Goretski's appointment approved

LEWISBURG - The SEDA-COG Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of Nicholas P. Goretski III to its board during a meeting Wednesday.

Goretski was chosen Tuesday by Northumberland County commissioners as the county's private sector representative on the board. County Commissioner Stephen Bridy also serves on the board.

Offices closed for holiday

Local municipalities report the following Memorial Day holiday closings:

Coal Township - All offices closed Monday. Also, the recycling center will be closed today.

Kulpmont - Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority Office will be closed Monday. Also, Kulpmont Borough office, code office and street department will be closed Monday.

Parking ban set for parade

KULPMONT - Parking will be prohibited on some streets in the borough to accomodate a Memorial Day parade Monday. The ban will be enforced from 8 a.m. until the parade passes on the following streets: the 600, 700, 800 and 900 blocks of Pine Street and from the 600 block to the 1200 block of Chestnut Street.

Parking is also prohibited from 13th and Chestnut streets to 13th and Scott streets as well as 11th and Chestnut streets to 11th and Scott streets and along the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Scott Street.

All vehicles must be moved or they will be ticketed.

SHAMOKIN - Two siblings have been charged with a felony of hindering the apprehension of a 22-year-old Shamokin man who fled from Geisinger Medical Center in Danville in March while he was wanted by city police on warrants for burglary, theft and retail theft.

Kiana Hlavaty, 19, of 351 S. Harrison St., Shamokin, and her brother, Cody Hlavaty, 18, of 351 E. Fifth St., Berwick, were charged by Patrolman Raymond Siko II with providing Shane R. Picarella, of 151 N. Grant St., with food, water and cigarettes and attempting to obtain money for the fugitive, who was taken into custody May 17, approximately two months after fleeing in a black car after undergoing medical treatment at Geisinger.

Kiana Hlavaty is Picarella's girlfriend.

A felony of flight to avoid apprehension also was filed by Siko against Picarella at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Picarella remains free on bail.

Ramifications

According to a criminal complaint, police warned Kiana Hlavaty that she would be charged if she harbored Picarella in any way or failed to reveal his whereabouts if she knew where he was. Hlavaty told police she understood the ramifications if she hindered the apprehension of her boyfriend.

On March 22, Siko received a call from Hlavaty's mother, who reported that she saw Picarella at a residence at 1811 Market St., Ashland. She also said her daughter asked her to bring food for both of them.

Siko then contacted Hlavaty again to tell her that he knew she was with Picarella since he fled from Geisinger. During the course of the investigation, Siko said he learned that Picarella was armed with a .22-caliber handgun and had made comments about having his former residence "booby trapped."

On May 17, police received information that Picarella was at his former apartment at 69 E. Independence St., and a female had been spotted entering the apartment through a rear fire escape.

Police found Picarella hiding under a bed.

He was taken into custody, where he complained again of chest pains and was evaluated by emergency personnel before being transported to Northumberland County Prison. There, he again experienced chest pains and was evaluated by a doctor at Sunbury Community Hospital who recommended Picarella be transported to Geisinger.

Picarella was taken to Geisinger, but officials there were made aware of the circumstances and were asked to notify police upon Picarella's release.

Police said Picarella was released from Geisinger on May 18 and transported to Shamokin Police Station before appearing before Gembic on his arrest warrants.

Getaway car

Picarella told police he called Cody Hlavaty on March 14 while at Geisinger, asking for help. Picarella said Hlavaty arranged to have a vehicle waiting for Picarella outside Geisinger. After leaving the hospital, Picarella said he located the vehicle and returned to Shamokin.

Siko said police aren't sure if Picarella drove the vehicle himself or was given a ride back to Shamokin.

Picarella told police he had been hiding at 69 E. Independence St. since he left the hospital.

He said Kiana and Cody Hlavaty provided him food, drinks and cigarettes.

When asked about being spotted in Ashland by Hlavaty's mother, Picarella said he was only at the house a day or two before returning to Shamokin. Picarella said the Ashland home belonged to a friend of Kiana Hlavaty.

CATAWISSA RR - The 2012 Relay For Life of Southern Columbia will kick off at noon, Friday, June 1.

The relay will be held at Southern Columbia Area High School's Tiger Stadium along Route 487.

The theme this year is "Granting Birthday Wishes... One Step at a Time."

At 6:30 p.m., Sue Bower, a physical education teacher at G. C. Hartman Elementary School, who fought through liposarcoma, will speak as honorary survivor. Bower underwent treatment at the same time her husband battled esophageal cancer. He passed away in April 2007. Bower credits her two children for helping her through that difficult time.

