Marriage licenses

Dale Lamar Reitz, of 436 Little Mountain Road, Sunbury, and Ann Louise Sholley, of 403 Coal St., Trevorton. Issued March 22.

Bradley James Swinyer and Karla Maxine Lynch, both of 322 S. Chestnut St., Mount Carmel. Issued March 24.

Robert William Schroyer, of 1011 Small Cut Road, Dalmatia, and Nicole L. Guyer, of 949 W. Coal St., Trevorton. Issued March 24.

Brian Castle Betsworth II, of 37 N. Seventh St., Shamokin, and Lori Ann Cale, of 2869 Hill Road, Sunbury. Issued March 24.

Richard J. Christina Jr. and Maryanne Taylor, both of 5229 State Route 61, Paxinos. Issued March 26,

Property transfers

Kenneth P. Doyle to B&A Development Company, property in Kulpmont, $1.

B&A Development Company to Joshua L. Leslie and Stephanie L. Marlow, property in Kulpmont, $34,900.

Robert L. Hile to Steven L. Hile and Phyllis M. Hile, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Department of Veterans Affairs to Gregg B. Howells, property in Mount Carmel, $8,000.

Zachary P. Hopple and Jennifer Hopple to Calvin D. Evans, property in Mount Carmel, $37,000.

Members First Federal Credit Union to Ryan N. Bordner and Kim R. Bordner, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $39,900.

Stone Financing LLC to W&L Sports Cars Inc, property in Rockefeller Township, $162,000.

Joan Kidron (individually and agent), Robert J. Kidron (by agent), Mary Myers (by agent), Thomas Myers (by agent), Kathleen Rodriquez (by agent) and Mark T. Rodriquez (by agent) to Thomas A. Griffith, property in Shamokin, $17,500.

EH Pooled 611 LP to Danielle L. Bell, property in Herndon, $10,005.

Robert M. Koletar and Marla J. Koletar to Rowe Line Construction Inc., property in Sunbury, $18,000.

Michael Dupnock to Darren L. Miller and Darren L. Miller II, property in Shamokin, $28,776.75.

Northumberland County Sheriff and Athletics Etc. Inc. to Lititz Properties LLC., property in Shamokin, $4,010.06.

Northumberland County Sheriff, David M. Poe and Jannet M. Bauman to Beneficial Consumer Discount Company and Beneficial Mortgage Company of Pennsylvania, property in Upper Augusta Township, $2,543.88.

Northumberland County Sheriff and Sylvia J. Shappell to M&T Bank, property in Shamokin, $1,523.46.

Victor C. Yarsky to Terry Donald Ketchem Jr., property in Shamokin Township, $155,000.

Simon F. Lorady Jr. and Nancy E. Lorady to Simon F. Lorady Jr. and Nancy E. Lorady, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Albert F. Olszewski and Sandra Olszewski to Sandra Olszewski, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Stephen Shingara Jr. and Christine M. Shingara to Adam M. Shingara and Sydney N. Bartos, property in Little Mahanoy Township, $25,000.

Henry Waskewicz (by agent) and Donna Shuder (agent) to Ronald Wondoloski and Elizabeth A. Doyle, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Dawn E. Snyder, Earl A. Snyder and Colonial Savings FA to Colonial Savings FA, property in Herndon, $870.15.

Northumberland County Sheriff, PHH Mortgage Corporation and Tracy A. Kodack-Leiby to PHH Mortgage Corporation, property in Shamokin, $1,093.49.

Linda D. Reinhardt, Linda D. Dunn and John A. Dunn to Susquehanna Bank and Susquehanna Bank Pa., property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Sharon Hartman to David A. Herman and Patricia L. Herman, property in Shamokin, $33,000.

Mark D. Wary, Andrea A. Panko and Andrea A. Wary to Barrett Bolam, property in Mount Carmel Township, $6,000.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (by agent) and Leo Vukelj (agent) to Southern Specialty Properties, property in Coal Township, $7,020.

John Rockefeller and Hugh Bellas to Thomas M. Dippold and Vicky Dippold, property in Rush Township and Snydertown, no amount listed.

Margaret Rosini to Martin Sarfine and Linda L. Sarfine, property in Coal Township, $30,000.

Information night set at NCCTC

COAL TOWNSHIP - Northumberland County Career and Technology Center, 1700 W. Montgomery St., will host an information night for interested students, parents and the general public at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 3.

Guests will be welcomed in the cafeteria before being given tours of the various programs. Door prizes will be awarded. For more information, call 644-0304.

Free computer orientation offered

ASHLAND - In observance of National Library Week, April 8 to 14, the Ashland Public Library will offer free basic computer orientation from 3 to 5:30 p.m. April 9, 10 and 12. People of all ages are welcome.

Participants will learn how to create a basic e-mail account, browse the Web and become comfortable using a computer. Call the library at 875-3175 or stop in.

ELYSBURG - The Rev. Al Sceski had an idea to use a recently completed addition to Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church - a hallway for handicapped access -as a place to display religious art and artifacts.

With that, the area has become more than just a place to view art.

"It started out as a handicapped entrance to the chapel and it tied the whole complex together," Sceski said while showing the area to visitors on Friday.

The current theme in the gallery is Lent and the suffering of Jesus Christ for the Easter season. Plans are to change the theme and artwork periodically.

Featured now are some of Sceski's personal pieces, several that belong to the church and some that are on loan from the Diocese of Harrisburg.

"It is not just a museum, it is a place for prayer," Sceski said, noting there are benches for visitors. Track lighting also illuminates the artwork nicely.

Sceski said all are welcome to see the addition during office hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon Fridays. The area will be opened for visiting after all weekend Masses, too.

The church is located at 599 W. Center St.

All interior work was done by the Elysburg Knights of Columbus.

