COAL TOWNSHIP - A new "hip" interior and double drive-thru lanes are part of a remodeling project taking place at the McDonald's along Route 61.

That will require some patience in the interim, but owner Roland Kissinger said Thursday the work is going "better than I expected" and should be finished by the end of the month.

As early as next week, the drive-thru, which has been closed since work began Monday, will reopen and the interior will close for the remainder of the construction period.

The Coal Township location is the third of Kissinger's six McDonald's that are being remodeled. The first two were at the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville, and at Elysburg. He also owns McDonald's restaurants in Bloomsburg, Berwick and Mifflinville.

"We are going to give this location a modern look," Kissinger said. "The interior is going to be completely redone with bright colors and a young, hip theme."

The biggest change will make the interior more open by eliminating the glass wall that separates the dining area. The glass existed from the days when the Playland was still there.

Also, the combined table-bench seats will be replaced with stand-alone tables, chairs and stools. There will be new restrooms, a new self-serve beverage bar and new counters, Kissinger said.

All lighting, both inside and outside, will be converted to energy efficient bulbs.

Also in the vein of customer service, Kissinger said a new order-taking system, "dual point service," will be installed, the first for any local McDonald's.

"We are excited about that," he said. "The closest restaurant that offers it is in Williamsport."

Employees at the register will take the orders and that will be their dedicated job, thus enabling them to have more interaction with customers.

Other workers will fill the order and a screen above the order counter will tell customers when their food is ready and can be retrieved at a second location at the counter.

GCM Contractors, Mount Joy, is doing the work, and despite the construction, the restaurant will remain open throughout the project.

"Right now, our drive thru is closed while we get the exterior ready, but the lobby and interior remains open," Kissinger said.

He said the tentative plan is to pour concrete for the double lane drive-thru today, have it set over the weekend and then install menu signs Monday.

If all goes well, on Tuesday, the interior will close and the drive thru will reopen.

The double-lane drive-thru will enable workers to take two orders at the same time, he said.

When the remodel was finished in Elysburg, the restaurant held a grand reopening celebration, complete with a classic car show, a visit by Ronald McDonald and a giveaway of free Big Macs for a year for some lucky customers.

At Coal Township, "We are working on our reopening celebration plans as we speak," Kissinger said.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Walk A Mile, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards, puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; bridge, noon.

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

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Part 1 of the Healthy Steps program, 9:30 a.m., snacks. Must attend both programs to be eligible for the $20 gift card drawing; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

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

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Balloon toss, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 a.m.; chit chat, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Family Medical blood pressure screening, 10 to 11 a.m.; culinary arts luncheon, 11:30 a.m. for those that signed up; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Current events, 9 a.m.; coupon savings, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Center closed due to a parish function.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Wii, knitting and noodle balloon in the morning; pinochle-cards, noon; Bible study with Dr. Romanic, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii, knitting and noodle balloon in the morning; bunco and LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii competition between members, 10 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii, knitting and noodle balloon in the morning; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Dinner and a Movie.

Tuesday - Exercise with Carol Burton; Healthy Steps.

Wednesday - Visit with traveling library with Jim Patterson.

Thursday - Food bank pantry.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Pokeno, noon. Deadline to sign up for soup and sandwich meal Wednesday, April 17. Menu will include chicken corn soup, ham, turkey and swiss cheese sandwich, three bean salad and chocolate cake with peanut butter icing.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; VNA blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Membership is now due, 2013 membership cards are at the center. Dues are $5 at the center. The center is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Trevorton

Monday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.; last day to order soup and sandwich or grab and go.

Tuesday - Wii bowling practice, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; making soup; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; soup sale pick up, 11 a.m.; 31 card game, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Lunch at Olive Garden at Buckhorn, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii bowling at Northumberland SAC, 9 a.m.; exercise with Amy, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; evening card party, 7 p.m.

SHAMOKIN - The haze that enveloped the Shamokin area Thursday afternoon was not caused by a local blaze, but by a controlled burn in Lebanon County.

According to Coal Township Fire Chief Russ Feese, smoke lingering over Shamokin and surrounding communities came from a controlled burn at Fort Indiantown Gap. A supervisor at the Northumberland County 911 Center confirmed the report.

"They have taken responsibility for the condition," the supervisor said.

According to a post on the military installation's Facebook page, Fort Indiantown Gap was conducting prescribed burn on 800 acres Thursday, part of a series of controlled burns to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Low humidity and wind conditions enabled the haze, which became noticeable downtown around 4 p.m. Thursday, to fill the surrounding valleys. Around 6 p.m., the Columbia County 911 center said in a scanner report that heavy smoke conditions were prevalent around the county.

