Name: James Schiavoni

Age: 61

Employment: Culinary Arts Instructor at the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center, Coal Township. Formerly worked at the Mohawk Mountain House, New Paltz, N.Y.; The Host Inn, Harrisburg, and as a regional manager at Nutrition Management Services.

Education: 1971 graduate of Central Dauphin High School, received associate degrees from the Culinary Institute of America and Harrisburg Area Community College; attended Atlantic City Community College.

Family: wife, Kathy; married 34 years. Daughter Lauren, 33; son, Jim, 31; four grandchildren, Aliyah, 7; Giavonna, 6; Liam, 18 months; Logan, 4 months

Hobbies: cooking, golf, reading, exploring and tasting new foods and restaurants.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Jim Schiavoni, or "Chef" as his students respectfully call him, could have worked anywhere. Growing tired of the travel from his previous job, however, he decided to put roots down and become a culinary arts teacher.

Today, Schiavoni calls it one of the best things he's ever done in his career.

"I've been doing this for 10 years, and I should have done it 10 years earlier in my life," he said at his classroom/kitchen at the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center (NCCTC). "It's really been a rewarding experience."

His dedication to giving students real-life experience and hands-on training has made him very respected by his former students.

"I would not be where I am today without his help and constant backing and motivation," said New York City chef Drake Mandrell. "I know that I can always turn to him for help or inspiration no matter where I am."

Where it began

Schiavoni's career in culinary arts began after graduating from Central Dauphin High School. He began training at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), in Hyde Park, N.Y.

Cooking was something that came easy to him and as his career progressed, he began to work in some high-profile areas.

"I began to work at the Mohawk Mountain House in New Platz, N.Y. which is like this castle out in the woods, a very fine establishment. After that, I worked at the Host Inn in Harrisburg as the captain of the dining room," Schiavoni said.

During his travels, he met a pastry chef under whom he apprenticed.

"He had traveled all over the world and he would curse at me in Dutch, but I learned a lot from him," he said.

After the summer, the chef gave Schiavoni an intriguing offer.

"He wanted me to travel to Europe and study under him, but I thought if I don't finish school now, I will never finish, so I declined," he said. "Looking back, I should have done it. I tell the students now that if they get an opportunity like that, take it."

After a few years, Schiavoni landed a job in the health care industry as a regional manager for Nutrition Management Services, traveling from the East Coast to the Midwest to train others.

Amid the travel and the job, Schiavoni didn't lose his culinary sense.

"Because of my experience, they made me corporate executive chef," and he helped set up special meals and other functions within the company.

However, the grind of travel began to wear on him.

"It got to the point that I was on the road for 10 days and home for four. I just got into the rut and wanted to leave," Schiavoni said. "I'm still in touch with them and they never really took me off the books. They call me from time to time."

'Real world' environment

After leaving the corporate world, Schiavoni took a teaching position with the Northumberland County Vocational-Technical School, as it was called back then.

The task was a little daunting.

"When I got here, we had an oven that was from the early 1970s, not efficient at all," he said. "I told them, I can't teach if the oven can't reach the right temperature."

During his tenure, Schiavoni has worked to bring the latest equipment to his students, such as portable induction burners and a bulk mixer, about which visitors of the Pennsylvania College of Technology were envious.

"We have a new combi-smoker oven that was just installed and we haven't used yet. With this oven, we can download recipes and pictures to the oven, hit one button and done. We can set each shelf on the oven to a different temperature, cook with either steam or heat or cook with smoke, I can't wait to see it in action," he said.

Schiavoni said his goal is to introduce students to the equipment they would use in a culinary career.

"The ovens we use are the same ovens that are used at Panera Bread," he said. "This is what they will see out in the real world."

Groundwork set

While the tools are great, what has impressed people with the culinary program under Schiavoni is his teaching and expertise. He's at work by 6 a.m. to prepare, said NCCTC Administrative Director James Monaghan, and his students dress in culinary attire.

"When I walk into the culinary program, every student is engaged in an activity and the class is conducted like a 'live' kitchen and restaurant," he said.

Mandrell remembers how, as a freshman at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in 2008, he was ready for the challenge after being taught by Schiavoni.

"The chefs there were very impressed with my skill level thanks to Mr. Schiavoni's teachings," he said. "My knife skills and understanding of kitchen production far surpassed their expectations."

He recalled in high school preparing for a state Skills USA competition after winning gold in a district competition. Schiavoni and he waged a kitchen battle in preparation.

"It was an honor to do that, and a lot of fun," Mandrell said.

Since graduating from the CIA, Mandrell has worked as a teaching assistant at the school, then opened two restaurants with friends from school. He eventually began work as a sous-chef (assistant) with celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito.

"Rocco showed me another whole interesting side of the culinary field," working in television and at demonstrations for wine and food festivals and other large events, Mandrell said.

As he prepares for his next adventure, he recalls his first cooking teacher fondly.

"He has helped me by not only teaching me, but by putting in great praise of me to acquire other positions that have helped me move forward," Mandrell said.

"Drake was a great kid in class and we've remained great friends throughout the years. Those are very kind words," Schiavoni said.

The same amount of praise comes from current student Tabitha Demsko, of Shamokin, a senior at Shamokin Area who will be attending the CIA in the fall.

"I have really learned a lot from him," Demsko said. "He's not only a teacher to me, but plays a father role in the school here. I hope that will continue after high school."

