COAL TOWNSHIP - Five former employees of Shamokin Area School District who had retired prior to 2011-12 school year were mistakenly included Wednesday in a listing of district employees' salaries and benefits.

Dave Richie, Mary Jean Wolf, Nancy Suchanick, Diane Checci and Joann Dobeck were all included in a list provided by the district, according to Business Manager Steve Curran. However, they were not employed by the district in 2011-12, he said.

Also, Josephine Staniszewski's salary was incorrect in what the district provided. The correct salary is $22,685, according to Curran.

Also in the Shamokin Area list, salary and benefits for cafeteria workers were inadvertently not included. They are:

Cathy Ignaszewski, $4,725 salary, $5,149.31 total

Renacia Hogancamp, $4,941, 5,384.70

Linda Jones, $8,865, $9,551.08

Kathleen Kehler, $15,760, $17,154.15

Lillian Kramer, $22,474, $37,591.06

Andrea Marcinick, $5,103, $5,561.25

Barbara Patynski, $9,945, $10,838.06

Linda Pita, $10,485, $11,426.55

Gail Rumberger, $15,805, $17,215.31

Lori Snyder, $4,725, $5,149.31

Ellen Topolski, $4,725, $5,149.31

Sandra Boyd, $9,405, $10,249.57

Joyce Kitelinger, $15,687, $30,215.69

Felicia Narke, $15,760, $17,154.15

Beth Ann Derr, $14,679, $29,117.17

Patricia Bressi, $7,956, $8,670.45

Edward J. Getchey, $16,200, $30,774.76

Michelle Getchey, $4,725, $5,149.31

Margaret Heath, $17,829, $32,550.04

Eve McAndrew, $17,829, $32,550.04

Bernadette Miller, $24,017.75, $39,283.32

Victoria Primerano, $6,804, $7,415

Penny Reing, $6,804, $7,415

Barbara Schell, $7,524, $8,199.66

Dianne Slodysko, $15,435, $16,821.06

Sherry Stank, $20,727, $35,708.29

Carol Teats, $26,618.20, $42,065.65.

The information published Wednesday represented the starting salaries for all district employees who were employed entering the 2011-12 school year.

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - Police here have identified the driver of a dump truck involved in a freak accident May 10 in which live electrical wires were torn down across a Shamokin Area School District bus hauling students along Route 61 in Weigh Scales.

Police said Gerald Mcgoldrick, 36, of Shamokin, was driving the truck when its raised bed tore down the electrical wires. Police said Mcgoldrick was not charged in the non-reportable accident in which no serious injuries were sustained.

Attempts were made several times since the accident to obtain the identity of the tri-axle dump truck driver from Ralpho Township police, but the name wasn't revealed until Monday afternoon.

In an email sent to The News-Item Monday night, Teri MacBride, regional community relations director for PPL, said a local foreman for the utility responded to the incident in 10 minutes, but the bus had already been moved from the scene while the downed line remained on the dump truck that snagged it.

She said the PPL employee ensured the line was de-energized and proceeded to make repairs after being joined by a troubleman from PPL.

MacBride said she couldn't confirm if the power had been cut to the downed wire before or after the bus driver and students exited the bus.

"We did not further investigate the activities on the day of the accident," she said. "Our common practice is to simply document the incident and our response."

MacBride said downed lines generally occur with vehicle accidents, fallen trees and storms. She said PPL always encourages the public to stay away from downed wires until it can be verified that the line is no longer live.

When power lines fall on vehicles, MacBride said occupants should remain in the vehicle as long as they can safely do so until utility personnel can respond and remove the line properly. If the fallen line remains energized, there is a safety risk in touching the exterior of the vehicle or the ground immediately around it, she said.

Longtime bus driver Dawn Carsto was headed north on Route 61 at Split Vein Coal Co. at about 3:30 p.m. when the wires fell across all four lanes of the highway and the front hood of her bus, according to Shamokin Chief of Police Ed Griffiths, who was among those responding.

The bus was on the east side of the highway, opposite the coal plant and tri-axle dump truck driven by Mcgoldrick, but the tug from the truck bed snapped a utility pole at its base on the east side, causing the wires to drape across the road.

The dump truck was apparently unloading at the coal company when the accident occurred, but that was never confirmed.

A wire could be seen draped across the truck at the scene.

Carsto called 911 and helped elementary and secondary students out the back of the bus. A light rain turned to a heavy rain, with hail, at about the time of the accident, and the highway was wet.

Students were placed inside police cruisers, ambulances and other emergency response vehicles to get them out of the rain.

