COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area Middle/High School has announced an orientation program for incoming seventh-grade students will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 27 in the middle/high school auditorium.

Chris Venna, principal, will be welcoming those in attendance. This will be followed by William Callahan, assistant principal, who will provide information to both students and parents or guardians about their school day.

The students will then be sent to their homerooms to receive their locker number and combination. Students will have time to practice opening their lockers and listen to their homeroom teachers discuss homeroom procedures. Meanwhile, parents/guardians will remain in the auditorium to hear Callahan speak on attendance and truancy; James Dressler, physical education teacher, anti-bullying club; Matther Weller, guidance counselor, guidance services and STOP team; Mindy Lagerman, food service director, Café-Trac system; and Sandy Zurick, school nurse, medical policies and responsibilities. Students can also bring money to deposit into their Café-Trac account during the orientation.

The parents/guardians will then meet up with the students in their homerooms to get important information and forms. These forms must be returned on the first day of school.

Also, students will receive their schedules and be able to walk around the school to locate their classrooms. The middle school and high school National Honor Society members will be on hand to help students find their classes.

The school district hopes all seventh graders and their parents or guardians will attend the orientation.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The puppies were cute and the flowers simply beautiful.

Just another day at SCI-Coal Township.

Yes, pet care and gardening are part of the daily duties for some inmates at the medium-security facility, tucked in the forest east of Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital. They were surprising elements, amid the regiment and razor wire, for approximately 35 members of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce who visited SCI-Coal Township Tuesday.

A tour of the prison grounds was part of the chamber's monthly luncheon, hosted by one of its newest members - the prison.

While there were a few taps on windows by prisoners while the group walked on sidewalks across the grounds, and a small group of inmates was washing down the sidewalk outside the cafeteria - a daily duty - there was little seen otherwise of the nearly 2,300 people incarcerated there.

Superintendent Vincent Mooney guided the tour, which included stops in the chapel, gymnasium and classroom building. He reminded the visitors that not everyone in prison is a bad person. "They are good people who made bad mistakes," he said.

Here, FIDOS

As the luncheon began, prison staff who work with the FIDOS program entered the cafeteria with five of their dogs.

FIDOS - Fostering and Improving Dogs Obedience & Survival - began July 16 at SCI-Coal Township and involves 12 inmate handlers who work with six dogs.

FIDOS operates at a handful of other state correctional institutions, each with a canine training specialty. SCI-Coal Township works with dogs rescued by Brierwood Boarding Kennel and Cattery, Pottsville, from shelters that have a high euthanasia rate. Kennel staff work with prisoners twice a week on training the dogs.

Harold Hack, who runs FIDOS with fellow corrections counselor Danielle Picarelli, said it's interesting to watch the frustrations inmates experience in dealing with the dogs, which he compared to working with adolescent children. The payoff is that the inmates learn to deal with those frustrations appropriately, he said.

The dogs also "promote calm," Picarelli said.

Prisoners must meet certain criteria to work in FIDOS, and they are paid, Hack said.

"It's really interesting to go to the housing units and see big, burly men who are in here for some pretty heinous crimes walking little Tito," Mooney said, referencing one of the puppies by name.

Flowers and wire

Shades of yellow, orange, purple and red flowers were evident in small landscape plots and along the split-face block walls throughout the prison grounds. The beautification is done by the prisoners; the inmate community even funds purchase of the flowers, Mooney said, a reflection of their desire to improve their surroundings.

"They live here," he said.

But it is still a prison. Looming above the flowers are rolls and rolls of razor wire, and 364 cameras capture every moment from when a prisoner exits his cell until he returns. That video can be reviewed when there is an incident where force is required, Mooney said.

Care, religion, education

The prison, for which construction was completed in 1992, is a city within a city, where virtually every need is met, from a barbershop to full-scale hospital services.

"If they need it, they get it," Mooney said of inmate care.

The prison could be self-sufficient for three months should an emergency occur, he said.

Also, SCI-Coal Township accommodates 11 religions. The chapel is a "very busy place," Mooney said.

Education and training are serious functions, the goal being to give inmates marketable skills that will allow them to become contributing members of society upon their release. Mooney noted a ceremony is planned today for 116 graduates of the GED program and building trades courses.

Staff compliments

Mooney introduced and complimented his executive staff, giving particular attention to his assistant, Trisha Kelley, a Lourdes graduate who has risen through the ranks since she started at SCI-Coal Township even before inmates were there.

"And she's not done yet, I can guarantee you that," Mooney said of Kelley's ascension in the Department of Corrections.

Mooney said his goal is to be sure SCI-Coal Township is a safe and humane place for both staff, which number more than 500, and inmates.

On the tour, he made it a point to stop at an area outside one of the cafeteria entrances where an incident Aug. 14, 1995, resulted in some staff and inmates suffering serious injuries. "More than a few lives" were affected forever, said Mooney, who had responded from his job at another SCI facility that day, arriving 2 1/2 hours after the incident began but still finding it "very, very bone-chilling."

The location is a reminder to staff "of what we potentially have to deal with on a daily basis," he said.

