SUNBURY - Northumberland County commissioners Tuesday gave Geisinger Health System the approval it needs in accordance with state and federal laws to permit the use of bond funds for projects in the county.

One of the projects is the expansion of The Ressler Center on the Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital (G-SACH) campus, and with it will come additional services from a new ophthalmology clinic and an after-hours urgent care clinic. It is expected to be open July 19.

Members of Geisinger Authority, which was established to finance certain capital projects of Geisinger Health System and other non-profit organizations within the county, approached the commissioners during the public meeting, which was recessed until a public hearing was conducted.

David Cutright, director of treasury operations, said they are requesting to proceed with up to $230 million in new bond financing plus potential debt refinancing.

The county assumes no responsibility other than granting approval, as required, under the federal Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 and the Municipal Authorities Act of 1945.

In addition to the $230 million Geisinger expects to spend in funding new health care facilities and equipment, Cutright said up to another $570 million of bonds may be used to replace existing debt if interest rates are favorable, for a total bond issue of up to $800 million.

However, he added, no more than $300 million is likely.

Proceeds from the proposed bond issue will be used to benefit patients served by Geisinger through acquisitions, renovation and construction in eight counties, including Northumberland, Centre, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Montour, Schuylkill and Union.

Cutright was joined by Dr. Maria Kobylinski, chair of community practice; Pam Cooke, operations manager; Al Neuner, vice president of facilities operations; Lori Gramley, litigation counsel, and Amber Wickard, public relations/marketing specialist.

When the public hearing was adjourned, the public meeting reconvened and the commissioners unanimously approved Geisinger's plan.

Commissioner Vinny Clausi thanked Cutright and his Geisinger associates for providing a large number of jobs for county residents and saving G-SACH from closing.

Commissioners Stephen Bridy and Rick Shoch reiterated Clausi's comments.

In other business during the 16-minute county meeting, the commissioners approved the authorization for Children and Youth Services to purchase a 2013 Dodge DR Caravan SE at a cost of $22,137 from Zimmerman Enterprise Inc. through the Costars Piggyback Program.

Second phase of renovation at Mountain View 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.

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.

Boil water advisory issued

EAST CAMERON TOWNSHIP - A boil water advisory is has been issued until further notice.

Paving planned

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Street Department will be paving Arch Street from Ash Street to Woodlawn Avenue on Thursday and Friday. All residents must abide by the No Parking signs. Any vehicles not removed from this portion of Arch Street by 6 a.m. Thursday will be ticketed and towed.

Shamokin and Coal Township police have filed several felony charges against two local men for delivering Oxycodone pills to an informant during separate incidents in November and March.

Christopher Bachorik, 42, of 108 S. Fifth St., Apt. B., Shamokin, and Joshua Greenwood, of 35, of 1103 E. Race St., Coal Township, were committed to Northumberland County Prison after failing to post $15,000 and $30,000 cash bail, respectively, at their arraignments Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic II.

Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn and Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano, who are members of the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force, filed three criminal complaints against Greenwood. The defendant was charged with three counts of delivery of a controlled substance, three counts of possession with intent to deliver controlled substance and two counts of criminal use of a communication facility in commission of a felony in connection with incidents in Coal Township and Shamokin on Nov. 2 and 20 and March 19.

According to the criminal complaints, in each instance, an informant advised police that Greenwood intended to delivery Oxycodone. The informant purchased from Greenwood four pills on Nov. 02, five on Nov. 20, and two on March 19. Police searched the informant and supplied "police controlled buy money" before each purchase.

Bachorik

Wynn charged Bachorik with delivery of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility in commission of a felony in connection with an incident on March 22 in Shamokin.

According to a criminal complaint, an informant advised Wynn and Primerano during a meeting at the Shamokin Police Station that he had spoke to Bachorik by cell phone and made arrangements to purchase four Oxycodone pills.

Police searched the informant and supplied "police controlled buy money" before the purchase. The informant was under police supervision during the purchase, police said. The informant returned to the station with four pills, according to police.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A $29.9 million budget and small tax increase was approved for the Shamokin Area School District, and a former employee asked them to reconsider how some of the money is spent.

The 2013-2014 general fund budget for the district, $29,956,150, was approved by a unanimous vote; directors Ron McElwee, Jeff Kashner, Charles Shuey, Treina Mariano, Brian Persing, Robert Getchey, Tracey Witmer, Edward Griffiths and Bernie Sosnoskie voted for it.

A deficit of nearly $1.8 million will be erased by using funds from the district's reserve account.

The budget includes the expected property tax increase of 0.6869 mills, which is an additional 69 cents on each $1,000 of a property's assessed value, and raises the tax rate of 27.10 mills. The increase is the maximum allowed under state law without seeking voter referendum.

Taxes are levied against a property's fully assessed value. Each mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of the assessment. For a home assessed at $30,000, the tax bill under the new levy would be $813.19.

