Property transfers

Angelina Ortona-Schrader to Angelina Ortona-Schrader and Martha J. Ortona, property in Coal Township, $1.

Timothy P. Katona to Timothy P. Katona, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Paul D. Burkoski and Ann Marie Burkoski to Paul D. Burkoski and Ann Marie Burkoski, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Glenn M. Cunningham and Diana J. Cunningham to Brian T. Cunningham and Jacki J. Cunningham, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Eric M. Konopka and Jeanie M. Konopka to Jamie D. Reed and Kim L. Reed, property in Shamokin, $28,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Susquehanna Bank and Shawn M. Bickert to Susquehanna Bank, property in Shamokin, $1,068.67.

Barry Cullen and Carol A. Cullen to Carol A. Cullen, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

James R. Walshaw and Diane M. Walshaw to James R. Walshaw Family Protection Trust (by trustee), Bryan F. Walshaw Family Protection Trust (by trustee), James Ryan Walshaw (TR), Bryan F. Walshaw (TR) and Allison M. Adams, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

James T. Pope and Dianne L. Pope to Jamie L. Kimball, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Joseph Morano and Paula Morano to Michael Streett, property in Mount Carmel, $7,500.

Apartments and Acquisitions LP to Bernadette A. Merlo and Amanda A. Yuskoski, property in Mount Carmel, $2,000.

Regina A. Maksymchak (estate) and John E. Maisuk (administrator) to Daniel S. Snyder and Amy M. Snyder, property in Ralpho Township, $146,000.

Union Bank and Trust Company to Tonni Moore, property in Coal Township, $1.

Rita Lambert to Roland A. Lambert to Gene Craig Lambert, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Mildred Mikulski to Mildred P. Mikulski, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Christine R. Glace and Eric Glace to Federal National Mortgage Association, property in Coal Township, $1,645.95.

US Bank NA (trustee) and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to Bernard J. Strzelecki and Ronda M. Strzelecki, property in Upper Augusta Township, $108,000.

Daniel J. Ozlanski and Kelly A. Ozlanski to Anthony W. Moleski Jr., property in Mount Carmel Township, $47,000.

Steven R. Masser to Brian Kinn, property in Zerbe Township, $55,000.

Jeffrey Winnick to Lester A. Schiccatano (trustee), Margaret S. Schiccatano (trustee), Lester A. Schiccatano Living Trust and Margaret S. Schiccatano Living Trust, property in Shamokin, $1.

Lester A. Schiccatano (trustee), Margaret S. Schiccatano (trustee), Lester A. Schiccatano Living Trust and Margaret S. Schiccatano Living Trust to Brian Kinn, property in Shamokin, $12,000.

Beneficial Consumer Discount Company (DBA) and Beneficial Mortgage Company of Pennsylvania to Christopher M. Chilcote and John J. Foulds, property in Upper Augusta Township, $55,000.

Richard R. Thomas and Margaret M. Thomas to Rosie Marie Latsha (estate) and Anthony T. Curran (administrator), property in Ralpho Township, $60,000.

Rosie Marie Latsha (estate) and Anthony T. Curran (administrator) to Richard R. Thomas and Margaret M. Thomas, property in Ralpho Township, $60,000.

Ederie T. Royer (estate), Ederie T. Milo (estate) and Ann Marie Matthews (executrix) to JP Realty Enterprises LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $24,000.

David A. Procopio and Patricia A. Henry to JP Realty Enterprises LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $24,500.

Anthony Slavinsky, Frances M. Slavinsky and Anthony F. Slavinksy to Robert B. Adams and Diane E. Adams, property in Kulpmont, $38,000.

Northumberland National Bank to Dennis J. Fuedale and Colene A. Feudale, property in Coal Township, $3,500.

James A. Heins to Matthew J. Heins and Melissa Smith, property in Coal Township, $1.

Barbara G. Shingara (estate) and Rachel G. Phillips (administratrix) to Andrew D. Voneida and Ciara R. Voneida, property in Little Mahonoy Township, $1.

Scott K. Heitzman and Sharon L. Heitzman to Darell Aleta and Misti Aleta, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Allen W. Madara to Allen D. Madara, Rita M. Howerter, Maureen Phillips and Blaine P. Madara, property in Ralpho Township, $75,000.

Harry D. Wehr and Barry A. Wehr to Ricky Kline and Lisa Ann Kline, property in Shamokin, $1.

Central Keystone Federal Credit Union to Skyler M. Herb and Ashley A. Shade, property in Rockefeller Township, $135,900.

Ann A. Moore and William W. Moore to Thomas R. Zujkiewicz, property in Mount Carmel, $15,000.

Fannie Mae and Federal National Mortgage Association to Affordable Living Solutions LLC, property in Shamokin, $7,000.

Joanne Steffen, Joanne Marsh and James Marsh to Mary Luke, property in Mount Carmel, $20,000.

Noteworthy

Highway named for war hero

WEST MILTON - A 12-mile stretch of road from Route 642 to Route 54 through Northumberland and Montour counties was named United States Army Specialist Zachariah W. Long Highway in honor of a Milton war hero Saturday.

"I'm truly honored to have a part in dedicating this portion of highway in honor of Army Specialist Long, a patriot who bravely fought to protect our country in Iraq," said state Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) during a ceremony at West Milton State Park.

Long, a former Milton resident, was killed in 2003 at the age of 20 in Iraq while participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He graduated from Milton Area High School in 2001, enlisting in his junior year in the Army Delayed Entry Program. Upon completion of basic training, he was assigned to the 519th Military Intelligence Battalion of the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C., working as a long range surveillance specialist. He was deployed to Iraq in February 2003 and was killed outside Mosul, Iraq, on May 30, 2003.

After receiving a letter from Long family friend Harold Wholheiter, legislation to dedicate a local highway in honor of Long (House Bill 1792) was sponsored by Culver. State Reps. Kurt Masser (R-107) and Fred Keller (R-85) co-sponsored the bill, and Sen. John Gordner (R-27) and his staff guided the legislation through the Senate. Gov. Tom Corbett signed the bill into law on Dec. 21.

Butler burn ban

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - The Butler Township supervisors announced residents are banned from outdoor burning until May 22 due to the prevalence of wildfires in the county. The Schuylkill County Commissioners also announced a burn ban throughout the county at their meeting Wednesday.

Office closed for election day

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township municipal office, code office, tax office and street department will be closed on Tuesday because of the primary election.

COAL TOWNSHIP - To help inform and educate people on the impact of "fracking" and the Marcellus Shale drilling currently going on in Pennsylvania, a local business will host a showing of an acclaimed documentary on the subject.

Nos'Trovia, 1000 W. State St., Coal Township, will present the documentary "Gasland" and a discussion forum on fracking, on Saturday, May 12, starting at 7:30 p.m.

"We know that the Marcellus Shale drilling is in the northern part of the state, but everything runs downhill, and we are just in the beginning phase of this industry," Nos'Trovia owner Mary Lenig said. "This movie shows the potential impact on water and our infrastructure."

Lenig has seen some problems already in areas where drilling has been going on and how it affects the quality of life.

"I stood on a little street corner in a county where drilling was going on, and you couldn't have a conversation because of the noise from trucks going by. I've seen eight-lane highways in the middle of nowhere and could not kayak in some areas because all the water was being drained for fracking," Lenig said. "We need to have sensible regulations before it gets out of hand."

She thinks that if any area would be sympathetic to this plight, it would be the coal region.

"We've seen our area pillaged not once, but twice. First, through the timber industry and then the coal barons," she said. "The coal region knows better than anyone else what devastating effects can be brought to an area left behind after the removal of a natural resource."

Lenig cautions the forum will not be against the entirety of the natural gas industry.

"We are not against using gas as a resource. We just want people to be aware of the potential impact on our water quality and infrastructure of our future area," she said. "The pendulum either swings from one extreme to the other. We need to find the balance."

