SUNBURY - A city man charged with attempted homicide who reportedly takes psychotropic medications for a mental health disorder waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday afternoon after sitting in Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum's office for about 2 1/2 hours.

Aaron Keith Brannon, 28, of 129 Chestnut St., Apt. 1, initially wanted to take a full hearing involving testimony, but for some reason changed his mind after conferring with family members and opted to forfeit his right to the legal proceeding.

Neither public defender Edward Greco nor first assistant district attorney Ann Targonski offered an explanation why the defendant changed his mind about.

Brannon is charged by Sunbury Officer Stephen Bennick with a felony of attempted criminal homicide, two felony counts of aggravated assault and a felony of possessing a firearm while being a former convict, and four misdemeanors of terroristic threats, possessing instruments of crime, prohibited offensive weapons and recklessly endangering another person.

He is accused of firing a gun at his 27-year-old girlfriend, Tabitha Jones, on Jan. 2 in their apartment. The bullet reportedly hit a wall in their bedroom. Jones, who was visibly shaken and highly upset, was not injured, police said.

Jones, who told police Brannon was intoxicated and angry when he fired the handgun, said she had recently broken up with Brannon due to infidelity.

She also attended the legal proceeding and actually sat near Brannon's family members in the courtroom after initially taking a seat away from them.

Brannon, who told the judge he was homeless at one point, was remanded back to Northumberland County Prison after failing to provide bail, which was reduced by Apfelbaum from $1,250,000 to $500,000 cash. He is now scheduled to appear for a pre-trial conference at Northumberland County Courthouse.

The defendant, who had his legs and hands shackled while wearing sneakers and an orange prison jumpsuit, patiently sat in the courtroom before periodically being escorted into an adjoining room to confer with Greco, who serves as county chief public defender. Upon returning to the courtroom on one occasion, Brannon told the media he was having a hearing, but after his father, stepmother and other family members walked into the courtroom, hugged him and talked to him and his attorney in private, the judge informed the media that Brannon decided to forgo the hearing and waive the case to the Court of Common Pleas.

The defendant said he was taking psychotropic medications for a mental health disorder.

During his arraignment Jan. 2, Brannon told the judge his grandfather died recently and he's been depressed since a different breakup two years ago. He claimed his intent was to shoot himself instead of Jones.

Brannon, who coughed and sneezed a couple times waiting for his case to go before the judge, said he has lived in Sunbury for about three years after moving from New Jersey, where he resided most of his life. He told the judge he was employed as a maintenance man for a Sunbury business and that he would live with his father and stepmother if released on bail.

Targonski opposed any bail reduction while citing the seriousness of the offenses and the defendant's extensive criminal record and prior incarceration for possessing a firearm and other felony charges.

Targonski said, "Guns and alcohol are a recipe for disaster."

After Brannon's father, who refused to give his name to a reporter, said he supported his son and would allow him to live at his alcohol and drug free home, Apfelbaum told the defendant he was fortunate to have people who care about him, but believed it was necessary to keep bail high due to the seriousness of the charges.

"This is about as serious as it gets short of committing homicide," Apfelbaum told Brannon before lowering the bail and adjourning court.

The hearing was scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., but didn't start until 3:40 p.m. In addition to the usual bartering among attorneys and delays in the legal process attributed to the new surroundings, the hearing was further delayed due to an order issued last year by recently retired county president judge Robert B. Sacavage for magisterial district judges to resolve cases involving inmates first to expedite transportation procedures for municipal police in light of the county commissioners' decision to stop using constables to transport prisoners to and from hearings.

Apfelbaum said he didn't agree with the order, but felt compelled to comply with it. He said the process of taking inmates' cases first resulted in delays in the past that were not as pronounced as Tuesday's problems.

All of the inmates scheduled for hearings had their cases resolved before Brannon waived his hearing.

The judge said he plans to talk with new president judge William H. Wiest about lifting the order.

MOUNT CARMEL - A Coaches vs. Cancer basketball game marathon will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Mount Carmel Area High School gym to raise money for cancer research. This is the second year for the event.

The public can support the cause by ordering an event T-shirt. The shirts, available at both Mount Carmel Area and Southern Columbia Area high school offices. They are light blue with a cancer ribbon and each school's logo.

Shirts are $10 for youth small to adult large and $2 extra for 2X or larger. Orders and money are due by Sunday, but orders should be placed during school hours by Friday. Call either high school office.

