DANVILLE - The borough of Danville, founded in 1792, has a rich history of involvement with the iron industry that still resonates with the residents today through the annual Iron Heritage Festival and the Danville Area School District's mascots, the "Ironmen."

Danville's Iron Age, which started when the first iron foundry was established in the borough in 1829, lasted 121 years until 1950, and helped shaped Danville into the community it is today, according to Sis Hause, of the Montour County Historical Society.

In 1839, iron ore started to be mined locally, and in 1840, the first anthracite furnace to efficiently produce iron was opened. By 1845, the first T-rail in America rolled out of Montour Iron Works, the largest iron manufacturing plant in the United States at the time, which made it possible for the state and country to become a leader in the industrial revolution.

However, by the 20th century, the iron industry began to decline with the introduction of the steel industry.

Danville has also been part of several counties, and the county seat of both Columbia and Montour counties.

Originally, Danville was part of Northumberland County. In 1813, Columbia County was formed, and Danville became the county seat until 1845 when Bloomsburg was voted as the seat.

"This upset the people of Danville. Through some political maneuvering, a new county (Montour) was formed in 1850 and Danville was back as the county seat," Hause said.

Despite the split, Montour and Columbia counties are closely associated, sharing a chamber of commerce, a visitor's bureau and a vocational-technical school.

Hause noted that Shamokin and Danville share a connection: John Boyd, the founder of Shamokin, married the daughter of Daniel Montgomery, the founder of Danville.

LANDINGVILLE - While the investigation into the death of Bryan R. Smith continued Wednesday, neighbors said they were surprised by the incident.

"It's uncharacteristic of him to want to kill somebody," Tim Osatchuck, 49, of 342 Meadow Drive, Schuylkill Haven, said of Keith A. Reber, who is one of two men charged in Smith's death.

Osatchuck said he has known Reber for more than 20 years and that Reber mostly keeps to himself.

Reber, 48, of Schuylkill Haven, and Daniel W. Dull, 25, of Orwigsburg, were charged Tuesday in the death of Smith, 26, of Orwigsburg, by state police Trooper Bernard Spece of the Schuylkill Haven station.

Spece said Reber and Dull led Smith to a secluded area off Meadow Drive and tied him to a tree at about 3 a.m. Monday.

They left Smith alone for about 20 hours, returning at 11 p.m. Monday, when they found Smith dead. Spece said the pair went to the Schuylkill Haven borough police station and told officers what happened. Police found Smith's body Tuesday morning.

Autopsy

An autopsy on Smith's body was conducted Wednesday at Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading, by forensic pathologist Dr. Neil Hoffman.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David Moylan said the three-hour procedure included a full toxicology test along with testing for electrolyte imbalances that may have been caused by the high heat and humidity that Smith was likely exposed to throughout the day Monday.

Moylan said no cause of death has been determined and more information should be available in two or three weeks when toxicology and other laboratory results are received.

Moylan said he attended the autopsy with Schuylkill County Chief Investigative Deputy Coroner James Nettles and state police Cpl. David Dupree.

Criminal homicide

Reber was charged Tuesday with one count each of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, kidnapping, persons not to possess, use or manufacture firearms, unlawful restraint, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and six counts of criminal conspiracy, Spece said.

Spece charged Dull with one count each of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault, along with six counts of criminal conspiracy.

Reber and Dull were committed to Schuylkill County Prison without bail Tuesday, because bail for criminal homicide charges can only be set by a county court judge.

"I think he just wanted to scare him, work him over a little bit. I don't think he wanted it to end the way it did," Osatchuck said of Reber.

At Reber's address, 294 Meadow Drive, Ryan Miller, a friend, also spoke well of Reber.

"The guy's a really good guy." the 23-year-old said while standing on the property. He said he was visiting the address Wednesday to check on the property.

In Orwigsburg, neighbors of Dull's Station Road home refused to comment.

Borough Manager Mike Lonergan called it a "sad, unfortunate situation."

Blue Mountain High School Principal James Ketner confirmed Wednesday that Smith attended the school. Ketner did not know if Smith graduated and an employee in the school's guidance office would not confirm if Smith attended or graduated from Blue Mountain.

SUNBURY - A Northumberland County judge has upheld the stay on a sheriff's sale of Center City Apartments, Shamokin, while Red Gold Enterprises Inc's final appeal is being considered.

In a hearing Wednesday, Judge Charles H. Saylor upheld his Dec. 30, 2010, order to put on hold a sheriff's sale while the building's owners await a ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on their motion.

Red Gold is asking the court to hear arguments in an appeal of the validity of $1 million allegedly owed on a mortgage, which the company has not paid on since 1998. The company claims the mortgage, which enabled Red Gold to purchase the former James Madison Hotel in Shamokin, is invalid because a 2000 foreclosure action was dismissed with prejudice in 2004, meaning that the action can not be brought back before the court.

In 2009, the PHFA turned the mortgages over to the Shamokin Housing Authority, which has been the plaintiff in the court case.