Facts about SCI-Coal Township

Inmate population: 2,276 (as of July 29)

Inmate average age: 37

Full-time employees: 526 (331 from Northumberland County)

Number of acres inside perimeter: 43

Number of acres outside perimeter: 183

Number of operational structures: 34

Number of housing units: 10

ELYSBURG - Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church will hold their inaugural Lobsterfest Saturday on the grounds of the church at 599 W. Center St., Elysburg. Pre-ordered lobster dinners will be served from 6 to 8 p.m. Additional food items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, soups, corn on the cob, desserts and beverages will be available to purchase throughout the evening.

Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. featuring the Blind Chitlin Kahunas, a blues, outlaw country and classic rock band.

There will be a raffle with over 60 baskets and prizes, including an iPad mini, mountain bike, flat-screen television and a hand-crafted pie safe. Children's activities and other games of chance will be available.

Weekly Saturday Mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m.

Seating will be provided, but those attending are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs to sit and enjoy the band. The event will be held rain or shine. Everyone is invited to attend. For additional information, contact the parish office at 570-672-2302.

BURNSIDE - Riders at the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) will soon have approximately 200 additional acres to roam.

At Monday's meeting, authority members voted 4-0 to enter into a lease with Brian Pedrick, William Pedrick and Seth Gedman for three parcels beginning Monday and ending Aug. 1, 2015.

Authority member Patrick Mack was absent from the meeting.

The year-long lease will give the AOAA nearly 200 acres of land at $5 per acre, which will cost the park approximately $1,000 per year.

Jim Backes, authority chairman, said most of the land is almost directly across Route 125 from the AOAA trailhead and has existing trails.

"They're riders and good supporters of the project we're doing," said Backes. "(The land) really starts tying things together."

Backes said the authority expected the one-year lease to be renewed in future years, but that they would not be making any changes to the property.

The authority also accepted a bid to engage Michael Baker Jr. in conjunction with Skelly & Loy Inc. and Pennoni Associates for the Phase II and Act 13 projects in an amount not to exceed $22,490 for non-motorized trailhead and trails and $63,524 for the trailhead event area and additional parking, and $34,950 for the Carbon Run Headwaters AMD design.

Engagement of the firms is contingent upon the approval of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and other grant funding sources.

Backes said the authority only had one bidder for the projects, but that they were sufficiently qualified from their other work on the property.

Dave Porzi, AOAA operations director, was authorized by the authority to act on its behalf to work with local law enforcement to report and prosecute trespassing, vandalism or other criminal and possible criminal activity on AOAA property.

Backes said previously an authority member needed to report crime, and officially granting this designation provides the park with legal protection when Porzi notifies the police.

The authority also approved sending two letters regarding installing a gate in the area of the Bear Valley Patches. A letter to Coal Township Commissioners will be in support of citizens that began a petition to install the gate, and a letter to Reading Anthracite Company will state the authority's support and request that Reading also support the project.

A Halloween-themed ride and scavenger hunt is scheduled for Oct. 25. The authority approved Monster Moto Enterprises' event, which will bring costumed ATV, UTV and motorcycle riders to the park for prizes, food and raffles.

Daniel Brocious, an organizer for Monster Moto, said the organization would be arranging for a local nonprofit to sell food at the event.

SUNBURY - Erick Trometter, discharged from Geisinger Medical Center in Danville Tuesday morning with a policeman's bullet still in his hip, was taken by family to his mother's house in Elizabethville before being picked up by a Northumberland County constable and arraigned on assault charges involving one of his grandmothers.

Several hours later, Trometter, who was shot by then-acting Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare last month after the alleged assault, was in Northumberland County Prison.

His stay there, however, may be short.

District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum, after consulting with Trometter's attorney, James Best, and District Attorney Ann Targonski, made his $200,000 bail "unsecured," which means no actual cash is needed to be released. But he'll be kept in prison until a home monitoring system can be installed at Trometter's mother's house and his medical needs are properly met, authorities said. It's not clear how long that might take.

Upon his release from prison, Trometter must comply with all stipulations involved with his supervised bail established by the county probation and parole department. The judge said Trometter will be confined to his mother's home and property and will only be allowed to leave for medical and legal appointments.

Apfelbaum said it is unusual for a defendant to be imprisoned on unsecured bail, but he said the circumstances call for it.

No notification

There was no explanation Tuesday why Trometter was discharged from Geisinger before law enforcement was notified. It was not known if his 67-year-old grandmother, Amanda Trometter, who he is accused of assaulting at their Sunbury home July 9, was aware her grandson was discharged.

Amanda Trometter, who was granted in late July a protection from abuse order against her grandson for three years, is no longer living at her former residence. Her current whereabouts were not revealed by authorities for security reasons.

When asked about the incident late Tuesday afternoon, Geisinger spokesman Mike Ferlazzo said via e-mail, "Geisinger had no prior arrangement with law enforcement to be notified of this patient's release." He added Trometter was not guarded and HIPAA laws apply when prisoners are admitted to hospitals.

When contacted Tuesday night, Sunbury Mayor Dave Persing, who oversees the police department, said, "It was my understanding that our officers were supposed to be notified when Mr. Trometter was being released. I don't know what the exact procedures are for that or who may have been at fault. But our officers were planning to serve him with an arrest warrant upon his immediate release."

