STRONG - An accident at the Strong Connector Wednesday morning involving a car, pickup truck and van was attributed to icy road conditions, but police were unable to provide specific details or the identities of the occupants.

Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush reported Patrolman Brian Carnuccio is still investigating the 8:30 a.m. accident at the busy intersection of Routes 61 and 54 that forced traffic to be re-routed for about an hour.

The chief said a red Sierra truck, a Jetta and full-sized Ford van were involved in the accident that occurred as sleet pelted the area.

Hollenbush, who was en route to Sunbury with Mount Carmel Chief of Police Todd Owens to pick up inmates at the county jail for their preliminary hearings before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, said, "It was a sheet of ice up here. The driving conditions were terrible."

He said police are still trying to determine how the accident occurred. The chief said the van contained license plates from three states, which has hampered efforts to identify the owner. He said other factors have hindered efforts to obtain an accurate account of the crash and the identities of the victims.

According to unconfirmed reports, the van went out of control and landed on a snowbank atop a guardrail along Route 54 facing Locust Gap. The pickup truck and car reportedly collided almost head-on in the southbound lane of Route 61.

Hollenbush said one of the victims complained of chest pain at the scene, while two others suffered facial lacerations from the deployment of air bags. He did not know if any of the occupants was transported to a hospital, but confirmed that none of the injuries were serious.

All three vehicles were towed from the scene by Dave's Auto Body of Shady Acres.

The scene was cleared at 9:42 a.m.

Assisting Mount Carmel Township police at the scene were Strong firefighters, Mount Carmel Area Rescue Squad, East End Fire Company of Kulpmont, AREA Services personnel and Mount Carmel police.

A Coal Township family is increasing their efforts to raise awareness and funds for March of Dimes, an organization that funds research and programs to help newborn babies and their mothers.

Laurie and Dan Krebs and their 2-year-old daughter, Kyleigh, are an ambassador family for the organization and will re-form Kyleigh's Krawlers, a walking team for March for Babies, a charitable three-mile walking event that will be held May 4 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. The event is March of Dimes' largest fundraiser.

The Krebs have stressed that March of Dimes was a blessing as they struggled through the loss of their newborn son, Landon, and the life and death struggle of his twin sister, Kyleigh, after they were born three months premature on Nov. 2, 2011.

Kyleigh has fully recovered after suffering through a variety of medical issues, all while living the first 59 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, Danville.

As ambassadors for March of Dimes, Laurie and Dan visit local hospitals, including Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, and Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital, to speak to families on behalf of the organization. The Krebs share their story of how March of Dimes organized various functions, including a pizza party and family portraits, for families whose children were in the NICU. The events, the Krebs say, help families cope through difficult times.

"We have made some appearances to give recognition for what they do," Laurie Krebs said. "We spread the story with other families and community, to explain why we are so supportive with March of Dimes."

To help spread the word, the Krebses will also serve as guest speakers and lead walkers at March for Babies. Their team also set a goal to raise $1,500, which will go to the regional March for Dimes. Last year, the team raised $4,500.

"We were overwhelmed by support. People donated left and right," Laurie said of last year's team. "It's nice to see so many people care."

To help kick off this year's event, a $15 night will be held 6 p.m. April 19 at the Red Men Club, Market Street, Shamokin. The event includes entertainment by R.A.T.L. and all-you-can-eat food and drink.

Religion, homosexuality is topic

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

The program, titled "God and Gays: An Hour of Civil Conversation," features the filmed stories of Jeff Chu, author of "Does Jesus Really Love Me? A Gay Christian's Pilgrimage in Search of God in America," and Christopher Yuan, author of "Out of a Far Country."

Yuan, now HIV-positive and a professor at Moody Bible Institute, shares his story of finding a Christian faith and wrestling with his sexuality as a gay man.

Chu, after crisscrossing America speaking with a wide range of Christian groups, said, "I'd be lying if I said faith was easy for me now. There are days I believe Jesus loves me, and every single part of me. And there are days when I doubt that."

Participants will have the opportunity to discuss issues relating to homosexuality and faith in a safe, caring environment.

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.

SUNBURY - Penn State Extension-Northumberland County is inviting walkers to join them on a scenic virutal tour of scenic Route 6.

The program, part of Everybody Walk Across PA, will invite teams to join together as they walk, over a one-month period, the 403-mile length of Pennsylvania Route 6, which traverses the state and runs through 11 counties.

Walkers will join a team which they can walk together or at their own at a time and place convenient for them. At the end of each week, the team captain will report the mileage each person walked and everyone will receive updates on the progress as they "virtually" move across the state.

To meet the goal, each person will need to average walking or exercising 10 miles per week.

During the event, which runs from March 31 to May 25. Along the route, participants will receive tips on buying, eating and using fruits and vegetables, especially those grown in Pennsylvania, and fun information about the towns along Route 6 and prizes will be offered at the end.

Penn State Extension hopes to offer not only nutritional tips and fun facts, but to show that moderate activity, such as walking, is shown to reduce stress and fatigue, increase mental awareness, improve cardiovascular function and strengthen bones.

When combined with healthy eating, walking can help to reduce or maintain body weight and reduce the incidence of many chronic diseases.

For more information, or to register, contact senior extension educator Lynn James at 570-988-3950 or by email at Ljames@psu.edu, or by visiting the website at http://extension.psu.edu/health/events/everybody-walk-across-pa

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court April 28 in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Khaalid Abudul Muhammad, 21, of 235 W. Willow St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of providing false identification to law enforcement authorities, disorderly conduct and underage drinking involving a Nov. 2 incident in the first block of East Independence Street.

Muhammad is charged by Shamokin Cpl. Darwin Tobias III with providing a false date of birth to police and consuming alcohol inside Tiffany's Lounge when he was only 20. He also is accused of shoving a girl into garbage cans and a parking meter and attempting to grab her keys, causing injury to her fingers.

Muhammad also waived to court charges of delivery of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver and criminal use of a communication facility relating to a Sept. 3 incident in Shamokin.

