Hearing God explored at Lifetree

SHAMOKIN - Whether God provides direction for decisions in life will be discussed at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lifetree Café at Antioch Place, 531 N. Market St.

The program, titled "How Do I Know What God Wants Me to Do?" includes a film featuring Michael Binder, who asked God to weigh in on whether he should switch careers.

"I hoped for guidance, but none came," Binder says. "I thought if God was there I should have heard something, but then I realized I had no idea what it would have sounded like had God answered." Lifetree partcipants will consider whether God provides guidance and, if so, how to hear it.

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.

Geisinger to host CoolSculpting seminar

DANVILLE - The public is invited to attend a free CoolSculpting seminar hosted by the Geisinger Center for Aesthetics and Cosmetic Surgery, 115 Woodbine Lane, at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28.

Dr. Alexander P. Moya, board certified plastic surgeon and director of the center, and his aesthetics team will discuss CoolSculpting, an innovative fat freezing technology. Attendees will learn what to expect before and after, who makes a good candidate and see a live demonstration. Moya and staff will answer questions from the audience.

The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. RSVP by calling 570-214-2929 or visiting Geisinger.org/events.

PITTSBURGH - Erin Scicchitano, the daughter of Mike and Laurel Scicchitano, of Kulpmont, and a granddaughter of Tony and Millie Scicchitano, of Bear Gap, was inducted into the University of Pittsburgh honor society, Lambda Sigma, at a March 1 ceremony at the O'Hara Ballroom.

Lambda Sigma is an honor society which began at the University of Pittsburgh in 1922 and has since become a national organization. During the spring semester, the current members of Lambda Sigma choose up to 50 talented, dedicated, and motivated first-year students to take over the reigns of the organization, looking for people who excel in the four pillars of our society - scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service.

Erin attained a 3.9 grade-point average and was chosen to serve as charity ball chair for 2016.

She is a 2014 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School.

ASHLAND - A Pottsville man was arraigned Thursday on charges of threatening police after his wife was arrested on drug offenses.

Ashland Borough Police charged Paul Krainik, 38, of 618 Mahantongo St., with two counts each of retalliation against a witness or victim and terroristic threats following an incident Tuesday.

According to a release made by borough officer Daniel Weikel III, two other officers, Philip Schlegel and Cody Applegate, told Weikel Tuesday evening that Krainik was making threats toward the police and a confidential informant involved in a drug investigation earlier that day.

The investigation led to Krainik's wife being arrested on drug charges Tuesday.

Applegate told Weikel that he received a message from Schuylkill County Communications to contact Krainik regarding his wife's arrest, and was making threats toward police. When Krainik spoke to Applegate about the charges, his tone was threatening and loaded with profanities.

Krainik told Applegate that "the narc who set up his wife would be dead tonight," and Applegate would hear "bang, bang, bang very soon," having Hell's Angels and bikers rolling into Ashland "to kill a bunch of cops," and that it wasn't a threat, but the truth.

Applegate told Weikel he had to end the call with Krainik due to the yelling and the use of profanities to the point he couldn't speak to him any longer.

Krainik was arraigned Thursday before Magisteral District Judge Christina Hale, of Frackville, and placed in Schuylkill County Prison on $30,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 6 before Hale.

SHAMOKIN - An alleged heroin supplier is looking to get out of jail on $1 bail more than eight months after his arrest.

Pedro Acosta was collared July 22 at a Ralpho Township playground after he allegedly sold 100 bags of heroin to a confidential informant. His bail doubled to $500,000 after the number of felony drug charges originally filed against him tripled Sept. 18 following a grand jury indictment.

As of Thursday, 269 days have passed since his apprehension. State law says a defendant held in custody must be brought to trial within 180 days or be released on nominal bail. Acosta's defense attorney filed a motion in February for his release.

The court calendar can start and stop, depending on continuances by either the prosecution or the defense. Attorney Clyde Middleton wrote in his motion on behalf of Acosta that, prior to February, his client had done nothing in court to stall the process.

But the court calendar may not be the lone deciding factor. In Northumberland County, nominal bail had been denied to attempted homicide suspect Rafael Diroche, among others. Judge Charles H. Saylor said the state constitution provided him the power to overrule the law, Rule 600, since he determined the community would be at risk if Diroche were released before trial. Diroche remains in jail more than 14 months after his arrest.

Judge Gary Norton presides in the Acosta case. A hearing was scheduled for April 6, but that was continued by the defense and rescheduled for May 4.

Acosta, 39, of Brooklyn, N.Y., had been released once before under Rule 600, in a felony gun case in 2007 in Columbia County. He was left out of prison on his own recognizance after serving 253 days and eventually pleaded guilty with a sentence of time served.

