SHAMOKIN - Parishioners attending services in area churches Sunday will take on the challenge of fighting hunger by participating in a national event called "Souper Bowl of Caring," an annual food and financial drive held to coincide with pro football's Super Bowl. The event, sponsored locally by the Shamokin Area Ministerium of Churches, will benefit Manna for the Many, the Shamokin area's local food pantry.

Donated canned goods will help maintain a sufficient inventory of food supplies for Manna in its quest to continue feeding families in need in this area. Any cash donations will be used to supplement Manna's inventories through purchase of food from local suppliers.

"While football fans begin the countdown for Sunday's Super Bowl between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, we are asking parishioners of area churches to assist us in providing food for those in need in our community," Manna's noard members reported. "The Souper Bowl of Caring vision is to transform the occasion of pro football's Super Bowl into a day of caring and unity."

Exactly 25 years ago, the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a single prayer from a single youth group in a North Carolina church. The prayer, "Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat," is again used to emphasize the need for providing food to the hungry. Since that day, more than $100 million has been raised for local charities across the country. It has become a powerful movement that is transforming Super Bowl weekend into the nation's largest youth-led weekend of giving and serving.

As in past years, parishioners attending services in churches of their choice are asked to donate one dollar in cash and/or a can of soup. Youth are urged to get involved in collecting monetary and food donations. All donations collected remain in this area to purchase food supplies and maintain an inventory of commodities for distribution to clients registered at Manna.

Representatives of participating churches are asked to report the amount of money and food donations by calling Grace Lutheran Church office at 570-648-7534 between 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday and leaving a message. Last year area parishioners donated more than $1,200 and 1,300 cans of soup. "Souper Bowl donations for the past few years have provided enough soup for the rest of the winter months for our clients," a spokesperson for Manna said. "We are emphasizing the need for soup donations again this year."

Manna for the Many, observing its 15th year as a local food pantry, is located at 144 E. Independence St. Food distribution to registered clients is held three days each week: Tuesday, 9 to 11 a.m.; Wednesday, 1 to 3 p.m., and Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m. In order to receive food, clients must provide photo ID and proof of residency (current utility bill, for example) each time they come into the pantry. Manna also asks that clients bring their own bags for carrying their food.

Operation of the pantry is staffed entirely by volunteers. "Without the time given freely by volunteers and the generous donations of cash and food from individuals, schools and other groups in our area, our program of feeding the hungry would not be possible," Manna board members said. "That's why we are appealing to all residents attending church services this Sunday to help us continue this important program in our community."

SHAMOKIN - Two defendants pleaded guilty to charges Tuesday and were ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to pay fines and costs and sentenced to serve supervised probation.

n Whitney M. Bostian, 24, of 1013 N. Franklin St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and retail theft in her hearing Tuesday and was sentenced to one year supervised probation and ordered to pay fines totaling $450 plus court costs.

She was charged by Shamokin City Police Cpl Bryan Primerano in connection with a theft of goods on Dec. 18 from the Dollar General store on East Independence Street.

n Tyler Mooney, 20 of 426 Arlington St., Shenandoah, was sentenced to six month supervised probation and ordered to pay a $300 fine plus court costs after pleading guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct.

Coal Township Det. Jeffrey Brennan filed the charges following an incident at the McDonald's Restaurant along Route 61 at 11:50 a.m. Jan. 16.

A charge of resisting arrest was withdrawn in the case.

The big game - the Super Bowl - is just around the corner. The best way to celebrate is with dips and appetizers on hand while watching the game with friends and family. Dairy products such as butter, cream cheese and sour cream are used in these and other recipes to add richness and savory flavor to seasonings. Here are a few favorite dip recipes to snack on when enjoying football games.

Dried beef dip

- 2 8-ounce package cream cheese

- Softened ½ pound chipped dried beef

- 1 cup sour cream

- 1 large green pepper, diced

- 4 tablespoons milk

- 2 tablespoons onion flakes

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Sauté dried beef in butter. Add all ingredients together adding sour cream last. Put in small crockpot on low for one hour or bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

Taco dip

- 8-ounce package cream cheese

- Softened 16-ounce container sour cream

- 8-ounce shredded Monterey jack cheese

- Lettuce, finely chopped

- 1 package taco seasoning mix

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 8 oz jar of smooth taco sauce

Combine cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning and half jar of taco sauce in a blender and zing until smooth. Put on a serving plate. Layer with lettuce, tomato, cheese and then top with rest of taco sauce. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

Pizza dip

- 8-ounce package cream cheese

- Softened ½ cup chopped pepperoni

- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

- ¼ cup chopped green pepper

- ½ cup pizza sauce 4-ounce can of mushrooms

- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Beat cream cheese and seasonings at medium speed until well blended. Spread in the bottom of a square baking dish. Cover cream cheese mixture with pizza sauce. Top with mushrooms, peppers and pepperoni and top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated with cheese melted.

