HARRISBURG - Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) exempting certain people from serving on county juries if they've already served a full term on a grand jury at the state level has passed the House.

"Grand juries are often seated for extended periods, usually much longer than typical jury duty," said Masser. "I have worked with Senior Commonwealth Court Judge Barry F. Feudale on this bill to allow a person to opt out of serving on a jury at the county level if he or she has served on a grand jury at the state level for its full duration."

Feudale is a former Northumberland County judge.

House Bill 804 would enable people who want to serve on county juries to serve if they wish to, but people who have served a full term on a statewide investigating grand jury, including any extensions, will be given the option to be exempt from jury duty on a district court.

This change has been recommended in a report filed by the Twenty-Sixth Statewide Investigating Grand Jury on March 11, 2009. Pennsylvania grand juries are convened to aid with the investigation of organized crime, public corruption and other criminal activity. They are investigative bodies that may recommend the filing of criminal charges through a presentment.

Statewide investigating grand juries typically meet one full week each month for 18 months, and this term may be extended for an additional six months.

"Jurors endure significant personal hardships in order to participate on a statewide investigating grand jury," said Masser. "The most common concerns are: length of service, distance from their homes, absence from their families and the financial impact of such service."

Under current law, jurors who have completed service on a statewide investigating grand jury (having served for up to 18 or 24 months) are exempt from further jury duty for a three-year period.

The bill passed 187 to 5 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

SHAMOKIN - Dr. Timothy G. Standish, a respected scientist in the field of genetics, and Dr. Ron M. Clouzet, a practical theologian and seminary professor, will present a creation-evolution seminar beginning Thursday at the Shamokin mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 6 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin.

The five evening sessions will be held daily through Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Registration is not required. The sessions will cover topics that many find troubling as they read news articles and hear brief reports of recent research that often raises questions regarding creation and evolution.

The seminars can also be viewed on Direct TV, Channel 368.

According to Standish, it is important to understand the debate since it ultimately centers around whom and how people worship. "Creation stands at the core of Christian theology," Clouzet said.

On opening night, Standish and Cloluzet will explore the topic, "The Way We Were: A Look at Deep Time." Over the next four nights, they will discuss the life of creatures, genetics, radiometric dating, the age of the earth and the flood and fossils. The final presentation on Friday will put together the conclusions from various areas of the debate.

Standish, who has a Ph.D. from George Mason University, has pursued research in molecular biology. He is a research scientist at the Geoscience Research Institute in Loma Linda, Calif. The institute seeks to understand more about the origins of life and the earth from a biblical perspective.

Clouzel, D.Min., is a professional of Christian ministry and pastoral theology at Andrews University Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Mich.

"People are interested in creation for a reason," Standish noted. "Not only is it at the core of Christian beliefs and a major factor in deciding how we live our lives, but it is also intrinsically amazing and fun."

The Seventh-day Adventist Church, Bible-based Christians who believe that God is the Creator of all life and the Bible reveals a reliable account of His creative activity, is hosting the seminar for the enrichment of community life. The seminar will be uplinked live from Nashville, Tenn., where it will be distributed via satellite across the United States and Canada.

"In the Beginning: Making Sense of the Creation-Evolution Debate," is designed to be science-based, biblically sound and professionally informative, provided by co-hosts who are experts in their respective fields.

ATLAS - Synthetic marijuana and several vials of bath salts were confiscated Friday afternoon during a raid of a Mount Carmel Township store.

Officers with the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force (NMDTF) searched Choice Cigarette Discount Outlet, near the Mount Carmel Viaduct, for the drugs which are now illegal to sell, possess or deliver in the township. The board of supervisors unanimously passed the ordinance on March 25 that bans the materials there.

After an hour-long search,

officers carried out a computer tower and a bin of the designer drugs.

"Through numerous confidential sources, we were able to gain enough information to obtain a search warrant," said NMDTF Field Supervisor Todd Owens. "We want to send a message that these drugs will not be sold in the area."

Owens said the building was not seized. The owner was also not arrested. However, several charges are pending against him, he added.

The warrant was issued by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. The investigating officer is Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets.

More than one visit

This is the second visit officers made to the store to address the store's possession of bath salts and synthetic marijuana.

The day after the ordinance was passed, Mount Carmel Police Chief Brian Hollenbush and Patrolman Dan Politza drove to Choice and informed a clerk of the newly adopted ordinance.

While synthetic cannabis products such as White Rhino and Dragon Eye were on display on the front counter, no bath salts were visible.

Hollenbush pointed out to a reporter the smoking pipes, bongs, pocket weigh scales and related paraphernalia on display. He noted the warning on the synthetic cannabis container: "Not meant for human consumption."

The chief previously said that Choice, which he called a "drug heaven," would have a two-day grace period to remove the items. Items removed were documented.

Later that day, a reporter called the store and asked an employee whether all banned substances, including bath salts, had been removed. The employee consulted someone away from the phone before answering, "No comment."

Hollenbush, who wrote Mount Carmel Township's ordinance, said the township can adopt such laws as long as they don't violate a state or federal law.

Fines for violating the ordinance range from $100 to $300 and/or imprisonment of up to 90 days.

Bath salts, which authorities say can be snorted, smoked, eaten or injected and can produce a high similar to crack cocaine and methamphetamine, come in tiny round containers and are known by a variety of names, such as Vanilla Sky, Hurricane Charlie and Cloud Nine, among others. When improperly used, they can lead to hallucinations, paranoia and death.

In the midst of heavy thunderstorms Wednesday night and Thursday morning, did a tornado touched down in Dalmatia?

Joe Ceru, forecaster for the National Weather Service office in State College, said investigators are still trying to determine whether or not a twister touched down there early Thursday morning.

"Right now, it looks like thunderstorm wind damage," Ceru said. "We are still conducting storm damage surveys, so we can't confirm a tornado, but it's still under investigation."

Officials said four confirmed tornadoes touched down in their coverage area, two in Lebanon County, one in Huntington County and one in York.

