HARRISBURG - The ink is barely dry on the new $29 billion state budget, but spending cuts or freezes to keep it balanced loom.

Interest groups frequently point to line-item victories when a budget is signed. But the response has been muted this year because people don't want to put too much stock in what could be taken away.

The concern expressed by everyone from Budget Secretary Charles Zogby to county commissioners is that the revenue projections supporting the spending won't hold up completely over the fiscal year.

The budget relies on overly optimistic estimates of tax revenue coming in and takes money from state funds set aside for special purposes, said state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, a Democrat. An enormous budget deficit will become evident in six months to nine months, he added.

A revenue shortfall would leave the governor in office as of January, either incumbent Republican Tom Corbett or Democratic challenger Tom Wolf, with tough decisions to make to adjust spending.

It has happened twice during the past four years, a reflection of Pennsylvania's chronic fiscal problems since the 2008 nationwide recession.

Both Corbett and his predecessor Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell in early 2012 and 2010, respectively, cut more than $150 million in spending to offset revenue shortfalls.

Sometimes the cuts are described as freezes or placing money in budgetary reserve.

But the result is the same because the money isn't coming back, said Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. The Human Services Development Fund, used to fund county safety net programs, got hit during the cuts in 2012 and 2010.

These cuts ultimately affect individuals - the senior citizen in Olyphant depending on Meals on Wheels or the mentally disabled person who loses services and then regresses, said Drapek.

He said social service agencies plan on having the budgeted dollars to provide services and are forced to cancel them if cuts are made. After six years of fiscal problems, few have reserves to draw on or lines of credit, he said.

The problem with having a budget that doesn't add up is the governor has sole power to decide where to order cuts to balance it, said DePasquale.

"There's no checks and balances," he said.

This budget is largely the product of House and Senate Republican leaders. Corbett didn't sign off on the final deal and vetoed nearly $100 million, mostly in legislative spending, when he signed it.

Pennsylvania wrestled with a $1.5 billion revenue problem this spring. The budget keeps the spending in check and avoids hiking the state cigarette tax or levying a severance tax on natural gas production, said GOP leaders.

"Facing a deficit that exceeded $1 billion, we were able to craft this budget by transferring excess balances from existing state funds," said House Speaker Sam Smith, R-66, Punxsutawney. "As opposed to imposing new or expanded taxes that could have a detrimental impact on the state's economy, we chose to live within our means by reallocating funds in current accounts to cover our spending priorities."

The supporting revenue estimate is higher than what the state Independent Fiscal Office has predicted, but that's based on the fact that revenues during June were significantly stronger than originally anticipated, said Erik Arneson, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, Chester.

The budget is taped together with quick fixes, said the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, a Harrisburg think tank that advocates for a severance tax.

For example, the center points to an assumption that unspent money from the prior budget will total more than $400 million instead of the normal range of $100 to $150 million.

The Commonwealth Foundation, a free-market, conservative think tank, said relying on fund transfers and one-time revenue sources is not sustainable. The budget shields taxpayers, but action is needed to reduce public pension costs, according to the foundation.

SHAMOKIN - It's time to stock up on Popsicles and head out to the pool: this week's supposed to be a scorcher.

David Martin, forecaster at the National Weather Service office in State College predicts temperatures will top the 90s on Tuesday and Wednesday.

On Thursday, cool relief will arrive when a low pressure system moves off the southeast coast, taking temperatures back down to the upper 70s.

Temperatures in the 90s is not unusual for typical July weather in the region, but this summer the mercury has rarely reached so high.

Martin said this summer's warm, rather than hot, weather is a result of evening thunderstorms.

The moisture that has been on the ground, Martin said, has been absorbing energy that would otherwise become heat as it evaporates and turns into clouds. When the clouds turn into precipitation, the less humid air feels even cooler.

Martin said Julys in the past have been hotter because they were drier.

"When it's really dry and it's very dried out you can have more of a persistent heat wave because the energy isn't going to evaporate so much moisture," said Martin. "We're reasonably wet for mid-July."

Martin said that he couldn't be certain if the area's precipitation is higher than average this year because the National Weather Service doesn't track Shamokin's weather patterns and the precipitating systems that have moved through Pennsylvania this year have been spotty and uneven.

Williamsport is only one-tenth of an inch off of the normal, said Martin.

"That's pretty darn normal," he said.

In contrast, Harrisburg is about 5.5 inches above normal for July, and about 10 inches above normal for the year.

Martin said the moisture that has kept temperatures in check during the day has also contributed to warm nights.

He added that he can't predict if Tuesday and Wednesday will be the only hot days this summer in Shamokin.

"You can still get some hot weather here and cooler patterns," said Martin. "You just don't get the long stretches of 90 degree weather you've seen in the past."

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Shamokin Properties, of Danville, against Phyllis Reichenbach and Jon Koons, both of Shamokin, for $1,100, filed July 18. A hearing is scheduled for August 4.

