ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township supervisors appointed department heads and renewed a $2 million municipal insurance contract Tuesday night.

Supervisor Stephen Major was appointed street department chairman. Blaine Madara will head the buildings and recreation departments. William "Chip" Wetzel will serve as police department/public safety supervisor. Board chairman Dan Williams will oversee the zoning department and Vince Daubert will be the recycling committee chairman.

The five supervisors renewed a $2 million municipal insurance contract with DGK Insurance & Financial Services, Factoryville, following a presentation by Jeff Kyle, vice president of marketing with DGK. Supervisors will consider additional coverage in the future.

The board granted extensions to the spring to four township property owners to clean up their properties or face fines. Code enforcement/zoning officer Mark Lyash issued notices of nuisances to each of the owners, citing various code violations. If the owners fail to rectify problems at their properties, they will be cited by Lyash and face fines and costs at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones in Mount Carmel.

Supervisors donated $2,500 to Ralpho Township Youth Sports and were commended by organization President Scott Kerstetter for their current and past support of the sports programs and fields in the township.

The board approved the subdivision of property at Catawissa Wood Components after an outline of the project was given by Ralpho Township Planning Commission Chairman Harvey Boyer. The subdivision was previously approved by the commission.

Major said the township's snow trucks have experienced a rough winter thus far. Supervisors agreed to consider a recommendation by road master Howard Shadduck to purchase anti-skid material similar to the kind used by PennDOT. Shadduck said the material doesn't wash away or cake up.

Boyer, who serves as president and assistant fire chief of Elysburg Fire Company, informed supervisors that state funding from the firemen's relief association should cover the costs of purchasing new radios for the federally-mandated upgrades to the Northumberland County Communications Center.

Boyer said an initial meeting of Elysburg Fire Department Community Auxiliary will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Elysburg Fire Company.

KULPMONT - In six weeks, council will know how much it will cost to build a new borough complex, and residents will find out if it's cheaper to go new or retrofit an existing social hall.

The board voted 6-0 to advertise for bids for construction of a 4,000-square-foot borough building and 5,000-square-foot maintenance garage along Fir Street between Seventh and Eighth streets on land donated by Susquehanna Coal Company. For the past two years, the borough has been working on the project in order to get them out of their current aging location, the former Wilson Grade School.

Funding for the construction will come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has made a loan guarantee for the costs, up to $1.47 million.

Advertisements will be printed Feb. 16 and 23, and a pre-bid meeting will be held at the Fir Street site Feb. 25. The bids will be opened at a meeting at 6 p.m. March 17.

That information will be compared to the cost to buy the former East End Fire Company Social Hall.

The 5,000-square-foot social hall, bar and banquet facility opened in 2012 with the help of the USDA, which lent the fire company $674,900 at 4 percent over 40 years and kicked in $156,000 in grant funds - a total cost of $830,900. The fire company failed to make mortgage and insurance payments on the social hall, and the building was turned over to the USDA.

In December, Motyka said the USDA offered the building at a cost 50 cents on the dollar.

"That would still be a cost of more than $400,000 to the borough, not counting the cost of the renovation process," Motyka said in December.

In January, Motyka said the offer changed, but the USDA will not give the borough a price until the bids are received.

No public support

Before the vote was taken, resident Bob Chesney, a vocal opponent of the plan, told council the people have not been heard.

"Since the start of the process, we have provided 10 viable spots that could be adapted rather than build, and all our answers have been given lip service and not followed through 100 percent," Chesney said.

Chesney said residents have come out in force on four different occasions to show they're against the project, filling meeting halls and signing petitions. He said borough council, as requested by an Aug. 26 USDA letter, has not shown the community is in favor of the project.

The critic then asked council the status of the cost analysis the USDA requested on retrofitting the former East End Fire Company Social Hall and if quotes were ever received for the demolition of the current borough building.

Council member Stephen Motyka said he spoke to one contractor and got a verbal quote of $150,000.

"I've talked to others, and they can do the job for possibly $80,000 with asbestos remediation," Chesney said.

"Do you understand the situation we are in, Bob?" Council member Nick Bozza asked Chesney. "What is the USDA waiting on to give us a final price on the East End?"

"For the project to go out on bid," Chesney replied.

Chesney summed up his thoughts, saying council has been spinning its wheels the whole time when something could be done already.

"For the $200,000 already spent, we could have torn down this building, put up a moderate-sized building and a pole barn and go from there," Chesney said.

In other business:

- Council praised the police department for their quick work apprehending a man who allegedly held up the Turkey Hill convenience store early Monday morning; the suspect was caught in approximately 30 minutes. Police Chief Michael Pitcavage thanked his officers and the police from neighboring communities for their assistance.

- A resolution was passed transferring the liquor license from the Kulpmont Elks Club to the Kulpmont Sportsmen's Association.

- Council unanimously approved the purchase of 125 gallons each of white and yellow paint, at a total cost of $1,298.50 and 40 U.S. Flag sets and poles, costing $1,599.60. Letters will be sent to veterans organizations and businesses to help defray the cost.

- The monthly food surplus distribution will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 19, at the borough garage for those residents who previously signed up.

