BLOOMSBURG - Governor Tom Corbett and Department of Agriculture Secretary George Greig made an unannounced visit to the 158th annual Bloomsburg Fair Tuesday to present a check to the fair in the amount of $21,558.60 from the PA Fair Fund. The fund, established in 1986, provides funds to agricultural fairs, youth and statewide organizations that have an agricultural mission.

Paul Reichart, fair president, and Bill Barratt, superintendent of police and parking, accepted the check during a brief presentation around 4:30 p.m. at the free stage.

"What a perfect day at the Bloomsburg Fair. Every day is like this, right?" Corbett said jokingly about the weather which has been known to be on the rainy side.

On a serious note, he complimented the hard work of everyone who helped the fair recover after the devastating flood in September of 2011 that caused the fair to be canceled for the first time in fair history. He said fairs are an important part of the state's heritage and history.

So, what did Corbett have to eat in his hour-long stay? The governor skipped eating any food, explaining he is trying to lose weight; however, it did not prevent him from stopping at one of the fair's most popular stands: the Benton Cider Mill.

Corbett ordered a cup of cider and was so impressed that he paid for a gallon to take with him. Co-owner Deb Campbell, who served Corbett, was thrilled that governor chose her stand.

"It took me off guard," she said. "After stepping back, it was absolutely amazing he chose our stand to stop at."

Corbett, who was at times hard to spot in the crowd, made it a point to stop and speak to several people, including owners and employees of R&S Diner who placed a "PA Preferred" sign on their concession stand that offers hamburgers and a variety of deep-fried treats.

Corbett summed up all the fair food, "There have been 32 governors since the (Bloomsburg) fair opened in 1855. I am not sure what they would have thought of funnel cakes back then."

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Coroner's Office is attempting to locate relatives of David Criswell, 69, formerly of Filbert Street, Milton.

Criswell passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, at Manor Care Nursing Center, Sunbury.

Those with information should contact coroner James F. Kelley via the county communication center at 988-4539.

SHAMOKIN - Charges are pending against a city woman who allegedly was huffing while driving and drove into a lamppost, a trash can, two benches and a tree on a park plot on Market Street early Wednesday morning.

Krystal V. Seger, 26, of 46 N. Seventh St., was found by Patrolman Raymond Siko II in the driver seat of a gold Chevy sedan in the middle of the Market Street park plot at 5:42 a.m. Wednesday. According to police, Seger was holding a can of duster spray in her right hand. Seger was slumped over the steering wheel and appeared to be unconscious and not breathing, Siko reported.

The vehicle's doors were locked and because of the apparent life-threatening situation, police broke a window of the vehicle and administered emergency care to Seger.

Seger was taken by police to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital where blood was drawn for chemical testing, police said. She was later released into the care of her mother at 46 N. Seventh St. police said.

Charges are pending and the investigation continues.

Assisting at the scene were Cpl. Darwin Tobias, Cpl. Jarrod Scandle, Shamokin Street Department Foreman Kevin Richardson, Shamokin Fire Bureau Chief Bruce Rogers, Shamokin Deputy Fire Chief Jason Zimmerman, Independence Fire Company, Shamokin Emergency Squad, AREA Ambulance, Shamokin fire police and Dave's Auto Body.

SHAMOKIN - One of the four suspects not taken into custody during last week's drug bust was apprehended late Tuesday evening.

Shamokin City Police Chief Edward Griffiths said Joseph J. Galgocy, 29, with a last known address of 337 E. Center St., Mount Carmel, was taken into custody at approximately 10:30 p.m. without incident.

Griffiths said his department received credible information that Galgocy was somewhere in the city and Cpl. Bryan Primerano stayed in the area Tuesday on surveillance.

"I don't know if we ran into him or he ran into us, but we took him into custody in the area of Eighth Street near the career and arts center," Griffiths said.

Galgocy was charged Sept. 19 with criminal conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver. He was one of 16 suspects charged in a joint investigation between local police and the state Attorney General's office on a drug ring that brought cocaine and heroin into Luzerne and Northumberland counties from the Dominican Republic.

According to a grand jury presentment on the investigation, Galgocy testified he was an associate of Charles "Chuck" T. Picarella Jr., 33, of Elysburg, in distributing heroin in the area in 2012.

Galgocy told the grand jury he used and sold heroin left by Picarella at Galgocy's Mount Carmel apartment. Galgocy said he drove Picarella to pick up heroin, but never met Picarella's source.

Galgocy was arraigned Tuesday evening by on-call Senior Magisterial District Judge Michael Mychak and placed in Northumberland County Prison on $50,000 bail.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area High School has announced its homecoming candidates Four seniors, two juniors and one sophomore are in the court.

They are:

Senior Caitlyn Avellino, a daughter of Dennis and Tara Avellino, of Marion Heights. She is involved in jazz and symphonic bands and is vice president of the marching band. She is a varsity cheerleading captain and participates in Our Lady of Lourdes softball. She is a member of the interact, Spanish, artand pep clubs, is a reporter for MCA Live and helps with stage crew. Avellino is also a member of the National Honor Society and student council, and participated in district band. In her free time, she enjoys music, art and babysitting. She plans to attend college to major in early childhood education.

