By Mark Gilger

SUNBURY - In what may have been their final action before turning over decisions regarding the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) to a five-member authority that takes office in January, Northumberland County commissioners enacted an ordinance on a split vote Tuesday that enforces regulations outlined in a policy adopted last week by the commissioners.

The policy and ordinance formally in place, it ironically leaves David M. Kaleta, 54, of 146 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin - who sued the commissioners and county last month for banning him from the AOAA property and allegedly violating the Sunshine Act - as the lone individual with full access to the AOAA until the authorized hunting time begins next month.

That's because Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor last month approved Kaleta's request for an injunction that stops the county from banning him from the property while his lawsuit proceeds.

However, Kaleta's access may be short-lived, too.

The commissioners, on the same 2-1 vote, with Stephen Bridy and Vinny Clausi approving and Richard Shoch opposed, authorized Attorney Robert Hanna of Harrisburg to file a motion in federal court to lift the injunction involving Kaleta so the same rules and regulations pertaining to others for the AOAA will apply to him as well.

Two weeks ago, Hanna filed a motion in federal court to dismiss Kaleta's suit with prejudice, claiming he doesn't state a viable First Amendment retaliation claim in the complaint and that Saylor erred by stating Bridy and Clausi violated the Sunshine Act by taking action to ban Kaleta from the property.

Too quick

Shoch said the policy was put together too quickly and doesn't accommodate enough hunters and bikers. He also claimed too much power was given to the planning department in developing the rules and regulations.

As Shoch was finishing his comments, Clausi accused the commissioner of being a "troublemaker" for inviting people to the meeting to voice opposition to the AOAA rules.

The 6,500 acres of county-owned land that will make up the AOAA has been open to hunting for decades, but development of the off-highway vehicle park and a controversy over access to the property this fall has resulted in action on the new policy.

Hunting will be allowed, at no cost, on all AOAA land, but only between the middle of November and end of January.

The county planning department will be responsible for enforcing rules and regulations for the park until the authority takes over.

The ordinance states that any person violating the rules and regulations of the AOAA will be ordered to pay the county a fine of not more than $600 plus court costs for each violation, and/or face possible imprisonment of not more than 10 days.

Kaleta only one, for now

Hunters object

Prior to the ordinance being adopted, Kaleta and several others questioned the commissioners about hunting restrictions on AOAA property and other concerns.

Kaleta advised the commissioners to "take a step back" from the ordinance so other residents can use the land for hunting before the authority takes over operation of the property in January.

Kaleta's wife, Kathi, told the commissioners to put aside personal grudges and do what's right for the county. "We must unite the county instead of creating a wedge between people," she said.

She also said there are special days set aside by the state game commission for hunting, which would be prohibited under the policy for the AOAA.

Bridy responded, "We need this proposed ordinance so we aren't open to lawsuits that will hurt the taxpayers."

Patrick Bendas of Kulpmont, an avid hunter and ATV rider, said he is opposed to not allowing hunting until mid-November because it leaves out the fall turkey and archery deer seasons.

Richard Post of Shamokin told the commissioners they were "pushing for big money" while "pushing little people out" by developing the AOAA.

James Koharski of Coal Township asked if there are any activities planned for the AOAA before January. Pat Mack, county planning and industrial development director, said there are a few events planned.

Kallie Liendo of Coal Township said enforcement of the rules for the AOAA will be very difficult and could lead to taxes being increased if police patrols are utilized for added security.

Year round hunting?

Clausi, who repeatedly told citizens the policy and ordinance could change when the authority takes over, said there are plans in place for next year for approximately 500 acres of AOAA property to be set aside for hunting year-round. Although he didn't specify what area, Mack said after the meeting that he expects the 342-acre Alaska site near Excelsior to be included in that 500 acres.

SHAMOKIN - Ted Yeager challenged state Rep. Kurt Masser on his contention that he fought to get $100 million restored to the state education budget during the controversial funding battle last spring.

Yeager, the Democratic challenger for the 107th Legislative District, said it wasn't a matter of restoring the money.

"There wasn't a fight to put money back in. That money was there," he said during a debate Tuesday afternoon sponsored by the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce in front more than 40 people.

But Masser quickly countered.

"I disagree. There was a fight; I was there; I was part of the fight," he said. "There were 203 people with 203 different ideas of where that money should go. Oh, there was a fight, and we won that fight."

It was one of the more lively exchanges during the one-hour debate, held at the social hall at Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. The chamber, which typically has a candidates' forum each fall, instead organized this year's luncheon as a debate between the two 107th candidates, who are both from Elysburg.

Questions were asked by a three-member panel that included Sandy Winhofer, chamber director; Andy Heintzelman, editor of The News-Item; and Gabriel Beaulieu, a Susquehanna University student from Coal Township.

Education funding

The Republican versus Democrat debate over whether education funding was cut or only had federal stimulus dollars removed last spring is still alive, judging by the candidates' comments.

Masser said it is "an outright lie" to suggest he and other Republicans voted to cut spending for education. Instead, it is now at historic levels, he said.

At the same time, he said, education funding can't grow unchecked.

"Staffing across the senatorial district has gone up in every school district (while) enrollment in every school district has gone down," and that's not sustainable, he said.

But Yeager said the state budget overall wasn't as dire as the Corbett administration made it sound, and education funding didn't have to be an issue.

"When Gov. Corbett said the money was not there, in that same year, there were $500 million in tax cuts and a $700 million surplus in the budget. The money was there," he said.

Also, he said Masser's "historic" funding numbers for education include money for pensions, which the state has had to raise considerably, and Social Security - things that don't impact students.

Asked what he would do if faced with cutting education in order to balance the state budget, Yeager, who retired from teaching after 33 years, related ideas about trimming costs. Noting he was an athlete in high school and college, he suggested nonetheless that sporting programs may have to cut the number of games they play to save on transportation costs.

"Does it hurt the athletic program to have fewer games? I don't think so. Does it save the taxpayers money? Sure it does," he said.

He also noted the dire costs of unfunded mandates on local schools.

