Dear Abby: I'm a 13-year-old girl who has been trying to give my father a second chance. I was taken away from my parents when I was 8 because they were on drugs. I haven't seen my father for three years, but now that he's living with my grandparents and me, I decided to give him a second chance.
He has been very "hand-sy" with me - giving me massages, kissing my cheek - and this all makes me very uncomfortable. I thought it was because he hasn't seen me in a while, but today as I was leaving to go to my mom's, he slapped my butt as I walked out the door. Now I'm scared. I spend a lot of the day at home with him alone. I don't want things to get out of hand. Any advice? - Worried In Delaware
Dear Worried: Your father has lost three years with you. He may not realize that his "little girl" is no longer a child. That is why it is important that you tell him what he's doing makes you uncomfortable. You should also tell your mother and grandparents about what's happening and that it scares you. You do not have to tolerate unwanted contact, and if it persists, report it to a teacher or counselor at school or contact me again.
Dear Abby: I have a dilemma. I work in a small high school in a student support position. Girls come into my office who are pregnant and excited about it! Telling them congratulations for putting themselves in this position seems counterproductive, or like I am endorsing this choice. I don't!
No high school girls - or boys, for that matter - should put themselves in a position to be a parent when they themselves aren't fully grown and independent. I feel like saying, "You have ruined your life" instead, but I hold my tongue. What do you suggest? - Don't Want To Encourage Them In Illinois
Dear Don't Want To Encourage: Your job is to support the students, not to condemn or endorse their predicament. Telling a pregnant girl she has ruined her life isn't helpful. What you need to do is encourage the girl to get a diploma while she can.
Too many girls fail to complete their high school education when they have a baby, and it impedes their ability to provide for themselves and their child because they are suited only for minimum-wage jobs. If you are enthusiastic about helping them, your positive attitude may be contagious and inspire them to succeed.
(Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.)
caption: L-R Mount Carmel Rotary President Frank Sawicki, Rachel Toter, Nicole
Purcell, Student of the Month Coordinator Rotarian Joe Varano
PAXINOS - Seven students from Meadowview Christian Academy made the honor roll for the third marking period.
Honor students are:
First-grade - Porter Kramer and Noah Rempel.
Second-grade - Joshua Lahr and Dayla Snyder.
Fourth-grade - Sarah Bertone.
Fifth-grade - Lexi Broda.
Sixth-grade - Ferd Madara.
CATAWISSA RR - The honor roll has been announced for the third marking period at Southern Columbia Area Middle School.
To earn distinguished honors recognition, student must have a marking period average of 95 percent or higher. The regular honor roll requires a marking period average of between 88 to 94.999 percent.
Distinguished honor roll
Fifth grade - Jared Broscious, Mikaela Brouse, Madison Colella, Kayla Gallagher, Gina Gratti, Kayla Hauer, Aaron Koschoff-Rapkin, Sophia Koschoff-Rapkin, Taylor LeVan, Lear Quinton, Lauren Rose, Emma Rosko, Elijah Rush, Erick Shufeldt and Leslie Wolfe.
Sixth-grade - Colt Bernhard, Jadyn Brezinski, Carly Britch, Kari Cambria, Haleigh Carter, Morgan Cole, Hanna Davis, Troy Donlan, Brooklynn Kuijpers, Allyson Leiby, Caitlyn Lichtel, Jillian Marks, Connor McGinley, Calista Noll, Sarah Rodriguez, Viktoria Romania, Haley Scopelliti, Kevin Sincavage, Michael Steele and Alexandra Willhouse.
Seventh-grade - Seth Barrett, Gabrielle Bebenek, Cassi Bennage, Breanna Burd, Cecelia Cook, Justin Derk, Meghan Duzick, Kristina Hallick, Elijah Hoffman, Natalie Hunter, Grace Joseph, Megan Kearney, Haley Knoebel, Kristin Kremser, Katelynn Kuijpers, Jaret Lane, Jaden Laskoski, Autumn McDonald, Colton Mensch, Alexa Mowery, Lauren Murdock, Veronica Polyniak, Natalie Ring, Marley Roadarmel, Eric Savidge, Anthony Scicchitano, Paige Sharrow, Abigail Shimock, Chase Urban, Casey Winter and Eli Yemzow.
Eighth-grade - Alana Bendas, Phoebe Bridy, Elizabeth Bryden, Alexis Burd, Francesca Forti, Miranda Gipple, Claudia Girardi, Jessica Henrichs, Garrett Henry, Carter Houseknecht, Joseph Jarvis, Marc Malkoskie, Mary Scopelliti, Angeli Sen, Tricia Shufeldt, Brianna Snyder, Isaac Wynn, Marc Yeager and Cameron Young.
Honor roll
Fifth-grade - Evan Bebenek, Maura Blusius, Kiersten Brecht, Hannah Bridy, Hailey Ciocco, Max Clark, Halle Cox, Jessica Delbo, Amelia Esposito, Kaylin Fetterolf, Cameron Haladay, Ethan Haupt, Jacob Herr, Nathaniel Hicks, Nathan Hunsinger, Nathan Kearney, Makenna Keefer, Michelle Kerstetter, Wade Kerstetter, Brianna Kopp, Allyson Kranzel, Austin Leiby, Naithan Long, Morgan Marks, Ian Nevius, Kathryn Pollard, Emilia Raup. Brady Reese, Ty Roadarmel, Maxwell Shirvinski, Alyssa Strocko, Aden Trathen, Alicia Trathen, Chloe Wegrzynowicz, Bristol Welliver, Thomas Williams, Rilyn Wisloski and Ronald Zsido.
