SELINSGROVE - EconomicsPennsylvania has received a unique anniversary gift from a local family as part of the organization's celebration and special events in its 65th anniversary year.

Simona Napoli Lovik, vice chair of the EconomicsPennsylvania Susquehanna Valley Region Board, and on behalf of the Napoli family, presented the organization with a Creazioni exclusive handcrafted Franco 39-inch vase, which will be on display at the recently relocated offices of EconomicsPennsylvania on Airport Road.

State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-108, also a member of the Susquehanna board, accepted the gift on behalf of the organization and referred to the vase as a wonderful emphasis of the importance of the mission and vision of EconomicsPennsylvania and a unique way to further support its important educational programs for teachers and students.

"While financial contributions are the fuel that keep the organization operational other types of donations are equally important," Culver noted. "Over the past years we've received gifts of property, automobiles, excess inventories, antiques, works of art, jewelry and even a horse, which all were liquidated, with the money then used to support our classroom projects. Creative contributions are all welcome, and I urge folks in a position to make those kinds of donations to do so."

Fritz M. Heinemann, EconomicsPennsylvania president and CEO, indicated that, by agreement with the Napoli family, the vase will not be sold but become part of the asset base of the organization and permanently displayed and promoted as an example of how others can also make similar kinds of donations.

"Our hope is, of course, that others in a position to do so will consider items of value they may have and would be willing to donate knowing their contribution will ultimately be leveraged for the benefit of our programs that directly impact and influence, for good, the kids we serve," Heinemann said.

Anyone interested in making such a gift should contact the EconomicsPennsylvania office at 570-372-9997.

Founded in 1950, is the single largest not-for-profit economic education and financial literacy organization in the state. Its mission is to promote and encourage understanding of economic concepts through education in the classroom.

On the Net: www.economicspa. org

Curbside recycling cancelled today

KULPMONT - Curbside recycling in Kulpmont Borough has been cancelled for today and will resume as scheduled in March.

Shepherd's Pantry open today

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shepherd's Pantry in the former Queen of Peace School building at 821 W. Chestnut St. will be open from 5:30 to 7 p.m. the first Tuesday and third Tuesday, including today, of each month.

Personal tragedies explored at Lifetree

SHAMOKIN - The search for answers following personal tragedies will be probed at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lifetree Café at Antioch Place, 531 N. Market St.

The Lifetree event, titled "Why, God? When Personal Tragedy Doesn't Make Sense," features an original film depicting the true story of Thomas Vander Woude, who found his son struggling for his life after a backyard accident.

According to Lifetree Cafe representative Chris Cable, "When tragedy strikes, many people question how God could allow such suffering. This Lifetree program addresses this question head-on."

Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available. For more information, contact Kathy Vetovich at 570-672-9346 or kvetovich@gmail.com.

BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

The sub-zero temperatures Sunday night left many people scrambling to defrost their water pipes. Furnaces have also been working overtime to keep up with the frigid weather that is forecast to grip the area until at least the end of the week.

The low temperature Monday morning bottomed out at -3 at the Selinsgrove airport, an official reporting station for the National Weather Service (NWS). The temperature broke the record of -1 set in 2004. Data has been kept there since 1947.

Other low temperatures were zero in Harrisburg, -4 in Wilkes-Barre, -5 in Williamsport and -11 in State College. The coldest temperatures in Pennsylvania were reported in the northern tier: Bradford County airport, McKean County, hit -25. The coldest spot was Chandlers Valley, Warren County, which reached 32 degrees below zero.

'A lot of issues'

Mike McLaughlin, owner of The Plumbing Outlet, along Route 61 at Ranshaw, said there was a steady stream of homeowners and contractors coming into his business Monday for materials to repair furnaces and water pipes. High temperatures Monday only made it to around 12 degrees, about 25 degrees below average for this time of the year.

"There's been a lot of issues," McLaughlin said of the frigid weather. "It's not one day of this type of weather that's the issue, it's when you have multiple days of cold weather."

Customers have been purchasing heating controls for furnaces and plumbing repair items. It has been so busy McLaughlin decided to open the store for three hours Sunday, a day when the store is usually closed, to facilitate people's needs.

"At this point, you don't care about making money, you're just making sure people don't freeze to death," he said. "I know I wouldn't want to be without heat or water."

