In his budget message Tuesday, Gov. Tom Corbett said he rejected the expansion of the Medicaid program under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Detractors criticized the move, saying it denies the state's health care sector needed funds, since it would reject federal funding that would come with the expansion.

Medicaid is the joint federal-state insurance program for the poor. The Medicaid expansion exposed a divide in the health care deliver system: Hospitals and doctors are generally supportive of insuring more people while operators of nursing homes who are under-reimbursed by Medicaid for care they deliver are skeptical of expansion of the program that fails to cover their costs.

Corbett has held that the state should avoid expanding entitlements unless it can afford them going forward into the future.

Soon after the budget was released, Corbett sent a letter to Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of Health & Human Services calling for reforms of the program, saying the high cost precludes the state from expanding the program as required unless the state has more flexibility administering the program.

Under the Medicaid expansion, states will receive 100 percent federal funding for the first three years, phasing down to no less than 90 percent federal funding in subsequent years, according to a U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website.

Geisinger Health System spokeswoman Wendy K. Wilson said the hospital system supports expanded coverage and access to health service regardless of ability to pay. The uninsured often put off preventative care, possibly aggravating their condition until it become an emergency that is more expensive to treat.

"We already absorb the cost of charity care for patients who don't have public insurance and the hospital is not reimbursed for that," she said. "Insuring some of those people allows them to take advantage of preventative care."

Michael Kelly, of Senior Health Care Solutions, operator of four skilled nursing facility and seven assisted living center, said Corbett is trying to buy time to assess the complete fiscal impact the Medicaid expansion.

Kelly is not bullish on expanding Medicaid access. He said Medicaid reimbursement does not cover the cost of providing the care. Nursing homes would make up the loss by securing cash or private insurance clients. Even Medicare reimbursements have been cut.

Feb. 19 through March 6 - Senate Appropriations Committee hearings

Feb. 19 through March 7 - House Appropriations Committee hearings

May - House and Senate unveil budget bills reflecting own priorities

June 30 - Budget passage deadline

July 1 -Start of 2013-14 fiscal year

SHAMOKIN - Tom Glennon has come a long way since working on the floor of the Shroyer Dress Factory.

He climbed to the top of the textile industry's corporate ladder from the very bottom rung, and was able to transition into a fine real estate career when the domestic textile industry was turned on its head by free trade agreements.

It was persistence that was key to his businesses successes, he said, and it was that same character trait that, in 2011 at the age of 77, helped him climb to the summit of the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth - Mount Kilimanjaro.

"I was very focused. That's what I wanted to do. It wasn't about staying (in Africa) and going on a safari after. It was just about (the climb)," Glennon said by telephone last week from his home in Greenville, N.C., where he lives with his wife, Alice.

Looking back on his experience of having walked, hiked and pulled himself up onto Uhuru Peak, 19,340 feet above sea level, Glennon said, "The thing I was left with was realizing that all the strength you need to do something is really within you and the key is to really persevere.

"Quite frankly, that's the way my life has been since I left Shamokin."

Glennon, who will turn 79 later this year, was born to James P. and Stella (Ghezzi) Glennon in Shamokin State Hospital in 1934. His father, a former city fire chief, also was a former city councilman, as was his late brother, John.

He played on and eventually captained the Shamokin High School football team at a time when it switched formations from the single wing to the T, a time far enough back, he says, that the helmets were leather.

He swept the floors of Shroyer's while a high school student. After graduating in 1954 he headed west to California. Skills he learned while at Shroyer's, now long-since shuttered, helped lead him to a career in the textile industry.

"I was what you call vertical. I started out with the yarn, and did the knitting, and the weaving, and the dying, and the finishing," he said.

Glennon didn't stop at labor. He went on to own 23 companies and, at one point, employed 4,000 American workers.

He turned to real estate development when the North American Free Trade Agreement reached the horizon, and has since founded and remains president of Prime Investments and Development LLC, Greenville, which owns and manages four Hilton hotels and a convention center in eastern North Carolina.

From quite a distance, Glennon had his eye on Kilimanjaro. He hikes a bit in western Carolina and maintains a healthy workout regimen, he says. When he set his mind to attempt to climb the African mountain, he prepared by hiking and later climbing Mount Ida in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

Ida's no slouch. Its summit is 12,880 feet. But he says the climb is hardly comparable to that of Kilimanjaro.

Glennon traveled to Tanzania and hiked with a group from New York, as well as Gordon Koltis, also of Greenville. He went with no family. He went with no large group of friends. The experience, he says, was highly personal.

They took on Kilimanjaro using the Shira Route on its Western Breach via Arrow Glacier, a popular route because of its natural aesthetics. It's also a physically grueling route that includes a 3,000 foot vertical climb up a rock face, and presents multiple climate zones.

The cold is very cold; 15-degrees below zero. Drinking water freezes, even when nestled inside clothing. Glennon was frostbitten. Eating is extremely important because of the amount of exertion the body endures. Even that task can be difficult.