Stopped at station

Trometter, who spoke freely with the media at his arraignment, said his mother, Tammy Trometter, and his other grandmother Roxie Stoneroad, picked him up at the hospital at about 10:30 a.m. He said they stopped by the Sunbury police station en route from the hospital to inquire about getting his belongings from his former home in Sunbury. Erick Trometter said he did not go into the station. He claimed his family members were told they'd have to consult with a constable about getting his belongings.

It was sometime after that visit to the station that Sunbury police dispatched Constable Butch Showers to Elizabethville. Showers said he first picked up a state police trooper at the Lykens barracks outside Elizabethville, then found Trometter in the driveway of his mother's home and took him into custody without incident.

Showers said Trometter talked to him about hunting and fishing during their trip to Sunbury and was well-behaved.

Assault charges

Erick Trometter was charged by Sunbury police July 9 with a felony of aggravated assault, a misdemeanor of simple assault and a summary offense of harassment for the incident involving Amanda Trometter. Charges related to the confrontation with Hare are pending.

Police said Erick Trometter had a large fillet knife when Hare saw him walking along Mile Post Road near Shikellamy Avenue. There was a warrant for his arrest related to the alleged assault.

Hare attempted to take him into custody, but Erick Trometter resisted, police said, and continued to struggle with Hare after being shot with a Taser three times. Hare then fired his gun, with the bullet striking him in the abdomen area.

Erick Trometter was initially hospitalized in critical condition.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mayor Phil "Bing" Cimino has rescheduled today's meeting in town park for 7 p.m. next Wednesday to avoid a conflict with the high school open house.

Topics planned for discussion will be a bike park and community garden and mural at Second and Oak streets.

It is an open forum and any topic can be discussed, Cimino said.

SUNBURY - Erick R. Trometter, who hobbled into his arraignment Tuesday with a walker, maintained his innocence and discussed his wounds during an impromptu interview with two newspaper reporters in Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum's courtroom.

The 23-year-old former Sunbury resident who now resides with his mother at 77 Mayfield St., Elizabethville, claimed he never assaulted his grandmother, Amanda Trometter, July 9. He was later shot by then-acting Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare just outside the city limits.

Trometter also claimed he heard the victim at the scene and spotted her truck.

The defendant, who still had plastic medical bracelets on his wrists after being discharged from Geisinger Medical Center in Danville earlier in the day, said the assault charges filed against him are "bogus."

He didn't comment on pending charges involving his altercation with Hare when Trometter allegedly approached the officer with a large fillet knife, but said he didn't follow the officer's instructions.

"I had a knife with me and I didn't put it down when he told me to," he said. "I didn't go after him (Hare). He warned me that he would shoot if I didn't put the knife down. But I didn't do anything wrong."

Trometter, who is 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 270 pounds, claimed Hare hit him with a Taser once, while missing a second time. A state police report indicated Hare deployed his Taser three times on Trometter.

Trometter then discussed his injuries, even though his attorney, James Best, advised him not to talk to the media.

Trometter told the reporters, "Write whatever you want."

Bullet still in hip

The defendant, who was ordered by Apfelbaum to appear for a preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, said the bullet fired by Hare struck him in the abdomen and was still lodged in his left hip area. He said the bullet struck a major artery in his left leg, causing it to bleed profusely and cutting off all circulation. He said doctors had to cut open his left leg to insert an artery from his right leg. Trometter said he also underwent skin grafts on his legs and needs follow-up care.

Trometter said the bandages covering the bullet hole need to be changed twice a day. The defendant said he requires 24-hour supervision due to his injuries.

He was wearing white compression stockings on both legs to avoid potential blood clots and heavy red socks on top of the stockings.

Wearing a blue shirt and blue-striped shorts and sporting a beard, he appeared in pain while he walked slowly from Constable Butch Showers' car into the back of Apfelbaum's office for his arraignment. He was later committed to the county prison until a monitoring system can be set up at his mother's home.

Best requested Apfelbaum to release Trometter because of his medical needs and the unsanitary conditions at the county jail. "I'm concerned about his well-being at the prison," he said. "He wouldn't receive the proper care and his health and life would be in danger."

Noting the seriousness of the charges against his client, Best said he appreciated the judge's decision to release Trometter to his mother's home once the proper monitoring system and health care needs are established.

Trometter told the judge he has been unemployed for about three years after previously having a job in sales. He is single and has no children. He admitted previously spending time in the county jail on a simple assault charge for stabbing Amanda Trometter in the shoulder area with a spoon.

Trometter said he was born in Florida, but has lived in Pennsylvania most of his life.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Two directors of the Shamokin Area School Board sparred Tuesday over funds raised in support of the high school swimming pool.

Bob Getchey said the funds raised in 2012 have remain untouched. He estimates it costs $125,000 annually to operate Shamokin Area's pool and wondered why none of the funds raised have been expended.

Rich Kashnoski said approximately $15,000 remains held in a fundraising account of the Shamokin Stingrays swim club. By no means is money being withheld, he said. The district has yet to submit an invoice for money to be released. He refuses to have any of the funds turned over without one, saying he feared it would commingle with other district cash and go unaccounted for.

"After 28 months, we still didn't get any money," Getchey said. "It should go to the school."

