MARION HEIGHTS - The cause of a fire that tore through a former Catholic school Tuesday night has been ruled undetermined.

Mount Carmel Township Fire Marshal Brian Hollenbush said Wednesday that damage was too extensive to find what started the spectacular blaze at the former St. Mary's Roman Catholic School at the corner of Marion Heights Highway and Melrose Street, just over the borough line in the township.

Hollenbush said the fire started in an addition to the back of the original three-story school. The addition was used as a gymnasium until the school closed in the early 1960s and as a roller skating rink in the 1980s. The building, owned by John Pickens, of Danville, was used for storage.

The fire was reported by numerous people around 10:45 p.m. Flames spread quickly to the front of the school through a window and a common door that connected the addition. The back of the building was engulf-ed in flames within minutes of the first 911 call.

"I turned the corner at the co-gen plant (at Route 54) and saw nothing but smoke and an orange glow," James Ridner said as he watched flames leap from the building. "When I

stopped at the corner (at Marion Heights Highway), I saw flames burning up through the roof. It was crazy."

Due to heavy fire and previous unsafe conditions inside the building, firefighters doused the fire from the exterior. A snorkel truck from Beaverdale and aerial trucks from Mount Carmel, Shamokin and Ashland were positioned at the east (front) and north sides of the building. Firefighters also had to contend with large embers, carried by a strong westerly wind, that landed on neighboring homes.

Intense heat caused steal I-beams that once supported the gym roof to warp and portions of the roof and floors of the main building to collapse.

"The building has never been secured. Kids would go in there and mess around," Hollenbush said, suggesting the fire may have been set. "We told him (Pickens) several times to secure his building."

A phone number for Pickens could not be located Wednesday.

Firefighters were at the scene throughout the early morning and returned at 4:30 and 7:30 a.m. for rekindles.

A federal lawsuit blames the superintendent of Shamokin Area School District for failing to discipline his nephew when he allegedly learned the now former substitute teacher had been sending sexually explicit messages to a teenage student.

It is alleged that others in the district also became aware, including a teacher and a school board member, both unidentified in the lawsuit, but failed to take any action.

Police would later identify four victims in the case. Three of them are involved in the lawsuit, filed Tuesday.

The plaintiffs' initials are listed in the suit, but not their names, since they were between the ages of 15 and 17 in the summer and fall of 2011 when Michael S. Zack allegedly sent them thousands of graphic messages through text, email and chat.

"As a result of the school district's indifference to Zack's inappropriate sexual behavior, he continued to have access to (the plaintiffs) and was allowed to teach their classes, and persisted in bombarding the girls with sexually inappropriate text messages and pornographic photographs for months, until he was finally arrested in mid-November 2011," the lawsuit states.

A jury trial is sought, along with an unspecified amount of damages and attorneys' fees and costs.

Zack, now 26, of Marion Heights, was fired by the school board in December 2011 retroactive to his November arrest. Charges followed three months later. He pleaded guilty to a felony count in December 2012. His original sentence was scuttled within six weeks after police said he violated probation. He was resentenced and served the minimum of a 6 to 23 month stretch in county jail. He also was sentenced to six months house arrest upon release, and almost three consecutive years of parole and probation.

No comment

Reached Wednesday, Superintendent James Zack said he was unaware of the lawsuit. He referred comment to the district's solicitor, James Zurick, who said the district would respond after the lawsuit had been reviewed in full. School board President Ronald McElwee also was unaware and declined comment.

The plaintiffs' attorney, Benjamin Andreozzi, of Andreozzi and Associates, Harrisburg, was out of the office Wednesday and did not return a message seeking comment.

The lawsuit claims the plaintiffs' civil rights were violated, saying Shamokin Area had deliberate indifference to a sexually hostile educational environment.

Confronted, but ...

Michael Zack had already initiated a digital relationship with a 15-year-old Shamokin Area student when he was hired in August 2011, the lawsuit claims. It says he was confronted by his uncle in either late August or early September 2011.

"Superintendent (James) Zack confronted (Michael) Zack about his inappropriate contact with female high school students ... but failed to discipline Zack, investigate the allegations or otherwise remedy the harassment," the lawsuit states.

Michael Zack was a substitute for all three plaintiffs, two of whom he met after he was hired. It's claimed he flirted with the underage students and sent them thousands of messages and images, many during school hours.

By mid-October 2011, it is alleged that district employees became aware of the allegations. They either failed to take action or, if reports were made to James Zack, the superintendent failed to act himself, according to the suit.

Reminder sent on tax bills

SHAMOKIN - The city tax office is sending reminder letters for anyone who has not yet paid their 2014 county and local real estate tax bills. If paid during the face period, by June 30, there will be no penalty.

