Voters in the 10th Congressional District Tuesday re-elected U.S. Rep. Tom Marino to the U.S. House of Representatives.
According to unofficial returns, Marino had 104,049 votes. Democrat Scott F. Brion had 48,833 votes and independent Nicholas Troiano had 20,660.
The part of Northumberland County north of Sunbury is in the district.
In Northumberland County, Marino had 4,299; Brion 1,427 and Troiano 988.
HARRISBURG — Tom Wolf, the wealthy businessman and first-time candidate who was just elected to govern one of the nation's most populous states, will see his political instincts put to the test when he assumes Pennsylvania's highest office in January.
The Democrat attracted nearly 55 percent of the vote in Tuesday's election to deny Republican Gov. Tom Corbett a second term. He will inherit a $29 billion state budget that is balanced with more than $2 billion in transfers, accounting gimmicks and other one-time revenues — leaving a gap that is likely to compound the difficulty of negotiating the 2015-16 budget.
Wolf is expected to deliver his first budget in early March — only weeks after his inauguration, set for Jan. 20.
He also faces the challenge of working with a Legislature in which Republicans widened their majorities in both chambers in the election, a development that has serious implications not only for budget negotiations but for the confirmation of his Cabinet nominees.
In his victory speech Tuesday night, Wolf said he understands the gravity of his next job.
"I know that there is a heavy, fearsome responsibility on me, this is not just about the honor of getting votes, it's about the necessity for doing things for Pennsylvania."
During the campaign, Wolf promised to dramatically increase the state government's share of public school costs, to overhaul the income-tax system to shift more of the burden onto the wealthy and to impose a 5 percent extraction tax on natural gas drilling He also vowed to restore nearly $1 billion in public school funding that was cut from Corbett's first budget in 2011.
The gubernatorial race set a campaign spending record in Pennsylvania of at least $73 million.
Wolf's victory made Corbett the first governor to go down in defeat in the four decades since the state's chief executive was allowed to run for a second term. The former two-term state attorney general could not overcome a rocky first term that was plagued by low popularity ratings.
Democrats were united against Corbett, the only Republican incumbent in a slew of gubernatorial races to lose Tuesday, and his record as a fiscal and social conservative didn't inspire many Republicans.
Wolf drove into his election night party at the Utz Arena in York in his now-famous Jeep Wrangler to the eruption of cheers from hundreds of supporters and thanked voters for giving him the opportunity and honor of being governor.
"Let's make this the time, let's make this the place, Pennsylvania, let's us be the people to actually create this bright future we deserve," Wolf told the crowd.
Corbett's concession speech was at times somber and feisty, telling the crowd at a downtown Pittsburgh hotel that he took office determined to deliver on his 2010 campaign promises when he ran as a pro-business fiscal conservative.
"When I made those promises, I said I was going to do what is right for Pennsylvania, the tough decisions, and people may not like it," Corbett told several hundred supporters. "Well, obviously they didn't like it. I said I may be a one-term governor, and I am, but I am proud of what we did."
Wolf, 65, from the tiny town of Mount Wolf, named after an ancestor, will become the 47th governor of Pennsylvania and the first since Richard Thornburgh in 1979 never to have held elective office.
He led his family's cabinetry and building materials distribution business in central Pennsylvania for much of the past three decades, becoming a pillar of York's business, civic and philanthropic community.
In contrast to his first race for governor in 2010, Corbett lost support across the board — among men, women and all age groups and income levels, according to the preliminary results of an exit poll conducted for the AP and the television networks.
Wolf got strong backing from voters under 50, with about 6 in 10 casting ballots for him.
Late in the campaign, Corbett found a focus for his attacks: Wolf's proposal to restructure the income tax to shift a bigger burden onto higher earners and then raise it, potentially by several billion dollars, while simultaneously lowering the state's hated school property tax.
Wolf struggled to explain who would pay more and who would pay less under his proposal, and Corbett made much hay over it, portraying it as a secret plan for a huge middle-class tax increase.
HERSHEY- The office of Congressman Lou Barletta, R-11, announced that the Congressman was released from Penn State Hershey Medical Center this afternoon.
Barletta’s office issued the following statement from Communications Director Tim Murtaugh:
“Congressman Barletta has been released from the hospital and is now resting comfortably at home in Hazleton following a medical procedure Monday night. He is doing just fine and is fully able to continue to serve the people of the 11th District following his reelection last night.
“After a scheduled test Monday morning, Congressman Barletta was advised by his doctors that he had developed a plaque buildup in his right carotid artery. Doctors admitted Rep. Barletta to the hospital and he underwent a procedure to clear the blockage Monday night.”
Twelfth-grade student, Samantha Carpenter, and eighth-grade student, Mara Hashuga, have been selected as Students of the Month for September 2014 at Shamokin Area Middle/High School.