NORTHUMBERLAND - Both Democrat candidates for the 11th Congressional District visited here Saturday evening as part of the Sunbury Area Democratic Committee Annual Spring Dinner at the Front Street Station.

Gene Stilp, Dauphin area, best known as a critic of the Pennsylvania Legislature and as the keeper of the 25-foot pink pig that he says represents waste and greed in government, and attorney Bill Vinsko of Wilkes-Barre, are facing each other in the Democratic primary for the right to battle U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta in the general election.

Starting in 2013, the 11th Congressional District will encompass most of Northumberland County, from Sunbury east and south.

If either Stilp or Vinsko is victorious in the primary and general election, one of

them will have jurisdiction over the 11th District. Both men are confident they're the man for the job.

"This area is noted for a hard work ethic, and I share that. When I go to Washington, I will cross the aisle and get things done," Vinsko said.

"I'm trying to lead things forward. My best quality is leadership," Stilp offered as both men were interviewed prior to Saturday's dinner.

Vinsko's goals are to work to create jobs and improve the economy and protect Social Security and Medicare. He has legislation in mind that would hold municipal and other government agencies responsible for fixing roads, bridges and other transportation systems without just a "Band-Aid fix."

Another focus will be on education, in which he would introduce legislation to allow teachers to provide their views on what tools they need to perform their job effectively. "I'm ready to hit the ground running," Vinsko said.

Stilp said Shamokin and surrounding areas get redistricted a lot, and said he's committed to paying "more attention to the area than any congressman in the past."

His goals are to create jobs, to fight for the rights of senior citizens and the middle class and cut harsh regulations for small businesses.

He said he has fought in the past against unfair business and Bush administration taxes and will continue to do so if elected.

"I will fight this insanity," he said. "I fought it as a citizen, and now I'll fight it as a congressman."

Stilp said he also is a strong supporter of keeping the environment clean - water, air and land preservation included.

"I will do everything in my power for the environment," he said.

In the end, whether he wins or loses, "We're all Democrats," Vinsko said.

"We need to unite. This is a chance for the people of Pennsylvania to have a congressman who will work for the people," he said.

However, Stilp said he's the only candidate - Democrat or Republican - who will live inside the lines once redistricting happens, which is a flaw he considers fatal.

"I'm a leader. I will fight for taxpayers. I don't back down. And I will need a bigger pink pig," he said.

The event brought 41 people, including candidates, into the restaurant.

Deborah Howell, committee chair, said the group meets on the fourth Monday of every month at the Degenstein Community Library, Sunbury.

"I think they (the candidates) have a good chance. People are tired of the Republican ruling with business hands," she said.

State Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D-95), candidate for auditor general, was also at the event and spoke before dinner.

"We need someone tough, fair and independent to hold the Corbett Administration accountable," he said.

DePasquale is the only Democrat in the primary election. Running on the Republican side are John Maher and Frank Pinto. Term limits for the current auditor general, Jack Wagner, prevent him from seeking re-election.

Before Gov. Corbett was elected, DePasquale considered running for office, but said he wasn't wealthy and couldn't take off work - but then he heard the governor's first budget address.

"I said, I got to do something about this," he told the area Democrats. "So I've put 40,000 miles on my car and I've been campaigning in every corner of the state."

On his first day if elected in November, he said he is committed to ordering a review of all water protection programs in the state, which drew a round of applause from his listeners.

He also promised to order a performance audit on job creation programs, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Education.

"The cuts to public education are devastating in the long run," he said.

He described the auditor general as an independent office, a position that acts as a "watch dog" over the governor.

Rodger Babnew, Northumberland County Democratic chairman, said it was a "great idea" to have the candidates come to meet people of the county.

"The more the Republican candidates attack women and labor, our chances go up," he said.

Vinsko noted the "fantastic job" Babnew and the Democratic party is doing in the county.

"I'm proud of them and their work. They are the backbone of the party," he said. "I want to publicly thank them. They are the reason this county is going to succeed."

Other candidates at the dinner included Phil Scollo, for the 10th Congressional District; Ted Yeager, for the 107th; and Dan Sweeney, of Sunbury, who is leading a write-in campaign for the 108th District.

All of Northumberland County is currently in the 10th district, and the portion from the borough of Northumberland north will remain there. The redrawn 11th includes all or part of eight other counties - Carbon, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Luzerne, Montour, Perry and Wyoming.

(See Monday's edition of The News-Item for more coverage of the committee dinner.)

State Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D-95), candidate for auditor general, shows the members of the Sunbury Area Democratic Committee and Democratic candidates one of his fliers during the Annual Spring Dinner Saturday evening at Front Street Station, Northumberland. State Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D-95), candidate for auditor general, was the opening speaker at the Sunbury Area Democratic Committee's Annual Spring Dinner Saturday evening at Front Street Station, Northumberland.

GIRARDVILLE - Despite rain, Irish pride shone through Saturday for the ninth annual St. Patrick's Day parade, sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians Jack Kehoe Divison 1.

Parade Chairman John P. "Mouche" McNelis said before the parade that with the weather, he wasn't sure if it would slow people down, but they were still expecting about 15,000 spectators.

"As far as I know, I've been getting a lot of calls from people outside the area that were coming," McNelis said. "Looking at the streets so far, it's filling up pretty much as normal. I think we're right on schedule."

McNelis also said that there were roughly 175 to 200 units that were registered for the event.

The grand marshals for the parade were Fred and Mary Rabbits.

One of the bands in attendance was the Ceol Mor Pipe and Drum Band from Wilkes-Barre, which Bob Smart, a member of the band, said is the top pipe and drum band in Luzerne County.

"We try to keep the band a whole family thing," he said. "The younger generation needs to take over because some of us are getting too old."

