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Trio charged in theft of vehicles

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COAL TOWNSHIP - Two teen-age boys and a 20-year-old Coal Township woman have been charged in connection with the theft of two vehicles in March.

Patrolman Matthew Hashuga, who filed the charges, reported a 17-year-old Coal Township male and a 17-year-old Shamokin male are accused of stealing a 1999 Chrysler sedan owned by Samantha Rarick, of Coal Township, on March 26 from the 1600 block of West Holly Street.

Police said the teens abandoned the Chrysler at the southern end of Center Street in Tharptown on the same morning. When the juveniles and Conchetta O'Connell, 20, of Coal Township, returned to the vehicle in Tharptown on March 27, they discovered it missing. The trio then stole a 2011 Dodge Ram 150 truck owned by Martin Sarfine, of 1012 Tharp St., Tharptown.

O'Connell was only charged with theft-related offenses for stealing the truck. The two juveniles were charged through Northumberland County Juvenile Court with both thefts.


Marion Heights fire victim now charged with DUI

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MARION HEIGHTS - A borough man charged Saturday with being drunk and disorderly at a fire at his home faces additional charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol, in connection with incidents that occurred two days earlier.

Michael F. Dallazia, 59, of 560 E. Melrose St., was arraigned Wednesday on misdemeanors of driving under the influence of alcohol, two counts of driving under suspension (DUI related), unauthorized use of a vehicle, driving without a license, restrictions on alcoholic beverages and disorderly conduct relating to incidents that occurred Thursday, April 25, when he allegedly took a silver 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier belonging to Nancy Madden, of Natalie, who came to visit him.

Police said Dallazia took the car while Madden was sleeping at his residence.

Police later located Dallazia sitting in the front seat of the car in front of Marion Heights Fire Company in the 400 block of East Warsaw Street. Police said Mary Irving, 55, of Kulpmont, whom Dallazia reportedly had given a ride, was also inside the car. Police said they found two beer cans in the car.

Irving, who told police she got a ride from Kulpmont with Dallazia, was not charged.

Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Kelly Campbell, who filed the charges against Dallazia, said a strong odor of alcohol was detected coming from Dallazia's mouth and he showed other signs of being intoxicated.

Dallazia, who refused to submit to a blood-alcohol test, allegedly used obscenities toward Campbell before being taken into custody.

He was recommitted to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury, where he has been incarcerated on charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness filed by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets in connection with Dallazia's alleged unruly behavior at a fire early Saturday morning that damaged his home.

On Wednesday, Dallazia waived to court the charges filed by Stamets and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel to appear for plea court June 3 at Northumberland County Courthouse, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Judges tosses Kaleta request over time issue

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WILLIAMSPORT - A federal judge has dismissed a motion by David Kaleta in his federal Sunshine Act lawsuit asking that Northumberland County officials be ordered to keep audio recordings of past meetings.

In a two-page memorandum order Thursday, U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson said Kaleta had been directed to file a brief in support of his motion by April 18. Since the time to file the court documents passed, Carlson withdrew and dismissed the motion.

Kaleta declined comment when contacted by phone Thursday night.

He had asked the judge to order the county to preserve audio records and any and all discoverable material because they may have evidence on them in relation to his battle with the county over being barred from county-owned property that makes up the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).

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 Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy.

Kaleta, claiming the discussion to deny access was a violation of the Sunshine Act, won a preliminary injunction allowing him access to the AOAA land in Northumberland County Court. With Kaleta alleging a violation of his First Amendment rights, the case was moved to federal court.

The audio tape ruling was the second this week by Carlson involving Kaleta's case. On Monday, he denied a motion by Clausi and Bridy that sought to have Kaleta's attorneys, Kymberley best and Timothy Bowers, disqualified because they dealt with administration and legal issues related to the AOAA during their time as Northumberland County employees. Carlson's 27-page opinion said Best and Bowers' prior representation of the county had little to do with issues in Kaleta's suit.

Shoch's role with tapes

Kaleta has argued that he is using several of the past tapes in helping to plan his lawsuit.

But the audio tape issue expanded beyond Kaleta to the third commissioner, Richard Shoch. He and Clausi got into a heated argument at a March 5 commissioners meeting regarding a plan to dispose of the tapes.

Shoch has said he wants the tapes preserved in part because of concerns about the county's trouble with the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program grant. The state Department of Community and Economic Development is considering making the county pay back more than $200,000 of the money because of insufficient documentation.

Clausi and Bridy both said they've been told by several attorneys that the county has no obligation to hold onto the tapes.

McFadden was due in Mount Carmel Sunday; visits here appreciated

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Joseph P. McFadden visited the lower anthracite region frequently in the three years since his appointment as the bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg in 2010.