COAL TOWNSHIP - When township police busted up an after-prom party last month, 22 Philadelphia-area teens were cited for underage drinking.

The incident occurred in the Springfield section of the township at a property marketed for vacation rental, and no local teens were cited.

The property owner, who was cited for a code violation regarding occupancy limits related to the same incident, called it an aberration.

"It's my farthest intention in the world to have a party house," said Brett Russell, of Russell Rentals.

Seven area police officers responded to the Springfield home for an incident at 9:28 p.m. May 19, when police seized two half-barrels of beer and several bottles of liquor.

There were 25 occupants, 22 of whom were between ages ages 17 and 19 and were cited for underage drinking, according to Coal Township police.

Township Patrolman Edward Purcell, the investigating officer, said to the best of his knowledge, it was the first such incident at the property.

Agreement outlines rules

Russell, a resident of Upper Augusta Township, said the same, adding that the house is newly renovated and had only been rented four or five times.

He was cited for maximum occupancy limits, which for that property is 13, according to the citation filed by Code Enforcement Officer Chris Petrovich.

Russell said he expected 15 people at the property, which was rented from Thursday, May 19, to Saturday,May 21. He provided a four-page vacation rental agreement signed by 18 of the expected occupants, three of whom he was told had backed out.

The agreement, among other rules and restrictions, outlines rules for guest conduct and calls for immediate eviction of all occupants in the event drugs or alcohol are found on property, if the police or other government official respond to a complaint, or if anyone not registered on the agreement is found at the property.

Russell also provided an example of a notarized agreement, showing he requires a parent to sign to allow a minor to be at any of his properties. He said such an agreement was signed in this case.

Had Russell been notified of the incident immediately instead of after the fact, he said he would have evicted the occupants on the spot. Since he wasn't, the occupants remained through the weekend, he said.

'Bunkhouse' and 'Coal Hollow'

Russell, who estimates he owns more than 20 properties in the area, said he invested upward of $50,000 in the Sheridan Street property, which he dubs "The Bunkhouse."

He provided pre-renovation photos to The News-Item that show a half-double home in need of repairs. Russell said he had to, on more than one occasion, chase away people who broke into the property to use it, ironically, as a party house.

Russell connected the separate sides, making it one large house. The "after" photos show a well-kept and modernized living space with six renovated bedrooms, new exterior siding and new wooden rear and side decks.

"The building is 1,000 times better than before we got it," said Russell, who's also renovating an apartment building on North Shamokin Street in Shamokin that had been vacant and heavily damaged by fire.

Two Springfield properties are marketed on russellrentals.com, "The Bunkhouse" and "Coal Hollow," which is on Webster Street.

The website entices groups to stay in a location near Knoebels Amusement Resort, the Sunbury marina, Bloomsburg University and other attractions.

"The Bunkhouse" will hold up to 30 people, the website once stated. That was lowered to 20 after the incident and, Russell said, may drop to 12.

"Coal Hollow" sleeps up to 14, according to the website. This property has mainly been rented by families, Russell said.

Prom rentals common

Russell said he often rents to prom groups. He started renting in 2001, and since then, the situation in Springfield is the second incident.

Pressed about teens renting a property for prom parties, he said young adults between 21 and 25 years often cause more trouble because they only answer to themselves. High school-aged teens tend to keep their behavior in check because of potential repercussions from their parents, he said.

Russell added he does not rent his properties for bachelor or bachelorette parties.

Those cited

The following individuals were cited with underage drinking, according to township police:

- Marissa Wolfgang, 18, of Warrington.

- Kristen Haverstick, 18, of Chalfont.

- Bridget Pearson, 18, of Warrington.

- Evan Beedle, 18, of Doylestown.

- Rocco Caputo, 18, of Chalfont.

- Anthony McElroy, 19, of Jamison.

- Taylor Downie, 18, of Warrington.

- Kevin Somma, 19, of Chalfont.

- Madeline Miller, 18, of Warrington.

- Jared Bowes, 18, of Jamison.

- Karl Zimmerman, 18, of Jamison.

- Nicholas Christie, 19, of Chalfont.

- Antoine Armstrong, 19, of Horsham.

- Blaise McCorry, 18, of Chalfont.

- Christian Bristow, 18, of Warrington.

- Kerri Wade, 18, of Chalfont.

- James Delgato, 18, of Doylestown.

- three 17-year-old Warrington females, a 17-year-old Chalfont female and a 17-year-old Warrington male.

HARRISBURG - A broad agreement to phase in a block grant system for seven county-run human services programs during the next two years was announced Tuesday by the Corbett administration and the statewide association representing county commissioners.

