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Downtown Shamokin building goes for $58,000 at tax sale

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SUNBURY - The sale of the Penn-Ocala building in downtown Shamokin for $58,000 was the largest - and perhaps most surprising - transaction at Thursday's county judicial sale.

The five-story building, which houses Dollar General on the first floor and is across Independence Street from Wendy's, was among 20 properties sold at the sale, which generated approximately $146,400. Sixty properties were available.

Jan Nestico, director of the county tax claim bureau, said the selling price was well above its minimum bid of $4,004.16. She said three people waged a bidding war on the property, which was the highest bid received during the sale, before it

was purchased by George Brand, of Ashland.
A George H. Brand Realty LLC is listed as having begun operation as a realty company in Minersville in August. That firm purchased properties in Frackville, Pottsville and Shenandoah last week through Schuylkill County tax sales.
Nestico said the buyer didn’t reveal to her any plans for the Shamokin property.
The top four floors of the building, which housed apartments at one time, have been vacant for many years.
Tafner properties
Also sold at Thursday’s sale were a property at 100-102 W. Saylor St., Atlas, and a vacant lot next to it owned by Thea Tafner, the former ambulance director at American Hose in Mount Carmel who pleaded guilty to embezzling $3.7 million in Medicare payments and served approximately 26 months in federal prison. She also was ordered to pay back $1.8 million.
Tafner, who was the elementary school principal at Line Mountain at the time the charges were filed, has paid back some of the money, but still owed more than $1.7 million as of the middle of September. She was released from prison Aug. 23.
The house and empty lot sold for their minimum bids of $1,745.62 and $1,530.48, respectively.
Nestico said the minimum bids for each of the properties represent the county costs involved in getting them to sale, such as advertising, sheriff services, mailings, recording fees and deed preparations. With only the minimum received, that money will stay with the county.
Nestico said seven properties were sold in Shamokin, four in Coal Township, one each in East Cameron Township and Sunbury, and several in Mount Carmel and Mount Carmel Township.
Eight of the properties sold for more than their minimum bids.
Nestico said most of the properties involved in sales this year have been purchased by local residents. Properties sold at judicial sales are clear of all tax and municipal claims, mortgages, liens, judgments, charges and estates of any kind.
Assisting Nestico at the sale were Northumberland County Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy, who served as auctioneers, and tax claim bureau solicitor Vincent V. Rovito.

Mount Carmel Area board OKs purchase of kiln; art club gives $8,000 toward it

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MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School Board approved the purchase of a new kiln for art classes and hand rails for the bleachers in the high school gym Thursday night.

The kiln will be bought from the Ceramic Shop at a cost not to exceed $10,800, including installation.

The Art Club was commended by Superintendent Bernie Stellar for contributing $8,000 toward the purchase that it earned through various fund-raising events.

The board also authorized the administration to buy new handrails for the bleachers at a cost of $9,100 from Degler-Whiting Inc., Frazer.

Directors granted Corrina Lesko a $4,000 stipend for her increased responsibilities as district office manager for the 2014-2015 fiscal year.

Local reaction: Executive action no way to address immigration reform

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SHAMOKIN - Prior to President Barack Obama's speech on immigration Thursday night, local residents spoke out against executive action to help people living in the United States illegally.

"I absolutely do not think he should be doing any executive orders on something of such importance," said Shamokin Moose administrator Daniel Lamothe.

Lamothe is unsure of a solution for illegal immigration, but believes the answer is in the "happy medium" between providing amnesty and widespread deportation.

"I believe you have to do something about it," he said. "They're still going to try to come here. ... You can't deport everyone, but you have to have some way (of controlling immigration)."

Kourtnie Chapman, 17, of Shamokin, said she was not familiar with the agenda of Obama's speech, but is not supportive of granting amnesty.

"I feel like they hurt us more than anything," said Chapman, adding that she believes immigrants should have to speak English and work.

Toomey reacts

The office of U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) released a statement following Obama's executive action on immigration.

"I strongly oppose the president's latest overreach of his legal authority and his decision to dictate sweeping immigration policy changes without legislation. America's immigration system is badly broken and cries out for reform, including stronger border security and adequate opportunities for legal immigration. Regrettably, President Obama's unilateral and legally unauthorized actions will do nothing to fix our broken system, and could encourage even more illegal immigration."

Mount Carmel man accused of assaulting constable held for court

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MOUNT CARMEL - A borough man arrested following a two-hour foot chase with police Nov. 6 was held for court Wednesday on six of the seven charges filed against him.

The case of Cody C. Strunk, 30, of 340 E. Third St., was sent to the Court of Common Pleas in Sunbury when Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones ruled enough evidence was presented by the commonwealth at a preliminary hearing to hold him on charges of resisting arrest, two counts of simple assault, flight to avoid apprehension, misbranding a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

A charge of aggravated assault was dismissed.

Strunk was ordered to appear for plea court Dec. 29.

Strunk was wanted after Mount Carmel Police Chief Todd Owens filed misdemeanor charges of counterfeit documents, theft of moveable property, receiving stolen property and theft from a motor vehicle, and summary charges of unauthorized transfer or use of registration and fraudulent use or removal of registration plates Oct. 20.

When state constable Larry Rompallo attempted to pick up Strunk in the 100 block of South Locust Street around noon on the charges, Strunk took off, police said.

Rompallo nearly captured him on the porch of a residence, but Strunk broke free, assaulting Rompallo, who sustained injuries to his hip and shoulders. Police finally nabbed Strunk around 1:45 p.m. at Third and Walnut streets.

Strunk remains incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury.

Mount Carmel Borough OKs tentative budget; no tax increase expected

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MOUNT CARMEL - It appears the borough will avoid tax increases as officials work to finalize a 2015 budget.

Borough council president Tony Matulewicz described the $1,657,788 tentative budget approved for public advertisement at Thursday's meeting as one of the easiest he's worked on yet because almost everything remained the same as the previous year.

"There's not much that's different," Matulewicz said.

At this time last year, the borough faced a budget deficit of approximately $81,000. But Matulewicz said the borough managed to close the gap through budget cuts, overtime reduction and rebidding services.

The borough's cost-cutting has extended to services like lawn care, which dropped from $13,800 to $7,500 when it was bid out.