Players from Mount Carmel Area and Southern Columbia will wear these shirts to warm up prior to the game. Family, friends and fans are encouraged to wear them, too.

The public is invited to support this cause and participate in a "Blue Out" at Mount Carmel Area Saturday, Feb 1. Tipoff is 3 p.m. for the junior varsity and 6 p.m. for varsity boys and girls.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The first meeting of the year for the Rainbow Club at Our Lady of Hope Church was opened by president Ruth Romanoski with the Pledge of Allegiance, prayers and the Over 50 song.

Birthdays for January were announced, followed by song and applause.

Minutes, read by Donna Mordan, were approved.

Florence Verano, treasuer, gave a financial report on expenses and balances.

She announced upcoming trips, including March 20 to Sight and Sound, May 8 to the American Music Theater, July 10 to Hunterdon Hills, Aug. 14 to Dutch Apple Theater, Sept. 18 to Allenberry Playhouse and Nov. 13 to the Christmas show at Dutch Apple.

The bus for the trips leaves from the church parking lot. Anyone interested should contact Verano for reservations.

The club received thank-you cards from the Rev. Adrian Gallagher and Dolly Yocum.

Prayers were recited for sick members and a moment of silence was observed for deceased members.

A Mass for living and deceased members will be held May 18.

Dues were collected and bingo played.

The next meeting will be held Feb. 9.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court Feb. 24 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Samuel Swartzlander, 25, of 225 Main St., Coal Township, waived charges of possessing instruments of a crime, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment involving an Oct. 28 disturbance at his residence.

Swartzlander was charged by Coal Township Patrolman David Sage with retrieving a knife from the kitchen and pointing it at his 20-year-old live-in girlfriend, Brittany Gemberling. Police said Swartzlander threw the knife in the opposite direction over the head of his six-month old daughter, who was sitting on the kitchen floor.

n Kelly A. Wiest, 45, of 151 Hillside Ave., Elysburg, waived charges of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, driving under suspension, failure to drive in a single lane and careless driving in connection with an Aug. 11 accident in the area of 4120 Snydertown Road.

The charges were filed by Trooper David Myers of state police at Stonington.

n Kyle Yeager, 22, of 421 E. Dewart St., Shamokin, waived charges of theft and receiving stolen property.

Yeager was charged by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski with stealing $360 in cash from Turkey Hill Minit Market at 501 N. Second St. Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 while he was employed at the business.

n Randy Taby Sr., 52, of 311 S. Market St., Mount Carmel, waived charges of simple assault and harassment relating to a Nov. 27 disturbance at 18 S. Market St., Shamokin.

Taby was charged by Patrolman William Zalinski with assaulting his son, Randy Taby Jr.

n Charles Brent Hollingshead, 26, of Elysburg, waived two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and multiple traffic violations involving a Nov. 22 traffic stop at the intersection of Routes 487 and 61 in Paxinos.

The charges were filed by Trooper David Myers of state police at Stonington.

n Ronnie Herb, 29, of Shamokin, waived charges of theft and receiving stolen property.

Herb was charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan with stealing a debit card owned by Tara Duzick and withdrawing approximately $3,000 from her account. The theft was reported Dec. 3.

n Richard J. Giedosh Sr., 49, and Roy J. Troutman, 19, of 702 Bear Valley Ave., Shamokin, waived felonies of burglary, criminal trespass, criminal conspiracy, theft by unlawful taking, and receiving stolen property, and a misdemeanor of loitering and prowling at night.

The charges filed by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II relate to the Dec. 21 theft of approximately $15,000 in merchandise from the home of Sharon Wichurowski, of 688 Bear Valley Ave.

n Michael Wisnoskie, 20, of 76 Church St., Locust Gap, and Eric Fletcher, 19, of Murenburg, pleaded guilty to a summary offense of disorderly conduct. Charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia were withdrawn against both defendants.

Wisnoskie was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs. Fletcher was ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Cpl. Jarrod Scandle in connection with a Sept. 30 DUI checkpoint at the intersection of Route 61 and Feeney Street in Coal Township.

n Norman J. Hemerka, 42, of 319 N. Shamokin St., Apt. 1, Shamokin, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year. A false report charge was withdrawn.

Hemerka was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery with providing police with false information relating to a Nov. 30 hit-and-run crash involving a fire hydrant.

n Steven W. Schlief, 20, of 4540 State Route 61, Paxinos, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year. An additional charge of possession of synthetic marijuana (Spice) was withdrawn.

Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery, who filed the charges, said Schlief allegedly stole his grandmother's car from Sunbury Nov. 30 and was in possession of narcotics.

n Jose Valentin, 49, of Shamokin, pleaded guilty to harassment and was ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs. An additional charge of simple assault was withdrawn.

Valentin was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery in connection with a Nov. 28 disturbance.

Advisory board to meet

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Drug and Alcohol Program Advisory Board will meet at 5 p.m. today in the Human Services Building, 217 N. Center St.

SASB meeting set for Tuesday

COAL TOWNSHIP - The regular monthly meeting of the Shamokin Area School Board will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the board conference room.

Care for caregivers discussed

ELYSBURG - Coping with the demands of caregiving will be shared at Lifetree Cafe from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave.

The program, titled, "Care for Caregivers: Meeting the Unique Needs of Those Who Sacrifice for Others," features a screening of the short film "Life in Reverse" which chronicles the experiences of Florence Feldman who, for 10 years, served as a caregiver while her mother slowly sank into dementia. The Lifetree program offers an hour of support and understanding, as well as Feldman's insights about meeting caregivers' needs.

Admission to the 60-minute event is free.

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.

TREVORTON - Trevorton Patsies Senior Adult Ministry celebrated the Christmas Season with a banquet Dec. 16 catered by Hannah's Restaurant at St. Patrick's Church hall. Forty-three members attended.

Prayer before the meal was led by Rose Marie Kopyscianski followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Musical and comedic entertainment was provided by Vic Boris. Door prizes were awarded.

December birthday celebrants included Gerry Ardan, Ben Blascovich, Eleanor Long, Marylou Purin, Robert Sager, Martha Jane Scholl, Dorothy Swank, Linda Wert and lifetime member Helen Clark.

Winners of the 50/25/25 were Helen Betzko and Sandy Carabini.

Donations were received from Rae Artman, Sandy Carabini, Martha Jane Scholl and Robert Sager.

Meetings will not be held in January and February. The next meeting will be held in March with a St. Patrick's Day covered dish luncheon.

Patsies will hold a bus trip March 27 to Sight and Sound to see "Moses." Contact Joyce at 570-797-3695 or Judie at 570-648-0105 for more information.

CONYNGHAM TOWNSHIP - A Natalie man, who left the scene of an accident last month with his young daughter after being injured and then lied about what happened, has been charged with multiple offenses, including endangering the welfare of a child and careless driving.

Authorities reported Cody C. Strunk, 29, of 223 N. School St., failed to call police or take his daughter, Haley, 4, to a doctor and instead hitched a ride and returned to the scene with his mother, who tried to take the blame for the accident.

Strunk, whose license was suspended for a previous DUI, is facing two counts of false reports and one count each of failing to give immediate notice of an accident to police, endangering the welfare of children, reckless driving, careless driving, driving at an unsafe speed, driving without a license, driving under suspension and failure to drive in a single lane.

The charges filed by Conyngham Township Officer-in-Charge Philip Schlegel relate to an accident that occurred at 10:07 a.m. Dec. 11 on Route 61 near the Mount Carmel Sportsman Club.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Craig Long, of Catawissa, Strunk was driving a Ford Mustang south on Route 61 when it hit a storm drain, causing the car to spin out of control. The car crossed both northbound lanes of the highway before hitting a ditch and flipping over.

Strunk's daughter was in a child safety seat in the rear of the car, police said.

After Strunk freed himself and his daughter from the car, a witness spotted them crawling up an embankment near Mount Carmel Sportsman Club. However, by the time police arrived, they had already hitched a ride in a Chevrolet pickup truck heading to Mount Carmel.

According to court documents, Strunk's mother, Tracey Ann Rightnour, pulled up to the scene shortly after in a gray minivan with Strunk and his daughter, who seemed uninjured but shaken.

Rightnour told police she had been driving the car and ran to Mount Carmel about two or three miles away, while Strunk freed himself and his daughter. But police noticed that Rightnour looked fine while Strunk had head injuries and was bleeding.

Police found blood splattered on the driver's seat of the car and a rag covered in blood, while the front passenger seat was littered with several items.

When confronted with the evidence by police, Strunk and Rightnour admitted to covering up the accident to protect Strunk.

Police said Strunk's car, which was towed from the scene, was deemed unsafe because the rear tires were so bald metal cords inside were exposed.

Police did not indicate if Rightnour will be charged with making false reports.

