LEWISBURG - Guest speakers kept it brief prior to Thursday's Central Pennsylvania premiere of a documentary on the Geisinger Health System.

As Susan Dentzer, the film's writer and narrator, said, "This story is really best told by the people who are living it."

"Reinventing American Healthcare" was shown to an invitation-only crowd of 420 inside The Weis Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Bucknell University.

Abigail Geisinger invested her late husband's iron fortune into creating the Danville hospital, which she envisioned as a top-notch hospital set in a rural area. The hospital, now in its 100th year, transformed into a health system serving 2.5 million patients in 44 counties, and has additional affiliates out of state.

The hour-long documentary is focused on the increasing health costs Americans have endured and how Geisinger Health System has worked toward solutions copied by health care institutions globally.

Dentzer is a senior policy adviser to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and a commentator on PBS NewsHour and National Public Radio. She introduced Dr. Glenn D. Steele Jr., Geisinger's outgoing chief executive officer, who she referred to as a rock star in the health care field.

"Today's innovations Steele brought to Geisinger are being scaled up and generalized," she said.

More than 25 health care institutions have borrowed from Geisinger to improve patient access and care, including the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Wash.

Included in the film are interviews with Geisinger doctors and nurses, administrators and specialists. There's also original surgery footage.

Patients, too, are featured, including a couple from Puerto Rico who brought their daughter to Geisinger for treatment of a developmental disorder.

Patient care, Steele told the audience, is what Geisinger can be most proud of.

"I'm very proud of the national reputation and pizazz we've achieved," Steele said, "but even more so of the care we can provide."

The broadcast premiere of "Reinventing American Healthcare" is 7:30 p.m. April 23 on WVIA, with encore broadcasts at 5 p.m. April 26, 7 p.m. April 28, 8 p.m. April 30, and 2 p.m. May 3.

KULPMONT - A borough man faces indecent assault charges after allegedly making inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old girl during a sleepover at his residence Saturday.

State police charged Michael D. Vellner, 46, of 728 Oak St., with two counts of aggravated indecent assault, a second-degree felony, and a misdemeanor account of indecent assault.

Court documents filed by state police Trooper Kevin Kearney of the Stonington barracks said the victim told police she was watching TV and getting ready for bed while Vellner was with her and two other girls, rubbing their backs and the victim's feet and legs.

The victim said Vellner was drinking alcohol at the time, but the minors were not drinking. The girl said Vellner was mixing four different liquors with a punch, but that it was nothing out of the ordinary for him.

Vellner went upstairs, and the girls put on their headphones and went to sleep in the living room. Later that night, the victim said she awoke to find Vellner touching her inappropriately. She told him to stop, but he continued. After telling him to stop a second time, Vellner did and he went back upstairs.

Vellner then came back downstairs and asked if she was OK, but the victim pretended to be asleep, according to police He went back upstairs but came down again to talk to the victim, who said Vellner said that "he could not stop thinking ...," but she did not hear the rest.

The victim didn't answer, and when Vellner went back upstairs, she put on her jeans and left the house to go to a relative's house, where she told her mother what happened.

In an interview with police, Vellner allegedly told Kearney he was watching TV and goofing around with the girls, rubbing their backs and then rubbing the victim's feet and legs.

Vellner said he was very drunk at the time and told police he only remembers going upstairs, but then waking up downstairs kneeling next to the victim on the couch with his head and arms on her, and the victim waking up and telling him to get up.

Vellner allegedly told police that he doesn't remember touching her, but that it was possible.

Police said the incidents occurred between 3 and 5 a.m.

Vellner was arraigned Saturday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel, and placed in Snyder County Prison on $80,000 bail. A preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for Wednesday, is set for Wednesday, April 22, before Jones.

Spring fling planned

RANSHAW - Holy Angels Parish will host a spring fling at the Brady Fire Company banquet hall Saturday.

Doors to the fling will open at 6:30 p.m. Into the Spin will provide entertainment from 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include food and beverage.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 570-373-3110.

Report cards distributed today

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Junior/Senior High School will be distributing report cards today.

Benefit to help family with medical bills

HERNDON - A benefit vendor show and Christian concert will benefit a family going through hard times for a mother and her young son.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Herndon Fire Hall.

Proceeds from the show will benefit a young boy who just had a large part of his small intestine removed along with his appendix. The boy has also been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. His mother is a single mom who is constantly working to make ends meet and medical bills and other bills are piling up.

The spring fling will also feature a guest appearance by Christian rapper, "Chase N' Afta."

Vendors participating at the show include Avon, Team Beach Body/Shakeology, 31, Keep!, Tastefully Simple, Shannon's Scarves, Spring Basket Arrangements, Doterra, Scentsy, Younique, Tupperware, Bakesale, Pampered Chef and Celebrating Home.

There will also be a Chinese auction and a donation center and most vendor stands will be accepting credit cards.

Cecilian Club concert Monday

IRISH VALLEY - The Cecilian Club will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Clark's Grove United Methodist Church.