While vendors sold food and souvenirs along the streets, many in attendance also could be seen with alcohol in hand long before the parade began, although a new open container ordinance was recently adopted by the Girardville Borough Council.

An open container ordinance is nothing new in Girardville, but an enhanced version of the ordinance aimed to help police with more specific grounds for enforcement at all times of the year, including Saturday's parade.

Girardville Mayor Edward Burns said by telephone Saturday night that the parade "was quite well this year," being that the new ordinance was in effect

"There was very minimal arrests made," Burns said. "The crowd was very cooperative and we were very pleased with the crowd control."

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - For nearly seven years, Rebecca Coutlee has enjoyed the view of the wooded mountains off in the distance behind her Trevorton Road (Route 225) home from the quiet comfort of her back porch. In fact, it was one of the primary reasons she and her husband purchased the property.

One morning earlier this month, however, she heard a loud noise out back, went to her favorite spot and saw machines cutting down the trees. In a matter of a few weeks, huge swaths of Little Mountain, from top to bottom and 50 yards-plus wide, had been stripped. Eight such tree-less stretches are now evident along the mountain in just a few miles from the Coal Township-Zerbe line west to Trevorton.

"It broke my heart," Coutlee, 59, of 747 Trevorton Road, said earlier this week. "Instead of seeing a beautiful mountain of trees, I see a defaced mountain."

It may look defaced, but the timbering is a healthy necessity, said Warren Harris, of Dallas, Pa., regional forester of the northeast region.

"We are professionals and we're not doing anything stupid," he said in response to criticism of the timbering.

The work is taking place on State Game Lands 165, which includes 1,190 acres in Shamokin, Coal and Zerbe townships.

Creating a new stage

Creating a new stage of growth is important for diverse wildlife, Harris said.

"Different stages of forest growth have different values to different wildlife. Every critter has different needs," he said.

Mature stages of growth - full forests - provide cavity for different birds, squirrels or bears to live in, and older trees produce seeds for more growth and food.

Another important growth stage is called the brush stage, or early successional habitat, which is the strategy the game commission is using on the mountain seen from Trevorton Road. Bear and deer use this stage as cover, while grouse, woodcock, golden-winged warbler and others use it as their primary habitat, Harris said.

The third stage is the pole stage, the transition between brush and mature.

Significant timbering taking place elsewhere, including on the west side of Trevorton, and behind Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, involves private land.

Cuts studied first

Before cutting takes place in any of its forest land, game commission foresters meet with biologists and land management staff to assess the recreational opportunities for sportsmen and conduct a Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory check to determine if there's any rare or endangered wildlife, as well as to assess soil, water, infrastructure and other various factors.

"We will determine what the current stage is and what the future habitat conditions we desire. We will determine what we need to do to get from point A to point B," Harris said. Near Trevorton Road, the goal is a mixed successional forest with all three stages to "balance certain growths to maintain a certain age structure," he said.

There are 54 acres of cut strips on the mountain and another 17 acres that can't be seen from the highway. There are no Northumberland County projects planned in fiscal year July 2012 to June 2013.

"Logging isn't pretty. Let's face the fact; that's what most people are concerned about," Harris said. "In its initial stages, it's like making sausage: the benefits are good, but you don't want to be there when it's happening."

In the end, however, "It will benefit the wildlife and it's for the greater good," Harris said.

$15,110 collected

Coutlee and others theorized the timbering was done to ease state government's financial pains.

It's not that money didn't change hands, Harris answered, but it wasn't the game commission's primary concern, he said.

"If we were in it to make a buck, we wouldn't be doing it here," he said. "We are conscious of the value of the material we're selling, but the highest value is the habitat."

A&L Wood Inc., Mount Pleasant Mills, won a competitive bid and paid $15,110 for the right to do the work and collect the timber for its own use. As part of the contract, the company is required to bulldoze any access roads that are built and to spread lime and fertilize and seed the area for future growth.

Their work is complete, Harris said.

Good for wildlife, but ...

Dave Kaleta, founder and president of Habitat for Wildlife, the Shamokin-based nonprofit, said such work is ultimately a positive.

"It's one of the best things you can do for game and to regenerate the forests. Most of the small game like the thick, brushy areas of new growth," he said.

He noted many people don't understand habitat management.

"A lot of species need these young forests. Over the last 100 years, there's been a lot less timbering and a lot of brush fire control, and we lost a lot of early successional habitats," he said.

Much of the forest is mature, but both habitats are needed, he said.

Kaleta, who hunts for grouse and woodcock, said the successional habitat is ideal.

"It (wildlife population) should increase tremendously," he said.

But that's of little concern for Coutlee and neighbors who can see the mountain from their homes.

"As large as the game lands are, I think they could have done it in a non-populated area where there's not people enjoying the trees every day," she said.

MOUNT CARMEL - Oak Street was a bustling place when the accompanying photo was taken, around 1939 or 1940.

Many once-thriving businesses are now just a memory for older citizens.

Phil Gergen, of Mount Carmel, provided this complete list, taken from the "1939 Mount Carmel Directory," of Oak Street businesses and residences from that period:

Oak Street North

(Between Third and Second)

Union National Bank

2 - Rea & Derick Inc.

4 - W.A. Snyder optometrist, Strouss and Strouss lawyers, Dr. E.R. Shipman, P.O.S. of A. hall

6 - Dr. P.F. Woodridge, L.E. Gergen optometrist, Dr. I.E. Smigelsky, Peter Leschinski

8 - W.C. Hack & Sons

9-15 - P.A. Stief & Sons

10 - Acme Markets

14 - Vacant

15 - Mrs. Nora Swavely

16 - H.J. Donohue, Verne Carson

17 - John Martz insurance, Sara E. Buddinger

18 - H.C. Gould

19 - J. Friedman paints

20 - Stecker's Book Store

21 - Fagley's Shoe Store

22 - M.L. Harter dentist

23 - Sons of Poland

24 - Zimmerman Drug Co.

