SHAMOKIN - An intoxicated 42-year-old Shamokin man, who allegedly pointed a rifle at a 13-year-old boy and threatened to kill him while standing on his porch on Spurzheim Street on Sunday afternoon, has been charged with five criminal offenses including terroristic threats.

Timothy Steven McCarthy, of 509 E. Spurzheim St., was charged by Patrolman Raymond Siko II with criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, recklessly endangering another person and public drunkenness relating to the disturbance that occurred at about 3:45 p.m. outside McCarthy's home.

Police said McCarthy was involved in an argument with his son's 13-year-old male friend before the defendant went inside his residence and retrieved an unloaded Winchester Model 70 .338-caliber rifle with a scope. Police reported McCarthy then raised the rifle to his shoulder and pointed it at the 13-year-old boy before stating, "I'll blow your (expletive) head off."

According to a criminal complaint, McCarthy's wife screamed at him to put the rifle away, which he agreed to do before fleeing the home on foot. While the disturbance was occurring, police said McCarthy's son called 911 to report the incident and subsequently provided police with a description of his father and what he was wearing.

Patrolman Shane Mowery located McCarthy at 3:53 p.m. walking in the 400 block of North Franklin Street and he was taken into custody by police without incident. Patrolman Mark Costa escorted McCarthy on foot to the city police station, which is located in the 500 block of North Franklin Street.

McCarthy was arraigned by video at 5:20 p.m. by on-call Magisterial District Judge Robert Bolton of Milton and committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $55,000 cash bail.

McCarthy's wife gave police permission to seize the rifle, which was found unloaded. The defendant's wife told police her husband had been drinking alcohol all day and was extremely intoxicated.

McCarthy told police he raised the rifle at the juvenile because he was "sick of those (expletive) stealing" from him.

By Mark Gilger

Staff Writer

mark_g@newsitem.com

ATLAS - Nobody in the area can come close to matching the longevity, dedication and success of Jim Bush Sr. as a youth baseball league manager.

The 63-year-old Bush of Atlas is already a baseball coaching legend in the Mount Carmel area for producing many outstanding players and winning numerous league and tournament titles in his illustrious 42-year career as a coach and manager for Atlas Fire Company in the Mount Carmel Junior Baseball League. But this season, he attained another milestone by being involved as a player, coach and manager in the youth baseball circuit for seven decades, a feat that probably will never be broken.

"I am honored and privileged to have had the opportunity to coach so many kids over the years," Bush said. "They have been my extended family. The positives involved with coaching have certainly outweighed the negative experiences I've encountered through the years."

When asked what his creed or motto has been as a coach, Bush stated, "I always expect my players to give 100 percent effort. Although we may not be the best team, no one should ever out hustle us. I've never measured my success by the number of championships we've won. My job as a coach is to help the players improve their skills. The true measurement of success for me is witnessing the improvement made by the players from the beginning of the season until the end."

He added, "I've always taught my players to have respect for their parents, teachers and coaches, and that they will receive respect in return. I also stressed that school and grades are more important than athletics."

Bush, who was inducted into the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 for his superb playing and coaching career, is a son of the late Dick and Helen (Kobilis) Bush. He was born in Taylorsville and played for Anthracite Fire Company in the then Mount Carmel Little League, a team he helped lead to an undefeated (16-0) championship season in 1960.

He was an outstanding high school pitcher and shortstop and graduated in 1965 from Mount Carmel Area High School. Bush, who served as co-captain of the 1965 team with Frank Bolick, helped lead the Red Tornadoes to the North Schuylkill League title in his senior season. The 1965 team was inducted into the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

Bush, who also played basketball in high school, served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 in the Signal Corps Communication Division during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged as a corporal.

Many influences

He then launched his incomparable coaching career in 1970 when he was named manager of Atlas Fire Company on the recommendation of legendary Atlas coach Hobi Forti, who went on disability and had to give up his managerial duties for one year. Bush's first team at Atlas captured the league title.

When Forti returned to the coaching ranks the next year, Bush served as his assistant in the Mount Carmel Junior Baseball League until 1991 when Forti retired after 30 years of dedicated service to the league.

Bush said Frank C. Bolick, the son of his high school teammate, was the best baseball player he ever coached. Bolick played in the major leagues with the Montreal Expos and Anaheim Angels after coming up through the minors with the Seattle Mariners organization. Bolick also played professional baseball in Japan and currently resides in Den-Mar Gardens.

Bush considers one of his current players, Maura "Mickey" Fiamoncini, among the best shortstops he's ever coached. Fiamoncini, who is the first female baseball player in Atlas Fire Company history, is a daughter of Bush's assistant coaches, Jim and Justine Fiamoncini, of Mount Carmel. Justine Fiamoninci is the first woman to serve as a coach with the Atlas program.

Bush said he gave Maura Fiamoncini the nickname "Mickey" in memory of his favorite baseball player, Mickey Mantle.

Bush said legendary Mount Carmel Little League coach Harold "Ducky" Dettrey, who was his first baseball coach in 1955, had the most influence on his long career in baseball.

"Ducky was such a student of the game," Bush said. "He taught us well and gave us more signals than any coach I've ever been around."

Dettrey, who coached Anthracite Fire Company for 25 years, died in 1981. The Most Valuable Player Awards presented to players on both teams reaching the Mount Carmel Junior Baseball League World Series have been named after Dettrey since 1982.

Bush said Dettrey willed his record books to him that provide accounts of various seasons in the league that was established in 1948.

In addition to his coaching duties, Bush has served as president and secretary of the Mount Carmel Junior Baseball League.