McLaughlin advised people to turn on faucets just enough to allow water to trickle out. He also said it's a good idea to add extra heat to areas where pipes freeze and to keep an eye on fuel levels.

More cold

In the short term, snow is likely today before 7 a.m. and will accumulate 1 to 3 inches, according to the NWS. High temperatures will reach the mid-20s with a low Wednesday night of around zero.

Unfortunately, the frigid weather will only get worse Thursday into Friday. Another shot of cold air is forecast to enter the state Wednesday afternoon. The arctic air will bring with it the potential of snow squalls, similar to last Saturday's hazardous weather. The high Thursday will only be in the teens with a low that night of around -6.

"Friday morning will be the coldest," NWS meteorologist Kevin Fitzgerald said. "It will be at least as cold as Monday morning."

SUNBURY - Tuesday was the first day for candidates for office in the May 19 primary election to circulate nomination petitions. The last day to circulate petitions is Tuesday, March 10, which is also the deadline for filing the petitions with the Northumberland County Board of Elections.

Alisha Herb, director of the county elections office, said the office has been busy responding to questions from prospective candidates and handing out petition forms to be circulated.

In the primary election, Republican and Democratic voters will nominate candidates for their respective parties for county, municipal and school board offices.

Candidates who file for office, but later change their minds, have until March 25 to withdraw their nomination petitions.

Those who seek a place on the November general ballot as independent candidates or candidates of minor political parties may circulate nomination papers beginning March 11. The last day to circulate and file nomination papers is Aug. 3.

To be eligible to file nomination papers for inclusion on the general election ballot, a prospective candidate cannot be a registered Democrat or Republican within 30 days of the primary election.

COAL TOWNSHIP - George L. Zalar on Tuesday announced his candidacy for Northumberland County commissioner.

"As a lifetime resident of Northumberland County, I believe I have an obligation and commitment to help move this county forward in all aspects relating to economic development and prosperity of all county residents," he said in a statement.

He said area municipalities and school boards are facing trying economical circumstances to provide quality services.

"We must begin to use a top-down leadership and resources to help our local governing bodies for their residents," he said.

He said the county has an "unlimited amount" of resources, and suggests it begin to use its farmlands, interstates, waterways and natural byproducts that have sustained the county in the past.

"We must refocus on what has made us strong as a county and create a marriage between our past and future," he said. "We need to take back our towns and neighborhoods, ridding them free of blight and crime in a countywide effort. Our county needs to become more attractive and viable."

Noting the county has always had hard-working people, Zalar said he'll start a workers program.

"If you are able and capable of working and receiving government funds and assistance, you can be assured you will go to work in any capacity or jeopardize your eligibility," he said. He did not yet provide details for that program.

He said he'd promise to take care of the aging population with viable public transportation, meeting places and on health and social issues.

"We have had recent developments in recreation," Zalar continued, "which will bring monies into this county. We need to reach a partnership between government and taxpayer."

He said he would hold himself personally and publicly responsible to "drive this county in a direction that we can all prosper and be proud of."

Zalar, a Democrat, has been a Coal Township commissioner for 15 years. He is employed as president/business agent for Ironworkers Local 404. He is married to Amy (Kuzmick) Zalar and is the father of two children, Blake and Elizabeth.

Zalar can be contacted at 717-576-9427.

He becomes the fifth announced candidate for commissioner in this year's election, in which all three commissioners will be elected. Others are also Democrats: Thomas Aber, Kymberley Best, Nathan Savidge and Myron Turlis.

COAL TOWNSHIP — Tension over a vote involving a school board director’s wife were on display when Tuesday night’s meeting of the Shamokin Area School Board adjourned.

Directors Jeffrey Kashner and Charles Shuey engaged in a measured argument following the meeting as the public filed out of the meeting room. Neither man raised their voice loud enough to be heard more than a few feet away. Their confrontational demeanors were enough to lead Board President Ron McElwee to step between them, an arm extended toward each to add some distance.

"This conversation is over," Shuey told Kashner.

Kashner's response couldn't be heard. McElwee told both there was not going to be a fight. Both men walked away.

Shuey cast the lone dissenting vote when Maxine Kashner, the director's wife, and Doreen Annis were approved 8-1 to attend a state conference next month at a combined cost of $550 for lodging and registration. There was no discussion during the vote.

