Statement by Bishop Joseph P. McFadden, Diocese of Harrisburg, on the Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI:

While the announcement of Pope Benedict XVI's resignation initially draws forth a sense of sadness for Catholics throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg, this is not to the exclusion of profound gratitude for all that he has done and continues to do for the Church.

From the very beginning of his Pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI has been committed to calling all men and women in the world to an authentic encounter with the Living Lord, Jesus Christ. Through his preaching and his teaching, particularly in the three volumes of Jesus of Nazareth, the Holy Father has never tired of proclaiming the true face of Jesus Christ. And so, our hearts are grateful for his unwavering commitment to the Gospel.

That this comes during this Year of Faith, which Pope Benedict called the Church to celebrate, we can see his decision as a sign of his own deep faith that the Church is cared for by Christ himself. His humble decision invites every Catholic to have the same faith that Christ will continue to watch over us by sending a new faithful and holy Shepherd to guide the Church as its Pope and to care for God's People on our pilgrim journey here on earth.

'Young survivors' group created

A new group, Susquehanna Valley Young Survivors (SVYS), has been created by area organizations to help support local young adults with cancer.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in partnership with the American Cancer Society, Cancer Care of Central PA, Evangelical Community Hospital and Geisinger Medical Center started the group, which is open to young adults facing any stage of their cancer journey. Caregivers are welcome.

SVYS will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. the second Friday of every month beginning in April at local establishments. RSVPs are not required, but those interested in the group can contact Dawn Spuesens, health initiatives representative, American Cancer Society Inc., at 884-1027 or Dawn.Spuesens@cancer.org.

SVYS meetings will be held April 12, Bull Run Inn, Lewisburg; May 10, Front Street Station, Northumberland; June 14, BJ's, Selinsgrove; July 12, Bull Run Inn, Lewisburg; Aug. 9, Front Street Station, Northumberland, and Sept. 13, BJ's, Selinsgrove.

TREVORTON - Zerbe Township Supervisors gave their OK for Trevorton Fire Company to receive a donated fire truck, but with some trepidation because the apparatus is not in town yet.

Supervisors Michael Schwartz, Mike Mazer and Gene Geise gave tentative permission Monday to allow the fire company to use the township's tax ID number to receive an engine from a New York state fire company, pending solicitor's Roger Wiest's review of the matter.

It will be a much needed piece of equipment, according to Trevorton Fire Chief Ed Reed.

"We had to put both our engines out of service today due to different problems with the apparatuses," Reed said Monday. "We managed to get one repaired, but we've checked this equipment out and it suits our needs."

By using the township's tax ID number, the vehicle must also be put in the township's name and under its insurance to be transported back to Pennsylvania. Once in town, the truck's registration can be transferred to the fire company, but remains insured by Zerbe Township.

"If the truck gets into an accident between New York and here, we are the ones on the hook for it," Schwartz said.

The other option is to use Trevorton Ambulance's tax ID number, but the insurance issue remains the same. Hearing that, the motion was made by Mazer and seconded by Geise, and approved by a 3-0 vote to use the township's number.

Discussion about emergency crews came up again later in the meeting, when supervisor Geise, the president of Trevorton Community Ambulance, brought up a proposal from the Line Mountain School District to do standby assignments at Line Mountain High School football games and wrestling matches.

"We will be splitting the fees with Americus Ambulance in Herndon, since the school in their coverage area," Geise said.

Again, Schwartz had some misgivings.

"When Trevorton Ambulance is out of service, AREA Services covers the township," Schwartz said. "If there is a life-threatening situation when you are out of the area, that five to 10 minutes it takes AREA to respond could be crucial."

"It's no different than when we are responding to a call in West Cameron or Herndon," Geise answered.

"There is a difference because then you are called in an emergency situation," Schwartz replied.

The board will discuss the situation further and have an answer at next month's meeting.

In other business, supervisors approved a motion to close one lane of Coal Street from Fifth to Sixth Street from now until Sept. 15 for the construction project at Trevorton Elementary School. The closing was approved provided one lane of the street remains open and there is access to a nearby hydrant.

State Rep. Kurt Masser will host office hours at the township building from 10 a.m. to noon Friday and anyone wishing to discuss a state-related issue is invited to attend.