In fact, he was due in Mount Carmel this Sunday to perform the Sacrament of Confirmation at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

That event has been postponed, however, with the news that the 65-year-old bishop died unexpectedly Thursday morning in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Local priests and parishioners, who described McFadden as energetic, friendly, full of faith and "a great shepherd," are in shock.

"We were honored to have the bishop visit our parish a few times," said the Rev. Francis Karwacki, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. "He was very energetic and spent his time and energy to the fullest watching over his flock in the Diocese of Harrisburg. His death is very shocking and he will be sorely missed."

Pat Grybos, a parishioner and employee at the church, said McFadden had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother.

"And he was taken away from us in May, which is Mary's month," he said.

A memorial featuring a portrait of the bishop, along with flowers and candles, was set up Thursday in the sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

Loved local Easter eggs

The Rev. Martin Kobos, pastor of Mother Cabrini Church, Shamokin, said he found McFadden to be very personable.

"He was a faith-filled man who related to people very well," he said. "One never knows what the day will bring, but I'm sure he was ready when God called him."

Kobos recalled the bishop having a fondness for Mother Cabrini's coconut and peanut butter Easter eggs.

"We presented him with Easter eggs during one of his visits to our church and he kept ordering them every year for his family and friends," he said.

Clara Bartlinski, an active member of Mother Cabrini Church, who presented McFadden with his first Easter eggs on behalf of the church, was broken-hearted and began crying when informed of the bishop's sudden death.

"He was such a lovable and congenial man," Bartlinski said. "I just can't believe he's dead. I'm very distraught."

Bartlinski said McFadden loved talking to children and was respected by everyone.

"He was really down to Earth," she said.

Deacon Robert Mack, who serves Our Lady of Hope Church in Coal Township and St. Patrick Church in Trevorton, noted he and the bishop both attended St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia and had "shared some stories."

"I talked to him several times and he was a great shepherd for our diocese," Mack said.

The Rev. Andrew Stahmer, pastor of Holy Angels Church in Kulpmont, said "we lost a good shepherd."

"We need to pray to the Holy Spirit to provide us with another spiritual shepherd who will continue to always lead God's church in the right direction," Stahmer said.

Eight days to act

The governance of the Diocese of Harrisburg passed to the College of Consultors upon his death. They will have eight days to elect an administrator who will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed by Pope Francis.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Elysburg will hold a Holy Hour with prayer and benediction for Bishop McFadden at 5 p.m. Sunday in the chapel.

Additional memorials and special services are being planned at other churches throughout the diocese.

Senior Citizen Activities Week of May 5-11

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Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Walk A Mile, 10:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon to 1:15 p.m.; executive board meeting, noon; members meeting, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge, noon; food commodity distribution and recertification of income, 1 to 3 p.m.; aquacize, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study with Dr. Romanic, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Aerobics, 9:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Current events, 10 a.m.; HSIM, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Chit Chat, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Balloon toss, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9:30 a.m.; chit chat, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 1 p.m.

Friday - Chair dancing, 10 a.m.; healthy living, 10:30 a.m.; favorite TV game shows, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Pokeno, noon.

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

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Kulpmont

Monday - Wii in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

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

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

Thursday - Walking around Kulpmont for exercise. For those that are interested, we will be leaving the center at 10. For those that do not want to walk, we will be playing Wii at 10 a.m. and bingo at 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii, knitting, puzzles and noodle balloon in the morning; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia- Wilburton

Monday - Shopping at Wal-Mart.

Tuesday - Chair exercise with Carol Burton.

Wednesday - Center closed for Nifty after Fifty trip to Columbia Mall.

Thursday - Pinochle and bingo.

Friday - Center closed for mother's day dinner at Ponduce Farms.

Trevorton

Monday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; card games, noon.

Tuesday - Wii bowling practice, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Shopping at Walmart, Buckhorn, van leaves at 9 a.m., cost $2 and minimum of 8 people must go; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; Unlucky 7s and 31, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Scrabble, 9 a.m., beanbag toss, 10:30 a.m.; Session 1 of Chronic Disease Management, 1 to 3:30 p.m., please pre-register.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; Mother's Day luncheon, 11:30 a.m., please sign up by Monday, May 6; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; evening card party, 7 p.m.

Noteworthy: Friday, May 3, 2013

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SAT tests Saturday at Shamokin Area

COAL TOWNSHIP - The SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests will be administered to pre-registered candidates Saturday at Shamokin Area Middle-High School.

Check-in and room assignment will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the auditorium lobby. All candidates must present photo ID. Doors to the test center will close at 8 a.m.

Candidates are reminded to park their vehicles in either of the side parking lots.

Cell phones are not permitted in the test center.

Students should consult their Registration Bulletin or www.collegeboard.com for more information regarding test-day procedures.

