SUNBURY - Northumberland County Elections Office is checking the status of 280 registered voters who are also listed as voters in other states.

Alisha Herb, director of elections, said voters' names were provided by the Pennsylvania Department of State. These names are included on a list of nearly 43,000 registered voters statewide who state officials believe have duplicate registrations.

Herb said letters will be sent to the 280 people. They will be asked to contact the elections office within 30 days of the next election (May 19). Those who fail to notify the office would still be allowed to vote May 19, but they would be required, at that time, to show a valid ID.

Those who do not contact the elections office will be considered inactive voters. If they do not vote by 2018, they will be purged from the voter rolls, Herb said.

Herb said it's quite likely that the 280 potential duplicate voters moved, registered to vote at their new out-of-state residences and merely forgot to notify Northumberland County of the change.

Early dismissal today at SASD

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area students will be dismissed early today, not Wednesday as mistakenly reported in Saturday's edition. 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.

Thankfulness discussed at Lifetree

SHAMOKIN - The power of thankfulness will be discussed at 7 p.m. today at Lifetree Café, 531 N. Market St. The discussion series is usually held on a Thursday, but changed to today due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

"The Power of Thankfulness: Trista Sutter's Life After 'The Bachelorette' includes an exclusive film of Sutter discussing life since her $4 million televised wedding.

Lifetree participants will consider how thankfulness might impact their own lives and explore practical ways to develop an attitude of gratitude.

Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available. For more information, contact Kathy Vetovich at 570-672-9346 or info@antiochplace.org.

SUNBURY - Five defendants were sentenced Monday by Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest.

- Justin Mattson, 25, of Irwin, was sentenced to 12 months intermediate punishment with the first six months on house arrest and two years of consecutive probation for fleeing or eluding police involving charges filed by state police at Stonington in connection with Aug. 5 incidents. He was ordered to pay $1,900 in fines plus costs.

Mattson also received concurrent sentences of two years probation on charges of recklessly endangering another person and resisting arrest. He also was ordered to pay costs for reckless driving and given 90 days intermediate punishment for driving under suspension relating to the Aug. 5 incidents and received a concurrent sentence of two years probation and $300 fine plus costs for fleeing or eluding police relating to charges filed by Coal Township police in connection with an Aug. 18 incident.

Mattson, who had his driver's license suspended for one year, was ordered to pay $874.38 restitution to state police and $1,064 restitution to the City of Shamokin.

- Kevin Kish, 52, of Shamokin, was sentenced to 18 months intermediate punishment with the first six months on house arrest and fined $550 plus costs for burglary and criminal mischief involving incidents Feb. 5, 2013, and Feb. 21, 2013, in Shamokin.

- Harry Reed, 37, of Coal Township, was sentenced to four years of probation and ordered to pay $1,000 in fines plus costs for two counts of criminal conspiracy to manufacture, deliver or possess a controlled substance involving charges filed by Shamokin police involving a Sept. 16, 2013, incident.

- Cody Horne, 19, of Coal Township, was sentenced to 23 months intermediate punishment with the first 90 days on house arrest and fined $250 plus costs for aggravated assault filed by state police at Stonington relating to a March 24 incident. He received a consecutive sentence of one year probation and was ordered to pay a $150 fine plus costs for resisting arrest relating to the same incident.

Wiest also sentenced Horne to an additional year of probation and fined him $250 plus costs for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance relating to a March 25 incident in Shamokin.

- Jarred Derck, 30, formerly of Shamokin, was sentenced to 6 to 23 months in Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury on two counts of criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. He also was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs.

Derck's sentence will run concurrent to another sentence he is currently serving in Schuylkill County Prison in Pottsville on other charges.

Derck was charged by Shamokin police relating to incidents on Sept. 6, 2012, and Sept. 16, 2013.

DORNSIFE - A woman died Monday when she was ejected from a sport-utility vehicle and pinned beneath its front end along Route 225 in Jackson Township.

Two child passengers in the Kia Sorento were flown by Life Flight to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, following the 12:50 p.m. crash.

James F. Kelley, Northumberland County coroner, pronounced the woman dead at the scene. She is believed to be in her 20s. Her identity was not released Monday, pending notification of next of kin.

