Category: Community Revitalization

Invitation for Bids: Shamokin's Historic Post Office Roof Replacement

Invitation for Bids: Shamokin’s Historic Post Office Roof Replacement

Posted on by DNS Admin

Help Preserve a Piece of Shamokin’s History! The City of Shamokin EDA is seeking contractors for the roof replacement and associated repairs at the historic Post Office building – an important step in protecting and revitalizing this downtown landmark. Pre-bid meeting: January 13, 2026 Bids due: January 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM Full bid advertisement and details available below.

PART I – INVITATION

The City of Shamokin Economic Development Authority (EDA) will receive sealed bids, one (1) original and two (2) copies, for furnishing labor, materials, and performing all work set forth in the advertisement, general conditions, drawings, and specifications until 10:00 AM prevailing time on January 23rd, 2026, at 47 E. Lincoln Street, Shamokin PA 17872, after which time, all bids will be publicly opened in the Office of the Mayor and read aloud. The formal bid award will be announced on January 26th, 2026, during a formal meeting of the EDA. Bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked, “Shamokin Historic Post Office Roof Replacement and Associated Repairs BID – Attention Betsy Kramer.”

Invitation, preparation, submittal, bidding requirements, all materials furnished, and all work shall conform to applicable parts of the contract documents. The project includes roof replacement and associated building repairs at the historic post office building located at 400 East Sunbury Street in Shamokin, PA.  Plans, specifications, and bid documents are available for inspection at the Shamokin City Hall at 47 E Lincoln St, Shamokin, PA 17872. Contractors may view and purchase drawings and specifications at Ditto Plan Room (412) 434-6666 or https://www.dittoplanroom.com.

A pre-bid meeting will be held on January 13th, 2026 at City Hall at 1:30PM. Questions regarding the project must be sent via email to Amy Baade at ABaade@lga-partners.com. All questions and answers will be provided to bidders of record as addenda to the drawings and specifications and will become part of the contract. Questions must be submitted no later than January 16th, 2022, at 3:00PM. Questions placed by telephone or facsimile will not be honored.

Pre-Construction Deployment is expected on February 20, 2026, with Construction beginning March 1, 2026. A final construction punchlist walkthrough and Substantial Completion must occur by May 22, 2026.

A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of City of Shamokin Economic Development Authority, or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total of the Bid, shall be submitted with each bid. The Bidder shall include the fully completed Non-Collusion Affidavit with the bid.

The minimum wage rates for each craft or classification of all workmen needed to perform this contract during the anticipated term hereof shall be governed by State Prevailing Wage Rates. Upon successful award of the contract, a 100% performance, 100% payment and 10% maintenance bond shall be required. No bids shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the time set for the opening of bids. The City of Shamokin EDA reserves the right to reject any or all bids, negotiated contract amounts, and to waive any irregularity in the proposal when the EDA deems such action advantageous to the EDA.

City of Shamokin Economic Development
Authority
Edward Manning
Shamokin EDA Board President

Download: 2026_0106 Shamokin PO Roof Replacement Bid Advertisement

SEDA-COG Leads Successful Flood Maps Appeal, Easing Insurance Burdens in Shamokin

SEDA-COG Leads Successful Flood Maps Appeal, Easing Insurance Burdens in Shamokin

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA — The City of Shamokin, in partnership with SEDA–Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), has successfully resolved its appeal of FEMA’s preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps. This achievement ensures more accurate flood zone designations and delivers significant financial relief for residents and businesses, helping reduce uncertainty for homeowners and encouraging future reinvestment downtown.

FEMA’s preliminary maps, released in 2021, expanded areas shown as high-risk compared with the prior maps. The City of Shamokin immediately brought these concerns to the attention of SEDA-COG, recognizing the potential financial impact on residents and local redevelopment.

Working together, the City and SEDA-COG coordinated with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to secure Act 47 Implementation funding for an independent Hydrology & Hydraulics study of the Shamokin Creek basin, completed by a qualified engineering consultant.

The 2021 preliminary maps would have expanded high-risk flood zones across the City, requiring many property owners to purchase flood insurance for the first time and potentially complicating property sales, permitting, and redevelopment.

SEDA-COG prepared and submitted the City’s technical appeal to FEMA on Feb. 10, 2023. On Sept. 30, 2025, FEMA issued revised preliminary maps for Shamokin that closely align with the City’s study, indicating FEMA’s incorporation of the City’s technical data.

The City and SEDA-COG view this as a major success that will reduce the number of properties subject to mandatory flood-insurance requirements compared to the 2021 preliminary maps.

