Mass to recognize Pope Benedict XVI

HARRISBURG - Bishop Joseph P. McFadden will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for the Ministry of Pope Benedict XVI at noon Friday at St. Patrick Cathedral. The Mass is open to the public.

"The Holy Father has never tired of proclaiming the true face of Jesus Christ. And so, our hearts are grateful for his unwavering commitment to the Gospel," McFadden said in n a statement about the recently announced papal resignation.

On the calendar of the Catholic Church, the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is celebrated on Feb. 22. This feast dates to the mid-fourth century and celebrates the ministry of the Apostle Peter, who accepted pastoral responsibility and authority from Jesus Christ and became the first pope. Pope Benedict XVI is the 264th successor to St. Peter, which makes him the 265th pope of the Catholic Church.

'A Day at the Beach' planned for kids

BLOOMSBURG - Local children may enjoy an afternoon filled with beach-related activities during the Kids Fun carnival from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's Nelson Field House.

The Kids Fun carnival is an annual event where youngsters can play games, make crafts and participate in a variety of activities. BU students from organizations such as DASL (Developing Aspiring Student Leaders) run the carnival each year. This year's theme is "A Day at the Beach."

The Kids Fun carnival is sponsored by the Bloomsburg University SOLVE office and is open to the public free of charge. For more information, contact the SOLVE office at 389-4788 or stvolser@bloomu.edu.

SHAMOKIN - The city code officer says beginning Monday he will file citations against landlords who fail to register residential rental properties.

There were 131 registrations filed by Wednesday afternoon, generating $9,250 in revenue for the city. Rick Bozza, code officer, noted 209 registrations were made in 2012, and those who fail to register by week's end can expect legal action.

"I'll look over the list and be consistent," Bozza said of reviewing last year's registrations. "Everybody who didn't pay or called and said they were paying are going to get cited Monday morning."

Few exceptions were made for out-of-area landlords who vowed to pay in person. If they don't honor their word to pay by a certain date, they'll also be cited, he said.

Bozza said he was happy with the start to 2013 and credited the landlords who met, or nearly met, the Feb. 15 deadline. He noted that letters to previously registered landlords informing them of the deadline were mailed six weeks back.

Upward of 20 citations were filed last year for violations of the ordinance, he said. Several times when the matter reached district court, a deal was made with the violators to simply pay the $25 registration and avoid legal action.

"This year we're not withdrawing any" citations, Bozza said.

Ordinance adopted midway through 2011 requires all landlords to purchase a $25 annual license for each rental unit and inform the city of who is living in each unit. If occupancy should change at any time, that change must also be noted for city records but does not require additional fee within the calendar year.

A license does not have to be purchased for unoccupied units.

Penalty is a fine of $100 to $500 dollars, and there are avenues for violations to be upgraded to misdemeanors.

The ordinance generated $18,975 revenue in 2012, greatly exceeding expectations. Outside of the monetary benefit, the record-keeping of tenant occupancy assists in emergencies and criminal investigations and can also add people to the tax rolls.

ATLAS - Mount Carmel Township Supervisors took steps to fight blight and code violations by making those responsible for causing such conditions accountable with the passage of one ordinance and plans to advertise a second.

At their meeting Wednesday evening, the supervisors voted 3-0 to approve the "Mount Carmel Township Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Ordinance," which authorizes supervisors to deny permits and approvals for serious code violators until their violations are corrected.

The ordinance, recommended by the Northumberland County Blight Task Force, is adopted from a state law by the same name that went into effect in April 2011.

If a code violation is left unaddressed by a property owner for six consecutive months, the law allows a municipality to take action, including having an out-of-state offender extradited for prosecution. Also, punishment can include placing a lien against other properties owned by the alleged offender, or against a mortgage lender, limited partner and others, to recoup costs.

The motion was made by vice chairman Reynold Scicchitano and seconded by secretary-treasurer Joe ZanellaChairman Charles Gasperetti also voted yes.

In addition, the board voted 3-0 to advertise another ordinance which regulates the occupancy of dwelling units by the prior issuance of a occupancy permit, establishes fees for inspection and penalities for violations.

The ordinance, which amends one that was enacted in 1994, establishes a $25 fee for a housing inspection by the code enforcement officer prior to receiving the occupancy permit, adding a $25 fee if deficiencies in the inspection are not corrected within five days, and setting the fines for violations from $100 to $300 per day, along with a 30-day imprisonment if there is a default on the fines.

Other items approved at the meeting inlcluded the appointment of Brian Carnuccio as liaison for the police department and entering into collective bargaining negotiation with the police officers on a new contract. The current pact expires Dec. 31, 2013.

Rich Mychak, of Shady Acres, made supervisors aware that cracks are appearing in a street paving job done approximately three years ago, and asked what steps the supervisors will take to correct the measures.

"When the job was done in the past, the contractor did not follow the original agreement for the contract, and the company got belligerent with me," Mychak said.

Mychak said it might be the best interest of the township to hire qualified inspectors when work is done for the township in order to make sure it is done properly.

Solicitor Vince Rovito said he would research the past contract if any remedy is available to take care of the problem.

A representative from Congressman Lou Barletta's office will be conducting a community outreach program at the township building from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 12. Also noted was that any organization outside of Mount Carmel Township that wishes to solicit donations from the residents must first contact the township supervisors by letter to ask for permission.

MANDATA - Line Mountain eighth-grade student Victoria Duffy will don the iconic red dress and curly hair next week in the school's production of "Annie."

Students tweaked dance steps and practiced marks Wednesday while they prepared for the show, which will be presented 7 p.m. March 1 and 2, and 3 p.m. March 3 in the junior/senior auditorium.

Duffy, a newcomer to the high school stage, said she is excited and "ready to go" to play little red-haired orphan Annie. Duffy keeps the musical moving with her articulation and expressions.

Stage veterans Courtlyn Trautman, a junior, and Victoria Wolfe, a senior, command the roles of Lily and the alcoholic Miss Hannigan. Trautman portrayed Bonnie in last year's production of "Anything Goes." Wolfe recently dazzled audiences as Dorothy in Anthracite Citizens Theatre's (ACT) production of "The Wizard of Oz."

Supporting cast includes Sam Ferster as Oliver Warbucks, Nathanial Wetzel as Rooster, Casey Klinger as Grace, Falconer Walshaw-Wertz as FDR, Abbie Shervinskie as Pepper, Alyssa Lambert as Molly, Meadow Walshaw-Wertz as Tessie and Madison Trautman as Duffy.

Dozens of students also serve as additional cast, orchestra members, set designers and stage and tech crew. The show is directed by Christine Sanders.

