Press And Journal
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013
VOLUME 123 - NO. 13
28 PAGES
MEET YOUR NEXT MAYOR: Four vie for post
pressandjournal.com
By Daniel Walmer
Press And Journal Staff
TO:
For most of the past 35 years – through floods, incidents at Three Mile Island and political changes on Borough Council – Middletown residents have looked to one person in particular for leadership: Mayor Robert Reid. Reid is retiring at the end of 2013, and four candidates with very different backgrounds and visions are hoping to fill the void. One of the mayor’s principal roles is overseeing police operations – a hotbutton role in Middletown, given a clash between the police department and council this year over contract negotiations, rumors of the borough slashing the size of the force, and frequent turnover in the police chief position. Please See MAYOR, Page A8
Mike Bowman
James Curry
Robert Givler
75 CENTS
LISTEN Sound Off Audio SUBMIT Photos & Events SEARCH Back Issues SEE More Photos WATCH Videos
Happy Easter
David Rhen
STEELTON-HIGHSPIRE SCHOOLS
FINANCIAL WOES
Celebrate the Season
Kindergarten reduced to save $350,000 By Noelle Barrett
Press And Journal Staff
The last few years have been tough for the Steelton-Highspire School District. Officials have spared nothing from the budget ax – not staff, not sports programs, not transportation. The kindergarten programs are no different. At a meeting on Thursday, March 21, the school board agreed to cut its pre-kindergarten program and reduce kindergarten from a full day to a half day starting in the 2013-14 school year. The reduction will save the cashstrapped district about $350,000 in salaries, benefits and supplies, said Superintendent Dr. Audrey Utley. Four elementary teachers and six paraprofessional positions will be furloughed. The district is currently “experiencing a severe financial crisis,” and a significant reduction in available funding and limitations on raising taxes forces the district to make difficult cuts, Utley said. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) doesn’t require
schools to offer pre-kindergarten or kindergarten programs. Timothy Eller, a PDE spokesman, said Steelton-Highspire was the only Dauphin County school district that offered a two-year kindergarten program. As of the 2011-12 school year, five county schools had half-day kindergarten, including Lower Dauphin, which also offers a full-day kindergarten, Derry Twp., Central Dauphin, Millersburg and Upper Dauphin, according to Eller. Middletown and five other county school districts also offer full-day kindergarten. Last year, Harrisburg City schools made the switch from full-day to half-day, and an increase in enrollment in Steel-High’s kindergarten program may be connected, Utley speculated. The district usually has an average of about 100 kindergarten students, but this year Steelton-Highspire saw a spike in enrollment to around 150. As a result, four unbudgeted paraprofessional positions were added, Utley said. Please See STEEL-HIGH, Page A8
Highspire
Councilman charged with DUI right turn on a red light, according to a criminal complaint filed by police with District Judge David Judy’s office. A Highspire Borough Dengler had a blood-alCouncil member has cohol level .115, accordbeen charged with DUI ing to the complaint. after he was stopped by Dengler has served as Middletown police while a councilman since June driving near the square on 2008, after he replaced Saturday, March 9. dismissed councilman Charles H. Dengler, Daniel Davenport Sr. 42, of Highspire, was The charges against charged by police with Dengler were filed with DUI, DUI-high rate and Judy’s office on Wednesfailure to stop at a stop day, March 20. signal. Dengler A preliminary hearing Police stopped Denis scheduled for May 9 gler’s vehicle at approximately 2 a.m. near the intersection before Judy. of North Union and West Main Noelle Barrett: 717-944-4628, or streets after Dengler failed to come to a complete stop before making a noellebarrett@pressandjournal.
By Noelle Barrett
Press And Journal Staff
Your Opinions from www.pressandjournal.com. Visit our website to cast your vote.
YES
25%
A HELPING HAND
Do you buy or receive Easter gifts or candy?
John Cooper, a self-sufficiency councilor with the Tri-County Community Action Commission, recently moved his office to the Interfaith Food Pantry at 201 Wyoming St. in Royalton. Cooper said there is a “big need” in the Middletown area.
Results are based on random responses and are not scientific.
In Middletown, they step up to fight poverty By Daniel Walmer
Press And Journal Staff
Y
ou wake up in the morning, brush your teeth, comb your hair and grab a quick bite of breakfast at one of Middletown’s restaurants. You work all day, come home and relax, eat your fill and start the cycle over again the next day. You simply don’t know that many of your Middletown-area neighbors wonder where they will get their next meal, or clothes for their children to wear tomorrow – and according to John Cooper, a self-sufficiency councilor with the Tri-County Community Action Commission, you aren’t alone. “There’s an awful lot of poverty, I think more than is often recognized,” Cooper said. But there is some good news for the convenience and availability of economic assistance in Middletown: Cooper has found a home for his office at the new Interfaith Food Pantry that opened last year at 201 Wyoming St. in Royalton. “It gives me more access to people who have problems,” he said. Residents need the help he can provide, especially because of high electricity costs and low job availability in Middletown, he said. “Most of the people I work with are goodhearted people that really try and they want to try,” he said. “Where’s the job base in Middletown? Where’s the factory you’re going to work at? There’s not a lot of jobs out there, and I think people don’t realize that and they tend to look down on people.”
