'Seconds count when bullets fly': School district shares security plans at packed meeting

By Mary Lou Bytof

Students attending Northern Middle School and High School will be protected by armed school security officers in what the school district calls both a proactive and reactive effort to protect students in the event of an active shooter.

Last Thursday, Northern York County School District, three government officials and the Carroll Township police chief met with concerned parents in the middle school auditorium to provide information on the district's security measures and to answer questions from the audience.

Dr. Eric Eshback, district superintendent, and Matt LaBuda, assistant to the superintendent for administrative services, outlined steps the district has taken over the years to improve security in its schools, from changes made after the mass shooting at Columbine High School in 1999 to the present action.

Photo by Curt Werner

Matt LuBuda, assistant to superintendent for administrative services, outlines steps the district has taken over the years to improve security during a public meeting last week.

Supervisors review building proposals

By Carolyn Hoffman

Monaghan Township Supervisors are beginning to look at design proposals for a new township complex.

They reported at the August 13 session that they received numerous proposals and will choose two or three firms to interview.

Engineer Greg Rogalski plans to create a comparison of the fees among the proposals to aid supervisors in their decision, which they said will be based on finding the best value for the township. They plan a workshop meeting for August 29 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss and interview the most-favored firms.

Photo by Curt Werner

A man's car caught fire as he was driving in the 1800 block of Old York Road, Warrington Township Saturday morning. August 18, at 1 a.m. Wellsville Fire Company fought the car blaze. Also on the scene were the Wellsville fire police and Pennsylvania State Police. No injures were reported.

Rain didn't dampen Wellsville Carnival

By Shirley A. Knight

Despite a rainy week with high humidity, the 77th annual Wellsville Fire Company Carnival drew its annual loyal followers last week.

With cover for people to pop under during periods of rain, the event was a success according to Dean Trump, president of the fire company, who thanked community and volunteers for their annual support.

The three day event featured food, rides, games, music, bingo and plenty of chances to run into old friends.

Photo by Curt Werner

Katherine Wirt reaches reaches to touch hands with her cousin, Bella Long, while on the swing ride.

Bears to host East Penn

By Joe Guty

 Despite the loss of many seniors to graduation, the 2018 Northern H.S. varsity football team will feature some star returners and hopeful newcomers.

While the numbers are low, more than half the squad includes 23 sophomores who played on the 8-1 junior high team last year. It's a new season and every team has a perfect record.

The Polar Bears kick off 2018 when they host East Pennsboro H.S. this Friday night, August 24.

Photo by Curt Werner

Despite a light rain, the Northern Marching Band performed for friends and relatives at Bostic Field on Friday.

Harriers look to repeat

By Joe Guty

 For the defending PIAA District III, Class AA champion Northern H.S. Girls Cross-Country team, expectations are high for the new season.

The Lady Polar Bears, while lower in numbers than recent years, have all the talent to garner their third straight district and conference titles. PIAA Class AA State champion Marlee Starliper, now a junior, returns along with several veteran runners poised to make the Lady Polar Bears a contender on the state level again. After placing fifth at states in 2016, Northern earned a fourth-place finish last season.

The senior contingent includes Amber Swaisgood, Amber Fogelsanger and Katelyn Boyce. The junior class along with Starliper includes Katie Anthony, Meredith Engle and Elena Stonge. The sophomore class will be paced by Madison Saltsburg, Marissa Freed, Dixie Ramsey, Krista Elicker and Jamie Murphy. Freshmen runners who could contribute immediately include Allie Engle, Zoe Gleixner, Rebbecca Tirko and Ann Secord.

Photo by Curt Werner

The Cross Country team running at the high school on August 15.