MOUNT CARMEL - Workers at local stores that sell electronic cigarettes seem to agree with a Congressional report released Monday calling for a need to regulate the industry.

Manager Darlene Derr and employee Nicole Share at the Puff's Express tobacco store on Oak Street, both smokers themselves, have tried a number of e-cigarettes, and both believe that, at the very least, they need warning labels.

"There are no warning labels," Derr said Monday morning at the store.

E-cigarettes have to potential to cause acute nicotine toxicity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from April 4 said e-cigarette exposure calls to poison control centers increased from one in September 2010 to 215 in February. Fifty-one percent of the calls involved children under the age of five.

Share said the scents available with e-cigarettes are appealing to children.

"If it is strawberry or blueberry scented, it smells like strawberry or blueberry candy," she said. "They are a huge seller for all ages from 18 to 60 years old."

Puff's Express keeps all of its e-cigarettes and accessories behind the counter to keep them out of reach of children, Derr said.

E-cigarettes sales are estimated to have reached $2 billion in 2013, and they don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. They are very popular, Derr said, with Puff's selling at least 20 varieties of both e-cigarettes, which are similar in appearance to real cigarettes, and vaporizers - often called hookahs - that use a form of liquid nicotine.

"They say it is revolutionizing smoking, so we'll see," she said.

Puff's recently started selling a brand called Zoom, and they are flying off the shelf. For that matter, all of the electronic cigarettes at the store are selling fast, Derr said.

Jessica Latsha, an employee for just a few months at Puff's location on 109 W. Independence St., Shamokin, has seen the popularity of e-cigarettes rise and attributes that to word of mouth.

"Some people claim it has helped them quit smoking or at least cut back on smoking actual cigarettes," she said.

Latsha, also a smoker, has tried them, but said they made her feel "funny" and light-headed.

Derr said the sale of e-cigarettes hasn't made much of a dent in the sale of regular cigarettes, and that some people use both, possibly to help them quit or cut back.

Derr said she is in the process of quitting smoking and is giving a smoker's patch a try. She said she uses an electronic cigarette from time to time.

SHAMOKIN - City council officially accepted the resignation of police chief Edward Griffiths at its monthly meeting Monday at City Hall.

Griffiths, a member of the Shamokin Police Department since May 1992 and chief since January 2010, submitted his retirement papers April 2.

Council members applauded his service to the community and wished him the best of luck after voting 4-0 to accept the resignation. Councilman R. Craig Rhoades was absent.

Griffiths said council is on the right track to repair the city's financial difficulties, citing the hiring earlier this month of Robert M. Slaby as city clerk.

The outgoing police chief said previously that a strained relationship with Mayor William D. Milbrand was among his reasons for retiring.

His last day on the job will be April 30.

Holiday pay due

Cpl. Jarrod Scandle, a seven-year member of the force, asked council when holiday pay from the second half of 2013 will be paid.

The holiday pay is part of $811,492.07 of unfunded debt, or unpaid bills, that accrued in 2013. The city has negotiated with several banks for a loan to cover the unpaid bills, which so far has been unsuccessful.

"We are working diligently to receive a loan," Milbrand said. "We have been turned down by several banks. At some point, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will recommend an Act 47 filing."

An Act 47 designation allows the state potentially expansive oversight over the city's attempt at fiscal recovery, including following a state approved plan and perhaps appointing an adviser to guide financial decision making. It could also open up the city to changes in existing collective bargaining agreements and potential reduction in staffing, temporary or permanent. Currently, Shamokin is enrolled in the Early Intervention Program monitored by DCED to avoid such filing.

Scandle suggested council use money from its general fund to pay off last year's holiday pay, but Milbrand said that money has to be used only for current year expenses.

Vests, broken cars

Scandle said the police department is in danger of losing a grant that would fund half of the purchase of two ballistic vests because the city has yet to pay their end of an approximate $1,400 bill from Atlantic Tactical. Scandle told council several officers due to receive vests were told by the company they could not purchase them because of the past due amount.

Milbrand said that bill is also most likely part of the unfunded debt, but an exception to pay a bill from 2013 can be made if there is a risk of losing a grant. That approval, he said, would have to come from council.

"We've got to be very cautious on what we pay," Milbrand said. "In previous years, we have paid past bills with the Tax Revenue Anticipation Note (TRAN). We are in some very trying times right now."

Scandle and Griffiths also said a grant that would be used to set up speed traps may be forfeited because of the lack of operable police vehicles. The department has seven police vehicles, at least two of which DCED recommended to council get rid of.

