Noteworthy

SUNBURY - A disabled veteran said he was disrespected when he was prevented from taking a weighted pen he uses for therapy into the Northumberland County Courthouse Monday morning.

But county officials said the issue was a matter of security and was properly handled.

Joseph Brodie, 31, of 136 W. Third St., Mount Carmel, was accompanying his fiance to file a protection from abuse document against her mother between 8 and 9 p.m. when security officer Larry Saleski stopped him to perform the usual security check at the courthouse doors.

Saleski, a guard for about five years, questioned Brodie about a weighted pen used to ensure his handwriting is more legible. Brodie said he undergoes occupational therapy for physiological tremors from brain injuries he sustained in Iraq. He served two tours in Iraq from 1998 to 2000 in the Marine Crops and 2002 to 2003 in the Army before being honorably discharged.

He said the pen has been prescribed to him, and that he also uses weighted utensils. The pen is slightly smaller in length than a dollar and has the diameter of a dime.

Brodie claims the guard told him he didn't need the pen and wasn't allowed to bring it into the courthouse. He said he was asked to stick his arms straight out to "check for tremors."

"I was infuriated with his 'diagnosis' of my condition and I proceeded to call him a scumbag," Brodie said, adding that he regretted making the remark but couldn't help it at the time.

Various objects banned

Ron Yeager, head of security for the county, said Saleski was right to not allow the pen into the courthouse.

"If you didn't know it was a pen, you would think it's an iron bar," said Yeager, who described the pen as a heavy, black object approximately six inches in length that could seriously hurt someone if thrown or used to strike a person.

Restricting such objects is not uncommon, said Yeager. Security has taken sewing needles from women expected to be in court for extended periods of time, and wallet chains from teens, he said.

And it's not necessarily that they think the owner will use the object as a weapon, explained Yeager, but that someone else could grab it and do so.

Shouting match?

Brodie, meanwhile, said the confrontation escalated into a shouting match in which Saleski said he, too, was a disabled veteran. The guard, according to Brodie, followed him outside the courthouse and screamed at the top of courthouse steps that he was the "scumbag."

Brodie said his voice might have been raised, but that's because he is deaf in one ear and often can't tell how loud he's being. He also said he realizes how intimidating he can be with his muscular frame.

Yeager said the confrontation did not turn physical, and that Brodie's voice was the only one raised, according to witnesses he interviewed.

"I talked to other people and they all told me he (Brodie) was never treated with disrespect," he said. "I don't see the big deal."

The big deal, Brodie said, is that Northumberland County doesn't treat veterans with respect. He said he plans to make veterans' organizations and others aware of that belief.

Brodie said his fiance, who is recovering from spinal fusion surgery and using a walker, was "left to fend for herself" in exiting the courthouse after he had left.

Brodie recently authored a letter to the editor that was published in The News-Item in which he said he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries, and how he is "left with disgust" for the government for its lack of concern and financial aid for veterans.

Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi said he spoke with Brodie and believes the situation was mostly a misunderstanding.

Brodie challenges the county officials to release the security tapes to prove his story was factual.

Sheriff depute posted

Court Administrator Brandy Yasenchak said an armed sheriff deputy was positioned at the front door for the remainder of the day, and that she was satisfied with how the situation was addressed.

Brodie was he was escorted by the deputy to file the documents when he returned to the courthouse with a Daily Item reporter and photographer.

Yasenchak directed further questions to Yeager.

BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

SHAMOKIN - A Mahanoy City man was arrested Monday afternoon after allegedly leading police on an ATV chase through the city and then fighting with an officer.

Justin A. Klinger, 19, whose birthday is Wednesday, was tackled by Shamokin Police Patrolman Nathan Rhodes on a dirt path behind Sam Bressi Motors, near the Shamokin-Coal Township line, after his ATV became disabled in runoff from an abandon mine discharge.

Police later discovered Klinger is wanted on a bench warrant in Schuylkill County for failing to appear in court on March 11 for a preliminary hearing on charges of receiving stolen property and retail theft. In addition to those charges, he now faces several traffic citations and aggravated assault for his latest encounter with the law.

The pursuit initiated when Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II spotted Klinger on the ATV traveling west on Race Street near the intersection with Pearl Street.

"He was coming right at me," Siko said. "I activated my lights and he failed to yield."

Klinger sped at a high rate of speed down Spruce Street towards Harrison Street, where Siko said he attempted to cut him off with his police cruiser. He eluded the officer after going around the road block and traveling down Harrison Street.

"I had to get down on Harrison Street. By the time I got turned around, I heard him make a left-hand turn and lost him near the woods," Siko said. "I swung the U-turn and started broadcasting (information) what we had."

Rhodes spotted Klinger coming across town and continued with the pursuit. The chase led onto a dirt path at Vine and Independence streets, near Route 61. Rhodes pursued the suspect with his cruiser on the muddy and pothole strewn path until Klinger jumped off the ATV at the runoff, according to police.

After a brief foot pursuit, Rhodes tackled Klinger and a struggle ensued. Rhodes brought Klinger under control as Siko and additional officers from Shamokin and Coal Township arrived.

Although Rhodes was wet, dirty and slightly bruised from the fight, he did not require medical treatment.

"The ATV was modified with a snowmobile high-performance motor," Siko said. "But obviously it wasn't too high performance because it couldn't run in the water."

HARRISBURG - Calling it a "common sense" step, Gov. Tom Corbett signed his first bill Monday repealing a state mandate for fire sprinklers in new homes. The governor said the repeal will help keep the price of new homes within reach of families by avoiding thousands of dollars of additional costs. He said the choice of installing sprinklers should be left up to consumers.

Builders welcomed the repeal. Pat Perih, of the Moscow-based Perih Group LLC, said it was an example of misguided over-governance. Mandating sprinklers for new construction didn't address the issue of fire deaths, which tend to occur in homes built before 1990 when electrical and construction safeguards were improved.

"If they wanted to save lives, put sprinklers into older homes that are more likely to burn down," Perih said.

The state construction code already requires hard-wired smoke detectors in new homes, while builders will be required to provide information on sprinklers to new homebuyers, Corbett added.

