TREVORTON - A village woman was run over by her own pickup truck Wednesday when she attempted to look beneath the vehicle to check on its emergency brake.

Jess Thomas was attempting to back a Dodge Ram 2500 out of her driveway at 800 W. Coal St. about 5:20 p.m. when a mechanical issue arose.

She accidentally left the vehicle in reverse when she got out to look at the undercarriage, according to Zerbe Township Police.

The pickup knocked her to the ground and its front driver-side tire backed over her, running over the left side of her face and her torso, Officer Josh Moyer said.

Her injuries, however, are not life-threatening, he said.

The 31-year-old woman was treated by ambulance personnel and taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

She was conscious on scene and was answering questions, and also had complained of trouble breathing, the officer said.

A condition update was not available from the hospital late Wednesday.

After backing over Thomas, the truck came to rest against an embankment on West Coal Street.

SUNBURY - Mayor David Persing says he and others have worked tirelessly to improve the city and develop new and exciting recreational opportunities. Despite those efforts, the 240-year-old municipality, the seat of Northumberland County government, has an image problem.

What the mayor is fighting is related through a story he heard from a couple from Doylestown.

They were looking for somewhere to retire and toured the area.

"They met with a real estate agent, who showed them homes in Danville and Selinsgrove," Persing said. "When they asked about Sunbury, the agent told them that they didn't want to live in Sunbury. Nothing goes through me more than when I hear that."

But the Doylestown couple checked out the city for themselves, including Cameron Park along Market Street. They would eventually purchase a property along that main drag.

"They don't even know what they want to do with it yet, but they are tired of big-city life and are looking for a place to retire," Persing said.

The Doylestown couple had to learn for themselves what the city should be telling perspective newcomers, Persing believes.

"We need to market the city better, and our first step is to talk about the positives. The city recently launched its Facebook page, and I want to match up a positive for every negative," he said.

"We are three hours from Philadelphia and three hours from New York City and four hours from Pittsburgh, so we can see all the major sporting events," but not have to live in a metropolitan area, he added. "We have a great quality of life here."

Such optimism fuels Persing's desire to polish the city's tarnished image.

"There are a lot of positives going on here, and we want to leap from positive to positive," he said.

Housing fixes

Key issues in the city revolve around housing, according to Persing.

Because of a glut of rental properties - currently, 54 percent of the city's housing units are rentals - a permit to create a rental property is now $1,000.

Persing suggested the high fee as a means of improving the quality of rental units.

City council also continues to pursue a new series of ordinances designed to have landlords and tenants take better care of their properties. It stemmed from the mayor's frustration.

"You open up the paper and see 100 people picked up in a drug bust, and it's the same names over and over," Persing said. "I wanted to nail a sign on the door calling them a drug dealer, which the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) told me the next day I can't do."

Reaction to the ordinance has been mixed, but a series of public information sessions on the matter has helped, he said.

"We are looking at parts of Berwick's ordinance and the biggest one, to eliminate the drug trade, is that if you are convicted twice for selling drugs, you will not be able to get an occupancy permit in the city of Sunbury," the mayor said.

Another topic Persing wants to see addressed in the ordinance is if something happens at the home, landlords are partly responsible.

"They are the people that rent to them, so why shouldn't they shoulder the burden?" said Persing, who would like to see the first reading of the ordinance be held in June.

Another problem is absentee landlords who allow their properties to become run down. Through some help with the court system, Sunbury has had the opportunity to acquire such properties and tear them down. From there, a new plan has developed.

"We want to sell some of the better properties and the ones that need to be torn down as building lots," Persing said. "The proceeds for that will stay with the property program to do more revitalization."

Persing said the city is looking into an unprecedented program that would bring construction and housing to the area.

"We hope to work with some construction companies that will give us three options for homes to build, and if someone can provide the information that they have the means to build and maintain a property, and enter a contract with the construction company, we could give them the land for free to revitalize the neighborhood, and put it on the tax rolls."

Staying positive

The silver lining seems to never dim for the mayor, even in the wake of controversy. Recently, city residents have expressed concerns about Clean Harbors Environmental Services of Norwell, Mass, using part of the former Celotex grounds as a proposed waste transfer station for 1,000 tons of residual waste from the Marcellus shale industry, either in liquid or solid form.

"People seem to forget that, two years ago, there was this huge empty building that may have sat empty for 50 years," the mayor said. "I don't think that Moran Industries (the owner of the site) would invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into the site to just put in a waste pit that is going to bring toxic waste and incur millions of dollars in fines."

Persing said he understands the public's concerns, but said there is a lot of misinformation.

"Everyone is talking about frack water coming in, but nowhere in the permit does it say anything about 'frack water,' but frack water waste," he said. "The industry is so regulated currently if we find some wrong waste, DEP can track where it came from due to its composition. There is nothing corrupt going on here. The city won't allow that."

Northumberland County Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy attended a Sunbury City Council meeting Monday night and offered their help. The county hired an engineer Tuesday to look over the permit Clean Harbors filed with DEP.

"I know people have 100 questions about this, and I know that some people will not be satisfied anyway," Persing said. "I feel this could be a positive thing for the city and help to attract more industry to that site and the city. We are cautious and have concerns, but we can look at it positively as well."

Not a fairy tale

Persing, who served as mayor from 1990 to 2006 and returned to office in 2010, said he'll continue to pursue new projects.

"You have to believe and make the people believe that this isn't a fairy tale or a dream, this is something that can happen," Persing said. "I'm not the type of person that invests in plans or gets behind something that I know realistically can't happen."

Asked where he sees Sunbury in five years, Persing said he would like to see it continue to be what it already is - the center of the Susquehanna Valley.

