BURNSIDE - A mine subsidence more than 200 feet deep and approximately 20 feet wide that reportedly opened up Wednesday night near the edge of Route 125 between Burnside and the Marvin Klinger Inc. bus barn has forced PennDOT officials to close the highway between Bear Valley Road and Upper Road (Route 2044) in East Cameron Township.

Rick Mason, public information officer for PennDOT District 3-0 in Montoursville, said the road will be closed for an extended period of time until the subsidence can be properly filled in.

He said PennDOT is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation to determine the next course of action.

A concrete air shaft is located in the center of the subsidence, which contains water at the bottom.

Mason, who warned motorists and curious residents to stay away from the dangerous area, said PennDOT doesn't know what caused the subsidence. It's possible recent flooding in the area may have contributed to the subsidence, which was reported to Coal Township police at 7:43 p.m. Wednesday.

PennDOT employees have erected signs and piled several huge mounds of dirt across the highway in both directions near the subsidence to prohibit motorists from entering the area.

Traffic has been be detoured via Upper Road to Trevorton, then onto Route 225 and Route 61 into Shamokin.

Mason said, "We don't know what the conditions are underground in the area of the subsidence, so we don't want anyone around there for their own safety. We don't want any tragedies resulting from the subsidence."

The public information officer said a narrow area along the berm of the highway is accessible to emergency vehicles only.

Sitting in the soundproof booth in the hospital's ear, nose and throat department, I was a picture of total concentration. Wearing a set of earphones and holding a button to push whenever I heard a sound in the ear being tested, I was straining to hear the test tones as quickly as possible so I could use my thumb to push that button.

It's hard for me to believe, but the 15th anniversary of the death of my dad, Joe Kozlowski, will be in a few days. He suffered from both Alzheimer's disease and aphasia as a likely result of mini-strokes, so his speech in his last years was impossible to understand.

His smile was his primary way of communicating. That is a pleasant memory, but it does not help sometimes when I try to remember what his voice sounded like. I have to strain with my inner ear to find memories of what he said and how he said it in the nether regions of my brain.

Although my memory of the way he sounded is gradually dimming, my recollection of what he said by the way he led his life grows vividly.

My dad was a deeply religious man; a person who was a communicant at daily Masses for many years. His faith was also evident in his joyous marriage to my mother, and the gentleness with which he treated her and his four children.

He was known throughout the community as he walked the streets with a smile on his face and a rosary in his hand.

My dad's voice may be fading a bit in my memory, but the way he lived his life with a love of God, his family and others will always come through to my soul - loud and clear.

+++

We speak to God,

but do we listen to Him?

ASHLAND - Ashland Public Library received the following memorials:

In memory of

Kathryn Frank by Evelyn Glessner.

Jack Shuttlesworth by Cathy and Kate Zimmerman.

Alfred Lucas by Ruth and Lou Swatski.

Elwood Bracey by Charlotte, Adam and Nolan Czeponis.

Arthur Faust by Rene (Kaufman) Hardnock, North Schuylkill Class of 1973.

Trudy Jalonski by Tom and Kathy Schreck.

Thomas J. Woods by granddaughter Laura Feitner.

Carl Ziegenfuss by Jack and Mary Anne Misiewicz.

Peggy Burke by the Card Club.

Catherine Brown by Donald and Laray Klinger.

Helen Shearn by Donald and Laray Brown.

Donald H. Klinger by Donald and Laray Klinger.

Chester Davis by Dot and Tekla Kranzel.

Joseph W. Baran by Tracy Miller, Charlotte, Adam and Nolan Czeponis, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sherman, Patricia Shaner, Mrs. Mary Fanelli, Agnes and Cindy Saukaitis, Jeff and Amy Bevan, Laurie and James Wunderle, James Wallbillich, library staff (Ann, Rene and Bev), Michael and Donna Lassen, Catherine and James Cooksey, Mary Ellen Kralick, Georgine Tidmore, Cecilia Malinowski, Janet Constantine, Gary and Kathy Glessner, John and Karen Simodejka, Kay and Paul Orkin, Shearn family, Ruth Mlinac, Karen and Mick Maloney, Quandel Group Inc., Tereza D'Andrade, Bob and Jill Keener, Todd and Ruth Geist, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Marchalonis, Judy and Joe Weber, Atty. and Mrs. Robert N. Bohard, Senator and Mrs. Edward Helfrick, Burke/Minnig, Eugene and Catherine Stohn, David and Christine Fannick, Thaddeus J. Madden, Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Adukaitis, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allen, Robert A. Bierowski, John and Mary Wood, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Daley, Paul and Barbara Umlauf, Empire Education Group Inc., The Board of the Pottsville/Schuylkill Technology Incubator, Robert and Norma Marquardt, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Liem and family, Carol and Tom Green, Bob and Barbara Nestor, Joyce Yeager, Richard Graham and Gerard Presepe, Tom and Kathy Schreck, Morefield Communications Inc., Frank and Kate Staudenmeier, Gene and Gina Courson, Anthony and Sandra Baran, George C. Best, Donna, Dave, Erica and Vanessa Ferraiolo, John and Dianna Briel, Jim and Anne O'Leary, Ione Geier, Extol International Inc. employees, Frank and Nonie Zukas, John and Teah Motsney and family, Eleanore B. Hewitt, Singley family, Russ, Maryann, Rusty and Kristen Cunningham, Fairmount Partners, L.P., Jessica Johnson and James Corbacio, Mike and Beth Flack and family, Tracey and Charles Heizenroth, John and Sally Bane, Joseph A. and Regina Lopez, Anthony Urban, Arketi Group, Diane M. Fiorillo and family.