Drug network

Law enforcement had been building a case against Acosta prior to his July arrest, and documented other alleged sales to confidential informants. Police say he had another 159 bags of heroin in his possession when he was arrested.

He's accused of running a network covering Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties - stretching from Berwick to Bloomsburg to Danville to Shamokin.

Customers allegedly picked up Acosta at bus stops, rented motel rooms and cars for him, sometimes let him sleep at their homes and made local collections on his behalf.

Codefendants

Four codefendants all facing felony drug charges in Montour County are considered Acosta's distributors. They are Amy Humphries, Kristen O'Connor, Thomas M. Mensch II and Michael Swetman.

Mensch, 34, of Catawissa, pleaded guilty April 6 and is awaiting sentencing May 4 on charges of possession and conspiracy. O'Connor, 33, of Berwick, applied for entry into a drug court program, and Humphries, 33, of Berwick, is reportedly seeking trial. Swetman, 41, of Bloomsburg, is also due in court May 4 for a status conference.

Nineteen suspects, including Acosta, were arrested as a result of the investigation. As the alleged conspirators were rounded up Sept. 18, local police filed charges against an additional 21 defendants wanted on unrelated drug cases. There have been 14 guilty pleas entered since.

SUNBURY - A former Northumberland County inmate is accused of groping a cell mate last year.

Charges of indecent assault and harassment were filed Wednesday by Northumberland County Detective Degg H. Stark against Gerald Isaac Zimmerman, 21, of 412 Pennsylvania Ave., Watsontown. An arrest is pending.

Zimmerman is accused of grabbing the crotch of a cell mate and making unwanted sexual advances toward him in September while both were housed in the left wing of the former Northumberland County Prison. After several days, the accuser was moved to the right wing by prison staff, according to a criminal complaint.

A criminal investigation began in February when the accuser, now a state inmate, filed a formal complaint under the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Zimmerman confessed to making a sexual comment to the accuser but denied any physical contact, the complaint states.

Two other inmates held in the six-man cell were present. One backed up the allegations. The second witness, also currently held in a state prison, did not reply to a formal request for comment. A former county correctional officer told Stark that he recalled moving the accuser following an allegation of sexual misconduct, the complaint states.

SUNBURY - A union representative said both sides of a coal company strike are stuck at an impasse as the work halt enters its fifth day today.

Ty Sees, the union representative for the Teamsters Union Local 764 out of Milton, said Thursday the 26 workers at Anthracite Industries walking the picket lines remain united.

"I've talked with them, and the group has a good frame of mind about what they are entitled to. I feel that we will prevail," Sees said in a phone interview.

The biggest stumbling block in reaching a new agreement is health care benefits and who will pay for them. Currently, employees are paying 20 percent of their health care costs, but the company wants a clause in the contract that if an annual health insurance premium increases 7.5 percent or more, the cost of the increase will be placed on the workers.

For example, if a premium is $1,000 a month, $200 a month is paid by an employee. However, under the 7.5 percent "cap," the workers premium would increase to $275 a month while the company's rate would not change.

"The 'cap' as the company calls it, not only would take away any raises that we are negotiating in the contract, but cause the workers to lose money," Sees said.

Union negotiators have asked to call in a federal mediator, but Sees said company officials will not budge on the health care matter.

Workers have applied to the union for strike benefits, which will pay them for a 10-hour pay week while walking the picket line. Sees said the workers current health benefits are paid up through the end of May. The next bargaining session between the two sides is scheduled for April 29.

The plant, which processes coal, is on Anthracite Road, between Route 61 and Snydertown Road, and is a division of Asbury Carbons, Asbury, N.J., a major supplier of natural graphite, synthetic graphite, related carbon products and a variety of other raw materials.

HARRISBURG - The state Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved legislation authored by Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27) that clarifies a 2012 law that exempts family farms from the state inheritance tax. Senate Bill 580 now goes before the full Senate for consideration.

"Prior to 2012, some family farms had to be sold by heirs to meet the inheritance tax burden, when otherwise the family would have been interested in continuing the operation," Gordner was quoted in a press release from his office. "We took an important step that year by enacting the exemption, which allows many families to remain in agriculture, rather than selling the farm to a corporate farming entity or developer."

However, in interpreting the statute, the state Department of Revenue did not apply the exemption when some farm families managed their ownership and estate planning interests through family trusts or family corporations. Senate Bill 580 clarifies that such entities do qualify for the exemption. Large corporate farms would not qualify for the exemption.

Senate Bill 580 is strongly supported by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and other agricultural groups, Gordner said.

