HARRISBURG - Gov. Tom Corbett signed a new state budget Thursday night, reaching his goal of enacting a 2011-12 spending plan before the new fiscal year began - by 15 minutes.

The signing ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda followed a dizzying week of lawmaking and deal cutting by the GOP majorities in the House and Senate.

"It puts us on the road to financial recovery," the Republican governor said. "It confronts and deals realistically with a $4.2 billion structural deficit. This is a budget that works for Pennsylvania."

The $27.2 billion spending plan makes deep cuts to education and human services but does not raise new taxes to cope with a drop in state revenues and the loss of federal stimulus money.

"We must balance our spending with the many needs of the commonwealth," Corbett said. "In a time of fiscal hardship, government must make difficult decisions but live within its means."

It was the first time in nine years the state budget was been completed before the start of July.

The budget bill, passed without a single Democratic vote, cut spending by 3 percent, lowered business taxes and left hundreds of millions of dollars in reserve.

Democrats warned that it would prompt higher tuition, property tax increases and layoffs, and argued a hospital assessment was indeed a new tax. They were outgunned in the Legislature, even losing a close fight on Thursday evening over new limits on school board tax increases.

Details of the bill were unveiled Monday after two weeks of intense, closed-door negotiations between Corbett and Republican lawmakers. The budget included cuts of about $1.1 billion to public schools and universities as Corbett insisted on reductions in state government and no tax increases to balance what he called a multibillion-dollar deficit.

Overall, the plan will reduce money for public schools by roughly 10 percent - with the poorest districts sustaining the biggest blows - and by nearly 20 percent for state-supported universities.

Democrats, who were excluded from budget negotiations, complained bitterly about the plan, saying the GOP was balancing the budget on the backs of schools, students, the sick, jobless and needy while businesses, including the exploration giants flocking to Pennsylvania to drill into the vast Marcellus Shale natural gas formation, did not share in the pain.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The following memorials were presented Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in May and June:

Paul N. Urick by Claire and Larry Varney.

Paul Anthony Yurick by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster.

Paul Anthony Urick by Richard and Ann Weikel and family, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Ann and John Benedict.

Agnes Zyla by Howard and Theresa Sandri, Jim, Amy and Mackenzie Catino.

Norbert J. Ososkie by John and Joanne McKay, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Ann and John Benedict.

James Broscious by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Strenkoski.

Leah Politis by Judy Polites.

Carole M. Eckman by Jim, Amy and Mackenzie Catino, neighbors of Overlook, Brian D. and Pamela K. Snyder.

Gilbert Picarelli by Jim, Amy and Mackenzie Catino.

Theresa M. Sockoloski by Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Michael E. Schlenker by John and Joanne McKay.

Chloe M. Schlenker by John and Joanne McKay.

Eleanor Orloski by Mary Ann Balonis.

Alda Mae Krebs by Jane Konyar and Bob Troutman.

Thomas J. Gross by Bishop Lawrence F. Schott Council 628.

Jean Stank by Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Joseph Katchick Sr. by Vincent and Lisa Rawa.

Catherine R. Coakley by Cody, Michael and Rita Nolter, Robert J. Todisco and family.

Janet Deitrick by Pat and Paul Metrocavage.

Eva C. Carvalko by Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Charles McManis by Ann and John Benedict.

Julia Nemeth by Ann and John Benedict.

Eugene Gurba by Dante and Jeannette Mirarchi.

Ralph and Mary Mirarchi by Dante and Jeannette Mirarchi.

Anthony and Mary Mirack by Dante and Jeannette Mirarchi.

Anthony J. "Hogan" Chiavaroli by Jim and Pattie Kelley and family.

Anthony V. "Red" Miscavage by John and Joanne McKay, Judy Polites, Bishop L. F. Schott II 628, Frank and Mary Bach, Alice O'Donnell, Daniel and Jacqueline Kerris.

Charles E. Moncavage by John and Joanne McKay.

Florence E. Witcoski by John and Joanne McKay, Alice O'Donnell, Ann and John Benedict, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Gloria Treese.

Margaret V. Bennick by Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Charles Matt McManis by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sandri,

Marion Albright by Mr. and Mrs. Gene Garancheski.

Emily A. Katanchik by Michael and Jane Klembara, John and Fran Young.

Loretta M. Ryan by John and Joanne McKay, Joan Kelley and family, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster.

All centers will be closed Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Sunday - Wii bowling and cards, 2 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; shopping at Boscov's, van leaves at 9 a.m., cost is $2; bridge, 12:15 p.m.

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

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; puzzles; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; puzzles; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Wii bowling and cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7's, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; members meeting with bingo to follow, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; word games, 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Tuesday - Wii in the morning; pinochle and rummy, noon.

Wednesday - Wii in the morning; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii in the morning; members' meeting with bingo to follow, 12:30 p.m.; evening cards, 5 p.m.

Friday - Wii in the morning; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Tuesday - Advisory board meeting, 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday - Jim Patterson from the Traveling Library to visit, open to the public.

Thursday - After lunch, "STRESS" bingo with an ice cream social.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 11 a.m.

Wednesday - Attorney Robert Varano holding a question-and-answer session at the center, 11 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 11 a.m.

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

Trevorton

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; Chair Dancing through the Decades, 11 a.m.; shopping at Peebles and Wal-Mart, noon, $2 co-pay; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Center Wii tournament, 9 to 11 a.m.; Scrabble, 9 a.m.; movie, 12:30 a.m.; food distribution, noon to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 9 a.m.; bean bag toss, 10:30 a.m.; members' meeting followed by cards, noon; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; bingo, noon.; card party, 7 p.m.

