BRYN MAWR - Aqua Pennsylvania will begin constructing a new water pumping station near the intersection of Jackson Street and Raven Avenue, Coal Township, next week.

The new facility is expected to improve system capacity and reliability and will provide a modest pressure increase, according to a press release issued Friday.

"It's always been difficult to provide customers in this area with consistent water pressure because of the limitations of the old booster station," said area manager Steve Draus in the release. "The nearest pump station is located a half mile away and at a lower elevation, so it has been particularly difficult to provide the same level of service here as we do in other areas, especially during periods of peak demand."

Construction of the $900,000 pump station, which is expected to be completed in February, was made possible by the recent water main replacement projects along West Pine and Oak streets. The company invested more than $1.5 million on these projects over the last two years.

Aqua also expects to replace 6,685 feet of water main by the end of the year on the following streets in Coal Township: North Oak Street between West Juniper and West Spruce streets; Second Street between SR 225 and West Walnut Street; West Walnut Street between Second and North Oak streets; West Spruce and West Pine streets between South Oak and Maple streets; Maple Street between West Pine and West Mulberry streets and Gowen Street loop. Older cast iron mains will be replaced with new ductile iron mains. The total cost of these projects is expected to be $2 million.

Draus said the new mains will also improve water service.

"The new mains are made of ductile iron, which is not only strong, but has a cement mortar lining that will ensure that no iron oxide (rust) builds up inside the main," he said. "The biggest problem with the old, unlined cast iron main is that the iron oxide buildup can reduce the interior diameter of the main, restricting flow."

Aqua's Roaring Creek Division provides water service to about 60,000 people throughout its service territory, which spans parts of Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Juniata, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Snyder counties. Overall, the company serves approximately 1.4 million people in 31 counties throughout Pennsylvania. Visit AquaAmerica.com for more information, or follow Aqua on Facebook at facebook.com/MyAquaAmerica and on Twitter at @MyAquaAmerica.

The Lower Mahanoy Township Municipal Sewer Authority says it is owed $143,453.65 for damages and cleanup of a heating oil leak at the former Dalmatia Elementary School building, owned by Line Mountain School District. A breakdown of the authority's bill to the district:

Northridge Group cleanup $127,882.42

Roy Adams & Son sludge removal $8,667

Authority labor $3,682.85

Materials $1,042.14

Legal fees $825

Digester clean-out $540

Calibration $396

Wastewater test $385.80

Line of credit interest $27.39

Non-compliance report $5.05

SUNBURY - A lawsuit accuses Line Mountain School District of negligence for allegedly failing to install an "adequate pressure gauge" on a fuel pump that malfunctioned, spilling 1,250 gallons of heating oil into a municipal sewer system.

Lower Mahanoy Township Municipal Authority seeks $143,453.65 plus additional fees for damage its attorneys say was caused by the Feb. 10 spill at the former Dalmatia Elementary School. The lawsuit was filed Aug. 15 in Northumberland County Court after "repeated demands for payment" were unsuccessful. It alleges negligence, breach of contract and trespass.

The lawsuit claims a 30-pound pressure gauge was installed on the heating system's fuel transfer pump in January, replacing a defective 200-pound gauge. It says the new gauge was inadequate to handle the 300-psi (pounds per square inch) fuel transfer pump.

The oil drained onto the building's basement floor and was automatically sump pumped into a septic tank before entering the sewer system. The sewer plant at 132 River Road, near the Susquehanna River, is about a half-mile from the school.

The authority's plant was shut down for three days. An estimated 30,000 gallons of sewage was hauled away daily. Service, however, was not disrupted to the authority's 234 wastewater customers. At the time, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said the leak caused no contamination.

Line Mountain, which connected the Dalmatia building to the system in 2002, should also be held accountable for the design of the building's basement floor and septic system, and for allegedly failing to notify the municipal authority of any heating system defects just prior to the fuel spill, the lawsuit states.

The municipal authority had requested payment by May 23. According to its customer terms, it claims the school district is liable for a 10 percent penalty for every 30 days the bill goes unpaid.

The Dalmatia building closed for good in June 2013 following district realignment. In May, an agreement was reached with Jeremy Strohecker to purchase the building for $25,100. He submitted the lone bid. The property had been appraised at $220,000. The sale is on hold after the municipal authority placed a lien on the building.

The school board moved in July to contract McLauchlan and Associates Inc., of Annapolis, Md., which specializes in forensic mechanical services. The firm will test the gauge and system as a whole to see how exactly the leak occurred. Rich Roberts, board solicitor, said the test will be done Thursday.

Roberts declined further comment on the lawsuit Friday, saying he has not yet read the complaint. School board President Troy Laudenslager was unaware a lawsuit had been filed and also declined comment.

In March, the school board retained McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, Harrisburg, to represent it in the event of a lawsuit. That came after the authority and its insurance company notified the district of a potential claim.