SHAMOKIN - Despite receiving a $50,000 lawsuit settlement from the county last month, a city man has not made payments on back taxes.

David F. Kaleta told The News-Item Feb. 9 he was unaware of the $2,778.14 he owed in past-due real estate taxes on 146 and 148 E. Sunbury St. His wife, Kathi, told The News-Item in February they had not yet received the settlement money and planned to pay the amount owed in full when the check arrived. She said she handles the family's bill-paying.

On Thursday, the Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau said no payments have been made on the Kaleta bill, which has grown to $2,833.14 due to interest, since Sept. 9. They owe for 2013 and 2014.

County Human Resources Director Joseph Picarelli confirmed the county's insurance company sent the settlement check via FedEx March 6. The package was received and signed for by someone at the Sunbury office of Kaleta's lawyers, Kymberley Best and Tim Bowers, March 9.

Reached for comment Thursday afternoon, Kaleta said he had paid last year's taxes and is still paying on present ones. Responding to verification by the tax claim bureau that $775.96 was still owed for 2013 and no payments had been made in more than six months, Kaleta said, "That isn't true."

When asked for information on when he had made payments, Kaleta referred further questions to his lawyers. A call to Best Thursday afternoon wasn't returned.

Kathi Kaleta later contacted The News-Item to say she'd be making the payment Wednesday. She said it's her fault that it hadn't yet been paid, saying she's been busy with her two jobs, and that her husband thought she had made the payment.

She said she didn't want to pay online because of a fee, which is 2.75 percent, and that otherwise a past-due payment needs to be made in person. Wednesday is her next opportunity to get there during office hours, which are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Kathi said because she handles the couple's money matters, she wouldn't ask her husband to take the payment to Sunbury.

At a Feb. 3 meeting, county commissioners voted to accept a request by the insurance company representing the county to award the settlement and end a lawsuit filed in 2012. Kaleta claimed the county and Commissioners Stephen Bridy and Vinny Clausi denied his First Amendment rights and violated the Sunshine Law in a dispute involving his access to county land.

The next day, Kaleta issued a letter to the editor revealing a "list of demands" he made to the county at a mandated mediation session two years ago. Among them were that Clausi, after publicly raising the issue of back taxes and that Kaleta was on disability, should pay Kaleta's back taxes for "embarrassing my hard-working wife and myself."

Kaleta announced in a Facebook post three days after the settlement was approved that he had taken possession of a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500. He called the truck a necessity because his old one had mechanical issues and said he hadn't officially purchased the truck because he had not yet received the settlement money.

Kaleta said he paid about $17,000 to Best and Bowers for their services.

Sunbury offers free mulch

SUNBURY - The city's department of public works will offer free mulch to everyone from 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 9. The mulch will be loaded near the Beiter's building at the North Fourth Street Plaza on a first come, first served basis.

Coal Township Class of 1965 to meet

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township class of 1965 will have a reunion planning meeting at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Brewser's SportsGrille. All class members are encouraged to attend.

Rehang Hometown Heroes banners

SHAMOKIN - Citizens for a Better Community reminds those who purchased banners in the past for the Hometown Heroes project, there is still time to have them rehung for this year, at a cost of $50. The banners will hang on Independence Street from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. Those who do not wish to hang up the banners should make arrangements to pick them up.

For more information, contact Angie Arnold at 570-648-6294.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area High School Symphonic Band will present its annual Rhythms of Spring concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the high school auditorium. The band is under the direction of Kevin B. Styer.

The repertoire for the evening will include "Fire!" by Gary P. Gilroy, "Russian Sailors' Dance" by Reinhold Gliere, "Dawn of a New Day" by James Swearingen, "Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld" by Jacques Offenbach, "Mountain Thyme" arranged by Samuel R. Hazo, "National Emblem March" by E. E. Bagley, and "In a Gentle Rain" by Robert W. Smith.

Each section of the band will be featured in an ensemble piece on the concert which includes "The William Tell Overture," "Sabre Dance" and "Disney Film Favorites."

The senior students will be recognized at the concert as well as the students that participated in various honor festivals. Festival participants include Heather Elliott, Lillie Fidelman, Tyler Forbes, Nick McWilliams, Ronnie Rhoads, Graeme Shappell, Rebecca Wargo and David Wolfe.

Shappell also successfully auditioned for placement in the PMEA All-State Concert.

The concert is free to the public.

SUNBURY - The Sunbury man wanted by police following a drug raid at his home Wednesday was taken into custody Thursday at the Northumberland County Courthouse.

