CATAWISSA RR - If the district's grant is approved, an armed police officer could be patrolling the campus of Southern Columbia Area in the future.

During his report Monday night, district superintendent Paul Caputo said the administration is putting the finishing touches on two Safe School grant applications; the first one will provide funds to hire the officer.

"We are currently proofreading the job description and will have it ready to submit by the deadline of this Wednesday," the superintendent said Monday.

One of the specifications, Caputo said, is hiring a retired officer instead of taking an officer from police departments in the district.

"The officer will work with law enforcement when called upon," Caputo said.

Director Charlie Porter asked Caputo if the officer will be armed since it wasn't listed on the job description.

"That is something that we've talked about, so I would like to see it in writing here," Porter said.

Caputo said it was implied the officer would be armed considering any applicant must be weapon-certified, but it could be spelled out.

No advertisement will be made for applicants until word is received that the grant was approved.

The second application for a Safe Schools grant is for a $25,000 award which Caputo said would be used to add about 17 to 20 security cameras on campus.

New personnel

Monday's meeting was the first for some new members of district administration.

The board welcomed the new middle school principal William Callahan and new business office supervisor Denise Kreisher.

Kreisher was promoted from the accounting office to the supervisory position at a salary of $52,000 a year plus benefits provided in the Act 93 agreement.

Kreisher will share some of the business office duties with Caputo, who will receive a $10,000 stipend for the extra duties.

The two will work with accountant Charles Mannello, who will provide business manager services to the district.

Board members complimented Kreisher and outgoing business manager Michael Sokoloski for a smooth transition in her assuming the position. Sokoloski's last day of employment with the district will be Friday.

Callahan, a former assistant principal at Shamokin Area Middle/High School, was hired Sept. 15 at a salary of $82,000.

In other business

- The board approved Mick Fleming working for the district as a volunteer turf management consultant, which went into effect Monday.

- Jennifer Stine was approved as a student council advisor for the 2014-2015 school year at a salary of $699. Teachers Michael Johnston and Lori Shively were named junior class advisors for a shared salary of $789 and Ian McCoog as the substitute department lead teacher for social studies at a salary of $1,312.

All the salaries awarded for the positions were based on the expired Collective Bargaining Agreement between teachers and the district and are subject to change due to negotiations.

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin City Council voted Monday to approved a letter of intent indicating its interest in a land bank being organized by the Northumberland County Planning Commission.

But Mayor William D. Milbrand and fellow council members Barbara Moyer and Charles Verano were hesitant about making a firm commitment. The trio said during Monday's monthly council meeting there are many questions that remain unanswered, including about function and potential strain on the city's limited staffing.

Milbrand said he wasn't sure of a benefit to the venture outside of being able to "cherry pick" properties from tax sale. By moving forward with a letter of intent, he said city officials can continue to attend meetings and gather more information before making a decision on whether or not to join the proposed land bank. If it joins, a $1,000 buy-in is required.

Officials from Coal Township and Mount Carmel Township joined representatives of Shamokin and the county at a recent meeting to discuss the land bank initiative.

Demolish, develop

Pennsylvania adopted a law in December 2012 authorizing a local government with a population of 10,000 or more, or a partnership of municipalities, to create a land bank. It is independently governed, and has no power of eminent domain. It can obtain properties through purchase, lease or transfer - targeting properties with delinquent taxes due. It can also apply for grant funding.

The theory is to demolish and develop a blighted parcel or rehabilitate a deteriorated property, sell it and return it to local tax rolls. Preference would be given to the land bank at judicial sales, allowing it to purchase properties before they're open to the public. Liens and claims can be lifted by the municipalities, with permission of a school district, the law states.

If a property is sold by the land bank, the proceeds are returned to it to fund other real estate projects. Resulting property taxes are split for five years between the land bank and the municipality.

The land bank would be operated by a panel of between five and 11 appointees. Members can include municipal officials and employees, but at least one person who is not an elected official must be appointed.

City funds

Shamokin ended September with $158,996.53 in its general fund, which is its main account for most expenditures. The city had originally been predicted to run out of money by mid-August. Its total account balance as of Oct. 1 was $378,110.90.