Carpenter is a daughter of Steven and Jennifer Carpenter, of Sunbury. Her awards and achievements include two-time PIAA District 4 champion in swimming, and three-time PIAA state qualifier in swimming. She is a member of the National Honor Society, competition band, Students Against Bullying Club, Interact club, key club, Totem Pole and president of the chorus club. Her hobbies include playing and listening to music, reading and hanging out with family and friends.
Hashuga is a daughter of Matthew Hashuga and Tara Koklinski, both of Coal Township. She is a distinguished honor roll student and is involved in junior varsity football, basketball, and competition cheerleading, and a member of Students Against Bullying Club, and the chess club. Her activities include volleyball and gymnastics. Her hobbies include playing the guitar.
SHAMOKIN - Changes to state law earlier this year will allow Third Class Cities, like Shamokin, to raise their main operating tax higher than ever before.
Act 22 allows the general fund tax to be levied at 30 mills, and up to 35 mills with approval of the Court of Common Pleas. The maximum since 1967 had been 25 mills, and 30 mills with the court's backing.
It also creates a new street lighting tax at a maximum of 5 mills.
The amendment was approved by both chambers of the state Legislature, including "yes" votes from state Rep. Kurt Masser and state Sen. John Gordner. Gov. Tom Corbett signed it into law in March.
Shamokin has been successful for six straight years in petitioning the court to allow the general fund to be taxed at 30 mills.
The general fund is the city's main operational fund. It's used for day-to-day expenses, along with items like payroll and insurance costs. The fund is among the taxes that make up Shamokin's real estate tax bill, which currently totals 47.35 mills. In addition to 30 mills for the general fund, it includes 13.5 for debt service, 0.75 for the public library, 3 for recreation and 0.1 for the shade tree tax. A new street lighting tax, if adopted, would be added to the bill.
Owners pay $47.35 for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. For example, $710.25 for a $15,000 home, or $1,794.57 for a home valued at $37,900 - the median value in the city, according the U.S. Census Bureau.
A single mill was estimated last year to raise about $120,000 in revenue for the city.
City council is at work on its 2015 budget. It's being pieced together by city Clerk Robert M. Slaby along with Ryan Hottenstein, of Financial Solutions, the city's state-approved financial consultant. Department heads also have input.
A final budget must be adopted no later than Dec. 31. The latest a preliminary version could be adopted is Dec. 11. Exact dates for when council will vote have not yet been set.
Mayor William D. Milbrand has expressed interest in holding a public forum in the auditorium of the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, 2 E. Arch St., to present the budget figures to the public. His hope is that taxpayers will gain a better understanding of the city's financial status, and of the measures city council believes are necessary to balance the budget.
SHAMOKIN - A proposed ordinance was introduced Wednesday night that, if adopted, will ban landlords from renting properties to those convicted of felony drug charges.
During a 90-minute work session, solicitor Frank Konopka presented city council with a revised landlord/tenant ordinance that he and code enforcement officer Rick Bozza have worked on for the past six months.
The proposal is based on ordinances enacted in Sunbury and Berwick and one that is scheduled to be voted on later this month by Mount Carmel Borough Council.
Anyone convicted of a felony of manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance would be restricted from renting a residence in Shamokin. The ban would be lifted seven years after the appeals process ends, and if there are no additional convictions for
the drug offenses. A landlord's occupancy permit could be revoked if the ordinance was knowingly violated.
The proposed ordinance applies only to a felony conviction of the state's controlled substance act, not simply an arrest or a conviction on a misdemeanor offense. It also does not seek to bar the sale of residential property.
Another important change in the ordinance requires owners of rental properties to give proper notice to Bozza prior to any new tenants moving in. An inspection of the rental property must be done by the code enforcement officer or his designee before any new tenant occupies it. An inspection fee of $50 must be paid before the rental property is occupied.
The code enforcement officer can revoke any and all housing permits if landlords violate the ordinance. If convicted of violating the ordinance, property owners will be assessed a fine not less than $100 and no more than $1,000 plus the costs of prosecution.
A property owner can appeal to city council the revocation or a non-renewal of a rental permit within 30 days.
The ordinance is scheduled to be further discussed and possibly voted on at Monday night's regular council meeting.
Federal statute prohibits landlords and real estate agents from discriminating against potential tenants based on several factors, including race, religion and disability. A drug addiction is considered a disability under the act. But the statute does not offer discrimination protection to, among others, persons convicted of illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance.
Prior to being adopted, Mayor William Milbrand said the ordinance will be closely reviewed to make sure there are no loopholes and that it will hold up to legal challenges.
Public budget meeting
In other business, Milbrand tentatively set Wednesday, Nov. 12, as the date for a special meeting to discuss the city's 2015 budget with the public in the auditorium at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, 2 E. Arch St. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m.
The budget will be the city's first under the state's Act 47 financial recovery program.
The mayor previously estimated the budget at approximately $2.8 million, and taxes are expected to be raised due to the city's troubled fiscal status.
