SHAMOKIN - The city will go to county court in fighting a request to reveal the cost of health insurance for its elected officials.

Northumberland County Commissioner Stephen Bridy said he received a letter from the city last week informing him of the appeal of a state Office of Open Records (OOR) ruling that said the city had to disclose the information.

The ruling gave the city until June 7 to provide the records to Bridy, who originally requested the information Feb. 20 under the state's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). It was denied by the city six days later, prompting Bridy's appeal to the state.

Agencies that don't respond to an OOR ruling must argue the case in county court.

"It doesn't matter if it's the county or an individual (making the request), legally it's not a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) violation" to reveal the information, Bridy said Friday.

Appeal

He said the city has also claimed the commissioner's request is redundant, noting it was the fifth one of its kind from county officials. However, Bridy said he wasn't acting as a county official, but as a private citizen, therefore it shouldn't matter who else requested the information before him.

Also, he said, while he used county resources to make the request, he was doing so as a private citizen and has reimbursed the county for the costs.

"Why they're stonewalling us on something we (the county) release 365 days a year is beyond me," Bridy said.

Steve Bartos, the city's Right-to-Know officer, denied the request by Bridy and earlier ones from fellow Commissioner Vinny Clausi, citing privacy regulations. Bartos has cited opinions by the city's health care provider and a representative of U.S. Health and Human Services that he said supported the denial.

But Benjamin A. Lorah, OOR appeals officer, found the city erred in citing those exemptions. The city is not a covered entity under HIPAA, and that law does not apply to the requested records, Lorah said in his May 8 ruling.

The requested records apply specifically to the benefit costs and not to individually identifiable health information, he said, and therefore is not exempt. Any information that may identify an individual's health information can be redacted by the city from the requested records.

Bridy said he plans to hire attorney John Muncer, Sunbury, to represent him in the case.

"In the event we win, we will request the city of Shamokin reimburse the costs (associated with the appeals)," he said.

Bartos and Mayor George Rozinskie could not be reached Friday for comment.

On behalf of 3 residents

Bridy and Clausi believe the city is paying considerable money to have elected officials covered under the city health care policy. Clausi questions such spending considering the city for five straight years has been granted court approval to raise property taxes above the limit prescribed by law. He also cites the city's ongoing yearly struggle to pay for costs associated with operating its public pool.

Bridy and Clausi said they sought the records on behalf of three city residents who wished not make the requests themselves. The residents fear retribution, the commissioners said.

Group benefits for council members, the mayor, controller, solicitor, community development officer and a secretary are lumped into one line item in the 2013 budget, according to Bartos. It totaled $121,901 for health, life and vision.

MOUNT CARMEL - Barbara Stief was awarded Woman of the Year by the V.F.W. Post 2110 Ladies Auxiliary for 2012-13 at the officers installation meeting in May.

Stief became an auxiliary member in San Antonio, Texas, Post 6012 in 1990. While there, she was secretary for two years and became a life member in 1991. After her husband, Bill, received orders to go to Yokosuka, Japan, Stief transferred her membership to the Mount Carmel post.

Stief became active in the auxiliary in 2005, after her husband retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service, and they moved back home to Mount Carmel. Since then she has held the following offices: guard, two years; senior vice president, three years, and chaplin, two years. She is also chairperson for youth activities, Patriotic Art Contest, and Voice of Democracy/Patriot's Pen. She also volunteers at fundraisers and wherever else she is needed.

Barbara and Bill Stief have been married for 25 years and have two children, Thomas and Ashley. Thomas recently graduated from Mount Carmel Area School District, and will be leaving for the U.S. Navy July 9. Ashley is a sophomore at Mount Carmel Area and participates in colorguard for the Big Red Band.

SELINSGROVE - Bryon M. Chowka recently graduated magna cum laude from Susquehanna University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a minor in legal studies. He made the dean's list every semester and received departmental Honors.

Chowka's involvement at Susquehanna included being president of the class of 2013, pre-law society president, student government association, athletic advisory committee and the mock trial team. He was a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta freshman honor society, Pi Gamma Mu social sciences honor society and the Pi Sigma Alpha political science honor society.

While at Susquehanna University, Chowka was a two-year intern law clerk for President Judge Robert Sacavage and Judge William Harvey Wiest of Northumberland County. He also served as an intern clerk at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

Chowka will attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Law this fall to pursue a law degree.

A son of Bryon and Stacy Chowka, he is a 2009 graduate of Shamokin Area High School.

SUNBURY - A federal judge has approved a request to seal the settlement agreement reached by former Northumberland County chief clerk and solicitor Kymberley Best in a lawsuit against the county over her firing.

But the Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association (PNA) said such action flies in the face of legal precedent for settlements involving public agencies, and believes the court should overturn its decision.

The first notice of the settlement, which was arrived at with the aid of a mediator, was filed in U.S. District Court in Williamsport on April 2, with no details. On June 5, U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann signed an order granting a joint motion of all parties to seal the agreement and mark it as confidential. An accompanying document says, "the parties have agreed that the terms of the settlement are confidential and not to be disclosed to any non-parties, including but not limited to the 'news media.'"

