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Article 4

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MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Eagles will give the public a chance to be race horse "owners" and enjoy a steak dinner this weekend, all to raise money for the organization.

"This is our kickoff weekend for the year," said John Parry, chairman of small games for the organization. "It's also tying in with Mount Carmel Area's homecoming festivities."

Activities at the club, 147 S. Oak St., begin Saturday with "A Night at the Races." For a $15 admission fee, attendees "buy" one of the racehorses competing that night. All winning horse owners will receive the $50 "purse" for the race and earn have betting privileges on the night's other races.

There will also be complimentary beer, food and soda. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the first race is at 7.

Tickets are available in advance at the club or by calling 570-339-1539. Tickets will be available at the door. The public is welcome.

On Sunday, the Eagles will host an "After the Races" steak dinner from noon to 4 p.m.

For $15 a person or $25 per couple, diners get an 8-ounce Black Diamond Steak, baked potato, vegetable and dessert.

Takeouts are available. Make arrangements for takeout or pre-order meals by calling the club.


Article 3

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SUNBURY - Miranda and Elytte Barbour had a lot to say after committing murder in Sunbury last November.

They both gave newspaper interviews, and they both owned up to murder in separate talks with police.

Miranda Barbour's jailhouse confession to The Daily Item's Francis Scarcella gained her international notoriety when she claimed to be a serial killer.

Today, the family of victim Troy LaFerrara will get a chance to offer their words.

LaFerrara's wife, Colleen, and sister, Holly, will speak in Northumberland County court before the Barbours are sentenced, according to District Attorney Ann Targonski.

Miranda and Elytte Barbour were married three weeks before stabbing and strangling LaFerrara inside their vehicle Nov. 11. They dumped his body in a backyard near an alley in Sunbury.

Miranda Barbour lured LaFerrara through an online personal ad. Elytte Barbour told police that they wanted to murder someone together.

Both pleaded guilty Aug. 26 to second-degree murder, aggravated assault, robbery and possessing an instrument of a crime. In exchange they've agreed to serve life sentences without parole, avoiding the possibility of the death penalty.

Elytte to speak

Elytte Barbour's attorney, James Best, said Wednesday his client is also expected to address the court. Ed Greco, Miranda Barbour's attorney, was less certain about his own client's intentions. He said he wasn't sure if she would speak or not. Neither attorney wished to offer any further comment on today's proceeding.

The Barbours will be brought into court together, but Judge Charles H. Saylor said Wednesday they will be sentenced separately. One will be sent away from the courtroom while the other is sentenced, he said.

Miranda Barbour, 19, was transferred Wednesday from SCI-Muncy to Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury. She is being held in the female housing unit and will be returned to the state prison within a day or two, according to Commander Brian Wheary, interim warden.

Wheary said Wednesday that Miranda Barbour has caused no problems while at the county jail. Elytte Barbour, 22, is held there in the general population. Aside from a single minor incident, about which Wheary said he wasn't aware of the details, he's been well-behaved as an inmate.

He said the couple has had no contact with each other while at the county jail.

It's expected that Elytte Barbour could be held locally longer than his wife, perhaps a week or so. He's likely to be processed at SCI-Camp Hill before being sent to another facility.

Ruling in Dalmatia teen's death upheld

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SUNBURY - Northumberland County District Attorney Ann Targonski announced Wednesday the state Superior Court has affirmed the conviction of Thomas Schorr related to the 2010 accidental death of a Dalmatia-area teen.

Schorr was convicted of accidents involving death or personal injury while not properly license, recklessly endangering another person, disregarding traffic lanes, driving a vehicle at an unsafe speed, reckless driving and false reports and two counts each of driving while operating privileges are suspended and careless driving in April 2013 following a bench trial before Judge Charles H. Saylor.

Schorr was sentenced to 1 1/2 to seven years in state prison. Schorr appealed Saylor's ruling.

Bethany Harris, 19, died from injuries sustained after she exited a vehicle driven by Schorr in Lower Mahanoy Township in April 2010. Witnesses said Schorr was driving in an erratic manner when he exited Harris' driveway and entered McKees Road. Harris was a backseat passenger and was terrified by Schorr's driving, screaming at him to stop the vehicle and allow her to get out of the car. Despite her pleas, the defendant continued speeding up, hitting mailboxes and traveling into a ditch, according to a release from Targonski.

Harris screamed for Schorr to stop or she would jump. Schorr refused and only stopped the car after Harris left the vehicle.

On appeal, Schorr argued the incident did not involve an "accident," that his actions were not the cause of the victim's death, that his actions were not reckless and that the victim's injuries were not a result of the normal risk associated with his reckless driving.

The state Superior Court ruled that all of these arguments should fail as a clear reading of the facts established that Schorr's actions were the cause of Harris' death and that Saylor appropriately applied the law.

The case was prosecuted by Trooper Barry Wooten of the Stonington barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police and Targonski.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices drop 2 cents

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Susquehanna Valley gas prices dropped two cents to $3.419 a gallon, according to AAA East Central's Fuel Gauge report.

AAA East Central surveys 38 gas stations in the Susquehanna Valley area for its report issued Tuesday. It found the lowest price was in Lewisburg at $3.364 and the highest price was in Selinsgrove at $3.459. The average price for unleaded regular gasoline in Pennsylvania was $3.456.

On the national front

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.38 per gallon. Tuesday's national average is a nickel lower than a week ago, eight cents less than a month ago and 14 cents less than a year ago.

The average price at the pump typically falls during this time of year due to decreased demand and the transition to winter-blend gasoline. Starting on September 15, retailers could begin selling a gasoline blend that is less expensive to produce because it does not have to meet the same federal emissions reduction standards required during warmer summer months.

Over the past seven days the average price in 49 states and Washington, D.C., has declined, with motorists in three Midwestern states saving more than a dime: Indiana (-14 cents), Michigan (-13 cents) and Ohio (-12 cents).

Late last week, the United States issued another round of sanctions targeting Russia's energy, defense and financial sectors. Similar action was taken by the European Union, and in combination could impact U.S. oil companies that produce oil with Russia. Market watchers will continue to monitor this situation and its impact on global markets.

While West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil eked out gains on the day yesterday, it remained near its cheapest price of the year. At the close of Monday's formal trading on the NYMEX, WTI settled up 65 cents at $92.92 per barrel.

(AAA East Central - a not-for-profit association with 82 local offices in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York and Kentucky servicing 2.7 million members - provides Fuel Gauge each week.)

This week's Susquehanna Valley average price - $3.419

Average price during the week of Sept. 9, 2014 - $3.438

Average price during the week of Sept. 17, 2013 - $3.602

The following is a list of the average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:

Shamokin Area kids hurt when bus snags cable

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COAL TOWNSHIP - Three school bus windows were shattered, causing minor cuts to seven students, when the bus snagged a low-hanging steel utility cable on Route 125 Wednesday morning.

The cable and an eye-bolt were pulled from a utility pole, and the cable snapped across the side of the bus. It busted the windows and did minor damage to the driver's side front windshield.

Coal Township Police patrolman Matthew Henrich said Janice Rebuck, 49, of Shamokin, was driving the Shamokin Area School District bus north near Burnside when it hit the cable, which was hanging across the highway between two utility poles.

