MARION HEIGHTS - A fire caused extensive damage to the top floor of 560 Melrose St. Saturday, Marion Heights Fire Chief Ronald Coroniti reported.

The first-alarm fire was first called out at approximately 8 a.m., and it took only 20 minutes to bring it under control once firefighters arrived on the scene, Coroniti said.

The top floor of the house, which is owned by Michael Dallazia, is a one-room bedroom. The fire was contained there, and the first floor and basement only sustained water damage, Coroniti said.

No one was injured in the fire, he said.

While no cause or origin has been determined yet, Coroniti said there is no reason to believe the fire was suspicious.

State Police Fire Marshal Kirk Renn and Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush will be at the scene Monday to investigate.

Heavy fire coming from the upper level also severed an electrical wire, so fire personnel were avoiding a live wire until PPL arrived shortly after to shut power off to the house, Coroniti said.

No other houses were in danger, he said.

In addition to Marion Heights, fire and rescue personnel from Kulpmont, Mount Carmel, Atlas and Shamokin were at the scene.

ELYSBURG - Knoebels Amusement Resort is known for "fun, food and fantasy." I think Knoebels needs to replace one of those words with "fear" now that their newest ride, the StratosFear, is open to the public.

You can glimpse the tall white tower as you enter the park. It catches your eye in the way only a new attraction can. Driving in, I found myself glancing through the break in the trees and the structures to see what I was getting myself into. On the walk in, it was the same deal - twisting my head up and down, trying to see the monstrosity located near the Twister bridge from the parking lot.

Approaching the mechanical beast, I couldn't help but turn my gaze toward the heavens as the 12-person vehicle that forms a perimeter around the tower ascended into the clouds. My head tilted back so far that my sunglasses, which were perched on top of my skull, fell to the asphalt just as the vehicle was released.

I'm not saying the wind from the fall blew my glasses off, but I'm not ruling it out.

It was then that I felt a little nervous. The fall is said to be 47 mph from the apex of the ride to the bottom. That might not sound fast, but it sure looks like it.

I checked the height requirements to make sure I was eligible to ride. A rider must be 42 inches - I'm almost 70 inches. Still, at 148 feet high, The StratosFear is still more than 25 times my height. By comparison, the tallest hill of the Twister is 101 feet high and the Giant Wheel is 110 feet high.

Deep breath and go for it, I said to myself.

News-Item Photographer Larry Deklinski and I were escorted to the front of the line and were strapped into our seats safely. While the rest of our fellow riders boarded, he and I wrapped our camera equipment around our wrists tightly so we wouldn't drop them.

It's a slow trip to the top, and I spoke calmly to my camcorder, informing everyone who would watch later who I was and what I was doing. Talking about it made it appear less threatening.

As the people below became smaller and smaller, the view became better and better. From our position, we could see across the park in the direction of the Phoenix.

The most nerve-racking thing is not being able to twist around and see where the top of the tower ends. You just keep going up until you don't.

There's also no warning of the drop.

You just get there.

And then you're flying.

I lost my breath, screaming an elongated "WHOA!" as I plummeted to earth. I heard others' high-pitched screaming. I saw smiles. I saw fear.

It's a quick drop. Over in about five seconds.

But the rush of air and the tingling in the pit of your stomach stays with you long after you reach the bottom. There's also something else there, a thought in the forefront of your mind, a question that begs to be answered.

"When can I try that again?"

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area High School students will stage a mock trial Wednesday in which a student will face charges of causing an accident while texting on the way to the prom.

The project is being done this prom season in place of the usual mock accident, said Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley.

The trial will be staged at an assembly in the auditorium for 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students, but the public is also invited. The event starts at 1:30 p.m. and will be over in less than an hour.

Kelley said the 12 to 14 students involved were provided with a script and took off with the project from there. He said they are handling everything and will even dress the part in the case of the judge, police, bailiff and other characters. Props are being created, too.

"The kids are really into it," he said.They've been working on the project for about four weeks.