"We have three (vehicles) sitting in disrepair. We don't have enough vehicles to effectively do what we are supposed to do," Scandle said. "We don't have enough cars to run a speed trap on Route 61."

Scandle asked council if anybody has requested an investigation into the city's financial situation. Milbrand said council was advised not to request one unless an audit revealed an issue.

"The taxpayers want an investigation," Griffiths said. "A letter should be sent to the district attorney."

Milbrand said council will take Griffiths' recommendation into consideration and discuss the matter at their next workshop session.

Army National Guard Spec. Adam L. Yuskoski has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., which consisted of basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT).

During basic combat training, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship qualification, bayonet combat, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, marches, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, traditions, and core values.

During AIT, the soldier completed the seven-week cavalry scout course.

Yuskoski is a son of Anne and Leonard Yuskoski of Atlas.

He is a 2009 graduate of Mount Carmel Area Junior/Senior High School, Mount Carmel. He earned a bachelor's degree in 2013 from Penn State.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Marcos "Mikey" Velazquez remembers suffering excruciating pain he describes as an explosion inside his head.

He remembers vomiting repeatedly, rushing with family to the hospital, being loaded onto a Life Flight helicopter and the whirring sound of its rotor.

He was in and out after that, and then he was unconscious for days.

When he regained his senses inside the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, he knew next to nothing about what, exactly, had caused his pain. He was also unaware he had undergone three consecutive brain surgeries.

The emergency surgeries saved his life. So, too, did the quick actions by his family to take him to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital (G-SACH) and by hospital staff, who arranged for his transfer to Geisinger's main facility.

Had they waited it out, had anything delayed his transport, he likely would have died within hours.

"He came so close to the brink of death," said Dr. Tarun Bhalla, the neurosurgeon who performed Mikey's surgeries. "The pressure on the brain would have built up and he likely would have died."

AVM

Mikey was suffering from a stroke caused by a ruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation, referred to as AVM - an abnormal vascular structure consisting of enlarged and tangled vessels, according to a study of the condition by Geisinger experts found online.

A condition people are usually born with and most likely found in children, it causes bleeding of the brain and intense pressure on the skull.

"It felt like there were drills on either side of my head," Mikey said. "At first, I thought it was just a headache or pain that would go away."

The condition is so rare it affects less than 1/2 of 1 percent of the population, Bhalla said, estimating he sees up to a dozen such cases annually.

It's often discovered in patients who have a CT scan for another condition or, as in Mikey's case, when a stroke or some other symptom occurs.

Life or death

On Nov. 10, Mikey had finished watching a movie with his mother and he went to his bedroom. One hour later, the pain had arrived. It was unbearable, he said.

Initially, Jessica thought it was a migraine, like Mikey had first assumed. She got some Tylenol and a drink and came back to see her son slumped in a kitchen chair, sweat soaking through his clothes. He had hardly enough energy to lift the drinking glass. She called her sister to pick them up.

"We had to go. Right away we had to go because that's not just a regular headache," she said.

A CT scan at G-SACH confirmed the hemorrhaging and arrangements were made to fly Mikey to Danville, where he was stabilized. Surgery was scheduled to begin the next morning.

"'Is he really telling us our son is bleeding from the brain?' I couldn't really comprehend what the doctor was telling me, because I didn't want to. 'Is my son going to live?'" Mike recalls asking.

3 surgeries

Bhalla compared the pressure Mikey was enduring to an overpacked suitcase. "You can only fit so many things inside it," he said.

The first surgery was to drain spinal fluid from the brain. A hole was drilled into his skull and a catheter snaked from the brain's surface to its center to access the fluid-filled spaces.

After more detailed images were taken of Mikey's blood vessels, the medical team began a second surgery to snake another catheter, this one from his groin all the way to his brain, gluing off the vessels at the AVM.

The third surgery was to open his skull and remove the AVM and a blood clot.

A fourth procedure later that evening confirmed the surgeries were successful.

The surgeries lasted about 12 hours, and through it all, Mikey's parents sat in a hospital waiting room fretting over their only child.

Feeling fine

Jessica Lopez and Marcos "Mike" Velazquez, his parents, feared the worst. But Mikey pulled through, and quickly, too. He was discharged 10 days later, successfully completed physical and speech therapy, and in February returned to Shamokin Area Middle-High School to resume his freshman year.

On Wednesday, one day after Mikey celebrated his 15th birthday, the Coal Township teenager walked briskly into the main lobby at G-SACH. There was nothing unusual about his gait; his speech was clear and his mannerisms confident. He has to stoop low, use his fingers to hold back the hair just above the nape of his neck to show off a small scar where an incision was made.