Masser said education is "far too important to look at a funding cut" and he hopes next year's budget might include a "modest increase" in education funding.

Both candidates agree the funding formula for cyber-charter schools is unfair as it exists, and Masser said he wished the state could have passed reform this fall. A bill to do so recently stalled out.

Marcellus shale

The state's decision earlier this year to impose an impact fee but not a tax on the large oil and gas companies tapping Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale fields was another source of division between Yeager and Masser.

Yeager said the thought that a tax would chase away these companies is wrong considering there is more "energy" under Pennsylvania than there ever was under Texas before they took a drop out of it, he said, citing Shell Oil.

"Taxes are not what oil companies and gas companies use to determine where they are. What determines it is what's the supply and how do you get to it," he said. "Right now, it's easier in Pennsylvania to get natural gas than anywhere else."

He said the state has missed out on revenue from Marcellus Shale. Had it done the same as West Virginia, which taxes production, it could have generated $378 million in revenue between July 2009 and the end of 2011.

But Masser said taxes as a whole need to be considered in the Marcellus Shale debate, and to suggest Pennsylvania is letting these companies off at the lowest cost of any state is wrong.

"These companies are paying all the other taxes other companies in the commonwealth are paying. When you take taxes on a whole, we're not at the bottom," he said.

The candidates also debated at several times the extent to which the state is keeping an environmental check on gas drilling. Masser said state agencies monitoring production have more "boots on the ground than Texas." He said the state is "twice as diligent on environmental standards" than in previous years, and, in a spinoff discussion about coal, he said regulatory processes that are too difficult keeps miners out of work.

Yeager countered that while coal companies pay an extraction tax, gas companies do not. He expressed concerns about balancing income with environmental concerns.

"We're not as diligent as we need to be with our environment and the overview of gas companies," he said.

Masser, who noted local truck drivers who are employed because of gas drilling and that it has had a positive impact on jobs in the region and throughout the state, began and ended his points on Marcellus Shale by calling it a "game changer."

AOAA discussion

Both candidates were generally supportive of Northumberland County's Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), planned for 6,500 acres of county-owned land, but both expressed a few concerns.

Yeager said it sounds like a good idea, but that any funding he would seek at the state level for the park would receive the same scrutiny he'll apply to all state spending to be sure there's a return on investment.

"I would lean more toward a slower approach rather than try to go full guns and get it done right away," Yeager said. "Let's make sure if we're going to do it, let's do it correctly."

Masser said slower isn't necessary considering the park has been in the works for seven or eight years.

"We're sitting on a gold mine out there as far as I'm concerned for the potential to bring outside riders and their dollars into our region," he said. "You talk to any businesses, certainly along Market Street (in Shamokin), I think they're excited about this project and what it means for extra traffic going by their doors every day."

He did express concerns about how much local residents would be charged to use the park, and the recent change in plans - possibly temporary - that would no longer allow hunting year-round at the 342-acre "Alaska site" that's part of the AOAA.

Other subjects covered in the debate included health care, jobs, term limits and state government reform.

SHAMOKIN - In what could be a record for The News-Item Football Contest, 63 contestants correctly picked 12 out of 12 games correctly in week eight.

All 63 contestants will be entered into the drawing for the $200 grand prize at the end of the contest, but three entries correctly picked 50 points as the top score of the week, following USC's 50-0 drubbing of Colorado Saturday.

A random drawing was held to determine the three place-winners. Joe Consevage, of 33 S. Spruce St., Mount Carmel, took first, winning a $50 gift certificate for any of the participating sponsors in the contest. Second place and a $25 gift certificate went to Blair J. Faust, of 1424 W. Pine St., Coal Township. The third place winner was Jim Kozlowski, of 487 W. Saylor St., Atlas, who won a $15 gift certificate.

Scores from last week's games were: Mount Carmel Area 41, Hughesville 13; Florida State 33, Miami 20; Danville 24, Shikellamy 0; Clemson 38, Virginia Tech 17; Southern Columbia 45, Shamokin Area 6; Penn State 38, Iowa 14; Selinsgrove 36, Jersey Shore 0; Georgia 29, Kentucky 24; North Schuylkill 30, Mahanoy Area 0; Stanford 21, California 3; Bloomsburg 39, Mifflinburg 22; USC 50, Colorado 0.

TREVORTON - The Trevorton Senior Adult Ministry met at St. Patrick Church hall on Oct. 15 for their regular meeting and an Octoberfest covered dish social. There were 29 members present.

The meeting opened with the Senior Adult Ministry Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. A prayer was given before the meal by Robert Sager in thanks to all who contributed the vast variety of covered dishes.

After the meal, the regular meeting continued with the treasurer report by Mary Ellen Hoffman, which was approved as read.

The secretary report was given by Edwina Savidge and was also approved as read.

Joyce Koppen, a member of the travel committee, gave a report on an upcoming trip to American Music Theatre with lunch at Shady Maples for Nov. 1.

October birthday celebrants include Kenneth Gurba, Faye Herb, Ruth Klock, Barbara Leah, JoAnn Pitfido, Mary Ryan and Joyce Thomas. Birthday donations were given by Ben and Celeste Blascovich, Dixie Heath, Anita Lagerman, Naomi Mielke, Teena and Jim Blessing and Faye Herb.

A greeting card was sent to Naomi Mielke.

A reminder about the Dec. 17 meeting, which is the Christmas banquet catered by Hannah's Restaurant in Trevorton, was announced. The meal will consist of roast pork and all the trimmings plus coffee and dessert. Those interested in attending should contact Rose Marie at 648-3035 or add their name to the sign-up sheet, which will be available at the November meeting. Cost of the dinner for registered members is $13.

The 50/25/25 winners were Lavon Swank and Kay McBride.

A thank you was extended to everyone present who contributed to the wonderful feast of delicious foods and desserts.

The next regular meeting will be Nov. 19, and everyone is encouraged to bring friends and neighbors to join the group.

Meeting was adjourned and cards and bingo followed.

Diorio to be remembered at 10th year

COAL TOWNSHIP - Maine Fire Company will expand its annual private service to a public one when it recognizes the 10th anniversary of the death of firefighter Timothy Diorio.