After the argument ended, Kashner refused comment. Shuey said he disagreed with spending the money on the conference, believing it unnecessary. He added that Kashner should have abstained due to a conflict of interest.

In other business, director Robert Getchey responded to public criticism over delays and cancellations due to winter weather. He said Superintendent James Zack is in a difficult position when deciding if the district should close due to snow, ice or frigid temperatures, and that student and staff safety is of utmost importance.

The district calendar was revised Tuesday to add make-up days: April 2, June 12, 15 and 16. Three make-up days were added to the calendar last month.

HARRISBURG - Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, of the Diocese of Harrisburg, has announced that he is opening enrollment for a formation class for the Permanent Diaconate in the diocese. The class will consist of a course of studies including theology as well as pastoral, spiritual and human formation.

"After traveling the diocese and speaking with many of our faithful people and clergy, I believe that the time is right to open the doors of opportunity to a new class of permanent deacons," Gainer was quoted in a diocesan press release issued Tuesday.

The last class of permanent deacons was announced by Bishop Kevin Rhoades in 2006, leading to 23 men being ordained in 2010. The two classes prior to that were in 1978 and 1983.

Currently there are 68 permanent deacons serving in the 15 counties of the diocese. Northumberland County has two, including Deacon Robert Mack at Our Lady of Hope Church, Coal Township, and Deacon Martin P. McCarthy at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Mount Carmel, and high school principal at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, Coal Township.

Requirements for application include that the man must be a Catholic who has received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion), he should be spiritually devoted and active in the church. He should be at least 30 and no more than 62 years old, healthy, educated, financially stable, registered in a diocesan parish and in a mature, valid and stable marriage.

The word "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning "servant" or "minister."

"Becoming a deacon is a vocation, that is, a calling from God," the diocese press release said. "Before he can begin the formation process that leads to the Sacrament of Holy Orders, he must first discern if he is truly being called by God.

Because of that, the program of formation will begin with an aspirancy year which will focus on discerning (the discovery, comprehension, understanding) of the call to ordained ministry. That is followed by four years of studies and preparation for ordination, which will take place in the spring of 2020.

A deacon is an ordained minister of the Catholic Church and can perform a variety of roles. During Mass, as Ministers of the Word, they can proclaim the Gospel, preach and teach in the name of the church. As ministers of Sacrament, deacons can baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services. As ministers of charity, deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others, then marshalling the Church's resources to meet those needs. Deacons are to be a servant in a servant-Church.

Catholic men who wish to apply should approach their pastors. Applications will become available through pastors March 15. All applications must be complete no later than June 15.

The Rev. Paul CB Schenck is the acting director of formation for permanent deacons. He is available to pastors, priests and men inquiring about ordination as Permanent Deacons. He can be reached at frpschenck@hbgdiocese.org or 717-657-4804 ext. 293.

HARRISBURG - A Catawissa man started off 2015 right with a $1 million payday thanks to the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Raymond Danilowicz, of Catawissa, won one of the 5 top prizes in the $1,000,000 Super Cash game, a $20 ticket that debuted Dec. 30. He was the top area winner of prizes of $1,000 or more in January as reported by the Pennsylvania Lottery.

In January, area lottery players claimed $1,056,225.

Winners are:

Ashland

- Brent Payne, $1,000, $1,000,000 Instant Jackpot, $20.

- Susan Klinger, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Joanne Deitz, $1,000, Aces High, $10.

- Lawrence Shuey, $1,000, Merry and Bright, $3.

Catawissa

- Raymond Danilowicz, $1 million, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Jeffrey Weaver, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Joan Doty, $1,000, Freezin' Greetings, $10.

- Henry Mussleman, $1,000, Three Million, $30.

Coal Township

- James Searls, $1,000, $1,000,000 Golden Ticket, $20.

- Brenda Drachler, $1,000, $1,000,000 Golden Ticket, $20.

- Christopher Yablonski, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Francis Feodaie, $1,000, Max-A-Million, $20.

- Joseph Gratti, $1,000, Winning Combination, $3.

- Mary Pacococha, $2,500, Pick 4 (nite), 50-cent bet.

- Russell Brightbill, $2,500, Pick 4, 50-cent bet.