Earl M. Adams Sr., 66, of 122 N. Fifth St., told police he initially had no idea officers raided his home the day before, according to Sunbury Patrolman Stephen Bennick. Approximately $52,000 in drugs, cash and possessions were seized from Adams' home, including a Ford Mustang and three motorcycles.

When Adams learned of the drug bust, he called city police Thursday and said he planned to attend a juvenile court hearing for a 17-year-old male apprehended at his home.

Police didn't disclose the relationship between Adams and the juvenile, but sources say they are father and son.

Bennick said Adams was taken into custody by the Northumberland County Sheriff's Department and turned over to city police. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum on felony counts of possession and conspiracy, and was released on $15,000 bail.

His wife, Linda D. Adams, 50, and another codefendant, Cheyenne R. Ross, 20, both also of 122 N. Fifth St., face the same charges and are each wanted by police.

The drug bust was a result of a site visit by the county's juvenile and adult probation departments. Police said the Adamses fled before law enforcement arrived Wednesday. The juvenile male is on probation and was home. Probation officers contacted police and a search warrant was obtained. Marijuana, hash, synthetic drugs, scales and other paraphernalia were allegedly found throughout the home, including in the juvenile's attic bedroom.

TREVORTON - A burned house that has blighted the village for more than three years has finally been eliminated at no cost to Zerbe Township residents.

Supervisors approved a $16,488 payment to Steinbacher Enterprises Inc. for the demolition of 220-224 S. 10th St., at Monday's township meeting. This is in addition to a 10 percent retainer of $1,832 for a total price tag of $18,320.

Chairman Mike Schwartz said the money came solely from grant funding and will be paid through SEDA-COG, who is managing the project on behalf of the township.

"It was done without a penny of expense to the taxpayers," said Supervisor Michael Mazer.

The double home has sat blackened and crumbling since it was destroyed by an electrical fire May 1, 2011.

Residents voiced concerns two months later at a township meeting that children and animals were entering and exiting the building and that it was emitting a stench, but Solicitor Roger Wiest II said the property's owner, James Thorpe, was uninsured and leaving town.

Federal funding secured through a Community Block Development Grant came through in August 2014. A lien was placed on 224 S. 10th St. for the demolition amount.

Supervisors said when the demolition is fully complete, the lot will be graded and seeded. The lot will then be sold, with SEDA-COG determining if it will be auctioned publicly or listed through a realtor.

Schwartz said at the meeting that while the 10th Street demolition is a small victory in the fight against blight, he and the other supervisors are not blind to the numerous other problem properties in the township.

"We're working on trying to get them taken care of," Schwartz said.

In other business:

- The Trevorton Heritage Society will host an outdoor movie at the Foundry pool house on the evening of June 13. Schwartz said snacks such as hot dogs, popcorn and drinks will be available, with the film to be announced at a later date.

- The fall festival will be held Oct. 3 from noon until 5 p.m. at the Foundry. A parade will begin at 11 a.m. and a 5K race will be run prior to the parade.

- Walabax Construction Services Inc. was granted a 90-day extension to complete work on the sewer plant. The time extension was necessary due to a long freeze halting work in the winter. The extension was also granted to Howard Organization Inc., the project's electrician, because electrical work cannot be completed until the contractor is finished.

- The stipend for the zoning officer was increased from $35 to $90 per month. The township is still looking for a replacement for zoning officer Ron Lesher, who tendered his resignation in September effective when a eplacement is found.

- Spring cleanup will be from April 27 to May 8. Yard debris and small branches should be placed at the curb for removal or taken to the pile near the salt shed adjacent to the Foundry.

SHAMOKIN - A man accused of dealing and using drugs after hours at a city day care three weeks ago turned himself over to police Thursday.

Ryan Varano, 28, of 114 S. Fifth St., was taken to Snyder County Prison on a bench warrant Thursday night after walking into the police station and giving himself up.

Cpl. Bryan Primerano, the investigating officer in the case, said Varano was in a drug rehabilitation program during his time on the lam.

"It's good that we got the last person in the case and we can start wrapping it up," Primerano said outside the station after Varano was placed in a waiting vehicle.

Varano and two other individuals - Christian Kehler, 37, of 1114 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, and Frederick Russo, 49, of 1321 Chestnut St., Kulpmont - face drug charges involving a March 28 incident at Jesus' Lil Helpers Daycare, 114 N. Fifth St. Police reported Kehler overdosed on heroin and was revived by police and emergency medical personnel through the use of CPR and Narcan before being rushed by ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Kehler was discharged from the hospital April 1. According to the criminal complaint, police found 52 filled, 65 empty and 38 partially empty packets of heroin and other drug paraphernalia. Some of the heroin packets were in places accessible to children, like a kitchen trash can, and heroin residue covered the surfaces of children's tables.