"Gasland," written, directed and narrated by Josh Fox, shows the plight of families suffering from health issues and other problems they say are related to natural gas drilling and the practice of hydraulic fracturing, the widening of fractures in a rock layer caused by the high-pressure injection of chemicals with water.

The film has won numerous accolades, including a jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival and a Primetime Emmy for Fox for outstanding directing for nonfiction programming. The film was nominated in 2011 for an Academy Award for best documentary feature.

One of the most significant scenes in the film shows a Dimock resident lighting tap water on fire.

"We want to show that everything comes at a price. We want people to be careful not to sell what cannot be brought back, such as clean water," Lenig said. "I hope that the people that come see this film will be spurred to take some form of action."

SUNBURY - Because of the new Voter ID law, voters coming to the polls Tuesday can expect a different procedure than they're accustomed to.

Northumberland County Elections Board director Alisha Herb said all voters will be asked for proof of identification when they arrive at polling stations, but they can still vote this time if they do not possess such identification.

It's a "soft rollout" that the Department of State wants to test, Herb described.

Beginning Nov. 6, all poll workers are required to check photo ID. If a person does not have photo ID with them, they will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot, which allows them six calender days to provide proper ID to the Board of Elections Office, 320 N. Second St., Sunbury, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Acceptable IDs must be issued by the federal, state, county or municipal governments; a driver's or non-driver's license from PennDOT; from an accredited public or private institution of higher learning in Pennsylvania; a nursing home, assisted living home or personal care home in Pennsylvania.

Exceptions include non-photo driver's license or ID cards issued by PennDOT for voters who have a religious objection to being photographed; a PennDOT ID expired within the past year; U.S. armed forces IDs that show an indefinite expiration date; absentee-ballot voters, who may provide their driver's license number or, if they do not have a license, the last four digits of their Social Security number, the Associated Press reported.

However, on Tuesday, those without ID will be given information on how to obtain identification by the general election.

At every polling station, there will be a laminated notice explaining the changes for November at the entrance. There will also be three more notices inside the polling station with the same information.

Among the toughest

The legislation was signed into law March 14, but state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) voted against it, saying his lack of support was due to the bill's timing. He had concerns with the presidential election and the voter turnout being so high, and wanted the board of elections more time to adjust to the new policy.

Overall, he supported the intent of the bill.

The policy is now considered among the nation's toughest regarding voter photo identification.

Republicans have said it will combat voter fraud ahead of the 2012 presidential election. Democrats criticized it as an unconstitutional effort to suppress votes in favor of the GOP.

Herb said it might slow down the voting process, but it will prevent voter fraud.

Earlier this week, a new policy was implemented to help senior citizens who no longer drive comply with the new law. Seniors and others can use an expired state driver's license or expired non-driver ID cards to obtain a free photo ID card for voting purposes from the state Department of Transportation, Secretary of State Carol Aichele said.

It's estimated that 1 percent of 9.8 million registered voters in the state will need to obtain voter ID.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - The closing of Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs leaves a gap in local health care in northern Schuylkill County, but it also ends a legacy of patient care that goes back more than a century.

Founded as the State Hospital for Injured Persons of the Anthracite Coal Region at Fountain Springs by the state legislature in 1879, the construction of the original hospital began in May 1880 on land in Butler Township near Ashland. Construction was completed 130 years ago in 1882, though the first patient, John Lucas of Shenandoah, was admitted on Nov. 14, 1883. Lucas was injured while working at the Kohinoor Colliery in Shenandoah.

It was the first hospital in Schuylkill County. The state purchased most of the land for $1 per acre, with the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company donating 18 acres, and $60,000 was appropriated by the state legislature for the hospital construction, which included the original building with several wards, an administrative wing, operating rooms, laundry and a stable.

The hospital's name became Ashland State General Hospital over the years, with a new hospital building constructed in 1967. When the commonwealth divested its general hospitals in 1992, the facility became Ashland Regional Medical Center (ARMC), owned by a local board. In 2001, ARMC filed for bankruptcy protection, with Province Healthcare, Brentwood, Tenn., purchasing the facility later that year. In 2006, the transfer of ownership was made to Saint Catherine Hospital of Pennsylvania, LLC, from LifePoint Hospitals Inc., which became owner in a merger with Province. The hospital was renamed Saint Catherine's at the time of the purchase.

The closing of the hospital was mainly due to major financial problems, including $5.8 million of debt. Lack of medical supplies for patients, workers not receiving their paychecks for weeks, and other factors led to the closing of the facility. An investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of Health led to an order on March 23 that the hospital could not admit new patients due to "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."

Within a week, the hospital was banned from performing laboratory work and accepting patients in the emergency department. All patients were eventually removed from the hospital, leaving only 24 residents in the Long Term Care Center (LTCC) for a short time until they found new places to live.

The bankruptcy and closure left about 160 employees out of a job, with many still owed for up to six weeks in back pay. On April 18, the Rapid Response team from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry held a two-hour information session at the hospital for the laid-off employees to have representatives from many agencies to provide information on transitioning to a new job and career, along with learning to adjust to circumstances that unemployed workers normally deal with.

Schuylkill United Way Executive Director Kelly Malone is part of the Rapid Response team and said that the employees are receptive to the assistance that has been offered.

"CareerLink will help them very much," said Malone after her presentation. "CareerLink explains how to build a resume, become computer literate, and other areas. I also think that the field they are in, a lot of them will be re-employable in a short turnaround. That's just from the knowledge I gained inside today."

During her 32 years at the hospital, Annie Beury, of Ashland, had worked as a medical surgical aid when she began her career, and in more recent years worked in the LTCC, adding that she worked on every floor of the hospital in the 32 years.

"A lot of this is so overwhelming," said Beury. "They (management) just kept saying that the hospital is just treading above water, but we're doing good and holding our own. Then 'Boom!', the bomb was dropped. They knew years ago that this was coming. You know when you have financial problems at home and you need to fix things. I know I do. Don't pass along stuff to the patients and residents."

Susan Davis, of Gilberton, a 12-year employee, and Helen McCabe, of Ashland, a 9 1/2-year employee, both worked in the LTCC and agreed with Beury. Davis said those who lived in the center are having difficulties dealing with moving from Saint Catherine's so abruptly.

"Every resident that I went to visit from the long-term care unit are devastated," said Davis. "They can't accept it. Our hearts are broken. Their hearts are broken."

"They can't accept it," said McCabe.

"They can't understand," said Davis. "They thought they were bad and being kicked out."

"They want to know when they're coming back," said Beury. "It is so sad."

The three former center employees have been making visits on their own to the local facilities that took in the former residents who became friends.

"They (residents) got excellent care here," said Davis. "They're our family."

Davis was not paid for the last three weeks at the hospital. She has no health insurance now to help her sick husband, and she was turned down for welfare assistance because of what she earned last year.

"That's the same for all of us," said Beury.

"The least that should be done is to pay us," said Davis.

With the hospital closing, medical care for local residents becomes the responsibility of other hospitals in the county. Marketing/Public Relations M. Michael Peckman of Schuylkill Health in Pottsville said for many services, the health center in Frackville can accommodate those who used Saint Catherine's for laboratory tests and other services.

"That center provides a lot of residents in the northern communities services on a daily basis," said Peckman. "We have a laboratory/blood draw station open five days a week in the morning for lab work so they won't have to travel to Pottsville for basic laboratory work. We also have X-ray service daily. We have seen some more traffic coming in for laboratory and X-ray."

Peckman said people in need of physical therapy who went to Saint Catherine's can come to the Frackville health center.

Peckman said Schuylkill Medical Center East Norwegian Street and South Jackson Street are handling the extra traffic in their emergency rooms.

"Both hospitals are obviously well-equipped to treat any kind of emergency cases," said Peckman. "We're prepared to do that and work with the doctors in the northern communities, many of whom we already work with anyways. If they're looking to send their patients for additional diagnostics, we have the resources at both medical centers and our health centers are available to residents."