She said her ultimate goal is the open her own restaurant and bakery.

Growing knowledge

Schiavoni not only imparts his wisdom to students but also to the community through his work with the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging and the Patricia C. Rosini Nutritional Greenhouse on NCCTC's campus.

With the ability to grow vegetables year-round, Schiavoni has taken students on field trips to local senior action centers, using the ingredients to cook lunches for the seniors.

In addition, the students offer benefit dinners and lunches at a small cafe on the NCCTC campus, giving them each a chance to run the restaurant.

"I value his dedication and work ethic. He is upbeat, loves teaching kids his trade, and wants the Northumberland County CTC to be a workplace training site for all our programs," Monaghan said.

"The kids are great and are ready to learn, so that makes it easy to teach," Schiavoni said. "I've often said that this program is the best kept secret in town, and I'm glad to be a part of its success."

MOUNT CARMEL - When Bishop Ronald Gainer confirms the nine eighth-grade students from Divine Redeemer later this month, he will anoint them with the aromatic oil known as chrism and the words "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit."

On Saturday, the young people were the gift when they gave their time and efforts to perform a variety of small, but much-appreciated tasks for shut-ins of the parish. Students found the few hours they spent at homes of fellow parishioners spiritually rewarding.

"The best part of this project was seeing all the happy faces," said Emilee Barnhardt.

Another participant, Chloe Smith, was equally enthusiastic. "This was a fun experience and I really enjoyed helping the elderly in our parish," she said.

"One of the hallmarks of outreach in the earliest days of the first outreach to the poor, widows and orphans," said the Rev. Martin O. Moran III, Divine Redeemer pastor, who originated the project. "What a wonderful service project for our confirmation students and their parents to continue that great tradition of assisting the elderly in our local community," said the pastor. "The Mount Carmel area is blessed to have so many amazing young people living in our community."

Nine confirmants, chaperoned and assisted by their parents, went to the homes of 21 elderly parishioners where they performed a variety of services. Project coordinators were eighth-grade teachers Mary Sawicki and Esther Fegley. The shut-ins were notified and given an opportunity to complete a work order sheet which included: installation of smoke alarms in their bedrooms, changing batteries in existing smoke detectors, changing porch light bulbs, power washing the front porch and siding, washing the front porch windows, sweeping the sidewalks in front of their properties, raking up any debris that might have accumulated over the winter and putting out their porch furniture.

The goal was to make the life of the parish shut-ins a little easier and to assure them that they are valued as parishioners. Divine Redeemer parishioners donated all the supplies.

"This project set an example of how all of us, young and old, can give testimony to the Christian practice of serving others," added another participant. Each student is expected to complete 20 hours of community service in compliance with the confirmation guidelines. Divine Redeemer students fulfilled this by volunteering to be altar servers in the parish. To complete the number of hours required, all agreed to perform Saturday's project. Mia Kaminsky, another confirmant, summed up the four hours of service. "This project made me feel one with the community, knowing that I could make a difference by helping someone in need," she said.

Six projects in Northumberland County will start this year as part of the Corbett Administration's final list of highway, bridge and mass transit improvement projects to be funded in 2014 by the transportation funding bill the governor signed into law in November.

Gov. Corbett announced last week that more than $2.1 billion in 250 highway and bridge projects will be funded statewide this year alone.

In Northumberland County, a 1.66-mile stretch of Route 147 from Second Street to Church Street in Sunbury, a .66-mile stretch of Route 1007 (Main Street/Susquehanna Trail) from Gearhart Road to Walnut Street in McEwensville, and a .57-mile stretch of Route 642 from Milton to Township Road 582 in Turbot Township will be resurfaced.

A 2.24-mile stretch of Route 54 from Riverside to Boyd Station in Rush Township and a 2.39-mile stretch of Route 80 from Route 1029 (Mexico Road) to Route 254 Eastbound in Turbot Township will have pavement preservation.

The resurfacing and preservation projects will start this summer.

In addition to those five projects, a firm contracted to paint bridges in Coal Township, Mount Carmel Township, Ralpho Township, Shamokin Township and Mount Carmel will have a bid opening in the fall.

In the district's eight county region, 122 projects are scheduled for completion, a combination of regularly budgeted projects and the transportation bill.

Another 40 miles

PennDOT District 3-0 Executive Sandra Tosca said the additional transportation funding came at a critical time as the state leaves one of the harshest winter seasons in recent memory.

"With this additional funding in calendar year 2014, we will be able to resurface over 40 additional miles and begin construction to replace or rehabilitate five additional bridges," she said.

Increases in funding in future years will provide us the resources to adequately maintain the transportation system, she said.

Many of the projects haven't been bid yet, but Rick Mason, public information officer with PennDOT District 3-0, said $108 million worth of projects will be completed this year.

"The people of Pennsylvania will benefit starting this year from Act 89. This is just the beginning. The full force of it won't occur for several years," he said.

By its fifth year, the Decade of Investment is expected to generate an additional $2.3 billion to $2.4 billion a year in statewide transportation investment across all modes.

Repair, reconstruct

The Associated Press reported that transportation Secretary Barry Schoch told reporters at a news conference in Harrisburg that nearly all the new money being spent under the law in 2014 and 2015 will be repair and reconstruction projects, while the expensive projects requiring significant design work will begin in year three or later.

