ATLAS - Mount Carmel Township supervisors approved an agreement with PPL Corp. Wednesday that will net tens of thousands of dollars annually from a mine reclamation project in Locust Summit.

The township will receive $10,000 a year plus $5.50 for each load of fly ash dumped in the area of the former Locust Summit breaker on the Merriam Mountain, near Routes 54 and 901, according to supervisor Chairman Charles Gasperetti.

Gasperetti and fellow supervisors Reynold Scicchitano and Joseph Zanella unanimously approved an agreement with PPL during Wednesday's monthly board meeting. It's unclear when the project will begin.

The ash will come from a PPL Corp. property, and the land is mined by Gilberton Coal Co.

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) granted a permit to Gilberton Coal in August 2008 to use approximately 350,000 cubic yards of fly ash to fill a 6.2 acre pit over 10 years. The pit is just east of Route 901 near the Schuylkill County border.

An appeal to the DEP permit was filed in December 2009 by Robert Gadinski, a Lavelle resident and licensed geologist, along with Lavelle residents Joan and Frank Burke. They feared the potential environmental impact on their residential water wells. It was denied by a state Environmental Hearing Board in May 2013.

The board's ruling says the project would improve water quality by preventing the flow of surface water into an underground mine pool, and would also improve drainage and restore surface contours. Public safety would be enhanced by filling the pit, preventing someone from falling in.

The closest residential well is about 1,740 feet from the edge of the project area, according to court records. The Burke's well is further than that, records state, and Gadinski's well was estimated to be 3,000 feet from the site.

In siding with Gilberton Coal, the board said "the appellants have not persuaded us that the placement of the (fly ash) at the Locust Summit site poses an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment, or is in any way contrary to the law."

Coal Township commissioners had a similar agreement with PPL Corp. for fly ash to be dumped at a site near Burnside. Original project terms called for Coal Township to receive $10,000 annually and 25 cents a ton. The project was completed in 2013.

KULPMONT - Police Chief Michael W. Pitcavage is warning area residents to lock up their possessions after a rash of shed, garage and vehicle break-ins occurred throughout the borough.

Pitcavage said two cars were stolen from the street during the crime outbreak that occurred over the last week. Both vehicles had the keys in them when they were taken.

"Keep all your doors locked and your vehicles locked," said Pitcavage.

SHAMOKIN - A city man wanted for breaking into a vacant house earlier this month was taken into custody Tuesday after jumping from a roof at his residence onto a neighboring property when officers attempted to serve him with a warrant.

James H. Latshaw, 48, of 126 E. Arch St., faces new offenses of flight to avoid apprehension and resisting arrest after previously being charged with theft, criminal trespass, loitering and prowling at night, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and flight to avoid apprehension for allegedly breaking into a home in the 300 block of South Seventh Street.

The fugitive was detained overnight in Northumberland County Prison before being arraigned at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. He was committed to prison in lieu of $40,000 cash bail on all charges.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Cpl. Bryan Primerano, police responded to Latshaw's residence shortly after 8 p.m. with a warrant from Gembic. Shamokin Patrolmen Nathan Rhodes and Scott Weaver and Coal Township Patrolman Edward Purcell knocked on the front door and spoke to an unidentified occupant who then walked upstairs.

Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Henrich, who was stationed at the rear of the residence, spotted Latshaw exit the home onto a roof. Police told Latshaw he was wanted and instructed him to come down from the roof, but the defendant refused to do so even though the home was surrounded by police and county probation officers, authorities said.

Officers said Latshaw jumped from the roof to a second-story residence on the east side of his home before leaping to the ground and running east through neighboring yards.

Latshaw encountered Coal Township Patrolman Terry Ketchem, changed his route to access Marshall Street and ran north, police said, despite their shouts for him to stop.

Probation officer Daniel Shoop caught up with Latshaw on Marshall Street and restrained him when the suspect ran into a fence. Latshaw was forced to the ground, but police said he resisted before being subdued and transported to Shamokin Police Station.

Burglary

Shortly before midnight Aug. 10, police were notified that a burglary was in progress at a vacant property at 303 S. Seventh St.

The caller told police a male was inside the building while a female was waiting for him in a sport utility vehicle.

Primerano responded and spotted a sport utility vehicle occupied by Latshaw's girlfriend, Jennifer Geiser. The corporal then conducted a vehicle stop a few blocks away on Geiser, who told the officer she had been waiting to pick up Latshaw at 303 S. Seventh St., but left when she saw neighbors watching her.

Geiser has not been charged.

Shamokin Cpl. Jarrod Scandle, who responded to the burglary with Purcell and Henrich, saw Latshaw run from the property into a yard. Purcell then went to Latshaw's home, where he spotted the defendant outside his front door. Latshaw fled through his home into the back yard before running through neighboring yards despite being warned to stop by police, who formed a perimeter around the 100 block of East Arch Street.

Latshaw ran from a yard east on Arch Street, south on Marshall Street and onto Gold Street, where he descended the "Patsy Steps" leading to South Rock Street and managed to elude police.

Police said Latshaw, before fleeing, had a bucket of car alternators that belonged to the homeowner.

Police said Latshaw also caused damage to private property and landscaping by running and trespassing into yards in the 100 block of East Arch Street.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area School Board hired new teachers, accepted resignations and approved the posting of several open positions during its meeting Tuesday.

The following teachers or professional staff were hired with benefits: Casey Weisbeck, $31,000, Jason Campbell, $30,000, Christina Venna, $31,000, Katherine Stroh, $31,000, and Emily Witt, $30,000. Megan Rollenhagen was changed from confidential employee to temporary professional employee at a salary of $32,700.

Sarah L. Zimmerman, sign language interpreter, received a $5,000 raise for a three-year commitment. Marlana Krebs was hired as a speech language assistant at a $24,000 salary. Lynn Sarisky was hired as a teacher aide for special education at $7.25 hourly.

The retirement of elementary teacher Celeste Fobia was accepted, as were the resignations of Christine Shearn, secondary teacher, Amanda Lockard, speech and language pathologist, Jordan Zande and Joseph Dudeck, secondary teachers, and Emily Witt, Jessie Yost and Noelle Carnuccio, teachers aides.

Jennifer Makowski was adjusted from three-quarters to full-time, with a salary of $36,700, as was Angela Golfieri at a salary of $30,000.

The following positions will be posted or advertised: speech and language pathologist, anticipated sign language interpreter, elementary teacher, LTS elementary teacher, secondary reading teacher, secondary social studies teacher, head girls volleyball coach, math tutor, event security, student lifeguards, swimnastics instructor and part-time technology technician.

SUNBURY - More than 10 years after he was first charged, a former Northumberland County correctional officer is one step closer to spending time in state prison.

Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest granted a "motion to commence sentence" sought by the state in the case of Kasimir Craig "KC" Grohowski, 42, of Mount Carmel. The Aug. 1 order included instructions for Grohowski to report to the county sheriff's department within 45 days to be transported to SCI-Camp Hill, where inmates are processed before being assigned to a prison to begin their sentences.

But Wiest's order also notes that should the defendant file a post conviction relief petition, the court will reconsider its motion.

Grohowski and his attorney, Edward E. Kopko, could not be reached for comment Thursday, but based on past interviews, filing of the petition is expected.

One of 8 charged

Grohowski's legal saga began April 14, 2004, when he and seven other current or former prison guards were charged in connection with a two-year grand jury investigation into offenses allegedly committed between 2000 and 2002 at the prison.

Charges against one of the other guards were eventually withdrawn. Another guard was acquitted of drug charges during a 2005 trial and allowed to return to work at the prison. The other four guards entered guilty pleas and received various sentences, but avoided spending time in prison. Grohowski would be the first from the group to spend any time behind bars.

In September 2006, Grohowski was convicted by a jury of three counts three counts of delivery of contraband - cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana - to an inmate at the jail. He was acquitted of aggravated assault against an inmate.

In August 2007, then-President Judge Robert B. Sacavage granted Grohowski a new trial, citing a need for "extraordinary relief." Among the key issues was that Grohowski's attorney, Richard Feudale, didn't object to Senior Deputy Attorney General David Gorman, in his closing argument, asking the jury to consider sending a "message" by finding Grohowski guilty. Sacavage said Grohowski's case was prejudiced by that remark.

He also said physical evidence supporting the guilty verdict was insufficient and that the prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence presented in the testimony of three inmates. He said that testimony amounted "to little more than vague assertions that they had received drugs from the defendant."

Gorman said the "message" statement had no bearing on the jury's verdict, and he defended Feudale by pointing out that he filed pre-trial motions in the case and attacked the credibility of witnesses, including inmates.

Gorman appealed Sacavage's ruling to the Superior Court, which in summer 2009 ruled in a 3-2 decision that extraordinary relief was not justified because the appeals process shouldn't occur until after sentencing.