Those who have paid their taxes at the office this week but receive a letter are asked to disregard it.

'Buddy Swim' day slated Friday

SUNBURY - Sunbury Community Pool will hold a "Buddy Swim" day Friday. Any person paying for one full admission, which is $4, can bring friends along for $2 each. For more information, call the pool at 570-286-1441.

'Divided Family' topic this week

How families experiencing conflict and division can heal will be discussed at Lifetree Cafe programs this week in Elysburg and Shamokin.

"A Family Divided: Finding Peace by Letting Go" features the filmed story of a family that struggled with an unwanted teenage pregnancy. Lifetree participants will consider lessons the family learned as they worked through their response to the pregnancy.

The program will be presented from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave., Elysburg, and from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at the former Amanda Sledgen Photography Studio, 531 N. Market St., Shamokin.

For more information, contact Kathy Vetovich at 570-672-9346 or kvetovich@gmail.com.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices fell slightly to $3.71 a gallon this week, according to AAA East Central. Valley prices were down .02 cents from last week at this time.

On the National Front

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.66 per gallon. Tuesday's average is about a nickel more per gallon than the same date last year. The national average has increased for six consecutive days for a total of about two cents more per gallon as violence in Iraq has intensified.

AAA predicted that drivers will pay relatively high prices this summer, ranging from $3.55 to $3.70 per gallon, however this range may be higher if unrest in Iraq escalates or disrupts oil production in the region. Gas prices often decline in June and the national average fell the previous three years at an average of about 20 cents per gallon. The recent turmoil in Iraq is likely to prevent that trend from repeating this year.

Iraq has the fifth largest proven oil reserve in the world and is the second largest producer of crude oil in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Markets will continue to monitor the conflict closely due to the potential for violence to spread to neighboring oil producing nations, and the overarching regional foreign policy implications associated with an Iraqi civil war.

After a run-up late last week, and with no major market-moving news over the weekend, crude oil prices were relatively steady on Monday. At the close of formal trading on the NYMEX, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil settled at $106.90.

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

This week's Susquehanna Valley average price - $3.712.

Average price during the week of June 10 - $3.728.

Average price during the week of June 18, 2013 - $3.469.

KULPMONT - Borough police chief Mike Pitcavage and Robert Schaeffer, of Pottsville, a traffic safety coordinator of the North Central Highway Safety Network, presented a detailed program Thursday on pedestrian safety at the Kulpmont Senior Action Center.

The program centered on a Powerpoint presentation. A safety demonstration on one of Kulpmont's street corners was canceled due to rain.

Officials continue to address concerns about pedestrian safety on Chestnut Street (Route 61) through the borough. Crossing the busy thoroughfare is difficult because motorists ignore pedestrian crosswalks and speed limits, officials have said. Pedestrians crossing in the middle of the street is a practice that adds to the problem.

According to statistics provided by the North Central Highway Safety Network, Northumberland County has seen 79 pedestrian accidents in the last five years; five of them have been fatal.

A motorist can be fined $50 and have two points put on his or her licenses for violations of the crosswalk law.

DANVILLE - A new state-of-the-art, twin-engine American Eurocopter EC-145 was added to Geisinger Health System's fleet of Life Flight air ambulances.

It is the fifth EC-145 helicopter in the Life Flight fleet.

"For more than 33 years, we have set the highest level of standards for our crew and our program, and we expect the same from our aircraft," said Jerry Splitt, operations manager, Life Flight. "We deliver Geisinger quality care in the air."

From the scene of an accident to hospital transports, the Life Flight crew provides specialized care in cardiology, pediatrics, neonatology, trauma and neurology, for up to two patients at a time. Medical equipment includes advanced cardiac monitors, defibrillators, cardiac pacemakers and ventilators, intravenous infusion pumps, oxygen, suction units and a full range of emergency cardiac medications. Transport isolettes or "incubators" are used to transport premature newborns.

In addition to the new helicopter, a new landing zone was added in Lock Haven. It was conceptualized as part of a class project by Bryce Bason, a senior at Central Mountain High School and constructed in partnership with Anadarko Petroleum Corp. It will allow for better transport services from remote areas of the county including the Sproul Forest and the banks of the Susquehanna River.

Averaging 2,600 flights per year, Life Flight operates 24-hours a day with a fleet of seven helicopters from air bases in Danville, State College, Avoca, Williamsport and Minersville.