Kelley said the school's audio-visual department will tape the trial and put it on YouTube. The North Central Highway Safety Network will provide the taping to other schools to use as a teaching aid.

Kelley said Ann Targonski, a county assistant district attorney; Chris Venna, Shamokin Area Middle/High School principal, and Shamokin police patrolman Nate Rhodes are assisting.

He noted the growing concerns about texting causing motor vehicle accidents.

PITTSBURGH - Kiana Motto, of Meadowview Circle Drive, Paxinos, was named to the dean's list of the Mylan School of Pharmacy for the fall semester with a 4.0 grade point average. She is a sophomore in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Duquesne University.

She is a daughter of David and Lynette Motto and the granddaughter of Clayton Zamboni and the late Anita Zamboni and the late George and Helen Motto.

She is actively involved in the Spirit Emerging Leaders Program at Duquesne. She also is a member of Phi Eta Sigma pharmacy honor society and Lambda Kappa Sigma, a professional pharmacy fraternity. In addition, she also is an Assumption Hall council senator and a Resident Hall Association representative. Currently, she is employed at CVS Pharmacy in Mount Carmel where she will begin her internship this summer.

Marriages

Dale E. Moyer Jr., of 320 Spruce St., Shamokin, to Brianna Danielle Strohecker, of 622 W. Spruce St., Shamokin. Issued April 25, 2013.

Joshua M. Safoss, of 135 Skyway Lane, White Haven, to Amy Lyn Duran, of 733 Scott St., Kulpmont. Issued April 25, 2013.

Joseph J. Lang Jr. to Susan Anne McGlynn, both of 324 Spruce St., Shamokin. Issued April 27, 2013.

Michael Ian Morgan to Kristen M. Procopio, both of 408 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton. Issued April 29, 2013.

Robert Allen Wehner to Brooke Ashley Fratelli, both of 225 S. Fourth St., Shamokin. Issued April 27, 2013.

Clarence Lester Drumheller Jr. to Machelle Marie Metzger, both of 526 Spruce St., Kulpmont. Issued April 29, 2013.

Divorces

William Anthony, 454 Duke St., Northumberland, from Jennifer Rose, 1024 Point Township, Northumberland. Married May 5, 2003.

Crystal L. Gonse, 129 S. Main St., Herndon, from Kevin R. Gonse, 74-B, Elijah Ave., New Bloomfield. Married Jan. 1, 2008.

Daniel L. Goss II, P.O. Box 27, Dewart, from Michelle L. Goss, P.O. Box 42, Dewart. Married May 14, 1999.

Property transfers

Timothy E. Foust and Roxanne Foust to Timothy E. Foust, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Kurt E. Savidge and Brandy A. Savidge to Gratz Bank and Gratz National Bank, property in Coal Township, $2,964.17.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Stephen M. Pick and Mirian A. Pick to PHH Mortgage Corporation, property in Kulpmont, $1,051.15.

Tonia M. Seroski, Tonia M. Hoover and Hank P. Hoover to Kristofer Keck, property in Shamokin, $17,000.

Nickolas Zeigler and Leashay Leitzel to Nickolas Zeigler, property in Herndon, $1.

Barry C. Zeigler and Judy Zeigler to Zeigler Irrevocable Residential And Income Trust (by trustee), Barry C. Zeigler (trustee) and Judy Zeigler (trustee), property in Jackson Township, $1.

Eugene M. Dreese to Eugene M. Dreese and Dreese Irrevocable Residential and Income Trust, property in Herndon, $1.

Francis Devizia to Rafat A. Nizami and Atika Nizami, property in Mount Carmel and Shamokin, $2,500.

BWH Properties LLC to Steve Fluck, property in Shamokin, $2,440.

Grand Teton LLC to William Bulliner and Jennifer Martzall, property in Mount Carmel, $2,200.

Allen Maksymuk (executor) and Boris Maksymuk to Robert Sieklicki and Diane Altomare, property in Mount Carmel, $60,000.