Pictures provided by the school district show glass completely knocked out of the top portion of the two-pane windows in the seventh, eighth and ninth rows. Glass can be seen on the seats and in the aisle.

There were 21 children from the elementary and middle-high school schools on the bus at the time.

The students were treated on scene by AREA Services and a school nurse, Henrich said.

Shamokin Area Superintendent James Zack said parents were notified about the crash after the children were transported to their school buildings on another bus.

"We have no idea why the wire was hanging that low, and the bus driver was not aware that the wire was hanging low enough to catch the top of the bus," Zack said. "It was a very unfortunate situation, but we are very fortunate that there were no serious injuries."

Teri MacBride, Susquehanna Valley regional affairs director for PPL Electric Utilities, said a crew was called to the scene but determined the cable is owned by Service Electric Cablevision (SECV). PPL workers wrapped up the wire and made contact with the cable company.

Dwight Walter, SECV general manager, said the cable, about a quarter-inch in diameter, is a guide wire used to help keep poles stabilized.

"That wire was installed about 15 years ago, and there has never been a problem with it until today," Walter said.

He said by standard practice, any utility wires must be 18 feet above a road.

A bus is about 10 to 11 feet high, said Dennis Klinger, manager of Marvin E. Klinger Inc., with which Shamokin Area contracts for its bus service. Based on damage to the right front of the bus, he estimated the cable would have been about 9 feet off the road.

Walter said SECV was not aware of any work taking place in the area that would have created the situation.

"We will continue to investigate," he said.

Rape charges against Wilburton man withdrawn

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WILBURTON NO. 1 - Charges against a village man accused of raping a woman in August were withdrawn after the victim refused to testify in court Tuesday and asked the charges be dropped, according to The (Bloomsburg) Press Enterprise.

Dustin Lee Reed, 30, of 313 E. Third St., had been charged with felonies of rape and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse after an incident Aug. 25. Additional felonies, including aggravated indecent assault, were filed this week but later withdrawn.

Trooper Kenneth J. Houck Jr. of state police at Bloomsburg, the arresting officer, told the Bloomsburg paper he understands why victims decide not to testify.

He said sex crimes are difficult to prosecute because victims must repeatedly discuss the incidents. He said testifying can be especially challenging for those who know their attackers.

"I understand why they back out," he told the paper. He also said the victim in this case was isolated and cut off from her own family.

According to the Bloomsburg paper, the victim was accompanied to the office of Magisterial District Judge Craig Long of Catawissa Tuesday by Reed's parents and attorney, Robert J. Kirwan II of Reading.

Kirwan maintained Reed's innocence, telling the Bloomsburg paper the charges were "concocted out of anger."

Houck reported Reed was accused of forcing sexual intercourse on the victim, who later escaped and asked a construction crew working nearby for help.

Police said the arrest was made following several interviews and the collection of evidence.

The woman was identified in Houck's criminal complaint and the Bloomsburg paper's article published Wednesday, but The News-Item doesn't use the names of sexual assault victims.

Man charged in 2012 murder taken into custody in Argentina

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BLOOMSBURG - A 72-year-old man charged in connection with the 2012 murder of Frank T. Spencer was taken into custody in Argentina Monday.

Anthony Rocco Franklin, who was a fugitive from justice, was charged July 28 with murder, criminal conspiracy, arson, terroristic threats and other offenses. He was arrested on an international warrant by the Argentina Federal Police in Buenos Aires, Argentina, while walking down a street in Gurruchaga.

Police said Franklin's daughter, Maria I. Sanutti-Spencer, was taken into custody July 28 and charged with similar offenses, but Franklin couldn't be located.

Franklin and his daughter are accused of killing Spencer, who was Sanutti-Spencer's ex-husband. Spencer was shot with a rifle and revolver at the door of his residence. Franklin also is accused of breaking into the residence of his former son-in-law in Columbia County in 2009.

Documents were stolen and provided to Franklin's daughter, who at that time, was in divorce proceedings with the victim. A few months later, the victim's residence was set on fire and destroyed.

Franklin also is accused of setting a second fire seven months later at the house of Spencer's girlfriend, Julie A. Dent, 48, in Valley Township, Montour County.

Police said Franklin absconded in September 2013 from state parole.

Franklin was lodged in the warden section of the Superintendent of Federal Investigations and will be transferred to Unit 29 of the Federal Penitentiary Service, where he will remain until his extradition.

State police thanked the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Services in Philadelphia and Argentina, U.S. Marshals Service, Interpol Washington, D.C. Office, and Argentina Federal Police.

39 drug dealers nabbed

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A combined effort by local and state law enforcement officials took 37 alleged drug dealers, plus three others charged with having drugs, off the street Thursday in a sweeping bust of five counties.

The drug-fighting effort helped the state Attorney General's office nab an out-of-state supplier, Pedro J. Acosta Jr., 39, of 2930 W. 30th St., Apt. 1A1, Brooklyn, N.Y., and his ring of dealers who were responsible for flooding Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties with heroin.

While under investigation, Acosta was arrested July 22 by Ralpho Township Police after he allegedly sold 100 bags of heroin to a confidential informant in the playground of the municipal parking lot behind the building where the police department is located.

When stopped by police, Acosta was found with another 159 packets of heroin in his vehicle.

According to a press release from AG Kathleen Kane's office, a grand jury heard testimony that Acosta regularly traveled from New York to supply heroin to local distributors throughout the three counties. The distributors then sold to street-level dealers.

"Acosta's area customers would pick him up from bus stops, rent motel rooms and cars for him, allow him to stay at their homes, send him money, collect and count money for him, drive him back to New York City and drive there themselves for heroin," the release read.

His four main distributors were identified as Amy Humphries and Kristin O'Connor, of Berwick; Thomas Martin Mensch II, of Catawissa, and Michael Swetman, of Bloomsburg.

Acosta and three of the four distributors, except O'Connor, were arraigned Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Marvin K. Shrawder, of Danville. Acosta was recommitted to prison on $500,000 bail. The other distributors were released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Over the course of the investigation, the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation conducted several controlled purchases in an effort to curb heroin distribution in the region.

Others arrested Thursday were street-level dealers facing multiple violations for distributing heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and prescription drugs. The AG's office said the investigation is continuing and more arrests are anticipated.

Local dealers apprehended

Mount Carmel Borough Police Chief Todd Owens, a member of the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force, said a warrant sweep was planned in conjunction with the AG's investigation.

"We took the opportunity to use this sweep for a combined effort between the Attorney General's office, state police and the task force to serve several arrest warrants," Owens said.

All total, the task force charged 20 individuals, some with two or three separate cases against them.

The busts made for busy mornings at the offices of Magisterial District Judges John Gembic III, of Shamokin, and Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel.

At times, suspects were brought into Gembic's courtroom three at a time, awaiting their arraignments. Many wore street clothes while others were in orange jumpsuits from Northumberland County Prison, where they were already incarcerated.

Father and daughter Rex and Christina Hepner talked while awaiting their time in court.

"You were clean. Why did you go back to the stuff?" Christina Hepner asked her father. "How come you never wrote me back when I wrote those six-page letters?"

"Your honor, I'm working on a very big job right now. Is there any way I can make bail until I can finish it?," John Wallish III, of Shamokin, asked following his hearing. He was later released after family members posted bail.

Both judges said many arrested Thursday are repeat offenders.

