STONINGTON - Shamokin Township supervisors approved the purchase of two generators for use at approved emergency shelters.

At their meeting Wednesday, supervisors discussed plans to have the municipal building and the Stonington Fire Company designated as emergency shelters. Funding is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the generators if the American Red Cross designates the buildings as approved emergency shelters, Chairman Tom Carl said.

"But we can't get the approval without buying the generators," he said.

Carl was joined by Greg Rachau and John Klinger in voting to have roadmaster Jon Clements look into purchasing the generators.

The only other matter discussed was the township's plan to have property owners pay for damages if water from their driveways damages township roads.

Solicitor Jim Bathgate told supervisors he made a change in the proposed ordinance, adding a clause that if a property owner is brought before a magistrate for a violation of the ordinance, the township can ask the judge to award them attorney fees.

Supervisors were given a draft of the ordinance for review and a motion was approved to advertise the ordinance for possible passage Aug. 14.

BLOOMSBURG - A woman was killed and her husband injured in a horse cart accident Wednesday near Millville.

State police at Bloomsburg said Linda G. Craver, 58, of Millville, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 7:02 p.m. crash by Columbia County Deputy Coroner Ron Taylor. Her husband, David Craver, 58, was listed in fair condition Thursday at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

According to a release from investigating officer Trooper Kevin Jancewicz, the couple were riding in a two-wheel, single horse cart on a private dirt lane near their farm. For an unknown reason, the horse pulling the cart no longer responded to commands and went down a steep embankment planted with corn. The cart flipped, ejecting both passengers.

According to the (Bloomsburg) Press-Enterprise, the private road and field are owned by the Carvers and are across the road from their residence along Route 442.

SUNBURY - Charges against Naheem Reams would be filed when the 17-year-old is well enough to answer to them, state police said Thursday.

"We are monitoring his condition with the help of Geisinger Medical Center," said Trooper Matt Burrows, community service officer with Troop F.

Burrows, however, would not further discuss the filing of charges against Reams, whose condition improved from critical after he was shot during a police pursuit June 5 to fair as of Wednesday. His condition remained unchanged Thursday.

"State police at Stonington continue to investigate the matter, and if any charges are filed, they will file them," Burrows said, noting Reams' health is the current priority.

It is also not clear if Reams would be charged as a juvenile or an adult. County juvenile probation issued a warrant for Reams on May 20, but further details about his criminal past aren't available because of the ongoing investigation.

City police said they were on routine patrol to clear vehicles from Fifth Street in Sunbury for the street sweeper when, as they approached Reams sitting in his car, he sped off in a "reckless manner." The officer had no idea who was in the car, city police Chief Stephen Mazzeo has said.

The resulting chase ended about one mile away when police said Reams struck the police vehicles and tried to hit the officer who then shot him. An affidavit said the officer "simultaneously while taking evasive action from being hit, shot into the car's windshield."

Reams' 1997 Saturn came to rest in the grass of Merle Phillips Park, between Front Street and the flood wall at the Susquehanna River. Friends and family have said he was shot in the abdomen.

The officer, who has not been identified and was placed on administrative leave along with two other city officers who were part of the pursuit, suffered a minor injury to his head.

Investigation of the incident involves a review of the justification for the officer firing his gun, Burrows said.

SHAMOKIN - Officials say arraigning defendants by video has saved Northumberland County and municipalities hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless man hours while allowing the court system to be more efficient.

The ingenuity and generosity of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III of Shamokin is credited with the establishment of video arraignments in 2004 at magistrates' homes, police departments, the prison, President Judge Robert B. Sacavage's chambers and the offices of the court administrator, public defender, district attorney and sheriff.

The system, which has advanced in technology from MSN Messenger to Skype, continues to expand and also has been used by Gembic and Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel to conduct preliminary hearings for inmates at the county jail and state correctional institutions.

Gembic said magisterial district judges met with Sacavage, other county court officials and state police Thursday in Sunbury to discuss hooking up to another system, known as Polycom, used by state police. He said the advanced video arraignment system is accessible to all law enforcement agencies.

Gembic said court officials are in favor of trying the system on a trial-free basis sometime soon.