Red Gold appealed the ruling to the Pennsylvania Superior Court in 2010, which upheld a 2010 ruling by Saylor that the mortgages are valid. Red Gold, owned by Eugene Picarella, then appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which denied on Feb. 23 a motion to hear that appeal. The company appealed again March 7.

No difference

During Wednesday's hearing, Harrisburg attorney Debra P. Fourlas, representing the authority in place of Clayton Davidson, the attorney in charge of the case, discussed the filing in her opening argument.

"Red Gold has delayed this sale with these filings that have no merit, the latest one having the least merit of them all," Fourlas said.

Red Gold's attorney, Robert Cravitz, of Selinsgrove, reiterated his previous arguments.

"They have received this mortgage without giving any form of consideration to the finance agency and aren't losing any money. We don't want to have conflicting decisions if you grant the sale and then the Supreme Court allows our appeal to be heard," Cravitz said.

Saylor agreed to uphold the stay, waiting for the higher court's decision.

"If the Supreme Court doesn't hear the case, then there is finality," Saylor said. "What difference does it make if the sale is held next month or two months from now?"

At the end of the court hearing, Saylor clarified that if the motion is denied, the authority can immediately schedule the sale, since Red Gold was already served with a writ for it on Nov. 23.

Renters refused?

Another argument made at Wednesday's hearing concerned a claim that Red Gold has refused to rent to people who receive federal housing assistance from the authority and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

"I spoke with a person three hours before I came here who said he was rejected by Red Gold," authority executive director Ron Miller testified.

When asked Red Gold's requirements, rental agent Susan Good testified potential tenants are subject to credit and background checks and a landlord reference check to determine if the potential renter had been evicted or involved in other issues within the past five years.

Good said no tenants have been turned away from Center City since January, and, in fact, a new renter has moved into the building recently.

"This person doesn't have bad credit or any other problems. He is living at our Raspberry Hill complex and just wanted to move to the center of town," Miller said.

Money

During cross examination, Cravtiz grilled Miller about acquiring the mortgages.

"Did you pay any money to receive the mortgages and notes?" Cravitz asked.

"We have invested a lot of time and money into acquiring the property," Miller replied, "but no, we didn't pay any money. The PHFA had difficulty with your client and said that if we wanted to deal with him, we could have the mortgages."

"Just so we are clear, (PHFA) didn't come to you, you went to them?" Cravitz asked.

Miller said yes.

After his testimony, Miller made an addition comment to Saylor.

"He goes on about us not paying for the mortgages, but his client was paid $1 million in public funds to take the building," Miller said. "He was paid to take it."

Cravitz tried to claim the authority received $10,000 in HUD money earmarked for Red Gold that was never given to the company; however, the authority provided a tax form stating Red Gold received the funds.

Saylor did not comment on that claim, and revisited the tenant issue.

"When a person wants to receive Section 8 housing funds, what process must they go through?" the judge asked.

"They must go through an income and background check, same as they do to live at (Center City Apartments)," Miller replied.

Saylor ruled Red Gold must accept a tenant who meets HUD qualifications for Section 8 funding.

Picarella was not in the courtroom at the time of the hearing, but was seen speaking with Cravitz and Good in a nearby park following the hearing.

The Mount Carmel Area Board of Education Merit Award winners for April were announced at the May 17 school board meeting.

The Merit Award winner from the elementary is fifth-grade student Brianna Ryan, a daughter of Elizabeth Ryan, of Kulpmont. Ryan was nominated by her reading teacher, Sherry Hollenbush, who said, "Brianna is helpful, considerate, polite and well-liked by both teachers and peers and is an excellent role model for others." She consistently achieving honor roll status and high scores on PSSA testing. In her spare time, Ryan is part of a competitive dancing team for the LA Dance Program in Saint Clair and is also a part of the school chorus.

The Merit Award winner at the high school level is senior Tyler Gasperetti, a son of John and Jean Gasperetti, of Locust Gap. Gasperetti was nominated by Keith Fourspring, power, energy and transportation class teacher, who said, "He has shown that he is a hard worker, a positive role model and strives to do the best he can, and he is simply a pleasure to have in class." Gasperetti has been a member of the National Honor Society for two years and is a member of the Tech ED, Spanish and ski clubs. Gasperetti has been involved in marching band and symphonic band for five years. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his friends and family, playing bass guitar and helping in the community. His future plans include attending Penn Tech majoring in surveying technology.

ATLAS - President Cindy Saukaitis opened the monthly meeting of the Carmelite 50-Plus Club held at Village Towne Restaurant. She greeted the 10 members and officers who were present.

The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance, Senior Adult Ministry prayer, St. Mother Pauline's prayer, the singing of the Over 50 song and prayers for the deceased and sick members of the club, especially Helen Rogutski and Gerry Palewich. Prayers were said for the safety of the troops, and a verse of "America" was sing.

After the meal, secretary Maria Kaminski read the minutes from last month's meeting. No corrections or additions were made, and the minutes were approved and placed on file. Albert Visintainer gave the treasurer's report, and it was approved and made available for audit. This month, Jean Dunkelberger, Arlene Terry and Frieda Terry paid dues for the year.

