SUNBURY - A Shamokin teen charged by Coal Township police last year with raping a 12-year-old girl was adjudicated last week on a felony of statutory sexual assault.

Robert N. Searls, 19, of 914 N. Vine St., will be sentenced Tuesday, Jan. 6, by Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest after being adjudicated (found guilty) by the judge on the felony Dec. 2. Additional felonies of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and aggravated indecent assault were not prosecuted under a plea agreement with the district attorney's office.

Searls, who remains free, was charged by Detective Jeff Brennan with raping the girl in a wooded area in the west end of the township Aug. 25, 2013. Searls was 17 at the time.

The defendant was represented by attorney Courtney Powell of Hershey. District attorney Ann Targonski prosecuted the case.

The Mount Carmel Fire Department will be holding a Christmas Event in Town Park Dec. 20.

Starting at 5p.m., local emergency vehicles will be decorated in the holiday spirit and parade through the borough streets before returning to south Park Street to be displayed for all to see.

Santa Claus will be on hand to greet children of all ages and the local ministerum choir will be performing at approximately 6:30 p.m. Cocoa and cookies will be available thanks to local church organizations and the Mount Carmel Downtown Inc.

This event will replace the Clover Hose Co. annual run through the town and will be open to any and all local fire companies in the surrounding area. Anyone who wishes to decorate their personnel vehicle or build a float may join in the parade. The only requirements are that it must be in good taste and decorated in the holiday spirit.

On Saturday, a group of volunteers will be decorating the gazebo area at 1 p.m. for the upcoming events. If anyone would like to help, feel free to stop by.

Decoration donations for the display are also being accepted. For additional information, call Bing Cimino at 570-339-5113

A visit to Mount Carmel is on the agenda for this year's Shamokin Rotary Club Santa Sleigh.

It'll be the first time the popular holiday tradition will venture into the borough, previously having gone only as far east as Kulpmont.

The visit Tuesday at town park, Third and Market streets, will include hot dogs and hot chocolate provided by the Mount Carmel Rotary Club. The public is welcome.

The Mount Carmel Rotary thanks those with the Shamokin club, particularly Mike and Margie Buriak, for extending the sleigh's reach into their community.

Wednesday night's snow caused postponement of the first night of the Santa Sleigh for 2014. It was to visit Market Street, Bear Valley Avenue, Raspberry Hill, Academy Hill and the corner of Chestnut and Marshall streets and Claude Kehler Community Park in Shamokin. There will be no make-up dates, but the schedule may be compressed to accommodate cancellations due to weather.

Thursday night it was scheduled for visits to Walnut Street, Stetler Drive, Arch Street and possibly the Ferndale section of Coal Township.

The rest of the Santa Sleigh schedule is as follows. The sleigh is out and about from 6 to 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Today: Ranshaw, 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Walmart, 6:45 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday: Mount Carmel town park.

Wednesday: Kulpmont town park (starting at 6:30 p.m.).

Thursday: Springfield section of Coal Township.

Friday, Dec. 19: Shamokin Street and Mother Cabrini Church, 6 to 6:45 p.m.; Fifth Ward section of Shamokin until 9.

DANVILLE - The Janet Weis Children's Hospital celebrates its 20th birthday today, and area parents of children who have been healed at the Danville hospital are grateful for every day of its existence.

"If (the Janet Weis Children's Hospital) hadn't been here, I don't know what would have happened," said Laurie Scandle, whose son, Cameron, was born 11 weeks premature and spent 45 days at the hospital.

The Janet Weis Children's Hospital opened Dec. 14, 1994. It was dedicated the following June to its namesake, a noted area philanthropist who gave $10 million of her Weis Markets fortune to help build the hospital.

'Just go there'

In the 20 years since its inception, the hospital has allowed local families to remain at home while their children receive medical care on par with that found in metropolitan areas. As a level II pediatric trauma center, the hospital is one of six in Pennsylvania designated to receive critically injured children.

When Laurie neared the third trimester of her high risk pregnancy, her doctor advised her to go to Geisinger when she went into labor.

"She knew I was going to go early and knew their facilities were better," Laurie said, adding that her doctor told her, "Just go there."

Laurie now considers herself lucky she chose to go to a hospital with such a high level of care. After she went into labor early, doctors at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital realized the baby was in distress and performed an emergency cesarean section at 27 weeks. During the procedure, surgeons realized Cameron's umbilical cord was attached to the placenta at two places, cutting off his supply of nutrients.

"If he had gone further along, he would not have gotten enough nourishment," Laurie said.

Cameron is now a 15-year-old freshman at Shamokin Area High School. He belongs to the Junior National Honor Society, competes with the track and basketball teams, acts in school drama productions and serves as class president.

But even with their son sitting in front of them, Laurie and her husband, Bo, become emotional while recalling the uncertain early days of his life.

Cameron weighed just 2 1/2 pounds when he was born. One of Bo's hands could cover Cameron's entire body.

"His head fit in the palm of my hand like an orange," Laurie said.

For the first days of his life, Cameron required round-the-clock care from a nurse assigned to monitor only him. Laurie and Bo spent hours daily at the hospital, watching while their son gained weight one ounce at a time and graduated to more mild levels of care.

"Luckily, we lived so close we could come home every day," Laurie said.

Bo is grateful to the kindness he received from the doctors "right down" to a janitor who stopped to wish him the best.

"He was all geared up just like we were," Bo said.

'They'll do anything'

Stephanie Frost, of Mount Carmel, is also thankful for the kindness the staff of the Janet Weis Children's Hospital bestowed her family when her 14-year-old daughter, Chloe, fell ill.

On Dec. 20, 2013, Chloe spent two days at the hospital after she sustained a seizure. She returned to the hospital three weeks ago for surgery on an abscess on her arm.