The individual projects to be funded with the new money this year were posted on PennDOT's website for each of the agency's 12 regions. Meanwhile, weight restrictions on 100 state and locally owned bridges will be removed, PennDOT said.

Spending under the law will total about $950 million in 2014, rising to $2.3 billion in 2017, about a 40 percent increase over the spending that was expected before the law passed.

The work is being financed by increases in fuel taxes and motorist fines that began Jan. 1 and increases in motorist fees that began Tuesday. That includes hiking the fee for a duplicate driver's license or a non-driver photo ID card from $13.50 to $27.50. Renewing a driver's license will remain $21, plus the $8.50 photo fee until July 2015, when the $21 fee will increase by an inflation adjustment, according to PennDOT.

In terms of highway and bridge construction projects, $600 million of the state's $2.1 million to spend this year is being supplied by the higher taxes, fees and fines under the law.

(The Associated Press's Marc Levy contributed to this report.)

WEST CAMERON TOWNSHIP - A family is homeless after their rented home was reduced to rubble Monday evening.

No one was home when fire broke out at 158 Heintzelman Road, located just off Lower Road, which runs west to east between Hunter's Station and Upper Road at Point Breeze.

East Cameron Assistant Fire Chief George Kerstetter said the house was fully involved with flames when he arrived five minutes after Northumberland County Communications Center dispatched units at 7:02 p.m.

The house, owned by Andy Hayes, was completely destroyed. The names of the renters could not be confirmed, however, three children, including a baby, lived in the home.

Before firefighters arrived, Jimmy Williams was pulling into the driveway to visit his 15-year-old girlfriend, who had not yet arrived home, when he noticed smoke. Williams and his friend, Josh Maloney, immediately entered the house to search for people.

"I started yelling names as I worked my way to the basement steps," Williams said. "I started down to the basement, but the walls were hot to the touch."

Williams and Maloney retreated, but managed to save a dog before leaving. They re-enetred the house by crawling through a basement door, but were turned back by heavy smoke and fire. Firefighters arrived soon after.

Suppression efforts were initially hampered by a water supply issue and access to the scene, which is located on a one-lane dirt road. Only a few fire engines were able to directly access the scene. The rest were parked on Lower Road.

A cause of the fire is still under investigation, Kerstetter said.

MOUNT CARMEL - Olivia Bressi-Harman and Angela Weng were named Mount Carmel Area Board of Education Merit Award winners at the high school and elementary school levels, respectively, for February. The students were announced at the March meeting of the board.

Bressi-Harman, a senior, is a daughter of Charles Bressi and Kelly Harman, of Atlas. She is a member of the chorus, stage crew, Interact club, SADD, and treasurer for both Future Teachers of America and TV studio. She is a volunteer at God's Chuck Wagon and works at the Elysburg Gun Club. She is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the National Honor Society.

Bressi-Harman was nominated by her English teacher, Shanna Haden, for her effort and excellent grades in her class. Haden said, "Olivia strives above her peers in terms of academic writing and achievement in my class. She is a positive influence on those around her, promotes a true value of education and earnest learning, and models a proper volunteer for our school."

After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year college to major in political science and minor in Spanish. She plans to eventually attend law school.

Third-grade student Angela Weng is a daughter of Huo Peng Weng and Chang Rong Jang, of Mount Carmel. She was nominated for this award by her classroom teacher, Carissa Skavery, who said, "Angela is a dedicated and hard-working student, and a great role model to others."

Angela is an honor student and participates in her class. Outside of school, she takes piano lessons and enjoys reading and doing crafts. Her favorite school subjects are reading and spelling.

Charles R. Frantz Jr. did not help rob Tri-Valley Pharmacy in Valley View in May 2011, a Schuylkill County jury decided Monday.

The jury of eight men and four women deliberated approximately an hour before deciding that Frantz, 22, of Mount Carmel, was not guilty of two counts of robbery and one each of conspiracy, delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and retail theft.

After the verdict, Frantz smiled at and hugged friends who had come to see him.

Hegins Township police had charged that Frantz entered the Tri-Valley Pharmacy, 301 W. Main St., just after 1 p.m. May 17, 2011, held a knife to the throat of Leanne Micklesavage, who already was inside, and stole 317 Oxycodone tablets.

Police said Frantz had conspired with Micklesavage, who allowed herself to be a prop victim.

Micklesavage, 24, of Ashland, was the chief witness against Frantz, who did not testify at the one-day trial over which President Judge William E. Baldwin presided.

"We decided which one we were going to do and that was it," Micklesavage testified. "I stood up by the counter. That's when he held a knife to my throat."

Micklesavage said she returned home to Ashland and then went to Pottsville - she could not remember how - to join Frantz at the Pottsville Motor Inn.

"Did Charles give you some Oxycodone?" District Attorney Christine A. Holman asked Micklesavage.

"Yes," she answered.

She said they went to Atlantic City, N.J., before splitting up.

"We probably just got sick of each other," Micklesavage testified.

Micklesavage pleaded guilty on Oct. 31, 2012, to robbery, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of retail theft. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of conspiracy.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell sentenced Micklesavage on Dec. 12, 2012, to serve nine to 23 months in prison, pay costs, $1,050 in fines, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $250 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $1,798.59 restitution, undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, perform 70 hours community service and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Ronald R. Pellish, Pottsville, Frantz's lawyer, emphasized in his cross-examination that Micklesavage tried to leave the pharmacy before police arrived and gave a false name and other information to police.