"You just can't eat enough or carry enough that high," he said.

At 15,000 feet, Glennon says oxygen is at a premium. He likened it to putting a larger straw in one's mouth, blocking the nasal passages so as only being able to breath through the mouth - and then taking a walk.

"You just can't get enough air. Everybody gets sick because of high altitude," he said.

The lack of oxygen made it nearly impossible to sleep, he says. He described repeatedly being jolted awake because the body thinks it's suffocating.

Breathing techniques are employed, but it's an experience difficult enough that, when combined with the physicality of climbing, taxes the mental wherewithal.

As Glennon put it, of all people who fly to Tanzania with the thought of reaching Uhuru Peak, only about one-third actually make it there. And people don't just quit; they die.

At 18,700 feet, the night before the summit, the group slept in the crater of a volcano. All around them were glaciers extending another five or 10 stories above them. It was beautiful, he says, and unreal.

On the sixth day they reached Uhuru Peak, and Glennon reached his goal.

"When I got to the top, my first feeling was gratitude to be able to get there," he said, acknowledging the odds were not in his favor. "The second one was I can't believe I did this."

Trekkers don't dawdle long at 19,340 feet above sea level. Photos are taken; congratulations shared, and a few long stares into space above the wild are had.

Glennon's visit to the summit happened to occur on Sept. 11, 2011, the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The members of the New York hiking group he was with had all experienced the loss of friends and loved ones in the attacks, and they pledged to climb Kilimanjaro in memory of those who died, he says, something initially unbeknownst to him.

They raised a commemorative American flag, and the moment was emotional.

"They were on a mission. Here it was 10 years later. You couldn't help but be part of it," he said. "It was a tearful thing."

Many who make it to Uhuru leave something behind. Glennon did. But what that was he's keeping to himself.

The descent is much less demanding than the climb. It took two days to get off Kilimanjaro.

"When you finally get down, it's total exhaustion," he says.

Afterward, he spent three days alone to rest. He estimated he had lost 12 pounds. What he gained was affirmation of his own will to persevere.

"It definitely changed me, I would guess in a lot of ways. Was it about ego satisfaction? Not really. It was more of realizing that ...," Glennon said before trailing off, then restarting with a quote from Socrates. "Know thyself. If you think you can do something and prepare for it, you usually can if you're willing to persevere."

At 77 years old, Glennon wasn't the oldest to climb Kilimanjaro. According to Guinness World Records, an 84-year-old man made the climb less than a month after Glennon's trek. Perhaps that record could be eclipsed by Glennon himself one day.

"Maybe if I'm still around in another five years or so I'll go back and be the oldest to go up the trail," he said.

SUNBURY - Kathleen Wolfe-Strausser, Northumberland County prothonotary and clerk of courts, announced Wednesday she will not seek re-election this year.

In a prepared statement announcing her plans to retire at the conclusion this year of her term, Wolfe-Strausser referred to "challenges and setbacks" that she and her office staff have faced because of cuts mandated by the county salary board.

"While other departments within the county had their staffs increased, my staff was constantly cut," she said. Wolfe-Strausser, noting she was told in 2012 to lay off another employee, said the office is "reaching a nearly impossible workload" after four years of staff cuts, according to the statement.

Wolfe-Strausser joined the office staff in 1991, serving for 15 years as chief deputy. She succeeded to the position of prothonotary and clerk of courts in 2006 upon the death of her friend, Suzanne Vastine-Smith, who served in the job for more than 20 years.

Wolfe-Strausser won election in 2007 to complete the remaining two years of Vastine-Smith's term, and she was then re-elected in 2009 to a full four-year term.

Wolfe-Strausser, a Republican, said she is proud of what she and her staff accomplished during her tenure.

"In 2008, at no cost to taxpayers, I purchased a new computer system, a new court-related computer program, new printers and a scanning system for my offices," she said. "In 2012, at no cost to the taxpayers, I purchased personal desk scanners. My employees can scan records into the computer system right from their desks. At the end of 2012, at no cost to the taxpayers, I purchased an automated filling system. This will eliminate the boxes that have been on the counters and floors since before I ever took office."

Wolfe-Strausser described the people who work in the prothonotary and clerk of courts office as "the hardest-working and most devoted employees of any office." The office receives and dockets all papers filed to civil cases, criminal cases, juvenile cases, child dependency cases, mental health and adult abuses.

"I very much appreciate having had the opportunity to serve Northumberland County for 22 years. I wouldn't trade my experiences," she concluded.

In addition to prothonotary and clerk of courts, other county elected positions on the ballot this year are controller, register and recorder and coroner.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A 47-year-old Coal Township man who allegedly grabbed the jacket of a police officer in a threatening manner after being involved in a fight with an Allentown resident outside his home late Tuesday night faces multiple criminal charges, including a felony of aggravated assault.

Jeffrey D. Burns, of 118 N. Poplar St., was arraigned at 10 a.m. Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on charges of aggravated assault and misdemeanors of simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness in connection with the 10:40 p.m. disturbance.

