SHAMOKIN - A short story by Shamokin writer J. R. Lindermuth was published Saturday in the mystery section of Kings River Life, a California-based online magazine.

Readers may access the magazine and all content at www.kingsriverlife.com.

Lindermuth's story, "The Virtuous Thief," involves a string of church burglaries and features his character, retired police chief Daniel 'Sticks' Hetrick.

Hetrick has been the protagonist in four novels (a fifth is scheduled for 2012) and many short stories. Another story, "The Man Everyone Loved," was published in December by Untreed Reads, and is available in various electronic formats.

Whiskey Creek Press of Casper, Wyoming, will publish Lindermuth's 10th novel, "The Limping Dog," a stand-alone mystery, in March. In addition to his mysteries, the local author has published several historical novels, including "Watch The Hour," which deals with the clash between mine owners and workers in Pennsylvania's anthracite coal region during the 1870s.

Lindermuth retired from The News-Item in 2000. Since then he has served as librarian of the Northumberland County Historical Society, where he assists patrons with research and genealogy.

MAHANOY TOWNSHIP - A Shamokin man faces charges after a two-month investigation into the theft of copper wiring that caused problems for a Schuylkill County company in November.

State police at Frackville charged Stephen R. Kaszmetskie, 44, of Shamokin, with felony counts of theft by unlawful taking or disposition, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property and a summary charge of criminal trespass. He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker, of Shenandoah, and placed in Schuylkill County Prison on $25,000 percentage bail.

Police say that between Nov. 8 and 10, Kaszmetskie removed 100 feet of copper 4 conductor from a conveyor line at Schuylkill Energy Resource, just off Route 54 in Mahanoy Township. The removal of the wires from the belts caused electrical problems for the company.

Police charged Kaszmetskie with the crimes on Dec. 30, and put out a warrant for his arrest. On Thursday, the Shamokin man came before Kriner on separate charges filed by Shenandoah Borough Police,

At the time of his arraignment, he advised his public defense attorney to waive the preliminary hearing on the theft charges, and he was transported to Schuylkill County Prison.

HARTLEY TOWNSHIP - One person is dead and two others were seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident in Union County.

Allison R. Vonneida, 21, of Hartleton, was pronounced dead at the scene by Union County Coroner Wanda Walters following the 2:15 a.m. accident Saturday on Route 235 near Palmen Road in Hartley Township.

State police at Milton report a 1999 Mercury Cougar, driven by Christopher A. Wirth, 21. of Hartleton, was traveling south on Route 235 at a high rate of speed when he failed to negotiate a left curve in the road. Wirth lost control of the vehicle, slid through the north lane and left the roadway, striking several trees.

Wirth and Vonneida were ejected from the vehicle while a second passenger, Dediree E. Cronin, 21, of Hartleton, remained inside. Wirth and Cronin suffered severe injuries and were transported to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, via Life Flight helicopter. A nursing supervisor reported the two were in critical condition as of Saturday afternoon.

Police say the crash is under investigation. They were assisted at the scene by Mifflinburg Fire and Ambulance.

Marriage licenses

Howard H. Carr and Sharon Louise Wolfgang, both of 1519 W. Independence St., Coal Township, Issued Jan. 6.

Ryan D. Lorenz, of 117 Circle Dr., Coal Township, and Lori Ann Manning, of 1443 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township. Issued Jan. 7.

Joseph M. Baskin, of 124 S. Shamokin St., Shamokin, and Tiffany L. Brass, of 10 N. Locust St., Coal Township. To be issued Jan. 9.

Divorces

Christopher L. Davis from Stacey L. Davis, both of 2210 Sunbury Road, Danville. Married April 19, 2003.

Elisabeth D. Simon, 67 Filbert St., Milton, from John W. Simon, 39 N. Second St., Sunbury. Married Oct. 30, 2001.

Kevin A. Shaffer from Jodysue Shaffer, both of 3243 Shakespeare Road, Milton. Married Dec. 15, 1989.

Property transfers

Andrew J. Stefanowicz and Michele Stefanowicz, to Brandon W. Fraim, property in Shamokin, $15,000.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (by agent) and Leo Vukelj (agent), to Steven P. Clapper, property in Herndon, $2,000.

Floyd F. Vivaldo estate, Elizabeth M. Vivaldo (co-executrix), Eleanor E. Vivaldo, and Flora Vivaldo DeYoung, to Elizabeth M. Vivaldo and Flora Vivaldo DeYoung, property in Shamokin, $1.

Rose Marie Latsha estate and Anthony T. Curran (administrator), to Michael C. Kirk and Michelle L. Kirk, property in Ralpho Township, $50,000.

Rose Marie Latsha estate and Anthony T. Curran (administrator), to Carl M. Kirk and Marcella M. Kirk, property in Ralpho Township, $50,000.

Barry C. Zeigler, to Nickolas Zeigler and Leashay Leitzel, property in Herndon, $1.

WP Shamokin Associates LP, to Shamokin HH LLC, property in Coal Township, $10.

John Labate and Sheila R. Labate, to Arthur F. Fetterman and Phyllis A. Fetterman, property in Mount Carmel, $3,000.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (by agent) and Luke Connell (agent), to CJ Housing and Property Management LLC, property in Shamokin, $10,000.

Bonnie Hoffman (executrix), Jean A. Kerstetter estate, and Jean Alma Kerstetter estate, to Mark F. Schmid, property in Coal Township, $18,000.

Charles Barry Ambrose estate, Karen M. Ambrose (individually and administratrix), Mark J. Ambrose, Monika E. Ambrose and Brian J. Ambrose, to Jason Krah, property in Mount Carmel, $29,000.

Joseph P. Miscavage Jr. and Ruth A. Miscavage, to Justin L. Miscavage, property in Shamokin, $1.

Elma L. Fetterman, to Janet L. Shipe, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

James A. Freeman and Patricia M. Freeman, to Brenda M. Caviston (trustee), Christopher J. Freeman (trustee) and Freeman Irrevocable Inter Vivos Trust, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Matthew J. Hornberger and Renee M. Hornberger, to David Swank and Judith Swank, property in Shamokin Township, $9,000.

Noteworthy

Volunteer tax program offered

SHAMOKIN - Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc. will sponsor the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the seventh year. The VITA program offers free tax preparation to individuals and families whose total taxable income is $49,078 or less.

To be considered eligible, individuals or families must have earned $49,078 or less in combined income for the year. Those returns with more then $2,900 in investment income, such as interest and dividends, are ineligible.

