MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings involving defendants charged by officers from the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force in the Dec. 14 countywide drug bust took place Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court Jan. 28 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Debra Lee Artman, 41, of 905 W. Pine St., Coal Township, waived to court two counts each of delivery of Percocet and conspiracy to deliver Percocet, five counts of possession with intent to deliver Percocet, two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver Percocet, and one count each of attempt to deliver Percocet, possession of drug paraphernalia and misbranding a controlled substance.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman and Police Chief Todd Owens in connection with a June 7 incident at Fifth and Market streets, Mount Carmel.

n Jody L. Bower, 29, of Mount Carmel, was held for court on one count each of delivery of heroin, possession with intent to deliver heroin, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia relating to a Feb. 2 incident at 232 E. Second St., Mount Carmel.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman and Mount Carmel Township Officer Daniel Politza.

n Jordan L. Derck, 24, of 133 Academy St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of a small amount of marijuana and was ordered to pay a $500 fine plus costs and placed on probation for 12 months. An additional charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was withdrawn.

The charges filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman and Police Chief Todd Owens relate to a July 18 incident at 704 E. Fifth St., Mount Carmel.

n Michael J. Bills, 48, of 921 Spruce St., Kulpmont, waived to court two counts each of conspiracy to deliver Methadone, delivery of Methadone, conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver Methadone, possession with intent to deliver Methadone, possession of Methadone and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman and Kulpmont Officer Cade Holden involve incidents that occurred Dec. 9, 2011, and Jan. 4, 2012, at Bills' residence.

n Joanne E. Andruscavage, 32, of 143 Beaverdale St., Mount Carmel, waived to court one count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and misbranding a controlled substance relating to an Aug. 24 incident at her home.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman and Mount Carmel Township Officer David Stamets.

n Keith M. Kisela, 21, of 214 S. Oak St., Apt. 1, Mount Carmel, waived to court one count each of delivery of Haloperidol (reported to be valium), possession with intent to deliver Haloperidol, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of Haloperidol and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman and Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano relate to an April 12 incident at Second and Pear streets, Mount Carmel.

n Gary R. Gilligbauer Jr., 27, of 215 N. Shamokin St., Apt. B, Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of a small amount of marijuana and was ordered to pay a $500 fine plus costs and placed on probation for 12 months. An additional charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was withdrawn.

The charges filed by Kulpmont Patrolman Joshua Pastucka relate to an Oct. 14 incident at the Veterans Memorial Field on Sixth Street in Kulpmont.

n Barbara A. Pronick, 48, of 905 W. Pine St., Coal Township, waived to court two counts each of conspiracy to deliver Percocet, conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver Percocet and possession with intent to deliver Percocet, and one count each of criminal use of a communication facility, conspiracy to use a communication facility, possession of Percocet, possession of drug paraphernalia and misbranding a controlled substance involving a June 7 incident at Fifth and Market streets, Mount Carmel.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Police Chief Todd Owens and Patrolman Matthew Dillman.

n Joshua M. Peregrin, 30, of North Shamokin Street, Shamokin, waived to court one count each of delivery of Clonazepam, possession with intent to deliver Clonazepam, possession of Clonazepam and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges filed by Mount Carmel Police Chief Todd Owens and Patrolman Matthew Dillman relate to a Feb. 24 incident at 300 W. Third St., Mount Carmel.

n Debbi J. Wolfe, 53, of 437 Melrose St., Marion Heights, waived to court one count each of delivery of Alprazolam, possession with intent to deliver Alprazolam, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of Alprazolam and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges filed by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets and Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman relate to a Feb. 23 incident at Wolfe's home.

MONTOURSVILLE - PennDOT Engineering District 3-0 is wrapping up a construction season full with road and bridge activities, including a number of recovery projects in response to the Flood of 2011.

According to a press release from the district, the contract construction season included 105 contracts valued at approximately $102 million, along with two major carryovers from the previous year (I-80 Mifflinville bridges and the DuBoistown Bridge replacement).

Of the more than 100 contracts under construction, seven were in Columbia County, 24 in Lycoming County, three in Montour County, 12 in Northumberland County, 11 in Snyder County, seven in Sullivan County, 10 in Tioga County, nine in Union County and 22 in Bradford County.

The work ranged from resurfacings, pavement repairs, safety improvements, slide stabilizations and guiderail installations, to bridge replacements and bridge rehabilitations.

The major projects under construction this year in Northumberland County were:

- $1.2 million bridge deck rehabilitation on Route 642 in East Chillisquaque Township completed in October 2012.

- $1.3 million intelligent transportation system project (electronic variable message signs, closed-circuit television cameras and a highway advisory radio system) centering on the I-80 and I-180 interchange scheduled to be operational by spring of 2013.

In addition to the contracted work, PennDOT District 3-0's in-house maintenance crews were busy across the district's nine counties with a wide variety of summer maintenance activities.

The department-force paving crews resurfaced 176 miles of state highway this year.

Along with paving, PennDOT's county crews also spent the warmer weather replacing or rehabilitating smaller bridges, installing and upgrading guiderail, cutting roadway shoulders and cleaning pipes and ditches to improve drainage, replacing old and worn-out drainage pipes, crack-sealing to extend roadway pavement life, applying seal coats (tar and stone chips) to preserve the secondary road system, replacing road signs, brushing and mowing, and other maintenance activities.

The District 3-0 in-house bridge and roadway design staff designed 99 projects worth $69.1 million in 2012.

For more information, go to www.dot.state.pa.us\district3 or call 368-8686.

SUNBURY - A ruling by Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor involving a foster child and Mennonite family reportedly is at the center of a lawsuit the judge plans to file against Michael Robinson, solicitor for county Children and Youth Services; Cathy Gemberling, director of social services, and Cheryl Humes, a Lewisburg attorney and court-appointed guardian for juvenile court cases.

Details concerning the ruling were obtained Friday by The News-Item, but Saylor declined to explain what Robinson, Gemberling and Humes did to warrant the impending lawsuit. The judge recently issued a writ of summons against the trio, which indicates a suit will be filed.

The judge's allegations against the officials will be revealed in the suit, but the judge said Friday he's not sure when the complaint will be filed.

Saylor was reassigned from all Children and Youth cases in January. It came on the directive of President Judge Robert B. Sacavage, a decision Saylor said at the time that he respected and was "probably best for a brief period of time."

No public explanation has been given as to why Saylor was removed from cases dealing with Children and Youth, but according to an appeal filed Aug. 6 by Humes to the state Superior Court, the matter reportedly relates to a ruling made by Saylor involving a foster child who suffered second-degree burns while in the care of a foster family who are Mennonites. According to the appeal, the child was not taken for medical treatment by his foster family until almost a week after suffering the burns.

Saylor ruled that the child shouldn't be placed in an Old Order Mennonite home. Humes appealed the decision, arguing that Saylor was biased against Mennonite religious and cultural practices.

The Superior Court upheld Saylor's court order,

issued Dec. 15, 2011, that required the 4 1/2-year-old female foster child to be removed from the Mennonite home and placed in the care of her stepgrandparents following complaints by the girl's biological mother that her daughter had not received immediate medical care after suffering accidental second-degree burns while in foster care.

The reassignment of the cases came one month after Judy Jones, director of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) office, as well as a part-time case manager were forced out of the county courthouse by the county commissioners.

The judge blamed Robinson for CASA's removal, saying the attorney did so in retaliation for an unfavorable outcome on a prior court ruling he made.

Gary Steffen, chief clerk, denied Saylor's accusations that the move was political, referring to "unsolicited reports and complaints concerning the interaction of county agencies" with Saylor and the involvement of "investigative agencies" in the matter.

At the time of the commissioners' decision, Saylor issued a press release blaming the Children and Youth solicitor "and his cohort, a recently appointed guardian." He didn't name names, but the positions he referred to are held by Robinson and Humes, respectively.

Gemberling is a county employee. Robinson and Humes are contracted with the county and appointed by county commissioners.

Under Pennsylvania law, complaints about judges filed before the judicial conduct board are sealed. The judge doesn't even learn who complained about him unless the board finds evidence that suggests a complete investigation is needed. The confidentiality is intended to guarantee that whistleblowers will not be subjected to retaliation by judges they have complained about.

The national CASA program that provides volunteer advocates for neglected and abused children in the court system was established three years ago in the county by Saylor, who handles custody cases.

The program was launched with a grant from Parent to Parent Connections and has been funded with private donations and contributions from the national CASA organization and Northumberland County Bar Association.

A former Shamokin man, sentenced to death for a 1994 Kulpmont murder, is asking for the chance to appeal a decision that kept his death sentence intact.

Kevin Marinelli, 40, formerly of Shamokin, filed papers Friday in U.S. Middle District Court asking the court to amend or alter a Nov. 26 decision that denied his motion to vacate the punishment he received in 1995.

He was sentenced to death after being convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Conrad Dumchock, of Kulpmont, during a home invasion April 26, 1994.

In a 26-page brief in support of his motion, Marinelli, through his counsel, Billy H. Nolas, of Philadelphia, said the right of appeal should be granted on several claims that were denied in November. Nolas said the jury did not know Marinelli lived in an abusive home prior to the murder, statements Marinelli made in interrogation were made before he was informed of his right to have counsel present, the state presented testimony it knew to be unreliable, instructions given to the jury on sentencing were unclear and unconstitutional instructions and arguments regarding "torture" were made by the prosecution to the jury during his 1995 trial.