Preliminary hearings for all those arraigned Thursday are scheduled to be held in the next two weeks before Jones and Gembic.

In a press release, Kane thanked the state police; the district attorney offices for Montour, Northumberland and Union counties; Northumberland/Montour County Drug Task Force; Coal Township, Shamokin, Ralpho Township, Mount Carmel, Mount Carmel Township, Mahoning Township, Mifflinburg and Shamokin Dam police departments; the Montour County Sheriff's Department; Northumberland County Probation and Parole Department; U.S. Marshals Service, and the State Parole and Probation department's Williamsport office.


Drug bust defendants and their charges

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The following individuals were charged during Thursday's drug sweep by the Pennsylvania office of the Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police and the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force.

From the Attorney General's office:

- Pedro Acosta, 39, of 2930 W. 30th St., Apt. 1A1, Brooklyn, N.Y., eight counts of possession with intent to deliver heroin, seven counts of delivery of heroin, three counts of criminal use of a communication facility, conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver heroin and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, arraigned before Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) Marvin Shrawder, Danville, committed, $500,000 bail.

- Amy Humphries, 32, of 1645 Fairview Ave., Berwick, possession with intent to deliver heroin and criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver heroin, arraigned before Shrawder, released, $50,000 unsecured bail.

- Kristin O'Connor, 32, of 1645 Fairview Ave., Berwick, possession with intent to deliver heroin and criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver heroin, arraigned before Shrawder, released, $50,000 unsecured bail.

- Thomas M. Mensch II, 33, of 50 Snyder Bridge Road, Catawissa, possession with intent to deliver heroin and criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver heroin, arraigned before Shrawder, released, $50,000 unsecured bail.

- Michael Swetman, 40, of 142 E. Eighth St., Bloomsburg, possession with intent to deliver heroin and criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver heroin, arraigned before Shrawder, released, $50,000 unsecured bail.

- Barry Anonia, 29, of 1118 W. Walnut St., Coal Township, possession with intent to deliver heroin and delivery of heroin, arraigned before MDJ John Gembic III, of Shamokin, released, $20,000 percentage bail.

- John Seedor, 36, of 142 E. Lincoln St., Apt. 4, Shamokin, two counts of possession with intent to deliver heroin, two counts of delivery of heroin and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

- Jared Seedor, 31, of 1316 W. Willow St., Coal Township, two counts of possession with intent to deliver heroin, two counts of delivery of heroin and one count each criminal attempt to possess with the intent to deliver heroin, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Gembic, committed, $20,000 percentage bail.

- Dylan Blum, 21, of 421 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, two counts each of possession with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin and criminal use of a communications facility, arraigned before Gembic, committed, $20,000 bail.

- Joseph Carner, 30, of 1502 W. Montgomery St., Coal Township, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, delivery of methamphetamine and criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Gembic, committed, $45,000 bail.

- Robert Perez-Irizarry, 24, of 101 Timberhaven Dr., Lewisburg, three counts each of possession with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin and criminal use of a communication facility and one count of criminal conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver heroin.

- Melinda Bugg, 26, of 205 Third St., Ranshaw, possession with intent to deliver heroin, criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Gembic, committed, $20,000 bail.

- Khaalid Muhammad, 21, 235 W. Willow St., Shamokin, two counts each of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, delivery of cocaine and criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Gembic, committed, $20,000 bail.

- Jeremy Rickert, 21, of 641 S. Shamokin St., Shamokin, possession with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin and criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Gembic, committed, $20,000 bail.

- Tiffany Haddock, 30, of 2 W. Lincoln St., Shamokin, two counts each of possession with intent to deliver heroin, two counts of delivery of heroin and two counts of criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Gembic, released, $20,000 bail.

- John C. Wallish III, 39, 30 S. 21st St., Coal Township, two counts each of possession with intent to deliver heroin and cocaine, delivery of heroin and cocaine and criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Gembic, released, $40,000 bail.

- Daniel J. Joraskie Jr., 31, of 165 Main St., Wernersville, possession with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin and criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Gembic, committed, $20,000 bail.

- Gary Dombroski, 28, of 1115 W. Arch St., Coal Township, possession with intent to deliver Ritalin, criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver Ritalin, delivery of Ritalin, possession of Ritalin without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Gembic, committed, $20,000 bail.

- Stephanie Lichty, 35, of 27 N. Seventh St., Shamokin, possession with intent to deliver Klonopin, criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver Klonopin, delivery of Klonopin, possession of Klonopin, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal use of a communication facility.

From state police and the drug task force:

- Maria Bridy, 27, of 36 N. Locust St., Mount Carmel, obtaining a controlled substance by forgery, forgery and procuring a drug by the forgery or alteration of a prescription, arraigned before MDJ Hugh Jones, committed, $15,000 bail.

- Anthony M. D'Agostino, 20, of 251 S. Chestnut St., Mount Carmel, two counts each of delivery of Percocet and oxycodone, possession with intent to deliver Percocet and oxycodone, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance, arraigned before Jones, committed, $100,000 bail.

- Michelle M. Brown, 48, of 12 N. Walnut St., Mount Carmel, possession with intent to deliver Percocet, criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver Percocet, misbranding a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to possession a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, arraigned before Jones, committed, $50,000 bail.

- Adam M. Hendricks, 35, of 223 E. Avenue, Mount Carmel, criminal conspiracy to deliver oxycodone and diazepam, criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver oxycodone and diazepam, delivery of oxycodone, possession with intent to deliver oxycodone and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and two counts of criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Jones, committed, $100,000 bail.

- Luciano R. Guldin, 28, of 12 N. Walnut St., Mount Carmel, possession with intent to deliver Percocet, criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver Percocet, misbranding a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver Percocet, criminal conspiracy to possess Percocet and possession of drug paraphernalia, arraigned before Jones, $50,000 bail.

- Mitchell E. Shields, 21, of 200 Seventh Ave., Altoona, two counts each of delivery of heroin, possession with intent to deliver heroin, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia, arraigned before Jones, committed, $100,000 bail.

- Debra Palestis, 35, of 223 E. Avenue, Mount Carmel, two counts each of delivery of diazepam and oxycodone, possession with intent to deliver diazepam and oxycodone, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and one count each of criminal conspiracy to commit delivery of oxycodone and criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver oxycodone, arraigned before Jones, committed, $100,000 bail.

- Bryan T. Olimpo, 49, of 5 Fig Lane, Locust Gap, possession of a controlled substance by misrepresention and forgery, arraigned before Jones, committed, $25,000 bail.

- Ronald R. Price, 39, of 1044 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, three counts each of delivery of alprazolam and Percocet, possession with intent to deliver alprazolam and Percocet, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, arraigned before Jones, committed, $150,000 bail.

- Krista M. Dougherty, 31, of 138 S. Walnut St., Mount Carmel, criminal conspiracy to deliver Vicodin, criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver Vicodin and criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Jones, committed, $50,000 bail.

- Alexander W. Armstrong, 28, last known address of 20 S. Hickory St., Mount Carmel, delivery of Daytrana patches, possession with intent to deliver Daytrana patches, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, endangering the welfare of children, arraigned before Jones, committed, $50,000 bail.

