SUNBURY - Northumberland County Commissioner Stephen Bridy has billed the state Department of Corrections (DOC) $13,392 for housing eight inmates at Northumberland County Prison for nearly a month.

Bridy, who chairs the prison board, sent the invoice Tuesday.

"They're dragging their feet. They're taking advantage of us," he said Friday.

The inmates, who have been sentenced to state time, were housed at the county from June 26 until Tuesday. Bridy says it costs the county $62 a day to house a prisoner.

The commissioner is understanding of housing inmates for a period of time, but believes it should be a maximum of a week to 10 days. Twenty-seven days is "ridiculous," he said.

Two years maximum

An inmate cannot stay in county prison for more than two years. In the case of male inmates, once they are sentenced on state charges, they are supposed to be transferred to State Correctional Institution (SCI)-Camp Hill, while female inmates are supposed to be transferred to SCI-Muncy.

Once the courts sentence an inmate to the state system, county prison officials process the paperwork, but the state must accept it. Then the sheriff's office schedules a dropoff date, which could be between one to three weeks after the request, Warden Roy Johnson said.

The state waited too long for these inmates, Bridy said.

He recognizes that there may be overcrowding at state facilities, which also happens at the county prison, but, "we can't keep housing what is rightfully the state's custody, and we should be compensated if we do," he said.

State had billed county

When the state housed two county inmates during the Flood of 2011, the county was charged $22,816, and Bridy said it's only fair to charge the state for the same practice.

Earlier this month, at least 33 of the county prison's 240 inmates were supposed to be in state custody, Bridy said.

It is not the fault of anyone at the county level, he added.

Bridy said he missed a call Friday afternoon from someone at DOC, and that person wasn't in when he returned the call.

An effort to reach DOC for comment late Friday was unsuccessful.

Bridy and the board will be sending letters to state Reps. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) and Kurt Masser (R-107) to ask for intervention in the transfer process.

Duck tickets available for today's race

SHAMOKIN - Tickets for today's "duck drop" are still available. They can be purchased starting at 10 a.m. outside the post office on Independence Street. The event begins at 12:30 p.m., when the rubber ducks are dropped into the Shamokin Creek behind OIP.

The Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual event, which was recently changed from Sunday to today because of work on the North Shore Railroad. The event is held in conjunction with a visit by the North American Railcar Operators Association, which will pull its speeder and put-put cars into town about 11 a.m.

The duck race ends at Claude Kehler Community Park, where representatives of the chamber and Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance will catch the ducks and determine winners.

The purchase of one $5 ticket buys one rubber duck. Prizes are $300, $200 and $100 for the first three ducks that cross the finish line.

Center seeking chess, card players

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Senior Action Center is seeking people to play canasta, bridge, pinochle and chess. The center is located at 41 S. Market St. and is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Call 339-4457 for more information.

Cruise committee makes donation

KULPMONT - At its business meeting last week, the Kulpmont Cruise Association made a donation of $500 to Holy Angels Church, Kulpmont, in appreciation of former pastor the Rev. Ray Orloski and pastor the Rev. Andrew Stahmer for allowing the committee to use the parish picnic grounds for the past 11 years.

The committee also thanks businesses that donated door prizes, including association members Carl Starkoski, Joe Klokis and Gary Hixon, who coordinate the prizes; Bumper's Beverage, Mount Carmel; Mount Carmel Auto Supply; NAPA, Mount Carmel; Carquest, Mount Carmel; AutoZone, Coal Township; Brandi at K&W Tire, Lancaster; Lehigh Tire, Hazleton; Steve Shannon Tire, Bloomsburg; Joe's Body Shop, Natalie; Carl's Auto Center, and Alexander Toyota, Selinsgrove.

LIMERICK - One of the women who took part Wednesday in the first same-sex marriage ceremony in Pennsylvania history is a graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School, the (Bloomsbvurg) Press Enterprise reported Friday.

Alicia Terrizzi. 45, and her longtime partner, Loreen Bloodgood, 40, were married after Montgomery County Register of Wills Bruce Hanes began issuing marriage licenses to gay couples. Hanes based his decision on the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that voided parts of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Terrizzi and Bloodgood decided to get married right away after learning that the three-day waiting period could be waived. They were married in a small ceremony that was attended by their two children. The family then left on a scheduled vacation to the Poconos.

Terrizzi and Bloodgood have been together 17 years, the newspaper reported. Terrizzi, a native of Catawissa and a graduate of Bloomsburg University, is a math teacher in the Boyertown School District.

Terrizzi told the Press Enterprise that the couple started to feel discriminated against when several states legalized same-sex marriage. She believes the issuance of licenses to same-sex couples in Montgomery County will have a "domino effect" in the rest of Pennsylvania.

Even if their marriage is voided, Terrizzi said she and Bloodgood would be "no further ahead or behind" than they were last week.

