SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library has announced that memorials for the period of March 7 to 20 have been presented for the following persons:

Nancy Bobkoskie by Walt and Julie Jacobs.

Annella Chiavaroli by Pat Engle, Irene and Allen Grow, George and Mary Hack, Charles and Jayne Jones, Tom Kondisko, Margaret (Hack) Merlino and John Merlino, Dolores Miller.

Thelma "Dolly" Chamberlin by Nanette, Rick, Cortney and Chelsey Steele, Nancy and Isadore Poliniak.

Nancy I. Frye by Janet and Tom Labusky.

Anita Gurski by Chet and Ann Gard, Scott and Karen Persing and family.

Franklin L. Heim by Rescue Fire Company.

John Horoshock by Greg and Donna Wisloski.

Diane Jensen by Mary Masinos, Jane Whitley.

Olga Konopskie by Shirley and William Golden and Erica Janoka, Theresa and Kathy Verano.

Deborah Korbich by Tom Kondisko, Irvin Liachowitz, Dolores Miller.

Florence Krebs by Ann Pincoski.

Lorraine Lukens by Margaret and Sylvia Worhacz.

Richard Martini by Daniel, Laurie and Kyleigh Krebs, Russell and Mary Young, Charles H. Pensyl IV.

Wayne Miller by Violet DuDeck and family.

Joseph Mirack by Ruth Blass, Bressi children, Pat and Jim Bressi, Dorothy Doncheski and family, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Egick, Robert's Styling Center.

Mary Muccari by Margaret and Frank Konopka and family.

Ann Marie Russ Mueller by Diane Dabulis and family.

Walter Neary by Daniel, Laurie and Kyleigh Krebs.

Arthur Persing by Coal Township High School Class of 1964.

Betty Plank by Diane Dabulis and family.

Patricia and James Rosini by everyone at OIP in Shamokin, Chet and Ann Gard.

William Rosini by everyone at OIP in Shamokin.

James, Patricia and William Rosini by Lorraine McAnnaney and family.

Roy Sanders by Barbara Lizzul and family.

Andrew Shivetts by Shamokin High School Class of 1950.

Rose Shroyer by Marian Miller Buraczeski, Robert's Styling Center.

Shirley Snyder by Jane Madara, Jack, Nancy and Polly.

Ann Staugaitis by Rich, Doris, Mike and Natalie.

Dorothy F. Stutz by Mike and Linda Dormer, Jerry, June and Charmaine, Maureen and Jesse Weaver.

Dawn Marlene Thomas by Satch and Paula Gedman, Flo, Kathy and Abby James, Corrine Thomas and family.

James Richard Tuckett by Wednesday Bible Study.

Gerald Witman by Jules and Esther Arden, Gere Bonchak and George Dorko, daughter Maureen and Tom, Marian Edmondson, Patty, Ronnie and Kelly Geist, granddaughter Rebecca and great-great grandson Max, Angela Hartzel, Tim and Amy Mangiaruga, Victoria, Abby, Noah and Emma Mangiaruga, Mary and Jeff Thew and family, Corrine Thomas.

Margaret Wolfe by Blendine Howerter, Shamokin Housing Authority board and staff, sheriff's office, Mary Stevenson and Ann Stamets.

Homer Woodring by Kathy Gonsar, Staugaitis family.

Charlotte Yucha by Betty Neil, Tom and Jean Olcese, Mr. and Mrs. John Zawalick.

Ken Zigner by Shamokin High School Class of 1961.

Contributions to the Memorial Fund:

Charles A. Young by mom Vera Young and sister Linda James and family

Franklin A. Young Sr. by wife Vera Young and daughter Linda James and family.

Honor a loved one and place a permanent memorial in the Library Century Club.

Circus Day has educational theme

COAL TOWNSHIP - Circus of the Kids, a circus education organization based in Tallahassee, Fla., will perform Thursday at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School.

The professional group will spend most of the day helping students improve hand-eye coordination, persistence, concentration and self-confidence. The highlight of Circus Day is a 45-minute circus performance.

The organization says that juggling is an "excellent activity" to develop laterality, or right-left body coordination, one of the foundational skills essential for achievement in reading and language arts.

Circus of the Kids travels some 30,000 miles around the nation each year to reach children at schools, camps, resorts and other venues.

On the Net: www.circusofthekids.com

Tournament raises $2,800 for Logan

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin Youth Girls Basketball League (SYGBL) raised $2,800 for Logan Williams through its three-day tournament this past Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Robert Getchey said the money was presented to the family at the close of the tournament, held at the Shamokin Area Annex gymnasium, Sunday night.