William S. and Lisa A. Karpinski, both of Coal Township, awarded $2,429.88 July 14 in rent and court costs from Tracy Vetovich, of Shamokin.

Joseph Pearson, of Mount Carmel, awarded $2,433.60 July 14 in rent and court costs from Darrell Jackson, of Shamokin.

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Costello Realty, Inc., of Mount Carmel, against Carmine Simone, of Mount Carmel, for $800, filed July 18. A hearing is scheduled for July 31.

Apartments and Acquisitions, of Mount Carmel, awarded $623.50 July 17 in rent and court costs from Abby Burd and Troy McMunn, both of Mount Carmel.

Apartments and Acquisitions, of Mount Carmel, awarded $1,883.50 July 17 in rent and court costs from Sam and Jamie Peters, both of Mount Carmel.

SUNBURY - Three Shamokin area residents were sentenced on various charges Monday in Northumberland County Court.

Ariel Parker, 27, of Coal Township, was sentenced by President Judge William H. Wiest to serve 90 days on house arrest after pleading guilty to his second offense of driving under the influence of alcohol. Parker also was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine plus costs and complete a DUI counter measure program.

He was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn in connection with a Sept. 24 motorcycle crash near the intersection of State and Jackson streets.

Parker was represented by Attorney Antonio Michetti.

Eric J. Ginck, 35, of Shamokin, was sentenced by Wiest to two years consecutive probation and fined $150 for possessing an instrument of crime and given credit for time served in Northumberland County Prison, fined $150 and ordered to make restitution totaling $7,611.94 to Andrew Huber for criminal trespass.

Ginck, who was represented by county special conflicts counsel Sue Schwartz, remains in prison, but is scheduled to be released in the near future.

He was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver in connection with a July 15, 2013, break-in at a storage trailer at the rear of CVS Pharmacy.

Ginck also was charged by Mount Carmel Lt. Christopher Buhay relating to an Aug. 14 burglary at 544 W. Second St.

Keith R. Nixon Jr., 27, of Shamokin, was sentenced by Judge Charles Saylor on a felony of possession with intent to deliver cocaine to two years of intermediate punishment with the first three months on house arrest. He also was ordered to pay a fine plus costs.

He must provide a DNA sample, undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and avoid all bars and drug users or sellers.

Nixon, who was represented by Attorney James Best, was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano with selling cocaine and marijuana to a confidential informant Oct. 11 in the city.

Assistant district attorney Julia Skinner represented the commonwealth at the sentencings for Parker and Ginck, while ADA Tony Matulewicz was the prosecutor at Nixon's sentencing.

BURNSIDE - The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) finally has its leader.

At Monday night's meeting, the AOAA authority voted to hire Dave Porzi as operations director.

Porzi will make $48,000 plus a two-percent commission on sales in his new position. He will also have the full-time benefits of health insurance, a retirement plan and two weeks vacation beginning in 2015.

After Porzi's appointment was unanimously voted for approval, applause broke out in the AOAA trailhead building.

Jim Backes, authority chairman, said the authority had narrowed the candidate pool down to three finalists.

"They were all very good, qualified people," said Backes.

Porzi's experience within the ATV industry made him an ideal candidate for the position. He is currently employed as a sales manager Vreeland's Harley-Davidson and was previously a sales manager at TCP Power Center, a Suzuki and Kawasaki dealership.

"I have a strong passion for off-roading," said Porzi. "And, I just really wanted to help move this project along."

Boundary lines

Authority member Barry Yorwarth said Porzi's familiarity with the mountainside helped earn him the role, but his first duty will be to step up his boundary line knowledge.

"He's familiar with the property from years of use," said Yorwarth. " He just needs to get familiar with what is AOAA property and who exactly are our adjoining landowners."

Porzi said he already has his eyes set on opening the AOAA more frequently.

"The first thing on the agenda is to try to get it open at least one to two more days per week," he said.

Currently, the AOAA is open Saturdays, Sundays and occasional holidays. Porzi said he'd like to see it also open on Thursdays and Fridays.

Service rep hired

In addition to Porzi, Carol Alexander was brought in as a part-time customer service representative at a rate of $9 per hour.

Backes said the extra hands will be helpful, not only with increasing park hours, but in preparation of September and October, when he expects the park to be busy.

The airing of an episode of "Fisher's ATV World" filmed at the AOAA may also drive up revenue. The episode will be shown at 9 a.m. Sunday on Discovery's Destination America channel.

As of July 13, the park has sold 1,907 passes, for a total of $57,586.

In other business

The authority announced the park will be open Monday, Sept. 1, for Labor Day. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A rental fee for a vendor was set at $30 per day for a Northumberland County business and $40 per day for an out-of-county business through the end of 2014. This measure has been in effect for the past two months as a trial.

The authority unanimously voted to make a $500 donation to the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center. The donation is being gifted as a thank-you for the welding department, which crafted gates for the park.