An emotional luminaria service will begin at 9 p.m. at the stage. Luminarias marked with the names of those remembered will be positioned around the inside of the stage and will become the only light source in the grounds when all others are turned off.

The Relay concludes Saturday at noon with a closing ceremony.

Southern Columbia Relay for Life schedule of events:

Friday

Noon to 4 p.m.: Soft kick-off.

4 p.m.: Official kickoff and opening lap (with National Anthem by Carly Ciavoroli).

4:30 p.m.: Survivor/caregiver meal in high school cafeteria.

4:30 p.m.: Relay Idol auditions.

4:30 p.m.: Lanny Lee balloon art.

5:45 p.m.: Honorary survivor chairperson Elaine Gittler.

6 p.m.: Survivor/caregiver lap lead by Southern Columbia Area high School Band.

6:30 p.m.: Dodge ball (free).

6:30 p.m.: Pet Rock (live band).

8 p.m.: Relay Idol (live performances).

9 p.m.: Luminaria service featuring the SCA Gospel Choir and the Elysburg Presbyterian Church Contemporary Worship Team.

10 p.m.: Flag football (sponsored by Tiger football team; announced by Chad Evans).

10 p.m.: Twilight 5K (sponsored by Steppin Out.

10 p.m.: Deuce (live band).

Saturday

Midnight: Free pizza party.

Midnight to 7 a.m.: All night fun activities.

8 a.m.: Zumba.

9 a.m.: Homerun Derby (ages 10 and up).

9:30 a.m.: Dilly, Rosie and Friends (live band).

10 a.m.: Amazing Race Youth Challenge.

11 a.m.: Butterfly release.

11:30 a.m.: Closing ceremony.

All Senior Action Centers will be closed on Monday, May 28 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge, noon

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Francine Morrison from Family Medical speaking on "New Shared Senior Housing," noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Farmer's Market voucher checks will be available starting June 1 and can be picked up Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Seniors must be 60 or older and meet income guidelines. ID is required. If you are picking up for someone, a proxy form must be filled out. If you live in a nursing home, convent, or residential facility where food is provided, you are not eligible.

Mount Carmel

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; current events, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; jingo, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Members only indoor picnic with bingo to follow, 1 p.m. Cost $2.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; gab fest, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; crossword puzzle, 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Exercise to the Oldies, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Sunday - Pinochle and rummy, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii in the morning; knitting, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle-rummy, noon.

Wednesday - Wii and knitting in the morning; Bunco, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii and knitting in the morning; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; evening cards, 4 p.m.

Friday - Wii in the morning; noodle balloon, noon; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Tuesday - PTH Exercise with Carol Burton, 10:15 a.m.; honoring our veterans with a program and lunch.

Wednesday - After lunch Linda Garvin speaking on lifeline/falls, open to the public.

Thursday - In honor of Older Americans month, hosting an open house featuring an auction.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

New membership cards are here and the dues are $5.

Trevorton

Tuesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; shopping at Wal-Mart, Coal Township, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Scrabble, 9:30 a.m.; movie "Courageous" and snacks, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Shopping at Lycoming Mall and lunch at Red Lobster, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; members meeting followed by bingo, 12:30 p.m.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin native Joe "Mickey" Mikulanis will celebrate his 95th birthday on Sunday, June 3.

Joe, a son of immigrant parents, lived in Shamokin all of his life.

Aside of serving as a mailman for many years, he served in the U.S. Army Cavalry Unit at Fort Myer, Va. While in the cavalry, Joe took care of then-Col. George Patton's horses. He also was a sentry, guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

During his tour of duty, he rode his horse in a parade welcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, then-King and Queen of England, in Washington, D.C.

Anyone who would like to put a smile on Joe's face for his 95th birthday can send him a card at 2052 Trevorton Road, Overlook Ridge, Apt. 5, Coal Township 17866. He still remembers many people by name from his mail routes.

DUNCOTT - A 14-year-old boy from New Jersey went missing for a couple hours Friday afternoon while riding his ATV with family members in the area known as the "Black Desert" just off Valley Road in Cass Township.

Cass-Foster police Chief Anthony Kuklinski said the family of Derek Guenther reported him missing at 2:19 Friday. Kuklinski said the family looked for him for about two and a half hours before calling the police.

Police said Guenther walked into the camp set up by emergency crews at about 3:27 p.m. Friday.