In all of these recipes, serve them with carrots, celery, pretzels and low-fat tortilla chips for a healthy balance of dairy and vegetables and grains. Remember that eating "3 Every Day of Dairy," meaning three daily servings of low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt is an easy way to obtain many nutrients to help build stronger bones and healthy bodies which will reduce the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, more and more research suggests that consuming three servings of dairy foods a day as part of a nutrient-rich, balanced diet may help maintain a healthy weight.

SHAMOKIN - The owners of four blighted properties on the same block of Pearl Street were issued nuisance citations last week.

Vernon Hoke, John E. McCabe and Richard K. Miller were cited by Cpl. Bryan Primerano - the latest filings in the ongoing joint enforcement initiative between Shamokin's police and code departments.

Hoke, of 716 E. Dewart St., Shamokin, is identified as the owner of 113-115 S. Pearl. The citation says the building is unsecured. There is no siding, and building materials and wood are falling from the building.

McCabe, of 59 Floyd St., Staten Island, N.Y., owns 116 S. Pearl, police said. Building materials are falling from the structure, and the front porch floor is damaged and collapsing, according to the citation.

Miller, of 395 Old Route 15, Port Trevorton, is identified as the owner of 102 S. Pearl. A rain gutter is falling off, the chimney is collapsing, the roof is deteriorated as is the south wall, and there is broken glass, the citation says.

All three were sent certified letters detailing the alleged code violations, allowing for time to address the issues before citations were filed.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area School District has released its honor roll lists for the first marking period of the 2014-15 school year.

Distinguished honors

Grade 4 - Erin Hartopp, Morgan Kaleta, Alexis Kane, Garrett McGee, Gabrielle McGinley, Xandra Moser, Alexys O'Donnell, Cole Parfitt, Jenna Pizzoli, Alyssa Reisinger, John Robert, Lea Rusinko, Leah Shedleski, Judd Slovinsky, Cole Spears, Jacob Zarski, Gabriel Fletcher, Julianne Fletcher, Rachel Witkoski, Kathryn Witkoski, Dylan Haggerty, Hannah Towey, Angela Weng, Kelli Lawton, Garrett Varano, Giavonna Laurie, Blake Wise, Mohamad Kanafani, Nadalee Hein and Alexis Demeere.

Grade 5 - Cedar-Anthony Bolam, Amelia Chapman, Regan Duceman, Koryn Ennis, Judy Kanafani, Mohamed Ammar Kanafani, Elise Makowski, Cole Marquardt, Devin O'Hearn, Molly Petrucci, Matthew Scicchitano, Faythe Timmins, Kenneth Wetzel III, Livia Zlockie, Maura Higgins, Mason Fretz, Avery Dowkus, Christina Kurtz, Devin Palek, Jasleen Dhillon, Thomas Davitt, Desirae Mattis, Audrey Hoven, Ayana Aguirre and Azure Bosland.

First honors

Grade 4 - Alannah Chapman, Michael Conches, Austin Day, Michael Langton, Megan Matukaitis, Nadine Clayberger, Michael Boylan Jr., Emily Britt, Sabrina Clark, Mason Fantini, Tanner Hampton, Colin Lokitis, Karli Madison, Preston Marlow, Ashlee Sadusky, Ashley Wills, Zackary Zerbe, Delaney Slodysko, Olivia Bellve, Mariah Harner, Ian Higgins, Randi Wiest, Tristan Swatsky, Auden Smith, Raven Fern, Althaea Emma Schauer, Joshua Futrell and Sabrina White.

Grade 5 - Noah Wise, Courtney Troutman, Brittany Neumeister, Gianna Belfanti, Dustin Blessing, Evan Bronkoski, Brynn Evert, Matthew Kelley, Damen Milewski, Zoie Moore, Dalton Moser, Cortney Hurry, Michael Farronato, Kiara Blocker, Jaiden Alvarez, Jetly Gonzalez, Pedro Feliciano Jr. and Lilian Becker.

Second honors

Grade 4 - Jonathon Troup, Michael Wasilewski, Dylan Weaver, Hunter Whyne, Maryann Reed, Sage Bishop, Brian Dugan, Ava Hollenbush, Gavin Lasko, Alivia Miller, Sarah Sosky, Bryan Trent Jr., Avery Shurock, Brenna Davis, Dominick Rosario, Jayden Keyser, Thomas Price, Zachary Wands and Shanell Smalls.

Grade 5 - Daymon Haupt, Jason Hollenbach Jr., Kassandra Fernandez, Caleb Broscious, Mackenzie Swetra, Julien Stellar, Hanna Ozment, Alyvia Williams, Devin Peters, Jerry Bryant, Xander Jones, Krysta Kimsal, Austin Minnig, Lindsay Schuck, Lina Viras, Ryan Baranoski, Mackenzie Heddin, Anthony Carlson, Braylin Kemfort-Huth, Grace Almonti, Kristen Deitz, Kaylei Flaim, Ryan Mickel, Xander Kenenitz and Carter Moore.