State police at Stonington said the woman was traveling north on Route 225 when she lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons. It traveled off the east berm and struck an embankment, then re-entered and crossed the road, rolling multiple times before striking a tree in the front yard of a house on the west berm. The vehicle came to rest on its wheels, police said.

The crash was near the IOOF Idella Rebeka Lodge between Dornsife and Red Cross.

Neighbors respond

Mark Latsha, 81, of 4161 Route 225, had just finished eating lunch when the noises from the crash jolted him and his wife, Lara. They hurried outside and were met by next-door neighbor Helen Snyder, of 4169 Route 225, whose house was spared by the tree near the front porch.

A boy laying in the yard, conscious and hysteric, was bleeding from his nose and said his head hurt, the Latshas said. Another boy lay in the back seat of the vehicle and was breathing heavily.

At the front of the vehicle, the woman was pinned beneath the passenger wheel, Latsha said.

"She wouldn't respond at all. I looked under right away and checked," he said.

The Latshas dialed 911.

Lara Latsha and Helen Snyder said they tried to keep the boy on the lawn calm.

"He was crying, 'I want my mommy,'" Lara Latsha said. "I couldn't console him. What was I gonna do?"

Dirt was kicked onto the northbound lane where the vehicle struck the bank, an estimated 150 yards from Snyder's yard. In between were shallow gouges in the macadam. Both tires on the driver side were broken off the vehicle, one of which landed in Snyder's front yard. Shattered glass, plastic from the vehicle and some of the occupants' contents were scattered about the road.

State police at Stonington are investigating. There were no witnesses to the crash at the scene. Route 225 was closed in both directions for reconstruction, and traffic was detoured. PennDOT reported the road reopen at 4:10 p.m.

SHAMOKIN - Chief Robert J. Wolfe and the Shamokin Fire Bureau are warning residents to be careful while preparing holiday feasts.

Home cooking causes more than 45 percent of all residential building fires, according to the United States Fire Administration. More home cooking fires occur in November than any other month.

The following safety tips could help prevent serious injuries during the holiday season:

- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.

- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.

- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns. - Keep the floor clear so you don't trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

- Keep knives out of the reach of children.

- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children - up high in a locked cabinet.

- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.

- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

- Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames, ovens and stove tops.

- Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup, which can start fires.

- Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.

- Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all appliances are turned off.

- Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking, because the sleeves may catch on fire and burn you.

- Heat cooking oil slowly to avoid burns from spattering grease. Be extra careful when cooking deep-fried food, because the hot grease can burn you.

Deep fried turkey

If you choose to deep-fry your turkey this year:

- Stay away from the house. Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from your home and keep children and pets away. Never leave it unattended.

- Find flat ground. The oil must be even and steady at all times to ensure safety. Place the fryer on a flat, level surface and carefully gauge the amount of oil needed.

- Use a thawed and dry turkey. Extra water will cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over. If oil spills from the fryer onto the burner, it can cause a fire.

- Monitor the temperature. Use caution when touching the turkey fryer. The lid and handle can become very hot and could cause burns. Also be sure to keep track of the oil's temperature as many fryers do not have their own thermostats.

- Be prepared. Have a fire extinguisher (multipurpose, dry-powder) ready at all times in the event that the oil ignites.

District attorneys Ann Targonski and Rebecca Warren awarded the annual Carl. B. Rice Memorial Task Force Officer of the Year award to Shamokin City Police Department Corporal Bryan Primerano and K-9 Kash and his handler Montour County Deputy Sheriff Ryan King at Monday's Drug Task Force meeting at the Shamokin Elks.

Primerano came onboard at the Shamokin City Department Police department in 1998. He has been involved in all of the major drug investigations in the local area for the last 10 years, including those conducted by the state police, other counties and the Attorney General's Office. His investigations have led to the successful conviction of some of the largest drug dealers in our area.

Kash is a canine trained to detect the presence of drugs on money suspected to be involved in drug activity. Law enforcement became aware of a potential large deposit of funds which were suspected to be part of a large scale drug organization. Kash who was trained to be detect narcotics was able to hit on the suspected funds.

"District Attorney Warren and my predecessors started this award in honor of Carl Rice who was an Assistant District Attorney prior to ascending to the bench," said Targonski. "Carl was passionate about the need to eliminate drugs and their effects on our local communities. His dedication to the eradication of drugs in our area led to the creation of this award in his memory. This award recognizes his contribution as well as some of the fine officers who are carrying on his fight against the influx of drugs into our communities."

