Committee meeting rescheduled

SHAMOKIN - A meeting of Shamokin's 150th Anniversary Committee will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 in City Hall, 47 E. Lincoln St.

The meeting was rescheduled due to next month's general election.

Anyone from the public interested in participating is urged to attend.

'Operation Be Seen' set Monday

ELYSBURG - Elysburg Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services will sponsor "Operation Be Seen" in conjunction with Ralpho Township Trick-or-Treat night Monday.

Operation Be Seen began last year as a way to increase visibility and, thereby, safety for those trick-or-treating in the township. Employees and volunteers will be in local neighborhoods handing out free glow necklaces to individuals trick-or-treating. As an added benefit this year, trick-or-treaters can stop by either fire station, located on East Mill Street in Elysburg and Overlook Boulevard in Overlook, for free hot chocolate and treats. Employees and volunteers handing out glow necklaces will be in an ambulance or fire department vehicle and will be properly identified.

Operation Be Seen will begin at 6 p.m. and continue until supplies run out.

PAXINOS - The local Marine Corps League detachment is in need of a few good men - and women - to join its honor guard.

Walt Summers said he sees Marine Corps flags proudly flown throughout the greater Shamokin area, and more than a few corps license plates on cars and pickups.

The men and women who served with honor and are proud to be Marines are needed, he said, to help lay fellow Marines and other military veterans to rest.

"We're soliciting all these people who are proud to show they're Marines. They served their country, now come and serve the community," Summers, 82, of Paxinos, said Thursday.

The Black Diamond Detachment 846 of the Marine Corps League was recently certified to serve as an honor guard at all military funerals.

The detachment has 22 members, Summers said, but some of them may be unable to help, especially on short notice, due to doctors appointments and the like or even physical limitation.

"Some of our members are World War II guys," he said. "We need more Marines."

A minimum of eight Marines are needed for any one detachment honor guard. They have at present enough members to handle one funeral at a time, but he said there will be occasions when more than one military funeral would be occurring simultaneously.

Summers says area funeral directors have been made aware of the detachment's availability. They will serve in the areas of Shamokin, Coal Township, Paxinos and Elysburg, so as to not step on the toes of other honor guards, he said.

But when it comes to Marines, he said "we'd go everywhere."

Anyone interested in more information on joining the honor guard can call Summers at 672-1010 or visit the detachment's monthly meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the American Legion in Kulpmont.

KULPMONT - Michael J. Fantanarosa, chairman of the Kulpmont Lions Halloween Parade Committee, announced the winners of this year's parade held Thursday evening in the borough.

The winners in the separate categories are:

Grand marshal

"Kiss" - Vikki Boris, Michael Boris, Brendan Boris, Dimitri Boris and Brutus.

Judges trophy

"Cha Cha Cha" - Fourspring and Reuter Girls.

Patriotic

"Military Boys" - Colton, Griffin and Jack.

Individuals

"Lego Man" - Bryson Zvoncheck.

"Miniature Golfer" - Colton Worhach.

"Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf" - Juliana Klusman.

"Itsy Bitsy Spider" - Bailey Pisarz.

"Hot Air Balloon" - Brynnlee Ballict.

"Bush with Dog" - Erin Bossler.

"Evil Jester" - Peyton Galitski.

"My Little Cupcake" - Maggie Jo Gownley.

"Fuzzy Monsters" - Nikki Smith, Sheldon Sassani.

"Joker Scary" - Brandon Pelowski.

"Demon Biker" - John Poponiak.

"Silly Little Monkey" - Bobby Green III.

"Tigger" - C. Mattucci.

"Strawberry Shortcake"- Tori DeFrancesco.

"Old Lady" - Marissa Katinsky.

"Dinky the Dragon" - Maddox Burns.

"The Flower" - Hailey DeFrancesco.

Doubles

"Pirate Ship" - Anthony Gratti III and Trevor Gratti.

"Ice Cream Man and Cone" - Luciano Belgio and Malibu Belgio.

"DMP FD" - Parker Pesarchick and Garrett Pesarchick.

"Toy Story Tots" - Sierra Balonis and Killyun Derr.

"Scary Brothers" - Mikey Higgins and Gabe Higgins.

"Ninja Turtles" - Kamryn Kotzo and Gavin Kotzo.

Groups

"Moonlight Vampires" - Kelsey, Daniel and Bryan Olszewski.

"Rock N Roll is Here to Stay" - Leah Shedleski, Katie Witkoski, Alexis Kane, Rachael Witkoski.

"The Randoms" - Sierra Gratti, Tami Gratti, Rocco Gratti,Scream Gratti, Nibs Gratti.

"Dalton Dinghy" - Jean Quinn, Shannon Quinn, Dalton O'Hearn, Murphy Quinn.

"Flintstones" - Blake and Mya Wise, Cole and Ty Spears, Lea and Marley Rusinko, Colton Habowski.

Judges for the parade were Sherri Bozza, Ann Martino, Elaine Lutz and Mary Kay Bartol.

Providing music for the parade were the Mount Carmel Area High School Band, dressed in costume, and "The Shoreliners" on the Lions Club float. Other participants included Kulpmont Police and Fire Police, East End Fire Company No. 1, West End Fire Company No. 2, Strong Fire Company, Marion Heights Fire Company, Mount Carmel Ambulance, AREA Services and Kulpmont Ambulance.