"We will right the ship somehow or other," Milbrand said earlier this week.
The first reading of the tentative budget is scheduled to occur Monday. Councilman Dave Kinder said the spending plan will then be advertised and put on display for 20 days.
Club Echo to return
Councilwoman Barbara Moyer said repairs have been made to the former Club Echo in the basement of the American Legion building owned by the city. She said plans are for the youth club to reopen next year under a new name.
Council members said the club was closed in January due to miscommunication between the city and its operator, Eric Brightbill, who rents the property.
Shamokin Battalion Fire Chief Bruce Rogers agreed to assist Bozza in developing an evacuation plan for the club.
Concerns at Liberty
Rogers, who was advised to attend the meeting by Councilman Charlie Verano, later expressed concerns about Liberty Fire Company on East Sunbury Street. Rogers, an active member and former officer with Liberty, said he heard rumors that the station was no longer going to receive its $3,180 annual allocation from the city next year because the company now houses its two fire apparatus in Rescue Fire Company.
"The Liberty is not closing," Rogers said. "We have limited funds and any loss of income from the city will hurt."
Milbrand, who said it costs more than $4,000 for insurance on the building plus heating costs, invited Rogers and other members of Liberty to meet with him soon to discuss the city's plans for the station.
City clerk Robert Slaby said, "We must make sure the city's best interest is taken care of in this matter."
Bozza said Catelyn Dickman, a donation asset manager for Wells Fargo, sent an email last month informing the city it was interested in donating a property at 819 E. Sunbury St. that it recently obtained.
The code enforcement officer, who noted the property is in good condition, said accepting donated properties would set a dangerous precedent and strongly advised against it.
Council members agreed.
Wells Fargo's REO donation program is designed to facilitate the transfer of Wells Fargo owned or serviced properties to cities and public nonprofit entities that provide sustainable homeownership or rental opportunities to low to moderate income families. In an effort to stabilize neighborhoods and prevent blight, Wells Fargo expects all donated properties to be secured and maintained until they can be rehabilitated and occupied.
Anyone seeking more information about the donation program can contact Dickman at 515-324-4224.
Council agreed with a recommendation by Milbrand to rescind a previous ordinance that made Franklin Street between Shakespeare and Spurzheim streets two ways to accommodate parking for police across from their station in the 500 block of North Franklin Street.
Council agreed to revert the street to one-way south since it would cost SEDA-COG approximately $30,000 to change its plan to upgrade a railroad crossing and install a control device in that area of Franklin Street.
Slaby reported the city's estimated liquid fuels allocation for 2015 is $166,826.14, which is slightly higher than this year's funding. The money is expected to arrive in March.
MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Joint Veterans Committee announced its activities for Veterans Day.
n The Mount Carmel Area Elementary School will hold its Veterans Day program at 9:30 a.m. Friday in the high school auditorium. Area veterans will be honored with readings and songs performed by students. Veterans are asked to be at the auditorium at 9:15 a.m.
n The annual religious service will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday at St. Michael's Orthodox Church, Avenue and Willow Street. Area veterans are asked to meet at 8:45 a.m. at the church. For veterans who are unable to attend, a panakhida for veterans will be held at 10:15 a.m., following the divine liturgy. Veterans are to meet at the church at 10 a.m. The Rev. Theophan Mackey will officiate.
n Veterans Day activities Tuesday will begin at 9 a.m. at American Legion Post 91, Avenue and Maple Street. Wreaths will be placed at the flag pole and the flag will be lowered to half-staff. A volley of shots will be fired and "Taps" sounded by members of the Mount Carmel Area High School band. Those participating are asked to meet at 8:45 a.m. at the Legion.
Following the service, Mount Carmel Area High School will holds its Veterans Day program at 9:30 a.m. High school students will present a program of patriotic readings, poems and songs. The high school band, under the direction of Bernard Stellar, will play a selection of patriotic songs. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110 will announce the winner of the Voice of Democracy and Patriotic Pen contests.
After the high school program, those assembled will proceed to the World War I memorial at UNB Bank, Third and Oak streets, for a service. The high school band will play a selection of patriotic songs, a volley of shots will be fired and "Taps" will be sounded.
The honor guard, veterans and high school band will march north on Oak Street to Second Street where a service will be held at the memorials and flag pole at the Susquehanna Bank. The flag will be lowered to half-staff, the band will play a musical selection, a volley of shots fired and "Taps" sounded. Traffic control and escort will be provided by local police and the Mount Carmel Fire Police.
Following the day's activities, food and refreshments will be available for participants at VFW Post 2110.
n The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will honor area veterans with a program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Lodge 378, Free and Accepted Masons, 135 S. Maple St.
Family Home Medical will host a luncheon for veterans at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at 50 S. Oak St. Veterans are asked to sign up at VFW Post 2110, American Legion Post 91, Atlas American Legion Post 824 or Centralia American Legion Post 608, or by contacting Jamie at 570-339-4049.
