SHAMOKIN - A city man was charged with attempting to break into Snapper's Bar at 501 N. Shamokin St. early Friday, approximately four hours after being cited for public drunkenness while loitering behind another business.

Eric J. Ginck, 35, of 120 N. Marshall St., was arrested by Chief of Police Darwin Tobias III on a felony of criminal attempt to commit burglary and misdemeanors of possessing an instrument of crime and loitering and prowling at night time relating to an incident at the bar.

Tobias also cited Ginck for public drunkenness after finding him shortly after 1 a.m. loitering in the 100 block of East Water Street at the rear of Original Italian Pizza.

According to a criminal complaint, Ginck was observed by Tobias at 3:20 a.m. loitering at the rear of Snapper's. At that time, Ginck told Tobias he was looking to speak with someone who wasn't there. Ginck, who was wearing a gray hooded jacket with plaid markings, then left the area.

At about 5 a.m. while on patrol, Tobias noticed the side door to Snapper's appeared to have been damaged. Upon investigating, Tobias found pieces of wood lying on the ground and extensive damage to the door and lock areas. Tobias said pry marks also were found on a back door at the tavern.

The police chief then located a black mask, two screw drivers, a chisel and hammer in a lot at the rear of the bar.

After contacting the owner of the bar, Tobias viewed video surveillance that showed a person wearing a gray hooded jacket with plaid markings and a black mask. The video footage showed the person going to the side and rear doors several times and walking back and forth through the lot. It also showed the person attempting to pry open the rear and side doors several times.

Tobias was able to identify the man on the video as Ginck from his previous encounters with the defendant.

During an interview with police, Ginck admitted trying to break into the bar to get cash. Ginck claimed he was recently fired from his job and needed money to support his child.

Ginck is incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury.

BERWICK - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a biennial emergency preparedness exercise at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station. The exercise will occur during the week of Oct. 21 to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

"These drills are held every other year to evaluate government's ability to protect public health and safety," said MaryAnn Tierney, regional administrator for FEMA Region III. "We will assess state and local emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile emergency planning zone, as well as the adjacent support jurisdictions within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise in a public meeting at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24 at the East Mountain Business Center, 1190 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre. Scheduled speakers include representatives from FEMA, NRC, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response.

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) program to:

1. Ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident.

2. Inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

REP program responsibilities cover only "offsite" activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.

Additional information on FEMA's REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.

Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:

MaryAnn Tierney,

Regional Administrator

FEMA Region III

615 Chestnut St., sixth floor, Philadelphia 19106.

BLOOMSBURG - U.S. Sen. Bob Casey will be the headliner for the annual Columbia County Democratic Committee dinner to be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, at the committee headquarters, 33 E. Main St.

Also honored will be Andy Ostrowski, candidate for Congress; and Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski.

Casey was elected in 2006, defeating incumbent Republican Rick Santorum. He was re-elected in 2012. Prior to his election, he was an attorney, state auditor general (1997-2005), and state treasurer (2005-2007).

Among legislation he sponsored was a program to improve funding for children's hospitals and the improved training of medical school students to deal with children's problems and anti-discrimination legislation, signed into law by President Obama. He was chair and is a current member of the Joint Economic Committee and the Special Committee on Aging and Senate committees on finance, agriculture, nutrition, forestry, health, education, labor and pensions. He is chair of the subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety. He and his wife have four daughters.

Ostrowski is a civil rights lawyer who established the Pennsylvania Civil Rights Law Network. The network provides representation for those whose civil rights are violated by judicial misconduct.

Pawlowski has been Allentown mayor since 2006. After college graduation, he was a community organizer in Chicago's south side, received a master's in urban planning, and supervised development of special programs for Chicago's public housing program. Prior to becoming mayor of the state's third largest city, he was director of community and economic development. As mayor he has been vigorous in lowering the city's crime rate by 30 percent, while overseeing more than $75 million in state and federal grants to improve city parks and downtown businesses, and eliminating the city's fiscal deficit. He is president of the Pennsylvania Municipal League.

Tickets are $20 for dinner, and must be purchased in advance. The annual dinner is a fundraiser for the local Democratic committee. For further information or to purchase tickets, contact Jill Carlson at 570-389-7598.

MOUNT CARMEL - A schedule of events has been announced for Mount Carmel's ThinkBig Dance Marathon to be held Saturday, Oct. 25 in the Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School gym.

Alumni Cassandra Niglio, Sami Spieller, Rachel Niglio and Cassie Mace are organizing the 12-hour event to benefit Geisinger's ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund, which helps families battling cancer who suffer through unforeseen expenses. Last year, the group raised $12,002.78 for the Four Diamonds Fund.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the event for any amount of time. A donation of $5 will be collected at the door. The admission fee will be waived to anyone who has prepaid.

Food, snacks and beverages will be sold all day. Multiple other activities and stands will be available for participants. T-shirts, luminaries and raffles will also be sold throughout the day. All events will be held in the high school gym unless otherwise noted. The schedule is as follows:

9 to 10 a.m. - Registration.

9:45 to 10 a.m. - Performance by Mount Carmel Area cheerleaders.

10 to 10:30 a.m. - Opening ceremony.

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Group dance.

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Trivia game. Zumba in elementary gym.

12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - Foul shooting contest in elementary gym.

1 to 2 p.m. - Glow stick dance party.

2 to 2:30 p.m. - Guest speaker.

2:30 to 4 p.m. - Dodge ball tournament in elementary gym.

3 to 4 p.m. - Kickboxing.

4 to 4:30 p.m. - Group game.