A third filing Friday petitions the court to relax the rules on Marinelli's brief. Rules of the court state that briefs on such motions are limited to 15 pages, or 5,000 words.

Two co-conspirators also are serving time for the murder.

Mark Marinelli, formerly of Shamokin, testified against his brother and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Thomas Kirchoff, formerly of Coal Township, was found guilty by jury of second-degree murder. Both are serving life sentences with no chance of parole.

Kevin Marinelli's death warrant was signed in 1997 by then-Gov. Ed Rendell, but his execution was stayed by a federal judge on the filing of the habeas corpus petition that was denied Nov. 26.

In a 238-page opinion, Judge Robert D. Mariani said an appeal is eligible for just one of Marinelli's 18 claims - that his due process and confrontation rights were violated.

The judge directed the court's clerk to close the case on Marinelli's petition in November.

Divorces

Robert Fidler from Nina Fidler, both of 317 5 Points Road, Muncy. Married May 28, 1983.

Pamela J. Martz, 793 Game Farm Road, Dalmatia, from Michael J. Martz, 610 Game Farm Road, Dalmatia. Married May 8, 2004.

Melissa A. Rissinger, 383 Hebe Bypass Road, Herndon, from Michael R. Rissinger, 2146 E. Main St., Valley View. Married Oct. 8, 2011.

Christy A. Sites, 1041 Mahanoy St., Trevorton, from Michael E. Sites, 222 Catawissa Ave., Sunbury. Married Aug. 25, 2001.

Ryan J. Troup, 191 Jade Ave., Danville, from Britt S. Troup, 9 N. Water St., Selinsgrove. Married Sept. 17, 2011.

Pamela T. Billig from Daniel H. Billig, both of 1722 W. Wood St., Coal Township. Married June 4, 2005.

Patty S. Hans, 33 Walnut St., Apt. 3, Milton, from Clifton L. Hans III, 2340 Seagrave Drive, Watsontown. Married Aug. 23, 1987.

John A. Klembara Jr., 138 Poplar Ave., Apt. 2, Milton, from Lisa G. Klembara, 400 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin. Married Oct. 31, 2000.

Nicole M. Shuder, P.O. Box 182, Northumberland, from Robert F. Shuder, 135 Montana Drive, Kulpmont. Married June 30, 2011.

Richard A. Sinko, 247 Market St., Apt. 1, Sunbury, from Charlene A. Sinko, 1101 Susquehanna Ave., Sunbury. Married Nov. 20, 2008.

Christopher Mattingly from Beth Mattingly, both of 35 Rolling Ridge Drive, Milton. Married Oct. 2, 1999.

Kathy A. Schultz from George C. Schultz Jr., both of Box 1543, Herndon RR 1. Married Aug. 6, 1994.

Marriage licenses

Barry Allen Reader to Stachia Ann Long, both of 1031 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton. Issued Dec. 20, 2012.

Gary David Latsha, 3893 State Route 61, Sunbury, to Patricia Marie Betz, 1 Clarion St., Shamokin. Issued Dec. 21, 2012.

Property transfers

Norman L. Nash, Rhonda Nash, to Rhonda Nash, property in Marion Heights, $1.

Bruce R. Eyer, Darla D. Aurand, to Bruce R. Eyer, Darla D. Eyer, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Barry A. Herr, Roseann J. Herr, to Alden Herr, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Joanne G. Hockenbroch to Chris Allen Hockenbroch, Todd Leon Hockenbroch, Kenneth J. Hockenbroch, Kerry Lee Hockenbroch, Mary Jo Derk, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Mary Louise Menko to Michael E. Ranos, property in Mount Carmel, $17,000.

William J. Broscius, Rose Broscius, to FMG Inc., property in Coal Township, $13,500.

Dennis A. Buck, Michelle A. Buck, Michelle A. Dirgo, to Dennis A. Buck, property in Coal Township, $1.

Dennis A. Buck to Jeffery McCloud, property in Coal Township, $1.

John C. Finnegan, Yvonne Finnegan, to Kyle D. Williams, David B. Williams, property in Shamokin, $1.

Danielle J. Rebuck, Donald R. Rebuck Jr., to Jeffrey K. Rebuck, Lacey L. Rebuck, property in Little Mahanoy Township, $32,250.

Joan M. Heck (estate), James W. Prior (executor), to Tammy S. Gessner, property in Coal Township, $1.

Charles J. Lucas IV, Dana P. Carroll-Lucas, to Charles J. Lucas IV, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Mark M. Wynn, Sandra M. Wynn, to Mark W. Wynn (trustee), Catherine I. Bitting (trustee), Mark M. Wynn and Sandra M. Wynn Family Protection Trust, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Gabriela P. Villalobos to Laura M. Yannes, property in Ralpho Township, $109,000.

Stephen A. Heiser, Sheila L. Heiser, Sheila Brophy, to Sheila L. Brophy, property in Shamokin, $1.

Michael F. Dombroski to Frank R. Jurevich, property in Shamokin, $20,000.

Paul Melnick, Joanne Melnick, to Paul Melnick, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Melvin L. Moyer, Betty A. Moyer, to Mahanoy & Mahantango Telephone Co. (DBA), TDS Telecom, property in Jordan Township, $1.

Stan Campbell to Mahanoy & Mahantango Telephone Co. (DBA), TDS Telecom, property in Jordan Township, $1.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Rosa Hernandez, to Twilight Beginnings, property in Shamokin, $8,038.60.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Donald Paul Shinskie, to Adam Campbell, property in Coal Township, $1,098.21.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Larry M. Yeager Jr., Shirley M. Yeager, to Edward M. Wilson, Kelly M. Wilson, property in Coal Township, $1,512.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Joseph R. Sanzotto, Emily L. Sanzotto, to Equity Trust Company (custodian), Roger Grattan IRA (by custodian), property in Shamokin, $1,907.36.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Todd W. Kiger Sr., to Charles A. Renn, property in Shamokin, $3,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, David D. Derr, Shari I. Derr, to Dawn M. Paczkowski, property in Shamokin, $1,504.66.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Galus Real Estate LLC, to Junior Fairweather, property in Coal Township, $1,381.87.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Kristen L. Hand, to Dawn M. Paczkowski, property in Coal Township, $2,063.13.

Bank of America NA, BAC Home Loans Servicing LP, to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, property in Coal Township, $1.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Josh R. Sulham, to U.S. Bank NA (trustee), Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, property in Shamokin, $1,505.05.

Ernest R. Heim, Sandra J. Heim, to Linda D. Lesher, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $25,000.

Ernest R. Heim, Sandra J. Heim, to Linda D. Lesher, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $7,200.

Ernest R. Heim, Sandra J. Heim, to Linda D. Lesher, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $12,000.

Ernest R. Heim, Sandra J. Heim, to Linda D. Lesher, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $25,200.

Ernest R. Heim, Sandra J. Heim, to Linda D. Lesher, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $3,000.

Ernest R. Heim, Sandra J. Heim, to Glenn R. Heim, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $96,397.

Douglas E. Chervanik, Debbie A. Chervanik, to James A. Zerbe Jr., Debra M. Zerbe, property in Lower Augusta Township, $20,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Carol A. Whary (individually and trustee), Haven D. Whary Revocable Living Trust (by trustee), Carol A. Whary Revocable Living Trust, to M&T Bank, Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, property in Zerbe Township, $2,997.75.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Angela I. Fausey, to Bank of New York Mellon, property in Shamokin Township, $920.81.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Aaron S. Wegrzynowicz, to Federal National Mortgage Association, property in Mount Carmel, $1,187.84.

Frank R. Jurevicz to Shawn Jurevicz, property in Shamokin, $1.

James A. Novinger, Tina A. Novinger, to Laura A. Novinger, property in Jackson Township, $1.

Lawrence R. Hare, Vickie A. Hare, to Lawrence R. Hare, property in Rush Township, $1.

Doyle V. Horne to FMG Inc., property in Kulpmont, $7,000.

Rocco Napoli, Rosalia Napoli, to Domenico Napoli, property in Ralpho Township, $110,000.

Michael J. Katinsky Sr. to Matthew A. Katinsky, Rachel E. Katinsky, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Margaret Bronkoski, Clement R. Bronkoski, to Clement R. Bronkoski, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Edward Charles Quinn, Dolores Quinn, John Karycki, Mary Ellen Karycki, Robin Williams, Margaret Williams, to Michael Katinsky Jr., Karen A. Katinsky, property in Mount Carmel, $10,000.

Lauren A. Leap to Jeffrey D. Sock, property in Ralpho Township, $187,000.

NORFOLK, Va. - U.S. Navy Seaman Steven A. Alleman, son of Lisa and Albert Alleman, of Coal Township, along with nearly 12,000 past and current crew members, family and friends attended the inactivation of aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

Enterprise, the world's first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, recently completed its 25th and final deployment and returned to its home port of Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled inactivation, held prior to the ship's terminal off-load program and subsequent decommissioning.

The inactivation ceremony was the last official public event for the ship, and served as a celebration of life for the ship and the more than 100,000 sailors who served aboard.

