in his father's footsteps into sports, and his 9-year-old brother was next.

"Having both of us in sports, Luke didn't really have much of a choice," he said.

When Caputo retires, he said he would like to get back into high school coaching.

The Caputos started dating when they were sophomores in high school in 1977. Their first date was on Valentine's Day to a high school wrestling match. They were married in 1986 and built their current house in Ringtown in 1994.

Michele, a third-grade teacher at Shenandoah Valley for 30 years, said it's not always easy being the only female in a house full of men who live and breathe sports.

"I have to seek female companionship. Sometimes I want to talk about soup, and there's no one to talk to," she joked. "They're good to me, but I am most definitely in their world."

Caputo, a history buff, has a deep interest in anthracite, labor and Civil War histories, and has taken his family to different sites around the coal region. He is currently reading "With Malice Toward None: A Life of Abraham Lincoln" by Stephen B. Oates, a Christmas gift.

But between the educational responsibilities of mom and dad and the sports commitments of the sons, there is not much time for other things, which is why Michele is happy Caputo will be taking the Southern job.

The commute to Southern will only be 20 minutes compared to 50 minutes it takes to Upper Dauphin in Loyalton, Caputo said.

"He immerses himself into whatever he gets into. If there's a basketball game, he's going to want to show his face at the basketball game. He wants to be there, no matter where it is," Michele said. "If he can run home, have a little supper and get back in 20 minutes, that's a big help."

Caputo and his family will be staying in Ringtown rather than moving closer to Southern, because Michele has roots in Ringtown and Joel and Luke are settled at North Schuylkill.

Education and underdogs

Caputo's family describes him as gentle, caring and committed in everything he sets his mind to.

"He loves the underdog in anything," Michele said.

Education opens doors and provides opportunities for others, Caputo said.

"That's the main reason why I became interested in education. I like rooting for the underdog. It's a good opportunity to help those individuals," he said. "That is something that motivates me."

Before he arrived as superintendent at Upper Dauphin, he said school officials were borrowing money from their fund balance to close the deficit. In his first year, they faced a $2 million deficit in the budget.

He helped the district identify overstaffing, and they were able to reduce staff without affecting programs, he said.

He also helped renegotiate photocopying contracts and switched Internet providers, which were moves that saved tens of thousands of dollars.

It was also determined that the transportation provider for Upper Dauphin was overcharging the district, and the transportation line item was reduced from $1.5 million to $813,000, he said.

"Before you know it, it's a million dollars in savings," he said.

Other highlights at Upper Dauphin including expanding the kindergarten program from a half-day to a full-time program, the introduction of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles to our Middle School Technology Education program and its expansion to grade six (it had been a grade 7-8 program); and the conversion of their Title I program from a targeted assistance to schoolwide program.

"Overall my tenure there was marked by a great deal of collaboration and team work," he said.

When the SCA school board was attempting to balance the $17 million 2012-13 budget in the first half of 2012, there were at least 16 employees being considered for furloughs. In February, nearly 180 students, alumni, teachers, parents, booster representatives and concerned citizens piled into the high school library where public meetings are held to rally in favor of the music department. Most of the positions, the music department's included, were eventually saved, but taxes for property owners did increase.

The budget concerns are part of the reason Caputo decided to pursue the superintendent position.

"I feel I can help," he said. "You evaluate, you assess and you make cuts where you have to. They have to be thoughtful and deliberate."

Caputo is entering the district in the middle of the 2013-14 budget season, and the first report of the general operating budget puts the district more than $643,000 in the hole.

His goal is to work through the budget, but also to keep the focus on education and to maintain quality programs while expanding existing programs.

Handling tragedy

At Upper Dauphin last month, in the wake of the massive school shooting in Connecticut, Caputo said he spoke with the staff about how to handle the tragedy.

"They were free to discuss it in their classrooms. They were encouraged to stay calm, and not show anger or fear. We wanted the students' day to be as normal and routine as possible," he said.

Each teacher was allowed to acknowledge the events in whatever way they saw fit. The middle and high schools started the day with a moment of silence, and the elementary principal decided to not bring it up.

Concerned parents who called about safety issues were reassured there were plans in place for emergencies, he said.

The best defense is to be prepared and have drills to ensure they are trained in what to do in the event of such an emergency, he said.

"If we're not training, if we're not vigilant, if we're not keeping the schools secure, then we're at fault," he said.

Guiding, not dictating

School Board Directors Timothy Vought and John Yocum made and seconded the motion to hire Caputo, and it passed 6-1 with Vice President Charlie Porter voting against it.

Board President Mike Yeager said Thursday there's "no doubt" Caputo loves Southern Columbia and the district is lucky to have him.

"He's very straightforward and he's a very honest person," Yeager aid.

A co-worker of Caputo described him to Yeager as a person who goes exactly by the book, and if the rules say something, that's what it is.

"He also quiet and mild mannered, but he's able to do a good job at directing," Yeager said. "He's a person who guides rather than dictates."

