SUNBURY - In what's become year-end routine, a Northumberland County judge approved Shamokin City Council's request to raise its general fund tax 5 mills above the maximum limit.

President Judge William H. Wiest's ruling Tuesday marks the seventh consecutive year that Shamokin received the extra tax. It's estimated to generate an additional $112,000. Without it, Shamokin Clerk Robert M. Slaby told the judge layoffs were likely among Shamokin's 10 police officers or six street department employees.

Wiest asked during the hearing if city officials expected to seek the additional millage next year. That depends, said Ryan Hottenstein, of Financial Solutions, the city's state-approved financial consultant.

City council is also planning to double the earned income tax. A county judge is expected to rule on that in January. The move should generate more than $500,000. If estimates are exceeded, Hottenstein said it may rule out an eighth-straight tax petition.

Mayor William D. Milbrand wasn't as optimistic. Although he believes Shamokin will make a successful financial recovery through the state's Act 47 program, he doesn't expect it to happen so quickly.

"I really think we will," Milbrand said after the hearing when asked if he thought city council would petition the court in 2015.

Hottenstein's thoughts on the EIT apply only to next year. He offered that future cost increases for pension and health care would wipe out any new revenue.

No one from the public attended Tuesday's hearing at the Northumberland County Courthouse, and there was no opposition expressed.

Tax impact

Here's what the ruling means for taxpayers. Shamokin's total real estate tax levy for 2015 is 58.1 mills, a near 20 percent increase over the 2014 levy of 47.35 mills. A single mill represents $1. Taxpayers must now pay $58.10 on each $1,000 of assessed value of their property. If a property is assessed at $10,000, the tax bill would total $581 next year.

City council must give formal approval to the tax levy at a special meeting later this month.

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 (2014 figures in parentheses): general fund, 35 mills (30 mills); debt service, 14.25 (13.5); recreation, 6.75 (3); street lighting, 1.25 (0); public library, 0.75; shade tree, 0.1.

State law sets the maximum general fund tax at 30 mills for Third Class Cities, but allows municipalities to petition the court for up to an additional 5 mills. It must be proven that without the additional millage, the municipality's budget would collapse and its taxpayers would be met with even greater burden. Wiest concluded that was the case for Shamokin.

Not happy

Shamokin's total budget is $3.7 million, including $2.8 million for its general fund - $550,000 more than the 2014 budget. Slaby cited increases in pension payments and health insurance.

The pension payment totaled $205,769 in 2014 and $319,714 in 2015

"I was told that if I thought this year's (pension costs) were high, be prepared because next year will be even higher," Slaby told Wiest.

Hottenstein worked with city officials, including department supervisors, on the creation of the 2015 budget. Slaby described the figures as "legitimate" compared to past spending plans.

Everything identified by city officials as expendable was cut from the budget, Hottenstein said. Personnel costs make up nearly 70 percent of the budget. There's likely room to make slight adjustments, but nothing close to what's needed to erase a $621,000 deficit in next year's budget. That's what the tax increases are for.

Milbrand called the city's petition a "necessary evil."

"It's not embarrassing to me to keep the city afloat. I'll do whatever I have to do for the city," Milbrand said.

Solicitor Frank Konopka was tasked to prompt testimony from Hottenstein and Slaby in support of the city's request. Afterward, he hardly seemed enthused about the successful petition.

"This is a shame. As a (Shamokin) taxpayer, I don't like it. My taxes are going up just like everyone else's. What is the alternative? My understanding is if the city files bankruptcy, the state takes over, and I don't think anyone would like that," Konopka said.

By News-Item Staff

COAL TOWNSHIP - A longtime Coal Township police officer suffered cuts to his head and face early Tuesday when his patrol vehicle slid on an ice-covered bridge along Route 901 between Excelsior and Ranshaw and struck a guard rail.

Police reported Patrolman David Sage was injured in the 1:50 a.m. crash and transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital. Sage underwent emergency room treatment and was released.

Sage was driving a 2004 Ford Expedition east when he lost control of the vehicle on the ice, causing it to the strike guard rail on the south side of the bridge, rotate and slide to a stop, according to Patrolman Matthew Hashuga.

The Expedition sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Anthracite Towing.

PennDOT workers responded to the accident and spread anti-skid material on the highway. Route 901 was shut down between Routes 61 and 54 until the material was spread. Also assisting were Hashuga and members of Coal Township Fire Department.

Icy conditions

Periods of freezing drizzle and freezing light rain moved into the Susquehanna Valley shortly before midnight Monday, causing untreated surfaces to become icy. Accidents were reported on Route 54 near Natalie, Locust Gap Highway in Mount Carmel Township and Merriam Mountain south of Mount Carmel. The highways are typically prone to winter accidents.

The Natalie Mountain, Merriam Mountain, North Sixth Street leading to Marion Heights and the Viaduct at Mount Carmel were ordered closed by police until PennDOT treated the roads. Driving conditions were so dangerous that first responders who responded to an accident near Natalie were stuck on the mountain for an extended period of time until the road was treated several times.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The armed robber who police say held up a pair of gas stations 11 miles apart Sunday remains on the loose.

Detective Jeffrey Brennan continues to investigate and is following leads, Coal Township Police Chief William Carpenter said Tuesday, but an arrest has not been made. Ashland police are also investigating.