"Video arraignments have streamlined the arraignment procedure by allowing defendants charged with criminal offenses to be arraigned at the arresting officer's police station instead of a judge's courtroom after normal business hours," Gembic said Wednesday. "Judges working from their homes arraign defendants, which eliminates the need for police to transport defendants to the on-call judge, who could be in Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Sunbury or Milton."

1,800 since 2004

Each arraignment done by video saves two or three hours for police, which allows them more time to be on the street, Gembic said.

Although he doesn't keep official statistics on video arraignments, Gembic, whose office handles more than 500 criminal cases per year, estimated he has conducted approximately 200 by video per year - 1,800 total - since 2004. At an estimated minimum savings of $200 in manpower hours, fuel and vehicle maintenance for each, that's $360,000 for Gembic's office alone.

There were four other magisterial judges in the county when video arraignments began, and now there are three including Jones, Benjamin Apfelbaum of Sunbury and Senior Magisterial District Judge Richard Cashman, who's handling cases in the Milton district until a magistrate is elected this year to replace Robert Bolton, who retired in 2012.

Senior Magisterial District Judge Michael Mychak also conducts on-call arraignments.

Started with $650

In 2004, Gembic said he spent approximately $650 to purchase computer cameras for the judges' offices, police stations and other law enforcement agencies. He built MSN Messenger sites at each office and developed a contact list, then trained every department. The "countless hours" have been worth it, he said, because of the benefits.

The system is available countywide, but is primarily used by himself, Jones and Mychak.

Gembic said video arraignment equipment also allows county police departments to better communicate with each other.

The judge said defendants don't have any say about how their arraignments are conducted, but can object to having their preliminary hearings conducted through video. Gembic said preliminary hearings by video don't occur too often and must be conducted with the defendant's permission. The judge said there have been several times when county or state inmates have objected to preliminary hearings by video.

Gembic said video arraignments were only conducted in a few Pennsylvania counties before they were approved and implemented in Northumberland County.

Central booking push

Gembic commended Sacavage and District Attorney Tony Rosini for supporting video arraignments and the use of 21st century technology.

Sacavage said it has worked "marvelously."

"It's saved a considerable amount of time for magistrates and police officers and also saved hundreds of thousands of dollars for the county and municipalities," he said.

Gembic hopes to see Sacavage's push for a central booking/holding cell at the county prison become reality, too.

Under that system, those who commit crimes during late evening or early morning hours would be taken by police to the prison, where they would be held for arraignment the next day by the magisterial district judge in whose jurisdiction the crime occurred.

"It would allow defendants to cool down before facing a judge, especially people involved in domestic disturbances," Gembic said. "The defendants would be responsible for paying a process fee at the center and they would go before a judge who would be more familiar with their background than a judge from the other end of the county."

The central booking proposal also was discussed at Thursday's meeting, Gembic said.

Defendants benefit, too

Gembic said arraigning and conducting preliminary hearings for defendants as soon as possible allows the court system to operate more efficiently by reducing the backlog of cases.

For inmates charged with less serious crimes, such as probation violations, video arraignments benefit defendants because they don't have to wait several days to go personally in front of a judge. Transportation and paperwork issues can sometimes cause delays in having inmates arraigned and transported to their preliminary hearings.

Gembic estimated the average stay in prison for an inmate is two weeks.

"By arraigning them and conducting their hearings as quick as possible, the time they spend in prison can be cut in half," he said.

MOUNT CARMEL - Peter Quach, a seminarian, has been assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church for the summer.

Quach graduated from St. Charles Borromeo College Seminary, and following the summer internship in Mount Carmel, will return to the seminary to study theology. His home parish is Holy Family Church in Harrisburg.

Quach will assist with liturgies, visits to the homebound and with hospital visits during his stay in Mount Carmel.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court on Monday, July 29, in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Julian M. Childs, 30, with a last known address of 1422 Bradley Drive, Apt. C113, Carlisle, waived charges of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, driving under the influence, reckless driving and duty to give information and render aid.

Childs was charged by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman Matthew Dillman following a traffic accident at the intersection of Chestnut and Water streets at 5:17 p.m. June 7.

n Charges of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and criminal trespass were waived to court by Stephanie Ditzler, 28, of 303 N. Locust St., Mount Carmel.

She was charged by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Matthew Filarski following the investigation of a scrap metal theft from PACTIV, Mount Carmel Township, on May 6.

n Charges of simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct against Michael J. McGinley, 26, of 554 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, were dismissed when the victim failed to appear for the preliminary hearing.