Plow permits

Snow plow permits are now for sale. A permit must be purchased by all private commercial contractors. Cost is $100.

Permits are required by city ordinance. A violation can bring a fine from $100 to $300.

Verano specifically said permits apply to private contractors. Last winter, permits were required of anyone putting a plow down in the city - contractor or citizen.

Building demo

Affordable Construction & Demolition, Coal Township, was awarded a $17,400 contract to demolish 241-243 S. Diamond St. The news delighted Judy Lupold, a neighboring homeowner who has consistently sought action by city council to address the blighted property.

She began to ask council about the property Monday before being told a contract would be awarded and that demolition was slated to begin Oct. 20.

"Thank you! Thank you so much," Lupold told council members as she walked back to her seat. "Awesome."

Other business

Verano announced that Shamokin will have road salt this winter. It drew some tentative laughter from council and the tiny four-person audience. Last winter, amid a financial crisis, the city didn't have enough money to buy road salt and was out of credit since it owed money to the distributor. Coal Township stepped in and ordered the salt on Shamokin's behalf, and the city made the payment through its neighbor. City Clerk Robert M. Slaby was credited for smoothing over the relationship with the distributor.

On the advice of public works foreman Kevin Richardson, Verano said the city will sell permits for 33 additional restricted parking spaces. There will be nine available at Sixth and Independence streets, three at Sixth and Commerce streets, and 21 along Pearl Street between Chestnut and Spruce streets. Cost of a restricted parking permit is $100, according to the city's website.

A closed-door executive session was held for 23 minutes concerning personnel matters. There was no action taken.

A brief hearing for the 2014 Community Development Block Grant was held just before the start of the council meeting. The total state grant allotment is $288,311, down $11,689 from 2013: $51,895.98 for administrative fees, $70,924.51 for demolition, $60,490.51 for street work, $50,000 for roof repairs at the American Legion Building, $15,000 for the code office, $40,000 for the final payment of the Rescue Fire Company's ladder truck. The administrative fee is 18 percent, as required by law, and pays the salary of community development officer Lynn Dixson, along with solicitor fees, advertising and related costs.

Mountainside Assembly of God Church will hold its annual Light the Night event from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Sunbury Street Playground during the city's Trick or Treat.

City fire police were permitted to assist Danville, Sunbury and Northumberland during the municipalities' respective Halloween parades.

ASHLAND - Borough police said an unknown man brandishing a knife stole an unknown amount of money from May's Drive-In shortly after 8 p.m. Monday.

Police said the man, who is described as 5', 8" with a stocky build in his 30s or 40s, entered the restaurant and slashed the knife at an employee behind the counter and moved in an aggressive manner toward another employee.

The man, wearing a ski mask, a two-toned white hoodie with grey sleeves, blue jeans and black shoes, fled on foot through the back door.

An investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call Ashland police at 570-875-2600.

MOUNT CARMEL - Victor Girardi may be Mount Carmel's next transportation director and borough secretary.

At an executive session following Monday's borough meeting of the whole, hiring Girardi in both roles was added to Thursday's agenda for vote.

Girardi will be filling the role previously held by Megan Janolek.

Borough council president Tony Matulewicz said former borough council treasurer and Lower Anthracite Transportation System (LATS) director Janolek was terminated on Friday. Her termination was also added to Thursday's agenda for ratification by the council.

Janolek has been on the chopping block since July when it was discovered that she had made numerous accounting errors in the borough's books and attempted to cover up her mistakes by transferring money from various accounts.

An independent accountant had to be brought in to straighten out the borough's books at a cost of approximately $2,000.

Janolek's role as treasurer was transferred to borough manager Edward Cuff III March 1 after she reported being overwhelmed. Matulewicz previously said this transferal of power did not exonerate her because her mistakes were extensive and predated her request for help. Many of the errors requested by auditors over past years had not been made, Matulewicz said at the time, and Janolek's attempts to cover up the errors proved she should not continue to work for the borough in any capacity.

On Aug. 22, Ann Swartz was hired by Mount Carmel Borough Council as treasurer.

Matulewicz estimated the borough had a total of eight candidates for the LATS director and borough secretary role. He would not say why Girardi was selected from those candidates.

"You'll have to see how the vote goes," he said.

