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Mount Carmel Cemetery continues to expand

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MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Cemetery Company, which has served the community since right after the Civil War, is preparing for the future with expansions and renovations.

"It is the burial site of many of the Mount Carmel area's earliest settlers," said J. Kevin Jones, cemetery manager.

An expansion of 1,132 additional graves and increased interest in burial lots there led to the purchase of more than five acres on new land for additional expansion in 2015. There are still lots available in the cemetery's older sections for people who prefer those locations.

The cost of a single grave, including perpetual care, is $400. Jones said the board of directors plans to maintain the same high standards of service and care that have been followed for the past 136 years.

The board has been working more aggressively to make the Mount Carmel Cemetery a viable option for local citizens well into the future, Jones noted.

The chapel on the grounds has experienced a thorough renovation including a new roof, new heating system, a new handicap accessible porch, new carpeting and paint in the interior and additional furniture. The 100-year-old chapel, which was rededicated in September, is now available for graveside services and other events, "possibly even weddings," Jones said.

Prior to the restoration, Jones said the chapel was used mostly for storage.

Future plans for the Mount Carmel Cemetery include a pet cemetery, Jones said.

In February 2007, the board acquired the adjacent Oak Hill Cemetery. An extensive cleanup of that area is almost complete.

Fence repairs, tree removal and tombstone and road improvements also continue.

An improved and safer entrance to the cemetery is planned for next year.

An increase in cremations has allowed many lot owners to use their plots more than once, thus keeping the older sections of the cemetery available for future use.

Though once known as a final resting place for Protestants, the cemetery is now considered non-denominational. The cemetery was incorporated in June 1878 on a plot often referred to as "Alaska," which was the name of a neighboring patch of homes and a colliery.

"Many miners who worked for the colliery were buried here," Jones said.

The original cemetery land was acquired from Reading Coal and Iron Company. Even prior to the incorporation, the company was allowing burials on the ground. Several additions were made on the grounds since that time. The property currently encompasses more than 27 acres.

The 2015 Mount Carmel Cemetery officers and board of directors are Hugh A. Jones, president and solicitor; Michael Dormer, vice president; Edward Kerestes, secretary and treasurer; J. Kevin Jones, manager, and Ellsworth George, Dennis Stone and Albert T. Green, board members

For more information on the cemetery, contact J. Kevin Jones at 570-339-2471.


How it all adds up: Comparing MCA, SCA adminstration

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MCA v. SCA administration

The addition of dean of student positions at Mount Carmel Area brings to eight the number of administrators in the school district. To analyze the development, The News-Item compared Mount Carmel Area's administrative positions and salaries with those at neighboring Southern Columbia Area.

MCA

Enrollment - 1,531

Total administrative salaries - $498,498.55 (includes new positions)

Administrators and their pay -

- Superintendent Bernard Stellar: $95,115.05

- High school Principal Lisa Varano: $78,795

- Junior high Principal Pete Cheddar: $60,000

- Elementary Principal Sue Nestico: $60,000

- Special education coordinator Monica McKerns-O'Donnell: $49,408

- Elementary dean of students and director of extracurricular activities: Gregory Sacavage, $60,843

- Secondary dean of students/athletic director: Frank Sheptock, $54,000

- Business office manager: Corrina Lesko, $40,337.50

SCA

Enrollment - 1,442

Total administrative salaries - $554,468.82

Administrators and their pay -

- Superintendent Paul Caputo: $104,000

- High school Principal Jim Becker: $88,815

- Middle school Principal William Callahan: $59,450.50

- Elementary center Principal John Fetterman: $81,554.73

- Special education director Jennifer Snyder: $77,250

- Director of curriculum and instructional technology: Brenda Monick: $86,145

- Business office supervisor: Denise Kreisher: $46,253.59

- Athletic director Jim Roth*: $11,000

*Roth is also a teacher and football coach at Southern, but only his administrative pay is considered here.

Grohowski 'no-show' at public nuisance hearing

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SUNBURY - A former county correctional officer from Mount Carmel, who was granted a stay of execution of sentence in September by Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest in another case, failed to appear in court Monday morning on charges of causing a public nuisance and disorderly conduct.

Judge Charles Saylor issued a bench warrant for Kazimir Craig Grohowski, 43, of 515 W. Avenue, after the defendant failed to show up for his court appearance in which he was scheduled to enter a guilty plea.

Assistant public defender Paige Rosini, who represents Grohowski, said she didn't know why he failed to appear.

Grohowski, if located by the sheriff's department, will be brought before Saylor and could face county jail time for failing to appear.

He was charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman in connection with an Aug. 24 incident at his residence. Police reported Grohowski allowed a large amount of garbage to accumulate on his property and in a shed.

By being granted the stay of execution of sentence, Grohowski avoided having to report to a state correctional institution in September.

Wiest's order in the decade-old saga allows Grohowski and his attorney, Edward E. Kopko, of Ithaca, N.Y., to file further appeals in the case to prevent him from going to jail.

The order called for Grohowski to remain free on signature or ROR (released on recognizance) bail and required him to attend all future court proceedings.

According to the order, Grohowski's direct appeal rights were reinstated because he was never served a notice of the state Superior Court's denial of his appeal May 26, 2011, on a post-trial motion.

