Nov. 1 - A Berwick man and an Elysburg woman were charged with fleeing police and assaulting a police officer after authorities were led on a two-hour foot chase through Elysburg. The man, Justin Cressinger, 24, had seven outstanding warrants in Columbia County.

Nov. 2 - Brandon Chapman, 18, of Mount Carmel, led police on their second foot pursuit in 24 hours, sending authorities on a 25-minute pursuit through the borough.

Nov. 5 - Northumberland County Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy said a conflict of interest could result in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit related to a rape case in Point Township in which the victim is the cousin of Point Township Police Chief Joshua Van Kirk, and was dating the arresting officer. The commissioners said District Attorney Tony Rosini did not adequately address the conflicts.

Nov. 7 - Six homes were damaged in a row-home fire in the morning hours on East Second Street, Mount Carmel. Officials said a lack of water pressure may have contributed to the damage, but the fire was caused by a flue pipe on a coal stove being too close to a wall.

Nov. 13 - Shamokin City Council approved the purchase of nearly $17,000 in leather furniture for a new community lounge in the basement of the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library. The funding came from grant money.

Nov. 14 - Fugitive Ronald C. Bowman of Coal Township was taken into custody at his residence, after being on the run for six months in connection with an assault of another Coal Township resident in Zerbe Township.

Nov. 14 - Northumberland County put 19 properties back on the tax rolls at its latest judicial tax sale, which generated $50,000 to be split among the county and the municipalities and school districts where the properties are located. The highest price paid for a property was $8,038.60, by Twilight Beginnings, of Mount Carmel, for the old Washington School building in Shamokin.

Nov. 15 - Northumberland County announced plans to expand its house arrest program, allowing as many as 40 non-violent prisoners the opportunity to obtain jobs.

Nov. 19 - As a result of gas supplies being rerouted and refineries being shut down due to Superstorm Sandy, several area Sheetz stores, including the Elysburg location, were out of regular and mid-grade gasoline.

Nov. 20 - Northumberland County Commissioners voted on several cost-cutting measures to take effect in 2013, including the closing of senior action centers in Elysburg, Dewart and Riverside, and no longer using state constables to transport inmates to and from arraignments and hearings.

Nov. 20 - Shamokin resident Scott J. Binsack, who formerly served time in prison, was taken into custody in Bath, N.Y., after allegedly violating his parole. On the same day he was taken into custody, Binsack filed a federal lawsuit against several Shamokin City and state probation officials, claiming his constitutional rights were violated.

Nov. 25 - Northumberland County announced that in the wake of raises and county health care costs going up, it would need to raise property taxes 11 percent.

Nov. 27 - The season's first measurable snowfall hit the area, causing crashes on the Merriam and Natalie mountains that sent one person to the hospital.

Nov. 29 - A Northumberland County Judge dropped the most serious charges, aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol, in the case of Victor Swaboski III, of Mount Carmel, who awaits trial on charges he struck five teens with his vehicle in March.

Nov. 30 - Northumberland County Commissioner Richard Shoch blasted Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi, saying that because he ignored the problem, the county must now pay back at least $200,000 of a $350,000 state grant intended for low-income families.

Sept. 1 - Judy A. Kerstetter, 67, of Shamokin; Donna Ann (Ferrari) Ondrasik, 62, of Palmerton; Richard W. Price IV, 77, of Robesonia.

Sept. 2 - Ruth A. Deeter, 80, of Ashland; Aloysius J. Wilinski, 83, of Coal Township.

Sept. 3 - Richard A. Harris Jr., 33, of Ashland; David L. Maloney, 71, of Oklahoma.

Sept. 4 - William S. Whitmore, of Bloomsburg; Barbara Ann Donner, 62, of Ashland.

Sept. 5 - Shirley L. Neidig, 72, of Aristes; Connie Yoncoski, 64, of Coal Township; John Arthur Francis Shields, of Mount Carmel; Laura Pearl Koons, 24, of Mount Carmel.

Sept. 6 - James R. "Jimmy" Jones, 93, of Mount Carmel; Michael R. Spade Jr., 18, of Shamokin.

Sept. 7 - The Rev. Donald A. Burge, 91, of Sebring, Ohio.

Sept. 8 - Arlene A. Swinehart, 91, of Pitman; Jane M. Simmons, 82, of Mount Carmel ; Dennis W. "Jitz" Chaundy, 63, of Sunbury; Bridget A. Grybos, 84, of Mount Carmel; Betty Jane Paskus, 80, of Horsham.

Sept. 10 - Shirley Ruth Shroyer, 88, of Selinsgrove.

Sept. 11 - George "Clarky" Townsend, 82, of Mount Carmel.

Sept. 12 - Helen M. Ozlanski, 99, of Mount Carmel; Thomas L. Chase, 78, of Lancaster; Henry J. "Hank" Stutz, 70, of Woodward Township; William E. Kelley, 80, of Wilkes-Barre; Alma A. Martin, 92, of Coal Township.

Sept. 13 - Mary Kuzo, 88, of Mount Carmel; Josephine A. Wargo, 81, of Marion Heights; Martha M. Kalinoski, of Coal Township; Marcella E. (Augustine) Yadlosky Schwarz, 74, formerly of Mount Carmel and Reading.

Sept. 14 - Dorothy Ann (Wondoloski) Morris, 88, of Sunbury.

Sept. 16 - Lorraine D. Yakoboski, 86, formerly of New Cumberland; Gage Xander Weidow, infant, of Mount Carmel; Edward A. Scicchitano, 81, of Timonium, Md.

Sept. 17 - Anthony J. "Jim" Shervanick, 75, of Milltown, N.J.

Sept. 18 - Norman E. Hertzog, 73, of Coal Township; Mildred L. Hoy, 93, of New Cumberland; Gladys Hope (Knoebel) Persing, 101, formerly of Elysburg; Patricia L. "Patty" (Behe) Zenyuh, 55, of Collinsburg.

Sept. 19 - Mary Kertis, 96, of Mount Carmel; Patricia E. (Snyder) Steinbacher, 74, of Mount Carmel; William "Bill" E. Moll Jr., 56, of Danville.

Sept. 20 - William R. Pensyl, 85, of Shamokin.

Sept. 21 - Walter J. Wronoski, of Ambrose.

Sept. 22 - Erma Shurgalla, 92, of Coal Township; Blanche I. Bradigan, 85, of Coal Township; Victor Joseph "Joey" Reidinger, 60, of Sunbury; Edna Bazura, 98, of Maumee, Ohio; Michel "Mick" R. Cunningham, 40, formerly of Toledo, Ohio.

Sept. 23 - Helen M. Mitten, 70, of Ashland; Catherine P. Buzzie, 77, of Shamokin.

Sept. 25 - Ellen Kovach, 94, of Kulpmont.

Sept. 26 - Roger A. Wolfgang, 65, of Marion Heights.

Sept. 27 - Ralph E. Kobbe, 53, of Elysburg.

Sept. 29 - David P. Barvitskie, 62, of Paxinos; Shirley Surowiak, 88, of Shamokin.

