The month of September has been the wettest in at least seven years.

More than 17 inches of rain had fallen in Sunbury through Wednesday morning, according to John LaCorte, National Weather Service meteorologist. That total exceeds the second-wettest month, September 2004, when 6.4 inches fell in the area.

Nearly 58 inches of rain has fallen so far this year, greatly exceeding the 42.5 considered normal for a year's total.

Those figures are collected by weather cooperative participants in Sunbury who call NWS daily, and are expected to increase as scattered showers and thunderstorms roll through Northumberland County today.

A NWS weather station in Selinsgrove recorded roughly an inch of rain through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Flash flood warning

The county was in a flash flood warning, and flooding was considered "imminent" at 8:16 p.m. Wednesday. The warning was expected to end at 11:15 p.m. Flood warnings were first posted early afternoon Wednesday, and were extended throughout the evening.

Kulpmont, Shamokin and Elysburg were among the warning areas where flooding was considered likely. South central Columbia County, northern Dauphin County and west central Schuylkill County were also under a warning.

As for how much rain was expected to fall Wednesday night into today, LaCorte said it's hard to tell. Some places will surely get soaked, he said, while others may get next to nothing.

"With showers and scattered thunderstorms like this, it's pretty hard to say who will get what," he said.

The good news, he said, is that next week is expected to be dry.

PAXINOS - Emergency crews responded to a home along Dogwood Road south of here Wednesday afternoon for a report of a boy believed to have been struck by lightning.

Ralpho Township Police were at the scene and provided a police escort for an ambulance that transported the boy, identified as Logan Williams by a family friend, to Geisinger Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition Wednesday night.

State police at Stonington also responded, the station reported.

The incident occurred about 3 p.m. as strong thunderstorms were moving through the area. A flash-flood warning was in place at the time as well.

Neither Ralpho Township nor state police provided any further details Wednesday night.

MOUNT CARMEL - The 19-year-old Mount Carmel man who brandished a knife at a clerk inside Community Pharmacy last week in an attempt to obtain oxycodone waived his right to a preliminary hearing and court arraignment Wednesday morning.

Charles Raymond Frantz Jr., of 224 S. Locust St., appearing before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, waived to court three felony counts of robbery and misdemeanors of possessing an instrument of crime, simple assault and criminal attempt to commit theft.

Frantz, who was represented by Northumberland County Public Defender Paige Rosini, was recommitted to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury on $100,000 cash bail after Jones denied a request to reduce his bail.

The defendant will next appear in the Court of Common Pleas in Sunbury, at which time he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

'I want it right now'

According to a criminal complaint filed by Mount Carmel Cpl. Christopher Buhay and Patrolman Matthew Dillman, Frantz was observed pacing around the store at Oak and Fourth streets at about 3 p.m. Sept. 20 before placing an item on the counter to purchase. As a female clerk rang up the item, Frantz looked in his black shorts pockets for money. The clerk told police Frantz told her he would be right back and walked over near the door before returning to the register, throwing a dollar on the counter and brandishing a knife in his hand, police said.

Frantz then told the clerk that he wanted oxycodone "right now." The clerk asked Frantz if he had a prescription for the drug, to which he replied, "No, I want it right now." Frantz then ran out of the building empty handed.

Police, who were summoned to the pharmacy at 3:08 p.m., reported Michael Guise, of Mount Carmel, a maintenance employee at Community Pharmacy who was inside the pharmacy at the time of the robbery, pursued Frantz on foot. Barry Roseman, of Mount Carmel, who was in the area when the robbery occurred, also chased after Frantz in his work truck. Both civic-minded residents caught up and cornered Frantz about three blocks away in a parking lot at the rear of Mount Carmel Post Office at Hickory and Third streets.

Guise and Roseman detained Frantz at about 3:10 p.m. until police arrived and took him into custody.

Guise told police Frantz may have dropped something from a small ledge that he ascended before being apprehended. Dillman climbed up the ledge and recovered a black folding knife that was allegedly used in the robbery.

Police said a video surveillance camera inside the pharmacy shows Frantz walking to the counter, pulling a knife out in his left hand, opening the blade with his right hand and then switching the knife into his right hand. The camera also depicts Frantz running from the counter.

Verbal, written statements

After being advised of his Miranda rights at the borough police station, Frantz provided police with verbal and written statements in which he admits to committing the robbery. Frantz said he fled from the store because he thought the clerk had activated an alarm.

Police said Frantz, who is originally from Locustdale, also was charged in connection with a Feb. 10 robbery at Bracey's Pharmacy in Ashland. He posted bail on those charges and had been free before allegedly committing the robbery at Community Pharmacy.

MANDATA - The Line Mountain School District project manager told the school board they have until November to make a concrete decision on future construction plans if any new buildings are to be open by August 2013.

"That gives us six months (to do all the preliminary work)," Josh Bower, who represents Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates Architects, told the board Tuesday night, giving a time line for drawing up designs, requesting permits, completing paperwork and advertising for bids before construction can even start.

"If August 2013 is the date, there's a lot that has to happen," he said.

Before October's board meeting, members will tour three sites in the Red Cross area of the district chosen as potential candidates for a possible consolidated elementary school.