SELINSGROVE - Casey Henninger, of Coal Township, was one of 16 students from Susquehanna University who spent two weeks studying the music, architecture, art and cuisine of northern Italy.

The trip, which included living in Faenza and Firenze with visits to Bologna, Ravenna, Ferrara, Sienna and San Gimignano, was part of the university's Global Opportunities (GO) program.

Participating students lived with host families while attending music lessons and rehearsals at the Scuola Comunale di Musica a "G. Sarti" in Faenza, and cooking Italian cuisine alongside a local chef. The group toured architectural treasures of the Byzantine empire, explored towns in Tuscany and Emilia-Romangna, visited religious centers and attended cultural events.

Henninger is studying music at Susquehanna, where she will be a junior in the fall. She is a 2009 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and is a daughter of Annmarie and David Henninger.

Study-away is an integral part of a Susquehanna education. In addition to optional study-away arrangements, Susquehanna is distinguished by its GO program, which requires all students to spend at least two weeks off campus, immersed in a culture different from their own. Currently, Susquehanna students can choose from study-away programs ranging from a few weeks to as long as a full semester, in Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, Europe, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., among other options. For more information on Susquehanna's GO program, visit www.susqu.edu/GO.

By FRANK ANDRUSCAVAGE

FRACKVILLE - Two Bloomsburg residents are in Schuylkill County Prison after being charged with operating a methamphetamine lab inside a room at a West Mahanoy Township motel.

Larry T. Wilcox, 43, of 139 Derrs Road, and Catherine A. Womer, 36, of 29 Perry Ave., Lot 9, were taken into custody early Thursday morning when a tip led West Mahanoy Township police to Room 18 at Granny's Motel, 115 W. Coal St., where the "one-pot" lab was discovered.

The two were charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, liquefied ammonia gas, precursors and chemicals, causing or risking a catastrophe and conspiracy.

Wilcox and Womer were arraigned by Senior Magisterial District Judge Elizabeth Romig, Frackville, and committed to prison, unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail each.

Police Chief Shawn Tray said the discovery of the lab unfolded when state police at Frackville received a tip that meth was being manufactured at the motel and informed township Patrolman Lance Monaghan.

Tray said that he was contacted and went to the room with the hotel manager about 12:05 a.m., knocked on the door and Wilcox answered.

Tray said he detected a strong odor of chemicals and was given permission by Wilcox to enter the room. Womer was also inside.

Wilcox, Tray said, became nervous and was sweating and unable to stand still. Wilcox then admitted to using drugs and said he had to go to the bathroom, Tray said.

When Wilcox opened the bathroom door, Tray said he noticed an aluminum beer bottle with a piece of aluminum foil sticking out of it and a clear plastic bottle with a two-color liquid inside.

On a sink in the room, Tray said he also saw a gas mask, a funnel and coffee filters.

Wilcox and Womer were taken into custody, and two adjoining rooms, 17 and 19, were evacuated as a precaution.

Once a search warrant was obtained from on-call Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, Tray said a state police Clandestine Lab Response Team arrived and entered the room about 4 a.m.

The methamphetamine, as well as drug-related items, ledgers and cellphones, were confiscated, Tray said.

Monaghan said it appeared Wilcox and Womer had been staying at Granny's Motel for several weeks.

"They didn't just come here recently. It looks like they've been here a while," he said.

A detective with the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force said the meth lab was operational and capable of causing significant damage and injury if it would have exploded.

"This is the same type of method that burned the houses down in Pine Grove," he said, referring to a devastating fire in that community Jan. 12, 2010. That fire resulted in numerous homes being destroyed and the arrests of those responsible for "cooking" the illegal drug.

Frackville police assisted at the scene, along with Altamont Fire Company.

RALPHO TOWNSHIP ­- Ralpho Township Police are investigating an incident involving a woman out for a walk and a naked man in a burgundy SUV. Police said the man, who was not wearing any clothing, got out of his vehicle and approached the woman who was out for a walk at 10:15 a.m. Friday on Mountain Road, between Overlook and Bear Gap. The two exchanged words and the man drove off. Police said the registration plate on the vehicle had been purposely obstructed.

The suspect is described as a short white male with short brown hair and a thin build.

Ralpho Township Police advise people out exercising to be aware of their surroundings, especially in the rural areas of the township.

Anyone with information is asked to call township police at 672-9892.

Sunbury pool honoring all passes

SUNBURY -The Sunbury Community Pool will honor seasonal passes from other pools from July 5 to 23.

The pool will be closed July 4 so staff can enjoy the holiday with friends and family. The pool will reopen at noon Tuesday.

Transportation changes at Line Mtn.

MANDATA - Bus changes are in effect for the 2011-2012 school year in the Line Mountain School District.

If a child's address or the address of a sitter has changed, or if the child will need a different bus stop than last year, parents are asked to notify the transportation office at 758-2645 ext. 6018 immediately. Changes requested late in August may not take effect until after the school year starts.

Swimming lessons available

SUNBURY - School-age children can still register for the second session of the water safety and swimming lessons at the Sunbury Community Pool, 1200 Memorial Drive. Space is limited for preschool classes.

Cost of lessons for anyone living in the Shikellamy School District who register before the day lessons begin is $20. Registration the day lessons begin is $25. For participants who live outside the district, lessons are $30 and $35 respectively. Registration forms can be found at www.cityofsunbury.com or at the city clerk's office, 225 Market St. (2nd floor). Children three years of age to pre-kindergarten age who are potty trained may take pre-school lessons. Children must have completed kindergarten to participate in Level 1 lessons.