Senior Lauren Hause is a daughter of Sandra and Harvey Hause, of DenMar Gardens, Kulpmont. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was an Elks student of the month award winner. She is a member of the cross country and track teams, varsity swim team, art club, interact club, future teachers, future nurses and chemistry club. She enjoys running and reading. She plans to attend a four-year college

Senior Desaree Malick is a daughter of Don and Diane Malick of Mount Carmel. She is involved in art, interact, Spanish, and ski clubs. She participates in Our Lady of Lourdes volleyball and is an honor roll student. She enjoys running, cooking, volleyball, and long boarding. She plans to attend Bloomsburg University.

Senior Angela Minning is a daughter of Dave and Judy Permar, of Mount Carmel Estates, and Gregory Minnig Sr., of Locust Gap. She is an enlisted private first class in the U.S. Army and a volunteer firefighter for American Hose Fire Company, Mount Carmel. She is one of the marching band drum majors and qualified for last year's district and regional bands and the Susquehanna honors band. She is an honor roll student and a member of the art club. Following her commitment to the U.S. Army, she plans to attend a four-year college.

Junior Maliyah Edwards is a daughter of Ronald and Jennifer Brown, of Kulpmont. She is part of the varsity cheer team and color guard. She is an honor student and a member of the National Honor Society. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family and her pets. Her future plans include attending college to become a veterinarian.

Junior Madison Watkins is a daughter of Amy Watkins, of Mount Carmel, and Walter Watkins, of Baltimore, Md. She is involved in varsity cheerleading, interact club, pep club and peer mediation. She is on the basketball team, runs track and is on the honor roll. She plans are to attend California State Channel Island University to earn a bachelor's degree in sociology.

Sophomore homecoming candidate is Jacqualin Lyden, a daughter of Leeann and Charles Gasperetti, of Atlas, and James Lyden, of Mount Carmel. She runs cross country and track, plays basketball and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is in the art club, pep club, interact club and peer mediation. She plans to attend a four-year college to major in special education.

The senior with the most votes from fellow classmates will be crowned homecoming queen during halftime at Friday night's homecoming football game.

SHAMOKIN - The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Authority will again seek an electrical contractor to work at the welcome center that is under construction along Route 125 in Coal Township.

The board rejected all electrical bids during a special meeting Wednesday at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center and voted to again advertise for a contractor. In the meantime, students from Northumberland County Career and Technology Center will rough-in electrical wiring inside and outside the building.

The students will be on site next week, according to Jim Backes, authority chairman. Supplies not exceeding $4,000 will be purchased.

Backes said the students' work will prevent the project from grinding to a halt. However, he said it's likely the already extended project deadline of Oct. 19 will be pushed into November at the next meeting.

The electrical work will be put to bid next week. Backes expects a 10-day bid period and a contractor on-site between mid- and late-October.

Paul Risk Associates is the general contractor on the $1.6 million project to create a welcome center and trailhead.

PennDOT, which is reviewing the bids, took issue with paperwork regarding state laws on Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) submitted by Shannon A. Smith Inc., of Myerstown. The Smith firm, already under contract for mechanical/HVAC at the site, was the second lowest bidder on the electrical work at $96,953. It was next in line for the job after the lowest bidder, J.B. Electric Corp., of Minersville, had its $92,390 bid rejected on a DBE issue. A state panel was to decide the fate of the Smith bid on Oct. 2, but the authority wished to reject all bids and start anew.

Pennoni Associates Inc., project engineer, will remove from bid specifications change order items and rough-in work and will add access road lighting and installation of an unspecified security system.

Construction of an access road will continue as planned, Backes said.

With the career and technology center donating manpower, authority member Pat Mack compared the new bid specifications to a remodel versus a new job.

In other business

The authority approved changes orders at the trailhead project: $2,796 to Risk for upgraded ceiling insulation; $24,400 to Risk and Rutledge Excavating to supply and install conduit and poles for site lighting; $3,413 to Risk and Rutledge to install a French drain, and $4,275 to Rutledge Excavating to spread compost.

The county planning office will be asked to pay a $2,796 invoice from PPL for excess length to run service to the welcome center. Also, a right-of-way agreement was authorized with PPL to construct and maintain a transformer and underground facilities on site to supply electric service to the trailhead.

MOUNT CARMEL - A scarecrow contest will be part of the annual Mount Carmel Halloween Parade that will take place Saturday, Oct. 26.

Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. (MCDI) has partnered with the Mount Carmel Elks, who sponsor the parade, and are asking entrants to build a freestanding scarecrow to be placed around the downtown area.

The MCDI committee will be assembled in front of the Mount Carmel Public Library to assign each scarecrow a ballot number and place them along Oak Street between 9 and 10 a.m.

Three monetary prizes will be awarded based on popular vote. Ballots can be purchased at five for $1 and voting will take place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

At $5 per entry, those creating a scarecrow are asked to register by Oct. 18.