The authority is represented by its solicitor, William R. Swinehart, and Robert J. Muolo of Wiest, Muolo, Noon, Swinehart and Bathgate, Sunbury.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area Elementary School will host Meet the Teacher nights to allow parents and guardians to visit their children's classrooms to meet the teachers and learn more about the curriculum, school rules and policy.

The schedule has been arranged so each grade is meeting at a different time or on a different date. Each session will begin with a presentation by the teacher and will last approximately 30 minutes. The program is designed as an information session rather than just an open house visit.

The schedule is as follows:

Monday, Sept. 15 - First grade, 6 p.m., Annex; fourth grade, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 16 - Second grade, 6 p.m.; fifth grade, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 17 - Third grade, 6 p.m., sixth grade, 7 p.m.

Remedial reading specialists, learning support, speech and language teachers and some Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit teachers will also be present to talk to parents about their particular programs.

To encourage students' reading endeavors and to increase reading skills, a book fair will be held on the stage from 6 to 8 p.m. on each Meet the Teacher evening. Parents will be able to purchase books for children from Scholastic Books. Any parents interested in helping with the book far are asked to call the office at 570-648-5721.

SUNBURY - The row officers who filed a lawsuit against the county after their salaries were cut and their insurance premiums were raised last fall have won a preliminary injunction because the county failed to file a brief on time.

Northumberland County and Commissioners Vinny Clausi, Stephen Bridy and Richard J. Shoch failed to file a brief supporting why a judge should not invoke a preliminary injunction preventing the salary cuts and premium increases by the deadline, which was Wednesday.

Without the brief, the preliminary injunction requested by Chad Reiner, Mary Zimmerman, Kevin P. Gilroy and James F. Kelley will automatically take place.

Attorney for the row officers Samuel C. Stretton, of West Chester, said the next step in the process will be a permanent injunction hearing with a trial judge.

Bridy said the county decided to skip the preliminary injunction process because of the resources it would have taken and because it would not have been presented at a hearing until next year, which would have held up the salary cuts until the 2020 term.

"If we were to file that appeal, it would not have been heard until February," Bridy said Friday. "At that point, it's too late to cut even our own salaries because we have to do it in the year prior."

Stretton said the trial judge hearing for the permanent injunction will not take place for at least 30 days.

He was surprised the county's appeal was withdrawn.

"I would have won that appeal," he declared. "Maybe that's why they withdrew it."

Deep cuts

Bridy and Clausi voted Oct. 1 to reduce the salaries of six row offices: county commissioners from $61,000 to $31,500; both the prothonotary and the register and recorder from $57,396 to $31,00; both the sheriff and treasurer from $53,834 to $31,000; coroner from $53,834 to $30,500. Health care contributions were set to rise to 50 percent of the premium. Changes were to take effect following the next election for each office.

Bridy and Clausi project $1.4 million in savings. Shoch opposed the action, but is included in the suit because he is a commissioner.

Coroner James F. Kelley, register and recorder Mary Zimmerman, former sheriff Chad Reiner and treasurer Kevin Gilroy filed for a preliminary injunction that month, which Grine granted on Nov. 8, temporarily halting the majority commissioners' decision for the six row offices.

The salary for the office of controller was not affected and would remain at $56,676. The final row office, district attorney, has its salary set by the state.

Judge David E. Grine filed an opinion on June 30 for the appellate court blasting the logic behind the decision. A final ruling would have been made after the county filed its brief.

Divorces

Christine M. Long, 116 Dan's Way, Coal Township, from Kevin S. Long, 117 W. Thomas St., Coal Township. Married in 1995.

Wanda I. Giffey, 244 S. Poplar St., Mount Carmel, from Timothy James Brown, of Walton Correctional Institution, De Funiak Springs, Fla. Married April 11, 2007.

Janice J. Mazurkevich, 418 E. Sixth St., Mount Carmel, from John A. Mazurkevich, 146 Chestnut Lane, Mount Carmel. Married June 27, 1992.

Richard Wesley Payne, 309 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin, from Carolyn Lee Payne, 139 Flagg Road, Binghamton, N.Y. Married April 27, 2012.

Property transfers

Frederick A. (individually and executor), Nancy Louise (estate), Charles T. II and Thomas C. Ressler to Frederick A. Ressler, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

MJLF Group LLC to Elsie A. Torres, property in Shamokin, $7,300.

Jerome J. Andrukanis (estate) and Patricia A. Yuskoski (executrix) to Janet J. Schoppy, property in Mount Carmel, $9,200.

Ida M. Gronski to Victor F. Rutkowski, property in Shamokin, $1.

John and Debra J. Candelora to Kelle Hill, property in Shamokin, $20,000.

Stuart D. and Stephen J. Bobb to Stuart D. and Lee Ann E. Bobb, property in Herndon, $1.

Mary Frances Byerly Revocable Living Trust (by trustee), Ronald H. and Garrett J. Byerly to Ronald H. and Luann C. Byerly, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Richard M. Bright Jr., Charlene R. and Shane Fogell, Diana L. and Robert Seik, Christina M. Shingara and Mark W. and Debbie Bright to Ashley N. Oxenrider, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Christopher A. and Eva C. Mako to Nicholas Reichner, property in Shamokin, $1.