The county's liability policy with ACE Westchester Fire Insurance Company allows the firm to settle without the county's consent, something county solicitor Frank Garrigan previously described as common for liability coverage.

Even if the county didn't have to OK the settlement, however, it can and should ask for its details, said Melissa Bevan Melewsky, media law counsel for PNA.

"The law is clear that settlement agreements that involve a public agency are public records," she said Friday. "It doesn't matter that the parties agree to confidentiality - the law requires access."

She said judges commonly seal settlements when parties agree, and it is "pretty standard" for insurance companies to seek confidential settlement agreements.

"But, that is not appropriate in cases involving government agencies where the law clearly requires public access," Melewsky said.

PNA has previously cited the ruling in Tribune-Review Publishing Company versus Westmoreland County Housing Authority and a 2006 ruling in Newspaper Holdings Inc. versus New Castle Area School District in arguing, "Where ... a settlement agreement fixes the personal or property rights of the parties or calls for the payment of money involving the disbursement of public funds, it is subject to disclosure under the RTKL (Right-to-Know Law)."

The News-Item, using that argument, filed a RTK request with the county on April 30 seeking a copy of the settlement. The county sought a 30-day extension as allowed by law for various reasons, then notified The News-Item in a letter dated June 4 that "no such agreement has been finalized and therefore no such record exists at this time."

Melewsky said the county has a right and an obligation to ask for a copy of the settlement.

At the time of the April announcement, Best said she couldn't comment about the settlement.

The only cost to the county to have ACE represent it was a $25,000 deductible paid soon after the suit was filed. From there, the firm would make any settlement payment to Best, Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi has said. He said again Friday the county doesn't know the terms of the settlement.

Wrongful termination

Best sued the county, Clausi and then-Commissioner Merle Phillips in May 2011 claiming wrongful termination and defamation after she was fired March 18 of that year from her $70,000-a-year job.

She would later file an amended complaint, but five of her initial claims, including due process, equal pay, conspiracy, wrongful termination and state whistleblower violations, were dismissed by U.S. Judge Yvette Kane in August 2012.

Clausi and Phillips had also filed motions requesting the suit be dismissed, citing immunity as public officials.

On Oct. 27, 2012, Best filed a second amended complaint. Remaining in the suit were free speech claims that allege retaliation and a part of the whistleblower claim that dealt with her reports of deficient air quality in the register and recorder's office in the county courthouse related to mold from a leaking roof and a related danger from a glass dome on the roof.

The settlement of a lawsuit filed by a former county prison deputy warden speaks to the differences in policies and settlement agreements. In that case, the settlement amount, $87,500, was disclosed by the county.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; aerobics, 10 a.m.; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Family Medical health screening, 10 to 11 a.m.; lunch at Wayside Inn, arrive at destination at 11:30 a.m., depart for home at 1 p.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; aerobics, 10 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

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

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Current events, 10 a.m.; chair dancing, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Chit Chat, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; noodle balloon, 10:30 a.m.; bean bag, 11 a.m.; special soup and salad meal from Frey's, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday and Friday - Center closed for church picnic.

Kulpmont

Monday - Wii in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; pinochle-cards.

Wednesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; bunco and LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; hoagie party, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii, puzzles, knitting and noodle balloon in the morning; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Handbell practice.

Tuesday - Chair exercise with Carol Burton.

Wednesday - Family Medical health screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Thursday - Estate planning with Annette Walker.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Rummy Royal, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, noon.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Rummy Royal, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Thursday - Center traveling to Gourmet Buffet.

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

Trevorton

Monday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; games, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Unlucky 7s and 31, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Bean bag toss, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; Highway Safety program, 11 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; members birthday party, 5 p.m.

WEIGH SCALES - The Susquehanna Council of the Boy Scouts of America honored Robert L. Dluge Jr. with the Distinguished Citizen Award during a dinner Thursday evening at the Wayside Inn.

Dluge, a life-long resident of Elysburg, has served in many civic organizations, including director of the Pennsylvania/Delaware affiliate of the American Heart Association, assistant chief of Elysburg Fire Company and member of the Northumberland County Fire Chief's Association.

His start in Scouting began in 1958 with Elysburg Cub Scout Pack 3247. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and vigil member of Wapsu Achtu Lodge Order of the Arrow while in Boy Scouts. In his adult life, he has served in various capacities at the local and district level of the Susquehanna Council. He is also the co-creator of the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award, which recognizes Free Masons for their outstanding service to youth in Boy Scouts.

Dluge is married to the former Debra Ford and is the father of three daughters, Dawn, Jennifer and Stephanie. He is an attorney at Diehl, Dluge, Jones and Michetti Law Offices.

IRISH VALLEY - Even though the attendance didn't equal last year's event, Saturday was a great day to get dirty at a local motocross park.