- Kelly Anne Van Bourgondien, 23, last known address of 1150 W. Fern St., Apt. 7, Coal Township, delivery of oxycodone, possession with intent to deliver oxycodone, criminal use of a communication facility, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, arraigned before Jones, committed, $50,000 bail.

- James M. Koroniewicz, 32, of 129 Center St., Natalie, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, delivery of marijuana, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, arraigned before Jones, committed, $50,000 bail.

- Sarah L. McGinley, 27, of 129 Center St., Natalie, four counts of possession with intent to deliver Suboxone and two counts of criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Jones, committed, $100,000 bail.

- Thomas J. Perez, 33, of 10 N. Orange St., Mount Carmel, two counts each of delivery of Percocet and clonazepam, possession with intent to deliver Percocet and clonazepam, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia, arraigned before Jones, $100,000 bail.

- Rex A. Hepner Sr., 66, of 19 E. Independence St., Shamokin, two counts each of possession with intent to deliver heroin and delivery of heroin and three counts of possession of a controlled substance, arraigned before Gembic, committed, $20,000 bail.

- James A. Dougherty, 41, of 138 S. Walnut St., Mount Carmel, delivery of Vicodin, possession with intent to deliver Vicodin, criminal conspiracy to deliver Vicodin, criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver Vicodin, endangering the welfare of children, possession of a controlled substance, arraigned before Jones, committed, $50,000 bail.

- Christina J. Hepner, 26, of 19 E. Independence St., Shamokin, two counts of delivery of morphine and one count of possession with intent to deliver morphine and possession of a controlled substance, arraigned before Gembic, committed, $10,000 bail.

- Andrew W. Britton II, 31, of 408 Walnut St., Middleburg, criminal conspiracy to deliver morphine, delivery of morphine, possession with intent to deliver morphine and possession of a controlled substance, arraigned before Gembic, released, $15,000 bail.

- John C. Tiebout, 53, of Shamokin, delivery of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, criminal conspiracy to deliver marijuana, criminal use of a communication facility, arraigned before Gembic, committed, $15,000 bail.

- Tianna L. Stayathome, 18, of 12 N. Walnut St., Mount Carmel, possession of drug paraphernalia, released, $5,000 unsecured bail.

Noteworthy: Friday, Sept. 19, 2014

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Shoppers can help schools

CARLISLE - GIANT Food Stores and MARTIN'S Food Markets kicked off their 10th annual school fundraiser, A+ School Rewards, this month. Customers can help earn money for their local schools every time they grocery shop by using a BonusCard.

Since 2005, GIANT/MARTIN'S customers have helped their local schools earn more than $19 million.

To participate in the program, customers must sign up and designate up to two schools in their local community now by visiting their local GIANT/MARTIN'S, GIANT's A+ website or MARTIN'S A+ website. A+ School Rewards are accrued with each purchase made using one's BonusCard.

Customers who designated schools last year do not need to re-designate their schools but are encouraged to confirm their school IDs by going to GIANT's A+ website or MARTIN'S A+ website.

Registered schools will begin earning points when the program begins Oct. 5 and continuing through March 21.

There is no limit to what schools can do with their A+ School Rewards, including earning cash for technology, scholarships, school programs, field trips, playgrounds and other educational needs.

Community service set for Saturday

COAL TOWNSHIP - Participants in a community service program coordinated by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Coal Bowl.

Barbours get life without parole

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SUNBURY - Miranda and Elytte Barbour were sentenced Thursday to life in prison without parole for the murder of Troy LaFerrara.

The Barbours were married three weeks before stabbing and strangling LaFerrara inside their vehicle Nov. 11. They dumped his body in a backyard near an alley in Sunbury. Miranda Barbour lured LaFerrara through an online personal ad. Elytte Barbour told police that they wanted to murder someone together.

It marks an end for the local murder case. However, the story may continue while an investigation is made into Miranda Barbour's jailhouse claim that she is a serial killer. (See separate story.)

The Barbours sat inside the Northumberland County Courthouse Thursday, separated by an attorney at the defense table. It was perhaps the last time the married couple will see each other face to face. They didn't appear to even glance in each other's direction let alone attempt to speak.

LaFerrara's widow and sister condemned the pair, describing them as subhuman and detailing the devastating results of their actions. (See separate story.)

'No acceptable rationalization'

Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor sentenced the couple separately. He excused Elytte Barbour, 22, before sentencing his wife. Miranda Barbour, 19, was sent out of the courtroom, and her husband returned to learn his own fate.

"The facts of record are difficult enough to comprehend - why someone would be so indifferent to the value of human life to arrange to meet a stranger on Craigslist, to murder and rob him and then go for a birthday celebration afterwards. There is no acceptable rationalization," Saylor told Miranda Barbour, later echoing the comments to Elytte Barbour.

Miranda Barbour met LaFerrara at the Susquehanna Valley Mall. He hired her as an escort. They rode together in her Honda CR-V into Sunbury. Elytte Barbour hid in the back and LaFerrara was unaware of Elytte's presence. When Miranda Barbour gave the signal, her husband sprung forward and choked LaFerrara with a cord. His wife then stabbed LaFerrara repeatedly with a knife.

Pleaded guilty

Miranda Barbour confessed twice to the crime - once to police and a second time to Francis Scarcella of The Daily Item. In the newspaper interview, she claimed to have killed more than 20 times. The claims remain uncorroborated, but she has stuck to the story.

The Barbours pleaded guilty Aug. 26 to second-degree murder, aggravated assault, robbery and possessing an instrument of a crime. In exchange, they agreed to serve life sentences without parole, avoiding the possibility of the death penalty.

The pleas came after failed attempts by Miranda Barbour's defense attorneys to have Saylor dismiss her confession to police along with a search warrant that yielded the murder weapon.

Split burial costs

The assault and robbery charges were merged with the homicide charge at sentencing. A concurrent sentence of four months to two years was levied for the weapon charge. They were each fined $500 and are required to split the $2,560 cost of LaFerrara's burial.

Elytte Barbour expressed remorse in a statement to the court. He had cooperated with the prosecution and agreed to testify against his wife had the case been brought to trial.

Asked by Saylor if she had anything to say, Miranda Barbour was brief.

"No," she said, "I don't."

They were each returned to Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury. Miranda Barbour is expected to be sent back to SCI-Muncy within a day or two. She was transferred there Feb. 21, one week after telling The Daily Item that she had killed more than 20 people prior to the LaFerrara murder. Elytte Barbour will remain at the county jail until he is transported to SCI-Camp Hill, where he will be processed and assigned to another state correctional institution.

Elytte's parents, Timothy and Jane Barbour, of Coats, N.C., attended the sentencing hearing. No one from Miranda Barbour's family attended.

Fire guts four Shamokin homes

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SHAMOKIN - A three-alarm fire in Shamokin ate through four row homes and ignited the roof of a porch of a fifth Thursday.

Firefighters responded at around 1:45 p.m. to the blaze to find the rear porch of 527 and 525 N. First St. fully engulfed in flames. The fire quickly spread down the block to 523 and 521 N. First St.

The rear porch of a home at the corner of Walnut and Second streets also ignited, but the fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters.

Heat given off by the flames melted siding on several nearby homes.

Firefighters scaled to the roofs of the building on the Americus Hose Company, Sunbury, and the Overlook Fire Company ladder trucks.

PPL arrived to manage power lines that gave off sparks when flames burst from the windows of the homes.

