Elizabeth Edmunds had already tugged the iconic white doctors coat over her shoulders before she unlocked the front door of her office building, wanting to look the part for an anticipated photograph.

Hers is a clean building on a clean lot in an aesthetically middle-class neighborhood on Carsonia Avenue in Pennside, just outside of the Berks County seat of Reading.

It's where she laid her roots.

She paid to have the building constructed and opened its doors in 1987 with not many patients to speak of.

"I was going into big debt. I think I drained every penny I ever had. I had to build this building and buy all this equipment. It was tough," Edmunds, 72, said during an interview inside an exam room at the office.

She never advertised her business, save for a blurb in the bulletin at her church. She was good to her patients and her patients were good to her, sharing positive word of mouth that helped build her client list. She estimates she treated more than 5,000 patients at the site as of last summer.

The office closed in July 2012 and Edmunds moved about two miles away to Healthways Family Medical Center in Exeter Township, where she continues to practice medicine two days a week.

"I consider my career to have been very rewarding, and the day I have to close my doors (for good) and walk away it's going to break my heart," she said as she choked up a bit. "I love my people."

Her people love her, and respect her for sure. It was her people - her colleagues, her patients - that nominated her for the 2013 Family Physician of the Year Award, an honor bestowed upon her by the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.

In Shamokin

Edmunds was born in Shamokin on Feb. 7, 1941, a daughter of Mary and George Edmunds. She lived on West Montgomery Street until about the fifth grade when her family moved to 337 S. Market St.

The neighborhood was safe and nice and was populated by a lot of kids. In the winter when snow piled up, they'd sleigh ride down the park plots dividing the northbound and southbound lanes of Market Street.

"It was fun. We'd go out all day and have fun going down that hill," she said.

As a student at Shamokin Catholic High School, Edmunds had already begun doing social work. She knew she wanted to be a doctor. During her senior year she came to realize something else, that she wanted to become a nun.

She graduated in 1958 and matriculated at what was then known as College Misericordia and began preparation to become a Sister of Mercy.

"I realized I had a vocation and I entered the convent, and the community I entered told me I was either going to be a teacher or a nurse and they wanted me to be a teacher. So I had no choice. I was told I was going to be a chemistry major and a math minor, and that's what I was."

Act of faith

Edmunds taught both high school and college for nine years, all the while earning a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1966 and a master's degree in chemistry in 1971 from University of Scranton.

Medical school remained on her mind and she sought permission from her sister superior to apply. She was told to apply both to medical school and graduate school, and she did. She returned with acceptance into two medical schools along with a high alternate designation, as well as invites for four graduate teaching opportunities toward earning a doctorate.

Given the choice, at that point, she said she didn't care. She hadn't wanted to be a teacher but her experience leading a classroom all those years cultivated a passion for it. But it wasn't enough to override her desire for a career in medicine, and she was given permission to enroll at The Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, which is now a part of Drexel University College of Medicine.

"A lot of things had happened around my going to medical school that hurt deeply and made me have second thoughts. In the end, the (religious) community pulled out all support. I went to medical school with a vow of poverty, no way to take out a loan.

"I went to medical school with the act of faith that if it was God's will I was going to get through it because I had nothing."

Navy girl

Two years into medical school and while still in the convent, Edmunds joined the U.S. Naval Reserves and received a two-year scholarship.

She already had one unique tie to the Navy. The USS Francovich, a destroyer-transport, was named for her uncle, Albert Francovich, who was killed in the Soloman Islands during World War II, according to a release published in 1973 in The News-Item.

Her commission into the medical corps made it two unique ties - Edmunds' is the only Roman Catholic nun in the Navy's history to be commissioned.

That same summer of 1973 she worked with Dr. J. Mostyn Davis, a family practitioner in Shamokin whom she admired greatly. If he'd had continued his practice, she'd have joined him.

"If I was coming back to Shamokin, I wanted to work with him."

But Davis ended up taking a residency at Geisinger, she said, and a collaboration wasn't meant to be.

Two residencies followed her graduation from medical school in 1975 before she began two years active duty at the Naval hospital in Pensacola, Fla., in 1978. She wore a Navy uniform, not a habit.

"As far as they were concerned, I was just another female physician in the Navy," she said.

Edmunds would eventually decide to leave the convent. If things had worked out differently, she said she'd have never left.

"All I ever wanted to do was come back and open a clinic for the poor in one of our hospitals."

That wasn't the plan.

Love and work

Edmunds became an assistant professor and director of education activities at Albany Medical College in Albany, N.Y. in 1980. In 1981, she took a job at Wyoming Valley Family Practice in Kingston. She took both jobs to be as close as possible to her mother in Shamokin, who had been diagnosed with cancer. She would visit as frequently as her schedule allowed, and she cared for her until her death.

A job in the emergency room at Berwick Hospital followed, at which time she was also working part-time at Family Medicine in Kingston. She ended up in Reading as an associate director of family practice at St. Joseph Medical Center from 1984 to 1986 before leaving to begin her own family practice.

Long removed from Northumberland County and a great many other places, Berks County was where Edmunds finally settled.

Early into her career now in her own office on Carsonia Avenue, a patient had set Edmunds up on a blind date. She had recently broken off an engagement and marriage was far from her mind. As it goes, her would-be date had been divorced for a number of years.

All went well and they continued to see each other, but she couldn't help in thinking about their differences, chief among them was that he was older and Presbyterian.

In the end it didn't matter.

About one month after they began dating, John Bankert popped the question. They were married in 1989 and remained so until his death in 2009.

Moving on

Bankert's passing was devastating. Her friend, who also is a priest, noticed as much.

"He said to me, 'You're killing yourself. You've got to stop doing nothing but eating and sleeping and working. You have to have a life.'"

She felt lost. Now in her late 60s, she wasn't about to go looking for a date. Not in a bar. Not anywhere. Not until the friend got her started on a Christian dating website. He made her try it for three months.

"I said, 'You're nuts,'" she recalled. "I did, and I met my husband."

She married her second husband, Charles A. Itle, on June 30, 2012.

Edmunds is modest and dignified, strong and thoughtful. Her character and her mannerisms could peg her for a family doctor without the many degrees or the doctor's coat tipping anyone off.

She credits her success to her upbringing in Shamokin and her exposure to good role models in the medical community. Also, she said, her own ethics and morals.

"My mother always taught me that you never got anywhere if you didn't work for it," she said. "Decide what you want to do and work for it.

"You can accomplish it if you work for it."

Police departments are sponsoring National Night Out events across the area from 6 to 9 p.m. today.

Residents of Mount Carmel and Mount Carmel Township, Shamokin, Sunbury and Zerbe Township are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights to their residences and spend the evening with neighbors and police. The aim is to get the community involved in crime and drug prevention and awareness.

Police, firefighters and emergency personnel will interact with residents and host contests, demonstrations and youth activities.

Food, beverages and entertainment will be available at each event.

Shamokin

Shamokin's event will be held at Claude Kehler Community Park, Third and Arch streets. The band Red Halo will perform and so will the Shamokin Area cheerleaders. City Patrolman Ray Siko II is the event coordinator. For more information or for information on making a donation toward the event, call 648-5708.

