UNIVERSITY PARK - The following area students were named to the dean's list at Penn State University for the spring semester:

- Cenan F. Abdul-al, Elysburg, Harrisburg Campus.

- Samantha M. Allen, Mount Carmel, Hazleton Campus.

- Michelle Balsavage, Ashland, University Park Campus.

- Samuel D. Borowik, Ashland, University Park Campus.

- Thomas D. Boyer, Coal Township, World Campus.

- Gabriel S. Boyer, Riverside, University Park Campus.

- Adriana M. Brokus, Elysburg, University Park Campus.

- Troy L. Brown, Mount Carmel, Harrisburg Campus.

- Meghan R. Delsite, Sunbury, Altoona Campus.

- Travis R. Dunkelberger, Sunbury, University Park Campus.

- Matthew J. Dunn, Coal Township, University Park Campus.

- Elizabeth Eisele, Ashland, Schuylkill Campus.

- Gabrielle A. Engelke, Mount Carmel, Hazleton Campus.

- Melvin T. Evans, Mount Carmel, World Campus.

- Blair D. Faust, Shamokin, Harrisburg Campus.

- Allen D. Fry, Sunbury, University Park Campus.

- Bryan C. Gedman, Paxinos, University Park Campus.

- Angelica A. George, Mount Carmel, Schuylkill Campus.

- Shane P. Green, Ashland, Schuylkill Campus,

- Emily L. Harlos, Sunbury, University Park Campus.

- Thomas J. Heromin, Elysburg, University Park Campus.

- Brian K. Kothe, Ashland, University Park Campus.

- Christopher Kozlowski, Mount Carmel, University Park Campus.

- Caleb T. Latovich, Coal Township, Schuylkill Campus.

- Shaine M. Lepley, Mount Carmel, University Park Campus.

- Joseph M. Mertz, Catawissa, Altoona Campus.

- Maria B. Montellano, Mount Carmel, University Park Campus.

- Leonard K. Murin, Kulpmont, University Park Campus.

- Michael J. Nard, Mount Carmel, Harrisburg Campus.

- Erin N. Pastuszek, Sunbury, University Park Campus.

- Ryan A. Potts, Dornsife, University Park Campus.

- Ashley M. Roberts, Elysburg, University Park Campus.

- Anthony P. Rossi, Mount Carmel, University Park Campus.

- Chelsea E. Shervinskie, Sunbury, Hazleton Campus.

- Eric M. Shultz, Shamokin, University Park Campus.

- Mark J. Shultz, Shamokin, University Park Campus.

- Robert J. Shustack, Kulpmont, Hazleton Campus.

- Cody J. Shustack, Kulpmont, University Park Campus.

- Alexandra Singh, Elysburg, University Park Campus.

- Cara F. Sinopoli, Kulpmont, University Park Campus.

- Kira C. Skocik, Ashland, Schuylkill Campus.

- Emily E. Skonecki, Mount Carmel, University Park Campus.

- Samuel J. Springer, Elysburg, University Park Campus.

- Joseph C. Sulouff, Sunbury, Harrisburg Campus.

- Robert J. Taylor, Sunbury, University Park.

- Michael L. Tomashefski, Catawissa, University Park Campus.

- Whitney M. Troutman, Sunbury, Altoona Campus.

- Emily A. Werner, Paxinos, Altoona Campus.

- Brandon M. Wilt, Sunbury, Wilkes-Barre Campus,

- Alexander D. Zartman, Sunbury, University Park Campus.

- Charles J. Zendrosky, Ashland, University Park Campus.

Borough residents may experience discolored water in the 1300 block of Maple Street from 6 to 9 p.m. today due to flushing hydrants, the borough reports.

KULPMONT - A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened a new playground for borough children to enjoy this summer.

Before the Terry Miriello Playground officially opened this week, there was no safe playground in the borough, and youngsters had to go to surrounding communities to use their parks, officials said.

Because of this, Councilmen Bruno Varano and Clarence Deitrick contacted DCNR to inquire what grants may be available for a playground. They then met with Wes Fahringer of DCNR to check out the possible locations for the playground. After looking at several locations, they decided Terry Miriello Stadium was best suited for the playground. The borough then applied for a $40,000 grant from DCNR. The borough had to match the grant with its own $20,000.

Joe Cesari, president of the Kulpmont Cruise Association, approached the borough about helping to raise the needed money. The Kulpmont Cruise Association was instrumental in providing some of the money needed for the project through coordinating The Mahoney Brothers concerts and the annual Kulpmont car cruise. In addition to the playground project, the association also donates to and supports area youth sports programs.

The Kulpmont Cruise Association has donated thousands of dollars to the playground and booster associations. Volunteers from the area donated their expertise in building the playground. Businesses have also donated money, materials and many hours of labor, to make this dream a reality.