The agreement marks a major advance for Gov. Tom Corbett's proposal to combine state funding for the seven programs while negotiations intensify over the final state budget for fiscal 2012-13.

But still unresolved is how much state aid for the human services block grant next year will be less than currently provided for all seven programs.

"That is still an ongoing matter of negotiation," said Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley.

Legislation to implement the block grant also has to be enacted.

The seven programs include community mental health and mental disability services, the human services development fund, homeless assistance, child welfare grants, the Behavioral Health Services Initiative and Act 152 drug and alcohol treatment programs.

Corbett proposed a $168 million, or 20 percent cut, for these programs under the block grant approach in his budget in February.

The majority Republican House and Senate caucuses are negotiating spending levels for the county human services programs and education. A $27.6 billion state budget bill approved by the Senate last month would restore $84 million for the county human services programs.

"A big part of the concern has to do with what the appropriation cut will be," said Lackawanna County Commissioner Jim Wansacz, who observed the Capitol press conference where the announcement was made.

Wansacz said the county could cope with a small cut provided the flexibility advertised through block grants turns out to be real in practice.

Meanwhile, a number of county commissioners urged lawmakers to keep state funding whole at the $168 million level through a block grant phase-in.

Representatives of several advocacy groups criticized the agreement.

The block grant will divert money away from programs that help former residents of closed state institutions who live in communities, said George Kimes, executive director of the Pennsylvania Community Providers Association.This will undermine commitments made to individuals as part of the long-term process to downsize the number of state hospitals and centers for the mentally disabled.

"It's really robbing the mental health system to fund other services," Kimes said.

The phase-in reflects a recognition that some counties have joint agreements with neighboring counties to provide some of these services, said Lancaster County Commissioner Scott Martin. It addresses concerns commissioners have about making changes under tight deadlines, he said.

Counties would save costs on staffing, planning and reporting and be able to gear services better to individuals and families with multiple needs under a block grant, said Doug Hill, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.Still unresolved is the procedure for distributing block grant money among the counties, officials said.

BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

AMES, Iowa - A "fascinating experience" is how members of Mount Carmel Area High School Odyssey of the Mind (ODM) team described meeting students from Poland at the ODM World Finals in May at Iowa State University.

The team of six juniors were taught Polish phrases and gestures between their performances. The team placed 14th out of 48 teams with a score of 264.85 points out of a possible 350.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Teams have eight minutes to complete a specific problem created by ODM officials.

Members included juniors Stef Cimino, Joe Zanella, Kristen Duceman, Cathy Fletcher, Bryson Purcell and Michael Swatski. Robert Varano competed at the state finals, but was unable to travel with the team to Iowa because he competed in the PIAA state track and field championships at Shippensburg University. The team is coached by Aaron and Kelly Domanski.

The team tackled "Ooh-Motional Vehicle," which required students to design, build and drive a vehicle that traveled a pre-designed course, where it encountered three different situations. A skit that incorporated the vehicle was performed. They created a three-wheel vehicle powered by a small motor, and large colorful backdrops.

This marked the third year in a row that the school was represented by a team at the world finals. Several teams have also excelled at the state level since the program was started by Bill Becker, who continued help the program progress through the 1980s and 90s.

A 17-hour drive

The team arrived at Iowa State University in Ames on Wednesday, May 23, after a 17-hour drive from Mount Carmel. The team was participating in ODM activities almost as soon as they stepped off the bus.

They participated in the opening ceremony, which recognized each of the 800-plus teams that competed, including one team from Pakistan. Mount Carmel team member Mike Swatsky was selected to march with the Pennsylvania state flag and represent the commonwealth in a parade. The event was similar to the opening of the Olympics, Aaron Domanski said.

Competition

Thursday marked the first day of competition-spontaneous. Only after teams entered the competition room were they told what the task was.

Coaches were not allowed to enter the room with the students, which led students to solve the problem on their own.

The team from Mount Carmel had just minutes to build a pre-designed tower structure from balsam wood. The Domanskis said the spontaneous competition went very well, so well, in fact, that the team placed in the top 15.

On Friday, the team competed in front of judges and some 500 people inside Iowa State's Hilton Coliseum, which can hold more than 14,000 people. The atmosphere was a bit intimidating for some, including the students from Mount Carmel.

"It was both exciting and nerve-racking," said coach Aaron Domanski. "They were use to performing in high school gyms. It was something to overcome; but, to date, it was their best performance.

The team completed all aspects of the problem in the allotted eight minute time limit. Domanski said the judges seemed impressed with the team's handmade gear system and also the vehicle's barrel roller, which served as the required second propulsion system.