Shawn Kalinoski, who has been involved with coaching Mother Cabrini youth baseball teams in Shamokin for 10 years, praised Bush for his dedication to baseball.

"Jim has been around a long time and deserves credit for everything he has done for Atlas and the Mount Carmel Junior Baseball League," Kalinoski said. "His longevity in the game speaks for itself. It's pretty amazing to coach for 42 years and be involved in baseball for seven decades."

Kalinoski competed against Bush's teams in the 1980s as a member of St. Stanislaus baseball team.

Love them or hate them

Jack Spade, who has served as president of the Mount Carmel Junior Baseball League for six years and competed against Atlas teams in the early 1980s as a member of Locust Gap, described Bush as "great man who is loved by his players."

"Jim has done so much for the kids over the years," Spade said. "He is a legend like his predecessor, Hobi Forti. He's been a great coach for many years and the entire Atlas program is a phenomenal organization. They are one big family."

Spade, whose son, Damian Spade, played for Bush for four years, said, "Jim is like the mayor of Atlas. Everybody knows him. And the Atlas baseball program is the New York Yankees of the Mount Carmel Junior Baseball League. They have won more titles than any other team in the league. Like the Yankees, you either love them or hate them."

Jim Fiamoncini, who played for Atlas Fire Company in the mid 1970s, said, "I always respected Mr. Bush as a coach. He's very dedicated and he certainly knows the game. He stresses fundamentals, which has always been a staple for Atlas. Atlas Fire Company has a great reputation and tradition of winning baseball and playing the game the right way."

Fiamoncini, whose son, Bryce, also played for Bush, added, "I always wanted my children to play for Atlas because Mr. Bush has always maintained the same coaching style that has proven very successful over the years. I was fortunate to win multiple championships playing for Hobi Forti and Jim. Atlas baseball has always been special to me. It's like a family."

Bush also was an outstanding basketball coach for Holy Spirit Grade School in Mount Carmel for 26 years in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). He was an assistant coach and head coach on the boys' "B" level for many years and also coached the girls' "C" team for seven years. In addition, Bush was an assistant "A" team coach for a couple years before retiring in 1997.

Bush, who coached several teams during the same season, calculated that he coached 39 different basketball squads in 26 years.

The longtime Atlas resident also was an outstanding shortstop for many years with Shuda Cafe and B&E Body in the Intercity Softball League that captured multiple championships.

The coach is especially proud of the fact that every kid whoever played for him started at least one game during their baseball and basketball careers.

Bush has made it a tradition over the years to treat his baseball players to a minor league or major league baseball game and team picnics every summer.

'As long as my health holds out'

His biggest reward from coaching comes when former players thank him for the discipline and guidance he provided them during their playing days. "It makes you feel good when you know people appreciate your efforts," he said. "I'm always happy to help any kid, especially those who need to mend their lives."

Bush said baseball players today are basically the same when he started coaching, but face a lot more distractions such as video games. "The skill levels are comparable today to the 1970s, but parents tend to baby their kids more and become very defensive when you discipline them," Bush said.

When asked how long he plans on coaching baseball, Bush said, "As long as my health holds out. God and my family have been very good to me all these years. I would love to coach my grandchildren, but I'm taking it one year at a time."

Bush is the district manager for Berkheimer Tax Administrators based in Bloomsburg, a company he has been employed with for 31 years.

He has been president of the West End Playground Association in Atlas for 42 years and has served as president of Atlas Baseball Boosters. He is a former vice president of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School Boosters Association and served on St. Paul's Parish Council and Holy Spirit School Board.

He also formerly served as president of the Shamokin-Mount Carmel Boys and Girls CYO Basketball Leagues and as vice president of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Bush has been president of Atlas Fire Company for the past decade and formerly served as vice president.

He is a member of Divine Redeemer Church in Mount Carmel and a former member of St. Paul's Chapel in Atlas.

Bush, who has been involved in numerous community and charitable events over the years, has been married for 42 years to the former Betty Jean Pizzoli, whom he praised for greatly supporting his coaching career.

They are the parents of three children, James Jr., 41, of Hershey; Bob, 39, of Atlas, and Rochelle Ouardi, 38, of Atlas. They also have seven grandchildren.

In addition to coaching and cheering for his favorite professional sports teams - New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers - Bush enjoys listening to "oldies" music and collecting baseball cards and other sports memorabilia.

Name: Jim Bush Sr.

Age: 63.

Education: 1965 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School.

Occupation: District manager for Berkheimer Tax Administrators.

Hobbies: Coaching baseball, listening to "oldies" music and collecting baseball cards and other sports memorabilia.

Family: Wife of 42 years, Betty Jean; three children, Jim Jr., Bob and Rochelle Ouardi, and seven grandchildren.

The following memorials and donations have been presented to Divine Redeemer Church, Mount Carmel, for the month of May.

In memory of:

Jean E. Kijewski from Marietta and Gina Miriello.