Thomas L. Nye Jr., Jeanine Valania and Jeanine Nye to Thomas L. Nye Jr., property in Shamokin, $1.

Bryan B. Gidaro to Diane Gidaro, property in Shamokin, $1.

Anna Marie Bartol to Douglas A. Black, property in Shamokin, $9,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff and Nancy E. Bandza to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, property in Marion Heights, $1,036.73.

Peter J. III and Marceline Scherer to Kathleen P. Blase, property in Kulpmont, $127,000.

Eleanor Furca (estate) and Nancy E. Lagerman (executrix) to Steven Paul and Kimberly A. Ptaszynski, property in Zerbe Township, $119,900.

William Schultz to J.S.B. Investment Partners LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Daniel W., Linda K., Bruce A., Nancy L., and Kathryn E. Keiper to Sheryl S. and David F. Stover (trustees) and Sheryl S. Stover (living trust), property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Harold M. Neff to Nicholas H. Neff, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Timothy W. Jr. and Tara L. Barrett and Tara L. Mackey to Dennis A. Kodack Jr., property in Shamokin, $5,000.

Robert J. Alter to Robert J. Alter and Nancy K. Eveland, property in Coal Township, $1.

Carol A. Cullen to David M. and Jannet M. Poe, property in Shamokin, $175,000.

Sophia and Mary Anthony to Sophia and Mary Anthony, property in Shamokin, $1.

James N. Lichty to Robert F. and Pamela L. Pesarchick, property in Shamokin, $7,000.

Gratz Bank to Eric T. and Tracy L. Rumberger, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Terry S. and Hilda M. Valenskie to Luis Martinez-Medina and Katlyn Grinaway, property in Shamokin, $1.

Jeffrey A. and Kelly D. Klinger to Joseph W. Kurtz III and Jennifer L. Russo, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

John P. Jr. and Christina S. Magasko to Raymond A. and Martha E. Bosco, property in Mount Carmel, $27,000.

George M. Kowalewski to Erik L. Kowalewski, property in Shamokin, $1.

Allen J., David V., Laurie and Eileen M. Vedral to Allen J. Vedral, property in Shamokin, $1.

I've done a lot of driving on Route 61 in the past few weeks and I've probably had some experiences readers can identify with. I drove into a wrong lane, alive to tell the tale because there was no oncoming traffic, I missed the exits for some of the new jug handles and had to turn around in parking lots. I've had trucks from construction sites cross my path as if I weren't even there, and of course, I've learned to slalom through the narrow corridors, some enclosed, some not, that make up the transition road between 'old 61' and the new improved highway everyone is hoping for.

I'm on vacation, visiting family and friends and probably, hopefully, in a year from now, the next time I visit, the new highway will be done. In the meanwhile, just like everybody else, I sit, motor idling, stuck in a traffic jam.

In some ways, believe it or not, I like it. Car-life, as I call it, is a novelty for me. In France, I don't own a car (although as readers know, I have a hard-earned driver's license). I take the crowded, smelly metro to work and instead of loading groceries into the trunk, I fill a personal shopping cart, a "caddie," that I wheel along the sidewalks between the supermarket and my home. Then I sling the handle of the caddie onto one shoulder and lug the thing up seven flights of stairs. Yes, car-life has definite appeal.

I'm someone who has what you might call a checkered driving history. I didn't get my first license until I was 21, the age at which I also had my first accident in the Penn State Schuylkill parking lot. Moving around, living in cities, I let my license expire and had to take the test again in 1987 before I moved to France, where I found out my U.S. license was not valid. I did not get my French licence until 2011 and now I proudly possess two because, since 1987, I've kept my Pennsylvania license up to date.

This summer, I'm getting used to driving. Perhaps it is my rental car, a black Impala, sporty and speedy, that has made me feel more confident. Perhaps it is the life I am living, the discoveries I am making thanks to the freedom of being able to take to the road. In fact, not only am I revisiting "Highway 61" (I thank Bob Dylan for the title), I'm getting to know Schuylkill County in an entirely different way.

I've gone south. I've moved to southern Schuylkill. I am living in the shadow of Hawk Mountain, not far from the banks of the Little Schuylkill and I feel like I'm in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I have my own "little place" (it's bigger than my Paris apartment). I'm the summer resident of Summer Valley Guest House, operated by Carolyn and Gene Bonkoski, and I couldn't ask for better hosts. Outside my bedroom window I see green fields and trees and most days I also see Charlie and Rio, the Bonkoski's horses, who enjoy carrots, apples and watermelon rind as treats.

From the living room, I see the sunrise over Hawk Mountain and, thanks to my black Impala, I often go there to walk the mountain trails and sit at North Lookout, scanning the sky for hawks and eagles, catching glimpses of beautiful song birds as well. There, my sister and I spotted a scarlet tanager; along the Little Schuylkill, I've seen indigo buntings, gold finches, tufted titmice and catbirds.