Commissioned Nov. 25, 1961, it was the eighth ship to bear the name Enterprise.

Alleman joined the Navy in November 2009.

Garbage collection change

ASHLAND - Due to the upcoming holidays, trash pickup in Ashland will change in the next two weeks. Collection will be held Dec. 26 through 28 and Jan. 2 through 4. Ash pickup on Fridays will remain the same.

Borough hall will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Office hours on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 are from 8 to 11 a.m.

Caroling set for tonight

MOUNT CARMEL - Christmas caroling will be held at 6 p.m. today in Town Park. There will be cookies and hot chocolate afterwards at Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel social hall, Market Street next to park. The event is sponsored by Mount Carmel Area Ministerium.

Military addresses listed

Pfc. Cory Mains

MWCS-18

Unit 37181

FPOAP 96603-7181

Pfc. Joseph Bradley

P.O. Box 455179

San Diego, CA

92145

(Son of Patrick and Lisa (Gilger) Bradley, Harrisburg, formerly of Shamokin).

For Pfc. Andrew Splitt send to:

Camp Buerhing

Andrew Splitt E-3

1-109th IN Alpha Co.

APO AE 09330.

- - -

The News-Item encourages readers to submit names and addresses of those serving in armed forces across the world this holiday season so that readers can send them letters, cards or packages.

Mail or drop off addresses at 707 N. Rock St., Shamokin 17872, or e-mail nieditor@newsitem.com.

AA meetings all week

MOUNT CARMEL - Alcoholics Anonymous meetings will be held at the St. Stephen's Center, 45 W. Fourth St., every day this week.

Meetings will be held at noon and 8 p.m. today, noon Wednesday, noon and 7 p.m. Thursday, and noon and 7 p.m. Friday.

Local troops' military addresses available, wanted for publication

The following local troops are serving in the military away from home and would appreciate letters:

Pfc. Cory Mains

MWCS-18

Unit 37181

FPOAP 96603-7181

Pfc. Joseph Bradley

P.O. Box 455179

San Diego, CA

92145

Pfc. Andrew Splitt

Camp Buerhing

Andrew Splitt E-3

1-109th IN Alpha Co.

APO AE 09330.

The News-Item encourages readers to submit names and addresses of those serving in armed forces across the world this holiday season so that readers can send them letters, cards or packages.

Mail or drop off addresses at 707 N. Rock St., Shamokin 17872, or e-mail nieditor@newsitem.com.

SHAMOKIN - The News-Item returns this year to a tradition of featuring a local church stained-glass window on the front page of our Christmas Day edition.

This year's window is from Divine Redeemer Church, Mount Carmel.

HARRISBURG - A settlement between the Pennsylvania Treasury and Parago Inc. will make nearly $2 million in unclaimed promotional rebates from past retail purchases available to consumers, state Treasurer Rob McCord announced this week.

Parago is a Texas-based company that processes and pays promotional rebates to consumers on behalf of national consumer product manufacturers, retailers and telecommunication service providers. Its clients include Staples, Home Depot, Verizon and Verizon Wireless, and General Electric, among others.

The unclaimed rebates were the result of what is termed "retained slippage" in the industry. When rebates were unclaimed, Parago routinely retained those funds, in exchange for which it offered its clients - referred to as "downstream companies" - a discount on processing fees.

In some cases, unclaimed rebates were returned to downstream companies, but McCord noted his department intends to pursue those funds, too, on behalf of Pennsylvania's citizens.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Parago will report $1.95 million in rebates to Treasury's Bureau of Unclaimed Property in installments over the next three years. Parago will accompany each installment with a report that includes the names of persons owed rebates, their last known address, a description of the property and when it became available, and a record of Parago's last attempted interaction with the rightful owner.

The agreement also stipulates Parago will continue to report property to Pennsylvania annually in accordance with the state's unclaimed property law. The company will also consent to a state audit if it fails to make such a report by the annual April 15 deadline.

Those who believe they may be owed a rebate from Parago or one of its clients should call 1-800-222-2046 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

SHAMOKIN - A few inches of snow are expected to accumulate through Wednesday, likely making for a white Christmas day and some slick driving conditions.

The winter weather is expected to force area public works employees into action on the holiday.

Kevin Richardson, Shamokin street department foreman, said department employees readied the city's trucks on Friday in the event of snow and sleet.

If a storm comes as expected, the employees will be called in to plow and treat the city's roads.

"You hate to go out on Christmas, but that's how it goes," Richardson said Monday. "It comes with the territory."

Light snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain was forecast to fall Monday afternoon into Monday night, about 1 inch or so, according to Mike Dangelo, National Weather Service meteorologist.

Christmas morning will be cloudy and cold, with temperatures in the low 30s. The clouds are expected to break up in the afternoon, allowing for a period of sunshine and pushing the temperature to 36 degrees, Dangelo said.

A more significant storm is expected to arrive Wednesday morning, he said, bringing "mostly snow" to the greater Shamokin area. Perhaps a few inches. There's also a chance of sleet and freezing rain.

The storm is expected to last throughout Wednesday and into early Thursday.

As is tradition, The News-Item presents the text of letters written by children and submitted to our annual Letters to Santa project, where letters are read by Santa with help from legendary local radio DJ Tom Kutza. Listen to letters and Christmas music under Letters to Santa at newsitem.com.

Name: Luke Gubernot

Hometown: Easton

Age: 8

I have been a good boy this year, and for Christmas I would like the following: A new bike, an Oregon Ducks sweatshirt and pjs, a Michael Oher jersey, Madden 13 and NBA2K13 for Xbox, a Lebron James jersey and new sneakers. I will leave some milk and cookies for you and carrots for your reindeer. Thanks, Santa! Love, Luke.

Name: Reese Gubernot

Hometown: Easton

Age: 5

I've been a good girl this year, and for Christmas I would like an American Girl doll, Barbies, a Barbie Fashioniesta closet, a microphone, Crayola art supplies, some clothes and the Little Mermaid DVD. I will leave some milk and cookies out for you, and some carrots for your reindeer. Love, Reese.

Name: Joseph Gubernot

Hometown: Easton

Age: 11

For Christmas this year I would like an iPad mini, Oregon Ducks winter hat, some under armor shirts, new sneakers, a 2013 calender and Assassins Creed 3 Xbox game. I will leave some milk, cookies and soupies for you, and some carrots for your reindeer. Merry Christmas! Love, Joseph.

Name: Landon McGinley

Hometown: Mount Carmel

Age: 2

My name is Landon, and I will be 3 years old in January. For Christmas I would like a truck, keys for my truck and a four-wheeler for the bush. I will leave you milk and cookies, and carrots and apples for the reindeer. I have been a pretty good boy, but sometimes I have to be reminded by mommy and daddy to be good. Thank you for my toys. I will go to bed early on Christmas Eve. Have a safe flight! Landon

Name: Edward Diaz Jr.

Hometown: Mount Carmel

Age: 8

Please help my mommy this year to have a good Christmas. She doesn't know it, but I know she buys us presents for Christmas, too. We have been having a hard time lately. We have to move in two weeks and we don't really have anywhere to go, so we have to stay with somebody until mommy can get us a nicer place for me, my three little brothers and her. I just want us to be a happy family, Santa, so please help my mommy. Thank you very much!

Name: Addison Pita

Hometown: Paxinos

Age: 7

I have been trying my best in school to learn new things. This year I would like Twister Dance, Just Dance 4, a gymnastics mat, Shimmer, Monster High Makeup, Monster High Artist Tote, Monster High Velvet Poster set, and a Barbie: The Princess and the Pop Star microphone. I hope you don't have any trouble gettting to all the houses. Love, Addison.

Name: Jessica Koshinski

Hometown: Ranshaw

Age: 7

I want DS games, a poster of you and Mrs. Santa Claus, boy and girl baby dolls, Barbie dolls and cars. I would also like fake money and handcuffs, with keys to go with the cuffs. I will leave you milk and cookies, and carrots for the reindeers. Love, Jessica.

Name: Joshua Dombrowski

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 10

First of all, thank you again for all the gifts you brought me last year. For Christmas this year I would like a Kindle Fire, a Wii U, Super Mario Brothers 2 for the 3 DS, an Xbox 360 Kinect, some Angry Birds stuff and whatever else you think I might like. I know I may not get all the electronics that I've asked for, but I hope to at least get one of them because I know they are expensive for you to make. Mom and dad says that Pixie, our elf on the shelf, is out and about lurking in the house. Even though my brother, Cody, and I haven't been all that good for mom and dad throughout the year, we better start because Pixie is watching, too, along with you. Well, don't forget about the awesome kielbasa we'll leave for you because I know you've got a long night ahead of you and the kielbasa will surely keep you going, and a bit of eggnog to go along with it. The reindeer will also have something special waiting for them, too. Please don't forget my dog, Copper, and my cat, Jo-Jo. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Santa! Love, Joshua Dombrowski.

Name: Cody Dombrowski

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 9

Hey there, Santa, this is Cody Dombrowski. You know, the one that loves trains just as much as you do. I think I've been pretty good this year, although my brother and I do fight sometimes. For Chirstmas this year I would love a Bachmann Train Set (I cannot get it out of my head, so I hope you can make me one!), Hot Wheels Wall Tracks set, a train calendar, and more Cars 2 vehicles like Jeff Corvette, Max French, and Carla. I also would like some Angry Bird items. Don't forget to check out the goodies that Josh and I will leave for you. I know you'll love them, and also for the reindeer.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year, Santa! Love, Cody Dombrowski.

