SUNBURY - "I lost my only child and no amount of justice or punishment will bring her back."

That heartfelt statement by a tearful Rebecca Harris was given Monday afternoon just before Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor sentenced the man he found responsible for the death of Harris' 19-year-old daughter.

Thomas L. Schorr, 32, of Millersburg, was sentenced to 1 1/2 to 7 years in a state correctional institution two weeks after Saylor found the defendant guilty of 10 charges, including a felony of accidents involving death or personal injury.

Must pay fees, costs

Schorr received a standard range sentence of 1 to 5 years incarceration on the felony offense and a consecutive sentence of 6 to 24 months imprisonment on a misdemeanor of recklessly endangering another person. He was ordered to pay $9,681 in restitution that covers funeral expenses, a cemetery monument and counseling services.

The defendant also was directed by Saylor to pay an assortment of costs, fines and fees on the two charges and remaining eight summary offenses including driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked (two counts), failure to drive in a single lane, driving at an unsafe speed, careless driving (two counts), reckless driving and false reports.

The defendant, who has a prior record score of 1, was found not guilty of a seat belt violation at trial and a stop sign violation had been previously dismissed.

Schorr, who formerly resided in Elizabethville, was charged in connection with an April 12, 2010, accident in Lower Mahanoy Township that claimed the life of Bethany Harris, of Dalmatia, who jumped out of a car driven recklessly by Schorr for fear of being injured or killed. Harris struck her head on the ground and died the following day at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

'My beautiful girl'

Rebecca Harris, who presented a victim impact statement reviewed by Saylor, told the court Schorr has shown no remorse since the accident; she urged the judge to sentence him to as much prison time as possible.

She said Schorr failed to stop or slow down despite being yelled at by passengers in the vehicle.

"There will be no wedding day for my daughter and no grandchildren," Harris said. "He needs real punishment and must learn to take responsibility for his actions before he takes someone from someone else."

She added, "My only child was taken from me because of the defendant's reckless and careless driving. This was such an avoidable and senseless death. The pain and helplessness that this has caused is almost indescribable. The hurt is so overwhelming and uncontrollable that getting through each day can be challenging and draining. Many lives were shattered that day.

"Everywhere in my house there are years of memories of my beautiful girl, and all I want is to touch her, hold her and talk to her. But I can't because of the defendant's blatant disregard for Bethany's life."

'I'm sorry'

Shortly before being sentenced, a crying Schorr stated, "I've waited three years to tell Rebecca I'm sorry. I feel horrible for what happened. There's nothing I can do to bring her back. I hope time makes this a little easier."

Saylor said the victim's decision to intentionally jump from the moving car after it struck an embankment may not have been the best choice, but she believed it was her only choice.

Schorr's attorney, Northumberland County Public Defender Paige Rosini, requested Saylor to dismiss the charges of careless driving and driving under suspension, but the judge denied both motions. Saylor also denied Rosini's request for appeal bail for her client, who was recommitted to Northumberland County Prison. Schorr has spent 113 days in jail since the accident three years ago.

Long process

Northumberland County First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski, who prosecuted the case, said, "This has been a long, drawn-out process for the family and we hope this resolution brings closure to the case. The commonwealth believes the sentence is appropriate for the tragic death that resulted from the incident."

Several other members of Harris' family were in attendance.

The defendant's 34-year-old brother, Terry Schorr, of Milan, Mich., also attended. After his brother thanked him for coming to the sentencing, Terry Schorr told him several times to "hang in there."

Following the sentencing, Rosini, the defendant and Terry Schorr declined comment.

KULPMONT - Kulpmont Lions Ladies held their March and April meetings at the Pine Burr in Atlas. Fran Ambrose was the hostess for March and Monica Brozoskie for April.

A moment of silence was held for Ann Baskera who recently passed away. The ladies voted unanimously to continue giving a graduate from Mount Carmel Area High School and Lourdes Regional High School a monetary gift at graduation.

Discussion centered around raising funds to continue operation. The next hostess will be Carmella Daniels in May.

HARRISBURG - The state Senate unanimously passed a resolution Monday sponsored by Sen. John R. Gordner, R-27, that recognizes May 2 as the "National Day of Prayer" in Pennsylvania, encouraging the celebration of religious freedom.

In a press release from his office, Gordner said the first Thursday of May has been designated annually across the country to recognize the power of prayer. "Prayer is regarded by millions as the most important utterance for the benefit of our society," he was quoted.