Sept. 30 - Kenneth R. Paul, 70, of Paxinos; Mary (Romanies) Budick, 81, of Plymouth Meeting; Diane K. Kehler, 69, of Shamokin; Lula A. Crowe, 94, of Coal Township; Cecelia M. Ostroski, 96, of Mount Carmel; James E. "Pepsi" Heraty, 71, of New Orleans, La.

MOUNT CARMEL - Family Home Medical Home Health Agency announces that Stephen Minker has accepted an invitation to join the agency's professional advisory board. The board provides guidance and oversight for the company's daily operations and community outreach efforts.

"Mr. Minker's professional expertise and dedicated community involvement is a welcome and valuable addition to our board," said Warren D. Altomare, CEO.

Minker, of Coal Township, graduated from Shamokin Area High School in 1971 and earned a bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Miami in 1975.

He serves on several local boards, including Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and Northumberland County Recreation Commission.

Minker is a past member of the Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority and the University of Miami alumni board.

"His strong community involvement and commitment to the residents of our area give him an excellent understanding of the various health care needs of the community," Altomare said.

June 1 - A daughter, Sophia, to James and Deborah Gownley, of Mount Carmel; a son, Channing Cole Ladd, to Jerry Ladd and Shanda Dubaskas, of Selinsgrove.

June 2 - A daughter, Alayna Grace Lahr, to Eve-Marie Maurer and Jermaine Lahr, of Mount Carmel; a son, Gavin Charles, to Jonathan and Anna Traugh, of Catawissa.

June 3 - A daughter, Ella Grace, to Ronald and Mary Anne Stump, of Gordon.

June 4 - A son, Malcom Keefer Francis, to Julie and Malcom Collins Farrow V, of Paxinos.

June 5 - A son, Jacob Paul, to Robert and Maryjane Long, of Elysburg; a daughter, Airyanna Eve Mickel, to Becky Donner and Arthur Mickel, of Atlas.

June 6 - A daughter, Dani Lyn, to Vikki and Michael Boris III, of Mount Carmel.

June 9 - A son, Elton Shaun Michael, to Tiffany Mulvehill, of Mount Carmel; a daughter, Gabriella Jannelle, to Rich and Angel Kalinoski, of Orlando, Fla.

June 13 - Twins, daughter Avery and son Harrison, to Dr. Christine DiRienzo Rogers and Bill Rogers, of Blue Bell.

June 15 - A son, Liam Charles, to Richard and Stephanie Johnston, of Coal Township.

June 18 - A daughter, Chloe Rose McGinnis, to Breanna Mandolene and Brendan McGinnis, of Berwick.

June 20 - A son, Jerome David Golden III, to Jamie Mariano and Jerome Golden, of Shamokin; a daughter, Kyleigh Ann, to Andrea and Kirk Peiffer, of Colorado Springs, Colo.

June 21 - A son, Kaymen Mathew Delancey, to Dessa M. Delancey, of Elysburg.

June 23 - A son, Christian Aaron, to Bethany and Shane Lahr, of Trevorton.

June 25 - Twin sons, Dean and Sam, to Jennifer and John Neary, of Shamokin; a son, Dylan Thomas, to Dawn and Damien Searfoss, of Catawissa.

June 26 - A son, Christopher Henry, to Beth A. and Christopher M. Pincoskie, of Coal Township.

Aug. 3 - A daughter, Kylie Regina, to Nicholas and Kelly Cuff, of Catawissa.

Aug. 5 - A son, Daniel Lee, to Brian and Elizabeth Koshinski, of Coal Township.

Aug. 8 - A daughter, Breann Riley Bickel, to Jason A. Bickel and KaSandra Ann Eltringham, of Shamokin.

Aug. 10 - A daughter, Summer Rose, to Danielle and Jason Lebo Sr., of Coal Township; a daughter, Layla Kelley, to Jared and Rachel White, of Coal Township.

Aug. 11 - A son, Bentlee Stephen, to Stephen and Mandi Snyder, of Rebuck.

Aug. 12 - A daughter, Emily Mae Lehman, to Brian Lehman and Vanesa Canouse, of Shamokin.

Aug. 14 - A son, Anthony Robert Anderson Jr., to Anthony R. Anderson Sr. and Trish Sweigard, of Trevorton.

Aug. 15 - A son, Liam Michael Edwin Latsha, to Nicole M. LaPierre and Jonathan E. Latsha, of Coal Township.

Aug. 16 - A daughter, Alexa Catherine Maria, to Pamela and Edward Berg, of Raleigh, N.C.

Aug. 17 - A son, Edward James Darvin, to Jason and Kristi Marlow, of Sunbury.

Aug. 18 - A son, Collin Michael, to Michael and Julee Keefer, of Elysburg; a son, Dalton Steele, to Stacy and Eric Brightbill, of Shamokin.

Aug. 19 - A son, Noah Benjamin, to Kim and Ben Ehrsam.

Aug. 25 - A son, Ivan Steinhart, to Jonathan and Linda Steinhart, of Vienna, Austria.

Aug. 27 - Twin sons, Zander Ray and Kale Victor, to Jeff and Laura (Howell) Janovich, of Mount Pleasant.

Aug. 30 - A daughter, Courtney Marie, to Christopher M. and Lynn Marie E. Leiby, of Ranshaw.

Aug. 31 - A son, Robert Thomas, to Melissa and Robert T. Malia Sr., of Coal Township.

July 1 - Jane E. Zigner, 76, of Bloomsburg; William J. "Plug" Vaughn, 53, of Ashland; Helen A. Biedrzycki, 90, of Bloomsburg.

July 2 - June A. Taglieri, 80, of Trevorton.

July 3 ­- Joseph H. Carrigan, 87, of Numidia; Benjamin M. Garr, 88, of Shamokin; Gloria Bosco, 88, of Lavelle; Pearl Smith, 78, of Coal Township; Catherine R. Giorgini, 95, of Camp Hill.

July 4 - Mary Jane Lute, of Wayne; Elaine Schlorff, 85, of Abington.

July 5 - Jeanette T. Berholtz, 68, of Shamokin.

July 6 - Pamela A. (Smith) Clark, 53, of Hamilton, N.C.

July 7 - Conrad T. Bushick, 81, of Kulpmont; Emma C. Weissinger Slotterback, 86, of Langhorne; Edward P. McHale, 94, of Fountain Springs.

July 8 - Dorothy B. Ondo, 89, of Mount Carmel.

July 9 - John G. Panko, 78, of Mount Carmel; Doris A. Gonsar, 85, of Trevorton; Jean M. Petrovich, 87, of Coal Township.

July 10 - John R. Capozello Sr., 79, of Sunbury; George Bortnichak, 99, of Mount Carmel.

July 11 - Dolores May Poticher, 83, of Coal Township; Walter P. Shameleski, 86, formerly of Herndon and Shamokin; Helen A. Rogutski, 82, of Mount Carmel.

July 12 - Dorothy A. (Savidge) Baran, 84, of Glassboro, N.J.

July 13 - Frantz Sigafoos, 82, of Trevorton; Bertha Stankunas (nee Hile), 90, of Philadelphia; Ava Marie Scholl, infant, of Sunbury.