This month's concert will be "Fabulous 'F.'" The titles or composer's name will begin with the letter, or the music will be written in the key of F.

The concert, will include vocal trio Margaret Morris, Bonnie Alleman and Linda Latsha, accompanied by Mary Anne Miller, singing "Wayfarin' Stranger" by Vardanega; organ solo by Noriene Ladd, "Fanfare" by Dubois; Chris Wetzel, accompanied by Bonny Klinger, singing Foster's "Beautiful Dreamer," and a piano duet with Susan Shoop and Carolyn Weaver playing "Waltz" by Faust.

Also, Carol Ellis, accompanied by Nan Weller, will sing "He's My Friend" by Rasley; a piano solo as Grethel Vinup playing "Bouree" from Royal Fireworks Music by Handel; an ensemble comprised of Morris, Grace Stank, Shoop, Vinup, Maxine Howerter-Harvey and Kathi Christ, accompanied by Weaver, singing "My Love and I" by S. and B. Poorman; a flute duet by Valerie Rheude and Weller playing Brubeck's "Take Five"; David Kopitsky, accompanied by Bonny Klinger, singing "Food, Glorious Food" from "Oliver" by Bart and a piano duet with Susan Miller and Klinger playing "Fiddle Faddle" by Anderson.

The public is invited to attend this concert, which is free of charge.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Coal Township announced its street sweeping schedule to begin Monday for the east and west ends of the township.

The street department will also pick up bagged leaves put in paper recyclable bags, but will not pick up leaves in any other non-recyclable bags. The township will not pick up loose leaves during this time of the year.

West end

Monday: north side of Lynn Street from Ash Street to Jackson Street; afternoon, south side of Lynn from Ash to Jackson.

Tuesday: north side of Chestnut from Laurel Street to Park Avenue; afternoon, south side of Chestnut from Laurel Street to Park Avenue.

Wednesday: north side of Wood Street from Laurel to Jackson; afternoon, south side of Wood from Laurel to Jackson.

Thursday: both sides of Spruce Street from Laurel to Jackson; afternoon, both sides of Chestnut from First to Maple.

Friday: north side of Spruce from First to Ash; afternoon, south side of Spruce from First to Ash.

East end

Monday: south side of Wabash from Howard to Meade; afternoon, north side of Wabash from Howard to Meade.

Tuesday: south side of Mohawk from Sherman to Thomas; afternoon, north side of Mohawk from Sherman to Thomas.

Wednesday: both sides of Chemung from Howard to Hunter; afternoon, both sides of Sheridan from Pulaski Avenue to Tioga Street.

Thursday: both sides of Webster from Hunter to Tioga and all adjoining streets; afternoon, both sides Tioga/Race streets from the Coal Township line east to Hakes Street.

Friday: morning, both sides of Sherman from South to Tioga.

SUNBURY - A man accused of killing a 9-year-old boy by giving him a fatal amount of oxycodone asked a judge to place a gag order on his case.

At a pretrial hearing Friday morning, Victor W. Hare III, 58, of 196 Springhouse Road, Northumberland, told Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor his case has been turned into a "circus" by the news media and will result in bias against him by a jury.

"There's no way I'm going to be able to get a fair trial in this county," Hare said.

Hare said in addition to the coverage he's received locally, he has been contacted by national media outlets like "Good Morning America" and "60 Minutes" regarding his case.

Saylor said Hare's pretrial hearing, part of a marathon session of 112 defendants providing case status information, was not the appropriate time to discuss a gag order. The judge told Hare he could bring up the issue at a hearing on his individual case, but there is no guarantee an outcome would be in his favor.

"We can do nothing about the press right now - today - if ever," Saylor told him.

Melissa Melewsky, an attorney for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, said a judge cannot broadly gag the media on a case, but can place gag orders on case participants such as attorneys and witnesses. Neither Hare nor his attorneys specified if a gage request would be made on such parties.

Hare also indicated he is dissatisfied with plea offers by District Attorney Ann Targonski. He requested his case be moved forward as soon as possible.

Hare faces five felony charges, including drug delivery resulting in death and involuntary manslaughter, after police said Korbin Rager, 9, overdosed on oxycodone while in Hare's care Oct. 13.

SUNBURY - Central Pennsylvania's 20th century moonshiners and bootleggers will be the topic when local author Guy Graybill speaks at a meeting Thursday of the Northumberland County Historical Society. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Hunter House, 1150 N. Front St.

Graybill's talk will focus on Prince David Farrington, a Lycoming County bootlegger who was active through the early to mid-20th century. Farrington began his illicit career in North Carolina before coming north to the hills and hollows of Central Pennsylvania, amassing a huge fortune along the way.

Farrington was the subject of Graybill's book, "Prohibition's Prince: The Bizarre Life of America's Millionaire Moonshiner," which was published in 2010.

After graduating from Gettysburg College, Graybill began his career which spanned three decades, teaching history on the secondary level in Middleburg. He was elected to a four-year term as the chairman of the board of the Snyder County commissioners after he retired from teaching.

