Make-up days

The school board revised the 2013-14 school calendar to make up for snow days. Class will be in session on Feb. 3, Feb. 17, March 21 and June 3 to make up for four days that were canceled in December and January. The last day of school is now June 4, which will be an Act 80 day.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area School Board must erase a $3 million-plus deficit for next year's budget without a significant property tax increase.

The board adopted a resolution Tuesday that prevents a tax hike beyond the 3.2 percent inflation index, a figure calculated by the state for each public school district.

That caps a potential tax increase at 0.84 mills, according to information provided by Karen Colangelo, district business manager.

The estimated deficit for 2014-15 stands at $3,094,339, a figure that must be erased before a final budget is adopted before the June 30 deadline.

At the moment there are no plans for staff furloughs to balance the budget, he said.

"We're not projecting any at this point," board President Ron McElwee said after Tuesday's monthly meeting.

He said a preliminary budget could be adopted as early as next month.

McElwee said he's hopeful that since Gov. Tom Corbett and other state legislators are up for re-election, additional state money will be made available toward public education.

Apart from holding out hopes for increases in state subsidies, McElwee cited attempts to renegotiate tuition reimbursements and health benefits for all union employees to shave the deficit figure. He also cited ongoing attempts to lower the terms of an expired lease agreement with Northwestern Academy where the district oversees both regular education and special education.

A one-year, $1.3 million lease agreement between Shamokin Area and Northwestern Academy expired in June. They are currently operating under the terms of the expired deal.

Calling the approximate $130,000 monthly rental fee "Manhattan prices," McElwee said district officials are exploring options toward educating the adjudicated youth remanded to Northwestern Academy at an off-site facility.

The district has paid the rent through January, according to Colangelo, something McElwee said was necessary to continue negotiations.

HVAC concerns

Dave Petrovich, supervisor of buildings and grounds, asked the school board to consider replacing the HVAC equipment in the middle/high school building.

Petrovich said much of the equipment was installed in 1994, calling it a "cheaper system." The system is inefficient, is costly to repair and leaves little control over comfort zones, he said, adding that the manufacturer is now out of business.

"I know we have to spend a little money to save a lot of money," he said. "With the technology today we're kind of wasting money."

The systems at the elementary and annex are solid, he said.

Petrovich was unable to provide a potential savings estimate, but said he is exploring potential grant options. He acknowledged that the initial cost will be the "big question" for school directors to consider.

School directors did not indicate if they supported the idea.

In other business, the school board voted to:

- Accept a bid of $26,378 from Great Eastern Seating Co. to replace seat backs in the auditorium balcony. Many of the seat backs are broken, creating sharp edges and posing a potential safety risk, Petrovich said. Director Ed Griffiths was initially reluctant given Petrovich's presentation on the middle/high school's HVAC system but reconsidered when told of a potential safety hazard;

- Create a groundskeeper/maintenance position and hire Michael Slodysko at a $15 hourly rate for 260 days, a move approved on a 5-1 vote with Director Rosalie Smoogen in opposition;

- Revise the position of technology technician and recall furloughed employee Rob Jones to work part-time for 200 days at an hourly rate of $12.50;

- Regrade Judy Marose to a Grade 3, which includes a $0.34 hourly rate increase, raising her wage to $18.94, a move opposed by Smoogen;

- Set the mileage reimbursement rate at $0.56 a mile per federal regulations;

- Approve a three-year measurement, administrative, stability period related to the district's responsibility to the Affordable Care Act;

- Pay Klacik and Associates no more than $5,500 to audit district tax collectors;

- Lease 183 square feet of the elementary building to Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit for $3,660 retroactive to the 2012-13 school year;

- Appoint Berkheiser Associates as delinquent tax collector, and for Berkheiser OneSource to perform an Act 80 records comparison for $735;

- Set the substitute nurse rate a $20 hourly retroactive to Dec. 9, a move opposed by Smoogen;

- Issue professional contracts and grant tenure to Rachel Gittens and Inga Maciejewski;

- Allow Colangelo to attend the Pennsylvania School Business Officers Annual Conference from March 11 to March 14 at a cost of $750.25;

- Appoint the following as elementary tutors through May 9, one hour per week at $18.50 per hour: Stephanie Boyer, Angelic Christian, Wendi Lynch, Kandy Miller, Donna Nahodil, Dana Rutkowski, Donna Talisesky and Collete Long (substitute);

- Add Nicole Bozza to the event security list at $8.15 hourly, $25 minimum per event.

LEWISBURG - As part of Geisinger's Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute's (ADMI) Community Outreach and Family Support initiative, ADMI and The Campus Theatre will offer children with special developmental needs and their families a chance to experience the joy of seeing a movie on the big screen.

The series begins Sunday with "Happy Feet" at the Campus Theatre, 413 Market St. Doors open at 1 p.m. with planned activities for children and parents. The movie begins at 2 p.m.