When all funds were secure, Councilman Stephen Motyka took change of construction and assembly of the playground. Motyka, along with members of Carpenters Union Locals 214 and 645, along with many Kulpmont residents, worked tirelessly to finish the playground.

Alert Data donated and installed nine cameras for 24-hour surveillance at the facility. Parents and residents are asked to help monitor the new playground to keep it safe and free from damage.

The new playground was a labor of love made possible by the efforts of many, including Kulpmont Mayor Myron Turlis, Kulpmont Borough Council and office staff, Kulpmont street department and police.

The Joe and Sandy Cesari family thank the area citizens who supported the fund raising concerts and the Kulpmont Cruise.

Donations of volunteer labor, money, materials and equipment came from Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters Union Locals 214 and 645 coordinated by Stephen Motyka, Nolans Lumber Company Inc., Giorgini Construction Company Inc., Tome Smith Burial Vault Company Inc., J&S Landscaping Inc., Universal Forest Products Inc., Bob Michalkovich, Vince Guarna, the Northumberland County commissioners, DMP Lawn Maintenance Inc., Win Signs and Graphics, Subway at the Shamokin-Coal Township Walmart and Frackville, Scicchitano Buona Pizza, Degenstein Foundation grant and Bob Smith, the Kulpmont Knights of Columbus, Northwestern Academy staff and students and all local residents who volunteered their time and help.

MANDATA - Construction to expand buildings at Trevorton and Mandata appears to be on schedule for Line Mountain School District.

Superintendent Dave Campbell told the school board at its meeting Tuesday night that the elementary school addition at Trevorton is now under roof, which is essential to completing the project by the week of Aug. 12. The high school addition is expected to be under a roof by July 12, which would put that project on schedule to be completed by mid-August, Campbell said.

"Once they're under roof, the weather won't stop them," he said.

Elementary schools at Dalmatia and Leck Kill closed at the end of the school year. Starting in 2013-14, all students in kindergarten through fourth grade will attend school in Trevorton, with a new wing built to accommodate the larger population. The seventh- and eighth-grade wing at the junior/senior high school in Mandata is being expanded to accommodate all district fifth-and sixth-graders.

As part of the construction, the board Tuesday night approved a change order to build one extra bathroom for kindergarten rooms at a price not to exceed $32,000.

Also, construction crews have dug 22 of 100 wells needed to complete the geothermal heating system on the high school campus.

Contracts OK'd

The board also approved the renewal of a multitude of contracts and agreements and updated several programs, including the following:

- The purchase of the Adobe Design and Web Premium Creative Suite 6 Software for Windows and Mac at a cost of $8,706.

- The purchase of 30 Dell workstations for the business computer lab at the high school at a cost of $19,480.50.

- The renewal and upgrade of the AutoDesk software license from Synergis, Quakertown, at a cost of $7,525. It will require a $750 annual subscription fee in 2015.

- The purchase of 18 Polyvision 78-inch Next Gen whiteboard systems from CDWG, Vernon Hills, Ill., at a cost of $36,972.

- Renewal of the software maintenance and licenses for the IEP Writer Special education software with Leader Services, Hazleton, at a cost of $5,945.

- Renewal of the insurance policy with Ohio Causality through Deibler, Straub and Troutman, Elizabethville, in the amount of $62,598; with PICS/Amerihealth through the same agent in the amount of $30,273; and with AG Administrators in the amount of $11,000.

- Renewal of the annual maintenance agreement on the telephone system with Sage Technology Solutions, Mount Joy, at a cost of $7,482.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Ten area students got out of the heat and into the air-conditioned kitchen this week for the new Junior Chef's Academy at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center.

The academy is being taught by culinary arts instructor James Schiavoni for children in the sixth through eighth grades. For five hours a day Monday through today, they learned basic food preparation, safety and sanitation, plating and serving food, cooking, grilling and baking. They made their own lunch daily and received a complimentary chef apron on the first day.

"They are making their own food and they aren't going home hungry," Schiavoni said about the students, five girls and five boys.

Ten-year-old Jennifer Raup of the Line Mountain School District is one of the participants.

"I really like cooking and I wanted to learn more about it," she said when asked why she was attending the academy.

She rattled off a list of foods she had learned to make: sticky buns, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, bread, waffles, pancakes and cookies. Her favorite, though, are the omelettes students made Wednesday.

Schiavoni is quite pleased with both the response for the first-time event and with the hard work the students put in.

"The five hours goes very fast, and we have been so busy," he said Wednesday. "We have done quite a bit and they ask a lot of great questions. They are very eager.

"For me, it is a lot of fun," he added.

Toward the end of Wednesday's session, the scent of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies hung heavy in the air while students prepared for today's meals. On the menu - and cooking list - are french toast with bacon and sausage patties, grilled chicken and cake.

Schiavoni was showing several students how to make sausage patties with a maple syrup glaze while others placed the bacon on baking sheets and other students cleaned up.