Runners of all ages tackled mud bogs, rope climbs and even some barbed wire at the Braveheart Freedom Mud Run and Music Fest at the Irish Valley Motocross Park.

Park owner Tim Krebs designed the course himself this year, modeling it after many popular military-style obstacle races across the nation.

"Everyone had a great time with last year's run so we wanted to bring the event back," Krebs said.

This time, the money raised went to local charities, such as Boy Scout Troop 250, which helped clean the

trail for the race, Coal City Revitalization Inc. and the Kidsburg 2.0 playground in Bloomsburg.

"There are disabled people who came from out-of-state to that playground, and it was wiped out in the Flood of 2011. We hope our effort here today helps to bring it back," Krebs said.

Adult runners had the option of participating in either a five-kilometer race or the full five-mile trail. Regardless of their choice, all faced the same challenging obstacles. The fun started at the beginning of the trek when racers had to crawl through mud or risk having their clothes snagged on barbed wire.

"That's real barbed wire," Krebs said. "I cut myself making the pattern for it."

Near the end, runners faced three obstacles.

First, they needed to traverse a two-rope bridge, one above and one below.

Race volunteer Dan Horengic offered encouraging words for the runners as they slowly shimmied across the bridge.

"Don't worry about the snapping turtles in the water. We've already fed them today," he joked.

After that, runners came across a muddy water pit. Some entered the pit cautiously, others sped into it. All of them soon discovered a hidden dropoff, putting them chest-high in the water.

"Last year, the pit was a little deeper and we put some ice in it," Horengic said.

After another crawl through the muddy water under two-foot high ribbons, the finish line was in sight, where a food and music festival was awaiting participants at Krebs Grove.

"It was a great race to run and always challenging," said competitor Heather Yost. "We had a lot of fun with it, and I'm glad they had the shorter option available this year."

Younger runners also had a chance to compete at their own levels with pee-wee and intermediate courses available. Those tracks were not as long as the adult version, but featured scaled-down versions of the obstacles, making the intermediate course a little more challenging for young runners.

"We added a mud crawl and a climbing obstacle to this year's course," Krebs said. "The kids really enjoyed it and everyone had a great time. That's what this event is all about."

BLOOMSBURG - News-Item columnist Walter Brasch has recently won several state and national awards for work published in 2012.

The Pennsylvania Press Club honored him with first place awards for his column, special series (for articles about problems with the state's new law on gas exploration) and religion. Also, Brasch was awarded first place in radio commentary by the Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association.

The National Federation of Press Women awarded him third place for his column, third for social issues reporting and honorable mention in special series. The National Society of Newspaper Columnists awarded him honorable mention for his column.

Brasch is the author of 17 books. The latest is "Fracking Pennsylvania." Combining scientific evidence and extensive interviews with those affected by fracking throughout the country, the book studies the effects upon public health and the environment, as well as problems from fracking that he says affect agriculture, wildlife and livestock. And, Brasch said, the book explores "collusion between Big Energy and Pennsylvania's politicians."

Marriage licenses

Shane Austin Stiely, 1108 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, to Katie Nicole Ziegler, 135 Harveys Road, Sunbury. Issued June 13.

Daniel Lee Parker, 1660 W. Chestnut St., Coal Township, to Patty Ann Long, 449 S. Harrison St., Shamokin. Issued June 13.

Frederick George Culp, 43 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin, to Frances Louise Brennan, 1017 N. Washington St., Shamokin. Issued June 14.

Keith Wesloskie to Shauna Lynn Usalis, both of 114 E. Columbia Avenue, Atlas. Issued June 11.

Divorces

Susan K. Beck, 137 B Reagan St., Sunbury, from Craig Reichenbach, 228 Kratzer Road, Sunbury. Married Sept. 16, 1989.

Dale R. Hornberger from Lynda Hornberger, 530 Too Sharp Road, Muncy. Married Jan. 1, 1981.

Jennifer A. Straub, 240 Blacks Lane, West Cameron Township, from Alen Edward Straub III, 17 S. Shamokin St., Shamokin. Married Oct. 4, 2003.

Lindsay Nicole Reeder, 120 Fairmont Ave., Sunbury, from Kyle Evan Reeder, 420 N. 9th St., Sunbury. Married Aug. 29, 1999.

Property transfers

Matthew W. Bednar and Tracy L. Bednar to Tracy L. Bednar, property in Coal Township, $1.

Myroltone Daniel to Francis DeVizia, property in Shamokin, $2,500.

William J. Cavanaugh and Tina M. Cavanaugh to Lester Burgess and Julie Burgess, property in Mount Carmel, $35,000.

Joshua S. Kovaschetz and Jodell L. Kovaschetz to Joshua S. Kovaschetz, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Philip L. Foltz and Angela S. Foltz to Wallace E. Seltzer Jr. and Jodi Seltzer, property in Rush Township, $53,000.

Rose Marie Latsha estate and Anthony T. Curran (administrator) to Kristen N. Karpinski and Cory R. Kowaleski, property in Ralpho Township, $50,000.

