Nothing commanded the attention of Northumberland County residents - indeed, those in all of eastern Pennsylvania - like the Flood of 2011.

More than a foot of rain, on average, fell across the county between Sept. 5 and 10. Small creeks and streams overflowed their banks and runoff poured from hillsides, Several feet of water was rapidly channeled through streets and into people's homes.

Much of Northumberland County, and beyond, was inundated unlike anything seen in years - well, since 1972 to be exact, when Hurricane Agnes stormed up the East Coast.

But unlike Agnes, the wrath of Tropical Storm Lee came as a surprise to most.

The area had already dodged a bullet when Hurricane Irene came and went without causing much damage. How bad could a tropical storm be?

It was Sept. 5 when rain arrived. A day later, a flood watch was issued for 27 counties, including our own.

On Sept. 7, 10 inches or more were reported to have fallen in some spots. Much of Knoebels Amusement Resort was under water from Roaring Creek. Portions of the first and fifth wards of Shamokin met the same fate when Shamokin Creek left its channel, sections of Rock Street already having been evacuated.

Rapidly rising water in Zerbe Run led to the evacuation of three Trevorton families and a water rescue after a group of overly adventurous teens attempted to raft on the raging water.

Part of as many as 11 state highways were closed in the county at one time, including Routes 61 and 487, leaving some people stranded and unable to return home from work.

In the midst of it all, Shamokin firefighters were called to extinguish a fire on Bear Valley Avenue caused by a lightning strike.

On Sept. 8, rain continued to pour at a harrowing pace.

The Tharptown section of Coal Township was hit hard both by flooding from Shamokin Creek, runoff from Trevorton Mountain and also from backed-up storm drains along Route 61.

More than 20 people were rescued in Tharptown and at Knoebels, as well as in the village of Hamilton, near Sunbury, where emergency responders also rescued some 20 animals from an animal hospital.

Seven large but mostly empty oil silos toppled at the Duke Heating Oil property at Weigh Scales, apparently from the force of rushing water undermining their foundations.

And while the Susquehanna River thankfully stayed below the flood walls in Sunbury, it crested at 31.66 feet, second only to the Agnes-related record of 35.8 feet.

Bloomsburg wouldn't be so lucky. The river crested there Sept. 9 at 32.75 feet, a new high that tormented the low end of town and caused millions of dollars in damage. The flooding caused the Bloomsburg Fair to be canceled for the first time in 157 years.

Sept. 9 saw the rain taper off. Some emergency responders who were up and active for much of the past two days got a chance to rest, that is if they didn't have to pump water from the basements of their own homes. Others continued to help homeowners pump out water.

A day later on Sept. 10, the Mandata area was struck by flash-flooding caused by a late night thunderstorm. At least a dozen homes were affected.

Northumberland County was declared among 19 Pennsylvania counties as a disaster area. That declaration, made by President Obama, kicked off relief efforts by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA set up shop in Shamokin, opening a relief center at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center. Hundreds upon hundreds of private claims were filed with the agency.

Public damage topped $1.25 million in Shamokin alone, nearly $1 million of it in damage to the channels for Shamokin Creek and Carbon Run. The Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority expected its damages to top $500,000.

The city continues to work with FEMA to tear down six homes condemned along Rock Street, along with another home on North Third Street.

MOUNT CARMEL - Thea Tafner, the former American Hose and Chemical Fire Company ambulance committee chairwoman, pleaded guilty in January to felony charges of embezzling more than $1 million.

During the 14 years in which Tafner was American Hose ambulance chairwoman, she opened a fraudulent bank account where she directed $3,712,203 in Medicare payments between Oct. 23, 2000, and Nov. 2, 2009, and used $1,816,045.13 for personal gain, federal prosecutors said when they charged her with embezzlement. Her actions eventually resulted in the closing of the ambulance portion of American Hose.

She was sentenced May 16 to 30 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution to American Hose, which included $124,869 within 60 days of her sentencing.

However, in a move that appalled borough council members, Tafner and her lawyer filed an appeal to halt the initial lump sum, despite signing a plea agreement not to appeal. They requested the lump sum be eliminated and she continue restitution on the schedule of no less than $250 a month once she is released from the Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, W.Va. - which would take more than 500 years to pay back at that rate.

As part of the plea agreement, the government agreed not to force Tafner to use money from her Pennsylvania Public School Employee Retirement System account in exchange for her waiver of any appeal rights. Tafner and her lawyer argue the court's order violates the agreement and does what the government agreed not to do.

American Hose filed a "writ of summons" Oct. 14 against Tafner's brother, Carter Tafner, which informed him that the fire company planned to take legal action against him and his business, Creations by Carter. His flower nursery and gift shop business and home, which is owned by Thea Tafner since 2000, had a lien placed on it by the federal government in July.

Carter Tafner maintains he had no knowledge of his sister's crimes and said he was cleared of any wrongdoing by a federal investigation.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Fourteen months after plans were announced for a merger between Shamokin Area Community Hospital (SACH) and Geisinger Health System (GHS), it all comes together today.

Thomas Harlow, chief administration officer of Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, said earlier this week that transition plans were going smoothly.

"We think we are ready. The staff has a lot of new stuff to learn, but they are eager to get at it," Harlow said Thursday. "By the second week of January, we should be in very good shape."