Michaeline T. Koproski and Michaeline T. Koproskie to Kalterra Properties LLC, property in Shamokin, $16,000.

W&L Sports Cars Inc. to FSM Realty LLC, property in Rockefeller Township, $170,000.

Kevin J. Hilton and Jaclyn A. Hilton to Benjamin M. Weir and Amy M. Hollenbach, property in Point Township, $1.

Lamar Eugene Long to Robert W. Long and Fawn M. Long, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Henry L. Renn and Constance E. Renn to Douglas H. Stutman and Mary E. Stutzman, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Georgie E. Higgins and Tebra E. Higgins to Raymond Comment, property in Shamokin Township, $184,500.

Stanley A. Stefanski and Joanne Steganski to Joanne Stefanski, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Stacy Roeder and Sheldon Roeder, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Nancy A. Morrow and Angelique Baldwin to JP Realty Enterprises LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $21,500.

John Marzak to JP Realty Enterprises LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $25,500.

Michael R. Santor Sr. and Micheline A. Santor to Micheline A. Santor, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

First States Investors HFS LP to 51 West 3rd Street LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $10.

Nicholas Scicchitano, Lisa M. Scicchitano, Lisa Ann Porter and Mark A. Porter to Eugene J. Eister, property in Kulpmont, $20,000.

Stahl Farms LLC to Alma M. Stahl, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Norman W. Fornwalt and Janet I. Fornwalt to Norman W. Fornwalt, Janet I. Fornwalt, Mark A. Smith and Dalton James Smith, property in Shamokin Township and Northumblerland, $1.

By Justin Strawser

ELYSBURG - The combination of good weather and new rides attracted an enthusiastic crowd of park-goers to opening day at Knoebels Amusement Resorts Saturday.

"I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. Attendance was over the top," Joe Muscato, director of public relations, said.

The early-hour open

ing line snaked from the hand stamp booth all the way through the park, past the sign and ended near the Giant Wheel, Muscato confirmed.

While weekend numbers were not available, Muscato said he believes it was one of the "biggest opening days" at the park. However, he said, the overall crowds did not look like they were as high as attendance in July or August.

"We're happy to see all these people. It's been a long winter. They just all showed up at the same time," he said.

Everywhere one looked, there were laughing faces and eager people waiting to visit their favorite attraction, but all eyes Saturday were on the new StratosFear, the tallest attraction in the park at 148 feet high located across from the Twister bridge next to The Flying Turns project.

By comparison, the tallest hill of the Twister is 101 feet high and the Giant Wheel is 110 feet high. Dozens of spectators watched from below as the ride ascended.

The ride seats 12 people around the tower. They are taken slowly up to the top of the tower where they can see the entire park. Once at the apex, the vehicle drops 47 miles per hour on its trip back to the bottom.

In all, the ride lasts approximately 70 seconds.

"You're flying at first, but then you're falling to your death and it just stops!" said Nathan Danisavich, 12, of Frackville, moments after he experienced the drop tower for the first time.

He was attending the park with his father, Mark Danisavich, and cousin, Max Shirvinski, 10, of Elysburg.

"It feels like a roller coaster, but it's straight down. My breath got taken away," Shirvinski said.

Intense sensation

The older Danisavich explained he has bungee-jumped before and compared the two sensations, but also noted the differences.

"Going up (in the StratosFear) is intense. You can't see where you're going or how much further you have to go up," he said. "I recommend this ride for anyone not afraid of heights."

The three family members said they come to the park at least three times a month and haven't missed an opening day in years.

Father and son said the new ride is their second favorite in the park after the Phoenix, but Shirvinski called it the "best ever."

Lori and Fred Haas, of Delaware, who met while working at Knoebels in 1977, were spending the day at the park for the first time in years.

"We love it here. I've been to more than 60 parks, and this is my favorite. It's also where I grew up and worked," Fred Haas, 51, said.

Lori, 49, worked at the former petting zoo while Fred worked at the Rocket Slide, and they spent many summers with their families camping near each other at the park.