Due to a rash of car entries and thefts in the township over the last few weeks, residents are reminded to keep their car doors locked and not keep any valuables in their vehicles. Any suspicious activity should be reported to Zerbe Township Police.

Police Chief Robert John reported to The News-Item following the meeting that anyone who had items stolen from their vehicles between February 2012 and today should contact the police department. John said a number of items have been recovered from a person of interest in the case.

SNYDERTOWN - A U.S. Postal Service panel truck and a pickup truck delivering newspapers collided shortly before 7 a.m. Monday on Snydertown Road (Route 4012) near the borough.

Trooper Daniel Wilk of state police at Stonington reported the mail truck driven by Dana E. Krause, 21, of Middleburg, was traveling south on Snydertown Road when the pickup truck operated by Samuel M. Griffith, 56, of Northumberland, pulled from a stop sign on Smith Road into its path.

Police said the front end of the mail truck collided with the front passenger side of the pickup truck, causing it to be pushed approximately 30 feet from the intersection. Police said both vehicles came to rest in the southbound lane of Snydertown Road against guide rail.

Griffith, who was delivering The Daily Item, had neck and shoulder injuries, police said. He was transported by Elysburg Ambulance to Sunbury Community Hospital. Krause escaped injury.

Police said both drivers were wearing seat belts.

Both vehicles were extensively damaged and towed from the scene by Sunbury Motors and Jeff's Auto Body.

Police said Griffith was cited for a stop-sign violation.

Also assisting at the scene were members of Stonington Fire Company.

HARRISBURG - A state House bill passed Wednesday looks to legalize Chinese auctions and social card games.

The auctions are referred to as "selective auctions" in the bill, which passed on a 180-4 vote.

Also sought for legalization under the Small Games of Chance Act are poker runs, vertical wheel games, coin auctions and race night games, along with card games like poker and pinochle.

The bill calls for licensed clubs to keep the first $40,000 generated from legal gambling. After that, a minimum of 70 percent of proceeds must go to charity and a maximum of 30 percent can be used in-house to pay bills and make repairs.

As it stands now, the 70/30 split applies to all gambling proceeds.

The bill makes clear that entities acting solely in the public interest, such as volunteer fire companies, can keep all gambling profit for charitable use. It also proposes that required reporting be permitted both in writing and electronically, and for license holders to host events off-site at another license holder's premises.

Supported by the area's state representatives, Kurt Masser and Lynda Schlegel-Culver, the bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

The York Daily Record reported Thursday that similar bills have been sent to the Senate, and that there is no timetable for a decision on the latest proposal.

Pleased with proposal

Chinese auctions and vertical wheel games have long been staples at church block parties. Poker runs and "night at the races" events are frequently used at fundraising events by nonprofit groups.

To many who play the games and those who organize them, it wasn't exactly well-known they were illegal, even among those who had a special event license to host a small game of chance.

Law enforcement has long exhibited a "wink-wink" attitude towards such activities when they benefit what's considered a good cause.

"All the things churches and clubs were doing will now be legal" if the proposed bill is passed into law, said Schlegel-Culver. "It's one of those things where everybody has been doing these things forever, I don't think anybody realized these things were illegal."

Masser and Schlegel-Culver each hosted public seminars last month for license holders to learn more about the existing Small Games of Chance Act. Among concerns raised by the attendees were that games like Chinese auctions were illegal.

"Certainly the Chinese auctions were something the parishes were looking for. I was glad that was part of the bill," Masser said.

Existing legislation allows punch boards, pull-tabs, raffles, daily and weekly drawings and 50/50 drawings to be played at clubs.

Extensive changes were made last year to the small games law by the General Assembly, which included adding 50/50 drawings to the legal games list. It also increased payouts and prize limits. The latest proposal would further raise weekly prize limits from $25,000 to $35,000.

Playing cards

Social card games like poker, rummy and pinochle are detailed in an entirely new chapter proposed for inclusion in state law.

Their potential legalization at social clubs, fire houses and the like comes with many caveats.

Under the proposal, players would be allowed to make wagers against each other only and not against the "house." The maximum total payout would be $100 for a game, $200 for a tournament, and $200 per table when it comes to Texas Hold'em.