The charges were filed by Agent David Jordan of the state Attorney General's Office.

n William C. Slusser, 42, of 132 Main St., Apt. 3A, Bloomsburg, waived to court charges of driving under the influence and a number of traffic violations filed Trooper Justin Rosboschil of state police at Stonington involving a Dec. 27 traffic stop near the intersection of Route 61 (Sunbury Street) and North Shamokin Street in Shamokin.

n Stephen M. Hornberger, 28, of Kulpmont, waived to court a charge of theft by unlawful taking filed by Coal Township Patrolman Chad Yoder.

Hornberger is accused of stealing a nail gun owned by Dennis Kodack from 1645 Tioga St. Jan. 12.

Hornberger also waived to court a charge of receiving stolen property filed by Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver in connection with a Jan. 12 incident at Turkey Hill Minit Market on Lincoln Street in which he attempted to sell Kodack's nail gun.

n David Balonis, 54, of Strong, waived to court a charge of retail theft by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga. He is accused of stealing $815.60 in merchandise from Walmart Supercenter along Route 61 between Dec. 10 and Dec. 19.

n Eric J. Weikel, 33, of 1321 W. Spruce St., Coal Township, waived to court felonies of burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal trespass filed by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan.

Weikel is accused of stealing valuables and approximately $1,000 in cash from the residence of his uncle, Rick Weikel, of 515 Kulp Ave., on Nov. 8.

n Charges of aggravated assault, harassment, possessing instruments of a crime and simple assault filed by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Henrich against Heather Slovinsky, 38, of 1127 W. Montgomery St., Coal Township, were dismissed.

Slovinsky was accused of stabbing her boyfriend, Nathan Jones, 48, in the right thigh at her residence Jan. 18.

n Marc A. Tisdale, 27; Matthew McElhone, 42; and his daughter, Ashley McElhone, 19, all of 819 N. Rock St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to a summary charge of harassment and were ordered to pay fines and costs. An additional charge of simple assault was withdrawn against each defendant.

The trio were charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II in connection with an Oct. 27 altercation at their residence.

n Timothy Hamm, 28, and Macey Hamm, 21, both of Monroeton, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct and were each ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.

Charges of retail theft and criminal conspiracy to commit retail theft were withdrawn.

The Hamms were charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga with removing $196.04 worth of merchandise from Walmart Supercenter along Route 61 on Nov. 23.

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - No serious injuries were reported Wednesday morning in a two-vehicle, weather-related accident on Route 54 near the intersection with Catman Hollow Road.

Ralpho Township police reported Logan Anderson, 19, of Wynn School Road, Elysburg, was driving west on Route 54 shortly after 10 a.m. when he lost control of his car on the slush-covered highway. Anderson's vehicle then crossed into the eastbound lanes and struck a sport utility vehicle operated by Christine A. Beasley, 43, of Hower Road, Danville.

Anderson was treated for a head injury by Elysburg paramedics at the scene. Beasley and her passenger, Sherry Achey, of Hower Road, Danville, were not injured.

An ambulance was summoned to assist a pregnant woman who was in labor and was delayed in traffic on Route 54 as a result of the crash. The woman was not involved in the accident. She was in a vehicle that had been stuck in traffic near All Saints Road, more than one mile uphill from the scene of the crash.

Assisting police at the scene were firefighters, paramedics and fire police from Elysburg and PennDOT employees.

Route 54 was closed for approximately 45 minutes to clear the vehicles and ice from the scene.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court April 28 in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Brandon R. Reed, 20, of Shenandoah, and Dana M. Rupinski, 19, of 534 Columbia Ave., Aristes, waived to court charges of possession with intent to deliver heroin, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of heroin. Reed, who refused to submit to chemical testing, also waived to court charges of driving under the influence of a controlled substance or combination of drugs and driving under suspension.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Officer David Stamets Jr. in connection with a Feb. 12 incident on Willow and Wood streets.

n Susan R. Boylan, 53, of 750 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, pleaded guilty to harassment and was ordered to pay a fine and costs totaling $456. Two counts of disorderly conduct and a charge of scattering rubbish were withdrawn.

The charges were filed by Kulpmont Police Chief Michael Pitcavage in connection with a Jan. 20 disturbance at Boylan's residence.

n Asa Daniel Brewer, 37, of Winchester, Va., pleaded guilty to criminal trespass and disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay fines totaling $1,000 plus costs and placed on supervised probation for 12 months.

Two counts of criminal conspiracy and one count of recklessly endangering another person were withdrawn.

The charges filed by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Keith Tamborelli relate to July 1, 2012, incidents on property owned by Susquehanna Coal Company near Arcos Road off Route 54.

MOUNT CARMEL - An Ashland man charged earlier this month with drug offenses following a vehicle stop in Locust Gap was released from prison on unsecured bail several hours after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

James Anthony Fetterolf, 25, of 1835 Walnut St., was set free after Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones agreed to modify his $50,000 cash bail to unsecured supervised bail.

Fetterolf, who was represented by county special conflicts counsel Sue Schwartz, waived felonies of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy, and misdemeanors of possession with intent to use a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

The defendant thanked the judge for modifying his bail and briefly talked to his mother, Cindi Fetterolf, after the hearing. Cindi Fetterolf, who patiently waited in the lobby for the legal proceeding to begin, spoke with arresting officer David Stamets Jr. of Mount Carmel Township police prior to the hearing and conferred with Schwartz afterward.

Jones ordered Fetterolf to appear for plea court at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury April 28.

A co-defendant, Joseph Francis Boblick, 34, of 136 Railroad St., Locust Gap, wasn't as lucky as his friend when Jones denied a request from assistant public defender Paige Rosini to modify his $50,000 cash bail and recommitted him to the county jail.

Boblick waived to court the same charges filed against Fetterolf and additional offenses of driving under the influence of a controlled substance and unlawful activities.

He was ordered to appear for a pre-trial conference April 4 at the courthouse.