In 2009, the two hospitals entered into a non-binding letter of intent to explore additional ways the health care organizations could work together, including bringing more GMC specialists and doctors into SACH.

In November 2010, the two health care facilities announced they would be pursuing a full merger.

In July, word was received from the state Attorney General's office and the Pennsylvania Department of Health that the merger was approved, and today was designed as at the effective date.

"The merger will promote quality, cost-effective care and enhance access to services in the communities we serve, as well as ensure future access to health care on the SACH campus through an expanded, regionally integrated health network," Harlow said in July.

GMC Chief Administrative Officer Thomas Sokola added he was pleased with the arrangement.

"We will spend the balance of this year implementing information technology platforms, and planning for management and operations to ensure that all of our systems, programs and services are ready day one to provide a seamless transition for SACH patients and employees," he noted when the merger was announced.

On that same day, SACH employees who were members of the Office and Professional Employees International Union, representing 74 nurses and medical technicians, voted to decertify. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents 172 workers in support-maintenance, housekeeping and other positions is still in place, but Geisinger has said it will not recognize the union.

SACH also announced that it will follow all of Geisinger's policies, including a new one to be implemented on Feb. 1 requiring potential new employees to be screened for nicotine as part of their pre-employment drug screening.

The change comes as SACH will celebrate its 100th year of operation in 2012.

To welcome the employees, hospital officials were set to have a "Welcome to Geisinger" reception Wednesday.

An official ceremony marking the merger and the 100th anniversary of Shamokin Area Community Hospital is scheduled for Jan. 11 with Dr. Glenn Steele, president and CEO of Geisinger Health System, Sokola and Harlow, offering comments.

For family members and authorities, 2011 was a year of hurt and disappointment as four area missing-person cases ended in tragedy.

Former state trooper David Alan Lynch, of Numidia, was last seen by family members on Jan. 28. Four days later, Lynch's truck was found in a wooded area between Natalie and the entrance to the Roaring Creek Tract of the Weiser State Forest in Northumberland County.

Officials conducted a massive two-day search for Lynch, hampered by two winter storms that blanketed the area with a few inches of snow and freezing rain.

Thirty hours after his truck was found, the body of Lynch was found in forest property in Conyngham Township, Columbia County.

An autopsy showed no evidence of foul play, and it was ruled that Lynch likely died of exposure to the elements for an extended period of time. It was suspected that Lynch was using bath salts at the time.

Local police were soon busy with two other cases.

Shamokin City Police conducted a search for Justin Boyles, 31, of Shamokin, who was last seen at the Mount Royal Mini-Mart in Ranshaw on Feb. 3 using his girlfriend's credit card. Police said Boyles was involved in a car accident the day before and "bath salts" were found in his possession at that time.

Later that week, Coal Township Police began searching for Deborah Demshock, 42, of Excelsior, after she did not return home from work on Feb. 6 from Grandview Nursing Homes near Danville.

State police helicopters and regional units were deployed in both searches,without success

The two were found on Feb. 12, one mile and 40 minutes apart from each other. Police were called to an area behind the Anthra Plaza after two friends of Boyles conducted their own search and found his body at the bottom of the hill.

As police and emergency crews converged on the scene to remove his body, another call came in when a passing motorist reported an SUV at the bottom of a 50-foot embankment, off Route 901 a mile afrom Excelsior. The SUV matched the missing description, and Demshock's body was found inside.

Autopsy reports showed Demshock died Feb. 6, the cause of death listed as hypothermia due to the motor vehicle accident with a contributory condition of diabetes mellitus.

"In Deborah's case," county coroner James Kelley said, "it is believed she had a diabetic event, which caused her to lose control of her vehicle."

Boyles died because of hypothermia, due to acute mixed drug toxicity. Toxicology tests revealed a synthetic stimulant in his system, in addition to other drugs and medications.

In May, police started their search for Russel F. Hummel, 47, of Coal Township, in the Third Patch of Coal Township. He was last seen on May 8, dropping off his dog and some lottery tickets with his mother before leaving.

A relative reported Hummel liked to go into that area looking for scrap metal. Authorities found his vehicle and a flannel jacket he wore a half-mile away from the vehicle.

Hummel's body was discovered the next day approximately 200 yards from the road in a clearing near the Third Patch. A preliminary investigation showed that Hummel had committed suicide on May 8.

Recently, two individuals missing since Christmas Day, David "Diggy" Dascani, 31, and Kelley Gusick, 24, both of Shamokin, were found dead inside a partially-submerged Jeep in the Shamokin Creek in the Big Mountain area. An autopsy revealed both died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Property transfers

Alice M. Hoffman to Donna M. Zyla, property in Ralpho Township, $93,000.

David S. Shoch, Mary Shoch, Richard J. Shoch and Paula M. Shoch to David S. Shoch, Richard J. Shoch and Mark E. Shoch, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

William R. Payne (estate) and Lisa L. Picarelli (executrix) to Charles F. Johns III and Marlene F. Johns, property in Shamokin, $10,000.

Dean C. Spicher and Giner D. Spicher to Andrew Moore and Sandra Moore, property in Rockefeller Township, $160,500.