Police believe it was the same suspect in both incidents, Carpenter said.

The Turkey Hill in Ashland was robbed about 7:20 a.m., and the Sunoco in Ranshaw less than one hour later at 8:15 a.m. No one was injured.

Surveillance footage from both stores shows what is believed to be a white male dressed in green pants and a khaki button-down shirt, tan work gloves and a tan boonie hat. He was wearing a hooded winter jacket in Ashland. Police there reported a backpack he was carrying was also tan. The backpack in the Ranshaw incident was black.

The suspect's face was mostly obscured by sunglasses and a blue bandanna covering his mouth. He was carrying a black handgun in both incidents.

An undisclosed amount of cash, gift cards and cigarettes were stolen from Turkey Hill. However, the would-be robber made off with no money or merchandise from Sunoco.

There was no information available on what type of vehicle the suspect may have been traveling in, of if the suspect was acting alone.

Anyone with information in either incident is asked to call police. Coal Township can be contacted at 570-644-0333 or 570-988-4539, and Ashland police at 570-875-2600 or 570-462-1991.

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

n Kevin S. Carsto, 21, of 1116 Chemung St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs.

Charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest were withdrawn.

Carsto was charged by Coal Township Cpl. Terry Ketchem in connection with a Dec. 2 incident at the rear of the Bunker Hill Sports Complex.

n Jessica Renee Shelbert, 24, and Joseph A. Martinelli, 26, both of 605 N. Second St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct and were each ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs and placed on probation for six months.

Additional charges of simple assault and harassment were withdrawn.

Shelbert and Martinelli were charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II in connection with a Nov. 12 domestic disturbance.

n Daniele Coller, 22, of 609 E. Independence St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to a summary of public drunkenness and was ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs. An additional charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was withdrawn.

Coller was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Jarrod Scandle in connection with an Oct. 1 incident at Coal and Water streets.

n Hito Romero, 43, of 45 S. Fifth St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to a summary of harassment and was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs. An additional charge of simple assault was withdrawn.

Romero was charged by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski with striking Megan Holohan in the face at 45 S. Fifth St. on Nov. 12.

KULPMONT - As it stands right now, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is willing to sell the former East End Fire Company to the borough at half-price.

During a report at Tuesday's Kulpmont Borough Council meeting, Stephen Motyka, head of council's committee looking into the building of a new borough complex, said the (USDA) is currently offering the building at 50 cents on the dollar.

The 5,000-square-foot social hall, bar and banquet facility opened in 2012. The U.S. Department of Agriculture lent the company $674,900 at 4 percent over 40 years, and kicked in $156,000 in grant funds - a total cost of $830,900.

"That would still be a cost of more than $400,000 to the borough, not counting the cost of the renovation process," Motyka said.

In a Nov. 24 letter from the USDA to the borough, the federal agency asked the borough to consider using the former social hall instead of constructing a new borough hall and maintenance garage on Fir Street.

Motyka said the USDA and the borough both want the same thing: A new building at a fiscally responsible price.

The final plans are currently being reviewed by USDA's architect and borough council hopes to put the project out for bid by early January.

With that, the board two motions to help the project analysis along. First, they voted to pay Shaffer Design Associates a total of $4,000, $2,000 for the final design plans and $2,000 to manage the bid process for the borough.

Approval for the payment to Shaffer was made on a 5-1 vote with Motyka, Nicholas Bozza, Joseph Winhofer, Bruno Varano and Stephanie Niglio voting yes, and Phil Scicchitano voting no.

Under a USDA recommendation, the board also voted to hire Baer Wolfe architects for a financial analysis on the East End building at a cost not to exceed $5,000. That was approved on a 6-0 vote.

"We hope that through these processes, we can find the option that is financially sound," council president Bruno Varano said.

In other business:

- The board approved its 2015 budget and the 2015 tax levy ordinance on an unanimous vote.

The $2,147,700 budget includes the $1.47 million USDA loan guarantee for the construction of a new borough complex and garage.

Other budget funds include the highway fund spending and revenue of $89,575; and the police pension fund, with a carryover of $342,000, income of $4,000, spending of $20,500 and a balance of $325,500.

Real estate taxes of 23 mills will stay the same in 2015, with 14 mills slated for the general fund, and three mills each for street lighting, fire and the new building fund.

- The board passed its oversize vehicle ordinance, stating that no commercial vehicle over 7 1/2 feet long may park on any east or west running streets.

- Announcements made at the meeting included Shamokin Rotary Santa Sleigh at Town Park starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17.

The monthly food surplus distribution will be from 8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 18 at the borough garage.

Residents are discouraged from throwing snow in the streets after the plow has gone through, and against throwing ashes in the street. Bozza reported that there is a place for ashes to be deposited at the Veterans Memorial Field.

Southern Columbia Area High School

CATAWISSA R.R. - Southern Columbia Area High School has announced its distinguished and regular honor roll lists for the first marking period of the 2014-2015 school year.

Distinguished Honor Roll students are those that have reached a marking period average of 95 percent or higher. Students named to the honor roll achieved a grade average between 88 and 94.999 percent.

