April 1 - Shamokin officials revealed more than $800,000 in past due bills in 2013 remain unpaid, and chief of police Edward Griffiths confirmed he will retire at the end of the month, citing a conflict of opinion with city mayor William D. Milbrand.

April 3 - An investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct made by a Shamokin Area High School student against a school aide was turned over to Coal Township police for further inquiry.

April 3 - A Canadian truck driver escaped serious injury when the cab of the vehicle he was driving was ripped open during an accident. Dozens of bleach containers were spilled into the brush surrounding the wreckage.

April 4 - An overnight fire claimed the lives of three brothers, 13-year old Daniel Gage Dissinger, seven-year-old Gavin Arthur Dissinger and two-year-old Arthur Willis Dissinger. Two other siblings jumped from a second story window to escape the flames in the blaze on Smith Road near Snydertown.

April 5 - Preetinder Singh Dhinsda, 34, of Mount Carmel, was taken into custody by police after attempting to kill his ex-wife and seven-year-old son by driving at a high rate of speed and crashing into a monument at St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

April 7 - A family of five was left homeless after the home they were renting in West Cameron Township was destroyed by fire. A fire marshal ruled the cause could not be determined due to the amount of the damage.

April 10 - The owner of Winkie's Pizza, Mount Carmel, was charged by borough police and jailed on charges he made unwanted sexual contact and lewd remarks and provided alcohol to three of his former female employees over the last six months.

April 10 - Defense attorneys for Miranda Barbour filed a motion to suppress any evidence related to a knife found in a North Water Street, Selinsgrove, home after it was discovered the search warrant contained the wrong address. Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini said he felt the evidence would stand, since police got consent from the homeowner to search the Water Street home.

April 11 - For the first time in nearly six months, temperatures reached the 70-degree mark.

April 11 - Three guards were injured in an assault at the Northumberland County Prison, where a state inmate fashioned a makeshift weapon inside the prison. All guards injured were treated and were back on the job within hours.

April 14 - Southern Columbia became the first school district in the area to implement a pay-to-participate policy for its athletic and extracurricular activities.

April 15 - Shamokin Area School District announced it would receive a $1.1 million federal grant to radically overhaul its physical education program in hopes of boosting the health and wellness of its student population.

April 15 - After a cold front moved through the area, April showers turned into snow and sleet in the area, leaving a wet dusting.

April 16 - Shamokin City police officers sent a letter requesting the state attorney general's office to conduct a forensic analysis of Shamokin's finances. Mayor William Milbrand said he's open to the audit if the rest of city council feels it is necessary.

April 16 - Three people had to be rescued from a porch roof after a man was attacked by his pit bull inside his home. The man was taken to the hospital for severe injuries to his arms and hands, and bites on his upper body.

April 17 - Financial advisers said Shamokin's financial condition is serious and dire and recommended city council file with the state to become an Act 47 municipality to prevent bankruptcy.

April 21 - The owner of BJ's Steak and Ribs in Danville announced the business will be rebuilt in town after a Sunday evening fire heavily damaged the restaurant and caused smoke damage to two other buildings.

April 21 - Authorities believed a fire that destroyed one of three residential buildings along Big Mountain Road was arson.

April 22 - More than 350 students and faculty members were displaced from two wings at the Shamokin Area Elementary School due to a suspicious odor. School officials said no one was made ill by the smell, but the fifth and sixth grade wings will remain closed at least until testing is complete.

April 24 - Zerbe Township Police charged Brent A. Bartholomew, 23, of Trevorton, with theft after he allegedly stole $24,000 from his great-grandmother.

April 24 - Gov. Tom Corbett officially nominated Robert J. Wolfe to formally become Northumberland County's next sheriff.

April 28 - Shamokin City Council voted unanimously to enter the state's Act 47 program to help financially distressed municipalities. At the same meeting, Cpl. Darwin Tobias III was appointed to succeed Edward Griffiths as the city's chief of police.

April 28 - James Neidlinger Jr., who pleaded guilty to setting fires that destroyed several buildings in Shamokin, received a sentence of 3 1/2 to 7 years in prison.

April 30 - Plans were underway for a protest march on AOAA grounds, where approximately 50 people were expected to protest AOAA's fees for county taxpayers. Coal Township Police stated protesters who leave the designated protest area and set foot on AOAA land would be cited for defiant trespass.

April 30 - An audit released by the inspector general's office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recommended Northumberland County repay $177,873 in grant money because the county failed to provide documentation showing how the money was used in a Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program from 2009 to 2012.

SUNBURY - The sale of 41 properties from the county repository Thursday led to Northumberland County earning more than $33,000 toward county costs in getting the properties ready for sale.

The annual repository sale at the county administration building brought a total of $33,600 in sales, most of the properties selling between the minimum bid of $500 for regular parcels and the highest price, $1,500, for a property at 108 W. Willow St., Shamokin, purchased by Junior Fairweather, of Milton.

The 41 properties sold, according to information provided by Jan Nestico, were split among 13 different buyers. The most successful bidder was Quisqueya Reynoso, of the Bronx, N.Y., who purchased 12 properties Thursday. Next in line was BWH Properties, of Mount Pleasant, who purchased 11 lots.

Transfer and deed preparation fees were not included in the sale prices, Nestico said.

She said properties at the repository sale were exposed at previous judicial sales and were sold free and clear of all tax and municipal claims, mortgages, liens, judgments, charges and estates up until the last title search.

The 19 properties that did not sell in Thursday's sale will go back into the county's repository for future sale.

The addresses of the properties sold, the former owner, the price it sold for, and the winning bidder were:

Marion Heights

- 247 E. North Street, Roxanna E. Inkrote, $700, BWH Properties, Mount Pleasant.

Mount Carmel Ward 1

- 114 N. Beech St., Louis B. Bressan, $1,300, Christine Perez, Mount Carmel.

- 35 N. Poplar St., Steven and Lorrain Palovich, $1,000, Christine Perez. Mount Carmel.

Mount Carmel Ward 2

- 307 E. Center St., Walter Hyde, $800, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

Mount Carmel Ward 3

- 515 E. Fourth St., Ronald J, Miranowicz, $900, BWH Properties, Mount Pleasant

- 616 E. Fourth St., James J. Bressi, $1,000, Weston Milligan, New York, N.Y.

- 217 E. Buick St., Darren John Hudick, $500, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

Mount Carmel Ward 4

- 419 W. Fig St., Lorenzo H. and Tina L. Hertzog, $900, David Pearson, Mount Carmel.

- 49 S. Grape St., James C. Jr. and Diane Smith, $900, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

- 220 S. Poplar St., Jose Ballard, $900, BWH Properties, Mount Pleasant.

Mount Carmel Township

- 151 E. Saylor St., Sandra L. Rendler, $1,100, Kathleen McNamara, Levittown.

Coal Township Ward B

- 1029 W. Chestnut St., Raymond and Patsy Persing, $900, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

Coal Township Ward E

- 924 W. Spruce St., Andrew M. and Glenna Reed, $1,000, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

Coal Township Ward F

- 1606 Tioga St., James Broscious and Barbara A. Miller, $500, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

- 1608 Tioga St., Mary Ann Miller, $500, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

- 1764 Maple Ave., David S. Bidding and Dina Kodack, $1,100, BWH Properties, Mount Pleasant.

Coal Township Ward I

- 1115 W. Water St., John A. Parker Sr. and Wanda L. Doone, $800, BWH Properties, Mount Pleasant.