"They'll do anything for you," Stephanie said. "They just make you feel like you're at home."

Hospital stays can be frightening, especially for children. Chloe said the staff succeeded in making her comfortable by bringing her a blanket similar to one she had forgotten to bring in the craze of the arrival of emergency personnel after her seizure. They also gave her a stuffed cat that looked like her cat at home and crayons after she asked to color.

"It was kind of fun," said Chloe. "They gave me a computer to use and I would video chat with my friends."

While hospital food has a reputation for being nausea-inducing, Chloe enjoyed the child-friendly meals given to her, including chocolate ice cream with M&Ms.

"It was really good," she said.

Because her daughter was happy and relaxed, Stephanie could focus on her medical care. She said that after Chloe had her first seizure, she felt "paranoid" that another one would happen when she was home alone, leaving her helpless. But both she and Chloe felt safe at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital.

"I honestly can't say anything bad," she said. "They're amazing."

Giving back

Inspired by the level of care she received at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital, Chloe has been conducting a toy drive. So far, she's collected 12 large boxes of toys, including four bags of Beanie Babies.

The Frost family has also sought to give back to the hospital. For 15 years, they have hosted the Cameron's Miracle Golf Tournament at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Club.

Last year, the tournament raised more than $13,000 for the Children's Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization supporting the Janet Weis Children's Hospital.

"We're trying to help out somebody that doesn't know they need help yet," said Bo.

Cameron helps with the tournament and plans to remain a part of it for years to come.

"I'll have to take it over someday when I'm older," he said.

When his father suggests that he man the phones during the annual telethon, Cameron enthusiastically responds, "That'd be awesome!"

Bo and Laurie said they're likely to continue supporting the Janet Weis Children's Hospital in any way they can.

"We always try to give back," said Bo. "He's our miracle."

MOUNT CARMEL - Former longtime successful Wilkes University head football coach Frank Sheptock was unanimously hired Thursday night by Mount Carmel Area School Board to lead the state's winningest football program while also serving as athletic director and secondary dean of students.

Sheptock, a native of Kulpmont and 1982 Mount Carmel Area graduate, will receive a coaching salary of $8,000.

The three-time All-American linebacker at Bloomsburg University and member of the College Football Hall of Fame received a five-year contract and will begin his coaching duties immediately.

The board unanimously named Sheptock athletic director and secondary dean of students at an annual salary of $54,000 without benefits, effective Jan. 5. He also will serve as weight room coordinator at $20 per hour up to a maximum of $4,000 per year. The coordinator's position is usually held by the head varsity football coach.

Sheptock said he appreciated the board's confidence in naming him to the positions and is looking forward to making an impact in the school, community and Silver Bowl.

New positions

Sheptock, who retired from Wilkes University last year, has served as athletic director at Berwick High School since December 2013.

He and his wife, the former Lisa Rudock, who also is a 1982 Mount Carmel Area graduate, reside in Berwick.

Sheptock, who starred on both sides of the line of scrimmage for Mount Carmel Area, will replace Carmen DeFrancesco, whose position was opened by the board last month. DeFrancesco was the head coach for five years at his alma mater.

Voting for the new coach were board president Robert Muldwoney, Donna James, Joseph Zanella, Michael Rovito, Ray Kraynak, Bill Brecker, Tony Mazzatesta, Michael Brinkash and Thomas Ditchey, who participated by teleconference.

Sheptock will succeed Greg Sacavage as athletic director. Sacavage, who has served in the post for six years, was reclassified by the board as elementary dean of students and director of extra-curricular activities at his current salary of $60,843.

Sacavage's new positions and the post of secondary dean of students were added to the district's Act 93 agreement Thursday night. Zanella and Ditchey voted against creating the director of extra-curricular activities position.

After the meeting, Sacavage said he was very happy for Sheptock being named head football coach, but a little disappointed by his reclassification. He said, "I have mixed emotions about the new positions because I won't have as much direct contact with the kids athletically. But I will still have insight into athletic decisions and provide my expertise on league and district issues facing Mount Carmel Area."

Sacavage said he's looking forward to working with Sheptock.

After the meeting, Muldowney said, "It's good to have Frank back in the community as an educator and coach and I'm looking forward to welcoming him to Mount Carmel Area and the changes he will bring to the football program."

When asked about the hiring, Zanella stated, "I'm really excited about it."

Brecker said, "I'm thrilled to have an alumnus come back to the area. He will be an asset to the school district and on the football field."

Superintendent Bernie Stellar added, "I want to welcome Frank home. I'm excited he's here and he will receive full support from the administration. I'm looking forward to the impact he will have on the students, school district and community."

Sheptock was accompanied to the meeting by his wife, parents Frank J. and Nancy Sheptock, of Marion Heights, and nephews Bo and Shawn Sheptock.

In other business

The board hired Thomas MacDonald as a junior high assistant wrestling coach at a salary of $1,100.

Margaret Barnhardt was hired as a teacher at a salary of $31,436 with benefits. She will replace the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit teacher at Safety Net Counseling and will be a district employee.

The board accepted the resignation of Kelly Ann Crissman as school psychologist and approved attorney Ben Pratt as the district's legal consultant for teacher contract negotiations.

Stellar displayed a banner to the board presented by district art students to show their appreciation for the recent purchase of a kiln for the art department.

Snow clearing plans announced

Local communities have announced the following weather-related declarations:

- KULPMONT - Borough Mayor Bernard Novakoski has declared a snow emergency along Route 61 (Chestnut Street). There is no parking allowed on Chestnut Street until PennDOT plows the snow back to the curb.