Members were sorry to receive Marie Lombardo's notification she is no longer able to attend meetings. A new Paulinarians Club will soon be starting up, and meetings will be on the second Tuesday of the month at Divine Mercy Hall. The group will have a Father's Day dinner Tuesday. Arlene Terry will let the club know about prices and more details as they become available.

The 50/50 winners were Evelyn Milewski and Dunkelberger.

A motion to adjourn was moved and seconded, and the members then played bingo.

LEWISBURG - Colin Klebon, a son of Daniel and Cynthia Klebon, of Overlook, was named to the Bucknell University dean's list for the spring semester.

Klebon completed his junior year, having earned a 3.52 grade-point average.

He majors in civil and environmental engineering and is a member of the Bucknell Bison men's basketball team.

Klebon, a 2009 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School, is a grandson of Joseph Klebon and Jean Clews, both of Coal Township.

Bucknell University undergraduates who successfully complete no less than three course credits during the semester and who earn a semester grade-point average of 3.50 or higher receive dean's list honors.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Council of Catholic Women at Our Lady of Hope Church held its May meeting.

Margaret Forbes, president, opened the meeting with the counsel prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Dolly Yocum read the secretary's report, which was approved by the president and placed on file.

The treasury report was given by Violet Feudale. She reported all bills have been paid and the carnation sale on Mother's Day was a huge success. The next fund-raising event will be a bakeless cake sale in August.

Members approved the donation of a gift certificate for the church's Heritage Day stand.

Prayer cards were ordered for Father's Day to be distributed that weekend at all Masses.

The banquet for 25th and 50th anniversary celebrants will be held in September.

A gift casserole and salad dinner were served.

A roundtable of prayers was held by the group, followed by the Prayer to Our Lady.

The next meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. June 19. Members were asked to take note of the new time.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Eagles Club held its annual Mother's Day celebration at the Aerie 464 quarters and selected Deb Ortona, of Kulpmont, as its 2012 Mother of the Year. The award recipient is the mother of three daughters, MacKenzie, Taylor and Aleaha. Club President Judge Robert B. Sacavage read Ortona's accomplishments and noted the obstacles she faced as a single mother following the death of David Ortona.

"Deb's early ambition was to have six boys, but those plans went awry with the arrival of three beautiful daughters," said the club president. "She's taught them to be independent, keep things in perspective and other valuable life lessons."

The main speaker for the occasion was Attorney Alexandra Sacavage, who delivered an inspiring speech about the history of Mother's Day and how the role of motherhood has evolved over time.

Following the ceremony, club members and guests enjoyed a buffet dinner.

Hello neighbors! June is here, so grab your shorts, kids, family, friends, bug spray and sunglasses and explore all the awesome things to enjoy this summer in the Susquehanna River Valley. Let the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau be your vacation resource for summer fun. The month of June is jam-packed with things to do.

Festivals, exhibits

What better way to kick off summer than enjoying fairs and festivals? Don't miss the open house and craft fair at Hunters Valley Winery this weekend or the strawberry festival at Warrior Run Church in Watsontown June 10. Get set to enjoy Union County Veterans Day "Hometown Independence Celebration" - which includes the freedom bike ride; annual Stars, Strips and Sousa concert in Huffnagle Park; a big band concert and fireworks June 29; a parade and full day of events June 30, and a free movie as a tribute to veterans. Don't forget Northumberland's 40th annual Pineknotter Days July 2 to 8.

If you're a fan of bygone eras, you won't want to miss the Snyder County Historical Society's Civil War commemoration exhibit at 2 p.m. each Sunday from June 17 through Aug. 26. A reception is planned June 17 for local Civil War authors. Who doesn't love a quilt? Be sure to check out "Pennsylvania Quilts: Patterns and Variation" at the Packwood House Museum, Tuesdays through Saturdays June 12 through Oct. 13.

Fun and learning

School is out for summer, and there's a ton of fun at various summer camps throughout the area. Attend summer day camps at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, Owens Farm, Lincoln Cave in Huntingdon, Central Oaks Heights (music camp) or Slifer House Museum (Children's Victorian Camp). Some of these camps are held throughout the summer and others are just in June, so be sure to check out camp dates at VisitCentralPA.org.

Outdoor adventure

June is also full of outdoor adventure. Canoe and kayak lovers will not want to miss the Schuylkill River Sojourn, the North Branch Susquehanna River Sojourn or Canoe Susquehanna's three June events: The McKees Mainstem Adventure, the Lewisburg Appetizer and the Peace of the Susquehanna Guided Kayak Trips. Enjoy outdoor fun at the garden tours of Lewisburg and Mifflinburg; wagon rides, flower picking and farm tours at Owens Farm in Sunbury, and animals of all kinds at the dinosaur and butterfly exhibits at Clyde Peeling's Reptiland and "Animal Enrichment Weekend" at T&D's Cats of the World.