Volunteers sought for swim meet

COAL TOWNSHIP - Volunteers are needed for the Special Olympics PA Northumberland Snyder ninth annual invitational swim meet, Saturday, May 11, at the Shamokin Area Middle/High School pool. The meet starts at 9 a.m. and usually finishes in time for lunch.

Local Special Olympics swimmers will be competing against swimmers from the Centre, Schuylkill, Union, Lycoming and Columbia/Montour Special Olympics programs.

Volunteers are needed to time the heats and for other duties on the pool deck. For more information or to register as a volunteer, call 898-7650.

Master Gardeners program Saturday

SUNBURY - The Penn State Master Gardeners of Northumberland and Snyder Counties will present a raised bed workshop at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Degenstein Library, 40 S. Fifth St.

Topics include how to build a raised bed, soil combinations and where to place a raised bed.

Call 988-3950 to register.

Third suspicious fire in week raises worry in Atlas

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ATLAS - The third suspicious fire in the past week to hit this Mount Carmel Township village has police, supervisors and citizens concerned about the safety of the community.

The latest blaze, at 3:20 a.m. Thursday, destroyed three garages and damaged a fourth at the rear of the 200 block of East Saylor Street. The fire also resulted in another firefighter being injured.

Although he wouldn't confirm the three fires since April 26 are arson, Mount Carmel Township Fire Marshal and Police Chief Brian Hollenbush said they are similar in nature. He noted all three fires started during the early morning hours.

"We are definitely concerned about the fires and we plan on putting extra patrols throughout the village," he said. "We want everyone to be cognitive of their surroundings and to call 911 if they observe any suspicious activity."

Hollenbush said Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets, Mount Carmel Cpl. David Donkochik and Patrolman William Adamski had just patrolled the area near Thursday's fire about 5 or 10 minutes before the blaze was discovered.

Hollenbush said it started in a two-story garage owned

by Steve Nicola, 45, of 213 E. Saylor St., and quickly spread to adjoining garages owned by Eugene Habowski, of 215 E. Saylor St., and Kevin Moncavage, of 217 E. Saylor St., and another nearby garage owned by Karen Gerrity, of 209 E. Saylor St.

The fire destroyed the garages owned by Nicola, Habowski and Gerrity, and caused moderate to extensive damage to Moncavage's garage. Siding was melted on the rear of Nicola's residence and another garage across the alley.

All the garages face Liberty Street, an alley near Mahogany Street.

The garage owners are insured, according to Hollenbush.

Fall through floor

Jeff Kays, a firefighter with Mount Carmel Area Rescue Squad, suffered knee and back injuries and facial bruises when the wooden floor inside Nicola's garage collapsed. Kays was treated at the scene and told police he planned to seek additional treatment on his own.

Hollenbush said he has discussed the fires with township supervisors, who are concerned about the possibility that an arsonist is setting the fires. Supervisors agreed to the extra patrols, particularly during the late evening and early morning hours.

The police chief said supervisors also will have township workers board up vacant, rundown properties in the village that have windows, doors and siding missing in an effort to keep trespassers away.

Firefighters from Atlas, Anthracite and Strong fire companies brought the blaze under control in about 40 minutes. Personnel remained at the scene until 5:30 a.m.

Also assisting were members of Mount Carmel Area Rescue Squad, Shamokin Emergency Squad and AREA Services Ambulance.

Assisting Hollenbush in his investigation are Mount Carmel Lieutenant and Fire Investigator Christopher Buhay and Jason Zimmerman, operations officer for the Northumberland County Department of Public Safety. Zimmerman provided a hydrocarbon detector at the scene that detects combustible liquids.

Other fires

At 1:23 a.m. Wednesday, fire caused extensive damage to an unoccupied two-story home at 524 W. Girard St. and left Randy Merlo, 47, of 526 W. Girard St., temporarily homeless. Strong Fire Chief Tim Shicowich, who was battling the fire, was injured when a 5-inch supply line blew off an engine and struck him in the legs.

A fire at 1:15 a.m. Friday, April 26, destroyed two garages at the rear of the 100 block of West Girard Street owned by Lee Britton and his son, Laramy.

MCA announces Elks awards winners for March

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MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - The Elks Student of the Month award at Mount Carmel Area has been awarded to senior Stefanie Cimino, a daughter of Jeffery Cimino and Cheryl Cimino, of Mount Carmel. Her activities include soccer, marching and symphonic band, Odyssey of the Mind, ski club, Spanish club and art club. She is vice president of both the Big Red Marching Band and the ski club. Cimino is on the distinguished honor roll and is a member of the National Honor Society. She enjoys listening to music, reading and science. In the future, Cimino plans to attend Bloomsburg University to major in nursing.