All 10 said they'd come back and encourage others to try the chef school.

"I would recommend coming next year," said Devon Edmondson, 14, of Mount Carmel.

Both local members of the state House of Representatives voted yes on Wednesday's bill that passed a $28.3 billion spending plan for Pennsylvania.

Reps Kurt Masser (R-107) and Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R-108) were two of the 108 votes that approved the state's budget, sending it off to the Senate.

"If you notice the vote count, it strictly went along party lines," Culver said, referring to 111 Republicans and 92 Democrats that vote in the House.

Both representatives said they are pleased with many of the line items, including money reinstated for education.

"There is money in there for early childhood education, about a $100 million increase for K-12 education and added money for those with intellectual disabilities, and back to the conservation districts," Masser said.

"For my constituents, this budget is set the same way they run their households, balanced with no new taxes, no additional debt to our children and more money for education," Culver said.

Culver was also happy to see money for 300 new Pennsylvania State Troopers.

"For many rural areas, that is their only form of law enforcement," she said.

With the job done in the House, the budget now moves to the state Senate. When asked, both representatives said they are ready to vote on it again, even if the Senate wants changes.

"I think the Senate has its priorities, but I really don't think there will be a lot of drastic changes," Masser said. "The important thing is that we are all working together to pass a budget on time."

"There has been a lot of dialogue between the appropriations committee and the leadership of the House and Senate," Culver said. "We will all be watching this closely."

Water back to normal

EAST CAMERON TOWNSHIP - A boil water advisory for township residents has been lifted.

Volunteers sought for creek project

IRISH VALLEY - Northumberland County Conservation District (NCCD) invites the public to help with a stream stabilization project to increase aquatic habitat at several private properties along the Little Shamokin Creek.

Field days will be held July 10 to 12 at the Irish Valley Campground, 776 Irish Valley Road.

The field days are "open" - meaning volunteers can come when they want and stay as long as they can. Pre-registration is not required, but is requested to help plan for refreshments. E-mail rcarey@npcweb.org or call 323-6222 and include a name and daytime contact number.

For more information, contact Jaci Harner, watershed specialist for NCCD, at 495-4665. E-mail jharner@nccdpa.org.

POTTSVILLE - A Philadelphia man and a Pottsville woman were in prison Wednesday night after being arrested by Pottsville police for their roles in a shooting that left a city man dead.

The alleged shooter, Anthony M. Ballard, 26, of 110 E. Tulpehocken St., Philadelphia, and Jamiee Jacinta Watson, 19, of the 1000 block of West Market Street, Pottsville, were each arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.

Pottsville police Patrolman Brian Reno charged Ballard with criminal homicide, conspiracy to commit criminal homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and murder in the first degree. Watson faces the same charges.

Hale ordered Ballard and Watson committed to Schuylkill County Prison without bail. For a charge of murder in the first degree, bail can only be set by a judge in the Court of Common Pleas.

Reno charged Ballard with shooting Elijah Trayvon Carraway, 19, of Pottsville, in the area of West Laurel Boulevard and Sanderson Street at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Trail of blood

Reno said the incident unfolded when officers received a report of a black man firing a gun in the middle of the street.

At the scene, officers found 10 spent 9 mm shell casings on the street and learned that after firing the gun, the man got into a green station wagon driven by a black woman, and the vehicle traveled west on Laurel Boulevard, Reno said.

A witness told officers that a black man was seen running on Laurel Boulevard and then into a grassy area before "flipping over a fence."

With this information in mind, Reno said he, Sgt. John Morrow and Patrolman John Mohl walked in that direction and discovered a blood trail that led to Carraway's body.

Police determined Carraway had been struck by at least one bullet while running from his assailant, later identified as Ballard.

Carraway was pronounced dead at the scene by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner James Nettles, who was assisted at the scene by Deputy Coroner Andrew Szczyglak.

Carraway's girlfriend told police she had been on the telephone with him just before the shooting. The woman said Carraway told her, "Jaimee, Dus and Ant are in a car chasing me," Reno said.

The girlfriend told police that "Ant" was Anthony Ballard and "Dus" was his brother, Dustin R. Ballard, 24, of Philadelphia, and "Jaimee" was Watson.

A statewide broadcast was issued for the trio and about 4:50 a.m. Wednesday. Pottsville police Capt. Richard Wojciechowsky received a call from Philadelphia police detectives, who said they had located the getaway car parked outside 110 E. Tulpehocken St., which is Anthony Ballard's address. A check of the vehicle's registration determined it was owned by Watson's mother, Mamie Muhammed, of Orwigsburg.

Then, at about 6:15 a.m., Philadelphia police again contacted Wojciechowsky and said the Ballard brothers and Watson had voluntarily left the house and were in custody.