ODM events wrapped up Saturday with an international festival and closing awards ceremony that featured a laser show with smoke and fire.

Domanski said the team was thrilled with this year's experience, although all but one member had experienced a world final before.

"They were really excited. They loved Iowa," Domanski said. "People were so much nicer, friendly and willing to help you out. It went above and beyond, compared to last year."

On June 5, the team performed their skit one last time for supporters at a donors' brunch in the high school cafeteria. The Domanskis had nothing but praise for the team's efforts shown throughout the year.

"Well, they are a great group of kids to work with. They worked hard and probably picked one of the hardest ODM problems," Aaron Domanski said. "Most teams junked their materials at finals. Our team took their stuff back and took pride in it."

The Domanskis said they look forward to coaching the same team at next year's finals in East Lansing, Mich.

HARRISBURG - A mix of winners from the Pennsylvania Lottery's numbers and instant ticket games helped lottery winners take home more than $90,000 in prizes, but the biggest prizes have yet to be claimed.

According to the Pennsylania Lottery's website, local players took home $99,005 in prizes among those winners of $1,000 or more, the biggest winner being James Corbacio, of Ashland, winning $25,000 on a $20 Instant Millions tickets.

Jamie L. Drumheller, of Catawissa, won four $1,000 prizes on two different instant ticket games.

Ten players took home $2,500 each in cash on number games, including five winners in the Big Four drawings, and five winners in Powerball drawings.

A $1 million winning Powerball ticket was sold at the Turkey Hill Minit-Market on Lincoln Street, Shamokin, while a May 19 Cash 5 jackpot-winning ticket worth $495,240.50 was purchased at the Boyer's Market in Mount Carmel. According to the lottery website, neither winner has claimed their prize.

Winners, by town name, include:

Ashland

- Brenda D. Spieles, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Barry J. Spieles, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- James Corbacio, $25,000, Instant Millions, $20 ticket.

- Susan B. Burns, $10,000, Diamonds and 7s, $10.

- Leo C. Banning, $3,000, Triple Winning 3s, $1.

- Kevin E. Fidler, $1,000, $100 Million Dollar Cash Extravaganza, $20.

- Jeffrey Dietz, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20

Catawissa

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

- Jamie L. Drumheller, two wins of $1,000, Casino Cash, $20.

- Jamie L. Drumheller, two wins of $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20.

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

Coal Township

- Richard R. Bevan, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Thomas H. Schaller, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- John R. Orner, $5,000, Hot Ticket, $5.

- Jeremy Weikel, $1,000, $100 Cash Frenzy, $2.

- Amanda L. Sweeney, $1,000, Hot Hand, $5.

- Chad M. Brokenshire, $1,000, Instant Millions, $20.

- Joseph Gratti Jr., $1,000, Platinum Crossword 2nd Edition, $5.

- Benjamin J. Kehler, $1,000, Wild 10s, $5.

- Harley E. Gonsar, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20.

Dalmatia

- Henry F. Enders, $2,500, Powerball, $2 bet with PowerPlay option.

- Jeffrey K. Hepner, $2,500, Powerball, $2 bet with PowerPlay option.

- Anthony C. Miller, $2,500, Powerball, $2 bet with PowerPlay option.

- Kraig A. Patton, $2,500, Powerball, $2 bet with PowerPlay option.

Danville

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

- Alice Bialecki, $1,000, Pure Gold, $10

Elysburg

- John Sassen, $1,005, Match 6, $1 bet

- Steven M. Servose, $1,000, Diamond Millionaire, $20.

- Lisa M. Moyer, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition, $20.

Herndon

- Stephen J. Krissinger, $2,500, Powerball, $2 bet with PowerPlay option.

Kulpmont

- Cynthia A. Klock, $5,000, Hot Ticket, $5.

Mount Carmel

- Jerry Matzura, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Loriann R. Goodrich, $1,000, All That Glitters, $2

- Allen T. Homicz Jr., $1,000, Stacks of Cash, $10.

- Andrew W. Splitt, $1,000, Winner Take All Millionaire Edition.

Natalie

Justin M. Phillips, $1,000, Diamonds and 7s, $10.

Shamokin

- Dane A. York, $1,000, Diamond Millionaire, $20.

- Daniel H. Coller, $1,000, Instant Millions, $20.

HARRISBURG - Reps. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) and Kurt Masser (R-107) announced eligible residents have until the end of the year to apply for the state's 2011 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program.

The deadline was extended from June 30 to Dec. 31.

As of May 31, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue received 529,023 rebate applications.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2011. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities.

Eligibility income limits for homeowners are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

- $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (homeowners and renters).

