WILLIAMSPORT - Attorneys representing the parents of a seventh-grade girl seeking permission to be part of Line Mountain all-male wrestling program say the district is generalizing the ability of girls and unnecessarily sexualizing a sport.

A 40-page response was filed Monday by Philadelphia attorneys Terry L. Fromson, of Women's Law Project, and Abbe F. Fletman, of Flaster/Greenberg PC, to the district's 65 pages of documents and statements in which they say they are protecting Audrianna Beattie and male athletes from potentially awkward situations and sexual contact during practices and matches, and the psychological scarring and inevitable injury and defeat of female wrestlers.

Brian and Angie Beattie, Audrianna's parents, filed the lawsuit last month in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on behalf of their daughter, who was not allowed on the wrestling program because it's gender-specific. They say the district is discriminating on the basis of sex in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) of the state constitution.

The district attempts to improperly equate a sport with sexual harassment and improper sexual contact, a comparison that has been legally rejected before, the Beatties' attorneys said.

In the 1996 federal case of Adams v. Baker, one of 25 cases cited, attorneys said the court determined, "wrestling is a sport and not a sexual activity; there are rules governing the sport and officials present to enforce them; there are coaches to teach the athletes and male coaches regularly coach female athletes."

The district assumes wrestlers will not only perceive the sport as sexual activity but will engage in "undesired contact," but these "hypothetical moral justifications" for the district's policy would not pass under the protection clause or ERA, they argue.

The policy is based on average physical differences between boys and girls, but not differences that necessarily apply to each boy or girl, the response says.

"The school district's blanket exclusion of girls has used sex as a proxy for strength, vulnerability and skill based on the assumptions that girls are weaker, more injury-prone and less skilled," the attorneys wrote.

Assumptions ignore that Audrianna has won numerous matches and placed in numerous tournaments against male opponents in the district and Iowa, where she lived previously, they said.

In the 1982 federal case of Mississippi University for Women v. Hogan, the court determined that reliance on generalization "has the effect of excluding qualified individuals from the team 'because they are presumed to suffer from an inherent handicap or to be innately inferior,'" the Beatties' attorneys argue.

None of the district's arguments pass constitutional muster, they said.

"To the contrary, they are either unsupported by any record evidence, based on impermissible gender stereotyping, or simply not the type of concern that rises to the level of an important governmental interest."

They also criticize the district for putting the responsibility on the Beattie family to find other girls interested in starting a female wrestling team. "Under Title IX, with which the school district purports to comply, the burden is on the school to assess such interest," they said.

A federal judge ruled Nov. 1 that Audrianna is allowed to participate in the wrestling program until the suit is settled. Superintendent Dave Campbell said the district is following the order.

A hearing for preliminary injunction is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday in Courtroom 3 at the Herman T. Schneebeli Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 240 W. Third St., Williamsport, in front of U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann.

In federal court documents filed Nov. 8 in response to a lawsuit from the parents of Audrianna Beattie who was denied participation in the district's all-male wrestling program, Line Mountain School Board President Troy Laudenslager said many techniques and moves would involve physical contact between the "sensual body parts of the opposite sex."

For example, he said, a takedown called an inside step involves wrestlers taking a penetration step between the opponent's feet and picking up their legs. The wrestlers then place their face and forehead in the opponent's chest to keep them from sprawling and defending the technique.

While they are holding and pinching the opponent's leg between their own legs, they continually push their face in the opponent's chest to keep them off balance, Laudenslager said.

"A man placing his face on a female's chest during the technique causes serious issues to arise," he said.

The following is a list of wrestling moves and techniques listed in court documents from Laudenslager, Superintendent Dave Campbell and head varsity wrestling coach Mike Martz:

- Butt drags

- High crotch

- Crotch throw

- Hips in

- Split the legs, walk up the back

- Head between the legs and come out the back door

- Hand between the legs

- Pry inside the thigh

- Claw and lift in the crotch

- Parallel ride

- Crab ride

- Inside smash in the chest

- Chest to chest pinning combination

- Head in the chest drilling

- Inside step for takedowns

- Leg riding

- Justin Strawser

The fourth and final co-defendant in a federal heroin case was sentenced Friday to nearly four years in prison.

Jeffrey Tripp, 27, formerly of Kulpmont, was given a 46-month sentence along with three years supervised probation upon release. It was recommended by U.S. Middle District Court that he also be placed in a 500-hour drug treatment program.

Tripp was indicted by a grand jury in June 2012 on eight counts. He pleaded not guilty but in December changed his plea to guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

Three co-defendants also pleaded guilty to conspiracy and were sentenced earlier this year: Renard Durant, 27, formerly of Bloomsburg, 8 1/2 years; Gilberto Lanzot Jr., 33, formerly of Mount Carmel and Hazleton, 5 1/4 years; Shelton Cochrane II, 37, formerly of Mount Carmel, five years.