With Sacavage's ruling for a new trial overturned, the case proceeded to sentencing based on the original conviction. In October 2009, Sacavage sentenced Grohowski to two to four years.

Kopko again began the appeal process. He filed post-sentence motions requesting acquittal or a new trial, and arguments were heard by Sacavage. The judge later acquitted Grohowski due to what he ruled was ineffective counsel and the "message" remark by Gorman.

But Gorman appealed again. The Superior Court on May 22 of last year vacated the acquittal ruling. It said Sacavage's ruling on post-sentence motions, made June 23, 2011, came after the 120 days allotted for post-sentence motions, which were made by Kopko on Jan. 26. It made the motions legally null, the court said.

The Superior Court ruling was appealed by Kopko, but when the Supreme Court upheld it a Dec. 3 ruling, Gorman took action to initiate the sentencing.

Grohowski said in February he was "shocked" to learn of the turn of events, believing since his 2011 acquittal that he was a free man. Kopko said at the time he planned to ask for more time to respond to the motion.

Wiest's one-page order of Aug. 1 doesn't provide any information as to what has transpired since February, but the clock appears to once again be ticking toward Grohowski heading to prison.

MOUNT CARMEL - A new treasurer will begin providing some much-needed oversight for the borough after numerous financial setbacks.

At Thursday's meeting, Ann Swartz was hired by Mount Carmel Borough Council as treasurer, effective today.

Swartz is office manager of the Mount Carmel Municipal Authority. As part of her position, she has kept the authority's books, which are managed in a similar fashion to the borough.

"We saw how good a job she did with the municipal authority and we wanted to get her," Tony Matulewicz, borough council president, said. "She's comfortable with it."

Swartz will have the treasurer duties added to her existing position for a pay bump of $1,500.

"She offered to do it for no money just to help us out but it does come with a salary," said Matulewicz. "We're giving an existing employee some extra money."

Borough manager Edward Cuff III has held the treasurer position since March 1, when the duties were shifted from Megan Janolek, current Lower Anthracite Transit System (LATS) director.

The position was opened in combination with the LATS director position after it was discovered that Janolek made numerous bookkeeping errors.

Janolek's behavior is not thought to be criminal, and there is no evidence that she stole any money.

Matulewicz said Tuesday the borough is still accepting applications for the LATS director position.

Janolek's errors have held up a mandatory audit of the borough's finances, resulting in the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) warning the borough that it will become flagged; $552,378 in federal funding is at risk if the borough becomes flagged.

When an acceptable audit is turned in to DCED, the warning, or flag status should it reach that point, would be removed.

The borough is also currently flagged for its 2009 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Grant.

Matulewicz said the borough's CDBG funding became problematic almost as soon as a financial plan was turned in for the multi-year streets and utility relocation project.

Because of the length of the project and the time it takes for the state to approve project schedules and distribute funding, some grant money would have been spent after the five-year cutoff, resulting in the flagged status, said Matulewicz.

A CDBG Flagged Activities Reporting Schedule Reason for Delay and Remediation Plan will be executed by Matulewicz to recover the borough's status.

An earlier story on the CDBG Flagged Activities Reporting Schedule Reason for Delay and Remediation Plan was unclear on which flagged item it concerned. The report will cover the earlier flagged project, which involves matters unrelated to Janolek's duties, and not the recent issues with Janolek's failure to provide an audit on time.

Matulewicz said Thursday that DCED is providing the borough with an extension on turning in Janolek's overdue audit.

The audit is now due Oct. 31.

The borough paid an independent accountant to repair Janolek's errors. Matulewicz previously estimated cost of the accountant at $2,000.

The borough's auditor, Courtney Solomon, of Herring, Roll & Solomon, P.C., is expected to return sometime next week, said Matulewicz.

Janolek continues to be employed by the borough as the LATS director. She was in attendance at Monday's council work session but was not present at Thursday's borough meeting.

ELYSBURG - Following is the scheduled for the 95th All Home Days Labor Day weekend at Elysburg Community Park.

Saturday, Aug. 30

8 to 11 a.m.: Breakfast in dining hall sponsored by All Home Days Association. $7 adults, $4 children 10 and under.

10:30 a.m.: Parade registration (Alliance Church).

11:30 a.m.: Parade begins; Center Street to Community Park.

12:45 p.m.: Parade awards.

1 to 8 p.m.: Flower show open.

1 to 2 p.m.: Cub Scout retirement of American flags.

2 to 3 p.m.: 50th anniversary Vietnam veterans remembrance.

3 to 5 p.m.: Music by Pepper Street.

4:40 to 6:30 p.m.: Spaghetti dinner (sponsored by SCA music program); $8 adults, $5 children 10 and under.

5:30 to 6 p.m.: Easton Tai Kwon Do School demonstration..

7 to 9 p.m.: Music by Pepper Street.

Sunday, Aug. 31

8 to 11 a.m.: Breakfast in dining Hall sponsored by Ralpho Township Business Association, $7 adults, $4 children 10 and under.

9 a.m.: Car show registration begins.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Church service (Simple Faith).

1 to 8 p.m.: Flower show.

1:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Vera Bradley and Thirty-one Bingo (sponsored by all Home Days Association. $20 per ticket. Doors open at 1 p.m. Pick up tickets at Voughts Rental or by calling Melissa Snarski at 570-672-2917. No tickets will be held.

2 p.m: Cub Scout Soap Box Derby.

2 p.m. Car show awards.

2 to 4 p.m.: Music by Covert Action.

3:30 p.m.: Registration for sumo wrestling.

4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Sumo wrestling.

4:30 to 7 p.m.: Chicken and waffle dinner (sponsored by SCA music program); $8 adults, $5 children 10 and under.

7 to 9 p.m.: Music by Covert Action.

Monday, Sept. 1

7:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Breakfast in dining hall (sponsored by Elysburg Methodist Church), $7 adults.

8 a.m.: Registration for Rotary "Run or walk for Fun" 5K.

9 a.m.: 5K starts.

10:30 a.m.: 5K awards presentation.

Noon: Registration for horseshoe tournament (individuals).

Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Lip sync contest (call Lori Savitski at 570-233-1352).

1 to 8 p.m.: Flower show.

1 p.m.: Horseshoe tournament begins.

2 to 4 p.m.: Music by Double Talk.

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Music by Double Talk.

4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Chicken barbecue in dining hall (sponsored by All Home Days Association). Adults $9, children under 10 $5

7:30 to 9 p.m.: Tribute to those serving and who have served in armed forces. Featuring music by The Vic Boris Trio.

SUNBURY - Six petitions filed by convicted killer Richard C. Curran in search of earnings statements and waivers for late income tax filings were dismissed Wednesday by a Northumberland County judge.

The custody petition he filed seeking monthly visits from his daughters, however, remains pending. A domestic relations hearing officer, Marsha Skoff, recused herself from the case, as did President Judge William H. Wiest.

Judge Charles H. Saylor took on the other petitions filed by Curran, calling them "frivolous" in each of the six separate dismissals issued. However, it's not clear if he will also take on the custody petition. A Sept. 8 mediation conference on the matter was not listed on his schedule, his law clerk said Thursday.

Skoff said the county court could appoint another domestic relations hearing officer in the event Saylor does not take on the custody case.

On Aug. 24, 2005, Curran shot and killed his ex-wife Tina S. Curran on

a loading dock outside the formerly named Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where she worked as a nurse. He was convicted of first-degree murder on June 19, 2008, and sentenced to life in prison. He is currently incarcerated at SCI-Albion, Erie County.

Bonnie K. Smith, of Mount Carmel, was awarded custody of her grandchildren on Sept. 16, 2005. The girls are now 16 and 12. Curran is seeking partial custody in the form of monthly visits from his daughters to the state prison.

The petition for partial custody is one of seven legal filings Curran made last month in Northumberland County Court. Included is a request for the return of $2,626.12 cash and other items seized by police after his apprehension at the Canadian border in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Curran had also asked the court to force four past employers along with Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation and the Department of Revenue to turn over earnings statements from 2004 and 2005 and waive late filings.

He can't seek the return of property or fiscal information through petitions, Saylor's law clerk said. Instead, he can file civil complaints seeking the information, which must then be formally served to potential defendants.

MOUNT CARMEL - The owner of a tractor-trailer truck involved in a devastating accident in Elysburg last year waived the charges and was released on bail Wednesday, but he was taken into custody for failure to respond to motor carrier enforcement citations in Clinton County, according to the (Bloomsburg) Press Enterprise.

Two people hurt in the crash drove from New York to attend the hearing, the paper said.

Joshua S. Kovaschetz, 34, of Riverside and formerly of 2273 Mile Hill Road, Sunbury, waived 18 charges, including two misdemeanor charges of recklessly endangering another person.