Dr. Thomas Challman, medical director for ADMI said this film series gives children with special needs a chance to see a movie in a theatre without experiencing sensory overload.

"Most film-goers can attest to the intensity of many of today's films - loud music, vivid special effects, explosions, fast scene changes and multiple dimensions," he said. "Imagine, then, the impact on a child with special needs who may be eager to experience the joy of seeing a movie on the big screen, but is unable to withstand the sensory overload."

The film series provides a comfortable and accepting environment for those who want to get up, move around or make noise; features family friendly movies in 2D; begins on-time, with no previews or trailers; lowers the volume of music and special effects; provides low-level lighting, instead of total darkness, and allows those with special dietary needs to bring snacks.

The event is free of charge and donations will be accepted by the theatre to fund future screenings.

Those wishing to attend must RSVP to Megan Epler at 570-522-6281 or meepler@geisinger.edu.

Future screenings are scheduled for March 16 and April 13. Doors will open at 1 p.m. for family support activities prior to each movie. Movies will begin promptly at 2 p.m.

MANDATA - The rift between Line Mountain School Board and the district's teachers continues to widen following statements made Tuesday, when each group accused the other of misleading the public and bargaining in bad faith.

Meanwhile, the school district released each teacher's current salary on its website, what they would make at the end of the district's proposed contract and what teachers are proposing for their salary schedule. District officials also plan to release more of the union's proposal today.

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.

In a statement released by Pennsylvania State Education Association, representative Mark McDade said the union is committed to settling a fair and equitable contract, but the school board continues to ignore state labor laws and bargain in the public eye.

"The school board had not bargained with or provided LMEA (Line Mountain Education Association) with a contract proposal in months. Instead, they practiced an unlawful tactic called "surface bargaining" where they schedule and attend meetings only for sake of it. The school board has no intention of bargaining in good faith," McDade said.

The district and the union met Jan. 23 for a contract negotiating meeting, the first in three months, but no progress was made.

The two negotiation teams never came face to face as planned that night, board President Troy Laudenslager said.

Solicitor Rich Roberts acted as a liaison between two rooms for approximately an hour, and provided the teachers with a new details in the district's proposal, but the teachers' negotiation team left without warning and failed to reschedule a meeting, he said.

"We're puzzled by their response," Laudenslager said.

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

Response to proposal

The district also has yet to receive a complete response to the district's Aug. 21 proposal, which was also released to the public Oct. 7. (See sidebar for summary)

Asked if the move to continue releasing sensitive information was wise, Laudenslager said the district was only responding to the teachers claiming the school board was stalling and not negotiating in good faith.

"It's to persuade the public as to what the facts are. We have to let people know that they're unwilling to bargain and meet. They just want to offer a false perception to the public," he said.

Shearer said the union would be willing to work with the district in exploring more savings and settling a contract that is equitable to everyone "if the school board would meet with us more often to negotiate."

However, Laudenslager said, "They picked all the dates. They're in the driver's seat. We told them we could meet whenever they schedule meetings."

What's on the table

Under the district's proposal, the lowest paid teacher at $32,838 would make $42,378 by 2016-17 and the highest paid teacher at $63,582 would make $65,182. Under the teachers' proposal, the lowest paid teacher would make $47,757 by 2016-17 and the highest paid teacher would made $74,463.

In the district's statement online, it said teachers previously negotiated to get teachers to the maximum career salary as fast as possible in order to have money up front to pay off school loans.

"In return, they would not ask for as much money after they got to the maximum career salary. As you can see in the proposals, the LMEA is no longer following that rational," said the district.

Due to dramatically increasing costs in teacher benefit packages, the district argues it put forth a reasonable offer compared to the "extreme demands" of the union.

Even if no teacher would get a raise in the first three years of the contract, the District would still have to come up with an additional $1,186,240 to contribute to their retirement, the district said.

"Unfortunately, the retirement contribution rate is projected to escalate to 32.08 percent in the upcoming years. This is a major financial issue for the district. Funds typically paid directly to teachers for salary increases are being taken by the state to ensure the teachers' pension plans are maintained," said the district.

A PPO Highmark Blue Shield plan is offered to teachers with a $100/$200 deductible. and they also have prescription drug, dental and vision plans. The family plan costs $17,622.54 of which a teacher would contribute $90 per month.

Estimated increases for this coming 2014-15 year are approximately 21 percent; this would be another $3,700.73 per teacher with a family health insurance plan.

The district said based on these numbers and assuming no raises occur for any teachers in 2014-2015, the district will be expected to come up with an average increase over this year of $2,165 per employee for pensions and another $3,700 for a family health insurance plan, which is a total average increase of $5,865 per employee with a family health insurance plan.

"The district might be able to negotiate a smaller increase in health insurance premiums. These increases, combined with the demands of the LMEA would be devastating to the district and you as taxpayers," the district said.

"They ask for the universe and expect the world," Laudenslager said.