Each must serve four years supervised probation.

Durant was indicted at the same time as Tripp. Superseding indictments later named both Lanzot and Cochrane. They all originally pleaded not guilty.

All four confessed to possessing with the intent to sell 100 grams of heroin and 28 grams of crack cocaine. They were alleged to have committed the crimes as members of a street gang named Almighty Renegade Gangsta Bloods. Prosecutors said they sold the drugs in both Northumberland and Columbia counties beginning around July 2011 through their arrest in June 2012.

Prosecutors say cash and guns were traded to buy drugs in the Hazleton area of Luzerne County as well as New York and New Jersey. Drugs, guns, cash and gang literature - writings on oaths, bylaws, alliances and gang hierarchy - were all stored at various locations, including at homes in Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont and Bloomsburg, according to court records.

Both Cochrane and Lanzot denied gang affiliations in separate sentencing memorandums, and Lanzot also denied traveling to New York to buy drugs. Durant did not refute gang implications in a sentencing memorandum.

PAXINOS - The Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce wrapped up an eventful 2013 with promises of some "exciting" new projects and programs in the coming year.

Three new chamber board members and a new vice president were officially accepted at the Shamokin-based organization's 16th annual dinner, held Thursday night at Masser's Banquet Hall.

President Pam Burns, who represents First National Bank of Pennsylvania, Shamokin, thanked some 75 members and sponsors for attending, and said they were all involved with the chamber in the shared desire to "better the region."

PPL was the dinner's primary sponsor, First National Bank was a partnering sponsor and AREA Services, Shamokin, was the flower sponsor.

Mike Begis, of KPI Technology, Elysburg, is the chamber's new vice president. He replaces Steve Minker, who, along with board members Thomas Harlow and Warren Altomare, leave the board following expiration of their two three-year terms. All three former board members were thanked for their service, and Minker and Harlow were in attendance and were presented gifts.

The three new board members are Deb Yeager, Susquehanna Bank, Shamokin; Nicole Edmondson, Luzerne County Community College Northumberland Campus; and Pat Mack, Northumberland County Planning Commission.

Chamber Director Whitney Fetterman also noted that four businesses recently joined the chamber. They are Apex Insurance Group, Kulpmont; Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition; Catawese Coach Lines, Shamokin; and Justice Works Youth Care, Mount Carmel.

Developments

Fetterman was hired earlier this summer to take over for Sandy Winhofer, who resigned in May to take a new job after six years leading the chamber. Winhofer remains active as a member through UNB Bank, Mount Carmel, and was in attendance Thursday.

Fetterman spoke about the chamber's newly redesigned website, which allows members to update their own information. (Visit www.newsitem.com.) Also, the chamber has developed a new initiative called "Chamber High 5's," which celebrates a new member, a ribbon-cutting, anniversaries or other business milestones. Chamber High 5's can be found in the chamber's electronic newsletter.

The chamber has expanded the newsletter, which includes information from the state and national chamber, and it has a "save-the-date" section to let members know about upcoming events.

Fetterman also noted the chamber's utilization of social media, including Facebook, Constant Contact and Twitter, and that the organization continued in 2013 with some of its most popular projects and fundraisers, including a golf tournament, job fair, career symposium, duck drop and monthly luncheons.

Fetterman said later the chamber is planning a Small Business Saturday for this holiday shopping season, and that there are a few other projects in the works. The chamber is assisting an individual with the formation of an association that could benefit the area and help grow chamber membership, she said. (Any businesses wanting to participate in Small Business Saturday should contact the chamber at 570-648-4675 or wfetterman@censop.com.

To the topic of "weathering change," Teri MacBride, PPL regional affairs director, noted how times have changed, and how PPL, in its efforts to conserve energy, is in a unique position for a business in that it's "encouraging customers to use less of the stuff we make."

Discussing the devastation of Hurricane Sandy last year, she said the company invested $14 million over the past year to "harden the system" in the region.

Other board members

In addition to Burns and Begis, other officers and board members are Ed Christiano, Northumberland County Housing Authority, secretary; Chris Venna, Shamokin Area Middle-High School, treasurer; William Richie, First Columbia Bank, Elysburg, Elysburg region vice president; Harry Morgan, Pennsylvania CareerLink, Shamokin region vice president; Rob Slaby, Coal Township business manager; Gale Zalar, Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc., Shamokin; Joe Daniels-D'Andrea, Clear Channel Radio, Shamokin; Gino Sinpoli, GiGi's Gifts, Coal Township; and Jodi Berry, M&T Bank, Shamokin.

KULPMONT - A school that stood in the borough for nearly 90 years has been razed.

Crews from Steinbacher Enterprises Inc., Williamsport, demolished St. Mary's School, along Scott Street across from Holy Angels Church, last week. The property is being cleaned up this week.