"I can give you 10 good reasons to live in the city of Sunbury," he said.

SUNBURY - City councilman Jim Eister looks over the wall at the riverfront and sees more than just the Susquehanna River.

He sees bulldozers, construction workers and materials that are transforming the shoreline into a recreational area that will connect other elements of local recreation, including the Shikellamy State Park Marina.

"We are moving along nicely," Eister said earlier this month. "The weather has been cooperating, and we hope to have it all done by the end of May."

Eister said an amphitheater will be the focus of the six-year, $11 million Sunbury Riverfront Park project.

"Imagine sitting here and listening to some music on a summer's night, or just relaxing and watching boats go by, or just the scenery in reflection," he said. "That's what we want to establish here."

Work done on the Front Street side of the wall was enjoyed last summer during the annual Sunbury River Festival. The festival is headed for its 11th and biggest year this August, Eister said.

"We will have the amphitheater ready, and people can come on this other side of the wall," he said, to "appreciate this beautiful resource we've been given."

A trail for walkers, joggers and bike riders is under construction on the river side of the flood wall, allowing city residents and others to better experience the river.

On this day, crews continued to work on an other new feature, a fishing pier.

"As long as the weather is still cooperating, we should have it done for everyone to enjoy in June," Eister said.

Six miles of recreation

Through the walking trail program and the Veterans Memorial Bridge, the idea is to connect Shikellamy State Park to Jack Treese Park in Shamokin Dam and to the fish ladder to be built at the Adam T. Bower Memorial Fabridam, a distance of six miles.

Tom Grebnick, director of the Community Resource Center at SEDA-COG, Lewisburg, and a consultant on the project, says it will bring Sunbury and Shamokin Dam together.

"It puts forth the idea for a gateway community," Grebnick said in a November News-Item article, explaining the plan is for "smart transportation," a term PennDOT uses to describe a linking transportation planning with economic development and environmental land use.

Eister thinks a calm winter will make for a relaxing, beautiful summer at the new riverfront.

"Things are still on schedule," Eister said Wednesday. "The crews put new decking on the old Bainbridge pier (part of the trail) and, on Monday, we will be putting a fresh topcoat on the walking trail on the riverfront."

The gangplanks at the marina were removed, so a new dock system there is on its way, he said.

'Sky's the limit'

Looking out at the river, Eister offered more imagination about events - and about spectators coming from far and wide to see them.

"Can you just imagine seeing a speed or drag boat race being held here, or a rowing regatta?" he asked. "The sky's the limit."

Missing revenue

Municipality Unpaid 2011 taxes* Collection rate

Coal Township $395,691.49 78%

Shamokin $1,180,726.55 61%

(* Includes real estate, occupation and per capita taxes.)

Shamokin and Coal Township can appear indistinguishable at times, right down to the ambiguous borders the communities share.

But a look at tax delinquencies turned over by the municipalities last year show a striking difference.

Unpaid taxes in Shamokin were three-times higher at more than $1.1 million in 2011 compared to the township's $395,000-plus.

Also, the city's combined average collection rate for occupation, per capita and property taxes was 61 percent - 17 percent lower than the township's 78 percent.

While Shamokin's property tax levy is substantially higher than the township's, its average collection rate is not wholly encumbered by real estate taxes. It's the excessively low rates for occupation and per capita taxes - at a combined 46.5 percent - that most hamper the city.

A commonality between the two communities, however, is the positive impact a higher tax collection rate would have on their respective budgets, not to mention those of Shamokin Area School District and Northumberland County.

"It would have given us a healthy surplus going into the 2012 budget year," said city Clerk Steve Bartos, who noted the city is off to a good start for collections in the first quarter of 2012.

George Zalar, longtime Coal Township commissioner, said that while delinquent taxpayers are a burden to the township, he's more concerned with people living in the township who are not on the tax rolls at all.

"I'm more worried about the people who are avoiding paying totally," Zalar said, adding that he believes the amount of taxes owed from the unknowns would eclipse even the delinquents.

Left unpaid

The taxes are collected by the municipalities on their own behalf and that of the county and school district. They're paid by residents, property owners and people employed within their respective boundaries.

In Coal Township, $395,691.49 was left outstanding in 2011 - a significant figure but small in comparison to Shamokin's $1,180,726.65.

Of that amount in Shamokin, more than 41 percent, or $487,562.42, is owed to the city itself. Had those tax bills been paid in full, the $375,000 deficit the city faced entering the year would have been cleared, with cash to spare.

Another $557,829.56 went unpaid to Shamokin Area - which itself is facing a multimillion-dollar budget deficit - and the remaining $135,334.67 is owed to Northumberland County.

Of the total left unpaid in Coal Township, the township itself is owed $110,859.36; $171,019.53 is owed to the school district and $113,812.60 to the county.

The township's deficit, estimated at $190,000 entering this year, wouldn't have been erased if all taxes were collected, but a considerable reduction could have been realized.

Shamokin's taxes were raised slightly for 2012 with a 1 mill bump of the recreation tax. Coal Township couldn't avoid an increase, either, as slight boosts were approved for its property (0.6 mill) and occupation tax rates (25 percent).

Northumberland County, facing an approximately $1 million shortfall, raised taxes, too, by 1.95 mills. A slight increase of 0.6695 mill is expected for the school district when it passes its 2012-13 budget in June.

If even just a portion of the unpaid taxes had been forked over by city and township residents, the need for tax increases for the county and school district would likely have been diminished.

'Own weight'

Property tax is collected more easily because people simply don't want to lose their homes, both Bartos and Zalar said.

