SHAMOKIN - City council took the first step towards permitting fire chiefs to reside outside Shamokin's borders, a move that spurred a city councilman to again call for consolidation with Coal Township.

A 3-1 vote Monday approved a preliminary amendment to existing ordinance that would allow chiefs of the Shamokin Fire Bureau to reside in Coal Township. It would also establish an application process for the chiefs positions, eliminating the current rotation format among the six fire companies.

If a second vote passes, perhaps as soon as next month, the amendment would be finalized.

Council members in favor were R. Craig Rhoades, who pushed for the changes, Barbara Moyer and Charlie Verano. Mayor William D. Milbrand was opposed. Councilman David Kinder was absent and is recovering from a heart attack.

Without the amendment, the ordinance restricts all candidates for fire chief only to bureau members who reside in Shamokin. It is more restrictive than what's in place for the city's police officers. As part of the latest collective bargaining agreement, police officers are allowed to live within a 10-mile radius of Shamokin.

Robert Wolfe is the current fire chief and is in the second year of a two-year term. John Klembara is the assistant chief, Jason Zimmerman the deputy chief and Bruce Rogers the battalion chief - all two-year posts.

Under the proposed ordinance, nominees who apply to become a chief must be vetted and approved by the Shamokin Fire Bureau before being recommended to city council, which would make the final decision. If approved, they would still be required to begin as a battalion chief and work up the ladder to become fire chief.

Manpower struggles

The all-volunteer Shamokin Fire Bureau is struggling with manpower, Rhoades said, particularly in the daytime. Citing Monday morning's three-alarm fire in the 100 block of South Vine Street, he credited the firefighters who responded and extinguished the blaze. But he said it was challenging for fire departments to get crews to the scene at 9:25 a.m. when many members are working. Recruiting new members is increasingly difficult, too.

Rhoades said the challenges are the same for neighboring communities, too, including in Coal Township. He said the proposed ordinance is a move towards consolidation of the city fire bureau, which he took even further by saying Shamokin and Coal Township should unite its fire departments, police departments and municipal governments.

"I think we need to look at the consolidation of our twin communities, Shamokin and Coal Township," Rhoades said, repeating an idea he's lobbied for several times before.

Milbrand opposed the change in ordinance, saying city council must find ways to recruit people to live in Shamokin, not leave.

"We're a council sitting here in City Hall worrying about where we're going to get our next tax dollars from to try and make the city survive. I don't think we should be giving an opportunity for anyone to move out of this city if they want to be a part of this city government and be paid by this city government. That's my stand," Milbrand said.

Verano said simply that "I believe it's time for a change."

Merger already

A merger within the Shamokin Fire Bureau is on track. The Liberty and Rescue fire companies are operating jointly out of the Rescue building at Liberty and Lincoln streets.

Members of Liberty began operating out of the Rescue on Sept. 1, 2013, moving their vehicles and equipment three blocks south.

Rhoades said crew members from both stations are cross-trained on each other's apparatus and that they're "happy with the merger." It's unclear if the move will affect the companies' names and leadership.

That leaves the city with Liberty's former quarters on Sunbury Street. It was the lone fire company to operate on a 99-year lease when all five other fire companies purchased their buildings for $1. Liberty's members paid for property insurance and maintenance. City council will look to sell the building.

SHAMOKIN - Five people without insurance were left homeless Monday morning when fire destroyed their half-double homes in the 100 block of South Vine Street known as "Hogan's Alley."

The 9:25 a.m. three-alarm blaze pressed approximately 75 firefighters into service from Shamokin, Coal Township and surrounding communities and created a chaotic scene in the Fifth Ward as fire engines and other emergency vehicles traveled through narrow streets and even along a dirt road next to railroad tracks to reach the fire.

Shamokin Deputy Fire Chief Jason Zimmerman said the fire started in the kitchen of 128 S. Vine St., inhabited by Rose Shurock, 73, and her 46-year-old son, Michael Shurock, who have lived in the home for 15 years.

The fire quickly spread from the kitchen area into the walls and ascended into the common attic area of the Shurock residence and 126 S. Vine St. occupied by Doris Burd, 34, her husband, Nathan Burd, 39, and their 13-year-old daughter, Octavia.

The Shurocks and Burds, who are not insured, were left homeless despite valiant efforts by firefighters to contain the blaze in the congested neighborhood.

The Shurocks said they plan to temporarily stay with a neighbor, Betty Scandle, 43, of 159 S. Vine St., while the Burds, who resided at the Vine Street property for seven years, will be living with Nathan's parents, Russell and Darlene Burd, of Overlook.

Rose Shurock, who watched firefighters battle the blaze while sitting under a tree with her collie/shepherd, Mistie, recalled defrosting a meal in a microwave earlier in the morning before falling asleep in a bed on the first floor. Her son was at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury for a bench warrant hearing when he was notified about the fire and quickly returned home to comfort his mother.

"I saw the flames from the kitchen and I immediately exited the home with my dog before calling 911," Rose Shurock said.

Due to the extensive fire damage, neither Zimmerman nor city fire investigator Raymond Siko II could say if the meal being defrosted in the microwave or an electrical malfunction caused the blaze.

"We know the fire started in the kitchen area, but the cause is undetermined at this point," Zimmerman said. "It's not suspicious, but Ray (Siko) is continuing his investigation."