Mary Kay Bartol, Holy Angels Church secretary, said the school was built in 1924 and closed in 1993. It was most recently was used for CCD classes, but has been vacant for at least four years.

The building had been deteriorating and bricks were falling off of the facade.

The school was built while the church, which at the time was also St. Mary's, was under the leadership of Monsignor Joseph Petrovits. Enrollment in the first year was 515, and students were taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

The church has no immediate plans for the lot, but it will probably eventually be used for parking.

The cleanup should be finished by next week, Bartol said.

SUNBURY - Alisha Herb, director of elections for Northumberland County, released final tabulations for county row officers chosen in the Nov. 5 election:

Controller: Chris Grayson, Democrat, 7,779; Tony Phillips, Republican, 6,773.

Protohonotary and clerk of courts: Justin Dunkelberger, Republican, 8,549; Meg Bartos, Democrat, 5,498.

Register of wills and recorder of deeds: Mary Zimmerman, Republican, 11,674. She was unopposed for re-election.

Coroner: James Kelley, Democrat, 9.215; Leo Mirolli Jr., Republican, 5,447.

These results include absentee and provisional ballots that were not included in the unofficial returns election night.

The official count has been completed, Herb said, and final results for all offices are expected to be posted on the county website early next week.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Paul Eby expressed disbelief when volunteer workers called Tuesday to tell him that thousands of dollars worth of tools had been stolen from a church-owned double home under remodel.

But they weren't kidding.

"I was angry and I was upset," said Eby, pastor of Restoration Ministries Church, Shamokin.

Rather than allow those feelings to linger, however, Eby went to 1674-1676 W. Spruce St. and, after police left, he gathered the workers together and "we prayed for the people who did this."

Forgiveness aside, the theft is a setback for the church, which has invested some $70,000 in the project since purchasing the property in July for $5,000. The tools, top-of-the-line models intended for use on future remodeling projects, were not insured.

The church bought the property with the goal of using the renovation work to teach construction skills to young members of the church, including those who don't have parents or guardians to teach them such skills. Turning a dilapidated property into a nice home is another benefit, he said.

The double home is being converted into a single home with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large living space. It's been completely gutted and refitted with new wiring, plumbing, windows and wooden studs top to bottom. New cement is being poured to the front and rear of the property, the backyard was leveled and a decorative two-tier retaining wall was added.

The church, which has its eye on a few other houses, intends to eventually re-sell 1676 W. Spruce St., and would be satisfied just to break even, Eby said.

Basement entry

Sometime overnight Monday, the basement door was kicked repeatedly with enough force to eventually break a 2-by-4 that secured it. Among the stolen items were an air compressor, two framing guns, three nail guns, two circular saws, a reciprocal saw, three cordless drills, hand tools, levels, drill bits and tool bags.

Eby believes whoever broke in may have parked on Gowen Street at the top of the backyard and loaded up the stolen goods.

Some workers on scene Wednesday brought their own tools. Eby said they were working outdoors because so many tools that had been used for the interior portion of the project were stolen.

"They cleaned us out good," Eby said.

Drug connection

There have been seven burglaries reported to Coal Township Police in November, according to Police Chief William Carpenter. That does not account for any reports of attempted break-ins or criminal trespass incidents where a break-in may have occurred but nothing was reported stolen.

Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky is investigating.

Eby believes those who committed the crime probably did so to fund a drug addiction. Carpenter agrees, saying there's a direct correlation between illegal drug use and incidents of burglary and criminal trespass.

Eby knows the drug problem is prevalent in the community.

"These are desperate people that are doing this," he said.

He thinks they need hope, and he's willing to offer some.

"God gives us second, third, fourth, fifth chances," he said. "Whatever it takes."

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School held its annual Thanksgiving liturgy Wednesday. The Rev. Alfred Sceski, chaplain, was celebrant for the special liturgy. The Revs. Andrew Stahmer and Fred Wangwe were also celebrants.

Deacon Martin McCarthy proclaimed the gospel. Members of the Boys Service Club and Girls Action League were in charge of arrangements, under the direction of Violette Feudale.

Christian service is a long-standing tradition at Our Lady of Lourdes. The annual Manna drive, which is coordinated in association with the Thanksgiving liturgy, receives enthusiastic response from the entire Lourdes community. The student body presented baskets of food and other items for Thanksgiving. In addition, monetary donations were received to provide gift certificates with each basket. The pre-K and kindergarten students were dressed as pilgrims and Indians to help recall the first Thanksgiving.

Following the liturgy, members of the Boys Service Club and Girls Action League delivered the baskets to 38 needy families in time for Thanksgiving dinner. Several boxes of food were also delivered to Manna for the Many food pantry in Shamokin.