Name: Jillian Maurer

Hometown: Elysburg

Age: 6

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I would like a dirtbike and gear, hair krimper, kitchen, a mini laptop, Mommy Doctor Baby Doll, pajamas, Furreal Friends Bouncy My-Happy-To-See-Me Pup, Fibber board game, arts and crafts, Doodle Bear, nail polish, a flat screen TV for my bedroom, winter clother, a snow suit, karaoke, and jewelry.

///// (ABOVE ITEMS EDITED: JWH)

Name: rachel maurer

Hometown: Elysburg

Age: 9

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I would like a 4wheeler,helmet (size youth M),hair krimper,mini laptop,beats headphones (white) Love, Rachel

Name: Anthony Givanni Feudale

Hometown: Shamokin, PA

Age: 9

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: How are you from the last time I wrote? I want all the kids to know that Christmas isn't about presents, it is about Jesus' Birthday. I would like to start off my list with a Gas Remote Control Plane. Nano Speed Cars with a track. Assassin's Creed 3 for X-Box and the same for my dad for the Playstation 3. A small camera that I saw on TV, but I don't know the exact name. It sticks to things and is really tiny. I would like a Harmony Guitar. I would also like Call of Duty:Black Ops 2 for PS3. My Uncles gave me an X-Box and I need the wireless router so I can play games online and I need 1600 Microsoft Points so I can buy Minecraft and play with my Uncles and friend Corey Sosonoskie. A paintball gun is also something else that I would really like. Some hangers for my clothes. Also I would like a MotoCross Helmet with the Monster Power Drink Symbol and the Coca-Cola Symbol on it. You can put anything you would like in Chippy's stocking, he really likes yogurt drops, that is his favorite Hamster snack. How is everyone at the Clause house? Would like me to leave you a Chocolate Covered Cherry with your cookies too? Just make sure Rudolph doesn't take it, I will leave him carrots. I hope the Mrs. is well. I hope this year you aren't sick, I remember last year you had a cold. I hope you have a Merry Christmas, maybe I can send you a letter during the year to see how you are. Love, Anthony Givanni Feudale

Name: Sylvan Griffiths

Hometown: Mount Carmel

Age: 5

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: Hello! I am Sylvan and I was a very, very good boy this year. I am always very kind to my mommy. Please say hello to the reindeer for me. I would like Switch-n-Go Dinos, as many as you can bring me, and Monster Trucks, any kind. I would like new shoes that glow and anything that glows in the dark. I would like a calculator, please, and a snow globe as well so I can see what it's like at the North Pole. Also, I would love a skateboard, and please bring skis and a real bow and arrow for my brother, Joray. I love my mommy very much too, and I think she would like some body lotion like I saw on TV. I would like if you could bring my great daddy a baseball cap, my baby nephew, Christian, a baby rattle. Mommy and I like to make cookies together, so we will put some out for you. Thank you! Love, Sylvan

Name: savanna carl

Hometown: shomkin

Age: 10

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I want a new computer a new cell phone and a necles and i also want close and stuff for my dog and dsi games

Name: jason carl

Hometown: shomkin

Age: 4

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I want a new truck and a new coat and some boots and a four wheeler

Name: braylyan carl

Hometown: shomkin

Age: 3

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I want a new barbie doll and i also want a new bike and a doll house and boots and a coat

Name: haily mae

Hometown: coal township

Age: 5

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: i want a new babie and a new truck

Name: john mae

Hometown: coal township

Age: 6

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: i want a comaro and abike

Name: Emily Paul

Hometown: Mount Carmel

Age: 6

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: Dear Santa, Hi,my name is Emily Paul. For Christmas I would like some Lalaloopsy dolls for this year.I would also like some make-up,a slinky,barbies,american girl dolls,lego friends,clothes,wallet,and finally I would like shoes. So santa, I want to tell you and the elfs and Mrs,Claus to keep up the good work. I hope you will get my brother DJ and my sister Haley presents too. love Emily Paul

Name: Haley Paul

Hometown: Mount Carmel

Age: 11

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: How are you,Mrs.Claus,and the elfs doing.I'm doing good.I hope you can get my sister Emily and my brother DJ some presents too. This yaer I would like some clothes, Verra Bradley,Aeropostale,Bath and Body Works, a laptop, school supplies,make-up,and hamster supplies.We are going to set carrots for the reindeer and a drink for you.I hope you get me lots of surprises! Love, Haley

Name: dj paul

Hometown: mount carmel

Age: 3

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: My name is D.j and I am 3 years old. I really cant wait till christmas I am so excited. My tree is up and my lights are on. I really like Disney Cars and race tracks. I love 4 wheeler toys. I hope you bring my 2 sisters something special this year. I will be leaving you milk and cookies and carrots for all the reindeers. Thank You for leaving me toys and I hope you and Mrs, Claus, the elves, and the reindeers all Have a Merry Christmas

Name: Brandon Jaworski

Hometown: Coal Township

Age: 5

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I would like the lego coal mine set, Hot wheels Wall Tracks set, then I would also like an airplane, and hot wheels.I also would like some wooden trains without any faces. I would also like it if you could send my dog, Amber, a new squeeky toy. She was a good dog this year.

Name: gabby greager

Hometown: shamokin

Age: 10

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: hi santa its gabby i would like the dog named cookie, just dance 4 a doctor set 2 pairs of footies any kind,a neon green monky pillow pet. THANK YOU YOUR THE BEST LOVE GABBY<3

Name: Alexis carl

Hometown: shamokin

Age: 9

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: my name is alexis carl i would like so monster high dolls and some chalk and some bord games

Name: John carl

Hometown: shamokin

Age: 11

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: my name is john carl, what i would like for christmas is, cars and a skate bord and a toy gun

Name: kristian carl

Hometown: shamokin

Age: 6

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: my name is kristian carl what i would like for christmas is, monster trucks and a dirt bike and john ceana posters. love, your frind kristian carl

Name: Gregory Stump

Hometown: Gordon

Age: 2

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: My name is Gregory Stump. I hope you've had a good year. I've mostly been a good boy this year. For Christmas I would like some books, a Thomas the Tank Engine, a Mickey Mouse fire truck, new markers and paper, some games, and a Flying Super Grover 2.0. I got a new baby sister - her name is Ella. I think she would like some stuffed animals. Please bring something for my dog, Alfred - he needs a new bed. And please bring something for my mommy and daddy. They're helping me write this since I'm only 2 years old. I'm very excited for you to come to my house this year. I will leave cookies and milk for you and carrots for the reindeer on Christmas Eve. Love, Gregory

Name: Samantha Stancavage

Hometown: Coal Township, PA

Age: 7

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: Hope you had a great year. How is Mrs. Claus? and the reindeer? This year I would like an X-Box with a Kinect, DS Games, a Meep Tablet, A game called "Fibber", a Dinosaur Explorer kit, and anything else you think I would like, Santa. Can you please bring some toys and treats for Lady and Tiko, our dogs, please put a carrot in Gingerbread, my guinea pigs stocking, and please bring something for my Mommy and Chuck too! I will leave you lots of cookies and milk on Christmas Eve.. and some carrots for the reindeer. Have a fun time traveling the world!! Love, Samantha

Name: Julia Pavelko

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 10

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: How are you? I have been helping my mom clean, and when it snows a lot, I'm going to help her shovel. I take care of the cats, and I try to keep my room clean. I also make coffee for my parents. I really, really, really want a Dream Light for Christmas. Can you also please bring me two Webkinz , something for my cat, my mom and dad, and maybe some zoobles. Sincerly, Julia

Name: brian knarr

Hometown: shamokin

Age: 4

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: i would really like if u would get me, annoying orange toys, clothes,and songbob toys,video games,new spongbob tv and a spongebob scotter i will have the cookies for u and the carrots for ur deer i will be sure to get ruldoph something really special like maybe so apple pie i would really like that stuff thank u i love u santa

Name: Hayden Karlovich

Hometown: Stonington

Age: 5

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: Hi Santa, How have you been. I hope you are fine. I hope my elf Ralphie was giving you good reports on me. I would like to give you my list for this Christmas. I would like Legos, SpongeBob stuff, a Wii and finally some football games. I will be sure to have out some milk and cookies for you, and some carrots for the reindeer. P.S. Please bring my mom and dad some presents and my sister Sophie and brother Jackson. Thank you Your friend Hayden Karlovich

Name: Sophia Karlovich

Hometown: Stonington

Age: 3

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: Hello Santa, My name is Sophia Karlovich and I have been a very good girl this year. My Elf Ralphie has been all over my house watching to make sure I have been a good girl! For Christmas this year I would like a princess bike, and lots of babies to play with, and some Dora toys, and some princess clothes. My brothers and I will make sure you have some good cookies and milk and some treats for the Reindeer. Also, please bring my younger brother Jackson some toys he can play with, like toy trucks. Thank you Your Pal Sophia Karlovich

Name: Aidan Marsh

Hometown: Kulpmont, Pa.