TREVORTON - The Patsies Senior Adult Ministry met Sept. 19 at St. Patrick Church hall. The meeting was opened with the Senior Adult Ministry Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. There were 32 members present and birthday celebrants for the month of September were announced: Bernadette Berra and Irene Steinhart who are lifetime members, Celeste Blascovich, Anita Lagerman, Ann and Scottie Robson, Lavon Swank and William Webber. "Happy Birthday" was sung to celebrants present. Monetary donations this month were made by Ben and Celeste Blascovich, Joe Carabini, Kay McBride, Scottie Robson, Naomi Mielki and Von Swank. Cakes and goodies were furnished by Ann Robson, Catherine Reed and William Webber.

The secretary report was read by Edwina Savidge and was approved as read.

The treasurer report was presented by Mary Ellen Hoffman and was approved as read.

In the absence of Travel Committee members, a brief report was given from the secretary's report and any questions can be directed to Joyce Koppen at 797-3065 or Judie Urick at 648-0105. There are seats still available for the Christmas Show at Hunterdon Hills and Christian Life Assembly Church in Camp Hill.

Members who will attend the annual Mass/Banquet at Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg, are from the Patsies, Carmelites, The Rainbow Club and The Rosarians. The bus leaves St. Patrick Church at 8:15 a.m., Weis Markets in Shamokin at 8:30 a.m., the gazebo in Atlas at 8:45 a.m. and the Mount Carmel Moose at 9 a.m. Attendees are reminded to bring their tickets to board the bus.

The Oct. 17 meeting is an Octoberfest/Halloween covered dish luncheon to be held at 1 p.m. at the church hall. Meat will be provided, and everyone is asked to provide a favorite dish and the recipes to be shared with others.

October members are reminded to bring a cake or donation for the ice cream fund.

The annual Christmas party will be held Dec. 19 and will be catered by Hannah's. The meal will include roast pork with all the trimmings and music will provided by Vic Boris. Cost is $12 and those planning to attend can sign up at the next meeting.

The Patsies welcome new member, Faye Herb, and remind others that new members are always welcome.

50/25/25 winners were Eleanor Long And James Blessing. The Over 50 song was sung and the meeting adjourned, after which members played cards and bingo.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. Defendants ordered to appear for arraignment in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

- Joseph M. Currie, 19, of Pine Grove, waived to court charges of resisting arrest, underage drinking, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness relating to a Sept. 11 disturbance at Seventh and Walnut streets in Kulpmont.

The charges were filed by Kulpmont Patrolman Michael Pitcavage.

Currie was ordered to appear for arraignment Oct. 31.

- Christina K. Lahr, 43, of 602 Bear Gap Road, Elysburg, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and was ordered to appear for arraignment Oct. 31.

Lahr was charged by Ralpho Township Cpl. Bryon Chowka in connection with a July 21 incident in the parking lot at M&T Bank off Route 54.

- Noel Rivera, 24, of Reading, waived to court charges of possession of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple assault, two counts of disorderly conduct, flight to avoid apprehension and resisting arrest.

Ralpho Township Patrolman Chris Dailey filed the charges in connection with a July 23 disturbance at Glosser Motor Inn along Route 487.

Rivera was ordered to appear for arraignment Oct. 31.

- Bruce A. Alleman, 47, of 124 S. Fourth St., Catawissa, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and was ordered to appear for arraignment Oct. 31.

Alleman was charged by Ralph Township Patrolman Stephen Spade in connection with a June 9 incident along Route 487.

- Melanie J. Guinther, 30, of 5 Madison Ave., Elysburg, waived to court charges of forgery and theft by deception and was ordered to appear for arraignment Oct. 31.

Guinther was charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman with manufacturing 23 counterfeit United States bills and passing a $5 counterfeit bill at Turkey Hill Minit Market on Fifth Street in exchange for merchandise on May 9.

- John A. Mongoni Jr., 29, of Danville, was held for court on charges of criminal trespass and criminal mischief when he failed to appear for his preliminary hearing.

Mongoni was charged by Ralpho Township Patrolman Stephen Spade in connection with a Sept. 15 incident at Village Apartments on West Center Street in Elysburg.

Mongoni was ordered to appear for arraignment Oct. 31.

No school for MCA Monday

MOUNT CARMEL - There will be no school for students in the Mount Carmel Area School District on Monday, due to a teacher in-service day. Please note, there will be a full day for staff and students on Wednesday.

Scam seminar scheduled at high-rise

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin Police Department will sponsor a free seminar conducted by the Senior Crime Prevention University Program in the state Attorney General's Office from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 30, at Lincoln Towers Highrise, 201 W. Mulberry St.