About $1,500 was collected at the door during the event and $1,300 was raised through chances and food sales, with the food items having been donated by players' parents.

Members of the Shamokin Area Bucket Club and girls basketball boosters assisted, and PIAA officials donated their time.

Logan, a fourth-grader, was critically injured last fall when struck by lightning after getting off the school bus near his home near Paxinos.

KULPMONT - The American Red Cross conducted a successful blood drive March 19 at American Legion Post 231, with 36 units obtained.

Rose Koldash, project coordinator, thanked all donors.

She also acknowledged the efforts of Peggy Yancheski and Elizabeth Katoina, community volunteers; Joyce Durovick, auxiliary member; Elizabeth Chapman, auxiliary president; Regina Poplaski, auxiliary treasurer; Mike Chapman, Legion second vice commander, and Joe Durovick, post judge advocate.

NAME OF GROUP, BUSINESS OR INDIVIDUAL: __________________________________

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ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________________________

CONTACT PERSON(S): __________________________________________________________

PHONE: _________________________________________________________________________

TITLE OF ENTRY OR THEME: ___________________________________________________

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PLEASE CHECK ONE THAT MOST APPLIES:

INDIVIDUAL _______ GROUP ________ PET ________

AND

WALKERS _____ SMALL FLOAT ______ LARGE FLOAT ______

OLD TIME CARS ______ BAND ______

OTHER (please describe) ________________________________________________________

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Return to: Anthracite Heritage Festival Parade, attn: Pam Burns, 10 S. Market St., Shamokin, PA 17872 or fax to 570-644-0897.

SHAMOKIN - Individuals and local business and community leaders are invited to take part in the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts Parade on Friday, May 25, sponsored by First National Bank of PA.

Organizers are hoping to pull together a parade that rivals those of the past, with numerous entries representing community pride, be that general heritage, coal mining, an alumni organization, Henry Hynoski and the Giants Super Bowl win, local food fare, Thomas Edison's contributions to the area or many others.

Entries can include floats, antique cars, organizations/associations, bands, fitness groups, musicians, retailers advertising a business, costumed walkers and even pets and animals.

The parade forms on Water Street at 5 p.m. and begins at 6 p.m., traveling down Independence Street and part of Market Street.

Cash prizes will be given for Most Decorative, Most Creative, Best Dressed/Costumes, Most Coal Region Proud and Best of Show.

Call Pam Burns, parade chairwoman for the sponsoring Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities, at First National Bank of PA at 648-9500 for more information. The accompanying form can be sent to her at the bank, 10 S. Market St., Shamokin 17872, or faxed to 644-0897.

SUNBURY - A 26-year-old Sunbury woman charged with holding a 2-year-old boy upside down by his ankle and throwing him onto a couch in January, has been ordered to appear for a pre-trial conference June 1 before Northumberland County Judge William H. Wiest.

April Baker, who was scheduled to enter a plea Monday afternoon, may take her case to trial.

Baker is represented by Attorney Michael Rudinski of Williamsport, who was busy Monday afternoon serving as defense attorney for convicted drug dealer Cornell Delvalle, 45, of Coal Township, who was sentenced by President Judge Robert B. Sacavage to serve 15 1/4 to 35 months in state prison.

Baker and her former boyfriend, Jason Philhower, 26, who lived together at 634 Susquehanna Ave., Apt. 2, at the time of the alleged offenses, were charged by Sunbury Sgt. Christopher Blase with felonies of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child, and misdemeanors of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person relating to Jan. 12 incidents at their apartment.

Philhower pleaded guilty Thursday morning to a felony offense of endangering the welfare of children and was sentenced by Sacavage to 6 to 23 1/2 months in Northumberland County Prison.

An additional felony charge of aggravated assault and two misdemeanors of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person will not be prosecuted.

Baker, who was released from the county prison last week on her own recognizance, is charged with holding Philhower's 2-year-old son upside down by the ankle and throwing him onto a couch, breaking his leg.

The accusations against Philhower and Baker also include reports of putting the child in "timeouts," where he had to face a wall.

Jonathan Chalkin, who said he was at the house when Baker allegedly carried the child by his ankle and threw him on the couch, told police the boy had no problem walking and that he saw no injury to his leg until then. He also admitted, police said, to seeing both Jason Philhower and Baker strike the child on the buttocks repeatedly, both while the child was wearing a diaper and when he wasn't. He also saw both of them squeeze the child's face and yell at him, and put him in the "timeouts."