Peckman also gave credit to the additional medical assistance provided through paramedics and emergency medical technicians in getting to patients in emergencies and transporting them to the medical centers in Pottsville and other locations. He added that a Veterans Affairs clinic and counseling services center are also located in the Frackville facility. A VA clinic is also available in Pottsville. The phone number for the Frackville facility 874-4289.

"Local residents in the north do have options for good health care," said Peckman.

David Bowen, of Frackville, was employed for 13 years with the creation of ARMC after the divestiture as marketing director and medical staff developer/physician recruiter.

"It was a time when they had to rebuild," said Bowen, not only to make improvements in the facility, but also to get the patient base back.

"We started to upgrade the facility and update the equipment," said Bowen. "The hospital then began to flourish because we did a lot of community service. We started a senior wellness breakfast club, health screenings in the community, started attracting local physicians, and expanded rehab."

Bowen said, "Truthfully, I was as happy as a lark working there because people were treated well. The employees felt like family. You had loyal employees who were devoted to giving the best patient service."

In addition to the money owed by the hospital's vendors, the loss of future revenue could also have an effect. Ashland Borough Manager Thomas Joyce said Saint Catherine's owes about $22,000 for water service provided by the Ashland Area Municipal Authority.

"In the next 12 months, we'll lose between $32,000 and $35,000 in revenue," said Joyce. "If the hospital was open, we would eventually get the money we're owed as long as they're open and they're purchasing."

Saint Catherine's may be closed, but some of its history, particularly in the days when it was ASGH, can be found at the Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society, where one room is dedicated exclusively to the hospital's history with photos, newspaper accounts, commemorative books and medical equipment donated to the society. The largest acquisition is the former telephone operator stations, complete with the connection wires and a rotary dial with the telephone number that was still in use.

"Many of the donations came from Betty Lou Bridal, Janet Constantine and David Bowen," said society treasurer Jim Klock, who provided the tour with society president Don Gensel. "We also received many items from the family of Dr. (Marguerite) Dallabrida."

The late Dr. Dallabrida, obstetrician/gynecologist, delivered hundreds of babies at ASGH and was the first female doctor on the staff and first woman to become chief of the medical staff.

"Over the years, quite a few people gave us bits and pieces," said Klock.

Near a large framed photograph of Dr. Peter B. Mulligan, the hospital's first radiologist, is the medical case he used on house calls, complete with the vials for medicines he dispensed.

Another framed item is the front page of the Evening Herald announcing the dedication of the new hospital building in May 1967 by Gov. Raymond Shafer. To make the transition, eight ambulances from Schuylkill, Northumberland and Columbia counties lined up at the exits of the old building to transfer the 108 patients in one hour and 45 minutes.

Dear Abby: Two weeks ago I got a memorial tattoo done for my beloved grandma. It's on my arm and says "in loving memory" at the top. Gram's portrait is underneath, and a beautiful poem my grandpa wrote for her is under the portrait. The tattoo artist did a phenomenal job! It looks just like her and I was thrilled with the results.

The problem is, I posted a picture on Facebook of the tattoo, and out of the blue a distant cousin sent me a message telling me that the tattoo was "selfish and attention-seeking behavior!" He said he was hurt in more ways than one because of it.

Abby, I don't understand. I love this tattoo. I wanted to honor the woman who meant so much to me. Did I honor her the wrong way like he says? Was I selfish? I'm so hurt, I guess I'm just looking for some input into this. My friends and family say he's jealous and not to give it another thought, but I'm obsessing. Please help. - Honoring Grandma

Dear Honoring Grandma: Please accept my sympathy for your obviously heartfelt loss. Your family and friends are correct that your cousin's comments are out of line. You are not responsible for your cousin's feelings, so stop obsessing. Whatever has hurt him "in more ways than one" is not your tattoo, or anything you posted on Facebook.

You say he is distant. Keep it that way and concentrate on something positive like the fact that you have honored your grandmother's memory. Then go on and build a happy and constructive life. I'm sure that is what she would want you to do.

Dear Abby: My neighbors' teenage sons ask to borrow our lawn mower and other yard tools so they can make money cutting the grass for other neighbors. What do we do? - Love Thy Neighbor

Dear Neighbor: How responsible are the boys? If they can be trusted with your lawn mower and other yard tools and you're kind-hearted, allow them to use the items with the understanding that they will be returned to you in the same condition in which they were borrowed. Then have them cut YOUR lawn as a way of showing their appreciation.

Dear Abby: My co-worker "Oscar" is a grouchy, bitter man. His cubicle is close to mine, so I can hear everything he says. He constantly talks about other employees and even about the owners of the company.

Oscar's general bitterness and poor attitude constantly bring me down. I have tried tuning him out, unsuccessfully. I don't like being subjected to this daily, but I don't know what I can do about it. Please help. - Needs Positivity In Lexington, KY.

Dear Needs Positivity: The first thing you should do is tell Oscar that you can hear every word he's saying because he may not know that he's being overheard. Tell him his conversations are distracting and ask him to stop. If he does not comply, complain to a supervisor.

And if your complaint is not acted upon, bring headphones, if it's allowed, so you won't be subjected to the daily dose of negativity.

** ** **

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

** ** **

To order "How to Write Letters for All Occasions," send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

(EDITORS: If you have editorial questions, please contact Sue Roush, sroush(at)amuniversal.com.)

COPYRIGHT 2012 UNIVERSAL UCLICK

1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500

HARRISBURG - Retired Mount Carmel police officer Blaine R. Handerhan, who pleaded guilty Oct. 5 in federal court to one felony count of possession of child pornography, is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday morning, but his attorney is seeking to have the legal proceeding continued for 45 days due to upcoming trials involving other clients.

Attorney Matthew R. Gover, of Harrisburg, who represents the 56-year-old Handerhan, filed a motion Monday to continue the 9:30 a.m. sentencing before U.S. Middle District Senior Judge William W. Caldwell. As of 5 p.m. Monday, the judge had not made a decision about Gover's continuance request, which has not been opposed by U.S. Attorney Jim Clancy, the prosecutor in the case.

In his motion, Gover said he is engaged in intense preparations for a trial that begins in Carlisle next week. Gover also said he is scheduled to represent another defendant at a trial scheduled to begin the week of May 7.

Additionally, Gover said there is an expert report outstanding concerning Handerhan's background and history that has not been received to date. Gover said he wants to submit a memorandum in support of a deviation from the proposed sentencing guidelines offered in the pre-sentence report.

Guilty plea

Handerhan, who faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, entered a guilty plea before Caldwell a week before he was scheduled to go to trial, which had previously been continued five times.

Caldwell was scheduled Oct. 5 to hear motions to determine if Handerhan violated his bail conditions and if he would be granted a non-jury trial. But Gover told the judge his client wanted to plead guilty to one count of possession of child pornography in exchange for the dismissal of another felony count of distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years incarceration.

The distribution charge will be dismissed at the time of sentencing if Handerhan complies with all bail conditions and other restrictions.

Caldwell, who ordered a pre-sentence report in the case to be completed by the adult probation department by Nov. 29, also imposed additional restrictions on Handerhan for violating terms of his bail conditions by allegedly removing a tape installed to detect tampering with his computer and installing an external hard drive on the computer a few weeks before entering his guilty plea.

Clancy previously said adult probation officers had become frustrated with Handerhan's attempts to subvert their supervision of the defendant. Clancy said the adult probation recommended removing all computers from Handerhan's East Pennsboro Township home.

Gover did not object to additional restrictions being imposed on his client, but asked the judge if some computer equipment could remain in the residence for the sake of Handerhan's two children, who may need to use the computer for school work.

'Life is over'

Clancy said a search warrant was obtained by state police for Handerhan's former home in Jonestown in Lebanon County in February 2006. Clancy said computer equipment seized from the residence revealed 2,995 images of child pornography and an additional 44 videos of child pornography, with each video containing 75 images.

When state police uncovered the child pornography on the computer, Clancy said Handerhan told authorities his life was over, threatened to kill himself and started praying for a resolution to his problems, which indicated an admission of guilt, according to the prosecutor.

