Noteworthy

Wednesday last day at MCA

MOUNT CARMEL - The last day of school for Mount Carmel Area School District is Wednesday, with an early dismissal for all students. Busing will be provided, but there will be no lunch.

Dismissal times are as follows: Junior-senior high school, 10:50 a.m.; elementary, fourth to sixth grades, 11:45 a.m., and kindergarten through third grade, 12:30 p.m.

Learn to swim, be a lifeguard

SUNBURY - Swimming lessons and lifeguard lessons are available at the Sunbury Youth and Community Pool, Memorial Drive.

Swim classes will be held Monday through Friday. First set of classes will be held from June 25 to July 6, with class on July 4. Second set of classes will be from July 9 to July 20.

Lifeguard water skill training will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 11 to June 22 at Mountain View Bible Camp, Snydertown. The Land Skill Training (first aid and CPR) is tentatively scheduled to be held at the Sunbury pool.

Call the city clerk's office at 286-7820 for pricing and more information.

SAINT CLAIR - Three people were killed early Saturday in a one-vehicle crash on Route 61 just north of Saint Clair.

State police at Schuylkill Haven identified the driver, Shawn Centeleghe, 19, of Friedensburg, and passenger Jason Engleman, 23, of Pottsville, as two of those who died. Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David Moylan said Cassandra Snyder, 16, of Pottsville, was the other person who died.

A 16-year-old girl from New Philadelphia suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said, but her name was not released Saturday.

None of the occupants of the car was wearing a seat belt, police said.

The accident occurred at 1:25 a.m. about 1 mile south of Mall Road in Blythe Township, as the 2006 Hyundai Tiburon driven by Centeleghe struck a guiderail after he lost control of the vehicle while rounding a left-hand curve, police said. The car became airborne and smashed through a billboard, then the roof of the vehicle hit a tree, police said. The car stopped facing east on its roof at the base of the tree about 18 feet off the road.

Police said the vehicle was going too fast for the wet road conditions.

At least one person was ejected from the car, police said. Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Scott P. Clews, Saint Clair, pronounced three people dead at the scene. One of the men was initially placed in an ambulance but died at the scene.

Route 61 northbound was closed for about 2 1/2 hours while authorities investigated the crash and cleaned up the scene.

Responding were troopers from the Schuylkill Haven station, Saint Clair police department, Saint Clair EMS, Pottsville/Schuylill Haven EMS, Saint Clair Hook and Ladder Fire Company, Columbia Hose Company, Saint Clair, and Goodwill Hose Company, Frackville.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The following awards were presented Friday to 2012 graduates of Shamokin Area Middle/High School at Senior Awards Night.

Scholastic rankings

Class of 2003 Shane Cavanaugh Award: Emily Shuman.

Shamokin Area Middle/ High School PTSA Scholarship Award: Breana Pietkiewicz.

Top 10 graduates: Courtney Krieger, 10th, Superintendent's Award; Danielle Boyd, ninth; Kevin Candelora, eighth; Keena Zalar, seventh, Schwalm Award; Stephanie Pancher, sixth; Kimberly Bills, fifth, Thomas Patrick Award; Megan Ciborowski, fourth, Counselors Scholastic and School Service Achievement Award; Stephen Bressi, third, Anthony E. Konopka Scholarship; Scott Bradley, salutatorian, Scott Bramhall Salutatorian Award and Class of 1913 Award; Jessica Britton, valedictorian, May (Jones) Reidel Trust Fund-Valedictorian Award and Jean Louise Stellfox Memorial Award.

Shamokin Area Education Association Class Rank 6-10 Award: Stephanie Pancher, Keena Zalar, Kevin Candelora, Danielle Boyd and Courtney Krieger.

Scholastics and athletics

George Zalar Memorial Award: Steven Bressi, Ryan Burns, Troy Grinaway and Robert Taylor.

Hillside Coaches Award: Ryan Burns and Blair Faust.

Malvin E. Paul Student Athlete Award: Josiah Stahl.

Northumberland County Recreation Committee Scholar Athlete Awards: Jessica Britton and Scott Bradley.

PIAA District IV Awards: Outstanding Male Athlete, Scott Bradley; Outstanding Female Athlete, Stephanie Pancher; Male Sportsmanship, Brandon Mendoza; Female Sportsmanship, Anna Summers.

Poplaski Family Student-Athlete Awards: Danielle Boyd and Joshua Dunn.

Shamokin Area Volleyball Scholarship: Anna Summers.

Stephen Artman Memorial Math Award: Stephen Bressi.

The Rev. Jerome W. Haupt III Memorial Scholarship: Ryan Burns.

Varsity Club Scholar Award-Female: Danielle Boyd.

Scholastics and community service

American Legion Post 73 and Unit 73 Auxiliary Award: Ashley Fiorey.

Douglas Dobson Memorial Award: Joshua Dunn.

LaRue Beck Scholarship Award: Danielle Boyd.

Lion's Club Award: Kristi Morris.

Matthew J. Sandri Memorial Awards: Kimberly Bills.

Shamokin Rotary Fred Herman Memorial Interact Award: Stephanie Broscious.

Stella Olcese Award: Andreena Forbes.

The News-Item Achiever Scholarship: Megan Ciborowski.

Scholastics and school service

Gillespie Family Publications Awards: Danielle Boyd and Scott Bradley.

Joanne Jilek Memorial Fund Award: Kimberly Bills.

John Philip Sousa Band Award: Rebecca Dressler.

Karl Hoffman Writing Award: Megan Ciborowski.

L. Pearl Seiler Award: Rebecca Dressler.

Shamokin Area Band and Orchestra Boosters Director's Awards for Band: Kimberly Bills and Stephen Troutman.

Shamokin Area Band and Orchestra Boosters Director's Awards for Orchestra: Peyton Autry and Danielle Boyd.

"The Works" Service and Dedication Awards: Matthew Foltz, Thomas Reed and Michael Spade.

Tristen "TJ" Schrader Memorial Awards: Alexandria Jo-Ruth Zerbe.

Scholastics and postsecondary plans

Albert Fecko Award: Peyton Autry.