"The National Day of Prayer is a day to ask for healing and unity," said Gordner, who noted the annual designation is being recognized by Congress and by state legislatures across the country to celebrate religious freedom.

The theme of this year's 62nd annual National Day of Prayer is "Pray for America."

COAL TOWNSHIP -The Shamokin Area Senior High choral ensembles will present their annual spring concert at 7 p.m. Thursday in the middle-high school auditorium. The public is invited to this free performance.

The concert will open with the 34-member chorale singing a variety of choral literature, including the Queen hit "Bohemian Rhapsody," featuring Richard Brown on guitar. The 76-member full chorus will continue the program with both traditional and popular selections. The girls' ensemble will be featured in the pop hit "It's Raining Men;" the boys' ensemble will follow with "Workin'," a medley including "Working in a Coal Mine," "I've Been Working on the Railroad," "Big John" and "Sixteen Tons." Soloists for the concert include Sarah Purcell, Rhiannon McKinney, Katie Augustitus, Paul Gurba and Brady Haupt.

Chorale members are Anthony Anonia, Katie Augustitus, Jackie Augustitus, Elizabeth Bednar, Mariah Bielski, Jill Britton, Richard Brown, Logan Carpenter, Theo Deptula, Stephanie Dressler, Heather Elliott, Marlena Ford, Megan Goodrich, Paul Gurba, Abby Halderman, Molly Hasuga, SaraJane Healey, Ashley Keiser, Amber Kelly, Angela Kinder, Corey Levi, Katie Madara, Dana Madl, Molly McDevitt, Nick McWilliams, Marielle Miller, Sarah Purcell, Noah Rachau, Lea Richardson, Jess Schleig, Graeme Shappell, Alyssa Shuey and Cailin Wilson.

Chorus members include Danny Amarose, Amber Barnes, Tara Blom, Alyssa Britton, Austin Britton, Samantha Carpenter, Cearra Chipolla, Eryn Cook, Chelsie Cossari, Jeannette Costa, Nicole Cullen, Caitlin Fellin, Nina Foulds, Tevin Gonzalez, Kenya Graham, Alyssa Green, Katelyn Green, RJ Gurba, Brady Haupt, Austin Keiser, Brandi Kleman, Autumn Madden, Sam Marrone, Rhiannon McKinney, Leah Mirolli, Ashley Mulkins, Darian Paul, Danielle Polidario, Adorabelle Quackenbush, Bunnie Radel, Melissa Rishel, Jessica Savini, Sara Snyder, Victoria Snyder, Cole Supsic, Jasmine Wagner, Becca Wargo, Eric Weikel, Danielle Wilk, Jessica Wywadis and Noah Young.

The chorale and chorus are under the direction of Mary Anne Stump. Piano accompanist is Bonny Klinger. Drum set will be played by Cole Fegley.

MARION HEIGHTS - A man whose home was damaged by fire Saturday morning has been charged in connection with his alleged conduct while firefighters tried to battle the blaze.

Meanwhile, investigators aren't sure yet what caused the fire.

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.

While 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.

Investigation

State Police Fire Marshal Kirk Renn and Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush, also a fire investigator, were at the home Monday for their investigation.

Hollenbush said he needs to conduct further interviews before making a determination about the cause and origin.

SUNBURY - Republicans have a lead of 2,485 over Democrats in voter registrations, according to a pre-primary election report issued by the Northumberland County elections office. The report reflects county registrations as of April 22, the last day to register to vote before the primary.

Currently, there are 53,674 registered voters in Northumberland County. This includes 24,961 Republicans, 22,476 Democrats and 6,137 voters that are independent or non-partisan or give their affiliation as members of other parties.

At the time of the 2012 general election, Republicans had a lead of 2,310. At that time, there were 54,939 registered voters.

The unemployment rate for Northumberland County dropped half a percent between February and March, according to the latest figures from the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

DLI reported Tuesday that the March unemployment rate was 8.5 percent, down .5 percent from February's updated rate of 9 percent.

The county unemployment rate is above both the seasonably adjusted rates of 7.6 percent nationally and 7.9 percent statewide.

The most recent county rate is higher than it was two years in a row at 8 percent in 2012 and 2011, but lower than it was three years ago at 9.9 percent and four years ago at 9.7 percent.