A $150 donation to East Cameron Fire Co. was also approved unanimously. The donation is in gratitude of the East Cameron Fire Co. watering the roads July 5 and 6.

The authority ratified purchasing a John Deere mower, Stihl chainsaw and two lopping shears from Valley Ag and Turf, of Watsontown, for $3,482.64.

The authority recommended the Northumberland County Planning Department pay Commonwealth Security, of Sunbury, $2,650 for the installation of the building security system, Lieb Drilling, of Ashland, $1,800 for pulling the well pump and galvanized pipe, In Sight Commander, of Yorba Linda, Calif., $390 for the repair of a solar camera and wireless system, and Berntsen International Inc., of Madison, Wisc., $374.67, for Carsonite marker signs and decals. All of these will be paid for by grant money.

The authority is requesting a Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant for $250,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. If approved, the money will be used to construct an observation deck.

A charitable contribution approval was given to Stoneroad Iron and Metal Inc. for donating a bucket.

Approval for ATV safety classes through the ATV Safety Institute was ratified.

"George Fetterman has been doing the safety classes and he's really doing a phenomenal job," said Backes, noting that he especially liked the use of a simulator for the training.

LEWISBURG - Employment in central Pennsylvania is bouncing back to pre-recession levels, but with an economy that has added 5,100 health care industry jobs while losing another 8,900 manufacturing jobs.

According to figures from the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation (CPWDC) released Monday by SEDA-COG, pre-recession employment (2007) was 295,400. Today it stands at 295,200.

"While the number of jobs is nearly back to 2007 levels, the region's economic makeup has changed," CPWDC reports. "Service employment - 78 percent of the workforce in 2007 -is up to 81 percent."

CPWDC represents Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties.

Jobs in the goods-producing sector have fallen from 22 percent to 19 percent. As an example of changes that have occurred are the gains in health care and losses in manufacturing.

"In the last year, however, manufacturing in central Pennsylvania added 100 jobs, so it may be starting to come back," the workforce group reported.

The construction sector lost 300 jobs in the last year, the greatest job loss for any sector.

Overall, the region gained 3,600 jobs in 2013-14, a 1 percent gain.

The gains

Comparing pre-recession levels to today, the largest employment increases were in the following sectors:

Health care and social assistance: 5,100 jobs, 14 percent increase

Mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction: 2,300 jobs, 393 percent increase

Management of companies and enterprises: 1,900 jobs, 35 percent increase

The losses

The largest employment decreases were in the following sectors:

Wholesale trade: 800 jobs lost, 10 percent decrease

Construction: 1,900 jobs lost, 12 percent decrease

Manufacturing: 8,900 jobs lost, 19 percent decrease

CPWDC is one of 23 Local Workforce Investment Areas in Pennsylvania. It is also a member of the Central Region PREP (Partners for Regional Economic Performance). which coordinates economic development efforts in the region.

CPWDC coordinates workforce activities and initiatives to develop a quality labor force in the nine counties it serves.

HARRISBURG - Traveling from various parts of Pennsylvania, nearly 180 individuals comprised of conservation district staffs, state officials and legislative partners convened in Altoona to honor conservationists during the PA Association of Conservation Districts Inc. (PACD) and State Conservation Commission's 67th Joint Annual Conference.

The awards luncheon took place July 9 at the Blair County Convention Center. Dave Crowl, chairman of the Northumberland County Conservation District and treasurer of the PACD Board was master of ceremonies.

Dr. Blair T. Carbaugh, of Rush Township, received the Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award. This award is given to a conservation district director or associate director for his or her outstanding volunteer efforts which have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.

A lifetime educator and conservationist, Carbaugh began as a public director on the Northumberland County Conservation District board, and has been active with the district for over 10 years.

After teaching biology at Lock Haven University for more than 20 years, Carbaugh began Hardwoods Resource Center at Lock Haven University, which supports Pennsylvania's hardwood industry.

After his retirement, he organized teacher workshops at the PPL Montour Preserve, enabling special needs children to experience nature. He works actively with the PA Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, planting American chestnuts on reclaimed minelands, and helping to breed blight-resistant American chestnut trees on his own property in Northumberland County.

He has been an active member of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists, the PA Forest Stewardship Program, the PA Forestry Association, the Northcentral PA Conservancy, the Susquehanna Greenways Partnership, the Woodland Owners Association and the Roaring Creek Watershed Association.

The Northumberland County Conservation District (NCCD) was also recognized by the State Conservation Commission for celebrating 65 years of service and dedication to the conservation of natural resources in Northumberland County. NCCD is one of 66 conservation districts across the state.

SUNBURY - A Coal Township man accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl last summer will begin serving his 3 to 23-month county prison sentence Aug. 4.

Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest imposed the sentence on Kevin C. Glazik, 36, of 510 N. First St., who once again expressed deep remorse for his actions.