Sixth-grade - Erin Biddiscombe, Hannah Bradley, Cara Cecco, Autumn Chassie, Emily Davis, Benjamin Dodson, Ethan Dunkelberger, Jared Ebersole, Meredith Fahringer, Susan Gembic, DeeDee George, Cal Haladay, Chase Haught, Abigail Henrichs, Tiffany Horton, Matthew Irons, Gabriella Kaminski, Kaitlyn Karlovich, Lindsey Kerstetter, Nicole Kerstetter, Ethan Knoebel, Tyler Kriebel, Joseph Lobos, Meghan Longenhagen, Olivia McGinley, Kaitlyn McHale, Shane Miller, Michael Miner, Gabriel O'Donnell, Samantha Palacz, Marley Seger, Cally Seidel, Parker Shadle, Alec Sharrow, Cassandra Sharrow, Johnathan Sherman, Oak Six, Cameryn Sock, Jacob Stahley, William Wegrzynowicz, Desiree Welkom and Ross Wertman.
Seventh-grade - Hosam Abdul-Al, Andrew Bell, Tyler Bendas, Sheila Brassard, Luc Champoux, Blake Day, Joseph Ditzler, Kamee Duncan, Vance Erdman, Joseph Evans, Bradley Fisher, Jeremy Fisher, John Fulmer, Domunic Gaines, John Gembic, Albert Goodlunas, Abigail Hager, Andrew Haupt, Tristan Heim, Cole Helwig, Madison Klock, Justin Kofskie, Hannah Laughlin, Calista Long, Lauren Long, Anna Manley, Ashley Miller, Whitney Morris, Ashwini Patel, Jacob Petro, Hailey Reeder, Jacob Renn, Brett Szuler, Brandon Troy, Amanda Unger, Dakota Welkom and Emily Wolfe.
Eighth-grade - Mariah Adams, Jacob Bainbridge, Nicholas Bedford, Devan Beyer, Noah Bloom, Noah Blusius, Leo Bradley, Noah Brecht, Kolby Carl, William Clark, Zachary Consentino, Hailey Cooper, Howard Cowell, Jessica Derk, Nicholas Fetterman, Anthony Girardi, Matthew Haupt, Elliot Hicks, Lauryn Hower, Daniel Hulsizer, Samantha Jankowski, Dominick Kandrot, Nathan Kehoe, Kelsey Koharski, Todd Lane, Sabin Laskoski, Ryan Lichtel, Lindsay Lindenmuth, Sarah Lupatsky, Kyla Madara, Drew Michaels, Curtis Mommo, Julia Moyle. Erika Patrick, Skylar Pickett, Wesley Powell, Cassidy Roadarmel, Raevin Rosenbaum, Cassidy Sabo. Jacob Santor, Elijah Seidel, Deryn Seltzer, Brian Sevison, Danielle Smith, Brooke Sudol, Shane Tripp, Courtney Varano, Ryley Wetzel. Hunter Whitmoyer and Aliyah Wilk.
and Marketing Manager, Monica Bradford recently awarded the Mount Carmel Area School District the Top Star Express Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance Grant. Store manager, Melony Kisela, nominated and presented our school district with this prestigious award. Top Star Express invests in school and community involvement through $500 grants designed to help schools purchase supplemental learning tools such as science and technology equipment and supplies. The Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance provides fuel retailers with an opportunity to invest in the future of the community where their businesses are located through grants to neighborhood schools. A special thank you to Exxon Mobil Corporation and store manager, Melony Kisela for nominating Mount Carmel Area School District for this grant.
Tower Exxon Mobil Convenience store manager, Melony Kisela, MCA students Cassandra Holmes and David Menko
MOUNT CARMEL - A Hegins man who allegedly fired a shot into an occupied apartment building at South Beech and West Sixth streets last month waived the charges to court Wednesday.
Donnie T. Carl, 26, is charged with felonies of possessing a firearm while being a fugitive, possessing a firearm without a license and discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, and misdemeanors of recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct involving the disturbance at 9:20 p.m. April 10.
Carl remains in prison in Sunbury in lieu of $50,000 cash bail.
By waiving the charges to court, Carl will be ordered to appear in county court at which time he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.
Carl's girlfriend, Katie Marie Keister, 18, of Lykens, was previously charged with lying to police after Carl allegedly fired a single shot following an argument between the couple. Carl fled the scene after the incident, police said.
Police said the shot was fired from a dark-colored vehicle while Keister entered a second-floor apartment at 250 S. Beech St. No one was injured.
Police said Keister was uncooperative when she was interviewed inside the apartment building. Keister allegedly provided a false name, failed to produce identification and claimed not to know any of her own personal information. She resisted being taken into custody and was forcibly removed from the building.
She admitted arguing with her boyfriend over money. She eventually provided her identity, but did not do the same for Carl, according to a criminal complaint, and allegedly implicated an innocent man in a written statement.