SHAMOKIN - The initiative by Gov. Tom Wolf to raise minimum wage to $10.10 from $7.25 is receiving mixed reactions by locals, and, predictably, those on the receiving end of the wages are overwhelmingly supportive while business owners and politicians are less than enthusiastic.

"I wouldn't be supportive of raising minimum wage," said State Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107).

Masser, who owns the Wayside Inn, said raising the wage would force businesses to raise costs for products. He considered minimum wage a "starting salary for entry level folks" and not a salary meant to sustain a family.

"Most (minimum wage employees) are younger folks who are just out of school, maybe still in school," he said.

A group of teenagers at Dunkin Donuts Tuesday night were overwhelmingly supportive of the governor's idea.

"Thumbs up!" Randall Brosius, 15, of Shamokin. "I would love that."

Joshua Kyttle, 16, of Shamokin, said he doesn't have a job but would like the minimum wage to be higher so he could save up to buy a car and a house sooner.

"Three dollars an hour does not seem like a lot, but over time it gains a lot," he said.

He didn't see employers cutting jobs as a result of higher wages as a major problem, he said. He pointed out that the employees who worked harder at their jobs would be more likely to retain their positions at higher wages while their coworkers who don't work as hard could be let go.

"It'd be good for the ones who actually work," Kyttle said.

Knoebels exempt, but affected

Knoebels Amusement Resort, one of the area's leading employers, would not be directly affected by the hike because it is exempt from minimum wage due to being a seasonally-operated business. But Stacy Ososkie, public relations specialist for Knoebels, said the rise would have an effect on the park's competitiveness.

The park employs around 2,000 people each year with the majority making more than minimum wage, she said. Everyone hired at age 18 and older is paid at least $7.25.

"We do have 14- and 15-year-olds employed," she said. "They're a small percentage of our employees. If they come back here year after year after year, they could advance on that pay scale."

She said if minimum wage were to rise, the park would likely give raises "across the board" to keep up with other non-exempt businesses. This would help the park stay competitive with maintaining a workforce, but might hamper the park's ability to maintain family-friendly pricing.

"We would have to reconfigure a number of things, but we would certainly abide by whatever law was passed," she said. "But right now, we are exempt."

Cost passed on

Gene Welsh, owner of Burger King in Sunbury, said an increase in minimum wage would not be "detrimental" to his business. Instead, the cost would likely be passed on through varying price increases.

"Some pennies, some nickels, some dimes," he said. "It's like building a house - if lumber goes up by 20 percent, the price of the house goes up 20 percent."

Welsh said that he only has a few employees right now at minimum wage.

"We start usually at minimum wage, but once they're seasoned, they're well above minimum wage," he said. "Most of them make more."

Welsh echoed Masser's statement that his minimum wage employees are not using their income to support families.

"The quality of life would go up, but usually as far as the hourly employees, it's a supplemental job or a housewife that wants to get out of the house for a few hours a day," he said.

Local sales Wednesday matched those for Powerball tickets nationwide - very strong - when the total annuity value of last night's drawing rose to more than $500 million.

Taken as a lump sum, the payout is an estimated $337.8 million for any single winner - if anyone won.

"Sales have been up and we have been very busy," Kate Anderson, a clerk at Puff's Express Discount Tobacco on Oak Street in Mount Carmel, said Wednesday afternoon. "We are probably selling more lottery tickets than cigarettes."

In addition to the regular lottery "fanbase," the store saw some new faces with the jackpot so high, Anderson said.

"It's killing me," one unidentified Powerball player remarked as he exited the store.

Anderson herself has bought a few tickets.

"I'm not a heavy hitter, but if the pot is big, you've got to take a chance," she said.

"It is crazy that it is $500 million," Pauline Shutt, of Mount Carmel, said after she purchased her tickets at Puff's.

Shutt is a regular Lottery and Powerball player at the store. She is also an employee at Boyer's Market in Mount Carmel and said they are selling tickets there "like crazy."

"I would help my children and then go right to a travel agency," Shutt said when asked what she would do with the massive jackpot.

Earl Snyder, of Tharptown, stopped by the Turkey Hill Minit Mart on Lincoln Street in Shamokin to pick up a few tickets.

Snyder described himself as an occasional player. As far as he's concerned, $1 million would be fine.

"I don't know what I would do with the rest of it if I won it," he said. "You can't possibly spend it all. I would guess my friends and family would be set for life."

A few blocks away at J.R.'s Mini Mart on Oak Street in Coal Township, ticket sales were brisk, too.

"It's nuts. People want $500 million bad," employee Deb Kaletja said.

She noticed a marked increase in sales as the jackpot rose over the past few days, and said a lot of people are playing in groups.

"I hope I win," she added.

Coal Township resident and J.R.'s regular Ralph Long picked up a ticket Wednesday afternoon. Long isn't a regular Powerball player, but he is a good neighbor.

"If I win I am going to get Shamokin out of debt," he joked.

The Powerball drawing was held at 10:59 p.m. Wednesday.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The following memorials were received for Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31.

Constance Adams from Constance Fabrizio.

Julius Ardan from Mr. and Mrs. John Benedict, Mr. and Mrs. William Korbich, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Myers, Chesteria Purcell and Lee Anna Talisesky.

Antoinette Bach from Doug Politi and Bernard Snyder.