'Incredible effort'

Later Wednesday morning, Wojciechowsky went to Philadelphia and met with Watson who told investigators she had been driving in the area with Anthony Ballard when they saw Carraway and Ballard told her to stop. After she stopped, Watson said Anthony Ballard exited the car and shot at Carraway.

Ballard then got back into the car, removed the magazine from the gun and the two drove off, the woman told investigators.

Wojciechowsky said he also interviewed Anthony Ballard and obtained a partial confession about his role in the slaying.

In addition to Anthony Ballard and Watson, Dustin Ballard was returned to Schuylkill County and arraigned by Hale on an outstanding warrant not related to the shooting, Wojciechowsky said.

The captain said the speedy arrests were the result of "an incredible cooperative effort" with Pottsville police, officers from surrounding local departments, the state police, Philadelphia police and the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office.

Wojciechowsky said that although Anthony Ballard and Watson were arrested for the slaying, the investigation is continuing.

An autopsy will be conducted today on Callaway to determine the exact cause of death, Pottsville police Chief Joseph Murton said.

Hale scheduled preliminary hearings for Anthony Ballard and Watson for noon June 21 before Magisterial District Judge James J. Reiley, Pottsville.

Records

Anthony and Dustin Ballard are each familiar with the criminal justice system, according to state court records.

Anthony Ballard was found guilty Aug. 14, 2006, of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and placed on probation for three years.

Exactly one year later - Aug. 14, 2007 - he was found guilty of possession of a small amount of marijuana, with no further punishment indicated. Then, on March 15, 2010, prosecutors withdrew charges of driving under the influence and driving under suspension.

All three cases arose in Philadelphia.

On the other hand, Dustin Ballard's brushes with the law all occurred in Schuylkill County.

On June 14, 2010, he pleaded guilty to forgery, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving under suspension and stop sign violation in one case, and two counts of access device fraud and one of bad checks in another. President Judge William E. Baldwin sentenced him to serve three to 23 months in prison.

On Dec. 21, 2010, Dustin Ballard pleaded guilty to false identification to law enforcement, with Baldwin placing him on probation for 12 months.

Finally, on Nov. 16, 2011, he pleaded guilty to harassment and paid a $100 fine.

NORTHUMBERLAND - One person was killed in a head-on crash between a pickup truck and a tractor trailer late Wednesday morning in Point Township.

Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley said Ryan Showers, 19, of Northumberland, was driving the pick-up, a 1997 Ford F-150, and was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:37 p.m.

The cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force trauma, and the manner of death was accidental. Assisting Kelley at the scene were Chief Deputy Coroner James R. Gotlob and Deputy Coroner Barry J. Leisenring.

The driver of the other vehicle, a Volvo tractor-trailer, was not identified by police in a release sent at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

According to police, the Ford was traveling south on Route 147 at 11:29 a.m. when it, for an unknown reason, veered across the center turn lane and continued into the path of the tractor-trailer that was traveling north.

After the two vehicles collided, the F-150 came to rest in the middle of the highway while the tractor-trailer continued out of control for a short distance and came to rest against a nearby home, tearing the front porch from the house.

Witnesses told police both vehicles seemed to be traveling close to the speed limit for the road, 45 MPH. Witnesses also said the tractor-trailer operator applied his brakes and attempted to avoid the pickup truck, but the F-150 did not swerve.

Multiple airbags were deployed in the Ford, but the driver was not wearing his seatbelt. Police did not say if the driver of the tractor trailer was injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately five hours, and motorists were detoured using routes 11, 15 and 45. PennDOT officials said one lane in each direction was opened at about 5 p.m., but the northbound lane remained closed to allow hazardous materials cleanup crews to work on a diesel fuel spill from the tractor-trailer.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A Shamokin teen accused of selling heroin, marijuana and Suboxone to a confidential informant earlier this year in Coal Township has been charged with 12 felony offenses.

Tyler Maurer, 18, was committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury after failing to post $30,000 cash bail at his 3 p.m. arraignment Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.

Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn and Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano, who are members of the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force, filed five criminal complaints against the defendant.

He is charged with delivering a packet of heroin for $30 on Feb. 25, selling marijuana for $40 on March 26, delivering Suboxone for $40 on March 27, selling marijuana for $40 on April 24, and delivering heroin for $25 on May 6.

The charges include two felony counts of delivering heroin, four felony counts of criminal use of a communication facility, one felony count of possession with intent to deliver heroin, two felony counts of delivering marijuana, two felony counts of possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and one count of delivering Suboxone.

LEWISBURG - Four area students have received honors at the Central Pennsylvania LPN Career Center for the semester ending April 19.

Honors are given to students who have achieved a final grade of 90 percent or above in each subject at the end of the semester.

The students are: Daniel Fleming, Paxinos; Richanna Good, Paxinos; Laura McGary, Catawissa, and Caitlyn Williard, Coal Township.