Romilda F. Bridy from Mildred Greco, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Iwanski, Carl and Lorraine Kutza, Don and Diane Ciocco, Gene and Eileen McGee, Mary Baigis, Martie Greco, Annabelle Skonecki, Martha Meredith, Stephanie Hornberger, Stephan Benner, Tom and Diane Lucas, Perry and Glenna Snyder, Glenn and Tina Meredith, Sam and Ann Spears, Myron Zuech, The Klimas family, Jasmine Paskell, Dora and Joan DiFrancesco, Lena Wynne and family, Joseph T. Thiroway, Mr. and Mrs. William Pollock, Claire Kornacki, Hannah and Rachel Williams, Blanche B. Storz, Frank and Mary Sawicki, Jazz and AnnLouise Diminick, Gina and Marietta Miriello, Anne McAndrew and family, Anita Frank and family, Gilly Elgin and family, Jackie Wanzie, Mary Rita Socoloski, Rita M. Pizzoli, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Pizzoli, Eric, Krisa, Holly and Marcus Moncavage, Kay Mannello, Gerry Palewicz, RoseMarie Lombardo, Betty Hornberger, Carrie and Donna Sawicki, Craig and Angie Love, Bruno Leonardi, Mary Theresa and Ray Hornberger, Bob and Marie Ficca, Charles and Beth Rebuck, Maureen J. Kuzo, Jacqueline and Josephine Varano, Pat Nevis, Peggy Lutcavage, Enez Stetz, Ann DiFrancesco, Margaret Wasileski, Scicchitano family, Rose, Ed and Catherine, Joe and Lucille Swatski, Sara Mirarchi, Tom and AnnaMae Moser, John and Peg McGuire, Elizabeth Warner, Pat Bartos, Norman Basso, Ray and Eleanor Cristan, Cathy Lacroce, Pat and Bob Roney, Jean Spadel, Jack and Marie Gross, Isabell Amarose, Pat Murawski, Connie Wenrich, Frank and Marie Alba, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Zuech, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Pulaski, Joseph R. Hanna Jr., Victor J. Girardi, Joan M. Todisco, Emma Walsh, Barbara (Bolick) Brooks, Vi Bolick, Gerry Bushick, Mary Kuzo, Nancy Girardi Rogers, Thomas and Gayle Stinsky, Evelyn Pedergnana, Steve Fedock, Rick and Lucille Shierant, Mary Ann Krakowski, Trina and John Leshinski, Frank and MaryAnn Murin, Miriam Weikel, Gloria and Tom Zimnawoda, Linda and Paul Szymanski, Gloria Tresca, Alice O'Donnell, Mr. and Mrs. Basil Hashuga, Henry and Stella Boltralik, Julius and Esther Ardan.

Leah R. Politis from Martha Meredith, Frank and Mary Sawicki, Pat Bartos, Frank and Marie Alba, Connie Wenrich, Norm and Ron Basso, Mary C. Sawicki, Miriam Weikel, Jeffrey Scott Schiavone, Paula Hanke, Barb Iwanski, Anne M. Reynolds.

John Stoudt from Frank and Mary Sawicki, Elizabeth Warner.

Thomas Berrigan from Bob and Louise Drumheiser and Family.

Anne M. (Siedlecki) Birch from daughter, Alexandra Anne.

Norbert Ososkie from Antoinette Niglio, Carol and Matthew Altomare and John Carr, John and Carla Gabreski.

Al S. Zielinski from Norbert Dombroski.

Thomas P. Alekseyko from Helen Hirsch, Joseph Kaminsky and family, Donna and Doug Sweeney and family, Frank and Mary Sawicki, Cecilia Dorkoski, Rita and Jean Grochowski.

Ruth Krepps from Gina and Marietta Miriello, Anne McAndrew and family, Anita Frank and family.

Albert Zigarski from Connie Wenrich and son, Dave.

Kimber Wynn from Connie Wenrich and sons.

Henry Herb from Mr. and Mrs. John Wenrich, Ann Wenrich, Connie Wenrich and son, Dave.

Bertha Pinamonti from Gloria Tresca.

Elinor Fisher from Gloria Tresca.

John T. Kobilis Sr. from Jack and Fran Cichon.

Jean Bush from Mildred Palembas, Ron and Tom Siko.

Saverio V. and Raffaela Miriello from daughters, Marietta and Gina.

In thanksgiving

For our Blessings from Silent Donor.

In honor of St. Jude

Anonymous.

Bloomsburg University

Ryan Patrick Smolock, a first year student majoring in secondary education Biology, has attained a 3.69 grade point average at Bloomsburg University.

Smolock graduated from Nativity B.V.M., Pottsville. He was a key member of their championship soccer team in 2010. He is an active member of St. Joseph's parish in Ashland.

Smolock is the son of Cynthia and Joseph Smolock, Ashland. He is the grandson of Sharon and Joseph Smolock, Ashland and Penelope and Andrew Murphy, Coal Township.

Wilkes University

Stephanie Williams, a 2010 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, was named to the dean's list at Wilkes University. A daughter of Addison and Angie (Pensyl) Williams, she is pursing a career in physical therapy. Williams is the granddaughter of Loretta Williams, and Lee and Kathy Pensyl, both of Mount Carmel.

Syracuse University

SYRACUSE N.Y. - Matthew David Sejuit, a son of Walter and Mary Sejuit, 1023 W. Willow St., Coal Township, graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in psychology May 15.

After spending six years in the Navy as a corpsman with two deployments to Iraq and an honorable discharge, Sejuit completed his associate's degree in letters, arts and sciences at Penn State University. While at Penn State, Sejuit worked as a certified peer tutor and a research assistant to Dr. Darcy Medica. He also received the highly coveted Biology Award.

Sejuit was named a Chancellor Scholar for Syracuse University, where he was inducted into the Pi chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry fraternity and the Rho Xi chapter of Beta Beta Beta Biology honor society. Sejuit also worked as a patient care technician for St. Joseph's Hospital Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) in Syracuse, N.Y.

Sejuit has been accepted to the University of Southern California for his graduate work, which he will start in the fall.

As seen on these facing pages, more than 40 people participated in The News-Item's inaugural "Celebrity" photo booth project at the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts on May 28 in downtown Shamokin. We thank those who smiled for the camera, and we look forward to doing the project again next year with an improved set-up and maybe a few new twists.

n MOUNT CARMEL - Two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault and one count each of terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and harassment filed by Kulpmont Officer Nicole Baker against Joseph Phillipine, 27, of 831 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, were dismissed Wednesday when the alleged victim refused to testify.