Keister was found to be wanted in Dauphin County for a probation violation for an unrelated incident.
She was charged with resisting arrest, two counts of unsworn falsification to authorities, hindering apprehension or prosecution, false reports, disorderly conduct and false identification to law enforcement.
Approximately 225 students from Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties will participate in the annual Susquehanna Valley Envirothon Wednesday at the Shikellamy State Park Overlook. This annual environmental education competition will begin at 9:15 a.m. and end with an awards presentation at 1:15 p.m. An overall team winner will be named as well as top teams from each county.
Students from grades nine through 12 will be tested at five separate stations in each of the following categories: aquatics, forestry, wildlife, soils and a current issue, which is "Grazing Lands and Pasture Management." A non-testing educational station focusing on elk will be presented by Van Wagner.
Individual county winners each advance on to the Pennsylvania State Envirothon competition being held May 21 and 22 at Juniata College in Huntingdon County. The first-place overall finisher at the state level will win an all-expense paid trip to the North American Envirothon, set for Aug. 4 through 9 at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT.
Representatives from the PA Fish Commission, PA Game Commission, Bureau of Forestry, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Bureau of State Parks will conduct the testing at each station. The PA Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation District personnel will also be assisting at the event.
The competition is sponsored by Northridge Group Inc., Byerly Brothers, The Northumberland National Bank, LB Water, JD Feaster Earthworks Inc., Suez Environnement United Water, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 84 of Bloomsburg, Middleswarth Potato Chips, Central Susquehanna Woodland Owners Association, Family Practice Center P.C., Roaring Creek Valley Conservation Association, Fishing Creek Watershed Association, Wood Mode Inc., RJ Hoffman & Sons, Bingaman & Son Lumber Inc., Meckley's Limestone Products Inc., Heister House Millworks, Ted Heaps Container Service, Mensch Recycling of Sunbury, Stackhouse & Son Well Drilling, Keffer & Associates Inc., and the local conservation districts of Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties.
The Envirothon program is designed to heighten environmental awareness in each student, test their knowledge and understanding of natural resource issues, and produce environmentally responsible adults. Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the Envirothon.
TREVORTON - Members of the Line Mountain Chapter of the National Honor Society are proving they are not only smart kids, but are concerned about keeping America beautiful.
The honor students completed a major clean-up, paint-up and fix-up project Friday at the Trevorton recreation complex to show their interest in ecology and their pride in the region. That project was one of a number completed recently by the group under the direction of Alan Zelnick, chapter adviser.
Students spent most of the day Friday painting picnic benches, picking up litter and performing other tasks at the recreation site and other sections of Trevorton and surrounding areas.
"It was great to see the interest of these young people taking part in this community service project," Zelnick said. He extended appreciation to officials of PennDOT who supplied gloves and orange safety vests; Angie's Market, Sunoco convenience store and Desantis Distributors, which supplied drinks and ice for the students; and Anthony's Pizzeria, which provided lunch.
Zelnick said the group worked with members of the Zerbe Township Board of Supervisors and the township's police department in carrying out the work, which also included cleanup of litter along Gap Road, the old railroad right-of way extending approximately 10 blocks; and painting of the picnic tables and bleachers.
Zerbe Township police and Trevorton Fire Department assisted by providing safety patrols for the students on Gap Road from Trevorton to the area know as "The Flats."
According to Zelnick, participation by students in a community service project is a requirement for membership in the National Honor Society.
Food distribution set today
MOUNT CARMEL - Food distribution will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. today at the Atlas municipal complex for those Mount Carmel Township residents already signed up.
Applications for festival events
SHAMOKIN - Registration forms are available for two popular events at the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts set for May 24 and 25.
Following the annual parade, the luminary event with lighted bags lined along Lincoln Street will be held Friday evening. Saturday's events kick off with a 5K run beginning at Shamokin Area's Kemp Memorial Stadium and winding its way down to the festival area on Market Street.
Registration forms for the luminary event and the 5K run are available at Beverly's Flower Shop, 9 E. Independence St.
Ralpho yard sale May 1
ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township Business Association will sponsor its 17th annual township-wide yard sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 18, rain or shine.
The event is expected to be bigger than ever and the public is encouraged to participate. However, it is asked that vehicles be parked with respect to property owners.
Sale spaces are available at the Elysburg Fire Station. Call 274-0798 or 898-7636. Proceeds go to the ambulance fund.
MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 441st "Changing of the Colors" flag ceremony April 21, in honor and memory of another veteran of World War II.
Walter V. Wanzie was born Jan. 24, 1924, in Mount Carmel, a son of Peter and Mary (Rompolski) Wanzie. He was a 1941 graduate of Mount Carmel High School.
Wanzie entered the U.S Army Air Corps March 26, 1943, in Harrisburg and was honorably discharged as a corporal on Oct. 4, 1945, at Unit B Separation Center 45, Indiantown Gap Military Reservation. With the 94th Troop Carrier Squadron, 439th Troop Carrier Group, he was qualified with the .45-caliber pistol, submachine gun and the carbine.
Wanzie received the following medals: Europe-Africa-Middle East Service Medal with seven bronze stars for the Rome-Arno, Normandy, Northern France, Southern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe campaigns; Distinguished Unit Badge; Good Conduct Medal; and World War II Honorable Discharge Lapel Pin. Total service to his country was two years, six months and nine days, of which foreign service was one year, six months and 26 days.