Submitted photo
Middletown Area High School’s Mini-THON committee announces the amount. Middletown Area High School students raised a record $16,154.55 for the Four Diamonds Fund during its annual Mini-THON on Friday, March 22 at the school. About 200 students raised the amount, which topped last year’s total by about $5,000. “I think that’s quite a feat for our students to accomplish that,” said Superintendent Lori Suski. “We had a lot of community and business support, so it was really the community of Middletown coming together for a good
75%
Photo by Daniel Walmer
cause.” At Lower Dauphin High School, more than 440 students raised $60,304.58 in their MiniTHON on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, a school record. Students at South Hanover Elementary School raised $18,425.63 in an after-school MiniTHON on Friday, March 22. The Four Diamonds Fund helps children battling cancer at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and their families.
The Press And Journal has won a record seven Keystone Press Awards for excellence in writing, reporting and page layout. The newspaper won first-place awards for its 2012 coverage of Middletown Borough Council’s funding cuts to the Middletown Public Library and the one-year anniversary of the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee. The paper’s editorials on the library’s fate, the borough’s financial distress and council’s plan to revitalize Middletown’s downtown business district also won a first-place award. “We are so very proud,’’ said Joe Sukle, publisher of the Press And Journal. “Recognition by our industry’s peers is a fickle thing, but it most certainly is gratifying that our staff’s dedication and professionalism have been recognized.
Quick
NEWS
The situation is getting worse, if the number of residents using the food pantry is any indication: The pantry has served 450 to 500 people a month in the past few months, up from 360 per month in previous years, according to coordinator JoAnn Shipkowski. One Middletown resident, who asked that her name not be used, uses the pantry as an alternative to giving her children unhealthy food. “At first I was embarrassed, but now I can fill my children with healthy things rather than just buying the cheap stuff to get through the week,” she said. She said residents are “absolutely unaware” of the poverty in their midst, or how much the economy is struggling. “This isn’t a choice for some of us,’’ she said. “I don’t think some people understand how hard it is. I’d love to work. I don’t have a family to help me, so we do it on our own.” Her husband has a job, she said – he makes enough money to disqualify the family for government benefits, but not enough to support their children. “With one income in this day and age, your really can’t make it, and a lot of people don’t understand that,” she said. One organization that is aware of the need in the community is the Middletown Area School District. Over 40 percent of students in the district receive free or reduced lunches, including two-thirds of Fink Elementary School students, according
Holiday tour raises $1,595 The Middletown Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes raised $1,595 for a new digital projection system for the historic Elks Theatre. The amount is more than triple the results of previous years, said Carol Shanaman, chairwoman of the December tour. “I think it’s a good representation of how the community is responding,’’ said Shanaman. The annual tour is organized by the Greater Middletown Economic Development Corp.
Woman charged with taking wallet from store customer
Please See HELPING, Page A8
We won 7 Keystones!
THON-umental!
NO
To see our award-winning work, go to: http://www.pressandjournal. com/newsx/todaysnews/895-keystoneawards-2013
OBER
Your Opi
from www.p
nions
ressand
journal .com.
17, 2012
14 PAG ES
“The Th
By Daniel
Press And
Walmer
Journal
Staff
ing’’ to
scare up
“It’s grea
How do amount you feel about the of money government the is spendi federal national ng for defense purposes? and military
money
JOURNAL VOLUME
for Elks
The Save seasonal the Elks capital the Elks film that showin John Carpen tor of admin is bound campaign is g, said kicking ter’s 1982 to be a scream play at istrativ Dan Santelli, “Part off with the the Save a loweenof it is for thee operations and Saturday, Elks Theatr horror classic . e on pure repertorythe Elks direc, “The Oct. 20, and a series Thing,’’ the greatseason,” Santel enjoyment of the beginnWest Emaus programmer. will Street at communal li said. “Movi celebra ing “It’s a great of classic fi “The Thing, ting the 9:30 p.m. experi lm screenof a fund-raising e-goin Halsaid Gordo movie, a classic ings campaign anniversary ’’ an R-rate ences one can g is really one d cult have.” of Economic n Einhorn, legal film, and at the Elks. this to fight a shape- year, features classic celebra council it’s for a good a unique Development a group ting for cause,” beings, makin shifting parasit of scienti its 30th It’s rarelyopportunity to Corp., which Greater Middle g the scienti “I think ic sts trying owns see sts paranoalien that mimic The Elks seen in the way [“The Thing’ the theater town particu the theme of s other tion systemTheatre needs it was origina ’] on the big . “It’s now,” larly younger paranoia really id. screen. clicks with Santel audiences, funds to lly film within , as new movie “It’s a prettyli said. purchase released.” an audien in the times a year – s ce, scary the Elks we’re living but that’swill no longer a digital projec director movie,” agreed - Hallow be availab not the of only reason le on een films. development Max Einhor It’s really to attend n, the Save . “It’s one intense.” of my favorit e Please See ELKS , Page A6
t to be qu
– actress
Helen Mirr
en
een!’’