Graybill is also the author of "Keystone: A History of Pennsylvania," a book of Russian folk tales, a history of Italian music and his newest volume of writings, "Whimsy and Wry."

The program is open to the public and free of charge. A reception will follow Graybill's presentation. For more information on the program, call 570-286-4083.

A few weeks ago, I momentarily paused in the daily dash from my car in the parking lot to my workplace. I thought I heard bells ringing. I quickly ruled out the possibility that the warranty on my ears had run out. Although at my age, all my parts are starting to go since they are longer guaranteed.

It turns out that I was not just thinking I heard bells. Church bells were being sounded five minutes before the 7:30 a.m. Mass at my church.

The notes were drifting across the valley, providing a tuneful reminder that God was indeed with me whether I was in church or at my job.

It used to be that the sound of church bells pealing was not unusual. They would ring out on Sunday. They would clang joyously to mark special occasions. Local accounts of Germany's surrender and then Japan's capitulation three months noted that the area's church bells clanged in thanksgiving that World War II was finally over.

You don't hear church bells much anymore. The church Jo Ann and I attend is one of the few that still sounds its bells on a regular basis. Alas, many of the churches that once sounded bells are themselves forever silenced - either by merger or closure.

Sad to say, people talking about their faith in God have also become noticeably quieter. There are some who proclaim their love of God in their words and in the way they treat others, but many of us become mum when we have the opportunity to testify to God's grace or pass along His love.

What a joyful noise there would be if more of us demonstrated our faith in word and action. That would truly be something to celebrate by ringing church bells.

+++

Let your faith in God ring out.

MOUNT CARMEL - Eighth graders at Mount Carmel Area visited the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum in Abilene, Texas, Friday without moving an inch from their seats in the school's auditorium.

Using Skype, students of teachers Shanna Haden and Corey Lombardo toured the museum and gained some historical background on the world in which Anne Frank lived. The students are reading "The Diary of Anne Frank" as part of their curriculum.

Retired Master Sgt. William Lenches, curator of the museum, and his wife, Jennifer Lenches, project coordinator, presented the students with a lecture and slide show on how the Nazi Party and Adolph Hitler came to power, life in Nazi Germany, World War II, the Holocaust and concentration camps among many other points of interest. There was also a short video tour of the museum.

The Lenches also sent a small Nazi flag and a section of barbed wire from the Auschwitz concentration camp so the students could have some hands-on with items from the museum.

"If kids can't come to the museum, we can bring the museum to them," William Lenches said prior to the start of the live videoconference.

"This is not a movie, this is not a video game. This really happened and we want to give them (the students) context on what was happening in the world at the time," Jennifer Lenches said of The Holocaust and World War II.

After the lecture, students were given the opportunity to ask questions.

"I learned a lot about World War II and I thought it was very interesting," student Jared Janolek said after the presentation.

All of the Nazi and World War II artifacts at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum came from that particular division.

"Nothing was purchased, everything was taken as a token of surrender by the 12th division," William Lenches said.

The 12th Armored Division liberated ten concentration camps during World War II.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Members of Shamokin Area High School Marching Band and Orchestra became stars of their own Disney show March 30 and April 2 when they entertained resort guests at the Magic Kingdom and the Epcot Center. The group traveled more than 1,000 miles to the Walt Disney World Resort to take part in the Disney Performing Arts Program.

The marching band, under the direction of Kevin Styer, entertained hundreds of Magic Kingdom guests as they marched through Frontierland and around Cinderella's Castle onto Main Street, U.S.A. before the "Festival of Fantasy Parade." The orchestra, under the direction of Barbara DeGaetano, entertained guests at the Melody Gardens Theater at Epcot Center.

Vocal, instrumental and dance ensembles from all around the world apply to perform each year as a part of Disney Performing Arts Program at both the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort. Once selected, they are given the opportunity to perform at the resort for an international audience of theme park guests. Millions of performers have graced the stages of the Disney Parks in the more than 25-year history of the program.

Disney Performing Arts is designed to unlock student potential and help young people make their own dreams come true, whether it's performing in front of an international audience of thousands at Disney theme parks and resorts or honing their craft in enriching workshops and clinics taught by entertainment professionals.

Every year, thousands of vocal, instrumental, and other ensembles travel from around the world to participate in Disney Performing Arts programs at Disneyland and Disney World.

HARRISBURG - A Coal Township man "found the treasure" in a $10 lottery ticket in March, earning a $300,000 jackpot.

Brian Dimmick, of Coal Township, won one of the top prizes of the $300,000 Buried Treasure instant game in March, according to records released by the Pennsylvania Lottery and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

Area lottery players took home a total of $406,552 in prizes of $1,000 or more during March.

The other top winner for March in instant tickets was Therese Garvey, of Danville, winning $10,000 in the $20 $1 Million Payout game.

Winners of $1,000 or more in the month of March are:

Aristes

- Linda Tarlecki, $1,000, Daily Crossword, $3.

- Doris Reilley, $1,000, Freezin' Greetings, $10.