25 - Great A P Tea Co., C. Menapace lawyer

26-28 - Connaghan's Music Store, C. Connaghan

29-31 - Public Assistance

30 - Beierschmitt's Store

32 - M.I. Buck insurance, J.H. Deppen lawyer, Roy Wagner

33 - T.R. Jones photo goods

34 - A.E. Long cafe

35 - W. Bensinger, W.F. Hoffman

37 - Hollywood Theatre

40 - Edward Krebs insurance

41 - A. Manello cafe

42 - G.R. O'Donnell barber

43 - Samuel Manello

44 - Robert Gibson, Nellie E. Johnson

45 - Big Boys Auto Parks Co., B.A. Friedman

46 - Marvin E. Herb

48 - Geist's Grocery

49 - Joseph B. Young

50 - Pennsylvania Power and Light Co.

51 - J.B. Young druggist

(Between Second and Avenue)

100 - National Hotel, Mrs. L. Cortellini

101 - First National Bank

103 - State Liquor Store

107-109 - Post Office

108-112 - Black Diamond Auto

109-111 - Masonic Hall, Fraternity Club

113 - Mount Carmel Citizens Gas

118 - F. Vivino tailor

119 - W.F. Haley florist, Morris Miller, Mrs. F. Wise

122 - T.B. Fagley plumber, Mount Carmel Motor Club

123 - C.A. Parry grocer, Mrs. Mary Fisher, L.C. Parry, Melvin Fisher

128 - B.P.O. Elks

131 - F.C. Kalokitis, A. Shymanski

133 - Alex Losztyn

135 - Earl Jones

136 - Joseph Yeager

137 - Leslie Sharp

137-139 - Mount Carmel Vulc. Co.

138 - Charles S. Rimert

139 - George E. Bensinger

140 - Leo E. Gergen

142 - Maxton Bushey

143 - H.J. Grossman notions

Oak Street South

(Between Third and Fourth)

Guarantee Trust Bldg,

D. Malloy barber

1-3 - Guarantee Trust Bldg., H.L. Logan dentist, C.H. Reitz lawyer, Central Pennsylvania Building and Loan Association, J.G. Kehler lawyer, H.B. Henderson insurance, H.O. Moser lawyer, Peoples Building and Loan Association, Dr. M.J. Stief, Personal Financing Co., Dr. M.E. Smoczynski, Buckley Amusements, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

2-4 - Langis Candy Store.

5 - Lord's Fashion Shop

6 - Ben Riemer Clothing

8 - Mrs. Catherine Bianchini, Joseph L. Lucas

9 - Mrs. Mary Ludes

11 - W.B. Vallish furniture, P. Schneider dentist

12 - Vacant store, W. Kowalski dentist, D.J. Trione, H.M. Williams

14 - Weis Pure Food Store, Knights of Columbus, Alice Schneider studio

16 - C.A. Feifer dentist, L. Wetzel chiropodist

17 - Dondero Estate

18 - Costas & Soulges restaurant

21 - Dean Phipps store, P. Cacciatore, F. Tanney, H. Benning

22 - Miller Brothers shoes, Mrs. V. Smith

25-27 - John Wardrop & Son, Mrs. Jennie Wardrop

26 - Legion Pool

28-32 - L. Grossman Sons

29 - H.N. Griesinger jeweler

31 - Idle Hour Pool, J.V. Brazuski dentist

33 - Shovlin & Hovanes restaurant

34 - Joseph Bridy cafe

35 - Kenneth B. Fox

36 - N. Hantzes shoe shine

37 - Pete's Clothes Shop, L.J. Dooley, Fred Herb, George Shipman, Glenn W. Adams

38-40 - F.R. Kessler jeweler

39 - P. Waytowich

41 - Miller Supplies, H.A. Decker dentist, L.R. Moyer, Roy H. Smith, Mrs. Emma Lupold

42 - Triangle Shoe Store

44 - Polish American Liberty Club, Young GOP Club

45 - F. Reichwein cafe

46 - W.H. Yoder insurance, Prudential Insurance Company, D.F. Howenstein studio, T.A. Hick dentist, J.R. Harkness accountant, Progressive B&L, P. Ehret beauty shop

48-52 - F.W. Woolworth Co.

49 - C.F. Reinard optometrist, Roy Williams, Louis Cohen lawyer, Italian-American Building and Loan Association, F.J.G. Smith insurance, E.J. Belfonte insurance, C. Coyle beauty shop, G. Hornberger, Elmer Stuckey, Chas Bye, Robert Davis

(Between Fourth and Fifth)

Mrs. Emma Bruce

100 - J.C. Penney Co.

101 - Nesbitt's Cut Rate Store

105 - Style Shop, F.A. Morris

107 - Mount Carmel Tobacco Co., M. Katz

108 - A.S. North jewelry

109 - Workmen's Supply Compamy, James Patrick, R.W. Brooks

110 - M.W, Fox, Robert N. Smith, George H. Taylor, Stanley Petzak

112 - R.G. Kinney Co.

113 - F. Bierowski

114 - Jewish Fellowship Club

115 - E. Moskowitz shoes

116 - M.M. Ufberg dentist

117-119 - Bolen & Co. insurance

118 - J.J. Newberry Co.

121-127 - R. Guinan & Co.