The Elks Junior Student of the Month is junior Bryce Fiamoncini a son of James and Justine Fiamoncini, of Mount Carmel. He is in the Latin club, participates in Envirothon and is in the senior high chorus. Fiamoncini plays golf and made it to the second round of the District 4 tournament. He is also a statistician for the junior high and varsity basketball teams. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was past president of the Junior National Honor Society.

He was a recipient of the Junior High Pride Award, Elks Junior Teen and Teen of the Month awards and was named Elks Junior Teen of the Year. Fiamonicini was selected to attend the science forum of medicine in the summer. He also volunteers as an altar server and lector for St. Peter and Paul Church. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, hanging out with friends and family, listening to music, watching sports on TV, swimming and going to the beach. His future plans are to become an anesthesiologist.

The Elks Teenager of the Month is eighth-grade student, Sara Parker, daughter of Kevin and Patty Parker of Kulpmont. Her activities include cheerleading and gymnastics. She has previously been awarded the Junior High Pride Award and she is on the distinguished honor roll. Her interests include shopping and swimming.

Sara plans to attend college to become a lawyer.

The Elks Junior Teen of the Month is seventh grader Adam Weissinger, a son of James and Michelle Weissinger, of Mount Carmel. He enjoys swimming, soccer and karate. He participates in Odyssey of the Mind and was a first-place winner at the regional competition in 2013. In his free time, Weissinger loves to draw, play video games and hang out with friends. In the future, Weissinger would like to become an artist or an architect.


February Merit Award winners announced

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MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - The Mount Carmel Area School Board has announced the Merit Award winners for February.

The elementary school winner is fifth-grade student Michael Scicchitano, of Locust Gap, where he lives with his younger brother and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Matt Scicchitano. He is on the distinguished honor roll and attains advanced scores on PSSA testing. Outside of school, Scicchitano is a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Mount Carmel. In his free time, he loves to be outdoors and spends a great deal of time exploring the mountains near his home, biking with friends and taking ATV rides with his dad. He enjoys reading, attending special events and visiting new places to learn more about the history of the United States.

The high school winner is junior Alex Mrozek, a son of Raymond and Maribeth Mrozek, of Kulpmont. Mrozek is a distinguished honor student and a member of the track team and ski club. He participates in studio/communication media and devotes after-school hours to filming and editing video for WKMCTV. During football season, he operates a shoulder-mount camera for the Friday night games and has covered all stations necessary for the morning MCA-Live broadcast. This year, Mrozek was stage manager for the school musical, "Grease." His favorite subjects include math and woodshop. After graduation, Alex plans to attend a four-year university majoring in aerospace engineering and plans to join the Air Force.

March Junior High Pride winners named

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MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - The Mount Carmel Area Junior High Pride Award winners for March have been announced.

The eighth-grade winner is Marissa Kleman, a daughter of Joseph and Marie Kleman, of Locust Gap. She was named a Junior High Pride Award winner in seventh grade and is involved in Student Spotlight, Who's Who Among Honors Students and Science Olympiad. Kleman is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and is on the distinguished honor roll. Kleman participates in junior high basketball, track and field, indoor soccer, Fun-nastics and gymnastics. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, travelling, sports, math and spending time with her family and friends.

The seventh-grade winner is Ben McFadden, a son of William and Ann McFadden, of Oakridge Estates. McFadden has participated and placed in the entrepreneur challenge and is going to the worlds competition with his Odyssey of the Mind team. He is also a star Scout with troop 173, likes to play video games, work with computers and play basketball. Previously, he received the Elks Student of the Month award and the school board Merit Award.

Bales burn in truck fire

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IRISH VALLEY - A 61-year-old Shamokin Township man escaped injury Wednesday when a pickup truck towing a trailer loaded with 13 large rounds bales of corn fodder caught fire after the truck's battery exploded.

Gary Knorr, of Ash Road, was driving on Elm Road toward the intersection with Fir Road when the explosion occurred and engulfed the engine compartment in flames, Knorr said.

He said he exited the cab moments before the truck and its trailer drifted down a hill, crossed Fir Road and crashed over an embankment into the woods. The front of the pickup burst into flames, which spread to the cargo on the trailer. Corn fodder bales are similar in appearance to hay bales.

Two large trees nearby caught fire, too.

Knorr was on his way to the Lloyd Reitz dairy farm in Irish Valley when the incident occurred. The pickup and trailer are owned by Lloyd Reitz.

Reitz said each bail of corn fodder weighed several hundred pounds.

The explosion and subsequent fire caused blacktop at the intersection of Elm Road and Fir Road to melt, leaving heavily charred marks for more than 100 feet.

Firefighters from Stonington responded initially and used water from booster tanks to extinguish flames in the bales, but not before the fire spread to the woods on both side of Fir and Elm roads.

Tanker units from Trevorton and Sunbury were dispatched to provide additional water. A tractor with a front end loader from a nearby farm was used to remove the smouldering bales from the trailer so firefighters could extinguish the flames.