Glazik received the prison sentence on a felony of unlawful contact with a minor and two years consecutive probation on a misdemeanor of indecent assault. He was given credit for 22 days previously served in prison and ordered to comply with Megan's Law registration requirements for the remainder of his life.

Glazik, who was deemed not to be a sexually violent predator, also was ordered to undergo DNA testing, pay $200 in fines and costs and to refrain from any contact with the victim and other minors.

A felony of aggravated indecent assault was not prosecuted.

Glazik's mother, Margie Glazik, who lives with the defendant and suffers from various illnesses including arthritis, urged Wiest to show leniency in his sentence.

Mrs. Glazik, who walked slowly to the defense table using a quad cane, stated, "I know my son has to do his time for this. But he's my right arm. The arthritis and other ailments have taken a toll on my body and I appreciate if he doesn't have to go to jail for too long."

In addition to arthritis, Mrs. Glazik said she has hearing problems and must undergo an eye operation.

Delay requested

The defendant, who was represented by public defender Melissa Norton, told the court, "I'm sorry for everything. My mind wasn't there. It was stupid of me. I wish I could take everything back that happened last year."

Norton told the judge her client has abided by his supervised bail conditions since his release from prison. Wiest granted Norton's request to delay commencement of the prison sentence by two weeks so Glazik can get his affairs in order and make sure his mother's medical needs are met.

Glazik was charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan with inappropriately touching the victim at his home July 27. He admitted his guilt and apologized during his arraignment Sept. 10 before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Shamokin.

Glazik was jailed until his bail was lowered Oct. 1 from $75,000 cash to unsecured.

His guilty plea hearing was continued in March, January and December at the request of Norton, who sought additional time for review and also the release of discovery evidence from then first assistant district attorney Ann Targonski, who is now district attorney.

Assistant district attorney Michael Toomey represented the commonwealth at sentencing.

SUNBURY - A purse snatcher who pleaded guilty in April to a felony of robbery will be released in the near future from Northumberland County Prison, where she has been an inmate for 184 days.

Judge Charles Saylor sentenced Tonya Marie Williams, 45, formerly of Shamokin, to 184 days to 23 months in jail, but gave the defendant credit for time previously served in prison, which matches her minimum sentence.

Williams, who now resides in Selinsgrove, was fined $50 and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $5,238 to Christine Meredith, 49, of Shamokin, or Geisinger Medical Center. She also must provide a DNA sample and continue with a substance abuse rehabilitation program.

She was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano with snatching a purse from Meredith before being chased down by several young people. Williams also was accused of banging Meredith's head against a wall near Lincoln and Eighth streets at 1:23 a.m. Jan. 19 before attempting to flee.

The victim told police five teens riding in a Jeep on Eighth Street came to her rescue by intervening in the robbery and chasing and detaining Williams until police arrived.

The teens are Brennan Bruce, 18; Chelsie Cossari, 20; Michael Lorenz-Koons, 19, and Mason Dumond, 15, all of Shamokin, and Alex Witcoskie, 19, of Marion Heights.

They were commended by police and members of city council, who presented them with certificates of appreciation for their heroic actions in February.

An additional felony count of robbery was not prosecuted under a plea agreement reached with the district attorney's office.

Williams, who was represented by public defender Melissa Norton, has shown remorse for committing the strong-armed robbery and has no prior criminal record.

She previously attributed the crime to her addiction to crack cocaine.

The defendant, who formerly resided in Rhode Island, has been incarcerated since her arrest on $50,000 cash bail.

Assistant district attorney Tony Matulewicz represented the commonwealth at sentencing.

DANVILLE - Authorities said a 21-year-old man who was struck and killed by an excursion train traveling through the borough Saturday died of neck trauma.

Montour County Coroner Scott Lynn said Chad Yerby, 21, of Virginia Beach, Va., was killed shortly after 10 a.m. when an excursion train, acting as part of the weekend-long Iron Heritage Festival, crushed his neck.

Lynn said Yerby had no drugs or drug paraphernalia on him at the time of his death and he did not leave a note.

According to online information on Virginia Beach General District Court's website, Yerby was arrested May 2 and charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana. He was released on an unspecified bond amount May 9.

Yerby failed to attend a subsequent hearing, which was scheduled for 4 p.m. June 30, and was listed as a fugitive.

According to other reports, on the morning he died, the man had been seen lying on asphalt behind the Alpine Animal Clinic and near the train tracks. He was believed to have been homeless.

SUNBURY - A 36-year-old man charged in a March 7 fight in Shamokin was given credit for 137 days previously served in prison and released after being sentenced Monday by Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest.

Christopher W. Lloyd, of 627 E. Packer St., Shamokin, was sentenced to 137 days to 23 months in prison on the riot charge and one year consecutive probation on the simple assault offense.

An additional count of simple assault and charges of aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy to cause a riot, resisting arrest and failure of disorderly persons to disperse were not prosecuted under a plea agreement with the county district attorney's office.