Life Flight is a nationally recognized leader in safety, with quality measures that exceed the National Transportation Safety Board requirements. Each helicopter is equipped with single pilot instrument flight ratings, which allows it to fly in the clouds under aircraft traffic control flight plans to safely arrive at a destination in adverse weather conditions, and night vision equipment to ensure a safe flight day and night.

MOUNT CARMEL - An Aristes man was injured Thursday morning when his vehicle rolled several times along the southbound lanes of Route 61 near the entrance to Harmony Mine.

Police said Joseph Yost, of 507 Columbia Ave., was driving about one mile south of Mount Carmel when he lost control of his vehicle and it rolled. It came to rest on its wheels partially straddling the concrete median strip.

Yost was listed in serious condition Thursday night at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he was transported by Mount Carmel Ambulance.

Mount Carmel Township police Patrolman Kelly Campbell is investigating.

Yost's vehicle was towed by Dave's Auto.

BEAR GAP - A Northumberland man reported missing late Wednesday was last seen at Walmart Supercenter in Coal Township, according to police.

Michael E. Kenney, 54, was observed on store surveillance footage about 5 p.m. purchasing nutritional supplements. He was wearing casual business attire, including khakis.

He is believed to have driven eight miles to the Roaring Creek Tract of the Weiser State Forest to go for a jog. A park ranger noted Kenney was a familiar face at the forest.

A husband and father, Kenney was reported missing by his family at 10:24 p.m. His cell phone was tracked to the forest parking lot along Route 54 between 3 and 4 a.m. Thursday. His two-door Honda was found unlocked, with the keys inside and a window rolled down.

Police said Kenney had not made any threats against his own life and was not believed to be in distress leading up to his disappearance.

Kenney is physically fit, a forestry spokesman said. He has a thin build, blue eyes and stands at 6 feet, 1 inch. He's a marathon runner, too, according to race information online, and a licensed physical therapist, a records search showed.

Police were following on a report of three people spotted at the scene Wednesday - a male driver who exited and re-entered a sport utility vehicle with two passengers parked next to Kenney's vehicle.

100 join search

Approximately 100 emergency responders searched the 8,000-acre tract of forest. The main gravel road through the Roaring Creek Tract spans eight miles west to east between Routes 54 and 42, with dozens of natural trails leading off of it into the woods. Access was restricted to the public at both entrances. "Hasty teams" of two and four people searched by foot, and search dogs were used. A state police helicopter assisted. It's believed that visual checks were made of the three reservoirs.

A majority of volunteers had left the scene late Thursday afternoon; however, a forestry spokesman said forestry employees and police officers were expected to be on scene throughout the night to conduct searches as directed.

Command moved to Rt. 42

The command post was moved from the Route 54 parking lot to the forestry office on Route 42 near Aristes.

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources led the search. Several law enforcement agencies are cooperating in the investigation.

The missing person report was made to Point Township police, and the forest parking lot where Kenney's vehicle was found is located inside Coal Township. Pennsylvania State Police are also investigating.

Portions of the forest are located within Mount Carmel Township, from which police officers also responded. Volunteers from Columbia, Northumberland and Schuylkill counties responded.

Kenney's vehicle was taken to the Coal Township police station.

MOUNT CARMEL - Fears of falling into one of the craters on borough streets may be allayed in a few weeks.

At Thursday's meeting, council voted 5-0 to engage Patch Management Inc. in the fight against potholes.

Councilmembers David Fantini and Joseph Lapotsky were absent.

Pothole Killers, a subsidiary of Patch Management, will be arriving sometime in July to fill in more than 30 stretches of road that developed cavities over the harsh winter.

"They think they can do this list and more," said Edward T. Cuff, borough manager.

Additional items will be added to the company's agenda if they reach the end of list before the 75 hours they are contracted for over 10 days.

Engaging Pothole Killers will cost the borough $25,430.

Anthony Matulewicz III, borough council president, was excited by the price tag because it was considerably less than what the borough would pay to repair the roads itself. He asked the borough to consider reallocating the newly created surplus in the pothole repair budget to elsewhere in streets maintenance. He said he would like to use the money to get ahead in the road repair cycle so the borough is not always working on streets that were "turning to dust."

Councilman Clement Plisiewicz was unenthusiastic about resuming paving projects. He said borough residents were annoyed with the parking disruptions, amongst other side effects, of the last project.

"They complained more than we had compliments that we were paving the streets," said Plisiewicz.

(More from the council meeting in upcoming editions.)

BURNSIDE - Faith Bible Church will celebrate 100 years Saturday.

The celebration will begin at noon with a covered dish banquet followed by a program of congregational singing, special music and a few words from pastors and teachers from the past. The program will conclude with more music and some closing remarks from current pastor, Perry Ross.

