Boro propaganda reignites consolidation issue

Emporium Borough Council members recently released an information and opinion sheet that focused on the long-debated issue of consolidating local governments in Cameron County.

The detailed publication, presented in a newsletter format, has rekindled debate about the consolidation issue, as well as the appropriateness of Council's issuance of the document.

Council members will discuss the matter when they hold their regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in the borough building. The meeting is open to the public.

Also on the agenda for discussion is the status of the former Tino's Restaurant building at Fourth and Broad streets.

Council accepted the bid of former Emporium resident Michael Hepfner of Aberdeen, N.C., for the property. However, Hepfner has not yet paid the necessary $4,000 -- 10 percent of his $40,000 offer -- to keep the closing process on course.

Hepfner and his wife, Christie, originally stated their intention to open a grill-type restaurant. However, those plans may not materialize. They have until early December to make payment.

The landmark building was once a bank and later served as Emporium's public library.