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Articles by Luke Roman
Newport plugs holes in personnel positions
Perry County Times Published: Oct. 24, 2026, 8:36 p.m. Personnel matters highlighted the Oct. 6 meeting of Newport Borough Council. Nicholas Soccio was hired as a part-time Codes and Zoning Officer, filling the vacancy left by Bruce Psaras who resigned in August. Council will conduct interviews of final candidates to fill the vacant secretary/treasurer position at 6 p.m. prior to its Oct. 20 mid-month meeting. Former secretary Shelly Damiano resigned in April.
Line Mountain extends regular-season win streak to 18 with rout of Susquenita
High School Sports Published: Oct. 03, 2026, 12:11 a.m. Line Mountain football during Mid Penn football media day on Aug. 5, 2026. Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.comSean Simmers By Luke Roman | Special to PennLive The Line Mountain football team is proving they are a finely-tuned machine firing on all cylinders. The Eagles extended their regular season winning streak to 18 games as they thoroughly demolished Susquenita in Cove on Friday.
AAHS survives scary 2nd quarter in win
HARRISBURG -- Altoona needed both its dynamic offense and a ball-hawking defense to hold off a scrappy Central Dauphin East squad by a 41-33 count in a steamy Thursday night shootout at Landis Field. The Mountain Lions clawed their way to 350 yards of offense while generating the defense that registered six turnovers on the night.
West Perry has a new school board president
Perry County Times Published: Aug. 29, 2026, 6:00 a.m. West Perry School District administrative office. (Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com, file) The West Perry School Board voted in a new president on Aug. 17 following the resignation of Robbyn Metz, who is facing theft charges from her former employer. Katherine Stover was sworn in on a unanimous vote. As for the seat itself, residents of Region II (comprised of Carroll and Spring townships and Landisburg Borough) have until Aug.
West Perry proceeding with plan to close school
Perry County Times Published: Aug. 15, 2026, 6:00 a.m. The West Perry School Board held the necessary hearing regarding it proposal to close Blain in front of several hundred concerned constituents who packed themselves into the high school auditorium on Aug. 3. Superintendent Lucas Clouse gave a lengthy power point presentation extolling the perceived merits and benefits of the closure.
West Perry School Board looks at ending emailed public comments
Perry County Times Published: Jul. 10, 2026, 3:21 p.m. The West Perry School Board took the first step June 8 to rolling back a COVID-era provision which allowed for greater remote participation by the public during board meetings. The first reading of the revised policy which would curtail email submissions for public comment passed on a 5-3 vote. Derek Nesbit, James Hamilton and Krista Wills were the dissenters. Cassie Miller was not present.
West Perry School Board rebuked on several fronts
Perry County Times Published: May. 24, 2026, 4:59 p.m. The West Perry School Board continues to face harsh criticism on many fronts. None was more impactful than that of West Perry Education Association President Jeff Sims. Sims issued an austere rebuke of the board during their May 11 meeting. Sims claimed the board and WPEA have reached an impasse.
Susquenita blasts by Trinity in District 3-3A softball semifinal
High School Sports Updated: May. 22, 2026, 7:52 p.m. |Published: May. 22, 2026, 7:51 p.m. Susquenita pitcher Kylah Fleisher delivers to the plate against Trinity in a District 3 semifinal Friday, May 22.Luke Roman COVE — Susquenita blasted four home runs to power its way past Trinity 12-2 in the District 3 Class 3A playoffs Friday afternoon as the Blackhawks punched their ticket for their fourth District 3 final appearance in five years.
District stays in-house with superintendent pick
Perry County Times Published: May. 09, 2026, 6:30 a.m. West Perry selected one of its own to be the next superintendent on April 20. Lucas Clouse, the district’s communication and compliance officer, has served West Perry in various capacities in his 19-year tenure including stints as principal at all three of the district’s elementary schools. Clouse, also a West Perry graduate, will start his five-year term effective July 1. His salary to start is $145,000 per year.
Council member, 3 workers leave their positions in Newport
Perry County Times Published: Apr. 25, 2026, 6:15 a.m. Councilwoman Penny Frownfelter and three Newport Borough employees informed council they intend to end their service to the borough during council’s April 7 meeting. Frownfelter’s resignation was acknowledged by the council, but not technically accepted on advice of solicitor Idan Ghazanfari. That allows council a longer window to fill the position.