On Sept. 4, Kopko filed a motion for a stay of execution of sentence and a petition for post-conviction collateral relief.

Grohowski's legal saga began April 14, 2004, when he and seven other current or former prison guards were charged in connection with a two-year grand jury investigation into offenses allegedly committed between 2000 and 2002 at the prison.

Charges against one of the other guards were eventually withdrawn. Another guard was acquitted of drug charges during a 2005 trial and allowed to return to work at the prison. The other four guards entered guilty pleas and received various sentences, but avoided spending time in prison. Grohowski would be the first from the group to spend any time behind bars.

In September 2006, Grohowski was convicted by a jury of three counts of delivery of contraband - cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana - to an inmate at the jail. He was acquitted of aggravated assault against an inmate.

In August 2007, then President Judge Robert B. Sacavage granted Grohowski a new trial, citing a need for "extraordinary relief." Since then, a series of appeals and other court actions have been taken by Kopko and Senior Deputy Attorney General Dave Gorman, who prosecuted the case.

MCA considered new admin posts long before Sheptock was hired

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MOUNT CARMEL - The creation of two dean of student positions at Mount Carmel Area School District happened when Frank Sheptock was hired as head football coach, but the idea has existed for about five years, officials said.

And while two dean positions were created, the district will only be paying one new salary.

Sheptock was hired Dec. 11 for the coaching position as well as athletic director and secondary dean of students, while former athletic director Greg Sacavage was reclassified as elementary dean of students and director of extracurricular activities, the latter a new position as well.

Sheptock will be paid $54,000 for the dean and athletic director positions plus a $2,000 stipend for waiving health care benefits; that $56,000 represents new spending for the district.

Sacavage, who served as athletic director for six years, will retain his current salary of $60,843.

Like assistant principals

During an interview Monday, Mount Carmel Area Superintendent Bernie Stellar and board President Robert Muldowney said there is a great need for the three positions.

They said the dean of students in both schools will primarily serve the same function as assistant principals, with an emphasis on improving discipline.

"The positions were created to assist the principals in day-to-day activities," Stellar said. "With the new teacher evaluations and school performance profile requirements, we found that our principals' time was monopolized by too many non-academic issues such as student discipline, referrals and parent meetings. The dean of students positions will assist in these areas, thus allowing the principals more time to focus on teacher evaluations, curricular issues and other academic areas."

Stellar said elementary Principal Sue Nestico, who also serves as federal programs coordinator, is currently the only administrator in charge of 852 students and 60 teachers in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Stellar, who himself has a dual role at the district in serving as band director, noted that high school Principal Lisa Varano also serves as the district's curriculum coordinator.

Stellar said not having assistant principals in a school district is unusual.

"Being a building principal is a lot of responsibility for one person and the idea for moving Mr. Sacavage to the elementary school is to provide much-needed administrative support," Stellar said.

'Perfect candidate'

"It's a win-win situation in all accounts," Muldowney said about the board's reasoning for adding the positions, which will be covered under the district's Act 93 agreement with other administrators. "The board has been considering adding assistant principals or deans of students for about five years, and when Mr. Sheptock became available for the coaching and athletic director positions, we felt he was a perfect candidate for dean of students to handle any discipline issues that may arise at the high school."

Muldowney said the district is committed to handling discipline problems such as fighting, smoking and drug use in a professional and thorough manner.

"Having a dean of students at each school will lighten the load for each principal so they can concentrate more on academic issues," Muldwoney said. "It's a much-needed position."

More than football

Muldowney, who has been a school board member for 16 years, realizes there are always going to be critics of the school board in the decisions they make, especially when it comes to the state's winningest high school football team. "It's easy to second guess without having all the facts," he said. "We aren't just getting a football coach, but we're making sure our students get the best education and discipline, while the taxpayers get the best value for their taxes."

Stellar said Sheptock will provide administrative support for the principal in various areas.

He said Sacavage's role as dean of students at the elementary level will be similar to Sheptock's. As for his work as director of extracurricular activities, Stellar said Sacavage will provide support at athletic events and other activities such as concerts, dances and fundraisers, while also overseeing clubs.

"Greg is a very good person for those duties and he's willing to serve in his new roles at the same salary he received as athletic director," Stellar said.

Job description 'vague'

Joseph Zanella and Thomas Ditchey were the only two school board directors out of nine to oppose the position of extracurricular activities director at the Dec. 11 special meeting.

Zanella said Monday he voted "no" because he didn't agree with the job description. He said he preferred not to elaborate on what bothered him about the description, but added, "I had no problems with Greg. I think he will be great for the position."

Ditchey also finds the job description vague and, moreover, doesn't believe the position is needed.

"I'm not in favor of creating any new positions in a district that has a $1.4 million deficit," he said. "It depletes your assigned fund balance."

But Stellar believes the new alignment will be a positive.

"Having more of an administrative presence in the district will be good for everyone," he said. "There are some costs involved, but I'm sure the school board and administration will maximize the revenue in the budget while closely watching expenses to cover those costs."

Stellar said the Act 93 agreement classifies employment status and provides stipulations for how employees are paid and the type of benefits they receive.