If a player is knocked out of a tournament, he could not buy back in.

Card games would have to be played on premises of a licensed club and only among club members. It calls for a limit of 10 players per table, and five tables maximum per club.

No organization could charge a fee to play card games.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court March 25 in Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Jeremy S. Sala, 21, of 312 W. Fourth St., Mount Carmel, waived to court charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance and driving an unregistered vehicle relating to a Nov. 11 incident at Fourth and Hickory streets in Mount Carmel.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Shane Reamer.

n Timothy J. Ramph, 37, of 1343 Poplar St., Kulpmont, pleaded guilty to careless driving and was ordered to pay a fine and costs totaling $127. Additional charges of driving under the influence of a drug or combination of drugs and reckless driving were withdrawn.

Ramph was charged by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Kelly Campbell in connection with a Dec. 16 accident at the community park on Laurel Street in Atlas.

n Amber Eisenhard, 19, of 118 E. Second St., Mount Carmel, waived to court charges of terroristic threats and two counts of harassment involving a Jan. 19 disturbance at 622 Chestnut St., Kulpmont.

The charges were filed by Kulpmont Patrolman Joshua Pastucka.

Eisenhard also waived to court charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment relating to a Jan. 27 disturbance at Mount Carmel Town Park. Police said a female juvenile was the victim of the assault.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Kevin Katch.

KULPMONT - A Jan. 28 fire that destroyed four buildings and damaged four others was a topic of discussion during Tuesday night's Kulpmont Borough Council meeting.

According to a report of the meeting provided by Borough Secretary Rhonda Wilk, the early morning fire in the 900 block of Chestnut Street came up several times, especially during the public comment period.

Dennis Zarick, who lives at 912 Chestnut St., informed borough council he intends to rebuild his home, and would consider one or more of the other damaged properties, should they become available. He said he would also consider using the same contractor the borough used to help clean up the site.

In response, borough mayor Myron Turlis clarified Kulpmont did not hire anyone to demolish or remove the structures.

Another resident, Dave Dallabrida, of 922 Chestnut St., questioned council on the cleanup status, telling council members his property has become a thruway. He wishes to close up access and not leave his yard open.

Solicitor William Cole told Dallabrida the mayor and council are working on the problem with a timetable in mind. He said these are private properties and that rights must be observed.

In his report, Turlis thanked all the firefighters and fire departments that responded that morning, and all those who provided support, including Dunkin Donuts, Turkey Hill Minit Market and store manager Jamie Jerosevich, Baluta Heating and Plumbing, Joe Cesari and Subway, Scicchitano's Wings in Mount Carmel and Scicchitano's Pizza, Dave Shinskie and the Knights of Columbus, all the neighbors in the area, the Salvation Army, Bob Guzick, EMS crews and fire police, borough council and all others who provided aid.

In other business, the board approved the purchase of a roller from Medico Industries, Hanover, and a skid steer loader from Best-Line Equipmnent, Muncy, at a cost not to exceed $55,255.

The borough also purchased Taser cartidges, OC spray and an updated crimes code book for the police department at a cost of $403.13.

The two motions were approved by an 6-0 vote by Clarence Deitrick, Nicholas Bozza, Stephanie Niglio, Philip Scicchitano, Joseph Winhofer and Stephen Motyka. Council President Bruno Varano was absent.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Lower Anthracite Transit System (LATS) will run buses to the Susquehanna Valley Mall on Saturdays for the remainder of February. The cost of the trip is $2 each way, but seniors ride for free with their LATS ID card.

The bus will leave for the mall starting at 9 a.m. at the Mount Carmel High Rise and stop at the following times and locations: Third and Oak, 9:05 a.m.; Willow Court, 9:10 a.m.; Pleasant Valley, 9:12 a.m.; Atlas, 9:15 a.m.; Marion Heights, 9:20 a.m.; Kulpmont (Town Park), 9:25 a.m.; Ranshaw, 9:30 a.m.; Harold Thomas High Rise, 9:40 a.m.; Weis (by the loading docks), 9:42 a.m.; Coal Township High Rise, 9:47 a.m.; Lincoln Towers, 9:55 a.m. The bus will arrive at the mall at 11 a.m. and depart at 3:30 p.m.