'Playing politics'

McDade said the majority of contracts are settled through amicable and respectful negotiations in which several proposals are exchanged and both sides listen to others' needs before finding middle ground.

"The students, parents and taxpayers derive to be represented by a school board who respects their teachers and the law, not hold them in contempt," he said.

In the statement, LMEA President Mark Shearer, a teacher, said it's unfortunate that some school board members have been "playing politics" by putting out misinformation and bad facts to the general public.

"Our teachers do pay into health care, we have taken a salary freeze, and we have always contributed into our pension unlike the state and school districts who did not contribute into the pension system for almost thirteen-years, which is causing the pension spikes," he said.

Laudenslager said the district has always contributed to pension, and the contributions have increased in recent years.

'To the rule'

The teachers 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 7 1/2 hours.

This currently includes the after school tutoring program for which they would be paid an additional $22 per hour. Based on this decision by the LMEA and to ensure struggling students get the help they need, the school board voted to hire Melanie Fowler, Jennifer Kerstetter and Adam Menko at $22 an hour for after-school tutoring and detention at the school board meeting Tuesday night.

Shearer said the district is academically successful and everyone needs to be held accountable for student success. "That is why we are asking the school board to invest in classroom priorities that help our students pave their way for bright futures," he said.

A summary of the Line Mountain School District's Aug. 21 teacher contract proposal was released on the district's website Oct. 7. The details are as follows:

- 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.

WILLIAMSPORT - A motion filed on behalf of the parents of a Line Mountain seventh-grader who have fought in court to keep their daughter in the district's all-male wrestling program asks that a federal judge award a combined $140,681.89 in legal fees.

A 170-page legal filing was made Monday by attorneys for Brian and Angie Beattie asking that $85,227.50 in fees and $1,198 in costs be paid to the Flaster/Greenberg law firm and $53,918 and $338.11 to the Women's Law Project.

Audriana Beattie had wrestled for the district's elementary program, but last school year her parents were told of the district's gender-specific policy that would prevent her from competing on the junior-senior high levels.

The issue came to a head in April when the Beatties confronted the school board about the matter. With no resolution, they filed for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, citing equal rights discrimination violating both the state and federal constitution.

A federal judge granted both - a temporary order on Nov. 1 and the preliminary injunction on Jan. 13. The orders have allowed Beattie to continue wrestling with the district program until the case is resolved, either by settlement or by trial.

A case management conference is scheduled for Feb. 11 which would establish case deadlines. Should the matter go to trial, it wouldn't happen before December.

SHAMOKIN - Parishioners attending services in area churches Sunday will take on the challenge of fighting hunger by participating in a national event called "Souper Bowl of Caring," an annual food and financial drive coordinated with pro football's Super Bowl.

The event, sponsored locally by the Shamokin Area Ministerium of Churches, will benefit Manna for the Many, the Shamokin area's food pantry.

Donated can goods will help maintain a sufficient inventory of food supplies for Manna in its quest to continue feeding area families in need.

Any cash donations will purchase food from local suppliers for Manna's inventory.

Manna's board members have affirmed that the vision behind the Souper Bowl of Caring is to transform the occasion of the Super Bowl into a day of caring and unity.

More than 20 years ago, the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a single prayer from a single youth group in a North Carolina church. The prayer, "Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat," is again used to emphasize the need for providing food to the hungry. Since that day, more than $81 million has been raised for local charities throughout the country. It has become a powerful movement that is transforming Super Bowl weekend into the nation's largest youth-led weekend of giving and serving.

As in past years, parishioners attending services in churches of their choice are asked to donate one dollar in cash and/or a can of soup. Youth are urged to get involved in collecting monetary and food donations. All donations collected remain in this area to purchase food supplies and maintain an inventory of commodies for distribution to clients registered at Manna.

Thrivent grant

In an added benefit this year, Manna has been chosen to receive a challenge grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, through the Trinity Lutheran Church, Sunbury Street. Thrivent will donate 50 cents for every dollar donated to Manna for the Many up to $5,000 for all donations received between Dec. 1 and March 31. Manna for the Many and Trinity Lutheran Church invite area churches to work together to meet or exceed this challenge grant.

Representatives of participating churches are asked to report the amount of money and food donations by calling the Grace Lutheran Church office 570-648-7534 between 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday and leaving a message. Last year, parishioners donated more than $1,200 and 1,700 cans of soup. The Souper Bowl donations for the past few years provided enough soup for clients for the remainder of the winter months. Manna for the Many has emphasized the need for soup donations again this year.

Manna for the Many, 144 E. Independence St., is observing its 14th year as a local food pantry. Food distribution to registered clients is held three days each week: 9 to 11 a.m., Tuesday; 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday. In order to receive food, clients must provide photo ID and proof of residency (current utility bill, for example) each time they come to the pantry. Manna also asks that clients bring their own bags.

The pantry is staffed entirely by volunteers, and the Manna board has stressed that without the time freely given by volunteers and the donations of cash and food from individuals, schools and other groups, the program would not be possible.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini announced today that his office has been provided with a new version of the lottery scam.