"We've done a lot to cut waste and we've done a lot to make everything competitive," Matulewicz said. "That's why I'm a fan of, 'Put it to the free market and bid everything out.'"

The balanced budget can also be attributed to better responsibility and oversight, he said. The budget is now divided by department and each department head is responsible for explaining the necessity of each item.

If the department head needs a change to a line item during the year, borough manager Edward T. Cuff III can give approval to shift funds.

But if Cuff goes beyond the budget, he will be in violation of an ordinance and subject to fines.

"The restitution amount is the amount he overspends the budget," said Matulewicz.

Requiring department oversight and purchase orders has prevented frivolous purchases, he said. He recalled a time at the beginning of his stint on the borough council, which began in 2007, when he discovered borough employees had repeatedly purchased screwdrivers and gallon jugs of windshield washer fluid instead of taking the time to search for them.

"Line items were constantly, constantly overspent," he said. "Now everything needs a purchase order. We know what you bought and have a receipt for it."

But the era of budget-cutting at the borough may be coming to an end because the budget committee has come to the end of its list of services to bid out.

"I don't know of any more ways we can actually save money," said Matulewicz. "...With the exception of if we were to get our own building that would be modest and energy efficient."

He said borough council hopes to accomplish this by using part or all of the approximately $283,000 remaining in the Henry J. Honcz and Louise C. Honcz fund. But until the new building happens, the borough will have to vigilant in not allocating the fund money to cover a recurring deficit.

"We have a very easy way to do that" off the Honcz fund, he said. "We do not want to do that. It's a real dangerous, slippery slope."

Matulewicz said he also hopes to avoid raising taxes as long as possible, but not for political motivation.

Because everything will continue to become more expensive due to inflation but the borough's tax rolls are not increasing, he and the rest of the borough council know that they have to save millage increases for when they're absolutely necessary, he said.

"There's a general consensus that we're not not raising taxes to look good," he said. "There's a day that's going to come that we're going to need that because of inflation."

Noteworthy: Friday, Nov. 21, 2014

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Changing of the Colors slated

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee will hold its "Changing of the Colors" flag ceremony at Second and Oak streets at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The flag will be raised in honor and memory of Carl R. Erney, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Area veterans and the public are invited.

Outreach programs planned

SUNBURY - Belinda Albright, director of Northumberland County Veterans Affairs, announced outreach programs will be held monthly to give veterans an opportunity to meet with an accredited veterans service officer to discuss veterans affairs programs and file claims for benefits.

The programs will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month at state Rep. Kurt Masser's office in Elysburg, from 8:30 a.m. to noon by appointment on the second Wednesday of each month at state Rep. Lynda Schlegel-Culver's office in Sunbury, and from 1 to 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at American Legion Post 323 in Watsontown.

For more information, contact Albright at 570-988-4213.

Claims of mold prompt cleanup of prison cells

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SUNBURY - Two cells in the women's unit at the Northumberland County Prison were cleaned Thursday amidst concerns about mold.

Commander Brian Wheary, acting warden, likened what an inmate described as mold to discoloration on cell walls. It's not black mold, he said. Two cells were cleaned, and five were painted when inmate sketching was discovered.

"There's no major mold buildup down there," Wheary said Thursday. "I found no actual mold. All I saw was discoloration."

A recently released inmate called The News-Item to report the presence of mold in women's cells and a day room, all of which are in the basement of the 148-year-old facility. She said inmates moved bunks away from the walls to keep away from the mold.

Wheary confirmed the bunks were pulled out. He said it's up to inmates to clean their cells, and that mandatory cleaning occurs on Saturdays. The basement does get damp at certain times of the year, he said.

Steve Bridy, county commissioner and prison board chairman, said Thursday there had been past reports of mold in the women's unit. Prison staff cleans it when it's observed, he said.

"They assured us that it's not black mold," Bridy said of prison administration.

Christmas tree placed on library roof in Shamokin

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SHAMOKIN - The city street department secured the Shamokin-Coal Township Library's Christmas tree to the roof of the building this morning. 
As part of the annual tradition, lightbulbs for the tree can be purchased for $5 each in memory or honor of a loved one. The donor's names will be displayed in the front window of the library during the holiday season.
The tree was donated by Dave Motto of Dave/Lynn Nursery, Paxinos, and Budget Roofing provided use of a front-end loader to lift the tree into place.
For more information, contact the library at 570-648-3202.
Sosnoskie, Sam Madara and Ron Kerstetter.  

Eleven defendants sentenced in Northumberland County Court

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SUNBURY - Eleven defendants were sentenced Thursday in Northumberland County Court.

- Dylan Kane, 20, of Shamokin, was ordered by Judge Charles Saylor to serve 3 to 23 months in county prison and fined a total of $150 plus costs after pleading guilty to access device fraud, criminal trespass and possession of a controlled substance involving incidents in Shamokin Sept. 16, Sept. 17 and Sept. 18.

He received the prison sentence for access device fraud while getting two years probation for criminal trespass and one year probation for the drug offense that both run concurrent to the first sentence.

Kane is prohibited from attending bars or drinking alcohol and must pay $56 restitution to Robert and Colette Wolfe, of Shamokin.

- Melinda Bugg, 26, of Ranshaw, was sentenced by Saylor to one year probation for possession of heroin and fined $50 plus costs.

Bugg was charged by Ralpho Township police relating to a June 4 incident.

- Anthony Zamboni, 27, of Shamokin, was ordered by Saylor to spend 120 days to 23 months in the county prison for receiving stolen property. Zamboni, who was given credit for 120 days previously served in prison, also received one year probation each for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance that run concurrent to his prison sentence.

He must pay $100 in fines plus costs and make $2,114.63 restitution to Steven Minucci and Julia Breeland, and $124.20 restitution to Game Stop.

Zamboni was charged by Mount Carmel Township police in connection with a May 11 incident. He also was charged by Kulpmont police in an April 21 incident.

- John Tiebout, 53, of Patterson, N.J., who is currently in Northumberland County Prison, was sentenced by Saylor to 18 to 36 months in a state correctional institution for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and ordered to pay $100 in fines plus costs. He also received a concurrent sentence of 12 to 48 months in state prison for criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Tiebout was charged by Shamokin in connection with two incidents on Oct. 3, 2013.