122 - NO.
42
75 CEN
TS
Virginia ProfessorAdjunct permitted Jim Groom Elks camp the Save the this poste aign to use for a showir he create d ng of Thing.’’ Groom “The also volunt has eered to help the design campaign by ing and future its website posters. movie
? .
Will ou library r survive
Quick
NEWS
Homecomin dance set g
Now
PRESS AND If a T R E
Middleto celebrate wn Homecoms ing
Your Opi
nions
JOURNAL
E fa ll s ,
Thursday,
do es it
A SOUN
NE Wen Stud St gun to hibrings gh scho ol
PRESS AND Thendruauto .com 7.367 lo71ng .6644
Your Opi
nions
D?
Nov. 22
No tax but mo hike, coming re cuts in 2013
Man ch arg lewd ph ed after tex ting oto to tee nager
www.ho
Us
m ak e
JOURNAL Comm may raiissioners se taxes
ARMS
Authority legal fe to pay es for Pa ppas
Check ou t our new web site!
Nov. 14. wn ed budget prepared to take on Wedne The Olmste By Daniel sday, Board may ad Recreation Please Press And Walmer and See TAXE Journal Noelle Barret alty of Middlebe the next casuS, Page Staff t A6 budget woes, town Boroug The Middle h’s as recomm town pay Qui ended by a budget the legal ckfees forBorough Authority consultant financial membership Chairm Mark Morgan would elimina on the author an Peter voted 3-0 on Member Monday, Pappas We have ough’s fundingte the borin Nov. from the Robert Louer ity filed by a surpris Middle the legal challen 19 to vote. Jr. was of the board. Home Counc We’re launch The board e for town Borou ge to absent, tour, fiillm ing a new you. has filed place where Street Gym,operates the and Pappas gh Counc his claiming raise $3,00 il. recused he was a complaint agains find local readers can website this swimming Middletown Main him 0 improp himsel week at from interact pool and f erly appoin t Pappas in youth basket the Press By NoelleOur new news and feature with us a fall The Patten. the authority and Dauph website and And s Barret and is fundedball program, nomicGreate Press Andwith r Middle replace ted and asking in County Court t is design at their fingertip the community Journal, a the reader Judge town Ecohim with Journal a judge Lawre Develo ed by Middle s. lot in mind Royalton, as well Staff of change nce Clark to remov borough Holiday duringpment – town, as with Lower Corp.’s a s remov hearing e appointee Candlelight user-friendly to provid a Twp. and Swatara Homes boroug theNoelle e a more Wedne edBy the Middle John authority Tour on h to issue experience. set a record group Area School You of Check it until town as a canofpost Nov. 14 Barret dance despite an injunc sday, Press people has the casefor attenDistrict. this holida stories to considtparty to the litigati tion that And commgather out is decide Clark ruled rainy weathe said Gordon right er a reques ed to make You Staff wouldJournal season ents on on d. in we thing Middleony the replace that can visit GMEDCcordinEinhor – town –site merry couldn Pappas t from the and bright n, a ther, authority Last summe to author pastrather boardgmembe not some’t offer our and boroug with – andvolunt did “It “What?’’ About 200 was notEnterp from post upcom in theelves,www new webs eers from little have r, Dennis Bason Patten r. ity solicitor Steve h govern on our replied peopleclear year’s holida cut the commu but .pressandj ite at ing events rise g to “You know the touragreed commment from the ic rented Shaffer. attende town while standin Chris unitywho on Saturd be d judge’s Dzuran in.his Rent-A light display a Chevy Couro a party, ournal.com They’r Andywe arearplanni nity -Car calend cations what’s said. 8 and Sunda in Harris ruling wife’s vehicle ac- burg . ay, Dec. gen, boroug Steelto Suburb hanging now up. Get for others ng this in Hoffer n cop that the park enews offer an Clarky, did lightswill they Dec. 9, the on the The suspec most since had secreta to see. ah sexual Park. for “Adeliver was being to get around had no no idea E-editi ed and ground,’’ their ry and directo otherandecora to their tion Very Hoffer GMEDCnot assault on, for reader thatstandin make a mailbo “It didn’t t did not compl over as written it would computer the cop thatboth It suspec of g,”lead repaired. The took argum tions host, and You can Holida even phase than in boroug s who prefer ents to decision on started in h offix. y, Bason comm instead using with a hunch.tr month When y,’’ attendedaccord to cials now 224 the previo unithe be s a Bason ing the later – but celebra ic said. of the neares arrest of people submit him,” the subscr predic injunction, to get their showingsto Dean us years. websit ic, Middle and obitua - the ibe to the storeBasonic went movie “White it did. officer said. duty Tuesda by Claren town Public about Proceee, ast will ries online of the Piermattei, ted instead wellbe