(The honor roll listing for grades six to 12 will be published in a later edition.)

SHAMOKIN - While Gov. Tom Wolf's support of medical marijuana outshines that of his predecessor, the leader of a local advocacy groups says the proposed bill does not extend far enough.

Ed Quiggle Jr., constable of the Ninth Ward of the City of Sunbury and spokesperson for People of Sunbury United for Medical Marijuana, said he was disappointed in the bill because it failed to cover many of the people that could benefit most from legalizing medical marijuana.

"We definitely applaud the general assembly for taking issue on the action," he said. "But we feel the bill that was issued today was a compromise of the bill that was introduced last session."

Quiggle's stance is rooted in the belief that Pennsylvania citizens are guaranteed the right to access the best medical care, including marijuana.

"We believe that citizens have the right to use this medicine if their doctor recommends it," he said.

He is supporting two ballot initiatives that he hopes to bring to Sunbury's city council for approval in a few weeks. A sister organization, People of Shamokin United for Medical Marijuana, will do the same at a Shamokin City Council meeting, he said.

The first, which he called a "compassionate medical care reform ordinance," will revoke state and national laws criminalizing marijuana used medically.

The second, a "right to privacy ordinance," supports the first ordinance by banning local government officials from forcing national and state laws prohibiting medical marijuana from being enforced. Any official breaking this rule can be fined up to $2,000, the proposed ordinance says.

The full text of the proposed ordinances is available for review on the group's website, www.sunburyunited.tk.

SHAMOKIN - A city woman accused of stealing toys from a charity faces a bench warrant now after failing to show for a court hearing Tuesday.

Tonya Wilk, 31, of 409 N. Rock St., Apt. 1, was scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin, for a preliminary hearing on charges of theft and receiving stolen property. City Police Patrolman Shane Mowery filed the charges Dec. 22 following an investigation into the theft from a Toys for Tots donation box inside the CVS Pharmacy, Independence Street, earlier that month.

Police said surveillance footage from the store shows Wilk entering the store and placing her purse into a shopping cart before she leafs through a sales flyer. The suspect is wary of customers entering and exiting, and continually looks around before reaching into the donation box and plucking a plastic shopping bag filled with toys, police said.

She then allegedly places the toys into the shopping cart and casually walks further into the store to browse merchandise.

During an interview at the police station, Wilk told police she didn't remember taking the items. After Mowery explained that she is seen on video removing the items, she stated she did not remember the incident.

The theft was reported by store management. Police don't know the bag's exact contents.

SHAMOKIN - Approximately 40 percent of blighted properties targeted by the city were demolished or renovated in the past 18 months.

Shamokin police teamed with the code office in 2013 and have since identified 136 properties for enforcement, some of which had been neglected and others damaged by fire or flooding. There were 43 properties knocked down and 10 renovated and brought up to code, according to the police and code departments.

"That ain't bad for 1 1/2 years," Cpl. Bryan Primerano said Tuesday as he leafed through a binder dedicated to the enforcement initiative.

"It's not easy to get people to rip a house down," he said, noting the logistics necessary to get multiple owners on board when demolishing properties like half-doubles and row homes.

Nearly $194,000 in grant funding was spent by the city to demolish 12 of the properties. The funds came from the state's Keystone Communities program, and federal money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Community Development Block Grants.

Private property owners or insurance companies paid for the others. Rick Bozza, code officer, estimated more than $500,000 combined in public and private money was spent on demolition.

Some cases were easy to address with owners willing to demolish blight, or who bought a property expressly for that purpose. Others took convincing through code enforcement.

Public nuisance citations were filed against 28 of the property owners, sometimes repeatedly. Seven of the owners who failed to act were subsequently charged with criminal misdemeanors. Primerano said a majority of the cases are active, with some owners addressing the issues.

Cooperation between the code and police departments already underway is among 120 suggestions in a preliminary Act 47 plan created to improve Shamokin's finances.

Bozza credited the police with at least doubling what he'd accomplished on his own prior to the joint effort.

"Not only are they getting letters from the code officer, they're getting letters from the Shamokin Police Department," Bozza said of owners of blighted properties. "People take the police letters more seriously."

The enforcement efforts continue. There's a map in the code office indicating blighted properties and color coded for progress. File folders are kept on each one.

Bozza said 42 of the remaining 83 properties initially identified are actively targeted for enforcement. Seven properties are scheduled by the city for demolition this year through the Keystone program. The city is seeking control of another five properties through court-approved conservatorship. Those properties would also be demolished.

With dozens of lots now cleared, Bozza said city officials are hopeful that some will be purchased for new construction. He said three lots, including one downtown, have drawn interest. Any revenue from sales would be reinvested in future demolition. The city would only make a profit through resulting property taxes, Bozza said.