Name: Paul Caputo

Age: 51 (until Jan. 14)

Residence: Ringtown

Wife: Michele, 51

Children: Paul Michael, 19 (freshman at Indiana University of Pennsylvania); Joel, 14 (freshman at North Schuylkill Jr.-Sr. High School); Luke, 11 (fifth-grader at North Schuylkill Elementary School).

Employment: Superintendent at Upper Dauphin School District. Takes same job at Southern Columbia Area School District Feb. 4.

Hobbies: Sports, history, technology, working outdoors, exercise.

SHAMOKIN - "Hearing those voices may be the closest I come to heaven."

That was one of the many compliments overheard at Mother Cabrini Church Sunday afternoon following a performance by Baltimore, Archbishop Curley High School Schola choral group and handbell choir.

With approximately 300 people listening, harmonies from the 31-member chorus cascaded down from the choir loft.

"Today is a very special treat for all of you here today," church pastor the Rev. Martin Kobos said. "This is the group's first appearance in Shamokin and you will all truly enjoy this performance."

Led by founder and choirmaster Michael Gaffney, the students performed a variety of selections, everything from Christmas Carols like "We Three Kings" and "Go, Tell It on the Mountain," to more contemporary holiday songs like "Wassail to You" and "Somewhere in My Memory."

While the singing voices were given a rest, members of the handbell choir rang out such songs as "Good King Wenceslas" and the "Carol of the Bells," with the strongest applause coming after the performance of the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah."

There was even a little fun involved in the song "Tom, Dick and Harry," written specifically for the school by British composer the late Sir Philip Ledger.

The song tells the tale of three highway robbers that terrorized a town, before one met an early demise and the others were captured, tried and hung for their crimes.

"I knew the Eucharist would not be in the Sanctuary today, so we can sing this one," Gaffney said.

At the end of the concert, the choir members came down from the loft and stood before the audience, while both congregation and choir joined together in singing "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."

Following the 90-minute concert, the audience of 300 gave a standing ovation and asked for an encore, leaving Gaffney and the choral group shuffling for a song.

They settled on the alma mater of Archbishop Curley High School, which delighted those in attendance.

Following the concert, the group heard the praise one on one from everyone at a special reception held in the church hall.

"The setting today and everyone has just been wonderful," Gaffney said. "The acoustics in the church are wonderful. Anytime they would like us back here, we will come."

Located in Northeast Baltimore City and founded in 1998, the Archbishop Curley High School Choir began with four charter members and has grown to 80. The school group has performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and with the ladies of the Concert Choir of the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.

Kobos thanked Knights of Columbus Council No. 458, of Shamokin, and Rita's Bakery for their help in making Sunday's concert possible.

The church will be getting a shipment of past performances on CD available for purchase at the church office in the near future.

SHAMOKIN - Two juvenile suspects are in custody following an armed robbery Sunday evening in Shamokin.

Police were called into action after a report of someone being robbed of their cell phone at gunpoint at about 9:13 p.m. The theft was believed to be in connection with several vehicle break-ins on Eighth and Rock streets.

Officers engaged in a foot pursuit with both suspects before taking one into custody in an alley between The News-Item and Center City Apartments, while the other was taken into custody a short time later at his home. Following the incident, an unknown-type pistol was recovered by officers in a vacant lot adjacent to EyeSense at 322 E. Independence St.

As of press time, one suspect had been questioned, while police were awaiting a Spanish-speaking interpreter to interview the second suspect.

Officers from Coal Township and Ralpho Township assisted city police.

Divine Redeemer Church

The following memorials/donations have been presented to Divine Redeemer Church, Mount Carmel for December.

In memory of:

Dorothy I. Clevenstine from Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wydila, Mildred Palembas, Jean Kashmere, Ted and Jackie Matlow and Helen Pavis.

Alexander and Stephania Brzostowski from Betty and Helen.

John and Gertrude Brzostowski from Betty and Helen.

Frank and Ruth Brzostowski from Betty and Helen.

Marie Bielarski from Betty and Helen.

Tessie and Steve Megosh from Betty and Helen.

Jim Palembas and John Moleski from Betty and Helen.

Jane and Joe Gencavage from Betty and Helen.

Geraldine A. Whipple from sons, Jeffrey and Earl and Frank and Mary Sawicki.

Cecelia M. Dorkoski from Karen and Rita Alekseyko and Helen Hirsch.

Michael J. Augustine from Ron Coleman.

Bernadine J. Petruskevich from Ron Coleman and family and Rita and Karen Alekseyko.

Robert A. Veach from Ron Coleman and family, Barb and Joe Palovick, Carrie and Donna Sawicki, Betty Hornberger, Ralph and Josephine Nestico, Wally, Anne and Megan McAndrew, Michelle (Palovick) and Mark Leister, Helen Kaminski, Sam and Ann Spears, Gary and Kerri Spears and sons, Hank and Loretta Witkoski, Ed and Shelly Stellar, Cathy Lacroce, Ted and Jackie Matlow, Jack and Toni Sommers, Isabell Amarose, Geisinger Health System, Rich, Mary, Jonathan and Sarah Novack, Matthew and Renee Popalis, Elizabeth Veach, JoAnn and Walt Kozlowski, Chris and Carl Veach, Dan and Phyllis Ficca, Evelyn Pedergnana, Helen Hirsch, Frank and Mary Sawicki, Harry and Marsha Morgan and family, Mike and Missy Menapace and family, Irene and Norb Wydila, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Iwanski and Roger and Martina Boyle.