Visiting for Memorial Day weekend from Annandale, N.J., the family said they usually ride the ATV trails on the Reading Anthracite lands when they stay in the area. Derek was riding a blue Yamaha Grizzly 450 on Friday and was wearing proper safety equipment.

"We are really appreciative of the people that came out to help," Jordan Guenther said shortly after being reunited with his son. "They were very well organized and professional. They were really amazing."

Jordan Guenther said there was a group of them riding ATVs when they all stopped to eat lunch. He said Derek was feeling adventurous and wandered off on his own.

"I couldn't find my way back so I stayed still," Derek Guenther said.

He said that his father told him that if he ever got separated, to stay in one place until they find him.

Derek said it was the first time he was ever lost while riding an ATV. When his father asked him if it was also his last, Derek replied yes with a smile.

Also involved in the rescue were the Minersville Police Department and local fire companies from Minersville and Cass and Foster townships. Kuklinski also said a state police helicopter was called but the boy was found before it arrived on scene, adding there was no charge for the chopper.

SHAMOKIN - Two Shamokin police officers were treated at a hospital Thursday night after being injured in a disturbance that also involved the assault of an adult probation officer and another man on North Marshall Street.

Richard J. White, 26, of 582 W. Spruce St., Shamokin, was arraigned at 9 a.m. Friday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, public drunkenness, resisting arrest and obstructing administration of the law for his role in the fracas that began around 8:15 p.m. at the home of William P. Gheen, 44, of 10 N. Marshall St.

White, who was committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $20,000 cash bail, is accused of assaulting Northumberland County Adult Probation Officer Dan Shoop and fighting with police as they attempted to take White's friend, Kenneth Salmon, 45, of 8 N. Marshall St., Shamokin, into custody for assaulting Gheen and later police.

Multiple charges are pending against Salmon, who was committed to SCI-Coal Township on a state parole violation.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Patrolman Nathan Rhodes, Salmon is accused of entering Gheen's residence and assaulting him before exiting the home. Police said Gheen suffered extensive facial injuries and was transported to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.

Police were notified by an unidentified female that she saw Salmon walking in the area of Lincoln and Eighth streets. Rhodes then spotted Salmon walking with White and a dog at Water and Eighth streets and stopped both men to discuss the Marshall Street incident.

Rhodes, who spotted blood on Salmon, said he asked Salmon to place his hands on the police car and began conducting a search. At that time, county probation officers arrived at the scene to assist. After informing Salmon that he was being taken into custody for assault, Salmon pulled away from Rhodes before being handcuffed and began fighting with Rhodes, Cpl. John Brown and probation officers.

After being handcuffed and taken to the ground by the officers, Salmon continued to resist arrest, but was placed in the back of a cruiser. While in the back seat, Salmon laid on his back and kicked Rhodes in the face, injuring his jaw. Brown also suffered a knee injury during the fracas.

Salmon also kicked the window and bent the door frame when he was in the back of the cruiser.

Rhodes used a Taser gun to stun Salmon.

While Rhodes' back was turned, White charged at the officer, but was quickly tackled to the ground by probation officers. White continued to resist arrest, which required additional force by officers to take him into custody.

Shoop was assaulted by White and injured during the melee, but did not require hospital treatment, police said.

Rhodes and Brown underwent emergency room treatment at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital before being released.

SHAMOKIN - Police are continuing their search for two suspects who allegedly assaulted a young city man with a 2-by-4 piece of wood at Shamokin and Spurzheim streets Thursday afternoon.

The 4:30 p.m. fight, which resulted in two brothers being cited for disorderly conduct, reportedly prompted the combatants to return to the same general area about four hours later, but that potential disturbance was diffused by police after a crowd of approximately 20 people gathered, expecting to witness another fracas.

Josh Price, 21, and his brother, Lawrence Day, 20, both of 27 N. Seventh St., Shamokin, were cited by Patrolman Jarrod Scandle for disorderly conduct relating to the afternoon disturbance during which Price suffered injuries to his head, face, chest, arms and legs after he was allegedly hit with a board.

Police are still searching for the other two males involved in the disturbance.

Police said Price did not seek medical attention for his injuries immediately after the fight. Scandle said Price and his brother returned to the 300 block of North Shamokin Street at 8:40 p.m. reportedly seeking revenge.

Police from Shamokin, Coal Township and Ralpho Township and Northumberland County adult probation officers responded to an area near the former Shaw's Meat Market at 316 N. Shamokin St. for a report of a fight involving approximately 20 people.

But when police arrived, most of the people, including Price, Day and the two suspects from the previous fight, fled the scene.