Phillipine was held for court on a charge of resisting arrest.

Phillipine was charged with chasing Joleen Redd around the house at 831 Chestnut St. with a knife, choking her and cutting her with the knife on May 14.

The defendant was ordered by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones to appear for arraignment July 5 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, at which time he can plead guilty or no contest to the resisting arrest charge, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n MOUNT CARMEL - Christopher B. Sobol, 23, of 296 Longacre Road, Elysburg, waived to court Wednesday two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and careless driving relating to a March 2 incident on Route 61 near the Wayside Inn.

The charges were filed by Ralpho Township Patrolman Christopher Grow.

Sobol was ordered by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones 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 MOUNT CARMEL - Curtis L. Sosnoski, 41, of 523 W. Third St., Mount Carmel, waived to court Wednesday two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and limitations on backing relating to a March 31 incident in the 100 block of South Poplar Street.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Jason Drumheller.

Sosnoski was ordered by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones 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 MOUNT CARMEL - Robert W. Beury Jr., 23, of 126 W. Girard St., Atlas, waived to court Wednesday two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a March 13 incident at East Avenue and Locust Street.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Jason Drumheller.

Beury was ordered by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones 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.

TURBOTVILLE - A Turbotville woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash at 5 a.m. Monday on Route 54 near Beaver Run Road in Lewis Township, within about one mile of her home.

Beverly A. Tanner, 64, was pronounced dead at the scene by a representative of the Northumberland County Coroner's Office. The other driver, William Little, 20, of Turbotville, whose vehicle burst into flames after the impact, was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he was listed in serious condition as of 1 p.m.

State police at Milton report a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Little, was traveling east on Route 54 about one mile east Turbotville when he traveled off the right side of the road. His pickup then traveled back across the eastbound lane and into the westbound lane, directly into the path of Tanner's westbound 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora.

The two vehicles struck head-on in the westbound lane. Tanner's vehicle rotated and traveled off the north side of the road and into a shallow gully; Little's vehicle continued east on Route 54 for a short distance before going into the same gully. The Silverado then caught on fire, but Little was able to escape before his vehicle was completely consumed.

A section of the highway from Route 44 in Turbotville east to County Line Road was closed to traffic for approximately 4 1/2 hours while the scene was cleaned and police investigated.

Assisting police at the scene were members of the State Police Forensic Unit out of Montoursville, the State Police Reconstruction Unit, PennDOT, Warrior Run and Turbotville Fire Department and Fire Police. The investigation into the accident will continue.

Noteworthy

Yard sale in Ranshaw

RANSHAW - Ranshaw's community yard sale will be held Friday and Saturday.

Paving projects announced

COAL TOWNSHIP - Doli Construction announced the following paving work schedule today in the Springfield section of the township:

- Tioga Street from Chemung to Thomas.

* Mohawk Street from Sherman to Thomas.

Parking is restricted on both sides of the street.

Summer food program to start

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area School District is again participating in the summer food program. It will begin Monday and run through July 21, Mondays through Thursdays (except July 4).

Meals will be provided, free of charge, to all children 18 and younger. Lunches will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This year, there will be two locations for the lunches to be served, the Shamokin Area Middle/High School and the Shamokin Elementary Annex. Any program questions can be directed to Peggy Bednarchik at 648-5752, extension 3632.

Road Work

Route 61 resurfacing to start

MONTOURSVILLE - A resurfacing project on State Route 61 in Upper Augusta, Rockefeller and Shamokin townships is scheduled to start next week.

On Monday, prime contractor Eastern Industries, Inc. will begin a 4.5-mile long resurfacing project between Hamilton and Stonington.

Included are milling, resurfacing, base repairs, bridge deck preservation treatments, pavement markings, paved shoulders, guide rail upgrades, drainage improvements and other miscellaneous construction.

Work will be done under daylight flagging operations, with lane restrictions and delays likely. Motorists are advised to plan their travels accordingly.

This $1,979,950 project is scheduled for completion by late September.

By Mark Gilger

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Commissioner Chairman Frank Sawicki believes the 2011 county budget totaling approximately $69.4 million will be balanced at the end of the year. But fellow Commissioner Vinny Clausi claims a significant deficit will exist - as he predicted when he voted against the current spending plan in December.

"At this point in time, the commissioners expect to end the year on budget," Sawicki wrote in a statement e-mailed to The News-Item on Monday afternoon after a request to discuss the issue. "This means the money we had in the beginning balance on Jan. 1, 2011, plus revenue for 2011 less expenses for 2011, should balance as predicted."

Sawicki said the commissioners recognize that the beginning fund balance for 2012 will decrease primarily due to increases in health care costs for inmates housed at the county prison and increased expenses for state and mandated programs.

Sawicki said the largest expense contained in the $21,148,630 general fund is $3,954,222 to operate the prison.

"Tax revenues from real estate taxes are slightly increasing," he said. "The primary reason for the slight increase is the decrease in delinquent taxes owed to the county. Tax upset sales and judicial sales are encouraging the payment of back taxes. This action of forced sales by the commissioners is also benefitting the local municipalities and school districts."

Sawicki said a reduction in county personnel and changes in bidding for major cost items such as health insurance, other insurances, fuel, long-term leases and high interest bonds have had a positive effect on the county's long-term cash flow and the cost to the taxpayers.

The commissioners are looking to make additional cuts in operating expenses, according to Sawicki.

But Clausi paints a different financial picture.

