BLOOMSBURG - Thirty-seven students from four area high schools have been awarded scholarships from the Fred G. Smith Golden Rule Trust Fund to attend Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in the 2014-15 academic year. The list of recipients of the $45,350 in scholarships was released by John Bieryla, the university's director of financial aid.

Smith, who owned and managed Nesbitt's Cut Rate Drug Store in Mount Carmel, bequeathed $3 million for scholarships to the university in 1985. A resident of Shenandoah, his intention was to help residents of his hometown and surrounding communities attend college. The scholarships have been awarded over the past 16 years to nearly 1,000 area students. The fund is administered by Union National Bank of Mount Carmel.

Established in memory of his late wife, Marion, the scholarship fund benefits Bloomsburg University students who are residents of Ashland, Mount Carmel or Shenandoah boroughs, or Mount Carmel Township. Students must also attend one of four high schools: Mount Carmel, North Schuylkill, Our Lady of Lourdes and Shenandoah Area.

A majority of awards are renewals, with seven students attending Bloomsburg for the first time. Individual awards range from $750 to $1,750. Recipients are:

Mount Carmel High School - Ranotta Ahrensfield, Robert Beierschmitt, Jordan Bettleyon, Alyssa Butkiewicz, Jocelyn Darrup, Cody Dietz, Christopher Delbo, Stephanie Evans, Kathryn Fest, Bryce Fiamoncini, Abbi Grabowski, Callie Hummel, Justin Mackenzie, Megan Minnig, Cassandra Niglio, Bryson Purcell, Andrew Sickora and Bridget Wagner, all of Mount Carmel; Brittany Bartol, Brooke Bartol, Kristen Duceman, Kirsten Sinopoli, Brandon Toter and Rachel Toter, all of Kulpmont; and Cassandra Mace and Brock Susnoskie, both of Atlas.

Shenandoah Valley High School - Blaise Breslosky, William Brown, Eileen Davidson, Abigale Pribish, Curtis Rooney, Evan Rooney and John Szczyglak, all of Shenandoah.

North Schuylkill High School - Dylan Hughes, Robyn Orth and Maura Pogirski, all of Ashland.

Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School - Aisha Bucanelli, of Kulpmont.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area School District denies that its superintendent had any knowledge of his nephew "sexting" district students before he was fired as a substitute teacher.

Michael Zack was a substitute for all three plaintiffs who filed a federal lawsuit, two of whom he met after he was hired, the plaintiffs claim. He flirted with the underage students in late summer and early fall 2011 and sent them thousands of messages and images - many during school hours - according to police.

"Appropriate officials in the district did not have actual knowledge of Michael Zack's alleged conduct prior to Nov. 15, 2011," the date of his arrest, according to a July 25 legal filing by attorney Jonathan P. Riba of Sweet, Stevens, Katz and Williams LLP, New Britain.

Contacted Thursday, Riba clarified his phrasing of "appropriate officials," saying that no district employee had any knowledge of Zack's sexually graphic messages with teenage females at Shamokin Area.

The plaintiffs say James Zack, superintendent, learned of his nephew's behavior around the time he was hired in August 2011 but took no action. The district denies the allegation.

Shamokin Area was not indifferent to Michael Zack's actions, according to its legal filing. It states he never returned to teach after his arrest and that he was fired retroactively less than one month later.

The district denies that the plaintiffs' civil rights and educational opportunities were infringed upon by the substitute teacher's actions. Also, there were no complaints to the district from anyone, including the plaintiffs, about sext messaging involving Michael Zack prior to his arrest.

"Shamokin Area School District did not create or permit sexual harassment and/or a hostile educational environment," the district's filing states. "The district took reasonable and appropriate steps to remedy any perceived harassment."

It continues, "The plaintiffs cannot establish sexual harassment that is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive as to deny plaintiffs' equal access to educational resources and opportunities at the district."

The district's filing also says the "building principal" recommended Michael Zack as a 180-day substitute and that he was not hired as a result of his uncle being superintendent. Chris Venna is principal of the middle-high school.

The plaintiffs filed suit in June using only their initials since they were between the ages of 15 and 17 at the time of the alleged harassment. All three are now adults, according to their lawsuit; Riba said the statute of limitations for the lawsuit has expired.

The plaintiffs blame James Zack for failing to discipline his nephew, and claim that both a teacher and a school board member were aware of Michael Zack's sext messages. The lawsuit claims the plaintiffs' civil rights were violated, saying Shamokin Area had deliberate indifference to a sexually hostile educational environment. A jury trial is sought, along with an unspecified amount of damages and attorneys' fees and costs.

Michael Zack, now 26, of Marion Heights, was charged by police three months after he was fired by the district school board in December 2011. He pleaded guilty to a felony count in December 2012. His original sentence was scuttled within six weeks after police said he violated probation. He was resentenced and served the minimum of a 6 to 23 month stretch in county jail. He also was sentenced to six months house arrest upon release, and almost three consecutive years of parole and probation.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Public Library is grateful for the following donations received in July, the most important and basic source of income for the library.