The public is invited to attend and participate in all the Veterans Day programs and residents are urged to display the nation's flag for the holiday.
n In other joint veterans activities, a Pearl Harbor remembrance service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at VFW Post 2110. The "Changing of the Colors" flag ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 23 and Dec. 21 at Second and Oak streets.
The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans is comprised of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110, American Legion Post 91, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 129, James A. Garfield Camp 34, Sons of Union Veterans of the civil War, Knights of Columbus Bishop Lawrence F. Schott Assembly 959 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110 Ladies Auxiliary.
Officers are: Andrew Bubnis, president; James Kealy, vice president; William Begis, treasurer; David Berezovske, secretary; Walters Summers, chaplain, and Larry Latsko, Joseph Lutcavage and Norman Nye, trustees.
WEIGH SCALES - Route 61 near here was closed for about an hour Wednesday afternoon after a truck clipped a Verizon utility pole and cables.
PPL transformers attached to the pole were damaged due to vibration, and repairs, along with a low-hanging wire, resulted in closure of the highway for safety reasons, said Ryan Hill, a spokesman for PPL Electric Utilities.
Northumberland County Emergency Management Agency first reported the road closure at 3:38 p.m.
The highway reopened about 4:15 p.m., but work to repair the utility equipment continued into the evening, with a number of PPL and Verizon vehicles parked in an area across from the Shamokin-Coal Township sewer plant.
Four PPL customers had lost power, but service was expected back by 9 p.m., Hill said about 7:15 p.m.
The closure sent traffic onto various side roads during the busy travel time.
FORT JACKSON, S.C. - Army Pvt. Jordan R. Persing graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, she studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises.
Persing is a daughter of Carl Persing, of Shamokin, and Christine M. Lindemuth, of Mount Carmel, and step-daughter of Joseph Lindemuth, of Mount Carmel.
She is a 2014 graduate of Southern Columbia High School.
COAL TOWNSHIP - The entire student body of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School lined the hallways Oct. 31 to find the Grim Reaper had returned yet again, and with him he brought a band of colorful characters.
From Barbie to Frankenstein and anything in between, art students in instructor Matt Leavens' class paired up for a "Face Off Challenge" inspired SyFy's hit show in which makeup artists compete against each other in challenges that test their artistry and technique.
Prior to the challenge, tattoo artist, Jeffrey Tweed, of Blazing Angels Tattoo Studio, Shamokin, and Jenna Wasakoski, professional makeup artist and assistant editor at The News-Item, guided the students in different techniques from how to fake a tattoo, to making "wounds' from toilet paper and school glue.
Students, paired up in teams of two - one, the makeup artist, the other, the character - drew up plans and worked together to come up with a plan to execute their vision.
Beginning first period on Halloween, they got to work. The makeup artists had roughly an hour and twenty minutes to finish. The creations were lined up with their makeup artists and an announcement was made for the entire student body to report to the hallway as the procession started.
Characters donned a specific number which allowed students to vote for their favorite. Nicole Komara's creation of Alex Holleran as Barbie took first place and were awarded $50 each, zombie Kelsey Connor and makeup artist Emma Seidel landed second and $25 a piece and muscle man Tommy Nguyen and his creator, Vinny Bucanelli, placed third for $10 for each.
Red Ribbon Week celebrated
CATAWISSA R.R. - The students and staff of G.C. Hartman Elementary Center celebrated Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3. The concept of having a Red Ribbon Week was started by the National Family Partnership. Red Ribbon Week serves to promote drug awareness and prevention, especially in youth and teens.
"G.C. Hartman wants our kids to grow up safe, healthy and drug free, so we are joining schools and communities across the country in taking a stand against drugs and promoting healthy choices," guidance counselor Eric Deeter said in a statement. "In guidance classes, students are discussing not only the dangers of alcohol and tobacco, but choices we can make to live healthy, happy lives."
Students also had an opportunity to sign a "Love Yourself, Be Drug Free" pledge banner and theme days were planned to help remind students that they have the power to make healthy choices.
License center closed Nov. 11
HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Tuesday in observance of Veterans Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.state.pa.us. There are no additional fees for using online services.
SHAMOKIN - An open house to introduce a new mentoring program designed to empower people toward self-sufficiency will be held Saturday.
Harvesting Hope, an offshoot of the Susquehanna Valley Center of Hope counseling group in Danville and Shamokin, hopes to create new avenues for a Biblically based support system.
"We have these great mentors that come from all different backgrounds and talents," said Laura James, director of partnership
development for the Center of Hope. "Saturday, we want to show this area what we have to offer and see what mentoring classes people are interested in."
Saturday's event, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus social hall, 400 E. Independence St., will also introduce Marty Sinopoli as the center's newest staff counselor/mentor, working out of Dr. Wayne Miller's office in Shamokin.