Age: 5

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I am trying to be a good. Here is my list for you, I would like Ninja Turtles,a new Shawn Michaels wrestling figure, some new pajamas and clothes and a pair of Nikes

Name: Carly Lubeskie

Hometown: Coal Township

Age: 8

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: Hi Santa! How is Frosty doing? Are you getting everything ready for Christmas? I've tried to be very good this year. This is a list of some things I would like for Christmas: a Novi Star doll, a Niall One Direction doll, an Operetta Monster High Doll, i-tunes gift cards, a pink case for my new glasses, a hard case for my ipod, and Just Dance 4 for the Wii. I also would like a hamster for Christmas. Thanks for sending my elf Buddy back to me every year. I hope you and Mrs. Claus have a great Christmas!! Love, Carly Lubeskie

Name: Hayden Kramer

Hometown: shamokin

Age: 10

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: My name is Hayden. I am in 4th grade. I would like a Crossbow,Rossi Gun, Elite wrestlers, rumblers, model cars or airplanes, Skylanders, and a couple of suprises. And a few treats for my dog Trotter. Thank you, have a great day. Love, Hayden

Name: Korbin Kramer

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 8

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: Hi, my name is Korbin. I am in 2nd grade. I would like skylander figures, crossbow, rossi gun,3d ds games, all-star wrestlers , play station, model trucks, maybe a suprise too. Please bring some greenis for my dog Trotter. Thank you, Korbin. PS If I can't get Play Station maybe some money so I can save up to buy one.

Name: Kamryn Kramer

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 5

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: Hello. My name is Kamryn. I would like an American Girl Doll Julie,and her doggie Meatloaf, Monster High Dolls, some suprises.Don't forget my dog Trotter likes bones. I will let you some milk and cookies. Tell the elfs I said hi. Thank you,Kamryn.

Name: Bethany DIPremo

Hometown: Elysburg

Age: 9

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: How are you and the reindeer and Mrs. Clause, and the elves? I hope you are all doing well. This year for christmas I would like a laptop, some coal for my dad, and to publish a story I wrote about a bird flying in the house when we had hurricane Sandy. A chocolate heart for my mom. and Nintendo DS games, Gameboy games, and Leapster games, The Santa Paws 2 (The Santa Pups) that's all I would like for christmas. Could you please give toys to children that don't have parents or can't afford to buy them for their children. Please help the people that lost alot of things in the hurricane. God Bless You Santa and I hope to see you on Christmas. Thank You I love You, Love Bethany Merry Christmas !!

Name: FULLER JR. MICHAEL

Hometown: SHAMOKIN

Age: 2

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I HAVE BEEN A VERY GOOD BOY THIS YEAR. I ALSO HAVE MY ELF RALPHIE WATCHING ME TO MAKE SURE AND REPORT BACK TO OU EVERY NIGHT. THIS YEAR I WOULD LIKE THE VTECH LEAP PAD TO LEARN TO READ, SOME BIKES AND TRUCKS, AND MOST OF ALL MY BUZZ LIGHTYEAR (HE'S MY FAVORITE PAL). THANKS, MICHAEL JR. P.S. I WILL BE SURE TO LEAVE YOU EXTRA COOKIES AND MILK THIS YEAR

Name: Hanna Ozment

Hometown: Mount Carmel

Age: 10

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: How are you doing this year? How is Mrs, Claus and rudolf and the other reindeer and the elves? I have been a good girl this year and got very good grades on my report card. I even helped my Aunt Jackie when she had a broken foot? Who takes care of you when you get sick? If you had no one to take care of you, me and my family would. For Christmas I would like, a bike, monster high create a monster, teenage mutant ninja turtles, skylanders figures-any kind, Bratzilla's, Figit friend yippit, My little pony castle kit, Furby color white, and I REALLY REALLY want a spywatch! Also I'd like Minecraft legos and some 3ds games and a little cat toy for my cat ned. I understand that you can't bring everything, but I know what you bring me will be just as special as you are. I'm makeing you another present this year and will leave it under the tree, and will also leave some milk and cookies and carrots for the reindeer, and you will get the best present EVER!! Give some hugs and kisses to the reindeer, the elves and Mrs Claus for me please and please be safe on your travels. I love you santa, thank you for spreading your magical Christmas Cheer and thank you for giving me presents. Love, Hanna Ozment

Name: Cailein Ozment

Hometown: Mount Carmel

Age: 12

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: How are you and Mrs Claus? How are the Reindeer? I'm sitting here writing this letter and my Mom and hanna are watching. I think Ive been a good this year and have helped around the house and helped my Aunt Jackie with her broken foot. For Christmas this year I only would like a few things, An Xbox 360, Minecraft stuff, World of Warcraft stuff, Paper Mario Sticker Star game, and a Nerf vortex. Anything you would like to bring me is fine. And thank you for bringing me and other children across the world presents. Its a very nice thing to do. Ohhh, I don't want to forgot my sister Hanna..She really wants a spywatch and if you could bring her that , it would be great. Have a safe trip Santa and I will be helping my sister make cookies for you and help her wrap your present which will be under the tree. Hugs to you Santa. Cailein

Name: Dorothy Ozment

Hometown: Mount Carmel

Age: 44

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: Dear Santa, I know my children Hanna and Cailein already asked how you were, but I will ask again. I do hope you and Mrs. Claus are doing well this year and hope all is well with the reindeer and the elves. I am writing this letter to thank you for all the wonderful presents you have given to my family, especially the laughter and priceless memories. And to wish you a happy and healthy New Year. I wish you the best on your journey and please be safe as you travel. Thank you again Santa for your Christmas magic. Love always, Dorothy Ozment

Name: Malaki Delgado

Hometown: atlas

Age: 6

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: For Christmas I would like WWE rumblers, an electronic tablet like my moms, and WWE brawlin buddies. A Rey Mysterio one. I have been a good boy this year. Thank you and I will leave cookies and carrots for you and your reindeer. Malaki Delgado

Name: Jessa Paczkoski

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 12

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I want a bunch of stuff for christmas like a phone card a Glitter Machine Fotty Pajamas A necklace a new bike and alot more Sincerly Jessa

Name: alyssa shutt

Hometown: Coaltownship

Age: 4

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: i been a good girl this year all i want for christmas is a healthy Family N a new ds game system i will have good cookies and milk waitin for u. be safe going from home to home dress warm Love Alyssa Shutt

Name: breanna shutt

Hometown: Coaltownship

Age: 6

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: i been a good girl this year. all i want for christmas is a ipod and a healthy family . stay Safe & Make sure you r warm :) i will have cookie and milk waiting for you hope you enjoy them :) love you santa Love Breanna Shutt

Name: Alexis Bressi

Hometown: Paxinos

Age: 5

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I hope you were watching me from your house this year because I was a very good girl. I try to be kind to all my friends and help them if they make a mess. I say please and thank you when someone gives me something. I listen to my Mom and Dad and clean up my room when I'm done playing. I listen to the bus driver and my teacher in school. I hope you bring me an Easy-Bake oven and CandyLand and Guess-Who so I can play them with my family. Thank you for being so nice to me every Christmas. I will have some cookies and milk waiting here for you on Christmas Eve so you can sit down on my chair and take a break if you want to. Love, Alexis

Name: Derek Wolf

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 6

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: My name is Derek Wolf. I hope you and everone at the north pole is doing well. I have been a good boy this year. Did my shelf elf tell you what he saw? I would also like to know if anyone ever caught you when you were delivering presents? I think I heard you once. I would like if you could bring me an xbox 360 and some games for it, lego ninjagos, cool cars, nerf guns and zombie guns, a telescope, a globe and anything else you think I would like. I hope you come to my house again this year. I will leave milk and cookies for you and a treat for all the reindeer. Thank you Santa. Derek

Name: Maddy Hawkins

Hometown: Kulpmont

Age: 3

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I would really like some Tinkerbell wall stickers for my room, and I would also like some new Cinderella dres-up clothes! Thank you Santa have a Merry Christmas!

Name: Haydn Kaelberer

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 4 yrs

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I was a good boy this year I would like bumblebee mask,spider man stuff,spider man clothes and mask I LOVE YOU Thank You Love Haydn

Name: Emma Brown

Hometown: Sunbury

Age: 4

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: This year I would like an ipod. I would also like a dream lite, a tv for my bedroom, barbie stuff, and a dream lite for my little brother. Emma

Name: Faith Seedor

Hometown: Elysburg

Age: 9

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I wou;ld like for christmas this Year!!! An < american doll clothes an zuzhu puppies

Name: Carter Kramer

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 7

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: How are things in the North Pole? Is Rudolph getting ready for the big trip? This year I was good. This year I hope you will bring me a hamster, an ipod with a blue cover, more legos, clothes, sheets for my bed, nerf guns, new pajamas, socks, a moshi monsters DS game, a pass the pigs game, a fibber game, and in my stocking I would like a watch, a toothbrush, and some cologne. I hope you and Mrs. Claus have a great Christmas! Love, Carter Kramer

Name: sierra Rakus

Hometown: mount carmel

Age: 7

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: hi. my name is sierra. i want monster high dolls,barbie dream house,a ds,flat screen tv, clothes,and candy.

Name: nicholas Rakus

Hometown: mount carmel

Age: 6

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: hi. my name is nicholas. i want toy trucks,helicopters,matbox cars,blocks,clothes,and candy.