"When Ann and I started to discuss our joint task force, I felt we needed to continue to honor Carl for his work but also to acknowledge the front line officers, who everyday carry on the work of battling drugs in our communities," said Warren. "That includes their canines."

Nominations were received from local police departments.

"In deciding who would receive the award, we both felt that Canine Kash and his handler Deputy Sherriff King as well as Bryan are good examples of the dedication and hard work of individuals in the Task Force who every day work to preserve the character and safety of our local communities from the onslaught of drugs," the District Attorneys said.

The Task Force meeting was held on Monday evening where several new members were sworn in, the protocol for investigations was reviewed with members and a discussion was held relative to the new vision and focus of the Drug Task Force.

More than 30 members of the Task Force attended the meeting including officers from Shamokin, Coal Township, Mount Carmel, Ralpho Township, Riverside, Danville and Mahoning Township police departments as well as the Sheriff offices from Montour and Northumberland County.

KULPMONT - As part of their Veterans Day observance, members of American Legion Post 231 visited Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Nov. 12 to honor and celebrate veterans who reside there.

The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Roberta Cunningham, administrator, gave the welcome address. Beth Freeman, of the human resources department, recognized the 35 veterans who are manor residents.

Legion Commander Al Goodlunas, guest speaker, praised all veterans, those who are living and those who gave their lives for their country. On behalf of the Legion, Goodlunas thanked veterans for their service.

An invocation was given by Pastor Sam Bellavia. The Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School Band, under the director of Bernard Stellar, played the national anthem. Stellar announced the band would play songs representing each branch of service and asked veterans to stand when the song representing their particular service was played.

Following the program, lunch, including dessert, was served.

Cunningham thanked the Legion members for attending the program and invited them to attend the manor program for Veterans Day next year.

American Express introduced Small Business Saturday four years ago to help mom-and-pop-type stores battle the retail giants who were cleaning up on Black Friday.

They wanted small businesses to get their share on the big weekend that launched the holiday shopping season.

Small Business Saturday (SBS) has grown since 2010, and, according to American Express, produced $5.7 billion for small business owners in 2013 alone.

Local merchants are gearing up for this year's SBS with a number of special sales and events, promoted with the help of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

"Last year was the chamber's first year organizing the event for downtown Shamokin," said Whitney Fetterman, executive director. "It was very well received. This year, we opened it up to our entire coverage area."

Shamokin storefront

The chamber has produced a list of vendors in the Shamokin/Coal Township-Mount Carmel area that are participating. (See separate story.)

SBS in Shamokin, in fact, will have its own storefront, open that day only, Saturday, Nov. 29, in the former coffee shop next to Susquehanna Bank on Independence Street. The same building was used as Shamokin's 150th anniversary headquarters earlier this year.

About 15 vendors will offer crafts, jewelry, crocheted items, purses and home party goods from Scentsy, Mary Kay, Younique, Primitive Crafts and others at the site from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All start small

Sherri Shebelsky, owner of Bader's Furniture, Sunbury (Route 61) and North Liberty Street, Shamokin, is looking forward to greeting everyone on Saturday.

"We are going to have some treats available. It will give us a chance to see our old customers and catch up with them," she said.

Bader's was founded in 1890, and Shebelsky's family has operated it since 1953. She said Bader's realizes the importance of shopping local.

"Every business in America started as a small business, so it is important to support them and the people that run them," she said. "If we don't, we are not doing our part to keep the American spirit of enterprise going."

She practices what she preaches, doing her commerce in the downtown rather than at a mall or a big-box store.

"As part of the Rotary Club, shopping local gives me a chance to network with fellow business owners to tell them about the club. We've gotten a few new members that way," Shebelsky said.

She said customers within a 25-mile radius are "the key to us staying in business."

As far as sales, there will be a number of specials at Bader's on SBS, Shebelsky said, including on smaller items, but also on La-Z-Boy recliners.

"Many things you will be able to take home that day," she said.

But if you're haul requires hauling, Bader's will be sure you'll have it in time for the holidays, Shebelsky said.

