HARRISBURG - A Senate Republican leader wants to levy a state Marcellus Shale severance tax as a way to pay for a freeze on school property taxes for senior citizens.

Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, Chester, sent a memo to colleagues seeking support for a "reasonable and competitive" severance tax to generate about $250 million annually for tax relief targeted for individuals 65 and older who have qualified for a homestead exemption for at least five years.

"The tax burden would be shifted from seniors, many of whom are struggling to stay in their homes on a fixed income, to companies involved in natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania," said Pileggi.

Pileggi has yet to introduce his bill. The senator said the tax will be based on an as-of-yet unspecified fixed rate applied to both the volume and price of gas.

He considers the proposal revenue neutral since all severance tax revenue would go to a dedicated fund to reimburse school districts for revenue lost due to the tax freeze.

This is a telling point in light of a flap over whether the drilling impact fee legislation sponsored by Pileggi's colleague, Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati, R-25, Jefferson County, is a tax increase or not.

Grover Norquist, the head of Americans for Tax Reform, wrote to senators last week saying the impact fee bill is a tax increase. As a result, he said, any state lawmaker who signed ATR's anti-tax hike pledge would be violating that pledge if they voted for the impact fee bill.

The ATR pledge contains a provision that a tax increase is acceptable if directly offset by a tax cut of equal size so it becomes revenue neutral. Scarnati countered that his impact fee bill doesn't increase taxes and will be offset anyway by several state business tax cuts.

Pileggi said he supports Scarnati's plan to use impact fee revenue to cover the costs of the impact of gas drilling on the environment and local governments.

Another GOP lawmaker, Rep. Nick Miccarelli, R-162, Ridley Park, said this week he will introduce a severance tax bill to pay for a cut in the state personal income tax.

Pileggi is the most prominent GOP lawmaker yet to call for a severance tax, but Republican Gov. Tom Corbett is steadfast in opposition to the idea. These new severance tax bills are an attempt to give political cover to state lawmakers who signed the ATR pledge, said Jan Jarrett, president of PennFuture, an environmental group. Jarrett said the bills help advance the debate over a severance tax, but won't get her group's support because they don't help the environment and local communities.

"You really need to structure a tax in a way to address the extra costs that drilling imposes on the environment and communities," she added.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes held the annual awards program honoring senior scholars on Wednesday, May 18. The following students were award winners:

Valedictorian, Christopher Brokus, and Salutatorian, Kiana Motto; Lourdes Scholars whose cumulative academic average for four years is 95 or higher: Christopher Brokus, Kiana Motto, and Francesca Pupo; Honor Students whose cumulative academic average for four years is 90 or higher: Michelle Albert, Kayla Conetta, Devan Dyszel, John Gilger, Dylan Lawrence, Amanda Miller, Emily Musser, Jared Shutt, Martin Williams, and Kurt Yasenchak; National Honor Society members, Father Filippelli Chapter: Michelle Albert, Christopher Brokus, Kayla Conetta, Devan Dyszel, Dylan Lawrence, Kiana Motto, Francesca Pupo, Martin Williams, and Kurt Yasenchak; French National Honor Society members and Level 4 pins: Christopher Brokus and Emily Musser; Level 4 Pin: Kurt Yasenchak; Spanish National Honor Society members and Level 4 pins: Michelle Albert, Kiana Motto, and Francesca Pupo. The Bishop's Gold Medal Religion Award presented annually to the senior attaining the highest accumulative average in Religion for 4 years was presented at graduation to Christopher Brokus.

The following students have earned the highest four-year cumulative averages in the following areas: Art, Amanda Miller; English, Christopher Brokus; Family and Consumer Sciences, Emily Musser; French, Christopher Brokus; Mathematics, Christopher Brokus; Music, Nicole Shipe; Science, Christopher Brokus; Social Studies, Christopher Brokus; and Spanish, Kiana Motto.

The awards for highest and second highest average in individual subjects were presented to: Religion IV, Christopher Brokus, first, Michelle Albert and Kiana Motto, tied for second; Art II, Sarah Kornaski and Tesia Laskoski, tied for first, Julieann Gusick, second; Advanced Art, John Gilger, first, Marissa Berry, second; Career Art, Francesca Pupo, first, Amanda Miller, second; Graphic Design, Amanda Miller, first, Michelle Albert, second; Accounting, Emily Musser, second; Business Law, Kyle McAnnaney, first, Jared Shutt, second; Computer Applications II, Alexander Garancheski, second; Marketing, Devan Dyszel, second; Personal Finance, Devan Dyszel, first, Kaitlin Peeler, second; British Literature (Honors), Christopher Brokus, first, Francesca Pupo, second; British Literature (Academic), John Gilger, first, Julieann Gusick and Kyle McAnnaney, tied for second; Advanced Cooking, Amanda Warwick, first, Emily Musser, second; Physical Education Boys, Dylan Lawrence, first, John Gilger and Kyle Madison tied for second; Physical Education Girls, Kiana Motto, first, Kayla Conetta and Holly Avellino, tied for second; Government/Economics, Francesca Pupo, first, Christopher Brokus, second; French IV (Honors), Christopher Brokus, first, Emily Musser, second; Spanish IV (Honors), Francesca Pupo, first, Michelle Albert, second; Algebra II-(Academic), Marissa Berry, first; Calculus, Christopher Brokus and Kiana Motto, tied for first, Kayla Conetta, second; Statistics & Probability, Francesca Pupo, first, Michelle Albert, second; Trigonometry, Amanda Warwick, first; Biology II (Honors), Christopher Brokus, first, Kiana Motto, second; Environmental Science, Matthew Knauer, first, Neal Khanna, second; Physics, Christopher Brokus, first, Kiana Motto, second; Psychology, Jared Shutt and Tesia Laskoski, tied for first, Julieann Gusick, second; Music Theory, Nicole Shipe, first.