The smoke was noticed in Elysburg and near Southern Columbia Area High School. Most people, however, continued to go about their business on one of the first warm days of the year.

"I really didn't notice it," said a woman walking a dog near the district's garage. "I just thought because of the nice weather, some people were burning their leaves."

Initially, firefighters were called to investigate a brush fire in the Third Patch area of Bear Valley Avenue. After an investigation was found that nothing was burning, the controlled burn theory was looked into.

Routine

A March 22 press release from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs announced prescribed burns at Fort Indiantown Gap will continue through May as a commonly used forestry management technique that reduces the amount of combustible material naturally existing in the wilderness. Controlled burns are only conducted when conditions are ideal for managing fires, the release said.

"Please note that all burns are coordinated with the appropriate state agencies and conducted as safely as possible with detailed planning and prescriptions on site," the Facebook post read.

Despite the ideal weather condition, National Weather Service meteorlogist Craig Evanego said a wind from the south blowing at about 5 to 15 miles per hour helped deliver the smoke about 30 miles, "as the crow flies," from Annville to Shamokin.

"The dry conditions today probably made it easy to start the fire, but then the wind carried the smoke directly north through Upper Dauphin, Schuylkill and into Northumberland County," Evanego said.

The following memorials/donations have been presented to Divine Redeemer Church, Mount Carmel, for the month of March.

In memory of

Mary Lou Bednarczyk from Rita and Jerry Criniti; Mount Carmel Disabled Veterans Chapter 129; Joseph R. Hanna Jr.; Mary Cortellini family.

Dennis Whispell from Mary C. Sawicki.

Walter V. Wanzie from Bob and Marie Ficca; Pat Bartos; Christopher E. McGee.

Theresa Leonardi from Bruno Leonardi and Mary Theresa, Ray, Adam and Beth Hornberger.

John J. Bailoni.

Alexander and Stephania Brzostowski from Betty and Helen.

John and Gertrude Brzostowski from Betty and Helen.

Frank and Ruth Brzostowski from Betty and Helen.

Marie Bielarski from Betty and Helen.

Tessie and Steve Megosh from Betty and Helen.

Jim Palembas and John Moleski from Betty and Helen.

Jane and Jim Gencavage from Betty and Helen.

Rose M. Hynoski.

Steve Ardan from Rita M. Pizzoli; Sara Mirarchi.

Maria Zsido Chapel from Rick Shierant.

Reverend Joseph D. Bowler, O.S.F.S. from Rick and Lucille Shierant.

David R. Ficca from Connie (Greco) Wenrich; Francis "Cosmo" Rossi; Rita M. Pizzoli; Kenneth and Barbara Pizzoli; Daniel Rossi; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thiroway; Francis and Gloria Kwiatkowski.

Norman Charles Worgen Sr. from John and Fran Cichon.

Birthday memorial

Nancy Siko (March 3) from aunt, Irene Kurland.

In honor of

Our Lady of Guadalupe from Anonymous.

Saint Joseph from Anonymous.

Race for Education at OLOL

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School will participate Thursday in the annual Race for Education. Family and friends are invited to join the school in raising funds for the continued update of technology and other essential educational needs.

Each participant will raise funds by asking sponsors to contribute a tax-deductible amount based on laps completed, or a flat donation, if they prefer.

Students may walk or jog around a quarter-mile area as many times as they are able in an hour's time. Students and classes also have the opportunity to compete for a number of prizes and awards based on their participation.

Race times are: Pre-K through second-grade, 9 a.m.; third- to sixth-grades, 11 a.m.; 10th, 11 and 12th grades, noon, and seventh, eighth and ninth grades, 1 p.m.

Street sweeper set for next week

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Mount Carmel Township supervisors asked that residents of Mount Carmel Estates, Oak Ridge Estates and Diamondtown remove their vehicles from the streets Monday for the street sweeper.

They also requested that residents of Atlas remove their vehicles from the north (odd) sides of East and West Saylor and West Girard streets and Columbia Avenue Tuesday and from the south (even) sides of those same streets on Thursday and Friday.

Residents who do not remove their cars from the street on the designated day for street cleaning will receive a $15 ticket, supervisors said.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Lions Club will mark the 16th anniversary of its Oak Street Festival Saturday, May 11.

One of the major annual community events in Mount Carmel, the festival features crafts, food and entertainment. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The festival will be expanded this year to appeal to residents of all ages. A number of other music programs are planned, highlighted by the appearance of Pet Rock, a well-known vocal duo, and a special musical performance by Billy Dee and Rosie.

The "Move Crew" from Motivation Station will perform again this year. This aerobic presentation is performed by children ages 3 to 15. Also, the Susquehanna Trail Dog Club will make a return visit, and antique cars will be on display on West Fourth Street.