Girardi's LinkedIn profile shows he is a substitute teacher with the Mount Carmel School District and previously taught social studies at Shikellamy High School. He also has over 15 years of experience as a teller and processed loans for Liberty State Bank in Mount Carmel.

KULPMONT - "They know they were punished and they got their warnings. I wasn't a happy camper about it."

That's what Mayor Bernard Novakoski, whose duties include overseeing the police department, said when asked if Kulpmont Police Chief Michael Pitcavage and part-time police officer Patrick McAndrew were disciplined for their involvement in a Labor Day incident when firecrackers were allegedly thrown from a vehicle occupied by four off-duty police officers near Kulpmont Patrolman David Tomtishen, who was on duty that night.

McAndrew was cited for disorderly conduct by state police and both he and Pitcavage have been suspended from Mount Carmel Township ranks pending an internal investigation.

Novakoski said the two officers were disciplined, but told a News-Item reporter, "I'm not going to tell you what."

Tone changed

Last month, Pitcavage received compliments for the fine job he was doing.

On Tuesday, he was criticized.

At the start of the public comment section of Kulpmont Borough Council's meeting, property owner John Quinn, of Shady Acres, who owns a rental property in Kulpmont, discussed a landlord-tenant issue for which he had contacted the police.

"After evicting a tenant, the constable and I took control of the property, finding a filthy mess and overbearing smell," Quinn told council.

Quinn discovered his former tenant had also taken the stove, refrigerator, light bulbs, window blinds and smoke detectors.

"The constable advised me to contact police. I did, and Chief Pitcavage took the information," Quinn said.

Quinn said the issue had been going on for three months, and he had tried to file a personal criminal complaint against the former tenant, but could not do it because the district attorney's office could not reach Pitcavage.

"My daughter is a Sunbury police officer and the tenant lives in Northumberland. All he has to do is sign the arrest warrant and she can pick them up. What is the hold up?," he asked.

Pitcavage said there is an issue with the investigation that he did not want to disclose in a public forum. They met in the police station following the meeting to discuss the matter.

In other business

- Novakoski announced that trick-or-treat night in the borough will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. Fire chief Jeff Gillotti reported that crews will be out providing extra lighting at certain intersections.

- Stephen Motyka, chairman of the committee for a new borough building, informed the public that the borough is finishing up a response to a Aug. 29 letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture addressing concerns the federal agency has with the borough complex project.

An Aug. 29 letter from Michael L. Ward, community facilities program director for the USDA's Rural Development state office, to borough council president Bruno Varano addressed the agency's concerns with the proposed site, the project's financial feasibility and a "lack of community support."

USDA asked for an "action plan" in 60 days on how the borough intends to proceed, and says it will need to address all issues raised in the letter.

Motyka said the letter will be sent to the USDA in the next day or so, and then will be sent to The News-Item for publication.

Walter Lutz, a critic of the project, asked council if he could get a copy of the letter as well. Council said yes, when it is printed in the newspaper. Lutz said following the meeting he would file a right-to-know request for a copy.

In project-related news, council voted unanimously to make a $10,000 final design payment to Shaffer Design Associates, and Motyka said that blueprints should be sent to the borough next week.

SHAMOKIN - Five defendants pleaded guilty Tuesday to various charges and were ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to pay fines and costs.

n Raymond Villari III, 29, of 43 N. Marshall St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.

An additional charge of possession of a controlled substance was withdrawn.

Villari was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko in connection with a Sept. 21 incident at 311 S. Seventh St.

n Amichae Young, 33, of 409 E. Packer St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.

An additional charge of possession of a controlled substance was withdrawn.

Young was charged by Siko in connection with a Sept. 21 incident in the city.

n Jamie Michael Stine, 30, and his wife, Mandy Lynn Stine, 26, of 126 N. Eighth St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and were each ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.

They were charged by Siko relating to a Sept. 2 fight at their residence that disturbed neighbors.

Mandy Stine also pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and received the same sentence for a Sept. 3 disturbance in which she screamed at neighbors in the middle of the street outside her home. Siko filed the charge.

n Jimmie Driggers II, 25, of Shamokin, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.

An additional charge of harassment was withdrawn.