Ashland

- Joseph Farrone, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Eugene McCarthy, $1,000, $1,000,000 Golden Ticket, $20.

- Amy Abrams, $1,000, $1,000,000 Instant Jackpot, $20.

- Kevin Fidler, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Maryrose Burns, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Maureen Locker, $1,000, Super Sizzling 7s, $5.

- James Stephanchick, $1,000, Winning Combination, $3

- Richard Martin, $2,500, Pick 4 (nite), 50-cent bet.

- Joseph O'Donnell, $2,500, Pick 4 (nite), 50-cent bet.

Catawissa

- Lee Leiby, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Boyd Dressler, $1,000, Red Hot Crossword, $5.

Coal Township

- Joseph Korzenaskie, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Dennis Sosnoskie, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Dennis Sosnoski, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Brian Dimmick, $300,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- John Wagner, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Joyce Reigel, $2,500, Lucky Valentine, $2.

- Bert Barnabe, $2,500, Pick 4 (day), 50-cent bet.

- Sandra Weaver, $2,500, Pick 4 (night), 50-cent bet.

- Gerald Haupt, $2,500, Pick 4 (night), 50-cent bet.

Dalmatia

- Ryan Schaffner, two wins of $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Duane Rissinger, $1,000, Love to Win, $5.

Danville

- Theresa Garvey, $10,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Brian Snyder, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Kenneth Haas, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Lorene Binder, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Ann Earlston, $1,000, Bingo Plus, $3.

- Michael Russell, $1,000, Cash Ka-Pow, $5.

- Randy Fry, $1,000, Crazy Wild Ca$h, $10.

- Lisa Hancock, $1,000, Lucky Leprechaun, $5.

- David Peterson, $1,000, Lucky Leprechaun, $5.

- Michael Russell, $1,000, Lucky Leprechaun, $5.

- Dale English, $1,000, Lucky Leprechaun, $5.

- Brenda Jurinko, $1,000, Max-A-Million, $20.

- Timothy James, $1,000, Three Million, $30.

- William Fisher, $1,000, Triple Million, $30.

- Mary Norris, $1,000, Triple Million, $30.

Dornsife

- Clare Klotz, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

Elysburg

- Christopher Medon, $1,000, Red Hot Crossword, $5.

- Brian Derk, $1,000, Three Million, $30.

Herndon

- Jesse Snyder, $1,000, Lucky Leprechaun, $5.

- Daniel Ciesnolevicz, $2,500, Pick 4 (night), .50 bet.

Kulpmont

- Robert Papp, $5,000, $1,000,000 Instant Jackpot, $20.

- Patricia Michalkovich, $1,000, 10X the Money, $10.

- Kevin Derk, $1,000, 10X the Money, $10.

- Charles Venna, $1,000, Love to Win, $5.

- Kevin Derk, $1,017, Match 6, $1 bet.

Marion Heights

- Jennifer Miller, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Viola Pinamonti, $1,000, 7-11-21, $2.

- Timothy Dunn, $1,000, Give Me 5, $1.

- Robert Dallazia, $1,000, Three Million, $30.

Mount Carmel

- Sandra Procopio, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $10.

- Jennifer Bozza, $1,000, Lucky Leprechaun, $5.

- Alan Zacek, $1,000, Money Money Millionaire, $20.

- Jeffrey Trocki, $1,000, Money Money Millionaire ,$20.

- Frank Rosko, $1,000, Triple Million, $30.

- Justin Heim, $1,000, Triple Million, $30.

- Erie Heslop, $1,000, Triple Million, $30.

- James Clews, $1,000, Triple Million, $30.

- Verna Delasser, $1,000, Winning Combination, $3.

- Francesca Sebes, $2,500, Pick 4 (night), 50-cent bet.

- Michele Hughes, $2,500, Pick 4 (night), 50-cent bet.

Paxinos

- Carol Dressler, $1,000, 10X the Money, $10.

- Charles Belgio, $1,000, Ca$h Up, $3.

- Randy Trometter, $1,000, Triple Million, $30.

- Violet Korbich, $1,010, Match 6, $1 bet.

Shamokin

- Carlene Taylor, $1,000, $1,000,000 Instant Jackpot, $20.

- Christine Zablosky, $1,000, Give Me 5, $1.

- Brenda Eby, $1,000, Million Dollar Multiplier, $20.

- Dolores Pensyl, $1,000, Red Hot Crossword, $5.

- Richard Knovich, $2,500, Pick 4 (day), 50-cent bet.

- Nickolene Knovich, $2,500, Pick 4 (day), 50-cent bet.

- John Young, $1,025, Match 6, $1 bet.

Trevorton

- John Witcowskie, $1,000, $1,000,000 Instant Jackpot, $20.

- Luann Geise, $1,000, Cash Ka-Pow, $5.

The following Memorials have been presented to Divine Redeemer Church, Mount Carmel, for the month of March.

In memory of

Kathleen Zyla from John and Sandra Bradley.