Without the fear of losing something as important as property, collecting per capita and occupation taxes becomes more complicated.

When per capita and occupation taxes become delinquent and the accounts are handed over to a collection firm, Bartos said the cost to pursue some delinquents can be a further financial burden.

Delinquent property taxes are pursued by the county tax claims bureau.

Zalar said the township is looking to find a firm to track down people living in Coal Township but who are not on the tax rolls.

Collection of the per capita and occupation taxes could be boosted in both municipalities with their own landlord-tenant ordinances which, among other things, tracks who's renting property in both the city and township.

Those names can then be checked against the tax rolls; if a name is missing, it can be added.

"You have to pull your own share and your own weight," Zalar said.

Census data

Socioeconomic data gathered in the 2010 Census could explain the disparity in delinquencies between Shamokin and Coal Township.

Shamokin's unemployment rate is a whopping 15 percent. That's 7 percent higher than the current national average, and 5 percent higher than the national average when the census data was compiled.

City residents earn on average $27,210 annually - about $3,700 less than their neighbors in the township ($30,910).

Coal Township's unemployment rate using census data is 9 percent - a tick higher than the current national average.

However, its residents earn about $30,939 annually, which, like Shamokin, is far below the national average of $50,046.

Both have a high rate of families living below the poverty level - 17 percent in Coal Township and 20 percent in Shamokin - and both hit double-digit percentages for families receiving food stamp benefits - 10 percent in Coal Township and 18 percent in Shamokin.

Property

Coal Township issued a combined 9,657 property tax bills on behalf of three taxing entities, of which 1,600 went unpaid.

Delinquent property taxes in the township totaled $354,517.74 - $112,404.60 unpaid to the county, $98,833.61 to the township and $143,279.53 to the school district. That combined total dipped about $18,000 from 2010.

There were 8,194 property tax bills issued to Shamokin property owners, of which 2,008 were marked as delinquent.

Shamokin's unpaid property taxes total $558,838.65 - $286,501.42 unpaid to the city, $119,824.67 to the county and $152,512.56 to the school district.

The amount of vacant housing units for both communities is striking.

At the time of the Census, there were 835 residential properties vacant in the city and 436 vacant in the township - figures that account for properties that are not for rent, that are not for sale and that are not used seasonally.

Per capita, occupation

According to figures from the treasurer's office, the city issued a combined 11,944 bills for occupation and per capita taxes for the three entities, of which a combined 6,383 went unpaid, totaling $621,888.

The township, according to its tax office, issued 11,431 bills for the same taxes, of which 3,298 were left outstanding for a total amount of $41,173.75 - $580,714.25 less that what was delinquent in the city.

ASHLAND - Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train will open for its 50th season on Sunday.

An anniversary celebration is scheduled to coincide with the annual Pioneer Day, which marks its own anniversary, the 20th, on Aug. 18.

Pioneer Tunnel, among the state's leading tourist attractions with 40,000 visitors per year, offers the chance board mine cars and travek 1,800 feet into the Mahanoy Mountain into what was once a working mine. There, visitors hear explanations about how coal is mined, complete with storyboards and up-close examinations of the equipment used. It is a constant 52 degrees deep inside the earth.

Outside the mine, people can ride the Henry Clay, a steam locomotive built in the 1920s that travels a three-quarter mile track around the Mahanoy Mountain. Riders see the Mammoth Strippings and a bootleg mine, and can see the Centralia mine fire during the train ride.

Pioneer Tunnel, at Oak and 19th streets, is open only during weekends in April, with tour times at 11 a.m. and 12:30 and 2 p.m. It is, however, closed on Easter weekend.

In May, September and October, weekday tours are at 11 a.m. and 12:30 and 2 p.m., and weekend tours are held continuously from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, mine tours and train rides run continuously from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to mine tours and train rides, the 50th anniversary celebration and 20th Pioneer Day will include a number of special events at the adjacent Higher-Up Park. Music will be performed by oldies group Memory Lane, and there will be a craft fair, petting zoo, face painting, historical displays, food stands, bingo games and free shuttle service from 23rd and Center streets.

For more information, or to arrange a group tour, call Pioneer Tunnel at 875-3850.

On the Net: www.pioneertunnel.com

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Northumberland County Career and Technology Center (NCCTC) on Tuesday welcomed Chef Paul Mach, an assistant professor at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport and host of the PBS TV show "You're the Chef."

"Chef Paul" worked with the culinary arts students to prepare several dishes, including fontina and tomato tarts, dry adobo rub, roasted boneless leg of lamb and Cuban avocado and pineapple salad with seared scallop inn adobo rub.

Mach is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has more than 25 years experience as a chef in a variety of educational institutions and industry establishments. He also has been active outside the classroom, serving as president of the West Branch Chapter of the American Culinary Federation, participating as a judge at the New York Wine and Food Experience, and taking Penn College culinary students to the Kentucky Derby to cook for thousands of spectators.

The culinary arts program at NCCTC is taught by Chef James Schiavoni.

MOUNT CARMEL - A 40-year-old Coal Township man, who was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and hit and run in connection with three accidents that occurred within minutes of each other last month, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday afternoon before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones.

Leon Phillips, of Hemlock Street, who is employed as a corrections officer at the State Correctional Institution at Frackville, was ordered by Jones to appear for plea court May 21 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury after waiving two counts each of DUI and hit and run, and one count of failure to provide information and render aid, a stop sign violation and accidents involving death or personal injury.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn.

Phillips is accused of crashing his sport utility vehicle into three vehicles Feb. 17 in the east end of the township, including those occupied by a judge and local police officer.