'A role' in Mount Carmel

Academy Sports Center, Schicchitano's Ace Hardware, Matlow's, and Catino Vino are among the Mount Carmel businesses participating in Small Business Saturday, said Academy's Cathy Besser.

"We are going to have some specials here in the store and there will be something here for people to munch on," she said.

For Besser, this shopping season will be the first without her mother, Cathy Welker, who died earlier this year. Welker was praised as a champion for the downtown shopping district.

"She gave me the role to take over," Besser said.

She hopes area shoppers get behind the Small Business Saturday concept, saying she doesn't think it has caught on like in other areas.

"If it wasn't for small businesses, we don't know where our towns would be today," she said. "We are the ones who pay the taxes here and the first that people come to for donations when they are trying to raise funds for their organizations."

Sweetening the pot

American Express is also sweetening the pot for its cardholders. Those who register at www.ShopSmall.com can receive a $30 statement credit for spending over $30 at qualifying small businesses on Nov. 29.

"Small Business Saturday isn't just about showcasing your product or service, it's about supporting your community and remembering to shop small and local during the holiday season," Fetterman said. "I look forward to seeing our community shopping locally that day and I wish all of the businesses the best of luck."

A list of the businesses and their specials being offered on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, as reported by the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce:

Shamokin/Coal Township

Royer's Crafts, 109 Center St., Coal Township - 10 percent off the entire store.

The Game Shack, 119 E. Independence St., Shamokin - 20 percent off all used games, and buy two retro video games, get one free.

Jones Hardware, 115 E. Independence St., Shamokin - $10 off a purchase of $50 or more.

Bader's Fine Furniture, 704 N. Liberty St., Shamokin - special store savings and free refreshments.

Peebles, 9333 State Route 61, Coal Township - Doorbusters and storewide sales.

The Fun Shop, 3 W. Independence Street, Shamokin - Storewide promotions.

Pool World, Route 61, Shamokin - Stoker stoves at summer sale price.

What Not Shoppe, 139 E. Independence Street, Shamokin - Buy one full price waffle sandwich, get the second for $3.

H&R Block, 24 S. Market St., Shamokin. - Providing information about the Emerald Cash Advance program and the Affordable Care Act.

Shuey's Jewelers, 130 E. Independence Street, Shamokin - 50 to 75 percent off all watches.

Susquehanna Bank, 300 E. Independence Street, Shamokin - free popcorn and prizes to everyone who helps "stuff the box" for Toys for Tots.

First National Bank, 10 S. Market St., Shamokin - free refreshments and promo items.

Kulpmont

Scicchitano's Buono Pizza, 962 Chestnut St. - Buy one large pizza at regular price, get a 2 liter of Coca-Cola for free.

Shimock's Furniture, 900 Chestnut St. - $50 off any recliner $199 and up.

Mount Carmel

Academy Sports Center, 18 S. Oak St. - Storewide specials and refreshments.

Matlow's, 141 S. Oak St. - half-price on all men's sport coats.

Catino Vino, 23 S. Oak St. - $5 off all beer kits and $10 off all wine kits.

Scicchitano's Ace Hardware, 27 N. Oak St. - Craftsman five-drawer tool chest for $79.99 and a four-gallon Shop Vac vacuum, $49.99.

SHAMOKIN - Flames broke through the roof of a home on North Eighth Street Tuesday evening, damaging two structures and leaving at least two people homeless.

One of the buildings, owned by one of the county's most notorious landlords, George Atiyeh, of Allentown, was not insured, according to Shamokin Code Enforcement Officer Rick Bozza.

Crews were called to 503 N. Eighth St. at 7:55 p.m.;  it's a corner building in the downtown intersecting with Water Street. They found heavy smoke coming through the eaves.

As crews made their way inside, flames made their way through the rear of the roof.

Once in place, aerial units from Shamokin and Mount Carmel started to pump water down onto the blaze.

A large crowd watched from the railroad tracks along Water Street as emergency crews worked to save the homes.

Firefighters had the blaze significantly knocked down in about one hour and continued their internal fight, looking for hot spots within the walls and ceilings.

With the exception of a ladder truck from Mount Carmel and the Maine Fire Company units from Coal Township, the fire was fought by Shamokin fire crews with no second alarm needed.

