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Friends, family gather to honor fallen soldier, raise money for scholarships

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COAL TOWNSHIP - The late U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Sandri would have surely loved the event held in his honor if his mother's words hold true.

"He enjoyed life. He enjoyed friends. He loved listening to good music. That's Matt," said Annette Sandri Sunday afternoon outside Nostrovia, 1000 W. State St., as friends and family to enjoy good food, friendship and a variety of different bands play.

Matthew Sandri, originally from Paxinos, was a son of Bob and Annette Sandri. A combat medic serving with the 82nd Airborne Division, Sandri was 24 years old when he was killed March 20, 2004, by a rocket attack at the medical facility where he was working near Fallujah, Iraq.

The event - "One For Matt: A Benefit for the Matthew J. Sandri Scholarship Fund" - brought in more than $1,000. The scholarship benefits Shamokin Area students.

"I'm so grateful that Matt had such wonderful friends that still want to help us. This money goes to scholarships and that is a wonderful thing," said Annette Sandri.

Her son was a social person who loved camping, getting his education at Bloomsburg University and would have likely requested the bands play "Ripple" by the Grateful Dead, she said.

She marveled at the number of people who attended Sunday's event; many had once been young children who played "Legos and army men" with her son.

The idea for the fundraiser was simple, said John Taby, of Shamokin.

"The bottom line, this was for Matt. One more for Matt. We wanted to do this so his parents wouldn't have to. It's a gift from Matt's friends to Matt's mom and dad. That's it," he said.

Taby's wife used to babysit Matthew Sandri and his daughter went to Bloomsburg University with him.

Taby and several other friends organized the event and invited the bands and singers to entertain. The show featured music from singer/songwriters Janelle Dowkus and Kyle Morgan, and bands City Chicken and The Big Dirty. The members of City Chicken, who were all friends with Sandri, disbanded years ago, but got together Sunday for one more performance in their fallen friend's memory.

"It's happy," said Taby. "It's about time we have a good time."


Carmelite 50 Plus

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MOUNT CARMEL - President Cindy Saukaitis opened the monthly meeting of the Carmelite 50 Plus Club and greeted the 17 attending members and officers.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, S.A.M.'s prayer, and St. Mother Pauline's prayer were recited. The "50 Plus" song was sung and a prayer for the deceased and sick members of the club was given. There was also a prayer for the safety of U.S. military and a verse of "America" was also sung.

A special prayer was said for ill members Helen Rogutski and Frida Terry, and the recently deceased Anna Burke.

After the meal, Secretary Maria Kaminiski read the minutes from the April meeting. There were no corrections or additions and the minutes were approved.

Albert Visintainer gave the treasury report and it was approved on motion by Arlene Terry, seconded by Alma Zosh, and will be available for audit.

Members played bingo. 50/50 tickets winners were Alma Zosh and Jenny Nolan.

Terry reported that the regional meeting is scheduled for noon on Wednesday, June 22. There will be a lunch of spaghetti and meatballs, small salad and bread. Terry will bring apple cake.

The next meeting is set for 5 p.m. Thursday, June 9, at Visintainer's. The menu will be ravioli, meatballs, salad and bread and butter. Cindy Saukaitis will bring dessert.

On motion by Jenny Nolan, seconded by Alma Zosh, the meeting was adjourned.

3 local CDA members attend state convention

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SEVEN SPRINGS - The Pennsylvania State Court Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) held its 49th biennial state convention at Seven Springs Mountain Resort from Friday, May 20, through Monday, May 23. The state court is celebrating 100 years, and the conference theme was "A Century of Unity and Charity Under Mary's Grace." Delegates dressed in period clothing representing 1911 through 2011 at Friday evening's dinner.

The state court received an Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in celebration of their 100th anniversary. Congratulatory letters were received from the bishops of all eight dioceses in Pennsylvania.

One hundred and sixty-nine Catholic Daughters were in attendance, representing all state dioceses. The Court Our Lady of Victory No. 588, comprised of women from Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Divine Redeemer and Holy Angels churches, sent the following three delegates to the convention: Mary Catherine Wydra, regent; Rosemarie Koronkiewicz, financial secretary; and Nora Avellino, treasurer. The delegation elected the following State Officers for two-year terms: Margaret Novak, state regent; Margaret Guckin, first vice state regent; Margaret Rafferty, second vice state regent; Shirley Hall, state secretary; and Margaret Giordano Sultzbach, state treasurer. Five delegates and four alternates were elected to the 2013 nominating committee.