State police at Stonington are investigating the fire and accident, which occurred shortly before noon.

Beware rent rebate scam

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HARRISBURG - Senior citizens in Pennsylvania may have received a mailing that offers assistance in preparing 2013 Property Tax and Rent Rebate forms, but they should be aware that they do not have to pay for such assistance, said state Sen. John Gordner, R-27.

A group calling itself the Senior Advisory Center with an address listed as a Harrisburg post office box is mailing seniors offering to complete the forms for $39, Gordner said. Seniors do not have to pay for this service.

Staff at the senator's district offices or local agencies on aging are among the groups that help with such forms for free.

Cyber bullying focus of presentation at Shamokin Area

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COAL TOWNSHIP - One of the biggest challenges in today's tech-filled world for students and parents is the fingertip access to the Internet on computers, smart phones, tablets and gaming systems.

Despite all the positives, there are also as many negatives, including the epidemic of cyber bullying.

With that in mind, Shamokin Area Middle/High School this week presented to seventh- and eighth-grade students a program entitled "C.S.I.: Cyber Safety Investigation" by the Weller Health Education Center of Easton. Erin Green, health educator from Weller, presented the program.

"It is one of our most prominent health issues," Green said. "Overall, health is a mixture of physical as well as mental health."

The program covered a number of topics, including cyber bullying, geotagging, keeping your information private, the threat of online predators, fake profiles, creating safe and secure passwords, uncomfortable situations and other topics to help keep everyone safe in the cyber world.

"We want to make sure that students have all the information they need to be healthy and safe," Green said.

During a Power Point presentation, students were able to answer simple questions about their online usage by using a remote clicker. The program also featured several news clips and videos.

Green presented statistics about Internet usage among teenagers - 93 percent of teens go online and 69 percent have their own personal computer.

The program was broken down into eight sessions Monday and Tuesday. Approximately 35 students attended.

Results of the 12:35 p.m. session Tuesday found 89 percent of the students have Facebook accounts, 44 percent have received inappropriate messages, 51 percent have felt uncomfortable online and 47 percent have had their feelings hurt online.

Green stressed students should report any inappropriate activity they see online to a parent, teacher or trusted adult and to never give out a password, home address or phone number. She also reminded students that once they post or send anything online, it is out there forever.

Green said cyber bullying can happen anywhere and can take many different forms. She said cyber bullies think they are safe and can't get caught, but they are subject to harassment laws.

The program closed with a short video about cyber bullying that was presented by senior Ryan Savitski, a member of the school's Students Against Bullying group. The video was set to the song "Breathe Me" by Sia.

Warm weather activities abound in May

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Hello neighbors.

May is finally here. While the warmer weather signals the beginning of tourism season, it's time to embrace being a backyard tourist and encourage friends and family to come visit the beautiful Susquehanna River Valley.

For the seventh year, the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau will host "Backyard Tourism Week," starting Monday. It's a week devoted to showcasing all the fun, interesting and unique things to do in our region. Stop by the visitors center for more information.

The center offers a wide variety of brochures, calendar of events, maps and day trip suggestions, including bird-watching, boating, hiking, camping, zoos and wild animal tours, golf, museums, historic walking trails, restaurants, concerts, festivals, antique trails, heritage trails, wine trails, kid-friendly attractions and maps. Be sure to check out the postcards and don't forget to register for a variety of giveaways and prizes, including a Susquehanna River Valley weekend getaway for two.

There are so many events this month that I will not be able to mention them all in this column. Go to VisitCentralPA.org for the full list in the event calendar.

Ready, set; let's go with things to do in May:

Green thumbs will want to attend Country Farm and Home's "make and take" classes, the Lewisburg Community Garden's plant sale Saturday; the 15th annual native plant sale May 18 at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art; a pink lady's slipper wildflower walk in Middleburg May 11, and the Lewisburg garden tours June 1.

Outdoor adventure seekers will enjoy the Any Way 5k at Knoebels Amusement Resort May 18; spring bird walks or an Audubon field trip Saturday; canoe and kayak trips on Buffalo Creek through May 26; the West Branch Sojourn Paddle May 14 to 19, the "Lewisburg Appetizer" guided kayak trip May 25; the North Branch Canal Cruise May 11, not to mention Memorial Day activities at R.B. Winter State Park and Tee to Green Golf Center's activities and lessons.

Animal lovers won't want to miss tours at Owens Farm; Clyde Peeling's Reptiland's popular annual butterfly exhibit and amazing animatronic dinosaurs, or the opening of T & D's Cats of the World.