"Right from the start, you're lying to everybody?" Pellish asked her.

"Yes," she answered.

William Huey, Tri-Valley's pharmacist, testified that the man who took the Oxycodone held "an old-fashioned pocket knife" to Micklesavage's throat.

Huey and employees Karen Herring and Amy Marshall each said the robber had blue eyes, and Pellish noted that Frantz has hazel eyes. Herring said she believed the robber was Frantz and that he was wearing contact lenses.

"I was scared. I was shaking. I was panicked," Marshall testified.

Marshall could not identify Frantz, and Pellish said in his closing argument that the jury would have to base a guilty verdict on Micklesavage, who was not believable.

"Her motive was to save her own butt," he said. "There are a whole series of lies that happened. She was being evasive. There's no corroboration of anything she says here."

Pellish also cast doubt on Herring's identification of Frantz, saying she could not have identified the robber because of the bandana he wore over part of his face.

"I believe there are many inconsistencies in the testimony," he said of the entire prosecution case.

In her closing argument, First Assistant District Attorney Maria T. Casey said that the case was sound.

"Everything did come together," she said. "The employees were threatened. Leanne Micklesavage puts Mr. Frantz Jr. in the pharmacy."

Casey also said that inconsistencies in testimony are natural and that the witnesses agreed on the essentials of what occurred.

However, the jury did not accept that, and Holman was not angry.

"We may not agree, we're disappointed, but we certainly respect (the verdict)," she said.

Pellish, naturally, was happier.

"I think the jury did a very good job of listening to the evidence and gave a lot of thought in reaching their verdict," he said.Defendant: Charles R. Frantz Jr.

Age: 21

Residence: Mount Carmel

Verdict: Not guilty of two counts of robbery and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and one each of conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance and retail theft

150th committee meets tonight

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin 150th Anniversary Committee will meet at 6:30 tonight to discuss plans for upcoming events, the July 5 celebration and various fundraisers. New members are encouraged to attend.

Hymn sing at Kulpmont church

KULPMONT - An old-fashioned hymn sing will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Kulpmont First United Methodist Church, located at Spruce and Ninth streets, to observe the start of Holy Week.

Those attending may choose any of their favorite songs from the hymnal or from a list of old favorites. Each hymn will cost $2.

The church invites everyone, regardless of denomination, to attend to celebrate Christ's victory over death. Free refreshments will be served after the hymn sing.

The church's upcoming events also include a spaghetti dinner, strawberry shortcake festival and an ice cream social.

SHAMOKIN - Citing his extensive experience in finance, banking and municipal government, Shamokin City Council officially hired Robert M. Slaby as city clerk at a special meeting Monday night in the mayor's office.

The 62-year-old former Kulpmont mayor who has more than 27 years of banking experience said he was looking forward to working with city officials while admitting serious financial challenges lie ahead.

The new clerk will receive a $40,000 annual salary plus medical benefits. He will be required to make a $25 weekly contribution toward health care, the same rate as other non-union employees at city hall.

"I'm confident my past experiences as mayor and in the financial and banking industry will help us lead the city to brighter days," he said. "It will take time. The city's financial problems didn't happen overnight. It will take a joint effort between myself, council and the mayor to be successful."

Slaby, who resides in Kulpmont, will begin his duties today.

He will succeed Steve Bartos, who was hired in May 2011 and resigned in February.

Voting to hire Slaby were Mayor William Milbrand and council members Barbara Moyer, R. Craig Rhoades and David Kinder. Councilman Charlie Verano cast the lone dissenting vote for financial reasons.

"I have nothing against the candidate, but I just feel $40,000 plus benefits is a lot of money for the city," Verano said after the meeting. "I was voted in as a councilman to do what's best for the city and that's why I voted against the hiring. I have no problem with Mr. Slaby."

Milbrand stated, "I'd like to welcome Mr. Slaby to our team. I think he will be a great asset to the city and help us move forward."

"I'm happy to have someone with so much governmental experience who can hit the ground running in what will be a very stressful situation," Kinder added. "I'm looking forward to working with him."

Rhoades said Slaby's personality and financial knowledge will help the city tremendously.

Moyer said council needed to hire a city clerk with financial experience to move forward in its efforts to rectify its financial woes. "He has a big job ahead of him," she said.

Moyer said she agreed with a committee's recommendation to hire Slaby. That committee consisted of Milbrand, Kinder and private-sector financial advisers and officials from the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

Council unanimously amended a resolution involving the third phase of the Early Intervention Program the city entered into in hopes of alleviating its financial problems. The amendment includes receiving $37,500 from DCED to pay for labor counsel advisement during police contract negotiations.

At the beginning of the 45-minute session, Shamokin Redevelopment Authority member Dave Hughes expressed concerns about floor tiles cracking from concrete problems at the office of Dr. Sanjay Sen at Mill Road Square on North Franklin Street.

Milbrand advised Hughes and code enforcement officer Rick Bozza to meet with Sen to discuss the problem.