Supporters of the sprinkler mandate said it would help save lives. Don Nealis of Northeast Design and Build in Towanda said hard-wired smoke detectors are perhaps more effective at saving lives than a sprinkler system. A sprinkler system adds anywhere from $7,000 to $16,000 per house. Systems can be more expensive in rural areas than in urban areas because the require water storage and a generator.

The new law also sets a supermajority requirement for future votes by a state board to change the state's Uniform Construction Code.

The revised code will now require added fireproofing for the flooring.

David Falchek, staff writer, contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

PITTSBURGH - The Rev. Frank Karwacki, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, said it's a great honor to have a Coal Region native such as the Very Rev. William J. Waltersheid being ordained auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

"It was joyful and there was a lot of applause from the people from Locust Gap," said the pastor by phone moments after the ceremony ended Monday afternoon in Saint Paul Cathedral in the city's Oakland neighborhood.

Waltersheid, a Locust Gap native, also becomes episcopal vicar for clergy and secretary for clergy for the diocese. In that position, he will be responsible for meeting and assessing the needs of the clergy of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, priests and deacons.

His appointment, which took place during an event that started at 2 p.m. returns the diocese to an administration with two priests, a model it had maintained for many years in the past.

"The increasing genuine needs of our priests" was the reason cited by Bishop David A. Zubik, in a letter to all priests of the diocese in March, for returning to this model. Zubik first announced the appointment on Feb. 25.

Karwacki said Zubik, in his presentation, admires three virtues of Waltersheid: the love of the priesthood, being a man of prayer and a gift of preaching.

Before his appointment to Pittsburgh, Waltersheid served as diocesan Secretary for Clergy and Consecrated life in the Diocese of Harrisburg. He also served three years as vice rector for the Pontifical North American College in Rome, a seminary for men from North America studying for the priesthood.

In his message, said Karwacki, Waltersheid spoke of his Coal Region heritage and how his parents gave him the greatest treasure: the gift of faith.

"His desire is to be a holy bishop and pour out his life for Christ," said Karwacki.

Karwacki and more than 40 members of the church traveled by bus together to the city to attend the service, but said there were a lot more that traveled on their own.

He also noted that when Karwacki was a Mount Carmel Area public school teacher, he had Waltersheid in his home room class.

"He was a good kid and well behaved. I am very excited for him," he said.

An auxiliary bishop is appointed to a diocese when the pastoral needs of a diocese suggest it and the bishop of a diocese requests it. The auxiliary bishop assists the diocesan bishop in carrying out his administrative responsibilities.

The last auxiliary bishop in Pittsburgh was the Most Rev. William J. Winter, who resigned in May 2005 when he reached the age of 75. The Diocese of Harrisburg has not had an auxiliary bishop since Cardinal William Keeler was an auxiliary to Bishop Daley in the 1980s.

Waltersheid is the fourth priest from the Diocese of Harrisburg to be appointed as a bishop. The first was Bishop Lawrence F. Schott, who served as an auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Harrisburg from 1956 until his death in 1963. Keeler, retired of Baltimore, was named as an auxiliary bishop for the diocese in 1979. In 2004, then-Father Kevin C. Rhoades became the third priest of the diocese to rise to bishop when he was appointed to lead the Diocese of Harrisburg. In 1990, a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh - Nicholas C. Dattilo - became the bishop of Harrisburg, serving until his death in 2004.

Background as nurse

Waltersheid was born in Ashland, the son of the late William F. and Margaret M. (Deane) Waltersheid. He was baptized in St. Joseph Church in Locust Gap and spent his childhood and early adult years there.

An only child, he lived with his parents and maternal grandfather. He was educated in the Mount Carmel Area school system and was given religious instruction by the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice (Felician Sisters) of Holy Spirit School in Mount Carmel.

After having graduated Mount Carmel Area High School in 1974, he worked in the health care field. He was graduated from the Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing in 1983.

He was very active in his home parish of St. Joseph in Locust Gap, and taught religious education classes in neighboring parishes as an adult. In 1985, he was accepted as a candidate for the seminary formation program of the Diocese of Harrisburg. He studied at St. John Seminary College in Brighton, Mass., and earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts with a concentration in philosophy and classical languages.

Studied in Rome

In 1988, Waltersheid was sent by Keeler to the Pontifical North American College in Rome for continued formation for the priesthood. He earned a bachelor's degree in theology in 1991 from the Pontifical Gregorian University and a Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology from that same university.

He was ordained a deacon in Rome on April 30, 1992, by Pio Cardinal Laghi, and a priest in Harrisburg on July 11, 1992, by Dattilo. He remained in Rome for further studies until 1995, when he returned to the Diocese of Harrisburg and was assigned as parochial vicar at Prince of Peace Parish in Steelton.

In 1999, Waltersheid returned to Rome and served on the faculty of the Pontifical North American College until 2003. He served for one year as director of apostolic works and then for three years as vice rector of the seminary. In June 2003, he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle, and in June 2006, he was appointed to his position as secretary for clergy and consecrated life.

SUNBURY - The court proceeding for the former county deputy prothonotary accused of taking more than $9,000 in county funds did not take place Monday because of scheduling errors.

Annette Gurba was expected to plead guilty in front of Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor, but he said the case was mistakenly placed on his list when it was supposed to be before Judge William Wiest. Wiest was out sick on Monday.

A new date has not yet been scheduled.

Gurba, 41, of 1019 N. Vine St., Shamokin, was charged by Trooper Kevin Kearney of state police at Stonington with taking money for services rendered at the prothonotary's office and entering the money into the computer, only to make another entry refunding the money to herself.

Klacik and Associates PC, Shamokin, which was hired by the county to conduct an audit, studied daily deposits, daily receipts and the voided refunded receipts and determined the defendant took $9,457.69, according to Kearney.

Kearney said the incidents occurred between Jan. 1, 2008, and July 10, 2009.

Gurba was initially suspended without pay Dec. 16, 2008, by Prothonotary Kathleen Wolfe-Strausser for what the prothonotary described at the time as a "serious allegation."

However, state police in March 2009 announced there was insufficient evidence to charge Gurba with any crime. State police reportedly marked their file "unfounded" and ruled the investigation closed.

Four months later, however, she was fired amid reports of a new investigation, the culmination of which came with charges being filed on Nov. 12.

Gurba had served as a deputy in the prothonotary's office from February 2007 until her firing, and previously was a civil records clerk for more than 15 years.