both on for E-edition, t newsstand as bigger sides It will submitting Pappas Christmas’’ “When limping with a his Taser, Shaffe the Elks Library. . ds will benefi ce Shaffe by Monday,asking Dec. 4, sexual’assault forreceive attorne and viewin print edition or cane, took t the 31, frombe held from r, who y. aClarkr, 52, ay,suspec Nov. 19, rabbit,” he ran, he didn’t said. TheTheatre, Einhor at of or da College Please, Nov. g classifi studen wanted said Bason events raised n Please celebra 6 to 10 p.m. Friday need a off running. exited that t at to t in the kidnap bulletin was like ed ads about $3,000 30 toWEBS tion, cane nightly See NEW ic. Mark ping and burg supposedday. Shaffer wasHarrishear Dec. ITE, See was FEES for the Save Knud Bason he was holdin “And he ran with. . . he ran like will kick off including a breakfat the park. the Elks to return driving Area Comm But if , Page Page C12 ic took Harrisburg g a baton The with a unity sen, 7a p.m. that cane Middl in other off behind is attempcampaign, which tree lightinast with Santa, in the Olymp ne was to Enterprise. a rentedPark. would hesomeoA6 etown vehicle stude up. It“WhatNov. 30. police ting to fund wanted he downnt, helps g ceremo officersresidehim. digital project MIDDLETOW He already ics.” agency return a rental for a crime I would nt and a an tie down ny at to respon in ion systemnew had calledpacked the councilove to see Officers alley near the marquee in Harris N d, andPenn Enterprise Harrisburg? SUV he was snowm from Highsp Twina Kiss followState burg, for the theater and “I driving said. ed Shaffehow much they l chambers are the folks Basonic. in Middletown,thought he might in Hoffer to a rental on scene to help. ire and Lowerand an behind , he who to tell r He drove love the and so “The weeke On his way Swatar a fence. library the council toward that’s what I return it to the streetJason Hecke Lower Swatar be a part Middle qualified nd was an unndorn pulled a officers a Twp. arrived 2005 town, rental vehicleto Middle from town. went on,’’ said S. Mark Please of Joshua into “Officer the Twin Kiss, “It appearsuccess,” he said. Bason as See PARK Highsp Malott spotted ire. BasonShaffer pulled eticStree and saw a car wash across , Page A6 across the Malott was at building s that momentum • Eliza same Suburb out of WhitehtShaffe Shaffe ic knew the r the [for inbetht street,” the Swatar is the campa GMEDC said Richarcar wash, and r running. ouse own,aPa. “I recogn an the offi it was the right ign].” Twp. police. (Shaff d Brandt one – it Lane in and handcu 17022Malott sic films plans to show clasconfirmed ized the truck cer had rented , chief of er) came was the monthly that summe [SUV], Basonic ffed him, said chased after ater in 2013 By Daniel the Lower at the theBasonic it was the one,’’ saw r. him, tackled Brandt. Press And Walmer “I just is glad other he said. the license plate, for the campato raise money store on followed him him, Journal and he said. want to thank departments three Monty ign, includin Staff hid next Route 230 and to the Turkey were all “I have g watched Hill conven Python police and January, a good of the depart there to help. Better service Shaffer to the automated him go relatio he said. films in ience inside. The wholethe other depart nship withments involved,” It’s a recurri s or lower him. It to come out. Whenteller machin The cop went Harrisburg ments. situatio ironic. But it has ng debate taxes? Sweater “Get down like this, Basonhe did, he e and waited n is someth ” city at all taken an known “My on the ground ic recalle swooped down for ing he will nixed overGala especiallylevels of govern for its boroug on vated partner that day, remember ,’’ Bason d: communicati for the SWAT h-owned passionate formment around alcohol Offi ic ordere as and proper ons center utilities, permit d. in Middle budget time. team up cer Arthur Etnoye at HACC town, a business ty tax rates and well-staffedcounty-indep town to searchr, was actiMiddletown’s endent that are Please library Several owners. the woods too high police force – Ugly Christm See LONG Sweater and and for to satisfy promise members of Middle Gala in Hoffer as ARM Page electric MIDDLETOW many residen was cancel town Borou ing rates to reduce electri A6 ts and N police told led after statePark purchase to 4 cents per c rates, and they gh Council could not the borough that price in kilowatt/hour have kept were elected legally February it at the event, serve and reduci above the their promise, on a accord wine borough’s slasha boroug ng them h Facebo ing to another wholesale Please that feature cent per ok See BUDG kilowatt/ d a picturepost Grinch. ET Page of the By Daniel A6 The Vineya Press And Walmer