WILLIAMSPORT - A Coal Township man was sentenced to a year of probation on a charge of failing to report income to a retirement board.

In a hearing Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, Paul J. Orner was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Arbuckle III, to not only the probation term, but also to pay a fine totaling $3,372.

In a plea deal reached Aug. 26, Orner admitted he "willfully and knowingly" failed to report and provide information to the Railroad Retirement Board that he was employed and earning funds at Q-Stix Pool and Game Room, Independence Street, while he was receiving disability payments, thereby resulting in his receipt of disability overpayments.

In exchange for the guilty plea, the district court will not bring any other criminal charges against Orner that directly arise out of his involvement with the offenses. He waived his right to a jury trial.

As part of the plea, Orner agreed to fully disclose all his assets, including those held by a spouse or other third party. After analyzing his assets, the court assessed the amount of the fine and said that a special assessment of $25 was due immediately, and the balance of the fine, $3,347, must be paid within 10 months.

The amount Orner received in overpayments was not revealed.

The plea agreement was signed by Orner and his attorney, Ronald C. Travis, July 12, and prosecuting assisting U.S. attorney Wayne P. Samuelson July 22.

WASHINGTON - On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta (R-11) championed the use of public-private partnerships to redevelop underused federal real estate in an effort he says could save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

As chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, Barletta has worked with ranking member Rep. André Carson (D-Ind.) and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), to identify nearly $500 million in savings by addressing underused office space.

During the hearing, Barletta related he had toured a similar site, known as Southeast Federal Center, which is already being hailed as a public-private partnership success.

"As a former mayor, it almost made me want to be mayor again," Barletta said. "Seeing the excitement of taking a very challenging project because of environmental concerns there and turning it into a real tax base again. And there's no question that projects such as this could take the more difficult pieces of real estate and turn them into an economic advantage, where the local community is a winner. With increased tax revenue, the taxpayer is also a winner, and the federal agencies as well."

One building in another location, the Cotton Annex at Federal Triangle South, has approximately 89,000 square feet of space and has sat vacant for six years. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the sale value of the Cotton Annex alone with its surrounding vacant land is $150 million. The Government Services Administration (GSA) has requested input from the private sector regarding the development of the property that will stimulate a vibrant mix of uses, such as residential, commercial, civic, institutional and public sector.

"There are key challenges that we face today with managing the federal real property inventory. One challenge is to get federal agencies to think differently about the space they use," Barletta said. "While the private sector understands that space is money and so has moved towards smaller, more efficient space solutions, the federal government has been slow to adopt this philosophy."

In July, Barletta introduced the Public Buildings Savings and Reform Act of 2013 (H.R. 2612), which addresses a number of key issues identified through committee investigations, Government Accountability Office studies and Inspector General Reports. The bill establishes limitations on and better oversight of space acquisitions. It also freezes GSA's current physical footprint, limits the size of courthouses and requires reports on all leases signed in a given year. The bill also limits and provides greater oversight of agencies with independent leasing authorities, and increases transparency and ensures there is good data on which decisions can be made. H.R. 2612 has passed the full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a voice vote.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court on Monday, Dec. 30, in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Robert A. Potter, 43, of 1262 Hillside Drive, Sunbury, waived charges of fleeing or eluding police, driving with a suspended license, overtaking a vehicle on the right, and various traffic offenses in his preliminary hearing.

Potter was charged by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Daniel Wilk of the Stonington barracks following a chase with police on Route 61 near the barracks on July 11.

n Charges of retail theft and criminal conspiracy were waived to court by John P. Hassinger, 35, of 9A E. Commerce St., Shamokin, and Beth Ann Orner, 23, of 1130 W. Water St., Coal Township.

Hassinger and Orner were charged by Coal Township Police Patrolman Edward Purcell after a Sept. 17 theft incident at Walmart, Route 61, Coal Township.

n Samuel Mull, 20, of 385 Spruce Hollow Road, Northumberland, waived a charge of unsworn falsification to authorities in his hearing.

Mull was charged by Shamokin City Police Patrolman Shane Mowery after an incident on Sept. 27 when Mull allegedly made a sworn statement to police that his vehicle was stolen. Police said Mull later revealed he drove the vehicle onto a dirt road near the Bunker Hill ballfield and struck a stump, causing damage.

n Ronald R. Dimm III, 28, of 22 S. Fifth St., Shamokin, waived the charges in three separate cases during his hearing Tuesday.

In two cases filed by Coal Township Police Det. Jeffrey Brennan, Dimm waived charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility after Dimm allegedly sold heroin to individuals on Feb. 2 and Feb. 16.

In the third case, filed Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Daniel Wilk, of the Stonington barracks, Dimm waived charges of burglary, criminal trespass and criminal attempt of theft. According to a criminal complaint, Dimm allegedly broke into a garage along Dogwood Road at 3:34 p.m. Sept. 24 to steal scrap metal.

n Laura Jane Getz, 23, of 1060 Main Road, Lehighton, waived charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

She was charged by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Wendy Keefer for allegedly possessing a smoking pipe and a small amount of marijuana during a random vehicle search at SCI-Coal Township June 15.

n Darryl Elliot, 27, of 487 S. Grant St., Apt. B, Wilkes-Barre, waived charges of possession with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin and criminal conspiracy in his hearing.

Elliott was one of the 16 individuals charged by the attorney general's office and the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force in a Sept. 19 drug raid.

n Michael Lassiter, 31, an inmate at SCI-Mahanoy, waived charges of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment in his hearing.

He was charged by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Mark Adams of the Stonington barracks following a July 10 incident when he allegedly punched Corrections Sgt. Derek Nejedly in the head and face, causing injury, in a dining hall at SCI-Coal Township where Lassiter was incarcerated at the time.

SHAMOKIN - Four owners of blighted property were cited Wednesday by city police and another three owners were issued code violations.

The legal maneuvering is part of a concerted effort between Cpl. Bryan Primerano and Code Officer Rick Bozza to target owners of the most deteriorated properties in Shamokin and push them to fix them up or tear them down.

Bozza targets a blighted property and files three citations against the owner if no remedy is made. Primerano then files citations of his own, at least three, with the goal of convincing Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to upgrade the violation from a summary offense to a misdemeanor charge. That potentially means larger fines with the possibility of jail time.

Bozza said 28 property owners have either been cited or are nearing citations since he and Primerano began working together. Three cases have gone to magisterial court and all three ended with guilty verdicts, he said.

Brenda E. Keller, 50, of 331 S. Rock St., Shamokin, was cited by Primerano for a nuisance violation. It follows three nuisance violations filed by Bozza within the past week.