Line Mountain students receive free admission, as do senior citizens who present a senior citizen card. Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for students from other districts and also children. To reserve tickets, call 758-2011 or email llong@linemountain.com.

MOUNT CARMEL - The mother of a 7-year-old boy who was found three times walking barefoot by himself on Route 487 and Spruce Street in Elysburg left the courtroom of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones in tears Wednesday afternoon after waiving her right to a preliminary hearing in an effort to become eligible for the county Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for first-time offenders.

Debbie Ann Lisiewicz, 38, of 153 Spruce St., Elysburg, told Jones she understood the ramifications of forfeiting her right to a hearing on a felony of endangering the welfare of children, a misdemeanor of endangering the welfare of children and a misdemeanor of recklessly endangering another person.

Lisiewicz, who was represented by Northumberland County Public Defender Paige Rosini, hopes to reach an agreement with the district attorney's office to have the felony reduced to a misdemeanor and then apply for the ARD program, which is available for non-violent, first-time offenders. If Lisiewicz, who has no prior criminal record, becomes eligible for the program and successfully completes it, she could have the charges expunged.

Lisiewicz, who is free on $10,000 bail, cried as she exited the courtroom.

The charges filed by Ralpho Township Cpl. Bryon Chowka relate to incidents that occurred Oct. 7 on the highway (West Valley Avenue) near Spruce Street, Oct. 20 in the 200 block of Spruce Street, and Dec. 8 on Spruce Street near West Center Street.

According to a criminal complaint, Ralpho Township Officer Chris Dailey responded to the Oct. 7 incident involving Lisiewicz's son walking without shoes at about 3:30 p.m. Police said the child was unsupervised and wearing a pair of jeans and a short-sleeve T-shirt.

Police said personnel from Northumberland County Children and Youth Services were contacted about the incident and responded to the township police department. At about 4:50 p.m., police said Lisiewicz contacted Northumberland County Communications Center to report her child missing. She later came to the police station and identified the child as her son, who is autistic.

At about 9:40 a.m. Oct. 20, Ralpho Township Chief of Police Stuart Appel observed the unsupervised child walking on the road in the 200 block of Spruce Street without shoes. The child was returned to his mother, who said they just moved and didn't have enough door locks.

Jeff Crowl told police he was traveling on Spruce Street toward West Center Street between 9 and 9:30 a.m. Dec. 8 when he observed an unsupervised child standing on Spruce Street wearing only a diaper and T-shirt. Crowl said he attempted to communicate with the boy so he could find out where he lived, but the child had difficulty speaking. Crowl said he led the boy from the road and approached a nearby house where Crowl's son, who was with him, believed the child lived. Crowl said a frantic woman inside the home, who was later identified as Lisiewicz, answered the door and immediately stated, "Nobody called the cops, did they?"

Crowl later reported the incident.

Lisiewicz told police her son was able to exit the home through a kitchen door and basement door, respectively, on the second and third occasions.

MOUNT CARMEL - A borough man has been charged with drugging three women he picked up at local bars and having sex with them at his residence without their consent or knowledge.

Barry Thomas Adams, 30, of 111 N. Market St., who was already in county jail on theft-related charges, was arraigned at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones on multiple felony offenses including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and sexual assault relating to incidents that occurred Feb. 27, Sept. 7 and Nov. 2.

He is accused of raping one woman and having sexual contact with two other females after allegedly drugging them with a prescribed narcotic, which made the victims drowsy and dizzy and impaired their balance and cognitive and motor performance.

Police said Adams had made prior contact with each of the victims on Facebook.

Adams is charged by Cpl. David Donkochik and Patrolman Justin Stelma with two felony counts of rape and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, a felony of sexual assault and two misdemeanors of indecent assault in connection with the Feb. 27 incident.

According to a police statement provided by a 32-year-old Ashland rape victim, Adams met the woman at Shaulinski's Bar at 9:30 p.m.

She admitted drinking a bottle of beer, three-quarters of another beer and taking two sips of liquor from a plastic cup. The woman said she went to the ladies' restroom, returned to her booth and sat down, but couldn't recall any other details of that night.

The victim said she woke up naked at 7 a.m. Feb. 28 in Adams' bed. When she asked Adams why she was naked, he responded, "You don't remember?"

After being told by Adams that they had sex, the victim said she got dressed and left the residence.

Adams admitted to police that he had sexual intercourse with the woman.

The defendant is charged by Donkochik and Chief of Police Todd Owens with two counts of indecent assault and one count of recklessly endangering another person involving a Sept. 7 incident.

According to a criminal complaint, a 26-year-old Danville woman told police she had some drinks with Adams at Shaulinski's Bar before going to Dorko's Cafe, where they consumed more alcohol. After drinking a rum and Coke, the victim said she lost all memory of the events that took place afterward.

Adams admitted to having sex with the woman at her house and giving her two Tylenol PMs at Dorko's for a headache.

Donkochik and Stelma also charged Adams with two counts of indecent assault and one count of recklessly endangering another person, theft and receiving stolen property relating to the Nov. 2 incident.

Police reported a 57-year-old Elysburg woman told them she had two rum and Cokes with Adams at the Hard Coal Cafe when she started to feel lightheaded and dizzy. The woman said Adams then drove both of them to his residence because she was incapable of driving. She said Adams began taking off all her clothes, but didn't recall anything after that.

The victim said she didn't see Adams slip anything into her drinks at the bar, but had heard he may have done it in the past to other women.

She told police when she awoke naked at Adams' residence. When she asked Adams what happened, he told her nothing happened. The woman then left the house.

Adams, who admitted having sex with the Elysburg woman at his home, also is accused of stealing $100 from the victim's purse.

On Nov. 9, police obtained a search warrant for Adams' home, where they found several items of interest, including Clonazepam prescribed to the defendant. Police said Clonazepam can cause dizziness and drowsiness, impair balance and interfere with cognitive and motor performance.

Adams was recommitted to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $175,000 cash bail on all charges and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. Feb. 27.

The defendant also waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday on charges of unauthorized use of a credit card, theft and receiving stolen property involving a Dec. 14 incident.

He is charged by Patrolman Kevin Katch with stealing a Discover card owned by Barbara Puketza from 138 S. Locust St. and using it to purchase various items and withdraw money from the victim's account. Police said total restitution involved in the theft is $1,816.18.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area School District has received 10 applications for a full-time security staff being created in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting in December in Connecticut.

At least three armed guards will likely be hired by April, but while they will have weapons, they won't have the power of arrest.

School board members and the district superintendent Wednesday acknowledged an error in the language describing the position of "school police officer" under district policy that was adopted Tuesday by the board of directors.

That language will be revised.