Paul J. Saukaitis from Barb and Joe Palovick, Carrie and Donna Sawicki, Betty Hornberger, Ralph and Josephine Nestico, Wally, Anne and Megan McAndrew. Michelle (Palovick) and Mark Leister, Helen Kaminski, Hank and Loretta Witkoski, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Koveleski and sons, Karen M. Gard, Dwight R. Davis, D.D.S. and Mary and Donna, Rich, Mary, Jonathan and Sarah Novack, Dan and Phyllis Ficca, Lora Kulick, Frank and Mary Sawicki, Ted and Jackie Matlow, Irene and Norb Wydila, Donna and Bob Veach, Thomas and Anne Creal, Sweet Beginnings Bake Shop-Kristan Kessler and Robert and Kathleen Else.

Margaret N. Lindenmuth from Co-workers of Tom Lindenmuth at Pinnacle Food Group, LLC.

Frank J. Luchnick from Mary E. Moran.

Mary A. Zelner from Frank and Mary Sawicki.

Dr. Vincenzo Mirarchi from Margaret Scicchitano.

Thomas J. Ferdock from Ron Coleman.

Lenore R. Zenyuh from Mildred Greco and Barbara Iwanski.

Mary Cioffi from Carrie and Donna Sawicki and Betty Hornberger.

William Janovich, Sr. from Rita M. Pizzoli and Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Pizzoli.

Janet Mary Greco from Helen Hirsch, Martha Meredith and Dora and Joan DiFrancesco.

Ann Baskera from Dora DiFrancesco.

In honor of:

The 100th birthday of Bruno Leonardi Dec. 9th from Vince and Janet Yuskoski.

Birthday:

Reno and Edith Purin on their birthdays from their daughters.

Culver to hold outreach events

SUNBURY - In addition to Thursday's small games of chance seminar at the Sunbury Social Club, State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) will hold a constituent outreach event from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 24 at the Little Mahanoy Township Building, State Road, Dornsife.

Culver and her staff will be on hand to help the public with such items as assistance with PennDOT paperwork, driver's license and vehicle registration applications and renewals, information about state legislation, PACE and PACENET applications for seniors, Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms, referrals to agencies to resolve state-related matters, state tax forms, student aid applications, voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications and any other state-related issues.

For more infomation, call her district office in Sunbury at 286-5885, or visit her website at www.LyndaCulver.com.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court Feb. 25 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Dennis Chandler, 45, of 2 N. Vine St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to a summary count of harassment and was ordered to pay a $50 fine plus costs. Additional charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness were withdrawn.

Chandler was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle with assaulting his wife, Paula Chandler, at their home Dec. 7.

n Christopher Depka, 30, of 1332 W. Holly St., Coal Township, waived to court charges of burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

Depka was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Chad Yoder with stealing an Olympus camera, a Toshiba video recorder, a Sony PlayStation, an Acer tablet, a laptop and chargers, and 10 PlayStation 3 games from the residence of Michelle Anascavage, 1310 W. Holly St., Coal Township, on Nov. 23. Police said Depka sold the PlayStation, a Black Ops II game and 10 video games to GameStop for $150 and the Acer tablet and laptop to a neighbor for $175.

n Katherine Bixler, 28, of 721 Center St., Tharptown, waived to court charges of criminal attempt to commit burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief relating to incidents that occurred Nov. 10 at Kreco Electric and a garage on Center Street in Tharptown owned by Frederick Shingara.

Bixler also waived to court charges of burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property relating to burglaries at Kreco Electric on Oct. 3 and Oct. 7.

Charges were filed by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan.

n Walter J. Dessin, 30, of Port Royal, waived to court two counts of contraband filed by Trooper Kirk Renn of state police at Stonington.

Dessin was charged with providing Kevin Banks, an inmate at SCI-Coal Township, with two baggies of marijuana and a cell phone in exchange for money between Feb. 1 and May 13, 2010, while Dessin was employed as a correctional officer at the state prison.

n Christopher Powell, 24, of 1125 W. Gowen St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty to a summary count of harassment and was given credit for time previously served in prison. An additional charge of simple assault was withdrawn.

Powell was charged by Coal Township Patrolman David Sage with assaulting his live-in girlfriend, Jessica Long, at their residence Sept. 30.

n Lee J. Doncheski, owner of David Distributing, 501 N. Rock St., Shamokin, waived to court 323 misdemeanor counts of failing to provide workers' compensation to his employees.

Doncheski is charged in a private criminal complaint filed by Daniel F. Pugh, an investigator with the Compliance Division of the state Department of Labor and Industry, with failing to provide workers' compensation to his employees between April 2, 2008, and Feb. 18, 2009.