"No one asked," Kashnoski said. "You're trying to stick your hand in the cookie jar."

Nearly $25,000 was raised to benefit the swimming pool in 2012. About $10,000 was raised through a fitness event and corporate sponsorships, an effort spearheaded by former director Brian Persing.

Persing and Kashnoski clashed in April 2013 over the funds in the Stingrays account. Kashnoski said then what he repeated Tuesday - that he did not feel comfortable turning money over to the district's general fund, or any other fund, unless it was specifically earmarked for use at the pool.

Getchey suggested it be used for chemicals or other maintenance. Kashnoski balked and received support from directors Ed Griffiths and Ron McElwee, who each said maintenance costs are district responsibility. Getchey held firm, saying he believed the funds were raised in the district's name and said it could allow other booster clubs to raise funds and hold them in an account.

Kashnoski said the funds would be used to purchase new equipment, for emergency purchases or in the event the pool were facing closure. He and director Jeffrey Kashner were looking into the possibility of replacing the starting blocks at the pool. Touch pads are also being looked at, Kashnoski said after the meeting.

Getchey said the district would find a relevant expense suitable to Kashnoski and send him an invoice.

Other business

Renn's Trash Removal was contracted at $29,900 for waste disposal. The move is estimated to free up 20 hours weekly of maintenance staff labor. The district's used garbage truck, for which more than $4,000 was spent on repairs, will be put up for sale. Kashnoski was opposed.

A month-to-month lease agreement continues with Northwestern Academy, where Shamokin Area operates the regular and special education programs. The rental fee is $109,202.91 monthly, an expense the district had been looking to renegotiate.

LRG Prep LLC, of Holland, Mich., was given non-exclusive authorization to sell specified merchandise with the district's name and logo. Shamokin Area will receive half of the royalty revenues. Kashnoski was opposed.

Dr. Wayne Miller and Dr. Duane Donmoyer, of Miller-Donmoyer Family Health Center, Shamokin, were reappointed as school physicians at $2,500 each. Mandated physicals cost $4.75 and sports physicals $20. Miller was also reappointed to serve as football team physician for $50 a game.

Kashnoski and director Rosalie Smoogen each opposed both moves. Kashnoski said the contracts should be opened to other bidders. Superintendent James Zack said he doubted anyone would beat the prices, but that it could be opened next year.

Kashnoski also opposed the appointment of Dr. Ernest L. Steinhart as school dental examiner at $1.50 per exam. Smoogen voted in favor, appeased that such contracts would be open to bid next year.

The ALERTNOW service through Blackboard Inc. was renewed for $5,359.50. The automated system alerts parents to emergencies, early dismissals and the like.

Change orders totaling a combined $40,815.61 were approved for roadway patching, curb patching at the elementary school and additional asphalt for an elementary parking lot.

Floyd Frey Seal Coating will be paid $15,300 to seal coat and repair cracks in district roadways, and NRG Controls North Inc. will be paid $43,250 for HVAC parts and repairs. Getchey suggested the school board look into hiring a full-time HVAC employee in the coming year.

SUNBURY - On a split vote Tuesday, the county prison board fired Warden Roy Johnson and replaced him on an interim basis with operations commander Brian Wheary.

During an emergency meeting held prior to the commissioners' session, District Attorney Ann Targonski, Sheriff Robert Wolfe and Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy voted to terminate Johnson, who has held the position for five years. Commissioner Richard Shoch and Controller Chris Grayson opposed the firing.

Bridy's motion to fire Johnson was seconded by Clausi.

The termination came after two unsuccessful attempts to fire the warden during regular meetings in July and earlier this month.

Johnson, who received hugs and well wishes from some of his employees after the meeting, reserved comment about his firing and future plans.

Wheary, who has been employed for 11 years at the prison, including the past several as operations commander, said it wasn't right for him to comment about the firing of his boss.

The 40-year-old Shamokin man, who was unanimously named acting warden, will be paid the same salary as Johnson, which is approximately $60,000.

He stated, "The job is definitely going to be a challenge. My top priority will be to maintain the care, custody and control of the inmates and the safety of staff. I will also attempt to improve the morale of the staff."

Wheary said he plans to apply for the warden position when the board advertises it.

'New direction'

The meeting featured accusations by Shoch, who supported Johnson in prior attempts by Bridy and Clausi to oust him, that Targonski and Wolfe were "bullied" or strong armed into voting to terminate Johnson. The district attorney and sheriff both denied those accusations.

Prior to the vote, Clausi, who is in Massachusetts but participated in the meeting by telephone, said, "I think we need to move in a new direction. The prison was going in the wrong direction under Johnson. He refuses to speak to me. I vote today to leave him go."

When asked if it was true that he refused to communicate with Clausi, Johnson said he invoked the county's policy of having another commissioner present whenever he spoke to Clausi, but never refused to talk with him.

Targonski, who took office July 3, chastised the prison board's behavior regarding Johnson and cited the lack of respect among members. She also claimed she was wasn't informed about some of the complaints made against the warden.

She said the majority of the complaints against Johnson were generated by inmates and one staff member.

The district attorney said the morale of the prison staff is at an all-time low and pointed out that the actions of the prison board control the operation of the prison.