The land being considered could be the centralized location for elementary students from the Leck Kill and Dalmatia areas.

Another option is consolidating the two schools on to land near the junior/senior high school in Mandata, but challenges with old sewage and drainage might remove that option from the table.

The board majority favors keeping certain grades together, but have not decided how to group the different grades. The consolidation would not include Trevorton Elementary School, which received extensive remodeling two years ago.

Bower noted that this project was starting from scratch, and that his company had a prior relationship with the district, which should move the process along more efficiently.

UNIVERSITY PARK - The following area students were named to the dean's list at Pennsylvania State University for the summer semester:

- Kenna M. Chuplis, Ashland, Schuylkill Campus.

- Philip T. Rathosky, Mount Carmel, University Park.

- Sue L. Troup, Ashland, Schuylkill Campus.

- Daniel W. Zartman, Sunbury, Study Abroad Program.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon to 1:15 p.m.; executive board meeting, noon; members meeting, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Shopping at Boscov's, van leaves at 9 a.m., cost is $2; bridge, 12:15 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; VNA's Tara Venna speaking on "Flu Facts," noon; 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 - VNA to administer flu vaccines, 9 a.m. to noon. Please bring your Medicare card and/or insurance card; 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 meeting with bingo to follow, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Medicare Outreach presented by Apprise Coordinator Mary Barrett. Area Agency on Aging Medicare Council will be available to answer questions and assist in annual enrollment period, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.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.

Deadline for tickets for the annual AAA Harvest Dinner Dance on Wednesday, Oct. 19 is Wednesday. Tickets are $12 and the dinner will be held at the Front Street Station, Northumberland. Transportation to and from the dinner will be provided. Call the center for more information.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Family Medical blood pressure and blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; traveling to Milton SAC to bowl, van leaves at 9 a.m.; Pinochle-cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii in the morning; Trip to Mohegan Sun, bus leaves center at 9 a.m.; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - VNA to offer flu shots, 9 a.m. to noon; trip to the vo-tech; members meeting with bingo to follow, 12:30 p.m.; evening cards, 5 p.m.

Friday - Traveling to Milton SAC to bowl, van leaves at 9 a.m.; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia- Wilburton

Monday - Matthew Wagner speaking on "Outliving your retirement money," 10:30 a.m.; after lunch, shopping at Wal-Mart.

Tuesday - PTH Exercise with Carol Burton, 10:15 a.m.; advisory board meeting, 11:15 a.m.

Wednesday - Bring a friend day.

Thursday - Beverly Sybert speaking on "Flu," 10:30 a.m.; site manager's meeting.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

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

Wednesday - VNA distributing flu shots from 9 a.m. to noon; bingo, noon.

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

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon; members meeting and donut day.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - Breast cancer awareness needs to be a year-round matter, but with October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, that focus is intensified, prompting a school and hospital to partner to encourage mammographies.

Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs and McCann School of Business and Technology will work together in encouraging women to take the test, with special hours on two days set aside for lower-cost mammograms by the hospital, with McCann offering free massages to the first 25 women who register for the test.

The incentive is part of the "Take Care of Your Health, Take Care of You" program, where McCann will provide the massages, with a coupon given to the first 25 women who register.

The mammograms will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 28.

According to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) website, the first NBCAM program took place in October 1985 as a week-long event to fill the information void in public communication about breast cancer.

To schedule a mammogram or for more information, call Saint Catherine's at 875-6733.

On the Net: http://nbcam.org

Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library has announced that memorials for the following period of Aug. 13 to Sept. 26 have been presented for the following persons:

Robert Allen by friends and officers of the Shamokin Area Education Association; Sam, Ed, Tammy and Mary.

Andrew S. Bendas by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Coal Township High School Class of 1957.

Virginia Bradigan by Ron and Kathy Zyla and Rhonda and Tom Eckman.

Braxton by Mam and Pap Fiorey.

Thomas J. Butkevich by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Catherine "Cass" Chiavaroli by cousin Carmella, Pay and Annella Chiavaroli.

June M. Compello by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Florence Ramage.

Anna Mae Daniels by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Chester "Chess" Davis by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Tom and Cindi Carl.

Dorothy Eichen by Jean Spadel.

Antoinette Entwisle by Coal Township High School Class of 1957.

Robert Erdman by Friends and Officers of Shamokin Area Education Association; Sam, Ed, Tammy and Mary.

Marie Faraguna by Gail Abromitis, Jack and Derry Faraguna, Sharon Krushinskie and the Swisher family.

Elmer Faust by Shamokin High School Class of 1958.

Katelyn Mary Fessler by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Ann Fidler and family, Flo, Kathy and Abby James.

John W. Gessner by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Don and Marian Myers, Jerry and Sue Reed, Chet and Marion Stesney.

John M. Halcovich by loving daughter Sandy.

Robert E. Hauck by Vince and Sue Urick and family.

Reba Hirsch by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Jeffrey and Kathleen Clutcher, Kathy Gonsar, Margaret and Frank Konopka, Alma Payne, Joseph A. Rocuskie.

James Hovenstine by Sonny and Phyllis (Kishela) Benedetto, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Pam and Marty Earley, Jeanne and Bill Hoffa, Elizabeth Katona, Eva and Ronald Kerstetter, Marge and Frank Konopka.