According to a criminal complaint, Stamets was on routine patrol in the 100 block of Railroad Street in Locust Gap Feb. 10 when he observed a dark blue Subaru Impreza STI owned by Aaron Profit, who is wanted for a felony warrant of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Stamets watched three men who entered the vehicle leave the village and drive east on Route 901.

Stamets identified the driver as Boblick, who was wanted on domestic incident charges. Fetterolf and David Pellowski, of Mount Carmel, were later identified as the passengers, police said.

When Stamets pulled the vehicle over near Patterson Hardscape and Supply Co., he noticed Boblick was moving and shifting around in the vehicle.

Boblick was made aware that he's wanted on the domestic incident charges and was told to exit the vehicle. Boblick handed the car keys to Stamets and informed the officer the car belonged to Profit.

Police said Boblick refused to submit to chemical blood testing.

When Stamets put the keys in the ignition, he noticed a glass tube with a broken end and brown tar-like substance inside the tube.

Kulpmont Police Chief Michael Pitcavage, who assisted with the incident, saw a glass crack pipe sticking out from Fetterolf's right jeans pocket. Pitcavage said he found a 10-pack bag of needles, five hypodermic needles, a pipe containing burned and unburned marijuana, a black change purse containing six bags of heroin and a bag of bath salts in Fetterolf's other pockets.

Another bag of heroin was found in Fetterolf's pocket when he was searched at the police station, police said.

The complaint stated that four bags of heroin, four empty bags, a pink plastic bag containing white powder and another small clear bag were found on Pellowski, who has not yet been charged in the ongoing investigation.

Stamets said additional charges will be filed in the case.

Ice slows transport

Boblick and Fetterolf were among five inmates from the county prison transported to and from their hearings by Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush and Mount Carmel Chief of Police Todd Owens.

It took the chiefs approximately 2 1/2 hours to pick up the prisoners in Sunbury and travel to Mount Carmel due to icy road conditions caused by sleet. Their trip was further delayed by accidents on Route 54 in Ralpho Township and the intersection of Routes 61 and 54 in Strong (see separate stories).

Owens and Hollenbush voiced their frustration over transporting inmates to their hearings, especially in inclement weather.

"This is nonsense," lamented Hollenbush. "It took us 2 1/2 hours to get here."

Owens added, "I don't feel comfortable assuming liability for the borough, township or prisoners in the event we get in an accident. We have the proper infrastructure in place now to have hearings via video and I think we should use that resource more often, especially during snow or ice storms."

Owens said he plans to discuss with Jones the possibility of conducting more hearings by video.

Defendants have a right to go before a judge in person for their arraignments and hearings, but they can also elect to have them done by video.

MOUNT CARMEL - Preliminary hearings were continued Wednesday for two men questioned in the shooting of a Milton woman.

Rafael Diroche and Esteven Soto are jailed on gun and drug charges following their arrests Feb. 8 hours after doctors discovered Salicia Yost had been shot in the head.

A passer-by found Yost, 20, alone inside a vehicle registered out of state that appeared to have crashed into a snow pile along Irish Valley Road, three miles north of Shamokin. After the bullet wound was confirmed with police, an attempted homicide investigation was launched.

The charges against Diroche and Soto stem from that investigation. While both were questioned, neither man nor anyone else has been charged with shooting Yost.

Yost remained in critical condition Wednesday at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Diroche and Soto are set to appear for rescheduled preliminary hearings March 5 before Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones. The latest continuance was reportedly sought due to the ongoing attempted homicide investigation and also to allow time to obtain additional discovery evidence. The hearings have twice been continued from the original date of Feb. 12.

Diroche, 28, of 250 S. Poplar St., Apt. 3, Mount Carmel, faces two felony weapons charges after he was allegedly found in possession of a small-caliber revolver when searched by police outside his apartment. He is represented by Paige Rosini of the public defender's office.

A search of Diroche's residence allegedly turned up two additional revolvers along with narcotics packaged for resale inside a bedroom that police said was occupied by Soto, 30, of 1752 Walton Ave., 6A, Bronx, N.Y. He is represented by Susan Schwartz, special conflicts counsel.

Both men are convicted felons and are restricted from possessing a firearm, according to police.

They remain jailed on $250,000 cash bail - Diroche at Snyder County Prison, Selinsgrove, and Soto at Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury.

Investigators have been tight-lipped and a state police public information officer is saying little outside of confirming that the investigation continues.

It's not clear where Yost was when she was shot or if she was alone in the vehicle the whole time prior to having been discovered.

Information contained in search warrants and criminal complaints allege Diroche and Yost were observed together on surveillance footage at a Lewisburg convenience store where Yost works the day before the shooting.

Police also claim Diroche and Yost were in contact through text messages and phone calls about illegal narcotics and about meeting up on Irish Valley Road.

The search warrants targeted the 2013 Chevy Sonic in which Yost was discovered along with Diroche's apartment and his 1994 Honda Accord EX, as well as Yost's cell phone and a laptop computer.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Treasurer Kevin P. Gilroy issued a reminder to dog owners that 2014 licenses are now overdue. He estimated that more than 4,500 dogs in the county are still not licensed.

Licenses must be renewed each year by Jan. 1 regardless of when the dog owner purchased the previous year's license. Licenses are valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of each year.

State law mandates that all dogs 3 months of age and older must have a current year license. Absence of a license puts the owner at risk of a fine of $300, plus court costs, per dog, that could be assessed by the dog warden.

The fee is $6.45 for each spayed or neutered dog and $8.45 for other dogs. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may purchase a license for $4.45 for spayed or neutered dogs and $6.45 for others. Lifetime licenses are only available at the treasurer's office.

All dogs and non-feral cats three months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies. Booster vaccinations must be administered periodically to maintain lifelong immunity.

Gilroy said dog wardens are canvassing the county using PADogLicense.com. They could be visiting any neighborhood at any time to verify dogs are licensed and properly vaccinated.