Pre-lifeguarding lessons will begin at the Sunbury Youth and Community Center Pool July 11 and will run for two weeks. Cost is $40 for those who register before lessons begin and $50 the day lessons begin.

For more information, call the city clerk's office at 286-7820.

Reptile program planned

BARNESVILLE - Join Doug Daniels from the U.S. Fish and Boat Commission for a program on the native reptiles and amphibians of Pennsylvania at Locust Lake Amphitheatre at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 9. Daniels will teach participants how to tell the difference between venomous and non-venomous animals and will discuss their habitat and diet. Daniels will bring some live animals to the program, which will be canceled if there is inclement weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Although blisters may have slowed her down, a Northumberland County woman's spirits are up as she walked into Pottsville on Friday during a leg of her trek to Citzen's Bank Park in Philadelphia to raise awareness for Tourette syndrome, a disease from which her 12-year-old son suffers.

Wearing a shirt that reads "For Kasey," Shana Neidig's nearly 150-mile journey began about 8 a.m. Thursday at her home in East Cameron Township. She has no sponsors for her trek and has with her only the clothes on her back.

She arrived in Frackville along Route 61 about 3 p.m. Friday before continuing on to Pottsville, from which she would again depart toward Philadelphia either Friday night or sometime this morning, giving herself a rest.

Neidig's goal is to attract the attention of former Philadelphia Phillie Jim Eisenreich, a 15-year veteran of professional baseball who also has Tourette syndrome.

In 1996, the former Major Leaguer founded the Jim Eisenreich Foundation for Children with Tourette Syndrome. Neidig hopes he'll visit Mount Carmel Area Jr./Sr. High School to help educate her son's classmates about the rare disease.

A baseball player as well, Kasey Grohowski, 12, recently pitched a game for Anthracite Fire Company, striking out 13 batters. He is a three-sport athlete with professional baseball aspirations, and a distinguished honors student who'll be entering the seventh grade.

Grohowski was recently diagnosed with a severe case of Tourette syndrome.

Neidig said many people don't understand that Tourette is an illness.

During a baseball game when Kasey was pitching, he was thrown out of a game for an outburst of him cursing Neidig attributed to Tourettes. She said Kasey's father tried to explain the illness to the umpire, but he said that he didn't understand and couldn't make an exception for one child.

"It's a neurological problem from the dark part of your brain," Neidig said. "That's why he curses."

Neidig said it's also hard for kids to understand the disease because there are no physical attributes when a person is not having an episode. Episodes can be very shocking to others: Symptoms of Tourette syndrome can be as mild as an eye twitch or as severe as stomping one's feet and cursing uncontrollably.

The direct cause of Tourette syndrome is still unknown, and it is generally treated medically with antidepressants. Grohowski's parents are hesitant about such medication because they don't want to restrict their son's active lifestyle.

In preparing for her journey, Neidig had the support of family and friends.

Victoria Steckler, who competed in cross-country with Neidig in high school, will be there to check on her friend's safety and occasionally join her on the walk.

Both women spent the night in Steckler's car Thursday at the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville, and started the journey together Friday after brushing their teeth at McDonald's.

Steckler finished the walk for Neidig to Pottsville from Saint Clair on Friday since Neidig's blisters had gotten so bad. They will be acting as a tag team along the way.

Steckler is confident that Neidig will accomplish her goal.

"I knew Shana a long time," said Steckler. "When she sets out to do something, she does it."

Steckler said Neidig already walked two miles barefoot during part of the journey since she couldn't wear shoes because of the blisters.

Although they aren't sure when they will arrive in Philadelphia, Neidig said she won't return home until she gets there.

Neidig said that while she wasn't planning to accept donations at first, people have been stopping along the way. One motorist gave her $20 just outside her hometown. She plans to use donations for any water and food needed during the walk.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Wasil Bakowicz said he has received quite a homecoming while preparing for his first solo art show at a local gallery.

The Shamokin native opened his exhibit "Wasil" with a reception Friday night at the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities Fine Arts Gallery, happy to share his experience with family and friends.

"I wanted to tell them 'you have all been a part of this,' and so has the small town of Shamokin," said Bakowicz.

Bakowicz lived in San Franciso for 17 years, where he graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Arts. He received his Master of Fine Arts from John F. Kennedy University, Berkeley, Calif., before returning to Shamokin two years ago to care for his mother after she developed lymphoma. Although he had numerous solo art exhibits, this was the first in the town that he grew up in.

"The work is basically about my homecoming," he said. "I went out and had my life experiences, and now I'm coming home to my roots."

The gallery consists of sculptures completed by Bakowicz from 2002 to as recently as last month. Bakowicz said most of his art is done in a series and feature a common element. One of the commonalities from his work on display was the shape of a cross.

"As an altar boy growing up in the small town of Shamokin, I spent a lot of time in church," Bakowicz said. "The Ukrainian Greek Catholic church, with its bright Byzantium gold and high design line took on great meaning for me. The intoxicating other worldliness fragranced with frankincense and myrrh drew me to line. Line gives me a sense of movement, which metaphors the movement of life. I get a sense of logic, my own logic."

Another common element in his artwork comes from patterns Bakowicz found in some of his many sketches that he wanted to make on a grander scale.