James J. Bressi to Edward A. Schetroma and Ann Marie Schetroma, property in Shamokin, $5,300.

Henry J. Koldash and Rose M. Koldash to Jason M. Parker and Coryn L. Parker, property in Kulpmont, $48,000.

Dante P. Sholvin (executor) and John V. Shovlin Sr. (estate) to Brett Russell, property in Shamokin, $1.

Michael Gordner (estate), Terra Lynn Gornder, Kathy Starr (co-administrator) and Ronald Kovilaritch (co-administrator) to Michael J. Macaluso and Kristi Macaluso, property in Coal Township, $128,000.

Tommy Dean Heitzman and Bernice C. Heitzman to Tommy D. Heitzman Jr. and Kimberly Heitzman, property in Shamokin Township, $215,000.

Scott A. Kunkel and Sherry L. Kunkel to Dennis M. Kunkel and Sharon A. Kunkel, property in Lower Augusta Township, $102,103.07.

Paul B. Nye and Sandy Nye to Michael J. Bendas and Heather A. Scott, property in Shamokin, $71,974.

Mildred A. Dziadosz (estate), Andrew C. Dziadosz Jr. (individually and executor) and Barbara Snyder (executrix) to Thomas J. Kiefaber, property in Coal Township, $23,000.

Wanda A. Chesney (estate), Frank Chesney, Thomas Chesney and Cynthia Boyer to Frank Chesney, Thomas Chesney and Cynthia Boyer, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Ron J. Lentz (executor) and Chester H. Lentz (estate) to Dales Properties LLC, property in Shamokin, $16,500.

Charles F.S. Stamm and Norene H. Stamm to Norene H. Stamm, property in Riverside, $1.

Brenda Lee Long to Robert F. Long Jr., property in West Cameron Township, $1.

VP PA Residential LLC to Michael E. Ramos, property in Mount Carmel, $12,000.

John A. Szverra and Carol J. Szverra to Brian Kinn, property in Coal Township, $19,000.

Grand Teton LLC to Leonardo Jhoel, property in Shamokin, $810.

Eugene A. Welsh Jr. and Denise Welsh to Eugene A. Welsh III, property in Coal Township, $1.

Eugene A. Welsh Jr. and Denise L. Welsh to Kristy R. Renn, property in Coal Township, $1.

Janice Plum to Peter A. Plum III, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Theresa M. Sockoloski (estate), Edward C. Greco (executor), Deborah Wolfe and John Sockoloski to John D. Leshock, property in Coal Township, $15,700.

Prudentila Relocation Inc. to Stone Financing LLC, property in Rockefeller Township, $165,000.

James Boylan Jr. and Helene Boylan to Gary Hixson, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Joan Marie Barvitskie and Victor John Barvitskie Sr. to Victor John Barvitskie Jr., property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Louanne P. Walsh and Timothy D. Walsh to Timothy R. Walsh, property in Shamokin, $1.

Marriage licenses

Dale Kenneth Boyer and Cathy Ann Lauver.

Alex Benjamin Saul and Michelle Lynn Schodt.

Christopher Peter Collins and Janice L. Ahrens.

Matthew Wayne Fahnestock and Hannah Joy Ilgenfritz.

Local high school students have been "making spirits bright" for the holidays throughout Mount Carmel and Shamokin.

Students in the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit's (CSIU) Teens in Innovative Educational Structures (TIES) afterschool programs created holiday projects to spread holiday cheer in their communities.

"TIES helps to form connections between the students and the community," said Yvette Beaumont, CSIU TIES project coordinator.

Mount Carmel Area students created hand-painted ornaments that are hung on the town tree in Mount Carmel. They also made cozy fleece blankets and donated them to seniors in the community. Students also decorated gingerbread houses that are on display at the school's office, and will be placed in empty storefronts in downtown Mount Carmel.

Sharing treats

Teens in the Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School culinary afterschool program made 75 quarts of Italian wedding soup while students at Shamokin Area prepared 60 bags of holiday cookies. The homemade homemade treats were donated to the Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen in Shamokin, a project they plan to continue.

Every Thursday, Shepherd's Table serves 200 people and delivers food to more than 20 shut-in residents in the area.

Advisors for the Community Cheer Program at Mount Carmel Area are Amy Czech and Trish Stockalis. Barb Reiprish is the culinary arts advisor at Our Lady of Lourdes, and Sue Clark and Jenn Makowski are Helping Hands Culinary Arts advisors at Shamokin Area.

TIES is an afterschool program that serves 150 to 200 students in grades seven through 12 at Shamokin Area and Mount Carmel Area school districts and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School.

The program provides individualized academic support, enrichment and service learning experiences that are not available during the regular school day. TIES focuses on bringing family, school and community together to enable each student to identify career goals as well as develop resiliency and leadership skills.

TIES is a $1 million, three-year 21st Century Community Learning Center grant program funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and administered by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.

WEST CHILLISQUAQUE TOWNSHIP - A Sunbury man was killed New Year's Eve when the vehicle he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree, according to state police at Milton.

Trooper Jason R. Caccia reported that Daniel R. Yagowski, 48, was traveling north in a 1999 Ford Explorer on Route 147, approximately a half mile south of Route 45, when he failed to negotiate a right curve at 11:14 a.m. Saturday.