Each day's violation constitutes a separate offense, according to the complaint.

n Shayla Snyder, 22, of 1544 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, waived to court charges of delivery of heroin, possession with intent to deliver heroin and criminal use of a communication facility involving a May 11 incident on West Spruce Street in Coal Township.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn.

Snyder also waived to court charges of delivery of heroin, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility relating to a May 2 incident in the west end of Coal Township.

The charges were filed by Wynn.

n Ashley N. Delgado, 19, and Denitsa Chavez, 21, both of 8 N. Seventh St., Shamokin, each waived to court a charge of retail theft filed by Coal Township Patrolman Edward Purcell.

The defendants are accused of stealing $256.84 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart Supercenter along Route 61 on Nov. 1.

n Dennis J. Reiprish, 59, of 8 Andrew St., Elysburg, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of careless driving, failure to drive in a single lane and failure to activate a turn signal upon switching lanes.

The charges were filed by Trooper Daniel Wilk of state police at Stonington in connection with an Oct. 21 incident on Route 61 near Ehrlich Pest Removal.

n Karin M. Sharpe, 34, of 148 Steeler Lane, Shamokin, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of careless driving involving an Oct. 27 incident at Market and Spruce streets.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman Nathan Rhodes.

n Ambrose J. Leshock, 71, of 4265 Route 61, Paxinos, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of failure to drive in a single lane and careless driving relating to an Oct. 29 incident on Route 61 in Shamokin Township.

The charges were filed by Trooper Thomas Leib of state police at Stonington.

n Gerald Whitnum, 47, of 341 S. Seventh St., Shamokin, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of careless driving and unlawful activities relating to an Oct. 20 incident on South Diamond Street near West Mulberry Street.

The charges were filed by Trooper Thomas Leib of state police at Stonington.

n Zachary Block, 19, of 318 N. Rock St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on probation for six months. An additional charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana was withdrawn.

Block was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano in connection with a Nov. 15 incident at his home.

n Megan R. Holohan, 32, of 18 S. Market St., Apt. 1, Shamokin, waived to court charges of harboring another person and hindering apprehension relating to a Nov. 5 incident at 207 W. Chestnut St., Apt. 3, Shamokin.

Holohan was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Darwin Tobias III with lying to police while concealing the whereabouts of a female wanted by Northumberland County Probation/Parole Department.

n Meri Delia Bones-Vega, 23, of 1209 Chemung St., Coal Township, waived to court a felony of aggravated assault, misdemeanors of simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief, and a summary of harassment involving a New Year's Day disturbance at her residence.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Terry Ketchem Jr.

Bones-Vega is accused of assaulting two police officers, pulling a clump of hair from another woman's head and smashing two windows.

TREVORTON - Michael Schwartz was re-elected chairman of the Zerbe Township Board of Supervisors during the board's reorganization meeting Monday.

Mike Mazer was named secretary/treasurer, while Gene Geise was named roadmaster.

Each appointment vote was 2-0 with the person being nominated abstaining.

Other positions and committees named at the reorganization meeting were:

Wiest, Muolo, Noon and Swinehart, solicitor; Berkheimer Associates, earned income tax collectors; Union Bank and Trust, depository; William F. Hill and Associates Inc. and URS, engineers; Douglas Parker, CPA, auditor; Ellen Troutman, clerk and open records officer; Jerome Bulchie, maintenance; Edwin Reed, sewer operator; William Breinich, laborer; Robert John, police chief; Brad Hair and Brad Slack, part-time police officers; George Renn, vacancy board; Ronald Lesher, zoning officer; Donna Reed, part-time assistant clerk and recycling assistant; Dean Sampsell and David Miller, zoning board of appeals (one seat open remains); Craig Scott, David Miller, Angela Wilkinson and Melissa Tharp, recreation committee; James Sanders, primary sewage enforcement officer, and Kenneth Young, alternate sewage enforcement officer. Two seats are open on the planning committee.

Township employees were also given 3 percent pay raises for 2013. All union employee raises will be based on the average hourly rate, while non-union employees will receive a 3 percent raise in their own hourly rate.

The appointments and raises were approved on a 3-0 vote.

Civil matters

During the public comment portion of the regular meeting that followed reorganization, supervisors heard complaints from citizens that have been expressed at past meetings. One was from the neighbor of a residence where alpacas are raised, while another asked what the township will do about a burned-out building still standing next to his property on Tenth Street.

Solicitor Roger Wiest stopped both discussions.

"We have tried our remedies, and if either of you are not satisfied with how we handled these matters, which really are private civil complaints you have with the owners, you certainly have an option to take them to court yourselves to make them move quicker," he said.

The township has already received a zoning violation judgment against the alpacas' owner, Carol Whary, and directed zoning board solicitor Todd Kerstetter to file another civil complaint to bring her before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to answer why she has not complied with the order.

"We didn't have to do that, because this really is a private matter, and I've told the supervisors that," Wiest said. "But they directed me to work on it, and I did with what I could do within our means."

In other business

Supervisors announced they received an anonymous donation of new playground equipment. The equipment was delivered Monday and will be installed in the spring.