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. - Basketball tournament in elementary gym.

4:30 to 5 p.m. - Performance by Jake Horan and Clint Souder.

5 to 6:30 p.m. - Karaoke.

6:30 to 7 p.m. - Making of a video message for cancer patients.

7 to 7:30 p.m. - Group dance/ThinkBIG guest speaker.

7:30 to 8 p.m. - Luminary walk around the high school parking lot.

8 to 8:30 p.m. - Group game.

8:30 to 9 p.m. - Closing ceremony.

For more information, contact Cassandra Niglio at 570-205-8526 or at mcathinkbig@gmail.com.

HARRISBURG - Legislation authored by Senator John R. Gordner (R-27) to improve coordination of geospatial information systems (GIS) has passed the House of Representatives and will be presented to Gov. Tom Corbett for his signature to become law. Senate Bill 771 creates a joint state advisory board to bring together state, local, private and academic interests currently working with GIS.

"Currently, GIS is used at and depends upon data from all levels of government, but is uncoordinated," said Gordner. "The ability to coordinate GIS will avoid duplication, result in more accurate and reliable data, and will ultimately reduce costs by reducing redundancies through improved efficiency."

Senate Bill 771 creates a state advisory board to advise and recommend policies to encourage data sharing and collaboration. As an example, Gordner said better coordination between state, county and federal GIS would be a valuable tool to assist the Commonwealth in working with the federal government on floodplain management issues.

"In our area, we've seen the fallout from federal efforts to revamp the National Flood Insurance Program, which has negatively affected a large number of property owners along the Susquehanna River," said Gordner. "There have been instances of technical errors in the floodplain maps, resulting in developed land unnecessarily designated in higher risk categories."

The legislation received unanimous approval in both the Senate and the House.

PAXINOS - Officials representing second class townships in Northumberland County will convene at 5:45 p.m. Thursday at Masser's Banquet Hall for their annual county convention.

The purpose of the annual convention is to provide township officials with up-to-date information to better serve their constituents. They will also have an opportunity to exchange ideas on local government issues.

The convention will feature a wide range of speakers, including Holly Fishel from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors.

The State Association of Township Supervisors represents Pennsylvania's 1,457 townships of the second class, 22 of which are located in Northumberland County.

Other speakers who will address the township officials are Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest, state Sen. John Gordner, state Reps. Lynda Schlegel Culver and Kurt Masser and representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

WILLIAMSPORT - A Coal Township student is helping to organize a benefit walkathon with a Halloween theme at the Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT).

Mary Kate Kelley, vice president of the Student Occupational Therapy Assistant Club, said the event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30. Preregistration is $15; day-of registration is $20.

The walk will leave from the school's Campus Center patio. Walkers are encouraged to walk in Halloween costumes, but can participate without a costume.

Those interested in donating or participating can contact Kelley at mkk1@pct.edu or 570-274-6520. Proceeds will benefit children and adults with physical disabilities and also future club activities.

In addition to Kelley, club officers are president Brianna Boyance, secretary Samantha Reed and co-treasurers Gabby Leister and Mary Hawes.

KULPMONT - Kulpmont Borough Council members say they don't understand how the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can withdraw its support for its $1.47 million loan for a new borough complex.

"Nothing has changed with our building site since day 1, and if your approval was given to us for this loan at the time, it should still be your recommendation to give us the loan at this point in time," council president Bruno Varano wrote in a letter sent Friday to Michael Ward, community facilities director for USDA's Rural Development state office in Harrisburg.

The four-page letter is in response to questions the federal agency raised in an Aug. 29 document about the plan to build a 4,000-square-foot borough building and 5,000-square-foot maintenance garage along Fir Street, between Seventh and Eighth, on land donated by Susquehanna Coal Co.

In addition to the federal agency, copies of the letter were sent to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta.

Varano asked Casey's office to investigate the situation since Kulpmont has already expended funds on USDA's initial approval to go forward and for Barletta to follow up with the agency to see what recourse Kulpmont

has in the event the loan does not go through.

Community support

A large portion of Varano's letter addresses a concern the USDA relayed in the letter about a lack of community support for the project.

At the time of the loan application, only two individuals, the borough stated, expressed opposition. Since then, the borough held a public meeting attended by more than 100 people.

Citizen Bob Chesney presented USDA representatives at the meeting with two petitions with a total of 400 names of people against the project, but Varano disputes those petitions.

"Your letter states that you are in receipt of 400 names and we on borough council never had the opportunity to review those names for accuracy," Varano wrote.

Varano said when Kulpmont asked the USDA to review the petitions, Ward wrote in an email the borough would have to file a Freedom of Information Act request.

Unfortunately, the letter reads, Ward also told the borough that under an exemption of the act, all the petitioner names and addresses would be redacted. In summary, the lists could not be released.

The attendance sheets from the Aug. 5 town meeting, according to Varano, show 68 names of residents who attended. "Of those 68, some were opposed; however, some were in favor of the new building project and some were there just to see what would happen," Varano wrote.

Varano felt the agency was relying too heavily on a report of the town hall meeting by a former USDA staff member, Alex Kaufman, who council was told that very shortly after the meeting was no longer employed by the agency.

"We are not in receipt of Mr. Kaufman's report to you; therefore, we do not know what was contained in the report and how much of it was accurate," the letter reads.

Varano said he and the council know fighting the battle for community support will be an uphill climb.

"There is no way we, as a borough, can show full community support, nor have we been provided definitive proof of a majority opposition," Varano wrote.