In observance of National Night Out, St. John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin, will hold a brief outdoor prayer vigil for neighborhood safety at 8 p.m. Orange glow sticks will be distributed to approximately 50 children from the Academy Hill neighborhood. Orange light bulbs also will be distributed to neighborhood residents who then will be urged to illuminate the bulbs at 9 p.m. to express support for planned efforts to enhance neighborhood safety. The event is free and open to the public.

Zerbe Township

Zerbe Township's National Night Out will be held at the Foundry field, where there also will be a food drive for the Manna for the Many food pantry in Shamokin.

Mount Carmel borough, township

Mount Carmel and Mount Carmel Township will hold a joint event in the parking lot of Mount Carmel Area Junior/Senior High School. Northumberland County Sheriff Chad Reiner and his K-9 partner, Clark, will appear. Members of the Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Army National Guard also will be in attendance. Residents are urged to leave pets at home.

Event coordinator Kelly Campbell, Mount Carmel Township patrolman, can be reached at 339-1653 ext. 703. Assistant coordinator Jason Drumheller, Mount Carmel patrolman, can be reached at 339-6020 ext. 67.

Sunbury

Sunbury's National Night Out, sponsored by the Sunbury Police Department and Crime Watch, will run from 5 to 9 p.m. in Cameron Park. There will be free hot dogs and water while supplies last.

MOUNT CARMEL - Anthracite Citizens' Theatre (ACT) will present its summer musical production of Roald Dahl's "Willy Wonka" at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School auditorium.

The play depicts a scenario where five children win golden tickets to tour a mysterious candy factory. Willy Wonka, played by Amanda Krebs Stancavage, Coal Township, is the eccentric owner of the factory. The five lucky golden ticket holders include: poor and kindhearted Charlie Bucket, played by Krystof Lopotsky, Trevorton, and his parents Barbara Malick and Joseph Revenis, both of Mount Carmel; a gluttonous Augustus Gloop, played by Tyler Barnhardt, Kulpmont, and his mother, Angela Kane, Ashland; spoiled Veruca Salt, played by Emma Jeanne Tomcavage, Coal Township, and her father, Dan Mock, Ashland; lazy Mike Teavee, played by Michael Spotts, Frackville and his mother, played by Loretta Murphy, Ashland, and aggressive and competitive Violet Beauregarde, played by Emma Rae Shimko, Kulpmont, and her mother, played by Erica Sechler, Elysburg.

Other characters and the locals who play them are The Candy Man, Joey Laughlin, Atlas; the reporter Phineaus Trout, Dan Heiser, Girardville; Grandma Georgina, Sandy Beaver, Locust Gap; Grandpa George, Bill Fisher, Ashland; Grandpa Joe, Carl Nochton, Ashland; Grandma Josephine, Rose Zimmerman, Ashland; James, Leif Connor, Girardville; and Matilda, Samantha Stancavage, Coal Township.

Factory workers known as the Oompa Loompas include Hannah Fourspring, Alivia Miller, Alyvia Williams and Livia Zlockie, all of Mount Carmel;, Theresa and Natalie Stefanowicz, Emily Stanton and Madison Lippay, all of Coal Township; Olivia Kopitsky, Shamokin, Nastissja Lopotsky, Trevorrton, Emily Morris, Kulpmont, and Alana and Audrey Reuter, Elysburg.

In the ensemble are Katy and Sandy Horsfield and Montana Spangler, all of Mount Carmel; Erika Kapushiniski, Clare and Noelle Stefanowicz, all of Coal Township; Katianna Lapotsky, of Trevorton; and Emilee Barnhardt, Olivia Reiner and Emily Olszewskie, all of Kulpmont.

Christopher Olson, Bethlehem, is stage director and Victor Boris, Trevorton, is musical director.

Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door. They can also be purchased from any cast member or at Mount Carmel Public Library and Community Pharmacy, both in Mount Carmel; Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library and Beverly's Flowers, both in Shamokin, and Winter Walk Train Display and Shop, Ashland.

On the Net: actheatre.org.

Road to get weight restriction

LOCUST GAP - PennDOT crews will post signs announcing a permanent, year-round, 10-ton weight restriction on Route 2021 (Gap Road and Marshall Street) from High Road near the Schuylkill County line to Routes 54/901 in Locust Gap.

School buses and local-delivery trucks are exempted.

The restrictions will take effect as soon as the signs are posted on or after Friday.

Angels Closet open again

TREVORTON - Angel's Closet, which offers free children's and adult clothing, will resume operation Wednesday at St. Patrick Church. It is open from 6 to 7 p.m. each Wednesday.

Use the side door.

Coping with betrayal explored

ELYSBURG - Coping with betrayal will be explored at Lifetree Cafe from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave.

The program, titled "Betrayed," features a short film of a man who dealt with his wife's extramarital affairs. Lifetree representative Craig Cable said the program offers help for those who have faced betrayal in a marriage, a friendship or a work setting.

Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available.

Lifetree Cafe is a place where people gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual coffeehouse-type setting. For more information, call 672-2873, e-mail elysburgpresby@verizon.net or go to www.lifetreecafe.com.

SHAMOKIN - The city's planning commission will present two options to city council concerning the replacement of street lighting along Independence Street.

Commission members said, if the city can afford it, council members should consider purchasing decorative LED light fixtures and poles from Spring City Electrical. Estimated cost for the equipment, uninstalled, is $6,500 per pole.

There are 47 lights and poles along Independence Street between Market and Shamokin streets believed to be nearly 50 years old. If each is replaced, the estimate would total $305,500. However, it is believed the poles could be spaced out more, eliminating at least a pair of street lights and reducing the estimated cost. Also, cheaper versions of the poles could be considered.

Installation is not included.

Also, there remain questions as to whether the city or PPL, which leases the current equipment to the Shamokin, would be required to replace underground conduit if the city would choose another vendor.

If not, the commission said the city should choose to take PPL up on its offer to replace and install the downtown lighting with the same high-pressure sodium technology and similar fixtures that are already in place. A 10-year lease would be required.

While there is no cost up front to Shamokin for PPL's proposal, city taxpayers will foot the bill while the city continues to pay a monthly tariff on each pole assessed by the utility company.

Should city council members choose to move forward with PPL, the utility company must be notified by next month so the city can be included in the 2014 construction schedule, according to commission members.

A third proposal was anticipated from General Electric; however, it was never received, commission members said.

Meeting Wednesday

The city currently pays to PPL an estimated $1,200 for electricity and $11,200 in distribution charges to illuminate and maintain each of its 664 street lights. A portion of the distribution charge is a tariff of between $11 and $38 per pole.

Thought has been given to replace the system with LED technology, believed by commission members to potentially save the city approximately 60 percent each month, based on vendor estimates and some published reports. The savings were considered as a way, over time, for the new lighting system to pay for itself.

PPL does not presently offer LED lighting.

The Shamokin Planning Commission consists of Chairman Jeff Fromm, Vice Chairman Matt Losiewicz and members Barbara Moyer, Charles Sosnoskie and Tim Vincent. They were asked earlier this year to weigh options to replace the frequently malfunctioning street lighting that's already in place in the downtown, and considered options that could potentially save the city money and enhance aesthetic appeal.