Jobless rates in neighboring counties are Montour, 5.5 percent; Columbia, 7.1 percent; Juniata, 7.1 percent; Dauphin, 7.2 percent; Perry, 7.4 percent; Union, 7.5 percent; Snyder, 7.6 percent; Lycoming, 8.1 percent, and Schuylkill, 8.8 percent.

Unemployment rates in the neighboring counties decreased, and the largest changes were in Columbia, Juniata and Schuylkill counties with .5 percent drops.

Montour County, at 5.5 percent, has the lowest jobless rate in Pennsylvania. Cameron County, at 11 percent, has the highest.

There are only three counties in the state at or above a rate of 10 percent.

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Rotary Club's annual Meet and Greet for the public is set for 6 p.m. Monday at Independence Fire Company. Refreshments will be served.

In keeping with club philosophy that there are those who watch things happen, those who make things happen and those who wonder what happened, the Rotary Club actively supports local projects and charities that benefit the region and youth. Current projects sponsored by the local club include the Santa Sleigh, cleanup and rebuilding of the picnic pavilion at the Bunker Hill baseball field complex, student of the month and student of the year awards, free dictionary distribution at schools, Little League baseball team sponsorship, Turkey Trot 5-K Run and Prettiest Baby Contest, among others.

Area residents who also want to make things happen are invited to the meeting to learn more about the club's agenda.

Bunker Hill cleanup

Regarding the cleanup at Bunker Hill, the club plan to refurbish the pavilions and add a fenced-in kiddie playground. This project is being done in memory of Nicholas Shebelsky, a longtime member who had 52 years of perfect attendance. The project is being funded through a local matching grant from Rotary.

Money raised through local fundraising projects by the club, as well as those who donated money to the club in Shebelsky's memory, provided the local matching part. Labor has also been provided through the Northumberland County Juvenile Court Community Service Program. Dumpsters have been provided by DMS of Coal Township.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce's Business and Education Committee will hold its annual Career Symposium Thursday at the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center (NCCTC).

The theme is, "Preparing Youth for a Bright Tomorrow," and this year's sponsor is McCann School of Business and Technology, Sunbury. The symposium runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The goal of the symposium is to expose teens to career opportunities in the region and to make them aware of the educational and skill requirements to attain their goals. The chamber also hopes to provide a forum to create a new community pride and awareness that will make the area more attractive and will enhance opportunities for regional growth.

Tenth-grade students from the following school districts are targeted through the symposium: Mount Carmel Area, Shamokin Area, Our Lady of Lourdes and Line Mountain, along with a few other student organizations.

Featured speakers include Marla Kane, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), speaking on career exploration, choosing a school to afford and paying for college; David Hall, speaking on "Peer Leadership-It is Your Responsibility;" Jack Richford, Shamokin Aikido Kai presentation during lunch, and Sarah Hoffing, McCann School of Business and Technology, speaking on "Being Smart with Social Media."

There will also be tours of the school and discussion about career opportunities and various short vendor presentations by NCCTC, Luzerne County Community College and Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Eighteen vendors will be part of the related career fair. They will display career and educational opportunities that exist for students preparing for various career fields and educational opportunities.

Vendors include, Triangle Tech, U.S. Army, PA CareerLink, Northumberland/Snyder/Union Counties, Shamokin Aikido Kai, PHEAA, Empire Beauty School, Mount Carmel Township Police Department, Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, McCann School of Business and Technology, NCCTC Culinary Arts, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc./Community Action Agency, Northumberland County Behavioral Health and Intellectual Development Services, Professional Drivers Academy, Laborers District Council of Eastern PA/Joint, Strong Industries and Luzerne County Community College.

Door prizes will be available for students.

JORDAN TOWNSHIP - Democrat Janice "Jan" R. Stutts, 66, of Hebe, has announced her candidacy for Line Mountain School Board.

Stutts has been retired for 13 years following a career in public health and agriculture-related fields.

Born in Harrisburg, she graduated from Susquehanna Township schools in 1964. She has earned a number of degrees through the years, including one in medical technology from Franklin School of Science and Arts, Philadelphia, in 1968; an associate's degree in math and sciences from West Chester Community College in 1985, and a bachelor's degree in public health and safety administration from Empire State College in 1989.

In her career, Stutts worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, various laboratories, the medical examiner's office in Valhalla, N.Y., and elsewhere. She cites work experience in business management, personnel, supervision and training, public and human relations and sales.

She spent some 30 years of her adult life in New York state before returning to central Pennsylvania after retirement.