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency Certificate of Merit for being among the highest SAT scores in Pennsylvania; Christopher Brokus.

The following scholarships/awards were awarded: Our Lady of Lourdes Alumni Association, Kyle Burns, John Gilger and Neal Khanna; Edward A. Baker/Anthony E. Konopka Scholarship, Christopher Brokus; Parents Association at Lourdes Scholarship, Amanda Miller and Joseph Phillips; National Scholar Athlete for Academic Excellence, Kiana Motto and Dylan Lawrence; Reverend Charles Persing Foreign Language Award, Christopher Brokus; News-Item Achiever Scholarship, Emily Musser; Stella D'Italia Scholarship, Michelle Albert; Ray Tyo/St. Ferdinand Scholarship, Kiana Motto; Kiwanis Club of Shamokin - Karl A. Hoffman Journalism Award, Jared Shutt.

Memorial Awards were presented as follows: Chris Berthelson Memorial Award for Loyalty and School Spirit, Amanda Miller and Jared Shutt; Sylvia Cimino, Class of 1951, Memorial Award, Amanda Warwick; Vincent and Elvira DePiante Memorial Scholarship, Michelle Albert, Emily Musser and Francesca Pupo; Daniel C. Fabrizio, Class of 1982, Memorial Award, Joseph Phillips; Nicholas Girolami Memorial Scholarship, John Gilger; Laurie Ann Green Memorial Scholarship, Julieann Gusick; Monsignor Hassett Memorial Prize, Francesca Pupo; Marie A. Holland Memorial Scholarship, Kiana Motto, Joseph Phillips and Jared Shutt; Joseph M. Jasicki Memorial Award for Chorus, Kyle McAnnaney; Leon F. "Rusty" Kanaskie Scholar/Athlete Award, Christopher Brokus; Dolores Oravitz-Kazar Memorial Scholarship, Kiana Motto; Dr. A. Kay Keiser Memorial Scholarship, Kayla Conetta and Dylan Lawrence; F. George Kenney Memorial Award, Shannon Kenney; Knights of Columbus No. 628 - John C. Mehlbaum Memorial Award, Kyle Madison; Knights of Columbus-Stanley Sobotor Memorial Award, Alexander Garancheski; Daniel C. Welker Memorial Award, Kayla Conetta, Devan Dyszel, John Gilger, Dylan Lawrence, Kiana Motto, Joseph Phillips and Martin William; Elizabeth R. Wisneski Memorial Scholarship, Kurt Yasenchak; Russell F. Witt Memorial Prize, Kyle McAnnaney; and St. Francis Beneficial Society-Stanley Yodzio Memorial Award, Matthew Knauer,

Civic Awards were presented as follows: American Legion Post and American Legion Auxiliary No. 73 Award, Amanda Miller; Aqua Pennsylvania Science Achievement Award, John Gilger; Jeld-Wen, Inc., Award, Tesia Laskoski; Knights of Lithuania Council No. 156 Award, Christopher Brokus and Julieann Gusick; Kulpmont Centennial Scholarship, Francesca Pupo; Kulpmont Ladies Lions Club Award, Francesca Pupo; Kulpmont Sportsman Club, Francesca Pupo; and Shamokin Area Lion's Club Award, Cierra Bendas.

Parish Awards: Divine Redeemer Parish Award, Sarah Kornaski; Divine Redeemer Parish Council of Catholic Women Award, Jared Shutt; Divine Redeemer Parish Religion Award, Martin Williams; Divine Redeemer Parish Holy Name Society Award, Martin Williams; Our Lady of Hope Parish Council of Catholic Women Award, Kaitlin Peeler; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Award, Kyle Madison; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Council of Catholic Women Award, Francesca Pupo; Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Award, Christopher Brokus; Mother Cabrini Parish Award, Marissa Berry and John Gilger; Franciscan Friars Award, Marissa Berry and John Gilger; and Holy Angels Ladies Guild Award, Heather Avellino and Holly Avellino.

Administration Awards: Administration Academic Achievement Award, Christopher Brokus and Kiana Motto; Administration Award for Character and Service, Martin William; Principal's Leadership Award, Kurt Yasenchak; and Principal's Outstanding School Spirit Award, Joseph Phillips.

Performing Arts Awards were presented to: Michelle Albert, Holly Avellino, Marissa Berry, Christopher Brokus, Neal Khanna, Dylan Lawrence, Kyle McAnnaney, Amanda Miller, Kiana Motto, Kaitlin Peeler, Joseph Phillips, Nicole Shipe, Jared Shutt, Martin Williams and Kurt Yasenchak.

The following Senior Student Ambassadors were recognized: Dylan Lawrence, Kiana Motto, Martin Williams and Kurt Yasenchak.

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Officer Awards: President, Jared Shutt; Vice President, Michelle Albert; First Aide, Francesca Pupo; and Second Aide, Martin Williams.

Certificates to the Yearbook Staff were presented to: Michelle Albert, Holly Avellino, Marissa Berry, Dylan Lawrence, Amanda Miller, Joseph Phillips and Jared Shutt.

Recognition for raising the American Flag at school each day for 2010-2011 school year: Brandon Maguire and Kurt Yasenchak.

Certificates for Perfect Attendance for 2010-2011: Christopher Brokus, Joseph Phillips and Kurt Yasenchak.