- $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (homeowners and renters).

- $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (homeowners only).

- $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (homeowners only).

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, more than $5.1 billion has been paid to qualified applicants.

Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available by contacting Culver's Sunbury office at 286-5885, or Masser's Elysburg office at 648-8017, and at www.LyndaCulver.com or www.RepMasser.com.

Rebate checks will be mailed starting July 1.

SUNBURY - A local hospital has launched a new approach to emergency room treatment to make sure customers are treated promptly and with compassion.

"That's why Sunbury Community Hospital has launched a 30-Minute ER Service Pledge - to assure patients that we are dedicated not only to offering the best quality care, but also to providing that care as efficiently and quickly as possible," said Jeff Hunt, hospital CEO.

When a patient enters the emergency department at Sunbury Community Hospital, the arrival time is noted and the 30-Minute ER Service Pledge begins.

"Our pledge is that a provider will work diligently to initially see each patient within 30 minutes or less of their arrival to begin the evaluation and treatment," said Hunt.

Dr. David Williams said patients who are in the most dire of emergencies will continue to receive priority care.

"While the goal of Sunbury Community Hospital's ER pledge is to work diligently to initially see every patient within 30 minutes, the most critical health emergencies will always receive top priority," he said.

The hospital will also track wait times as part of the new initiative.

"I'm pleased to report that the vast majority of patients at Sunbury Community Hospital's ER were already being seen within 30 minutes of their arrival time," said Hunt.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. Defendants who waived their cases to court or were held for court were ordered to appear for plea court July 23 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, at which time they can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Michael R. Shinskie, 18, of 720 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of criminal conspiracy, burglary, criminal trespass, loitering and prowling at night and underage drinking relating to a May 28 burglary and assault at 313 S. Vine St., Mount Carmel.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman David Donkochik.

n Joseph J. Witkowski, 25, of 640 Chestnut St., Apt. 4, Kulpmont, was held for court on charges of unsworn falsification to police and false reports in connection with a Dec. 28 incident at his home in which he falsely reported being robbed by a male with a gun who stole his prescription pills.

Witkowski, who failed to appear for his preliminary hearing, was charged by Kulpmont Patrolman Michael Pitcavage.

n Scott D. Cronce, 41, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $500 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for 12 months. Additional charges of criminal mischief and public drunkenness were withdrawn.

Cronce was charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman William Adamski with using a tire-iron to smash out two windows on a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee owned by Carla Wolak on June 2 in the 200 block of South Beech Street.

n Gregory T. Lees, 42, of Danville, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of careless driving relating to an April 12 incident on Orange Street in Elysburg.

The charges were filed by Ralpho Township Cpl. Bryon Chowka.

Circus coming to Kulpmont

KULPMONT - The Zerbini Family Circus will present two shows at the Kulpmont Veterans Memorial Sports Complex Wednesday.

Show times are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the show will benefit Camp Pauline, a summer camp for children with diabetes provided by the St. Pauline Center.

Tickets for the show are $10 for adults and ticket vouchers for up to four children with one adult are available at local businesses. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Food distribution set for Saturday

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Borough Food Pantry will have its monthly distribution at the Notary Shop, 215 S. Oak St., from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday for those who have already signed up. Participants are asked to bring the green bags with them.

Meeting rescheduled

SUNBURY - The July 3 meeting of the Northumberland County Board of Commissioners has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, due to the July 4 holiday.

Scholar athletes from high schools throughout the county will be honored at the meeting.

MANDATA - Line Mountain Jr./Sr. High School announced the top two members of the Class of 2012.

Valedictorian of the senior class is Michelle Menko, a daughter of Michael and Jeanne Menko, of Trevorton. Menko was secretary of Future Business Leaders of America, treasurer of Campus Club, secretary of the National Honor Society, a member of student council, junior-high basketball team manager and a member of the Young Americans. She volunteered in her community for the Special Olympics and as an altar server.

Menko plans to attend Pennsylvania State University to pursue a degree in biology. In the future, she would like to research diseases such as autism or cancer and contribute her efforts to finding a cure.

Adam Matthew Snyder, a son of Kevin and Barbara (Dziadosz) Snyder, of Leck Kill, was named salutatorian for the class. While at Line Mountain, he participated in concert band, marching band, jazz band, pit band, chorus, National Honor Society and enrichment. He assisted the community by helping with local fire company picnics, as well as various church activities such as clean-ups, plays and special music.

Snyder will attend Elizabethtown College in the fall to major in either physics or engineering. Following his secondary education, he plans to obtain a good-paying job and continue to follow God's will.