The Lions Club, which has 37 active members, has been serving the community for more than 60 years. The club is well known and appreciated for its holiday Meals on Wheels program, in which an average of 160 meals are prepared and delivered to the needy on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter.

For this past Easter's distribution, the Lions thanked Boyer's Market, Varano Warehouse, Mount Carmel Elks and volunteers from the West End Athletic Club for their support.

Money from all club fundraisers, including its semi-annual spaghetti dinner, is turned back to the community via free eye exams and glasses, hospital beds, ambulatory equipment, the annual Santa parade, the Christmas tree raising at Charlie McAndrew's car lot at Seventh and Oak streets, a teener league baseball team sponsorship, award dinners for the high school track team and the club's signature event, the Mike Terry Awards, along with donations to charitable organizations.

On the Net: www.mountcarmellions.org.

SUNBURY - A 30-year-old Mount Carmel man charged with drugging four women and sexually assaulting them at his residence was ordered Friday morning to appear for another pre-trial conference on all five cases in May or June.

Barry Thomas Adams, of 111 N. Market St., agreed to have the cases proceed in the Court of Common Pleas during his initial pre-trial conference on the charges before Judge Charles H. Saylor. The judge then directed Adams to appear for another pre-trial conference May 3 or June 7.

Adams could have entered a guilty plea in the five cases Friday or requested the cases go to trial, but he did neither. He still has the opportunity to plead guilty at his next pre-trial conference or seek a trial.

Adams, who remains incarcerated on more than $200,000 cash bail, was represented by Northumberland County Public Defender Paige Rosini. Assistant District Attorney William Cole represented the commonwealth.

Adams is charged by Mount Carmel Cpl. David Donkochik and Chief of Police Todd Owens with multiple felony offenses, including two counts of rape, relating to incidents involving a 36-year-old Ashland woman that occurred between the

evening hours of Nov. 21 and Thanksgiving morning at his home. She came forward after reading about previous charges filed against Adams, police said.

He also is charged by borough police with multiple felony offenses for allegedly raping a 32-year-old Ashland woman and having sexual contact with a 26-year-old Danville female and a 57-year-old Elysburg woman. Police said those offenses occurred Feb. 27, Sept. 7 and Nov. 2, respectively, at Adams' residence.

He is accused of drugging the women at local bars and then raping or having indecent sexual contact with the victims at his home. Adams allegedly befriended each of the victims on Facebook before meeting them in taverns and buying them drinks. He reportedly showed the victims photographs of a man he claimed to be himself in an attempt to meet the victims in person. But police said the photographs depicted on Facebook were someone else.

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

He was most recently charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matt Dillman with access device fraud, identity theft, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Police said Adams allegedly stole a credit card owned by David Urbanowicz and used it to make various purchases and cash withdrawals between Jan. 1 and March 2.

The most recent charges were not involved in Friday's legal proceeding.

SUNBURY - A 27-year-old Coal Township resident charged with repeatedly punching and kicking a man and slamming his head off the ground outside Brady Fire Company is scheduled to face a trial this summer.

Richard "Ricky" J. Madden Jr., of 1000 W. Willow St., decided to go to trial Friday morning at a pre-trial conference before Judge Charles H. Saylor. His trial is scheduled to be held in July, but Madden can still enter a guilty plea prior to that.

Madden is charged by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn with a felony of aggravated assault and misdemeanors of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Police said Dale Wilk Jr., 31, of 2004 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, the victim of the assault, suffered bruises and scrapes on his head and face as a result of the Oct. 20 attack and required emergency room treatment.

Wilk told police he has "blacked out" since the assault and continues to consult with a doctor.

Madden, who remains free on $10,000 unsecured bail, was represented by Attorney Joel Wiest of Sunbury. Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey represented the commonwealth.

The pre-trial conference was one of 95 scheduled before Saylor on Friday.

Scott J. Binsack has asked a federal judge for a temporary stay in his pending lawsuit against city and state officials.

Currently jailed on a parole violation in SCI-Rockview, Centre County, the Shamokin resident says he can't "effectively pursue" the lawsuit until after his release May 5, so he's seeking a 90-day stay.

He says in a motion filed Wednesday that he is legally blind and disabled and has limited access to the law library, and that he cannot access "mounds" of electronic and video evidence until his release as the location of the materials is known only to himself and an unnamed private investigator.

Binsack says there is also the matter of evidence discovered after his arrest, which he describes as "fabricated," that would lead him to file an amended complaint naming additional defendants. They are not named.

The motion was made by Binsack himself after attorney Frank E. Kepner Jr., Berwick, was granted withdrawal from the case last month. Kepner told the court that Binsack, who did not file opposition to Kepner's withdrawal, dropped him as a client and owed "substantial" bills for his legal services.