- 1113 W. Water St., John Parker and Wanda Doone, $500, BWH Properties, Mount Pleasant.

Shamokin City Ward 1

- 714 N. Franklin St., Anthony J. Chiavaroli Sr., $1,100, Joseph Pearson, Mount Carmel.

- 708-710 N. Shamokin St., AMC Northfield CR No. 2 LLC, $900, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

Shamokin City Ward 2

- 331 N. Pearl St., Andrew Gapinskie estate, $500, BWH Properties, Mount Pleasant.

- 171 N. Marshall Street, Christopher A. and Eva C. Mako, $500, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

- 122 E. Chestnut St., Joseph C. Castetter, $1,100, David Pearson, Mount Carmel.

- 925 E. Webster St., Christopher Womer and Jennifer Byers, $500, Weston Milligan, New York, N.Y.

Shamokin City Ward 3

- 236 W. Walnut St., Andrew M. and Glenna Reed, $1,200, George Jones, Shamokin.

- 507-511 N. Coal St., Andrew M. and Glenna Reed, $1,300, Carrie Brabitz, Shamokin.

Shamokin City Ward 4

- 13 S. Eighth St., Wayne A. and Connie A. Wagner, $500, Weston Milligan, New York, N.Y.

- 108 W. Willow St., Andrew M. and Glenna Reed, $1,500, Junior Fairweather, Milton.

- 631 S. Market St. Shirley H. Slawek and John T. Foley, $800, BWH Properties, Mount Pleasant.

- 509-511 S. Anthracite St., Earl F. and Dorothy E. Parker, $500, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

- 530 Bear Valley Ave., Kenneth Wetzel, $500, Weston Milligan, New York, N.Y.

- 684 Bear Valley Ave., Ida Mae Burns, $500, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

- 664 Bear Valley Ave., Laura A. Hall, $900, Joseph Pearson, Mount Carmel.

- 650 Bear Valley Ave., Dale Brosious, $600, Weston Milligan, New York, N.Y.

- 645 Bear Valley Ave., Ricky L. Haddock, $600, BWH Properties, Mount Pleasant.

Shamokin City Ward 5

- 33 N. Rock St., Wayne Caravan, $500, Quisqueya Reynoso, Bronx, N.Y.

- 33 N. Shamokin St., John F. Gruneberg Jr., $800, John Pickin, Danville.

Shamokin City Ward 7

- 805 E. Sunbury St., Richard and Joanne Ortlip, $1,000, Steven Whitenight, Millville.

Shamokin City Ward 9

- 826 N. Sixth St., Wayne A. Horne Jr., $500, BWH Properties, Mount Pleasant.

Shamokin City Ward 10

- 616 N. Second St., Lori E. Long, $1,100, Nicholas Reichner, Sunbury.

Milton Borough Ward 4

- Commercial lot, Prototype Machinery Inc. $900, BWH Properties, Mount Pleasant.

Oct. 1 - Thirteen individuals, including former Coal Township resident Matt Valanoski, were arrested in connection with an investigation by the state Attorney General's office into two alleged transnational anabolic steroid rings.

Oct. 1 - Amanda Dreher, of Coal Township, a former teacher's aide at Shamokin Area High School, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of institutional sexual assault after admitting to having sex with an 18-year-old student in the school. She was sentenced to three to 12 months in prison and will have to register on Megan's Law for 25 years.

Oct. 6 - A week before trial was set to begin, former teacher Victor Swaboski, of Mount Carmel, pleaded guilty to two counts of felony aggravated assault and charges of accidents involving personal injury and driving under the influence of alcohol. He faces a maximum 10-year sentence on each of the aggravated assault charges.

Oct. 6 - For the third time in recent years, Southern Columbia Area coach Albert Cihocki was charged with alcohol-related offenses, this time for driving under the influence. He was indefinitely suspended by the school until the investigation is complete, but later resigned as assistant football coach and as the head softball coach in December.

Oct. 7 - State police cited Mount Carmel Township Police Officer Patrick J. McAndrew for disorderly conduct for his role in a midnight joy ride through Kulpmont and Marion Heights on Sept. 11. McAndrew was charged with tossing a pack of lit firecrackers in the street near a Kulpmont police cruiser. One day later, Patrolman David J. Stamets was cited for three traffic violations, including driving a vehicle without a registration plate and a stop sign violation, and pleaded not guilty.

Oct. 7 - On a split vote, Northumberland County commissioners granted all non-union employees a 3-percent pay increase in 2015. Commissioners said they were still crunching the numbers, but are working on a plan to decrease real estate taxes by one mill.

Oct. 9 - The Pennsylvania Department of State released information that Shamokin dentist Dr. Vincent Paczkoskie, accused earlier in the year of not properly sterilizing his tools, agreed to a permanent, voluntary surrender of his license on Sept. 5.

Oct. 10 - After months of controversy, Mount Carmel Borough officially fired Megan Janolek as borough treasurer and director of the Lower Anthracite Transportation System.

Oct. 11 - An auction of tools and equipment found inside the dilapidated St. Anthony's school building in Ranshaw netted Coal Township, the new owners of the building, approximately $11,000. Add in another $2,000 in items sold for scrap and the total amount of $13,100 will go for demolition of the eyesore.

Oct. 13 - Ashland police were searching for a man who robbed May's Drive-In at knifepoint. The suspect slashed at an employee behind the counter.

Oct. 14 - Point Township police charged Victor W. Hare III, of Northumberland, with child endangerment and felony gun possession after Korbin Rager, 9, of Sunbury, was found dead in his home. Montour County Coroner Scott Lynn said the death was not natural and that the investigation is continuing.

Oct. 16 - Northumberland County commissioners announced plans for a special meeting Oct. 28 to discuss establishing commissioners' salaries for the next term, with board chairman Vinny Clausi saying commissioners should not be paid "a full-time salary for a part-time position."

Oct. 17 - Coal Township commissioners announced they were approved for a $500,000 grant to improve flood control along Quaker Run in Ranshaw from the state Department of Community and Economic Development, and were still holding out hope for a similar award for Shamokin Creek in Tharptown.

Oct. 17 - Word came from corporate offices that Sears department stores in the Columbia Mall, Buckhorn, and the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville, will be closing in mid-January.

Oct. 20 - The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area announced its local hunting policy with walk-on hunting being open from dusk to dawn when the park is not open for motorized use and from dawn to 9 a.m. on days the park is open.

Oct. 21 - After being found guilty of more than 20 dangerous structure citations, Kulpmont property owner Thomas Valeiko, of Commack, N.Y., had accumulated $20,500 in fines for failing to clean up the property.

Oct. 22 - Fugitive from justice James Latshaw, of Shamokin, was apprehended inside a Kulpmont bar after being spotted by police earlier in the day but escaping during a vehicle chase.

Oct. 25 - At a special ceremony to honor its opening, the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities' new Kallaway Center for the Arts was described as "the official epicenter of the city's art and cultural revitalization."

Oct. 27 - Reports surfaced that East End Fire Company social hall in Kulpmont had closed, due to falling behind in mortgage payments. Members of the firefighting facet of the organization assured the public that the apparatus and truck room were safe and would remain active.

Oct. 27 - Line Mountain School Board members voted to enter non-binding arbitrations with the education association to possibly avoid a Nov. 5 strike date set by the association. Teachers also agreed to enter arbitration, which meant the pending strike was called off.