All participants were treated to refreshments prepared by the Kulpmont Halloween Committee and Lions Ladies served in the West End Fire Company social rooms.

Fantanarosa thanked the parade sponsors, parade committee, Kulpmont Police and fire police, Lions Ladies, parade judges, the Rev. Andrew Stahmer, pastor of Holy Angels Parish; Rhoades Florist, Fantanarosa Transport, Mayor Myron Turlis and Kulpmont Borough Council, St. Pauline Visintainer Center Board of Directors, West End Fire Company and all participants who helped make this year's parade a great success.

Prizes can be picked up from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Kulpmont Lions Den.

SHAMOKIN - James F. Kelley, Northumberland County Coroner, is requesting assistance from the general public in locating "living blood relatives" of Richard Elwood Moser, a 56-year-old white male who last resided on Chestnut Street, Kulpmont.

Moser passed away in his residence Wednesday. Those with information are asked to contact Kelley at the coroner's office at 648-4149 or the Northumberland County Communication Center at 988-4539.

BLOOMSBURG - The Shamokin Area High School Competition Band won the Tournament of Bands Group 2-A Chapter 4 Championship 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. The band will compete in the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Group 2-A Championship Saturday at Central Dauphin High School. The competition starts at 3:30 p.m., with Shamokin Area performing at 5:56 p.m. Awards will be presented at 10 p.m.

The Atlantic Coast Championships include nine states and more than 100 bands.

COAL TOWNSHIP - During her keynote speech at the Northumberland County Juvenile Court banquet, Keri Albright challenged those in attendance to be the leaders - possibly even the surrogate parents - of the troubled youth they interact with on a daily basis.

"Don't waste the opportunity to change that life in front of you," Albright said Thursday evening. "Think about your roles in today's parenting."

Albright, the president and the CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way, addressed Northumberland Juvenile Court workers, advisory board members, community leaders and others at the banquet, which was held at the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center.

She kept the audience riveted, not only because of the words she spoke, but because she was speaking in a loud whisper due to the throat surgery she had to undergo four weeks ago.

As the Lewisburg native talked about her experiences working with women in Northumberland County, her words were empowering to many in attendance. She told a story about one woman who reached out to her.

"She wasn't sure if she should reach out to me on the phone, and when I called her back, I asked her why she was afraid," Albright said. "This 30-year-old woman told me her father said she was nothing but a dirty worthless piece of crap and I didn't want her to call me, that I was only being nice."

That was when Albright realized the role parenting has in molding today's youth. She said those who work in the juvenile court system have a great opportunity to be there for these kids when their own family can't.

"What an experience you are all given, to see these young lives at their worst, and then at their best," she said. "Thank you all for righting the wrongs and believing the unbelievable when it comes to these youths."

In awards presented at the banquet, Andy Charnosky was named Juvenile Court Employee of the Year, and supervisor Lisa Donlan was honored for her 20 years of service to Northumberland County Juvenile Court.

Shamokin Police Officer Nate Rhoades was named law enforcement officer of the year, and Shamokin Area teacher Matt Weller was named educator of the year.

Judy Davis administrator for the Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Services department, was presented with the Samuel C. Ranck Lifetime Achievement Award.

Theo Reynolds and Taylor Glassic were presented with $1,000 awards from the Michael Kivko Memorial Youth Scholarship, and Sunbury Mayor David Persing was presented with the Fred Piermattei Youth Service Award.

SUNBURY - Noted Sunbury attorney Thomas E. Boop was appointed Thursday as a temporary special assistant district attorney for Northumberland County, returning to the office where he served for eight years.

County District Attorney Anthony J. Rosini reported Boop is volunteering his services on a part-time basis to the DA's office to help them clear a backlog of forfeiture cases.

"I'm extremely grateful for Tom's kind offer to help out with our pending forfeiture cases," Rosini said in a press release Thursday. "Given the cuts in our staff, we just aren't able to investigate, file and prosecute all forfeiture cases that are generated by the drug task force in a timely manner."

Drug forfeitures occur when police departments seize money from criminals, happening more frequently in drug cases because of the crime's nature. The seized funds are held by the police as evidence while the case is prosecuted. Once the case is resolved, the Commonwealth can ask to forfeit the cash or other property to be used for law enforcement purposes, if it is related to criminal activity. Funds seized in this way go to the Northumberland/Montour Drug Task Force for drug enforcement efforts.

Rosini has been at odds with the Northumberland Couuty Commissioners after the county salary cut the number of assistant district attorneys from five to four in January, saving the county approximately $80,000 in salary and benefits, but increasing the workload for the remaining attorneys. John Muncer was the attorney cut, but filed a grievance with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB) over the firing.

The PLRB sided with Muncer in August, awarding him $23,000 in back pay for six months lost wages and his job back. Muncer declined; he was appointed assistant county solicitor in February. Rosini maintains the position that the fifth attorney should be reinstated.

From 1978 to 1984, Boop served as an assistant district attorney for the county and successfully prosecuted numerous misdemeanor and felony cases. He was also the lead counsel on two criminal homicide trials that resulted in convictions.

An avid outdoorsman, he recently completed an eight and one-half year term as a board member of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, serving two years as board president. In February, Boop was appointed to Gov. Tom Corbett's advisory council for hunting, fishing and conservation for a one-year term.

The release states Boop will assist the law enforcement committee at no cost to the taxpayers, and will receive an annual salary of $1.