Clara Bartlinski from Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Christiana, Constance Fabrizio, Mr. and Mrs. John Fabrizio, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Garancheski, Michael and Jane Klembara, Mr. and Mrs. John McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Chet Stesney, Richard and Nancy Stryeski, Kathleen Varano and Barbara Yuricich.

Paul Bednarchick from Joannie Yuricich.

Rose Bender from Roberta Jasper.

Helen Beppler from Selina and Alessandra Albert, John and Pam Bucanelli and Mr. and Mrs. William Korbich.

Mary Jane Bradley from Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bach, Donald and Sharon Betz, Thomas J. Cole, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ecker, Mary Theresa Gidaro, Melissa M. Klembara, Michael and Jane Klembara, George Kroutch, Joseph and Sandra Marano, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Matlow, Mr. and Mrs. John McKay, Sara Mirarchi, Shaun and Kate O'Brien and Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish.

Jean T. Brokus from Phyllis Barrett, Mr. and Mrs. John Benedict, Joseph and Judith Brokus, Vincent Brokus, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Christiana, Mr. and Mrs. John Fabrizio, James Flanagan, Jr., Joseph and Suzanne Frask, Loretta R. Greco, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kalinowski, Dr. and Mrs. Sudhir Khanna and family, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kidron, Michael and Jane Klembara, Mr. and Mrs. William Korbich, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Krushinski, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Leavens, Barbara Lizzul and family, Mr. and Mrs. John McKay, Mr. and Mrs. David Motto and family, PPL Electric Utilities, Progressive Vision Institute Eye Care, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reed, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Slodysko, Leocadia M. Spock, Marion Stesney, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Tehansky and son, Charles Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Yancoskie and Barbara A. Yuricich.

Andrew J. Brown from Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sandri, Stephen and Dale Begany, Donald and Sharon Betz, Jeffrey A. Frank, Joseph A. Frank, Jr., Daniel and Jacqueline Kerris, Daniel and Nancy Kerris, Michael and Jane Klembara, Knights of Columbus Council No. 628, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden, Mr. and Mrs. John McKay and Joanne Scotko.

Barry Brown from John Skinner.

Carol Andrews Brown from Catherine Fenix, Andrew L. Krushinski, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Krushinski and Mr. and Mrs. John McKay.

Mary Cartellin from John and Pam Buccanelli.

John T. Chiavaroli from Barbara Lizzul and family and Mr. and Mrs. Chet Stesney.

Alysa Clark from Mr. and Mrs. Leon Krushinski.

Rev. Lawrence R. Coakley from Mr. and Mrs. David Pizzoli.

Eileen Bach Coyne from Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ecker and Daniel and Nancy Kerris.

Dorothy DeMarco from Loretta Zevetski.

Ruth Dorsett from Joannie Yuricich.

Helen Duzick from Mr. and Mrs. John Benedict and Violette Feudale.

Theresa Feddock from Mr. and Mrs. Michael Albert and family.

Francis A. Gekoskie from Cecilia Kress.

Lottie S. Gekoskie from Cecilia Kress.

Dr. Timothy Glennon from Connie Fabrizio and James J. Glennon.

Helen Goretski from Mary Ann Balonis.

Sister M. Irene Grabowicz from Daniel and Nancy Kerris and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sandri.

Maryanne P. Hashuga from Anna Gentile and Mr. and Mrs. John Benedict.

April L. Hauer from Connie Fabrizio and Theresa Fleming.

James R. Holland from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bartol, Mr. and Mrs. John Benedict, Richard and Hilda Bertotti, Donald and Sharon Betz, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Christiana, Jane Clancy, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Dombroski, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dunleavy, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Dutchess and family, Mr. and Mrs. John Fabrizio, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fedorczak, Doris and Rick Gargie, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Glackin, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Green, John Holland, Rose Marie Jones, Joan L. Kelley, Dr. and Mrs. Sudhir Khanna, Michael and Jane Klembara, Atty. and Mrs. Frank Konopka and family, Mr. and Mrs. William Korbich, Mr. and Mrs. William Korbich, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Leavens, Barbara Lizzul, Mr. and Mrs. J. Edward Ludes, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden, Atty. and Mrs. Vincent Makowski, Roberta H. Maloney, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Matlow, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McGinn, Mr. and Mrs. John McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Metrocavage, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Mulhall, William C. Murphy, Marian Myers, Mary Rea Pipa, Elizabeth Reiprish and family, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, Bertha Richards, Martin and Carolyn Rock, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sandri, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Simon, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Slodysko, Mr. and Mrs. John Strausser, Elizabeth Strickland, The Huddle, Inc., Anthony Varano, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster, Sr. and ZON Re USA, LLC.

Phyllis Holland from Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fedorczak and Elizabeth Strickland.

William Holland from Jane Clancy.

Florence Horsfield from Alice O'Donnell.

Dr. Courtney Jones from Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas R. Catino.

Frances Kalejta from Violette Feudale, Mr. and Mrs. John McKay and Henry Miner.

Ted Kalinowski from Mr. and Mrs. William Korbich and Gloria Catino.

Leon J. Karpinski from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bartol, Mr. and Mrs. William Korbich, Mr. and Mrs. John McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sandri, Anthony Varano and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster Sr.