Day was apprehended a short time later at Clay and Rock streets, while Price was taken into custody at Webster and Franklin streets. Police were unable to locate the two men Day and Price were seeking to fight.

Price was later evaluated by emergency medical personnel before being transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.

He was later discharged.

Other city officers assisting at the scene were Patrolmen Raymond Siko and Nathan Rhodes, Cpl. John Brown and Chief of Police Edward Griffiths.

ARISTES - Fire crews spent hours Friday battling an underground blaze in a culm bank at a local coal company between Wilburton No. 2 and Aristes.

The fire at the Jeddo Highland Coal Company was first reported at 9:45 a.m., said Conyngham Township Police Officer William Spickler, but he believed the fire might have started overnight.

"We do not know how it started yet, but it is under investigation," Spickler said.

The fire started approximately six feet below the surface of a 150-foot tall culm bank on the property. Coal company equipment was used to dig out the area to allow crews from the Aristes and Wilburton fire companies to use tanker trucks to douse the area with water in an attempt to extinguish the fire.

"They dug open a section of ground 15 yards by 15 yards, but there is still smoke coming out of the ground," Spickler said.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is aware of the fire.

"We responded to the scene Friday and are monitoring the sitation, and will continue to do so over the weekend," said DEP spokesperson Katy Gresh.

Spickler said fire crews will be at the scene again this morning to offer more assistance. Gresh said larger earth-moving equipment and a water truck will be brought to the scene, also.

SHAMOKIN - Tom Kutza had already traveled the length of Independence Street and was at Market Street before the last parade participant left the staging area a third of a mile behind him.

To say this year's Anthracite Heritage Festival Parade was the biggest ever would be an understatement.

Thousands of people lined city streets for the sixth edition of the parade Friday evening and were first greeted by police cars and Kutza, longtime WISL DJ and Shamokin's "Morning Mayor," who served as grand marshal.

Floats, bands, marchers, emergency vehicles and everything else that makes a parade great braved 80-degree temperatures and humidity for the one-hour parade, the largest since its beginning in 2007.

Leading the way was Kutza and his daughter, Lorena, riding in a horse-drawn carriage provided by Coal Creek Stables, of Sunbury.

"It's just amazing to see the people lining the streets, because you can see the town has really come alive with this, and what a great honor," Kutza said.

Along Independence Street, one of last year's grand marshals Irvin Liachowitz watched with a smile on his face while the parade went by.

"It's a great parade, and seeing the people watching it is wonderful," Liachowitz said.

Residents, businesses, schools and civic organizations were well-represented in the parade, celebrating the heritage of the coal region.

One such group was the Ancient Order of Hibernians, riding in James Kelley's vintage Cadillac.

"We have the club back up and running and one of our principles is being active in the community, and what better way than to be part of this parade," Kelley said.

'We did it'

Northumberland County Council of the Arts and Humanities Executive Director Jeanne Shaffer said the number of entries are double what they were in previous years.

"Pretty much everyone who registered showed up," said parade organizer Pamela Burns. Burns said organizers hoped to have enough participants to stretch from one end of Water Street (which served as the parade staging area) to the other, and was pleased to say they were successful.

"We did it," she said.

In front of the Original Italian Pizza Restaurant on Independence Street, the parade judges, Shamokin city clerk Steve Bartos, Coal Township secretary Rob Slaby and Mountain View's Amy Zalar watched participants with a keen eye to determine which would win cash prizes in five different categories.

Winners from the parade were: Most decorative - The Northumberland County Career and Technology Center; Most Creative - H&R Block; Best Dressed/Costumes - Shamokin Rotary Club; Most Coal Region Proud - Mountain View; Best in Show - Coal Creek Stables stagecoach.

Candlelight, music

Following the parade, a candlelight service to honor veterans was held along Lincoln Street, and the public was entertained by the sounds of Marla and the Juniper Street Band, playing at the festival stage at Market and Arch streets.

The Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts gets underway today starting at 9:50 a.m. with the sound of church bells and the Cameron Colliery whistle.

Various activities and display and entertainment will be in and around Shamokin from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free programs detailing events are available at booth 17 at Market and Arch streets.

ASHLAND - Exploding ammunition briefly kept firefighters from extinguishing a fire that heavily damaged a borough home Saturday morning.

It was just before 9:30 a.m. when firefighters were called to the home at 1307 Arch St. for a report of a fire with people trapped.

It was soon learned that the occupants of the structure, Daniel and Mary Dougal, were not home when the fire started, Ashland police Patrolman Mark O'Hearn said.