Shoch resigns vice chair

When asked what was the basis for wanting to fire Johnson, Targonski was told by Bridy that delays in prison releases involving parole paperwork, concerns about not celebrating Ramadan, suicides at the prison and inaccurate statements allegedly given by Johnson regarding a visitation list for accused murderer Miranda Barbour were some of the reasons he and Clausi called for his firing.

Prior to the vote, Shoch received a round of applause from the audience after reading a lengthy prepared statement supporting Johnson and criticizing Clausi and Bridy for allegedly manipulating Targonski and Wolfe.

He asked, "How many of you will promise to forego doing what you know is right and instead succumb to the vengeful motives of a bully who you know can pump his money into the campaign of a rival in the next election? None of you, I suspect. But as they say, talk is cheap."

He added, "My one request is that before this comment period ends, each of you who plans to take away this man's livelihood and blemish his career record have the decency and integrity to look him straight in the eye and tell him what he has done or not done to make you vote the way you will, and explain to him and the citizens of this county why that particular thing, if there is any, rises to the level that he should lose his job over it."

Targonski said Shoch's statement illustrated the lack of respect among board members.

Wolfe added, "I previously explained my reasons for voting to fire the warden. I wasn't bullied or strong armed in any way. I will stick to my vote."

After the vote to fire Johnson, Shoch resigned as vice chairman and provided his reasons in a one-page prepared statement.

In his closing paragraph, Shoch stated, "I have no interest in having my name associated with the leadership of a board that has resigned itself to being less than the sum of its parts. You may now install the kind of leadership you recognize and choose to follow."

The appointment of a new chairman that was listed on the brief agenda was tabled on a 4-2 vote. Grayson, Shoch, Targonski and Wolfe cast affirmative votes. That vote followed a failed attempt by Targonski, Wolfe and Bridy to reject Shoch's resignation as vice chairman. Clausi and Grayson voted to accept the resignation. Shoch abstained. Four affirmative votes were needed to approve the motion.

SUNBURY - Prothonotary Justin Dunkelberger reported $260,000 in court costs owed to Northumberland County since 1971 has been collected during the past month while authorities continue to crack down on delinquents.

Dunkelberger updated the media on the collection process following Tuesday's commissioners' meeting in which Vinny Clausi praised the joint effort spearheaded by Dunkelberger, chief adult probation officer Jim Cortelyou, Sheriff Robert Wolfe and President Judge William H. Wiest and their respective staffs.

Probation officers and deputy sheriffs have conducted four "blitzes" in the past several weeks in an effort to recover as much money as possible of the $22.8 million in court costs owed to the county since 1965.

Dunkelberger said the $260,000 in restitution to victims includes $9,313 in cash from delinquents during home visits. Another 78 promissory notes involving payments totaling more than $300,000 also have been obtained.

He said 70 active cost warrants have been lifted thus far as a result of the "blitzes."

Structural study

During the meeting, Clausi and fellow Commissioners Richard Shoch and Stephen Bridy agreed to have CES Engineering LLC conduct a thorough structural engineering study of the county courthouse and provide recommendations on any improvements that should be made. The cost of the study will not exceed $6,000.

The study is in response to cracks that were discovered on the second and fourth floors of the 149-year-old courthouse June 9, forcing the evacuation of the building. The courthouse reopened the next day after an inspection revealed the damage was cosmetic rather than structural.

Other business

The board entered into an agreement on behalf of the Department of Public Safety with American Towers LLC for the leasing of the Trevorton/Zerbe Township communications tower site for ongoing radio project.

Commissioners also passed a resolution approving a $53,518 emergency management performance grant agreement between the county's emergency management agency and state emergency management agency to support the approved personnel costs within the EMA department.

The commissioners acknowledged that the coroner's office purchased a 2014 Ford Expedition in the amount of $31,650 from Sunbury Motors through the Co-Stars program.

They also reported the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has approved the county's 911 system renewal plan for implementation.

The commissioners' third annual golf tournament will be held Friday, Aug. 29, at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course in Elysburg to benefit Homes for Our Troops and the City of Shamokin Playground Equipment Project.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area School Board and the district teachers haven't yet agreed on a new contract, but representatives from both sides say they agree that negotiations have been pleasant and productive.

Charles Shuey, chair of the school board's negotiating committee, said Tuesday he doesn't expect a collective bargaining agreement to be ratified in the immediate future. But he said the "positive" tone of the last bargaining session has him believing there won't be a work stoppage, either.

"There's no danger at this point that there's going to be a strike," Charles Shuey, chair of the school board's negotiating committee, said Tuesday. "At this point, we're doing well. I hope it continues, this spirit of cooperation and give and take."

The Shamokin Area Education Association had voted in the spring to authorize the use of a strike. Mark McDade, the union's representative to the Pennsylvania State Education Association, announced Monday that teachers in Line Mountain will strike this school year.

As to Shamokin Area's negotiations, McDade agreed with Shuey on the positive tone. "The bargaining session was both cordial and productive," McDade said Tuesday by e-mail.

It's a change in attitude following reports in April of abrupt endings to bargaining sessions and frustrations expressed both by McDade and Shuey.

Shamokin Area teachers have been working under the terms of an expired contract for more than one year. Negotiations began in January and both sides have made proposals. The next session will be held Sept. 9, one week after the first day of school Sept. 2.