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

According to a criminal complaint filed by Coal Township Patrolman Edward Purcell, officers were dispatched to Burns' residence for a domestic dispute. Deputy Chief Chris Williams, who was the first officer to arrive at the scene, and Purcell observed Burns and Jose Montalban, of Allentown, fighting in the vicinity of Poplar and Walnut streets. Purcell said he saw Montalban punch Burns in the face.

After Purcell called Shamokin police for assistance, Williams was able to separate the combatants. But Montalban then came toward Purcell while cursing and yelling and waving his arms in the air. Police said Montalban claimed Burns had struck a woman he identified as a grandmother.

Montalban was told to stop "acting out" or he would be arrested. Police said Montalban continued to yell and curse before Purcell grabbed his jacket and restrained him against a vehicle until he calmed down.

After settling Montalban down, Burns came toward Purcell and started yelling and cursing about Montalban punching him. Purcell said Burns continued to come toward him and other people in an aggressive manner. Purcell, who noticed Burns was bleeding from the nose, said he attempted to ward off the defendant, but Burns grabbed his jacket and attempted to push him backward before the officer was able to grab Burns by his coat and spin him around onto the ground.

Purcell reported Burns continued to resist arrest, and Purcell had to use substantial force to keep him under control.

Police said Burns still resisted arrest while Williams handcuffed him. Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle assisted Williams, and Burns was transported to Coal Township Police Station.

Police, who are continuing their investigation, said charges may be filed against Montalban.

MILTON - An investigation into the deaths of a mother and son that occurred two weeks apart has shown both individuals died of natural causes.

Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley reported Wednesday the investigation into the deaths of Vennie Boyles, 80, and her son Mark Boyles, was completed following toxicology tests and autopsies conducted in November.

Vennie Boyles, of 8 Park Lane, the same address as her son, was found dead in her home's bathroom shower Nov. 4. Mark Boyles was sought as a person of interest and questioned five days after her death. He was found dead in his vehicle in a parking lot behind Kuhns Brothers Surplus Outlet in Milton Nov. 19.

Following the Nov. 6 autopsy conducted by Dr. Samuel Land on the mother, Kelley said the cause of death was due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and the manner of death is natural.

The coroner said there was significant trauma to the back of her head and her right hand, but the injuries were not lethal.

The autopsy on her son was conducted Nov. 21 by Dr. Rameen Starling-Roney. Kelley reported the cause of death was due to cardiomegaly, an enlarged heart with a contributory factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and the manner of death was natural.

By News-Item Staff

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley released the autopsy reports Wednesday of the two elderly cousins who were killed in a head-on collision Monday afternoon on Route 54.

The cause of death for Charles D. Carl, 92, was attributed to blunt force trauma to the torso, which involved a torn aorta and fractured ribs, and the cause of death for Ronald E. Matejick, 76, was attributed to multiple blunt force trauma to the head, neck and chest, which included neck fractures and rib fractures, Kelley reported.

The autopsies were performed Wednesday morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, by two forensic pathologists. Carl's autopsy was performed by Dr. Samuel Land and Matejick's autopsy was performed by Dr. Rameen Starling-Roney.

Carl was a front seat passenger and was wearing his seatbelt while Matejick was a rear seat passenger on the passenger side and not wearing a seatbelt, Kelley reported.

Both individuals' death was due to the motor vehicle accident, which occurred at 12:15 p.m. Monday when Glenn Meredith, 52, of Mount Carmel, was allegedly swerving in a 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup on Route 54 before the vehicle crossed the double yellow lines and struck a 2004 GMC Envoy carrying passengers Carl and Matejick, both of Gordon, who were pronounced dead at the scene.

Meredith was listed in critical condition Wednesday afternoon by a Geisinger Medical Center nursing supervisor.

Tina Alexander, 40, of Gordon, who was driving the Envoy, was listed in fair condition, pending discharge, by the same nursing supervisor Wednesday afternoon.

The cousins were being driven to Geisinger Medical Center by Alexander, who is a granddaughter of Carl and a niece of Matejick.

Kelley also reported that the manners of death for both men are "pending investigation" at this time and will be ruled on by him at the conclusion of the investigation.

Hollenbush said Monday his department is treating the investigation into the crash as a criminal matter and are looking into whether alcohol played a role.

The investigation is continuing by Mount Carmel Township Chief of Police Brian Hollenbush, Kelley, Deputy Coroners James R. Gotlob and Barry J. Leisenring and the Northumberland County District Attorney's Office.

HARRISBURG - A Mount Carmel man kicked off 2013 in a big way with a jackpot win in the Pennsylvania Lottery's Cash 5 game.

According to the Pa. Lottery's website, John E. Wojcik, claimed a $325,000 jackpot in the Cash 5 game in January, becoming the area's highest winner for the month and for the year so far.

Billie J. Holtzapple, of Danville, claimed the month's biggest instant game prize, winning $25,000 on a $2 Sweet Winnings ticket.