"It's similar to a teacher's contract in some ways, but the biggest difference is Act 93 is dictated by the board, which is required to receive input from the participants but has final say over salaries and benefits," he explained. "A teacher's contract is negotiated by the school board and teachers union, with both parties voting on it."

All-American

Sheptock was a longtime successful Wilkes University head football coach before becoming athletic director at Berwick High School in December 2013.

He was a three-time Little American at linebacker for Bloomsburg University after starring for the Red Tornadoes on both sides of the line of scrimmage. He graduated from Mount Carmel Area in 1982.

In addition to the $54,000 for dean and AD, Sheptock will be paid $8,000 to coach football and will receive $20 per hour up to a maximum of $4,000 per year for serving as weight room coordinator, a position usually held by the head varsity football coach. Since he won't begin his administrative duties until Jan. 5, his pro-rated salary will be $24,923.04 for 2014-2015.

Former head football coach Carmen DeFrancesco received the same pay for the coaching and weight room positions. DeFrancesco earns $54,169 per year as a social studies teacher at the high school.

Theft of Baby Mary's marker upsets community; donations rolling in

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SHAMOKIN - When the theft of a bronze gravemarker for "Baby Mary," a newborn left in the trash by her mother in 2001, was reported, it greatly affected Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley.

It has also touched the lives of many individuals, who are looking to help Kelley in his plans to restore the marker taken sometime between Oct. 31 and Dec. 19.

Since the report of the metal marker's theft from its base at the Orchard Hills Cemetery and Memorial Park in Shamokin Dam, Kelley said he has received a number of phone and Facebook messages wanting to contribute money toward a new monument.

"At first, my wife, Patty, and I were going to just purchase the marker ourselves and those wishing to donate could make a contribution to the Child Advocacy Center," Kelley said.

After thinking it though, he began to see the point of the people wanting to help.

"This was a child that gripped not only my heart, but the heart of many people back in 2001," he said. "After hearing the story, many people want to help out and feel like they have a little piece of ownership of it."

The bronze plaque marked the grave of the newborn, named "Baby Mary" by Kelley when he had to issue a birth certificate for the child before issuing its death certificate.

The infant was found in a trash compactor in 2001 at the Sunbury Municipal Transfer Station. Her mother, Tracy Dupre, was convicted in 2002 of first-degree murder after an investigation revealed she delivered the baby while in a bathtub, allowed it to drown and then disposed of it in a garbage bag. She is serving a life sentence.

Kelley was deeply affected by the case. He helped lobby for the adoption of the state's Safe Haven Act, enacted in 2003. It allows for parents of newborns to safely and legally abandon them at drop-off sites at hospitals and at police stations, avoiding the tragic fate met by "Baby Mary."

The coroner also arranged for the gravesite, donated by the cemetery, and the bronze marker. It reads: Mary, Baby Girl, July 11, 2001. "Suffer little children to come unto me for such is the kingdom of God" St. Luke 18:16.

Kelley does not know how much a new marker would cost, due to the price of the metal used to make it. Those wishing to contribute can send donations to the "Baby Mary Memorial" c/o the James Kelley Funeral Home, 1005 W. Arch St., Coal Township 17866.

Kelley will accept donations for a few weeks and then use the funds collected to purchase the new marker.

"If not enough money is collected, Patty and I will make up the difference," Kelley said. "If there are surplus funds, the excess will be donated to the Child Advocacy Center."

The theft is being investigated by Shamokin Dam Police. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police at 570-743-4102.

No tax hikes for Mount Carmel borough

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MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Borough has its budget in place for 2015, and the key word in it is "no."

When asked about the budget, council president Tony Matulewicz said the $1.643 million spending plan comes with no tax increase, no tax anticipation note and no layoffs.

"The borough will not raise taxes for the seventh year in a row and there will be no layoffs of borough workers. We are not in debt and there will be no tax anticipation note. We are holding our own," he said.

At a work session held last week, Matulewicz noted the appropriations ordinance, which approves the tax rates for 2015, was not advertised enough days in advance of the meeting and needed to be approved by Dec. 31. Monday's continuation of Thursday's meeting solely focused on approving this ordinance.

The motion was approved on a 4-0 vote with Matulewicz, David Fantini, Joseph Lapotsky and Clement Plisiewicz voting yes. Gary Hixson said he would not be available for the continued meeting due to work issues, while Leroy Moser and Robert Shirmer were absent.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices down a dime

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In one of the biggest drops in recent memory since gas prices started to decline, Susquehanna Valley gas prices fell 10 cents last week to $2.633 a gallon, according to AAA East Central's Fuel Gauge report.

On the national front

The steady decline in gas prices this autumn is now longer than any period AAA has previously tracked. The national average price of gas is the longest consecutive streak on record. Gas prices have fallen every day since Sept. 25 to Monday's average, which is the lowest national average price per gallon since May 2009. The decline in gas prices broke the previous record set in 2008 during the height of the Great Recession.

The best news for consumers is that the decline in the price at the pump has accelerated during the previous week. The current week-over-week drop of 15 cents is the largest such decline in more than six years. Barring any disruptions in domestic production or unexpected spikes in the global price of crude, consumers could see prices drop another 10 to 15 cents per gallon to ring in the New Year.