Binsack, co-creator of a series of Web videos titled "Something's Smokin' in Shamokin," says he is seeking counsel from attorneys either from New York or Philadelphia. If he does not retain an attorney, he said in his motion that he is "highly experienced in law" and would continue the lawsuit serving as his own attorney.

Kepner filed a lawsuit in November on Binsack's behalf claiming his client's constitutional rights were violated by city and state parole officials. Tens of thousands of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages are sought.

Defendants named in the suit are the City of Shamokin, Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, Shamokin City Clerk Steve Bartos, Shamokin Councilman R. Craig Rhoades, Shamokin Code Officer Rick Bozza, Chief of Police Ed Griffiths and state parole agents Susan Stout and David Frederick. Their attorneys have petitioned the court to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing it lacks merit.

MOUNT CARMEL - News that the Shamokin Creek Flood Control project will break ground next Friday was met with a mixture of excitement and doubt by one family along Water Street whose home has been repeatedly flooded.

Michele and Charles Krah have been waiting along with others through decades of delays, and they spent $22,000 in savings to make repairs to their home after flooding in 2010 and 2011. So they are hesitant to celebrate.

"They've talked about it and talked about it, but then something always happens to stop it. I don't want to get my hopes up," Michele Krah said Friday outside her house at 311 E. Water St.

But borough officials and others say the project will indeed get stated with a groundbreaking ceremony slated for 11 a.m. In fact, David R. Grey, project coordinator of community development with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), Lewisburg, invited the Krahs and others to attend Friday's ceremony, which will take place at the creek directly across from their home.

Expected to attend, in addition to borough officials

and Grey, are state Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27), state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107), state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary Clyde "Champ" Holman, state Department of General Services (DGS) Deputy Secretary James Henning, state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Project Engineer Doug Hill and Bill Seigel, program chief for

community development at SEDA-COG.

'Ecstatic,' 'emotional'

Start of the project comes as a relief not only to residents, but also to borough council members, who have been trying to push the project forward for nearly 30 years despite not having little control.

"I'm ecstatic that this is finally going to be done. The people down there (on Water Street) are so happy," council President Tony Matulewicz said. "They're emotional about it."

The project was expected to break ground nearly a year ago, but the state Department of General Services (DGS) rejected all bids due to a problem with the paperwork.

The same thing almost happened this time around when a formal bid protest was filed by one of the bidders, but SEDA-COG filed a brief of no merit on the borough's behalf and DGS agreed, Matulewicz said.

The window to appeal the brief passed last week; therefore, the project is allowed to move forward, he said.

Once the groundbreaking takes place, Matulewicz said a pre-job conference with the main contractor, Don E. Bower Inc., Berwick, will be scheduled, and construction should begin before the end of April and could potentially last three years.

Shamokin Creek is fed by two smaller streams that connect underneath North Pine Street near Francis Latovich Machine Shop. The water flows underground for three blocks until it flows out at North Locust and East Water streets, which is where the new construction will begin.

The creek then flows through town along Water Street for approximately a mile until it enters into Mount Carmel Township. From where the waters flows out at North Locust and East Water streets to the township will be the section that will be reconstructed with new walls accompanied by six-foot-high fences.

Bridges crossing North Walnut and North Chestnut streets will be torn down and built anew, but bridges crossing North Hickory and North Vine streets will not.

The new walls will be smooth concrete, and 20 feet of space across the creek between the walls.

At the end of the borough's construction, located on Reading Anthracite property behind the Mount Carmel Area Silver Bowl and Stadium Car Wash at West Third Street, an open pool and levy system will be constructed with pillars to break the flow of the water, at which time it will continue onto the rest of the creek.

The borough's obligations included acquiring rights to land around the creek and consolidating deeds and signing them over to DGS. At that point, DGS was responsible for the entirety of the project.

Funding in 1996

Phil Dunn, executive assistant at Gordner's Harrisburg office, said Friday the project has been a long time coming, and noted the first funding for it he can remember is when former Rep. Bob Belfanti (R-107) secured a line item in the state budget in 1996.

Gordner, Masser and Holman presented the borough with a ceremonial check for $500,000 in March 2012 for the project.

"We helped shepherd the project through and we're really pleased this is going to be a reality," Dunn said.

The Flood of 2011 is the fourth time in a year that the Krah family's basement was damaged by high water, even after they took measures to protect the lowest floor. They cemented shut the front basement entrance after the third time, but the extreme flooding in September pushed water all around their house, breaking open a steel door and dumping nearly 5 feet of water into their basement.

Michele Krah hopes a solution is finally near.

"It's been a long time coming," she said. "I don't know if I can take it anymore."