Feasibility

The USDA also raised concerns in its Aug. 29 letter about the site itself. Ward said the agency does not support the current site based on a recently submitted subsurface soils report.

"Our experience with these types of sites suggests that your costs for mitigating the soft soil across most of the site could be much greater than you are anticipating," he wrote.

Because of Kulpmont's budget constraints, the USDA believes the Fir Street site has the potential for unknown costs once excavation begins, making the project financially unfeasible.

"Because of the reasons outlined above, the agency is not in support of the current site and we strongly suggest you find an alternative site or consider occupying an already constructed building," Ward wrote.

Varano answered that after consulting with the engineers and geotechnical engineers that prepared the report, council is confident the report is accurate and if excavation and foundation preparation is completed according to the recommendations of the report, the costs should not exceed its estimated value.

"We understand there are no guarantees that change orders would not occur," Varano writes. "However, in the scope of the project, this portion of the work is minimal."

Soil remediation costs will also be kept down by the installation of a geothermal heat pump heating and cooling system.

In a geothermal system, half the installation costs comes from drilling the wells for a vertical system, or excavating trenches for a horizontal system. By placing Kulpmont's proposed horizontal loop system in the same excavations as the soil remediation, the cost is eliminated.

"The cost to use land already owned by the borough and remediate the soil is far less than purchasing new land and the associated costs of performing new soil test bores, archeological research and a new civil and structure design," the letter reads.

Time of the essence

The borough continues to move forward with the design phase of the project, and after formal review of the design documents by the USDA, hopes to put it out for bid later this year with construction starting in the first quarter of 2015.

Varano said the new complex project must move forward to get the borough out of the former Wilson Grade School for safety, effectiveness and efficiency reasons.

"Simple daily tasks at the present building are becoming more and more difficult, and costing exorbitant amounts of money to run our operations," he wrote. "Our taxpayers are losing so much we cannot afford to keep this building heated and functional given it is so outdated."

While council approved a three-mill tax increase in January to help make the loan payments, taxes could increase more, Varano said, if the USDA pulls its loan.

"The taxpayers here could possibly face another tax raise if we are forced to outsource our financing for this project," Varano writes.

(Varano's letter to the USDA will be published, in its entirety, in a future edition of The News-Item.)

LEWISBURG - Susquehanna Greenway Signage and Interpretation is the theme of a new mini-grant program offered by the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP). It was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program and The Keystone Fund under the administration of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

The purpose is to advance public and private efforts to connect people with the natural and cultural resources of the Susquehanna and promote a sustainable and healthy environment. Award of the mini-grants is focused on interpretative planning and signage projects that will help to improve the experience of people who are using walking, biking and water trails, community parks or visiting river towns within the Susquehanna Greenway.

More than $50,000 was awarded for: 1.) Developing plans to interpret and promote a community's heritage, natural and recreational resources; and, 2.) Designing, fabricating and installing signs based on the Susquehanna Greenway Sign Design Guidelines.

"The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is pleased to partner with the DCNR to award $50,000 in mini-grants to community partners along the Susquehanna," SGP Executive Director Trish Carothers was quoted in a press release. "We have a vision for the Susquehanna Greenway with over 500 miles of connected walking, biking, and water trails, unique river towns and conserved land. The Greenway helps to protect our water quality, encourages healthy lifestyles, and inspires stewardship and civic pride in places where people love to live, work, play and visit."

A total of 10 grants are being awarded ranging from $1,200 to $10,000. The project partners are leveraging the $50,000 in awards with an additional $71,000 in cash and in-kind contributions.

Regional projects to receive grants include:

Columbia/Montour County Covered Bridge Signage Project: $2,500 to complete an economic impact study that will validate plans to fund, implement and maintain a comprehensive interpretive and wayfinding signage program for the covered bridges in Columbia and Montour counties.

Grantee: Columbia County.

Millersburg Ferry Boat Interpretative Sign Upgrade: $4,000 to replace the current ferry boat sign that will orient visitors to information regarding the ferry and its important history.

Grantee: Millersburg Borough.

North Branch Canal Trail Signage: $5,000 to install trailhead kiosks, mile markers, and hazard signs along the North Branch Canal Trail that will inform trail users about the historic canal and Greenway.

Grantee: Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC).

Sunbury Riverfront Signage: $3,500 to implement QR code based signage program for Riverfront Park focused on nature and local heritage as it relates to the river.

Grantee: City of Sunbury.

Watsontown Canal Boat Pavilion and Canal Path Signage: $2,341 to develop and install interpretive signage that provides an overview of canal history and promote the 1 mile path along the Watsontown riverfront.

Grantee: Watsontown Borough.

Newspapers now on flash drives

MOUNT CARMEL - Flash drives containing the content of all Mount Carmel newspapers prior to 1947 were recently purchased by the Mount Carmel Public Library.

Information Management Resources, Hazleton, sold the flash drives to the library. The firm is also working with Northumberland County on its records preservation project. The sale was negotiated by library board members Phil Gergen, Hugh Jones and Frank Sawicki.

A vote of the library board Wednesday will determine how it will make the information publicly available.

Ambulance Christmas dinner set

TREVORTON - The Trevorton Community Ambulance has scheduled its annual Christmas dinner for Dec. 13. All Zerbe Township residents are welcome to attend the free dinner, which features items such as baked ham, macaroni and cheese and peach crisp.

Ambulance president Gene Geise said he was excited that this year the dinner will be held in the new ambulance building for the first time, partly because the building is handicap accessible. He said volunteers will once again be making deliveries to the homebound.

The ambulance is in need of volunteers to help with the event. Call 570-797-4850.