Certificates for four years of Service to Cafeteria: Kayla Conetta, Kaitlin Peeler and Kurt Yasenchak. One year of Service to Cafeteria: Julieann Gusick.

The Class of 2011 presented school administrator, Sr. Margaret McCullough, with a check representing their gift to the school. This class has been accepted to 16 institutions of higher learning. To date, the Class of 2011 has been offered $960,596 in the form of four-year renewable scholarships and grants from universities and colleges from which they have applied. In addition, $112,872 has been offered from federal and state grants, bringing a total offered of $1,073,486.

Baccalaureate Mass was held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. Main celebrant was the Rev. Robert Yohe Jr., pastor of Divine Redeemer parish and chaplain at Our Lady of Lourdes; the Rev. Al Sceski, pastor of Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, was homilist. Concelebrants were the Rev. Francis Karwacki, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish; the Rev. Martin Kobos, pastor, and the Rev. Adam Ziolkowski of Mother Cabrini parish; the Rev. Andrew Stahmer, pastor of Holy Angels Parish; and Deacon Martin McCarthy.

Flag bearers were Grier Melick, Tyler Wolfe, Michael Feudale and Zachary Chesney. Cross bearer was Michael Sowash. Altar servers were Tyler Holleran and Richard Gusick. Welcome theme was read by Dylan Lawrence. Scripture Reading I was read by Martin Williams and Responsorial Psalm by Julieann Gusick. Intercessions were read by Deacon Martin McCarthy. Cantors were Holly Avellino, Kyle McAnnaney, Nicole Shipe and Kurt Yasenchak. Accompanist was Grethel Vinup. Offertory procession consisted of Kyle Burns, Tesia Laskoski, Jared Shutt and Amanda Warwick. Miss Margaret Bilder, Senior Class Moderator, Our Lady of Lourdes Class of 1971, inducted the seniors into the Alumni Association.

PAXINOS - The Northumberland County Airport Authority is expected to award an approximate $93,000 contract Thursday night for a new hangar facility.

Ron Smith, chairman of the airport authority, said Double Tree of New Holland was the low bidder for the project and will most likely be awarded the contract at the meeting. Smith said bids for the wood-pole type aircraft facility were opened Thursday night.

He said the bid falls under the $100,000 private grant obtained by the authority to perform the work. The chairman pointed out the project will not cost the county any money.

"The authority is an autonomous organization established by the county to manage the airport," he said. "This project will be paid entirely with grant funding. Once the contract is awarded, work will begin as soon as possible."

"The new hangar will definitely benefit the airport, which serves as an economic development tool for the county to attract industry," said Northumberland County Commissioner Chairman Frank Sawicki.

HARRISBURG - Facing a deadline by the end of next week to maintain jobless benefits for thousands of Pennsylvanians, lawmakers are searching for compromise on accompanying proposals to pull the state's unemployment compensation program out of the red.

Their immediate task is to enact housekeeping changes to the unemployment compensation program to meet federal mandates, and thus preserve federal emergency benefits that will expire Saturday for 135,000 out-of-work Pennsylvanians.

The matter is complicated by differences between House lawmakers and senators on how far to go in addressing the longer-term issue of repaying the $3.7 billion debt the state owes Washington for help in paying unemployment compensation benefits since the recession began in 2008. House Republican leaders have pushed for bigger cost reductions in the program than their Senate GOP counterparts.

Resolving those differences for the moment might depend on how to determine unemployment compensation benefit eligibility for jobless workers who typically don't work year-round. Construction workers often fall in this category.

The Senate recently approved an extension bill that keeps the current standard of requiring an individual to have been employed for one calendar quarter, or three months, of a year to qualify for regular benefits. This bill also includes provisions to save $50 million annually in program costs.

Key House lawmakers are considering amending the Senate bill to require an individual to be employed for two quarters, or six months, to qualify.

"That's not acceptable to the Senate," said Sen. John Gordner, R-27, Berwick, sponsor of the Senate bill on Friday.

Gordner is chairman of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. Gordner is negotiating unemployment compensation issues with his House counterpart, Rep. Ron Miller, R-93, York. He said a compromise is still elusive.

The House Labor Relations Committee has tentatively scheduled a meeting Monday with Gordner's bill on the agenda.

"I hope by Wednesday there is a solution in place," added Gordner.

House GOP leaders ran into problems last month trying to win approval for an extension bill that also would have reduced program costs by more than $600 million. The House voted 122-79 with the support of 32 GOP lawmakers to block advancing that bill to a floor vote.

Democratic lawmakers favor passing the bill sent by the Senate, but they are concerned that House GOP lawmakers will now try to add amendments to cut benefits, said Bill Patton, spokesman for House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, D-33, Pittsburgh.

"It's (Senate bill) a very reasonable compromise," he added.

Both chambers are in apparent agreement on requiring individuals collecting benefits to actively look for work by doing such things as applying for jobs in their field, a step above the current requirement that they register to work.

If the deadline is not met, 45,000 individuals will lose benefits immediately and 90,000 more by the end of the year.

Trevorton man charged

TREVORTON - Gerald Patrick Helms, 33, of 409 Oak St., has been charged by Cpl. George Ritchey of state police at Stonington with harassment, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, obstructing highways and other public passages, failure to change his address, pedestrians crossing at other than crosswalks and being a pedestrian under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

The charges relate a disturbance at 9:19 p.m. Friday along Route 225 in Trevorton.

Police reported Helms was running in front of vehicles on the highway near the Sunoco Gas Station. Police found Helms to be intoxicated and making suicidal statements.

