TyronePA.com

Tyrone Borough will soon take action on a proposed Act 537 Plan that would require upgrades to the Tyrone Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is being mandated throughout central PA by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ostensibly to restore the environmental quality of the Chesapeake Bay.
The PA Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy (CBTS) is aimed to reduce the nutrient and sediment contributions from the Commonwealth to the Chesapeake Bay.
The unfunded mandate is projected to cost borough residents $3,720,000, and cost all sewer rate payers in central PA as much as $1 billion. Typical user fees are expected to range from approximately $31.50 per month to $42.50 per month (sewer alone) depending on the funding/financing of the project and anticipated power consumption cost increases.
Based on analysis, PennVest provides the most attractive funding/financing for the project.
The Northern Blair County Regional Sewer Authority (NBCRSA) estimates its share of the capital cost of this project to be 26 percent or $955,000. The NBCRSA serves Antis and Snyder Townships, as well as Bellwood Borough. The Tyrone system serves the NBCRSA by means of a sewer service agreement.
Northern Blair customers currently pay $40 a unit per month, but when upgrades occur, customers will be facing sewer rates of $55 per month or even higher.
Surrounding states such as Maryland and Virginia have provided significant amounts of grant funding for its sewage treatment plants to reach compliance. Thus far, Pennsylvania’s costs will fall onto the rate payers.
NBCRSA officials feel the borough’s early consideration and possible adoption of a plan to comply with the mandates of the bay strategy will commit the borough and the surrounding region to requirements that may be modified in the months ahead.
NBCRSA Chairman Robert Schoch stated, “We would request that whatever action the borough takes will allow for amendment and/or modification in the future if the mandates should become less strict.”
“We do not want to be bound to stricter, more expensive requirements because of early action,” added Schoch.
Leo Matuszewski, secretary of treasury for the NBCRSA, feels that the borough is acting “premature” at this point in time on its Act 537 Plan. He says it doesn’t need to be done right now, especially when there is no current funding for the project.
“There is nothing right now that’s so critical saying ‘yes, you do have to do this right now,’ because no you don’t have to,” said Matuszewski. “We’re asking the borough to put this on hold for a year or two and see if monies become available. To me, it’s a common sense, practical thing to do.”
Matuszewski added that the borough is considering that if Team Ten (American Eagle Paper Mill) were to leave, then the borough would not be in compliance. But, he said there is nothing by Team Ten showing that they are even considering leaving.
“If anything, Team Ten is looking forward to expanding the plant and hiring more employees, and I personally talked with these folks and they’d like to go forward,” said Matuszewski. “I can’t see why the borough is trying to factor that into this equation…it doesn’t make any sense.”
President of American Eagle Paper Mill, John Ferner, said that they have been given the special study on the Act 537 Plan by Tyrone Borough.
“We have significant concerns about the study, we’ve expressed our concerns to the borough and we’re waiting for a response,” added Ferner.
NBCRSA officials say its major concern is the financial impact that will fall on the backs of its users. The monies it gets to operate the Authority come from the users – the people who live here. When the increases take place, the debt load will increase dramatically and the rates will increase dramatically to pay the bill.
Matuszewski stated, “We can look anywhere from a 30 percent to 80 percent increase in our sewer bill, and that’s just for the individual. The businesses and local industry will be impacted also, and they have to pay their bills. How do you offset that cost? They either raise the price of their product or service or goods they are manufacturing, or they start laying off people.”
He added, “I think the borough has been misinformed or not properly informed. I don’t know where their source of information is coming from or if they are not interpreting it correctly, but I think they’re going forward with something that doesn’t need to be going forward right now.”
Tyrone Borough Manager Sharon Dannaway responded by saying the bay strategy is a state mandate and the borough is expecting a new permit with more stringent requirements in the next few days from DEP for Tyrone’s treatment plant.
“We’re not happy with this either, but we’re hoping the Northern Blair County Sewer Authority will be an ally with us and write letters to local and state officials about this,” stated Dannaway.
“We’re just following what DEP gives us, as far as deadlines.”
The NBCRSA encourages its rate payers to write to local and state officials to voice concerns about the state mandated PA Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy.