DALLAS, Pa. - Samantha Weikel, of Shamokin, a member of the class of 2015 at Misericordia University, was like most high school students working their way toward graduation and eventually college. She dreamed of a promising career filled with excitement and travel, such as a painter or an astronaut or an archeologist.

As a young adult, she eventually realized those dream jobs were not truly meant for her. A daughter of Norman Weikel, of Shamokin, and the late April Kline, knew she wanted to be in a profession that helped others, especially those most in need, like in a hospital setting. At first, the Shamokin Area High School graduate explored the caring profession of nursing. Up next was medical imaging, thanks to a suggestion by a family member.

After being accepted into the Bachelor of Science program in medical imaging at Misericordia University, Weikel had several job shadowing opportunities at a regional hospital system that reinforced her decision.

"This realization was based upon the pace of the workplace, along with becoming more aware of how large a difference I could make in people's lives,'' she said. "While many people choose their major, I truly feel as if medical imaging had chosen me in the sense that it was a natural and right choice for me.''

Lambda Nu, the national honor society for the radiologic and imaging services, also agrees with her career path. The junior medical imaging major at Misericordia University recently was awarded a competitive 2013 Lambda Nu Scholarship. Lambda Nu has 141 chapters in 42 states across the country. Students in each of the chapters were eligible to apply for the 15 scholarships that are awarded annually. Fifty-seven students applied for the awards.

The scholarship award will assist Weikel in completing the 18-month certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography at Misericordia University after earning her bachelor's degree in medical imaging in May 2015.

"I believe by having knowledge and credentials of two modalities, I will be able to help more people and become more likely to succeed within both careers,'' said Weikel. "I hope to be able to have a great understanding of both modalities and then be able to traveling within the profession.''

At Misericordia University, Weikel is an active member of the Medical Imaging Club, Medical Imaging Mentoring program and is a lab assistant for Elaine Halesey, professor and chair of the Department of Medical Imaging. In a service-learning academic course, she participated in the "Bone Academy" in which Misericordia students teach young children about the bones in the human body and for them not to be afraid of X-rays. Through Campus Ministry, she has volunteered at a regional food pantry.

For more information about the medical imaging program at Misericordia University, call 570-674-6400 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/mi. Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy in 1924, Misericordia University is Luzerne County's first four-year college and offers 34 academic programs on the graduate and undergraduate levels in full and part-time formats.

All centers will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, puzzles and board games, 8:30 a.m.; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

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

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

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

The center is making assorted Christmas cookies as a fundraiser, $3 for six and $5 a dozen. Orders must be in by Dec. 2.

Center Christmas party, catered by Martin's Chicken and Ribs, will be served at 11 a.m. Christmas carols will be sung at 10 a.m. $5 gift exchange optional. Sign up by Dec. 6.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Center visit to Winnie the Pooh Daycare for Thanksgiving, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning coffee and the news, 9:30 a.m.; game shows, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.; unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Wii, knitting and puzzles in the morning; cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii, knitting, bean bag and puzzles in the morning; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Cards and bingo, food boxes.

Tuesday - Exercise with Carol Burton.

Wednesday - Sharing memories and laughter.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m..

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Trim a tree party will be Monday, Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

The center Christmas party will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at Masser's Restaurant. The cost of the dinner is $14 and the entertainment will be by Vic Boris. Tickets available at the center.

Trevorton

Monday - Members breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; Wii practice, 9:30 a.m.; shopping at Walmart, 11:30 to 1 p.m.; card games, 12:30 p.m.; evening card party, 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Bean bag toss, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.

MOUNT CARMEL - Bishop Mark, of Baltimore, administrator of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, celebrated a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy Oct. 13 at St. Michael's Orthodox Church in honor of Archpriest Michael Evans, who retired at the end of October.

Several other priests served during the liturgy, including the Very Rev. Claude Vinyard, a prior rector at St. Michael's, and the Rev. James Chuta. Deacons Gabriel Bilas and Ignatius Gauvain from St. Tikhons Seminary and parishioners Stanley Zbicki, David Bushick, Charles Timpko and John Chidovich assisted with the service.

St. Michael's Choir performed beautiful acapella music that was arranged by Peter Yastishak. Choir members are Julie Bushick, Chris Bushick, Olga Thomas, Jean Mathias, Vera Zbicki, Valerie Winnick, Sandy Tosca, Chris Mathias and Hal Smith.

Father Michael and Matushka Sonya were married Sept. 17, 1972, at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Edwardsville. Father Michael was ordained one month later in October 1972 at the same church. They have a son, Michael, who is a graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School.

Father Evans obtained a Master of Science in religious education from Marywood University, while Matushka Sonya attended Wilkes-Barre Business College.