He was freed on $10,000 unsecured bail, the paper reported, but police immediately took him away on the unrelated charges. Danville District Judge Marv Shrawder told the Bloomsburg paper there are four warrants for Kovaschetz in Montour County related to his trucking business, and he faces a DUI hearing in Montour County.

In addition to the recklessly endangering charges, Kovaschetz was charged with 11 summary counts of allowing the operation of unsafe equipment, two summary counts of operating with a hazardous braking system, and one summary count each of violating an out-of-service order, operating without insurance and violation of inspection. The charges were filed in June at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones in Mount Carmel.

Kovaschetz did not have an attorney at his arraignment Wednesday, the Bloomsburg paper reported.

Victims present

The accident left Richard Shaw, of Johnson City, N.Y., confined to a wheelchair and also caused serious injuries to his wife, Brenda. The Shaws drove from New York Monday, visiting David and Judy Wolfe, of Shamokin, who, with their son, were also hurt in the crash, as well as Brad Anecki, a neighbor who helped in the aftermath, the paper reported.

Richard Shaw had four surgeries and spent 21 days at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, before transferring to a rehabilitation center. He told the paper he and his wife are finding "a new way to live." Shaw said he used to play football and other games with his grandchildren, but can now only throw the ball from his motorized chair.

"You can get busy living or get busy dying," he told the paper, quoting "The Shawshank Redemption." He said he and his wife decided to get busy living.

He also told the paper Kovaschetz is "a menace to society."

Driver at arraignment

David McGuinn, of Paxinos, was the driver of the truck and was at Kovaschetz' hearing as a witness, the paper reported. McGuinn had been charged with three summary offenses - operating unsafe equipment, careless driving and an out-of-service offense - but pleaded guilty to operating unsafe equipment Wednesday; the other two charges were withdrawn.

Details, lawsuits

According to a report issued by Ralpho Township police shortly after the accident, Richard Shaw was driving a Ford Mustang east about 2:30 p.m. March 25, 2013, when it was rear-ended by McGuinn's truck.

The collision forced the Ford into the westbound lane, where it collided head-on with a Toyota Prius driven by David Wolfe. The Prius was subsequently rear-ended by a Dodge Dakota driven by Ricardo Contreras, of Hart Road, Danville.

The Shaws and Wolfe were extricated from their vehicles by emergency responders.

McGuinn and Contreras were not injured.

Shaw, who pursued legal action against Kovaschetz Trucking LLC, said he and his wife together suffered about 25 broken bones in the accident.

"I just don't understand how the tractor-trailer driver (McGuinn) failed to stop in time," Shaw said last summer. "I was stopped and turning left and had my turn signal on. A witness verified all that, but the tractor-trailer left no brake marks on the highway, indicating the driver never intended to stop. There was no reason for him to slam into me."

Wolfe also pursued legal action. TravCo Insurance Company, which represents Wolfe, filed the civil complaint July 7 against Kovaschetz Trucking LLC and McGuinn.

The complaint filed by Attorney Michael J. Dougherty, of Philadelphia, in the Northumberland County prothonotary's office is seeking $22,441.32 in damages plus interest and costs. The damage amount also covers rental charges incurred by Wolfe.

The complaint claims McGuinn negligently, recklessly and/or carelessly caused the accident and damage to Wolfe's vehicle.

Mayor meeting set Wednesday

MOUNT CARMEL - Mayor Philip "Bing" Cimino will host a meeting to discuss recreation projects, including the bike park, the community garden and the mural planned for Second and Oak streets, at 7 p.m. Wednesday. All residents are welcome.

Community service set Saturday

SHAMOKIN - District Justice John Gembic's community service crews are to meet at the Hiker monument, Lincoln Street, and the Coal Bowl at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library has announced that Memorials for the period of June 19 to Aug. 12 have been presented for the following persons:

William Apollo by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Dan Bamford by Gene and Nancy Boughner.

Josephine Baranoski by Jeanette Burba.

Laura Neihoff Belber by Justin and Kathleen Kleski, Shamokin High School Class of 1957 Classmates, Corrine (Hoy) Thomas Neihoff.

John Brennan Sr. by Gene and Nancy Boughner, Jim and Pat Bressi, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Vinny and Debbie Clausi, Kathy Gonsar, Keith and Kathy Jeremiah, Judy Laubach, Tony and Melinda Rosini, Janet and Al Sabol, the Vetovich family, Carolyn Weaver.

Diane Broskey by Rae and Chuck Hopta, JoAnn Little.

John Charnosky by Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family.

Anna Coffey by Kathy Gonsar.

Jeff Concannon by Henry and Mary Lou Sherupski.

Alverta Dapra by Gene and Nancy Boughner.

William Davis Jr. by John and Sue Golumbfskie.

Bob Deluge Sr. by Joe Rocuskie, Shamokin High School Class of 1945.

James Dilliplane by Kay and Paul Colleran, Helen, John and Lynn Dixon and Sharon Graboski, Matthew and Trissa Griffiths.

Joe "Jazz" Diminick by George "Norge" Dorko and Gere Bonchak, Kathy Fenix, Peggy Ferrari.

Cora and Emory Dimm by Lamar and Marie Dimm.

Mary Ann Eglanski by Gene and Nancy Boughner.

Robert Evans by Tom and Rhonda Eckman, Evelyn Klemick.

Sandy Farrow by Angie, Charmaine, Carol, Kathy S., Kathy W., Karon, Susan and Louanne, Dennis and Cheryl Zeigenfuss.

Sara Feese by Gene and Nancy Boughner.

Raymond General by Gene, Nancy, Mark, Eric and Sarah Boughner.

Francis "Moto" Gurski by Gene, Nancy, Mark, Eric and Sarah Boughner.

Ann Marie Haddock by Gene and Nancy Boughner.

John Halcovich by wife Lorraine.

Beatrice Hoffa by Lorraine Crawford, Frances Tyson and Cindy Heins and family.

Florence Janaskie by Barbara and Erik Antonsson and Karl, Jon and Katie.

Donald Johns by Bob and Joan McAllister.

Courtney Jones by Gary, Kathy and Nathan Rothermel, Henry and Mary Lou Sherupski, Peggy Timco, Molly Dormer, Maureen Zarick, Elizabeth Singzon and Sheila Satton.

J. Patrick Jones by Chet and Marion Stesney.

Robert Jones by Gene and Nancy Boughner, Tim and Nikki Jones and family.

Stanley Kalejta by Jim and Pat Bressi, Eleanor Kissel, Noah and Gabby Orner, Ken and Ann Marie Pogozelski, Chet Purcell, Shamokin-Coal Township Senior Action Center, Joyce Thomas, Jane Whitley and Nancy Clark, Tony Zienda and Mary Ann and Bill Hufford.

Robert Kehler by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Albert and Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Albert, Jim and Pat Bressi, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Harry and Nancy Troutman.

Holly Jo Kirchhoff by Beth and Ernie, Patty, Ronnie and Kelly Geist, Dorothy Goodman, Joy Knapik.

Robert Knock Sr. by Joe and Carol Broscious.

Linda Knopp by Gene and Nancy Boughner.

Bill Kreisher by Gene and Nancy Boughner.

Colleen Lauer by Betty Edwards, Robert and Clare Golazeski, Sylvia Shappell, Peggy Timco.

Lillian Liachowitz by Don and Marian Myers.

Donna Long by Loretta Brown.

John Najarian by Nancy McBride.

Sandra Nestico by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Carl and Shelly Klemick, Catherine Reed.

Michael Osevala by Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family, Les and Margie Schiccatano.

Alvera Peronace by Dave and Sandy Navrocki.

George Persing by Bill Dudeck and family, Rich and Nancy Stryeski, Corrine Thomas and Bob Probert.

Justine Picarelli by Vinny and Debbie Clausi, Bill Dudeck and Family, Peggy and Maureen Ferrari, Keith and Kathy Jeremiah, Catherine Reed.

George W. "William" Raker by Ronald Kuhns.

Alice Reichwein by Pat and Jim Bressi.

Reynolds Rhoades by Shamokin City Pool.

Theresa L. Salwocki by Curt Dobson.

Eleanoe Shebelski by Vinny and Debbie Clausi.

Dennis Sheriff by Gene, Nancy, Mark, Eric and Sarah Boughner.

Matthew Shingara Sr. by Nicole and James Luda and boys.

Mary Ann Slaby by Gene and Nancy Boughner.