"Tom's assistance will be a great help in keeping our drug task force funded and able to investigate the increased drug activity we are experiencing," Rosini said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The pre-Halloween hybrid weather monster that federal forecasters call "Frankenstorm" is looking more ominous by the hour for the East Coast, and utilities and local governments are getting ready.

Meteorologists expect a natural horror show of high wind, heavy rain, extreme tides and maybe snow to the west beginning early Sunday, peaking with the arrival of Hurricane Sandy on Tuesday and lingering past Halloween on Wednesday.

With a rare mix of three big merging weather systems over a densely populated region, experts predict at least $1 billion in damage.

The stage is set as Hurricane Sandy, having blown through Haiti and Cuba, continues to barrel north. A wintry storm is chugging across the country from the west. And frigid air is streaming south from Canada.

And if they meet Tuesday morning around New York or New Jersey, as forecasters predict, they could create a big, wet mess that settles over the nation's most heavily populated corridor and reaches as far west as Ohio.

Utilities are lining up out-of-state work crews and canceling employees' days off to deal with expected power outages. From county disaster chiefs to the federal government, emergency officials are warning the public to be prepared. And President Barack Obama was briefed aboard Air Force One.

"It's looking like a very serious storm that could be historic," said Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the forecasting service Weather Underground. "Mother Nature is not saying, 'Trick or treat.' It's just going to give tricks."

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecaster Jim Cisco, who coined the nickname Frankenstorm, said: "We don't have many modern precedents for what the models are suggesting."

Government forecasters said there is a 90 percent chance — up from 60 percent two days earlier — that the East will get pounded.

Coastal areas from Florida to Maine will feel some effects, but the storm is expected to vent the worst of its fury on New Jersey and the New York City area, which could see around 5 inches of rain and gale-force winds close to 40 mph. Eastern Ohio, southwestern Pennsylvania and western Virginia could get snow.

And the storm will take its time leaving. The weather may not start clearing in the mid-Atlantic until the day after Halloween and Nov. 2 in the upper Northeast, Cisco said.

"It's almost a weeklong, five-day, six-day event," he said from a NOAA forecast center in College Park, Md. "It's going to be a widespread, serious storm."

It is likely to hit during a full moon, when tides are near their highest, increasing the risk of coastal flooding. And because many trees still have their leaves, they are more likely to topple in the event of wind and snow, meaning there could be widespread power outages lasting to Election Day.

Eastern states that saw outages that lasted for days after last year's freak Halloween snowstorm and Hurricane Irene in late August 2011 are already pressuring power companies to be more ready this time.

Asked if he expected utilities to be more prepared, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick responded: "They'd better be."

Jersey Central Power & Light, which was criticized for its response to Irene, notified employees to be ready for extended shifts. In Pennsylvania, PPL Corp. spokesman Michael Wood said, "We're in a much better place this year."

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Thursday said the city was striking a tone of calm preparedness.

"What we are doing is we are taking the kind of precautions you should expect us to do, and I don't think anyone should panic," Bloomberg said. The city has opened an emergency situation room and activated its coastal storm plan.

Some have compared the tempest to the so-called Perfect Storm that struck off the coast of New England in 1991, but that one hit a less populated area. Nor is this one like last year's Halloween storm, which was merely an early snowfall.

"The Perfect Storm only did $200 million of damage and I'm thinking a billion" this time, Masters said. "Yeah, it will be worse."

As it made its way across the Caribbean, Sandy was blamed for more than 20 deaths. The 18th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season hit the Bahamas after cutting across Cuba, where it tore roofs off homes and damaged fragile coffee and tomato crops.

Norje Pupo, a 66-year-old retiree in Holguin, was helping his son clean up early Thursday after an enormous tree toppled in his garden.

"The hurricane really hit us hard," he said. "As you can see, we were very affected. The houses are not poorly made here, but some may have been damaged."

___

Associated Press writers Tony Winton in Miami, Fernando Gonzalez in Cuba, Ken Thomas on Air Force One, Michael Rubinkam in Harrisburg, Pa., and Karen Matthews in New York contributed to this report.

Let News-Item know about any trick-or-treat changes due to storm

The News-Item welcomes municipalities and organizations that may be changing the dates of their trick-or-treat or other Halloween activities due to the impending stormy weather to contact the newsroom at 644-6397, extension 5, after 3 p.m. today or starting at 9 a.m. Monday. Or, write to editorial@newsitem.com.

In addition to Mount Carmel Borough, Zerbe Township has already announced a change from Wednesday to 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3.

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Department of Public Safety is continuing to monitor Hurricane Sandy and warns residents to get prepared for flooding and power outages.

The storm has sus-

tained winds of 75 miles per hour and was approximately 355 miles southeast of Charleston, S.C., Saturday.

Stephen Jeffery, director of county emergency management, said the storm will make a westward turn as it approaches the mid-Atlantic region, with rain beginning later today. He said "high impact" from the storm is expected Monday and Tuesday.

"This is a huge storm and major impacts will be felt countywide," Jeffery said in a press release issued Saturday.

He said rainfall in the county is uncertain; however, six to 10 inches cannot be ruled out as well as the possibility of flash flooding and flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. With the expected high sustained winds, power outages are anticipated throughout the county and region, he said.