Veronica E. Corona from Patricia M. Janovich; John J. Elgin; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kramer; Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Lucas III; Rita and Karen Alekseyko; Paul M. Zarick; Chris Deromedi; Mary Ann Delorso; James and Carol Kendter; Perino and Mary Bevivino; Betty Menapace and family.

Sandra M. Grabuski from Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Lucas, III; Joseph and Rosanne Meyer; Connie Wenrich and Dave; Betty Menapace and Family.

Joseph R. Cesari from Bob and Barbara Whispell.

Dorothy A. Korzeniecki from Genevieve Zarkoskie; brother, Charles and Rita Bolesta; sister, Catherine Bolesta.

Steve Darrup from Joe and Barb Iwanski; Louise Homola.

Lena Wynne from Betty Menapace and family.

John Britt from Betty Menapace and family.

Virginia Lindenmuth from Betty Menapace and family.

Bernice C. Smith from Betty Menapace and family.

Eileen Coyne from Betty Menapace and family.

Mary Mostik from Betty Menapace and family.

Saverio and Raffaela Miriello from daughters.

Michael J. Klokis from Sherey Daya; Bill and Ann McFadden and sons; Isabell Amarose; Frank and Mary Sawicki.

John Zamboni from Sam Scicchitano.

Leonard Revinski from Pat Bartos.

Birthday memorial

Stella Cichon (March 1) from Jack and Fran Cichon.

Stella Cichon (March 1) from Amy, Tom and Chase Weidner.

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin Area Education Association (SAEA) has announced its intention to strike May 22 if a contract isn't reached by the union and the school board.

The union claims the school board has engaged in "bad faith bargaining" by choosing to suddenly enter into the fact-finding process during ongoing negotiations.

In a press release sent to The News-Item Friday afternoon, SAEA president and elementary school teacher Mary Yohe and Pennsylvania School Education Association (PSEA) representative Mark McDade chastised the school board for engaging in what they claim is a "deceitful game of charades with its teachers at the bargaining table."

The release states, "For over two years at the bargaining table, the teachers have met with the school board to bargain a successor agreement in good faith. Although little progress had been made, both parties were building upon each other's ideas and cultivating a positive and productive relationship - until Thursday.

"Unbeknownst to the teachers, on the evening of April 8, the school board was secretly planning to petition to the state to implement an impasse procedure - which is more commonly referred to as fact finding - the very next day."

Fact finding involves the use of an impartial expert or group selected by the parties to determine what the "facts" are in the dispute. The fact finder may be authorized only to investigate or evaluate the matter presented and file a report establishing the facts in the matter. In some cases, he or she may be authorized to issue either a situation assessment or a specific procedural or substantive recommendation as to how a dispute might be resolved.

The process lasts 40 days and the teachers cannot strike during fact finding.

The final day of school is currently scheduled for June 15, a date that has already been pushed back because of snow days.

Approximately 200 union teachers in Shamokin Area School District have been working under the terms of an expired contract for approximately two years.

'Completely stunned'

Yohe said, "We met with the school board's bargaining team Wednesday night for four hours of negotiations. The teachers provided to the school board a proposal which would slash health care premiums. The school board was to calculate our proposal to determine just how much cost savings would be enjoyed. Not only did our negotiation session end positively, but both sides selected future bargaining dates. If the school board wanted to petition to the state for fact finding, why would they mislead us and occupy our precious time away from our families and our professional obligations?"

McDade added, "My bargaining team is completely stunned by the school board's actions. My team believes that the school board engaged in bad faith bargaining and that any trust established between our two parties has been completely undermined by their action. We are not against fact finding. But fact finding is requested when the parties can't get along, which was not the case for us. As recently as Wednesday evening, the teachers provided to the school board a proposal for their consideration. We had no indication of the school board's intended action to request fact finding."

Yohe said, "Equally important to building trust between the parties to reach an agreement, fact finding is a costly process which rarely succeeds. Fact finding requires a tremendous amount of resources, including time and money. We don't understand why the school board would want to roll the dice on fact finding and generously spend taxpayer money when it rarely produces a favorable result for either one of us."

In a telephone interview later in the day, McDade said, "The board completely torpedoed the trust we built between both parties. They blind-sided us by issuing a request for fact finding late Thursday afternoon. Should the fact finder not produce an acceptable agreement for both parties, the teachers will engage in a work stoppage May 22."

Simply no funds

School board director and negotiating committee member Charles Shuey said he was informed of the teachers' strike notice Friday.

When contacted Friday night, Shuey stated, "I'm not a teacher basher. I worked as chief of security in the district for eight years after retiring from Coal Township Police Department. I know what teachers go through on a daily basis and I put a high value on education. However, with that said, we (the board) simply at this point don't have the funds to meet some of their demands. It's a sad reality, but it's a fact. I would be more than happy to share with the teachers whatever we could if we did have enough funding."

Shuey said the main issues pertaining to a new contract involve health care, wages and tuition reimbursement for advanced education.

Negotiation committee chairman Jeff Kashner said he was disappointed that an impasse has occurred over wages and health care.

"I still hope we can continue negotiations through the fact-finding process," Kashner said.