The storms trapped a mother and her adult daughter, Judith Strohecker and Brenda Dane, inside their

mobile home as three pine trees, each having a diameter 2 1/2 feet at their base, came through the kitchen and living areas.

As a result of heavy rains that accompanied the same storm system, small creeks, streams and even the Susquehanna River came over their banks with minor to moderate flooding through the area.

On its website, Northumberland County EMA lists six roads closed as of 6 p.m. Friday:

- Boyer Hill Road and Hallowing Run Road in Lower Augusta Township.

- Boyer Hill Road and Shoch Road in Upper Augusta Township.

- Creek Hill Road and Herndon Bypass Road in Jackson Township.

- Intersections of Route 61 and Schoolhouse Road, with Irish Valley Road, Shamokin Township.

- The Water Street underpass in Northumberland.

Ceru said as far as the Susquehanna River is concerned, the worst is about over.

"What we are seeing right now is that the river appears to have crested in the area, and should go down below flood stage by today," the forecaster said.

As of 5:45 p.m. Friday, the Susquehanna River at Bloomsburg was just above moderate flood stage at 22.14 feet, slightly below its crest of 22.22 feet reached at 2 p.m.

Moderate flooding means a number of homes located between the fairgrounds and the river are affected by high water. Several buildings at the Bloomsburg Airport are also affected.

Minor flooding was reported in Sunbury and Danville. In Sunbury, the river crested at 25.57 feet at 9:45 a.m. Friday and had dropped to 25.24 feet eight hours later.

At that level, areas not protected by the levee and flood wall are affected.

Danville's station data reported the river cresting at 4:41 p.m. at 22.41 feet, well above the flood stage of 20 feet. At that point, basements flood in homes along Mahoning Creek on the right bank of the river.

According to National Weather Service predictions, all three stations should see waters recede to below flood stage at about noon today.

There are more than 4,400 Social Security recipients in Northumberland County who will need to switch to direct deposit within two years.

"Getting your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payment by direct deposit or direct express is safer and more reliable," said Commissioner of Social Security Michael J. Astrue. "You don't have to worry about your check being lost or stolen, and your money is

available immediately on your payment date. There is no need to wait for the mail to arrive."

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a new rule that will extend the safety and convenience of electronic payments to millions of Americans and phase out paper checks for federal benefits and non-tax payments by March 1, 2013.

As of May 1, all applicants for Social Security benefits must have electronic check delivery, such as direct deposit, or direct express for those without bank accounts. Those already receiving the benefits have until March 1, 2013, to make the switch.

According to data released in April by the Social Security Administration, there were 4,402 people in Northumberland County who will need change their service. Pennsylvania has 290,292 people in total.

Pat Crone-Zalinski, director of the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging, said caseworkers are aware of the coming change, along with some senior citizens.

"My mother, who is 88 years old, told me about it," Zalinski said. "It is certainly a safer procedure, but we have to see what people will do who don't have a bank account and have to apply for the debit card for their benefits."

While the news of the change came just recently, the agency will be doing its best to inform the public about the new policy.

"Our senior centers always promote any information that comes from the state on such matter, so we will get the word out," the director said. "The biggest thing will be convincing those who feel they have to have that paper check in their hands every month."

Electronic payments will also provide significant savings to American taxpayers who will no longer incur the $120 million a year price tag associated with paper checks and save $1 billion over the next 10 years. Eliminating paper checks will also provide positive benefits to the environment, saving 12 million pounds of paper in the first five years alone.

To learn more about direct deposit or the Direct Express Debit Mastercard or apply, go to www.GoDirect.org.

SUNBURY - The deaths of Deborah Demshock, of Excelsior, and Justin Boyles, of Milton, have been ruled accidental, according to autopsy reports released Friday.

Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley announced the results in a press release for the investigations conducted Feb. 16 by Forensic Pathology Associates, Allentown.

Both individuals were pronounced dead on Feb. 12 after being missing for several days. They were were found within 40 minutes of each other.

Demshock, 42, was found inside her vehicle, which had gone down a 50-foot embankment off Route 901 near Excelsior. Boyles, 31, was found behind Scot's Market in the Anthra Plaza, Coal Township.

Kelley reported Demshock's cause of death has been listed as hypothermia due to a motor vehicle accident with a contributory condition of Diabetes Mellitus.

"In Deborah's case," Kelley wrote, "it is believed she had

a diabetic event, which caused her to lose control of her vehicle."

Police said the vehicle then mounted a guard rail on Route 901 and traveled down an embankment. Her date of death has been established as Feb. 6, the day she was reported missing to police.

The cause of Boyles' death was also listed as hypothermia, due to acute mixed drug toxicity. Kelley said toxicology testing revealed MDPV, a synthetic stimulant, in his blood in addition to other drugs and medications.

MDPV is also known under other names as bath salts, "MDPK," "Magic," "Mtv," "Peevee" and "Super Coke." The adverse effects of the administration of these drugs include coma, severe respiratory depression, hypotension and cardiac arrest.

Officials determined his date of death to also be Feb. 6.

Boyles was found by a group of his friends from the Milton area who were conducting a search on their own in an area when they found a set of footprints in the woods and followed them. They found his body at the bottom of a small hill.

According to a girlfriend, Boyles was in possession of bath salts when he left the house. His last known whereabouts was a short distance away, when he used a credit card on her account at a Ranshaw convenience store on Feb. 3.

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin Area Lions Club will have a door-to-door broom sale starting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5, before its monthly dinner and meeting.

Members are urged to get involved by meeting at the bandshell at Claude Kehler Park. The club plans on working down from the "top" of Walnut and Arch streets if enough members participate.

After dinner and a short meeting, the club will host an open house membership drive at 7:30 p.m. May 19. Light refreshments will be served and members will be available to answer questions about the club.

The club's meetings are the first and third Thursdays of the month and are posted in local newspapers.

PAXINOS - The honor roll for the third marking period at the Meadowview Christian Academy has been announced.

First-grade - Jessie Anoia.

Second-grade - Max Anoia, Sarah Bertone, Vivian Felty and Caleb Williams.

Third-grade - Lexi Broda.

Fourth-grade - Ferdinand Madara.