In honor of

Helen Daniels birthday July 16 from Dolores and Hank.

Birthday memorial

Karl L. Schu 85th birthday from Nancy.

Harold Smith July 10 from wife, Dolly.

In memory of

John Bolich from Jeff and Chris Kanezo; Tom and Gayle Pivarnik and family.

Dianne (Witt) Broskey from John and Mary Mazurkevich.

Marie Butkiewicz, Ann Butkiewicz Keeler and June Shutt from Lamar and Marie Dimm.

Anna Shukitt Coffey from The Purin Girls - Loretta, Marylou, Carol and Jeannie.

Katherine B. Danisevich from Jim and Gingie Britton; Bill McAndrew and Lisa D'Amico; John and Mary Mazurkevich; Fritz and Eleanor O'Hearn; Stella Rossi; Shawn and Rita (Rossi) Swartz.

Catherine C. DePaulis from Marilyn W. Kanezo; Tom and Gayle Pivarnik and family.

Joseph "Jazz" Diminick from Carolann Baskera and Thomas Bator; Miriam Berezovske; Nancy Berezovske and Ann Watkins and family; Jim and Gingie Britton; Stella Chesney; Phil and Elaine Gergen; the Kanezo family; Joseph and Marie Kobi and family; Betty Menapace; Fritz and Eleanor O'Hearn; Scott and Cookie Oskoskie; Helen Pavis and family; Tom and Gayle Pivarnik and family; David and Anne Pizzoli; Gloria Radzai; Catherine Reed; Nancy L. Schu; Reynold and Patty Scicchitano; Melanie Wengrenovich; Mount Carmel Area Educators Association.

Robert B. Fanella from Deb Matulewicz; Melanie Williams.

Margaret Franks from Jim and Helene Boylan.

Mary Jane G. Gallagher and Joe Gallagher from Goldberg, Miller and Rubin P.C. Attorneys at Law; Staff of the Office of General Counsel at Einstein Healthcare Network.

Marguerite Ginck from Louise and Dale Albright and family; Donna Honicker and family; Cindy and Nick Goretski and family; Stella Rossi; Stella and John Shuda.

Joan and Louie Girolami from Joe and Barb Hajcak; Mary Anne Leskusky.

Raymond Hodrick from Jack and Elaine Kuzo; Joe Kuzo and family; Helen Pavis and family.

Holly Kirchoff from Kathleen Honicker.

Robert Knock from the Altomare family; Bob and Debbie Martin.

Cecelia Kowaleski from Louis and Ruth Swatski.

Eleanor Kowaleski (Miss Ellie) from Frances Frederick; Louis and Ruth Swatski.

Rosalie "Dolly" Kuzo from the Altomare family; Robert E. Kowaleski; Ellen and Joe Pasterski.

Helen McAndrew from Jeff Kanezo; Joe Kuzo and family; John and Mary Mazurkevich; Dolly Smith.

Clem J. Macavage from Mount Carmel Area Class of 1959.

Mary Ellen Murray from Jim and Gingie Britton; Jim Darrup; Ray and Carol Dettrey; Gilly Elgin; the Kanezo family; Martha J. Klaus; Fritz and Eleanor O'Hearn; Tom and Gayle Pivarnik and family; John Sullivan; Dorothy Taylor; Mount Carmel Catholic High School Class of 1957.

Richard Poskay from Tom and Gayle Pivarnik and family.

Reynolds Rhoades from Jim Darrup.

Margaret M. Sgro from Jeff Kanezo.

Alexander Shedlinski from Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Katch; John and Mary Mazurkevich.

Matthew Shingara Sr. from Jim Darrup.

Joan M. Simmons from Carl and Lorraine Horsfield.

Clifford "Kiki" Snyder from Bill and Helen Danisevich.

Susan Snyder from Jim Darrup.

Mary Tana from Dolores and Hank.

The Mount Carmel Area Public Library would like to recognize the Alexander Youth Fund through the First Community Foundation Partnership of PA for their donation of monies for two new computers. We are truly grateful. Thank you.

TREVORTON - Six hours and 56 hands later, and parishioners at St. Patrick Church in Trevorton had made enough pierogies to feed two to every person in town.

And that was just day one.

Volunteers with St. Patrick annual block party, which will be held today and Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. and ending after 10 p.m., spent the week chopping onions, peeling potatoes and slicing cabbage to prepare for what has become one of the biggest events in Trevorton.

Anna Troutman, who has been the coordinator since the block party's inception 17 years ago, said she takes a one week vacation every year to help with the preparations but the end result was worth the hard work.

"We like it because lot of people come home this weekend and they have reunions with their friends," said Troutman.

The food stand, which features Coal Region traditions like pierogies, potato cakes and halushki, is just one reason to come out, said Troutman.

This year, Troutman is especially proud of the baskets that are raffled off at 10 p.m. on Saturday night.