In this mailing, the individual received a letter indicating it was from the "Heritage Financial Group" stating the individual had won a large sum of money in the "International Shoppers Lotto Powerball." Rosini noted that no such lotto exists.

A check in the amount of $3,875 was enclosed with the letter which is stated to be for paying the "applicable government taxes." The recipient is requested to call and is then instructed to send a portion of the check amount to the "government agent" to cover the taxes.

In reality, the check, when deposited, will be returned with no account from the listed bank and the money withdrawn by the victim will be their responsibility to repay. They will be stuck with repaying the bank, not receiving their supposed winnings.

Rosini cautioned everyone, especially senior citizens who have been the target of this and other mailings, to be wary of any correspondence indicating they have won a lottery.

"If you didn't buy a ticket and don't have it in your possession, you can't win any lottery - especially one that does not exist," Rosini said.

The district attorney said that scam artists prey on senior citizens and have been successful because people believe they have won something. The scam artists have the age-old desire, Rosini said, to get something for nothing that they use to rip off seniors.

"I urge all senior citizens and anyone who receives this type of mailing to turn it over to their local police department," Rosini said. "No one should send out any money based on a check they receive in the mail from a company they have not dealt with in the past to claim a lottery prize for which they never bought a ticket."

Rosini said if someone thinks they have a valid check, take the check to the bank and let them determine if it is valid before withdrawing any money and sending it to an unknown party.

"The depositor may receive a return check fee, but that is better than losing out on more than $1,000," Rosini said.

An opportunity to learn and grow while giving back to the community is available through Penn State Extension's new certified food and wellness volunteer training program, as the program continues into its third year.

According to Lynn James, Penn State educator, "We are looking for people with some knowledge and interest in foods, nutrition and food safety who want to become more involved with community wellness." Applications are now being accepted for program volunteers to be trained for the current program year.

The certified food and wellness volunteer course is a comprehensive course offering 40 hours of training, using online training modules for much of the education and ending with a full day of on-site training at Penn State University in State College on May 7. Participants will need computer access and the ability to travel to State College for the on-site training. The cost for the training program and certification is $125. Partial scholarships are available for those with financial need.

This is a great opportunity for people who would like to be more involved in promoting good health and wellness in their communities. Some knowledge of nutrition and experience in working with foods is desirable, but the most important qualification is a strong desire to learn more about nutrition, diet and health and having a desire to help others in the community improve their lives, using research based information.

Upon completing the program, food and wellness volunteers will give back 40 hours of service to Penn State Extension programs in nutrition and wellness. Volunteers will be able to use educational tools such as MyPlate, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Nutrition Facts Label to help others plan, buy, store and prepare foods within their budgets. Volunteers will work with the public by making presentations and assisting with Penn State programs. Individual interests will be considered in service hours.

This new training program is based on the model of the highly successful Master Gardener Training Program offered by Penn State Extension. According to Mary Ann Ryan, the Adams County coordinator for Master Gardener, Mary Ann Ryan, "The model used in the Master Gardener program works well for our volunteers. They get to same interests, have the opportunity to talk about their passion and continue to learn through the continuing education program they take part in each year."

The application deadline for Northumberland, Snyder, Montour and Union counties is Friday, Feb. 28. Contact Lynn James at 570-988-3950 or email at Ljames@psu.edu for the application and brochure. Short interviews will be scheduled for final selection of volunteers for the training program. More information can also be found at http://extension.psu.edu/health.

MANDATA - The new geothermal climate control system in the Line Mountain Middle/High School has left some students feeling chilly.

At Tuesday night's board meeting, director David Scott Bartholomew informed his fellow board members he had taken calls from parents saying their children reported "freezing their butts off" in some of the classrooms.

"We pay a lot of money to run this school. Kids shouldn't have to wear their coats in class," he said.

Superintendent Dave Campbell said the classrooms in question were wood and metal shops at the northeast end of the building that have garage doors, higher ceilings and are more open than a normal classroom.

Naturally, it would take longer to heat those rooms compared to more closed classroom, he said.

Plus, it's a new system and it's still being adjusted to the needs of the school, he said.

"We just put a full system online, and it's only two rooms need balanced. For a geothermal system that's heating the whole building within a week and a half of coming online and going online, that's phenomenal," Campbell said.

It didn't help that one of the coldest times in recent memories hit either, he added.

"It's a perfect storm (for those classrooms)," he said.

Josh Bower, project manager from Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates, was not at the meeting to answer questions about the new system.

The middle-high school's heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) system was converted to geothermal this past year. In a geothermal HVAC system, glycol - a coolant similar to antifreeze - is distributed in and out of wells through a series of pipes and cycled through the building in a closed loop to either heat or cool the rooms, depending on the need.

About 100 wells were drilled in the parking lot between the school and the stadium. A geothermal system exists at Trevorton Elementary, too, where the wells are underneath the playground.