Work admirable, debris unsightly

Keller owns 101-103 W. Montgomery St. The double home began to collapse in August. Last month, she and other volunteers tore the structure down themselves. While the labor was free, the cost to dispose the debris is not. She was hopeful people would salvage wood from the pile. A sizable portion of the debris was removed over the last week but much of it remains.

Next door neighbor Rose Bridgeford, of 109 W. Montgomery St., expressed frustration at the Nov. 13 meeting of city council. She repeated what she's said before: She admires Keller and her volunteers for taking initiative to demolish the structure, but the debris pile poses a danger and is just plain unsightly.

Larry Burda, 63, of Shamokin, was found guilty of 36 code violations last month for property deficiencies at 701-703 N. Shamokin St. He was cited again by Primerano for the same property after metal roofing blew onto Commerce Street. Bozza said the material wasn't fastened to the structure, rather, it had been weighted down with buckets.

Burda also has an obligation to remediate another structure on the same block, 717-719 N. Shamokin St., which was damaged by arson in September 2012. The rear had been collapsing and debris strewn about. Portions have since been torn off and disposed.

That property is condemned as is neighboring 721-723 N. Shamokin St., owned by Ray Gautam, 325 E. 41st St., Apt. 302, New York, N.Y. That structure also is in danger of collapse, Bozza said, adding that it has broken glass and is exposed to potential rodent and animal inhabitation. Gautam was issued a code violation by Bozza, his first.

Commerce Street

One block away at 625 E. Commerce St. sits a property collapsing from the inside out. Debris has fallen from the top floor to the first floor. Support beams are bending and a staircase has completely collapsed. The deterioration is easily visible through a large hole that has opened almost floor-to-ceiling on the Pearl Street side. A passerby could hypothetically walk right into the structure from the sidewalk. It appears in danger of immediate collapse.

It's owned by Jhoel Leonardo, of 13201 95th Ave., South Richmond Hill, Queens, N.Y. He was issued a citation by Primerano, his fourth since Oct. 31. Bozza had cited him three times between Oct. 21 and Oct. 31.

Mulberry Street

That's the same time frame and same number of citations - four by Primerano, three by Bozza - for which Ola A. Adedeji, no known permanent address, was cited for the condition of 204-206 W. Mulberry St., between Market and Coal streets.

Bozza said a side porch is in danger of collapsing and that interior floors have already collapsed. He estimated there is also 4 feet of standing water in the basement.

Other properties

Two other property owners were issued initial code violations by Bozza - Bradley Lee Defenberg, owner of 501 S. Grant St., and Adam Brooks, owner of 821 Mount Carmel St. (Route 61).

At Defenberg's property, Bozza said siding and roof shingles are falling off, that garbage is piling up and that the porch roof is in danger of collapsing.

A chimney is in danger of collapsing at Brooks' property, as is a brick wall on the south side of the building, Bozza said. Also, siding and shingles are falling off, windows are broken and exposed to potential animal inhabitation, and there are high weeds.

Should neither Defenberg nor Brooks address these issues they can expect to receive several more citations from both Bozza and Primerano.

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) and state Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27) announced Thursday that the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved $575,000 in grants through the Marcellus Legacy Funds that will assist in the continued development of the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).

The grants will fund $353,000 for stream improvements to Carbon Run, including acid mine drainage abatement, and $222,000 for mountain bike trail development.

"It's great that we can make these two improvements to the whole project in general," AOAA Authority Chair Jim Backes said. "One helps with our goal of reclamation and the other helps with our goal of conservation of natural resources."

The third goal of economic development will be able to be reached with those first two goals being accomplished, he said.

Masser said the Carbon Run watershed drains a significantly impaired portion of abandoned mine lands in the AOAA, which in turn drains into the Shamokin Creek.

"Improved treatment of the discharge in conjunction with the Northumberland County Conservation District and the Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance will hopefully lead to removal of the watershed from the state's impaired listing and will only enhance the AOAA," he said.

Having personally toured the AOAA, Gordner said he is excited about the new trail development.

"Upon completion of these and other trails, the AOAA will continue to attract regional and national events, spur growth for local businesses and attract many outdoor enthusiasts to our area for many years," he said.

Backes said he appreciates the support from local, county and state government.

The AOAA also received $1.9 million in grants that were awarded by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in 2010 and 2011 and $300,000 from the Allegheny Regional Commission, he said.

He said they're talking with DCNR about additional grants to continue building the trailhead area and the main parking, day use and events areas.

The Marcellus Legacy Fund, dedicated to conservation and environmental measures, is funded through impact fees on the natural gas industry. The Commonwealth Financing Authority is an independent agency of the commonwealth that administers Pennsylvania's economic stimulus packages.

TREVORTON - The annual Christmas banquet of the Trevorton Patsies Senior Adult Ministry will be held Dec. 16 at St. Patrick Church Hall.

Hannah's Restaurant will cater a roast pork dinner with all the trimmings and dessert for members. Vic Boris will entertain with Christmas, oldies and sing-along music. Door prizes will be awarded. The event begins at 1 p.m.

Members must RSVP by Dec. 2. Call Rose Marie at 570-648-3035.

Plans for the banquet were among the topics discussed amongst the 26 members of the senior adult ministry who attended a monthly meeting Monday at the church hall.

The meeting opened with the S.A.M. Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. "Happy Birthday" was sung to lifetime member Wilma Ditty as well as Jim Blessing, Betty Jane Bohner, John Demas, Helen Kalejta and Colleen Koppen.

Sympathies cards were mailed to Dot Bowers and Elda Haupt on the loss of their children, Gary and Sharon, respectively. A "thank you" note from the Bill Bohner Family was read.

Monetary donations were received by Jim Blessing, John Demas, Wilma Ditty, Dixie Heath, Colleen Koppen and Lavon Swank.

Refreshments were provided by Betty Jane Bohner and Helen Kalejta. Martha Jane Scholl was welcomed as a new member.

Treasurer's report was provided by Maryellen Hoffman. Travel Committee Joyce Koppen, 570-797-3695 and Judie Urick, 570-648-0105, discussed the trip to Sight and Sound featuring "Moses" on March 27 which includes bus, Shade Maple lunch and Show. A Trevorton Senior Center trip to Ocean City was also discussed.

Due to the upcoming Christmas banquet, December birthday celebrants are asked to make a donation.

The 50/25/25 winners were Maryellen Hoffman and Ann Robson.

The "Over 50 Song" closed the meeting, which was followed by refreshments and bingo.

MOUNT CARMEL - The proposed 2014 budget for Mount Carmel Borough was passed Thursday night with no expected tax increases, but council members have to figure out how to fill an $81,000 hole by the next meeting Dec. 19.