Fifth-grade - Madie Broda and Madison Pancher.

Eighth-grade - Hannah Fetterolf.

SHAMOKIN - The News-Item's Mike Staugaitis won second place in the News Photo category in this year's Pennsylvania Newspaper Association (PNA) Foundation Keystone Press Awards.

Staugaitis' winning photo featured a smiling Michael Harrell, a homicide defendant, as he was being led out of the Northumberland County Courthouse on Nov. 19 after having been found guilty on all counts.

Staugaitis, of Shamokin, has been a staff photographer, writer and copy editor with The News-Item since 2000. This was his second consecutive Keystone; he won first place for News Photo in 2010 for his shot of a teenage girl being comforted by her father on the front porch of a home while her flipped car sat nearby in the lawn.

The News-Item competes in Division IV (daily and Sunday newspapers under 20,000 circulation) in the annual contest, which involves stories, photos, headlines, graphics and other material published in the previous calendar year.

Awards will be presented at a dinner that wraps up PNA's annual two-day conference, set this year for May 20 and 21 in State College.

EAST CAMERON TOWNSHIP - A Shamokin man was listed in fair condition Saturday afternoon after his vehicle struck a guardrail and traveled 25 feet down an embankment that morning.

State police at Stonington said Robert Burns, 46, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol when he flipped his 2006 Toyota 4Runner on Route 125 between Gowen City and Burnside, around 12:18 a.m. Saturday.

Police said Burns failed to negotiate a curve on top of Mahanoy Mountain, approximately 50 feet south of Point Breeze Road. The vehicle traveled approximately 20 feet on top of the guardrail on the southbound shoulder, crossed over the guardrail and struck a PennDOT sign. The vehicle then traveled approximately 50 feet east where it turned south and traveled down the embankment.

Jarid Spears, 20, of Paxinos, was with a group of friends, approximately 10 seconds behind Burns, when the crash happened.

"We saw sparks up in front of us, but we couldn't tell what it was," he said. "When we came around the curve, we saw a guy in our headlights waving his arms."

Spears said Burns was bloody, but alert.

Burns was transported by ambulance to Shamokin Area Community Hospital, then flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, by Life Flight.

Police say charges are pending as a result of a blood test.

Property transfers

Timothy R. Kurtz and Lauren E. Kurtz, to John E. Kurtz, property in Shamokin, $35,000.

William D. Ramsey and Christine L. Lahr, to William D. Ramsey, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Jacob E. Leisenring Jr., Sharon C. Leisenring, Suzanne L. Downing and Jack G. Downing, to Nancy L. Tipka, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

John J. Wondoloski Sr. and Susan Wondoloski, to Melissa Mains and Kevin Mains, property in Shamokin, $1.

Christopher P. Berkheiser and Jill E. Darrup, to Jill E. Darrup, property in Kulpmont.

Jesse O. Waltz and Helen G. Waltz, to Jesse P. Waltz, property in Rockefeller Township, $125,000.

Sandra K. Feese, to Michael Grommett, property in Shamokin, $12,000.

William A. Searls, Dolores Searls, James Searls, Rita Searls, Edward Searls, Rhonda Searls, Robert Searls and Rosemary Searls, to Robert W. Stevens, $2,000.

William Wargo (executor), Elizabeth I. Wargo estate, Patricia Dobeck and Elizabeth I. Wargo, to Douglas J. Avellino, property in Marion Heights, $12,500.

Frank Fauland, to Donna M. Oxenrider, property in Shamokin, $42,000.

Frank Fauland, to Donna M. Oxenrider, property in Shamokin, $7,000.

AMF Properties, LLC, to Ann M. Frehulfer, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Robert E. Musser Jr. (individually and trustee), Bonnie L. Musser, Robert E. Musser Jr. Revocable Living Trust Agreement, to Michael S. Wynn, property in Lower Augusta Township, $80,000.

Andrew D. Patino and Tammy M. Patino, to Bambi Oakley, property in Mount Carmel Township, $10,023.98.

Anthony J. Getchy and Linda A. Getchey, to James W. McDowall and Roseanne McDowall, property in Shamokin, $6,000.

Robert W. Mertz (TA), Roy A. Adams (TA), Anthony W. Adams (TA), Roy A. Adams Partnership, Roy A. Adams Limited Partnership, to Roger V. Wiest and Roger V. Wiest II, property in Rockefeller Township, $94,500.

William G. Rebuck, Carol A. Rebuck and Jerry W. Rebuck, to William G. Rebuck, Carol A. Rebuck and Jerry W. Rebuck, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

William G. Rebuck, Carol A. Rebuck and Jerry W. Rebuck, to William G. Rebuck and Carol A. Rebuck, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Lester A. Schiccatano (trustee), Margaret S. Schiccatano (trustee), Lester A. Schiccatano Living Trust, Margaret S. Schiccatano Living Trust, to Charles Persing and Patricia Persing, property in Shamokin, $18,900.

Mary Beth Carnuccio, to Justin Dietrich, property in Coal Township, $43,500.

Craig M. Fasold and Heidi N. Fasold, to Michael A. Russo and Tara A. Russo, property in Upper Augusta Township, $175,000.

Susan Mary Schwartz Leiberman, to Nicholas S. Brokenshire and Patricia L. Brokenshire, property in Coal Township, $18.500.

Bruce R. Haas (by agent) and Margaret M. Haas, (agent and individually), to Damien L. Malfara, to Maria M. Malfara, property in Jackson Township, $1.

Jean Hancock, to Justine M. Oburn, Guidyne M. Little and Bobbie M. Yuskalis, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Jean Hancock, to Justine M. Oburn, Guidyne M. Little and Bobbie M. Yuskalis, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Jeanne Dischinat, to Barbara A. Schmoyer, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Jean M. Hancock, to Jean M. Hancock and Justine M. Oburn, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Dwayne D. Dadurka and Dorothy M. Dadurka, to Michael P. Higgins and Tara Higgins, property in Mount Carmel Township, $300,000.