Avellino, treasurer of the local court, was formally inducted into the CDA at Friday's installation Mass held at St. Peter's Church in Somerset. Saturday's Memorial Mass was offered for deceased CDA members. The new state officers were installed at Sunday's Mass, and on Monday a Mass of Thanksgiving was offered.

Discussions at the conference centered on the CDA mission of participating in spiritual, educational and charitable programs and promoting the quality of life for people in the parishes and communities.

Delegates approved a motion to allow the state court to submit a bid to hold the 2016 National CDA Convention in Pennsylvania . The 2012 national convention will be held in Omaha, Neb., and Montana will be the site for the 2014 national convention.

Catholic women 18 years and older are welcome to join the local court. Meetings are held the second Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. at the Mount Carmel Senior Center.

For additional information, call Wydra at 339-4795.

City native's beach house work highlighted in paper

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A beach house being built by Shamokin native David Filarski was featured in Ocean City New Jersey's Sentinel on Wednesday, April 27.

The newspaper, which serves the New Brunswick area, named Filarski's home their "House of the Week." Filarski is the son of Mary Jane and the late Jack Filarski. He is a 1972 graduate of Shamokin Area High School.

Filarski works for Great Atlantic Building Company. The company is building the home in Ocean City at St. James and the Boardwalk. The homeowners asked Filarski to build a home surrounding a replica of a lighthouse. The lighthouse portion of the home faces the Atlantic City skyline and includes long, vertical windows, rounded walls and a third floor "widow's walk." The ceiling of the lighthouse will incorporate a mural.

The third floor master bedroom includes a walk-in closet with stackable washer and dryer. There's also an office on the third floor which offers views of the boardwalk, beach and ocean.

The first floor entrance is located off of St. James Place, and there is a beach entrance on the other side of the house.

There is a family room, which includes a kitchenette, with panoramic views from Atlantic City to Sea Isle City. The second floor living room has even more spectacular views, surround sound and the kitchen includes a center island, a built-in Subzero refrigerator and Viking stove.

"Everything we do is quality," said Filarski to the Sentinel. "The homeowner saves by using better materials and we explain that to them."

Filarski also talked about the working philosophy that has helped him remain a successful builder for years.

"Our business is about establishing a good working relationship with the homeowner and building trust with them. We add quality craftsmanship at a good price and give them the renovation or home of their dreams," he told the newspaper.

All appears OK after scare on Susquehanna

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A kayak, life jacket and ice chest floating on the Susquehanna River caused a two-hour search and rescue Saturday evening, but no one was in danger.

A Northumberland County 911 Center dispatcher reported that two kids were boating on the river near a Liverpool campsite when their boat capsized. They apparently left the boat in the water.

A man witnessed the items floating down the river, but didn't see anyone else.

Rescue units were called out at 7:23 p.m. to search the waters upstream, said the dispatcher, but no further evidence of a drowned person was found.

Fire Chief Ken Kipple of the Sunbury Fire Department was in charge of the investigation.

At 9 p.m., emergency responders were calling for a search helicopter.

State police at Stonington said Saturday they were not involved in any search and rescue.

Police Blotter 05-31-11

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Two-vehicle crash

VALLEY TOWNSHIP - State trooper Chad Rarig reported a two-vehicle accident at 12:16 p.m. Thursday at the Route 54 and Interstate 80 intersection in Valley Township.

The two drivers, Corey R. Yentsch, 26, of Mount Carmel, and Raja K. Perni, 56, of West Bloomfield, were wearing seat belts and escaped injury.

The incident occurred when a 2006 Honda Accord driven by Perni pulled from a stop sign at the onramp from the interstate to Route 54 and struck the door of a 2011 Honda Civic driven by Yentsch, which was traveling west on Route 54. After impact, the Civic was knocked into guardrail on the east side of the road.

Perni was cited for a stop signs and yield signs violation, Rarig said.

Noteworthy 05-31-11

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Atlas auxiliary meeting set Thursday

ATLAS - The Atlas Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary will meet at the fire company at 7 p.m. Thursday to finalize plans for a movie in the park and other activities.