Chalkin, 39, of Sunbury, was charged by Blase with misdemeanors of endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person in connection with the same incident. He is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial conference April 13.

SUNBURY - A convicted cocaine dealer in the Shamokin area was sentenced Monday afternoon to 15 1/4 to 35 years in state prison.

Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage imposed the stiff sentence on Cornell B. Delvalle, 45, of Coal Township, who didn't seem phased by the judge's order that also requires him to pay approximately $1,000 in fines plus an assortment of costs.

Delvalle was found guilty Jan. 20 by a jury of 12 women of five counts each of possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine and delivery of crack cocaine, four counts of criminal use of a communications facility, and two counts of criminal conspiracy for allegedly delivering crack cocaine to informant Robert Santore, 49, of Ranshaw on Nov. 4, 2007, Nov. 24, 2007, Dec. 3, 2007 and Dec. 6, 2007 in the parking lot at McDonald's along Route 61, and Jan. 22, 2008, in the parking lot at Mt. Royal Mini-Mart at Ranshaw.

The defendant was found not guilty of one count of criminal use of a communication facility relating to the incident on Jan. 22, 2008.

His wife, Diane (Reichwein) Delvalle, 35, was found guilty of two counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy relating to the incidents on Nov. 4, 2007, and Dec. 6, 2007. Mrs. Delvalle, who is free on $80,000 bail, is scheduled to be sentenced by Sacavage on May 14. She is represented by Attorney Michael Morrone of Williamsport.

All the charges were filed by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan, who was pleased with the sentence and hopes it sends a strong message to drug dealers throughout the area.

Delvalle smiled throughout the legal proceeding and exchanged friendly gestures with approximately 15 family members and friends, including his wife and mother, who came to support him. He strutted into the courtroom in his orange county prison shirt and pants, sneakers and a white sweatshirt with his feet shackled. As he entered, one family yelled to him that she loved him, to which he replied, "I love you too."

He also shared some laughs with his attorney, Michael Rudinski of Williamsport, as they waited for Sacavage to begin the legal proceeding.

Shortly after the judge called the court to order, he requested a recess that lasted 45 minutes to clarify the amount of cocaine involved in the drug transactions that weighed between 2.4 and 2.8 grams. Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey, the prosecutor in the case, said because the cocaine weighed less than 3 grams, it lowered the gravity score for the offenses, which had to be taken into consideration before sentencing.

Both attorneys along with Northumberland County Adult Probation Officer Mark Weir attended the conference in the judge's chambers to discuss the weight of the cocaine.

After court resumed, Jerry Connelly, a minister who has met with Delvalle at the county prison since his incarceration in January, and Delvalle's mother, Elizabeth Delvalle, of New Jersey, testified on behalf of the defendant.

Connelly asked Sacavage for leniency in his sentence for the sake of Delvalle's children.

Delvalle's mother, who traveled to the sentencing with a group of family members and friends from New Jersey, also requested the judge to have mercy on her son. The defendant's mother, who used a cane to walk to the judge's bench to testify, then kissed her son before returning to her seat in the courtroom.

When asked by Sacavage if he had anything to say before sentencing, the defendant said he'd like to receive the same deal Santore got for cooperating with police and the district attorney's office as an informant.

Just as he did at the trial, Rudinski maintained that Santore should have been the one arrested for trafficking crack cocaine out of his garage in Ranshaw. He also asked the judge to have the sentences run concurrent rather than consecutive to each other.

Some sentences on the charges ran consecutive while others ran concurrent. Some of the charges merged with others for sentencing purposes.

Rudinski also requested the judge to grant his client credit for prison time (217 days) already served between September 2008 and February 2009, and Jan. 20, 2012, to the present. The judge granted Rudinski's request during sentencing.

Toomey said there was a drug epidemic in the area and said it was important to send a message to drug users to stay out of Northumberland County.

He said a pre-sentence investigation determined Delvalle's criminal record score to be a 5. Toomey noted the defendant had been arrested for three felonies (burglary, robbery and assault of a police officer) in New Jersey in the 1980s and 1990s.

Delvalle was found not guilty of a firearms offense in Northumberland County in 2005. He was convicted of a drug paraphernalia charge in 2007 in Northumberland County, but that conviction was overturned on an appeal to the Superior Court.

Before imposing sentence, Sacavage said, "The jury is the voice of the community and we must maintain the integrity of the jury system. Drugs are a scourge on society and they diminish the quality of life in a community."