Bhalla called Mikey's recovery "remarkable." The boy's father, Mike, said it's nothing short of a miracle.

"It was all tears that day. It was nuts," Mike said. "My son could have died on the operating table. When they said that, we couldn't hear anything else. My wife and I cried and hugged each other.

"This kid was on his death bed," he continued before remarking on Mikey's restored health. "God is good. I don't care if people say He doesn't exist. I don't know what to tell them."

Since the AVM was located in Mikey's cerebellum, his coordination and balance were thrown off. His speech was slurred. Mikey's spotty recollection of the ordeal can be attributed more to trauma, anesthesia and medication, and not to his brain's malfunction.

After leaving Geisinger, he spent another three days at the Penn State Hershey Rehabilitation Hospital, Hummelstown.

"They asked me what my goal was, and I said to get home as soon as possible. In reality, my real goal was to get home before Thanksgiving. I got home before Thanksgiving, and on Thanksgiving Day, I felt pretty good," Mikey said.

Happy birthday

Mikey had just one outpatient rehab session and was given some suggested rehab to do on his own. After being homebound for three months, Mikey returned to school. He's cleared to do what most all other kids his age does, gym class, too. He'll have to take a pass on weightlifting and contact sports, though, for the time being.

Bhalla said there's about a 5 percent chance of an AVM recurrence. Mikey said headaches have returned now and then, something doctors prepared him for. They're nowhere near as painful as what he experienced Nov. 10.

His parents had a small birthday party for him last week. Mikey got his favorite breakfast: banana pancakes. Jessica had a cake waiting for him when he got home, and they all went out for dinner that night.

He got another birthday gift, too, this one from the Make-A-Wish Foundation - an electronics shopping spree, a good gift for a confessed video game addict.

While Mikey, Jessica and Mike wrapped up their story inside the lobby at G-SACH, his mother prompted her son.

"The struggle is what?" Jessica asked.

"The struggle," Mikey says, "is real."

GETTYSBURG - The Pennsylvania Department of Aging recognized six outstanding programs and individuals last week for their service to older Pennsylvanians. The BRAVO awards were presented at the APPRISE Annual Conference.

Among those honored was Mary Bennett, Northumberland County APPRISE coordinator, who received the Collaboration Award for "showing excellence in her collaborative efforts with local programs, government entities and health care systems," the state Department of Aging reported.

APPRISE is a free health insurance counseling program designed to help older Pennsylvanians with Medicare. APPRISE counselors voluntarily spend dozens of hours being trained and offering counseling to others on health insurance options.

The BRAVO Awards honor local APPRISE program coordinators for their exceptional leadership in areas of client service, program performance, collaboration with community partners and innovation.

Other BRAVO winners were Terri Hilderbrandt, Lebanon County, Performance Award; Hollie Irvine, Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna and Tioga counties, client service award; Sue Holliday, Somerset County, Innovation Award; Lois Thomas, Washington/Greene/Fayette counties: Delta Award; and Karen Berry, Allegheny County: Secretary Award, the most prestigious award for an APPRISE coordinator.

Dissinger fund drive today, Wednesday

SHAMOKIN - Representatives of Shamokin and Coal Township fire companies will go door to door from 5:30 to 8 p.m. today and Wednesday to collect money for the Dissinger family.

The fund drive was organized by Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi and has been endorsed by the Coal Township Board of Commissioners and Shamokin City Council, Clausi said.

Clausi said he will match up to $10,000.

Three of Christine A. Dissinger's sons died and their home near Snydertown was destroyed in an April 4 fire.

Surplus distribution in Kulpmont

KULPMONT - Borough residents enrolled in the food surplus program are reminded there will be a food distribution from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday in the borough garage. Residents are reminded to bring their bags.

HARRISBURG - Northumberland County Treasurer Kevin Gilroy reminds all dog owners to purchase a 2014 license as required by state law.

All dogs 3 months or older must be licensed annually. Failure to license a dog is a summary offense and could result in a maximum fine of $300 for each unlicensed dog.

An annual license is $8.45 and a lifetime license is $51.45. If the animal is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.45 and lifetime is $31.45. Older adults and persons with disabilities may purchase a license for $4.45 for spayed or neutered dogs and $6.45 for others and lifetime $31.45 or $21.45 for spayed or neutered.

Licensing fees support the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Dog Law Enforcement Office.