The SUV crossed the southbound lane onto a grass embankment and struck a small tree. The vehicle spun and the driver's side door struck a larger tree, coming to a stop facing west, police said.,

Yaglowski was pronounced dead at the scene by Northumberland county Deputy Coroner James R. Gotlob at 12:10 p.m.

According to Gotlob, the manner of death was accidental multiple blunt force trauma, and no autopsy or toxicology test will be performed.

Yagowski was wearing a seat belt, and the airbag deployed, police said.

State police were assisted at the scene by William Cameron Fire Department, Lewisburg.

SHAMOKIN - A combination of nice weather and good publicity is what made the latest Shamokin Coal Drop the largest Mayor George Rozinskie remembers over the past six years.

"We had the biggest crowd. At least 1,500 to 2,000 people," he said Sunday evening.

The annual New Year's Eve celebration, which was sponsored by Klacik and Associates, Shamokin, was the place to be Saturday night, when crowds surrounded the flag pole at Market and Independence streets, reaching as far back as the Fun Shop on Independence Street.

Rozinskie said the media coverage, including newspapers and television crews from other regions, gave the city's celebration some good buzz while the weather stayed away from cold temperatures and precipitation.

"Everyone was happy. They enjoyed it, they really did. They were dancing in the streets. Everything was wonderful," he said.

He talked to people from as far away as Pottsville and Allentown who came to enjoy the festivities.

"I love to do it for the community. People come from all over," he said.

A lump of coal

The piece of "coal" dropped at the stroke of midnight was actually a piece of decorated styrofoam, which is about four feet high and five feet wide. It's strung up at the top of a flag pole in the city each year and is dropped as the countdown to midnight begins.

Following the drop, Steve Funk set off fireworks, which lasted about 12 minutes this year.

Emily Armstrong, a Troy, N.Y., resident, was visiting friends and decided to come to the city for the drop.

"It was such a happening event. I didn't expect it," she said.

The mayor thanked the following people and organizations for making the Coal Drop successful: Klacik and Associates, Service Electric, Shamokin Street Department, Shamokin Police Department, Independence Fire Company, Shamokin service technician Larry Strausser, Steve Funk Fireworks, Denny Moore (who donated the trailer), Power House DJ systems, Rent-a-Center and all others involved.

When Stephen Bridy is sworn into office as a Northumberland County commissioner on Tuesday, it will mark a high point in a 12-month period of ups and downs.

Bridy made history Nov. 8 when he became the first Independent ever to be elected commissioner in Northumberland County. He credits the encouragement of his wife and his faith in God for driving him toward the unique distinction.

But the past year has also seen its challenges for the 40-year-old Elysburg resident.

Bridy first bid for a spot on the county board in late 2010 through the appointment process set in motion by former commissioner Kurt Masser's election as a state representative. County judges, however, skipped over Bridy and 24 other Republican candidates in favor of recently retired veteran legislator Merle Phillips as Masser's replacement.

After Phillips' selection, Bridy switched his party affiliation in the spring and then steadily built his persona from curious political newcomer to status quo antagonist.

Around the same time he first threw his hat in the political ring last December, Bridy resigned his job as a financial adviser with Wells Fargo in Williamsport amid continuing struggles for the financial industry, and he was forced to collect unemployment

unemployment.

Then, in August, Bridy and his wife of 15 years, Kimberly, got the formal diagnosis that their 3 1/2-year-old son, Thomas, has autism.

While 2012 appears to bring with it more stability, Bridy said he wasn't fazed by 2011.

"Life is change. And you either embrace it or you fight it," he said. "I'm one that if God puts something before me, I'm going to deal with it."

Understanding needs

Having a son with autism gives Bridy a perspective he may not have otherwise had as a public official, and he shares that perspective with fellow commissioner-elect Rick Shoch, whose daughter, Lily, also has special needs.

It would be common for someone to question why "all this money" goes to human services, for example, Bridy said.

But his family has seen the value of counseling Thomas has received through the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit and through home visits.

"We're starting to see some wonderful strides," he said, noting his son is repeating "night-night" and "I love you" when it's said to him.

Bridy said they are fortunate, too, in that Thomas is hypo-sensitive, whereas other autistic children are hyper-sensitive.

"He's almost always very happy. Where it becomes very trying and troubling is when something is hurting him; he can't verbalize," he said. "He's a dream child in some ways; it's an aspect that is a real blessing."

Bridy said he and his wife are considering starting a branch of Ernie Els Autism Foundation or similar group locally.

Not a politician

Bridy, who built an active website and hosted free get-acquainted dinners during his aggressive campaign, says it wasn't an overnight decision to run.

"I didn't want to run for commissioner. I prayed a lot to the Lord after my wife encouraged me to seek office," he said. "I'm not a politician. I am a man of faith. …That's why if you ask my wife from day one, (she said) 'he's going to win, he's going to win, he's going to win, he's going to win.' Because she knew the man inside of me and that thought process."

By March, Bridy said he was so upset with government at all levels - from partisan bickering at the federal level to the state's education funding cuts to turmoil at the county - that he went all in.

"I don't want to come across as a religious zealot or anything like that, but it became so evident to me that I would just have to do everything in my power (to try to win the election).