He was granted immediate parole by Wiest.

Lloyd, who was represented by county conflicts counsel John Broda, also was ordered to pay a fine and costs.

The charges were filed in connection with the 12:41 a.m. fracas in the 500 block of North Shamokin Street near Snapper's Bar in which Shamokin Patrolman Mark Costa suffered injuries to his knees and hand and had his police jacket torn.

Lloyd's brother, Robert Watts Jr., 27, of 625 E. Packer St., and Jack W. Grove, 44, of 918 E. Kase St., also were charged by Costa and Cpl. Bryan Primerano in the disturbance.

Assistant district attorney Michael Seward represented the commonwealth.

MANDATA - An engineering firm specializing in forensic mechanical engineering services is the latest company to be retained by the Line Mountain Board of Directors in the saga of a fuel oil leak at the former Dalmatia Elementary building.

The board voted 8-0 to retain McLauchlan and Associates Inc., of Annapolis, Md., at a rate of $220 per hour.

Director David Scott Bartholomew was absent from the meeting.

"We're not expecting it to take long," said board president Troy Laudenslager, who declined to estimate the number of hours the firm would be engaged.

The cost to engage the engineering firm will not be covered by the district's insurance provider, Liberty Mutual, said Laudenslager.

A broken pressure gauge leaked 1,250 gallons of fuel oil from the Dalmatia building into the Lower Mahanoy Township Municipal Authority wastewater treatment plant Feb. 10.

On May 13, the property was sold to Jeremy Strohecker, of Klingerstown, but the district is still on the hook for a $143,454 bill from Lower Mahanoy Township Municipal Authority for the cleanup.

Rich Roberts, board solicitor, said the firm would be testing the gauge and system as a whole to see how exactly the leak occurred.

"We want to know what happened before we know what our response is going to be," said Roberts, adding that the district may pursue a claim against the its insurance based on the results.

Roberts said representatives from the manufacturer of the failed gauge, Campbell Manufacturing; the retailer that sold the gauge, Jones Ace Hardware, and the unspecified oil delivery company that had made a delivery shortly before the break, will be invited to attend the investigation.

The date of the investigation has not yet been set.

In other business

Two reading teachers were hired at Line Mountain Middle School effective Aug. 25: Christine Shearn for sixth-grade at a salary of $38,806 and Jenna Kerstetter for fifth-grade as a salary of $32,838. The board also accepted the resignation of fifth-grade reading teacher Catherine Creveling, effective July 15.

Directors approved an agreement with Americus Hose Company ambulance unit to provide services at sporting events for $50 per event plus an hourly rate of $60 for basic life support.

Amy Young was approved as the head teacher of Line Mountain Elementary School for the 2013-14 school year at a compensation rate of $1,000 per the collective bargaining agreement.

Jackie Kelley's maternity leave, beginning on or around Sept. 12 and ending Dec. 2, was approved.

Maria Getchey, elementary pre-k to fourth grades; Roy Casey, elementary and early childhood, and Kelly Heim, English, were approved as day-to-day substitute teachers for their respective certifications.

The board approved Randy Schaffner, Bill Maurer, Darrell Byerly, Marissa Campbell and Courtney Kieffer as statisticians/scorekeepers; Jon Raker, Mike Reed, Cindy Fessler and Doug Fessler as game managers; Hickory Corners Fire Company as fire police, and Kevin Mace as the football announcer for the 2014-15 school year.

Amy Zartman was approved for 50 summer hours to analyze test data and prepare data packets for the 2013-14 school year at a contracted rate of $22 per hour.

Directors approved revisions in the Code of Student Conduct, effective to all students in the district. The changes include adding clauses for false reports of threats, which encompasses a range from erroneous reports of bullying to calling 911; receiving stolen merchandise, which was added based on events from the past school year, and inciting confrontation, which Superintendent David M. Campbell said did not have to result in a fight but would help curb antagonizing behavior.

Food distribution set for Thursday

KULPMONT - Borough residents enrolled in the food surplus program are reminded a surplus distribution will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday in the borough garage. Residents are reminded to bring their bags.

Volunteers needed to clean up 'flats'

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - Reading Anthracite Co. and local ATV riders will host a cleanup of the area locally known as "The Flats" Saturday.

Volunteers are asked to meet between 7:30 and 9 a.m. at "The Flats," off Route 2044 south of Trevorton. Dumpsters, trash bags and lunch will be provided.

Between 2 and 5 p.m., volunteers will be given a free ATV tour of Coal Hill and the surrounding Reading property.

For more information, contact Dennis Felty, recording secretary of the Anthracite Trail Riders organization, at 570-640-5735 or themayorofcoaltowne@yahoo.com.

Parish picnic planned

SLABTOWN - The annual church picnic for Our Lady of Mercy Church will be held 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Food, games and dancing will be available at the picnic. "Parrotbeach," a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, will perform Friday and "The 60s Boys" will perform Saturday.