Kutha Kalinoski by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Cindy and John Cheesman, Earley families.

Julia Kaminski by Rich, Susie, Richie and Charlie Barrett, Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family, Dot Smink, Cindy and Marissa Moyer.

James E. Kleman by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Myron and Karen Chowka, Robert and Clair Golazeski.

Bernice Kocur by Kathy Gonsar, Nancy and James Williams.

Frank "Nicki" Koons by childhood friend Sandy.

Dorothy Korbich by Flo, Kathy and Abby James.

Emily Kotanchik by Dr. and Mrs. Stam Zervanos.

Phillip P. Krebs Sr. by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Robert and Clair Golazeski.

William H. Krebs by Theresa, Mary Alice and Lee Lucas.

Emily Kunkel by Phyllis and Sonny Benedetto, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Patricia Czech, Dianne and Tom Dabulis and family, Amy (McAllister) Frank and Robert Frank, Bob and Joan McAllister, Jacqueline Witmer, Barbara Yuricich, Maureen and Steve Zarick.

Albert A. Lagerman by Shamokin Special Education Department.

Joseph Lahr by Kathy Gonsar.

Robert Long by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Jean Ann Lopuck by Marian Edmondson.

Anthony Losiewicz by Jearldene and Susan.

Sandra May by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Steve, Holly and Katie Chernago, Joy Knapik, Bill and Helen Kuzmick and family, Robert and Donna Milbrand, Janice Miner, Cindy, Marissa and Dot, Lisa, Jerry and Kortnee Slotterback, Jeff and Mary Thew and family, George, Amy, Blake and Elizabeth Zalar.

Michael Milbrand by Gail Abromitis, Myron and Karen Chowka, Jack and Derry Faraguna.

Robert Miscavage by Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family.

Lewis W. Moore Sr. by Pat and Jim Bressi, Catawese Coach Lines, Shamokin Beagle Club, Whitey and Joan Vetovich.

Mary Moore by Maryann Abromitis, James and Nancy Booth, Phyllis Bressler, Warren, Mark and Ira Cohen, Dorothy Goodman, George B. Matisick, Mildred McCoy, Audrey and Gerry Mroz, Barbara N. Reed, Jean Spadel.

Dorothy Moyer by Kathy Gonsar.

Lois Moyer by Andy and Marianne, Shannon Becker, Pat and Jim Bressi, Marion and Jim Bush, Marian Edmondson, Peggy Ferarri, Flo, Kathy and Abby James, Vera, Joe and Joseph Miller, Dave and Sandy Navrocki, Ken and Anne Marie Pogozelski, Nancy Saga, Shamokin High School Class of 1955.

Elizabeth "Betty" Mausteller by Mr. and Mrs. William Berkheimer.

Andrew Nolter by Danny and Sandee Ciesluk, Flo, Kathy and Abby James, Irvin Liachowitz.

Larry E. Novack by Glen and Mary Lou Witmer.

Theresa Phillips by Theresa and Ron Ramp.

David Picarella by Gloria Catino.

Scott Pickering by family.

Mildred Pufnock by Gere Bonchak.

Edward Ralph Raker Jr. by Clara and Jerry Blasko, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Joe and Debra Mertz, Sun Com ATW.

Dorothy Rickert by Rick, Sue, Lisa and Ryan Burns.

Bill and Dot Rickert by Mary and Gary Metza and family.

Rev. Frank Robatin by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Eleanor "Ellie" Romanoski by Phyllis and Sonny Benedetto.

Cheryl Rubendall by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Kathy Gonsar, Flo, Kathy and Abby James, Jan and Jean Price, Shamokin High School Class of 1961.

Loretta M. Ryan by Rose Jones.

Irene Sager by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Paulette Yocum.

Maryanne Schicatano by cousin Sandy.

Dorothy "Dotti" Schickley Sieklicki by Jules and Esther Arden, Ed and Nancy Binkoski, Bill and Betty Bradley, Michael and Carol Brennan, Pat and Jim Bressi, Loretta Brown, Tom and Cindy Carl, Bill and Joan Carpenter, Stella Chesney, Dennis Delorso, Rose Dorko, Marian Edmondson and Ben Frank, Lillian Farronato, Bill and Maryann Faust, Charlie and Paula Gedman, Joann Shurock, Barbara Glavich-Kwiatek and Sharon Heitzman, Allen and Irene Grow, Rosann and Tom Hall, Tom and Mary Harmon, Lee and Barbara Konjura, Aldine Lashay, Millie Lenig, Robert and Mary Ann Levins, Walter Luberecki, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden, Vera McLaughlin, Pat and Paul Metrocavage, Joann P. Murray, Jeannie Nunez, Chet Purcell, Tony and Melinda Rosini, Albert and Mary Ann Sickora, Joe, Joyce, Zack and Angelina Sickora, Doc and Tootie Sieklicki, Sharon and Joe Krushinskie and family, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Talisesky, Donna and Albert Varano and family, Lee and Nan Weller, Constance and John Wheary, Mary Worobel.

Robert Schweitzer by Jim and Cindy Hall, Rick and Julie Hall, Rosann and Tom Hall, Joseph W. Kleinschmidt, Therese and Margie Kleinschmidt, Pepper, Phillip and Carolyn Siperko.

