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New York dealing with massive snow; storm looming

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Lake-effect snow pummeled areas around Buffalo for a second straight day, leaving residents stuck in their homes as officials tried to clear massive snow mounds with another storm looming.

Even hardened Buffalo residents were caught off-guard as more than 5 feet fell in parts of the city by Wednesday morning. Some areas were expected to get 6 feet by the storm's end Wednesday afternoon. A second storm was due Wednesday night.

The storm was blamed for five deaths in New York including three from heart attacks.

A 132-mile stretch of the state Thruway in western New York remained closed as authorities continue their efforts to rescue motorists stranded on a Buffalo-area section of the highway. Officials with the Thruway Authority and state police did not provide information on how many people remained stranded.


NCP may get new warden soon

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SUNBURY - A longtime feud over the role of prison warden might be ending soon because two Northumberland County Prison Board members said they agree on the best candidate for the post.

The board voted 4-0 Wednesday to advertise a special meeting for 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, to appoint the new warden. A regularly scheduled prison board meeting will take place at 1 p.m. the same day.

Commissioner Vinny Clausi said he and longtime adversary Rick Shoch agree on the candidate whose hiring will be subject to vote at the meeting.

"We're going to be all united on that position," Clausi said.

Shoch didn't commit to one specific candidate, but concurred on the general feeling of unity.

"I think that everyone within the group seemed to have the same kind of core couple of people that they would consider the finalists," he said.

Clausi said there's been a more pleasant atmosphere at prison board meetings since members voted to fire former warden Roy Johnson Aug. 19. Shoch and Controller Chris Grayson opposed the firing.

"We get along better since we got rid of the warden," Clausi said about him and Shoch.

Still, Clausi doesn't anticipate the two will go out for a beer anytime soon.

"I do what's right for people within the county government, but I don't care what he does," he said.

Shoch pointed to "mundane administrative stuff" on the agenda as reason for a lack of debate at Wednesday's meeting, and noted he and Clausi quarreled near the end of Tuesday's commissioners' meeting.

"I think he and I are total opposites in terms of basic philosophy," said Shoch.

Other business

An updated contraband policy will help rid the Northumberland County Prison of dangerous items.

Brian Wheary, operations commander and acting warden, said the new policy will incorporate more thorough checks of visitors, a regular cell search schedule and a more specific list of what is considered "hard" and "soft" contraband.

Clausi questioned Wheary on why the payroll increased while overtime decreased.

"We're having a hard time getting new CO's (correctional officers) off and trained," said Wheary.

He also attributed the increase in payroll to the number of occupied holding cells, which require more watch posts, and holiday pay.

"I'm going to look at it better and get back to you," Clausi told him after his explanation.

All agenda items, including the payroll report, were approved 4-0. Commissioner Stephen Bridy and Sheriff Rob Wolfe were absent from the meeting.

Mount Carmel Lions Club preparing for holidays

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MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Lions Club is preparing for another busy holiday season.

Events will kick off with the Thanksgiving meals program on Thanksgiving Day.

On Friday, Nov. 28, deer will arrive in the pen located in town park and remain there until Jan. 2.

On the same day Lions members will erect the borough Christmas tree at Seventh and Oak streets in a space donated each year by Charlie McAndrew.

The Lions Santa Parade will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Candy will be distributed to children in front of the library. Businesses and emergency personnel will also participate.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, the Lions will bring Santa to the Mount Carmel Nursing Center, followed that evening by the club's annual Christmas party, to be held at Mattucci's Willow Street Café.

On Christmas and New Year's Day, the club will again do a holiday meals distribution.

The Lions meet on the second and fourth Thursdays, though not on Thursdays in November and December.

Preparations are also in the works for the Mike Terry awards to be held in early 2015.

The Mount Carmel Lions Club has served the community since 1944 and is also active with eye care projects, an Easter holiday meals program, the Wightman's Dam Nature Preserve, highway cleanups, the Mount Carmel Area track banquet, the Oak Street Festival (to be held May 9, 2015) and with sponsorship of the Lions teener league baseball team.