Arriving on scene within minutes, O'Hearn, along with Ashland Fire Chief Phillip Groody, said ammunition could be heard going off inside the rear kitchen area of the home, where the worst of the fire was located.

"We had to get back; we couldn't get near it," O'Hearn said.

Groody said crews used a hose line to quickly knock down the heavy fire to the rear of the building while another crew took a hose through the front of the home and attacked from that direction.

The heavy fire was extinguished within minutes, Groody said. He added that firefighters worked for about an hour to put out flames that worked their way into the walls.

"We knocked it down fast and kept it to the back of the house," Groody said.

He said that portion of the home sustained heavy fire damage while smoke damage was evident throughout the rest of the building.

O'Hearn said the bullets and gunpowder were used by the homeowner to reload ammunition. There were about 500 rounds inside, he said.

Groody said the cause of the blaze is under investigation, but it does not appear suspicious.

All Ashland firefighters responded to the call, along with volunteers from Girardville, Fountain Springs, Mount Carmel, Gordon, Altamont and Englewood, along with Girardville and Ashland EMS units and Shenandoah ALS.

Groody said no injuries were reported.

Three-car crash

COAL TOWNSHIP - One person was injured in a three-vehicle crash at a three-way intersection in Ranshaw at approximately 10:40 a.m. Saturday.

Coal Township Police Patrolman Terry Ketchum said a Ford Escort driven by Jayde Alicia Deitrick, 21, of Coal Township pulled from a stop sign at the intersection of Water Street and Route 901 into the path of a Ford Ranger traveling East on Route 901 and driven by David McNamara, 57, of Tremont. McNamara was unable to avoid the collision and struck Deitrick's vehicle.

After the Ranger struck the Escort, it struck an Infinity SUV driven by Christine Hart, of Coal Township, which was stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Tioga Street and Route 901. McNamara was taken to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital for treatment.

Police say Deitrick will be charged with a stop sign violation.

Assisting local police were state police, Mount Carmel Township Police, Coal Township Fire Department, Shamokin Fire Police, AREA Services Ambulance and three towing companies.

Marriage licenses

Kenneth V. Peifer Jr. to Krista S. Korzeniecki, both of 308 N. Vine St., Mount Carmel. Issued May 26. Joseph C. Menapace to Lucinda M. Treadwell, both of 10 N. Market St., Apt. 12-1-B, Shamokin. To be issued May 28.

Joseph J. Kinnaman to Sheena M. Gibbs, both of 112 N. Hickory Street, Mount Carmel. To be issued May 29.

Matthew W. Barth to Holly L. Derk, both of 1632 W., Holly St., Coal Township. To be issued May 29.

Divorces

Joel A. Bierly Jr., 23 Albratross Drive, Watsontown, from Melinda H. Bierly, 113 E. First St., Apt. 2, Watsontown. Married March 21, 2010.

Melinda E. McCarron, 290 Orange St., Northumberland, from Kevin P. McCarron, address unknown. Married Oct. 9, 2001.

Property transfers

Harry P. Roberts to Kyle M. Concini, property in Upper Augusta Township, $115,000.

Lawrence J. Petro and Darlene J. Petro to Sarah M. Dobeck, property in Mount Carmel, $21,500.

Michael G. Stranko and Yvette Stranko to James Louis Stellar, property in Mount Carmel, $17,000.

Lerch Estate Realty Associates to Charles T. Picarella and Elizabeth A. Picarella, property in Ralpho Township, $23,500.

Kathleen Varano to Dennis Madden and Lynn Madden, property in Shamokin, $12,000.

Fannie Mae aka the Federal National Mortgage Association to CJ Housing and Property Management LLC, property in Coal Township, $2,350.

Glenn M. Cunningham and Diana J. Cunningham to Brian T. Cunningham and Jacki J. Cunningham, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Forrest J. Kerstetter to Kerry J. Seger and Jamie L. Seger, property in West Cameron Township, $1,053.

Marcus A. Pensyl, Holly Pensyl and Kenneth T. Pensyl to Marcus A. Pensyl and Holly L. Pensyl, property in Shamokin, $1.

Ram Development Inc. to Robert A. Golazeski, property in Shamokin, $3,500.

Raymond J. Orloski to Bernice Fesniak, property in Kulpmont, $1.

West Milton State Bank to William J. Maher and William Henry, property in Mount Carmel Township, $5,000.

Michael J. Paulson and Sara E. Paulson to Kathryn McGinley, property in Mount Carmel Township, $52,000.

Sophie's World LLC to Apartments and Acquisitions LP, property in Coal Township, $9,000.