To make a donation for the movie night or otherwise help or join the auxiliary, attend the meeting or call President Betty Jean Bush, 339-2144.

150th anniversary committee to meet

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel 150th Anniversary Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Elks lodge.

All organizations and interested citizens are invited to attend.

The borough will celebrate the anniversary in 2012.

First of three free concerts Thursday

IRISH VALLEY - Clark's Grove United Methodist Church (UMC) "Music in the Valley" Concert Series kicks off Thursday with Tim Krebs, a local musician, for a concert of country and folk music from 7 to 8 p.m.

This is the first of three concerts that are free and open to the public. The public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music.

In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the church.

Refreshments will be served after the concert.

Clark's Grove UMC is located along Irish Valley Road.

Motorcyclist dies in head-on crash on Route 901

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MOUNT PLEASANT - A motorcyclist was killed in a head-on collision with a sport-utility vehicle Monday night on Route 901 in Schuylkill County, according to state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Authorities would not release the name of the victim Monday night because the next of kin was not yet notified, investigating Trooper Michael Keating said. He also wouldn't release the name of the SUV driver.

The crash occurred at 6:20 p.m. on Route 901 just north of Mount Pleasant Hose Company, not far from Interstate 81, according to a supervisor at Schuylkill County Communications, Pottsville.

The motorcycle rider, driving a maroon-colored Honda Nighthawk, was heading east on Route 901 and the sport-utility vehicle, a Ford Expedition, was traveling west. The collision occurred in the west-bound lane, Keating said.

Keating would not provide further details Monday night, saying the crash was still under investigation.

Responders included firefighters from Heckscherville, Forestville, South Cass and Minersville, the Minersville ambulance, West Schuylkill ALS and the Schuylkill County Coroner's Office.

Responders requested a medical helicopter when they arrived on scene, but later canceled the call, the communications supervisor said.

Schuylkill County Coroner Joseph Lipsett could not be reached for comment Monday evening.


Cycle rider dies in crash on 901

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MOUNT PLEASANT - A motorcyclist was killed in a head-on collision with a sport-utility vehicle Monday night on Route 901 in Schuylkill County, according to state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Authorities would not release the name of the victim Monday night because the next of kin was not yet notified, investigating Trooper Michael Keating said. He also wouldn't release the name of the SUV driver.

The crash occurred at 6:20 p.m. on Route 901 in Foster Township, just north of Mount Pleasant Hose Company and not far from Interstate 81, according to a supervisor at Schuylkill County Communications, Pottsville.

The motorcycle rider, driving a maroon-colored Honda Nighthawk, was heading east on Route 901 and the sport-utility vehicle, a Ford Expedition, was traveling west. The collision occurred in the west-bound lane, Keating said.

Keating would not provide further details Monday night, saying the crash was still under investigation.

Responders included firefighters from Heckscherville, Forestville, South Cass and Minersville, the Minersville ambulance, West Schuylkill ALS and the Schuylkill County Coroner's Office.

Responders requested a medical helicopter when they arrived on scene, but later canceled the call, the communications supervisor said.

Schuylkill County Coroner Joseph Lipsett could not be reached for comment Monday evening.

Young, old join local recognitions

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The Rev. Joanne Young perhaps couldn't have been more right when she told residents and veterans at a Memorial Day service at Roosevelt Court Apartments how great it was to see both young and old waiving American flags on Chestnut Street during the annual parade Monday morning.

Young, who is retiring from Kulpmont United Methodist Church after 20 years to spend more time at her home near Hazleton, asked that the community tradition of providing love, hospitality and graciousness to veterans, residents and guests continue.

The "Star Spangled Banner" was performed by the Mount Carmel Area High School Band and "Taps" was played on trumpet by Kulpmont resident Ashley Donn as veterans of American Legion Post 231 fired a gun salute.

"There is a price for freedom, for it is not truly free. It is paid for by the contributions of veterans that buy our liberty," said Kulpmont Mayor Myron Turlis. "Whenever you cross paths with a soldier, don't be afraid or ashamed to extend a hand and tell him or her, 'thank you.'"

Shamokin

Young's description of community support was evident in many local communities Monday as parades and memorial services were held to honor current and past veterans and fallen members of emergency services organizations.