David O. Shade by Margaret and Frank Konopka.

Nicholas Shebelsky by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Hopta family, Irvin Liachowitz, Scout Troop 250; Clarks Grove United Methodist Church, Jeanne and Mike Shaffer.

Christie Slavinsky by Flo, Kathy and Abby James.

Catherine Smaletz by Joe and Betty Dudeck and family, Violet DuDeck and family.

Timothy M. Snyder by Paula and Charlie Gedman, Linda and Michael Knopp, staff of Studio 207.

David Starke by Mom and Dad.

Harold H. Steffen by Caroline Lushinski and family.

Lana Stehman by Phyllis Boyer, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Pat and Jim Bressi, Maryann and Bill Faust, friends and officers of Shamokin Area Education Association, Ann Fidler, John Kehler, Linda Latsha and family, The Pavelko family, Harry and Andrea Reed, Jerry and Sue Reed, Ruth Romanoski, Jeannie Shaffer, Shamokin Area Administration Secretaries; Barb, Rosalie, Tina, Wanda, Fran, Sheryl and Trudy, Jerry, June and Charmaine Tetkoskie.

Frances Sugg by Mr. and Mrs. Steve Dunleavy, Flo, Kathy and Abby James, Kleskie family.

Charley Tamkus by Mom, Dad, Kim and Zach.

Rev. James Tarr by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Jim and Kris Chiavaroli.

Sean Taylor by Juls and Esther Ardan, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Paula and Charlie Gedman.

Alma Thomas by Joyce Burd.

Florence Uhrin by Carol and Dan Arnold, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Pat and Jim Bressi, Keith and Kathy Jeremiah, Andy and Marianne Moyer, Ed and Rosemary Pawelczyk, Nancy Saga, Susan Zaner.

Kenneth P. Wert by Flo, Kathy and Abby James.

Jean Worhacz by Patricia Czech.

Dominic and Catherine Yuricich by Barbara.

Shirley Zimmerman by Jeanette Ludes and James Scicchitano, Bill Lukus Jr., Denise Lukus, Mary and Bill Lucas, Dave, Tina and Veronica Moore, Matt and Lori Schiccatano and family.

Contributions to the Memorial Fund

Marie Faraguna by Rose and Chet.

Norman Grumsey by Norma and Bob Albert, Bryan, JulieAnn, Ashley and Alyssa Albert.

Emily Kunkel by Molly Dormer, Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Thomas Purcell by Mary Slaby.

Jack H. Peipher by Cecilia Kress and Snowy.

Cheryl Rubendall by Dave and Joann Shinskie.

Dorothy "Dotti" Schickley Seiklicki by Dorothy Balchunas, Tom and Paula Ryan, Dave and Joann Shinskie, Margie Witt.

Robert Schweitzer by Emily Parker.

Lana Stehman by Gig and Diane Thomas and family.

In Honor Of:

Judy Pensyl by Joann Dobeck, Doreen Kushner and Darlene Swank.

Honor a Loved One and Place a Permanent Memorial in the Library Century Club.

Pets to be blessed

MOUNT CARMEL - The Rev. Francis Karwacki will bless pets on the front steps of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 4 p.m. Tuesday, the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi. All are invited to bring their pets.

Parking restrictions in Mount Carmel

MOUNT CARMEL - A parking ban will be in effect from 4 to 6 p.m. today on Second Street, from Oak to Vine streets, to accommodate the Mount Carmel Area homecoming parade, which begins at 6 p.m.

The parade route will begin on Second Street and travel along Oak, Fourth, Maple and Third streets and West Avenue, ending at the Silver Bowl.

Glo-Zel Art League featured in gallery

SHAMOKIN - The Northumberland County Council of the Arts Fine Arts Gallery presents "Creative Endeavours," a group art show from Glo-Zel's Art League, which meets in the center's art studio. The gallery will celebrate the show opening with a reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today in the gallery located on the first floor at 2 E. Arch St. The reception is open to the public and light refreshments will be served.

The show will consist of 50 or so paintings from area artists in various media and techniques. A memorial display will be exhibited for Lana Stehman, a local resident who recently and suddenly passed away.

Coal Crackers plan luncheon

SHAMOKIN - The Coal Crackers Club's annual Autumn Fest luncheon will be held Oct. 26. Mail and email notices were sent Sept. 14 to all club members. Make reservations early. New members welcome. For more information, call 898-6920.

I-180 east lane restriction Wednesday

MONTOURSVILLE - A diesel fuel spill along I-180 over the weekend is scheduled for cleanup Wednesday.

The spill occurred at the top of the Route 87 exit ramp.

A hazardous materials company will perform the cleanup under the direction of state Department of Environmental Protection. The lane closure will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Raffle ticket winners listed

DALMATIA - Following are the winners from the recent Dalmatia Area Ambulance second annual raffle ticket:

Margaret Derk, Herndon, $500; Betty Snyder, Herndon, $300; Mull family, Dornsife, $100; Rex Long, Dalmatia, $50; and Jason Graff, Pillow, $50.

Chinese Auction to be held

SHAMOKIN - Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church will hold its annual Chinese Auction on Sunday, Oct. 16 at the church hall at 227 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin.