July 14 - Geraldine M. (Bogetti) Mannix, 75, of Rehoboth Beach, Del.

July 15 - Laura E. Kerstetter, 95, of Shamokin; John H. "Jack" Rodgers, 81, of Selinsgrove; Lorraine A. Dinklocker, 87, of Coal Township; Jean Ponatoski Josephs, 86, of Sierra Vista, Ariz.

July 16 - Annabel R. Skonecki, 81, of Mount Carmel.

July 17 - Alvina C. "Vi" Cheslock, 92, of Northumberland; Gregory J. Wysock, 65, of Shamokin; Joseph S. Shebby, 77, of Stroud Township.

July 19 - Anna L. (Hoffman) Kimmerle, 102, of Springfield; Stanley L. Blake, 77, of Sherrill, N.Y.

July 20 - Rita A. Gurba, 77, of Paxinos.

July 21 - Joseph J. Roney Jr., 83, of Mount Carmel; Paul A. McDermott Sr., 88, of Shamokin; Sophie M. Mrozowski, 90, formerly of Mount Carmel; Hannah E. Horbach, 91, formerly of Ashland.

July 22 - Patrick G. Komara, 68, of Coal Township; Sylvia V. Daya, 88, of Kulpmont.

July 23 - Marcus G. Adams, 85, of Catawissa; Rosalie Gallup, 82, of Marion Heights; Marie Catherine (Koss) Clifford, 94, of Wanamassa, N.J.

July 24 - Nancy McElwee, 74, of Coal Township.

July 25 - Irene B. Deroba, 92, of Shamokin; Patricia P. (Patrick) Snyder, 73, of Exeter Township.

July 26 - Michael Kwasnoski, 79, of Ranshaw; Laurabelle G. Knarr, 72, of Shamokin.

July 27 - Eleanor Rumberger, 98, of Shamokin.

July 28 - Mildred C. (Rutkowski) Goverick, 84, of Montoursville; Lois T. Kilburn, 71, of West York.

July 29 - Eva F. Keister, 64, of Middleburg; Jack Zelinskie, 81, formerly of Shamokin; Ruth May Anderson, 92, of Coal Township.

July 30 - Gerald F. Yoder, 73, of Shamokin.

July 31 - Richard C. Scherer, 54, of Wilkes-Barre; John G. Porter, 80, of Herndon.

Oct. 1 - Edwin E. Howerter, 84, of Kulpmont; Ruth M. Friedman, 76, of Woodbury, N.J; Thelma E. Kane, 95, of Mount Carmel; Rosemarie Picarelli, 76, of Shamokin.

Oct. 2 - Catherine L. Honicker, 92, of Shamokin; Stanley "Stosh" Shervinski Jr., 71, of Coal Township: Geri Hart, 82, of Coal Township.

Oct. 3 - Emma V. Horne, 91, of Elizabethtown; Joseph "Joe" A. Bigus, 86, of Kulpmont; William R. Brennan, 90, of Orlando, Fla.; Rosemarie Moleski Wishneski, 81, of Wallingford, Conn.

Oct. 4 - Daniel L. Troutman, 89, of Mount Carmel; Mary Balog, 89, of Den-Mar Gardens; Austin D. James, 19, of Coal Township; Edward R. McIntyre, 80, of Edison, N.J.; Marie Rydzewski, 81, of Brookhaven.

Oct. 5 - Norman C. Sobotor, 85, of Harrisburg; Regina A. Smith, 92, of Mount Carmel; Deborah H. Persavage, 56, of Trevorton; Lucille Kashnoski, 61, of Kulpmont.

Oct. 6 - Loretta Ann Victoria "Kippy" (Kovalovich) Snyder, 64, of Mount Carmel; Margaret V. Dunn, 85, of Tharptown; Alvenia R. (Trefsgar) Rescigno, 83, of Seal Beach, Calif.

Oct. 7 - Bonnie (Wariki) Bennett, 55, of Berwick.

Oct. 9 - Stanley W. Rutkowski, Esq., 82, of Levittown.

Oct. 10 - Walter F. Tloczynski Jr., 84, of Mount Carmel; Lee Cawthon, 64, of Mount Carmel; Beatrice A. Whitmer, 91, of Elizabethtown.

Oct. 11 - Nellie D. Zenuch, 96, of Marion Heights; Gary W. Berry, 57, of Coal Township.

Oct. 12 - August A. Witowski Sr., 81, of Marion Heights; Louis C. Diorio, 76, of Wilmington, Del.; Arlene E. Sherry, 90, of Milton; Monica Marie Weikel, 23, of Lavelle; John Edward Purcell Sr., 81, of Mount Carmel; Frederick N. Biesecker, 74; Richard A. Geist, 78, of Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Oct. 13 - Russell A. Paul, 90, of Swedesboro, N.J.

Oct. 14 - George "Skeet" Brassington Jr., 91, of Danville; Walter E. "Juney" and "Colonel" Kosmer, 86, of Coal Township; Mary E. Murray, 65, of Girardville; John Matty, 94,, formerly of Mount Carmel; Irene D. (Oravitz) Lagerman, 86, of Sunbury; Patricia K. Kachnoskie, 83, of Lancaster; John R. Kline, 82, of Fountain Springs.

Oct. 15 - Elizabeth C. (Stewart) Remaley, 87, of Kulpmont; Helen D. Marcheski, 95, of Shamokin; Lyle K. Bixler, 43, of Shamokin Dam; Robert B. Konopko, 55, of Shamokin; James D. "Butch" Bamford, 77, of Huntington Beach, Calif.

Oct. 17 - Andrew J. Gross, 91, of Coal Township.

Oct. 18 - Janice "Jan" Wagner, 80, of Gordon.

Oct. 19 - Alma Leona Katchick, 76, of Wilburton; Mary Ann Richie, 75, of Paxinos; Helen Joann Christiano, 91, of Coal Township; Margaret N. Lindenmuth, 75, of Sunbury.

Oct. 20 - Jean M. Maurer, 82, of Ashland; Lillian R. Muldowney, 77, of Newtown; Alice M. Concini, 78, of Den-Mar Gardens.

Oct. 21 - Harry G. Snyder, 64, of Pottsvile; Lamar H. "Bill" Weikel, 80, of Coal Township.

Oct. 22 - Margaret M. Wasileski, 86, of Mount Carmel; Gabriel E. Kieffer, 83, of Shamokin; Charles "Chap" Rebuck, 86, of Manteo, N.C.

Oct. 24 - Harry P. Zanella, 60, of Mount Carmel.

Oct. 25 - Edward C. Ryan, 93, formerly of Centralia; Joseph F. West, 73, of Mount Carmel; Mildred I. "Millie" Shively, 90, formerly of Lansdale; Christopher J. Madden, 21, of Kulpmont.

Oct. 26 - Rita J. Varano, 88, of Shamokin; Mary E. Wisgo, 89, of Ranshaw.

Oct. 27 - John J. Konyar, 82, of Trevorton.

Oct. 28 - Marie L. Evans, 81, of Shamokin.