Upon being taken into custody and transported to the state police station at Stonington, Helms attempted to kick a trooper, but missed. He also kicked a wall several times and made unreasonable noise at the station.

Helms was subsequently transported to Sunbury Community Hospital, where he continued to act disorderly and spread urine on a wall. Police said Helms also made verbal threats toward troopers.

Retail theft

MONROE TOWNSHIP - Nicole Catherine Biddinger, 23, of Milton, and Amy Lynn Shaffer, 22, of Selinsgrove, have been charged by Trooper Scott Carl of state police at Selinsgrove with retail theft for allegedly stealing $628.16 in merchandise from Wal-Mart at 1:22 p.m. Friday in this Snyder County township.

PORT TREVORTON - A York County woman was killed Friday morning when the car she was driving collided with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Routes 11/15 and the Shady Lane Boat Launch in Chapman Township, Snyder County.

Trooper David Sawicki of state police at Selinsgrove reported Alicia M. Daugherty, 21, of Dover, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 11:20 a.m. accident by a Snyder County coroner.

Police said Daugherty was driving a 2002 Dodge Neon south on Routes 11/15 when she pulled out from a stop position at the Shady Lane Boat Launch access area onto the highway. Police said Daugherty's car crossed over both northbound lanes and continued into the southbound lane. Police said the car entered the left southbound lane and was struck in the passenger side by a 2006 Freightliner operated by John E. Parks, 58, of Montoursville.

Both vehicles came to rest approximately 100 feet from the site of the collision, and both also caught fire.

Property transfers

Beneficial Consumer Discount Company (DBA), Beneficial Mortgage Company of Pennsylvania to Eric Stephen Schrader, Janel Lynn Schrader, property in Point Township, $60,000.

James J. Bressi to John P. Wise, Linda M. Wise, property in Coal Township, $12,000.

Shamokin Redevelopment Authority (AKA), Redevelopment Authority of Shamokin City to Shamokin City, property in Shamokin, $1.

W&L Sports Cars Inc. to Goodwils Restaurant and Creamery LLC, property in Point Township, $1.

Joseph R. Pupo, Cynthia Pupo, Mary Beth Pupo, Mary Beth Moyer, Mark Moyer to Joseph Pupo, property in Kulpmont, $1.

Benjamin D. Rocuskie, Alice E. Tetkoskie and Miriam P. Raczkowski to Ray M. Hancock Jr. and Kathleen A. Hancock, property in Coal Township, $127,500.

Brittain A. Hoagland and Rene G. Hoagland to Timothy A. Boetsch and Jade R. Boetsch, property in Sunbury, $1.

Evelyn Weikel (estate), Karen Latsha (executrix) and Kenneth Latsha (executor) to Michael J. Brown, property in East Cameron Township, $15,000.

Bobbie J. Rebuck (estate), Don S. Rebuck (executor), Vincent J. Rebuck (executor) and Patricia F. Maurer to Richard C. Adams, Jeanne I. Adams and Better Living Now LLC, property in Washington Township, $175,000.

Bobbie J. Rebuck (estate), Don S. Rebuck, (executor), Vincent J. Rebuck (executor) and Patricia F. Maurer to Richard C. Adams and Jeanne L. Adams, property in Washington Township, $80,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Steven W. Clark and Tonia A. Clark to William B. Hoffman and Lisa M. Lauro Hoffman, property in Shamokin, $1.

Vincent S. Pultynovich to April S. Emrich, property in Coal Township, $35,000.

Edith F. Lesher to Lamar Elwood Lesher Jr. and Mae Irene Lesher, property in Little Mahanoy Township, $50,000.

Clara F. Switzer (estate) and Joan Carnuccio (executrix) to Melanie L. Blank, property in Coal Township, $1.

Stanley A. Kalejta and Helen D. Kalejta to Joanne M. Pitfido, property in Coal Township, $1.

Joseph A. Bozza to Panayot Koley Sopotski, property in Mount Carmel Township, $11,000.

Thomas Lindenmuth to Apartments and Acquisitions LP, property in Mount Carmel, $3,000.

Ann Louise Stellato to Apartments and Acquisitions LP, property in Mount Carmel, $8,000.

Andrew N. Espenlaub and Kimberly B. Espenlaub to Michael W. Purcell, property in Point Township, $159,000.

Jennifer A. Pijar, Jennifer A. Shurock and Richard Shurock to Thomas D. Boyer, property in Coal Township, $125,000.

Donald Troxell (executor) and Anna M. Troxell (estate) to Keith A. Mull and Ryan D. Haines, property in Point Township, $1.

Craig S. Myers, Katrina M. Myers to Lee A. Zechman and Lisa N. Zechman, property in Point Township, $1.

Justin D. Foura to George W. Long, Marie L. Long, property in Herndon, $37,739.25.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini and Montour County District Attorney Robert Buehner Jr. said 180.65 pounds of medications were collected in Northumberland County during the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 30.

Rosini said 25.74 pounds, 55 pounds and 70 pounds were collected in Montour, Snyder and Union counties, respectively.

Mount Carmel Sgt. Todd Owens coordinated the collection sites in Northumberland County while Montour County Sheriff Ray Gerringer coordinated the sites in Montour. Snyder County District Attorney Michael Piecuch coordinated the Snyder County collection and Union County Sheriff Ernest Ritter coordinated the collections in Union County.

Rosini said collections in the four local counties totaled 331.39 pounds, which represents an increase of 88.77 pounds from September 2010.

A total of 20,499.07 pounds of medications were collected throughout the state, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. There also were 4,395.39 pounds collected in three counties in Delaware.