Kathy Karycki from Anna Gentile.

David Kehler from Danie and Nancy Kerris.

Irvin Gary Kehler from Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish.

Julia Kengirk from Mr. and Mrs. John Benedict.

Dr. Lance Charles Klimowicz from Mr. and Mrs. Richard Weikel.

Jacqueline Kolody from Mr. and Mrs. Richard Weikel.

Rose Koshinski from Theresa Fleming, Gloria Strenkoski and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Weikel.

Frank Kress from Cecilia Kress.

Frank Kriesher from Knights of Columbus Council 628.

Kuzmick family from John and Rose Kuzmick.

Catherine Labosky from Nancy Eckman, Susan Glauser and Scott and Lisa Knecht.

John Labota from Mr. and Mrs. Paul Metrocavage.

Avery Violette Lemmon from Mary Jane Toccket.

John Linkus from Henry Miner.

Robert J. Long from Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Garancheski

Gerry Luberecki from Elizabeth Reiprish and family.

Bertilla Maciejewski from the Komara family, Mr. and Mrs. John McKay and Dominick L. Scicchitano.

Ralph Marchetti from Elizabeth Reiprish and family.

Bob McCullion from Dorothy Morata.

Katie McCulllion from Dorothy Morata.

James P. Menapace from Donald and Sharon Betz, Daniel and Nancy Kerris and Knights of Columbus Council 628.

Dante Mirarchi from Theresa Fleming, Vincent Mirack, Gloria Strenkoski and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Weikel.

Stephania Moulden from Anthony and Frances Minakowski.

Michael Murphy from Mr. and Mrs. Leo Mulhall.

Gertrude Nolan from Elizabeth Reiprish and family.

Helen Nowackie from Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sandri.

Justine Picarelli from Gloria Tresca.

Alexander Pochekailo from Mr. and Mrs. John McKay.

Robert Probert Jr. from Elizabeth Reiprish and family.

Henrietta Przekop from Mr. and Mrs. John Benedict, Thomas and Jennie Dabulis, Cynthia M. Drucis, Robert and Lenore Kealey, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Mirarchi, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Shurock, Barry and Charmaine Smith

Frank Rovito from Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Garancheski and Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Roma.

Marie Scandle from Mr. and Mrs. John Benedict from Theresa Fleming.

Joseph T. Schetroma from Daniel and Nancy Kerris, Mr. and Mrs. John McKay and Christopher P. Reiprish.

Vera Schiccatano from Theresa Fleming and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sandri.

Walter Shameleski from Jody Christ and Joyce Spears.

Lorraine Wolfe Shubeck from Mr. and Mrs. William Korbich and Mr. and Mrs. John McKay.

Joan Simmons from Daniel and Nancy Kerris.

George S. Sims from Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Garancheski and Mr. and Mr. Howard Sandri.

Eva Slodysko from Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Slodysko

Jean Spadel from Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sandri.

Patricia Tetkoskie from Joannie Yuricich.

Fuzzy Thurston from Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden.

Richard Urick from Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Miscavige.

Samuel J. Varano from Sandra Anderson, Thomas and Jeannie Dabulis, Mr. and Mrs. Willilam G. Haile, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Metrocavage, Carmeline Rabuck and Mr. and Mrs. Al Zawalick.

Charles D. Verano from Florence Verano.

Leonard Walencewicz from Mr. and Mrs. Richard Thomas.

Daniel J. Woolcock from Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Garancheski.

Yalroski family from John and Rose Kuzmick.

Adrienne Yuricich from Mary Jane Toccket.

Sarah Zanella from Mr. and Mrs. Michael Albert, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bielski, John and Pam Buccanelli, Mr. and Mrs. William Korbich and Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Lock Haven University senior Michelle Albert has had her artwork featured in a group exhibition, and juried and invitational exhibitions, but "Convergence" at The Station Gallery in Lock Haven is her first solo exhibition.

Albert, a daughter of Michael and Rita Albert, of Coal Township, is a graphic design major and her show reflects the various artistic areas she has explored in her work.

The 2011 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School had her work displayed in the group exhibition, "Now, Then and In-Between," in 2014, as well as two juried shows, all at The State Gallery.

At Lock Haven, her work has been shown in four group and three juried exhibitions. Albert's graphic designs have also been displayed at the Northumberland County Council for the Arts Gallery in Shamokin.

Albert not only participates in exhibitions, she also helps to stage them at the university.

"As president of the Fine Art Society, I am involved in the planning of visiting artists' exhibitions at Sloan Gallery at Lock Haven University," she said. "I design show cards to promote the artists' exhibitions and assist artists with set-up and take-down of their art works, along with setting up opening receptions."

NORTHUMBERLAND - Two educational videos explaining Dr. Joseph Priestley's discoveries of carbon monoxide and ammonia have been posted on the Priestley House website.

Produced as part of an ongoing series of short films by the Friends of Joseph Priestley House, the videos are of interest to students, teachers and others curious about the accomplishments of Joseph Priestley. The 18th century English scientist, educator and theologian emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1794 and settled in Northumberland.