Driggers was charged by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski in connection with a Sept. 9 incident in the city.

MILTON - A Northumberland man charged with endangering the welfare of a child in connection with Monday morning's death of a 9-year-old boy in his care was arraigned Tuesday on a felony gun possession charge.

Victor W. Hare III, 58, of 196 Springhouse Road, was returned to Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $250,000 cash bail following his appearance before Magisterial District Judge Michael Diehl, Milton.

He had been imprisoned Monday night on $40,000 bail after the endangerment charge filed by Point Township Sgt. Robert Recla.

The boy, Korbin Rager, 9, was found unresponsive at Hare's home Monday morning. Rager's half brother had to yell at Hare before he finally called 911, police said.

While investigating the suspicious death at Hare's residence and gathering criminal history information, authorities learned that Hare has multiple felony convictions, including burglary and escape, according to the warrant for the gun charge filed by Point Township Patrolman Nathan Fisher.

Firearms located in Hare's bedroom closet were a hinge-action 12-gauge shotgun and two bolt-action .22-caliber rifles.

Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III issued a search warrant for Hare's home at 5:29 p.m. Monday to Point Township Patrolman Craig R. Lutcher. The warrant was returned to Gembic's office by Point Township Police Chief Joshua VanKirk at 2:19 p.m. Tuesday.

In addition to the guns, also found during the search, as identified on the inventory of seized property, were 44 bottles of various prescriptions, a pedicure skin grinder, a used Lifestyle condom wrapper, Durex lubricant, one empty bottle each of Alprazol, Oxycodone and Triazolam, two bottles of Oxycontin, two paper prescriptions for Oxycontin, a pill cutter and crusher, a cut white straw with red stripe, a digital scale and red cloth. There are no other details about the items listed.

Recla, who has been a policeman since 1988, said he was saddened by the boy's death, but not surprised.

"I've seen my share of deaths over the years, but nothing seems to amaze me anymore," he said.

Recla, who has worked full time for Point Township police since 1995 and previously was employed part time for Northumberland police, said Hare was charged with a series of burglaries in Kapp Heights and Redman Acres in Point Township in 1979 in which he stole jewelry and cash. Recla said Hare was convicted of the felony burglary offenses and spent time in prison. Since he is a convicted felon, Hare is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

He also was charged by state police with escape relating to an incident that occurred 32 years ago.

An archived report from the Associated Press on March 4, 1982, says Hare, who was then 25, walked away from a work detail at Camp Hill State Prison. He was subsequently apprehended several miles west in Mechanicsburg.

The AP reported that Hare was eligible for parole within one year from his attempted escape.

To his knowledge, Recla said Hare doesn't have any other prior criminal offenses.

Recla said dates for Hare's preliminary hearings before Diehl on the firearms and child endangerment charges have not yet been scheduled.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police said injuries sustained by a lost dog may be the result of a fight with another animal and not an act of cruelty.

Reports have been circulating on Facebook that the dog was found along Route 901 over the weekend bloodied and hurt, indicating its throat had been cut and the dog had been shot.

Coal Township Cpl. Terry Ketchem confirmed an injured dog was found and taken to Sunbury Animal Hospital. He said veterinarians could not determine if the wounds were inflicted by humans or by another animal.

Sunbury Animal Hospital would neither confirm nor deny on Monday that an injured animal was brought to their hospital. A representative said if a dog with injuries consistent with abuse is brought in, the dog warden would be notified.

TREVORTON - A Shamokin accounting firm will be hired on a trial basis to do the township's bookwork while its clerk is on personal leave.

Zerbe Township supervisors voted 2-0 at Monday's meeting to engage the services of accounting firm Klacik and Associates P.C., Shamokin, to perform bookkeeping on a trial basis.

Supervisor Michael Schwartz was absent from the meeting.

Supervisor Michael Mazer said Donna Reed, part-time assistant township clerk and recycling attendant, has taken over day-to-day activities of full-time clerk Ellen Troutman, but a person with more accounting experience is needed to complete financial tasks such as sewer billing.

"We're lost on some things Ellen did," Mazer said. "We feel this is the smart move at this time, especially if Ellen returns to work."