The program makes citizens aware of various types of scams used by con artists, such as home improvement rip-offs, foreign lottery schemes, telemarketing fraud and sweepstakes scams.

Shamokin and Coal Township police warned residents to be aware of scam artists who claim to be contractors seeking to repair homes damaged by recent flooding. Police said residents who have suspicions about contractors should call police at 648-5708 (Shamokin), 644-0333 (Coal Township) or Northumberland County Communications Center at 648-3868.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini announced Friday that the Pennsylvania District Attorney's Association has voted to support legislation to provide for specific crimes for assaults on children.

"It's amazing that Pennsylvania has never enacted legislation to specifically cover assaults on children," Rosini said. "We need this specific crime to protect our children."

Rosini said he has discussed the issue with state representatives Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) and Kurt Masser (R-107), who are both very supportive of enacting legislation that will provide for a separate crime for assaulting a young child.

Rosini said there have been some attempts to cover children in the crimes code. For example, Pennsylvania has an offense called endangering welfare of children. However, this offense only covers a parent, guardian or other person supervising the welfare of a child. It does cover an assault by any other person.

The district attorney said there are other provisions in the crimes code and sentencing guidelines that provide for enhancements for sentences or grading for crimes against children, but no provisions that help with the actual elements of the assault on a young child.

Rosini emphasized that what would be a minor assault on an adult can have serious consequences on a child. "Recently, we had an individual who threw a baby on a bed, causing the child to bounce up in the air," he said. "Something like this may not cause harm to an adult, but the child sustained bleeding on her brain. The long-term effects of this act will not be known for several years."

New laws proposed

Rosini said at the summer meeting of the district attorney's association, he requested his fellow district attorneys to support legislation that would help protect children my making assaults on children a more serious offense. He said the motion was unanimously passed as everyone felt that new legislation was necessary.

Rosini said he's hopeful that similar legislation can be introduced in the Senate.

The current proposed legislation creates two distinct offenses for assaulting a child, which is defined as a person under 12 years of age. The offense of "assault of a child" would make it a felony of the third degree to assault a child and increase the penalty to a felony of the second degree if the child is under the age of six.

A third-degree felony carries a maximum term of imprisonment of seven years, while a second-degree felony carries a penalty of up to 10 years incarceration.

The second proposed offense of "aggravated assault of a child" covers assaults that cause serious bodily injury to a child. Under this provision, intentionally causing serious bodily injury to a child would be a felony of the second degree, except where the child is under six years old. Then, the grading is increased to a felony of the first degree that carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Shopping at Boscov's, van leaves at 9 a.m., cost is $7.10; bridge, 12:15 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; VNA flu shots, 9 a.m. to noon; VNA blood pressure and blood sugar screening, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; Pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Kulpmont SAC coming to Wii bowl against Team 2, 9 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Wii bowling and cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:30 a.m.; members birthday party with bingo to follow, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; word games, 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Bean bag with Wii to follow, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii in the morning; VNA blood pressure and blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Pinochle-cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii in the morning; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling with team traveling to Shamokin SAC, van leaves center at 9 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; evening cards, 5 p.m.

Friday - Wii bowling with Trevorton SAC coming to the center, 9 a.m.; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - After lunch, movie video with treats.

Tuesday - PTH exercise with Carol Burton, 10:15 a.m.; handouts on "Getting in your whole grains."

Wednesday - Trivia "Did You Know?" 10:45 a.m.

Thursday - No activities listed.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 11 a.m.

Wednesday - Bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 11 a.m.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; Pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Monday - Games on the Wii, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.; evening card party, 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; shopping at Weis Markets, 12:30 p.m., $2 co-pay; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Scrabble, 9 a.m.; movie with snacks, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Bean bag toss, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Trevorton SAC to Kulpmont for Wii bowling, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Mark A. Ciavarella Jr., 62, was sentenced to 28 years in prison for his role in the kids-for-cash case. He is being held in a medium-security federal prison in Illinois. His projected release date, with time off for good behavior, is Dec. 30, 2035.

Michael T. Conahan, 59, was sentenced to 17½ years Friday and taken into federal custody, but the U.S. Bureau of Prisons had not revealed where he is being held. Conahan pleaded guilty to accepting $2.8 million in kickbacks for his role in placing juvenile offenders in two for-profit detention centers. With time off for good behavior, he will be eligible for release in 2026.

Michael T. Toole, 51, was sentenced to 2½ years in prison for accepting free use of a vacation home from an attorney who won a favorable ruling in his courtroom and filing a false tax return. He is being held in a minimum-security federal prison camp in Minnesota. His projected release date, with time off for good behavior, is July 6, 2013.

Thank you, your honor. Good morning.

Your honor, this has been a long road for me. It has been difficult, embarrassing, damaged my reputation beyond repair. I've lost everything that I worked for my entire life, and I'm about to go to prison.

Your honor, I deserve these consequences because of what I've done.

First, please allow me to apologize to the children and the families of the children that appeared in juvenile court in Luzerne County.

You are the vulnerable people of our society and are entitled to have decisions based upon what is in your best interests. I let you down the most. My actions undermined your faith in the system and contributed to the great difficulty in your lives.