Strunk remains free since the charges were filed by summons and did not involve an arraignment. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing before Long at 2 p.m. Feb. 6.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Sixteen structures are being targeted for demolition with state and federal grant funding in the east and west ends of the township.

Coal Township received $125,944 in a Keystone Communities grant fund, the largest share appropriated to five area communities that sought state funds through a Northumberland County Housing Authority grant application.

The township received the largest share because it committed the largest match of $84,092.35 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

"Every penny will be used for demolition," said Craig Fetterman, chairman of the Coal Township Board of Commissioners, of the combined $210,036.35.

In the Edgewood section, seven structures are targeted in an area between Independence and Wood streets (north and south boundaries) and Ash and Robin streets (east and west boundaries), six structures between Chestnut and State streets and Locust and Owl streets, and three structures in the Marshalton section between Tioga and Hemlock streets and Sherman and Meade streets.

Rob Slaby, township manager, identified the properties. He said the list could be amended on review by township commissioners. Also, at 16 structures, it's a bit of a wish list.

"I would be completely surprised if we got to do all of these," Slaby said.

Some of the structures are privately owned, but the majority are behind on property taxes and on file with Northumberland County Tax Claims. Fetterman said it's expected that legal struggles could ensue in some cases where the township will attempt property acquisition.

The vacant lots will be available for sale, and Fetterman and Slaby expect some will prove attractive to neighboring property owners or to someone looking to build a new home or garage.

The county housing authority applied for $500,000. A Dec. 13 letter from the authority states there will be "two pots of funds" available through the Keystone grant. The first totals $346,000 for demolition activities. In addition to the township's share, Shamokin received $110,374, Sunbury $44,980, Mount Carmel $34,600 and Ralpho Township $30,102.

Fetterman was among local and state officials who worked to address blighted properties in fall 2011 when state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) hosted a blight summit in Coal Township. Out of that, county commissioners agreed to appoint a task force to work with the authority to develop strategies for addressing blighted properties.

Coal Township adopted its current drop ticket ordinance to address nuisance violations, and Shamokin followed suit. Next came the grant funding.

"The blight (task force) so far has been a good thing," Fetterman said.

One goal, perhaps a far away goal at that, is to purchase an excavator for Coal Township, he said. The township realizes significant savings after having purchased its own street paver and having township employees do that work, he said.

"We feel we could tear them down ourself and could tear down twice as many houses for the same amount of money," Fetterman said. "In no time we'd be caught up with the blight in the township."

SCRANTON - Stephanie Dee Broscious, a daughter of Ron and Pam Broscious, of Coal Township, was named to the dean's list at Marywood University for the fall semester. She earned a 3.8 grade-point average.

An accounting major, she is a graduate of Shamokin Area High School.

She is a granddaughter of Mike Estock, of Coal Township, and the late Dolores Estock, and Richard and Susan Broscious, of Irish Valley.

ATLAS - Elderly housing apartments could be going up in Atlas after blighted structures come down.

At the township's board of supervisors meeting Wednesday, code enforcement officer Don Geary said the township is in the process of acquiring properties in the 100 block of Girard Street that are blighted, including several damaged by fire.

"We are in the process of talking with owners, and some properties have already been turned over to us," Geary said.

When resident Randy Zigarski asked if the township has had any interest in another entity taking over the lots, Geary discussed a possible plan.

"The county, through its redevelopment authority, is looking to put up apartment buildings for elderly housing," Geary said.

Supervisor Charles Gasperetti said the township would be reimbursed by the county for the money spent to acquire and raze properties.

In October, four of the homes being considered were destroyed in an fast-moving early morning blaze.

A double home, which is occupied and in good shape, stands in the middle of the blighted properties and will remain.

"The key to this whole thing is getting everyone on board, and, with the exception of one or two people we have yet to talk to, we are well on our way," Gasperetti said.

In other business

The board voted 2-0 with Gasperetti and Reynold Scicchitano to advertise for bids on a 2000 Ford Explorer, a former police vehicle. The vehicle will be sold "as is." There is a reserve price.

Handicapped parking spaces in front of the homes of Robert Fanella, Ann Nowroski, Robert and Joan Wagner, Patricia Dobeck, Joanne Weitkamp and Francis Kwiatkowski were approved.

A staff member of Rep. Lou Barletta (R-11) will conduct a community outreach session in the township's meeting room from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area Elementary School will register children for the 2014-15 kindergarten program. Children must be five years old by the first day of school, which is tentatively set for Monday, Sept. 8, 2014.