Supervisors said they had several qualified applicants, but ultimately decided to try the accounting firm, partly due to the amount they would save in not paying a full-time salary and benefits. Supervisor Gene Geise did not know the exact amount of the savings, but described it as "a lot."

Klacik and Associates's services will cost the township $500 to $750 per month, except during months with sewer billings, when it may be more. They will be engaged for at trial period of three months, after which the agreement will be reevaluated.

As a result of Troutman's leave of absence, supervisors announced the township office will now only be open 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday with some additional hours as needed.

In other business

Supervisors also:

- Enacted the trash ordinance. The ordinance prevents garbage from being stored on any property in a container other than that used to store garbage, such as a dumpster or trash can, for more than one week without a license signifying a public or private dumping area or junk yard. Offenders will be given a 10-day notice prior to citations. Fines are between $300 and $600 for each offense, and overdue fines could result in up to 30 days of prison time.

- Approved the fall leaf clean up for Oct. 27 to Nov. 7.

- Scheduled trick-or-treating from 6 to 9 p.m. Halloween night, Oct. 31. Supervisors asked for input in potentially moving it to another night to avoid a conflict with high school football, but none of the audience members spoke up.

- Approved payments for the wastewater treatment plant of $298,072.80 to Walabax Construction Services Inc., $63,252 to the Howard Organization Inc. and $9,886.37 to William F. Hill and Associates.

- Approved a bid by Oceanport, LLC, for rock salt at a rate of $85.50 per ton. Supervisors estimated the township would need 125 tons of salt.

- Thanked Cristy Stiely and other volunteers for helping with the Fall Festival, which they considered a great success. Both Mazur and Geise volunteered at the event.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices dropped six cents to $3.292 a gallon this week, according to AAA East Central's Fuel Gauge report.

On the national front

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has fallen for 19 straight days, reaching Tuesday's price of $3.19 per gallon. Tuesday's average price is nine cents less than one week ago, 21 cents less than one month ago and 16 cents less than one year ago.

The average price is down in every state and Washington, D.C., in both week-over-week and month-over-month comparisons. Drivers in six states are paying an average price less than $3 per gallon to refuel their vehicles.

Low demand combined with abundant supply has kept downward pressure on global oil prices. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members are scheduled to meet at the end of November and will reportedly not hold an emergency meeting before then based on current prices, which has supported the bearish sentiment for crude oil.

While violence continues in Iraq, market watchers still assess the threat to oil production to be relatively limited. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil settled eight cents lower at $85.74 per barrel at the close of Monday's formal trading on the NYMEX. This is the fifth consecutive settlement below $90 per barrel and the lowest price since December 2012.

(AAA East Central - a not-for-profit association with 82 local offices in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York and Kentucky servicing 2.7 million members - provides Fuel Gauge each week.)

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township state prison official accused of drunk driving following a crash near the prison grounds has retired.

Michael Miller, 50, of Danville, retired Oct. 10, according to Trisha Kelley, the prison's public information officer. Miller submitted a letter of resignation to prison Superintendent Vincent Mooney and to human relations, Kelley said Tuesday.

Miller was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, accidents involving damage to an attended vehicle or property, duty to give information and render aid, failure to give immediate notice of an accident, reckless driving and careless driving.

The alleged crimes stem from a Sept. 20 accident at Route 61 and Hospital Road in Tharptown.

Police said Miller was driving a Ford pickup on 16th Street toward Route 61 when he rear-ended a Dodge coupe driven by Jesse Bright, 30, of Shamokin, who was stopped at a red light. No injuries were reported. Patrolman Ed Purcell and Cpl. Terry Ketchem investigated.

Miller initially was not found at the scene. Police said when he returned he behaved belligerently. He failed a single field sobriety test and was placed under arrest.

Louis Morris, a captain at the prison, attempted to take blame for the accident, saying he was the driving the pickup and not Miller. He later dropped the claim after police confronted him. He was not charged. Kelley said he remains employed at the prison.

The accident occurred after prison employees returned to the facility parking lot following a bus trip to Beaver Stadium for a football game between Penn State and Massachusetts universities.

PAXINOS - The Pregancy Care Center in Shamokin welcomed pro-life speaker and author Kirk Walden to its annual fundraising banquet Tuesday at Masser's banquet hall.