School board president Ronald McElwee said, "If there is no money in the budget and no tax base, how can we possibly give in to their demands 100 percent."

McElwee believes the school board's offer to the union is fair and that if the entire union was presented the deal, they would likely be happy with it. However, he said that "tyrant" McDade wouldn't let the deal get past the union's negotiating committee.

"They hired the absolute worst representation and he's failed just about everywhere," McElwee concluded.

Shamokin Area Superintendent James Zack deferred comment about the board's decision to enter into fact finding to members of the negotiating committee.

ELYSBURG - A man driving home on Hillside Avenue reportedly fell asleep at the wheel of his SUV and crashed into an embankment, a mailbox and a fire hydrant Friday before his SUV crossed the street and stopped in a drainage ditch, according to Ralpho Township police.

William Butaitis, 79, who lives on Hillside Avenue, was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, following the accident, which occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Police said he was driving east when the crash occurred.

Elysburg Ambulance, medics and firefighters responded.

SUNBURY - The kingpin of a drug trafficking organization that brought more than $2 million of cocaine and heroin to northeastern and central Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to seven felonies in county court Friday.

Juan Carlos Alvarez, originally of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, three felony counts of possession with intent to delivery heroin and one felony count of criminal conspiracy to deliver before President Judge Willaim H. Wiest. Five other felony charges were dropped by the state Attorney General's office.

Patrick F. Leonard, prosecutor with the office of the Attorney General, said Alvarez faces up to $1,075,000 in fines and up to 90 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced June 29.

Authorities said Alvarez has associates who met with cocaine and heroin suppliers in the Dominican Republic and acted as "drug mules" and were paid $10,000 to swallow balloons filled with large quantities of cocaine and heroin. The associates flew into New York City before traveling throughout Pennsylvania. He was engaged in this operation since at least 2008.

The ring was brought down in 2013 after agents and local police used confidential informants to make undercover purchases of cocaine and heroin.

Red Cross blood drives slated

The American Red Cross has announced the following blood donation opportunities:

Thursday: 1 to 6 p.m., Grace Bible Church, 209 McIntyre Road, Catawissa.

Wednesday, April 22: 1 to 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 400 E. Independence St., Shamokin.

Monday, April 27: 1 to 6 p.m., Hope Community Church, 551 W. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Thursday, April 30: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunbury YWCA, 1150 N. Fourth St., Sunbury.

Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year.

Health fair, blood drive planned

SUNBURY - Students in the Luzerne County Community College nursing program at the college's Kulpmont Center will hold a health fair and blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at the Sunbury YMCA.

Students will provide information and perform blood pressure screenings. The event is free and open to the public.

SHAMOKIN - A 50-year-old Wisconsin man was charged by police Saturday afternoon after being observed sitting naked on the steps of a mosque in the 100 block of the North Vine Street.

Kamran Muhammad, of Wisconsin Rapids, offered no resistance upon being taken into custody by Patrolmen Raymond Siko II and Scott Weaver shortly after 2 p.m. after a couple and their young son spotted him at the top of the steps leading to the main entrance of the mosque.

When Siko questioned Muhammad why he took his clothes off, he told the officer that he got very cold and decided to sit in the sun. Siko said Muhammad discarded his clothes on a nearby landing.

The officer said Muhammad was wrapped in his clothes before being transported to Shamokin Police Station and later arraigned on misdemeanors of indecent exposure, open lewdness and disorderly conduct.

Muhammad, who told police he was visiting friends who live near the mosque, said he wanted to speak to an attorney after his Miranda rights were read to him by Siko.

The mosque and former Institute of Higher Islamic Studies and High School across the street were purchased by Fakhruddin Alvi, a native of Gujrat, India, near Bombay, in December 2011 from Jamil A. Chaudry, founder and chairman of the school known as Darul Uloom Al-Qasim.

Chaudry bought both buildings in November 1997 from the Diocese of Harrisburg. The mosque and institute formerly served as St. Stanislaus Church and St. Stanislaus Convent, respectively, but were sold after the 1995 consolidation of Catholic churches in the Shamokin area.

Millions of people around the world tuned in to this year's NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game Monday night at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium.

Dennis Mishko watched the game from his usual spot - somewhere between the foul line and midcourt. Lower level, of course.

Mishko, a well-known former basketball and soccer coach, attended his 42nd consecutive NCAA Tournament Final Four. Along with countless great memories, the Dickson City resident has accumulated hundreds of pieces of Final Four memorabilia.

His collection includes boxes upon boxes of T-shirts, mugs, ties, baseball caps, pins, beer steins, seat cushions and credentials. They serve as sentimental reminders of wonderful experiences, many of which were in the company of his children, Samantha, Jillian and Dennis.

Recently, he and Jillian rummaged through the collection and pulled out some items. Some bags "hadn't been opened in 35 years," Mishko said.

"There's a shirt from every Final Four. A mug, a hat," said Mishko, 66, a longtime professor in Keystone College's math and science department. "I have so many things."