The couple of 29 years said the pictures of the StratosFear didn't do the ride justice and they loved riding it.

Hartman Hustle Wednesday

CATAWISSA - G.C. Hartman Elementary School students will take to track Wednesday, starting at 9:30 a.m., to participate in the second Hartman Hustle run-a-thon. Students have been busy collecting monetary donations to support their efforts.

Last year, nearly $12,000 was raised to benefit programs and purchases supported by the Hartman Alliance of Residents and Teachers. Friends and family members are invited to come and cheer on the students. Exact schedules will be sent home with students prior to the event. Online donations can be made by visiting www.FitForFunds.com/HartmanHustle.

Project aids school playgrounds

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area Elementary and Annex students will participate in their second Fit for Funds run-a-thon Friday to raise funds to purchase needed equipment for the elementary and Annex playgrounds.

Students will be seeking donations for the project. Last year, more than $10,000 was raised to offset pool expenses.

Friends and family members are invited to view the event. The Annex run--a-thon will begin at 8:45 a.m., and the elementary school event will start at 10:30. Class schedules will be sent home.

Online donations can be made by visiting www.FitforFunds.com/Shamokin.

Kickoff car cruise planned

COAL TOWNSHIP - No Name Cruisers wuill hold a season kickoff cruise Sunday, May 5.

The cruise will leave the Shamokin Burger King at 1:15 p.m. All vehicles are welcome.

KULPMONT - The St. Pauline Center is sponsoring the Alain Zerbini Circus at 5 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at the Veterans Sports Complex. Those with the center want the public to know they will be calling local businesses and residents in the area for donations for the circus.

Money raised through the effort will help fund Camp Pauline Hope for the Cure, the summer camp held at the St. Pauline Center for children with diabetes.

MOUNT CARMEL - Anthracite Citizens' Theatre (ACT) held its monthly meeting on April 10. The meeting was called to order by President Barb Malick with 16 people in attendance.

Secretary Louanne Olson read minutes from the March 13 meeting, with a motion made by Mary Ann Palovick to accept minutes, seconded by Christopher Olson. The motion carried.

Olson talked about auditions, show dates and ads for this year's shows. He reminded everyone that all the information for auditions can be found on ACT's website, www.actheatre.org.

Tyler Barnhardt's student of the month article was added to ACT's Facebook page.

A group from the Benton area is looking to start a community theatre group and is asking for help. A contact name and phone number will be provided to anyone willing to help them.

The motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Olson and seconded by Palovick. The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. The public is welcome.

The following landlord/tenant claims and judgments were filed in magisterial district court:

Office of John Gembic III, Shamokin

- Dewart Street Properties LLC, Shamokin, against Christine Vincenzes, Shamokin, for $340, filed April 26. A recovery of real property hearing is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. May 9.

- Mary Lenig, of Catawissa, against Holly Bently, of Coal Township, for $470, filed April 25. A recovery of real property hearing is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. May 9.

- Beatrice Gruneberg, of Coal Township, against William Cole, of Coal Township, for $1,650, filed April 22. A recovery of real property hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. May 6.

- Beatrice Gruneberg, of Coal Township, against Tara Snyder, of Coal Township, for $2,036, filed April 22. A recovery of real property hearing is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. May 6.

HARRISBURG - Two years after a state ban on the sale of "bath salts" took effect, House lawmakers are moving to rewrite that law to help prosecutors stay abreast of synthetic drug makers trying to skirt the ban.

A bill approved last week by the House Judiciary Committee would expand the specific types of chemicals, compounds and substitutes related to bath salts and synthetic marijuana that are listed as prohibited substances. It would include language from the federal Controlled Substances Act as part of state law.

The Pennsylvania State Police have been involved in efforts to draft the legislation, said agency spokeswoman Maria Finn.The 2011 law bans bath salts, synthetic marijuana, 2-ce and salvia divinorum, a hallucogenic herb mixture, and the compounds used to make them on the state list of controlled substances. The law sets penalties for possession of these substances with intent to deliver at five years in prison and a $15,000 fine, and for simple possession at a maximum of one year in prison and $5,000 fine.