The VITA program runs from January to April 17. There are several convenient VITA sites throughout Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties. Appointments are required to have your taxes filed through VITA.

Volunteer tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS and will prepare and e-file federal and state income tax returns at no cost. VITA ensures that everyone receives the tax credits for which they are eligible.

By filing returns electronically and in conjunction with direct deposit, a refund will be available in only two to four business days. Even if you do not have a bank account, you can still receive your refund faster than a paper check by enrolling in the pre-paid debit card program.

For more information, to locate the nearest VITA site or to schedule an appointment in Northumberland County, call 644-6575 extension 129 or 122.

For sites in Montour County, call 275-3161 and, in Columbia County, 387-6288.

The sights, sounds and tradition of the 96th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show had both young and old seeking a glimpse into the state's agriculture industry.

Some visitors were returning for another year at the farm show Saturday while others were experiencing it for the first time.

"This is my first time and I regret not coming here before," said Jim Colflesh, 57, of Leesport. Along with his wife, Janet, and Daron, his daughter, they were capturing memories for the first time.

All three were enjoying $3 chocolate milk shakes and said it was worth standing in the long line.

Colflesh appreciated "just all the variety of product in Pennsylvania you sort of take for granted. It's really interesting," he said.

Opening ceremonies started at 10:35 a.m. Saturday. Shortly thereafter, Gov. Tom Corbett rode into the large arena in a carriage.

Both Corbett and Secretary of Agriculture George Greig spoke. Greig said agriculture is the largest industry in the state and Corbett praised the efforts of farmers.

"The amazing displays we will see here in the coming days - the great crops, the prize cattle, the accomplish-

ments of the barnyard and the farm kitchen - all testify to an awesome truth: Pennsylvania's farmers stand out among our foremost citizens," he said.

Almost 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 290 commercial exhibits encompass the 11 buildings and three arenas.

The farm show is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Jan. 14, when it closes at 5 p.m. Admission is free but parking is $10.

Rabbits, goats, swine, horses and other animals were exhibited, food also took center stage and Christmas trees were even represented. Paul Shealer, Evergreen Acres Tree Farm, Auburn, won first place in more than one category.

Isiah Cassell, 3, of Tower City, came with other family members and had fun petting, Melvin, a rabbit.

His grandmother, Betty Dignazio, Tower City, said she wanted Isiah to have fun.

"I've been here every year since I've been little," she said.

Chase Petro, 9, of Numidia, is the owner of Melvin, who likes to eat whole grain Cheerios. Petro said the event was "pretty fun to be at."

The animals owners could be seen caring for them in several building throughout the complex.

Shayla Miller, Halifax, was very careful while shaving the neck of George, a boer cross goat. The market goat was to be shown later Saturday.

"See the sheep. He's getting nice and clean," Teri Edwards, 33, of Dover, Pa., said to her 6-year old son, Gabriel.

Claims that Northumberland County illegally controls thousands of acres of property intended for the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) are being raised as controversy continues as to the merits of the park.

Arguments that the county must instead sell the land have been made in posts on the Facebook group site "No no no to Northumberland County OHV Recreation Park" and more publicly during a Shamokin Area School Board meeting in December by Habitat for Wildlife President Dave Kaleta.

But the county says the law is on its side, and that planning goes on for the park.

Land 'must be sold'

Kaleta is well known in the area for his work in coal land restoration, including planting countless number of tress at the "Alaska" site near Excelsior, and for rigorously fighting illegal dumping in the area.

During a presentation to school board members, Kaleta said the county is illegally holding 2,700 acres in Coal Township because it was not sold in accordance with section 5860.701 of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Tax Sale Law. The law requires any property purchased by a board of county commissioners through a tax sale or a sale on judgment for a tax claim before Jan. 1, 1948, which has not been resold or used for public purpose, to be transferred to that county's tax claim bureau.

Kaleta said he was told by an attorney, who he declined to name, that it was the "county's responsibility" to sell the property.

The land in question makes up more than a third of the 6,596 acres from 94 parcels in Coal, East and West Cameron, Mount Carmel and Zerbe townships the county wants to utilize for the park. Approximately half of the parcels were purchased before 1948, including the largest tract, located in Coal Township, that measures 910.24 acres, from Julius Christiano at a treasurer's sale on Jan. 1, 1945.

Kaleta added that the Pennsylvania Game Commission has offered a fair market value for the land, which he estimated could sell for between $2,000 and $3,000 per acre. The sale, he said, could net upwards of $8.1 million, which would be distributed between the county, Coal Township and the Shamokin Area School District.

"These lands have been sitting here and the five municipalities have not been collecting a dime of taxes for many years," Kaleta said of the entire park. "Here's a chance. Anywhere from $10 million to $20 million would be brought in over- night."

The county's side

Although the law may appear to be on Kaleta's side, "that's not so," says Pat Mack, county planning department director, and Kathy Jeremiah, the department's project coordinator and county grants manager.

Although they do not contest the land is required to be transferred to the tax

claims bureau, they say it is "crystal clear" the law is on the county's side because of the powers and duties provided to the bureau in the following section of the law.

Section 5860.702 says the bureau "shall manage and control the property" for the county, with powers that include the ability to lease the property, which may be on a royalty basis for the purpose of extracting minerals, oil, or cutting of timber; to advertise it for sale or rent; and to sell it at a private sale. The law does not specifically say the property must be sold.

The law does provide in section 5860.703 that the property may be sold at a public auction by the bureau upon written request of any taxing authority having a tax claim or tax judgment against the property.

Reviewed by attorneys

Jeremiah said the county spoke about the issue with county solicitor Frank Garrigan, attorney Charles B. Haws from Reading, and the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources (DCNR), which, in mid-December, awarded a $1.5 million grant to be used toward construction of the park.

Mack said Kaleta initially contacted DCNR about the issue in July, which led the county to have separate discussions with DCNR both before and after the grant was awarded.

Jeremiah added, "I am sure their (DCNR) counsel looked into this, and we still received the highest amount (in the recent round of grant funding) in Pennsylvania."

Asked Thursday about the county's response, Kaleta said he was provided only the first section of the law by the attorney and admitted he did not independently view the section dealing with powers and duties of the bureau. He said his statements at the meeting were based on what the attorney told him.

No offer for land

Mack and Jeremiah said they have spoken with game commission representatives three times in the past year, and at none of those times was an offer made for the land.

"They never expressed interest," Mack said. "They are in full support (of the project), because it will be another hunting opportunity done in a respectable fashion."

Areas of the park would be set aside for hunting.