SHAMOKIN - A local contractor hasn't given up in his pursuit of a $98,500 invoice submitted to City Hall last year for an emergency demolition on North Shamokin Street.

An amended complaint was filed July 16 in Northumberland County Court by an attorney on behalf of Robert Gusick. It details an invoice that when originally submitted had no detail, stating the costs of labor, heavy equipment and debris removal.

Last month, a county judge threw out a breach-of-contract claim in Gusick's original complaint filed in October 2012. He allowed claims of unjust enrichment and quasi-contract to stand and ordered an amended complaint be filed and accompanied with billing details.

The lawsuit stems from the June 2012 demolition of a vacant commercial building, partially collapsed in the 700 block. Gusick had 15 days on the project and estimates he completed 75 percent of the work before he and city officials had a falling out over the cost and scope of the project.

The contractor said he was ordered to tear down the entire structure and remove the debris, and that a verbal estimate of $98,500 was accepted both by the city's mayor and clerk.

The city has argued that Gusick was only to eliminate the danger of further collapse onto North Shamokin Street, and that a verbal agreement beyond that never occurred. The contractor's written invoice, including only a total, was frowned upon by the city.

Gusick's amended complaint includes four exhibits:

- An invoice from Daniel Shingara Enterprises Inc. showing the use of 10 Dumpsters between June 19 and 29, 2012, totaling $2,750;

- A ledger for the use of an excavator for 154.5 hours at $175 per hour, totaling $27,037.50;

- A ledger for the use of a tri-axle, 154.5 hours at $75 per hour, totaling $11,587.50;

- Totals for two laborers of 309 hours.

The complaint says the laborers were paid an hourly rate of $50 and $25, respectively, and that the combined cost for the two is $11,475.

Costs for debris disposal and miscellaneous rental expenses totaled $22,150, according to the complaint.

The profit margin was $23,500, the complaint states, citing the emergency nature of the work and that the contractor had to put off other projects.

Gusick performed the work to the benefit of the city but hasn't been paid a dime, he argues in the unjust enrichment claim. The city could have looked elsewhere for a contractor but did not. Instead, it entered a contract with Gusick, the quasi contract claim states, and his services weren't ended until the project was nearly completed.

An answer from the city has not yet been filed but is expected, based on past comments from the city solicitor.

SHAMOKIN - Mayor George Rozinskie is in "good condition" after being hospitalized after he fell inside his home early Tuesday morning, according to his wife.

Georgette Rozinskie said doctors haven't yet said when the mayor would be able to return home, but added that "he's doing wonderful."

Word amongst some in City Hall is that he suffered injuries to his back, clavicle and rib cage.

Bill Milbrand, city councilman, said Rozinskie, 78, had fallen down the stairs inside his home. He was driven by his wife to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Coal Township, before being transferred to the main Geisinger campus in Danville, he said.

Steve Bartos, city clerk, said he and Rozinskie had been scheduled to travel together to Philadelphia on Tuesday. He said he would not speak further on the mayor's injuries, citing federal privacy regulations. He referred inquires to Rozinskie's wife.

A special meeting to be held at City Hall this past Tuesday was canceled for lack of a quorum, due in part to the mayor's injuries. Councilmen R. Craig Rhoades and Michael Snyder also were unavailable. It has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. this coming Tuesday.

City council is expected to vote on the finalization of a $100,000 bridge loan in lieu of federal reimbursement to begin the Shamokin Creek channel restoration project, Rhoades said. Council also is expected to award a demolition contract for six homes totaled in the Flood of 2011 and choose among insurance carriers for city vehicles and buildings.

With the mayor on leave, Councilman William Strausser, finance director and vice mayor, will lead council.

Rozinskie was a city councilman before being elected mayor, beginning a four-year term in 2010. He is not seeking re-election in this year's election.

I had a fairly good imagination as a kid. Just ask some of my teachers about the excuses I gave for not having my homework done.

However, a recent eight-hour round trip by car reminded me of how limited my imagination was in some cases.

My parents did not take us on many long car trips. (With three young boys and eventually a little girl to contend with, I don't blame them.) However, Dad did take occasional day trips to New Jersey to see his aunt or uncle, or elsewhere to visit a state park or other attraction. As a result, we would drive four or five hours, visit and then return.

Although the return trip took about same amount of time as the journey to our destination, it always seemed twice as long. It was then that my imagination went into effect, but surprisingly, I did not wish that our old Buick and my family would be instantly transported to the parking place in front of our home.

Instead, I imagined what it would be like if our car could be magically transported to the next mountaintop and from there to the next one until we were home in a matter of minutes. I knew even then that this was impossible.

Yet there are times today when I imagine what it would be like if life were just joyful peaks - births, graduations, weddings, anniversaries. Why do we have to proceed slowly through valleys of sickness, unemployment, divorce and death?