Concert in the Park Saturday

SHAMOKIN - A free "Concert in the Park," featuring the After Hours Big Band, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Claude Kehler Memorial Park.

The event will serve as a kickoff for a 2015 summer concert series, "Music in the Park," that was recently approved by Shamokin City Council.

After Hours Big Band, a 17-piece swing orchestra, will perform favorite Big Band hits. It is suggested that those attending bring lawn chairs.

Food distribution set for Thursday

KULPMONT - Borough residents enrolled in the food surplus program are reminded that a distribution will be held at the borough garage from 8 a.m. until noon Thursday. Bring bags.

Church hosting Living Proof simulcast

ELYSBURG - Elysburg Alliance Church, 113 Alpha Ave., will host a Living Proof simulcast with Beth Moore from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.

Living Proof is a fun-filled Bible study, teaching and worship experience to enrich the mind, soul and spirit.

Moore, a Bible teacher, brings a fresh word from God to each Living Proof live event. No two are the same.

Tickets are $5 in advance by Sept. 7 and $20 at the door. Lunch and refreshments are included. Seating is limited.

Register by calling the church at 570-672-2176.

SHAMOKIN — A Shamokin man wanted for breaking into a vacant house in the 300 block of South Seventh Street earlier this month was taken into custody Tuesday night after jumping from a roof at his residence onto a neighboring property when police and probation officers attempted to serve him with a warrant.
James H. Latshaw, 48, of 126 E. Arch St., faces new offenses of flight to avoid apprehension and resisting arrest after previously being charged with theft, criminal trespass, loitering and prowling at night, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and flight to avoid apprehension.
The fugitive was detained overnight in Northumberland County Prison before being arraigned at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. He was committed to prison in lieu of $40,000 cash bail on all charges.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Cpl. Bryan Primerano, police responded to Latshaw’s residence shortly after 8 p.m. after obtaining a warrant from Gembic. Shamokin Patrolmen Nathan Rhodes and Scott Weaver along with Coal Township Patrolman Edward Purcell knocked on the front door and spoke to an unidentified occupant, who then walked upstairs.
Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Henrich, who was stationed at the rear of the residence, spotted Latshaw exit the home onto a roof. Police told Latshaw he was wanted and instructed him to come down from the roof, but the defendant refused to do so despite the home being surrounded by police and county probation officers, authorities said.
After an extended period of time, officers saw Latshaw jump from the roof to a second-story residence on the east side of his home before leaping to the ground and running east through neighboring yards.
After being met near Marshall Street by Coal Township Patrolman Terry Ketchem, Latshaw changed his route to access Marshall Street before running north, again, police said, despite their shouts for him to stop and that was he was under arrest.
Probation officer Daniel Shoop managed to catch up with Latshaw on Marshall Street and restrained him when he ran into a fence. Latshaw was forced to the ground in an attempt by authorities to handcuff him, but police said he resisted before being subdued and transported to Shamokin Police Station.
Shortly before midnight Aug. 10, police were notified that a burglary was in progress at a vacant property at 303 S. Seventh St.
The caller told police a male was inside the building while a female was waiting for him in a sport utility vehicle.
Upon responding to the scene, Primerano spotted a sport utility vehicle occupied by Latshaw’s girlfriend, Jennifer Geiser. The corporal then conducted a vehicle stop a few blocks away on Geiser, who said told the officer she was waiting to pick up Latshaw at 303 S. Seventh St. After observing neighbors watching her, Geiser said she had left the area before returning.
Shamokin Cpl. Jarrod Scandle, who responded to the burglary with Purcell and Henrich, saw Latsha run from the property into a yard. Purcell then went to Latshaw’s home, where he spotted the defendant outside his front door. Latshaw fled through his home into the back yard before running through neighboring yards despite being warned to stop by police, who formed a perimeter around the 100 block of East Arch Street.
After an extended period of time, Latshaw ran from a yard east on Arch Street, south on Marshall Street and then onto Gold Street, where he descended the “Patsy Steps” leading to South Rock Street and managed to elude police.
Police said Latshaw caused damage to private property and landscaping by running and trespassing into yards in the 100 block of East Arch Street.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A Shamokin couple were charged for allegedly stealing a wallet containing approximately $700 and other belongings from a hospital waiting room Aug. 9.

Dawn Marie McCann, 37, of 630 E. Clay St., was charged by Patrolman Jason Adams with theft and receiving stolen property while her husband, Andrew McCann, 27, was charged with receiving stolen property.

Police reported a Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital employee in the triage area was processing Dawn Marie McCann at about 2:30 p.m. when a female came to the service window with a black ladies wallet she found lying in the waiting area. Police said McCann immediately claimed the wallet was hers and was given it by the employee who did not look inside.

After taking the wallet - which is owned by Michelle Day, of Shamokin - McCann was taken to a room in the emergency department, but left a short time later, claiming she was tired of waiting for a doctor. McCann then signed herself out of the hospital without being treated.

Police said Day, who also was a patient at the hospital, later informed emergency room staff she left her wallet in the waiting area. Day said the wallet contained her driver's license, Social Security card, a bank card, a gold necklace and approximately $700 in cash.

