RIVERSIDE - A three-vehicle crash involving an AREA Services ambulance and a car that landed on its roof in the middle of the highway shut down Route 54 in the "Narrows" just east of here Wednesday morning during rush hour.

Borough police were among those responding to the crash. Traffic was backed up for miles toward Elysburg as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene of the 8 a.m. accident.

In addition to the car that landed on its roof, a second vehicle had moderate damage to its rear end. The ambulance had what appeared to be minor damage to its front end.

Police had not issued a report as of Wednesday night.

SHAMOKIN - A special informational session tonight will show local business people how to take advantage of a two-fold benefit - earning tax credits for themselves and helping students earn a Catholic school education.

The session, starting at 6 p.m. at Harry's Grill, Shamokin, is being hosted by the Our Lady of Lourdes Alumni Foundation, which, through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, netted $246,213 in scholarship money for Lourdes Regional School in Coal Township, money that could offset the full cost of tuition for nearly 85 students in the coming school year.

The money, which was given to the Diocese of Harrisburg's Neumann Scholarship Foundation, is earmarked for Lourdes and will be awarded in June.

According to Glenn Boyet, of the OLOL Alumni Foundation, more than $218,000 in pledges have already been received.

Any financial restrictions on the scholarship are well above average households incomes reported in local communities, according to 2010 Census data.

Household income guidelines must be below $75,000 for each dependent to qualify for the Neumann Scholarship, with $15,000 added to the threshold for each dependent, meaning a household with two children would have to earn less than $105,000 to qualify.

EITC is a state program that offers businesses state tax credits in exchange for money pledged to an educational foundation.

Business people are invited to tonight's event to learn how they can take advantage of this program with presentations from school staff and foundation representatives.

A smiley face sign hangs in the hall way of Dalmatia Elementary School on Wednesday morning and says "have a terrific summer" and

St. Pauline auction set for Saturday

KULPMONT - A children's charity auction by the St. Pauline Center at Camp Pauline is set for Saturday at the center, located on Chestnut Street (Route 61).

Originally scheduled for Nov. 3 but postponed due to concerns related to recovery from Hurricane Sandy, the inaugural auction will benefit Camp Pauline for Children with Diabetes, held ever year in July; the annual children's Christmas show, held annually at the Mount Carmel Area High School, and the children's circus held every year at the Veterans Sports Complex.

Items, which will be viewable to the public from 10 a.m. to noon, include a Ron Turcotte-autographed Riding Secretariat Masterpiece collage, Yogi Berra autographed photograph with Babe Ruth, Lou Holtz autographed Notre Dame sign, Eli Manning autographed football and Giants helmet, LeSean McCoy autographed Eagles helmet, Joe DiMaggio autographed baseball, Mickey Mantle autographed baseball, Henry Hynoski autographed Giants football, a tricycle autographed by Robbie Knievel and more.

Adopt a Plot at Shamokin Cemetery

SHAMOKIN - Citizens for a Better Community will host another Adopt a Plot cleanup from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, weather permitting, at the Shamokin Cemetery. Residents, students and organizations are welcome to help preserve a piece of history.

People are asked to bring weed wackers and rakes. Drinks will be provided and any help would be greatly appreciated. For more information, call Rick Jilinski at 809-2848 or Kathleen Shevitski at 898-1166 after 4 p.m.

MOUNT CARMEL - Anthony James Galla was a part-time officer for three local police departments over the past few years but left little impression on the chiefs now in charge.

Brian Hollenbush, chief of Mount Carmel Township Police, said Galla had only worked "a handful" of shifts for him over the course of four to five months, ending in late July 2011. He hardly had a chance to get to know him.

Same goes for Todd Owens, police chief in Mount Carmel. He was a sergeant under former Chief Brian Shurock when Galla worked more than one year for the borough.

Galla was a "fill-in" employee when a shift needed to be covered. He and Owens passed by each other on shift changes from time to time. They also crossed paths when Owens responded to a police incident and Galla assisted in his role with a neighboring police department, or vice versa. Other than that, there wasn't much to remember.

Small towns with small budgets like Kulpmont rely on part-time police officers to provide coverage, and Galla was

among the many part-timers who have worked under current Police Chief Richard L. Wilson III.

"We get a lot of guys that come and go through here," Wilson said Wednesday, adding that Galla was often unavailable for shifts because of conflicting assignments with other departments or because of his duties with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Wilson mostly worked days and Galla mostly worked nights during the estimated one year he was with the department. He didn't think Galla left much of an impression on his colleagues, either.

"I don't think he hung out much with the guys after work, things like that," he said.

Maj. Shawn D. Haney, a manpower and reserve affairs spokeswoman at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., said in an e-mail Wednesday that Galla served in the Selected Marine Corps Reserve from 2006 to 2012 and achieved the rank of lance corporal. His military occupational speciality was listed as supply warehouse clerk, and he served with the 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment out of Philadelphia.

According to his service record, he was never deployed in combat. He received the Select Marine Corps Reserve Medal for fulfilling designated service requirements within a three-year period of service in the Organized Marine Corps Reserve, and the National Defense Service Medal, given to those who served in the military during the Global War on Terrorism.

That Galla didn't serve in combat overseas was a surprise to Owens. He'd heard through the grapevine that Galla had talked to other officers of serving in combat in the Middle East.

Wilson believes he may have been among the last of Galla's Kulpmont colleagues to speak to him. He said he initiated a vehicle stop on March 18 of Galla, who had driven away from Wal-Mart in Coal Township after allegedly stealing just over $65 in merchandise.

Galla was issued a retail theft citation by Coal Township Police on April 1 but the matter was never settled. Further details on the incident were unavailable Wednesday.

Given Galla's statements to officers after Tuesday's shooting in Mount Carmel, Wilson says he wasn't surprised that he was killed by police.

"I was not surprised at the ending because I think that's what he wanted," he said.

Fugitive ex-cop Anthony James Galla first pointed his loaded .40-caliber Glock handgun at a U.S. marshal outside the window of his second-floor hotel room in Upper Darby Tuesday evening. The marshal opened fire.

When three other marshals inside the hotel heard the gunshots, they kicked in the door to Room 207 at the Summit Inn Hotel and, as Galla turned toward them with his gun drawn, they opened fire, too.

In the end, 52 shots were fired at Galla, who was killed. He never fired a shot.

The barrage of bullets brought an end to a 17-hour manhunt for the 31-year-old former Marine Reservist who was wanted for a shooting at his ex-girlfriend's home in Mount Carmel earlier Tuesday.

As members of the marshals' task force opened fire, a woman believed to be Galla's brother's girlfriend was hiding

in the bathroom of Galla's room. Moments before that, a man believed to be the brother - shouting to alert Galla that police were coming - was tackled in the hotel hallway by a state trooper.

Those and other dramatic details were provided Wednesday as law enforcement agencies pieced together a tragic tale that started in Northumberland County at 12:55 a.m. Tuesday and ended at 5:37 that evening less than 10 miles from center city Philadelphia.