BWH Properties LLC to Kumar Ajnoha and Antonio Britton, property in Mount Carmel, $6,200.

James H. Steigerwalt estate, and co-executors Kenneth A. Steigerwalt and Suzanne L. Roshoe to Joshua D. Derk and Shannon R. Brosious, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Joshua M. Wynn and Melissa Wynn to Shawn O'Neill, property in Shamokin, $65,000.

Roxanne M. Yurkiewicz to David Burroughs, property in Coal Township, $11,500.

Shamokin City to Shamokin City, property in Shamokin, $1,093.

Gary W. Poole and Patricia A. Poole to Jessica Poole, property in Rockefeller Township, no price.

Randolph H. Jackson and Kimberly D. Jackson to Kyle W. Gerber, property in Shamokin Township, $141,000.

Marian V. Faust to Cindy Brokenshire, property in Coal Township, $145,000.

Joseph III aka Joseph Melichercik and Mary T. aka Mary Melichercik to Mary T. Melichercik, properties in Shamokin Township, Mount Camrel Township and Northumberland, $1.

Ruth A. Greco, Beverly J. Yocum and Gregory Yocum to Patricia A. Harvey, property in Shamokin, $19,000.

David L. Ebersole and Dawn M. Ebersole to David L. Ebersole, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Juanita Frye to Sheri L. Formwalt, Frances Mabus and Susan Krieger, property in Coal Township, $1.

My son Andrew and I decided to go on a father-son trip in May to Portland, Maine, and to venture into the neighboring White Mountains of New Hampshire. Our plans were to take day hikes on some of the beautiful mountains and hiking trails surrounding North Conway, which is located in the Mount Washington Valley. North Conway, a village of 2,400 people, is approximately a 90-minute ride from Portland. The beauty and majesty of the mountains in this region are breathtaking, and certainly places one's life priorities in perspective amid life's hur-

ried pace.

The mountains also provide interesting and basic teaching moments for individuals who hike their trails in an attempt to reach their highest points. Often, people arrive to climb these mountains excited and possibly unprepared in anticipation of spending time with family members, attempting new challenges and just having fun.

No need to rush

We certainly made some interesting discoveries as we attempted to methodically climb several mountains in the White Mountain National Forest, which consists of more than 700,000 acres of protected land, and in the Crawford Notch State Park region.

The first mountain we attempted to hike was Mount Willard, with a peak of 2,800 feet. This mountain is adjacent to the Appalachian Mountain Club Highland Center, which offers meals and lodging, trail information and equipment. This three-mile-plus hike was up a moderately steep, rocky trail with snow and ice in the upper portion. The continually rising trail clearly slows hikers and reminds them to take time to enjoy the beauty surrounding them. At the top, the views from the rocky ledge overlooking Crawford Notch and the surrounding valley were inspiring as we enjoyed our lunch and celebrated our simple achievement. Frequently, hikers attempt to rush to the top of the mountain, as many of us do in life, and we do not enjoy the simple pleasures that bring true meaning into our lives.

Moving on from disappointment

The next day the lessons seemed to continue to present themselves as we decided to hike Mount Potash in the national forest. Staff at the International Mountain Equipment (IME) store in North Conway recommended hiking this 2,660-foot mountain and provided practical advice for this and other climbs. As we arrived at the trailhead, we continued on a level pathway and reached a swollen stream with large boulders. The melting snow and ice had enlarged the swift stream with ice cold water to the point we were unable to cross it.

Disappointed, a frank and honest discussion was held as we decided we could not continue this hike. The possibility of unsafe conditions and an individual being hurt fording the rushing water was the main consideration. Although we really wanted to hike this mountain and spent time and energy to begin this hike, it was important to recognize the reality of this situation. The open communication between us provided a different alternative. We accepted the old adage that "the mountain will be there for another day," and looked to another nearby mountain to hike that morning; that was Mount Hedgehog. It would have been easy to wallow in frustration, but the key was to let go of emotion and discuss positive alternatives.

Be prepared

The trail for Mount Hedgehog, a 2,532-foot challenging climb, was located near Mount Potash. This mountain presented level trails that transcended into much steeper and rocky trails. The top of the mountain opens up into large rocky ledges and allows spectacular views of the Tripyramids and other surrounding mountains. After a relaxing lunch on the ledge, dark rain clouds gathered to our backs and quickly enveloped the mountain. It began to rain heavily. We began to move down the steep and slippery mountain. Our hiking poles saved us from many slips and falls and are essential in these types of hikes, whether wet or dry. However, we were not totally prepared. We left our rain gear in the car because the weather was sunny and the temperature was in the low 80s as we entered the trailhead. With the temperatures dropping rapidly and being wet as a result of the rain, it would be very easy to suffer from hyperthermia.

It is very important on these types of hikes, as well as in achieving life goals, to ensure you have the proper resources and preparation, which requires time and patience. Minimally, day hikes require proper footwear for the trail, walking poles and a waterproof backpack with plenty of water, snacks, lunch, a weatherproof trail map, rain gear, matches, a compass and a flashlight/head lamp. There are various reliable hiking books, websites and other resources to help hikers make the necessary preparation for changing conditions.