In the Shamokin area,

wreaths were placed at the Timothy Diorio, Cpl. David Witmer and Fireman's memorials by firefighters, police officers and veterans who quietly marched nearly a mile to the tapping of a snare drum by high school students Hannah Martin, Erin Duganitz and Madeline Chappell.

The parade ended with a service at the Price of Freedom Memorial along Lincoln Street, with patriotic music sung by Angelic Christian and played by members of the Shamokin Area Middle and High School bands.

Mary Campbell, an Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School graduate who founded and became president of the Blue Star Mothers Association, Chapter 101 of Bucks County, served as guest speaker. The national patriotic service organization formed in 1942 for mothers who had sons or daughters in the military.

"Memorial Day is more than a three-day weekend, which marks the beginning of summer," she said. "It is an important reminder of all who have died in service of our country. It is the day we pause to say thanks to the people who fought for the things we have."

Mount Carmel

A number of Mount Carmel Area students woke up early on their day off from school to honor veterans. At 8 a.m. Monday, the Boy Scouts of the Mount Carmel Elks Troop 174 waited patiently in their uniforms, flags in hand, for the service to begin at the memorial at the Geist Berkanski American Legion Post 91, Avenue and Maple Street.

Wreaths were presented at the memorial, and services continued with a march to the memorial at the Susquehanna Bank on Second and Oak streets, where the Mount Carmel Area band was waiting with members of the VFW Little League team and many local residents. The band played the national anthem.

The march continued to Third and Oak streets for services at the World War I plaque at Union National Bank, followed by services at St. Mary's Cemetery, Mount Carmel Cemetery and St. Joseph's Cemetery in Locust Gap.

Wilburton/Centralia service

Junior members of Centralia American Legion Post 608 in Wilburton proudly held their rifles as they stood with the senior members during memorial services at 9:30 a.m. in Zion Methodist Church Cemetery, Aristes.

After a salute and a rifle fire, the group continued to cemeteries in Centralia and Wilburton. The rifle squad then went back to the post home in Wilburton to play "Taps" for post members, and for an awards presentation involving state Rep. Kurt Masser, R-107.

Driver safety issue is spring perennial

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HARRISBURG - It's another rite of spring along with high school proms.

State lawmakers are making a renewed push to make highways safer by putting new restrictions on drivers and operators of vehicles ranging from cars to motorcycles and bicycles. Some restrictions are aimed at activities that distract drivers while they are behind the wheel while others target teen drivers.

But lawmakers are being pulled in several directions on the driver safety issue and it is uncertain whether any one bill will make it to the governor's desk before they recess for the summer.

The two chambers tussled over similar issues last year under a state government split between the two parties. Now it's the turn of a Republican-controlled statehouse to broker an agreement.

The House has moved farthest on the issue this year, approving three bills to create a distracted driving penalty, address teen driver safety and set new rules for interactions between motorists and bicyclists.

The measure by Rep. Chris Ross, R-158, Unionville, would levy a $50 fine for distracted driving due to using an electronic device, eating, drinking, looking at printed material or personal grooming. This fine would be tacked on to any fines levied for the existing violation of careless driving.

"House Bill 896 permits you to eat and use devices such as ipods and cell phones as long as you can do it responsibly," said Rep. Richard Geist, R-79, Altoona, chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

The measure by Rep. Kathy Watson, R-144, Warminster, would limit teen drivers with junior licenses, a group ranging in age from 16 to 18, to having just one passenger under age 18 with an exception for family members.

The bill also would increase the amount of time a junior driver would need to practice before applying for a driver's license from 50 to 65 hours. Of those practice hours, 10 hours would have to be at night and five hours during inclement weather.

In addition, the bill would make it a primary offense for a driver when the driver or a passenger under age 18 isn't wearing a seat belt. This means a police officer could pull the vehicle over if he suspects a child isn't buckled up.

The third measure by Rep. Ron Miller, R-93, York, would require motorists to keep their vehicles at least four feet away while passing a bicyclist, prohibit motorists from making sudden right turns in front of a bicyclist and permit a vehicle to pass a bicyclist in a no-passing zone.