June also welcomes the opening of many community pools, including the West Beaver Veteran's Pool, plus opening day for bass fishing June 16. A list of fishing tournments and the only regional fishing guide for the Susquehanna River Valley is available at our website.

Other fun events include Mifflinburg's Tri Tri Again triathlon; Hidden Valley Camping Resort's Yard Sale and Fireworks Spectacular; Country Cupboard's Cruise-In; Discovery Days at Lincoln Caverns, and regional music and entertainment, including the June 30 performance of the Milton Area Community Band.

Don't forget wineries, state parks, hiking and biking trails and Knoebels Amusement Resort, restaurants, art classes, dance classes, museums and golfing.

More information on outdoor adventure resources such as Vargo Outdoors next to the new Buffalo Valley Rail Trail, Canoe Susquehanna, Isle of Que River Guides, Lake Augusta Outfitters, plus the Riverside Adventure Company can be found at the visitor center or our website.

For more information, go to VisitCentralPA.org, where you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter or download a new app; call us at 1-800-525-7320, or stop by our visitor center on Route 15.

(Miller is executive director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.)

WILKES-BARRE - Four area residents were among 481 King's College students who received degrees during the college's 63nd commencement exercises on May 20:

Sean Michael Stout, of Elysburg, Master of Science, health care administration.

Nina Ann Niglio, of Elysburg, Bachelor of Arts, criminal justice.

Christopher W. Becker, of Mount Carmel, Bachelor of Arts, history.

Jordan L. Haddock, of Coal Township, Bachelor of Science, biology.

WILLIAMSPORT - Fifteen local residents graduated from Penn College of Technology during spring commencement ceremonies May 11 and May 12 at Community Arts Center:

Lauren C. Holub, of Elysburg, bachelor of science, graphic design.

Tyler J. Weaver, of Catawissa, associate of applied science, surveying technology.

Mark W. Bobb, of Dornsife, associate of applied science, surveying technology.

Kristan S. Delbo, of Marion Heights, associate of applied science, dental hygiene.

Matthew R. Druckenmiller, of Paxinos, bachelor of science, civil engineering technology.

Joshua B. Herrold, of Sunbury, associate of applied science, welding technology.

Eric M. Jepko, of Mount Carmel, associate of applied science, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology.

Ross A. Massa Jr., of Sunbury, associate of applied science, automotive technology, Honda pact emphasis, honors.

Wade S. Michael, of Dalmatia, associate of applied science, heavy construction equipment technology, technician emphasis.

Amy L. Moyer, of Sunbury, associate of applied science, forest technology, high honors.

Corey R. Parry, of Elysburg, bachelor of science, civil engineering technology, magna cum laude.

Michael C. Snyder, of Shamokin, bachelor of science, graphic design.

Michael B. Stepp, of Paxinos, associate of applied science, building construction technology.

Jordan A. Zoch, of Sunbury, bachelor of science, building science and sustainable design.

Kyle F. Rang, of Ashland, associate of applied science, automotive technology.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. Defendants who waived their cases or were held for court were ordered to appear for plea court at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, at which time they can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Joshua M. Dorney, 21, of Mount Carmel, waived to court charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property in connection with a March 22 incident.

Patrolman William Adamski reported that Dorney allegedly stole several items of jewelry from the residence of Erica Kratzer, of 223 E. Second St., Mount Carmel, and then sold them at the Ye Olde Coin Shoppe in Shamokin.

Bail was set at $5,000.

n Justin Raymond Derr, 23, of 715 Scott St., Kulpmont, pleaded guilty to one count of harassment by using lewd, threatening or obscene words or language and was ordered to pay a fine and costs totaling $500 and was sentenced to 12 months of probation. An additional count of harassment and two counts of disorderly conduct were withdrawn.

Derr was charged by Kulpmont Patrolman Cade Holden for using obscene language toward Howard C. Beers and Andrea Beers at 713-715 Scott St., Kulpmont, on Dec. 4, 2011.

n Wayne P. Mulzet, 47, of 424 E. Columbia Ave., Atlas, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a fine and costs totaling $500 and was sentenced to 12 months of probation. An additional count of possession of marijuana was withdrawn.

Mulzet was charged by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Daniel Politza in the Jan. 14 incident at his residence.

n Jason Michael Mirarchi, 25, of 1107 Poplar St., Kulpmont, waived to court two charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, one charge of reckless driving and one charge of driving on the right side of the roadway relating to a traffic accident at 1:48 a.m. March 25 on Fir Street, Kulpmont.

Kulpmont Patrolman Cade Holden reported Mirarchi allegedly had a blood-alcohol content of .167 percent.

Bail was set at $5,000.

n Russell A. Goretsky, 46, of 508 S. Market St., Elysburg, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, a rear lighting violation and limitations on alcoholic beverages relating to an incident March 24 on Route 54 at the bottom of Natalie Mountain near the Coal Township line.

Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Kelly Campbell reported Goretsky allegedly had a blood-alcohol content of .113 percent.