Go back in time

History lovers will enjoy the Slifer House Museum's May Day Celebration Sunday, Mifflinburg's Buggy Museum showcasing "Gutelius Buggies: Decades of Excellence" through the end of June with the opportunity to learn more about the Gutelius family at the Gutelius Log House Museum May 19. The Snyder County Historical Society in Middleburg offers "Blacksmithing in the 19th Century" Saturday and "Pennsylvania German Names: History and Meaning" (attendees can email their PA German names in advance of the event) May 21.

Upcoming events also include Lewisburg Celebration of the Arts through May 11; Middlecreek Valley Antique Association Antique show May 17 to 19; Mifflinburg's MayFest and Winefest, the May 18; Shamokin's Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts, May 24 to 25; Milton's annual Cultural Festival, May 11; New Berlin's community yard sale Saturday; Milton's/T.I.M.E.'s annual Outdoor Life Health Fair and Expo May 15 and their model train museum spring open house May 18 and 19, plus Hunter Valley Winery's open house and craft fair June 1 and 2.

More fun and events include, the Samek Art Gallery display at the Milton Public Library, Star Hollow Candle Company's 10th anniversary and Mother's Day Weekend Candlebration; Grizzly Industrial's giant annual tool tent sale, Susquehanna Valley Chorale Pops Concert today and Saturday, Symphonie Fantastique at the Williamsport Community Arts Center, the Buffalo Valley Singers Benefit concert, Springtime Serenade at the Ned Smith Center, stargazing on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail, Dancing Bear Farm grand opening Sunday, Mount Carmel Borough Police community day May 18 and a trolley ride mystery trip May 26.

Be sure to get out this month and enjoy all the amazing things to do and discover in the Susquehanna River Valley.

For more information, go to VisitCentralPA.org, sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, call 1-800-525-7320, stop by the visitor center on Route 15 or download an app at www.VisitCentralPA.org/mobile.asp.

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

History camps set for summer

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NORTHUMBERLAND - First through sixth graders may register for summer history camps to be held at the Joseph Priestley House in Northumberland and the Hunter House in Sunbury. This is the 20th year that the two historic sites have hosted summer camps for elementary students.

Life with the Priestleys

The Joseph Priestley House will hold its camp from 9 a.m. to noon July 24 to 26. The theme is "Everyday Life with the Priestleys."

Lindy Fasold and Dixie Gavason, teachers in the Shikellamy School District, have planned several activities that will allow campers to become familiar with the daily activities of the Priestleys at their Northumberland home. Crafts, games, stories, snack time and visits with special guest presenters are part of each day's activities. The fee is $30 per child.

Colonial life

The Northumberland County Historical Society will hold a camp from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with lunch provided for all campers, from Aug. 5 to 7 at the Hunter House at the site of Fort Augusta. The theme is "Everyday Life in Colonial Pennsylvania."

Jo Ann Long and Ruth Heintzelman, camp coordinators, have planned activities that focus on everyday occurrences during colonial times. Lunch is provided for all campers. A site tour, individual and group activities, crafts, visits from guest presenters and more are planned for the camp. The fee is $45 per child.

All campers must register in advance. Enrollment is limited to 20 campers at each location, and the registration deadline is Monday, July 22. Campers are not required to attend both camps. To register, visit www.northumberlandcountyhistoricalsociety.org or 286-4083 to request a form.


Police Blotter: Friday, May 3, 2013

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Burglary, assault

KULPMONT - Shane M. Wallace, 32, of Kulpmont, was charged by Patrolman Michael Pitcavage with burglary, criminal trespass, simple assault, criminal mischief, harassment and terroristic threats involving a March 30 disturbance at the residence of his former girlfriend, Kaitlyn Else, of 1339 Scott St.

Else told police she spotted Wallace standing on her back patio when she opened the back door to go outside to have a cigarette shortly before 9 p.m. Police said Wallace is accused of pushing Else into the home and entering it without her consent.

While in the kitchen, police said Wallace allegedly grabbed Else by the shirt and threw her to the ground before grabbing her by the neck and threatening to kill her.

Else, who had to kick her feet to free herself from Wallace, picked up her 2-year-old son and ran outside to call 911.

Police said Wallace also is accused of smashing a 32-inch television inside Else's home.

Harassment

SHAMOKIN - A 15-year-old Shamokin boy has been cited by Patrolman Scott Weaver for harassment relating to a disturbance at 4:40 p.m. Sunday in the 1100 block of North Shamokin Street.

The teen is accused of attempting to start a fight with a 13-year-old Shamokin boy.

Scattering rubbish

COAL RUN - Charles Robert Walburn, 32, of New York, was cited by state police at Stonington for scattering rubbish for allegedly disposing of contents from his camper along Route 2026 off a mountain road near Coal Run at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Services planned for bishop

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Services planned

n LOCAL PRAYER: Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church (Northumberland Deanery), 599 W. Center St., Elysburg, will hold a holy hour with evening prayer and benediction for Bishop McFadden at 5 p.m. Sunday in the chapel.

n FUNERAL SERVICES: The Patriot News reported the following services, all open to the public.