Having recently joined Center of Hope, Sinopoli spearhead a mentoring outreach program that met every other week in Danville.
"There were a number of people from Shamokin who were carpooling from Shamokin, so I thought this would be a great program to bring here," said Sinopoli, who formerly operated Gigi's gifts at The Plaza at Coal Township. Her mentoring group recently moved to the Antioch Room at Water and Market Streets, Shamokin, home of the Lifetree Cafe discussion series.
Mentor Andrea Whyne-Martz praised the effort.
"Once I met with Marty and Laura, and saw the passion they had for this program, I was immediately on board," Whyne-Martz said.
Sinopoli said many of the classes they hope to offer are basic: learning life skills such as opening a bank account; using coupons to save on groceries; and canning and preserving foods.
Whyne-Martz hopes to offer outdoor survival classes in the future, including lessons on how to identify poisonous snakes and plants, learning how to build shelters and fire, and "leave-no-trace" techniques.
There is also talk about future workshops on art, drawing, journaling and for self-esteem for young females that would include tips about makeup and personal care.
Sinopoli said the Bible can serve as a great guide.
"We have all seen the transformation that comes from the power of Christ. He died for us to give us a new chance in life. That's what we hope to do through Harvesting Hope," she said. "If we teach people skills, it improves their self-esteem, their self-confidence and gains the confidence to be a better person in their life."
Whyne-Martz, Sinopoli and other mentors, Vicki Burt-Jones and Traci Beck, along with other volunteers, will be present Saturday to discuss classes they will be offering.
"Ever since we announced the open house and the program, we have received a great outpouring of support from the community," James said. "A number of businesses and individuals have donated door prizes and materials for the classes."
The WhatNot Shoppe Cafe in Shamokin has offered to be a drop-off point for materials.
"Every other Friday, we hope to have something new and wonderful to offer to the community, give them the tools to learn new skills and make sure no one falls through the cracks," James said.
The event will also feature a candy buffet and other surprises. More information about Harvesting Hope and Saturday's open house can be found at the event's Facebook page or by calling the Center of Hope at 570-275-2280.
COAL TOWNSHIP - A classic marijuana and oregano switcheroo at SCI-Coal Township has led to felony drug charges being filed against an inmate.
Ira George Oakes, 24, was charged by state police on Oct. 30 with felony counts of possession with intent to distribute, attempting to possess with intent to distribute and intent to commit a crime of contraband.
According to the criminal complaint, on Feb. 20 SCI-Coal Township Captain Charles Stetler reported that earlier in the evening staff had located marijuana in the visitors' female bathroom. Staff removed the marijuana and performed a field test to confirm its content.
The following morning, staff replaced a dummy package containing oregano where the marijuana had been found.
Some time later, Oakes, an inmate janitor, entered the bathroom and removed the dummy package, concealing it on his person. When he exited the bathroom the package was found in his right sock, said the complaint.
Oakes admitted he found the marijuana but would not say where or whom it came from, or how it got inside the female bathroom, according to the complaint.
The suspected marijuana was sent to the Pennsylvania State Police Laboratory, where it was analyzed; it tested positive for marijuana. It weighed approximately 37.92 grams, which is 7.92 grams above the amount of marijuana considered "personal use," thereby resulting in the intent to distribute charge. Restitution for lab fees is $176.
WILLIAMSPORT - A blanket hung over the cell door of Cyrus Lewis for one full hour at Northumberland County Prison before an inmate, on orders from a corrections officer, peered behind it to find that the Shamokin man had hanged himself, according to a federal lawsuit.
The civil rights action filed Thursday on behalf of Hope Lewis, of Shamokin, claims prison administrators and staff were deliberately indifferent when supervising her 34-year-old husband following his June arrest. The lawsuit claims a due process violation and wrongful death. Unspecified compensatory damages are sought.
It's the fourth federal lawsuit filed against the prison this year.
Named as defendants are
Northumberland County and its prison board members, former Warden Roy Johnson, Commander Brian Wheary, the acting warden, Sgt. Jason Greek and a corrections officer identified only as "Jen."
According to the lawsuit, Lewis was not placed on suicide watch or jailed in a suicide cell following intake June 10. He allegedly told staff and inmates he was in withdrawal and feeling suicidal. His cell was not checked intermittently leading up to his death. He was not given security smocks or blankets designed to prevent hanging.
Prison policy calls for enhanced supervision - constant supervision, 15 minute cell checks and 30 minute cell checks - for inmates believed to be at risk or in withdrawal. Those inmates would be provided security smocks and blankets.
Instead, Lewis received standard bedding and clothing, the suit claims. He wrapped a bedsheet around his neck on June 15 and tied the other end to a windowsill. He was pronounced dead at Sunbury Community Hospital.
Some of the claims contradict what former warden Roy Johnson told the media in the days after the suicide. Johnson cited federal privacy regulations when declining to say what suicide prevention measures were in place for Lewis. He did, however, say he was on 30-minute cell checks.