"Our baskets value at $50 on up and average $75," said Troutman, noting that several donors had spent over $100 filling their baskets with themed items like a collection of tools.

Troutman also has her eye on the nine kiddie games at this year's festival; her 5-month-old grandson, Caleb Erdman, was on hand to help with preparations and smiled when he was asked if he is looking forward to the celebration.

Games of chance, including poker and instant bingo, will be available for adults.

Entertainment will be provided by Big County Radio and the New Individuals on Friday and Elvis impersonator Mr. Brad Crum on Saturday.

Another notable attendee this year is the Rev. Steven Frenier, who will be attending his first block party as St. Patrick's presiding clergy.

"He's excited about it," said Troutman.

A high-voltage transmission line that serves thousands of PPL Electric Utilities customers who live in the Shamokin area is being rebuilt.

The 9-mile, 69-kilovolt line runs from a substation in Eldred Township, Schuylkill County, to the Fairview section of Coal Township. It enters Shamokin at the western end of Bear Valley Avenue. It also passes through East Cameron and Mount Carmel townships.

The project includes building foundations for new single-pole towers, which will replace lattice-style towers, and stringing new wires that are installed with the help of a specialized helicopter team. Several temporary access roads and job sites were created because of the near vertical terrain the route traverses, including over Mahanoy and Line mountains. Some of those job sites include the former Kmart and Ames department stores.

Teri J. MacBride, regional affairs director for PPL Susquehanna Valley, said the majority of the work follows the existing route of the line; however, there is a "small" amount of new construction.

Preliminary engineering and design work started years ago, including contacting affected landowners and removing or trimming trees, MacBride said.

"It's going to improve the reliability of the line," MacBride said. "It will strengthen service for our customers."

Residents in Shamokin will soon notice equipment enter Shamokin. Work is already complete between Eldred Township and a substation in Dooleyville, and is well underway between Bates Road in East Cameron Township and on the western reserve of the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area in Coal Township. PPL plans to release traffic advisories to inform the public of impacted roadways.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Richfield-Dalmatia Project

Work on another major PPL project in lower Northumberland County has been delayed due to litigation.

PPL's plans to build a substation and an 11-mile power transmission line near Dalmatia, but the project was sidetracked when nine land owners refused a financial settlement with PPL for right-of-way and easement. The case is now in Commonwealth Court following a ruling by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) that granted PPL's applications for eminent domain.

The line would connect to existing lines near Richfield in Snyder and Juniata counties and a line east of Dalmatia. The project is designed to strengthen the local electric system by decreasing the number and duration of power outages experienced by residents in that area.

Owners refusing a settlement are Michael and Logan Wendt, of Duncannon; Marvin and Leona Hess, of Liverpool; and Randall Clark, John and Evelyn Zeiders, Roy and Cindy Maurer, Ronald and Dianna Mace, Gary and Dorene Lahr, Elija and Fay Lahr, and the Shoop Family Trust, all of Dalmatia.

On Dec. 19, 2012, PUC administrative law judges David A. Salapa and Joel H. Cheskis recommended that PPL's applications for eminent domain against the owners be denied because PPL "failed to satisfy its burden to demonstrate that the transmission line and the Meiserville substation are necessary for the service, accommodation, convenience or safety of the public."

PPL filed exceptions to the ruling Jan. 14, 2013. In a 45-page document containing PPL's exceptions, attorneys for the utility state said, "PPL Electric Utilities Corporation respectfully requests that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission finds that the service to be provided through the exercise of the power of eminent domain is necessary or proper for the service, accommodation, convenience or safety of the public and approve PPL Electric Utility Corporation's condemnation applications."

PUC's final decision July 16, 2013, found the line "is necessary or proper for the service, accommodation, convenience or safety of the public" and granted eminent domain. PUC also stated that PPL showed "that the selection of the proposed route for the Richfield-Dalmatia transmission tie line was reasonable and not selected wantonly, capriciously, or arbitrarily."

The land owners filed an appeal to PUC's decision to the Commonwealth Court Aug. 14, 2013. They have obtained Scott Wyland and Edward Stinnett, both from Harrisburg, as their attorneys.

Both sides have filed briefs in the case, and an argument was scheduled to have been held June 18 in Harrisburg before all judges of the court.

MARION HEIGHTS - Vietnam Veteran Marine Staff Sgt. Paul Choclis recently completed a road trip to Ennis, Mont., to attend a reunion of the Third Battalion, 26th regiment of the Marine Corps 5th Division.

The reunion was hosted by Lt. Col. Andy DeBona, former captain of Mike Co. 3/26 in 1966 and 1967 and the recipient of the Navy Cross for actions against a human wave attack of NVA soldiers near Con Tien, South Vietnam. Staff Sgt. Choclis served as DeBona's scout/forward observer for C Battery, 1st Batallion, 13th Marines for actions in and around the the combat base at Khesanh.