Their efforts to potentially upgrade the system received support of downtown merchants and some members of the Brush Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The planning commission's decision ultimately is a recommendation only. The final decision belongs to Shamokin's mayor and its city council members.

Council meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday for its monthly workshop session. Fromm said he hoped to have an installation estimate in hand related to the Spring City proposal to present to council members.

Frustration

Commission members have expressed frustration with PPL during the process, including the utility company's refusal to provide a lighting survey on the downtown street lights.

"This is a big business oppressing us again," Vincent said during a commission meeting Monday.

Fromm said some covers on the bases of the current posts have long been removed, allowing anyone access to the inner workings of the lamp pole. He also brought up the malfunction that occurs in the event of rain.

"I can see us going with (PPL), but I don't think this is a good deal for Shamokin," he said.

Commission members agreed with Losiewicz when he said it all comes down to cost. If the city can afford to purchase updated technology and decorative lamp posts, it should, he said. If not, he said the city should go with PPL and pursue decorative lighting at the end of the 10-year lease.

He added that the commission had never been given a budget or a financial estimate from City Hall on what Shamokin could potentially spend on the project.

"I wonder if (the city) can even afford the $300,000," Losiewicz said, alluding to possible unknown costs of installation and replacement of underground conduit.

"I've wondered that, too," Moyer said.

Vincent said, at this point, the timing may not be right. Deb Yeager, a representative of downtown merchants, agreed.

The most important issued to merchants at this point, she said, is that the system be replaced, making it more reliable. In 10 years, perhaps grant funding or some other source would be available to revisit the topic of purchasing and installing decorative, energy-saving lighting for the downtown.

ELYSBURG - Knoebels Amusement Resort is pleased to announce the 2013 Knoebels Scholarship recipients:

Heather Augustine, a daughter of Jeffrey and Ann Marie Augustine, of Shamokin, 2013 graduate of Shenandoah University, attending Marshall University, majoring in pharmacy;

Tiara L. Bartol, a daughter of Jim and Tina Bartol, of Snydertown, 2013 graduate of Shikellamy High School, attending Bloomsburg University, majoring in speech pathology;

Courtney N. Cecco, a daughter of Jim and Janet Cecco, of Elysburg, 2012 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School, attending Misericordia University, majoring in speech language pathology;

Bryon M. Chowka, son of Bryon and Stacy Chowka, of Coal Township, 2013 graduate of Susquehanna University, attending University of Pittsburgh School of Law, majoring in legal studies;

Megan E. Ciborowski, a daughter of Robert and Eileen Ciborowski, of Coal Township, 2012 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, attending Wilkes University, majoring in pharmacy;

Sean R. Ciborowski, a son of Robert and Eileen Ciborowski, of Coal Township, 2009 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, attending Misericordia University, majoring in physical therapy;

Amanda S. Hinkel, a daughter of Jeffrey and Christal Hinkel, of Ashland, 2011 graduate of Tri-Valley Junior/Senior High School, attending Marywood University, majoring in arts administration;

Amie N. Snyder, a daughter of Michael and Lisa Snyder, of Shamokin, 2010 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School, attending Kutztown University, majoring in secondary education/mathematics;

Michael J. Wasko, a son of Joseph and Dorothy Wasko, of Coal Township, 2010 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School, attending Saint Vincent College, majoring in biology;

Samantha E. Weikel, a daughter of Norman Weikel, of Shamokin, 2011 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, attending Misericordia University, majoring in medical imaging.

The scholarship judging committee for 2013 was comprised of two local community leaders, Suzanne Kobbe, M&T Bank Branch Manager, of Elysburg, and David Latshaw, Investment Advisor at MandT Bank, Elysburg, who are not employed by Knoebels.

Scholarships were awarded based on the student's written application and a work performance evaluation completed by the applicant's department manager.

Knoebels has awarded approximately $78,000 to 156 student employees since the inception of Knoebels Scholarship Program in 1997.

SUNBURY - A preliminary hearing scheduled for this afternoon for teenager Naheem Jahad Reams has been continued until next week at the request of the arresting officer.

Reams, 17, was charged as an adult by Trooper Ronald Zanella of state police at Stonington with numerous offenses, including aggravated assault and driving under the influence of marijuana, involving a June 5 high-speed chase that ended when he was shot by a Sunbury police officer on Chestnut Street near Front Street.

Reams, who reportedly last lived in Shamokin, was arraigned Friday afternoon on the charges by Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum and committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $175,000 bail. He is being housed separately from the general prison population, according to prison operations commander Brian Wheary.

A secretary at Apfelbaum's office said the hearing was continued until 1 p.m. Aug. 13 because Zanella wasn't available. Reams will be represented by Northumberland County Chief Public Defender Edward Greco. Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini will prosecute the case.

The defendant spent 20 days in Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment of wounds to his abdomen from the shooting.

In addition to six counts of aggravated assault and DUI offense, Reams faces two felony counts of fleeing or attempting to elude police, two misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person, two misdemeanor counts of accidents involving death or personal injury, and summaries of limitations of backing, careless driving, reckless driving, driving upon a sidewalk (two counts), driving under suspension, operating a vehicle without proper inspection, two counts of driving the wrong way on a one-way street, three turning violations and six stop sign violations.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Public Library is grateful for the following donations. These donations have always been the most basic and important source of funds to The Mount Carmel Area Public Library.

Birthday memorial

Michael T. Buhay (Aug. 2) from wife, Rita.

Raymond Pachuski (July 7, 1964) from Mom and family.

In memory of

Marcelle Barber from Jennifer, Todd, Tanner and Cooper Karycki.

Anna (Homola) Bender from Jim Darrup.

Edward Bender from Mount Carmel High School Class of 1950.

Louisa Bortree from Paul and Judy Bartko.

Jack Concini from Phil and Pat Augustine; Vince and Janet Yuskoski.

Thomas Hessler from Dave Sawicki.

Fred Klemick Jr. from Jim Darrup.

Mary Catherine Lazarski from Peggy Chapman; Walt and JoAnn Kozlowski; John and Carol Land; Bob and Sandra Matakaitis; Eleanor O'Hearn; Jean and Bucksy Reilly; Judy Reilly; Jeanette Roscoe and family; Schreck family; Reynold and Patty Scicchitano; Joleen Yokemick; all her friends from the library.

Richard A Lindenmuth from neighbors of 500 block of West Second Street.

JoAnn Mcandrew from Lorraine M. Criniti; Jim Darrup; Brenda, Joseph, Jenna and Maura Fleming; Steven and Dorothy Kranzel; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Muldowney; Fritz and Ellie O'Hearn; Leon and Mary K. Polites; Rich Zinda.

Donna Vinsky Moyer from Baba and Michael Lapotsky.

Helen Nolter from Nancy Berezovske; Ashley Friedman, Cameron Kozock and Eric Friedman; Deborah and Gerard Whispell.

Geraldine Palewicz from Helene and Jim Boylan; Irene Casari; Mary Anne Leskusky; Joan and Bill Yoder.

Hilda J. Rothermel from Arlene Andrews; Ray, Mary Ann and Amanda Bartosic; Jim and Gingie Britton; John and Carol Strocko and family; Frank and Virginia Varano.