Name: alexander zanini

Hometown: elysburg

Age: 6

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: i was a good boy this year. i would like a four wheeler, 3ds xl, pokemon cards, and try 2 find in the store pokemon version white 2 book and yugioh cards. thank you, love alex

Name: alexis zanini

Hometown: g

Age: 8

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: i was a good girl this year and i would like a cake pop maker, easy bake overn refills, camera, and a super surprise. thanks love alexis

Name: mikala bressi

Hometown: coal twp.

Age: 7yrs.

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I have tried really hard to be extra good this year,and my mom and dad are so proud of me. this year for xmas i would like a fijit friend, a slushie maker, some games for my d.s., a new coat, some new movies, a puppy dream lite, stompeez slippers, and some monster high stuff. please dont forget something for my dog kia and my bunny named sweet baby. i love you santa!!!

Name: Amaya Yeager

Hometown: Mt Carmel

Age: 2

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: IMI REALLY EXCITED THIS YEAR SANTA I SEEN YOUR BABY REINDEER AT THE PARK !! I AM ALSO EXCITED FOR CHRISTMAS MY DADDY AND MOMMY PUTUP ALL THE DECORATIONS UP AND MADE OUR HOUSE NICE AND BRIGHT FOR YOU THIS YEAR SO YOU CAN SEE MY HOUYSE EVEN IF ITS FOGGY. PLEASE TELL MRS CLAUS AND THE ELVES THAT I WISH THEM A mERRY cHRISTMAS . sANTA YOU AND THE REINDEER WILL HAVE SPECIAL TREATS THIS YEAR! IM SO EXCITED!!! SANTA ALL I WANT THIS YEAR IS SOME TOYS AND TO BE WITH MY FAMILY . SANTA I LOVE YOU AND EVERYONE AT THE NORTH POLE. PLEASE TELL RUDOLPH THAT I REALLY LOVE HIS RED NOSE. LOVE YOU LOTS AMAYA

Name: JD Brightbill

Hometown: Trevorton, PA

Age: 4

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I would like the Avengers movie, Boulder and Blades Rescue Bots, Snikebite, a remote control car and Scooby Doo & the gang along with the Mystery Machine please. I am just sending this message because I would like you to stop at my house for your cookies and milk. I hope you and the reindeer have a safe trip. Merry Christmas! Thanks Santa!

Name: Gabby Orner

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 6

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I would like Cinderella the movie and games for my DS. I would like baby things for my baby doll too!!

Name: Noah Orner

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 9

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I would like games for my Playstation and PSP. I would like a Shaun White skateboard and some other cool stuff!!

Name: David Alan Andrus

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 3

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: Please come to my house this year. I know my brothers and I have not been perfect, but we are trying. I love playing with my brother's and my star wars toys. Mom says I cann't play with my brother's and have to play with mine. I like to do what Gavin and Ryan, my brothers, do. But I am 3 and they are 10 and 13. Do you think you can please bring me some new star wars toys, a books, and some leappad 2 books and games. Maybe you can be nice and bring Gavin some new lego star wars toys. And Ryan would like google play gift cards for his tablet. Thank you for all the gifts last year, and I hope to see you this year. Your Friend, David Alan Andrus

Name: Cheyenne Krebs

Hometown: Shamokin

Age: 6

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I've been a very good girl and for Christmas this year I would like The bubbly dolphin game, Pony Royales and the hair that goes with them, some Polly Pockets, some Bizu, singing Clarice, horse zuzu pets, and coloring things. Also my brother has been pretty good and I think he needs some toys. My cousins Tally and Warren have been good and they need stuff too. But my uncle Francis needs to stay on the

list.

Name: brianna reigle

Hometown: kulpmont

Age: 6

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: my name ia brianna and i am trying to be a good girl.we will leave u milk and cookies and carrots for deer.i would like a fajit,drums,micro phone,make up,everything one direction,light up pillow,cell phone minutes,furby,tent,bike and nerf guns and clothes.thank for remembering me.we love u

Name: charity reigle

Hometown: kulpmont

Age: 10

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: my name is charity and i have tried to be as good as i can.i would like for christmas is spy stuff,all 1 direction stuff,camera,phone minutes,shoes,clothes,make up,sport stuff and book bag,money,socks,perfume,lottery tickets.thank you we love you.dont forget my other family members please.

Name: dustin blessing

Hometown: kulpmont

Age: 9

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I would like an xbox 360 ,a tablet, some video games clothes, new sneakers, a basketball hoop set , ps vita, skylanders and whatever else you would like to bring me.I will leave you some cookies and milk. thank you santa

Name: luke blessing

Hometown: kulpmont

Age: 6

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: For christmas I would like ps vita with madden 13 game ninja turtle sewer , ninja turtle camera and video camera ,a tablet, art easel, air hogs flying helicopter , dr. dreadful stuff thats a few things I would like If you can think of anything else I would be happy thank you santa I will leave you some goodies.

Name: josh blessing

Hometown: kulpmont

Age: 4

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I would like for christmas the new wii u with mario games ,pop the pig game doggy doo game sonic racetrack, mario stuffies and figures, smurf mega blocks and thats all I could think of oh also a tablet like my two brothers so I can play games too can't wait till christmas I will leave you and your reindeers a treat thanks santa

Name: Emma Myers

Hometown: Elysburg

Age: 8

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: May I please have an Ipod Touch, American Girl Doll,Furry friend, a bean bag chair, and a pink case for the ipod. Can you please bring my dog Ella some treats also. Please tell Mrs.Claus,elves, and the reindeer I said Hi. Merry Christmas. Love Emma

Name: Cody Kalinowski

Hometown: Ranshaw

Age: 5

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I was a very good boy this year and i really want a DS, for christmas, a dirt bike, and some xbox games.

Name: Haley Kalinowski

Hometown: Ranshaw

Age: 1

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: Santa, i was some doll babies for christmas and lots of toys that light up and make noise!

Name: Jada Habowski

Hometown: Ashland

Age: 7

Sex: Girl

They have been: Nice

Letter: I've been a very good girl I try really hard in school. I'm a very active out going little girl. I enjoy watch tv especially the Denver Bronco's winning football games. This year I would like a new bike,ipod,tablet, and Justin Beiber cloths.

Name: Joeseph Peters

Hometown: Kulpmont

Age: 4

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I really would like a nerf gun, monster trucks, iron man toys, cars, snow boots, gloves, and snow on christmas day so I can go out and play in the snow with my new snow boots. Thank you, Joseph

Name: Matthew Peters

Hometown: Kulpmont

Age: 6

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I would really like a ds, ds games, a nerf gun, pokemon cards, some coloring books. I would also like snow boots, and a snow ball shooter. Thank you, Matthew

Name: Curtis Peters

Hometown: Kulpmont

Age: 8

Sex: Boy

They have been: Nice

Letter: I really would like a snowball shooter, pokemon cards, snow boots, bayblades. I would really really like a xbox 360. Thank you, Curtis

MAHANOY CITY - A man and woman are dead after a murder and suicide at a borough home early Christmas morning.

Richard C. Weikel, 37, and Stephanie L. Weikel, 28, were pronounced dead at the apartment they shared at 3 N. 10th St. at 2:17 a.m. by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky of Mahanoy City.

Lt. John Kaczmarczyk said the couple were discovered after officers were called to the house about 1:20 a.m. for a report of a suicidal person.

That call, police Chief Mark Wiekrykas said, came through the Schuylkill County Communications Center from Richard Weikel's ex-wife who resides in another community.

Wiekrykas said Richard Weikel called his ex-wife and admitted to the murder.

The ex-wife called 911 and dispatchers alerted borough police about a possible suicidal man.

Kaczmarczyk, the investigating officer, said that he and Patrolman Charles Kovalewski arrived within minutes and found the couple deceased.

Wiekrykas said the couple were found inside the kitchen area of the apartment and that three weapons, a handgun and two long rifles, were recovered from inside.

The investigation determined that the man shot the woman and then turned the gun on himself, Kaczmarczyk said.

Detectives from the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office were called in to assist, and the investigation determined the death of the woman was a homicide, after which the man turned the weapon on himself.

Both Wiekrykas and Kaczmarczyk said they are still trying to determine a motive for what led up to the shootings and the investigation is ongoing. Mahanoy City EMS was called to the scene but it was soon learned their services were not needed because the man and woman were deceased.

Yellow crime scene tape surrounded the house as daylight broke Christmas morning, showing a dark contrast to other homes in the area that were decked out in red, green and white lights.

SHAMOKIN TOWNSHIP - Two occupants were left homeless after a fire early Christmas morning destroyed their mobile home.

Stonington Fire Chief Kerry Yordy said fire crews were called at approximately 2:30 a.m. to a fire at the 65-foot mobile home of Paul Shingara at 4504 State Route 61. The home stands about 1 1/2 miles from the intersection of Routes 61 and 487.

Shingara and his girlfriend, Tammy Zelinsky, escaped from the home wearing only the sleepwear they had on at the time.

"When I arrived there were flames coming out of every window," Yordy said Tuesday afternoon. "It was a mobile home, and those tend to go up rather quickly."

Yordy said the fire, accidental in nature, was caused by a wood burner in the living room.

Shingara, who suffered a foot laceration, was treated at the scene by ambulance crews. A female firefighter from Sunbury had to be taken to a hospital because of an anxiety attack. She was treated and released.