Residents are reminded that sidewalks must have a path cleared of at least 36 inches wide within 24 hours of the snow stopping; snow from sidewalks should not be thrown into the street. Those who do not follow the rules will be subject to a fine.

- MOUNT CARMEL - Mayor Phil "Bing" Cimino has declared a parking ban on Oak Street from the Avenue to Seventh Street from 5 to 9 a.m. today to allow snow removal crews to get the street cleared for the Santa Parade, scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday.

The parade was postponed because of inclement weather last Saturday.

- ASHLAND - The borough has declared a snow emergency from 2 to 6 a.m. today.

Parking will be prohibited on Hoffman Boulevard from Brock to Centre streets, and on Centre Street from Front to 23rd. Residents are ordered to move their vehicles from these locations during those times.

The owner of any vehicle not moved will be fined $50, and the vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense.

Center Christmas party rescheduled

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin-Coal Township Senior Action Center has postponed its Christmas party due to inclement weather.

The party, which was scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11, will be held next week on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Participants are asked to bring a $5 gift for an exchange. Martin's Chicken & Ribs will cater. Information on the menu is available by calling the center at 570-644-0772.

MOUNT CARMEL - Lucy Pulaski, of 225 S. Vine St., Mount Carmel, will celebrate her 100th birthday Saturday.

Lucy was born in Mount Carmel in 1914, the second child of John and Stefania Piontkowski Kulick. Her two living siblings are Joseph Kulick, of Arlington, Va., and Henry A. Kulik, of Lansdale. She survives her older sister, Irene Kulick Smoczynski, and younger brothers Frank Kulick, of Elkins Park, and Peter M. Kulik, of Mount Carmel.

She graduated from St. Joseph's Elementary School and attended Mount Carmel High School. She also worked in the local dress factory.

On Jan. 16, 1935, she married Charles "Chappy" Pulaski, former postmaster of Mount Carmel, in St. Joseph's Church, Mount Carmel. Both Lucy and Charles were lifelong members of St. Joseph's; Charles served as church organist and Lucy sang alto in the choir. Charles passed away on Feb. 9, 1986.

Lucy was a lifelong housewife and mother of five children: Lucille, wife of Joseph Swatski, of Mount Carmel, Charles J. "Kaz" (Whitey) Pulaski and his wife, Roseanne, of Steelton, Edward M. Pulaski and his wife, Eileen, of Hazleton, and twin daughters, Jean and Joan Pulaski, of Mount Carmel. Joan passed away on March 28, 2006. Since that time, Jean has cared for Lucy in the house she has lived in since 1950.

Lucy has 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She is a current member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. She enjoys watching daily Mass on EWTN, all news programs, Phillies baseball and game shows. Her hobbies have included crocheting, sewing, dressmaking and embroidery. She also enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police here have charged 13 people with trespassing at the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) at 8 p.m. Nov. 15.

Dale Allen Sherman, 30, of 1515 Greenbriar Road, Rebuck, was charged in a criminal complaint by Cpl. Terry Ketchem Jr. with a misdemeanor of providing false information (false date of birth) to police and a summary of defiant trespass.

Cited for a summary offense of criminal trespass were Sara E. Reed, 21, of 238A W. Shamokin St., Trevorton; Brian K. Fisher, 41, of 436 Little Mountain Road, Sunbury; Kenda Sue Jones, 49, of 145 Bordell Alley, Locust Gap; Kaila A. Wynn, 20, of 858 Creek Road, Dornsife; Joshua D. Feger, 27, of 129 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton; Shelly A. Lenker, 21, of 199 Hickory Road, Dalmatia; Stefanie Erin Fisher, 38, of 436 Little Mountain Road, Sunbury; Randy Carl, 42, of 6 Berry St., Coal Township; Stephen Allen Dangler, 32, of 181 N. Main St., Herndon; Paul J. Jones, 50, of 145 Bordell Alley, Locust Gap; Michael T. Cotner, 21, of 292 Riverside Lane, P.O. Box 214, Herndon, and James A. Reed, 34, of 225 S. 11th St., Trevorton.

Ketchem said the trespassers were charged after being spotted near a bonfire in a wooded area south of Burnside.

AOAA operations director Dave Porzi contacted police after thinking a party was being planned on AOAA property since he discovered a road blocked off with a telephone pole and many stacked pallets.

Ketchem and Cpl. Joshua Wynn met with Porzi and AOAA Authority member Barry Yorwarth later in the day to investigate. Numerous individuals and vehicles were found around a fire.

After being notified they were trespassing on AOAA land, one of the individuals told police they were on property owned by Dan Long. But AOAA officials and police informed the individual that Long leases the property from the AOAA for mining purposes only.

Police said the trespassers entered the property through a dirt road behind Jones Enterprises along Route 125. After police explained to them that various "no trespassing" signs are posted in the area they passed, several of the individuals claimed they didn't see the signs or that they were not properly posted.

Porzi said caution tape he had placed across the road leading to where the trespassers were found was torn down.

After the trespassers were allowed to leave the area, Coal Township firefighters were summoned to extinguish the bonfire.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) Court Our Lady of Victory 588 held its monthly meeting Nov. 16. It was called to order by Regent Mary Snyder. The Rev. Frank Karwacki, chaplain, led the opening prayer.

The baby bottle was passed around to collect change from members to aid state pro-life projects. Members also brought numerous items to the meeting for the local food bank. The chapter thanked community members for helping to fill its boxes at the Mount Carmel Area Public Library, noting it was a great success.

Two new members, Barbara Puketza and Brenda Neidig, took the Catholic Daughters pledge and were welcomed into the court.

The court will rent the library window to display its more than 100-year-old nativity. It will stay in place until the Epiphany, Jan. 6.