Terry W. Snyder to Robert W. Mertz Jr., Roy A. Adams, Anthony W. Adams, Roy A. Adams Partnership and Roy Adams Limited Partnership, property in Lower Augusta Township, $500,000.

D. Dale Lenig and Betty Lorraine Lenig to D. Dale Lenig, Betty Lorraine Lenig and Lenig Irrevocable Residential and Income Trust, two properties in Little Mahanoy Township, $1 each.

Michael V. Prentiss and Jacquene A. Prentiss to Paul E. Brosious III and Corinne Brosious, property in Rockefeller Township, $156,900.

Betty M. Leashefski to William L. Lloyd, property in Coal Township, $1.

Springfield Financial Services and American General Consumer Discount Company to EH Pooled 512 LP, property in Shamokin, $8,250.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (by agent) and Laura Davis (agent) to Bat Holdings Two LLC, property in Coal Township, $12,250.

Anna Boland to Timothy J. Olvany, property in Coal Township, $2,500.

Sandra A. Tocyloski and Sandra A. Nye to Paul B. Nye and Sandra A. Nye, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Take yard waste to recycling center

COAL TOWNSHIP - Yard waste pickup by the township street department has been temporarily suspended; however, township commissioners have noticed residents continue to put yard waste out for pick up. Residents instead should take the yard waste to the recycling center on Venn Access Road until further notice.

Lifeguard training class planned

MOUNT CARMEL - An American Red Cross lifeguard training certification course will begin Tuesday at Mount Carmel Area High school.

Upon successful completion of the 30-hour class, students receive certification in lifeguard training, first aid, automatic external defibrillator (AED) and CRP for the professional rescuer.

For more information, call Megan deManicor at 274-2334. There is a fee for the training.

SHAMOKIN - Fire severely damaged the first floor of a city residence along South Shamokin Street Saturday morning, but firefighters said the situation could have been much worse.

The blaze at 442 S. Shamokin St. was in the middle of three adjoined homes, but a good stop was credited with protecting the other structures.

Crews were first called at 7:45 a.m. They extinguished the blaze in about 15 minutes, and had the situation fully under control by 8:15 a.m.

A Shamokin assistant fire chief said damage

was limited to the first floor of the home, with smoke damage on the second floor and in the homes on either side.

The inside of the first floor was charred by the flames, and pieces of burned furniture were moved to the sidewalk outside.

Early reports suggested the fire was electrical in nature, but a cause was not provided Saturday. It is believed to have started in the living room and does not appear to be suspicious, the Shamokin Fire Bureau reported. City fire marshal Ray Siko did inspect the scene Saturday morning.

Authorities did not release the names of the occupants, who are renters and did not have insurance. The homeowner is from the Herndon area, but the name could not be obtained Saturday night.

No one was injured, the fire department reported. Firefighters from the Friendship, Liberty and Independence fire companies in Shamokin, along with personnel from Shamokin Rescue 62, the Maine Fire Company in Coal Township and AREA Services ambulance, responded.

COAL TOWNSHIP - There wasn't much time to interview John J. Haile Jr. at the gates of the St. Edward's Cemetery in the Springfield section of the township on Saturday.

He was busy from the time he arrived dispensing knowledge and guidance to those seeking information on the burial of relatives. In fact, people had been

waiting to get advice from Haile more than three hours before his scheduled 1 p.m. start.

Haile, who has done extensive research on those buried at St. Edward's, St. Stanislaus Polish, St. Michael's Lithuanian and St. Mary's Slovak cemeteries, all bordering each other in Springfield, shared that research with anyone who wanted it Saturday, sitting at a table with printed maps, books and a mind that processed names and faces quickly.

"I remember you" was a phrase Haile used often when people approached, whether they were schoolmates or someone he helped in the past.

Sensing he might have a good turnout as his appearance was promoted along with the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts in downtown Shamokin, he decided to show up at 9:30 a.m.

"I had been getting a lot of inquiries and responses by e-mail since it was announced I was doing this," he said. "Something just told me to be here early, so I came and people were (already) here."

Some came to do research; others just wanted to say thanks. Shawn Keegan was one of the latter.

"All the help you have given me was very much appreciated," he told Haile.

Seeing Keegan's Molly McGuires T-shirt recalled a story for Haile about a young man associated with the Mollies wanting to be buried at St. Edward's.

"The priest at the time did not want him in there, so they buried him in the dark corner of the cemetery," Haile said. "His friends, however, went in the middle of the night and dug him up and buried him in his proper place."