Available for viewing on the Priestley House website, the videos follow the same format. First, the history of each discovery is portrayed using images from Priestley's books as well as scenes from "The Legacy of Joseph Priestley," an orientation video shown to Priestley House visitors in which retired Mifflinburg High School chemistry teacher Ron Blatchley portrays Priestley working in his Northumberland laboratory and library.

As the videos progress, Dr. Dee Ann Casteel, associate professor of chemistry at Bucknell University, uses equipment in a modern chemistry laboratory to recreate Priestley's experiments. She also takes appropriate safety precautions that Priestley and other 18th century scientists didn't use.

WKOK broadcaster Mark Lawrence, of Northumberland, narrates the videos, which close with a look at the relevance of the discoveries today by examining the uses and hazards of each gas.

Viewers are asked to compete a short survey after watching the videos.

The non-profit Friends organization supported scriptwriting by Dr. Mary Ellen Bowden, senior research fellow at the Chemical Heritage Foundation, Philadelphia.

Grants were used to pay for the costs for filming in the lab and follow-up editing. Specifically, support for the 11-minute carbon monoxide video came from the Susquehanna Valley Local Section of the American Chemical Society. Funding for the 12-minute ammonia video came from the Merck Foundation through the Merck Cherokee Neighbors of Choice grant.

The URL of the Priestley House website is www.josephpriestleyhouse.org.

Two other videos are planned - nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and sulfur dioxide.

PITTSBURGH - Nicole Fiamoncini, a 2012 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, has earned dean's list for the fall semester at the University of Pittsburgh. Her grade-point average is 3.72.

She is a psychology major and a member of the dental club.

A daughter of Dave and Lisa Fiamoncini, of Atlas, she is employed by Dr. L. Michael Menapace and Knoebels Crystal Pool.

KULPMONT - Contractor Robert "Beans" Gusick told Kulpmont Borough Council Tuesday he is tired of waiting for payment of a demolition job he did in 2014.

"I have bills to pay and need to put food on the table," Gusick said Tuesday at council's meeting.

Gusick's firm, Robert Gusick Demolition and Hauling, of Shamokin, did emergency demolition work at 1263 Chestnut St. after the roof and side walls of the second floor of the former Eagle Sign Company building collapsed onto itself and an empty lot next door, damaging a box truck.

Because of concerns the second floor could fall onto a neighboring home, borough officials contracted Gusick to dismantle the building.

"I eliminated the emergency they had because the one side was leaning close to the neighboring homes," Gusick said Wednesday. "I crushed it all in from front to back."

Kulpmont remains at odds with property owner Thomas Valeiko, of Commack, N.Y., over the cleanup of the property, and has cited him several times for the violations.

To date, Valeiko owes approximately $50,000 in fines and officials cite him every day it isn't cleaned up.

Pay or I'll call lawyer

Gusick presented an invoice for the job, and received a $5,000 "good-faith payment six or eight months ago," but hasn't received the rest, some $11,000 more.

"I came up and did the work you needed, I'd like to be paid," Gusick told council Tuesday. "Pay my bill or I will start litigation."

Council president Bruno Varano told Gusick there are questions with the bill.

"You had questions. I gave you an itemized bill," Gusick said.

"And there were questions with the second bill as well," Varano retorted.

"What are the questions? Let's finish this now," Gusick said angrily. "I itemized the bill; pay it."

"I don't have the questions in front of me, and the one person that is questioning it is not here," Varano said.

Only one council member, Joseph Winhofer, was absent from Tuesday's meeting. Contacted Wednesday, Winhofer said it was the first he heard about there being any problems with the bill.

Varano said Wednesday the bill was sent to council's senior executive committee, which consists of Winhofer, Varano and Clarence Deitrick, for further investigation.

"There were a number of council members who had questions about the bill," Varano said Wednesday. "As government officials in charge of the taxpayers money, we have to question things like this."

Itemized bill

"The first bill I sent them was just a basic price I worked up, and they said they wanted a more itemized bill," Gusick said Wednesday.

That bill, provided to The News-Item by Kulpmont Borough, was dated Feb. 28, 2014, and is "for the demolition and razing of the old Eagle Sign Company Building on Chestnut Street (Route 61), $18,500."

When Gusick wrote up the second bill, he said he actually dropped the price a little bit.

"I itemized the hours I worked with the machinery there for my fuel costs and the hours my workers and I worked. I dropped it off to the borough, but there are questions I guess," Gusick said Wednesday.

That bill, undated, is for $16,630 for 45.5 hours of work, broken down as follows: machine use at $200 per hour, $9,100; machine operator at $40 per hour, $1,820; and laborer at $20 per hour, $910. Also charged was $1,200 to move the machine, $600 for fuel and $3,000 for demolition and liability insurance.

Varano said at the meeting that the hours Gusick billed the borough does not correspond with their records, kept by the mayor and the code enforcement officer. The contractor answered said they were on site only part of the time.

"We also have questions on the cost of the emergency demolition and liability insurance and why we are footing that bill," Varano said. "Also, if you are renting a machine with an operator to run it, doesn't the fuel come with it?"

Meeting considered

Gusick was prompted to discuss the issue during the public comment portion of Tuesday's council meeting after hearing the discussion about constructing a new borough building.