The court will visit the Mount Carmel Nursing Center at 2 p.m. Monday to sing Christmas carols and visit with residents. Each resident will receive a Christmas card and gift.

Arrangements are being made for the annual Twelve Days After Christmas Party, which will be held Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Mount Carmel Senior Action Center. A catered lunch will be served and there will be a $5 gift exchange.

The court is selling "It's OK to say Merry Christmas" pins for $1 each.

The court will invite Lourdes Regional and Mount Carmel Area students to participate in CDA's national education contest. The theme is "Be a Good Neighbor." Students can express the theme through an essay or art, and they can win cash at the local, state and national levels.

The next meeting is set for 3 p.m. Sunday at the senior action center. New members are welcome.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Charges have been filed against a township man who was allegedly involved in a fight during which a bridegroom suffered facial injuries.

Kevin Richard Manning, 57, of Box 373, Coal Township RR 3, was charged Thursday by Cpl. Terry Ketchem Jr. with a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct and a summary of harassment in connection with the Aug. 30 disturbance at Brady Fire Company.

Police said Bryan Hornberger, 41, of Coal Township, who was attending his wedding reception, was punched in the face by several "bikers." He suffered fractured cheek bones, a fractured eye socket and nerve damage to his face.

Manning is accused of shoving Hornberger's mother, Sandra Hornberger, and threatening to punch her in the face.

The incidents occurred at about 9:30 p.m. outside the fire company.

Ketchem determined that charges could only be filed at this point against Manning because the other people involved couldn't be positively identified.

Arriving at the scene, Ketchem and Shamokin Cpl. Jarrod Scandle and Patrolman Raymond Siko II were informed by numerous people at the reception that "bikers" from a party at the nearby RCA grounds assaulted them.

Bryan Hornberger told police he was outside when he observed Manning grab his mother, prompting him to shove Manning. The next thing he knew, Hornberger said he was on the ground getting punched and kicked by several "bikers." But police said the only name Hornberger knew was Kevin Manning.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Hornberger's brother, Shawn, who was at the wedding reception, claimed a male came up to him, grabbed him by the throat and slammed him off a car. Shawn Hornberger said he tried to ask the man why he did that, but then everything went "black."

Sandra Hornberger said she was sitting on a bench outside the fire company talking to her son Bryan when a bald guy looked at them and said he was going to be right back to punch them in the face. She said the male, later identified as Manning, went to the RCA grounds before returning with a group of men. Sandra Hornberger said Manning called her a derogatory name and moved as if to hit her before pushing her and putting his fist in her face. She said Bryan pushed him to the ground to get him away from them. She said a "bunch of guys" then jumped on her son.

Another witness, Gary Drumheller, said Manning attempted to go into the reception hall, but Sean Hornberger told him he wasn't allowed. That's when he went to the RCA grounds and brought more people back with him.

Drumheller said Sandra Hornberger stepped in between the men in an attempt to settle everyone down. At this point, Manning went to grab Sandra Hornberger, prompting her son to push him away. Drumheller said three guys then started kicking and punching Bryan Hornberger in the face. Drumheller said he started pulling guys off Hornberger before more guys from the RCA grounds arrived and broke up the fight.

Austin Hornberger told police the victim, his brother, had asked the bartender for her number and started saying "stuff," prompting Manning to get more bikers and return to the parking lot.

The victim's daughter, Jennifer Hornberger, told police "three guys jumped on her dad" while one guy pushed her grandmother and was yelling at her.

During an interview with Manning Aug. 31, Ketchem said the defendant was not cooperative. He said a female bartender named Angel Reams was standing outside the bar and he observed Bryan Hornberger with no shirt on asking for her number. Manning said he told the male to let her alone, at which point the man became cocky with him, he told police.

Manning said he went to the motorcycle benefit ride at the RCA grounds and came back to the reception hall to "finish what he started."

Manning claimed Bryan Hornberger threw him to the ground.

In a Sept. 1 interview, Skip Nairns, who was attending the benefit, said he and a number of other people walked up to the banquet hall after hearing that someone was going to beat up Bryan Hornberger. Nairns said he saw people come outside the reception hall and start arguing with Hornberger. He said one of the guys from the wedding party pushed Manning, causing him to fall on the ground. At that point, Nairns said, "Everyone jumped in."

Nairns said he helped break up the fight and everyone who came to the banquet hall returned to the RCA grounds.

LOS ANGELES - A Shamokin native and U.S. Army captain won on "Jeopardy!" Thursday and will return today for another round.

Even though Cpt. Ryan Pensyl missed the final Jeopardy! question, he finished the last round with $7,599, $799 more than second-place contestant, Jennifer Gilmore, of Menifee, Calif. Peter McGillicuddy, of Holliston, Mass., finished third.

While introducing the contestants, game show host Alex Trebek said Pensyl is the strongest competitor on the show, asking him how much he can bench press (Answer: What is 350 pounds?). Pensyl imitated a bench press, but also gave his impression of Dr. Evil, a character in the Austin Powers film series.

"The details of my life are inconsequential," Pensyl imitated, holding his pinky to the side of his mouth in Dr. Evil's signature move.

The categories of Thursday's show were challenging and touched on topics such as French literature, Czech composers, Greek philosophy and turbine engines.

Pensyl led the game, answers questions quickly and succinctly. At the end of the first round, he had earned $4,600; he added $10,000 to that score by the end of double Jeopardy! Gilmore had $10,800 and McGillicuddy had $9,000 at the end of the second round.

The final category was "The Bible," and the "answer" was "The first birthday celebration mentioned in the Bible takes place in Genesis 40 and is in honor of this ruler."

McGillicuddy asked, "Who was Ramses the Great?" an incorrect "question." He bet it all, leaving the show with the third-place prize, $1,000.