SUNBURY - An East Cameron Township man charged with raping a 29-year-old woman with a learning disability was recommitted to the county jail Friday morning after deciding to have his case proceed in the Court of Common Pleas.

Kenneth Eugene Wertz, 48, of 4178 Upper Road, declined to enter a guilty plea in the case or confirm that he plans to take the case to trial. He was ordered by Judge Charles H. Saylor to appear for a second pre-trial conference May 3 or June 7. Wertz can still plead guilty or no contest or seek a trial at his next legal proceeding.

The defendant 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, who is incarcerated in lieu of $100,000 cash bail, is accused of raping the woman 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.

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 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.

Northumberland County Public Defender Paige Rosini is serving as Wertz's attorney. First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski is the prosecutor in the case.

MOUNT CARMEL - David Fantini, 61, is a candidate for Mount Carmel Borough Council. He has lived in Mount Carmel most of his life.

In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in August 1971 with the rank of corporal.

He worked construction out of Local 158 for 35 years, retiring in August 2006.

He has been married to the former Catherine Reichwein for 43 years. She is a retired registered nurse.

Fantini has two sons, David and Jason. David is married to Catherine Bringenburg, of Bethlehem. They have two sons, Nicholas, 13, and Zachary, 11. Jason is married to Mandy Brzowstowski, of Mount Carmel. They have two children, Mason, 8, and Sophia Rose, 3 months.

"I consider myself a fair and honest guy. I am interested in the future of Mount Carmel," Fantini said. "The only promise I will make, if elected, as a councilman is, 'I will do my best for Mount Carmel.'"

MOUNT CARMEL - A dispute over record-keeping abruptly ended the Lower Anthracite Transportation System's 30-year relationship with King Coal Tours earlier this year

LATS, the local, government-funded bus service managed by Mount Carmel Borough, is now contracted with Shamokin-based Catawese Coach Lines instead.

A letter in January from King Coal, based in Kulpmont, said it was ending the partnership because the borough was not paying for services rendered, borough council President Tony Matulewicz said earlier this week. The contract ended Jan. 31.

The borough disputes that, and Matulewicz said the problem started when council asked King Coal to provide bills on a per quarter basis with receipts and detailed lists of specific spending, which is what PennDOT requires. King Coal was not compliant with this request, Matulewicz said.

Jonathan Else, vice president of operations for King Coal, said Friday he had no immediate comment, but that he would like to discuss the issue in further detail with The News-Item. Else seemed frustrated with the borough over the situation.

Matulewicz said Megan Janolek's appointment as LATS executive director in July led to better record-keeping and identification of various issues.

Matulewicz said William Milbrand, owner of Catawese, has been able to provide the requested breakdown of charges without any problem.

Milbrand stressed Friday that he didn't go after the LATS contract. King Coal and Catawese are the two major local bus lines. He said the borough approached him about providing buses and drivers, he agreed and quoted a price.

"I didn't go looking for the business by any means," he said. "They approached me."

The contract with King Coal included a fleet of four buses, drivers, maintenance/cleaning services, insurance and diesel fuel. The contract with Catawese, approved by council in February, does not include insurance and fuel, which the borough is covering on its own.

LATS is funded mostly from federal and state grants through PennDOT and the Lottery Senior Citizen Free Transit Fund. It's intended to provide affordable public transportation (free to seniors over 65) to locations mostly in eastern Northumberland County.

While PennDOT oversees the operation, Mount Carmel must provide management and distribute grant money to the service provider.

Meanwhile, Matulewicz and Janolek are examining audits from 2010 and 2011 and comparing costs from when King Coal was contracted and the first few months with Catawese. The 2012 audit is not yet available.

Furthermore, Matulewicz said the services were supposed to be bid out every five years in accordance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and PennDOT regulations, but the borough apparently never made this happen.

On Monday, the borough advertised for bids to provide the bus service in hopes of having a new contract by July 1. Proposals from bus companies are due May 3.

Borough council members have praised Janolek, whose changes to routes for time and efficiency have been generating a higher profit.

In February, $692 was collected in fare revenue. It was $400 in February 2011 and $347 in February 2010.

That change has taken placed despite a reduction in fare price to $1 for those under 65 who use the service, Matulewicz said.

Route 405 project starts April 15

MONTOURSVILLE - A $3.65 million bridge replacement and rehabilitation project on Route 405 in Northumberland County is set to start the week of April 15.

Prime contractor Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. will begin work by closing Route 405 at the bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks just west of Housels Run Road, and implementing a signed detour.

Also included will be the superstructure (deck and beams) rehabilitation on the nearby two-span bridge over Chillisquaque Creek on Route 405 just south of the intersection with Housels Run Road.

Work will take place on both bridges concurrently, with both open to traffic before December.