Bail was set at $5,000.

n Caleb A. Long, 21, of 605 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton, waived to court charges of two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, underage drinking, speeding and careless driving relating to a March 17 traffic stop along Route 2044 in East Cameron Township.

Long was charged by Trooper William Gangloff of state police at Stonington.

Bail was set at $5,000.

n Nancy R. Derck, 32, of 913 E. Chestnut St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of driving under the influence of a drug or combination of drugs, driving under suspension, operating a vehicle without a valid inspection certificate, a brake light violation and failing to sign her registration card relating to an April 13 vehicle stop on Route 61 at Atlas.

Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets reported that Derck refused to submit to a blood test.

Bail was set at $5,000.

n Matthew P. Kern, 20, of 127 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a fine and costs totaling $500 and sentenced to 12 months of probation relating to an April 21 incident in the 100 block South Orange Street, Mount Carmel. Additional charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and underage drinking were withdrawn.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman David Donkochik.

n Courtney Elizabeth Swavely, 18, of 819 W. Sixth St., Mount Carmel, waived to court charges of criminal conspiracy, two counts of receiving stolen property and theft by unlawful taking relating to a May 6 incident in which a license plate was stolen and a car was taken without permission.

Mount Carmel Patrolman William Adamski filed the charges.

Bail was set at $10,000.

n Charges of issuing a bad check in the amount of $415 to Mount Carmel Township filed against David Eye, 34, of 158 Chestnut Lane, Oak Ridge Estates, Mount Carmel, were withdrawn.

Charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Chief of Police Brian Hollenbush.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Three people face criminal charges for allegedly dumping household trash in the Bear Valley area.

Another four people were cited for similar offenses throughout wooded areas in the township.

To date this year, township police officers have filed similar charges and citations against 18 people, according to police.

Ashley Milosek, 20, of 824 N. Washington St., Shamokin, and Kenneth Harvey, 21, of 147 Canal St., Shickshinny, are each accused by Patrolman Edward Purcell of dumping loads of trash along Bear Valley Road between the first and second patches.

The dumping occurred over several months, police said.

Both face two summary counts each of scattering rubbish.

In a separate case, Andrew Derck, 24, of 1046 W. Arch St., Coal Township, is accused by Patrolman Terry Ketchem of dumping trash west of Bear Valley on May 4.

He faces one summary count of scattering rubbish.

A conviction or guilty plea to scattering rubbish could bring a fine of $50 to $300 and up to 90 days imprisonment along with court costs and cleanup costs.

Upset at continued dumping in wooded areas, Police Chief William Carpenter vowed in May to push for maximum penalties for anyone guilty of dumping trash illegally.

Littering citations

Littering citations were filed against one Coal Township resident and three people from Shamokin.

Lindsey Tyler Hill, 27, of 1117 W. Walnut St., Coal Township, was cited by Ketchem with littering on Route 125 near Burnside on May 21.

Christian Dawson, 18, of 1020 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin, was cited by Ketchem for dumping trash along Mountain Road east of Coal Run on Jan. 27 and May 10.

Kimberly Clauser, 22, of 20 E. Independence St., Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman Chris Lapotsky for dumping a bag of trash April 17 at the top of Route 125 near Burnside on Mountain Road.

Sheri Shurock, 45, of 601 N. Franklin St., Shamokin, was cited by Ketchem for dumping trash along Bear Valley Road near the second patch in the last few months.

Public walk of AOAA planned

COAL TOWNSHIP - The public is invited to walk the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area on Saturday.

The 3.25-mile walk is being organized as part of the national 2012 National Trails Day.

Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m. at the AOAA entrance along Route 125 between Burnside and Gowen City. The walk begins at 10 a.m.

Businesses and organizations will have booths at the event, and non-profit and community organizations will be on hand to sell refreshments as a fundraiser.

To register beforehand or for more information, call 988-4220.

SATs Saturday at Shamokin Area

COAL TOWNSHIP - The SATs will be administered to preregistered candidates Saturday at Shamokin Area Middle/High School.

Check-in and room assignment begins at 7:30 a.m. in the auditorium lobby. Doors to the test center close at 8 a.m. Students are directed to park in side lots.

Photo identification or an identification letter on school letterhead signed by a school principal or counselor is required.

Cell phones are not permitted in the test center.

Consult the Registration Bulletin or www.collegeboard.com for more information.

MOUNT CARMEL - A 21-year-old Mount Carmel man is being accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl and providing her with marijuana and other drugs in January and February.

Keith Michael Kisela, of 214 S. Oak St., Apartment 1, is facing felony charges of one count each of statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault of a child younger than 16 and corruption of minors and one misdemeanor each of indecent assault of a child between the ages of 4 and 16 and corruption of minors, according to court documents filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Jason Drumheller in the office of Magistrate District Judge Hugh A. Jones, of Mount Carmel.

Drumheller said the victim's mother told borough police on Monday, March 12, Kisela allegedly had sexual contact with her daughter in January and February at her apartment while the mother was at work.