The entire town of Ennis welcomed some 200 Marines and families of 3/26 from June 11 to 14 where a brick memorial is located in the center of town. Also attending the reunion were surviving marines from Lima Company 3/26 and the battle at Camp Evans, Christmas 1966. They were William "Doc" Miller, from the coal region, Tom Willey, from Missouri, Tom Elliot, from California, Lt. Harry Dolan, from Alabama, second platoon officer; and Lt. Frank McCarthy, Third Platoon Officer. Both officers are now majors.

Staff Sgt. Choclis was Lima Company's original scout/observer and said Lima Company had outstanding officers such as Capt. Ralph Hines, who was killed in action, and Capt. Jaak Aulis, along with Marines who graduated from honor platoons and Parris Island and San Diego boot camps. For extraordinary actions against the enemy forces in the Republic of South Vietnam in the years 1966 to 1968, the 3rd Battalion, 26th Regiment, along with its main artillery support unit of C Battery, 1st Battalion, 13th Marines, received our nation's highest military unit award for combat valor, The Presidential Unit Citation.

Forty-eight years since this elite special landing force known as "The Professionals" mustered for staging at Camp Pendleton, Calif., leaving their homeland and answering our nation's call in the Vietnam War, and for courage, commitment and sacrifice to the United States, a permanent memorial was installed at the Marine Corps National Museum near Quantico, Va.

Choclis concluded this once in a lifetime 3/26 reunion in Big Sky Country with a trip through Yellowstone Park, which he said was an awesome spectacle of nature close up.

Proceeds and donations collected from this 3/26 Marine reunion will benefit the Wounded Warrior Projects and support our new generation of brave men and women defending our country.

Chief William Butkey assumed the duties as officer in charge of Coast Guard Station Oswego, N.Y., May 29.

Butkey is a native of Shamokin and a son of William and Franciene Butkey, of Shamokin.

Butkey's Coast Guard enlistment began in October 1998. Following basic training he reported ashore to Station Wrightville Beach, N.C. He departed in 2002 and transferred to Station Ocean City, Md.

In 2007 he was assigned as the operations petty officer aboard the Coast Guard cutter Key Biscayne in Key West, Fla.

In 2009, he was assigned as the operations petty officer and first lieutenant aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Gannet in Dania, Fla.

In July 2011, he accepted orders as the executive petty officer ashore Station Milwaukee, Wis.

Chief's Butkey's awards include the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, DOT 9-11 Medal, Four Coast Guard Achievement medals, Coast Guard Commandant Letter of Commendation, four Good Conduct Medals, National Defence Service Medal, three Coast Guard special ops service awards and several unit and team awards. He has also received the Advanced Boat Force Operations insignia and coxswain insignia.

Butkey is married to the former Jan Vinson, of Adamsville, Tenn. The couple has two children; Grace Ann, 5, and Will, 2.

TREVORTON - The Zerbe Township recreation committee is looking for vendors for a new Thursday evening farmers market.

Ciara Voneida, organizer of the weekly market, said only three participants are registered right now, but she hopes to gather more by the market's opening day Thursday at the Foundry.

"We're hoping that if the three of us get together, more people will come along," said Voneida.

Voneida wants to attract a variety of vendors, ranging from produce and baked goods to flea market items and crafts.

"Basically anything that anyone wants to set up is fine," said Voneida.

The market will be held every Thursday from 3 p.m. to dusk.

"We're trying to do the evening for people who can't go to other farmers markets because they're away during the day," said Voneida.

The recreation committee will charge $10 for a vendor space, and the money will go back into the committee's account to be used on Zerbe Township recreation projects. Recently, the committee has completed several projects at the foundry including improving the bathrooms and building a new sand volleyball court.

"Booth rental space (fees) are going directly to a great cause," said Voneida. "It's a good way to pay back the community for letting us use the space."

Anyone interested in operating a booth at the farmers market is asked to contact Voneida at 570-975-1633.

SHAMOKIN - A city man has been charged with sexual abuse of a child after police received a tip that he emailed five pornographic images involving a 2-year-old boy.

Abraham D. Gordon, 31, of 903 N. Shamokin St., was arraigned Thursday on six felony counts. The investigation started one week earlier when Google alerted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that someone using an email address registered to Gordon had uploaded five images of child pornography.

The information was forwarded to state police, and the charges were filed by Trooper Christopher Hill and Det. Charles J. Balogh of the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office.

Both are members of the Pennsylvania State Police Computer Crime Task Force and the state Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Police said the images were uploaded using a computer tablet and cell phone both registered with email addresses belonging to Gordon.

When police checked Gordon's Facebook account, with which the email address in question is also associated, they saw a picture of a person police said is a friend of Gordon's with the same boy who is in the pornographic images. Further investigation showed the friend once resided at Gordon's home.

Police brought Gordon in for questioning Friday, and he was in possession of a cell phone matching the model number of the one used to upload the images, according to police. Gordon allegedly admitted to making the images using the camera on his cell phone and emailing them.