Handerhan, who served as a Mount Carmel policeman for 30 years before retiring on Oct. 30, 2005, at the rank of lieutenant, was indicted Oct. 13, 2010, on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography. He pleaded innocent Nov. 2 before Magistrate Judge J. Andrew Smyser and was released on personal recognizance with conditions that included home confinement with electronic monitoring. Other bail conditions included a curfew, supervision by pre-trial services and computer restrictions.

The defendant moved from Jonestown to East Pennsboro Township a few years ago.

In October, Clancy said he was confident Handerhan will receive at least a five-year prison sentence.

SAHS bands to present annual concert

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area High School Symphonic Band will present the annual spring concert, The Rhythms of Spring, at 7 p.m. today in the Shamokin Area High School auditorium.

Featured in the concert will be the High School Symphonic Band under the direction of Kevin B. Styer.

The symphonic band selections for the concert are Ignition, The Marriage of Figaro Overture, Amazing Grace, The Cincinnatus March and The Pennsylvania Polka. To end the concert, a special musical and visual tribute to America will be performed, featuring The Great Locomotive Chase and An American Spectacular.

The Symphonic Band will travel to Richmond, Va., in May performing at the Music Showcase Festival.

The concert is free to the public and all are invited to attend.

Church, Curves fighting hunger

MOUNT CARMEL - Our Lady of Fatima, CCE, is participating in the Feinstein Foundation Campaign to fight hunger in the area. In conjunction with Curves of Elysburg, the public is asked to bring donations of cereal, peanut butter, pasta, sauce, tuna and other canned goods to the church during the month of April.

Items can be dropped off at the "Thrift Store" entrance at 110 E. Avenue, Mount Carmel, from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated and can be mailed to Our Lady of Fatima Church, 110 E. Avenue, Mount Carmel 17851.

All donations will be matched by the generosity of the Feinstein Foundation and used to meet the needs of the local area.

Shamokin- Coal Township

Today - Morning cards and puzzles; bridge, 12:15 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; Amy Zalar from Mountain View complex will conduct "Noodle Ball," noon; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Healthy Steps program part II for those that signed up. You must attend both Healthy Step programs for cash reward, 9:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Dewart SAC coming to Shamokin to Wii bowl, 10 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Today - Center closed for primary election.

Wednesday - Melissa Farrow presentation on SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

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

Friday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; current events, 10 a.m.; exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Today - Wii in the morning, blanket making, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle-cards, noon.

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

Thursday - Wii in the morning; Amy Zalar from Mountain View doing exercise, noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii in the morning; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia- Wilburton

Today - PTH exercise with Carl Burton, 10:15 a.m.; playing trivia/Did you know?

Wednesday - A day trip to the Bloomsburg Center for a program by Michelle Hartzel, who is a Zumba instructor.

Thursday - Playing pinochle and Pokeno; site manager's meeting, 1 p.m.

Friday - Center closed for a day trip to "The Ronald McDonald House" in Danville to make lunch.

Elysburg

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

Wednesday - VNA Caring Center health and wellness program, 11 a.m; bingo, noon.

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

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Today - Exercise, 10 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Scrabble, 9:30 a.m.; shopping at Susquehanna Valley Mall and lunch at BJs, van leaves center at 9:30 a.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; trip to vo-tech, 10 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Wii bowling at Northumberland SAC, van leaves at 9 a.m.; Wii games, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; bingo, noon.

HARRISBURG - Big jackpot drawings did not produce any millionaires among area lottery players, but did help pad March winnings to more than $162,722, according to the Pennsylvania Lottery's website.

Joseph P. Tomishen, of Mount Carmel, was the month's top winner, winning $40,000 in a Powerball drawing with the PowerPlay option, by matching four regular numbers and the Powerball.

Edward C. Strenkoski, of Coal Township, won $30,000 in the same fashion, through the Mega Millions game with the Megaplier option.

Three people, Linda M. Kahler, of Ashland, Brandi Zimmerman, of Paxinos, and Jacqueline Wysock, of Shamokin, won $10,000 each in instant games during March. So far, in 2012, area lottery winners have taken home a total of $629,247 in prizes totalling $1,000 or more.

Winners, by town name, include:

Ashland

- Linda M. Kahler, $10,000, Sizzlin 777s, $10 ticket.

- Maryann Dougal, $2,500, Casino Cash, $20.

- Judith A. Johnson, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20.

- Trina Weikel, of Ashland, $1,000, Money Vault, $3.

- Barbara Jurgill, $1,000, Diamond Millionaire, $20.

- Ashley Wlodarczyk, $1,000, Diamond Millionaire, $20.

- Richard J. Yeager, $1,000, Casino Cash, $20,

- Robert A. Martin, $1,000, Big Money, $5.

- Jacquelin A. Carr, $1,000, Third Edition Goldbar Crossword, $3.

- Eric Leschinsky, $1,000, $100 Million Dollar Cash Extravaganza, $20.

Catawissa

- Gary L. Gray, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20.

- James J. Dombroski, $1,000, Money Vault, $3.

- Ruthan Buxton, $1,000, Lucky $hamrock, $5.

Coal Township

- Edward C. Strenkoski, $30,000, Mega Millions with Megaplier option, $2

- Sharon Wichurowski, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Sharon L. Johnson, $1,010, Match 6, $1.

- Michael J. Faust, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20.

- Kirk Mahaffey, $1,000, Ca$h Up! $3.

- Raymond F. General, $1,000, Bingo, $3.

- Cynthia L. Krebs, $1,000, $250,000 a Week for Life, $10.

Dalmatia

- Douglas L. McHenry, $1,000, $250,000 A Week for Life, $10.

Danville

- Kelley Crumb, $1,012, Match 6, $1 bet.

- Richard D. Kyle, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20

- Joseph Showers, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20

- Tammi J. Paul, $1,000, Solid Gold, $5.

- Joshua A. Gold, $1,000, Solid Gold, $5.

- Christopher G. Adams, $1,000, Sizzlin 777s, $10.

- Ronald D. Martin, $1,000, Sizzlin 777s, $10.

- Horst Larrabee, $1,000, Pure Gold, $10.

- Donna M. Serfass, $1,000, Lucky $hamrock, $5.

- Franke D. Alexander, $1,000, Diamond Millionaire, $20.

- Joseph F. Danilowicz, $1,000, Casino Cash, $20.

Elysburg

- Robert F. Leffler, $5,000, Diamond Millionaire, $20.

- Donna Snyder, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20.

- Carl J. Veach, $1,000, Casino Cash, $20.

Herndon

- William J. Torpey, $1,000, $10,000 a Month for Life.

Kulpmont

- Michael J. Kruleski, $1,000, Money Vault, $3.

- James E. McCabe, $1,000, 10X the Money, $2.

Locust Gap

- Tyler J. Gasperetti, $1,000, Lucky $hamrock, $5.

Mount Carmel

- Joseph P. Tomtishen, $40,000, Powerball with Powerplay, $3 bet.

- Helen Timpko, $2,500, Big 4, $.50 bet

- James R. Callahan, $1,200, Big 4, $.50 bet.

- Frank J. Garancosky, three wins of $1,000, Money Vault, $3.

- Gilda L. Scott, $1,000, 20X the Money, $5.

- Francis Shannon, $1,000, $100 Million Dollar Cash Extravaganza, $20.

Paxinos

- Brandi Zimmerman, $10,000, Casino Cash, $20.

Shamokin

- Jacqueline Wysock, $10,000, Casino Cash, $20.

- Brittany Fertig, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20.

- Troy Kerstetter, $1,000, Stacks of Cash, $10.

- Dorothy Swalina, $1,000, Pure Gold, $10.

- Cindy L. Hoffman, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20.

- Brian J. Christiana, $1,000, Casino Cash, $20.

- Beatrice M. Snyder, $1,000, Second Edition $100,000 Bingo, $5.

- John E. Miller, 10X the Money, $1,000.