"That has to be changed," Superintendent James Zack said Wednesday. "They will not have power of arrest. That was just an error in the policy and we didn't have a chance to fix it up before it went out there."

Charles Shuey, board director, said they also won't be issuing citations, filing juvenile petitions or impounding evidence as written in the job description. They can conduct investigations within the district, but if criminal activity is discovered, a call must be placed to Coal Township Police Department. He said staff could detain students ahead of police arrival.

Shuey, who is a retired police officer, while fellow board director Ed Griffiths is police chief in Shamokin, said he'd also recommend language be changed to reflect that the armed school security staff won't have power of arrest.

Shuey reiterated a point he made before that Shamokin Area won't be creating its own police force. School districts can go that route, he said, but it's costly and burdensome. Instead, he said Shamokin Area will be looking for armed guards, and said he'll ask that the title of "school police officer" be changed.

The school board advertised for armed security last month. It's expected one guard would be hired for each of the three district buildings. Once a staff is assembled, they'll be trained on the district's recently purchased, and recently received, metal detectors, said Brian Persing, board president.

Some of the 10 applicants are either retired from a municipal police department or from Pennsylvania State Police. The personnel committee is expected to choose candidates for interviews within the next week, and a decision could come by April.

Candidates must have a minimum of five years law enforcement experience, must have active police and firearms certification and must pass a criminal background check.

The security staff will be asked to enforce board policy and assure safety on campus. They're expected to maintain high visibility, maintain crowd control, respond to bomb threats and perform internal investigations. Paperwork will be a part of the job because reports will be sought.

Shamokin Area spent $16,400 total on four metal detectors last month, and Persing said the purchase of a fifth is in the works.

Two detectors will be placed at the middle/high school for students, staff and visitors to pass through. Only staff and visitors at the main elementary and the elementary annex must use the detectors at those buildings; students will not have to pass through them, Persing said.

The fifth detector, if purchased, will be used at the middle/high school for large gym bags and music equipment, he said.

The detectors will be up and running in either April or May so as to "get all the bugs out" ahead of the start of the 2013-14 school year, Persing said.

MOUNT CARMEL - The family of a 29-year-old woman allegedly raped by an East Cameron Township man Jan. 27 held their emotions in check during Wednesday's preliminary hearing for the defendant, but afterward, openly expressed their anger over the crime.

"I'd like him to die in jail for what he did to my sister," said a sibling of the victim who resides in East Cameron Township.

The victim's mother, who also resides in East Cameron Township, added, "I believe mothers of this world should give out the punishment in these sex crimes. Then maybe, there would be less of them. I hope he gets all the sex he wants in prison."

The victim's father, who lives in Sabina, Ohio, near Cincinnati, added, "All I can say is that he will get his in jail."

All that frustration and anger was vented toward Kenneth Eugene Wertz, of 4178 Upper Road, who is charged by Trooper David Townsend of state police at Stonington with two counts each of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and aggravated indecent assault, and one count of simple assault. All the charges except the misdemeanor of simple assault are felonies.

Wertz waived his right to a hearing before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones and was recommitted to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

Jones ordered the defendant to appear for a pre-trial conference April 5 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

The defendant was represented by Northumberland County Public Defender Paige Rosini. First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski prosecuted the case.

Wertz is accused of raping a woman with a learning disability at his home. In addition to allegedly raping the victim, Wertz is accused of throwing a telephone that struck her in the left eye, causing injury.

The victim was at the hearing in case she had to testify.

According to a criminal complaint, the victim, who reportedly was raped on a couch in the living room, did not want to have sex with Wertz, who allegedly forced himself on the victim and took her cell phone her when she attempted to grab it. After allegedly being raped, police said the victim attempted to use a house telephone, which Wertz took and used to hit her in the eye.

During an interview with police, Wertz admitted to raping the victim, and hitting her in the eye with a phone, but claimed it was an accident.

SHAMOKIN - A city woman who lied about her rental car being stolen Saturday afternoon faces criminal charges, while her husband, who wrecked the car in Coal Township, will be charged as well.

Jennifer Leonard, 43, of 219 S. Shamokin St., will be charged by Patrolman Raymond Siko II with making false reports to incriminate another person and making false reports. Her 40-year-old husband, Nathan P. Leonard, who has a suspended driver's license, also will be charged by Coal Township police in connection with an accident shortly after the blue 2010 four-door Chevrolet Aveo being rented from EZ Rent A Car, Pottsville, was reported stolen.

Siko said Jennifer Leonard initially told police the car was stolen, even though she knew her husband had taken it. The officer said Jennifer Leonard reportedly "panicked" after realizing her husband was driving the car without a license.

About five minutes after the car was reported stolen, Nathan Leonard crashed it along Route 2026 between Coal Run and Sagon, but was able to free himself from the wreckage despite suffering head, arm and leg injuries, police said.

A passing motorist gave Leonard a ride to Marion Heights, where he told the driver to drop him off. Upon reaching the borough, police said Leonard borrowed a cell phone from a concerned citizen and called his wife to pick him up.

He said his wife later drove him to a hospital in Harrisburg, where he underwent emergency room treatment for multiple serious injuries before returning to Shamokin.

At first, Jennifer Leonard denied lying about the stolen car, but later admitted in an interview with police that her initial story was a hoax.

During an interview with Siko Wednesday morning, Nathan Leonard, who admitted using the car in the past, said he took the car at about 12:45 p.m. Saturday and stopped at M&T Bank to withdraw $200. He then drove along Route 61 before turning onto Route 2026. Leonard said he lost control of the car as he attempted to throw out a cigarette he was smoking. Leonard said he recalled the car hitting a pole, causing him to be thrown against the front window. Leonard said he then crawled up an embankment and was offered a ride by an elderly man, who dropped him off near the Marion Heights ballfield.

Siko said an employee from State Farm Insurance Company told him Wednesday that he received a call from Jennifer Leonard. The insurance company employee said Leonard initially reported the vehicle was stolen before calling back and claiming her brother-in-law took the vehicle and wrecked it.

Siko said the true facts surrounding the incident were provided to the insurance company and EZ Rent A Car.

SHAMOKIN - Volunteers of Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc. are going door-to-door in the city to collect applications for free home repairs to be performed this summer during a Christian mission work camp.

The collection began Tuesday and will continue through March 11, beyond the original March 1 deadline, said Gale Zalar, CSO community action director. CSO volunteers will also be calling potential applicants, including victims of September 2011 flooding.

Zalar said CSO's focus will be on Sunbury and Market streets, both of which are gateways to Shamokin; however, residents of any section of Shamokin are encouraged to apply.

Applications can also be submitted by residents of surrounding communities, according to a project manager with the nonprofit Group Cares, which is organizing the work camp. Pat Rumberger, of Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging, said the county agency also is making applicant referrals who live both inside and outside Shamokin.

