Patrols and checkpoints planned

POTTSVILLE - The North Central Highway Safety Network's Regional DUI Enforcement Group and the Coal Township Police Department have announced roving patrols or sobriety checkpoints will be conducted through July 4 on Routes 61, 225, 125, 54, 487, 901 and 147 or other connecting roadways to municipalities.

Travelers are reminded to report drunk drivers by dialing 911. To report underage drinking, call 1-888-under-21.

The roving patrols and checkpoints are funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA).

Vacation Bible school starts Monday

MOUNT CARMEL - A Vacation Bible school five-day club is coming to Union Evangelical Free Church, 601 W. Fifth St. from Monday to Friday this week. The Bible school will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each day. All ages are welcome. Snacks will be provided. For more information, call 339-1530.

Salvation Army sale vendors wanted

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Salvation Army is looking for vendors for a sale on Sept. 10. Each vendor's space costs $10.

The sale will be held at the Salvation Army. This will be a rain or shine event. Vendors interested in renting a space to sell new and used items should call 644-0486 or 644-0487. Leave a message with your phone number and your call will be returned.

ELYSBURG - Five 2011 senior Bloomsburg University interns lent a hand Saturday at Knoebels Amusement Resort for Deaf Day.

"In provides the opportunity for the deaf to participate in community events they don't normally get to participate in. It also provides awareness to the general public," said Cindi Brown, a local state-registered sign language interpreter who coordinated the training program with Dr. Jessica Bentley-Sassaman.

Brown, of Bloomsburg, has spent 13 years as a freelance professional interpreter. She first entered into the program because her youngest brother was deaf and noticed how difficult it was for him.

Sassaman is also a professor in the American Sign Language/English Interpreter Training Program at the university.

The program was also an opportunity for the students, who walked at graduation in May and must complete a summer internship in order to be considered graduates, to practice their skills at live events, such the Time Machine Theater, magic shows at the Roaring Creek Saloon and live music at the bandshell, said Brown.

She, Sassaman and four other professional interpreters were available throughout the day to provide support for the students, assist them should they have problems and provide them with feedback once they were finished with the event.

"I find it to be a very beautiful language. It always fascinated me," said Courtney Tarselli, 30, of Hazleton.

The intern said she came back to school after nine years as a case worker for Catholic Social Services and wanted to look for something different and new.

Jessica Drago, 22, of Hunlock Creek, first knew she wanted to help the deaf at age 17 when she worked at a daycare with her mother. One of the children was deaf and couldn't communicate with the other children. When she bought a sign language book and started talking to him, she said he was excited.

"I just love it more and more," she said.

ELYSBURG - The next generation of possible heroes received the first taste Saturday of what it's like to be a real firefighter as Elysburg Fire Company hosted Day One of Fire Cadet Weekend. The camp will wrap up with a graduation today.

The program was the brainstorm of the fire company's president, Harvey Boyer, who got the idea when his son Marc attended a State Police Cadet program at Susquehanna University.

Boyer's thought was, "We can do this." With declining numbers in volunteer firefighters, he felt a cadet program would be a good way to rekindle interest among area youth.

Judging by the results of the camp Saturday, Boyer may be on to something. Twenty-two young adults, ages 12 to 17, lined up before 7:30 a.m. to sign in, have their blood pressure and heart rates checked and receive their official gear, which included shirts, gloves and Elysburg Fire Company water bottles.

Blaine Madara Jr. led the group in several icebreaker activities that had cadets doing pushups, leap-frogging and other fun activities that helped everyone get to know each other.

State police fire investigator Norm Fedder supervised a live fire demonstration. As a practice house burned, cadets observed actual operations of an emergency call. They listened to radio communications between volunteers, watched as firefighters extinguished the small blaze and witnessed follow-up procedures, including temperature checks.

Following the demonstration, Boyer told cadets that he hoped they paid attention to all that went on - how firefighters maneuvered the hose and how they had their gear on. He then smiled and said, "You're going to get to do all that."

Cadets experienced exercises in hose advancement and fire extinguishment with Ray Siko and Eric Haupt, fire extinguisher use with Chris Slodysko and Cal Deitrick, vehicle rescue with Dennis Kroh and Joe Pechulis, search and rescue with Dale Hendricks and Doug Gessner, wild land firefighting with Scott Slodysko and rope rappel and rescue with Mike Timko and Bob Baigis.

Volunteers' wives and other family members helped serve lunch and assist wherever they were needed.

Participants taking part in the cadet weekend are Marc Boyer, Elysburg; Darren Brown, Turbotville; Calvin and Elias Deitrick, Elysburg; Luke Donmoyer, Paxinos; Jake Gessner, Elysburg; Tyler Hendricks, Catawissa; Gage Hertzog, Atlas; Ryan Hopta, Paxinos; Carter Houseknecht, Elysburg; Lane Hunsinger, Bloomsburg; Aaron Kroh, Paxinos; Angelica Masser, Paxinos; Kyle Neisweider, Bloomsburg; Tyler Ober, Wilburton; Sean Rickendrfer, Catawissa; Evelina Scicchitano, Mount Carmel; Eli Seidel, Elysburg; Jarred and Gabe Slodyski; Mount Carmel, Dawson Temple, Milton, and Christian Traynor, Shamokin.