Licenses may be purchased through the treasurer's office at 399 S. Fifth St., Sunbury, by calling 570-988-4161 or visiting www.padoglicense.com.

SHAMOKIN - A successor to retiring Police Chief Edward Griffiths has not yet been named. Mayor William D. Milbrand said Wednesday he is discussing the position with a city officer and an announcement will be made when the position is filled.

Griffiths' last day is April 30.

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - A Sunbury man was listed in critical condition the day after the vehicle he was driving struck a tree along Mile Hile Road Tuesday evening.

State police at Stonington said Stanley G. Newberry, 72, was driving a 2000 Jeep west along the rural road shortly after 6 p.m. when the Jeep left the road, traveled down an embankment and hit a tree with the front right side of the vehicle.

Newberry was extricated from the vehicle by emergency personnel and taken by Americus ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he was listed in critical condition Wednesday evening, according to a nursing supervisor.

Newberry was wearing a seatbelt and was cited for driving on roadways laned for traffic.

The investigation continues, police said.

SUNBURY - John P. Muncer resigned Wednesday as solicitor for the Northumberland County Prison Board after being advised by Commissioner Richard Shoch that holding the position may pose a conflict of interest with his duties as county assistant solicitor.

Shoch, who serves as prison board acting chairman, said he received an email from Muncer Wednesday morning stating his intention to resign as solicitor. When contacted after the prison board meeting, Muncer said, "Mr. Shoch told me he thought holding the position is a possible conflict of interest so I thought it was best for me to resign until the commissioners and prison board can resolve the issue."

In reviewing a county statute, Muncer said he believes being assistant county solicitor and prison board solicitor doesn't pose a conflict of interest. He said the statute doesn't require the prison board to have a solicitor.

Muncer, 55, of Sunbury, was appointed assistant solicitor and prison board solicitor in February 2012. District Attorney Tony Rosini was forced to lay off Muncer when the county salary board eliminated one of his five assistant district attorneys Jan. 25, 2012, as part of cost-cutting measures.

He succeeded his longtime friend, James J. Rosini, who was killed Feb. 8, 2012, in a violent two-vehicle crash in Everglades City, Fla., that also claimed the lives of his wife, Patricia Rosini, his brother, William Rosini, and William Rosini's companion, Deborah Korbich.

Muncer earns approximately $60,000 per year as assistant county solicitor. He didn't receive any extra salary for serving as prison board solicitor.

Voting to accept Muncer's resignation, which becomes effective immediately, were Shoch, Tony Rosini and Controller Chris Grayson. Commissioner Stephen Bridy voted "no" because he believes no conflict of interest exists with Muncer holding both positions.

Sheriff Robert Wolfe was absent. Commissioner Vinny Clausi attempted to participate in the meeting through a speaker phone in the prison library, but after a few minutes, he hung up after becoming frustrated that he couldn't hear anything.

Rosini said attorney Todd Kerstetter had served as an independent solicitor for the prison board for several years prior to the assistant county solicitor serving in the role. The majority of the board agreed with Rosini's recommendation to advertise for the position in a legal journal. Bridy opposed the move.

Shoch said it's important for the prison board to have its own solicitor because it often deals with legal issues that need a lawyer's expertise.

Bridy also cited concerns with the prison paying approximately $5,200 to house inmates in prisons in Montour, Columbia and Snyder counties in February.

Rosini said some of the inmates were transferred to other county jails at his request to avoid "retaliations" against each other.

The district attorney commended Warden Roy Johnson for doing a "great job" in staying under budget.

Johnson said parts of a recently amended visitation policy need to be clarified so it can be better enforced.

The warden told Rosini only two inmates are currently on work release because there is little employment available in the area.

Sewer office closed Friday

KULPMONT - The Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority will be closed Friday in observance of Good Friday.

Gordon youth trout rodeo planned

GORDON - The Gordon Fish and Game Club will hold its eighth annual free youth trout rodeo May 10 at Gordon Community Park, Oak and Park streets.

Registration begins at 7 a.m., and fishing will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Children from ages 1 to 15 are invited. Each child receives a free sandwich, drink and a prize of their choice from the prize tent. Adult club members are available to help children who have limited fishing experience. The club has an adequate supply of rods, bait and tackle for those who need them.

A special needs pool staffed by experienced, skilled fishermen is available for any child with a physical, medical or learning disability.

Hot breakfast and lunch will be served. The event will be held rain or shine.

SUNBURY - The attorney for accused murderer Miranda Barbour claims an autopsy report doesn't contain information to support the commonwealth's assertion that the homicide was committed by means of torture, which is one of the aggravating circumstances necessary to seek the death penalty.