All total, winners claimed $416,113 in prizes of $1,000 or more, according to the website.

Winners, by town name, are:

Aristes

- Patrick J. Parnell, $10,000, The Price is Right, $5 instant ticket.

Ashland

- Judith Ann M. Lucas, $5,000, Fro$ty Ca$h, $5.

- Daniel J. Martin, $1,000, $, $5.

- Mary E. Troutman, $1,000, 20X the Money, $2.

- Eugene F. McCarthy, $1,000, Merry Millions, $20.

- Joseph F. Woodward, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

- Justin T. Conner, $1,000, Platinum Millions, $20.

- Deborah Berrigan, $1,000, Stocking Stuffer Doubler, $1

Catawissa

- Evelyn Motto, $1,000, Lucky in Love, $5.

- Charles V. Doraski, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

- Robert L. Bohner, $1,000, Snowball Bucks.

Coal Township

- Judith Seroski, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Marianne Zarkowski, $2,500, Big 4. 50-cent bet.

- Victoria Hartman, $1,052, Match 6, $1 bet.

- Jeffrey McCormich, $1,005, Match 6, $1 bet.

- John J. Orner, $1,000, $, $5.

- Jill J. Heitzman, $1.000, Alpha, $3.

- James M. Bernadette, $1,000, Double Shot, $2.

- Daniel J. Worhach, $1,000, Platinum Millions, $20.

- Mary Derk, $1,000, Platinum Millions, $20.

Dalmatia

- Kellie A. Conrad, $1,010, Match 6, $1 bet.

Danville

- Janice Kozlowski, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Billie J. Holtzapple, $25,000, Sweet Winnings, $2.

- Diane Cooper, $1,000, $, $5.

- Janae C. Dent, $1,000, $, $5.

- Chastity M. Thomas, $pot $ome Ca$h, $2.

- Dale L. English, $1,000, Black Tie, $10.

- Jamie L. Drumheller, $1,000, Kings of Cash, $20.

- Michelle L. Dunn, $1,000, Merry Millions, $20.

- Christine Y. Freeman, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

- James M. Murphy, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

- David M. Peterson, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

Elysburg

- Bryan Wagner, $1,024, Match 6, $1 bet.

- Sue Ann Hoffman, $1,000, Aces High, $5.

- Steven M. Servose, $1,000, Instant Millions, $20.

- Jose Abel Rojas, $1,000, Trim the Tree, $10.

Kulpmont

- Nathaniel S. Yoder, $1,000, Fro$ty Ca$h, $5.

- Mary Buchkowski, $1,000, Trim the Tree, $10.

Locust Gap

- Beth F. Brinkash, $1,000, Fro$ty Ca$h, $5.

Mount Carmel

- John E. Wojcik, $325,000, Cash 5, $1 bet.

- Crystal L. Wilhelm, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

- Charles F. Venna, two wins of $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- John E. Wojcik, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Gilbert A. Murray, $1,000, Kings of Cash, $20.

- Melinda E. Linn, $1,000, Trim the Tree, $10.

Paxinos

- Jason Sciccatano, $1,000, Fro$ty Ca$h, $5.

- Scott A. Weikel, $1,000, Trim the Tree, $10.

Shamokin

- Dorothy Kuzmick, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Joseph J. Dudeck, $1,022, Match 6, $1 bet.

- Thomas M. Rumberger, $1,000, Aces High, $5.

- Patricia Arnold, $1,000, Bingo Mania, $5.

- Lori B. Masser, $1,000, Lucky in Love, $5.

- Albert A. Yurkiewicz Jr., $1,000, Platinum Millions, $20.

HARRISBURG - Gov. Tom Corbett presented his annual state budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly on Tuesday and proposed $28.4 billion in state spending. Following the governor's address, Reps. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) and Kurt Masser (R-108) made the following statements:

"The outline that the governor has provided us with is a good starting point," said Masser. "This budget addresses many significant issues currently facing our state, including the ongoing public pension crisis, funding for transportation and infrastructure, and the possibility of privatizing our state liquor stores. With so many issues added to the budget, I am sure the upcoming weeks and months will be full of information-gathering and further discussions. I was also encouraged to see that this proposal invests more funding into our state human services programs so we are able to better provide services to some of our most vulnerable citizens."

"It is important to keep in mind that the governor's budget address marks the beginning of the annual budget process," said Culver. "This process will take months and will include the collaboration of the governor and House and Senate chambers. I am pleased that the governor has recognized the importance of early learning and the unmet needs of the disabled community. There are several pressing and difficult issues that must be addressed, including transportation funding, pension reform and the proposed sale of the state liquor store system. It is imperative that we move forward in a deliberate fashion to make sure we only spend within our means and that the budget is on time. I encourage and look forward to hearing the concerns and opinions of my constituents."

COAL TOWNSHIP - An elderly woman who was injured in a two-vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon was listed in critical condition late Wednesday afternoon by a Geisinger Medical Center nursing supervisor.