A firefighter was taken to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital for heat exhaustion, said Jason Zimmerman, deputy chief of the Shamokin Fire Bureau. The firefighter was not identified.

Zimmerman said all of the occupants of the homes were accounted for and uninjured.

He estimated it took firefighters an hour and a half to bring the fire under control, and that they would continue to work the scene for several more hours.

Wall of flames

Jeanette Krieger, of 527 N. First St., said she was sitting at her computer when she heard "popping" and looked to see where the noise was coming from.

"All I saw was a wall of flames on my back porch," said Krieger.

She dialed 911, and then ran out into the yard to move her car away from the growing flames.

Krieger, who owned the home for 42 years, said she is insured.

"I don't see anything being recovered from there," she said about her home.

Krieger was most worried about the loss of her two cats. She had not seen them since the fire broke out, but firefighters also told her Thursday afternoon the pets had not yet been located inside the building.

"They're my babies," Krieger.

A cat was rescued by firefighters from inside the burning buildings, but it was not one of Krieger's.

Michael Feese, of 525 N. First St., said he was in the front bedroom when firefighters knocked on his door and told him the building was burning.

Feese, who managed to get his dogs out of the building safely, did not have renters insurance.

Building owner, Devin Milbrand, was away when the fire occurred. His mother, Lisa Milbrand, was on scene. She was unsure if the property is insured.

Ken Leeman, who owned 523 N. First St., said he was alerted to the fire by a neighbor. He was relieved everyone got out of the building, which was insured, safely.

His tenant, Gary Lee Adams Jr., was home when the fire began. Adams said he heard popping, then saw the rear porch of his neighbor's home engulfed in flames.

At first he didn't think he had to leave, but was soon ordered otherwise by firefighters.

Randel Malone, tenant at 521 N. First St., was home preparing lunch when the fire broke out. He said when he answered knocking at his door, he saw smoke.

He said he doesn't have renters insurance, and that the fire was poorly timed because he was in the process of purchasing the home.

Firefighters also entered 519 N. First St. to control the fire in the adjacent building.

"We're thinking we just got some smoke and water damage," said building owner Ryan Smith, who added he was not home at the time of the fire but the building is insured.

Zimmerman said the exact location and cause of the fire is still under investigation.

SASB president OK with random drug testing for directors

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COAL TOWNSHIP - The president of the Shamokin Area School Board says he would vote in favor of implementing random drug testing for board members and all district staff.

"I think we should lead by example. Some of us have made mistakes in the past but are moving forward in a positive direction," director Ron McElwee said during Tuesday's monthly board meeting.

Implementing a rule with the district's union employees may prove difficult since it would need to be included in union contracts, McElwee said when asked Wednesday for further comment.

Beginning this school year, all students in seventh through 12th grades are subject to random drug testing in order to join an extracurricular activity or to receive a parking permit. Parental consent is also necessary. The school board approved the policy Sept. 3.

A one-year contract was approved Tuesday with WorkPlace Health, Shamokin, to conduct the testing. Seven different tests fall under the contract. Tests will screen for five drugs, 10 drugs and 11 drugs. There are options for rapid results and lab testing. There is also a hair follicle test, breath alcohol test and a blood test.

Six tests range between $25 and $60 each. The blood test costs $250. The school district will pay the cost for all tests, except in the event a positive test is challenged.

Tests will be performed on campus. Up to 20 students a month, or during an athletic season, will be tested. Prior notice will not be given.

One failed test results in a 30-day suspension from all extracurriculars and parking privileges. A second failed test brings about permanent suspension. Both punishments call for drug and alcohol counseling.

A positive drug test, however, will not result in suspension or expulsion from school. Such a penalty would apply in the event of student tampering. Test results will not become part of students' permanent records, according to district policy.

Parents are permitted to register a student for random drug testing even if they don't play sports or belong to a club or drive to school.

The policy applies "but is not limited" to all junior high, junior varsity and varsity sports teams including cheerleaders, all music organizations including orchestra and vocal ensembles, as well as the following clubs: art, audio/visual, Bible, chemistry, chess, environmental, Indian Pride, Indian Times, Interact, Key, math, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Students Against Bullying, computer, student council, tech ed, The Works and varsity club.

Other business

Robert Jones was promoted to a full-time employee. He had been working under contract with the district following his 2012 furlough as webmaster. He will earn an hourly wage of $15.

Jones will no longer provide technical support at Northwestern Academy. He will be replaced by part-timer Ryan Shevitski, who will work five hours daily at an hourly rate of $8.25.

Marc Romanelli was hired as a teacher at an annual salary of $31,000 plus benefits. Also hired were Christa Wynn, Jessica Condron, and Caitlin Schlachter at $30,000 each annually plus benefits. Christine Gotshall was hired as school psychologist. She will received a $45,000 salary plus benefits.

Teacher Megan Rollenhagen's salary was raised $2,000 to $34,700 to reflect her master's degree plus 15 credits. She received her tenure in August.

The long-term disability insurance contract covering all administrators subject to the Act 93 contract was adjusted to last three years, effective Oct. 1. An administrator was previously eligible for coverage until retirement.

Kitchen equipment will be purchased from Singer Equipment Co. at a cost of $50,566.42. A stage curtain was purchased for the elementary building from The Janson Industries at a cost of $6,672.

A month-to-month lease agreement continues with Northwestern Academy, where Shamokin Area operates the regular and special education programs. The rental fee is $109,202.91 monthly, an expense the district had been looking to renegotiate. The monthly agreement has been in place since last school year.

Tuition reimbursement for regular education students of Northwestern Academy for 2013-14 was lowered 44 cents to $61.33 daily. Students' home districts will be credited.

The high school band and orchestra will visit Disney World in Orlando, Fla. They'll perform at the Magic Music Days Showcase Festival from March 28 through April 4. There is no cost to the district. Students can participate in fundraising to defray costs.

David Kopitsky Jr. resigned as senior project adviser. He's replaced by Jordan Rickert, who will receive a $300 stipend.

Susan Belles was hired as a part-time special education aide. She will work 180 days a year, 6 3/4 hours a day at an hourly rate of $8.25. Autumn Breslin was appointed as a part-time teacher's aide - 180 days, 6 1/2 hours daily, $7.25 hourly.

Wendi Lynch was appointed to serve as the dismissal supervisor at the elementary annex building. She will receive a $2,500 stipend.

Susan Fletcher was named tutor/coordinator of Project Success Math for grades nine to 12. Compensation is $5,000 plus $18.50 hourly for tutoring.

Amber Slodysko was named after-school detention monitor. Her wage is $18.50 hourly. Ashley Guzinski was assigned as a daily substitute teacher at a $90 per day compensation.

Parents say there is overcrowding on buses to Lourdes

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MOUNT CARMEL - Several mothers brought concerns about bus transportation to Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School to the attention of the Mount Carmel Area School Board Thursday.

During the public comment portion at the board's meeting,, three mothers of Lourdes students said the buses are overcrowded and students are arriving late to school.

"That one bus that is used for Lourdes students is very crowded, like unsafe crowded," said Cheryl Rutledge, of Locust Street.

Mount Carmel Area uses a 72-passenger school bus to transport students to Lourdes. After receiving an e-mail from Rutledge, superintendent Bernie Stellar met with transportation support staff member Eileen Zarski to review that bus route.