Trevorton

- Charles L. Michael III, $1,000, Lucky $hamrock, $5.

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough council has entered into a service agreement with Neptune Pool Management Inc. to privatize operation and management of the Mount Carmel Community Pool.

Council members are hopeful the move, which was approved last week at Thursday's meeting, will save taxpayers at least $10,000 and free borough employees from the hassle of operating the pool.

"They'll do it better than we can, and they'll have more activities. We don't have the resources to do what they'll be doing. We're a municipality, we're not in the entertainment business," borough President Tony Matulewicz said Monday.

With the exception of an extremely rainy 2011 in which the pool cost $25,000 to maintain, the borough was putting in excess of $30,000 into the pool each year with no profit. The concession stand and admission brought in $14,500 in 2011, but it was nowhere near breaking even, Matulewicz said.

"It's difficult for us to make a profit in a town this size," Matulewicz said.

In the new agreement, the borough pays the water, electric and phone bills and propane for a small grill - a cost estimated at approximately $6,000. If the property or facilities require repair, though, the borough is still responsible.

The pool is also included in the overall insurance of borough property, but Neptune Pools will also have a $10 million insurance policy that covers injuries and drowning.

The borough relinquishes responsibility of the pool and snack bar's operation and maintenance as long as the company keeps the facility open and safe. The borough maintains ownership, but the company keeps the profit.

Frackville pool

Neptune Pools, New Castle, Del., is known for having special events, such as water aerobics, games and new aquatic equipment.

Last year, Neptune Pools also entered into a similar service agreement with Frackville Borough Council for the Frackville Memorial Pool, and is currently negotiating a new contract for the upcoming summer.

As part of the activities for the Frackville pool, the company brought in Vince Papale, Philadelphia Eagles special teams player and wide receiver from 1976 to 1978, to meet with visitors.

The Mount Carmel pool will open Saturday, May 26, and close Monday, Sept. 3, and will be open from noon to 8 p.m. every day with the exception of emergency situations, inclement weather, malfunction of filtration systems of other unforeseen situations or conditions deemed hazardous to health and safety.

According to the service agreement provided by borough manager Edward Cuff III, Neptune Pools will provide complete summer preparation for the main pool and baby pool, manage the daily operation and maintenance, hire and manage all required management and operation staff and winterize the aquatics facility.

Admission is determined by Neptune Pools, but prices have not yet been set.

If the company breaches the contract, the borough can terminate the agreement and take the pool back.

"We'll be able to walk away from the pool, and have it run. And that's the main goal, to have it open for the people," Matulewicz said.

No privatization plans in Shamokin

According to Shamokin City Clerk Steve Bartos, "To my knowledge, the city of Shamokin has no intention of privatizing the operation of the pool."

Bartos has concerns that the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool, located on Rock Street, would not be eligible for recreation grants if they followed the privatization route.

Matulewicz said he did not share Bartos's concerns.

"There's no way we would stop a $10,000 savings for fear of getting a grant that might pop up," he said.

Tentative plans to open the Shamokin pool has been set for the first weekend in June, Bartos said.

Other privatizing

Matulewicz has also been in the process of researching other ways to privatize services in the borough in efforts to save money and provide more funds and time for street repair and other essential services.

The subject has been brought up because one borough street department employee retired March 31, another one is retiring July 31 and the third has expressed a desire to follow suit.

With their salaries and benefits combined, the borough was paying $164,000 in labor, Matulewicz said, and it could be cheaper to privatize certain services like garbage removal, road maintenance or grass cutting, and only keep police and fire departments as public services.

He noted Sandy Springs, a city in Georgia with a 2010 population of 93,853, as an example of successfully implementing a privatization of services.

The Huffington Post reported the city "effectively privatized the majority of the municipal services by entering a public-private partnership with CH2M HILL, a full-service operations company that now controls nearly all of the once-public sector, from road maintenance to cleaning up trash in the park."

The $25 million they paid to the company for one year's work is less than half what they would have paid in a typical, government-run scenario, and four surrounding Georgia cities have adopted the model since 2005, the Internet news source reported.

Matulewicz also cited Northumberland County privatizing the transportation department and Mountain View Manor as examples of successful changes from government-run to private companies.

"Something has to change. We can't keep running like this. Paying all these benefits for people is too expensive," he said.

However, he said, more research is needed before presenting the idea at a council meeting for a vote.

"This could be the best idea yet," he said.

With temperatures 20 degrees below normal for April, Northumberland County saw precipitation in the form of snow and sleet Monday without accumulation, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

NWS Meteorologist Craig Evanego said a deep upper level trough of low pressure caused surface pressure to develop along the mid-Atlantic coast and move into the area, bringing with it clouds full of snow and rain.

The high temperatures were in the low to mid 40s, which is 20 degrees below normal temperatures for this time of year, and low temperatures of upper 30s, he said.

There was a total of 1.25 inches of precipitation in the county since the storm started Saturday, Evanego reported.

Evanego said there was accumulation in State College, where there was a report of 6 inches five miles east of the college town. There was also reports of 4 to 8 inches of accumulation in Tioga County.

The temperatures for the remainder of the week will be moderate, staying in the forties until Friday when it rises to high 50s, he said.

There should be some light rain or a few wet snow flakes this morning, but that should taper off by the afternoon, he said.

The county is expected to have more rain showers in the coming days, but the weather will be mostly sunny on Friday and Saturday.

Pricing a problem in Pennsylvania, too

Appendectomies in California are not the only medical procedures with huge price differences. According to the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, prices vary considerably in the Keystone State as well. While numbers for appendectomies were not available, costs for other common procedures performed in local hospitals in 2009 and 2010 (the most recent data available) were:

Hospital Gall bladder removal Hip fracture repair Care for stroke

Geisinger, Danville 48,230 61,055 34,747

Sunbury Community 30,102 48,396 16,586

Bloomsburg 25,058 40,048 22,235

Evangelical Community 16,859 21,048 12,878

SACH (before merger) 12,992 17,026 7,962

SHAMOKIN - One year after there were 13 candidates for Shamokin Area School Board and 11 for Northumberland County commissioner, today's Pennsylvania primary election pales in comparison.

That's on the local level, at least, where there are just two contested races, that for the Democratic nominees in the 107th Legislative District and 11th Congressional District.

Statewide, meanwhile, voters will determine today who will be nominated to battle in November for key positions in state government. Also, Republicans will choose from a list of five candidates vying to take on U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. in the fall - assuming Casey wins the two-man race in his own Democratic Party.

Oh, and there is that matter of the presidential race. After more than a year of campaigning, much has been settled in the Republican Party, with Mitt Romney nearly guaranteed the nomination, but with Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul and even Rick Santorum - who has officially withdrawn from the race - still on the Pennsylvania ballot.

I.D. required, kind of

Beyond the actual voting results, perhaps most significant today is the trial run for Pennsylvania's new voter I.D. law. It requires voters to provide a qualifying photo identification to be allowed to vote; those without one will be granted a pass today, but the law goes into full effect for the November election.

Northumberland County Elections Board director Alisha Herb said all voters will be asked for proof of identification when they arrive at polling stations as part of this "soft rollout." Those without I.D. will be given information on how to obtain identification.

At every polling station, there will be a laminated notice at the entrance and three more inside explaining the changes.

The controversial legislation, signed into law March 14, is considered among the nation's toughest regarding voter photo I.D. Republicans have said it will combat voter fraud, while Democrats said it targets minorities and, therefore, is an unconstitutional effort to suppress votes for their party.

Herb said it might slow down the voting process, but she believes it will prevent voter fraud.

The delegate count

When a person votes for a delegate today, either on the Democrat or Republican side, they're sending those representatives to the parties' respective national convention to be a part of the Electoral College, said Northumberland County Republican Party Chairwoman Beth Kremer.

The Electoral College is a group of citizens (known as electors) appointed by each state to cast votes for the president and vice president on behalf of the state's citizens, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State online voting and resource information center (votespa.com). When one casts a vote for president, he or she is actually telling the presidential electors who are members of the Electoral College of the state to cast their votes for that candidate.