The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill to prohibit texting and use of hand-held cell phones while driving for all motorists. This would be considered a secondary offense, meaning the driver would have to be pulled over first for a primary offense. The House is working on its own bill dealing with bans on cell phone use and texting while driving.

Fire ravages Mahanoy Area school complex

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MAHANOY CITY - School will be closed today as Mahanoy Area School District officials gather to discuss how to complete the school year after fire damaged the interior of the education complex Monday, Tony Miller, school board president, said Sunday.

"We need to notify the Pennsylvania Department of Education to see what course of action we have to take now," Miller said.

School administrators, including interim Superintendent Joie Green, will meet at noon today to discuss options, as a state police fire marshal from the Frackville substation and local fire officials work to determine the cause of the blaze.

"We don't think it was suspicious, but believe it started around the middle school cafeteria," Miller said.

Area fire crews were dispatched to the school, 1 Golden Bear Drive, at 7:45 a.m. Monday. All Mahanoy City Fire Department units responded and were assisted by three others.

Firefighters found heavy smoke and heat in the area of the middle school cafeteria and pool, Tony Blackwell, Mahanoy City Fire Department safety officer, said Monday.

Within 20 minutes, fire crews managed to knock down most of the fire. However, due to the size of the school complex, firefighters remained at the scene until early afternoon.

College News: Bucknell graduates

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LEWISBURG - Bucknell University has conferred bachelor's and master's degrees to students who completed their graduation requirements during this past spring semester. Degrees were awarded May 22 for studies in liberal arts and professional programs in engineering, education, management and music.

Nathan S. Boyer, Northumberland, son of Ronald and Judy Boyer, of Northumberland, and a 2007 graduate of Shikellamy High School, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.

Laura B. Cook, Catawissa, daughter of Kenneth and Linda Cook, of Catawissa, and a 2006 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.

Michael R. Fletcher, Kulpmont, son of Michael and Susan Fletcher of Kulpmont, and a 2007 graduate of Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in cell biology/biochemistry.

Geordan A. Grieco, Williamsport, son of George Grieco and Cathy Funk, of Williamsport, and a 2007 graduate of Williamsport High School, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration in management.

Justin D. Ross, Williamsport, graduated with a Master of Science in Education.

John P. Tomtishen III, Kulpmont, son of John and Lynn Tomtishen, of Kulpmont, and a 2007 graduate of Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in cell bology/biochemistry and departmental honors in cell biology/biochemistry.

Line Mountain, CSIU gear up for free education programs

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MILTON - Two free educational programs for children who live in the Line Mountain School District are gearing up for another school year and are now accepting applications.

Pre-K Counts is a high quality pre-kindergarten program that gives children a chance to learn, become excited about school and become better students throughout their school career.

Head Start is a program for preschool children that promotes school readiness and emphasizes parents as their child's first teacher.

Both programs are available to 3, 4 and 5 year-olds who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten. The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) administers both programs for the Line Mountain School District, while other districts run their own Pre-K Counts programs.

"Pre-K Counts has helped my child socially," said Melissa Myers. "He interacts, shares and participates more in activities with other children."

Small class sizes, an approved curriculum and experienced teachers help provide an environment for children to grow in a variety of ways.

"Early childhood education can open the doors of opportunity for children to do well in school," said Kelly Jimison-Boyer, CSIU Pre-K Counts program coordinator. "They enter kindergarten with the skills necessary to be successful in school."

Beginning August 29, Pre-K Counts will be held every day at Trevorton Elementary from 9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at no cost to families. While breakfast and lunch are offered free of charge, parents are responsible for providing transportation.

Head Start begins September 6 with a site at Line Mountain High School. Students enrolled in the Head Start program are provided with limited transportation.

Families earning up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for Head Start, and those earning up to 300 percent are eligible for their child to participate in Pre-K Counts. For example, for a family of four to have a child eligible for Head Start, the household income must be at or below $22,350, while it must be at or below $67,050 for Pre-K Counts.

Parents interested in enrolling their child may attend a Pre-K Counts recruitment meeting Thursday, June 9 or Friday, June 10. To schedule an appointment, request an application or for more information, call 523-1155 ext. 2209.

Pre-K Counts is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is administered by the CSIU. Head Start is a federal contract awarded to the CSIU to conduct programs in Northumberland County.