Group Cares will bring 400-plus high school-aged volunteers and adult mentors from across the nation to the Shamokin area on a Christian mission in late July to perform work on upward of 70 homes in the area.

Repairs include exterior painting and light carpentry, and are available to those with financial or physical hardships. The project manager estimated on average $375 is spent on each home.

Volunteers are tasked to raise $451 each to join the mission, some of which is used on project materials. The host community is also responsible for contributing approximately $19,000. The city and Area Agency on Aging, cosponsors of the visit, are working together to find local contributors to donate funding towards the project.

Group Cares is awaiting permission from Shamokin Area School Board to bunk in a district building during their visit.

Shamokin's is one of 42 work camps being organized by Group Cares nationwide this summer.

Program volunteers had performed a work camp in the Shamokin area in 2002, when repairs were made to 25 homes in Shamokin and neighboring communities.

Applications can be picked up either at City Hall, 47 E. Independence St., or CSO Inc., Grant Street entrance of the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center. Call City Hall at 644-0876 or CSO Inc. at 644-6575 with questions. For information on Group Cares, visit www.groupcares.org.

MCA class soliciting for program

MOUNT CARMEL - Members of the Mount Carmel Area High School senior class, under the direction of adviser Amy Mudry, are currently soliciting businesses to place their ads in the free program to be distributed at the Mahoney Brothers concert on April 20 at the Mount Carmel Area auditorium.

Funds raised for the program will be used for senior graduation expenses. Members of the community are asked to be considerate of the students canvassing the communities for this project.

'Honoring Veterans' plates for sale

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvanians can demonstrate their support for the state's servicemen and women with an "Honoring Our Veterans" license plate now available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The plate was authorized by Act 194 of 2012. It features an American flag and a bald eagle with the words "Honoring Our Veterans." The cost of the license plate is $35, with $15 from the sale of each plate dedicated to the Veterans Trust Fund, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide grants to veterans service organizations and other charitable organizations.

More information about obtaining the "Honoring Our Veterans" license plate or any other special license plate is available at www.LyndaCulver.com.

SHAMOKIN - Settlement offers have been made to the owners of seven homes damaged by flooding in September 2011.

The owners were given until March 1 to accept the offers and continue with a voluntary demolition project, or opt out. If they choose the latter, the properties must be brought up to code.

One settlement offer has been accepted and returned to the city, City Clerk Steve Bartos said Wednesday.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized

the settlements. Funding

will be given to the city to divvy among the owners as proposed by the agency. Once a check is cut and cashed, ownership of the property is transferred to the city. After that, all properties sold for demolition must be torn down within 60 days, and the land can only be planted with vegetation.

Six homes on South Rock Street and a seventh home on North Third Street were condemned after the flooding. Bartos said all owners have since found new housing.

FEMA approved $203,120 last year toward the proposed demolition, but it's not clear if that figure has changed. Settlement figures are being withheld by the city until property owners make a decision on the offers.

Targeted for demolition are a row of homes from 10 to 16 S. Rock St. as well as 44 and 48 S. Rock St. and 606 N. Third St.

Bartos had previously said all property owners were on board with the program, but indicated the process has proven difficult for the displaced city residents.

More snow here, too

SHAMOKIN - The repeating pattern of nuisance winter storms will be evident again in Northumberland County today and Saturday.

The National Weather Service on Thursday night was forecasting a 40 percent chance of snow today after 1 p.m., with less than one inch of accumulation. The snow will mix with freezing rain and sleet up until about 1 a.m. Saturday, after which there will be a chance of freezing rain and sleet, with an overnight low of about 29 and a southeast wind around 8 mph. Little or no ice accumulation is expected, and any new snow and sleet accumulation will be less than an inch.

Saturday there's a chance of rain and snow before 10 a.m., then rain after that and a high near 38. Rain will continue into the overnight, with a possibility of a change back to snow.

The small accumulation totals match the trend this season. Not counting today, the area has seen 13 storms dating to Christmas eve that at least coated the ground. The highest snowfall totals in the greater Shamokin area were 3 to 5 inches on Dec. 29 and 3 to 4 on Jan. 15 and 16.

CATAWISSA R.R. - The Southern Columbia Area School District has released his distinguished and regular honor rolls for the second marking period of the 2012-2013 school year.

To be named to the Distinguished Honor Roll, students must attain a grade average of 95 percent or better in all their classes. To be named to the regular Honor Roll, students must attain an average between 88 and 94.999 percent.

Distinguished honor roll

Grade 5 - Jared Broscious, Mikaela Brouse, Hailey Ciocco, Madison Colella, Kayla Gallagher, Gina Gratti, Kayla Hauer, Taylor LeVan, Emma Rosko, Elijah Rush, Erick Shufeldt and Leslie Wolfe

Grade 6 - Colt Bernhard, Jadyn Brezinski, Carly Britch, Haleigh Carter, Autumn Chassie, Morgan Cole, Hanna Davis, Troy Donlan, Jared Ebersole, Susan Gembic, Cal Haladay, Gabriella Kaminski, Lindsey Kerstetter, Ethan Knoebel, Brooklynn Kuijpers, Allyson Leiby, Caitlyn Lichtel, Joseph Lobos, Meghan Longenhagen, Jillian Marks, Connor McGinley, Kaitlyn McHale, Michael Miner, Calista Noll, Samantha Palacz, Sarah Rodriguez, Viktoria Romania, Michael Sabo, Haley Scopelliti, Alec Sharrow, Cassandra Sharrow, Kevin Sincavage, Jacob Stahley, Michael Steele and Alexandra Willhouse.

Grade 7 - Gabrielle Bebenek, Cassi Bennage, Breanna Burd, Cecelia Cook, Justin Derk, Meghan Duzick, Abigail Hager, Elijah Hoffman, Natalie Hunter, Grace Joseph, Haley Knoebel, Kristin Kremser, Katelynn Kuijpers, Jaret Lane, Jaden Laskoski, Autumn McDonald, Lauren Mudrock, Jacob Petro, Veronica Polyniak, Jacob Renn, Natalie Ring, Marley Roadarmel, Abigail Shimock, Emily Wolfe and Eli Yemzow.

Grade 8 - Phoebe Bridy, Alexis Burd, Francesca Forti, Anthony Girardi, Claudia Girardi, Elliot Hicks, Carter Houseknecht, Todd Lane, Sarah Lupatsky, Mary Scopelliti, Angeli Sen, Tricia Shufeldt, Brianna Snyder, Isaac Wynn, Marc Yeager and Cameron Young.