Delvalle didn't display much emotion as Sacavage recited each of the sentences on the charges that total 15 1/4 to 35 years in state prison. Before leaving the courtroom, Delvalle smiled at his family members and friends before strutting back downstairs to a holding cell at the courthouse to await transport by deputy sheriffs to the county jail, where he has been held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail since his conviction.

Diane (Reichwein) Delvalle's daughter, Stormie Birster, was the most vocal person in the courtroom as the sentence was imposed. At one point, she could be heard yelling, "Wow." Birster also started crying and began calling everyone "scum bags" as she glanced at police and prosecutors in the courtroom.

Cornell Delvalle's mother added, "God will judge all of you."

Several other members of Delvalle's family claimed the sentence was too harsh.

Sheriff Chad Reiner, who employed tight security at the legal proceeding, said there were no disturbances inside or outside the courthouse at the conclusion of the sentencing.

Rudinski said he plans to appeal the sentence within 30 days to the Superior Court. "There are a lot of things open for appeal with this case," he said.

The longtime defense attorney stated, "Other than a murder case, this is the stiffest penalty imposed on a defendant that I can recall in my 29 years in the profession."

Rudinski's request for appeal bail for his client, which was opposed by Toomey, was denied by Sacavage.

Toomey commended Brennan and other police officers involved in the case.

Santore previously pleaded guilty to two counts of manufacturing with intent to deliver a controlled substance filed by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal conspiracy filed by Brennan.

Santore, who testified against Delvalle and his wife at their January trial, is scheduled to be sentenced by Sacavage on April 30. He is represented by Attorney Peter Campana of Williamsport.

by justin strawser

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - The wind was blamed for a fire that destroyed a home on Packer Island Monday evening, according to Subury Fire Department Assistant Chief Richard Sinko.

Witnesses reported seeing a wood fire outside the home of Richard Good, at the corner of Park Drive and Mungo Avenue, Sinko said. He also said it is believed embers were blown into the rear portion of the home, catching the building on fire at approximately 4:35 p.m.

The house, a two-story building, went up in flames, which quickly consumed both floors. By 5:15 p.m., the flames were knocked down and by 5:50 p.m., the scene was declared secure.

Firefighters were observed on the second floor, throwing out the charred remains of furniture while grey smoke lingered above the home.

"They all worked well together. I was very pleased with the operations," Sinko said.

There were no injuries reported despite early calls of entrapment on the scanner. Sinko said it was mistakenly thought Good was in the house because a vehicle was in the driveway.

He didn't know whether Good lived with others.

Joanne Tocket, of 232 Guyer St., said it was difficult to see anything because of all the "thick, black smoke just billowing out of the roof."

She was standing across the street with three other neighbors watching the firefighters work, who knocked the fire down quickly, she said.

The fire was ruled accidental and there was no need for State Police Fire Marshal Norman Fedder to investigate, Sinko said.

Assisting at the scene were approximately 75 fire fighters from Sunbury Fire Department, Stonington Fire Company, Upper Augusta Volunteer Fire Department, Northumberland Hook and Ladder, Shamokin Dam Rescue Fire Department, DH and L. Company of Selinsgrove, Warrior Run Area Fire Department and Americus Hose Company Ambulance.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - The Pennsylvania Department of Health has ordered Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs not to accept new patients at this time, placing the hospital in a tougher financial situation.

However, the no new admissions order from the DOH still allows the hospital to keep operating.

"This facility has not been closed," said DOH Deputy Press Secretary Holli Senior late Monday afternoon.

The determination from DOH about no new patients to be admitted came last Friday, according to Senior.

"On March 23, the Department of Health completed a complaint investigation at Saint Catherine Medical Center to determine compliance with state licensure and federal Medicare and Medicaid regulations for hospitals," said Senior. "As a result of this investigation, the department discovered serious deficiencies and violations of applicable regulations that it felt posed a significant threat to the health and safety of the patients at the facility. Therefore, a ban on new admissions was imposed on the facility effective March 23, 2012."

Senior said the goal of the department is to ensure that all patients in Pennsylvania receive quality care. The DOH licenses and verifies compliance with state and federal health and safety standards in supervised health care facilities as mandated by law, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health/hospice agencies, certain primary care providers, ambulatory surgical facilities and intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities.

"The department conducts regular on-site surveys to assure health, safety, sanitation, fire and quality of care requirements and to identify deficiencies which may affect state licensure or eligibility for federal reimbursements under the Medicaid and Medicare programs," she said.

Problems at the hospital came to light last week when complaints were received by The Republican-Herald and The News-Item that employees were being paid late since the beginning of the year. Some employees spoke to the press on condition of anonymity that basic supplies used in the hospital's operation were in short supply at times.