"I predicted we would face more than a $2 million deficit at the end of 2011," Clausi said his December budget vote. "And I still stick to my prediction. I'm a businessman, not a politician. I am not going to lie to the people of Northumberland County."

Manor windfall a help

Clausi said his predicted deficit could be reduced to approximately $700,000 if the commissioners choose to use a $1.8 million surplus from Medicare and Medicaid payments made to the county. Clausi said the payments were received for January and February 2010 in connection with the $16.5 million sale of the former Mountain View Manor and Rehabilitation Center on Trevorton Road to Complete Healthcare Resources in January 2010.

Clausi said the deficit will be created as a result of a $2.5 million increase in health care costs over the past two years, a $2 million increase in the pension plan and $1 million in raises for union employees in 2010 and 2011, which he voted against. Sawicki and Commissioner Merle Phillips, who had just taken office in late 2010, approved the 2011 budget.

"I've been preaching for the last three and a half years about these increases, but nothing was done," Clausi said. "I believe the 2011 budget was phony and the evidence will show at the end of the year."

Commissioner Merle Phillips, meanwhile, said a lot of changes have been made since the beginning of the year to cut expenses, with more to come.

"Past union contracts definitely hurt us," he said. "But we have changed the structure of the purchasing department, refinanced bonds, installed a new telephone system and moved county offices out of the American Legion building into the human services complex, all of which have saved money for the county."

Sawicki and Clausi, both Democrats, and Phillips and Sunbury attorney Rick Shoch, Republicans, are on the Nov. 8 ballot for the three county commissioner posts.

Too early to say

Northumberland County Acting Controller Tony Phillips said it's a little early to predict if a deficit will exist at the end of the year because the 2010 financial audit won't be completed until the end of the summer.

"Earlier in the year, it appeared there was a sizable structural imbalance in the budget," the controller said. "But various cost-saving measures taken by the three commissioners during the year will reduce expenses. We will have a better financial picture by early fall."

MOUNT CARMEL - Christine Mrozek has been named the valedictorian of the Class of 2011 at Mount Carmel Area High School. Kelsey Kraynak has been named salutorian of the class.

The remaining top five students are Brigid M. Demko, third; Carissa N. Pupo, fourth, and Cara F. Sinopoli, fifth.

Valedictorian

Mrozek is the daughter of Maribeth and Raymond Mrozek, and she resides at 1010 Ash St., Kulpmont.

She is a member of the National Honor Society. As a senior, she participated in the interact club, powder-puff, float committee, the school musical, art club, track and field, volleyball, Future Nurses of America, developmental studies, Odyssey of the Mind, and haunted high school.

Christine plans to attend Elizabethtown College to major in Pre-Medicine.

Salutatorian

Kraynak is the daughter of Rose and Mark Kraynak, and resides at 553 North St., Marion Heights.

She is a member of the National Honor Society. As a senior, she participated in the interact club, peer mediation, SADD, powder-puff, intramural volleyball, cross country, track and field, swimming, Spanish club, Future Teachers of America, developmental studies, and Odyssey of the Mind.

Kelsey plans to attend Drexel University to major in health sciences.

Demko is the daughter of Margaret and Thomas Demko and resides at 1162 Chestnut St., Kulpmont.

She is a member of the National Honor Society. As a senior, she participated in the Interact Club, Peer Mediation, SADD, Powder-puff, Float Committee, News Reporting, TV Studio, Class Officer, Stage Crew, Girls' Soccer, Cheerleading, Track and Field, Girls' Basketball, Spanish Club, Chorus, and Student Government.

Brigid plans to attend Syracuse University to major in Broadcast Journalism.

Pupo is the daughter of Kathryn and Frank Pupo, and resides at 174 Kansas Lane, Kulpmont.

She is a member of the National Honor Society. As a senior, she participated in the Musical, Band, Cheerleading, Spanish Club, and Chorus.

Carissa plans to attend Susquehanna University to major in Music Education and Spanish.

Sinopoli is the daughter of Cindy and David Sinopoli, and resides at 136 Colorado Circle, Kulpmont.

She is a member of the National Honor Society. As a senior, she participated in the Interact Club, Powder-puff, Float Committee, Stage Crew, Track and Field, Girls' Basketball, Spanish Club, Pep Club, and Future Teachers of America.

Cara plans to attend Penn State University, Main Campus, to major in Veterinary Medicine/Biological Science.

HARRISBURG - Highlighting his western Pennsylvania roots, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum Monday kicked off what some see as a long shot candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 on the steps of the Somerset County Courthouse.

Santorum paid homage to his grandfather who left Italy during the early years of the fascist dictatorship of Benito Mussolini to work in a bituminous coal mine in Somerset County.

"Our American journey started here in Somerset County," Santorum told a rally after his wife Karen made introductions.

Santorum leveled a wide range of criticisms at President Obama for his handling of the nation's economic, financial, health care and energy policies and made no mention of other GOP candidates for president.

He said the enactment of the health care reform act last year was an effort by Obama and the Democratic party to get Americans hooked on another government entitlement program.

"They want to hook you," he added. "They don't want to free you."

In another jab, the former senator said that Somerset County is mineral-rich with oil and natural gas deposits yet Obama doesn't want to access those resources to bring gasoline prices down.

Santorum joins a fluid GOP field of four officially declared candidates and more could enter the race in the weeks and months ahead.

Santorum, 53, served two terms in the Senate representing Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2007, and a Pittsburgh area U.S. House district before that. He was defeated for a third term in 2006 by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey.

Santorum has a following among the GOP's base of social conservatives voters, yet he is little known nationwide and has 2 percent support rating in an average of national polls, said Terry Madonna, Ph.D., political science professor at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster.

Santorum's challenge is to bring his poll numbers up and stay in the race for the long haul, he added.