Police reported Phillips had a blood-alcohol content of .237 percent.

The defendant, who wore his state prison uniform to the hearing, was represented by Attorney Stephen Maitland of Mechanicsburg.

He told the judge that he understood his rights and the ramifications of waiving his case to the Court of Common Pleas, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Phillips remains free on $10,000 unsecured bail.

The charges were filed at Jones' office in Mount Carmel because Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III is one of the victims in the case.

Wynn said Phillips was driving a silver Ford Expedition east on Tioga Street at about 2:30 p.m. when his vehicle crashed into the rear of a mini van operated by Elizabeth Gembic, 16, of Elysburg, who was stopped at the intersection of Tioga Street and Route 901 at the bottom of Rock Cut Road.

Gembic and her father, Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, suffered injuries in the accident and were transported by private vehicle to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where they underwent emergency room treatment before being released.

After hitting Gembic's van, police said Phillips became argumentative before turning around and heading west on Tioga Street. Police said witnesses reported seeing Phillips traveling at a high rate of speed and failing to stop for stop signs at Tioga and Hess streets and Tioga and Thomas streets.

At Tioga and Meade streets, police said Phillips' sport utility vehicle crashed into the rear of a pickup truck operated by John Young, of West Mulberry Street, Coal Township, who was stopped for a stop sign.

Police reported Phillips became argumentative toward Young before attempting to flee the scene. Police said Phillips then backed his vehicle into a Dodge truck operated by Edward Purcell, of Tioga Street, Coal Township, who is a Coal Township police officer and DUI coordinator for the southern end of Northumberland County.

Young, Phillips and Purcell were not injured.

None of the four vehicles involved in the crashes required towing.

Clover Hose egg hunt Sunday

MOUNT CARMEL - The Clover Hose Company annual Easter egg hunt is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Mount Carmel baseball fields complex, Railroad and Hickory streets.

Children up to 10 years old are eligible. The event is held as a thank you to the community for supporting local fire departments and emergency personnel. The event always has a special visit from the Easter Bunny and the Clover's mascot the "Green Gator." Every child will receive a gift.

Rain date is 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7.

Those driving to the complex are asked to use the Market Street entrance by the swimming pool. Also remember to watch for children and allow for passage of the fire apparatus when parking.

Report cards to be handed out

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area Middle-High School will distribute report cards to students on Wednesday.

UNIVERSITY PARK - With so many reports in the news media about the dangers associated with certain food ingredients and packaging materials, the public is now understandably suspicious and distrustful of what they eat, according to a food-safety expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Americans are becoming more risk averse when it comes to their food supply, suggested Martin Bucknavage, extension food-safety specialist.

"Public-opinion polls have shown there is an increasing concern in consumers' perception of risks associated with chemical food hazards," he said. "It is difficult for the experts to explain all of the details of the technical risk assessments done on these chemicals, and so it is understandable that consumers are confused when they see various reports warning us about the risks of these chemicals in food.

Bucknavage noted that most people see stories about risky chemicals in foods reported in the news media. He contends that how these stories are written affects consumer perception of the danger presented by the chemicals. In addition to television and print news, many people now use the Internet to find information.

"On the Web, we can find the whole gamut of information, from the scientific studies themselves to the totally unscientific opinion pieces," Bucknavage said. "It is difficult in some cases to tell fact from fiction. Some people get freaked out about what they are eating."

He cited several examples in recent headlines. "First, a well-known soup maker recently decided to stop using cans that contain a chemical called BPA in the lining. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration initially concluded that BPA was not a risk, but after public pressure, the agency decided to "re-evaluate the risk associated with BPA."

Second, a controversy is brewing about the caramel dye that gives cola soft drinks their brown color. A chemical, 4-methylimidazole, or 4-MI, is formed when the coloring is manufactured. According to the FDA, the levels found in soda are well below any concern.

"An FDA spokesman said recently that a consumer would have to consume well over 1,000 cans of soda a day to reach the doses administered in the studies that have shown links to cancer in rodents," Bucknavage said. "However, a prominent consumer watchdog group does not agree. Its leaders have petitioned the FDA to have 4-MI banned."

How do the risks associated with certain chemicals in our food stack up against nonfood related risks? For the consumer, Bucknavage believes, this question is difficult to answer.

"Risk communication is difficult when we discuss chemicals that have low toxicity and are in extremely low concentrations," he said. "To evaluate risk of these chemicals, numerous studies usually are completed," he said. "The scientists issue reports of their findings, and from these reports, numerous interpretations are made, including ones by industry associations, consumer-advocacy groups and government agencies.

"Some of these interpretations make their way to the consumer, either through the news media or websites, or through social media such as blogs and Facebook. Along the way, misinterpretation and bias can enter into the message."

The studies that are conducted to determine risk are rarely perfect, Bucknavage conceded. Animal models, where large quantities are injected into small animals such as rats, often are used for toxicity determinations. With these, there is always a question of how realistic it is when compared to humans and their normal living conditions.

"When large-scale human surveys are used to determine risk, it often is difficult to control all of the variables, including what people eat, their daily habits and their genetic makeup," he said. "In the end, we hope that conclusions that are drawn are unbiased and done in the best interest of the public."

Of course, one of the primary fears that people have is cancer. Past tragedies certainly provide an underpinning for the public's concern, Bucknavage explained.

"Asbestos and tobacco are two examples of cancer-related substances that have received a high level of media coverage and have led to people being skeptical," he said. "So when a linkage is made between a chemical in food and cancer in the news or the media, it will get attention. The question of the level of risk, however, often is more difficult to discern."