At St. Paul's Chapel, Atlas, Wanzie married the former Jacqueline Socoloski, who survives.
He was employed by Schmidt's Brewery, Mount Carmel Borough and both Feifer and Lazarski's Catering.
Wanzie was a member of Divine Redeemer Church, American Legion Post 91, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110 and the West End Athletic Club and was a life member of Anthracite Steam Fire Company No. 1 and Knights of Columbus Lawrence F. Schott Council 628, all of Mount Carmel.
Wanzie died Feb. 20, 2013, and is buried in All Saints Cemetery, Bear Gap. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son and daughter, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of Joseph M. Shamansky, who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. "Taps" was played on the bugle by Larry Latsko while the flag was lowered by Anthony Candelora. The flag was folded by William Begis, Ann Ray Begis and Candelora and was presented to Shamansky's daughter, Sharon Stankiewicz, by Walter Summers.
The Wanzie flag was escorted to the service at the Susquehanna Bank flag pole by Andrew Lukoskie. The flag was presented by Wanzie's wife, Jacqueline, to Summers. Candelora raised the flag while the national anthem was played. Following the playing of the nation anthem, the flag was lowered to half staff, where it will remain for the next 30 days in honor of the victims of the bombing at the Boston Marathon.
David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans. Summers thanked the families and friends in attendance for their participation in the ceremony.
Charles Noskoviak carried the American flag and the rifle escort was provided by Andrew Bubnis and Joseph Lutcavage. James Kealy provided traffic control. Also participating in the service was Robert Nahodil.
The next flag ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 26, at Second and Oak streets when the flag will be raised in honor and memory of George P. Parry, who served in the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Area veterans and the public are invited.
MOUNT CARMEL - One of the borough's most popular annual events is a week away.
The Mount Carmel Lions will mark the 16th anniversary of their Oak Street Festival on Saturday, May 11. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
The club was informed recently that Fast Break Inflatables will be at this year's event. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to partake in the fun on three separate "bounce house-type" attractions that the central Pennsylvania company will provide.
One of the major annual community events in Mount Carmel, the festival also features crafts, food and entertainment. A number of music programs are planned, highlighted by the appearance of Pet Rock, a well-known vocal duo, and a special musical performance by Billy Dee and Rosie.
The "Move Crew" from Motivation Station will again perform this year. This aerobic presentation is performed by children ages 3 to 15. Also, the Susquehanna Trail Dog Club will make a return visit, and antique cars will be on display on West Fourth Street.
The Lions Club, which has 37 active members, has been serving the community for more than 60 years. The club is well known and appreciated for its holiday Meals on Wheels program, in which an average of 160 meals are prepared and delivered to the needy on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter.
On the Net: www.mountcarmellions.org
SUNBURY - A pre-trial conference for Dr. Raymond J. Kraynak in his driving under the influence of alcohol case has been rescheduled for June 7.
The 55-year-old Kulpmont resident and member of Mount Carmel Area School Board was scheduled for a pre-trial conference Friday morning before Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor, but that legal proceeding was continued at Kraynak's request until June 7. The request for postponement was made Wednesday.
At a February hearing before Judge William H. Wiest, Attorney James Zurick argued that Coal Township police did not have probable cause to charge his client with driving under the influence of alcohol at a DUI checkpoint on Route 61 in Coal Township last May. Zurick claimed the checkpoint was illegal and said the defendant was the only person charged with DUI during the checkpoint.
On April 17, Wiest denied Zurick's request to suppress evidence and the case proceeded to a pre-trial conference.
Kraynak, a practicing physician with offices in Ashland, Mount Carmel and Shamokin, is charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Henrich with one count of DUI and has vowed to take the case to trial.
He remains free on his own recognizance.
SUNBURY - The father of a Coal Township teen killed in a car crash last summer isn't happy with the prospect that the driver will only serve 90 days in jail.
"He goes to jail for three months, but my son isn't coming home in three months," said Norman Dorsett, 48, of Shamokin. "How is that fair?"
Kyle Lynn Koontz, 19, of Shamokin, charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence in connection with a June 14, 2012, accident in Zerbe Township that killed his friend, David W. Dorsett, 19, pleaded guilty Friday morning to misdemeanors of involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence of a controlled substance, and a summary of reckless driving.
Koontz remains free on $20,000 unsecured bail.
The plea entered before Judge William H. Wiest calls for a recommended sentence of 90 days imprisonment, six months of house arrest and supervised probation up to five years.
While that upset the family, Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini described it as a "reasonable resolution" based on the possibility for successful prosecution based in part on the chemical evidence.
Wiest will sentence Koontz at 9:15 a.m. July 29, at which time additional charges of homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence of a controlled substance, recklessly endangering another person and careless driving will not be prosecuted.
Plea 'ridiculous'
Koontz, of 130 S. Market St., and his attorney, Trudy A. Marietta Mintz, of Mechanicsburg, declined comment about the plea upon leaving Northumberland County Courthouse. Norman Dorsett and other family members, meanwhile, had plenty to say.