Yordy said that the home is a total loss, but that Shingara had a small amount of insurance on the place.

The couple were staying with next-door neighbors following the blaze, and the Red Cross were called to help with clothing for them.

Crews were back in service by 4:30 a.m. Yordy said firefighters had no problems fighting the blaze, despite below-freezing temperatures and a fresh coating of snow on the ground.

"We didn't have any problems with the lines freezing or getting our footing," Yordy said. "There was a PennDOT crew on site watching for slick spots with salt trucks at the ready. They closed the roadway for the time we were on scene."

Emergency crews from Stonington, Elysburg, Overlook, Shamokin, Coal Township, Sunbury and Upper Augusta and Lower Augusta townships responded to the two-alarm fire.

Line Mountain

HERNDON - The honor roll for the first marking period at Line Mountain Junior-Senior High School has been announced.

Distinguished honor roll

12th-grade - Colton Bowman, Kaitlyn Boyer, William Breinich, Dylan Brosius, Katia Carl, Kelsey Derrick, Amanda Feger, Dalton Frits, Heidi Gessner, William Grove, Britton Heim, Lucas Hoffman, Cory Hummel, Joseph Katalinas, Zachery Kemberling, Tia Kissinger, Ciera Lahr, Cally Lenig, Samantha Lesher, Alyssa Letterman, Nathan Levan, Kyle Mace, Dillan Michael, Ryan Paczkoskie, Kerri Pickett, Carl Pollard, Jeremy Renn, Samantha Schlegel, Abbie Shervinskie, Erik Smeltz, Olivia Souder, Autumn Wehry, Joseph Weller and Victoria Wolfe.

11th-grade - Paige Adams, Hannah Campbell, Lauren Giordani, Kaitlyn Kembel, Madison Lagerman, Janelle Lahr, Brooke Long, Olivia Poltonavage, Stephany Reader, Madeline Reed, Courtlyn Trautman, Colleen Troutman, Falconer Walshaw-Wertz, Cory Warford, Jessica Wittig and Allison Wolfe.

10th-grade - Breanna Boyer, Mary Erdman, Samantha Hertz, Skyler Hoover, Isabel Kissinger, Amanda Klinger, Blair-Anne Klinger, Christian Lerch, Deidre Long, Candis Mattern, Kortnee Schwartz, Logan Shaffer and Sherylyn Wilkinson.

Ninth-grade - Maddison Adams, Dylan Bartholomew, Michaela Bensinger, Britney Bidding, Katelyn Campbell, Maddy Carl, Rachel Clark, Amanda Deeben, Christopher Deppen, Mikayla Derck, Olivia Elia, Lydia Eyster, Laine Hackenberg, Caitlin Heim, Kourtney Heintzelman, Wade Houseman, Morgan Hunsberger, Quentin Kaleta, Shjon Kern, Tommy Kittle, Dylan Latsha, Jonathan Lenker, Makayla Lorenz, Kiana Lukoskie, Kurt Mace, Rebecca Masser, Brendan Renn, Lauren Scheib, Kadence Selig, Briana Shervinskie, Abriana Smink, Teresa Stutzman, Madison Trautman, Cheyenne Weiser, Abby Witmer, Yvonne Wittig and Alison Wolfe.

Eighth-grade - Brianna Adams, Nicole Adams, Benjamin Bidding, Autumn Bohner, Victoria Duffy, Nathan Dunkelberger, Breanna Ebright, Makenzie Erdman, Samuel Ferster, Megan Finlan, Grace Halfen, Katiemae Hoffman, Justin Kaleta, Myah King, Mia Kissinger, Collin Klinger, Brandon Knarr, Autumn Kritzer, Bailey Masser, Breanna Minnier, Alexander Rissinger, Colton Schaible, Dawson Scott, Joelle Snyder, Sarah Stutzman, Kaitlyn Troutman, Meadow Walshaw-Wertz, Ashley Wilga, Tyahva Wilhour, Christian Williams, Jacob Wolfe, Victoria Wolfe and Mekeala Woods.

Seventh-grade - Sierra Bobb, Tyler Boyer, Kyle Brosh, Tyler D'Alesandro, Brookelynn Day, Kayla Ebersole, Alaina Eyster, Jacob Foulds, Camilla Gessner, Baylee Hawk, Hunter Herb, Nathan Hoffman, Rachel Keiter, Margo Kessler, Christopher Koperna, Kolden Kosmer, Alyssa Lambert, Kylee Lerch, Wesley Long, Lillia Lucas, Maura Lundy, Kayla Ray, Andrew Rissinger, Natalie Scheib, Rogen Shaffer, Jordan Smith, Bradyn Thomas, Maria Troutman, Nathan Troutman, Sadie Walshaw, Emily Wolfe and Emily Zerbe.

Honor roll

12th-grade - Brittany Arbogast, Savannah Copson, Shawn DeLong, Kevin Dewald, Dylon Failor, Danielle Flynn, Coltin Hunsberger, Garret Lahr, Sarah Lahr, Seth Lansberry, Kimberly Latsha, Alexis Lee, Jade London, Michael Lorenz, Brooklyn Marquette-Hulsizer, Casey Masser, Codi Morris, Cole Rickert, Kenneth Rothermel, Nicholas Seybert, Steven Shepperson, Cody Snyder, Brittany Straub, Courtney Whary, Tysha Wilhour, James Yocum and Kyle Zimmerman.

11th-grade - Nikolas Bigger, Megen Bordner, Kaitlyn Erdman, Alyssa Johnston, Caleb Keefer, Janessa Kosmer, Shandi Lenker, Dillon London, Conner Noblit, Kelsea Rebuck, Kalan Schlegel, Samuel Scretching, Jared Specht, Briana Wagner, Colton Zimmerman and Jessica Zimmerman.

10th-grade - Alexandra Balavage, Zachery Bobb, Justin Boyer, Keleb Brosious, Blake Carl, Logan Carl, Christopher Erdman, Kristen Erdman, Colton Gaw, Amber Glace, Kelsey Hatzel, Sabrina Hertz, Shania Kerstetter, Olivia Kleman, Caitlin Koperna, Ashley Lehman, James Lenker, Michael Lessing, Meredith Long, Zachary Long, Selah Lucas, Chad Mace, Jordan Norgaard, Madison Reed, Logan Snyder, Tanner Spatzer and Natasha Wetzel.

Ninth-grade - Austin Baumert, Shane Bordner, Carissa Burns, Kristin Erdman, Mariah Franke, Nathaniel Gessner, Michaela Haddock, Austin Harris, Logan Ingram, Celsey Long, Crystyn Masser, Ashley Pennell, Brok Phillips, David Savidge, Christian Stump, Elizabeth Teitter, Raiden Wiest, Abagail Wilkinson, Justice Williams, Jacob Wise, Vaugh Witmer, Cassidy Yeager, Courtney Yeager and Gabrielle Yeager.

Eighth-grade - Isaac Bell, Aryanna Boyer, Kenneth Boyer, Kayla Brosious, Colyn Buddock, Cheyenne Fetterhoff, William Foulds, Samantha Fuller, Mackenzie Grandis, Travis Hartman, Cole Hauck, Bryce Hoffman, Kirstin Hughes, Garrett Kieffer, Noel Lagerman, Ashley Lambert, Cobe Latsha, Destiny Latsha, Shelly Long, Alexa Michaels, John Miller, Desarae Moore, Collin Ney, Brent Osman, Hali Phillips and Sara Williams.

Seventh-grade - Amr Abdou, Brittany Bendas, Laura Bordner, Gage Bowers, Dillan Brown, Danielle Collazo, Kennedy Fisher, John Hackenberg, Cameron Hauck, Kambria Herb, Abigail Klinger, Cassidy Koperna, Austin Lahr, Ethan Long, Robert Malafi, James Masser, Craig Reichard, Audrianna Reiner, Cody Schreier, Brent Shaffer, Emily Shepley, Brenda Shirk, Janessa Snyder, Lacey Snyder, Montana Sprenkle and Karl Troutman.

Christmas tree pickup set Jan. 5

ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township Business Association members will provide a Christmas tree pickup for township residents Saturday, Jan. 5.

Residents are asked to have their trees curbed by 9 a.m. and donations clearly attached.

Donations can also be mailed to the Ralpho Township Business Association, P.O. Box 218. Trees will be recycled for mulch used at the community park.

Donations directly fund the association's $500 annual scholarship program.

Heritage museum open this week

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin-Coal Township Heritage Museum, located on the second floor of the American Legion Building, Independence Street, will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Admission is free. Donations are accepted.

Duplicate museum items and Northumberland County Council for the Arts items are for sale to benefit the museum, council and heritage parade.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning for the area that will last until 7 a.m. Thursday morning, courtesy of a storm that is expected to bring a wintry mix to the area will hit later this afternoon.

This winter storm comes on the heels of a snowfall Christmas Eve night of approximately one inch. That snow gave the area its first "white Christmas" in several years.

The NWS, which is based in State College, changed its alert for the latest weather event from a winter storm watch to a warning at approximately 2:10 p.m. Tuesday. The forecast is for 3 to 6 inches of precipitation, which could make travel dicey Wednesday evening.

"It's going to be messy," said forecaster Rob Radzinowski.