"Hopefully, I provoke a question with my work," he said. "It's mysterious, but people can relate to it at a deep level. Individuals will have their own experience and feelings in their heart, not their brains. It's an introspection."

Also featured in the gallery were his heart sculptures that were on display during the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts in May.

"I want people to ask 'Who am I?'" said Bakowicz. "Hopefully they can find within themselves a spirit of love, hope, joy, respect and trust so that they can treat others with such."

The show will run until Aug. 4. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. More information about Bakowicz can be found at www.wasilasart.com.

OVERLOOK - It's 30 years ago today that Robert and Georgetta Shaffer lost their 12-year-old daughter, Kimberly, to a drunk driver.

The pain of that moment so long ago is still fresh, but the Shaffers have recently found some solace at a special site in Harrisburg: the DUI Victims Memorial Garden.

Located on Front Street and created by the Pennsylvania DUI Association in 2003, the garden's focal point is a walkway made of inscribed bricks.

The Shaffers, from Overlook, didn't learn about the garden until a mobile version came to Shamokin in 2009. They inquired about obtaining a brick for Kimberly, and by spring 2010, it was placed.

The brick reads: "Kimberly B. Shaffer, June 2, 1969. So young, so loved, so missed."

"We wrote the words on the brick for how much she means to us, and seeing it there, knowing it will be there when we are gone, gives you a feeling of peace," Georgetta Shaffer said Friday.

The Shaffers placed a memorial ad in The News-Item recognizing the 30th anniversary of their daughter's death.

July 2, 1981

On that summer evening, Kimberly was playing with two friends at a home along Mountain Road between Overlook and Bear Gap when a car operated by a drunk driver failed to negotiate a sharp curve. The car went over a 5-foot embankment and struck Shaffer and a playmate, John Kaskie, 9, also from Paxinos. The vehicle narrowly missed another boy.

The driver jumped from the car, attempted to flee and pulled a knife when confronted by a neighbor, but he didn't use it, and was taken into custody by Ralpho Township Police.

Kimberly was pronounced dead at what was then Shamokin State General Hospital. John died a few days later at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

The driver, from New Jersey, who had three local passengers with him, was charged with homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol, fleeing an accident involving death or personal injury, simple assault, reckless driving and failure to drive at a safe speed.

Kimberly points way

While the DUI Victims Memorial Garden provides some relief to years of grief for the Shaffers, they hope others who haven't had to deal with such pain will be impacted, too.

When the Shaffers visited the garden for the first time, it was after the association had closed, so they were not sure where Kimberly's brick was among the more than 2,000 others.

"It took us about a minute; right as we started looking, we found it," Georgetta Shaffer said. "She was definitely pointing down at us that day."

On the Net: www.padui.org.

MOUNT CARMEL - A Mount Carmel mother remained in prison Friday on charges related to an underage drinking party that allegedly occurred at her home June 24.

An affidavit also describes police finding teens hiding in roof eaves covered in insulation.

Laura Sorrentino, 36, of 216 W. Second St., was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel, Thursday, and placed in Northumberland County Prison on $20,000 bail.

Sorrentino is charged with corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of a child by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman David Donkochik. She is accused of allowing an underage drinking party in her residence in which 18 teenagers, 12 of them under the age of 18, were cited for consumption of alcohol.

According to court documents, police received information that a large group of underage individuals were consuming alcohol at the home. When officers spoke to Sorrentino, she said the only people inside were her 16-year-old son and 19-year-old daughter; she would not allow police to enter.

3-year-old in house

As police went to the rear of the residence, a male was seen trying to crawl out a second story window. When he saw police, he crawled back inside. Also, several individuals could be seen peeking from second-floor and attic windows, police said.

Police said they would later learn that another child of Sorrentino's, a 3-year-old boy, was at the residence.

Police obtained a search warrant and called in officers from Mount Carmel Township, Kulpmont and Ralpho Township. Sorrentino, who had told officers she would only open the door if they had a warrant, refused to open the door when the warrant was served, police said.

195 bottles of beer

Officers forced their way in and found Sorrentino in the living room. Several of the teenagers were found throughout the house, including in the attic where they had broken through a wall and were lying in the eaves, covered in insulation, police said.

Police found 195 cans or bottles of beer, some full, some empty, throughout the house. Police also found alcohol in the ceiling tiles of one of the bedrooms, as well as syringes and full cans of dust remover, commonly used as an inhalant.

Also found in a bedroom was a sandwich bag with prescription pills.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sorrentino on Wednesday before Jones.

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania ended the previous fiscal year with a swollen $785 million tax revenue surplus, a sum providing new political fodder on the day after the $27.15 billion state budget for fiscal 2011-12 was signed by Gov. Tom Corbett.

The release Friday by the state Revenue Department of the year-end revenue report shows tax collections for the entire fiscal year are 2.9 percent above projections as the economy improves. Tax collections for June alone are $246 million, or 8.3 percent, more than anticipated, said Revenue Secretary Daniel Meuser.

Of the three mainstay state taxes, personal income, corporate and sales taxes were up in June.

The $785 million figure is higher than what even the most optimistic observers had forecast. Democratic lawmakers had predicted an ending surplus of $700 million earlier in the week.

The final state budget will appropriate between $240 million to $250 million of this surplus among various line items, according to separate estimates by legislative caucuses.

The remaining surplus could have been used to minimize student tuition hikes at the state-owned universities, revive the Adultbasic health program for the working poor and avoid deep cuts to the state homeowners emergency mortgage assistance program, Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-7, Philadelphia, ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said on Friday.