A service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday in front of a memorial for Diorio at Water and First streets. Themes for the ceremony are "A Celebration of Timmy's Life" and "How Has Timmy Affected Others?"

DiOrio died early Nov. 1, 2002, while helping fight a fire in Trevorton. He was employed at the time as a state police trooper.

Maine Fire Company decided to expand its annual service to include all local fire company, ambulance and police personnel, including those who were involved on the night of the fire.

The public is welcome, too, and the event will be held rain or shine.

Overflow parking will be accommodated in the Susquehanna Bank parking lot next to Turkey Hill on Second Street.

Registration open for assistance

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Salvation Army is accepting appointments for registration to its Christmas food and toy assistance program.

Registration is by appointment only.

Please call 644-0486 for more information.

Signal activation delayed until today

HEMLOCK TOWNSHIP - Due to Tuesday's rain, the flash-mode activation of the new signals at Route 42 and Perry Avenue, near the Bloomsburg Fairground will take place beginning today.

Next week's schedule is unchanged, becoming fully active at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Food surplus distribution in Kulpmont

KULPMONT - Kulpmont Borough will hold the monthly distribution for its food surplus program from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday. Residents who have signed up previously are eligible and are reminded to bring their assigned bags.

Lions sponsoring parade

KULPMONT - Kulpmont Lions Club is the sponsor of the annual Halloween parade in Kulpmont.

The parade starts at 7 p.m. Thursday. Registration and formation begin at 6 p.m. at the Holy Angels picnic ground.

SAHS Competition Band wins championship

BLOOMSBURG - The Shamokin Area High School Competition Band won the

Tournament of Bands Group 2-A Chapter 4 Championship on Saturday, October

20, 2012 at Bloomsburg University.

The band obtained a score of 89.8 and received specialty awards for High Music,

High Visual, High Guard, and High Drum Major. They will be competing in the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Group 2-A Championship on Saturday, October 27 at Central Dauphin High School, Harrisburg, PA. The competition starts at 3:30 PM with Shamokin performing at 5:56 PM. Awards will be presented at 10:00 PM.

The Atlantic Coast Championships include 9 states and over 100+ bands.

BLOOMSBURG- Rabbi Nina Mandel will talk about "Judaism: Religion? Culture? or Something Else?" on Monday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's McCormick Center, room 1303. This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, the Middle East studies minor and the Protestant Campus Ministry.

Mandel leads Congregation Beth El in Sunbury, where she served as a part-time student rabbi before being ordained in 2003. She is also a professor at Susquehanna University, lecturing on topics regarding Jewish, women's and diversity studies. She is a member of several organizations, including Rabbis for Human Rights and the National Religious Council Against Torture, and received a Human Rights Award from Church Women United Inc. in 2009. Mandel has lived and studied in Israel.

For more information regarding this event, contact Nawal Bonomo, assistant to the dean, College of Liberal Arts, at nbonomo@bloomu.edu.

SUNBURY - The warm glow of candle lanterns and the dancing flames of a crackling campfire will add to the ambience of the evening as tour guides attired in 18th-century period clothing conduct Lantern Tours from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the site of Fort Augusta.

The Northumberland County Historical Society will host this free event, which is open to the public, at its headquarters at 1150 N. Front St. Visitors will view the two remaining fort features on the property - the well and the powder magazine, and the Hunter-Grant cemetery.

Those attending will also see several scenes from Fort Augusta's history portrayed by members of the Augusta Regiment and other re-enactors which will focus on the relationships between traders, soldiers and the Native Americans as well as everyday life at Fort Augusta. The fort served as a frontier stronghold along the banks of the Susquehanna.

In addition, the Fort Augusta exhibit in the Hunter House will be open. It features an extensive collection of artifacts recovered on the fort site during a number of archaeological digs over the years. Volunteers will serve light refreshments

Constructed by the British in 1756 as part of its defense against the French and Indians moving eastward from the Allegheny region, Fort Augusta was Pennsylvania's largest provincial fort. It later served as the headquarters of American forces in the upper Susquehanna Valley during the Revolutionary War and protected area settlers from the attack of Native American tribes who were allies of the British. The fort was never under siege and was dismantled in 1794.

The evening Lantern Tours is the final Living History Days event planned for 2012. Living History Days is an educational program series designed to appeal to all ages.

The Northumberland County Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging awareness and stimulating interest in the county's rich history, heritage and diverse culture through its educational facilities and programs.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Devin Conrad, a sophomore at Saint Francis University in Loretto, was recently inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society.

She is a daughter of Jeffrey and Sandra Conrad, of Coal Township, and a granddaughter of Steven and Margaret Conrad, of Shamokin, Dorothea Yancoski, of Kulpmont, and the late Eugene Yancoski.

Conrad, a physician assistant science major, was on the dean's list her freshman year at Saint Francis University.

Phi Eta Sigma is the first and largest honor society devoted to the achievement of first-year college students. Established at the University of Illinois in 1923, Phi Eta Sigma has chartered more than 350 chapters and inducted over 900,000 members.

SUNBURY - A request by Northumberland County Register and Recorder Mary Zimmerman for pay increases for her two deputies was denied during Tuesday's salary board meeting.

Voting against the increases were Commissioners Clausi, Richard Shoch and Stephen Bridy, and Controller Tony Phillips, who are permanent members of the salary board. Zimmerman voted in favor of the increases.

Zimmerman requested an $1,800 increase for second deputy Mary Cathy Scott and a $2,500 increase for first deputy Tina Mertz. The increases would bring the salaries of Scott and Mertz to $31,273 and $35,170, respectively. Scott has worked in the register and recorder's office for 13 years, while Mertz is a 19-year employee.

Zimmerman's request was not listed on the meeting agenda, but the board agreed to address it even though they recommended tabling the issue until the end of the year when the county's future financial outlook becomes clearer.

But Zimmerman insisted on taking a vote, noting that she had requested increases for the positions three years ago, but never was able to get them on the agenda.