I was the president judge, I owed you better. I'm grateful that the Supreme Court overturned your findings of delinquency and expunged your records. I am sorry you were victimized.

I apologize to the staff and the probation department of the juvenile court. I was the president judge and I should have let you do better things for those juveniles. I let you down. You deserved better from me.

To all of those people who lost faith in the juvenile justice system, I ask that you please keep in mind the system was not corrupt, I was corrupt.

The system has integrity, I did not perform my duties the way I should have, and I do not have integrity.

I apologize to the citizens of Luzerne County because your faith in government has been shaken, as a result of the dark cloud I placed over all of us. I let you down personally and professionally.

I hope that both the prosecutions of public officials and public officials like me accepting responsibility and admitting their criminal actions will restore your faith in government.

Your honor, Luzerne County is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. The county and its government were not corrupt, I was corrupt.

I also apologize to the legal community and the judiciary. I've tarnished the reputation and trust that people have placed in lawyers and in the judiciary.

I think I did some good as a judge, however, I lost my way, and any good I have done over the years will forever be overshadowed by my criminal acts.

The public has the right to expect that lawyers act with integrity at all times. As a lawyer, I failed.

The public has a right to expect that the judiciary is built upon the foundation of upholding truth and honesty. As a judge, I failed.

The judicial system was not bad or corrupt, your honor, I was corrupt.

Your Honor, I lost my way and violated my oath and broke the law.

Over the past two years, I've come to understand these facts. I worked long and hard to try and understand all the wrong that I've done and why I did it and to try and understand how I can atone for it.

Throughout this process, my family and close friends never left my side. They have given me the love and support I needed so that I could step back and examine my life and my conduct.

I have a lot of time to think about what I did. My failures and this process helped me to look at myself, and I did not like what I saw. I disappointed and hurt so many people.

I apologize to my family and friends for putting them through all of this.

I apologize to the public for putting them through all of this.

I realize that mere words cannot change the pain that so many people are feeling, but I hope it's a beginning, and I'm sorry.

What I did was wrong, what I did damaged a great many people, and I hope that going forward, the citizens, the public, and most importantly, the children of Luzerne County can begin to heal and that their faith in the legal system, in government and the Judiciary can be restored.

From my part, I will work the rest of my life to atone for what I've done.

Thank you.

Northumberland County was placed on flash flood watch by National Weather Service, a designation expected to end at 8 a.m. this morning.

The flash flood watch comes two weeks after flooding inundated much of lower Northumberland County and a large swath of central and eastern Pennsylvania, leading to a national disaster declaration by the president.

However, this weekend's storms aren't expected to approach the intensity of Tropical Storm Lee nor cause damage like that left in Lee's wake.

"I don't think there's anything we need to be concerned with at this point," said Steve Reiner, Northumberland County's acting director of public safety.

Yet, he did say property owners more prone to flash flooding should undertake proper preparation.

Craig Evanego, NWS meteorologist, said about 1 inch of rain had fallen in the Shamokin area by 5 p.m. Friday. He expected about 1/2 inch more before the storm dissipates this morning.

"There could be problems with smaller streams," flowing out of stream channels, Evanego said. "And there could be ponding on roadways in areas where there is heavy rainfall."

Showers are expected sporadically through Sunday, with the possibility of thunderstorms. Temperatures will alternate this weekend from highs in the mid 70s to lows in the high 60s, he said.

Reiner said he was involved in a weather briefing at 1 p.m. Friday with NWS and learned that it appears the brunt of the storm will strike further east. He was told to expect up to 3 inches of rain this weekend.

But that didn't mean he wasn't reminded of the storms of two weeks ago.

"Of course that always goes through your mind, 'Not another round.'"

Disaster center open

A disaster recovery center operated by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open at 1 p.m. and close at 7 p.m. today at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, Eighth and Arch streets, Shamokin. Beginning Sunday, it will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week for the immediate future.

Residents impacted by flooding can speak with FEMA representatives, along with officials from the state emergency management agency and other government entities.

SHAMOKIN - John and Constance Wheary's three children qualified for reduced school lunches when they grew up in the coal region.

Through hard work and determination, however, all three children attended college and have developed meaningful, successful careers.

And because of that, Jennifer Wheary is ready to give back.

"You don't grow up in those circumstances and forget. You are firmly rooted in the idea that people should work hard to be able to achieve something. Education is a great way to facilitate that," she said in a recent phone interview.

Wheary - the youngest of three children of Tharptown residents John and Constance Wheary - and her husband, Paul Walker, were instrumental in bringing $585,000 worth of funding to the Northumberland Regional Center of Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) in Shamokin through The Goldman Sachs Gives Charitable Foundation. The money was used to create a learning center, which was dedicated Sept. 13.

Wheary and her husband live in Brooklyn, N.Y., but she remembers where she came from.

Helping hard workers

Born in 1970, Wheary graduated in 1988 from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School. While higher education was not something John and Constance were able to obtain, it was something they wanted for their children.

"My mother was very clear to us that we would have more opportunities and options in our lives," said Wheary.

So they saved over the years, from paper route money to part-time jobs, and Jennifer, as well as her siblings, graduated from college. Her brother is now a doctor, her sister a nurse with a master's degree and she has a Ph.D in education and is working at a nonprofit organization called Demos.