The charges were filed by Kulpmont Police Patrolman Michael Pitcavage following an incident at McGinley's residence on April 26.

n Joseph Phillipine, 29, of 831 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, waived charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

He was charged by Kulpmont Police Patrolman Joshua Pastucka following the investigation of a dirt bike that was stolen from a home on Scott Street in Kulpmont July 27, 2012.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area School District is participating in the 2013 summer food service program which provides funds to provide meals for children from low-income families.

The district will operate a lunch program daily Monday to Friday, beginning Monday and running until July 26, 2013, with bus transportation provided to and from the site from all communities in the Mount Carmel Area School District.

Meals are available for all children eligible for the summer food service program free of charge. The meals will be available for all eligible children from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mount Carmel Area Elementary School.

All eligible children are afforded equal access to the benefits of the summer food service program. In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For additional information about the summer food service program, please contact the superintendent's office at 339-1500, extension 3121.

PERRYVILLE, Md. - Mathias Andrulewicz, of Perryville, Md., recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Andrulewicz, a son of Mathias and Cheryl Andrulewicz and grandson of Elizabeth and the late William Madara, of 940 Spruce St., Kulpmont, and Stanley and Elizabeth Andrulewicz, of 93 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, recently worked on remodeling the Chuck Wagon building at his home parish, Good Shepherd Parish, Perryville.

He renovated the windows and doors, painted the structure and helped redo the wiring over the course of three months in early 2012. The new Eagle Scout spent an estimated 200 hours on the building.

A 2012 graduate of Perryville High School, he participated in many school organizations and was a member of the National Honor Society, National Thespian Society, school improvement team and best buddies. He was also team captain for varsity lacrosse, ran cross country and winter track and played on the junior varsity football team.

During the 2011 National Catholic Youth Conference, he won the top talent contest that was hosted by Heartbeat Records. As a result, he signed a recording contract and released his first album, "I Believe."

COAL TOWNSHIP - Coal Township commissioners delayed taking action Thursday night to amend a proposed ordinance for street excavations so they can research the issue further and meet with utilities that will be greatly affected by the proposed amendments.

"We want to come up with a viable solution that will help the citizens of Coal Township," Zalar said. "The ordinance covering excavations to streets and sidewalks is old and needs to be revised, but we don't want our streets destroyed. We need to research the issue and meet with representatives from the gas company, water company and sewer authority before we vote on this."

Voting to approve Zalar's recommendation to table the ordinance were Commissioners Gene Welsh, Bernie Rumberger, Craig Fetterman and Jerry Waugh.

Solicitor Vince Rovito said, "We basically want to force the utilities to work together and make sure all of us are on the same page."

UGI

Michael Love, vice president of government affairs for UGI Utilities, told the commissioners he agreed with their decision to table the ordinance and desire to work together with all the utilities.

"We welcome the ordinance and want to work with you," said Love, who with UGI operations supervisor Dave Lichtel, represented the only utility at the meeting.

Love said his company can save residents between $1,200 and $1,500 per year by converting from coal or oil to gas. "We've had a record number of conversions and just want an opportunity to explain our rates in the future," he said. "UGI wants to make sure you have all the facts before making a decision on the ordinance."

Love said he will provide Coal Township officials an outline of UGI projects that are planned for the next three to five years so they know what areas of the township will undergo excavation by the gas company.

Love and Lichtel told the commissioners they have been very accommodating in the past and look forward to working with them for the betterment of all parties.

President Fetterman, who thanked Love and Lichtel for attending the meeting, added, "We want to make sure the ordinance is right."

New ordinance

Last month, the commissioners agreed to advertise a revamped ordinance proposal for street excavations. According to the proposed ordinance, if an aggregate minimum of 10 percent of one township block is disturbed over a 12-month period, those responsible would be required to resurface the entire road between intersections.

That cost would be shared by more than one entity if they dig up roadway in the same area. For example, if a gas company were to dig up 8 percent on one block and a water company 4 percent, each utility's share of the repaving cost would be proportionate to the amount of roadway they disturbed.

A prior version of the proposed ordinance simply required 10 percent disturbance and lacked language for aggregation or time frame. Commissioners believed it allowed too much wiggle room to bypass the proposed regulation and tabled it in April for revision. The revamped version was approved at a May meeting.