Shamokin woman wins new Mustang

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Anita Shaffer, Shamokin, recently took delivery of a brand new Ford Mustang Coupe, that she won in the Sunbury Fire Department annual Mustang Raffle. For the past four years, the Sunbury Fire Department, street fair committee has raffled off a new Mustang as part of its annual fund-raising efforts. The Firemen's Street Fair, a one-day event which was held May 14, raises money that is divided equally among the city's six fire stations and fire police. The day's activities included food and games for kids, a firemen's parade and a fire-fighter challenge. At 7 p.m. the lucky ticket for the car was drawn. This year's winner was Anita Shaffer. "I can't believe I won," she said. I bought the ticket to support the fire companies. "I never dreamed I would win."

Dan Saxton, past fire chief and treasurer of the fair committee, said that there were only 350 tickets sold at $100 each. "Our goal is to raise $10,000 on the raffle," Saxton said. That money is then combined with the proceeds from the days activities and given back to the companies. Each year since starting the raffle, they have sold every ticket. "You just can't beat those odds," Saxton said, "and each year we add to our data base." Past ticket holders will receive a postcard and entry form in the mail at the start of the raffle, usually in late November for the drawing the following year. Those wishing to get their ticket should enter early.

Sunbury Motor Company, North 4th Street, Sunbury, furnishes the vehicle at dealer cost to the Fire Department. "They've been real good to us," Saxton says. "I go see them in early November and we sit down and spec out the car. It's always a Mustang. They get us the car and let us promote it the way we see fit. They're great to work with."

Anyone wishing to be part of the Mustang Raffle next year should call Dan Saxton at 274-5010, or go to www.sfdmustangraffle.com, and print the entry form when it becomes available sometime in November.


District Court

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n SHAMOKIN - Brandon Staemates, 18, a resident of Northwestern Academy in Coal Township, waived to court Tuesday a charge of indecent exposure and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to appear for arraignment July 5 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury.

Staemates, who is autistic, was charged by Shamokin Cpl. John Brown with exposing his genitals to a 10-year-old boy in a bathroom at First United Methodist Church, 102 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin, on Feb. 3, while Staemates was at the church helping to distribute food.

At his arraignment, Staemates can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n SHAMOKIN - Robert W. Stevens, 50, of 717 E. Race St., Shamokin, who broke bones in both his feet and suffered a back injury after jumping out a second-story window at his home April 18 while allegedly under the influence of bath salts, waived to court Tuesday charges of causing false alarms to public safety agencies and disorderly conduct.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle.

Stevens was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to appear for arraignment July 5 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, at which time he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

According to a criminal complaint, Stevens called police twice for a report of a person who had broken into his house or was attempting to break in. Police said Stevens also made a false report that a person was trying to steal his "girl."

Police said Stevens later jumped out his second-story window in an attempt to catch the people whom he claimed had broken into his residence.

n SHAMOKIN - Christopher E. Dwulet, 39, of 106 N. Poplar St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a summary offense of harassment and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to pay a $100 fine plus costs.

Charges of hit and run, driving under suspension, limitations on backing were withdrawn.

Dwulet was charged by Shamokin Cpl. John Brown in connection with an April 21 accident at Lincoln and Liberty streets.

n SHAMOKIN - William J. Tinley, 53, of 226 W. Dewart St., Shamokin, waived to court Tuesday charges of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and recklessly endangering another person.

Tinley was charged by Shamokin Cpl. John Brown with firing a .38-caliber revolver into his front door while sitting in his home on April 21. Police said the bullet exited the home in a southeast direction and couldn't be found by police.

Tinley was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to appear for arraignment July 5 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, at which time he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n SHAMOKIN - Joshua Greenwood, 33, of 601 N. Second St., Shamokin, waived to court Tuesday charges of theft and receiving stolen property and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to appear for arraignment July 5 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury.

Greenwood was charged by Coal Township Patrolman David Sage with stealing $410 from Miller's Gas & Oil Service Station on Route 61 in the east end of Coal Township on March 7 while he was employed there.

At his arraignment, Greenwood can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n SHAMOKIN - Andrew Britton, 28, of 409 Water St., Ranshaw, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to pay a $100 fine plus costs and placed on probation for six months.

Charges of simple assault and harassment were withdrawn.