"He is insisting as much as any one could on putting the socially conservative issues before the electorate," Dr. Madonna said.

U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, Hazleton, believes Santorum is ready for the fight.

"He's a tough competitor and a hard campaigner, and I certainly wouldn't count him out," Barletta said. "It will depend on the field and the issues, but you can't count anyone out."

Lackawanna County Republican Party chairman Lance Stange and a spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-10, Lycoming Twp, echoed the praise for Santorum.

"I'm happy to see the senator entering the race," Stange said. "I think all the candidates that have declared are good. I think they all can represent a different direction for country than President Obama has, and I think the American people are ready for that."

Marino spokesman Jason Fitzgerald said the congressman "has tremendous respect for Senator Santorum, and appreciates his 16 years of service to the people of Pennsylvania as a U.S. congressman and U.S. senator." "Rick Santorum is a tireless advocate for conservative principles, and the congressman wishes him well in his campaign for the presidency," Fitzgerald said.

Pennsylvania Democrats didn't offer Santorum any encouragement.

"Rick Santorum's entrance into the race and acceptance as a mainstream Republican candidate shows how far the Republican party has veered to the right," said Jim Burn, state Democratic party chairman.

Conor Foley, staff writer, contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

COAL TOWNSHIP - Coal Township Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 317 is planning a flag retirement ceremony for 6 p.m. Flag Day, Tuesday, at the Coal Township Municipal Building, 805 W. Lynn St.

The ceremony is open to the public. People are urged to attend and bring with them any old or tattered American flags that they wish to be retired. Also, anyone attending should bring a lawn chair.

The Coal Township VFW dedicated a flag drop-off box in July 2003 in front of the municipal building for the public to drop off any worn or tattered American flags for proper disposal. Due to the huge success of the drop-off box and old flags collected from local cemeteries, a flag retirement ceremony has become necessary.

Every week, a member of the post collects the flags from the drop-off box. Since its dedication, the post has collected more than 100,000 American flags of various sizes. Post officials said they are grateful to the citizens who chose to use the drop-off box so their flags can have a proper disposal.

The ceremony is usually conducted privately. The Coal Township VFW decided to make it open to the public so people can experience and be informed on the proper protocol for retiring old and worn American flags.

Shamokin American Legion Post 73 will help with the ceremony, which ends with the playing of patriotic music.

The Coal Township VFW expressed appreciation to the Coal Township Board of Commissioners and the Maine Fire Company for their permission and help in making the ceremony possible.

Noteworthy

Don't place yard waste at curbs

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Street Department has finished collecting yard waste for the season.

Residents are reminded to take yard waste and trimmings to the recycling center on Venn Access Road.

Paving schedule announced

COAL TOWNSHIP - Doli Construction announced the following paving work schedule in the Springfield section of the township:

Wednesday

- Pulaski Avenue from Sherman to Meade.

- Mohawk Street from Sherman to Thomas.

Thursday and Friday

- Clay Street from Hancock to Howard.

- Emery Street from Webster to Clay.

- Tioga Street from Hancock to Logan.

Parking is restricted on both sides of the streets.

New Civil War exhibit to open

LEWISBURG - In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the Susquehanna River Valley Heritage Alliance invites the public to visit a new regional civil war exhibit, "The Central Susquehanna River Valley Goes to War, 1861" at the Packwood House Museum, 15 N. Water St., Lewisburg between June 14 and Sept. 17.

The exhibit includes the Underground Railroad in the region; women and the home front; newspapers of the area and how they reported news; how Danville's iron mills aided the war effort; a display of original artifacts, photographs, muster rolls and uniformed mannequins, and vignettes focusing on Dr. Theodore Christ, Eli Slifer, Colonel James Cameron and John Boulton Young.

For more information, go to www.VisitCentralPA.org/PACivilWar150.

Penn State University

UNIVERSITY PARK - Several area residents received degrees during commencement exercises at Penn State University.

Students and their degrees are:

David M. Adams, Elysburg, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, animal sciences.

Coby A. Bamford, Coal Township, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, nutritional sciences.

Amanda B. Ebersole, Sunbury, Altoona Campus, Bachelor of Science, business.

Nicholas R. Gober, Ashland, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, finance.

Lisa M. Harrison, Mount Carmel, World Campus, Bachelor of Science, nursing.

Tyler C. Hassinger, Sunbury, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, kinesiology, with distinction.

Justin T. Jordan, Gordon, Schuylkill Campus, Bachelor of Arts, administration of justice.

Matthew A. Kroh, Ashland, Schuylkill Campus, Bachelor of Science, psychology.

Kristen E. Lenig, Sunbury, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, recreation, park and tourism management.

Craig H. Love, Ashland, Harrisburg Campus, Master of Business Administration, business administration.

Sarah H. Lucas, Paxinos, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, biology.

Paul C. Lynch, Gordon, University Park Campus, Ph.D., industrial engineering.

Alicia C. Maurer, Elysburg, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, nutritional sciences.

Collin B. McNeil, Paxinos, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, civil engineering.

Alecia L. Nolter, Mount Carmel, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, hotel, restaurant and institutional management.

Robert C. Orth, Ashland, Harrisburg Campus, Master of Public Administration, public administration.

Kara M. Petrusky, Elysburg, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, nursing.

Anthony J. Procopio, Coal Township, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Arts, integrative arts.

Heather S. Pursel, Catawissa, University Park Campus, Master of Science, biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology.

Nina M. Reichner, Paxinos, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, biology.

Jennifer K. Reitz, Sunbury, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Arts in journalism and Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone studies, both with distinction.

Daniel M. Richardson, Shamokin, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering.