donated rd at Hershe Journal y had Staff which waswine for the event, There’s on South urday, Dec. scheduled for tion in a new econom SatThere is Union Street. for the Middle8, to raise money Middle town thatic development Borough in Middlean engine for town Public Library, organi downtownCouncil realize will help Middle za- Middle town already economic develo Reid hadand Mayor Robert town its plan Council business distric to renova town ration (GME Economic in place: the pment tion allowinsigned a proclam Greate Develo te the corpor t. DC), to create voted unanim park. But g alcohol in the aously on ation created an indepe pment Corpo r an Indust ment Autho Monda minister rial and the borougstate law require by councindent, non-pr revitalization Councilors rity and name Commercial y, Dec. 3 the boroug ofit s l in 2004 h to obtain special-event Develo plans and to h and but Chris held no discus its first five memb p- mainta GMED permit a state alcohol, funds. adining a workin Courog C But tor of comm the Facebo to serve en, borougsion about its creatioers. accusing states, and g relatio have had trouble ok post GMED h secreta for econom unications, n, sides nship, with not informe the borough blaming C of wastin ic develo said it will ry and direchelping was each other g money, council d in time one. the boroug pment and be “a vehicle communications. to get for a breakdand both downtown revitalization Unlike h with An improm Middle own in its plans ,” “It will thority] GMEDC, “this ptu non-alc town. to improv event featurin plans to organization oholic power thebe a development e said. “The get g hot dogs, S’mores, public will things done,” [the AuCourogen borough does agency that held in theand Santa was will have being spent.” Courogen know how not have said, such Counc GMED park on the money as issuing borough il instead. its C memb The Middl talization rolled out a propos will save The bonds. own,” accusations is ers have nated wine the doin Octobe al etown dispute arts center, Public the corpor that they r, includi for downtown Wome according for a future event, Library, new museu ng a new revi- to improv ation used wasted money d council’s n’s garages, library to the Facebo perform , the post. noting ms and are, fromwhich it createClub gave the grant money e severa and shops, ing quire that ok In additio an extend Porter; d 86 years l downt left to last of and it receive Brend its saving and Robertn to councilorsed Emaus Street.parking ago. Prese d Middle renovate the own properties and library a Klock right, Sheri Christopher s to the and acnting the author Louer Sr., counci trustee. o, the club’s Brandt, club to create town is not the Elks Theatre buildin McNam past presid only treasu a check for Middletown an Indust l’s appoin ara senior vice ity included $3,700 rial and local munic g. ent; and rer; library tments to opment Autho to the direct at Memb president of Gary Mastrangelo, one in 1999 rity – DerryCommercial ipality Sandy relationship Robbins, or Christine Develas a condui attorney ers 1st Federa Towns manag the build the Giant club memb l Credit t for state hip created lace and Salvatore Baucc The club Union; ement James er funds used Negley. Center, said townsh business io of that creat developer Nurick, the “It gave ip manag to borough’s McNees, Waled Midd By Daniel Nardo James Nardo feature us an opport er solicito is the develo . letown’s r; and such s that were unity to negoti Press And Walmer Westporte benefi ate library per as Journal different a payme cial West Main CentRE commbehind the Staff gives it proposed the arena that nt in lieu of to the township,” Street ercial one last Club memb paid for In 1926, Negley taxes system the borougin Middletown, complex on said. is beneficial to check ers presen $3,700 barked the Middletown The author the townsh for and recentl h’s remov on check ted a Wome the library projec – ity has saving of many al of shade y all of ip, n’s t that has since facilita with a enrichedClub em- piece s – on Wedne the club’s remain trees created Middletown residen sday, ted additio of the lives the ing Please ts for decade funding good news after Dec. 5, a welcom Eighty-six Middletown nal See COUN to the boroug e dissolving years later, Public Librar s: It “I’m overwthe facility. CIL, Page h cut its y. the Wome A6 said library helmed, and help spare – but not before n’s Club very, directo the library is much one appreciate r Christine very grateful,” the same final act to fate. the donati Porter. “We very on.” Please See FINAL , Page A6
Contact
Please See AWARDS, Page A8
PRESS AND
DAY, OCT
rnal.com
LISTEN Sound Off Audio SUBMIT Photos & Events SEARCH Back Issues SEE More Photos WATCH Videos