'Ready for war'

Galla, 31, of Cleona, near Lebanon, was wanted in connection with an incident at the home of Marlene Lloyd, 244 S. Walnut St., on the east side of Mount Carmel. Borough police said Galla knew the location of a hidden key when he left himself into the house, where he once resided with Lloyd, and woke her by shining a flashlight in her face.

Galla and Lloyd went into the hallway, but when her new boyfriend, Daniel McNally, 48, of Hegins, went to check on them, he said Galla pointed a semi-automatic handgun at him.

"The boyfriend retreated, saying 'I will leave' several times and got on the floor beside the bed," according to the criminal complaint Mount Carmel police issued Tuesday afternoon in which they charged Galla with attempted homicide and other crimes.

Galla entered the bedroom and fired seven shots from about six feet away from McNally, striking him once in the foot, before fleeing. McNally, who was later transported to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment, had been upgraded from serious condition Tuesday to "fair" Wednesday.

At 3:25 a.m., while police were processing the scene, Patrolman William K. Adamski was informed Lloyd was speaking to Galla on the phone. Adamski then spoke to Galla, who once served as a part-time officer in the borough and for police departments in Mount Carmel Township, Kulpmont and Butler Township, Schuylkill County. Galla reportedly told Adamski there are "two ways this will end - one is good and one is bad."

A police report issued after the Mount Carmel shooting noted Galla was a former police officer with military training. It said he made "several indications of possible suicide by police" or that he'd be involved in a police shooting.

That's what would play out later Tuesday.

'Ready for war'

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood conducted a press conference Wednesday at which he showed a semi-automatic rifle he said Galla had with him in the hotel room. Chitwood said the rifle, like the handgun, was "fully loaded" at the time officers entered.

"This was Galla's last stand. He was ready for war," Chitwood was quoted in a story written by Kathleen E. Carey and posted at delcotimes.com, the website for the Delaware County Times.

In a brief video taken at the press conference, Chitwood holds up what is believed to be an AR-15 and mentions that knives were also confiscated. What appears to be five additional rifle clips and a bullet-proof vest can be seen on a table.

Chitwood said Galla was on the run and came to the area because his brother lives in Upper Darby.

He said Galla's brother pleaded with the suspect to turn himself in, but he did not want to go to jail, according to the delcotimes.com story.

"This thing is still under investigation," Chitwood was quoted in the story.

Tom Smith, assistant chief deputy U.S. marshal for the Eastern Division, confirmed in a phone interview Wednesday that Galla was well armed.

"There was a large amount of ammunition in the room," he said.

He couldn't confirm what the semi-automatic rifle was, but believes it was an AR-15, a civilian version of the M16 rifle used in the military.

Smith, who was present at the scene but did not take part in the shooting, said the hotel was surrounded by members of the task force when Galla came to the window and pointed his gun toward two members on the ground. One of those task force members opened fire at Galla, Smith said. That's when the other task force members kicked in the door, he said.

The marshals fired for about 5 to 10 seconds, Chitwood told delcotimes.com.

The task force, consisting of marshals, state troopers and Philadelphia police, had been tracking Galla since the Mount Carmel break-in.

Smith said when police entered the hotel, he heard someone yell in the hallway that police were coming. He believes it was Galla's brother, who was then tackled by the state policeman.

Smith did not know the names of the brother or his girlfriend, and repeated attempts to reach Chitwood for more information on Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Justifying the shooting

The Upper Darby police department, along with the Delaware County District Attorney's office, will make the determination on whether the shooting was justified, Smith said.

He is confident that will be the case.

"This person was wanted for shooting another individual and had made statements about committing suicide by police. It was pretty clear what his intention was," Smith said.

While the task force's mission and hope is to take every suspect into custody alive, Smith said Galla's actions and words "determined the end result."

"We want to take the person into custody without doing any harm, but that was the path he chose, and we reacted accordingly," Smith said. "The good thing is that no innocent people, or officers, were hurt."

Chitwood, in comments made Tuesday for a delcotimes.com story, said the shooting appeared justified.

"Preliminarily, it looks like a good shooting. I applaud the marshals," he said.

Owens praises marshals, police

Todd Owens, chief of Mount Carmel Borough Police, said Galla did "fairly decent" at trying to cover his tracks as he worked to elude law enforcement officials. He fled immediately and save for at least one phone call, kept his cell phone powered off to avoid GPS detection.

Law enforcement officials were tracking his finances, and Galla provided clues on his location by using a bank card more than once, Owens said, with one of those transactions being made in New Jersey.

As Galla was pursued as a fugitive, local police sequestered the family and stood guard until his death.

Owens praised the work of various factions of the U.S. marshals and Pennsylvania State Police that worked the manhunt, including the marshal's fugitive task force and state police's Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations.

"For smaller departments, it's an absolute luxury to have those assets and support of those bigger agencies to assist," he said.

With Galla now dead, borough police must still finalize evidence, complete reports and exchange information with other law enforcement agencies. Once that is completed, the case will be closed.

DALMATIA - Of all the emotions for Line Mountain Elementary School Principal Jeanne Menko during Dalmatia Elementary School's final assembly Wednesday morning, it was one of unity that moved her to tears.

At the end of a slideshow in the gymnasium, text on the screen prompted the kindergarten through fourth-graders to chant, "We are! ... Line Mountain."

Their repeated chant grew in intensity until it reached a deafening roar.

"It got louder and louder; that brought me to tears," Menko said. "That got the loudest cheers today, and that goes to show that the teachers have done their job here."

"We are Line Mountain" is a telling phrase, since these students - as well as those at Leck Kill Elementary - will not be returning to their familiar small schools next school year.

Instead, all students in grades kindergarten through fourth will attend classes at Trevorton, where an addition is being constructed. Trevorton Elementary will become Line Mountain Elementary.

An addition is also being built onto the seventh- and eighth-grade wing at the junior/senior high school in Mandata to accommodate all district fifth-

and sixth-graders.

'Goodbye, Dalmatia'

At Dalmatia, a 36,000-square-foot building located at 162 School Road not far off Route 147, a colorful sign with the words "Goodbye, Dalmatia" hung facing the parking lot as parents and relatives arrived for Wednesday's activities.

The assembly started with Kelly Niederer, senior vice president and senior banking officer of Mid Penn Bank, presenting a $250 check to the school district to purchase new books for the library at Trevorton.

After an awards ceremony, first-grade teacher Jill Lundy presented the slideshow of past and present photographs of the school and students, and also photographs of the Trevorton school and the high school campus.

During the slideshow, songs were played and students sang along with enthusiasm.

Following the presentation, students paraded around the school one last time with parents while family and friends watched and took pictures.

Lundy, who as head teacher organized the majority of the events, has been teaching in the district for 13 years and has been a first-grade teacher at Dalmatia for seven of those years. Her daughters attended Dalmatia.

"It's bittersweet," she said about the closing. "I went to school here for my entire elementary career. I love working here, but I'm looking forward to everyone in one building."

As she was editing photographs for the slideshow, she said she had to wipe away a few tears.