Janet Watkins from Mary Jane and Tom Jorsakie; Helen Petruskevich; Gayle and Tom Pivarnik and family.

Philathea Welker from Mary Altomare; Jim Darrup; Anna Flynn; Frank and Angie Gaffney; Julie and Bob Griffiths; Kanezo family; Mr. and Mrs. Blaine Kessler and family; Steve and Carol Krehel; Annette and Bob Marinelli; Alice O'Donnell; Fritz and Ellie O'Hearn; Gayle and Tom Pivarnik and family; Tony and Joan Wolkoski.

Clarence "Jug" White Jr. from Carl and Lorraine Horsfield,

Ryan Williams from Helene and Jim Boylan.

Thomas Wills from Kranzel family.

Norbert F Yuskoski from Phil and Pat Augustine; Ronald Kuhns; Deborah and Gerard Whispell.

KULPMONT - The area along the 900 block of Chestnut Street where three homes burned in January has been cleaned up, but a large pile of debris from a fourth property remains.

Borough officials, citing safety and health concerns, are fed up, and have already fined David D. Dubbs more than $22,000.

The borough paid approximately $3,900 to tear down the home, 916 Chestnut St., but it is Dubbs' responsibility to clean up the mess, said councilman Philip Scicchitano. He's been offered options.

"He hasn't done anything to remedy the situation. He's being hit with fine after fine and no response," he said.

Dubbs, 60, speaking from the porch of his sister's house on North Vine Street, Shamokin, where he has been living since the fire, said he was not insured and doesn't have the money to have the debris removed. He said he is being extorted by borough officials to give up his property for nothing.

"I need help," he said Monday. "I don't know where to turn in all this."

Borough: Not our mess

Scicchitano, who owns a pizza restaurant on the same block along Chestnut Street, which is Route 61, said the borough has offered several solutions to Dubbs, but he has refused. With no insurance, there are no funds available for clean up.

Scicchitano said people have been coming into his business wondering why the borough won't step in.

"We don't own the property, and if we came onto the site, it could be considered trespassing," Scicchitano said.

"He should either sign over the property to someone or find a way to clean it up."

Scicchitano said it's more than an eyesore; there could be health concerns.

"You can smell the mildew near the site," he said at the property Monday morning. "There is probably food items rotting in that pile and there could be black mold throughout it. It needs to be taken care of."

Dubbs, who has been on disability since 1979, said he met with fire officials and Kulpmont Mayor Myron Turlis a few days following the fire to answer some questions for the investigation. After the interview, Dubbs said Turlis spoke with him privately.

"He told me the best thing for me to do, since I didn't have homeowner's insurance, was to sign over the property to someone for $1 to get it cleaned up," Dubbs said.

The former Kulpmont resident said couldn't believe the mayor said that.

"I had just lost everything I own in the fire," he said. "That property is the only thing I have left, and they want to take that, too."

Turlis could not be reached Monday for response to that comment, but it's no secret that turning over the property has been suggested by borough officials as a remedy.

Kulpmont Fire Chief Raymond Siko II said Monday that no cause or starting point was ever determined for the fire, due to the heavy amount of damage caused by the blaze.

'My life for $1'

Dubbs said he spoke with a demolition company and an agreement was reached for the debris to be hauled away. He was going to make payments on the cost.

One day before the work was supposed to start, the deal was canceled. He said the hauler decided he would probably lose money and couldn't afford to do the work.

"He can't afford it? Look at me," he said.

He said he tried to strike the same deal with the borough - have the debris hauled away and he would make payments, with interest.

"They told me they are not in the business of making loans," Dubbs said.

Dubbs said there is a shed on the property and the items inside are still usable. With that, he would like to retain ownership of the lot, or at least get something for it.

"I don't want to give up what's left of my life for $1," Dubbs said.

Social club expands

Russ Moroz, code enforcement officer, has filed 48 citations against Dubbs, the last 21 on July 25.

He has already been found guilty of the other 27 at the magistrate level for failing to clean up a dangerous structure. Thirteen of those guilty verdicts came with a $1,000 fine as a third offense, while the rest had $500 fines attached. All total, Dubbs owes more than $22,000 in fines and court costs.

"If I don't have the money to clean up the property, how am I going to pay the fines?" he said.

This cost is in in addition to a $3,900 lien he says Kulpmont put on his property to recoup cost of an excavator used to help firefighters put out the smoldering rubble.

Dubbs said he's also been approached by the owners of the Cantina Stampina social club, 910 Chestnut St., which suffered some heat damage during the fire. He said they have also expressed interest in having him turn over the property, but, again, he feels it still has value.

'No one will help'

Dubbs, knocking his head against a pack of cigarettes in frustration, said he's at a loss.

"I can't afford a lawyer. I was represented by Legal Aid, but that attorney dropped me when I wouldn't sign over my property," he said. "I've gone to the Attorney General's office and the bar association, and no one will help me."

The borough, meanwhile, maintains that Dubbs must act.

"He is looking for the borough to clean up the mess, and we won't do that," Scicchitano said.

KULPMONT - The following memorials and special intentions were made to the Saint Pauline Center:

Louis S. "Cocoa" Papp by Richard and Joan Sassani, Susan Kurtek, Joan Sassani, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Lazarski, Pat Kross, G-SACH food service service department, VNA Health Systen, Cindy Ayres.

Anthony "Tony" Miriello by Carol Patton.

David Ficca by Nick and Shirley Gard.

Cynthia M. Pohar by Nick and Shirley Gard.

Henry "Hank" Szymanski by Nick and Shirley Gard, Bob Greco and family.

Nancy Edmonds by Nick and Shirley Gard family.

Eleanor A. Mattucci by Nick and Shirley Gard family.

Dan Baskin by Burch Drug Store.

Clem Marchetti by Gerry and Marty Zarkoski.

Anna Heromin by Gloria Catino.

Clara M. Kerstetter by Jack and Rita Laukaitis.

Marie Kondisko by George and Mary Kroutch.

Velma and Paul Slonaker and Jean Carmody by Karen M. Gates.

Richard Beierschmitt by Rick and Deb Perles, Bob Greco and family.

Joan McAndrew by George and Mary Kroutch, Jack and Rita Laukaitis, Nick and Shirley Gard.

Ronald Troutman by Nick and Shirley Gard family.

Joseph Muzzy by Rose Witrocky.

Mary Catherine Lazarski by John and Mary Ann Lazarski, Henrietta and Albert Visintainer.

Ursula Hoan Murray by Michael and Rosalie Ziegler.

Heather Varano by Michael and Rosalie Ziegler.

Frank Baranoski by Michael and Rosalie Ziegler.

Shirley Merena by Michael and Rosalie Ziegler.

Veronica Endrizzi by Michael and Rosalie Ziegler.

Birthday memorials

Joseph Serovich by Gerry and Marty Zarkoski.

Brian Cesari by Gerry and Marty Zarkoski.

Success and guidance

Graduating class.

Diabetic intentions

David Roberts, Virginia Mercado, Annie Gayton, Josephine Lyons, Alberta Stefanik, Daniel Mullins, Mary Klein, Victor and Kathy Kucera, Jules Gagnon Jr., Anita Rosko, Don Ninestine, Robert Lauttman, Mary Reid, Antonio Flores, Vivian Wright, Robert Hunt, Vincent Leone, John Wolfe, Mary Rosiello, Peter Schreider, Julieta Collado.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School released a list of awards presented to 2013 graduates:

The Frederick A. Morris Jr. Academic Achievement Award, $1,000 presented to the valedictorian - Lisa Darrup.