Hazle Rooney was the passenger of a gray Chevrolet Malibu being driven south on Route 61 by her son, Howard Splitt Sr., of Mount Carmel.

The mother and son were struck by a white Chevrolet Blazer being driven by David Ratzlaff, 60, of Shamokin RD, who was traveling north in the passing lane. Ratzlaff reportedly swerved to avoid hitting another vehicle that was stopped to make a left turn into Ranshaw.

Ratzlaff, his passenger and wife Marilyn, 60, and Splitt were all treated and released from the hospital, according to a nursing supervisor.

The accident occurred near Ranshaw shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Prison, which uses 48 security cameras to keep track of prisoners and the facility, expects to have 90 video surveillance cameras operational within the next two years.

Prison board members unanimously agreed Wednesday to pay a maximum of $75,000 in the next 18 months to two years for the purchase and maintenance of 90 cameras. The prison presently utilizes 36 analogue and 12 digital security cameras.

The board unanimously supported a motion by Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage to have all areas of the prison monitored by cameras within the next six months.

Warden Roy Johnson and Operations Commander Brian Wheary said 12 more digital cameras are expected to be installed at the prison within the next two weeks. Johnson said within the next two years, there will be 90 digital cameras installed at the prison. He said digital cameras provide better quality than the analogue system. But the warden said analogue cameras will still be used as long as they function properly.

The warden said current cameras at the prison were purchased from Keystone Communications in Northumberland, which also maintains the equipment when necessary.

Video conferencing

Board members also unanimously approved a motion by Sacavage to complete all work involved with making the prison compatible for video conferencing within 90 days.

Commissioner Vinny Clausi stated, "We've been working for years on this, it's time to move."

Sacavage, who agreed with the commissioner, added, "We've been upgrading the video equipment in the magistrate offices and other parts of the court system for the past several years and we are continuing to move forward, but we've encountered some technological glitches in making the prison compatible to video conferencing. I would like to see the project completed as quickly as possible because it will save a lot of money and make the entire court system run more efficiently."

Clausi said the commissioners support the prison board in its efforts to install more security cameras and implement the video conferencing system.

The board appointed prison board chairman and county commissioner Stephen Bridy to serve as a liaison for the video conferencing project.

Sacavage invited Bridy to see how video conferencing currently works in the court system.

In his monthly report, Johnson said the current prison population is 243, including 212 male and 31 female inmates.

He said the highest population last month was 272 on Jan. 7, while the lowest was 237 on Jan. 29.

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin City Council members have decided they need to act quickly to replace equipment at the city pool if they want to open it to the public this year.

It was decided Wednesday night at a workshop meeting to place two motions on Monday's agenda to solicit bids for a new pool pump and for professional services to install the pump.

They will advertise a special meeting before the March 6 workshop meeting at 5:45 p.m., when they will open and award contracts to the lowest bidder.

"We cannot drag our feet on this. We're running out of time if we want to open the pool," Councilman William Milbrand said.

The pool pump will have to be built, and council wants enough time for professionals to do so in order to have it ready by the summer.

In July, the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool, 132 N. Rock St., was forced to close temporarily because of a faulty pump, which had a leak and wouldn't prime.

Community development director Lynn Dixson said a contract was signed to award the 2012 CDBG funds to the city in the amount of $300,000.

Of that money, $70,000 must be allocated to recreational uses, and the council plans to use this portion of the grant money toward the pool.

In other business, the council members met for a 40-minute executive session to discuss personnel issues.

Swim practice starts Friday

COAL TOWNSHIP - Special Olympics swim practices will start Friday at the Shamokin Area Middle/High School pool. They will run from 6 to 8 p.m. each Friday through the end of May.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania Northumberland Snyder welcomes new athletes and volunteers. For more information, contact Arden Miller at 374-5369.

Food pantry distribution is Saturday

ATLAS - The Mount Carmel Township Food Pantry will hold its monthly distribution from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the township complex. Residents in Atlas, Diamondtown, Strong, Locust Gap, Connorsville, Dooleyville and Beaverdale who signed up previously are eligible.

Conservatives to host speaker

LEWISBURG - The Susquehanna Valley Conservatives will host Lewisburg native Johanna Persing for a special lecture at 7 p.m. Monday at the Baylor East Conference Room, Best Western Country Cupboard Inn.

Persing, a graduate of Lewisburg High School and Gettysburg College, began an internship in the Republican National Committee Press Office after graduating from college and was eventually hired as a press assistant. During the 2012 election cycle, she was able to witness the inner workings of the RNC and their role in the primary process, the national convention, and the day-to-day communications strategy of the Mitt Romney campaign.

As a young conservative staffer, Persing will share her perspective of the RNC.

The meeting is free and the public is invited.

For more information, go to www.SusquehannaValleyConservatives.com.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court March 25 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Shane R. Picarella, 23, of 151 N. Grant St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for six months. Additional charges of public drunkenness and possession of Spice were withdrawn.