Walden penned "The Wall," a soft-cover book that outlines the path to creating an abortion-free America by "raising a powerful wall of hope." This wall, he said, will be built by the 2,500 pregnancy help centers around the country that have played a key role in lowering the abortion rate. The center in Shamokin is a key player that will help build the wall, he said.

"If people don't choose it (abortion), it doesn't happen," Walden said. "Roe versus Wade is just going to be a piece of paper that was decided years ago."

The Shamokin center has a paid staff who provide a variety of resources, including peer counseling for unplanned pregnancy, peer counseling for men, parenting skills training and post abortion Bible study.

Between September 2013 and September 2014, there have been 143 new client visits, 1437 returning client visits and 18 volunteers have worked 3,800 hours.

Project staff payroll for 2015 is $84,752.01, which has increased from previous years because of longer staff hours and the center now being open fives days a week. Payrolls makes up 68 percent of projected expenses, which totals $125,036.01.

Another expense is the $29,000 mortgage on the center's building at 150 S. Market St. Two main goals are to burn the mortgage and to purchase an ultrasound machine, which staff will use to help women choose life over abortion.

The annual banquet, Walk for Life in May and direct public support are ways the center meets their expenses. Last year's banquet raised $28,657. Tuesday's total was unavailable.

"Help centers are on the front line. We help women make life decisions for their child," Walden said. "Love is our greatest weapon and we love everyone who comes in the door."

NORTHUMBERLAND - The Montour County coroner says he has "no medical reason" for the death of 9-year-old Korbin Rager.

Scott Lynn wouldn't elaborate Tuesday on what that means, but he said it was not a natural death and that the investigation will continue.

He addressed the comments by Victor W. Hare III, 58, of Northumberland, the man who had care of Rager at the time, who told police the boy allegedly had ingested prescription pain medication and was addicted to drugs and alcohol.

"You'd have to consider how someone that age would have access (to drugs) without adult involvement," Lynn said.

As to prescription pills possibly being the cause of death, Lynn said, "certainly that's one of the possibilities we're evaluating."

Point Township police have described the death as a possible overdose.

Lynn said the two-hour autopsy Tuesday morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, showed no signs of trauma to the boy's body.

Lynn said he's not yet able to determine a cause of death, and without a cause, he can't rule on a manner of death.

Toxicology and microscopic studies were done, he said. The former has to do with poisoning, drugs and things of that nature, he said, while the latter involves checking for potential infection. Microscopic testing is done when the deceased has had no previous history of medical problems, which applies in this case, Lynn said.

It will take eight to 12 weeks for results, he said.

Lynn pronounced Rager dead at 8:43 a.m. Monday at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. The boy was found unresponsive by his half brother at Hare's home, 196 Springhouse Road, Monday morning.

Hare was charged Monday night with endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the boy's death.

NORTHUMBERLAND - The half brother of a 9-year-old Sunbury boy who died Monday morning of an apparent prescription drug overdose told police he repeatedly yelled at Victor W. Hare III to call 911 for help before the man finally took action.

Hare, 58, told police that Korbin Rager may have taken Oxycontin before he became ill. He said he attempted CPR on the boy for 40 minutes before calling for an ambulance.

A search of Hare's home at 196 Springhouse Road turned up more than 40 bottles of various prescriptions, including Oxycontin. There was also alcohol throughout the house. None of it was secured.

Police said Hare alleged the fourth-grader had an addiction to drugs and alcohol. The allegation has not been confirmed, and police have said Hare's story has several discrepancies. If the boy truly had an addiction, police said Hare still allowed him to stay at his home with drugs and alcohol readily available.

Rager was pronounced dead at 8:43 a.m. Monday at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, by Montour County Coroner Scott Lynn. Toxicology tests are pending.

Hare is charged by Point Township Sgt. Robert Recla with a felony count of endangering the welfare of a child. He is jailed in Northumberland County Prison on $40,000 bail and an additional $250,000 bail related to a felony gun possession charge. (See separate story.)

'Wait'

Rager's 13-year-old half brother, who was not identified by police, was visibly shaken. He told police he thought the boy was dead after he tried to wake him. He sought help from Hare, who is accused of acting reluctantly. He reportedly told the boy to wait, and only called 911 at 7:49 a.m. after the half brother began to yell, according to court documents.