It's no wonder that people are concerned about food safety when they hear or read reports or suggestions about food being tainted - and that won't change, Bucknavage noted. But he hopes that most will be able to keep things in perspective, if only for their own sake.

"Consumers should inform themselves as best they can by considering the validity of the information source," he said. "It is very important to understand the bias of those providing the information about food. You can't believe everything you read online, for instance.

"Remember that the information out there about food is rarely clear cut, so it is important for consumers not to overreact and seek a balance in news and information sources."

TREVORTON - Trevorton Elementary School might be getting a four-classroom addition to accommodate kindergarten through fourth grade if the Line Mountain School District moves to close two elementary schools.

Discussion at a school board meeting Tuesday night at Trevorton Elementary School centered on whether the addition is necessary.

"If we stay five sections to a grade level, that requires 25 rooms to maintain what we have now. We have 27 rooms, but we also need classrooms for learning support, life skills and a computer lab," Superintendent Dave Campbell further explained Wednesday. "Can it be done (without an addition)? Yes, but it will be tight."

This year, the elementary grades have 503 students, including 109 in kindergarten.

Currently, these students are divided between the elementary schools at Trevorton, Leck Kill and Dalmatia. The plan is to close Leck Kill and Dalmatia and send the fifth- and sixth-grade students to the junior-senior high school in Mandata to join the seventh- and eighth-grade students in a $3.9 million middle school addition, and send the remaining elementary school students to Trevorton.

If the board decides an addition is necessary, the $1.7 million project would be constructed at the northwest part of the building near Sixth and West Shamokin (Route 225) streets. There would be two classrooms on the second floor, two on the first floor and two in the basement for storage.

There are now 14 classrooms on the second floor and 13 on the first floor. There are also three rooms in the basement, but they would be needed for cafeteria overflow and pre-kindergarten.

The board would like to keep classroom sizes for kindergarten below 20 and for first grade at no more than 20. For second to fourth grades, the goal is to have as close to 20 students as possible.

There is enough space to make it work, but the addition would provide some wiggle room, Campbell said.

Director Dennis Erdman said Tuesday night the administration has suggested these classroom sizes.

"We should take their professional advice. If we need four extra classrooms, I don't have a problem with that," he said.

Next month, Josh Bower, Line Mountain project manager representing Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates Architects, will present plans for the proposed Trevorton project and provide updated cost estimates.

Feasibility study

The board is considering a feasibility study to determine whether eliminating the occupation tax and implementing the earned income tax would be better for the district.

Last month the board announced it may have to write off approximately $567,000 in delinquent occupation and per capita taxes, but the district might be able to make up some of the difference through the earned income tax.

However, shifting the tax requires voter approval. A similar move was voted down twice in Mount Carmel Area School District.

Pink slime

Campbell said the district was notified by its meat supplier, Silver Spring Farms, Harleysville, that the "pink slime" product is not used.

"We do not use it. The people in the area are not affected," he said.

"Pink slime" has been the nickname given to the ammonia-treated filler, known in the industry as "lean, finely textured beef." The low-cost ingredient is made from fatty bits of meat left over from other cuts. The bits are heated and spun to remove most of the fat. The lean mix is then compressed into blocks for use in ground meat. The product is exposed to ammonium hydroxide gas to kill bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella.

SUNBURY - Republicans have a lead of 1,976 in voter registration figures, according to statistics provided by the county elections office. Monday was the deadline for registering to vote or changing party affiliation prior to the April 24 primary.

Prior to the 2011 general election, Republicans had a lead of 1,599 over Democrats.

There are currently 25,273 registered Republicans and 23,297 Democrats in the county. There are 54,411 registered voters, but because Pennsylvania has a closed primary, only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote in their respective primary elections.

Between Nov. 10 and Monday, there were 460 new registrations in Northumberland County. In the same period, the elections office processed 240 changes of party.

In that period, 177 voters changed their affiliation to Republican, 40 to Democrat and 23 to independent.

Coal Township 3,115 1,717

Delaware Township 744 1,438

East Cameron Twp. 185 166

East Chillisquaque Twp. 80 241

Herndon 52 104

Jackson Township 134 334

Jordan Township 104 310

Kulpmont 1,348 448

Lewis Township 356 603

Little Mahanoy Twp. 67 140

Lower Augusta Twp. 191 404

Lower Mahanoy Twp. 235 628

Marion Heights 290 137

McEwensville 63 109

Milton 1,299 1,793

Mount Carmel Boro. 2,351 1,065

Mount Carmel Twp. 1,371 392

Northumberland 842 1,268

Point Township 764 1,429

Ralpho Township 1,098 1,459

Riverside 517 605

Rockefeller Twp. 393 942

Rush Township 220 401

Shamokin City 2,200 1,408

Shamokin Township 535 816

Snydertown 58 108

Sunbury 1,962 2,350

Turbot Township 334 653

Turbotville 185 245

Upper Augusta Twp. 548 1,007

Upper Mahanoy Twp. 128 222

Washington Township 129 242

Watsontown 429 697

West Cameron Twp. 84 165

West Chillisquaque Twp. 443 752

Zerbe Township 443 475

Total, North'd County 25,273 23,297

BEAR GAP - Motivated to act by what they say are overwhelming manure fumes from nearby farming, a Cleveland Township couple and dozens of other residents have decided to fight the prospects of a large-scale pig farm before it's established in their neighborhood.

Thomas Lucid, 67, and his wife, Johanna, 63, of 24 Wynn School Road, a few miles northeast of this village, took their case and a petition with 64 names to the township board of supervisors Tuesday night in an effort to pre-empt any unwanted massive livestock business.