Another area soldier died this week during operations in Iraq, according to U.S. Army officials. Media relations officer Benjamin Abel at Fort Drum, N.Y., reported this morning that Army Spc. Timothy Van Orman, 24, formerly of Port Matilda, was killed in action Wednesday. No further information regarding his death was released.
Van Orman, a 2002 graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School, was well-liked and very musical, participating in the district’s instrumental music program, according to Bald Eagle Area School District superintendent Daniel F. Fisher.
“He was a good student, a solid student, very active in the school’s band program,” Fisher said in a telephone interview Thursday. “He played in jazz band and concert band; he’ll be missed by a lot of people.”
Scott Sheehan, Van Orman’s former band director who now directs the Hollidaysburg Area School District’s music program, said it was a pleasure working with and knowing Tim.
“Tim was the kind of student who poured his whole heart into everything,” Sheehan said. “He was an excellent trombone player and participated in jazz band, symphonic band and marching band. He took it very seriously but at the same time, he knew how to have fun with it.
“He set a good example for other students and had a great drive about him as a person. He enjoyed being around other people and had a really great spirit. He’s the type of person the Bald Eagle Area School District is very proud of, both as a former student and for serving his country.
“All of us who knew him are deeply saddened over his loss but at the same time it’s comforting to know he was making a difference in this world defending our country.
“I’m very proud of what he did.”
Van Orman was an infantry soldier with the 10th Mountain Division, stationed at Fort Drum. He joined the Army in 2003 shortly after graduating from high school, his mother, Kelly Van Orman, said Wednesday.
Van Orman grew up in Port Matilda and moved to Fort Drum upon enlistment where he lived with his wife, Cadie, and their daughter, Halie.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many area organizations are planning special events to help celebrate.
While a special Valentine’s gift is still required for your sweetheart, it’s nice to take advantage of the many events planned in the upcoming weeks for area couples.
A Valentine’s benefit dance is planned on Saturday, February 9 to benefit the Jim and Nikki (Golden) Lingafelt family. The dance will be held at the Tyrone Hookies from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. with DJ Greg Ray.
The Tyrone Church of the Brethren will host its annual chocolate festival on Sunday, February 10 at 2:30 p.m. The festival is free for those who want to purchase treats to eat in or take home.
The Valentine Sweetheart Shoppe will also be available for everyone to purchase a Valentine’s Day treat for that special someone.
Also, several of the church “bakers” and “confectioners” will be competing in a chocolate tasting competition. To be involved in the tasting and judging of the entries, a ticket must be purchased.
A special Valentine’s Day “red” luncheon will be served on Sunday, February 10 at the Birmingham Presbyterian Church. Worship service will be held at 10:30 a.m. and lunch will follow at 11:45 a.m.
Everyone is invited to come and join with friends and neighbors at the Birmingham Presbyterian Church.
For those more interested in a Valentine’s dinner, the SF&Company CPA’s and Business Advisors will host a Valentine’s Day dinner to benefit the Epworth Manor Care Assurance Fund on Tuesday, February 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Tyrone American Legion.
The dinner will be family style, all-you-can-eat pork and sauerkraut.
Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling Epworth Manor at 684-0320, ext. 2512 or the Tyrone American Legion at 684-3342.
Also, a sweetheart dinner will be held Saturday, February 16 at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd Social Hall.
Eat by candlelight and enjoy music as you dine on a stuffed chicken breast dinner. As a special service, baby-sitting will be provided during the meal.
Advanced tickets only will be available for this event. For more information, contact the church office at 684-2472 or the church kitchen at 684-1955.
And finally, TCP invites everyone to enjoy “Just Desserts” as the group hosts the second Valentine’s Day NightClub on Saturday, February 16 from 8 to 11:30 p.m.
The parish hall at Saint Matthew’s Church will be filled with a sumptuous array of decadent, homemade desserts, the chocolate fountain will be flowing and the air will be filled with the beautiful, live guitar music of Mick Dennis with some lovely help by Darcy Wilson, Kate Coltabaugh, Pete Hedberg and Paula Pheasant, not to mention a few romantic surprises.
Seating for this much-anticipated event is limited and reservations are required. Call the ArtsLine at 684-ART2 to guarantee a place on the dance floor with your valentine!
The event is BYOB, and there is a donation fee which will benefit the arts programing of The Tyrone Community Players.

Tyrone senior Johnny Franco signs his letter of intent to attend and play football at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Watching the signing are (left to right): Tyrone Athletic Director Tom Coleman, Franco’s parents John and Sue Franco, and Tyrone Superintendent of Schools Dr. Wiliam Miller. (The Daily Herald/Bob Miller)

Sandwiched in Tyrone junior Kyle Updyke goes up between two Philipsburg-Osceola defenders during the Eagles’ triumph over the Mounties at Tyrone, on Wednesday night. (The Daily Herald/Mary Michaels)