RANSHAW - The Phoenix Rescue Group Humane Police are asking for help in locating one or more people who they believe stabbed a dog multiple times and cut its throat before leaving it in the vicinity of Route 901 near the entrance to the Coal Township-SEEDCO Industrial Park.

"Marshall," as he's been named by rescuers, a pit bull, was found walking along the highway with its stout bound in a black muzzle last Sunday. He was taken by Coal Township police to Sunbury Animal Hospital, where he received immediate medical treatment for his wounds.

Coal Township police said Tuesday that the dog, an ash gray with touches of white, may have been attacked by another animal. Later information released by a veterinarian confirmed Marshall's wounds could only have been inflicted by a human, the rescue group says.

"We are offering a reward for the arrest and apprehension for the persecution of the perpetrator who committed this heinous act," said a humane society police spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous because of work he does locally.

Marshall is now in stable condition but still requires 24-hour care. He is expected to continue receiving treatment for several more weeks at an undisclosed location.

The spokesperson said Marshall is likely to have been someone's pet because he knows commands like "sit" and "shake."

"He's very good with people and other animals and has a pleasant demeanor," the spokesperson said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ronald Hollister, an officer with the humane police, at 717-226-1575 or rhollister@clear.net, or contact Phoenix Rescue Group through its website, phoenixrescue.org.

The Phoenix Rescue Group is also asking for donations to defray the cost of Marshall's care. To make a donation or be put on a list as a potential adopter, contact Hollister, the Phoenix Rescue Group or Sunbury Animal Hospital.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging's APPRISE counselors, Mary Barrett and Amy Sanders, are being "bombarded with calls" regarding changes to Geisinger Gold, Pat Rumberger, agency director, said Friday.

The Geisinger changes are being considered at the same time as the annual open enrollment for Medicare, which began Wednesday and continues until Dec. 7.

"To have this happen at the same time is crazy," Rumberger said.

She said Barrett and Sanders plan to arrange brief talks at county senior action centers about Geisinger Gold changes, and said members should consult their center's calendar for dates. Otherwise, she advised seniors to contact Geisinger for specifics.

Marriage licenses

Joseph J. Daya Jr. to Breanna Lynn Boyer, both of 217 E. Water St., Mount Carmel. To be issued Oct. 20.

Daniel A. Tharp to Greta Eileen Williams, both of 18 Pepper Hills, Danville. To be issued Oct. 20.

Divorces

Aimee Bailey, 1128 Poplar St., Kulpmont, from Charles Smith, 103 Carbon St., Apt. 2, Minersville. Married July 11, 2009.

Property transfers

Rebecca S. Arnold to William A. Kurtz, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $1.

William A. and Ruth C. Kurtz to William A. and Ruth C. Kurtz, property in Mount Carmel Borough Borough, $1.

Susan M. Streifel (executrix) and Susan M. Streisel to Pine Hurst Acres, property in Upper Augusta Township, $625,000.

Deborah L. Cohen (estate) and Erica L. Wadel (executrix) to Erica L. Wadel, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Jack Wilson and Nancy L. Mathew to Brenda Lynn Mathew, property in Coal Township, $1.

Dominic J. and Barbara Ann Ford to Robert M. and Catherine E. Feeney, property in Shamokin, $22,000.

Lillian Russin to Bruce Russin, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Coralee Archeskie (estate), Susan Lee Mattro (administratrix) and Donald S. Miller to Tracy Jo Beach, property in Coal Township, $10,000.

Kenneth T. and Amanda L. Moser to Robert M. and Tammy A. McAndrew, property in Ralpho Township, $130,000.

Joel A. McIntyre to Joel A. McIntyre, property in West Cameron Township, $1.

Arthur T. Stametz to Gregory A. and Christine M. Stametz, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Marshall H. Dietz (by agent), Robert M. Dietz (agent) and Karen D. Dietz (agent) to Robert M. Dietz, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $1.

Kenneth E. and Marjorie R. White to Kenneth C. and Doris L. Witmer, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $65,000.

William D. and Jill Smith to Joseph Hafner, property in Shamokin, $23,000.

Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) to Kaja Holdings 2 LLC, property in Shamokin, $2,850.

Rosemary A. Buggy to Sharon L. Costic, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $41,000.

Gene H. Stuck to Wayne Derk and Sheila Neidig, property in Coal Township, $15,000.

Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) to Soribel A. Veloz-Rodriguez, property in Mount Carmel Borough, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $7,500.

Joseph E. Tarr and Talia M. Stello to Frank Buffone Jr. and Opal J. Buffone, property in Kulpmont, $67,000.

Michael and Melissa A. Garcia to Michael J. and Lori A. Scopelliti, property in Shamokin Township, $975,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff and Nadine M. and Wayne S. Whary to Federal National Mortgage Association, property in Shamokin Township, $1,037.91.

James A. Heins (estate), Melissa Smith (executrix and individually), Michael W. Smith and Matthew J. Heins to Matthew J. Heins, property in Coal Township, $1.

Northumberland National Bank to Kenya L. Garcia Moreno, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $100.

Amanda L. Trometter to Dwight E. Wolfe Jr. and Tammy Lynn Wolfe, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Lori A. Shemory to Jeffrey A. and Kelly D. Klinger, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Jose M. and Janet Brito to David A. Krieger Jr., property in Ralpho Township, $61,860.

VALLEY VIEW - Defenders of our country's freedom have created the fourth book in a series that ensures the contributions and sacrifices of local service members will not be lost.