Distinguished Honors

Grade 9 - Gabrielle Bebenek, Cassi Bennage, Breanna Burd, Cecelia Cook, Justin Derk, Meghan Duzick, Elijah Hoffman, Natalie Hunter, Grace Joseph, Haley Knoebel, Kristen Kremser, Katelynn Kujipers, Jaret Lane, Jaden Laskoski, Autumn McDonald, Alexa Mowery, Joslin Notestine, Natalie Ring, Marley Roadarmel, Anthony Scicchitano, Paige Sharrow, Emily Wolfe and Eli Yemzow.

Grade 10 - Phoebe Bridy, Elizabeth Bryden, Alexis Burd, Miranda Gipple, Claudia Girardi, Carter Houseknecht, Mary Scopelliti, Angeli Sen, Tricia Shufeldt, Brianna Snyder, Shane Tripp, Isaac Wynn and Cameron Young.

Grade 11 - Ahmed Abdul-Al, Laken Anderson, Lena Becker, Casey Bernherd, Olivia Bodner, Kayla Broscious, Gabriella Delbo, Jackson Dorey, Emily Eck, Olivia Greene, Mackenzie Haladay, Aiyona Hayman, Abigail Herr, Nicholas Jessick, Blair Johnston, Zsofia Kandrot, Tyler Keiser, Katherine Koschoff-Rapkin, Haley Levan, Elyse Noll, Natalia Oliveri, Hannah Sage, Mackenna Shively, Mitchell Tyson and Alexys Yannes.

Grade 12 - Trent Donlan, Dustin Durovick, Alexandra Evans, Rose-Ellen Fahringer, Natalie George, Samantha Gregorowicz, Rebecca Harder, Allison Honabach, Connor Houseknecht, Steven Hricenak, Katelin Ivey, Seth Joseph, Michael Klebon, Thomas Marinelli, Ryan Matukaitis, Kyle Mostik, Michael Newton, Brady Petrovich, Luke Rarig, Samantha Romania, Jacob Ryan, William Schu, Samantha Schultz, Kirstein Sharrow, Alyssa Stavinski, Connor Swank, Vanessa Thomas, Trystanne Toczylousky, John Wilson and Madison Yocum.

Honor roll

Grade 9 - Seth Barrett, Andrew Bell, Shannon Bendas, Tyler Bendas, Sheila Brassard, Lauren Carl, Luc Champoux, Nicholas Cronin, Blake Day, Kamee Duncan, Vance Erdman, Joseph Evans, John Fulmer, Domunic Gaines, John Gembic, Albert Goodlunas, Abigail Hager, Kristina Hallick, Jacob Hammer, Noah Harner, Tristan Heim, Megan Kearney, Madison Klock, Justin Kofskie, Lauren Long, Anna Manley, Whitney Morris, Lauren Mudrock, Veronica Polyniak, Hailey Reeder, Jacob Renn, Rachel Sage, Abigail Shimock, Victoria Stare, Brett Szuler, Amanda Unger, Chase Urban, Dakota Welkom, Casey Winter and Claudia Yorks.

Grade 10 - Alana Bendas, Devan Beyer, Alyssa Bissaillon, Noah Bloom, Leo Bradley, Noah Brecht, Kolby Carl, Shane Casey, William Clark, Zachary Consentino, Hailey Cooper, Howard Cowell, Jessica Derk, Nicholas Fetterman, Francesca Forti, Dylan Gatrell, Anthony Girardi, Matthew Haupt, Jessica Henrichs, Garrett Henry, Elliot Hicks, Lauryn Hower, Samantha Jankowski, Dominick Kandrot, Todd Lane, Sabin Laskoski, Ryan Lichtel, Lindsay Lindenmuth, Sarah Lupatsky, Marc Malkoskie, Drew Michaels, Julia Moyle, Erika Patrick, Christina Podpora, Raevin Rosenbaum, Jacob Santor, Elijah Seidel, Deryn Seltzer, Brian Sevison, Danielle Smith, Brooke Sudol, Hunter Whitmoyer, Aliyah Wilk, Justin Woods and Marc Yeager.

Grade 11 - Jessica Adamski, Isaiah Barwicki, Nicholas Becker, Matthew Bell, Tristan Benware, Marc Boyer, Alexandria Brown, Gabriel Delbo, Jadyn Dunkelberger, Kaylee Durovick, Abby Fleishauer, Hunter Flore, Shylynn Flowers, Hannah Gratti, Megan Greenwalt, Stephanie Haupt, Robert Hergan, Gregory Hidlay, Shalyn Kashner, Monica Kleman, Aaron Kroh, Maggie Kushner, Elizabeth Lieberman, William Marzeski, Caitlyn McKinley, Ashley Miller, Hope Miller, Lon Morris, Maxwell Morrison, Amara Nazario, Jillian Oley, Cassidy Pantalone, Sarah Pollard, Austin Potter, Jacob Potter, Madison Purnell, Regan Roadarmel, Jordyn Ryzner, Francesca Schu, Molly Shoup, Nathan Smith, Matthew Stednicki, Virgil Sudol, Stephen Toczylousky, Adam Unger, Rachelle Viruet, Dylan Walton, Bradley Whyne, Samantha Yeick and Joshua Yoder.