Peggy Smink by Jerome and Mary Jane Barcavage and family, Pat and Lum Bradley, Joe and Kandy Dascani and family, Lynn and Dave Dixon, Donna, JoAnn, Debbie, Missy and Joan, Eric, Michelle, Erica and Holly Feese, Charlotte Fox, Jim and Donna Gotlob, Frank and Sharon Graboski and family, Allen and Irene Grow, Shirley Grow and family, Karen and James Linton, Ben McFalls, Gary and Debbie McFalls, Peggy Morris, William and Joyce Mowery, Ron, Cindy and Marissa Moyer, Mary and Missy Olear, Janet and Al Sabol, Dan Smink and Family, Dot Smink, Mary and Jeff Thew and Family, Tom, Lisa, Tommy and Laura Thew, Darve and Sheri and family, Carolyn Weaver.

Shirley Smink by Dot, Ron, Cindy and Marissa.

Susan Snyder by Dolores and Pat Kosmer.

Colleen L. Stiner by Charlie and Paula Gedman.

Laura Sweitzer by Pat and Jim Bressi, Jill and Todd Heitzman, Dave and Sandy Navrocki.

Tatum Tillett by the Buriak family, Bill and Shirley Golden and family, Cal and Roseanne Harris and family.

Theresa Venarchick by Melissa and Devin Sulick.

Joseph Verano by Marian Edmondson, JoAnn Little.

Marna M. Victoriano by Bruce and Ralph Victoriano.

Rita Wehr by Gene and Nancy Boughner.

Betty Willis by Greg and Donna Wisloski.

Joseph Yermalovich by Joe and Betty Dudeck, Jerry and Shirley Hughes.

Thomas S. Ziemba by Janet Albertini.

Irene Zimmerman by Phyllis Barrett, Jearldene and Susan Losiewicz, Robert and Gale Rokuskie, Trevorton Road Women's Club.

Contributions to the memorial fund:

John Brennan by Bob and Suzanne Starke.

Diane Broskey by Myron and Linda Turlis.

Bernice Hoffa by Sue Erdman Joyce.

Stanley Kalejta by Bob and Suzanne Starke.

Holly Kirchhoff by Carol and Gary Stepp and family, Myron and Linda Turlis.

Colleen Lauer by Henry T. Miner.

Sandy Nestico by Bob and Suzanne Starke.

George Persing by Kathy and Abby, Marian Edmondson, William Edmondson.

Justine Picarelli by Kathy and Abby James, Bob and Suzanne Starke.

Danny Seroski by Jack and Carol (Nezerski) Patton, Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Bob Swatt by Kathy and Abby James.

Tatum Tillett by Sandy Dombroski and family.

In Honor Of:

Irvin Liachowitz by Don and Marian Myers.

Judith Pensyl by JoAnn Dobeck, Doreen Kushner, Darlene Swank, Debbie Kanovich.

Honor a loved one and place a permanent memorial in the Library Century Club.

An estimated 16 percent of the total fly ash produced at PPL's Montour coal-fired power plant will be used to fill a mine pit near Locust Summit over the next decade.

The plant in Washingtonville produces an estimated 250,000 tons of fly ash on average annually, according to Teri MacBride, PPL Susquehanna regional affairs director. Totals fluctuate depending on energy demand.

About 400,000 tons of fly ash is planned to fill the 6.2-acre pit in Mount Carmel Township over 10 years - or 40,000 tons each year. It's located at a Gilberton Coal mine site just east of Route 901 in the area of the former Locust Summit breaker on the Merriam Mountain. Fly ash will be hauled there beginning this fall.

There are no plans at the moment to use any fly ash from the Brunner Island plant in York Haven, MacBride said.

$40k each year in Coal Twp.

Mount Carmel Township supervisors met with PPL officials at a workshop session earlier this month. On Wednesday, the three supervisors voted unanimously to ratify an agreement that will bring the township $10,000 annually and $5.50 for each load dumped at the site.

Vince Rovito is the township's solicitor. He serves in the same role for Coal Township, which had two active fly ash operations in Burnside this decade. They yielded about $40,000 each annually, according to Coal Township Manager Rob Slaby. About 1.2 million tons have been used at a Reading Anthracite site since 2003, MacBride said. It's estimated to continue for the next two to three years. The operation on a Blaschak Coal Corp. site ended in 2013.

Reading Anthracite and Gilberton Coal belong to the same family of coal companies operated by the Rich family and headquartered in Schuylkill County.

Appeal denied

The Department of Environmental Protection granted a permit to Gilberton Coal in August 2008 to fill the Mount Carmel Township pit. An appeal was filed in December 2009 by Robert Gadinski, a Lavelle resident and licensed geologist, along with Lavelle residents Joan and Frank Burke. They feared the potential environmental impact on their residential water wells.

Five monitoring wells were drilled, but there was no requirement for residential water wells to be tested before the fly ash is deposited. Gadinski argued that without the testing, it would be difficult to prove that a potential future contamination could be attributed to the coal ash or an existing condition. He had also said that monitoring wells don't provide an accurate comparison on water quality.

Attempts to reach Gadinski for comment on Thursday were unsuccessful.

A state Environmental Hearing Board denied the appeal in May 2013. The board's ruling says the project would improve water quality by preventing the flow of surface water into a contaminated underground mine pool, and would also improve drainage and restore surface contours. Public safety would be enhanced by filling the pit, preventing someone from falling in, according to the ruling.

'Vitally important'

MacBride said the "beneficial use" of fly ash, or coal combustion product, is "vitally important to the profitability" of PPL's coal-fired plants, noting the benefits also cited by the Environmental Hearing Board. It's also used as a component of ready-mix concrete and raw kiln feed.

"If we don't use if for beneficial use, we would be wasting a resource by creating another environmental problem: disposal," MacBride said.

The ash has a powder-like consistency. It's dry when used as fill and compacts itself naturally, MacBride said. It is moistened, however, when loaded into trucks for hauling.

ATLAS - The inaugural Mount Carmel Township Italian/Tyrolean Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Atlas Fire Company, with proceeds benefitting the truck and apparatus fund.

The family affair is being held as a celebration of the rich heritage and traditions of Italian/Tyrolean ancestors passed along through generations.

Deadline for parade honorees, T-shirt orders, booklet memorials, monetary or raffle donations and vendors is Aug. 30.

A parade honoring the oldest male and female resident of Italian/Tyrolean descent will begin at 10 a.m. There will be homemade Italian food, vendors with other food and goodies, theme baskets, raffles, entertainment and activities for children - all set to begin at 11 a.m.

The volunteer festival committee is seeking the oldest male and female born-and-raised township residents. They don't have to presently reside in the township. Anyone who knows any resident 80 years or older who fit the criteria should call Judy at 570-274-9536 or Noreen at 570-373-3449.

Festival T-shirts are for sale. The cost is $12 for S-2x and $15 for 3x. Call Judy at 570-274-9536 or Noreen at 570-373-3449.

Anyone wishing to donate a theme basket or gift certificate for the raffle should call Angie at 570-259-1054.

A memorial booklet will be published. It will be in memory of deceased relatives. The cost for a memorial is between $4 and $7. A patron line is $3. For information on the booklet call Dauna at 570-339-2710, Christina at 570-847-5515 or Patti at 570-373-3179.

Monetary donations are appreciated. Checks can be written to the Atlas Fire Company/Italian Festival and mailed to 306 W. Saylor St., Atlas, PA 17851. Committee volunteers are available to pick up donations in person.

For any questions, donations or vendor information call Judy or Noreen.

ATLAS - Residents of Mount Carmel Township would be required to purchase a permit to host yard sales under the terms of a proposed ordinance.

According to the proposal, a $5 permit would be required for anyone hosting more than two yard sales in a calendar year.

Supervisor Chairman Charles Gasperetti said during Wednesday's monthly board meeting the proposal is meant to prevent people from "running a store in their yards" without paying a tax.

A second proposed ordinance would boost the cost of parking tickets in the township. Routine parking violations would increase from $10 to $15. Violations would also be established for handicapped parking, with fines ranging between $50 and $100. There are no handicapped parking violations currently in place, according to township police Chief Brian Hollenbush.

Both ordinances will be advertised and voted on at future meetings. It takes two separate affirmative votes to adopt or amend an ordinance.

Blight fix, issues

A bid was accepted to tear down three dilapidated properties on West Saylor Street.

Ferdinand Diminick Contracting, Danville, will be paid $15,500 to demolish 112, 116 and 118 W. Saylor St. The bid was unanimously accepted Wednesday by Mount Carmel Township Supervisors Gasperetti, Reynold Scicchitano and Joseph Zanella.

The township will pay $7,750 for the demolition, with the Northumberland County Housing Authority paying the rest, according to Gasperetti.

The properties were purchased for $1 each from the Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau.

A paving contract was formally approved. M&J Excavation Inc., Bloomsburg, will receive $38,450 to restore Laurel, Mulberry and Saylor streets in Atlas, perform inlet work on Mulberry Street, and patch Vermont Drive and Missouri Lane in Den-Mar Gardens.

Code officer Don Geary said the owner of the former St. Mary's Roman Catholic School, Marion Heights, is facing a public nuisance charge. The building was badly damaged by fire in June. Geary said John Pickens, of Danville, had 30 days to take action.