"People helped us out, we had scholarships, and the idea is you should help people who work hard. Shamokin is full of people who work hard," she said.

Although Luzerne didn't exist when Wheary was college age, she still has an appreciation for the community college and their commitment to affordable education.

'No-brainer'

To give back, she and Walker used their own money to establish the Jack and Constance Wheary Scholarship Endowment Fund in February to provide tuition assistance to students who are interested in health care training programs at LCCC's Northumberland center. Candidates must be enrolled in a health care related career program or the nursing program and must demonstrate financial need and motivation.

"They (her parents) have done so much for all of us. They stood for what is right and good and noble. I'm a believer in doing things for them while they're still here," she said.

Furthermore, in a conversation with school officials, several other options for giving back were presented to them, including the learning center.

"Even if you work hard, people sometimes need help to get through. With my experience and understanding of Shamokin, the learning center made sense in the context of the area," she explained.

According to Goldman Sachs spokesman Steve Cohen, the company's partners are allocated a certain amount of funds to provide education opportunities to underserved communities. Walker is a manager director there.

LCCC "fits squarely" in the recommendations and guidelines, said Cohen.

"It was a no-brainer," Wheary said.'

Reaching potential

The learning center was established to help all students reach their academic potential, including both advanced students and those who need assistance with basic skills. It uses such methods as collaborative study groups, computer technology, professional and peer tutoring and workshops to help students become more successful learners.

Over the summer, the center provided help for 25 students and has hosted 95 group and individual sessions on all subjects.

The money was used for upgrades in technology, including eight new computer work stations, establishing the learning center, located in room 409, and a dual enrollment program, which provided 25 scholarships to students in Shamokin Area, Mount Carmel Area, Line Mountain, Lourdes Regional and Shikellamy school districts.

Since its 1999 inception, LCCC has educated more than 4,500 students. Currently, there are 550 students enrolled. Approximately 80 percent of the students live in the greater Shamokin area, while a smaller portion live in Sunbury and surrounding communities.

Dealing with massive flooding at home, Northeast Pennsylvania's Republican congressmen found themselves in the middle of the partisan congressional dispute Friday over a stopgap spending bill that would ensure funding for flood relief.

By Friday night, Congress still had not passed the funding and House Republicans and Senate Democrats were again blaming each other for the failure, which opened up the possibility that the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) disaster relief fund would run dry next week.

But U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, Hazleton, publicly released written assurances from House Appropriations Committee chairman Hal Rogers, House Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy that local flood victims would eventually get the money they need.

FEMA is the chief provider of federal aid to flood victims seeking to recover from flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

Boehner, R-Ohio, and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., appeared Friday morning at a news conference to urge Senate Democrats to pass a $3.69 billion bill that the House passed Thursday to keep the government operating and to refresh FEMA's coffers.

They invited only two congressmen to join them at their news conference in the Capital Visitors Center: Barletta and Rep. Tom Marino, R-10, Lycoming Twp., whose districts were hit hard by flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee and who both pushed the leaders hard for more aid.

Boehner said the House had passed a "common-sense" and "responsible" bill to rescue FEMA and urged the Senate to pass it or risking imperiling flood relief for "thousands of families all across our country."

Cantor blamed Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada for refusing to get behind the House bill.

"This is why people don't like Washington," Cantor said. "We've got the money in the bill, it's there in a responsible manner, let's get the money to the people that need it."

Barletta and Marino passionately made the case for quick Senate action, according to a recording of the news conference.

Barletta recounted watching "grown men cry" over the loss of their homes.

"I was in the kitchen of a woman who told me in the last six months she lost her husband, her son and now everything she owned," he said. "When disaster hits any place around the world, the United States is the first to come to help and now disaster has struck these Americans and Sunday night we stop helping people?"

Marino said the delay is "unconscionable, what Reid is attempting to do, playing politics at a time when people in my district, in Barletta's district and other districts up and down the East Coast have nothing."

"I had an 8-year-old little girl say to me, 'I don't have a bed anymore' and 'We don't have a bedroom for my sister and I to sleep in any more because the flood destroyed our house'" Marino said. "The federal government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from terrorists and from natural disasters."

But later in the day, the Democratic-led Senate blocked action on the House bill by a 59 to 36 vote with Sens. Bob Casey and Pat Toomey voting in favor of setting aside the bill.

In a statement, Casey said the House bill is inadequate because it contains only half the funding included in a Senate-passed bill last week and lacks enough money for three other programs essential for flood relief.

"Many other states hit by storms, tornadoes and other disasters are also vying for these funds. Short-changing natural disaster relief could put help for Pennsylvania in jeopardy," he said. "It is frustrating that Washington politicians are again playing politics with keeping the government operating. It is even worse that the fight is over whether to provide relief for families and businesses devastated by natural disasters."

Efforts to obtain a statement from Toomey were unsuccessful.

Vote delayed

Other Democrats were upset the House bill paid for disaster aid partly by cutting two Energy Department loan programs that finance technological development, according to The Associated Press.