"It was a burden; it was a weight," he said about the deliberation. "I decided to follow God's lead and run for commissioner."

Career in finance

Bridy, a Kulpmont native and graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, earned a degree in economics from Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove. He has since worked as a financial consultant for various firms, most recently at Wells Fargo Advisers in Williamsport.

But at one point in 2011, Bridy acknowledged, his family essentially had "no income."

The tough financial times began last December when Bridy resigned from Wells Fargo after about two years of employment. He withdrew from the job over a period of about one month, he said.

"I was having some neck problems, some neck pain," he said.

With work in Williamsport and his physical therapist in Marion Heights, Bridy started working more from home.

"I was still employed there, but I considered it a sabbatical because I wasn't in the office five days a week," he said.

Despite rumors that he was fired, Bridy maintains he wasn't, and he produced an e-mail from his former boss, Albert N. Masood, first vice president and branch manager for Wells Fargo, that said such rumors are "completely false."

Through a phone interview, Masood confirmed his e-mail. He said he couldn't further discuss Bridy's employment, but did say, "I think the world of him; I enjoyed working with him."

The economic conditions related to Bridy resignation did allow him to collect unemployment compensation, which he said he did for six months from December to May. While people often can't collect unemployment when they voluntary resign from a job, "you can if it's for economic factors," Bridy said.

"Being in the financial end of it, the economics weren't exactly the strongest," he added. "And they never fought it. It's not like I had to appeal the claim."

There were other successful years, meanwhile, where Bridy said he paid more than $150,000 in federal income tax. And despite the tough financial times in '11, Bridy said savings allowed him to fund his election campaign, during which he spent $33,000, with only about $2,700 reported as contributions.

He noted his resignation from Wells Fargo last December was around the same time he put his name in to replace Masser.

"For me to collect, I figured … why not?" Bridy said. "I would have stayed with them (Wells Fargo), but it was one of those things where I was being led (toward politics)."

The new year, meanwhile, starts with much brighter financial promise for Bridy. In addition to his new county job, which includes a $61,000 salary and benefits that cost $241 per month to cover his family (the same rate for all elected officials), Bridy said his exposure during the campaign led to an offer from Ken Shedleski, owner of Wealth Professionals, a Shamokin-based investment firm. He said he gave the thumbs-up to that offer in mid-December, but will work primarily from home and as his commissioner job allows.

It was noted that he has a full slate.

"I always do," Bridy said. "I've always had two or three different things running at one time."

However, he added about his county job, "That's my No. 1 priority."

Working with Clausi

Bridy said he is confident he can work well with incumbent Commissioner Vinny Clausi, a Democrat from Coal Township, and Shoch, a Sunbury attorney.

Bridy got off to a rocky start with Clausi during a Nov. 16 argument in the commissioner's office in which Clausi said Bridy accused him of operating "in the dark" and Bridy said Clausi used vulgar language and ordered him out of his office.

"I think he will realize that I'm not his enemy and I'm not out to get him or hurt him in any way," Bridy said. "He (Clausi) tends to get mad when people don't agree with him, but I actually hold him in high regard. He works hard. He came to this country without hardly anything and made himself very successful. I admire him for that."

Among Clausi's complaints since the election is that Bridy has spent little time getting acquainted with county business. But Bridy said he has been busy preparing for his role as commissioner, even if he hasn't necessarily been hanging around the courthouse and administration building. He said he's done a lot of work by phone.

"I'm not a grandstander; I hate my picture in the paper," he said.

By the end of last week, the relationship with Clausi was already showing signs of improvement.

"We are on so much better footing now," Bridy said Friday. "And I'm thankful for it."

With a slight chuckle, he said he isn't quite sure yet why God has led him to the board of commissioners.

"I don't know what you want me to do here, Lord," he said, adding "time will tell."

Rick Shoch moved back to his hometown of Sunbury in 2002 because his job as an inhouse council for an investment firm was taking too much time away from what mattered most: his wife and children.

"It was interesting working the city (commuting to Philadelphia and New York City). There's a certain excitement, but it wasn't what I wanted long-term for me or for my family," the 45-year-old attorney said Wednesday afternoon following the Northumberland County commissioner's meeting.

It was the last meeting he would attend as a private citizen and commissioner-elect. The Sunbury native was the top vote-getter in the election for county commissioner and will join the board Tuesday.

Shoch and his wife married in 1996 and have four children ages 13 to 5. Shoch is proud of his children, but spoke mostly about his daughter, Lily, who was diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome a year after she was born.

The disorder - named for a type of traditional Japanese theater in which actors wear makeup that gives them a striking large-eyed facial appearance - affects many parts of the body along the midline and is characterized by distinctive facial features including arched eyebrows, long eyelashes, long openings of the eyelids with the lower lids turned out at the outside edges, a flat and broadened tip of the nose and large protruding earlobes.

Lily, now 11, was born with a cleft lip and palate and also had to undergo three heart surgeries within the first year of her life to repair transposed vessels - the first surgery took place days after she was born. The disorder also caused developmental delays, and hearing and vision problems.

"It teaches you a lot about life," Shoch said. "Up until that point, you're young, things are going your way, and you've achieved different successes. You realize your life isn't all about that, it's about dealing with adversity and appreciating people in all shapes and sizes. You see the value in people. It gave us more of a sense of that."