Dolores L. Ulceski, to Dolores L. Ulceski and Vincent J. Ulceski, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Wayne A. Zeigler and Tammy M. Zeigler, to Michael L. Edwards and Amanda M. Herbst, property in Upper Augusta Township, $211,000.

Florence J. Wynn (by agent), Linda D. Smeltz (by agent), Kathie S. Kerstetter (by agent), to Roy A. Adams and Patsy E. Adams, property in Lower Augusta Township, $62,000.

David Schwartz and Diane Schwartz, to Eric J. Schwartz, property in Shamokin, $1.

Open house planned at LIFE

KULPMONT - LIFE Geisinger is hosting a spring open house from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at LIFE Geisinger, 1100 Spruce St. Center tours, light refreshments, meet-and-greets with staff, raffle prizes and free giveaways will be offered.

Those planning to attend should call Marc Varano at (866) 230-6465 by Tuesday.

Mass in honor of bishop May 12

HARRISBURG - Bishop Joseph McFadden invites the faithful of the Diocese of Harrisburg to join Bishop William Waltersheid in giving thanks for his recent ordination as a bishop and appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh.

The celebration of Holy Mass will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12, in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Harrisburg.

Awareness night for bullying

HERNDON - The Line Mountain School District is sponsoring a second Community Awareness Night on cyberbullying. The event will take place at the Line Mountain Junior-Senior High School auditorium at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The main speaker of the evening will be Corporal Carl Finnerty from the South Williamsport Police Department, who is trained through Safe Schools on Cyberbullying. There will also be representatives from both the elementary and secondary schools, including school counselors, Line Mountain Student Assistance Program, Olweus Bullying Prevention Committee, Transitions and Northumberland County Human Services.

These groups will be available to answer questions and share resources on the subject. Parents and interested community members are encouraged to attend.

The school board meeting scheduled for Tuesday has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 10.

ELYSBURG - With a bright sunny sky and temperatures in the upper 60s, conditions were perfect for people to get out and enjoy the day, and there was no better place for people to do that than Knoebels Amusement Resort, which opened for its 85th season Saturday.

Cars from several different states could be seen in the parking as young and old came onto the grounds to enjoy the rides, entertainment and food that have made the park a perennial favorite throughout the nation, as evidenced by the fact that the National Amusement Park Historical Association voted the Elysburg resort as its Favorite Traditional Park in a recent survey.

How popular was opening day for Knoebels? According to public relations manager Joe Muscato, people started

entering the grounds 90 minutes before the rides began operating.

"Between everyone having cabin fever, the beautiful day and our 2-for-1 hand stamp discount, it was pretty crowded. Our people handled it well," Muscato said.

Even so, Muscato said park officials extended the amount of time for everyone on the hand stamp to accommodate the crowd.

"We want people to come here and have fun, and not worry about something like that," Muscato said.

Sue Kane, of Hatboro, joined one of the many groups visiting Knoebels for the first time this year, as a member of DAFE, the Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts. They were there for the first event of the season, "The Diamond in the Rough," in celebration of Knoebels' new ride "The Black Diamond," a dark roller coaster.

"We couldn't ride it yet, so they gave us a tour of the inside, and we got to see some of the tricks they have planned for us," Kane said.

Despite not being able to ride the coaster yet, Kane went on plenty of rides, including the Haunted Mansion, voted by her organization as the favorite traditional dark ride for the 10th year in a row.

"With the weather, we couldn't ask for anything more," she said. "This is my favorite place on earth."

Tucker Thomas, 5, of Walnutport, feels the same way. He came to Knoebels Saturday for his birthday party.

"Tucker loves coming here and riding the rides," said party attendee Katy Jo Shoemaker. "It feels so good to be here, the weather is just beautiful."

With a big crowd coming, employees were busy throughout the park, making everyone feel welcome. It's something that Ruth Cook has seen for the past 40 years she has worked for Knoebels, 27 of them at the funnel cake stand.

"We are having fun here, and it's been a pretty good day so far," Cook said.

These days, Cook mostly supervises in the kitchen, but remembers her days pouring the batter and dusting the fried circles of goodness with powdered sugar.

"If I had a penny for every funnel cake I poured, I'd be rich," she said.

When asked what the key to making a good funnel cake is, she said it's oil and temperature.

"You have to have good oil and keep that temperature at about 400 degrees to fry it, otherwise, the funnel cake won't be as good," she said.

Knoebels will be open every weekend until May 25, when the park begins its daily schedule until Labor Day. After that, it goes back to a weekend schedule until the end of September.

NUMIDIA - The Locust Township Police Department held an open house Saturday for its office.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., area residents toured the facility located inside the north end of the township's municipal building along state Route 42.

Police Chief Allen Breach said the department was previously located in a room that was approximately 14-by-22 feet in size.

"There was no privacy to conduct general police business or to conduct effective interviews of victims, witnesses and suspects," Breach said.

The new office area is approximately 29-by-45 feet in what was the building's cafeteria. The station includes a small kitchen area and interview room, a new entrance with a lobby, two offices inside the main floor area and five work stations for officers and a volunteer clerk.

The project was completed with funds provided by a $10,000 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development-Urban Development Program, with the assistance of then state Rep. Robert E. Belfanti Jr.

Additional funds were provided through donations from area businesses and private residents and money raised during a Christmas event, Chinese auction and car show held by the Locust Township Police Officers Association.

"We really want the public to be aware that the money expended was for materials and office equipment only, and no local taxpayer money spent," Breach said. "Volunteers completed all of the work. There are so many people who assisted in this project (that) it would be nearly impossible to list them all."

Breach said local contractor Richard Zubowicz, of Zubowicz Building, and Assistant Chief John Brokenshire worked on the project for nine straight weeks for no compensation. Other officers and their family members, along with several private citizens assisted whenever they could. Brian Snyder of 3B Cleaning provided the crew and materials at no charge to strip and wax the floor. Merck and Company, Riverside, donated office furniture.

"As members of this agency, we are all indebted to everyone who stepped up to help, and are very humbled by everyone's support," Breach said. "This project reinforced what we already knew, that we are privileged to work and provide a service to the residents of the Roaring Creek Valley. We are truly honored to work for the residents and visitors here."