126 - J.A. Dyke funeral director

128 - Doris Dress Shop

129 - M. Maraskie cafe, Credit Bureau, R.H. Zimmerman, B.E. Jordan

130-132 - Acme Markets

133 - Douglas Inc. department store, Douglas Products

134 - Great A & P Tea Co., G.A. Spector, E.G. Simmonds

135 - John W. Revak, Mrs. Anna Kurtz

136 - S. Fein meats

138 - B. Fein dresses

139 - The Leader Store, Sol Wolf

140 - Joseph Levine

141 - N.Y. Millinery

142 - The Cotton Store

143 - L. Cahn, Mrs. May Benson

145 - The Hub

145 - F.O. of Eagles

146 - Croll's Furniture Store, A.B. Croll

148 - C.F. Shovlin restaurant

150 - Thomas McFadden

151 - S.I. Jonkus druggist

(Between Fifth and Sixth)

200 - Charles Covelaski, M.L. Parnell

201 - D.J. Cohen paints, Sanford Sauler

204 - Vacant store, Andrew Lynch

205 - Ritz Cleaners

206 - J.M. Huber drugs

207 - H.J. Powis signs

208 - Mrs. E. Schell florist, Albert Kachel

209 - Barker Bakery, Mrs. C, Menapace

210 - Smart Dress Shop

211 - Kath. Veith

213 - Dr. M.J. Stief, G.A. Beierschmitt, Elmer Shaver, Henry Wolf

214 - Peter J. Tye, A.C. Dinger shoes, C.J. Patrick, E.J. Troutman

215 - C. Ayeski cafe

216 - Mrs. F. Wise dresses

217 - J.A. Palumbo, Albert Strike, Harold Kane

218 - R. Gigliotti shoemaker

219 - Goodyear Service

220 - A Jushinskie

221 - C.E. Grimes poultry, J.B. Duggan, M.J. Delaney, W.F. Dettrey, Paul Miller, A.F. Moleski, Edward Marchetti

222 - R.A. Jushinskie cafe

224 - D.J. Klein

225 - L. Girardini baker

227 - G. Alcalo barber

228 - J.W. Tudinsky

229 - Joseph Cole barber

230 - Wilkinson Beauty Shop

231 - Joseph J. Owens, Michael Bartos, William Neiswender

232 - Dr. W.A. Lustusky

233 - M. Plovik cafe

234 - G.F. Lanuskey

235 - Vacant store

236 - G.G. Lanuskey tailor

237 - Joseph Lantz

239 - J. Lombardo

240 - S.S. Spector.

1. Deep Purple by Larry Clinton, #1 for 9 weeks

2. Scatter Brain by Frankie Masters, #1 for 8 weeks

3. Over the Rainbow by Glenn Miller, #1 for 7 weeks

4, And the Angels Sing by Benny Goodman, #1 for 5 weeks

5. Jeepers Creepers by Al Donohue, #1 for 5 weeks

6. Beer Barrel Polka by Will Glahe, #1 for 4 weeks.

7. Stairway to the Stars by Glenn Miller, #1 for 4 weeks

Source: Phil Gergen, Mount Carmel

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - The North Schuylkill Theatre Arts program will present the Broadway musical, "West Side Story," at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 13, and Saturday, April 14, at the North Schuylkill Junior-Senior High School auditorium.

"West Side Story," a groundbreaking Broadway musical based on Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," is the story about the doomed love of Tony (played by senior Kody Newberry) and Maria (played by sophomore Maura Gownley) set among the streets of the West Side of New York City during the last days of summer, 1957. Rival gangs, the Jets, led by Riff (junior Matt Gownley) and the Sharks, led by Bernardo (senior Dan Noon), fight for control of their neighborhood while others, like Bernardo's girlfriend, Anita (senior Jess Pukavage), just want to become true Americans.

Familiar Broadway tunes like "Tonight," "Somewhere," "I Feel Pretty" and "America" are some of the highlights of the show. Audiences will be treated to a re-creation of the choreography first developed by Jerome Robbins for the original 1957 opening of "West Side Story."

North Schuylkill's production features a cast of more than 50 ninth- through 12th-grade students, a student stage crew of 12, and a pit band of both current students and professional musicians. The North Schuylkill Junior-Senior High School student council will serve as ushers for performances both evenings.

Tickets for each performance, at $8 each, are available from cast members, and a limited number of tickets will be available at the door each evening of the performances. For more information, contact the high school at 874-0495.

BLOOMSBURG - A former federal law enforcement agent who brought down scores of criminals and illegal enterprises will speak at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's Carver Hall, Kenneth S. Gross Auditorium at 7 p.m. Thursday. The free talk by Jay Dobyns, known in the law enforcement community as "Jaybird," is open to the public free of charge.

During more than 20 years as an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Dobyns infiltrated street and prison gangs, gun-running groups, drug trafficking organizations, bomb makers, home invasion operations and contract murderers. He routinely impersonated a professional hit man during federal murder-for-hire investigations.

As lead undercover agent for "Operation Black Biscuit," he penetrated the Hells Angels motorcycle gang and was the first law enforcement officer to become a full-patched member. His memoir, "No Angel, My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels," is a New York Times bestseller published in eight languages and 12 countries. He has been featured on "America's Most Wanted," History Channel's "Gangland" and National Geographic's "Inside."

Dobyns' presentation is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and the Department of Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice as the final event of BU's Law Enforcement Career Day. Representatives of federal, state and local agencies will meet with students from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday in Kehr Union's Multicultural Center. Agencies scheduled for breakout sessions in Kehr Union's Hideaway are: FBI, 10:30 a.m.; Baltimore Police Department, 11:15 a.m.; federal corrections, noon; Allentown Police Department, 12:45 p.m.; Pennsylvania State Police, 1:30 p.m.; Homeland Security, Federal Air Marshals, 2:15 p.m.; University of Pennsylvania Police Department, 3 p.m.; and Homeland Security, Immigrations, 3:45 p.m.