Corbett said Thursday the budget reflects the available revenue on hand. The governor and Republican lawmakers have said a hefty surplus is needed given the uncertain economy and related fiscal issues.

"We are funding what needs to be funded - not just spending money because it's there," said Stephen Miskin, spokesman for House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-28, Pittsburgh. "This is the first budget crafted with the taxpayer in mind."

SUNBURY - Day one of the new Northumberland County transportation system, managed by rabbittransit, York, went off without a hitch Friday, according to the company's executive director.

"Service was delivered today, just like it was on June 30," Richard Farr said. "This was the first day of the 60-day transition period. There may be some bumps in the road, but we will be working with the staff to get through them."

Meanwhile, Farr acknowledged the resulting "shake-up" for county employees, at least one of whom is speaking out against the change for fear someone may be laid off.

Rabbittransit, part of the York County Transportation Authority, was hired by Northumberland County commissioners at their June 21 meeting. At the same time, the commissioners voted to discontinue the Medical Assistance Transportation Program, which is offered by the Department of Public Welfare and PennDOT as a free transportation program for low-income eligible residents to get to medical and dental appointments.

Despite state reimbursement, county officials said the number of eligible residents was rising due to changing state criteria, and increased gas costs had caused the transportation department to lose $421,000 in general fund money in 2010.

Fare may rise again

Because of the same issues, rabbittransit, since its hiring, was granted an emergency 30-cent fare increase by PennDOT, effective Friday, raising the price to $1.45 for a one-way ride.

Farr said that may not be the last increase.

"Northumberland County did not go after a fare increase in six years," Farr said. "I'm sure other drivers have seen their costs of operating a vehicle, from gas to insurance and upkeep, go up with the rate of inflation. It would be very tough for a company to keep up the service at a lower rate."

Erin Walters, spokesperson for PennDOT transit department, said the rate hike was necessary to ensure the York Company would take over.

"No operator would provide this service at a loss," she said in a statement. "The emergency fare increase was necessary to ensure continuation of service and at least produce higher-cost recovery until we can fully assess the service, determine and implement cost efficiencies and productivity improvements. At that time, we will also determine the most appropriate fare structure and fare levels."

Farr said rabbittransit is working to give riders new features, such as automated call availability to allow rides to be scheduled at any time.

"We are not looking to do sweeping changes, but have been analyzing the operation for the past six days and getting an understanding of how the system runs," Farr said. "They have a decent system and we are going to be looking to see how it can be enhanced."

Jobs at stake

One former county employee spoke out Friday about the change.

"I've been a dispatcher for four years, and we do not know what the future holds," said employee Joseph Dowkus, of Paxinos. "There are some people that have been working for 15 years, and it may force them into early retirement."

Dowkus said one of his co-workers was not able to get a 90-day refill on his medicine because his county insurance was going to run out in 60 days.

Farr said following the transition, the company will evaluated its needs in consultation with Easton Coach, which will be the service provider. Current county employees will have to go through a hiring process, he said.

"Employees will be hired, but we don't know if they will come over at their same compensation rates," Farr said. "These are people who are dedicated to their jobs and I understand this is a shake-up for them and they have concerns."

Ultimately, Farr said, the focus needs to be on the people filling seats.

"There is a very high percentage of users in the county, and we want to make sure they are going to be able to get their medicine, get to their appointments and get to the senior centers for hot meals and socialization," he said.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The honor roll for the fourth marking period at Shamokin Area Middle-High School, has been announced by Chris Venna, principal.

The two levels of achievement include an honors level and a distinguished honors level. A student must achieve an average of 90 to 94.9 for honor recognition. Distinguished honors require an average of 95 or better. All subjects except driver training are included in the calculations of a student's average. Also, all subjects must be passed and a minimum of 90 percent in deportment is also required.

Distinguished

honor roll

Seventh grade - Chelsea Bowers, Samantha Chykosky, Claudia Collins, Jeannette Costa, Autumn Craft, Dilin Decample, Justin Deutsch, Jacob Dirienzo, Amber Disidoro, Jadyn Dunkelberger, Jared Dunn, Dustin Erdman, Nicole Faust, Lillie Fidelman, Brady Haupt, Russell Henz, Andrew Jones, Erika Kapushinski, Emily McDevitt, Travis Nelson, Brayson Pawelczyk, Caitlyn Pope, Kasey Puchalski, Danielle Reed, Ivy Savidge, Kayla Schell, Paige Sherman, Christopher Snyder, James Snyder, Amanda Stanchick, Nicole Thompson, Chase Tillett, Alissa Troutman, Rebecca Wargo, Cameron Wayne, Jakob Weaver, Jacob Weit, Paige Wichurowski and Danielle Wilk.

Eighth grade - Jacquelyn Augustitus, Hunter Bloom, Alek Bonshock, Michelle Bressi, John Brown, Tyler Candelora, Samantha Carpenter, Jasmine Coleman, John Demsko, Joseph Deptula, Megan Dimmick, Heather Elliott, Draven Faus, Devvon Gallie, Tevin Gonzalez, Darian Jones, Elizabeth Kapushinski, Megan Kerstetter, Zachary Koharski, Madlyne Kozlowski, Brett Long, Brianna Martin, Christopher McCabe, Mitchell McGinn, Rhiannon McKinney, Brianna Moore, Zachary Moyer, Christopher Petraskie, Ronald Rhoads, Graeme Shappell, Michaela Snyder, Taylor Tobias, Casey Wilson and Cierra Zimmerman.