Danville

- Guy Fieck, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Earl Bowersox, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Joseph Koledas, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Lawrence Shoemaker, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Florence Dietterick, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Stephen Benner, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- June Crum, $1,000, Freezin Greetings, $10.

- Matthew Reedy, $1,000, Love to Win, $5.

- Joseph Kinn, $2,500, Super 7s, $2.

- Brenda Artley, $1,000, Three Million, $30.

- Eleanor Meyer, $1,025, Match 6, $1 bet.

- Janieea Kozlowski, $2,500, Big 4 (day) , 50-cent bet.

Elysburg

- Stephen Heiser, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

Kulpmont

- William Altmire, $1,000, $1,000,000 Instant Jackpot, $20.

- Michael Habowski, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Dennis Hummel, $1,000, 10X the Money, $10.

Mount Carmel

- Peter Bridy, $1,000, Aces High, $10.

- Frank Mostik, $1,000, Million Dollar Multiplier, $20.

- Deborah Kaleta, $1,700, Pick 5 (night), $1 bet.

Paxinos

- Cheryl Anonia, $1,000, $1,000,000 Golden Ticket, $20.

- Roxann Kodack, $1,000, $1,000,000 Golden Ticket, $20.

- Christine Palacz, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

Shamokin

- Jacob Mowery, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Judith Latsha, $1,000, $1,000,000 Golden Ticket, $20.

- Robert Kreisher, $1,000, $1,000,000 Golden Ticket, $20.

- Tiffany Kaljta, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Angela Hertzog, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Anthony Klimczak, $1,000, Aces High, $10.

- Jessica Wilk, $1,000, Daily Crossword, $3.

- Daniel Williams, $1,000, Freezin Greetings, $10.

- David Osevalea, $1,000, Money Money Millionaire, $20.

- William Higgins, $1,000, Millionaire Raffle, $20 ticket.

SHAMOKIN - Two defendants pleaded guilty to different charges Tuesday and were ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to pay a fine and costs.

n Daren Albertson, 26, of 217 Third St., Ranshaw, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.

Albertson and Jared Wagner, 22, of 810 N. Coal St., Shamokin, were charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan with disorderly conduct involving an Oct. 29 fight in the 200 block of Third Street, Ranshaw. Both men were injured, police said.

Wagner's preliminary hearing was continued after he failed to appear at Gembic's office.

n Prenden Heintzelman, 27, of Northumberland, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.

Heintzelman was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga in connection with a Jan. 17 incident at Walmart Supercenter, where he was found unresponsive inside a rest room and had to be treated by emergency medical personnel.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Northwestern Academy, one of the top three providers of juvenile justice in the state and among the larger employers in the area, was the setting Tuesday afternoon for the monthly luncheon of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Dan Wowak, director of admissions, explained to chamber members that nine programs, including community-based residential, shelter care and secure services, are offered at the facility, which has been operating since 1998 and currently employs 200 people.

He said some people have a misconception that the academy is like a prison instead of a rehabilitative-based center.

He said 120 students ranging in age from 13 to 21 are currently housed at the facility. The males stay in the Specialized Services Building, while females are housed in the Building Bridges program.

Wowak said it takes females between three and six months to complete their respective programs, while males can remain at the facility from 30 days to three years.

He said the types of treatment programs offered to students are determined by the seriousness of the crimes they commit.

The director of admissions said the 24-hour, seven-day per week facility, which has a maximum student capacity of 300, has a full medical staff, including clinical employees, a psychiatrist and psychologist.

Wowak, who noted the boot camp program was dissolved a few months ago, said the majority of students at Northwestern are placed by juvenile probation and Children and Youth Services. He said a self-pay program costing between $150 to $300 per day also is offered to parents who want to enroll their children at the academy.

He said juvenile offenders from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C., are housed at Northwestern and provided educational services by Shamokin Area School District. He said the counties and school districts where the students reside are responsible for paying for housing and schooling costs, respectively.

A typical day for each academy resident begins at 7 a.m. Before eating breakfast, each student performs cleaning chores. They then attend a full day of educational classes before breaking off into group sessions and any necessary treatment programs. After dinner, students enjoy a one-hour recreation period before being granted time to confer with their caseworker. Following some free time, students are locked down (confined to their rooms) for the night between 9 and 10 p.m.