- James Driggers II, 25, of Shamokin, was ordered by Saylor to serve 27 to 54 months in state prison and fined $150 plus costs for possessing with intent to deliver Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Suboxone. He also received concurrent sentences of one year probation each for possession of drug paraphernalia and retail theft and must make $26.94 restitution to Walmart.

Driggers was charged by Shamokin and Coal Township police in connection with incidents on Dec. 21, 2013, April 19 and May 15.

- Mary Obriant, 23, of Chester, was ordered by Saylor to serve one year probation for terroristic threats and received a concurrent sentence of one year probation for simple assault after pleading no contest to the charges. She was ordered to pay $200 in fines plus costs.

Obriant was charged by Shamokin police relating to a June 2 incident.

- Adam Moore, 30, of Shamokin, was sentenced by Saylor to one year probation for open lewdness involving a Sept. 21 incident in Shamokin. He also must pay a $50 fine plus costs and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

- President Judge William H. Wiest sentenced Adam Hendricks, 35, of Mount Carmel, to 3 to 23 months in county prison for possessing prohibited offensive weapons involving a Feb. 28 incident in Mount Carmel. Hendricks was ordered to pay a $250 fine plus costs.

- Jonathan Eisenhuth, 31, of Mifflinburg, was sentenced by Wiest to 2 to 4 years in state prison and fined $150 plus costs for receiving stolen property relating to a Sept. 28, 2013, incident in Coal Township.

Eisenhuth's sentence runs concurrent to another sentence he is currently serving in state prison for an offense in Union County.

- Adam Adams, 30, of Dubois, was sentenced by Wiest to 12 to 24 months in state prison and fined $100 plus costs for theft involving a March 10 incident in Mount Carmel Township. His sentence runs concurrent to another sentence he is currently serving in state prison for an incident in Clearfield County.

Adams also must pay $43.20 restitution to SOS Metals.

- Michael Young, 32, of Coal Township, was sentenced by Wiest to 3 days to 6 months in state prison and fined $1,000 plus costs for driving under the influence in connection with a March 17 incident in Shamokin. His sentence runs concurrent to another sentence he is currently serving in state prison for an offense in Lackawanna County.

Senior Citizen Activities

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Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; poker, 9:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, 11 a.m.; unlucky 7's, noon.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m., game show, 11 a.m.; bridge, 11:45 a.m.; world news, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; world news, noon; pinochle and Pokeno, noon.

Thursday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Friday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Board games and breakfast snack, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii games, 10 a.m.; bean bag competition, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise and games, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; nickel bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Friday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Kulpmont

Monday - Hand-held games and coffee in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 11 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Music and gab in the morning; chair exercise, 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Puzzles, hand held games and coffee in the morning; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Friday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and chatter, 9 a.m.; current events, 10:30 a.m.; reminisce on past Thanksgiving dinners, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and donuts, 9 a.m.; chair exercise with Carol, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Trivia, 10 a.m.; birthday party and birthday bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Friday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Elysburg

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

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

Thursday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Friday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Trevorton

Monday - Members breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; trip to Walmart Supercenter, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday - Board games, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.

Thursday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Friday - Center closed for Thanksgiving.

Noteworthy: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014

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Holiday schedule at SASD set

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area students will be dismissed early Wednesday. The middle/high school will dismiss at 12:18 p.m., and the elementary school at 12:45 p.m. K-4 afternoon class will be held.

All district schools will be closed Wednesday through Dec. 1 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. The schools reopen Dec. 2.

License centers closed for holiday

HARRISBURG - PennDOT announced all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.state.pa.us.

Pedestrian safety in Kulpmont

KULPMONT - Borough mayor Bernard Novakoskie reminds residents that it is state law to yield to pedestrians and borough police will enforce this law.

Model railroad club welcomes Santa

BUCKHORN - The Loose Ties Model Railroad Club will greet the arrival of Santa Claus this weekend at the Columbia Mall with its free operating display of more than 60 model trains and 10,000 feet of track.

The display will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The mall also hosts its Wheelchair Engineers program, with its handicapped-accessible model train layouts, open from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday at the Sears end of the mall.

Deer arrive Friday in Mount Carmel

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Lions Club members have been cleaning and preparing the deer pen in town park for the arrival of two deer at noon Friday.

A name the deer contest will be once again sponsored by the club.

MC councilman hopes movie will change minds on fly ash

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MOUNT CARMEL - Councilman Leroy "Chico" Moser hopes a half-hour presentation on the dangers of fly ash at Thursday's borough meeting might persuade his fellow councilors to speak out against a fly ash project in Locust Summit, Mount Carmel Township.

Fly ash is a by-product captured in coal-fired power plants and cogeneration plants. The state approved trucking 400,000 tons of it to the Gilberton Coal site, but the project has since been put on temporary hold by the ash distributor, PPL Corp.

Filmmakers Lys Sparrow and Gianfranco Serraino addressed the council with information on fly ash they uncovered while making a documentary about Centralia.

Sparrow said she was working in association with the Sierra Club and the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund to help the community in Locust Summit get a more comprehensive bill of rights based on the Pennsylvania State Constitution Environmental Rights Amendment. She believes doing so will help end the toxin dumping in the region permanently.

"We're trying to be proactive, not just making a movie," said Sparrow.

Sparrow and Serraino also visited the Shamokin and Mount Carmel Rotary clubs during a joint meeting Monday night.

As the presentation drew to a close, Moser spoke directly to the council, reading several documents outlining issues that occurred close to other fly ash dump sites.

"We just don't need this," he concluded. "It does us no good."

Borough council also unanimously approved the following items at Thursday's meeting:

- Changing the Housing Department Eligibility to very low income and low income residents in wards 1, 2, 3 and 4. The way the eligibility document was previously phrased each ward has a designated time period to apply for funding. The new language allows for all wards to apply during each period. Borough Manager Edward T. Cuff III said the change was necessary because not enough residents were applying during each period, causing the borough to lose out on funding.

- Appointing Frank Petruskevich to the planning commission to a term ending Jan. 4, 2016.