In the criminal complaint, Varano said he stays at the address on weekends and nights when the day care is not open and he and Kehler use the location to sell, distribute and use heroin.

Kehler has been offered a plea deal by the county district attorney's office dropping his charges to a felony count of possession with intent to deliver heroin. His past criminal record would require a state prison sentence.

In addition to felony criminal conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver and misdemeanor possession of an illegal substance, Varano and Kehler were also originally charged with felony criminal use of a communication device; misdemeanors of possession with intent to use drugs, and, because of the potential harm to children, reckless endangerment of another person.

Varano also faces two counts - one felony and one misdemeanor - of criminal trespass, charges filed at the request of Kelly Ebersole, Varano's mother and owner of the daycare, who said she personally informed Varano he was not to be in the day care.

Primerano could not say Thursday night when Varano will be arraigned on the charges, leaving that decision up to Magisterial District Judge John Gembic, of Shamokin.

A third man, Frederick Russo, 49, of 1321 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, is accused of driving Kehler and Varano to Philadelphia to purchase heroin in exchange for drugs and money. He was remanded to Snyder County Prison after he violated bail terms for unrelated drug charges.

Russo has not yet been arraigned on the charges related to the day care overdose incident.

SCRANTON - A United Steelworkers of America union treasurer from Ranshaw was charged Wednesday for stealing almost $9,000 in union funds over a two and a half year period.

Attorney Peter Smith said David Deitrick, 50, of Ranshaw, "abused his position" to steal $8,993.38 from the union.

Deitrick is charged with embezzlement and theft of labor union assets. If found guilty, he could serve up to five years imprisonment and pay a $250,000 fine if found guilty of the charges.

The investigation against Deitrick was conducted by investigators from the U.S. Department of Labor. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Hobart in the District Court in Scranton.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area School Board authorized district administrators to research a tuition-based model for an expanded pre-kindergarten program, and also appointed an interim board member to fulfill a vacated term.

Jessica M. Delaney, of Den-Mar Gardens, will serve on the school board into December. She replaces former director Raymond D. Kraynak, who resigned last month. The board vote during Thursday's monthly meeting was 7-0. Director Michael Rovito was absent.

Although less than eight months remain on the term, Delaney could possibly stay on the board longer because she is one of six candidates seeking election this year to five positions on the school board.

Robert Muldowney, board president, said Delaney was the lone applicant to respond to an advertisement for the latest vacancy posted on the district's website. She was one of two finalists among the five applicants who hoped to fill a vacancy in January, and was edged out by appointee James Britt, Muldowney said. Britt also is seeking election.

Pre-K expansion

The school district currently offers a no-cost pre-kindergarten program for children ages 3 and 4, but enrollment is income based.

Pre-K Counts, a federal program operated in Pennsylvania by the state education department, funds the district's pre-kindergarten. To qualify, families must earn less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, a family of four with a total household income of $72,750 or less in 2015 would be eligible.

There are approximately 36 children enrolled in two classes of Mount Carmel Area's Pre-K Counts. A paid model would open enrollment to all eligible district children.

As of now, though, details are few. The board's vote was simply to authorize administrators to research the idea. The 2015-16 school year is targeted, but that may be too ambitious. Bernard Stellar, superintendent, said a more likely start, if adopted, would be the 2016-17 school year.

But there is much to sort out - legality, feasibility and, of course, cost.

A paid model may be the only option to expand pre-kindergarten. The district is facing a $1.4 million budget deficit ahead of next school year, and budget cuts are being discussed. Adding a new program would mean adding expenses: personnel, materials, utility costs. Without the extra revenue, it may not be an option.

The school board's interest, Muldowney said, started with word from several district parents who said they'd be willing to pay a fee to send their child to pre-kindergarten. Advice will be sought from the Pennsylvania School Board Association, he said, and interest will be gauged amongst district residents.

Pittsburgh Public Schools introduced a tuition-based program in 2012. Stellar wasn't aware of any other Pennsylvania school districts doing the same.

MOUNT CARMEL - A Kulpmont father wants Mount Carmel Area to allow any school-aged district resident the opportunity to join an after-school activity.

Keith Tamborelli says whether a student is in home school or private school, the child should be allowed to try out for district athletics and join clubs and the school band.

His daughter, 13-year-old Brianna, is a seventh-grader at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School. She'd like to try out for the junior high football cheer squad at Mount Carmel because Lourdes doesn't have a football program.