Owens received a congratulatory letter from John J. Bryfonski, special agent in charge from the Philadelphia Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Lane restrictions continue on I-80

Following are the planned work-zone lane closures for Interstate 80 in Columbia County for the week of June 6:

- Monday through Thursday, the I-80 eastbound right lane and westbound left lane will have a daylight signing pattern (lane restrictions) for approximately 200 feet for haul trucks to enter and exit work areas between mile markers 241 (Lime Ridge/Berwick) and 242 (Mifflinville). This will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

- A stop condition will continue at the top of the ramps entering westbound I-80 from Route 339 south and eastbound I-80 from Route 11 north.

- At this point there are no lane closures planned for Friday, June 10.

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check interstate traffic conditions before heading out.

AFSCME retirees meeting Tuesday

MOUNT CARMEL - The monthly meeting of the Pennsylvania Retirees Subchapter 8601 of AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) Council 13 will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the BPO Elks Lodge, 128 N. Oak St.

Many years ago, I came across a book at the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library called "The Shamokin Guards." In this year which inaugurates the 150th anniversary of America's Civil War, it's worth discussing.

From what I can ascertain, this book, though without a copyright date, was published around 1946 and was written by Daniel F. Mowery Jr.

Back in the early 19th century, if you were a young or older man, the group to join when it came to a town's social life and activities was a militia group. These groups were strong about preserving the union and defending their liberty, and were the centerpiece of social activity. The best present-day counterpart I can think of that comes to my mind is a bunch of firefighters having a good time at a block party. Up until the Civil War, militias were thought of (by the militiamen themselves) as the backbone and first line of national defense. However, various wars in our nation's early history found these local groups usually wanting, militarily speaking. They were mostly ill-led, ill-equipped and ill-prepared when it came to actual fighting. However, most of the soldiers that formed the first volunteer

units in the Civil War came from these small town militia groups. If they were truly prepared for anything during civilian life it was drilling formations in homespun uniforms and having a good time at the annual Fourth of July celebration.

Formed in 1842

On April 12, 1842, a generation before the Civil War, Shamokin's first militia was formed, not long after the borough itself was settled in 1836. On July 4, 1842, at a celebration held at a tavern belonging to Franklin Clark on the corner of Sunbury and Washington streets, Clark proposed a toast to "The Shamokin Grays - may they ever be ready to protect their rights." This was followed by "six guns and six cheers." One would think the group of men in this tavern were Southerners bent on secession.

By 1854, this militia group had changed its name to the Shamokin Guards with S.M Kase elected as their captain. By the time the small militia band was mustered into the Union Army, Cyrus Strouse was their captain. Strouse, later a major, was killed at the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863 and is buried in the western portion of the Shamokin Cemetery. When the Shamokin Guards set out to fight in the Civil War on Sept. 4, 1861, there were 109 men in the unit, and by the end of the Battle of Gettysburg, only 39 of those who joined up less than two years earlier were present, the number having decreased through those who were killed, wounded, were prisoners or war or whose enlistments had expired, among other reasons. These men made up part of the 46th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Companies A and K.

Due to all the notice that the Battle of Gettysburg gets in the media as the penultimate Civil War battle, the 46th did not see much action at that battle, being stationed on Kulp's Hill to the extreme right of the line. Only one man in Company K, Lt. Darius Gilger, was wounded during the battle when he was shot through the left elbow on July 3, 1863. However, despite being relatively unscathed during the Battle of Gettysburg, the 46th Pennsylvania does have a monument on the battlefield, about 150 yards north of Spangler's Spring.

From Guards to G.A.R.

Of the 90 men who signed the original charter of the Shamokin Grays in 1842, it appears that none of them enlisted in the army during the war, perhaps due to age by that time. The most prominent member of the original signers was Kimber Cleaver, who was instrumental in laying out the streets of Shamokin and also owned the land that is now called Marion Heights. Cleaver died at the age of 44 in 1858 and is buried near the Soldier's Circle at the Shamokin Cemetery.

After the Civil War it does not appear that the Shamokin Guards reformed. By then, the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic - an organization similar to today's VFW) was the organization to join for Union Army veterans while old militia units, like the Grays and Guards, faded away.

(A special thanks to Thais Gardy, head librarian at the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library, for her assistance with this story.)

SHAMOKIN - Wow.

That's the best way to describe my eye-opening, stomach-turning, headache-induced experience as a participant in Friday's Standardized Field Sobriety Testing conducted by the Institute for Law Enforcement Education at Shamokin Rescue Squad behind the city's police station.

I've been known to have a beer or two or three before, but nothing could have prepared me for what I en-dured Friday.

The sobriety testing, hosted Thursday and Friday by Shamokin Police Department, Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini and the North Central Highway Safety Network, involved volunteer drinkers downing either rum and Coke or vodka and orange juice in 16-ounce cups until they reached various points of intoxication producing blood-alcohol content levels of .08 to .14 percent. The free "drinking binge" began at 8 a.m. with participants filling out paperwork for instructor Ashley Heiberger. Volunteers were then asked to walk across the room to another instructor, John Trindle, who operated a very expensive Breathalyzer to

determine the alcohol content in each of the participants.

Following periods of drinking, watching television, card playing and humorous conversation, the nine volunteers were allowed to munch on chips and pretzels around noon. The group was later summoned to the sally port area of the rescue squad quarters, where 16 police officers from Northumberland County and other counties took turns conducting a series of tests that involved walking, balancing and following the movement of a pen with your eyes.

Pizza and training

After the multiple tests were completed to detect impairment, volunteers were treated to pizza and water in an attempt to bring down their alcohol levels. The nine of us then headed for an adjoining classroom, where training program coordinator Tom Winters had provided instruction to police officers in alcohol detection and testing for three days.