"I think the plea agreement is ridiculous," said Norman Dorsett. "I'm very frustrated with the whole process. David has been gone for about 11 months and he's not coming back. Basically, this is telling us it's all right to go up the mountain, have a good time and kill your best friend."
After Koontz is sentenced, Dorsett said he plans to file a wrongful death suit against the defendant.
"I don't want money. It's just about purpose," he said.
Dorsett, who was wearing a T-shirt dedicated to his son's memory, said he plans to donate whatever money he gets from the lawsuit to the Shamokin Area High School track team, of which his son was a member.
Dorsett and his family were seeking a jury trial in the case and are disappointed that won't occur.
Family: Lack of remorse
They also are disturbed by what they say is Koontz's lack of remorse for the victim and his family.
"The kid has had no remorse since the accident and has shown no responsibility for his actions," Dorsett said. "David was the type of kid who made you laugh. He was a good, all-around kid until he met Kyle about two years ago. Kyle is trying to take the easy way out."
Dorsett said his 43-year-old wife, Tammy, couldn't attend Friday's plea because of the emotions involved with the case. "Just seeing Kyle makes her mad," he said.
Norman Dorsett's niece, Shannon Hummel, 38, of Kulpmont, said she considered David to be her nephew.
"This isn't fair. The laws need to be tougher on people who choose to do drugs and drink and drive," she said. "I'm very disappointed in the judicial system."
Ruth Fasold, 57, of Coal Township, David Dorsett's aunt, said she's angry over Koontz's lack of remorse.
"We have a bad drug and drinking problem in our area and it continues to escalate every day," she said.
'Reasonable resolution'
Rosini, who consulted with the victim's family about the plea agreement, said the deal was agreed to because of several evidentiary issues.
Rosini said blood testing revealed no alcohol or active marijuana in the defendant's blood, while testing did reveal the non-intoxicating metabolite of marijuana in Koontz's blood.
He believes since intoxication could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, homicide by vehicle while DUI, recklessly endangering another person and aggravated assault by motor vehicle could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Rosini said the metabolite of marijuana is listed on the controlled substance schedules for DUI, which means having that substance in the driver's blood was sufficient to prove DUI, and his driving conduct was sufficient to establish the offenses of involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving.
He also pointed out that the accident occurred on a private road, where generally the vehicle code is not enforceable.
"While we believe it could be shown that the road was open to the public, homicide by vehicle and involuntary manslaughter have the same offense gravity score for sentencing," Rosini said. "A plea to involuntary manslaughter eliminated the need to prove the road was open to the public and removes that issue from the case."
He concluded, "I believe the plea in this case reflects the evidence we have available to present if the case went to trial, and what we believe a jury would conclude from that evidence. We have an ethical obligation to prosecute only charges we have evidence to support."
He said he understands the Dorsett family's feelings.
"I sympathize with them. Losing a child is the worst thing any parent can go through," he said. "But the plea was the most reasonable resolution we felt could be reached when considering all the facts in the case."
He added, "My heart goes out to the family. There is nothing we can do to bring their son back."
The maximum penalty for involuntary manslaughter is five years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine. The DUI charge carries a maximum penalty of six months incarceration and/or $5,000 fine. The reckless driving offense carries a maximum penalty of 90 days imprisonment and/or $300 fine.
9 days after graduation
Koontz, who turned himself in to authorities in January, was charged by Trooper Daniel Wilk of state police at Stonington.
The fatality took place on Anthracite Road near Route 2044 in Zerbe Township shortly before 9 a.m., nine days after Koontz and Dorsett graduated from Shamokin Area High School.
Koontz told police he drank a couple of beers and smoked a small amount of marijuana about five hours before the crash near Trevorton.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, Koontz was driving west in a 1998 Crown Victoria on the one-lane dirt road, while he and his friends were returning from camping in the mountains the night before.
Police said Koontz was speeding when he failed to negotiate a left turn and the car began to slide. Koontz counter-steered to try to regain control, but that action, police said, caused the car to slide back across the road.
Koontz told police he was trying to regain control when he "hit something hard," which threw the vehicle out of control.
The car went off the north side of the road and hit a ditch with its right front corner, causing it to spin clockwise and strike several small trees. Dorsett, sitting in the front passenger seat and not wearing a seat belt, was partially ejected at that point, police said. The car then went into a barrel roll and landed on its roof in the middle of the road, pinning Dorsett underneath.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley. An autopsy determined the cause of death as craniocerebral injuries, which Kelley said were suffered in the rollover.
Koontz and the other passengers, Brett J. Case, 19, of Coal Township, a 17-year-old Shamokin male and a 16-year-old Coal Township male, crawled out through the car's windows.
PRAYER FOR BISHOP JOSEPH McFADDEN
Eternal God and Father,
we praise you that you have made people
to share life together
and to reflect your glory in the world.
We thank you now for Bishop Joseph McFadden
for all that we saw of your goodness and love in his life
as the shepherd of your flock in the Diocese of Harrisburg.
and for all that he has meant to each one of us.
As we too journey towards death
may we do so in the company of Jesus,
who came to share our life
that we might share the life of eternity.
To him be glory with you and the Holy Spirit
for ever and ever.
May Bishop McFadden receive the rewards of his labors
for you as he had served our diocese so well.