MOUNT CARMEL - It was a 14-day trip to Italy in 1991 to see the sights for Anthony V. "Red" Miscavige, but he didn't expect to exchange greetings with Pope John Paul II.

The brief meeting between the Mount Carmel man and the chief shepherd of the Catholic Church is something to remember for Miscavige, but he also has a photograph to prove it.

On Sunday, which is the Feast of Divine Mercy, the late pope will be beatified by Pope Benedict XVI, which will give him the title

"Blessed." He currently holds the title of "Venerable," and after Sunday's ceremony, he will be called "Blessed John Paul II." The beatification is expected to draw a crowd of at least one million people, with estimates as high as two million.

Miscavige, being ethnic Polish, was thrilled to have the opportunity to see the pope, who was a native of Poland. He traveled to Italy with his wife, Lillian, and about 25 to 30 members of the Mount Carmel Area Polish Cultural Club. His encounter occurred in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

"As the pope was going by, I waved at him and spoke to him in Polish," said Miscavige. "I was just standing there and after I said 'Praise be Jesus Christ' in Polish, he stopped to talk to me. I guess he was happy to hear his native tongue."

The pope paused and looked at Miscavige and asked him, "Where are you from?"

"I told him I was from the United States with our Polish club for a couple of days to pay tribute to him," said Miscavige.

Miscavige said he wasn't close enough to shake the pope's hand, but added that the security doesn't allow anyone to touch him.

According to Miscavige, there was a very large crowd in the square, but for those who work security, it wasn't large by their experience.

"We were standing next to some security people, and I was talking to one of them who spoke English with an Italian accent, and I asked him about how many people do you thing there is today," said Miscavige. "He told me, 'Poor crowd. Poor crowd. Maybe 25,000 people.' It's surprising how they get the people in and out. The streets are very narrow, but it doesn't seem like a big problem to get them in, and when the festivities are over, to get the people out. They have a very good system there."

Miscavige treasures the photo, but he said the source of the photograph is a bit of a mystery.

"To this date, I don't know who took that picture," he said. "When I came home, that photo was in the mail for me. At first I thought it was by someone in our group, but I've inquired around over the years and couldn't find anybody who took the photo."

Miscavige said he has visited Pope John Paul II's hometown in Poland, and believes that this honor for him is a great thing.

"He was a very holy and dedicated person. The times that we were in Poland we spent some time in the town he was born in and where he spent a lot of his religious days," he said.

Relay plans Cutest Pet contest

SHAMOKIN - Relay for Life of Shamokin will hold a Cutest Pet Contest.

Photos should be sent to Kathy Masser, P.O. Box 11, Paxinos 17860. Include your name, address and phone number with the photo.

Voting will be held at the Relay for Life on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Kemp Memorial Statium. No pets are allowed in the stadium.

The winner will be announced at the Bark for Life event that will be held in July. More information on Bark for Life will be announced.

Downtown group to reorganize

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. will hold a reorganization meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Family Medical building, 121 E. Fifth St.

All Mount Carmel business owners and other interested persons are invited. Light refreshments will be provided.

Clarification regarding Friday's relay

A caption that accompanied photos about the Zumba marathon in Sunday's edition of The News-Item inaccurately reported that the marathon was held to benefit the American Cancer Society's Mount Carmel Relay For Life team, Byran's Brothers.

The event was actually a benefit for Southern Columbia Relay For Life team, Bryan's Brothers. The Southern Columbia, not the Mount Carmel, Relay For Life will be held Friday and Saturday at the All Home Days grounds in Elysburg.

MOUNT CARMEL - As Blessed Pope John Paul II was being beatified in Rome, parishioners in Mount Carmel celebrated by praying for divine mercy, much like the former pontiff did in his lifetime.

The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was the site for the praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet on Divine Mercy Sunday. The Rev. Francis Karwacki, who led the service, talked about how Pope John Paul II was instrumental in bringing the chaplet to the church.

"It was Pope John Paul II, who pushed while he was a cardinal to have the church believe the vision of Jesus Christ that appeared to Sister Faustina in 1933, the last recorded time in history that Jesus Christ is to have appeared on earth," Karwacki said.

Using a Rosary, the faithful knelt and prayed for the world, much like the pontiff did. Instead of the "Hail Mary" Prayer on the Rosary, they repeated, "For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and the whole world," with assistance from the church's choir and volunteers from the "Lift Your Spirits" Performing Arts Group.

"Mercy is a fitting theme for Pope John Paul II, who showed the ultimate act of mercy when he forgave Mehmet Ali Agca, the man who attempted to assassinate him in 1981," Karwacki said.

PITTSBURGH - April 25 was one of the happiest days in the life of the Very Rev. William J. Waltersheid.

On that Easter Monday a week ago, he was ordained as the new auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

But the Locust Gap native says God makes every day wonderful.

"I've never had an unhappy day in my life," Waltersheid said. "Certainly never had one in my time as a priest. God has taught me that life is good, and no matter what challenges you face, God doesn't fail us."

A priest for less than two decades, Waltersheid, 54, says he has applied his coal region upbringing to his calling, and daily living.

"Growing up with St. Joseph's Church in Locust Gap, being there instilled my absolute trust in God, and my parents instilled the work ethic of this area into me," he said in a telephone interview Friday. "My father never missed a day of work. That I keep with me always."

Hometown support

Waltersheid noted the support of his hometown at his ordination last week at Saint Paul cathedral in Pittsburgh. A busload of folks, led by Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel pastor the Rev. Francis Karwacki, were among the hometown supporters in attendance.

"That was absolutely amazing and touched my heart so," Waltersheid said. "Father Karwacki is a schoolmate of mine and I was so grateful that they all came down."

Waltersheid had other connections to his hometown during the ceremony. The vestments he wore that day were made by the Carmelite Nuns of the Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in Elysburg.

Also, "Close to my heart, I wore a pectoral cross, once owned by Pope John Paul II, that my very best priest friend, Leszek Harasz, of Poland, gave to me, and a holy card from Our Lady of Czestochowa, who I have great devotion for," Waltersheid said.