Copies of Dobyns' book are available in the University Store. For information on career day or Dobyns' program, contact Karen Meunier, criminal justice instructor, at kmeunier@bloomu.edu. For information on Dobyns, go to jaydobyns.com.

Annual egg hunt scheduled

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Celebration of Special Athletes Committee will hold its eighth annual Easter egg hunt at noon Saturday, April 7, in Town Park. Individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities are encouraged to participate.

The event is again being co-sponsored by the motorcycle club The Unknown Riders. It is a kickoff to the Mount Carmel Celebration of Special Athletes annual day of events Saturday, June 2, at the Mount Carmel Area High School Silver Bowl. One need not be a participant in the Celebration of Special Athletes day of events to attend the egg hunt.

Contact Tara Avellino at 205-1004 or 495-2006 with any questions. Reservations are not required.

Coast Guardsman James M. Jeffrey, of this city, a signalman, has a Nazi battle flag, picked up on the Normandy beach.

Coast Guardsman Jeffrey, in a photo forwarded to the Item by the Public Relations Division of the U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, D.C., is shown aboard his Coast Guard Cutter off the French Coast proudly displaying the flag.

A fleet of these sturdy 83-footers saved more than 1000 Allied invaders from perishing in the English channel during the critical days of the assault on the Normandy coast of France.

(This brief story was published sometime during or after World War II along with a photograph of Jeffrey in an edition of the Mount Carmel Item, which merged with the Shamokin News-Dispatch in 1968 to form The News-Item.)

LAVELLE - James M. Jeffrey is stoic as he gazes into the camera, holding up a Nazi battle flag captured on the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day Invasion of World War II.

Jeffrey, a U.S. Coast Guard signalman of Mount Carmel, arrived off the French Coast in a 83-foot wooden-hulled patrol craft - cutter No. 83432.

His job was to help his cutter's skipper draw up the charts used to map the course 8342 would take during the invasion. His cutter was among those assigned to Rescue Flotilla One, which saved the lives of more than 400 men on D-Day alone and more than 1,400 by the war's end, according to the Coast Guard website.

The photo was taken by U.S. Coast Guard public relations and delivered to the Mount Carmel Item - a predecessor of The News-Item -which published it.

Nearly 70 years later, it moved his grandson, Jeff Higgins, of Lavelle, to have the moment tattooed and inspired a well-respected artist to do the work.

A print of the photograph is framed and sits on a shelf inside Higgins' family home in Lavelle.

Higgins fondly recalls his grandfather. He was funny, he says, and reminded him of Popeye. Jeffrey chewed pouch tobacco and used a spittoon. He had a tattoo, too, of a flower and anchor.

Jeffrey passed away when Higgins, now a 32-year-old registered nurse, was a freshman in high school.

"He was always an inspiration. He was just a great guy," Higgins said.

"If I could find someone to tattoo that, that's the tattoo for me," Higgins said, recalling his mind-set when deciding last year on getting a tattoo of the photograph on his right shoulder - his first and only.

"It's got meaning. A lot of people get tattoos and it's just silly stuff. ... That's got a classic look to it; it's my grandfather from the war. That's something I could keep on my body for the rest of my life."

When Shane O'Neill, winner of Spike TV's inaugural "Ink Master" reality competition, looked over the photo that had been emailed to him by Higgins, he waived the standard 10-month wait other customers endure for an appointment and pushed Higgins to the front of the line.

Higgins was impressed that O'Neill - who runs his Infamous Tattoo studios with locations north of Philadelphia and in Delaware - had responded so quickly and excitedly to the idea, and even more so impressed that it had so inspired someone of his caliber.

"My idea was matching what he would go for. I was really thrilled about that," Higgins said.

O'Neill's biography on the "Ink Master" website calls him one of the most prominent tattoo artists of portraits and work based in realism. That claim is easily backed by dozens of amazingly detailed and lifelike portraits he's completed and can be seen online at www.shaneoneilltattoos.com.

The session to complete the tattoo from start to finish took eight hours last April, months before the show's airing.

When O'Neill finished, Higgins had a look. He was blown away.

"He was spot on. This looks just like my grandfather. The face, the features, it was on point," Higgins said.

He returned to Lavelle, no one knowing he had gotten the body art. When his mom saw the tattoo, "she was touched. She got teary eyed."

The tattoo cuts off just short of showing the Nazi symbol so as not to arouse any ill feelings or misconceptions.

Thrilled with the results, Higgins says he'll get more work done as long as the right inspiration comes along.

"Ink Master" debuted in January and culminated with O'Neill's victory earlier this month. The show's popularity has Spike TV green-lighting a second season.

by justin strawser

NORTHUMBERLAND - The time has come to stop "playing politics," Ted Yeager said during the social hour at the Sunbury Area Democratic Committee Annual Spring Dinner at the Front Street Station Saturday evening.

Yeager, who lost general election for state representative for the 107th district two years ago, is running again for the chance to face State Rep. Kurt Masser in the November election. Yeager, of Elysburg, will face Chris Pfaff, of Cooper Township, Montour County, in the April 24 primary for the Democratic nomination.

"People in the middle (of the two parties) don't feel like they're being represented. We need balance and collective effort. We need to work toward balance no matter who's side, Democrat or Republican, it doesn't matter," he said in relation to his decision to run again.

In 2010, Yeager said he was new to the political process.

"I learned as I went. This time, I have people who know what they're doing," he said.

His goals if he wins the election are to set up a Constitutional Convention, support legislation to limit the terms of legislators and shrink the size of the legislature and to take the issue of redistricting out the politics.

With education slashing in the state budget, "we're cutting our own throats. We're going to burden our children with the lack of education."

Dan Sweeney, 47, of Sunbury, is leading a write-in campaign to win the Democratic nomination for the 108th District, because was unable to gather enough signatures to be on the ballot.