Additional work will include drainage improvements, guiderail upgrades, new pavement, paved shoulders and new pavement markings.

Motorists wishing to travel south of Montandon on Route 405 will be re-routed east on Route 45, then south onto Route 147.

A separate bicycle detour for PA Bike Route J will follow Ridge Road, Mountain Road, Tower Road, Ridge Road, Kremer Road, Snyder Road and Ridge Road.

Miracle Network events planned

DANVILLE - The Miracle 5K Run and Walk benefiting Children's Miracle Network will take place at Geisinger Medical Center Saturday, April 27.

The out-and-back race will begin at the Hospital for Advanced Medicine at 9 a.m. Registration is at 8 a.m.

Pre-registered participants can sign up before April 19 for $15 or $50 for a family of four.

Race day registration is $20 per person. T-shirts are included for the first 100 entrants.

Awards will be given to the top overall fundraising individual and group, as well as the overall male and female winner and the top three finishers in each age group.

Registration forms are available online at www.geisinger.org/cmn/calendar. Checks can be made payable to Geisinger Health System Foundation.

The funds raised by this event will help to provide pediatric equipment, programs and services at Janet Weis Children's Hospital and throughout Geisinger Health System.

For more information, call 271-6188 or 1-800-322-5437.

MAHANOY CITY - The cause of a fire that claimed two lives at an apartment building on the borough's main street early Saturday morning has not been determined.

Flames tore through the building at 329-331 E. Centre St. killing homeowners Morris Seabra, 69, and his wife, Adele, 60.

Morris Seabra was rescued from the second floor of the home, treated by EMS personnel and taken to a Pottsville area hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Adele Seabra was also rescued from the second floor and pronounced dead at the scene by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky, Mahanoy City.

A man living on the first floor identified as Edward Droginis was also rescued by firefighters.

Droginis, whose age is not available, was taken to the State Correctional Institute/Mahanoy, placed aboard a MedEvac helicopter and flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest, for further treatment.

Droginis' condition was not immediately known, but officials said he was conscious and talking when placed aboard the helicopter.

Another man living in the building, Phillip Scott, 38, was not home at the time of the fire, Anthony Blackwell, Mahanoy City Fire Department safety officer, said.

Blackwell said firefighters were called at 1:58 a.m. for a report of a fire with entrapment and, arriving on scene within minutes, found heavy fire in a first floor foyer and stairwell and heavy smoke through the remainder of the building.

After removing the victims, fire crews worked for about 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control. At one point, intense fire shot out of all four windows on the third floor of the building, lighting up the night sky.

Blackwell said that due to the smoke conditions, residents in adjoining homes at 327 E. Centre St. and in two apartments at 325 E. Centre St. are temporarily displaced but expected to be able to return to their homes in a few days.

As daylight broke, state police fire marshals Troopers Michael Yeity of Troop L in Reading and Thomas Finn from Troop L in Schuylkill Haven arrived to assist borough fire chief Randy Kalce in trying to determine what sparked the fire.

Yeity said the fire is believed to have started in the foyer area of the 329-331 building where heavy fire was found by responding firefighters.

The exact cause, however, has not yet been determined.

ATLAS - Tommy Reisinger read a news report about the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 20 children and six staff members were murdered last December.

Twenty children, all between 6 and 7 years old, and all of them less than half his age.

Tommy turned to his dad, Tom, of Mount Carmel, and asked what they could do. His dad's answer surely mirrored that of many parents in the days and weeks after the U.S. was rocked by yet another deadly mass shooting.

"Nothing really. Just pray and donate," Tom recalled having told his son.

"I felt sorry for all the families whose children died," Tommy, a sixth-grade Mount Carmel Area student, said Saturday.

Tommy took his dad's advice and got to quickly thinking. His parents, Tom and Deb, hosted more than 50 kids for a Wiffle Ball tournament for his 11th birthday in 2012. All those birthday cards with all those dollar bills spurred the idea to do it again, this time with portions of the gifts going to United Way's Sandy Hook School Support Fund. The fund provides support services to the victims' families and the community.

The Reisingers hosted Wiffle Mania on Saturday, with 66 kids playing ball at the field at the West End Playground in Atlas.

For every birthday card given to Tommy, who turned 12 on March 17, he kept a little for himself and put the rest toward the Sandy Hook fund. In all, the 12-year-old raised $250. Ken Shedleski, chief executive officer of Wealth Professionals Inc., Shamokin, pledged to match it in full, Tom said.

The Reisingers patiently waited for spring weather to return in order to host the Wiffle Ball birthday party. Saturday proved as good a time as any, with mild temperatures and a clear sky giving way to a beautifully sunny day.