"Defending Our Freedom, Tri-Valley Area Veterans, Past, Present and Future-Book 4" was printed in September and is now available to purchase.

The book features photos, biographical military sketches, first-hand accounts and stories of local veterans, all in alphabetical order. The Tri-Valley Area Veterans Committee Inc. published the work.

The committee is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preserving the history of Tri-Valley area veterans, including those from Barry, Eldred, Hegins, Hubley and Upper Mahantongo townships. All profit from the book sale will be used toward publishing the next compilation, Leon Maurer, committee member, said.

"We are very thankful and grateful for the freedoms they have helped preserve for all Americans," said the committee in its dedication near the front of each book.

Book 1 was published in the spring of 2010, and Books 2 and 3 followed in 2011 and 2013, respectively.

"We feel this is a necessary thing to do, so this history is not stuck in an attic somewhere," said Eugene D. Seip, committee member and Navy veteran.

Maurer acquired an original scrapbook that his mother-in-law, Helen Harner, had made that contained newspaper clippings of World War II veterans. The clippings were brittle, so his daughter-in-law carefully copied the clippings and made them into a book. Committee member and WWII veteran Robert "Whitey" Klinger also had two scrapbooks.

The local group formed the committee to proceed with the series of books, using this information and other details provided by interviews, personal submissions and news clippings. The first publication took about five years to complete. There are many photos and details within the four-book series that may inspire readers.

To aid in sharing this historic, local information with the public, the committee has already donated copies of the first three books to the Tri-Valley Free Public Library, the Tri-Valley Historical Society, Tri-Valley High School and the Hegins-Hubley and Mahantongo elementary schools. Plans are to share Book 4, as well, Maurer said.

Book 4 features front-cover photos of the Hubley Township and the Barry Township veterans' memorials. Also included is an index that lists veterans profiled in the previous three publications.

Readers will find resource information and lists of past commanders for American Legion Post 575, Veterans of Foreign Wars West Schuylkill Memorial Post 8237 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 103, all in Valley View.

The latest publication, covering more than 76 pages, was printed by MET & Associates, Valley View.

Maurer offered the following "questions to ponder," using clues from the book series:

Who was the Tri-Valley area veteran, along with all the vets on the ship, who got orders to destroy all material listing where they had been so far? Somewhere between Bermuda and North Africa he tossed his diary overboard. What happened to his diary? Walter Cronkite was a cub reporter on this same ship with this veteran. Who is he, and is he in book No. 1, 2, 3 or 4?

All books cost $15 and can be obtained by contacting the following committee members: Leon Maurer, Eugene Seip, Herbert Borchert, Robert Klinger, Alfred Harner, Bobby Shadle and Walter Rebuck.

The books can also be purchased at the American Legion Post 575, Miller's Hardware, Bixler's Meats and Tri-County Insurance, all in Valley View.

Demand for Book 1 was so great, the committee ordered a second printing to have it available to patrons after the first run sold out.

Anyone wishing to contribute information for the next publication or to purchase a book should contact any committee member. Direct all correspondence to the committee in care of: American Legion Post 575, P.O. Box 754, Valley View, PA 17983.

One of Northumberland County's predominant landlords is also among its most notorious, cited for code violations more than 150 times since snatching up dozens of properties in southeastern Northumberland County.

George Atiyeh or his firms Apartments & Acquisitions and Northeast Apartments have been found guilty 59 times since 2011 of violations ranging from garbage and high grass to the deteriorating condition of properties.

There are 45 citations left unresolved in Shamokin, Coal Township, Kulpmont and Mount Carmel. The cases are pending in two district courts.

Fines total nearly $14,000, and that's just a fraction of the $134,000 owed in delinquent property taxes before a proxy cut a check in mid-September to cover roughly half what was past due.

Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority sought 43 liens against Atiyeh's companies for unpaid sewer bills and costs exceeding $20,000, with $9,800 still outstanding. Another five are pending with the Kulpmont-Marion Heights Municipal Authority of more than $4,800.

The information was compiled from records searches of online criminal and bankruptcy dockets, and at the Northumberland County Courthouse and the Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau.

Local code officers point to Atiyeh as the leading offender in an area riddled with blight. They say he's been out of touch and largely unresponsive, even after judgments have been made against him.

"The citations I write, they just keep mounting. I write the citations and he ignores them. Basically, he just tries to go under the radar with anything," said Robin Williams, Mount Carmel's code officer.

But Atiyeh says problem properties owned by his firms were code-breakers long before they were bought at tax sale. With a combined 125 properties in Northumberland County, he says no one has made as substantial an investment in local real estate. What he calls a "pit bull's" approach to enforcement, Atiyeh says overregulation will scare away other investors from doing business locally.

"I get stabbed in the back everywhere I go up here," Atiyeh said. "I'm in pretty deep. The last thing I want to do is cut my loses. If I can rebuild my portfolio and survive, I can have others come up and invest millions. But if I can't make it up there, there's no big landlords that are going to make it."

Not enough time

Atiyeh, of Allentown, waded into the county's housing market in December 2010, acquiring two properties through Apartments & Acquisitions, a jointly held company. The next month, he jumped right in, purchasing 14 - the first of 85 properties bought in 2011. All told, Apartments & Acquisitions and Northeast Apartments, a company he holds solely, own a combined 125 properties in the county, with 61 purchased through tax sale. Roughly one in three are occupied.

Citations would follow for the first time in the fall on 2011. Many were filed in succession against the same property in the hopes of sparking action. Of the nearing $14,000 in fines levied against Atiyeh or his firms, less than $5,000 have been paid. There are so many payment plans established that the latest one doesn't begin until Feb. 8, 2018.