Marino's assignments finalized

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-10, finalized his House of Representatives committee assignments Tuesday. According to his office, the assignments are:

House Judiciary Committee: chairman, subcommittee on regulatory reform, commercial and antitrust law; subcommittee on courts, intellectual property and the Internet.

House Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on cybersecurity, infrastructure protection and security technologies; subcommittee on emergency preparedness, response and communications.

House Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia and emerging threats; subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.

'Why men hate church' topic discussed

SHAMOKIN - The trend of most men avoiding church will be considered at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lifetree Café at Antioch Place, 531 N. Market St.

The program, titled "Why Men Hate Church: An Open Forum on the Male Exodus," features a filmed interview with author and church analyst David Murrow. Participants will have the opportunity to talk about both the reasons for and consequences of men abandoning church involvement.

Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available. For more information, contact Kathy Vetovich at 570-672-9346 or kvetovich@gmail.com.

MOUNT CARMEL - The borough has a new snow ordinance designed to eliminate street congestion that blocks the path of plows.

Under the new ordinance, if a storm of more than 3 inches of snow accumulation, or development of any amount of ice, is predicted, parking will be prohibited on the side of streets with odd numbered houses until plowing, salting or cindering is complete on that side.

After 8 a.m. the following day, parking will be prohibited on the side of streets with even numbered houses.

The rotational parking will allow for snow plows to fit through narrow streets and provide a more thorough removal of snow.

Rotational parking will only be implemented upon the posting of paper flyers notifying residents. Vehicles not moved can be ticketed.

Council decided on paper flyers due to uncertainty about whether the rotational parking would work. The drastic decrease in the number of on-street parking spaces was cited as a concern during a work session.

"We don't want to order signs and if we change it we're stuck with the signs," said Borough Manger Edward T. Cuff III.

Also included in the ordinance is a permitting fee of $10 for motorized vehicles used for plowing snow, a stipulation that a 36-inch path must be shoveled, a prohibition on placing removed snow into streets or waterways, a limit on snow piles to 3 feet in height and a prohibition of them within 20 feet of an intersection.

A story dated Jan. 20 incorrectly stated the ordinance failed approval. The ordinance was actually removed from the agenda and voted on separately. It passed 7-1, with councilmember Clem Plisiewicz dissenting. Councilmember Leroy "Chico" Moser was absent from the meeting.

SHAMOKIN - Two highrise residents were charged Tuesday with selling various drugs to a police informant in separate incidents in the city.

Wadie Crain, 46, of Apt. 402, Lincoln Towers, 201 W. Mulberry St., was taken into custody at about 11:20 a.m. by Shamokin Chief of Police Darwin Tobias III, Cpl. Bryan Primerano and Ralpho Township Patrolman Chris Grow while boarding a LATS bus at 9th and Independence streets.

Approximately 10 minutes later, Albert Small, 65, a resident of the Harold Thomas Highrise, 170 E. Dewart St., and his girlfriend, Betty Seibert, 55, of 51 S. Franklin St., Shamokin, were apprehended by police after a drug transaction involving an undercover officer at Seibert's home.

Primerano said none of the drugs were sold to highrise tenants.

Crain is charged with felonies of delivering marijuana and possession of marijuana relating to a Nov. 17 incident in which he allegedly sold $20 worth of marijuana to an informant. He also faces felonies of delivering marijuana, possession with intent to deliver marijuana and criminal use of a communication facility, and a misdemeanor of delivering a prescription medication known as Gabapentin relating to a Nov. 21 incident. Police said Crain, who reportedly moved to Pennsylvania from Maryland in 2008, is accused of selling marijuana and Gabapentin for $20 to an informant.

Shortly after being arraigned by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Primerano said Crain gave police permission to search his apartment. That incident led to additional charges of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia after police discovered a plastic bag containing marijuana, a digital scale, packaging material and a marijuana smoking device.

Small, who is Crain's friend, is charged with felonies of delivering five hydrocodone tablets, possession with intent to deliver five hydrocodone tablets, criminal use of a communication facility (two counts), delivering five dihydrocodeinone pills and possession with intent to deliver five dihydrocodeinone pills.

Primerano said Small allegedly sold the hydrocodone for $30 and the dihydrocodeinone for $50 on July 26 and Aug. 22, respectively.

In connection with Tuesday's undercover drug buy, Small faces felonies of delivering four hydrocodone tablets, possession with intent to deliver four hydrocodone tablets and criminal conspiracy, along with misdemeanors of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Seibert was charged with delivering four hydrocodone (Vicodin) pills, possession with intent to deliver four hydrocodone pills and criminal conspiracy relating to the incident at her home in which Small allegedly sold the drugs for $20.

Seibert told police that the pills Small sold to the undercover officer were her prescription medications. She claimed her "representative payee" was not giving her enough money, which prompted her and Small to sell the prescription medications to "make money to live," according to police.

Primerano and Grow filed the charges.