Gilmore asked, "Who was King David?" which was also incorrect. She bet $4,000, dropping her total to $6,800 and putting her in second place. She left the show with $2,000.

Pensyl also asked an incorrect question, "Who was Joseph?" but bet only $7,001, winning $7,599.

Pensyl, 35, will face off against two new contestants at 7:30 p.m. today on WBRE.

He is a military intelligence officer and a son of William and Linda Pensyl. He is a 1998 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and a 2005 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Center closed.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; bridge, 11:45 a.m.; world news, noon.

Wednesday - Cards, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m.; Janet Pawling doing vision screenings, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.; rescheduled Christmas Party catered by Martin's Chicken & Ribs with $5 gift exchange, 11 a.m., contact Center for information on meals.

Friday - Cards, puzzles and shuffleboard, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Puppy chow day at the center; Wii Wheel of Fortune, 9:30 a.m.; making Christmas ornaments for the nursing home, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Bean bag competition, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; unlucky 7's, 12:30 p.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise and games, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Christmas party at Matucci's, noon, $15; dessert follows lunch at the center.

Thursday - Wii games, 9 a.m.; Christmas party for Winnie the Pooh Day Care, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; special bingo with proceeds going to charity, 1 p.m.

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

Kulpmont

Monday - Coffee and gab in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Wii, 11 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Chair exercise, hand held games and puzzles in the morning; Wii bowling, 12:30 p.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Music with a cup of coffee in the morning; bean bag, 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; baby shower for birthrights, noon; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Music and coffee in the morning; bean bag, 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Hand held games and puzzles in the morning; chair exercise, 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia- Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and current affairs, 9 a.m.; Christmas dinner at the Village Towne Restaurant, noon; Center closes at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and cake, 9 a.m.; chair exercise with Carol, 10:30 a.m.; bell ringer practice, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Book mobile; trivia, 10 a.m.; birthday party, 12:30 p.m.; birthday bingo.

Thursday - Coffee and snacks with socialization, 9 a.m.; Pokeno, 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 12:30 p.m.; bring a friend day.

Friday - Fun Friday! Open activities.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Wii fitness, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, noon.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Wii fitness, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, noon; Center birthday party.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; Wii fitness, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Monday - Wii bowling, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Christmas movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Making Christmas cookies, 9 a.m.; Weis Markets trip, noon; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Making Christmas cookies, 9 a.m.; board games, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; WhatNot Shoppe Café lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Christmas party, 12:30 p.m, bring a $3 to $5 wrapped gift for crazy bingo.

Mother Nature on Thursday made up for the winter storms that didn't develop earlier in the week.

Starting Wednesday evening, some 13 to 15 inches of snow fell in higher elevations, including Marion Heights, while 10 inches was recorded in Shamokin. Most of it fell Thursday morning at rates of 1/2 to one inch per hour.

Elyse Haggner, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS), said it was difficult to predict where the heaviest snow would fall as the storm moved up the coast, but it was obvious once it happened.

"This was a very tricky system to predict," Haggner acknowledged. "Some storms, like the Blizzard of 1993, were very well-forecasted. This storm, every model we looked at said something different."

"Unfortunately, it hit Northumberland and Schuylkill counties," she said Thursday afternoon.

NWS confirmed that the area recorded some of the highest snow totals in the state. As close as Danville, only 4 inches were recorded, while Williamsport had 3 to 4 and Harrisburg 2 to 3, NWS reported.

Original forecasts for the Northumberland County area were for a dusting to 2 inches. In fact, earlier in the week, Thursday's forecast was "cloudy."

PennDOT County Maintenance Director Bernie Klusman said the heavy snowfall was a challenge, but "we have had our crews working 12 hour shifts with all the trucks on the road," he said Thursday afternoon.

He said temperatures were staying constant in the low 30s and he expected crews to have roads cleared by Thursday night.

Trouble on the mountain

As occurred Nov. 26, when 4 inches fell during the first significant snowfall of the year, there was trouble with traffic on the Natalie Mountain. Route 54 travels across the mountain through some of the highest elevation locally in an eight-mile stretch from Route 61 in Strong northwest to Elysburg.

By noon, vehicles were in ditches and responding police, heard over the scanner, reiterated their belief the roads hadn't been treated quickly enough.

One officer was heard asking if PennDOT could come to the mountain and help them direct traffic. Another officer replied, "They could turn the computer on with the radar, maybe that would help."

Klusman, when asked to respond to the criticism, stood firmly behind his road crews.

"We had our materials stockpiled and the trucks ready to go," he said.

He said Route 54 is a primary route for PennDOT's Centralia stockpile and is the first road treated and plowed when storms hit.

"It can take two hours to run a cycle from Turkey Hill in Strong to Sheetz in Elysburg and back," Klusman said. "We cut that time in half (Thursday)," he said.

'Driving stupid'

He said the majority of vehicles stuck were tractor-trailers.

"There was a truck that was out at 12:30 a.m. on the snow-covered road by the water company shed," Klusman said.

"When the driver could not get up the mountain, he decided to do a u-turn and got himself stuck across the highway.

"The trailer was empty and light, no tire chains on, and the driver was unfamiliar with the area," following GPS, he said.

Many drivers, especially truckers, choose Route 54 because it is a direct connection between Interstates 80 and 81, but they should stay on flatter terrain under such circumstances, Klusman said.

"The problem we find is with inexperienced drivers just following the GPS," he said. "There's not much we can do when someone is driving stupid."

Schools out ... again

A plus Thursday is that schools were closed, helping the road-cleaning effort, Klusman said.

But it does cause a havoc with the school calendar.