Doris Burd, who is diabetic, and her daughter were sleeping on the second floor when they smelled smoke.

"I woke up and looked at the walls and they were black," Doris Burd said. "I then got my daughter, grabbed my cell phone and some clothes and ran out of the house with our cocker spaniel, Ginger."

Nathan Burd was working at Amazon Distribution Center in Hazleton.

His parents quickly arrived at the scene to provide support to their daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

Neighbors, friends, employees from AREA Services and other emergency personnel also offered support and refreshments to the fire victims.

When approached by a neighbor who asked if she needed anything, a distraught Doris Burd responded, "Yeah, a new house."

Shamokin Patrolmen William Zalinski and Scott Weaver, who were the first personnel to arrive at the scene, quickly alerted residents on South Vine and South Pearl streets about the fire and helped escort some of them from their homes.

Volunteers from Friendship Fire Company, which is located several blocks away from the fire, responded to the half-double homes and began hitting the blaze with water. Heavy black smoke and flames were seen shooting from the kitchen area at 128 S. Vine St. before fire consumed the rear of the home and quickly made its way into the adjoining home.

Firefighters, under the command of Shamokin Battalion Chief Bruce Rogers, attacked the blaze from the front, rear and sides and were able to bring it under control at about 10:45 a.m. Assisting Rogers were Zimmerman, Siko, Coal Township Fire Chief Russ Feese and township assistant fire chief Michael Timco.

Shamokin Mayor William Milbrand, a longtime firefighter and former fire chief and public safety director, also assisted.

The most difficult firefighting stage occurred when the blaze reached the attic area of the homes, causing flames and dense smoke to emit from the rooftops.

During their attack, firefighters had to smash windows on all three floors and rip open sections of the siding and roofs with tools, including chain saws.

Firefighters battled the blaze in shifts and appeared exhausted as they exited the homes, but no injuries were reported. The volunteers were provided water and towels by neighbors and other concerned citizens.

A second alarm was sounded at 9:34 a.m. while the third alarm was activated at 10:13 a.m.

Fire and emergency units lined sections of South Vine, South Pearl and Pine streets and hoses were hooked up to fire hydrants, some of which are a couple blocks from the scene.

Large puddles of water formed in front of the homes from firefighters battling the blaze.

Zimmerman said the "balloon" frame structure of the homes was detrimental to firefighting efforts as flames quickly ran up into the walls and reached the third floor. The fire official said 95 percent of the homes in Shamokin have "balloon" frame structures.

The deputy fire chief did not have a damage estimate on the homes, but considered them both gutted.

He commended all the firefighters who responded to the mutual aid call and helped prevent the fire from spreading and becoming a bigger disaster.

He said ladder trucks from Shamokin, Mount Carmel and Sunbury were among the many engines summoned to the fire. In addition to all Shamokin and Coal Township fire and emergency units, firefighters from Elysburg, Overlook, Mount Carmel, Mount Carmel Township, Kulpmont and Sunbury along with AREA Services personnel responded. Additional engines from Sunbury, Northumberland and Danville were placed on standby.

Fire personnel remained at the scene until approximately 3 p.m.

At about 3:15 p.m., Zalinski and Weaver were summoned back to the scene for about 20 minutes to quell a disturbance between neighbors and Nathan Burd.

Police said the disturbance involved an argument and some finger pointing, but no physical altercation. Some witnesses and neighbors intervened and came to Burd's defense, which prevented a fight from breaking out. No injuries were reported. Police said charges will not be filed in the incident.

HARRISBURG - Milton and Sunbury were awarded $500,000 each through the state's Keystone Communities grant program to support downtown redevelopment and infrastructure reconstruction.

Sunbury's funding will be focused on the reconstruction of Chestnut Street. The project includes the replacement of sidewalks and curbing, construction of handicapped accessible curb cutouts, removal of street trees with invasive roots, reconstruction of the intersection and upgrades to the traffic signal at Second Street.

The project will also include the replacement of storm water basins and grates, installation of conduit and bases for street lighting from Front to Tenth streets, and repairs to the base and placement of the street.

The reconstruction of this corridor will improve access to parking and the pedestrian entrance to the Riverfront Park, which is a major source of income to Sunbury.

Milton will undertake a streetscape project along Broadway and Front streets which is a part of the Downtown Revitalization Project coordinated by the borough.

The strategic goal of the project is to improve safety between vehicle and pedestrian traffic within the business district. In support of that goal, pedestrian crosswalk signals will be installed, along with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible crosswalks, ramps and markings. Curbs, sidewalks and streetlights will also be replaced and storm water issues will be corrected.

"The funding announced today through the Keystone Communities program will enhance public safety and open the door for new local economic development," said Gov. Tom Corbett, whose administration announced the funding Monday. "Our partnership at the local level in developing our communities is building a stronger Pennsylvania."

"The City Of Sunbury is moving forward as it is currently redefining itself for the future," said Sunbury Mayor David L. Persing. "This grant supports our ongoing working relationships with The Commonwealth as we move from our Riverfront Project into improving our neighborhoods and our transportation routes for the citizens of Sunbury and the Susquehanna Valley."

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - Zerbe Township is one step closer toward demolishing a fire-damaged property.

The building, located at 220 and 224 S. 10th St., Trevorton, has been abandoned since it was damaged in a fire in 2012.