In 1978, the late Mildred Ressler wrote a book of Burnside, which tells a good bit of church history. It also contains many family genealogies dating back to 1810.

In the early 1900s, while the coal industry was making its mark, folks approached the authorities to ask if they would designate an area where residents could build a church. One resident was appointed to choose the spot. Melinda Werntz stood on top of the hill where the church now stands and said she could look down and see all the village homes. She said anyone traveling over the mountain would see the church as soon as they enter the community.

"It will be a lighthouse to them," she said.

In 1978, the church was closed for a time. Several neighbors didn't want to see the building deteriorate and planned a restoration gathering.

In 1981, a group of people who had been meeting in a rented building in Shamokin re-established worship in the Burnside church.

In 1992, a group of parishioners began looking to build a place to worship of their own, but instead merged with Burnside Union Church and took on the chartered name of Faith Bible Church.

Most of the furnishings are original from the 1900s, but several renovations were made over the years, including adding a new furnace, installing carpeting, adding cushions to the original pews and installing bathrooms. The walls and ceiling were repaired and painted and more lighting was added last year.

The public is welcome to Saturday's celebration.

CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP - A township man escaped serious injuries after being ejected from his four-wheeler Thursday afternoon.

According to Locust Township police, Joeseph Grosch, 20, of 416 Lake Glory Road, was operating a Honda Foreman E/S in front of 176 Eisenhower Drive around 5 p.m. when he lost control of the vehicle. The ATV struck an embankment and rolled over once, coming to rest on the side of the road.

Grosch was found lying on the side of the highway. He suffered minor injuries to his shoulder and legs, police said. He was transported to Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital.

They said he was en route to get equipment parts.

Valley Chemical Fire Co., Station 270 Quick Response Service and MICU 1717 Northumberland County assisted.

COAL TOWNSHIP - It was a war of words between Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi and Shamokin Area School Board member Charles Shuey Thursday night, when accusations flew about improprieties.

During the public comment section of the school board's meeting, the dialogue became so heated, physical violence was threatened after Clausi accused Shuey of receiving a $2 an hour raise as Coal Township Recycling Center coordinator because

cardboard from the school district went to the Coal Township Recycling Center.

"You little mini-tyrant," Shuey said angrily after the accusation. "Don't you come here and accuse me of anything like that, or I'll knock you right out of that microphone!"

"Try it," Clausi answered. "Touch me."

The discussion began with Clausi, a Coal Township resident, asking the board if any resolution was passed to send the cardboard recycling to the center, located just a stone's throw away from district property.

"I'm not sure we have that information right here," board president Ron McElwee answered. McElwee had repeatedly banged the gavel when the argument escalated.

"You should know if you guys pass any motion," Clausi said. "You don't have to brush me off."

"Do you remember every motion you pass every month?" McElwee said back.

Shuey took over the discussion, saying, "I get the feeling this is going to be directed to me, so what are you driving at?"

Clausi asked the question again, and Shuey answered, "To the best of my knowledge, there has been no resolution to take the cardboard anywhere."

The county commissioner then wanted to direct a question to Shuey, but first stated he was going to send a letter to the Attorney General's Office because he felt there was a criminal act committed.

"Why am I not surprised?" Shuey then said aloud.

Several board members, including McElwee, Richard Kashnoski and Matt Losiewicz, tried to diffuse the situation.

"This sounds like you're an attorney on some kind of criminal case," Kashnoski said to Clausi. "I don't think this belongs at a school board meeting. If this is something that you want to investigate, then do that on your time."

Kashnoski directed Clausi to do what any citizen should do and file a Right-To-Know request for minutes.

"I just want to know why the district gave away the property when they could have made money by selling it themselves," Clausi asked.

"Give me an example of who would buy it," Shuey asked him. "I sell it at the recycling center, but I have to have a tractor-trailer full to do that."

After the accusation and threat, Shuey continued his heated words.

"Maybe you have no integrity, but don't you judge me by your standards," Shuey said.

McElwee tried to address Clausi, but Shuey fired back an accusation of his own.

"How about telling everyone how you hired your daughter in the county?" Shuey said.

"I didn't hire my daughter, she was a civil service hire," Clausi responded.

McElwee asked Clausi if the raise was relevant to the business of the Shamokin Area School Board, and he said no, so the president directed Clausi to take up the matter to the Coal Township Board of Commissioners.

Losiewicz asked Clausi if he had a proposal to buy cardboard from the Shamokin Area School District, or if he could recommend a company that would buy it.

"If you don't have a recommendation, then I don't see what your issue is," Losiewicz said.