"We can't just sit back and do nothing, and we won't," Thomas Lucid said Wednesday afternoon at his home.

The petition asked for an amendment to the current zoning ordinance that lists agriculture and horticulture as permitted uses within the R2 (residential) district.

"We are petitioning that the livestock density exceeding 100 animals - pigs, horses, cattle and other livestock and the raising of poultry and poultry products - not be allowed within 500 yards of a residential dwelling," the document reads.

Mass produced animal facilities would deter further residential growth, decrease property values, impact roadways due to large truck usage and affect the quality of life and health of residents, they say.

"The vast majority of residents signed this. How can they ignore us?" Johanna Lucid said.

Henry Doraski, township chairman, said he won't ignore them, but he's not sure what can be done.

"Whenever someone wants to apply for a CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation), it goes through the state and federal government. There would be nothing we can do to stop them," he said Wednesday. "Our ordinance might be overturned."

However, the supervisors are seeking advice from their solicitor and checking with state agencies to determine what the township can and can't do.

"As soon as I know more, they will (too). Right now, I'm in limbo," Doraski said.

He reserved further comment until he was provided with further information and guidance.

Neighbor not impressed

The issue was ignited by the spreading of pig manure on Joel Knoebel's farmland surrounding Wynn School, Middle and Polk roads. Knoebel is the owner of Cleveland Pork, a pork producing operation with thousands of pigs on Center School Road. Cleveland Pork was honored by the 2011 Pork Industry Environmental Stewards for demonstrating "a firm commitment to safeguarding the environment and their local communities," according to an announcement from the organization earlier this year.

Among the practices for which they were honored were odor-control strategies, farm aesthetics and neighbor relations.

Johanna Lucid isn't impressed. The stench was so potent from the Knoebel's spreading manure last week, "My throat burned," she said. "It's infringing on our life."

"The stench we endured is sickening," her husband added.

Attempts to reach Knoebel by phone Wednesday and Thursday and during a visit to his farm Thursday were unsuccessful. He was not at Tuesday's meeting, Doraski said.

Flies, runoff

The Lucids said they and other residents have been unable to sleep, that flies and other insects are rampant and that manure run-off has pooled around mailboxes. They are concerned local wells could be polluted.

For the Lucids it's worse because both have medical conditions that have weakened their immune systems, they said.

They moved to a four-acre property in the township seven years ago to retire.

"It's a great area, but I didn't come back to start a fight," Johanna Lucid said.

They want to make it clear they are not necessarily targeting Knoebel's business, but are hoping to pre-empt any large-scale livestock farm being established near their home.

Still, they said they won't hesitate to seek legal advice and take action, and complaints have already been filed with the county and state government.

"We will pursue this matter through every medium and resource available," Thomas Lucid said.

MOUNT CARMEL - A Shamokin Area Elementary School teacher charged with multiple offenses - including driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run and aggravated assault by vehicle - in connection with Wednesday night's accident near here that injured five teens, has been suspended without pay for at least the remainder of the school year.

Victor Edward Swaboski III, 38, of 320 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel, who remains incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $100,000 cash bail, was suspended without pay Thursday by the administration at Shamokin Area School District, according to Superintendent James Zack and school board president Tracey Witmer.

Witmer said Swaboski's employment status may change pending the outcome of his criminal case. She did not rule out the possibility of Swaboski being terminated.

Contacted Thursday morning about Swaboski's employment status, Zack said, "We are consulting with our legal advisers to determine what action will be taken in accordance with Act. 24," he said, referencing the law that involves background checks and the Public School Code. "Violations under Act 24 are subject to certain consequences and we are waiting for recommendations on how to proceed."

Late Thursday afternoon, Zack said Swaboski was suspended indefinitely pending an investigation.

Swaboski also is prohibited from having contact with any students in the district and is not allowed to be on school grounds or attend school-sponsored activities off school property.

"From everything I've been told, Mr. Swaboski is one of the best and well-liked teachers in the elementary school," school board member Brian Persing stated. "It's just a shame bad things happen to good people. My heart goes out to the accident victims and their families, and I hope they have a speedy recovery."

Prior to the charges being filed late Wednesday night, Swaboski's record included only three minor traffic violations.

Zack said Swaboski, who teaches sixth-grade students, has been an elementary school teacher in the district for six years.

Second incident

It's the second time this month that a Shamokin Area teacher was charged with criminal offenses. Michael S. Zack, 23, of 201 Warsaw St., Marion Heights, a former substitute teacher at the middle/high school, was charged with felonies of obscene and other sexual materials and unlawful contact with a minor, and a misdemeanor of corruption of minors. He is accused of sending numerous sexually graphic text messages to four female high school students last year.

Nine offenses

Swaboski, a graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, is charged by Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush and Patrolman Daniel Politza with felonies of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, flight to avoid apprehension and accidents involving death or personal injury; misdemeanors of driving under the influence of alcohol and recklessly endangering another person, and summaries of failure to provide information and render aid, reckless driving, failure to drive in a single lane and restrictions on alcoholic beverages. For the aggravated assault, accidents involving death or personal injury and reckless endangering charges, Swaboski faces five counts - one for each victim.

He was arraigned on the charges shortly before midnight Wednesday by on-call Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Hollenbush said additional charges are pending the results of a blood test taken at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.

Found with 2 beers

Swaboski fled the scene of the accident with one of the bicycles being dragged by his Jeep Liberty, creating a shower of sparks along the road, police said.

He was found later hiding in a wooded area near Seventh and Poplar streets in Mount Carmel and was taken into custody, Hollenbush said. A criminal complaint filed against him states he was found with two cans of Miller Lite beer, one of them open.