Aqua PA, Roaring Creek Division, Science Achievement Award: Megan Ciborowski.

Bruce Edward Moyer Scholarship Award: Kimberly Bills and Brandon Mendoza.

Captain Robert C. Scheetz Jr. and Mr. Robert Scheetz Awards: Courtney Kashner, Captain Scheetz; Alexandrian Hartman, Mr. Scheetz.

Class of '85/Oak Grove Technologies Scholarships: Ashley Moyer and Ashley Fiorey.

Coal Township High School Alumni Association Scholarship - Career and Technical Education Student: Charles F. Black.

Jean Povleski Scholarships: Ashley Fiorey.

John R. Price Memorial Scholarship: Brittany Reid.

Music Scholarship: Rebecca Dressler.

Orlando C. Scopelliti Memorial Award: Courtney Kashner.

Oscar S. Tucker and Madolin M. Tucker Scholarship Fund: Danielle Boyd, Jessica Britton, Kimberly Chykosky and Brandon Mendoza.

Peter J. Malafi Awards: Renea Broscious, Stephanie Broscious, Jessica Brown and Cyle Taylor.

RK Farms Inc./Shamrock Mills Agricultural Interest Scholarship: Ashley Persing.

Rachel VanGasken Schrider Scholarship: Cyle Taylor.

Shamokin Area Educators Awards: Peyton Autry, Danielle Boyd, Jessica Britton, Ryan Burns, Megan Ciborowski, Allyson Delbaugh, Joshua Dunn, Brittany Reid, Anna Summers and Robert Taylor.

Susquehanna Valley School Counselors Association - Scholars Award: Peyton E. Autry.

Zeeger Memorial Scholarship: Kimberly Bills.

Scholarships: Subject-specific awards

Andrew Long Awards: Bradley Burasz, male; Renea Broscious and Stephanie Broscious, females (tie).

Elmer P. Artman Memorial Math Award: Justin Reichner.

Galiley Math-Science Awards: Stephen Bressi and Megan Ciborowski.

H. Richard Hilbush Memorial Award for English: Peyton Autry and Charles Black.

The Harry Strausser Jr. Award: Stephen Wengrenovich.

Leone Adams Fund, in memory of Charles E. and Lulu I. Venn - Culinary Arts: Alina Hensel.

Leone Adams Fund, in memory of Charles E. and Lulu I. Venn - Family and Consumer Sciences: Brandon Mendoza.

National School Orchestra Award: Peyton Cooper.

Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award: Stephen Troutman.

Principal's Prize: Gina Grassl.

Robert Metzner Awards: Jessica Britton and Justin Reichner.

Sara Wiest Hall Award for the Performing Arts: Rebecca Dressler.

Science Club Awards: anatomy/physiology, Jessica Britton; biology, Kevin Candelora; chemistry, Megan Ciborowski; Earth/space science, Brittany Miller; environment and ecology, Cameron Pensyl; environmental science, Stephen Bressi; introduction to physics, Ashley Moyer; organic chemistry, Megan Ciborowski; physics, Charles F. Black; AP biology, Kevin Candelora; AP chemistry, Kimberly Bills; AP physics, Scott Bradley.

Shamokin High School Alumni Association Subject and Curriculum Awards: art, Samantha Zielinskie; highest GPA in business courses, Evan Dixson; English, Jessica Britton; foreign languages, Megan Ciborowski; science, Hilary Feudale; social studies, Jessica Brown; highest ranking from a three year program in career and technical education, Peyton Autry.

Stanley A. Galiley Awards: Jessica Britton and Justin Reichner.

The Larry Brennan Memorial Award: Ashley Strouse.

The Tony Brennan Award: Russell McKinney.

Thomas and Martha Lynch Award: Kevin Candelora.

William M. Moyer Memorial Award: Kimberly Bills.

Scholarships earned

Coal Township High School Alumni Association Scholarships: Danielle Boyd, seventh-place award; Scott Bradley, George Lytle Award for fifth place; Megan Ciborowski, George Nagle Award for first place; Caleb Latovich, Frank Marcinek Award for third place; Devin Madara, sixth-place award.

Shamokin High School Alumni Association Scholarships: Jessica Britton, second place; Jessica Brown, eighth place; Peyton Cooper, ninth place; Blair Faust, 12th place; Brittany Miller, 10th place; Josiah Stahl, fourth place; Robert Taylor, 11th place.

Elvira (Mirarchi) DePiante and Vincent P. DePiante Jr. Awards: Peyton E. Autry, Rebecca Dressler, Emily Kotanchik, Megan Ramp, Christi Taylor and Samantha Zielinskie.

National Honor Society

National Honor Society Graduates-Laudari Chapter: Regan Abromitis, Kimberly Bills, Danielle Boyd, Scott Bradley, Stephen Bressi, Jessica Britton, Stephanie Broscious, Jessica Brown, Ryan Burns, Kevin Candelora, Megan Ciborowski, Allyson Delbaugh, Rebecca Dressler, Erin Duganitz, Amber Ebbecke, Hilary Feudale, Ashley Fiorey, Zachary Jacobs, Caleb Latovich, Ethan Lindermuth, Brieanna Lindstrom, Devin Madara, Brandon Mendoza, Brittany Miller, Ashley Moyer, Stephanie Pancher, Brittany Reid, Catherine Reigle, Ashley Strouse, Anna Summers, Robert Taylor, Jonathan Vanaskie, Briaun Williams, Emily Zakrzewski and Keena Zalar.

BEAR GAP - A black male feigning car trouble held a weapon to the chest of a 79-year-old Paxinos man Saturday evening, robbing him of his wallet and prescription pills, according to the victim.

Police were looking for two people for questioning in the incident, Robert Forrest Smith and Melanie Guinther, according to emergency communications.

Irving F. Snyder, of Mountain Road, told The News-Item that it took "seconds" for the robber to make off with his possessions.

Inside his wallet, he said, was up to $2,500 in cash. The pills, he said, were painkillers and numbered more than 300.

"They came to the door and they wanted to know if they could use the phone because their car broke down," Snyder said by telephone Saturday night in speaking of the suspect and an alleged accomplice, a white woman.