- 7 p.m. Sunday. McFadden's body will be received at St. Patrick Cathedral, 212 State St., Harrisburg, where it will lie in state through Tuesday

evening, when a rite of transfer of the body will take place.

- The bishop's body will be transferred to Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6150 Allentown Blvd., Lower Paxton Township, for a funeral service on Wednesday.

Following the service, McFadden will be buried in the Bishop's Circle area of Holy Cross Cemetery, across the street from St. Catherine Laboure Parish, 4000 Derry St., Swatara Township.

The viewing and services schedule is as follows:

- Sunday, St. Patrick Cathedral, 212 State St., Harrisburg

7 p.m.: Rite of reception of the body with solemn evening prayer.

- Monday, May 6 St. Patrick Cathedral

8 a.m.: Rite of gathering in the presence of the body, viewing of the body.

Noon: Mass, St. Patrick Cathedral.

12:45 p.m.: Viewing of the body, St. Patrick Cathedral.

7 p.m.: Solemn evening prayer, St. Patrick Cathedral.

-Tuesday, St. Patrick Cathedral

8 a.m.: Rite of gathering in the presence of the body, viewing of the body.

Noon: Mass

12:45 p.m.: Viewing of the body

4 p.m.: Rite of transfer of the body to Holy Name of Jesus Church

7 p.m.: Solemn evening prayer.

- Wednesday, May 8, Holy Name of Jesus Church

8 a.m.: Rite of gathering in the presence of the body, viewing of the body.

10 a.m.: Closing of the coffin.

10:30 a.m.: Solemn funeral Mass, burial in Holy Cross Cemetery.

The coffin will be closed during all services, and viewings will end at the conclusion of the evening prayer services.

Firings mount at Northumberland County Prison

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SUNBURY - Three employees have been fired and one has resigned in the past month at the Northumberland County Prison.

The firings come as county Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi renews his call for staff to "clean up their act" and continues to go public with allegations of staff misconduct.

Human Resource Director Joseph Picarelli confirmed Thursday that correctional officer David Feese was fired April 4 after being employed since Dec. 31, and correctional officer Luz Seranno was terminated Wednesday after being employed since Nov. 30, 2011.

Picarelli said he did not yet have paperwork on the third individual fired, and therefore would not be able to provide a name for that person. He said there was one prison employee still on suspension, and suggested that individual was the person Clausi was reporting as fired Thursday.

Picarelli also could not provide the details on the resignation.

Sunbury police involved

The firings and resignation come as Clausi publicly reveals more details about allegations involving staff at the prison. He said an employee brought a cell phone into the prison for an inmate

to use, another guard allegedly brought in drugs for an inmate and that an inmate was forced to clean up from an overflowing toilet with his own prison uniform.

In the incident with the drugs, Clausi said he asked Sunbury Mayor David Persing to assign the city police department to investigate. Persing confirmed that conversation Thursday, and said police are investigating. No arrests have been made, he said.

"Anything involving drugs, we take seriously," Persing said. "We don't have the manpower to deal with everything at the prison, but we ranked this as a priority."

Police Chief Stephen Mazzeo also confirmed an investigation is taking place.

Going public

Clausi said he has been warning prison management for at least a year to address issues or he would go public with every problem that was brought to his attention.

"It cannot keep going this way. They (the prison employees) must clean up their act," Clausi said.

He said he is appalled at the fact that someone would bring drugs into the prison.

"We cannot put people in the jail for drugs and then we deliver the drugs to the jail. That is unacceptable," he said.

Furthermore, he said, it is inhumane to ask prisoners to use their own uniform to clean up from an overflowing toilet. There is surveillance footage showing a correctional officer only providing a plunger to the inmate, but no mop, Clausi said.

He also expressed concern about a window in a cell being covered only with plastic. It allows rain and cold air into the cell.

Prisoners deserve humane conditions, he said.

"They have rights, too," Clausi said.

Warden Roy Johnson could not be reached at the prison for comment Thursday.

Meeting next week

Asked whether anyone else was going to be terminated as a result of these incidents, Clausi would only say he'll be discussing the issues at the next prison board meeting, set for 11 a.m. Wednesday.

The prison board consists of the three commissioners, Clausi, Stephen Bridy and Richard Shoch; President Judge Robert Sacavage, Sheriff Chad Reiner, Controller Tony Phillips and District Attorney Tony Rosini.

Bridy, prison board chairman, said each problem is under investigation. Since the employees are unionized, there must be evidence that a policy or law has been broken before termination, he noted.

"I understand Mr. Clausi is frustrated; the frustrations are warranted. I am frustrated as well," he said Thursday.