Stutts is now involved in tree re-mediation through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and gives animals refuge in times of need.

She is also a Democratic committeewoman in Northumberland County.

By Justin Strawser

SHAMOKIN - Harper, the 3-month-old brindle pit bull that was thrown down a bank behind the Springfield Cemetery in January 2012, made an appearance at the Shamokin Youth Girls Basketball League tournament Tuesday evening to help fetch donations for Mostly Mutts.

With Harper by her side, Mostly Mutts Inc. owner Cheryl Hill accepted a $350 check raised by the concession stand for the no-kill Sunbury area animal shelter from Kristy Kelley, concession manager, and her daughters, Elyse Kelley, 11, and Celia Kelley, 1.

The league also donated six boxes of treats, five bags of dog food and an additional $220 in donations collected at the tournament.
League president Bob Getchey was emotional as he spoke about Harper and supporting Mostly Mutts.
“It’s to help her (Harper) with medical expenses. Them dogs would be put to sleep (if not for Mostly Mutts),” he said.
There were 31 sponsors that donated time and money to make the tournament, in its third year, a success, he noted.
Harper captured the hearts of many people in the area when it was originally found at the bottom of a cliff on a cold day last year. It barely breathing and unable to move its legs.
Hill said Tuesday the dog has matured into a trusting dog that loves people and other animals, but it still has balance issues and bad vision in one eye.
The organization is currently looking for a home for Harper, but the owners must live on a first floor, be willing to train it to be housebroken and be able to provide therapy for its legs.
“I’m glad we could help her (Hill), and I’m glad Harper is doing good,” Getchey said.
The dog’s former owners, Michael Wolfe, 21, and his then live-in girlfriend, Angelina Coladonato, of East Clay Street, Coal Township, both plead guilty to unsworn falsification for lying to police about throwing the puppy over the cliff while Wolfe also pleaded guilty to cruelty to animals.
He was sentenced to two years probation, with the first 90 days under house arrest. He was also ordered to pay fines, court costs and restitution of the vet bill. She was also sentenced to two years probation, a $200 fine and court costs, restitution of Harper’s medical care and community service.

SUNBURY - Civil lawsuits filed on behalf of four teens injured in a DUI-related accident near Mount Carmel Area Elementary School on March 28, 2012, will be consolidated into one case that will be heard by Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor.

The judge's law clerk, Erin Odell, said attorneys representing the plaintiffs and defendants did not object to consolidating the cases during a telephone conference Tuesday morning with Saylor. Odell said no further legal proceedings have been scheduled in the case.

Tonya Campbell, of Diamondtown, mother of 16-year-old Andrew Campbell; Brenda Miscavage, of Mount Carmel, mother of 14-year-old Seanna L. Zimmerman; Charlotte Schultz, mother of Jarrett Schultz, 17; and Tyler Wondoloski, 19, of Mount Carmel, filed civil suits against Victor E. Swaboski III, 39, of 320 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel, who was the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident, and Brewser's Sports Grille, 839 W. Water St., Coal Township, a restaurant where Swaboski allegedly consumed alcohol prior to the crash.

Andrew Campbell and Zimmerman were flown by Life Flight helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville following the accident, which occurred along Locust Gap Highway in Beaverdale. Also injured were Wondoloski, Chelsea Troutman, 14, and Schultz.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

Swaboski, a former teacher at Shamokin Area Elementary School, was charged by Mount Carmel Township police with multiple offenses, including driving under the influence of alcohol, aggravated assault, hit and run and recklessly endangering. His criminal case is pending in Northumberland County Court.

The suits, which demand jury trials, claim negligence against Swaboski for his alleged actions and against the bar for serving liquor or alcohol to what they claim was a visibly intoxicated person. Police said Swaboski's blood-alcohol content taken after the accident was .225 percent.

The suits claim Swaboski operated his Jeep Liberty in a careless, reckless, outrageous and negligent manner and created a dangerous situation for others on the road.