SUNBURY - The Shamokin woman charged with attempting to extort $2,000 from a man by falsely accusing him of having sexual contact with her two daughters 25 years ago pleaded guilty Monday morning to a misdemeanor of theft by extortion in front of Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage.

Kathryn Reeder, 57, of 217 S. Shamokin St., was sentenced to two years probation and a fine of $300. She was also ordered to not have any contact with the victim.

The incidents against Lester Bloom, co-owner and operator of Bloom Heating Oil, 854 Center St., Tharptown, occurred between Feb. 15 and March 2.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan.

According to a criminal complaint, Reeder called Bloom at his business on Feb. 15 and accused him of having inappropriate sexual contact with her two teenage daughters approximately 25 years ago. Bloom told Reeder she was a sick woman before hanging up the telephone, police said.

Bloom said less than a minute later, Reeder called him again and warned him not to hang up on her or she was going to report her accusations to the Northumberland County District Attorney's Office. Bloom said Reeder gave him until the end of the day to "take care" of the situation and continued to be irate towards him on the telephone.

On Feb. 23, Bloom received another call from Reeder, who told him, "You had enough time to think about this. What's it worth to you?"

At this point, Bloom asked Reeder what she wanted, to which she replied, "You tell me." Bloom said the conversation then ended.

On the same day, authorization was obtained by the district attorney's office to do a "consensual intercept" of the telephone conversation between Bloom and Reeder. At 3:30 p.m. Feb. 23, Bloom placed a call to Reeder. During the conversation, Reeder threatened to ruin Bloom's business by releasing the false accusations about him. Reeder also requested an unspecified monetary payment to resolve the issue.

At 3:15 p.m. Feb. 24, Bloom placed another recorded call to Reeder in which Reeder asked Bloom to give her money to make "the issue go away." Bloom asked Reeder specifically how much money she wanted, at which time Reeder said she wanted $2,000 in cash. Reeder told Bloom to contact her when he had the money.

On March 1, Bloom contacted Reeder and advised her that he had the money. Reeder requested Bloom meet her at Weis Markets in Shamokin at 5 p.m. March 2.

That day, Coal Township Police gave Bloom a marked envelope to be used in the transaction. At approximately 4:30 p.m., Bloom was observed by police meeting with Reeder in the parking lot at Weis Markets and giving her the marked envelope. After the transaction, Reeder walked away before being stopped by police.

DANVILLE - A Shamokin man is listed in serious condition at Geisinger Medical Center following a fall down the Glen Burn coal bank Sunday evening.

Hospital officials reported Joseph Spagnoll, 34, of 817 N. Sixth St., was in serious condition as of 4:40 p.m. Monday afternoon. He was taken to Geisinger following a 7:30 p.m. fall Sunday in the area of the Jack Williams Tire Center near the Cameron Bridge.

Witnesses say Spagnoll was walking down the bank when he fell over "like he fainted," rolling 20 times before stopping, after walking up a hill to retrieve his and his girlfriend's children that had crawled up the bank first.

Spagnoll's girlfriend, Maria Hill, reported her boyfriend hadn't been feeling well all day and had a history of medical problems.

Emergency officials used a backboard to slide Spagnoll down the bank 40 feet to the base of the Glen Burn. He was then transported to Shamokin Area Community Hospital before being flown to Geisinger.

Kulpmont incident

MARION HEIGHTS - Brian D. Fisher, 21, of 863 Chestnut St., Apt. C, Kulpmont, was charged by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Shane Reamer with resisting arrest, flight to avoid apprehension, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct relating to a disturbance at 2 a.m. Sunday in the 400 block of East Melrose Street.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, Fisher, who was observed stumbling by Reamer, fled after seeing Kulpmont police officers heading east on Melrose Street after Reamer had requested assistance on the call. Police said Fisher ran down the street in an attempt to elude police, but was eventually tackled. While on the ground, Fisher allegedly continued to resist arrest and fought with officers, who had to use force to handcuff him. Police had to lift Fisher off the ground and place him in the car, they said.

He was arraigned Sunday by Jones and committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Arson charges

SUNBURY - Randy L. Hay, 44, of 1242 Susquehanna Ave., Sunbury, has been charged with multiple felony counts of arson and related offenses in connection with a Feb. 19 fire at 417 Walnut St., Apt. 2, Sunbury, that caused approximately $350 damage.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Sunbury Patrolman Stephen Bennick, Hay is accused of using an accelerant to ignite a wooden door frame at the apartment of Tabitha Castle at 5:30 a.m. Castle, a 1-year-old child and Robert L. Black were inside the apartment at the time. Also placed in danger of death or serious bodily injury as a result of the fire, police said, were 10 other people, including three young children, who reside in adjoining apartments.

Hay was arraigned Monday morning by on-call Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel on two counts each of arson endangering persons and arson endangering property, two counts of recklessly endangering another person and one count each of risking a catastrophe and criminal mischief.

He was committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

Pickup truck stolen

SUNBURY - State police at Stonington reported someone stole a 1993 Toyota extended cab pickup truck owned by Jeff Martz, 53, of 209 Green St., Sunbury, while the vehicle was parked in front of his Upper Augusta Township home between 10 p.m. Monday and 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Police said the truck is red and has a 4-foot lift, 31-inch tires with chrome wheels and a license plate with a shadowed dirt bike motorcycle.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call state police at 286-5601.

Retail theft

SHAMOKIN - Christopher Clark, 24, of 1142 W. Pine St., Coal Township, was charged by Patrolman Jarrod Scandle with retail theft for allegedly stealing a Tastykake product valued at $2 from Turkey Hill Minit Market on Lincoln Street on March 12.

One-vehicle crash

RIVERSIDE - A Danville woman escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash at 11:52 a.m. Wednesday on Route 4004 one-half mile west of the borough.

State police at Stonington report a 2005 Toyota Corolla, driven by Valerie Rarig, 20, was traveling east when she lost control of her vehicle and it struck an embankment. The Corolla rolled onto his roof and traveled approximately 30 feet along the east berm, then crossed into the westbound lane.

She was wearing her seat belt, police said.

Assault

SHAMOKIN - Robert M. Rickert II, 20, of 641 S. Market St., Shamokin, was charged by Patrolman Scott Weaver with simple assault and harassment relating to a disturbance at 6 a.m. April 13 at 230 S. Coal St.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Rickert is accused of assaulting Melinda Bugg at her residence.