Oct. 28 - The intersection of Routes 54 and 61 near Strong turned into a eight-inch deep lake when a cast-iron water main line broke near Turkey Hill Minit-Market.

Oct. 28 - Northumberland County Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy voted to pay back $197,721 in federal grant money obtained through the state Department of Community and Economic Development for a homelessness prevention program. Commissioner Richard Shoch abstained because he said the issue was "ignored" and "exacerbated" by his fellow commissioners for two years.

Oct. 30 - Mount Carmel Area's pep rally and parade for the annual Coal Bucket game with Shamokin had to be called off after students were placed on lockdown when three students, dressed in camouflage, were found carrying plastic air-soft rifles designed to look like real guns in and around the Silver Bowl.

April 1 - A daughter, Avalyn Louise Johnson, to Alexander Johnson and Sarah Williams, of Mount Carmel.

April 2 - A daughter, Rilynn Nicole Black, to Nicole Pyle and Tylor Black, of Strong; a daughter, Aurora Rose Shambach, to Justin L. Shambach and Angel L. Badman, of Sunbury.

April 3 - A daughter, Cortney Jo, to Jason and Billy Jo Seedor, of Shamokin.

April 4 - Twin daughters, Addlee Grace and Acelynn Florence, to Adam and Jenelle Wagner, of Sunbury; a daughter, Sienna Lynn Swenson, to Rob Swenson and Tina Inacio, of Mount Carmel.

April 5 - A son, Crew Thomas, to Michael and Julee Keefer, of Elysburg.

April 11 - A son, Clay Thomas-Matthew to Jason and Elizabeth (Brudnak) Shotwell, of Bloomsburg.

April 16 - A son, Owen Hugh, to Heath and Jessica Oberlin, of Lewisburg; a daughter, Falyn Elizabeth, to Michael and Melissa Smith, of Scranton.

April 24 - A daughter, Sadie Christine Barnes, to Sasha Reigle, of Shamokin, and Richard Barnes, of Ashland.

April 25 - A son, Ayden Patrick, to Eric and Nicole Horan, of Mount Carmel; a son, Landon Robert, to Matt and Chaide Worhach, of Mount Carmel.

April 26 - A daughter, Alaina Maleen Riehl, to Blake Colby Riehl and Amanda AA son, Vance Alexander Scicchitano, to Damien Scicchitano and Lisa Orner, of Coal Township.

April 28 - A son, Blake Robert, to Amanda and David Noblit Jr., of Elysburg; a son, Landen Joseph, to Jonathan and Ashley Stroh, of Marion Heights.

April 29 - A son, Michael Robert Gilligbauer, to Michael R. Gilligbauer and Ashley Russell, of Shamokin; a daughter, Sophia Rose Schickley, to Andrew Schickley and Jenna Darrup, of Kulpmont; a son, Isaac James Barger, to Brandon Barger and Jessica Snyder, of Shamokin.

Dec. 1 - Michael Daniel Kandra, 82, of Newark, Del. formerly of Shamokin; Daniel J. Woolcock, 74, of Danville; Joseph F. Clover Jr., 87, of Harrisburg.

Dec. 2 - Henry Anthony Yanik, 90, of Mount Carmel; Martin John "Irish" Glover, 71, of Coal Township.

Dec. 3 - Irene G. "Rinky" Laurnaitis, 94, formerly of Kulpmont; Peggy Ann Sabol, 69, of Catawissa; Mark E. Vallo, 53, of Kulpmont.

Dec. 4 - James P. "Jip" Menapace, 82, of Atlas; John I. Lasavage, 92, of Elysburg; Donald W. Manley Sr., 72, of Coal Township.

Dec. 5 - Charlotte (Leshefsky) Zielinski, 87, of Coatesville; Helen Ann Goretski, 84, of Coal Township.

Dec. 6 - Francis J. "Midge" Kriesher, 90, of Wilburton; Kathleen L. Randall, 60, of Mount Carmel; Anna Miller, 100, of Elyria, Ohio.

Dec. 7 - Wayne D. "Nook" Rhoades, 81, of Atlas; Ann M. Shaw, 61, of Coal Township.

Dec. 8 - Mary F. Hoffman, 80, formerly of Coal Township; Ann J. Krushinski, 90, of Harrisburg; Ruth Marie Dorsett, 73, of Coal Township; Betty I. Witmer, 92, of Coal Township.

Dec. 10 - Teresa Groody, 86, of Ashland.

Dec. 11 - Audrice June Hornberger, 88, of Sunbury; Albert Weikel Sr., 74, of Mount Carmel

Dec. 12 - April Louise DeBattista Hauer, 49, of Shamokin; Albert Sulick, 64, of Mount Carmel

Dec. 13 - Sister Ann Marie (Cianci), 88, of Danville; Rose C. Bender, 87, of Heritage Heights.

Dec. 14 - Lena Wynne, 94, of Atlas; Charles M. Madara, 86, of Kulpmont; Wanda Ebright, 34, of Mount Carmel.

Dec. 15 - Ronald J. Dobson, 77, of Ranshaw; Naomi E. Litchko, 90, of Hatboro.

Dec. 16 - Alexander "Red" Homski, 90, of Mount Carmel; Erma J. Chiu, 93, of Mount Carmel.

Dec. 17 - Barry L. Weaver, 60, of Catawissa.; Ronald Maurer Sr., 84, of Ashland.

Dec. 18 - James E. Richford Sr., 66, of Shamokin.

Dec. 19 - Gertrude T. Snyder, 92, of Allentown; Daniel F. "Doogie" Karpinskie, 75, of Coal Township.

Dec. 20 - Samuel J. Varano, 64, of Coal Township; Robert E. Dick, 77, of Northumberland; Margaret A. Kopetsky, 81, of Temple.

Dec. 21 - Andrew J. Brown, 86, of Coal Township; Alexander Pochekailo, 86, of Kulpmont; William A. Prosser Sr., 76, of Fairfax, Va.

Dec. 22 - Mark M. "Ike" Wynn, 80, of Sunbury; Gerald J. Luberecki, 66, of Coal Township; Alyssa E. Clark, 23, of Elysburg; David C. Small, 60, of Mount Carmel.

Dec. 23 - Henrietta T. Przekop, 89, formerly of Atlas.

Dec. 24 - Joseph A. Mazer, 83, of Mount Carmel

Dec. 25 - Dr. Bernard L. "Bernie" Butkiewicz, 60, of Loyalsock; Eleanor "Ellie" Rosko, 71, of Mount Carmel; Guy S. "Pappy" Yocum, 96, of Elysburg; Rose Marie Peters, 86, of Linwood, formerly of Shamokin.

Dec. 26 - Eleanor Y. Renner, 92, of Mifflinburg; Robert S. Probert Jr., 83, of Coal Township; Paul Bednarchik, 96, of Mount Carmel; Barbara E. Lukoskie, 77, of Camp Hill; Carol (Andrews) Brown, 54, of Boca Raton, Fla.

Dec. 27 - Staff Sgt. Andrew C. Hein, 83, of Shamokin; Irvin "Gary" Kehler, 61, of Mount Carmel; Bernice C. Smith, 90, formerly of Atlas and Mount Carmel; Alivia Delrio, 1, of Ashland.

Dec. 28 - Roseann M. Schlader Birster, 63, of Ashland; Esther "Diana" Henry, 68, of Mount Carmel.

Dec. 29 - Victor R. Martello, 93, of Kulpmont; Victor Charles Bridi, 67, of Fredericksburg, Va.; Lowell T. Angeli, 82, of Middletown; Theresa R. Pupo, 90, of Marion Heights.