In addition to accusing Brewser's of wrongly serving Swaboski, the suit says the restaurant failed to properly train and supervise its employees to prevent them from selling liquor or alcohol to intoxicated patrons, failed to warn Swaboski that he shouldn't drive due to his intoxicated state and failed to prevent him from operating a vehicle while he was visibly intoxicated. It says the restaurant furnished him with alcohol "in a reckless disregard for the rights and safety of others."

local / from the front Coal Township 1,645 2,944 416

Delaware Township 1,460 720 287

East Cameron Twp. 166 178 33

East Chillisquaque 246 82 55

Herndon 105 50 33

Jackson Township 345 128 54

Jordan Township 316 105 40

Kulpmont 452 1,292 128

Lewis Township 606 332 100

Little Mahanoy Twp. 132 69 21

Lower Augusta Twp. 402 182 75

Lower Mahanoy Twp. 625 234 113

Marion Heights 132 272 40

McEwensville 110 64 25

Milton 1,731 1,287 575

Mount Carmel Boro 997 2,216 373

Mount Carmel Twp. 393 1,328 149

Northumberland 1,249 811 312

Point Township 1,410 748 289

Ralpho Township 1,462 1,059 320

Riverside 603 504 189

Rockefeller Twp. 945 381 140

Rush Township 402 210 73

Shamokin City 1,351 2,105 416

Shamokin Twp. 835 524 119

Snydertown 113 58 19

Sunbury 2,290 1,972 831

Turbot Township 651 310 170

Turbotville 236 186 46

Upper Augusta Twp. 986 538 211

Upper Mahanoy Twp. 225 123 29

Washington Twp. 252 157 36

Watsontown 691 417 175

West Cameron Twp. 164 78 16

West Chillisquaque 740 416 208

Zerbe Township 483 426 121Municipality Rep Dem Other Municipality Rep Dem Other

Chronic conditions focus of workshops

MOUNT CARMEL - Family Home Medical Home Health Agency is accepting registrations for "Living a Healthy Life," a six-week workshop designed by Stanford University to help improve health for those living with chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease, COPD and arthritis.

The workshops will be held at the Trevorton Senior Action Center May 9, 16, 23, 30 and June 6 and 13.

This chronic disease self-management program, geared to those ages 50 and over, is designed to help improve healthy behavior and health status and decrease days spent in the hospital. It is being offered through the PrimeTime Health Program at no charge and includes all course materials, books and CDs. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 339-4049, ask for Lisa or Dauna to register or for more information.

The program is presented by Family Home Medical in partnership with the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging and PrimeTime Health.

ACT auditions set Thursday, Sunday

MOUNT CARMEL - Anthracite Citizens' Theatre will have auditions for its summer show, "Willy Wonka," at 6 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. Sunday in the choral room of Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School.

For more information, call 276-6603 or visit www.actheatre.org.

Veterans assistance available today

SUNBURY - Randy Nosal, a department service officer with the state American Legion will be at state Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver's (R-108) city district office to assist veterans with questions about benefits and to help file claims from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

He can help veterans with compensation and pension claims, education benefits, enrollment in the VA health care system, burial and survivor benefits, state benefits and obtaining military, personnel and medical records.

To schedule an appointment, call 286-5885 or (800) 924-9060. However, appointments are not necessary.

Electronics not yet being accepted

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Recycling Center will not be taking electronics Thursday. They will resume taking them May 9.

KULPMONT - The 20th Soupie Contest was held April 20 at the West End Fire Association .

There were six different categories judged, including soupies, cappies, wine, pasta, pepperoni and lagenega.

Winners from the soupie category are: First place, Brett Kalbarchick; second, Mike Sinopoli, and third, Barry Roseman Sr.

Cappies category winners: First, David Fantini; second, Jason Fantini, and third, Jay Moser.

Wine category winners and wine flavors: First, Butch Fantini, peach apricot; second, Marshall Scicchitano, merlot, and third, Ken Beury, strawberry.

Pasta winners: First, Sherry Roseman, sausage lasagna; second, Esther Evans, pepperoni pizza soup, and third, Bev Kern, wedding soup.

Pepperoni category winners: First, Barry Roseman Jr.; second, Shawn Ryan, and third, Sean Paul.

Lagenega winners: First, Pat Condron; second, Lin Howerter, and third, Charlie Staskiel.

SHAMOKIN - An Allentown landlord has been given 60 days to bring two of his Shamokin properties up to code.

Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III granted George Atiyeh two months to comply with the Building Officials Code Administrators International (BOCA) and Shamokin ordinances by making necessary repairs to 506 Bear Valley Ave. and 549 S. Seventh St.

If the repairs aren't made within two months, the criminal case against Atiyeh will proceed. If he complies with the judge's order, charges may be withdrawn.