The bus will leave off passengers in this order: Weis Markets, Coal Township High Rise, Lincoln Towers, Harold Thomas High Rise, Ranshaw, Kulpmont (Town Park), Marion Heights, Atlas, Mount Carmel High Rise, 3rd and Oak, Willow Court and Pleasant Valley.

SHAMOKIN - There were more than 300 fewer calls placed to Shamokin Fire Bureau in 2012 compared to 2011.

It's not as if volunteer fire bureau members weren't kept busy; they responded to 1,233 incidents last year.

That's down from 1,556 incidents the year prior, according to year-end reports submitted by former Fire Chief Bruce Rogers.

Rogers had previously said the Flood of 2011 spiked that year's figures compared to 2012.

A breakdown of incidents bureau members responded to in 2012: structure fires, 68; vehicle fires, 4; minor fires (rubbish), 13; inside investigations, 21; outside investigations, 43; carbon monoxide alarms, 10; motor vehicle accidents, 51; rescue assignments, 13; fluids down/haz-mat incidents, 18; basement flooding, 1; standby assignments, 9; automatic alarms, 26; public service details, 29; traffic control incidents, 19; medical assists, 903, and structural collapses, 2.

The command structure is cyclical and rotates every other year. Robert Wolfe is now fire chief; John Klembara, assistant chief; Jason Zimmerman, deputy chief, and Rogers, battalion chief.

According to a report submitted by Wolfe to city council, bureau members responded in January to 36 incidents, including four structure fires, all of which went to second alarm; one automatic fire alarm; one commercial building fire, which went to third alarm; one barn fire; one chimney fire; one rekindle; one inside investigation; one outside investigation; three standby assignments; one carbon monoxide incident, and three motor vehicle accidents.

All centers are closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; lunch at Masser's, arrive at 11:30 a.m., depart for home at 1 p.m.; bridge, noon; aquacize, 1:30 p.m.

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

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; treadmill with doctor's permission; lunch served by NCCTC students, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; aquacize, 1:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling; treadmill with doctor's permission; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

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

Wednesday - Word build, 10 a.m., chair dancing, 10:30 a.m.; bean bag, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Chit Chat, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; puzzle time, 1 p.m.

Friday - Brain Teasers, 9 a.m.; exercise to music, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Tuesday - Wii, noodle balloon and knitting in the morning; pinochle-cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii, noodle balloon and knitting in the morning; bunco and LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii, noodle balloon and knitting in the morning; exercise with Amy Zalar, noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii, noodle balloon and knitting in the morning; lunch at Brewser's, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., cost $2; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia- Wilburton

Tuesday - Auction with auctioneer Judy Horan; exercise with Carol Burton.

Wednesday - Celebrating birthdays, visit from traveling bookmobile with Jim Patterson.

Thursday - Bev Seybert presentation on "Is Organic Worth It?"

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Friday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Tuesday - Wii bowling hosting Milton Team 1, 9:30 a.m.; Unlucky 7s and 31, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Trip to Mohegan Sun, leaving at 8:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday - Making potato cake batter; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.; evening binigo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise with Amy, 10:30 a.m.; $1 bingo, 12:30 p.m.

FRACKVILLE - A Shenandoah man and woman were jailed Wednesday after being arrested and charged in connection with a burglary and theft from Black Diamond Antiques in the Schuylkill Mall between 1 and 3 a.m. Nov. 24.

State police at Frackville said Jeffrey Durgis, 40, was charged with criminal conspiracy, burglary, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Jennifer Richardson, 36, was charged with burglary, criminal conspiracy, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Both were arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10-percent of $25,000 bail.

Troopers said the two broke into the store, smashed a display case and removed gold and silver coins before fleeing the area.

The value of the coins was estimated at $6,445 and damage to the entrance door and the case thought to be about $600.

In addition to the burglary, troopers said Durgis and Richardson were each charged in relation to an incident at an adjacent store Nov. 23.

Troopers said the two entered Blum's Auction around 5:30 p.m., when Richardson removed a 10-carat gold ring valued at $110 from a display case and both left the store without paying.

Troopers said Richardson was charged with retail theft and Durgis with conspiracy.

Those charges were filed at Plachko's Port Carbon office, troopers said.