Registration will occur March 3, 4, and 5 at the elementary building, 3000 W. State St., by appointment only. The elementary school office will be making appointments throughout February. Parents are asked to call the elementary office at 570-648-5721, extension 2900, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. after Feb. 1 to schedule a date and time.

At registration, parents must present a certified copy of the child's birth or baptismal certificate, a record of all immunizations (shots), a history of their child's health, including serious illnesses, proof of residency and copy of custody order if applicable.

Children must have received all of the following immunizations for admission to school: Hepatitis B (three doses); diphtheria/tetanus (four doses with one dose on or after the fourth birthday); polio (three does); two doses measles, two doses mumps, one dose rubella and two doses of varicella (vaccine or history of disease).

The child must be present for the registration process.

Children enrolled in the district's Pre-K program are already registered with the district and do not need to attend this registration. These children have received information letters at their Pre-K sessions. For those who received this information, contact the Pre-K program teacher.

Recognizing that children enter kindergarten with a variety of experiences and different rates of developmental growth, the early childhood educators at the elementary school have developed a series of assessment tools that are used with the children at the time of registration.

The results of these assessments do not reflect the academic progress or intelligence level of the children; they merely indicate their developmental level and provide the teachers with information needed to best meet their educational needs.

The assessment sessions are organized into several short segments and are administered by district personnel, allowing the children and their parents to spend time in the school building and to meet and work with some of the faculty and staff. The procedure lasts from 60 to 90 minutes.

SUNBURY - Six secure medicine return boxes have been installed in municipal police departments throughout the county, District Attorney Tony Rosini announced Tuesday.

The MedReturn boxes allow citizens to anonymously dispose of unused and expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medication during regular business hours. It's requested that any identifying information be removed from the containers.

Solid and liquid medications, inhalers, creams and ointments, nasal sprays and pet medication will all be accepted. The boxes will not accept intravenous solutions, injectable medications or needles.

Police departments in Coal Township, Milton, Mount Carmel Borough, Mount Carmel Township, Shamokin and Sunbury all have the boxes.

The MedReturn were awarded to the Northumberland County District Attorney's Office through a grant program made possible by a partnership between the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency as part of Governor Tom Corbett's Healthy PA initiative.

Classified an epidemic by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prescription drug abuse is the nation's fastest growing drug problem. Visit www.ddap.pa.gov for more information.

SHAMOKIN - A criminal charge was filed Tuesday against an out-of-state property owner for deteriorating conditions of a Mulberry Street property.

Ola A. Adedeji, 50, of 2 Klarides Valley Drive, Seymour, Conn., is charged by Cpl. Bryan Primerano with misdemeanor public nuisances.

Adedeji owns 204-206 W. Mulberry St. and had been cited 11 times since October by both Primerano and Rick Bozza, code enforcement officer. She hadn't responded to any of the citations, police said.

According to a criminal complaint, the roof is in immediate danger of collapse, shingles are falling from the roof, the interior floors have collapsed, water is draining into the residence and access is available to animals and rodents.

The building is in violation of international building code, state regulations and city ordinance. Certified letters were sent to Adedeji warning of the violations and advising of a 30-day window to address the matter, police said.

SHAMOKIN - The owner of the former Shamokin Dress Company building on Bunker Hill has been cited for its decrepit condition 15 times since mid-November.

Stella P. Alli, 51, of Fall River, Mass., said she plans to begin cleaning the property within the next six months and to begin repairs within 24 to 36 months, according to a Dec. 4 letter to Shamokin code officer Rick Bozza.

She hopes to transform the first floor of 1008-1010 N. Shamokin St. into a nonprofit soup kitchen and convert the rest into affordable housing. She said she intends to seek loans, grants and donations to do so.

Timeline unacceptable

According to Bozza, the east wall is collapsing and endangers power lines. A section of the building has no roof and water has pooled inside. The building is unsecured and broken glass is in danger of falling onto the sidewalk and street.

Despite Alli's good intentions, Bozza said now that she owns the property, she's responsible for its condition. Her timeline, he said, is unacceptable.

"It needs to happen as soon as possible before something happens to that building from a public safety standpoint," Bozza said.

Known to many locally as the Shroyer building, it takes up a full block east to west between Shamokin and Rock streets and a half-block north to south between Cameron and Packer streets.

The city has long eyed the building for demolition, but to no avail.