Oct. 29 - Vaughn J. Werzinsky, 65, of Girardville; David J. Major, 68, of Barry Township; Anthony J. Gaughan Sr., 53, of Levittown.

Oct. 30 - Nancy Jane Krieger, 82, of Shamokin.

Oct. 31 - William R. Hudson, 65, of Sunbury.

Dec. 3 - A son, Elijah Mckay, to Alicia and Shane McKay Brosious, of Coal Township.

Dec. 4 - A son, Ayden Daniel, to Brandon and Ashley Newmeister, of Shamokin.

Dec. 5 - A daughter, Tristen Elizabeth, to Matthew and Rachel Katinsky, of Mount Carmel; a son, Gabriel Francis, to Zachary and Jennifer Hopple, of Shamokin; a son, Barrett Cole, to Jamie and Nicole Voeckler, of Stuarts Draft, Va.

Dec. 7 - A son, Justin Matthew Fetterolf, to Corey Fetterolf and Amanda Canavan, of Ashland.

Dec. 9 - A son, David Alexander, to Chris and Sherri Halcovich, of Middletown.

Dec. 11 - A daughter, Khloie Amanda Mutschler, to Alan Mutschler and Ashley Hendricks, of Shamokin.

Dec. 13 - A daughter, Willow Rose, to Glenn H. and Amy L. Osman, of Trevorton.

Dec. 14 - A daughter, Kierwyn Cathryn Miller, of Scott Allen and Ashley Lynn Miller, of Coal Township.

Dec. 18 - A son, Joshua Grayson Lazorcik, to Jason Lazorick and Jessica Sitko, of Alexandra, Va.; a daughter, Eliana Rose, to Alan and Chelsea Turner, of Coal Township.

Dec. 19 - A daughter, Kylie Ann, to Michael and Angela Willow, of Northumberland.

Dec. 20 - A daughter, Sarah Noel, to Kurtis and Jodie Kerstetter, of Montandon; a son, Xavier Braxton Rodriguez, to Benjamin L. Rodriguez and Randi L. Fisher, of Coal Township; a son, Barrett Warren Brubaker, to Benjie Warren Brubaker and Oceanna Sara Gustafson, of Danville; a son, James Adam, to John and Niki Hollenbach, of Shamokin.

Dec. 21 - A daughter, Grace Elizabeth Hart, to Jacque Morton and Shane Hart, of Sunbury RD 4.

Dec. 31 - A son, William Lee, to Laramy and Kimberly Britton, of Mount Carmel.

May 1 - Robert A. Snyder, 32, of Berwick; James V. Varano, 87, formerly of Shamokin; Lucille L. Krewson, 64, of Mount Carmel; Billy E. George, 89, of Elysburg.

May 2 - Marie A. Gibson, 64, of Shamokin; Charles W. Bradley, 93, of Shamokin; Jeanne Pitorak, 88, of Shamokin; Eleanor Furca, 90, of Coal Township; Elwood "Al" Shively, 95, of Fremont, Ohio.

May 3 - Marie M. Tanney, 90, of Mount Carmel; Thomas R. Scully Sr., 55, of Locustdale; Lillian V. (Jeanie) Cress, 77, of Mount Carmel.

May 4 - Peter J. Kijewski, 86, of Aristes; Anna Marie T. Wentzel, 86, of Ashland; Nedra L. Frederick, 86, of Honey Brook; Connie M. Demsko, 79, of Bayfield, Colo.

May 6 - John R. "Red" Thompson, 73, of Elysburg; James H. Kline, 79, of Shamokin; Eileen C. Janaskie, 83, of Shamokin.

May 7 - Frank J. Mirarchi, 85, of Coal Township.

May 8 - Theodore R. Kurasavage, 62, of Marion Heights; Helen R. Minnich, 82, of Pottstown; Julia J. Currey, 83, of Albrightsville; Anthony M. "Tony" Bosco, 60, of Pottsville; Eleanor M. Petrosky, 85, of New Jersey.

May 9 - August Joseph "Augie" Pavis III, 76, of Exton; Rose Wasilewski, 88, of Elysburg.

May 10 - Kevin Holmes, 17, of Ashland; Stephen J. Tloczynski, 93, of Bloomsburg; Margaret L. "Peg" Schneider, 88, of Shamokin.

May 11 - Kathleen C. Kenny, 87, of Ashland; Cheryl Ann Sincavage, 67, of Elysburg; Bonnie A. Fowlkes, 53, of Kulpmont.

May 12 - Albert L. "Midnite" Bogetti, 88, of Shamokin; Kenneth Harry Chaundy, 75, of Mifflinburg; Charles Wargo, 68, of Mount Carmel; Ruth M. (Adams) Paul, 91, of Trexlertown; Jill M. (May) Swank, 51, of Shamokin; Dolores L. "Dee" Kaminsky, 65, of Lancaster.

May 13 - Corinne R. Cove, 85, of Danville.

May 14 - Ethel M. Rodgers, of Mount Carmel; Gladys May Bastress, 94, of Mount Joy; Frederick N. "Fred" Shattuck, 67, of Coal Township; Leona E. (Murray) Kemper, 87, of Mechanicsburg; Ethel M. Rodgers, 90, formerly of Mount Carmel; Stanley (Covaleski) Covy, 87, of Livonia, Mich.

May 16 - Mary E. Strocko, 89, of Vineland, N.J.; Norbert P. Walsh, 83, of Ewing, N.J.

May 17 - Paul V. Stello, 88, of Shillington; Mary Lou Mooney, 82, formerly of Mount Carmel Estates.

May 18 - Mary Louise (Fry) Krepshaw, 92, of Elysburg; James T. Koznoskie, 74, of Harrisburg; Joseph G. Burak, 56, of Kulpmont.

May 19 - Angelina Berra, 86, of Trevorton; June Berdel Eister, 84, of Ashland; Mary T. Ryan, 78, of Coal Township.

May 20 - Jean M. Matthews, 46, of Frackville; Joan B. Puketza, 71, of Mount Carmel.

May 21 - Daniel T. Boylan, 63, of Locust Gap; Mary M. Durdock, 99, of Shamokin; Stanford G. Cook, 80, of State College.

May 22 - Theresa Mary Takach, 73, formerly of Marion Heights.

May 23 - Emma A. Burd, 88, of Coal Township; Alice Mary (Hess) Kirkpatrick, of Virginia Beach, Va.

May 24 - Caroline Ciocco, 96, of Atlas.

May 25 - William E. Yodzio, 71, of Shamokin.

May 26 - Jean I. Bergamo, 91, formerly of Atlas; Ida "Jean" Williard, 87, of Mount Carmel; Irene A. Forbes, 90, of Coal Township; Warren Leroy Smith, 88, of Racine, Wis.; Ruth I. Snyder, 75, of New Galilee.

May 27 - Robert T. "Bob" Delaney, 65, of Ranshaw; Thomas F. Sebastian Sr., 84, of Locust Gap; Prella Kramer, 86, of Helfenstein; Rev. Fr. Ronald R. Lausch, 62, of Annville; Vincent P. Boslego,. 95, of Norfolk, Va.