A variety of food stands featuring fall treats, a book fair, a fish pond and live music are also planned.

The parade starts at 11 a.m., and has a rain date of Sunday, Oct. 27.

Entry forms for the contest are available online at https://secure.jotformpro.com/czeponis/scarecrow or by contacting Judy Polites at (570)339-5572.

Any church or club seeking a fundraising opportunity who would like to participate can contact Polites at the above number or any member of the MCDI .

WASHINGTON, D.C. - With more than 4,000 retired military veterans in danger of losing access to their current healthcare plan on Oct. 1 due to a new Department of Defense policy, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) called for passage of legislation that would allow Pennsylvania veterans continued access to TRICARE Prime.

"These veterans have given an incredible amount for our nation. The Department of Defense should ensure that these retired military personnel can continue with their current healthcare plan without disruption," Casey said. "Even absent the passage of a law, the Department of Defense should delay the implementation of this new policy so military retirees can continue receiving access to Tricare Prime. Many retirees on fixed incomes did not plan for these increased costs.

We must do whatever we can to honor those who have served our nation bravely and selflessly in the armed forces," he said.

Casey is a co-sponsor of the Keep Faith with TRICARE Prime Act (S. 1078). The legislation would direct the Secretary of Defense to provide certain TRICARE beneficiaries with the opportunity to retain access to TRICARE Prime by allowing a one-time election to continue such enrollment in TRICARE Prime so long as the beneficiary resides in the same ZIP code as he/she did at the time of election of benefits. This would effectively "grandfather" those currently enrolled in TRICARE Prime.

This change in DoD policy affects more than 171,000 military retirees and their families nationwide, and more than 4,000 of these retirees reside in Pennsylvania.

A former Mount Carmel resident was sentenced Tuesday to serve five years in a federal prison for conspiring to sell heroin in Northumberland and Columbia counties.

Shelton Cochrane II, 37, and codefendants Renard Durant, 27, and Gilberto Lanzot Jr., 33, each signed agreements in April pleading guilty to a drug conspiracy charge, confessing to possessing with the intent to sell 100 grams of heroin and 28 grams of crack cocaine.

Cochrane was sentenced in U.S. Middle District Court to serve the mandatory minimum.

In seeking a minimum sentence, Cochrane's attorney wrote in a sentencing memorandum that his client was a cash-strapped father of a 4-year-old girl who had his probation revoked because he didn't have money to pay fines.

He also faced eviction from two apartments in Mount Carmel in 2011 and 2012 and was in arrears with PPL. If he was getting rich through alleged involvement in a major drug organization, the attorney said his client would have had enough money to pay rent. The attorney also cited a study on "first or near first-time offenders," saying the likelihood of such offenders to commit another crime, especially a drug crime, were low.

Other defendants

Durant faces between 97 and 210 months, and Lanzot between 63 and 78 months. Both are expected to appear before a federal judge on Oct. 21 for sentencing.

A fourth codefendant, Jeffrey Tripp, 27, was set to be sentenced on June 11. Court filings on that date have been sealed.

All four were alleged to have committed the crimes as members of a street gang named Almighty Renegade Gangsta Bloods. Both Cochrane and Lanzot denied gang affiliations in separate sentencing memorandums, and Lanzot also denied traveling to New York to buy drugs. Durant did not refute gang implications in a sentencing memorandum. Court documents say all three are related.

Prosecutors say cash and guns were traded to buy drugs in the Hazleton area of Luzerne County as well as New York and New Jersey. Drugs, guns, cash and gang literature - writings on oaths, bylaws, alliances and gang hierarchy - were all stored at various locations, including at homes in Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont and Bloomsburg, according to court records.

They allegedly sold the drugs in Northumberland and Columbia counties beginning around July 2011 through their arrest in June 2012.

Durant and Tripp were indicted by a grand jury in June 2012 on charges of distribution of heroin, crack cocaine and marijuana in Northumberland and Columbia counties. A superseding indictment following in December 2012 charging Cochrane and Lanzot. A second superseding indictment was returned in March.

All four originally pleaded not guilty.

Tripp was the first to change his plea, doing so in December and cooperating with prosecutors. The others changed their pleas in April, which was approved in May, and avoided trial.

HARRISBURG - More than 50 members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, including state Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27), will battle each other in a fight against hunger.

To close out Hunger Action Month, Gordner will play in the first-ever Capitol All-Stars Softball Game set for Monday at Metro Bank Park.

The game will benefit Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania. Both organizations are dedicated to relieving hunger for the more than two million Pennsylvanians in need through their statewide network of affiliated food banks, food pantries and other hunger relief organizations.

September is Hunger Action Month, when food banks across the nation unite to urge individuals to take action to fight hunger in their communities. Among the groups that will benefit from the game are the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and Northeastern Pennsylvania Food Bank which Gordner said play a critical role the 27th senatorial district.