"I told them to wait and I would get the phone," he said.

Instead, both suspects entered his home shortly before 6:30 p.m.

The male met him face to face and thrust a sharp object into his chest, Snyder said. Snyder wasn't sure if it was a knife or a pen, but said he decided to obey any demands.

"'Don't make no noise or say anything or I'm going to

kill you,' " Snyder said, recalling how the man threatened him. "Naturally, I didn't move."

They were inside his home less than one minute, he said. From there, the duo fled on foot and remained at large as of 10 p.m.

Snyder said he was not injured, but the object left a small mark on his chest.

Ralpho Township police were assisted by officers from at least five area communities and state police in their search for the suspects.

The black male was reportedly wearing a green shirt, camouflage shorts, a cap and beard; the woman, a green blouse.

Officers were on the lookout for a black Ford Escape and a large pickup truck, possibly a blue or black Chevrolet with tinted windows. The occupants of the truck weren't believed to be suspects; rather, that they'd have information.

A traffic stop was initiated on a Ford Escape in Natalie but it was not the suspect vehicle.

Officers from Ralpho Township, Coal Township, Shamokin, Kulpmont, Mount Carmel and Mount Carmel Township, along with state troopers, were positioned at or patrolled various points along Route 61 and 54 in search of the suspects or suspect vehicles. They also patrolled the rural roads between Overlook and Bear Gap, including the areas around Northumberland County Airport and St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Blue Church Road.

According to information broadcast over emergency communications, the incident could be related to a domestic dispute that occurred earlier in the afternoon.

Asked about that incident, Patrolman Matthew Hashuga, Coal Township police, said witnesses claimed a Robert Smith and Barbara Somers were involved in a physical altercation near First and Wood streets.

Both left the scene before police arrived - Smith in a black Ford Escape and Somers, who Hashuga said has outstanding arrest warrants for unrelated matters, in a pickup truck.

Ralpho Township police could not be reached for comment on the incident.

Snyder said this isn't the first time he's been robbed. He estimated up to $9,000 has been stolen from his home over the last year.

"I've been really taken across here in the last year," he said.

The prescriptions were OxyContin, he said - 180 10-milligram pills and 160 15-milligram pills.

He worried about the bank cards and identification that were stolen with his wallet.

Snyder, an Air Force veteran, owned and operated the former Snyder and Sons Small Engine Repair on North Rock Street in Shamokin.

CATAWISSA RR - Severe weather caused a delay at the Relay for Life at Southern Columbia Area overnight Friday.

It resumed Saturday at Tiger Stadium and brought in $40,300, counted at the event's end and nearing the $44,000 fundraising goal.

Karen Marinelli, luminaria chairperson, said Saturday's total will inch closer to the goal.

"I would say that money always comes in after the Relay. There's always some that trickles in. We are just overjoyed with that total," she said.

Southern's Relay faced fundraising hardship last year. Competing sporting events combined with inclement weather and temporary displacement - construction on the high school grounds forced it to an alternate location - led to a drop in donations, raising just half of its $60,000 goal.

Expectations were tempered this year as American Cancer Society lowered the goal, Marinelli said.

"Not only is it the economic times but it's also the fact that there's just a lot more really good causes that are in the arena," she said of competing charities.

The theme to the 2012 Relay at Southern Columbia Area was "Granting Birthday Wishes ... One Step at a time." Seventeen teams participated, all of whom experienced a first at that area's event - a delay.

Relay events including the luminaria were moved indoors from the school football stadium and track Friday night. At 11 p.m., the event was suspended temporarily in lieu of warnings of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

"We finally just had to admit for safety to just not go back outside," Marinelli said.

It resumed under clearer skies Saturday morning with a breakfast, butterfly release and home run derby.

Marinelli said the release and derby, along with a Relay Idol singing event - "I know everybody does it, but it was new for us," she said - were among new events that enlivened the Relay.

Elementary students visited the event during recess Friday, where they were taught cancer prevention techniques such as being physically active and eating healthy, using sunscreen and avoiding tobacco in all forms.

Relay for Life events take much planning. Marinelli said Southern Columbia Area's is worked on throughout the year. Hundreds of people volunteer, donate goods or money and support the event, and for this, she offered a sincere "thank you."

"It feels good to be part of this community," she said.

Southern Columbia's Relay is the area's second in 2012. Line Mountain held a six-hour event May 12.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Jessica Britton has been named valedictorian of the Class of 2012 of Shamokin Area Middle/High School, as announced during Friday's senior awards program.

Scott Bradley is salutatorian.

The remaining top five students are, in order, Stephen Bressi, Megan Ciborowski and Kimberly Bills.

Valedictorian

Britton is a daughter of James and Jodi Britton, of Shamokin.

A National Honor Society student,

she was captain of the girls varsity

basketball team and president of the chemistry club. She also was a member of varsity club, key club, The Works Club and dual enrollment.

Britton will attend Bucknell University to major in pre-med.

Salutatorian

Bradley is a son of Lori and Brian Bradley, of Coal Township.

He was captain of the swim team, president of the SATV club and editor-in-chief of the yearbook, and was vice president of National Honor Society. He was a member of the Science Olympiad and dual enrollment and competed in cross-country and varsity track.

Bradley will attend Lafayette College to major in physics/pre-med.

Third

Bressi is a son of Lori and Richard Bressi, of Coal Township.

He was treasurer of National Honor Society and was elected to student council. He also belonged to the varsity club, key club, Students Against Bullying, Science Olympiad, chemistry club, The Works Club and dual enrollment. He competed in varsity baseball and swimming.

Bressi will attend Penn State University to major in health sciences.

Fourth

Ciborowski is a daughter of Robert and Eileen Ciborowski, of Coal Township.

She was elected to student council and served as president of Bible club and vice president of both the chemistry club and chorus. She also belonged to National Honor Society, carsity club, The Works Club and cafeteria focus committee and performed in the school musical, as well as competing in varsity soccer.

Ciborowski will attend Wilkes University to pursue a doctorate in pharmacy.