Clausi asked the board if he could have a letter or if the matter could be researched about the decision to take the recycling to Coal Township. He was directed to file a Right-To-Know request, which enabled Shuey to get one more shot in.

"Here you have to follow procedure," Shuey told him. "It's not by your dictate."

Later in the public comment period, Clausi said he would file a request for the tape of the meeting. Superintendent James Zack said the district is not able to provide a copy of meeting tapes, but he can get the minutes after they are approved next month.

Following the meeting, Shuey said he felt Clausi was getting back at him for his criticism on county matters at a recent meeting, but tried to downplay his threat.

"What I said was I 'ought to' knock him from that microphone," Shuey said following the meeting.

SUNBURY - The following activities are scheduled Oppenheimer Playground on North Second Street this summer.

Tuesday

Crazy Hair Day: Anyone can wear crazy hair to the playground and best hair wins a prize.

Thursday

Garden Stake Decorating: Paint a garden stake for your garden or flower garden at home or leave them with the playground staff to decorate the playground.

June 30

Fourth of July picnic for the kids to celebrate the country's birthday.

July 3

Fourth of July ice cream party: Make homemade ice cream as part of the nation's birthday celebration.

July 10

Family fun night: Kick off Sunbury Celebration with WFYY 106.5 and free giveaways, hotdogs and games.

July 11

Water Fun Friday: Get wet and wild and use water balloons, sponges and spray bottles.

July 15

Tie Dye Tuesday: Bring a shirt and the staff will supply the rest to create tie-dye fun. Wear old clothes.

July 17

Hat Day: Wear a favorite hat to the playground. Decorate it before arriving; prizes awarded for the coolest hat.

July 23

Tornado Craft: Ever see a tornado up close? On this day, kids get to make their own tornado.

July 28

Christmas in July: Who doesn't love the season of giving? Kids can meet Santa, let him know their thoughts for the upcoming season and get a treat.

Community service work slated

COAL TOWNSHIP - A community service day for those completing community service hours will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday. All participants are to report to the Coal Bowl for their assignments.

Food surplus distribution set

KULPMONT - The borough will have a food surplus distribution from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday at the borough garage. All borough residents enrolled in the program are reminded to bring their bags.

Learn to swim at Knoebels

ELYSBURG - The Knoebels Amusement Resort Learn-to-Swim program will begin Monday and run until July 4. Swim lessons will be from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. A $5 donation to the American Red Cross will be requested at the time of signups, which will take place Monday from 8 to 9:30 a.m.

Dear Mark: What are your thoughts on pulling your player's card when dealt a natural royal flush? You would show money deposited, but not the money actually won. Because I use a win/loss statement for tax purposes, the natural royal flush wouldn't show as a win, which in turn, should allow me to avoid paying taxes on it. - Kyle S.

Don't think, Kyle, you can "game" the system just because the coin-in meter has registered your play, and although you haven't pressed the "hold" buttons yet, your natural royal won't be recorded anywhere if you cleverly pull your card. I am sorry to disappoint you, Kyle, but there are two problems with your tax avoidance scheme.

The newer machines now have player-tracking systems integrated directly into the slot machine's operating system. So when you strategically snatch your card, its removal does not record like that anymore. Slot manufacturers got wise to that chicanery years ago.

Furthermore, Kyle, with a payout of $1,200 or more on any slot/video poker machine, you will automatically be handed a tax form (W2G), so there is no benefit to you yanking your player's card before an outcome. Besides, the use of a player's card has no effect on your tax liability. If you win $1,200 or more in a single spin (including the original bet), the casino will report your win to Uncle Sam along with issuing you a W2G, whether you used a player's card or not.

Let's leave for another column the potential consequences of deliberately manipulating or falsifying gambling records.

Dear Mark: Have you ever heard of a casino that allows the use of the joker in blackjack? My friend said that he once played on a game that had a joker included in the deck, and it was favorable for the player when you got one. - Dan L.

Although I have never dealt a game where a joker was intentionally added, or seen it used in such a way, I have heard that some casinos, as a bonus to players, have one or more jokers inserted into the deck that can be used as an any-value card. One game that does come to mind is called California Blackjack. It is a player-banked blackjack variation played at a few poker casinos.

The game of blackjack can vary from casino to casino and locale to locale. It is incumbent upon you before you play to check any and all of the rules, which are customarily displayed prominently at the table. Like I said, Dan, I haven't been to a casino that offers the added joker as a variation to the game of blackjack, but probably some of my readers have crossed paths with this rule. I am sure I will get some mailbag response (hopefully with rule changes) and will convey further details in a future column.