Retail theft

SHAMOKIN - David Lamb, 38, of 119 E. Melrose St., Marion Heights, was charged by Patrolman Jarrod Scandle with retail theft for allegedly stealing gas from Turkey Hill Minit Market on Lincoln Street on April 9.

Lamb is accused of pumping $33 worth of gas into his vehicle while paying for only $10 worth of fuel before fleeing the scene.

The Hut burglarized

HERNDON - State police at Stonington are investigating a burglary that occurred between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 4:45 a.m. Wednesday at The Hut Restaurant, Route 147 south of the borough.

Police said someone gained entry by breaking a window and then removed a filing cabinet containing an undetermined amount of cash before fleeing the scene through a rear door.

The owner of the business is Reynold Feger, 61, of 764 Pottsville St., Herndon.

Public drunkenness

HERNDON - Dustin Letterman, 22, of Herndon, was cited by Trooper Barry Wooten of state police at Stonington for public drunkenness after he was allegedly hitchhiking intoxicated along Route 147 in Herndon at 12:25 a.m. Sunday.

Urinates in public

SHAMOKIN - Bonita M. Freeze, 42, of 229 W. Sunbury St., Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman Scott Weaver for allegedly urinating on Klinger Avenue off Market Street at 3:45 a.m. Tuesday.

Disorderly conduct

SHAMOKIN - Daniel M. Vercruyssen, 31, of 222 E. Dewart St., Apt. 6, Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman William Miner for disorderly conduct and public drunkenness in connection with a disturbance at 10:20 p.m. Tuesday at Dewart and Washington streets.

Police reported Vercruyssen shouted obscenities and challenged a neighbor to a fight.

HARRISBURG - The governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission focused Wednesday on natural gas drilling in state forests and new technologies in hydrofracking as protesters outside criticized the gas industry's prominent role in its work.

The focus of additional leasing of state forest land will be on parcels adjacent to existing well pads where gas deposits can be reached by underground drilling, Richard Allan, secretary-designate of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, told the commission.

Allan said the agency will follow its own environmental impact assessment and guidelines and seek to minimize disturbance to the land surface in selecting forest parcels for leasing.

While drilling for oil and gas on state forest land dates back 60 years, DCNR officials estimate that some 3,800 deep Marcellus wells will be drilled on state forest land by 2018.

So far, 164 Marcellus wells have been drilled on state forest land.

DCNR is developing a comprehensive program to monitor the drilling impact, said Daniel Devlin, director of the forestry bureau. The agency is urging the 18 Marcellus firms operating on forest land to jointly share use of gas and water pipelines to minimize the impact of drilling operations, he added.

Sierra club opposed

Former Gov. Ed Rendell placed a moratorium last fall on additional leasing of public forest land for drilling. Gov. Tom Corbett has said he will lift the moratorium, but has yet to do so.

It's too soon to consider opening up more state forest land for drilling, said Jeff Schmidt, lobbyist for the Pennsylvania Sierra Club, an environmental group.

"We do not support additional leasing of state forest land until the (DCNR) environmental assessment is completed and released to the public," he added.

At a commission meeting devoted to environmental issues, several references were made to last week's blowout accident at a Chesapeake Energy Marcellus well in Bradford County.

The emergency response to blowout accidents that involve chemical spills is best handled by specialized teams based mainly in Texas that are kept on retainer by gas companies, said Glenn Cannon, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

To reach destinations in Pennsylvania, these teams have to fly to airports in either Elmira, N.Y., Harrisburg, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh because of the heavy equipment they bring, he added. They need to obtain special state permits to haul that equipment over the highways.

Demonstrations outside

A coalition of anti-drilling groups demonstrated outside the Rachel Carson Building in downtown Harrisburg where the commission met. Speakers called on Corbett to bring more balance to a commission they said is dominated by the gas industry or else disband it.

The meeting was briefly interrupted by a protester who called the commission members "prostitutes" before security ushered him from the room.

The commission faces a July deadline to present comprehensive recommendations on the development of Marcellus Shale reserves.

Philadelphia-based Clean Water Action criticized the appointment of representatives of Chesapeake Energy and Chief Oil and Gas to the commission because the two companies have a high a number of environmental violations.

Meanwhile, Dave Spigelmyer, Chesapeake Energy's vice president for government relations, is no longer on the commission.

Spigelmyer resigned voluntarily and his spot hasn't been filled, said Chad Saylor, spokesman for Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, the commission chairman.

Danville to get $23K for traffic control

DANVILLE - The borough will received a $23,000 PennDOT grant for traffic control improvements.

"Danville residents will see traffic safety improvements because of a state law allowing Philadelphia to issue tickets to drivers of vehicles that run red lights using camera enforcement in the city," said state Rep. Kurt Masser, R-107. "This law wisely requires that half of the fines collected be used to improve traffic and road safety conditions across the state."

The project will replace a deteriorated traffic signal pole on Route 54 before the railroad tracks near the intersection with Route 11. Also, all nine intersections in the borough that have traffic lights will be re-timed and upgrades will take place on 24 pedestrian push buttons to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

PennDOT was able to fund more than 100 projects in 35 counties with half of the proceeds from 19 red light cameras placed at congested intersections throughout Philadelphia.

"For a change, revenue collected in Philadelphia is coming back to Montour County," said Masser.

'Zumbathon' set for Saturday

CATAWISSA RR - A Zumbathon will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Southern Columbia Area High School gymnasium. The event is sponsored by the Bryan's Brothers Relay for Life Team, with proceeds benefiting the Southern Columbia Relay for Life.

Zumba is an easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness party.

The cost for the event is $15 for adults and $10 for students, and includes admission to the class, fruit salad, water and a free ticket for a basket raffle to be conducted that day.

For more information and tickets, call Lauren at 850-8248.

Model railroad class available

BLOOMSBURG - Master craftsman Earl Wagner, Danville, is offering free classes each week at Wheelchair Engineers, showing children and adults how to make bridges for model railroad layouts. Materials are free and participants can keep the bridges they make.

The Wheelchair Engineers program takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. each Monday at the Columbia Mall near Bloomsburg. It allows children and adults to run six electric trains.