Abundant global supply and sluggish demand growth have helped push the global price of crude down by more than $50 per barrel since June. Although crude oil prices have seen dramatic price swings in recent years, this year's plummet has been even more extreme and has triggered speculation surrounding the impact of sustained low prices for crude. Tumbling global prices have the potential to impact supply by slowing production in higher cost regions, which includes the United States. Additionally, a number of countries depend on oil income to balance their economies, and sustained low prices could lead to civil unrest as those governments struggle to deal with lower revenue streams.

At the close of formal trading on Friday, West Texas Intermediate closed down $2.14 per barrel at $57.81 on the NYMEX, the lowest settlement since May 2009.

(AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 82 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.)

This week's Susquehanna Valley average price - $2.633

Average price during the week of Dec. 15, 2014 - $2.737

Average price during the week of Dec. 24, 2013 - $3.435

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

Lewisburg - $2.600

Mifflinburg - $2.664

Milton - $2.674

Selinsgrove - $2.628

Shamokin - $2.653

Sunbury - $2.640

Worker's clothes caught in dump mechanism of construction vehicle

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WEIGH SCALES - An employee at Dan Shingara Enterprises along Route 61 in Shamokin Township was injured Monday morning when his clothing reportedly got caught in the dump mechanism on a construction vehicle.

Stonington Fire Company Chief Kerry Yordy said Frankie Yost was working in a garage at 7:45 a.m., when his clothes got caught in the PTO (power takeoff) shaft on the vehicle. PTOs typically connect the engine to an attachment to supply power.

Yordy said co-workers and emergency personnel cut away at Yost's clothes to free him. He was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, by Elysburg Ambulance and was listed in fair condition Monday afternoon. Yordy said Yost was expected to be released today after being kept overnight for observation.

Firefighters from Stonington, Shamokin and Elysburg, along with a representative from the Northumberland County Department of Safety, responded.


Mount Carmel man who hit cemetery monument gets six months in jail for DUI

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SUNBURY - A Mount Carmel man charged with crashing into a monument at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Beaverdale earlier this year was sentenced Monday to 72 hours to 6 months in county prison and two years consecutive probation on misdemeanors of driving under the influence of alcohol and endangering the welfare of a child.

Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor also ordered Preetinder Singh Dhindsa, 35, of 327 S. Beech St., to pay $1,100 in fines plus costs, suspended his driver's license for 12 months and prohibited him from attending bars or consuming alcohol.

Dhindsa was given jail time on the DUI offense. He will be granted immediate parole upon serving his minimum sentence and must pay $10 restitution to the cemetery.

Additional charges of unlawful restraint, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, reckless driving, accidents involving damage to unattended property and failure to give immediate notice of an accident to police were not prosecuted.

Dhindsa was charged by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Daniel Politza with attempting to kill his ex-wife and 7-year-old son by driving at a high rate of speed and crashing into a monument at the cemetery April 6.

Before the accident, police said the defendant was involved in a domestic disturbance in front of the residence of his former wife, Manjit Dhindsa, of 538 W. Third St., Mount Carmel.

Noteworthy: Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014

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Encounters with angels discussed

SHAMOKIN - Angel encounters will be explored at 7 p.m. today at Lifetree Café at Antioch Place, 531 N. Market St.

The program titled "Angels: Are They Reaching Out to You?" features the filmed story of a man who believes meeting an angel in the Rocky Mountains saved his life during a hunting trip.

Participants will consider whether angels exist and, if so, whether angels interact with humans. Participants who believe they've encountered angels will be encouraged to share their stories.

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

Library's holiday schedule listed

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area Public Library will be closed from Wednesday to Friday for Christmas and from Wednesday, Dec. 31, to Friday, Jan. 2, for New Year's.

The library's gift to all library patrons is amnesty for overdue materials. "Please return all overdue items and all fines are forgiven," a library official said.

Dreaming of rain? No snow for Christmas, NWS says

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Area residents dreaming of a white Christmas will have to dream a little longer, because wet and seasonably warm conditions are forecast leading up to Thursday.

More than an inch of rain is expected to fall between today and Wednesday, and thunderstorms are even possible. The rain is expected to stop in time for Christmas morning.

Unlike earlier this month when nearly a foot of snow fell unexpectedly in eastern Northumberland County, there will be no chance of the white stuff this week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in State College. High temperatures today and Wednesday will be around 43 and 51 degrees, respectively. The average high for this time of the month is 40 degrees. Overnight temperatures are expected to remain well above freezing.

Christmas Day will bring mostly cloudy and breezy conditions with a high of 44 degrees. Friday and Saturday will mark a return of the sun, with a high in the mid-40s. Sunday will turn colder with a high around 34 degrees.

No snow not so uncommon

Snow-less Christmas mornings are not as uncommon as one might expect. In fact, the last time it snowed on Christmas was in 2002, when 8 inches blanketed the ground, according to NWS. Much lesser amounts fell in 1995, 1993 and 1985.

In contrast, the last time it rained on Christmas was 2009, when .21 inches fell. It also rained on Christmas in 2006, 2005, 2002, 1997, 1986 and 1986.