Many who visited also purchased copies of Haile's book, which details the records of every person buried at St. Edward's Cemetery. Haile did the research and published the book so no one would go through the same struggle he did looking for information.

Those who visited him at St. Edward's were appreciative.

"You should be sitting here with a red carpet underneath you and a crown on your head," one person remarked.

New face on tour

Tracy Donnelly didn't appear it, but she admitted to being a little nervous when leading tours Saturday at the Shamokin Cemetery, a tradition of the heritage festival that, unlike Haile's debut Saturday, has been part of the event since its first year in 2006.

Donnelly had the unenviable task of taking the place of Frederick "Fritz" Reed, a veteran public official and local historian whose expertise lent well to the tours. Reed died Dec. 22, and his contributions to the festival were remembered as part of Saturday's opening ceremonies.

"It's hard replacing Fritz, because he was a man that was the heart of Shamokin," Donnelly said at the crowd at the opening of the tour. "I'd like to think that I'm going to offer my own take on it."

About 20 people took the tour at the 10 a.m. edition; a few more showed up at the 2:30 p.m. tour, listening as Donnelly talked about the facts she has learned from extensive research on the cemetery.

Twice she offered prizes as she asked trivia questions about the cemetery.

Fellow Shamokin Cemetery board member Dave Donmoyer said Donnelly was doing well for her first year. With the re-enactors waiting to share their stories, the tradition of the tours continued.

Money raised will go toward buying equipment that will help with the upkeep of the cemetery.

"Back in the 1960s, everyone paid a perpetual care fee of $5 a plot for the year. In the 1970s, it was changed to a one-time fee of $75," Donnelly said. "Today, to do the maintenance of the 20 acres here would cost $2,500 a clip.

"Your donations today will help us with that," she said, "and if you have some time to volunteer to help, we would appreciate it."

SHAMOKIN - A record number of vendors, a crowd of thousands and summer-like weather once again made the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts a great success in Shamokin on Saturday.

Its impact on the city and surrounding Coal Township has grown over its seven-year existence, to the point where its success was linked in this year's opening ceremonies to the future of the community itself.

"Today is a day where we celebrate our rich heritage, and remember all those that gave it to us," the Rev. Sam Bellavia, pastor of Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Shamokin, said during his invocation for the seven-hour event. "The scriptures tell us a story about restoring a temple, not to its former glory, but to a new glory. Today is a sign that we are ready for that new glory in our town."

The festival again featured a wide variety of attractions among the 110 vendors. From horse-drawn carriage rides to high-wheeling old-time bicyclists, educational

books to edible "unicorn poop;" from polkas to potato cakes, steak sandwiches to "smencils" (scented pencils); from train and trolley rides to plenty of art and nostalgia, the festival seemed to again thrive on diversity.

Jeanne Shaffer, executive director of the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities (NCCAH), the organizing entity, was pleased with Saturday's turnout after record participation in Friday night's kickoff parade.

"I thought everything went great," Shaffer said Saturday evening. I couldn't have asked for better weather, or a better crowd. It was all just wonderful."

Playing to her past comments that she has a conversation about the weather with God each year, skies were blue and sunny, and temps well into the 80s with humidity for much of the day. It clouded up by mid-afternoon, but never rained.

Vendors were lined up and down both sides of the grass park plots along four-plus blocks of Market Street (Route 125), as well as on some side streets. Activities also took place at the nearby county career and arts center, and at churches, museums and other locations throughout the city. The trolley and carriage rides took people to sites in nearby Coal Township, and a 5K race was held on the campus of Shamokin Area School District in the morning.

Remembering Fritz

The public was called to the festival at 9:50 a.m. just like the miners of old were called to work every day as a recording of the Cameron Colliery whistle sounded at the main stage at Arch and Market.

Following a performance of the national anthem by Angela Kinder, who was accompanied by Vic Boris, Bellavia also spoke about a longtime supporter of the festival, Frederick "Fritz" Reed, who passed away in December.

"Some of us may remember his service as mayor of Shamokin or with the county," Bellavia said. "But many recall a man that never said 'no' to anyone in need. The caption of his senior yearbook picture called him 'an ideal gentleman who was admired by his fellow classmates.'"

Following the pastor's remarks, Reed's daughter, Debbie Losiewicz, and his great friend and successor as county registrar of wills and recorder of deeds, Mary Zimmerman, released 24 monarch butterflies, a symbol of new life. The butterflies, much like the thousands who would visit the festival over the coming hours, dispersed in many directions.