Christmas trees will be picked up by township employees until the end of January. Residents wanting to get rid of their trees need to place them at the curb, without tree stands.

The township received a right-to-know request from David Kaleta, of Shamokin, pertaining to timbering or mining projects being done on Northumberland County land in Zerbe Township. Supervisors said Kaleta was told the township does not have that kind of information and that he should contact the township's court-appointed permanent receiver.

Twenty-five delinquent sewer accounts were submitted for collection to Central Credit Audit Inc. The amount owed is $43,264.15

Schwartz and the rest of supervisors complimented the three township employees for the job they did clearing streets during recent snow storms. To give them a little help, John Reidinger and Douglas Snyder were hired as part-time snow plowers on an as-needed basis.

Supervisors will take some time to study the Alternate Land Use Ordinance recently created by Coal Township, which seeks a 25 percent share of revenue from coal land owners who sell access permits to their land. They'll also study some revisions Schwartz has proposed to the township trailer/RV parking ordinance.

Trees will be picked up through Feb. 1

KULPMONT - Borough workers will pick up Christmas trees in Kulpmont Borough until Friday, Feb. 1. Residents of Chestnut Street are asked to put their trees in the alleys behind their homes in order to avoid traffic congestion on Route 61.

DCNR accepting grant applications

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has scheduled workshops and is accepting applications for grants under the 2013 Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), according to Sen. John R. Gordner, R-27.

In 2013, DCNR will focus on grant awards that advance local recreation and conservation priorities delineated in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

The application period for C2P2 is open until April 10. Grant applications are available at www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us.

Additionally, DCNR and the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society have scheduled a series of grant workshops for local officials and recreation associations beginning in February. Go to www.dcnr.state.pa.us/calendar for more information.

Free grant-writing workshop offered

SHAMOKIN - The public is invited to attend a free grant-writing workshop offered at St. John's United Church of Christ.

A one-hour orientation led by Sherry Romanoskie will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the church, 117 N. Eighth St., and is focused on funding opportunities for church and community organizations.

Training will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jan. 19, also at the church, during which the basics of the grant-writing process, grant research, proposal development and grant submission will be covered.

Lunch will be served during the training session.

For more information, call the church office at 648-6101.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mayor J. Kevin Jones won't run for a fifth term in the 2013 election.

Jones notified borough employees of his decision Tuesday, and said he wanted to make the public aware early in the election process that he won't be running.

"I just feel everyone needs to know this," he said Wednesday. "And now there's enough time" for those who would consider running, he said.

Jones, 56, said he hopes to see quality candidates emerge.

"The more the merrier," he said. "I think this is good for the process."

A history buff, Jones noted an old saying that the only two ways to remove a politician from office is to throw him out or through death. He said he's always enjoyed the quote, but doesn't want to live it.

Jones' first term began in 1998 and he was re-elected three times.

He said Elmer Delcamp served the longest of any Mount Carmel mayor, 24 years from 1930 to 1954, and Lawrence Joyce served the second most amount of years, 21, although his terms weren't consecutive. Jones will have served third longest in number of years, 16, and said he has one distinction over the others in that he never lost an election for mayor.

Jones had competition in both the primary and general elections in his first race for office, and beat out competitors in the general election for this third and fourth terms. He was unopposed in his second term.

He said the years he'll have served represent half the time of his full-time occupation, which was as a teacher. He retired at the end of the 2010-11 school year from Southern Columbia Area. He also served about 10 years as a member of the Mount Carmel Area School Board, including a term as president.

Jones said he enjoys his role as mayor - attending every parade, every program, every event in town, not to mention presiding at some 250 weddings - but that he's looking forward to having more time for traveling and other activities. He said he'll remain active, however, with the various civic groups with which he's involved.

Those duties will allow Jones to continue with one aspect of the mayor's job that he'll wish he still had.

"I'll miss helping people," he said. "We were able to help so many people with various issues over the years. That makes you feel good."

Jones extended a special thanks to his wife, Donna, for her support during his time a mayor.

HARRISBURG - Former House Majority Leader Todd Eachus started collecting a $2,864 monthly pension last fall, nearly two years after he left office, according to records released by the State Employees' Retirement System following a Right-To-Know request filed by The (Scranton) Times-Tribune on Dec. 31.

Eachus, a former Luzerne County lawmaker, received his first monthly payment retroactive to Sept. 26, 2012, the date of his 50th birthday. The payments amount to more than $34,000 over a year.

Eachus lost his re-election bid in 2010 to Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-116, Butler Township, Luzerne County. He was first elected to the House in 1996.

Eachus was named chief external affairs officer last November for Opportunity Finance Network, a Philadelphia-based firm that provides financial opportunities for businesses in disadvantaged communities.

Eachus was born Sept. 26, 1962, according to the 1997 volume of The Pennsylvania Manual.

A lawmaker over age 50 with at least three years of experience qualifies for a full pension without an early retirement reduction, said SERS spokeswoman Pamela Hile on Monday.

In addition to the monthly payment, Eachus received $96,478 in a lump-sum pension payment from SERS.