In addition to providing community service in the area, students work in the building trades, maintenance and culinary arts program.

The following is a list of programs offered at Northwestern Academy:

- Shelter - A six-week bed shelter care program that provides safe, emergency care for males between the ages of 10 and 18.

- Advance - Open residential program for males that focuses on aggressive replacement training within the psycho-educational programming, ARISE curriculum to teach independence, mental health treatment and support through individual, group and family therapy, and substance abuse prevention and education.

- Community-based residential - Open residential program for males. The ARISE curriculum is utilized in this program and is designed to assist between the ages of 15 and 20 with preparing for community living.

- Renew - Substance abuse and mental health insurance intensive treatment program for males that utilizes a living in balance curriculum as the main treatment modality. The program provides cognitive behavioral, psycho-educational and experiential interventions to effect change, facilitate recovery and avoid relapse.

- SMART program - Open program that serves males who have been adjudicated delinquent and/or dependent. Youth in this program have sexual behavior problems or exhibit sexually abusive patterns of behavior. It is an intensive treatment environment with a strong family component.

- Building Bridges for girls - Open residential program for females between the ages of 13 and 18 who have been adjudicated delinquent and/or dependent. The program provides a safe environment for females who are set at risk of more restrictive levels of care and for those who may be transitioning from a secure residential program. Girls Circle is offered in this program.

- SET program - Secure program for males who have been adjudicated delinquent and have exhibited sexually abusive behavior. The program focuses on a relapse prevention treatment approach and provides intensive individual, group and family treatment sessions.

- Secure services - Treatment services to adjudicated males. Turning Points is the curriculum utilized in this program and treatment is based on the individual needs of the youth.

- Aftercare in your home county - The large subsidiary network of NHS Human Services located throughout Pennsylvania and neighboring states offers families and referring agencies of the youth completing their care at NHS Academy with a continuum of community-based mental health services, substance abuse rehabilitation, foster care and adoption services, as well as educational options for the coordination of aftercare services.

Following a lunch provided by academy students, Wowak gave approximately 10 chamber members a tour of the facility.

Upcoming events

Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Whitney Fetterman announced several upcoming events sponsored by the chamber.

The next luncheon will be held March 17 at Brewser's SportsGrille. A career symposium will be held April 17 at Northumberland County Career and Technology Center followed by the chamber's annual awards dinner April 23 at Masser's Banquet Hall in Paxinos. On April 30, a job fair will be held at Masser's Banquet Hall. The chamber will sponsor its annual golf tournament May 8 at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course.

Ash Wednesday combined services

MOUNT CARMEL - Ash Wednesday combined services will be held at 7 p.m. at the Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale, and at Grace UCC, Mount Carmel.

Tax/rent rebate program forms available

HARRISBURG - Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) announced forms for the state's property tax/rent rebate program for 2014 are available.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2014. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years of age or older, widows and widowers 50 years old or older, and those 18 years of age or older with disabilities.

Eligibility income limits for homeowners are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

- $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (homeowners and renters).

- $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (homeowners and renters).

- $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (homeowners only).

- $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (homeowners only).

Masser reminds residents that they need not pay a private entity for assistance in filing the forms. Copies of the forms as well as assistance with filing them are available at Masser's office at no cost. Applicants should be prepared to provide all necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately. Applications are due by June 30.

For additional information or assistance, contact Masser's office or visit his website at www.RepMasser.com.

CATAWISSA R.R. - Southern Columbia Area is addressing a $661,920 shortfall in its tentative 2015-16 budget, a deficit that will be hard to make up before the June 30 deadline.

And yet the district is in far better shape than last year this time, when a $1 million deficit and teacher layoffs were part of the discussion.

At Monday's night meeting, the board unanimously passed a preliminary 2015-16 spending plan that totals $19,854,666. With the tentative approval, the district can now apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for a tax referendum exception, which would add about $150,000 to district coffers based on its rising retirement contribution to the Public Schools Employees Retirement System.

As is the case with other public schools and governments, another stiff increase for Southern comes from its health care costs, said business officer supervisor Denise Kreisher. The district is looking at a 40 percent increase in health care in the coming school year under the current plan, she told board members. Southern is studying several other coverage options as part of its contract negotiations with its teachers, who have been working under an expired contract since June 30, 2013. Teachers last month set a strike date of March 31, although both sides said at the time there was hope for a settlement prior to that.