Tryouts are closed, but Tamborelli's daughter wouldn't have been permitted to join anyhow. School-aged students who live in the district but don't attend class at Mount Carmel are limited in what Red Tornado activities they can participate.

There's a cooperative agreement in place between Mount Carmel and Lourdes that allows students from the two schools to participate in a limited number of sports. Lourdes students can try out for Mount Carmel football team, including junior high, and track and field programs; it's vice-versa for volleyball and softball at Lourdes. The agreement is presented for approval of the PIAA.

It's an agreement that's already benefitted Tamborelli's daughter, which he acknowledged. She competes in swimming and track at Mount Carmel. But he says it should be all inclusive, and he seemed genuine in saying his request was made in part to benefit all school-aged kids who live in the district.

"If a kid wants to participate in something, they should be allowed to. It's better than staying at home or getting in trouble," Tamborelli said during a break at Thursday's meeting of the Mount Carmel Area school board.

The agreement doesn't cover clubs, band, educational programs like Odyssey of the Mind, cheerleading and the like, but Tamborelli said the board could consider a separate agreement for those activities. Board president Robert Muldowney said during the meeting that he would discuss the issue with the cheerleading moderators, and would also present it to the board's athletic committee.

Donna James, board director, noted the $1.4 million deficit the district is facing ahead of the 2015-16 school year. She said extracurricular activities like cheerleading and band aren't exempt from potential budget cuts. Her point was to underscore that such activities aren't required by the state, but are offered as additional outlets for students.

An instance exists where Mount Carmel allowed Lourdes students to participate in a district activity without a formal agreement, and it involved cheerleading. Muldowney said that this school year, for the first time, any Lourdes high school student was allowed to try out for Mount Carmel's varsity cheer squads, but they had to commit to both football and basketball.

Tamborelli was advised by board solicitor Edward Greco to also discuss the matter with Lourdes administrators. Tamborelli said he would, and he asked that board members consider seeking a blanket participation agreement covering all sports, clubs and activities.

SUNBURY - A cost-benefit analysis will be conducted to determine if the county continues to use correctional officers to transport prisoners to and from legal proceedings or if constables will once again provide the services.

The analysis is scheduled to be completed in time for Northumberland County commissioners to vote on the issue at their May 5 meeting.

County officials, police, magisterial district judges and state constables met Friday afternoon for about an hour at the administration center to discuss transportation alternatives.

According to information compiled by county prison officials, transportation of county inmates cost $17,799.29 last month. Approximately $10,000 was spent to transport inmates at SCI-Coal Township to and from the county courthouse. An estimated $6,400 was spent on transporting prisoners to and from the four magisterial district judge offices in the county. It cost approximately $1,000 to take inmates to other prisons or medical facilities.

The analysis will determine if the cost for constables to transport prisoners is the same, higher or lower.

The county receives reimbursement from fines assessed to defendants if they are transported by constables or sheriff office personnel. The county is not reimbursed for using correctional officers to transport inmates.

Traditionally, the county only receives about 40 percent of reimbursement costs from inmates, but officials are hoping that collection rate will increase.

"I thought it was a good meeting because all the people generally affected by the transportation problem were under one roof," commented Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel, who is running for county judge this year.

He said, "The study will essentially compare the costs of using correctional officers versus constables. I wish we would have more meetings like this."

The hourlong session, which was not open to the public, also included discussion about a central booking center and holding cell.

Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin, added, "It was a very productive meeting. All the commissioners are dedicated to keeping cops in the field and protecting citizens rather than having them transport inmates."

'Win-win'

Gembic believes it would be very advantageous for the county to revert back to using constables to transport prisoners because it would alleviate manpower and cost issues for municipal police departments, while allowing the county to be eligible for reimbursement. "It would be a win-win situation for everyone," he said.

"All the commissioners seem to be on the same page with this," he said. "They are giving it priority."

The judge said he was impressed by the turnout at the meeting and the willingness of the participants to explore other transportation options.

District Attorney Ann Targonski said, "I am very optimistic we will work something out following our discussion at the meeting. I believe when we all work together toward the same goal, we will be able to find the best solutions that benefit the citizens of Northumberland County."

In addition to Targonski, Gembic and Jones, participants included Commissioners Richard Shoch and Stephen Bridy, municipal and state police, Controller Chris Grayson, Sheriff Robert Wolfe, Prothonotary Justin Dunkelberger, President Judge William H. Wiest, Deputy Court Administrator Kevin O'Hearn, Magisterial District Judges Benjamin Apfelbaum, of Sunbury, and Michael Diehl, of Milton, Northumberland County Chief Probation Officer Jim Cortelyou, Warden Bruce Kovach and Constables Larry Rompallo, Butch Showers and Glenn Masser.