Township supervisors have secured funding through the Community Block Development Grant (CDBG) program to demolish the building.

As a stipulation of the grant, the township must run an environmental review of the property. At Monday's meeting, township commissioners read a letter from SEDA-COG, which is managing the demolition and CDBG money for the township, asking for people interested in taking part in the environmental review to contact their office.

An additional letter, a copy of a letter sent from Patrick Mack, county planning and industrial development director, alerted the owner of the property of a lien that will be placed on 224 S. 10th St. for the cost of the demolition.

SEDA-COG is working to create bid documents to tear down the structure. The documents are estimated to be ready in early 2015, said supervisor Michael Mazer.

Supervisor Michael Schwartz was absent from the meeting.

In other news

Chief Robert John will be sticking around for another three years. Township supervisors approved a new contract with John. The contract runs Aug. 10, 2014 to Aug. 10, 2017, and contains annual increases of 4 percent per year.

Posting the part-time position for township clerk was approved. Ellen Troutman, the current township clerk, will be retiring with a date to be announced.

A part-time police officer position will also be posted. Mazer said the position had been posted previously but not filled. "We just haven't found a candidate with proper certifications," said Mazer.

A petition for a burning permit submitted by Eric Snyder, of 1309 Susquehanna St., was tabled. Mazer said the language in the petition made it unclear of the specific location and materials to be burned, and more information would be acquired before a decision was made at a future meeting.

An ordinance regarding trash and animal feces is available for public review and comment. The ordinance will be advertised at least ten days prior to undergoing a vote at Sept. 8 meeting.

John called this year's National Night Out a success despite stormy weather. In addition to handing out soda and water to the public, John said he had a lot of positive interaction with the community. He added that he'd like to hand out Zerbe Township Police Department T-shirts next year.

Angela Wilkinson of the recreation committee announced the beginning of the farmers market at 3 p.m. Thursday.

"There seems to be much interest in it," said Wilkinson.

She also announced the completion of the pickleball court, although the net and equipment are currently in storage unless someone requests them because of their portability.

"We just have to figure out how to make (it) available to the public," she said.

SHAMOKIN - Councilman David Kinder is home and recovering from a heart attack he suffered Friday, but he won't be back at City Hall anytime soon.

Kinder was released Sunday afternoon from Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. He was stricken ill at home and rushed by ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Coal Township, before being transferred. He thanked Patrolman Ray Siko II and ambulance personnel with AREA Services who responded.

"I'm feeling very grateful," Kinder said. He added about well-wishes he's received from throughout the community: "It's amazing how many people are in my corner."

Kinder's taking very short walks to get fresh air but is largely restricted from any physical activity. His recovery period is three weeks, and he isn't sure when he'll return to his duties on city council. He did not attend Monday's monthly council meeting.

Mayor William D. Milbrand suffered a heart attack on Aug. 2. Kinder served as acting mayor for two days until Milbrand was discharged and immediately resumed his duties. The mayor visited the councilman at the hospital over the weekend, and a nurse joked about the coincidence: "What the heck is that town doing to you?"

Kinder laughed, saying it wasn't the city or his role on council. His heart attack was a result of his health, something he said he must keep better watch over.

Kinder was appointed in January to a two-year term on city council, and had previously worked as the city clerk.

CATAWISSA RR - Southern Columbia officials said the district-wide energy improvements are moving forward, but cleaning up after them will take officials to the limit.

In his report at Monday's school board meeting, superintendent Paul Caputo gave an update on the project, saying that most of the equipment has been installed at the schools.

"It's all a matter of firing up the units for the ventilation," Caputo said Monday.

The scope of the work includes districtwide lighting, building "envelope" (the physical separators between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building) upgrades, plug-load management, upgrades to the heating and ventilation systems in all the district buildings and the repair and replacement or repairs of leaking roofs in each building.

The work is being done at a cost of $4,651,350, but the district expects to save approximately $6,271,972 in energy costs over the next 20 years. On an unanimous vote, the board approved a third payment to McClure Inc., the group doing the work, of $1,266,273,80.

"One benefit that we have seen is that we had an issue with the roof in one building where the worker's foot came right through the roof, so it was a problem that has been remedied," Caputo said.

The downside, they said, is that custodians are currently working 10-hour shifts to clean up the schools to have them ready for opening of the school year just two weeks away.

"We are going to do our best to have everything ready for the opening of school," the superintendent said.

Halfway there

Caputo also announced during his report that the district has collected more than $10,000 in fees for those in fall sports or activities under the new "pay-to-participate" policy.

"We have received about 220 responses from parents and about 17 waivers, so it is either about 210 or 237 that have responded," Caputo said.

The district implemented the policy in the hopes of raising $20,000 in revenue with the fee, which charges parents a $50 per student or $100 per family yearly fee to participate in sports or extracurricular activities.

Board member Joe Klebon said he wasn't sure that $20,000 total could be collected.

"A lot of the people who paid in the fall are three-sports athletes, so you might not collect the other $10,000 during the winter or spring sports seasons," he said.

In other business

- The board approved a 10-day agreement with Student Assistance Services to provide behavioral support services and evaluations to the district at a costs of $495 per day and mileage.

- In personnel notes, the board accepted the resignation of elementary teacher Bethany Varano; approved the hiring of Jarrod W. Dodson as a part-time second-shift custodian; Shawnee Robel as the high school nurse and David L. Fegley as middle school math teacher.