Johnson said 27 minutes elapsed between the last time Lewis was observed alive and when he was discovered by a corrections officer. At the time, he said he didn't expect prison policy to change as a result of the death. Already facing criticism from some prison board members over other issues, Johnson came under further fire in the wake of Lewis' death, and was fired in August.
The lawsuit tells a different story. Both "Jen" and Greek were allegedly aware of Lewis' suicidal thoughts. It claims Lewis was behind the cell door for one hour without checks, and that a blanket covered the door's window. Rather than checking the cell, "Corrections Officer Jen" allegedly sent an inmate to check the cell. It's a practice she'd done for other "watched" inmates up to five times in the three weeks leading up to the suicide, according to the lawsuit.
"Jen looked dumbfounded" as the inmate screamed for help for Lewis, the lawsuit claims, and allegedly asked him "What do I do?" as other corrections officers worked to administer CPR.
Tim Bowers, attorney for Hope Lewis, said Thursday that corrections officers don't wear ID tags. Identification is often an issue when exploring inmate claims, he said. He said "Jen's" full name will come through requests for discovery evidence.
"We think that's part of the problem when holding people accountable," Bowers said.
A Paxinos man, Andrew Beers, committed suicide in August 2013. The lawsuit says the defendants were indifferent in that case, too, and that nothing changed as a result.
WILLIAMSPORT - The New York couple seriously injured in four-vehicle accident in 2013 near Elysburg has filed a 20-count civil suit against the driver of a tractor-trailer, the trucking company he worked for and an insurance company, claiming among other things the rig had a faulty or hazardous braking system.
Richard and Brenda Shaw, of Johnson City, sued Oct. 9 in the U.S. Middle District Court of Pennsylvania against David McGuinn, 54, of 206 Tulip Road, Paxinos; Kovaschetz Trucking LLC, Kovaschetz Transport LLC and Kovaschetz Service Center LLC, and National Liability and Fire Insurance Co.
Ralpho Township police said at the time that Richard Shaw was driving a Ford Mustang east when it was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer driven by McGuinn. The collision forced the Mustang into the westbound lane, where it collided head-on with a Toyota Prius driven by David L. Wolfe, of Shamokin. His Prius was then rear-ended by a Dodge Dakota driven by Ricardo Contreras, of Danville.
The Shaws and Wolfe had to be extricated from their vehicles by emergency responders. Brenda Shaw suffered approximately 25 broken bones in the crash and her husband is confined to a wheelchair because of it, they have previously said.
McGuinn is accused of negligence for operating the tractor-trailer knowing it had a faulty or hazardous braking system, and improperly functioning mechanical equipment, along with failing to operate the truck in a safe manner. He is also being sued for loss of consortium and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Kovaschetz Trucking is being sued on claims of vicarious liability due to McGuinn working for the company and being the owner of the tractor-trailer, negligence for failure to take care of the truck McGuinn was driving, loss of consortium, negligent infliction of emotional distress, negligent entrustment, negligent training and supervision.
For each count, the Shaws are seeking damages in excess of $75,000, including punitive damages, together with interest, attorney fees and costs, and any further relief the court sees fit.
The couple is also suing the company for fraudulent transfer of property, claiming owner Joshua Kovaschetz organized two new companies, Kovaschetz Transport LLC and Kovaschetz Service Center LLC on April 1, six days after the crash. They allege Kovaschetz did so with the intent to "hinder, delay and defraud the plaintiffs."
"Subsequent to the aforesaid collision, defendant Kovaschetz Trucking LLC has rendered itself insolvent and unable to pay the damages incurred as a result of aforesaid collision," the suit reads.
They are asking the court to nullify the transfer and appoint a receiver to take care of remaining company assets.
The Shaws suit claims National Liability and Fire was notified about the accident but denied coverage because it claimed to have sent written notice Feb. 15 to Kovaschetz that its policy would be canceled March 22, 2013. The Shaws said the cancelation was invalid because it was improperly addressed, and that Kovaschetz Trucking never received it.
They claim the policy was in full effect at the time of the accident and that the insurance firm must defend itself.
In July, the insurance company representing Wolfe also sued Kovaschetz Trucking and McGuinn over the accident, seeking $22,441.32 in damages.
Dear Mark: We have a casino a little north of Toronto, Ontario, that has added one blackjack table with some variations. If you get a hard nine, ten or eleven, the house will double down for you. Also, if you get a split opportunity, the house will double down for you. If the dealer total is twenty-two, it's a push. A blackjack still pays 3:2. My question is, if you play basic strategy, is the house advantage lessened on this type of BJ? - Bert W.
The variant of the blackjack game that you e-mailed me about is called "Free Bet Blackjack." It's free, Bert, to the extent that with your initial wager, the casino forks over the money needed for your double-downs and split wagers.