Campbell said the Mandata building is being adjusted faster and more efficiently than the Trevorton school did.

He also noted the cooling system would have to be balanced in the warmer months, and some classrooms might experience being too warm.

In other business, the board approved:

- The purchase of three Dell Desktop computers to complete the upgrades to the elementary classrooms a cost of $2,149.29.

- The resignations of Jill Yisrael as head field hockey coach effective Jan. 20, and Tara Werley as girls middle school basketball coach effective Jan. 22.

- The advertisement of a head field hockey coach, a boys head soccer coach, a girls middle school basketball coach and a cafeteria worker.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The man who crashed a school bus into a Shamokin home earlier this month is no longer driving Shamokin Area students.

The Shamokin Area School Board voted Tuesday to have Richard Startzel, 74, of 11 N. Seventh St., Shamokin, removed immediately from the approved driver list with busing contractor Marvin E. Klinger Inc.

Superintendent James Zack confirmed with the company Wednesday that Startzel has not driven a bus for the district since the Jan. 14 crash in the 600 block of Bear Valley Avenue.

No students were on the bus and no one was injured.

Startzel was driving a yellow 2010 International school bus north toward Shamokin about 6:40 a.m. en route to the Stonington area to pick up his first student when he lost control of the vehicle.

The bus struck a parked Nissan pickup truck and knocked over a tree before crashing through the exterior basement wall of 649 Bear Valley Ave. The impact also caused damage to neighboring homes at 647 and 651 Bear Valley Ave.

A natural gas line was ruptured and subsequently repaired.

The crash prompted a large response by emergency responders.

Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano said at the time he did not expect to file a citation against Startzel. An online docket search showed none had been filed as of Wednesday.

MILLERSBURG - State police are investigating a scam that uses a Millersburg man's identity as bait to sell fraudulent Super Bowl tickets on a popular online marketplace.

State police at Lykens are investigating identity theft involving a 58-year-old man from Millersburg, the victim of his whose name and story are being used to defraud those looking for tickets to Sunday's game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

According to police, the Millersburg man attended Super Bowl XLV in Dallas in 2011, when the temporary seats he purchased were condemned by local fire marshals.

The game was played at Cowboys Stadium and, according to CNN, stadium officials ran out of time to complete infrastructure-like railings and steps and to tighten risers on temporary seating areas that were added to boost attendance for the game.

The Millersburg man was one of 400 people affected, and his story was featured in a 2011 newspaper article.

As part of the National Football League's attempt to make up for the debacle, ticketholders were offered a choice of settlements - a refund of triple the face value of the tickets and free tickets to Super Bowl XLVI, or tickets to any future Super Bowl along with airfare and hotel accommodations.

Police believe the actor used this story and background to run the scam.

The scammer, posing as the Millersburg man, ran an ad on the Internet site craigslist trying to sell the tickets, but then doed not provide tickets after money is wired to the scammer.

Activities for the week of Feb. 3 to 7:

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, board games, puzzles or movie, 8:30 a.m.; executive board meeting, noon; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Walk a Mile, 9:30 a.m.; computer lessons, 9:30 a.m.; shopping at Boscov's, van leaves at 10 a.m., cost is $2; chronic disease workshop presented by Family Medical, noon to 2:30 p.m., healthy refreshments served.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. with menu being chipped beef on three slices of toast, coffee or tea, cost is $2.50 and you must sign up in advance; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; members meeting, 10:30 a.m.; dairy princess Ashley Wetzel speaking on different types of milking systems, noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.;

Friday - Morning cards, puzzles and board games, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Coffee and gab, 10 a.m.; exercise and games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Officers meeting, 10 a.m.; shopping trip to Fairlane Village Mall, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; favorite game show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m. Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Chit chat, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; members meeting withbingo to follow, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Morning coffee and the news, 9:30 a.m.; favorite game show, 11 a.m.; cosmetology trip to NCCTC, arriving at 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Coffee and gab, 10 a.m.; crossword puzzle, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Knitting, puzzles and noodle balloon in the morning; Family Medical blood pressure and blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; cards, noon; Bible study, 12:30 p.m.

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

Thursday - Wii competition between members, 10 a.m.; trio to NCCTC, ariving at 11:30 a.m., cost is $2 and you must be signed up; members meeting followed by bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii, puzzles and bean bag in the morning; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Wilburton Area

Monday - Movie "Groundhog Day" with popcorn and soda, 9:30 a.m.; shopping at Walmart on K-Cab, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Chair exercise with Carol; "Heart Healthy Tips" by Rose, 10 a.m.; valentine cratfs, 10:30 a.m.; Bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Trip to Panera Bread, leaving at 9 a.m.; advisory board meeting and voting for new members, 10 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Making your friends valentine cards, 9 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Center spring cleanup and organizing, please join in and help. Special lunch will be provided.

Elysburg

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

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

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon; members meeting at noon and this will also be donut day.