Taking advantage of the weather forecast, Tom

worked over the past week organizing Wiffle Mania. He reached out to David Mullany of Wiffle Ball Inc. - a company based in Shelton, Conn., about a half-hour from Newtown, Conn., where the shooting occurred. Mullany responded in kind, donating Wiffle Ball bat-and-ball sets for every child expected to participate.

Tom also got in touch with Ken Schwartz, a television producer for ESPN who donated green wristbands decorated with hearts and haloed angel wings and the phrases "Angels of Sandy Hook" and "Hope Faith Love."

Randy and Lisa Boyer donated pizza from their business, Mount Carmel Bull Pen. Rick Wilson, owner of Bumper's Beverage, Mount Carmel, provided drinks. James Bush, of Atlas, donated use of the ballfield.

The kids, ranging between 6 and 14 years old, and a few of their dads, were split into six teams named after professional ball clubs: Phillies, Orioles, Nationals, Red Sox, Mets and Yankees. They played a round robin tournament. After that, there was a home run derby. Trophies donated by the family owned Academy Sports Center were given to the winners.

Bob and Cathy Welker and Cathy Besser of Academy Sports also kicked in a monetary donation.

Those who played in Wiffle Mania each autographed Wiffle Ball's signature skinny plastic bat. It will be mailed to Schwartz, who will then turn it over as a unexpected gift to Newtown Police Officer William Chapman, one of the many first responders called into action Dec. 14.

Chapman was among the police officers interviewed for the New York Times feature that spurred Tommy to raise money for Sandy Hook.

That so many people helped out on such short notice, including some who were strangers to the Reisingers, was a moving experience for Tom. As he spoke about their generosity, he said he was glad to know there are many kind people in this world. He also remains very thankful for what he has.

"One day you can have a family of four and the next day you wake up and you can have a family of three," Tom said.

This will be Tommy's last big birthday party, his dad said. But it won't be the last of Wiffle Mania. Tom said the event would continue in the years to come under the name Kids for a Cause, with proceeds donated to needy causes.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Richard A. Kashnoski is a candidate for the Shamokin Area School Board.

A graduate of Shamokin Area High School, he earned a degree in finance and business administration at Bloomsburg University. He is the vice president of commercial lending for Miners Bank in Schuylkill County. He also serves as the varsity diving coach for Shamokin Area High School.

"Through my experience in banking and the financial industry, I would be a good fit to help build and restructure our district. I also think that my coaching experience has taught me dedication and a drive to succeed," Kashnoski said. "My banking experience has allowed me to gain the knowledge of what it takes to make a business successful."

Kashnoski pointed out that people in business rely on their customers. "These customers are what drive any business to succeed. Unfortunately, aside from the hard-working taxpayers, the government and our legislatures will never be a customer we can rely on to keep us in business through continued subsidies and funding. It is time to start thinking outside of the box so that we are not faced with relying on the taxpayer even more," he remarked.

Kashnoski said it is imporant to show that "the business we call the Shamokin Area" is a leader and a role model in how to build a successful school district. "I know that we are faced with many challenges including funding and cutbacks, all while trying to give our students a quality education. The funding and the ability to keep class 'A' teachers in our district is one of my main goals," he said.

"I think we need to focus on what is important, what is close to all of our hearts and what is best for everyone involved. This focus needs to be on what the district can offer our children. We need to stand together and become one. We need to not separate or overlook the core competencies of what builds a district and makes it strong," Kashnoski continued. "We need to allow our children the opportunity for activities and education that make for a well-rounded graduate, and we need to focus on bringing and maintaining a quality-driven faculty whose priority is that of the student."

Kashnoski noted that education and learning start at an early age. "These fundamentals are sometimes driven by outside avenues that grasp the attention of our youth, allowing these children to have opportunities such as art, music and theatre that enhance not only the child's well-roundedness, but also engages them in developing their future. Fundamentals develop creativity and present an opportunity to achieve more and take on more challenges in life.

"Strengths that I can bring to this district are to never give up, never stop chasing your dream, and never take no for an answer. We will always be faced with obstacles, challenges and answers that we do not want to hear or accept, but through determination and desire, I want to bring back the opportunities we once had. I want to prove that I am passionate about the children and the school district that I would be honored to serve," he concluded.

Many members of the military are able to get their tax returns prepared for free on or off most military bases including overseas locations. The U.S. Armed Forces participates in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program sponsored by the IRS. VITA provides free tax advice, tax preparation, tax return filing and other tax help to military members and their families.

Here are four things you need to know about free military tax assistance:

1. Armed Forces Tax Council. The Armed Forces Tax Council oversees the military tax programs offered worldwide. AFTC partners with the IRS to conduct outreach to military personnel and their families. This includes the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

2. Volunteer tax sites. Military-based VITA sites staffed with IRS-trained volunteers provide free tax help and tax return preparation. Volunteers receive training on military tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits, filing extensions and special benefits that apply to the Earned Income Tax Credit.