In each of the incidents, troopers said Richardson and Durgis were identified as suspects, interviewed and admitted to the crimes.

BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

MOUNT CARMEL - Family Home Medical Home Health Agency held a grand reopening Tuesday at its new location downtown.

The business moved from the first floor of the former General Cigar Factory building to the first floor of the former Rite-Aid building at the northwest corner of Oak and Fourth streets.

Warren Altomare, CEO, said the new location will better serve the agency, which he said continues to grow.

The facility, which measures approximately 6,500 square feet, was remodeled to accommodate numerous offices. It serves as a base for staff who provide home health services, including home visiting nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapy, homemakers, private duty services and home health aides.

The move comes amid an exciting time for Family Home Medical, which once again achieved HomeCare Elite status, a compilation of the most successful Medicare-certified home health-care providers in the United States, Altomare said. Also, Chief Operating Officer Kathleen Hoffman was named to the Pennsylvania Home Care Association Board of Directors.

Family Home Medical was founded in 1991 by two female entrepreneurs. One was a registered nurse and the other an established business woman. Their vision was to provide quality home health services to the elderly.

In 2003 the company was purchased by Altomare, whose family has owned and operated several businesses in the area since 1955.

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Conservation District (NCCD) will hold its winter forum from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 5 at the Revival Tabernacle in Watsontown. The $10 registration fee includes morning refreshments, meeting materials and lunch.

This year, three concurrent sessions will be held covering topics affecting agriculture, contractors and municipalities.

Topics for the agriculture sessions are "The Fate of Pesticides in the Environment" and "Personal Protective Equipment for Ag Pesticide Applicators." Both are covered by Joel Imgrund, Penn State Extension Program assistant; the PA One Stop Online Program and "New and Emerging Weeds and Insects," presented by Dave

Hartman, Penn State Extension Educator. Attendees for these sessions will receive two category and two core credits.

Municipality session topics include "Act 167 and Municipalities," with presenter Timothy Knoebel, president of KPI Technology; "Dirt and Gravel Roads from a Township's Perspective," being presented by Jon Clemens, Shamokin Township roadmaster, and "Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the

Township and the Conservation District," by Judy Becker, district manager.

Contractors will be presented with topics on "Chapter 105 Updates and Information" and "A Virutal Site Visit Walk Through," both with Michael McCleary, NCCD erosion and sediment technician, and "New BMPs Approved by DEP" and "NPDES Permit Changes," both by Mark Lonergan, engineer with PA DEP.

Registration forms may be found online at www.nccdpa.org, or you may contact the district office at 495-4665. The deadline to register is Feb. 22.

For more information on Northumberland County Conservation District events and programs, visit www.nccdpa.org or www.facebook.com/nccdpa.

SHAMOKIN - The sale of parking permits largely buoyed the city code office's revenue for January.

The code office generated $38,100 in revenue last month, including $9,200 for paid parking, $11,850 for restricted parking and $8,400 for reserved parking, according to Code Officer Rick Bozza's monthly report.

Landlord registration netted $3,375 for the office, while the sale of amusement licenses totaled $2,615.

There were 29 calls received by the office in January, 36 property visits with communication or visual checks, four walk-in complaints, four citations issued, 11 written warnings and nine health inspections.

Bozza also responded to one police incident and four fire incidents.

The code office report was shared during Monday's city council meeting.

Also shared was Police Chief Ed Griffiths' monthly report, which reported 1,339 police calls were received and 4,727 miles patrolled by department officers. Officers issued two juvenile petitions, 16 criminal complaints, 16 traffic citations, nine non-traffic citations, seven parking citations, five written warnings, 181 parking tickets and four code tickets.

Anthracite Coalympics

The "2013 Anthracite Coalympics" is a fundraiser set for 9 a.m. May 4 at the Bunker Hill Field Complex, Shamokin. Admission is free. Event registration is $15. Adult events include 2K run, home run derby, tug of war, hot dog eating contest, ultimate Frisbee, obstacle course, horseshoe tournament, beer pong, coal region jeopardy and keg toss. Children's events are free, but donations are welcome. They include an obstacle course, beanbag toss, long jump, race, scavenger hunt, face painting. There will also be food and adult beverages, an awards ceremony and live music all day. Vendors and volunteers are needed. Anyone interested in helping out, contact Matt Reidinger at 495-1776 or Kathy Klase at 509-2632.