According to Kevin Fitzgerald, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Forecast Office in State College, the worst part of the storm is expected to hit Shamokin and the surrounding areas Monday afternoon and evening. He said the entire area remains under flood and high wind watches.

Fitzgerald said temperatures today will be in the mid to upper 50s, while decreasing to the low 50s Monday and mid 40s Tuesday.

He said there three to four inches of rain are expected Monday.

"The primary threat will be Monday afternoon and night," Fitzgerald said Saturday night.

Jeffery said, "It's time to be prepared and establish a Go Kit, including water, food, flashlights and spare batteries that will sustain you for up to 72 hours. If you are traveling and you approach standing or fast-moving water, do not cross, but turn around. If you see downed power lines, stay clear. Remember, water is a conductor. Stay back and call for help if needed."

As the storm gets closer, the use of emergency services will be inundated and resources will become limited, Jeffery warned.

He urged residents to use discretion and call 911 only if immediate help is needed.

Divorces

Timothy P. Maro, 11 S. Third St., Dillsburg, from Angela M. Maro, 12 S. 19th St., Camp Hill. Married Oct. 9, 1982.

Alfred Edwin Baker Jr., 4992 State Route 890, Sunbury, from Linda Lou Baker, Apt. 216, Smokehouse Lane, Shamokin Dam. Married Oct. 2, 1993.

Staci Goodspeed, 220 E. 8th St., Watsontown, from Derek Goodspeed, 1055 Hepburn St., Williamsport. Married May 20, 1995.

Marriage licenses

Alan Lee Mutschler to Ashley Marie Rodichok, both of 914 E. Commerce St., Shamokin. Issued Oct. 25, 2012.

John Anthony Resendes, 306 W. Second St., Mount Carmel, to Stephanie L. Gibser, 947 Scott St., Kulpmont. Issued Oct. 25, 2012.

Jose Luis Rivera Zaragoza to Alishka Mary Santiago Santos, both of 634 N. Sixth St., Sunbury. Issued Oct. 25, 2012.

Joseph Richard Evans to Kelsey Lynn Bennett, both of 44 S. Locust St., Mount Carmel. To be issued Oct. 29, 2012.

James Allen Beidler to Sherry Renae George, both of 501 N. Fourth St., Sunbury. To be issued Oct. 29, 2012.

Property transfers

David W. Moore to Eric Smith, Lori M. Smith, property in Rush Township, $20,000.

Dennis M. Cronomiz, Virginia M. Cronomiz, to Dennis M. Cronomiz, David A. Cronomiz, property in Rush Township, $1.

Mary Ann Matty, Mary Ann Snarski, to Brandon T. Alderson, property in Mount Carmel, $20,000.

Ned R. Swank, Caroline Swank, to Ned R. Swank, Caroline Swank, Deborah M. Fisher, property in Snydertown, $1.

Ned R. Swank, Caroline R. Swank, to Ned R. Swank, Caroline R. Swank, Thomas R. Swank, property in Snydertown, $1.

Paul A. McDermott Jr. (individually and executor), Jean L. Marcinek (individually and executrix), David B. McDermott (individually and executor), Paul A. McDermott (estate), to Jean L. Marcinek, Richard A. Marcinek, David B. McDermott, Susan D. McDermott, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Paul A. McDermott Jr. (individually and executor), Jean L. Marcinek (individually and executrix), David B. McDermott (individually and executor), Paul A. McDermott (estate), to Paul A. McDermott Jr., Yvonne B. McDermott, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Charles L. Krebs, Heather A. Krebs, to Donna Nahodil, property in Shamokin, $26,500.

Joseph N. Ososkie, David Ososkie, to Stephen Niglio, property in Kulpmont, $55,000.

Kimberly A. Duffy, Sean M. Duffy, Kimberly A. Bloom, to Sean M. Duffy, property in Riverside, $1.

Richard Stanfield, Linda Marie Stanfield, to RCAA Health Services Inc., property in Shamokin, $1.

Gary Wilkins to Peter J. Lentini, property in Kulpmont, $7,500.

Michael Hanson, Janet Hanson, to Michael Haboski, property in Mount Carmel, $6,500.

Elizabeth R. Hornberger to Joseph Pupo, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Apartments and Acquisitions LP to Michael S. Venna, property in Mount Carmel, $6,000.

Scott R. Bolick, Charlene A. Bolick, to Scott R. Bolick, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Mary Elizabeth Brezinski (administratrix), Milton F. Pravda (estate), to Mary Elizabeth Brezinski, property in Shamokin, $1.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Dawn D. Wetzel, to Federal National Mortgage Association, property in Rockefeller Township, $908.47.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Thomas P. Barnhart, to US Bank National Association, property in Sunbury, $1,776.26.

Scott D. Cardell, Constance E. Benfer, Joan M. Neidig, Dale T. Cardell, to Betty J. Cardell, Scott D. Cardell, property in Snydertown, $1.

Samuel J. Bressi, Mae L. Bressi, to Mertz Real Estate Partnership, Robert W. Mertz Jr. (TA), Thomas R. Mertz (TA), property in Coal Township, $250,000.

Jeanette M. Hertzog to Angela R. Hertzog, property in Shamokin, $1.

Federal National Mortgage Association (by agent), Fannie Mae, ServiceLink (agent), to Kevin Kohlepp, Kristen Friel, property in Zerbe Township, $27,500.