Ninth grade - Steven Balonis, Elizabeth Bednar, Alisha Black, Brianna Bonshock, Olivia Bonshock, Joseph Colangelo, Jordan Collins, Eryn Cook, Nicole Cullen, Daniel Delbaugh, Noelle Erickson, Justin Forbes, Alyssa Green, Nathaniel Haggerty, Jennifer Hornberger, Skylar Hughes, Dana Madl, Laryah Moyle, Catelin Pancher, Melissa Rishel, Kevin Searls, Kaitlyn Shultz, Melissa Smallets, Helana Supsic, Erik Taylor, Corinne Weikel and Kortney Williams.

10th grade - Anthony Anonia, Kortney Bozza, Darien Craft, Stephanie Dressler, Marlena Ford, Austin Fry, Kayla Hart, Andrew Hasuga, Sara Jane Healey, Molly McDevitt, Christie Munson, Christopher Pierce,Sarah Purcell,Matthew Reichner, Ciana Rollman, Rebecca Rummel, Samantha Schiccatano, Samantha Spishock, Michael Yucha and Alex Zalar.

11th grade - Regan Abromitis, Danielle Alvord, Kim Bills, Charles Black, Amilya Bodenberg, Danielle Boyd, Scott Bradley, Stephen Bressi, Jessica Britton, Stephanie Broscious, Kevin Candelora, Megan Ciborowski, Rebecca Dressler, Jacob Eveland, Hilary Feudale, Ashley Fiorey, Troy Grinaway, Courtney Krieger, Caleb Latovich, Brandon Mendoza, Kristi Morris, Stephanie Pancher, Justin Reichner, Brittany Reid, Chelsea Ritter, Ryan Schuck, Ashley Strouse, Robert Taylor, Rachael Trelinski and Haley Zink.

12th grade - Emily Barnes, Casey Bradigan, Melissa Buonconsiglio, Christina Coller, Cassidy Coveleski, Dylan Dombroski, Patrick Erickson, Lindsay Fanella, Tyler Ferrara, Timothy Huxta, Angelica Krieger, Ryan Lindenmuth, John Long, Hannah Martin, Veronica Moore, Joshua Papp, Amanda Pheasant, Lisa Raup, Gregory Renner, Kasi Ristine, Madeline Shappell, Caitlin Sherman, Michael Slodysko, Thomas Smallets, Bryant Tomcavage, Joseph Villari, Samantha Weikel and Persephanie Wywadis.

Honor roll

Seventh grade - Sebastian Belk, Marie Bendas, Ty Berge, Kaitlyn Bridy, Michael Britton, Logan Bulchie, Preston Burns, Bradley Carpenter, Cheyenne Collier, Sierra Colross, Kyle Diorio, Brandon Dorsett, Gabrielle Erb, Kathryn Faust, Jordan Fobia, Ashton Foor, Tressa Forry, Ryan Gass, Megan Greenwalt, Megan Grinaway, Ronald Gurba, Kaylan Haight, Quintin Herb, Kyle Kauffman, Matthew Kehler, Patricia Lebreault, Jazz Levan, Kendra Long, Amanda Lucas, Levi Metzinger, Kayla Parker, Samantha Perocier, Nicholas Phillips, Sara Popewczak, Kalen Purcell, Jordan Radziewicz, Kelsey Rogers, Garrett Ruch, Tamara Sassani, Elizabeth Schnee, Alyssa Shurgalla, Nathan Shurock, Christina Snyder, Cole Supsic, Dakota Sutsko, Christina Troutman, Jonathan Wiley and Garrett Zalar.

Eighth grade - Tara Blom, Abigail Breeding, Brandon Brida, Jill Britton, Peyton Brosh, Richard Brown, Thomas Campbell, Kourtnie Chapman, Summer Feather, Cole Fegley, Joshua Feitner, Shana Fite, Tyler Forbes, Nina Foulds, Bridgette Hine, Carson Houser, Aaron Kalinowski, Ronald Laniewski, Brittany Madison, Brandon Mains, Kayla Marchetti, Nicholas McWilliams, Leah Mirolli, Carley Nash, Quinn O'Day, Brittney Pope, Rachel Poplaski, Paul Quincy, Brett Rebuck, Joshua Rosini, Brea Scandle, Jessica Schleig, Daniel Searls, Joshua Shurock, Sara Snyder, Feliph Taylor, Jenna Wasarhelyi, Dylan Williams, Jarret Willis and Tucker Yost.

Ninth grade - Kelsey Bryant, Logan Carpenter, Kylie Christiana, Andrew Claycomb, Breanna Dowling, Alexa Foor, John Gennaria, Megan Goodrich, Stefanie Hile, Austin Huntington, Ashley Huxta, Robert Kulish, William Leon, Corey Levi, Sean McLaughlin, Caroline McSurdy, Draven Miller, Cheyenne Popewczak, Adam Richardson, Alyssa Shuey, Kristina Slodysko, Victoria Snyder, Caleb Stahl, Stanley Stanchick, Brianna Wengrenovich, Ryan Wilk, Shane Williams and Jeffrey Wojciechowski.

10th grade - Alyssa Backes, Mariah Bielski, Jonathan Deitrick, Theodore Deptula, Adella Doncheski, Matthew Gass, Jordan Glosek, Paul Gurba, Abbygail Halderman, Ian Hancock, Molly Hasuga, Ashley Keiser, Veronica Kiefer, Falynn Kroh, Shannon Levi, Todd Markhorst, Amber Martin, Kyla Martin, Chelsea Moroskie, Ashley Mulkins, Tyler Mummey, Michael Rodarmel, Ryan Rompolski, Brittany Samms, Megan Sheriff, Erika Strausser, Nicholas Vernitsky, Cailin Wilson, Edward Yoder, Victoria Young and Collin Zalar.