50/50 bingo

A 50/50 bingo and bake sale will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 23, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, Coal Township. Free admission. Games begin at 1 p.m and end at 5 p.m. There will be baked goods and a door raffle. All proceeds benefts 2013 Anthracite Coalympics

Adult prom

Coal City Revitalization Inc. will host "Enchantment Under the Sea," an adult prom, from 5 to 11 p.m. April 20 at the Brady Fire Company, Ranshaw.

Admission is $40 per couple, $25 per person and includes food and drinks (beer and limited mixed drinks). Entertainment will be provided by Marla and the Juniper Street Band. Tickets will be available for pre-sale. Contact coalcityinc@yahoo.com.

LARRC seeks volunteers

Members of Lower Anthracite Regional Recreation Committee (LARRC) are working toward constructing a recreation area near Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, including two soccer fields, batting cages, a walking track and a playground. Volunteers are needed to donate time, machines, craftsmanship and any other services. For more information, contact George Zarick at 850-3087, Jerry Waugh at 394-4327 or Coal Township manager Rob Slaby at 644-0395.

(We invite you to submit ideas and existing projects to living@newsitem.com or give us a call.)

WEIGH SCALES - A construction firm will be notified Monday to proceed with structural repairs to Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority infrastructure damaged by historic flooding in September 2011.

The authority board entered a contract last month totaling $1,239,063 with Doli Construction, Chalfont, to fix damage in the channels of Shamokin Creek and Carbon Run. The contractor has 180 days to complete the project, which would push the project into late August.

"This has to move pretty quickly," said Scott Keefer, authority engineer of Great Valley Consultants, citing government deadlines. "They're (Doli) poised to move."

Project costs will be fully reimbursed by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Doli Construction, which was the general contractor on the sewer separation project completed in the Springfield section of Coal Township, will be tasked to replace

portions of the main sewer interceptor line and either repair or replace 10 manholes.

To get heavy equipment into the creek channel, the authority received easements to create rock construction entrances and access ramps at four locations, including to the rear of Turkey Hill Minit Market on Third Street and near Rescue Fire Company in the Fifth Ward, both in Shamokin.

Authority officials said precautions must be made to keep from further damaging the historic stone channel of Shamokin Creek, including using padding on the wheels or tracks of heavy equipment and hanging tarp on creek walls near where work will be performed.

A pump system will be set up at certain points to bypass creek waters around the work site, and coffer dams will be used when working around manholes. Erosion and sediment controls must be put in place per state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations. Camera equipment will be used to assess interior damage inside existing sewer main, and will be cleaned as necessary.

When finished, the pumps or dams, control systems and access ramps must be removed.

Authority members have been working since the storm to have damage assessed and repaired. Their efforts were initially held up by the creek waters, which took several months to recede to normal levels, at which point an assessment could be made. After that came permit snafus in March and again in August.

The City of Shamokin is pursuing its own repairs in the channels of Shamokin Creek and Carbon Run. It had been awarded approximately $1.8 million in grant funding for flood control and historic preservation, and is pursuing an additional $1 million for the project, which has not yet been put to bid.

ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township supervisors entertained proposals for new insurance providers, but will stick with their current setup.

Proposals from current broker DGK Insurance, Factoryville, which works with EMC Insurance, and Weiss-Schantz Agency (WSA), Hellertown, were the only ones received. They were discussed at the supervisors' meeting Tuesday night.

William Pilconis, representative from WSA, said his firm couldn't compete with the price the township is paying currently.

Supervisors voted unanimously to remain with DGK.

However, the cost of its package policy (including property and liability insurance) will go up $1,022 to $28,244 in March.

Act 46, a state law enacted in 2011 to financially help firefighters who become ill with cancer, in part will cause an increase for the township's workers compensation insurance as well. The cost is based on wages paid during the year, so it varies, but the quoted price for renewal from DGK is $32,281, which is $3,377 more than last year, said township manager Joseph Springer.

At a hearing last fall, state lawmakers said they are receiving reports that some insurance companies are dropping workers' compensation coverage for volunteer firefighters as a result of the law, which guarantees benefits to those who meet specific criteria.