Each state gets the same number of electoral votes as it has members of Congress; Pennsylvania has 21. There are a total of 538 votes in the Electoral College and a candidate must win a simple majority (270) of those votes to win the election.

Local highlights

Legislative races highlight the local ballot.

In the 107th, the Democratic ballot features two candidates, Chris Pfaff, of Cooper Township, Montour County; and Ted Yeager, of Elysburg. The winner will challenge incumbent Republican Kurt Masser, who is unopposed in the primary.

In the 108th, Dan Sweeney, of Sunbury, has organized a write-in campaign in an effort to earn nomination in the Democratic primary. If successful, he would be on the ballot to take on incumbent Republican Lynda Schlegel Culver in the fall. Because he wasn't on the ballot, Sweeney will need at least 300 votes to move on to the general election.

As for the 27th Senatorial District, John Gordner is unopposed in the primary, and there are no Democratic candidates on the ballot.

Changes brought about by legislative redistricting do not impact this year's election. That is not to be confused by congressional redistricting, which is in effect for the 2012 primary and general election.

Congressional change

Regarding that change, many Northumberland County voters, particularly those in the east end of the county, will be voting for an 11th Congressional District candidate today rather than one from the 10th. The change in district alignment and representation begins, then, in 2013.

So, rather than voting to retain incumbent Republican Tom Marino, local Republican voters have former Hazleton mayor Lou Barletta on their ballot and Democrats have a choice between Dauphin County activist Gene Stilp and Wilkes-Barre lawyer Bill Vinsko.

Starting next year, and in effect as far as today's vote is concerned, the 11th Congressional District will encompass most of Northumberland County, from Sunbury east and south. The entire county is currently in the 10th district, and the portion from the borough of Northumberland north will remain there.

The redrawn 11th also includes all or part of eight other counties - Carbon, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Luzerne, Montour, Perry and Wyoming.

Statewide races

Campaigns for statewide races will produce nominees today in the following races involving these candidates:

U.S. Senator: Republicans on the ballot include David Alan Christian, Bucks County; Marc A. Scaringi, Cumberland County; Steven D. Welch, Chester County; Tom Smith, Armstrong County, and Sam Rohrer, Berks County

Democrats are Joseph John Vodvarka, Allegheny County, and Casey, from Lackawanna County.

Attorney general: Pennsylvania voters will choose candidates for a new attorney general to replace Linda Kelly, who was appointed to replace Tom Corbett when he became governor and is not running for election. David J. Freed, Cumberland County, is the lone Republican candidate; Democrats will choose between Kathleen G. Kane, Lackawanna County; and Patrick Murphy, Bucks County.

Another state row office up for election is that of auditor general, where Jack Wagner is not seeking re-election. Frank Pinto, Dauphin County, and John Maher, Allegheny County, are on the Republican ballot, and Eugune A. Depasquale, York County, is the lone Democratic candidate.

State treasurer candidates include Republican Diana Irey Vaughan, Washington County; and incumbent Democrat Robert M. McCord, Montgomery County.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary Chorus will present their fifth musical, "Aladdin-Kids" at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the school gymnatorium. Fifty students in grades four to six are involved in the production as cast and crew.

Vendors welcome the audience to the marketplace of Agrabah and the magic begins. Princess Jasmine (Katianna Lapotsky) must choose a husband by the following night or she will be forced to marry the Royal Vizier, Jafar (Tanner Farrow). Jafar hatches a plan with his parrot, Iago (Zach Honabach), to use the lamp from the Cave of Wonders to steal the throne from the Sultan (Carmine Picarelli).

As the Tiger Gods (Caycee Kalinoski and Frances Czeponis) pronounce that only the "diamond in the rough" can take the lamp, Jafar sees a vision of Aladdin (John Daniel Kerris) stealing a loaf of bread. While escaping from the angry mob of vendors, Aladdin runs in to Princess Jasmine in disguise. Finally caught by the palace guards (Nathan Grimes, Brent Barwick, Behret Steinbauer, and Connor Weaver), Jasmine reveals her identity trying in vain to save her new friend Aladdin. Jafar releases Aladdin from jail, on the condition that he retrieve the lamp in the Cave of Wonders.

The very hungry Aladdin takes a banana, which causes the cave to trap him inside. Aladdin rubs the lamp for some light, which releases the Genie (Zack Smith) who offers him three wishes. Aladdin wishes, first, to escape and, second, to become a prince. The flying carpet Avis (Ethan Sten) arrives and takes Aladdin and Genie back to Agrabah.

Jasmine argues with Jafar and the Sultan about Aladdin when a new suitor arrives. Although she is initially put-off by Prince Ali, Jasmine soon warms to him, and he takes her on a magical carpet ride. Back at the palace, Jafar has taken the lamp and become the Genie's new master. Prince Ali challenges Jafar who has used one of his wishes to turn himself into a powerful sorcerer. Jafar accepts Prince Ali's challenge, but reveals that he is really Aladdin.

Aladdin tricks Jafar into using his final wish to turn himself into a powerful genie. Bound by the laws of the lamp, Jafar is imprisoned. Aladdin then uses his final wish to set the Genie free. Inspired by Aladdin's selflessness, the Sultan changes the law, allowing the princess to marry whomever she would like. Jasmine chooses Aladdin.

The story is narrated by the Lamp Vendor (Giavanna Candelora) and features soloists Peter Long, Alexia Rawa, Sierra Coleman, Aaron Christiana, Stephan Bilyk and Jesse James. Other featured performers are Selina Albert, Peyton Baskin, Emma Gownley, Nora Rompolski, Krystof Lapotsky, Regan Scandle and Darian Wetzel.

Displaying their talents as gymnasts are Selina Albert, Mackenzie Catino, Anna Gownley and Mikayla Showver. Vendors are played by Bella Bach, Abby Doss, Kaitlyn Dunn, Cassie Honicker, Maria Maresca, Elizabeth Nyugen, Julianna Picarelli, Mary Richardson, Aaryanna Rodriguez, Elizabeth Ross, Gabrielle Tumolo and Lilian Yuschock.

Crew members include sound workers Anthony Getchey, Jessica DeLong and Grace Rompoloski; lights by Ty Klembara and Jacob Mestin and grips Amanda Horan and Ryam Mirarchi. Musical director is Bonny Klinger with LeeAnn Smith assisting. Sister Margaret Ann Quiin is the elementary school principal.

Donations will be accepted at the door; no tickets are being sold. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Public Library is grateful for the following donations, which have always been its most basic and important source of funds.

In memory of

Florence Boslego from Mount Carmel VFW Post No. 216 Auxiliary.

Jim Brennan from Bernie and Nancy Kaminsky.

Nathaniel Dobeck from Dee and Pat Fletcher and family; James and Betty Menapace and family.

Eleanor Girolami from daughter Tina McClay; Phil and Pat Augustine; Bob and Veronica Barrett and family; Marie and Frank Crawford; Loretta Cuff; Lisa D'Amico and Bill McAndrew; Dot and Gerard Higgins; Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Kaminsky and family; John and Carol Strocko and Mary; Juliet Swartz; Dorothy Taylor; Robert and Brenda Taylor.

John Kehler from Marguerite Budick; James and Betty Menapace and family.

Maggie Klischer from Olga Anelauskas.

Maryanna Kornmeyer from Millie Greco; Joe and Barb Iwanski; Nadine and Todd.

Lorraine Benning Kuhar from Mount Carmel Joint High School Class of 1953.

Leroy A. Latshaw from Eleanor Barni; Cecelia Dorkski; Carl and Lorraine Horsfield; Mr. and Mrs. Blaine Kessler; Larry and Dot Morata; Edward and Eileen Ramage; Mary M. Rudisill.

Joe Lorenz from Bob and Marie Ficca.