Dec. 31 - Irene C. Haas, 86, of Lancaster.

Ann Targonski has announced her intention to seek the position of district attorney for Northumberland County in the 2015 election.

Targonski has held the position since July 2014. She first became an assistant district attorney in 1990 under then District Attorney Robert B. Sacavage and was later appointed to the position of first assistant district attorney under District Attorney Tony Rosini.

During her tenure as first assistant, she served as prosecutor for domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault cases. She is a member of multi-disciplinary investigative teams of Northumberland County for both child and older adult victims. She has been educated in specialized interviewing techniques for child victims and also has trained at the National District Attorney Center in sexual assault prosecutions.

Targonski graduated from Marywood University in Scranton and the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle. At school, she served on the prison and domestic relations law projects as well as being a member of the Corpus Juris Society.

Upon graduation, she became an associate in the law offices of Jack C. Younkin and later started her own practice. In 2007, she joined a practice with Frank E. Garrigan. She is a former president of the Shamokin Rotary Club and has also served as president of the Shamokin Area Visiting Nurses Association and the Shamokin Area Democratic Women. She served as both a committee person and as solicitor for the Democratic Party of Northumberland County.

Early in her practice, she served as an assistant public defender and later was appointed by the court to serve as the first custody master for Northumberland County. She also served as solicitor for Shamokin Community Development Block Grant Program, Shamokin Zoning Board, Coal Township Commissioners and the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging. She is currently the vice president of the Northumberland County Bar Association and is slotted to serve as president for the year 2015-16.

She is the wife of Edward O'Donnell and the mother of four daughters, Amber, Erin and Elen O'Donnell and Maureen Schoch, and the grandmother of Alexandra Helen. She is an active member of Mother Cabrini Parish, Shamokin.

I can - occasionally - pass up a piece of chocolate or a slice of pie, but I usually cannot resist buying used books. Libraries, thrift stores, special events and even yard sales. It doesn't matter. I am drawn by a book-buying force too strong to resist.

One of the main drawbacks with buying used books is that I run out of places to put them. The other is that I often see and buy a book that I think I should have in my collection. The problem is that I already have that book on a shelf.

A week ago, I did something that was doubly unusual. I ordered a new book, a book that I knew that I already had a copy of. It was "Reflections of St. Francis de Sales on Living Jesus," a book edited by my late friend Gerard "Jerry" Quinlan.

I have been reading selections in it daily for the past 15 years and it is starting to show signs of use. The book is special to me because I had it signed by Jerry. The same could be said for copies of St. Francis de Sales's most well-known book "Introduction to the Devout Life."

One is signed by the late Rev. Walter R. Dean, O.S.F.S., my former pastor who introduced me to Salesian spirituality. Another edition of the book was translated from French by another former pastor and friend, the late Rev. Joseph D. Bowler, O.S.F.S.

It may sound foolish, but the signatures my friends and spiritual guides inscribed in those books are reminders of a trio of holy men who lived lives close to God's love.

Whenever I am able to follow their examples of loving God and others, it serves to remind me that Jesus's name is inscribed in my heart.

+++

If we carry God in our hearts, He is in all we do.

Shamokin-Coal Twp.

Monday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; executive board meeting, 10:30 a.m.; world news, noon; unlucky 7's, noon.

Tuesday - Poker game, 8:30 a.m.; computer lessons given by students from Shamokin Area High School, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; bridge, 11:45 a.m.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.; CSFP food boxes given out, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; delivery of grab and go breakfast for those that ordered; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; members meeting, 10:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, puzzles and shuffleboard, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; world news, noon; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Monday - News on Punxsutawney Phil, 8 a.m.; groundhog breakfast, 9 a.m.; Wii games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - News and coffee, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; bean bag competition, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning news and coffee, 9 a.m.; officers meeting, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; members meeting, 1 p.m.; nickel bingo after meeting.

Thursday - Grab and go breakfast arrives at 8 a.m.; movie "When the Game Stands Still," 8:30 a.m.; trip to Vo-Tech beauty salon, 11:45 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; unlucky 7's, 12:30 p.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - National Wear Red Day; morning news and coffee, 9 a.m.; Jennifer from VNA speaking, those at presentation wearing red receive a gift, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Coffee and gab in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 11 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Center closed.

Wednesday - Socialize with coffee and snacks in the morning; bowling, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Center closed.

Friday - Wii bowling and bean bag in the morning; hand held games, 10 a.m.; Jennifer from VNA speaking on heart disease at noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and current events, 9 a.m.; puzzle, 10:30 a.m.; Walmart shopping, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and snacks, 9 a.m.; chair exercise with Carol, 10:30 a.m.; Jim Slocum from AAA speaking on safe winter driving, 11 a.m.

Wednesday - Panera Bread day; advisory board meeting, 10:30 a.m.; heart healthy walkabout, noon; jackpot bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Coffee and snacks, 9 a.m.; word search, 10:30 a.m.

Friday - Fun Friday! Open activities.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

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

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon; members meeting and make your own sundae, noon.

Trevorton

Coffee, Wii Fit, exercise bike and puzzles are available daily.

Monday - Wii bowling, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; unlucky 7's, 12:30 p.m.; last day to order soup and sandwich for Wednesday, Feb. 11.

Tuesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; board games, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; CSFP box distribution, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; members meeting, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Two people were injured in separate crashes Friday in Coal Township.

According to Cpl. Terry Ketchem, Theodore Bransford III, 26, of Shamokin, suffered moderate injuries about 3:30 p.m. when he crashed a 2001 Ford sedan into a tree along Route 2026 near Hickory Ridge Road, about two miles east of Coal Run. He lost control and struck the tree head-on.

Bransford was taken by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital. He was cited for violating the traffic code, driving vehicle at safe speed. The vehicle was towed.

Assisting were Mount Carmel Township and Kulpmont police, along with fire units from Natalie and Kulpmont.

Faith Smink, of Coal Township, a passenger in a 2001 Ford truck, was taken by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital following a crash about 5:30 p.m. at Ranshaw.

Ketchem said Edward Flowers, of Selinsgrove, pulled the truck from the Route 61 off-ramp onto Route 901 and into the oncoming path of a 2011 GMC Acadia driven by Frank Burgess Jr., of Shamokin. Both vehicles sustained moderate damages. Smink was a passenger in Flowers' vehicle. Flowers was cited for a stop sign violation.

Assisting were Kulpmont and Shamokin police, Brady Fire Company and township fire chiefs Russell Feese, Michael Timco and Kevin Malukas.

The Ranshaw crash was one of at least four that occurred in Northumberland County between 5:28 and 5:59 p.m. during an early evening snowfall. Other crashes occurred along Route 890 and Houser Road near Augustaville, Route 61 and Holly Road near Stonington, and along the S-turn on Route 901 near Locust Gap.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County will invest $125,000 for technology upgrades providing online access to court records and enabling WiFi Internet access at the courthouse.

New computer software in the Prothonotary's Office will allow electronic filing of court documents from anyplace at any hour, including on holidays, according to a press release. Remote access to civil records such as lawsuits, currently available only in person, will also be available around the clock on computers, tablets and cell phones. Records currently logged in the outdated system will be supplemented over time with the addition of older records that, at present, are only on paper.