The record high temperature ever recorded on Christmas was 66 degrees, set back in 1889. The record low temperature was -3, set in 1983. Last year's high and low temperatures were 28 and 17 degrees.

New natural gas pipeline planned

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Another new natural gas pipeline is planned for the region, and this one could bring a power plant back to Shamokin Dam.

UGI Energy Services LLC (UGIES) announced Monday it made a pre-filing request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the 35-mile Sunbury Pipeline project, which would run from northern Lycoming County to the site of the Sunbury Generation LLC plant in Shamokin Dam.

Hummel Station LLC is planning to construct a power plant at the existing site of the coal-fired facility, UGI reported.

"We are excited about this project that will continue to expand natural gas availability in the Pennsylvania region," said John Walsh, president and CEO of UGI Corp. "In addition to helping lower natural gas costs, we are proud that it is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth."

UGIES expects to invest over $150 million to build the pipeline.

Rep. Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R-108) has been in contact with UGIES since the early planning stages of the project, and is very optimistic.

"UGI has been contacting someone people who may be affected by the pipeline at this early stage of development and the response has been pretty positive," Culver said Monday. "We are still very early in the development, but the company will be holding outreach meetings for the public to shed some more light on what we hope will be happening."

UGI says the pipeline, to carry interstate natural gas supplies, including those produced in the Marcellus and Utica shale regions, will be designed to provide up to 200,000 dekatherms of natural gas a day along its length. UGIES is negotiating with Hummel Station for 180,000 dekatherms of its capacity.

The American Gas Association says one dekatherm is approximately enough to meet the natural gas needs of an average home for four days.

UGI said it will begin soliciting additional suppliers for the pipeline next month.

Atlantic Sunrise

The Sunbury Pipeline is the second major pipeline to be announced in the area in 2014. Williams, a natural gas pipeline company based in Tulsa, Okla., announced this spring details of the Atlantic Sunrise Project, a 178-mile pipeline that would connect the natural gas fields of the northern tier to the existing Transco pipeline, which already distributes natural gas from Pennsylvania to southern states.

According to a preliminary map, it would enter Northumberland County from the south in East Cameron Township through State Game Land 84. It would cross Upper Road and continue in a mountainous area into Coal Township and then Ralpho Township. It would enter Columbia County through Cleveland Township.

Operational by 2017

The Sunbury Pipeline is in the planning stages, with UGIES doing preliminary engineering studies. A formal application before the FERC is expected to be filed in mid-2015 and, if approved, construction is expected to begin in 2016. If all goes according to plan, the pipeline should be operational by early 2017.

UGI says a number of customary conditions that will need to be satisfied prior to commencement of the project, including FERC approval and execution of precedent agreements.

UGIES has set up a special website, www.sunburypipeline.com for residents to check out more information and those with questions can email them to answers@sunburypipeline.com. Additional information can also be found at the FERC website at www.ferc.gov.

Christmas Eve services

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Grace Lutheran and St. Matthew's

A combined Christmas Eve service for the parishioners of Grace Lutheran Church, 146 W. Avenue, and St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 301 W. Avenue, both in Mount Carmel, will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Grace Lutheran Church. The Rev. Alfred Bashore, interim pastor, will be the guest speaker.

Sunday's service at Grace Lutheran Church will be for the Holy Innocents and Martyrs, with communion being offered.

Salem UCC

Salem United Church of Christ, 1300 W. Pine St., Coal Township, will hold its candlelight communion Christmas Eve service at 9 p.m. Wednesday, led the Rev. Jean Eckrod, pastor.

Participants in the service include Suzzette Steinhart, lay leader; Michael Toter, acolyte; Susan and Ken Staner, communion assistants; Lori and Earl Foura, gifts of the people; Carolyn Weaver, organist; Brian Williams, lighting/sound; Carol Snyder and Joan Brown, greeters, and Jackie Collier, Alice Elliott, Millie Mowery and Nancy Weaver, ushers.

St. John's UCC

St. John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin. will hold its Christmas Eve service of worship at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. The guest speaker for the service will be Randy Wehry Jr.

The evening program will also feature musical selections by Maxine Harvey, Geof Levan, David Spotts and Randy Wehry Sr.

The organist for the service will be Carolyn Weaver, with acolytes Abbey Diorio and Brianna Bendas serving.

Shoch says he won't take part in salary-reduction 'circus'