Offering encouragement

One of the final challenges that we undertook was to hike up Mount Black Cap near North Conway. This mountain is 2,369 feet tall and is moderately steep as you approach the top. The top of this mountain has a rock ledge for its summit and provides a 360-degree view. After hiking for several days, your legs and your mindset can begin to fatigue and feelings of frustration can occur even in an easier climb. This situation occurred on this mountain.

The trail seemed to become more difficult. My son provided the needed encouragement and support as a team member throughout the early part of this trail. Simple words like "one foot in front of the other" or reaching with a hand to lift you over a rock on the trail provided both the physical and mental encouragement and support that was needed to continue the climb and the hike. How often it is the simple aspects of life such as encouragement, support and being there for another individual that can help to make real differences in the lives of people.

Spend quality time

As we concluded our trip with hikes to Arethusa Falls, Diana's Baths and the River Walk, it was time to talk and reflect on the time that we spent together and some of the lessons that the mountains of New Hampshire helped us learn.

Probably the most important and basic lesson we realized was to spend more quality time with family members and other people in our lives. The ability to talk, walk and enjoy one another's company or to discuss important personal issues can really make the differences in their lives and ultimately affect the quality of life in our homes and in our communities. Too often, other events, priorities in our busy lives and careers seem to overshadow the most basic necessities of life.

(Robert Wislock lives in Shamokin and his son lives in Nescopeck.)

Learn-to-swim program scheduled

ELYSBURG - The Knoebels Amusement Resort Learn-to-Swim program will take place from June 24 to July 5. Lessons will run from 9 to 10:15 a.m., and a $1 donation for the American Red Cross will be requested at the time of registration.

Signup will take place starting at 8:30 a.m. June 24 at the Crystal Pool.

Management tour at Weiser Forest

BEAR GAP - The Weiser State Forest will conduct a state forest management tour, starting at 6 p.m. Thursday.

The program will cover how the forest is managed for low density recreation, sustained yields of timber, pure water, wildlife habitat and biodiversity. The tour includes a marked timber sale where participants can learn about timber harvests on state forests.

Registration for the tour is required; Monday is the deadline. There is no cost and transportation is provided from the Route 54 parking area to the program in the Roaring Creek Tract. Participants should arrive promptly at 6 p.m. to get the bus.

For more information and registration, contact the Bureau of Forestry at 672-9878 or 385-7800 or by email at fd18@pa.gov.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Edgewood Swim Club, located near the Shamokin Area School District grounds, stands as an area of summer fun in a quiet neighborhood of Coal Township.

The swimming and picnic area along Stetler Drive was started to fulfill a need for a community pool after Edgewood Park and its swimming pool closed for good in the early 1960s.

"When Edgewood closed down for good, the closest public swimming pool was at Knoebels in Elysburg," swim club president Mike Dormer said.

Neighborhood resident Charles Verano had the idea to bring back the pool and about 60 residents chipped in a membership fee that became the seed money to start the club.

Today, the facility is known as the Charles A. Verano Memorial Pool.

"It was utilized until Shamokin got grant money and established the community pool on Rock Street in 1971," Dormer said.

The swim club was established in 1973 when the clubhouse was built. Members enjoyed full use of the building, grounds and pool - at one point, Edgewood was the largest fresh-water swimming pool in the state.

"After using the pool on Sunday, it was drained, then filled with fresh water on Monday," the president said.

A membership-driven swim club raises misconception from the public, Dormer said.

"When you mention the Edgewood Swim Club, many people in the area think you have to be a resident of Stetler Drive or the surrounding area to join," Dormer said, but membership is open to all families in the area, as long as a family membership is purchased. Rates are comparable to many other community pools in the area. The difference at Edgewood, he said, is the openness of the area.

"We never charge our members for using our picnic facilities and have a small kitchen on site with two stoves and a refrigerator," Dormer said. "We also have gas grills, pool items and chairs which people can use. They don't have to bring their own."

Many of the members are also volunteers at the pool and help with maintenance. In fact, most of the work at the club is done by volunteers, except for three paid lifeguards.

The pool was ready for the season last week, but the torrential rains on June 10 put a wrench into the plans.

"The rain washed out a lot of dirt from the hillside and it traveled across the grass and right into the pool; we're working on that this weekend.

Despite the pool not being open, the grounds are still open for people to picnic, play and enjoy a great day out,

"We will be open noon to 8 p.m., seven days a week," Dormer said. "So come have a great time."

HARRISBURG - The Corbett administration seeks to broaden the scope of Medicaid expansion talks with Washington, but expressed disappointment at the lack of progress so far with federal officials.

The administration wants to cover such issues as having new recipients obtain their coverage through health insurance exchanges, requiring some form of co-payments and job training on their part and reconsidering the types of benefits that would be offered.

Gov. Tom Corbett has yet to decide whether to expand Medicaid health coverage to include hundreds of thousands of low-income adult Pennsylvanians under terms of the 2010 federal Affordable Health Care Act.