Most cadets, like Angelica Masser, Luke Donmoyer, and Elias and Calvin Deitrick, said they enjoyed the search and rescue part the best. In that segment, cadets crawled blindly into a smoke-filled room with full gear, including oxygen tanks, and rescued a doll. Ryan Hopta said his favorite activity was the rope rescue, which meant rappelling down from a practice building's second-story window.

At the end of the day, the kids seemed a bit tired, as were the instructors. But when Boyer asked who would be coming back today, all hands went up.

Boyer announced today's activities will begin with an appearance and demonstration from Life Flight. But he wouldn't tell cadets any more, except for announcing there will be several special guests.

SUNBURY - The newly-consolidated Northumberland/Snyder/Union Counties PA CareerLink opening its doors next week to provide a full range of assistance to job seekers and employers is expected to save the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corp. (CPWDC) more than half a million dollars.

"The Workforce Investment Board (WIB)'s recent decisions, including the consolidation of the Shamokin and Selinsgrove CareerLink offices to a centralized office in Sunbury, are actions necessary to address the recent historical and projected decreases in funding specifically designated to the operation of the PA CareerLink sites," said CPWDC Executive Director Shannon Miller in an e-mailed response to a series of questions from The News-Item.

Although locally elected officials fought to keep the separate locations open, the WIB said $1 million cuts in state funding led to their vote in November not to renew their leases and explore other options.

Most recently, a 13 percent cut in federal funding across the board led to 12 local employees being furloughed, which represented staff in Lewisburg, Williamsport, Lock Haven, Bloomsburg, Shamokin and Selinsgrove. Furthermore, Miller said they expect another 20 percent decrease in funding for the Department of Public Welfare's EARN program.

With the consolidation, Miller said no additional jobs will be lost, meaning 19 full-time employees and one part-time will be in new location.

The Shamokin lease ends this Thursday, while the Selinsgrove lease ends Aug. 10. In April, the board chose the Sunbury Municipal Building on Market Street as its new location.

Northumberland County was charging $11.35 per square foot for the Shamokin site, which amounted to an annual lease of $111,000, at the county career and arts center. Snyder County was charging $14 per square feet at the Selinsgrove site, which amounted to an annual lease of approximately $82,924.

In Sunbury, CareerLink will occupy approximately 16,900 squre feet of space, but will only be paying for 15,000 at $6.50 a square foot, which totals $97,500 a year. The lease is for two years with an option for an additional three years at no more than a 3 percent increase.

Other locations considered were the existing Shamokin building and the Sunbury Plaza on Fourth Street, said Miller.

"The municipal building offered the best price and the least amount of retrofitting to contain costs," she said.

"We're looking forward to it," said Sunbury City Clerk Terry Specht. "We're going to fill this building, which hasn't happened in years since McCann (School of Business) moved out. I'm thrilled."

The site includes 97 parking spaces - 50 for employees and another 48 for clients - in the Court Street parking lot behind city hall, plus 150 metered parking, said Specht.

"With 50 employees and 100 to 120 clients a day, they eat lunch, they buy gas and go to the grocery store," she said. "It's going to be a big economic boom for the downtown."

Although the commissioners of both counties and other elected officials were fighting to keep the two locations open, the city of Sunbury negotiated with the CPWDC, a move met with criticism.

"We looked at it as an opportunity. We didn't make the decision to move. We made the assumption that it was moving, and we would bid on it," said Mayor David Persing.

There are no private enterprises in the city able to accommodate the space CareerLink requires, he said.

"As mayor, I have to do anything to bring the people into the downtown. That doesn't mean they will, but they might. That's what economic development is," he said.

Persing noted he was looking forward to addressing the complaints about parking, an issue that is rarely uttered in the downtown lately.

The Sunbury government offices of the mayor and city clerk and council chambers have moved from the third floor to the first floor. CareerLink will occupy the second and third floors. The Shamokin move will take place this Tuesday.

Until all the moving expenses have been realized, said Miller, the cost savings by 2013 remains projected at $518,000 for all adjustments related to relocation, reductions in rent and consolidation.

"Although we projected a cost savings in 2011, the greater cost savings will be realized in 2012," she said.

SHAMOKIN - As the June 30 departure of the PA CareerLink from the Shamokin site fast approaches, Northumberland County commissioners are optimistic the Career and Arts Center on Arch and Eighth streets will thrive.

"I'm very positive about the building remaining a viable part of Northumberland County," said Commissioner Frank Sawicki Wednesday.

"I think we're going to do well," said Commissioner Vinny Clausi. "I think we'll have enough money to maintain it."