William R. Rummel, Shamokin, Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Juris Doctor, law.

Kaila M. Sofranek, Mount Carmel, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, marketing.

Mark L. Stankiewicz, Mount Carmel, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Arts, advertising/public relations.

Bryanna M. Taylor, Shamokin, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies.

Michael T. Thomas, Sunbury, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, biological engineering.

Roxann D. Ulceski, Mount Carmel, Hazleton Campus, Bachelor of Arts, letters, arts and sciences.

Grier L. Wilt, Sunbury, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and Bachelor of Science in international studies.

Jill E. Yisrael, Herndon, Harrisburg Campus, Master of Education, teaching and curriculum.

Aaron D. Young, Catawissa, University Park Campus, Bachelor of Science, forest science.

Rachel L. Zanella, Mount Carmel, Schuylkill Campus, Bachelor of Science, business, with high distinction.

HARRISBURG - The child pornography trial of a retired Mount Carmel police officer has been delayed for the third time.

U.S. Middle District Senior Judge William W. Caldwell on Monday granted the motion of Blaine R. Handerhan, 55, who now lives in Jonestown, Lebanon County. Jury selection is now scheduled for Aug. 8 rather than June 20.

Handerhan said he has retained an expert and time is needed for him to examine computer equipment that was seized by authorities. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Clancy did not oppose the continuance.

The trial was initially scheduled for Jan. 10, but it was continued until April 18 at the request of Handerhan's lawyer, Matthew R. Gover, Harrisburg. The defendant was again granted a continuance as that date approached, and the trial was rescheduled for June 20.

Handerhan was indicted Oct. 13 on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography. He pleaded innocent Nov. 2 before Magistrate Judge J. Andrew Smyser and was released on personal recognizance with conditions that included home confinement with electronic monitoring.

Restrictions modified

Caldwell recently modified those conditions to allow Handerhan to be away from home between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Gover made that request April 12, saying Handerhan had voluntarily been evaluated by TRIAD treatment specialists and undergone extensive testing that concluded he would not be at increased risk of sexual recidivism if he were allowed to have more flexibility from his supervision. Gover argued the restrictions were creating a serious hardship for Handerhan's ability to raise his children.

Retired in 2005

Handerhan, who served as a Mount Carmel policeman for 30 years before retiring on Oct. 30, 2005, at the rank of lieutenant, was ordered to avoid all contact with victims or witnesses in the case and any child under the age of 18, except his own children. He was restricted to travel only in counties in the Middle District Court of Pennsylvania and ordered to surrender any passport, which Handerhan told the judge he did not possess.

Handerhan also had to surrender any firearms or other dangerous weapons.

SUNBURY - U.S. Rep Tom Marino (R-10) will present medals to the mother of a deceased veteran, who was originally from Elysburg, at 3:30 p.m. today at the Thomas Brill Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, 2 Shikellamy Road.

Spc. Joseph Zielinski, 26, died in November 2008 at Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic, New York, after an unexpected illness. He served in the U.S. Army in Kuwait and Iraq from 2001 to 2005, having been honorably discharged Oct. 15, 2005.

His mother, Josette Zielinski, of Elysburg, will accept the medals and ribbons in honor of her late son. The public is encouraged to attend.

Zielinski was also the son of Joseph E. Zielinski Sr. and the husband of Sheena Bergeron. He is also survived by four daughters, Samantha, Gabrielle, Josette and Austina.

MOUNT CARMEL - Joseph Lapotsky was appointed to the Mount Carmel Borough Council on Tuesday, filling the vacancy left with the resignation of Councilman Ronald Tanney in April.

Councilman Bob Shirmer made the motion to appoint Lapotsky, and Councilman Gary Hixson Jr. seconded. Lapotsky was unanimously appointed with a 4-0 vote.

Mayor J. Kevin Jones was not present at Tuesday's meeting, but will swear in Lapotsky during the next meeting.

Lapotsky was born and raised in Centralia and has resided in Mount Carmel for the past 20 years.

He graduated from Mount Carmel Area High School in 1970 and Bloomsburg University in 1974 with a degree in business education. He earned his master's degree in education from Bloomsburg in 1976.

Lapotsky was a business education teacher at Tamaqua for 34 years and served as an adjunct instructor for both Reading and Luzerne community colleges, teaching a variety of business administration courses. While at Tamaqua, he developed and implemented several new courses, including personal finance and other consumer and business related studies. He has also coached wrestling at different levels and was an adviser for several clubs and organizations.

In addition to his educational endeavors, Lapotsky said he has knowledge and experience in construction and vocational areas.

Lapotsky served on the Conyngham Township Board of Supervisors from 1982 to 1986, which he said afforded him the opportunity to deal with many local, state and federal officials in regards to the Centralia mine fire. He is currently a member of the Mount Carmel Borough Zoning Board.

Lapotsky is married to the former Kathy Hynoski and has two children, Jessica, a speech therapist with the Ridley School District, and Eric, a graduate student and coach at the University of Oklahoma.

SHAMOKIN - Two brothers accused of knocking a man unconscious in an assault and robbing him afterwards waived their rights to a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning.

Joshua I. Broscious, 18, and Scott M. Broscious, 20, both of 821 E. Cameron St., Shamokin, waived their hearings before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin. The two men are now scheduled to appear in Northumberland County Court Monday, July 11 for arraignment.

Both are charged with criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery inflicting serious bodily injury, aggravated assault and simple assault related to a May 18 assault in the area of Independence and Cleaver streets that injured Anthony Nestico, of Shamokin, requiring him to seek medical care.