Grade 9 - Ahmed Abdul-Al, Lena Becker, Casey Bernhard, Olivia Bodner, Gabriella Delbo, Olivia Greene, Stephanie Haupt, Aiyona Hayman, Robert Hergan, Abigail Herr, Nicholas Jessick, Blair Johnston, Zsofia Kandrot, Tyler Keiser, Katherine Koschoff-Rapkin, Haley Levan, Elizabeth Lieberman, Blake Marks, Amara Nazario, Elyse Noll, Natalia Oliveri, Regan Roadarmel, Mackenna Shively, Matthew Srednicki, Ryan Stimer, Bradley Whyne, Alexys Yannes and Samantha Yeick.

Grade 10 - Tia Billig, Samantha Clark, Trent Donlan, Dustin Durovick, Kasey Fabian, Natalie George, Connor Houseknecht, Katelin Ivey, Thomas Marinelli, Ryan Matukaitis, Julia Mudrock, Michael Newton, Brady Petrovich, Victoria Ring, Samantha Schultz, Kirstein Sharrow, Alyssa Stavinski, Connor Swank, Vanessa Thomas, Adriana Townsend, Adam Weissert, John Wilson and Madison Yocum.

Grade 11 - Mackenzie Brouse, Anne Bryden, Bailey Bzdak, Mackenzie Clark, Justin Ernest, Adam Feudale, Jenna Gutekunst, Sarah Harder, Nathan Hunter, Carissa Jones, Lauren Kerstetter, Racquel Kreischer, Jensen Kremser, Tegan Kriebel, Nathaniel Leiby, Matthew Lupold, McKenna Lupold, Cody Olson, Avory Pantalone, Allen Potter, Gabrielle Scherer, Sabyasachi Sen, Teanna Shutt, Anne Snyder, Garett Sosnoski, Amber Srednicki, Madelyn Stabinski, Beau Tamanini, Molly Van Wieren, Angela Vought, Michael Willhoit and Erin Yoder.

Grade 12 - Deena Bigelow, Kirstin Blass, Megan Chaundy, Alexa Crowl, Katie Dunkelberger, Morgan Fidler, Haley Fulmer, Morgan Fulmer, Jeffrey Hall, Kelly Henry, Kendra Jones, Danielle Knoeppel, Kayla Lavella, Abby Menefee, Kaitlin Mowery, Karl Myhre, Michael Oley, Jasmine Olvany, Bryce Parry, Shelby Petro, Olivia Potter, Marisa Rhodes, Andrew Sassani, Maria Scicchitano, Alec Tobaygo, Mallory Tomaschik, Chantal Varano and Kathryn Varano.

Regular honors

Grade 5 - Evan Bebenek, Maura Blusius, Kiersten Brecht, Hannah Bridy, Luke Brokus, Grace Bzdak, Max Clark, Halle Cox, Jessica Delbo, Elliott Dobson, Amelia Esposito, Kaylin Fetterolf, Cameron Haladay, Ethan Haupt, Braden Heim, William Henry, Jacob Herr, Matthew Hess, Nathaniel Hicks, Nathan Hunsinger, Nathan Kearney, Makenna Keefer, Michelle Kerstetter, Wade Kerstetter, Aaron Koschoff-Rapkin, Sophia Koschoff-Rapkin, Victoria Koschoff-Rapkin, Allyson Kranzel, Austin Leiby, Cade Linn, Cameron Macklem, Morgan Marks, Morgan McCormick, Ian Nevius, Kathryn Pollard, Lear Quinton, Emilia Raup, Brady Reese, Ty Roadarmel, Lauren Rose, Maxwell Shirvinski, Keegan Shultz, Alyssa Strocko, Joseph Szuler, Aden Trathen, Alicia Trathen, Brandon Walz, Chloe Wegrzynowicz, Bristol Welliver, Dorran Wetzel, Thomas Williams, Rilyn Wisloski and Ronald Zsido.

Grade 6 - Michael Adamski, Zachary Bainbridge, Alexis Barnes, Erin Biddiscombe, Hannah Bradley, Kari Cambria, Cara Cecco, Gavin Corrigan, Nathaniel Crowl, Emily Davis, Benjamin Dodson, Ethan Dunkelberger, Meredith Fahringer, Alexus Fetterman, Julian Fleming, DeeDee George, Jacob Gessner, Madison Glosek, Chase Haught, Abigail Henrichs, Tiffany Horton, Reese Houseknecht, Matthew Irons, Kaitlyn Karlovich, Nicole Kerstetter, Tyler Kriebel, Ethan Long, Nigel Lucas, Olivia McGinley, Shane Miller, Gabriel O'Donnell, Payton Pursel, Joseph Remaley, Seth Roardarmel, Marley Seger, Cally Seidel, Parker Shadle, Johnathan Sherman, Oak Six, Cameryn Sock, John Stabinski, Madison Straub, Shayla Swartz, Riley Thomas, William Wegrzynowicz, Desiree Welkom and Ross Wertman.

Grade 7 - Hosam Abdul-Al, Seth Barrett, Andrew Bell, Shannon Bendas, Tyler Bendas, Luc Champoux, Blake Day, Joseph Ditzler, Kamee Duncan, Vance Erdman, Joseph Evans, Bradley Fisher, John Fulmer, Domunic Gaines, John Gembic, Mackenzie Gidaro, Lon Gilger, Albert Goodlunas, Kristina Hallick, Andrew Haupt, Tristan Heim, Megan Kearney, Madison Klock, Hannah Laughlin, Calista Long, Colton Mensch, Ashley Miller, Whitney Morris, Alexa Mowery, Cole Potter, Hailey Reeder, Anthony Scicchitano, Paige Sharrow, Victoria Stare, Brett Szuler, Brandon Troy, Amanda Unger, Chase Urban, Krista Wanner, Dakota Welkom and Casey Winter.

Grade 8 - Mariah Adams, Jacob Bainbridge, Cameron Bauman, Alana Bendas, Dean Bigelow, Noah Bloom, Noah Blusius, Leo Bradley, Noah Brecht, Elizabeth Bryden, Kolby Carl, William Clark, Zachary Consentino, Hailey Cooper, Howard Cowell, Jessica Derk, Nicholas Fetterman, Dylan Gatrell, Miranda Gipple, Jessica Henrichs, Garrett Henry, Lauryn Hower, Daniel Hulsizer, Samantha Jankowski, Joseph Jarvis, Kelsey Koharski, Ryan Lichtel, Lindsay Lindenmuth, Kyla Madara, Marc Malkoskie, Drew Michaels, Curtis Mommo, Julia Moyle, Gabrielle Nahodil, Erika Patrick, Skylar Pickett, Christina Podpora, Wesley Powell, Cassidy Roadarmel, Raevin Rosenbaum, Jacob Santor, Paige Savidge, Elijah Seidel, Deryn Seltzer, Brian Sevison, Danielle Smith, Brooke Sudol, Shane Tripp, Ryley Wetzel, Hunter Whitmoyer, Aliyah Wilk and Justin Woods.