Most of the year, I live in Paris. When I tell people, they exclaim at my good luck: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, all that beauty, all that culture at your disposal every day. They forget I also take the metro, go to work and carry my groceries up all those stairs: metro, boulot, dodo, as the French say: metro, work, and straight to bed. I wish I could take advantage of more of that beauty and culture. Just as I wish I could have more green.

In southern Schuylkill it surrounds me and I feel better, breathe better, even look better living in the midst of it. But as I write, rain is falling and outside green leaves are shivering on the trees. Already there's a hint of autumn in the air. The leaves will change color, they will fall and inevitably winter will come. Perhaps I'd change my tune about my southern Schuylkill experience if I had to experience a Pennsylvania winter or two.

For the moment, I'm entranced. Travelling just a few miles to the other side of Route 61, I park my car at the new boat launch in Auburn and set out on the bike trail to its end, where I take a gravel road to the railroad tracks. I cross a bridge over the Schuylkill and then head down a path into the woods. Above my head, there is an abandoned railroad trestle. I walk beneath it. On the other side, there is a steep path that cuts up to a section of the Bartram Trail, that one day soon will continue from Pottsville all the way to Philadelphia.

I follow it for a stretch, stopping at a pond where I disturb a blue heron. It gracefully takes to the air, its image reflected, along with the surrounding pines, in the perfect stillness of the pool.

Soon I return to France, after a golden summer, one of the best and the calmest I've had in years. For that, I've also my two yoga teachers to thank, Beth Shields, Pottsville, and Pamela Gyory, Kempton. I discovered Pamela, her yoga classes, and her beautiful bed and breakfast, Pamela's Forget-Me-Not, thanks again to my black Impala, that has carried me up and over Hawk Mountain, one of the most beautiful summertime drives around.

I used to live in the South of France, on the Riviera, to be exact, and in the summer, the coast highway, the final stretch of France's legendary Nationale 7 - the American equivalent would be Route 66 - was one long string of cars crawling between Cannes and the Italian border. When it rained, the highway would flood in spots, as would the campgrounds located so close to the road that the drone of cicadas was drowned out by traffic noise.

The South of France or southern Schuylkill? For my summer vacation, I've made my choice.

(Honicker can be reached at honicker.republicanherald@gmail.com)

MOUNT CARMEL - Dr. Allison Hirsch graduated from the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University in May and will be joining the dental practice operated by her father, Dr. David C. Hirsch, at 138 S. Market St.

Allison Hirsch earned the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine at Temple. At graduation, she received the American Society of Anesthesiology Horace Wells Senior Student Award. She was also chosen to participate in an honors training program through the oral surgery department at Temple University, in which she received advanced training in more complicated and surgical dental extractions.

While at Temple, Hirsch was an active member of the Student Professionalism and Ethics Association, the American Association of Women Dentists, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Haiti club. In March, Hirsch traveled to Jeremie, Haiti, on a mission trip to provide emergency dental care and oral health education to Haitian children and adults.

Raised in Elysburg, Hirsch is a 2005 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and biochemistry. She also earned a master's degree from Bloomsburg University in 2010 in education, curriculum and instruction.

Allison Hirsch will be accepting new patients. Call 570-339-3692.

SHAMOKIN - Dreary autumn-like weather didn't keep people of all ages from turning up Saturday for an outdoor evening of swing music.

At least 80 people brought their lawn chairs to Claude Kehler Memorial Park to watch the two-hour performance of After Hours, a 17-piece swing orchestra.

The band, which is made up of members from across the region, including musicians from Shamokin, played a variety of tunes ranging from early '30s classics to swanky '70s radio hits.

Most of the spectators remained seated in their lawn chairs in a wide ring around the dance floor area, and some remained in vehicles parked across Arch Street with their windows down so they could hear.

Few audience members had the courage to get up and shake a leg.

After band leader Dave Spotts announced that "the dance floor is open" numerous times, a brave couple gave their best at some swing moves.

"You just made my night," Spotts said to the couple at the end of the number.

Among the toe-tappers in the crowd was city councilwoman Barb Moyer, who said she was thrilled with the concert.

"I'm very happy to see the number of people that came despite the weather," said Moyer. "This is what the event space is supposed to be."

Moyer said council would like to do a 2015 "concert in the park" series and potentially incorporate food stands and community-created acts in the events.

"I would love to see After Hours come back," said Moyer, adding that the appearance of so many locals was a sign that the band had a local fan base.

Charismatic Day speaker named

HARRISBURG - The Rev. Francis Karwacki, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Mount Carmel, announced the Rev. Ariel Hernandez will be the presenter at the annual Harrisburg Diocesan Charismatic Day of Renewal to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Cardinal Keeler Center, 4800 Union Deposit Road.

Karwacki is the diocesan liaison for charismatic renewal.