BEAVERDALE - A Mount Carmel man was taken into custody late Saturday after being accused of attempting to kill his ex-wife and 7-year-old son by driving at a high rate of speed and crashing into a monument at St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

Preetinder Singh Dhindsa, 34, of 327 S. Beech St., was involved in a domestic disturbance in front of the residence of his former wife, Manjit Dhindsa, of 538 W. Third St., Mount Carmel, before the accident, and remained in Northumberland County Prison Monday in lieu of $20,000 cash bail.

He is charged by Patrolman Daniel Politza with misdemeanors of unlawful restraint (two counts), recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, endangering the welfare of a child and driving under the influence of alcohol (two counts), and summary offenses of reckless driving, accidents involving damage to unattended property and failure to give immediate notice of an accident to police.

Upon responding to the accident at 11 p.m., Politza, Mount Carmel Officer Kevin Katch and borough Police Chief Todd Owens observed a silver Nissan sedan with moderate to heavy damage to its driver's side front end. Police said the car was on the shoulder of the road just east of Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Police said they then spotted the defendant, his ex-wife and their son, Haneet Dhindsa, standing outside the vehicle.

Police said Manjit Dhindsa, who was hysterical, told them her ex-husband was trying to kill her and her son. She admitted having an argument with her ex-husband outside her home before a neighbor told them to quiet down. She said the trio then got inside her former husband's vehicle and began traveling west on State Route 2038. She said Preetinder Dhindsa drove at a high rate of speed despite her attempts to get him to slow down.

As the car crested a hill on State Route 2038 near St. John the Baptist Cemetery, the defendant reportedly jerked the steering wheel, causing the auto to strike a large cement monument at the entrance to the cemetery. After hitting the monument, Dhindsa turned the vehicle around and began to go east on the highway before finally stopping the car near the entrance to Dooleyville.

Manjit Dhindsa said at one point prior to the accident, her ex-husband yelled that he was going to kill all of them.

The victim, who told police the car hit the monument so hard that pieces of the vehicle flew everywhere, stated, "I was very scared that he was going to hurt us or kill us. I was scared for my son, who was crying in the car."

Manjit Dhindsa's neighbor, Erica Noll, told police she heard a disturbance outside her home and witnessed the defendant suddenly pull away while spinning his vehicle's tires, causing rocks to fly. Noll said the driver was traveling very fast and was out of sight in only a few seconds.

Owens said Preetinder Dhindsa left a skid mark approximately 98 feet long on West Third Street at the township/borough line.

Asked by Politza about the accident, the defendant claimed the reason he wrecked was because an oncoming vehicle blinded him with its high beams. While speaking with Dhindsa, Politza detected a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and noticed that he had red, glossy eyes, he reported.

Dhindsa was taken into custody, transported to the police station and then escorted to the county prison, where he was placed in a holding cell before being arraigned by video Sunday morning by on-call Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones.

Police said the defendant submitted to a preliminary breath test with the results being .168 percent. He also agreed to have a blood test taken at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital. Results are pending.

Dhindsa is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Wednesday before Jones.

BURNSIDE - The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Authority is working to resolve several issues before the park's official opening May 17.

The park is scheduled to open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. that Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18.

Although members could not decide what to officially call the opening at their monthly workshop Monday, they determined the opening will be limited to motorized recreation. They also have not decided if the public will be allowed access to the western side of the AOAA.

Board member Pat Mack questioned what would happen if someone asked to walk on the property. Mack and Chairman Jim Backes said they wouldn't be against someone doing so, but emphasized that non-motorized trails for off-road bicycles and horseback riding have yet to be developed.

Camping and horseback riding will not be allowed opening weekend. Only vehicles with park permits will be allowed beyond the trailhead.

"It's not everything we talked about for five years," Backes said about the varied activities the authority hopes will eventually be offered at the park. "It's not the whole master plan, but it's something."

Yamaha has committed to be present opening weekend. The board anticipates the off-road manufacturer, which has had dealer demonstrations at the AOAA before, will have a similar setup.

Beyond opening weekend, the park will be open the same hours every Saturday and Sunday for the foreseeable future. It will also be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day.

Ideally, the park would be open at least for four-day weekends, Friday through Monday, by later this year, Mack said.

In other business

The board discussed plans to advertise for an administrative assistant and maintenance worker. The positions will be part-time at 20 to 30 hours a week. The authority is also hiring a full-time operations manager for the park.

It's not certain all three positions will be filled by opening weekend, but Mack said the park can begin its weekend operation without a full-time manager. He said the five authority members will play a larger role until the staff is in place.

The members also discussed updating the AOAA website in conjunction with previously discussed sponsorship levels of $100, $250 and $500 and $1,000. The first level would allow name recognition on the website. The second level would allow name recognition and a logo that would link to the customer's website. The third level would allow all the options of the second level plus literature at the trailhead. The fourth level would allow all options of the third level plus inclusion of a monthly E-news letter that AOAA plans to publish.

In preparation for opening weekend, the second cleanup of the year will be held Saturday. Volunteers will pick up trash on the eastern section of the property between 9 a.m. and noon. A free lunch will be provided. Volunteers ride free Saturday after the cleanup.

In other matters, the authority:

- Revealed the design for a welcome sign that will be erected at the main entrance road at Route 125. The sign will be double-sided and made of vinyl. It will measure 4-by-8 feet.

- Is pursuing a telephone service connection with Verizon.

- Looked into purchasing and paying related fees for a credit card terminal.

- Discussed two different options for adding a security system at the trailhead building.