In an interview last Wednesday. Saint Catherine's President/CEO Merlyn E. Knapp spoke of a problem with a vendor whose name was not disclosed, though he said it could become a legal matter.

On Monday, PPL Electric Utilities Corp., Allentown, filed a lawsuit against Saint Catherine's and five affiliate entities in county court.

The document PPL filed to start the lawsuit, a praecipe for summons, contained no details about the claim, but did have a demand for a jury trial. According to USLegal.com, "praecipe" is Latin for "to command," and is a written motion or request seeking some court action, especially a trial setting or an entry of judgment. It orders a defendant to do an act or explain why inaction is appropriate.

PPL attorney John M. Mulcahey, Scranton, could not be reached Monday for comment about the lawsuit.

In addition to the medical center, the other defendants named by PPL include Saint Catherine's Physician Services of Pennsylvania, LLC, Saint Catherine's Hospital of Pennsylvania, LLC, Saint Catherine's Healthcare Center, Saint Catherine's Physicians SVC, and Saint Catherine's Healthcare.

The SCMC Board of Directors held a special meeting Monday evening in the Susan Amedow Boardroom in the hospital. The meeting lasted about 90 minutes, with everyone leaving the room without making any comments.

SCMC Administrative Director Jennifer M. Pisarchick of Strategic Planning and Marketing, who attended the meeting, said no comment on the board meeting discussion.

"We have no comment. We're working on the issues," said Pisarchick.

Local temps drop down low

The National Weather Service called for clear skies Monday overnight into today with low temperatures in the lower 20s in Northumberland County and winds coming in from the northwest at 5 to 10 mph.

NWS Meteorologist Tony Mach said Monday night that frost was possible with the lower temperatures and light wind.

SUNBURY - Returning to their old stomping grounds, 80s hard rock band KIX will play a concert Saturday evening at Splash Magic Campground, Northumberland.

According to Fisher Promotions, the company producing the show, Saturday's performance marks the first time since the mid-1980s that the Maryland-based band will be playing in the Sunbury/Northumberland area.

Before KIX found national fame with such hits as "The Itch," "Cold Shower," "Midnite Dynamite" and the international smash "Don't Close Your Eyes," the band regularly played at the Strand Theater in Sunbury.

In the past few years, lead singer Steve Whiteman, guitarists Ronnie "10/10" Younkins and Brian "Damage" Forsythe, drummer Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant and bassist Mark Schenker, have seen a resurgence in their music which has led them to play national shows such as the Rocklahoma Festival and the M3 Rock Festival in Maryland.

Doors for the show open at 6 p.m. with opening act Lemongelli, of Scranton, hitting the stage at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by calling Fisher Promotions at 473-3548 or 847-1946, or at the event's sponsors, Surplus Outlets in Northumberland and Montgomery and at K&S Music in Paxinos. Tickets are $35 for general admission.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area Band and Orchestra Boosters will conduct their third annual Chinese auction Sunday, April 22, at the Shamokin Area Elementary School cafeteria. Doors open at noon, and the auction starts at 2 p.m.

At this year's event, along with the hundreds of regular auction prizes, there will be many special items for raffle, including a getaway trip to the Poconos, Catawese and King Coal tours, an autographed picture of Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamulu, grocery carts, theme baskets, gift certificates, sporting event tickets, theme park passes and Vera Bradley purses.

There will be plenty of food and refreshments for sale, including homemade chicken pot pie, haluski, soups (chicken corn, vegetable and wedding), handmade pizza, hot dogs, barbecue, pierogies, hot and cold drinks and homemade desserts.

The boosters have arranged to have "SpongeBob" appear to entertain and interact with children who will attend with their parents.

Admission is $3 per person (toddlers are free), and includes a drink, cupcake and one sheet of auction tickets. Additional auction and special item raffle tickets will be available at extra cost.

Contact Curt Martin at 648-2612 or Ruthann Munson at 648-9880 for additional information.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants who waived their cases or were held for court were ordered to appear for plea court May 21 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, at which time they can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Heather L. Schleig, 32, of 104 E. Coal St., Trevorton, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to drive in a single lane, driving at an unsafe speed, speeding, failure to wear a seat belt, limitations on driving on the left side of the road and careless driving relating to a Feb. 4 vehicle stop on Route 890 in Zerbe Township.

The charges were filed by Trooper Barry Wooten of state police at Stonington.

n Michael W. Yost, 26, of 1772 W. Wood St., Coal Township, waived to court charges of theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief involving incidents that occurred between Sept. 22 and Oct. 28 in mountain areas of Coal and Zerbe townships.