Faith tells us that God's love enables us to climb out of these valleys and experience the joy of the mountaintop. However, this life itself, even at its best, is a valley when compared to the eternal heights we will one day reach in God's presence.

+++

God's love energizes us

for life's climbs.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A Shamokin woman and a Coal Township man are accused of stealing four computer tablets from Walmart Supercenter across from the Coal Township Plaza between 10:42 and 11:15 p.m. Monday, June 3, according to Coal Township Police.

Jordan Pawelczyk, 20, of 322 E. Sunbury St., was arraigned at 4 p.m. Thursday on charges of retail theft and criminal conspiracy in front of District Judge John Gembic III. Shamokin.

She was released from Northumberland County Prison when she paid the $5,000 cash bail.

Brian Faust, 20, of 156 W. Spruce St., will be arraigned Monday morning on the same charges. He was incarcerated at the county prison.

The charges were filed by township Patrolman Terry Ketchem Jr.

Police said the two individuals and a juvenile co-defendant were observed on store surveillance video removing Nexus tablets from a locked case in the electronics department.

The merchandise is worth $1,996, police said.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police are continuing their investigation of an ATV accident Sunday afternoon that claimed the life of a Gordon man.

It's possible trespassing charges will be filed against three friends who were riding with John Nemeth, 49, on county-owned property, Coal Township Police Chief William Carpenter said.

"We're trying to determine if trespassing was committed," he said.

Carpenter said the accident occurred near the top of the Burnside Mountain on county-owned land, approximately one mile from the "trailhead" welcome center under construction for the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA). He said he isn't certain the crash occurred on land that's been designated for the AOAA because he doesn't know if official boundaries have been set for the outdoor recreation park.

AOAA Authority member Pat Mack said the accident was on county land leased by the AOAA, but agreed with Carpenter's assessment that not all boundaries are marked at this time. Either way, Mack said, the group and the victim were not approved riders of the AOAA. The park, which remains under development, is currently open only for special group events approved by the authority.

Mack said no trespassing signs are posted in the area of the trailhead construction and along Route 125. Depending on how these riders accessed the property, they may have encountered the signs, but authority members don't know, he said.

No helmet

Police said Nemeth was operating a four-wheeler when it went off a dirt road while the driver was negotiating a curve. The ATV traveled into the woods, flipped onto its side and ejected Nemeth, police said.

Mack extended sympathies on behalf of the authority board to the victim's family and friends.

He said the accident is a reminder of the need for a controlled riding environment.

"The victim, from what we understand, was not wearing a helmet, and may have been traveling too fast," Mack said. "The AOAA will not be perfect in preventing injuries, but, at the minimum, this man would have been required to wear a helmet (and) ride at a controllable speed per the AOAA rules."

Mack noted the authority is not aware of all the details of the accident, and that the police investigation is ongoing.

MIKE STAUGAITIS/Staff Photo

Move vehicles for Shamokin paving

SHAMOKIN - The city will begin its 2013 bituminous paving project, weather permitting, beginning Monday.

The following streets are set for paving: North Marshall Street from High to Spurzheim; Lombard Street from Chestnut to Webster; Cherry Street from Chestnut to Race and from Webster Street to the bottom of the hill; Clay Street from Cherry to Vine; Webster Street from Vine to Pearl; Pearl Street from Webster to Race, and Anthracite Street from Chestnut to Arch.

Streets will be posted, and residents are asked to move their vehicles. Any vehicles not moved will be towed at the owner's expense.

USS McKinley reunion slated

PORTLAND, Ore. - The USS Mount McKinley Association will hold its 25th annual reunion in Portland, Ore., from Sept. 18 to 22 for veterans and associate members of all branches of the military who served on the Amphibious Force Flagship USS McKinley AGC/LCC-7 and associate members from the Flagship Alliance group who served on one of the other AGCs during their years of commissioned service.

Contact Dwight Janzen, secretary, at 2515 E. North Altamont Blvd., Spokane, Wash. 99202-4247. He can be reached at (509) 534-3649 on weekends, but preferred contact is email at djanzen4@msn.com.

Marriage licenses

Aaron Nathaniel Perron and Danielle Claire Oggler, both of 224 Front St., Mount Carmel. Issued July 25.

William C. Rennard Sr. and Susan J. Kline, both of 221 Park St., Mount Carmel. Issued July 27.

Robert J. Hauck Jr. and Amanda Dawn Fritz, both of 425 S. Second St., Sunbury. Issued July 27.

Brett Ryan Chamberlain and Ashley Lynn Alters, both of 113 S. Awl St., Sunbury. Issued July 27.

Timothy Landis and Jacki Bell, both of 2518 Klingerstown Road, Herndon. To be issued July 29.

Joseph Alan Walker, of 244 12th St., Sunbury, and Kimberly Lynn Walburn, of 251 Pine St., Sunbury. To be issued July 29.