Alli, a registered nurse, surprisingly purchased it for $100 June 20 from the Northumberland County repository list. Citations followed four months later after no progress had been made to correct structural deficiencies.

A certified letter was sent to Alli in October informing her the building is in violation and giving her 30 days to take steps toward compliance. Citations followed - eight in November, three in December and four already this month.

Bozza issued the first 14 citations. Cpl. Bryan Primerano issued the 15th and will continue to do so at least up until a hearing is held, Bozza said.

One of many

Bozza and Primerano have made a coordinated effort between the code and police departments to target some of the most blighted properties in the city. Several property owners have been repeatedly cited. The goal is for the property owners to either tear down the properties or bring them up to code.

Alli said in the letter that she had run into difficulty obtaining paperwork on the building, including blueprints. A sketch diagram was provided by the Northumberland County Assessment Bureau, she said, and she's been in touch with an architect.

She'll send the city an architect's designs and a business plan once completed, her letter states.

TAMAQUA - The first batch of Yuengling's Ice Cream came off the production line Thursday morning and will hit grocery store shelves in February.

First made in 1920, the ice cream is back after a 28-year hiatus.

"It's a very exciting time for us," David Yuengling, company president, said. "We originally expected production to begin in March, but when we announced in September that we were bringing back Yuengling's Ice Cream, the response was so enthusiastic that we pushed up production."

Leiby's Dairy in Tamaqua is producing the ice cream. Initial production consists of 100,000 quarts in 10 flavors.

Yuengling's Ice Cream is a premium line with 10 all-natural flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chip, black and tan (chocolate and caramel ice cream), vanilla fudge chunk with pretzels, espresso chocolate chip, chocolate fudge brownie, chocolate marshmallow, root beer float and mint chocolate chip.

"Acme, Weis and other independent grocers asked to have Yuengling's Ice Cream before the original launch date," Rob Bohorad, chief operating officer, said. "We bumped up production to accommodate them, but we fully anticipate being in more grocery stores later this year."

From Prohibition to 1985

David Yuengling relaunched Yuengling's Ice Cream on Sept. 24, 2013, as a private company. It is not associated with the Pottsville brewery. David Yuengling is a second-cousin to Richard L. "Dick" Yuengling, president and owner of the brewery, and grew up in Pottsville.

David Yuengling is the great-grandson of Frank D. Yuengling, who started the original ice cream company in 1920.

Frank D. Yuengling started Yuengling's Ice Cream to supplement the brewery's revenue during Prohibition. In 1929, the company expanded with branches in Allentown and York and changed its name the following year to Yuengling Dairy Products and started producing its own milk and cream. Ownership was transferred to Frederick Yuengling Sr. in 1935.

David Yuengling's father, Frederick G. "Fritz" Yuengling Jr., became company president in 1963. Yuengling's Dairy ceased production in 1985.

Ice cream for breakfast?

Quarts will cost between $5.49 and $5.99.

Vanilla and chocolate marshmallow were the first to hit the production line Thursday.

The original recipe was only slightly changed to include all-natural ingredients. The milk and cream is being locally sourced as part of the PA Preferred brand.

"I love it," David Yuengling said. "I've been having it for breakfast for about the last month."

He said his personal favorites include chocolate marshmallow and black and tan.

"I really like the espresso chocolate chip because I'm a coffee person," he said.

Bill Parks, owner of Leiby's Dairy, said the facility is now a contract packer for 16 different ice cream companies, as well as other products.

"The facility was built to expand and grow," Parks said.

Parks said the fully-automated plant produces about 40 quarts a minute.

'Something special'

Bohorad said he spent a portion of the day just watching the ice cream cartons with Yuengling's Ice Cream logo go by on the production line.

"We couldn't wait to see actual production," he said. "It's that exciting to see your product go by on production. It's really something special. My whole goal was to be part of something special and bring his family business back."

The ice cream is expected to be in grocery stores by mid-February. It will be sold first at Acme, Weis and select independent grocery stores, such as Boyer's Food Markets and Redner's Markets, in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.

Retail includes about 450 to 500 stores, David Yuengling said. A searchable store locator will be available on the website later this month.

For more information, go to www.yuenglingsicecream.com.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School Board hired two coaches and approved a contract for treating the football and soccer fields during a brief meeting Thursday night.

Dave Sanford was hired as an assistant track coach at a salary of $1,500 to replace Mark Kraynak, who resigned.