The event, sponsored by the church's Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality, will feature hundreds of items available, and refreshments. The doors open at noon with the auction beginning at 2 p.m. Admission is $3.

Spirit of Tuscarora Trail dog hike

BARNESVILLE - Dogs are welcome to join their owners on a hike of the Spirit of Tuscarora Trail from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 6 at Tuscarora State Park.

The trail is 4 1/2 miles in length and moderate in difficulty. It includes diverse habitats and runs along Locust Lake.

Dogs must be leashed and get along with other pets and people.

Hikers are asked to meet at the upper beach parking lot.

For more information, contact Robin Tracey, environmental education specialist, at 467-2404.

WILLIAMSPORT - A free workshop will be held next month for small business owners interested in learning about contracting opportunities with state agencies and departments.

Doing Business with the Commonwealth will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 6 in the River Valley Room of the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, 100 W. Third St. Pre-registration is required.

For more information about this seminar or to register, contact Kristine Meeker of the Lock Haven University Small Business Development Center 484-2848 or kmeeker@lhup.edu.

PennDOT Invites Students to Enter Aviation Art Contest

HARRISBURG - Young artists are invited to display their talents and learn about aviation through an annual art contest sponsored by PennDOT's Bureau of Aviation.

"Aviation's Value to My Community" is the contest theme. Entries will be judged in two divisions: first through third grades, and fourth and fifth grades.

Entries must be postmarked by Oct. 14.

For contest rules and entry information, call 717-783-8800.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following memorials have been given for the month of September to the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Caroline Scicchitano from Julie and Bob Griffiths.

Constance Stella Gallagher from Julie and Bob Griffiths and Anna Flynn; Joan and Michael Owens; Joan and Don Hildenbrand; Mary Thul; Vince and Marie McFadden.

John (Blackie) Zelanski birthday and anniversary from Millie Mushalko and family.

John E. Owens anniversary from wife Joan and sons.

Joseph Fatz from Anna Mae and children.

William Milewski from Joan Owens.

Laura Kline from Patsy Kline.

Janet Persing from daughters.

Mrs. Josephine Nicoletti from Mr. and Mrs. Roman Keneitz; Bob and Marge Brezinski.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brezinski in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary from Mr. and Mrs. Roman Keneitz.

Richard Boyer and Anthony Clover from Teresa Clark.

Lisa Lutcavage from Anna Pinamonti; Ben and Lee Truskoski.

Julia McAndrew from daughter Margaret May.

Mary Duni from sister Margaret May.

Elizabeth Kenneff from sister Margaret May.

Joseph McAndrew from sister Margaret May.

Jean Begis from mother and children.

Peter Shovlin from Ann Marie Muldoon.

Frank Siano - Love and Miss You from daughter Chris.

Uncle Joseph Clark from Donna and Norb Bonjo.

Birthday

Mary Bergan (Sept. 11) from a friend.

Julia McAndrew (Sept. 13) from niece Patsy.

Laura Kline from daughter Patsy Kline.

In honor of Millie "Callahan" Mushalko's 80th birthday from family.

MOUNT CARMEL - Walt Kozlowski, a librarian and English teacher at Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School, was inspired by local efforts to help flood victims and decided to coordinate a book collection. The books will be donated to help Danville Area Middle School rebuild its library. According to Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, the library at Danville lost everything.

Kozlowski is also an academic tutor for Bloomsburg University Upward Bound, and the students in Upward Bound along with Kozlowski's 10th-grade English classes, seventh-grade PSSA review classes and the Interact club are contributing books for this worthwhile cause.

Residents wishing to donate books in good condition that are suitable for sixth to eighth grades may drop them off at the Mount Carmel Area High school library. The drive runs through Oct. 28.

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - A non-injury accident involving two vehicles at Catman Hollow Road and state Route 54 added to traffic woes experienced around the area Thursday afternoon.

Just after 5 p.m., a GMC Jimmy, operated by Lorraine Kerstetter, 64, of West Cameron Township, attempted to turn left onto Route 54 from Catman Hollow Road and crossed into the path of a Dodge Ram, operated by Tom Nocket, 63, of Pine Grove, traveling east in the left lane of Route 54. Route 54 was reduced to one lane for about an hour.

PAXINOS - A 10-year-old boy who was struck by lighting was listed in critical condition Thursday evening, according to a Geisinger Medical Center nursing supervisor.

Logan Williams, identified by a family friend, was walking toward his house after exiting a school bus at 3 p.m. Wednesday at 318 Dogwood Road, Shamokin Township, when a lightning bolt struck a tree nearby, state police at Stonington said.

Trooper Todd Leiby reported that the bolt passed through the child, knocking him to the ground and rendering him unresponsive.

Life saving efforts were immediately started and an ambulance took the boy to the Danville hospital for treatment, police said.

A call to the Williams' residence was unsuccessful.

At the time, Northumberland County was under strong thunderstorm and flash-flood warnings.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT - A Paxinos man killed Wednesday in a fatal crash in Lycoming County was mourned Thursday by family, friends and members of an organization to which he was highly devoted - Boy Scouts of America.

David E. Stefanovige, 22, was killed in a head-on collision about 6 p.m. Wednesday along Route 15 in Armstrong Township.