Grade 12 - Grayson Belles, Tia Billig, Jared Brezinski, Valerie Burkoski, Amanda Burns, Bailey Carl, Noah Carl, Brandon Ciocco, Samantha Clark, Kessler Crowl, Dalton Danglovitch, Collin Dudanowicz, Kasey Fabian, Lauren Gedman, Sarah Gembic, Matthew Gregorowicz, Nicole Hoffman, Taylor Jones, Amie Klinger, Stephen Knouse, Kent Lane, Kayla Levan, Megan Lunger, Olivia Lunger, Anthony McKenney, Rachel Miller, Adam Mommo, Kailey Morris, Brent Nichols, Robert Oakum, Miranda Payeskie, Julia Podpora, Victoria Ring, Cole Roadarmel, Anthony Rodriguez, Edward Shannon, Kortnee Slotterback, Adriana Townsend, Jacob Trathen, Jason Vought, Brandon Weaver, Adam Weissert, Charles Wertman and Lucy Williams.

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - State police are investigating a possible shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon between Zerbe Township neighbors and relatives that have a long-standing family feud.

According to a search warrant issued by Magisterial District Judge Huge A. Jones, Dean Whary, of 465 Trevorton Road, Zerbe Township, contacted state police shortly before 1 p.m. and reported that several shots had been fired at him while he and others were hunting deer in a wooded property near the residence of next-door-neighbor, Carol Whary, of 439 Trevorton Road.

Dean told police that as he entered the woods he saw Carol and a relative, an adolescent male, approach him through a field, the warrant says.

"Dean Whary related that (the adolescent male) was carrying what appeared to be a long gun, possibly a rifle, and then a shot rang out at which time he heard Carol Whary state something to the effect of, 'How do you like being shot at?' which was followed up by additional shots," said state police in the warrant.

A neighbor said she heard two shots, followed by six to eight "consecutive shots." She said she saw Dean dressed in orange hunting gear around the time of the incident.

Dean told police the adolescent male was "shooting the weapon from his hip with at least one of the rounds striking a tree close to him in proximity," says the warrant.

A state police forensics unit searched the field and wooded area behind the Wheary residences. The warrant says police discovered damage to a tree consistent with a bullet hole near where Dean said he was standing as well as 7.62 casings in the field where Dean said Carol and the adolescent male were standing.

A neighbor said he saw the adolescent male run from the scene and stash the gun at Carol's house. The warrant states the male said Carol also fled the scene to her house and both then left the residence in Carol's tan Ford Escape.

The warrant does not specify when Carol and the adolescent male returned but both were seen talking to the police in front of Carol's house before being taken into custody around 2 p.m.

Using the warrant, police entered the residence around 6:15 p.m. in search of firearms and related materials.

The dispute between Carol and her stepson, Dean, dates back to 2010 when Dean alleged several zoning ordinance violations against Carol, including failing to clean up manure from alpacas Carol kept on the property. Carol later made allegations against Dean, including that he tampered with her mower, threw firecrackers at her alpacas, shot BB guns at her windows and cut her fence.

Name the deer in Mount Carmel

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Lions Club has announced the start of its annual name the deer contest.

Entry forms can be obtained at Academy Sports Center, Matlow's and Hollywood Pizza.

Entries must be submitted by Friday by those 12 and younger.

Cash prizes will be given to two winners.

The deer are in a pen at Town Park.

Food pantry distribution set

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

Service canceled

First United Methodist Church, Kulpmont, weekly Advent Service planned for tonight has been cancelled.

SASD meeting Thursday

COAL TOWNSHIP - There will be a meeting of the Shamokin Area School District buildings and grounds committee at 6 p.m. Thursday in the board conference room. Schneider Electric will make an informative presentation on the HVAC system.

Fellowship meal offered

ASHLAND - The Shepherd's Table, a ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, will be serving a free meal from 3 to 5 p.m., or until the food is depleted today at the church, 35 N. 9th St. Meal is eat-in only and no take-outs will be provided. This meal is provided for those in need or wish to socialize with others. Families are welcome.

DANVILLE - Geisinger Health System (GHS) has been ranked 18th in the Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 for 2014 by Gartner, the world's leading information technology research and advisory company. Geisinger has now made Gartner's Top 25 list for five consecutive years.

The Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 ranking is derived from quantitative measures and opinion by supply chain leaders. It highlights organizations focused on reducing supply chain inefficiencies while improving the quality of healthcare.

"Leaders continue to optimize their capabilities, while preparing for changes that population health models will drive through the supply chain," the Gartner authors wrote in the report announcing the ranking list.

The report cites Geisinger for its payer/provider model in a tight geographical market, which has given it an advantage in driving supply chain into the fabric of the organization.

It also notes that Geisinger has built best-demonstrated practices in the marketing of supply chain capabilities internally through programs like Project HELP (Healthcare Enabled Logistics Program) that put a value on service and ties to increasing time for clinicians to provide better patient care.

By providing focus and consistent metrics to the challenge, Geisinger was able to reduce nursing time spent on logistics in a pilot program by 34 percent from January to July 2014.

Geisinger has also focused real time in making progress on standardization across clinical and nonclinical products, according to the report.

The authors wrote that all integrated delivery networks (IDNs) have gaps in standardization, but Geisinger has moved into overdrive to address this variation across its system from the patient-centric perspective.