Northumberland County Chief Public Defender Edward Greco filed a supplemental motion shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday to quash aggravating circumstances. District attorney Tony Rosini previously said the homicide was committed by means of torture and in the commission of a robbery, which is another felony offense. Torture and robbery are both aggravating circumstances.

The 19-year-old Barbour and her 22-year-old husband, Elytte Barbour, of Selinsgrove, are charged by Sunbury police with murdering 42-year-old Troy LaFerrara, whose body was found Nov. 11 in the backyard of a home in the 200 block of Catawissa Avenue.

A motion to quash aggravating circumstances was filed by Greco Feb. 5 as part of the defendant's omnibus pre-trial motion. A hearing was held before Judge Charles Saylor on the motion April 1 and a decision is pending.

On March 31, defense counsel received a packet of discovery evidence that was not reviewed by Greco or assistant public defender Paige Rosini until after the April 1 hearing. Included in the packet was a report prepared by Trooper Christine M. Fye on Nov. 22 that contains information obtained by the trooper at LaFerrara's autopsy Nov. 13.

Greco said the report states there is no indication the victim was tortured and he's requesting the court to open the record to allow testimony on the matter.

DANVILLE - An agreement is in place for SUN Home Health and Hospice to be integrated into the Geisinger Community Health Services as early as July 1.

No immediate changes in SUN staffing or leadership is expected as a result, representatives of both organizations said Wednesday, and SUN will continue as a separate corporation within the Geisinger network.

"Over time, these organizations will then share senior leadership, administrative and support functions," according to Mike Ferlazzo, Geisinger public relations specialist.

The state attorney general must approve the agreement.

The agreement was announced Wednesday in a joint press release.

One of SUN's seven branch locations is at 102 E. Independence St., Shamokin. A hospice care center is located in Sunbury. Its corporate office is in Northumberland.

"SUN Home Health and Hospice enables patients to stay at home with their families while recovering from surgery, dealing with a chronic illness or facing the challenges associated with aging," Denise B. Prince, Geisinger Health System vice president for population health, said in a press release. "We are excited about expanding our programs by integrating with another like-minded, quality not-for-profit organization focused on doing what is best for patients."

The Columbia Montour Home Health will continue to operate separately as a Geisinger affiliate.

No change for patients

Brenda Apple, community relations and development coordinator for SUN, said the agreement "means absolutely nothing for patients."

SUN patients will continue to see their current nurses and therapists, and it won't affect a patient's insurance coverage.

"We will continue to accept the insurances we currently do," Apple said.

SUN will maintain its brand name, and will also maintain its corporate registration and related information with the state and federal governments.

Apple said home healthcare has endured a lot of cutbacks over the years, and she expects the integration with Geisinger will ensure stability.

"As president and chief executive officer of SUN Home Health and Hospice, I am excited to be able to announce the signing of the comprehensive integration agreement by which SUN Home Health and Hospice will become part of Geisinger Helath System. SUN Home Health and Hospice's management team believes that our integration will best serve our patients, community, employees and organization, and enhance care well into the future," SUN's Steven Richard said in a prepared statement.

"We are fortunate to have Geisinger, a nationally-recognized healthcare organization, here in our home community, and we look forward to looking at ways we can work with Geisinger Community Health Services to enhance care well into the future," Richard said.

Geisinger Health System has grown significantly with the purchase of or merger with a number of other hospitals in the past four years, including in Shamokin, Bloomsburg, Scranton and Lewistown. A merger of the Holy Spirit Health System, Camp Hill, continues to progress, and discussions are ongoing with AtlantiCare health system in New Jersey for an out-of-state affiliation.

SHAMOKIN - A city man was attacked and severely injured by his pit bull inside his home Wednesday afternoon - the second attack in two weeks.

According to Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery, Jim "Waldo" Walsh, of 138 S. Franklin St., was taken by AREA Services ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, after suffering severe injuries to both hands and arms. He also suffered bites on his upper body.

A condition update for Walsh was not available at press time.

Walsh fled thourgh his home's front door and was flailing and bleeding profusely in the street. Blood splatters were visible on the sidewalk and street.

Walsh's girlfriend, Leann Dehoutaint, and two others - Dehoutaint's daughter, Amanda Hassinger, and her boyfriend, Michael Wasilewskie - remained inside during the attack. The trio had contained the pit bull to the first floor and remained upstairs until rescue personnel arrived, helping them escape by ladder through a second-floor window.