"Happy tears, but not happy tears," she said in describing her conflicted emotions.

'It's a family here'

While elementary reading specialist Mary Ann Taxis loves Dalmatia and the surrounding community, she is also anticipating coming together as a team in Trevorton.

Taxis has been a teacher in the district since 1980 and has worked in Dalmatia, Leck Kill, Trevorton and West Cameron when the school was still open there. In the last few years, Dalmatia has become her home base.

Dalmatia was beloved by those who worked and sent their children there.

"It's a family here," said Tammie Wendt, of Dalmatia.

Her daughter, second-grader Jaidin Wendt, 8, said she is sad about changing schools and wants to stay.

"They (many students) want to stay, but I think they're excited, too," Tammie Wendt said.

She is worried about the long bus ride her daughter will have next year, some 18 miles from home.

Lundy said Dalmatia has been a great school consisting of quality teachers, parents and community members.

"It's a great place to have any child go," she said.

Teachers done Monday

While the last day for Line Mountain elementary students was Wednesday (high school students have a half-day today), the last official day for teachers is Monday. They will work quickly after the final school day to move items to their new classrooms.

"We took care of the students first, now we're just moving boxes and whatever we're taking," Menko said.

There will be no change in the number of teaching staff for the upcoming school year. Each grade level will have five classes, with the exception of first grade, which will have four.

This past school year, for kindergarten through fourth grade, there were 202 students at Dalmatia, 61 students at Leck Kill and 211 students at Trevorton. There were also 201 students in fifth and sixth grades at Trevorton.

'High hopes'

Over the last few months, Menko and the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) planned events and activities to help elementary students transition and build a sense of unity.

"The kids are adjusting well," Taxis said. "I think our administration did a good job with not only the kids, but the faculty as well."

Students at each grade level from Dalmatia and Leck Kill visited Trevorton to meet their teachers, experience lunch at the cafeteria and tour the building. Each student was assigned a pen pal from another school earlier this year, and were introduced to them when they visited the school.

Each class that visited Trevorton made items they'll see next year: in one grade, all students made a puzzle piece and it will put together with their grade level next school year. Another grade made leaves and they will be placed on a tree.

Even the elementary yearbook this year was changed. The history, traditions and memories of each of the three elementary schools were featured in the book, but the classes were only separated by grade levels and teachers, not buildings.

"Today was a true celebration of past, present and future," Menko said. "After today, I have really high hopes."A smiley face sign hangs in the hall way of Dalmatia Elementary School on Wednesday morning and says "have a terrific summer" and

Pennsylvania Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers will be available for Northumberland County senior citizens Monday.

The Northumberland County Board of Commissioners, in cooperation with the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, has announced the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The program, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, is offering eligible senior citizens who reside in Northumberland County an opportunity to obtain $20 in vouchers to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from participating farm markets.

Northumberland County residents who are age 60 or older, (including those who will reach their 60th birthday by Dec. 31), and who meet the gross income guidelines may apply. All income must be taken into consideration, which includes Social Security, black lung, SSI, and all pensions.

The official income guidelines for this year's program are as follows:

1 person - $21,257

2 people - $28,694

3 people - $36,131

4 people - $43, 568

Proof of age and residency is necessary, and proof of income is self-declared.

Senior citizens must sign the designated register when they receive the vouchers. Eligible senior citizens may receive the vouchers only once per calendar year. Proxy forms are available for homebound consumers. The proxy form must be signed by the consumer requesting vouchers and also by the person (who is the proxy) delivering the vouchers. The form is then returned to the senior action center before vouchers will be distributed.

Vouchers will be distributed by the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging on a first-come basis until Sept. 30, or until the supply is exhausted. Vouchers are redeemable June 1 through Nov. 30.

The vouchers will be available daily, beginning Monday at all nine senior action centers from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Contact your local senior action center for any other details regarding the vouchers. Vouchers are only available Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Elysburg Senior Action Center.

SUNBURY - A 20-year-old Shamokin woman previously sentenced to 11 1/2 to 23 months in county prison on a felony of aggravated harassment by a prisoner withdrew her guilty plea Wednesday morning and was set free to await trial.

Marissa Diane Birster, of 11 S. Market St., Apt. 3, who has spent 99 days in Northumberland County Prison after being charged with multiple offenses in connection with Dec. 12 incidents in Shamokin and Sunbury, was released on her own recognizance following a post-sentence hearing before President Judge Robert B. Sacavage.

The hearing was requested by Birster's attorney, Michael Rudinski, of Williamsport, due to a misunderstanding involving the defendant's April 4 sentence before Sacavage.

Rudinski and First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski agreed that a plea agreement called for Birster to serve 3 to 12 months in county prison on the aggravated harassment by a prisoner offense, one year consecutive probation on a misdemeanor of institutional vandalism and concurrent probation on misdemeanors of escape and theft by unlawful taking, and a summary of underage drinking.

But Sacavage initially thought the plea agreement called for 3 to 12 years in state prison due to the severity of the offense and because months or years were not designated on the guilty plea form. The judge then sentenced Birster to 11 1/2 to 23 months in county prison, which was not opposed by Rudinski's law partner, Jerry Lynch, nor Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey, who represented the defense and commonwealth at sentencing.

On Wednesday, Rudinski requested the judge to either re-sentence his client to 11 1/2 to 23 months in county jail with credit for time previously served, or enable Birster to withdraw her plea. After conferring with Rudinski, Birster decided to withdraw her plea in hopes of being acquitted at trial, which would begin in July at the earliest. But the defendant can also enter another plea prior to her trial and receive a similar or stiffer sentence.

Birster was charged with fighting with Shamokin police, smashing a window on a police cruiser and spitting on two officers.

The charges filed by Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver included a felony of aggravated harassment by a prisoner, misdemeanors of resisting arrest, institutional vandalism, tampering with evidence, disorderly conduct (three counts) and simple assault, and summaries of criminal mischief, theft by unlawful taking and underage drinking.

The charges relate to early-morning disturbances outside 707 W. Chestnut St. and Shamokin Police Station. Birster's sister, Stormie Birster, of 27 E. Sunbury St., Apt. 3, Shamokin, also was cited for disorderly conduct in connection with the incidents.

Upon learning that Marissa Birster had an active bench warrant for her arrest, Shamokin Police Chief Edward Griffiths and Special Officer II Norman Lukoskie transported her to the county jail, where she escaped near the front of the prison and ran down the street for approximately a block before being recaptured by Griffiths, who was assisted by Sunbury police.

Sunbury Officer Bradley Hare filed an escape charge against Birster.

DALMATIA - The original Dalmatia school building was destroyed in a fire eight decades ago, and the building and property only became an elementary school 55 years ago.

The 2012-13 elementary school yearbook features a brief history of Dalmatia Elementary School aand the elementary schools at Leck Kill and Trevorton.

Prior to 1865, the one-room schools taught mainly German, but when the state adopted the free system, a school was built on the current property at 162 School Road to comply with English-taught education.