"We are pleased by the system-wide efforts to increase efficiency and reduce waste, ultimately resulting in improved care at reduced cost to our patients," said Deborah Templeton, chief of care support services, Geisinger Health System. "Improving the care for our patients is our primary concern, but we appreciate being consistently honored by a company like Gartner for the efforts we've made to improve quality across the system."

RANSHAW - Despite the efforts of firefighters and an ambulance ride to Sunbury Veterinarian Hospital, Loki didn't make it.

The 5-year-old female mixed-breed died from injuries suffered in a fire Monday at the home of Paul Rider, 34, at 306 Water St. Two more of Rider's dogs, Sam, 3, and Bud, 1, were in a cage and died in the fire. All three were rottweiler/miniature greyhounds.

"They were my Heinz 57 dogs," Rider said Tuesday.

The fire is believed to have started in the laundry room, a state police fire marshal determined Tuesday, though he said damage to the house was too extensive to pinpoint a cause.

Coal Township Assistant Fire Chief Mike Timco confirmed said Loki had been found alive inside the residence after the fire was extinguished, which took about 30 minutes. Rescue workers used an oxygen mask to try to help the dog, which was alive when he was transported to the animal hospital by AREA Ambulance.

Decision to euthanize

Veterinarian Dr. Jason Brehm had said Monday the dog suffered burns on 20 percent of his body and that heat from the blaze had damaged his eyes. He had reported Loki as stable at 5 p.m., but said the next 24 hours would be critical.

Rider said Loki took a turn for the worse as the night went on.

"Her breathing was becoming more and more shallow, and she started going into shock," Rider said.

When Loki's heart rate started to drop, Rider made the difficult decision to have her euthanized at 9:30 p.m. Monday.

Father not at home

The home is owned by Robert Santore, of Shamokin, who is insured. Rider, a firefighter with the Brady Fire Company, did not have renter's insurance.

Rider said some belongings from his bedroom and another room can be salvaged, "but the living room and the kitchen are gone."

Rider said he lived at the house with his father, Jeffrey, 57, but his father was staying at the Mount Carmel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center recovering from an illness.

"Thank God he was not there at the time," Rider said.

'Anything you need'

The American Red Cross is helping the family with food and clothing. More help has come from his firefighter brethren; in fact, Rider is temporarily staying with a member of Brady Fire Company. He said he's heard many times in the 24 hours since the fire, "Anything you need, let us know."

"They've all been wonderful," he said.

A fundraiser for Rider and his father will be held at a future date, possibly at the Brady Fire Company.

Complete loss

State police fire marshal Kirk Renn investigate the fire scene Tuesday and ruled the cause undetermined, Coal Township Fire Chief Russ Feese said. It is not considered suspicious.

The fire is believed to have started in a laundry room in the one-story house, which is considered a complete loss.

SUNBURY - Coal Township and Shamokin are working together to take control of 14 blighted properties from the current owners and demolish the buildings.

Conservatorship petitions were filed Friday in Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas against siblings Esther, Helene, Pauline and Russell Kolody. A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 21.

Ownership doesn't change in a conservatorship. Should a county judge rule in favor of Coal Township and Shamokin, the Kolodys would retain title to the properties.

It's the first attempt by either municipality to use the provision provided by the state's Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act of 2008.

The municipalities say the Kolodys are incapable of caring for the properties in question,

that the properties have fallen into disrepair, and that without court intervention public safety remains at risk. If granted conservatorship, Coal Township and Shamokin will demolish the buildings, according to the petitions.

Early demolition estimates total $117,900. The figures were tallied without full inspections of the properties. Demolition would be funded with state Keystone Communities grant money. Liens can be placed on the lots for demolition costs, or the properties could be sold free and clear to a third party.

"We're asking the court to appoint us as a conservator of the property to abate the nuisance and then if the owners want it back, they can have it back by paying us the costs," said Coal Township solicitor Vincent Rovito, noting liability issues that come with ownership. Rovito filed the petitions for both municipalities.

The Kolodys could not be reached for comment.

'Viable tool'

Conservatorship is comparable to a legal guardianship for real estate, according to attorney Andrew Menchyk, who Coal Township and Shamokin are consulting on the process. The court must approve each step the municipalities would take as conservators, including demolition.

Menchyk successfully filed nine such petitions as solicitor for the Butler County Redevelopment Authority. The process is relatively quick compared to eminent domain, which can be bogged down when arguing over just compensation, he said.

"It's a viable tool. When you compare and contrast this with eminent domain, these properties are often properties the municipality isn't interested in owning, but want the right to address blighted conditions," Menchyk said. "It allows a municipality to go in and address blight without ownership and without the burdens associated with ownership."

The Kolodys owned the properties since as early as the mid-1960s, but reside on Trevorton Road, according to court filings. They have been frequently targeted by code officers for blighted conditions at the vacant structures, but no significant progress has been made. Real estate taxes were paid, preventing the properties from entering tax sales and providing an opportunity for Coal Township or Shamokin to purchase them on the cheap.

Longtime nuisance

Craig Fetterman, chairman of the Coal Township commissioners, is in his third term in office. He said the Kolodys properties have been a nuisance since before he was elected, noting six properties at Bay and Lynn streets.

"That whole corner," Fetterman said, "it's a burden to the whole neighborhood."

The petitions say the properties are fire hazards, easily accessible for trespass and vermin, and an attractive nuisance for kids. The biggest issue, though, according to Fetterman, is the impact on neighboring properties.