Paramedics were already on scene for a report of cardiac arrest when police arrived. Rager was bleeding from his mouth and nose, and there was vomit in the bed where he was lying.

Hare told police he knew Rager to use marijuana and pills.

A source who wished to remain anonymous told The News-Item the family had never heard anything about the boy being addicted to drugs and alcohol and didn't know the basis of that accusation.

Police initially identified the boy who found Rager as a stepbrother. It was later clarified by the source that they were half brothers. The relationship between Hare, Rager and the boy's mother was not explained by police. The source said Hare and Rager's half brother were once related through marriage.

Rager attended Oaklyn Elementary, Sunbury. He was a son of John Rager and Angela Clark, both of Sunbury, according to unrelated court records.

Angela Farronato, Oaklyn's principal, said she addressed the fourth grade about Rager's death. David Sinopoli, acting superintendent at Shikellamy School District, said guidance counselors and mental health experts were at the building to support students and staff. Several students sought individual counseling, he said.

"You can well imagine we have some students who are very upset," Sinopoli said Tuesday.

Story straight?

Police said Hare picked the boys up about 10 p.m. Sunday. He claimed to have permission from Clark, and they planned to ride dune buggy "out back," court records state. His home is not far off Route 11 in the area of the Sunbury Christian Academy.

When he picked up the boys, he told police that he thought Rager's "eyes looked weird," but he didn't say anything. They got to his house and drank soda while watching wrestling on TV.

Police said Hare initially verified the half brother's story, that the teen woke him to seek help for Rager. He later claimed to have been alerted while using the bathroom. Hare couldn't explain the discrepancy except to say he was confused, according to court documents.

Hare also couldn't explain how the boy allegedly told him over "the last couple of weeks" about his drug addiction, but that he told his mother about the problem "five weeks ago," police said.

FFCAD meeting set for tonight

MOUNT CARMEL - FFCAAD (Family and Friends Concerned About the Abuse of Drugs) will meet at 7 p.m. today in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church hall, 41 S. Market St.

There will be a presentation on heroin drug abuse and tips on how to detect the abuse. All are invited.

Food pantry distribution set

ATLAS - The Mount Carmel Township food pantry will have its monthly distribution from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the township complex in Atlas. Residents in Atlas, Diamondtown, Strong, Locust Gap, Connorsville, Dooleyville and Beaverdale who signed up previously are eligible.

The Bible explored at Lifetree Cafe

SHAMOKIN - Whether the Bible is real, reliable, and relevant will be discussed Thursday at Lifetree Café, 531 N. Market St.

The event, titled "The Bible: Real? Relevant? Reliable?" features a filmed interview with Eugene Peterson, author of the best-selling "The Message."

Admission to the 60-minute event, which begins at 7 p.m., is free. Snacks and beverages are available.

For more information, contact Kathy Vetovich at 570-672-9346 or kvetovich@gmail.com.

As Reported to The News-Item

Lt. Robert J. Kerris, a Navy surgeon who is a native of Elysburg, is among the U.S. military personnel who arrived in West Africa last week to support humanitarian relief efforts related to the Ebola epidemic.

A report by Marine 1st Lt. Gerard Farao distributed by Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) said Kerris is assigned to the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisic Response Africa (SPMAGTF-CR-AF) that arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, Oct. 9 as part of Operation United Assistance.

"We have been training the Marines and sailors on infectious disease prevention as well as distributing personal protective equipment, malaria pills, treating their clothes and bedding, among other things," Kerris said. "We want to ensure that our Marines and sailors are safe, as they assist with the humanitarian effort in West Africa."

According to DVIDS, the alert response force left Moron, Spain, on Oct. 8, and after spending a night in Dakar, Senegal, arrived in Monrovia the next day.

The unit's mission, as described by DVIDS, is to conduct missions such as U.S. embassy reinforcement, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief throughout the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.

Kerris, a son of Susan and Robert Kerris Jr., is a 2003 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and New York University Medical School. Upon enlistment in the Navy, he completed his residemncy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

SHAMOKIN - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta Wednesday called on the Obama Administration to enforce a ban on inbound travelers originating in countries affected by the growing Ebola outbreak.