SERS rules give retirees the option of collecting a lump sum reflecting any portion of the salary withheld from their paychecks over the years along with 4 percent interest.

State lawmakers have a defined-benefit pension plan based on salary, years in office and their own contributions, something disappearing in the private sector where 401(k) plans built on a mix of contributions from employees and employers are most common.

Efforts to reach Eachus for comment were unsuccessful.

A Capitol activist said allowing lawmakers to retire at 50 with full pension benefits after only working 13 years is not fiscally sound.

"This is a pension Ponzi scheme that cannot be sustained," said Eric Epstein, co-founder of Rock The Capital, a Harrisburg-based government reform advocacy group.

POINT TOWNSHIP - An early morning blaze destroyed a mobile home on Eighth Street near the border of the township and Northumberland Wednesday, leaving one man homeless.

Point Township Chief Jim Geise said the home at 227 Eighth St., which is owned by David Pope, was reported to have caught fire at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Firefighters from the township, Northumberland, Upper Augusta and Sunbury responded to the scene, but Geise said the small size of the building meant the fire quickly consumed the structure.

"It's typical for a mobile home. It was morning, and it took 15 minutes for it to go. It didn't take very long with nobody being home to report it right away," Geise said.

Pope, who was the only resident in the house and had no pets, had just left for work, but a neighbor reported the fire, he said.

The fire crew took approximately 20 minutes to get the fire under control, and they cleared the scene at 8:30 a.m., Geise said.

The fire was ruled accidental in nature, and the origin was traced back to a space heater in the living room, located in the middle of the trailer, Geise said.

He said State Police Fire Marshal Trooper Kirk Renn out of the Selinsgrove barracks reviewed his findings and was satisfied with the assessment.

No one was injured in the blaze, and no firefighters, who were spraying water and creating icy roads and pavements, were injured, he said.

Geise said Pope, who has insurance, was in contact with the Red Cross, and will likely be staying with his father who lives near the Eighth Street home.

MANDATA - The Line Mountain School Board approved a motion Tuesday night that would allow the district to apply for exceptions in case they needed to raise taxes above the maximum amount permissible by the state.

Business Manager Phil Rapant reported to the board that members would have to approve a 2013-14 preliminary budget by next month if they wanted to keep the option of exceptions on the table.

Act 1 allows school districts to raise taxes by 2.4 percent. The current millage rate for property owners in Line Mountain is 70 mills, which would allow the district to increase property taxes by 1.68 mills.

At $69,300 per each mill for property owners, the increase would bring in an additional $116,424 for the district.

If the board had voted to not go above the index, they would have had until May to approve a preliminary budget. In either case, the final budget must be passed by June.

Last year, the board approved a $16,921,548 budget and dropped 1 mill in taxes. This year, Rapant said the expenditures increased by $831,667 and revenue increased by $335,328, leaving a $496,339 hole to fill.

When it came time to vote for the exceptions, President Troy Laudenslager said he was confident the extra millage would not be needed.

However, director Lawrence Neidig said he didn't want to take the chance and not have the option to raise taxes above the index if needed.

The decision to potentially file for exceptions was unanimously passed in a block of fiscal items.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area officials are researching the implementation of new security measures at district buildings in the wake of last month's school shooting in Connecticut.

The district superintendent, business manager and school board president together visited Hazleton Area on Monday to observe that district's $1 million-plus security program, and Shamokin Area principals are expected to visit Friday.

Hazleton Area uses 12 metal detectors at four district buildings, including the high school and administration building, and also uses computer software to scan all visitors' state-issued identity cards.

An approximate 30-person security staff includes three armed personnel - two district-employed school resource officers and a Pennsylvania state trooper who is stationed full-time at the high school.

Though Hazleton Area is significantly larger than Shamokin Area, such measures on a smaller scale could be on the horizon locally, and that appears a sign of the times.

"Maybe 10 years ago I'd say, 'Wow, unbelievable,' " James Zack, Shamokin Area superintendent, said of the sight of metal detectors and armed guards inside a school building. "Today, people there did not seemed fazed by it."

There are no metal detectors or armed guards at Shamokin Area. There are no unarmed, full-time security guards at the district, for that matter, Brian Persing, school board president, confirmed.

He suspects that could change.

"I envision that for the school district in the next five, six months," Persing said of the use of armed guards.

"You'd never think you'd have to go to school and have armed guards," he continued. "That goes to show where we're at."

Shamokin Area once had a school resource officer through a partnership with Coal Township Police Department. The district paid 70 percent of the officer's salary and benefits, largely bolstered by money from a federal grant program. That funding source dried up, and last January, when the school board sought to erase a deficit that at one point topped $5.6 million, a contract with Coal Township police was not renewed despite the resistance of some board members and the reluctance of others.

There are cameras and buzzer systems in place to help control access to the main entrances of all three district buildings throughout the day.

Three part-time security guards are working at the district elementary school, but their presence is associated with an ongoing renovation project and is not a standard security measure.