Dog owners can apply for, pay for and print their dog licenses online at www.padoglicense.com. There is a $2 service fee per license. When you purchase your dog license online, the dog is immediately legal. Dog owners will also receive email notifications to renew the license ast the end of the year. The dog's metal tags are mailed by the treasurer's office the same day.

Dog owners may also stop by the treasurer's office at 399 S. Fifth St., Sunbury, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. If applying by mail, send a completed dog application with the proper fee and signed by the dog owner with check made payable to "Northumberland County Treasurer." Those who no longer have the dogs should contact the office at 570-988-4161 so records can be adjusted.

Gilroy also pointed out that if a licensed dog is lost, the ownermay go to www.palostdogs.com and post the dog's photo and information for free.

Southern Columbia Area High School

CATAWISSA RR - Southern Columbia Area High School has announced its distinguished and regular honor rolls for the second marking period of the 2013-2014 school year.

To be named to the distinguished honor roll, a student must achieve a marking period average of 95 percent or higher. To be named to the honor roll, a student must achieve a marking period average between 88 to 94.99 percent.

Distinguished Honors

Grade 9 - Phoebe Bridy, Elizabeth Bryden, Alexis Burd. Miranda Gipple, Claudia Girardi, Carter Houseknecht, Daniel Hulsizer, Todd Lane, Lindsay Lindenmuth, Marc Malkoskie, Mary Scopelliti, Angeli Sen, Tricia Shufeldt, Brianna Snyder, Shane Tripp, Isaac Wynn, Marc Yeager and Cameron Young.

Grade 10 - Ahmed Abdul-Al, Lena Becker, Casey Bernhard, Olivia Bodner, Kayla Broscious, Gabriella Delbo, Olivia Greene, Abigail Herr, Nicholas Jessick, Blair Johnston, Zsofia Kandrot, Tyler Keiser, Katherine Koschoff-Rapkin, Haley Levan, Blake Marks, Elyse Noll, Mackenna Shively, Ryan Stimer and Bradley Whyne.

Grade 11 - Grayson Belles, Tia Billig, Trent Donlan, Dustin Durovick, Alexandra Evans, Kasey Fabian, Natalie George, Samantha Gregorowicz, Connor Houseknecht, Steven Hricenak, Katelin Ivey, Seth Joseph, Thomas Marinelli, Ryan Matukaitis, Adam Mommo, Kyle Mostik, Julia Mudrock, Brady Petrovich, Luke Rarig, Victoria Ring, Anthony Rodriguez, Jacob Ryan, Samantha Schultz, Kirstein Sharrow, Alyssa Stavinski, Connor Swank, Vanessa Thomas, Adam Weissert, John Wilson and Madison Yocum.

Grade 12 - Mackenzie Brouse, Anne Bryden, Mackenzie Clark, Justin Ernest, Nathan Hunter, Carissa Jones, Lauren Kerstetter, Racquel Kreischer, Jensen Kremser, Nathaniel Leiby, Matthew Lupold, Stephanie Myers, Cody Olson, Allen Potter, Gabrielle Scherer, Sabyasachi Sen, Teanna Shutt, Anne Snyder, Amber Srednicki, Madelyn Stabinski, Andrew Steely and Michael Willhoit.

Honor roll

Grade 9 - Jacob Bainbridge, Alana Bendas, Noah Bloom, Leo Bradley, Noah Brecht, Shane Casey, William Clark, Zachary Consentino, Hailey Cooper, Howard Cowell, Nicholas Fetterman, Francesca Forti, Dylan Gatrell, Matthew Haupt, Jessica Henrichs, Garrett Henry, Elliot Hicks, Lauryn Hower, Samantha Jankowski, Dominick Kandrot, Sabin Laskoski, Ryan Lichtel, Sarah Lupatsky, Kyla Madara, James McHugh, Drew Michaels, Curtis Mommo, Julia Moyle, Erika Patrick, Christina Podpora, Wesley Powell, Raevin Rosenbaum, Dylan Ryan, Jacob Santor, Deryn Seltzer, Brian Sevison, Danielle Smith, Brooke Sudol, Ryley Wetzel, Hunter Whitmoyer, Aliyah Wilk and Justin Woods.

Grade 10 - Jessica Adamski, Nicholas Becker, Matthew Bell, Tristan Benware, Alexandria Brown, Dustin Chaundy, Gabriel Delbo, Gregory Delbo, Jackson Dorey, Jadyn Dunkelberger, Kaylee Durovick, Emily Eck, Abby Fleishauer, Hunter Flore, Shylynn Flowers, Hannah Gratti, Megan Greenwalt, Mackenzie Haladay, Stephanie Haupt, Aiyona Hayman, Robert Hergan, Gregory Hidlay, Shalyn Kashner, Maggie Kushner, Elizabeth Lieberman, Caitlyn McKinley, Lon Morris, Amara Nazario, Jillian Oley, Natalia Oliveri, Jacob Potter, Regan Roadarmel, Jordyn Ryzner, Hannah Sage, Nathan Smith, Matthew Srednicki, Stephen Toczylousky, Mitchell Tyson, Adam Unger, Rachelle Viruet, Alexys Yannes and Samantha Yeick.

Grade 11 - Jared Brezinski, Valerie Burkoski, Bailey Carl, Mitchell Carl, Noah Carl, Brandon Ciocco, Samantha Clark, Kessler Crowl, Rose-Ellen Fahringer, Lauren Gedman, Matthew Gregorowicz, Rebecca Harder, Allison Honabach, Michael Klebon, Stephen Knouse, Kent Lane, Megan Lunger, Anthony McKenney, Kailey Morris, Michael Newton, Bradley Noll, Miranda Payeskie, Julia Podpora, Cole Roadarmel, Samantha Romania, William Schu, Trystanne Toczylousky, Adriana Townsend, Jacob Trathen, Brandon Weaver, Austin Wilcox and Lauren Yeick.