The Middle that High Schooltown Area annually borough coun cil Dance has Homecoming volunteersprovided to the has cut the funds been scheduled for Friday, Nov. The dance open. Here hope to find Middletown Publi it 9. postponed had been ’s how three the money c Libra Oct. 12 afteron Friday, other librar to keep the doorsry, By Daniel authorities discovered ies do it. Press And Walmer and Journal Noelle Barret in the schoola loaded gun Staff t The Middle . Uncert town Area Middle School as uncertainty. It’s a word Homecoming Dance see the ainty surrounds that inspires library the was cancel, which also future of different reactio ’s library will not challenges as Middle ns in all incident, led by the gun WEDNES town Public survive. Middle of us. an opport DAY, NOV uled whenwill be reschedunity, while Library, And severin town Borough EMBER some g the library Cassa Council others worry confirms the disc jockey Mayor ndra 21, passed from Robert 2012 the Middletown Bechtel accordinghis availability, cerns around Reid. Whilethe borough an ordinance pressandjou Area Highreveals the white 14 PAG over public district’s to the school Monday, most boroug the library council’s website. rnal.com ES Schoo h residen outcry and a Oct. 1 l as her rose that indica will face, , that is not decision to ax veto ts centere escort, its the tes her LISTEN Sound Trent Zimm Library according to only challen $240,000 annual d their by selection District. Carrie Cleary ge the newly Off erman, as Home contrib conCleanup Among waves coming , a consul independent ution to Day TO: SUBMIT Photos & Audio to the crowd set in borou nonprofi the library’s new queen tant for Events SEARCH at the Capitalibrary Back Issues challen . gh bylaws. t organi VOLzation ges: l Area SEE More UMEthat can receive Becoming a Middletown 122 paid. AndDeveloping a reliabl Photos - NO. tax-fre federally-rec WATCH Videos e financia 47 volunteers is seeking department.all before Jan. ognized l system e donati ons. 1, when Middle 75 Rewrit Community to help with a CEN “There so town Area the library bills TS ing its Homec will no and employees its on Saturd Cleanup Day High “They’ll’s a lot of decisio longer be crowning oming on SaturdSchool held get have to ns Volunteersay, Nov. 3. Some, like a boroug do a lot that the board Cassandra ay, Oct. at its footba of work. will have h John Ziats, help clean who want to vice 13, Bechte There’ preside to ll game preside make,” l Highsp up should in the parking Cleary said. “It sounds nt of the library nt of Friend s a big road ire against as queen meet ahead.” SteeltonBechte at War Memo s of the Middle like ’s lot Borough edged. from www.p But the an awful lot to board, see the Hall at 10behind Bechtel, l, daughter of rial Field. The cleanu pointed replenished have happen opportunitytown Library ressand Tracey a.m. opened by journal ing a .com. and Joel a flower in uncert and white organized p is being “We had council on Oct. library board before Jan. ainty. been named rose, indicat box contain Councilor by borough it’s a very a whole agenda 1 –has already – four new 1,” Ziats acknow members Trent Zimmequeen. She ing that she hadScott Sites. lmet to begin board with good group. of things we was escorte were aprman, and Tony the library making this Everything is talked about,” planning ahead. Zimme son of Susan d by The Middl Ziats very The senior will contin transition rman. Veigle While challen Turnpike a smooth positive and said. “I think , junior ue freshman the Middl etown Area they’re , no-dra mitted people ging, the to function.” , sopho High Schoo classes etown resigns, CEO ma situatio all on in the Homec Homecomin each fashionmore and Area working situation should “There n where oming parade his healt citing in differe shouldn’t g perfor Middle Schoo l band teame Oct. 13. ed a float for a month d with mance. nt directinot be overwhelmin l Band be any h on Homec Alumni and during keep Christi or two,” he situation where ons, Ziats said. g with comoming tailgat studen Saturday, their before the The chief ne Porter assured residen the library e party ts held a Friends game. execut as will at ts. of ficer of the the field ive ofbe closed the Middle library directo The replen nonprofi ished board down Turnpike Pennsylvania library t organization, town Library, r. plans to fi already resigned Commission has the librarynances until thewill open a second an establi effective end of Octobe library a shed nonpro at the checki Council 501(c)(3) board can ng r. had asked fit organization, Roger E. complete account to manag to do that,’’ Friends Nutt, 72, Have the steps health concer e to take oversaid Ziats. said cited you enough to make manpowerBetty