This is a much more positive assessment from the commissioners' pessimistic attitude only months ago as they - as well as Snyder County commissioners, state representatives and senators and locally elected officials - fought a losing battle to keep the Shamokin and Selinsgrove sites from consolidating into one entity.

The local Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and the Local Elected Officials (LEO) board serve as the oversight bodies for the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corp. (CPWDC), which administers the CareerLink program for a nine-county region in Central Pennsylvania. In November, WIB voted not to renew the leases; in April, they voted to relocate in the Sunbury Municipal Building.

The county was worried about several things, including:

- Losing an annual lease of $111,460.

- The possibility that Luzerne County Community College, which was located free of rent in the same building in exchange for reduced tuition, might need to raise its tuition if commissioners charged them.

- The greater Shamokin area is already located in a depressed section of the county, making it difficult for residents to travel to Sunbury.

The good news is there have been solutions to most of these problems.

In February, Central Susquehanna Opportunities, which was originally paying CareerLink for $11.74 a square foot, decided to remain in the building. They will now pay the county for $6.50 a square foot for 4,000 square feet of space, equalling an annual lease of $26,130. This move allows the community college to remain in the building rent-free.

According to county budget director Jeff McClintock, the county promised CSO, as a negotiation tool, a lease that would be equal to the price the CareerLink would pay in Sunbury.

Furthermore, the state Department of Labor and Industry, which was also paying rent to CareerLink, is currently negotiating with the county a lease for roughly 2,189 square feet of space. McClintock said no dollar per square foot has been decided yet.

This still leaves roughly 9,700 square feet and $80,000 to compensate for the loss of revenue from CareerLink, he said, but the county is currently working with several entities to occupy the space.

In fact, the commissioners met with members of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Tuesday to discuss how they can assist the county in attracting business into the county-owned building.

"We want to do whatever is right to keep the place full and the college around," said Clausi. "We have to do everything possible to keep it affordable."

The meeting, according to chamber director Sandy Winhofer, was "very informal."

"We want to know what we can do to entice businesses there," she said.

The only problem not currently being addressed is transportation for residents to reach the Sunbury site, which is approximately 30 minutes from the former site.

"We are trying to discuss these matters with other counties. It's all in the early stages. I'm not getting into it right now," said Clausi.

Sawicki acknowledged it was still a problem, but said there was still no alternatives for the county.

CPWDC Executive Director Shannon Miller said transportation has always been problematic for the rural area that encompasses more than 5,000 miles.

"Unfortunately, every part of our budget has been impacted by decreased funding and transportation continues to be an issue," she said.

The organization, however, will continued to work with partnering agencies and other organization to focus on improving the transportation, she said.

Asked to address the rumors of a satellite CareerLink office remaining in Shamokin, Miller said there will be no public services available. However, two CareerLink employees will be housed in the CSO office.

They are "individuals who would be going to provide services such as visiting employers to fill job orders or working within school districts in the southern end of the county," she explained.

The staffing has not yet been finalized because of the proximity to the moving date and missing a critical piece of their budget in the Department of Public Welfare EARN allocation.

McClintock said the county has been discussing with different organizations to provide similar services of the CareerLink at the site, but nothing is permanent yet. Because of contract negotiations, the county would not release any names.

In a press release from the CPWDC Thursday, Penny Hess, the site administrator of the Shamokin location, said the offices will remain open until Tuesday. Staff will continue to be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday in room 406 of the center.

Job seekers will be able to use the computer lab to update resumes, access online job search engines or prepare for WorkKey assessments, said Hess.

They can access the services at any time at www.paCareerLink.state.pa.us from any Internet connection. Those visiting local libraries are reminded that a driver's license or library car may be required for access.

Residents of Shamokin and the surrounding areas may contact or visit the closest PA CareerLink offices in Sunbury or Bloomsburg for services. Services will continued to be offered at the Selinsgrove CareerLink until Aug. 10.

To contact the Shamokin site, call 644-6570. To contact the new office in Sunbury, call 988-7300.

by justin strawser

JACKSON TOWNSHIP - A small community was met with tragedy Saturday when one of its own was crushed to death in the rollover of a quarter-ton lawn tractor.

Barry Norman Snyder, 68, of 209 Derl Road, was riding a red 23HP Simplicity near a ditch on his property just off Route 225 when the tractor rolled down the embankment and trapped him underneath, said state police at Stonington.

Police say family members discovered the scene and immediately called 911. The call came across the scanner

shortly after 4 p.m.

Northumberland County Deputy Coroner Barry Leisenring pronounced him dead at the scene at 5:15 p.m., listing the cause of death as accidental compressional asphyxiation.

The model tractor is listed as weighing 585 pounds on mowerdirect.com.

"Nobody knows exactly what happened. That's why there was such a delay (in removing the body)," said Herndon Fire Chief Tony Gilligan.