Community minded members are invited to join by contacting any Lions member. Regular meetings are held at the Mount Carmel Eagles on South Oak Street.

Great American Smokeout: Quitting could fund trip to Hawaii

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SHAMOKIN - During today's Great American Smokeout, the American Cancer Society is hoping for people to become quitters - smoking quitters, that is.

And for the nearly 25 percent of Northumberland County residents who smoke, it's a challenge worth taking on.

Dr. Peter Berger, chairman of cardiology at Geisinger Health System and co-director of the Geisinger Heart and Vascular Institute, strongly encouraged smokers to put out their cigarettes for good, even if they do not do so during the Great American Smokeout.

"(Smoking) is the largest preventable cause of death," said Berger. "It causes heart disease and many different types of cancers. It makes people feel more poorly, even if they don't get all the life-threatening diseases."

National average: 20 percent

According to a 2012 survey conducted by The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, 26 percent of men and 23.8 percent of women in Northumberland County smoke. The same study said the national average for both sexes is 20 percent.

Men, who constitute the larger portion of smokers, have an additional reason to quit.

"It's one of the leading causes of sexual dysfunction among men," said Berger.

Benefits exist for short-term quitters, said Berger, but the rewards grow exponentially as time passes.

"Studies show that within 20 minutes of stopping, heart rate and blood pressure start to normalize," said Berger. "Within 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood return to normal. Within weeks to months, circulation in your body and lungs returns to normal. In longer term, the risk of heart disease and cancer begins to regress and begins to approach that of non-smokers."

Quitting helps wallet

Quitters will also reap financial rewards. According to the American Lung Association, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes in Pennsylvania is $5.74, which means a quitter who smoked one pack per day will save more than $2,000 per year.

Berger said quitting smoking will free up enough financial resources for the average smoker to take a week-long vacation to Hawaii - and still have money left over.

"It's a terribly expensive habit," he said.

While nicotine is notoriously addictive, Berger said new resources are making it easier to quit then ever. He pointed to the nicotine gum, patches, e-cigarettes and medications that help with cravings as assets to someone quitting, but said that having a strong support system is the most effective tool in quitting.

"Many studies are showing that people are more successful at stopping if they have support that can include support groups, support from family members and friends (and) support from their physicians or therapists," Berger said.

Start today

As a cardiologist who has witnessed firsthand the often fatal effects of smoking, Berger is one of the physicians who is keen on lending support to someone who hopes to quit.

"I would encourage everybody who is still smoking to make a concerted effort and perhaps begin (not smoking) on the Great American Smokeout day and see if they can't keep it going for a long time," said Berger.

For more information on the Great American Smokeout or for help in quitting, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Clausi responds to Shoch's accounting firm comments

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A story in Wednesday's edition about the Northumberland County Board of Commissioners meeting said the county has saved approximately $43,000 by using Klacik & Associates for its auditing services versus the previous firm. Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi said that approximate savings has been realized in each of the five years the Shamokin firm has had the contract.

Clausi also responded to comments made in an email from Commissioner Rick Shoch after Tuesday's meeting that appeared in Wednesday's story. Shoch said the passage of a new five-year contract for Klacik's was Clausi's way of rewarding a business associate when he knows he'll be out of office after next year. Clausi acknowledged he has done business with Klacik's for approximately 40 years, but he said the previous contract with Klacik's was also for five years. He said the firm that did the audits for the county prior to Klacik's first contract did so for 10 years without the contract ever being put out for bid.

MCA Junior High Pride Award winners named

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MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Junior High Pride Award Winners for September have been announced.

The seventh-grade winner is Michael Balichik, a son of Michael and Kathy Balichik, of Mount Carmel. Michael is on the distinguished honor roll and was a 2014 Merit Award recipient. An altar server, he participates in the Girardville Basketball League, Black Diamonds Travel Baseball and VFW Little League. Michael's hobbies include spending time with his friends, reading and playing sports.

The eighth-grade recipient is Ava McGee, a daughter of John and Elizabeth McGee, of Mount Carmel. She is a former Merit Award, Junior High Pride and Elks Junior Teen of the Year winner. Ava is on the distinguished honor roll and she is involved in cross country, track and art club. She enjoys arts and crafts, running and spending time with family and friends.

