8 The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, September 22, 1999 Lake-Lehman (continued from page 1) her concerns to the Department “of Education. Kopcha was worried about pos- sible legal ramifications since her signature was included on the paper work. “I signed a blank cover sheet and I asked to see the figures when they were ready. When | saw that we had $1.5 million written in I went to Kathleen (Williams) and I told her ‘this is wrong’. We had the same problem last year, we had $2.5 million and we reported $1.5 mil- lion.” A large property tax increase was passed following the 1996- 1997 school year when the dis- trict was projecting a fund bal- ance deficit in the amount of $236,473. “We actually ended the year with about $100,000 but we raised taxes in Luzerne County by 23 mills and by 18 mills in Wyo- ming County,” said Kopcha. A second millage increase for taxpayers residing in Luzerne County was approved in 1997- 1998. “In two years, the taxes went up by 31 mills (in Luzerne County) and if you multiply that by the amount each mill gener- ates, about $33,000 you're get- ting over S1 million every year. That's how we have $4.2 million dollars.” Kopcha contends the district has been able to accumulate a substantial fund balance from increased revenues in the form of higher taxes while expenditures have remained constant. “There is no way on God's green earth you save $4 million by reducing spending,” she said. “I mean we “have made some cuts, but the bottom line is the people in this district are overtaxed.” The issue of taxation is espe- cially contentious at a time when Lake-Lehman is making final ar- rangements to float a bond issue to fund renovations and new con- struction in the district. “That's one thing I don’t understand, why are we borrowing all this money when we have $4 million,” said Kopcha. “Even if we have a little Noxen church hosting Biblical presentation ~ On October 1, the Walk Thru the Old Testament seminar will be conducted at First United Meth- odist Church in Noxen. Interna- tionally renowned for its innova- tive, entertaining presentation, the Walk Thru the Bible seminar uti- lizes interactive learning tech- niques to help people absorb and remember the key characters, seography, and major themes of ‘he entire Old Testament. Those nterested in attending the semi- aar should contact Pastor Keith 3enjamin at Noxen First United Church at 298-2503. less than the treasurer's report said in June we can still reduce the amount we are borrowing.” Ross Elementary School expan- sion plans are moving forward with a descriptive account of the improvements presented at the September school board meeting. “The entire existing building will be renovated with most of the changes being cosmetic,” said Doug Trumbower, district archi- tect. “The one structural change that will be made is the walls dividing classrooms will be re- placed by folding partitions much like those at Lehman-Jackson and Lake-Noxen.” The movable separations allow classrooms to be easily converted into larger spaces for group les- sons. “We do a lot of cooperative learning in the district and the partitions accommodate that style of teaching,” said Robert Kunkle, principal of Lehman-Jackson El- ementary. Other changes planned for the existing structure include removal of asbestos floor tile in the multi- purpose room and the installa- tion of a more efficient heating and ventilation unit. New ceil- ings, carpet, doors and windows will be added, as well. Improvements to the school property include expanding the parking lot to accommodate 61 cars, changing the bus drop off and pick up area, adding a con- crete sidewalk and installing a handicap accessible ramp. The addition will include space for six new classrooms and a caf- eteria. “The new wing will be con- structed from concrete block ex- terior and interior bearing walls with a brick veneer very similar in color to that of the existing struc- ture,” said Trumbower. The project is estimated to cost $3 million to complete. “It’s for the kids; we need this,” said Kopcha. “What I'm concerned about is the kids who will be paying for this project 30 years down the line. We shouldn't take on more debt than we have to.” Dallas Church group donates quilt The Wilkes-Barre chapter of Project Linus donated a handmade quilt to Timmy Pocono of Plymouth. Timmy, age six, suffers from the genetic disorder Cystic Fibrosis. Donations were made to Project Linus from children who attended the Vacation Bible School that was held at Fellowship Evangelical Free Church of Dallas. The children wanted to collect money to donate to the organization, which makes comfort blankets to give to area children with special needs. The children collected a total of $500.23 during the Bible School which ran from July 19 to July 23. A special quilt, which was signed by everyone who attended the Bible School was then presented to Timmy Pocono during Sunday services at the Fellowship Evangelical Free Church. Displaying the new quilt, from left are: Megan Pocono, Timmy Pocono and Tammy Fuhr. PTSO (continued from page 1) a student by filling out a ballot form at the high school.” Most PTSO events, like the stu- dent-of-the-month program, are conducted in cooperation with area businesses and civic organi- zations. Monetary contributions support the group's efforts and volunteers from the community frequently donate time. “We hold a career day for juniors and se- niors in which professionals come to the school to speak about their fields of expertise and offer some insight,” said Bartolini. Projects like the Fall Coat Drive and the SPCA Food Drive offer students a chance to return the generosity shown by their com- munities throughout the year. “Part of our idea is to provide children with opportunities to get involved and make a difference. It makes our school better and. our community stronger,” said Bartolini. Anyone who would like more information about the PTSO may call the guidance office at 874. 