The siblings, dressed in orange prison attire Tuesday, were represented by defense attorney Kymberly Best, of Sunbury, as they worked out the conditions of their release. According to Gembic, the Scott Broscious was scheduled to be released on supervised bail with conditions set forth by the Northumberland County Probation Department.

Joshua Broscious was to return to Northumberland County Prison, until he can be placed in an approved mental health facility, Gembic said.

According to court documents filed by Shamokin City Police Patrolman William Zalinski and Cpl. Darwin Tobias III, a witness told police he was with Josh Broscious right before the assault, standing on Independence Street, when Nestico approached on foot and began talking with them. At the same time, Josh's brother, Scott, and a 16-year-old male from Milton, were observing from an apartment balcony.

Following the conversation, Josh Broscious, the juvenile and the witness started walking west on Independence Street, as did Nestico, several feet behind. Broscious reportedly yelled back to Nestico that he should cross the street and go, and Nestico yelled back he was going home.

As they went farther down Independence Street, Nestico began to lag behind even more, indicating there was no further arguing between them.

Police reported the witness and Broscious approached the intersection of Independence and Cleaver streets, then turned left onto Cleaver Street. When Nestico approached the intersection, Broscious yelled something to him and Scott Broscious and the juvenile approached Nestico from the rear.

According to the police report, Josh Broscious approached Nestico and punched him in the face, then continued the assault, knocking him to the ground. Police said the three kept punching and kicking Nestico while he was on the ground and Josh took Nestico's wallet, removed money out of it and threw the wallet into the Shamokin Creek along Water Street.

Police later found the wallet along the creek bank, and Nestico, while at the hospital, picked out Scott Broscious from a photo lineup shown to him by police.

The Milton juvenile also faces the same charges, but in Northumberland County Juvenile Court.

by justin strawser

MANDATA - Due to impending furloughs in the Line Mountain School District, the school board will be forced to redistrict the boundaries of the elementary schools in Dalmatia, Leck Kill and Trevorton.

Although the district was already in the process of the move, the massive state funding cuts resulted in the furloughs of several employees, which caused the need to redistrict immediately, explained Superintendent Dave Campbell following the meeting Tuesday night at the middle/high school.

According to the proposed plan, elementary students in West Cameron, Zerbe Township and Lower Augusta will be sent to Trevorton Elementary School. The Leck Kill Elementary border will expand westward toward Dalmatia while the Dalmatia Elementary School borders will decrease.

All kindergarten students will attend Trevorton.

The move is meant to "distribute the students more evenly," said Campbell.

It hasn't been an uncommon thing to shift the boundaries around, he said, and while saving money was not a motivator, it was an unintended consequence. Either one or two buses will be eliminated in the change, but the amount saved has not yet been determined.

In other business, Director Charles Sample questioned the need to hire John Traver for the summer weight training advisor at a cost of $2,205.

"We don't have the community to support a facility only a few people can take advantage of," he said.

The position in question will be an adviser to those students not involved in sports. Sample said that only athletes should be allowed to use the weight room under supervision of their coaches, because the district cannot afford an extra payment.

President Troy Laudenslager criticized Sample's worries about the taxpayers when he voted to previously install bleachers.

Director Dennis Erdman, a former wrestling coach, said the position was in the collective bargaining agreement and was set up in order to allow him and other coaches time to spend with their families.

The new weight room, he added, is part of an initiative in the district to provide physical education for life and not just during school.

"It's worthwhile money spent," said Erdman.

While Sample continued his point, the board voted by roll call. Directors David Bartholomew and Erdman made and seconded the motion to accept the position, as well as two resignations. The motion passed 7-1 with Sample voting against it. Director Bryan Buddock was absent.

The board approved:

- Two change orders from Silvertip Inc. for construction at the high school in the total amount of $3,812.50.

- Highmark Blue Shield for health insurance and vision insurance and United Concordia for dental insurance.

- Marvin E. Klinger Inc,, of Dornsife, as the bus contractor for the 2011-12 school year.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County commissioners received an early Christmas present Tuesday in the form of a $20,000 Yamaha Off-Highway Vehicle Access Initiative Grant for trail development, mapping and signage in the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).

A ceremonial check was presented to Commissioners Frank Sawicki, Vinny Clausi and Merle Phillips by Yamaha Motor Corporation USA representatives Kevin DeCew and Eric Miller, and Jim Keister of local Yamaha dealer Xtreme Power Sports of Selinsgrove.

Pat Mack, county planning director, introduced DeCew, who told the commissioners Yamaha Motor Corporation was happy to provide the grant money to the county to show its support for the proposed Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area on 6,500 acres of county-owned land in Coal, Zerbe, East Cameron, West Cameron and Mount Carmel townships.

The grant was awarded to promote safe, responsible riding and open sustainable riding areas.

In a press release issued to the media, Steve Nessl, Yamaha's ATV/SxS marketing manager, stated, "Yamaha is happy to partner with Northumberland County in its effort to repurpose its land resources to create a destination for OHV enthusiasts from across the region. This is a great example of how Yamaha's OHV Access Initiative is helping to make responsible projects such as the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area a reality by providing more riding areas as well as long-term support for the local economy."

Kathy Jeremiah, AOAA project coordinator, added, "This off-highway vehicle project is a method to assist in economic development for an area that is economically disadvantaged due to poor road networks through major cities. The AOAA makes that an economic strength because of the desire of OHV enthusiasts to 'play' in that type terrain. This project will be an economic engine to provide jobs, not only at the AOAA, but through expanding existing businesses and also new service-related businesses."

Jeremiah said the intent of the program is to bring fresh, new money into Northumberland County on a regular basis.

She said, "Yamaha's grant is a great example of what can come with a project like this, and people that enjoy this type of recreation."