The revised maps now provide a more accurate representation of the community’s actual flood risk, ensuring that only properties truly vulnerable to flooding are identified within the high-risk zones.

Next, FEMA will issue a Letter of Final Determination. The letter starts a six-month period for the City to adopt updated ordinances and for the new maps to take effect.

Residents may review the revised preliminary maps and should plan to speak with their insurance agent or lender once the maps are effective. Properties located in high-risk flood zones may be eligible for discounted or grandfathered insurance options under National Flood Insurance Program rules. These options are available through your insurance agent.

“This is a major win for Shamokin,” said Mayor Mike McLaughlin. “Accurate maps mean fair treatment for our residents and smarter planning for our future. We’re grateful for SEDA-COG’s technical support and the engineering firm’s study.”

“This result shows the real power of collaboration,” said Betsy Kramer, program manager, Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG. “By combining sound science, local knowledge, and strong partnerships, Shamokin achieved one of the best possible outcomes, a more accurate map that protects both residents and the city’s long-term revitalization efforts.”

“This effort was possible because Shamokin’s leadership recognized that addressing flood risk was essential to the City’s long-term recovery,” Kramer said. “SEDA-COG worked with the City to demonstrate that this project was integral to restoring economic stability and supporting its successful exit from financial distress. We’re always glad to share lessons learned and help other communities strengthen their own resiliency planning.”

Municipal leaders who are interested in learning more about the process or exploring potential resources to strengthen their own flood resiliency efforts are encouraged to contact Alimara (Ali) Cassidy, community resiliency project coordinator with SEDA-COG, at alimara.cassidy@seda-cog.org.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

SEDA-COG’s Betsy Kramer Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council

SEDA-COG’s Betsy Kramer Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council

Posted on by DNS Admin

News Release
June 2, 2023

Betsy Kramer, CEcD, EDP Revitalization Coordinator
Betsy Kramer, CEcD, EDP Revitalization Coordinator

Lewisburg, PA – Betsy Kramer, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Revitalization Coordinator, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. The CEcD Certification Program is the most prestigious designation in the economic development profession. Kramer was 1 of 32 economic development professionals nationwide who earned the designation. Additionally, in 2022, Kramer earned the Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) accreditation, also from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The IEDC administered the written CEcD Exam on May 8, 2023, and notified candidates of their results on May 17, 2023. Working in economic development for over 6 years, Kramer is currently assisting the city of Shamokin with economic revitalization and community resiliency. She has extensive experience in facilitating communication and collaboration with volunteer organizations, non-profits, elected officials, business community and investors to achieve a unified revitalization mission.

The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive examination, which has three parts and spans two days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the following key areas of economic development:

  • • business retention and expansion
  • • finance & credit analysis
  • • marketing and attraction
  • • strategic planning
  • • entrepreneurial & small business development
  • • managing economic development organizations
  • • neighborhood development strategies
  • • real estate development & reuse
  • • technology-led economic development
  • • workforce development strategies
  • • foreign direct investment & exporting

As highly competent economic development professionals, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector. Excellence in the economic development profession improves wellbeing, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently over 1,200 active CEcDs in the United States.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedcONLINE.org.

SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

For more information, please contact Kristen Moyer, chief of staff, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7212 or kmoyer@seda-cog.org

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities
www.seda-cog.org

Shamokin restaurants: We’re open – eat local

Shamokin restaurants: We’re open – eat local

Posted on by DNS Admin

Shamokin restaurants and breweries want the public to know that even with the pandemic’s restrictions, they are open with outdoor and indoor dining options.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), a community and economic development agency, has an office in Shamokin to coordinate revitalization efforts. SEDA-COG Revitalization Coordinator Betsy Kramer reviewed some restaurants’ outdoor seating expansion plans for the city to help ensure the aesthetics meet a revitalization plan that is being finalized.

HERITAGE RESTAURANT

Heritage Restaurant’s outdoor expansion fits with the revitalization plan and adds 13 outdoor tables at 52 N. Market St. and live music every Saturday night.

They offer “great food” like Bangin’ Shrimp, scallops, poutine, steaks, seafood, and more, said owner Kathy Vetovich.

“It’s a really cool vibe outside with plenty of atmosphere on our patio including signs from old Shamokin businesses,” Vetovich said. “It’s a destination.”

On display inside are vintage artifacts of days gone by of Shamokin like posters of a theater and a faux brick wall of the Fun Shop, a building that burned down several years ago.