The original Dalmatia school was destroyed by a fire in 1932, and a new building - which is still standing - was built in 1934, opened in 1935 and had a grand dedication in 1936.

The building started out as Lower Mahanoy Township Consolidated School, housing elementary grades through high school. In 1948, an addition was added to the building.

In 1949, Lower Mahanoy Township High School joined with Herndon High School and Pine Park High School (now Leck Kill) to form Mahanoy Joint.

The Dalmatia building continued to house elementary through high school grades until 1958, at which time the high school students moved to the current Line Mountain High School building. At this time, it became known as Dalmatia Elementary School.

In 1966, Mahanoy Joint and Trevorton districts merged to form Line Mountain as part of the Pennsylvania School District Reorganization Act of 1963, a mandated initiative to combine smaller school districts into larger schools in the interest of cost efficiency and better educational opportunities.

At the time of the jointure, the former Mahanoy Joint High School became Line Mountain High School and the former Trevorton High School was converted to a middle school. Dalmatia was one of four elementary schools in the district at the time, along with West Cameron, Leck Kill and Trevorton. West Cameron Elementary School closed in 2001.

In 2007, due to intense community opposition, the school board voted to keep the three elementary schools open and renovate each building.

It cost $9.6 million to renovate the high school in Mandata and add a seventh- and eighth-grade wing in 2009, $7.4 million to renovate Trevorton Elementary School in 2009 and $1.1 million to renovate Leck Kill Elementary School in 2010.

However, when it came to Dalmatia, the cost to renovate ($6.3 million) was only $1.7 million less than building a completely new building.

With continued increases in salaries due to contract negotiations, the district's contributions to health care and pension benefits and general operating expenses, combined with a governor's budget announced in 2011 that would take state subsidy back to 2007-08 level funding, Superintendent Dave Campbell said it made sense to explore the consolidation option again.

It was decided last year to close Dalmatia and Leck Kill elementary schools at the end of the 2012-13 school year, and send those students to Trevorton Elementary.

Trevorton Elementary School will be renamed Line Mountain Elementary School.

PAXINOS - Shamokin Area High School Alumni Association held its 130th annual reunion Saturday at Masser's Banquet Hall.

The opening invocation was given by the Rev. Betsy Martin Bruaw, class of 1983.

The Pledge of Allegiance and Irving Berlin's song, "God Bless America," was sung by all attending, with Irvin Liachowitz, class of 1942, as the accompanist.

Entertainment for the more than 225 alumni, seniors, parents and friends was by various Shamokin Area High School students under the direction of Mary Anne Brennan Stump, class of 2000. Two selections were presented from the musical "Jekyl and Hyde."

Maxine Howerter-Harvey, class of 1983, president of the association, provided the banquet introduction. The meal was provided by Masser's Catering. After the meal, the business meeting was started with a silent prayer in memory of deceased members.

A motion was made by John Klinger, class of 1968, and Mary Ann Pitorak Miller, class of 1974, to approve the secretary's report, which is included in the newsletter. Helen Zeigler, class of 1964, and John Schankweiler, class of 1943, made a motion to approve the treasurer's report, which is also in the newsletter.

Howerter-Harvey presented the class of 2013 to those attending the banquet, welcoming them to the alumni association. Paul Gurba, senior class president, presented the 2013 class pennant to the association.

Pitorak Miller, assisted by senior girls for delivery of gifts, coordinated the prize drawings as part of the banquet.

Joseph Bordell, class of 1968, vice president, recognized the various anniversary classes and when appropriate, their contributions to the education and general funds:

- Class of 1943 - Three members attended the banquet.

- Class of 1948 - Tom Olcese presented a check for $1,950 for the general fund.

- Class of 1953 - Ten members attended, presenting $530 for the Richard Hilbush Scholarship Fund and $7,953 for the educational fund. In addition, two checks were already received by the treasurer, one for $255 (general fund) and one for $347 (education fund).

- Class of 1958 - Two members present.

- Class of 1968 - Thirteen members attended, presenting a check for $1,968.

- Class of 1973 - One member attended.

- Class of 1978 - One member attended.

- Class of 1983 - Two members attended.

- Class of 1993 - No members attended.

- Class of 1998 - A check was presented for $600 for the educational fund.

- Silver anniversary class of 1988 - Five members attended.

- Golden Anniversary Class of 1963 - Seven members of the class attended, presenting a check for $5,600 ($4,478 educational fund and $1,122 general fund).

- Diamond anniversary class of 1938 - No members present.

Al Fecko from the class of 1936 attended the banquet and was recognized.

Gifts to the Golden Anniversary Class (1963) from the alumni association and the distance award were presented by Liachowitz.

Janet Lark Shipman, class of 1963, won the distance award, coming from Fort Collins, Colo.

Liachowitz presented the Alumni Scholarship Awards. These are awards for four years. Forty-four students took a competitive test. Five awards are from the Coal Township Alumni Association (CT), while seven are from the Shamokin Area High School Alumni Association (SA).

Recipients, yearly award amount, college choice and their major emphasis are:

- First - Darien Craft (CT), $3,000 Bucknell University, biomedical engineering.

- Second - Stephanie Dressler (SA), $2,700, Bloomsburg University, music.

- Third - Theodore Deptula (CT), $2,500, Penn State University, engineering.

- Fourth - Autumn Peck (SA), $2,200, Wilkes University, pharmacy.

- Fifth - Andrew Hasuga (CT), $2,000, Wilkes University, biology.

- Sixth - Marlena Ford (CT), $2,000, Penn State University, undeclared.

- Seventh - Christie Munson (CT), $2,000,Wilson College, psychology.

- Eighth - Paul Gurba (SA), $1,900, Penn College, physician assistant.

- Ninth - Ashley Keiser (SA), $1,700 York College, psychology.

- 10th - Michael Yucha (SA), $1,500 Wilkes University, premed/biology.

- 11th - Samantha Schiccatano (SA), $1,200, Pitt/Johnstown, pharmacy.

- 12th - Kayla Hart (SA), $900, Wilkes University, pharmacy.

High School Principal Chris J. Venna gave a report on the SAHS and included information on academics, athletics, fine arts (music/art/drama) and computer technology.

Eugene Boughner, class of 1960, recommended and alumni ratified appointment to the education (scholarship) committee of David Marateck, class of 1972; H. Robert Mattis Jr., class of 1968, and David Donmoyer, class of 1948.

Approved as members of the education (scholarship) fund board were Boughner, president; Susan Kropinski Hass, class of 1975, vice president; Francis Lee Brennan, class of 1963, secretary, and William Korbich, class of 1954, treasurer.

Kropinski Hass and alumni ratified officers of the executive committee: Bordell, president; Sandra Dilliplane Rosnock, class of 1994, vice president; Claire Clutcher Varney, class of 1962, secretary; William Korbich, class of 1954, treasurer; Helen Jane Murphy, class of 1943, historian, and Jeffrey Clutcher, class of 1978, registrar.