SELINSGROVE - Anthony Munson, of Shamokin, is one of 27 Susquehanna University Enactus (formerly SIFE) members that participated in the Enactus U.S. Regional Competition held March 22 in Baltimore, where the team was named a regional champion. The team will compete next at the Enactus U.S. National Exposition in Kansas City, Mo., May 21 to 23.
Susquehanna's Enactus is one of more than 1,600 chapters on college campuses in 40 countries. Within these chapters, student teams bring businesses acumen to community service projects .
The culmination of the Enactus program is an annual series of competitions where teams present the results of their projects and are evaluated by business leaders serving as judges.
The multi-media presentation given by Susquehanna's Enactus at this competition highlighted many of the 20 service projects undertaken throughout the year, including working with small businesses in the Selinsgrove and Sunbury areas, sharing business skills with inmates at the Coal Township State Correctional Institute, and supporting Ashburn's Animals on a Mission and the Random Canyon Farm, both located in Kratzerville. The team is looking forward to further expansion locally and continued work abroad, where it has operations in Honduras and Tanzania.
Munson is a senior business administration major at Susquehanna. A 2009 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, he is the son of Mark and Debra Munson.
SHAMOKIN - Wild Oaks, a division of Oak Tree Press, Taylorville, Ill., has published a second novel by Shamokin writer J.R. Lindermuth.
"Sooner Than Gold," a sequel to "Fallen From Grace," was published in April and continues the adventures of Sylvester Tilghman, a 19th century Pennsylvania lawman. "Fallen From Grace" was the first entry in Wild Oaks, which showcases tales of yesteryear, particularly those with a Western flavor.
This is Lindermuth's 12th published novel. His output includes five novels in his increasingly popular Sticks Hetrick mystery series, published by Whiskey Creek Press, and several historical novels, including "Watch The Hour," which deals with the clash between mine owners and workers in the 1870s in Pennsylvania's anthracite coal region. He signed a contract with Whiskey Creek in March for the sixth in the Hetrick series.
"Sooner Than Gold" takes place in the summer of 1898 against the background of the war with Spain. Tilghman, sheriff of fictional Arahpot, Jordan County, Pennsylvania, has a murder victim with too many enemies. There's Claude Kessler, who is found standing with a knife in his hand over the body of Willis Petry. There's Rachel Webber, Petry's surly teen-aged stepdaughter, who admits an act intended to cause him harm. And there's the band of gypsies who claim Petry is the goryo who stole one of their young women.
If this isn't enough to complicate Tilghman's life, add in threats to his job by McClean Ruppenthal, former town burgess; a run-in with a female horse thief; scary predictions by a gypsy fortuneteller, and the theft of Doc Mariner's new motorcar. There's plenty of good eating, church-going and socializing along the way. And, before all is over, Sylvester solves the crime and even comes a little closer to his goal of finally marrying longtime girlfriend Lydia Longlow.
Lindermuth retired from The News-Item in 2000. Since then he has served as librarian of the Northumberland County Historical Society where he assists patrons with research and genealogy.
Marriage licenses
Todd Richard Harvey Jr., of 41 N. Center St., Sunbury, to Erin L. Killian, of 1074 Shickshinny Valley Road, Shickshinny. Issued Thursday.
Steven Andrew Weikel to Amanda Rachel Mull, both of 515 Lincoln St., Northumberland. Issued Thursday.
Brian K. Weaver to Heather Constance Casto, both of 840 W. Spruce St., Coal Township, Issued Friday.
Anthony Wayne Mabus to Denise Shaffer, both of 115 Fifth St., Ranshaw. Issued Friday.
James Bryan Williams to Ashley Jo Martz, both of 475 S. Main St., Apt. 2, Herndon. Issued Saturday.
William D. Ramsey to Cheyenne Natascha Benfer, both of 131 Tower Road, Sunbury. Issued Saturday.
Property transfers
Naomi Hockenbrough, executrix, Frederick F. Hontz estate to Melody A. Latsha, property in Sunbury, $23,000.
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Daniel A. McGovern, agent, to Michael and Grace Young, property in Sunbury, $13,250.
Rhonda J. Fox, Ryan A. Shaffer to Rhonda J. Fox, property in Sunbury, $1.
Francis Devizia to Emmanuel Hleah, property in Mount Carmel, $1,250.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Michael G. Oleyar, trustee, Andrew M. Reed estate, Glenna Reed, Melvin C. Reed, administrator, to MRK Realty Inc., property in Mount Carmel, $115,000.
Christian A. and Lisa D. Rey to Nathan M. and April M. Morgan, property in Ralpho Township, $225,000.
John A. Zulick Jr., executor, Robert J. Zulick Sr. estate to Scott A. Wilson Jr., property in Coal Township, $42,900.
Joseph P. and Joanne M. Cardarelli to Stephen and Denise Mercaldo, property in Sunbury, $1.
I-Quadrant Properties LLC to Crazy Angels Housing LLC, property in Coal Township, $5,000.
Mark A. and Elizabeth Rosini to Michael E. Ramos, property in Shamokin, $12,750.
Jeremy N. and April M. Shaffer to Jeremy N. and April M. Shaffer, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.
Kyle A. and Elizabeth Groff to Clayton L. Winters, Deborah A. Manfredonia, property in Jordan Township, $45,000.