Born and raised in Argentina, Hernandez has been a priest in the Camden, N.J., diocese for 10 years. Active in the healing ministry, he celebrates a healing Mass every first Saturday. The Mass has grown in attendance over the years and many from a wide geographical area have reported experiencing physical and spiritual healings.

Hernandez, a dynamic and spirit-filled young priest, will share the love of Jesus in the Eucharist with all who attend the charismatic day in Harrisburg. He has been a speaker at many Catholic charismatic conferences in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He is also the custodian of the icon of Our Lady of Schoenstatt from Argentina.

To get a registration form, go to www.aliveinthespirit.net, or to the diocesan website at www.hbgdiocese.org. Click on "About Us," then "Catholic Organizations," then "Charismatic" to print out the form.

Multiple sclerosis program

BLOOMSBURG - The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold "Take Control of Your MS Relapses" from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the Links at Hemlock Creek, 55 williamsburg Blvd., Bloomsburg.

Dr. Douglas Nathanson, a neurologist at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, will present information on the latest updates on controlling MS relapses.

Dinner will be provided, including salad, grilled herb chicken, potatoes and veggie with dessert, coffee, tea and water. Registration will be held from 5 to 5:15 p.m, dinner will begin at 5:15 p.m. and the presentation will be from 6 to 7 p.m.

To register or for questions call 1-800-344-4867. The registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 15. The program is free but donations are accepted to defray the cost.

KULPMONT - Descendants of Antonio and Dora (Calabrese) Rossi held their 60th annual family reunion Saturday, July 26, at the Kulpmont American Legion Picnic Grounds. One hundred and four family members were in attendance this year.

Antonio and Dora arrived in the United States from Montenerodome, province of Chieti Abruzzi, Italy in 1923, and were married that year at St. Peter Church in Mount Carmel. They had nine children, Jennie, Carmella, Constance, Daniel, Rose, Carmen, Vincent, Mary and Fred. The youngest female and male in attendance were three-year-old twins, Sophia and Max Litwin, great-grandchildren of Connie Kulick; the children of Jessica and Chaim Litwin; and Brielle Kamarunas, also three years old, a daughter of Kyle and Jen Kamarunas, and great-grandchildren of Mary and Bob Kaminsky. The oldest female in attendance was Connie Kulick and the oldest male was Danny Rossi.

Homemade food was served all day starting with a big breakfast including eggs, potatoes, ham and mimosas. Pasta with meatballs was served for lunch. Chicken cutlets, bread, a salad and hamburgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob was served during super. Also available were desserts, supies, tomatoes, cheese, Italian bread, fresh fruit, crabs and homemade wine.

Many events were held throughout the day such as card games, horseshoes, child water games, the annual softball game and the famous Rossi family egg toss game. The winners of the egg toss this year was TylerWinhofer, 12, and his dad, Joe Winhofer, of Kulpmont.

The final game of the night, Pass the Ace, started with a prayer as the Rossi family remembered family members that are no longer living. Karen Beisel and Nancy Rossi Fogle were the final two competitors. On the last hand dealt they both ended with 5s so they both lost, but Karen had two quarters left and Nancy had only one. Karen Beisel, of West Chester, was the winner. This was the first time that Karen has ever won Pass the Ace in all the years she attended the reunion.

Sandy Rossi, Lisa Lanciano and Sandy Winhofer were thanked for their dedication in organizing the Rossi family reunion. Also, thanks to all who donated food, made food, prepared food, donated drinks, cleaned up and washed the dishes.

Everything was done as a family.

Next year's reunion will be held Saturday, July 25.

MONTOURSVILLE - Commuters using a stretch of Route 147 between Brush Valley Road and Veterans Memorial Bridge may experience minor traffic delays this fall in exchange for increased safety from rock slides.

Dave Thompson, community relations coordinator for the county's PennDOT district, said PennDOT will be replacing a damaged portion of rock fall fencing, installing a single-faced concrete barrier and cleaning behind existing fencing sometime between Sept. 15 and the end of November.

The project will also include some shoulder work and paving, which will cut traffic down to single lanes during most of the project.

The work will be completed by contractor Don E. Bower Inc., of Berwick, who came in with the lowest bid at $991,000.

Travelers hoping to avoid delays may wish to take Route 890 north to Route 61, through Sunbury to the bridge.

First in a series

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School starts the new school with a facelift - inside and out - and a welcome uptick in enrollment.

New energy-efficient windows have been installed throughout the school, and the parking lot has been resealed and all

potholes filled. The improvements were funded by the $500,000 bequest from the late Joseph C. Leopold.

The interior work that was required for the new windows is now completed with new framing, drywall and paint. The windows replace the original ones that were installed during the school's construction in 1959.

Deacon Martin McCarthy, school administrator and high school principal, and Sister Margaret Quinn, elementary school principal, said during a walk-through of the building Friday that classrooms are ready for students. Because of the window replacement, there is more wall space for teachers in each class to use.

Enrollment is up by 35, including 17 in elementary grades and 18 in the high school section. The school's total enrollment is 475. McCarthy said the school has hired six new full-time and two part-time teachers. Quinn said the school added second classes for sixth, fourth and second grades.