Atiyeh argues that he hasn't been given enough time to make repairs that were years in the making before he got a hold of property deeds.

It's no secret that a tax sale is buyer-beware. Investors must know what they're getting into when it comes to liens and property condition. The properties are in the steward of the tax claims bureau until they're purchased. Some are in decent shape, others not so much.

Atiyeh ended up with many of the former and a few of the latter. Nothing was addressed when they were vacant and without an owner. Why not give the new owner a chance to make upgrades, he asks. Time is what he wants. Time to make repairs, and for someone with a portfolio as large as his, time to address nuisance violations like trash and high grass.

"In Coal Township, Shamokin and Mount Carmel, the minute you take possession of those props from tax sale, they attack you like a bunch of pit bulls. They basically come at you day in and out and try to put you out of business," Atiyeh said.

'Top of the list'

Rick Bozza, Shamokin's code officer, describes Atiyeh as the foremost problem landlord in the city.

Bozza said he hasn't seen Atiyeh in at least one year, despite issuing dozens of citations against his properties. Even after he's found guilty, he said the property issues remain largely unresolved. He has five upcoming hearings concerning the landlord's properties in November.

"We get more complaints from the public about his properties. As far as absentee landlords, right now, he's on top of the list," Bozza said.

Williams, Mount Carmel's code officer, leads local code enforcement in citations issued against Atiyeh. When the businessman first purchased the properties, Williams said he made repairs to some, but that didn't last.

"It's one of the biggest blight fights that we have here," Williams said. "I don't think he knew what he was buying. Some of the properties were pieces of junk when he bought them, and he just left them sit. I started filing citations to try to get something moving on it."

Some headway has been made through the courts. Williams said Apartments & Acquisitions has a court-appointed receiver and a local property manager with whom he deals. He's aiming to "button up" the worst of the properties - securing them and improving safety. Several should be demolished, he said. A summary trial on several citations is scheduled for Tuesday in Mount Carmel.

Williams described some of Atiyeh's properties as "vibrant," and said the property manager is responsive to inspections and issues with these. But other properties remain as vacant as the day they were bought from tax sale, and perhaps more decrepit.

"He would buy one that was empty for many years, empty the junk out and try to put people inside without significant upgrades. A lot of my citations and most that I won were to that effect," Williams said.

Blames leaders

Atiyeh doesn't blame Bozza or Williams or other code officers. They have a job to do. But he believes their bosses promote an overly aggressive attitude in carrying out their duties. He says most of his properties are above board. It's the few that are repeatedly cited that have garnered notoriety.

Code officers have taken to issuing citations over and over against the owners of problem properties to spur them to act. Atiyeh's no different. In his case, he has been cited repeatedly for the same offenses at a portion of the properties he owns. In Shamokin, about 11 of the 32 properties he owns have been cited.

Atiyeh says it shows that he owns many properties that aren't a nuisance, and that code enforcement is overly aggressive. To code officers, however, it shows that the problems aren't being addressed.

Problem tenants have added to the headaches. Some tenants don't pay rent for months. They are evicted and don't make arrears. They simply move on to do the same to the next landlord, Atiyeh said, adding that he's had tenants gut his units of appliances and copper before vacating.

Laws must be changed to hold tenants responsible. If a tenant sticks a landlord for thousands in rent, it's a civil matter. If he were to stick a vendor for thousands, Atiyeh says he'd be charged as a criminal. He sees both as thefts that should be treated equally.

Bankruptcy attempt

Apartments & Acquisitions was formed by Atiyeh and estranged partner Harry Z. Brill in 2011. Legal filings estimate a holding of between 300 and 400 parcels in Carbon, Lackawanna, Northumberland, Montour, Schuylkill and Susquehanna counties. A falling out led to a failed bid by Atiyeh to file for bankruptcy.

Brill claims to have invested nearly $2 million in the company. He says it's a fruitless venture, and that its earnings can't keep up with its operations.

Atiyeh says differently, claiming in court documents that revenue doubled from 2011 to 2012 and continued to increase into 2013.

If earnings were as strong as Atiyeh claimed, it didn't help pay the taxes. Looming tax sales of more than 100 properties in four counties spurred him to seek bankruptcy in September 2013.

Atiyeh and Brill both hold a 49.5 percent stake in the company. The other 1 percent is held by the management firm AB General Development, which they also hold jointly. But it was Atiyeh who filed Chapter 11, the same month he changed the company's address from Allentown to 51 N. Oak St., Mount Carmel. Brill never signed off on either, and his contestation led a federal judge to dismiss the bankruptcy filing. Brill reportedly filed a related lawsuit against Atiyeh in Lehigh County Court.

Taxes paid, just in time

It wasn't until one year after the bankruptcy filing, Sept. 16, that Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau was paid nearly $64,000 in combined delinquent taxes owed by Apartments & Acquisitions and Northeast Apartments, almost all of it from 2011 and 2012. Payment was made one day before dozens of his properties would be exposed to the 2014 upset sale.

Ten were let go, however, including 220 N. Turnpike St., Mount Carmel, against which citations remain pending. Same goes for two Shamokin properties - 549 S. Seventh St. and 506 Bear Valley Ave. These are part of Shamokin's blight program, and citations are pending if repairs aren't made in the near future.

The scenario may play out again next year as just shy of $56,500 is owed in 2013 property taxes. Final totals owed for the 2014 tax year aren't yet known.

The bureau's director, Jan Nestico, has banned Atiyeh and any of his firms from buying properties at tax sale.