- Began talks with a representative from PPL, which is interesting in leasing three acres of AOAA land to stage new transmission poles. The existing poles support a high voltage line that runs northwest to southeast near the trailhead building and, like others in the PPL system, are being replaced.

SHAMOKIN - The collection of city real estate taxes is on pace to match what was paid last year, according to tax records.

But the pace will have to increase slightly for actual tax revenue to meet 2014 budget projections.

A total of $156,376.04 in real estate taxes was deposited into the general fund through March 31, compared to $152,193.44 in the same period in 2013. The collection rate for real estate taxes in 2013 was about 78 percent.

Shamokin ended April 2013 with $404,273.92 in revenue and had $705,159.23 by year's end, falling short of the $748,587 projected in that year's budget.

The 2014 budget estimates real estate tax revenue at $725,000.

Current tax bills can be paid at a discounted rate through April 30. Treasurer Brenda Scandle said last week that she expects a rush of payments before then, especially from mortgage companies, and that will boost the revenue totals.

A solid collection of tax revenue is crucial as the $350,000 start-of-year Tax Revenue Anticipation Note dwindles - funding used for 2014 expenses in lieu of tax revenue.

City council slimmed its 2014 budget in February when it was reduced from $2.5 million to $2.3 million. There remains an outstanding $811,000 in unpaid bills that piled up over 2013, a loan for which has yet to be secured.

Total tax revenue

Total combined local tax revenue collected through March 31 is $271,744.53. That figure accounts for real estate, debt service, recreation, library, shade tree, occupational assessment, local occupation and per capita taxes. The former five taxes appear together on one tax bill, and the latter three together on a separate tax bill.

There are no budgeted projections for the library, debt service, recreation and shade tree accounts, Scandle said.

The collection rate for the occupational assessment, local occupation and per capita taxes lags well behind real estate taxes, for which unpaid taxes could cost a delinquent taxpayer their property. Per capita taxes were collected last year at a rate of 44 percent, and the occupational assessment and local occupation at 31 percent.

Expectations adjusted

Revenue totals for real estate, per capita, occupational assessment and local occupation taxes fell short of budget projections in 2013 by a combined $71,285.38. It was much more dramatic in 2012 and 2011, when revenue was off by $240,752.97 and $168,184.59, respectively.

The shortfalls were due to delinquent taxpayers and an overestimation of how much tax revenue would be realized.

In 2013, $264,582.01 in delinquent tax bills were turned over to collectors; the total was $294,506.39 in 2012 and $260,276.98 in 2011.

Expectations for tax revenue were adjusted in the 2014 budget to more accurately reflect recent collection data, with the benchmarks all within striking distance of what had been collected in 2013.

Comments sought on transit plan

LEWISBURG - Planning organizations representing the Williamsport area and eight counties in the SEDA-COG region are seeking input on the draft of their 2014 Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan.

The plan includes Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties. It identifies unmet transportation needs across the region and strategies to meet those needs. The plan has been developed through a process which includes representatives from public, private, and non-profit transportation services, human services transportation providers and the general public.

A public comment period concludes Monday, April 14. Comments may be emailed to transprojects@seda-cog.org. They may also be faxed to 570-524-9190 or mailed to SEDA-COG (Attn: Steve Herman), 201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg 17837.

The plan can be viewed on the SEDA-COG and Lycoming County websites: www.seda-cog.org or www.lyco.org. It is also available at the Lycoming County Executive Plaza Building, 330 Pine Street in Williamsport and SEDA-COG's office, 201 Furnace Road, off of Route 15, south of Lewisburg.

The original Public Transit-Human Services plans for the SEDA-COG and Williamsport Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) were adopted in 2007 and updated in 2008. Since then, there have been significant changes in state and federal legislation, and to the overall public transportation landscape. The SEDA-COG and Williamsport MPOs have been collaborating on various transit initiatives and studies in recent years, and decided to develop a joint coordinated plan to address regional needs, use resources more efficiently, and spur further cooperation on transit solutions.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Riders are invited to the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) to help raise money for first responders in Coal Township, Shamokin and Zerbe Township.

Anthracite Trail Riders (ATR) have planned the benefit for Saturday, April 26, and encourage local riders to "get a preview of the AOAA." Cost is $20 each for drivers and passengers and $10 for those 12 and under.

It will be similar to rides ATR has held the past two years at the AOAA to benefit Geisinger's Children's Miracle Network. One change is that full-sized vehicles - Jeeps, pickup trucks and the like - will be permitted for this ride, in addition to ATVs, side-by-sides and motorcycles.

Proceeds will be divided equally and donated to the three municipalities. Municipal leaders can then decided how to distribute the money among their fire companies, emergency medical services and police units, organizers said.

Paying for emergency responders at the AOAA has been an area of concern among some municipal leaders.

Registration is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the trails close at 5 p.m. Helmets are required.

For information or directions, call 570-640-5735 or find ATR on Facebook.

PAXINOS - Durdach Bros. Inc. in Paxinos is now offering craft beer from the Great Lakes Brewing Co. in Ohio.

Brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway introduced a new era of Cleveland brewing in 1988. Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ohio's first craft brewery, attracted the attention of those who were seeking high-quality flavorful brews. Today, the beer is in great demand. Great Lakes now produces more than 125,000 barrels per year.