Mack and Jeremiah also question how the commission could purchase the land at Kaleta's estimated price of $3,000 an acre when state law limits land acquisition at $400 an acre. They referenced Title 34, section 705 of the PA Code that states the Game Commission may pay what it considers a fair and reasonable price not to exceed $400 per acre.

At that price, the land in Coal Township would be purchased for around $1.1 million, far short of the $8.1 million Kaleta suggested in his school board presentation.

Kaleta said he was incorrect to say an offer was made for the land; what he should have said is that a U.S. Fish and Wildlife representative, acting as a liaison for the commission, expressed "extreme interest" in the land during an informal meeting between himself and then commissioner-elect Rick Shoch.

In response to the commission being limited on how much it can spend on land acquisition, Kaleta said Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) studies performed in conjunction with the project identified at least two endangered species on the property, including the Allegheny wood rat and at least one species of bat, which classified the project area as "critical and unique." He said that would allow the commission to apply to purchase the property at fair market value.

"There's different exceptions to that, and different funds they can use for it," he added.

Kaleta said his next step is to organize a formal meeting between the commissioners and a real estate officer from the game commission.

Park moving forward

Mack said the park is moving from the planning to implementation phase. Although he was unable to say when the park would open, he expects that surveys of the property will be done in the next few months. Discussions with Pashek Associates, the firm who created the master plan, also continue to identify any possible modifications in the plan.

First in a series

SHAMOKIN - In 1983, Consolidated Rail Corp. (Conrail) was abandoning railroad lines across Northumberland and neighboring counties because companies were seduced by the trucking industry. For the local economy, 3,000 jobs were at stake.

"Conrail was no longer investing. They were not maintaining, letting weeds grow between the tracks," said Jerry Walls, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Joint Rail Authority (JRA) board chairman.

From that, the JRA was created as a public municipal authority under the Pennsylvania Municipal Authority Act, similar to a sewer, water or economic development authority. Eight counties (Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland and Union) represented in the JRA appoint two members to form a 16-member board.

Within the last month, Blair County has formally applied to become a part of the JRA as well.

"Most of the time, the counties try to find a shipper who needs and uses rail service from their county as well as another citizen as their representatives (on the board). That serves them by bringing the best of private and community perspective on the board," Walls said.

Walls, along with JRA Executive Director Jeff Stover and manager of public information Steve Kusheloff, discussed the authority at length during a Dec. 29 interview

at The News-Item. They were joined by retired longtime state Rep. Robert E. Belfanti, who expressed his support for the JRA operation.

JRA officials wanted to explain the authority's purpose and operation in light of the controversial resolution passed on a 2-1 vote by Northumberland County commissioners on Dec. 13 to seek the state's guidance on privatizing the local railroad system. Commissioner Vinny Clausi and his colleague at the time, Merle Phillips, who is no longer in office, voted in favor of the resolution amid claims the JRA has built itself into a multimillion-dollar agency with high-paid staff while taxpayers see no benefit.

The JRA, which pays a fee to rent space at SEDA-COG'S Lewisburg location, has two full-time and one part-time employee. Stover is paid $92,000 a year while another employee makes $54,000 and an administrative assistant makes $36,000.

Its railroads include the Juniata Valley, Lycoming Valley, Nittany and Bald Eagle, North Shore and Shamokin Valley. Together, the lines provide rail service to nearly 100 industries with more than 10,000 employees.

Public-private partnership

When JRA formed, it purchased the Conrail system using state grants. The only time money from member counties was used throughout the years was in 1984, when $50,000 - or 1.2 percent of the total project cost - was contributed by Centre County to acquire lines there, and in 1988, when $25,000 - or 2.4 percent - was contributed by Northumberland County to purchase Conrail lines that have become the Shamokin Valley Railroad.

They make the point about minimal county contributions in countering Clausi's suggestion that taxpayers should share in the authority's profit.

Once the original lines were purchased, JRA sought requests for proposals from different companies and awarded a five-year contract for the actual freight hauling service to North Shore Railroad Co.

"We have the public ownership of the infrastructure. The tracks, the right-of-ways, the land under the tracks, the bridges, the drainage, the engine, houses, rail yards - that's all railroad infrastructure and publicly owned," Walls explained.

It's a public-private partnership, where JRA is the owner and North Shore is the operator.

As part of the agreement, North Shore has to run the trains and serve the customers, maintain the railroad annually and market the service.

In 1989, the contract with North Shore was renewed for another five years. (The same year is when the Juniata Valley line was purchased by the authority.) In 1995, the contract with North Shore was renewed for another two years.

More contract renewals

Walls, a JRA member since 1996, spent 38 years as director of planning and community development for Lycoming County. When Conrail originally abandoned, his county stayed away from JRA because its lines had not yet been abandoned. However, it happened in 1995 to the "Williamsport cluster," and the county commissioners decided to join with the JRA. The lines were purchased for a dollar, but at the time they were not suitable for trains at 40 mph.

In 1996, North Shore entered into a 10-year agreement with the JRA, but this time with the promise to pay back a loan of $3.4 million the authority had used to upgrade its new tracks. It was a good deal for the authority, while North Shore recognized the opportunity for more business, too.

In 2007, when JRA and North Shore entered into its latest 10-year contract, it stipulated that the operator was responsible for maintaining the lines at a higher standard and, importantly, this applied to active lines and those with minimal to no traffic, including at the time the Shamokin Valley Railroad. Additionally, the operator fee was increased from five percent to 10 percent.

"There was a direct tangible value in exchange to extending the contract to 2017," Walls said.

Also in 2007, JRA hired a specialized, experienced track engineer to inspect every bit of the 200 miles of track twice a year to determine a maintenance program each year.

Walls said the improvements to the lines with minimal traffic played a key role in the JRA being awarded $1 million in federal and state grant money to construct a new siding and runaround to serve businesses near Ranshaw on the Shamokin Valley Railroad. When that announcement was made in December 2010, Belfanti said it was a "significant day" for the future of economic development in eastern Northumberland County, and described SEDA-COG as a "godsend" for its work in acquiring the grant.

UNION TOWNSHIP - A Schuylkill County woman was killed in a one-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon along Aristes Road in Union Township.

State police at Frackville identified Patricia Ann Nork, 36, of Lost Creek, as the victim. Trooper Andrew Letcavage reported Nork was traveling west in the right lane on Aristes Road when she lost control of her vehicle while negotiating a left curve.

Nork's vehicle traveled off the south berm, where it struck a tree with its rear end. The vehicle then struck another tree and a barn on its passenger side, coming to rest on the south side of the road against a tree.