'Top priority'

Hazleton Area already owned a pair of metal detectors when another 10 were purchased last summer for $3,500 each. The detectors and updated security measures came after 83 .22-caliber bullets were found in a district bathroom in April. It was later determined that the bullets were for target shooting and not for a planned assault at the school. Three students were disciplined for the incident.

District Superintendent Francis X. Antonelli said the $1 million-plus cost for security staff includes salary, benefits and any equipment used for security personnel, from two-way radios and computers to clothing.

The measures have been effective, he said. Knives and other weapons have been confiscated from students, and at least one parent - a licensed firearms carrier - triggered the security equipment upon entering a school building while carrying a gun to a student registration event in August.

That person was not perceived as a threat, according to published reports.

Despite some initial hiccups and long lines, student arrival has become a lot smoother, Antonelli said, and students feel safer.

The computer identification software, which uses a database to flag people registered on the Megan's Law list or who have been convicted of violent crime, has kept some people out of school buildings.

Antonelli said the measures as a whole have also proved to be a deterrent, and that the district is considering not only purchasing metal detectors for the remaining eight Hazleton Area schools but also at employing additional armed guards.

Finding funding

Hazleton Area isn't immune to the financial maladies Shamokin Area and many others across the state have faced lately, and its school board voted to raise taxes this school year.

Antonelli said the Hazleton community as a whole is largely supportive of the district's security measures regardless of cost.

"When it comes to the safety of the children, you really can't put a price tag on it," he said. "My top priority here ... is to ensure a safe and secure environment for students and staff. If you can't do that, you can't provide an atmosphere conducive to learning."

Shamokin Area is facing a $2.8 million deficit heading into 2013-14, according to Steve Curran, business manager.

Curran and Persing each said the budget process this year would be much less painful than last year, with perhaps the entirety of the deficit covered from district reserve funding.

State law restricts school boards from simply raising property taxes to a desired rate in most instances, with restrictions to either keep tax rates below inflation or put larger tax rates to public vote.

Shamokin Area's inflation index is 2.6 percent for 2013-14, meaning the most it could raise taxes would be 0.6869 mills. That would generate about $65,000 for the district, Curran said.

Persing said the district could look for federal or state grant funding for security, but Antonelli said such funding is scarce, a reflection of the economic climate nationally. Hazleton Area sought such funding last year to have a second state trooper in the district but was denied.

The security measures, Antonelli said, are largely funded with local tax dollars.

Shamokin Area's budget is said by officials to be bare bones. Spending on equipment purchases was eliminated last year and that could remain the case this year, Curran said.

Persing wonders if district taxpayers would support a referendum for a rate hike if it were for security purposes.

"I'm just wondering what the public's input is on that," he said.

The district's current property tax rate is 26.4195 mills, which means properties are taxed about $26.42 for each $1,000 of assessed value.

Under review

Zack was impressed by Hazleton Area's security program. He described the trip to Luzerne County as a "preliminary" visit, and said no decision is on the immediate horizon.

There are no plans to visit other districts, Zack said, but that's not out of the realm of possibility. He did say district administration will review Hazleton Area's measures and discuss ideas further for Shamokin Area.

Persing said he's asked Zack and Curran to prepare a packet regarding Hazleton Area's security measures for fellow board members to review. He said he'd also turn to directors Ed Griffiths and Charles Shuey for advice.

Griffiths is currently police chief of Shamokin City, and Shuey is a retired Coal Township police officer.

Both men said they'd support having armed guards in the district, and each spoke of looking into contracting with former or off-duty police officers.

"I think we're going to have to make a concerted effort to find the funding to hire some type of armed security," Shuey said.

"If we have the money, I'm all for it," said Griffiths, who added he believes the federal government will soon make more grant money available for school security in light of the shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary.

Griffiths said he supports the use of metal detectors, which he said he had proposed in the past.

Shuey isn't convinced on the use of metal detectors from a logistical sense. He did say one no-cost measure could be implemented: banning backpacks. By doing so, he said someone wishing to smuggle a weapon into a school would have one less way to do so.

The locking mechanism on new doors installed at the elementary, like the old doors, sometimes malfunction when a vacuum is created due to the HVAC system, a Shuey said, and that issue is being addressed with the contractor this week.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County commissioners were officially notified Wednesday that the county must pay back approximately $215,000 in grant money received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the county's Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing (HPRP) Program for failing to provide proper documentation to determine client eligibility for homeless status.

The repayment request by the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), which has been anticipated by county officials for several months, prompted different reactions from the three commissioners, including a claim by Stephen Bridy that the issue involves "political gamesmanship" by DCED officials.

In a nine-page letter dated Jan. 7 and received by the commissioners Wednesday, DCED grant manager Beverly A. Hutzel states, "The county will be required to remit to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development $215,150.66, which is the amount determined to be ineligible due to lack of supporting documentation on income eligibility and housing status. The county will have 30 days or no later than Feb. 7 to provide additional documentation to support the ineligible client costs. However, if the county cannot provide the required information, then the county will need to provide to DCED a reasonable

expected time frame for the payment of ineligible costs."