Crain and Small were released on their own recognizance after being arraigned by Gembic, who placed the defendants on bail supervision. Seibert, who was charged but not arraigned, also remains free.

Primerano praised Shamokin Housing Authority and Lincoln Towers officials for their cooperation in the investigation that led to the charges. The housing authority owns the Harold Thomas Highrise.

MANDATA - The Line Mountain School Board of Directors and the Line Mountain Education Association will begin arbitration Monday in an attempt to settle a contact negotiation that started in June 2012.

Board President Troy Laudenslager named William Caldwell as the arbitrator who will navigate between the demands of the teachers union and the declared limitations of the school board.

"We look forward to meeting him," Laudenslager said. "We've heard good things."

Solicitor Rich Roberts warned that though the parties would be meeting Monday, it may take many more days or weeks to come to a resolution.

The teachers union agreed to an offer made by the school board of nonbinding arbitration Oct. 29, just one week before a scheduled strike was to begin. If the two parties do not come to an agreement through the arbitration process, the union may still choose to strike.

In other news:

- The board approved Kelly Eure as a day-to-day substitute, and Kelly Heim, Beth Reed, Sara Paulson, Tara Buriak, Melinda Masser and Alicia Eisenhauer as after school and dention personnel.

- The board accepted the resignation of Denya Burris, middle school physical education teacher, at a date to be determined.

"The administration will miss her," said David M. Campbell, superintendent.

- The salary of Douglas Fessler, assistant girls softball coach, was raised by approximately $400 to $1,840 due to a miscalculation made during the initial approval.

- A fiber optic cable will be installed at a cost of $1,695. The cable will connect the new cameras at the football field to the main data line, providing better clarity.

SUNBURY - A Riverside trucking firm owner charged in connection with a March 25, 2013, four-vehicle accident on Route 54 in Ralpho Township that seriously injured a New York couple pleaded guilty Monday to multiple offenses, including two misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person.

Joshua S. Kovaschetz, 34, is facing a maximum four-year state prison sentence and fines up to $10,000 after entering the plea before Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor.

The defendant, who was represented by Attorney Kyle Rude of Williamsport, told the judge he fully understood the ramifications of forfeiting his right to a trial by pleading guilty and was satisfied with his legal counsel.

He remains free on $10,000 unsecured bail.

Saylor ordered a pre-sentence investigation in the case and will sentence Kovaschetz within 90 days.

In addition to the misdemeanors, Kovaschetz pleaded guilty to summaries of having a tractor-trailer in an unsafe condition, failing to have insurance on the vehicle, an inspection violation and two counts of allowing a hazardous brake system.

Eleven other summary offenses will not be prosecuted under a plea agreement with the district attorney's office.

The charges were filed by Ralpho Township police and state police at Stonington.

Kovaschetz previously pleaded guilty to hit and run in connection with a Feb. 7 accident in Riverside and was sentenced to nine months supervised probation.

He also was charged in Montour County for incidents involving his trucking business, and with a separate DUI offense in Montour County.

The 2013 accident near Elysburg left Richard Shaw, of Johnson City, N.Y., confined to a wheelchair and also caused serious injuries to his wife, Brenda. The Shaws and David L. Wolfe, of Shamokin, through his insurance company, have filed lawsuits against Kovaschetz, his trucking company and David P. McGuinn, 54, of Paxinos, the driver of the rig owned by Kovaschetz.

Wolfe and his two passengers - his wife, Judith, and their son, David - also were injured.

Another accident victim, Ricardo Contreras, of Danville, and McGuinn escaped injury.

McGuinn was charged with three summary offenses - operating unsafe equipment, careless driving and an out-of-service offense. On Aug. 20, he pleaded guilty to operating unsafe equipment and paid a fine and costs totaling $127.50. The other two charges were withdrawn.

According to a report issued by Ralpho Township police shortly after the accident, Richard Shaw was driving a Ford Mustang east at about 2:30 p.m. when it was rear-ended by McGuinn's truck.

The collision forced the Ford into the westbound lane, where it collided head-on with a Toyota Prius driven by David Wolfe. The Prius was subsequently rear-ended by a Dodge Dakota driven by Contreras.

Carol Ann Whary, who is charged with attempted homicide relating to a Dec. 9 shooting behind her Zerbe Township home, was released from SCI-Muncy Jan. 22 and is living at 49 N. Grant St., Shamokin.

Sue Bensinger, deputy press secretary for the state Department of Corrections, confirmed Whary was released from prison late in the day Jan. 22. Whary's attorney, John Broda of the county Public Defender's Office, said Wednesday he has not spoken to his client since her release.

At the conclusion of a habeas corpus hearing Jan. 21, Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor granted Broda's request to release the 62-year-old Whary on $20,000 unsecured bail. Saylor ordered her to live at a home she owns in Shamokin in an effort to avoid further conflict with her stepson and victim, Dean Whary, who lives next door on Trevorton Road.

Whary had been incarcerated on $20,000 cash bail since her arrest on multiple charges the day of the shooting.