Father Evans served many parishes, all in Pennsylvania, during 40 years of service, including St. Vladimir Church in Lopez, St. Basil the Great in Simpson and St. Mary's in St. Clair. He and Matushka arrived at St. Michael's in 1989. In addition to serving at St. Michael's, he has also been the priest-in-charge for the past 17 years at Holy Ascension Church in Lykens.

Father Michael and Matushka Sonya were joined by many family members and friends at a dinner provided by the parish in the church hall following the Divine Liturgy. Among those who spoke at the dinner were Bishop Mark, who reviewed the vows an Orthodox priest makes during his ordainment. He also talked about the sacrifices priests make, sometimes at the expense of their families. He thanked Father and Matushka Evans for their years of service.

Archpriest John Kowalczyk, chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, who attended the seminary with Father Evans, talked about the pastor's artistic ability and generosity. The Very Rev. Michael Hatrak, dean of the Frackville Deanery, talked about a bus trip from the Pittsburgh area that he and Father Evans took to St. Tikhons, which became their inspiration to enter the priesthood.

Father Michael Hutsko, rector of SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mount Carmel, commented on how Father Evans was the elder of the local clergy in the area and how he appreciated Father Evans' leadership among the group.

The Evans' son, Michael, his wife, Jen, and children, Owen Michael and Mya Natalia, were also in attendance.

Parishioners offered expressions of appreciation for Father and Matushka Evans' service and for the spiritual leadership Father Evans provided to St. Michael's for 24 years. It was noted that Father and Matushka were always willing to help with parish projects, especially the monthly pierogie project, Parishioners commented that they left a positive imprint not only on St. Michael's Church, but on the entire Mount Carmel community, and will be missed.

They plan to spend their retirement in their house in Edwardsville.

St. Michael's was founded in 1908. Services are held at 9 a.m. Sunday, and all are invited.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Northumberland District Council of Catholic Women held its deanery meeting Nov. 10 at Divine Redeemer Parish Hall. Deanery president Rosemary Boyer called the meeting to order.

Members joined in saying the Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel and Holy Spirit, prayer for the seminarians followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Rita Pizzoli did the Bible enthronement. Parish host president Carol Altomare welcomed everyone. The treasurer's report was given. Boyer appointed Debbie Gownley of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church as the new treasurer.

Boyer thanked Elaine Jurgill and her committee for their hard work for the appreciation dinner. Announcement was made that Karen Hurley was elected national president.

The Council of Catholic Women convention will be held May 5 at the Cardinal Keeler Center in Harrisburg. The Northumberland Deanery is in charge of the liturgy. The Rev. Frank Karwacki will have the information for the liturgy submitted before March 1 for approval or any changes.

Upcoming events in the district include a cookie walk at Our Lady of Hope from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 15. Karwacki will show a movie at 6:30 p.m. today in the parish hall about the monks killed in Algeria by radical Islamists. A book about one of the monks who survived will be on sale.

The next deanery meeting will be in March at Our Lady Help of Christians in Lykens. The meeting was closed with prayers for the sick and deceased members and for a new bishop. The meeting was adjourned and a luncheon followed.

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane put a spotlight Tuesday on a new command center to track and apprehend child predators, the result of a $3 million funding boost for one of her top priorities.

"We're making arrests almost every day at this point," Kane said about efforts by the newly created Child Predator Section in the attorney general's office to combat what one agent calls an epidemic.

The guided tour was conducted in part to show what a state budget appropriation can do.

State funding for the program is now at $4.3 million. That enabled Kane to create the child predator section, hire additional agents and attorneys, upgrade the software and purchase two mobile forensic trucks to do on-the-scene analysis.

The increased enforcement shows up in arrest statistics - 105 so far this year compared to 19 arrests in 2012, officials said.

More sophisticated computer software is one of the tools agents use to nab child predators who commit crimes such as sexually abusing children, enticing them to meet for sex and manufacturing, distributing or possessing child pornography.

The software allows agents to monitor file-sharing Internet networks associated with child pornography. It also lets them chat and text with suspects who think they are communicating with children, and then apprehend them using image-tracking devices and search warrants, officials said.

The nerve center for these operations is a converted room in the attorney general's downtown office where a group of lawmakers and reporters toured.

With more than 2,800 identified child predators in Pennsylvania, agents said they are busy keeping up with the underground trafficking in child pornography. "We can do this 24 hours, 7 days a week and there are still people out there," said David Peifer, special agent-in-charge.

Kane described an agent's job in graphic terms.

"The Child Predator Section views thousands upon thousands of photos and videos that child predators download and distribute," she said. "These images are difficult to remove from the brain, and, as a mother, I commend my agents for their strength and commitment to identifying would-be abusers."

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley is requesting the public's assistance in locating blood relatives of 64-year-old Charles G. Keiper.

Keiper passed away at 9:05 p.m. Monday at Milton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (formerly Kramm Healthcare). It is believed he had at one time resided in Shamokin, Sunbury and Lewisburg.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kelley through the Northumberland County Emergency Communications Center at 570-988-4539.