From nurse to priest

After high school, Waltersheid's first vocation involved helping people, but not as part of the clergy. He was a registered nurse. While working at that field, he was still active at St. Joseph's and taught CCD classes in neighboring parishes as an adult.

But the calling to serve God became too strong, Waltersheid said, and he enrolled in the Diocese of Harrisburg seminary formation program, graduating from St. John Seminary College in Brighton, Mass. before studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

He later earned a bachelor's degree in theology and a licentiate in dogmatic theology from Pontifical Gregorian University.

On April 30, 1992, in Rome, he was ordained a deacon, and then a priest in Harrisburg on July 11, 1992.

After teaching stints in Rome and pastoral assignments in Carlisle, he was appointed Diocesan Secretary for Clergy and Consecrated Life for the Diocese of Harrisburg, before being appointed auxiliary bishop by Pope Benedict XVI.

Despite the new title, Waltersheid said his duties have remained unchanged since the first day of the priesthood.

"I look forward to preaching the Gospel and bringing Christ to others," he said. "In this day in age, people find that they have everything they need materially, but are often suffering spiritually. They don't always see that God is with them."

With the new appointment, Waltersheid becomes only the fourth priest from the Diocese of Harrisburg to be elevated to the level of bishop.

Pittsburgh like home

For now, Waltersheid is in the process of moving into his new home in Pittsburgh, but he doesn't feel out of place there.

"Pittsburgh is very much like the coal region," he said. "Everyone that I've talked to is very strong with their faith and their ethnic background. I feel very much at home here."

With his new position, Waltersheid said he wants to reach out to young and old.

"At my ordinations as a bishop, I said that this was a great desire, because it allows me to do the most good, and work to bring the most souls to Christ," he said. "Everyone here has been very welcoming and I want to jump in right away."

Asked if Pittsburgh could take the place of the coal region, and whether perhaps he might retire there, Waltersheid was philosophical.

"I see myself doing whatever God wants me to do, leading me to wherever I can do as much good as I can to help others," he said. "And I can be happy and at peace with that." Bio Box

Name: The Most Rev. William John Waltersheid.

Age: 54

Hometown: Locust Gap.

Family: Son of the late William F. Walterschiet, and Margaret M. (Deane) Walterscheid.

Education: 1974 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, 1983 graduate of the Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing; bachelors' degree in liberal arts with concentration in classical language, St. John Seminary College, in Brighton, Mass. Bachelor's degree in Sacretology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1991, licentiate in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1993.

Currently: Auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Pittsburgh; serves as diocesan Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and Secretary for Clergy.

Hobbies: Love to read historial novels, hiking, watching old movies, cooking, listening to Eastern European folk music, and spending time with friends.

BY ROB WHEARY
STAFF WRITER
rob_w@newsitem.com
TREVORTON—Fire gutted a twostory double-home Sunday evening on South 10th Street while the owners were away on vacation.

Emergency crews responded to a three-alarmblaze at 220 and 222 S. 10th St. at 5:41 p.m. Firefighters arrived to find flames at the rear of the home, charring the exterior.

Crews quickly extinguished the outside flames, but the blaze soon spread to the other part of the double-home, which is vacant. That gave firefighters fits, Trevorton Fire Chief Ed Reed said, but they were able to “trap” the flames in the roof area.

The result was a smoldering blaze that put out dark puffs of smoke that blocked out light at the scene and could be seen from more than a mile away.

Firefighters also had tocontend with chimneys on both ends of the house that began to separate from the exterior walls. On the vacant side, a falling chimney would have brought down a live power.

Flames soon shot through the roof of the structure, and firefighters from several area companies hit it from all sides, including from above with the help of the Squrt water apparatus from Shamokin’s Independence Fire Company.

The liquid assault helped get the blaze under control at approximately 7 p.m., but firefighters remained on scene well into Sunday night.

“The owners were not at home at the time, but we were able to get one dog out of the home safely,” Reed said.

A nearby home at 204 S. 10th St., unoccupied and owned by Earl Rebuck, Trevorton, suffered heat damage to the siding on the wall facing the doublehome.

Reed said initial information indicates the blaze started in the Thorpe home, but no cause was released Sunday. The chief will call in a state police fire marshal to investigate today.

Assisting Trevorton Fire Company were firefighters from Shamokin, Coal Township, Stonington, Kulpmont, East Cameron Township, Elysburg, Overlook, Herndon and Lower Augusta Township, along with Area Services, Trevorton Ambulance and Americus Ambulance.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area School District has released its honor roll for the second marking period of the 2010-2011 school year.

Distinguished honors

Grade 4 - William Anderson, Brady Campbell, John Chapman III, Jillian Dunkelberger, Brock Evert, Miranda Fiamoncini, McKenna Fletcher, Colin Herb, Tanner Karycki, Emily Krulak, Casandra Latshaw, Michael Makowski III, Daniela mangiapane, Ava McGee, Madison Mengel, Maura Olley, Haley Paul, Brianna Ryan, Dante Sabolchick, Bradley Shurock, Hailey Swaldi, Gabrielle Taylor, Gavin Taylor, Nicholas Troutman and Logan Wills.

Grade 5 - John Ayres, Emilee Barnhardt, Matthew Cimino, Sarah Cooper, Sara Davitt, Dylan Farronato, Makayla Green, Zachary Hunter, Donovan James, Walter Kalinoski, Mia Kaminsky, Bailey Little, Rosolino Mangiapane, Manus McCracken, Benjamin McFadden, Ethan McLeod, Myia Miriello, Aiesha Rutledge, Nicole Varano, Emilee Wasilewski, Adam Weissinger and Mackenzie Witt.

Grade 6 - Aleah Alderson, Amanda Arellano, Brendan Boris, Carl Darrup, Maura Fiamoncini, Aurora Froutz, Marissa Kleman, Keagen Lindauer, Olivia Lubinski, Madeleine Lyash, Alyssa Menko, Hayley Palek, Sara Parker, Austin Reed, Kasey Rompallo, Erin Smink and Anna Zeluskey.