Outgoing president Howerter-Harvey introduced the new officers and thanked the many committees and members for their help this past year. She especially thanked the committee for the planning and setup for the banquet. Klinger and Rob Ensinger, class of 1974, were the co-chairs. She also encouraged all alumni to become active with the alumni association.

The senior class led the association in the singing of the alma mater and Bruaw closed the business meeting with the benediction.

Afterglow entertainment was provided by the Vic Boris Trio. Refreshments were included.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - Just after Friday's scorching sun mercifully dipped behind the mountains west of North Schuylkill Junior-Senior High School, throwing shade on a thankfully cooled commencement crowd at Spartan Stadium, members of the school's Class of 2013 were handed diplomas.

The daytime's closing coincided nicely with the ends of the high school careers of the 146 seniors, now the newest alumni of North Schuylkill.

Gathered in the cafeteria where they lined up prior to commencement, the students' collective excitement gave way to cheers, hugs and smiles. They were dressed in caps and gowns - red for the women, blue for the men - while they marched together behind faculty and staff into the stadium and onto the football field; the graduation staple "Pomp and Circumstance" was performed by members of the school's band.

'Solve the puzzle'

Valedictorian Amanda Boyer spoke of the hard work put in by her classmates, and how the seeming insignificance pieces of varied classwork they had undertaken were important parts of their high school experience.

"Today is the day we celebrate our success," she said. "We reflect on growth not only academically, but personally, as well."

Anthony Marone, salutatorian, compared the high school experience to a Rubik's Cube. The puzzle is a difficult one when it's scrambled, much like his own experience as a seventh-grader coming to the junior-senior high school for the first time. It took some getting used to, some growing pains, some time to get the colors to begin to match up, but Marone found his way in North Schuylkill and eventually thrived.

He compared each year in school to the moments one experiences as they draw closer to solving the Rubik's Cube. Graduation night was it; the cube's colors were all aligned.

"Thanks to a 3-by-3-by-3 cube, we all have been taught a life lesson and we now face ourselves with yet another cube, whether it be college, trade school, the military or the work force. The only difference is we already know what we have to do to solve the puzzle," he said.

'Look forward'

This year's guest speaker was Chas Kutchinsky, a member of North Schuylkill's Class of 1973 who is now a television advertising and marketing executive and managing partner of iBOX Films.

Kutchinsky shared the advice of a friend and said simply that people must pursue their own ideas, set goals and meet them and feed off inspiration provided by personal creativity.

To the graduates, Kutchinsky said, "Always look forward. Keep moving forward. The only time to look back is to connect the dots."

Other speakers included Joshua Howard, National Honor Society president; Jordan Shinkus, student council president; Matthew Gownley, senior class president, and Brett Ennis, junior class president, as well as Dr. Andrew Smarkanic and Christian Temchatin, superintendent and high school principal, respectively.

Grads

The 2013 graduates of North Schuylkill Junior-Senior High School are Hayley Anderson, Dennis James Ansbach, Cody Lewis Antalosky, Marlet Antalosky, Elizabeth Antanavage, Amanda Marie Anthony, Brandon Tyler Artz, Demi Nicole Bainbridge, Ryan Michael Bainbridge, Christopher James Barrett, Marissa Lynn Beane, Jeffrey John Blanchek, Stephen Bloschichak, Kayla Jo Bolinsky, Amanda Elizabeth Boyer, Jordanne Noelle Brouse, Taylor Lynn Budwash, Jacqulyn Marie Burda, Tyler Michael Burns, Vanessa Danielle Burns, Alison Elizabeth Cantwell, Jenna Marie Caso, Michael John Conti, Maggie Renee Cooney, Kevin Robert Cope, Zackary William Coward, Tanner Paul Dean, Briona Lynn Deeter, Jon Donald Deeter, David Leonard Deeter Jr., Daniel Jacob Demansky, Daniel Louis Deromedi-Kimmel, Jason Lee Dijanni, Danielle Lea Detweiler, Brian Scott Dixon and Sarah Marie Dziczek.

Brooke Elizabeth Ennis, Courtney Ann Evans, Shannon Nicole Evans, Staci Lynn Fetterman, Michaela Ann Fetterolf, Steven Tyler Fey, Zachary John Filozof, Zachary Ryan Fritz, Matthew Gownley, Rachel Lynn Gozditis, Dominique Rose Grasso, Brandon Edward Green, Courtney Michele Gregas, Linda Maria Haller, Michael David Halsey, Chelsie Chiane Hartz, Nolan Robert Heiber, Blair Leigh Hetherington, Felicia Marie Holderman, Tasha Lynn Holmes, Amanda Marie Howard, Joshua Aaron Howard, Zachary Thomas Huber, Drew Thomas Hughes and Kayla Elizabeth Huss.

Ralph James Jacavage, Joseph Anthony Kankowski, Chloe Elizabeth Karlonis, Shayne Justin Kerner, Jeffery Vincent Klemer, Kayla Louise Klinger, Anthony Bryant Kodack, Emily Marlene Kramer, Anthony Kurdilla III, Arielle Elizabeth Lapinsky, Bethany Anne Lightstone, Nicole Marie Lloyd, Anthony Robert Marone, Ryan James Maurer, Joshua Andrew McCabe, Justin Ryan McCabe, Damian Michael McCormick, Brandon Michael McDemus, Kendra Leigh McElhenny, Cole Ryan McGinley, Daniel Joseph McSurdy, Christopher George Mekosh, Scarlett Anne Mendinsky, Damon Victor Meyer, Steven Joshua Molina, Ashley Nicole Morgan, Cody Raymond Morgans, Ethan Andrew Motsney, Kyle William O'Connor, Shannon Patricia O'Donnell, John Francis O'Keefe, Devanshi Bhartkumar Pandya, Michael Robert Parry, Marisa Rebekah Pennington, Tara Lynn Pennypacker, Mallorree Savilla Peters, Elliot John Phillips, Jason Mark Pinciotti, Richard Gary Powis, Casey Anne Prosick, Elizabeth Rose Reichwein, Dominique Nicole Reinoehl, Morgan Tereasa Reinoehl, Larissa Elizabeth Ressler, Tira Marie Rice, Alexis Kathleen Roberts, Kendra Rochelle Rockwell and Kyrsten Joanna Runkle.

Nicholas Sanayka, Randall John Sausser, Kristina Grace Schreck, Jeffrey Adam Shade, Jason Matthew Sharp, Justin David Sharp, Ryan Matthew Shatalsky, Brendan Patrick Shearn, Jordan Matthew Shinkus, Crystal Marie Sincavage, Ariel Virginia Smarowsky, Alyson Ann Smith, Jacklyn Marie Smolock, Allyson Walker Snyder, Brittany Ann Speidel, John Stefan Spotts, Sarah Elizabeth Stepanchick, William Donald Stokes III, James Joseph Swantek, Blaire Suzanne Thomas, David Edward Thomas III, William Joseph Thomas, Jessica Victoria Thompson, Jordan Thomas Darrell Troutman, Haley Jane Louise Torres, Josiah Levi Vasquez, Nicholas James Vivacqua, Patrick Michael Walsh, Adam Michael Warcola, David Joseph Weikel, Loni Jade Weikel, Eugene Donald Weitz, Hannah Lauren Whitecavage, Kimber Lynn Wolfgang, Katrina Nicole Wysochansky, Joshua Edward Yutko and Raymond Calderson Zamudio.North Schuylkill valedictorian Amanda Boyer.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Aubrey Lynne Stover, a daughter of Denise Stover, of Shamokin, and Joel Stover, of Mifflinburg, has been accepted to The University of South Carolina for the counselor education and supervision Ph.D. program, where she was offered a full scholarship to serve as a graduate assistant.