Total projected revenue is $1,643,190, but the total expenditures are at $1,724,181, which leaves $80,991 to come up with in order to have a balanced budget.

These numbers are not final, said borough manager Edward T. Cuff III.

The pension cost for police is expected to increase between $214,000 and $375,000. The pension for non-uniformed employees is expected to increase between $25,000 and $56,000, President Tony Matulewicz said.

Also, health care costs are expected to increase by 12.5 percent from $143,830 to $161,778, he said.

These increases to the health and pension costs are not sustainable for the borough moving forward, Matulewicz said.

He's not quite sure how the borough is going to fill the budget hole yet.

Taxes have remained the same since 2007.

There are currently 32 1/4 mills imposed on borough taxpayers, which consists of 27 mills reserved for the general fund, 2 1/2 mills for street improvements, 2 1/2 mills reserved for street lights and 1/4-mill for the library.

The police budget is by far the costliest expenditure in the borough at $751,750 followed by group benefits at $187,315, insurance at $150,481 and the street department at $123,365.

In other business, the council members approved:

- A resolution creating a capital reserve fund for the Mount Carmel Municipal Authority for any monies in excess of $50,000 as per a 1995 agreement that was not being followed by the authority.

- The payment of $322,273.87 to Eastern Industries for road improvements, milling and resurfacing.

Southern Columbia Area Middle School

CATAWISSA R.R. - The Southern Columbia Area Middle School has announced the honor roll for the first marking period of the 2013-14 school year.

To be named to the distinguished honor roll, a student must achieve an average of 95 percent or higher. To be named to the honor roll, a student must achieve an average between 88 and 94.999 percent.

Distinguished Honors

Grade 5 - Emily Callahan, Faith Callahan, Megan Campoux, Brionna Gallagher, Maddelynn Griscavage, Tyler Hajdu, Chade Haladay, Garrett Hummel, Hannah Knoebel, Garrett Krebs, Gabriel Kulick, Katherine O'Donnell, Jaymie Petro, Karly Renn, Emma Schultz, Colin Sharrow, Sienna Sosnoski, Alexis Steenburg, Jayden Toczylousky, Paige Urban, Tyler Waltman and Timothy Witcoskie

Grade 6 - Maura Blusius, Franklin Brassard, Kiersten Brecht, Jared Broscious, Mikaela Brouse, Hailey Ciocco, Madison Colella, Jessica Delbo, Kayla Gallagher, Gaige Garcia, Gina Gratti, Cal Haladay, Kayla Hauer, Braden Heim, Jacob Herr, Nathaniel Hicks, Nathan Hunsinger, Michelle Kerstetter, Aaron Koschoff-Rapkin, Sophie Koschoff-Rapkin, Austin Leiby, Lear Quinton, Emilia Raup, Lauren Rose, Emma Rosko, Elijah Rush, Maxwell Shirvinski, Erick Shufeldt, Max Tillett, Aden Trathen, Alicia Trathen, Chloe Wegrzynowicz, Leslie Wolfe, Preston Zachman and Ronald Zsido.

Grade 7 - Colt Bernhard, Jadyn Brezinski, Carly Britch, Kari Cambria, Haleigh Carter, Autumn Chassie, Morgan Cole, Hanna Davis, Benjamin Dodson, Troy Donlan, Susan Gembic, Ethan Knoebel, Brooklynn Kuijpers, Allyson Leiby, Caitlyn Lichtel, Joseph Lobos, Jillian Marks, Connor McGinley, Shane Miller, Samantha Palacz, Jacob Petro, Viktoria Romania, Haley Scopelliti, Alec Sharrow and Alexandra Willhouse.

Grade 8 - Seth Barrett, Gabrielle Bebenek, Tyler Bendas, Breanna Burd, Cecelia Cook, Blake Day, Justin Derk, Meghan Duzick, John Gembic, Tristan Heim, Elijah Hoffman, Natalie Hunter, Grace Joseph, Megan Kearney, Haley Knoebel, Kristin Kremser, Katelynn Kuijpers, Jaret Lane, Jaden Laskoski, Colton Mensch, Alexa Mowery, Lauren Mudrock, Veronica Polyniak, Hailey Reeder, Jacob Renn, Natalie Ring, Marley Roadarmel, Anthony Scicchitano, Paige Sharrow, Abigail Shimock, Casey Winter, Emily Wolfe and Eli Yemzow.

Honor roll

Grade 5 - Joshua Bainbridge, Kaleena Barcavage, Emily Bender, Zackariah Buono, Grace Callahan, Matthew Carl, Taylor Christman, Maylan Creasy. Kylee Danglovitch, Jacob Davis, Chase Derk, Tyler Derk, Lauren Duncan, Jonathan Helfrick, Cordell Helwig, Tyler Jeffrey, Taylor Keller. Bradley Klaus. Jordan Letterman. Kayla Levan. Marissa Levan, Madison Longenhagen, Allie Lunger, Kaitlyn Lupatsky, Jocelyn Madara, Jennifer Maurer, Jayden McCormick, Ruth Miller, Nicholas Miner, Meadow Morris, Chase Petro, Bryson Pita, Logan Potter, Jaxson Purnell, Stephen Pursel, Campbell Reck, Addison Sharrow, Lucas Stewart, Lily Sudol, Hunter Thomas, Derek Wertman, Micah Yemzow, Ian Yoder, Dallas Yost and Thomas Ziemba.

Grade 6 - Evan Bebenek, Luke Brokus, Camron Bugg, Jamie Chen, Max Clark, Hunter Colosimo, Halle Cox, Elliott Dobson, Tiffany Dunkelberger, Patrick Edmondson, Amelia Esposito, Kaylin Fetterolf, Cameron Haladay, Ethan Haupt, Cassie Herrold, Nathan Kearney, Makenna Keefer, Wade Kerstetter, Brianna Kopp, Victoria Koschoff-Rapkin, Allyson Kranzel, Taylor LeVan, Devon Lindenmuth, Cade Linn, Naithan Long, Sierra Long, Morgan Marks, Morgan McCormick, Connor McKinley, Ian Nevius, Kathryn Pollard, Brady Reese, Ty Roadarmel, Hunter Shoup, Kaitlynn Shultz, Kaylee Shultz, Alyssa Strocko, Joseph Szuler, Bristol Welliver, Dorran Wetzel, Gage Whitenight, Thomas Williams and Rilyn Wisloski.