Whary and her 14-year-old grandson, Gage Hertzog, are charged by Trooper Kevin Kearney of state police at Stonington in connection with six shots allegedly fired from two different weapons at Dean Whary.

Hertzog, who is charged with the same offenses as Whary except for terroristic threats and corruption of minors, remains detained at Central Counties Youth Center in Bellefonte. His adjudication hearing that was scheduled for Tuesday before Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest was continued and has not yet been rescheduled.

At her hearing last week conducted via video from SCI-Muncy, where female county inmates have been incarcerated since a Jan. 14 devastating fire at Northumberland County Prison, Whary told Saylor she has two bad kidneys and diabetes.

Whary said she was in a coma for 15 days and hospitalized for a couple months before spending time in a nursing home. Whary said she receives $907 per month in Social Security survivor benefits and can't work due to her illnesses.

In granting the bail reduction, Saylor ordered Whary to comply with all supervised bail conditions set by the adult probation department. He prohibited her from having contact with Dean Whary and Hertzog, and ordered her to stay away from her residence.

Whary's residence at 439 Trevorton Road was deemed unfit to live in following a search of the property by state police that revealed animal feces, dead animals, garbage and other unsanitary conditions. The home also had no heat, according to Kearney.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Four senior girls at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School will vie for the title of Homecoming Queen for the 2014-2015 school year as part of this year's homecoming celebration. The crowning of the queen will occur at half-time of the boys varsity basketball game against Williams Valley on Friday evening.

The four young ladies aspiring to be voted this year's queen by a special election of the student body include:

Jessica DeLong, a daughter of Melody DeLong, Shamokin. DeLong is president of the National Honor Society, a student ambassador, a member of the Girls Action League, Spanish National Honor Society and Students Against Destructive Decisions organizations and served as editor of the school yearbook during her junior year. She also played varsity soccer and has served on the Diocesan Youth Council. DeLong is a member of Mother Cabrini Parish and will be escorted by Billy Allen.

Caitlin Funk, a daughter of Mary Louise and Clay Funk, Paxinos. Funk is president of the French National Honor Society, vice-president of student council and the National Honor Society and a captain of the varsity basketball, volleyball and softball teams. She is a student ambassador as well as a member of the Girls Action League, Respect Life Club, Art and French Clubs as well as the Students Against Destructive Decisions organization. Funk is an after school care volunteer and belongs to Holy Rosary Parish. She will be escorted by Larry Czeponis.

Mikayla Persing, daughter of Karen and Scott Persing, Marion Heights. Persing is treasurer of the National Honor Society and a student ambassador, a co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squads at Lourdes and Mount Carmel under the co-op agreement as well as a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, Respect Life Club, Girls Action League and Students Against Destructive Decisions organization. Persing is also a Lourdes singer and member of the school chorus. She volunteers at Danville Relay for Life and Geisinger's Cancer Survivor's Day and belongs to Holy Angels Parish. Persing will be escorted by Luke Holleran.

Claudia Rawa, daughter of Lisa and Vince Rawa, Coal Township. Rawa is vice-president of the Respect Life Club, treasurer of the French Club, co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad and girls soccer team as well as a student council homeroom representative. Rawa belongs to the Girls Action League, yearbook staff and the Students Against Destructive Decisions organization. She is an altar server at Divine Redeemer Parish. Rawa will be escorted by Dakota Maneval.

Lottery makes some changes

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Lottery on Tuesday launched the PICK family of games.

It features a new drawing, PICK 2, allowing players to choose any two-digit number. The new games, costing $1 for either a straight or boxed bet, will pay $50 for every straight win and $25 for each boxed number win.

After nearly 38 years, the Daily Number is now named PICK 3. The lottery also renamed its BIG 4 game as PICK 4 and Quinto as PICK 5.

The Daily Number was launched on March 1, 1977, becoming the first Pennsylvania Lottery game where players picked their own numbers.

BIG 4 joined the nightly drawing lineup Nov. 22, 1980. Midday drawings for both games were added Feb. 11, 2003.

Quinto, which allows players to pick five numbers, debuted Aug. 26, 2008, with midday and evening drawings.

Southern Relay for Life meeting set

ELYSBURG - The Southern Columbia Relay for Life kickoff meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, Elysburg. Anyone wishing to attend can register by sending an email to amanda.emerich@cancer.org.

Appointments needed for tax help

SHAMOKIN - Assistance for those who need help filing their federal taxes will once again be available at the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library.

Help is available by appointment only. To set up a time, call the library at 570-648-3202.

SUNBURY - For the second time in two weeks, a jury trial for a Mount Carmel man accused of causing an accident along Snydertown Road in 2013 that killed his friend has been continued.

The trial for Hasan Mustafa Abuomar, 21, which was scheduled for today, was continued until Thursday, March 12, by Judge Charles Saylor at the request of District Attorney Ann Targonski, who is ill and unable to prosecute the case.