Yost was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Terry Ketchem and Zerbe Township Police Chief Robert John with cutting 71 tons of pine timber valued at $4,400 on land owned by Northumberland County.

n Sean J. Harris, 25, of 120 E. Academy St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of simple assault and harassment relating to a Feb. 19 disturbance at his residence.

Harris was charged by Shamokin Cpl. John Brown with assaulting his girlfriend, Cassandra Catino.

n Brandon E. Kashner, 23, of 1301 W. Montgomery St., Coal Township, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol involving an Oct. 15 incident in the 1400 block of West State Street.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Henrich.

n Richard A. Morgret, 25, of 212 S. Franklin St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of simple assault and harassment relating to a March 21 disturbance at his home.

Morgret was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Darwin Tobias III with assaulting his girlfriend, Brittany Fenstermacher.

n Curtis L. Shaffer, 41, of Box 834, Coal Township RR 1, waived to court charges of manufacturing with intent to deliver marijuana, criminal conspiracy and possession of drug paraphernalia involving a Dec. 22 incident at a residence in the 100 block of South Market Street.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Cpl. John Brown.

n Ada H. Wimberly, 37, of 79 Raspberry Hill, Shamokin, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $50 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for six months.

Wimberly was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle with causing a disturbance inside and outside the Shamokin Housing Authority building at 1 E. Independence St. on Feb. 14.

n Andrea Bishop, 36, of 1238 Scott St., Kulpmont, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.

Charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia were withdrawn.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga in connection with an Oct. 19 incident in the first block of South Poplar Street.

n Christina J. Hepner, 24, of 43 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was given credit for time previously served in Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of fines and costs.

A charge of possession of drug paraphernalia filed by Shamokin Cpl. John Brown was withdrawn.

Hepner, who remains in the county jail, was charged in connection with a Feb. 15 incident at her residence.

n Sean M. Callahan, 30, of Mifflinburg, who is currently in Luzerne County Prison, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for six months.

An additional charge of possession of Suboxone was withdrawn.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga in connection with an Aug. 18 incident in the 1700 block of West Pine Street.

Chinese auction will support 150th

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel 150th Anniversary Committee will hold a Chinese auction in conjunction with the Mount Carmel Lions Club Street Fair on Saturday, May 12. Local organizations, civic groups, veterans groups, churches and individuals can donate baskets. The committee asks donors to take baskets to the Mount Carmel Elks Wednesday, May 9. Those planning to participate should notify the committee by calling 339-2471.

Ladies Day coming to Pitman

PITMAN - The annual Ladies Day at Zion Evangelical Congregational Church will be held Saturday, April 14. Registration will be held from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and the program from 9 a.m, to 3 p.m.

The speaker is Joyce Strong and the theme for the day is "Journey of Joy." Strong will share practical points with Biblical truths to encourage women in their walk. Lunch will be provided. Child care is available for small children, who must be preregistered. There is no charge but a love offering will be accepted.

For reservations and directions, call Elaine at 648-4484.

Grass ordinance in effect

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough code enforcement officer Robin Williams reminds residents that the high grass ordinance is in effect and violators will be cited without warning. According to the ordinance, all grass must be kept below six inches.

Borough officials are also reminded that the street sweeper schedule is in effect from April 2 to Oct. 31. Failure to move your vehicle will result in a fine of $15.

TREVORTON - State troopers are looking for the burglar who was spooked by a passerby and ran from a vacant home being remodeled in Zerbe Township on Tuesday night - but not before making off with $4,000 worth of tools and materials.

The witness observed the thief cutting household wiring from the walls and removing it from the home, owned by Robert Shingara, of Lower Augusta Township.

When he was spotted at 8:45 p.m., the thief dashed from 511 W. Shamokin St. and was last seen running west on Smith Street, located to the rear of the structure.

Trooper Todd Leiby, of the Stonington station, said Wednesday that there was no suspect vehicle at the scene of the crime.

Leiby, who called the crime "bold," estimated the thief was inside the home about two hours and carried away the stolen materials during the course of that time period.

Stolen along with the household wiring were several carpentry tools, saws and drills.

The thief is described as a white male and was wearing a orange hoodless sweatshirt.

Anyone with information on the incident should call troopers at 286-5601 and reference incident No. F08-1134365.

240th year

Founding: Established in 1772, incorporated as a borough in 1797, and as a city in 1920.

Area: 2.2 square miles, 2.1 square miles of land and .1 square miles of water.