A sponsor of that law has sponsored the bill to expand the list of banned synthetic compounds.

"The problem is that criminals are always changing their formulations for these drugs in order to circumvent the law," said Rep. Jerry Stern, R-80, Hollidaysburg. "This new legislation will expand the list of synthetic compounds within the current law to make it easier for law enforcement to keep up with small chemical changes designed to skirt the law." The provisions in the current law have sparked debate among chemists about which compounds found on the street fall under the ban, he said.

Stern said the bill was drafted with the help of the State Police laboratory and Philadelphia Police Department laboratory.

The initial state ban came after a spate of reports from local police about bizarre and violent behavior by synthetic drug users. Drug users can experience paranoia, hallucinations and often commit violent acts.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

By Justin Strawser

COAL TOWNSHIP - Off-road vehicle enthusiasts across the state have a craving for more places like the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, said participants from the ATVingPa.com ride Sunday.

"We're hungry for safe, legal places to ride. We don't want to worry about the game commission tracking us down," explained ATVingPA.com sixth region representative Matthew Michael during the group's lunch break.

More than 70 riders from all over Pennsylvania and New Jersey were given tours in their ATVs and side-by-side vehicles for six hours Sunday on the 6,500 acres of Northumberland County-owned mountains and abandoned coal lands stretching from Zerbe Township east to Mount Carmel Township.

AOAA authority member David Crowl and Anthracite Trail Riders member Dennis Felty divided the riders into two groups and led each on a tour of the east and west ends of the property in the morning, and then switched groups in the afternoon.

"I've been to a lot of places, but this is in the top three that I've ridden," Ron Severn, 51, of Bethlehem said.

Severn, who has been riding since 1986, has been to the park before to ride and help clean up debris and litter, and he was excited to be back.

"I love it. This is awesome. I can't wait for it to be open officially," he said, noting beauty of the terrain and view.

The authority's intention is to have a trailhead constructed this year, a goal Severn is eager to see completed.

"If they could open this year, it would be fantastic," he said.

Michael agreed, saying the park had "100 percent support" from ATVingPa.com because of the terrain, view and variety of trails - flat trails for speed and rough trails for experience.

"There's really anything you're looking for," he said.

Michael, 35, said the area has a special place in his heart because he used to spend his summers with his grandparents, who live in Shamokin, and hike the AOAA property. His grandfather actually helped mine the coal in the same area the park encompasses today.

Family ties are another reason he wants to see the park succeed. That would translate into more revenue for local businesses resulting in a boost in Shamokin's economy as well as surrounding communities.

Michael said he would be satisfied with a shack in the parking lot if it meant they could ride legally and safer.

Crowl expressed his approval of the group and noted they were well organized and responsible.

"They are welcome back anytime," he said.

Lifetree cafe looks at racism

ELYSBURG - The issue of racism will be discussed at Lifetree Cafe from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave.

The program, titled "The Black and White Truth About Racism: Will We Ever Live in a Colorblind World?" features an exclusive filmed interview with Daryl Davis, a black man who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan.

Davis said, "I wanted to question those people who would lynch me for no other reason than the color of my skin," says Davis. "Why do you hate me when you don't even know me?"

Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available.

Lifetree Cafe is a place where people gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual coffeehouse-type setting. For more information, call 672-2873 or go to www.facebook.com/LifetreeCafeAtEPC.

Children's theater auditions set

SHAMOKIN - The Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities' Anne Miles Children's Theater will hold auditions for this summer's production of "The Little Mermaid Jr." and "Annie KIDS" from 5 to 7 p.m. May 8 and 9 at the career and arts center auditorium, 2 E. Arch St.