Employed since late July as a district executive for the Scouts' Susquehanna Council, Stefanovige was driving to a Scout meeting.

John Brennan, the council's Scout executive, said Stefanovige had chartered a new Cub Scout Pack in Sunbury earlier this week.

On Wednesday, he had been running late for the 6 p.m. meeting. "He said, 'I'm on my way,' " Brennan said of a phone conversation Stefanovige had with a meeting attendee.

However, when the meeting ended at 8 p.m., Stefanovige had still not arrived, which was unusual. Brennan said he and others had called repeatedly, trying to get in touch with the young man.

Hours later, they learned he was killed.

Heavy rain

According to state police at Montoursville, Stefanovige was driving a Honda Civic south when he lost control of his vehicle in Wednesday's heavy rain storms, crossing into the northbound lane and striking a Honda Odyssey broadside.

The Odyssey's driver was identified by troopers as 62-year-old Philip R. Reck, of York, who was taken to The Williamsport Hospital for treatment and later transferred to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he was listed in fair condition Thursday by a nursing supervisor.

Stefanovige was pronounced dead at the scene by Lycoming County Assistant Coroner Gerald Ross, troopers said.

Eagle Scout, SAHS grad

Stefanovige, a son of Glenn and Sandy Stefanovige, of Paxinos, was a 2007 graduate of Shamokin Area Junior-Senior High School and 2011 graduate of Susquehanna University, where he studied mass communications and was technical director at WQSU-FM, campus radio.

He had earned his way to Eagle Scout and the Order of the Arrow, the Scouts' national honor society. He was assistant Scout leader for Troop 250 Paxinos.

Mike Shevitski, Troop 250's Scout master and whose 15-year-old son, Ryan, is a member, was emotional Thursday when discussing Stefanovige, whom he'd known the past five years.

Shevitski said their paths first crossed when he transferred to Clarks Grove United Methodist Church, where Stefanovige was a member and also a Scout. He also was involved in the church's annual Easter service at the cross atop Paxinos Mountain.

They were together Sunday at a Scouting event in New Berlin.

"He was the heart of our Troop," Shevitski said. "He was an excellent mentor for any Scout."

Shevitski looked back on a birthday party held for Stefanovige, his 21st. "It was overwhelming how many people stood up to speak on his behalf," he said.

Involved at SU

While at Susquehanna, he was student manager at the Office of Information Technology, was an engineer and technician at the university TV studio, operated the university's Jumbo Tron at the football field and belonged to the Alumni Board. He was a member of the executive committee of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

Noting Stefanovige's dedication not just to Scouting, but to anything he was involved in, Shevitski said he was most upset that Stefanovige would no longer be around to have a positive impact on the lives of younger Scouts and the adults with whom he worked.

Candlelight vigil planned

A candlelight vigil is being organized to celebrate Stefanovige's life. It will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday in the student parking lot of Shamokin Area Junior-Senior High School. Attendees are asked to bring candles due to the short notice, along with photographs or other memoribilia that will be collected and presented to his family. Also, attendees are encouraged to share a poem or memory during the vigil.

WEIGH SCALES - A Coal Township woman was killed in a three-car collision at the intersection of Route 61 and Overlook Boulevard on Thursday afternoon.

Doris L. Kern, 80, was pronounced dead at the scene by Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley. The cause was multiple blunt-force trauma.

The crash occurred about 3:30 p.m. just north of Split Vein Coal Company near Duke Heating Oil.

According to Ralpho Township police and reports from the scene, Kern was driving a Lincoln Town Car and, while turning onto northbound Route 61 from Overlook Boulevard, drove into the path of a northbound truck owned by Dan Shingara Enterprises and driven by Thomas Alai, of Elysburg.

The broadside impact sent both vehicles into the southbound lanes, where they collided with a Suzuki Vitara, driven by Melanie Guinther, of Elysburg.

Alai was transported to Shamokin Area Community Hospital before being taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, according to reports from the scene.

Guinther was extracted from the Vitara after rescue personnel cut off the driver side door. She was also transported to Geisinger, where both she and Alai were each being treated in the emergency department late Thursday, according to a nursing supervisor.

Closed for 3 hours

Heavy skid marks began at the intersection in the southbound lane of Route 61, indicating the driver of the truck attempted to swerve out of the way. The impact caused deep scrapes into the road surface and left glass and vehicle parts scattered about the scene. The front end of the Town Car appeared to have been sheared off, it's steering column forced to the car's passenger side.

Route 61 was closed for three hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

Assisting at the scene were Elysburg, Ralpho and Stonington fire departments, AREA Services and Elysburg paramedics, Northumberland County Public Safety, Coal Township and Shamokin police and PennDOT.

It was déjà vu in Northumberland and Columbia counties Wednesday, when heavy thunderstorms dumped 4 to 6 inches of water into the watersheds, causing even more flooding and damage to roadways, neighborhoods and residences.

"We had quite a bit of rain come in. Most areas had a couple inches. It was a lot of rain over the last 48 to 60 hours," National Weather Service meteorologist Dave Martin said Thursday.