Mount Carmel Area Superintendent Bernie Stellar said Thursday's cancelation marks the third snow day of the school year.

"We have one snow day left, and we are not even to Christmas yet," he said.

He reported that students will attend class Jan. 19, Feb. 2 and Feb. 16 to make up the days already missed. The district's next make-up day would be April 2. Any subsequent days will be made up at the end of the school year.

Northumberland County government offices closed early due to the inclement weather Thursday, and several municipalities announced parking bans on their main streets for this morning.

LOS ANGELES - Shamokin native Cpt. Ryan Pensyl won another game of "Jeopardy!" Friday night, securing him a spot on tonight's show.

The 1998 graduate of Shamokin Area High School added $24,401 to his winnings from Thursday for a two-day total of $32,000.

Competing against Pensyl Friday was Michael Oliphant, of Chicago, and Emily Moody, of Easton, Md.

Round one included categories "Quotes from The Wizard of Oz," "world leaders" and "A Game of Idioms," in which contestants were asked to name the sport associated with a saying. For example, the first clue in the category was, "saved by the bell," to which Pensyl correctly answered, "What is boxing?"

During the interview portion of the show, game show host Alex Trebek commented on Pensyl's interest in Stephen King, noting the captain has all of the writer's novels in hard cover. Trebek asked how many have been made into motion pictures; Pensyl said, "What is 15, Alex?" Trebek said, "I'll say, 'correct' because I don't know."

Pensyl was leading at the end of the first round with $5,400. Moody had $4,400 and Oliphant had $3,400.

Double Jeopardy! categories included "chemistry," "masters of sax," as opposed to "masters of six" in the first round, "state mottos" and "Love! Valor! Compassion!"

Pensyl hit his "Daily Double" in round two for $2,500 in the "lowly history" category.

Pensyl remained in the lead at the end of Double Jeopardy! with $17,900. Oliphant moved up to second place with $12,200 and Moody ended the second round with $7,600.

The final Jeopardy! category was "literary travel." The clue, "The romantic balcony seen here is one of the most popular tourist attractions in this Italian city," referred to a photo shown to the contestants. The correct answer was Verona, which both Pensyl and Oliphant wrote. Moody wrote "Venice," and lost $3,801, dropping her to third place.

Oliphant wagered $10,156, bumping him into the lead briefly with $22,356. However, Pensyl wagered $6,501, enough to regain first place and secure a spot on tonight's show at 7:30 p.m. on WBRE.

Pensyl is a military intelligence officer and a son of William and Linda Pensyl. He is a 2005 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

DANVILLE - Jubilant noise from a crowd of doctors, staff members, volunteers, parents and former patients filled the lobby of the Janet Weis Children's Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center Friday afternoon during the hospital's 20th birthday celebration.

Among the celebrators was Teresa Lash, who was the first patient at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital when it opened Dec. 14, 1994. She became emotional while recalling the frightening day she was transported two hours from her home in McVeytown to the new children's hospital, where she learned she had acute lymphatic leukemia.

"I was scared out of my mind," she said. "If it wasn't for my nursing staff and doctors here, my family and myself would have been lost."

An old friend of Lash, Janet Weis Children's Hospital Chairman Dr. Michael Ryan, looked on while she spoke. Ryan was on staff when Lash was admitted as the first patient to the hospital and oversaw her care as well as that of thousands of children who have been treated there.

A pediatrician at Geisinger for 35 years, Ryan watched the children's hospital grow from a staff of 35 doctors to 115 doctors and numerous pediatric surgeons.

"Today, we're saving kids that we didn't save 20 years ago," he said.

Lash was also excited to see Woody Wolfe, a musician who visits the children's hospital every Thursday to make children smile using his guitar. He strummed and sang "Happy Birthday" while Lash, Ryan and Geisinger Executive Vice President Dr. Albert Bothe cut the birthday cake.

Carol Rheam Tevis, a longtime director at the Children's Miracle Network (CMN), was thrilled to see Lash. She had met the girl nearly 20 years ago while volunteering at Camp Dost, a week-long summer camp for kids who have cancer sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House of Danville.

Rheam Tevis attributed the longevity of CMN's 30-year relationship with the Geisinger and the Janet Weis Children's Hospital to "the response from the community."

"It's a day to celebrate," she said.

PAXINOS - With horse-drawn wagons, camp fires galore and a special look at the Christmas story, Oak Grove Church invites everyone to their annual Christmas Village event this Sunday.

The special program will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday on the grounds of the church, at 133 Oak Grove Road.

As always, the church is preparing its usual program of activities, including free food, drinks and Christmas cookies for all.

Last year's event also featured horse drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo and pony rides for the children, all provided at no cost to attendees.

New this year will be a special walk through the woods led by Pastor Zachary Hopple. During the walk, which will take about 10 to 15 minutes, the reason for the season will be explained.

"Throughout the woods, we will have a number of pictures up depicting the Christmas story with Pastor Hopple explaining them," lay leader Bonnie Alleman said. "We normally have a program in the sanctuary of the church, but there weren't a lot of people going in there because they felt a little intimidated. So we are trying to present the Gospel and the Christmas story in a way that coincides with the rest of the event."

There will also be camp fires to warm everyone up on a winter's night, a roaming fiddler, a prayer tent and the church providing a gift for each family that attends.

For those inclined to give a donation, the church will be collecting items for its Open Arms Outreach Ministry.

"We will be taking donations of paper towels, toilet paper and shampoo," Alleman said.

For more information on the event or for directions to the church, contact Alleman at 570-898-9093 or Hopple at 570-648-8450.

SUNBURY - Naheem J. Reams will be going to state prison for 2 to 5 years in the near future instead of trial next week.

