CD schools face $8 million shortfall

The Central Dauphin School Board will meet next Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 7 pm to discuss next school year's budget that currently is underfunded by $8 million, according to today's Patriot-News.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Backyard News, 12.27.11

Mystery solved ... If you wonder what happens with donations that are dropped in clothing collection boxes like the one pictured, CLICK HERE for a good explanation by Patriot-News columnist Nancy Eshelman. There's a box in Linglestown at Murphy's Automotive in the square.

Celebrity linked to Linglestown ... WGAL TV-8 reporter and anchor Jim Sinkovitz grew up in the Linglestown area and played baseball for Linglestown baseball teams. (Hat tip to Bob Kemmler, founder of the Linglestown Twilight sandlot baseball team.)

Flag in dark ... As far as I know, the lights for illuminating the U.S. flag on the new flagpole in the Linglestown square still are not working. PPL is supposed to take care of the problem, according to Lower Paxton Twp. manager George Wolfe. (Hat tip to the Linglestown Merchants' Association.)

Tea time at Roasters ... St. Thomas Roasters coffee house in Linglestown was recently featured on a local food blog called "paindecampagne."

Backyard News, 12.23.11

Firefighter honored ... Linglestown Fire Chief Bill Payne was recently awarded a Craig Webb Memorial Award for exemplary service. Congratulations and thanks for your service!


Tax hike approved ... The Lower Paxton supervisors this week adopted a 2012 budget that includes a property-tax hike to make up for significant losses in earned income tax revenue and land development fees. The new rate will increase the tax bill on a property assessed at $200,000 by $68. CLICK HERE for more details from The Patriot-News.

The last tax hike was in 2007, and that one was the first one since way back in 1990, according to the Gazette archives. The 1990s and most of this decade were boom times in Lower Paxton in regard to new development.

Village panel gets new life ... Lower Paxton supervisors agreed to continue working with the Village of Linglestown Committee as a township advisory panel. The group helped the township over the last decade or so with planning for the now completed village improvement project. CLICK HERE for a report on the committee's December meeting that was filed by community watchdog group SWAN.

Meet Linglestown's new congressman

WHTM abc27 talked with U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta who was designated this week to represent the Linglestown area. Tim Holden was the area's rep prior to the redistricting process that occurs every 10 years.

Commentary: LP overpays for Christmas tree?

The Patriot-News over the weekend ran an article about Lower Paxton Supervisor David Blain (pictured) selling the township a 10-foot Christmas tree from his tree sales lot for $80. The tree is on display in the lobby at the municipal center on Prince Street.

Blain said the tree cost him $40 and he charged the township his regular markup price.

This story is a tad silly because the transaction barely registers in the township's general fund budget that will total just over $19 million next year. The township has purchased trees from Blain for the last few years as a matter of convenience. According to the article, this type of transaction does not violate state law.

I wonder who tipped off the newspaper because $80 transactions usually don't attract attention and are not mentioned during public meetings.

Next year the township should consider buying a tree from Linglestown Village Market located across from the Blue Moose Bar and Grill. I purchased a great looking eight-foot tree (pictured) from them for $29.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

CD ends dream season with football state title

In case you missed it, check out The Patriot-News coverage from last night's 14—7 win by the Rams over North Penn in the state championship game at Hersheypark Stadium.

Rams going for football state title

The Central Dauphin Rams football team will compete for the big-school state championship tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 17, 6 pm at Hersheypark Stadium against North Penn, a school district in the Philly region.

Last week the Rams knocked off a nationally ranked team and a Patriot-News sports reporter has picked them to win the title. CLICK HERE for a game preview.

If you don't want to attend the game, you can catch it on the Pennsylvania Cable Network, channel 74 on Comcast.

Following the game, the team will be paraded around the area escorted by local fire companies and police.

See the best Christmas movie in your language ...

So much of the world is still in darkness, but there is HOPE. Come view the message of hope; bringing light into the darkness. The JESUS Film will be shown three nights at Bethany Church of the Nazarene, 1605 Parkway West, near the village of Linglestown. The film will be shown in the following languages:

December 21, 7 pm — English
December 22, 7 pm — Spanish
December 23, 7 pm — Korean

For questions regarding this event, please call 545–1633. CLICK HERE for more information about the movie.