- The board approved the 2014-15 substitute teacher list and the list of advisors, support teachers, lead teachers, team leaders, tech lead teacher and band personnel.

PAXINOS - Kyla Martin, of Paxinos, one of the founders of the Angels at Work local charity, has helped rescue a 7-year-old Haflinger pony called Merriweather from abuse and neglect.

The horse has had several owners over the years, but was left out in pasture with little food, no shelter and pregnant. Martin rescued the pony with help from her family and friends and is diligently working to overcome some issues, but needs monetary support since horse care is very expensive. Costs include boarding fees, feet care, teeth care, shots and veterinarian bills.

Angels at Work, a charity Martin helped establish in 2005, has decided to help her by starting the "Help Merriweather" project, which involves seeking donations from the community to purchase food, halters, lead lines, old saddles, blankets, fly spray, cleaning supplies, bridles and other items.

Angels at Work has helped many people over the years by raising more than $1,500.

The 19-year-old Martin, who owns another horse, is studying equestrian facilitated therapeutics and equine journalism at Wilson College in Chambersburg. Her goal is to help children and adults ride and groom horses. Equestrian therapeutics has proven to show a significant improvement in autistic children by allowing the horse and child to become partners while benefiting from each other. The therapy also has helped veterans with post traumatic stress disorder and paralyzed adults to become stronger and improve mentally.

Merriweather has the personality and potential to be used as a therapeutic pony.

Martin and other volunteers have been working with Merriweather and she has come a long way with trust issues. The horse now stands for anyone to pet and groom her and even allows people to bathe her. The project's goal is to enter Merriweather into a horse show in the fall.

Martin, a daughter of Kathy and Dave Witcoskie, Paxinos, stated, "Your donations will be for a great cause. They not only will help support this pony and the young adults helping her, but will enable Merriweather to become a therapeutic pony and give an autistic or mentally challenged child a chance to ride her and become her friend."

Donations may be made to: Angels at Work Charity, 225 S. Lily Road, Paxinos 17860. Please write "Merri" on the memo line on your check.

Chief warns of car thefts in township

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - A series of thefts have recently occurred in unlocked vehicles in Zerbe Township.

Chief Robert John announced at Monday's township meeting that in July, three reports of theft arrived on his desk. He also heard two additional alleged vehicle thefts from people who did not officially report them.

"If you don't lock your vehicle, take your valuables out," warned John.

KULPMONT - The most recent list of memorials and special intentions for the St. Pauline Center follows:

Agnes Bressi from Jack and Rita Laukaitis, John and Barbara Tomaschik.

Robert Dallabrida from Albert and Henrietta Visintainer.

Carrie Mirarchi from Frank and Rose Pecaitis.

Michael Romance from Frank and Rose Pecaitis.

Mary C. Zuech from Bob Greco and family.

Joseph Leschinski from Jack and Rita Laukaitis.

Roy Bacon from Jack and Rita Laukaitis.

Donna Van Shura from Frank and Rose Pecaitis, the Rosary Group.

Ann Marie Corcoran from Margaret Scicchitano, Frederic and Linda Davidson.

Cecelia E. Gaughan from Jack and Rita Laukaitis, Nick and Shirley Gard.

Francis "Moto" Gurski from Jack and Rita Laukaitis.

Constance C. Laskoski from Peggy Yancheski family.

Benjamin Robert Frank from Brian Yancheski.

Rosalie McClosky from Nick and Shirley Gard.

Antoinette Bach from Bob Greco and family, Nick and Shirley Gard

Howard Smick Benfield from Nick and Shirley Gard.

Kathleen M. York from Gerry and Marty Zarkoski, Bob Greco and family, St. Pauline Healing Heart of Jesus Society.

Kathleen Kudgie York from Frank and Rose Pecaitis.

John W. Deromedi from Albert and Henrietta Visintainer.

Victor Scripel from Albert and Henrietta Visintainer.

Louise Nestico from Frank and Rose Pecaitis.

Phyllis Benscoter from Victor and Pearl Martello.

Robert Benscoter from Victor and Pearl Martello.

Margaret Mahlo Almeida from Nick and Shirley Gard.

Dr. Lionel Gates, family and friends from Karen Gates.

Caroline Janawsky from Rosary Group, Angie Timm.

Mary Ellen Murray from George and Mary Kroutch.

Joseph Witrowsky family from Rose Witrowsky.

Jennifer Roger from grandmas and mom.

Robert B. Fanella from Rose Kuznicki and family, Nick and Shirley Gard.

Joseph "Jazz" Diminick from Victor and Pearl Martello, Bob Greco and family.

Catherine C. Depaulis from Gerry and Marty Zarkoski, Bob Greco and family.

Kathryn Sandrovk from Albert and Henrietta Visintainer.

Anniversary memorials

Dr. Lionel Gates from Karen Gates,

Louis Papp from Cecelia Papp.

In thanksgiving

Family, friends and father, Dr. Lionel Gates.

Living and deceased members

The Rosary Group.

Diabetic intentions

Austin Hodgkins, Arthur Putrus, Virginia Mercado, Lucille Brian, Doris Rauch, Benita Morano, Donna Cerillo, Cyril Perira, Rebecca Shires, Esperaanza Ortega, Edward J. Schwartz, Mariann Savzrese, Pierre Tessier, E.S. Grehafsky, Karen Cappadona, Eleanor Zupa, Noreen Tarr and Mary Pelant.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following memorials were presented to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church:

Madeline Arnoldin (first anniversary) from Roman and Christine.