Coal Township native earns certification as a cytotechnologist by passing exam

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PITTSBURGH - Kaitlyn Schiccatano earned her certificate of completion from Anisa I. Kanbour School of Cytotehnology at Magee Women's Hospital-University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburg.

She is now a cyotechnologist, a medical laboratory specialist trained in the identification of cells and cellular abnormalities, a field that plays a vital role in early detection and diagnosis of cancer.

Schiccatano graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average and passed her national certification examination of the Board of Registry given by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

A Coal Township native, she is a daughter of Sam and Kathy Schiccatano. She is a 2006 graduate of Shamokin Area Junior-Senior High School and a 2010 graduate of Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor of Science in the allied health sciences.

Schiccatano has accepted a position at Meritus Health Medical Center-Trivergent Health Alliance of Western Maryland in Hagerstown, Md.

Noteworthy: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014

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Sales back kids coat collection

COAL TOWNSHIP - Brewser's SportsGrille is donating $1 from every sale more than $20 this week to purchase winter outerwear and blankets for children in need in the Shamokin-Mount Carmel areas as part of the Keep Our Kids Warm program.

The promotion began Monday and continues through Sunday.

Keep Our Kids Warm is sponsored by Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO) Inc.

Art exhibit to open Friday

SHAMOKIN - Gloria Zielinskie will hold an art exhibition beginning Friday at the Northumberland County Fine Art Gallery, Arch and Eighth streets.

Fifty paintings depicting scenes of mining, Shamokin and other topics will be on display, and prints will be available for purchase.

A reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday

The exhibit will be on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Jan. 9.


No tax increase in Mount Carmel Township

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ATLAS - Mount Carmel Township supervisors passed a tentative budget Wednesday that doesn't require an increase in taxes for 2015.

The $1,202,580.03 budget was passed on a 2-0 vote with Supervisors Charles Gasperetti and Reynold Scicchitano voting yes. Supervisor Joseph Zanella was absent.

The breakdown of expenses is as follows:

Legislative costs - $10,525.355; auditing services, $9,000; tax collection fees, $20,885.19; solicitor (estimated fees), $12,700; secretary/treasurer, $505.72; general administration, $114,436.84; engineering services, $3,600; government buildings, $16,114.84; police, $515,690.96; fire, $45,911.64; code enforcement, $26,074.64; food pantry, $200; streets, $197,933.40; snow removal, $26,000; traffic control devices, $61,000; repairs tools and machinery,- $6,000; highway maintenance, $7,500; culture and recreation, $700; parks, $2,000; workers compensation insurance, $20,000 (estimated); insurance, $49,301; unclassified expenditures, $56,500.

The board also approved two resolutions waiving the contributions of all eligible members of the township's police department to the police pension fund for fiscal years 2013 and 2014.

Gasperetti and Scicchitano approved an ordinance that authorized the township's participation in the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors' Unemployment Compensation Group Trust.

During public comment, citizen Richard Mychak asked the supervisors if any of the employed secretaries receive extra compensation for the work done for the township's treasurer and secretary, Zanella. Gasperetti answered no, but said that situation would be remedied at the January reorganization meeting.

Locust Gap resident John Laughlin asked about a sewer pipe replacement issue at his residence after a sewer pipe was broken by the contractor doing the Aqua Pennsylvania water main replacement project.

Laughlin told the board he paid a contractor to fix the problem at a cheaper rate than what the original firm that broke the line would charge, and was looking for reimbursement.

Following an executive session with solicitor Vince Rovito and engineer John Bucanelli, supervisors did not make a decision on the matter, saying they do not have all the information on the incident.

In announcements made at the meeting:

- A representative of Congressman Lou Barletta's office will be at the township building from 9 to 11 a.m. today for community outreach.

- Directional parking restrictions are now suspended for the winter.

- Mount Carmel Township's liquid fuels allocation for 2015, $79,453.83, up $4,932.62 from last year, will be received on March 1.