The yard he was mowing is on an incline.

"He's a very good person. I always stop and talk to them (he and his family)," said Bob Dirk, a neighbor at 2884 State Route 225. "They would give you the shirt off their backs."

Dirk and several other neighbors were waiting in a driveway and watching the scene. Each person described Snyder the same, as a good man in a quiet neighborhood.

Bob Rebuck, of 2872 State Route 225, said the family lived there for years and built the house in 1971, but he knew them before they moved there.

"He was a wonderful neighbor. That's all I can say," he said.

Gilligan said they initially couldn't identify Snyder because he was pinned beneath the tractor with his face pressed into the ground.

The scene, located on the edge of the property along Rebuck Road, was down an embankment several feet deep and covered by brush and trees. The mower was not turned on when he was discovered.

Police tape was stretched across the two-lane road from a tree on the man's property to a mailbox on the other side. Because neighbors and family members watched from various yards and front porches, the rescue workers placed a blanket up while they investigated.

The coroner arrived at approximately 5 p.m.

A few minutes later, a crying woman drove through a driveway that connected Route 225 and Rebuck Road, apologizing and saying she needed to get through.

At approximately 6:15 p.m., rescue personnel moved the body to a Dalmatia ambulance, blocking the view with red sheets. By 6:45 p.m., they had pulled the tractor from the brush.

State Trooper Ronald Zanella and Gilligan were assisted at the scene by Americus Hose Company Ambulance, Sunbury, Herndon Community Fire Department, Pillow Fire Rescue and Dalmatia Fire Department.JACKSON TOWNSHIP - Barry Norman Snyder, 68, of 209 Derl Road, died when the lawn tractor he was operating rolled down an embankment and trapped him underneath.

A complete report will be published in Sunday's edition of The News-Item.

A new column, "Slice of Life," debuts in today's Sunday News-Item on the "Advice" page (D5).

It is authored by Donna Pinter, a licensed clinical psychologist who founded in 1978 and still directs Psychological Services Clinic, which has offices in Sunbury, Danville and Bloomsburg.

A mother of four grown sons, Pinter has been a "happy resident" of the central Susquehanna Valley for most of her life. She earned her doctorate from the University of California-Berkley.

She has traveled extensively and is a collector of folklore and fairy tales since childhood. She "loves to hear people's stories," and believes some of the best storytellers she's met are from the coal region.

She said one of the most important lessons she has learned from life is not to sweat the small stuff, and that a good sense of humor goes far.

"It is the little lessons in life that I have learned that I would like to share with readers," she said.

She gets started with today's "Slice of Life" about "ikigai."

- The main topic of conversation was the iron nerve of local pilot Albert Carl. Airplanes were still an object of wonderment in the late 1920s, and Carl was flying an exhibition between the Minersville and Pottsville areas. The exhibition had been well promoted and more than 3,000 people were in the crowd watching Carl's plane. Suddenly, engine trouble developed and Carl was faced with a tough choice: put the plane down in the only clear area - all of which was covered with people - or try to land outside the perimeter of the crowd, which meant hitting trees. Carl chose not to go for the trees. All three people in his plane were hurt, but not seriously. No one in the crowd was injured at all.

- Three young men from Shamokin were in the process of making a cross-country trip by car. While that might not seem like much today, it was really an unusual undertaking then. The young men, Otto Momley, William Derr and Leo Cheslock, were headed, generally, for the Pacific Ocean, and they kept sending accounts of what they saw and experienced to the local newspapers.

- No less a personage than Dr. Alfred Goldsmith of RCA was trying to contact with intelligent beings from Mars. Goldsmith said if there were such beings, one thing they would understand was geometry, and that he was transmitting radio signals, geometric in structure, to Mars. As of yet, there has been no response.

- At the Victoria, it was Ronald Colman, who would become a star in talking movies, in "Night of Love," with Vilma Banky who would not make the transition from silents to talkies at all.

DALLAS - Inspired by the story of Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, nine Misericordia students - including one from Elysburg - will participate in an international pilgrimage to the Mercy International Centre in Dublin, Ireland, from Aug. 10-12. They will join high school and college students from Australia, New Zealand, and other Mercy-sponsored institutions at the Dublin Pilgrimage for Young Mercy Leaders. Designed to engage them in the history and charism of Mercy, the organizers hope students return to their schools better equipped to be leaders in their own communities and throughout the world.

MU students attending the Campus Ministry-sponsored trip include Lauren Gorney 2012, a communications major from Glen Lyon; Jessica Harper 2013, an occupational therapy major from Bethlehem; Ryan Hassick 2015, in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program from Coopersburg; Candice Levanavage 2012, a psychology major from Pittston; Chelsea Mixon 2012, a social work major from Bethlehem; Sarah Munley 2013, an early childhood and special education major from Vernon, N.J.; Elizabeth Murdock 2012, a psychology major from Elysburg, who plans to earn her doctorate in physical therapy in 2015; Grace Riker 2013, an English major with a theater minor from Bridgewater, N.J., and Andrew Roccograndi 2012, a biology/pre-med major from Kingston. They will be accompanied by Amy Lahart, director of the Student Success Center, and Dan Kimbrough, assistant professor of communications.