3. What to bring. To receive free tax assistance, bring the following records to your military VITA site:

- Valid photo identification.

- Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents, or a Social Security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration.

- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents.

- Wage and earning statement(s), such as Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R.

- Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099).

- A copy of last year's federal and state tax returns, if available.

- Checkbook for routing and account numbers for direct deposit of your tax refund.

- Total amount paid for day care and day care provider's identifying number. This is usually an Employer Identification Number or Social Security number.

- Other relevant information about income and expenses.

4. Joint returns. If you are married filing a joint return and wish to file electronically, both you and your spouse should be present to sign the required forms. If both cannot be present, you usually must bring a valid power of attorney form along with you. You may use IRS Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative for this purpose.

There is a special exception to this rule if your spouse is in a combat zone. The exception allows a spouse to prepare and e-file a joint return with a written statement stating the other spouse is in a combat zone and unable to sign.

IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide, has more helpful information for members of the military. You can download free publications from the IRS.gov website or order them by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Tax Rules on Early Withdrawals from Retirement Plans

Taking money out early from your retirement plan can cost you an extra 10 percent in taxes. Here are five things you should know about early withdrawals from retirement plans.

1. An early withdrawal normally means taking money from your plan, such as a 401(k), before you reach age 59½.

2. You must report the amount you withdrew from your retirement plan to the IRS. You may have to pay an additional 10 percent tax on your withdrawal.

3. The additional 10 percent tax normally does not apply to nontaxable withdrawals. Nontaxable withdrawals include withdrawals of your cost in participating in the plan. Your cost includes contributions that you paid tax on before you put them into the plan.

4. If you transfer a withdrawal from one qualified retirement plan to another within 60 days, the transfer is a rollover. Rollovers are not subject to income tax. The added 10 percent tax also does not apply to a rollover.

5. There are several other exceptions to the additional 10 percent tax. These include withdrawals if you have certain medical expenses or if you are disabled. Some of the exceptions for retirement plans are different from the rules for IRAs.

For more information on early distributions from retirement plans, see IRS Publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income. Also, see IRS Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). Both publications are available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Shamokin Area kept its lead in Week 6 in the high school division in the Economics Pennsylvania Stock Market Game. The team's adviser is David Kopitsky.

In the middle school division, Mount Carmel Area has taken the lead. Faculty adviser is Aaron Domanski.

The Stock Market Game is sponsored by The News-Item and Sunbury Motors.

The Stock Market Game is an award-winning educational program in which students are given a virtual cash amount of $100,000 and are encouraged to create the best-performance portfolio using a live trading simulation. Students work in teams.

Results for Week 6 are:

High school - Shamokin Area, $121,694; Mount Carmel Area, $102,909, and Our Lady of Lourdes, $102,783.

Middle school - Mount Carmel Area, $100,946; Our Lady of Lourdes, $100,542, and Line Mountain, $99,322.

(While there are multiple teams taking part in the game at each participating school, Economics Pennsylvania is reporting the dollar amount for the leading team at each school for this weekly report.)

A Chamber cheer to the medical professionals within our community who provide quality health care services to local residents. Community health care includes services provided to people in a hospital setting, private practice, emergency room, outpatient clinic, rehabilitation facility, place of residence, long-term care facility, and assisted living for the purpose of improving or maintaining health while minimizing illness.

Each day, local medical professionals: physicians, health care administrators, nurses, pharmacists, therapists and social workers coordinate care in a changing health care system to ensure that the best medical, emotional and educational support is given.

Pennsylvania is experiencing a great increase in the elderly population. The elderly constitute the most rapidly growing segment of the United States and need increased attention to their health care needs. Many of our elderly family members and neighbors will be in need of assistance with planning their next level of care.

With warmer weather fast approaching, many of us will spend more time visiting family. We may not have seen parents or grandparents for a while. For some, mom and dad may seem different, perhaps weaker. Maybe memory is not what it used to be.

These changes may indicate a need for family members to ask important questions. "Is mom able to stay at home alone? What are we going to do?" Know that you are not alone. The Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is fortunate to have many local health care organizations as members who provide service and care that enable the health status of the community to improve.

If you notice a recent decline, or change of medical condition in a loved one, it is time to discuss your options and know that there are experienced health care professionals available to assist you. The goal is to develop healthy communities. This is best achieved when we, as a concerned and supportive society, make the commitment to work together.

(Tara L. Venna, RN, BSN, is a member of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Wellness Committe.)

On the Net: www.brushvalleychamber.com