"It kills the people's property value. When the blighted houses are gone, it will increase their properties' values substantially," he said of neighboring owners.

Fetterman urged any neighbors to the Kolody properties to write Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor and express their concerns.

DANVILLE - Merchants in Danville and Riverside continue to mark the holiday shopping season with Late Shoppers Night Friday.

Most stores and restaurants will be open later than their normal hours to accommodate shoppers and visitors, according to the Danville Business Alliance (DBA).

Wine tasting will be available at Red Shale Ridge and Shade Mountain wineries, and free coffee and hot chocolate will be served at Santa's Cottage by Bason Coffee Co.

Carolers from Danville High School and Zing Productions will begin the evening singing and strolling throughout the downtown. Santa will be roaming Mill Street and dashing in and out of businesses, greeting children of all ages.

Shopping pass

On Saturday and Sunday, nearly 20 Danville and Riverside businesses will be participating in the Downtown Danville Shopping Pass, which will grant each holder a 15 percent discount off any single item at each of the following merchants: Bernardi Jewelers, Cole's Hardware, D's Clothier, E tu Bistro, Eclectic Envy, Henry Voelcker Inc., Kiddie Korner, McWilliams Home Care, Old Forge Brewing Company, Pub II, Red Shale Ridge Winery, Shade Mountain Winery, Stoneware, The Doctor's Inn Bed & Breakfast, The English Garden and Tryanglez Salon.

The shopping pass program is being supported by DBA, Service 1st Federal Credit Union and Danville Pharmacy. In-store exclusions may apply.

The passes are not valid with any other offer and are limited to one pass per person. Passes are available at each participating merchant or the DBA office at 346 Mill St., and are included in clip-out advertisements in area newspapers.

Also this weekend, the Iron Heritage Festival will host its annual Holiday House Tour. This is a ticketed event; tickets are available at the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau at 316 Mill St., Scott's Floral and Gifts at 155 Northumberland St. (Route 11) and the Danville Area Community Center.

In addition, between noon and 3 p.m. Saturday, Santa will continue to greet visitors to his Mill Street cottage next to Beiter's, and his reindeer will be visiting Canal Park.

Toy drive at basketball game

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area varsity basketball cheerleaders will hold a toy drive during the Indians basketball game Friday at Shamokin Area High School.

Collection boxes will be located outside of the gymnasium for new, unwrapped toys. Toys will be distributed to local needy children for Christmas.

Senior listing corrected

The senior citizens activities calendar printed last week mistakenly listed next week's activities for Mount Carmel. The following activities will take place the remainder of this week:

Today - Blood pressure/blood sugar checks by VNA, 9 to 10 a.m.; career and technology school luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; games, 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Oak Grove Christmas village Sunday

OVERLOOK - Oak Grove Church will host its annual Christmas village event from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the church on Marley Road.

There will be free activities, food and refreshments throughout the church grounds. New this year will be a Christmas Story walkthrough, led by Pastor Zachary Hopple.

Donations accepted during the event will benefit the Open Arms Outreach Ministry.

Susquehanna Bank gives 147k meals

LITITZ - The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is among the recipients of 147,000 meals to be donated by Susquehanna Bank through its #30DaysofThanks campaign.

The Lancaster County-based bank is donating 30 meals for each personal checking account opened in November, along with five meals for each like, share, retweet and comment on its "Today I'm Thankful for" posts on Facebook and Twitter last month. During Thanksgiving week, Susquehanna doubled its donations.

Susquehanna has been involved in online campaigns to feed the hungry since 2010, donating more than 1.3 million meals to food banks through Tweet2Feed, Million Meal Mission and #30DaysofThanks.

HARRISBURG - The Monopoly Millionaires Club lottery game has produced another big winner in Northumberland County, this time through its second chance drawing.

The Pennsylvania Lottery reported that Stacey Shrawder, of Sunbury, is one of 26 winners in the drawing conducted Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Lottery Headquarters.

Shrawder will receive a five-day, four-night trip for two to Las Vegas in January. The trip includes airfare, hotel accommodations, meals and $500 spending money.

The trip will coincide with the taping of a new game show related to Monopoly Millionaries, and Shrawder will have an opportunity to be a contestant. If so, she could win additional cash prizes of up to $1 million.

The show is scheduled to premiere the weekend of Feb. 7 on local television stations.

Players become eligible for the drawing by purchasing a $5 Monopoly Millionaire Club ticket and inputting a special code on the agency's website. Entries are received when complete color groups of Monopoly properties are collected online.

Joseph and Maryann Drost, of Coal Township, won a $1 million prize after their ticket was selected as one of 14 million-dollar winners Nov. 7 after the game's jackpot was hit.

When the jackpot is hit, codes from the non-jackpot winning tickets are selected to receive the $1 million prize. The Drosts were one of 14 instant millionaires, and the first and only winner from Pennsylvania, picked in the Nov. 7 drawing.

SHAMOKIN - More than 40 teenagers gathered Wednesday evening to sing songs, share stories and light candles at the site where their friend died one year prior in a fire.

Melissa Lee "Missy" Pangburn was just 13 years old when she perished in the attic bedroom of her home at 5 S. Rock St. during the Dec. 10, 2013, blaze.