The mother told police she had suspicions, and her son told her he heard about the encounters from friends. When confronted, the girl admitted to her mother she allegedly had intercourse with Kisela and had been given marijuana and Suboxone in her bedroom.

Drumheller and Sherry Moroz of the Northumberland Child Advocacy Center interviewed the teen at 3 p.m. April 4.

The girl told police she met Kisela at Showcase Billiards, 33 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel, which was later confirmed by a friend of the girl. Later that night, she and friends went into the woods with Kisela to smoke marijuana, police said.

Two days later, Kisela visited the girl's residence after her mother went to work and started smoking pot in the house, police reported. According to the police report, Kisela and the girl engaged in sexual contact later that night.

Kisela reportedly went to her house days later and gave her Suboxone, police said.

Drumheller contacted Kisela on Wednesday, April 25, making arrangements to interview him, but Kisela failed to appear for the meeting, police said.

When contacted again, Kisela told police, "If it's about that little girl, I didn't do anything," the report said.

Kisela failed to appear for another interview scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, April 26.

Hearing held

A preliminary hearing was held Wednesday in front of Jones where the charges were waived. Kisela was ordered to appear for plea court at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, at which time he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

He was committed to Northumberland County Prison, where he remains in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Plan highlights

- Property taxes will increase by 2.5 mills starting in 2013 and continue at that rate through at least 2015.

- A $5.1 million bond will be sought immediately to give the county money to cover expenses in 2012. The loan will be paid back over 10 years using revenue generated from approximately 1 mill of the tax increase, depending on the interest rate.

- The other 1.5 mills would go toward general operating expenses, including payroll.

- Another tax increase may be needed starting in 2016.

- Another bond, totalling $12 million, will be sought this year to make mandated upgrades to the 911 system, unless the county can obtain grants or buy more time from the federal government. Borrowing the $12 million would increase the 2.5 mill tax hike by 1.75, to 4.25 mills.

WILLIAMSPORT - A Shamokin roofing company sued by a former worker has negotiated an out-of-court settlement.

The only problem is that the plaintiff's lawyer wasn't involved.

With that, an "emergency motion" was filed and a conference scheduled for federal court in Harrisburg on Monday involving the case against Budget Renovations and Roofing Inc.

U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner will meet with the lawyer for plaintiff Jason Deitz, of Shamokin, and Budget Roofing to discuss the propriety and validity of the effort by Budget and its president, James Searls, to settle the case.

The suit, filed by Deitz on April 17 in U.S. Middle District Court in Williamsport, claims Budget failed to pay overtime and did not list the correct number of hours worked on pay stubs, which would be violations of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act.

According to the complaint, the offenses occurred between April 17, 2009, and October 2011 while Deitz was working as a roofer. He had held the job since 2004. During that time, Deitz said Budget employed 40 people who were paid an hourly wage. The plaintiff wanted to make the case a collective action involving other employees.

Deitz said weekly pay stubs failed to list either the number of hours worked during the week or the hourly rates.

Since the action was filed, three other former employees joined the suit. Eric Gallagher opted in on May 7, however, while Stephen Hornberger and Matthew Marcheski joined the suit May 14.

According to the motion filed May 25 by Deitz's attorney, Peter Winebrake, of Dresher, the attorney received a phone call from Deitz, asking him to withdraw the lawsuit. Further questioning determined that Searls had contacted Deitz and offered him money, without contacting Winebrake.

Later that day, Searls and Budget faxed a package of documents to Winebrake containing settlement agreements and a release from any future claims against Budget allegedly signed by Deitz, Gallagher, Marcheski and Rothermel, with the message on the cover sheet saying, "Jason Deitz asked us to fax this to you."

According to the agreement, Deitz would receive $3,000 as a full settlement. Once the lawsuit is dismissed with prejudice, meaning that no other action can be taken in the case, he would receive an additional $2,000.

"The additional sum is solely to compensate Deitz for the work involved in obtaining the voluntary dismissal of the lawsuit," the agreement reads.

The other defendants, who also signed agreements, would receive $500 each.

Winebreak said in his motion that several issues warrant the court's attention.

"It appears that (Searls), possibly working in conjunction with an attorney, may have engaged in improper communications with represented parties," Winebrake wrote.

He said that even if the settlements are OK, any FLSA settlements must be approved by the court under the direct supervision of the Secretary of Labor, and that the FLSA collective action would still proceed in light of recent court cases prohibiting defendants from mooting out actions through early settlement.

"While (I) have an obligation to carry out the wishes of Deitz and the opt-in plaintiffs (so long as those wishes are not the product of improper influence and communication)," Winebrake wrote, "he has an equally important obligation to ensure that this litigation proceed in a fair and transparent manner consistent with the FLSA and other court safeguards."

The attorney also noted that he has been unable to reach Searls for concurrence in the case.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Commissioner Richard Shoch on Thursday commended Controller Tony Phillips and his staff and budget director Jeff McClintock for their work in developing a long-term financial plan, but he didn't extend praise to Commissioner Vinny Clausi, a move that caused the Democrat commissioner to call Shoch a "troublemaker."