Robert Fanella from Kevin, Cheryl and Tyler Kwiatkowski.

Helen Hudick McAndrew from Our Lady's Choir.

Kozock family from Gary and John Kozock.

John Sunoski (third anniversary) from Patsy Kline.

Concetta Morgan from Duane and Jill Karchner family.

Health for family from E. Strike.

Mary Ellen Murray from Bill and Chris Forbes, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Grybos, Kyle Grybos, John and Carol Strocko, Dan and Phyllis Ficca, Ray and Mary Ann Bartosic, John and Dianne Darrah, John J. Elgin, Bob and Judy Kramer, Mary Ruths and brother Blair, Ted and Debbie Gownley, Cindy Drucis, Mary Ann Wydra, Nancy A. Schu, Kathryn Vonleer, Bob and Kathy Else, King Coal Tours Inc., Jean Marie and Reese Lichtel, Julie and Bob Griffiths, Anna Flynn, Joseph and Ross Chiaretti, Helen and Philip DeLuca, Joe and Millie McDonnell, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rusnak and family, Paul and Judy Bartko, Bob and Jeanne Zavatski.

Baba Catherine Kline and son Johnny from Patsy.

Regina Breck (one-year anniversary) from Paul and Judy Bartko.

Robert Sewell from Bob and Jeanne Zavatski.

I was enjoying a pint at a local brewpub when I overheard a conversation by two of the regulars. They just returned from a road trip - nay, a pilgrimage - to a then obscure brewery in Grand Rapids, Mich. While there (with a growler of Selinsgrove Brewing Belgian Dubbel to aid the negotiation), they procured five cases of a limited edition stout that supposedly transcended reality. I tried my best to feign indifference and, without being too much of a mooch, finagled a sample.

That was in 2006. I'd never heard of Founders Brewing before. The beer was Kentucky Breakfast Stout, or KBS to beer geeks, a Russian Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels, one of the Holy Grails of the craft beer world.

The founders of Founders Brewing, Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers, quit their steady jobs in 1996, took out massive loans and pursued their passion of opening a brewery. Their beers were well -made, but boring, and there was no business plan. Not surprisingly, Founders soon faced bankruptcy. The bank issued an ultimatum: Pay a half-million dollars in six days or else the brewery doors would be chained shut. Their 15th anniversary beer in 2011, a barley wine named Bolt Cutter, was inspired by the cutters Engbers bought in 2001 in case the bank made good on its threat.

Stevens and Engbers decided to throw convention out the window and brew the kind of beers that had excited them in the first place - complex, in-your-face ales with huge aromatics and tons of flavor. Their new philosophy was simple: "We don't brew beer for the masses. Instead, our beers are crafted for a chosen few, a small cadre of renegades and rebels who enjoy a beer that pushes the limits of what is commonly accepted as taste. In short, we make beer for people like us."

Today, Founders is one of the top-rated craft breweries in the United States, the winner of numerous Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup medals. Apparently, there are lots of people like them. Let's hope you're one, too. Enjoy the selections. Cheers!

Old Curmudgeon: This style, an Old Ale, is an example of Founders' philosophy to buck trends and brew what they, not the hipsters, want. Old Ale is a close cousin to barley wine and is almost exclusively an import. Old Curmudgeon pours hazy amber with a thin ring of lacing and light carbonation. Aromas are predominately malty molasses, roast and dark fruit, with a hint of honey. The flavor follows the nose with malt, bread, molasses, dark fruit and oak. The finish is just on the right side of sweet, making it a delightful 9.8 percent alcohol desert ale. With proper storage, Old Curmudgeon will age almost indefinitely, developing complex wine and even sherry-like notes. Buy a 4-pack, drink one and cellar the rest. Your patience will be rewarded.

Dirty Bastard: This is a strong Scotch Ale known as a Wee Heavy, another style that has few domestic examples. While purists believe a Wee Heavy can be made with only pale malt and roasted barley, Dirty Bastard is brewed with ten imported malts. The beer is a luscious dark ruby color with a thick tan head. The aromas consist of malt, caramel, and toffee. Yet despite the maltiness, it's surprisingly dry and drinkable - with flavors of caramel, raisins and just a hint of smoke. The finish has a pleasant bitterness that goes against the style. Usually, there are just enough hops to keep the malt in check. At 8.5 percent alcohol, this is the perfect slow sipper to complement the coming cool fall evenings.

Red Rye IPA: I love the flavor of rye, which imparts a unique silky spiciness. As the name implies, it pours crimson red due to the high concentration of rye. The aroma has notes of malty graham cracker, spice and citrus. The upfront sweetness from four Belgian caramel malts is instantly quenched by grapefruit and pine hop bitterness. Although the finish is dry, there's an underlying creamy mouthfeel that's rich and satisfying. I tried my utmost to show restraint, but, fortunately, Red Rye is available year-round, so having another one wasn't the end of the world.