Democratic lawmakers are pushing to include Medicaid expansion as part of the next state budget as a way to draw large sums of federal aid to underwrite coverage for the uninsured, boost the health care sector of Pennsylvania's economy and free up state dollars for other purposes.

While the June 30 state budget passage deadline looms, two top Corbett administration officials said they are not necessarily looking at that deadline because they want to make major changes to Medicaid as part of any expansion.

The Medicaid program covers more than two million low-income Pennsylvanians, including children and adults with dependent children, pregnant women, the elderly, the disabled and medically needy.

The administration isn't seeking changes that would affect services provided to the elderly and disabled, said Corbett policy director Jennifer Branstetter.

"There is no date for when a decision has to be made for Pennsylvania," she added.

The expansion talks started in April with a meeting between Mr. Corbett and federal Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Branstetter and Todd Shamash, Corbett deputy chief of staff, said federal officials are being too rigid in their approach.

"We are not seeing much of a wink and nod out of Washington yet," said Branstetter.

The administration has broached the idea of having those newly eligible MA recipients obtain their coverage through the state health insurance exchanges being set up under ACA, said Branstetter and Mr. Shamash. These exchanges are intended as a regulated marketplace where individuals and small businesses can purchase private health insurance from insurers.

It would be an alternative to expanding the traditional medical assistance programs under the state Department of Public Welfare which cost more to run each year, they added.

Arkansas is advancing a private-option plan, where the state would use federal money to buy private insurance for low-income residents.

Other issues raised by the Corbett administration include whether the federal government will keep its funding commitments and the fate of the state Children's Health Insurance Program and a state gross receipts tax on Medicaid managed care plans if Pennsylvania opts in.

The Corbett administration is still discussing concepts while HHS is asking states to submit specific plans that can be reviewed and then negotiated, said Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Vincent Hughes, D-7, Philadelphia.

"Some people believe this is a stall tactic to get beyond June 30," he added.

The idea of a copay costing a couple dollars is something that could get consideration, but not a copay on a scale of $200, said Mr. Hughes.

Pennsylvania must redesign its health care system under ACA regardless of whether it expands Medicaid, said the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, which supports expansion.

"There is no reason that the expansion could not take effect in 2014 if policymakers allocate the federal dollars in the 2013-14 budget," the center said.

"Medicaid expansion should be abandoned because it would dump more of the poor into a system that's already failing them" said the Commonwealth Foundation, which opposes the idea.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

Wheelchair engineers program changing

BUCKHORN - Officials of the Wheelchair Engineers program at the Columbia Mall have announced a change in the day of the program and its hours.

The program, which encourages wheelchair-bound children and adults - including stroke victims and wounded war veterans - to operate model railroad trains on a large, wheelchair-accessible layout, will now be held from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday afternoon at the mall.

The group also hosts a free Saturday Trains program, from 10 a.m. to noon at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, Pine and East Market streets, Danville.

Korean War reunion set

WILLIAMSPORT - A reunion for Korean War veterans from Pennsylvania will be held in Williamsport to mark the 60th anniversary of the truce signing ending the war on July 27, 1953.

The Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County, Pa., Inc., will host the three-day gathering, open to Pennsylvania veterans of any branch of service who served during the Korean War era whether in Korea or stationed elsewhere worldwide with the U.S. Military. The reunion will be headquartered at the Genetti Hotel, Williamsport with events scheduled from Thursday, July 25 through Saturday, July 27.

For a complete listing of events, fees, schedules and other information. write to Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County, Pa., Inc., P.O. Box 3232, Williamsport 17701.

Second phase of Mountain View renovation completed

COAL TOWNSHIP - Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in conjunction with Complete HealthCare Resources-Eastern Inc., announces that the second phase of a facility-wide renovation has beem completed.

The renovation is designed to enhance the experience of guests who require short-term rehabilitation, post-acute medical care or quality long-term nursing care. An open house is scheduled for Thursday, June 20.

The newly-renovated suite includes semi-private accommodations with individual flat-screen TVs, wireless internet, new Cherry furniture, designer finishes and a newly-expanded lounge area. Two spa-inspired bathing suites were incorporated that provide a Spa-like environment complete with designer tile whirlpool tubs. The newly-renovated suite is anticipated to being welcoming guests in the latter part of June.

Information wanted on scouting

LEVITTOWN - Nelson E. Clements, a retired professional scouter who grew up with the Susquehanna Valley Area Council of Boy Scouts is looking for information to write a history of the council, which served Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties for over 50 years.

Clements is also looking for information on Camp Karoondinha, Camp Nikomahs, Camp Libby, Camp Penn Lick, Pathfinders of the Golden Trail, Wapsu Achtu Lodge Order of the Arrow, the districts of the council and any other information that would help him.

Anyone willing to help can contact him at Nelson E. Clements, 108 Vermont Lane, Levittown, PA 19054-1029.