- The offices of Mount Carmel Township will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Temporary office hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Ministerium to hold Thanksgiving service

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SHAMOKIN - Shamokin Area Ministerium of Churches announced completion of plans for its annual Communitywide Service of Thanksgiving, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday in Our Lady of Hope Church, West Chestnut Street, Coal Township.

Christians throughout the community and surrounding areas are invited to attend and participate in the worship service which held each year on the Sunday evening preceding the Thanksgiving Day observance.

"It is one way for area residents to express their thanks and appreciation to God for the many blessings throughout the entire year," a spokesperson for the ministerium said. "We're hopeful of a large turnout for this special service to worship as a community."

The service will include scripture readings and prayers by members of the ministerium and special music by a choir composed of vocalists from the host church. The Rev. Steven Frenier, pastor of Our Lady of Hope, will give the welcome and preach the sermon.

Our Lady of Hope choir will present a selection entitled "All Good Gifts," to open the special service. Frenier's greeting will include a responsive reading by the parishioners in attendance.

A hymn "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come," will be sung by the audience followed by a reading of scripture by Frank Stoshack, lay representative of the host church, from Joel 2:21-27. The responsorial Psalm selected for the special service is Psalm 126.

The Rev. David Wildoner, ministerium president and pastor of Seventh Street Primitive Methodist Church, will read the second lesson from 1 Timothy: 1-7.

The Gospel selected from Luke 10:38-42, will be read by the Rev. Brian Betsworth, followed by the confession of faith with the audience participating in the Apostles' Creed. A selection entitled "Parable" by the church choir will be sung during the offering. Prayer will be offered by the Rev. Sam Bellavia, ministerium secretary.

A hymn, "Now Thank We All Our God," will precede the homily or "Reflection" by Frenier. Another hymn, "For the Fruits of This Creation," will be sung and the benediction will be given by the Rev. James Bowers.

As in previous years, the proceeds from the offering will be earmarked to assist people in need. This year the offering will be designated for the ministerium's emergency fund which is used to provide assistance to low income families having difficulty meeting seasonal expenses including fuel oil.

The annual service of worship for Thanksgiving Day is one of a number of communitywide religious events sponsored each year by the ministerium, an organization composed of ordained pastors and lay ministers representing all church of the Shamokin and Coal Township areas.

Judge says Diroche 'too dangerous' to be released from jail

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SUNBURY - A former Mount Carmel man accused in the attempted murder of a Milton woman was denied a bail reduction Wednesday in a related felony drug and gun case after the presiding judge said the defendant is "too dangerous."

Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor remanded Rafael Anthony Diroche Jr. to county prison, where he's been held since Feb. 9. Bail remains $300,000. Attempted homicide and related charges were filed against Diroche on Nov. 10, with separate bail set at $200,000.

Diroche sought release on the state's Rule 600, which says a defendant held on bail must be brought to trial within 180 days or be released on nominal bail.

Michael Toomey, assistant district attorney, argued against Diroche's release because the defendant presented a threat to the community. Toomey also cited Diroche's four felony drug and gun convictions in Massachusetts in 2004 and 2005, and the accusation that he shot Salicia Yost point blank in the head.

Kate Lincoln, county conflicts counsel who represented Diroche, told Saylor he was not inclined to hold her client because of the new charges, for which he has yet to appear for a preliminary hearing. The bail reduction was sought specifically for the felony drug case. Wednesday marked his 283rd day in the county prison, and Lincoln reiterated he has been held in violation of state law.

'Prove my guilt'

The prosecution's evidence convinced Saylor to trump Rule 600 - a power he says is granted by the state constitution if a judge believes the community would be put at risk by a defendant's release.

"The defendant is too dangerous to be released, even under (bail) conditions," Saylor said at the end of the hearing.

Diroche shook his head when the judge issued his ruling. He has denied any involvement in the shooting. He reiterated his stance when he was escorted in handcuffs and shackles from the county courthouse.

"I don't have to prove my innocence, they have to prove my guilt," Diroche said before being placed inside a sheriff's vehicle and driven back to the county prison.