Duane Winnie was approved as an assistant varsity baseball coach at a salary of $1,400 to replace Jeff Deitz, who resigned.

The board approved the yearly contract between the district and Big Foot Crossing for treating the football and soccer fields at a cost of $3,688.08.

Board member Joseph Zanella was appointed to the Mount Carmel Area Education Foundation to replace former director Joseph D'Andrea.

Directors approved Berkheimer OneSource for the comparison and processing of the district's Act 80 records at a cost of $735.

The board also approved the annual fire alarm service agreement with Tyco Simplex Grinnell at a cost of $2,208.

The board approved its annual $4,000 donation to Mount Carmel Area Public Library.

Directors accepted the resignation of Caprice Parisi as a part-time personal care aide and hired Drew Sheddy as a long-term substitute to fill a maternity leave.

Amy Czech and Amy Mudry were approved as student council co-advisers at a stipend of $200 each.

Aaron Domanski, Kelly Domanski, Jesse Wagner, Andrew Yaracz, Anne Darrup, Carissa Skavery, Jamie Wessinger, Margaret Barnhardt, Carleen Zlockie and Beth Ann Burns were approved as Odyssey of the Mind coaches for the 2013-2014 school year. The Domanskis will serve as advisers.

Permission was granted to televise the 94th annual Mount Carmel Rotary Club's football banquet to be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, at Brady Fire Company.

A moment of silence was held at the beginning of the meeting for John Hutnick, a longtime basketball coach in the district who recently passed away. The board also recognized longtime Mount Carmel Area School District supporter and active community member Robert McSurdy, who died Tuesday.

Board president Thomas Ditchey conducted the meeting. Other directors in attendance were Zanella, Donna James, Robert Muldowney, Michael Rovito, Ray Kraynak, Tony Mazzatesta, Bill Brecker and Michael Brinkash.

SUNBURY - Help from the public is being credited with busting up a ring of juvenile burglars who broke into several city businesses over the past week.

Sunbury Police said three boys and two girls, ranging in age from 11 to 15, were arrested Wednesday evening and charged.

Police said it was video surveillance that helped police apprehend the suspects, despite the youths using masks and gloves to hide their identities.

Among the the businesses reported to be broken into were Zig's Distributors, Chestnut Street Deli and The Mystic Dragon. Police said money was the most significant item stolen, but food and drink items were also taken.

The arrests came on the same day that local newspapers published a police department press release asking for the public's help in solving the spree of crimes, which police said began Thursday, Jan. 9.

Police Chief Stephen Mazzeo had asked the public to be vigilant and for businesses to use lighting, locked doors and windows and private camera systems and alarms as a way to deter burglars.

Police are still encouraging the public to continue using crime prevention tactics.

Anyone with information on any other burglaries is asked to contact Sunbury police at 570-286-4584, extension 108.

By Rob Wheary

KULPMONT - Among the reappointments at the Jan. 6 reorganization meeting of Kulpmont Borough Council were the open records officer, emergency management coordinator, fire chiefs, a new chief of police and - the borough physician?

Kulpmont is a rarity in still appointing a borough physician, in its case Dr. Raymond Kraynak.

But the job entails very little, and pays nothing, said council President Bruno Varano.

"It is merely a ceremonial title that we just never got rid of," he said. However, "If a health issue crops up, we would call upon him to help out. If we have an epidemic, we would ask his advice."

Varano compared the borough physician post to that of the one-member vacancy board, to which treasurer Paul Niglio was reappointed Jan. 6, in terms of being used on an as-needed basis. Niglio would be called upon to appoint a person to borough council if an opening should come up and if council itself does not fill the vacancy within 30 days.

Pennsylvania Borough Code doesn't mention the "borough physician" post, but does allow for boroughs to have either a "health officer" or "board of health." The position is discussed in Article 31 of the code: By ordinance, a borough council can name a health board or a health officer. The only requirement is that the person selected must be certified by the state Department of Health within six months.

When no health board or health officer exists, the borough is under the jurisdiction of the county health department, according to the borough code.

Courtney Accurti, director of communications for the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, could not say how many boroughs in Pennsylvania have a "borough physician," but the notion stood out to her.

"In these days when everyone is thinking about emergency management and preparedness, it might be a good idea to broaden their perspective with a physician to help in certain circumstances," she said.