"You are writing checks galore about your new building. That I don't care about," Gusick told council Tuesday. "These checks are being approved before they do the job. I already did the job and I'd like payment."

Gusick said Wednesday he contacted code officer Russ Moroz earlier that day, and a meeting will be set up with council to answer their questions and hopefully resolve the matter.

Varano said he, too, would like a sit-down meeting with all parties involved - Gusick, Mayor Bernard Novakoskie, Moroz and the senior executive committee - to discuss the bill.

Similar issue

This is not the first time Gusick has faced a fight with a municipality to settle a bill. In October 2012, Gusick filed suit against the City of Shamokin in Northumberland County Court over a $98,500 verbal estimate for emergemcy demolition work after a portion of the former Shamokin Health Spa, 709-715 N. Shamokin St., collapsed into the street June 15, 2012. The contractor knocked down the building and disposed of debris.

Work was ordered stopped by City Hall shortly afterward over dispute of project scope. The city says he was only to knock a portion of the building down; the contractor said he did as he was told and did so under watch of some city officials, estimating he completed 75 percent of the work.

He submitted a written estimate for $98,500. It included no detail of costs. The city asked for but did not receive a more detailed invoice, saying it was necessary if it were to seek approval to use state grant funding to pay for the project.

The breach-of-contract claim was thrown out of court in July 2013, but Gusick and his attorney, Joel Wiest, of Sunbury, filed an amended complaint which was accompanied with billing details.

Gusick said Wednesday the issue with Shamokin has not been settled and a hearing will take place in March.

It's a question I'm asked over and over again: "How are you possibly single?"

As flattering as that may sound, I can't ignore the connotation there's something wrong with not being hitched or spoken for.

With Valentine's Day looming, it's timely protocol for all the single people of the world to slip into a deep depression because they'll miss out on the spike in their blood sugar levels from the boxes of chocolates they won't receive.

Are we really missing out? Maybe.

Let's look at possible reasons why I, and likely a lot of us, are single:

Are they real?

Everyone has a different approach to finding love, but very few eventually get it right in an authentic sense.

It's unfortunate, but there are a lot of shams out there. Real love is swell, but it's not the easiest thing to find.

So many people are using people for personal gain, cheating, living double lives or staying in loveless marriages and parading around town like they've figured it all out.

I mean that's fine, but at the end of the day, you're only fooling yourselves.

The amount of innapropriate messages I get in my Facebook inbox from married men alone is testament to that. It's truly disgusting. It makes me disheartened and, admittedly, a little jaded.

So, I've got that going for me.

Dating is weird

Way back, when learning to ski, as soon I started gaining momentum going down a slope, I would panic and bail - whether it was a successful stop or a forced fall - thus, eliminating the possibility of getting hurt.

That's pretty much the same approach I have to dating.

I would be lying if I said I have trouble attracting men. Truth be told, I get a lot of attention. I'm certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but I get a lot of drink orders.

However, my dating and courtship failure rate is roughly 97 percent.

Unless he is ridiculously persistent in his efforts to court me, I never let it work out. I never give it time to work out. I'm quickly back at the ski lodge, sitting by the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa where I feel safe.

And I know I've hurt a lot of great guys because of this. For that, I apologize. It was never my intention to hurt any of you.

That's why I regularly find myself gravitating toward men I see no future with, because I'm kind of an idiot that way.

Bamboozling

You know how there are those commercials for Burger King's Whopper and it's all perfect-looking - tomatoes are ripe, lettuce is on point, burger is grilled to perfection?

When it's being advertised, it looks amazing and something in your head clicks and you feel like, "Hey, that is something I really want."

So, you give in; you get yourself a Whopper. When you first dig in, you start to realize it's just kind of slapped together and not entirely as wonderful as the commercial made it out to be, but it's still pretty tasty, even though you know it may not the best for you.

Next thing you know, years have gone by and you're eating Whoppers every day and hating yourself for it. You feel like crap. Your cholesterol is high, you've spent far too much money and your pants don't fit.

You make a New Year's resolution or Lenten promise to give up the Whopper, but find yourself caving and heading to the drive-thru at odd hours of the night.

Finally, you snap out of it.

Now, you can't even look at a Whopper.

These are the kinds of situations I found myself in back in my high school days.

They seemed great, I'd give it whirl, then I was just stuck where I knew I shouldn't be with someone who was not at all who he portrayed himself to be early on who routinely made me feel bad about myself.

I've been cautious of fancy hamburgers like that ever since.

So it goes

The truth is, I don't have any Valentine's Day plans. The even deeper truth is, I rarely have in the past due to these ridiculous hang ups I let dictate my love life.

I keep busy so I don't have to deal with it and I don't give people chances because I'm afraid of potential cliffs at the end of the road.

So, that's the answer. That's how I'm possibly single - at least a good part of it.

I realize I've potentially shot myself in the foot by writing this, but it feels good to be honest. I commonly hear people respond to the question: "How are you single?" by saying, "I'm not single, I'm picky' - myself included.

While that may be true to a point, there are usually deeper issues, many which lie within, that many of us need to work on.

Recognizing that is important.

I gather I just make it too hard, overanalyze and let things in my past dictate my actions. Maybe I just don't think I deserve to be happy. I tell myself I'm waiting for something real, but I lie to myself a lot.