The following landlord/tenant claims and judgments were filed in magisterial district court:

Office of John Gembic III, Shamokin

- Charles P. Hagan, of Horsham, against James A. Hockenberry, and Lisa N. Zellman, of Shamokin, for $645. Filed Tuesday, a hearing is scheduled for July 8.

- Randy Weiser, of Herndon, against Luann Reinhard, of Shamokin, for $1,500. Filed June 10. A hearing is scheduled for June 20.

Office of Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Marcus Winnick, of Edwardsville, awarded $545.89 on Thursday in unpaid rent and court fees from Margareta Yeager, of Elysburg and Thomas Moodie, of Mount Carmel. Winnick had originally sought $645.

WILBURTON - Aliceann Reilley, a daughter of Rita Reilley, of Aristes, and the late Raymond Reilley, has completed her master's degree in nursing education from Saint Joseph's College of Maine.

Reilley graduated with honors with a grade-point average of 3.5. She is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Reilley has been employed by the Geisinger Health System for the past 34 years. She has recently accepted a position with Geisinger Health Plan in the medical management department.

CATAWISSA RR - A motion to require Southern Columbia Area students participating in athletic and extracurricular activities to pay a $50 fee did not receive enough support from school board directors Monday night.

The pay-to-participate program, which would have been exempt for students eligible for free and reduced lunch, was originally suggested by Vice President Charlie Porter in May 2012 as a creative way to bring financial issues under control.

However, President Mike Yeager said Monday the motion is too vague and doesn't specify which grade levels and activities would be included in the program.

Furthermore, he said, there is a chance some students would not participate or some parents would not volunteer if the fee was passed.

"If we do anything to alienate people, maybe we're cutting our own throats," Yeager said.

Director Rick Steele agreed, saying, "If we lose one kid, it's not worth what we would gain from it."

While Steele said it may be inevitable that programs like this will be implemented in the future, he said it's not the time now to pass it for many reasons.

If the money collected from the fees would save a position or program, he would be more likely to vote in favor of it. Plus, the money collected would not even benefit the current budget, he said.

"It does not meet my criteria to support it," Steele said.

Director Timothy Vought said there is no plan or policy to complement the motion.

"It's just thrown in (the agenda) with no plan in place on how to do it," he said.

When Porter raised the issues last year, there were significant changes in the structure of state funding for public schools, leaving boards scrambling in the past two budget seasons to fill large deficits. Since these issues have arisen, the Pennsylvania School Board Association and Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association released a survey last year that reported the number of schools charging a fee for sports and extracurricular programs have more than doubled in just two years.

Some school activities are extracurricular, such as sports and certain clubs, while others are co-curricular, such as band or music programs that count for grades. Co-curriculars would have been exempt from the pay-to-participate program if the motion had passed.

Director Gail Zambor Schuerch, who supported the motion, noted the district is struggling with the budget and said the reactions from students and parents wouldn't be as harsh as people think.

"We're in a pinch for money," she said.

Porter said he didn't think it was too much to ask the direct beneficiaries to support the program in which they participate.

For unlimited sports or extracurricular activities with coaching benefits, $50 is a "fantastic" deal, he said.

The motion was made and seconded by Directors Porter and Eric Stahley. The board was split in the vote with three directors - Schuerch, Stahley and Porter - voting in favor of it and four directors - John Yocum, Vought, Steele and Yeager - voting against it.

Budget passed

The board also passed a $18,076,395 2013-14 budget with a property tax increase.

Northumberland County property owners will see a 2.91 increase in real estate millage, raising the rate to 52.86 mills, and Columbia County property owners will see a 1.6-mill boost to 35.8 mills.

On a property assessed at $26,695, Northumberland County residents would see an average increase of $77.68 a year while Columbia County residents with a property assessed at $32,288 would see an average increase of $51.66 a year.

The motion to approve the budget was made and seconded by Vought and Steele. It passed 5-2 with Porter and Stahley voting against it.

Both Stahley and Porter said they would rather have used $600,000 in a contingency fund related to the construction project to fill part of the deficit in this year's budget, which is allowable by state law, instead of raising taxes.

Stahley also said he disagrees with using state-allowed exceptions to raise property taxes above the limit, which was part of the budget.

In other business, the board approved:

- Two change orders to the middle and high school renovations and additions project, resulting in an additional $20,727.29.

- The hiring of Jonathan Reed for the position of technology support specialists effective July 1 at a salary of $30,000 and benefits per year.

MONTOURSVILLE - PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch recognized 30 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT's highest recognition. Two employees from PennDOT's District 3, which includes Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union and Bradford counties, were among the honorees.

"I am honored to present the Star of Excellence Award to our employees who embody the drive and dedication that are so vital to keeping PennDOT moving," Schoch said. "While they work in every area of the department, they have the common goal of achieving excellence and are an example for the rest of us."

Local winners Jim Williams, of Mount Carmel, and Ken Bair, of Mifflinburg, were honored at an awards luncheon at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg.

"Ken and Jim are two outstanding employees who have brought about positive change in every area they have worked. They care about the department and strive to continuously make it a better organization," said District Executive Sandra Tosca.