Hutzel said the HPRP grant totaled $365,361. She said the $215,150.66 must be repaid as follows:

- Case management/salaries: $53,899.65.

- Administration: $4,561.56.

- Data collection: $19,992.92.

- Financial assistance payments: $133,155.53.

- Excess cash remaining in bank account: $3,541.

Commissioners

In a press release issued Wednesday afternoon, Commissioner Vinny Clausi stated, "I said at the time the last board of commissioners were considering approving this grant that it would wind up costing us money. That's why I was opposed to it from the get go and continued to oppose it, but the two other commissioners (Kurt Masser and Frank Sawicki) approved it and outvoted me."

The funds actually came from HUD, a federal agency that passed the money onto the states. In Pennsylvania, the money went to DCED to distribute to local governments.

Clausi blamed DCED from the outset for failing to provide any firm guidelines or regular oversight over the administering of funds by local governments.

Bridy, who said he has been in contact with officials from HUD, stated, "This is a game of political gamesmanship by officials at DCED directed towards Northumberland County, and an effort by DCED to pass on their own ineptitude and incompetence onto the local governments."

Bridy claimed HUD officials had no idea that money was being requested by DCED to be repaid.

The commissioner also claimed HUD officials told him that the federal agency incurred many challenges. "They told me it was a lot of money and they had to act quickly," Bridy said. "Given the emergency nature of the funds, which were part of a federal stimulus package, HUD allowed for a high level of discretion in the implementation of guidelines by local governments."

Bridy said DCED officials have informed the county that negotiating partial payment of overdue bills on behalf of distressed citizens was not permitted, while he said HUD officials indicated that they "encouraged" local officials to negotiate and make partial payments so more money would be available for others in distress.

Clausi and Bridy said they plan on fighting the repayment of $215,150.66 by taking the matter "over the heads of DCED officials" to HUD, while working closely with state and federal representatives.

Shoch has repeatedly criticized Clausi for not making his fellow commissioners aware of the DCED issue until the latter part of last year after knowing there was a problem in February. On Wednesday, he referred to the allegations leveled against DCED by Bridy and Clausi as being "ridiculous."

"They are grasping at straws," Shoch said. "Even now, they are still denying we owe the money and continue to point fingers at other people while trying to shift the blame. From the conversations I've had with state and federal officials, I believe DCED and HUD are on the same page in how this was handled. Vinny knew about the problem in February. All but $18,000 was fixable at one point, but we ran out of time to pay it back."

Shoch said it's his understanding that an e-mail will be sent by HUD to the county in the next few days that will update the status of the repayment of the grant money.

The commissioner also pointed out that Hutzel indicated in her letter that the majority of counties administering HPRP funds were successful in documenting basic elements involved in the program.

Review

Hutzel said an on-site monitoring review was conducted on the county's HPRP Program on July 30, 2012, at the county planning department office. At that time, she said she and M.J. Smith of DCED met with county adult social services director Gregg Stavinski, planning director Pat Mack and grants manager Kathy Jeremiah.

Prior to the on-site review, DCED staff conducted desk audits requiring grantees to submit supporting documentation to support a draw down request of grant funds. Hutzel said during the second request for information in January 2012, and upon review of the information, it became apparent that there were significant issues due to inadequate documentation being maintained to support program costs.

A conference took place Jan. 31 in which Smith and Hutzel expressed concerns that the county did not have documentation to support the program requirements which could result in ineligible costs. Specifically, Hutzel said the county was not obtaining lease information to determine client eligibility for homeless status.

Hutzel said a letter was forwarded to DCED on April 18 from Shoch stating the county was electing to close its HPRP Program immediately and the county would not be drawing down additional HPRP funds. The letter also stated that any remaining funds allocated to the county may be disencumbered by DCED.

Hutzel said DCED commended the county for closing the program since it limited the county's liability for any additional repayment of ineligible HPRP costs.

As a result of the on-site performance review, it was apparent that the files generally lacked documentation to support the program requirements. Detailed guidance was provided to staff on the type of information needed in each file to ensure that each client receiving assistance met the household income eligibility requirements and homeless status as required in the HPRP notice.

Hutzel said DCED agreed to review the information gathered by county staff, who forwarded 133 participant files. There were additional client files that were not forwarded for review because county staff made the determination that these clients did not meet the requirements of the program. In an effort to be fair to the county, DCED only required that the county repay only actual ineligible costs.

Complicated program

Hutzel acknowledged in her letter that the HPRP Program is very complicated to administer, but noted DCED provides detailed guidance in the form of alerts, updates and statewide webinars to educate grantees.

Last month, Shoch and Mack said the county was continuing to cooperate with DCED in paying back the money and said an appeal seemed unlikely.

Shoch said he was informed HUD has been demanding money from DCED since a Nov. 11 deadline.

The county was eligible for approximately $365,000 in funding, and county Adult Social Services and the planning department received $291,829.47 between 2010 and 2012 to distribute to low-income families, according to Mack.

Of that $291,829.47, the county used $170,254.14 - $102,468.96 in 2010, $60,945.18 in 2011, and $4,840 in 2012, he said.