New membership cards for the year 2014 are here. Dues are $5 for the year, so please come in and renew a membership.

The center hopes to have someone from Central Susquehanna Opportunities once again this year to prepare federal and state income tax returns for senior citizens. For more information, call the center.

Trevorton

Monday - Chair exercise, 10 a.m.; making pillows for the children's hospital.

Tuesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; Unlucky 7s and 31, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Blood sugar screening by VNA, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Wii fit, 10 a.m.; Shopping at Weis Markets, noon.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; members meeting followed by cards or bingo, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Wii bowling, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; shopping at the Lycoming Mall, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

HARRISBURG - At the direction of Gov. Tom Corbett, PennDOT has extended a temporary waiver on travel time restrictions for commercial drivers to allow for continued smooth delivery of heating oil and propane gas to homes and businesses for heating purposes.

"Winter shows no signs of easing its barrage of bitterly cold weather, and we are extending the waiver to prevent any possibility of people being left without deliveries of fuel," said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch.

The waiver, first issued Jan. 10, extends the limits on hours of service for fuel delivery drivers. Drivers usually must take a mandatory rest period after 11 hours behind the wheel. Under the waiver, the limit for driving hours is extended to 14 hours.

Exemption is also granted from the requirements of the 60/70-hour limits rule. This rule requires drivers to stop driving upon accumulating 60 or 70 on-duty hours (including all on-duty and driving time) over a period of seven or eight consecutive days, respectively. Any period of seven or eight consecutive days may end with the beginning of any off-duty period of 34 or more consecutive hours.

The original waiver was to expire Jan. 25, but has now been extended through Feb. 11 or until the emergency conditions end.

KLINGERSTOWN - Fourteen people were left homeless when flames tore through an apartment building above the United States Post Office on Tuesday afternoon.

The fire at 88 Main St. was reported just after 2 p.m. and brought firefighters from Schuylkill County and surrounding communities to the scene.

The apartments were destroyed and the post office sustained smoke and water damage, fire officials said.

Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal Trooper John F. Burns said he determined the cause of the fire to be accidental.

Burns said the fire was electrical in nature and started in a second floor apartment occupied by Jason and Jeanne Miller and their four children.

According to the American Red Cross, Schuylkill Chapter, five families were left homeless by the fire.

In addition to the Millers, who were identified by Burns, the Red Cross said those homeless were residents of four apartments.

Two of those apartments were occupied by one adult each, another by an adult and a child and the fourth by two adults.

Jennifer LoConte, regional communications officer with the Red Cross, said the Miller family was provided with food, clothing and lodging while the remaining tenants provided with food and clothing.

When contacted Wednesday, LoConte was unable to identify those left homeless, citing Red Cross policy of not identifying clients.

Klingerstown Fire Company Chief Robert Masser was unable to be reached Wednesday to provide details as to what fire companies were called to the scene to assist.

No estimate of damage was available.

ASHLAND - Knights of Columbus Deputy Dave Shinskie met with K of C officers encompassing District 54 for a semi-annual meeting at Sarto Council 1322, Ashland, on Jan. 20.

The district is made up of councils from Ashland, Elysburg, Kulpmont, Mount Carmel and Shamokin. Recruitment, special programs and elections for 2013-14 were topics of discussion. Elysburg and Kulpmont councils were noted for having newly appointed financial secretaries.

Shinskie thanked the Rev. John Bambrick at St. Joseph's parish for use of the parish hall to conduct the meeting.

Those interested in membership must be Catholic men aged 18 or older. Contact a local council for information and to apply.

WILLIAMSPORT - A federal judge has granted summary judgment to the city of Shamokin and several police officers in a lawsuit brought by a woman who accused them of excessive force and false imprisonment in a nine-year battle over the theft of a safe.

In an order filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, all but two of the claims made by Donna Deitrick, of Shamokin, were dismissed in the 2006 lawsuit by U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann, eliminating any charges of unlawful arrest and unlawful detention, municipal liablity, false imprisonment and arrest, assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy.

He allowed excessive force claims against Patrolmen Mark Costa and William Miner to proceed in the case.

The order dismissed all claims against current Patrolman William Zalinski, the late Richard Nichols, who was the former police chief, and former special officer Robert Searls.

The case stems from strange turn of events in 2004 in which Deitrick alleged her then-estranged husband, Robert Yoncuski, and his cohorts stole valuables from a safe in her West Cameron Township home. All the defendants named in the suit are accused of conspiring to taking $300,000 in cash and $500,000 in jewelry and coins belonging to Deitrick and her brother, Kenneth Dietrick, though Deitrick said the amount was closer to $4 million.

Robert Yoncuski, who was divorced from Deitrick in June 2007, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft in August 2010 and was sentenced to seven years probation, $1,000 in fines and $100,000 in restitution.