Picarella was charged by former Shamokin Cpl. John Brown in connection with an Aug. 18 incident at 30 E. Independence St.

Picarella also pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was given credit for time served in Northumberland County Prison. An additional count of disorderly conduct was withdrawn.

Picarella was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano in connection with a July 25 disturbance outside 25 E. Church St.

n Brad E. Kashner, 43, of 1319 W. Pine St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and make $15 restitution. Additional charges of simple assault, institutional vandalism and harassment were withdrawn.

Kashner was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Edward Purcell with causing a disturbance Dec. 28 at his residence and Coal Township Police Station.

An additional criminal complaint filed by Coal Township Patrolman Chad Yoder that charged Kashner with possession of a small amount of marijuana was withdrawn. The charge was filed in connection with a Nov. 13 incident at his residence.

Kashner's live-in girlfriend, Amy L. Fabian, 48, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia involving the same Dec. 28 incident in which Kashner was charged by Purcell. She was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs. Additional charges of simple assault and harassment were withdrawn.

n Kimberly Rickert, 25, and her live-in boyfriend, Aaron Bressi, 32, of 1727 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, both pleaded guilty to harassment and were each ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs. An additional charge of simple assault filed against both defendants was withdrawn.

Rickert and Bressi were charged by Coal Township Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky in connection with a Dec. 26 domestic disturbance.

n David Demarco, 51, of 429 W. Second St., Mount Carmel, pleaded guilty to harassment and was given credit for time served in Northumberland County Prison. An additional charge of simple assault was withdrawn.

Demarco was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Darwin Tobias III in connection with a Jan. 12 disturbance at 500 Bear Valley Ave.

n Raymond Villari III, 27, of 343 S. Fifth St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of theft, receiving stolen property, burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief relating to the theft of electric motors for vehicles from a vacant property at Fourth and Mulberry streets June 7.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle.

Villari's 25-year-old brother, Robert L. Villari Jr., of Shamokin; Alice Reichwein, 19, of Coal Township, and Harry L. Wheary III, 23, of Shamokin, also were charged in the theft.

n Joshua S. Kovaschetz, 32, of 2273 Mile Hill Road, P.O. Box 301, Sunbury, waived to court a bad check charge involving a Sept. 4 incident.

Kovaschetz was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn with issuing a bad check in the amount of $8,988 to Holdren Notary Service, 167 Circle Drive, Coal Township.

n Jason Quinn Lucas, 32, of Williamsport, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to drive in a single lane, careless driving and failure to wear a seat belt relating to a Dec. 2 incident along Route 61 in Coal Township near the Shamokin city line.

The charges were filed by Trooper Thomas Leib of state police at Stonington.

n Kenny Bunch, 30, of 21 W. Church St., Shamokin, David Payne, 26, of 916 E. Chestnut St., Shamokin; Robert Powell, 29, of 715 N. Vine St., Apt. 2, Shamokin, and Leon Vincent, 24, of 322 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin, who were all charged in a Dec. 14 drug bust conducted by the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force, waived to court multiple charges.

Bunch waived to court two counts each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

Payne waived to court charges of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance.

Powell waived to court charges of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

Vincent waived to court charges of possession with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin and criminal conspiracy to deliver heroin.

n Robert Smoogen, 55, of 1027 E. Race St., Coal Township, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of careless driving involving an Oct. 13 incident at Race and Lombard streets.

The charges were filed by Cpl. Darwin Tobias III.

Local superintendents are happy to see education funding increases in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2013-2014 budget, but they say it's a case of good news-bad news.

"It's great to see a funding increase, don't get me wrong," Shamokin Area Superintendent James Zack said Wednesday. "However, it's nowhere near what we've received in the past."

According to figures released on the Pennsylvania Department of Education's website, each of the four area public school districts - Southern Columbia, Mount Carmel Area, Line Mountain and Shamokin Area - will receive increases to their basic education subsidies.

Special education and accountability block grants funding will remain the same as last year.

The increases are part of the $11.7 billion Corbett has earmarked for education in the spending plan, which must be approved in time for the new fiscal year that starts July 1.

The increases range from $79,296 for Southern Columbia to $193,280 for Shamokin Area.

"After two years of leveling off, it's nice to see an increase," said Line Mountain Superintendent Dave Campbell.

More hands

Campbell said while the governor's budget calls for an increase in funding, there are more hands in the till than previous years.

"There's not only the 501 public school districts, but private cyber and charter schools as well," Campbell said "I have a problem with millionaires that start a school for profit getting richer."

Southern Columbia Superintendent Paul Caputo said the $79,296 increase represents less than one percent of his $17 million budget for this school year, and expense increases will wipe it out.

"Health care costs will increase 9 percent next year while - unless the governor's pension reform action takes place - we will see a 16 percent increase in our contribution to the Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System," Caputo said.