She is a credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC) and a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in New York.

After spending six years in the U.S. Army Reserves and three years in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as an intelligence analyst, with a deployment to Iraq and an honorable discharge, Stover earned an associate degree in letters, arts and sciences at Penn State University. She later earned her bachelor's degrees in sociology and history with a minor in information systems-statistical analysis and a master's degree in education in teaching and curriculum with a certificate of advanced study in diversity and community relations from Penn State.

In 2012, she graduated from Syracuse University with a master's in social work and a certificate of advanced study in women and gender studies. While at Syracuse University, Aubrey earned the NASW-CNY Division's MSW Student of the Year Award, as well as various scholarships.

Stover serves as president of the Syracuse Chapter of Phi Mu women's fraternity and on the new member committee of the Junior League of Syracuse. She is also a member of the Preceptor Kappa Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.

Recently, she was honored as one of Central New York's "Forty under 40" for her work in the substance abuse field. Stover works for Central New York Services Inc. as a therapist specializing in addictions with juveniles living in a residential facility.

She will conduct research on high school dropout rates and educational attainment of students in both rural and urban communities.

MOUNT CARMEL - Raises and contributions to health care costs are at the center of the ongoing teacher contract negotiations in the Mount Carmel Area School District.

The district's 109 teachers have been operating under a three-year contract that expired June 30, 2012 and, despite eight negotiating sessions and use of a state mediator, an impasse remained earlier this year.

With that, the teachers' union requested a Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB) fact finder intervene, and a hearing was held May 9.

The fact finder's report was accepted by the district, but rejected by the Mount Carmel Area Education Association.

Report made public

Act 88 of 1992 provides for publication of the report within 10 days if one or both of the parties reject it, and the report was issued Thursday, providing 14 pages of detail about the ongoing negotiations.

Fact finder Rochelle K. Kaplan said the union proposes a step increase for those moving through the salary schedule and a stipend of $1,500 to those at the top of the salary schedule for the first year of the new contract, which would be the current school year that's about to end. In the second and third years, the union proposes a 2 percent increase to the salary, plus step increases.

"The association points out that the salaries of the teachers have been the lowest in the county for decades and the increases it proposes will raise the salaries to a more competitive range," Kaplan wrote.

The school district, meanwhile, proposes a freeze of salary and step increases for the first year. In the two subsequent years, it wants to keep the step movement freeze and allow a 2 percent increase to the salary scale each year.

Mediator's recommendation

Kaplan seems to fall in the middle in her recommendation: a step increase retroactive to Jan. 1, 2013, and a $1,500 stipend to the employees at the top step of the salary schedule for the 2012-13 school year. In the 2013-14 school year, she recommends a step increase plus a .5 percent on-scale increase and, for 2014-15, a step increase plus 1 percent on-scale increase.

Steps, numbering 1 through 20, increase teachers' salaries about $1,500 each year. The amount depends on whether the teacher has a bachelor or master's degree. Steps alone can take a salary from $30,215 in the first year to $59,912 by year 20 for a teacher holding a bachelor's degree, according to information in Kaplan's report.

Kaplan said it's possible to find middle ground.

"The uncertain times do not make arriving at a settlement any easier. That being said, there is no reason the parties cannot bridge whatever gaps still remain to reach an equitable resolution for all," Kaplan wrote. "Approving a new contract between the association and the school district is in the best interest of all the stakeholders - students, professional employees, school board members school administrators, parents and community members."

The district also proposed increasing the amount bargaining unit members contribute to the cost of health care premium from 1 percent of salary to 7 and 8 percent of the premium in the second and third years of the contract. The association, noting the district has saved $100,000 in costs merely from moving to a tiered plan, wants the 1 percent contribution to remain.

Kaplan recommended the district retain the current premium share at 1 percent of salary in the 2012-13 school year, but increase it to 5 percent in the second and third contract years.

The district has also proposed increasing the number of workdays from 185 to 186, while the union wants to make no change. Kaplan's recommendation is to "maintain the current language."

Other issues

There are eight other unresolved issues, including compensation for college credits; personal and emergency leave, and medical, dental and vision insurance payments upon retirement.

A vote to accept the report didn't necessarily constitute agreement or endorsement of the report, but rather represents an agreement to resolve the disputed issues by adopting the recommendations, Kaplan said.

She said she was impressed with the professionalism of the parties and their candor in presenting their positions before, during and after the fact-finding hearing.

Charges are not expected to be filed against the brother of former policeman Anthony J. Galla, who was killed by a U.S. Marshals Task Force Tuesday night in a hotel room in Upper Darby after shooting a man in the foot in Mount Carmel earlier in the day.

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood said Friday he doesn't anticipate Galla's brother or his girlfriend will be charged. Chitwood, who did not identify either of the individuals with Galla at the Summit Hill Hotel when the shooting occurred, described them as "cooperative witnesses."

Police reported Galla's brother, who is in his 30s, attempted to convince his sibling to turn himself over to authorities and alerted Galla after spotting U.S. marshals setting up surveillance at the hotel. The 23-year-old girlfriend of Galla's brother hid inside a bathroom in the hotel room where the fugitive was shot, police said.

Galla, 31, of Cleona, was a former policeman who previously worked part time with Kulpmont, Mount Carmel, Mount Carmel Township and Butler Township (Schuylkill County) police departments.

An autopsy on Galla was conducted Friday afternoon by Dr. Frederic Hellman of the Delaware County Medical Examiner's Office. A report could not be obtained Friday.

Weapons in room, car

Chitwood said a bulletproof vest, 500 rounds of live ammunition, shotgun shells, ammunition for an AR-15 rifle, a .40-caliber Glock handgun that Galla reportedly pointed at law enforcement authorities before being shot, a pepper spray grenade, a mask, hatchets and knives were found inside the hotel room.

Another search warrant revealed an AR-15 rifle with a 30-round magazine fully loaded, four additional .30-caliber magazines and 150 rounds of ammunition were discovered in the trunk of a Honda Accent rented by Galla that was parked outside the hotel.

Chitwood believes U.S. Marshals Task Force members were justified in firing 52 shots at Galla because he pointed a loaded handgun at them and gave several indications of wanting to commit suicide or get into a shootout with police. Police previously reported Galla did not fire a shot.

Although he could not provide the number of shots that actually struck Galla, Chitwood said, "He was shot numerous times."