As they descended the ladder, Mowery stood by at the front storm door, shotgun in hand, where a "beware of dog" sign was clearly posted.

Dehoutaint appeared terrified to climb down the ladder, in part because she wasn't wearing any shoes. Cpl. Darwin Tobias III asked Hassinger to lend her flip-flops to her mother in order to get her out of the house.

Dehoutaint still had to be coaxed down by Rich Jilinski II and Dave Britton of the Liberty Fire Co. and Charles Yohe and Bill Smoogen of the Rescue Fire Co.

The pit bull was left inside the home until a dog warden can respond to the scene.

Richard Hine, the Schuylkill County dog warden, was contacted, according to Mowery. Hine had been covering Northumberland County for the last several months after the position was vacated.

According to the state Department of Agriculture website, Kristen Penn, is now the Northumberland County dog warden.

Charges are pending further investigation, Mowery said.

ATLAS - Mount Carmel Township supervisors awarded contracts Wednesday night to CZOP Specter of Norristown for engineering services for the Strong storm water project and demolition of four to seven homes in the 100 block of West Girard Street in Atlas.

The township will use Community Development Block Grant funding to pay a total of $45,990, including $22,990 for the engineering services and $23,000 for the demolition work.

Although the bid received from CZOP was the highest of three proposals, supervisors Reynold Scicchitano and Joseph Zanella said they approved the contracts because they best suit the needs of the township. Zanella said CZOP will have an engineer on site every day of the projects.

Supervisor chairman Charles Gasperetti was absent.

By hiring CZOP, solicitor Vincent Rovito told the supervisors, "You are getting way more bang for your buck."

Jamie Shrawder, project coordinator for community development with SEDA-COG, discussed the work with supervisors prior to their vote to award the contracts, which are pending county approval.

John A. Bucanelli, senior municipal and environmental engineer with CZOP, also attended the meeting to explain the work and answer any questions.

Other bids for the projects were received from CES Engineering, $25,000 combined price, $12,500 separately for the storm water project and $19,500 separately for the demolition; and Arm Group Inc., $26,300 total price ($21,900 for storm water project and $4,400 for demolition).

In other business, code enforcement officer Don Geary said township residents are not taking advantage of a quality of life ordinance passed last month that lowers the initial fine from $100 to $25 and gives violators 10 days to comply before facing stiffer penalties.

The ordinance pertains to high grass and weeds, garbage accumulation, abandoned vehicles and littering and gives Geary, police and other public employees designated by the supervisors the power to issue tickets.

Fines are $25 for the first violation, $50 plus costs for the second, $100 for the third and $150 for each violation thereafter within a 12-month period.

If the fine is not paid within 10 days, the ticket will become a citation and will be forwarded to the magisterial district judge, who could set a fine of $500 to $1,000 if the violator is found guilty.

In addition, if the township or a third party solves the problem causing the violation, the judge can award restitution or put a municipal lien against the property.

Violators also will be listed in the criminal justice computer system as having a criminal record if they fail to pay the fines and costs.

The supervisors and Chief of Police Brian Hollenbush presented Patrolman David Stamets Jr. with a certificate for his outstanding performance in passing an exam to become a drug recognition expert (DRE). A DRE is a highly motivated police officer trained to recognize impairment of persons under the influence of drugs other than alcohol.

Stamets completed 100 hours of intense drug evaluation and classification program classroom and practical study. The exam lasted 10 hours.

There are only 129 DREs in the state.

Supervisors agreed to purchase a property in the 100 block of West Girard Street in Atlas and receive funding from the Northumberland County Housing Authority to raze it. The housing authority will be given a three-year option to construct low-income or elderly housing at the site.

Zanella and Scicchitano approved the township's annual $500 donation to the Mount Carmel-Mount Carmel Township Joint Recreation Committee and agreed to have Realty World sell a parcel of township land at Maple and Center streets in Natalie since no bids were received through advertising the property.

Supervisors agreed to use Experience Works to supply workers 55 and older at no cost to the township.

The board amended an ordinance that now prohibits burning in the township at all times.

Hollenbush informed township resident Rich Mychak that a subsidence along Route 2038 near St. Joseph Cemetery at Beaverdale is PennDOT's responsibility because it is a state highway.

Mychak also inquired if part-time township workers receive benefits. Zanella said township secretary Marian Klingerman, who is the only part-time employee beside police officers, receives benefits because she works more than 30 hours per week.

Klingerman said the township's website is in operation and encouraged residents to visit it at www.mountcarmeltownship.org.