7218, Ds ACT UP! Creative Drama Just for Kids 8-14 yrs. Ten Classes/30 Hours Concludes with a Musical Theatre Production ; Course Covers: Improv, Voice and Physical Acting Skills, Pantomime, Projection, and lots of fun!! CLASSES START OCTOBER 2 — CALL TODAY! Classes offered in Trucksville at MAJOR PERFORMING ARTS STUDIOS Call 696-4755 for more information Reach Northeastern Pennsylvania's strongest housing markets FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT The Dallas Post's special Fall Home Improvement section reaches home owners and FORMAT: 5 COL. BY 13" TABLOID (Min. ad size, 8 col. inches) AVAILABLE IN COMBINATION WITH THE ABINGTON JOURNAL, CLARKS SUMMIT Special rates on extra runs! Need Help? We'll be pleased to assist in creating the right message for your business. home improvers where they live. The Post's readers are among the most affluent in all of Northeastern Pennsylvania. When it comes to their homes, no expense is spared. Fall Home Improvement will contain professionally produced articles and photos of interest to anyone planning to remodel, redecorate or otherwise improve their home or yard. It will be included in the October 6 issue of The Post — the Back Mountain's largest and best-read local newspaper. If you provide a product or service to home owners, do-it-yourselfers or the trade, you won't want to miss this special issue. It's sure to bring big readership for your message. PUBLICATION DATE: OCTOBER 6 AD DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 29 (One day earlier if proof heeded) Call today, and make your advertising a part of this special section The Dallas Post The Best News in the Back Mountain Call 675-5211 Ziegler (continued from page 1) a police officer,” he said. “He and Ed Richards were the ones who got things going in the township.” Sabol remembers Ziegler as a no-nonsense man who put his advanced business degree to work for the interests of township per- sonnel and citizens. “He was a very stern person, but he wanted to make the township better,” Sabol said. “He was very shrewd with investing the police pension.” In his later years, Sabol said Ziegler would occasionally forget to give the chief his retirement check, and would be very apolo- getic about the error. A bachelor since 1950, Ziegler enjoyed playing bridge in a group that met at the Irem Temple Coun- try Club, Sabol said. “I guess he did some traveling, too.” Snowdon said Ziegler turned his attention to his daughter, Janet, who now lives in Wilkes- Barre, and to the township after his wife died. “His whole life has been his community,” he said. William Tippett, presently a township supervisor, also served on the police pension board with Ziegler, who he said “did a very, very good job.” He described Ziegler as a stickler for details, who “did a lot more that I knew about.” After he retired, board mem- bers continued to invite Ziegler to the annual Christmas party, “and, of course, he came,” said Tippett. He seemed in good health last December, Tippett said. A complete obituary appears on page 14. Seitz attends dance program Nicole Seitz of Dallas, was awarded a talent scholarship to attend Point Park College Sum- mer International Dance Program this summer in Pittsburgh. The intense six week program culmi- nated with a show on August 6 and 7. Nicole was featured in the Peasant Pas de Deux from the classical ballet, Giselle. Nicole is a student and an in- structor at the Degnan Ballet Cen- ter and a member of its resident company, Ballet Northeast where she has performed various lead and solo roles. She is a senior at Bishop O'Reilly High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, National Language Honor Society, Spanish Club, Glee Club, Pennsylvania Junior Acad- emy of Science, Future Business Leaders of America, Forensics Team, Cross Country Team and Assists in Choreography for the school musicals. Nicole was a member of Penn- sylvania Governor's School for the Arts in Ballet in 1998 and the NICOLE SEITZ Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre Class of 1999. She was recently accepted into Who's Who Among American High School Students. Shavertown Auxiliary hosts family fun night Shavertown Ladies Auxiliary will hold a Family Fun Night on Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Friendly’s Restaurant in Dallas. Top 10 things my parents can do with our home besides live in it: Make my college tuition payments Put in an in-ground swimming pool Fly me to Paris with my friends Buy me a car for my birthday Pay for my wedding to Bobby I0 Add a bathroom for me 9 Get me a new wardrobe 8 7 6 5 4 Upgrade my PC 3 2 Pay off their credit card bills if you use mine!) you are. Come see us. e Guaranty it!” Committ 0 EC Community Glen Lyon - 736-6521 Mountaintop - 474-6232 Nanticoke - 735-1400 Pikes Creek - 477-2245 Shamokin - 648-9500 Wilkes-Barre - 819-3000 *Rate shown is for terms of up to 60 months with automatic deduction from Guaranty Bank checking or savings account. Appraisal fee may be charged at option of Guaranty Bank. 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