Zimmerman said two union employees in her office were granted $1,800 and $1,400 salary increases in 2011 and 2010, respectively, which brought their salaries close to those of her deputies.

She also pointed out that other employees, including court personnel, were previously granted salary increases.

Clausi said the court personnel received their increases from Act 35 money rather than the general fund.

At the commissioners' meeting that followed the salary board session, Clausi announced health insurance for Northumberland County employees is expected to increase by $2 million next year, which will only add to the county's financial problems and could lead to a significant tax increase for residents.

The commissioner said health insurance costs will rise from $5 million to $7 million next year.

He said the majority of the 539 county employees have health insurance coverage through the county.

In other business, the commissioners entered into an agreement with Attorney Vincent V. Rovito Jr. of Shamokin to represent the county in matters relating to the condemnation actions and anticipated sale of the Northumberland-Montour County Airport in Riverside.

Clausi said the county hopes to sell its interest in the airport because it has not been cost effective to operate in recent years. The commissioner said the county, which jointly owns the airport with Montour County, was forced to pay $150,000 last year over an imminent domain dispute involving the expansion of the airport runway.

"The gravy train has to end," he said. "This airport is turning into a private club and it's hurting the county financially."

The board awarded a contract to Superior Plus Energy Services of Exton at their bid price of $.1450 per gallon, dealer handling charge, for supply and delivery of home heating oil at various county buildings. Superior Plus was the lone bidder.

A&S Mechanical of Milton was awarded a $99,600 contract for a natural gas boiler system at the courthouse. Six bids were submitted for the project.

Dabulis Masonry of Coal Township was awarded a $49,910 contract for chimney restoration at the courthouse. Three bids were submitted for the work.

Jeffery Fetterman was promoted to director of information services at a salary of $51,280.84. He replaces David Fisher, who resigned Sept. 28.

Eric Wendt was appointed to succeed Fetterman as assistant director of information services at a salary of $37,470.90.

Justin Dunkelberger of Northumberland was appointed to the SEDA-COG Foundation, with his term beginning immediately and ending July 31, 2015. Clausi said Dunkelberger was the only applicant for the post.

The commissioners passed a resolution to apply for a Keystone Communities Grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development for blight strategy development being coordinated by the Northumberland County Housing Authority.

TREVORTON - Zerbe Township supervisors have approved a zoning change in anticipation of further economic development related to the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).

Monday night's 3-0 vote by Gene Geise, Mike Mazer and Michael Schwartz came after some opposition at a 45-minute public hearing. Township leaders, however, said there was a need to update outdated zoning designations, last changed in 1966, while also allowing business growth along the main township thoroughfare, Route 225, or Shamokin Street, in the village.

"There are things happening in Zerbe Township that made it necessary to update the ordinance and make it more consistent with what is going on around here," Todd Kerstetter, zoning solicitor, said during the hearing.

Schwartz was recently named to the five-member AOAA Authority, which will begin formal operation in January to govern the off-highway vehicle park.

The 6,500-acre property, owned by Northumberland County, stretches across five townships, its western end starting in Zerbe.

What changed

The key changes are as follows:

- The "commercial-neighborhood zone," which previously extended along Route 225 at the west end of Trevorton for 4 1/2 blocks - from the midpoint of Sixth and Seventh streets at Trevorton Fire Company west to 11th Street - was extended east all the way to the border with Coal Township. In its new territory, a distance of about 3 miles, it replaces the previous "multi-family residential" designation.

Those living along the highway now don't have to do anything, because the new designation allows businesses and homes to be in the same area.

- A one-block area from 11th to 12th streets at the west end of town, previously in the "multi-family residential," was changed to "commercial-heavy." That designation already existed from 12th Street west a short distance out of the village, to about the area of the township sewer plant. It now backs up one block into Trevorton.

Kerstetter noted that Union Bank and Trust Co., Angie's Market and a few restaurants were technically in a residential zone under the old statute.

"It is surprising that there were all those things in the residential zone," he said.

Regarding the second change, it was done to allow Mountainside Motorsports, an ATV service shop which opened in 2010, to also now sell ATVs and other vehicles.

Kerstetter said township leaders hope the zoning changes pay off.

"I drove through the area today and saw some empty garages, buildings that aren't looking so good," he said. "Hopefully, these changes will help economic development and people can buy these dilapidated buildings, tear them down and make something out of the area."

ATVs 'not too good'

Brient Wiest, of East Market Street, was among several residents in the group of 12 at the hearing to voice objections. A stenographer was present, and all who testified had to swear under oath.

"I just wonder why we have to change the zone. Why don't we keep it the way it was and give out variances?" Wiest asked.

Even with the AOAA, development may not occur, he said.

"What I see running around in Trevorton with the ATVs now isn't too good for a bedroom community," Wiest said.

Former township supervisor Edward Hull took an opposing viewpoint.

"I think it's a great idea," he testified. "When we went through the paperwork for the Dollar General store in 2005, we only had two people against running the (commercial) zone all the way through (the township). We have nothing in town now. It's not going to hurt a thing along Trevorton Road."

"I just can't see any good coming from the ATVs and what they bring to Trevorton," Wiest retorted. "I see it now in my neighborhood. I disagree with you, Ed."

After the meeting, Wiest approached supervisors and township solicitor Roger Wiest to further question the decision.

"So the three of you voted, and that's it? The residents don't get a vote?" he said.

"That's why you elected them," Roger Wiest calmly retorted. "To make the decisions in the best interest of the township."

A map detailing the zoning changes is posted for public display for 30 days. Appeals must be filed by Nov. 21.

Puzzle Place feature corrected

SHAMOKIN - The Puzzle Place feature on Page 16 of Wednesday's edition was a repeat from last week.

Wednesday's and today's Puzzle Place are in today's classified section.

The News-Item apologizes for the inconvenience.

Parking restricted for tonight's parade

KULPMONT - There will be no parking allowed on Chestnut Street from 6 to 8 p.m. to to make room for the Kulpmont Halloween Parade.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Tiffany Fye, 33, and Thomas Crosson Jr., 31, both of Harrisburg, waived to court charges of simple assault, criminal trespass and harassment involving a Sept. 9 disturbance at 32 N. Second St., Shamokin.