Day said the wallet had a metal strip around the flap and a strap-type closure.

During an Aug. 10 interview with police, McCann's husband said his wife texted him from the hospital after obtaining the wallet. Andrew McCann told police he advised his wife to take the wallet and leave the hospital, and that he would get her a ride home.

After his wife arrived home, Andrew McCann said he took the wallet, emptied it out, cut up all the cards he found inside and threw the wallet in the trash.

Andrew McCann also told police he gave his wife $30 from the wallet to get food and cigarettes and another $40 for gas money.

Andrew McCann, who claimed he never counted the money, said approximately half of the money was spent on food for him and his daughter, cigarettes and lottery tickets.

After giving his statement to police, Andrew McCann gave Adams $213 in cash and a gold necklace with a white stone that the officer secured into evidence. McCann said the cash and necklace were the only things he had left from the wallet.

MAHANOY CITY - A 12-year-old girl's leg was partially amputated after it was run over by a train in the borough Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities did not release the name of the girl but neighbors identified her as Angelina Kane, who lives in the 600 block of West Centre Street.

The girl, a Mahanoy Area Middle School student, was treated at the scene and then rushed to the Shenandoah helipad where a MedEvac helicopter was called to fly her to the trauma center at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.

Mahanoy City police Chief John Kaczmarczyk said, although his department is assisting, the investigation will be conducted by Reading and Northern Railroad police.

Kaczmarczyk said the accident occurred on Reading and Northern Railroad tracks adjacent to the 500 block of West Railroad Street.

The girl was in the area with a boy when the train passed traveling east. Kaczmarczyk said the trains traveling through the borough go about 10 mph.

Reading and Northern Railroad stopped any other trains from using the tracks in the area while the investigation was conducted and the train that struck the girl continued east.

Kaczmarczyk said it is likely the engineer was unaware the child was hit.

Robert Rench lives in the 600 block of West Railroad and heard the train passing just like he hears on a daily basis.

He also saw Kane riding her bicycle east on West Railroad Street, the same direction the train was traveling.

"She was riding up the street and looking toward the train," Rench said.

The next thing Rench knew, Kane, who was with a juvenile boy, abandoned their bikes and headed toward the railroad tracks using a small path.

Within seconds she was hit, he said.

"It happened just like that, that fast," Rench said.

Nancy Burke lives in the 500 block of West Centre Street and said that although children, along with young adults for that matter, often walk along the railroad tracks, there is never any trouble.

"Normally they (the children) just play on the street, there really isn't a problem with children playing on the tracks," she said.

Reading and Northern Railroad police are investigating the crash but had no other information.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Amid the "challenging times" in Harrisburg, there is one issue that stands above all others in terms of its statewide impact.

"The biggest issue is pensions. Period," state Sen. John Gordner (R-27) said Tuesday in addressing the monthly luncheon of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, held at SCI-Coal Township.

"It's gobbling up every dollar," added state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107).

The state has had to come up with $600 million more in funding just to cover new pension obligations, Gordner said, yet the state's unfunded pension liability remains some $40 billion. Contributions to the pension system represent the "No. 1 cost driver" for public school districts, Gordner said.

Like Gov. Corbett, Gordner supports a "hybrid plan" proposed by Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125 (Pottsville). Under his bill, the first $50,000 in annual income earned by a new state government or school district employee would be calculated for retirement purposes under the defined-benefit plan traditionally given to public employees. Annual income above the $50,000 threshold for new employees would be calculated under the defined-contribution plan similar to 401(k) style investments common in the private sector.

The proposal would not affect current retirees or current employees - including those "in this room," Gordner said in a nod to state correctional workers.

The proposal could save an estimated $11 billion in pension costs during the next three decades, according to the Public Employees Retirement Commission. But the Keystone Research Center, a labor-oriented think tank, has challenged the idea of potential savings because it could lower investment returns for the pension systems over time because it shrinks contributions from new employees.

Tobash's proposal is currently stalled. In both chambers, it didn't make floor votes.

What the Senate did do, Gordner said Wednesday in further discussing the issue, was unanimously pass a bill that would apply a 401k-style pension to legislators. It would go into effect on Jan. 1 and apply to newly elected or re-elected lawmakers. Using himself as an example, Gordner wouldn't lose the pension money earned thus far under the current defined-benefits plan, but earnings going forward would be part of a 401k.

After failing to pass something more comprehensive, "Senate Republican leadership felt we had to make a statement," he said, noting people are asking "what about the legislators?" when it comes to pension reform.

The bill was sent to the House, which didn't act in the short time left before the end of the session. Asked about its prospects for movement this fall, Gordner said, "I don't know."

Masser said he's aware of that measure and would vote in favor should it reach the House floor. But he noted making such a change for Pennsylvania's 253 legislators is tiny in savings compared to changes for tens of thousands of state workers.

Gordner reiterated that he did not vote in favor of increasing lawmakers' pensions by 50 percent in 2001, a move that many point to as the start of the current crisis. The no vote was a permanent decision as it applies to Gordner's pension rate.