Porter: The label has a portrait of a mysterious lady in Victorian period costume that Engbers likens to a young Stevie Nicks. However, there's nothing mysterious about the beer; it's a straight-shooting, no-nonsense robust porter. The pour is dark brown, almost black, with a thick tan head. The aromas are a decadent mix of chocolate, caramel and coffee. The flavor doesn't disappoint ether: Bittersweet chocolate teaming with caramel, balanced by roast malt and a healthy dose of hops. This might be the ultimate drinking porter. It's the craft beer style everyone loves, yet no one seems to buy. Don't be one of them.

Devil Dancer: Founders bills Devil Dancer as a Triple IPA. I'm not sure if the style exists. It appears to be a cross between barley wine and IPA. Nonetheless, it's the most feared and revered beer in Founders repertoire. Everything about it is massive - an insane amount of malt; dry hopping for nearly a month (about a week is considered normal) with ten hop varieties; and a staggering the 12 percent alcohol. It pours much darker than expected with thin carbonation. The aroma is predominately malt and dark fruit, with wisps of piney hops. The alcohol content contributes to a pleasant warming flavor that melds with malt and raisins. Don't be taken aback by the price. A 4-pack is approximately $20, but it's worth every penny.

(The Brew Dude is published every other week on the Food and Drink Page. For comments, suggestions, or questions, email Mark Pasquinelli at thebrewdude@newsitem.com.)

PAXINOS - A 29-year-old Marion Heights woman was killed in an accident Tuesday afternoon on Route 61.

State police at Stonington said Tonya M. Kehler was the driver of a 2002 Jeep Wrangler that struck a tree, and that she died at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, while being treated after the 1:42 p.m. crash.

Trooper Jerry Hughes said Kehler was driving toward Shamokin when for an unknown reason her Jeep left the right side of the highway, went down an embankment and smashed into a tree, mangling the vehicle's front end.

Emergency personnel and firefighters were able to free Kehler from the wreckage through the driver's side door and she was rushed to the hospital. It was raining at the time, but it was undetermined if weather played a factor in the accident.

The victim was not wearing a seat belt, police said.

There was concern at the scene that an infant or small child may have been in the back of the vehicle since it contained a child safety seat. It was determined that the driver was the lone occupant.

In addition to Hughes and Trooper Nicholas Berger, also assisting at the scene were firefighters from Stonington and Elysburg, ambulance personnel from Elysburg and fire police.

The Jeep Wrangler was demolished and towed from the scene at about 2:30 p.m. by Tire Ranch of Elysburg.

SHAMOKIN - Preliminary hearings for two Berwick men charged with selling heroin to an informant last week while a child was sitting in their vehicle were continued Tuesday morning.

Gary Parks, 27, of 619 E. Eighth St., and Thomas Wayne Finucane, 27, of 330 N. Oak St., are now scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III Aug. 26. The continuances were granted at the commonwealth's request.

Both men are charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano with two felony counts of possession with intent to sell heroin, 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 drug transaction and a summary offense of driving with a suspended license.

Parks and Finucane remain incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury on $30,000 cash bail.

Police said Parks arranged with the informant over the phone to meet in Shamokin to make a heroin sale Thursday. The informant was later picked up by Parks, while Finucane was a passenger.

The informant sat in the back seat next to a 4-year-old boy later identified as the son of Finucane's girlfriend. Police said the informant purchased heroin from Finucane.

After the informant was dropped off 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 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 also were found.

ASHLAND - Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine in Ashland will be hosting its 22nd annual Pioneer Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. This year celebrates the Pioneer Tunnel's 52nd anniversary as a tourist attraction. In addition to its coal mine tours and steam train rides, which will be running continuously, many special events will take place in Higher-Up Park, which is adjacent to the Pioneer Tunnel grounds.

Music and entertainment will be provided free of charge. Visitors waiting to board and taking the coal mine tours, will be entertained with coal mining songs and stories by Stu Richards and Tommy Symons known locally as the "Breaker Boys." There is a charge for the coal mine tours and steam train rides.

The regionally popular "Ray G" will perform on the bandstand in the park from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a mix of '50s to '90s classics and modern country music. Bring a lawn chair and sit back and relax while listening to some great music. A craft fair will be held throughout Higher-Ups Park with many unique hand-crafted items.

Several local community organizations will be selling raffle tickets for theme baskets, fundraising items and offering pictorial displays and free information.

Several local churches, organizations and food vendors will be selling chicken barbeque dinners, bleenies, homemade baked goods, haluski, halupki, hamburgers, hot dogs, bean soup, pizza, pulled pork sandwiches, sausage sandwiches, rib-eye steak sandwiches, pierogies, french fries, ice cream, barbeque, funnel cakes, bundukies, traveling tacos and many other delicious foods.

Authentic Egyptian food which was a big hit last year will be available again. New this year will be ham and bean soup and Pennyslvania Dutch chicken corn soup cooked in old-fashioned kettles on the park grounds. Containers will be available for "soup-to-go."

The Pioneer Tunnel is located at 19th and Oak streets. On Pioneer Day, free parking and shuttle service will be available in the Gitman Bros. parking lot at 23rd and Center streets. For more information call 570-875-3850 or go to www.pioneertunnel.com.

MANDATA - Students at the Line Mountain Area School District will have to answer to a new dean of students this year.

At Tuesday's board of directors meeting Bradley Skelton was hired as the dean of students/athletic director, effective today.

For his services, Skelton will be paid $63,000.

Superintendent David M. Campbell said Skelton was selected from 15 applicants for his extensive experience.