Gordon said he met an individual online who requested such pictures and sent the images to the other person "in hopes of gaining their trust." Police did not elaborate on that statement.

All five images depict a young male in front of an adult male with the adult's genitals exposed. In one image, the boy is touching the man's penis, police said.

Gordon was arraigned Thursday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Shamokin, and charged with two third-degree and one second-degree felony of sexual abuse of children, and third-degree felonies of criminal use of a communication facility, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age and unlawful conduct with a minor.

Gordon was committed to Northumberland County Prison on $30,000 cash bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday before Gembic.

KULPMONT - Part of Maple Street will continue to be blocked off for possibly two more months.

During his code enforcement report at Tuesday's borough council meeting, code enforcement officer Russ Moroz reported the owners of the former mill property, in the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Chestnut Street (Route 61), have hired a contractor to do asbestos abatement inside the boiler room.

The temporary road block will exist for the removal of asbestos and other hazardous waste before the condemnation of the boiler room.

Moroz also reported that no plan has been received from property owner Thomas Valeiko on the cleanup of the former Eagle Sign Co. property, which takes up half a block along 13th Street between Oak Alley and Chestnut Street.

A summary trial was scheduled for July 22 on 20 citations against Valeiko for failing to clean up the property, but after negotiations between code officials and Valeiko's attorney, Richard Feudale, the hearing was continued for 20 days and the two sides were scheduled to meet about a plan and the debris is to be cleaned up by Sept. 30.

If a plan is not put in place, Moroz said he plans to be back in court Aug. 14 for a hearing on the previous charges and additional charges will be filed.

In other business

- The board approved, on a 5-2 vote, to accept a $12,050 quote from Smith Burial Vault and Excavation, of Kulpmont, to replace a pipe and pave 14th Street at two deteriorated inlets. Councilmembers Nick Bozza, Clarence Deitrick, Phil Scicchitano, Bruno Varano and Joseph Winhofer voted yes, while Stephen Motyka and Stephanie Niglio voted no. Motyka said he felt he couldn't make a decision because there was not enough information to compare the three quotes.

- Council approved closing Fir Street in the area of the Holy Angels Picnic Grounds for the Knights of Columbus Winefest and to allow the use of the Veterans Memorial Field for parking on a 6-1 vote, with Niglio casting the lone dissenting vote.

- Council unanimously voted to purchase cartridges for the police department's Tasers at a cost not to exceed $400, and for council to sponsor a hole at this year's Kulpmont Fire Department golf tournament.

SUNBURY - Weis Markets announced Thursday the launch of its annual "Your Neighbor's, Our Farmer" local produce program.

The campaign highlights the contributions and commitment of 13 local farmers that provide produce to some of Weis Markets' 163 stores.

"When we talk about our selection of local produce, we want to do more than just talk the talk." said Kurt Schertle, Weis Markets COO. "When customers visit the produce section in one of our stores, we want them to know that the produce comes from the state in which they live, and to introduce them to the hardworking men and women that provide our fresh produce, many of whom have been suppliers of ours for two generations."

In 2014, Weis Markets will purchase more than 25 million pounds of locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Each Weis Markets' store will display "Your Neighbor's, Our Farmer" banners with photographs of the farmers supplying Weis Markets. These photos will be featured in circulars and at www.weismarkets.com.

Farmers participating in the campaign include Titus Hoover, of Port Trevorton; John Tebbs, of Williamsport; Dave Rodgers, of Great Meadows, N.J.; Allen Conrad, of Newport; Paul Lebo, of Mechanicsburg, and Page Houser, of Sharpsburg, Md.

WOLF'S CROSSROADS - Northumberland County Conservation District (NCCD) praised environmentally-friendly individuals and organizations for their excellence in conservation work in Northumberland County at an awards picnic Thursday evening at the Kenneth L. Bingaman Memorial Picnic Pavilion.

NCCD staff and board of directors also celebrated the 65th anniversary of the District, which received their certificate of organization from the Commonwealth March 9, 1943.

Conservation Farmer of the Year

The farmer of the year award honors farmers who implement conservation practices on their farm.

The award was presented to Will Haupt and his father, James, who run Haupt's Produce, a 160-acre operation in Irish Valley.

According to NCCD staff, the Haupts demonstrate eco-friendly practices, including erosion control, non-use of manure and allowing riparian buffers, or interfaces between land and a body of water, to grow.

Don Cotner Sr. Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is given to a recent high school senior who will be pursuing a degree in agriculture or an environmentally related field in the fall semester. Don Cotner Jr. sponsors the scholarship in memory of his father, who was a director for NCCD from 1960-79.

Adam Leister, a 2014 graduate of Shikellamy High School, was the recipient of the award. Leister, a son of Steve and Melanie Leister, of Northumberland, will be pursuing a degree in the environmental sciences, including geosciences, at Mansfield University.

Swank Award

The Swank Outstanding Conservation Organization Award is sponsored annually by David and Judy Swank in honor of their granddaughter, Shelby Palmer. It is presented to an outstanding conservation organization that has done exceptional conservation work in the Northumberland County.