11th grade - Rebecca Aurand, Renea Broscious, Bradley Burasz, Ryan Burns, Courtney Chowka, William Curran, Allyson Delbaugh, Evan Dixson, David Dorsett, Erin Duganitz, Amber Ebbecke, Blair Faust, Ryan Fifield, Alexandria Fiorey, Andreena Forbes, Natalie Frank, Stephanie Greenwalt, Jordan Hartenstine, Alexandrian Hartman, Andrew Hepler, Zachary Jacobs, Kieran Kelley, Ethan Lindermuth, Devin Madara, Brittany Miller, Ashley Moyer, Alyssa Orme, Brett Pawelczyk, Andrew Reich, Catherine Reigle, Garrett Rupp, Steven Schlief, Matthew Snyder, Josiah Stahl, Morgan Stankiewicz, Anna Summers, Cyle Taylor, Stephen Troutman, Jonathan Vanaskie, Alyssa Vittorio, Stephen Wengrenovich, Briaun Williams, Breanna Wisniewski, Emily Zakrzewski, Keena Zalar and Samantha Zielinskie.

12th grade - Angela Bainbridge, Abigail Beach, Kristina Bielski, Chad Bohner, Ryan Bourinski, Katelyne Chaundy, Devin Conrad, Lacey Dorkoski, Bethany Dressler, Graydon Dunkelberger, Danielle Favinger, Jenson Goodrich, Jared Haddock, Chesney Haupt, Megan Hensel, Natasha Hornberger, Clorissa Kehler, Kristin Kozar, Emily Manning, Janessa Maurer, Corinthia Mayer, Brittany Mayton, Shanda Mensch, Brandon Mikulak, Ashley Petraskie, Brianne Ramer, Brooke Reed, Nicholas Renner, Eric Shultz, Cody Snyder, William Szido, Wesley Tillett and Alexander Wolf.

DANVILLE - Thomas Jefferson University has announced the names of area students who have achieved the dean's list for the spring semester. The students are enrolled in the Thomas Jefferson University Associate of Science in Nursing Program at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville Campus.

The following students achieved an average of 3.50 or higher and earned at least 12 credits for the semester: Gregory Barvitskie, of Coal Township; Autumn Klusman, of Mount Carmel, and Braxton Pappas, of Shamokin.

SELINSGROVE - Matthew Weikel, of Shamokin, was named to Susquehanna University's dean's list for the spring 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.

Weikel, a rising senior majoring in accounting, is a 2008 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and a son of Norm Weikel and April Kline.

ASHLAND - Twenty years ago on July 1, William W. "Bill" Wydra Sr. became the owner of an engine shop in Ashland, and through the ups and downs in the economy, Ashland Diesel Engines Inc. is still doing well.

Located on Lehigh Street, the company mainly works on large trucks from front to back, not just engines, which it did almost exclusively when it began. The one-stop shop idea is an adjustment Wydra made to accommodate the changing conditions in how trucking companies changed in maintaining their fleets.

Fifteen years before becoming owner, Wydra, 60, worked as a mechanic and was shop foreman at Cummins Diesel, Ashland. The parent company in Bristol decided to close the engine shop in June 1991. After negotiations with Cummins, Wydra and a partner bought the business. After about three weeks of preparations, Ashland Diesel officially opened its doors.

"I'm not a businessman. I'm just a man with a business," Wydra said. "In 1991, I bought ADE in hopes of retaining jobs in the coal region, and in the end it worked out for a lot of people due to the success of ADE.

"Company representatives came in one day and said they were pulling the plug on it. I had a job in the Harrisburg shop to run it, but they gave us the opportunity to buy it, so my partner and I did," Wydra said. "We had 12 people here at the time, which we called the 'Dirty Dozen.' Three of them, including myself, are still here."

The staff eventually increased to 30 people, but the economy had an effect on the business. However, things have been improving recently. Currently, there are 17 full-time employees.

"We just deal with the ups and downs of business. It certainly hasn't been a gravy train by all means," said Wydra. "We are showing some light now. We just hired a new parts manager, and we're looking for another technician because our work load is increasing and is steady. We've picked up a lot of new clients at Highridge (Business Park), and they're good customers. We're not just an engine shop anymore. We have CAT, Cummins and Freightliner, and we do everything from bumper to bumper," said Wydra.

In addition to Ashland Diesel, Wydra and his son, William W. Wydra Jr., got Ashland Technologies Inc. off the ground.

"We had the Ash-Tech business here for the longest time. Billy moved that down to Hegins because we didn't have enough space here," said Wydra. "When he left, we just filled in the void with our operation."

Improvements in engine design have had an effect on how often work needs to be done, along with keeping up to date with working with high-tech electronics.

"Back when I was working on the floor, which goes back 35 years, engines would need a major overhaul every 400,000 miles. Now there are engines that go 1 to 2 million miles before needing an overhaul. The improvements in the engines hurts us because we don't get as many repairs," said Wydra.

Whatever success Ashland Diesel has had, Wydra is very quick in giving the credit to the staff.

"I attribute all of the success to the people I have working for me," said Wydra. "They're the best in the world."

Divorces

Bernard J. Venesky from Danielle N. Venesky, both of 127 N. Vine St., Shamokin. Married June 23, 2005.