Fox, treasur the library reason for ns as hisshopping started your attend meetin , but “we’re holiday to run the yet? MIDDLETOW had “felt resigning. He library er of Friend gs not equipp “We’re N more of and events, and , as only six s. Friends doesn’ ed stressed fatigued and we’re happy a suppor many memb and 12 memb t have perform and not able to tive role,” to pitch to do.” she said. ers have retireders regularly in as volunt the level as your CEO at Louise “We’v , said Cleary, eers, and expected that should be things likee always helpedFox. Bowra, the borough, Journal, Sukle, above The Home state , and that, we’ll executive in a resignaof me,’’ he wrote all pledge comin with her. sits chained , owner of directo Rep. John continue crowd. g bonfi At right, the to turnpike tion letter to tor, McNed their suppor r of the DauphPayne, R-106th Middletown re drew Suklea tree as suppo Press And District Nutt is theofficials. a rters stand is led to services ese, Wallace t for the library in County Librar police Quick remove and and Nurick , said to after Senio Tom Corbetfather of Gov. her from patrol y System Rich rs aride they cut Ziats is the library. of Harris Ziats. the tree.Home by optimistic oncar borough’s , have manager, t’s campaign By The the chain the burg, Daniel comin library has also Walme solicithat g Parad s toSenio r Class . Press elder Nutt Brian Nutt. The r promised e. And Journal cess,” he“Those are the Middletown is a former float residen kind of Staff free transportation in the ts But not said. people strongly all boroug who arewill New Jersey official forNo Middle equal succes support town going h residen tax who the day, Nov. to makeBorough the turnpik increase took s for library ts are it a suc-Council 19 to advert supportersconvinced thatfund budget 2011. He e job in Marchfor Royalton ise a $5.1 voted on Monpassion – especi propos consul $196,700 was paid million ally when tantand energy ed by boroug Please Royalton By genera a year. will See LIBRA newsfaced Mark Morga Jim Lewis has propos with the n that contain h financia l 2013 budget RY, Page First,and bad Press Anded a and Noelle newscold, for s both goodl A6 the Journal ing taxes, withou Barrett t raisStaff is necess good news: Middletown residen No increase despite a slight ts. A teenag budget ary for 2013, property tax LOWER leaves a increase Royalton in spendi ng. er brough SWATARA Area High to be used $509,0 Morgan said, t a loaded and the will vote Boroug TWP.Counc at counci 00 electric vent hinCouncSchoo handgu l on Friday to adopt il fund surplu l’s discret a restroo il n into million propos of thethe $1.6 ion. posal to decided to have s m while , Oct. 12, hiding Middle school ed budget town its next counci Morgan agains primarilyuse the surplu at day, when hehe attended classes it in a heating draft t an uniden s meetin p.m. Tuesda planneThe of lschool ers – and for commercial to lower electri a prog at 7 tified person until the d to tree Dec. 4. , police carryinit Real estate y,The end whofront an additiovoted to decrea and industrial c rates, By Jim had harass teen and said. taxes would of theed as a defense remain at the se all electri customnal cent Lewis a from friend, him Press and throug the mills,gun outside Joe Sukle c rates by And Journal from a fellow Press And includes 3 the which Now the borough’s electrih spending $650,0 studen Staff eighth its hiding place Journ al toffi estate and2.825 mills who cehad retriev for and fi 00 for borough bad news: The c trust fund. before him,, were A Dallas periodNES protection. 0.175 mills forreal nalWED during ed town man arrested of classes year – in that has already budget would lewd fi DAY, re and during require sexual messag was charge The increas cut nine atDEC Please the school Public addition to defund old girl positions a EMB, ER See GUNcrews after d with e in Library es to a result in ac- 12, ing cut it this This .380-c Page A6 of some spending is John P. Lower Swatar the cell phonestexting a nonpro picturefit organi and turning the Middletown 2012 storm drain propos down. Covert, a it into one discov aliber staff by of zation – his penis sexual materi 28, was Twp. he didn’t of minors 26silver a separa eight , Amy Burrell projects, saided to includ pressandjou PAG and ered additio handg te Friday, ing afull-tim als to minorscharged with know, ployee ES un is counts of , boroug police .said. 16-yeaer-and one nally reduce Oct. 12. at Middletown retary. rnal.com involuntary h secsimilar , three counts four counts Council part-tim Area High to the sault, three The budget voted unanim deviate e emof statuto of sendin counts Schoo LISTEN Sound any person does not include l on contact with minorsof indecent sexual acts, three ry sexual g obscene/ously to authorize assault, assault, . said Burrell nel or staff cuts, TO: SUBMIT PhotosOff Audio corruptioncounts ofPlease See three borThe owne . of minorsaggravatedBUDG & Events 2005 S. ET, Page SEARCH Market VOLUME and unlawfasA6 Back Issues tree to saver of the Press Please Street • SEE More See TEXT 122 And Journ LOWE-RNO.ul it from Elizadecis Photos ING, Page Taxes could SWAT bethtions. 