MaryAnn Pitcavage from Phil and Pat Augustine; Pat Bartos; Jim and Gingie Britton; Lisa D'Amico and Bill McAndrew; Joseph and Jane D'Amico; Pearl Dabulis; Carl and Lorraine Horsfield; John and sister-in-law, Virginia James, Don James, Paul, Joanne and Kelly Kaminski; Todd and Jenniffer Karycki; aunt Alberta Kahn; cousin Lou Schaller; sister-in-law Rosanne and John Wesoloskie; Tanner and Cooper; John and Patti Karycki, Tyler, Kyle and Alyssa; Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Kaminsky and family; Mr. and Mrs. Blaine Kessler; Marie Parkansky and family; Marty and Jan Puchalski; Dorothy Taylor; Joleen Yokemick; Vince and Janet Yuskoski.

Josephine Preshlock from Mary Heverling.

Joe Pultynovich from Jim Darrup.

Edith and Reno Purin from daughters.

Faye Reiner from Dee and Pat Fletcher and family.

Linda Savitski from Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Kaminsky and family.

Roy Schlesinger from Gayle and Tom Pivarnik and family.

James Scicchitano from Fritz and Ellie O'Hearn.

Alfred Sebastian from Nancy Schu.

Jeff Shimock from Mr. and Mrs. David Shinskie; Annabel Skonecki.

Joseph Stutz II from Phil and Pat Augustine; Vince and Janet Yuskoski.

Lorraine Taylor from Joseph and Jane D'Amico; Lisa D'Amico and Bill McAndrew; Albert and Diane Maschal.

James Welliver from Jim Darrup.

Steve Yacyniak from Don and Melanie Artman and family.

Dolores A. Yarnall from Theresa Brokenshire and Bill Schultz, Sr.; Lisa D'Amico and Bill McAndrew; James and Betty Menapace and family; Stella Rossi and family; Lorraine and Ray Zalawski; Mount Carmel Area Elementary School Kitchen Staff.

Aloysius Yurkiewicz from Phil and Pat Augustine; Karen Clark; Nancy and Dan Glowatski; Betty Jelus; Mr. and Mrs. Blaine Kessler and family; Joe and Marie Kobi; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Morgan; Richard Zinda.

2012 fund drive in honor of

All firefighters, policemen and ambulance personnel given by Dorothy and Joan Ecker.

Mildred R. Greco given by Dr. Richard A. Greco Sr.

Helen Kuzo given by Jack and Elaine Kuzo.

Janet Lerch, one of the library founders, given by Christie Lerch.

Henry Waskewicz given by Donna and Leonard Shuder and family.

James Wightman given by Jan Wightman.

Fund drive given in loving memory

Barbara given by Henry.

Our Parents given by Joe and Marie Kobi.

Richard Augustine given by Anna Mae Augustine.

Henry J. Bernas given by daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Joe.

Sandra M. Boyle given by Ray G. Boyle Jr.

Richard Brennan given by Josephine Brennan.

Ceaser and Marie Butkiewicz and Anne Keeler given by Anthony R. Butkiewicz.

Arnold and Stella Christiana given by James M. Christiana.

Thomas and Julia Colohan given by Robert T. Colohan.

Pearl Concini given by Victor Concini.

Robert Conniff given by Paul and Theresa Conniff.

Joseph M. Costello Jr. given by Jeff Costello.

Edward Cupsta given by Robert Cupsta.

Harry and Marie Darrah given by family.

Chester and Catherine Davis given by Debra Davis.

Catherine Daya given by Dave, Carol, Jason and Ashley Pachutski.

Anna Deitrick given by Chet and Ann Gard.

John DiRienzo given by Francis Rossi.

Fred Duell given by Susan and Stan Yucha.

Duni and Criniti families given by Rita Criniti.

Robert L. Ecker Sr. given by Dorothy and Joan Ecker.

Joseph and Mark Elgin given by Vigilia Elgin.

Clarence W. Evert given by Curt Evert.

E.J. and Martha Fincato given by Angela and Mary Louise Fincato.

Ida DeGaetano given by John and Barbara Tomaschik.

Dorothy and Joseph Guzevich given by daughter, Irene Casari.

Joseph F. Hajcak and Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Leshusky given by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hajcak Jr.

John P. Hancock given by Gertrude Hancock.

The Houlihan and Handrahan families given by Denise Handrahan Leatham.

Cheryl Hepler and Ralph Hepler given by Dennis R. Hepler.

Francis "Fritz" Honecker given by Dolores Honecker.

Peter J. Horoschak Sr. given by Violet Horoschak.

Joseph Jackson Sr. given by Rose Jackson.

Ann Jepko and Ann Colleen McCarthy given by Deacon and Mrs. Martin McCarthy.

Joseph F. Kane given by Thelma E. Kane.

John Kanezo given by The Kanezo family.

Ralph and Jean Kaseman given by Jack and Marian Klingerman.

Genny Kenenitz given by Roman Kenenitz.

Kortni Ann Kenenitz given by Daddy.

Shirley and Richard Kerestes given by Edward Ronald Kerestes.

Frank Keretski and family given by Gene Yavorsky and Mrs. Clara Keretsky.

Karl "Knobbers" Knoblauch MCHS '30 given by Knoblauch family.

Edward C. Kogut given by Isobel Kogut.

Henry Koncewicz given by Jamie Lubin.

Kathy Koschoff given by Helen M. Koschoff.

Sandy Kramer given by BobbiJo Rogers.

John and Jean Lopuck given by Sharon Miller.

Loved ones given by Marion Palmer.

LeRoy and Ann McAndrew given by daughter Diane McAndrew.

Joan Malho given by JD, Shelly and Jared Shutt.

Louise Matsko given by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mahalik

Susanne Kelly Mayton given by Pat and Bernie Kelly.

Jerome and Ann Marchetti given by Joan and Bill Cole.

Theresa Mekosh given by Mary C. Buhay.

Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Miskiel given by Jackie Durham.

My dear wife Sophia given by Harry White Jr.

Pap Pap Nolan given by Jim and Kathy Nolan.

Justine O'Neill given by Pat Nevis.

Ralph C. Owens given by Geri Shimko.

Frank and Marcella Pachutski given by Dave, Carol, Jason and Ashley Pachutski.

Parents Derl and Elizabeth Baynham given by daughter Marilyn Steinhart.

John and Catherine Palovick given by Nicole, Jason and Lillian Mowery.

Al Pavis Sr. given by Helen Pavis.

Josephine Preshlock given by Bonnie and Refford Cawthon.

Gail (Rakus) Santer given by Ritch "Doc" Santer.

Edward Saukaitis given by Agnes Saukaitis.

John and Mary Saukaitis and deceased children given by Alice O'Donnell.

Karl L. Schu given by Nancy A. Schu.

Aldo and Mary Scicchitano given by Jim and Gingie Britton.

Sam and Alice Scicchitano given by Maria Scicchitano.

George F. Scott given by Fritzi Scott.

Colette Sikorski given by Phyllis Sikorski.

Dr. Donald and Ethel Smith given by Lindermuth family.

Clyde and Betty Tittle given by Cindy VanSickle.

Dominick M. Varano given by Mrs. Jacqueline Varano.

Anna Waskewicz given by Donna and Leonard Shuder and family.

P.J. Yavorsky and family given by Gene Yavorsky and Mrs. Clara Keretski.

Charles and Phyllis Yeager given by Tom and Gayle Stinsky.

Clement Zyniewicz given by Judith A. Burge.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School has announced its honor roll for the third marking period of the 2011-2012 school year.

Distinguished Honors

Grade 12 - Rachel Davis, Elizabeth Korbich, Lauryn Leach, Molly Loftus, Alexandra Singh and Annie Stewart.

Grade 11 - Dustin Bendas, John Fitzpatrick, Richard Gusick and Nicole Komara

Grade 9 - Jessica DeLong, Dakota Maneval and Grace Rompolski.

Grade 8 - Caleigh Corrigan, Celine Jones, Maya Khanna and Kendall Krebs.

Grade 7 - Elizabeth Alexander, Anastasia Bilyk, Lawrence Czeponis and Jane Fitzpatrick.