The e-filing system won't go live before late summer or early fall. Justin Dunkelberger, prothonotary and clerk of courts, said it will ease the burden on the current staff and provide advantages to attorneys and citizens researching court cases. He expects to upload additional criminal records to complement basic docket sheet information currently available through the state's Unified Judicial System.

"We've had the office closed for snow, the courthouse has been closed for cracks in the wall. That's no fault of the legal community. If they're up against deadlines and we're closed, they have to get special permission to extend deadlines," Dunkelberger said Friday by telephone.

Money for the upgrades is a combination of revenue generated within the Register and Recorder's Office and the Prothonotary's Office, and is not tax revenue, according to the press release. Additional purchases include tablets and printers to be used by courthouse staff. Dunkelberger envisions the WiFi access in the courthouse to be open to the public, but must discuss access with other county officials.

The Northumberland County Improvement Fund Committee voted Friday to allocate $100,000 to the project, with the additional $25,000 coming from the Prothonotary Improvement Fund. Mary Zimmerman, register and recorder, chairs the committee. Other members are Dunkelberger, Treasurer Kevin Gilroy, Sheriff Robert Wolfe and county Commissioner Stephen Bridy.

The new case management software will replace the Full Court software purchased six years ago with County Improvement Fund revenue. That software is now obsolete, Dunkelberger said.

This year - for the first time in 40 years - voters will elect two judges to the Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas. These two judges - almost assuredly - will then constitute two-thirds of what would still be a three-member court in January 2016.

The use of the qualifier "almost assuredly" stems from uncertainty about what would happen if sometime this year the General Assembly passes and the voters of Pennsylvania ratify a change in the state Constitution to increase the mandatory retirement age of judges from 70 to 75 years. President Judge William H. Wiest turns 70 in July and, according to current state law, is required to retire from the bench at the end of the year, even though his 10-year term does not expire until the end of 2017.

Two judgeship vacancies in Northumberland County have been certified by the Pennsylvania Department of State for inclusion on the May 19 primary election ballot, state Sen. John Gordner confirmed Friday afternoon.

In addition to the Wiest position, the other judgeship on the ballot is for the seat now held by Tony Rosini, who was appointed last year. Rosini is serving the remainder of the term of former President Judge Robert B. Sacavage, who retired at the end of 2013. That term expires at the end of 2015, and at the time of his appointment, Rosini said he would not be a candidate for election.

Won't be on primary ballot

Changes in the Pennsylvania Constitution require approval by two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly, followed by ratification by the state's voters.

The first legislative approval came during the 2013-14 session, Gordner explained, and the House of Representatives and Senate would both have to pass the amendment a second time, in the exact same language, during the 2015-16 session before it can be referred to the electorate. The governor has no role in approving or rejecting the amendment.

The amendment will definitely not pass the legislature in time for the referendum to appear on the May 19 primary election ballot, Gordner said. A period of at least 90 days is required between final legislative action and a voter referendum, and Gordner pointed out that would mean the legislature would have to complete its work on the amendment by mid-February. "That isn't going to happen," he said.

It's much more likely, Gordner suggested, though not certain, that the House and Senate could complete passage of the amendment before it recesses in July, which would open the door for placing the referendum on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. If the legislature waited to pass the amendment when it reconvenes in September, that would be too late for scheduling the referendum in November.

So, regardless of what happens, or doesn't happen, with the amendment, there will definitely be candidates nominated in May and two judges elected in November.

10 to 20 70-year-olds

Hypothetically - what would happen if the amendment passes in November and a 70-year-old judge, with time remaining in the current term, decides he or she wants to stay on the bench? It's "unclear," Gordner said.

Northumberland County is far from being the only county in the state that has a sitting judge who faces mandatory retirement. Gordner said information received from the Department of State and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) indicates there are between 10 and 20 judges throughout the commonwealth who are turning 70 this year.

Wiest said he is looking forward to retirement, but he admits that if he was constitutionally able to do so, he would prefer to work two more years - up to the expiration of his current term at the end of 2017. Wiest was first elected in 1997 and won a retention election in 2007.

The current term of the third county judge, Charles Saylor, doesn't expire until the end of 2021.

So far, there are three announced candidates for Northumberland County judge - Hugh A. Jones, H. Robert Mattis Jr. and Paige Rosini. Candidates for judge can cross-file in both the Democratic and Republican primaries. Petitions can't be circulated until Feb. 17 and must be filed by March 10.

1975 race

The 1975 judgeship race ended with the election of Samuel C. Ranck and Peter Krehel. At that time, Northumberland County had only two common pleas court judges. That was the last time Northumberland County voters "elected" two judges at the same time.

In 1985, Ranck won, and Krehel lost, their respective bids for retention. After that, the beginning and end of judicial terms no longer coincided. In subsequent judge elections, county voters elected Barry Feudale in 1987, Sacavage in 1995. Wiest in 1997 and Saylor in 2001, and retained Sacavage in 2005, Wiest in 2007 and Saylor in 2011.

ATLAS - A plan to award Mount Carmel Township street department workers a new contract has been tabled amid hard feelings between department employees and a supervisor.

When the motion was raised at Wednesday's monthly supervisors meeting, Chairman Joseph Zanella asked if everything had been settled with the street department and worker William Beaver said yes.

Zanella then made a motion to approve the contract, but Reynold Scicchitano would not second it.

"I don't know anything about this," he said. "I'm not doing anything with it. It has to be tabled so I can read it."

After the motion was tabled, Beaver sought an explanation.

"He was informed about the contract," Beaver said to Zanella.

"No, I wasn't, I never got it," Scicchitano replied.

"Everyone got a copy in their mailbox," Beaver answered.

"Let me tell you something right now," an agitated Scicchitano said. "You are not going to hear this from anyone else, but right from me. I will not give you a contract unless it's all agreed upon. You turn around and someone puts a grievance on me, and then you want a contract? I don't think so."

Township solicitor Vincent Rovito, when asked about the grievance, would not give details. Since the four street department employees are not in a union, there is no grievance process in place. He did not know if state action has been taken or if the employees had consulted anyone.

Following the meeting, Beaver said he was still in shock over the outburst.

"There were a number of things (the township) asked for, and we gave it to them. They asked for direct deposit, and we said yes, and on another matter. I don't understand it," he said.

Scicchitano said there was no way the contract was going to be approved this month because there were only two supervisors at the meeting, and Zanella can't vote on it because a relative works for the street department.

"It takes two to approve something like that," he said, noting Supervisor Charles Gasperetti's absence.

Rovito said that once the contract is approved by all parties involved, details will be released.

The meeting was rescheduled from Jan. 21 when it was postponed due to inclement weather.

In other business

- Approvals were made at the meeting for Mount Carmel Township to participate in the Pennsylvania Townships Health Insurance Cooperative trust; authorized Berkheimer to impose and retain costs of collection on delinquent Local Services Taxes; and named Schumacher Engineering as the engineer for the township's planning commission.

- Permission was given for the Atlas Baseball Team to use the Strong baseball field from April through July for the T-ball and rookie division teams on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

- Supervisors voted to pay Klacik and Associates for the township's 2010 audit, and to appoint the firm to complete the 2014 fiscal year audit in place of the elected auditors.

- A representative of Congressman Lou Barletta's office will be at the township building from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 for community outreach.

Geisinger documentary moved

DANVILLE - A documentary film on Geisinger Health System produced by WVIA Public Media and scheduled to premiere Tuesday has been postponed until the spring.

WVIA and Geisinger officials were scheduled to meet this week about a new airing date, but the meeting was postponed due to the inclement weather. A new premiere date should be determined next week.