Grade 12 - Nathan Beagle, Nina Benner, Reba Broadfield, Bailey Bzdak, Amanda Consentino, Alexandra Cove, Brandon Cox, Aaron Crawford, Shannon Daubert, Robert Delbo, Brittany Duncan, Janelle Erdman, Adam Feudale, Sarah Fisher, Angelo Forti, John Gennaria, Jenna Gutekunst, Tessa Haines, Sarah Harder, Kristina Hartranft, Ashley Hill, Patrik Jarvelin, Samantha Jeffrey, Alicia Kirwin, Katelyn Klinger, Kathryn Knause, Jonathan Kofskie, Tegan Kriebel, Grayson Krieger, Max Kushner, McKenna Lupold, Rebekah Lyash, Madalyn Marzeski, Megan McHugh, Avory Pantalone, Alexis Piez, Christian Rutkoski, Kara Scull, Brett Shepard, Marjorie Sherwood, Hannah Snyder, Garett Sosnoski, John Stanishefski, Beau Tamanini, Samantha Thomas, Celeste Van Horn, Molly Van Wieren, Angela Vought, Jessica Watkins, Kc Welkom, Tristan Williams and Erin Yoder.

Shamokin- Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, board games, puzzle or movie, 8:30 a.m.; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; computer lessons; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; bridge, noon; chronic disease workshop by Family Medical, noon to 2:30 p.m., healthy refreshments will be served.

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

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

March 13 will be a special luncheon made by NCCTC students. menu includes lasagna, tossed salad, garlic bread, cream puffs, coffee and tea. Cost is $6 and you must sign up in advance.

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. Sign up for lunch at Harry's by today.

Tuesday - Morning cup of coffee, 9:30 a.m.; favorite TV 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.; reminiscing game, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Morning coffee and the news, 9:30 a.m.; lunch at Harry's, 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Coffee and gab, 10 a.m.; exercise and games, 10:30 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 bean bag in the morning; Wii-cards, noon.

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

Thursday - Wii competition between members, 10 a.m.; alphabet game and walk the halls after lunch; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; appetizer and dip day, you must participate in the activity.

Friday - Wii, knitting, puzzles and noodle balloon in the morning; lunch at the Independence Fire Company, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Wilburton

Monday - Wii bowling game and Pokeno game, 10 a.m.; dominoes and games.

Tuesday - Center is closed for carpool to Bloomsburg for lunch and trip to see "The Monuments Men" movie.

Wednesday - Peanut butter and jelly, toast and coffee, 9 a.m.; bell ringers practice, 10 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m..

Thursday - Coffee, snacks and conversation, 9 a.m.; "Senior Winter Safety tips" by Rose, 10 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Carpool for a lunch out at the Morris Restaurant, west of Bloomsburg.

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.

We hope 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, please call the center.

Trevorton

Monday - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; Family Medical on their service and therapy, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; shopping at Walmart, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; evening card party, 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Making pierogies; no evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Making pierogies if needed; beanbag toss, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; games, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, 10:30 a.m.; mahjong, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Impulse

Scheduled to open 2015

Steel

Top height: approximately 100 feet

Top speed: around 56 mph

Track length: 2,000 feet

Flying Turns

Opened Oct. 5, 2013

Wood bobsled ride

Top height: 48 feet

Top speed: around 24 mph

Track length: 1,300 feet

Black Diamond

Opened Oct. 8, 2011

Indoor steel

Top speed: n/a

Track length: n/a

Kozmo's Kurves

Opened Aug. 1, 2009.

Children's steel coaster

Top height: n/a

Track length: n/a

Twister

Opened July 24, 1999.

Wood

Top height: 101.6 feet

Top speed: around 51 mph

Track length: 3,900 feet.

Phoenix

Opened June 15, 1985.

Wood

Top height: 78 feet

Top speed: around 45 mph

Track length: 3,200 feet

Defunct Rides

High Speed Thrill Coaster, 1955 to 2008, steel.

Whirlwind, 1993 to 2004, steel.

Jet Star, 1977 to 1992, steel.

SHAMOKIN - A man has been charged with raping a 13-year-old girl last month at his parents' apartment.

Daniel Joseph Covatta, 21, who police said has no permanent address, is facing felonies of statutory rape, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors involving a Jan. 17 incident at 41 Raspberry Hill.

Patrolman Raymond Siko II said Covatta engaged in sexual intercourse with the Shamokin victim while his parents were upstairs. Siko said Covatta's parents had no knowledge of the rape and will not be charged.

The victim told police she has known Covatta since she was 9 or 10 years old.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, police learned of the alleged rape from the victim's mother Jan. 20. During an interview, the victim told police she was sitting on a couch with Covatta at about 3 p.m.

The victim said Covatta removed her clothing and engaged in sexual intercourse despite her telling him that she didn't want to have sex.

During an interview with Siko Jan. 23, Covatta admitted having sexual intercourse with the victim. Covatta claimed the victim told him she was 18. When asked by police if he thought the victim looked younger than 18, he replied, "Well, nowadays girls look younger than they are," according to the criminal complaint.

Covatta, who waived his right to a preliminary hearing on the charges Tuesday before Gembic, remains in Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $75,000 cash bail. He is scheduled to appear for plea court April 28 at Northumberland County Courthouse.

5K planned to help children

DANVILLE - The Miracle 5K Run and Walk benefiting Children's Miracle Network will be held at Geisinger Medical Center Saturday, April 26.

The out-and-back race will begin at the Hospital for Advanced Medicine at 9 a.m. Registration will be at 8 a.m.

Pre-registered participants can sign up before April 18 for $20 or $50 for a family of five (including two adults and three children under 15). T-shirts are included for pre-registered participants only. Race-day registrants will not receive a t-shirt.

Awards will be given to the top overall fundraising individual and group, as well as the overall male and female winner and the top three finishers in each age group.

Runners and walkers can register by calling 1-800-322-5437 or going to events.geisinger.org. Checks can be made payable to Geisinger Health System Foundation.

The funds raised by this event will help to provide pediatric equipment, programs and services at Janet Weis Children's Hospital and throughout Geisinger Health System.