The award was given to Northcentral Pa. Conservancy (NPC), based in Williamsport. NPC is a land trust devoted to conserving land and water in northcentral part of the start for future generations. The conservancy holds properties in 12 counties, including Northumberland County.

According to NCCD, the organization holds 43 conservation easements and one facade easement on 4,735 acres with another 6,300 acres granted through ownership.

Shaffer Scholarship

The Raymond D. and Mable E. Shaffer Scholarship is provided by Sandra Shaffer-Mattern, Dornsife, to a recent Line Mountain High School senior who will be attending college in the fall. The scholarship was started in 1996 in memory of Raymond and Mable Shaffer, who were among the founders of the NCCD.

This year's award went to Courtlyn Trautman, a daughter of Jim and Lisa Trautman, of Herndon. She will be attending Lock Haven University as a health science major and plans to apply for a physician's assistant program after graduation.

Conservation Patch

Also praised was Boy Scout Joshua Marzak, a member of Troop 331, Sunbury, who earned a conservation district patch.

To earn the patch, Marzak earned the weather, environmental science and geology badges and also participated in several litter cleanups with his troop.

Anniversary

Judy Becker, NCCD district manager; and Dave Crowl, chairman, applauded the organization's efforts during it's 71 years of existence. Crowl said the NCCD, originally called the Northumberland Soil Conservation District, was formed to make services available to farmers in county.

The focal point of the District during its inception was the Stone Valley Watershed, a 2,000-acre tract of land near Dalmatia. The watershed eventually became nationally famous as an example of a successful conservation farming, he said.

"Our District is preserving water sources with good farming practices," Crowl said. "We're still doing it after 65 years and that's a lot to celebrate."

MCA schedules are ready

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area Junior/Senior High School student schedules for grades seven through 12 are ready for pickup between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday in the high school principal's office.

Any schedule changes for students in Grade 11 and 12 will be done Monday and for students in grades nine and 10 Tuesday.

NCCD twilight meeting set

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Conservation District (NCCD) will hold its annual twilight meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9, at St. Joe's Picnic Pavilion in Milton. The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Registration is $5 to attend, which includes dinner and meeting materials.

This year's event will begin with a meal from Montgomery Station House, including roast beef with filling, tossed salad, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans with almonds, chocolate cake, rolls and beverages.

Immediately following the meal, the group will tour a project site showcasing recommended land use along a stream and fish habitat structures installed along St. Joe's streambanks.

Topics for the meeting will include "Managing Herbicide Resistant Weeds" covered by John Bray of Penn State Extension; "BMP (Best Management Practice) Examples in Northumberland County" which will include experiences shared by fellow operators about their experiences with the installation of BMPs on their properties, and "How to Improve Your Grazing Systems" by Theresa Heebner, NRCS grazing specialist. NCCD has applied to the PA Department of Agriculture for two core credits.

Registration forms may be found online at www.nccdpa.org, or call the district office at 570-495-4665. Deadline to register is Aug. 29.

For more information, go to www.nccdpa.org or www.facebook.com/nccdpa.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Township commissioners are looking to build an indoor basketball facility at Arch Street playground.

A grant application for $250,000 is pending with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the first of a two-phase project to construct two indoor courts. Commissioners envision the courts inside a pole building complete with locker rooms, bathrooms and a concession area. It would be built where the tennis and basketball hard courts are currently located, parking likely to the rear.

Craig Fetterman, commissioner chairman, said after Thursday's meeting of the board of commissioners he understands the township would be stepping on the toes of its neighbor, Shamokin, since it would seek out area youth teams to play at the proposed gymnasium, noting that it would have ground level access.

The Shamokin Youth Basketball League (SYBL) is a longtime tenant of the American Legion Building in downtown Shamokin. The gymnasium is located on the third floor and is not handicapped accessible. The league also uses the Ralpho Township and Line Mountain Elementary gyms.

The Shamokin Youth Girls Basketball League (SYGBL) plays at the Shamokin Area Elementary Annex on East Arch Street, and also practices at the main elementary school.

Ideally, Fetterman said, the township street department would prepare the site and construct the building. That could be enough to meet the requirement to match 15 percent of the grant total. Volunteer help would be sought from local trade unions and contractors. The Lower Anthracite Regional Recreation Committee (LARRC) is also involved in the project, he said.

While basketball would be the main focus of the gym, it's planned to be multi-purpose. Fetterman noted volleyball could be accommodated as could indoor soccer practice. He also said batting cages are a possibility; anything that would support the facility.

All of it hinges on the state's acceptance of the township's grant application.

The township received a grant last year totaling $100,500 from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for improvements to the Arch Street playground. It is required to match that total with township funding or in-kind services.

In other business

The commissioners announced Route 125 in Coal Township and Shamokin would be milled and resurfaced in 2016, according to a letter from PennDOT.