- Advertising two part-time on call seasonal laborers in the street department.

- Advertising the sale of surplus property. All of the properties are lots, Cuff said.

- Agreeing to pay a refund of $4,002.14 to Stavitsky & Associates on the property reassessment of 51 W. Third St.

- Adopting Ordinance 2014-04, an amendment to the Landlord Reigstration Ordinance that bans landlords from leasing to certain drug-related felons.

PennDOT urges safe driving over the holidays

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HARRISBURG - Keeping the upcoming holiday season free of tragic vehicle crashes is the aim of "Operation Safe Holiday," a joint campaign by Pennsylvania State Police, PennDOT and local law enforcement.

The holiday enforcement will focus on nighttime seat belt use and impaired driving.

The operation begins with statewide Click It or Ticket seat-belt enforcement through Dec. 1. Law enforcement agencies also will conduct sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols and regular traffic safety patrols on Thanksgiving Eve and from Dec. 1 through the New Year's holiday to crack down on drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.

"Thanksgiving remains one of the biggest travel periods of the year, but unfortunately, it's also the highest in the number of crashes," PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. "PennDOT urges drivers to drive safely and assign a designated driver when attending functions with family and friends this season."

According to PennDOT data, the holiday season continues to be the leading time period for traffic crashes. The Thanksgiving holiday period, including the weekends before and after the holiday as well as the day itself, experienced the highest number of crashes and fatalities of any major holiday season last year. A total of 4,683 crashes and 48 fatalities occurred statewide during the Thanksgiving travel period. More than 3,200 crashes and 30 fatalities happened during the Christmas and New Year's travel periods, including the weekend before Christmas, Christmas, New Year's and the weekend after.

"Vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death, and most fatalities are attributed to unbelted motorists," said state police Commissioner Frank Noonan. "The holidays are a time to spend with friends and family, but please don't drive impaired and be sure to buckle up."

Additionally, during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays last year, 1,072 of the statewide crashes involved a driver impaired by drugs or alcohol, with 35 fatalities in those crashes. In that same period, there were 989 crashes with unbuckled occupants, with 43 fatalities in those crashes.

PennDOT urges travelers to never drive impaired and always buckle up. Drivers should also avoid distractions, rotate drivers if possible and take frequent breaks.

Motorists should allow extra time for travel and expect to encounter traffic delays. As weather and road conditions can worsen quickly at this time of year, motorists should always check the forecast for their entire route and make sure their vehicle is equipped with a winter emergency kit and tires with good traction.

Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School

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COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School has announced its honor roll for the first marking period of the 2014-15 school year.

To make the distinguished honor roll, a student must have an average grade of 95 percent or higher, with no grade lower than a 90.

To make first honors, a student must have an average grade of 90 and above, with no grade lower than an 85.

To make second honors, a student must have an average grade of 88 and above, with no grade lower than an 80.

Distinguished Honors

Grade 12 - Jessica DeLong, Caitlin Funk, Dakota Maneval and Grace Rompolski.

Grade 11 - Kendall Krebs.

Grade 10 - Carmella Bickel, Lawrence Czeponis, Olivia Giles, Brooke Korkuch, Tanner Maneval, Angelica Masser and Hieu Nguyen.

Grade 9 - Selina Albert, Emma Gownley, John-Daniel Kerris, Hang Nguyen, Carmine Picarelli, Nora Rompolski, Alesha Rutledge, Zackery Smith and Dawson Williams.

Grade 8 - Giavanna Candelora, Frances Czeponis, Charles Keer, Madison Munson, Mary Richardson, Christopher Stewart, Jared Stewart and Hailey Swaldi.

Grade 7 - Mackenzie Catino, Abigail Doss, Anna Gownley, Kolbi Krebs, Caitlin Shulski and Ethan Sten.

First Honors

Grade 12 - Erich Meloy and Mikayla Persing.

Grade 11 - Taylor Bozza, Cage Crissman, Celine Jones, Maya Khanna, Kayleigh Shovlin and Emily Troutman.

Grade 10 - Elizabeth Alexander, Michael Anzulavich, Charles Aurand, Kelsey Conner, Jacob Feese, Zachary Zarkowski.

Grade 9 - Phillip Hutnick-Kenenitz.

Grade 8 - Cydney Crissman, Anthony Getchey, Elizabeth Ross, Thomas Schultz and Riley Trell.

Grade 7 - Alison Barvitski, Hannah Bozza, Cade Geary, Krystof Lapotsky, Peter Long, Leanna Nguyen and Mikayla Showver.

Second Honors

Grade 12 - William Allen and Regina Perez.

Grade 11 - Nicholas Adams, Erika Kapushinski, Kristen Komara, Nicole Komara, Tommy Nguyen, Landon Wary and Maya Yoder.

Grade 10 - Shane Gadsby, Elijah Gusick, Michael Henniger and Jarrid Todd.

Grade 9 - Stephen Gresh, Karin Martinez, Jessica Milewski and Madison Sandri.

Grade 8 - Sierra Coleman, Michael Czarnecki, Emily DeManincor, Ty Klembara, Olivia McGinley, Ryan Mirarchi, Elizabeth Nguyen, Gianna Picarelli, Alexia Rawa, Reagan Scandle, Darian Wetzel and Lilian Yuschock.

Grade 7 - Aaron Christiana, Molly Hoffman and Briana Tamborelli.

Former MCA director questions board regarding fight penalties

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MOUNT CARMEL - Former Mount Carmel Area school board director Cathy Darrup questioned the board Thursday night about the district's handbook regarding penalties for students involved in fights with other students.

Darrup claimed the handbook only spells out penalties covering employees.

Solicitor Edward Greco said the penalties are covered under willful fighting and physical assaults.

Last month, Darrup complained that no disciplinary action had been taken against a senior girl who allegedly punched a junior boy in the face during a band practice at the Silver Bowl Oct. 9. Darrup, who did not identify the girl or boy, said a minor injury occurred as a result of the punch.

In other business, the board established an MCA Adventurer's Guild Tabletop RPG Club and named Corey Lombardo and Scott Swank as its volunteer advisers.

Logan McCracken was approved as a volunteer Odyssey of the Mind coach.