Salutatorian Prize, Charles J. Mannello, CPA Tax and Accounting Practices presents a $100 award to the graduate with the second highest average - Rachel Toter.

In memory of Gerald A. Beiershmitt, former superintendent of schools, his family presents a $300 award to the graduate who places third in the graduating class - Catherine Fletcher.

Nutrition Inc. presents a $100 award to the graduate who places fourth in the graduating class - Tyler Kwiatkowski.

The Mount Carmel Area PTA presents a $100 award to the graduate with the highest score on the College Boards - Catherine Fletcher.

In memory of Randy "Ziggy" Zigarski, his family presents a $500 award to a dedicated, motivated, multi-sport athlete who exemplifies the qualities of Randy Zigarski and is enrolled in an institution of higher education - Robert Beierschmitt Jr.

The Kulpmont Sportsmen Association presents a $200 award to the graduate who meets their requirements - Jayson Stellar.

In memory of Joseph M. Costello Jr., his family presents a $1,000 award to a senior football player who exemplifies the leadership traits and dedication of Joey on and off the field - Michael Scicchitano.

The estate of Marie Walsh, former elementary teacher, awards three $100 scholarships to students who meet the guidelines of the trust - Shuying Dong, Marisa Montgomery and Shelby Scott.

The Mount Carmel Area Jets and the Tri-County Midget Football Organization award $200 to a member of the high school football team who has participated in all levels of the Jets program and who has displayed citizenship and sportsmanship on and off the field - Eric Joraskie.

The Mount Carmel Area Rotary Club presents a $100 award to the graduate with the highest average in the vocational course - Miranda Green.

In memory of Dr. Joseph F. Greco, former team physician and school director, his family presents a $100 scholarship award to a deserving graduate - Tyler Kwiatkowski.

The teachers memorial scholarship fund awards four $500 scholarships to worthy students in memory of Richard Profit, John Baskera, Charles Moleski, Joanne Yakup, George McFee, Lisa Wasilewski and Sonya Hamulla - Alexandra Danilowicz, Daniel Fletcher, Tyler Kwiatkowski and Daniel Lesko.

Mount Carmel Area Education Association awards $300 in memory of all its deceased members to the senior who remains enrolled in a college to prepare for a teaching career. The student must be in the top fifth of his class and display traits desirable in a teacher - Anthony Candelora.

Michael Diminick Award, presented by the Michael Diminick Scholarship Fund, awards a $300 prize to the scholar-athlete who best exemplifies the character and traits of Michael Diminick - Robert Varano.

In memory of Mary A. Miscavige, class of 1944, her family presents an award of $400 to the graduate enrolled in a school of nursing and completing one semester - Stefanie Cimino.

The Antoni Miszkiewicz Family Foundation Award of $200 is presented to a vo-tech student who has demonstrated the most improved academic performance while enrolled in the school and who is enrolled in an institution of higher learning to further their trade/technical education - Marissa Klinger.

Citizenship Prize, two awards presented by Post 2110, Veterans of Foreign Wars, to a male and female senior who have made the best contribution in school and community leadership - Anthony Candelora and Mary Rose Latorre.

Mount Carmel Area Band Parents Association, in memory of Judy Fisher, presents a $500 award to the graduating member of the Mount Carmel Area High School Band who best exemplifies Mrs. Fisher's traits, which include motivation, perseverance and dedication to the band - Kathryn Fest.

In memory of Margaret C. (Peggy) Flowers, her family presents a $300 award to a female senior continuing her post-secondary education in business - Samantha Nevius.

Mount Carmel Township Alumni Association presents two $500 awards to graduating seniors who reside in Mount Carmel Township, are selected by the faculty, are academically in the top half of their class and who exemplify characteristics of citizenship and service - Mary Rose Latorre and Joseph Zanella.

The Hebrew Ladies Aid of Tifereth Israel Business Committee presents a $100 award to the student who ranks 18th in the graduating class. The number 18 in Hebrew signifies life - Kristen Duceman.

In memory of Eleanor Fanella Matulewicz, her family awards $500 to the graduate who enrolls in a school of nursing and fulfills the requirements of the Eleanor Matulewicz Trust. - Rachel Toter.

In memory of Louis P. DeNunzio, former mayor of Marion Heights and lifetime resident, his family awards $350 to the graduate with the highest average in chemistry and $350 to the graduate with the highest average in math - Rachel Toter and Lisa Darrup.

In memory of Michael S. Repella, a charitable trust in the amount of $500,000 established by Mildred J. Repella awards five scholarships in the amount of $10,000 each to qualified and worthy graduates who are pursuing a college education - Douglas Cole, Lisa Darrup, Daniel Fletcher, Nicole Purcell and Robert Varano.

The Mount Carmel Celebration of Special Athletes awards a $200 scholarship to a graduating student who will pursue a career in special education or a related field - Anthony Candelora.

The Class of 1948 awards a $500 prize in memory of Marie McCarthy and Mary McDevitt, former teachers, to the graduate with the highest combined average in English and biology - Lisa Darrup.

The Mount Carmel Township Alumni Association presents a $500 award to a vocational education student who resides in Mount Carmel Township and is furthering his/her education - Marissa Klinger.

Mattucci's Willow Cafe presents a $100 award to the graduate who has made outstanding contributions in instrumental music - Douglas Cole.

In memory of Francis and Catherine Daya, their family presents a $100 award to the student in the top one-third of the class, continuing his or her education in the medical field - Raymond Heromin.

In memory of Robert V. Muolo and Elizabeth A. Muolo, the family presents a $200 award to the senior who meets the requirements of the Robert V. Muolo Trust Fund - Seth Nicola.

In memory of George McFee, his family presents two $125 awards to students who made an exemplary contribution ot the television studio, WKMC - Cassandra Troutman and Joseph Zanella.

Edward Greco, solicitor of the Mount Carmel Area School District, awards $100 to a graduate who is enrolled in the business law class - Rachelle MacLaren.

Mount Carmel Area Retired Teachers Association presents a $400 award to a graduating student who plans a career in education, demonstrates academic achievment and has displayed personal traits desirable in a teacher - Luke J. Haladay.

The Marion Heightrs Fire Company, in memory of Michael Sosnoski, presents a $250 award to the highest-ranking graduate from Marion Heights - Samantha Nevius.

In honor of Betty Katona, former swimming coach, swim official and water safety instructor, her family presents an award to a deserving member of the swim team. - Michael Swatski Jr.

In memory of Nicholas Feudale, former Mount Carmel Area band member, his family presents a $500 award to a deserving senior band member - Kelsey Deitz.

Behavioral Specialists Inc. presents an outstanding achievement award of $125 for a student pursuing a degree in social work, psychology or criminal justice - Nicole Purcell.

In memory of Ruth Monkiewicz Kubacki, her husband presents an $1,100 scholarship to a student pursuing a degree in nursing - Brianna Latovich.