Furthermore, a joker showing up in your hand may be favorable for that particular hand. What I can guarantee you is that the casino is probably tacking on some interesting rule variations elsewhere that will increase the house edge, like, for instance, altering blackjack payoffs. So, Dan, imparting conclusive wisdom on the mathematics of the game without getting a clear explanation of the rules in full, I can't.

All that said, I have witnessed a joker that made its way onto the layout. But it inadvertently got there because of carelessness on the dealer's part - yes, include Yours Truly when it came to sloppy dealing - when the joker was not discarded, but instead left in the deck when new cards were introduced on the game.

Gambling Wisdom of the Week: "If I've got action, anything is possible. If I haven't got action, nothing is possible." - Sal the Dice Man, Easy Money: Inside the Gambler's Mind (1987)

COAL TOWNSHIP - Bushel baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables could be found in the lobby of Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital (G-SACH) Thursday as part of a new program to promote healthy eating.

The grand opening of the "Get Fresh Market" highlighted a Geisinger program that also features locally grown produce for purchase.

"We've had a great turnout today and we are hoping to have all the items sold before our time is up at 3 p.m.," Rebecca E. Crotti, Healthy Selections coordinator for Geisinger Health System, said shortly after the 11 a.m. start. "The response in the beginning of the day was tremendous."

By noon, the market had already sold out of blueberries, strawberries, peppers and zucchini, and quantities of portabella mushrooms, romaine lettuce, rhubarb, cucumbers and other products were running low.

"All of the items are washed and ready to go," she said.

Crotti said the turnout went beyond employees.

"The community came out to see what we are doing and find out more about healthy eating," she said.

The market debuted at Geisinger Medical Center's Danville campus last summer and is part of Geisinger Health System's Healthy Selections program, which provides guests and employees with healthier dining options at Geisinger locations. It also promotes better eating habits as an important component of a culture of wellness.

Kale, yeah

The Get Fresh Market also provided visitors an opportunity to try something new. Rhonda Duld, a produce specialist with Primo Produce, was preparing a special dish for sampling: kale salad.

"Kale is becoming the new superfood in the produce world, and is very versatile," Duld said. "It can be used in hot and cold applications."

In the lobby, onlookers watched at Duld prepared the salad, dumping the pre-chopped kale into a large bowl.

"When you are chopping your kale, make sure you do into thin ribbons, the thinner and finer the better, because a more coarse kale could get caught in your throat," she cautioned.

She then added a little bit of carrots, cabbage, some dried cherries and blueberries, oranges and a ginger vinaigrette, and a tasty salad was born.

"Using the kale as the greens in the salad really makes it healthy," Duld said. "It's a great source for vitamin C, iron, protein and dietary fiber.

"People are starting to use it in soup, or as a side dish," she continued. "A chef I know gave some kale a quick saute with some olive oil and sea salt and used it as a bed for a good piece of fish."

Second helping

In future markets, an agriculturalist will be on hand to provide information on the importance of sustainable food. Also, a different line up of foods will be available for purchase in future markets.

"We are working to bring more locally grown produce to the market," Crotti said. "We hope to have some corn and different kind of lettuces available, and some more squashes in the coming months. We will bring more variety to the market."

Get Fresh Markets will return to the G-SACH campus on July 24, Aug, 21 and Sept. 18.

SASB meeting set for Thursday

COAL TOWNSHIP - A special meeting of the board of director of the Shamokin Area School District will be held for general purposes at 6 p.m. Thursday in the board conference room.

Paving planned

RANSHAW - The Coal Township Street Department will be prepping and paving Weber Street from Sixth Street to Railroad Street Wednesday and Thursday.

No parking will be allowed on these dates.

The street will be reopened to traffic Thursday.

Tioga Street will be closed to traffic from Hess Street to Route 901 Wednesday and will reopen Thursday morning.

Every performer dreams of seeing their name in lights in New York City.

In July, a group of young singers from Schuylkill County will see that dream become a reality.

The Spotlight Kidz, under the direction of Sandy Kost-Sterner, will be the headlining performer at A Time To Shine Youth Cabaret's "In the Spotlight" at Stage 72, 158 W. 72nd St. The show will be held at 3 p.m. July 20.

Kost-Sterner said the opportunity to perform in the Big Apple came about in May after a conversation with the show's producer while her niece, Reiley Lonergan, was performing in a show with the Time to Show Youth Cabaret.

"While at Reiley's recent show in New York City, I had told the producer, Leorah Haberfield, who Reiley has worked with several times in the past, what a wonderful show it was and said that I would love for our Spotlight Kidz to have an opportunity like that 'someday,' " Kost-Sterner said. "That is how this show, 'In the Spotlight,' all originated. It's a lot sooner than I would of ever anticipated but it is so exciting for all the youngsters involved and such a wonderful opportunity for them to perform on a stage in New York City."