Abuomar's attorneys Kymberley Best and her husband, Timothy Bowers, opposed the continuance.

Best said, "I sympathize with her illness, but it's personally and professionally frustrating to have the trial continued for the second time in two weeks."

Best and Bowers said they were very disappointed the jury that was selected earlier this month couldn't be preserved with the trial being moved to March.

"Tim (Bowers) and I were very content with that jury and we want to thank them for their time," Best added. Saylor has dismissed the jury from hearing the case and new jurors are scheduled to be selected March 9.

Date conflicts with another case

Best said she has a conflict with the new tentative date for the trial because she represents Barry Thomas Adams, 31, of Mount Carmel, who is scheduled for trial March 12 and 13. Adams is charged by Mount Carmel police with raping or having indecent sexual contact with four women after allegedly drugging them at local bars.

Targonski also is scheduled to prosecute Adams' case.

Abuomar was initially scheduled for trial Jan. 16, but that legal proceeding was postponed at Targonski's request due to the devastating fire Jan. 14 at Northumberland County Prison. The district attorney, who is a member of the prison board, asked for the continuance because of the time she had devoted toward attempting to rectify a myriad of problems caused by the fire.

Abuomar is charged by state police at Stonington with felonies of homicide by vehicle and aggravated assault by vehicle (two counts), misdemeanors of involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person (three counts), along with summaries of reckless driving, careless driving and disregard for a traffic lane.

The defendant, who was 19 at the time of the July 16, 2013, accident in Upper Augusta Township, is accused of grabbing the steering wheel of a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire driven by Marcelle R. Barber, 18, of 15 State St., Mount Carmel. The vehicle slid across both lanes and rolled onto its driver side before coming to rest on its roof. Barber was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other passengers in the vehicle - Tyler J. Karycki, then 21, of Mount Carmel, and Brianna L. Bailey, then 18, of Kulpmont, were injured and underwent emergency room treatment.

IRISH VALLEY - The setting sun may have played a factor in a one-vehicle accident that injured a flagger Wednesday afternoon on Irish Valley Road.

Emergency personnel responded around 4:30 p.m. to Irish Valley Road, approximately 30 yards west of the intersection with Badman's Hill Road, after a Chysler Sebring, driven by Ann E. Benedict, of Shamokin, traveling west struck James Fredericks, of Tamaqua, a member of Flagger Force, a traffic control company.

State police at Stonington report Fredericks was collecting cones in a work zone when he was struck by the vehicle. Benedict, traveling west on Irish Valley Road, told police she was temporarily blinded by the sun, causing her to strike Fredericks.

There were at least two construction signs - one of which indicated a flagger was ahead - east of the intersection with Badman's Hill Road.

Fredericks was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, by Elysburg Ambulance for treatment of a broken leg. A condition update was not available Wednesday evening.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Northumberland County highway safety and law enforcement officials are urging football fans to drink responsibly and drive carefully while watching the Super Bowl Sunday.

Party hosts and anyone who plans on drinking while watching the game is urged to designate a sober driver.

NHTSA's Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign encourages people to make plans ahead of time that will prevent them from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. Driving impaired could result in injury or death for you or others on the road.

According to data from NHTSA, in 2012 there were 10,322 people killed in alcohol impaired driving crashes in the United States - 31 percent of all crash fatalities in the nation. A driver is considered alcohol impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, the legal limit in all states.

On Sunday, don't become a tragic Super Bowl statistic.

"Drunk driving is completely preventable," said Coal Township police officer and Northumberland County DUI Enforcement coordinator Terry Ketchem. "All it takes is a little planning. We want fans to remember that it's a choice. Drink or drive - but never do both."

SUNBURY - Frequent continuances in county court cases in the past two weeks have frustrated judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys.

The delays are related to the Jan. 14 fire at Northumberland County Prison that resulted in the transfer of more than 200 prisoners to state correctional institutions.

The continuances have had an adverse effect on the court system, said Northumberland County Deputy Court Administrator Kevin O'Hearn.

"They have slowed us down and created a backlog," he said. "We are working on some options to make the system work more efficiently. Our dilemma is making sure defendants' rights are met while still moving cases forward as quickly as possible."

From 1 hour to 3

O'Hearn said the county's four public defenders and two conflicts counselors are having a harder time meeting with clients at the state prisons because of their locations, limited visitation times and stricter regulations.

He and other court officials are working to conduct more video conferences to reduce the need for transporting inmates to the courthouse. Male inmates are being held at SCI-Coal Township, 16 miles from Sunbury, and females at SCI-Muncy, 29 miles away.

He said the county has three video conferencing units, as does SCI-Coal Township. Most state prisons have at least one, he said.

President Judge William H. Wiest said he understands the need for continuances, but is frustrated when the legal system gets bogged down, forcing a backlog of cases for attorneys and judges.