Three of the five teens injured in the hit-and-run accident near Mount Carmel Area Elementary School remained hospitalized Thursday. The victims are Tyler Wondoloski, 18, of 802 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel; Seanna Zimmerman, 13, of 449 E. Seventh St., Mount Carmel; Andrew Campbell, 16, of 411 N. Maple St., Diamondtown; Chelsea Troutman, 14, of 242 S. Peach St., Mount Carmel, and Jarret Schultz, 17, of 236 S. Poplar St., Mount Carmel.

All five of the victims are students at Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School.

Police said bystanders were already providing first aid to the victims when they arrived on scene.

Police reported Swaboski fled the scene on Beaverdale Highway (also known as Locust Gap Highway) before turning right onto West Fifth Street. He turned right onto South Willow Street before turning left onto West Sixth Street before coming to rest at the intersection of West Sixth and South Beech streets.

Swaboski then parked the vehicle on South Beech Street, where witnesses spotted the driver exit the Jeep Liberty and remove the bicycle from underneath his vehicle. After leaving the bicycle on South Beech Street, police said Swaboski proceeded to drive south on Beech Street toward Seventh Street. The Jeep Liberty then turned left onto West Seventh Street and traveled east before coming to rest in the 400 block of South Poplar Street, where he exited the vehicle and ran into the woods.

Mount Carmel Township police and Northumberland County probation and parole officers secured the Jeep Liberty and then began their search for Swaboski, who was found approximately 60 yards up a hill and taken into custody.

Police said the Jeep Liberty sustained extensive front-end damage. The undercarriage of the vehicle also was damaged. The Jeep Liberty was towed by Dave's Auto Body.

Assisting Hollenbush and Politza were Mount Carmel Township Officers Kelly Campbell, David Stamets and Brian Carnuccio, Mount Carmel Patrolmen Justin Stelma and Jason Drumheller, county probation and parole officers, AREA Services Ambulance, Kulpmont Ambulance, Life Flight helicopter personnel, Beaverdale firefighters, Mount Carmel Area Rescue Squad, Mount Carmel Fire Police and members of American Hose Fire Company who set up a landing zone for the helicopters on the campus of Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School.

MOUNT CARMEL - Three of the five teens injured in Wednesday night's hit-and-run accident near Mount Carmel Area Elementary School involving an alleged drunk driver remained hospitalized Thursday.

Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush identified the victims as Tyler Wondoloski, 18, of 802 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel; Seanna Zimmerman, 13, of 449 E. Seventh St., Mount Carmel; Andrew Campbell, 16, of 411 N. Maple St., Diamondtown; Chelsea Troutman, 14, of 242 S. Peach St., Mount Carmel, and Jarret Schultz, 17, of 236 S. Poplar St., Mount Carmel.

Campbell and Zimmerman were flown by Life Flight helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Wondoloski was taken by Kulpmont Ambulance to Geisinger. Troutman and Schultz were

transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where they underwent emergency room treatment before being released.

Campbell was listed in serious condition Thursday, while Zimmerman and Wondoloski were reported in fair condition.

All five of the victims are students at Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School.

Victor Edward Swaboski III, 38, of 320 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel, a teacher at Shamokin Area Elementary School, has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and other offenses in connection with the 8:30 p.m. crash.

Hollenbush said Wondoloski was riding a bicycle east in a grassy area off Beaverdale Highway (Route 2038, also known as Locust Gap Highway) when he was struck by a blue Jeep Liberty driven east on the highway by Swaboski, who had traveled onto the berm of the road. Hollenbush said Wondoloski and the Jeep Liberty then crashed into Zimmerman, who was walking.

Swaboski's Jeep, Wondoloski and Zimmerman then reportedly struck Campbell, who was either riding his bike or walking along side the bicycle.

The chief said he wasn't sure at this point if Troutman and Schultz, who were walking with their friends, were struck by the Jeep or by the other victims and debris.

The crash remains under investigation.

"It's a very tragic accident that further brings to light the dangers of driving under the influence," Mount Carmel Area Acting Superintendent Bernie Stellar said Thursday. "We plan on helping the students and their families in every possible way so they can recover from their injuries, return to school and get back to their normal routines as soon as possible."

MINERSVILLE - The full-size replica of the "Shroud of Turin" on display at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Minersville is drawing people from around the region with the knowledge that they may be seeing the image of the crucified Jesus Christ.

The Vatican-approved replica - one of nine such replicas - is on display through Sunday (Flowery/Palm Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the church, 415 N. Front St.

"There is a following for the Shroud. There are people who are coming here to see it and they know so much about it," said the Rev. Mark Fesniak, pastor.

For most people, the replica will be the only chance to see the Shroud in their lives. The real Shroud of Turin is on display only a few times in a century. The next displaying of the real Shroud will be in 2025.

The display of the Shroud replica in Minersville began on March 21. It has been traveling to churches within the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia. According to information provided by the archeparchy, the original Shroud of Turin is the most analyzed artifact in the world, but yet remains a mystery and has been in Turin, Italy, for more than 400 years. It bears the faint front and back image of a 5'10" bearded, crucified man with apparent wounds and bloodstains that match the crucifixion account in the Bible. Millions of people over the centuries have believed it to be the actual burial shroud of Jesus of Nazareth.

The faint image on the cloth is not produced by paint, ink, dye or pigments, according to tests done in the 1980s. When the image was photographed for the first time in 1898, photographer Secondo Pia was surprised to find that the photographic negative showed a positive image, which is on display with the replica in the church. Also, when scientists at the NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory did an image analysis of the Shroud, they found the image decoded into a 3-D image of Jesus. Normally photographs that are analyzed using this technology become disfigured or out of proportion, but with the Shroud image, it came out in three dimensions as if created over a three-dimensional figure.