Diroche and co-defendant Esteven Soto were arrested in Mount Carmel Feb. 8 as part of the attempted homicide investigation. Early that morning, Yost was found alone inside a vehicle along Irish Valley Road, just off Route 61 near Weigh Scales.

State police allege heroin, cocaine and marijuana were recovered inside Diroche's South Poplar Street apartment, along with three firearms, according to police. One of the guns, a Freedom Arms .22 caliber revolver, was allegedly used to shoot Yost, police said. Soto was staying at the apartment.

Other drugs and cash were allegedly found inside a vehicle registered to Diroche and another woman, who has not been charged.

Diroche, 29, formerly of 250 S. Poplar St., Apt. 3, faces six counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, six counts of illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property and criminal use of a communication facility, all of which are felonies. He is also charged with misdemeanors of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Nov. 10, state police charged Diroche with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, attempted aggravated assault and corrupt organizations. Yost has since backed Diroche, telling The Daily Item he did not shoot her.

Soto, 30, of 1752 Walton Ave., 6A, Bronx, N.Y., is held on $250,000 bail in Montour County Prison, Danville. He is charged with three felony counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, one felony count of illegally possessing a firearm, and three misdemeanor counts of possession of controlled substances.

Valeiko charged another $30k for Kulpmont rubble

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MOUNT CARMEL - Another $30,000 in fines were added to the total of Thomas Valeiko for failing to clean up his collapsed structure in Kulpmont

Valeiko, 73, of Commack, N.Y., was found guilty of another 40 citations Tuesday in a trial before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel.

Valeiko is accused of causing a public nuisance and potential safety hazard by failing to clear debris from his property at 1263 Chestnut St. (Route 61).

The defendant claims he doesn't have the money to remove the debris and said "an act of God" caused the second floor of his two-story cinder block structure to collapse Feb. 21. He blamed the borough for not "finishing the job" when it partially demolished the structure under an emergency order.

The rubble remains in a large pile on the lot despite a number of citations filed in the past nine months against Valeiko for not removing it or making a good faith effort to have it taken away.

Valeiko was found guilty Aug. 28 by Jones of 20 ordinance violations involving the property and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine plus costs, with another $10,000 fine and costs added on Oct. 21 when found guilty of another 20 violations.

In Tuesday's hearing, Jones fined Valeiko $500 for each of the citations filed from July 29 to Aug. 17 and $1,000 for Aug. 18 through Sept. 6. Another 20 citations were filed on Nov. 3 for violations from Sept. 7 to 26.

This brings Valeiko's total to more than $50,000 in fines and costs.

Kulpmont Borough Code Enforcement officer Russ Moroz said he plans to continue to cite Valeiko daily for the same violation, which means his total will continue to escalate if he fails to comply.

Valeiko's next date in court will be Dec. 4 for a summary appeals hearing on the first 40 citations.

Sunbury gets grant for Chestnut Street work

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HARRISBURG - The state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has awarded Sunbury $500,000 in competitive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in conjunction with the Chestnut Street reconstruction project, according to Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27) and Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver. The $1.5 million Chestnut Street project is expected to begin next year.

In addition to reconstruction of the street, the project involves replacement of curbing and sidewalks, separation of storm and sewer infrastructure and new lighting," Gordner said.

"As a major thoroughfare through the city, Chestnut Street is an important link and is in need of repair," he was quoted in a statement Tuesday.

"The project is also important to connect the newly renovated Riverfront Park along Front Street to the new Albright Community Center, the Degenstein Library and other cultural and recreational projects," Culver said.

"This will provide a modern and safe route for vehicle and pedestrian traffic alike."

The city will also use part of its regular CDBG allocation, Liquid Fuels funds and city funds to complete the project.

Shamokin Area students compete in math contest

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COAL TOWNSHIP - Six Shamokin Area eighth-grade students competed this week at Bucknell University in AMC8, a nationwide mathematical contest for middle school students that is run by the Mathematical Association of America.