For additional information, call the Children's Miracle Network office at 570-271-6188 or 1-800-322-5437.

Changing of the colors planned

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee will hold a changing of the colors flag ceremony at 1 p.m. Sunday at Second and Oak streets.

The flag will be raised in memory and honor of Francis V. Kwiatkowski, who served in the U.S. Navy.

Area veterans and the public are invited.

SHAMOKIN - Victoria Fortune seemed unfazed by the seriousness of the theft charges she faces while she made her way to district court Thursday.

Fortune, 25, of 1625 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, appeared aloof at her 11:15 a.m. arraignment inside the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, where she briefly talked and joked with her husband and friends. She seemed fascinated by the surroundings of the building, the former Shamokin Area High School.

"How did you get in here quicker than me?" she asked her husband, Wayne, and two unidentified friends, upon entering the courtroom. "This is cool. Is this a school?"

Not long afterward, she was experiencing more new surroundings - at the Northumberland County Prison.

Victoria Fortune is charged with keeping approximately $1,240 in donations intended for the family of 13-year-old Missy Pangburn, a Shamokin girl killed in a Dec. 10 fire.

Bail: $10,000 cash

Fortune told Gembic she was born and raised in Stroudsburg and graduated from Pocono East High School. She said she has only lived at her current address for a couple months after previously residing in the 900 block of East Commerce Street in Shamokin for about the same time period.

She said she understood what was going on and the charges filed against her. After Gembic set her bail at $10,000 cash and explained her options for posting it, Fortune said she had no means to post bail.

Her husband, who had arrived with the two friends outside the building about 30 minutes before the arraignment, told Gembic he thought his wife would be released since the alleged charges were her first criminal offenses.

But Gembic said he set bail at $10,000 because the allegations are somewhat shocking and she could be considered a flight risk since she has moved several times and isn't from the local area.

Upon leaving the courtroom, Wayne Fortune, upset about his wife going to jail, stated, "All I've got to say is that this is ridiculous."

The defendant declined comment when asked by the media why she allegedly kept the money from her fundraising effort for the family.

In addition to her other commentary, Fortune complained about having difficulty walking with her legs shackled. She also was wearing a belt restraint.

Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan, who filed the charges, and Coal Township Deputy Police Chief Chris Williams escorted the defendant from the building to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury.

'Ecstatic'

Contacted by The News-Item Thursday afternoon, Pangburn's stepfather, Joseph "Wes" Vecchio, said he and Pangburn's family were glad to learn of Fortune's arrest.

"I'm ecstatic. Maybe this will teach her and she'll learn her lesson so she doesn't do this to another family," he said.

Vecchio said he and Pangburn's mother, Barbara Wiley, are glad justice is being served.

"I was very happy. That's Missy doing her work from above," he said.

Vecchio said he prayed for Fortune and has already forgiven her.

"I just hope this experience teaches her and she moves forward from this. I hope she doesn't do this ever again," he added.

Up to 10 years possible

Fortune faces misdemeanors of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received and receiving stolen property. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine.

Police said she raised $1,240 on the crowdfunding website gofundme.com for Pangburn's family, but never gave any of the donations to family members. Fortune admitted to spending $643.04 of the money, police said.

Victoria Fortune closed the online account in January and the Web page was deleted. However, a cached version could be viewed through a Google search. It had asked for donations for Pangburn's family and the other fire victims in the first block of South Rock Street.

Fortune denied any wrongdoing in a January interview with The News-Item, who questioned her about the situation after Pangburn's family alerted Shamokin police and contacted the newspaper with their concerns. Fortune could not explain where the money went, but she pledged to repay the family.

On Jan. 27, three days after The News-Item story, Brennan announced Coal Township had launched an investigation because Fortune is a township resident. The theft complaint was initially investigated by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II, who was involved in the fire probe.

Brennan said he made arrangements Wednesday for Fortune to turn herself in at the Coal Township Police Station Thursday morning, which she did.

The detective said Fortune acted alone in stealing the funds.

Brennan said members of Pangburn's family may be called as witnesses during the defendant's preliminary hearing, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday before Gembic.

ELYSBURG - Close your eyes.

Imagine sitting at a 90 degree angle, looking straight up into the wild blue sky, and slowly moving toward the heavens. Imagine having only the steady, anticipatory beat of your pulse to count the seconds to the top. Imagine knowing you'll eventually reach the apex of your journey, but not knowing exactly when you'll plunge face first into oblivion.

Is that your heart in your throat? Good, that's the way the fourth generation of the Knoebel family wants it.

On Thursday, they announced their first major project, a steel coaster called Impulse that will open in 2015.

"This ride is quick, nimble, agile, spry. It will make your heart rate go up," Brian Knoebel said.

Knoebels Amusement Resort announced the forthcoming steel coaster via a tweet at 6:53 a.m.: "You've heard rumors... you've made guesses ... now get a glimpse of #Knoebels Project 2015: http://tinyurl.com/knoebels2015 Will you ride Impulse?"

The link showed various colorful drawings of a large coaster with a very steep peak in the center. The park's website has a link to the same picture.

Park officials were secretive about the project three weeks ago, saying only that Brian and Rick Knoebel, sons of Dick Knoebel, and Trevor Knoebel, son of Buddy Knoebel, were to lead the project.

Several teases announcing the "next big thing" also started appearing the last week of January on the park's Facebook site.

'Very Knoebels'

The largest hill on Impulse is 98 feet high with a 90 degree incline and drop. Comparatively, the StratosFear is 148 feet high, the tallest hill of the Twister is 101 feet high, the Giant Wheel is 110 feet high, the Phoenix's tallest hill is 78 feet and The Flying Turns is 48 feet.

Riders will enter an 8-passenger car - four in the front, four in a slightly elevated back seat. The vehicle will leave the station onto a piece called a top hat, which is a chain lift that will take passengers straight up the 90 degree incline before dropping them down the other side at the same angle, reaching speeds of 56 mph.