WILLIAMSPORT - Audrianna Beattie, the 12-year-old Line Mountain seventh-grade student who is fighting for a permanent spot on the all-male wrestling team, was confident Wednesday in federal court that gender shouldn't play a part in whether she's allowed to compete with boys.

"I'm on a boys team. It doesn't matter that I'm a girl, because I'm just as good as they are," she said Wednesday in Courtroom 3 at the Herman T. Schneebeli Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 240 W. Third St., in front of U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann.

It's been the only public testimony or statement the girl has given thus far.

A federal lawsuit was filed last month by her parents, Brian and Angie Beattie, against the school district that has barred her from wrestling, arguing the program is gender-specific and that allowing her to join opens the district to liability.

By keeping her off the team, her parents say the district is discriminating on the basis of sex in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) of the state constitution.

The Beatties were represented by Philadelphia attorneys Terry L. Fromson, of Women's Law Project, and Abbe F. Fletman, of Flaster/Greenberg PC, while the district was represented by attorneys Chris Conrad and Nicole Ehrhart, of Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin in Camp Hill.

Audrianna was one of seven individuals who took the stand over a period of 5 1/2 hours.

Also testifying was her father, Brian; Line Mountain Superintendent Dave Campbell; school board President Troy Laudenslager; board members Lauren Hackenburg and Ron Neidig, who participated by phone, and middle school wrestling coach Darin Keim.

'Keeps me fit'

Audrianna, a straight-A student, said she also participates in soccer, softball and equestrian activities, but she pushes herself in wrestling because it's one of her passions.

"I like it because it keeps me fit," she said. She also said she enjoys the individual aspect of the game - winning or losing is all up to her.

"I've been bullied in the past, and (wrestling) helps me get over it," she said. "I can take my anger and use it, but not in a mean way, and do good."

Audrianna started wrestling in third grade. She was a member of the wrestling club in LeMars, Iowa, in fourth and fifth grades where she practiced with boys and girls and competed against boys in approximately four tournaments per year, placing second, third and fourth.

After the Beattie family moved to Herndon in summer 2012, Audrianna attended the elementary school and wrestled on the youth team that was open to elementary students through sixth grade. During this time, she practiced with boys and participated in every dual meet in at least five tournaments, competing against boys and a girl who was on the Shamokin Area School District team. She finished the 2012-13 school year with a 5-3 record.

"In sixth grade, I did fairly well. I won some, I lost some. It's the way it goes, but it's not the end of the world," she said.

Some of the male students are stronger and can pick her up easily, but she noted she is hard to pin. If she realizes a male opponent is stronger, she wouldn't grapple with them. Instead, she would attempt to take them down and "boom, boom, boom" it would be over, she said.

Audrianna wanted to continue wrestling when she started seventh grade in the 2013-14 school year, but there is only a boys team.

'I did cry'

Neiding testified that he is concerned for Audrianna after watching a match last year in which a stronger male opponent who Laudenslager described as a "brute" beat her.

"It ended quickly. When the match was over, she was upset and looked to be in pain," Neidig said.

Asked about this match later during the hearing, Audrianna said it's normal for people who lose to be upset.

"I did cry. It's normal," she said. "I've seen a lot of boy's cry and throw a fit and throw their headgear on the ground. I wasn't hurt or in pain. It was just a matter of being emotional."

Fletman asked Neiding how many of Audrianna's matches he watched and he said at least one. She also asked him if he ever saw boys cry after matches; Neiding said yes.

It doesn't matter to Audrianna if she stays on the all-male team or participates on all-female team.

"I will wrestle a girl or a boy," she said.

However, if she only has one girl in her weight class with whom to practice - which district officials said they would prefer - she said it wouldn't help her grow as an athlete.

"You don't get as much experience or learn all the moves and techniques," she said. "If you're less experienced, you learn from the more experienced (people) you wrestle."

If the district keeps her off the team, Brian Beattie said it would be damaging to tell his daughter the district believes "she's not as good as boys, that there's some difference that makes her inferior."

The district's witnesses argued they would be willing to sponsor a girls team if there is any interest. There are also other options for Audrianna, such as the Bison Club at Bucknell University, and the district booster club would fund her participation, district witnesses said.

Gender differences

The district's witnesses reiterated the 65 pages of documents and statements in which they say they are protecting Audrianna and male athletes from potentially awkward situations and sexual contact during practices and matches, and the psychological scarring and inevitable injury and defeat of female wrestlers.

Neiding said he's concerned about the "lose-lose" situation with male athletes: if they win, they've beaten a girl; if they lose, they are harassed by their teammates for being beaten by a girl.

The wrestling moves are also inappropriate for girls and boys to practice together, he said.