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SUNBURY — Commissioner Richard Shoch said he won’t take part in tonight’s special meeting to vote on reducing the salaries of county commissioners because he believes how it’s being done is illegal and because of what fellow Commissioner Vinny Clausi said when Shoch couldn’t attend a previous meeting on the subject.
Shoch issued a statement Monday saying he watched the video from the Dec. 2 special meeting and was “appalled” by the public statements made by Clausi regarding Shoch’s disabled daughter.
“Mr. Clausi fabricated a completely false story regarding why I was not in attendance for that meeting, indicating that I was in Philadelphia for a doctor’s appointment for my daughter, and that I had purposely selected that date for the special meeting because I knew it would conflict with that appointment,” Shoch said.
Instead, Shoch said, he was at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where his mother had been admitted to undergo major surgery that day. 
“Additionally, it is a lie that I selected the date for the meeting,” Shoch wrote. “I gave the commissioners’ secretary several dates that I would have been available, but the ultimate decision as to the date of the meeting was made by one or both of the other two commissioners, not me.”
Shoch believes the planned salary change plan does not comply with the law, “and that will likely expose the county to yet more lawsuits that will consume more time and resources. Therefore, had I attended, I would have cast abstaining votes for that reason,” he wrote.
“While salary reductions for elected officials are certainly not an inappropriate topic for consideration in hard financial times, I will not participate in effecting them in a way that breaks the law,” he added.
The commissioners meet at 1 p.m. today for their regular meeting, and Shoch said he will be in attendance. The special meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Both are at the administration center.
Clausi has not returned calls seeking comment.
‘Beyond the pale’
Shoch expressed anger about Clausi’s reference to his daughter.
“That Mr. Clausi would choose to disseminate lies regarding one of my daughters, a little girl who every day has to overcome difficulties and challenges that someone of Mr. Clausi’s weak character would never have the courage to face, is particularly disturbing,” he wrote. “Even for Mr. Clausi, a man who has habitually defiled his office, and embarrassed this county, by bullying and screaming obscenities at people in our public meeting room, this latest spectacle is beyond the pale. 
Shoch said he believes the intent of the meeting is “another Clausi/Bridy circus filled with even more lies and misrepresentations to the public. Perhaps that is why it seems so important for him that I and others attend this meeting, to witness this spectacle. I have no interest in devoting even one minute of my time to such theater, and I won’t be attending the special meeting.

Nearly $10,000 raised toward United Way goal of $50,000

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SHAMOKIN — The Lower Anthracite Region United Way is hard at work in the community.
December has been a very busy month at the LARUW. We would like to take this opportunity to thank area businesses and residents for generously donating to our campaign. We have raised $9,648 toward our goal of $50,000 for the campaign. To those who haven’t donated yet, I urge you to contribute what you can.
We would also like to thank local Girl Scout Troop 60524 along with Pastor Zachary Hopple and the congregation of First United Methodist Church for partnering with LARUW on a new effort called “Care-In-A-Box.” This initiative was the idea of the Girl Scouts who are spearheading the event. All three organizations have been collecting children’s toiletry items (bubble bath, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.), along with books and small toys. The girls are packing the items into shoe boxes to be distributed to needy children in our area.
We would like to acknowledge the following businesses for their generous contributions to this year’s campaign:
Wal-Mart, UGI, Olvany Insurance, Union National Bank, The Medicine Shoppe and Big Boys NAPA.
For more information, contact me at 570-644-1894 or laruw@verizon.net.


Noteworthy: Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014

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Moser recycling pick up changed

MOUNT CARMEL - Moser's Sanitation and Recycling will not pick up customers' recyclables as usual on the fourth Thursday of the month because it's Christmas day. The next two pickup dates will be Thursdays, Jan. 8 and 29.

Kulpmont offices closed for holiday

KULPMONT - Borough offices will be closed today and Thursday in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Caroling set for Friday

RANSHAW - Members of the Brady Fire Company will be Christmas caroling along with Santa Friday beginning at 6 p.m., weather permitting. Donations will be accepted.

Service of prayer of police slated

MOUNT CARMEL - Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 S. Market St., will hold a prayer service to honor police and all law enforcement officers living and deceased at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Especially remembered will be the officers who were killed recently in New York City and Florida.

The service will include hymns, scripture readings, intercessory prayer and a special blessing for all law enforcement and support personnel.

The public is invited.

Firefighters keep Coal Twp. blaze contained

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COAL TOWNSHIP - Flames from a two-alarm fire destroyed one home and caused damage to at least two others Tuesday night.

The fire broke out shortly before 8 p.m. at 917 W. Mulberry St. and spread to 919 and 921 W. Mulberry St.

Assistant Fire Chief Michael Timco said firefighters also opened up 915 W. Mulberry St. as a precaution. He said he was unaware of any injuries, and as of press time, believed everyone had exited the buildings safely.

Andrew Ebbecke, of 1574 Pulaski Ave., said he was in the attic of the home of friend Pat Amrose, of 917 W. Mulberry St., when the fire broke out.

"I saw smoke coming out of the cubby hole," said Ebbecke, who believed the fire originated in the front second story bedroom of Amrose's sister, Amber.

Ebbecke, a volunteer firefighter who later donned his gear and help battle the blaze, said his first reaction was to get everyone out of the building. He and Amrose ran outside and found the rest of the Amrose's family had also gotten out safely, including the family dog.

"I was going to go to in (to Amber's room), but there were too many flames," he said. "It was engulfed - flames, smoke everywhere."

Timco said 917 W. Mulberry St. will likely be a total loss and 919 and 921 W. Mulberry St. had "a lot of fire damage in the attic" as well as smoke and water damage throughout the structures.

The fire was brought under control in about an hour and a half, and Timco said he expected to be at the scene into the wee hours of the morning.

Firefighters responded to the scene rapidly, and the fire was upgraded to a two-alarm within minutes of first alert. Because the home is a row home, Timco's crew focused on "keeping it pinned in, where it's at and not extending," he said.