Children currently in second through fourth grades can audition for "Annie KIDS," and those in fifth through eighth grades can audition for "The Little Mermaid Jr." They will be asked to read a portion of a script, sing a song with piano accompaniment (an accompanist will be provided) and do a brief dance.

There is a fee for the program. Discounts available for families with more than one child participating.

Show dates are July 15 and 16 for "Annie KIDS" and July 15 and 16 for "The Little Mermaid Jr."

MARION HEIGHTS — A man whose home was damaged by fire here Saturday morning has been charged in connection with his alleged conduct as firefighters tried to battle the blaze.
Michael F. Dallazia, 59, of 560 E. Melrose St., Marion Heights, was charged Saturday by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
Upon responding to the fire shortly before 8 a.m., Stamets said he noticed smoke and fire coming from the roof and window of Dallazia’s home before spotting Dallazia sitting outside on the grass. Stamets said he then saw Dallazia go into his home through the basement and later located him with his dog sitting at a kitchen table drinking a beer.
As Dallazia was sitting at the table, water from the third floor was dripping through the ceiling around him and throughout the home, Stamets reported.
When Stamets asked Dallazia to exit the home until firefighters were done fighting the fire, Dallazia allegedly shouted a profanity at the officer and refused to leave despite being warned to do so several times. Stamets said Dallazia finally agreed to leave the home, but once outside, he began cursing as citizens and firefighters were walking around the scene.
Police said Dallazia continued yelling profanities and making threats upon being led to a police cruiser. Police had to use substantial force to handcuff Dallazia, Stamets said.
Dallazia was arraigned Saturday by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones and committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Cleanup set for Saturday

MOUNT CARMEL - The annual downtown cleanup sponsored by Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. is set for Saturday.

Volunteers are welcome and are asked to meet at Academy Sports Center at 9 a.m.

Roadwork planned in township

COAL TOWNSHIP - The township street department will be milling the following streets May 6 to 10 in preparation of paving during the following spring and summer months.

- Arch Street from Ash Street to Woodlawn Avenue (1400 thru 1600 blocks).

- Walnut Street from Maple Street to Ash Street (1000 thru 1300 blocks).

- Pine Street from First Street to Owl Street and Maple Street to Poplar Street (800 block and 1000 block).

- Feeney and Hakes streets.

These streets will be posted for no parking as far in advance as possible. All vehicles must be moved or they will be towed at the vehicle owner's expense. The paving schedule will be posted in the near future.

CT planning yard waste removal

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Street Department will be collecting residential yard waste from May 20 to June 7 only. Leaves must be bagged. Tree limbs must be no more than 4 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter. Do not cut down large trees and expect Coal Township to remove truckloads of material. This service is for normal spring yard clean-ups only.

WILLIAMSPORT - A federal judge denied a motion Monday by Northumberland County and commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy to disqualify attorneys Timothy Bowers and Kymberly Best from representing David Kaleta, of Shamokin, who filed a lawsuit over issues related to the county's Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).

The county and the commissioners claimed that during the time both Bowers and Best were employed by the county - Best from Sept. 15, 2009, to March 18, 2011, and Bowers from April 29 to Sept. 3, 2010, with Bowers maintaining an attorney-client relationship with the county after that - they dealt with administrative and legal issues related to the proposed outdoor recreation area.

However, in a 27-page opinion, U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson concluded there is no conflict between Bowers and Best's past relationship with the county and their representation of Kaleta, because nothing they learned while employed by the county would give rise to conflict nor would they be privy to confidential information that could be used against the county.

Furthermore, the decision to restrict Kaleta's access to the AOAA in August 2012 was made after Best and Bowers were no longer employed by the county, Carlson said.

He said Kaleta is not "bringing sweeping or broad challenges to the AOAA project, or even regarding the public's use of this land generally; instead, he has challenged the county's decision, allegedly made private in August 2012 by two county commissioners, to flatly deny his request to access the AOAA, in a manner that he contends violates the Sunshine Act and the First Amendment."