First Honors

Grade 12 - Felicia Bartello, Aisha Bucanelli, Michael Feudale, Christina Jones and Grier Melick.

Grade 11 - Sarah Getchey, Emily Greco, Tyler Holleran, Justin Howal, Kara Jean Kuehner, Ania Rawa and Michael Sowash.

Grade 10 - Michael Gilger, Shawn Khanna and Rachel Schultz.

Grade 9 - William Allen, Caitlin Funk and Mikayla Persing.

Grade 8 - Nicholas Adams, Taylor Bozza, Jordan Hauer, Alex Holleran, Kristen Komara, Nicole Komara and Maxwell Morrison.

Grade 7 - Elijah Gusick.

Second Honors

Grade 12 - Elen O'Donnell, Caitlyn Persing and Tristen Riegel.

Grade 11 - CharLee Rosini.

Grade 10 - Peyton Klembara and Nicholas Taylor

Grade 9 - Carissa Mazeika and Erich Meloy.

Grade 8 - Brett Katalinas, Tommy Nguyen and Landon Wary.

Grade 7 - Michael Anzulavich and Jacob Feese.

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 June 25 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, at which time they can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Ryan Ellis, 19, of Mount Carmel, waived to court a charge of possession of a weapon on school property relating to a March 16 incident in which the defendant was found in possession of a three-inch folding knife at Shamokin Area Middle/High School.

The charge was filed by Coal Township Patrolman Jason Adams.

n Corey J. Yeager, 22, of 421 E. Dewart St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of aggravated assault, two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving at an unsafe speed in connection with a Feb. 19 accident in the 100 block of East Sunbury Street.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Cpl. John Brown.

n Kevin Keel, 21, of 305 E. Sunbury St., Apt. 2, Shamokin, waived to court charges of retail theft, criminal conspiracy and defiant trespass involving a Feb. 17 incident at Wal-Mart Supercenter along Route 61.

Coal Township Patrolman Edward Purcell filed the charges.

n Travis G. Erdman, 19, of Herndon, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, underage drinking, failure to drive in a single lane, careless driving, reckless driving and failure to wear a seat belt relating to a March 4 traffic stop at the intersection of Route 225 and First Street in Trevorton.

The charges were filed by Trooper Nicholas Berger of state police at Stonington.

n Michael Long, 23, of 193 Lower Excelsior Road, Excelsior, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, fleeing or attempting to elude police, criminal trespass and harassment.

Long was charged by Coal Township Patrolman David Sage in connection with incidents that occurred May 29, 2011, at Mt. Royal Mart in Ranshaw, Route 901, a mountain road off Route 901 near Excelsior and the defendant's home in Excelsior.

n Anthony B. Nealman, 23, of 465 1/2 N. Second St., Sunbury, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, failure to drive in a single lane, careless driving, reckless driving and failure to wear a seat belt.

The charges filed by Trooper Nicholas Berger of state police at Stonington relate to a Feb. 18 traffic stop at the intersection of Route 890 and Market Street in Trevorton.

n Matthew R. Emrich, 31, of 231 S. Market St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of criminal mischief, loitering and prowling at night and disorderly conduct involving a Feb. 16 disturbance in the first block of West Independence Street.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II.

n Kyle J. Mirolli, 30, of 894 Trevorton Road, Zerbe Township, waived to court charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia relating to a Nov. 21 incident at Mirolli's residence.

The charges were filed by Zerbe Township Police Chief Robert John.

n Willis B. Ebling, 40, of Reading, waived to court multiple charges involving three different criminal complaints.

Ebling waived to court charges of delivery of Xanax, possession with intent to deliver Xanax, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility involving an Aug. 8, 2010, incident in Shamokin. The charges were filed by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano.

Ebling waived to court charges of delivery of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, corruption of minors and selling or furnishing marijuana and alcohol to a 17-year-old male. The charges filed by Primerano relate to an Aug. 24, 2010, incident in Shamokin.

Ebling also waived to court a charge of making false reports to police by falsely identifying himself on Sept. 20, 2010, in Coal Township. The charge was filed by Coal Township Patrolman David Sage.

n Stephanie L. Keck, 33, of Nesquehoning, waived to court charges of retail theft and criminal conspiracy relating to a July 11 incident at Wal-Mart Supercenter along Route 61.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Henrich.

n Jared S. Derck, 28, of 1034 W. Mahanoy St., Trevorton, pleaded guilty to harassment and was ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for six months. Additional charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct were withdrawn.

Derck was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Chris Lapotsky with threatening Thomas Rosini, of 1628 W. Pine St., Coal Township, with an aluminum baseball bat outside Rosini's residence on March 17.

Derck also pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for six months. An additional charge of possession of cocaine was withdrawn.

n Charges of simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness filed by Shamokin Cpl. Darwin Tobias III against Linda Henley, 42, of 914 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, were withdrawn when the alleged victim, David Leroy Neidig, of 111 E. Arch St., Shamokin, refused to testify against his former girlfriend.

Henley was charged with hitting Neidig on the right side of his head on Dec. 28 at Neidig's residence.

HARRISBURG - The sentencing for retired Mount Carmel police officer Blaine R. Handerhan, who pleaded guilty Oct. 5 in federal court to one felony count of possession of child pornography, has been continued until 10 a.m. June 5.

U.S. Middle District Senior Judge William W. Caldwell granted a motion Tuesday morning to continue the sentencing at the request of Handerhan's attorney, Matthew R. Gover, of Harrisburg. The sentencing was scheduled to be held Thursday morning, but Gover sought a continuance due to upcoming trials involving other clients he is representing.

Additionally, Gover said there is an expert report outstanding concerning Handerhan's background and history that has not been received to date. Gover said he wants to submit a memorandum in support of a deviation from the proposed sentencing guidelines offered in the pre-sentence report.

Gover, who filed his motion Monday, noted the continuance was not opposed by U.S. Attorney Jim Clancy, the prosecutor in the case.

The 56-year-old Handerhan of East Pennsboro Township, who faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, entered a guilty plea before Caldwell a week before he was scheduled to go to trial, which had previously been continued five times.

Handerhan, who served as a Mount Carmel policeman for 30 years before retiring on Oct. 30, 2005, at the rank of lieutenant, was indicted Oct. 13, 2010, on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography.

East Cameron Twp. meeting changed

SHAMOKIN - The East Cameron Township Supervisors meeting has been changed from May 7 to May 14.

Reunion meeting this week

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes Class of 1982 will be holding a 30th class reunion planning meeting at 7 p.m. Friday at Brewser's SportsGrille. Anyone from the class is welcome to attend. For more information, call Linda at 898-7982.

Job fair set for Monday

NORTHUMBERLAND - Pa. CareerLink Sunbury will sponsor a job fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at Mohawk Flush Doors, 980 Point Township Drive.

The company is accepting applications for general laborers, CDL Class A over-the-road drivers and office administration personnel.

Applications will be accepted and interviews conducted, so applicants are asked to bring proper identification.

Spirit of Tuscarora Trail Dog Hike

BARNESVILLE - Join Naturalist Robin Tracey on the Old Log and Spirit of Tuscarora Trails from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday for a special hike. The trail is four miles and moderate in difficulty, and will take attendees through many diverse habitats and meanders along Locust Creek.

Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Those attending are asked to meet at the Tuscarora State Park Visitor Center, and call 467-2506 for more information.

Bark for Life at Locust Lake

BARNESVILLE - A Bark for Life event will be held at Locust Lake State Park from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The event will feature canines and their owners in a relay to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. There will be several canine demonstrations, dog contests and a bone drop, Rufus, the Westminster Dog Show 2006 Best in Show winner will be on hand for a meet and greet. The event is an Eagle Scout project for Tyler Resch.

Registration is required and forms can be obtained at Locust Lake Contact Station or the Tuscarora State Park Visitors Center. Food and dog-related items will be available for sale. For more information, contact the park office at 467-2506.