SHAMOKIN - Two Shamokin brothers and two Coal Township residents who allegedly removed electric motors for vehicles from a vacant property at Fourth and Mulberry streets Thursday afternoon were apprehended approximately 10 minutes later in Ralpho Township while reportedly en route to a recycling center.

Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle reported theft-related offenses are pending against Raymond K. Villari, 27; his 25-year-old brother, Robert L. Villari, both of 311 S. Seventh St., Shamokin; Alice Reichwein, 19, of 1141 W. State St., Coal Township, and Harry Wheary III, 23, of 223 Main St., Ranshaw.

All four defendants were committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury on probation detainers.

Scandle said a witness spotted a car with four occupants pull up to 251 S. Fourth St. at 12:13 p.m. The witness said he saw two of the occupants enter the building, remove various items and hand them to the other two people. He said all four people then got into the car and fled the scene.

The witness was able to obtain a description of the vehicle and its license plate number, which he relayed to police.

Scandle said neighboring police departments were warned to be on the lookout for the vehicle, which was pulled over at about 12:20 p.m. by Ralpho Township Sgt. Chris Kreisher near Drug Plastics and Glass Inc. along Bottle Road at Reed Industrial Park.

Kreisher, who requested backup after stopping the vehicle, was assisted at the scene by Scandle, Shamokin Police Chief Edward Griffiths, Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II, Ralpho Township Patrolmen Chris Dailey and Chris Grow, Mount Carmel Township Officer Matthew Filarski and Trooper David Townsend of state police at Stonington.

Police took the suspects into custody without incident. Scandle said police believe the defendants were headed to Jeff's Auto Body and Recycling along Snydertown Road to sell the motors.

Scandle said the stolen electric motors are owned by Robert Gilligbauer, of Shamokin, who owns the property at 251 S. Fourth St. that formerly served as a bar for many years. Gilligbauer also owns the building where the Villari brothers reside.

The car, which was impounded by police, is registered to Wheary, who was driving.

RANSHAW - Coal Township High School Alumni Association celebrated its 76th anniversary with a banquet May 26 at Brady Fire Company with 214 classmates attending.

The invocation and the blessing were given by alumni President Sam Weaver.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" led by Kenneth Mertz, Class of 1952.

Dinner was served.

A military presentation was given by Walter Summers, class of 1948, honoring 44 veterans in attendance. A moment of silence was observed in memory of all departed veterans. The playing of "Taps" and salute concluded the program.

Theresa Targonski Sandri, class of 1943, nominating committee chairperson, presented the recommendation for the slate of officers for 2012-13: president, Samuel Weaver, class of 1964; vice president, James Gresavage, class of 1946; secretary, Doris Olley Ziemba, class of 1964; treasurer, Diane Grego Kerstetter, class of 1964; historians, Sarann Golden Keyack and Thomas Keyack, class of 1957.

Being no nominations from the floor, an election was held and the officers were elected.

The 2012 Coal Township Scholarship and Award recipients are:

- Megan Cibrowski, George Nagle Scholarship, $3,000 per year. She will attend Wilkes University and major in pharmacy.

- Caleb Latovich, Frank Marcinek Scholarship, $2,500 per year. He will attend Penn State Schuylkill and major in administration of justice.

- Scott Bradley, George Lytle Scholarship, $2,000 per year. He will attend Lafayette University and major in physics and pre-med.

- Devin Madara, Coal Township Alumni Scholarship, $2,000 per year. He will attend University of Pittsburgh and major in neuroscience and pre-med.

- Danielle Boyd, Coal Township Alumni Scholarship, $2,000 per year. She will attend Susquehanna University and major in creative writing.

- Stephen Bressi, Anthony K. Konopka Scholarship, $2,000 per year. He will attend Penn State University and major in health sciences.

- Charles Black, Northumberland County Career and Technology Center Scholarship, $2,500 per year. He will attend Bloomsburg University and major in digital forensics.

- Andrew C. Long Awards (business) - Bradley Burasz, Stephanie Broscious and Renea Broscious.

- Galiley Award (math) - Jessica Britton and Justin Reichner.

The Shamokin and Coal Township scholarship winners were present, introduced themselves, talked about their major and their school of choice.

Weaver reported that in the last year, 33 high school graduates have received $74,000 in Coal Township Alumni Scholarship monies. The monies received from class and individual donations to the scholarship fund and the generosity of the Andrew C. Long Foundation, will continue to finance the scholarships well into the future.

The following anniversary classes made donations to the Alumni Association's Scholarship Fund and/or Century Club: Class of 1952, $2,230; Class of 1958, $300; Class of 1962, $1,000.