The students, Collin Kern, John Wagner, Jimmy Kramer, Marshall Buggy, Cliff Zheng and Mara Hashuga, were chosen to compete by being the highest scoring students on a qualifying test in Sandra Rossnock's algebra class.

AMC Contests are a series of contests whose mission is "to increase interest in mathematics and develop problem solving through a fun competition." The AMC8 is the contest in the series that is aimed at middle school students, with all students in eighth grade or below eligible to participate. It is a 25-question, 40-minute multiple choice exam with topics covered including probability, estimation, percentages, elementary geometry, spatial visualization, everyday applications and reading/interpreting graphs.

The problems do not require the use of algebra or a calculator. Since the problems are meant to be challenging, even solving a small number of the problems can be considered to be a good performance. The students, escorted by Rossnock, toured the campus after the event.

Public invited to take part in PennDOT survey

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HARRISBURG - The public is invited to comment on the state's draft Long Range Transportation Plan, which will help guide future 12-Year Programs and regional plans, by visiting www.PAOnTrack.com.

"Our Long Range Transportation Plan provides a vision for Pennsylvania's future by focusing on system preservation, safety, stewardship and personal and freight mobility," PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. "I encourage the public to join us in establishing these goals because our transportation network impacts all of us for generations to come."

The draft plan, which includes goals, objectives and recommendations based on department research and public input, is viewable by clicking "Draft Long Range Plan" on the homepage. Comments can be submitted through the "Comment Here" section under "Public Participation."

The public comments contributing to the plan were collected from more than 2,500 people who took a survey this spring identifying their top transportation priorities and appeal of various investment scenarios. That feedback, which identified bike and pedestrian facilities, public transportation, new roads or widening and pavement condition as the top public priorities, supplemented PennDOT research to contribute to the draft report.

Feedback will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 15. In addition to online feedback, comments will be accepted by emailing ra-PennDOTLRTP@pa.gov or by mail to PennDOT's Center for Program Development and Management, c/o Statewide Long-Range Planning, P.O. Box 3365, Harrisburg 17105-3365.

For more information on PennDOT and transportation planning, visit www.dot.state.pa.us.


Free fire truck rides new for 7th annual Downtown Christmas in Shamokin

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SHAMOKIN - Free fire truck rides will be offered as a new feature at this year's Downtown Christmas, set for Saturday, Dec. 6.

The seventh-annual event, sponsored by the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities (NCCAH), will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the area of Independence and Eighth streets.

It includes the annual parade that brings Santa Claus into the downtown on the Rotary Club Santa Sleigh. The brief parade starts at 1 p.m., and Santa will remain in front of the Fun Shop to greet children throughout the afternoon.

The parade will also include one or two floats, Shamokin Area band and possibly other entries.

Rides on Rescue Fire Company's truck will be offered starting after the parade until 3 p.m.

Tree decorating

Downtown Christmas will again feature a Christmas tree decorating contest, where businesses and organizations decorate trees based on various themes. There will be at least 15 trees, which are provided free by TLC Tree Farm, Hegins, and they'll be displayed on the second floor of the Fun Shop building. Call 570-850-9121 for more information about decorating a tree.

Those attending Downtown Christmas can pay 25 cents to vote on a tree, with money raised going to NCCAH. Last year, $350 was raised and put toward restoration of the Kallaway Center for the Arts, which the council has begun to use in recent months.

As for the trees, they are presented, ornaments and all, to needy local families after the event.

Vendors, setup

Tree decorating and inside vendor setup will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, Dec. 2 and 4. Outside vendors will set up before 10 a.m. the day of the event on the north side of Independence Street in the CVS /Fun Shop block.

Vendors signed up include those selling kettle corn, pierogies, deep-fried Oreos, hot dogs, hot chocolate, halushki, ham pot-pie, soups, baked goods, candies, cookies, Scentsy, homemade quilted items, crafts, Shamokin memorabilia and festival books and CDs.