SHAMOKIN - The city's police officers are requesting the state attorney general's office conduct a forensic analysis of Shamokin's finances.

All 10 of the subordinate full-time police officers signed an undated letter addressed to their boss, Police Chief Edward Griffiths, asking that he file a "formal complaint" with Northumberland County District Attorney Anthony Rosini in requesting a state investigation.

Griffiths said Wednesday he spoke with Rosini and will meet with him in person to discuss the matter. He said the police department has a duty to protect Shamokin's taxpayers.

"I've been getting pressure," he said of the public. "People are stopping me on the streets, asking 'Hey, what's going on (with the city's finances)?"

Mayor William D. Milbrand responded Wednesday, saying he's open to a discussion with other council members on commissioning a forensic audit.

"If the rest of the council feels this is necessary ... by all means we'll proceed with it," he said.

A forensic audit would be discussed during council's May 7 workshop session, he added.

The idea has already been broached with officials of the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DCED), Milbrand said. Should anything turn up in the city's annual audit over the summer, he said "that would warrant a forensic audit."

Shamokin is enrolled in DCED's Early Intervention Program. The state agency is seeking to help the city create shortterm and longterm plans to manage it's outstanding debt and stay out of bankruptcy.

The city has worked with DCED and private sector financial advisors towards securing a loan to cover $811,492.07 in unpaid bills that piled up by the end of 2013. Two banks, Susquehanna Bank and Miner's Bank, have since turned down the city and there are currently no other lenders in discussions with the city. New lenders, however, are being sought.

Coming to a head

Cpl. Jarrod Scandle raised the topic of a forensic audit during Monday's council meeting, announcing he had written the letter and obtained the signatures of fellow officers.

During his seven years with the police department, Scandle said the city has always entered a new year with up to $250,000 in debt carried over from the previous year.

It's been covered with a start-of-year loan, called a Tax Revenue Anticipation Note (TRAN), the city takes annually. This year's TRAN is $350,000; however, acting on the advice of DCED, city council is only paying 2014 invoices with that funding.

Scandle told council members he's "not buying" the suggestion the unpaid bills accumulated because of an annual rollover of debt.

"Nobody has taken responsibility or accountability for why we're $800,000 in debt," Scandle said during the meeting. "This is the worst year it's ever been. ... Something is wrong here."

Milbrand attempted to address Scandle's concern. "It finally came to a head, Jarrod, it's been building and building," he said.

"The reason why it is like this is going to come to a head," Scandle replied.

Mayor responds

Scandle addressed other police department issues Monday, and Milbrand sought to address them publicly Wednesday.

The corporal had said an unpaid bill with an equipment supply company prevented two officers from obtaining bullet-proof vests. He also said three police vehicles are in disrepair, which hinders some police activity, including conducting a special "speed detail" on Route 61 to fulfill a state safe driving grant.

Milbrand provided an invoice Wednesday from Atlantic Tactical showing the city has no outstanding balance with the company - there's actually a $60 credit - and wasn't sure what caused the issue with the vests. Treasurer Brenda Scandle said Wednesday the invoices were paid in 2013.

Under the terms of the Early Intervention Program, DCED recommended city council thin out its vehicle fleet for all departments, not just the police department, Milbrand said. That could mean getting rid of the three vehicles Scandle described as being in disrepair.

"Any unnecessary vehicles should be sold or put out for auction (to reduce insurance and maintenance costs)," he said.

In a city of less than 1 square mile, Milbrand said a seven-vehicle fleet isn't necessary, and a speed detail could be performed by officers who are on duty in between 911 calls.

Also at issue is the as-yet-unpaid holiday bonuses from the second half of 2013 that remain due to all city officers under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement. That agreement is expired and negotiations are ongoing on a new version. Until it's settled, the old terms remain in place. A union grievance was filed Dec. 18.

Milbrand said unpaid holiday pay is among the massive unfunded debt accrued in 2013. Unless payment is absolutely necessary, council will stick to the DCED recommendation that only 2014 invoices be paid while a loan is sought to pay last year's outstanding bills, he said.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The newly formed Anthracite Young Professional's Association (AYP) will hold a networking event today at 5 p.m at Brewser's SportsGrille.

The group is part of a movement to breathe new life into the anthracite region. The AYP is made up of young, active, civic-minded professionals who have a desire to revitalize the area in a young, yet professional, manner. The group takes pride in the rich heritage the community has to offer and looks to build off that foundation to make the region a more attractive place to live and work.

Their goals include revitalizing the community through social networking, career networking and the development of community leaders.