Revenue is being generated through sponsorships, a $5 donation at the gate (or a donation of five non-perishable food items) and a raffle of items donated by many of the state's professional and college sports teams.

With so many legislators playing, and with every area of the state represented, House and Senate members will be divided into east and west teams - not Republican or Democrat. Gordner will play on the east team.

The game is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Legislative Services (PLS) and the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN), which will air the game live. The game begins at 5:30 p.m.

Donations can be made at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/PAAllStars.

For more information, go to http://www.mypls.com/CapitolAllStarsSoftball/tabid/2490/Default.aspx.

Church plans talk, pet blessing

MOUNT CARMEL - The Rev. Frank Karwacki will discuss the new Encyclical "Light of Faith" (Lumen Fedei) by Pope Francis at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel hall, 41 S. Market St.

The public is invited.

A blessing of pets will be held on the front church steps of the church, 47 S. Market St., at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3.

MCA Class of 1974 meeting set

KULPMONT - Mount Carmel Area Class of 1974 will hold a reunion meeting at 7:15 p.m. Monday at the East End Fire Company.

Candace Gingrich-Jones to speak

BLOOMSBURG- LGBT activist Candace Gingrich-Jones will present a lecture, "The Accidental Activist: A Personal and Political Journey," at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, in Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's Kehr Union Ballroom. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Gingrich-Jones is the half-sister of former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. She has traveled around the country to promote the importance of coming out, the duty to vote and the power of conversations to change minds.

Gingrich-Jones is associate director of the Human Rights Campaign's Youth and Campus Outreach Program.

For more information, contact Madelyn Rodriguez, director of multicultural affairs, at mrodrig2@bloomu.edu or (570) 389-4510.

Daily barn tours at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., meeting in front of the Large Arena.

9 a.m. - Judging 4-H Dairy Cattle, Large Arena. Following that, Judging Supreme Champ Dairy Cow from open show.

9 a.m. - Judging Open Sheep, Small Arena.

10 a.m. - Jersey Shore High School Band performance, Free Stage.

10:30 a.m. - GAR High School Band performance, Free Stage.

11 a.m. - South Williamsport High School Band performance, 11 a.m.

Noon - The Monkey Man variety show, Millennium Park

1 p.m. - Team oxen, miniature donkey and alpaca demonstration, front of Large Arena.

1 and 5 p.m. - Agricadbra performance, Free Stage.

2 p.m. - Judging Breeding Market Goats, Small Arena.

2, 4 and 6 p.m. - The Big Tiny Young Show, Millennium Park.

3 and 9 p.m. - Mahoney Brothers performance, Free Stage.

5 to 6 p.m. - Agility Dogs, Large Arena.

6 to 7 p.m. - 4-H Horse and Pony Drill Team, Large Arena.

7 to 7:30 p.m. - Hitch Percherons and Halflingers, Large Arena.

7 p.m. - Chris Ruble performance, Free Stage.

7:30 p.m. - Livestock Fun Night, Large Arena.

8 p.m. - Dan and Galla, Millennium Park.

8:30 p.m. - Cow Chip Bingo, Large Arena.

PAXINOS - Ash Grove United Methodist Church, Route 61, will celebrate the 75th anniversary of its stone church Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, a covered dish dinner will be served at 5 p.m. with entertainment at 6 p.m. by His Servants. The gathering begins at 4 p.m. at the church's picnic shed.

On Sunday, a worship service will be held at 9 a.m. and will be followed by light refreshments, socializing and pictorial displays.

The congregation has been at the Paxinos location more than 75 years. They began worshiping together in a small wooden church in 1870. The larger stone church still in use today was built in 1938.

Call 648-9103 or email pstartze@ptd.net for more information.

BLOOMSBURG - It's a familiar sound, heard over loud speakers, that has greeted visitors to the Bloomsburg Fair for years.

"Welcome to the Bloomsburg Fair. A reminder that tickets are still available for tonight's grandstand shows at the fair box office. Thank you for coming to the Bloomsburg Fair."

The man behind the announcements, the unofficial "Voice of the Bloomsburg Fair," is George Moffett, of Zanesville, Ohio. Most times, he can be found in an RV converted into an office behind the grandstand stage.

"I don't know how I got roped into it, but here I am," Moffett said Tuesday.

It's a position that Moffett has held for more than 40 years at Bloomsburg, but his importance to the fair goes much deeper.

Hall of fame

When not in Bloomsburg, Moffett is president and founder of Variety Attractions Inc., the talent agency that books all of the fair's grandstand acts.

"I'm a talent buyer," he said. "We work about nine months ahead getting the schedule ready."

Moffett said plans are in motion for next year's Bloomsburg Fair shows, but he can't reveal any names yet.

For more than 50 years, Moffett and his staff have booked entertainment for more than 230 events in a 22-state area east of the Mississippi River.

Moffett himself is considered a legend in the industry, earning awards as Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year by the County Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. In 2010, he was a member of the inaugural class of the International Entertainment Buyers Association Hall of Fame, being inducted alongside such names as Dick Clark and Charlie Daniels.