The 18-year-old, who is charged with multiple offenses, including felonies of aggravated assault and fleeing or eluding police, unexpectedly pleaded guilty to numerous charges Friday afternoon and was given the state prison sentence and three years consecutive probation by Judge Charles Saylor.

Reams, who was 17 and resided in Shamokin at the time of the offenses, was shot in the chest by Sunbury Sgt. James Taylor after Reams allegedly attempted to run over the officer with a vehicle near Chestnut and Front streets June 5, 2013, following a high-speed chase in the city.

Reams, who was wearing glasses, sneakers and a white sweatshirt under his orange county prison jumpsuit, received the prison sentence on a felony of aggravated assault. Sentences imposed on an additional count of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, fleeing or eluding police, driving under the influence of marijuana, accidents involving a non-licensed driver, reckless driving, limitations on backing, driving under suspension and two counts of driving the wrong way on a one-way street run concurrent to the first one.

Additional charges were not prosecuted.

'The step I had to take'

Reams, whose legs were shackled throughout the legal proceedings, also was ordered to pay fines and costs and make $475 restitution to Sunbury Police Department. He was given credit for 18 months previously served in prison, which means he could be released in six months if he only has to serve his minimum sentence and completes required educational, counseling and drug and alcohol programs.

The defendant faced a maximum of 60 years in state prison if convicted on all charges.

When questioned upon leaving the courtroom why he decided to enter the plea instead of taking the case to trial, Reams replied, "I want to move on with my life and this is the step I had to take."

The teen told the judge he was satisfied with the representation by his attorneys, Timothy Bowers and his wife, Kymberley Best, and that he understood the ramifications of forfeiting his right to a trial that was scheduled to begin Thursday.

Reams, who wrote an apology letter to Sunbury police, appeared remorseful and said he is willing to take responsibility for his actions.

"I am willing to serve time and I will be a better person," Reams said in the courtroom.

Prior to sentencing, Bowers described his client as a soft-spoken young man who displayed uncharacteristic behavior June 5, 2013, when he placed police, the public and himself in danger by his actions.

Bowers said Reams agreed to enter the plea Thursday afternoon after receiving an offer from District Attorney Ann Targonski, who prosecuted the case.

Bowers and Best met with Targonski and Trooper Ronald Zanella, the arresting officer in the case, Wednesday to hear the commonwealth's plea offer, which Reams later accepted.

Previously, Best vowed to take the case to trial unless her client received a plea offer that didn't require jail time. Best, who was not present for the guilty plea and sentencing, later declined comment about the case.

Bowers claimed previous offers by the commonwealth weren't acceptable to his client, but Targonski said the offer ultimately accepted by Reams was almost identical to one presented by former district attorney Tony Rosini earlier in the case. Targonski succeeded Rosini as DA in July.

Ready for trial

The defense and prosecution attorneys said they were prepared to go to trial. A 12-member, all-white jury was selected Monday.

"We felt we had nothing to lose by going to trial, Bowers said.

Targonski added, "We are pleased with the defendant's decision to plead guilty, but we were fully prepared to go to trial. The plea saves the commonwealth time and resources, while ensuring the defendant pays his debt to society."

She added, "His conduct was outrageous and it is the commonwealth's sincere hope that he is indeed remorseful for his actions."

The defense and prosecution waived a pre-sentence investigation in the case, which allowed Saylor to sentence Reams right away. The judge said he had reviewed psychiatric reports and other information pertaining to the highly publicized case.

The defendant was escorted from the courthouse by Sheriff Robert Wolfe and Deputy Sheriff Curtis Cooke before being returned to Northumberland County Prison two blocks away. He will await transfer to SCI-Camp Hill for processing before being committed to a state correctional institution.

Reams was charged by Zanella Aug. 2, 2013, nearly two months after the incident.

He spent 20 days in the hospital before being placed in a juvenile detention facility on an unrelated warrant. After being charged in relation to the chase, he was committed to county jail.

Up to 70 mph

Police encountered Reams in the early morning hours and asked him to clear out of the 400 block of North Fourth Street for street sweeping, not knowing who he was or that he was wanted by juvenile authorities, police said at the time. But police say Reams sped off, leading officers on a chase through city streets in which Reams' vehicle hit speeds of 70 mph.

Reams slowed near Chestnut and Front streets. As officers moved in, police say he rammed a pair of police vehicles. One officer was pinned briefly at his car door and suffered minor injuries.

Reams then allegedly revved his engine and drove toward Taylor, who had drawn his gun, police say. He allegedly ignored commands to surrender, and Taylor fired into the vehicle one time, striking Reams.

Police learned later that Reams was an absconder from juvenile custody, that he was driving a vehicle without the owner's permission and that he was doing so without a license.

Rosini, who is now a county judge, previously ruled that the officer was justified. He based his decision on a state police investigation into the shooting.

SUNBURY - A 14-year-old boy charged with firing an AK-47 semiautomatic rifle at a relative Tuesday afternoon in Zerbe Township was ordered Friday by Judge Charles Saylor to remain in a juvenile detention facility until an adjudication hearing is held within 10 days.

Gage Hertzog, a first-time offender who resides with his grandmother and co-defendant in the case, Carol Ann Whary, 62, of 439 Trevorton Road, appeared subdued at his detention hearing and reserved comment when asked by the media about the attempted criminal homicide charge and other offenses filed against him.

Hertzog, who is his grandmother's caretaker, was represented by Northumberland County Conflicts Counsel Kate Lincoln, who argued the teen should be released to the custody of his parents, David and Carol Hertzog, of Saylor Street, Atlas.

Lincoln also requested the judge to have the court provide funding for a private investigator and to allow her to present material witnesses to testify on Hertzog's behalf at his adjudication hearing.