Part of the Pottsville Gymnastic & Theatrical Center Inc., the Spotlight Kidz is a performance squad that sings mostly Broadway show tunes. The squad is invitation or audition only and currently has 28 members from age 5 to high school. There are three divisions in the squad - children, junior and senior.

Kost-Sterner said all three divisions will be represented in New York City. The members making the trip in July are: Cadence Artz, Ella Frantz, Emily Hart, Caroline Hobbs, Elena Holden, Bo McDonald, Michael Spotts and Hallie Yordy, children squad; Madison Eroh, Ava Frantz, Riley McDonald, Nevaeh Mitchell, Maddie Swick and Elizabeth Stehr, junior squad ; Kylee Clark, Morgan Flick, Celena Granito, Rachel Laughlin, Sara Leibel, Lonergan, Jade McDonough, Gillian Revenis and Lauren Tidmore, senior squad.

Kost-Sterner said four college students who have been involved with PGTC for several years will also be performing with the group. They are Kayla Sabol, Cassidy Conroy, Jeffrey Lazarchick and Jacob Tarconish. Kost-Sterner said they will sing one solo each.

Pianist Bruce Marianelli, West West Terrance, will also be joining the group in New York City.

Kost-Sterner said the group will have practiced for two months by the time of the performance in July. She said the group will be performing songs from various Broadway shows, including "Consider Yourself" from "Oliver!," "The Glory of Love" from "Beaches," "All Good Gifts" from "Godspell" and "Seasons of Love" from "Rent."

There will also be several solo performances, including Lonergan singing the cabaret-style song "Taylor, the Latte Boy."

For the finale, the Spotlight Kidz will be joined by Broadway star Marissa Perry for the song "Thank You for the Music" from "Mamma Mia." Perry is known for playing Tracy Turnblad in the Broadway production of "Hairspray" and is currently part of the Tony-nominated Broadway production of "Sister Act."

"We are extremely honored to have Broadway's Marissa Perry be a special guest performer at the show. She is a fantastic singer and actress and is such a positive, upbeat individual who is a great role model," Kost-Sterner said. "Marissa did a workshop for Pottsville GTC last summer and the participants loved her."

Jessica Swick, mother of junior squad member Maddie Swick, said the performance is a great opportunity and experience for the performers.

"It's a neat thing for a group from Schuylkill County to perform in New York City," Swick said.

She said Maddie only joined the Spotlight Kidz recently, but has been involved with the PGTC for about a year and a half.

While she said Maddie is excited to perform in NYC, she thinks the big stage will bring a different emotion as the event approaches.

"The day of the performance she will have a few butterflies in the stomach," Swick said.

Kost-Sterner said not only will the young singers get the opportunity to sing in New York City but there also is a possibility that casting agents or managers could be attending the show. She said it's also a chance for those in the business to see the talent from Schuylkill County.

"The opportunity to perform on a stage in New York City is one that is very unique and special and to have a Broadway star on stage with them is incredible. These youngsters are going to gain so much experience, have so much fun and will have memories to last a lifetime," she said.

Before the group heads up to the big city, the PGTC will host its sixth annual "Lil' Bits of Broadway" on July 13 at the Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St., Pottsville.

For more information about the Spotlight Kidz, email schmusicevent@ comcast.net.

VALLEY VIEW - With summer in full swing, riders are flocking to the region for some good ATV riding, and parks are accommodating them with a variety of unique events.

On Saturday, Rausch Creek Powersports hosted the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) USA National MotoTrials Championship, a multi-day event where participants ride on a marked loop of track, stopping periodically to attack challenging sections of terrain.

Riders are scored on how well they perform during each of these challenges, which have been marked off by ribbons and arrows pointing to the rocks and limbs riders must climb. Like golf, a low score is better, and each time a rider puts down a foot, falls over or travels out of bounds, points are added to his or her score.

The 2014 MotoTrials are completed over four weekends, with some professional riders traveling with the AMA to ride in each segment.

Rausch Creek Powersports hosted the third weekend.

Rob Feldman, general manager of Rausch Creek Powersports, said the event had 80 to 90 participants this year, with five or six professional riders.

While many locals were in the mix, some riders had traveled from as far as eastern Europe to compete in the event.

More riders

Feldman said that with this year's opening of the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), he hoped to draw even more competitors to such events in the future and keep some of the visitors as annual pass holders.

"It's drawing people to the area," said Feldman. "We've gotten several (new) families."