State police said the investigation continues. Emergency personnel from Ringtown and Aristes assisted police at the scene.

The following memorials/donations have been presented to Divine Redeemer Church, Mount Carmel for December 2011.

In Memory Of:

Helen Grochowski from family.

Albert L. Bridy from Tom and Gloria Zimnawoda; Eric, Krisa, Holly and Marcus Moncavage; Francis "Cosmo" Rossi; Evelyn Pedergnana; Robert and Marie Melchiori; Mr. and Mrs. Rick Shierant, and Jack and Marie Gross.

Rose Dolores Pitingolo from Ann DiFrancesco and family; Marietta and Gina Miriello.

Mary L. Orzechowski from Jean and Rita Grochowski, neighbors and friends.

Alexander and Stephania Brzostowski from Betty and Helen.

John and Gertrude Brzostowski from Betty and Helen.

Frank and Ruth Brzostowski from Betty and Helen.

Marie Bielarski from Betty and Helen.

Tessie and Steve Megosh from Betty and Helen.

Jim Palembus and John Moleski from Betty and Helen.

Jane and Joe Gencavage from Betty and Helen.

Frank Pupo from Bob and Barbara Whispell, and Gerard and Debbie Whispell.

Nellie Yakup from Pat Yakup.

Elizabeth Klokis from Dora and Joan DiFrancesco; Lena Wynne; Martha Meredith.

Judith Credito from Wilburton Area Senior Citizens.

Cecelia Chuprinski from Mr. and Mrs. Rick Shierant.

Mark D'Angelo from Mr. and Mrs. Rick Shierant.

George Palovick from Mr. and Mrs. Rick Shierant.

Dr. Vincenzo Mirarchi from Margaret Scicchitano.

Frank J. Luchnick from Mary E. Moran.

Theodore Pedergnana from James and Ida Reilly and family.

Raymond Lobos from Francis "Cosmo" Rossi, and Daniel Rossi.

Birthday memorial:

John Yakup (Dec. 10) from Pat Yakup.

Special intention:

From silent donor.

In Thanksgiving:

For a special favor answered from M.L.

Thank you to all our generous benefactors.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School have announced memorials given to the school for the months of November and December 2011.

Charles M. "Kaz" Zlockie Sr. from Mr. and Mrs. Jim Mains, Mona and Joe Lubeskie.

Edward Chapman from Roz Kranzel.

Ann Rovito from Bill and Olga Rovito.

James Brennan from Mr. and Mrs. Ed Zack, OLOL administration and faculty, Pat and Paul Metrocavage, Jake, Judy and Tim Betz, Larry and Mary Yancoskie, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brennan, Jr.

Fern Felty from Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Albert, Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Napoli, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Felty and Giuseppe, Mr. and Mrs. Nils Lovik.

Colleen Brennan from Bill and Virginia Korbich, Joe and Barbara Lizzul, John and Joanne McKay, John and Diane Fabrizio, Paul and Pat Metrocavage, OLOL administration and faculty, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Dunleavy and family, Mary Alice and Harvey Krebs, James and Maryann Wasakoski, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Reiprish, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, Richard and Anne Weikel and family, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster, Mike and Jane Klembara, Connie Fabrizio, Dave and Sheila Olsheskie, Ruth Klock

Sister M. DeLourdes from Ann and John Benedict, Laura Zevetski, Roberta and Kimberly Weinreich, John and Joanne McKay, OLOL Class of 1969, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Gilger and family

Leonard G. Marshalek from Mrs. Delores Marshalek.

Mrs. Margaret Kerdick from Ellen Whalen.

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Kleman from Ellen Whalen.

Frank Whalen from Ellen Whalen.

Tony Thomas from Albina Primerano.

Dorothy E. LaCross from Christopher, Barbara and James Lore

Gerry and Christy Mirack from George and Rosaire Miller.

Nellie Nezerski from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Alfred L. Nezerski Sr. from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Alfred L. Nezerski Jr. from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Dominic Yuricich from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Catherine Yuricich from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Mary Sedlock from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Florence Uhrin from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Barbara Fisher from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Thomas Purcell from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Veronica Sowul from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Emily Kunkel from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Delores Demas from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Leonard J. Lucas from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Catherine Slodysko from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Maurer family - Wayne. Catherine and Mary Jo from Don and Joannie Yuricich and family.

Mary Jarvis from Laura Zevetski, Roberta and Kimberly Weinreich.

Harry E. Moleski from Knights of Columbus No. 628

Sir Knight James F. Brennan from Knights of Columbus No. 628, Bishop Lawrence F. Schott Assembly Knights of Columbus No. 959

Gerald Devlin from Richard and Ann Weikel and family.

George Quinn from John A. Witkowski.

Carole Eckman from Patti Rummel.

Lana Stehman from Mr. and Mrs. Mark Gilger and family.

Nancy Mackin from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster.

Helen Olsheskie from Joseph and Gloria Bongarzone.

Wayne Grow from Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Judy Credito from Connie Fabrizio, Alice O'Donnell.

Walter Neary from John and Joanne McKay, OLOL administration and faculty, Pat and Paul Metrocavage, Maria and Jeff Pancher and family, Paul Metrocavage and Anne, Michael and Jane Klembara, Angela Hartzel, William and Virginia Korbich, Ann and John Benedict, Leo and Mary Mulhall, John and Diane Fabrizio, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, Dave and Sheila Olsheskie.

Albert Bridy from Alice O'Donnell.

Jason Michael Swindro from Carolyn M. Swindro.

David Ference from Class of 1969, Ann and John Benedict.

Donna Milbrand from Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Frances Rumberger from W. Marshall Jones, Leonard Targonski, Brian and Lori Kelley and family,, James F. and Patricia A. Kelley and family.

Mary Rosini from Michelene and Peter Rhodes, Margaret and Bruce Bunde.

Anna Pita from Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Rose Pitingalo from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Balonis and family, Mary Ann Balonis, Laura Zevetski.

Rev. Paul T. Rindos from Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brokus, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Carpentier, Robert, Joan and Maria Kidron, Lucy A. Surak.

Paul Pupo from Robert and Marie Prego.

Sir Knight Claudius A. Greco from Bishop L. F. Schott Knights of Columbus No. 628.

Catherine Ososki from Howard and Theresa Sandri, Ann and John Benedict, John and Joanne McKay, Mary Ann Balonis.

Loretta Ryan from Robert J. and Mary Ellen Landy.