May 28 - Cornelius "Neal" R. Ferrari Sr., 80, of Levittown; Julia L. Stepanik, 82, of Sunbury; Martha A. Alexander, 64, of Gordon.

May 29 - Charles J. Wise, 77, formerly of Pine Grove.

May 30 - Robert F. Deroba, 70, of Coal Township.

May 31 - Mildred Kovack Michaels, 95, of Windsor, Conn.; Jacqueline Wilma Clark, 81, of Laureldale; Florence Dobson, 96, of Shamokin; Dorothy Alice Ebright Nahodil, 85, of Shamokin; Julius Muhlberg, 88, of Shamokin.

Jan. 3 - Northumberland County Commissioner Rick Shoch was elected board chairman after Democrat Vinny Clausi declined the original nomination. He said the top vote-getter in the election should be chair.

Jan. 6 - Jim King, former executive director of the Northumberland County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), reached a settlement that would pay him $131,000 in back pay. He accrued the salary during a time the IDA couldn't afford to pay him.

Jan. 6 - Citing flood damage and other factors, Shaw's Meat Market closed its doors during the holiday season after 30 years in Shamokin.

Jan. 7 - A severely injured pit bull puppy was found at the bottom of a hill in Coal Township. Owners Michael Wolfe, 21, and Angeline Coladonato, 19, were charged with animal cruelty.

Jan. 10 - To help offset a $1 million deficit, county commissioners announced a 1.95-mill property tax hike, the first in nine years, and the elimination of nine jobs.

Jan. 11 - Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority estimated $745,000 in infrastructure repairs from the Flood of 2011.

Jan. 12 - Matthew Persing, 41, of Paxinos, was killed in a one-vehicle crash along Route 61 in Paxinos, the area's first traffic fatality of 2012.

Jan. 13 - A family of four was left homeless by fire at their home along Colonial Avenue, Natalie. An accidental stove malfunction was blamed.

Jan. 16 - Sheena Picarella, 51, of Shamokin, was killed and another person injured in a one-vehicle crash, blamed on an icy road on Route 901 between Ranshaw and Excelsior.

Jan. 17 - A Sunbury couple were charged with child abuse after reports surfaced of a young boy suffering a broken leg after he was dangled upside down by his ankle and thrown onto a couch.

Jan. 18 - Tense moments were experienced in Mount Carmel when 17 large roman candle tubes, with explosives inside, but no fuses, were found on a borough street corner.

Jan. 20 - Cornell Devalle and his wife Diane Devalle, of Coal Township, were found guilty of distribution of crack cocaine when their case, after two previous attempts, finally went to trial.

Jan. 25 - In a move county District Attorney Tony Rosini said would "compromise public safety," the county salary board voted 4-1 to eliminate an assistant district attorney position.

Jan. 28 - It was announced Shamokin Area School District was in negotiations with Northwestern Academy to take over the academy's special education program, which would give any employees furloughed by the district first crack at jobs created by the takeover.

Jan. 29 - Mount Carmel resident Paul Ventilli, who is hearing impaired, escaped injury after smelling smoke coming from his burning home at 409 W. Olive St. shortly after 4 a.m.

Next flag ceremony Jan. 20

MOUNT CARMEL - The next Changing of Colors ceremony conducted by the Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at the flag pole of the Susquehanna Bank, Second and Oak streets.

The flag will be raised in memory and honor of Paul Jerome Saukaitis, who served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Area veterans and the public are invited.

City council meeting canceled

SHAMOKIN - The monthly meeting of Shamokin City Council scheduled for 7 o'clock tonight has been canceled due to lack of quorum. It is rescheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at City Hall.

MOUNT CARMEL - Family And Friends Concerned About the Abuse of Drugs (FFCAD) recently hosted Mount Carmel Chief of Police Todd Owens and Officer Matt Dillman on a presentation of "How to Detect a Meth Lab in Your Neighborhood."

Owens, who has been involved in a number of drug task force operations, showed a video on how smaller methamphetamine lab operators use the "shake-and-bake" method, and how they are susceptible to explosions when the chemicals come in contact with even a small amount of moisture.

He told how many household chemical are used to make meth, a highly addictive drug that stimulates the central nervous system. It can be made in a matter of 20 minutes using plastic bottles.

Owens said some mini-meth labs are portable, transported in the trunks of cars, and that the "shake-and-bake" process can be carried out in a parking lot.

Owens distributed before and after photographs of men and women who have used meth. One shocking photograph showed a beautiful woman in her 30s who, after 2 1/2 years of meth use looked as if she were in her 90s. Her face, her skin wrinkled and sagging, was marked with what looked like canker sores.

Meth use produces unpredictable, sudden violent behavior and hallucinations, and users suffer from paranoia and hallucinations.

What to look for

The officers provide a list of things to look for in detecting possible meth labs. They include:

- Odd chemical smell.

- Trash cans filled with coffee filters but unstained by coffee.

- Empty pseudenephrine packages.

- Empty battery packs.

- Red Devil lye containers.

Owens also said to take note if people are coming and going from a home at all hours and for brief visits.

He said meth-makers may not come out of their homes for days because they are using the drug and also are frantically caught up in their work of making meth. Because of their addiction they get little sleep, and when they become violent they can demonstrate super-human strength, he said.

The Rev. Frank Karwacki, founder of FFCAAD, asked how the contamination of homes with meth labs are handled. Owens indicated the huge cost of clean-up and the lingering affects if not cleaned thoroughly could result in respiratory problems, especially in infants and children.

Rose Marquardt said homes are to be screened for lead poisoning for children and asked Owens if there were any laws that informed the new owner of the home that it had a meth lab in it. Owens said there are no laws to that effect. The group felt there should be for the protection of infants and little children.

Deacon Martin McCarthy asked about the efficiency of the meth lab discovered in 2012 in Mount Carmel. Owens indicated it was highly efficient.

Owens told of new discoveries of bath salts coming in from Pakistan and China and how crystal meth "ice" is coming in from Mexico, which he compared to a version of terrorism that costs many lives in our country.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Our Lady of Victory No. 588 held its "Twelve Days After Christmas" party on the Epiphany, Jan. 6.

Celebrating the arrival of the magi marks the last of the 12 days of Christmas. The tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts traces its origin to these generous and worshipful kings and the Catholic Daughters participate in a gift exchange every year on this date.

The court plans to organize a junior court in 2013 and five future Catholic Daughters attended the party.

Two of these future daughters, Claudia and Eliana Seidel, made Christmas ornaments with a picture of each of the victims from the Sandy Hook tragedy. The Rev. Frank Karwacki, Chaplain, led a pray tribute to the victims. Mary Catherine Wydra, Regent, read the names of the adults that were killed and each of the future daughters participated in reading the names of the children. The Court embraced the twenty children from Sandy Hook as honorary Catholic Daughters and will especially remember them with prayer.

TREVORTON - The first two meetings to help students transition to the new building alignment in the Line Mountain School District next school year have been positive, according to elementary principal Jeanne Menko.

She said the meetings are helping to build a sense of unity while the district undergoes significant change.