Directors accepted the resignation of Michelle Wills as a life skills aide, effective Nov. 26.

Board members approved the expulsion of a high school male student, but couldn't comment on the circumstances that led to it.

Maintenance supervisor Dave Fegley said the high school pool will be closed for repairs for at least a week due to a dehumidification problem discovered Wednesday afternoon.

He also announced the stadium track and district tennis courts will be closed for the winter Monday, Dec. 1.

Athletic director Greg Sacavage said the high school gym floor will be closed from Nov. 26 through Nov. 30 so it can be refinished.

The board agreed to donate four unused computers to Mount Carmel Public Library and approved a graduation scholarship in memory of Leon Narke.

Directors in attendance were board president Thomas Ditchey, Donna James, Robert Muldowney, Michael Brinkash, Joseph Zanella, Tony Mazzatesta, Michael Rovito, Bill Brecker and Ray Kraynak.


Local, national retailers will be open Thanksgiving Day

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Continuing a trend that picked up steam last year, a number of national chain stores and local malls will be open on Thanksgiving Day to kick off the biggest shopping weekend of the year.

Some are opening early on Thanksgiving, while others are opening late, but staying open over night into Friday.

Here are details for local shopping:

The Plaza at Coal Township

Peebles department store: Opening from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

Cato Fashions: Opening 8 a.m. Friday

Radio Shack: According to an ad posted on its website, the store will be open from 8 a.m. to noon and from 5 p.m. to midnight Thanksgiving.

National chains

Walmart: Special deals starting at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving, then 6 a.m. Friday.

Target: Opening 6 p.m. Thanksgiving, 6 a.m. Friday.

Best Buy: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thanksgiving, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday.

Kmart: Special sales from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thanksgiving, opening at 6 a.m. Friday.

Toys R Us: 5 p.m. Thanksgiving to closing hours on Saturday.

Kohl's: Special deals from 6 p.m. Thanksgiving to 1 p.m. Friday.

GameStop: opening at midnight Friday.

Susquehanna Valley Mall

The mall will open at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving, check the mall's website for an updated list of stores' opening times.

Anchor stores: JCPenney will open at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving, Bon Ton, Boscov's and Sears will open at 6 p.m.

Columbia Mall, Buckhorn

Anchor Stores: Dunham Sports, The Bon-Ton, JCPenney's, Maurices and BR Worldwide - opening 6 p.m. Thanksgiving and closing 9 p.m. Friday.

Other stores in the mall

6 p.m. to midnight Thanksgiving: Totally Twisted Pretzel, Scentchips, Little Fashionz, GNC, Payless ShoeSource, Family Fun Town.

7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday: Heritage Shop (Hallmark), Provost, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Subway.

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday: Nail Glamour.

Schuylkill Mall, Frackville

Mall doors will be open at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving for the stores that are open during that time. The mall is officially open at 6 a.m. Friday.

Anchor stores

Kmart: open from 6 a.m. Thanksgiving until midnight Friday.

The Bon-Ton: open from 6 p.m. Thanksgiving until 10 p.m. Friday.

Big Lots: open from 7 a.m. until midnight Thanksgiving, and then 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday.

Dunham's Sports: open from 6 p.m. Thanksgiving until 10 p.m. Friday.

Sears and Black Diamond Antiques: open at 6 a.m. Friday.

Other stores in the mall

Victoria's Secret: open from 8 p.m. Thanksgiving until 10 p.m. Friday.

Deb Shop: open from 8 p.m. Thanksgiving until 9 p.m. Friday.

Bath and Body Works: open from 6 p.m. to midnight Thanksgiving, and then at 6 a.m. Friday.

Shoe Dept.: open from 6 p.m. to midnight Thanksgiving, and then at 6 a.m. Friday.

Avalon: open from 6 p.m. to midnight Thanksgiving, and then at 6 a.m. Friday.

FYE: open from 6 p.m. Thanksgiving to 9 p.m. Friday.

Lights for sale to honor loved ones

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The City of Shamokin Street Department secure the Shamokin-Coal Township Library's Christmas tree to the roof of the building on

Friday morning. As part of an annual tradition, light bulbs for the tree can be purchased for $5 each in memory or honor of a loved one. The donor's names will be

displayed in the front window of the library during the holiday season. The tree was donated by Dave Motto of Dave/Lynn Nursery, Paxinos, and Budget Roofing

provided use of a front end loader to lift the tree into place. For more information, contact the library at 570-648-3202. Pictured from left with the tree are street

department workers Mark Sosnoski, Sam Madara and Ron Kerstetter.

New owner of Penn-Ocala calls it a 'dream come true'

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SHAMOKIN - The man who bought the Penn-Ocala building in downtown Shamokin at Thursday's county judicial sale described his purchase as an "investor's dream come true," if everything works out.

George H. Brand, 34, of Union City, N.J., who has a degree in finance and economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University, said the impressive design, integrity and size of the five-story edifice prompted him to pay $58,000 to acquire it.

The selling price was much more than the minimum bid of $4,004.16.

Although he realizes the challenges involved in refurbishing the former apartment building that has been vacant for many years, Brand said he is committed to the task.

50 apartments

"I intend to fully rehabilitate the 50 apartment units on the top four floors and rent them at affordable prices to people in the community," he said during a telephone interview with The News-Item Friday.

Brand plans to continue leasing the first floor of the building at 30-36 E. Independence St. to the Dollar General.

"It's going to be a very time consuming, costly and labor-intensive project, but I'm confident it will work and help benefit the community," he said.

Brand, who noted he may not receive the deed until after the holidays, was intrigued by the property after seeing the outside when he came to visit his sister and brother-in-law, Sonia and Lawrence Santiago, of Minersville. He said the Santiagos own property in Shamokin and that his brother-in-law is a partner in the Penn-Ocala building acquisition.

Brand, who owns homes in Schuylkill County and plans to move to Pottsville within a month, is the owner of Black Belt Capital LLC, 248 Oak St., Minersville. He has been involved in the securities and investment field for some time and recently decided to enter the real estate business, he said.

The purchase of the Shamokin building is his first in Northumberland County.

'Make it nice again'

Brand said the Penn-Ocala was built around 1900, but hasn't been used as an apartment building since the 1990s.