Also, it reaffirmed his relationship with Paula.

"We're partners and soulmates. I knew within the first date or so that there was something different and special about her. When you go through some of the adversities that we have, it draws you closer. It solidifies that you made the right decision of wanting to spend the rest of your life with this person," Shoch said.

It was also because of his daughter, Lily, that Shoch decided to extend his law practice to representing families with special-needs children to ensure school districts are accommodating them.

"That's one of the reasons I enjoy helping people. I find it particularly gratifying helping kids who have challenges to overcome," he said.

Lily is healthy, but visits cardiologists regularly for check-ups. She is a student in Shikellamy School District and enjoys singing and acting - she had a part in "Annie" last year.

Their oldest daughter, Natalie, 13, enjoys stage performances as well.

Their oldest son, Eric, 9, loves baseball and started playing football last season, and Shoch tries his best to be involved in coaching duties.

Brady, the youngest at age 5, is a "red-headed pistol" who has his parents wrapped around his finger, Shoch said.

When Shoch won the general election in November, he and his employers of nine years at Wiest, Muolo, Noon and Swinehart agreed it best for Shoch to break away to avoid a potential conflict of interest; the firm represents many local municipalities and businesses.

"I didn't want to be in a position where I was constantly abstaining or telling my clients they would have to get special council," Shoch explained.

The split was an amicable one, he added.

In his private practice, he will continue to represent several clients, including Liverpool, Mahoning Township and Point Township. He will not conduct divorce or custody hearings.

But, he said, his focus will be Northumberland County government.

"The commissioner position is not a 9 to 5 job. It's an all-the-time job," he said.

If he has free time in the next four years between two jobs and a family, Shoch said he plans to go bird hunting with his 6-year-old English Setter, Higgins, or fishing with the kids.

"A lot of times, I talk about my hobbies in the past tense, because I don't find as much time to pursue them these days," he said.

It's just been recently that Shoch and his wife have entrusted their oldest daughter to watch her siblings while the two go out to dinner.

Turtle named Vinny

When Shoch is officially sworn in as county commissioner Tuesday, he will sit next to a man named Vinny - incumbent commissioner Vinny Clausi. But the Shoch household already has a connection with Clausi, thanks to a turtle named Vinny.

While visiting a church festival in Shamokin during the general election, Shoch's sons were attempting to win a turtle at a ball toss game. Shoch, who was occupied with a conversation, kept handing them money for their game, but the boys were unable to win the shelled pet. Clausi, who was also at the game's stand, insisted on helping the boys win their prize.

"I come to find out, he handed my 5-year-old a fifty dollar bill," Shoch said, laughing while retelling the story. "Long story short, we have a turtle named Vinny who shares a room with my two sons."

Best ideas

Even though he has yet to be sworn in, some county residents have voiced concern that Shoch will side with Clausi instead of newcomer, Stephen Bridy, Shoch said.

"I'm going to listen to him and hear him out. Am I going to do the same thing with Mr. Bridy and hope they do the same with me? Yes," he said.

Any decision Shoch makes in office will be on an issue-by-issue basis, he noted.

"Not everyone will agree on everything. I'm not looking to create any kind of alliance. I'm looking to come up with the best ideas to move this county forward. Sometimes, that's going to mean I'm allied with one and not the other," Shoch said.

In less than two months since the general election, Bridy and Clausi have already butted heads while Shoch has stayed relatively out of the way of controversy.

"You have three males sitting in confined quarters, all trying to mark their territories. Someone is bound to get sprayed," Shoch said. "It's going to take time perhaps. There's not a lot of communication now, but once we all get there, that will change."

The current commissioners have already included Shoch in several discussions since he was elected - Clausi more so than commissioners Frank Sawicki and Merle Phillips, who were defeated in the election.

"They often give me a call and, if I'm able, I participate. It's going to be very helpful in terms of hitting the ground running," he said.

Shoch's goal is to sit down with department heads and develop a working relationship to determine exactly what they're doing and what they need to make it better. However, he said, the initial focus will have to be on the budget if it's reopened in the new year.

"When that's done and under our belt, it's time to look forward to our future and what changes we can make to continue this trend of reducing the size of the budget," he said.

Hot meals available

Anyone needing a hot meal delivered to your home daily around noon can participate in the Meals on Wheels private pay program. Call 648-6772 for Shamokin or 644-1704 for Mount Carmel for more information. Meals are $4 per day.

Anniversary committee meeting

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel 150th Anniversary Committee will be meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Elks Lodge, 128 N. Oak St. The public is invited to attend.

This winter has mostly been marked by mild temperatures, but tonight's bone-chilling forecast should serve as reminder that there are likely many cold days ahead.

Today's high temperature is expected to be 25 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service website, and there is a slight chance of snow showers.

Tonight's low temperature could bottom out at 10 degrees. Factor in the wind chill - wind speeds are expected to top out at 16 mph - and it could feel as cold as zero.

That's in stark contrast to data compiled over December 2011.

The National Weather Service's closest weather station is in Harrisburg, which found that the average high and low temperatures for the greater Harrisburg area last month were 47 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.

The high temperature was a very un-December-like 61 degrees, recorded Dec. 6. The low temperature came in at 19 degrees on Dec. 12.