Kenneth T. Pensyl to Michael W. Smith, Melissa F. Smith, property in Shamokin Township, $34,000.

Patricia Ann Shipe, Robert Melvin Shipe, to Patricia Ann Shipe, Robert Melvin Shipe, property in Coal Township, $1.

Dean W. Kramer to Kyle J. Mirolli, property in Coal Township, $1.

Matthew Hochstrasser to William F. Lefforts Jr., property in Shamokin, $800.

James A. Novinger, Tina A. Novinger, to Rose M. Novinger, property in Washington Township, $1.

Steven R. Wiest, Lisa S. Wiest, to Steven R. Wiest, Lisa S. Wiest, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Andrew H. Moyer, Marianne C. Moyer, to Darren L. Kain, property in Shamokin, $20,000.

Democrat Gene Stilp is a man with a mission. He became a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, he said, because he is committed to ending what he describes as the "strangehold" large corporations and their lobbyists have on Congress.

"Incumbents claim they want to change the way Washington operates, but then they take campaign donations from large corporations," explained Stilp, a citizen activist who became known to Pennsylvanians through his fight against the legislative pay raise and efforts to expose and correct corruption at the state capital. "Corporations, through these contributions, control what congressmen do."

Stilp said his Republican opponent, incumbent Congressman Lou Barletta, is part of the problem. "He has not been willing to take on the special interests and the army of 20,000 lobbyists," he remarked. "You have to reject corporate money. You have to draw the line."

Stilp said his concern is that lobbyists are succeeding in shifting the tax burden away from large corporations. "That is exactly why the middle class is in trouble."

It's a problem, he admits, that goes across party lines. "Both parties are to blame," he said.

Running against a well-financed opponent is difficult, Stilp noted, but he pointed out that he has battled the odds before, and won. "In the primary, I was outspent 6-to-1. This time, I think it's 20-to-1."

Center of district

One of Stilp's priorities, if elected, will be to maintain close contact with all geographical areas of the new 11th District, no small feat considering the sprawling district, following reapportionment, now runs from Wyoming County in the northeast part of the state to Cumberland County in the south central part, with Northumberland County at roughly the district's midpoint.

Stilp's plan to provide quality constituent services involves placement of district offices - both main offices and smaller satellite facilities - at convenient locations. He anticipates placement of a larger district office in Sunbury and a smaller satellite office in Shamokin. The costs involved in maintaining a network of offices, district-wide, would be greatly lessened, he said, by leasing space in existing government buildings,

"They chose to make the district this large geographically, so we will require the resources to serve people," Stilp said. Although accessibility to elected officials is easier in this era of electronic communication, he believes it is still important that constituents have the ability to interact, face-to-face, with the congressman and his designated representatives.

The looming cliff

Stilp said the federal deficit can be reduced only if Republicans and Democrats work together. That is easier said than done, he acknowledged, but he promises to forge relationships across party lines and take all proposals seriously.

"I want to cooperate with people on both sides of the aisle who want to make Congress more effective and work against corporations' ability to control Washington," he remarked.

After the election, the present Congress must deal with the so-called "fiscal cliff" that will result with the institution of mandatory spending cuts and the expiration of certain tax breaks. No matter what Congress decides, Stilp said, "The damage already has been done. The ability of businesses to plan has already suffered" because of Congress' inability to act.

To address the deficit, Stilp favors eliminating a $40 billion loophole that is now enjoyed, he said, by the oil and gas industry. A serious plan should be developed, he said, to identify and eliminate duplication of services in the federal bureaucracy.

"Congress must prioritize for the neediest in our country," Stilp remarked. "No cuts should be made that hurt the neediest in our society."

If Congress considers eliminating or amending the Affordable Care Act, Stilp would be among the representatives fighting hard to maintain coverage for pre-existing conditions and supporting provisions strengthening preventive and wellness care.

"It's time to take another look at health care costs for small businesses," Stilp remarked. "Small businesses are job creators. They should not be overburdened for health care costs when large corporations do not pay their fair share."

National defense

Stilp vowed to work, as the 11th District congressman, to safeguard the continued operation of defense-related or veterans-support facilities located within or close to the district, including Tobyhanna Army Depot, the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Indiantown National Gap, the New Cumberland Army Depot, Navy Supply Systems Command in Mechanicsburg, Army Heritage Center and Army War College in Carlisle and the Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County.

Stilp said he would work to keep all these facilities strong, and because of their importance to both the district economy and U.S. defense mission, he would lead the fight if the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) happened to make any proposals in the future to close any of them.

"These installations all have different missions," Stilp remarked. "I will work to find other similar missions for them so that employment in our district is protected." To that end, Stilp vowed to work with neighboring congressmen and the governor.

Stilp said the U.S. should rely on a "cyber offense" to deter Iran's efforts to acquire a nuclear weapon, but, if all else failed, he would support a military option. "There is no daylight between our efforts and Israeli efforts to make sure Iran does not have a nuclear capability," he said.

Stilp said Congress must do all in its power to ensure that the U.S. maintains a strong defense capability. "We can't afford any more wars, but we have to make sure our intelligence services have what they need in their missions of prevention and pre-emotion," he noted.

CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP - Cleveland Township Zoning Hearing Board has denied permits to Joel Knoebel involving his proposed Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) being opposed by township residents.