One mill of property tax generates about $65,000 based on the district's 84-percent collection rate.

Library

During public comment, former library teacher Annamae Kanuchok took exception to the "Run for the Playground" fundraiser, during which $4,000 was raised to purchase playground equipment for the elementary and annex schools. Elementary students helped to raise the money by collecting pledges for each lap they ran around the gym in 15 minutes.

"The money was raised on the back of the youngest, poorest and the most vulnerable of our students," Kanuchok said, who discussed the deplorable conditions at the elementary annex library, where she taught before being furloughed.

"The annex library is an embarrassment," she told the board. "There are so many books there being held together by book tape, and I only had a budget to purchase 53 new books for 1,200 students."

Kanuchok said students miss out on the enrichment of separate art, music and other classes.

"These students love music, but won't have a chance to explore that, because you took it from them," she said.

Board member Tracey Witmer was sympathetic to Kanuchok's words and spoke about the library at several points in the meeting. Witmer said she noticed while paying bills a number of tuition reimbursements for teachers and Act 93 reimbursements for administrators. In the case of the teachers, the amount paid was more than $1.000.

"Maybe some of those reimbursements can be donated back for the annex library," Witmer said. She made the same point when voting no, the lone dissenting vote, to hire fall sports coaches.

Other business

The following coaches, and their salaries, for fall sports were hired and approved by an 8-1 vote:

Football - Head coach Yaacov Yisrael, $3,485; assistants Randy Kehler, $2,468, Kurt Troxell and Ted Pietkiewicz, $1,530.

Junior high football - Head coach Ed Bailey, $2,331; assistant Dave Troxell, $1,020.

Boys soccer - Head coach Brandon Hockenbroch, $2,380.

Girls soccer - Head coach Matt Witmer, assistant Tony Rompolski, and volunteers Kelsey Goodman and Veronica Witmer, no salaries.

Cross country - Head coach Tammy Nazih, $2,380; assistant-Junior High coach Angela Golfieri, $1,105; volunteers Robert Cowder and Joelle Reed, no salaries.

Junior high girls basketball - Eighth grade head coach Ed Getchey, $1,275; Seventh grade head coach Eric Heim, $1,020.

Volleyball - Head coach Wanda Cook, $3,273; assistant Steve Cook, $2,331; volunteer Andrew Arnold, no salary.

All salaries were given a 15 percent reduction from the previous year.

The board also accepted the resignations of assistant boys basketball coach Anthony Carnuccio and head softball coach Christi Cryder.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices increased two cents this week to $3.469 per gallon.

National

Today's national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.61 per gallon. This is 2 cents less expensive than one week ago and 4 cents less than one month ago, but it is 10 cents more than the same date last year.

Last week's national average moved higher because of sharp increases in retail prices for a handful of Great Lakes states. The near record-high prices in these states were because of continued low supplies and transportation challenges for wholesale gasoline in the Chicago market, particularly due to maintenance at the ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet, Ill., and the BP refinery in Whiting, Ind. Those same states have seen prices reverse course over the last week.

National gasoline markets in recent months have been driven by regional supply and production issues rather than by the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil, which has traded in a narrow $5 range. At the same time regional gasoline production and distribution concerns have eased and retail prices have inched lower, market-watchers have turned a wary eye to escalating geopolitical tensions in Syria. While Syria is not a major oil producing nation, there is the risk that fighting might spread to other countries in the region, and this has kept some upward pressure on crude oil prices. At the close of formal trading on the NYMEX last Friday, these tensions drove WTI to settle at $97.85 per barrel which was the highest mark since January. At the close of Monday's formal trading, WTI settled down 8 cents at $97.77 per barrel.

(AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 82 local offices in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York and Kentucky servicing 2.7 million members.)

SUNBURY - The Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way Board voted by majority Tuesday not to release $11,300 of discretionary funding to the Susquehanna Council of Boy Scouts of America after four months of placing that money on pause while the national Boy Scouts of America organization reviewed its policy of not granting membership to open or avowed homosexuals.

The board's action was in response to the recent decision at the national Boy Scouts level to partly change its long-standing membership policy. The new policy states that youth members will not be excluded based on sexual orientation, but maintains a membership ban on open or avowed homosexual adults.

"We applaud the Boy Scout organization for including gay youth, but without any rationale, they've excluded gay adults," said Keri Albright, president and CEO of Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way. "I've called the National Boy Scouts office and asked for an explanation on their revised policy but have received no response."

United Way policy

United Way maintains a diversity and inclusion policy, which states that resources will support and fund community partners that provide programs to individuals regardless of sexual orientation, among other factors.

Documentation provided to United Way from the Susquehanna Council includes a non-discrimination policy, which states the Council "does not unlawfully discriminate... on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, disability or handicapped status, veteran status, marital status, or political affiliation."