The picnic will be held rain or shine. Slabtown is located off Route 42 between Numidia and Catawissa.

MOUNT CARMEL - A Danville area man was placed in Northumberland County Prison after police said he threatened his mother with a hunting knife and shotgun Saturday.

State police charged Jacob B. Popolow, 21, of 2433 Snydertown Road, Danville, with misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, and issued a citation for harassment following the 8:30 p.m. incident at the home of April Popolow.

According to court documents filed by Trooper Wendy Keefer of the Stonington barracks, April Popolow came to the station Sunday to report the incident. She told police she was attempting to sleep on the living room couch when her son entered the room and began verbally insulting her.

Police said Jacob pulled out a large hunting knife and began violently swinging it near his mother, knocking items off of a coffee table. Jacob left the living room and ran into the basement.

When the mother followed and started down the steps, Jacob appeared in the doorway of the basement, looking up the stairwell and pointing a 12-gauge shotgun at her, saying he was going to kill her.

April Popolow began to reason with her son to lower the shotgun, which Jacob did and then retreated to the basement, slamming the door behind him.

Jacob Popolow was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel and committed to jail on $50,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday, July 30, before Jones.

MOUNT CARMEL - A Kulpmont property owner was granted 20 days to come up with a formal plan to remove a debris pile at the former Eagle Sign Co., and then have the site cleaned up by Sept. 30.

The deal between the borough and Thomas Valeiko, of Commack, N.Y., was reached following two hours of negotiations Tuesday morning at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. Jones was to have presided over a summary trial for Valeiko, who faces 20 code citations related to the collapsed building, but agreed to delay the proceeding in light of the arrangement.

Code enforcement officer Russ Moroz said he and borough solicitor William Cole will meet with Valeiko and his attorney, Richard Feudale, of Mount Carmel, to establish a written plan.

"We don't want another 'Dubbs deja vu' situation," Moroz said. He was referencing a property cleanup dispute last year that resulted in 92 citations totaling more than $85,000 being filed against David Dubbs.

The two-story cinder-block Eagle Sign building, which takes up half of a block along 13th Street between Oak Alley and Chestnut (Route 61) Street, has been home to a number of businesses besides the sign company. It was a bowling alley, garage, bike shop and knick-knack store.

On Feb. 21, the second floor of the structure collapsed, mostly falling on itself, but also smashing a box truck parked nearby. Demolition crews took down the second floor because it presented a hazard to neighboring properties.

Valeiko told Moroz at the time he was claiming bankruptcy and had no money to clean up the site.

Tuesday, in a conversation between Valeiko and Feudale in the waiting area of the magistrate's office, Valeiko said he was looking to fix up another property in the borough, sell it, and use the profits for the cleanup, but that Kulpmont wouldn't give him a work permit.

Moroz, asked later about that situation, said it's borough policy to not issue work permits to individuals who have code citations against them.

Moroz said while the borough did negotiate Tuesday, he won't tolerate any further delay.

"We agreed to the continuance, but if nothing is resolved, we will reinstate the fines until the matter is settled one way or the other," he said.

A 2002 borough ordinance gives the code enforcement officer authority to set fines of between $25 and $1,000 per citations. Moroz said fines were set at $500 each against Valeiko, which could have cost him $10,000 in fines, plus court costs, if Tuesday's trial had proceeded and Jones would have ruled in the borough's favor.

MOUNT CARMEL - You, too, can be a friend of Mayor Philip "Bing" Cimino.

A Facebook friend, that is.

On July 8, the Office of the Borough of Mount Carmel Mayor officially joined Facebook.

The profile page is just one way Cimino has been reaching out to residents in an attempt to gauge how Mount Carmel can become a better place.

Last week, Cimino held an open air public meeting at town park to discuss the potential for new recreational opportunities for children and adults.

He announced at Thursday's borough meeting that attendees provided numerous great ideas for ways to improve the park system, and that people also stopped by the borough office Thursday morning with thoughts.

One idea Cimino wants to move forward with immediately is creating a bike path at east end of Fifth Street, adjacent to Route 61.

"We're going to be resurrecting a bike park that started many years ago," said Cimino. "People are dumping out here, so we want to stop that."

The bike park has about four loops of path so far, but many areas need to be filled in. A rocky flat area by the road slated to become a bumper bike park also needs ground to create small hills.

A local man is donating dirt, but needed a dump truck from the borough to transport the dirt and volunteers to help spread it, he said.

Cimino also needs volunteers to help cut back brush.

"We want people to see the kids are using it," he said, adding that it will be visible from the road. "It's a shame to let it sit here and do nothing."

The work date is not yet finalized, but Cimino said he will make updates on his Facebook page.

Residents have also voiced interest in creating a dog park on the land, which is approximately six acres in size.

"We're thinking we can also clear a place for that," said Cimino.