Bozza said at the scene the building at 503 N. Eighth St. is owned by George Atiyeh, of Allentown. The building's property manager, Donald Kuntz, said that a couple, Jake and Jen May, were renting the home.

Bozza reported Atiyeh does not have insurance on the property. He could not say Tuesday who owned the adjacent home at 505 N. Eighth St.

It appeared the heaviest damage was on the third floor of 503 N. Eighth St., but both structures suffered smoke and water damage.

The fire was contained before it reached the nearby offices of Attorney Myron Moskowitz and Bressi and Martin Real Estates where a mural by the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities exists.

More details in Thursday's edition of The News-Item.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Charges have been officially filed against an Ashland man accused of stealing a $45,000 pickup truck from a local dealership under the guise of taking it for a test drive.

Coal Township Police Patrolman charged Harold J. McGurl, 41, of 903 Brock St., with felony counts of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, and a misdemeanor charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle Tuesday, filing the complaint with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin.

McGurl has not been arraigned on the charges but remains in Schuylkill County Prison on a bench warrant since Friday, when the theft occurred.

According to court documents, McGurl went to B&L Chevrolet-Buick dealership in Coal Township between 4:45 and 5 p.m. Friday and expressed interest in an available 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 truck valued at $45,000.

McGurl asked Alice Leffler, an owner, to take the truck for a test drive, and was given permission and the key. After an extended period of time and the the discovery that a cell phone number McGurl gave to the dealership was no longer in service, Leffler called police.

After exchanging information with the owner, including a copy of McGurl's driver's license, Sage called out to various police departments in Northumberland and Schuylkill counties. He spoke with Cpl. Joseph Welsh of the Pottsville Police Department, and said McGurl could be at the home of his sister.

At approximately 10 p.m., Pottsville police found McGurl and the truck at the residence, and he was taken into custody without incident.

He was placed in prison on the warrant issued Sept. 29 for failing to appear in Schuylkill County Court on charges of theft by unlawful taking and criminal mischief, according to court documents.

No date for arraignment and a preliminary hearing before Gembic on the theft charges has been set, according to a secretary at Gembic's office. McGurl is set for a hearing on the order violation at 9:30 a.m. today in Schuylkill County Court.

Kulpmont announces snow emergency

KULPMONT - Borough officials have declared a snow emergency for today.

With a forecast for as much as 6 inches of snow, the emergency declaration goes into effect and all vehicles must be removed from the snow emergency route on Chestnut Street (Route 61) today.

With the declaration, even if the snowfall is less, the order remains in effect until the street is cleared curb to curb.

Borough offices and the street department will be closed Thursday for Thanksgiving.

Fresh wreath sale slated

SHAMOKIN - Fresh Christmas wreaths will be on sale to benefit the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities Downtown Christmas event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Williams residence, 603 W. Chestnut (Chestnut and Third).

Cost is $18 and includes a bow.

Customer recycling holiday schedule

MOUNT CARMEL - Moser Brothers Sanitation will pick up customer recycling Dec. 4. There will be no pickup on Thanksgiving Day.

City Hall closed Thursday, Friday

SHAMOKIN - City Hall, the tax office and street department will all be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Municipal offices Thanksgiving hours

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Municipal Offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving. The Recycling Center will be closed Thursday, but will be open its normal hours Friday and Saturday. The Recycling Center will then be closed again until the morning of Thursday, Dec. 4.

SHAMOKIN - Seven defendants pleaded guilty Tuesday and were ordered to pay fines and costs by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.

n Jonathon Rockwell Grove, 26, of Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs. An additional charge of possession of Suboxone was withdrawn.

Grove was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II in connection with a Sept. 21 incident at 311 S. Seventh St.

n Daniel Hinkle, 57, of 1211 N. Pearl St., Shamokin, and Robert Harvey, 49, of 704 E. Kase St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and were each ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on probation for one year.

Hinkle and Harvey were charged by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski in connection with a Sept. 28 fight at Kase and Pearl streets.

Additional charges of simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment filed against Hinkle were withdrawn. Additional charges of harassment and public drunkenness filed against Harvey were withdrawn.

n Richard A. Armstrong II, 33, of 125 E. Arch St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs and placed on probation for one year.

An additional charge of possessing Spice was withdrawn.