Students are traveling to the Mercy International Centre, the original house of the Sisters of Mercy that was built by McAuley in 1824, to see how the spirit of Mercy is carried out by students around the world. They will learn the story of Catherine McAuley and the rich heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, and will be asked to carry on a mission of justice and mercy when they return home. Among the speakers will be Marilyn Lacey, RSM, director of Mercy Beyond Borders, a non-profit charity founded in 2008 to help the women and girls of Southern Sudan.

Murdock, daughter of Ken and Eileen Murdock, is looking forward to learning more about Catherine McAuley and her beliefs and lifestyle on which Misericordia University was founded.

"I would like to find a greater sense of the origin of our charisms of mercy, service, justice and hospitality and hope to learn different ideas to bring back to Misericordia," she adds. "I am unbelievably honored to represent Misericordia. I feel that I am truly lucky and blessed to attend this conference with my fellow students." Murdock plans to pursue a career helping people as a physical therapist.

Their trip will include an excursion to Northern Ireland with a tour of Belfast and a visit to the Giant's Causeway, a unique formation of coastal cliffs listed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage site. They will also meet with an Irish family and study the history of conflicts and the peace process in Northern Ireland. The speakers will include Jude McCann of the Community Foundation of Northern Ireland, a foundation that manages funds and programs that aim to tackle social exclusion, poverty and social injustice.

Summer history camps planned for Priestley House and Hunter House

First- through fifth-graders may now register for Summer History Camp at the Joseph Priestley House in Northumberland and the Hunter House in Sunbury. The Joseph Priestley House will hold its camp from 9 a.m. to noon July 27 to 29. The theme is "Entertaining with the Priestleys." Lindy Fasold and Dixie Gavason, teachers in the Shikellamy School District, have planned lots of interesting activities that will allow campers to become familiar with the Priestleys and those they entertained at their Northumberland home. Crafts, games, stories, snack time and visits with special guest presenters are part of each day's activities. The fee is $30 per child.

The Northumberland County Historical Society will hold camp Aug. 1 to 3 at the Hunter House at the site of Fort Augusta. The theme is "Patriotism through the Ages" and Jo Ann Long and Ruth Heintzelman, camp coordinators, planned activities that focus on how citizens showed their love and respect for their country over the years. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and lunch is provided for all campers. Each day a guest presenter will visit with the campers and there will be time for crafts and other individual and group activities. The fee is $45 per child.

All campers must register in advance. Enrollment is limited to 25 campers at each location and the registration deadline is July 25. Campers are not required to attend both camps. For more information and to request a registration form, please call 286-4083.

Meadowview kindergarten registration

PAXINOS - The K-4 program and kindergarten classes still have openings for the 2011-12 school year at Meadowview Christian Academy in Paxinos. Call 644-1573 to register your child today.

Jones tours Fourth Ward

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Mayor J. Kevin Jones reported his walking tour of the Fourth Ward, completed Saturday, identified 20 ordinance violations, which will be referred to the code enforcement officer.

BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

COAL TOWNSHIP - Exact replicas of the former township high school purple demon pennant, and shirts that feature the demon and the township's new 175th anniversary logo are available for sale.

The memorable items are offered in celebration of the township turning 175-years-old in 2012.

The shirts feature the demon or logo in purple and white or black and white. The pennant features a white demon set on a purple background. Shirts are $10, pennants $5.

The logo, designed by Our Lady of Lourdes graduate Amanda Miller, of Coal Township, features a piece of coal with several community symbols in the middle.

The anniversary committee reported that to date, $650 has been collected from the sales of pennants and shirts. Anyone interested in purchasing an item may visit the township municipal building during normal business hours.

In other business, the committee discussed establishing a bank account and articles of corporation, and starting a previously announced anniversary book.

The book is planned as a hardcover wth glossy pages similar to that of a yearbook or coffee table book that will be approximately 8 1/2-by-11 inches in size and should be available by spring of next year.

The committee sought the approval of administrators at Shamokin Area Middle-Senior High School and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School to have students use their creative arts skills to write historic articles. Several community leaders have also been contacted to lend a hand.

Organizations and private residents may also submit stories or photographs for possible inclusion in the book.

Businesses may also place advertisements. The prices are as follows:

Full page- $400; half page- $200; quarter page- $100; inside front cover (full page only on first come basis)- $500; back cover (full page only on first come basis)- $500.

The committee reported that $1400 in ads were sold, including a $100 start-up donation from Frederick "Fritz" Reed. Advertisement deadline is the end of July.

For more information about ads, sales or assisting the committee, call the township municipal building during normal hours at 648-0395.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 4

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Honor Roll for the fourth marking period of the 2010-2011 school year at the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center was announced today by Robert K. Beierschmitt, Principal.