Severe weather patterns Wednesday night prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a tornado watch for Northumberland and 48 other counties in central Pennsylvania.

It expired at 10 p.m., with no known major damage in Northumberland County, but it was the second night of stormy, summer-like weather patterns.

"If there is a severe thunderstorm, they are capable of producing tornadoes. They're not a common event, especially in Pennsylvania, but they are possible," NWS

meteorologist Tony Mach said Wednesday evening.

A "watch" - for a tornado or other weather event - typically covers a large geographical area for a long period of time and is a step below a "warning." The latter means the weather is already occurring and often issued for a smaller geographical location.

Wednesday, explained Mach, there were large updrafts and downdrafts that were causing circulation that had the potential to reach the ground and cause a funnel cloud. "We have a very warm and moist air flow across Pennsylvania from the south, high pressure from the southeast coast that brings a south air flow and a cold front approaching from the west," he said.

Additionally, flash flood and severe thunderstorm watches were issued for Northumberland and surrounding counties until 8 p.m., Mach said.

Showers and thunderstorms were expected to bring hail, damaging wind and heavy downpours Wednesday night. Showers and thunderstorms are expected up until about 2 p.m. today, he said.

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin Area School District will appeal a state court ruling that said groundskeeper Joseph Weaver was fired without just cause three years ago and should be re-instated to his position.

Attorney Ben Pratt of the law firm CGA in York, who is representing the school district in the case, confirmed Wednesday that he plans to file a petition for appeal with the state Supreme Court that opposes the Commonwealth Court's ruling.

Weaver, 65, of Shamokin, who lost his job three years ago for allegedly threatening his supervisor, is hoping to receive back pay and insurance coverage before eventually retiring from the school district. Weaver had worked for the district for 21 years before being fired in March 2008 .

Weaver, who is being represented by union attorney Amy Rosenberg of Philadelphia, said he expected the school district to appeal, but believes the district is "stupid" for appealing because it will cost the district and its taxpayers unnecessary money.

"I'm not going to leave it go," Weaver said Wednesday. "It's going to cost the district more money to appeal the ruling than to pay me for back pay."

Commonwealth Court reversed Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor's ruling upholding Shamokin Area School Board's decision to fire Weaver. The appeals court said Weaver's comments did not suggest he intended to harm students and his statements did not constitute terroristic threats, as alleged by district officials.

On Feb. 26, 2008, Weaver said he became upset with one of his supervisors, William Karpinski, who told him to stop performing a task and complete another job. Weaver said he called another supervisor, Daniel Richardson, to tell him to get Karpinski "off his back," but failed to properly hang up his cell phone and was overheard yelling to a co-worker about Karpinski, who has since retired from the school district.

According to court records, Weaver screamed, "I wish I could punch him right in the ... mouth. I can't do it so I'm just gonna pay somebody. I'll say, 'Here's a hundred dollars. Put a ... dusting on him.'"

Weaver, who denies threatening anyone, said Richardson, who is still employed with the district, reported his comments to Shamokin Area Superintendent James Zack.

Weaver was suspended indefinitely on March 3, 2008, for allegedly threatening Karpinski. The suspension followed a pre-disciplinary hearing. Eight days later, Shamokin Area School Board fired Weaver for improper conduct.

Weaver filed a grievance through his union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, District Council 86, claiming he was wrongfully terminated. On Aug. 4, 2009, an arbitrator ruled that Weaver was guilty of disregarding instructions, but had been fired without just cause.

The arbitrator ruled that Weaver should receive a four-week suspension, attend anger management classes and be placed on probationary status for one year.

The school district petitioned for a review of the decision to the county court. Saylor vacated the arbitrator's award after determining Weaver's actions violated the public policy against violence in schools.

The union then appealed Saylor's ruling to Commonwealth Court.

In reversing the county court's ruling, the state appeals court found that Weaver did not violate the zero-tolerance policy against violence in schools because at no time were students at risk and though "highly inappropriate," his statements didn't rise to the level of terroristic threats.

During an interview last week, Weaver said his remarks were made in frustration toward Karpinski, and at a time when Weaver was battling prostate cancer and caring for his ill mother, Helen Weaver, who passed away in 2009.

"I never made terroristic threats against anyone," Weaver said. "I didn't do anything wrong. I was just blowing off steam because I was undergoing cancer treatments and my mother was very ill. I was going through a bad time."

Tracking the 3-day NFL draft, and what it means for Henry Hynoski

Former Southern Columbia Area High School and University of Pittsburgh football star Henry Hynoski is expected to be selected in the NFL draft, which takes place today through Saturday. See these related local stories in today's sports section:

- An explanation of the complicated nature of the draft, and how it might impact Hynoski.

- A former local NFL player describes what Hynoski will go through.

- A list of local men who played in the NFL.

KULPMONT - Ed Coup, executive director of the ARC of Susquehanna Valley, addressed the People for Progress Coalition at its spring luncheon Wednesday about his agency's efforts on behalf of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"We offer social gatherings, not to mention our advocacy and referral service, and the AMPES program," which stands for ARC Meeting Place for Expanding and Sharing.

AMPES, which is offered in five communities in a five-county area, recently received approval for a program in Berwick, Coup said.

The organization serves Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties, and is currently in its fundraising period. It recently received funding from the United Way.

"We are also applying for a grant to do a pilot program at one of our AMPES sites to provide laptops and special software to learn life skills and job training on a computer, which is where the market is heading," Coup said.

ARC is organizing its first annual 5K Walk/Run fundraiser Sept. 10 at the Shikellamy Marina.

"An anonymous person came to the ARC office and dropped off $1,000 to help with the expenses of the 5K event, so we are off to a good start," he said.

People for Progress president Rita Rovito reported the coalition and director Janice C. Witrosky have submitted grant proposals to numerous foundations and has held several fundraisers, such as whoppie pie and pie sales and a spaghetti dinner.

Members continue with the coalition's primary function of refurbishing and donating computers to area school children. In addition, People For Progress provides bi-monthly data entry for the Shepherd's Food Pantry in Mount Carmel, holds blood drives, flu shot clinics and spring and fall computer classes, and does volunteer work for the Mount Carmel Celebration of Special Athletes.

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

Birthday memorial

Edward Polites from wife Judy.

John W. Shuda 83rd birthday from daughter Virginia Varano and family.