Schuylkill, too

Atiyeh has at least two other real estate firms: Baytay and Jamilie. Two parcels were purchased by Baytay in Mount Carmel in March 2014. Jamilie owns nothing in Northumberland County. Properties under this firm were reported by Atiyeh as being used as collateral for his contribution in the creation of Apartments & Acquisitions.

Code issues with Atiyeh's properties aren't exclusive to Northumberland County. There have been 56 citations filed against Atiyeh or his firms in Schuylkill County. Twenty-eight ended with guilty pleas or verdicts, and fines exceeding $8,750. Fourteen were withdrawn, and two not-guilty verdicts were rendered. Twelve are pending.

DANVILLE - Major changes are coming to the popular Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage family of insurance plans in 2015.

Increases in rates have shocked some subscribers, though Geisinger said they reflect rising health care costs and funding cuts related to health care reform, and in some cases offer new flexibility and options for subscribers.

Geisinger Health Plan can "spin" the changes as it sees fit, but Phil Yucha, 72, of Coal Township, said the simple math shows he would pay $2,592 more next year for coverage for he and his wife, Connie, 70.

They currently have Geisinger Gold Classic 3, for which they pay $41 each per month. For 2015, the equivalent plan would be Geisinger Gold Advantage Rx, which costs $149 per month each - a 363 percent increase.

"If gas prices shoot up or minimum wage goes up, it's incremental," said Yucha,

who retired at the end of 1999 as publisher of The News-Item. "People would be less upset because it takes the sting out of it if were done incrementally. It's just too much in too little time."

As he suspects many other subscribers are doing, Yucha is studying his options, unlikely to switch to Advantage but likely to choose another plan from the Gold family.

Flexibility, funding cuts

Geisinger Health Plan preferred to address questions about the changes via email. James Handlan, vice president of government programs business development, responded.

"These changes were made to address rising health care costs as well as offer Medicare-eligible beneficiaries more flexibility to pick the benefits they want," Handlan said.

Also, Geisinger Gold was affected by funding cuts related to health care reform, an issue impacting carriers across the country, he said.

In 2015, Geisinger Gold is offering six plans in Northumberland, Columbia, Montour and Schuylkill counties. Three of the plans, Geisinger Gold Classic Complete (which is new), Geisinger Gold Secure and Geisinger Gold Reserve are available for a $0 premium.

Also offered is Geisinger Gold Classic Advantage (formerly called Classic 1) without prescriptions for $110, Geisinger Gold Classic Advantage Rx (with prescriptions) for $149 per month (a decrease of $7 from this year) and Geisinger Gold Preferred Select (also new) for $179 per month.

"To offer flexibility for our members, Geisinger Gold is adding Health+, an optional benefit package, which offers valuable extras not covered by Medicare," he said. "This can be added to select plans and complements (subscribers') Medicare Advantage Plan."

The "valuable extras" in Health+ include coverage for dental, vision, hearing and fitness services.

Gold Reserve is among those Yucha is studying. The premium may be zero, but Reserve doesn't include a prescription plan or dental, eye or hearing coverage - meaning subscribers would have two new premiums to pay anyway, Yucha said.

Same out-of-pocket?

Unless they choose other plans by Dec. 7, members who were previously enrolled in Classic 1 and 3 are being automatically enrolled in Geisinger Gold Classic Advantage, which has similar benefits, Handlan said.

"While this may seem like an increase for Classic 3 members, we anticipate those members will pay about the same annual out-of-pocket expenses with Classic Advantage in 2015," he said. "This is because Classic Advantage offers a $0 deductible, and lower costs for doctor visits and inpatient hospital services than Classic 3."

Classic Advantage members also have coverage for preventive dental services, vision exams and eyewear, and a hearing aid allowance.

But Yucha said he's not going to simply transfer into Classic Advantage.

"I'm at the mercy of their numbers," he said in terms of whether the changes would benefit someone cost-wise in the long run, "but I would say that's not for everybody."

And while the deductible has been eliminated, Yucha notes, the maximum out of pocket will rise from $2,250 paid by Classic 3 subscribers to $3,400 for Classic Advantage in 2015. It's another large increase - this one 151.1 percent, he said.

Prescription costs rise

Geisinger Gold also needed to make changes to prescription drug plan costs and the maximum out-of-pocket costs to keep premiums affordable, Handlan said.

"Nationally, the costs of prescription drugs are rising," he said.

Handlan cited an Oct. 8 New York Times article, "Officials Question the Rising Costs of Generic Drugs," that said some generic prices have increased 1,000 percent. For example, a bottle of Doxycycline Hyclate, a common antibiotic, increased from $20 to $1,849 in one year.

While the rising cost of prescription drugs are reflected in the 2015 prescription drug plan, the cost of prescription copays Geisinger Gold members pay is determined by the plan they purchase as well as the prescription itself, he said.

For the Yuchas, prescriptions available at $10 through Classic 3 will cost $18 with Classic Advantage.

But Geisinger promotes "great value" in that out-of-pocket maximum prescription price, noting that even the Doxycycline Hyclate cited in the Times story would be just $18.

"We also offer many preferred generics for $3," he said. "The cost of our preferred generics and our out-of-pocket maximum are the lowest cost of any Medicare Advantage plan in our service area."

Handlan noted Geisigner Gold was once again named the No. 1 ranked Medicare Advantage plan in Pennsylvania and No. 10 in the nation, according to NCQA's Medicare Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2014-15.

For Yucha, though, it's a matter of the sudden impact.

"I'm open to explanations," he said, "but my concern, recommendation, suggestion is, why do it in one year?"