According to the original court filing in 2006, Deitrick claimed she was unlawfully detained by police Aug. 13, 2004, and her vehicle impounded so other defendants named in the suit, Robert Yoncuski, Jane Acri, Linda Long, Vanessa Long Yoncuski, Jeff and Marianna Adams, of Dornsife, Kevin Balascik, of Sunbury, Thomas Yoncuski, of Trevorton, James Brown, of Shamokin, and Dennis Moore, of Shamokin, could come to Deitrick's home and steal the safe and valuables.

On Aug. 16, when Deitrick came to the station to retrieve her vehicle, she alleged, she was physically attacked by her ex-husband's new girlfriend, Vanessa Long. When trying to separate them, Nichols allegedly put Deitrick in a choke hold. Deitrick said she was then unlawfully arrested and violently thrown into a prison cell by Costa and Miner.

Deitrick said she was having difficultly breathing following the altercation at the police station. She said she told her brother, while she was being placed under arrest, she may need medical attention. She said she was not resisting arrest and was dragged to a holding cell by Costa and Miner, an account corroborated by two witnesses.

"In contrast, the officers present at the scene allege that Deitrick became increasingly agitated when informed she would be cited for disorderly conduct, and actively resisted the defendants verbal commands when they attempted to escort her to another room," Arbuckle wrote.

In making his decision, Brann referred to a 47-page report and recommendations filed in July by U.S. Magisterial District Judge William Arbuckle, who wrote about the issue of the police department's defense of qualified immunity, the practice that government officials are shielded from liability for civil damages if their actions did not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known.

Arbuckle said the city was justified in the realm of qualified immunity, except in the case of Costa and Miner's use of excessive force, because it was not clear if Deitrick was making any attempt to resist arrest at the time.

Brann remanded the case back to Arbuckle for any further proceedings.

Lawyer issues

Deitrick claims in court filings that she has not had any dealings with her attorney, Peter G. Loftus, of Waverly, in the last six months, despite the court ordering him to contact her.

The court records show two letters sent to the court administrators from Deitrick complaining about Loftus.

"I have been trying to contact Mr. Loftus now for over two months," Deitrick wrote on Dec. 19. "His office is listed for sale and his current listed phone number has been disconnected. I have no legal representation because of his issue, and I am requesting advice or the next step since Mr. Loftus seems indisposed at the moment."

Because of the binding contract she has with her attorney, Deitrick said she cannot execute any court documents.

On Dec. 23, Arbuckle ordered Loftus to contact Deitrick and report to the court the results of that contact.

On Jan. 7, Deitrick faxed another letter to court administrators, stating Loftus had not followed the order.

"It has been six months since I have heard from him. My friend and I tried to call him at this office everyday until the phone service was disconnected, and his office has thus been sold," Deitrick wrote. "Attorney Loftus has all my files and everything in regard to my case. I need your advice to know if I can retain other legal counsel."

Deitrick ends the letter by saying she hoped no part of her suit was dismissed because of this.

SUNBURY - A 20-year-old criminal justice major charged with homicide by vehicle in connection with a friend's death is finding out the hard way how the legal system works in his attempt to avoid a conviction and prison sentence.

Hasan Mustafa Abuomar, of 239 S. Hickory St., Mount Carmel, was held for court Wednesday afternoon by Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum on multiple charges, including felonies of homicide by vehicle and aggravated assault by vehicle (two counts), and a misdemeanor of involuntary manslaughter, after two survivors of the July 16 crash along Snydertown Road in Upper Augusta Township testified he grabbed the steering wheel of a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire driven by Marcelle R. Barber, 18,of Mount Carmel, shortly before it went out of control and landed on its roof.

Barber was killed in the 12:45 a.m. crash.

The defendant, who pleaded not guilty to all the charges, remains free on bail.

He waived his right to formal arraignment in the Court of Common Pleas and was ordered to appear for a pre-trial conference at 1:15 p.m. March 7 at the conclusion of his one-hour preliminary hearing that also included testimony from the arresting officer.

Tyler Karycki, then 21, of Mount Carmel, testified that all four friends were riding around in his vehicle in Mount Carmel and stopped in the Town Park area before traveling to Sheetz in Elysburg. Karycki, who was driving, said the group then returned to Mount Carmel so Barber could get her license and drive the car.

The witness said the foursome then rode along Snydertown Road with Barber as the driver.

Karycki said he was sitting in the passenger front seat, while Bailey was seated in the rear behind Barber, and Abuomar was sitting in the back passenger side of the car.

Imitating driving style

The witness recalled dropping food on the floor and going to retrieve it when he felt the car shaking before hearing Barber scream. "When I looked up, both Marcel and Hasan had the wheel and the car was out of control," he said.

Karycki said he remembered Abuomar telling Barber before he grabbed the wheel with his right hand, "You got to do it like a man."

He assumed the remark was made in reference to Barber imitating Abuomar's driving style.