Laudenslager said men don't develop breasts, and there are a lot of wrestling holds that focus around the chest.

"You're supposed to stick your face in the girl's chest. Anywhere else you would be suspended," he said.

As a coach demonstrating moves on students, he said they would have to ask themselves if they are expected to stick their faces in breasts. Coaches then have to wonder whether they lingered too long or shook their heads, he said.

Hackenburg said it would be difficult to teach that certain acts are not permitted during school hours but they are permitted behind closed doors on a wrestling mat.

"I don't think it's OK. I think it sends mixed messages," she said.

It's inconsistent to teach male students that it's fine to be aggressive and pin women down during a sport, she said.

Laudenslager said he has significant concerns with consideration to the anatomical differences of males and females; they should be treated separately.

In wrestling, athletes are categorized by weight class but also percentage of body fat, he said.

But, he added, girls genetically have different percentages of body fat than males in the same weight class.

Fletman asked Laudenslager if he is an expert on biology or whether he could cite a specific case study in a specific publication to support his views. Laudenslager said no.

Sexual harassment

Fletman asked each witness if male athletes ever touch intimate parts of other male athletes, and each said yes. She also asked if there are policies in place to punish male students who inappropriately touch female athletes during practice or vice versa, and each said yes.

Asked by her attorney if she was ever taught the difference between "good and bad touch," Audrianna said her parents and school teachers explained it and if she ever felt like someone was taking advantage of her during wrestling, she would push them away and go for help.

Laudenslager said it would be impossible to determine whether someone intentionally sexually harassed someone during wrestling because of how some of the moves look to spectators. He also said it would be difficult to determine if a male wrestler tried out for the sport for the sole purpose of harassing a female wrestler.

Plus, he said, it is the school district's job to prevent sexual harassment, not to just punish harassers.

Fletman also asked whether boys were at risk for injury and whether an individual girl could be as strong if not stronger than an individual boy, and the witnesses said yes.

Campbell said the administrators must act as parents when the students are in the school and it their job to foresee potential problems.

He wondered if male students should be punished if they or their parents are uncomfortable wrestling a girl.

The growth of female wrestling is a good thing, but he believes the differences between boys and girls should keep the genders separate, he said.

Next steps

The judge said the transcript of the hearing will be completed Wednesday. The Beatties and their attorneys will have until Dec. 9 to file a conclusion with the court, and the district's deadline is one week later. The Beatties will then have an opportunity to respond to the district's conclusion, and a ruling by the court will follow at an undetermined date.

The Beatties and their attorneys declined comment following the court proceeding.

However, Campbell said, "If the judge rules in favor of the district, I can assure you, I will personally work with the Beatties to do anything to help Audrianna to reach her goals. If they rule in favor of the Beatties, we will honor it, and continue the process of girls and boys competing."

Brann ruled Nov. 1 that Audrianna is allowed to participate in the wrestling program until the suit is settled. Campbell said the district is following the order. Practices started Monday.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Mayor J. Kevin Jones and Mount Carmel Borough Council presented a plaque of appreciation to UNB Bank, Third and Oak streets, Wednesday for all its help and efforts to fight blight in the borough. Frank S. Morrison, president and CEO of UNB Bank; Ruth Skonecki, assistant vice president and trust officer and Bill Kuzo, senior vice president accepted the plaque. Skonecki was also presented with a certificate of appreciation for her efforts.

In May, UNB contributed $50,000 to raze four long-time eyesores at 420, 422, 424 and 428 E. Center St. along with a dilapidated structure at 242 S. Poplar St.

The properties were demolished through a Neighborhood Assistance Program established to reduce blight in Northumberland County. The program was spearheaded by the Northumberland County Blight Task Force.

"Our contribution of $50,000 toward this important project demonstrates our commitment to the residents of Mount Carmel Borough and the quality of life of the people who live there, as well as our optimism that by getting rid of eyesore properties, we will see private investment occur that will result in the creation of new businesses and jobs," Morrison said in May when the donation was announced.

Also on hand for the presentation were Mount Carmel Borough Manager Ed Cuff, Council President Tony Matulewicz and Councilman Clem Plisiewicz.

MOUNT CARMEL - Anthracite Steam Fire Company No. 1 has elected the following officers for 2014:

James Williams Sr., president; Eric Troutman, vice president; David Berezovske, recording secretary; Marilyn Williams, financial secretary; Susan Hawkins, treasurer; Edward Kinn, Jack Williams Sr. and Sean Williams, trustees; David Dorgotch, sergeant at arms; and Troutman, chief engineer.

Death fund officers are John Williams Jr., president, and Jack Williams Sr., secretary-treasurer.

Mount Carmel Volunteer Emergency Services Association Inc. delegates are Troutman and james Williams Sr.