Employees

Ed Amarose, of Atlas, was hired as a part-time street department employee. He will replace Nate Wagner, whose last day is today. Gasperetti said Amarose will work between 20 and 30 hours weekly. His hourly wage was not set Wednesday. The lowest starting rate is $7.75 hourly, Gasperetti said. The position does not come with any employee benefits.

Gasperetti was approved to become the township's interim emergency management coordinator. Frank Amarose's resignation was accepted Wednesday. He was reappointed to the position in January. Solicitor Vincent Rovito said he would look to see if any conflicts of interest exist since Gasperetti, who abstained from the vote, is also a township supervisor.

A township employee continues to work on maintenance projects at the township police station. Gasperetti said it's allowed the supervisors to avoid hiring a subcontractor thus far, and Hollenbush said he is pleased with the work. Also, a part-time roadmaster has not been hired. Gasperetti said a new daily self-accounting system for street department employees has been successful in documenting details of each employee's work day. He said the money that would have been used on the position could potentially fund one or two additional part-timers with the street crew.

Improvement projects

SEDA-COG was approved to lead Phase 8 of housing rehabilitation services in Mount Carmel Township, using $350,000 in grant funds. There have been 135 homes rehabilitated in the first six phases, and another nine involved in the seventh phase. Preference for rehabilitation will be given to township residents with very low income. Inquire at the township office.

A storm water improvement project in the village of Strong was approved. John Buccanelli, township engineer, said two water inlets would be installed on East Street near Route 61 and Second Street. He said it should prevent flooding and ice buildup in the winter in that area. Czop Specter, Norristown, is the project engineer.

The supervisors voted to permit the owners of 209 Park Ave., Marion Heights, to excavate a "paper road" to install new sewer lines. The land is owned by Susquehanna Coal Co. A neighboring land owner, Rich Mychak, expressed concern about the condition the road would be left in. He said he's cared for it over the years, seeding it and mowing grass in the area. Gasperetti said the township could ask the contractor to grade and seed the road when the project is finished. Mychak said he was interested in having the road vacated by the township, allowing him to potentially acquire half of the "paper road."

Festival planned

The inaugural Mount Carmel Township Italian/Tyrolean Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Atlas Fire Co. A parade will also be held. Supervisors agreed to close Laurel Street and the 300 block of West Saylor Street during the event. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Atlas Fire Co. truck and apparatus fund. (See story page 7).

Barletta outreach

A representative of U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta will visit the township municipal building at 300 Laurel St. for community outreach from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28. Township residents are urged to visit.

Municipal business and public announcements are posted at www.mountcarmeltownship.org.

MOUNT CARMEL - Three defendants pleaded guilty to various charges Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones.

n Jake Donte Stellar, 25, of 245 S. Fourth St., Mount Carmel, pleaded guilty to harassment and was ordered to pay a fine and costs totaling $568.60. An additional charge of simple assault was withdrawn.

He was charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman Justin Stelma with punching Robert Longo in the face June 19 at Third and Oak streets. Longo required eight stitches to close a cut above his left eye, police said.

Stellar also was charged Wednesday by Mount Carmel Cpl. David Donkochik with possession of drug paraphernalia involving an Aug. 7 incident at his home. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on the charge Aug. 27 before Jones.

n Bonnie Ziegler, 51, of 220 E. Avenue, Mount Carmel, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $500 fine plus costs, was placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to make $25 restitution to Mount Carmel police. Two additional counts of disorderly conduct, three counts of harassment and one count of simple assault were withdrawn.

Ziegler was charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman with tying up emergency 911 lines by falsely claiming she was dying July 27 at her residence. She also is accused of kicking a screen door that struck Dillman.

n Sterling A. Feldges, 25, of 422 E. Avenue, Mount Carmel, pleaded guilty to loitering and prowling at night and was ordered to pay a $500 fine plus costs and make $25 restitution to Mount Carmel police. Additional charges of theft from a motor vehicle, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and public drunkenness were withdrawn.

Feldges was charged by Dillman with stealing two sets of fishing waders and $5 from a vehicle owned by Kailee Yost parked in the first block of South Oak Street Aug. 11.

All Saints

All Saints Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12th and Scott streets, Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Participants - Richard Kovach, lector; Marsha Karnes, acolyte, altar guild and communion assistant.

Assumption BVM

Assumption B.V.M. Ukrainian Catholic Church, Paxton Street, Centralia.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Divine liturgy - Sunday, 11 a.m.

Augusta Baptist

Augusta Baptist Church, 1371 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury.

Pastor - Robert S. Commerford.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:15 a.m.

Evening service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth group, 6 p.m., kids club, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m.; fourth Thursday of the month, L.I.F.E. for seniors age 55 and up, noon.

Augustaville Wesleyan

Augustaville Wesleyan Church, 2556 State Route 890, Paxinos.

Pastor - Greg Clendaniel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult Bible study, children's ministry and youth Bible bowl, 7 p.m.

Bethany Bible

Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, 654 Wilburton Road, across from Mount Carmel Estates.

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Guest speaker - The Rev. David Manney.

Message - "Stand Firm, and Pray."

No evening service.

Activities - Sunday, Senior Saints Lunch Out at OIP, Shamokin, 1 p.m.; Wednesday, children and youth programs, and adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.

Bethany EC

Bethany EC Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland.

Pastor - Mark Brownson.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m. (adults and children).

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bethany Bible club, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., kindergarten through sixth grade, prayer meeting, weekly, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free clothing closet, every first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Speaker, Ted Erdman. All ages.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m., Chris Christian, speaker.

Junior church - 10:30 a.m..

Special music - Cathy Kenenitz.

Participants - Faith Leiser and Billy Jo Seeder, nursery.

Evening worship - 6 p.m. Speaker, Jason Seeder.

Activities - Tuesday, prayer worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6 p.m.

Calvary Bible

Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 35 S. Second St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Ferd Madara.

Sunday school for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship service - 10:35 a.m. Praise Team.

Special music - Cathy Kenenitz.

Nursery - Faith Leiser and Billy Jo Seedor.

Message by Pastor Madara.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Church of the Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, Lavelle.

Pastor - Jeremy Smallwood.

Sunday school classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Clark's Grove UMC

Clark's Grove United Methodist Church, Irish Valley Road, Paxinos. Handicapped accessible.

Pastor - Billy Frick.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:10 a.m.

Youth service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

Divine Redeemer

Divine Redeemer Church, West Avenue and Poplar Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Martin O. Moran III.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m. (Sunday obligation); Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Holy day Masses - 6 p.m., eve of holy days. 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., holy day.

Confessions - Saturday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; after morning novena Wednesday, or any time by appointment.

Novenas - Monday, Miraculous Medal novena after morning Mass; Wednesday, St. Jude Thaddeus novena after morning Mass; Saturday, St. Francis novena after morning Mass.

Elysburg Alliance

Elysburg Alliance Church, 113 W. Alpha Ave., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Knisely.

Service - 8 and 10:30 a.m. with a message from Pastor Knisely.

Sunday school for all ages - 9:15 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer ministry, 7 to 8 p.m.; Sept. 21, AWANA for children ages 3 to fifth grade, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Elysburg Presbyterian

Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave. (Route 487), Elysburg.

Pastor - Matthew Young.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Nursery provided.

Message - Pastor Young preaching on "Jesus Testifies!"

Scripture - John 5:28-47.

Musicians - Debbie Cecco, organist; Eileen Reigel, pianist.

The deacons will hold a food drive for the Elysburg Food Pantry all summer. Requested are canned and dry goods, especially cereal, peanut butter and jelly, applesauce, juice, powdered pre-sweetened summer drinks, condiments, pasta, sauce and soup.

Activities - Sunday, Lifetree Cafe, "Encountering God," 7 p.m.; Friday, Breakfast with Jesus Bible study, 8:30 a.m., junior high youth group, 3 to 5 p.m., senior high youth group, 5 to 7 p.m.; Aug. 24, fall Sunday school kickoff, 9 a.m.

Elysburg UMC

Elysburg United Methodist Church, 171 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m. No Sunday school. Coffee fellowship following the worship.

Participants - Jack Crowl, head usher; Nancy Booth and Edna Ehret, greeters; Carole Swank, scripture reader; Cooper Rouse, acolyte; Olivia Bodner, organist; Marilyn Crowl, shepherding.

Activities - Monday, United Methodist Men at Miller's Crossroads, 6 p.m.; Tuesday, prayer circle, 10:30 a.m., lay leadership meeting, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Elysburg Food Pantry, 10 a.m. to noon, Elysburg UMC.