Grade 9 - Jessica Adamski, Laken Anderson, Nicholas Becker, Matthew Bell, Marc Boyer, Kayla Broscious, Alexandria Brown, Sarah Brown, Dustin Chaundy, Mackenzie Chaundy, Cassie Cowell, Elias Deitrick, Gabriel Delbo, Gregory Delbo, Andrea Derr, Jackson Dorey, Jadyn Dunkelberger, Kaylee Durovick, Emily Eck, Abby Fleishauer, Hunter Flore, Shylynn Flowers, Hannah Gratti, Mackenzie Haladay, Gregory Hidlay, Johniathin Ivey, Thomas Ivey, Shalyn Kashner, Aaron Kroh, Maggie Kushner, Jansen McDonald, Ashley Miller, Joseph Molter, Lon Morris, Jillian Oley, Cassidy Pantalone, Lauren Parsons, Jacob Potter, Madison Purnell, Jordyn Ryzner, Molly Shoup, Nathan Smith, Virgil Sudol, Stephen Toczylousky, Jared Torres, Mitchell Tyson, Rachelle Viruet, Dayne Wetzel and Joshua Yoder

Grade 10 - Grayson Belles, Jared Brezinski, Noah Carl, Brandon Ciocco, Dalton Danglovitch, Alexandra Evans, Rose-Ellen Fahringer, Lauren Gedman, Matthew Gregorowicz, Samantha Gregorowicz, Rebecca Harder, Taylor Hoffman, Allison Honabach, Steven Hricenak, Seth Joseph, Michael Klebon, Kent Lane, Kayla Levan, Megan Lunger, Anthony McKenney, Adam Mommo, Kailey Morris, Kyle Mostik, Brent Nichols, Bradley Noll, Miranda Payeskie, Julia Podpora, Luke Rarig, Cole Roadarmel, Anthony Rodriguez, Samantha Romania, Miranda Rose, Jacob Ryan, William Schu, Ashlyn Shoemaker, Trystanne Toczylousky, Jacob Trathen, Brandon Weaver, Austin Wilcox and Lauren Yeick.

Grade 11 - Nathan Beagle, Reba Broadfield, Amanda Consentino, Alexandra Cove, Brandon Cox, Aaron Crawford, Shannon Daubert, Robert Delbo, Janelle Erdman, Sarah Fisher, John Gennaria, Brenna Gessner, Kristina Hartranft, Ashley Hill, Katelyn Klinger, Kathryn Knause, Jonathan Kofskie, Grayson Krieger, Max Kushner, Ryan Leisenring, Storm Letterman, Rebekah Lyash, Madalyn Marzeski, Douglas Michaels, Nathaniel Mitchell, Stephanie Myers, Mason Peters, Christian Rutkoski, Zachary Schuerch, Kara Scull, Hannah Semiclose, Brett Shepard, John Stanishefski, Andrew Steely, Jennifer Treshock, Joshua Tripp, Jessica Watkins, Kc Welkom and Tristan Williams.

Grade 12 - Bethany Adamski, Kimberly Allen, Jacob Becker, Cody Beggs, Tyler Behrent, Madison Beisswanger, Chase Belles, Kayla Broom, Ryan Cherwinski, Anthony Chiavaroli, Joseph Domanski, Erin Fitzpatrick, Vincenzio Forti, Nathan Foust, Elizabeth Gembic, Kellina Gilroy, Ryan Gooler, Austin Howard, Miranda Jurgill, Alyssa Keller, Joseph Kleman, Matthew Klock, Delila Molter, Samantha Mowery, Kimberly Reigle, Jansen Ring, Jeffrey Rooney, Shawn Sevison, Christian Sherwood, Brett Shultz, Kayla Sincavage, Dylan Swank, Shawna Swartz, Tasha Tasker, Erin Troup, Celeste Valencik, Dallas Wehner and William Wertman.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The honor roll for the second marking period at Shamokin Area Middle/High School has been announced by Chris Venna, principal.

The two levels of achievement are an honors level and a distinguished honors level. A student must achieve an average of 90 to 94.9 for honor recognition. Distinguished honors require an average of 95 or better. All subjects except driver training are included in the calculations of a student's average. Also, all subjects must be passed, and a minimum of 90 percent in deportment is required.

Distinguished honors

Grade seven - Abagail Blass, Kiara Bonshock, Michael Breslin, Randall Brosius, Alexandra Campbell, Jacob Carpenter, Emma Clark, Madison Clauser, Madison Daya, Anna Delbaugh, Emily Demartino, Matthew Dimmick, Gloria Drayer, Kelsee Dunn, Colby Edmondson, Katlyn Ehman, Maryssa Erdman, Warren Eveland, Summer Finkelstein, Nicholas Furca, Kira Golden, Mackenzie Hasuga, Jacob Jeremiah, Nicholas Kirkner, Jennifer Kozlowski, Emma Mangiaruga, Sadie Miller, Kamilyah Nazih, Joseph Olah, Madison Pancher, Colton Pollock, Kali Rebuck, Bryan Sakalosky, Cameron Scandle, Scott Schleig, Jadyn Snyder, Ciara Tharp, Mackenzie Young, George Zalar and Dakota Zimmerman.

Grade eight - Kayla Baney, Madison Blackwell, Patrick Bradigan, Cheyenne Burasz, Robert Carapellucci, Samuel Deptula, Cierra Eby, Thomas Eby, Aleea Faus, Amy Frasch, Tiffany Gordon, Brandi Hatzel, Cameron Jacoby, Mackenzie Koharski, Jenai McKeen, Anne Richardson, Madison Rodarmel, Kaitlyn Schrader, Ellen Spotts, Matthew Vrona and Aleksandr Washuta.

Grade nine - Kyran Brown, Patricia Clark, Claudia Collins, Jeannette Costa, Justin Deutsch, Jacob Dirienzo, Amber Disidoro, Lillie Fidelman, Brady Haupt, Russell Henz, Andrew Jones, Evelyn Madrak, Emily McDevitt, Maxwell Morrison, Brayson Pawelczyk, Christopher Petraskie, Brett Rebuck, Ivy Savidge, Kayla Schell, Paige Sherman, Rebecca Wargo and Cameron Wayne.