In considering the nature and scope of Bowers and Best's prior representation of the county, Carlson said the county has "offered relatively little to support their assertions regarding not only the nature of the former representation, but most importantly to link that prior representation meaningfully with the issues presented in the instant litigation."

Additionally, said Carlson, although "Best and Bowers have some familiarity with the way in which the county processes litigation brought against it, or even how the county has in past settled lawsuits, we do not believe that this is of such significance that it compels the disqualification of counsel in this case."

Kaleta, who has been critical of the county plans to build the 6,500-acre recreational area on forest and abandoned coal lands in Coal, East Cameron, Mount Carmel, West Cameron and Zerbe townships, was informed in a Sept. 10 letter from county planning director Pat Mack that his request to use the land for hunting and walking his dog had been denied after consideration by "two of three members of the board of commissioners," later determined to be Bridy and Clausi,

Kaleta, claiming the discussion to deny his permit is a violation of the Sunshine Act, won a preliminary injunction in Northumberland County Court.

With Kaleta alleging a violation of his First Amendment rights, the case was moved to federal court.

MOUNT CARMEL - A state deputy attorney general was ready to call about a dozen witnesses to testify Monday morning against a man accused of selling drugs in eastern Northumberland County, but their testimony wasn't needed; the defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

After consulting with his attorney for several minutes, Charles "Chuck" T. Picarella Jr., 33, of 869 W. Valley Ave., Apt. 2, Elysburg, agreed to send his case to the Court of Common Pleas, where he will appear for plea court June 3. At his next legal proceeding, Picarella could plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Deputy Attorney General Patrick Leonard of State College was prepared to call approximately 12 witnesses, including inmates, co-defendants and police. But no testimony was required once Picarella waived the charges to county court before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones.

Picarella, who was represented by Attorney Stephen Becker of Lewisburg, was charged earlier this month by Ralpho Township Patrolman Christopher Grow and Agent David Jordan of the attorney general's office with nine felony counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, one felony count each of illegal possession of a firearm and criminal use of a communication facility, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia involving incidents in the Shamokin, Mount Carmel and Elysburg areas over a 2 1/2-year period.

Police allege he sold or possessed more than 5 1/2 ounces of cocaine and more than 1 1/2 ounces of heroin, some of which he allegedly sold while working at a family business.

Picarella told Jones he understood the ramifications of forfeiting his right to a preliminary hearing and sending the case to county court.

The defendant, Becker and Leonard declined comment after the hearing.

Picarella, who had his arms and legs shackled, spoke briefly to his parents after the hearing before being transported to Snyder County Prison to await his next court appearance. Although his alleged crimes were committed in Northumberland County, Picarella is being housed in Snyder County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail because various witnesses in the case are incarcerated in Northumberland County Prison.

Picarella was in SCI-Mahanoy on a parole violation prior to his most recent arrest.

The investigation includes eyewitness testimony from various sources, some described in court papers as witnesses and others as conspirators. The state attorney general's office would not comment on whether or not the witnesses or conspirators were cooperating confidential informants or if charges were pending against others involved in the investigation.

Picarella was arrested Oct. 4, 2012, after a parole agent allegedly found 20.7 grams of cocaine, various prescription pills and drug packaging paraphernalia inside a car at his home. Police also confiscated a .32-caliber handgun possessed by Picarella on Sept. 3, 2012, at a property on North Anthracite Street in Shamokin. The handgun was traded to Picarella by another man for heroin. Picarella has a prior felony conviction and is not permitted to possess a firearm, authorities say.

Unidentified witnesses say they purchased cocaine and heroin from Picarella between April 2010 and Oct. 4, 2012, at various intervals. He's said to have purchased heroin from a source in Wilkes-Barre during 2012 and sold to more than 10 customers in and around the Shamokin area. The buys were allegedly set up through telephone calls and text messages, witnesses said, and some sales came through people allegedly working for him.

Another instance alleged by an eyewitness was Picarella's purchase of $1,800 in cocaine in September 2012 at a convenience store in Lavelle.