Joseph Bressi presented an original Andy Long Stetson hat to John Levan, Class of 1932, as the oldest member present. Levan celebrated his 80th year as a graduate of Coal Township High School.

Edward Binkoski, Class of 1950, received a Stetson for his years of dedication to students and to the Coal Township and Shamokin Area school districts and community.

Aldine Lashay, Class of 1936, was recognized as a 76-year alumnus.

All classes were recognized and thanked for their continued support.

The business meeting closed with the singing of the Coal Township alma mater, led by Mertz.

Anniversary class pictures were taken by Harry Deitz.

During the after glow, The Shoreliners entertained the assembly.

Class members donating $100 or more to the scholarship fund become members of the Coal Township Alumni Century Club. The Century Club donors are listed in the annual alumni newsletter.

BLOOMSBURG - Ryan Patrick Smolock, a second-year student majoring in secondary education/biology, has earned a 3.9 grade-point average at Bloomsburg University.

Smolock graduated from Nativity B.V.M. High School, Pottsville. He was a key member of the school's championship soccer team in 2010. He is an active member of St. Joseph's Church in Ashland.

Smolock is a son of Cynthia and Joseph Smolock, of Ashland. He is a grandson of Sharon and Joseph Smolock, of Ashland, and Penelope and Andrew Murphy, of Coal Township.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following memorials have been presented to Divine Redeemer Church during May:

In memory of:

Aloysius J. Yurkiewicz from Gloria Tresca.

Eleanor Cristan from Gloria Tresca.

Nellie Shinskie from Matt Filarski and Megan McAndrew.

Peter J. Kijewski from Jack and Toni Sommers; A. John Bush and family; Claire Kornacki; Mildred Palembas; Regina T. Shulski; Marietta and Gina Miriello.

Frances Kurland from Irene Kurland.

Stephen Tloczynski from Rita M. Pizzoli; Ken and Barbara Pizzoli.

Mary E. Strocko from James and Betty Menapace and family.

Holly Rute from Bob and Barb Whispell.

Caroline Ciocco from Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wanzie; Don and Diane Ciocco; Mildred Greco; Dora and Joan DiFrancesco.

Thomas F. Sebastian Sr.

Birthday memorial

Jack Shiko (May 17) from sister, Irene Kurland.

SCRANTON - Sara Melick, a daughter of Andrew and Ann Melick, of Catawissa, has been named to Marywood University's Dean's List for the spring 2012 semester.

Melick, a sophomore majoring in biology, earned a 3.98 grade point average. She also competes on the school's volleyball team.

She is a 2010 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School.

PITTSBURGH - Krista Lee Rompolski, a daughter of John Rompolski Sr. and Elaine Rompolski, and a granddaughter of Elaine and Leon Jurgill, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in December 2011 with a doctoral degree in exercise physiology.

She previously achieved her master's degree in clinical exercise physiology from Bloomsburg University, and has gained certifications as a health and fitness specialist and certified personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine.

Rompolski is employed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as a clinical research coordinator in the Healthy Weight Program until her faculty appointment at Drexel University begins in the fall.

She resides in Malvern with her husband, Daniel M. Taney, of Phoenixville.

All Northumberland County Senior Action Centers will be closed Thursday in observance of Flag Day.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; cards and puzzles.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; lunch at Red Lobster, van leaves at 9 a.m., cost is $2; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; AAA picnic at Knoebels Amusement Resort, Pavilion F, van leaves at 9 a.m., VNA health fair at Pavilion Q. The center will be closed in the afternoon so staff can attend the picnic.

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

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

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

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

Wednesday - Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging picnic at Knoebels Pavilion F, meal and transportation are free for those who signed up for a ticket. Bingo will be played from 1 to 3 p.m., with supper at 4:15 p.m. VNA health fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pavilion Q,

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

Kulpmont

Sunday - Pinochle and rummie, 1:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday - Wii and knitting in the morning; pinochle-cards, noon.

Wednesday - AAA picnic at Knoebels Pavilion F, VNA health fair at Pavilion Q. Van will leave center at 9 a.m. and the center will be closed in the afternoon.

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

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Diane Grieser to hand out farmer's market vouchers, 9 to 11 a.m.

Tuesday - Center closed for a Father's Day dinner at Green's in Lavelle.

Wednesday - Center closed for a day trip to Knoebels in Elysburg for senior day.

Thursday - Flag day program, food bank will be open.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

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

Wednesday - VNA blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. AAA picnic at Knoebels in pavilion F, Bingo will start at 1 p.m. and the meal will be at 4 p.m. There will also be door prizes. VNA health fair at Pavilion Q, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Trevorton

Monday - Wii game, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; shopping in downtown Danville, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; card games.