Although he couldn't attend the meeting, Gembic said Commissioner Vinny Clausi supports a cost-benefit analysis to determine which options best suit the county.

The magisterial district judges, who helped organize the meeting, are seeking ways to make the transportation of inmates to and from court proceedings as efficient as possible. They said transportation issues involving county prisoners in SCI-Coal Township, Snyder County Prison, SCI-Muncy and other county jails have affected court hearings since a Jan. 14 fire ravaged Northumberland County Prison, prompting inmates to be relocated.

In January 2013, county commissioners eliminated the use of constables for inmate transportation purposes and placed that burden on municipal police who arrest defendants. But since the prison fire, the county has been using correctional officers to transport inmates.

MOUNT CARMEL - Several appointments to borough committees and boards were approved at Thursday's borough council meeting.

The meeting, which lasted 12 minutes, otherwise included just two agenda items: passing the monthly administrative consent resolution, including a number of motions approved in one vote, and approving a resolution adopting the borough's emergency operation plan (EOP).

For the EOP, council President Tony Matulewicz asked to make an amendment, establishing the chain of command for disaster declaration. The order established is mayor, council president, council vice president and chairman of public safety. The EOP was passed by a unanimous vote on a Clement Plisiewicz motion and a Leroy Moser second, with Matulewicz, Plisiewicz, Moser, Robert Shirmer, Gary Hixson, Joseph Lapotsky and David Fantini voting yes.

The following appointments were approved:

- Clement Plisiewicz to the Mount Carmel Municipal Authority with a term ending the first Monday of January 2020.

- Michael Venna to the Zoning Hearing Board for a term ending the first Monday of January 2020.

- Melissa Katch and George Miller to the borough's planning commission for terms ending the first Monday of January 2019.

- Edward Fegley to the board of appeals for a term ending the first Monday of January 2018.

- Henry Witkoski to the board of appeals for a term ending the first Monday of January 2017.

- David Fantini as an alternate to the board of appeals for a term ending the first Monday of January 2018.

Also as part of the monthly administrative consent resolution, council approved a $38,500 bid plus the costs for "careful asbestos abatement" to Sikora Brothers Paving Inc. for the demolition of the borough garage and a home at Seventh and Oak streets.

Borough manager Edward T. Cuff III was directed to advertise a request for proposals for spray injection pothole repair with a fixed-rate equipment lease and variable material costs.

Alex and Ani bingo at OLOL

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Alex and Ani Bingo will be held Sunday at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School. Doors open at noon, and bingo begins at 2 p.m.

The bingo benefits the MS Walk (Team Wach the Wach). All proceeds go to the MS Society.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. They are available at One Smart Cookie and The Recycling Center.

Randy and Studio M from Kingston will be there with their entire stock of Alex and Ani. Those attending may purchase bracelets, and Randy will donate a portion of the sales to Team Wach the Walk. If you want a particular bracelet, call Randy at 570-283-4404, and he will have the bracelet ready at the bingo. Anyone who doesn't want to play bingo can stop by at noon and check out the huge inventory of Alex and Ani.

Special games, raffles, 50/50s, food and drink are available.

Youth trout derby scheduled

SUNBURY RD - Little Shamokin Creek Watershed Association will host its annual youth trout derby April 25 at the Long Center, 182 Houser Road, Augustaville, located off Route 890. There is no fee for participation.

Youths ages 3 to 12 from any community are invited to a day of outdoor adventure and trout fishing. Children under 10 years must have an adult present. Registration begins at the new pavilion at 7:30 a.m., and fishing starts at 9 a.m.

Children must register to receive gifts. The first 300 who are registered receive a commemorative lapel button and outdoor/fishing-related gifts. Food and beverage will be provided to participants and additional food will be for sale.

Fish bait will be available for participants. The state daily limit of five trout with a minimum length of seven inches will apply. Wading is restricted. Lower Augusta Fire Department will have medical personnel on site.

The area of the creek reserved for this year's event has been lengthened. This restricted area starts near Hallowing Run Road and extends 1.1 miles to a point 580 yards downstream of Houser Road. The boundaries and the entire length of the restricted area will be marked with signs.

SUNBURY - The attorney for accused murderer Edgar A. Gearhart will argue in the Court of Common Pleas that his client is not guilty of first or second degree murder because he did not intend to stab to death his mother's boyfriend or show any malice in his actions.

The 19-year-old defendant from Selinsgrove, who appeared very nervous and even scared at times during his 35-minute preliminary hearing Friday morning before Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum, cried upon being escorted from the public meeting room at Northumberland County Administration Center after being held for court on multiple charges, including an open count of criminal homicide and attempted homicide.