Anniversary memorial

Bill Ditchey from Marie.

In memory of

Cecelia Asiedlecki from Alexandra Birch.

Walter Berezovske from Nancy and Ann.

Elizabeth Breskiewicz from Mary Dormer, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Albert and Olive Green, Helen Pavis, Jim and Emily Reiner, Bill Wagner.

Albert "Cookie" Butts from Mount Carmel Joint High School Class of 1953.

Dorothy Carey from Marie Ditchey.

Nancy Clements from Kenneth R. Kautter.

Thomas F. Demko from Art and Maria Catino, Dave and Joann Shinskie, Dan, Ruth Skonecki and family.

Alicia Fisher from Joanne Kogut and Bill and Lori Okronglis.

Elinor Fisher from Marge and Ray Haas.

Margaret Graybos from Bernie and Helen Pasierb.

Rachel Hartman from Marie Ditchey, Mr. and Mrs. Charles McAndrew, Frank and Mary Sawicki, Robert L. and Jean B. Varano.

Faine and Earl Hobson from Mary Cimino, Sam Cimino family.

Robert Jones from Jerry and Esther Fegley.

Jean Kijewski from David and Joanne Kijewski, Lisa and Denise Kijewski, Theresa and Peter Kijewski, Bob and Cathy Welker.

Mary Jane Kozlowski from Robert and Margaret Lutz, Joe and Millie McDonnell, Elizabeth Neary.

Catherine Krah from Jim, Noreen and Joshua Sienkiewicz.

John "Jack" McGill from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mahalik and daughter.

Gerald Malinowski from Jerry and Susan Albertini, Mary Altomare, Frank and Mary Bach, Perino and Mary Bevivino, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Marie Ditchey, Phil and Elaine Gergen, Olive and Albert Green, Jim and Doris Grohuski, Joseph R. Hanna Jr., Donald and Joan Hildenbrand, Dorothy Hook, John and Jane Kaminski, Robert and Margaret Lutz, Joe and Millie McDonnell, Frank Malinoski, Marrone's Café, Ted and Jackie Matlow, Paul Mazurkevich, Fritz and Eleanor O'Hearn, Mike and Kathy Palewicz, Frank and Rose Pecaitis, Tom and Gayle Pivarnik and family, Kathy and Bob Sprague, Ann Swartz, Bill Wagner, Margaret Wasileski, Gerry and Marty Zarkoski.

Eva Metzinger from Bill and Marie Joraskie.

Harold Morgan Sr. from Frank and Mary Sawicki.

Edward "Nellie" Murray from Mount Carmel Joint High School Class of 1933.

Bertha Pinamonti from Mr. and Mrs. John Payonk and family, Viola Pinamonti, Mr. and Mrs. David Podobinski and family, Nancy Schu, Reynold and Patty Scicchitano, Mount Carmel VFW Ladies Auxiliary 2110.

Robert Pittello from Marie Ditchey.

Raymond J. Reilley from Ed, Michelle and Kirsten O'Hearn, Fritz and Ellie O'Hearn, Kevin and Debbie O'Hearn and family, Paul and Alice Spishock.

Anthony Revenis from Jim Darrup, Anthracite Steam Fire Co. No. 1.

Nancy Shebelski from Carl and Lorraine Kutza, Tom and Gayle Pivarnik.

Evelyn Smith from Mr. and Mrs. Sam Spears.

Mildred Szymanski from Frank and Mary Sawicki.

Stanley Todzia from Vince and Janet Yuskoski.

Walter Topolski from Diane Howerter.

Paul Anthony Urick from the Kanezo family, the Miscavige family.

Alice Walters from James and Elaine Dallabrida, John and Lynne Lawler, Judy Polites.

Fund drive and memorial fund

Mary Pitingolo given by Jean Pitt.

Catherine and John Sosky given by the Sosky family.

Alice Walters and Louis Walters Sr. given by John and Patty Bush.

A special thank you to all local businesses and professionals that have donated monies in support of the library's summer reading program.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The honor roll for the third marking period at Shamokin Area Middle/High School has been announced by Chris Venna, principal.

The two levels of achievement include an honors level and a distinguished honors level. A student must achieve an average of 90 to 94.9 for honor recognition. Distinguished honors require an average of 95 or better. All subjects except driver training are included in the calculations of a student's average. Also, all subjects must be passed and a minimum of 90 percent in deportment is also required.

Honor roll students are:

Seventh-grade distinguished honors - Chelsea Bowers, Bradley Carpenter, Samantha Chykosky, Jeannette Costa, Autumn Craft, Justin Deutsch, Jacob Dirienzo, Jadyn Dunkelberger, Nicole Faust, Lillie Fidelman, Brady Haupt, Russell Henz, Andrew Jones, Erika Kapushinski, Patricia Lebreault, Emily McDevitt, Brayson Pawelczyk, Robert Pruitt, Danielle Reed, Ivy Savidge, Paige Sherman, James Snyder, Nicole Thompson, Chase Tillett, Alissa Troutman, Rebecca Wargo, Cameron Wayne and Danielle Wilk.

Eighth-grader distinguished honors - Hunter Bloom, Alek Bonshock, Michelle Bressi, Richard Brown, Tyler Candelora, Samantha Carpenter, Jasmine Coleman, John Demsko, Joseph Deptula, Heather Elliott, Devvon Gallie, Tevin Gonzalez, Darian Jones, Elizabeth Kapushinski, Megan Kerstetter, Zachary Koharski, Madlyne Kozlowski, Brett Long, Brianna Martin, Zachary Moyer, Graeme Shappell, Taylor Tobias, Casey Wilson and Cierra Zimmerman.

Ninth-grade distinguished honors - Elizabeth Bednar, Alisha Black, Brianna Bonshock, Olivia Bonshock, Joseph Colangelo, Jordan Collins, Eryn Cook, Nicole Cullen, Noelle Erickson, Justin Forbes, Nathaniel Haggerty, Skylar Hughes, Catelin Pancher, Melissa Rishel, Kevin Searls, Kaitlyn Shultz, Melissa Smallets, Victoria Snyder, Helana Supsic, and Kortney Williams.

10th-grade distinguished honors - Anthony Anonia, Darien Craft, Stephanie Dressler, Marlena Ford, Austin Fry, Matthew Gass, Paul Gurba, Kayla Hart, Andrew Hasuga, Molly McDevitt, Christie Munson, Christopher Pierce, Rebecca Rummel and Michael Yucha.