Reid offered a compromise to accept the House's lower level of disaster spending without the energy loan program cuts. Republicans delayed a vote on Reid's measure until Monday, and they seem likely to block it then because Democrats would need 60 votes to win passage exceeding the 53 votes they have, according to The AP.

The dispute pitted GOP objections that the disaster spending would worsen the government's budget problems unless savings were included against Democratic complaints that cutting the energy loan programs would stifle the economy and cost jobs, according to the AP.

"We've agreed to their number on FEMA," Reid said. "I mean, do they want the government to shut down? Do they want FEMA to close?"

Reid said he believed the Senate would consider the issue on Monday and that "reasonable heads will prevail."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Democrats want to continue the Washington custom of financing emergency spending by adding to colossal federal deficits.

"The whole, 'That's the way we've always done it' argument is the reason we've got a $14 trillion debt right now," he said.

Barletta, who voted against an almost identical House measure Wednesday, said he changed his mind because of the written assurances of flood aid he obtained from House Republican leaders.

In his letter to Barletta, Rogers said the Appropriations Committee would "ensure necessary funds are available" as damage estimates rise. Boehner made a similar promise in a news release.

"Thanks in part to Rep. Barletta's persistence, flood victims in Northeastern Pennsylvania will receive the federal help they need, both now and down the road," Boehner said.

Barletta, who said he hopes to have Boehner visit his district soon, said he would have supported the House bill with or without the energy program cuts, but had no problem with them.

House Republicans are dealing with the issue the same way an everyday American would. If a washing machine breaks, perhaps a family cannot buy a new flat-screen TV, he said.

"When disaster occurs, we need to take care of it, but there's nothing wrong with saying we're going to do without something else to pay for it," Barletta said.

In an era when the idea of thinking outside the box is more cliche catchphrase than motivational ploy, the people behind a manufacturing firm that's setting up shop in Northumberland County are thinking solely of the box itself.

"Last year, we promised that we would continue to think about, and only about, the box," according to a statement made on Polar Tech Industries of Pennsylvania Inc.'s website, www.polar-tech.com. "We kept that promise. We thought, thought, and thought some more. And, when we were done thinking, we started investing."

Polar Tech, a Chicago-based firm founded in 1984, fabricates temperature-sensitive insulated packaging and shipping products and refrigerants for the food and science industry.

Their products make it possible to deliver a food product - anything from pizza to ribs and wine - within the hour, overnight or longer. They also fabricate commercial upright freezers and refrigerators and chest freezers.

The same ideas behind shipping food and drink at desired temperatures are put to use when manufacturing products for the science industry - cold packs, lab and test-tube mailer kits, infectious substance shippers and medical transport bags.

Polar Tech is moving some 3 million units annually and is outgrowing its Genoa, Ill. facility.

Coming to Paxinos

It was announced Thursday night at a function hosted by county Commissioner Vinny Clausi at his Coal Township restaurant, Two Guys From Italy, that Polar Tech will expand its operations into the county.

When it begins production this November at its Paxinos plant in Reed Industrial Park that once housed Fleetwood Enterprises, it will do so with an eye on capturing a greater market-share on the East Coast.

The firm is expected to create about 50 full-time jobs, with wages ranging from $12 to $22 an hour, according to company officials, and move some 600,000 units from its new site in its first year - a modest figure the company expects to increase beyond its Illinois plant's output.

Applications for management, production supervisors, machine and forklift operators, maintenance personnel and more will be accepted within the next month through PA CareerLink sites in Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties.

Hospital to offer tetnus shots

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area Community Hospital will be offering tetnus booster shots from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Occupational Medicine and Wellness Center. Due to recovery flood efforts, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is recommending individuals exposed to contaminated dirt, soil, metals and sewer water who suffered minor cuts, abrasions, burns or puncture wounds get a tetnus booster if they have not had a shot in five years. Shots will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis for individuals 18 years and older and will be free of charge.

MOUNT CARMEL - A Coal Township man charged with killing a black bear out of season was ordered to pay approximately $3,000 in fines, costs and restitution after pleading guilty to a summary offense of unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife.

Christopher R. Powell, 22, of 1127 W. Gowen St., entered the plea before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, who ordered the defendant to pay a $1,500 fine, $1,500 in restitution and $83.50 in costs.

A misdemeanor charge of unlawful killing or taking of big game was withdrawn in exchange for the guilty plea to the lesser offense.

A charge of unlawful killing or taking of big game filed against co-defendant Nathan R. Zimmerman, 23, of 244 Doutyville Road, East Cameron Township, was withdrawn by Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney William Cole due to a lack of evidence.

"State game commission officials and myself felt that Mr. Powell was more culpable of committing the crime than Mr. Zimmerman, and that's why we withdrew the charge against Mr. Zimmerman," Cole explained.

"It would have been difficult to prove Mr. Zimmerman guilty of the charge due to a lack of evidence," he added.

Powell and Zimmerman were represented at Wednesday's legal proceeding by Attorney Marc Lieberman of Elysburg.

Both men were charged by Wildlife Conservation Officer Jason B. Kelley of the Pennsylvania Game Commission with killing a black bear out of season on June 2 on Doutyville Road near Zimmerman's residence.