Britton was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Henrich with intentionally slamming a car door on the hand of his wife, Lori Britton, causing it to swell. Police said the incident occurred May 21 at the Britton residence.

n SHAMOKIN - Robert M. Rickert II, 20, of 641 S. Market St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a summary offense of harassment and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to pay a $100 fine plus costs.

An additional charge of simple assault was withdrawn.

Rickert was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver with assaulting Melinda Bugg at her residence at 230 S. Coal St. on April 13.

Noteworthy

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Indians of Pennsylvania

BARNESVILLE - Locust Lake Conservation volunteer, Dave McSurdy, will present an "Indians of Pennsylvania" program at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11 in the Locust Lake Amphitheatre. This program presents the artifacts and story of Pennsylvania's original inhabitants. The artifacts are made of stone, bark and clay and include the skins of animals. The program will be held in the Locust Lake pavilion in case of inclement weather. This program is free and open to the public. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Life Flight to host anniversary open house at Montoursville base

DANVILLE - Geisinger's Life Flight 4 base in Montoursville will open its doors to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at its 325 Airport Road, Montoursville, location for an open house to recognize Life Flight's 30 years of service.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Life Flight staff, tour a state-of-the-art helicopter, and enjoy light refreshments with the crew.

This rain-or-shine event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Lisa Weston at 271-6217.

Mount Carmel man identified as fatal cycle crash victim

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MOUNT PLEASANT - A Mount Carmel man was identified as the motorcyclist killed in a head-on collision with a sport utility vehicle Monday night on Route 901 in Foster Township, according to state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Benjamin Thompson, 23, of Mount Carmel, was pronounced dead at the scene by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Joseph Pothering following the accident at about 6:20 p.m. on Route 901 just north of Mount Pleasant Hose Company, according to a supervisor at Schuylkill County Communications, Pottsville.

Trooper Michael Keating, the investigating officer, said the driver of the SUV was Erin Blackwell, 27, of Saint Clair, who suffered a minor injury.

Passengers in her vehicle included Johnathan Blackwell, 27, of Saint Clair, a 4-year-old male and a 2-year-old male, both of Williamsport and both of whom were in child seats. Johnathan Blackwell had a minor injured but no injuries were reported for the children.

Police say Thompson, driving a red Honda Nighthawk motorcycle, was heading east on Route 901. As he attempted to round a curve in the roadway, he lost control, went across the double yellow line into the westbound lane and into the path of the Blackwell vehicle, a 2001 blue Ford Expedition.

Thompson hit the front driver's side quarter panel of the SUV and came to rest in the westbound lane.

Responders requested a medical helicopter when they arrived on scene, but later canceled the call, the communications supervisor said.

Keating said he was aided at the scene by two other troopers from the Schuylkill Haven substation as well as the Mount Pleasant, South Cass Citizens and Forestville fire companies, the West Schuylkill EMS and the Minersville EMS.

Area pools feel financial burn, seldom break even keeping community cool

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Although it loses money almost every year, the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool on North Rock Street in Shamokin provides a valuable summer recreational outlet for youngsters and adults.

Weather permitting and barring any mechanical problems, the pool will open for the season Saturday, June 11, then daily, from noon to 6 p.m., through Labor Day, Sept. 5. Night swims for various groups also will be available.

Larry Strausser, aquatic facility operator at the pool, said it costs the city between $50,000 and $60,000 per year to staff, operate and maintain the pool, which also contains a wading pool. "We usually operate at a deficit," Strausser said. "Very seldom do we break even, but it's a nice place for everyone to cool off and we do our best to keep the pool in great shape."

The longtime pool supervisor and public safety technician for the city said most swimming pools in the area lose money each year, except for the Crystal Pool at Knoebels Amusement Resort, which is a much larger facility that attracts more people on a daily basis because of the park and camping area.

In 2010, the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool just about broke even, according to Shamokin Controller Gary Haddock.

"Municipal pools are very expensive to operate," Strausser said. "Last year, we had to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool Spa and Safety Act that mandated us to complete an approximate $85,000 drainage project to protect swimmers from disembowelment and entrapment. That was a lot of Community Development Block Grant funding to spend that could have been used elsewhere on the pool, but we had to comply with federal law."