Fye and Crosson were charged by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery with assaulting Brian Petrovich, causing injuries to his face, mouth and arm.

n Nathaniel Yoder, 34, of 753 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, waived to court charges of stalking, loitering and prowling at night and harassment.

Yoder was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery in connection with incidents that occurred Sept. 14 outside the residence of Heather Nolter, 123 S. Shamokin St., Shamokin.

According to a criminal complaint, Yoder is accused of repeatedly making anonymous telephone calls to Nolter, following her in a vehicle around the streets of Shamokin, circling the victim's home and prowling through various yards, including Nolter's backyard.

Cpl. Darwin Tobias III found Yoder in the 100 block of South Franklin Street and took him into custody. Police said Yoder was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a black bandana. Police also discovered a fully-loaded, black 12-gauge shotgun partially hidden on the concrete steps of a demolished house, where Yoder was initially spotted.

n Robert D. Weisman, 36, of 323 Avenue B, Riverside, waived to court charges of stalking, loitering and prowling at night and simple trespass relating to a July 7 incident at the Coal Township property of William Rosini Jr.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Deputy Police Chief Chris Williams.

n Gregory Poltenovage, 43, of 1440 Hemlock St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty to a summary of harassment and was ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs.

A charge of possession of synthetic potpourri/spice was withdrawn.

Poltenovage was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Chad Yoder in connection with an Aug. 1, 2011, incident at his residence.

n Roger Facer, 25, of 403 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for six months.

Facer was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle in connection with a July 16 incident at his apartment.

n Matthew Raynor, 26, of 101 S. Franklin St., Shamokin, was held for court on charges of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct relating to an Aug. 31 disturbance at 241 S. Vine St. in which Raynor is accused of breaking a window.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman William Miner.

n Tasha Bowie, 37, of 145 S. Pearl St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was sentenced to serve 30 days in Northumberland County Prison while receiving credit for prison time previously served. An additional charge of public drunkenness was withdrawn.

Bowie was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery in connection with an Aug. 31 incident at 150 S. Pearl St.

n Billie Jo Weaver, 42, of 1741 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty to criminal mischief and was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs and make restitution totaling $1,638. She also was placed on supervised probation for six months. A charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle was withdrawn.

Weaver was charged by Shamokin Patrolman William Miner in connection with an Aug. 30 incident in the city involving a vehicle owned by James J. Tuzzi III, of Bloomsburg.

n Tiffany Haddock, 28, of 719 E. Independence St., Shamokin, was held for court on charges of theft by unlawful taking of movable property, receiving stolen property and possessing a firearm without a license.

The charges relate to the July 27 theft of a handgun owned by John J. Oravitz Jr., of 612 N. Shamokin St., Apt. 104, Shamokin.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman William Miner.

SHAMOKIN - Cpl. John Brown admits he doesn't want to stop working at the police department.

After 20 years on the job, however, he says retirement is an opportunity to devote more time to being a husband and a father.

"You put in 20 years here and you miss a lifetime," he said of time spent away from his wife and three children.

"I love Shamokin and I love the people who live here," Brown said. "If the city ever needs me for anything, my God, I'd be back in a heartbeat to help them out."

Brown is only 43 years old, and when he turns in his badge this week, he's not exactly heading to his Shamokin home to man the rocking chair. He will take a maintenance job with the Lincoln Towers elderly living apartment building. The hours are during the day: No more swing shifts, midnight shifts and 16-hour shifts, like the one he'll work on his final night that was to begin Wednesday and carry over into this morning.

"I'll be like a real human," he said of the daytime hours.

"I'm going to miss him. We came on together, we're working midnight together to finish up," said Chief Edward Griffiths.

Brown graduated the police academy in 1992, and his first job in law enforcement became his last when he was hired by Shamokin Police Department.

He rose as high as the department's top cop when former Mayor Ronald Bradley appointed him police chief in January 2006, a position he held until a new mayor took office in January 2010.

Brown says he'll miss interacting with city residents most, and he'll miss the camaraderie with his fellow officers. What he'll miss least is losing out on time with his family - a solution found in retirement, even if reluctantly.

He and his wife, Denise, have been married 19 years. They have three children: Dallas, 23, John IV, 15, and Katie, 13.

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - Mountainside Motorsports began business on West Shamokin Street in Trevorton in 2010.

On July 4 of this year, Kandie's Place opened just a few blocks away - and that restaurant is just down the block from Dal's Pizza, another relative newcomer to the business community.

Meanwhile, landlords are sinking money into homes along Shamokin Street (Route 225), with new siding, porches and sidewalks evident from one end of Trevorton to the other.

And, just this week, township supervisors voted to change the zoning ordinance for the first time in 46 years - a move they believe is necessary to spur even more economic development.

Why all the buzz in Trevorton and Zerbe Township? In short, the AOAA.

The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area under development on 6,500 acres of Northumberland County-owned land includes a large chunk in Zerbe Township.

The park's primary access is planned just off Route 125 south of Shamokin in Coal Township, but the master plan notes three possible secondary access points in Zerbe Township, two along Route 2044 on the road to West Cameron Township, and one right in Trevorton.

While "ATV" is a bit of a dirty word in Zerbe Township, the community facing regular complaints about riders kicking up dust at Coal Hill at the west end of town. The prospects of a controlled environment on AOAA land is enticing, township leaders say.

"This could be the biggest opportunity we see in Zerbe Township since the mining days," said supervisor board Chairman Michael Schwartz. "The people that have opened new businesses are confident that it will happen."

$80,000 investment

Kandie Rebuck and her husband, Harry, invested $80,000 in Kandie's Place, located in the former Trevorton Odd Fellows Lodge.

They remodeled the building and installed restaurant equipment with the intent of leasing it to someone else.

"That deal fell through, and it was something that I always wanted to do, so here I am running the place," Rebuck said in a recent interview.

"There were so many possibilities we thought of for it," her husband said. "Using it for storage, starting a hardware store or gun shop, but the restaurant seemed like the best fit."