December 2010 was much colder, with an average high and low of 37 and 24 degrees.

The normal average high and low for the month of December is 41 and 26 degrees, according to National Weather Service data.

The mild weather is expected to return quickly, with the daily high temperature expected to rise throughout the week and reaching 46 degrees Saturday.

BEAR GAP - A dog that went missing from its home Monday was rescued from a 70-foot quarry cliff by emergency responders Tuesday morning.

Firefighters from Elysburg and Danville used Danville's 85-foot ladder truck, equipped with a basket, to get to the miniature collie. Elysburg Fire Chief Dennis Kroh said in an interview Tuesday night he was told the dog belongs to Ed Helfrick Jr., who lives nearby.

The dog was spotted Tuesday morning, trapped on a rock ledge and unable to move, Kroh said.

Kroh was contacted by Ralpho Township Police Chief Stuart Appel about the possibility of the fire department reaching the dog. From work, Kroh called Matt Siko, EMS supervisor, and asked him to assess the situation.

Siko, Appel and Mike Timco, a Ralpho Township firefighter, determined the only way to rescue the dog would be with an aerial device, according to Kroh. Elysburg doesn't have a ladder truck, so Kroh contacted Danville Fire Department, which responded with its unit. He said Danville was chosen over Shamokin because of there is a basket at the top of Danville's ladder.

Kroh and Danville Fire department volunteer Andy Georges ascended in the basket, stuck a dog catcher loop around the dog's neck, just to be sure it didn't move, then plucked it from the cliff. The dog never tried to move, Kroh said.

"As you can see by the pictures, the rescue was a success," the chief wrote in an earlier e-mail.

He said the dog would have had to wander down the cliff from the top.

He said the rescue took about 15 minutes once the truck was on scene. He thanked Danville for the assist.

Attempts to reach Helfrick earlier Tuesday were unsuccessful, so Kroh said the dog was taken to the Ralpho Township police station until the owner, who had reported the dog missing on Monday, could be contacted.

CRESSONA - One woman was flown to a trauma center after the car she was driving struck a utility pole and garage on Pottsville Street just before 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, causing homes and businesses in the area to lose electricity and backing up traffic.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Margaret Phillips, Blandon, was driving a 2007 Ford Fusion west in the area of 142 Pottsville St., toward Route 183, when she lost control, went off the road and struck a utility pole. After hitting the pole police said the car traveled northwest and struck a garage at 132 Pottsville St.

Police said Phillips was taken to the Cressona Mall parking lot and then flown to Reading Hospital for treatment of injuries she suffered in the crash.

Firefighters and fire police manned traffic lights at the intersections of Routes 183 and 901, Route 61 at the Cressona Mall and Route 61 and Pottsville Street for several hours battling 20-degree temperatures.

Fire officials at the scene said power was disrupted to homes in the area around the crash, the Cressona Mall and some homes on Seven Stars Road.

James Nulton, regional community relations director with PPL Electric Utilities, said 484 customers were affected by the outage.

He said crews were on the scene quickly and able to replace the pole and restore electricity to all those affected by about 9:55 a.m.

A supervisor at the Schuylkill County 9-1-1 Center said Route 183, between the intersections Route 61 and Route 901 was also closed while repairs were made.

Firefighters from Cressona and Schuylkill Haven assisted at the crash site while fire police from both departments, as well as Mount Carbon, assisted with traffic control at the busy intersections along Route 61.

HARRISBURG - Ten people were killed and 172 others were injured in 552 crashes investigated by state police during the four-day New Year's holiday driving period.

"Although the number of fatalities decreased by one compared to last year's holiday driving period, the number of child safety seat violations and DUI arrests increased," Commissioner Frank Noonan said Tuesday.

Of the crashes, 79 were alcohol-related and involved two fatalities. Also, six of the 10 people who died in crashes were not wearing seat belts.

Troopers made 285 arrests for driving under the influence and issued 3,408 speeding citations. Troopers also cited 379 people for failure to wear seat belts and issued citations to 51 drivers for failing to restrain children properly in child safety seats.

During last year's four-day New Year's holiday driving period, 11 people were killed and 220 others were injured in 693 crashes investigated by state police.

The crash numbers cover only those incidents investigated by state police and do not include statistics on crashes to which other law enforcement agencies responded.

Flood may cause rise to fair fare

BLOOMSBURG - Admission to the Bloomsburg Fair could rise up to $3 this year.

The Press Enterprise reported Tuesday that September flooding created losses totaling $3.31 million and forced the fair's operating board to spend $1.2 million from its savings for cleanup.

Paul Reichart, fair president, told the newspaper it would take a $2 to $3 hike to solidify the fair's finances.

The price increase must be discussed and approved by the fair's board of superintendents. If approved, admission for fairgoers 12 and older would rise from $5 to $7 or $8.

Pierogies on hold due to damage

SHAMOKIN - Due to ongoing repairs to flood damage at Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church hall, volunteers will not be making pierogies at the present time.

The church's original pierogies and potato cake batter will again be available once the kitchen is operable.