Grade 7 - Zachary Bainbridge, Erin Biddiscombe, Hannah Bradley, Brett Brassington, Cara Cecco, Gavin Corrigan, Kurt Crowl, Nathaniel Crowl, Emily Davis, Ethan Dunkelberger, Jilian Dunkelberger, Jared Ebersole, Meredith Fahringer, Kortney Fasold, Julian Fleming, Shoshanna Gass, DeeDee George, Abigail Henrichs, Tiffany Horton, Matthew Irons, Gabriella Kaminski, Kaitlyn Karlovich, Lindsey Kerstetter, Nicole Kerstetter, Meghan Longenhagen, Kaitlyn McHale, Michael Miner, Calista Noll, Gabriel O'Donnell, Sarah Rodriguez, Michael Sabo, Marley Seger, Parker Shadle, Cassandra Sharrow, Johnathan Sherman, Kevin Sincavage, Oak Six, Cameryn Sock, John Stabinski, Jacob Stahley, Michael Steele, Riley Thomas, William Wegrzynowicz and Ross Wertman.

Grade 8 - Hosam Abdul-Al, Jeffrey Achy, Andrew Bell, Shannon Bendas, Cassi Bennage, Sheila Brassard, Auston Capece, Allie Carl-Hunsinger, Luc Champoux, Austin Corley, Joseph Ditzler, Cecelia Duncan, Kamee Duncan, Joshua Ebling, Vance Erdman, Joseph Evans, Bradley Fisher, Jeremy Fisher, John Fulmer, Domunic Gaines, Mackenzie Gidaro, Albert Goodlunas, Abigail Hager, Kristina Hallick, Noah Harner, Devon Hartman, Andrew Haupt, Justin Kofskie, Calista Long, Lauren Long, Anna Manley, Austin McCormick, Autumn McDonald, Ashley Miller, Whitney Morris, Cole Potter, Victoria Stare, Brett Szuler, Brandon Troy, Amanda Unger, Chase Urban, Krista Wanner and Dakota Welkom.

The following memorials have been presented to Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School for the months of September and October.

In Honor of:

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sandri (September and October) from Mr. and Mrs. Barry Lentz.

In Memory of:

Anne Amato from Mary Jane Toccket, Angela and Lisa Toccket.

Ted Barclay from Mary Altomare.

Sister Mary Paula Beierschmitt, IHM from Judy Polites, Dan and Nancy Kerris.

Gervase Birster from Knights of Columbus No. 628.

Gena Breck from Alice O'Donnell.

Stella Bridy from Mary Altomare.

Marguerite M. (Menapace) Budick from Dorothy Tomtishen, Nancy Kerris.

Dorothy Corbicz from Bill and Virginia Korbich and Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Kathryn Craig from Constance Fabrizio.

Agnes Delaney from OLOL Class of 1963.

John J. Dent from Christine Hudson, Terry Luck.

Danny Dietterick from The Zevetskis, John and Joanne McKay.

Daniel Dormer from Mr. and Mrs. Richard Weikel.

Andrew Buster Duzick from Corrin, Meghan Duzick, Charlene, Stan, Cody and Caycee Kalinoski, Jeff and Kaylyn Rubendall and Candi, Connie Harper.

Peggy Fallard from Richard and Ann Weikel and family.

Fabian S. Filohoski, Sr. from Knights of Columbus No. 628.

Delores Glowatski from Tom and Lee Ann Smith.

Wanda H. Gribbin from Mr. and Mrs. John Reiprish.

AnnaMae Hampton from Leo and Mary Mulhall.

William Janovich from Sister Teresa Vincent, IHM, Janice Kozlowski, Walter Kozlowski.

Adolph Jasper from Bill and Betty Ann Corrigan, Rita, Mike and Michelle Albert, Rita and Michael Nolter, Mary and Brian Major, Bonny Klinger, Bill and Virginia Korbich, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Joe and Barbara Goguts, Kathy and Angelica Masser, Mr. and Mrs. John Steinhart, Gloria Catino, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Metrocavage, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Richardson and family, Kathy and Bob Wislock, Mr. and Mrs. Drew Krushinski, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dombroskie, Robert and Sharon Klinger, Mr. and Mrs. John Bucanelli and family, Diane Altomare.

Paul Johnson from Leo and Mary Mulhall.

Shirley R. Little from Mr. and Mrs. Gene Garancheski, Mary Ann Balonis, Robert and Diane Sieklicki.

Elizabeth "Betty" Mack from John and Joanne McKay, Robert and Diana Bradley, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Mack and family, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Kathy and Angelica Masser, Stephanie Weikel, Ann Weikel, Anne and Tim Parvis.

Leonard Marchinski from Anna Flynn, Julie and Bob Griffiths, Knights of Columbus No. 628.

Delores Miller from Bill and Virginia Korbich, Chris and Karen Dutchess

Barry Mirack from Leonard and Gloria Strenkoski, Matthew Mudrick, Howard and Theresa Sandri.

William Murdock from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster, the staff of Northumberland County Children and Youth, Christine Labosky, Peg and Dan, Tony Varano, Sr., Dennis and Barbara Reiprish, Bill and Joyce Mowery, Tom and Lee Ann Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Craig Fetterman, Nanette Steele, CMS East Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Greg Sitko, Alice and Joan, Salem Church, Rosann and Tom Hall, Swan and Marty, Shawnee Pollack Jean Marie Dunn, Millie Mowrey.

Alfred Nezerski from Mary Jane Toccket.

Nellie Nezerski from Mary Jane Toccket.

James Richard Nolan from Linda Nolan Hearn.

Olga Cenko Nolan from Linda Nolan Hearn.

Kyle Orth from Ann and John Benedict

John "Jack" Reiprish from Howard and Theresa Sandri, Barbara Lizzul, Paul and Pat Metrocavage, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster, Mrs. Marilyn Ruback, Dennis and Susan Christiana, Mr. and Mrs. Saverio Feudale and family, Joanne Chesney, Allen and Irene Grow, Vincent Mirack, Mr. and Mrs. Donald VanShura, James and Kathy Yurick, Mary Altomare, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Sieklicki, Robert and Diane Sieklicki, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Szuler, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Christiano, Patricia L. Engle, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Derk, Grethel Vinup, Ann and Jim Reiprish, John Holland, Frank and Kathy Pupo, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Novey, Carolyn Stiegler, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Albert and family, Jan M. Kanaskie, John and Karen Labosky and family, John and Joanne McKay, Helen, Dennis, Carol and Michael Delorso, Don and Marian Myers, Jim Flanagan, Mary and Brian Major, Leo and Mary Mulhall, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden, Bill and Virginia Korbich.

Charles Rosini from Ann and John Benedict, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden.

John J. Ruback Jr. from Mr. and Mrs. John Reiprish, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Dennis and Susan Christiana, Mrs. Ann Shirmer, Sharon and Don Betz, Thomas Rutherford, Chris and Karen Dutchess, Robert Colahan, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden.