50 WATCH Videos al chain a chainsaw, ARA TWP. own, Pa. A6 go up in Highs 17022 and prote ed herself to By Daniel pire a st recen 75 CEN Press And Walmer t borough TS Journal Highspire Staff already residents, who When highest pay one of the Louise crews arrived By Noelle unexpe Sukle saw County, tax rates in Dauph Barret Press And didn’t like. it as somethctedly to cut Journal t in 2013. may see taxes go in from www.p Staff She saw ing more down trees ressand up The propos journal than a downt along South funds, suchit as another Tensions .com. own renova Union Street, budget and ed $1,983,032 the clock are high in of boroug as the defundmajor decision tion projec Lower by presented tax hike was Swatar budget. continues to tick So Sukle,h employees, ing of the Middle the borough t she YES Council during a Boroug on approv a Twp. as NO owner of that was made town Public regarding outside A vote public assets NO OPINIO ing a 2013 the Library Nov. 13. meeting on Tuesdah scheduledon a proposed the tree her newspaper’s Press And without the public and N and the y, Journa If approv ’s input. recent layoffs the previo for Wednesday,$5 million budget handcu all day, drawin office on Monda l, chaine ed, residen ffed her g a crowd 11% see a 0.65-m y, Nov. d herself to ts will a budget us week, townsh Nov. 21. But is and defi and one 19 in worksh ant trespas led her to a , until Middle tax increas ill real estate 26% the budget op meetin ip commissionerduring patrol car. “While town policeprotest. She of the trees s. losing rate to 14.95e, bringing the g , s sat which includ in hopes She was held ally about With a a tree, or charged arrived, cut thenext to Denn mills. recommenda es a $322,4of trimming Council a library Middle with disord chain, is Michael Davies town Borou , or boroug 04 deficit. tion by Baso adoptingplans to vote on erly conduc h jobs gh shame , chairm 63% t nic committee, to raise an of the Commissione lessly bypassis tragic, [my tax rates a final budget and and the r board’s real actions ing free finance Dec. 18. at 7 p.m. Tuesda meeting,fire tax by 0.22 estate taxes by 0.75 Please and open were] rey, See TREE discussions mills budget commissione mills looming Do you think S, Page cuts. rs strugg over A6 Still, Presid Middletown’s led to agree the Rec board police force on a vote of ent Frank Linn is too big? fate unkno’s the propos was
“This has been a challenging and contentious year and will continue to be so in our community – and reporting it will continue to push our staff. But we know everyone will not shy away from our job to meet the needs of our community.’’ There were more than 4,400 entries from 138 newspapers that serve Pennsylvania in this year’s contest, held annually by the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Contact
WEDNES pressandjou
TO:
A Middletown woman was charged with robbery, assault and drug-related offenses after she allegedly tried to steal a customer’s wallet at the Dollar Tree on East Main Street on Wednesday, March 20, police said. Amber D. Colvin, 32, was arrested at the store by Middletown police after she allegedly tried to take the wallet from a 66-year-old customer’s purse. When the customer tried to get her wallet back, Colvin assaulted her, police said. Police found prescription drugs and drug parahpernalia on Colvin during a subsequent search, they said. Colvin was charged with robbery, simple assault, theft by unlawful taking, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arraigned before District Judge David Judy and held in Dauphin County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bond.
Us
NEWS
of THE L
A Steelto
n cop’s
AW
ds to an
www.ho
unusual
67.66
arrest
Y AN
A
MORE FO
ndruau
717.3
R LESS?
Council ’s 2013 budget rates, but cuts elec what will tric it do to services ?
to.com
44
Council cr for econ eates new auth omic de or velopme ity nt
2nd Place, Front Page Design
Enjoy winter without the worry! Contact
hunch lea
MERR
Christma D BRIGHT to Hoffe s returns r Park
FINAL
CHAPTE
R
Us
Please
See Our
Ad On
Page
C1
Please See Page B1
Contact Us
Write: 20 S. Union St., Middletown, PA 17057 • Phone: 717/944-4628 • E-mail: Info@PressandJournal.com • Home Page: www.pressandjournal.com
This is Jodi Ocker’s hometown newspaper.