Trains program open as usual

DANVILLE - The free Saturday Trains program at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, at the corner of Pine and East Market streets, will be open as usual from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. The display includes the new talking train, the Amtrak "Pennsylvanian," and a special holiday train, and children and adults can play with all of the trains. More than 1,000 icicle lights now decorate the display.

The free Wheelchair Engineers program at the Columbia Mall, Buckhorn, with its wheelchair-accessible model train layouts, will be open for its usual hours, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday at the Sears end of the mall. Master craftsman Earl Wagner is helping children and adults enlarge the Wheelchair Engineers' HO layout. Helpers are welcome.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Board of Commissioners welcomed its newest member and appointed a new president during its reorganization meeting Tuesday night.

Newcomer Bernie Rumberger lined up alongside incumbents Gene Welsh, Gerard Waugh III and George Zalar, placing their right hands together atop a Bible, their left hands raised, as Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III swore them into office as a group.

All four won terms in November's General Election.

The four join incumbent Craig Fetterman, who was not up for re-election.

Fetterman was appointed by the board to serve as president, his first shot at leading the commissioners since he took office in 2006. The position has rotated in recent years among the board's more tenured members.

He replaces Welsh, who was appointed as vice president, a position he has held in the past.

Rob Slaby, Vince Rovito and Paul H. Lee of Larson Design Group were retained as township secretary, solicitor and engineer, respectively.

Stephen Minker was retained as chairman of the vacancy board.

The following committee appointments were made to represent the township departments: Fetterman, budget and finance; Rumberger, fire/emergency management and police; Waugh, recreation, administration and building maintenance; Welsh, street; Zalar, planning, building and zoning, sewer and sanitation, community and economic development and code enforcement.

KULPMONT - Borough council reorganized and inaugurated new members at a meeting Tuesday night.

Re-elected president and vice president for 2012 were Bruce Varano and Clarence Deitrick, respectively.

Officially joining council after election on Nov. 8 were Nicholas Bozza and Stephanie Niglio, both Democrats. Philip Scicchitano, who was appointed to council in January 2010, was also sworn in after winning election for the first time last year. He is also a Democrat.

Other members of the seven-member board are Jamie Wisloski and Joseph Winhofer, and Mayor Myron Turlis.

Administering the oath was Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones.

ATLAS - No changes were implemented at the Mount Carmel Township Board of Supervisors reorganization meeting Tuesday afternoon.

Chairman Reynold Scicchitano, Vice Chairman Charles Gasperetti and Secretary/Treasurer Joseph Zanella retained their positions on the board by unanimous vote of 2-0. Scicchitano was unable to attend the 3:45 p.m. meeting.

In other business, the supervisors approved:

- Monthly meetings to be held at 7 p.m. on every third Wednesday of the month with workshop meetings at 6 p.m. every second Wednesday.

- The re-appointment of attorney Vincent Rovito as solicitor for 2012.

- Lisa Fiamoncini, full-time administrative assistant, and Meg Bartos, township manager, as open records officers.

- The appointment of the following members to the planning commission: Brian Shedleski, two years; Dennis Molesevich Jr., four years; Dennis R. Scicchitano, four years; John Bucanelli, two years; Mike Brinkash, four years; Teddy Retalic, two years; and Leann Bjorkland, four years.

MOUNT CARMEL - The street department and borough council entered into a new one-year contract during the re-organization meeting Tuesday night that would freeze the wages of three borough employees.

Under the new contract, the street department will contribute 5 percent of their gross payment toward retirement and 20 percent toward their health insurance premiums - the first time in borough history the street department employees contribute to their benefits.

Additionally, their vacations days drop from 15 days to eight, their personal days from two to one and their vacation hours from 200 hours to 120 for employees working there for 25 years or more.

All accumulated sick time hours went to zero on Dec. 31, 2011, and they started the new year with 80 hours. By making this move, the borough dodges having to pay $71,000 if every employee went on sick leave at the same time.

The motion to approve the contract was made and seconded by Councilmen Robert Barrett and Robert Shirmer. It passed unanimously 6-0. Councilman Clem Plisiewicz Jr. was absent.

Later that night, street department laborer Charlie Muldowney handed in his letter of retirement, effective March 31. He has been with the borough since May 21, 1986.

Council members also discussed the consolidation issue of American Hose Chemical and Fire Company and West End Fire Company in executive session. Following the meeting, President Tony Matulewicz explained the borough will take no further action concerning the two organizations at this time.

Previously, the council gave American Hose until Jan. 2 to vacate the upper level of their building to make room for the West End social quarters.

They also wanted American Hose to renew their liquor license, of which the fire company officials started the process of doing. Council's request is to renew, sell and then apply for a change of premises for the West End liquor license.

In other business:

- Council approved the re-appointment of Matulewicz as borough president and Leroy "Chico" Moser as vice president. They also re-appointed Edward T. Cuff as secretary, Megan Dorkoski as treasurer, William Cole as solicitor, Brian Shurock as police chief, Robin William as code/zoning enforcement officer and Gerald Matzura as transit director. William Cain and Pliziewicz were re-appointed to the planning commission.

- Councilman Moser, Joseph Lapotsky and Gary Hixson Jr. were sworn into the board.

- Council adopted an ordinance to keep the property taxes at their current level.

- Regular council meetings will still be held at 7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month and the workshop meeting held the Monday prior to the regular meeting.