She’s “born and bred” in Shamokin and a mural of her grandfather and her husband’s grandfather – both miners – is painted on her restaurant.

Vetovich started “rebuilding Shamokin one ugly building at a time” in 2014. She’s rejuvenated six buildings so far. The Heritage Restaurant was dilapidated, but she saw its potential in its tin ceilings and size. “It was an eyesore, but it had to be a gorgeous restaurant,” she said.

“I saw the demise of my hometown and I really couldn’t stand it,” she said. She wanted to stay and reinvest in the area where she knew people and people knew her.

One of the buildings she bought was the former Trinity Episcopal Church at 150 E. Liberty St. One of several offerings it will house is BAMSE Coffee and Roasters, a dog-friendly coffee shop. Its grand opening is 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. this weekend, Aug. 15 and 16. Regular hours will be 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

“This dog-friendly coffee shop is another opportunity for Shamokin to be a little distinct,” she said.

MAURER’S DAIRY AND ICE CREAM SHOPPE

Maurer’s Dairy and Ice Cream Shoppe at 34 S. Market St. offers daily outdoor barbeques of smoked chicken wings with picnic table seating.

“We put the wings on the grill, and they taste like no one else’s,” said owner Ken Bethge.

Besides the bar inside, they offer a pared down menu of freshly made sandwiches, burgers, soups, baked beans, coleslaw, and more.

Their ice cream features unique flavors like Bittersweet, their version of chocolate chip. They top it with a decadent 14% butter fat.

“We melt chocolates together and dump them into the hopper. When it splatters into the hopper, it gets into little pieces and you get a lot of chocolate in every bite. It’s a unique chocolate with a unique taste and it’s delicious and rich,” Bethge said.

Their ice cream cake sales have increased because of people celebrating more at home, he said.

From March to June, he offered free breakfast to serve the people of Shamokin. He started by delivering milk to schools, then expanded it to serving food to anyone in need thanks to donations.

“I always knew there was good people in this town, but it really hit home when we did the free breakfast here when people came out of the woodwork and dropped food and cash off – including other businesses,” Bethge said. “I’m totally shocked what the Coal region and people out of the area did.

“I want to keep thanking everybody who has kept helping us throughout this. They keep coming here – we’ll deliver curbside or outside. People are still supporting us and I’m thankful and without people, we wouldn’t be in business,” Bethge said.

Love drew Bethge to the area. Originally from the Bronx, he met a Shamokin woman and moved to Trevorton. He bought Maurer’s in 1993.

LOST MINED BREWING COMPANY & RESTAURANT

Dennis Kaleta has poured himself and his family’s mining heritage into his business, the Lost Mined Brewing Company & Restaurant at 100 S. Market St.

His grandfather worked in the Shamokin mines and was a bootlegger. Some artifacts in the restaurant are from his family with many others from the area.

“Nothing is fake; it’s all actual items that were used in the area,” Kaleta said. “Some are from ruins; others were given by customers.”

His outdoor dining seating has a planter made with an old tin roof he found in the area. They offer live music every Sunday night, supporting local artists.

They have a 30-tap system they made themselves and plan on putting 20 of their own beers on tap starting before year’s end. They have freshly cut French fries and homemade sauces and dressings to complement their full restaurant menu.

He started out in the home-brewing business 18 years ago and wanted to add variety to the local market. Now, he wants to add to the city.

“I believe in rebuilding this city,” Kaleta said.

COVERED BRIDGE BREWHAUS & TAPROOM

Covered Bridge Brewhaus & Taproom at 506 N. 8th St. also has outdoor and indoor dining. They offer about 25 new original beers a year like strubarb, a strawberry rhubarb beer; bragot made with local honey; cherry triple; and their flagship beer, coconut porter. They have 12 beers on tap along with wine from Kulpmont Winery, local spirits, and mixed drinks. Customers can take out beer in growlers, cans, and bottles.

“It’s my passion for beer and to try to create a European setting,” said owner Eric Kuijpers, who is originally from Holland. “My favorite beer is the next one; I always like to experiment.”

The Brewhaus has about 10 rotating food trucks that come and offer a variety of food like burgers, grilled cheese, BBQ, Mexican, and more.

It has three connected storefronts made into a taproom, a Speak Easy, and a parlor.

Originally from Neeritter in southern Holland, coming to Shamokin was “just a little adventure that turned into a longer stay,” Kuijpers said. “I started with some friends in the PA-Alers, a local homebrew club, maybe 15 years ago. I enjoy making different beers and sharing it with people.”