Love may just barge in and knock me on my behind and put me in my place someday or it may never cross my path. I also may have just potentially scared off the entire male population. Maybe I'll join a convent.

Whatever will be will be.

Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovebirds out there and to the single folks as well. To those dating or looking for love, try not to be an idiot like me. Perhaps you can learn something from my mistakes.

Best of luck to us all.

(Jenna Wasakoski is an assistant editor at The News-Item. Her column appears Thursdays.)

BLOOMSBURG - Stefanie Rae Bressi earned a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education Pre-K to 4 from Bloomsburg University during a commencement ceremony held Dec. 13 in the Haas Auditorium on the university campus.

Bressi was nominated as a Promising Teacher candidate and earned dean's list honors several times. She also served as a Homework Help volunteer at Bloomsburg Memorial Elementary School.

She completed her practicum during an eight-week summer reading program that was designed to help children excel in the four components of the four-block literacy approach.

Bressi is a daughter of Ray and Theresa Bressi, of Kulpmont, and a granddaughter of Mary Thul, of Mount Carmel.

She is a 2010 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School.

STONINGTON - When Stonington Fire Company needs to purchase new radios that are compatible with Northumberland County's 911 upgrade, the cost will be about $26,000 - and the company is looking to Shamokin Township to help pay the bill.

Stonington Fire Chief Kerry Yordy discussed the issue with township supervisors Wednesday at their monthly meeting.

Under a federal mandate, Northumberland County must upgrade its 911 system to a new high-band frequency.

While the county will provide some radios, Yordy said that the department will still have to purchase 11 portable radios, five mobile units and 13 pagers, at a total cost of $26,000.

Supervisor chairman Greg Rachau asked Yordy if the company has options for additional funding. Yordy said all of the county fire departments applied, collectively, for a state grant, but were rejected. Letters were also sent to the two other municipalities Stonington covers, Snydertown Borough and Rockefeller Township.

"What is your highest priority for these radios?" Rachau asked.

"Probably the biggest thing would be the portable radios, which would cost $16,500," Yordy replied.

Supervisors tabled the manner pending a determination on whether the other municipalities plan to contribute.

Tax collector

Jeremy Deitrick, the husband of township tax collector Lisa Deitrick, was appointed deputy tax collector for the township, contingent on gaining information if the person in the position needs to be bonded.

Under a new state law, all municipalities must appoint a deputy tax collector. Deitrick's appointment was approved on a 3-0 vote with Rachau, Paul Rapp and John Klinger voting yes.

In other business:

- Roadmaster Jon Clements was given permission to add a few names to the list of part-time snow plowers. The pay rate was raised from $12 to $15 per hour.

- Permission was given for township sewage enforcement officer Ken Young to attend the Pennsylvania Sewage Enforcement Officer Conference and Trade Show in Harrisburg March 8 to 10 at a cost of $275.

SELINSGROVE - Luke Duceman, a 2014 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, has been named to the dean's list at Susquehanna University with a 3.86 grade-point average. He is a freshman majoring in music education with a minor in Spanish.

Duceman is a son of Chris and Dot Blase, of Mount Carmel Estates, and Rich Duceman, of Aristes, and a grandson of Dorothy Taylor and Thelma Duceman, both of Mount Carmel.

KULPMONT - Myron F. Turlis, of Kulpmont, a self-employed businessman, has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Northumberland County commissioner.

Turlis, a lifelong resident of Northumberland County and a graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, served as mayor of Kulpmont for four years and was a seven-year member of Kulpmont Borough Council. He was also on the board of the Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority.

He resides in Kulpmont with his wife, Linda. His son, Brian, and his wife, Sarah, have a son, Austin, who also reside in Northumberland County.

For the past 29 years, he has been the owner of Turlis Sewer and Drain Cleaning. He said owning his own business is an eye-opening experience that allows him to cope with the daily struggles of people and businesses large and small. He said it will also help him understand how his actions as commissioner will affect residents.

Turlis said he knows the county will face many challenges in the near future.

"Many county programs have experienced financial cutbacks, or have been completely eliminated due to state and federal budget cuts. Northumberland County is facing one of its biggest challenges in recent memory," he said in a statement announcing his candidacy. "That is either the construction of a new prison or rehabilitation of the current site."

If elected, Turlis said he'll work tirelessly with the other commissioners, elected officials and all county offices to do what is in the best interest of the county.

"I will also strive to have a close working relationship with all county employees. This promise is extremely important, as Northumberland County can only be as good as its employees," Turlis said.

He said he would like to see more transparency in county government, possibly by holding commissioner meetings during evening hours or in other parts of the county to give residents a chance to participate.

"As county commissioners, we must never lose sight of their purpose, or the people we are serving. Northumberland County is a great place to live, work and raise a family," Turlis said. "If elected, I promise hard work, professionalism and integrity."

Turlis invites anyone wishing to speak to him or meet with him in person to discuss the issues to call 570-373-3239 email mynturlis@gmail.com.

Turlis is the fourth candidate to announce his intention to run, joining Thomas G. Aber, of Milton, and Kymberley Best and Nathan Savidge, both of Sunbury.