Sen. John Gordner, R-27, Berwick, said Tuesday this year's budget debate starts off at a better place with the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) funding, basic education increase and level funding for higher education proposed by Corbett.

The governor proposes level funding at $100 million for the ABG program, which school districts have relied upon for the past decade to help pay for full-day kindergarten and expanded early learning programs.

"Again, it's great to have the funding, but its about half of what we used to get," Zack said.

Privatization

Last year, federal stimulus money ran out and was not replaced in the state education funding budget, creating a debate as to whether Corbett had cut education funding or simply allowed it to return to pre-stimulus levels.

In his address Tuesday, Corbett discussed privatization of the state-run liquor sales and how eliminating state stores could provide $1 billion for education.

Campbell took note.

"What I find ironic is that seven or eight years ago, Gov. Ed Rendell proposed funding the accountability block grant with gambling money, and many folks were aghast about such an idea," he said. "Now, we have a proposal to do the same thing through liquor money, which is a bigger vice, in my opinion."

Bernard Stellar, superintendent for Mount Carmel Area, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

With the governor's numbers on the table, administrators can begin the process of creating their budgets.

"We are looking at a budget that has a $500,000 deficit this year, but will be $2.8 million next year and higher the year after that," Zack said. "We are still near the fiscal cliff."

"The state funding gives us a baseline to operate with," Caputo said. "We will continue to contain our costs as best we can to provide for our students."

"The good news we can take from this is that education funding is moving forward for the first time in three years," Campbell said.

Stations of the Cross

MOUNT CARMEL - Stations of the Cross will be held at 6:30 p.m. each Friday during Lent at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 S. Market St.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School District is projected to receive approximately $120,000 more in state allocations in 2013-14, but also will experience an approximate $5,000 reduction in special education funding.

Mount Carmel Area Superintendent Bernie Stellar said Friday that Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2013-14 budget allocates $7,831,951 to the district compared to $7,713,493 for the current fiscal year. He said the projected $1,045,037 in special education funding is approximately $5,000 less than what was allocated for 2012-13.

The district was able to save substantial money through cuts, retirements and administrative personnel changes in the past couple years.

The superintendent said district officials continually look for ways to curb expenses, but don't anticipate any personnel cuts in the upcoming fiscal year.

There are 157 teachers and 22 aides employed district-wide.

Stellar said the district's biggest concerns are increases in retirement expenses and medical insurance benefits.

"There have been predictions that medical insurance

costs will rise 9.1 percent per year in coming years," Stellar said.

But he noted an assigned fund balance established by the district will help combat the anticipated increased costs in retirement and medical insurance benefits.

"We have taken steps in the last two years to counteract that in the future," he said. "We have set aside approximately $2.5 million in the assigned fund balance, which was established to help us control retirement expenses, medical insurance costs and capital improvements."

Stellar said the district also is hoping legislation is passed that will properly address funding issues with charter schools to make them more accountable, while being more fair to public schools in terms of educational expenses.

The superintendent said, "Student and staff safety and student achievement remain the district's top priorities, and we hope to receive enough funding so we can continue to achieve those two goals," he said.

(Stellar was not available for comment for a story earlier this week that discussed local school superintendents' reactions to Corbett's budget proposal.)

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor has upheld his 12- to 60-month sentence for a Sunbury mother charged in connection with the death of her 1-year-old daughter.

In a seven-page order issued Thursday, Saylor outlined his decision about Heidi S. Yocum, 30, of Lewisburg, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor endangering the welfare of children for her role in the 2010 death, The Daily Item reported on Friday.

"The consequences of (Yocum's) failure to follow any normal maternal instinct on the day and evening in question resulted in a tragic outcome for a helpless 1-year-old child," Saylor wrote.

Yocum, as well as Lopoka Loner, the baby's father, and Bertha M. Dreese, of Selinsgrove, the baby's maternal grandmother, were charged by Sunbury Officer Jamie Quinn about a year after the death of Anela Naloni Loner, who was found dead Oct. 16, 2010, from hyperthermia after being left in a room for 19 hours with a space heater at 43 S. Seventh St., Sunbury, where Yocum and Loner resided at the time.

Police said Dreese had been babysitting the child and Yocum's two other children. Police said Dreese arrived at the home at 1 p.m., but didn't check on the infant until the following morning.

Additionally, neither Yocum nor Loner checked on the child throughout the day, police said.

Authorities said the infant was not provided any food or water in the room, which likely ranged in temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees.

Yocum was sentenced Jan. 14 after previously pleading guilty to recklessly endangering a child for her role in the death. She was expecting to be placed on probation.

Yocum's plea was accepted by Saylor, but not the sentencing conditions the defendant and her attorney, Edward "E.J." Rymsza of Williamsport had sought.

A plea agreement between Northumberland County Adult Probation and Yocum called for her to receive probation for up to five years. But Saylor disagreed and sentenced Yocum to 12 to 60 months in state prison, despite being told by Rymsza that his client had changed her life around by remaining drug-and-alcohol free and attending Pennsylvania College of Technology, where she achieved a 4.0 grade-point average this past semester.