In honor of Joseph "Jazz" Diminick, former coach and teacher, the Mount Carmel Lions Club presents a $100 award to the varsity football player who meets the guidelines of the trust. - Elijah Duran.

The Coal Bowl presents two 4100 awards to students who participated in bowling - Seth Nicola and Bryson Purcell.

In memory of Aaron W. Ziegler, his family presents a $340 award to a football player who will further his education and who exhibits the valor, strength, determination and competitive spirit of Aaron Ziegler - Daniel Lesko.

In memory of Catherine Scicchitano, her family presents a $250 award to the graduate with the highest average in Latin - Daniel Fletcher.

In memory of Cookie Scicchitano, a $1,000 award is presented to a deserving student who is enrolled at Susquehanna University - Justin Skavery.

The class of 1957 presents $500 to a student who meets the guidelines of the trust. - Kristyn Smeal.

In memory of Anne Sebastian Alexander, class of 1971, her forever friends wish to celebrate her life by presenting a $150 award to the graduating senior who best exemplifies her spirit of friendship and her ability to bring happiness to everyone around her - Kayleen Klemas.

In memory of Randy Zigarski, Arcos Industries presents a $250 award to a deserving student who is enrolled in a technical school - Marissa Klinger.

In memory of Thomas Vernon Jr. and Thomas Vernon Sr., the Leshinski family presents a $100 award to the senior football player attending a college or university who meets the guidelines of the trust - Christopher Delbo.

In memory of Jessica Latorre, her family presents five $100 awards to students who have meaningfully contributed to the Mount carmel Area School District - Eric Joraskie, Mary Rose Latorre, Jillian Mazurkevich, Michelle Sandoval and Rosemary Sandoval.

In memory of Frank and Marcella Pachutski, Dave's Auto Body presents a $100 award to a student who will further his/her education in a technical institute - Miranda Green.

The Class of 1964 presents a $1,000 award to a senior enrolled in an institution of higher learning, who loves Mount Carmel Area, exhibits spirit and is involved in extra-curricular activities - Jayson Stellar.

In memory of Ray Pachuski, the Mount Carmel Area Rescue Squad presents a $100 award to the vocational student with the highest average in carpentry or welding - Sean McDonnell.

In memory of Ruth Startzel Ashman, an award of $150 is presented to a senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, has displayed perseverance and diligence to the best of his/her ability regardless of class rank or achievement - Ronald Lutes.

In memory of Lisa Covas Wasilewski, the class of 1981 and friends present two $100 awards to students who exemplify Lisa's attributes, which include athletics, school and community, enthusiasm, lovable sense of humor and a zest for life - Tara Demko and Daniel Lesko.

In memory of Anne L. "Annie" Sebastian Alexander and Blaise Robert (BR) Alexander, their friends and family present two scholarships to graduating seniors who will pursue higher education in a business or technical program and who best exemplify their traits and values - Ashley Docherty and Jayson Stellar.

In loving memory of Nathan McFadden, a $500 award is presented to a senior with great love for life and family, one who faces every challenge with courage, strength and faith, the lessons that Nathan taught us through his life's journey - Tyler Kwiatkowski.

Robert K. Beierschmitt presents an award of $100 to a senior band member who exhibited leadership in the band - Stephanie Cimino.

The Mount Carmel Area Elementary Wrestling Boosters Scholarship Fund presents $500 to two deserving wrestlers who wrestled in elementary school and are going on to further their education - Daniel Fletcher and Seth Stablewski.

The Robert Sowa Memorial Scholarship presents a $250 award to the highest-ranking member of the senior band - Alexandria McLeod.

In memory of Denise Niglio, Frank and Cassandra Niglio present an $100 award to the student who most exemplifies the traits of Denise - Christina Perles.

In memory of Eric Trocki, a 1992 graduate of Mount Carmel Area and a member of the Red Tornadoes football team and coaching staff, his family and friends present a $500 award to a senior member of the football team who best exemplifies "Trock's" love of the game, his hard-nosed playing style and tenacity, along with his determination, toughness, leadership and Tornado pride. - Tyler Kwiatkowski.

The Dan Ficca Award-Dan Ficca Scholarship, presented by Daniel III and Matthew in honor of their father, awards $500 to a senior football player who has played two years with the MCA Jets and Mount Carmel Area High School football teams. - Eric Joraskie.

In memory of Dorothy (Blusius) Mochulski, her friend Lorraine presents a $100 award to a student furthering his/her education. - Casey M. Lynott.

The Albert and Rosalie Ross Memorial Scholarship awards $500 to a student who will be attending Penn State and meets the guidelines of the trust - Raymond Heromin.

In memory of William J. Shannon, Nora Clayton and family present a $500 award to a graduating member of the baseball team who most exemplifies the love of the game of baseball, is quiet and self-confident, competitive and self-driven. - Daniel Lesko.

The Ann Marie (Cashmere) Brown Memorial Award of $500 is presented to a senior who has done well academically and has been accepted into a four-year college program in nursing - Tara Demko.

In memory of Joanne (Smith) Trefsgar, her friend Lorraine presents a $100 award to a student furthering his/her education - Kristen Duceman.

The Albert Gratti Scholarship awards a $400 college scholarship to a graduating senior who resides in Kulpmont. The award is presented on behalf of members of Indian Hills Golf Club and friends of the late Albert Gratti, who was a longtime member of the staff - Jared Maciejewski.

In memory of Leonard Eshmont, a 1937 graduate of Mount Carmel Township High School, a $100 scholarship is awarded to a deserving member of the football team - Nicholas Duceman.

The Robert J. "Tag" Welker Scholarship Trust awards a scholarship to the graduate who has been a member of the varsity wrestling team and has exhibited the guidelines of the trust - Daniel Fletcher.

Mark D'Angelo Memorial Scholarship Fund, awarded to a varsity wrestler who has lettered for a minimum of two years and demonstrates qualities of good character and integrity. - Daniel Fletcher.

Catawissa Lumber and Specialty Co. Inc. College Education trust Fund awards scholarships to deserving students who meet the guidelines of the trust. - Samantha Dewald, Edward Dormer and Quentin Troutman.

In memory of Joe Blase, his family awards a $300 scholarship to a graduating senior who demonstrates the same love and dedication to music and the MCA band that Joe demonstrated throughout his life. - Alyssa Bielski.

TREVORTON - If all goes well, Zerbe Township will award the contract for work on the First Street culvert project in less than a week, and for less than expected.

At a special meeting Tuesday, supervisors opened three bids from companies looking to rebuild the washed-out culvert. The lowest bid came from Mid-State Paving, of Paxtonville, $71,801.65.

Previously, Mid-State was the only bidder on the project's first round of bidding, submitting a price of $124,979, more than $50,000 above the $72,205 cost estimate the township submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in March.

FEMA rules state the actual project cost can only be 10 percent over the estimated cost without having to reapply for more funds.

Other companies bidding on the project and their prices were Kevin E. Raker Construction LLC, of Sunbury, at $82,243 and Trinity Excavating, Inc., of York at $92,175.

The bid packages were turned over to the project's engineering firm, URS Corporation, of Williamsport, for review. A contract is expected to be awarded at the supervisor's next regular monthly meeting Monday.