Masser generally supports Tobash's plan, although he's offered an amendment that would prevent state police, corrections officers and those who work for the game and fish and boat commissions from being lumped in with all others in terms of retirement age parameters. Citing the argument of fellow House members, Masser asked if a trooper, for example, would want a 64 year old to "have his back" as opposed to someone 30 years old.

He said it's disappointing that legislators couldn't even agree on Tobash's plan when it's merely "step one" toward more significant pension reform.

Also, while lawmakers enjoy summer recess, "I feel we should be down there now working on this issue," Masser told the chamber.

Vera Bradley bingo planned

MOUNT CARMEL - Divine Redeemer Church will host a Vera Bradley bingo Sunday, Sept. 7, in Divine Mercy Hall, 400 block of West Cherry Street.

Doors open at 1 p.m., and bingo starts at 2 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 each; cost at the door is $25. Food and beverages are available for sale.

Call 570-373-5936, 570-590-5849 or 570-205-8751 to order tickets.

LLWS could cause traffic issues

WILLIAMSPORT - Motorists traveling to the Williamsport area this week should expect congestion on local roadways, especially Route 15 northbound to South Williamsport, due to the Little League World Series.

PennDOT advises taking alternate routes such as Interstate 180 to the games or plan for traffic delays. Motorists should be aware of slow-moving or stopped vehicles and especially be on the lookout for pedestrians crossing streets and highways.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com.

SHAMOKIN - The 10th anniversary of the Mother Cabrini Youth Center Picnic will be celebrated this weekend at the Ranshaw Civic Association grounds.

The picnic features plenty of food, refreshments and entertainment.

The event raises money to support the operation of the youth center at Cherry and Webster streets and all the programs it sponsors throughout the year.

The picnic, which includes the great homemade ethnic food sold at the former well-known St. Mary's Food Stand at the Bloomsburg Fair, will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Potato cakes, pierogies, haluski, pigeons (stuffed cabbage rolls), kielbasi hoagies, bean soup, hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries and funnel cakes will be among the favorite items on the menu. A wide variety of beverages will be sold, including soda, beer, wine coolers and mixed drinks. Sno-cones, ice cream, popcorn and pizza will also be available.

The Fobias will play from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. Deuce will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and Memory Lane will provide entertainment from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Soundwave will provide music prior to the bands.

Numerous children's games, bingo and adult games of chance will be played throughout the weekend. Raffle drawing tickets, lottery seasonal decorations and a theme basket stand will also be available.

COAL TOWNSHIP - State Sen. John Gordner (R-27) and his legislative counterpart, Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) both believe promising steps have been taken to address blight, even if the results aren't yet convincing.

Addressing the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon Tuesday, Gordner said the state has provided "a lot of tools" that help municipalities better fight the problem, but that it will take some time.

Masser noted passage in June of House Bill 2120, which would close loopholes that have been exploited by parties responsible for blighted properties. The measure broadens liability so owners cannot hide behind shell corporations or a property manager. Also, it would require more from banks and other lending institutions that acquire properties through bankruptcy or other means.

He said it's an example of what legislators have learned from municipal leaders about what they need.

Masser noted a recent conversation with Sunbury Mayor David Persing, who said the city's efforts to purchase and rehabilitate dilapidated properties has shown that such improvements can spread throughout a neighborhood, just as blight tends to spread.

Masser said the blight fight is on track locally to make a big difference, and credited the work of Ed Christiano, executive director of the county housing authority who is leading the county's blight task force. Christiano is a chamber board member and was present at Tuesday's luncheon.

On other issues

Transportation bill: Gordner said he's "still proud" of the legislation despite ongoing complaints about a higher gas tax and registration and licensing fees. He noted all the increased revenue goes directly to transportation funding - not into a larger pot as sometimes occurs at the federal level - and that dozens of local projects will be completed because of the extra money. In stressing the need to fix the hundreds of deficient bridges in the state, Gordner said some 27 million children ride to school each day on buses that cross those bridges.

Medicaid money: Gordner defended Gov. Corbett's rejection of federal money to expand Medicaid, saying the program is not working efficiently and many providers are no longer taking new Medicaid patients. Instead, the governor's Healthy Pa. Initiative, which is awaiting federal approval, would provide funding to allow the 500,000 to 600,000 Pennsylvanians who need insurance to get coverage that providers are taking. Corbett has come under fire for rejecting the federal money, which would pay 100 percent of the cost of Medicaid expansion through 2016 and, after that, gradually decline to 90 percent in 2020, where it will remain.

AOAA: Gordner said he's "so excited" about the success of the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area thus far and that he expects the success will grow. One "cool" aspect is seeing the license plates from neighboring states on visitors' vehicles in the parking lot. They are "bringing their dollars" here, he said.

State budget: Gordner said the Legislature passed the state budget on time for the fourth consecutive year, even if Gov. Corbett didn't sign it until 10 days after the June 30 deadline. He reminded that the state cannot operate with deficit spending and therefore struggles each year to produce a balanced budget. He said this year's budget includes more than $10 billion for education, the largest amount of state funding for education ever passed in Pennsylvania.

Drug fight: Masser said he plans to continue educational programs to fight drug abuse, such as what he coordinated earlier this year at local schools. He said lawmakers need to do more, including moving on legislation that would authorize creation of a statewide opioid prescription database to prevent addicts from getting multiple prescriptions.