A rail crossing in Lower Excelsior is planned to be upgraded, much like what was installed at Eighth and Water streets in Shamokin, township manager Rob Slaby said.

Properties at 12 S. Poplar St. and 1600-1602 Pulaski Ave. are to be purchased from the county repository list for $500 each and be demolished with Keystone Grant funding.

An annual allocation of $10,000 was approved for the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library.

HARRISBURG - The U.S. Government is asking a judge to allow its argument be entered into record that former Mount Carmel police officer Blaine Handerhan's sentence and conviction on child pornography charges should not be overturned.

The U.S. Attorney's office filed a motion and brief Wednesday to answer Handerhan's complaint that he had ineffective counsel in 2012, when he pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of child pornography and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Handerhan, acting as his own counsel, filed two briefs supporting that claim in July; the second one makes new claims of ineffective counsel. The U.S. Attorney's office answered the first filing, but the court ruled the second claim would be heard with Handerhan's first one.

The motion filed Wednesday by the prosecution stated the court did not say in the order granting Handerhan's brief the United States could answer the charges, so they prepared a brief and asked that it be entered into the record.

Written by assistant U.S. attorney James T. Clancy, the 11-page brief addresses Handerhan's claims that council failed to conduct pre-trial and pre-sentencing investigations, that the restitution amount came as a surprise to him and that he was denied his right to a speedy trial.

As far as the investigations go, Clancy wrote that several trial continuances were given to allow defense counsel time to review the evidence, examine Handerhan for mental health issues and retain a forensic computer expert.

According to the brief, Handerhan's sentencing memorandum included a sexual offender evaluation by an expert psychologist that concluded he represented a low-risk to re-offend, detailed the defendant's treatment programs and included letters to his character.

The brief also states Handerhan was informed about the restitution clause in the plea agreement he signed. As far as the speedy trial clause goes, the prosecution states Handerhan is incorrect.

"He was not arrested Feb. 6, 2006. Rather, he was taken to a hospital to be evaluated for a mental health commitment due to suicidal statements made during the execution of the search warrant." He was later released after being evaluated without any mention of an arrest, until his indictment in October 2010.

The attorney's office also said Handerhan defeats his own purpose by asking how he could be mentally incompetent to stand trial yet files a claim to overturn the sentence if his counsel failed to heed his legal directive.

"Objectively reasonable counsel, bombarded by such numerous requests for legal motions, expert witnesses and investigations, would not doubt the mental competency of their client," Clancy wrote in the brief.

The former police lieutenant is in federal prison after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of child pornography, a plea he says he gave reluctantly due to the stress of defending himself against the allegations.

Police said more than 147,000 images and 1,200 video files were discovered on Handerhan's personal computer at his home in Swatara Township, Lebanon County. Handerhan said peer-to-peer file sharing software allowed remote access to his machine.

MOUNT CARMEL - A criminal investigation into the former operations of the Lower Anthracite Transportation Systems (LATS) that began more than a year ago is still not complete.

Borough police Chief Todd Owens said Friday the investigation into how inflated numbers and budgetary discrepancies occurred is ongoing.

"It's still being investigated," said Owens. "It's still an open case involving outside agencies and I'm not going to comment any further just for the integrity of the case."

The Mount Carmel borough council requested the investigation in May 2013 in an attempt to uncover how the operations and management of former subcontractor King Coal Tours led to billing discrepancies that included charges for fuel that is not used in the LATS buses and for tires and parts that don't fit the buses.

A letter from Toby L. Fauver, PennDOT deputy secretary, dated Tuesday notified the borough that it will lose $263,509 in funding for the 2014-15 LATS operations to repay the state for extra money received during fiscal years 2005-06 to 2010-11.

The money includes a 25 percent penalty imposed on the extra money received during six years of "overstated" senior citizen ridership numbers.

In an email Thursday, PennDOT Acting Press Secretary Rich Kirkpatrick said he cannot comment on King Coal or on the LATS budget issues because the matter is still under investigation.

Tony Matulewicz indicated Thursday he is interested in finding where the money paid to King Coal went.

Matulewicz also said he could not comment on whether or not the borough council will attempt to recuperate the lost grant funds from King Coal through legal action.

Changes made to schedule distribution

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area Junior/Senior High School student schedules for grades seven through 12 are ready for pickup between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday in the high school principal's office.

Any schedule changes for students in grades 11 and 12 will be done Monday, Aug. 11, and for students in grade 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19.

ServSafe program planned

SUNBURY - Penn State Cooperative Extension will hold a ServSafe® Food Safety Certification Training course from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 22, at Penn State Extension, 443 Plum Creek Road. The program includes the certification exam. Cost for the 2-day certification course is $175.

This nationally recognized certification program helps establishments demonstrate to the public, and to employees and co-workers, a commitment to providing safe food to consumers. With approximately 3,000 deaths per year related to foodborne illness, this course outlines safe food handling practices to protect customers, increases profitability, reduces liability, promotes goodwill and enhances a business' competitive position.