Population: 9,905 as of the 2010 census.

City government: Mayor David Persing; council members James Eister, Kevin Troup, Joseph Bartello III and Todd Snyder; clerk Theresa A. Specht; treasurer Elizabeth R. Kremer; chief of police Stephen Mazzeo.

Sites of interest: North 4th Street Recreational Complex, city ice skating rink and community center, which serves as home to the Bucknell University ice hockey team, Fort Discovery playground and Oppenheimer Pleasure Grounds, Cameron Park, Keithan Bluebird Gardens, Shikellamy State Park and Marina, Sunbury Community Hospital, Adam T. Bower Fabridam, Amateur Softball Association of Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.

Special events: Sunbury Celebration to be held July 12 to 14, Sunbury River Festival to be held Aug. 16 to 18.

SUNBURY - In a city that can trace its roots to the pre-Revolutionary War era, Sunbury has been synonymous with Northumberland County since both were founded.

According to Bell's History of Northumberland County, the area was known as the Indian village of Shamokin, headed by Chief Shikellamy. In 1756, during the French and Indian War, the British built Fort Augusta, which became a stronghold for Pennsylvania's military forces for several years.

Before the Revolutionary War, surveyor General Lukens was given the task to head for Fort Augusta and, with the assistance of William Maclay, "lay out a town for the county of Northumberland to be called Sunbury."

By the time the 1800s rolled around, Sunbury had been established as the hub of Northumberland County, because it is located at the forks of the Susquehanna River. At its founding in 1772, it became the seat of government for the county as well.

As historic as Fort Augusta was, it no longer stands. It fell into disrepair and only a powder magazine and a well remain. A third historical sight near the area, "Bloody Spring," also remains.

Located a half-mile from the fort, the site gets its name from an incident when a Col. Miles and one of his lieutenants encountered Indians hiding in a thicket, trying to position themselves between the soldiers and the fort.

When a third soldier arrived to drink from the stream, the Indians fired and killed the soldier, while Miles and the lieutenant escaped to safety. When a rescuing unit arrived at the scene, they found the soldier had been scalped, his blood running into the stream, turning the water red.

Edison

The city's other contribution to the history of the nation sits at the corner of Fourth and Market streets. In 1883, The City Hotel was visited by a young inventor named Thomas Edison, who wired the building for electricity using his patented three-wire system. To commemorate the occasion, the hotel was renamed the Edison Hotel, which became the first commercial building to be wired for electricity.

St. Edward's Church, now Mother Cabrini Church, in Shamokin, wired in the fall of 1882, was the first structure in the world to be wired for electricity.

Market Street is also the birthplace of another popular business, thanks to two brothers who established a pure foods market there in 1912. From Harry and Sigmund Weis to Harry's son Robert and his grandson Jonathan, Weis Markets has gone from "the little store in Sunbury" to a grocery empire, employing more than 18,000 people with its stores in five states, manufacturing facilities and corporate office.

The company and the Weis family have their charitable side as well, and helped establish Janet Weis Children's Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville; the Sigmund Weis School of Business at Susquehanna University, and the Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell University, Lewisburg.

Employees are also work to raise money for health and wellness causes and raising money for its annual Fight Hunger program, donating food to local food pantries.

River festival

One of the biggest events in the city will be even better in 2012, according to Sunbury River Festival officials.

The festival will take place Aug. 16 to 18 on Front Street at the new Sunbury Riverfront and in Merle Phillips Park.

With the new amphitheater and Phase I of the Sunbury Riverfront area set to be completed in May, this year's festival will welcome hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors to the streets of Sunbury for such events as the car cruise, the Cardboard Regatta and the Valley's Got Talent performance competition.

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Department of Health is reminding parents and caregivers of the upcoming deadline to ensure school-aged children have had all required immunizations.

"When the current school year began, families were given an eight-month provisional period to get their students up-to-date with their vaccinations," said Dr. Eli Avila, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. "This period is coming to an end, so we are reminding families to make sure school-aged children are immunized." New immunization regulations that took effect last August require children in all grades to receive a second dose of mumps vaccine as well as a second dose of the chicken pox vaccine.

They also require students in seventh grade to have one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) and one dose of the tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap). All vaccines also need to be appropriately spaced to be considered valid.

To help parents and caregivers meet the deadline, the department will be providing free immunization clinics during the week of April 9. Students will need to be registered by Friday. To register for an appointment in your area, visit www.padohclinicappt.com.