See 'Frozen' for free

Following Downtown Christmas at 4 p.m., the movie "Frozen" will be shown at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, Eighth and Arch streets, just a few blocks from the area of the festival. The movie, sponsored by the Shamokin Area Teachers Association, is free. "Frozen" characters Elsa and Olaf will be present to greet children and Santa will give them a special gift upon leaving. The appearance of the characters and Santa is sponsored by Aqua Pennsylvania, Shamokin Knights of Columbus Council 458 and its Cardinal Mindszenty Fourth Degree Assembly 932.

Crash shuts road for hour near Sunbury

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SUNBURY - A portion of Snydertown Road just outside the city was closed for about an hour Thursday for a two-car accident at the intersection of Black Mill Road.

The crash about a mile from the city limits occurred at about 5:20 p.m. The road reopened about 6:10 p.m.

State police and Upper Augusta and Sunbury fire units and emergency medical technicians responded.

Initial reports were there was confinement because of damasge to one of the cars involved. Police were sorting out details of the accident Thursday evening.

They said one of the vehicles crossed the highway and landed in a drainage area on the eastern side. That car had major damage and had to be towed. The second vehicle came to a halt in the center of Snydertown Road.

Barletta condemns president's executive order, works to 'protect legal workers'

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, introduced legislation Thursday that would protect people who are legally authorized to work in the United States by clarifying that illegal immigrants granted amnesty by executive action cannot be issued work permits.

The Defense of Legal Workers Act was in response to anticipated executive action by President Barack Obama "to shield millions of illegal immigrants already present in this country and create competition for scarce American jobs," according to a press release from Barletta's office.

The congressman said Obama was "sticking his finger into the eyes of millions

of legal residents who didn't have a job this morning."

The Defense of Legal Workers Act would amend current law to "clearly state" that illegal immigrants granted amnesty by executive action are not authorized to work in the United States. It leaves in place current processes by which people become legally present and authorized to work.

"Everyone knows that when you apply for a job, you have to fill out that I-9 form and demonstrate that you're legally eligible to work here," Barletta said. "The president wants to say that there are some people who just won't have to worry about that. That's not fair to everyone who has followed our immigration laws and wants a job."

Barletta said he's trying to make sure "the wave of amnesty grants" does not swamp the millions of people who are legally here and already struggling to find work.

"The timing of this makes it even worse - more competition for jobs right before Thanksgiving and Christmas," he said.

Barletta also expressed concern about threats to national security in the wake of legalizing millions of people who will not be properly screened.

"We have immigration laws for two basic reasons: to preserve national security and to protect American jobs. The actions the president is contemplating violate both of those principles," Barletta said. "It will be impossible for the government to conduct background checks on millions of newly legalized residents, meaning adequate security screenings will never take place."

99-year run ends Sunday at Kulpmont church

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KULPMONT - All Saints Evangelical Lutheran Church will host its final worship service Sunday. After 99 years, the church will close for good.

The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore, the congregation's pastor for 43 years, will deliver the closing message at the 9 a.m. service. Bishop Robert L. Driesen of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will also preside.

Just three church members regularly attend service, Bashore said Thursday, although he expects about 30 people on Sunday. The pastor noted society is increasingly more distracted than in the past, finding

Shamokin Area band, orchestra plan holiday vendor show as fundraiser

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COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area High School band and orchestra boosters will hold their first-ever holiday vendor show Saturday, Dec. 13, in the high school cafeteria.

Lisa Wengrenovich, an executive officer with the boosters, said about 30 direct sales vendors will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"It was something different that we wanted to try this year, and hopefully it will be a big success," Wengrenovich said.

Wengrenovich will be one of the vendors on hand, representing direct sales company Scentsy. Other brands represented will include Damsel in Defense, Pink Papaya, J&S Handcrafted Soap, Pampered Chef, Younique, Perfectly Posh, Long's Embroidery, Origami Owl, Avon, Celebrating Home and Primitive Country House.

There will also be a number of homemade crafters selling their wares, and jewelry sales as well.

"This is a chance for everyone to get all their holiday shopping done in one place," Wengrenovich said.

Attendees will also be able to buy chances on a lottery tree and a gift card wreath that will be given away at the show. Each prize will be valued at more than $100. There will also be food and refreshments available for purchase.

Proceeds will defray operating costs for the band and orchestra.

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