Divorces

Charles Woodcock, 280 Broadway, Milton, from Amy Dehart, 31 Loch Lane, Eagles Mere. Married Aug. 26, 1989.

Jeffrey D. Michalesko, 134 W. Center St., Apt. 1-A, Elysburg, from Donna P. Savidge, 4827 State Route 54, Elysburg. Married June 12, 1999.

Property transfers

Jeffrey L. Frey Sr. to Jeffrey L. Frey Sr. and Shawn Marie Shea, property in Riverside, $1.

Joseph W. Knapick, Ann Marie Thomas-Snyder and Ann Marie Thomas to Ann Marie Thomas, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Robert and Kathie Kerstetter to Robert Kerstetter, property in Herndon, $10.

Robert Lee Kerstetter Jr. and Kathie Sue Kerstetter to Robert Lee Kerstetter Jr., property in Herndon, $10.

Scott J. Binsack, individually and trustee, Living Trust of Scott J. Binsack, S&S International Property Group LLC and Margaret C. Phelps to S&S International Property Group LLC and Margaret C. Phelps, property in Coal Township, $1.

Jerry K. Troup and Joyce M. Troup to Mark P. Blasius and Michelle M. Blasius, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Coal Township to Cayrow Properties LLC, property in Coal Township, $7,510.

Larry E. Chubb II to Zeus's Rentals LLC, property in Sunbury, $1.

Deborah A. and David M. Ritchie and Douglas E. and Judy R. Ross to Gloria M. Ross, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Connie T. McClymont and Connie L. Tressler to Andrew W. Rauch, property in Herndon, $1.

Robert L. and Mary Lou Walsh to Eric D. Stahl and Kelly A. Austin, property in Rockefeller Township, $483,500.

Northumberland County Sheriff and Fred F. and Amanda T. Schleicher to Pennymac Loan Trust 2010-NPL1, property in Riverside, $1.

Margaret R. and Kathryn M. Kelley to James W. and Roseann M. McDowall, property in Shamokin, $2,500.

James O. Herb estate, Dawn M. Kalcich, executrix, to Ralph W. and Adrienne M. Burkhart, property in Sunbury, $60,000.

Scott J. Binsack, trustee, Scott J. Binsack Living Trust, to Matthew Fisher, property in Shamokin, $16,500.

Joseph R. Fischer to Joseph R. and Willow D. Eby-Fischer, property in Northumberland, $1.

Edith E. Kistner estate, Barbara Kistner, executrix, to Barbara Kistner and Clydean Hoffman, property in Northumberland, $1.

Jeffrey and Susan P. Apfelbaum to Jimmy and Lorraine M. Figueroa, property in Sunbury, $25,000.

Charlotte K. Laskoskie to Donald J. II and Yohara C. Benner, property in Sunbury, $1.

Duane C. Yeager estate, James O. Yeager, administrator, to Larry D. and Denise A. Troutman, property in Herndon, $54,000.

Calvin E. Megargel estate, Anna M. Megargel, individually and agent, and Eric Megargel to John N. Jr. and Cathy J. Reamer, property in Riverside, $160,000.

Kenneth Adam Bixler to David L. Bixler, property in Coal Township, $7,000.

Angelina Berra estate, Mary B. Ludwig and Elizabeth B. Sprenkle, co-administrators, to Benjamin J. Berra, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Maryanne U. Hudson to James R. Kipple and April D. Hoyles, property in Sunbury, $1.

J&JS Partners LP to Three H LLC, property in Mount Carmel Township, $17,500.

FRIEDENSBURG - A Pine Grove man was killed near here in Wayne Township Friday night when the Jeep in which he was a passenger swerved to avoid a deer, according to state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Daniel E. Wenrich, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Route 443 just west of Moyers Station Road, police said.

The crash occurred at 9:45 p.m. as Amie L. Wiscount, 32, of Schuylkill Haven was driving a 2003 Jeep Liberty Sport west. Wenrich was her passenger, police said.

She swerved to avoid a deer then lost control and struck a tree with the passenger side front bumper and door. The Jeep then spun clockwise struck a utility pole with its driver side front quarter panel. The vehicle sustained heavy front end damage, police said.

Wiscount was wearing her lap and shoulder belt and was not injured, police said. Police said they aren't sure if Wenrich was wearing a seat belt.

Trike crash

MANDATA - A 53-year-old Dalmatia man was airlifted Saturday after crashing a motorcycle into a fence and a tree along Route 225 in Lower Mahanoy Township, about 1 1/2 miles south of Mandata, according to state police at Stonington.

Marlin R. Snyder Jr. was riding a 2012 Harley-Davidson trike (three-wheeled motorcycle) north about 12:50 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a left turn onto Middle Road and drove off the north berm, striking the fence and tree as well as shrubbery before coming to rest in a residential yard.

Snyder told Trooper James Yankovich that he was wearing a helmet, police said.

He was flown by Life Flight to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he was listed in serious condition Saturday night.