Eric Humphrey to Lester J. and Lareno D. Neidig, property in Sunbury, $1.
James J. and Donna Marie McIntyre to Jessica L. Yakimowicz, property in Mount Carmel, $44,000.
Daniel A. and Arlene F. Moroz to Mark W. Moroz, property in Coal Township, $1.
Northumberland County Sheriff, Leroy C. Titus Jr. to Federal National Mortgage Association, property in Shamokin, $2,168.71.
Ryan N., Kim R., Lois E. Bordner to Codi J. Heath, Joseph C. Gaboff, property in Zerbe Township, $89,900.
Margaret M. Wasileski estate, Jeffrey M. Wasileski, executor, to Lura M. Wasileski, Keith M. Good, property in Mount Carmel, $1.
Regan J., Theresa M., Charles R., Sandra L. and Charles F. Rothermel to Amanda J. Rothermel, property in Zerbe Township, $1.
Christine M. and Raymond L. Griffith to Daniel J. and Adrianne D. Rowe, property in Ralpho Township, $35,950.
Randy L. and Valerie G. Snyder to Randy L. and Valerie J. Snyder, property in Jackson Township, $10.
Robert R. and Dorothy P. Whitmer to Wilford J. Haupt, property in Rockefeller Township, $65,000.
Joseph L. and Diane M. Sulouff to Susquehanna Bank, property in Rockefeller Township, $150,000.
Grand Teton LLC to Charles Bentz, property in Mount Carmel, $1,200.
Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Anna Statkewicz estate, Anna Startkewicz estate to Mount Carmel Borough, property in Mount Carmel, $1.
Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Daniel Boyd to Mount Carmel Borough, property in Mount Carmel, $1.
James S. and Wendy S. Cinque to Tod J. Hoffman, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $56,000.
Mark D. Paul to Richard E. Hoagland, property in Sunbury, $1.
BWH Properties LLC to Andrelle Chavannes, property in Coal Township, $5,100.
Alan K. and Annette R. Pollock to Aaron E. Pollock, property in Kulpmont, $1.
Paul E. and Janet F. Raker to Kevin E. Raker, Penny L. Stamm, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.
Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Thomas and Connie Schrader to Sharon L. Ragan, two properties in Shamokin, $100 each.
Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Anthony and Helen Siemasko to Katy Dunaway, property in Shamokin, $110.
Clara M. Weikel to Jared M. Holdren, property in Coal Township, $1.
Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Andrew J. Huber to Dalton Diotte, property in Mount Carmel, $203.
Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Kevin Mains to Mount Carmel Borough, property in Mount Carmel, $1.
PHILADELPHIA - Bishop Joseph P. McFadden, 10th bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, died unexpectedly Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Philadelphia, where he was attending a meeting of the Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania.
Bishop McFadden was 65 years old, and served as the Bishop of Harrisburg since Aug. 18, 2010.
He was born in Philadelphia, May 22, 1947, a son of Thomas and Ellen (Griffin) McFadden. He was baptized at St. Rose of Lima Parish, and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School and St. Thomas More High School, where he was class valedictorian.
In 1969, he graduated from St. Joseph University with a Bachelor of Science in political science.
As a freshman, he played on the college basketball team and during his remaining years in college, he coached boys basketball, first at St. Thomas More High School and then at West Catholic High School for Boys, where he joined the faculty after graduation. He also served as director of athletics for West Catholic and was a member of the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Catholic League.
In 1976, he entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, and graduated summa cum laude. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 1981 by Cardinal John Krol of Philadelphia in the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul.
His first assignment as a priest began in June 1981 as parochial vicar at St. Laurence Parish in Highland Park. The following year, he became administrative secretary to Cardinal Krol, a position he held until 1993. On May 29, 1991, he was named as honorary prelate to His Holiness Pope John Paul II with the title of monsignor.
In 1993, Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua of Philadelphia appointed him as the first president of Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield where he worked to establish the school's innovative "Laptops for Learning" program.
In 2001, he was assigned as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown where he served until his appointment as auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia in June 2004. He was ordained to the episcopacy by Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia in the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul July 28, 2004.
On June 22, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him the 10th bishop of Harrisburg. His installation took place Aug. 18, 2010, at St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg.
Bishop McFadden was a strong advocate for Catholic education, and a tireless promoter of parents' rights to choose the education best suited for their children. He also embraced the use of technology in evangelization, and hosted countless web and video conferences with school students whereby he engaged them through catechesis, question-and-answer sessions and opportunities for prayer.
He served as a member of many organizations, including as president of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference; chairman of the United States Bishops' Committee on Catholic Education, as well as their task force committee on Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe and in 2009, became the recipient of the first Shamrock Award presented by the Alumni of St. Thomas More and West Catholic high schools.
Surviving are a brother, John McFadden and his wife, Mary Jo; two sisters, Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Jane McFadden and Ellen McConney and her husband, Patrick; eight nephews and nieces, and nine great-nephews and great-nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Ellen (Griffin) McFadden.