A generous donation of 23 new Toshiba laptop computers was made to the school by Mrs. Cicchiello, and Holy Family School, Berwick, gave Lourdes 25 used computers, which have all received software updates.

"Every elementary classroom, except for pre-k, will have a smartboard and a LCD projector," Quinn said. She added that pre-k will have access to smartboards within the school.

The athletic co-op program with Mount Carmel Area, which McCarthy described as "very successful, continues this school year, sharing young athletes in football, volleyball, soccer, golf, swimming, baseball, softball and football cheerleading.

According to Quinn and McCarthy, the school has completed the "Excellence by Design" study for accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools (MSCSS), with the actual evaluation taking place in the first week of December.

The first day of school for Our Lady of Lourdes regional students in first through ninth grades is Monday. The other students start classes Tuesday.

First Day: Monday, Aug. 25 (for some students)

Total enrollment: 475

New teachers:

Barbara Persing - High school religion

Peg Barbarito - High school English

Amy Feese - Consumer science

Judy Surak - High school Spanish (part time)

Chloe Sidel - Ssecond grade

Sister Donna Ariente - Second grade

Ann Czeponis - Fourth grade

Pat Romanoski - Elementary Spanish (part time)

New staff:

Doug Rubendall - Studies director

Sister Patricia McGuigan - High school tutor and development office secretary

MOUNT CARMEL - Lars Anderson, attorney for Verizon Wireless, presented information and answered questions at a borough council meeting Thursday about a cell tower planned for the former Dollar General building at Fourth and Oak streets.

Verizon wants to sign a lease for 24 years and 11 months to place the tower on the building, said Anderson.

"If something were to happen, we wouldn't be able to do anything about it for 25 years," said Councilman Leroy "Chico" Moser.

The tower will be 64 1/2 feet tall, including the height of the building, and would have a diesel generator for emergency purposes.

The diesel generator will be run once or twice per month to ensure it works.

Borough council accepted the recommendation made by the planning commission to permit encroachment into the "right-of-way" for installation of the emergency diesel generator and air conditioning unit placed on the sidewalk.

Tony Matulewicz, borough council president, said unlike when there was a proposal to locate a cell tower in the town park, no opponents showed up at the meeting, even though this tower would not provide the borough with any funding and would be exclusively for Verizon customers.

"It could have provided

services across all carriers," said Matulewicz, referring to the town park tower.

Only four members of the public were present at Thursday's meeting - two that presented information on a Eagle Scout project, one seeking information about a church parking space and one regular attendee.

Ordinances enacted

Borough council adopted the landlord registration ordinance.

With the ordinance, a sticker will be placed in the window of all rental units identifying both the landlord and lessee.

Cuff explained Tuesday that in the past the borough has had issues with tenants moving into rental units that were not approved by the borough.

"Someone will just move someone in at night and it's not registered and not inspected," said Cuff. "We'll know everything is up to code, safe."

Robin Williams, code enforcement officer, said he had tenants come to him with complaints of leaking roofs, sewage problems, electrical issues and no heating.

"I'd punch (the address) up on my computer and it was never registered, never inspected," said Williams.

With the placards, the council hopes to make rental units easily identifiable so Williams can quickly tell if a place has been inspected.

Any unit lacking a placard would be unsuitable for rental, as it would signify Williams has not inspected it and approved it as habitable.

Williams said he currently had 174 landlords and 667 rental properties registered in the system.

"There's probably a lot more," said Williams.

A pave cut ordinance was also approved. Under this rule, any entity digging up a borough street has to have the road patching approved when its work is complete.

Street paving

A contract for Eastern Industries Inc. to complete road paving was approved.

Edward T. Cuff III, borough manager, said on Tuesday that the borough will spend between $250,000 and $300,000 paving streets.

Cuff, the borough council and the street department are still finalizing the paving list, which has fluctuated since it was created due to accommodating other projects, such as water lines.

The borough also approved a proposal by Pipe Services Corporation for closed circuit television (CCTV) video logging.

Cuff compared the device to a "remote control car" that will be driven in the borough's sewers to map locations and identify areas that require repairs.

John Buccanelli, an engineer with the firm engaged by the borough to manage the sewer system, said Thursday that the CCTV system is less exciting than it sounds, but would help identify tiny cracks in the pipes.

Buccanelli also announced Tuesday that smoke will be piped through sections of the borough's sewers in an effort to find issues. He said the smoke is safe and that residents should not be alarmed.

Other business

- Borough council approved renewing insurance recommended by the Zigmund Co. Ltd. The firm was engaged in May to review the borough's insurance policies for cost effectiveness.

- Graphics for the new police car were approved for purchase at a cost of $675.68.

- Samuel Cimino's letter of resignation, effective Nov. 4, was accepted. Cuff said Cimino has been employed with the sewer authority for several years.