Although there are several food outlets already established, including Dal's a stone's throw away, and the well-established Hannah's, also nearby, the Rebucks believe there is room for everyone, especially once the AOAA opens.

"Some people prefer to go to a hoagie or pizza shop and some will pick up food at the supermarket," Kandie Rebuck said. "Everyone's different. We have so much to offer when the riders come down from the mountain."

Stay a while

Jacob Shingara said when he opened Mountainside Motorsports that he saw possibilities with the planned AOAA park and other local ATV riding. The new zoning ordinance should help his business even more. A change from residential to commercial-heavy for his shop's location allows him to not just service, but to sell ATVs or any type of vehicle.

Township supervisor Mike Mazer said Shingara has also put up storage units at the former Sigafoos Auto Wreckers salvage yard and has discussed building rental cottages in the area.

Supervisors think bed-and-breakfast lodges, too, could cater to those who come to the AOAA.

"I've heard there's an out-of-town family that purchased a home in Zerbe Township and uses it specifically on the weekends when they come in to ride their ATVs," Mazer said.

"I think it will all depend on getting a good access point to the park," said Gene Geise, the third supervisor. If it goes elsewhere, "we might not see the traffic here."

Switching gears

Schwartz, who was recently appointed to the AOAA Authority Board by Northumberland County commissioners, said support for the park is not the same as supporting the kind of ATV riding for which the township is currently known.

"We are an advocate of the AOAA, but not an advocate of Coal Hill," Schwartz said. Supervisors want to stop all riding on Coal Hill, but that would require assistance from the property owner, Reading Anthracite Coal Co., which sells permits to ride on company-owned land for $100 a year.

"Once the AOAA is operational, there are some indications that Reading will come to the table and work with us," Schwartz said.

However, there will likely still be persistent local riders that use Coal Hill because they don't want to pay any fees for the AOAA.

"That is when Reading will have to step up and enforce it," Geise said.

County commissioners, who were under pressure to name municipal representatives to the authority but did not, stressed that Schwartz was named more for his association with the ATV industry and his career in banking than his role as Zerbe supervisor.

All could benefit

The three supervisors hope the outdoor enthusiasts who visit their community will see what they see.

"I've been here all my life, was born and raised here," Schwartz said. "Zerbe has always been a friendly town."

"As a resident for 24 years, I've seen a lot of people that take pride in their community," Mazer said.

"We have a great school district in Line Mountain; that gives a lot of opportunity for our youth," added Geise. "Trevorton also has the last volunteer ambulance service running in Northumberland County."

It's not about supporting one particular idea, they said, but about spurring economic activity that will have wide-ranging impact.

"New and successful businesses will create revenue for the township that will enable us to improve our infrastructure without raising taxes," Mazer said. "If the AOAA comes in, everyone in Zerbe Township could benefit."

MOUNT CARMEL - Two Mount Carmel residents charged in the Oct. 9 strong-arm robbery of a Marion Heights woman waived their cases to county court Wednesday afternoon during preliminary hearings before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones.

Robert Warren Powers, 27, of 339 E. Seventh St., and Vanessa Ann Steigerwalt, 23, of 443 W. Third St., were ordered to appear for plea court Dec. 3 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, where they can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Both defendants, who had their arms and legs shackled, were under constant supervision by state Constables Larry Rompallo, Glenn Masser and Patrick Reynolds during their legal proceedings.

Powers was represented by Northumberland County Conflicts Counselor Michael Seward, while Steigerwalt's attorney was Northumberland County Public Defender Paige Rosini.

The defendants and their attorneys declined comment after the hearings.

Powers, who was released from state prison in New Jersey three months ago after serving three years for burglary, and Steigerwalt, 23, were charged Oct. 16 by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets Jr. and Chief of Police Brian Hollenbush with felonies of criminal conspiracy to commit robbery with force, robbery with force and flight to avoid apprehension, and misdemeanors of theft, receiving stolen property and simple assault, and a summary of harassment. Steigerwalt, who gave police conflicting statements about the robbery and initially denied her involvement in the crimes, also was charged with misdemeanors of unsworn falsification to authorities and making false reports to police.

They were each recommitted by Jones to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $150,000 cash bail, which was the same amount set at their arraignments.

They are accused of robbing Lisa Beury, 53, of 142 E. Melrose St., Marion Heights, on her front porch when Beury arrived home at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 after cashing a $500 Lottery ticket at Boyer's Food Market. Beury was allegedly knocked to the ground by Powers during the robbery and had her purse stolen.

Powers then ran east on Melrose Street, north on Brunswick Street and east on Coal Street, where he entered a vehicle operated by Steigerwalt before fleeing the scene, police allege.

Police reported Powers discarded Beury's purse along Route 54 between the co-generation plant at Marion Heights and Turkey Hill Minit Market in Strong. Police said Powers stole only $50; he failed to notice the remainder of the money from the Lottery ticket was contained in a side pocket of the purse, police said.

Powers also threw away a green hoodie he was wearing at the time of the robbery, according to police, who later located the sweatshirt near a playground in Strong.

Police said Steigerwalt, who has no prior criminal record, was taken into custody at Boyer's Food Market, where she was employed. She moved to Mount Carmel in January from Sellersville in Bucks County.

Powers, who is from Camden, N.J., was apprehended in the 200 block of East Seventh Street, about a block away from his home.

SHAMOKIN - The following individuals, couples, groups and floats were voted winners in the Halloween parade held in the city Wednesday night.

Individual

1st place: Analeigh Barnes as "Little Mermaid."

2nd place: Brady Kodack as "Old man from the movie 'Up'."

3rd place: Kiralyn Wojciechowski as "Flower in Pot."

Couples

1st place: Ava and Carson Moore as "Chef and spaghetti girl."

2nd place: Mckenzie Young and Sadey Seroskie as "Old lady who lived in a shoe."

3rd place: Stacey Jones and Brett Kleman as "Bride and groom."

Group

1st place: Blake Myers and Reese and Rowen Humphrey as "Smores."