Grade 7 - Elizabeth Cooper, JoAnna Davidson, Dylan Fiamoncini, David Fletcher, Giavonna Fracalossi, Brianna Malkoski, Miranda Moser, Allison Parker, Joseph Rossi and Allen Yancoskie III.

Grade 8 - Lee Amarose, Glenn Barwicki, Jennifer Bolick, Taylor Conches, Caitlyn Curran, Paige Domboski, Maliyah Edwards; Dominic Farronato, Amalia Hinkle, Michael Kaminsky, Christian Kelley, Cody Little, Thomas Lynott, Thomas Moser, Kevin Nolter, Joanna Rompallo, Nicholas Rossi, Josiah Skavery, Christopher Stellar, Isabella Stellar, Tyler Thompson, Zachary Tocyloski, Michael Vincenzes and Kayla Witt.

Grade 9 - Andrew Allen, Nicole Brosius, Shelby Derr, Bryce Fiamoncini, Jonathan Golazeski, Darla Hood, Jasmine Jones, Jenna Jurasich, Morgan Miriello, Alex Mrozek, Jessica Pachuski, Heather Raker, Benjamin Scicchitano, Taylor Stefovic, Coral Swank, Brandon Toter, Alison Varano and Zachary Wasilewski.

Grade 10 - Brianna Bailey, Alyssa Bielski, Michael Bonner, Anthony Candelora, Stefanie Cimino, Douglas Cole, Ashley D'Andrea, Alexandra Danilowicz, Lisa Darrup, Kelsey Deitz, Tara Demko, Shuying Dong, Kristen Duceman, Bridget Dunkel, Elijah Duran, Catherine Fletcher, Daniel Fletcher, Raymond Heromin, Eric Joraskie, Kayleen Klemas, Tyler Kwiatkowski, MaryRose Latorre, Brianna Latovich, Casey Lynott, Jillian Mazurkevich, Alexandria McLeod, Marisa Montgomery, Ellese Nestico, Nicole Purcell, Kristyn Smeal, Teodor Staykov, Rachel Toter, Cassandra Troutman, Robert Varano, Joseph Zanella and Kirsten Zarski.

Grade 11 - Amanda Amarose, Danelle Avellino, Heather Bolick, Rebeka Buczeskie, Alyssa Buggy, Victoria Chapman, Angelina Duda, Nicole Fiamoncini, Maura Frasch, Tyler Gasperetti, Angelica George, Taylor Getty, Cody Haupt, Mikael Hause, Jacob Kleman, Amanda Kuzo, Dylan Matukaitis, Jonathan Mazurkevich, Bryan McFadden, Aaron McFee, Amanda McIntyre, Samantha Nolan, Marcus Pitcavage, Nicole Pyle, Michael Saukaitis, Jeremy Schmoyer, Cody Shustack, Kirsten Sinopoli, Joshua Tomedi, Kimberly Turlis, Megan VanDoren, Samantha Yuschock, Tiffany Yuskoski, Kristin Zimmerman and Alec Zsido.

Grade 12 - Brittany Bartol, Brooke Bartol, Jesse Barwicki, Mariah Beaver, Danielle Bernini, Amy Besser, Kayla Bressi, Karissa Cichon, Stephanie Evans, Rachel Fletcher, Frederick Fruet, Leah Green, Nathan Hinkle, Nicole Horsfield, Felicia Hughes, Kaitlynn Hughes, Sarah James, Ian Kanezo, Kristen Klusman, Tianna Kobilis, Kelsey Kraynak, Shaine Lepley, Cassandra Mace, Michael McAndrew, Mark Minnig, Christopher Monahan, Christine Mrozek, Alyssa Palewicz, Carissa Pupo, Tara Reed, Elizabeth Sassani, Robert Shustack, Cara Sinopoli, Katherine Sowa, Samantha Spieller, Jonathan Thomas, Bridget Wagner and Sabrina Wills.

First honors

Grade 4 - Dakota Albertson, Noah Berkoski, Alexia Curran, Nichalous Diminick, Jennifer Dougherty, Joseph Dudeck, Paige Dugan, Christopher Ehmann, Ainsley Fegley, Katie Flynn, Rita Hanson, Danielle Hooper, Cyric Kasenych, Karisa Kehler, Haile Kimsal, Alexis Leso, Draven Murray, Thomas Reisinger III, Allison Shurock and Kayla Wesloskie.

Grade 5 - Camlin Bogutskie, Alexa Collins, Alexa Elnicki, Tyler Golazeski, Kourtney Honicker, Michael Hood, Maci Mazzatesta, Anthony Moser, Hannah Nolter, Bryan Sakalosky, Lauren Shirmer, Chloe Smith, Daniel Snarksi, Clarissa Steinhart and Braedon Stickler, Blair Wagner, Jeffrey Weidner, Symphony Yoder, Austin Zacek and Matthew Ziv.

Grade 6 - Kiana Adams, Julia Ballard, Johnny Bossler, Rachel Brown, Dylan Carey, Bryce Dauber, Jessica Eckley, Timothy Glowatski, Kasey Grohowski, Selena Guerrero, Madison Hedricks, Hannah Hornung, Megan Horvath, Christina Kleman, Robert Koch Jr., Collin Krakowski, Breanna Kruskie, Bryce Malick, Jaecob McGinn, Ryan Moser, Jordan Mushalko, Sara Nicola, David Quinn, Amanda Rimokaitis, Austin Snyder, Sydney Spears, Kevin Stancavage, Cassondra Vellner, Kelsi Wayne, Haley Weidner, Jacob Weissinger, Madelyn Witkoski and Lauren Zanni.

Grade 7 - Ethan Bartos, Michael Bergamo Jr., Ashley Doyle, Mason Duran, Mitchell Fletcher, Cameron Getty, Logan Hixson, Courtney Kane, Brooke Karycki, Vanessa Klemas, Jacqualin Lyden, Evan Mikulski, Leah Nicola, Patrick Rhoads, Shawn Steigerwalt, Megan Troutman and Peyton Worhach.