West Perry Board looks and looks again at options for its buildings
Perry County Times Published: Apr. 04, 2026, 7:00 a.m. The West Perry School Board continues to weigh options for the district’s infrastructure future. During the March 9 meeting, capital improvement committee chair Katherine Stover updated the latest plan being explored, after the scuttling of the previous plan to consolidate everything to the main Spring Twp. campus Revised cost estimates changed it.
Council climbs aboard tourism promotion
Perry County Times Published: Mar. 14, 2026, 8:26 a.m. Newport Borough Council approved a motion in support of the creation of the Perry County Economic Alliance (PCEA) to promote tourism. Richard Pluta, who is on the Perry County Economic Development Authority, explained that Perry County handed off its tourism promotion to Dauphin County’s Visit Hershey and Harrisburg operation in 1991, but now wants to bring the role in-house.
Problem properties raise issues in Newport
A vacant property at 499 North Front St. in Newport was declared a dangerous structure by borough council following a hearing Feb. 3. Codes officer Bruce Psaras said the home, constructed in 1978 and unoccupied for several years, has many structural issues, including a deteriorated roof. The property also has abandoned vehicles and overgrowth. He said $900 of fines had previously been issued.
West Perry School Board hits pause button on project
The West Perry School Board has paused its capital improvement project in the schematic design phase after receiving revised cost estimates from EI Associates. The projected cost of Option 4, which would replace West Perry’s three elementary schools with a new one on the district’s main Spring Twp. campus, while performing renovations on the secondary buildings, has risen from $59 million to $72 million. The roughly 22 percent increase shocked board members and forced them to re-evaluate options.
Resolution of litigation in Rye Twp. called a priority
The Rye Twp. Community Association (RTCA) is trying to reach an amicable solution with the township over the ongoing $98,500 lawsuit the township filed against the organization. To that end, the RTCA has prepared a proposed draft agreement. In a statement prepared by RTCA President Rebecca Schulze and read by her husband, John Schulze, during the Dec.
Proposed school district restructuring faces opposition
The proposed West Perry elementary consolidation project continues to be a major source of contention in the district. The board gave an update Dec. 8 on the project and then took input from numerous concerned citizens. Board member Katherine Stover reported on the schematic design phase and presented the anticipated benefits of the consolidation.
West Perry appointee didn’t deserve rancor, board president says
West Perry School Board President Robbyn Metz made it clear — she is disappointed in the tenor public comment has taken in recent meetings. While speaking in a reserved tone, Metz delivered a resolute speech during the board’s Dec.
Newport budget is passed with an adjustment
Newport Borough Council approved a 2026 budget during a special Nov. 24 meeting. In doing so, a previous statement was corrected about the dedicated fire tax. It had been stated that the fire tax was exempt from the revenue neutrality required of reassessment, meaning the old millage rate of 0.361 would remain unchanged. However, that was incorrect, and as such the new fire millage rate is 0.191.
Township recreation board left with no members
Six remaining members of the Rye Twp. Recreation Board all tendered their resignations during the Nov. 18 supervisors’ meeting. They were Darlene and Glen Campbell, Laura Fedder, Barbara Fitzsimmons and Brenda and Kelly Little. Two other members of the board had stepped down in recent months, leaving the recreation board with no active members. Several cited declining public participation in events and the current status of the park and playground as reasons for their departure.
Business manager to serve as acting superintendent for West Perry school
The West Perry School Board tapped business manager Cory Hoffman as interim superintendent effective upon Jeff Kuhns’ resignation on Jan. 9. The board approved Hoffman on an unanimous roll call vote during their Nov. 10 meeting. The move was controversial as several individuals expressed concerns over Hoffman serving in both roles simultaneously, viewing it as a potential conflict of interest.
Southern Columbia runs over Steel-High in PIAA Class 2A quarterfinal
Steel High vs. Southern Columbia By Luke Roman | Special to PennLive SELINSGROVE — In a clash of PIAA blue bloods — a matchup of programs with a combined 18 state titles and 90 PIAA tournament wins — Southern Columbia proved they are still the premier small-school program in Pa., thrashing Steel-High 55-26 to advance to the AA quarterfinals. The Tigers ran wild on the field turf of Harold G. Bolig Memorial Field to the tune of 484 yards, including 359 on the ground.