Edward Concannon from Howard and Theresa Concannon, Ann and John Benedict.

Lamar Kline from Robert and Diane (Garencheski) Bradley, Gene and Marge Garancheski, Dean and Anna Garancheski, Stephen and Jane Garancheski.

Frederick "Fritz" Reed from Leo and Mary Mulhall.

Benny LeRue Benson from Dennis and Barb Reiprish.

Lottie S. and Francis A. Gekoskie from Cecilia Kress.

Frank Kress from Cecilia Kress.

Frank A. Pupo Sr. from Hospital Medicine at Geisinger Medical Center, Daniel and Jacqueline Kerris and family.

Lt. Col. James E. Neary from Rose T. Spatzer and Laura Lee Spatzer.

Mary E. Rosini from Michelene and Pete Rhodes.

John Zazula from Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brecker and family, Mary Fedock and Ann Marie Demczko.

Health care for seniors was once confined to district poor houses and county owned hospitals. Fifty years have gone by and today's health care facilities are providing diversified services to meet the needs of aging adults. Being knowledgeable about the different types of care available can help in choosing the right facility for yourself or a loved one.

Most people are familiar with long-term care or nursing facilities that offer skilled nursing for long-term health issues on a 24 hour basis. Most nursing homes have expanded their services to include short-term care and rehabilitation, making recovery and discharge to home a common possibility.

Independent living centers meet the needs of the older adult who, while finding it harder to meet the challenges of living in a house, can maintain their own health without assistance. If you're considering moving to an independent living center try to obtain as much information as possible beforehand. Some people are under the impression that certain services will be provided, but independent living is just that.

Assisted living centers allow the older adult to maintain their independence but offer assistance with daily activities such as bathing and taking medication and may offer those additional services you're looking for. Similar to independent living centers, a great advantage to an assisted living center is the socialization that can occur.

Home health care rapidly became a useful choice to receive assistance at home. Before choosing this option, we recommend you take into consideration the care that will be needed and whether you'll be able to do things like reposition your loved one in bed by yourself or the response time by an outside agency. The physician can give insight into the best type of facility that will meet the needs of the patient. Area Agency on Aging can evaluate the situation and also assist in recommending what will best benefit the older adult.

Taking advantage of available options from Independent Living through Skilled Nursing facilities can be the sensible choice and beneficial to not only the patient, but family as well. Unnecessary burdens are replaced with quality time.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend our wishes for a blessed New Year and continued good health throughout.

CSO collecting for H.E.L.P program

SHAMOKIN - Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc. (CSO) will be collecting personal hygiene and cleaning supplies for Martin Luther King Jr. service day.

CSO is coordinating the Hygiene is Essential for Life Program (H.E.L.P), which provides families and individuals with personal, sanitary and household cleaning supplies. Hygiene products and cleaning supplies can be very expensive and these practices can benefit more than an individual's health and well-being, it can also help with self confidence, a career, social interaction and family relationships.

Products that are being accepted for the H.E.L.P program are, but not limited to: body soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, bleach, window cleaner, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine products or any type of cleaning or hygiene products.

If you would like to donate any hygiene products or cleaning supplies, you can drop them off at one of the following locations: Independence Fire Company, Shamokin; Dollar Tree, Coal Township; CVS, Shamokin; Mount Carmel Area High School, Mt. Carmel; Shamokin Area High School, Shamokin, or GiGi's, Shamokin.

Distribution of the cleaning and hygiene products will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 16. The two distribution sites are the Columbia CareerLink and the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center.

If you have any questions please contact CSO at 570-644-6575 ext. 129.

Second in a series

SHAMOKIN - The state Attorney General's Office has already examined one key facet of the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA).

Last January, 11 months before Northumberland County commissioners suggested the AG study, whether it would benefit taxpayers to privatize the JRA, the AG's office did conduct an investigation of the Lewisburg-based agency.

In that case, it reviewed a flash-drive full of documents regarding the JRA's 10-year "no-bid" contract with the North Shore Railroad, but did not take any action.

"We got a letter in January because someone asked, 'Is the joint rail authority following the competitive bidding law?'" SEDA-COG JRA Board Chairman Jerry Walls said in a Dec. 29 interview with The News-Item.

The Jan. 26 letter, addressed to authority solicitor Thomas S. Schrack, was from Deputy Attorney General Joseph S. Betsko, of the Attorney General's Antitrust Section. Betsko was direct in his intent.

"We understand the JRA entered into a contract for the operation and maintenance of rail property owned by the JRA. We further understand this contract did not result from a competitive bid process as required by... (the) Municipality Authorities Act," he wrote.

The AG's office requested copies of all associated documents to the agreement.

The authority complied, sending a flash-drive full of the requested information, said Jeff Stover, JRA executive director.

County commissioners noted the contract as well in a press conference that laid out their case for privatization, but that was not the focus of their resolution.

What's required

According to state law, a government body or authority must have competitive bids for any expenditure of $10,000 or more. Anything under that amount, the agency must at least obtain quotes.

But a competitive bid for professional services, such as engineering or architecture, can be different, Wall said.

"That process allows the public body to evaluate qualifications, capabilities, record of performance, as well as financial process," he explained.

This evaluation process is important, Walls said, because an agency may not want a company experienced in building factories building a school, for example, even if it happens to offer the lowest bid in terms of cost.

"They don't have the knowledge of the important subtleties," he said.

Letters from AG

Apparently the AG's office agrees with JRA, based on a second letter it sent on April 26.

"After careful consideration, we have decided to take no action at this time regarding the freight railroad operation contract," Betsko said. "Nothing should be inferred or implied by this decision. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter."

While "nothing should be inferred," Stover said the authority's attorney said the second letter was "as good as we're going to get out of the attorney general."

"That's all we know and that's the last thing we heard since April," Stover said Dec. 29.

The state attorney general's office offered no further comment about the case.

"As a policy, we don't discuss potential investigations," spokesman Nils Frederikfen, said Thursday.

North Shore contract

The contract in question is with North Shore, an independently owned, private firm based in Northumberland, and owner Richard Robey.

Stover said North Shore was part of the original bid process in 1984 when six companies threw their names into the process to be considered the operator of what is now about 200 miles of local railroads.

"He (Robey) won that partly because he was able to offer to operate all the lines while other competitors did not have the wherewithal to use all," Walls said.

The other factor was his locality, Stover said.

"He was going to be based in Northumberland. Others were going to work outside the region and that was less desirable than someone working right here," he said.