Santa annouces Linglestown stops for this Sunday

Below are the stops Santa will make this Sunday, Dec. 18 as he's escorted throughout the Linglestown area by Linglestown Fire Company members. (Click on the schedule to view a larger version.)

Backyard News, 12.12.11

* Tree experts cut deal on Linglestown's Christmas tree ... According to The Patriot-News, Lower Paxton Township's Shade Tree Commission (yes, there is one) nixed the idea of "4 trees in 4 years" in the square, but recommended the location for the tree that was planted in front of Murphy's Auto Repair.

The tree was donated by Karl Valley of Paxton Church and Crums Mill roads.

* Linglestown Fire Company news ... Signs have been posted along the route Santa will travel with the help of firefighters this Sunday, Dec. 18. I'll post the schedule if I find it.

Also, Captain Sean Harp passed along a note about the passing of the fire company's last charter member, Ed Deibler. He was 100-years-old when he died on Dec. 9. Services will be held this Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Hoover Funeral Home, Linglestown. CLICK HERE for more details from The Patriot-News.

* Guess who's back? ... Shalyn's Hair Studio has reopened in the Linglestown square.

Rudolph's friends are coming to Linglestown

Stauffers of Kissel Hill is sponsoring a Visit with Santa and Live Reindeer this Saturday, December 10 between 12:30 - 2:30 pm.

Community watchdog group SWAN will be selling Sheetz Coupon Booklets at SKH during this festive event.

We’ve only just begun, says Linglestown committee

By SWAN
for Linglestown Gazette

There's no quit in the members of the Village of Linglestown Committee now that the $4 million village renovation project has been completed.

Committee members want to continue working on issues that are unique to Linglestown and plan to seek a new lease on life on Dec. 13 when they meet with Lower Paxton supervisors.

The committee has a list of members they want to have reappointed and a list of items they would like to address now that the construction project that has taken their attention for so long is essentially over.

Last month they discussed several issues related to the village:

-- Finalizing arrangements with Waste Management so trash pickups for properties along Linglestown Road are done from the alleys. This is already happening for businesses.
-- Locating bus stops in the village for CAT buses.
-- Reviewing all traffic signage along Linglestown Road and addressing the need for properly identified pedestrian crosswalks.
-- Planting of four donated evergreen trees at the corners of the square. The first one was planted for the tree-lighting event that was held Sunday.

The Linglestown Merchants' Association spokesperson indicated that the group was very pleased with the construction project. They hoped that the committee would continue to function and would continue to address matters important to the village. They mentioned the ongoing need to have the property owners maintain the new lawn areas and trees along Linglestown Road. Also, they thought it would be good to initiate some kind of beautification projects along the major streets in the village.
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According to the township website, members of the village committee are Eric Kessler, Andrew Christine, Joseph Mack, James Griffiths, Gary Hoffman, John Kepler, Jerry Miller, Pastor Barry Stahl, Stuart Knade, Bill Minsker, Paul Rowe and Bill Twilley.

Koons Pool reports amazing turnaround

After gasping for air a few years ago, Koons Pool has been revived over the last two years by a new group of volunteers and some financial help from Lower Paxton Township.

Pool officers Doug Kepler and Walter Shatto recently told the township parks and rec board that revenues have increased and a bank loan that was guaranteed by the township has been repaid.

Maintenance and repairs to the pool also have increased. This year the three pools were painted and the roofs on two small buildings were replaced. Next year the roof on the main building will be replaced, necessitating a bank loan that Centric Bank has already approved.

Kepler and Shatto described the many new programs that were started in the last two years, including the creation of a swim team, and stated that the pool is in good shape financially.

The board congratulated the new pool leadership for turning the facility around.
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Information for this post was provided by Stray Winds Area Neighbors, better known as SWAN.