Insurers were told few worker compensation claims would be made under the terms of Act 46, but there has been an explosion of claims. One expert told lawmakers the law should be rewritten to reduce the types of cancer eligible for claims and give municipalities more control over volunteer fire companies.

Bucket truck purchase

In other business, a motion was passed to buy a bucket truck costing $13,900 for purposes of cutting down trees and changing street lights.

Also, the township further discussed its use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, for which it became eligible this year. Jamie Shrawder, project coordinator of community development with SEDA-Council of Governments, was present at the meeting to address some administrative matters for the grant.

Three projects to be completed with CDBG money are storm-channel improvements in Elysburg, assistance to homeowners who need their sewer laterals replaced and qualify under the income guidelines and demolition of a blighted property.

Masser's offices closed Monday

ELYSBURG - Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) reminds residents that his district offices in Elysburg and Danville will be closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day.

The Elysburg office will reopen at 9 a.m. Tuesday and the Danville satellite office will reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21.

In addition, a constituent outreach event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the Zerbe Township Municipal Building, 800 Mahanoy Street, Trevorton.

Authority closed Monday

KULPMONT - The Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority office will be closed Monday in observance of President's Day.

Dr. Lori to be on 'Auction Kings'

Antiques columnist Dr. Lori, whose column appears in each Sunday edition of The News-Item, will be featured on the season premiere of Discovery channel's hit TV show "Auction Kings," airing at 9 p.m. Thursday.

Museum to be open every Saturday

SHAMOKIN - Beginning March 2, the Shamokin-Coal Township Anthracite Heritage Museum, above the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library on Independence Street, will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday.

Lenten devotions planned

During this Lenten season, the faithful of the South Anthracite Protopresbytery (deanery) of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia will continue the decades-old tradition of gathering for Lenten devotions on Sunday afternoons in the churches of the deanery. Stations of the Cross begin at 3 p.m. each Sunday and are coordinated by the clergy of the deanery.

Schedule is:

- First Sunday of the Great Fast, Feb. 17 - SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Mount Carmel.

- Second Sunday of the Great Fast, Feb. 24 - St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, Frackville.

- Third Sunday of the Great Fast, March 3 - St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, Shenandoah.

- Fourth Sunday of the Great Fast, March 10 - Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church, Shamokin.

- Fifth Sunday of the Great Fast, March 17 - St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Saint Clair.

- Flowery (Palm) Sunday, March 24 - St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Minersville.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Township commissioners will again pursue grant funding to refurbish Arch Street Playground.

Rob Slaby, township manager, said the commissioners voted Wednesday during their monthly meeting to authorize him to submit a grant application to state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grant program.

Slaby said the township would pursue funding for a total makeover of the playground, including its basketball and tennis courts.

DCNR gives priority to applicants pursuing projects related to improving existing parks and recreation facilities, along with development of hiking and biking trails, land conservation projects and river recreation.

Applications for the 2013 grant round are due April 10.

The township was successful in its C2P2 application in 2006 when it was awarded $43,300 in matching funding to renovate Mulberry Street Playground.

Applications submitted for renovations to Arch Street Playground in both 2008 and 2009, however, were rejected.

Arch Street Playground was built in 1968 following demolition of McKinley Elementary School.

In other business during Wednesday's meeting:

- The transfer of a liquor license from a Milton business to the developing Don Patron Mexican Grill at Plaza at Coal Township was approved.

- The board acknowledged that notice had been given by the state that Blaschak Coal Co.'s fly ash disposal site near Burnside has been closed and all activity completed.

- Commissioners acknowledged receipt of letters from the offices of U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and Pat Toomey with regard to seeking addresses from the U.S. Postal Service in order to add tax dodgers to the tax rolls. The senators said privacy laws would prevent the Postal Service from cooperating. A letter sent to U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta has gone unanswered.

- Permission was granted for a mobile Vietnam War Memorial to be placed at Tharptown playground for six days, beginning May 28, 2014.

- Commissioner Bernie Rumberger thanked firefighters for their service at emergencies over the past month, and thanked Turkey Hill Minit Market and Dunkin Donuts for providing the volunteers with food and beverages.

- An amendment to street excavating ordinance was tabled for further research.