In 1989, the contract with North Shore was renewed for five years. In 1994, it was renewed for two years. Then, in 1996, North Shore and SEDA-COG entered into their first 10-year agreement, largely due to a bank loan for $3.4 million for upgrades to recently purchased lines in Mifflin County, Williamsport and Lewistown. North Shore would pay the authority back the money for the loan.

"We had a revenue generating mechanism to satisfy the debt service. The term of the contract covered the full length of the lend period," Walls said.

When that contract was expired in 2006, they entered into the current 10-year contract without requests for proposals.

Stover said state law does not require additional RFPs when professional service agreements are renewed, as JRA did in 1989, 1995 and 1996.

The current contract has new favorable terms for SEDA-COG JRA.

The authority required more track maintenance and requires higher upgrade standards from North Shore. Also, it doubled the fee that North Shore pays the authority from 5 to 10 percent, Walls explained.

"North Shore was renewed because they did a great job," Stover said.

Resolution update

Clausi said he was aware of the attorney general's inquiry and decision last year, but noted the current concern is different.

"We asked the attorney general to tell us how we will dissolve the rail authority. We want to know what each county has and what they can get. We want an opinion from him because I believe the taxpayer is getting short-changed," he said last week.

At a special meeting Dec. 13, Clausi and Commissioner Merle Phillips passed the resolution seeking the AG's opinion.

Clausi said the county's legal counsel has had discussions with the attorney general's office, but he had no further information as of Thursday about the progress of the request.

Walls believes the attorney general is not the appropriate agency to contact in cases of dissolving authorities, unless there has been some form of wrong-doing.

"The auditor general might look at propriety of structure and arrangement for a public function to be performed," he said.

July 1 - A daughter, Carlie Anne, to Zachary and Jennifer Jones, of Riverside.

July 2 - A son, Dylan Thomas Siko, to Thomas Siko and Nataya Litwin, of Mount Carmel; a son, Ethan James, to Jeremy and Cindy Smith, of Middleburg.

July 3 - A daughter, Tristy Lynn Long, to Troy Long and Misty Ferster, of Herndon.

July 4 - A son, James Bentley Taylor, to William L. Taylor and Jennifer M. Broscious, of Shamokin.

July 5 - Twin sons, Max Daniel and Russell Glenn, to Larry and Courtney Sones, of Bloomsburg.

July 8 - A daughter, Vada Helena Pedro, to Holly Pedro-Rodriguez, of Shamokin.

July 11 - A son, Draven Michael, to Brittany Rumberger, of Coal Township; a son, Gabriel Logan, to Gilbert M. Sr. and Kristina M. Chelborg, of Coal Township; a son, Bryce Paul, to Paul and Megan Rollenhagen, of Ashland.

July 12 - A daughter, Sophia Rose Gasperetti, to Noelle Peco and John Gasperetti II, of Kulpmont.

July 15 - A son, Nicolas David Watts, to Jasmine Nicole Watts, of Berwick; a daughter, Michaela Michele Wilson, to Michael Wilson and Mary Polyniak, of Shamokin.

July 18 - A son, Alixandre Vahn, to Louis and Jenn Kramarz, of Danville.

July 19 - A daugther, Quinlynn Riley, to Cliff and Cheryl Slusser, of Berwick.

July 22 - A daughter, Rachel Mary-Jane, to Jennifer and Casey Johns, of Shamokin.

July 23 - A daughter, Eralyn Taylor, to Benjamin and Natasha Holtzapple, of Shamokin.

July 24 - A son, Bentley Joseph-Michael Reppert, to Kendra Reppert, of Kulpmont.

July 28 - A daughter, Adeline Grace Lebo, to Georgina Dewitt and Kyle Lebo, of Shamokin; a son, Liam Robert Forry, to Emily Engle and Robert Forry, of Shamokin; a daughter, Addison Delany, to Jenn and James Burgess Sr., of Sunbury.

July 29 - A daughter, Gracie Marie Long, to Tiffany and Andrew Long, of Shamokin.

July 30 - A daughter, Lexi Grace, to Tonia and Wally Wydra, of Mount Carmel.

July 31 - A daughter, Harley Louise, to Faith L. and Jason E. Nichols, of Selinsgrove.

July 1 - Cecelia M. Mushinski, 87, of Lancaster.

July 2 - Eleanor J. (Ramage) Yocum, 74, of New Cumberland; Evelyn Mae Bogdan, 86, of Shamokin.

July 3 - Henry R. "Kelly" Fesniak, 86, of Marion Heights; Johnney Susnoskie, 65, of Mount Carmel: Marie F. Santor, 87, of Coal Township; Michael David Rohrbach, 58, of Eden, N.C.; Daniel A. "Tex" Pawelczyk Sr., 67, of Coal Township.

July 4 - William J. Mehlbaum, 89, of Ashland; Robert L. Alexander, 83, of Trevorton; Alexander Simcizen, 70, of The Villages, Fla.; Robert L. Alexander, 83, of Sunbury.

July 5 - Gary Michael Cunningham, 50, of Fairfax City, Va.; Lucy M. (Gergen) Bridy, 106, of Coal Township; George Edward Derr, 78, of Northumberland; Frances Elizabeth "Beth" Tuckett, 83, of Groveport, Ohio; Regina A. Maksymchak, 86, of Elysburg; Nancy Wondoloski, 82, of Coal Township.

July 7 - Norman E. Krebs, 87, of Bloomsburg; Jean L. Hoover, 83, of Ashland.

July 8 - Mary H. Sinkovich, 90, of Bethlehem.

July 9 - Mary Jane Delong, 77, of Lower Paxton Township; Robert F. "Bob" Fallon, 78, of Edgewater, Fla.

July 10 - Christine Buchkarik, 87, of Atlas.

July 11 - Ralph Wondoloski, 77, of Elysburg; Joseph Remetta, 87, formerly of Wilburton; Dennis A. Scicchitano, 58, of Pottsville; John Robert Kashmere, 79, of Forestville, Md.

July 12 - Faith A. Kirchoff, 64, of Mount Carmel.

July 13 - Anna C. Fedorshock, 95, of Danville; Anna V. Tosloskie, 71, of Coal Township; William Irvin Strohecker.

July 14 - Anna M. "Nan" Boyer, 72, of Northumberland.

July 15 - Donald R. Lahr, 51, of Ashland; Fay Virginia Ahrensfield, 73, of Danville; John G. Witt Sr., 81, of Shamokin; Robert R. Erdman, 68, of Danville.