Calls encouraged

Geisinger Gold members are encouraged to call 1-800-498-9731 to set up a personalized consultation to ensure they are enrolling in the plan that best fits their needs and budgets.

SHAMOKIN - A former home and dentist office slated to become the epicenter for Shamokin's art and cultural renaissance underwent a final cleaning Sunday afternoon for its grand opening.

The Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities (NCCAH) will host a public ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday to celebrate the opening of the Kallaway Center for the Arts 144 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin.

An open house, lasting until 2 p.m., will follow the ribbon cutting. The public is welcome to self-tour the first two floors of the building.

Rooms will be decorated with art from local artists. Many of the works will be available for purchase.

Four rooms have been named for benefactors, said executive director Jeanne Shaffer. Two benefactors gave $10,000 while two more gave $5,000.

"We have more rooms to 'benefact,'" she said with a smile.

Shaffer also hopes someone will donate a baby grand piano for the former living room, located in the front of the second floor. The piano will be used for music classes.

Light refreshments, donated by the Shamokin Rotary Club, will be served. Frosted delicacies crafted by members of the Wilton class, an ongoing cake decorating course, will also be available.

NCCAH acquired the building from the late Dr. John and JoAnn Kallaway at the end of 2012 when the family decided to donate the building to the arts council rather than sell it for a fraction of its value.

The ribbon will be cut by board members. Cindy Hetrick, who was a first cousin to Mrs. Kallaway and the executor of the Kallaway estate, is expected to travel in from her home in Akron, Ohio, to speak at the ceremony.

For more information on upcoming events at the Kallaway Center, visit the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities on Facebook or call 570-850-9121.

'Stewards of Children' workshop set

TREVORTON - Susquehanna Community Foundations of Berwick is providing a free workshop for members of the community from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the Line Mountain Elementary School library.

"Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children" will present facts about child abuse and practical guidance for preventing and responding to abuse. Free food and refreshments will be available.

The presenters will show a video that integrates commentary from sexual abuse survivors, experts in the field and other concerned adults. The session stresses five steps to protecting our children.

Bridge lessons, play offered

ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township Public Library is offering bridge instruction and play from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays starting Nov. 4 and running for 10 weeks. The first hour will be instruction and game play will follow. The instructor is Bob Reed. There is no charge. Call the library to sign up at 570-672-9449.

The library is located in the municipal building at the intersection of Routes 54 and 487. The entrance parking lot is off Route 487 across from Sheetz.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area Middle/High School instrumental music department is sponsoring its Sunsweet Fruit Incorporated Indian River Citrus sale.

The following items can be ordered:

Grapefruit, mini ($14), small ($20) or large ($28).

Hamlin (juice) orange, small ($20) or large ($28).

Tangelo, small ($20) or large ($28).

Navel oranges, mini ($15), small ($21) or large ($30).

Mixed fruit - oranges and grapefruit ($20).

All-citrus trio - grapefruit, oranges and tangelos ($24).

Pear trio - pears, oranges and apples ($24).

Trio - apples, oranges and grapefruit ($24).

Apples, small ($27) and large ($40).

Pears, small ($28), or large ($42).

Deadline to order is Friday, Nov. 14. To place orders, contact the Shamokin Area Middle/High School band office at 648-5731 extension 3107, or any student member of the instrumental music department.

Check or money order is due when order is placed made payable to the Shamokin Area School District or SASD.

The fruit will be delivered Monday, Dec. 8, and can be picked up at the back door of the high school auditorium. All orders must be picked up between noon and 5 p.m.

SHAMOKIN - While the Salvation Army may be best known for its Christmastime bell ringers, its chain of thrift stores have quietly become known as a place to go for Halloween costumes.

"The week of the parade and the week of trick or treating, we are so packed," William Bowers, manager of the Salvation Army Thrift Store in downtown Shamokin, said Thursday afternoon.

Shamokin's parade falls on a Wednesday, which is also half-price day at the store, bringing in even more customers.

Bowers said these "last minute" shoppers are often looking for individual items, like T-shirts, to complete their costumes or floats.

"They don't care if they rip it up or stain it," he said, estimating that a T-shirt costs around $1.25.

Whole costumes are also available at the store, although the majority are for children. New costumes in their original packaging go for $10 or less, a bargain compared to a Halloween store that may charge $60 to $80 for a similar costume, said Bowers. Many costumes for younger children run between $3 and $5.

"Superhero is a big thing this year," said Bowers. Capes, wigs and masks were still in stock at the store Thursday afternoon.

Bowers said the store is a hot spot for adults looking to create their own Halloween get-up.

"Adults take and make costumes themselves," he said. "They get an idea and then they come in and look for the stuff."

Accessories used for fall decor do-it-yourself projects have also become popular. Bowers said he sells numerous pairs of bib overalls for scarecrows each year.

The store also stocks Halloween decorations, including candles, artificial spider webbing and trick-or-treat pumpkin baskets. Bowers said all the items are collected year-round and stored with other seasonal goods. The majority of costumes are donated immediately after Halloween and held in storage until the following September.

Although pricing and organizing all of the Halloween goods, which must all be placed in storage in Nov. 1 to make room for Christmas items, can be hectic, Bowers said the end result is worth it to him.

"Everything we make goes back into the community," he said, adding that the Shamokin Salvation Army thrift store proceeds go towards numerous smaller communities in the area, like Elysburg, Gowen City and Trevorton, and provides help for fire victims and free hot meals, among other projects.

The Shamokin Salvation Army thrift store is open 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.