With that, it was evident the tension level between Shoch and Clausi remains high.

During a press conference called to unveil the plan, Shoch said, "We aren't in an ideal financial situation. We would have to raise taxes 13 mills in 2013 to correct the cash flow problems and that was just unacceptable. A large tax increase would have a devastating impact on the economy in our county."

After Shoch left to attend a meeting of the county's blight task force, also being held in the administration building, Clausi expressed his displeasure that Shoch didn't thank him and Commissioner Stephen Bridy for their role in developing the plan. Clausi said he has been working on the plan personally for the past several weeks, including consultations with private businesses and using his own business knowledge.

He also claims Shoch has not provided any input regarding next year's budget.

"He's a troublemaker," Clausi said. "He had nothing to do with this plan and has brought nothing to the table. He's lied so much and I can't take it anymore."

More bread, circuses

Clausi said Shoch has "nothing good to say" and is only worried about Point Township, and his image.

Shoch, who serves as solicitor for Point Township's board of supervisors and municipal authority, was asked Thursday evening to respond.

"I view his comments as more bread and circuses, and people should expect more of this from him in the future," he said. "I gave credit where credit was due."

Shoch used the bread and circuses phrase previously, saying he's reminded of the Roman Empire tactic in how Clausi and Bridy resort to name-calling and table-pounding when they can't mount a logical argument to someone's dissenting opinion, resulting in distraction from the important issues at hand.

After being elected in November, Shoch said he met with Phillips to discuss the county's financial situation. He said the same concept presented at Thursday's press conference was discussed at the end of last year and proposed to the prior board of commissioners.

"I'm glad the board of commissioners is focusing on implementing this plan and moving forward," Shoch said.

Bridy, who also has been at odds with Shoch over the potential conflict of interest created by his solicitor duties and other issues, said during the press conference that he needs to be able to trust those with whom he works.

"I believe that trust has been fractured by Mr. Shoch, but I am still willing to work with him and Mr. Clausi," he said.

Clausi was appointed chairman on May 8 after he and Bridy voted to remove Shoch from the position. Shoch, who was the top vote-getter among the three commissioners in November's election, was appointed chairman upon his inauguration.

The change, believed to be the first in county history in which a sitting chairman was replaced, was made after Clausi, a Democrat, and Bridy, an Independent, accused their Republican colleague of failing to lead amid several contentious weeks in which the three-man board debated controversial budget cuts, including staff furloughs.

SUNBURY - Property taxes will be raised 2.5 mills in Northumberland County in 2013 as part of a long-term plan to avoid bankruptcy.

The 11 percent increase is necessary to pay off a $5.1 million loan the county will pursue - money it needs to meet payroll and other operating expenses.

During a news conference Thursday morning, Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi outlined a plan he says is necessary for fiscal security as the county fights growing costs for labor, health care and pensions that total millions of dollars every year.

"We will have a $40 million deficit in 2022 if we don't do something to correct this financial mess," Clausi said. "We can't afford to go backward like the years when (Allen) Cwalina, (Charles) Lewis (Charles) and (Sam) Deitrick were in office. I won't let that happen again."

Noting this is "only the beginning," Clausi thanked budget director Jeff McClintock and Controller Tony Phillips for their assistance.

"The plan is good and achievable," McClintock said. "The cash flow problem will be corrected by the end of 2015 with the tax increase. This is definitely the lesser of two evils, with the other option being bankruptcy."

Phillips thanked the commissioners for allowing him to be part of all budget negotiations and the long-term plan.

"This is the least painful way to get us back on solid financial footing and move forward," he said. "We must continue to make cuts, look at making technology advances and negotiate union contracts. This isn't an end-all to the financial problems, but it's a good start."

Loan now; tax OK later

The 2.5-mill increase is expected to generate $1.85 million, since one mill is equivalent to $740,000.

Total millage would rise from 20.318 to 22.818, which will remain the same for at least the next three years. The county raised taxes by 1.95 mills in this year's budget.

Approximately one mill will be used toward debt service for the next 10 years, which is the life of the $5.1 million loan being sought. The remaining 1.5 mills will be used for the general fund, which includes payroll and operating expenses.

The proposed increase is scheduled to be approved as part of the 2013 budget by the end of December, but the loan will be sought now.

Even with the proposed 2.5-mill tax increase, Clausi said taxpayers will be paying less than they were prior to 2009, when commissioners lowered the rate by 3.367 mills in conjunction with the sale of Mountain View Manor. The county generated $16.5 million from the sale, but that money can only be used to pay off long-term debt.

$12 million loan, too?

The county may also need to obtain a $12 million bond to pay for upgrades to the 911 center that involve constructing three new communication towers to comply with a federal mandate to change from a wide to narrow band frequency system by 2013.

If the county has to secure both loans, the overall millage increase would jump from 2.5 to 4.25. That would represent a 20.917 percent increase in millage from 2012.