The majority of the United Way Board did not feel the local Council's policy met United Way's standards and mission, Albright said.

"It's a reality that some discrimination is still lawful, including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation," she said.

The application received for 2013 funding from the Susquehanna Council of the Boy Scouts of America stated that the program for which funding is being requested targeted both youth and adult members. The Council applied for funding for the "Prepared. For Life" program. This year's application stated that United Way funding would be used to train 100 percent of the Council's 711 adult volunteer leaders in their positions, 100 percent of new youth enrolled, and 50 percent of 1,269 youth currently enrolled in the United Way service area.

Why stop now?

"People ask us, why stop funding the Boy Scouts now?" said Eric Rowe, United Way Board chair. "We've long funded the local Council on the belief - and through conversations - that they don't discriminate. However, when asked if they would state that publicly, they declined. As a board, we're also thinking about the young scout with a gay parent who wants to be a volunteer leader. The message that's being sent to that kid now is that his dad is not okay if he's gay, perpetuating a stereotype that United Way can't support."

Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way has been distributing donations specifically designated to the Susquehanna Council in payments that began in March. United Way will continue to do so, until those designations are paid in full. United Way will also continue to honor designations specifically in future campaigns, and as always, the application process reopens annually.

"The Boy Scouts undeniably have a long history of positively affecting both youth and adults, so this decision is less about other organizations and more about how Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way will lead in the communities we serve," said Albright. "We fund programs that reflect the value and practice of welcoming people of diverse backgrounds. We're not straight adults or gay adults. We're adults. There is strength in unity and that's what we're promoting."

Row said there is a need for programs like the Boy Scouts in the region.

"That's why we hope down the line, the Boy Scouts are eligible to receive funding for a program that reflects United Way's priorities and mission. Our motto is Live United," he said.

COAL TOWNSHIP — The township street department will pave Arch Street from Ash Street to Woodlawn Avenue Thursday and Friday. 

All residents must abide by the no parking signs. Any vehicles not removed from this portion of Arch Street by 6 a.m. Thursday will be ticketed and towed.

ATLAS - The amount of time Mount Carmel Township residents have to cut their grass if it gets too high is about to get shorter.

Township supervisors voted Wednesday to advertise an ordinance amendment which reduces the time limit for compliance to notices for cutting grass and weeds from 10 days to three.

"The reason we wanted to change it is that if you get a notice to cut your grass, and you have 10 days to cut it, imagine how much higher the grass can get before they are cited if they don't mow it," supervisor Reynold Scicchitano said.

Any extension to the time limit will be made at the discretion of the code enforcement officer.

Another ordinance that will be advertised will make Fern Street in Atlas between Route 61 and Girard Street a one-way street going south off of Route 61, affecting one block of Fern.

"This is something that should have been changed years ago," board chairman Charles Gasperetti said, "because of the steepness of the hill. We have seen people spin their tires going onto Route 61 and with the sun shining, you can't see anything."

Both ordinances were approved on a 3-0 vote with Gasperetti, Scicchitano and Joseph Zanella voting yes.

In other business, the board approved the installation of a new rubber roof on the township garage. To save on costs, township workers will do the labor.

A low quote of $12,443.82 was accepted for the installation of a new pump at the International Paper pump station.

Permission was granted for the Mount Carmel Fireworks Committee to set off fireworks on Saturday, July 6, from the Mid-Valley Mountain. Rain date for the fireworks is Sunday, July 7, and all documentation and insurance documents were submitted to the township.

In announcements made at the meeting, Scicchitano praised township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush and all emergency rescue personnel and volunteers for their work in the search for Mackenzie Greco, of Marion Heights, who went missing on Monday and was found Wednesday afternoon.

A letter was received from the Jewish Community Foundation expressing appreciation for the township's maintenance of the road in front of the Jewish Cemetery, where several potholes were recently repaired.

A representative of Congressman Lou Barletta's office will be at the township office from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 9, for community outreach.

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) Wednesday approved a grant of more than $114,000 to Northumberland County to assist in converting the county courthouse to a natural gas heating system. The authority approved the grant as a result of advocacy by state Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27) and Reps. Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R-108) and Kurt Masser (R-107), according to a press release from Gordner's officer.

The project will involve conversion of the courthouse's 30-year-old oil heating system with a more efficient and cleaner natural gas furnace. The $164,000 project is expected to save the county more than $1 million in heating costs over the expected 30-year life of the furnace.

"This is something that we have talked about since after the election in order to help cut costs," Commissioner Rick Shoch, who handles facility matters for the board of commissioners, said. "We've had money budgeted for this project since last year, but wanted to apply for the grant to help save some money and offset the cost."

Shoch said he believes that some work has already started to get ready for the project, including pulling out the old furnaces.