The current ordinance mandates roadway resurfacing when 33 percent of a township block is disturbed.

Sewer authority

Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority is currently under federal mandate to overhaul its system in an effort to reduce pollutants from reaching the Chesapeake Bay via the Susquehanna River. The plan was to install brand new sewer lines throughout its territory. However, since Coal Township announced its intent to adopt the excavating ordinance, which would increase costs on a plan that already is estimated at $161 million, the sewer authority is considering alternatives.

Welsh urged residents to be patient and cooperative with current paving projects in the west end of the township. The commissioner, who noted more streets have been paved in recent years, said, "It's a temporary inconvenience for a permanent solution."

Welsh said breakdowns with machinery and an abundance of rain have caused delays in the project, particularly on West Walnut and West Arch streets. He said the work on West Arch Street should be completed in one or two weeks.

In other business

The board amended a zoning ordinance that changes the swimming pool fencing requirements from 6 feet to 4 feet in accordance with the State Uniform Construction Code.

Commissioners allocated its annual local matching funds of $2,102 to the Lower Anthracite Transit System (LATS) and adopted a resolution accepting construction plans for the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) access road and authorizing the preparation of an ordinance to officially accept the deed of dedication for the road.

Waugh said the Coal Township business office will be renovated for security and efficiency reasons. He said work, which is scheduled begin today and be completed early next week, includes the installation of a window, door and wall.

The commissioners agreed with Zalar's recommendation to once again seek state and federal funding to rectify problems with the creek channels in Ranshaw and Tharptown.

The board approved a request by Citizens for a Better Community to sponsor its annual fireworks display at 9:40 p.m. Saturday, July 6.

Waugh announced the Lower Anthracite Regional Recreation Committee will sponsor its third annual golf tournament Saturday, July 13, with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course.

No citizens offered input at a public hearing for the Home Investment Partnership Housing Grant Program.

Greg Schoffler, an official with Northumberland County Housing Authority, said grants up to $20,000 are available under the program to very low- and low-to-moderate-income residents. This year, residents in the east end of the township may be eligible for funding to repair their homes under the owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program.

MOUNT CARMEL - A Mount Carmel man suffered neck pain and was hospitalized as a result of a two-vehicle accident Wednesday night at Seventh and Chestnut streets.

Patrolman Shane Reamer reported Austin George, 75, of 34 N. Oak St., was driving a Plymouth Acclaim south on Chestnut Street at 6:48 p.m. when he stopped for a stop sign before pulling into the intersection. Reamer said George's auto collided with a Mercury Mariner driven east on Seventh Street by Vikki Boris, 31, of 222 S. Poplar St., Mount Carmel.

George was transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where he underwent emergency room treatment before being released. Boris escaped injury.

George's Acclaim sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Hubler's Collision, Mount Carmel. The Mariner sustained minor damage.

Also assisting Reamer at the scene were Patrolman Jason Drumheller, borough firefighters and Mount Carmel Area Rescue Squad.

Food pantry enrollment open

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough residents who wish to enroll in the Mount Carmel Food Pantry monthly distribution are asked to stop in the Notary Shop, 215 S. Oak St., from noon to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; noon to 5 p.m. Fridays, and noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays. This is for new applicants and residents who have participated in the past. Please bring photo ID with you.

SASB meeting planned

COAL TOWNSHIP - The regular meeting of the Shamokin Area School Board will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the board conference room.

Community service meeting Saturday

SHAMOKIN - Participants in Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III's community service program will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Coal Bowl, Logan and Tioga streets.

Special cruise-in at Mountain View

COAL TOWNSHIP - A special classic vehicle cruise-in will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. All cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome.

Parking begins at 1:30 p.m. and the residents will vote on their favorite vehicles. Music, food and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact information@nonamecruisers.com

The power of the mind explored

ELYSBURG - Practical ways to shed a bad habit or take a positive step in life will be discussed at Lifetree Cafe from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave.

The program, titled "How to Stop Doing What You Hate: Taming Your Mind," features an exclusive filmed interview with clinical hypnotherapist Deborah Lindemann.

Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available.

Lifetree Cafe is a place where people gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual coffeehouse-type setting. For more information, call 672-2873 or go to www.facebook.com/LifetreeCafeAtEPC.

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.

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.