Bridy said he and the warden have been frequently conversing about the issues, and terminations happen if there is enough evidence.

"The warden is on top of it. He's doing everything he can," Bridy said.

Some of the contributing problems are outside individuals throwing items over the walls and the guards knowing the inmates personally, he said.

Bridy and Clausi suggested screening employees for contraband before they enter the prison.

Clausi, meanwhile, continues to say it's a case of poor management.

Prison board members have been discussing moving forward with plans to construct a new prison, although some have expressed concern about moving as quickly as Clausi would like to.

Clausi said this week the management and staff problems have to be taken care of before a new prison is constructed.

Last year, in a three-month period from June 25 to mid-September, eight correctional officers were fired from the prison.

Picarelli said at the time that the terminations were for various reasons, but all of involved violations of prison personnel policy.

MCA March Merit Award winners named

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MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - The Mount Carmel Area School Board announced Merit Award winners for March.

The elementary school winner is fourth-grade student Claudia Morris, a daughter of Lou and Gina Morris, of Mount Carmel. She is a consistent achiever of the distinguished honor roll and is described as a respectful, trustworthy, caring, cooperative and mannerly young girl.

She is a member of Gymstarz gymnastics in Sunbury and recently placed second in a state competition. She has also been involved with AYSO soccer, plays the piano, participates in the Anthracite Citizens Theatre every summer and also volunteers at high school track meets.

The high school winner is senior Marisa Montgomery, a daughter of Fritz and Lisa Montgomery, of Mount Carmel.

Montgomery was nominated by Diane Rumbel, who said, "I have had Marisa in my communications class as a seventh-grade student and for the past three years in news reporting. As an editor for MCA-Live, I depend on her. She is a talented writer and speaker and is interested in learning new things. She has written top-notch stories and helped produce and speak in many important video segments."

Montgomery is a distinguished honor student and a member of the National Honor Society. Her activities include the Interact Club, Peer Mediation, science and Spanish clubs, Future Nurses of America and Future Teachers of America. She is a varsity cheerleading captain, captain of her Powder Puff team and a cheer coach for the Jets C team. Montgomery has also participated in girls' varsity basketball. She plans to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania to study nursing.

Coal Township couple escape fire

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COAL TOWNSHIP - A West Arch Street couple escaped injury but are displaced at least temporarily after fire ignited in the first floor of their home Friday morning.

The two-alarm blaze was reported at 9:20 a.m. at 1019 W. Arch St., home to Walter and Helen Neiswender. The couple exited safely, as did a neighbor in an attached home, Phyllis Murphy, 86, of 1021 W. Arch St.

While no injuries were reported to residents or firefighters, one of the Neiswenders' dogs, a retriever breed named Ginger, perished in the blaze. Their other dog, a Springer Spaniel named Victory, was unharmed.

Helen said she was awake and having coffee in her bedroom when she smelled smoke. She and Walter exited with Victory but Ginger didn't follow. The Neiswenders took refuge on the porch of James F. and Patti Kelley, 1001 W. Arch St., where family met them and were relieved to find they had escaped with their health.

The fire is believed to have started in or near the kitchen on the first story and spread to an addition at the rear of the home.

Kevin Malukas, Coal Township deputy fire chief, was the first on scene. Heavy black smoke filled the first floor, preventing him from entering the home alone to save the dog.

Kelley was outside playing with his daughter's puppy when Malukas rushed over to ask for help notifying neighbors of the fire.

"I threw the pup in the front door and said 'what do you need?' So I started banging on doors," Kelley said.

Members of nearby Maine Fire Company and Coal Township Rescue Squad arrived shortly afterward and an interior attack began from the home's front. They managed to push the fire back to the home's rear and mostly contain it in the one-story addition, Malukas said. Their work prevented fire from spreading up the walls and further throughout the house, and potentially to neighboring homes.

The fire was under control within 40 minutes and extinguished within one hour.

Bill Janovich, a next door neighbor who lives at 1015 W. Arch St., was working at Wal-Mart Distribution Center outside of Minersville. He rushed home after employees of Mac's Hoagies, where he works part time, called to let him know about the fire.

"They told me my neighbor's house was on fire. I didn't know what was going on," he said. "I had to get my butt here just in case."

The Neiswenders' home sustained heavy fire, water and smoke damage on the first story, especially to the rear addition, and smoke damage to the second and third stories, where windows were busted out at the front and rear to allow ventilation.

Murphy's home took on some smoke, particularly in the third story, but appeared not to have sustained any significant damage, and neither did Janovich's.

American Red Cross was on scene to assist the Neiswenders, who are insured and who are staying with relatives.

A state police fire marshal is expected to investigate the cause and origin on Monday.

Assisting Coal Township Fire Department were apparatus and personnel from Shamokin, Atlas and Kulpmont.

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