Estimates from the U.S. Department of Energy puts natural gas costs much lower than heating oil. In a comparison chart on its website, the cost to use one million BTUs of heating energy with natural gas is approximately four times cheaper then heating oil.

In addition to lowering the county's energy footprint and reducing energy costs, the project will maintain the historic nature of the courthouse, which was built in 1865 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, the release said.

"There is some masonry work being done on chimney inside and outside it, and that work will help to improve some of the infrastructure of the courthouse and keep it operational," said Northumberland County Planning director Pat Mack, who helped write the grant application.

PEDA is an independent public financing authority created by the General Assembly in 1982. Its mission is to fund clean, advanced energy projects in the Commonwealth. The grant awarded today is funded from the Growing Greener II bond program as part of an initiative to assist counties with clean energy projects.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush used a bit of trickery to be sure missing teen Mackenzie Greco was coming with him when the chief got close to the boy in the woods Wednesday afternoon following two days of searching.

According to Hollenbush, police received a phone call from a person on vacation and learned that Greco, 17, of Marion Heights, was spotted at the caller's house by the home's caretaker near Varano's Warehouse, the same general area along West Seventh Street where the search was conducted Tuesday and earlier Wednesday. Before police got to the house, Greco left and ran into the nearby woods.

Hollenbush made contact with the teen a few blocks west near the defunct Lapinski Lumber at 4:10 p.m. Hollenbush said he was talking to Greco and trying to convince him not to take off again. Greco said he wanted to talk to a friend first, and the chief pretended to dial the friend's number. When Greco reached for Hollenbush's phone, the chief grabbed the teen by the arm. Greco didn't resist and the incident was over.

Hollenbush said Greco was led out of the woods, where his father greeted him with a hug. From there, the teen was taken to the Mount Carmel police station.

He has a couple of scrapes and bruises, but is otherwise OK, Hollenbush said Wednesday evening.

A representative of the county mental health department was called to the station. An AREA Services ambulance was also present. Police said Greco was expected to be sent to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for evaluation. Greco was in the ambulance at the station as of about 4:45 p.m.

Greco had reportedly left a message with a friend Monday evening that he was "going to find a quiet place to think."

Hollenbush said he hadn't had a chance to talk to Greco about why he didn't return home Monday night and why he tried to avoid searchers.

"He wasn't talking much when I had him in custody or at the station," Hollenbush said. "All he asked for was one of his friends."

Spotted by deliver man

Greco went jogging about 7:30 p.m. Monday and didn't return to his 440 Clermont St. home that evening. His parents reported him missing at 12:30 a.m. A search during daylight hours Tuesday of the woods in most of Mount Carmel Township didn't produce any results, but police did not plan to resume the search Wednesday.

However, Greco was spotted by a delivery truck driver at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday outside Varano's. The driver, James Perry, of Pottsville, who was aware of a missing teenager, spoke to him. Perry told police the teen identified himself as "Kevin" and that he was 16 years old, adding that the teen said he was waiting for a friend.

The teen's behavior was weird, Perry told police. Kevin Varano, of Varano's, called 911 after the teen bolted back into the woods south of the dead end at Poplar Street.

Patrolman Brian Carnuccio, Mount Carmel Township Police, displayed a photo of Greco on his cell phone, to which Perry said he was "100 percent sure" it matched the teen he encountered.

By 10:45 a.m., authorities were gathering at the scene to try to "flush him out." Three police officers and a handful of volunteers walked for hours in a large section of woods between West Seventh Street and Route 901. Others took to trucks to drive through the area. The township's all-terrain vehicle was also used, and a state police helicopter was called in to view the scene from above.

Greco's father, Tony, was on scene with relatives and also walked the woods to search for his son.

'Place to think'

Greco is a member of Mount Carmel Area's track and field and cross country teams. He is also a member of a local Boy Scout troop, having participated in a Flag Day ceremony Friday evening in Mount Carmel. Friends described him during Tuesday's search as outgoing and a "great friend."

Authorities and volunteers searched for him all day Tuesday and nearly six hours Wednesday after he was reported missing and endangered.

Hollenbush said Wednesday evening that he hoped that anyone thinking of running away would realize the impact the situation has on others.

"You have to realize that you are putting the rescue workers at risk, you are putting family members at risk because they went out last night after we called off the search," the chief said.

Hollenbush is relieved the situation ended the way it did.

"I'm glad he is safe and getting the proper care," Hollenbush said.

Assisting were Mount Carmel Borough Police Chief Todd Owens and Patrolman Jason Drumheller, Kulpmont Police Chief Rick Wilson, state police at Stonington and volunteers from the township and borough.

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library has announced its summer reading program will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 3.

The program will be held on consecutive Wednesdays from July 3 to Aug. 7. This year's theme is "Dig Into Reading." Children of all ages are welcome, accompanied by an adult. Programs include stories, crafts, snacks and guest shows.