Fifth

Bills is a daughter of Sandy and Doug Hatzel, of Coal Township, and Andy Bills, of Sunbury.

She performed with the high school band, competition band and orchestra, and served as vice president of the science club while also belonging to the key club, National Honor Society and dual enrollment.

Bills will attend Bloomsburg University to major in social work.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The second annual Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Trailgating Walk, held Saturday at the developing recreational site above Burnside, succeeded in fostering a family atmosphere.

Mothers and fathers chatted as they moved about to keep warm on a chilly morning as their children played in the dirt nearby, searching for ant holes. Small groups of friends also talked to pass the time before the walk, meandering among the few stands set up by vendors.

Kathy Jeremiah, Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) project coordinator, had to envision the scene as

a good start for the planned recreational site.

"We wanted to show that this is a facility families can enjoy," she said before the walk through the non-motorized portion of the park.

"I want to show people in our area what this area looks like. Some people have never been out here."

One thing it looked like was clean. More than 80 volunteers scoured a portion of AOAA two weeks prior, filling up a 30-yard rolloff container full of trash and debris dumped in the woods illegally.

The walk covered 3.25 miles of the non-motorized portion of the site, which remains in a planning phase.

AOAA is designed to cover more than 6,500 acres of county-owned land spread across Coal, Mount Carmel, East and West Cameron and Zerbe townships. The non-motorized portion will be tailored toward hikers, bikers, campers, hunters and equestrians. The remainder will be for motorized activity.

Forty-eight people registered for the walk this year. That's less than half of the 100 that turned out last year, but Jeremiah said she expected a lower turnout because of the chilly and overcast weather.

Angela Rice, Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 3254, Shamokin, was waiting with her son, JoRay Griffiths, for his fellow Cub Scouts to arrive. The Cub Scouts went to the original walk last year and Rice thought it good to return a second time.

"We need something in this area. We've reclaimed the land and more people should take advantage of it, not just trucks and ATVs," Rice said.

Coal Township residents Jim Reidell and Paul M. Leshinskie were more cautious about the potential of the park.

Leshinskie has been walking the woods for 50 years; Reidell, 30 years. Each had mixed feelings about the future of AOAA and its impact on local residents who grew up with free access.

"It's hard to get used to," Reidell said of the idea of AOAA and regulations that would accompany it.

Leshinskie spoke of potential restrictions if the AOAA is opened. He spoke, too, of the potential costs from proposed fees.

"Too many things you'll have to buy for access that we always had for free," he said.

Despite their reservations, both Reidell and Leshinskie said they hoped AOAA would benefit the local economy.

The Trailgating Walk was held in conjunction with American Hiking Society's 2012 National Trails Day, the 20th such event. AOAA and Phoenix Rehabilitation organized the local walk. Northumberland County Conservation District, VNA Health System and Far Point Animal Rescue all had stands set up at the event.

Free water and dog treats were available and several prizes, including a free home assessment from Bressi and Martin and a $50 bank card, were awarded.

POINT TOWNSHIP - Route 11 in Point Township was closed for a time Saturday evening due to a rock/mud slide.

The Northumberland County 911 Center, announced late Saturday evening that the road had been reopened.

A detour was set up by fire police units on the scene.

Route 11 was closed between Ridge Road and Bulk Plant Road, roughly a two-mile stretch.

Second of four parts

Significant debate about public education funding has spawned numerous requests for publication of the salaries of local administrators, teachers and other staff.

Today is the second of four consecutive days of that information for Line Mountain, Mount Carmel, Shamokin Area and Southern Columbia Area school districts.

In each case, information was provided by the district, and reflects amounts for the 2011-12 school year.

Line Mountain - 2011-12 salaries and benefits:

Administration

Name, title, salary and total with benefits

David Campbell; superintendent; $95,500; $127,846

Amy Dunn; special education supervisor; $67,400; $94,766

Keith Harro; network administrator; $54,400; $70,623

Jeffrey Lagerman; athletic director/dean of students; $67,000; $94,296

Timothy Lagerman; director of plant and operations; $55,707; $81,031

David Makowski; school psychologist; $54,800; $71,093

Jeanne Menko; elementary principal; $72,000; $100,169

Phil Rapant; business administrator; $71,561; $99,653

Jeffrey Roadcap; high school principal; $80,059; $109,634

Teachers

Name Salary With benefits

Lon Balum $63,582 $74,956

Rougena Baney $47,605 $70,515

Holly Billow $36,014 $48,802

LeeAnn Bobb $63,582 $89,281

Jamie Bolinsky $45,396 $68,695

Karrie Bowman $36,014 $57,676

Lori Brown $43,863 $66,895

Rita Buhay $63,582 $89,281

Michael Buriak $54,433 $79,310

Denya Burris $32,838 $53,171

Roy Casey $60,761 $86,743

Tara Deljanovan $42,275 $64,255

Francine Ferster $57,846 $83,430

Cynthia Fessler $61,701 $87,847

Larry Fisher $37,602 $50,667

Melanie Fowler $39,190 $60,631

Lori Hackenberg $36,014 $57,676

Philip Hallden $44,629 $52,695

Margaret Haverovich $62,642 $87,066

Michael Hayner $54,433 $79,310

Jennifer Heitzman $48,809 $72,704

Shelley Herb $58,458 $84,038

Megan Herrold $39,190 $60,631

Amy Hess-Sprenkle $45,396 $68,695

Nicole Hickoff $36,014 $56,901

Damian Hojnacki $60,761 $71,643

Charles Johnson $52,726 $77,305

Carol Lynn Kahler $58,284 $68,733

Sandra Kase $61,701 $87,072

Barbara Kaskie $60,761 $77,976

Charles Keer $40,778 $48,171

Jackie Kelley $36,014 $56,901

Sandra Kessler $61,701 $87,168

Heather Kieffer $59,050 $84,733

Barbara Klebon $63,582 $74,956

Rebecca Kline $60,761 $84,857

Rodney Knock $32,838 $45,072

Danielle Koser $43,863 $66,895

Carl Krause $60,761 $86,743

Carol Kruskie $63,582 $89,377

Sarah Lenig $32,838 $45,072

Scott Lenker $59,557 $70,229

Peggy Long $58,284 $74,960

Jill Lundy $51,456 $75,813

Angelica Magaro $36,014 $55,790

Barbara Mannin $60,761 $86,743

Ashley Martz $36,014 $56,901

Julie Masser $59,557 $85,328

Melinda Masser $37,218 $59,090

Rebecca Maustellar $55,636 $80,044

David McCracken $44,192 $58,408

Margaret Mielke $58,458 $83,263

Jennifer Miller $38,158 $51,321

Sophia Molesevich $53,930 $78,040

Danielle Mowery $44,192 $66,507

Erin Musser $39,190 $52,533

Julie Nevin $60,761 $77,976

Susan Ney $54,433 $79,310

Sara Paulson $37,602 $44,441

Jacilyn Paulukonis $45,396 $53,596

Kimmie Poltonavage $36,014 $57,676

Laura Pomykalski $41,334 $63,924

Jonathan Raker $52,726 $68,432

Beth Reed $47,102 $70,699

Jesse Reed $40,778 $54,398

Michael Reed $54,433 $79,310

Diane Rompallo $60,761 $85,632

Joan Rothermel $63,582 $89,377

Christine Sanders $37,602 $58,766

Laura Scandle $60,761 $86,743

Paula Schick $59,557 $85,328

Lindsey Scholl $36,014 $57,676

Jaymi Sejuit $52,223 $76,714

Mark Shearer $40,778 $63,271

Amy Shipe $48,809 $72,704

Sean Snoddy $39,190 $52,533

Ian Snyder $36,014 $57,676

Joanne Snyder $60,761 $85,968

Lydia Snyder $36,014 $48,802

Autumn Spotts $36,014 $56,901

Heather Sprenkle $37,602 $50,667

Crystale Straub-Moyer $63,582 $90,056

Jordan Taraschuk $43,689 $57,817

Mary Ann Taxis $63,582 $74,956

Heather Troutman $37,218 $59,090

MaryAnn Troutman $43,689 $66,690

Chelsea Vuchinich $36,014 $48,802

Wesley Wagner $52,223 $76,825

Autumn Walshaw $39,190 $61,406

Randy Weiser $52,726 $77,305

Jason Weller $36,014 $57,676

Tara Werley $34,426 $46,937

Glenda Whary $63,582 $90,056

Amy Wilson $35,630 $48,351

Cynthia Wood $54,433 $78,535

Jill Yisrael $42,485 $64,502

Theresa York $50,516 $74,709

Amy Young $55,044 $80,028

Alan Zelnick $60,761 $86,853

Teachers aides

Angela Carl $8,759 $10,488

Wendy Delorso $10,571 $12,733

Patricia Geise $11,026 $13,150

Vicky Jones $13,534 $16,096

Diane Kieffer $9,902 $11,830

Margaret Lahr $10,765 $12,845

Christine Leader $15,107 $17,944

Nina Lenker $12,353 $14,710

Angela Long $10,663 $12,725

Linda Long $9,902 $11,830

Gertrude Masser $15,107 $17,944

Donna Mattern $13,943 $16,578

Michelle McRae $9,902 $11,830

Debra Novinger $14,681 $17,444

Betty Reiner $15,107 $17,945

Holly Renninger $9,902 $12,680

Michele Riehl $10,671 $12,599

Heather Slotterback $12,540 $14,602

Kathleen Spotts $11,712 $14,101

Helen Vandervoort $11,026 $13,270

Deborah Weiser $12,918 $15,043

Marge Welker $12,268 $14,720

Tammy Wetzel $9,902 $12,243

Lisa Wren $10,671 $12,599

Small building aides

Tammy Beninsky $13,699 $15,761

Connie Savidge $17,273 $20,488

Judy Wetzel $16,668 $19,778

Cooks

Sandra Bingaman $11,557 $13,774

Ann Hynoski $12,587 $14,984

Lottie Kaminskie $9,937 $11,872

Sherri Keefer $5,235 $6,349

Lisa Michael $8,376 $10,038

Linda Rebuck $8,208 $9,841

Elina Schreffler $11,557 $13,774

Susan Warford $9,646 $11,530

Lisa Williard $11,593 $13,817

Susan Wise $4,886 $5,939

Evelyn Wolfe $11,593 $13,817

Head cook I

Bonnie Wilkinson $14,753 $17,528

Head cook II

Cheryl Schaffner $17,059 $20,237

Brenda Snyder $17,715 $21,007

Vicki Wiest $17,518 $20,775

Custodian I

Karen Bixler $26,518 $37,723

Fern Gonsar $26,664 $45,993

Melody Latsha $20,880 $39,975

Linda Swinehart $26,518 $37,723

Custodian II

Richard Hood $20,880 $31,101

Glenn Pennypacker $28,146 $39,743

David Schleig $26,956 $46,337

Doyle Schreffler $32,385 $52,713

Head custodians

Melvin Beisel $28,606 $48,274

William Dubb $32,970 $45,301

Robbin Klinger $28,606 $48,274

Secretaries

Beverly Byerly $31,829 $43,962

Kim Dewalt $31,829 $37,899

Deborah Shaffer $31,829 $37,735

Jane Taylor $31,085 $51,187

Diane Walshaw $31,829 $52,060

Jacqualyn Bonawitz (superintendent) $32,416 $44,651

Joanna Hovenstine (business administrator) $28,638 $49,087

Other staff

Stacey Grindstaff; athletic trainer; $36,296; $56,897

Tracy Supsic; social worker; $44,000; $67,056

Cinda Grimm; nurse; $62,642; $88,177

Candace Adams; nurse; $35,490; $41,885

Kelle Kaleta; technology specialist; $39,865; $47,324

Sandra Bingaman; crossing guard; $2,311; $2,914

Cheryl Schaffner; crossing guard; $2,311; $2,914

James Leader; district delivery; $31,571; $51,757 (also, middle school boys basketball coach; $2,570; $3,219)

Christina Bendas; purchasing assistant; $30,165; $35,781

Patty Troutman; accounting assistant; $34,002; $54,612

Jane Wolfe; pupil services assistant; $34,002; $54,612

Tim Morgan; maintenance technician; $36,060; $57,030

David Wallace; maintenance technician; $34,577; $56,063

Community yard sale set

MOUNT CARMEL - A community yard sale will be held in the borough beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday.