Skelton is currently the athletic director at Shikellamy School District.

Campbell said 10 candidates participated in first round interviews, and five attended second round interviews.

Jeffrey Lagerman, who became middle school principal in June, held the post last. Campbell said Lagerman made $72,500 in the position.

In other business

The intense debate over rubber versus mulch on the playground raged on, with mulch winning the battle but rubber winning the war. Directors voted to install mulch at the minimum required before the beginning of the school year, but told Tim Lagerman, director of plant and operations, to bring rubber samples to the next meeting so directors could pick a material to be installed next summer.

Jeanne Menko, elementary principal, announced that, as of Tuesday, 84 children have been enrolled to begin kindergarten this year.

Troy Laudenslager, president of the board of directors, was the sole dissenting vote on a motion to relocate two swing sets at the Line Mountain Elementary School. He said he felt the cost, $3,800, was "a heck of a lot of money to move a swing set."

PinnacleHealth will be providing physician coverage at home football games. Jeffrey Lagerman, middle school principal, said the current physician declined to continue this year due to personal reasons, and PinnacleHealth offered to send a physician to all games at no cost.

An executive session to discuss litigation, collective bargaining and personnel matters was held prior to the meeting. Rich Roberts, the district's solicitor, said he had no updates on current litigation issues and a visit by a forensic investigative engineering firm to visit the former Dalmatia school has yet to be scheduled.

Campbell said a final bargaining session Line Mountain School Board and the district's teachers union will be held Monday. He said he has hope the two parties will resolve the dispute amicably and in time to begin school on the scheduled start date, Sept. 2.

SHAMOKIN - Preliminary hearings for two men accused of cooking methamphetamine in the basement of a Coal Township home were continued Tuesday and rescheduled for Aug. 26.

Thomas Reddinger, 31, and Roger J. Shaw, 42, both tenants of 1012 W. Spruce St., who were arraigned Aug. 5 on 13 felonies, remain in Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury, on $75,000 cash bail each.

Their hearings before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III were continued at the request of the commonwealth.

Police said a confidential informant tipped them off after being asked by Reddinger to purchase materials used to cook meth, including cold packs and lighter fluid. The informant, who met Reddinger at 1012 W. Spruce St. Aug. 4, later told police the drug had been manufactured in Reddinger's basement.

A search warrant was obtained and officers from Coal Township, Shamokin and Northumberland County Adult Probation entered Reddinger's home at about 8:40 p.m. An adult female, identified in the warrant as April Stahl, and children ages 8, 10, 11 and 13 were on the first floor while Reddinger and Shaw were in the basement.

Northumberland County Children and Youth Services were brought on scene to help with the children. The home was evacuated and the 1000 block of West Spruce Street was closed to traffic. The men were decontaminated at the scene.

Reddinger and Shaw are charged with possession of liquid ammonia gas, methamphetamine production, operating a methamphetamine laboratory, four counts of manufacturing with children under the age of 18 in the home, four counts of causing or risking a catastrophe, criminal conspiracy to produce methamphetamine and manufacture with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Charges against Reddinger were filed by Coal Township Cpl. Joshua Wynn and Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano. Township detective Jeff Brennan and city Cpl. Jarrod Scandle are the arresting officers in Shaw's case.

ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township will send a letter to federal authorities this week expressing their concern about the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline project.

Supervisors heard Tuesday from landowner Peter Tipka, who has been analyzing the project which is set to bring 178 miles of pipeline to and south of Pennsylvania.

The proposed pipeline would cross Route 2026 in the Sagon area and run over the mountain, past Weiser State Forest and into Ralpho Township, about 1,600 feet from Timber Road. The pipeline will cross Tipka's and his mother's property.

"If they come in, it will really devalue our properties and make them unusable," Tipka said. " I am also concerned about underground mine fires in Coal Township and surrounding areas. If we have a mine subsidence and the pipe cracks, the gas hitting those mine fires could cause a catastrophic explosion."

Agreeing there is no value for Ralpho Township to have the pipeline in the area, supervisors voted 5-0 to have zoning officer Mark Lyash write a letter to the Federal Emergency Regulatory Commission to voice their concerns and opposition.

Another bit of concern for supervisors came in the paving of Hemlock Lane because the bid for the project, currently underway, was incorrect.

"It turns out that they missed about 200 feet in the distance," supervisor Stephen Major, who oversees the street department, said. "That is going to cost us about $12,737 extra for fill about 30 cents a ton extra for asphalt."

"It's not good, but the road is being paved the correct way, so we will bite that bullet," supervisor chairman Blaine Madara said.

In other business

- The board voted to purchase a new mower head for the township's tractor, costing $5,000 with a $900 trade-in for the older head.

- The township will send a letter to the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau, asking them to separate fire department employees from the township's workmen's compensation policy. Fire department and the paid ambulance service are covered under their own insurance.

- Supervisors asked residents to screen the ashes they give to the township. On two past occasions, metal pieces was found amongst the ashes dumped at the township shed by residents. If the practice continues, supervisors said they will stop accepting ashes.

SHAMOKIN - A city man accused of allegedly emailing pornographic images of a toddler plans to plead guilty in county court to felony offenses that call for a state prison sentence.

According to a case scheduling form signed by Abraham D. Gordon, 31, of 903 N. Shamokin St., the defendant has agreed to plead guilty at 9:15 a.m. Sept. 29 to sexual abuse of children, indecent assault and unlawful contact with a minor, which can result in a 5- to 10-year state prison sentence.