"We looked at the roster of the bus and the stops, and we determined that the stops were adequate," he said.

Stellar said Zarski relies on the bus driver's report on whether the bus is overcrowded.

"It was looked into and we did not receive one complaint that the bus was overcrowded," Stellar said.

"My daughter is late every other day. She's not getting her breakfast or anything like that," Rutledge said.

"My daughter comes homes and tells me that she has to sit three in a seat," said parent Sue Horan. "The bus is stuffy and she is complaining of headaches."

"We will certainly look into the matter of the buses arriving late at Lourdes and make adjustments to the schedule. I can guarantee you that we will not transport students in an unsafe and illegal manner," Stellar said.

One mother took pictures inside the bus to prove to directors that children are sitting three to a seat, but some directors had a problem with the photos.

"Please do not take any pictures on the bus without permission," solicitor Edward Greco said. "There is a student safety issue." When the mother said she had the bus driver's permission, Greco answered that the driver exceeded his authority.

Director Bill Brecker, who has two children on the same bus, said he investigated the matter himself.

"I followed the bus this morning," Brecker said. "There were 47 students on the bus, so with 24 seats, there was no reason for students to sit more than two persons a seat."

Board president Thomas Ditchey asked the administrative team to conduct a review, as it is outside the board's scope of authority.

In other business:

- The board approved the appointments of Ben Orkin and Vanessa Kalbarchick as an MCA Junior Tornadoes winter swim coaches, and hired Steve Pesarschick as an assistant varsity wresting coach, Matt Narcavage as head junior high wrestling coach and Pete Cheddar as assistant varsity football coach. The district will also purchase a track and field pole vault insert box for $600. The box is required by the PIAA for all competitions.

- Brynna Ditchey was hired as a elementary teacher, on step one, bachelor's degree on the salary scale, with benefits. She was hired on a 4-1-1 vote with directors Brecker, Raymond Kraynak, Tony Mazzatesta and Michael Rovito voting yes, Joseph Zanella voting no and Thomas Ditchey abstaining.

- Also approved were agreements with Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and the Shamokin Area School District to provide special education services to the district and facility use requests by the Anthracite Citizens Theatre and Mother Pauline Visintainer Religions Foundation, the Good News Club Inc. of Northumberland County and the Kulpmont Cruise Association.

LaFerrara's wife addresses killers

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SUNBURY - Colleen LaFerrara had names in mind for the children she had hoped to have with her husband, Troy. He helped pick them out.

When something good happened or when something went awry, she would call Troy.

He was her rock. She was his "sug," short for sugar.

He's gone, dead at the hands of Miranda and Elytte Barbour.

LaFerrara lashed out at the couple Thursday inside Northumberland County Courthouse. Tears ran down her cheeks.

Her voice trembled as she spoke. More than once she snapped her head to face her husband's killers.

The two showed no mercy to her husband, she said, allowing him to bleed to death as they drove around Sunbury in search of a spot to dump his body. She frets over thoughts of how her husband lived out his last moments.

His death left her empty. She can't sleep. She keeps her television turned on inside her home to combat the silence. When she rolls over in bed at night, Troy's space is empty and cold.

She's overcome with guilt whenever a moment of happiness arrives.

"This is a bone deep pain, a pain that never goes away," LaFerrara said during the couple's sentencing hearing.

"The one thing no one can take away from me is his love, and I know that he loved me no matter what anyone else thinks," she said, looking at the Barbours.

"I am forced to live my life without him. I am no one's 'sug' anymore," she said.

Miranda Barbour didn't appear to look her way. She mostly stared downward, her legs crossed as she made circles over and over with her left foot.

'Rotten to the core'

Elytte Barbour often did look in her direction. He was looking, too, when Holly LaFerrara, Troy's sister, spoke.

The Barbours were swept up in a "perfect storm of idiocy and narcissism," Holly LaFerrara said. She cited Elytte Barbour's teardrop tattoo apparently signifying the murder, as well as a telephone interview he had with CNN from inside the Columbia County Prison, Bloomsburg.

Miranda Barbour has been as bad, she said. She claimed the killer has bragged about avoiding death row and the hours of solitary confinement that come with a death sentence.

In the process they've ruined Troy's reputation, Holly LaFerrara said, dismissing Miranda Barbour's initial claim that he attempted to assault her before he was strangled and stabbed. And they've shown no remorse in the months since they confessed to murder, she said.

"The story of the innocent paid escort is rubbish," she said. "These are two fundamentally flawed people, rotten to the core."

Miranda Barbour met Troy online. The two agreed to meet in exchange for money.

Elytte Barbour has said he and his wife plotted a murder because they wanted to experience killing someone together. They made several attempts to lure a victim. Troy happened to be the one.

Holly LaFerrara said her family has struggled with dealing with Troy's murder, especially since it was done "for fun." She called the Barbours "twisted and sick," and said both deserved to be executed.

"They don't deserve to be called human," she said.

Holly LaFerrara lauded The Daily Item's Francis Scarcella for helping publicly expose the Barbours' connection to her brother's murder. But she expressed conflicted emotions for all of the attention paid to the couple, particularly Miranda Barbour. Now that they've been sentenced, she asked that the media let them rot silently in jail.

Miranda Barbour declined comment in court. Elytte Barbour spoke and asked the family for forgiveness. He said he may never understand himself why he took part in the murder.

"I have done much more than take a life, I have destroyed two families and homes," Elytte Barbour said.

District Attorney Ann Targonski said she hoped what Elytte Barbour had to say "came from the heart." She wasn't surprised that Miranda Barbour stayed silent, she said, saying that she's shown no contrition.


Can't-miss events at this year's Bloomsburg Fair

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BLOOMSBURG - Heading to the Bloomsburg Fair this week? The News-Item has compiled a list of things you should know.

Admission, charged from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., is $7. Children under 12 years are admitted free every day. High school and elementary students are admitted free Tuesday and Friday, Sept. 26. Armed services persons, active or retired, with ID, and senior citizens (65 and older) are admitted free Monday.

Exhibit buildings are open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Be sure to get a glimpse of all the local exhibits, arts and crafts on display by area schools and individuals. Most food vendors are open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

At the bandshell, the Line Mountain High School band will perform at 11 a.m. Monday. The Mount Carmel Area High School Band will perform at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The Southern Columbia High School Band will perform at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Other interesting acts at the bandshell include Raven Creek, Saturday, Sept. 20, at 1 and 5 p.m.; Rick K. and the Allnighters, Sunday, 5 and 9 p.m.; Banjo Contest, Monday, at 7 p.m.; Make Mine Country Band, Tuesday, 1 and 5 p.m.; New Individuals, Wednesday, 3 and 9 p.m.; Mahoney Brothers, Thursday, 1 and 7 p.m.; Abe Lincoln impersonator James Hayney, Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m., and Chris Ruble, Saturday, Sept. 27, 3 p.m.

Entertainment isn't just limited to the free stage. Millennium Park, located near the amusement rides on the eastern end of the fairgrounds, will be the scene of many fun-filled acts.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, at 2, 3 and 7 p.m., The Big Tiny Young Show, featuring country and gospel music, will perform. The Dan and Galla Variety Show will put on a dynamic show at 4 and 6 p.m. Monday. Both acts will also perform throughout the week.