Lackawanna Trail topples Line Mountain 31-20 in PIAA 1A playoffs
SHAMOKIN – Critical mistakes clipped the Eagles’ wings in Line Mountain’s 31-20 PIAA Class A first-round loss to Lackawanna Trail at Kemp Memorial Stadium. Despite out-gaining the Lions 333-241 and amassing 20 first downs to LT’s 12, Line Mountain was unable to overcome three critical mistakes. A pair of interceptions and a botched punt attempt derailed the Eagles’ shot at what would have been their first ever PIAA tournament win.
Steel-High handles Chestnut Ridge to reach PIAA 2A quarterfinals
COVE – Steel-High came out of the gate strong, delivering a dominating first quarter deluge to seize control and never look back in their 52-20 dismantling of District 5 champion Chestnut Ridge in a PIAA Class 2A first round game Friday night. The Rollers built a commanding 24-0 lead while erupting for 195 yards in the opening frame. “We wanted to come out and make sure we pressed the gas,” said Steel-High skipper Andrew Erby. “We thought we had a little bit of a chip on our shoulder.
Kunkle selected to fill Rye Twp. supervisor vacancy
Rye Twp. supervisors appointed Charles Kunkle to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Brad Sloop during a special meeting on Oct. 23. The term Kunkle was appointed to fill runs through 2027. Kunkle, who previously served on the board, was one of three applicants for the position and Chairman Jim Sabo attributed his prior experience as a major factor in the selection. The other two applicants were Andrew Lehman and Eric Olsen. During the Oct.
Warehouse proposed at Buffalo Crossing
The process of bringing the long-anticipated Buffalo Crossing Development into reality was the main focus of the Oct. 2 Howe Township supervisors meeting. Steve Munz, the principal of Access Red Hill Associates LLC, presented the status of the project and addressed the board’s concerns in seeking conditional project approval. The parcel has been split into three lots and Access Red Hill has a 450,000 square foot warehouse planned for Lot 3, which is the largest and one farthest from Route 34.
Rye Township supervisor hands in resignation with 2 years left in term
Brad L. Sloop resigned Sept. 20 from the Rye Twp. Board of Supervisors. His resignation letter, which was read aloud by Chairman James Sabo at the Sept. 23 supervisors’ meeting, was brief. It simply stated he was resigning and he appreciated the opportunity to serve the community. Roughly two years remain on his term. Residents interested in serving should submit a letter of interest to the township. Natasha Frey resigned from the Recreation Board, leaving two of that board’s nine seats vacant.
Newport’s ordinance violation form taking shape
Perry County Times Published: Sep. 20, 2025, 8:20 a.m. Newport Borough code enforcement officer Bruce Psaras unveiled a new complaint form residents can complete should they witness supposed violations of borough ordinances during the Sept. 2 council meeting. The form has a check box for the nature of the complaint with the options of high grass, trash, signage, pest/insects, parking, occupancy, noise or other.
West Perry School Board explores $59M facilities overhaul plan
Perry County Times Published: Sep. 13, 2025, 6:00 a.m. The West Perry School Board is continuing to explore its options for a potential facilities overhaul. Specifically, the construction of a new elementary school on the district’s main campus which would result in the closure of the three existing elementary schools and realignment of grades.
Packed meeting addresses data center concerns in Watts Township
Perry County Times Published: Sep. 13, 2025, 6:00 a.m. Watts Twp. supervisors faced a packed meeting room Sept. 3 full of citizens concerned about the possibility of data centers coming to the municipality during their Sept. 3 meeting. Chairman Darren Miller did his best to assuage people’s fears. Miller explained the proposed zoning ordinance pertaining to data centers the planning commission was developing, was meant to limit where they could be placed in the township.
Rye Township sues community association over softball field fence
Tensions continue to escalate between the Rye Twp. supervisors and Rye Twp. Community Association (RTCA). On Aug. 29, the non-profit RTCA received notice of a new complaint from the township for the Court of Common Pleas asking for $98,500 ($500 per day for 197 days of alleged violation).
Something new in store for Buffalo Crossing development
Perry County Times Published: Aug. 16, 2025, 7:51 a.m. The long-anticipated Buffalo Crossing project may finally be coming to fruition. The nature of the development, which originally was approved as retail space, has shifted dramatically as the latest incarnation of the plan calls for a 450,000-square-foot warehouse. Two small lots with road frontage are being set aside for future commercial development. At their August meeting, Howe Twp.