Yankovich said Snyder will be cited for speeding and a traffic violation.

Assisting at the scene were Cpl. Brent Zechman, Trooper Daniel Wilk, Americus Ambulance and fire personnel from Hickory Corners, Dalmatia and Pillow.

Smashes windshield

MOUNT CARMEL - Robert H. Collins, 37, of Duck Street, Girardville, was cited by Cpl. Dave Donkochik for disorderly conduct for allegedly smashing the windshield of a vehicle parked in the 200 block of West Third Street on July 20.

Collins and his girlfriend, Angela Wellington, of Pottsville, were driving through Mount Carmel when an argument between the two began. Collins smashed the windshield by punching it, police said.

Assisting were Patrolman Shane Reamer and Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Brian Carnuccio.

Cell phone stolen

FRACKVILLE - The cell phone of an Ashland man was stolen from his car Friday morning in the Kmart parking lot at Schuylkill Mall, according to state police in Frackville.

Trooper Andrew Letcavage said a brick was used to smash the passenger side window of 56-year-old Clarence Alan Traugh's 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt before 8 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 874-5300.

Hit and run

HUMMELS WHARF - State police at Selinsgrove are seeking information on a hit-and-run crash that occurred Friday night on the Golden Strip in Snyder County.

George Koon, 70, of Lewisburg, was driving a 2013 Kia Rio north in the right lane of Route 11/15 about 9:30 p.m. when his vehicle was struck on its rear passenger side by a pickup truck exiting the Wendy's Restaurant parking lot.

Koon pulled off the roadway but the other driver turned left and continued south without stopping. The pickup may have been white in color, police said.

Anyone who had witnessed the crash or who may have any information is asked to contact Cpl. Dominic Picerno at 374-8145.

Code violations

MOUNT CARMEL - Three borough residents were cited by borough Code Officer Robin Williams for failing to respond to tickets issued for alleged violations of the "quality of life" ordinance.

John W. Taylor, of 221 S. Chestnut St., was issued a ticket May 22 for garbage on the rear porch of his home. Kathleen M. Kelly, of 514 E. Fifth St., was issued a ticket May 22 for high grass at a property she owns at 50 S. Walnut St.

Michelle Lindenmuth, 330 W. Third St., was issued a ticket June 5 for high grass and weeds at her property.

A summons was filed Monday for all three residents at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones.

Picks fight

MOUNT CARMEL - Belinda Sue Smith, 20, of 18 W. Railroad St., Apt. 1, was cited by Cpl. Dave Donkochik for criminal mischief and disorderly conduct for allegedly picking a fight with neighbors.

Erica Jones and Christian Gartner were inside their apartment when Smith smashed their front window, police said.

Public drunkenness

MOUNT CARMEL - Daniel Keith Luke, 30, of 332 S. Hickory St., was city by Patrolman Matt Dillman for public drunkenness for allegedly stumbling about the 200 block of South Chestnut Street and lying on porches.

Police said Luke was intoxicated when he was found sitting on the porch of a stranger. The alleged incident occurred about 3:16 a.m. June 29.

Home egged

MOUNT CARMEL - Dondre Glasper, 18, of 246 W. Third St., was cited by Patrolman Justin Stelma for criminal mischief and disorderly conduct for allegedly throwing eggs at a home in the 200 block of West Fifth Street about 11:11 p.m. June 23. Police said Glasper admitted to throwing the eggs.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Forty-eight teachers and staff, including approximately 25 who will be assigned to provide education to students at Northwestern Academy, were unanimously hired Tuesday night by Shamokin Area School Board during a brief special meeting.

The 2013-2014 school year will mark the first time the school district will provide regular and special education classes at Northwestern.

Voting to approve all the personnel were board president Brian Persing, Ronald McElwee, Treina Mariano, Jeff Kashner, Charles Shuey, Tracey Witmer, Robert Getchey, Edward Griffiths and Bernie Sosnoskie.

The following is a list of personnel hired for Northwestern and their salaries:

Todd Hockenbroch Jr., head teacher, $51,000; Lisa Firing, Local Education Agency representative/transition coordinator, $54,000; Heather Fernandez, clerk/secretary, $11 per hour; Shaun Campbell, physical education, $30,000; Sarah Liendo, science, $30,000; Brett Snyder, science, $30,000; Kyle Pheasant, guidance counselor, $31,000; Christine Shearn, reading, $31,000; Melodee Lesher, social studies, $30,000; Cristen James, business technology, $31,000; Brandy Weaver, math, $30,000; Kathy Dugan, math, $30,000; Marlene Landau, social studies, $30,000; Carol Carduff, social studies, $31,000; Matthew Ridner, science, $30,000; Melissa Amato, business technology, $31,000; Tara Owens, business technology, $31,000; Lindsey Williams, English, $30,000; Jerome Manley, social studies and English, $32,200; Bridget Smink, English and business technology, $30,000; Kendra Petro, English, $30,000; Luther Haupt, math and science, $31,000; Cathy Pancher, math, $30,000; Chris Olson, social studies, $30,000, and Katerina Scicchitano, daily substitute, $90 per day.