Kreisher said she, business consultant Charles Mannello and board members continue to work on the budget.

"We are sifting through different things and there are some areas that might increase," Kreisher said.

As an example, the board heard concerns Monday over the district's elementary school well running dry and the need to not only replace it, but do so under the higher demands and costs of current-day regulations.

Voting for the budget were members Joe Klebon, Thomas Reich, John Yocum, Michael Yeager, Charles Porter, Kaye Keller, Charlene Cove and Gail Zambor Schuerch. Tim Vought was absent.

In other business:

- The board voted to establish a student activities account for the newly formed Students Against Destructive Decisions organization with teachers Alexis Spade and Shawn Robel serving as volunteer co-advisors.

- The resignation for retirement was accepted for second shift custodian Barry McBride, effective June 30. Jarrod Dodson was promoted from part-time to full-time custodian and Aaron Berg was named part-time custodian from substitute custodian.

- Homebound instruction was approved for a high school student until further evaluation by a physician, and the approval of the differentiated supervision plan presented last month, and the 2015-2016 instructional planning guide. The first reading was also given for a new district organizational chart, adding in the school police officer position.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area School Board voted Tuesday to approve $4.3 million in mechanical upgrades at its three district buildings.

The bulk of the work will be performed at the middle/high school building, which was found to be substantially energy inefficient. Upgrades include a new chiller, new boiler and seven new air handling units at the middle/high school, and LED lighting at all buildings.

Project engineer Schneider Electric says the school district will save $3.4 million over two decades in heating and electric bills and operational costs.

The district estimates $4,382,000 will be financed over 20 years. At 3.5 percent interest, the cost would total $6,054,445. However, Schneider guarantees total energy savings of $4,050,643, lowering the district's estimated obligation to $2,041,870, including service fees.

A lesser interest rate is sought. Board members met in executive session with a lender prior to Tuesday's meeting, but financing is not yet secured. Construction is planned to begin in June and last eight months.

Savings of $576,595 are predicted by Schneider this year, largely in grants and utility rebates. Between 2016 and 2035, Shamokin Area is projected to save $182,844.68 annually.

If the district doesn't hit projected cost savings estimates throughout the life of a contract, Schneider will cut a check to fund the difference, Larry F. Myers, sales team leader, said previously.

Shamokin Area has a $500,000 state grant for the project. District officials previously said a stipulation was that all work must be completed by November 2015. Board President Ron McElwee said after the meeting that work must merely be underway and not fully completed.

Shamokin Area spends $490,515 annually on energy and utility costs at all district buildings, curriculum coordinator Ruby Michetti said previously. That breaks down to $1.09 per square foot district-wide.

Directors clash

Tension over a vote involving a school board director's wife were on display after the meeting adjourned.

Directors Jeffrey Kashner and Charles Shuey engaged in a measured argument following the meeting as the public filed out of the meeting room. Neither man raised their voice loud enough to be heard more than a few feet away. Their confrontational demeanors were enough to lead McElwee to step between them, an arm extended toward each to add some distance.

"This conversation is over," Shuey told Kashner.

Kashner's response couldn't be heard. McElwee told both there was not going to be a fight. Both men walked away.

Shuey cast the lone dissenting vote when Maxine Kashner, the director's wife, and Doreen Annis were approved 8-1 to attend a state conference next month at a combined cost of $550 for lodging and registration. There was no discussion during the vote.

After the argument ended, Kashner refused comment. Shuey said he disagreed with spending the money on the conference, believing it unnecessary. He added that Kashner should have abstained due to a conflict of interest.

In other business, director Robert Getchey responded to public criticism over delays and cancellations due to winter weather. He said Superintendent James Zack is in a difficult position when deciding if the district should close due to snow, ice or frigid temperatures, and that student and staff safety is of utmost importance.

The district calendar was revised Tuesday to add make-up days: April 2, June 12, 15 and 16. Three make-up days were added to the calendar last month.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A driver and her passenger were injured after two vehicles slid on snow-covered Trevorton Road (Route 225) and collided in front of Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Tuesday morning.