During a meeting Thursday night, the zoning hearing board comprised of three members denied Knoebel's permits because his proposed operation violates an existing township ordinance that states buildings housing livestock, including dog kennels, poultry, or mushroom culture, shall be no closer than 100 feet to any public right of way nor 300 feet to a residential district or existing residential property owned by others than the applicant.

In July, Knoebel applied for permits to construct two 43-by-500-foot barns along Wynn School Road and a driveway to it. Knoebel did not provide details to the media of his plans for the buildings, only to say they were "agriculture related projects."

Johanna and Tom Lucid, of 24 Wynn School Road, who are among a large group of residents opposed to the CAFO, said Saturday, "We won the battle and we're hoping to win the war."

The Lucids, who are both retired, said there are no CAFOs in the state located in a residential area. The Lucids, who are members of Concerned Residents Against Factory Farms (CRAFF) in Pennsylvania, pointed out that 39 individuals live around the property where Knoebel has proposed creating a CAFO, while an additional 54 residents live within a half mile of the property. They said 19 other residents live within a mile of the property.

The Lucids thanked Attorney Joseph Michetti of Trevorton for his efforts in representing CRAFF in their opposition to the CAFO.

During a public hearing in August, Michetti, who represents residents living in the R2 Residential Medium Density District, warned the township board of supervisors that he and the homeowners would be back "again and again and again" until everyone was protected against CAFOs.

The two-hour public hearing was held to allow residents to comment on a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance that would limit large-scale animal farms in a residential district.

Knoebel, of 110 Center School Road, a farmer who already owns one CAFO in the township, had spread manure on his farmland surrounding Wynn School, Middle and Polk roads in April, causing residents to approach the supervisors about the "overwhelming" stench and present a proposed ordinance.

An amended ordinance, which would ban CAFOs from exceeding 100 livestock animals within 500 yards of a residential dwelling in the R2 Residential Medium Density District, was presented by residents in April who say a large-scale pig operation would be detrimental to the health of the residents and the value of their properties.

The amendment is to the zoning ordinance that permits agriculture and horticulture within the R2 Residential Medium Density District designated by the township zoning ordinance to provide orderly expansion to residential development.

SHAMOKIN - Congressman Lou Barletta is the sitting representative for the 11th Congressional District, but in the Shamokin area and beyond, he may as well be just a candidate and not an incumbent.

That's because Shamokin and surrounding communities have been represented for the past decade by the congressmen from the 10th District.

Redistricting has changed that and, beginning in 2013, it will be either Barletta, a Republican, or Democratic challenger Gene Stilp representing the area in Congress.

Barletta says his experience, not just as a first-term congressman but also as Hazleton's mayor, has him battle-tested and

experienced beyond what Stilp can offer.

Barletta says he stood against his own party to ensure Northeast Pennsylvania got appropriate disaster funding, and against former President George W. Bush during the much-publicized illegal immigration issue that consumed part of his mayoral tenure.

"I stood there by myself when no politicians would come near me. I stood up under the pressure of the national media and the spotlight of the national media and I never wavered," he said.

Gridlock

Among the many criticisms leveled by citizens at Congress is that bipartisanship has caused stalemate in the House and Senate. The popular opinion is that much is said and discussed by the legislators but little comes of it.

"I'm just as frustrated as the average citizen with the gridlock," Barletta said.

The first-term congressman said he's sought for and found opportunities to find common ground among both Republicans and Democrats, even bucking party leadership on at least one occasion.

He found a Democrat to co-sponsor transportation legislation and sought Democrats' support to revamp relief funding in the wake of a presidentially declared natural disaster.

Both bills, he says, lay on the desk of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, and have fallen victim to partisanship.

Barletta pulls a brochure from his coat pocket referring to 33 jobs bills that were passed by the Republican-controlled House but have been left for dead in the Democratic-controlled Senate. That brochure needs an update, he says, as the number has now reached 39.

"For me, that's dysfunctional. It doesn't matter if you're a Democrat or Republican, we still have a responsibility to do the business of the American people," he says. "You can have disagreements with these bills, but I believe all the Senate should have the opportunity to vote on it, debate it, send it back to the House and maybe we could amend it. We could see where there's common ground."

If re-elected, Barletta says he'll continue to seek Democratic support in the House on potential legislation.

Entitlements

Medicare and Social Security are endangered, and the nation's debt is rising, in large part due to entitlements, Barletta says.

On average, 10,000 Americans are retiring daily and the working class isn't large enough to sustain Medicare and Social Security.

Reform, he says, is necessary.

"We could cut all of the discretionary spending entirely, including the entire Department of Defense, and it won't put a dent in America's debt. It is the entitlements that's driving the debt because of the number of Americans retiring every day versus the number who are working and paying in," Barletta said.

Barletta is for repealing the Affordable Care Act, derisively referred to by opponents as "Obamacare."

But a void cannot simply exist if that happens. There must be an alternative measure put in its place, he says.

His goal and that of many Republicans is to offer tiered, income-based health care options. A greater income would mean a lower government subsidy when choosing a health plan. Lower incomes would bring higher subsidies, and the poorest of people would be covered at no cost, he says.

Health care providers would be jockeying to provide the coverage, and the marketplace would be competitive. The subsidies paid by the government would be made directly to health care providers.

"One thing that's clear is there is no voucher. That's just a scare tactic, a lie. There is no voucher given to anyone," Barletta said.