5K to benefit 150th anniversary

MOUNT CARMEL - A 5K Run and Walk will be held Saturday, with proceeds benefiting the borough's 150th anniversary celebration.

Registration on race day begins at 8 a.m. at Union National Bank, Third and Oak streets.

The race begins at 9 a.m. There are seven different age categories for males and females.

Registration forms are available online at www.mountcarmel150.info or on Facebook. The cost is $15 with a T-shirt; $5 without.

For more information, e-mail MC150th@gmail.com.

Jones recertified as judge

HARRISBURG - Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones, of Mount Carmel, was again certified for service as a member of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System after successful completion of continuing legal education course work.

The week-long program was conducted by the Minor Judiciary Education Board and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.

It covered updates on the state motor vehicle code, civil law/blighted property, bail, bankruptcy, accommodations of litigants in court, employment law, social media, court security, criminal law, drug identification, the veterans diversion program, truancy, mental health law and digital stalking.

Continuing education is required by statute for each of the state's more than 500 magisterial district judges.

BLOOMSBURG - High school graduation is often met with hyperbole that adolescence has ended and adulthood begins, all with the turn of a tassel.

The symbolism that comes with commencement is ingrained in our culture, however, as a mile marker along almost everyone's path in life.

Bryan Gedman, valedictorian of the Class of 2012 at Southern Columbia Area, seems to have learned what many high school graduates come to realize: Time flies when you're in school.

"It seems like only yesterday that we were all little kids sitting in elementary school who would've wished away the next several years if we could have, and yet today there isn't much that we wouldn't do to have it all back," he said in his valedictory address during commencement Sunday at Haas Center for the Arts on the campus of Bloomsburg University.

"This moment has always seemed so far away, but now I'm finding it hard to believe that it's actually here and that we will all shortly become Southern Columbia High School alumni," he said.

Gedman, who will major in pre-med at Penn State University, spoke of the close-knit community at Southern Columbia Area, saying its enrollment - 94 students graduated this year - allows classmates to form bonds beyond simple acquaintance.

The majority of his fondest memories, he said, were forged during extracurricular activities, saying that his experience surely was shared by many of his fellow graduates.

"There are many life lessons to be learned through extracurricular involvement that can't necessarily be taught in the classroom, such as discipline, cooperation and leadership," Gedman said. "Combined with the excellent education we have received here at Southern, this places us firmly on the path to future success."

Kaitlin Fink, salutatorian, looked back on her high school experience with a smile and a wink.

"Let's just say it's been filled with lots of good memories, bad memories and drama," she said during her closing remarks.

"Whether it's spilling milk on another person's head or getting up from the lunch table "spontaneously," our high school had drama wherever you looked. But that's what made it interesting, all of the juicy gossip and relationships."

Fink, who will study medical imaging at Misericordia University, recalled singing together with classmates "My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean" in Margaret Barbarito's class. She also recalled someone sticking a paper clip in an electrical outlet during another class.

"Graduation is the last time we'll see our teacher's smiling faces. That's why they're smiling," Fink said, just before ribbing high school principal James Becker about his fretting over dress code violations.

"Halter tops, short shorts, Hooters T-shirts, spaghetti straps. Then you send us to graduation wearing only a gown," she said.

She urged her fellow graduates to work hard, set goals and pursue happiness.

"As we step out these doors, remember what Southern Columbia has taught you: use your best judgment, follow your heart and, most of all, have fun with what you love," she said.

Anthony Jessick, class president, gave the invocation, and Michael Williams, middle school geography teacher, gave a faculty address, "Happiness, Passion and Gratitude."

Susan Miller, Class of 1977, was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award. She is president and chief executive officer of Telecommunications Industry Solutions.

The 2012 graduating class of Southern Columbia Area are Brooke Adamski, Anudeep Alberts, Logan Anderson, Natalie Beishline, Branden Blodgett, Kayla Bobber, Jason Boblick, Gwendolyn Bodner, Sarah Breech, Samantha Bressi, Nathan Broskey, Rachel Burk, Thadeus Burke, Steven Butler, Giuliano Catania, Courtney Cecco, Ashley Ciocco, Cody Clossen, Kayla Consentino, Taryn Crawford, Keith Day, Andrew Deihl, Emily Ebersole, Dylan Eck, Brad Fegley, Kaitlin Fink, Jonathan Fleming, Cameron Flore, Katelyn Foutz, Samantha Fraley, Rachel Freeman, Bryan Gedman, Jessica Genovesi, Lori Gilger, Alex Gipple, Alexandra Girardi, Kelsey Goretsky, Joeseph Grosch, Joshua Hagan, Kayla Hanley, Jonathan Harlow, Cody Hayman, Colin Heitzman, Amber Hendricks, Corey Honabach, Tyler Hopta, Ian Howard, Katarina Hutchinson, David Jeremiah, Andrew Jessick, Bernard Kiessling, Kristian Klebon, Sarah Lamb, Lindsey Landis, Brandon LeVan, Tyler Levan, Krystin Lunger, Caitlyn Mack, Shannon Manetti, Shaylin Martin, Mary McGinley, Amanda Miller, Heather Miller, Matthew Moore, Danielle Mowery, Abriel Newton, Marissa Noll, Lauren Patrick, Megan Payeskie, Alexandra Portelli, Cody Pursel, William Reigle, Eric Roberts, Katlin Ryzner, Casey Savitski, Thomas Schetroma, Aaron Sherwood, Alicia Slagle, Jamie Slotterback, Vanessa Slotterback, Zachary Snyder, Dylan Stimer, Hannah Stone, Colton Swank, Brandon Tasker, Krysta Thomas, Tyrell Thomas, Gabrielle Valeski, Megan Williams, Lauren Wilson, Mara Wilson, Tanar Yacko, Lydia Young and Austin Zelinski.

