Celebrating its 200th year, Rush Township has been officially honored by the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives for two centuries of contributions to the development of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

On Tuesday, Senator David G, Argall, R-29, and Representative Jerry P. Knowles, R-124, presented citations to the township board of supervisors at the start of the board's monthly meeting held at the municipal building, 104 Mahanoy Avenue.Coincidentally, both Argall and Knowles are residents of the township and natives of Tamaqua, just three miles away.That closeness and familiarity with the local community was the highlight of their remarks."I'm proud to be able to recognize you and my home community," said Knowles. "The closer the government is to the people, the better it is for the people and the government itself."Argall spoke of the township's "inspiring presence in the Commonwealth," and noted that it was likely the first time a sitting state senator and representative both live in the township.Interestingly, Rush Township is as old as the county in which it is situated. Schuylkill County also is noting its bicentennial this year.During the business portion, much discussion centered on a $277 invoice submitted by the auditors for payment by the supervisors and included as an agenda item among other bills pending approval and payment.Shawn Gilbert, board vice chairman, questioned the nature of the bill, and whether it was appropriate."We're the chain of command," he noted. "I have an issue with paying a bill that shouldn't be paid."The issue was deferred until next month after Solicitor Robert Yurchak said he would take a look at the invoice.The potential for police regionalization continues to be a hot item in area municipalities.Rush Township approved the signing of a letter of intent with the state Department of Community and Economic Development to begin the process of regionalization with Kline Township, an item generating considerable discussion."Why are we doing it with Kline Township and not Tamaqua," asked Gilbert.Supervisor Bob Leibensperger explained that the state recommended the township take its first police regionalization steps with a similar municipality."Since we're small ... we should start with another small municipality," said Leibensperger, adding that Rush Township would stand to gain with cost savings. He also said the process takes a look at many different factors."There are three different methods to look at to lay out costs and to determine the number of people needed," explained Leibensperger. Those factors are real estate, population, and road mileage. Also, if the township with its new holding cell were used as the regional police station, rent would be paid to the township.It was explained that the regionalization process between Tamaqua, Coaldale and other towns would involve personnel such as detectives, for instance, a different situation from that of Rush.Gilbert said it is his belief that police regionalization should represent cost savings. "We shouldn't be paying more. We should be paying less," said Gilbert, a point to which Leibensperger and Chairman Stephen W. Simchak appeared to agree.In another matter, resident Pat Tracy questioned the role of the grant writer with regard to a grant submission for the development of Ryan Memorial Park. Marion Lazur questioned the fee schedule of Centax, collector of the township's local service tax. Terri Conville, secretary/treasurer, responded, saying that the rate information isn't available yet since the process is only in the early stages.