Each of the nine volunteers had their respective Breathalyzer tests taken at different intervals announced by Heiberger. The officers who conducted the field sobriety tests on the participants were then asked if they would have arrested the volunteers based on the results of their walking, balancing and eye contact.

Unfortunately, none of us would have avoided arrest. But I had the fewest officers raise their hands in regard to arresting me. One local officer said he would be apprehensive about arresting me in fear I'd write a bad story about him.

Getting down to .05

After receiving our evaluations, we went back into the squad recreation room to see if he could get our breath tests below .05 percent, which was a requirement to be released from the program. Some of us made it no problem, while others, including myself, had to drink more water to reduce my level. I checked out about 4:45 p.m. and received a ride home from Shamokin Patrolman Mark Costa. A few others weren't so lucky and remained at the station "shaking the webs" while lying on couches.

I paid the piper the rest of the night as my head felt like a boulder hit it, and my stomach kept on gurgling.

I want to thank my boss, editor Andy Heintzelman, for allowing me to participate in the unique sobriety testing. In my case, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience because, at age 51, I was feeling my oats and have no intention of drinking any more rum and Cokes.

I also would like to commend Shamokin Chief of Police Edward Griffiths, who recommended me for the event, David R. Everly, regional coordinator for the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program in Pottsville, and the three instructors who were cool, courteous and caring throughout the long day.

Heiberger and Trindle are police officers in the Bethlehem and Philadelphia areas, respectively, while Winters recently retired from Lock Haven Police Department.

The Institute for Law Enforcement Education, which employs the instructors, is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

I also extend gratitude to my table mates, Paula Deitrick, Karen Smith and her daughter, Lauren Smith, all of Elysburg, who held nothing back in their conversations in making the day enjoyable. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you felt after the program, Lauren Smith got to be the "wild card" for the day, which meant she only had to drink soda while helping the other participants get through the training.

There were only six participants in Thursday's training, including Kathy James of the infamous James' Pizza gang, who was entertaining throughout the day, according to the three instructors. Knowing Kathy for many years, it doesn't surprise me that she was the life of the party.

Lesson learned

As the primary "police beat" reporter for The News-Item for 29 years, I've written about many people who were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Now, I know first hand how it feels, but thank God it wasn't for real. I'd be a hypocrite to say I've never been drunk or driven drunk in my life, but I made a vow after Friday to always turn the car keys over to someone else once I start "feeling good."

Stay thirsty my friends. If you have to drink alcohol, stick with beer. Liquor will kill you. And never drink and drive.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area's Silver Bowl was packed Saturday morning for the 17th annual Celebration of Special Athletes.

A Parade of Champions kicked off the event and dignitaries presented speeches prior to dozens of special athletes competing in various track and field and other sporting events.

Special presentations were made by The Marine Corps League Black Diamond Detachment and the ABATE Motorcycle Club.

Refreshments and lunch were provided free of charge by the Celebration of Special Athletes Committee, which, along with coaches and other volunteers, works each year to produce the popular event.

State Rep. Kurt Masser says he wishes local school districts were in a better position to balance their 2011-12 budgets, recognizing that most in his 107th Legislative District are debating between cutting staff and raising taxes - or both.

Still, the freshman Republican legislator is adamant that Gov. Corbett's proposed $27.3 billion budget does not cut education funding, but merely returns it to pre-federal stimulus levels.

"The funding was scaled back to 2008-2009 spending, and the House budget proposal bumped up that number, so we haven't cut anything," Masser said. "We are spending a record amount on education."

Masser, of Elysburg, discussed that and other issues related to the state budget and education funding in a phone interview Friday.

He noted that a March 16, 2009, memo from state Senate leaders cautioned public school leaders that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding wasn't going to last, and that their budgets should reflect that.

"This is a time for every governmental entity, including school districts, to hold the line on spending and to continue looking for ways to cut spending and avoid imposing

tax increases on hard-working Pennsylvania families," the memo read.

Masser also referred to a Pennsylvania Department of Education press release that said Corbett's budget calls for $8.2 billion to be spent on local public schools, up 2 percent from last year.

Sympathetic, but ...

Masser was invited to a recent budget session of the Mount Carmel Area School Board, which has been meeting weekly to find options for a projected $2 million deficit in its $16 million spending plan, which needs approval, as others do, by June 30.

"I wish I was coming here with better news or a big check, but it's not the case," Masser said at the time.

Some have since questioned Masser's sympathetic tone in light of his continued alignment with Corbett's controversial budget proposal, but the legislator reiterated his stance that funding has increased - and, now, so has state revenue.

Associated Press reported this week that the state had another better-than-expected revenue collection month in May and headed into the final month of the fiscal year with a nearly $540 million surplus. With Corbett seeking $2.6 billion in spending cuts to balance the budget, the rosy revenue report adds fuel to arguments by Democrats and even some Republican senators that the state can afford to spend more to ease proposed cuts.

The difficulty school leaders are having in drafting budgets without knowing the final outcome of state funding is something Masser experienced each year in his role as a Northumberland County commissioner, because the county functions with a calendar year budget.

He believes, however, that Harrisburg won't disappoint this year in passing a budget by the June 30 deadline, something that didn't happen once in former Gov. Ed Rendell's eight years.

"There will be a budget passed by June 30. I'm not saying that it couldn't be done earlier than that date, but it will be by the end of the month," Masser said.

Cutting teachers

When Corbett unveiled his budget proposal March 8, he suggested allowing furloughs of teachers for purely economic reasons rather than only for drastic drops in enrollment or educational program changes. Masser said he supports that idea and said it should be based on seniority.