The reading program will begin with "Howl at the Moon With a Ground Dweller Tune!" presented by Tom Sieling.

On July 10, the library will "Dig Into Adventure at the Library" with ventriloquist Bruce Weaver and Friends.

Matthew Dodd will entertain on July 17 with "Songs and Stories From Underground."

On July 24, Eddie Ray will present "Magic Underground." Michael L. Reist (The Amazing Magi) will do more "Dig Into Reading" magic on July 31.

The "End-Of-Summer" Reading Party will be on Aug. 7. Participants may share their experiences of what they learned, play games and enjoy snacks. Prizes and certificates will be given out, and everyone will have fun.

A concurrent summer reading program will be held for children with advanced reading skills. Participants will receive suggested reading titles in a folder which will be stamped for each book read. All are welcome to the guest presentations.

Registration is suggested, and begins immediately. Please register at the library to receive program materials.

All programs are sponsored by the Shamokin Area Education Association.

Paving starts today on Arch Street

COAL TOWNSHIP - The township street department will pave Arch Street from Ash Street to Woodlawn Avenue today and Friday.

All residents must abide by the no parking signs. Any vehicles not removed from this portion of Arch Street by 6 a.m. today will be ticketed and towed, the township reported Wednesday.

Information wanted on Scouting

LEVITTOWN - Nelson E. Clements, a retired professional scouter who grew up with the Susquehanna Valley Council of Boy Scouts, is looking for information to write a history of the council, which has served Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties for more than 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, 19054-1029.

Award applications deadline July 1

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Conservation District is accepting applications/nominations for Conservation Organization of the Year, the Conservation District Patch for Boy Scouts, Don Cotner Sr. Memorial Scholarship, Environmental Educator of the Year and Raymond D. and Mable E. Memorial Scholarship (for Line Mountain seniors only).

Details and applications are available at www.nccdpa.org. Applications for awards must be received by July 1.

Award winners will be recognized at the annual awards picnic, scheduled for Aug. 1. Winners will be contacted immediately after being selected in early July.

The district has been honoring individuals and organizations for their dedication to conservation for 59 years. For more information on the Northumberland County Conservation District, call 495-4665 x305 or go to www.nccdpa.org.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Two Shamokin Area School Board Members argued Tuesday over athletic training services provided to the district.

Directors Charles Shuey and Edward Griffiths debated the hiring of STAR Inc. Marion Heights as the district's athletic trainer for a three-year period at a cost of $36,298 per year with an option of providing away-event coverage at an additional cost of $500 per year.

Upon seeing the motion on Tuesday's agenda, Shuey asked why STAR was awarded the contract even though another business submitted a lower bid.

"When we first opened the proposals, Phoenix Rehabilitation, of Shamokin, quoted us a price of $11,000 less than what STAR is asking," Shuey said, "and that included the away coverage."

Griffiths said Phoenix did not have certified athletic trainers in the original proposal, but Shuey said that isn't a requirement.

"We opened the proposals, and then in the time we were taking to compare them, the requirements changed, and Phoenix did not resubmit their proposal," Shuey said. "We are going to pay more money to a firm that is not a local tax-paying company. They pay their taxes in the Mount Carmel Area School District."

In addition, Shuey said there were issues between some Shamokin Area coaches and a trainer employed by STAR.

STAR owner Tom Swaldi addressed the board during the discussion and said the situation was remedied as soon as he learned Shamokin Area was not happy with the trainer provided.

Swaldi also discussed his experience in the athletic training field.

"I've worked with colleges and high schools throughout the country. The level of service you are getting with this contract is the same as would be found in a collegiate program," Swaldi said.

He also discussed the treatment of injuries and the aftercare STAR provides.

"As far as concussions go, we work not only with the cognitive thinking, but also the balance issues. My wife, who works with me, is one of the country's foremost experts in the field, and the equipment we have to test balance issues costs more than our house."

"This is nothing against STAR and the work they do," Shuey said. "I just think we need to support a local firm that pays taxes in our district and can save the district approximately $11,000 a year before the rules were changed."

Griffith said a petition was signed by all coaches, saying they wanted STAR to be the district's trainer.

The motion was approved by an 8-1 vote with Shuey casting the lone dissenting vote. Voting for STAR were Ron McElwee, Jeff Kashner, Treina Mariano, Brian Persing, Robert Getchey, Tracey Witmer, Griffith and Bernie Sosnoskie.

In other business:

- Shannon Fetterman was promoted to the position of elementary assistant principal, working 260 days a year at a salary of $61,000, plus other benefits described in the Act 93 agreement, contigent on modifications to the agreement.

- The Northumberland County Career and Technical Center budget for 2013-2014 of $1,603,745 was passed. Shamokin Area's share is $630,347 and any surplus funds remaining will be applied to the districts 2014-2015 expenditures.