Pangburn's friends said the pain of her death still felt fresh, even though a year had passed.

"She's missed a lot," said Samantha Renn. "I miss talking to her, hearing her voice."

Her friends remembered her as an upbeat, friendly

"She always had a smile on her face," said Robbie Searls. "She liked to sing."

One of the attendees pulled his car up to the curb in front of the now vacant lot where Pangburn's home had been. He put on several of Pangburn's favorite songs, including "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan and "When You're Gone" by Avril Lavigne.

As the music played, the teens hooked arms over one another's shoulders, forming a chain along the sidewalk. Candles brought by several of the teens flickered in the falling snow.

Several of the attendees broke down as the music played. Others comforted those lost in despair by patting shoulders and giving hugs.

Tonisha Radziewicz could barely contain her emotion as she admitted that she missed "pretty much everything" about the girl she described as her best friend.

"I just want to see her one last time," she said.

Renn said she hoped to host a similar gathering in 2015 to mark the two-year anniversary of the loss of a dear friend. "She made everyone happy," she said.

SHAMOKIN TOWNSHIP - Township officials accepted a bid of nearly $30,000 for an old loader; however, an issue with the title caused them to hesitate before moving forward with the deal.

Roadmaster Jon Clements informed the board its 1985 Caterpillar Wheel Loader for sale on an online municipal auction site received a high bid of $29,600 from buyer Rezzul Ayoglu, of New Jersey, but Ayoglu isn't concerned about transferring its ownership title.

"He is ready to send us a certified check, hire a trucking company to pick it up and take it away," Clements said at Wednesday's meeting. "He doesn't care about the title.

"The equipment is going to be shipped overseas, because there is no emission standards in other countries."

Solicitor Jim Bathgate said if the loader is involved in an accident of some kind, the record of the title could come back to haunt the township.

Supervisors were happy to see the equipment go for the price it did, since a dealer only offered $20,000 on a trade-in. In the last hour of bidding on the online site, the price jumped from $23,000 to $29,600.

Supervisors John Klinger, Greg Rachau and Paul Rapp voted unanimously to sell the loader to Ayoglu, stipulating the township sign over the title to Ayoglu, who can do with it as he wishes.

Last month, after trying out several brands, supervisors chose to purchase a new Caterpillar wheel loader with warranty for $147,628. The new loader was delivered Tuesday. With $93,000 in the street department's equipment fund and the funds from the sale of the old loader, only $25,000 will be needed out the township's general fund for the loader.

In other business

Supervisors approved on a 3-0 vote their 2015 final budget, which totals $615,450 and has no increase in tax rates.

Total income for the year will be $400,450 with a $215,000 cash balance from 2014.

Expenditures are: government, $76,900; public safety, $11,300; health, $120; highways and roads, $444,230; recreation, $1,500; miscellaneous, $81,400, and total expenses, $615,450.

The township also has $424,731.39 in its liquid fuels budget for 2015.

A letter was received from Stonington Fire Company president George Wolfe asking for the township's help to purchase new radio equipment, mandated by Northumberland County's upgrade of its 911 emergency system.

The total cost of the upgrade is $26,000 according to Wolfe, and the same letter was sent to other townships. Supervisors took no action.

The township's reorganization meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, with the monthly meeting for January to follow. After that, monthly meetings in 2015 will continue to be held at 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.

The Mount Carmel Area Rotary student of the month for September is senior Christian Kelley, a son of Robert and Angela Kelley, of Kulpmont. Christian is a member of the National Honor Society and is ranked fourth in the senior class. He is a member of the football and track teams, participates in the Spanish club, tech ed club, and the AP calculus club. He also enjoys weightlifting and hanging out with his friends. His future plans are to pursue a master's degree in chemistry, while also playing football in college.

Coal Township and Shamokin officials have ask a county judge to permit conservatorship of 14 blighted properties, as permitted by state law. The properties are owned by four siblings. The owners, address and demolition estimates are as follows:

Esther Kolody

605-607 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, $20,400

442 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, $15,500

524 N. Second St., Shamokin, $19,500

1550 W. Lynn St., Coal Township, $8,000

Helene Kolody

406 Cypress St., Coal Township, $9,000

Russell Kolody

603 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, N/A

7 N. Bay St., Coal Township, $6,000

1721 W. Independence St., Coal Township, $12,500

Pauline Kolody

1445-1451 W. Chestnut St., Coal Township, $21,000

5 N. Bay St., Coal Township, $6,000

MOUNT CARMEL - Two Mount Carmel men arrested by the state Attorney General's Office on child pornography charges had their preliminary hearings continued until next month.

The continuances requested by the Attorney General's Office were granted by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones Wednesday.

Jeremy Godin, 37, of 14 N. Maple St., who is represented by assistant public defender Paige Rosini, had his case continued until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7. James R. Miller Jr., 60, of 8 S. Peach St., will now go before Jones at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. He is represented by attorney Michael Rudinski of Williamsport.

Godin, who remains incarcerated on $150,000 cash bail, is charged with 100 counts of possession of child pornography, four counts of photographing, videotaping, depicting on a computer or filming sexual acts, four counts of invasion of privacy, and one count each of dissemination of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility.

He was taken into custody without incident Dec. 2 at his residence by special agents from the Office of the Attorney General's Child Predator Section and Mount Carmel Police Chief Todd Owens.