Power out

Power was turned off to a large section of Coal Township during the blaze, including the Cameron Street traffic signals, until a technician from PPL could arrive on scene.

By perhaps good fortune, the fire occurred less than an hour after a gathering at the Independence Fire Co., where officers from the Coal Township and Shamokin police departments distributed toys to local children. Several firefighters were already at the station and quickly dressed and responded to the scene.

Shamokin Police Cpl. Jarrod Scandle, who had called the children's names to come to Santa and receive gifts at the party, charged into the burning house in his volunteer firefighter gear with a fire hook in his hand.

Firefighters from Coal Township, Shamokin, Overlook, Upper Augusta and Kulpmont were also seen at the scene as well as police from Coal Township and Shamokin.

Northumberland County passes budget; no tax increase

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SUNBURY - On a split vote Tuesday, Northumberland County commissioners approved a $65 million budget for 2015 that calls for no tax increase.

The 2014 spending plan totaled $72.7 million and included a 1.5-mill tax increase to help pay for federally-mandated upgrades to the county's 911 center that cost more than $7.5 million.

One mill generates approximately $750,000 in revenue.

Shoch said he voted against the budget because it reflects his fellow commissioners' "priorities," not his.

"The budget contains things we don't really need," Shoch.

In 2013, Clausi said the budget decreased 11 percent from 2012. Since 2008, when he became a commissioner, Clausi said the county has experienced a 3-mill tax reduction that equates to $2.3 million.

"I don't understand why Shoch votes against the budget every year when it is lower than the previous ones," Clausi said.

Bridy agreed with Clausi that the budgets have been trimmed significantly in recent years.

He said county departments had asked for increases totaling $3.3 million, but the commissioners declined them. No programs were cut and all previously existing positions were maintained, Bridy said.

Earlier this fall, Clausi and Bridy were studying the possibility of a property tax decrease for 2015. In the end, however, they decided against it. They said it would not have been fair to possibly burden the new board of commissioners, who will be elected next year and take their seats in 2016, with a budget that runs short.

Both commissioners projected a $1.2 million budget surplus.

In other business

Commissioners authorized Northumberland County Authority to enter into an option agreement with Northumberland County Housing Authority to purchase the old manor building along Trevorton Road in Coal Township for $1. The agreement gives the housing authority until Oct. 27, 2016, to purchase the building, which may become a housing project for the elderly.

The board also granted the authority permission to negotiate and enter into a new three-year lease with Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO) for 4,892 square feet of office space at Northumberand County Career and Arts Center in Shamokin. The lease will run through June 30, 2019.

Currently, CSO pays the county $35,502.96 per year to lease the space.

During a brief salary board meeting, the three commissioners and Controller Chris Grayson approved the starting salary of $60,448 for new prison warden Bruce Kovach. The salary was previously recommended by the prison board.

The commissioners were notified by the City of Sunbury that it plans to change the address of the county administration center from 399 S. Fifth St. to 399 Stadium Drive, effective, Jan. 1, 2016.

The board authorized the adult probation department to purchase a 2015 Ford utility police Interceptor AWD from Sunbury Motors under the COSTARS Program at a cost of $27,767.

Commissioners agreed to adjust the county's mileage reimbursement rate from 56 cents per mile to 57.5 cents per mile for 2015.

Prothonotary Justin Dunkelberger was re-appointed to the Northumberland County Industrial Development Authority for a five-year term.

Ron Lentini was appointed to Northumberland County Housing Authority for a five-year term.

Willis C. Manges was re-appointed to the Northumberland-Montour Joint Airport Authority for a five-year term.

Denise Easton, of Sunbury, was appointed to a three-year term on the county's drug and alcohol program advisory board, while Rick Catino, of Mount Carmel, James Gribbin, of Coal Township, the Rev. Frank Karwacki, of Mount Carmel, and Dr. John Pagana, of Sunbury, were re-appointed to the advisory board for three years.

Edward Hovenstine was re-appointed to the county planning commission for four years.

The commissioners agreed to purchase American flags for Memorial Day from Metro Flag Company at 56 cents per flag for a total cost of $14,757.12.

Elysburg Fire Dept. begins 2015 fund drive

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ELYSBURG - Elysburg Fire Department Emergency Medical Services has mailed its 2015 subscription requests throughout Ralpho Township and surrounding municipalities in which they provide services.

The 2015 subscription drive flyers are in a newly designed format, which is more cost-effective in comparison to previous years. Residents are advised to be attentive to this new subscription format.

Individual memberships are $50 and family memberships are $65. In addition, local businesses may request a customized subscription.

The subscription drive constitutes a significant portion of the company's yearly income and assists in purchasing the latest life saving emergency equipment as well as offsetting day-to-day operating expenses.

"As the cost of equipment, maintenance and fuel continue to rise, so too does the cost to provide this necessary service," the organization reports. "The ambulance service has needed additional revenue over the past years to assure uninterrupted service to the community and depends on and appreciates the community support to continue this vital service."

Elysburg Fire Department Ambulance provides basic and advanced life support services. It employs professional staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, out of its East Mill Street location.