- The board secretary's terms will be corrected from a one-year term to a four-year term, effective July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017.

- The revised 2013-2014 school calendar to include Northwestern Academy days of instruction was approved.

- The reconfiguration of the elementary school to become two separate educational entities - the Shamokin Area Elementary School for students in pre-K through 4th grade, and the Shamokin Area Intermediate School for students in fifth and sixth grades - was approved.

- Shamokin Area will take over the full-time elementary autistic support classroom from the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit and develop a full-time autistic support classroom at the middle/high school.

DANVILLE - A report by The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) indicates Geisinger Health System (GHS) has an annual $6.1 billion positive impact on the local, regional and Pennsylvania economy.

According to a press release from Geisinger, the impact includes data from Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital, Geisinger-Community Medical Center in Scranton and affiliates that became part of Geisinger Health System last year.

As a major employer of more than 19,000 people and through the ripple effect utilization of Pennsylvania suppliers and other businesses, GHS, including its new facilities in Tharptown, Bloomsburg and Scranton, supports more than 30,280 jobs in the state, according to the report.

"As Geisinger continues to grow important programs and services to care for our patients, we are also supporting employment and enhancing overall quality of life in the communities we serve," Frank Trembulak, executive vice president and chief operating officer, was quoted in the press release. "This latest HAP report highlights our role as a major employer and driver of the economy."

Overall, Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems support nearly 586,000 jobs and have a total economic impact of nearly $98 billion. In 2011, Pennsylvania's 255 hospitals admitted more than 1.6 million patients, cared for nearly 39 million outpatients, evaluated six million patients in emergency departments and delivered more than 124,000 babies.

A little while back I wrote a column concerning how much time I waste on my iPhone. I went on and on about how it is the most useful and useless device I ever laid my hands on then wrapped it up vowing to step away from the screen in an effort to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature and be one with the birds and the trees and stuff.

I've written a number of columns about Facebook and the bad habits of its users. In a sea of complaints about "pity me" posts and TMI relationship status updates, I have probably criticized, more than anything, the abuse of game requests. I wished drought upon my Facebook friends' Farmville crops and professed my outrage at their audacity to ask for my aid to keep them alive.

I also, after seeing pre-paid Farmville cards at a gas station in Philadelphia, asked higher powers to please explain to me why anyone would spend real money on this virtual nonsense. That's like switching out the blue Monopoly fifties for actual $50 bills. It makes no sense. Why would anyone spend actual money on something intangible? Even if you ended up with Boardwalk and Park Place, at the end of the day, you don't own Boardwalk and Park Place.

Who would do such a thing?

Today, I stand before you a hypocrite and a no-good, rotten liar.

A couple of weeks ago, I played a round of Candy Crush Saga on a loved one's phone because I was curious as to what it was about this game that had him so hooked.

I proceeded to tease him about playing the game and joked that I was going to start, too. In the back of my head, I was like, "Yeah, right. Like I would ever waste time playing one of those Facebook games."

Cut to me stuck somewhere a few weeks ago, bored out of my gourd, with only my iPhone to keep me company and entertain me. I visited my usual haunts - Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Buzzfeed (no, I haven't given any of that up yet, either, which takes my hypocrite status to an unspeakable level) - and once they had been exhausted, I had the novel idea to download Candy Crush Saga and "just play it for the day" to pass time.

So, here I sit.

Addicted?

Honestly?

I predict I'll soon be on a television show like "My Strange Addiction" with the likes of ladies who eat cat treats and guys who get turned on by balloons or cars.

This is so bad; how did I get here?

The premise of the game is simple: Match three like candies in an effort to clear the board in some way or another. There are all kinds of bells and whistles and obstacles and variations but I can't get into all that. Simply mentioning all the details makes me crave playing so bad, I'm not sure I would be able to finish this column.

And I'm only on level 61.

The game board, with its cutesy candy-themed levels aptly named things like "Minty Meadows" and "Chocolate Mountains" seems adorable and innocent enough, but after experiencing what this game is capable of - devouring free time like a starved lion devouring its prey - Candy Crush Saga's 450-plus levels can only be compared to hell's various levels of torture depicted in Dante's "Inferno."

It's only a game, you say?

Surely it's only a game, it can't be that bad, but in its grips, slowly other things begin to lose priority as levels become seemingly impossible to beat.

I'd rather play it than write this column.

I'd rather cut my gym time from and hour and a half to a half-hour if it means I'll pass a level before I leave the house.

I'd sooner starve than take the time to make something if I'm on a roll and clearing levels like a plow clears snow from a street.

I think about it when I wake up, I think about it while I go to sleep - just kidding, that's a lie, I lay in bed and play it until the minute I fall asleep.

I've spent about $10 - at $.99 a pop - at times when I found myself stuck and in need of an extra life or a few more moves.

It's making me hate chocolate.

It's making me hate myself.