Turlis ran unsuccessfully for commissioner in the May 2011 Democratic primary.

SHAMOKIN - Minimal revisions have been made since last week's public hearing to Shamokin's preliminary Act 47 plan, which is up for a vote tonight by city council.

Council members are scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, Eighth and Arch streets, to vote on a 120-point plan designed for the city to avoid $4.4 million in new debt and exit the state's fiscal recovery program with a projected $600,000 surplus in 2020.

With approval tonight, a second and final council vote will be tallied at a special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at City Hall, 47 E. Lincoln St. The plan would then go to a Northumberland County judge for court approval.

Five changes

Authors made five specific changes to the plan following last week's hearing and public comment period, which has since ended.

The most significant change, which had previously been announced, is a softening of the suggestion to close the Shamokin Police Department four hours each day. Rather than outright calling for service to be discontinued, language was revised to say "consider discontinuing Shamokin Police Services during the hours 0300 to 0700."

Plan authors also added additional figures to the city's own crime statistics to reflect a 22 percent increase in reportable crimes from 2013 to 2014. The available grant amount for administrative initiatives was raised by $7,500 to $261,208. Grant figures from the chapter on Community and Economic Development were lowered and corrected, and an initiative modified requesting explanations on project delays to be included in quarterly reports on grant projects.

Shamokin was accepted in June into Act 47, the 28th municipality to enter the state's recovery program since its creation in 1987. The plan was prepared by consultants from Pennsylvania Economy League, Stevens & Lee and Financial Solutions on behalf of City Hall and the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

The city has been operating at an average deficit of $362,600 the past six years, about $2.2 million total. Revenue grew at 10 percent during that period, but couldn't keep up with expenses, which grew at 15 percent. A $1.1 million emergency loan kept the city afloat last year. Should no changes be made, the average annual deficits will balloon to $738,700 over the next five years.

Two other ordinances are up for the first of two votes: a proposal to double the Earned Income Tax, and to replace the city clerk position with a city administrator. Final votes on both are also scheduled for Feb. 23.

The Earned Income Tax is currently 1 percent, with revenue split in half with Shamokin Area School District. The increase would bring 1.5 percent to the city, estimated at up to an additional $915,000 in tax revenue annually through 2019. To keep the tax in place beyond Act 47, plan authors say the city's voters must adopt a Home Rule form of government.

The title of city clerk was repealed by the state Legislature in 2014 among amendments to the Third Class City Code.

Register kindergarten students at SCA

CATAWISSA RR - Southern Columbia Area's G.C. Hartman Elementary Center will host kindergarten registration for the 2015-16 school year from 8:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. March 23 and 27 and from 8:40 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. March 24 and 26.

Appointments can be made beginning March 1 by calling the school at 570-356-3250 between 8:50 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

License centers to be closed Monday

HARRISBURG - PennDOT announced all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday through Monday in observance of Presidents Day. Customers can access a variety of products and services at www.dmv.state.pa.us.

Blood drive set for Friday

SHAMOKIN - A blood drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday at Knights of Columbus, 400 E. Independence St. Hot food will be provided. To schedule an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org.

SHAMOKIN - McDonald's has lived up to its "golden arches" symbol in the eyes of the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities (NCCAH).

The organization received a $3,050 grant Thursday from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Northeast Pennsylvania, an organization dedicated to creating, finding and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.

NCCAH representatives met with Shamokin McDonald's owner Roland Kissinger for a check presentation, which led to a discussion of how the money will be spent.

NCCAH treasurer Deborah Yeager said it will be used to help fund summer and after-school programs, including a kids' summer workshop at the Kallaway Center for the Arts and the Anne Miles Children's Theatre program.

"In this area, there are many children that cannot afford to take part in programs like this," Yeager said. "Any way that we can teach children about the arts and get them involved in something positive and educational is a great thing."

Kissinger said the grant money comes from donations from McDonald's customers, the majority of the money placed in small donation boxes at McDonald's registers and drive-in lanes. Seventy-five percent of it stays local.

The donations support grants but also the Ronald McDonald House, a "home-away-from-home" for parents and families of children hospitalized for treatment of cancer and other serious illnesses.

"It feels wonderful that we have such a fine organization as McDonald's wanting to help us with our efforts," said NCCAH Executive Director Jeanne Shaffer.

RMHC of Northeast Pennsylvania supports two Ronald McDonald Houses in the area, in Danville and Scranton. The northeast chapter in 2014 presented more than $200,000 in grants and funding for the Ronald McDonald Houses.

Kissinger was more than happy to present the arts council with the grant on behalf of McDonalds.

"We are always looking for ways to help children and to reinvest in the communities that have been so good to us," he said. "Whatever we can do to help children and give them something fun and productive to do, we are glad to do it."

Grant recipients are eligible to reapply every two years, and Kissinger said any organization that fits the guidelines of their mission statement can receive assistance.

On the Net: www.rmhc-nepa.org; www.nccarts.org

Grad rates

Danville 94.97

So. Columbia 93.00

Mount Carmel 89.04

Warrior Run 87.41

Shamokin 82.84

Shikellamy 82.47

Milton 81.98

Line Mountain 75.00

Source: Pa. Department of Education 2013-14 School Performance Profiles