"Until we have a better model in place to evaluate teachers, the best way to do it is last in, first out," he said.

He said school districts have been asking for that provision because the alternative is worse.

"In the system now, if you have one too many teachers in a foreign language curriculum and want to eliminate the position, you have to get rid of the entire program," he said.

Severance tax

Masser said he is studying various proposals from legislators and senators related to the state budget and a possible severance tax on extractions from Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling, something Corbett has said he won't allow.

Among the latest is one last week from Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, Chester, who asks for a "reasonable and competitive" severance tax to generate about $250 million annually that would freeze property taxes for those 65 and older who have qualified for a homestead exemption for at least five years.

"I certainly like that idea better than (Rep. Greg) Vitali's," Masser said. The proposal from Vitali, D-166, Delaware County, would put a tax on the drilling and the revenue would go to the general fund, local governments and environmental uses.

There is a "drilling impact fee" proposed by Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph B. Scarnati, R-25, Jefferson County, that would go to cover the costs of gas drilling on the environment and local governments.

"We have to protect our environment, and we have to protect our seniors as well," Masser said. "I have outlines of both bills and will be going over them to see which way to go. Either way, it's good to see the money have a purpose, not just for the sake of having money go to the general fund."

COLA returned

Masser said he is among the legislators who are trying to set examples in this difficult time.

"I have written a check returning the COLA (cost of living increase) that I didn't accept," he said. "I'm buying my own meals, not taking the per diem payments or submitting mileage, and have always used my own cell phone."

The concept of a government windfall is a foreign one now, as the federal, state and local governments focus mostly on cutting services.

Back in 2001, though, state lawmakers and then-Gov. Tom Ridge were handed a once-in-a-lifetime windfall. A class action suit by 46 states against the tobacco industry resulted in a $206 billion settlement payable over 25 years.

Pennsylvania's share is 5.75 percent, more than $11 billion.

After a lengthy debate early in 2001, Ridge and the lawmakers did exactly the right thing with the windfall. By law, they dedicated all of the revenue from the settlement to health care-related programs such as smoking cessation, health-related research at in-state universities, expanded health insurance for low-income residents and assistance for struggling hospitals.

Now, however, with the state facing a $4 billion deficit, the administration and lawmakers have begun to look at the 2001 law as a mere guideline.

Auditor General Jack Wagner has detailed how the Rendell administration and Legislature diverted some of the funds in recent years to cover holes in the budget.

This year, the Corbett administration eliminated the AdultBasic health insurance program for low-income workers, claiming that the state lacked the $55 million to sustain it for a year. At the same time, he has proposed diverting some of the tobacco settlement funds to create a business development loan fund.

In the coming fiscal year, the state will receive $324 million in tobacco settlement funds. It will average about $315 million a year through 2025.

Due to the Great Recession and the government's own failure to rein in runaway health care costs, the need for using the settlement funds for health care is greater than ever.

Lawmakers and Corbett should rededicate the funds to those purposes. Rather than diverting money to his pet business loan fund, the governor can use some of the more than $540 million in unanticipated tax collections that the state government has realized since last July.

The Legislature and Ridge reached a rare consensus in the public interest a decade ago. Their successors should honor it through 2025.

Editor's note: This is the first of what will be a monthly column provided by Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Coal Township. "Sensible Seniors" will appear on the Health and Fitness page the first Monday of each month.

Having to place a loved one in someone else's care on a long term basis or temporarily for rehabilitation can be a difficult and sometimes daunting experience. The good news is that the stigma on nursing facilities is fast disappearing and things have changed for the better. Here's what you need to know to make this life event less stressful.

Visit more than one center. Most centers can fulfill your medical needs, but you need to choose the one that is right for you.

Pay attention to how the residents interact with the employees. Does the staff stop and greet the residents or just pass them by because they don't know who they are.

Tour the facility. Does the environment look clean? Do the residents look clean and happy? An odor may occur on occasion, but should dissipate quickly. The environment should generally be odor free. Do not hesitate to return to a hall or revisit the center to check on things a second time.

When you ask a question, sometimes the response will be "I don't know." If it's not followed up by "let me find out", you may want to re-consider your choice.

Upon admission you should be given a list of facility contacts that include the phone number of the unit your loved one will be staying on and who to contact with your concerns or questions.

Information the facility will need:

The first person you'll meet will likely be the facility's Admission Coordinator.

Whether you're touring the facility for the first time or getting ready to admit your loved one, it's a good idea to have the necessary paperwork at hand. This includes any insurance social security cards, livings wills, and if necessary, a designee for power of attorney. You'll also be asked if your loved one has had any flu shots or pneumonia vaccine.

Questions you should ask:

Ask about insurance coverage; medical benefits can be complicated and confusing. The Center is able to find out the information and explain any out of pocket expenses to you prior to admission. Be sure to ask what's included in the rate charges. For example, some facilities may charge extra for laundry services while others include these services in the rate. You may want to know how your loved one will get to medical appointments, so do inquire about transportation services. Ask what types of programs the facility offers and what activities are available. Ask where the menu for meals is posted and if alternate meals are available if your loved one doesn't like what's on the menu.

Things you should know:

Several departments will be involved in doing a full assessment on your loved one within 24-48 hours of admission. This information will be used to ensure that the resident's stay is both comfortable and productive. Activities will do a comprehensive assessment that includes past and current interests. New residents will be invited to sample all the activities and encouraged to try a few new things. Social Service is responsible for coordinating the plan of care and discharge planning back to the community. If you share your room, the team tries matching a compatible room mate. Dietary will want to know about any food allergies or preferences. The objective should be to make meals inviting and comforting. Family members are always invited and encouraged to attend care plans, meetings and activities with their loved ones. You can help your family member's adjustment by giving the facility complete information to work with.