River flooding in the county was expected to be minor, but Bloomsburg and Danville in neighboring counties, who both were hit hard in the Flood of 2011 two weeks ago, were expected to approach flood stage Friday afternoon.

A flood advisory was issued from 3 until 6:15 p.m. Thursday for portions of Northumberland County. Advisories are considered a step below flash-flood warnings.

High winds and water

In Shamokin and Coal Township, there were trees snapped in half from winds traveling 60 to 70 mph. In Shamokin Creek, along North Third Street behind Turkey Hill Minit Market, a large tree toppled over into the water.

Removing the tree from the water is expected to be a "tedious operation," Shamokin Director of Public Safety William Milbrand said, noting it would likely require them to enter the creek bed to remove it.

"Kevin Richardson (city foreman) feels like it's not going to cause any more problems. We're going to wait (until the waters recede)," Milbrand said.

Reports indicate the creek didn't leave its channel Wednesday night.

"There was nothing nearly as bad as what it was in the big flood. We had some minor basement flooding occurring around town," he said.

In Uniontown, the Coal Township Fire Department was pumping water from drainage pipes and residents' basements in the area of 12th and Tharp streets.

Rough travels

Parts of state Route 61 in Shamokin and Ralpho townships looked more like a river than a state highway Thursday morning.

The intersection of state routes 487 and 61 at Paxinos was closed to all traffic for several hours after water raced down the southbound lanes from Meadowview and flooded the intersection. The high water disabled at least two vehicles and flooded two buildings near the intersection. The highway was closed to southbound traffic until 2 p.m. Thursday while northbound traffic was still allowed access.

Emergency personnel were dispatched for a water rescue on near-by Bottle Road Thursday morning; however, Ralpho Township Assistant Fire Chief Bob Dluge said the call turned out to be minor flooding in a house.

Closer to Shamokin on Route 61, a large amount of runoff from a mountain flowed across all four lanes at Sunoco gas station near Dogwood Road. Large rocks and debris also caused traffic problems at that location. Complicating matters for motorists trying to avoid the area, Dogwood Road was washed out and Benny's Run flooded Irish Valley Road in several locations.

Knoebels damage limited

At Knoebels Amusement Resort, the south branch of Roaring Creek and Mugser's Run flowed precariously close to buildings and rides. Roaring Creek spilled over the walls and flowed around several cottages near the campground store that were previously damaged from flooding on Sept. 8. This round of flooding, however, was relatively minor, according to co-owner Dick Knoebel.

"Brian (Knoebel) said to me, that if the flood two weeks ago was a five, this was a two," Knoebel said.

Knoebel said damage was limited to erosion in front of the wharf, the birthday cake pavillion and the lower-end of the golf course.

Clean-up is progressing from massive flooding three weeks ago. Some of the worst damage was to the Panther Cars, two band organs inside the Grand Carousel and the S&G Carousel and its organ, which were heavily damaged when a 220-year-old oak floated into the ride from its display location.

"The S&G was hammered and the organ took a major hit. We have a lot of work to do yet with the organs, but I am confident with our in-house technician, Dave Wynn, we can get it fixed," he said.

Knoebel added the park will be ready for the Covered Bridge Festival, which starts Oct. 7.

"We dressed it up before, and we will do it all over again," he added.

Chance of showers

Forecasts for Thursday evening were expected to mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Today during the day is expected to be partly sunny, but no chance of rain until tonight, when there's a 40 percent chance of showers. Saturday is expected to have a 40 percent chance of showers as well.

A strong front coming in next week might dry things out, but hurricane season doesn't end until November, said Jung.

"We can't rule anything out," he said.

Road closures

Route 61 at the Hamilton Underpass, just east of Sunbury, remained closed through the night.

The following county roads remained closed as of 4:15 p.m.

- Route 45 in West Chillisquaque Township, between Route 405 and Housels Run Road.

- Route 1015 (Paradise Street) from Route 44 in Turbotville to Fort Rice Road in Lewis Township.

- Route 1025 (Shakespeare Road) in East Chillisquaque Township, between Route 45 and Hobbes Road.

- Route 4004 (Mile Post Road) in Upper Augusta Township from Shikellamy Avenue to Mount Pleasant Road.

- Route 4005 in Shamokin Township, between Route 61 and Sunbury Street in Snydertown.

- Irish Valley Road in Shamokin Township, from Route 61 to Schoolhouse Road.

SUNBURY - Steve Reiner, Northumberland County's acting director of public safety, said property owners impacted by flooding and storm damage earlier this month and again on Wednesday and Thursday should file a claim with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Claims can be filed in person at a federal disaster recovery center at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, Eighth and Arch streets, Shamokin, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Claims can also be filed by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA or online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Reiner stressed that filing claims with FEMA are a critical component towards determining how much federal funding will be allotted toward relief efforts from damage caused earlier this month by Tropical Storm Lee. Even if property owners are insured, they are highly encouraged to file with FEMA.

Transportation is available to the disaster recovery center through Rabbit Transit or the Lower Anthracite Transit System.

PEMA

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is also encouraging people to register for damages suffered this month's heavy storms.

Also, government entities should continue to collect and report their public infrastructure damages to their respective counties.

PEMA will send a letter to President Barack Obama this week, requesting public assistance during Tropical Storm Lee's incident period.