For Americans 55 years and older, their plans would remain unchanged under Medicare.

Shale

There are 20 million Americans out of work, he says, and he put "the real unemployment rate" at 14 percent compared to the 7.8 percent figure reported by the feds.

In Pennsylvania and beyond, he says embracing the development of natural gas and "clean coal" in an energy policy is necessary to kick-starting the economy.

He cited the use of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale by companies in the Northern Tier and a potential for "wet gas" development in western Pennsylvania for chemical and biochemical companies.

The fuel must also be embraced commercially, he says, including to power the engines of private vehicles. The focus must be on transportation fuel.

"Between coal and natural gas, Pennsylvania could be the next Saudi Arabia in the amount of natural resources that are under our feet here that are yet to be explored."

He is critical of President Obama's policies, saying they attack fossil fuels and are counterproductive in seeking energy independence.

Blight

Blighted properties aren't a problem exclusive to the coal region and other Pennsylvania communities. Barletta says it's an issue that has reached the House.

He says he went to the House floor to seek greater funding of Community Development Block Grant funding, a crucial source of income - and a declining one at that - for many municipalities across the state.

"I think I was the only Republican that signed onto a letter to ask that funding be put back into CDBG," he said.

As mayor of Hazleton, he says CDBG was key in the development of the Pine Street Neighborhood. That revitalization project included 24 newly constructed, energy-efficient, single-family homes and a neighborhood playground in a three-block area that, he says, was the worst in the city.

It was done in an effort to reinvigorate a downtown sector that had seen a 30 percent occupancy rate for storefronts.

"That's the experience that Gene could never get. Eleven years as a mayor dealing with the city and the problems that I had to deal with in Hazleton. And I stood up. I haven't taken my mayor's hat off because I know how important some of these programs are to addressing blight in a community."

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tom Smith raised more money than Democratic Sen. Bob Casey in the first 2½ weeks of this month and held a substantial edge in how much both campaigns had left as they headed into the last three weeks before the election.

In the three local congressional races, the incumbent Republicans in the 10th and 11th Congressional Districts and the Democrat running in the 17th maintained healthy fundraising levels.

Smith raised $700,269 between Oct. 1 and 17, bringing his total take for the campaign to more than $20.3 million, almost $16.5 million of that his own money. He had $2.93 million left.

Casey raised $447,646, meaning he has raised almost $12.7 million, almost all of it from contributors. He had almost $2.22 million left.

Jim Conroy, Smith's campaign manager, portrayed the latest fundraising reports as signs of Casey's "crumbling support."

"Tom Smith's reform message is clearly motivating Pennsylvanians who have grown tired of a polarized do-nothing Congress," Conroy wrote in an email.

But Larry Smar, Casey's campaign manager, said Smith's fundraising advantage stems only from his ability to put a lot of his own money into the race.

"This is a guy who isn't getting grassroots support in Pennsylvania," he said. "We'll have enough resources to get our message out. Obviously, we don't have a personal fortune."

In the 10th Congressional District, Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Marino raised another $41,931, lifting his total to $823,049. He had $37,883 left.

Democrat Phil Scollo raised another $16,315, giving him a total of $160,401, a fifth of Marino's total but a far better performance than earlier this year. Scollo had $15,008 left.

In the 11th Congressional District, Republican Rep. Lou Barletta, raised $47,089, pushing his total to $1,238,540. He had $353,007 left.

Though the filing deadline was Thursday, Democrat Gene Stilp's latest report was unavailable. Through Sept. 30, he had raised $68,092 overall. He reported different levels of cash remaining on different lines in this report - $13,570 and $27,884 - though both lines should be the same.

The Federal Election Commission recently cited Stilp for failing to file his third-quarter campaign finance report electronically. All of Stilp's reports have been handwritten.

In the 17th Congressional District, Democratic attorney Matt Cartwright raised another $31,606, which means he has raised almost $1.24 million, $400,000 of that his own money. Efforts to obtain a report for his opponent, Republican Laureen Cummings, were unsuccessful.

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com, @borysblogtt on Twitter

Trick or treat night changed

MOUNT CARMEL - By order of Mount Carmel Mayor J. Kevin Jones, Mount Carmel Borough's trick or treat night has been moved from Wednesday, Oct. 31, to Saturday, Nov. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The change was made due to the expected impact to Mount Carmel Borough from Hurricane Sandy.

Christmas Against Cancer

SUNBURY - Christmas Against Cancer, an event involving vendors and crafts that benefits the Line Mountain Relay for Life, will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at Adams Pavilion, 295 Lenig Road, Sunbury.

Participating vendors will include Lia Sophia, Thirty-One, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, Dove Chocolate, Jamberry Nails, Paints and Petals, Celebrating Home, Zumba and local crafters.

For more information and directions, call 847-7401.

SHAMOKIN - The zombies lurking along the streets of Shamokin Saturday afternoon weren't extras in a B-rated horror movie, but participants in the inaugural Zombie Run sponsored by Coal City Revitalization Inc.

Approximately 25 zombies chased an estimated 60 runners over a 2.7-mile trek through the city. The race had no winners - only victims and survivors.

Organizers were delighted by the success of the event,

which generated approximately $1,200 that will be divided between the Shamokin 150th Anniversary Committee, Shamokin Cemetery Board and Coal City Revitalization Inc., a local non-profit group dedicated to improving the community. Saturday's run followed last Saturday's initial Grave Robbers Run. That event, sponsored by the same organization, raised about $500.