The dog park will contain a fenced-in area where dogs can exercise freely. Cimino said this will help eliminate the dog walkers on the baseball field, which sometimes cause messes for Little Leaguers.

More at town park

Cimino has been hard at work making small, but noticeable changes to Mount Carmel's aesthetics.

Thursday, he is meeting with PPL to see about making changes to the lamp posts on Oak Street.

"They're dated and dull," said Cimino.

In addition to painting and updating the poles, he would like to move the veteran banners lower for easier maintenance.

"As a veteran, I think it's very respectful to support our veterans," he said.

Cimino is also enthusiastic about an acoustic guitar performance and poetry reading that occurred at town park recently.

"One of the questions that came up in recreation is, 'Is there a place to play acoustic guitar and do poetry readings?'" said Cimino. "And I think the park is the perfect place to do this.

"I think the town park is underused, and I think the more people that use it and bring good things to the area, the more you have."

Cimino encourages residents with ideas of how to make better use of Mount Carmel's parks to contact him at his new e-mail address, mayorbing@mountcarmelborough.org, or by finding him at his new Facebook page, which is accessible from the borough's website.

Borough business

- Bids for a closed-circuit television system for the sewer were opened at Thursday's meeting. The system will allow borough officials to inspect the sewers using a camera mounted to a robot. Pipe Services Corp., West Chester, had the lowest bid at $123,179.00. The bids were given to solicitor William Cole for review.

- Borough council announced it will be advertising to amend the landlord ordinance to establish visible permits. Tony Matulewicz, council president, said the permits will have a number unique to both the landlord and the tenant that would prove the unit was inspected and is up to code. Borough police chief Todd Owens said he is in the process of obtaining pricing for the non-removable placards.

- Borough council discussed a gigantic pot hole that had formed on Plum Street. Pothole Killers, which filled numerous potholes in the borough earlier that week, said the hole is too deep to fill with their system. Matulewicz said the street is on the list to be paved.

Borough council voted unanimously to direct Cole to advertise an amendment to the street excavation ordinance regarding the quality of work of third parties that dig up the borough streets and to appropriate $300,000 from the Street Improvement Account and Liquid Fuels Account for creating bid specification, paving and advertising bid specifications for the 2014 Street Improvement Project.

- Council announced animal control in the borough's sewers will be stepped up from once per quarter to once per month. Matulewicz said Ehrlich recommended once per month, and since the sewer company is contracted to pay for vector abatement, there will be no increased cost to the borough.

- A group of parishioners from Divine Redeemer Church spoke publicly about their request to create one handicap and one clergy parking spot each in front of their parish house.

"We had parking outlined in red for clergy," said Vince Guarna. "Over the years, I guess it faded away."

Matulewicz said he had looked into the space and that it is not officially sanctioned by borough council and, therefore, the request is unenforceable.

It was brought to the borough's attention that one person was parking in such a way that both spaces were used, causing a shortage of parking in front of the parish house. Owens said he spoke with the person, but accomplished little.

"He wasn't really willing to bend," said Owens.

The group couldn't agree on what they wanted the borough to do about the parking situation, and so the issue was put aside until the next meeting.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - An investigation into stolen batteries Monday afternoon led police to a meth-making campsite off of Extension Lane near Catawissa and the arrest of three individuals.

Locust Township Police charged Brittany M. Malernee, 25, of 4559 Tavia Lane, Shallotte, N.C., Steven C. Gatch, 40, of 2 Mersey Ct., Middle River, Md., and Michael T. Potoeski, 23, of 1115 State Route 118, Sweet Valley, with various drug offenses after items for methamphetamine making and a small amount of the narcotic were found at a campsite the three were occupying Monday.

According to court documents filed by Cpl. Christopher Snyder, Catawissa Borough Police Chief Joshua Laidecker called Locust Township Police Monday for a retail theft at the Weis Markets store in Catawissa. Store surveillance video showed two females entered the store and stood near the display of lithium batteries. The two females, one of which was identified as Malernee, were confronted by a store manager about the theft, which both denied.

Snyder, after viewing the video, identified Malernee and was able to obtain a search warrant for a campsite near Roaring Creek in Franklin Township.

The search warrant was served on the site and Malernee was taken into custody, but the batteries were not recovered. Police remained on scene to make and made contact with two males operating Malernee's vehicle at 9:10 p.m.

The officers took Potoeski and Gatch, who identified himself as "Kevin Storm" into custody. A search of Potoeski found a small tube of a white, crystalline substance in his pants' pocket. He said, at first, it was a dental substance, but then admitted it was "crank,"another term for methamphetamine. Police also found a pair of brass knuckles and multiple lithium batteries in his pockets.

A search of the campsite and the sedan they used recovered a gallon container of Coleman camp fuel, bottle of drain cleaner, Epsom salt, multiple pieces of steel wool, gas, coffee filters, batteries, a small tube of methamphetamine, a funnel and propane fuel.