Lee Schray from Leo and Mary Mulhall.

Rose Siko from Caroline and Corinne Feese.

Richard K. "Rick" Swisher from Donna and Barry Lentz.

Helen Targonski from Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Mrs. Ceil Zaneski from Cyril and Margo Zaneski, Ann and John Benedict.

John W. Taylor from Knights of Columbus No. 628.

Leo Toccket from Mary Jane Toccket.

James Tuckett from Howard and Theresa Sandri, Ann and John Benedict.

Emma Walsh from Erik Todd Gerber, Meg and Charlie Bartol, Barbara Yuricich, Rosemary and John Shervarick and Singh family, Denise, George R. Weimer, Leocadia M. Spock, Legislative Reference Bureau, Ron and Cindy Piani, Attorney and Mrs. Henry F. Coyne, Betty Gilger and family, Rose Polifka, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Deitrick, Ramona Walsh, Ms. Dianne Decker, Mr. and Mrs. James Martini, Ms. Suellen M. Wolfe, Joann Higgins, Robert and Paula Zech, Robert and Joan Kidron, Sue, Jessica and Andrea Barrett, Debbie and Clem Laskoski, Lisa and Patrick Bradley and family, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Santor.

Joseph Washeleski from Ann and John Benedict.

Diane White from Joseph Litchko.

Dorothy Williams from Ann and John Benedict, Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Vincent Wohlheiter from Mary Jane Toccket and family.

Stella Zimmerman from Mary Jane Toccket and family, Don and Joannie Yuricich, Violette Feudale and sons.

Joseph Zukus from Howard and Theresa Sandri, Ann and John Benedict.

MOUNT CARMEL - The holiday season is looming large, but many in the Mount Carmel area have more urgent things on their mind, like where their next meal is coming from.

Volunteers at the Mount Carmel Area Food Pantry, located at 26 N. Market St. in the former First Congregational Church, see that firsthand twice a month on their distribution days, and they realize the need will only increase during the holidays.

The food pantry distributes the first and third Thursday of each month.

"Some people lined up at 9 a.m. this morning," the Rev. Rose Marquardt said Thursday, the pantry's most recent distribution day. The pantry didn't open until two hours later.

Marquardt is on the board of directors at the food pantry and volunteers there.

"We average about 100 families every two weeks," Marquardt said.

Thirty-five new families registered Thursday.

The food pantry is reaching out for food and monetary donations to keep its shelves stocked through the holidays and beyond.

Board member and long-time volunteer Bernice Price has been writing letters to those businesses who do not already donate to the pantry.

"Anything. Any help we can get," Price said. "If you have food, I'll come and get it."

The pantry was packed wall-to-wall Thursday morning, with people bundled in winter clothing carrying empty boxes and pushing folding shopping carts to gather their goods.

The food is stored on shelves in the rear of the pantry. For now, it was full.

"All this will be gone next month," Marquardt said.

The pantry mainly needsstaples like peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti, macaroni, sauce, canned goods and soups.

The pantry operates strictly on donations and volunteers. The money it receives goes to purchase food at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The pantry receives no government aid.

Individuals and families must register upon entering. Everyone is welcome, but they are required to prove that they live in the Mount Carmel area.

Marquardt attributes the increased need to the poor economy, lack of job opportunities, people being out of work and people losing their unemployment and increased cost of maintaining a basic existence.

"Many times, the people have to make the choice between food or heat," she said.

For more information on the Mount Carmel Area Food Pantry and to donate, contact Price at 570-373-1016.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School Board will hold a special meeting next week to approve or reject a new teachers' contract.

During a meeting Thursday night, school board president Donna James announced that a tentative teachers' contract was presented to her Wednesday night, but said she and other board members need more time to review it before holding a vote.

Teachers in the district have been working with an expired contract since June 2012.

James said a special meeting to vote on the contract is tentatively scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday.

Both sides have been making progress recently in negotiations and a vote on the contract was expected soon.

Joseph Varano, president of Mount Carmel Area Education Association, who was among a dozen teachers in attendance, said he was under the impression a vote was going to occur at Thursday's meeting.

"I was surprised it didn't come to a vote tonight," he said.

Neither James nor Varano would comment on any specifics contained in the proposed contract.

In other business

Outgoing board members Charles Mannello and Dr. Ray Kraynak were presented special gifts for their dedicated service. Mannello and Kraynak each served 20 years on the board. Interim board member Joseph D'Andrea, who replaced Nicholas Goretski III after he resigned in December, also was recognized for his service. His term expires next month.

Incoming directors Tony Mazzatesta, Bill Brecker and Joseph E. Zanella were recognized at the end of the meeting.

Directors approved a resolution to increase the assigned fund balance by $600,000 for projected retirement rate increases plus potential higher costs for medical insurance and to provide for unexpected costs to maintain district facilities.

The board accepted the resignation of high school nurse Ruth Gregory, effective in January.

Directors awarded three sick days and one personal day per year to 180-day substitute teachers.

The board approved the purchase of a copier from CSP Office Equipment for the elementary school office at a cost of $4,995.

The district campus was approved as an emergency Red Cross shelter during the need of disaster relief operations.

The board re-activated the Mount Carmel Area Future Business Leaders of America Club and appointed Trish Stockalis and Kristen Fourspring as club advisers at a stipend of $150 each.

Matt Narcavage was hired as a junior high wrestling coach at a salary of $1,300. He will fill the post vacated by Steven Sinkovich.

Greg Gensemer was hired as the head elementary wrestling coach at a salary of $900. He will fill the position vacated by Dave Besser.

Mandy Fantini was hired as the developmental swim coach at a salary of $500. She will fill the position vacated by Kevin Wagner.

On an 8-1 vote, Mike Barvitskie, David Bowman, Jason Lasko, Josh Malick and Chris Peipher were approved as volunteer assistant elementary wrestling coaches, pending clearances.

Mannello, who believes coaches should have all their clearances before being hired, voted against the appointments.

The board approved the resignation of assistant varsity baseball coach Jeff Deitz.

Bart McCollum was hired as a part-time gym aide/swimming instructor on an emergency basis at a pro-rated salary of $18,500 without benefits, effective Dec. 3.

SHAMOKIN - Fifty years ago today, a man named Lee Harvey Oswald pointed a Mannlicher-Carcano Italian rifle out of a sixth-floor window of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas and fired three shots at President John F. Kennedy. The shots - two of which mortally wounded the president - instantly changed the lives of millions of Americans.

Like the rest of the country, residents of the greater Shamokin area were stunned to learn the 35th president had been assassinated. According to news reports from The News-Dispatch, a forerunner of The News-Item, responses ranged from sadness to outright anger.