To be named to the First Honor Roll list, a student must maintain an average of 95 or better and must have a good citizenship and attendance record.

To be named to the Second Honor Roll list, a student must maintain an average between 90 through 94 and must have a good citizenship and attendance record.

First Honors

Shamokin Area

Grade 11 - Charles Black, Computer Technology; William Curran, Computer Technology; Jacob Eveland, Computer Technology; Zachary Jacobs, Carpentry; Erik Orner, Protective Services; Tyler Pincoskie, Automotive Technology; Garrett Rupp, Protective Services; Emily Shuman, Computer Technology; Timothy Wasko, Electrical Construction

Grade 12 - Stephen Chamberlain, Computer Technology; Danielle Favinger, Health Occupations Careers; Chesney Haupt, Protective Services; Clorissa Kehler, Protective Services; Nathan Polan, Protective Services; Jeremy Rickert, Computer Technology; Jarrod Savidge, Automotive Technology; Randy Tamkus, Electrical Construction; Brett Taylor, Computer Technology; Brayden Yacko, Computer Technology.

Line Mountain

Grade 10 - Michael Lorenz, Welding

Grade 11 - Michael Cotner, Welding; Jared Wood, Computer Technology

Grade 12 - Tamika Hoke, Health Occupations Careers; Charles Shrawder, Computer Technology; Jessica Yost, Health Occupations Careers

Mount Carmel Area

Grade 12 - Nathan Hinkle, Welding; Paul Snyder, Welding.

Second honors

Shamokin Area

Grade 11 - Emmett Donahue, Welding; Amber Ebbecke, Health Occupations Careers; Shanna Endy, Computer Technology; Andreena Forbes, Health Occupations Careers; Brett Foulds, Carpentry; Alina Hensel, Culinary Arts; Andrew Hepler, Welding; James Houlihan, Welding; Russell McKinney, Protective Services; Skyelar Moore, Culinary Arts; Kristi Morris, Health Occupations Careers; Brett Pawelczyk, Electrical Construction; Megan Ramp, Computer Technology; Blaise Reichenbach, Computer Technology; Jared Ruch, Protective Services; James Shaffer, Electrical Construction; Ashley Strouse, Occupational Child Care; Britany Strouse, Protective Services; Alyssa Vittorio, Protective Services.

Grade 12 - Angela Bainbridge, Health Occupations Careers; Chelsea Clark, Cosmetology; Caitlyn Collins, Occupational Child Care; Saraia Hanko, Culinary Arts; Rachel Koons, Protective Services; Janessa Maurer, Protective Services; Hunter May, Welding; Brandon Mikulak, Computer Technology; Randy Moore, Computer Technology; Christina Roden, Computer Technology; Anthony Schaeffer, Electrical Construction; Roman Scicchitano, Computer Technology; Joseph Stewart, Welding; Shane Stiely, Computer Technology.

Line Mountain

Grade 10 - Dani Lebo, Computer Technology

Grade 11 - Christian Dawson, Computer Technology; Ashley Geiswhite, Culinary Arts; Terry LaForme, Computer Technology; Alyssa Martz, Health Occupations Careers; Joshua Martz, Protective Services; Codie Schaffner, Protective Services; Gabrielle Sprenkle, Occupational Child Care; Kirsten Wynn, Health Occupations Careers

Grade 12 - Tasha Campbell, Health Occupations Careers; Alexandra Johnston, Occupational Child Care; Tyler Smith, Computer Technology

Mount Carmel Area

Grade 11 - Justin Mackenzie, Computer Technology

Grade 12 - John Ballinger, Computer Technology; Kelsey Bennett, Automotive Technology; John Boonstra, Computer Technology; Shaun Holmes, Culinary Arts; Tiffany Mulvehill, Culinary Arts; Jacob Vellner, Electrical Construction

ELYSBURG-Seargant Jeff Zapach and Corporal Mike Funk, Pennsylvania State Police Department, sat atop Jeffrey and Billy, horses from the State Police Horse Division on Day Two of Fire Cadet Weekend at the Elysburg Fire Company. Zapach and Funk talked about the criteria necessary to accept horses, which are donated from all walks of life and the training needed to ready them for unfamiliar situations.

The officers explained that since horses are used to walking on ground and grass, they need to be trained to walk on any type of turf. This is done by having them walk over different surfaces , from pools of water to soft mattresses. Their training also involves preparing them for large crowds, fireworks and other unfamiliar sights and sounds that could easily frighten them.

The horse division serves on crowd control, dignitary protection and search and rescue throughout the state. Zapach mentioned that their horse division was involved with the Philadelphia Phillies 2008 World Series parade, stating that the crowds had filled the streets and the parade would not have gotten through without the help of the horses.