11th-grade distinguished honors - Regan Abromitis, Danielle Alvord, Charles Black, Amilya Bodenberg, Danielle Boyd, Scott Bradley, Stephen Bressi, Jessica Britton, Stephanie Broscious, Kevin Candelora, Megan Ciborowski, Rebecca Dressler, Ashley Fiorey, Courtney Krieger, Caleb Latovich, Ashley Moyer, Justin Reichner, Brittany Reid and Robert Taylor.

12th-grade distinguished honors - Casey Bradigan, Melissa Buonconsiglio, Katelyne Chaundy, Devin Conrad, Cassidy Coveleski, Dylan Dombroski, Patrick Erickson, Lindsay Fanella, Tyler Ferrara, Timothy Huxta, Angelica Krieger, Ryan Lindenmuth, John Long, Emily Manning, Hannah Martin, Janessa Maurer, Brittany Mayton, Veronica Moore, Thomas Nairns, Joshua Papp, Ashley Petraskie, Amanda Pheasant, Lisa Raup, Kasi Ristine, Madeline Shappell, Eric Shultz, Thomas Smallets, Bryant Tomcavage and Persephanie Wywadis.

Seventh-grade honors - Zachery Bradigan, Kaitlyn Bridy, Michael Britton, Logan Bulchie, Preston Burns, Dilin DeCample, Kyle Diorio, Amber Disidoro, Brandon Dorsett, Jared Dunn, Gabrielle Erb, Dustin Erdman, Kathryn Faust, Ashton Foor, Tressa Forry, Ryan Gass, Megan Greenwalt, Megan Grinaway, Quintin Herb, Kyle Kauffman, Kendra Long, Amanda Lucas, Douglas McCullough, Kobe Neidig, Travis Nelson, Caitlyn Pope, Kasey Puchalski, Kalen Purcell. Jordan Radziewicz, Kayla Schell, Nathan Shurock, Cole Supsic, Dakota Sutsko, Christina Troutman, Jakob Weaver, Jacob Weit, Paige Wichurowski and Garrett Zalar.

Eighth-grade honors - Tara Blom, Abigail Breeding, Brandon Brida, Jill Britton, Peyton Brosh, John Brown, Thomas Campbell, Cody Carpenter, Kourtnie Chapman, Draven Faus, Summer Feather, Joshua Feitner, Jesse Feudale, Shana Fite, Tyler Forbes, Carson Houser, Aaron Kalinowski, Matthew Laskoski, Erika Lentes, Kayla Marchetti, Christopher McCabe, Mitchell McGinn, Rhiannon McKinney, Leah Mirolli, Brianna Moore, Carley Nash, Christopher Petraskie, Dante Picarelli, Brittney Pope, Rachel Poplaski, Paul Quincy, Brett Rebuck, Sean Reichner, Ronald Rhoads, Joshua Rosini, Jessica Schleig, Daniel Searls, Michaela Snyder, Sara Snyder, Feliph Taylor, Jenna Wasarhelyi, Dylan Williams, Jarret Willis and Tucker Yost.

Ninth-grade honors - Steven Balonis, Logan Carpenter, Kylie Christiana, Andrew Claycomb, Daniel Delbaugh, Cody Derr, Alexa Foor, John Gennaria, Alyssa Green, Molly Haupt, Jennifer Hornberger, Austin Huntington, Ashley Huxta, Richard Jones, Robert Kozar, Robert Kulish, Dana Madl, Sean McLaughlin, Caroline McSurdy, Marielle Miller, Laryah Moyle, Brandon Reigle, Adam Richardson, Brooke Sejuit, Alyssa Shuey, Caleb Stahl, Erik Taylor, Roy Troutman, Corinne Weikel and Ronald Zimmerman.

10th-grade honors - Mariah Bielski, Kortney Bozza, Jonathan Deitrick, Theodore Deptula, Adella Doncheski, Jordan Glosek, Corey Gruszewski, Abbygail Halderman, Ian Hancock, Sara Healey, Ashley Keiser, Amber Kelly, Nicolas Kleman, Amber Martin, Kyla Martin, Ashley Mulkins, Derrick Persing, Sarah Purcell, Matthew Reichner, Michael Rodarmel, Ciana Rollman, Samantha Schiccatano, Megan Sheriff, Samantha Spishock, Erika Strausser, Edward Yoder, Victoria Young, Alex Zalar and Collin Zalar.

11th-grade honors - Peyton Autry, Kim Bills, Renea Broscious, Jessica Brown, Bradley Burasz, Allyson Delbaugh, David Dorsett, Erin Duganitz, Amber Ebbecke, Jacob Eveland, Hilary Feudale, Andreena Forbes, Natalie Frank, Troy Grinaway, Zachary Jacobs, Emily Kotanchik, Ethan Lindermuth, Brieanna Lindstrom, Devin Madara, Brandon Mendoza, Brittany Miller, Kristi Morris, Alyssa Orme, Stephanie Pancher, Catherine Reigle, Chelsea Ritter, Morgan Stankiewicz, Ashley Strouse, Anna Summers, Christi Taylor, Cyle Taylor, Rachael Trelinski, Jonathan Vanaskie, Briaun Williams, Brenna Wisniewski, Emily Zakrzewski, Keena Zalar and Haley Zink.

12th-grade honors - Mark Anonia, Angela Bainbridge, Emily Barnes, Ryan Bourinski, Andres Coronel, Graydon Dunkelberger, Danielle Favinger, Preston Ford, Jenson Goodrich, Jonathan Grybos, Jared Haddock, Chesney Haupt, Megan Hensel, Natasha Hornberger, Desiree Ignaszewski, Clorissa Kehler, Mary Katherine Kelley, Victoria Kiefer, Patrick Kleman, Kristin Kozar, Roland Lamonica, Teresa Lopez, Kendra Maschuck, Corinthia Mayer, Brandon Mikulak, Christopher Pauzer, Brandon Pesarchick, Jacob Phillips, Brianne Ramer, Brooke Reed, Gregory Renner, Christina Roden, Roman Scicchitano, Caitlin Sherman, Michael Slodysko, Cody Snyder, Samantha Stoud, Samuel Strausser, William Szido, Wesley Tillett, Joseph Villari, Samantha Weikel and Samantha Zlotorzynski.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Sunday - Wii bowling and cards, 2 p.m.