Several 4-H shows will be held in the small and large arenas throughout the week. Large horses, including Belgiums and Clydesdales, will be presented 7 p.m. today at the large arena.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, a fleece to shawl competition, shawl judging and an auction will take place at 1, 3:30 and 4:15 p.m. in the small arena.

Judging of 4-H swine, beef, cattle, sheep rabbit and beef will take place Monday and Tuesday in the small and large arenas. A 4-H presentation will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the educational building.

Don't miss the lightweight and heavyweight horse pulling Friday, Sept. 26, at 10 and 1 p.m. or the miniature horse pull Saturday, Sept. 27, at 9:30 a.m., which will be followed by another round of lightweight and heavyweight pulls at 1 p.m. All events are in the large arena.

For more information, go to www.bloomsburgfair.com.

Quick resolution to Barbour case saved county $100K

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SUNBURY - Thursday's sentencing of Miranda and Elytte Barbour to life in prison without parole for murdering 42-year-old Troy LaFerrara was one of the quickest resolutions to a homicide case in the history of Northumberland County and saved an estimated $100,000.

A thorough investigation by police, confessions from both defendants and their willingness to plead guilty to second-degree murder to avoid the possibility of the death penalty led to the case being completed in less than a year, which is highly unusual in homicides.

County court administrator Brandy Yasenchak estimated it would have cost the county $100,000 if the Barbours took the case to trial.

"The guilty pleas saved the county a ton of money," she said. "We would have had to pay for expert witnesses, additional transportation costs, outside-the-county incarceration fees plus many other legal expenses. I think everyone's happy the case came to a close today."

Yasenchak pointed out that most murder cases take at least a couple years to resolve.

Miranda Barbour, 19, admitted to stabbing the Port Trevorton man 20 times while her 22-year-old husband strangled him with a cable Nov. 11 in their vehicle before dumping his body in the backyard of a home at 240 Catawissa Avenue.

At the scene, police found a cell phone in LaFerrara's pocket. Police eventually linked Miranda Barbour to the homicide by tracing cell phone calls and text messages she reportedly made to the victim the day of the crime.

Miranda Barbour confessed to the killing Dec. 3, while her husband admitted to his role in the murder three days later.

The Barbours had lived in Selinsgrove for only a brief time before committing the murder. They previously resided in North Carolina.

Proud of police

Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare, who was part of the homicide investigation team as a corporal before later being promoted to chief, commended all the officers involved in the probe.

The charges were filed by Cpl. Jamie Quinn, Sgt. Christopher Blase and Patrolman Travis Bremigen. Patrolman Brad Slack also played a key role in the investigation.

"I'm very proud of our department," Hare said. "All the officers did a fantastic job and I'm happy with the outcome. I hope the victim's family can now have a tiny bit of closure."

Hare said his department has not found any evidence linking Miranda Barbour to 22 other murders she claimed to have committed in various states, including Alaska, during a jailhouse interview with Daily Item reporter Francis Scarcella. He said the FBI is continuing to probe those allegations.

Quinn added, "I'm proud to be a part of the team that put this case together. We feel good about getting the investigation closed so fast. Now, the family's healing process can begin."

Bremigen said, "This was a tough, time-consuming case that involved overall great police work. Two murderers are going to jail for life. That was our goal."

Blase, who also credited Trooper Brent Bobb of state police at Selinsgrove and a state police forensic service unit for their assistance in the homicide probe, said, "I'm very happy with the outcome. The case was dealt with in a timely manner and a trial would have been very expensive. Ultimately, we got what we wanted - life in prison. Those two (Barbours) won't be on the streets again."

The victim's sister, Holly LaFerrara, commended police and the district attorney's office for conducting an outstanding investigation in bringing her brother's murderers to justice.

The attorneys for the Barbours also were satisfied with the quick resolution.

No appeals planned

Northumberland County Chief Public Defender Edward Greco, who represented Miranda Barbour, stated, "I believe the resolution was appropriate given the facts of the case and court rulings. Elytte could have testified against my client."

Greco, who doesn't plan to appeal the sentence, thanked the county commissioners for giving him the proper resources to do his job effectively.

He was assisted by public defender Paige Rosini.

James Best, an independent conflicts counsel with the county who defended Elytte Barbour, said, "Elytte has accepted responsibility for the murder and it's futile to appeal. This was a senseless crime that has no explanation. I believe the plea agreement and sentence were appropriate. I'm glad there is closure for the victim's family."

'Heinous crime'

Prior to imposing sentence, Saylor told Miranda Barbour, "Your conduct has drawn a lot of attention to you. This was fueled by statements made by you to a reporter that were incredulous. I am aware through a report to the court of your difficult past as a child including the sexual abuse you suffered at the hands of a relative. However, poor Mr. LaFerrara had no idea what was about to happen simply by a Craigslist posting."

The judge pointed out that the senseless acts not only ended the victim's life, but triggered devastation for his family that continues to suffer immense pain and emptiness.

Saylor said, "Today brings some closure to this particular case and shows the hard work dedicated professionals will bring to resolve crimes. I'm sure the decision to proceed with a plea agreement to not seek the death penalty was a difficult one for the district attorney in consultation with the victim's family.

"This was a heinous crime. In my view, justice is being served by approving the plea agreement with your permanent removal from our community and society. By your plea, you have accepted responsibility and the fate that is now being imposed upon you."

Saylor, who repeated some of his comments to Elytte Barbour before sentencing him, told the defendant, "By a report provided to me, everyone in your past is completely shocked that you carried out this plan. Your downward spiral began with using crack and Ecstasy in the months leading up to this night. There is no acceptable rationalization that could be made on your part."

Security was provided at the sentencings by Sheriff Robert Wolfe and his deputies. No incidents were reported.

Deputy sheriffs set up a perimeter in a parking lot outside their office as the defendants were transported from the county jail to their sentencings about 10 minutes apart.

Hearing set to see if charges remain dismissed against former assistant fire chief

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SUNBURY - A hearing will be held next month to determine if two criminal charges remain dismissed against a former Sunbury assistant fire chief.

On Friday, Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest granted a motion filed by assistant district attorney Michael Seward to reconsider his Sept. 10 ruling to dismiss a felony of access device fraud and misdemeanor of misapplication of entrusted property filed by Sunbury police against Richard A. Sinko, 47, of Point Township.

Sinko was an assistant fire chief for the City of Sunbury and Rescue Hose Company treasurer when the charges were filed.

Wiest scheduled a hearing for 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, to review the case.

In his order, Wiest said the commonwealth carries the burden of proof to provide either a tangible piece of evidence to review or testimony of witnesses in determining if a prima facie case exists.

The judge reminded defense attorneys Timothy Bowers and Kymberley Best in his order that the burden is prima facie and not beyond a reasonable doubt, and that the court may consider hearsay evidence at the proceeding on habeas corpus as long as that is not the only evidence the commonwealth relies upon to make its case.

Wiest found that there was no violation of the rules of criminal procedure with the admission of the transcript from the prior proceeding at a hearing on a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in part because of the notably different functions of a hearing on a writ and a criminal trial.

In the order, Wiest says, "A court is empowered to reconsider its own orders. This absolute jurisdiction is reflected in the judicial code as well as case law interpreting the court's authority to reconsider orders entered. The defense makes the argument that reconsideration is not a remedy authorized by the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, but nowhere is such a practice prohibited."