On this modified version, standard blackjack rules and table minimums/maximums apply, and blackjacks pay 3-2 on a six-deck shoe. On a single deck game - not advised - blackjacks pay only 6:5.
As everyone knows, there is no such thing as something for nothing. You always pay a price. So yes, Bert, there is a trade-off for the "Free." If the dealer gets a 22, all wagers left standing push instead of it being a win for the player.
Here are some of the generalized rules for Free Bet Blackjack.
- Free double-downs on a hard 9, 10, or 11.
- Free splits on all pairs except Tens and 4s.
- You get up to four Free re-splits, including Aces
- You get a free double-down after your free splits.
- Finally, with your own money, you can double down on other hands, including after a split, even if it's a free split.
An example of what "free" means, anytime you reach a hard total of 9, 10 or an 11, (including drawing cards in some casinos), you can double-down on the house's dime and your regular wager is matched by the casino. The dealer will place a distinct button on the layout, and if your hand wins, that button is paid the same amount as your original wager.
As for some simplified basic strategy, you will want to double down for free on 9, 10 or l1 against any dealer up-card. Likewise, split - for free - on any pair except on 5's (you would double instead), and on 10's, where you would just stand.
With a much simpler basic strategy than your typical blackjack game, the house edge on this game is approximately 1 percent. I'd say that's not too shabby for the added fun this game seems to provide. Heck, why not. I'm giving this game, Bert, two thumbs up.
Dear Mark: In regards to your column last week about wide area progressive machines, you stated that, "As for long-term paybacks, they are consistent, as casino A would not allow casino B to offer a higher long-term payback." Am I to assume that also means I have the same chance of hitting the progressive jackpot in casino A as in casino B? - Susan L.
Well, Susan, each machine on the linked network has the same likelihood of hitting those super-sized jackpots.
However, if a large casino has more machines linked on the wide area progressive than a smaller casino does, it is more likely that the progressive will hit in the larger casino. This is strictly because of the number of connected machines the larger casino has on its floor.
Gambling wisdom of the week: "The difference between your one or two-tenths of a percent, and my five-tenths of a percent is just a matter of time." - John Gollehon, A Gambler's Bedside Reader (1998).
SUNBURY - A Danville man pleaded guilty Thursday to failing to give immediate notice of an accident to police and was ordered to pay a $25 fine.
Joshua S. Kovaschetz, 34, of Danville, was expected to fight the charges in connection with an April 3 hit-and-run accident in Rush Township. But at the beginning of the summary appeals hearing before Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor, Kovaschetz, under the advisement of his attorney, Kyle Rude, pleaded guilty to the offense in exchange for the withdrawal of a charge of accidents involving damage to an unattended vehicle.
The defendant, owner of Kovaschetz Trucking LLC, also faces a misdemeanor of recklessly endangering another person and multiple summary violations filed by Ralpho Township police and state police at Stonington relating to a March 25, 2013, four-vehicle accident on Route 54 near Elysburg. He is scheduled to appear on those charges in plea court Dec. 22, at which time he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.
David P. McGuinn, 54, of Paxinos, who was the driver of the tractor-trailer involved in the crash, was charged by Ralpho Township police with three summary offenses - operating unsafe equipment, careless driving and an out-of-service offense. On Aug. 20, he pleaded guilty to operating unsafe equipment and paid a fine and costs totaling $127.50. The other two charges were withdrawn.
Kovaschetz also pleaded guilty to hit and run in connection with a Feb. 7 accident in Riverside and was sentenced to nine months supervised probation.
BLOOMSBURG - With his hands cuffed and his feet shackled as he hung upside down inside a sealed and locked tank of water, Andrew Basso made his first public attempt to escape from a sealed and locked tank of water back in 2012 in Sydney, Australia. It didn't go so well.
Basso signaled for stagehands to rescue him from the transparent telephone booth-sized tank just 30 seconds into the stunt, he recalled. He was anxious. His breathing just wasn't right, the Venice-born Basso admitted in a thick Italian accent.
"In this performance, I need to keep my heartbeat very calm and I have to be in total control of my body in order to hold my breath," said Basso, who turned 29 in October. "I was in full adrenaline. My heart was 200 beats a minute."
He has successfully attempted this daring trick - his only means of escape is a bobby pin - for audiences many times since, remaining submerged under water for up to four minutes.
A self-described "escapologist," Basso will attempt his Houdini-like stunt at Bloomsburg University's Haas Center for the Arts Saturday, Nov. 22, when he performs among a group of seven globally-touring magicians known as The Illusionists. The stop in Bloomsburg will serve as a Broadway warmup for the group's 50-show Broadway run from November to January.
A group of world-class performers that formed in 2012 mixes illusion, levitation, mind-reading and disappearance during a non-stop act with accompaniment from a live band of musicians and a dance troupe.
"It was an idea of producers to create something unique, putting together the best magicians in the world with different specific skills," Basso said, explaining The Illusionists' origins. "I think it was quite easy for them to spot the good guys because it's such a small world, not many professional magicians are around. Me personally, I was spotted in Italy during a TV show."