Lynn James, MS, RDN, LDN, extension educator for Penn State Extension, will be the instructor. For more information, call the Penn State Extension Office in Northumberland County at 570-988-3950.

Register online at http://extension.psu.edu/food/safety/courses/servsafe or call 800-851-9710 by Sept. 2 on a first-come, first-serve basis.

SHAMOKIN - Two Berwick men are in the Northumberland County Prison after they allegedly sold heroin to an clandestine informant while a four-year-old boy sat in the rear of the vehicle in Shamokin Thursday.

Shamokin police said Gary Parks, 27, of 619 E. Eighth St., Berwick, arranged with the informant over the phone to meet in Shamokin to make a heroin sale.

The informant was picked up by Parks, who drove, and Thomas Wayne Finucane, 27, of 330 N. Oak St., Berwick.

The informant sat in the back seat next to a four-year-old boy, later identified as the son of Finucane's girlfriend, and purchased heroin from Finucane, who police said was in conspiracy with Parks.

After the informant was returned to the point of origin and turned over the heroin, police tracked the vehicle and stopped it at Market and Arch streets, where they placed Parks and Finucane under arrest.

A search of Parks uncovered several empty blue heroin packets and syringes.

Officers also observed Finucane attempting to conceal items under the front passenger seat. Finucane's cell phone and keys as well as currency including a portion of the buy money provided to the informant by police was found in this area.

Finucane and Parks were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III at 10:30 a.m. Friday on two felony counts of possession with intent to sell, one felony count of criminal conspiracy, one misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child, and a summary offense of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Parks was also charged with a felony count of criminal use of a communication device for using his cell phone to complete the transaction and a summary offense of driving with a suspended license.

They were committed to the Northumberland County Prison on $30,000 straight bail.

Around this time of year 5 or 6 years ago, we got an interesting call from our "unofficial" nephew Ryan. There was unmistakable excitement in his voice and that was not solely because he had just turned 4 or 5.

"I can't believe it!" Ryan began. "Twenty dollars for a little kid? I can't believe it!" Ryan calmed down a bit to thank his Aunt Jo Ann and me for his birthday gift.

But before Ryan signed off, he finished as excitedly as he started. "Twenty dollars for a little kid? I can't believe it!"

Years later, the memory brings a smile to my face. This year, it also brought a thought to my head.

Most of us were once as excitable and enthusiastic as Ryan was. We are uninhibited in our reactions. When something displeased us, we cried. If something struck as funny, we laughed - even those times when we knew we weren't supposed to laugh. If somebody did something nice for us, we let them know how much we appreciated it.

Then, one day, we woke up too grownup to express our feelings.

This is particularly true when it comes to God. We stop going to Him as he wants us to "as little children."

We forget that God is always with us - to comfort us when we feel sad and to rejoice with us when we are joyful.

He gives us His infinite love and offers us an eternity to spend in that love. He also gives us the freedom to love Him and to love others because He is part of them.

"I can't believe it!" Well, believe it. "All this for a little kid?" Yes, and God's graces and love are for all his children.

+++

The least we can do is remember to thank God for all that He gives us.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; poker game, 9:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile 9:30 a.m.; lunch at Rick Mar restaurant, cost $2; bridge, noon.

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

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; Tara Venna, RN, from Family Medical speaking on "Flu Facts," noon, with nickel bingo following.

Friday - Morning cards puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; game shows, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

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

Tuesday - Morning cup of coffee, 9:30 a.m.; lunch, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; CSFP (food box pick-up) 12:30 to 3 p.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.; unlucky 7's, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning cup of coffee, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; Family Medical blood pressure/sugar, 10 to 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Morning coffee and the news, 9:30 a.m.; favorite TV show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Coffee and gab, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Puzzles in the morning; Wii and cards, noon; commodity food pickup, call the center before you come to make sure the boxes arrived.

Wednesday - Wii and bean bag in the morning; Tara Venna will be speaking at noon on "Summer Emergency: Can You Take the Heat"; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Do your own thing in the morning; Linda Walker will be speaking at noon on "Acts of Being Nice"; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Music and gab in the morning; lunch at Country Cupboard, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and snacks, 9 a.m.; current events, 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Bring a friend day. Beverly Seybert speaking on "Aging Tastefully," 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Important Medicare discussion with Sandy Darling regarding insurance and hospital stays vs. observation. Please try and attend, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday - CLR game, 10:30 a.m.; food bank pantry and boxes.

Friday - Fun Friday. Open activities.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, noon.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon; indoor picnic, center providing hot dogs and hamburgers, members are asked to bring a covered dish.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Monday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; unlucky 7's, 12:30 p.m.; shopping at Buckhorn Walmart, 10 to 11 a.m.

Tuesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; Weis Market, noon to 1 p.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; 10 keys class, 12:30 p.m.; get immunized regularly.

Thursday - Trip to Marina, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., center providing hot dogs; exercise, 10 a.m.; pinochle, 10:30 a.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; birthday party, 5 p.m.