- The lease agreement between the borough and the Mount Carmel Municipal Authority was referred to the budget committee for a recommendation on the amount for rent.

- The expected rate of return for non-uniformed and uniformed pension plans was changed to 3.5 percent.Verizon plans to place it atop former Dollar General building

DOYLESTOWN - Ashley Persing, of Coal Township, has been honored for academic achievement by being named to the spring 2014 dean's list at Delaware Valley College.

Persing has completed her sophomore year at Delaware Valley, where she is currently majoring in large animal science, with a minor in dairy science. She is interning with Bloomsburg Veterinary Hospital for the summer. She is a 2012 graduate of Shamokin Area High School.

She is a daughter of Sandy Persing, of Coal Township, and Mike Persing, of Shamokin. Maternal grandparents are Jim and Linda Koharski, of Coal Township. Paternal grandparents are Rob and Charlene Reigle, of Irish Valley, and Keith and Tracey Persing, of Coal Township.

LEWISBURG - The Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center has announced the names of honor roll students in its practical nursing program for the semester ending Aug. 15.

Located in Lewisburg, the LPN Career Center trains students to become licensed practical nurses. Operated by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) since 1997, it is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing (PSBN) and accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The LPN Career Center offers both a full-time and a part-time program. Applications for the full-time program are being accepted now through March 2, 2015, and classes will begin next August. For more information on the LPN Career Center, visit www.csiu.org/lpn or call 570-768-4960.

Distinguished Honors are awarded to those who have achieved a final grade of 95 percent or above in each subject at the end of the semester. Honors are given to those who have achieved a final grade of 90 percent or above in each subject at the end of the semester.

Among the students on the honor roll were:

Honors - Laura McGary, Catawissa; Casey Renninger, Herndon; Melissa Sulick, Shamokin; Tina Tressler, Shamokin, and Caitlyn Williard, Coal Township.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 457th Changing of the Colors flags ceremony at the flag pole at Susquehanna Bank Aug. 17 in honor and memoery of a World War II veteran.

Charles Chidovich was born in Centralia Sept. 22, 1917, a son of George and Mary Chidovich. A 1938 graduate of Mount Carmel High School, he spent his early years on his parents' farm in Numidia.

Chidovich entered the U.S. Army May 9, 1941, at New Cumberland, and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant Oct. 18, 1945, at the Separation Center, Indiantown Gap Military Reservation. He received his basic training at Pine Camp, N.Y., with additional training in Tennessee and California.

Serving with Company A, 24th Armored Engineer Battalion, 4th Armored Division, he left the U.S. Dec. 29, 1943, arrived in England Jan. 10, 1944 and landed in France in July. He departed Europe Oct. 4, 1945, and arrived back in the U.S. Oct. 12, 1945.

He received the following awards: Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in action Aug. 25, 1944, in France; Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with five Bronze Stars for campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe; World War II honorable discharge pin, and marksman with the U.S. rifle carbine caliber 30.

His division received a presidential citation June 14, 1945, at Landshut, Germany, for which he received the distinguished service badge. Total service was four years, five months and 11 days, of which foreign service included one year, nine months and 14 days.

On Dec. 27, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, Chidovich and his platoon were assigned to clear the roads of mines near Livarchamps, Belgium. Observing that portions of the roads were under direct enemy observations and heavy artillery fire, he ordered his men to remain in a safe area. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Chidovich crawled into those areas and removed several mine fields. This brave decision was instrumental in saving many lives and enabled tanks to assist in the capture of Sainlez, which was then of great strategic importance. For his heroic action, Chidovich was awarded the Bronze Star.

On Nov. 24, 1945, he married the formed Mary Chudeovich at SS Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Centralia. She preceded him in death Feb. 1, 2011.

Chidovich was a retired coal miner. He was previously employed for the Tennessee Valley Authority, General Motors in Linden, N.J., and Baisley Construction.

He was a member of St. Michael's Orthodox Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110, both of Mount Carmel, and American Legion Post 608, Wilburton.

Chidovich died Feb. 27, 2014, and is buried in St. Michael's Cemetery, Mount Carmel Township. He is survived by two sons, a granddaughter and a sister.

The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of Leonard John Bourinski, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Cold War era. Taps was sounded on the bugle by Ann Ray Begis as the flag was lowered by Anthony Candelora. The flag was folded by William Begis, James Kealy and Candelora, and was presented to Bourinski's son, Leonard, by Walter Summers.

The Chidovich flag was escorted to the ceremony by his son Charles and was blessed by Father Theophan Mackey of St, Michael's Orthodox Church prior to being raised. After the flag was raised by Candelora, Summers led those in attendance with the Pledge of Allegiance. David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans. Summers led all in singing "God Bless America" and Mackey led all in reciting the Lord's Prayer. The ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans. Summers thanked the families and those in attendance for their participation.

The American flag was carried by Connie Andrews, and the rifle escort was provided by William Begis and Candelora. Kealy provided traffic control.

The Susquehanna Bank was thanked for displaying Chidovich's name on its message board.