Claimed self defense

According to a criminal complaint, the game commission received a call at 8 p.m. June 2 from Zimmerman, who stated that he just killed a bear in self-defense at 250 Doutyville Road. Zimmerman said the bear was hanging around the area as he and his friends, including Powell, were cooking chicken and stripping copper wire.

Zimmerman said he and his friends yelled at the bear and threw rocks at it in an attempt to scare it off, but the animal kept coming back.

Zimmerman said he then sent his girlfriend and a child to his house, approximately 400 yards away, while he and Powell stayed behind. But as the bear got closer, Zimmerman and Powell retreated to the house as well. As Zimmerman and Powell were walking to the home, Zimmerman claimed the bear got within a few feet of them, so he shot it five times with a Taurus Judge 45/410 revolver.

During an interview with game commission officers, Zimmerman said he shot the bear three times with 45 long colt shells, causing the bear to fall to the ground. Zimmerman said he then walked up to the bear and shot it twice more with 410 buck shot at point blank range in the head.

Zimmerman said he shot the bear for the safety of children in the area.

Upon being interviewed again a few days later by game commission officials, Zimmerman was asked if he had been drinking on June 2, to which he replied, "no." Game commission officers noted in the complaint that a large amount of beer cans and bottles were found on the property.

Zimmerman reported that Powell also had a gun on June 2, but did not fire it at the bear.

During an interview with game commission officials on June 6, Powell said the bear was spotted in the area, prompting him and his friends to yell at it and throw rocks in its direction in an attempt to scare it away. Powell said at one point, Zimmerman had given him a semi-automatic pistol that belonged to Zimmerman's cousin.

Powell said after his daughter and Zimmerman's girlfriend went to the house, he and Zimmerman started to pick up their belongings and began backing down a driveway when the bear appeared. Powell said he heard Zimmerman shoot, so he began shooting. Powell told game commission officers that he believed he fired two shots.

During a subsequent interview with game commission officers on June 6, Zimmerman, who claimed to suffer from short-term memory, said he was about 15 to 18 yards away from the bear when he shot it. Zimmerman said he wasn't in fear of his life when he saw the bear.

Zimmerman was then asked if he saw an opportunity to kill a bear, to which he replied, "Well, I am not going to incriminate myself."

On June 7, Kelley and fellow Wildlife Conservation Officer Rick Dietrich performed a post-mortem examination, or necropsy, on the bear at the Northeast Region Office of the Pennsylvania Game Commission in Dallas, which revealed the animal died from gun fire. The necropsy indicated that all bullets passed through the side of the body at a near right angle.

LPN Center

LEWISBURG - Practical nursing students earned honors for the semester ending Aug. 18 at the Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center.

Distinguished honors are for those with a final grade of 95 percent or above in each subject, and honors are for those with 90 or above in each subject.

Carol Barbarich, program director, presented letters of commendation to the following area students:

Distinguished honors

Tiffany Benfer, Sunbury, and Lisa Bohner, Trevorton.

Honors

Bonnie Sutton, Catawissa; Tammy Drumheiser, Shamokin; Elizabeth Eby, Coal Township; Kelly Henrie, Catawissa; Shannon Rarig, Snydertown; and Patricia Musser, Jessica Poole, Jamie Roshon and Crystle Shoeman, all of Sunbury.

Rossi

KULPMONT - Descendants of Antonio and Dora (Colabrese) Rossi held their 57th annual family reunion Saturday, July 30, at the American Legion grounds. Eighty family members were in attendance.

Antonio and Dora arrived in the United States from Montenerodome, province of Chieti Abruzzi, Italy, in 1923, and were married that year at St. Peter's Church in Mount Carmel. They had nine children: Jennie, Carmella, Constance, Daniel, Rose, Carmen, Vincent, Mary and Fred.

The youngest female in attendance was Natalia, born Nov. 1, daughter of Marisa and Davonne Lawson; and the youngest male was Brock Rossi Fogle, born January 2010, son of Dave and Nancy Rossi Fogle. The oldest female in attendance was Jennie Dallazia and the oldest male, Danny Rossi.

Homemade Italian food was served. Breakfast, lunch and supper were provided, and snacks of soupies, tomatoes, cheese, Italian bread, baked goods, fruit, fresh corn and crabs were available.

Many events were held throughout the day, with card games, horseshoes and children playing together at the playground.

The annual softball game is always the highlight of the afternoon. Numerous relatives participated from every age category. The captains this year were Joe Lanciano and Bob Rossi.

The annual egg toss game was held with a large amount of participants this year. Winners were Anthony and Nick Rossi.

A family prayer was said for all the deceased members of the family.

After that was the exciting Pass the Ace card game. Jennie Dallazia and her son Anthony were the last two standing, with Anthony taking the win away from his mother.

Organizers thank all who helped with the event, and to all who donated.

Next year's reunion is scheduled for Saturday, July 28, at the legion grounds.

SHAMOKIN - As residents clean up from Tropical Storm Lee, H&R Block advises victims on the tax implications for those who already filed a 2010 return, as well as those who were delayed by the disaster.

"This disaster has affected thousands of residents in certain areas of Pennsylvania. We are here to help our neighbors get back on track," said Lamont Masser, franchisee at H&R Block. "Taxpayers need to know there is monetary relief in the form of their tax return."