Tuesday - Movie "We Bought a Zoo" and snacks, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Center is closed for AAA picnic at Knoebels; coffee and donuts at 9 a.m., VNA health fair starts at 9 a.m., bingo at 1 p.m., dinner served at 4 p.m.

Friday - Games on the Wii, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; $1 bingo, 12:30 p.m.; birthday party, 5 p.m.

KULPMONT - Members of the Kulpmont community are preparing to continue a religious tradition with the return of the San Marziale Parade.

The parade, which returned to the streets last year after a 12-year absence, will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 8, at Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St. The parade is being revived by Landscape Services, Bressi Family Foods, the Holy Name Society of Holy Angels Church, the church, the Kulpmont Knights of Columbus and other dedicated individuals.

Tom Letcavage of Landscape Services and Christopher Bressi of Bressi Family Foods believe the interest level and participation will be even higher this year than last.

"We had people from as far away as Canada in attendance last year. It was amazing. Also, the post-parade get-together was top notch as well," Bressi said. "It was wonderful to see the organizations, the church and countless local citizens come together."

During the parade, onlookers can pin money onto the statue, which will then be donated to Holy Angels Church. For those who participate and march, there will be food and refreshments available at the Holy Angels picnic grounds. Those who wish to walk in the procession are asked to meet at the church at 12:30 p.m.

Marziale is the patron saint of Isca sullo Ionio, a small town in southern Italy, which was the birthplace of many Italian immigrants who came to America, eventually settling in the coal region for a better life.

According to legend, St. Marziale was the youngest of seven sons - known as the seven martyrs - of Saint Felicitas and is venerated as the patron saint of Isca sullo Ionio in Calabria, Italy, and Torricella Peligna in Abruzzo region of Italy. His feast day is July 10.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The honor roll for the fourth marking period of the 2011-2012 school year at the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center has been announced by Robert K. Beierschmitt, principal.

To be named to the first honor roll list, a student must maintain an average of 95 or better and must have a good citizenship and attendance record.

To be named to the second honor roll list, a student must maintain an average between 90 through 94 and must have a good citizenship and attendance record.

Shamokin Area

First honors

12th grade - Charles Black, computer technology; Kaleb Bowers, collision repair; William Curran, computer technology; Emmett Donahue, welding; Amber Ebbecke, health occupation careers; Jacob Eveland, computer technology; Alina Hensel, culinary arts; Andrew Hepler, welding; Zachary Jacobs, carpentry; Kyle Koontz, welding; Daniel McKimm, welding; Kristi Morris, health occupation careers; Brett Pawelczyk, electrical construction; Megan Ramp, computer technology; James Shaffer, electrical construction; Emily Shuman, computer technology; Cody Stine, carpentry; Ashley Strouse, occupational child care, and Timothy Wasko, electrical construction.

Second honors

11th grade - Todd Markhorst, carpentry.

12th grade - Peyton Autry, health occupation careers; Sydney Chervanik, health occupation careers; Jonathan Coup, collision repair; Shanna Endy, computer technology; Brett Foulds, carpentry; Shelby McCloskey, cosmetology; Samuel McVicker, automotive technology; Skyelar Moore, culinary arts; Tyler Moroskie, automotive technology; Brittany Nye, health occupation careers; Alyssa Orme, health occupation careers; Tyler Pincoskie, automotive technology; Blaise Reichenbach, computer technology; Michael Shingara, computer technology; Michael Strozyk, carpentry; Laura Wolf, cosmetology, and Alexandria Zerbe, health occupation careers

Line Mountain

First honors

12th grade - Michael Cotner, welding; Ashley Geiswhite, culinary arts; Terry LaForme, computer technology; Joshua Martz, protective services; Codie Schaffner, protective services; Alexxis Stiely; cosmetology; Brittany Vogel, protective services; Jared Wood, computer technology, and Kirsten Wynn, health occupation careers

Second honors

11th grade - Dani Lebo, computer technology; Kyle Lippincott, computer technology, and Cody Whitcomb, collision repair.

12th grade - Brooke Fetterhoff, health occupation careers; Scott Madison, computer technology; Alyssa Martz, health occupations career; Sara Reed, cosmetology; Gabrielle Sprenkle, occupation child care, and Kaila Wynn, cosmetology.

Mount Carmel Area

Second honors

12th grade - Greg Barkus, carpentry; Rachel Levengood, occupational child care; Joseph Linn, collision repair; Justin Mackenzie, computer technology, and Christopher Molnar, automotive technology.