"It's important to remember that this was a federal case involving U.S. marshals whose job is to hunt down fugitives," Chitwood said. "This was a man charged with attempted murder who fired seven shots in a room trying to kill his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend in Mount Carmel. He had law enforcement and military experience and was known to be in possession of an AR-15 rifle, a .40-caliber Glock and two other firearms."

'Fired until safe'

Chitwood said three U.S. marshals and one state trooper armed with weapons approached the hotel room. He said three of them came through the door with their guns drawn and confronted Galla, while the fourth remained outside.

"They had a gun pointed at them," he said. "They weren't going to wait for him to shoot them. It took about five to 10 seconds to fire the rounds."

Asked if 52 shots were necessary, Chitwood replied, "They fired until they felt they were safe and the situation was resolved. I don't have a problem with how many shots they fired. If they fired 150 shots I wouldn't have a problem. They were in fear of their lives."

Chitwood said the situation would have been much worse if Galla had opened fire with the weapons he had at his disposal.

Although he doesn't believe the task force did anything wrong in the shooting, he said that determination will be made by the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.

Brother's account

Chitwood told the Delaware County Times that Galla's brother gave the following account of what happened:

"(Galla) came down and says, 'I want a room, I shot a guy,'" Chitwood recounted, adding that Galla's brother responded, "Turn yourself in."

"No," Galla said, according to Chitwood. "I'm not turning myself in. I don't want to go to jail."

Chitwood said they then had some food from McDonald's and Galla's brother continued to try to cajole him to turn himself into authorities.

To which, Galla, allegedly repeated, "I'm not going to prison."

Around 1 p.m., Galla got a room at the Summit Inn Hotel and shortly after 5 p.m., the U.S. Marshals Task Force was setting up surveillance and Galla's brother saw them, according to Chitwood.

"He then made a quick approach to the second floor in the hotel and as he was running toward Room 207, he was hollering in a loud voice, 'I'm not Anthony, I'm not Anthony,' alerting Anthony who was inside the room," Chitwood said, according to the Delaware County Times story.

"As (the task force members) kicked the door in inside the hotel room, by the bed, by the window, is Galla pointing a fully loaded, .40-caliber Glock at them," Chitwood said. "The marshals then fired."

"He was ready to go," Chitwood said. "He was locked and loaded."

Started in Mount Carmel

The tragic tale started at 12:55 a.m. Tuesday at the home of Marlene Lloyd, 244 S. Walnut St., on the east side of Mount Carmel. Borough police said Galla knew the location of a hidden key when he left himself into the house, where he once resided with Lloyd, and woke her by shining a flashlight in her face.

Galla and Lloyd went into the hallway, but when her new boyfriend, Daniel McNally, 48, of Hegins, went to check on them, he said Galla pointed a semi-automatic handgun at him.

McNally retreated, saying 'I will leave' several times and got on the floor beside the bed," police wrote in a criminal complaint they filed that day against Galla.

At that point, McNally said Galla entered the room, stood approximately six feet from him and fired one round, missing him. Police said Galla paused and looked at Lloyd before turning his attention back to McNally. He fired the gun again several times, hitting him once in the foot. Galla left the residence when Lloyd went to check on McNally, police said.

McNally, who was later transported to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment, was upgraded from serious condition Tuesday to fair condition on Wednesday. He has since been discharged, a nursing supervisor said Friday.

MANDATA - The valedictorian of Line Mountain's Class of 2013 took a page from pop culture, and quantum mechanics, while preparing his speech for Friday's graduation ceremony.

Valedictorian and class president Kyle Mace compared the futures of the 86 members of his class to Schrodinger's cat, a thought experiment proposed by Austrian physicist Erwin Schrodinger in 1935.

The concept was a central theme of an episode of "Big Bang Theory" in 2008.

In this theoretical experiment to explain quantum mechanics, the scientist said it would be impossible to discern if a cat in a box with poison is alive or dead until the box is opened; therefore, the cat could be considered both alive and dead at the same time.

Mace said his classmates' choices will provide the same paradox.

"The decisions you are faced with may have an equal chance of being both good and bad - dead and alive - but it's only by opening the box that the real answer presents itself," Mace said.

The graduating seniors may be able to make a difference in the world, but they will never know until they open the box and try, he said.

"As we go our separate ways in the future, make sure that when the time comes, you like what you see when you open the box," Mace said.

'New renovations class'

Mace noted the class of 2013 entered the district through four elementary schools - Trevorton, Leck Kill, Dalmatia and West Cameron Township - but Friday night, those schools were consolidated.

Less than a year after they started kindergarten, West Cameron closed.

Renovations and additions were a major part of the last decade, and Leck Kill and Dalmatia elementary schools closed their doors for the last time earlier this month.

High School Principal Jeffrey Roadcap called them the "new renovation class."

"You know what change means," Roadcap told the class.

The principal advised the class to treat people like people, to use education to educate themselves and to never forget where they came from. He urged them to humble themselves, involve themselves with their passions, look for ways to help others and to always mind their own thoughts.

Maj. Jeremy L. Peiffer of the U.S. Army Reserves, who was the special guest speaker, challenged the class to make good decisions.

No matter what they were - from an athlete to a brainiac - he said their fight is just beginning.

"This is the first day of your destiny. Step out of here as an informed American," he said.

The processional, national anthem, alma mater and recessional were performed by the high school concert band. Salutatorian Katia Carl introduced Peiffer.

The class presentation and tassel ceremony was conducted by Roadcap and the class acceptance was conducted by Superintendent Dave Campbell.

School board president Troy Laudenslager presented the diplomas.

Class officers are Mace, president; Carl Pollard, vice president; Savannah Copson, historian; Abbie Shervinskie, secretary, and Colton Bowman, treasurer.

Graduates

The members of the Class of 2013 are Jesse Lee Anderson, Brittany Nicole Arbogast, Michael Edward Benner Jr., Colton Matthew Bowman, Kaitlyn Rose Boyer, William Raymond Breinich III, Walter James Britton III, Dylan Joseph Brosius, Dylan Buddock, Paul Andrew Byers, Katia Marie Carl, Rebecca Rose Carta, Robert Allen Cook II, Savannah Lee Copson, Shawn Aaron DeLong, Kelsey Megan Derrick, Kevin Shawn Dewald Jr., Dylon Lee Failor, Amanda Mae Feger, Danielle Desiree Flynn, Brandon Leigh Foulds and Dalton Scott Frits.

Heidi Ann Gessner, William Charles Grove, Erika Christine Hauck, Britton Scott Heim, Katrina Ann Heim, Charles Arthur Hoffman, Lucas Richard Hoffman, Coltin Robert Hunsberger, Joseph Michael Katalinas, Zachery Albert Kemberling, Tia Briann Kissinger, Ciera Nicole Lahr, Garret Daniel Lahr, Sarah Elizabeth Lahr, Seth Daniel Lansberry, Kimberly Marie Latsha, Dani Alan Lebo Jr., Alexis Marie Lee, Cally Christine Lenig, Alyssa Lynn Letterman, Nathan Asher Levan, Kyle Raymond Lippincott, Jade Ashlee London, James Earl Long, Michael Steven Lorenz and Brandon Quinton Lee Lucas.