Businesses should also register for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans by the same method. After registering with FEMA, people are encouraged to visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). DRC staff can answer specific questions and determine assistance available for a particular situation.

SHAMOKIN - Thursday's question of the day was whether a tornado hit First Street Wednesday night.

Even though the National Weather Service (NWS) said the weather event was most likely straight-line winds, residents described it as tornado-like.

"I never heard it like that around here. It was really loud," Marissa Grodzki, 18, of 522 N. First St., Coal Township said Thursday afternoon.

"I heard a roar and saw rain whipping around like in a circle," said a woman at 805 W. Walnut St., Coal Township, who declined to give her name.

A "big blur" is how Melissa Kratzer, 551 N. First St., Shamokin, described it, while Sandra Thomas, 555 N. First St., Shamokin, said the rain was blowing horizontally.

At least seven trees were snapped in half on or around First Street. There were several in the 500 block, at the end of the road, in people's backyards, inside the playground and near Keefer's garage. Power lines fell in the wind, but were repaired by Thursday afternoon.

'Terrible wind'

Employees for Brookside Landscaping and Tree Service, Shamokin, were busy cutting up two downed trees that landed on the vehicles of Grodzki and her great-grandfather, Joseph Wasilewski, 74.

"This was wind. If it was lightning, the crack would be all the way down the tree," John Hovenstine, owner of Brookside, said while six of his employees worked.

Wasilewski said the wind sounded like a freight train.

"The next thing I knew, I heard a crash. She (Grodzki) looked out the window and hollered that the trees were on the car and truck," he said.

Grodzki said she saw someone's plastic garbage can in the air and the home's front door snapped open.

The car, a 1987 Cutlass Supreme, had been moved by early afternoon and sustained only minor hood damage. The truck, a 1979 Chevy, was still underneath the limbs and leaves as Brookside employees cut branches.

Residents said their houses shook. Others pointed out damaged or misplaced shingles, siding and gutters as a result of the winds.

"It was terrible wind, the rain was blowing, knocking things over and smashing stuff," Diane Schick, 567 N. First St., Shamokin, said.

"I was scared. I couldn't see much, it was so dark," said the woman at 805 W. Walnut St.

Calls to police

Shamokin Director of Public Safety William Milbrand said the city wood chipper was getting quite a bit of use Thursday. He noted there were additional trees down on Seventh and High streets and in Shamokin Creek.

Coal Township Manager Rob Slaby said several residents called the police department, saying a tornado had touched down.

When NWS was contacted late Thursday afternoon, meteorologist Peter Jung said there had been no tornado reports made to them.

Judging from a description of the damage, Jung said the most likely scenario was straight-line winds traveling between 60 and 70 mph.

"Loud noise with wind isn't necessarily a tornado. Anytime you have wind at 60 mph, it's going to make a lot of noise," he said.

Straight-line winds push debris in the same direction, Jung said. Tornadoes, however, will scatter debris in various directions.

DANVILLE - Melanie Guinther, of Elysburg, who was injured in a three-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Route 61 and Overlook Boulevard in Weigh Scales that claimed the life of a Coal Township woman, was listed Friday afternoon in fair condition at Geisinger Medical Center.

Thomas Alai, of Elysburg, the driver of a truck involved in the 3:30 p.m. crash, was discharged from Geisinger on Thursday, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Doris L. Kern, 80, of Coal Township, was killed in the crash.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A 20-year-old Mount Carmel man was taken into custody Thursday night and charged with four misdemeanor offenses after he allegedly made an obscene gesture in front of two young girls at a playground next to the Ferndale ballfield.

Rudy Huhn, of 403 N. Market St., was arraigned at 10:15 p.m. via video by on-call Magisterial District Judge Robert Bolton of Milton on charges of obscene and other sexual materials, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and disorderly conduct. The first three charges are misdemeanors of the first degree that each carry a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and $10,000 fine. The disorderly conduct offense is a misdemeanor of the third degree and carries a maximum penalty of one year incarceration and $2,500 fine.

Huhn was committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $70,000 cash bail.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan, Huhn is accused of rubbing his genitals, with his pants still on, against a fence post in front of two girls, ages 10 and 11, at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Police reported a man who lives on West Nelson Street across from the playground reported seeing a male, who was later identified as Huhn, walking back and forth along the playground fence. The neighbor, who told police the man looked suspicious, said Huhn began rubbing his genital area along a sign post that was facing the playground and children.

When the witness approached Huhn, he entered his pickup truck and drove away from the playground without his lights on. The neighbor, whose wife also witnessed the incident, said Huhn drove west on Hill Street and later parked the truck near Hill and Ash streets. As the witness and another male neighbor approached Huhn's vehicle, he pulled out and drove past them, again without his lights on. The other neighbor stopped Huhn a short time later on Montgomery Street.

Police said when both neighbors asked Huhn why he was staring at young kids in the playground, Huhn told them he was sorry and asked if he could apologize to the children. Police said Huhn also admitted that he rubbed his genitals along the fence post while he was watching the children.

Huhn was then taken into custody and questioned by Brennan at the police station. During the interview, Huhn admitted he intentionally stopped at the playground to watch the children. He also told the detective that he wanted the girls to see him rubbing his genitals.