Brand, who has a black belt in karate and judo, said, "The design of the building is very appealing and it's a well-built structure. It's a shame it's been under utilized through the years, but I want to make it nice again to do justice to the people who built it while providing a rental market in the community."

Brand has only seen the property from the outside. Law prohibits prospective buyers from inspecting the inside of buildings prior to the sale.

He plans to work closely with Shamokin Code Enforcement Officer Rick Bozza on making sure the building meets codes upon renovation. Brand spoke briefly with Bozza at Thursday's sale.

Shamokin Mayor William Milbrand, who has worked with other city officials to stiffen the landlord/tenant ordinance to prevent additional blight problems, said he hopes Brand can rehabilitate the building and make it a profitable and nice property.

But the mayor said he's always cautious when a person from out of the area or state purchases a property.

"I don't know the new owner, but I'm willing to give this man the benefit of the doubt," he said. "But we've been burned in the past so many times by absentee landlords. I sincerely hope he can make a go of the Penn-Ocala and bring it up to code 100 percent, because the last thing we need are more absentee landlords."

Church Schedules: Saturday, November 22, 2014

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All Saints

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

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore.

Worship service - 9 a.m. The Rev. Robert J. Driesen, bishop of the Upper Susquehanna Syndo, Evangelical Church in America, will be present at the service to close the congregation, organized in 1915 on All Saints Day, Pastor Bashore will deliver the closing sermon.

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

Assumption BVM

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

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Divine liturgy - Sunday, 11 a.m.

Augusta Baptist

Augusta Baptist Church, 1371 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury.

Pastor - Robert S. Commerford.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:15 a.m.

Evening service - 6:30 p.m.

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

Augustaville Wesleyan

Augustaville Wesleyan Church, 2556 State Route 890, Paxinos.

Pastor - Greg Clendaniel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

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

Bethany Bible

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

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Message - "Gratitude."

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Message - "Fleeting Popularity."

Activities - Sunday, Senior Saints Lunch Out at Green's, 12:45 p.m., choir practice, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve service, 7 p.m.

Bethany EC

Bethany EC Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland.

Interim pastor - Marlin Lafferty.

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

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, weekly Bible study, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free clothing closet, every first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

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

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - Faith Leiser.

Participants - Kerry Seger and Karen Newman, nursery, 10:30 a.m.; Opal Lenig and Audry Ditty, junior church, 10:30 a.m.

Evening worship - Hymn sing, 6 p.m.

Activities - Tuesday, prayer worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6 p.m., King's Kids, 6:30 p.m.

Calvary Bible

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

Pastor - Ferd Madara.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship service - 10:35 a.m.

Special music - Praise team.

Message - Pastor Madara.

Evening prayer service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, AWANA clubs and youth group, 5:45 p.m.; Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve service, 6:30 p.m.

Church of the Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, Lavelle.

Pastor - Jeremy Smallwood.

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

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Clark's Grove UMC

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

Pastor - Billy Frick.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:10 a.m.

Youth service - 6:30 p.m.

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

Divine Redeemer

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

Pastor - The Rev. Martin O. Moran III.

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

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

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

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

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

Elysburg Alliance

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

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Knisely.

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

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

Activities - Sunday, AWANA for children age 4 to fifth grade, 6 to 7:30 p.m., junior high youth for grades 6 to 8, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.; Wednesday, prayer ministry, 7 to 8 p.m., youth group for grades 9 to 12, 7 to 8 p.m.

Elysburg Presbyterian

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

Pastor - Matthew Young.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

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

Message - "The Reign of Christ," by Pastor Young

Scripture - Ephesians I:15-23.

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

Activities - Sunday, junior high youth group, 3 to 5 p.m., senior high youth group, 5 to 7 p.m., Lifetree Cafe, "The Power of Thankfulness," 7 p.m.; Wednesday, ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve service 7 p.m.; today, men's prayer breakfast, 8 a.m.; Sunday, congregational meeting following the service; Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve ecumenical service, 7 p.m.

Elysburg UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m. Children's Sunday school during worship.

Adult Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Participants - Steve Appel, head usher; Scott, Michelle and Gregory Rishel, greeters; Marissa Levan, acolyte; Homer Woodring, scripture reader; Marily Crowl, shepherding, and Olivia Bodner, organist.

Activities - Sunday, community spirit choir practice, 7 p.m.; Monday, Advent Bible Study begins, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday, prayer circle, 10:30 a.m., Community Thanksgiving Eve Service at Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 29, decorating party for birthday party for Jesus, 5 p.m.

Emmanuel UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Coffee fellowship - 8 to 9 a.m.

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

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

Faith Bible

Faith Bible Church, Burnside.

Pastor - Perry Ross.

Pianist - Robert Witmer III.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

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

Faith Community Church

Pastor - Dale Hill, 570-751-5101.

Sunday worship - 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist, Shamokin

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

Pastor - The Rev. Samuel Derr.

Church school - 9:45 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Choir organist - Judith Pensyl.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 1 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony and Bible study, 7 p.m.; Wednseday, Thanksgiving Eve Service, 7 p.m.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

First Baptist, Trevorton

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

Pastor - Dan Conklin.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:40 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Jim Phillips.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - Mary Anne Stump.

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

Poinsettia orders due Sunday, please see Bill Persing.

No Bible study or youth group this week.

First UMC, Kulpmont

First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street, Kulpmont.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

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

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

First UMC, Mount Carmel

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

Pastor - The Rev. Susan J. Roehs.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Sermon - "Shout for Joy."

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Fred Roehs, head usher; Synice Lindenmuth, greeter; Bret Getty, sound technician; Deb Beck, liturgist; Rachel Maurer, acolyte; Anne and Fred, counting team; Barb Malick, children's time.

Activities - Monday, worship meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Girl Scout troop meeting, 6 p.m., Al-Anon, 7 p.m.; Friday, AA meetings, 8 a.m., 5 p.m.; Sunday, Harvest Home after worship.

First UMC, Shamokin

First United Methodist Church, Sunbury Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - Zachary Hopple.

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

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Cookie Schlader, liturgist; Kay Berry and Sue Herman, greeters; Goldie Stehr and Laura Herman, nursery duty.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m., parlor.