Live music on tap in Linglestown this weekend

* Linglestown-area resident Dave Kaprocki and his band, Timeless, will be performing at La Piazza of Linglestown this Friday, Dec. 9 from 6:30–9 pm. The ban will be performing favorite tunes and a few Christmas songs to boot. Dave suggests that you call for dinner reservations to guarantee seating.

* Sterling Koch and his trusty steel guitar will once again bring his toe-tappin' brand of upbeat music to the stage at St. Thomas Roasters this Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8–10 pm. No cover charge.

Tax hike likely in Lower Paxton

Lower Paxton's string of no-tax-hike township budgets will most likely end in 2012 despite spending being limited to items that are deemed to be absolutely necessary.

Last month the supervisors were leaning toward a property tax hike of 1.3 mils, which would increase the tax bill on a home assessed at $200,000 by about $40 a year.

Township manager George Wolfe said he would prepare the final budget using a millage increase of 1.3 mils for review and action at the December workshop meeting.

CLICK HERE for more details provided by community watchdog group SWAN about the proposed tax hike.

In a related matter, the township authority last month decided to hold the line on the sewer rate for 2012 due to the proposed tax increase. The current rate is $72 per quarter.

Christmas services at Linglestown churches

* Linglestown Life, located just north of the square, will hold a Christmas Cantata called the "The Sounds of His Love" this Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3:30 pm. Tickets are required but are FREE. You can reserve tickets by email or by calling the church office at 545-5200.

* Gazette readers are also encouraged to attend one of four Christmas Eve Services that will be held at Linglestown Life. CLICK HERE for times.

* To help people struggling through the holiday season, New Hope Church will hold a service of comfort and hope called "Blue Christmas" on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 pm. Call the church office at 545-3400 if you need more details. The church is located at 584 Colonial Club Drive in Linglestown.

Festive time at Linglestown tree lighting

Under a partly cloudy sky and the temperature in the high 40s, over 100 people turned out Sunday evening for the first tree-lighting and carol-singing event held in the newly refurbished Linglestown square.

Like years gone by, the village was decked out from end to end with luminaries to visually help ring in the holiday season.

James Milbrand's band was set up next to St. Thomas Restaurant and provided the music for the carols.

Hot chocolate and cookies were served at the firehouse after the tree was lighted without a hitch.

Organizers of the event encouraged attendees to sign up for the Linglestown Area Community Association that is being reorganized to plan other events and activities.

CLICK HERE for more photos taken by Danielle M. Bostic Photography.
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Link to band photo from Elizabeth James' Facebook page.

Support Linglestown Scouts at Bass Pro

Come out this Sunday between 9 am and 5 pm to Bass Pro Shops where Boy Scout Troop 10 and Cub Scout Pack 10 will be selling hot dogs, soup, baked good, drinks and much, much more outside the store’s main entrance.

Bring the whole family and see Santa's Wonderland and the big guy himself inside Bass Pro.

The scouting program is based at St. Thomas United Church of Christ in Linglestown.

Planned lockdown held at Central Dauphin school

Below is email message sent to parents this morning:

The purpose of this email is to inform the Central Dauphin High School community that Central Dauphin High School went into “Lockdown” today from 8:35 AM-9:20 AM. The Pennsylvania State Police navigated Narcotic Detection Dogs through the halls and locker rooms. The purpose of this exercise is to promote and maintain a safe learning and working environment for CDHS students and staff. Minimal instructional time was lost during this important exercise.

– Kenneth E. Miller, principal

Christmas tree arrives in Linglestown

It's official – Linglestown now has a permanent Christmas tree planted in the square.

Lower Paxton Township employees late this morning planted a 25-foot concolor fir in the Linglestown square in front of Murphy's Auto Repair. Village residents Bill Seeds and Paul Rowe were on hand to supervise the planting.

The tree will be decorated tomorrow and a tree-lighting will be held this Sunday at 6 pm. The public is encouraged to attend.

Members of the Linglestown Women's Club will be decorating the roundabout island in the square.

Nature's Way Nursery and Stauffers of Kissel Hill assisted the women's club with landscaping the roundabout earlier this fall.