Barletta (R-11) said the ban should be imposed immediately and last until health officials have a better grasp of the situation inside the United States and in the West African nations where the disease has become widespread.

The congressman said American citizens who wish to return home from such countries should be allowed to do so, but may have to be screened through a quarantine system upon reentry.

The threat goes beyond the infected people and the medical staff who treat them, Barletta noted.

"A lot of the focus has been on the hospital personnel, but I also have great concern for TSA and the employees at these airports, who are not trained yet," he said in discussing the issue during a stop Wednesday at The News-Item for a campaign interview.

"I think until we learn more we should suspend (visa travelers) and not take the risk. We're inviting trouble," he said.

Barletta said those who have contracted the disease may go to great lengths to get to the United States because they know they have a better chance at successful treatment.

"If you have Ebola and you're in West Africa and you want any chance to live, your goal is to try to get to the United States," he said.

Barletta said all of his offices are being "flooded" with calls asking for the restrictions.

"People are afraid of this," he said.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Applications for Salvation Army Christmas baskets and toys will be taken by appointment only beginning Tuesday, Salvation Army Advisory Board announced during a recent meeting.

Judy Orner, social services director, emphasized that appointments must be made prior to filling out the applications. Appointments may be made by calling the Salvation Army at 570-644-0486 starting today during office hours.

Applications will be taken at the army headquarters from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21, 22 and 23 for those who have appointments.

Orner reported she had ordered fresh produce for the first time through the Pennsylvania Food Bank. Because of low prices and free bonus items, the army was able to assist 276 households during September alone. Best of all, Orner added, it was all nutritional food.

Orner said she tries to manage the money wisely to receive the maximum amount of food items possible. "We're trying to stretch every penny," she added.

Maj. Tina Streck, commanding officer, gave the welcoming prayer and reported on finances. She said financially the army is behind last year because of the increased need and rising costs.

For example, she said, trash doubled from $2,000 to $4,000, and oil costs for the Thrift Store increased from $5,000 to $8,000.

In addition, the army paid out $89,000 in financial assistance, much of which had to come out of the general fund.

Streck reported over the last few years, the army has been receiving less annual financial assistance from the state.

Henry Linton, board president, reported on a planned food drive will be headed by John (Skippy) Rabuck. Linton made a follow-up contact with Campbell Soups concerning possible assistance concerning the drive.

Discussions were held concerning future Thrift Store improvements and correcting problems with trash being deposited in the rear orf the store.

Jack Murdock, board member, who is heading efforts to obtain corporate donations, as well as gifts from various trust funds, did not attend the meeting, so follow-up sessions will be planned to further drive efforts.

Next meeting of the board will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the headquarters.

Also attending the board meeting in addition to Streck, Orner and Linton, were Janice Kotwica, Harry Deitz, Jan DiOrio, Gerry Knapp, Ron (Buddy) Knoebel, Paul Metrocavage and Ned Sodrick.

Sweeper can't handle large leaf piles

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough residents are asked to let their leaves lay as they fall until the street sweeper sucks them up because the street sweeper cannot handle large piles. The leaf clean up will be ongoing through the end of foliage season.

Religion in art to be discussed

KULPMONT - The Rev. Peter William Gray S.S., noted artist and priest of the Society of St. Sulpice, will visit the Saint Pauline Spirituality Center at 7 p.m. Friday and give a talk on the theology of art.

At 5 p.m. Saturday at the Queen Most Holy Rosary Church, Elysburg, a painting will be unveiled. Bishop Ronald Gainer will be present for the celebration.

Gray's works include two recent portraits of Saint Pope John XIII and Saint Pope John Paul II on loan by the Theological College of Washington D.C. to the national Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C. A third portrait is that of Pope Francis in the Pope's Parlor in the Nunciature in Washington, D.C.

Recently the Fell's Point Visitor's Center, Md., displayed Gray's works over a ten year period. Of note was the portrait of Mother Mary E. Lange, a woman who first set foot on American soil in Fell's Point in 1813 and who undertook the task of educating black women so they would be literate and have working skills. Mother Lange founded the Oblate Order of Providence in Baltimore, the first non-white order of nuns in the United States.