The heat is on

With the warm and muggy conditions, most stands selling anything cold did brisk business on Saturday.

Many enjoyed a cone or dish of ice cream from Maurer's Ice Cream Shoppe, which conveniently has a storefront location along the festival route.

"Maurer's has been around for a long time, so it's only fitting that we be here today," said worker Chelsea Witmer, "Between the festival and Memorial Day, it will be a very busy weekend."

She noted the most popular flavor sold at the festival was Maurer's signature treat, Bittersweet.

While ethnic and fair food were the norm through various vendors, the Anthracite Heritage Festival gave people the chance to try something different, like a Bison burger.

"The bison burger has a really rich taste. It's something you have to try to appreciate it," said stand operator Sheila Zanella about the buffalo meat.

"I didn't hear any complaints from vendors and a lot of business owners said that they were very busy Friday night because of the parade," Shaffer said. "That is what's great about the festival - everyone benefits from it."

Helping others, too

While some seek a boost in their bottom line, several churches and civic organizations use the festival as a fundraising tool. The Shamokin Moose is among them.

"This is our third year here and it's been pretty popular with the basket raffle and the bowling game we have for the kids," said Lisa Lamothe, who was working with friends Lorraine Marcheski and Dianne Allan. "We've had a good day today, and all the money we raise will go to Moose Heart Special Olympics and the Moose Heart Safe Surfing programs."

Shaffer is thrilled that the festival has sparked such community activity.

"When you put in all this work year round for this one weekend, it really makes it worth it to see the end result," she said, "and everyone having a good time."

DANVILLE - Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) and Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital (G-SACH) recognized the emergency medical service (EMS) providers of the year during an awards reception at the Henry Hood Center for Health Research on the GMC campus on Monday.

During April, community members were invited to nominate EMS providers for awards in the categories of heroism and community service. Nominees included local EMS providers, including paramedics, dispatchers, emergency medical technicians (EMT), firefighters, first responders and police.

Three local paramedics were presented awards for heroism.

Kim Blee, of Elysburg Ambulance, Bernie Rumberger and James Zablosky, both of AREA Services, were lauded for their efforts at the scene of a lightning strike in late September when a 10-year-old boy, Logan Williams, was critically injured.

Rory Stubbs, a nurse and paramedic with Geisinger Medical Center, was awarded for community service.

"Geisinger is thrilled to welcome and thank firefighters, ambulance crews, paramedics and EMTs who make significant contributions and provide essential care on medicine's front lines," said David Schoenwetter, D.O., director of Geisinger EMS. "Our winners this year are models of heroism and community service and are just a few of the many deserving EMS providers in northeastern Pennsylvania."

Rather than accessing them through newsitem.com/photobooth, photos taken at The News-Item's booth at Saturday's Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts are available at "Latest Photo Galleries" below here on the home page.

Why purchase new plants for your home, when you can "swap" plants with someone else?

The Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Plant Exchange has been scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Rock-N-Block Materials Inc., 500 State Route 901 in Coal Township.

In addition to the exchange, the day will also have refreshments, including hot dogs and soda, and activities for the whole family, as well as tours of the grounds. A live radio remote, sponsored by the Clear Channel Radio and the chamber will feature radio personality Joe Daniels-D'Andrea, who also serves as chamber president.

How does a plant exchange work? If you have a favorite houseplant, or maybe just have a green thumb, and you would like to share what you have grown, an exchange offers you the opportunity to do just that - and you get to take a new plant home as well.

Think about finding a new plant that would be an ideal gift for a friend or family member. You can swap with a colleague, neighbor or someone you may just meet on the day of the event.

"The event will bring people together in a new environment, one in which they can and do share ideas and information on plants, gardening and landscaping in general. It is an exceptional way to 'exchange' your plants for one that a friend or neighbor might wish to have, or for one you never thought of including in your garden or home. And yes, it does bring people together with a common interest, but more importantly, it assists the chamber as it continues its efforts to enhance and beautify our homes in and throughout the Brush Valley," said Sandy Winhofer, chamber executive director.

Linda Morgante, owner of Rock-N-Block Materials Inc., has hosted the exchange for the past six years.

"I am excited about hosting this annual event in the region. All of us at Rock-N-Block Materials Inc. can share our knowledge and expertise with those attending as we also clearly demonstrate our support for the region and the chamber," she said.

The annual exchange is the brainchild of the events committee for the chamber.

For more information on this event or other chamber programs, call (570) 648-4675 or go to www.brushvalleychamber.com. Rock-N-Block's website is www.rocknblock.com.