Emmanuel UMC

Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 328 Center St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Coffee fellowship - 8 to 9 a.m.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Tuesday and Thursday, exercise class, 6:30 p.m.; third Wednesday of month, cookie ministry, 5 p.m.; second Saturday of the month, health screening, 8 to 10 a.m.; fourth Sunday of the month, movie night, 5 p.m.

Faith Bible

Faith Bible Church, Burnside.

Pastor - Perry Ross.

Pianist - Robert Witmer III.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Kids Club, Bible study and prayer, 7 p.m.

Faith Community Church

Pastor - Dale Hill, 570-751-5101.

Sunday worship - 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist, Shamokin

First Baptist Church, 10 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Samuel Derr.

Church school - 9:45 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Choir organist - Judith Pensyl.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Pianist - Redelia Shoffler.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 1 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony and Bible study, 7 p.m.

First Baptist, Trevorton

First Baptist Church of Trevorton, 510 S. Ninth St., Trevorton.

Pastor - Dan Conklin.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:40 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Minister - The Rev. Jim Phillips.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - Melissa Eisenhauer.

Participants - Noriene Ladd, organist; Mary Anne Stump, assistant organist; William Milbrand, choir director; Andrew Ladd, acolyte; William and Terry Persing, ushers and greeters; Terry Persing, Charlene Lesher and Wendy Wary, Sunday school/nursery; William Persing Sr., sexton, and Wendy Wary, secretary.

Activities - Thursday, Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

First UMC, Kulpmont

First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street, Kulpmont.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Second Saturday of the month, Angels Table luncheon, 11 a.m. All are welcome.

First UMC, Mount Carmel

First United Methodist Church, 46 N. Hickory St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Susan J. Roehs.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.

Sermon - "What has God Revealed to You?"

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Fred Roehs, head usher; greeters, all of us; Kevin Styer, sound technician; Anne Sauger, liturgist; Olivia Bellve, acolyte; Anne Sauger, counter; Barbara Malick, children's time.

Activities - Monday, administrative council meeting, 6:30 p.m.

First UMC, Shamokin

First United Methodist Church, Sunbury Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - Zachary Hopple.

Adult and children's Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Carol Ellis, liturgist; Ed and Julie Kushner, greeters.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m., parlor; Erika Petrovich will be on nursery duty.

God's Missionary Church

God's Missionary Church in the Valley, 768 Bear Valley Ave., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Howard R. McKenzie.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday worship and children's church - 10:45 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Thursday, prayer meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Good News Bible Church

Good News Bible Church, 221 Main St., Locustdale.

Sunday worship - 3 p.m.

Guest speaker Danny Overkott will speak on the topic, "Unsearchable Riches," based on I Corinthians 6:19,20 and Ephesians 2:19--3:12.

Participants - Shirley Brass, prayer chain coordinator; Wes Brassington, deacon; Bob Keener, church ministry coordinator, and Jill Keener, music coordinator.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer gathering and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. Ninth St., Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Grace Chapel

Grace Chapel, 126 Airport Road, Shamokin.

Pastor - Alan Langelli.

Sunday Bible fellowship groups for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday evening worship/young couples class - 6:30 p.m.

Nursery care is provided for all Sunday services.

Activities - Aug. 31, Grace Chapel's 63rd anniversary, guest speakers, Scott and Lauralie Brock; every Monday and Thursday, ladies Bible study; Thursdays, men's Bible study; Sept. 7, child dedication, Sunday school promotion day, CLD leaders' meeting; Sept. 9, business meeting; Sept. 10, ladies' fellowship; Sept. 11, men's prayer breakfast; Sept. 14, hot dog roast/outdoor service; Sept. 20, shepherd's meeting; Sept. 21, CLD leader's meeting; Sept. 28, communion Sunday. Every Monday and Thursday, ladies' Bible studies.

Grace Evangelical

Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose Marquardt.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 11 a.m.

Grace Lutheran, Shamokin

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 S. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

No adult Sunday school for the summer.

Participants - Bruce Romanic, worship assistant; Ethan Tharp, acolyte/crucifer; Faust family, communion bearers; Shelley Faust and Sandy Wayne, altar care; Sandy Cupp and Art Martin, greeters; David Kopitsky, driver; Jeanne Hoffa, Beverly Deitz, Fran Hand, Nancy Joraskie, Treva Madison, Susan Portzline, Jeanne Romanic and Sara Yoder, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist; Charlene Pell, choir director.

Activities - Monday to Friday, Pastor Byerly attends continuing education at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg; Tuesday, property commitee, fellowship hall, 7 p.m.

Grace Lutheran, Mount Carmel

Grace Lutheran Church, 145 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

The St. Bartholomew Apostle Service with communion - 10:45 a.m.

Guest speaker - Ronald Weller.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Zachary Hunter, lector; William Brass, president; Charles Barnes, sexton and bell ringer.

Services for August are being held at Grace Lutheran Church.

Grace UCC

Grace United Church of Christ, Third and Market streets, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Morning worship - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Aurora Froutz, acolyte; Don Hildenbrand and Carol Tarlecki, ushers.

Harvest Worship

Harvest Worship Ministries, 2079 Upper Road, West Cameron Township, 570-850-4280, harvestworshipministries.com.

Pastor - Sandy Wary.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley Community Church, 162 Hidden Valley Lane, Mifflinburg. A non-denominational Bible church.

Pastor - Gary L. Owens.

Pastor Gary can be reached by calling the office at 570-966-1330, or by cell at 570-486-3967.

Himmel's Church

Himmel's Church, 107 Covered Bridge Road, Dornsife.

Pastor - Jane H. Compton.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

Activities - Aug. 24, The Barbers, a Christian singing group will conduct the worship service in the church grove. They will also present an outdoor concert at 7 p.m. in the grove.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

Weekday Masses - Monday and Thursday, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.

Weekend Masses of obligation - Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, PREP classes, grades 6, 7, 8 at 9 a.m.; Monday, prep classes, grades 1 to 5, at 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, bingo at the activity center, doors open at 4:30 p.m., game begins at 6 p.m.

Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 150 E. Lincoln Street, Shamokin.

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic G. Stevenson, rector, and Deacon Richard Hazzard.

Sunday worship - 10 a.m. with holy eucharist. Children's Sunday school during worship. Coffee hour following the service.

Participants - Esther Bashore, greeter; Carol Hazzard, lector; Frank Zeretski, intercessor; Elaine Bogetti, oblations; Chester Wolfe and Frank Zaretski, ushers; Joshua Bashore, Hannah Bashore and Kyrstin Kinnaman, altar servers; Grethel Vinup, organist.

Activities - Wednesday, holy eucharist and healing, 10 a.m.

Hope Community Church

Hope Community Church, non-denominational Bible church, 551 W. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Dan Renno.

Christian education for all ages - 9 a.m.

Fellowship time - 9:45 a.m.

Praise and worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Johnston City UMC

Johnston City United Methodist Church, 200 Main St., Ranshaw.

Pastor - Dan Siddle.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Worship leaders - Barbara Cummings and Janette Nute, greeters; Rena Keegan and Jane Klembara, acolytes; June Ramer, Rena Keegan and Janette Nute, ushers; June Ramer, Jane Klembara, Rena Keegan and Myra Golden, liturgists; Jane Klembara, musician; Pastor Siddle, speaker.

Living Power Ministries

Living Power Ministries, 45 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor/teacher - Walt Kriskie.

Pre-service prayer - 10 a.m,

Praise and worship - 10:30 a.m., followed by celebration service.

Sunday evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, mid-week Bible study, 7 p.m., refreshments served.

Miller's Crossroads

Miller's Crossroads UMC, 1929 Plum Creek Road, Stonington, Sunbury RR 4.

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

Ministry of the Water and Spirit Church, 829 W. Pine St., Coal Township.

Pastor - James Bowers.

Sunday service - 10 a.m., pastor's home.

God's Chuck Wagon is an outreach of the Ministry of the Water and Spirit.

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Martin Kobos, O.F.M., Conv.

Parochial vicar - Adam Ziolkowski, O.F.M., Conv.

Sunday Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7, 9 and 11 a.m.

Confessions - Daily, 7:30 to 7:50 a.m.; Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Activities - Saturday, youth center 10th anniversary picnic, 3 to 10 p.m., RCA Picnic Grounds, Ranshaw; Sunday, youth center picnic, noon go 6 p.m., Ranshaw picnic grounds; Monday, picnic grounds takedown. trucks and volunteers needed, meeting at 9 a.m. at picnic grounds; Monday, bingo cancelled; resumes Sept. 8.

Mountainside

Mountainside Assembly of God, 1900 Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

Coffee and breakfast snacks for all - 9 a.m.

LIFEQuest Sunday school classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m., with nursery available.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery and children's church.

Youth night - Bi-weekly, 5 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult prayer and Bible study, Royal Rangers, ages 5 to 18, girls ministry, 6:30 p.m. Coffee served.