Acts of remembrance in the community were swift. The Shamokin fire alarm sounded three times in tribute following the announcement that Kennedy was dead. A Shamokin High School football contest scheduled the following day was canceled out of respect. And a day of mourning in Shamokin was held Nov. 25. Stores closed from noon until 3 p.m. and schools canceled classes. Flags around the area were flown at half staff.

But perhaps the most sincere form of honor occurred on July 4, 1964, when the people of Shamokin and Coal Township unveiled a monument in honor of the late president.

'A permanent tribute'

The unveiling occurred on the heels of a week-long celebration of Shamokin's 100th anniversary of its incorporation. The community-wide celebration paused the morning of July 4 to reflect on the life of the late president.

The ceremony opened with several patriotic songs played by Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School band while a procession led by Congressman George M. Rhodes, of the Sixth Congressional District; his wife; Rev. George Lavelle, and the Rev. Charles Souders walked through an arch of flags formed by the Shamokin/Coal Township Juniorettes, who were attired in red and white outfits. The playing of the national anthem immediately followed.

The audience participated in the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Hannah Linton and Christine Sock, members of the Juniorettes. The invocation was given by Souders, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church.

Mayor Lestor W. Weller delivered the address of welcome and lauded the Juniorettes and their leaders for providing the community with a permanent tribute. Master of Ceremonies Councilman Daniel Strausser applauded Marlene Laboskie, chairman of Juniorettes' JFK memorial committee, for her untiring efforts to have the monument erected.

Rhodes also lauded the Shamokin/Coal Township Juniorettes for their efforts to have the monument erected. While speaking of the Juniorettes, Rhodes said, "President Kennedy was fond of our nation's youth. A devoted father, uncle and family man - a very young person in spirit and outlook - he involved the youth of our nation in the goals and ideas of a greater America."

Laboskie was assisted by Mrs. George M. Rhodes in unveiling the monument. A dedication blessing was given by Lavelle, pastor of St. Edward's Church, who cited the late president's service to God and his trust in Divine Providence throughout a dedicated life of service to others.

Laboskie, addressing an audience that stretched from Market Street to beyond Seventh Street, said of the memorial, "...it is not about the size of the monument which counts, but the idea for which it stands."

A closing selection of "God Bless America" was played followed by the benediction given by Lavelle.

Ways to celebrate holidays explored

ELYSBURG - Surprising and fun ways to celebrate the holiday season will be offered at Lifetree Cafe from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave.

The Lifetree event, called "A Christmas Surprise: Rekindling the Joy of Christmas," features a filmed interview with a man who bakes, decorates and gives away more than 4,000 cookies each Christmas.

Participants will also be offered the opportunity to provide a hands-on surprise for members of the local community who must work on Christmas Day.

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 570-672-2873, e-mail elysburgpresby@verizon.net or go to www.lifetreecafe.com.

Thanksgiving Day meal planned

SHAMOKIN - Those who can't afford a Thanksgiving Day meal or who don't want to eat alone are welcome at Restoration Ministries Church, 525 W. Chestnut St., which will offer a free meal at noon on the holiday.

Leaf waste no longer picked up

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough officials announced that street department workers will no longer be picking up leaf waste. Residents must take leaves to the borough garage from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. All bags and containers must be removed at the time of disposal.

Also, the borough will not be picking up Christmas trees this year. Residents will be responsible for proper disposal.

LEWISBURG - The Susquehanna Valley Youth Chorale (SVYC) announced its fall concert, "In Gratitude for the Season," which will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1050 Buffalo Road.

The singers from the SVYC will perform 11 famous pieces including some holiday favorites like "Sleigh Ride" and "Hot Chocolate" from "The Polar Express" soundtrack and classical mainstays such as "March of the Toreadors" from the opera "Carmen."

Featured youth soloists include Kailyn Foss, Melita Stutsman, Mary Scopelliti, Heather Beveridge and Linette Taylor. Joining the youth singers on the opera work are adult Susquehanna Valley Chorale members Amy Caron, Heather Britton, Tom Carle, and Brad Wakeman.

SYVC singers are participating this fall in a special project designed to give them an opportunity to share the gift of their voice in the spirit of humanity and kindness, and provide an experience for character growth.

This year's Project Purpose was the creation of a Sandy Hook Memorial video to commemorate the tragedy's one year anniversary. The video was filmed on Nov. 2 and will be shared with the Newtown, Conn., community in December near the date of the anniversary of the tragic event.

"It is very important to us to encourage the youth singers to participate in a project such as this," said Jean Hormell, SVYC committee chair, "We thank our director, Valerie Flamini Caldwell, for this inspiring idea and her energy to make it happen."

Tickets for the SVYC fall concert are $10 for adults $5 for students. Children 6 years and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.svcmusic.org/tickets.htm or by calling 570-547-0455.

COAL TOWNSHIP - There have been 44 reported burglaries in Coal Township since 2013 began, seven of which occurred this month.

Officers have made 12 arrests in the burglaries, Police Chief William Carpenter said Thursday, and five additional arrests are pending.

Carpenter said there are 23 active burglary cases in all.

Some of the cases have been resolved after the victims refused to press charges, he said. Other reports may eventually be proven false.

When Carpenter began his career with the township police department in 1982, he said, if a burglary occurred, officers knew with whom to begin in seeking suspects. It's not that way anymore. He said there are now many more people who could be involved in such crimes.

"Most of our burglaries are drug related. We can judge drug use by the amount of burglaries and thefts we have," Carpenter said.

That's why it's important to continue to put pressure on drug dealers and users, he said.

"It's a never-ending battle. You can't get discouraged and give up. You have to go after the drug dealers and the drug users" to keep other criminal activity in check, Carpenter said.

Lock up

Carpenter repeated what many local police officers have been saying for years: Residents must lock their cars and their properties.

Across all of Coal Township, there were five reported burglaries in January, four in February, two in March, six each in April and May, four in June, one in July, five in August, two each in September and October.

The reported burglaries do not account for reports of attempted burglaries or criminal trespass incidents.

West-end break-ins

The majority of November's seven reported burglaries occurred in the west end, including on West Spruce Street.

Eric J. Weikel, 33, of 1321 W. Spruce St., Coal Township, is jailed in Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury, on allegations that he stole $13,000 in jewelry from a neighbor's home on Oct. 23. He was arrested Nov. 14 and is suspected in recent break-ins in and around his neighborhood.

The jewelry belonged to the Robatin family. Michael Robatin, of 1354 W. Spruce St., said he was only gone from the home a short while when it was robbed. He figures someone knew his schedule and that he wouldn't be home at that time of day.

"I made a mistake and left the back door open only because I was taking my granddaughter to school," he said Wednesday.