The next flag ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Second and Oak streets for Robert Bell Fanella, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Area veterans and the public are invited.

SHAMOKIN - An 8-foot-long banner displayed outside the Original Italian Pizza banquet hall welcomed members to the annual Chiavaroli family reunion July 19.

Inside, the hall was decorated in red, white and green. The Italian flag that was displayed was donated by Michael Chiavaroli, of Philadelphia, who obtained it when he was serving in the U.S. Army in Italy.

Bob Koshinskie, of Cranford, N.J., opened the program with welcome remarks. He said some family members have attended every reunion since its inception, and every year new members attend. He encouraged them to become reacquainted with their relatives. He thanked members who brought homemade Italian cookies and desserts. A relative from Philadelphia also brought "Philly pretzels."

Koshinskie explained that when the Chiavaroli family arrived in the U.S. from Loreta Aprutino, Abruzzi, Italy, two brothers, Sabatino and Zopito, and sisters, Giovinna and Leeige, settled in Shamokin. Some of their descendants still live there. That is why the reunion is held in Shamokin, he said.

Congratulations were extended to all couples who were married 50 years or more: Carol and Gerry O'Donnell, of Harrisburg; Mary and Thomas Chiavaroli, of Philadelphia; Jim and Marylou Chiavaroli, of Shamokin; Louise and Brient Weist, of Trevorton; and John and Marion Tentromono, of Wilmington, Del.

The oldest family member present was Arthur Chiavaroli, who celebrated his 92nd birthday July 6. Koshinskie read messages from family members who could not attend.

Two new members were added to the Nifty Ninety Club this year, Mary Chiavaroli and Josephine Mussara, both of Philadelphia. There are now five living members.

An induction ceremony was held for the Elite Eighty Club for members 80 years and older. One new member was added.

Kris Mace read the honor roll which includes the name of all members of the Chiavaroli family who served in the military from World War I until the present day. Major Scott Sturdevant, who is currently deployed, is married to Michaelle Heiser, a daughter of Ron and Dolores Heiser, of Lancaster.

Gene Grove invited all out-of-town relatives to walk down Independence Street to see the banner displayed in honor of his Uncle Jake Pantalone, who died in the Battle of the Bulge.

Geneology charts of all Chiavaroli families were displayed by Mike and Ginny Koshinskie, of Philadelphia, along with many photos.

Following a traditional Italian dinner, there was a sing-along of both Italian and American songs. Music was provided by Joe Koshinskie, of Mechanicsburg.

Everyone present were reminded the next reunion date is the last Saturday of July 2015.

The reunion is coordinated by Ann Chiavaroli Koshinskie, of Coal Township.

DUI checkpoints

POTTSVILLE - The North Central Highway Safety Network's Regional DUI Enforcement Group and the Coal Township Police Department have announced roving patrols or sobriety checkpoints to be conducted today through Sept. 3 on Routes 61, 225, 125, 487, 901 and 147, or other connecting roadways to municipalities.

Travelers are reminded to report drunk drivers by dialing 911. To report underage drinking, call 1-888-UNDER-21.

Creature feature show

BARNESVILLE - A live animal presentation will be given by Pam Ulcny, biology teacher at Tri Valley Jr./Sr. High School, at the Locust Lake Amphitheatre at 6 p.m. Aug. 30.

During her 17 year tenure, Ulicny has collected a classroom full of different species of exotic invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles for educational purposes. In her "Mrs. U-Zoo Revue," she will discuss specialized niches and adaptations, biodiversity and responsible pet care.

All children must be accompanied by an adult and the program will be moved to the program shelter in case of inclement weather.

Little Roaring Creek Road Bridge Replacement Starts June 10

Montoursville - A PennDOT bridge crew in Northumberland County will begin a bridge replacement project on Route 2001 (Little Roaring Creek Road) at the Northumberland/Montour county line on Tuesday June 10.

The existing 33'-long bridge was built in 1900 and is currently classified as structurally deficient. The bridge carries the road over Little Roaring Creek, about a mile south of Boyd Station Road or about 2.5 miles north of Route 54, and connects Rush and Mayberry townships.

This work will include redirecting Little Roaring Creek, removing the existing bridge, placing a new precast rigid-frame box culvert, pouring new curbs, upgrading guiderail, and paving the box and both roadway approaches.

While the work is underway, the road will be closed and traffic detoured to Sharp Ridge Road and Susquehanna Road.

The new bridge is scheduled to be open to traffic by late July.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 680 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available by calling 5-1-1, and regional Twitter alerts are available on the 511PA website.

HERNDON - The fourth annual Herndon Fire Company Car Show attracted 30 classics, street rods and muscle cars to Inch Field Sunday.

The show has been a good fundraiser for the fire company, said organizers Ron and Cathy Hinkley.

Owners pay $10 in advance or $15 day-of to enter their vehicles. Entrants this year came from throughout the area and as far as York, Williamsport and Lewistown.

Trophies were presented in a number of classes. Best of show and people's choice awards were also given.