The Shroud replica is located in front of the church near the iconostasis, or icon wall, on its own wood framed platform, tilted forward for people to stand before and lean forward to look at it.

PAXINOS - The 51st annual Service at the Cross will be held a mile up Paxinos Mountain at 2:30 p.m. Easter Saturday, April 7.

The service, presented by the Boy Scout Troop 250 and will be opened by Harvey Buriak, former Scoutmaster, with the help of John Miller, former Explorer adviser, and Kevin Shervinskie, former Scoutmaster.

This year's speaker will be David Kyllonen, of Dillsburg. He was born in Monessen, but spent most of his time growing up in New Kensington.

In 1954 to 1958, he attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Mo. His roommate at school was Ted Heitzman, of Shamokin. He and Heitzman remain good friends today.

Kyllonen joined the Couriers gospel singing group in 1955. After graduating in 1958, he moved to Harrisburg. The original members of the group, Dave, Duane and Neil, are still singing together today. The message, the sound and the people are the same. All three factors have become their trademark, assuring those who hear them of their stability and dependability at the close of their appearances.

He has written three books, "Out of the Ordinary," "Our Final Quarter" and "Listen, Mom's Praying Again."

Kyllonen is the chaplain of a new Christian radio station, 91.3, in Carlisle, where his program, "It's Still Good News Today," is heard Monday through Friday. He also preaches on the Trucker's Telephone Church, a nationwide network that allows truckers to attend church while driving via their cell phones.

Kyllonen and his wife of 53 years have three daughters, who have all married preachers. They have two grandsons, who are also preachers, and six granddaughters, all wanting to marry preachers. In the last last year, two great-grandchildren have joined his family.

These ministry commitments have stood the test of time and keep the integrity that is crucial to be a Christian witness.

Special music as the service will be presented by Ed Heitzman, of Heitzman's Radiator, Glass and Parts, in Shamokin.

Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at Clark's Grove United Methodist Church, in Irish Valley, at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and follow John Miller up the township road that leads to the cross. A parking area is available along the road and transportation will be provided from that point to the cross.

The service will be followed by fellowship around an open camp fire and roasting hot dogs, sponsored by the Boy Scouts.

MOUNT CARMEL - Sherry J. Stinebiser, state president of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, will make her official visit to District 12 Sunday.

The meeting will be held at the Mount Carmel VFW Post 2110 in Mount Carmel. A luncheon will be held in her honor at Pine Burr Inn on Route 61.

Stinebiser, of Marienville, was elected to the position last June during the 87th Department Convention held in Gettysburg.

A life member of Cleo Bargerstock Auxiliary 1424 in Marienville, she joined the organization in 1996 on the eligibility of her husband, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. Her daughter, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters are also members of Auxiliary 1424.

She served as auxiliary president from 2001 to 2006, district president from 2003 to 2006, auxiliary secretary from 2006 to 2007, auxiliary treasurer from 2007 to 2010, department guard from 2006 to 2007, department conductress from 2007 to 2008, department chaplain from 2008 to 2009, department junior vice president from 2009 to 2010 and department senior vice president from 2010 to 2011, and has served as department western area chairman for the Buddy Poppy and legislative programs.

She is a graduate of the nursing program of the Community College of Beaver County in Monaca, and worked 30 years as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in the field of geriatrics. Not wanting to give up her work with the elderly, she began to manage affordable, elderly housing for Whipple Allen Real Estate of Erie, and is now employed by the Warrior Run Development Corporation in Turbotville. She also volunteers in her community for 12 years as an emergency medical technician. She also served nine years as a Girl Scout leader.

She is a member of Saint Ann's Catholic Church in Marienville, Saint Ann's Women's Group, Marienville Area Civic Association and was a Girl Scout and 4-H member. She is currently serving on the board of Experience Incorporated for Warren and Forest counties, which serves the senior centers within the two counties.

She and her husband, Donald, have been married for 15 years. Each brought family into the marriage. Together, they have 10 children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Stinebiser enjoys cooking, reading cookbooks and volunteering in her community.

All centers will be closed on Friday for Good Friday.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon to 1:15 p.m.; executive board meeting, noon; members meeting, 1:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; Red Cross CPR demonstration, noon. Disaster preparedness kits will be distributed; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:30 a.m.; members meeting with bingo to follow, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; gab fest, 12:30 p.m.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Wii in the morning; blanket making, 9:30 a.m.; Family Medical blood pressure screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; no cards.

Wednesday - Wii in the morning; Bunco, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii in the morning; members meeting with bingo to follow, 12:30 p.m. No evening cards.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Donna Fritz from ACTION Health to speak on "Memory Loss; a visit from Jim Patterson from the Traveling Library; after lunch, shopping at Wal-Mart.

Tuesday - Center closed for Easter dinner at Green's, Lavelle. $10 per person.

Wednesday - Beverly Sybert program on "Nutrition Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and open to the public.

Thursday - Advisory board meeting, 10:45 a.m.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Trevorton

Monday - UNO, Phase 10 and other card games, 9:30 a.m.; Unlucky 7s and 31, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - VNA blood sugar and blood pressure screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowlers vs Northumberland Team 1 at home, 9:30 a.m.; shopping at Weis Markets, 12:30 p.m., $2 co-pay.

Wednesday - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program here by appointment only, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., call 797-1996; Scrabble, 9:30 a.m.; Easter party, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - VNA Caring Center program on health and wellness, 11 a.m.; monthly members meeting, 12:30 p.m.