Kyle C. Kent, 32, of Marion Heights, faces charges of aggravated assault, kidnapping, burglary, criminal trespass, terroristic threats, stalking, unlawful restraint, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief and harassment, faces trial during a busy June term of Schuylkill County criminal court which starts.

Kent's trial is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. today before Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin.

They are two of 15 defendants who are scheduled for jury trials during the criminal court term, District Attorney Karen Noon said Friday. Noon said there also will be five to seven nonjury trials.

State police at Frackville allege that between 6 and 11 p.m. Sept. 18, 2011, Kent broke into a house at 334 E. Mahanoy Ave., Girardville, where his wife, Melissa Kent, was staying. Kyle Kent started punching his wife and then dragged her outside, according to police.

Police said Kyle Kent forced Melissa Kent into his

Ford Explorer Sport and drove away. While driving, Kyle Kent hit his wife with his fist and elbow, according to police.

Kyle Kent then drove Melissa Kent around Girardville and to the Aristes area, police said.

While in Aristes, Kyle Kent tried to turn onto a dirt road but his wife jumped out of the moving SUV, according to police. However, Kyle Kent chased the woman, caught her and slammed her head off the road several times before forcing her back into the SUV, police said.

Assistant District Attorney Rebecca A. Elo is prosecuting Kent.

HARRISBURG - This coming month offers a new test of whether Republican one-party rule in Harrisburg can produce agenda-shaping laws along with state budgets passed on time.

GOP legislative leaders said they have already met the test by enacting a host of laws to curb costs in state public welfare and unemployment compensation programs, limit corporate liability in some civil lawsuits, shine more light on government spending, require specific photo identification at the polls as well as making strides in reducing state debt and helping businesses create jobs.

"It's bunk," said House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-28, Pittsburgh, referring to a spate of reports about a GOP statehouse deadlock. "This session has been one of the most significant and productive."

Standing next to Turzai, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, Chester, agreed with his colleague's assessment.

"This is something that comes up every 30 days or so," he said. "You can't please everybody all the time."

However, several of the accomplishments cited above while important to business constituencies are considered second-tier agenda items. They lack the emotional high-five for the party's conservative base that would come with a legislative victory expanding school choice options to include student tuition vouchers or selling the state-owned liquor stores to private owners.

That school choice and liquor store divestiture eluded previous Republican governors during eras of one-party rule only adds to the chagrin.

Meanwhile, GOP Gov. Tom Corbett's appointment of his general counsel Stephen Aichele to succeed a long-time aide as chief of staff and a private meeting last week between the governor and longtime supporters have led to media speculation about an administration adrift.

Corbett hasn't taken a hands-on approach to the lawmaking process, said Terry Madonna, pollster at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster. The governor faces a difficult environment to govern with many newcomers to legislative ranks, moderate conservatives leading the Senate and the House under Tea Party influence, added Dr. Madonna.

June offers the last big opportunity for Corbett and the House and Senate to enact big-ticket legislation along with a $27 plus billion state budget for fiscal 2012-13 before the Nov. 6 general election.

With legislative leaders vowing to avoid any "lame duck" or post-election session, only several weeks will remain for work this fall before a traditional mid-October recess for campaigning.

Today, lawmakers start a month of uninterrupted session weeks leading up to the June 30 budget passage deadline.

The focus of the budget debate is how far to go restoring state spending cuts proposed by Corbett in February when Pennsylvania's fiscal picture was more dire.

A Senate-approved budget bill restores $500 million in cuts, mainly in the areas of basic and higher education and county-run human services programs. The impact of cuts to public schools have received considerable public attention in recent weeks.

Turzai offered praise for the Senate bill last week as budget negotiations continue. Pileggi said enacting a budget by mid-June is an optimistic scenario, but still achievable, depending on how the governor responds in the final round of negotiations. But the path gets murkier when it comes to bills on school choice, liquor stores or transportation funding landing on Corbett's desk by month's end.

Turzai wants to complete House action this month on a liquor store sale bill, a favorite cause of his, but he isn't tying that issue to budget passage.

Democratic lawmakers, heavily outnumbered in both chambers, are making an effort to link state education cuts with local school cutbacks and hikes in school property taxes.

"Gov. Corbett's education policies have decimated public schools with historic and devastating cuts resulting in more than 14,000 public school job losses, property tax increases in more than half of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts and unprecedented cuts to academic and extracurricular programs," said House Democrats in a memo about Corbett's 500 days in office.

House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, D-33, Allegheny County, disputed his GOP counterpart's listing of the welfare, unemployment compensation and voter identification laws as accomplishments.

"It's not an accomplishment to unilaterally take 80,000 children off medical assistance," he said. "I don't believe it's progress to suppress the vote."

Dermody said Republicans are ignoring crucial issues like bridge and road repairs to focus on issues like cutting off funds to Planned Parenthood.

"They are trying to push a radical agenda," he added. "They have had some limited success."

Lawmakers of both parties weigh issues like school choice and liquor store sales based on the views of their constituents, said Sen. John Yudichak, D-14, Nanticoke, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"It's very difficult to have a one-man ideologically driven agenda," he added. "You have 253 legislators that represent a very diverse population."

The more promising bets for final votes this month are on bills to curb buyouts of school superintendent contracts and reduce the number of non-violent offenders in state prisons and retool community corrections centers to house inmates nearing parole. Corbett is pushing action on the prison legislation.

On prime legislation involving Northeast Pennsylvania, Republicans enacted most of the bills this spring to reform juvenile justice practices in response to the courthouse scandal in Luzerne County. These bills first appeared the previous session in a divided General Assembly.

Yet, getting the juvenile justice bills to the finishing line took some work. Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp., called attention publicly at one point to the lack of progress on a now enacted law to require that juvenile defendants be represented by counsel at court hearings.

Ideological differences between the House and Senate over state borrowing have held up final action so far on a package of bills to provide supplemental state aid to victims of last September's destructive flooding in the Susquehanna River Basin. In 1996, a state aid package cleared a GOP-run statehouse five months after the one-two punch of a blizzard and flood that January.