The judge made his decision Tuesday morning after conferring with Cpl. Bryan Primerano, Shamokin Code Enforcement Officer Rick Bozza and Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey. Atiyeh, 54, is charged by Primerano with two misdemeanor counts of creating a public nuisance involving the two buildings. According to a criminal complaint, both properties have created a public nuisance and safety hazard.

Police said there are holes in the front and rear sections of the roof on both properties, which allow rain, snow, wind and animals to gain access.

Atiyeh, who owns a number of other properties in the Shamokin-Mount Carmel area, was present for a preliminary hearing on the charges Tuesday, but that proceeding was continued for two months after the agreement was reached to give Atiyeh time to bring the properties up to code.

Last week, Atiyeh failed to appear for his hearing, prompting Gembic to issue a bench warrant. It was issued because Atiyeh failed to respond to a certified mailing requesting his attendance at the proceeding.

Police reported Bozza warned Atiyeh about the violations several times and ordered him to bring the buildings up to code, but Atiyeh failed to do so.

Bozza filed eight citations against Atiyeh for offenses committed in October and he was found guilty on each of the offenses March 7 after failing to appear for a hearing before Gembic. Atiyeh was ordered by the judge to pay $2,272 in fines and costs. He had not made any payments as of Tuesday afternoon.

LECK KILL - The Leck Kill Elementary School's May Day program featuring a group of baby birds preparing for the world outside their nest can easily be related to current events in the Line Mountain School District. With only a month before the small school in the small village closes , the teachers and parents have been preparing for the next chapter.

They can check off one more final bittersweet moment with this Thursday's last May Day Celebration.

"It's going to be emotional for some. It's always been a community event," said Kristy Boyer, Leck Kill Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) treasurer.

She was helping the students Tuesday afternoon in a practice session for "Tweet," an operetta about birds that will feature all 61 Leck Kill students in first through fourth grade.

The program has been an important part of the Leck Kill community for at least 50 years and has roots in the district as far back as the 1940s, said second-grade teacher Roy Casey, 56.

"It's been a long time. It's going to be a little sad when it's done," Casey said, noting his mother told him stories, he was involved when he was still in school and he has been helping to coordinate the events since he started teaching at the school 35 years ago.

Boyer said the event is about community.

"We bring people together and have a good time. We teach the kids they can do things together. We teach the kids that service is important," she said.

May Day has historically raised money for the PTO, but this year, the money will go to fund a farewell picnic set for May 24. Any leftover funds will be put into funding the joint elementary school fund that will consist of the former Leck Kill, Dalmatia and Trevorton school PTOs.

Boyer said the PTO has traditionally placed a lot of effort into planning events, but they have relinquished some of the responsibilities in these last few months in order to spend more time with the children.

The current district plan is to have the elementary schools in Leck Kill and Dalmatia close at the end of the school year. All students in grades kindergarten through fourth will attend classes at Trevorton, where an addition is being constructed. An addition is also being built to the seventh- and eighth-grade wing at the junior/senior high school in Mandata to accommodate the fifth and sixth graders.

Boyer said it was discussed among the Leck Kill PTO members to continue the May Day celebration, but they probably won't because the number of students once the schools are combined might prove to be too much.

The event will start at 3:45 p.m. Thursday with games and a photobooth. The Leck Kill Alumni Band, which is comprised of high school students who attended Leck Kill, will play at 5:45 p.m. The musical will begin at 6 p.m. and last for approximately 45 minutes. Everyone is welcome to attend, and there will be door prizes given out.

The PTO is also raising money by selling commemorative crocks for $22 with a picture of the school, name, location and dates of existence. For more information, call the school at 425-3671.

SHAMOKIN - Charges will be filed against a suicidal man who allegedly assaulted his wife and threatened to kill any officers who dared enter his Shamokin apartment to arrest him.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in an apartment building at 12 N. Market St., brought in law enforcement from three jurisdictions and caused the roadway and sidewalks between West Arch Street and West Chestnut Street to be closed down for approximately 40 minutes.

The man, who was not identified by police, was taken into custody at about 9:15 p.m. He was taken via AREA Ambulance to the Shamokin police station for questioning. At 9:30 p.m., police were awaiting mental health officials to arrive before deciding whether to take him to a hospital.

Patrolman William Zalinski said the station itself received a call shortly before 8:30 p.m. from the man's wife who claimed he had slammed her hand in a door.

While the police were en route to the apartment, located between Harry's Grill and Ernest L. Steinhart III dental office, the man apparently called 911 and threatened to kill himself, and allegedly said he would shoot anyone who tried to arrest him.