"George Moffett has created a brand. When a manager or artist hears or sees the words 'Variety' or 'Moffett,' they know exactly who it is," said Paul Moore of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment during the 2010 hall of fame event.

Red light on

Moffett said he doesn't do many of the announcements live anymore. Technology enables him to prerecord many of them and have them played by computer throughout the day.

"I don't have to work as hard due to modern technology," he said. "We do more announcements closer to showtime, and I do a live one here and there."

In the back of Moffett's RV sits a PA system, a microphone and a red light that illuminates when the microphone is on. Through that, Moffett speaks to the thousands of people on the fairgrounds.

"When someone sees the red light is on, they know not to mess around," he said. "I'm doing one of my jobs here."

MILTON - Starting Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will be grading school districts' academic progress based on a new set of criteria.

This report card, called the School Performance Profile (SPP), will provide educators, parents and the public with comprehensive evaluations of each building in the districts based on academic achievement, academic growth and other factors associated with public education.

In a Wednesday afternoon media conference at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) in Milton, CSIU's chief academic officer Amy C. Morton explained what can be expected from the change.

She was joined by Selinsgrove Area Superintendent Chad Cohrs, Lewisburg Area Superintendent Mark DiRocco, Benton Area Superintendent Penny S. Lenig-Zerby and CSIU public relations manager Jennifer Spotts.

The SPP will be a "one-stop shop" for data on a schools's progress, Morton said.

The schools will be graded on numerical scores from zero to 100, but there will be no rewards based on high scores or consequences based on low scores, she said.

However, the schools considered Title I that receive federal funding may face consequences if test scores, which are only one component in the state grading system, are low, she said.

In The News-Item's coverage area, the schools listed as Title I are G.C. Hartman Elementary in Southern Columbia Area, both the elementary and middle/high schools in Line Mountain and the elementary schools in Mount Carmel Area and Shamokin Area.

No more AYP

The new profiles replace the previous standard known as AYP, or adequate yearly progress, which was based solely on student math and reading scores. Pennsylvania is no longer required to use that benchmark since receiving a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind law.

Designed to inform the public of academic performance measures of each school, comprehensive career and technical centers, cyber charter and charter school in the state, it is a resource to identify what is working in each school district.

Because Northumberland County Career and Technology Center in Shamokin and SUN Area Technical Institute in New Berlin are not full day programs, the students' scores in those schools will be counted as part of their home districts.

The evaluation score will be made up of 40 percent academic achievement, 5 percent achievement gap in all students, 5 percent achievement gap in historically under performing students, 40 percent in academic growth and 10 percent other academic indicators.

Academic achievement will be measured by the percent of proficient or advanced students based on Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), Keystone Exams in mathematics/algebra I, reading/literature, science/biology and writing, SAT/ACT College Ready Benchmark or career and technology certifications.

Achievement gaps will be measured by the percent of gap closure met in mathematics/algebra I, reading/literature, science/biology and writing, and the academic growth will be measured of each student's progress in those categories across each grade level.

Measuring growth is a more "realistic approach," Morton said.

Other academic indictors will be measured by graduation and attendance rates; advanced placement, International Baccalaureate or college credit, and PSAT/Plan Participation.

Each district is also eligible for a maximum of seven extra credit points for advanced achievement as a way to recognize advanced students, Morton said.

Not comparison tool

Morton said people should approach the SPP with "fresh eyes" and not consider how schools were evaluated by AYP in the past.

The scores should not be viewed as a comparison to other schools, she said.

It's a "work in progress" and is not intended to be anything other than a tool to improve education, Morton said.

DiRocco is concerned the amount of information may be difficult for people to digest, and he's worried districts will be ranked based on these scores.

"Look at all the components of the report," he said, noting the public should contact administration to understand the scores.

Cohrs said the new database will help identify what school districts should be improving on.

"On the flip side, it will also give us a chance to celebrate the work that has demonstrated our academic abilities," he said.

It's one tool of many that the public should use to evaluate a school, Cohrs said.

The districts have always received this data, but this will be the first time it will be available in such a way and be used for such an extensive evaluation, DiRocco said.

It may take two or three years before educators will have a complete grasp on the database and be able to interpret the information in realistic ways, he added.

He compared it to purchasing a new computer with a new operating system, and said everyone will have to learn as they use it.

Approximately 90 percent of the data, which was provided to the state by the school districts, will be based on 2012-13 school year test scores while other data such as graduation and attendance rates will be based on the 2011-12 school year.

Scores for all 3,200 traditional, charter, cyber and technical schools in the state will be available online beginning Monday at www.pde.state.pa.us.

BLOOMSBURG - To the audience, the big-name musical acts that grace the stage at the Bloomsburg Fair each year are suddenly there, under the bright lights. When the concert is over, they're gone, in a flash, into the darkness of "backstage."

But it's not as quick and simple as it looks. In fact, that backstage area is a mini-village of sheds, RVs, tents and campers, all designed to help put the shows together and bring the comforts of home to the entertainers.