His home hadn't been ransacked and he didn't know anyone had been inside until his son came home and noticed jewelry was missing. Some of it was found and recovered from a local pawn shop. Robatin figures the rest may have been pawned in the Harrisburg area and is likely gone for good, including a watch his son's grandfather wore during combat missions in World War II.

'Feel violated'

George Zalar, of 1223 W. Spruce St., a Coal Township commissioner, said his home was ransacked when it was burglarized Nov. 13. Whomever broke in rummaged through everything - drawers, closets and all.

He wasn't sure if someone picked a lock or if his door was unlocked, but entry wasn't forced, he said. When his 12-year-old son, Blake, got home from school, he found the house a mess and called his parents, who then called police. Electronics and jewelry were missing; an arrest hasn't yet been made.

"At first you feel violated; somebody's inside your house that shouldn't be inside your house. The next thing that happens is you get angry," Zalar said, although he said he and his family are thankful no one was hurt.

"It's just a shame. It seems like it all hinges on a drug problem. The worst part about it is they're preying on hard-working people," Zalar said.

Trust lost

A sister of Mary Lenig, owner of A Touch of Class at 1309 W. Pine St., called her on the weekend of Nov. 9 to tell her the salon's front door was wide open.

"I thought, 'Well, that's crazy,'" Lenig said Thursday.

It looked like it was pried open. The door was "chewed up." She figures the break-in occurred on the night of Nov. 8. The shop isn't open Fridays. A tenant heard noises that night but figured Lenig had stopped in, she said.

She wasn't sure what, exactly, had been stolen. Perhaps some chemicals and hair care product. She lost a day-and-a-half's worth of heat because the door was left open, and had just filled the oil tanks.

A burglary takes more than material possessions, Lenig said. Trust is lost, and money can't buy it back, she said. But she did look on the bright side: Even though the door was open all that time, and people surely had walked past, no one else seemed to have entered.

"If my door was wide open for one day after-the-fact, hats off to the community because anyone could have walked in and taken anything. It's nice to know that no one went in and cleaned me out. We hear all this garbage and it does exist, but that speaks to me as well," Lenig said.

Stealing from a church

A burglary in the 1600 block of West Spruce Street occurred overnight Monday when someone stole thousands of dollars in tools from a renovation project on a home owned by Restoration Ministries Church, Shamokin. Pastor Paul Eby said Wednesday a neighbor's house on Kulp Avenue in the west end had recently been burglarized.

An investigation into both the Lenig break-in and that at the church-owned property is ongoing.

Anyone with information on any burglaries in Coal Township is asked to call police at 570-644-0333.

When Metro Kowalchick, the man who pressed the button to lower John F. Kennedy's casket into the ground in 1963, retired in 1979, The News-Item dubbed him the last man to touch the assassinated president.

While Kowalchick has since passed away, his daughter, Diane Waltrip, was emotional while discussing her late father earlier this week via telephone interview from her home in Montross, Va.

"It was a very big sense of pride (for him). My father was such a humble, honorable man, a quiet guy. He was very, very proud to have that honor. I'm going to cry just thinking about it," Waltrip, 66, said Tuesday.

Kowalchick, a Centralia native and former coal miner, received a letter of commendation from the Pentagon for his work that day in 1963 as the operations chief and deputy superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery. When he retired, a co-worker had the shovel used to dig Kennedy's grave nickel-plated as a gift.

Waltrip still has that shovel in her home, along with countless photographs and mementos of her father's job at the national cemetery.

'Best stories'

Kowalchick's story is featured as one of more than 100 tales in "Best Little Stories From The White House" by C. Brian Kelley with Ingrid Smyer.

He, Sylvester Smith and Clifton Pollard dug the grave at a spot chosen by the Kennedy family; it overlooks the Memorial Bridge leading into Washington, D.C.

In an article by Blaine Harden published in the Pittsburgh Press in May 1979, Kowalchick said, "After the ceremony on Monday, we worked all night preparing the grave so that people could visit on Tuesday. There was so much pressure and we were all so tired, it has all become a blur now."

After chasing the news media out after the crowds left after the funeral, Kowalchick told Kelley they "soldered the casket and backfilled the grave by hand. I felt far, far away. I was in a kind of daze looking out. It was the longest day of my life."

Kowalchick described in the book that they dug down 7 feet, deep enough for Kennedy's wife to be buried there, too.

"The soil has hard clay; there was a big oak tree there," he said.

When the crowds left, he was the one who pressed the button on the grave site lowering device.

"It was chrome plated with green straps. It's got a ratchet device that lowers the casket down," he said.

Later that night, after the crowds left, he and Waltrip escorted Jacqueline Kennedy and Robert Kennedy back into the cemetery so they could see the grave without anyone else there.

Protect the president

Waltrip, who said she was 16 and living in one of the three houses in the cemetery in 1963, remembers her father realizing the grave and eternal flame would need protecting. He instructed cemetery crews to rip up the white picket fence around the Kowalchick home and place it around Kennedy's plot.

"They put all the wreaths from other countries around the fence. That's what protected the grave side for months and months: our backyard fence," she said.

Big Boss

Kowalchick felt a connection to JFK.

"I don't know that I can explain my feelings. I was very touched with JFK, right from the beginning," he told Kelley.

Waltrip said, "To him, it was such an honor. He loved Kennedy because he was our first Catholic president."

The nickel-plated shovel says "From S. Smith to Big Boss."

"I treasure it very much," Kowalchick said in the book.

Among the dignitaries, Kowalchick also escorted the late Pope John Paul II when he was still Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, archbishop of Krakow, and the Queen of England around the cemetery as well.

For his service in the U.S. Army during World War II, Kowalchick was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal for Heroism in Ground Combat at Cherboug, France, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal with first oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Emblem, Meritorious Unit Emblem, National Defense Medal and American Campaign Medal with four bronze stars.

Kowalchick retired twice from the cemetery. After Kowalchick retired the final time, he returned home to Centralia. His wife, Lillian, passed away in 2007. Kowalchick was 88 when he passed away of old age July 6, 2008, in Montross, Va., at the home of Waltrip and her husband, Brad. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

His daughter, Mary Hamlett, and husband, James, live in Tennessee. His son, Jack Pensyl, and wife, Dot, live in Mount Carmel.

Kowalchick also has countless cousins, nephews and nieces in Mount Carmel, Elysburg, Shamokin and Coal Township.

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Housing Authority (SHA) will once again work with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) on the building now known as Madison Court Apartments.

Executive director Ron Miller reported at the authority's board meeting Thursday he will meet with PHFA executive director Brian Hudson next month in Harrisburg to see if funds are available to help improve the former James Madison Hotel on Shamokin Street.