2nd place: Rena Domanski, Dixie Schnee and Amon as "Red Riding Hood."

3rd place: Carole and Ashley Fodor and Dante Fodor-Hamilton and Aaron Hamilton as "FandS."

Small float

1st place: Fourspring and Reuter girls as "Cha cha cha."

2nd place: Leah Shedleski, Katie Witkoski, Alexis Kane, Rachel Witkoski and Frankie Kane as "Rock and Roll is here to stay: 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s."

3rd place: Ava, Ashton and Ella Hughes as "Ghostbusters."

Large float

1st place: Marley and Lea Rusinko, Blake and Mya Wise and Cole and Ty Spears as "The Flintstones."

2nd place: The Olszewski's as "Revenge of the Moonlight Fright Vampires."

3rd place: Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School as "Legos."

A special thank you is extended to the City of Shamokin Police Department, Shamokin Street Department, Shamokin Fire Police, Shamokin Area Junior and Senior High School bands, volunteers and all participating fire department and ambulance services. The support and involvement of everyone who entered and participated in the parade is also appreciated.

Prizes can be picked up at First National Bank in Shamokin during regular business hours beginning Friday. All winners listed, including honorable mention, will receive a prize.

The parade was sponsored by First National Bank, Shamokin, and The News-Item, which provided cider and cookies to participants at the end of the parade route.

HARRISBURG - A bill that raises maximum fines for alcohol offenses and awaits the governor's anticipated signature could generate an estimated $6 million in new annual revenue spread across Pennsylvania municipalities.

The legislation winning final approval last week would increase the maximum fines to $1,000 for underage drinking and public drunkenness.

Currently, maximum fines are $300 for public drunkenness and first-time underage drinking citations. Repeat underage offenders are subject to $500 fines.

Sen. Jake Corman, R-34, Bellefonte, sponsored the legislation to create a greater deterrent to alcohol misuse and to help municipalities meet the costs of responding to alcohol-related offenses.

Corman represents the State College area, and the legislation is sought by

municipalities hosting colleges and universities. Officials in these towns report drinking violations are on the rise. The Pennsylvania Municipal League supports the bill.

"If higher fines are chosen, the municipality and taxpayers will see relief in the cost they bear, this time paid by the actual violator, rather than through increased property taxes," said Corman.

The $6 million revenue estimate comes from fiscal notes on the legislation prepared by the Senate and House Appropriations Committees. As a starting point, the notes cite 2011 statewide statistics from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts showing 27,309 convictions for public drunkenness, of which 4,584 resulted in a maximum fine, and 13,959 convictions for underage drinking violations, of which 4,117 resulted in a maximum fine.

The estimate assumes that a similar number of convictions will receive the higher maximum $1,000 fine set by the legislation.

The committees have no potential revenue breakdown by municipality.

A related Corman bill to levy an additional fee on alcohol offenses to support prevention programs didn't win final passage before voting on bills ended for this legislative session.

SHAMOKIN - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta says his absence from an election event Tuesday night in Danville was a "non-issue" raised by his opponent in an effort to grab attention.

"We offered if they could change the date I would be happy to try to make it. (But) I wasn't going to back out of a (prior) commitment I gave two months ago," Barletta said during a visit Wednesday to The News-Item for a campaign interview that was scheduled several weeks ago.

Barletta and challenger Gene Stilp were invited to a Candidates Night hosted by the Danville Area League of Voters at the American Legion. The congressman couldn't make it and, as offered by the League of Voters in its invitation, he sent someone else from his staff - communications director Shawn Kelly.

Stilp took exception, viewing it as a dismissal of the electorate in a new area for the recently realigned 11th Congressional District. "What event takes precedence over this debate?" he asked Tuesday night.

Wednesday, he said the situation has resulted in his reform list growing longer.

Surrogate allowed

Barletta said the events surrounding his absence were much less of an issue than portrayed by Stilp.

He'd already been expected at a Republican Party dinner for 500 people from Dauphin and Cumberland counties, two new counties in the 11th, that was booked two months ago. He said that was long before an invitation was received from the Danville group. In fact, Barletta said he read about the Danville forum and his anticipated appearance in the newspaper before he was invited.

When he was invited, he said he asked if the date could be rescheduled. It couldn't, and so he sent Kelly in his place, he said.

Kelly works for his public staff and not his campaign. His appearance was not a conflict, according to House ethics rules, because Kelly's appearance was voluntary. Kelly was not paid and no taxpayer resources were used, Barletta said.

He said the Dauphin County dinner was not a fundraiser for his campaign. He did acknowledge it was an opportunity to appear before 500 constituents two weeks before the election.

As for the event itself, Barletta says he was never made aware it would be a "debate."

Barletta has twice debated Stilp, once in a newspaper feature in a Wilkes-Barre publication and once on radio in Harrisburg. A third debate is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, to air on WVIA-TV.

Stilp had sought debates in each of the nine counties of the district. Barletta said that request is unreasonable due to scheduling, pointing out that the three debates he has agreed to are two more than offered by his opponent in 2010, former Rep. Paul Kanjorski.

"We're doing as many debates with Mr. Stilp as the (candidates) are doing to be president of the United States," Barletta added.

Chance for reform

Stilp said Wednesday that, beyond the details of who was invited when, he learned something "very interesting" Tuesday night, and he's added it to the list of reforms he hopes to enact if elected.

"At 11:59 a.m. you can be on congressional pay, and at noon you can be on campaign pay," he said. "We need to establish a clear red line between campaign activity and congressional staff activity. The line is totally blurred at this point."

He figures most taxpayers feel the same way.

"It's a clear example of what should not happen: A taxpayer-funded person going to a campaign event to represent a congressman in a debate," he said.

TREVORTON - There are few local municipalities that can boast as being the birthplace of a World Series champion, but Zerbe Township can.

Earl "Sparky" Adams was born in the township on Aug. 26, 1894. He had a 12-year career in the major leagues, debuting on Sept. 18, 1922, with the Chicago Cubs and making his final appearance on Sept. 30, 1934, for the Cincinnati Reds. He also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals.