Coal Township police said that at around 5 a.m., Michael Dupnock, 66, of 1316 Trevorton Road, was traveling north when his vehicle lost traction and began sliding. Christine Clark, 49, of 123 W. Montgomery St., Shamokin, was traveling south and her vehicle also began to slide, impacting Dupnock's vehicle in the middle of the road.

Dupnock was not injured. Clark and her passenger, Matthew Emrich, 33, of 231 S. Market St., Shamokin, were both taken by ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.

Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and were towed from the scene. The Coal Township Fire Department assisted at the scene.

A few inches of snow fell overnight in the area.

SHAMOKIN - A new program, "Bridges Out of Poverty," will begin next month at various sites to train members of nonprofits, the criminal justice system, government agencies, health care providers, businesses, faith-based organizations and other interested individuals.

Sponsored by the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way's Poverty Impact Council and Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc. (CSO) Northumberland County Coalition, the free program will address what poverty is, how it impacts the community, workplace, house of worship and family and what efforts are under way to address it.

The community training will address best practices, ideas and tools that bring people from all economic classes together to address all causes of poverty. Each organization or community can adapt the "bridges" model to address its own unique challenges, including redesign programs to better serve the people they work with; building skill sets for management to help guide employees; upgrading training for receptionists, caseworkers and managers, improving treatment outcomes in health care and behavioral health care and increasing the likelihood of moving from welfare to work.

Sessions will be offered by this schedule:

- The Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, Eighth and Arch streets, Shamokin, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 11.

- Econo Lodge Inn & Suites meeting room, 3249 Susquehanna Trail, Routes 11 and 15, Shamokin Dam, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, or 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26.

To register, call the United Way office at 570-988-0993 or register online at www.gsvuw.org.

In anticipation of an another round of frigid weather that will impact the area Thursday into Friday, Aqua Pennsylvania has recommended several steps that homeowners can take to prevent frozen pipes as well as what to do if pipes freeze.

Aqua says homeowners should have a supply of heat tape and pipe insulation, as well as a portable space heater and hair dryer on hand, in case pipes freeze. Wrap pipes with insulation material or heat tape and wrap indoor water meters with a blanket. Proper and safe use of portable space heaters can also keep exposed pipes in drafty areas from freezing.

For interior plumbing located on an outside wall, such as a kitchen sink, install heat tape to the pipes beneath the sink. If no small children are in the house, open cabinet doors beneath the sink to allow warm air in the home to reach the pipes.

Shut off and drain any outside faucets, including those for lawn sprinkling systems. Shut off and drain any outside faucets, including those for lawn sprinkling systems. Prevent drafts in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces and basements, by replacing broken glass or making repairs. Prevent drafts in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces and basements, by replacing broken glass or making repairs.

When temperatures remain near 10 degrees, residents should leave a very thin stream of water running continuously from at least one tap, preferably the one farthest from the meter. The additional cost of the water is cheaper than the cost of repairing ruptured pipes, Aqua said.

If a pipe freezes, homeowners should locate the frozen area, use a hand-held hair dryer or heat tape to thaw the area. Homeowners should also locate and mark the master valve, typically found at the front of a home, so the water can be turned off in case a pipe breaks. Also, it is advised to make sure lids on outdoor meters are not broken or missing.

If your pipes do break, homeowners should call 1-877-987-2782 to reach their local Aqua representative.

TREVORTON – Bad weather has been causing havoc for schools most of the past two months, and now it’s caused Line Mountain to cancel a trip by its fourth-grade chorus to perform the national anthem at tonight’s Penn State men’s basketball game at Bryce Jordan Center in State College.

Elementary Principal Jeanne Menko was emotional this morning in confirming the cancellation. A busload of students and parents were to have left around noon.

The National Weather Service forecast for State College today is for periods of snow mainly after 2 p.m., heavy at times and accumulating 1 to 2 inches. Wind chill values overnight tonight could drop as low as –12.

Light snowfall and squalls have caused traffic problems in the past week as the precipitation combines with unusually cold temperatures to create especially slick conditions.

The drive to State College, whether on Route 45, Route 192 or Interstate 80, was apparently more than school officials were willing to risk.

“The children were so disappointed, as well as the adults,” elementary secretary Diane Walshaw said by phone Wednesday afternoon. “It was a tough decision, but we feel it was the right one.”