Shawn Zalinski, who was furloughed last year as an elementary school physical education teacher, was recalled as a middle/high school physical education at a salary of $39,403. He will replace Hockenbroch.

The following special education teachers were hired by the district at salaries of $30,000:

John Becker, Maricia Buhl, Tad Kalcich, Sierra Miller, Abigail Malloy, Amy Kauffman, Angela Rock, Malika Romine, Alexandria Reed and Jordan Zande.

Kristin Patton was hired as a special education teacher at a salary of $32,200.

Also hired to teach in the district were Andrew Derr, business, $30,000; Patrick McDevitt, English, $30,000; Joanne Risso, English, $32,200; Amanda Machey, math, $30,000; Kayla Shiko, elementary, $30,000; Amber Slodysko, elementary, $30,000; Ken Schetroma, elementary, $30,000; Kandy Krebs, elementary, $30,000; Taryn Gilger, elementary, $31,000; Kristina Bolick, elementary, $30,000, and Marisa Labosky, elementary, $31,000.

All the teachers will receive benefits.

Robert Eby, Taylor Donahue, Caitlin Schlachter, Jenessa Zack and Jennifer Herb were hired as daily substitute teachers in the district at $90 per day.

Katherine Stroh and Ashley Tressler were hired as short-term substitute teachers at $80 per day.

Amanda Elliott, Danielle Miller, Sandy Wells, Emily Lehman and Brooke Dudeck were hired as teacher aides for the special education program at $7.25 per hour.

The board accepted the resignations of math teacher Elizabeth Corcoran, fifth-grade teacher Lindsey Davies, special education teacher Nicole Erdman, third-grade teacher Jennifer Leffler, speech and language pathologist assistant Amy Robsock, learning support teacher Ashley Talisesky and special education teacher Sarah Gaugler.

Coaches hired

The following coaches were hired:

Travis Sobotor, assistant boys' soccer, $1,275; Tammy Scandle, head junior varsity football cheerleading adviser, $510; Carla McKinney, volunteer football cheerleading adviser; Cheryl Hoffman, volunteer junior high football cheerleading adviser; Rick Kashner, head softball coach, $1,604.20; Jim Campbell and Kayla Shiko, junior high softball co-head coaches, $1,302; Marcus Pensyl, volunteer wrestling coach; Thomas Annis Jr., junior varsity boys' basketball, $1,530; Richard Scandle, seventh grade boys' basketball, $1,020; Brad Nahodil, eighth grade boys' basketball, $1,020; Justin Rickert, volunteer junior high boys' basketball; Joseph Tarr, volunteer boys' basketball, and Matt Spears, volunteer boys' basketball.

The board granted permission to special education coordinator Sherry Glosek and elementary school principal Mary Teresa Komara to participate in a state grant initiative called Project Max in partnership with the CSIU and attend the Project Max Summer Institute at Penn State University on Aug. 5-8.

Anthony Carnuccio, of 1770 W. Spruce St., Coal Township, thanked members of the buildings and grounds committee, other school board members and supervisor of buildings and grounds Dave Petrovich for rectifying a water runoff problem that created flooding at his home at the bottom of a road leading to the high school.

At the end of the meeting, Getchey, who serves as chairman of the buildings and grounds committee, recommended that the board consider having custodians work swing shifts.

At the beginning of the session, a moment of silence was held in memory of Charles L. Carpenter, who served as president of Shamokin Area School Board from 2007 until 2011. Carpenter recently passed away.

MOUNT CARMEL - An emaciated pregnant dog was among four pets found in a flea-infested apartment last week in the borough.

The dog has since given birth to a litter of seven puppies, one of which has died.

The discovery by police led to charges of animal cruelty on Tuesday against Belinda Sue Smith, 20, of 18 E. Railroad St., Apt. 1. She was committed to Northumberland County Prison on $20,000 bail and will face a preliminary hearing Aug. 14 before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones.

Constable Glenn Masser told Borough Police Chief Todd Owens he had placed a warrant notice on Smith's door earlier last week and that it was still hanging there. He also reported a foul odor from inside the apartment.

Owens accompanied Masser in serving a new warrant on Thursday. The door was unlocked, so Owens said he went in and identified himself. No one was home.

The chief said he encountered a small dog that appeared close to giving birth. He said the dogs' ribs, spine and hip bones were easily noticeable because of its thin condition. The animal also had a serious infestation of fleas.

Owens said he continued his safety check for Smith. On the second flood, he found a small kitten that was also malnourished. Owens said he observed numerous piles of animal feces on the floor and on bedding throughout the second flood. He then found a second kitten.

There was no food or water on the second floor, Owens said.