With an 18-4 record coming into the game, Tyrone needed just one more win to clinch the Nittany Division of the Mountain League, and Steve Catich needed just 15 points to pass Eric Castorina for fifth overall on the scoring list at Tyrone.
The Eagles looked to sweep Philipsburg with the win, but beating the Mounties isn’t always an easy task. Dating back to last year, Tyrone lost a barn-burner against Philipsburg, so anything can happen.
Tyrone jumped out early, going up 11-2 to start the game. The Mounties were forced to call a timeout to straighten things out on defense, which helped them make the first quarter a respectable 19-11. Matt Curtis knocked down a trey after the timeout to get the Mounties back in the game, but Catich looked too smooth with his eight first-half points that kept Tyrone ahead.
Brandon Gehret started out the second quarter by holding the ball around mid-court to try and pull Philipsburg out of their 2-3 zone. Tyrone knew that if Philipsburg came out of the zone, the points would start rolling. Philipsburg remained in their zone for almost two minutes until Nate Dane started his own 6-0 run. This put the Eagles on top 25-11 with 5:24 to go in the half, giving them exactly what they wanted.
After a couple of Luke Curtis free throws, John Whitman managed to score the next five points for Philipsburg. It wasn’t enough, however, as the Eagles wrapped up the half with an overpowering 36-22 lead.
Catich and Dane combined for 22 of their 36 first half points, but Philipsburg wasn’t about to roll over just yet.
The second half looked as if Tyrone was going to run away with the game by starting out on a 6-0 run. The score read 42-22, but the Mounties answered with a run that shook the Eagles out of their shoes. The 20 point lead quickly turned into an eight point lead after a Mountie 15-3 run, but that was as close as they would get.
Tyrone began to finish what they started in the third quarter by finishing on a 14-7 run, making the score 59-44 going into the fourth.
The lead never went below 15 the rest of the way for Tyrone as they cruised on to a walloping 84-59 victory over Philipsburg on senior night.
“I liked our match-ups tonight with Catich on [Matt] Curtis,” Tyrone head coach George Gripp said. “He did a really good job at Philipsburg earlier in the year and Nate Dane controlled JD Mason as well. We played pretty good team defense tonight other than a few breakdowns, but it was an overall good performance tonight.”
The four seniors played excellent on senior night, showcasing their talent for one of their last two games at Tyrone in their career. Catich led all scorers with 22 points, Matt Brooks threw in a solid 15, Gehret chipped in five and Johnny Franco knocked down four. All four of these players have proven themselves over the past few years that they can handle the tough situations brought upon them in every game and also have shown their leadership and dedication on and off the floor. Each of these players will be remembered for how they carried themselves each night and will continue to do so in each of their futures. Good luck to the senior class in your last home game tomorrow night.
With the win, Tyrone improved to 19-4 and secured a Nittany Division crown. They are seeded number one in the district playoff bracket, awaiting the winner of Bellwood Antis and United. The Eagles will finish off the season tomorrow night in hopes of a 20 win season against Penns Valley.
“Our goal was a 20 win season this year, and tomorrow we have a chance to accomplish that goal,” said Gripp. “Tonight’s game showed that we had a few let downs on defense when we got a big lead, which we need to focus more on. We let up for a couple of minutes tonight, and Philipsburg cut our lead to single digits. It’s something we need to take care of before going into this last game and into the playoffs.”
Tyrone 84 Philipsburg-Osceola 59
Tyrone – Catich 9 4-4 22, Dane 9 0-0 18, Brooks 5 5-6 15, Updyke 4 1-3 10, Gehret 2 1-2 5, Franco 2 0-0 4, Peterman 1 0-0 3, Brokenshire 1 0-0 2, Taylor 2 0-0 5. Totals 35 11-15 84.
Philipsburg – Komisar 6 0-0 15, Whitman 4 1-2 9, L. Curtis 3 3-5 9, M. Curtis 2 1-1 6, Myers 2 0-0 4, Rocco 0 3-4 3, Baughman 2-2 2, Senior 1 0-0 2, Harris 0 0-1 0, Mason 4 1-2 9. Totals 22 11-17 59.
Score by Quarters
Philipsburg-Osceola 11 11 22 15 – 59
Tyrone 19 17 23 25 – 84
Three-point goals: Tyrone–3 (Updyke, Peterman, Taylor)
PO-4 (Komisar-3, M. Curtis)
Tyrone Jayvee Crush P-O
Levi Reihart, Andy Brokenshire, Dillon McKeehan and Jordan Taylor all combined for 54 of Tyrone’s 60 points in the blow out win over the Mounties. Reihart led the way with 15 points and three treys, while the other three tallied 13..
Tyrone 60 Philipsburg-Osceola 21
Tyrone – Brokenshire 5 2-2 13, Reihart 6 0-0 15, McKeehan 6 0-0 13, Taylor 6 1-1 13, Murray 1 2-2 4, Henneman 1 0-0 2. Totals 25 5-5 60.
Philipsburg – Harris 5 3-4 13, Senior 2 0-0 5, Baughman 1 0-0 2, Rocco 0 1-2 1. Totals 8 4-6 21.
Score by Quarters
Philipsburg-Osceola 5 4 10 2 – 21
Tyrone 10 19 16 15 – 60
Three-point goals: Tyrone-5 (Reihart-3, Brokenshire, McKeehan)
PO-1 (Senior)