"We are going to see what programs are available to us," Miller told the board. "We hope there are some small energy grants or a grant to enhance the property."

It wouldn't be the first time the two have worked together. It was PHFA in 2009 who transferred the mortgage on the former Center City Apartments building, taken out by Red Gold Enterprises, Inc. and company president Eugene Picarella, to help collect on a $1 million defaulted mortgage. After a three-year legal battle, SHA acquired the property through Red Gold's bankruptcy proceedings.

"We've worked well together before and I hope we can do it again," Miller said.

Miller also reported a pre-bid conference will be held Monday for contractors interested in bidding on an upgrade to the fire alarm system at the Harold E. Thomas High Rise.

"We are doubling the amount of smoke detectors we have in the building, and switching from an analog to a digital system," Miller said. "We've had five contracting firms pick up drawings on the project, so we are encouraged by that turnout."

The board voted 4-0 to expand the number of tenants who can use Section 8 federal housing subsidies to help fill three vacancies at Madison Court Apartments. Approving the proposal were vice chair Suzanne Kopitsky and board members James Picarelli, Robert J. Wolfe, and Pamala Rhoades. Board Chairman Raymond Splane was absent.

Miller also reported that, as a resulted of an agreement that has been reached, members of the Shamokin Police Department are now doing security patrols for the Raspberry Hill housing complex.

SHAMOKIN - An 18-year-old city man found in possession of 798 packets of heroin valued at approximately $16,000 was taken into custody Wednesday night and charged with multiple felony offenses.

The drug bust was one of the largest in the local area.

Nathan Morell, of 224-226 E. Dewart St., Apt. 5, was arrested following a search of his apartment and person that produced the heroin, two plastic bags of marijuana, a marijuana grinder, three cell phones and $769 in cash.

He is charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano and Ralpho Township Patrolman Chris Grow in conjunction with an investigation conducted by the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force.

Morell was arraigned by video at 1 a.m. Thursday by on-call Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on two criminal complaints charging him with felonies of delivery of heroin, two counts of possession with intent to deliver heroin, criminal use of a communication facility, possession with intent to deliver marijuana and a misdemeanor of possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $200,000 cash bail and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Tuesday before Gembic.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, shortly after 5:30 p.m. officers spoke to a confidential informant, who advised police that a Hispanic male known as "Tiny" intended to distribute heroin.

At approximately 6 p.m., the informant and his vehicle were searched and determined not to possess any contraband. Police gave the informant $40 in police controlled buy money. Under police surveillance, the informant entered Morell's apartment building and was later followed back to the police station, where he turned over two white packets sold to him by Morell. The packets tested positive for the presence of heroin, police said.

At 9:27 p.m., officers executed a search warrant obtained through Gembic for Morell's apartment. Morell answered the door and was then handcuffed and taken into custody.

Inside the apartment, police found a small amount of marijuana on a coffee table, two plastic bags of marijuana in a kitchen cabinet and a marijuana grinder. Three cellular phones in a living room were also seized.

Police also discovered eight bricks (50 packets per brick) of heroin on a window sill and eight more bricks of heroin under a garbage bag in a trash can in the bathroom.

HARRISBURG - PennDOT is asking motorists to join the department in its efforts to keep roadways safe through the winter driving season.

PennDOT has 5,400 operators and more than 2,250 trucks ready to maintain more than 40,000 miles of state-maintained roadway.

"That is an enormous undertaking to keep the public safe regardless of what winter throws our way," said Secretary Barry J. Schoch. "Drivers too play a key role in making sure that we all get home safely, so preparing for winter driving is essential."

During storms, interstates and expressways are PennDOT's primary focus and equipment may be redirected to these routes during significant winter events. During heavier storms, motorists may find deeper accumulations on less-traveled routes and should adjust their driving for those conditions.

If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Last winter, there were 427 crashes resulting in two fatalities and 130 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors in the crash.

Motorists should carry an emergency kit with items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, a cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. However, motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs that they or their families may have. Consider adding baby supplies, extra medication, pet supplies and even children's games.

Last winter, PennDOT used more than 901,574 tons of salt on state-owned roads. Currently, PennDOT has approximately 550,000 tons of salt stockpiled and will continue to take salt deliveries throughout the winter.

PennDOT has agreements with more than 680 municipalities to clear state roads within their borders. The department also rents approximately 271 trucks and operators to assist with snow removal, as needed.

Motorists can check road conditions on more than 2,900 miles of state roads by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, average traffic speeds on urban interstates and access to more than 650 traffic cameras. 511PA also provides easy-to-use, color-coded winter road conditions for all interstates and other routes covered in the 511 reporting network. Access to 511PA is also available by calling 5-1-1.

For more information, go to www.dot.state.pa.us/winter.

MOUNT CARMEL - Beginning this weekend, church bells will be ringing again at Divine Redeemer Church after an absence of many years.

The church's 118-year-old bell tower has been silenced because the equipment that houses and rings the bells has become dangerously fragile and is in need of replacement.

The church, on the corner of West Avenue and Poplar Street, has embarked on a two-phase project to renovate the cast iron bells. The first phase is a new carillon system that will be used for the first time Saturday and Sunday at Masses.

"The church has played a major role in so many Catholic and non-Catholic lives in the community," said the Rev. Martin Moran III, church administrator. "The bells and church history connect with so many people."

The church is raising donations for Phase II of the project - the restoration of the cast iron bells. Total cost is under $60,000. The hope is to complete Phase II within the next few years.

Phase I, the new carillon system, has been completed at a cost of approximately $18,000. Moran noted that Phase I has been completed in time to close the Year of Faith, which has been celebrated by Catholics throughout the world.

The carillon bells will ring for the first time after this weekend's Masses - 4 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Church and community members are invited to share in the blessing of the new system and hear the sounds by gathering at the bell tower immediately after each Mass.

"It's giving the church a voice again," said Bill Ditchey, chairman of the parish buildings and grounds committee. "It's making people aware that the church is here, both in sight and sound."

The Rev. Jonathan Sawicki, a native son of the parish, said he is looking forward to hearing the bells ring again. "The call to worship became one of the hallmarks of the bells before the church services," he said. "As an altar server, I enjoyed ringing the bells by pulling the rope."

Phase II, the restoration of the church bells and ringing equipment, will be completed by the Verdin Company of Cincinnati, a 166-year-old, fifth generation, family-owned firm. Moran noted that although the bells are designed to last for centuries, the bolts and equipment that hold and ring the bells have become corroded, making them unsafe to ring. The bolts and equipment will be restored in Phase II.

Contributions for Phase II may be sent to Bell Restoration Fund, Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 438 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel 17851.