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

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

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Wii bowling and cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Orders being accepted for hoagie sale on Friday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Regular and ham hoagies available, $3.

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.; pinochle, 12:30 p.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 followed by bingo, 1 p.m.

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

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

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Wii in the morning; Pinochle-cards, noon.

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

Thursday - Wii in the morning; Dr. Mary Stout speaking on fall prevention, noon; members meeting followed by bingo, 12:30 p.m.; evening cards, 5 p.m.

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

Activity winners - 500 Rummy: First game winners were Patricia Worhoch, Mary Else, Diane McAndrew and Patricia Pipp. Second game winners were Diane McAndrew, Patricia Pipp, Anna Bartko and Mary Else.

Bean bag toss: Winners were Jean Dallatore, Anna Bartko, Anna Mae Piaseczny, Nick Bruno, Isabel Chesney, Patricia Worhoch, Gloria Magagna, Mary Else, Celestine McGann and Tony Kaminsky.

Wii bowling: First game winners were Anna Mae Piaseczny, Harry Shankweiler, Linda Shankweiler and Tony Kaminski. Second game winners were Patricia Pipp, Tony Kaminsky, Anna Mae Piaseczny and Gloria Magagna.

Pinochle: Tuesday winners were Helene Niglio, Linda Shankweiler, Harry Shankweiler, Charles Saweikis, Dixie Richardson, Paul Niglio, Anna Bartko, Mary Rita Socoloski, Jackie Wanzie, Gertrude Snyder, Anna Mae Piaseczny and Ellie Romanoski. Thursday winners were Paul Niglio, Anna Bartko, Betty Jarosewicz, Jackie Wanzie, Mary K. Polites, Harry Shankweiler, Len Sahonick, Tony Deromedi, Betty Menapace, Helene Niglio, Ellie Romanoski, Jack Finnegan, Alice Zyskoski, Dixie Richardson, Sis Thiroway, Linda Shankweiler, Mary Socoloski, Roger Wolfgang, Anna Mae Piaseczny and Helen Whyne.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - After lunch, shopping at Wal-Mart, must pay to go.

Tuesday - PTH exercise with Carol Burton, 10:15 a.m.; advisory board meeting, 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday - Center closed for a day trip to the Columbia Mall in Buckhorn for a healthy living expo.

Thursday - Bring a friend day,

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 11 a.m.

Wednesday - Bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 11 a.m.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon; members meeting with Make Your Own Sundae, noon.

SHAMOKIN - A 20-year-old Mahanoy City man, who allegedly led police on an all-terrain vehicle high-speed chase through the city Monday afternoon before fighting with an officer who subdued him, has been charged with numerous criminal offenses.

Justin Allen Klinger, of 236 E. Mahanoy St., is charged by Patrolman Raymond Siko II with a felony offense of aggravated assault involving injuries to a police officer, misdemeanors of flight to avoid apprehension, fleeing or attempting to elude police, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and simple assault, and summaries of harassment, careless driving, driving under suspension, operating an unregistered vehicle, operating a vehicle without proper inspection and operating an all-terrain vehicle on a public street.

Klinger was tackled by Shamokin Patrolman Nathan Rhodes on a dirt path behind Sam Bressi Motors near the Shamokin-Coal Township line after his ATV became disabled in runoff from an abandoned mine discharge.

Police later discovered Klinger was wanted on a bench warrant in Schuylkill County for failing to appear in court on March 11 for a preliminary hearing on charges of receiving stolen property and retail theft.

The pursuit started when Siko spotted Klinger on the ATV traveling west on Race Street near the intersection with Pearl Street.

Klinger drove at a high rate of speed down Spruce Street toward Harrison Street, where Siko said he attempted to cut him off with his police cruiser. He eluded the officer after going around the road block and traveling down Harrison Street.

Rhodes spotted Klinger coming across town and continued with the pursuit. The chase led onto a dirt path at Vine and Independence streets near Route 61. Rhodes pursued the suspect with his cruiser on the muddy and pothole strewn path until Klinger jumped off the ATV at the runoff, according to police.

After a brief foot pursuit, Rhodes tackled Klinger and a struggle ensued. Rhodes subdued Klinger as Siko and additional police officers from Shamokin and Coal Township arrived at the scene.

Although Rhodes was wet, dirty and slightly bruised from the fight, he did not require medical treatment.

n M0UNT CARMEL - Jericho Linkchorst, 18, of 415 East Ave., Mount Carmel, was held for court Wednesday on charges of receiving stolen property and corruption of minors after she failed to appear for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones.

Linkchorst was charged by Ralpho Township Patrolman Chris Grow with taking a vehicle owned by John Howe while a 13-year-old male was with him. Police said the offenses occurred April 8 at the intersection of Airport Road and Route 54 in Bear Gap.

Linkchorst was ordered by Jones to appear in Northumberland County Court, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n MOUNT CARMEL - Ronald E. Broadt, 43, of 140 E. Columbia Ave., Atlas, waived to court Wednesday two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, a high-beam violation, driving at an unsafe speed and possession of a controlled substance relating to a Nov. 25 incident on Route 487 near Ralpho Road in Elysburg.

The charges were filed by Ralpho Township Patrolman Stephen Spade.

Broadt was ordered by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones to appear in Northumberland County Court, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n MOUNT CARMEL - Kyle W. Patrick, 27, of 113 N. Locust St., Mount Carmel, waived to court Wednesday two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to drive in a single lane in connection with a March 8 incident along Route 2038 in Mount Carmel Township.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Kelly Campbell.

Patrick was ordered by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones to appear in Northumberland County Court, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n MOUNT CARMEL - Brian D. Fisher, 21, of 863 Chestnut St., Apt. C., Kulpmont, pleaded guilty Wednesday to disorderly conduct and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones to pay a $500 fine plus costs and placed on probation for 12 months.

An additional count of disorderly conduct and charges of resisting arrest, flight to avoid apprehension and public drunkenness were withdrawn.

Fisher was charged by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Shane Reamer in connection with a disturbance that occurred at 2 a.m. Sunday in the 400 block of East Melrose Street in Marion Heights.