The escape artist will be joined by an eclectic group:
- Anti-Conjurer Dan Sperry is perhaps best known for summoning a Lifesaver candy from his throat.
- Warrior Aaron Crow utilizes swords, paintball guns and crossbows during his act.
- Futurist Adam Trent mixes illusion with comedy.
- Inventor Kevin James can turn a crumpled napkin into a rose that floats in the air.
- Trickster Jeff Hobson is a professional fire eater.
- The Manipulator, Yu Ho-Jin, is a sleight-of-hand artist.
Basso became fascinated by magic at a young age when he first saw the circus. "I was born in a little town in northern Italy, where not really much was happening during the year," Basso recalled. "The major event was when the circus was coming. I'm not talking about the circus with lions and tigers. I think they had dogs and sheep instead. As a kid, there was this joy and happiness. The smell of candy. This kind of perception came into my mind and never left. I said, 'I want to do this in my future.'"
Basso became further intrigued by magic as a career when he saw his mother's reaction to a street-performing magician.
"My mother looks exactly the same as Morticia Addams (of Addams Family fame)," Basso said. "She's even more serious. It was very rare to see my mother laughing. That magician could make my mother laugh with a few simple tricks, making a bowl disappear. If he could do that, I want to do thatâ¦.to be able to change people's attitudes and humor. That was pretty strong for me."
For tickets to The Illusionists and other Celebrity Artist Series performances on Bloomsburg University's campus, visit: www.cas.buzz.
Yaw, others to discuss 'War on Coal'
LEWISBURG - Susquehanna Valley Conservatives will host state Sen. Gene Yaw, former U.S. Senate candidate Tom Smith and Penn Strategies president Jason Fitzgerald as panelists who will discuss the "War on Coal" at 7 p.m. Monday in the Baylor Conference Room at the Best Western Country Cupboard Inn.
Meetings are free and open to the public. All points of view are welcome.
Keys found in Coal Township
COAL TOWNSHIP - Township police report two sets of keys were found and turned in to the station.
One was found in the 1300 block of West Pine Street on Nov. 2. Another was found along the shoulder of Route 61 near Vista Motors on Nov. 4.
Anyone who may have lost these keys can claim them at the station.
Work next week on Rt. 147
NORTHUMBERLAND - Weather permitting, a PennDOT maintenance crew in Northumberland County will patch Route 147 (Duke Street) in the borough Wednesday.
A lane restriction will be in place between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Traffic control will be provided by flaggers.
MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 459th Changing of the Colors flag ceremony Oct. 19 in honor of Thomas Francis Breslin Jr., a veteran of the Korean War era. The ceremony was held at the flag pole at Susquehanna Bank.
Breslin was born Sept. 14, 1932, in Mount Carmel, a son of Thomas F. Sr. and Agnes (McDonald) Breslin. He was a 1950 graduate of Mount Carmel High School.
Breslin enlisted in the U.S. Navy June 15, 1950, in Shamokin, and was honorably discharged as a gunner's mate third class Sept. 9, 1953, at the U.S. Navy Receiving Station in Boston. He received his basic training at Naval Training Station in Great Lakes, Ill.
During the Korean War, he served in the Mediterranean theater aboard the USS Goodrich (DDR831), a Gearing class destroyer. He received the National Defense Service Medal. Total service to his country was three years, two months and 25 days, of which foreign and sea service was two years, 11 months and 26 days.
Breslin retired as a supervisor from Arcos Corp., Strong, where he was employed for 40 years.
He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110 and American Legion Post 91, all of Mount Carmel. From 1962 to 1982, he coached the VFW junior league baseball team and served as the league's secretary/treasurer from 1971 to 1984. He was inducted into the Ed Romance Lower Anthracite Chapter of the Sports Hall of Fame March 25, 2006, for football and basketball.
Breslin died Sept. 5, 2010, and is buried in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. At the time of his death, he was survived by two daughters, a son, four grandchildren and a great-grandson.
The flag that was flown for the previous month was in honor and memory of Robert B. Fanella, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. "Taps" was sounded on the bugle by Ann Ray Begis as the flag was lowered by Anthony Candelora. The flag was folded by William Begis, James Kealy and Candelora, and was presented to Fanella's wife, Joan, by Candelora.
The Breslin flag was escorted to the ceremony by his daughter, Colleen Klaus, and was presented to Candelora, who raised the flag. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance. David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans and the ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans. Begis thanked the families and those in attendance for their participation.
The American flag was carried to the ceremony by Andrew Bubnis, and the rifle escort was provided by Larry Latsko and Candelora. Kealy provided traffic control. Also in attendance was Lance Nelson.
The Susquehanna Bank was thanked for displaying Breslin's name on its message board.
The next flag ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Second and Oak streets. Area veterans and police officers are invited to attend.