Grade 10 - Michelle Bressi, Jill Britton, John Brown, Tyler Candelora, Samantha Carpenter, Jasmine Coleman, Megan Dimmick, Heather Elliott, Draven Faus, Devvon Gallie, Tevin Gonzalez, Bridgette Hine, Darian Jones, Elizabeth Kapushinski, Megan Kerstetter, Zachary Koharski, Brett Long, Kayla Marchetti, Brianna Martin, Ronald Rhoads, Jessica Schleig, Graeme Shappell, Jacob Snyder, Taylor Tobias, Casey Wilson, Tucker Yost and Cierra Zimmerman.

Grade 11 - Batool Alvi, Elizabeth Bednar, Brianna Bonshock, Olivia Bonshock, Logan Carpenter, Kylie Christiana, Joseph Colangelo, Nicole Cullen, Daniel Delbaugh, Brendan Drachler, Justin Forbes, Kayla Gordon, Kenya Graham, Alyssa Green, Nathaniel Haggerty, Stefanie Hile, Mariah Mong, Laryah Moyle, Catelin Pancher, Cheyenne Popewczak, Melissa Rishel, William Ruch, Kevin Searls, Anthony Shalamanda, Alyssa Shuey, Kaitlyn Shultz, Melissa Smallets, Helana Supsic, Erik Taylor, Corinne Weikel and Brianna Wengrenovich.

Grade 12 - Anthony Anonia, Darien Craft, Theodore Deptula, Stephanie Dressler, Marlena Ford, Kiesha Foulds, Erica Gammon, Matthew Gass, Kayla Hart, Andrew Hasuga, Ashley Keiser, Veronica Kiefer, Angela Kinder, Falynn Kroh, Amber Martin, Kyla Martin, Ashley Mulkins, Christie Munson, Sarah Purcell, Jessica Ramer, Ciana Rollman, Megan Sheriff, Kelsey Yacko, Michael Yucha and Alex Zalar.

Honor roll

Grade seven - Abigail Aurand, Daizy Barrett, Peyton Baskin, Kalei Bogetti, Kasey Brown, Haley Burd, Jordan Carpenter, Taylor Cullen, Trent Curcie, Brydee Derk, Charles Diehl, John Fantigrossi, Michael Faust, Abbi Fiorey, Kiera Griffiths, Robert Hogan, Brooke Hovenstine, Gaige Johns, Olivia Kaleta, Ethan Lawton, Kayla Martins, Cameron McGuire, Timothy Moll, Victoria Nicola, Kaile Pancher, Courtney Russell, Cheyanne Smith, Stephen Smith, Elizabeth Stevens, Brianna Wary, Jasmine Wasilewski, Lorraine Whary, Tessa Wheary, Alyssa Wisniewski and Daniel Zaborny.

Grade eight - Zachary Anascavage, Guenivere Angstadt, Jacob Bartol, Alex Black, Scarlett Brown, Nicolas Christiana, Brittany Dascani, Katelynn Dewitt, Zachary Druckenmiller, Rachel Drumheiser, Kirsten Hynoski, Jenna Keisling, Noah Mangiaruga, Patrick McGuinn, Lindsey Miller, Sara Popewczak, Carson Quinn, Jarred Rachau, Gregory Rishel, Anthony Roughton, Jaden Schlagle, Andrew Shalamanda, Lauren Stanchick, Samantha Startzel, Gabrielle Velez, Scotty Villari, David Wolfe, Jacob Wolfe and Tobias Zerbe.

Grade nine - Jensen Bordell, Michael Britton, Thomas Campbell, Bradley Carpenter, Cheyenne Collier, Sierra Colross, Tajuan Crum, Dilin DeCample, Gabrielle Erb, Haley Erb, Nicole Faust, Ryan Gass, Kaylan Haight, Quintin Herb, Jessica James, Kasey Puchalski, Isaiah Reiprich, Kelsey Rogers, James Snyder, Amanda Stanchick, Dakota Sutsko, Nicole Thompson, Chase Tillett, Alissa Troutman, Christina Troutman, Jakob Weaver, Danielle Wilk, Kayla Witkowski and Garrett Zalar.

Grade 10 - Jacquelyn Augustitus, Tara Blom, Hunter Bloom, Alek Bonshock, Richard Brown, Ryan Charowsky, Autumn Costa, John Demsko, Joseph Deptula, Summer Feather, Cole Fegley, Derek Gross, Carson Houser, Kathryn Madara, Brittany Madison, Christopher McCabe, Rhiannon McKinney, Brianna Moore, Zachary Moyer, Carley Nash, Quinn O'Day, Darian Paul, Rachel Poplaski, Joshua Rosini, Sara Rozinski, Michaela Snyder, Feliph Taylor, Jenna Wasarhelyi and Jarret Willis.

Grade 11 - Jacob Arnold, Catherine Augustitus, Steven Balonis, Elizabeth Bensinger, Alisha Black, Jasmine Breslin, Kelsey Bryant, Cearra Chipolla, Andrew Claycomb, Jordan Collins, Eryn Cook, Cody Derr, Noelle Erickson, Caitlin Fellin, Megan Goodrich, Katelyn Green, Mitchell Haupt, Molly Haupt, Samantha Holdren, Jennifer Hornberger, Ashley Huxta, Richard Jones, Robert Kulish, Corey Levi, Dana Madl, Sean McLaughlin, Draven Miller, Marielle Miller, Noah Rachau, Scott Reed, Adam Richardson, Lea Richardson, Levi Rosini, Lydia Sandri, Joshua Scheuren, Brooke Sejuit, Victoria Snyder, Caleb Stahl, John Thompson, Ryan Wilk, Shane Williams and Natalie Wolfe.

Grade 12 - David Bernsteel, Savannah Black, Destiny Bowers, Kortney Bozza, Miranda Canouse, Jacob Carey, Michaela Caulder, Jonathan Deitrick, Karrah Derk, Rebekah Dietterick, Adella Doncheski, Amber Erdman, Michelle Etzel, Austin Fry, Jordan Glosek, Paul Gurba, Ian Hancock, Molly Hasuga, SaraJane Healey, Tiffany Kachurka, Brittanie Kahle, Amber Kelly, Michael Kindle, Alicia Lahr, Andrew Leeman, Shannon Levi, Victoria Mangiaruga, Todd Markhorst, Luis Martinez, Molly McDevitt, Courtney McGrath, Michael Merena, Faith Neiter, Autumn Peck, Derrick Persing, Alaina Petrovich, Bunnie Radel, Matthew Reichner, Ryan Rompolski, Deanna Rosini, Rebecca Rummel, Samantha Schiccatano, Samantha Schnee, Rheanna Shingara, Samantha Spishock, Samantha Strausser, Cailin Wilson, Shiloh Witmer, John Wondoloski, Kirsten Yoder, Brody Young and Collin Zalar.