July 16 - Carol A. Guise, 71, of Sunbury; Elizabeth M. (Lib) Koppen, 92, of Elysburg; Patricia A. (Bianchi) DeManicor, of Rochester, N.Y.; Francis J. Woods Jr., 83, formerly of Locust Gap.

July 17 - Donald N. Knarr, 71, of Northhampton; Robert "Poss" J. Allan Sr., 71, of Trevorton; Mickey Lee Reiprich Jr., 42, of Shamokin; George R. Quinn, 73, of Coal Township; Rosemary Gallagher, 84, of Mount Carmel; William Joseph Weldon, 75, of Hockessin, Del.

July 18 - Frank Moncavage, 92, of Mount Carmel; Mildred B. Stantz, 90, of Mount Carmel; Rose Marie Maus, 78, formerly of Kulpmont; Stella F. Pastuszek, 89, of Coal Township; Michael "Mike" Ferdock, 97, of Bloomsburg.

July 19 - Alfred C, Lucas Jr., 56, of Lavelle; Lorraine R. George, 58, of Danville; Irene L. "Dean" Sholley, 88, of Trevorton.

July 20 - Leonard A. "Lenny" Schlagle Jr., 54, of Coal Township; Dorothy Rose (Checchi) Rickert, 89, of Shamokin; Gary Lee Pensyl, 56, of Shamokin; Joseph J. "Shamokin Joe" Smith, 62, of Lancaster.

July 21 - Loni W. Lupak, 65, of Mount Carmel; Chester Harold "Chet" Lentz, 78, of Danville.

July 22 - Edwin C. Woodward, 49, of Frackville; Carl B. Rice, 49, of Sunbury; Nancy S. "Mrs. C" Cawthern, 75, of Shippensburg.

July 23 - Anna M. Koschoff, of Mount Carmel.

July 24 - David Oscar Shade, 78, of Coal Township.

July 25 - Alexander F. "Butts" Clayberger, Jr., 83, of Kulpmont; Helen A. Shearn, 82, of Ashland.

July 26 - John J. Myers, 79, of Trevorton

July 27 - Patsy A. Ernest, 74, of Mount Carmel; Donna (Moyer) Vinskie, 52, of Kulpmont; Elmer I. Faust, 71, of Danville.

July 28 - Anna Marie Beck, 86, of Ashland; Elwood T. Bracey, 99, of Ashland.

July 29 - Marie T. Capece, 85, of Berwick.

July 30 - Robert A. "Red" Reismiller, 78, of Royersford; Sharon L. Nahodil, 55, of Shamokin.

July 31 - Mary C. Moll, 96, of Shamokin.

July 3

Dog resuscitated after fire

A dog had to be resuscitated following a fire that damaged four homes on Pine Street, Shamokin. The fire was ruled electrical in nature.

July 5

Bottle rocket blamed for fire

A bottle rocket is believed to have started a fire that damaged two unoccupied homes in 431-433 Pine St., Mount Carmel. On July 18, police charged a Mount Carmel man with reckless endangerment for allegedly shooting off the firework that landed in the home.

July 6

Boy 6, drowns at Knoebels

A 6-year-old boy died from injuries suffered at the Crystal Pool at Knoebels Amusement Resort. An autopsy conducted on George Roberts III revealed no traumatic injuries.

July 13

Truck engulfed in flames

Route 487 was closed for the morning and puffs of smoke could be seen for miles after a box truck carrying potato chips and snacks was engulfed in flames. No one was injured.

July 14

Shamokin continues K4

In a reversal from a previous decision, the Shamokin Area School District said it would offer the K4 pre-school program this coming school year, funding it through federal Title I program funding rather than the general budget.

July 21

Fire company merger plan

After a year-long struggle, members of the West End Fire Company and American Hose Chemical and Fire Company submitted a plan to Mount Carmel Borough Council to merge before the winter season.

July 22 --- Firefighters endured extreme heat and high humidity as they battled a fire that damaged four row homes on North Market Street, Mount Carmel.

July 26

Seek dismissal of lawsuit

Attorneys representing Northumberland County Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Merle Phillips asked a U.S. District Court judge to dismiss former county chief clerk and assistant solicitor Kymberley Best's federal lawsuit, based on insufficient evidence.

July 28

Hospital merger approved

The state Attorney General Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Health approved a merger between Shamokin Area Community Hospital and Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Both sides announced that Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, a campus of Geisinger Medical Center, will be effective Jan. 1 with no job losses.

Nov. 1 - A daughter, Kiralyn Joyce, to Jeffrey S. and Patricia Wojciechowski, of Sunbury.

Nov. 2 - A daughter, Shelbi Rose Schrader, to Trevor Schrader and Rose Rickert, of Coal Township.

Nov. 4 - A son, Tye Brixton, to Tami and Frank Radzai, of Raleigh, N.C.

Nov. 6 - A daughter, Haley Marie Kalinowski, to Joshua Kalinowski and Lisa Vetovich, of Ranshaw.

Nov. 11 - A daughter, Kori Lynne, to Chad and Kacey Fisher, of Northumberland; a daughter, Gracie Jane Scicchitano, to Lisa Orner and Damien Scicchitano, of Coal Township.

Nov. 22 - A son, Chase Thomas, to Thomas and Amy Weidner, of Kulpmont.

Nov. 23 - A son, Shane Garrett Jacobs, to Jeremy A. Jacobs and Nicole Brassington, of Bloomsburg.

Nov. 24 - A daughter, Piper Elena Ruth, to Robert and Jill Stone, of Coal Township.

Nov. 25 - A son, Parker Layton Hughes, to Natasha Kline and Stephen Hughes, of Selinsgrove; a daughter, Brynnlee Mariah, to Nevin and Denise Balliet, of Mount Carmel

Nov. 26 - A daughter, Haylee Allison Myers, to Shane Myers and Destiny Reichenbach, of Bloomsburg; A son, Kamden John, to Ryan and Jennifer Moser, of Gulfport, Miss.

Nov. 27 - A daughter, Ella Elizabeth, to Daniel and Christin Hughes, of Coal Township.

Nov. 30 - A son, Cullen Gregory John, to Patrick and Melissa Myers, of Hunter Station; a daughter, Emery Elsie Soboleski, to Marlena Smith and Jeremiah Soboleski, of Mount Carmel.

Nov. 1 - Suwa "Kimy" Meister, 76, of Old Forge; Marian A. Shultz, 77, of Harrisburg; Dr. C. Daniel Steiner, 66, of Berwick; William J. Barkafski, 35, of Ashland.