Kulpmont not long ago had a staff of five health officers to look for what's more commonly referred to today as code violations such as high grass or accumulations of garbage. The health officers, the last two being brothers Charlie and Angelo Venna, were phased out in 2011 when the borough created the code enforcement officer position, currently held by Russ Moroz, as a full-time position.

A survey of local municipalities shows Kulpmont is the only one that recognizes the office of borough physician.

Shamokin code enforcement officer Rick Bozza said the city has someone listed as health officer, but officials aren't sure if the person is even aware of the designation.

"It's something we currently have under review," he said.

Mount Carmel Borough, Coal Township and Ralpho Township officials said they have no such health officer position. In those municipalities, code enforcement handles such duties.

MANDATA - While Line Mountain Education Association (LMEA) and the district's negotiation team will be meeting next week to discuss a new teachers' contracts, the president of the school board doesn't see an end in sight.

"As of now, we're nowhere close (to reaching a deal)," President Troy Laudenslager said Thursday.

Teachers have been working on an expired contract since June 2012, which was a one-year extension of a five-year contract that ended June 30, 2011, that guaranteed educators a 3 percent raise each year.

Line Mountain Education Association (LMEA) President Mark Shearer did not return a phone call and two emails Wednesday and Thursday seeking comment.

The 113 educators there have been working to the rule since Sept. 30 to draw attention to the stalled contract negotiations. They will not volunteer their time for duties not described in their contract and will only work during contracted hours.

When the two sides meet Thursday, Laudenslager said the district expects to have feedback concerning the proposal that was submitted to the union at the last contract negotiation meeting Oct. 3.

The proposal was released on the district website by the school board to show the public that the school board has been fair in the ongoing contracting negotiations with the teachers union, he has said.

An additional $1,204 per year is given to anyone who gets a master's degree. For every 15 credits earned beyond a master's degree up to 60 credits, teachers will receive an additional $940, $941, $940 and $1,000 per year. Also, each step will be $1,000 higher than the corresponding step for a teacher with a doctorate degree.

The starting salary in the first year of the contract would be $32,838. By the fifth year, it would be $34,438. The top salary in the first year of the contract would be $63,582; by the fifth year, it would be $66,182.

Any work beyond the normal work day would increase from $22 an hour to $25 an hour, and the teachers would be required to attend four meetings with 10 days notice without additional pay instead of three meetings with 30 days notice.

As for health coverage, the district wants all employees to enroll in the Highmark Health Savings Account in which the district would supply $2,500 for a single household and $5,000 for a family starting Jan. 1, 2013. In subsequent years of 2015, 2016 and 2017, the district would deposit $1,700 into the employees's account for single household and $3,400 for families.

Employees would be required to pay a flat rate depending on the coverage plan or 8 percent of the premium, whichever is smaller.

Furthermore, the district is paying to the State Retirement Systems (PSERS) for each employee, and costs have dramatically increased over the past three years from 5.64 percent in 2010-11 to 16.93 percent in 2013-14.

Based on those numbers, the district said, an employee at the top of the current salary matrix being paid $63,582 is getting an addition $10,764 paid into their retirement account. If that teacher has family health insurance, that's another $16,542.54.

Therefore, the district is paying $90,889 per year for one teacher.

The proposal also includes increased work time, additional personal days and health care waivers.

The district's negotiation team consists of directors Laudenslager, Lamont Masser, David Scott Bartholomew and Lauren Hackenburg.

Laudenslager said he would have further comment after the meeting next week.

Culver to host farmers breakfast

NORTHUMBERLAND - Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) invites constiuents involved in agriculture to attend an annual farmers breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Front Street Station, 2 Front St.

In effort to provide a comprehension legislative update, U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey will join Culver to discuss current agriculture-related matters being addressed at the federal level.

Call Culver's Sunbury office at 570-286-5885 to RSVP.

Scholarship applications available

HARRISBURG - High school seniors are invited by Rep. Kurt Masser to apply for a Pennsylvania House of Representatives scholarship to cover the costs of higher education.

Each year, two students preparing for post-secondary education are awarded four-year scholarships. The program is privately funded by individual and corporate donors. No tax dollars are used.

The program is open to graduating high school seniors who are Pennsylvania residents with plans to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or career school as a full-time student. Students must have attained a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average in high school to be eligible. A student's commitment to community, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and financial need are also taken into consideration.

The scholarship program is administered through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities. To apply, interested students should visit www.repmasser.com and click on "House Scholarship Information." The application deadline is March 1.

Scholarships are awarded through an independent panel of judges chosen by the foundation.