MILLVILLE - A borough man was killed when his vehicle crashed into Little Fishing Creek Monday evening in Columbia County.

State police at Bloomsburg reported Franklin Hays III, 34, died as a result of the 9:15 p.m. crash on Route 42, just south of Route 442.

Police said Hays was traveling north in a 1999 GMC 2500 pickup truck when he lost control of the vehicle and it traveled off the road and struck guide rail on the east berm. The truck then hit the bridge over Little Fishing Creek and went airborne, striking a rock embankment north of the creek, then coming to rest on its wheels in the creek.

Police said Hays was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, but that his airbag did not deploy.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area's budget deficit for next school year will be erased with reserve funding.

The district school board voted 6-2 Thursday to use up to $200,000 from a reserve account to balance the 2013-14 school year spending plan.

In favor were directors Charles Mannello, Donna James, Robert Muldowney, Michael Rovito, Michael Brinkash and Joe D'Andrea. Opposed were Dr. Raymond Kraynak and Thomas Ditchey. Raymond D. Kraynak was absent.

Dr. Kraynak said he had "reservations" about the move, saying such funding should be saved for "doom's day" scenarios. Deficits will crop up annually as long as pension and health costs continue to rise dramatically, he said, and reserve funding to cover such costs is not the answer.

Charles J. Mannello, district business consultant, said without a 1 mill tax increase, the deficit would be an estimated $200,000. With an increase, the deficit would drop to about $130,000.

One mill represents about $70,000 in revenue for the district.

A preliminary budget is expected to be presented to the school board next month.

In other business, the school board voted to:

- Seek bids for the removal, purchase and installation of the Silver Bowl track;

- Replace the district's 37-year-old cafeteria washing machine with a new system not to exceed $100,000, which Director Charles Mannello estimated at slightly more than $84,000 with installation;

- Hire Herring, Roll and Solomon PC as auditors for local tax collectors at a cost of $3,750;

- Approve separate facility use requests by Anthracite Citizens' Theatre, Kulpmont Lions Club, John Lazicki and Nate's Mates;

- Accept a graduation scholarship from Catawissa Lumber and Specialty Co. Inc. The amount of the scholarship was not discussed.

MOUNT CARMEL - A litter of puppies has been given the name "Tornado Nine" after their mom gave birth inside the Silver Bowl.

The canine family was discovered this week when a niece of Mount Carmel Area administrator Greg Sacavage was walking near the stadium and noticed an adult dog running about inside.

Dave Fegley, maintenance director, went to the stadium to check on the dog, believed to be a Labrador retriever/boxer mix. The dog wouldn't let Fegley get too close, and eventually

darted beneath the home bleachers. That's where Fegley encountered nine puppies huddled together on a tarp.

Sacavage took the choice of bleachers as a sign.

"She didn't have them on the visitors side. She had them on the home side. They're real Tornadoes," he said Thursday night, perhaps only half-jokingly.

Cheryl Hill of Mostly Mutts, a no-kill dog shelter in the rural Sunbury area, responded and took the puppies, believed to be between 3 and 4 weeks old. The mom, however, escaped. She returned the next day to check on the puppies and, in doing so, walked into a trap set up by the maintenance crew. She, too, was taken to Mostly Mutts.

The discovery comes just days ahead of this weekend's National Adoption Weekend.

Sacavage said all 10 dogs are healthy and doing well. He said they would be put up for adoption when ready. Some at Mount Carmel Area are already staking claim. Both Donna James, school board president, and a district secretary have vowed to adopt one.

A fundraiser will be organized at district schools to round up money to pay for supplies for the puppies and the mom. Sacavage said there will be a contest to name all nine of the puppies.

To inquire about the puppies and their mother, or for more information on Mostly Mutts, visit www.mostlymuttsonline.com or call Hill at 988-6483.

Underage drinking

TREVORTON - Zachary D. Zarr, 19, of 1131 Exchange Road, Muncy, was cited by Zerbe Township police for underage drinking involving an incident at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday on Market Street near Seventh Street.

Zarr also was cited for driving a car without a license.

Police cited two Milton area males, ages 15 and 16, for curfew violations relating to the same incident.

Theft charges

SHAMOKIN - Wayne Robert Klinger, 42, of 1 S. Walnut St., Mount Carmel, was charged by Patrolman William Miner with theft and receiving stolen property relating to a Feb. 5 incident.

Police said Klinger used a credit card from his employer, S&D Saw & Tool Co., Shamokin, to purchase $21 worth of gas for his personal vehicle.

Two-vehicle crash

CASS TOWNSHIP - No one was injured in a two-vehicle crash at 5:53 a.m. Thursday on Highridge Park Road at Keystone Boulevard, Cass Township, Schuylkill County.

State police at Frackville report a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Anthony Zanis, 25, of Seltzer, was traveling west on Highridge Park Road and attempting to turn left onto Keystone Boulevard when he struck the driver's side of a 1996 Buick Regal, driven by Kenneth Kimmel Jr., 25, of Ashland, who was traveling east on Highridge Park Road. The Regal spun into the median on Keystone Boulevard following the crash.

Kimmel's vehicle had to be towed from the scene, and police said Zanis will be cited for the crash.

SHAMOKIN - An administrator for a regional nonprofit says its application for federal grant money to open a group home in Coal Township for troubled young mothers has been denied.

Gale Zalar, community action director for Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc., said that while the organization had not yet been officially informed, it missed out on funding through Project ELECT - Education Leading To Employment and Career Training.
The money was to be used to operate Pinnacle Place in the 1600 block of West Lynn Street, where four pregnant women age 18 to 22 could live with their newborns as long as 21 months while receiving motherhood counseling and career training on site. A June opening was targeted.
“Those that were funded were pretty much all those that were up and running,” Zalar said of similar programs.
She said an application would be resubmitted for Project ELECT funding to be dispersed in September, adding “we’re optimistic ... that it will go through.”
CSO, which has an office in Shamokin, is working with Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit to open Pinnacle Place. Coal Township commissioners voted in October to modify zoning ordinance to allow such a home. The move was opposed by some residents of the west-end neighborhood who fear such a venture could negatively impact property values.
Organizers stressed the program is not court-ordered and is not a drug or alcohol rehabilitation. There was talk that women accepted into Pinnacle Place would have to undergo drug testing.
If it’s opened, four full-time employees would work at the home, including a “house mother” who would live on site. There also would be five part-time employees.
The home would be open to women from the five-county area served by CSIU, but preference would be given to locals.
CSO bought the home in 2011 in a county tax sale and has since renovated it.
If the group home is not established, options CSO could pursue under township code include creating a group home for the elderly or the mentally or physically handicapped, or renting it to low-income families.