Hoop Historians

Mishko has attended the Final Four since his early 20s, not long after he started coaching the men's basketball team at Keystone Junior College in 1972. He went as a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, which every year holds a multi-day convention at the Final Four.

"A lot of people think it's just the games," Mishko said. "For us, the coaches, it's about the clinics and conferences and all the networking you get to do. ... You get to deal with all the big names in basketball. And they're just regular guys like us."

Mishko hasn't missed a Final Four since that first year. He's given speeches at the convention about a half dozen times and is part of a group of "basketball junkies" who attend every Final Four and go to all the events. They call themselves the "Hoop Historians."

Among the most famous Hoop Historians is the popular and bombastic basketball commentator Dick Vitale, who hosts a party for the group every year.

Besides Vitale, Mishko has met a number of college basketball's finest coaches through the years, including Bob Knight, Mike Krzyzewski, Tom Izzo, Jim Boheim, Bo Ryan and the late Dean Smith.

Mishko also got to know the late John Wooden, who won a record 10 national titles at UCLA. Perhaps his most treasured possession in his Final Four collection is a photograph of him, Wooden, Wooden's wife, Nell, and Mishko's then-assistant coach at Keystone, Al Sack, that was taken at the 1982 Final Four in New Orleans.

"It's humbling to be in their presence and just be able to talk sports. .... You just make so many good friendships," said Mishko, who coached Keystone to two National Junior College Athletic Association Final Fours in 1986 and 1989. Both times, the team finished as the runner-up.

Mishko's collection also includes miniature wooden blocks that are replicas of that year's court, and the programs and tickets from every game.

"Now everything is done online, so you don't get a paper ticket anymore," he said.

Mishko has seen the Final Four evolve significantly through the course of his many trips. Back in the '70s, "we had to pull people in to watch the games," he said. Today, its popularity and profitability ranks up there with the Super Bowl.

"It's amazing how big it's gotten," he said.

His favorite Final Four locales include San Diego, New Orleans, Seattle and the Meadowlands. He's witnessed more memorable moments than he could possibly count, from Larry Bird and Magic Johnson going head to head for the first time in the 1979 title game to Michael Jordan's jump shot to beat Georgetown in 1982. In 1976, he managed to move from his original seat to a prime spot behind the Indiana bench, which allowed him to hear Bob Knight have an interesting chat with the referees just before tip-off.

"He said, 'You (expletive) guys blow this game tonight, you'll never work again,' " Mishko said with a laugh. "He had them scared (stiff)."

Of course, for all the famous people Mishko has met, all the great games he has seen and all the memorabilia he has collected, the best part about going to all these Final Fours is how he could experience them with his children.

"I've taken all three of my kids to the Final Four, which is great," he said. "All three of them are basketball junkies. They eat, sleep and drink hoops."

Just like their old man, who has the mementos to prove it.

SHAMOKIN - David Barry took the reins of the Towanda Printing Co., which includes The News-Item, as its new general manager April 1. He succeeds Publisher Greg Zyla, who has begun a transition toward his June 30 retirement.

In addition to The News-Item, Barry, who currently resides in Mountain Top, will be in charge of The (Towanda) Daily Review, The Farmer's Friend, the Bradford-Sullivan, Troy and Owego Pennysavers, The Citizen-Standard and The Susquehanna County Independent and Weekender, as well as the company's large commercial printing operation.

After 25 years of working his way up, taking on the position of general manager is the natural next step for Barry.

"I've managed sales departments at every single paper (for Towanda Printing). I've been involved in the operations with every department and every single paper," he said. "So, for me, (it's) just a culmination of this job, just a natural progression, and it certainly gives me a level of comfort knowing the operations as well as I do."

He has a long history with the newspaper industry. After graduation from the University of Scranton, where he earned his bachelor's degree in marketing, Barry got a job selling advertising for a newspaper in Wilkes-Barre. After two years, he took a management job in 1990 at the Troy Pennysaver.

He moved his way up from sales manager to regional sales manager to general manager of the weekly division.

"I was also used on a consultant basis in Towanda to review their ad department and make some changes there," he said.

When The News-Item switched its affiliation within Times-Shamrock Communications from the Republican-Herald to Towanda Printing in October 2013, Barry offered his services to help The News-Item ad department's transition.

"As a result of that, I also took on the responsibilities of the ad director at The News-Item and became regional director of advertising for the Towanda Printing Co.," Barry said.

The News-Item is now interviewing for a new ad director to replace Barry.

Zyla is confident in Barry's abilities to lead the company.

"He has the corporate and regional understanding of how our company works, along with a good understanding of our commercial printing operation," Zyla said. "He's the perfect person to take this company to new heights."

Barry's wife, Karen, works with students with special needs at Fairview Elementary School in Mountain Top. Their son, Connor, is a freshman pre-med major at the University of Pittsburgh, and their daughter, Kasey, is a senior at Crestwood High School who will also be heading to Pitt in the fall.

Barry is on the board of the Kiwanis Club of Mountain Top and also on the board of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce in Shamokin. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking, playing guitar and reading.