SUNBURY - The condition of a 17-year-old who police say struck two police vehicles with his car and tried to run over an officer before he was shot by police is improving.

A spokesman at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, said Wednesday that Naheem Reams was upgraded to fair condition as of 3 p.m. He had been in critical condition in the days following the shooting at about 1 a.m. June 5.

The three Sunbury officers involved were placed on administrative leave following the incident, but city Police Chief Stephen Mazzeo said Wednesday two of those officers are scheduled to return to work later this week. The third will remain on leave pending results of the state police investigation into the incident.

Mazzeo would not say which officer fired at Reams of if that officer is the one who will remain on leave.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the shooting continues. Troopers from the state police barracks in Stonington are conducting the investigation and said Wednesday the inquiry is continuing.

Police said Reams took off in an "erratic manner" as police approached his car along Fifth Street as part of routine efforts to remove vehicles for the street sweeper. They said he drove recklessly and at high speeds through the city before striking two police vehicles in the area of Chestnut and Front streets and attempting to run over a Sunbury police officer.

That officer is apparently the one who fired through the windshield of Reams' 1997 Saturn. His car came to a stop in Merle Phillips Park, between Front Street and the river wall. Family and friends have said Reams was hit in the stomach and liver.

Friends of Reams believe he may have taken off from police because he had been hiding from juvenile probation officers for several days. William Rossnock, chief juvenile probation officer for Northumberland County, said a warrant was issued for Reams on May 20.

When the state police investigation regarding the police shooting is complete, results will be turned over to Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini, whose department will make a determination as to whether the shooting was justified.

COAL TOWNSHIP - VFW Post 317's annual flag retirement ceremony set for this evening at the township municipal has been canceled because of the rain and chance for downpours and lightning.

Organizers are discussing a new date, possibly Sept. 11, Patriot's Day.

ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township Public Library received these memorials:

Birthday memorial

Florence and Theodore Backes by daughters, Bertha and Grace.

Joanne Crowl Reber by Paul and Deanna Edmunds.

In memory of

Ann Ambrose by Diane and Bob Ambrose.

Daniel Bamford by Diane and Bob Ambrose, Burch Drug, Store, Len Guarna, Peggy Mattivi.

Daniel A. Baskin by Diane and Bob Ambrose, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Mary K. Deroba.

Eric J. Baskin by Diane and Bob Ambrose, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Burch Drug Store, Mary K. Deroba.

Helen Bird by Ralpho Township supervisors and staff.

Alma (Boyer) Carl by Diane and Bob Ambrose, Eleanor Blackwell, Ernestine and James Blessing, Jean Bowers, Gertie "Cookie" Breining, Amy Vesnefskie Breininger, Phyllis R. Bressler, Card Club: Helen Hoover, Helen Wallace, Vera Yupco, Jo Sheptock, Violet Carl, Bill and Linda Cox, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dluge Sr., Bob and MaryAnn Hartman, Adam and Shirley Kanaskie, Barbara Kelly, Klacik & Associates PC, Harold and Marjorie Krieger, Lori and Ned Ludes, Fred and Dolores Lutz, Meadow Brook Manor Homeowners Association, Paul and Barbara Nye Jr., Joe and Mavis Reidinger and Gary and Ann, Terri Schatzel and T.J. and Lucy Vosburg, Guy and Gayle Schlesinger, Shamokin High School Class of 1945, Nancy L. Shervanick, Andy and Ann Marie Slodysko, Ned and Karen Sodrick, Thew and Williard families, Laverne and Nancy Tressler, Judith J. Urick, Terry and Ann Vesnefskie.

Juanita Brumley by Dave and Letha Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Lambert, Rita C. Lange, Pauline Shoffler, Sherry A. Stankiewicz, Dick and Carole Swank, Jack and Jean Taylor.

Mary Cioffi by Len and Mrilyn Robel.

Freda Dalious by Phyllis Boyer.

Karin H. Damgaard by Ralpho Township Municipal Authority board and staff.

Martha Jane Dilliplane by Diane and Bob Ambrose.

Pauline Gappa by Ed and Judy Gappa, Charles and Ann Gappa, Frank and Gloria Gappa, Maryann and Bob McAllister.

Alan Gaul by Humphrey family.

George Gold by Class of 1961 Ralpho/Southern Area.

Olive Green by Margie and Ray Haas.

Cynthia Haskell by Judith Barnes.

Judy Horne by Lori and Ned Ludes.

Theresa R. Horvath by Diane and Bob Ambrose.

Ethel Jones by Violet Carl.

Maxine Kehler by Burch Drug Store.

Dorothy A. Kessler by Paul and Deanna Edmunds.

Louella B. Kessler by Barry and Judith Barnes and family.

Russell M. Klinger by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Roberta Klock by Tre Bittner.

Lorraine Kushner by Diane Ambrose.

Dora Lee by Bob and Besty Medon.

Louise and Lenny by Diane Ambrose.