Language of the contract requires the work be completed in 30 days from the time the contract is awarded; if not, whichever firm gets the contract will pay a $200 per day penalty.

After rejecting Mid-State's quote on July 22, Zerbe Township put the project out for rebid with some specification changes made by URS.

The firm recommends using premanufactured metal end sections and having a rock slope at the ends, not including a pedestrian railing due to the rock slope presence, and using aluminized pipe instead of polymer-coated.

Another recommended option is for township workers to clear the area and do some shallow digging at the site before construction begins. Zerbe Township hopes the work can be done by Sept. 15, or it risks losing state funding for the project.

The culvert was washed out during the Flood of 2011 and the township wants to replace it, and help alleviate flooding concerns.

"The work will help realign Zerbe Run," Mazer said in July. "Instead of the stretch where it turns south, it will now be a straight shot through that will help make it run better."

COAL TOWNSHIP - Two brothers who operate a garbage hauling business in Coal Township have been charged with more than 1,000 counts of violating the state's Workers' Compensation Act.

Robert A. Jones and Daniel T. Jones of R.A. Jones & Sons, 1600 Sterling St., are charged by Investigator William H. Beates of the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Department of Labor and Industry, with 1,248 misdemeanor counts for failing to have workers' compensation insurance coverage between Aug. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2011. Each day's violation constitutes a separate offense, Beates said in private criminal complaints filed against the brothers.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court Sept. 23 in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Sonya M. Wyland, 30, of 114 Second St., Shamokin, waived to court a retail theft charge filed against her by Coal Township Patrolman Terry Ketchem.

Wyland was charged with stealing $142.73 worth of merchandise from Walmart Supercenter on June 4.

n Richard T. Barnes Jr., 23, of 84 Oakland Ave., Ashland, waived to court charges of retail theft and criminal conspiracy to commit retail theft.

Barnes was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Henrich with stealing $899.63 worth of merchandise from Walmart Supercenter on April 17.

n Joshua Rowe, 21, of 20 Raspberry Hill, Shamokin, pleaded guilty to a summary offense of criminal trespass and was ordered to pay a $50 fine plus costs. A misdemeanor criminal trespass offense was withdrawn.

Rowe was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery with trespassing at the Raspberry Hill Housing Complex on May 15.

n Zachary Maurer, 23, and Kaitlin Rudy, 22, both of 543 Main St., Ranshaw, waived to court charges of possession with intent to deliver heroin, criminal conspiracy, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The couple were charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano in connection with an April 25 incident at their former apartment at 615 N. Shamokin St.

n Juan C. Rodriguez Jr., 28, of 17 E. Church St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of simple assault and harassment.

Rodriguez was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery with head-butting Tim Masser in the face, causing injuries to his mouth and nose. Police said the assault occurred July 26 at Rodriguez's residence.

n Phyllis Reichenbach, 40, of 20 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin, waived to court a charge of theft by unlawful taking filed by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery.

Reichenbach was charged with stealing $50 from the counter at Puff's Discount Cigarette Outlet on May 22.

n Brian Faust, 20, of 1656 W. Spruce St., Coal Township, waived to court multiple charges involving two criminal complaints filed by Coal Township police.

Faust was charged by Patrolman Terry Ketchem with retail theft and criminal conspiracy involving the theft of four computer tablets from Walmart Supercenter on June 3.

He also was charged by Patrolman Matthew Henrich with resisting arrest and flight to avoid apprehension relating to a June 10 incident at his home.

n Matthew Katona, 23, an inmate at SCI-Huntingdon, waived to court via video a charge of aggravated harassment by a prisoner relating to an Oct. 16 disturbance at SCI-Coal Township, where the defendant was incarcerated at the time.

Katona was charged by Trooper Ronald Zanella of state police at Stonington with throwing urine at correctional officer Joseph Millheim.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Our Lady of Hope Council of Catholic Women met July 16 in the parish center. The meeting was conducted by president Margaret Forbes, who opened it with prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The treasurer's report was submitted and read by Violet Feudale and was accepted.

The following subjects were discussed:

- The next Deanery Meeting will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church hall. New officers will be installed at this meeting.

- On Sept. 8, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, there will be an 11 a.m. Mass and dinner to celebrate with couples celebrating wedding anniversaries or 25 years or more.

- On Oct. 9, the Northumberland County Deanery will sponsor a dinner for the priests and religious at the Wayside Inn, Paxinos.

- The members voted to make a donation to the Air Conditioning Fund.

The meeting was then closed with prayers and refreshments.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices are down two cents this week, according to AAA East Central. The average price of a gallon of gas in the area now stands at $3.592.

Across the nation

Tuesday's national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.61 per gallon. This price is two cents less than a week ago and a penny less than a year ago. Motorists in all but ten states are paying less at the pump this week, with rising prices in the continental U.S. limited to a handful of Mountain, Central and Midwest states.

AAA expects that gas prices in the coming weeks may increase due to the potential for late-summer hurricanes and accompanying refinery problems. These types of issues can disrupt production, distribution and gasoline supply at a time when many Americans are filling up their tanks for summer travel. However, if no major hurricanes threaten the Gulf Coast and refineries continue to run smoothly heading into the mid-September changeover to winter-blend gasoline, gas prices could remain flat or even decline further.

Slightly cheaper West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices have provided some downward pressure on national gas prices. At the close of formal trading Monday on the NYMEX, WTI settled down 38 cents at $106.56 per barrel.

(AAA East Central, part of the AAA family, serves members in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York and Kentucky. Fuel Gauge is published each week in The News-Item.)

LEWISBURG - The SUN Area Chapter of the American Red Cross serving Snyder, Union and Northumberland counties will host its second annual "Step Back in Time" WWII-style hangar dance at Heritage Aviation's Penn Valley Airport in Selinsgrove.

The dance will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, and feature music from The Will Fisher Orchestra, a 16-piece swing band who will be playing swing dance music from the 1940s.

"This group of instrumentalists, renowned across the valley for their accomplished level of musicianship, will supply just the right sound." said Anne Smith, Red Cross communications director.

A group of students from the Susquehanna University Swing Dance Club will be in attendance to show everyone how to dance, to dance with anyone who needs an experienced partner and to demonstrate. There will be a free swing dance lesson at 6 p.m. to get everyone in the mood.

Food, which highlights the austerity of tough war-times will include a menu designed and created by Elizabeth's an American Bistro in Lewisburg. Such items as "WWII American Hero" mini Dagwood sandwiches and Petite Meatloaf sandwiches are on the menu of heavy hors d'oeuvres.

Tom Szulanczyk, the Chapter Executive for the SUN Area Red Cross said, "We are looking forward to creating a renewed awareness for all that the American Red Cross has done and still does for those serving in the military."

Tickets are $35 each and will not be available at the door. Guests are encouraged to call ahead at 524-0400, ext. 1602 to purchase tickets or to use a credit card for purchase. Guests must be 21 years of age.

In addition to the entertainment, there will be static displays of WWII uniforms, artifacts and memorabilia, as well as Red Cross articles from the same time period. Guests are encouraged, but not required, to wear uniforms or costumes from the era.

Bridge work to resume Thursday

DANVILLE - Preservation work on the (Route 54) Danville-Riverside Bridge in Montour and Northumberland counties will resume this week.