But Clausi said the county and other entities are seeking an extension from the federal government to give them time to secure grants to help fund the 911 center upgrades.

With that, the higher tax increase is in limbo for now.

The plan lays out some other situations:

- If the commissioners choose only to finance the $12 million bond for the 911 center and not the other $5.1 million, taxes would have to increase a total of 13 mills, or 63.9 percent, in 2013.

- If the county did nothing to address its financial problems and kept millage at its current rate, it would go bankrupt in January because it wouldn't have any cash to pay its bills.

Cash-flow woes

McClintock said the county faced a $1.5 million fund balance deficit in 2011 - another reason, Clausi said, he pushed to develop a long-range plan. McClintock said a $2.5 million to $3 million fund balance is needed by 2015 to correct cash flow issues. Cash flow problems exist because the county only receives tax payments during a certain time of the year and has no constant influx of cash that would better allow it to make payroll and meet other operating expenses.

Clausi said a tax increase to supplement the general fund also may be needed in 2016 and beyond, depending on the county's financial condition, which he said nobody could predict at this point.

According to other county figures, total revenue for 2012 is $15,035,320, including $13,381,420 in the general fund and $1,653,900 in debt service. Through the tax increase by the end of 2015, total revenue will jump to $18,180,320, including $15,231,420 in the general fund and $2,948,900 in debt service.

Rising costs make that extra money necessary. Clausi said that while 106 positions have been cut in county government, trimming payroll by $4.7 million over the past four-plus years, those savings have been wiped out by increases in union contracts and pension and health care costs.

Clausi said the commissioners have agreed to budget approximately $100,000 for 2013 in case the county needs to hire an additional employee in the controller's or budget director's office to help with the workload involved in his long-term financial plan. He said the employee costs would not total $100,000, but believes it is a good practice to set aside the money for possible other expenses involved with carrying out the financial plan.

'A last resort'

Commissioner Stephen Bridy praised Clausi for his efforts.

"This plan is a last resort," he said. "It's the only other option beside bankruptcy that is available to us."

He said the county must continue to look for ways to generate revenue "so we can give back to the taxpayers in the future. This is their money."

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - Dressed in the school colors, girls in red, boys in blue, the 138 members of the Class of 2012 walked out of the front doors of the North Schuylkill High School for the last time as high school students and proceeded to the Ghosh Ortodontics Field at Spartan Stadium on Thursday evening for their graduation ceremony.

As class valedictorian, Brittany Cutrona echoed the class song, "Here's to the Night" by Eve 6, as she urged her fellow classmates to make one last memory together.

"To the Class of 2012, as we enter this new unknown I can confidently tell you one thing," Cutrona said. "Our future may not be certain, but I will never forget the many memories we have shared regardless of how much time passes. Let us make one last memory together - Here's to the night."

Later in her speech entitled "Prepared for Uncertainty," Cutrona said she can't give advice to her fellow classmates about life after graduation since she has yet to experience it herself, but reminded them that their future is up to them.

"I would like to promise you all a worry-free future filled with prosperity, but I simply can not," Cutrona said. "I can promise you, Class of 2012, that although our future may not be spelled out for us, I know we can handle anything it throws our way ... We have seen and experienced change enough to be more than prepared for what is to come. We are ready to not only experience the future, but to embrace it."

Also addressing their classmates Thursday evening were Jamie Anczarski, salutatorian and student council president; Tim Robbins, senior class president; and Lauren Evanousky, National Honor Society president.

Robbins then passed the mantle to junior class president Matthew Gownley.

Guest speaker for the ceremony was Robert S. Muscalus, D.O., a 1975 graduate of North Schuylkill. Muscalus was a former Pennsylvania physician general, serving during the administration of Gov. Tom Ridge. He is currently the vice president of Clinical Affairs at Novitas Solutions Inc., Camp Hill.

Muscalus said the Class of 2012 is special to him because his oldest daughter will also be graduating high school next week in Hershey.

"Slowly, I am accepting the fact that they also have wings and as hard as it is, we have to find that balance between keeping them close to our hearts while at the same time, being able to let them go," he said.

Muscalus also gave advice to the class by telling them how he defines success.

"Some of the most successful people I have met are not necessarily ones that will be published on the cover of a magazine somewhere," he said. "They are people who are honest, who take pride in their work regardless of their vocation. People who put others before themselves and do their best with what they have without complaining. People who are committed to their families and their communities."

Muscalus then congratulated the class, wished them well in the future and told them to not waste today worrying about tomorrow.

The Rev. Robert Finlin, Roman Catholic Churches of Frackville, provided the invocation for the ceremony. The benediction was provided by Pastor Mark Brownson, Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church of Ashland.

Class advisors are C. Nicholas Brayford and Ty Wartman. The class motto was "Saving the Best for Last." The class flower was the rose and the class colors are maroon and baby blue.

In addition to Robbins, senior class officers are Michael Tophoney, vice president; Robyn Orth, treasurer; Johnna Cappel, secretary; and Sara Isgate, historian.