Individuals can also call 877-PA HEALTH (877-724-3258) for additional information. The most recent copy of the student's vaccination history must be provided at the time of the appointment. Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

While the department established the new regulations, enforcement is up to individual school districts. The regulations were developed upon recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. To review the regulations, visit www.health.state.pa.us/immunizations.

Mount Carmel input

Mount Carmel Area School District reports that, if their immunizations are not up to date by May 1, 128 students at the high school and 101 at the elementary level at will be sent home. Parents have been previously notified by mail.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs is not allowed to perform surgeries in addition to a ban on new admissions.

The state Department of Health imposed a ban on admissions Friday as a result of an investigation to determine adherence to state licensure and federal Medicare and Medicaid regulations, according to a letter sent March 23 to Merlyn Knapp, president/CEO of Saint Catherine, from the Department of Health.

The department provided a copy of the letter to The Republican-Herald, Pottsville.

The investigation determined serious deficiencies and violations and imposed the ban on new admissions, according to the letter.

The letter also reads, "Based on information provided during the investigation, it was determined the facility does not have the proper equipment and supplies to continue to provide surgical services. Until you (Knapp) can provide the department with evidence that the operating room equipment has been properly inspected, there is sufficient equipment and there are adequate supplies, the ban on admissions also applies to your surgical services department and no surgical procedures may be performed unless and until the ban is lifted."

When asked for comment Wednesday, Jennifer M. Pisarchick, administrative director of Strategic Planning and Marketing for Saint Catherine, said, "I can't respond at this time."

The hospital can appeal the decision by requesting a hearing before the Health Policy Review Board, the letter states. A department spokeswoman said the department was not aware of an appeal being filed as of Wednesday.

The department may lift the ban on new admissions if it finds an "acceptable plan of correction and the conditions of the facility have improved to where serious violations of the laws and regulations cited above no longer exist and no significant threat to the health and safety of residents at the facility is present."

The letter states that future action to the hospital and its license is not ruled out. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services may also take action, the letter states.

On Monday, the hospital's board of directors held a meeting but did not comment afterward.

Also Monday, PPL Electric Utilities filed a lawsuit against Saint Catherine and five affiliate entities in county court. The document PPL filed to start the lawsuit, a praecipe for summons, contained no details about the claim but did have a demand for a jury trial.

BEAVERDALE - A hit-and-run driver was apprehended by police Wednesday night after he struck at least three people walking on the Locust Gap Highway near Mount Carmel Area Elementary School.

Victor E. Swaboski III, employed as an elementary teacher in Shamokin Area School District, was found hiding in a wooded area near Seventh and Poplar streets and was taken into custody.

Swaboski, 39, of Mount Carmel, was taken to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community

Hospital for blood testing and was scheduled to be arraigned by an on-call district magistrate on criminal charges late Wednesday, said Chief Brian Hollenbush, Mount Carmel Township Police.

Three people are believed to be seriously injured and were taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, two of whom were flown by Life Flight helicopter and a third driven by ambulance.

Two others were driven by ambulance to G-SACH in Coal Township.

None of the victims' injuries are believed to be life-threatening, an official said at the scene.

No further information was available on the victims.

Two men who saw Swaboski's Jeep Liberty after the crash say it was dragging a bicycle.

John Lupatsky and Joe Stelma both said they watched Swaboski flee east into Mount Carmel borough on Fifth Street, dragging a bicycle and causing sparks to fly.

Stelma was in his garage when he saw the Jeep.

"You could see sparks all the way up Fifth Street," he said.

Lupatsky was driving in his own vehicle when the Jeep drove past him. He said he followed the vehicle for a bit before pulling off of the road as police vehicles approached from behind.

Both of the men said Swaboski stopped his vehicle at Fifth and Beech streets, exited and pulled the bike away before driving south on Beech Street.

Swaboski was apprehended nearby in a wooded area at Seventh and Poplar streets near the site of the former Lapinski Lumber Co., Mount Carmel.

The accident was reported at 8:22 p.m. and Swaboski was in custody 14 minutes later.

The five pedestrians, all believed to be teenagers, were walking east toward Mount Carmel when they were struck from behind by the eastbound Jeep.

Two of the teens had bicycles.

The victims were treated in a patch of grass just off the highway and near the school's fence.

Those flown by helicopter were taken to the high school where a landing zone was established.

An official at the scene confirmed that a woman driving in the area at the time of the accident pulled over to call 911 and check on the victims.

A Beaverdale man who was among the first at the scene said it appeared three of the teens were hit by the Jeep while the other two were shaken up by the incident.

All were conscious and talking to emergency responders, said the man, who asked not to be identified.