Jane J. Lucid by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Robert R. Mackey by Diane and Bob Ambrose, Joe, John, and Maria Bressi, Burch Drug Store.

Laura Maddux's sister by Burch Drug Store.

Si and June Miller by Phyllis Boyer.

Margaret E. Pensyl by Diane and Bob Ambrose.

Sandra Popson by Leonard and Connie Shulski.

Barbara Rothman by the Humphrey family.

Jill (Bidelspach) Rouse by Phyllis Boyer.

Mildred Sharp by Ned and Karen Sodrick.

Leon "Elwood" Shoffler by Sankey and Juanita Brumley.

Renee Snyder by Sherry A. Stankiewicz.

Chet E. Stimer by Dylan and Ryan Stimer.

Lisa Strausser by Nancy Pasco and family.

Malcolm Walburn by Len and Connie Shulski.

William Wiehe by Cheryl Greenly and family.

Lester Yocum by Joe, John, and Maria Bressi, Burch Drug Store, QMHR Pinochle Club.

Gerald Yoder by Diane and Bob Ambrose.

Rose memorials

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Ackerson by their children, Barbara, Karen, and Douglas.

Eugene Bidelspach by John and Grace Yost.

Billy George by Marie George.

Larry George by Marie George.

John and Nellie Gilbert by Jean Swank.

George Graden by Jean Swank.

Howard Lewis by Jean Swank.

Beverly Swank by Jean Swank.

Lola Trythall by Jean Swank.

Jill Rouse by John and Grace Yost.

Joe Chekanski by Beverly.

Vincent Devine by Annetta Devine.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fedorko by their family.

Michael Yastishak by Sandy Bubnis.

Eric Barnes by Otto and Mychak families.

George Honaberger by Dan and Jean Honaberger.

George and Hetti Richard by Dan and Jean Honaberger.

Jack Reed by Bob and Sharon Reed.

Joan Haas by Bertha Backes.

Gerald R. Lutz by nephews.

Russell J. Lutz by grandsons.

Samantha and Zachary Lutz by grandparents.

Anna Sorochka by grandsons.

Dimitri Sorochka by grandsons.

The state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) in August cleared Point Township of any requirement to pay back grant money regarding a low- to moderate-income housing development.

The same letter detailing its conclusion also said, however, that DCED would be addressing the township's decision to allow the developer to build and sell fewer qualifying units than originally proposed.

That investigation is continuing. But DCED is saying little other than it's still working on the matter with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which provided the $381,258 grant.

"DCED is working with HUD to resolve this issue and is responding to HUD's request for additional information," is what DCED press aide Edward Jordan wrote in responding to inquiries from The News-Item this week. Joshua J. Vecchio, assistant counsel for DCED, said he couldn't provide any additional information other than what Jordan reported.

One person who looks forward to the government's response is Mark Heintzelman, a Point Township resident and long-time critic of the board of supervisors. He continues to contact state and federal government officials and has compiled hundreds of pages of documents claiming supervisors should be held liable for their handling of the HOME grant.

"The township supervisors were the ones responsible for that grant all the way to the end," Heintzelman said this week. "And they failed."

Among those he's contacted is Vecchio, who replied in an April 17 e-mail: "As this project was funded with federal dollars, DCED has asked for and is waiting for guidance from the feds as to how to proceed. We will act according to their instructions. As such, the case remains open."

Heintzelman has also communicated with Joseph Clarke, from HUD's Philly office. Clarke did not return calls placed Wednesday and Friday by The News-Item seeking comment on the status of the probe.

Will have to build more

DCED originally ordered the township to pay back the money because municipal officials failed to adequately track how The Yoder Group, Turbotville, which was hired to construct the homes, spent the grant issued about eight years ago. Supervisor Chairman Randall Yoxheimer acknowledged that while the township worked with the state to settle the matter, supervisors could have done a better job and DCED could have provided better oversight. The problem was chalked up by most accounts to a lack of paperwork by the builder.

Heintzelman, who once served on the township zoning board, has battled with supervisors on a number of issues for which he said they deserved to be "called on the carpet." He doesn't plan to let the HOME grant debate go away without more answers.

Rick Shoch, township solicitor and a Northumberland County commissioner, said the township has done its part to clear up the problem. He did note Yoder will at some point, at DCED's instruction, have to build 10 more homes and offer them to low- to moderate-income buyers, which was supposed to happen with the original grant. Yoder won't get any more grant money toward that new construction.

Shoch said DCED has not yet notified the township of income restrictions and other guidelines that would apply.

He said DCED probably would have allowed The Yoder Group to deviate from the original grant income restrictions if the company would have detailed the trouble it said it was having finding qualified buyers. But The Yoder Group didn't notify DCED or the township, Shoch said, and sold them to higher-income buyers.