Public defender Melissa Norton reserved comment when asked about her client's alleged consent to plead guilty to the offenses.

Gordon was charged Thursday by Trooper Christopher Hill and Detective Charles J. Balogh of the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office with 30 felony counts of sexual abuse of children and one felony count each of criminal use of a communication facility, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age and unlawful contact with a minor.

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

Gordon, who waived all the charges to the Court of Common Pleas Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, remains in Northumberland County Prison after failing to post $30,000 cash bail.

Donning an orange county prison jumpsuit and sandals, Gordon appeared nervous while he answered a few questions posed by the judge. Gordon told Gembic he understood the ramifications of forfeiting his right to a hearing and moving the case to county court.

The investigation started July 31 when Google Inc. 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.

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."

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.

SHAMOKIN - A former city councilman told current council members that a new approach is needed to deal with blighted properties.

Gerald Bogetti, a former two-term councilman, said Monday he and all prior council members are to blame for not addressing blight over the years. But he said if the current council doesn't become proactive, they'll be responsible, too.

The city is pursuing demolition of blighted properties through a grant program in conjunction with the county housing authority. Rick Bozza, code officer, and Cpl. Bryan Primerano have also increased code enforcement since last fall.

But Bogetti said the city should look into purchasing abandoned and foreclosed properties before they fall into complete disrepair, paying for renovations and offering them for sale. He said several thousand dollars invested could yield a greater return, compared to tens of thousands for a demolition project that leaves behind an empty lot.

Banks have a vested interest in recouping money from foreclosures and could be viable partners with the city, he said.

Bogetti estimated Shamokin should be collecting $1.5 million in property taxes compared to less than $800,000 realized last year. New builds are unlikely since the city's real estate tax is maxed out at 30 mills, he said.

Given the city's current finances, Shamokin doesn't have the money to pay for such ventures, Mayor William D. Milbrand said. Bogetti suggested Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds received annually, but Milbrand said they are largely tied up at present.

City Clerk Robert Slaby responded to Bogetti's assertion that council lacks a plan for financial recovery, saying the city is working with the state through the Act 47 program to do just that. But Bogetti was skeptical.

Of 28 municipalities accepted into the program, 21 remain in Act 47 status, and some for more than two decades.

Pool revenue

The city's Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool generated $36,703.52 in revenue as of Monday, Moyer said.

Daily passes totaled $12,987.50, season passes $6,458, concessions $14,592.53, rentals $2,105.41, and Learn to Swim Program $560.

The city sold season passes this summer for June and July only, reducing the price by about 33 percent. In the past, August was also included, but spotty attendance figures spurred council to make the change.

Revenue is on pace to surpass the approximate $39,000 generated in 2013. The facility could stay open as late as Labor Day Weekend depending on the weather, but there is no definitive closing date as of yet.

Last year, council bought a new pump for $55,700. A new diving board was purchased this year for $3,614.50. Expenses were offset by $6,000 in donations from Lower Anthracite Regional Recreation Committee and Shamokin's West End Fire Co.

Community service

Tim Vincent and Sol Bidding asked council to consider paying liability insurance to allow the return of the court's community service program.

The men operate the program in Coal Township, and had done the same in Shamokin until in was discontinued in 2012.

Vincent estimated the cost for insurance at $500. In 2012, he said the program cleaned up 68 abandoned properties at least twice, and in some cases as many as five times. An estimated $87,000 in labor was saved as a result, he estimated, noting that it also freed up the city street department to tend to other jobs.

Other business

Council voted to pay $1 plus recording fees to purchase 724 E. Sunbury St., 709-711 and 715 N. Shamokin St. from the Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau.

Coal City Revitalization, FC Sounds, Sinister Kings Motorcycle Club and community volunteers were given permission to use Claude Kehler Community Park for a benefit event for Cory Thompson, a national guardsman injured in a motorcycle accident, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 27.

Dave Spotts was permitted to promote a concert series in summer 2015 at the park.

An old police vehicle will be sold for scrap.

City engineer Mike Brinkash was named project consultant and Grebenick and Associates as landscape architectural subcontractor for the pending renovation project at Kehler Park.

'Queen of Knoebels' wish trip

ELYSBURG - Knoebels Amusement Resort is hosting a Make-A-Wish trip for an 11-year-old girl from Monroe County. The trip, which began Monday, will culminate Thursday with a parade through the park at 1 p.m. The young girl's wish is to be "Queen of Knoebels."

A number of activities have been planned for Ciara throughout her visit, including daily all-day ride passes, a visit to the Knoebels Crystal Pool, special meals, Knoebels gifts, special appearances by Kozmo and Dexter and a lead role in a Knoebels show.

The public is invited to join Thursday's parade, which will begin near the Pioneer Train.

Ciara has Rett Syndrome, a debilitating neurological/movement disorder primarily affects females. It is caused by a single gene mutation that leads to underproduction of an important brain protein.

Holy day Masses scheduled

MOUNT CARMEL - The Rev. Frank Karwacki, pastor, announced that holy day of obligation Masses for the feast of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday.

Community service detail planned

SHAMOKIN - Participants in a community service program coordinated by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at Turkey Hill on Market Street and at Coal Bowl in Coal Township.