Lawyer confident

When contacted Friday afternoon, Bowers said he's confident the ultimate outcome of the case will not change.

Best previously said Seward's motion for reconsideration was procedurally improper and therefore of "no consequence."

Since the judge issued an order dismissing the charges against her client, Best said the commonwealth's only recourse was to file an appeal with the state Superior Court.

She compared it to someone being acquitted and the prosecution asking, "Hey, can you reconsider that?"

Bowers filed a response earlier this week to state the defense's opposition to Seward's motion.

Sinko was accused of stealing plumbing, electrical and building products and cash totaling $2,308.37 belonging to the fire company in 2011 and 2012. He has denied the accusations and said he was the target of a witch hunt.

In his order to dismiss the charges, Wiest said the commonwealth failed to demonstrate that it had sufficient evidence initially to bring the charges and did not provide discovery evidence.

At a Sept. 3 pre-trial hearing, Seward presented no additional testimony or evidence, while arguing the evidence he needed was in the transcripts from Sinko's May 6 preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Shamokin. But the district attorney's office didn't have a copy of the transcripts.

The sticking point was a ledger that the prosecution argued failed to show what happened to $1,000. But Sinko said that same ledger would show the money's proper movement. At the preliminary hearing and again at the Sept. 3 hearing, the defense asked for the ledger to be produced, but it wasn't, Best said.

At the Sept. 3 hearing, Wiest ordered Seward to provide the court with a written argument on why the preliminary hearing transcript alone would show there is sufficient evidence to send the case to trial and why the district attorney's office didn't possess the original transcript.

Since the commonwealth did not comply with Wiest's order to provide Best and Bowers with evidence against their client, the judge dismissed the charges.

In his ruling, Wiest said the defense attorneys had a copy of the preliminary hearing transcript taken by a court reporter, while the commonwealth did not. Wiest said the reason the commonwealth did not solicit an original transcript "completely and utterly baffles this court."

The day after Wiest dismissed the charges last week, Seward filed a motion to reconsider, claiming the commonwealth offered to provide the court with a copy of the preliminary hearing transcript at the Sept. 3 hearing.

Seward said the commonwealth filed a memorandum of law on the issue of whether the court could properly consider a transcript of the preliminary hearing, as the court had not yet ruled that a transcript would be received for the court's consideration.

Seward said at the close of the Sept. 3 hearing he was under the impression that the court would issue a ruling on the admissibility of the proposed transcript, then either permit the commonwealth to submit the transcript to the court or order the defendant to file the transcript of record that was already presented.

If the commonwealth was permitted, Seward said he would obtain a certified transcript of the preliminary hearing from the court reporter to file a record for the court to review in reconsideration of the defendant's habeas corpus motion.

In his motion, Seward asked Wiest to provide the commonwealth with 15 days to file a certified transcript of the preliminary hearing.

Honest Abe to visit Bloomsburg Fair

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BLOOMSBURG - Daniel Day Lewis has nothing on James Hayney.

A lifelong admirer of Abraham Lincoln, Hayney has been impersonating the 16th president for more than a decade.

He'll return to Bloomsburg Fair's free band shell at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, to portray Lincoln while giving a talk about Lincoln's experiences in Pennsylvania. The fair starts today.

"I'll be talking about Lincoln's love of Pennsylvania and his interactions in Pennsylvania, and, of course, the Gettysburg Address," said Hayney. "What I try to do is make 'em laugh a little bit and sneak in the history."

His performance will last for approximately 30 minutes, with a question and answer session following. He'll also be available for photos.

Hayney began impersonating Lincoln in 2002, when he was asked to dress up as Lincoln for a fundraiser for the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg.

"When the make-up person was making me up I thought, 'I'm kind of right for this, body-type wise,'" he said. "As an actor, I always wanted to do a one-man plan. I found one on Lincoln, so I started doing that and that really got me into it."

Hayney said he tries to include some of Lincoln's qualities that he admires most, including his sincerity and his humor.

"I also like the way he stuck through adversity," he said.

Hayney has found Lincoln's qualities have affected his own life.

"I don't want to do anything, even if I'm with a baseball hat and sunglasses on, to denigrate Lincoln," he said. "So it makes me a better person."

In addition to costuming, Hayney has adopted mannerisms to mimic Lincoln. He says determining the type of voice to use has been difficult because historians disagree on how Lincoln spoke.

"There's a lot of differences of opinion in the history of what his voice was," he said. "I try to use a Midwestern ranch (accent) if I can."

Hayney's been spotted at other area festivals, including the Danville Iron Heritage Festival. He said he's returning as Lincoln to the Bloomsburg Fair not only because of his admiration of the late president, but because he genuinely enjoys performing at the fair.

"I'm really pleased to be able to do it, and the people in Bloomsburg are so nice that run it," he said. "They're very nice people, and of course the crowds are very nice."

The Bloomsburg Fair runs through Saturday, Sept. 27. Per-person admission is $8 at the gate or $7 in advance, and parking is $5.

Lit club to close for one day

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COAL TOWNSHIP - The Lithuanian Club will close for a single day Monday as punishment from the state because, among other things, a past president violated a decades-old bylaw.

The crime? Pat Kazmerski Sr. didn't speak or read Lithuanian.

"It was overlooked; nobody thought much of it. I guess they thought something of it," said new club president Ryan Maerkl, speaking of the reaction from the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (LCE).

The language barrier, however, wasn't the only bylaw violation, said Sgt. Jeffrey McGuiness, commander of LCE's central office in Williamsport.

"Our inspection showed at least eight things wrong," he said Friday.

Licensed since 1936

The club, at 1135 Chemung St., has been licensed since April 24, 1936. A booklet of its constitution and bylaws says the last amendment was made in 1952.

Maerkl doubts anyone who presently frequents the club or who's involved in its operation reads or speaks Lithuanian any longer.

He isn't sure how much money will be lost by the one-day closure.

Other charges of seemingly greater importance were also filed against the club. It was accused of violating bookkeeping requirements for its small games of chance license, and also for failing to timely pay out death benefits to two members who passed away in May and June 2013. The charges followed inspections Jan. 24 and Feb. 13, and club member Bill Dudeck said the benefits have since been paid. Dudeck said Kazmerski was out of the area and unavailable for comment.

An administrative law judge sided with liquor control and in August fined the club a combined $600 for the violations. The club waived its right to a hearing.

Lax on bylaws

As for other bylaws issues, McGuiness said meetings should be held the first Thursday of each month, and that wasn't happening. There were no meeting minutes, no record of a quorum for meetings, no meetings to nominate officers and a lack of officers other than a president, he said.

As for the punishment handed down, McGuiness said that was the administrative law judge's call.

"They look at the past record and judge accordingly," he said. "We have no control over the sentences imposed."

The Lithuanian Club has a single prior violation since liquor control enforcement was taken over by state police in 1987: a 2001 gambling charge for a pinball machine. It was fined $450.

Other clubs at risk?

Maerkl, who took over last month, said the bylaws are being amended to remove the clause: "The following officers of the organization: President, Vice President and Recording Secretary shall be of Lithuanian descent and shall have the ability to express themselves fluently in the Lithuanian and English Language."

He wonders if other area ethnic social clubs will have to amend bylaws concerning language, too, in order to avoid penalty.

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