On the first floor, Masser had found another small dog hiding behind an entertainment center in the front room. It was also very thin, Owens said.

Several piles of animal feces were found on the first floor, and two dog bowls were empty and dry.

Borough code enforcement officer Robin Williams condemned the apartment.

Neighbors said they hadn't seen Smith for several days and had not seen the dogs outside in a long time.

Kittens now 'Ed,' 'Fred'

The animals were removed and taken to the St. Francis Animal Hospital for an emergency evaluation, according to Owens, under the direction of the Mostly Mutts animal shelters.

Cheryl Hill, shelter director, reported Tuesday that the two dogs, both females, were emaciated and under the care of the hospital. The pregnant dog delivered Sunday and is being carefully watched, she said.

The two kittens, which Hill said have been named "Ed" and "Fred" by hospital employees, were treated for ear mites and eye conditions, but are eating, drinking and responding to treatment.

All four animals were treated for flea infestation and Hill reports the fleas are gone.

At her arraignment Tuesday afternoon, Smith was charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal attempt related to commit cruelty to animals, two counts of disorderly conduct-creating an offensive condition, and four citations for cruelty to animals

Smith had been cited on June 29 for criminal mischief and disorderly conduct for allegedly picking a fight with neighbors. Smith allegedly smashed their front window, police said in a previous report.

In another bitter defeat for immigration reform advocates, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday again ruled Hazleton's Illegal Immigration Relief Act and Rental Registration ordinances to be unconstitutional.

The ruling by a three-member panel of the court upholds a previous ruling that struck down the laws, which sought to prohibit landlords from renting to illegal aliens and imposed fines on businesses that hired them.

The court, in a 47-page opinion, declared the never-enacted laws unconstitutional, finding they sought to supersede federal laws that regulate immigration, which is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution.

The decision marks the second time the 3rd Circuit Court reached that conclusion. In 2010, it upheld a ruling by Senior U.S. District Judge James Munley, who also declared the law unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court later ordered it to reconsider that ruling based on precedent-setting decisions it issued in 2011 and 2012 relating to two similar laws in Arizona.

The latest ruling is a "complete victory" for Pedro Lozano and other plaintiffs who challenged Hazleton's ordinance, said Witold "Vic" Walczak of the American Civil Liberties Union, one of the lead attorneys for the plaintiffs.

"From the beginning, this has been a thinly veiled attempt by Hazleton to change immigration law to exclude immigrants from living and working in Hazleton. The court, yet again, saw through that," Walczak said. "The overwhelming court authority now is that these municipal laws are an unconstitutional regulation of immigration."

The decision does not necessarily end the case, however, as the city has several appellate options available. It can ask for a hearing before the entire 3rd Circuit Court. If that fails, it can again ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal.

U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, the former Hazleton major who has championed the law, encouraged the city to continue the fight.

"I created this ordinance while I was mayor because I have seen first-hand the toll illegal immigration has on communities," Barletta said. "I believe the Hazleton ordinance is not only constitutional but a common sense approach to a problem that the federal government has turned a blind eye to … I'm disappointed, but it can't end here. This fight must go back to the highest court in the country."

Hazleton Mayor Joseph Yannuzzi said he supports the ordinances and the city will continue to solicit private donations to finance the court fight.

In its latest review, the 3rd Circuit was tasked with determining whether the U.S. Supreme Court's rulings in the two Arizona cases altered its analysis regarding the constitutionality of Hazleton's law.

The key issues in each of the cases hinged on whether laws enacted by local governments attempted to trump federal laws that regulate immigration. The Supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution says federal laws have precedent over local laws.

The court, in one of the Arizona cases, upheld a municipality's law that allowed it to revoke the business license of any business that employed illegal aliens. The court found that law constitutional because it closely mirrored the Immigration Reform Control Act, the federal law that regulates employment of immigrants.

The problem with Hazleton's law, the court said, is that its law strays too afar from the IRCA in several ways, including its definition of what constitutes employment. The IRCA exempts "casual hires," such as contractors, while Hazleton's law is extremely broad, covering virtually any type of employment situation.

The court found that troubling, noting that, under its literal reading, the law would allow the city to sanction a business person if he or she "purchases used items at a yard sale from an unauthorized alien, buys a glass of lemonade from an undocumented child's lemonade stand or pays an undocumented neighbor to mow her lawn."

Regarding the rental ordinance, the court said Hazleton's law would impermissibly regulate immigration, a power that belongs solely to the federal government.

"The housing provisions, in effect, constitute an attempt to remove persons from the city based entirely on a snapshot of their current immigration status," the court wrote. "Accordingly, the housing provision interferes with the federal government's discretion in deciding whether and when to initiate removal proceedings."

MOUNT CARMEL - The maintenance supervisor for Rabbittransit's Elysburg office has been charged with stealing from the company.