Theme basket bingo planned

MOUNT CARMEL - A theme basket bingo sponsored by Divine Redeemer Church will be held Sunday, Feb. 15, at Divine Mercy Hall, 400 block of West Cherry Street.

Doors open at 1 p.m., and bingo starts at 2 p.m. Admission is $20.

Call ahead for seating at 570-590-5749 or 570-250-8751.

Snow emergency declared

MOUNT CARMEL - Mayor Philip D. Cimino announced a snow emergency is in effect as of midnight Monday. Residents are asked not to park on Oak Street from Avenue to Fifth Street from midnight to noon Monday, and on Oak Street from Fifth to Seventh streets from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday for snow removal.

Any vehicles not moved will be subject to ticketing and towing.

SHAMOKIN - Knights of Columbus Deputy Michael Adams met with officers encompassing District 54 for a semi-annual meeting at Shamokin Council Jan. 26.

The district is made up of councils from Ashland, Elysburg, Kulpmont, Mount Carmel and Shamokin.

Adams reviewed upcoming goals, council and district projects, and current supreme and state council initiatives with his officers. Adams thanked Council 458 for hosting the meeting.

Those interested in membership with the Knights of Columbus must be Catholic gentlemen age 18 or older. Contact a local council for information or to apply.

SHAMOKIN - Authorities charged 10 Shamokin area residents in a raid Friday morning involving the delivery of heroin, cocaine, hashish and prescription drugs.

The felony charges relate to incidents dating back to July in Shamokin and involve street-level drug dealers.

Three of the suspects charged in the bust are already in prison, while others were taken into custody at their homes or turned themselves in to police.

Informants were used by police in each of the drug transactions.

Additional arrests are pending.

The drug raid was coordinated by agents from the state Attorney General's Office, members of Northumberland-Montour County Drug Task Force, Northumberland County District Attorney Ann Targonski and Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano, who filed the charges.

In a press release announcing the raid, Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane said the charges were part of an ongoing investigation into narcotics trafficking in Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties. In September, 19 others were arrested in the same investigation.

A conference room at the rear of Shamokin Police Station was used as a command center where the defendants were transported prior to their arraignments. Following their arraignments, the alleged drug dealers were taken for processing to Sunbury Police Department before being released or incarcerated.

Approximately 20 law enforcement personnel participated in the drug bust that began at approximately 7 a.m.

Targonski stated, "We got some bad people off the streets today, and I want to thank everyone who participated in this thorough investigation."

Charges

Two Shamokin women face the most serious charges and were each committed to SCI-Muncy in lieu of $25,000 cash bail at their arraignments before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.

Shannon L. Armes, 37, of 707 N. Cherry St., Shamokin, is charged with four counts each of possession with intent to deliver heroin and delivery of heroin, and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

She is accused of delivering one packet of heroin for $15 July 8 and three packets of heroin for $35 July 24.

Additional charges are pending against Armes after police found 50 more packets of heroin and drug paraphernalia in her residence upon taking her into custody.

Sharon Carson, 50, of 316 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, is charged with two counts each of possession with intent to deliver cocaine and delivery of cocaine and criminal use of a communication facility.

She allegedly sold cocaine for $40 and $100 July 25 and Nov. 21, respectively.

Also charged were Brian Seebold, 52, of 813 N. Washington St., Shamokin; Frederick Russo, 48, of 933 W. Spruce St., Coal Township; John Firestine, 51, of 925 E. Clay St., Shamokin; James F. Madison, 53, of 14 S. Franklin St., Shamokin; Holly E. Madden, 24, of 63 Raspberry Hill, Shamokin; Christopher Mitchell, 44, of 204 S. Pearl St., Shamokin; Rex A. Hepner Sr., 67, of 19 E. Independence St., Apt. 7, Shamokin, and David T. Seger, 54, of 1026 E. Packer St., Shamokin.

Seebold, Russo, Firestine and Madison were released by Gembic on $25,000 unsecured bail with supervision conditions. Hepner, Seger and Mitchell are incarcerated at SCI-Coal Township on unrelated charges. Madden was previously arraigned by Gembic and released on $25,000 unsecured bail with supervision conditions.

The six defendants arraigned Friday are ordered to appear for preliminary hearings Tuesday morning before Gembic.

Seger is charged with possession with intent to deliver heroin and delivery of heroin. Police said the defendant sold two packets of heroin for $40 Sept. 23.

Madden is charged by Primerano and Ralpho Township Patrolman Chris Grow, with possession with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin and criminal conspiracy involving a Jan. 14 incident in which she allegedly sold three packets of heroin for $70.

Hepner is charged with delivery of heroin and possession with intent to deliver heroin for allegedly selling two packets of heroin for $40 Sept. 7.

Mitchell is charged with three counts each of delivering of heroin, possession with intent to deliver heroin and criminal use of a communication facility.

He is accused of selling a packet of heroin for $20 Dec. 19, four packets of heroin for $80 Dec. 30, and four packets of heroin for $80 Jan. 9.

Madison is charged with two counts each of possession with intent to deliver heroin and delivery of heroin, and one count each of criminal attempt to possess with intent to deliver heroin, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Madison is accused of delivering four packets of heroin for $80 Dec. 29 and Dec. 30.

Seebold is charged with possession with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin and criminal conspiracy for allegedly selling three packets of heroin for $60 Aug. 4.

Firestine is charged with delivery of hashish (marijuana), possession with intent to deliver hashish, delivery of Adderall, possession with intent to deliver Adderall and criminal use of a communication facility.

He is accused of delivering hashish and Adderall for $80 Aug. 14.

Russo is charged with possession with intent to deliver heroin and delivery of heroin for allegedly selling four packets of heroin for $60 Nov. 18.

'Ever-present'

Kane said, "We are ever-present in this region and will continue to work collaboratively to fight the scourge of deadly, addictive drugs in these and all communities."

Targonski thanked Shamokin Police Chief Darwin Tobias III and Primerano for coordinating the command center and praised Attorney General Agents David Jordan and Barry Howe for their assistance.

Also assisting were state police, officers from Shamokin, Coal Township, Mount Carmel, Ralpho Township and Sunbury, Northumberland County probation and parole officers, correctional officers from Northumberland County Prison, and state parole and probation officers from the Williamsport office.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Twenty minutes into a 10-day sentence in Northumberland County Prison, Ron Nahodil and 207 other inmates were evacuated while fire severely damaged the correctional facility.

After it all, he wound up spending 10 days in SCI-Coal Township, but said the time wasn't that bad.

"The staff and everyone involved did a great job, making sure everything was taken care of," Nahodil, of Coal Township, said Friday.

The contractor found himself incarcerated because he was behind on child support payments; he hadn't been paid for work he had done.

"I was sentenced to the time, which was no problem. I've had to do it before," Nahodil said.

After turning himself into the sheriff's office, Nahodil was prepared to wait in a holding cell for transport, but a sheriff's deputy did him a favor and took him right over.

"After I was processed and went through the prison intake, they put me in the solitary cell, where you have to sit for two days before being released into the general population," Nahodil said. "I wasn't in the cell 10 minutes when the fire alarm went off."

He didn't think much of it, knowing how diligent the prison staff is about fire drills, but once he left his cell, he knew it was the real deal.

"As soon as I got out, you could smell the smoke," Nahodil said. "Once outside the prison, we watched the tower and could see flames coming out of the vents."

Nahodil and the other prisoners were moved to a church across the street while prison officials worked on a plan to move inmates to another prison.