Property transfers

Ard Richard Strausser to Ard R. Strausser (trustee), Ard R. Strausser Revocable Living Trust, property in Point Township, $1.

Ard R. Strausser to Ard R. Strausser (trustee), Ard R. Strausser Revocable Living Trust, property in Point Township, $1.

Michael T. Streett, Vickie L. Streett to 32 N. Shamokin St. LLC, property in Shamokin, $1.

John A. McKay, Joanne M. McKay to Jessica Knapik, Craig Scicchitano, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Robert Chuprinski (agent), David Chuprinski (by agent), Diane H. Chuprinski (by agent), Patricia C. Chuprinski to David D. Greco, Deborah J. Greco, property in Mount Carmel, $14,500.

Joseph Sotonak (estate), Mary Ann Stonoak (administratrix) to David W. Canavan Sr., Debra A. Canavan, property in Mount Carmel Township, $10,000.

Henry Randolph Brokaw (estate), Emily Brokaw (executrix) to Henry Brokaw Trust, property in Point Township, $1.

Kenneth L. Erdman, Cynthia L. Erdman to Brandi L. Harris, property in Zerbe Township, $110,000.

Herman F. Long Revocable Living Trust, Edna E. Long Revocable Living Trust, Edna E. Long (trustee) to Edna E. Long, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

William J. Marzeski, Renee S. Marzeski to William J. Marzeski, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Michael A. Catino, Wendy Catino to Michael A. Catino, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Hayman and Bland LLC to Joseph P. Cortellini, property in Mount Carmel, $10,000.

Northumberland National Park to Ideal Associates LLC, property in Point Township, $102,000.

Chris A. Klinger, Shirley Klinger, Shirley Meier to Shirley Klinger, property in Herndon, $1.

Stephen Ardan, Geraldine Ardan to David R. Ardan, Steven G. Ardan, Brian M. Ardan, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Fannie Mae, Federal National Mortgage Association (by agent), Phelan Hallinan and Schmieg (agent) to Shane M. Leitzel, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $170,000.

Barry M. Buriak, Margaret M. Buriak to Barry M. Buriak, Margaret M. Buriak, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Joseph T. Tomedi, Joseph D. Siats, Karen K. Siats to Todd A. Miller, Marcy J. Walshaw-Miller, property in Lower Augusta Township, $95,000.

Robert E. Whitmer (estate), Janice Fegley (executor), Barry Whitmer (executor) to Robert E. Whitmer III, Shauna M. Whitmer, property in Coal Township, $50,000.

Hilda M. Hepner, Susquehanna Trust & Investment Company (executor) to James A. Novinger, Tina A. Novinger, property in Jackson Township, $404,000.

Howard Paul Bowers, Paul Bowers, Jane D. Bowers to Barry R. Derr, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Barry R. Derr, Diane A. Derr to Barry R. Derr, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Shane M. Mull, Deanna L. Mull to Deanna L. Mull, property in Point Township, $1.

Scott L. Kerstetter, Shannon L. Kerstetter to Michael A. Rosini, Susan M. Vaughan, property in Shamokin Township, $292,000.

Columbia Building Supply Inc. to John T. Koschoff, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Columbia Building Supply Inc. to John T. Koschoff, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Ferdinand Derk (estate), Barbara Jane Kennedy (executrix) to Nicholas J. Graboski, property in Coal Township, $49,000.

SHAMOKIN - A 30-year-old Shamokin man, who reportedly fell approximately 40 feet from the roof of his apartment building on East Sunbury Street early Saturday morning, was listed in serious condition Saturday night at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

Roger Miller, of 313 E. Sunbury St., suffered serious injuries in the 12:26 a.m. fall.

Shamokin police reported Miller was found lying in the courtyard at the back of his apartment building. He was initially treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Shamokin Area Community Hospital. Miller was then airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to Geisinger, where he was admitted in serious condition.

Pool opens today

SHAMOKIN - The Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool on North Rock Street will open for the season at noon today.

The pool will be open daily from noon to 6 p.m. through Aug. 28.

Wine columnist attends meeting

SHAMOKIN - Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the American Wine Society held its monthly wine tasting at the home of Joan Tumolo.

Guest speaker David Falchek, Times-Shamrock reporter and wine columnist, led the group through a tasting of wine from the Loire Valley in France. Wines were Chateau Moncontour Vouvray Brut Chenin Blanc, Domaine St. Martin Muscadet, Domainedu Clos Roussely Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine des Baumard Chenin Blanc, Jean Francois Merieau Gamay and Domaine de la Noblaie Chinon Cabernet Franc.

Falchek spoke about the history of the Loire Valley region and the individual vineyards.

The group also tasted two wines from South Africa brought by President Joe Choker, Shamokin. They were Jacobsdal Pinotage and a Shiraz that the group had tasted five years ago. Members agreed the wines had aged well.

Tumolo opened a centenary Solera Bual 1845 Madeira from Portugal that her late husband, Joe Tumolo Sr., bought 20 years ago from a rare wine store in Chicago. The group drank a toast to Mr. Tumolo, who started the chapter 26 years ago. He died Jan. 27, 2010.

Falchek talked about the AWS convention in Rochester N.Y., Nov. 10 to 13. It's possible several members will attend.

The chapter's next tasting is Sunday, July 17, at the home of Dan and Pat Dansway, of Elysburg.

Social Security party

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area High School Class of 1967 will hold a Social Security party July 10. For more information, contact Frank Niglio at 205-0762.