William Barratt, Bloomsburg Fair's superintendent of police and parking, gave The News-Item a tour of the area Tuesday and introduced some of the people who help make the shows happen.

Production office/shed

Inside a shed near the grandstand stage is the office of Production Manager John Barratt, William's brother, and Stage Manager Kelly Saxton. The double-wide shed not only doubles as their office, but serves as base of operations for tour managers.

"During the afternoon, there's not much going on, but it's a flurry of activity come showtime," John Barratt said.

John is also in charge of transporting the artists, getting them from the hotel to the stage and everywhere in between.

"Wherever they need to go, we can get them there," Barratt said. "We have the connections that if they want to relax by golfing or get somewhere on time, we can do it."

Saxton spends her days making sure everything is in place for the show and that everything called for in the entertainers' contracts is present.

"We haven't had any really strange requests, such as a bowl of M&Ms with one color removed," she said. But even simple things like water require some planning.

"Switching water (brands) can create stomach problems. Singers want warm water for their throat, things like that," Saxton said.

There were some oddities this year, however.

"One group wanted two black SUVs that could fit six to eight passengers each at the ready, while another one wanted two brown leather recliners backstage. We do our best to accommodate them," she said.

Saxton and the Barratts said some artists are quirky, others downright rude. They told some stories on the condition the artist's names be omitted.

"There was one artist who got hit with a button on stage and stormed off, canceling the rest of the show. They got heated with us backstage, wanting us to find the person that threw it - in a crowd of thousands. There was no way that was happening," William Barratt said. "The next day, I see our crew washing a car with black rags. I asked them where they got the black rags and they showed me - it was the T-shirts that the artist's manager gave them," he said.

"One of my favorite stories was about a very famous performer who came to Bloomsburg and was as gracious as can be," John Barratt said. "We are driving away and the person informs me that they have to go to the bathroom. So we pull into this convenience store and when he walks in, all jaws just drop."

When the performer left, I see people running to the bathroom and coming out with the toilet seat. I asked him what was so important about the seat, and the person laughed when they told me that they autographed it."

'Live TV show'

During the off-times in the grandstand infield, Don Barley, a director for RCTV Productions in Lititz, edits a special video package that will be played for the crew following the Bloomsburg Fair.

During each grandstand show, Barley and a crew of five videographers record the stage action which is immediately shown on big screens to either side of the stage so all attendees can see.

"We basically are shooting a live TV show every night here," Barley said. "Through the control room, I put together the images that the fans will see. We have cameras on the stage, behind the scenes and in the stands, completely covering the show."

It's a job that Barley and RCTV has had for the past 21 years, and William Barratt said the fair is very happy with them.

"They are some of the best in the business, and anyone who has come to a show here knows their work is top-notch."

The shows are also visually and audibly appealing thanks to the work of Illusion Sound and the lighting company that works to put the shows together on the fair's new stage, complete with a security barrier that protects artists and equipment.

"We go all around the country, but love coming here to Bloomsburg," said sound engineer Bruce Pendleton, of Sturgis, Mich. "They have always treated us kindly."

"Everyone from the crews to the artists love coming here," Barratt said. "If someone wants to go fishing, golfing, we even had one guy that wanted to hunt boar, and we were able to accommodate them. Bloomsburg really bends over backwards for their guests."

Good eats

In the midst of the campers used as dressing rooms and motorcoaches that transport artists and truckloads of equipment sits a tent filled with tables, chairs and a fully equipped kitchen. Bloomsburg is one of the few fairs that offers catering to artists and their crews.

Denise Banyes, of the Aramark corporation, is in charge of preparing the menu each day.

"Today's supper will be London broil with mashed potatoes, two vegetables, Caesar salad, homemade cherry pie and Boston Cream pie," she said Tuesday. "For those that don't want to eat that heavy, we also have a pasta dish available with spinach in a cream sauce."

Much like the stage managers, some artists have special dietary requests as well.

"We are seeing more and more artists who are either vegetarian or vegan, so we have to accommodate that, and we get a number of requests for gluten-free items. The days of musicians not caring about their health is starting to go away, so we work with that to make them happy," she said.

Barratt, who works with fairs all across the country, said catering and a full dining area are rare.

"There are a number of fairs that will just pick something up off the fairgrounds for the acts to eat," he said. "We love going the extra mile for those who perform here, and the artists appreciate it and want to come back again and again."

SHAMOKIN - The Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities will present its juried art show, "Waterworks," beginning with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The show, which runs through November, will also feature a student division.

The theme for this year's show is water. Response from the region's art community has been positive, organizers said, with more than 50 pieces of art to be presented and judged.

Judging will be based on the overall impact of the work as well as how well the piece follows the theme.

This year's judges are two seasoned adjudicators from different parts of the state. Judging photography this year is Hazleton area photographer Bob Bauder. Bauder studied photography at King's College and Luzerne County Community College and works primarily in small and medium-format film. He enjoys working with vintage cameras and aspires to master his large-format view camera. Bauder develops and prints his primarily black and white photos in his home darkroom. He loves sharing his knowledge of photography and vintage cameras with high school students and serves as a judge in the photography competition at talents for Christ in Bloomsburg each spring. He and his wife live in Hazleton and have five sons.