Monthly activities - First Sunday, communion and children's sermon, during 10:30 a.m. service; prayer burst on the first Sunday night of the month, 6 p.m.; second Tuesday, Women of Purpose meeting, 7 p.m.

Mount Zion

Mount Zion Welsh Congregational United Church of Christ, Grant and Church streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - Romans 12: 1-8 and Matthew 16:13-20.

Sermon - "Living Sacrifices."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

Sacrament of holy communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

New Life Church

New Life Church of God, 129 W. Second St., Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. John D. Ashbaugh.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Junior church and nursery available. Handicapped accessible, wheelchair available, church side/back entrance.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; prayer, fellowship and coffee, Saturdays, 9 a.m.; Aug. 24, evening praise and worship service, 7 p.m.

Oak Grove UMC

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Marley Road, Overlook.

Pastor - The Rev. Zachary Hopple.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:35 a.m.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church; Thursday, free karate classes at church, children ages 5 to 12, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.; 13 and up, 7:30 p.m.; Open Arms outreach, 6 to 8 p.m., first and third Fridays of the month.

Our Lady of Hope

Our Lady of Hope Parish, Chestnut and First streets, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Steven G. Frenier, OFM Conv.

Daily Masses - Monday through Friday, 7 a.m., Holy Spirit Chapel.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 11 a.m.

Holy day of obligation Mass - 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass and 7 a.m. morning of the holy day.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 47 S. Market St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Francis J. Karwacki.

Deacon - The Rev. Mr. Martin McCarthy.

Weekday Masses - 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Holy days of obligation - 6:30 p.m. on the eve, 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the holy day.

Confessions - Daily 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. including Saturday or any time by appointment; Saturday, 3 to 3:50 p.m.

Peifer's Evangelical

Peifer's Evangelical Congregational Church, Mandata Road, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, 599 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred P. Sceski.

Masses - Weekdays, 8 a.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Restoration Ministries

Restoration Ministries Church, 525 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Paul K. Eby.

Pre-service prayer - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. for all ages, JoAnne Long, superintendent.

Sunday worship service - 10:30 a.m. Pastor Paul will speak. The worship team will lead praise and worship. Special prayer will be available. Nursery care will also be available.

Children's church - 11:15 a.m. for ages 4 through 11, directed by Shirley Cintron.

Student Life Ministry youth service - 6:30 p.m. for all teens ages 12 to 18.

Activities - Monday, soup kitchen, 5 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, cross training youth disciple class, dinner at 3 p.m., class taught by Fran Jones from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Soul Seekers group for ages 18 and older, 7 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran, 29 High Road Danville.

Pastor - Kris Brown.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost.

Participants - Alice Shultz and Leon Woodruff, communion assistants; David Bird and Leon Woodruff, ushers; Connie Shulski, organist; Pastor Brown, worship leader.

Activities - Aug. 27, NO Cook Wednesday.

St. John's UCC

St. John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin

Pastor - The Rev. Robert B. Peiffer.

Message - "What the Canaanite Women Teaches."

Contemporary service - 9 a.m. in fellowship hall.

Special music - Praise team.

Coffee/social time - 10 a.m. in fellowship hall.

Traditional service - 10:30 a.m. in sanctuary. Scheduled time for July and August only.

Special music - Noriene Ladd and Margaret Morris.

Participants - Margaret Morris, organist; Lisa Newton, lay reader, and Michael Newton, acolyte.

Activities - Monday, stewardship committee meeting, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, depression and bipolar support group meeting, 6 p.m.

St. John's UMC

St. John's United Methodist Church, 1211 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Karyn Fisher.

Lay leader - Paul Stehman.

Worship - 9 a.m. Children's church at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Tuesday, men's group, 6 p.m., administrative board meeting, 7 p.m.; Friday, Narcotics Anonymous in lower level, 8 p.m.; Sunday, back-to-school backpack blessing, 9 a.m.; Aug. 30, senior choir rehearsal, new voices welcome, 8 a.m.; Sept. 6, third annual fall festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sept. 13, Book and Breakfest women's group is back, 9:15 a.m.; Sept. 21, back to church Sunday, bring a friend, 9 a.m.

New member class is forming, please see Pastor Karyn for details.

St. Joseph's Church

St. Joseph's Church, 11th and Walnut streets, Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. John W. Bambrick.

Sister Elizabeth Kealy, IHM, director of religious education.

Confessions - Saturday, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Any time by appointment.

Rosary prayed before all Masses.

Mass schedule - Today, 4 p.m. (Vigil for Sunday); Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m.; Wednesday, adoration all day from 9 a.m., concluding with night prayers, benediction and Miraculous Medal devotions at 4:45 p.m., Mass at 5 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m.; Friday, noon; first Fridays Sacred Heart devotions.

St. Ann's Chapel, open each day for prayer. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 225 N. Market St., Elysburg.

Interim pastor - Kris Brown.

Worship service - 9 a.m. Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost.

Participants - Deanna Edmunds and Peggy Richie, communion assistants; Calvin Dietrick, usher; Connie Shulski, organist; Pastor Brown, worship leader.

Activities - Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Elysburg senior center open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, AA, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Boy Scouts, 8 p.m.

St. Matthew Lutheran

St. Matthew (Slovak) Lutheran Church, 301 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Mount Carmel.

St. Michael Orthodox

St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 131 N. Willow St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Theophan Marckey,

Divine liturgy - 9 a.m.

St. Patrick

St. Patrick Church, 331 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton.

Pastor - The Rev. Steven G. Frenier, OFM Conv.

Weekend Mass - Sunday, 9 a.m.

Weekday Mass - 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Wednesday after morning Mass or during the day.

St. Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4663 Upper Road, Gowen City.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Service of word and sacrament - 8:15 a.m.

Participants - Claire Bonshock, lector; Claire Bonshock and Carol Shinskie, communion assistants; Spencer Bonshock, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Monday through Friday, Pastor Byerly attending continuing education at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg.

St. Paul's Reformed

St. Paul's Reformed United Church of Christ, Gowen City.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m. Manna for the Many donations today.

Message - "Have Faith and Believe."

Scripture - Mark 5:21-43.

Participants - Clifford Artman, organist.

St. Pauline Visintainer

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, 1150 Chestnut St., Box 115, Kulpmont.

"Chapel of the Crucified."

Eucharistic adoration - Friday, noon to midnight, and Saturday, 6 to 7 p.m.

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, open Saturday, Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Relics on display of Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, and St. Peter Apostle.

St. Peter's Lutheran

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Aristes.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore

Service and sacrament of holy communion - 9 a.m.

Guest speaker - Dr. Thomas Martin.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Carol Buffington, choir director.

SS Peter and Paul

SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Avenue and Beech Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Saturday, 3:15 p.m., and Sunday, 8:15 a.m.

Weekday divine liturgies - 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Weekend divine liturgies - 4 p.m. Saturday and 9:15 a.m. Sunday.

Religious education classes - 6 to 7:15 p.m. Monday.

St. Peter's UCC

St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Overlook

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Sermon - "Secrets to You from God."

Verse of the day - Psalm 25:14a - "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

St. Stephen's

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Fourth and Maple streets, Mount Carmel.

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic Stevenson.

Service 8:30 a.m. Holy eucharist.

Handicapped accessible.

Second Saturday, 5 p.m., Holy eucharist at the St. Stephen Center.

Salem UCC

Salem United Church of Christ, 1300 W. Pine St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Participants - Brooke Strausser, acolyte; Brian Williams, lay leader; Julie Updegrove and JudyLynn Weaver, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Carolyn Weaver, organist; Michael Toter and Sophie Rossnock, greeters; MacKenzie Glosek, Taylor Kashner, Abigail Nye and George Zalar, ushers; Dwayne Scicchitano, lighting and sound.

This is Food Pantry Sunday. Members asked to bring non-perishable food items or household goods to be given to Manna for the Many, the local food pantry.

A quiet room for young infants and nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the morning worship hour at 10 a.m. Christian education is provided for children ages 3 to 12 immediately after children's time at the beginning of the worship service.

Salvation Army

Christian Enrichment Center, 1300 W. Spruce St., Coal Township.

Commanding officer - Maj. Tina Streck.

Holiness meeting (worship) - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:45 a.m.

Seibert Evangelical

Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Route 147, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Seventh Street

Seventh Street Primitive Methodist Church, 34 N. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Wildoner.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Morning worship and children's church - 11 a.m.

Message - "Giving What God has Given."

Participants - Kathy Albright, station steward; Joseph Rodman, head usher; Benjamin Brudnicki, Alaina Glowatski and Jordon McDowell, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; Joe Rodman, greeter for August; Dr. Richard Albright, servant of the month; Kathy Jeremiah, children's church teacher; Jennifer Brudnicki, nursery worker.