Nursing and rehabilitation centers are now places to LIVE and thrive in. Whether you are there on a long term basis or for short term rehabilitation and returning home, the experience should be a positive life enhancing one.

YORK - Megan Phillips has been named to the dean's list for the spring semester at York College of Pennsylvania with a grade point average of 4.0, while participating in track and field. She also earned dean's list for the fall semester of 2010. She will enter her sophomore year and is majoring in marketing.

A 2010 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School, she is a daughter of Dave and Carol Phillips, of Sunnyside.

WILKES-BARRE - Five area students earned degrees during King's College's 62nd commencement exercises on May 22.

They are:

Keziah Block, of Shamokin, Bachelor of Arts, elementary education.

Teyah L. Stiely, of Shamokin, Bachelor of Science, general science.

Courtney N. Novotny, Sunbury, Bachelor of Arts, psychology.

Gabrielle Sabo, Elysburg; bachelor of arts in elementary education.

Sean Michael Stout, Elysburg; bachelor of science in business administration.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 418th Changing of the Colors flag ceremony on Sunday, May 22, in honor and memory of a veteran of the Civil War.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of a war which divided the nation, where brother fought against brother. During those bloody four years, more than 618,000 soldiers, sailors and Marines died, more than any other war in this country's history.

Pvt. Daniel Fessler

Daniel Fessler was born on Sept. 24, 1827. While residing in Schuylkill County and working as a farmer, he was mustered into service on Nov. 3, 1862, at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, as a private with Company I, 151st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. On July 1, 1863, he was wounded during the first day of the battle of Gettysburg. During the 151st nine-month enlistment, Gettysburg was its only major engagement and the regiment had a 75 percent casualty rate of killed, wounded or missing. Fessler was mustered out with Company on July 27, 1863, at Harrisburg.

Following the war, he moved to Mount Carmel. At the time of his death on May 5, 1898, Fessler resided on West Fourth Street. He was survived by his wife Catharine and children. He was a member of Burnside Post No. 92, Grand Army of the Republic and is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Mount Carmel Township.

In honor of Parella

The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of Anthony J. Parella who served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

"Taps" was played on the bugle by Civil War re-enactor Edward Thomas when the Parella flag was lowered. The flag was folded by William Begis and Vincent Giacomini and presented to Frances Stutzman by Walter Summers.

The Fessler flag was escorted to the ceremony by Summers and presented by Anthony Rossi for raising. The national anthem was played on the violin by nine year old Chase Petro of Numidia during the raising. Anthony Candelora lowered and raised both flags. David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans. The ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans and Petro playing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Charles Noskoviak carried the American flag to the ceremony and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110 flag was carried by Thomas Shimko. The rifle escort consisted of Ronald Halcovich and Dennis Koprowski. Traffic control was provided by James Kealy. Also participating was Ann Ray Begis, president of the Joint Veterans. Summers thanked all those in attendance.

Participating in the ceremony were re-enactors of the 149th Bucktails Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The unit was under the command of Bruce Petro, and Brad Dodson carried the regimental colors. Other members of the unit were Heather Dodson, Jarrod Dodson, Gary Reigle I and Gary Reigle II.

The next flag ceremony will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 19, when the flag will be raised in honor and memory of Harold G. Morgan Sr., who served in the U.S. Air Force during Korean War.

13 die in holiday crashes

HARRISBURG - Thirteen people were killed and 294 others were injured in crashes investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police during the four-day Memorial Day travel period, Commissioner Frank Noonan said.

State police investigated a total of 808 crashes during the travel period spanning Friday to Monday, Noonan said.

Five of those killed were not wearing seat belts and 83 of the crashes were alcohol-related, including one of the fatal crashes.

Noonan said troopers arrested 357 motorists for driving under the influence, issued 7,934 speeding citations, cited 708 individuals for not wearing seat belts and issued 115 citations to motorists for not securing children in child safety seats.

During last year's four-day Memorial Day holiday driving period, 16 people died and 290 were injured in 776 crashes to which troopers responded.

Noonan said the numbers cover only those crashes investigated by state police and do not include statistics on incidents to which other law-enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania responded.

Free train program today

BUCKHORN - Free Wheelchair Engineers model-railroad program will be open from 3 to 5 p.m. today at Columbia Mall. The display is handicapped-accessible and runs six electric trains. There is also a Thomas the Train layout for toddlers. The event is held at the mall each Monday.

Take Our Community Back meeting

ATLAS - Take Our Community Back group meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Atlas Fire Company hall. New members are welcome.

Free blood pressure, sugar screening

Free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Trevorton Senior Action Center, Trevorton, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Elysburg Senior Action Center, 39 N. Market St., Elysburg. Sponsored by VNA Health System.

BRANCH TOWNSHIP - A 25-year-old Pottsville woman was killed Sunday morning when her 1998 Ford Bronco exited Route 901 at a high rate of speed and crashed into a telephone pole at the intersection with Route 209 near Amigos Mexican Grill, according to police.

State police at Schuylkill Haven reported Kristin Prokop, who was not wearing a seat belt, died from injuries suffered in the 12:26 a.m. crash in this Schuylkill County township.

Police said a witness reported seeing Prokop traveling east on Route 901 at a high rate of speed after leaving Amigos Mexican Grill. The vehicle overturned after it crashed and came to rest on its side in the corner of Kane Steel Co.