A study of Pennsylvania's Legislature by Temple University's Institute for Public Affairs finds unified government is hardly a ticket to passing major laws. Since 1970, Republicans have had unified control for 11 years and Democrats seven years. Party control of the legislative branches was split during the remaining 23 years.

Among the top laws enacted during this period, seven including the Pennsylvania Lottery and Megan's Law dealing with sexual offenders are products of one-party control. Sixteen laws, including the slots law and public employee collective bargaining, occurred under divided rule.

One-party control tends if nothing else to produce on-time or early budgets. During the Ridge administration, Republicans were able to pass budgets in mid-June due to huge tax revenue surpluses.

SHAMOKIN - The seven-year-old Pregnancy Care Center, considered a "local success story," officially moved to its new location Sunday at 150 S. Market St., occupying what was formerly the business office of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

The official ribbon-cutting at the new office came on the heels of a highly successful Walk for Life on May 12. The event raised more than $25,000 from registration fees and donations that will be used to support services provided by the center, including parenting classes, adoption counseling and education on abortion.

The Pregnancy Care Center, which is Christian-based and affiliated with national and international pro-life organizations, provides all services free of charge.

Among the services offered: A 24-hour hotline, peer counseling for men and women, referrals to community assistance, material assistance (baby clothes, diapers and maternity clothes

in the center's "Earn While You Learn" store), pre- and post-adoption counseling, parenting skills training, relationship counseling, abstinence education for schools, churches and community groups and post-abortion mentoring.

The center's goal is to have a small medical where sonograms, pregnancy tests and testing for sexually transmitted diseases can be offered in addition to the present services.

The Pregnancy Care Center, which volunteers consider "Shamokin's miracle," came to Shamokin in 2005 through the help of affiliates in Lewisburg in Williamsport. In August 20010, the economic downtown resulted in the center's closing.

As a result of a community meeting, churches and local benefactors offered their help. It turned out the center was closed only three days before it reopened temporarily at Calvary Bible Fellowship Church's Mission House.

Thanks to donations received from within and outside the area, the pro-life ministry was able to succeed.

The center's first fundraiser in 2010 was a huge success, setting the pace for three additional fundraising projects. These projects enabled the center to save enough money to make a down payment on its new building.

Editor's note: Monday Profiles are published on the first Monday of each month.

When a gay teenager flees the coal region, earns fans in the underground music scene and ultimately finds his face printed on wildly popular T-shirts, what's next?

Jonny goes to Hollywood.

Born Jon Henry Szymanski and raised in Mount Carmel, he long ago adopted the moniker Jonny Makeup and has found himself among the trend-setting style mavens of American pop culture.

He's put a career in fashion on hold to pursue a career in pop music, hoping to achieve fame of his own.

"I was a fame whore, and I did want to get photographed," Jonny told The News-Item last week of his early brush with celebrities on the social scene of New York and Los Angeles, "It doesn't necessarily mean that I still don't, and I was lucky, but now I have to prove myself,"

Jonny, 30, had previously found a cult following with the now defunct VIP Party Boys, an overtly sexual queer rap trio - think early Beastie Boys meets 2 Live Crew in a gay underground night club.

His focus now is on pop and dance music. He has released his own single, "OMG," featuring rapper Amanda Blank. He also has a writing credit on a song by DJ Steve Aoki featuring LMFAO and has written music with Cobra Starship, Corey Enemy and Dallas Austin, according to Ultra Music, which signed him as a songwriter.

Jonny didn't grow up a musician but was often around music because of his father Hank, a local performer.

Be it a writer or performer, Jonny now hopes to make a career of it.

"That's one of the reasons why I quit my job in fashion, so that I can get my own music out there and I can write for other artists," he said.

"I'm not getting any younger. I just see all these people coming up at any age doing it DIY (do it yourself)," he said. "When I first got (to L.A.), I thought I was meant to be the gay Madonna. Now I'm more humble, you know. It's L.A. and it's tough out there."

Jonny has created a niche of his own based on his eccentricities, fashion sense and big personality.

He can be found front row during Fashion Week in any city worldwide, a past guest of famed designers Jeremy Scott, whom he considers a best friend, and John Galliano. He also counts among his friends the likes of pop star Katy Perry and model Peaches Geldoff, and had been featured on former Playboy Playmate Kendra Wilkinson's reality show on the E! channel.

His former boss, Dov Charney, thought enough of Jonny Makeup to put him on an American Apparel T-shirt a few years back that still retails on the company's website today, and up until recently he had been modeling for high profile photographer "The Cobra Snake" Mark Hunter.

While far from a household name, he's come a ways from his days in his hometown of Mount Carmel.

Growing up, Jonny left little doubt about his sexual orientation, one that clashed with the inherently macho culture of the coal region.

His adolescence was admittedly hard, but not as hard it may be for other gay teens.

"I was born with a thick skin and I think that had a lot to do with growing up in coal region," he said.

With that attitude, he was able to endure bullying and adversity, but it wasn't easy. It stirred anger and lead to depression, which lead to drug and alcohol abuse.

He recalled a low point, overdosing at a borough pool hall. From there, he was sent to rehab.

In spite of his troubles, he holds Mount Carmel and many people in it close to his heart, especially his grandmother, Lorraine "Tottie" Criniti, whom he credited with bringing him "out of the darkness."

"When I got back (from rehab) there were loads of people who were really supportive of me. It didn't happen overnight," he said.

"For every person that bullied me, there was a handful of people who embraced me and I'm so grateful for that. I'm proud to be an out gay man and I'm proud to be from Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania."

He graduated Mount Carmel Area in 2000 and eventually moved to Philadelphia and later to New York, finding work in both fashion and music, and finding it on his own merits. He's now looking to heighten his profile in L.A.

He won't discount his own talent, but outside of luck, Jonny credits a lot of his personal success to character.

"One of my idols, Dolly Parton, says 'I have more guts than talent,' and I feel that, too. I mean I could carry a tune, don't get me wrong, and I could write a song, but I do feel that I have more guts than talent," he said.