A nursery is available for children birth of age 5 during morning worship service and children's church is available for children over 5 with focus on lessons from the Bible.

Manna for the Many item for August is Jell-O and desserts.

Activities - Aug. 29, welcome John Trott; Aug. 29 through Sept. 7, pastor will be on vacation; Sept. 14, Bible study begins; Sept. 28, back to church Sunday.

Shamokin Alliance

Shamokin Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Second and Arch streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Samuel Bellavia.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m. Classes available for all ages.

Worship services - 8:30 and 10:50 a.m.

Wednesday ministries - 6 to 7:30 p.m. Age range is four to high school senior.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Offered are small groups and cottage prayer meetings for adults. Contact church at 570-644-1718 for information.

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist

Shamokin Seventh Day Adventist Church, 7 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin (former Jewish synagogue), 570-648-7770.

Pastor - John Peters.

Saturday sabbath school - 9:30 a.m., with classes for children and adults.

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Bible studies, 5 p.m.

Stonington Baptist

Stonington Baptist Church, Hosta Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - The Rev. J. Douglas Hallman.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, AWANA clubs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade and Word of Life clubs for grades 7 to 12, 6:30 p.m., prayer service, 7 p.m.

Trevorton UMC

Trevorton United Methodist Church, Shamokin Street, Trevorton,

Pastor - The Rev. Al Schell Jr.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Nancy Korenkiewicz, pianist, organist and choir director.

Activities - Thursdays, Bible study taught by Roxanne Klinger, 7 p.m.; second Tuesday of month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

Trinity Evangelical

Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 28 W. Arch St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Brian C. Betsworth.

Sunday school - 9:50 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m. Recovery in Christ, a new Bible-based 12-step support group, 6 p.m., Wednesdays. For more information, call Betsworth at 570-648-1682.

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church, 65 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Linda Leschinskie, lector; Carol Eidam, communion assistant; Corey Levi, cantor; Andrew Jones, acolyte; Jan Morrison, organist; Jill and Steve Todzia, altar guild; Don Ponatoski, counter.

True Grace

True Grace Bible Ministry, 950 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday service - 10:30 a.m., with children's study time.

United Presbyterian

United Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Fifth St., Mount Carmel.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Message - "No More Altars."

Scripture - Romans 12:1-2.

Participants - Dale Schimpf, organist; Deb Wydra, acolyte; Ellsworth George, Andrew Mekosh and Robert Shaw, ushers; Harry White, greeter.

Victory Bible Church

Victory Bible Church, Snydertown Highway, three miles from Elysburg.

Pastor - Kevin Kline.

Worship - 10 a.m., with Sunday school for youth at the same time.

Evening worship - 7 p.m.

Wilburton UMC

Wilburton United Methodist Church, Wilburton.

Pastor - Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 8:45 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion UMC

Zion United Methodist Church, Aristes.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 9:50 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Methodist

Zion United Methodist Church, Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bible study, 1 p.n., first Tuesday of month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

Number corrected for Italian fest

ATLAS - One of the phone numbers listed in a story Friday about the inaugural Mount Carmel Township Italian/Tyrolean Festival, scheduled for Sept. 6, was incorrect.

For information on the memorial booklet, call Dauna at 570-339-2710. Other contacts for the booklet are Christina at 570-847-5515 or Patti at 570-373-3179.

The deadline for parade honorees, T-shirt orders, the booklet, monetary or raffle donations and vendors is Aug. 30.

The volunteer festival committee is seeking the oldest male and female born-and-raised township residents. They don't have to presently reside in the township. Anyone who knows any resident 80 years or older who fit the criteria should call Judy at 570-274-9536 or Noreen at 570-373-3449.

Festival T-shirts are also on sale. Call Judy at 570-274-9536 or Noreen at 570-373-3449.

Firm to offer Silver Sneakers

ELYSBURG - Central Penn Physical Therapy has announced partnership with the Healthways Fitness Network in offering the Silver Sneakers fitness program at its Elysburg office, 473 W. Valley Ave.

Central Penn's health and wellness programs are tailored to older adults who would like to improve their health and well being by eliminating lifestyle risk factors and optimizing care for chronic illness.

Call 570-672-8669 to schedule an appointment and activate the Silver Sneakers membership benefit.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Mid-week meal figures at SCI-Coal Township don't indicate that a second dining hall boycott was carried out by inmates calling for improved conditions at the state lockup.

According to Decarcerate PA, an anti-prison advocacy group, a boycott was to be renewed Monday. It would have coincided with this past week's visit by Department of Corrections executives and a meeting of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted at the prison Tuesday.

The group also quoted on its website an unidentified inmate who decried the "special meal" served to guests, saying it was a waste of money. He said they should have been served the same food and portions that inmates receive daily.

Despite the report of a renewed boycott, there was no significant change in the number of meals served.

According to the office of Superintendent Vince Mooney, 15,065 meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner - were served from Monday through Wednesday. Over a three-day period the week prior, 15,110 meals were served. That's a difference of 45 meals.

More meals would likely have been served this week had a graduation ceremony not been held. Trisha Kelley, Mooney's assistant, said Friday the graduates eat at the ceremony and not in the dining hall.

The prison population on Friday was 2,290.

When a week-long boycott was held in June, 8,934 fewer meals were served compared to the week prior: 25,969 from June 9 to 13 and 17,035 from June 16 to 20.

It wasn't a hunger strike; instead, inmates reportedly ate commissary items inside their cells. By avoiding the dining hall, though, they were making a statement about statewide menu adjustments. Food and condiment portions were cut in late May, and inmates say budget concerns were cited by the department.

A list of 22 demands from inmates was released at the time by Decarcerate PA. There were calls for larger meal portions, permission to form cultural associations, the hiring of a full-time doctor and changes to make their families more comfortable: permission to smile in photographs, board games and playing cards for family visits, and better seating in the visiting area.

Decarcerate PA this week encouraged supporters to call the office of Mooney, along with Corrections Secretary John Wetzel, and ask that the department honor the list of demands.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; poker, 9:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and games, 8:30 a.m.; Walk-a-Mile 9:30 a.m., game show, 11 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Walk-a-Mile, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Coffee and gab, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cup of coffee, 9:30 a.m.; favorite game show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.; unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning cup of coffee, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:35 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Morning coffee and the news, 9:30 a.m.; favorite TV show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Coffee and gab, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch at Masser's, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Coffee and gab in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Music and gab in the morning; Wii, noon; cards, noon.

Wednesday - Bean bag and Wii in the morning; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Games and music in the morning; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Do your own thing in the morning; Tara Venna speaking on "Flu Facts," noon.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and snacks, 9 a.m.; current events, 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Exercise with Carol, 10 a.m.; bell ringers practice, 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Center closed; Trip to Mount Airy Casino with Catawissa.

Thursday - Coffee and snacks, 9 a.m.; trivia contest, 10:30 a.m.

Friday - Fun Friday! Pick your activity.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, noon.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Monday - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; Wal-Mart, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Unlucky 7's, 12:30 p.m.; evening card party, 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; 10 Keys Class, 12:30 p.m., Lower LDL Cholesterol.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; pinochle, 10:30 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

SUNBURY - An attorney for Shamokin filed to have one count dismissed from the lawsuit brought against the city by ex-clerk Stephen D. Bartos. Less than two hours earlier, though, the plaintiff's own attorney dropped the disputed count.

Maybe it was a preemptive strike by attorney Douglas N. Engelman, who filed an amended complaint on behalf of Bartos at 10:35 a.m. Aug. 7 in Northumberland County Court. It dropped all references to an allegation that Shamokin violated the state's Wage Payment and Collection Law. In its place was a count of breach of contract.

At 12:15 p.m. Aug. 7, attorney Robert Seiferth filed a preliminary objection to Bartos' original June 3 complaint, saying the statute doesn't apply in this case since Shamokin is a municipality and not governed by the Wage Payment and Collection Law. He asked that the court dismiss the count.

The city's filing, its first in the lawsuit, does not address Bartos' claim that Shamokin violated the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Bartos seeks $59,475.05 and other damages, claiming he was uncompensated for 1,116.4 hours prior to his Feb. 7 resignation. Those hours are allegedly documented and can be substantiated by witnesses, the lawsuit states.

Wages and compensation sought are $49,807.05 in compensation time at an hourly rate of $55.75 for 893.4 hours related to the federal flood wall project along Shamokin Creek and Carbon Run; $2,230 for 40 hours at $55.75 hourly for the federal grant program to demolish flood-damaged homes along Rock Street; $1,730 for 70 hours of unused vacation time; $579 for three unused personal days, and $5,129 for 92 hours worked during medical leave.

Bartos was receiving unemployment benefits from the city at the time the lawsuit was filed in June. An initial dispute from the city was withdrawn, the lawsuit states.