Kyle Scott Mace, Kevin Michael Madison, Katherine Alma Mako, Brooklyn Anne Marquette-Hulsizer, Casey Lee Masser, Dillan Lee Michael, Shyanne Elizabeth Minnier, Codi John Morris, Tyler Ray Moyer, Ryan Matthew Paczkoskie, Kerri Ann Pickett, Carl William Pollard, Jeremy Alan Renn, Cole William I. Rickert, Kenneth Daniel Rothermel Jr., Dustin Matthew Sandefer, Samantha Lynn Schlegel, Nicholas Andrew Seybert, Jamie Lyn Shaffer, Ryan Mark Shaffer, Steven Kenneth Shepperson, Abbie Carol Shervinskie, Erik James Smeltz, Austin Allen Snyder, Cody Lamar Snyder, Olivia Janae Souder, Brittany Lynn Straub, Nicholas Frank Strohecker, Breanna Elaine Stuck, MaKenzie Chyanne NikoleTran, Autumn Rose Wehry, Joseph Scott Weiler, Courtney Lei Whary, Cody Lee Whitcomb, Tysha Kyana Wilhour, Victoria Lynn Wolfe, James Austin Yocum and Kyle Robert Zimmerman.

Illegal immigration discussion planned

ELYSBURG - How to respond to illegal immigration will be discussed at Lifetree Cafe from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave.

The program, titled "Kids Without a Country: An Illegal Immigrant's Story," features the filmed story of Reyna Grande, who crossed the border with her family illegally when she was 9 years old. The Lifetree program explores the challenges facing immigration reform, including issues surrounding children of illegal immigrants.

Grande, now a teacher and author, describes the border crossing and her subsequent life as an illegal immigrant. She's the author of "The Distance Between Us." Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available.

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

Bridge projects rescheduled

MONTOURSVILLE - Due to the weather forecast, each of the three bridge-deck preservation projects planned by PennDOT will be moved back one day next week.

The Route 901 project is now scheduled for Tuesday.

The Shamrock Road project is now scheduled for Wednesday.

The Route 147 project is now set for Thursday and Friday.

Soroptimist meeting set

NORTHUMBERLAND - The Soroptimist International Club of the Snyder, Union and Northumberland Counties, Inc. will hold it's regular monthly dinner meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Front Street Station.

Tammy Clinger will be providing a presentation about the By Grace Homeless Shelter in Middleburg. Additionally, the SUN Soroptimists will hold their annual new member induction ceremony.

The SUN Soroptimist Club is an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. We encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering and becoming a member to contact any club member or call Diane Savidge at 837-2532.

WILLIAMSPORT - Last month's recommendation by a federal judge to continue a lawsuit against Northumberland County Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy and the county on a Sunshine Law violation has been adopted by United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann.

On May 6, Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson issued a 20-page opinion that denied a motion by Clausi and Bridy to dismiss an amended complaint by plaintiff David Kaleta, of Shamokin, who filed a lawsuit over issues related to the county's Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).

In their motion to dismiss, the county's attorneys said that although a state court has already found that Kaleta is likely to prevail on the merits of his claims, the amended complaint "nevertheless actually fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted."

Carlson disagreed and found that Kaleta has adequately pleaded claims for relief under both the Sunshine Act and the First Amendment.

In an order issued May 24, Brann said the defendants' motion for summary judgment does not comply with Local Rule 56.1, which requires a "separate, short and concise statement of the material facts, in numbered paragraphs, as to which moving party contends there is no genuine issue to be tried."

Banned from land

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

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

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

Last month, Carlson 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 said Best and Bowers' prior representation of the county had little to do with issues in Kaleta's suit.

The judge also threw out a protective order asked for by Kaleta to keep audio recordings of past Northumberland County commissioners' meetings, after the plaintiff 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.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The owner of a Rottweiler that bit a Kulpmont man last week was committed to Northumberland County Prison Thursday morning after turning herself over to authorities. She later posted bail.

Cindy Santore, 45, of 217 Third St., Ranshaw, was arraigned by video by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on a misdemeanor of recklessly endangering another person and a summary of allowing her dog to run at large, which violates a township ordinance.

Gembic set bail at $10,000 cash, which Santore initially was unable to post. After being committed to the county jail, Santore posted bail Thursday night and was released.

She is scheduled to face a preliminary hearing on the charges at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday before Gembic.

Coal Township Police Chief William Carpenter, who filed the charges, said Santore turned herself in at Coal Township Police Station. He said Santore told him that her Rottweiler named Junior was quarantined since biting Joseph Drost, 23, of 1025 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, in the forehead at about 11:45 a.m. May 24 on Route 61 near Palmer's Diner. Drost suffered two deep puncture wounds.

Carpenter said he doesn't know the whereabouts of the Rottweiler and referred questions about the status of the canine to state dog enforcement officer Allen Fegley, who couldn't be reached for comment Friday.

Helping dog

Carpenter previously said the attack occurred after Drost stopped his Jeep in an attempt to prevent the canine and another Rottweiler from running onto the busy highway.

Santore's daughter, Cynthia Hippenstiel, 22, of 211 Third St., Ranshaw, who owns the other Rottweiler found along Route 61, was cited for allowing her dog to run loose through the east end of the township at 10:44 a.m. May 24. She was cited for the same offense Nov. 5.

In his criminal complaint filed against Santore, Carpenter said both women have been warned multiple times about their dogs' aggressive behavior, which poses a threat to residents. But the chief said Santore and Hippenstiel have ignored the warnings.

He said the dogs have attacked other canines and one of the Rottweilers previously bit a Ranshaw man and hung onto him while the man attempted to get inside his home. That victim refused to press charges against Santore or Hippenstiel, Carpenter said.

SUNBURY - The Sunbury Fire Department is conducting its sixth annual Mustang Raffle to raise money for the department.

This year's raffle continues with the Mustang Club of America styling for the car, a 2014 model that comes in "Gotta-Have-It-Green" metallic tri-coat and charcoal black leather interior.

Tickets are $100 each, and only 500 tickets will be sold. There were 157 tickets left as of Wednesday.

Checks or money orders can be sent to Sunbury Firemen's Fair, c/o Daniel Saxton, treasurer, 1003 Edison Ave., Sunbury 17801. Call 274-5010 or e-mail SFDMustangRaffle@aol.com for more information. Tickets and receipt will be mailed via first-class mail. Be sure to include full name, complete address, telephone number and, where applicable, an e-mail address.

Previous winners have come from Scranton, Shamokin, East Stroudsburg, Hawley and Sunbury.

The premium coupe Mustang has a 305-horsepower VC, an automatic transmission. Features include remote engine start, heated front seats, heated side-view mirrors with "Pony" projection lights, Shaker 500-watt audio and 18-inch sterling gray metallic-painted aluminum wheels.