"They (the meetings) are important because we are Line Mountain," she said Thursday. "The more we pre-plan, the better experience the children will have.

"I want them to be safe and secure in their buildings," she added. "I want parents to feel safe. I want us to be united."

Elementary schools in Leck Kill and Dalmatia will close at the end of the school year, and all students in grades kindergarten through fourth will be housed at Trevorton, where an addition will be constructed this spring and summer. Also as part of the $3.4 million plan, an addition will be built to the seventh- and eighth-grade wing at the junior/senior high school in Mandata, which will also then house all of the district's fifth- and sixth-grade students.

The purpose of the transition meetings - the first ones were Dec. 6 and Wednesday - is to allow the community to express concerns and brainstorm ideas that would help.

"There are so many aspects to look at. I don't want anything to be missed," Menko said.

At the December meeting, 10 parents and four teachers were present. On Wednesday night, there were 18 parents and two teachers. Both meetings were at the Trevorton building.

Additional transitional meetings will be held Feb. 7, March 6 and April 11 at the auditorium at Trevorton Elementary.

Movie nights

In addition to the meetings, Menko said the district is working on activities to ensure children become familiar with each other, "so they're not walking into a place they don't know and are not comfortable."

A plan is in place to have movie nights at the Trevorton Elementary auditorium targeted at different grade levels. On Feb. 8, kindergarten and first-grade students will be invited for the movie, followed by a relay race. On March 15, it will be movie night for second- and third-graders, who will do crafts afterward. And on April 4, fourth-grade students will do puzzles after their movie.

Also, on March 1 at Trevorton, there will be a Minute to Win It game for all elementary students.

Students at each grade level from Dalmatia and Leck Kill will visit Trevorton to meet their teachers, experience lunch at the cafeteria and tour the building. Activities will be held throughout the day for students to meet others in their grade.

And, Menko said, Field Day May 15 at the Trevorton Foundry/Recreation Area Complex will involve all district elementary students.

High school visit

Current fourth-grade students will be taken to the high school for a tour of the that campus in anticipation of their attendance there next school year.

Current fifth- and sixth-grade students have already been to the school for career day, an assembly and a pep rally, Menko said. On March 15, sixth-grade students will visit the technical education department to build a bird house, and fifth-grade students will do the same on March 26.

"Fifth and sixth don't have the 'getting-to-know' hurdle to pass, since they already know each other," Menko said, referencing that those grades are educated at the Trevorton building. "They're getting adjusted to a new physical location."

'Letting people talk'

Superintendent Dave Campbell and School Board Director David Scott Bartholomew attended Wednesday night's transition meeting.

Batholomew said Menko is doing a "wonderful job," and the transition should be easier with her guidance, he said.

Campbell said he loves the concept of the transition meetings, and complimented the staff and Menko for welcoming community's involvement.

"She's letting people talk, and that's a good way to get the information out there through parents," he said. "The more we open our building up to the community, the better we become."

Menko is pleased, too.

"The parents and the community want the best for their kids; they are willing to work together and share ideas, and I'm feeling positive about it," she said; "It's going to be a lot of work, but I think there are a lot of people who want to help with that work, and it will make it easier."

By Mark Gilger

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Brian Carnuccio not only provides security in Mount Carmel Area School District, but also serves as a counselor, educator and confidant to students in his role as school resource officer (SRO).

When he's not monitoring the hallways or cafeteria at the junior-senior high school, Carnuccio can be seen talking to students in his small office next to the Richard Beierschmitt Auditorium, conferring with district administrators about discipline and other issues, or providing security at school events. Of course, there's paperwork, too.

Having an SRO provides a piece of mind at a time when the nation is debating school security in the wake of the Dec. 14 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in Newtown, Conn. Carnuccio believes an SRO is the right approach for such difficult times.

"It's very sad in today's society that security is needed at all schools, but that's reality," he said during an interview at Mount Carmel Area Monday.

Carnuccio said he's more than a security guard, and believes the school doesn't have to arm its teachers or administrators.

"Security officers do a good job, but they aren't trained to handle certain incidents like police," he said, noting he is trained to handle "active-shooter" incidents and other emergencies involving lives being threatened.

As for arming educators, "They shouldn't need to take on that responsibility even if they get the proper training," said Carnuccio, who carries a handgun and other police equipment. "They are educators and administrators, not police officers."

Fortunately, the officer has never had to use his gun on school property while making criminal arrests or filing citations against students over the years.

Members of Mount Carmel Area School Board voted shortly after the Newtown incident to retain Carnuccio on a month-to-month basis despite the loss of state grant money to fund the position.

Students and staff seemed pleased with that decision.

Cost is split

Funding for an SRO the last three years came from the school district and a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, said Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush. In 2010, the commission paid 75 percent of the officer's salary, with the school district picking up the remaining 25 percent. In 2011, the officer's salary was split evenly between the district and commission. And in 2012, the district was responsible for paying 75 percent of the salary while the commission paid 25 percent.

With the grant expiring Dec. 31, just two weeks after Newtown, Hollenbush urged the board to find a way to continue funding the position. An agreement was reached in which the district will pay $23,543.73 from January to the beginning of June for the SRO, if he's retained for that entire time, while the township will pay $18,053.48 during the summer months toward Carnuccio's $41,600 salary.

Hollenbush said an SRO position initially was funded through a Cops in School grant in 1997. From 2000 to 2003, he said two township officers - one at the high school and one at the elementary school - were assigned to the district. Hollenbush, who was a corporal at the time, served as the district's SRO from 2003 to 2009.

Varied duties

Carnuccio, a 1999 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Luzerne County Community College before graduating from Lackawanna College Police Academy in Hazleton in 2003. He began his career with Kulpmont Police Department in 2003 and has served as a full-time officer with Mount Carmel Township for five years.

Serving as Mount Carmel Area's SRO since January 2009, Carnuccio works from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. He leaves the district campus only if he's summoned to assist with a police-related emergency.

"I have various duties as the SRO," Carnuccio said. "My day starts out by monitoring the halls and making sure the students are well behaved before the first class begins at 7:52 a.m." He then meets with Superintendent Bernie Stellar, high school principal and curriculum coordinator Lisa Varano and junior high school principal and athletic director Greg Sacavage to discuss security, disciplinary matters and other issues.

Carnuccio said he spends about 90 percent of his time at the high school because there are more issues to deal with at that level, but if he's requested by elementary school principal Susan Nestico for anything, he quickly responds. He monitors elementary school hallways on occasion and talks to students and teachers about any concerns.

Carnuccio also conducts educational classes at both the high school and elementary level dealing with the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse, seat belt safety, bullying and sexual harassment.

In addition to patrolling hallways before, during and after classes, Carnuccio monitors lunch periods in the high school cafeteria until shortly before 1 p.m. He then returns to his office to meet with students who are encountering problems or are seeking someone to talk with. He further monitors activity as school leaves out at 2:20 p.m.

"Students come to talk with me about anything," Carnuccio said. "They know I have an open-door policy. I enjoy being around kids."

He also coaches track and field, so he gets to know what problems students are having in and out of school.