"We were in the church for about an hour as they got the police and other officers ready to transport us. I was on the second bus out of town," he said.

It was on the bus Nahodil learned of his destination.

Night and day

Once the male prisoners arrived at SCI-Coal Township, they were segregated from state prisoners, spending the first two nights sleeping on mattresses on a gym floor.

Nahodil said the difference between the county prison and state prison is like night and day.

"State prison is more modernized and cleaner," he said. "There is hot and cold running water and cabinets for your items in the cell, and the inmates keep the common area looking spotless."

Items missing

Nahodil had no problems during his time in prison; however, he encountered trouble attempting to get back his personal property after he was released.

"My clothes that I used for work is what I had on when I went in," Nahodil said. "That's what I'm trying to get back."

Among the clothing still at the prison, Nahodil said, is a $250 work jacket, $180 work boots and other items crucial to his work as a contractor.

"I've tried to get back the items, but I keep getting the runaround from the prison," Nahodil said. "Something is not right."

Lt. Jim Smink, public information officer for the Northumberland County Prison, said steps have been taken to ensure that all of the prisoners property is secure.

"The Monday after the fire, workers went through each cell, picking up all the inmates items and transported them out of the prison."

As far as the inmate's clothing, all those items have been accounted for, according to Smink and they are ready to return them to inmates who have been released.

"Anyone released can contact us at the regular prison number, 570-988-4232. We will coordinated a day and time for the person to come to the administration center and pick up their items," Smink said.

If anything, Smink said, some of the items suffered smoke and water damage, but should be okay after a wash.

"We assure everyone their property is safe and will be returned to them," Smink said.

Nahodil, though, is skeptical.

"I've tried that and stopped down, and I've gotten three different answers from people. All I want is my items back," he said.

During his last visit, Nahodil said the only thing he got back was a electric charger, and prison officials wanted him to sign a receipt that he got his personal property back.

"I refused to sign it," he said. "I didn't have all my property back."

He said inmates leaving the state prison were given the number of the Lewisburg Prison Project and forms for filing state and federal lawsuits relating to their experience with the county prison.

"A civil suit might be something to consider in order to get my property back," Nahodil said.

Mount Carmel snow emergency

MOUNT CARMEL - Mayor Philip D. Cimino announced a snow emergency is in effect as of midnight Monday. Residents are asked not to park on Oak Street from Avenue to Fifth Street from midnight to noon Monday, and on Oak Street from Fifth to Seventh streets from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday for snow removal.

Any vehicles not moved will be subject to ticketing and towing.

Kulpmont snow emergency

KULPMONT - Borough Mayor Bernard P. Novakoski announced that effective at 2 p.m. today, a snow emergency will be in effect along Route 61 (Chestnut Street).

Parking is prohibited along Chestnut Street until the snow stops and is plowed back to the curb by PennDOT. Violators will have their vehicles ticketed and possibly towed at the owner's expense.

Local tax return is due April 15

SHAMOKIN - The 2014 local earned income tax return is due April 15. File online at anytime at www.keystonecollects.com. A W-2, Social Security number and any other income documents that may apply (such as a PA-UE or a Schedule C) are necessary. Call Keystone's Taxpayer Helpline at 1-888-328-0565 to speak with a local service agent, or email to "Taxpayer Support" at www.keystonecollects.com.

Discussion on Christian values

LEWISBURG - The Susquehanna Valley Conservatives will present "Freedom in the Balance," a discussion on the assault on Christian values and freedoms, at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Baylor Conference Room of the Best Western Country Cupboard Inn, Route 15, north of Lewisburg.

Michael Geer, president of the Pennsylvania Family Institute, and Randall Wenger, chief counsel for the Independence Law Center, are guest speakers.

The event is free and open to the public. All points of view are welcome. Visit www.susquehannavalleyconservatives.com for more information.

DANVILLE - The start of the new year truly brought a new life for Bill Jeffreys, M.D., 89, who no longer goes to work at Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) for the first time in more than 58 years. A neurologist who started at George F. Geisinger Memorial Hospital July 1, 1956, Jeffreys retired New Year's Day.

Jeffreys leaves behind a legacy that included starting the hospital's neurology program in 1961 and founding the Geisinger Neuroscience Center in 1984 - now the Geisinger Neurosciences Institute. Through the institute, neurology and neurosurgery experts collaborate with specialists from other disciplines to treat the most complex neurological disorders, diseases and injuries.

According to Donald Housley's 2012 book, "Make It the Best: A History of Geisinger Health System, 1912-2001," Jeffreys had to overcome several basic problems to establish the Neuroscience Center - one being the natural growth in the neurosciences - when the center was planned in the early 1980s.

"I think we did reasonably well meshing the goals of neurology and neurosurgery," Jeffreys said. "But with that growth, you have more supersubspecialties - spine surgeons, peripheral nerve surgeons, brain surgeons, spinal cord specialists, etc. There's so much to know that you can't know it all. So the first phase of forming an institute is admitting that people know more than you know about a subspecialty and then going to them to get properly trained people."

Jeffreys did just that. The Neuroscience Center was approved by the governance committee at GMC March 5, 1984, and he became its first director.

While he may not be the ultimate expert on every neuroscience subspecialty, few can match his historical knowledge of Geisinger's clinical care.

Jeffreys was one of just 25 physicians at the George F. Geisinger Memorial Hospital when he started back in 1956. But while the hospital was much smaller back then, he says it still operated under several of the same core values found in the Geisinger Health System (GHS) today.

"It was well-managed by Dr. [Harold] Foss," Jeffreys said. "It took good care of patients and was fiscally responsible."

"I think the major thing was Dr. Foss's training and the emphasis on patient care," he added.

Jeffreys provided care to both Foss, who guided the hospital through its first 43 years, and Dr. Leonard Bush, who became the hospital's executive director from 1958 through 1974.

While he acknowledges that growth has been the most obvious change in the Geisinger system during his time there, he believes it's never lost the focus on patient care.

"It's gone from a little family business to a great big corporation with all the things that that implies," he said.

Jeffreys used his vast knowledge to become excellent in neurology. And he's put that to good use while he continued to practice well beyond the normal retirement age of 65.

"I think if you enjoy doing something and it's positive, there's no shame in continuing beyond normal retirement age," he said. "Most people who take good care of themselves are still pretty healthy at 65, so if we can squeeze another 30 years out of them, I think that's good."

Jeffreys sees signs of his good health being his survival of a fractured hip two years ago. He says that a fractured hip can often be a terminal diagnosis for an elderly patient who's not in good health.

And while Geisinger has now extended the system across the state and even to neighboring states while it turns 100 this year, it still serves its original Danville community well.

"Of course, it's a blessing to the community because it still serves the health needs of the people and even in economic hard times, employment is pretty robust," Jeffreys said.

Ryan Kazmarek has an eye for unique beauty.

New Zealand songstress Lorde trusts her trademark wild, long curls in his hands.

Up-and-coming star Charli XCX called on him to style her locks for the cover image of her bold new record, which Rolling Stone magazine recently named the best pop album of 2014.

The Dunmore, Lackawanna County, native handily creates outrageous and lustrous looks for editorial campaigns, photo shoots and regular people when he's not playing hairdresser to the stars.

Only 27, Kazmarek has made quite a name for himself in New York City, where he lives and works, plying his trade at Nunzio Saviano Salon. But he's quick to point out his humble beginnings attending beauty school and sweeping the floors of salons in Scranton just a few years ago.