Dreese was scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 28, but her attorney requested a pre-trial conference, to be held March 1. Northumberland County First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski said the commonwealth believes Dreese intends to withdraw her plea in hopes of being acquitted at trial.

On Nov. 19, Loner was sentenced by President Judge Robert B. Sacavage to 11 1/2 to 23 months in Northumberland County Prison after pleading guilty to misdemeanors of endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person. He also was ordered to pay $600 in fines and various costs, and given credit for 219 days previously served in prison.

SHAMOKIN - The Lower Anthracite Region United Way (LARUW) campaign total shot up from $24,000 at the end of January to $42,408.27 this week, chapter executive director Whitney Fetterman reported. The goal is $50,000.

Among the corporations, small businesses and individuals credited for their donations are PPL Corp. and PPL Employees, Susquehanna Bank and Susquehanna Bank employees, Weis Markets, Wal-Mart, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, The News-Item, Geisinger employees, Penndel Containers, Boyer's Food Market in Mount Carmel, Farrow's Funeral Home, Aqua PA, UGI Utilities Inc. employees, VNA Health Systems, Sunbury Motors, Eyesense, The Medicine Shoppe, Coal Township commissioners, State Farm Insurance Agency and Roadarmel Springer LLC.

The chapter is still collecting donations toward the 2012 campaign.

There are 33,741 total residents in LARUW's service area.

"If half of those individuals donated $5, LARUW would exceed its campaign goal by $34,352.50," Fetterman noted.

The agencies that are granted funding are agencies that reach out to a diverse group of individuals. The agencies are Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Central Susquehanna Sight Services, Manna for the Many, The American Red Cross, The ARC of Susquehanna Valley, Girls Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Avenues and the VNA.

"Several of these agencies could have assisted you, your family, a friend or neighbor," Fetterman said. "If at all possible, lend a helping hand and give back to the agencies who have given your community so much."

LARUW serves Shamokin, Coal Township, Elysburg, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont, Paxinos and Trevorton areas.

Donations can be sent to LARUW, Suite 306, 2 E. Arch St., Shamokin 17872. Call 644-1894 or write to laruw@verizon.net.

An attorney for Scott J. Binsack says his client dropped him this week, and that "substantial" bills for legal services have gone unpaid.

Attorney Frank E. Kepner Jr., of Berwick, filed a motion Friday asking a federal judge to allow him to immediately withdraw as Binsack's counsel. The motion does not, however, seek payment of any bills.

The legal filing comes two days after Kepner says he received a letter from the jailed Shamokin resident indicating "he no longer wishes" to have him as counsel for a pending federal lawsuit against the City of Shamokin and city and state parole officials, according to court documents.

Kepner says Binsack owes him money for legal services, and "it is unknown if (Binsack) has any intention of paying (Kepner)," the documents state.

Kepner does not say in the motion how much money he believes he is owed, but does say he warned his client that if "proper financial arrangements" were not made, he would withdraw.

He asks that Binsack be given 45 days to find new counsel.

The letter from Binsack to Kepner was not included in Friday's legal filing, and calls placed to Kepner seeking comment were not returned.

Binsack is currently jailed at SCI-Rockview, Centre County, on a parole violation stemming from a bad check conviction in Lackawanna County, according to The Times-Shamrock archives.

Kepner filed a lawsuit in November on Binsack's behalf claiming his client's constitutional rights were violated by city and state parole officials. Tens of thousands of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages are sought.

Attorneys for the defendants have petitioned the court to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that it lacks merit.

Binsack was sued Jan. 14 in Northumberland County Court by S&S International Property Group LLC. The Nevada firm claims to have hired him as a consultant to locate investment properties.

The firm alleges among other claims that Binsack breached a contract by failing to purchase three parcels in Coal Township on their behalf, instead eventually deeding them into his own living trust.

The lawsuit says Binsack provided no expert advice, misrepresented himself as a part-owner and landlord, did not disclose his prior criminal background and parole conditions, and is not entitled to any rental income from the property in question.

More than $25,000 is sought in judgment, money the firm says was wired to Binsack to acquire the parcels, including 1021-1023 W. Independence St., and that they be deeded solely to S&S International Property Group LLC. Attorney's fees and costs are also sought.

S&S International Property Group LLC is owned by Margaret C. and Sandra Phelps, both of Reno, Nevada. It is a different firm from S&S Capital LLC, owned by Steven Crone and for whom Binsack has said he was also working as a consultant.

Binsack clashed with city officials after details of his past troubles in northeastern Pennsylvania resurfaced. He claimed conspiracy in a series of web videos posted to Facebook under the moniker "Something's Smokin' in Shamokin."

He failed to show for a parole meeting on Oct. 25 and taunted law enforcement online, and was later apprehended in New York on Nov. 20, the same day his lawsuit was filed. He was recommitted to prison for six months and, upon release in May, must report to a community corrections residency along with obeying other terms.