Police were told he had a pistol, Zalinski said.

With backup from Coal Township and Ralpho Township, the Shamokin officers treated the individual as a barricaded gunman, he said.

The police officers were able to call the man, and they eventually made entry into the apartment and took him into custody, Zalinski said.

At the scene, officers rushed inside the front door yelling for the man to put his hands up.

Crowds of people were gathered on the street watching the scene unfold while customers of Harry's and residents along the street were asked to remain indoors.

The man, who was handcuffed, was visibly disoriented and needed assistance leaving the apartment building and into an ambulance.

The wife told police he was drunk and had a prosthetic leg, Zalinski said.

No other information was available Tuesday night, but Zalinski said the criminal complaint with names and charges would be filed today.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court June 3 in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Kristin D. Blass, 30, of 534 N. Market St., Apt. 6, Shamokin, waived to court multiple theft-related charges.

Blass was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II with five counts of retail theft for allegedly stealing $143.99 in various merchandise from the Dollar General Store, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Royer's Crafts, Ye-Old Primitive Crafts and Puff's Discount Cigarette Store on March 22.

She also was charged with theft by unlawful taking by Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver for allegedly removing $20 from a purse owned by Ardella Dobson on March 13 at Dobson's Carpet Store.

n Juan D. Santiago, 34, an inmate at SCI-Rockview and formerly of Ranshaw, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to drive in a single lane and careless driving relating to a Jan. 10 traffic stop on Route 61 in Coal Township near the Shamokin City line.

The charges were filed by Trooper James Yankovich of state police at Stonington.

n Norberto Ortiz-Alvarez, 26, of 717 E. Dewart St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of retail theft and criminal conspiracy to commit retail theft involving a Jan. 1 incident at Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Ortiz-Alvarez was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga with stealing approximately $500 in merchandise from the store.

n Jimmie Driggers, 23, of 1048 W. Arch St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty to a summary of harassment and was given credit for 30 days served in Northumberland County Prison before being released. An additional charge of simple assault was withdrawn.

Driggers was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga with assaulting his girlfriend, Danielle Aikey, on March 29 at their residence.

n Winter Ivory Marie Fann, 21, of Wilkes-Barre, waived to court charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia involving a March 9 incident in the visitor's parking lot at SCI-Coal Township.

The charges were filed by Trooper James Yankovich of state police at Stonington.

n Charges of simple assault and harassment filed by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn against Allen M. Shoffler, 42, of 822 W. Chestnut St., Coal Township, were withdrawn when the alleged victim, Ann Cress, refused to testify against the defendant.

Shoffler was accused of assaulting his live-in girlfriend at their home April 7.

n Megan E. Holliday, 22, of 163 Colonial Ave., Natalie, waived to court a forgery charge.

She was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Jason Adams with forging a prescription slip given to her by a doctor. Police said Holliday changed the number of Tylenol 3 pills from 18 to 48 pills and attempted to have the prescription filled at the pharmacy at Wal-Mart Supercenter on Route 61 on March 27.

n Brandon M. Garancheski, 19, of 509 S. Seventh St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of possession of five Suboxone tablets, possession of drug paraphernalia, underage drinking and a lighting violation relating to an incident early Easter morning in the 700 block of Bear Valley Avenue.

Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II filed the charges.

n Ashlee Erin White, 27, of Paxinos, pleaded guilty to providing false identification to police and was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for six months. Additional charges of driving under suspension, failure to carry or exhibit a driver's license and driving without a license were withdrawn.

The charges were filed by Trooper Brian Ronk of state police at Stonington in connection with a Jan. 10 traffic stop at Third and Walnut streets in Shamokin.

n Joseph M. Gannecilli, 37, and his wife, Kathleen M. Gannecilli, 41, of Lansford, were held for court on charges of retail theft and criminal conspiracy to commit retail theft.

They were charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga with stealing more than $1,000 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart Supercenter on Route 61 on Jan. 1.

SHAMOKIN - The Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities (NCCAH) Fine Art Gallery will be featured on "In Your Neighborhood" on Channel 94 at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The visit to the gallery, located in the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, was filmed by CCN, based in Danville. 

Gallery director Claude Harrington, local art teacher Lisa Welch and NCCAH executive director Jeanne Shaffer were involved in the filming. They encourage local viewers to join in the pride of showing off the local gallery.