From 1925 to 1927, Adams led the National League in at-bats with the Cubs. The 1931 season was considered his career highlight when he was named the Cardinals' starting third baseman and hit a career-high 46 doubles as the Cardinals went on to defeat the Philadelphia Athletics four games to three in the World Series. Adams finished ninth in the Baseball Writers Association of America's Most Valuable Player balloting for the National League.

He retired from baseball in 1935 and became a farmer and service station operator in Tremont. He died Feb. 24, 1989, in Pottsville.

Township born in 1853

Trevorton, known as a community and a census-designated place, has an area of 4.3 square miles and had a population of 1,834 people at the time of the 2010 census.

Zerbe Township, which overlaps Trevorton with its 11.6 square miles, had a population of 1,872 residents in 2010.

Zerbe Township was formed by an act of the Legislature on March 11, 1853. According to Bell's History of Northumberland County, the township's first house was built around 1800 by William Cressinger.

The existence of coal in the area was discovered as early as 1827 when a company was incorporated to construct a canal for slackwater navigation from the Susquehanna River to "The Coal Mines" at the mouth of Zerbe Run. The canal was never constructed, but coal interests began to develop.

Shamokin civil engineer Kimber Cleaver laid out the town, with public sale of lots for Trevorton being held on May 28, 1850.

Following the sale, Judge Alexander Jordan deposited a lump of coal from Zerbe Gap and a container of water from the Susquehanna River in a hole that he dug in the ground, proclaiming Trevorton as "the banns between Zerbe Gap and the Susquehanna River," which he predicted would be united by the railroad. That occurred in November.

During World War I, 499,800 tons of coal was produced at the North Franklin Colliery under the ownership of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal & Iron Co. However, in 1929, all operations ceased, and on Jan. 27, 1931, the breaker was destroyed by fire. Meanwhile, the Stevens Colliery continued to thrive. It employed 551 people in 1945 and operated until 1963.

Community pride

In recent years, there have been a number of new events and holiday celebrations to promote community pride.

On Oct. 13, the township held its annual fall festival in conjunction with the Zerbe Township Halloween Parade, with a great turnout at each. A Zerbe Township Christmas was held last December, and the community recognizes National Night Out each year with a large turnout of emergency responders and the public.

The township recreation committee continues to work to improve the Foundry grounds. A tot lot playground has already been installed, and there are plans to resurface the tennis courts.

SHAMOKIN - One night a week for the past year, folks in need have received a hot meal from the warm hearts of the organizers and volunteers of God's Chuck Wagon in downtown Shamokin. Tuesday marked the one year anniversary of the mobile soup kitchen started by Pastor Jim Bowers and his wife, Janet, of the Outreach of Ministry of the Water and Spirit in Locust Gap.

"The day we decided to start it, Jim was in the hospital with blood clots in his lungs," Janet said. "I promised him I would do it and I served soup to twenty people that night."

Since then, the menu has expanded. On Tuesday, aside from the usual soup and bread, they were also serving hot dogs, ham sandwiches, bananas, chips, drinks and freshbaked goods made by volunteer Lillian Reader.

The soup kitchen has seen a large influx of people stopping by for a bite to eat over the past year. The couple estimate that they serve approximately 125 people a week in Shamokin and 70 to 80 when they are in Mount Carmel Monday evenings.

"We have moved from using a Chevy Malibu to a van and now, by Thanksgiving, we should have our bus up and running," Pastor Bowers said. They recently purchased a 72-passenger bus and are going to convert it to a true mobile soup kitchen, in part to keep out of the cold in the winter months. The new ride will also allow them to expand to more communities including Trevorton, Kulpmont and Tharptown. (See accompanying photo caption for more on the bus.)

Thanksgiving dinner will be offered during the week of Nov. 19 in both Mount Carmel and Shamokin on the regularly scheduled nights.

The soup kitchen relies solely on donations, but Jim and Janet purchase most of the meat.

"Donations are tough and, sad to say, most of them come from out-of-town," Pastor Bowers said but also noted that Weis Markets and Pepsi have been good to them. They are also partnered with the Shepherd's Table food pantry of Coal Township.

"We love doing this rather than having it in a building. There are no walls here and people feel free and comfortable to come here rather than a church they might not agree with," Pastor Bowers said. They also plan to hand out blankets, scarves, hats and gloves during the winter months.

Tammi Fiorey and her daughter Abbi, 12, of Shamokin, have been helping out when God's Chuck Wagon is in Shamokin on Tuesdays for the past month.

"I just like helping out the community," Abbi said, who was missing soccer practice to volunteer.

Her mother said Abbi is the one that "reminds me to come down every week."

To make a donation or for more information, call Pastor Jim Bowers at 492-3902.

It only takes a small fraction of your time and minimal effort to help carry out various projects to improve the community. The following are upcoming events in need of volunteers:

LARRC seeks volunteers

Members of Lower Anthracite Regional Recreation Committee (LARRC) are working toward constructing a recreation area near Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, including two soccer fields, batting cages, a walking track and a playground. The group is hoping to break ground this fall. Volunteers are needed to donate time, machines, craftsmanship and any other services. For more information, contact George Zarick at 850-3087, Jerry Waugh at 394-4327 or Coal Township manager Rob Slaby at 644-0395.

Zombie Run

Coal City Revitalization Inc. will hold a 2.7 mile "Zombie Run" at 1 p.m. Saturday. Participants are to meet in the Shamokin Post Office parking lot for registration at 11 a.m. The cost is $20 per person and the proceeds will be donated to local projects to better the community. There will also be activities for kids in the lot.

Community cleanup Nov. 4

A community cleanup organized by Shamokin Elementary fourth-grade student Rosalind Kane will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. Participants are to meet at the bandstand at Third and Arch streets. Rosalind organized a Labor Day cleanup in which 35 area residents donated an hour to spruce up various areas around town.

(The News-Item is looking to highlight some of the things to which you can contribute time in the area. We will provide that information weekly in Friday's edition. We invite you to submit ideas and existing projects to living@newsitem.com or give us a call and let us know what's going on.)