Armstrong was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano in connection with an Oct. 5 incident at his home.

n David T. Seger, 54, of 1026 Packer St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to theft by unlawful taking and was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs, make $25 restitution to Miller's Gas Station on Route 61 and placed on probation for one year.

Seger was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Chad Yoder with failing to pay $25 for gas at Miller's on June 16.

n Brandon Nash, 21, of 1720 W. Pine St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and public drunkenness and was ordered to pay $800 in fines plus costs.

An additional charge of resisting arrest was withdrawn.

Nash was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Jarrod Scandle in connection with a Nov. 1 disturbance at Spruce and Market streets in which Siko and Coal Township Cpl. Joshua Wynn were injured.

n Cody Z. Horne, 19, of 221 S. Diamond St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs and placed on probation for one year.

Charges of simple assault and harassment were withdrawn.

Horne was charged by Siko with assaulting his mother, Janet Willis, at their home Nov. 17.

DANVILLE - A quaint shop in Danville, Timeworn Treasures is owned and operated by a mother-daughter team with a passion for creating the unusual, and the thrill of finding treasures and bringing them to customers.

The shop offers a distinctive mix of merchandise ranging from home décor, vintage and one-of-a-kind finds to unique jewelry and accessories.

An ever-changing merchandise mix inspires the staff to frequently change and showcase the latest shipments and finds. Hours are put into creating beautiful vignettes where customers can discover a perfect find for their homes or a gift for someone else.

The Timeworn Treasures team includes other family and a friend who is a talented designer.

The shop has also become known for its selection of unique jewelry for any age or occasion, and accessories such as scarves and handbags are available.

Timeworn Treasures is a family owned and operated business that takes pride in getting to know its customers on a first-name basis.

Customers also enjoy special events held throughout the year. Watch for the promotion of upcoming events.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Nearly 60 used tires were dumped in the woods behind the Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery.

The tires were tossed down an embankment at the cemetery's south end within the past month. They're spread over a small area, with some entangled in brush and downed trees. Coal Township Police Chief William Carpenter was dispatched to the scene Tuesday morning.

It's the latest pile discovered in the township. Carpenter said the frequency of illegal dumping of tires has escalated.

"It seems like in the last year there's been an awful lot of tires dumped in the mountains," he said Tuesday while looking over the scene at the cemetery.

New piles have been found in Coal Run and Bear Valley. The largest pile, Carpenter said, is along an access road across Route 61 from the entrance to the former Ames building. Hundreds of tires have been tossed there.

The cost may ultimately be paid by the victims.

"In a lot of cases the property owner has to pay for their own cleanup, and that hurts," Carpenter said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Coal Township police at 570-644-0333.

Hours for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend at local malls and retail stores:

The Plaza at Coal Township

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

Cato Fashions: Opening 8 a.m. Friday

Radio Shack: According to an ad posted on their 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

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

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

Opening from 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.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices fell another four cents this past week to $2.909 a gallon, according to AAA East Central's Fuel Gauge report.

On the national front

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has fallen for 60 consecutive days, reaching Tuesday's price of $2.81 per gallon. This is seven cents less than one week ago, 25 cents less than one month ago and 46 cents less than one year ago.

Tuesday's price is the least expensive since Nov. 4, 2010, and motorists are on target to pay the lowest averages at the Thanksgiving holiday since 2009, when the national average price was $2.63 per gallon.

Across the country, motorists are enjoying low prices due to production exceeding demand and relatively few issues at local refineries. Consumers in South Carolina and Missouri are paying the nation's lowest average price at the pump, $2.57 per gallon, and 38 states are posting averages below the $3.00 per gallon threshold.

Market watchers are anxiously awaiting the outcomes of two major events scheduled for later this week to see how they will impact prices. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is scheduled to meet Thursday, and will respond to the growth in world oil supply by either cutting or sustaining its current production levels.

Additionally, Iran is scheduled to meet with world leaders to discuss the possible relaxation of sanctions that have been in place since late-2011. Prior to the sanctions, Iran was one of OPEC's leading producers and the lifting of these restrictions could inject additional supply into the global oil market.

At the close of formal trading Friday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil closed 60 cents higher at $76.43 per barrel. While oil prices did increase slightly to close out last week, WTI has now settled below $80 for three straight weeks - the longest streak since September 2010.