Cadets were also treated with a visit from Life Flight. Mike Long, Richard Smith, John Mullen, and Gary Houseknecht held a discussion and allowed cadets to check out and even sit in the Life Flight helicopter.

Training in CPR with Matt Siko and hazardous material (Haz Mat) with Steve Jeffrey and Jason Zimmerman from the county office and Scott and Chris Slodysko were held during Sunday's camp, as well as talks from Ralpho Police Officers Steve Spade and Chris Dailey.

Finally it was time for the cadets to show their parents what they learned all weekend. The crowd of family members watched with pride as each group, assigned a specific station, demonstrated techniques in hose advancement, vehicle rescue, rope rappelling, search and rescue, and fire extinguishing.

Following the demonstration, guests were invited into the hall for a graduation ceremony. Elysburg Fire Company president Harvey Boyer, the originator of the event, opened and closed the ceremony. Opening prayers were given by the fire department chaplan Guy Thompson. Blaine Madara Jr., and Elysburg Fire Department Chief Dennis Kroh also spoke. Harold Hurst, district office manager for State Representative Kurt Masser read a letter from the representative who could not attend due to emergency state sessions.

Cadets were then presented with certificates from Kroh, Madara and Boyer. Several parents expressed the pride they felt at what their children had accomplished throughout the weekend.

Boyer said he was overwhelmed by the responses he received at the beginning of the project. Twenty-eight businesses donated money and time to help the program. He said that without that support, the event would not have been possible. But what impressed Boyer the most was that all he did was send a few letters and make a few phone calls and at least 20 fire and rescue agencies responded. He said he owes many thanks to all of the volunteers. He plans to make this an annual event. "I think this is only going to grow."

The volunteer instructors said that although it was quite a workout, it was a joy to be a part of it. They were pleased by the responses of the cadets, from the questions they asked to how they retained what they were taught from station to station.

Someday they may use something that they learned here and make a difference in someone else's life, Boyer said. "We're very proud of that. They had a great experience."

KULPMONT - Joe Cesari is confident the participants of the ninth annual Kulpmont Cruise don't travel through the borough for the prize Sunday afternoon, but because of a sense of community.

"There were thousands of people in town. We made a lot of people happy today," the event organizer excitedly said moments after the parade finished and the rest of the event was beginning.

It was another record year for the popular crowd-pleaser as 200 vehicles cruised around, revving their engines, throwing out candy and waving to the spectators.

There were Ferraris, Maseratis, Cameros, Mustangs, Model Ts and a variety of old-fashion and modern day wheels - every decade from 1920 on was represented, said Cesari.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., the drivers took their cars and trucks through Route 61 and paraded up and down the street 2 1/2 times while the crowds observed and cheered. Bright yellows, reds and blues - as well as painted designs of flags and fire - graced the shiny skin of the vehicles.

"It's a great thing," said Pat Bingamin, 57, of Colorado Circle, Kulpmont. "They take pride in their cars and restore them and keep them in good conditions."

She was at the event with her sister, brother-in-law and friend, and has enjoyed the previous Cruises she attended.

"It's good PR for the town. It brings a lot of people in," she said.

What makes the event special other than the cars themselves, said Cesari, is the different special features of the parade.

For example, a live Elvis impersonator (sponsored by the cruise committee) was singing on the back of a trailer. Duece, a live rock band sponsored by Shimock Furniture, was also playing tunes for the spectators, as well as a live DJ sponsored by H and P Construction. The Victorian Highwheelers, of Tamaqua, were also in the parade.

"It's been our ninth success," he said in regards to not only the cars, but the lack or rain and proceeds. "Every year, we get bigger and better."

At the Holy Angels picnic grounds, the event continued with trophies being awarded, entertainment and food and drinks.

All proceeds benefitted the Kulpmont Football and Baseball Association.

SELINSGROVE - Two local students were named to Susquehanna University's dean's list for the spring 2011 semester.

The dean's list recognizes students who achieve a grade point average of 3.4 or higher out of a possible 4.0 for the semester. To qualify, students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours.

Whitney Daycock, of Leck Kill, a rising sophomore majoring in biology, is a 2010 graduate of Line Mountain High High School and the daughter of Ken and Cheryl Daycock.

Joshua Druckenmiller of Paxinos, a rising sophomore majoring in music education, is a 2010 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and the son of Robert and Diana Druckenmiller.

BLOOMSBURG - Fifty-eight Bloomsburg University undergraduate students received the Fred G. Smith "Golden Trust Fund" "Scholarship for fall 2011 and spring 2012.

Smith, who owned and managed Nesbitt's Cut Rate Drug Store in Shenandoah and Mount Carmel, bequeathed $3 million for scholarships to the university in 1985. His will stipulates that the recipients of the scholarship, established in memory of his wife Marion, attend Bloomsburg University and be residents of Ashland, Mount Carmel or Shenandoah boroughs or Mount Carmel Township. Students also must be graduates of Mount Carmel Area, North Schuylkill, Our Lady of Lourdes or Shenandoah Area high schools.