Anthracite Firemen's Relief Association delegates are Berezovske, Tammy Mench, John Williams Jr. and Sean Williams. Michael Ledger Jr. is a one-year delegate to the Volunteer Fire Department, of Mount Carmel.

Break begins Tuesday for SASD

COAL TOWNSHIP - Students of Shamokin Area School District will be dismissed early Tuesday for an Act 80 day, the start of Thanksgiving break.

Students at the middle/high school will be dismissed at 12:18 p.m.; elementary, 12:45 p.m. There will be class for afternoon K-4 students.

District schools will be closed Wednesday through Monday, reopening Dec. 3.

Other motions from SASB meeting

COAL TOWNSHIP - At Tuesday's Shamokin Area School Board meeting, the board voted unanimously to correct the salary for Lauren Swartz, licensed social worker, to $26,520 for 145 days during the 2013-2014 school year, and to name Kristy Hoffman as a long-term substitute guidance counselor for the remainder of the school term,

On a 6-1 vote, with member Edward Griffiths abstaining, Stephen Bamford was named as a groundskeeper/maintenance worker for 260 days a year, eight hours a day, at a rate of $15.75 an hour, effective Nov. 25, and 10-cent raises were granted for secretaries Kayleen Griffiths, Alexia Herb, Lucy Quincy and Sharon Slodysko.

Healing service set for Sunday

MOUNT CARMEL - A special Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Sunday at SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, West Avenue and North Beech Street for the intention of healing the soul and body. Very Reverend Msgr. Myron Grabowsky, pastor of St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Shenandoah and St. Nicholas Church in St. Clair, will be the main celebrant along with the Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko, pastor at SS Peter and Paul.

At the conclusion of the liturgy, there will be an opportunity for all to come forward for a personal anointing and to receive special prayers for healing.

For more information, contact the church office at 570-339-0650.

HARRISBURG - Today's vote in the state House is the "last hurdle" for a comprehensive transportation funding plan, and, thereby, the last hurdle for the long-awaited Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT) project.

State Sen. John Gordner (R-27) is "very optimistic" it will pass, setting in motion the collection of $580 million in funding for CSVT over the next 10 years.

"I believe we will have a groundbreaking before the end of next year" on part of the thruway, Gordner predicted Wednesday in an interview an hour after senators gave their 43-7 approval to a House funding bill.

The bill goes back to the House for its final "concurrent" OK today, which is expected late this afternoon.

What the Senate voted on Wednesday was to approve the language of an amendment the House approved Tuesday, on its third try. That language was inserted into an existing House funding bill that was also then passed by the Senate, Gordner said.

He cited the funding plan's impact on jobs - it's expected to create 60,000; how it will improve health and safety by improving roads and bridges and eliminating congestion; and how it will spur economic development.

In fact, he said, a multimillion-dollar project will get under way in Point Township once the thruway's northern section is completed. He couldn't comment further, but the project is unrelated to - but helped by the existence of - the thruway.

The thruway's three parts include a bypass around congested Routes 11-15 in Hummels Wharf and Shamokin Dam; a new bridge from Routes 11-15 over the Susquehanna River at Winfield; and a new connector on Route 147 from the bridge to Route I-180 north of Northumberland.

Gordner said the plan enjoyed broad bipartisan support, but noted it was a "tough vote" because of the impact it's expected to have on gas prices and motor vehicle related fees.

He said the $2.3 billion in revenue tagged to the bill is actually what would be generated in year five - 2017-18.

The plan also includes money for hundreds of other state and local bridge projects, Gordner said, and the revenue is targeted specifically for those needs and won't end up in the "black hole" of the general fund.

SHAMOKIN - High school students from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School will return to the stage and present "The Wizard of Oz" at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center.

"Bye Bye Birdie," performed in April 2011, was the last musical presented by the school which involved high school students.

The cast of 25 students from grades seven through 12 is led by sophomore Erika Kapushinski, who portrays Dorothy. Last summer Kapushinski played a "Candy Kid" in Anthracite Citizens' Theater's production of "Willy Wonka."

The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion are played by seniors Shawn Khanna, William Stewart and Riley Feese, respectively.

Khanna is relatively new to the musical scene, but lent his guitar skills to "The Roads," an original musical comedy written and directed by Meagan Baumgartner.

Stewart and Feese are stage veterans. Stewart starred in "Bye Bye Birdie" and Feese participated in the school's 2010 production of "Godspell."

The "Wizard of Oz" also features Angelica Masser as "The Wicked Witch" and Katianna Lapotsky as "Glinda."

The musical is under the direction of Sandra Snyder, high school music and elementary band teacher. Staff are Joyce Sickora and Katrina Gownley, assistant directors; Bonny Klinger, accompanist; Mike Barry, drums; Lee Ann Smith, costume coordinator, and Matt Leavens and Victor Ginitz, art directors.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students. Children not yet in school will be admitted for free.