She noted many schools in the State College area were dismissing early today.

As for rescheduling, Line Mountain is in contact with Marcus Jackson of IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions at Penn State, who is trying to schedule a new date.

Forty-five students in Diane Rompallo’s chorus class were set to perform for Penn State’s Big 10 game against the Wisconsin Badgers. Rompallo said last week the PSU athletics department contacted Line Mountain and asked if they had a group of students who would be willing to perform the national anthem.

Rompallo said her chorus students already sing "The Star Spangled Banner" regularly as part of their curriculum, starting in third grade.

The students were also scheduled to tour the campus and the Penn State Creamery. It ties into the district's effort to expose students to different educational and career paths at a younger age.

Regardless of whether the children sing, Menko said they’ll get the youngsters to Penn State for the tour.

DANVILLE - During the winter, farmers have a tough time planting crops, so they often use their time in other productive ways.

One of those worthwhile wintertime projects is the Farmers Care campaign produced by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for the benefit of Ronald McDonald Houses across the state.

Over the past two months, a nine-county farm bureau women's committee has been collecting food items, household goods and money to donate to Ronald McDonald House of Danville. On Tuesday, vans pulled up to the house's storage garage and unloaded the merchandise collected - everything from soup to nuts, plates to paper towels.

"This campaign really gets our year started off in the right way," said Ann Blugis, director of development and communications for the Ronald McDonald House.

In Montour County, where the Danville Ronald McDonald House is located, the project was conducted by the Danville chapter of the Future Farmers of America.

"We held a drive in all the schools, where we calculated the value of the items donated. The classroom in each school that raised the most money got a pizza party," said Mark Hilkert, chapter president.

Through the Danville FFA's efforts, the drive generated $711 worth of food and supplies and $240 in cash. Add in a donation from teachers for a special dress-down day and the total donation for Montour County was $1,249 for the Ronald McDonald House.

"It is great to see the FFA continue this tradition that has been going on since 1999," said Peggy Starkey, president emeritus for the Ronald McDonald House. "We hold you all in the highest esteem for helping the residents of other states and countries that come here for comfort while being treated."

During the presentation program, Marty Baker, who is from Tioga County, shared how good the Ronald McDonald House was to his family when he needed it.

"Back in 1995 and 1996, my wife and daughter stayed in the house at Hershey and they were very good to them," Banks said. "My daughter celebrated her first birthday in the Ronald McDonald House."

The Ronald McDonald House, a non-profit organization on the campus of Geisinger Medical Center, provides a "home away from home" for the parents and families of children hospitalized at area medical facilities for cancer treatments and other serious illnesses.

The home survives through the donations of individuals and organizations and is not owned, operated or funded by Geisinger or the McDonalds Corporation.

After all the donations were tallied, the final count was $15,497.36 in food and cash, not including 75 pounds of aluminum can tabs, which will be sold to a local recycling center for additional funds for the Ronald McDonald House.

Since the start of the Farmers Care campaign, formerly known as Food Check Out Week, the total amount of food, household products and monetary contributions donated to the Danville house is valued at approximately $296,000.

"We thank you all from the bottom of our heart," Starkey said. "All of us here hope that the generosity that you have shown us here becomes contagious in so many aspects of your life, and you will find that it will."

KULPMONT - Borough officials remind residents their local tax returns are due April 15, and a new company is working to assist residents with filing.

For those eligible for a tax refund, the quickest way to get it is to file online. For those who live and work in Pennsylvania, taxes can be filed at Kulpmont's tax administrator's secure website at www.KeystoneCollects.com.

Applicants need their W-2 form, Social Security number and any other income documents that may apply (such as a PA-UE or a Schedule C.)

Please note that the forms have changed this year. If a person is claiming an out-of-state tax credit or if they work in Philadelphia, they may be eligible for a local earned income tax credit up to the amount owed to the resident municipality. The worksheet on the back of the form will help calculate any out-of-state tax credit, but a copy of the out-of-state filing must be attached.

For questions about local tax filing, call Keystone's taxpayer helpline at 1-888-328-0565. Questions can also be emailed to "Taxpayer Support" at www.KeystoneCollects.com.

Taxpayers with earned income in 2014 are required to file a tax return.