"I try to build a trusting relationship with the students and most of the kids view me as a positive force in the school rather than thinking cops are bad guys," he said.

Presence 'invaluable'

Carnuccio believes his presence alone has helped the school from within, acting as a deterrent to bad behavior. Students and administrators seem to agree.

"I try to educate the students on the right way to conduct themselves," the officer said.

He believes the amount of incidents including fights, tobacco, drug and alcohol possession, bullying and sexual harassment has decreased since he became a full-time SRO.

"The kids know the district has a 'no-tolerance' policy when it comes to getting caught with tobacco, drugs or alcohol on school grounds," he said. "In addition to being suspended, the kids are cited by me and must pay fines and costs for their actions. I think that makes students think twice about committing the same infractions."

Varano said Carnuccio has built a good rapport with students during the past few years.

"Many incidents are prevented because of Brian's interaction with the students," she said. "His presence is invaluable, and I believe the school board has made a commitment to safety by keeping him here."

Varano said having a school resource officer at both schools would be ideal, but she realizes funding to employ two officers is not available. She agrees with Carnuccio that arming teachers is not the answer to improved security.

Two high school students interviewed about school safety said Carnuccio's presence is definitely needed and has played a major role in reducing the amount of incidents in the building.

"He has the proper training to do the job and that makes you feel a lot safer," said senior Nicole Purcell, 17, a daughter of Ken and Tara Purcell, Kulpmont. "I think Mr. Carnuccio has had a positive impact on our school and I believe there should be more training provided to students and teachers in dealing with emergency situations like the tragedy in Connecticut."

Senior Eric Joraskie also praised Carnuccio, and believes one well-trained school resource officer is adequate for the district.

"I think we are well protected here," said Joraskie, 19, a son of Bill and Nancy Joraskie, Mount Carmel. "Officer Carnuccio has done a great job and is really easy to talk to about anything. His presence has definitely been a deterrent.

"The kids understand the repercussions of their actions," he continued. "There haven't been too many incidents and the behavior has definitely improved by having him here."

'Preventive maintenance'

High school social studies teacher Robert Scicchitano said as long as Carnuccio is present, "I don't see a need to arm anybody else."

He said parents can rest easier knowing there is a full-time officer at the school.

Scicchitano, in his 11th year of teaching, and who also serves as a varsity assistant football coach, said Carnuccio does a lot of "preventive maintenance."

"Brian enforces the rules and doesn't play favorites," he said. "He influences the kids in a positive manner and also educates them on the consequences they face if they don't follow the rules."

Scicchitano believes not having a school resource officer would be a serious mistake. "It's a shame, but the reality is the position comes down to funding," he said. "I'm glad the board decided to keep him on a month-to-month basis."

Steve Lapotsky, a retired social studies teacher who served 34 years in the district, is currently a hall monitor/mentor at the high school. The Kulpmont resident believes having at least one administrator properly trained in the use of firearms would help the district. As for teachers being armed, Lapotsky said that opportunity should be afforded to them on a "volunteer" basis.

"It's important to remember, though, that teachers teach and administrators administer," he said. "That's their primary responsibilities."

Keeping an SRO

Lapotsky believes Carnuccio has been a "big plus" for the district.

"Nothing is full-proof, but his position has increased the unlikelihood of unfortunate incidents occurring in the district," he said.

Donna James, school board president, believes it's important to retain the SRO.

"As a parent and school board member, I see both the safety and cost perspective involved in retaining the position," she said. "I think Brian has done a good job, and it's important to have an authoritative figure like him in the school."

SUNBURY - The mother of a 1-year-old girl, who died from hyperthermia after being left in a room for 19 hours with a space heater in 2010, was sentenced Monday to 12 to 60 months in a state prison.

Heidi S. Yocum, 30, of Lewisburg, who previously pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering a child and was expecting to be placed on probation for her role in the death, received the state prison sentence imposed by Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor.

Yocum and the infant's father, 29-year-old Lopaka Loner, were charged in the death. On Nov. 19, Loner was sentenced by President Judge Robert B. Sacavage to 11 1/2 to 23 months in Northumberland County Prison after pleading guilty to misdemeanors of endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.

Loner received the jail sentence on the endangering offense, and was given two months consecutive probation on the recklessly endangering charge.

Loner also was ordered to pay $600 in fines and various costs, and given credit for 219 days previously served in Northumberland County Prison.

Yocum's plea was accepted by Saylor, but not the sentencing conditions the defendant and her attorney, Edward "E.J." Rymsza of Williamsport had sought.

A plea agreement between Northumberland County Adult Probation and Yocum called for her to receive probation for up to five years. But Saylor disagreed and sentenced Yocum to 12 to 60 months in a state prison despite being told by Rymsza that his client had changed her life around by remaining drug-and-alcohol free and attending Pennsylvania College of Technology, where she achieved a 4.0 grade-point average this past semester.

First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski prosecuted the case.

Yocum, her mother, Bertha M. Dreese, 65, of Selinsgrove, and Loner were charged by Sunbury Officer Jamie Quinn about a year after the death of Anela Naloni Loner. Dreese previously entered a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter and is scheduled for sentencing Jan. 28.

Anela Naloni Loner was found dead Oct. 16, 2010, from hyperthermia after being left in a room for 19 hours with a space heater at 43 S. Seventh St., Sunbury, where Yocum and Loner resided at the time.

Police said Dreese had been babysitting the child and Yocum's two other children on Oct. 16. Police said Dreese arrived at the home at 1 p.m., but didn't check on the infant until the following morning.

Additionally, neither Yocum nor Loner checked on the child throughout the day, police said.

Authorities said the infant was not provided any food or water in the room that likely ranged in temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court Feb. 25 in Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Kayla E. Bulchie, 22, of 241 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to drive in a single lane, driving at an unsafe speed, careless driving and failure to wear a seat belt relating to a Nov. 11 incident on Route 225 in Zerbe Township near the Coal Township line.

The charges were filed by Trooper Nicholas Berger of state police at Stonington.

n Dustin B. Johnson, 25, of 1509 W. Walnut St., Coal Township, waived to court charges of criminal trespass, criminal mischief, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct involving a Jan. 10 disturbance at the residence of William Concini, 1205 W. Walnut St.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn.

n David H. Ervin, 47, of 206 Airport Road, Shamokin, waived to court multiple charges filed by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn in connection with two incidents.

He waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without insurance and driving without a valid registration relating to an Oct. 24 accident in the 400 block of Center Street in Tharptown.

Ervin also waived to court charges of possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility involving a Feb. 5, 2011, incident in the east end of Coal Township.

n Renee Holmes, 23, of 239 W. Walnut St., Shamokin, waived to court a charge of retail theft filed by Coal Township Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky in connection with a Sept. 10 incident at Wal-Mart Supercenter on Route 61.