So, I'm going to quietly step down from this soap box I've been standing on.

Apparently, my whole life is a lie.

I don't deserve this column.

I don't deserve your attention and precious time.

I think it's best I quit this job and just play Candy Crush Saga full time.

Consider this my two week's notice. I'm done.

I'm going to buy a week's worth of pajama pants, burn all my bras and start drinking 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor.

I'm done taking my garbage out. I'm going to let the grass and weeds take over my yard and let furniture collect on my front porch because Candy Crush is my world now. At 450 levels, it will take the rest of my life to finish this game, so I have no other choice than to clear my schedule completely.

Thank you for your time and loyal readership.

I love you all, but this is goodbye.*

(Jenna Wasakoski, a News-Item editor, is a graduate of Von Lee School of Aesthetics and is certified as a professional makeup artist.)

*I'm just kidding about all that stuff at the end, but feel free to send me a life or some extra moves when you have a chance, OK? Thanks in advance.

MOUNT CARMEL - Organizers are "energized" for a new year of Relay for Life in the Mount Carmel area. The annual event begins at 1 p.m. Saturday with a new venue - town park - and ends 24 hours later.

This year, a parade will kick off activities, leaving Mount Carmel Area High School at 12:30 p.m. and traveling on Third Street across town to the park.

A memorial for Scott Yeager, fire chief in Aristes for more than 25 years, who died June 10 at age 61, will be held, followed by the opening ceremony, survivor lap and survivor/caregiver dinner, sponsored by Vine Street Sandwich Shop and Family Medical Home Health Agency, both of Mount Carmel.

A luminary service will begin at 10 p.m. Luminaries can be purchased up until 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday's events start with a community breakfast. Also, Girl Scouts will conduct the flag-raising ceremony and a Penny Walk is planned for children and adults, who are encouraged to bring their pennies for a special relay surprise.

Saturday

12:30 p.m.: Community Relay for Life parade.

1 p.m.: Memorial for Scott Yeager; opening lap/ceremony; survivor registration begins; national anthem by Jared Maciejewski.

1:30 p.m.: Survivor lap (all teams).

1:45 p.m.: Survivor celebration and recognitions.

2 p.m.: Survivor celebration dinner (all teams).

3 p.m.: Fight back ceremony (Ashley Pyle).

4 p.m.: Motivation Station Dance Studio performance.

5 p.m.: Belly/hula dancing. Enjoy food at Our Lady's Picnic. Look for the special lap bead (it can be found where the voice is heard overhead).

5:30 p.m.: Ms. Relay competition begins.

6 p.m.: Brett Getty (guitar performance).

7 p.m.: Diane Gidaro performs.

7:45 p.m.: Ms. Relay crowned.

8 p.m.: We The Assembly performs.

9 p.m.: Ghost 101-Bubbies Boobies.

9 p.m.: DJ Joe Dowkus.

10 p.m.: Luminary service.

11 p.m.: Music by Victoria Sherman.

11 p.m. to 6 a.m.: Scavenger hunt; Bubbies Boobies.

Sunday

Midnight: Movie, popcorn and pizza.

3 a.m.: Just dance with Johnny's Angels.

4 a.m.: Reverse lap every 15 minutes.

5 a.m.: Tacky Tourist; Little Friends.

6 a.m.: Hand in scavenger photos.

7 a.m.: Sunrise yoga.

7 to 11 a.m.: Community breakfast $4.50.

9 a.m.: Girl Scout flag raising.

10 a.m.: Penny walk registration begins.

10 a.m.: Motivation Station teaches some moves.

10:30 a.m.: Penny Walk; Kidz Kickin' Cancer's ... Butt.

Noon: Closing ceremony begins.

1 p.m.: Final lap (all teams).

SHAMOKIN - Two people from the Sunbury area have been charged for allegedly selling prescription drugs in Shamokin.

Jennifer Wolfe, 40, of 519 N. Fifth St., Sunbury, was committed to Northumberland County Prison after failing to post $10,000 cash bail at her arraignment Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.

Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano filed felony charges of delivery of a controlled substance, and possession with intent to delivery a controlled substance against the defendant for allegedly selling morphine to an undercover officer.

According to a criminal complaint, an informant advised officers on April 8 that Wolfe had the intent to distribute the drug. That same day, the informant made arrangements for the undercover police officer to meet with Wolfe, who personally delivered three morphine tablets to the officer.

Shingara

Lelo Shingara, 46, of 311 Shingara Lane, Sunbury, was released after posting $10,000 cash bail at his arraignment Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic II.

Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano filed a total of five felony charges against the defendant for allegedly delivering Oxycodone and Alprazolam to an informant. He is charged with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance, two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and a single count of criminal use of a communication facility in commission of a felony in connection with incident on April 12.