Scholarship recipients are:

Mount Carmel Area: Brittany Bartol, Brooke Bartol, Alyssa Butkiewicz, Melissa Derr, Bryanna Ditchey, Amanda Frank, Benjamin Gerrity, Brett Glowatski, Abbi Grabowski, Leah Green, Robin Hampton, Kelly Horan, David Hummel, Meghan Hynoski, Casey Kane, Michael Kerrick, Hannah Kolody, Brent Kukuk, Brandon Lepley, Cassandra Mace, Brent McPeak, Matthew Moroz, Cassandra Niglio, Shane Ososkie, Jordan Politza, Kyle Savitski, Jacob Schmoyer, Seth Scicchitan, Christopher Scriven, Brooke Sebastian, Alexandra Shierant, John Shilpetski, Jordan Sinopoli, Lauren Sosnoski, Christopher Steck, Jonathan Thomas, Amber Weaver, Victoria Wood and Paul Wywadis.

North Schuylkill: Kcann Blank, Dylan Hughes and Edward Potter.

Our Lady of Lourdes Regional: Nicole Henning and Corrine Kenney.

Shenandoah Valley: Rachel Bushinski, Angela Bzura, Breanna Bzura, Natasha Dettery, Jesse Gomez, Kelly Houser, Jacob Jacavage, Amanda Kalenkoski, Stephanie Kalenkoski, Katelyn Michalik, Samantha Reese, Mary Bridget Rooney and Alyssa Schuetrum.

Ashley Lynn Shamansky, of Mount Carmel, was among the 260 graduates awarded the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) at the college's 120th commencement. The ceremony was held at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts June 5.

Shamansky is the daughter of Barbara and Michael Shamansky, of Mount Carmel, and the granddaughter of Margaret Madden, of Ranshaw, and Joseph Shamansky, of Mount Carmel.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in cell biology/biochemistry from Bucknell University in 2007. Shamansky is continuing her medical training in pediatrics at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.

License centers closed for holiday

PennDOT announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday through Monday in observance of Independence Day.

Alumni association meeting tonight

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Alumni Association will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. today at the township municipal building on Lynn Street. All members and anniversary classes are asked to attend.

Shepherd's Table meal today

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shepherd's Table will open its doors from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Hope Parish Hall, 863 W. Chestnut St., to offer a free meal to all who are hungry or alone.

High school pool open Sundays

MOUNT CARMEL - An open swim will be held for children and adults from 6 to 8 p.m. each Sunday at Mount Carmel Area High School swimming pool. Admission is $2 for students and $4 for adults. Elementary students must be accompanied by a parent. Sponsored by Highmark Healthy 5, an initiative of the Highmark Foundation.

LYKENS - The Northumberland District Council of Catholic Women held its deanery meeting June 12, at Our Lady of Help of Christians in Lykens. Guest speaker Deacon Gregory Amarante gave a summary of his life and way back to the Catholic faith.

Amarante is the youngest permanent deacon in the diocese. He is serving at St. Joseph's Church in Danville. He talked about what brings a person to truth and what draws a person to Jesus Christ. Amarante stressed the Gospel, truth and prayer matter. Amarante is involved in an effort to bring Catholic radio to the region and asked all members to spread the word about the radio station.

Elaine Jurgill, deanery president, called the meeting to order. Members joined in saying the prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Tina Welker, host president, welcomed the members. The secretary's report was accepted and submitted. Jurgill reported on the diocesan convention which was held May 2 at the Cardinal Keeler Center. The 25th and 50th anniversary Mass will be held at 10:45 a.m. Sept. 25 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Williamstown, with the dinner following. A notice will be placed in all parish bulletins concerning this celebration. The clergy and religious appreciation dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Wayside Inn in Shamokin.

Rosemarie Koronkiewicz submitted the following as candidates for officers of the Northumberland District Council of Catholic Women: Jurgill, president; Margaret Forbes, vice president; Dianne Darrah, secretary, and Rosemary Boyer, treasurer. These new officers will be installed at the next deanery meeting to be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 28 at Divine Redeemer parish in Mount Carmel.

High school seniors Kelsey Davis of Williamstown and Rachel Fletcher of Kulpmont were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Council of Catholic Women, Diocese of Harrisburg.

Closing prayers were said for vocations, sick and deceased members and the bishop. The meeting was adjourned, and refreshments were served by the host parish, Our Lady Help of Christians.

The 12th annual reunion for those who attended or taught at the DeLong School in Washingtonville will be held July 9, beginning with registration at 11 a.m. at the Montour DeLong Fairground, Washingtonville. Lunch will be at noon.

A catered meal consisting of ham, meatloaf, baked beans, tossed salad, chips, apple sauce, cake, ice cream and beverages will be provided. Cost is $8 per person.

RSVP to Marjorie Shrawder, 310 Rhoades Hill Road, Danville.