Police said Holmes was a cashier at the store when she allegedly voided a transaction.

n Charges of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and harassment filed by Trooper Brian Ronk of state police at Stonington against Kyle J. Mirolli, 31, of 894 Trevorton Road, Coal Township, were withdrawn when his girlfriend, Malinda Wynn, the alleged victim, refused to testify.

n Mirolli was charged in connection with a disturbance at a Market Street residence in Zerbe Township on Nov. 20, 2011, in which he allegedly shoved Wynn to the ground and took her cell phone.

n James Garrett-Davis, 23, of 236 S. Sixth St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of aggravated assault, obstructing administration of the law, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct involving a Nov. 24 disturbance in the 200 block of South Sixth Street.

He is charged by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle with grabbing Scandle in an aggressive manner in the kitchen area of his residence and resisting arrest after being warned by police to desist. Police said Garrett-Davis also hit his head off the rear passenger side window of a police car.

n Anthony B. Nealman, 24, of Trevorton, waived to court charges of possession of Dihydrocodeinone and possession of drug paraphernalia relating to an Aug. 16 incident on Franklin Avenue in Trevorton.

The charges were filed by Zerbe Township Police Chief Robert John.

n George Mitchell, 30, of Girardville, waived to court a forgery charge.

Mitchell was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle with forging three checks totaling $800 at Susquehanna Bank between April 25 and May 1.

Nancy Miller, 66, of 1143 Poplar St., Kulpmont, waived to court two cases.

Miller waived to court a retail theft charge filed by Coal Township Patrolman Terry Ketchem. She is charged with stealing $67.42 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart Supercenter on Route 61 on Sept. 25.

She also waived to court another retail theft charge filed by Coal Township Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky.

Miller is charged with stealing $88.29 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart on Oct. 27.

n Brian Romanoskie, 42, of 121 N. Rock St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of resisting arrest, two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness involving a Dec. 7 accident at Shamokin and Shakespeare streets.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski.

n William R. Bilder, 57, of 315 S. Hickory St., Apt. 312, Mount Carmel, waived to court charges of simple assault and harassment involving an Oct. 10 outside his residence.

Bilder is charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman with placing a choke hold on Robert Tamecki while he was waiting for a bus. He also is accused of twisting Tamecki's arm and pushing him into a wall.

The case was assigned to Gembic after Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel recused himself.

n Six defendants charged in a Dec. 14 drug bust conducted by members of the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force waived their rights to hearings.

n Timothy A. Smith, 21, of 125 E. Arch St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of delivery of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of communication facility.

Smith also waived to court a corruption of minors charge filed by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan relating to an incident on Oct. 1, 2011, in which he allegedly had consensual sex with a 14-year-old female in the 500 block of South Vine Street.

Smith waived to court charges of delivery of hydrocodone, two counts of possession with intent to deliver hydrocodone, delivery of marijuana, two counts of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and criminal use of a communication facility.

The charges filed by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano involve a Dec. 13 incident on Pearl Street.

n Rex Hepner, 64, of 116 W. Willow St., Shamokin, waived to court two counts each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

n Frank Doone, 42, of 504 S. Vine St., Coal Township, waived to court charges of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

n Patricia Ciancia, 38, of 622 E. Commerce St., Shamokin, waived to court four counts of delivery of a controlled substance, three counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and two counts of criminal use of a communication facility.

n Bruce Collier, 33, of 513 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, waived to court two counts each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

n Stacy Rudy, 19, of Coal Township, waived to court charges of delivery of heroin and criminal conspiracy to deliver heroin.

SHAMOKIN - A preliminary hearing for a 15-year-old Shamokin boy charged with robbing a cell phone from a city man Jan. 6 while allegedly brandishing what appeared to be a handgun has been continued at the request of the arresting officer in the case.

Joel Santiago, of 819 E. Dewart St., who remains incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $100,000 cash bail, was originally scheduled for a hearing Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on three felony counts of robbery, a felony of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two misdemeanor counts of possessing an instrument of crime, and misdemeanors of simple assault and loitering and prowling at night. But the legal proceeding was continued at the request of Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II, although an exact date has not yet been scheduled.

The defendant, who was charged as an adult because of the serious nature of the offenses, will be represented by a county public defender or conflicts counsel at his hearing.

Santiago is accused of approaching Daniel McKimm, of 158 N. Eighth St., at about 9:15 p.m. and telling him he had five seconds to hand over his cell phone while threatening the victim with what appeared to be a handgun.

McKimm, 19, told police he threw his black T-Mobile phone, ran into his home and called police.

A short time later, guns drawn, police took Santiago into custody about six blocks away after they found him lying next to a parked car on Commerce Street between The News-Item and Center City Apartments.

Siko said the weapon allegedly used by Santiago, which was recovered, is a compressed-air pellet gun that is a replica of a semi-automatic handgun.

Santiago and a 12-year-old South Rock Street boy also were charged by Siko in connection with vehicle break-ins the same night.

The 12-year-old, who has cooperated with police, was not charged in connection with the robbery.

Police said some coins were removed from a Jeep on North Eighth Street owned by Dennis Cavanaugh shortly before Santiago allegedly threatened McKimm with the gun.

COAL TOWNSHIP - LaRue Beck, a longtime director of Shamokin Area School Board and an even longer fixture with the district PTA, resigned from the board of directors Tuesday due to failing health.

Her request that her daughter, Treina Mariano, replace her was honored by board members who voted 8-0 to appoint the Coal Township woman to fulfill her mother's term in office, which expires in December.

According to her family, Beck first joined the school board for a four-year term in 1989. She was re-elected three more times, serving from 2001 to 2013, and had previously held the positions of president, vice president and treasurer.

This year marked her 16th year as a board director.

Beck, 84, has been in ill health for at least several months and is currently admitted into an area hospital. She twice participated in school board meetings in the fall of 2012 using Internet and cellphone connections, respectively.

"It might be tough for me to get through this one," Superintendent James Zack said before reading Beck's resignation letter.

Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage was present to perform the swearing-in ceremony for Mariano. Prior to taking her oath of office, Mariano turned to the audience in the packed board room and, while struggling to keep her composure, thanked everyone for "accepting her mother in their lives."

"I just want to say this is an honor to do this for my mother," Mariano said. "She loves this community."

Director Charles Shuey, who is 60 years old, said he first met Beck as a sixth grade student while on a field trip to Dorney Park.

"In a voice only she could have, she said, 'Let's go! Make it snappy. Get on the bus.' That was my first interaction with Mrs. Beck."

"I think we all owe her a debt of gratitude for her devotion to the kids" of Shamokin Area, he said.

Beck served more than 50 years in Shamokin Area PTA, having held every office. She also held multiple state PTA positions and had been the recipient of the National PTA's Child Advocacy Award.

She also worked from 1976 to 1980 as a teacher's aide for remedial reading at Shamokin Area.

Director Bob Getchey referred to Beck as his second mother. He said he often went to her for advice and will miss having her to turn to.

Director Ron McElwee said Beck accomplished more than most in her lifetime.

Beck's family said a favorite poem of hers, "100 Years from Now," an excerpt from a Forest Witcraft work, captured how she envisioned her role in Shamokin Area and in the lives of children:

"One-hundred years from now,

It won't matter what kind of car I drove,

What kind of house I lived in,

How much money I had in my bank accounts,

Nor what my clothes looked like.

But the world may be a little better,

Because I was important in the life of a child."