A Dunmore High School graduate, Kazmarek grew up in an otherwise all-female home, including his mother, Colleen Austin, and his two sisters, Danielle and Lauren.

"It was a very girlie household, and I think it did rub off on me a little bit," he said with a laugh. "When I was like 12, my sister and me used to do little photo shoots.

"I'd style it, do hair and makeup and take our little Polaroids. I always did their hair for prom. I think they all wanted to look good all the time."

He idolized the Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley, as well as supermodels of the 1990s, such as Kate Moss. Following high school, he attended Keystone College to study painting but dropped out after a nasty bout of strep throat interfered with his attendance.

"It was a blessing in disguise because I ended up doing hair," he explained.

Despite the talent he showed, it wasn't a career he was really interested in at first.

"My family thought I should, but I fought it," Kazmarek said.

A local stylist, Buddy Miller, was in the process of opening a new salon and offered Kazmarek a shot at getting in on the ground floor to learn the trade. Everything picked up steam rather fast, and Kazmarek enrolled in Empire Beauty School in Scranton at the same time he started work at the salon.

He was an assistant at NOW Hair Studio on Adams Avenue - mixing color, cleaning and eventually blow drying and styling - while he attended school at night. Upon completion of his formal training, he took off for the Big Apple, where a city-dwelling friend helped him find an assisting position at renowned salon Oscar Blandi.

For two years, Kazmarek worked for a stylist he described as " 'Devil Wears Prada'-esque."

"She was very good at what she did, and although she was harsh, I learned a lot and I think it was what I needed at the time," he said. "I was too scared to quit and not find another job."

He watched as socialites like Tinsley Mortimer, actresses like Kelly Ripa and best-selling authors, including Scranton native and "The Devil Wears Prada" scribe Lauren Weisberger, sat in his boss's chair.

Kazmarek later moved on to another high-end salon, Sally (Hershberger), where he assisted a stylist who, he said, did a lot of editorial work for Vogue magazine, which allowed him to transition to yet another facet of the beauty industry.

Finally, his chance to be the one holding the shears came when former colleague Nunzio Saviano opened up his namesake salon and invited Kazmarek to join his new staff.

"He watched me grow up and was ready for me," Kazmarek said.

A makeup artist friend introduced several contacts, and Kazmarek developed a client roster that included acts associated with Virgin and Atlantic Records.

His first celebrity client was Icona Pop, the Swedish duo behind the infectious hit "I Love It." The visit even earned a mention in the gossipy Page Six of the New York Post, which lent Kazmarek some serious credibility.

"It was the first time the salon was in the public eye," he said.

He worked with Lorde for an event in which she launched a lipstick for cosmetics company MAC, and despite the serious star power associated with the petite singer (she counts fellow pop queen Taylor Swift among her besties), Kazmarek found her to be humble and completely approachable.

"She's very cool and relaxed and very real," he said.

His relationship with Charli XCX gave him the opportunity to experience several big "New York moments," such as working on a photo shoot with infamous photog Terry Richardson ("It was one of those moments that I wanted to happen for me one day," Kazmarek gushed), to styling her for a recent performance on "Saturday Night Live" on Dec. 13.

"A lot more goes into that show than I expected," he said. "It was crazy ... and really cool."

He's done other live television events for VH1 and MTV, as well as shows at Webster Hall, and counts other celebs like ice-skating superstar Johnny Weir and musicians Kate Nash and Tove Lo among his customers.

One of the few times Kazmarek admitted he lost his cool around the famous set was when he found himself rubbing elbows with supermodel Naomi Campbell at a Halloween event at the Standard Hotel.

He was hired to do hair for rapper and model Brooke Candy, who was performing, and while hanging out in her hotel room, Campbell and noted fashion photographer Steven Klein stopped by.

"It was really terrifying," Kazmarek said. "It's a totally different level of celebrity that I don't understand right now, but it was still such a great moment.

"Seeing her (Campbell) in magazines when I was young, I would never think I'd be dancing with her at Halloween," he said.

Although the highs are incredible, the job isn't always easy, Kazmarek said. He works long hours and since he freelances a lot, he has to lug everything he owns around the city often.

"I don't have a set schedule," he said. "I can be called last minute and have to be on set for 12 hours at a time.

"And the competition," he added. "If you're not available when they need you, you can be easily replaced. I pretty much work every day, which is good."

Men's haircuts by Kazmarek are $75 and women's are $125, scheduled through Nunzio Saviano Salon, 130 E. 65th St., New York City, by calling 212-988-0880.

Being away from his family and his early mentors is hard at times, but Kazmarek said he knows they're all only a phone call away whenever he needs a boost.

"Everyone from the beginning has been really supportive and rooting for me and trying to help me out," he said. "I've had a really good support system."

"I knew the minute I met Ryan at Northern Lights coffee house that he was very talented," Miller said. "Then hiring him, I saw the artist in him (from) the very first day ... He has what it takes."

Marriage licenses

Nicholas John Dephillips, of 404 N. Ninth St., Sunbury, and Debra Sue Davi, of 30 S. 11th St., Sunbury. Issued Jan. 29.

Kyle Evan Reeder and Ronda Marie Seger, both of 907 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township. Issued Jan. 30.

Travis John Thomas to Melissa Lynn Curran, both of 825 Lott St., Coal Township. To be issued Feb. 2.

Property transfers

Bank of America NA, Carrington Mortgage Services LLC to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, property in Sunbury, $1.

Harold D. Delcamp to Amber J. Delcamp, property in Sunbury, $1.

Jody L. Kistner to Colleen Laylon, property in Sunbury, $1.

Blair T. and Mary L. Carbaugh to Blair T. and Mary L. Carbaugh, property in Rush Township, $1.

Fannie Mae, Federal National Mortgage Association, ServiceLink to Nicholas C. Seeley, Gina A. Quintana, property in Ralpho Township, $44,000.

Terry Lynn Lewis to Justine M. Sellers, property in Ralpho Township, $120,000.

Richard J. Durdach to Richard J. Durdach, two properties in Ralpho Township, $1 each.

Robert O. and John H. Kissinger to John H. and Marcella C. Kissinger, property in Jordan Township, $1.

David A. and Frances A. Hand to Sarah Heath, property in Coal Township, $92,000.

Anna M. Ruginis, Elaine Lindemuth to Stephen R. Melnick, property in Mount Carmel, $15,000.

Robert L. Hovenstine to Robert L. Hovenstine, Margaret A. and Edward D. King, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Sunbury City, Sunbury City Redevelopment Authority to John and Nancy Harris, property n Sunbury, $17,500.

Lorraine M. Miloro to Bowen Developments LLC, property in Zerbe Township, $22,000.

Carolanne Joseph, Carolanne Brown, Richelieu Brown to Country Boys Rentals LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $3,000.

June E. Kline to Country Boys Rentals LLC, property in Shamokin, $8,500.

Matthew S. Davies to John M. Gibbs, property in Coal Township, $139,000.

John D. Sheptock to Cortlyn N. Appel, property in Ralpho Township, $80,000.

ARH Properties LLC to Gregory Berezovske, Dennis Kodak, property in Mount Carmel Township, $500.

R. Warren and Patricia A. Brubaker to Donald Brubaker, Amy Stuck, Reuben Warren Brubaker Family Protection Trust, Patricia Ann Brubaker Family Protection Trust, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Joshua A. Christensen to Daniel B. Fetter, property in Shamokin Township, $1.