The decision to slowly lift the car instead of launching it "is very Knoebels," public relations manager Joe Muscato said. "They (the riders) are looking straight up at the sky, not knowing when they're at the top."

The 2,000 feet of track will take the riders on 70 seconds worth of thrills and through five different inversions, including a cobra roll, a loop, a barrel roll called an immelman, a helix and several hills for air time.

Impulse will be the first steel coaster since The Whirlwind closed in 2005 if you don't count Kozmo's Kurves, a kiddie coaster that replaced the High Speed Thrill Coaster, and Black Diamond, a three-story dark ride.

Jet Star, built in 1977, was replaced by The Whirlwind in 1993. The Flying Turns, which opened in October, was built where The Whirlwind once stood.

The ride will be manufactured and designed by German firms Zierer and Stengel, respectively.

The Bumper Boats and Boat Tag near the entrance to the park will be dismantled in September and removed from the park to make way for excavation of the new ride.

The first steel piece is set to arrive in December, and a launch date is planned for opening day in 2015.

Behind the security building, park officials have been building a power substation which will provide additional electrical power to Impulse, a catering kitchen and future expansion to the park.

Most expensive

For two years, the fourth generation searched for the perfect ride to honor the park's history while moving into future, Knoebels said.

"We don't want to change what Knoebels is. With Impulse, we are satisfying our guests' needs and wants. We want to answer our guests and we chose this ride to do so," Knoebel said.

The search for a steel thrill coaster has been requested many times on the park's social media sites and customer review kiosks around the park, he said.

"There's a substantial number of people who want to go upside down," Knoebel said.

The name was chosen by a committee of six who had 100 suggested possibilities from park employees, he said.

While the fourth generation has been instrumental in bringing other attractions to the park, including the popular StratosFear last year, this will be their first major project they are spearheading.

It's the "most expensive attraction in the history" of the 88-year-old park, but Knoebel wouldn't reveal the pricetag.

Knoebel also thanked the staff for keeping the coaster secret; they were told in November the attraction was coming.

'Packs a punch'

The co-founders of All American Thrills, an amusement park enthusiasts group, were excited when contacted Thursday about the news.

"It's great that a park with such classic rides is able to deliver a more modern attraction," said Brandon Strouphauer.

"Now they'll have something to speak to the thrill riders," said Walter White.

Both men have ridden coasters similar to Impulse, such as Fahrenheit at Hersheypark.

"There's basically nothing below you, and then you drop and see the track. There's plenty of fast turns. It's pretty thrilling to say the least," White said.

"It will be a ride that really packs a punch," Strouphauer said.

SHAMOKIN - After a grand jury investigation, multiple felony charges have been filed against a Shamokin man accused of making regular trips to Philadelphia County for two years and bringing back heroin to sell in Northumberland County.

Christian Lee Kehler, 36, of 1114 N. Shamokin St., was charged Tuesday by Agent David Jordan of the state Attorney General's office and Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets Jr. with 10 criminal offenses involving incidents between November 2011 and Oct. 17, 2013.

According to a criminal complaint, Kehler is accused of delivering the heroin in multiple bundle and brick quantities and conspiring with others to sell the drug.

$4 bag become $20 to $25

Police reported Kehler possessed with the intent to deliver 81 bags of heroin and 28 methadone tablets in Mount Carmel Township that were found Oct. 17 in his vehicle along Route 901 as a result of a DUI arrest and execution of a search warrant.

Stamets reported a blood sample taken from Kehler indicated he was under the influence of morphine, cocaine and opiates. Kehler told Stamets he drives to Philadelphia for heroin and pays $4 for each bag, which he can sell in the Shamokin area for $20 to $25.

Witnesses testified to the grand jury that Kehler had been driving to Philadelphia for heroin since 2012 and that he was getting as many as 50 bundles on each trip. A witness who traveled to Philadelphia for Kehler paid $1,500 for 20 bundles of heroin; each bundle contained 14 bags. The witness said he bought heroin from Kehler more than 100 times and that one of Kehler's Philadelphia heroin sources was known as "Debo."

Witnesses also testified that Kehler, his cousin Konrad Kehler and Ray Eltringham were arrested in Philadelphia July 19, 2012, on drug charges after being found in possession of 30 bundles of heroin that Christian Kehler and Eltringham had just purchased, police said.

More than 100 trips

Several witnesses testified to being conspirators with Kehler and accompanying him to Philadelphia for heroin. Some of them would receive heroin as payment, while others traveled with Kehler's drug money before returning to Northumberland County with the purchased heroin.

According to the grand jury investigation, some of the heroin would go to Kehler for use and distribution, while the conspirators would keep the rest for their own use and distribution.

It is estimated that Kehler or his associates made more than 100 trips to Philadelphia.

Kehler is charged with felonies of possession with intent to deliver heroin (two counts), delivery of heroin, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of a communication facility, possession with intent to deliver methadone, and misdemeanors of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, driving under the influence of a combination of drugs, possession of heroin and possession of methadone.

Kehler, who waived his right to a preliminary hearing on the charges Tuesday, was released on $50,000 unsecured bail. He is scheduled for plea court April 28 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or plead not guilty and seek a trial.

Editor's note: Deal Me In, a new weekly column, is written by Mark Pilarski, a nationally syndicated gambling columnist. He is a recognized authority on casino gambling and has worked 18 years in the casino industry.

Dear Mark: I subscribe to the local paper and look forward to your column each week. I have learned a lot from it and was hoping to learn a little more, maybe.

A friend and I went on an all-nighter junket to the Reno Hilton about 15 years ago and what happened to my friend has stuck in our craw for all this time. Not being young anymore (40s then!), we were not used to staying up all night, tired and yes, accepted their generous offer of free drinks. My friend dropped three $5 coins into a slot machine. While I was laughing at him for even trying, he bet "max bet" and pulled the arm. Much to our surprise, up comes Cherry, Cherry, Cherry, and bells and whistles start going off with $50,000 flashing on the top.