Judging two and three-dimensional artwork this year will be Jon Sayre, Susquehanna County artist, photographer and teacher. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in industrial arts from Berea College, Sayre worked as a production artist producing more than 7,000 individual designs for specific products and companies. He also completed a teaching degree at Keystone College and now teaches technical art, CAD, graphic arts and engineering at Blue Ridge High School in Susquehanna County.

Sayre's artwork is displayed in numerous automobile dealerships and private collections across Pennsylvania. He has served as the chairman of the photography competition at the Talents for Christ art show in Bloomsburg for several years. Sayre enjoys painting and working on vintage motorcycles. He lives in LeRaysville with his wife and three children.

For more information, contact gallery director Claude Harrington by phone at (973) 632-2513 or email claudeharrington977@gmail.com.

The gallery is located inside the Northumberland County Arts Center at 2 E. Arch St, on the first floor. Artists and guests should use the lower handicapped entrance at the rear of the building. Receptions are free and the public is invited. Light refreshments will be provided by the arts council.

Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library has announced that memorials for the period of Aug. 21 to Sept. 16 have been presented for the following persons:

Lorraine Amato by Catherine Amato Kiehl.

John Backes by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Stephen and Wanda Cook, Bill and Helen Kuzmick and family and Steve and Holly Chernago.

Harold C. Barracks Lentz. by Donna and Barry.

Edwin Bielski by Frances Bielski.

Blanch Bradigan by Ray and Colleen Lauer.

John Breining Sr. by wife Kay and family.

Joseph Delorso by Keith and Kathy Jeremiah.

Nola Domanski by Vince and family.

Dolores Dupnack by Peggy.

Helen Falck by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, JoAnn Dobeck, Pat Engle, Judith Pensyl, Kathy Gonsar, Therese Kleinschmidt, Stanley Korenkiewicz, Ray and Colleen Lauer, Donna and Earl Snyder.

Katelyn Mary Fessler by Darryl, Debbie, Little Darryl and Brandon.

Catherine (Fry) Folland by Coal Township High School Class of 1946, Ray and Colleen Lauer.

Wanda Gribbin by Eleanor Kissel, Ray and Colleen Lauer.

Harley Gonsar Jr. by Robert and Joan Kidron, Joe and Shirley Sadak.

Ann Marie Haddock by Meg and Charlie Bartol, Rose Dorko, family, Dennis and Fran Filarski, Sharon, Scott, Jarrett and Tricia Heitzman, Helene Hoffman, Linda Latsha, Donna Molesevich and family, Don and Marian Myers, Emily Parker, Sam and Mary Ann Rumberger, Donna and Earl Snyder, Corrine Thomas and Bob Probert, Rose and Bob Valania, Chris, Dave, Kyle and Kasey Williams, Judie Zabawsky.

Ida Heim by Judie Zabawsky.

Leon Herb by Corrine Foltz, Erma Lorenz, Susan and Ken Staner.

Sarah "Sally" Holler by Dr. Robert J. Leader DMD.

Marguerite Grazul Hummel by Dr. Robert J. Leader DMD.

George "Butch" Jeremiah by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bloom, Don and Joannie Yuricich.

JoAnn Kallaway by Dr. Robert J. Leader DMD.

John Kallaway by Dr. Robert J. Leader DMD.

Fred Klemick by Sandra and Barry Yorwarth.

Bertram Klinger by Bob and Claudia Chesney, Judie Zabawsky.

Robert J. Latsha by Coal Township High School Class of 1951.

Dorothy Lechanton by Dorothy Hawk and family, Robert Hawk.

Caroline J. Lushinski by Ronald Kuhns, Rosanne and Bob Woodley.

Alvin Marcheski by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Dolores Miller by Tom and Cindy Carl, Ray and Colleen Lauer, Irvin Liachowitz, Ron and Angie Yost.

Matthew L. Mudrick by Ray and Colleen Lauer.

William Murdock by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Marian Edmondson, Shirley Grow, Jonathan, Lindsay and Brock, Kristen, Tim and Gavin, Linda Latsha and family, Lori and Haley Novack, Lyndsey and Ron McElwee, Stephen Bradley, Andrew Derr, Cheryl Sheriff.

Marie O'Day by Daniel O'Day.

Karl Oberholser by Dianne and family.

Josephine Osevala by Patty, Ronnie and Kelly Geist

Irvin Reigle by supervisors and citizens of Shamokin Township.

Helen M. Remaley by Jearldean and Susan Losiewicz.

Mildred Repella by Margaret Avellino.

Leonard C. Robel by Dr. Robert J. Leader DMD.

Charles Rosini by Ray and Colleen Lauer.

Roy Schlesinger by Rick and Gloria Catino.

Teresa H. Shurock by Florence Ramage, Jack and Janet Wachter.

Terry Sockoloski by Dr. Robert J. Leader DMD.