"I'm thrilled by today's turnout," commented Matt Losiewicz, one of the chief organizers of both events. "We plan on making this an annual event. There are some scary people here, and everyone seems to be having a lot of fun. It's for a good cause, and we held it to help the community."

A team of makeup artists transformed ordinary-looking people into flesh-eating corpses who were set free all over the city. The goal for participants was to avoid being "tagged" by a zombie and being declared a "victim" before continuing with the sprint. Victims who were caught provided their bib numbers to differentiate the victims from the survivors.

AREA Services Ambulance personnel set off a siren that signaled the official start of the run.

Participants traveled west on Independence Street to Market, south on Market to Arch, west on Arch to Third, south on Third to Mulberry, east on Mulberry to Diamond, north on Diamond to High, east on High to Grant, north on Grant to Lincoln, west on Lincoln to Market, north on Market to Independence, and back to the lot.

Even though he was caught by a zombie at the first checkpoint, Ethan Lindermuth, 19, of Shamokin, was the first one to cross the finish line in an impressive 15 minutes.

"This is a great community event," Lindermuth said. "It's for a good cause, and I really enjoy running. Last week, our group finished last in the Grave Robbers Run after dealing with a very difficult clue, so we were determined to finish strong in this event."

Dan Comoss, 36, of Coal Township, who was decked out in zombie attire, added, "This is something fun to do while helping the community. I found out about it on Facebook. and I knew right away this was something I wanted to do."

Comoss, who is a big fan of zombie movies and shows like "Night of the Living Dead," "Dawn of the Dead" and "Walking Dead," was sporting a zombie tattoo on his left shoulder.

Kelly Mirolli, her 15-year-old daughter, Leah, her 8-year-old son, Luke, and their 14-year-old friend, Kendra Long, also participated as zombies.

When asked what prompted her to participate, Kelly Mirolli said half-kiddingly, "My family made me do it. It's something different, and it's for a good cause."

Long said her love of running prompted her interest in the event. She competes in track and cross country.

Pat Williams, 47, of Strong, said, "I love participating in community events, especially when they are for a great cause like this. I also enjoy running a lot."

Williams' friend, April Shaffer, 30, of Paxinos, asked, "Where else can you have fun like this with your friends and the kids? I enjoy physical activity and this is great. It fits right in with the Halloween season."

Losiewicz thanked all the participants, including the volunteer organizers, zombies, runners and vendors. There was a zombie photo shoot by Carriage House Studio, zombie face painting, food by Mother Cabrini Youth Center baseball team, Hillbilly Kettle Korn, a live radio broadcast by Y-106.5 and custom-made decor by Wedgetown Crafts.

He expressed appreciation for the cooperation of Shamokin City Council for covering Coal City Revitalization Inc. under its insurance policy and granting use of the city municipal parking lot on East Independence Street, where the run started at 1 p.m. and finished in about an hour. Losiewicz also commended city police and fire police for traffic control and AREA Services Ambulance personnel and Cub Scout Pack 3254 of St. John's United Church of Christ on Eighth Street for their assistance.

Losiewicz said Coal City Revitalization Inc. is planning more events, including an adult prom scheduled for early spring 2013 at Brady Fire Company.

photographer name/Staff Photo

Bingo canceled

SHAMOKIN - The weekly bingo games at Mother Cabrini Church Hall scheduled for tonight have been canceled due to the pending storm from Hurricane Sandy.

Trick or treat night changes

- CONYNGHAM TOWNSHIP - Trick or treat night in Conyngham Township has been changed from Wednesday to Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m.

- MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Trick or Treat moved to Sat. Nov. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. Also, the township is declaring a state of emergency at 7 a.m. Monday.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Walk-A-Mile, 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling and treadmill.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 10:30 a.m.; bridge, noon; aquacize, 1:30 p.m.

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

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Laurie Thomas speaking on "Grocery Getters," noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

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

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - HSIM, 10 a.m.; fun and fitness, 11 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.; favorite TV shows, 10 a.m.; current events, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Halloween Jingo, 10 a.m.; HSIM, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Reminisce, 9 a.m.; Good Old Days, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; puzzle time, 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; fun and fitness, 10 a.m.; parachute ball toss, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Sunday - Pinochle, 1:30 p.m.

Monday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; Halloween party with bunco to follow, noon.

Thursday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; Linda Walker speaking on "Shingles," noon; members meeting with bingo to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; shopping at Lycoming Mall, arrival time to mall, 11 a.m., cost $2; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Fire prevention handouts and discussions.

Tuesday - Stress bingo with treats, not stress.

Wednesday - Halloween party time. Wear a costume if your daring.

Thursday - Site managers meeting, 1 p.m.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

Tuesday - Center closed during the morning, will be open from noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday - Bingo, noon; Center Halloween party will be held with hot dogs and sauerkraut, members are asked to bring a covered dish.

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

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon; members meeting and also "make your own sundae."

Trevorton

Monday - Free members breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; shopping at Wal-Mart, noon to 2 p.m.; evening card party, 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling practice, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; movie "Spooky Buddies" and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Making snacks for party, 9 a.m.; Halloween party, noon.

Thursday - Bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; members meeting followed by bingo, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise with Amy, 10:30 a.m.; $1 bingo, 12:30 p.m.