In addition to the fresh flavor of a good craft brew, many are breweries' ethics. "Great Lakes Brewing Company is a principle-centered, environmentally respectful and socially conscious company committed to crafted fresh, flavorful, high-quality beer and food for the enjoyment of our customers," the company's mission statement states, "We aspire to maintain our status as the premier craft brewery in the Great Lakes region and are dedicated to uncompromising service, continuous improvement, and innovative consumer education."

Durdach invites area customers to become part of the "exceptional family" with Dortmunder Gold, Eliot Ness, Burning River, Commodore Perry and Edmund Fitzgerald. If you're not sure which one to try first, pick up an educational Taster's Pack and try them all.

Learn more about Great Lakes Brewing Company at: www.greatlakesbrewing.com. Visit Facebook and like Durdach Bros. Inc. to learn about new must-try brews and events happening at your favorite bars.

MANDATA - All was quiet Tuesday at the latest meeting of the Line Mountain School Board.

One-hundred teachers massed with picket signs at a meeting one month ago. Half returned for another meeting two weeks ago, sitting silently but speaking volumes with their presence alone.

On Tuesday, there was no picket, no silent show of unity. The middle/high school library was mostly empty for the latest school board meeting.

Talk centered on fluctuating energy costs, stagnant student lunch prices and a reasonable cost to refinish the gymnasium floors. There was also discussion on students' preference of white bread over wheat bread.

There was nothing substantial discussed regarding the ongoing negotiations between the district and its teachers union, whose members have been working on an expired contract since June 2012. The union has threatened to strike.

Talk should be much more interesting when the two sides meet April 22 for formal negotiations, albeit behind closed doors and out of the purview of the public.

The session spurred the school board to bump its regularly scheduled meeting to April 29, 6:30 p.m. at the middle/high school library.

Superintendent Dave Campbell expressed optimism Tuesday about the negotiation session. Both sides have made and modified proposals, he said, and he now expects "real language" to be shared.

What he doesn't expect is resolution, saying an agreement is unlikely to come from the meeting.

"As contentious as people may view this, there is still good teaching going on in our classrooms," Campbell said, reserving any further comment because of the ongoing negotiations.

Line Mountain teachers continue "working to the rule," a position the union adopted Sept. 30, meaning they work during the contracted 7 1/2 hours and nothing more.

Teachers at Southern Columbia Area and Shamokin Area also continue to work under the terms of an expired contract.

One contract is on the verge of being settled. It was announced during the meeting that a tentative agreement has been reached with the teachers at Northumberland County Vocational Technical School, Coal Township.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court May 19 in Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Stan E. Campbell, 59, of 173 Snowdale Road, Herndon, was held for court on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and careless driving involving an Oct. 11 crash at the intersection of Route 225 and 10th Street in Trevorton.

The charges were filed by Trooper Nicholas Berger of state police at Stonington.

n Daniel Carl, 23, of 131 Iron St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.

An additional charge of receiving stolen property was withdrawn.

Carl was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Chris Lapotsky with stealing approximately $1,250 in car parts from a neighbor's property between July 6 and July 14 and having them scrapped.

n Brandon M. Garancheski, 20, of 310 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.

An additional charge of underage drinking was withdrawn.

Garancheski was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano in connection with a Feb. 25 incident at his residence.

n Eric Weikel, 28, of 828 N. Sixth St., Shamokin, waived to court two counts each of delivery of marijuana and possession with intent to deliver marijuana involving incidents on Jan. 25 and Jan. 27 at his home.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano.

Weikel also waived to court one count each of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia filed by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II in connection with a Jan. 27 incident at his residence.

n Michael Wayne Hummel, 42, of Sunbury, waived to court charges of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and misapplication of entrusted property relating to an incident June 6, 2011.

Hummel was charged by Sunbury Patrolman Steve Bennick.

The case was heard by Gembic after Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum of Sunbury recused himself due to a conflict of interest.

HUNTER'S STATION - A fire marshal could not determine the cause of a blaze that destroyed a house near here Monday night.

East Cameron Township Fire Chief Jim Reed said state police fire marshal Kirk Renn, of the Milton barracks, conducted interviews and investigated the scene at 158 Heintzelman Road in West Cameron Township Tuesday.

"There was just too much damage to determine a cause," Reed said.

The house burned to the ground and was a "total loss," leaving renters Missy Hetzendorff and Shane Shingara homeless. He said two children lived at the home as well. No one was home at the time of the fire.

Trevorton Fire Chief Ed Reed, who supplied the names of the renters, said the couple were not insured for their loss. Homeowner Andy Hayes is, he said.

East Cameron Township Assistant Fire Chief George Kerstetter said the home was fully engulfed in flames when he arrived five minutes after the Northumberland County Communications Center dispatched units at 7:02 p.m. Monday.

Before firefighters arrived, Jimmy Williams, who was coming to visit his girlfriend, and his friend, Josh Maloney, arrived and noticed smoke. They entered the house to see if anyone was home before being forced out by flames and smoke. They did manage to save a dog.

Firefighters said suppression efforts were initially hampered by a water supply issue and by access to the home, which is located on a one-lane dirt road.

Heintzelman Road intersects with Lower Road about five miles east of Route 225 at Hunter's Station.

In 1910, there were approximately 1,500 breweries in the United States. At midnight Jan.16, 1920, Prohibition - the Volstead Act went into effect. Many breweries closed their doors, never to open again. Yuengling managed to stay alive by selling 0.5 percent near beer and opening a dairy.