The hearing was moved from Apfelbaum's small courtroom, which is located in the same building, to accommodate more people.

Gearhart, who did not testify, pleaded not guilty to all charges at the outset of the legal proceeding.

His attorney, James Best of Sunbury, said there was no case for first or second degree murder against Gearhart because of the lack of intent, premeditation or malice in his actions.

Northumberland County District Attorney Ann Targonski argued that case laws allows an open count of criminal homicide to be filed because the defendant used a deadly weapon on a vital organ of the body and recklessly or negligently caused the March 18 death of 46-year-old Robert "Knowledge" Blake, of 620 N. Fifth St., Sunbury.

An open count of criminal homicide includes first, second and third degree murder, voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.

'Tragedy'

Gearhart is charged by Sunbury Cpls. Jamie Quinn and Travis Bremigen with stabbing to death Blake on Masser Street between Fifth and Sixth streets, a short distance from Blake's home. Prior to stabbing Blake, Gearhart also is accused of using a knife to cut the left shoulder of his mother and Blake's girlfriend, Amy Gearhart, 40, of Selinsgrove, while giving her a hug inside a friend's home.

The stabbings were reported to police at about 2 a.m.

Apfelbaum ruled the commonwealth presented sufficient evidence to send the case to the Court of Common Pleas for a pre-trial conference June 5. Gearhart was remanded back to SCI-Coal Township without bail.

After the hearing, Best said, "There is a low standard of proof at preliminary hearings. The defense's case will play out more at the Common Pleas level and I anticipate filing several motions that challenge the reasons why first or second degree murder don't apply against my client."

Targonski added, "This case is a tragedy. The loss of a 46-year-old person's life is always sad. Mr. Blake's death was unnecessary."

Following the hearing, the defendant's mother yelled to her son, "I love you."

Amy Gearhart was among about 10 family members and friends who came to support the young defendant and collectively maintain his innocence.

Although he declined to identify himself, one of Gearhart's friends criticized Sunbury police for "not doing their job right." He said, "If Sunbury police did their job right, this incident wouldn't have made it that far. They should have investigated the incidents that led up to this."

The man did not elaborate what the alleged prior incidents involved before walking away.

While Gearhart's family members and friends were disgruntled about the judge's ruling when talking to Best outside the center, Targonski explained to Blake's three nieces inside the meeting room how the case will most likely proceed. The nieces declined comment about the fatal stabbing of their uncle.

Testifying for the prosecution were Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley, Tara Michael and Quinn.

Kelley said Blake was pronounced dead by a physician in the emergency room at Sunbury Community Hospital.

He said an autopsy at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown determined Blake died from stab wounds to his right thigh, which severed his femoral artery, the main supplier of blood to the lower body. He said the manner off death was homicide.

Testimony

Michael, a friend of the Gearharts who lives at 622 N. Sixth St., said she and Amy Gearhart were drinking alcoholic beverages at her home and just "hanging out" during the evening and early-morning hours prior to the stabbings.

The witness said Edgar Gearhart and Blake both showed up later to arrange a ride for Amy Gearhart back to Selinsgrove.

A few moments after she saw Edgar Gearhart give his mother a hug, Michael recalled Amy Gearhart, stating, "Oh my God, I think I was stabbed."

Michael described the cut on her friend's left shoulder as being deep and several inches long. She said the stab wound produced a lot of blood.

She said the defendant left the home with Blake after the stabbing. She said there was no argument or fighting between the two of them.

Quinn talked about the police investigation that led to the charges filed against the defendant.

She said Blake was found covered in blood on a porch at 616 N. Fifth St. "He was in bad shape. He was alive, but not responding," she said.

The corporal said there were bloody footprints on the sidewalk leading to the porch.

Quinn said Edgar Gearhart, who was found at the scene with Blake, was calling the victim's name and attempted to help him.

Minutes later, she said police were notified about Amy Gearhart being stabbed.

The corporal said the defendant admitted jabbing a knife into Blake's right thigh in an alley during an argument. Quinn said the knife used in Blake's stabbing was found in a nearby vehicle.

But she said Edgar Gearhart claimed he didn't know anything about his mother's stabbing. Quinn testified Edgar Gearhart told her that he and his mother got into an argument earlier about getting a ride home and a broken cellphone.

When contacted by police after the stabbings by police, Amy Gearhart initially refused medical treatment for her stab wound, Quinn testified. But the corporal said Gearhart later agreed to be taken by a friend to Sunbury Community Hospital before being transferred to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Quinn said Gearhart did not want to press charges against her son.