Mental health director in bathroom camera appeal deal

A mental health agency director charged with hiding a video camera in a bathroom will beg guilty to nine misdemeanor charges under an agreement with prosecutors. An attorney for Joseph Newell, executive director of Mid-Shore Mental Health Systems Inc. in Easton, announced the plea deal agreement with prosecutors during a pretrial hearing Friday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed and a appeal hearing was scheduled for Feb. 3.Newell, who is charged with hiding a video camera in a unisex bathroom at the agency's offices, was placed on indefinite administrative leave after he was charged in June. Easton police have said the camera restricted a memory card with video of Newell installing the device.

School district gets mental health contribution

The State College Area School District was awarded about $374,000 through the U.S. Department of Education’s Grants for the addition of Schools and Mental Health Systems Program, administered by the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.

With help from the funds, the district will try to improve student access to mental health services. The district will be partnering with Penn State’s Psychology Clinic, Centre County Mental Health and Mental Retardation office, and Centre County audition and Parole office. The grant is for two years, from July 2010 through June 2012. Nationally, only 16 applicants established funds.