Ruth Lytle Spotts by Dr. Robert J. Leader DMD.

Nycie Jon Stancil by Rose Ann and Bob Weiland, Joseph Rocuskie, Kathy Gonsar and Tracie Gonsar.

Alice Gearhart Stenson by Dr. Robert J. Leader DMD.

Emma Walsh by Rich and Janice Fisher, William and Shirley Golden and Family, Kathy Gonsar.

Randy Weikel by Norm and Barb Foura and children.

Gail Wiemer by Dot Smink, Ron, Cindy and Marissa Moyer, Jim, Nancy and Abby Jo Rodman, Corrine Thomas.

Contributions to the Memorial Fund:

Ann Marie Haddock by Skip Rabuck, Gig and Diane Thomas.

George Jeremiah by LeRoy and Chris Zalewski and family.

William Murdock by Frank and Joyce Koczur.

Charley Tamkus by Mom, Dad, Kim, Jeff and Zach.

Randy Weikel by Don and Joannie Yuricich.

Honor a loved one and place a permanent memorial in the Library Century Club.

At the Bloomsburg Fair today

Friday, Sept. 27

Daily barn tours at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., meeting in front of the Large Arena.

9:30 a.m. - Hitch Percherons, Large Arena.

9:30 a.m. - Hitch Haflingers, team oxen, miniature donkey and alpaca demonstrations, Large Arena.

10 a.m. - Lightweight horse pulling, Large Arena.

10 a.m. - Montgomery High School Band performance, Free Stage.

10:30 a.m. - Muncy High School Band performance, Free Stage.

11 a.m. - Nativity BVM High School Band performance, Free Stage.

Noon - The Monkey Man variety show, Millennium Park.

1 p.m. - Heavyweight Horse Pulling, Large Arena.

2. 4 and 6 p.m. - The Big Tiny Young Show, Millenium Park.

1 and 5 p.m. - Agricadabra performance, Free Stage.

3 and 9 p.m. - Sadie Green Sales performance, Free Stage.

4 to 5 p.m. - 4-H Horse and Pony Drill Team, Large Arena.

6 p.m. - 4-H and FFA Livestock sale, Small Arena.

7 p.m. - Hitch Percherons, Large Arena.

7 p.m. - Abraham Lincoln impersonator, Free Stage

7:30 p.m. - Austin Mahone with special guest Coco Jones, Grandstand Stage.

8 p.m. - Dan and Galla performance, Millennium Park.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Athletic Alumni Association (MC4A) held its seventh annual membership meeting and scholarship drawing awards/dinner Aug. 14 at Mattucci's Willow Café. Attending were members and students who applied for the scholarship awards.

MC4A is a non-profit organization with the mission of providing scholarships for Mount Carmel Area students who have participated in a sport or supported interscholastic athletic programs while attending Mount Carmel Area High School, and in doing so, also establish a bond between graduates and current students.

Following the meeting, the scholarship awards drawing and ceremony was held and hosted by Dan Ficca and six scholarships were awarded. Members and applicants were welcomed and it was noted 49 students applied for the awards.

Awards are $2,000 each, but if a winning student is a current dues-paying member or if any family member is a current member, the award is increased to $2,500. This year, two students were eligible for $2,500.

Scholarship winners were:

- Alyssa Buggy, a daughter of Rita and John Buggy, of Kulpmont, is a sophomore at Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, in the arts and science program, majoring in biology. While at Mount Carmel Area, she participated in cross country, track and field, basketball, powderpuff football and worked in the TV studio.

- Michael Fletcher, a son of Susan and Michael Fletcher, of Kulpmont, is a graduate student at Drexel University, Philadelphia, in the arts and science program, majoring in chemistry. While at Mount Carmel Area, he participated in soccer, cross country, track and intramural basketball.

- Mikael Hause, a son of Sandra and Harvey Hause, of Kulpmont, is a sophomore at Misericordia University, Dallas, majoring in nursing. While at Mount Carmel Area, he participated in cross country, track and field and swimming.

- Jacob Kleman, a son of Michelle Shimko, of Kulpmont, and David Kleman, of Mount Carmel, is a sophomore at West Chester University, West Chester, majoring in education. While at Mount Carmel Area, he participated in the news crew.

- Michael Purcell, a son of Tara and Kenneth Purcell, of Kulpmont, is a senior at Alleghney College, Meadville, majoring in political science. While at Mount Carmel Area, he participated in football, baseball, intramural basketball and media crew.

- Julie Rodak, a daughter of Linda Rodak and the late Frank Rodak, is a senior at Luzerne County Community College, majoring in nursing. While at Mount Carmel Area, she participated in softball, intramural volleyball, powderpuff football, band and was the statistician for girls soccer.

The applicants were encouraged to continue to do well in furthering their education and were reminded that they can apply again next year if they continue to meet the qualifications. Before the ceremony food and refreshments were available.

If anyone wants more information about the organization and its scholarship awards, log onto the group's website, www.mc4a.org, or contact Ficca at 373-5936.