As to Heintzelman's criticism of the board, Shoch said the township did regular electronic reporting to DCED on the HOME grant during the several years it was being spent, but never received any feedback. He said the township was unaware Yoder was selling to buyers who weren't qualified.

"Mr. Heintzelman has a long history of being at odds with township officials," he said.

Shoch dismissed the notion that he has somehow pulled strings with state officials in getting DCED to back off the grant repayment, as Heintzelman claims.

Once the new arrangement plays out and Yoder builds and sells the additional homes to qualified buyers, Shoch believes DCED will be satisfied, and therefore, the township will be as well.

But not Heintzelman, who believes the township, HUD, DCED and Yoder still have a lot of explaining to do about the HOME grant. He considers it a breach of contract that should be addressed, lest the same scenario could play out with federal grant money anywhere in America, he said.

DALLAS, Pa. - Stephanie Dee Broscious, a daughter of Ron and Pam Broscious, of Coal Township, has been named to the dean's list at Marywood University for the spring semester with a 3.6 grade-point average. She is majoring in accounting.

Broscious, a 2012 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, is a granddaughter of Mike Estock, of Coal Township, and the late Dolores Estock, and Richard and Susan Broscious, of Paxinos.

Northumberland County will be hearing from the state "shortly" about possible payback of as much as $185,000 in grant money for a homelessness prevention program.

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), however, shouldn't expect payment, county Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi said Friday.

"We're not paying nothing until the federal government tells us what we did wrong," he said.

Earlier this year, DCED said the county must repay as much as $215,000 because it failed to properly administer the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing (HPRP) grant, which totaled $365,361. The county worked with DCED to acquire additional information about client eligibility, but Clausi, claiming DCED did not adequately instruct the county, consulted with U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta about the problem. The county was granted an extension on the payback.

DCED, contacted this week about the status, offered comment through an e-mail from Edward Jordan, press aide.

He wrote: "DCED has reviewed the additional information provided by the county and will be issuing a final letter shortly."

In the meantime, Clausi said the county sent a letter several weeks ago to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which provided the grant to DCED, asking for an investigation and audit of the county's handling of the grant to find out what it did wrong. There's been no response from HUD, he said.

Commissioners at their April 10 meeting voted 2-1 vote on a motion to ask the Inspector General's Office at HUD to conduct an investigation. Clausi was joined by Stephen Bridy in OK'ing the motion while Rick Shoch voted against it.

The grant, which was part of the federal stimulus package, is among those that caused problems nationwide, Clausi said he's been told by federal officials. He said DCED has acknowledged that it was confused about administration of the program, although the agency has provided documentation showing numerous in-person and phone call training sessions with county officials for the HPRP grant.

Can't 'thumb our nose'

Shoch said Friday he communicated with DCED a few weeks ago and was told the payback will be in the neighborhood of $185,000. But that is unofficial, he said.

"There was a large percentage (of claims) still not fixed," he said about DCED's review of new county information.

He said expecting HUD to get involved isn't practical, whether it was fraud or merely mistakes by the county.

"That won't absolve us," Shoch said.

He said the county shouldn't simply "thumb its nose" at contractual obligations.

"If the county doesn't pay up, you should expect that DCED will red flag us and we won't be getting any further grants from DCED until such time as it's paid," he said.

Conservation meetings planned

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Conservation District received $3,900 in grants to hold two educational twilight meetings for the farming community and provide Act 167 education to municipal leaders.

Education and outreach about the projects is expected to begin later this summer into the fall. The district expects to hold two twilight meetings in early September.

One will be held in the northern part of the county, and one will be held in the southern part of the county in an effort to reach as many in the agriculture community as possible.

The district will also be working with the county planning office in setting up meetings with county municipalities to discuss the Act 167 storm water management planning process later this summer.

Twenty-eight projects will be funded in 25 of the state's counties. Projects range from work with ponds to a series of farmer workshops. For a complete listing of awarded projects, visit http://pacd.org/webfresh/wpcontent/uploads/2009/06/NPSMini-GrantsFunded6-3-13.pdf.

On the Net: www.nccdpa.org, www.facebook.com/nccdpa.

Spirit seminars start Wednesday

MOUNT CARMEL - "Life in the Spirit" seminars begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the hall of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 S. Market St. They continue on Wednesday through July 31.

The Rev. Frank Karwacki is the presenter, with help from some team members and audio visuals.

The public is welcome. There are no tests, no quizzes and no homework.

The first meeting may be held in the sitting room opposite the kitchen because of food preparations for the upcoming festival.

ALLENWOOD - It's taken a decade for Clyde Peeling to bring Komodo dragons to the northern Union County reptiland.

The animals, however, which were in their exhibit for the first time publicly Friday, are something that Chad Peeling, the zoo's operations manager, has been dreaming of working with for much longer. Now that's it's a reality, the visitors of the park can experience the island giants, too.