In 1979, The Beer Institute counted only 44 breweries. Most of them were run by large corporations and produced the same style - a pale bland lager lacking any hop character. English beer writer Michael Jackson noted that the beers "do not all taste the same, but the differences between them are of minor consequence." American beer was at its nadir, the butt of jokes worldwide.

Then something akin to a miracle happened. Jim Koch dusted off his grandfather's beer recipe and began brewing the flavorful Sam Adams Boston Lager. But the revolution didn't happen in Boston this time. In California, homebrewer Ken Grossman opened Sierra Nevada Brewing and created a new beer style - American Pale Ale, or APA.

Based on English Pale Ale, APA used indigenous ingredients, such as Chico Ale yeast and hops from the Pacific Northwest. The yeast has become famous for its neutral flavor profile that lets the malt and hops shine through. And American Pale Ale was all about the hops, then unheard of amounts of citrusy Cascade hops in multiple additions. It was an instant hit. Other breweries followed suit, and the craft beer revolution was under way. Today, America has more than 2,700 breweries, more than any country in the world, producing some of the finest beers anywhere.

American Pale Ale is delightfully quaffable. Its satisfying dryness, lighter body and lower alcohol level makes it perfect for the coming warmer months. Enjoy these selections in a traditional pint glass. They pair well with grilled steak or spicy Thai curry, but my favorites are pizza and cheesy calzones that complement the Cascade hops perfectly. Cheers!

Pale Ale; Tröegs Brewing Co.: Hershey: This is one of my favorite summer beers. It pours golden amber with a thin, but lacy head. The aroma reveals citrus and grapefruit notes. The flavors have a hint of breadiness with an initial sweetness from the crystal malt that's quenched by a healthy dose of bittering hops.

Pale Ale; Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich.: Billed as Cascade hops in a glass, this APA is dry-hopped, meaning that hops are added after fermentation is complete to infuse more hop oils, enhancing the aroma. Its color is hazy orange. Carbonation is higher than the other selections, allowing more grapefruity aromas to waft to the olfactory senses.

Pale Ale; Selinsgrove Brewing, Selinsgrove: Nestled in the cozy confines of the Governor Snyder Mansion, Selinsgrove Brewing is a regular on "Best Places to Have a Beer Before You Die" listings. This exceptional APA is somewhat experimental. Rather than having a set hop regimen, classic Cascade hops are rotated with other varieties, such as Citra, Columbus, Amarillo, Simcoe and Zythos for a massive complexity of hop aromas and flavors. If available on the beer engine, opt for that choice. The small, silky bubbles from the hand-pull beer engine carbonation enhance an already ethereal hop experience.

Pale Ale; Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, Calif.: Known simply as SNPA, the recipe is unchanged since its debut in 1980. It's a masterpiece of simplicity and complexity - old, yet new. It pours a golden straw color with thick carbonation to fortify a grapefruity hop nose. The perfect ratio of pale and caramel malts provides sweetness that's balanced by a satisfying bitterness. This is a non-filtered, all-natural beer that's bottle-conditioned. Rather than artificially injecting CO2 for carbonation, sugar is added at bottling and the beer is capped. Fermentation continues inside the bottle, producing carbonation. Pour the beer into a glass in one motion and leave the yeast layer behind in the bottom half-inch of the bottle. The yeast is harmless. In fact, it's full of vitamins and minerals, the same brewer's yeast that's sold at health food stores.

(The Brew Dude will be published every other week on the Food and Drink Page. For comments, suggestions, or questions, email Mark Pasquinellli at thebrewdude@newsitem.com.)

MANDATA - A final vote Tuesday of the Line Mountain School Board abolished a policy that spurred legal grappling between the district and the family of a female wrestler.

Policy 123.1, Gender Participation on Athletic Teams, is no more.

It was contested in federal court by Brian and Angie Beattie, the parents of seventh-grader Audriana Beattie, whose attorneys argued that it was discriminatory.

Legal counsel for Line Mountain had fought back, arguing that the policy was in place for the safety of both Beattie and male wrestlers, and also prevents potentially awkward situations and sexual contact.

Audriana Beattie began competing as a wrestler as an elementary student while living in Iowa. Her family relocated to the Line Mountain School District, and last year as a sixth-grader she continued wrestling with boys on a local youth team.

She had sought to compete with the all-male junior high wrestling team. The policy barred her initially but she won permission in November prior to the start of the season when a federal judge granted a temporary injunction allowing her to participate while the case played out in court. That move was made permanent when the Beatties won a preliminary injunction in January.

A motion by a school board director at a November meeting to end the dispute and allow Beattie to wrestle garnered no support from the other eight directors. But the district relented late last month and avoided trial when the school board voted unanimously to adopt a consent decree to rescind the policy. Tuesday's vote did just that, opening up the potential for any female student at Line Mountain to participate on any athletic team regardless of gender.

The district is also required by the decree to no longer refer to athletic teams as "boys teams." It doesn't say anything about use of the term "girls teams" or the potential for a male to participate on a historically female team.

Despite these actions, the case isn't exactly over. There's still the matter of more than $140,682 in attorney fees her parents, Brian and Angie Beattie, want the district to pay. The district has said the fees are excessive and redundant.