Bair, district maintenance services engineer, was instrumental in analyzing the benefits of and developing an implementation plan for two district-wide seal coat crews this year, an initiative which supports the regionalization concept encouraged by PennDOT Next Generation. In the past, each county handled its own seal-coat program. With the implementation of this regional approach, we anticipate improved productivity and quality, and a significant cost-savings through reduced equipment costs. As a member of the PNG winter services team, Bair helped analyze temporary operator needs which, when implemented, are estimated to produce savings of over $1 million. Officials said Bair, who has work experience in both design and maintenance, is well respected by department staff and a role model in the district, and is an outstanding communicator and manager. He was also honored recently as the district office Employee of the Month.

Williams, Columbia/Montour County equipment manager, is a "go-to person" for other equipment managers when they have questions on equipment, policy or innovations. The district equipment manager recognizes him as dedicated and very capable in all aspects of his job. According to his supervisors, Williams believes safety is job one, and he is always open to ideas from the field or safety committee to add enhancements to facilities to make them safer. He was instrumental in developing a yard rack for spreaders, wing plows and tanks at the Columbia/Montour 01 stockpile, using guiderail parts at no cost. It made the yard safer with fewer obstacles, and made the garage staff more efficient in spreader maintenance and installation. Ever cost-conscious, Williams acquired several needed items and equipment from other counties that were sending them to auction or surplus. He also oversees the operations of the district's four Interstate 80 rest areas, with an eye always on providing excellent customer service.

The Star of Excellence Awards are presented annually to employees who represent the department's values of service, performance and integrity. The recipients represent a variety of organizational positions, spanning from highway maintenance and driver and vehicle services workers, to programming specialists, communications staff and design and engineering specialists.

LOCUST TOWNSHIP - A Catawissa area man was placed in Columbia County Prison Monday morning after he allegedly fired several shots outside his home before police took him into custody. No one was injured.

Locust Township Police charged Christopher H. Cooper, 22, of 1156 Numidia Drive, Catawissa, with several counts, including making terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person after he fired a pistol into the woods while his girlfriend, Jennifer Beishline, was standing nearby.

According to court documents filed by Locust Township Police Patrolman Nicholas Thorpe, police were dispatched to Cooper's home at 11:04 p.m. Sunday after receiving a call from Beishline's sister, Katlyn Faust.

Faust told police Beishline was at Cooper's residence and Cooper had been screaming at her and then fired shots from a pistol.

After arriving at Cooper's home, police spoke to Beishline by telephone. She told police Cooper had been talking about suicide during an argument between the two, and then showed her an ammunition magazine for his mother's pistol and went outside.

A short time later, Beishline heard a single gunshot from the back yard. She rushed outside and found Cooper was unharmed, but holding a pistol.

Police said Beishline tried to calm Cooper down by sitting in a lawn chair and talking with him, but Cooper began screaming obscenities at her. Beishline said she just sat there because Cooper was holding the weapon.

Suddenly, Beishline told police, Cooper turned toward the fields behind the home and fired three more shots, and a casing struck Beishline in the arm. After he fired, Cooper allegedly turned to her and said, "I hope the cops show up, that way I don't have to do it myself."

Beishline said she then ran from the backyard and called Faust for a ride.

Police detained Cooper in the backyard. Cooper told police he fired an air rifle, not a pistol, in the fields, according to the report.

He also told police he often thought of suicide as a way to escape his problems and has been on medication for depression, police said.

Police found the pistol at Cooper's residence and his mother identified it as her weapon. A round was found in the magazine in the pistol. Cooper's mother told police she usually keeps the pistol and magazine separated.

Officers also found the spent casings near the lawn chair and it matched the ammunition found in the pistol.

In addition to the reckless endangerment and terroristic threat charges, Cooper was arrested on counts of disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. He was arraigned via video before Magisterial District Judge Russell Lawton, of Bloomsburg, and placed in Columbia County Prison on $25,000 straight bail. A preliminary hearing on the charges is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, before Magisterial District Judge Craig Long, of Catawissa.

Assisting at the scene were officers from the Catawissa and Montour Township Police departments.

The investigation continues.

Report cards ready at MCA

MOUNT CARMEL - Report cards for the fourth marking period of the Mount Carmel Area School District are available for pickup in the principal office from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Festival food prep at Our Lady's

MOUNT CARMEL - Food preparation for this weekend's parish festival at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church begins today, the Rev. Francis Karwacki, pastor, announced.

Church members are asked to come to the backyard rectory pantry after 2:30 p.m. today to pick up cabbage heads for boiling. The cabbage will be returned to the parish hall at 10 a.m. Thursday for pigeon-making. Food preparation will continue in the hall Friday.

The annual festival will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday in the church parking lot at Market and Fourth streets. If either day is rained out, the rain date will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Community yard sale planned

MARION HEIGHTS - The borough of Marion Heights will hold his annual community yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Rain date is Saturday, June 29.