Junior Mustangs power past Newport for River League title
Updated: Jun. 28, 2025, 6:10 a.m. |Published: Jun. 28, 2025, 6:10 a.m. The West Perry Junior Mustangs #1 (there were two Junior Mustangs teams this season) utilized power at the plate and on the mound to capture the 2025 River League Major Division Championship on June 15 as they knocked out Newport 11-3. The youthful ‘Stangs pounded out 11 hits in the process, none bigger Chase Kopchik’s third inning grand slam which towered over the 8-foot high left field fence at Shermans Dale’s Burn Hill Park.
Vacancy on Newport Borough Council filled
Newport Borough Council filled a vacancy May 6 by appointing Jacob Zentichko to fill the seat vacated by Billie Dudley’s resignation. Zentichko, who received a unanimous vote, previously served one term on council. Allison Sassani also submitted a letter of interest, but was disqualified from consideration after Councilwoman Tami Halstead reported Sassani was not a registered voter in the borough, a prerequisite to serve.
Newport baseball takes doubleheader from Greenwood
Repeated rainouts forced Newport and Greenwood baseball into an unorthodox doubleheader on May 7 where each school hosted a game as things started under the mid-afternoon sun in Millerstown and finished under the Katchmer Field lights. The Buffaloes swept the odd twin bill by scores of 3-1 and 10-5 upping their record to 12-5 in the process. Newport utilized a combination of strong pitching, timely hitting and ‘small ball’ to earn the pair of victories over its northern neighbor.
Greenwood baseball wins 3 in a row, pushes for districts
Greenwood utilized a solid mix of pitching and timely hitting to defeat East Juniata 5-3 on May 2 and extend their win streak to three games. Jacob Anderson limited the Tigers to three runs on five hits over six strong innings while striking out six to earn the win. “I trusted (Assistant Coach Mark) McCoy, whatever he called, I threw,” said Anderson. “My curveball is able to keep (hitters) off balance, my 2-seam has some good run to it and my fastball (was effective).
Howe Twp. supervisor tenders resignation
Updated: Apr. 12, 2025, 9:14 a.m. |Published: Apr. 12, 2025, 9:08 a.m. The resignation of Supervisor Steve Smith was accepted during the April 3 Howe Twp. meeting. Board President Dale Beaver reported Smith submitted an email on March 19 announcing his intentions to resign the post. Beaver stated the content in Smith’s email indicated he reached the decision after deliberating the issue with fanily. Beyond that, no specific reasons were brought forth.
Buffalo baseball splits a pair on the road
Updated: Apr. 12, 2025, 9:06 a.m. |Published: Apr. 12, 2025, 9:03 a.m. Newport baseball played road warriors last week and split a pair of games. The week started in Elizabethville where the Buffaloes let an early lead slip away in a gut-wrenching 9-8 loss to Upper Dauphin and concluded in McAlisterville with a 16-4 drubbing of East Juniata. Landon Zaring’s grand slam highlighted the Newport offensive output on Mar. 31.
Greenwood’s fine season ends in PIAA quarterfinal
Updated: Mar. 29, 2025, 8:31 a.m. |Published: Mar. 29, 2025, 8:23 a.m. The Greenwood girls’ basketball team turned in another stellar campaign. They posted a 21-8 overall record culminating in a riveting playoff run, reaching the PIAA tournament quarterfinal. Unfortunately, it would go no further as District III Champion Linville Hill dashed the Wildcats’ hopes of a second straight final four appearance by a 48-25 count on Mar. 15.
Blackhawk softball rallies past Big Spring, 10-5
Perry County Times Updated: Mar. 29, 2025, 8:26 a.m. |Published: Mar. 29, 2025, 8:21 a.m. Ayahna Fleisher is a major force to be reckoned with. The Blackhawk senior pitched a complete game victory while smacking a pair of 2-run singles during Susquenita’s 10-5 victory over Big Spring on Mar. 21. “It’s just about confidence,” said Fleisher, who got her 100th career hit while slugging her program record-breaking 17th homer during the season opening 11-1 win over Littlestown.
Greenwood girls crush UB Christian in state tourney, but see season end in quarterfinals
Updated: Mar. 22, 2025, 6:10 a.m. |Published: Mar. 22, 2025, 6:10 a.m. The Greenwood girls’ basketball program easily advanced to the quarter finals in the PIAA single-A tournament, taking out a thoroughly outmanned Upper Bucks Christian squad 51-12 in Hamburg on Mar. 12. The Wildcats dominated both ends of the floor-netting 50% of their field goal attempts (22 of 44) while generating 29 turnovers and limiting the Bucks to 11% shooting.