Nov. 2 - Edward J. "Sledge" Chapman, 79, of Den-Mar Gardens; Colleen Brennan, 36, of Pottstown; Nancy (Cosgrove) Mackin, of Millica Hill, N.J.; Robert A. Wery, 81, of Arthur, Mo.

Nov. 3 - Mark J. Hollingshead, 56, of Catawissa; Landon Charles Krebs, one day, of Coal Township.

Nov. 4 - Martha Bendrick, 86, of Coal Township; Robert E. Spotts, 81, of Coal Township; Betty LaRue Strausser, 85, of Conneaut, Ohio; Michael Hoskie, 84, of Cleveland, Ohio.

Nov. 5 - Robert J. Wetzel, 85, of Locustdale; Harold F. Geist, 79, of Ashland.

Nov. 6 - Mary N. Jarvis, 85, of Kulpmont; Francis J. Towey Jr., 41, of Gordon.

Nov. 7 - Peggy Henning, 81, of Marlton, N.J.; Edward Bolstrum, 89, of Camp Hill; Franklin L. Burns, 84, of Shamokin.

Nov. 8 - John J. Dziadosz, 85, of Danville; Walter T. McGinn, 81, of Trevorton.

Nov. 9 - Monica L. Pesarchick, 95, of Mount Carmel; Paul N. Roadarmel Jr., 76, of Catawissa; Nicholas A. Bogush, 66, of Stuart, Fla.; Kenneth A. Hockenbroch, 75, of Paxinos.

Nov. 10 - Helen L. (Sosnoskie) Derk, 93, of Laureldale.

Nov. 11 - James D. Reiner, 80, of Mount Carmel; John A. Povelaitis, 96, of Irvington, N.J.; Thelma A. Peters, 85, formerly of Marion Heights; Edith E. Ebright, 88, formerly of Reading.

Nov. 12 - Gerald Devlin, 69, of Shamokin; Ann Mauray, formerly of Kulpmont.

Nov. 13 - Laura Mae Bennett, 92, of Shenandoah.

Nov. 14 - Bertha A. Haffey, 83, of Mount Carmel.

Nov. 15 - Linda Procopio, 58, of Shamokin.

Nov. 16 - Edward S. "Sledge" Ferdock, 93, of Mount Carmel; Dolores Ann Goodrich, 73, of Coal Township; Catherine M. Hornberger, 83, of Ashland.

Nov. 17 - Evelyn N. Brown, 88, of Linn, W. Va.; Joan A. Roadarmel, 77, of Trevorton; Edward J. Rooney Jr., 85, of Ashland; Mark D'Angelo, 74, of Montoursville; Elizabeth R. Minniti, 87, of North Wales.

Nov. 18 - Parker J. Hughes Jr., 77, of Coal Township; Kelly D. Hepner, 51, of Coal Township.

Nov. 19 - Andrew Stelma, 84, of Mount Carmel; Rose D. Pitingolo, 87, of Selinsgrove; Judith Ann Credito, 72, of Aristes.

Nov. 20 - Catherine M. Holmes, 48, of Locustdale; Lee D. Shoup, 89, of Catawissa; Alfred E. Nahodil, 82, of Coal Township; Cecelia T. Chuprinski, 88, of Mount Carmel.

Nov. 21 - Albert L. Bridy, 86, of Mount Carmel; The Rev. Paul Thomas Rindos, 77, of Harrisburg.

Nov. 23 - Jeffrey Allen "Joe" Mummey Jr., 31, of Catawissa; Helen Patrick, 94, of Las Vegas.

Nov. 24 - John Seger, 55, of Coal Township; John R. "Jack" Wolfe, 89, of Shamokin; Wayne Grow, 78, of Elysburg; Helen M. Bainbridge, 75, of Shamokin; Clarence Fauland, 75, of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Nov. 26 - Robert J. Conniff, 83, of Mount Carmel; Peggy J. Schindler, 84, of Elysburg; William D. Repko, 67, of Paxinos; Claudius A. Greco, 86, of Meadowbrook; Lottie J. Frasso, 54, of Coal Township.

Nov. 27 - Joyce A. Herb, 83, of Millmont; Robert L. Shepard (Owczarz), 78, of Coal Township.

Nov. 28 - Donald H. Jeffrey, 85, of Ocean City, Md.; Kathryn L. "Sis" Hoffa, 87, of Shamokin.

Nov. 29 - Kathleen P. (Doyle) Mulholland, 56, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Peter J. Bergonia, 90, of Kulpmont; Richard "Dick" J. York, 81, of Riverside.

Nov. 30 - Almeda R. Knorr, 91, of Danville; Clara Lada Henninger, 92, of Woodbridge, Va.

Oct. 2 - A son, Casey Andrew, to Steffi and Robert Devine Jr., of Harrisburg.

Oct. 5 - A son, Blake Edward, to Shawn and Crystal Myers, of Bloomsburg.

Oct. 9 - A daughter, Ruth Anna Marie, to Amber Long, of Shamokin.

Oct. 11 - A daughter, Charlotte Sofia, to Andrea and Alisha Cioc, of Coal Township.

Oct. 12 - A son, Brady Eugene Keiter, to Nicole L. Williams and Wesley E. Keiter, of Shamokin.

Oct. 13 - A son, Zackary Ian, to Kim and Jeremy Long, of Paxinos; a son, Julian Alexander, to John and Kaitlyn Schultz, of Harrisburg.

Oct. 14 - A son, Robert Thomas Green III, to Corinna Rawa and Robert Green Jr.

Oct. 16 - A son, Gage Thomas Anascavage, to Tiffany Scicchitano and Gary Anascavage, of Coal Township; a son, David Edward III, to Kristen L. and David E. Marcheski Jr. of Trevorton.

Oct. 17 - A son, Dexter James, to Richard and Jessica Hine, of Atlas.

Oct. 19 - A daughter, Kaitlyn Grace, to John and Tracy Richardson, of Coal Township.

Oct. 22 - A son, James Curtis Groom, to Felisha Albertson and Curtis Groom, of Ranshaw.

Oct. 23 - A daughter, Cayman Elizabeth, to Lacey and Gene Welsh III, of Coal Township; a daughter, Sophie Aniela James, to Stephanie Shinskie and Justyn James, of Shamokin.

Oct. 26 - A daughter, Mercedes Nikole Long, to Jessica Heller Foulds and Randall Long, of Coal Township; a daughter, Guiliana Rose, to Joseph and Emile Mattucci, of Camp Hill.

Oct. 27 - A daughter, Emily Anne, to Connie and Michael Artman, of Gowen City.