In the aftermath of Lee, the president declared federal disaster areas in the following counties: Adams, Bradford, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Union, Wyoming and York. Taxpayers who live or have a business in any of these counties may qualify for tax relief.

With this announcement certain tax filing and payment deadlines have been postponed to Oct. 31. This includes corporations or business that obtained an extension to file their 2010 returns by Sept. 15 and individuals or businesses that received a similar extension until Oct. 17. The estimated third quarter tax payment is also postponed.

"This means the IRS will not assess penalties or interest if tax returns are filed and other obligations are performed within a specified date," said Masser. "Taxpayers could be affected if they live, work, or have financial records located in a federal disaster area, or are a qualified relief worker assisting in the disaster area."

Victims can consult FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/news/recentnews.fema and the IRS's disaster information site for the most up-to-date lists of disaster areas and available relief.

Those affected also have the option of claiming 2011 disaster-related casualty losses on their federal return for either tax year 2010 or 2011. Waiting to claim the loss on the 2011 return, rather than filing an amended 2010 return, could result in greater tax savings. However, claiming a loss on a 2010 return allows disaster victims to recoup their losses more quickly. Calculating and claiming a casualty loss can be a confusing process so taxpayers should considering asking a tax professional for assistance in choosing the best option.

Property transfers

Ronald A. Miller, Elizabeth A. Schwartz and Joseph Miller (co-executors) and Catherine C. Miller (estate) to Jerome P. and Tracy L. Bulchie, property in Zerbe Township, $4,000.

Viola M. Snyder to Robert A. Jr. and Tracy A. Nacinovich, property in Shamokin, $20,000.

Karen S. Tursi (administrator) and Faylene M. Smith (estate) to Karen S. Tursi, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Kristine Roush, Kristine M. Simmons (executrix) and Malvena M. Wills (estate) to Kristine M. Simmons, property in Coal Township, $1.

Edward C. Hauck (executor) and Robert Donald Hauck to Bowen Developments LLC, property in Zerbe Township, $16,000.

Eleanor F. Rebuck to Sandra L. Heaney and Marlin E. Rebuck, property in Jordan Township, $1.

Francis H. Lagerman Jr. to Francis H. Jr. and Karen C. Lagerman, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Nancy L. McElwee to Nancy L. and Ronald P. McElwee, property in Shamokin, $1.

Nancy L. McElwee to Kelly E. McElwee, property in Shamokin, $1.

Mary Beth Leshock and Karen L. Diehl (co-executors) and James A. Pheasant (estate) to Michael M. Jr. and Michael M. Breskiewicz III, property in Ralpho Township, $115,000.

Michael J. Jr. and Heather M. Humphrey to Michael J. Humphrey Jr., property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Daniel B. Fetter to Daniel B. Fetter, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Charles A. Robel (estate) and Anita R. Robel (executrix) to Anita R. Robel, property in Coal Township, $1.

Kurt Kovalovich and Karen Boltinghouse (co-executors) and Lillian J. Kovalovich (estate) to Ann M. Frehulfer, property in Mount Carmel Township, $13,000.

Cynthia F. Startzel to Thomas R. Zujkiewicz, property in Mount Carmel, $10,000.

David and Christine Pakosky to David and Christine Pakosky, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Virgie Troup (estate) and Candy L. Snyder (executrix) to Leonard M. Seabold and Katherine Snyder-Seabold, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Stephen and Geraldine Ardan to Steven G., Brian M. and David R. Ardan, property in Zerbe Township, $1; corrective deed.

Joseph J. Connolly (estate) and Margaret B. McAdams to Mary F. Leshinskie, property in Ralpho Township, $153,000.

Lewisburg Realty Inc. to Ryan C. Moore, property in Upper Augusta Township, $89,500; corrective deed.

Eleanor P. Bogart to John A. Holtzman, property in Upper Augusta Township, $115,000.

Mary Kertis to John M. and Thomas M. Pivarnik, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Lester E. Heath (estate), Melissa A. Burns (individually and administratrix) and Raymond A. Burns to Joseph T. and Arlene H. Royack, property in Coal Township, $25,000.

Lois Duttinger and Samuel R. Dunkelberger to Lois Duttinger and Samuel R. Dunkelberger, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Edward and Raymond Bolstrum to Timothy J. Glowatski, property in Mount Carmel, $30,000.

SEEDCO Residential LLC to Brian C. and Carisa S. Shedleski, property in Mount Carmel Township, $18,000.

Joseph S. Pinamonti Jr. to Bruce E. Sr. and Sandra C. Facer, property in Mount Carmel, $11,000.

William D. Wargo (executor) and Elizabeth I. Wargo (estate) to Patricia Dobeck, property in Mount Carmel Township, $3,000.

Toni L. Rice (executrix) and Carl B. Rice (estate) to Toni L. Rice, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Michael A. and Robert M. Murphy and Michelle A. Tate to Albert J. Jr. and Delores A. Goodlunas, property in Kulpmont, $1.

Marcia L. Richie (estate) and Lee S. Richie Jr. (executor) to Randy L. Sr. and Cynthia A. Eby, property in Shamokin Township, $112,000.