Rausch Creek operates a similar property as the AOAA but with a different business strategy. Like the AOAA, Rausch Creek grew out of illegal riding on property that had been mined. Rausch Creek has established rules, such as requiring helmets and banning alcohol, to decrease the number of serious accidents.

But while the AOAA is a publicly-owned property, Rausch Creek is privately owned by Rausch Creek Land, LP, who leases the land to the subsidiary that forms the riding club.

This unique business model has allowed Rausch Creek to continue mining on the property while also bringing in revenue through the ATV riders, who were already riding on their property illegally.

To keep riders happy and returning to purchase season passes, which can run as much as $350 for a single person and $585 for a family, Rausch Creek established free overnight campsites and lots that can be rented out for the season, a small trading post selling basic parts and snacks and stickers with an emergency contact number that is staffed around the clock.

Season passes only

Feldman said the company decided to only sell season passes rather than the day passes the AOAA offers based on a belief that riders who return to the property will be less likely to destroy the land. He said it also helps decrease accidents because riders are familiar with the land and know the location of the hazards, such as the air shafts from the former mines that dot the property.

Feldman said a season pass also provided incentive for riders to obey the rules because the company could pull the rider's pass for serious infractions. Such occurrences have happened, he said, but are infrequent.

Riders who travel to Rausch Creek property and are only interested in day passes are referred by Feldman to the AOAA.

"You don't want anyone to go home angry," said Feldman. "Some percentage of them are going to end up in our place."

The symbiotic relationship between the two parks is working well. Barry Yorwarth, AOAA Authority member, said the AOAA might host competitive events in the future, but because this is the park's first year open and the events are planned over a year in advance, nothing would be possible until at least the 2015 season.

Rausch Creek Powersports has been in operation for more than a decade.

"We're not there yet," said Jim Backes, authority chairman.

AOAA open late July 4

While riders hoping to compete in events at the AOAA will have to wait at least another year, authority members have decided to make the Independence Day holiday weekend special by opening from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 4 in addition to its regular 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday hours.

The parking lot and trailhead will also remain open to the public who would like to view the Shamokin fireworks from the vantage point offered by the mountainside property.

"You can look straight over at them," said Backes.

Backes, Yorwarth and the rest of the AOAA have another reason to celebrate: the AOAA was recently awarded the Tom Petri Annual Achievement Award for Outstanding Use of Recreational Trails Program Funds in maintenance and rehabilitation from the Coalition for Recreational Trails.

"It's a big award," said Yorwarth. "We're here to provide a higher level of experience."

More to come

The next Kulpmont Borough Council meeting could get pretty interesting. After the way councilmembers Mrs. Niglio and Mr. Bozza chastised a borough resident with nonsensical criticism for his community service at the last meeting, maybe this time they'll level a verbal banzai charge at the East End Fire Company's trustees, since Mrs. Niglio's public comment about the town needing a new fire truck is probably a moot point now because of what they did.

Too costly

Anthracite coal is primarily used for home heating. Bituminous is used for power plants because it's much cheaper. Using anthracite for power production would probably cost three times as much.

No vindication

Mr. Cheney, President Bush - you'll never be vindicated for the lies you told the American people to lead us into wars nobody wanted.

Over time

Why do we have so many city workers and why do they need so much vacation time, personal days, holidays?

A reminder

Just calling for a reminder about my favorite teacher, Miss Stellfox. I know she was your favorite teacher, too. Frog's take: RIP, Miss Stellfox.

Disgruntled

I'm calling in regards to Dr. Paczkoskie. I know firsthand that calls were made by a former disgruntled employee. He is a good doctor; he does sterilize his equipment. I don't believe there will be one person affected.

Passing by

To the Mount Carmel police force: Four vehicles on Oak Street between 6 and 7 and they don't move for the street cleaner - and they don't get tickets. What's up with that?

Swept up

The street sweeper problem in Mount Carmel. I passed a whole bunch of cars that weren't moved but only random ones got tickets. What, don't we give tickets to our friends? Everyone should be ticketed; then you'll be able to balance your budget.

Anti-social

Kulpmont Borough cannot purchase the East End Fire Company for a borough hall. It cost them $800,000 to build and purchase the property and several hundred thousands more to retrofit it. It's a barroom; it's not office space.

Good day, GOP

So President Obama tells our elected leaders on Capitol Hill he does not need permission to act in the Persian Gulf and Iraq. Election day on Nov. 4 will be a good day for the Republicans.

Nothing to hide

Only a whacky bird conspiracy moron would think there's something suspicious with all the IRS' hard drives dumping all communications with the White House. There's nothing to hide.