"Everyone's been cooperative since the fire and is putting their best effort forward, but the fact remains that too many cases are being continued because defense attorneys don't have enough time to discuss their cases with defendants," Wiest said. "From what I've been told, it normally takes a defense attorney one hour to see three clients, but now it takes three hours to see the same number of clients."

Access to inmates

Most defendants in Northumberland County are represented by public defenders or conflicts attorneys who often meet with multiple inmates during their jail visits. But meeting with multiple defendants on the same day in a state prison is more difficult due to the logistics and security procedures, O'Hearn said.

Although attorneys consult with state inmates at times, their visits are not as frequent as public defenders since the majority of state prisoners are already serving their sentences. It's more likely that a county inmate is awaiting a preliminary hearing before a magisterial district judge or county court proceedings, requiring more frequent consultation with their legal representatives.

Chief Public Defender Edward Greco said everyone is working together "to make the best of a bad situation," but that "getting public defenders and conflicts counselors ample time to talk with their clients has been a problem since the fire."

He said video conferencing for defendants who waive their rights to appear in person before a judge has helped. But it's also has resulted in logistical problems and delays when judges and court personnel are required to leave the courtroom so defense attorneys can talk privately to their clients.

With the old prison just a block away from the courthouse, "we could see our clients just about anytime, including weekends," Greco said.

But it's more than just the distance to the state prisons, he said.

"Access to the inmates is more difficult at state prisons. It takes longer to go through the gates and get searched and to find an appropriate area to meet your clients," Greco said. "It's just the way the state prison system is set up."

Still, he added, he understands it's a unique situation.

"All this is new for everyone, but I think it's going to get better," he said.

Rights vs. speed

Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure Rule 600 guarantees defendants the right to a speedy and fair trial. If defendants are held in pre-trial incarceration for a period exceeding 180 days, they are entitled to immediate release on nominal bail. Defendants must be brought to trial within 365 days of their incarceration if continuances don't occur.

If the commonwealth fails to exercise "due diligence" by not abiding by Rule 600, charges against the defendant must be dismissed.

"As court officials, we want to expedite as many cases as we can to avoid backlogs. We don't want to slow down the process of law," O'Hearn said.

He expects more continuances to be granted, but said changes are being discussed that will give the court, attorneys and inmates more flexibility.

District Attorney Ann Targonski said the increase in continuances has resulted in a workload increase in her office, too.

"We've had to reschedule many cases and contact multiple witnesses and victims about postponements," she said. "We've also had to reschedule some preliminary hearings at the magistrate offices due to transportation issues."

Where to rebuild

Wiest believes it's not cost effective for the county to rebuild the jail at its current location, but he would like to see a new prison constructed in the Sunbury area because of its proximity to the courthouse. Building near SCI-Coal Township has its merits, but also drawbacks because of the distance.

"I hope it stays close to Sunbury merely for the convenience of getting inmates here for their proceedings in a quick fashion," he said.

O'Hearn would like to see central booking (an expanded holding cell area) and pre-release centers part of a new prison.

"They would be self-sufficient programs that would be extremely helpful in managing the inmate population," he said. "The centers would not create an overriding tax burden on residents because prisoners would basically be paying rent to be housed in prison through the money they earn on work release."

He said a holding cell established last year at the county prison proved very successful. Since the fire, efforts are being made to establish a new one in the Sunbury area.

O'Hearn believes building a new prison in the Sunbury area would be the most feasible option because of proximity to the courthouse. But he said court officials are willing to work with whatever decision is made by commissioners.

Targonski would also like to see pre-release and central booking centers included in any plans for a new prison.

"Location of a new prison is a major factor, but not the only factor," she said.

Targonski, a member of the prison board, otherwise isn't sure how she thinks the county should proceed.

"I need more facts about each option before I decide on which one I favor," she said.

Time constraints

O'Hearn said county correctional officers, who have been used since the fire to transport prisoners, face time restraints, especially at SCI-Coal Township. County inmates being housed at state prisons must be picked up for court appearances during normal business hours for security reasons, and the inmates must be returned by 3 p.m.

That's the reason all preliminary hearings at the four magistrate offices in the county will be held in the morning, effective March 3. Currently, Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum of Sunbury conducts hearings in the afternoons; the other three already have morning hearings.

Patricia Kelley, corrections superintendent's assistant at SCI-Coal Township, and state Department of Corrections Deputy Press Secretary Sue Bensinger said there have been no problems reported with county inmates being housed at the state prisons. Kelley said the county inmates at SCI-Coal Township are being held in E block, where state inmates who were transferred to other correctional institutions were formerly held.

State employees are currently staffed in E block, a self-contained housing unit that allows county inmates to be fed and have recreation outdoors without direct interaction with state prisoners.

O'Hearn praised officials and other employees at the state prisons for accommodating the county's needs since the fire.

"They have worked very well with us in providing our housing needs and we appreciate their cooperation in trying to deal with the problems that have resulted from the fire," he said.