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McFADDEN - Bishop Joseph P. McFadden, 65, 10th bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg. His body will be received at St. Patrick Cathedral, 212 State St., Harrisburg, at 7 p.m. Sunday where he will lie in repose until Tuesday at 4 p.m. Solemn evening prayer will take place at St. Patrick Cathedral at 7 p.m. Monday. The Rite of Transfer of the Body will take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick Cathedral and received at 4 p.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6150 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg, with solemn evening prayer at 7 p.m. The solemn funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday with a public viewing beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will be in the Bishops' Circle at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4075 Derry St., Harrisburg. Letters of Condolences may be sent to Ellen McConney, 458 Gateswood Drive, West Chester 19380. Contributions in the name of Bishop McFadden may be made to Catholic Education, Diocese of Harrisburg, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg 17111.
ATLAS - A two-alarm fire that likely destroyed a West Girard Street apartment building Saturday is not considered suspicious.
Brian Hollenbush, Mount Carmel Township fire marshal, said the building at 101-103 W. Girard St. caught fire due to a faulty electrical outlet on the ground floor. He deemed the blaze an accident.
The four-story building is likely a total loss, he said, and its occupants were uninsured.
The fire was first reported shortly before 3:30 p.m. It was brought under control within the hour and the scene was cleared at 6:40 p.m.
Hollenbush credited all of the volunteers who responded to the scene, including Michael Minnig who assumed command upon arrival. Their efforts stopped the fire from spreading to neighboring 105-107 W. Girard St., where an alleyway just a few feet wide separates the structures. From that point west, the homes are situated like most in this part of the coal region, either barely separated or adjoined.
Many onlookers who gathered in the area could be overheard speculating on the cause, fearful the blaze would be suspicious. Some firefighters speculated just the same given recent events.
There have been three dubious fires in Atlas over the past week, all within five blocks or less of Saturday's blaze. It raised suspicions that the latest fire in this Mount Carmel Township village would be the fourth; however, that is not the case.
"The reality of it is it's electrical in nature. It's not suspicious," Hollenbush said. "You can see where the copper wire arced against
the (electrical) box."
Information on the occupants' identities was unavailable Saturday. Four men and a teenage boy identified at the scene as occupants were visibly distraught. Two were working with an American Red Cross volunteer to establish temporary housing. None cared to talk about what had unfolded.
While no one was injured in the fire, two pit bulls and a cat inside the building were killed.
Robert Fanella, chief of Natalie Fire Company, was driving north on Route 61 from Mount Carmel when he saw heavy smoke rising from the village. He swung his vehicle into Atlas, saw the building on fire and called 911.
"When I first got here I saw flames coming out the front window and the one on the side," Fanella said, pointing toward a pair of ground-floor windows, one on the building's West Girard Street side and another on the Mulberry Street side.
The flames were spreading up the exterior walls, charring a large portion of a second-floor porch.
As other firefighters arrived on scene, some coming from a brush fire that had ignited behind International Paper west of Mount Carmel, they banged on doors at 101-103 W. Girard and 105-107 W. Girard. No one was home at either building.
The first hoses were readied and firefighters began an interior attack. Two hoses were initially taken through a door on the ground floor at the front of the building and a second through a rear door on the second floor. Inside the ground floor, everything was black. "I couldn't see anything," Fanella said.
More firefighters converged on the scene and took to fighting the fire from inside out, dousing flames with water and ventilating the structure on all four floors. Others climbed Anthracite Fire Company's ladder truck and took to the roof to ventilate the building using saws and claw tools.
The home was in ruins after it was over, water dribbling from beneath siding and from the roof, streaking away black residue that collected from the smoke. Almost every window was busted out. Siding was melted away. Interior walls were torn apart. The fire was extinguished and further disaster averted, but not before causing devastation to the building in which it originated.
Responding to the scene were members of fire companies from Atlas, Strong, Beaverdale, Natalie, Wilburton, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont, Englewood, Shamokin, Coal Township and Sunbury. AREA Services ambulance personnel were also on scene.
Assistance at Masser's office
ELYSBURG - State Rep. Kurt Masser, R-107, announced that Belinda Albright from the Northumberland County Veterans Affairs office, and a representative from Congressman Lou Barletta's office will be available in his Elysburg district office to assist area residents.
A member of Barletta's staff will be at Masser's district office at 467 Industrial Park Road from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday to assist residents with any federal issues. A staff member from the congressman's office is scheduled to be in Masser's office on the first Monday of every month.
Albright will be in the district office from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 15. She is scheduled to be in the district office the third Wednesday of each month to assist area veterans.
For more information call 648-8017.
Community Day in Mt. Carmel
MOUNT CARMEL - The borough police department is sponsoring its first Police Community Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, in town park. It occurs during National Police Memorial Week.
The family-oriented event will include K9 unit demonstrations, child fingerprinting, residential document shredding, various safety organizations providing information and give-aways, games, music, food and more. Also scheduled is a brief memorial service to honor Officer Peter Kozlowski of the Mount Carmel Borough Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty Aug. 9, 1921.
A gift basket auction during the event will help fund the activities. Organizers are seeking support from the community through either a donation of a gift basket of new items for the auction or a monetary donation to fund a basket. Donations are needed no later than Wednesday, May 15, but commitments are encouraged as soon as possible so they can plan accordingly.
Write to MCPDFans@gmail.com or call 610-842-7348 for more information. Baskets or donations may be dropped off during normal business hours at the Mount Carmel Borough Manager's office, 137 W. Fourth St.
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