Radzinowski said the show is expected to start by mid-to-late morning and will move into the area very quickly.

"It's going to be snow to start, probably dropping from 3 to 6 inches into the afternoon hours," he said.

In the early evening, an influx of warmer air is expected to turn the snow into a wintry mix. Some sleet, followed by freezing rain, will accumulate through the night.

The warning is set to expire at 7 a.m. Thursday, but Radzinowski said the storm should wind down a few hours before that.

"As people start waking up, there is going to be a mess to clean up," he said.

The NWS said the storm will make for hazardous travel due to ice- and snow-covered roads. Isolated power outages are possible due to ice buildup on power lines and trees.

"It will be tough for street crews to keep up with the accumulation during the snowfall," Radzinowski said. "They may be able to do so overnight, but the sleet and freezing rain afterwards could provide some trouble."

The weather service advised people who are traveling to take alternate routes, whenever possible, to avoid the storm. If travel is unavoidable, drivers should use extreme caution and carry extra supplies, such as blankets, food and a cell phone in case they become stranded.

This winter storm comes on the heels of a snowfall Christmas Eve night of approximately one inch. That snow gave the area its first "white Christmas" in several years.

MOUNT CARMEL - Bruno J. Leonardi, 345 S. Beech St., formerly of 226 W. Fourth St., turned 100 years old Dec. 9.

He was born in 1912 in Tuenno, in the providence of Trento, Austria, now in Italy.

He was a son of Mary Zanolini and Luigi Leonardi and the oldest of five siblings. He is the last surviving member of his family. His siblings were Ines (Leonardi) Bressan, Esther Leonardi, Bruna (Leonardi) Zanella and Ezio Leonardi.

Upon discharge from the Italian army in December 1933, he left Italy by ship for America. He arrived later that month.

He worked many jobs, including for the Mount Carmel Water Company and as a mechanic for Albertini Motors. He eventually went to New York City to live with his uncle and worked as a mechanic and driver for a New York cab company.

On April 9, 1942, he was inducted into the U.S. Army to serve in World War II. After his training, he was assigned to serve with the 98th Ordnance Co. heavy-tank maintenance unit, serving in southern France, central Europe and Casablanca in Africa. He attained the rank of technician fourth grade (sergeant) and received the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Medal, EAME Theater Service Medal with three Bronze Stars and Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged Nov. 16, 1945.

He returned to Mount Carmel to work as a mechanic for Albertini Motors, then for Frederick Zuech garage in Strong. He took classes at a trade school on West Sixth Street in Mount Carmel, which is now the site of a playground.

He met and eventually married Theresa Pupo of Mount Carmel on Sept. 28, 1946, and set up housekeeping on South Poplar Street in an apartment above Bressan's Bar (now Dorko's). In April 1952, they moved to 226 W. Fourth St. They had three children: Marytheresa, married to Ray Hornberger, Mount Carmel; Rose Jean Leonardi, Northumberland, and Louis Leonardi, Mount Carmel, and a grandson, Adam Hornberger, son of Marytheresa and Ray Hornberger, of Mount Carmel. Theresa Leonardi passed away on March 13, 2003, after 56 years and six months of marriage.

Bruno lived at his Fourth Street home until January 2010, and now lives with Marytheresa and Ray at 345 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel.

In 1951, he and his brother Ezio opened Mount Carmel Dry Cleaners and Tailoring Shop on West Butternut Street. In the early 1960s, they moved the business to 515 W. Fifth St. They stayed in business until their retirement in June 1989. They also both worked as mail contract carriers for the U.S. Postal Service from the early 1970s until December 1996. They fully retired at the ages of 84 and 74, respectively.

Bruno, his wife and children, parents and in-laws traved through the United States and Canada. In 1975, Bruno returned to his hometown of Tuenno, Italy, for a visit with family and friends. He also went to Rome and to Isca (southern Italy) to see where his wife was born.

Attending his birthday party at the Atlas American Legion were friends, family, acquaintances, his pastor the Rev. John Szada, Mayor J. Kevin and Donna Jones, who presented Bruno with a proclamation declaring Dec. 10 as Bruno John Leonardi Day, his doctor, Dr. Greg Burke, and his wife, Kim.

The party was given by Marytheresa and Ray and grandson, Adam and his wife, Beth.

Guests from as far away as Naples, Fla., attended.

A Mass in his honor was celebrated by Szada Dec. 9 in Divine Redeemer Church.

The director of the Northumberland County drug and alcohol program believes increasing the maximum fine for underage drinking and public drunkenness from $300 to $500 for a first-time offender and $1,000 for second and subsequent offenses will help alleviate a serious problem.

New legislation that increases the fines for underage drinking and public drunkenness went into effect Christmas Eve. The former maximum fines were $300 for public drunkenness and first-time underage drinking citations. Repeat offenders were subject to $500 fines.

Authored by state Sen. Jake Corman (R-34) of Centre County, the legislation had strong support from both Republicans and Democrats, including district attorneys and police chiefs throughout the state.

Fines for the offenses had not been increased since 1972.

Glenda Bonetti, drug and alcohol director for the county, believes underage drinkers will think twice before indulging and said the increases in fines should reduce alcohol-related disturbances.

"I definitely think increasing the fines is a good thing that will help curb the underage drinking problem," Bonetti said Monday. "The key is to make teens and their parents aware of the fine increase. A lot of kids don't pay their fines, their parents do. So if the parents know the fines have

increased, I believe they will take a more active role in dealing with their sons or daughters when it comes to drinking."

Bonetti said, in 2012, 25 people have successfully completed a Youthful Offenders Program for first-time offenders cited for underage drinking, public drunkenness or providing police with false identification through the county's four magisterial district justice offices. She said the program, which currently costs $500, was instituted in 2010 by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel.

The purpose of the program is to deter, rehabilitate and educate offenders. Jones started the program after realizing the importance of educating young people on the dangers of drinking alcohol after presiding over several underage drinking cases in a short period of time after he took office.

The program, which is geared mostly to teenagers, is similar to the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program conducted by the county for individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, who have their offenses expunged if they successfully complete the program.

If a person successfully completes 14 hours of alcohol education instruction, he or she will have their summary charges dismissed and will not have their driving privileges suspended.

An important aspect of the program is the requirement of offenders' parents to participate.

A pilot program will expand next month in an effort to keep troubled military veterans on the straight and narrow.

The Magisterial District Judge Diversion program, believed by state officials to be one-of-a-kind to Pennsylvania, is patterned after a program already established in the Court of Common Pleas in 13 Pennsylvania counties, including Northumberland, where incarceration can be avoided through supervised treatment.

The state cites drug and alcohol abuse, anger management and post-traumatic stress disorder as issues that could trigger criminal behavior. The hope is that by intervening in cases handled by the lower courts, veterans in trouble with the law won't find themselves repeating that behavior.

In Pennsylvania and elsewhere, some veterans, particularly those returning from active military and combat areas, are having trouble, said Art Heinz, communications coordinator for the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC).

"It's a recognition of clear evidence nationwide ... that their readjustment to life is difficult," he said.

The pilot program began last month in Centre County. It will expand to Monroe and Westmoreland counties beginning New Year's Day.

Hugh A. Jones, magisterial district judge, Mount Carmel, himself a veteran, said he'd be interested in hearing more about the program.

"I'd certainly be willing to be part of this," he said Wednesday.

DA must sign off

The program would allow veterans accused of summary offenses like fighting and public drunkenness to choose supervised treatment instead of judicial punishment.

One caveat: the county's district attorney's office must sign off on the plan.

As long as the six-month treatment period is completed without further trouble, the summary charges would be dismissed. The charge would be restored in the event a veteran fails to complete treatment.

How it's different

The proposed program for the magisterial court system varies from what's in place in Common Pleas Courts. Those programs are generally a minimum of one year, and while successful completion can keep a veteran out of jail, it won't clear his or her record.

"We can't just remove felony charges," said Noel Jones, coordinator of Northumberland County's five treatment courts, including the one for veterans.

He said the county's veterans court consists of three phases: three months concentrating on the individual through counseling, three months of continued counseling focused on mending strained familial and personal relationships, and six months capitalizing on successful counseling by finding employment and re-establishing the veteran in the community.

Once they graduate, supervision - which includes biweekly visits to the county courthouse - is eased, although participants must continue to comply with any court-ordered probation.

The county program is buoyed by support from the Veterans Administration, which offsets cost by providing counseling and related services. It has also lent its support to the state pilot program.

AOPC reports there are more than 1 million veterans in Pennsylvania. Noel Jones estimates 10 to 12 percent of Northumberland County's approximately 94,500 residents are military veterans. He applied the same percentage estimate to the county's prison population.

So far, so good

Established in October 2011, Northumberland County's first four veterans court participants graduated during a ceremony last month.

There are currently 12 veterans enrolled in the county, all of whom are supervised by a single probation officer. If enrollment tops 25, the caseload would be split among two probation officers, Noel Jones said.

So far, so good, he said.

"We have not had an instance yet where we had to reincarcerate someone from veterans court," he said.

No deadline

The Magisterial District Judge Diversion program will be monitored continually, Heinz said, and there is no deadline to end the pilot program or determine its merits. He also was unaware of any specific benchmarks that are sought to determine success or failure, and if or when it would be implemented statewide.