AYP supports local school districts and provides an avenue where young professionals can gather to meet and enjoy social activities together.

Potential events and activities include monthly/quarterly socials, networking functions, group bus trips, sponsorship of social events, fundraising events and high school and college mentoring programs.

The group seeks members who share its vision to support the antracite region who are willing to work toward making that vision a reality.

Those interested in attending the event or obtaining more information may contact Michael Woytowich at mwoytowich@sterneagee.com or Whitney Fetterman at wfetterman@censop.com.

SELINSGROVE - A Bloomsburg man who state police said led troopers on a low-speed chase April 3 was released from a mental health ward and apprehended Tuesday.

Police said Charles F. Horrax Jr., 44, with a last known address of 820 Railroad St., was taken into custody without incident at 8221 Route 522, Middleburg at 9:40 a.m. He was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude police, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, escape and several traffic violations. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge John Reed and placed in Snyder County jail in lieu of $15,000 bail.

He had been treated at Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital.

Police said Trooper Matthew Miller of state police at Selinsgrove attempted to initiate a traffic stop at 3:30 p.m. April 3 on a blue Ford minivan driven by Horrax along Route 522 in Penn Township, Snyder County. Horrax refused to pull over and continued driving at a slow speed. He pulled into the Weis Markets parking lot in Selinsgrove and allegedly held two knives to his throat.

Horrax refused to relinquish the knives or open the door to his vehicle, and police were unable to take him into custody. He drove off and continued along Routes 11/15 north through Monroe Township, Shamokin Dam, Northumberland Borough and other points north.

The public was warned to use extreme caution if they encountered Horrax. Police ended the pursuit because of the seriousness of his violation and the potential to hurt innocent bystanders, police said.

RANSHAW - State Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) will host a seminar to discuss concealed carry gun requirements from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Brady Fire Company banquet hall.

The seminar will feature Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini, Montour County Sheriff Ray Gerringer and Northumberland County Sheriff Robert Wolfe.

"We have certainly have gotten a lot of calls on concealed carry, especially when the Castle Doctrine passed," Masser said. "We just felt that we would try the seminar and see what the turnout will be like and give people the answers that they need."

Masser noted that concealed carry permits are "on the rise."

"We just want to make sure people are doing things the right way," he added.

Wolfe, who will be on hand at the conference with one of his staff members, will explain what one can expect when applying for a concealed carry permit.

"We will explain the process from beginning to end and what they can expect, what questions they need to answer and what they need to bring with them in order to obtain the carry concealed license," Wolfe said. "I will have forms to show people exactly what they look like" he added.

Wolfe described his office as "very active" with people coming in to get their licenses.

Wolfe will also have gun locks available at the seminar.

Those interested in attending should call Masser's district office in Elysburg by calling 570-648-8017 or RSVP online at www.RepMasser.com.

SUNBURY - Employers and educational institutions will take part in a job fair from noon to 3 p.m. Monday at Shikellamy High School, 600 Walnut St.

The Pennsylvania CareerLink of Northumberland/Snyder/Union Counties is sponsoring the event, which will feature more than 35 businesses and schools with information on either furthering their education or finding a new position or career.

Admission is free. Participants are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes as they'll have a chance to meet with area employers, discuss job opportunities and obtain training information. Attendees can also learn more about WorkKeys, a job skills assessment system that helps employers select, hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performance workforce. The WorkKeys series of tests measures foundational and soft skills and offers specialized assessments to target institutional needs.

Vendors include Aerotek, Bayada Nursing, the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, Combined Insurance, Community Services Group, Con-Way Freight, Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc. Dempsey Uniform, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Elmcroft of Lewisburg, Empire Beauty School, Geisinger, Hope Industries, Industrial Construction Services and Design, Inc. Keystone Human Services, Knoebel's, McCann School of Business and Technology, Michael Foods (Papetti's), Milton Transportation, Mountain View: A Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, National Ticket Company, Nesco Resource (DePasquale Staffing Services) OneSource Staffing, PA CareerLink Services, Professional Drivers Academy, RR Donnelley, Shikellamy School District, Stanley Woodworking, State Civil Service Commission, Strong Industries, SUN Technical Institute, Triangle Tech, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, Visiting Angels and Weis Markets, with more expected.

The role of each PA CareerLink in the Central Region Workforce Investment Area is to encourage community and economic development, and facilitate a dynamic workforce and business environment, which will enhance success and excellence in an ever-changing and highly competitive economy. These initiatives are overseen by the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board. Job seekers or employers can access all CareerLink services at no cost by visiting their nearest PA CareerLink location.