The judge, who agreed to review Lincoln's requests, pointed out the detention hearing was being held to determine why the teen was charged and placed in a secure juvenile facility.

Lincoln said Hertzog is a cyber school student who doesn't pose a flight risk or danger to the community.

Assistant District Attorney Julia Skinner opposed Lincoln's request to have Hertzog live with his parents due to the seriousness of the charges and the unknown living conditions at their home.

She said it was in everyone's best interest to have Hertzog remain in the juvenile facility at Bellefonte.

Deplorable conditions

Trooper Kevin Kearney, who filed attempted criminal homicide charges and related offenses against Hertzog and Whary, testified about the investigation.

Upon talking to the victim, Dean Whary, 50, of 465 Trevorton Road, and neighbors, Kearney said it was determined Hertzog fired the shots in Whary's direction in a pasture behind their homes Tuesday afternoon. He said six to eight rounds were fired from the AK-47 rifle.

Kearney testified the living conditions at Carol Whary's home in Zerbe Township are deplorable. He said the home is full of garbage, food, animal feces and animals. He also said the furnace is not operating.

Junvenile probation officer Shawn Kalman, who also testified, recommended that Hertzog remain at the juvenile detention facility in Bellefonte because of the seriousness of the offenses.

Kalman said the teen returned to his parents' home from time to time, but slept at his grandmother's house most of the time while serving as her caretaker.

Saylor ruled enough evidence was presented to keep Hertzog in a secure juvenile facility.

After the hearing, Hertzog's mother broke down in tears while embracing her son, who also cried. While leaving the courtroom, Carol Hertzog almost passed out while losing her breath and buckling over. She did not require medical attention.

Grandmother's hearing Tuesday

Carol Ann Whary remains incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $20,000 cash bail. In addition to the attempted homicide offense, she is charged with 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.

She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Shamokin.

Hertzog is charged with the same offenses except for terroristic threats and corruption of minors.

Whary and her grandson were taken into custody at about 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Casings, AK-47 found

Dean Whary, who is Carol Whary's stepson, 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. Hertzog then ran back to his house and returned with Carol Whary and a rifle, which he held on his hip, police said. Both approached Dean Whary, and Carol Whary was yelling at him, according to a criminal complaint.

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

Dean Whary told state police the bark on the trees near him was flying around from the rounds hitting them. He said he 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 then returned to their house. Neighbors said Tuesday they witnessed Hertzog hide the gun in the porch. Police executed a search warrant and uncovered an AK-47 semiautomatic rifle in the basement of the house by the back door.

During a search of the field where Dean Whary said the incident occurred, police located spent 7.62 casings.

Food pantry distribution set

KULPMONT - The borough will hold its monthly food surplus distribution from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 18, in the borough garage. Residents enrolled in the program are reminded to bring their bags.

Christmas dinner served today

TREVORTON - Trevorton Community Ambulance will hold its seventh annual Christmas dinner at noon today at the Trevorton Ambulance building, 510 W. Market St.

The meal is free and open to the public.

Menu includes roast beef, filling, mashed potatoes, vegetables and pumpkin pie. Meals will be delivered to elderly and homebound residents in Zerbe, East and West Cameron and Little Mahanoy townships who made previous arrangements.

Holiday craft show starts at 9 a.m.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A holiday vendor and craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today in the Shamokin Area Middle/High School cafeteria.

Proceeds benefit the Shamokin Area High School band and orchestra.

More than 40 vendors include Scentsy, Younique, Thirty-One, Oragami Owl jewelry and homemade and primitive arts and crafts. Food and refreshments will be available and include pierogies, barbecue, halushki, ham and bean soup, chicken pot pie and hot dogs.

Help decorate town park this afternoon

MOUNT CARMEL - Volunteers will meet at 1 p.m. today to decorate the town park and gazebo for Christmas. Anyone wishing to help is invited and is welcome to bring decorations from home.

LEWISBURG - Jessica Sitko couldn't believe the news when she heard Gage Hertzog had been charged with attempted homicide for allegedly firing an AK-47 in the direction of his Zerbe Township neighbor.

She's seen the teenager nearly every Friday for the past 18 months at the Gratz auction in northern Dauphin County, where she helps with her father's coin stand and Hertzog sells knick-knacks from his own booth.

"He's a big softy. I personally don't think the kid would hurt a fly," said Sitko, 39, of Lewisburg, an Elysburg native who is a 1994 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School. "Really, really, he is one of the nicest kids."

Hertzog, 14, was charged Wednesday through juvenile court with a felony count of attempted homicide and other charges related to the shooting incident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon. His grandmother, Carol Whary, 62, with whom Hertzog lives at 439 Trevorton Road, along Route 225 east of Trevorton, also faces attempted homicide and three other felonies, plus numerous other charges.

Sitko, an attorney who has practiced law in Washington, D.C., and is now a stay-at-home mother, has contacted juvenile authorities to offer to stand as a character witness for Hertzog.

'We ... love this kid'

She said she helps her father, Gregory Sitko, of Elysburg, at the auction. They've developed a "very close relationship" with Hertzog.

"We both love this kid," she said.

She said Hertzog goes to a lot of yard sales. He'll bring her father coins that he comes across, and he'll bring her jewelry, which she sells online.

Hertzog's home-schooling allows him to come to the auction even during school hours every Friday with Whary.

Sitko said her father often gets a hand from Hertzog in unloading his van.

"My dad wouldn't allow it if he didn't think he was a really trustworthy 14 year old," she said. "He is so generous; he is so kind. Every Friday, if you need something, he's right there to help you out."

Sitko said Hertzog has demonstrated that he's close to his grandmother.

"I know the love he has for his grandmother, the way he talks about her, the way he takes care of her," she said.