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

SHAMOKIN - Two young boys injured Monday in a rollover crash that killed their mother remain hospitalized, one of them in critical condition.

Conner Wheary, 6, was in critical condition Tuesday afternoon, according to a spokesman for Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Landen Seidel, 5, was in fair condition.

Their mother, 26-year-old Rachael (Geise) Seidel, of Coal Township, was killed after she was ejected and pinned beneath the front end of a Kia Sorento. Her identity was released Tuesday by state police. Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley said she died of multiple blunt force trauma.

Police haven't determined what caused Seidel to lose control of the sport-utility vehicle. It struck an embankment off the northbound lane of Route 225 in Jackson Township and rolled several times, crossing the southbound lane and striking a tree in the front yard of a residence.

Seidel was driving north about 12:50 p.m. The crash occurred just west of the IOOF Idella Rebeka Lodge between Dornsife and Red Cross.

Seidel is a daughter of Zerbe Township Supervisor Gene Geise. The Robert G. Foust Jr. Funeral Home, Trevorton, is handling arrangements.

From the coffee shop that serves up the most flavorful espresso to the florist designing beautiful arrangements day after day, small businesses around the country are gearing up for the start of the holiday shopping season with Small Business Saturday.

According to the third-annual Small Business Saturday Insights Survey, released Nov. 14 by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and American Express, consumer support for independently owned businesses is increasing. More than three quarters (78 percent) of shoppers say they will be spending more or the same amount on Small Business Saturday as they did in 2013, providing independent businesses with a welcome boost in holiday sales.

Held each year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Five years after its inauguration, half of U.S. consumers report that they are aware of Small Business Saturday, and among those who are aware, 82 percent say they plan to patronize a small, independently owned retailer or restaurant on November 29. Just as important, 77 percent say Small Business Saturday makes them want to shop small all year long.

"Small Business Saturday has gotten bigger every year and has been a big boost to Main Street America," said NFIB CEO and President Dan Danner. "Local businesses have been enthusiastic about Small Business Saturday from its inception but what's really encouraging is that more American consumers are making a commitment to visit their neighbors on Main Street as part of their holiday shopping."

"In just five years, Small Business Saturday has become part of our holiday shopping tradition and an important rallying cry to support all of the small, independent businesses that serve as the backbone of our communities," said Denise Pickett, president, American Express OPEN. "The holiday shopping season can be a make-or-break moment for many small business owners. Small Business Saturday puts these businesses in a better position to compete for more customers and sales."

American Express will give card members a special offer for shopping on Small Business Saturday. Card members will get a $10 statement credit when they register their eligible American Express Card and then use the registered card to spend $10 or more on a single in-store transaction at a qualifying small business location on Small Business Saturday. Card Members can take advantage of the American Express Card Member offer for Small Business Saturday up to three times on the day. Registration is available at ShopSmall.com.

To find qualifying small business locations, visit the Small Business Saturday Map, available at ShopSmall.com.

Additional findings from the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey include:

- Nearly all (94 percent) U.S. consumers say that shopping at small businesses makes them "feel good;"

- On average, shoppers estimate nearly one-third (31 percent) of their holiday shopping will be done at small businesses;

- Two-thirds (66 percent) of consumers say the main reason they patronize small businesses is because they value the contributions they make to their community; and

- More than half (57 percent) say they know one or more of their local small business owners personally.

The Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 1,999 males and females 18 years of age or older. The sample was collected using an email invitation and an online survey. The study was conducted anonymously by independent marketing performance specialist Ebiquity on Oct. 20-30, 2014. The survey has an overall margin of error of +/- 2.2 percent, at the 95 percent level of confidence.

Additionally, American Express announced an expansion of the Small Business Saturday model with "Small Business Saturday Night." This new platform builds on the success of the national Small Business Saturday initiative and encourages consumers to support independently owned shops and restaurants after the sun goes down on November 29.

"Small Businesses are more than just the places we shop, dine and drink - they are the connective thread of our communities and are central characters in the American story," said Janey Whiteside, SVP & GM of OPEN at American Express. "We have been so humbled by how quickly Americans embraced Small Business Saturday that it only made sense to extend the celebration well into the night. We hope everyone will join us in neighborhoods across the country as we support the important work of these small business owners as the sun goes down and the lights turn on."