Hawks end 20-year drought with winning season
Quick Look - Current -Mostly Sunny TonightLow -Mostly Sunny TomorrowHigh -Mostly Sunny Updated: Mar. 15, 2025, 12:12 p.m. |Published: Mar. 15, 2025, 12:05 p.m. The Susquenita boys’ basketball team posted a 13-9 campaign, its first winning season in over two decades (the 2003-04 squad posted an 18-8 record). They also claimed the Perry County Tournament, something they last achieved in 2002.
Shreffler’s ‘Pony Express’ brings home the gold
Updated: Mar. 15, 2025, 12:13 p.m. |Published: Mar. 15, 2025, 12:07 p.m. Despite occurring in different sports across several decades, all four West Perry state championship teams have one thing in common — bus driver Jerry Shreffler.
Greenwood girls rally past Millville, 43-30
Quick Look - Current -Mostly Sunny TonightLow -Mostly Sunny TomorrowHigh -Mostly Sunny Updated: Mar. 15, 2025, 12:16 p.m. |Published: Mar. 15, 2025, 12:07 p.m. Just before opening tip-off, Greenwood coach Jeff Deitz instructed his team to get off to a fast start to shut-up a very loud Millville student section, and while it did not happen as fast as Deitz would have liked, the Wildcats ultimately accomplished that goal.
Proposed business moves forward in Newport
Updated: Mar. 15, 2025, 7:34 a.m. |Published: Mar. 15, 2025, 7:33 a.m. Mike Gensemer of Building Inspection Underwriters of PA, Inc. (BIU) addressed Newport Borough Council March 3 to clarify the status of the proposed Blue Buffalo Tavern at 57 North Second St. Gensemer said proprietor Don Failor failed to submit an application to BIU as required, which was the reason for the notice of violation. He stated Failor finally submitted a permit on Feb. 18 and a Feb.
Brinser, defense propel Wildcats to playoff win
The Greenwood girls’ basketball team downed Lancaster County Christian 42-32 to capture third place in the District III single-A tournament on Feb. 27. The convincing win had all the hallmarks of what has driven Wildcat success all season—tough defense, solid free throw shooting and timely offense. The tenacious Greenwood defense generated 23 turnovers while limiting the Lions to 12 of 45 shooting from the floor.
Construction of building study continues at West Perry
Updated: Mar. 01, 2025, 8:17 a.m. |Published: Mar. 01, 2025, 8:16 a.m. The West Perry School Board is moving forward with the next step of a feasibility study. The board held a fourth meeting with representatives from EI Associates regarding the study of the district’s infrastructure on Feb. 19.
Linville Hill knocks Greenwood out of playoffs, 61-30
Quick Look - Current -Mostly Sunny TonightLow -Mostly Sunny TomorrowHigh -Mostly Sunny Updated: Mar. 01, 2025, 8:12 a.m. |Published: Mar. 01, 2025, 8:11 a.m. The Greenwood boys’ basketball turned in another solid campaign. They posted a 17-5 regular season mark and made their third straight Tri-Valley League Championship game appearance.
Greenwood girls zoned out of Tri-Valley League playoffs
Updated: Feb. 22, 2025, 8:10 a.m. |Published: Feb. 22, 2025, 8:09 a.m. The first time the Greenwood girls’ basketball team faced off against Upper Dauphin, the Trojans started in man defense and the Wildcats exploited it, jumping to an early lead. The Trojans then switched to a zone and while it did not lead to a Trojan win, it did slow down the Wildcat attack.
Development in Howe Twp. is at a crossroads
Updated: Feb. 22, 2025, 8:13 a.m. |Published: Feb. 22, 2025, 8:12 a.m. The Buffalo Crossing Development received another extension during the Feb. 6 Howe Twp. supervisors’ meeting. Red Hill Associates, the developer behind the project, now has until Feb. 24 to submit the final lot plan. Board Chair Dale Beaver also submitted a letter to the Office of Budget for an extension of the $2 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant tied to the project which was set to expire.
Greenwood boys fall to Halifax in TVL final, 64-36
Updated: Feb. 22, 2025, 8:15 a.m. |Published: Feb. 22, 2025, 8:08 a.m. For the second year in a row, the Greenwood boys’ basketball team reached the Tri-Valley League Final only to fall to Halifax, this time by a 64-36 count on Feb. 13. Halifax was the cream of the TVL this campaign, posting a perfect 13-0 TVL regular season mark and takes a stellar 21-3 record into the District playoffs.
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