The witness estimated that Abuomar had his hand on the wheel for more than 10 seconds but less than a minute. Karycki said he attempted to help Barber steady the vehicle, but it exited the right side of the road, slid across both lanes and rolled onto its driver's side before coming to rest on its roof.

"The next thing I knew we were upside down," Karycki said.

Karycki, who suffered injuries to his head and knee and lacerations on his arms, legs and shoulders, said he was able to exit the car through a back window and spotted Abuomar and Bailey outside the car, but did not recall seeing Barber.

He recalled the passengers walking to a nearby house for assistance and later remembered asking Abuomar what he did. He said Abuomar replied, "I don't know. I'm sorry."

Karycki said he also recalled Abuomar, who also was injured in the accident, telling Barber's father in Town Park after the accident that he grabbed the steering wheel and was sorry for his actions.

Under cross examination by defense attorney Kymberley Best of Sunbury, Karycki said he and Barber had been dating on and off and were attempting to get back together when the accident occurred.

He denied fighting with Barber that evening and said none of the occupants of the car was drinking alcohol.

When asked by Best if anyone was smoking marijuana earlier in the evening, Karycki said yes. Karycki, who said Barber was not smoking marijuana, then invoked his Fifth Amendment rights by not incriminating himself after Apfelbaum explained to him that he didn't have to answer Best's question.

First assistant district attorney Ann Targonski objected several times to the relevance of Best's questions pertaining to Karycki's relationship with Barber and implications that alcohol or drugs were involved in the accident. But Apfelbaum overruled most of the objections and allowed Best to proceed with her right to explore the facts of the case.

Bailey corroborated most of Karycki's testimony.

'Do it like a man'

She told the court that Barber was acting like Abuomar when "jerking" the vehicle and that the defendant grabbed the wheel after telling the driver, "If you are going to do it, do it like a man."

She said the accident occurred about 20 seconds after Abuomar grabbed the wheel with his hand.

Bailey was partially ejected from the car and suffered a broken neck, lacerated spleen, broken ribs and several lacerations on her torso, hands and face.

She claimed Abuomar grabbed the wheel more than once before the accident.

The witness said she initially didn't tell state police right away about Abuomar grabbing the steering wheel because she didn't want anybody to get in trouble.

She also invoked her Fifth Amendment rights when Best questioned her about smoking marijuana. She did say Barber was not smoking marijuana.

Trooper Mark Adams of state police at Stonington, who filed the charges in the case, said he obtained information at the accident scene about where each of the occupants was seated and determined through the investigation that no alcohol or drugs affected the driver's ability to operate the vehicle.

Adams said he filed the charges earlier this month after obtaining additional information about the fatality.

'Unfortunate teenage accident'

Apfelbaum denied motions by co-defense counsel Timothy Bowers to dismiss the charges of aggravated assault by vehicle, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person.

Bowers, who pointed out that three different people had their hands on the steering wheel before the crash, described the incident as an "unfortunate teenage accident."

Apfelbaum agreed, calling the fatality a "very sad situation."

Best and Bowers both expressed sympathy for Barber's family, but feel they have a strong defense.

"We can't ruin his (Abuomar) future by taking a plea because we don't feel he's to blame for the accident," Best said. "We intend to go to trial."

The defense attorney said her client, who is a full-time criminal justice major at Luzerne County Community College, has no prior criminal record.

Abuomar's father, Mustafa Abuomar, of Mount Carmel, who attended Wednesday's hearing in support of his son, declined comment after the proceeding, as did several family members of the accident victims.

Barber and Bailey graduated from Mount Carmel Area High School in June and Karycki and Abuomar graduated from the school in 2011.

Barber was employed as a hostess at Mattucci's Willow Cafe in Mount Carmel.

WEST CHESTER - Taylor Getty, of Mount Carmel, a sophomore at West Chester University majoring in pre-pharmaceutical development, was named to the dean's list for the fall semester with a 3.94 grade-point average.

A 2012 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, she is a daughter of Bret and the late Leanne Getty, and a granddaughter of Gerald and Pauline Getty and Michael and Sylvia Boslego.

ATLAS - President Cindy Saukitis opened the monthly meeting of the Carmelite 50-Plus Club in January, and greeted the seven members and officers who attended. The group recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the Senior Adult Ministry prayer and St. Mother Pauline's prayer. They sang the 50-Plus song and a verse of "America."

The group said a prayer for the deceased and sick members of the club and for the safety of our troops, and a special prayer for Tina Connor's sister and brother-in-law.

Saukitis gave a short report on last month's meeting, the Christmas party, due to secretary Maria Kaminski being absent. Albert Visitainer gave the treasurer's report, which was approved on a motion by Arlene Terry and seconded by Connor and made available for audit.

All present paid their dues for the year. The 50/50 drawings were won by Terry and Kaminski.

The next meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at Village Towne Restaurant. Jean Dunkelberger gave money for next month's dessert.

On a motion by Dunkelberger, seconded by Evelyn Milewski, the meeting was adjourned and the members played bingo.