He admits his opponent - the incumbent state Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver - is a nice person, but, "She's doing whatever the Republican leadership is saying, and it hasn't been good for the state, and it's been terrible for our district."

In addition to education and disability cuts, he criticized her voting for limiting the power of municipalities against the fracking and natural gas industry.

"A municipality should be able to say they don't want poison on their streets. She voted for that," Sweeney said, referencing the fracking waste industry in Sunbury.

Culver could not be reached for comment.

Other candidates at the dinner included Gene Stilp, Dauphin area, best known as a critic of the Pennsylvania Legislature and as the keeper of the 25-foot pink pig that he says represents waste and greed in government, and attorney Bill Vinsko of Wilkes-Barre, who are facing each other in the Democratic primary for the right to battle U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta in the general election; state Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D-95), candidate for auditor general who will run against either Republicans John Maher or Frank Pinto in November; Phil Scollo, for the 10th Congressional District.

The committee, said Yeager, is "doing a great job and working hard to head in the right direction."

by justin strawser

SHAMOKIN - With more than 120 people attending the organ concert Sunday afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church, longtime choir director William Milbrand was more than pleased.

"I'm in awe. I'm not used to standing in front of so many people in this church," he said following the 105-minute service.

Attendance for the church has been at approximately 35 people each Sunday morning, so the church officials decided to host a concert with their 61-year-old organ complete with 1,907 pipes as center stage to draw people in.

"I haven't seen this many people in this church in a long time. I wish we had this many members," Milbrand said.

Jack Umholtz, a featured organist, praised the organ.

"The voicing in the instrument is really great. You can do Bach and you can do gospel. It's versatile. It's a good instrument," he said.

Umholtz currently serves as the organist for Trinity Lutheran Church, Valley View.

The Rev. Dr. Carrie L. Stine, pastor of the church on Liberty and Sunbury streets, said God has given the gift of music to the people who played Sunday.

"Enough people have said they want to see it happen again. It's wonderful that we had a concert so well attended," she said.

Lyn Krieger, of Stonington, said, "It shows that there's life in this area. It hasn't been lost. People are still keeping their gifts alive."

Lorraine Bressi and Leona Austic, both of Shamokin, said they would "definitely" return.

"It's very inspiring," Bressi said.

"The program was excellent. It was a capacity crowd," Austic said.

Other featured organist and pianists were Noriene Ladd, in her 43rd year as the church's organist; Philip Maue, Margaret Morris, Mary Ann Stump, Dan Umholtz and Jack Umholtz; Maxine Howerter-Harvey, Melanie Jessop and Irvin Liachowitz.

The organ cost $27,000 when purchased and was built and installed by the Reuter Organ Co., Lawrence, Kansas. The company was awarded the contract in 1948 and the organ, a "three-manual" version with 1,907 pipes, was dedicated in January 1951.

When seated in the church the only visible part of the organ is the control board where the organist sits. All the pipes are located in three rooms behind two grated screens on the back wall of the church.

It is the second pipe organ in the church's history.

by news-item staff

SHAMOKIN - One Shamokin man is facing multiple charges and another is in the hospital following a bizarre shooting early Sunday morning in the city.

David Edwin Latsha, 59, of 129 S. Third St., Shamokin, is facing charges of two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person for allegedly shooting Paul Kinsey at Latsha's residence.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery in the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic, Shamokin.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Shamokin police were dispatched the residence at 4:55 a.m. Sunday from a report that shots were fired and were advised that the suspected shooter was in front of his home and the gunshot victim was still inside.

Police reportedly found Latsha in front of the house saying, "Paul is in there. I just shot him."

He was handcuffed and searched, but was carrying no weapons. However, he told police the gun he used to shoot Kinsey was still inside the home.

While Mowery and Patrolman Scott Weaver were speaking with Latsha, they said he was slurring his speech, acting jittery and using his hands and arms to make gestures as he spoke. While still in front of the house, he told police he was "seeing people" in and around his home, but officers observed no one on the premises.

Once Latsha was secured, Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn and Mowery found Kinsey sitting inside the home on the stairs leading to the second floor of the home bleeding heavily from his left leg.

As the officers were assisting Kinsey to the front porch, they retrieved a large, wooden-handled kitchen knife stuffed in the waistband of Kinsey's shorts.

Kinsey was transported by AREA Services to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he was reportedly in fair condition Sunday evening.

A search of the home revealed a .35 revolver and a .22 Phoenix Arms semi-automatic pistol on the first floor and a large pool of blood in a small cluttered room in the rear of the second floor.

Police then placed Latsha in the Shamokin Police Department holding cell, where he stated that "he was seeing lights and then the lights would disappear."

Latsha reportedly told police he snorted a yellow, powdery crystal substance earlier in the evening.

He also told police that he was standing in the hallway of his home when he shot Kinsey, because he thought Kinsey had two knives in his hands.

At 7:40 a.m. Sunday, Shamokin Chief Edward Griffiths and Cpl. Darwin Tobias III interviewed Kinsey in the Geisinger emergency room where the victim told police he was in the home and saw Latsha snort "some kind of gold-colored powder."

According to court documents, "Kinsey stated that he thought his girlfriend, Wanda Ebrigh,t came to the house looking for him, so he hid in the closet in the home. Kinsey stated that he had two knives in his possession. Kinsey then jumped out of the closet to scare Latsha 'to be funny.'"

Kinsey told police that "Dave" shot him and, "It happened fast, boom."

At 10:04 a.m. Sunday, while Latsha was read his Miranda Rights prior to being questioned, he asked Mowery and Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II if Paul was dead.

When Siko asked him why he would ask that question, Latsha responded, "Because I shot him." He also asked him why he would think the victim was dead, and Latsha said because of the way he was bleeding, and then uttered that Kinsey lost a lot of blood.