The work planned on the 1,440-foot-long bridge over the north branch of the Susquehanna River is scheduled to resume Thursday pending favorable weather. The work for this phase of construction is the epoxy and stone-chip overlay of the bridge deck.

Prime contractor HRI Inc. will be using daylight traffic control starting at 7 a.m. daily. The contractor will maintain two lanes of traffic and put the traffic signals on flash while flagging personnel maintain traffic movements. The epoxy overlay work is scheduled to take nine working days. This is part of a five-bridge, $1.3 million contract begun in April and scheduled for completion by Friday.

Pig roast for 'Little Eddie' Saturday

COAL TOWNSHIP - The annual pig roast to raise money for the Little Eddie Griffiths Scholarship Fund will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Fairview Gun Club.

The cost for an all-day ticket is $15; $8 for a platter only.

A benefit motorcycle ride will begin at noon in memory of Bill "Wild Willie" Campbell. Registration for the 70-mile ride begins at 11 a.m. at West End Fire Co. on Pine Street in Shamokin. Cost is $25, or $30 with a passenger. There's an additional $5 for the poker run. Cost of the benefit ride includes an all-day ticket for the pig roast.

The menu for the pig roast includes a pork sandwich, baked potato, baked beans and cole slaw. There will also be soft drinks and beer.

A DJ will play music throughout the event, and prizes will be raffled off. Horseshoes will also be played.

For tickets to the pig roast, call Jeff at 492-0875. For information on the motorcycle ride, call Frank at 648-7130.

SHAMOKIN - A Trevorton woman who was among eight people charged last week with drug offenses involving "doctor shopping" was arraigned Monday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.

Tammie Sue Miller, 45, of 335 Susquehanna St., was released on $5,000 unsecured bail and was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, before Gembic.

She was charged by narcotics agent Agent Duane Musser of the state attorney general's office drug diversion unit and Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano with one count of acquiring or obtaining a controlled substance by deception by having eight prescriptions filled for oxycodone/acetaminophe authorized by Dr. Mahmood Nasir of Sunbury, and 12 prescriptions filled for oxycodone/hydrochloride and two prescriptions filled for oxycodone/acetaminophen authorized by Dr. Raymond Kraynak of Mount Carmel.

Police said the offenses occurred between Jan. 14 and Aug. 1, 2012, at CVS Pharmacy in Shamokin.

Miller was charged last week but had not been taken into custody. She turned herself in to authorities Monday afternoon.

Gene Allen Hale, 41, of Plymouth, another defendant, remains at large. He is charged by Musser and Primerano with three counts of the same offense for having prescriptions filled for oxycodone/acetaminophen authorized by Dr. Douglas Buffington at the Elysburg Family Practice Center by deceiving Buffington into believing he was the only prescriber authorizing controlled substances to the defendant.

Musser said "doctor shopping" is the practice of deceptively obtaining pain killers from multiple doctors to support their drug addiction or sell the pills for profit.

CATAWISSA - A 19-year-old Catawissa man accused of stealing rifles, copper piping and tools from 10 local properties this summer was arraigned Tuesday on approximately 50 counts, including burglary.

Dylan Anthony Eck, of 2201 Mill Road, was committed to Columbia County Prison in Bloomsburg after failing to post 10 percent of his $50,000 bail at his 3:15 p.m. arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Craig Long.

Eck, who was represented by Attorney Kim Hill of Bloomsburg, politely answered questions posed by the judge and said he understood his rights and the severity of the charges, which were filed by Locust Township Patrolman Joshua Laidacker.

According to a criminal complaint, Eck allegedly committed the offenses between June 27 and July 30 at cabins, garages, a house, an old school house and from one vehicle in Locust, Cleveland and Roaring Creek townships.

The defendant told the judge he is unemployed and had worked at Numidia Raceway earlier this summer. Eck said his only prior arrest came at age 16 for possessing marijuana.

Laidacker, who said Eck voluntarily turned himself over to authorities, did not oppose Hill's request to have bail set at $50,000, with the stipulation that his client would only have to post 10 percent ($5,000). Long, who said the most serious charge of burglary carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, then set Eck's preliminary hearing for 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15.

Eck and Hill declined comment after the arraignment. Eck's father also was in attendance and declined comment.

Laidacker said a male juvenile was charged by Chief of Police Allen Breach with similar offenses in connection with one of the burglaries.

Police said Eck and his silver Pontiac Sunfire were identified on camera at the scene of two of the burglaries. Police said Eck admitted to committing the burglaries.

Break-in break-down

Eck is charged with 10 felony counts each of burglary, criminal trespass and receiving stolen property; 12 felony counts of theft by unlawful taking, six misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief and one misdemeanor count of theft from a motor vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia and possessing instruments of crime.

Here are details on where the crimes allegedly occurred and what was taken:

- Eck is accused of breaking into a cottage at 2393 Mill Road in Locust Township owned by Thomas Moroz, and stealing a Marlin .22-caliber rifle, a Benjamin .177 air rifle with a scope, two 250-foot spools of copper wire and 30 to 40 feet of copper piping. Police said Eck also is charged with causing $1,300 damage to a door at the cottage.

- Police reported Eck removed 32 items, including power tools, hand tools and gasoline cans, from a garage at 7 Jefferson Road in Cleveland Township owned by Isaac Beaver. The items are valued at $2,680.81. Police said Eck used bolt cutters to cut locks on cabinets to gain access.

- The defendant allegedly broke into the old Fisherdale School House at 234 Fisherdale Road in Cleveland Township and removed a large antique copper bowl valued at $225. He also is accused of smashing a side window at the former school house, which is owned by Roaring Creek Historical Society.

- He's charged with using bolt cutters to cut a chain lock on a gate at the entrance to High Mountain Acres in Roaring Creek Township, breaking into a cabin owned by Eugene Abraczinkas and stealing two bottles of vodka. He also is accused of breaking a door at the cabin, causing approximately $300 damage.

- He is accused of breaking into another cabin on High Mountain Acres owned by James Yost and stealing a coyote skin and mink skin valued at $100.

- Police said Eck stole several cans of gas, extension cords and a 150-foot roll of residential wire valued at $236 from a garage at 1519 Old Reading Road in Roaring Creek Township owned by Richard Dewald. Eck also allegedly stole three large extension cords, two cans of gas and a heavy-duty, four-connector receptacle connector having a total value of $209.52. The garage is attached to the residence of Douglas Carl, of 1551 Old Reading Road.

- Police reported Eck removed several large extension cords from a truck owned by Edwin Scott Hoffman, who operates Hoffman Builders at 1778 Old Reading Road. Eck also is accused of stealing several spools of residential wire and extension cords from Hoffman's tool shed. The total value of the stolen items is $616.

- Eck allegedly stole $2,900 worth of newly installed wires and caused approximately $850 in damage at the home of Lisa Miller, 72 Ideal Park Road, Locust Township.

- Police said Eck broke into a cabin at 84 High Mountain Acres and stole a Ruger .22-caliber rifle, 25-round magazine for a .22-caliber rifle, two 10-round magazines for a .22-caliber rifle, a portable cable receptacle for a Sony camcorder and a case of Pepsi soda.