Northumberland County row officers keeping salary, commissioners are not

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SUNBURY - Six Northumberland County row officers will retain their current salaries and benefits, while future county commissioners will only receive a $36,000 salary.

During a special meeting Tuesday night, Northumberland County Commissioners Stephen Bridy and Vinny Clausi rescinded resolutions made Oct. 1, 2013, that called for row officers' salaries to be cut up to 48 percent while also significantly increasing their health care contributions. Commissioner Richard Shoch did not attend.

Clausi, who participated in the meeting by telephone from Florida, and Bridy then agreed to maintain the current salaries of the controller, coroner, treasurer, prothonotary, register recorder and sheriff for the years 2016 through 2019.

The two commissioners adopted resolutions that reduces their own salaries from $61,000 to $36,000, effective 2016, and eliminates health and welfare benefits for newly elected officials. Some current elected officials who have at least eight years of service will receive health and welfare benefits of $100 for every year of employment with the county upon their retirement.

Bridy initially made a motion to cut the commissioners' salaries to $37,500, which is the median household income for the county residents before agreeing to Clausi's recommendation to reduce them to $36,000.

Previous attempts

Clausi said he attempted to reduce the commissioners' salaries in 2009 and 2011, but failed to receive support from his fellow commissioners.

Last year's resolutions, which were approved by Clausi and Bridy but opposed by Shoch, called for Coroner James Kelley's salary to drop from $53,834 to $30,500. The salaries of Prothonotary Justin Dunkelberger and Register and Recorder Mary Zimmerman would be reduced from $57,396 to $31,000, while the salaries of Sheriff Robert Wolfe and Treasurer Kevin Gilroy would decrease from $53,834 to $31,000. Coroner, prothonotary and register and recorder salaries were to change Jan. 1, 2014, since elections for those positions were held in November 2013. The others would change Jan. 1, 2016, following the next election for those offices.

Bridy and Clausi did not reduce the salary of then Controller Tony Phillips, whom Grayson defeated in the November 2013 election.

In addition to the proposed salary reductions, the plan also called for changes in health care contributions that involved increasing monthly rates paid by the officeholder from $108 to $348 for single coverage; $175 to $694 for two-party, and $241 to $873 for family.

Public comment

The row officers, who sat in front of the meeting room, were pleased that their salaries weren't reduced, but reserved comment because of a pending lawsuit filed against the commissioners for wanting to reduce the salaries and increase their health care contributions.

A preliminary injunction imposed by Centre County Senior Judge David E. Grine on Nov. 8, 2013, froze the salary cuts, but the county appealed the decision before later choosing not to pursue it due to time restraints.

But with the actions taken Tuesday to maintain the salaries, Bridy said the lawsuit has no basis.

Prior to the votes on the salaries, four county residents voiced their concerns.

Attorney George Wagner, of Riverside, cited the need for the county to have experienced and qualified officeholders, and believes the number of candidates would diminish if the salaries are drastically cut.

Rodger Babnew, of Sunbury, who serves as chairman of the Northumberland County Democratic Committee, questioned the legality of the special meeting with only one commissioner physically present.

After being told by Solicitor Frank Garrigan that the meeting was legal, Babnew said he opposed the salary cuts, especially since the county has the lowest income and employment rates in the region.

"We need to lift everyone to a higher level, not a lower level," he said.

Stephanie Sterner, of Sunbury, said it's important for officeholders to work full time and receive more than adequate pay because of the vital responsibilities of their jobs.

Tom Aber, of Milton, who ran for commissioner in 2011, asked why Clausi didn't want to reduce the commissioners' salaries in 2008. Clausi said he attempted to do just that in 2009 and 2011, but failed to receive support from his fellow commissioners.

Aber accused Clausi of having a personal vendetta against people who are currently in office and those seeking office.

After the meeting, Clausi and Bridy both denied having a vendetta against anyone.

Bridy and Shoch plan to seek re-election, while Clausi said he is not seeking a third, four-year term.

Minds changed

Clausi said he changed his mind about reducing row officers' salaries because they have been working full time for the taxpayers and earning their salaries. He said, "They deserve it. Hopefully, all future row officers will continue with this full-time work for the taxpayers."

Bridy said, "We want to make sure we have public servants rather than career politicians in county office. It's hypocritical for us as commissioners to eliminate positions and affect lives to save tax dollars, while we (commissioners) still sit at the trough."

The commissioner, reading from a prepared statement at the meeting, said, "I previously not only supported but made the motion to reduce the salaries of all the row officers. Since that time, I have personally witnessed a change in attitude and a change in the work ethic of the majority of the row officers. Some of this, no doubt, is due to the fact there are new people in some of these offices. However, some of this, I believe, is due to certain row officers being shocked out of their complacency."

Bridy specifically praised the efforts of Dunkelberger and Wolfe for working together with the court to collect fines and costs owed to the county for many years.

Bridy said he believes the commissioners could use a pay cut.

"While a commissioner could conceivably be at the administration building 40 hours per week, the simple fact is that we are not," he said. "The job of a commissioner is not to micromanage every facet of county government. The job is to be the overseer and executive of the county. This is a very important job, but not one that deserves the salary that is currently being paid. I believe this is good for the taxpayers and good for the office."

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