According to a criminal complaint, an informant advised police that Shingara had the intent to distribute controlled substances, one being Percoset. Police searched the informant and supplied $15 in "police controlled buy money" before the purchase. The informant was under police supervision during the purchase and returned to the station with two Oxycodone pills and two Alprazolam pills.

NORTHUMBERLAND - A 6-year-old Shamokin boy was rescued Wednesday from the bottom of the pool at Liberty Splashdown in Northumberland.

According to The Daily Item in Sunbury, the boy, who was not identified, was administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation by lifeguards after being pulled from the pool. Witnesses told the newspaper his body was limp. He was reportedly not wearing a flotation device.

The boy was taken by ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, and he was reported to be conscious Wednesday evening.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Municipal Authority (MCMA) needs borough council to approve a $1.25 million loan for repairs to the plant, but the council members are saying no until more information is provided.

The loan from UNB Bank, with a 2.29 percent fixed interest rate over 20 years, will cover expenses to fix one of the sewer tanks damaged in the Flood of 2011, and authority members need borough council approval in accordance with requirements set forth in the lease agreement with the borough dated Dec. 27, 1995.

The wastewater treatment plant, located along Route 2034 near Den-Mar Gardens, has been operating with two tanks for 18 months. Each of the three tanks can treat approximately 3 million gallons of wastewater.

Council President Tony Matulewicz said Thursday night the borough only received the request Monday without any further explanation or documents.

"It would be financially irresponsible and ridiculous to vote on this tonight," he said.

Matulewicz said he takes issue with the authority demanding approval for something so large with only four days notice without informing the borough whether rates would increase for the citizens and what would happen if the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) didn't reimburse the authority for the loan.

Based on documents acquired through a Right to Know request, Matulewicz said authority member Joe Swatski, who is also the secretary, knew about the need for a loan in March.

"Now we get an 11th hour emergency?" he said.

Councilman Gary Hixson Jr. said he has not seen any paperwork to show the details of the loan and was unsatisfied with not having a guarantee that ratepayers would not be affected if the state and federal money doesn't come through.

Operator error

Authority member John Bucanelli, who was present at the meeting to answer council's questions, said it was determined by an outside firm that the damaged was caused by an error during the flood by operations consultant Fran McGovern, an employee with authority engineer Brinjac Engineering, owned by Dave Brinjac, of Harrisburg.

Hixson was doubtful the authority would be reimbursed for the loan if the damage was caused by operator error.

Matulewicz wondered why the authority continued to employ the engineering company after this and other errors have happened over the years.

"This guy's name is on each of these things. It seems like there's so many problems, and the common thread is Brinjac (Engineering)," he said. "And he's still there."

Vice President Leroy "Chico" Moser said he doesn't fault Bucanelli, but he blames the engineer, who should know the proper procedures.

Motion tabled

MCMA Chairman Lawrence Czeponis Sr., who was not at the meeting, said he doesn't understand council's hesitation because council only has to guarantee the loan and no money from the borough taxpayers would be used in the approval.

The borough, as per every financial situation with the MCMA, would only be responsible if the authority defaults on the loan, which Czeponis is doubtful will happen since the authority expects state and federal reimbursement.

"I can't see why anyone would be unhappy about this," Czeponis said.

Attorney Joe Piece, the bond counsel, informed the board the approval wasn't necessarily needed Thursday night as long as the authority had enough money to pay Concrete Protection & Restoration Inc., of Maryland, for their first bill.

Councilmen Robert Barrett, who is also an authority member, and Moser made and seconded the motion to postpone council consent for the loan until the July 18 meeting. It passed unanimously 6-0.

Councilman Robert Shirmer, who is also an authority member, suggested Matulewicz and other councilmen attend the authority board meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the borough hall, Fourth and Vine streets, in order to have all concerns addressed.

Matulewicz said he would also like to have Swatski, whose appointment by council expired this year, removed from the authority board, and replaced with himself.

DEN-MAR GARDENS - Two individuals charged in conjunction with a break-in at a home on Florida Lane waived their preliminary hearings Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel.

Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman David Stamets Jr. reported David L. Pellowski, 25, of 41 W. Sixth St., Mount Carmel, and Jonathan M. Tloczynski, 32, of 246 W. Girard St., Mount Carmel, conspired to break into the home of Noreen and James Sienkiewicz, 148 Florida Lane, June 12.

Tloczynski was found inside the home by the homeowners while Pellowski waited for him in a vehicle.

Pellowski was charged with criminal conspiracy, two counts of burglary and three counts of criminal trespass, while police charged Tloczynski with criminal conspiracy and two counts of burglary.

Both men were ordered to appear for arraignment in Northumberland County Court on Monday, July 29, where they can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Other attempts

Police are investigating several attempted burglaries in Den-Mar Gardens but they are not believed to be related to the June 12 incident, according to Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush.

Residents are urged to lock their homes and vehicles and secure valuables.