God's Missionary

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

Pastor - The Rev. Howard R. McKenzie.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

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

Evening service - 6 p.m.

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

Good News Bible

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

Sunday worship - 3 p.m.

Speaker - Danny Overkott speaking on "Thanksgiving," based on Psalm 116:1-14.

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

Activities - Wednesday, parishioners are invited to join the Ashland Area Ministerium's Thanksgiving Eve service, 7 p.m., Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, Ashland. Interim pastor Marlin Lafferty will lead the service.

Good Shepherd

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

Pastor - The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Grace Chapel

Grace Chapel, 126 Airport Road, Shamokin.

Pastor - Alan Langelli.

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

Sunday morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday evening worship/young couples class. Discovery Station youth group - 6:30 p.m.

Nursery child care is provided for all Sunday services.

Activities - Today, shepherd's meeting; Sunday, Harvest Home/volunteer appreciation dinner; Nov. 30, missions presentation, luncheon and combined services with Ken Davis. Every Monday and Thursday, ladies' Bible study. Every Thursday, men's Bible study.

Grace Evangelical

Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose Marquardt.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 11 a.m.

Grace Lutheran, Shamokin

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

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Adult Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Service of the Word and Sacrament - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Ron Weller, worship assistant; Cameron Wayne, acolyte/crucifer; Mr. and Mrs. Terry Keefer, communion bearers; Debra Keefer and Karena Weikel, altar care; Mr. and Mrs. Barry Smith, greeters; Ron Weller, driver; Adam Swift Jr., Lamar Grow, Ron Kerstetter, Willie Marsh, Bruce Romanic, John Strausser and Frank Yost, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist, Charlene Pell, choir director; Shelley Faust, cantor.

Activities - Sunday, congregational meeting after worship, community Thanksgiving service, Our Lady of Hope, 6 p.m.; Monday, Brownies, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, property committee, 7 p.m.

Grace Lutheran, Mount Carmel

Grace Lutheran Church, 146 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m. at St. Matthew's (Slovak) Lutheran Church, 301 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel,

Guest speaker - Jodi Ellis.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Kenneth Kautter, lector; Thomas Pivarnik and William Snyder, ushers; Joseph Melichercik, president; Donna Lindemuth, treasurer. Services for November are at St. Matthew's.

Grace UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Morning worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday School - 9:15 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Logan Wills, acolyte; Rich Mauray and Ray Rothermel, ushers.

Activities - Sunday, Harvest Home Sunday; Dec. 8, consistory meeting, 7 p.m.

Harvest Worship

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

Pastor - Sandy Wary.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Hidden Valley

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

Pastor - Gary L. Owens.

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

Himmel's Church

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

Pastor - Jane H. Compton.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m., with communion the first Sunday of every month.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

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

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

Activities - Sunday, PREP grades 6 to 8, at 9 a.m., Thanksgiving ecumenical prayer service, 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church; Monday, PREP grades 1 to 5, 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, bingo in the activity center, doors open at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6:15 p.m.; Thursday, Thanksgiving Day Mass at 8 a.m., Thanksgiving dinner, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., activity center. All welcome, free of charge.

Holy Trinity

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

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

Sunday worship - 10 a.m., with Holy Eucharist in the parish house. Children's Sunday school during worship. Coffee hour following the service.

Participants - Susan Zaner, greeter; Frank Zaretski, intercessor; Barbara Kessler, lector; Oliver Fesniak and Frank Zaretski, ushers; Joshua Bashore, Hannah Bashore and Kyrstin Kinnaman, altar servers; Grethel Vinup, pianist.

Activities - Wednesday, Holy Eucharist and healing, 10 a.m.

Hope Community

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

Pastor - Dan Renno.

Christian education for all ages - 9 a.m.

Fellowship time - 9:45 a.m.

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

Living Power

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

Pastor/teacher - Walt Kriskie.

Pre-service prayer - 10 a.m.

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

Sunday evening service - 6 p.m.

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

Miller's Crossroads

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

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

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

Pastor - James Bowers.

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

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

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

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

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

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

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

Activities - Sunday, religious education classes for fifth through eighth grades, 10 a.m. to noon. Students to meet in the church hall at 8:45 a.m. to attend the 9 a.m. Mass, also to bring a canned good or staple item. Monday, bingo in the hall at 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday, choir practice, 6 p.m.

Mountainside

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

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

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

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

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

Youth night - Biweekly, 5 p.m.

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

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

Mount Zion

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

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - Psalm 95:1-7a and Matthew 25:31-56.

Sermon - "Sheep or Goats?"

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

New Life Church

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

Interim pastor - The Rev. John D. Ashbaugh.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

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

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

Oak Grove UMC

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Marley Road, Overlook.

Pastor - The Rev. Zachary Hopple.

Worship - 9 a.m.

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

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

Our Lady of Hope

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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

Pastor - The Rev. Francis J. Karwacki.

Deacon - The Rev. Mr. Martin McCarthy.

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

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

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

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

Peifer's Evangelical

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

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

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

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred P. Sceski.

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

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

Restoration Ministries

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

Pastor - Paul K. Eby.

Pre-service prayer - 9 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran, 29 High Road Danville.

Pastor - Kris Brown.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Christ the King Sunday.

Participants - Connie Shulski, organist; Alice Roshon, acolyte; Allan Schappert, lector; Larry and Mary Loue Wolfe, ushers and communion assistants; Pastor Brown, worship leader.

St. John's UCC

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

Speaker - Eugene C. Boughner.

Sermon - "Irresistible."

Contemporary service - 9 a.m.

Special music - Geof Levan.

Coffee and fellowship time - 10 a.m.

Sunday school classes for children and teens - 10:10 a.m.

Traditional service - 11 a.m., sanctuary.

Special music - Adult choir.

Participants - Eugene Boughner, children's message; Margaret Morris, organist; Lisa Newton, lay reader; Brianna Bendas, acolyte.

Activities - Monday, Cub Scouts/Webelos 1 and 2, 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Cub Scouts/Tiger and Bear dens, 5:30 p.m., Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m.

St. John's UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Karyn Fisher.