Police said while there was no active meth laboratory located, they believe all three had some type of activity in the meth manufacturing process.

All three were charged with possession of multiple precursors needed in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, while Gatch and Potoeski were also charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Potoeski was also charged with possession of an instrument of a crime for the brass knuckles, while Gatch faces a charge of giving false information to authorities.

The three were arraigned Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Craig W. Long and committed to Columbia County Prison on $50,000 cash bail. Snyder said Tuesday the reason Malernee was given the high bail for only one charge because Long ruled her as a flight risk with no ties to the area.

A preliminary hearing for all three was set for Thursday, July 31.

CATAWISSA - A New Jersey man was committed to Columbia County Prison after allegedly assaulting a female Saturday.

Abron S. Glover, 43, of 5 Kenneth Road, Upper Montclair, N.J., was charged with a felony count of aggravated assault, misdemeanors of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and terroristic threats and summary violations of harassment and disorderly conduct by Locust Township Police Patrolman Joseph Samuels.

According to court documents, Glover and the victim, Elizabeth Kramer, were drinking at a Mount Carmel bar when Glover became angry because he thought other people were giving him looks at the bar.

Glover then told Kramer people were giving him looks because "he's black," but Kramer said no one was looking at him. Glover then became angry at Kramer because he thought she was siding with the rest of the bar. Kramer told police Glover was drinking double shots of whiskey and was intoxicated.

Police said the two left the bar to go to Kramer's home in Locust Township. During the drive, Glover punched Kramer, who was driving, in the face and body, put a lit cigarette on her right forearm and bit her, according to police. Glover allegedly threatened to kill Kramer and her two children. When they arrived at the Numidia Drive home, Glover exited the vehicle and Kramer left, driving to the Locust Township Police Station.

Police observed red marks and the burn on Kramer.

Glover was taken into custody and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Craig W. Long, of Catawissa, and placed in Columbia County Prison on $50,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Friday before Long.

MOUNT CARMEL - Gilbert and Caterina (Schicchitano) Dobak had arranged for a fireworks display at their wedding reception on April 12 at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony.

The lodge wanted them to move the display to another part of the property, however, and the resulting complications led to the idea being scrapped.

But the Mount Carmel couple still had the fireworks, and so they planned to set them off on dates in May and June, but rain foiled those plans.

Now, they've decided to turn their misfortune into a treat for their hometown. The fireworks will be set off at 10:05 p.m. Saturday in conjunction with the borough's annual Picnic in the Park.

"We talked to all of our friends and everyone looks forward to the fireworks after the picnic," Caterina Dobak said Tuesday.

Mike Bixler, of Bixler Pyrotechnics, Ashland, was contracted to create the display.

"Mr. Edward Helfrick Jr. has been gracious enough to let us use his property," said Carmine Scicchitano, father of the bride, about the Mid Valley Mountain launch site.

The display, which at this point has been a year in planning, will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Dobak will start the display via remote control from Market Street.

The device will be made up to look like a plunger from a Wile E. Coyote cartoon.

She and her father, who paid for the display as a wedding present, said they hope everyone enjoys the fireworks, and said people should expect something different than what they are used to from borough fireworks.

"It will be uniquely different," Scicchitano said.

"I know this is Mount Carmel, but there will be a lot of purple, because that is my favorite color," Caterina added.

They can also expect to see hearts, smiley faces, flowers and Pac-Man, to name a few of the unique bursts.

Caterina said it was "horrible" the fireworks didn't go off for her wedding, but there is a silver lining.

"The good thing now is that all my friends and family that couldn't make my wedding can enjoy them," she said.

Asked what her new groom thinks of all this, she laughed and jokingly said, "He had no say. He was only allowed to show up to the wedding."

WILLIAMSPORT - A 26-year-old Shamokin man was sentenced Tuesday to two years in federal prison and had his supervised release revoked for violating his probation.

U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann sentenced Shadi Mustafa Abuomar to two years in prison and ordered him placed on supervision for two years upon his release from prison. Terms of his supervised release include not being able to possess a firearm, ammunition, destructive device or any other dangerous weapon, cooperating in the collection of DNA as directed by his probation officer, submitting to a drug test within 15 days of his release from custody and at least two periodic drug tests thereafter, undergoing a substance abuse evaluation and completing an outpatient or inpatient substance abuse treatment program if recommended and undergoing a mental health evaluation and treatment if recommended.

Abuomar was charged by Mount Carmel Township police with possessing a firearm while being a former convict, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession with intent to deliver heroin, criminal conspiracy, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence of a combination of drugs involving a June 2013 vehicle stop along Route 901.

At the time of his arrest, Abuomar was on federal probation after serving six months in federal prison for distributing and possessing with intent to deliver at least five grams of cocaine that stemmed from an arrest by U.S. marshals from Williamsport.

He later entered a guilty plea in Northumberland County Court to drug charges involving the Mount Carmel Township incident.