Strausser pointed out that more than a million drain covers installed under the federal mandate have been recalled by the manufacturers and Consumer Product Safety Commission because they failed testing procedures that rate the covers. But he said all the drain covers in the Shamokin pool meet federal requirements and won't be recalled.

Ed Cuff, borough manager for Mount Carmel and manager for the Mount Carmel Borough Community Pool, is also hoping for a June 11 opening, but maintenance may prevent that from happening.

"We had to get the pool sandblasted and painted, but in order to do that, the pool has to be completely dry," Cuff said. "With all the rain we have been having, the pool fills up and we get delayed."

The manager said that the sandblasting has been completed, but now cracks have to be repaired and the pool painted before it can be filled and ready to open.

"We are shooting for June 11, but it looks like it will be sometime between June 11 and 15," Cuff said.

According to the manager, Mount Carmel's pool lost somewhere between $16,000 to $18,000 in 2010, one of its better years.

"We have really cut expenses in the past two years," Cuff said. "We've saved $20,000 looking at that, which is about the norm around the area. If there is a pool making any kind of money, have them give me a call."

He says that the annual passes, admission charges or food sales, covers the salaries of workers, but that's about it.

Cuff echoed Strausser's sentiment when he said that the idea of the pool was not to make money, but to provide a community service for the public.

When asked why the pool doesn't open for Memorial Day, Strausser said, "We have trouble getting enough staff that early in the season and it's expensive for the city to fill the pool and keep the filter clean for the next 10 days while the majority of the kids are still in school. This year, like last year, it was very hot for Memorial Day. But in the past, the weather hasn't been good to open the pool that early. It's just not worth it to open for Memorial Day."

Longtime Shamokin Councilman R. Craig Rhoades, who serves as director of parks and public buildings, said, "The pool is in great shape. It would be a shame to ever close it. I know the city isn't in good financial shape, but other than the pool, the community has little to offer its residents in the summer in terms of recreation. The pool is used hard until the late summer when students get more heavily involved in football and other fall sports and band activities. That's when the attendance tapers off."

Rhoades commended Strausser and his staff for doing a fine job every year.

The councilman described the pool as a "necessary evil." He stated, "Although we usually lose money operating it, the pool is well maintained and we need to keep it open for the citizens of Shamokin and the surrounding area."

The councilman said a two-mill increase in recreation tax implemented in 2010 helps fund pool operations and the gymnasium utilized by the Shamokin Youth Basketball League and adult groups in the American Legion building. He said one mill generates between $32,000 and $35,000.

Strausser said the pool employs approximately 25 people, including lifeguards and support staff. Applications are still being accepted for lifeguards. Strausser said the city is required by state law to have a certain number of lifeguards on duty regardless of the amount of people using the pool.

Admission at the pool, which will remain the same as 2010, is $6 for adults, $4 for children, and $3 for toddlers (ages 2 to 4). Children under two are free. Senior citizens will pay only $4, while spectators will be charged $3.

Individual season passes are $65 for adults and $55 for children who are residents of the city. Adults and children who are non-residents will pay $90 and $80, respectively, for season passes. Senior passes are $55 for city residents and $80 for non-residents.

The costs of family passes vary because they are based on the number of people per family and their ages.

For more information, call the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool at 644-4789.

In Mount Carmel, admission for the pool is $3 each for everyone aged three and over. Season passes are $50 for children, $80 for adults, and $150 for a family of four with $15 added for each extra child. The pool will be open from noon to 7 p.m. each day, seven days a week until approximately Labor Day.

For more information, call the borough office at 339-4486.

Win an iPad 2, Motorola Xoom

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SHAMOKIN - To coincide with its new e-edition, The News-Item is giving away an iPad2 and a Motorola Xoom. Readers who start a subscription to the e-edition between now and Aug. 5 will be automatically entered, and two drawing winners will be randomly chosen to receive these prizes.

"We decided to reward our readers with these two great prizes, an iPad 2 and a Motorola Xoom, to introduce readers to our exciting new e-edition," said David Sickle, director of circulation. "Each of these popular new tablet computers are worth more than $500, and are a great way to experience The News-Item e-edition, browse the Internet, and enjoy many other features."

The e-edition launches at www.newsitem.com on Monday.

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