Siko questioned where Kinsey was losing blood, and Latsha stated from his leg.

Siko asked him if that's where he was aiming and Latsha replied, "Yes, at his leg."

Shamokin Police Department could not be reached Sunday evening to determine whether Latsha was in Northumberland County Prison or released on bail.

Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Kelly Campbell and Mount Carmel Borough Patrolman Justin Stelma assisted at the scene as well.

ATLAS - Cindy Saukaitis, president, opened the monthly meeting of the Carmelite 50-Plus Club, held at Village Towne restaurant. She greeted the seven members and officers present.

Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance, Senior Adult Ministry prayer and the St. Mother Pauline prayer, sang the Over 50 song and prayed for deceased and sick members, especially Helen Rogutski. They also prayed for the safety of the troops and sang a verse of "America."

After the meal, Maria Kaminski, secretary read the minutes from the last meeting. No corrections or additions were made, and the minutes were placed on file. Al Visintainer gave the treasury report, which was approved and made available for audit.

All present paid dues for the year. Visintainer reported he and Saukaitis went to the bank to add the names of two current officers on the deposit book.

The 50/50 winners were Jenny Nolan and Visintainer.

The next meeting will be held April 12 at Village Towne.

On motion by Christina Connor and Visintainer, the meeting was adjourned. Members played bingo.

SHAMOKIN - The Cecilian Club's March meeting was held at the First Presbyterian Church. Barbara Silliman, president, presided over the business meeting.

Applications have been sent to area schools for the scholarship given by the club. Seniors who will start college next year to major in music are eligible to apply. Music teachers in area schools have the necessary information for applicants.

The club's June banquet will be held at Brewser's. Reservation forms will be distributed at the April meeting.

After the business meeting, the group sang the hymn, "For the Beauty of the Earth." Noriene Ladd accompanied on the organ. Marily Stasney presented an inspirational reading by Karen Barber from "Daily Guideposts."

The evening's program of classical music followed. The opening number was a vocal trio, as Charlene Pell, Kathi Christ and Tom Christ, accompanied by Grethel Vinup, sang Mozart's "Ave Verum Corpus." Next on the program was a piano solo, Vinup playing Debussy's "Arabesque No. 1."

Carol Ellis followed with "Come unto Him" from "The Messiah" by Handel. Ellis was accompanied by Nan Weller on piano. Silliman played a recorder solo, "Fantasia on Greensleeves," by Williams. Weller was again the accompanist on piano.

Margaret Morris, Stasney and Kathi Christ, accompanied by Ladd, sang Mozart's "Lullaby," arranged by Stoughton. Ladd on organ and Irvin Liachowitz on piano then played "Theme from Concerto in A minor" by Grieg, arranged by Smith.

The program concluded with the entire club singing "The Heavens Are Telling" from "The Creation" by Haydn, arranged by Sherwood, as Ellis directed and Vinup accompanied.

Members were reminded of several upcoming musical events.

This year's Good Friday service will be held at St. John's United Methodist Church from noon to 3 p.m. on April 6. A number of the club members will be helping with the special music for the service.

The next regular meeting will held April 9 at St. John's United Church of Christ.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Dining with Diabetes, a Penn State Extension program for adults with diabetes and their families, is coming to Coal Township High Rise community room, 101 N. Ash St., in April.

The classes offer healthy meal planning, cooking demonstrations, hands-on food preparation, class discussions and new physical activity choices.

Dates are Fridays, April 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 1 to 3 p.m. Follow-up class is July 13.

Registered dietitian Lynn James will lead discussions addressing:

- Important numbers you need to know.

- Planning healthy meals for your lifestyle.

- Fiber, carbohydrates, fats, sweeteners and practical uses.

- Healthy food preparation your family will enjoy.

- Physical activity for all abilities.

Classes are offered weekly for four weeks, with a three-month, follow-up class. Lab tests will be offered to measure HbA1c. In addition to class handouts and test results, participants also receive the following resources: exercise DVD, resistance band for exercising, Joslin Diabetes Center educational materials, complete collection of Dining with Diabetes recipe book and Plate Method placemat. Cost: $40 individual, $55 family (two persons); scholarships are available, and many health insurers reimburse.

If you have been told that you have Type 2 diabetes, you will want to attend this class.

To register: http://extension.psu.edu/healthy-lifestyles/diabetes on-line and click on classes or call toll free at 1-877-489-1398 or 988-3950 with any questions. Registration deadline is April 9.

TREVORTON - The Patsies met March 19, for a meeting and a covered dish social. Birthday celebrants for January, February and March included Rae Artman, Tina Blessing, Bill Bohner, Joan Brown, Sandy Carabini, Rita Gurba, Frances Kalejta, Arlene Lubinski, Joan Miller, Gloria Natoli, Netty Padrone, Mary Frances Rebuck, Bill Ryan, Judie Urick, Janet Webber, Louise Wiest and Bill Wilkinson and lifetime members Helen Betzko, Stella Bronokoskie and Norma Slodysko.

All in attendance sang happy birthday. Members also honored the sudden passing of Anita Gurski and a Mass card was presented to the family from the Patsies.

The annual Mother/Father's Day banquet will be held May 21 and will be catered by Hannah's Restaurant. Cost is $13 and includes a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and dessert. A sign-up sheet will be available at the next meeting.

Volunteers are requested and certainly appreciated for set up for meetings and banquet and other activities.

At an executive meeting, the officers and travel committee members discussed placing all trip finances into a separate checking account, making it more feasible to give accurate financial reports.

Dues are still being collected for 2012. Anyone interested in becoming an officer is asked to volunteer.

The 50/25/25 winners were Lavoughn Swank and James Wert.

The meeting was closed with the Over 50 song, and a covered dish social followed.