Godin, who is married, is accused of using a cell phone to record at least four images depicting a child under 18 in a state of nudity for the purposes of sexual arousal or gratification of any viewer and/or engaging in sexual activity or with lewd exhibition of genitalia, or in prohibited sexual acts.

Godin allegedly committed the acts between July 12 and last week at his home. Authorities found numerous files containing child pornography that were examined in a portable computer lab outside Godin's home.

His arrest is unrelated to an investigation that led to child pornography charges being filed by the attorney general's office two weeks ago against Miller, who allegedly confessed to agents that he used a peer-to-peer file sharing network to download child pornography.

Miller, who is free after posting $100,000 cash bail, is charged with two counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of criminal use of a communication facility. The felony charges were filed by Agent Brittney J. Baughman.

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - A Zerbe Township woman and her 14-year-old grandson are facing multiple charges, including a felony of attempted criminal homicide, after a family feud resulted in gunfire Tuesday afternoon.

Carol Ann Whary, 62, of 439 Trevorton Road, was arraigned by video shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on charges of attempted criminal homicide, endangering the welfare of children, two counts of aggravated assault and misdemeanors of terroristic threats, corruption of minors, possessing instruments of crime and reckless endangerment of another person. Whary's grandson, Gage Hertzog, who resides with her, is charged with the same offenses except for terroristic threats and corruption of minors.

All the charges were filed by Trooper Kevin Kearney of state police at Stonington.

Whary and her grandson were taken into custody at about 2 p.m. Tuesday by state police after Hertzog allegedly fired six to eight rifle shots in the direction of Dean Whary, 50, of 465 Trevorton Road, Zerbe Township, about an hour earlier in a pasture behind their homes. Dean Whary is Carol Whary's stepson and next-door-neighbor. Their homes sit along the north side of Route 225 about one mile east of Trevorton.

Carol Whary was detained overnight at Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury before being arraigned. When Gembic asked Carol Whary if she had any means to post $20,000 cash bail, she replied, "I have my house."

After Gembic read each of the charges to her, he asked if she had any questions, to which she replied, "No, sir."

As of late Wednesday afternoon, she remained imprisoned. She is scheduled to face a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning.

Juvenile hearing today

Hertzog was charged through a juvenile petition, according to Northumberland County Deputy Chief of Juvenile Probation William Rossnock.

Juvenile authorities took the teen into their custody at about midnight Wednesday at the state police barracks at Stonington and transported him to the Central Counties Youth Center, Bellefonte, where he remains.

Rossnock said Hertzog must have a hearing within 72 hours in Northumberland County Juvenile Court. He is scheduled to appear for a pre-adjudicatory hearing before President Judge William H. Wiest at 1:15 p.m. today.

Rifle retrieved

Dean told police he was crossing the pasture behind his house to access state game lands when he saw Hertzog at the opposite end of the pasture, according to the criminal compliant. Hertzog then ran back to his house and returned with Carol Whary and a rifle, which he held on his hip. Both approached Dean, and Carol was yelling at him, the complaint says.

Hertzog then began firing rounds in the direction of Dean, police said.

Dean told state police the bark on the trees near him was flying around from the rounds hitting them. He said dropped to a knee and took off his backpack to get his phone and call 911.

A neighbor said Tuesday she heard two shots followed by a series of six to eight shots.

Dean Whary told police his stepmother yelled, "How do you like being shot at?"

Carol Whary and Hertzog returned to their house. Neighbors said Tuesday they witnessed Hertzog hide the gun in the porch. Police executing a warrant at about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday uncovered an AK-47 semiautomatic rifle in the basement of the house by the back door.

During an afternoon search of the field where Dean said the incident occurred, police located spent 7.62 casings, according to the affidavit of probable cause that was part of a search warrant issued Tuesday. AK-47s fire 7.62 rounds. State police discovered the house to be in "deplorable conditions," which resulted in the charge of endangering the welfare of children against Whary.

Rubbish, including cans and exercise equipment, dotted the backyard of her home on Tuesday afternoon. Pieces of a pumpkin lay along a fence bordering the property and the highway.

History of trouble

The dispute between the Wharys dates to at least 2010 when Haven Whary, Carol's husband and Dean's father, died. Dean Whary alleged several zoning ordinance violations against Carol, including failing to clean up manure from alpacas she kept on the property.

In a 2013 interview, Carol Whary attributed the allegations to her stepson not being satisfied with the distribution of his father's property after his death. She also made her own allegations against Dean Whary, including that he tampered with her mower, threw firecrackers at her alpacas, shot BB guns at her windows and cut her fence.

Carol Whary was picked up on a bench warrant in January 2013 for failing to pay fines and clean up manure on her property. Just three weeks ago, Nov. 20, she pleaded guilty to a summary brush, grass, weeds and trash zoning ordinance violation.

Dean Whary was found guilty of a summary count of harassment after a January 2012 incident during which he struck Hertzog with a snowplow, attempted to run over Skie Campbell, 20, of 479 Trevorton Road, Zerbe Township, and then exited the vehicle and choked Daniel Bacorn, 22, also of 479 Trevorton Road, Zerbe Township. Hertzog's head struck a rock during the incident and he received stitches, court documents said.