Grade 8 - Nathaniel Bartos, Jacob Belfanti, Colin Bettleyon, Thomas Bielski, Tina Delbo, Ciarin Fisher, Brianne Graff, Austin Joraskie, Jordan Klingler, Brendin Pancher, Gerard Reichwein, Joseph Schmoyer, Rachel Startzel and Treyvon White.

Grade 9 - Caitlyn Avellino, Briana Chapman, Dylan Combs, Cody Deitz, Luke Duceman, Jason Eichelberger, Thomas Evans III, Sonya Grohowski, Robert Hardy Jr., Lauren Hause, Kaitlin Horsfield, Chelsea Matos, David Menko, Angela Minnig, Jonathon Phillipine, Jarret Schultz, Robert Snauffer, Brock Susnoskie and Brett Zosh.

Grade 10 - Michael Benner Jr., Keri Bennett, Stacia Carpenter, Abigail Carpenter, Thomas Farley, Marissa Klinger, Cory Langton, Michael Miller, Samantha Nevius, Seth Nicola, Bryson Purcell, Kristen Ruskuski Michelle Sandoval, Michael Scicchitano, Shelby Scott, Kimberly Shicowich, Justin Skavery, Jayson Stellar, Kaylee Sweda, Quentin Troutman and Brittany Venna.

Grade 11 - Ranotta Ahrensfield, Kimberly Andruscavage, Jordan Bettleyon, Blake Boyer, Jocelyn Darrup, Ryan Gidaro, Patrick Glanzmann, Tyler Hodge, Brooke Kruskie, David Lamb Jr., Haley Mazur, Stephanie Nicola, Brett Przekop, Brandon Reiprich, Jazon Rusk, Andrew Sickora, Joseph Szido, Jakob Taylor and Dante Weikel.

Grade 12 - Samantha Allen, Paul Artman, Kyle Brown, Sabrina Dillon, Abbi Grabowski, Shaun Holmes, Andrew Huhn, Chelsea James, Sara Johnson, Ashley Koschoff, Tyler Leschinsky, Rebecca Megosh, Andrea Sentkoski, Teresa Snyder, Cassandra Zarick and Richard Zigarski.

Second honors

Grade 4 - Gianna Andrews, Crystal Aponte, Madison Barker, Lorena Barrientos, David Bishop, Kaitlynn Bulliner, Christian Castellano, Ryan Ciocco, Avery Demko, Joshua Derr Jr., Jonathan Elnicki, Jeffrey Fuernisen Jr., Megan Green, Martin Kola, Cailein Ozment, Rebecca Poplaski, Taylor Rhodes, Austin Steigerwalt, Anthony Stutzcavage, Bethany Wesloskie and Tyler Williams.

Grade 5 - Daniel Barker, Lillian Battifarano, Alexander Brzostowski, Tori Colahan, Tiera Domanoski, Christopher Evans, Sandra Horsfield, Carly Jurasich, Jacob Klokis, Asea Krah,Tyler Krah, Nicholas Langjahr, Karin Martinez, Jessica Milewski, Crystal Misner, Stephen Reiner, Zoey Rompallo, Evan Salamone, Tyler Seltner, Brandon Shustack, Vaughn Smith, Aiden Wesloskie, Emily Wills, Steven Wolfgang Jr., Morgan Zarko and Zachary Zvoncheck.

Grade 6 - Noah Adams, James Barbosa, Cameron Britt, Hannah Edmondson, Alexa Ericson, Tyra Ericson, Nicola Hooper, Megan Horvath, Allora Koch, Adam Maschal, Kyle McFadden, Thomas Pastucha, Stephanie Price, Jordan Reed, Lauren Startzel, Connor Stepp, Kaitlyn Trent, Samantha Vantaggi, Gabrielle Velez, Dion Watson Jr., Katrina Wylie and Samantha Zigarski.

Grade 7 - Gabriel Bogustkie, Aaron Butkiewicz, Kirsten Jarvis, Chantelle Skavery, Damien Steffen, Chealsea Troutman, Ryan Walter and Bret Williams.

Grade 8 - Jonathan Capozello, Jonathan Engelke, Sean Fisher, Shane Gudonis, Zachary Guthrie, Haley Lahr, Amanda Manning, Shamus McGovern, Blake Panko, Ashley Stief, Madison Watkins Jordan Winhofer and Kayla Wondoloski.

Grade 9 - Nicholas Bozza Jr., Michael Grabowski, Brittany Gummel, Cory Hoffman, Faith Leaveck, Marcus Maschal, Sierra Nolter, Daniel Swatsky, Justin Weaver, Brandon Young and Ezekiel Zsido.

Grade 10 - Melissa Bidelspach, Brooklynn Brzostowski, Crystal Chatterton, Richard Coffman Jr., Cassidy DeMarco, Shannon Edmondson, Ashley Evans, Miranda Green, Jordan Haq, Daniel Lesko, Jared Maciejewski, Tiana Snyder, Thomas Stief, Jason Strausser, Ashley Taggart, Karissa Trent and Nathan Wagner.

Grade 11 - Stephanie Allen, Lucas Amarose, Joshua Daubert, William Dutter III, Gabrielle Engelke, Kelly Flynn, Thomas Hynoski, Alexandra Kessler, Emily Laskowski, Gabriel Matukaitis, Bret Nagle, Alison Plisiewicz, Gabrielle Rosko, Kayla Shamus, Angela Stutzcavage and Michael Wisnoskie.

Grade 12 - Brandon Alderson, Matthew Altomare, John Ballinger Jr., Roger Bergeron Jr., Timothy Duceman, Jacquelyn Eckley, Diane Gidaro, Bridget Greco, Samantha Harper, Dylan Hornberger, Shelby Jeffrey, Brittany MacLaren, Aaron Melfi, Tiffany Mulvehill, Cassandra Niglio, Allison Sarisky, David Slotterback Jr., Sage Stablewski, Joseph Staskiel, Edward Stewart, Joseph Swatsky, Dominic Weikel and Dominic Weikel.