Ralpho Township Police said Danny W, Smith, 40, of 32 Gravel Drive, Middleburg, used the agency's account to purchase $4,477.90 in auto parts and tools for himself over a 10-month period. He is charged with theft by unlawful taking and disposition, receiving stolen property, and theft by deception.

Smith was arraigned Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones and released on $10,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 14 before Jones.

Richard Farr, executive director of Rabbittransit, told police that between July 23, 2012, and April 30, 2013, Smith had used Rabbittransit's accounts at two local parts stores to purchase personal items, according to Patrolman Chris Dailey.

Over the final five months of 2012, Smith allegedly made $1,754.62 in unauthorized purchases on 12 items, including a $450 portable electric compressor and $760 worth of ATV tires.

From Jan. 16 to April of this year, he spent $2,723.28 on 21 items, including $792 on a portable generator and $600 on 20 battery cores. Purchases were as small as $8 for a tow ball and $9 for handle grips.

Also in 2012, police allege Smith soldscrap metal belonging to Rabbittransit for $200 and kept the money.

Smith was interviewed by police on May 25 and admitted to making the purchases, according to court documents.

Rabbittransit kept $710 due Smith in vacation pay and deducted it from the amount allegedly stolen, leaving $3,761.16 in restitution. Farr could not be reached for comment Tuesday as to Smith's employment status.

Rabbittransit, part of the York County Transportation Authority, is a public transportation provider serving York, Adams and Northumberland counties.

MILLERSBURG - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, on Tuesday announced his intention to introduce the Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2013, similar to legislation he authored in the previous Congress.

Announced at a press conference in front of a small business in this northern Dauphin County community, the act would reduce interest rates on Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses through a discounted, market-based system.

"As our part of Pennsylvania has seen very recently, natural disasters can strike without warning and cause loss of life, significant property damage and disruption in the local economy," Barletta said at Cathy's Critters, according to a press release from his office. "Too often, there is an insufficient market for private disaster loans, so victims are forced into SBA loans with higher interest rates. This is an additional financial drain on people and businesses already suffering and we should do something about it."

Under the proposal, the interest rate for borrowers with no credit available elsewhere would be half of the prevailing rate, with a maximum interest rate of 4 percent. Borrowers with credit available elsewhere would be eligible for loans at three-quarters of the prevailing rate with a maximum rate of 4 percent. The bill also requires the SBA to report to Congress in one year whether the program resulted in more loan applications, more approvals of loans and lower default rates.

"Small businesses like Cathy's Critters are often one major disaster from shutting their doors because of damage, lost inventory and time lost in clean-up and repairs," Barletta said. "For these people - and homeowners and renters - there should be a more affordable avenue to recovery. More attractive SBA loans are one way to help them."

"The United States sent $215 million to Pakistan for flood relief at 0 percent interest on a no-payback loan," Barletta said. "If we're doing that, we ought to be able to help Americans facing flood disaster as well."

SUNBURY - Charles Pinarowicz has filed nomination papers as an independent candidate for Ralpho Township tax collector, Alisha Herb, director of the Northumberland County Board of Elections, confirmed Tuesday.

Herb said Pinarowicz collected more than the required number of signatures (10) and is therefore assured a spot on the November general election ballot. Pinarowicz is the only candidate for tax collector, since no Democrats or Republicans filed or were nominated in the primary.

Also filing nomination papers as an independent was Kellie Cianflone, candidate for Shikellamy School Board.

Herb anticipates at least three additional independent candidates will submit nomination papers prior to the filing deadline, which is 4:30 p.m. Thursday. None of these are for county row or major municipal races.

MECHANICSBURG - A spokeswoman for the state Department of Corrections (DOC) had little to say about a bill Northumberland County officials want them to pay for housing eight inmates at Northumberland County Prison for nearly a month.

Susan McNaughton said Tuesday she was unable to locate any information regarding the $13,392 invoice from the county but that, "we're looking into it now, and we'll work with the county."

County Commissioner Stephen Bridy, who chairs the prison board, sent the invoice Tuesday, July 23, because he thought the state was taking advantage of the county.

Bridy said Monday he hadn't heard anything back from DOC because his contact was on vacation until next week. He wasn't planning to call again until Monday.

The inmates, who have been sentenced to state time, were housed at the county from June 26 until the day he sent the invoice. Bridy says it costs the county $62 a day to house a prisoner.

Once the courts sentence an inmate to the state system, county prison officials process the paperwork, but the state must accept it. Then the sheriff's office schedules a dropoff date, which could be between one to three weeks after the request, Warden Roy Johnson has said.

Earlier this month, at least 33 of the county prison's 240 inmates were supposed to be in state custody, Bridy said.

Bridy and the board will be sending letters to state Reps. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) and Kurt Masser (R-107) to ask for intervention in the transfer process.

He noted that when two county prisoners were housed at a state prison during the Flood of 2011, the county was billed by DOC.