Drugs were allegedly stored in properties he owned in Shamokin and Mount Carmel, including a Shamokin garage "controlled by conspirators."

Police say unnamed conspirators went to his Mount Carmel property and retrieved various amounts of heroin after his arrest.

Evidence was presented to the 33rd Statewide Investigating Grand Jury in Harrisburg from November 2012 through February 2013 by police and civilian witnesses, prompting the grand jury to recommend drug-related charges be filed against Picarella.

Witnesses testified that smaller heroin purchases were made from Picarella at a family business, where he would place packets of heroin inside boxes containing cannoli or cheesecake.

MOUNT CARMEL - Two Mount Carmel Area Odyssey of the Mind teams that have qualified for the World Finals May 22 to 25 in East Lansing, Mich., are getting some fundraising help this week from local businesses.

A special bowling offer from the Coal Bowl, Coal Township, is set for Wednesday. Bowlers will pay $5 for shoes and game rental with proceeds helping the teams.

On Thursday, 20 percent of proceeds at Brewser's SportsGrille, Coal Township, will go toward the teams.

And on Saturday, a $10 night for adults 21 or older, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Kulpmont American Legion will benefit the teams. The $10 includes food and drinks.

Tickets are required for all these events. See teacher Jesse Wagner or a team member.

In addition to Wagner, team advisers are Corey Lombardo and Andrew Yaracz.

The school also welcomes donations. Checks can be made out to Mount Carmel Area School District with Odyssey of the Mind in the subject line. Donors are treated to a special encore performance by the teams prior to leaving for the World competition.

Odyssey of the Mind is a competition that emphasizes creativity, teamwork and problem-solving. The world competition provides an opportunity for students to make friends and learn about students from other cultures through a common goal of creativity.

SUNBURY - A Mount Carmel teen charged with assaulting his girlfriend and punching her puppy in December pleaded guilty Monday morning to simple assault and harassment.

Tyler Michael Wondoloski, 19, of 802 W. Fifth St., entered the plea before Northumberland County Judge William H. Wiest and will be sentenced within 90 days.

An additional charge of cruelty to animals will not be prosecuted at sentencing.

Wondoloski, who was among five teens injured in March 2012 in a DUI-related accident near Mount Carmel Area Elementary School, is accused by Mount Carmel Cpl. Christopher Buhay with hitting, pushing and throwing around his girlfriend, Theresa Freeman, causing her head to strike a wall at her aunt's home at 221 S. Oak St. at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5. Police said Freeman suffered red marks and swelling around the front of her neck.

Freeman told police Wondoloski also removed a puppy from her arms and began punching it before throwing the dog across the room. Police said the puppy wasn't seriously injured.

The defendant was found riding a bicycle near Mount Carmel Area High School and taken into custody after the alleged assault. He denied doing anything wrong and claimed Freeman assaulted him.

Wondoloski suffered broken vertebrae in his back and possibly torn muscles as a result of the March 28, 2012, accident in Beaverdale. He and three other victims in the accident have sued Victor E. Swaboski III, 39, of Mount Carmel, who was charged by Mount Carmel Township police with multiple DUI-related charges, and Brewser's SportsGrille in Coal Township, where Swaboski was a patron on the night of the accident. The civil suits claim negligence against Swaboski and the restaurant and seek monetary rewards.

SUNBURY - A 22-year-old Hughesville man was acquitted Monday of raping a 17-year-old Watsontown female at the conclusion of a two-day jury trial presided over by Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor.

Timothy Gelnett was found not guilty of felonies of rape, aggravated indecent assault, sexual assault and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and a misdemeanor of corruption of minors.

Gelnett was charged by Watsontown police with raping a 17-year-old Watsontown female on May 15, 2012, at a Watsontown residence.

The trial began Friday and concluded with the jury's verdict shortly before noon Monday.

The defendant, who had been incarcerated, was represented by Attorneys Kymberley Best and Timothy Bowers. First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski prosecuted the case.