Lay leader - Paul Stehman.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Children's church - 9:20 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages, and welcome course - 10:30 a.m.

St. Joseph's Church

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

Pastor - The Rev. John W. Bambrick.

Sister Elizabeth Kealy, IHM, director of religious education.

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

Rosary prayed before all Masses.

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

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

St. Mark Lutheran

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

Worship Leader - Pastor Kris Brown.

Worship service - 9 a.m. Christ the King Sunday.

Participants - Calvin Dietrick and Marilyn Robel, ushers; Judy Wary, lector; Connie Shulski, organist; Pastor Brown, worship leader,

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

St. Matthew Lutheran

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

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m. Christ the King Sunday.

Guest speaker - Jodi Ellis.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Kenneth Kautter, lector; Thomas Pivarnik and William Snyder, ushers; Joseph Melichercik, president; Donna Lindenmuth, treasurer.

St. Michael Orthodox

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

Pastor - The Rev. Theophan Marckey.

Divine Liturgy - 9 a.m.

St. Patrick

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

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

Weekend Mass - Sunday, 9 a.m.

Weekday Mass - 8 a.m. Wednesday.

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

St. Paul Lutheran

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

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

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

Participants - Cindy Henninger, lector; Claire Bonshock and Stephanie Boyer, communion assistants; Jack Tobias, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Sunday, Congregational meeting after worship, Community Thanksgiving Service, Our Lady of Hope, 6 p.m.

St. Paul's Reformed

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

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m.

Participants - Clifford Artman, organist.

St. Pauline Visintainer

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

"Chapel of the Crucified."

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

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

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

St. Peter's Lutheran

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Aristes.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore

Service and Sacrament of Holy Communion - 9 a.m.

Guest speaker - Jodi Ellis.

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

SS Peter and Paul

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

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

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

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

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

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

St. Peter's UCC

St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Overlook

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Sermon - "Thankful for God's Guidance and Direction."

Verse of the day - Phillippians 3:1, "Finally, my brethen, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me in deed is not grevious, but for you it is safe."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

St. Stephen's

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

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic Stevenson.

Service 8:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist.

Handicapped accessible.

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

Salem UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Participants - Craig Kerstetter, acolyte; Darlis Tasker, lay leader; Julie Updegrove and JudyLynn Weaver, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Helen Martin and Suzzette Steinhart, greeters; Alice Elliott and Millie Mowery, communion assistants; Rachel Kerstetter and Allison Weaver, gifts of the people; Grace Stank, pianist; Donald and Ann Arbogast and John and Corinne Foltz, ushers; Brian Williams, lighting/sound.

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

Celebration of confirmation for the following: MacKenzie Glosek, Taylor Kashner, Abigail Nye, Sophie Rossnock, Brooke Strausser, Michael Toter and George Zalar. Holy Communion will also be celebrated.

Activities - Sunday, confirmation Class being taken into membership with pot luck lunch following morning worship service; Monday and Tuesday, making Thanksgiving Day pies starting at 8 a.m.; Tuesday, pick up pies from noon to 2 p.m.; Saturday, worship and music committee will be trimming Christmas tree starting at 9 a.m.

Salvation Army

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

Commanding officer - Maj. Tina Streck.

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

Sunday school - 10:45 a.m.

Seibert Evangelical

Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Route 147, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Seventh Street

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

Pastor - The Rev. David Wildoner.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

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

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

Participants - Kathy Albright, station steward; Joseph Rodman, head usher; Benjamin Brudnicki, Alaina Glowatski and Jordon McDowell, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; Linda Yost and Kay Venn, greeters; Art Walburn, servant of the month; Kathy Albright, children's church teacher; Maggie Moore, nursery worker.

Manna for the Many item for November is boxed stuffing mix and gravy.

Activities - Sunday, combined Thanksgiving service, 6 p.m., Our Lady of Hope Church; Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve service.

Shamokin Alliance

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

Pastor - Samuel Bellavia.

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

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

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

Evening service - 7 p.m.

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

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist

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

Pastor - John Peters.

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

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Bible studies, 5 p.m.

Stonington Baptist

Stonington Baptist Church, Hosta Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - The Rev. J. Douglas Hallman.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

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

Trevorton UMC

Trevorton United Methodist Church, Shamokin Street, Trevorton,

Pastor - The Rev. Al Schell Jr.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Nancy Korenkiewicz, pianist, organist and choir director.

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

Trinity Evangelical

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

Pastor - The Rev. Brian C. Betsworth.

Sunday school - 9:50 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

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

Trinity Lutheran

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

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship Service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Linda Leschinskie, lector; Mary Tharp, communion assistant; Corey Levi, cantor; Jared Jones, acolyte; Jan Morrison, organist; Jon Hoover, altar guild; Ron Manney, counter.

True Grace

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

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

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

United Presbyterian

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

Minister - The Rev. Ted Plott.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Message - "The Least of These."

Scripture - Matthew 25:31-46.

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

Victory Bible Church

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

Pastor - Kevin Kline.

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

Evening worship - 7 p.m.

Wilburton UMC

Wilburton United Methodist Church, Wilburton.

Pastor - Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 8:45 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion UMC

Zion United Methodist Church, Aristes.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 9:50 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Methodist

Zion United Methodist Church, Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.

Former Coal Twp. man found not guilty of simple assault

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SUNBURY - A former Coal Township man charged with assaulting his live-in girlfriend two years ago was found not guilty of simple assault during a jury trial Nov. 14 before President Judge William H. Wiest.

Robert Allen Wehner, 39, who currently resides in Bloomsburg, was found not guilty of the misdemeanor. He also was found not guilty by Wiest of a summary of harassment.

Wehner, formerly of 1557 Wabash St., was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Jason Adams involving a Nov. 17, 2012, disturbance at his residence.

Wehner was accused of repeatedly pushing, punching, grabbing and kicking his then live-in girlfriend, Brandy Johnson, causing her to suffer bruising and contusions on the left side of her face, arm, chest, knee and right arm.

Police said the assault occurred at 1 a.m.

Wehner was represented by county public defender John Broda. Assistant district attorney Michael Toomey, who was very surprised and disappointed in the jury's verdict, represented the commonwealth.

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