"It offers our guests a chance to see one extreme of reptiles - a top predator that is more like a mammal in many ways," he said Thursday night during a special VIP tour of the new exhibit.

As the world's largest lizard, Komodo dragons are an endangered species found only on four small islands in the Indonesian Archipelago where they are the top predator in the food chain.

Unlike smaller lizards like iguanas, the dragons are active, complex and comparable to big predator cats like lions in terms of intelligence and personality.

In captivity, they are known to play, learn their own names and recognize individual keepers. In the wild, they memorize large areas of terrain, birthing schedules of their prey and follow game trails.

"They're special," he noted.

Rare exhibit

It's rare for zoos to even have these animals since there's been a crisis of them not breeding in captivity due to dietary problems and exercise that experts are just now understanding.

Two years ago, management from Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens contacted the Peelings to inform them that their dragons hatched one male and one female, and asked if the Pennsylvania zoo would be interested in purchasing them.

It took two years to make the necessary arrangements, Peeling said.

The new 3,000-square-foot building, which is sponsored by the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau, is host to a 1,300-square-foot room complete with Indonesian plants, mud banks and a running water source and waterfall. The temperature in the building is kept at 95 degrees while there are basking areas for the dragons that are as warm as 120 degrees.

The zoo keepers will make sure the enclosure is changing regularly by adding new scents and hidden treats in order to keep the animals active and interested, Peeling said.

There are also information signs describing the dragons, footage playing of the animals in the wild and replicated skin for people to touch.

The dragons, which are both approximately 5 feet in length now, will potentially get much bigger. The male animal may grow up to 9 feet long and weigh 120 pounds without food. The female animal may grow up to 7 feet long and weigh 90 pounds without food.

Komodo dragons are "extremely bold predators" that are capable of taking down water buffalo or deer, and may even go after people, Peeling said.

"They are the T. rex of the living reptiles," he said.

Dinosaurs

Speaking of T. rex, the popular "Dinosaurs Come to Life" exhibit is now in its third year at the zoo, and features new dinosaurs.

The exhibit features four animatronic dinosaurs owned by the zoo - a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, a Parasaurolophus, a juvenile stegosaurus and a pair of Coelophysis.

Seven others are being rented from Billings Production, based in McKinney, Texas, including the returning adult Tyrannosaurus rex, Baryonyx, Dilophosaurus and Brachiosaurus and the new Styracosaurus, its hatchlings and Citipati.

Billings is promoted as North America's leading provider of large, life-size animatronic dinosaurs for traveling and permanent exhibits in zoos, museums and theme parks.

Reaction

Jody Schefsky, of Williamsport, described the dragons and the new building as "beautiful."

"I would love to have them as pets," she said.

Her daughter, 11-year-old Katie Schefsky, and daughter's friend, 10-year-old Hannah Myers, both called the dragons "amazing."

"It's the way they look and eat their prey," Katie said.

The dragon building will eventually have a 500-square-foot exhibit for the zoo's two giant tortoises. That part of the building and an outside area for the dragons are currently still under construction.

Reptiland is open year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. In April, May, September and October, it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekends. From November through March, it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

General admission is $16 for adults (age 12 and up), $14 for children (ages three to 11) and free for infants (ages two and under).

Clyde Peeling's Reptiland is located on Route 15 in Allenwood, approximately 10 miles north of Lewisburg.

COBURN - A special 80th anniversary program is planned to celebrate the contributions of the men who worked at the Civilian Conservation Camp (CCC) in Poe Valley and helped construct the state park there.

Bill Marcum, coordinator for the event, said Civilian Conservation Legacy Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Poe Valley. The free event is open to everyone, including surviving CCC veterans, as well as their family members, CCC history buffs, local historians and the general public.

Marcum said a major goal of the free reunion celebration is to educate family members of CCC veterans on the important work. He added that many men in the Poe Valley CCC camp came from the Shamokin area.

Those attending will learn about life in a CCC camp and will have the opportunity to visit the Poe Valley CCC camp site, tour the original officers' quarters building and stroll around Poe Valley Lake.

Those attending are asked to bring a lawn chair. They may either pack a picnic lunch or enjoy lunch at the park's concession stand. Memorabilia from the camp will on display, and attendees are invited to bring along personal memorabilia to show others.

Schedule of events for the day includes: Memorabilia exhibits, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.; introductory remarks by Rory Bower, park manager, 10:45 a.m.; a presentation on the CCC, "Builder of Men," 10:55 to 11:45 a.m., by Vonnie Henninger, curator of the Penns Valley Area Historical Museum; lunch, noon to 1 p.m.; pictorial presentation on the CCC, Company 1333, presented by Marcum, 1:15 to 2:15 p.m.; and walking tour of the original campsite, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

More information on the park's location and its activities can be found on the website, www.dcnr.state.pa.us or by calling (814)349-2460. Marcum can be contacted at willmar54@hotmail.com for more specific information on the event.