After about a minute, I was wondering how he was going to collect. No one showed up, and the machine wasn't going to pay out $50,000 in coins. Then a man in a suit came out of the darkness, yes, darkness, and pulled out his keys, opened some door on the machine, stuck his hand in there, "clicked" something and the bells stopped. The $50,000 stopped flashing and he shut the door, announced "malfunction" and disappeared into the darkness from whence he came. Surreal, actually! The only thing missing was fog.

I told my friend to wait and went after the guy for an explanation, but he had literally disappeared in that short moment. To make matters worse, our tour guide was calling "last call" for the bus to the airport! We chose going home. We did learn a lesson that has kept us solvent since then. Now, when we get offered a free drink, we say, "Yes, coffee, please. Thank you".

Was there anything we could have done differently? More importantly, are these "malfunctions" common? I have never encountered a malfunction before, although I don't play slots often and certainly have never won a jackpot. - Nick L.

Yes, Nick, machines do act up and malfunction. Always have, and always will.

When you play a slot machine, you will note that the payout table not only spells out the coin return for various symbol combinations, but you will usually see this clause on the machine, stating, "Malfunction voids all pays and plays." Reason being, Nick, is that today's slot machines are nothing more than computers, and computer errors do happen.

That is why after any decent-sized jackpot, a slot manager will open up the machine to be sure it hasn't been tampered with and that the slot's computer program is working properly. It is the slot machine's electronic record that pays those gigantic jackpots, not necessarily what you see displayed on the screen or the sights and sounds of winning - flashing dollar signs and ringing bells.

It is the duty of the slot supervisor, even one coming from the mist with a face that resembles the knave of a playing card, to check for an internal malfunction and not just automatically hand over 50 large.

Possibly some additional dialog is missing between the two of you from 15 years ago. But, I'm going to side with your mystery man on this one for one very specific reason. I am hung up on your jackpot description: "Cherry, Cherry, Cherry." I know of no slot machine where three cherries as symbols makes for a preeminent jackpot. It is customarily something like three treasure chests, the casino's logo or some pictogram out of the ordinary. Three cherries are typically a small jackpot, one definitely on the lower end.

Now if it were a legitimate jackpot, like all three top-line symbols lining up perfectly, no way would I have boarded that plane. Nevada has a Gaming Commission that would at least investigate your claim, and they are on call 24/7. I would have handcuffed myself to the machine and waited until the cavalry arrived. However, Nick, with your Cherry, Cherry, Cherry result, you didn't strike it rich, so flying home was the correct call.

Finally, I leave all readers with this often-overlooked gambling advice that Nick now claims he follows: "Sip for pleasure, don't gulp for effect."

Gambling Wisdom of the Week: "Nobody ever committed suicide who had a good two-year-old in the barn." - Racetrack Saying

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School Board unanimously approved a $17.6 million preliminary budget for 2014-15 Thursday night that calls for a proposed one mill increase.

District financial consultant Charles J. Mannello, who noted one mill is equivalent to approximately $70,000, said next year's budget will result in what he called a minimal increase for property owners.

The current $16 million budget was approved in June without a tax increase.

Superintendent Bernie Stellar thanked Mannello and administrative assistant Corrina Lesko for helping him develop a preliminary balanced budget that totals $17,599,511.83. The proposed spending plan will be available for public inspection with final adoption scheduled for the April school board meeting.

Approving the budget were board president Thomas Ditchey, Donna James, Michael Brinkash, Robert Muldowney, Bill Brecker, Tony Mazzatesta, Joseph Zanella, Michael Rovito and Raymond Kraynak.

In a related matter, the board authorized the administration to utilize up to $600,000 of the assigned fund balance to balance the budget due to an increase of more than $700,000 in the Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) and health insurance costs.

Ditchey read a letter that will be sent to Kulpmont Borough Council requesting a meeting to discuss the future of the former Wilson School that houses the municipal offices and maintenance facility.

In the letter addressed to council president Bruno Varano, Ditchey states, "We find it in the best interest of the taxpayers to inform you that the school district would convey and relinquish the reversionary interest in that property should you decide to repair and renovate that structure for the continued use as a borough office and maintenance building."

In 1977, an agreement between the school district and borough was reached that states ownership of the building would revert back to the district if it stopped being used for municipal purposes, according to district solicitor Edward Greco.

Much debate has surfaced over council's plan to construct a new borough complex on property behind Holy Angels Church in Kulpmont. Earlier this month, council approved a motion on a 4-3 vote to spend up to $5,000 for an engineer to inspect borough hall and provide a cost estimate for repairs to fix structural problems.

High school Principal Lisa Varano and athletic director Greg Sacavage thanked everyone who participated in the second annual Coaches vs. Cancer fund-raising event involving boys' and girls' high school basketball games between Mount Carmel Area and Southern Columbia Area at Mount Carmel Area High School on Feb. 1.

The event raised approximately $4,300.

Next year's fund-raiser will be played Jan. 30 at Southern.

Varano, television studio director and media coordinator David McFee and district systems administrator Gary Trefsger were each granted $1,500 raises. Junior high school Principal Pete Cheddar and elementary school Principal Sue Nestico were granted $3,000 salary increases.

The board approved a salary classification change for special education teacher Elizabeth Park from bachelor's step 1 of $30,819 to master's step 1 of $31,839.

Daniel Lesko was approved as a volunteer baseball coach.

Directors accepted the resignation of volunteer varsity and junior high track and field coach Cassandra Niglio.

Herring, Roll and Solomon PC was approved to audit local tax collectors for 2013 at a maximum cost of $3,850.

The board granted permission to the Big Red Band to travel to Florida in April at no cost to the district.

Directors approved the annual sprinkler inspection agreements through Berkshire Systems Group Inc. at a cost of $146 for the high school system and $294 for the elementary school system.

The board also approved its annual fire alarm inspection agreement through Berkshire Systems Group Inc. at a cost of $1,320 for the elementary school.