Active retirement

Zyla, still publisher and company president for a few months, reflected on a long career that's winding down.

"I've been in this business since October of 1973, so it will be 43 years," Zyla said. "I've loved coming to work every day."

He's became a publisher in December 1982 at The Citizen-Standard, a weekly paper that's part of the Shamokin group, and was named publisher of The News-Item on Jan. 1, 2000. He was named publisher/president of the Towanda operation in October 2008. But with the company realignment in 2013, Zyla was back sharing time in Shamokin, his hometown.

In retirement, Zyla will continue his automotive columnist work, including "The Extra Mile" and "Car Collector Corner," and will help as needed with Towanda Printing's Northeast Driller publication.

He said he looks forward to traveling and staying active with his collector cars and race cars. He'll also keep up with other hobbies, including home theater, antique toys, model kits and an HO train layout.

"So, I'll never stop working by any means, but it is time to move aside and let the younger talent take over in the company," he said. "I have no regrets and so many great memories, as every day is different in the media."

In addition to Barry, management at The News-Item includes editor Andy Heintzelman and circulation director Bill Kurtz.

The 2013 restructuring of The News-Item with Towanda came as Times-Shamrock announced it was selling the entire Towanda Printing operation, including The News-Item. The process toward finding a new owner continues.

Divorces

Suzanne Leffler from Thomas Leffler, both of 194 Rodarmel Lane, Paxinos. Married Sept. 13, 1997.

Marriage licenses

Matthew Wayne Rhoads to Teresa Jo Diggan, both of 260 Race St., Apt. 2E, Sunbury. Issued April 9, 2015.

Brenton David Gundrum to Alexis Rae Albertson, both of 13 Honeysuckle Lane, Milton. Issued April 9, 2015.

Nicholas John Munyat III to Megan Sue Dingee, both of 46 Vertie Court, Milton. Issued April 9, 2015.

Willie P. Schartiger III to Jennifer Lynn Whitman, both of 1046 W. Lynn St., Coal Township. Issued April 11, 2015.

Joshua Walter Cherney to Amanda Mae Stahl, both of 20 Johns Drive, Enola. To be issued April 13, 2015.

Corey A. Snyder to Melissa Lynn Bennage, both of 430 Park Drive, Sunbury. To be issued April 13, 2015.

Christian John Dabrowski to Christie Lynn Derr, both of 28 N. Eighth St., Shamokin. To be issued April 13, 2015.

Keith Albert Shroyer, 561 Airport Road, Paxinos, to Sueellen Yost, 449 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton. To be issued April 13, 2015.

Kyle William Gesser to Jennifer Denise Stephens, both of 355 Race St., Sunbury. To be issued April 13, 2015.

Joliffe Nicol Gross to Andrea Elizabeth Reigle, both of 158 Captain Bloom Road, Sunbury. To be issued April 13, 2015.

Property transfers

Brian C. Woodley and Rachel Lamb, to David A. Kashner Jr., property in Shamokin, $19,000.

Agnes M. Bressi (estate) and Anthony A. Bressi Jr. (executor) to Jennifer V. Jevelle, property in Kulpmont, $60,000.

Michael J. Zanella to Country Boys Rentals LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $16,500.

Roger L. Reitz to Brandon L.E. Reitz and Colleen N. Reitz, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

Veterans Affairs Administration to Jack Brenner, property in Marion Heights, $3,000.

Robert E.K. Miller and Jeri Elaine Miller to Robert E.K. Miller (trustee), Jeri Elaine Miller (trustee) and Miller Family Revocable Trust, property in Shamokin, no price listed.

Irene Smith (estate), Kenneth L. Smith Jr. (executor) to Kenneth L. Smith Jr., property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to Jason Nahodil, property in Coal Township, $3,000.

Jennifer C. Pizzoli and Kenneth F. Pizzoli to Jason and Kathleen DeManincor, property in Mount Carmel, $114,000.

Mary Janet Parker (agent and individually) and Harold A. Parker (by agent) to Jeremy J. Fortin, property in Ralpho Township, $23,760.

Brian R. and Belinda L. Seidel to Brian R. Seidel, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Gary L. and Deborah M. Boyer to Zackary J. Tyson, property in Shamokin, $8,600.

Sealed Air Corp. US to Novipax Real Estate LLC, property in Shamokin Township and Ralpho Township, $1,573,098.

Roseanne M. Varano (administratrix CTA), Samuel J. Varano (estate) and Roseanne M. Varano (administratrix) to Vincent Varano, property in Coal Township, $12,000.

William C. Vought, Patricia M. Vought, Sandra E. Negro and Frank J. Negro to Timothy W. Vought, property in Ralpho Township, $20,000.

Branch Banking and Trust Co. to Jordan Poplaskie, property in West Cameron Township, $5,000.

Betty Jane Young (estate), Gary D. Young and Terry D. Young (executors) to Gary D. Young and Terry D. Young, property in Rockefeller Township and Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Amy A. Troutman to Kyle G. Troutman, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Mary Mostik (estate), Kevin J. Mostik (individually and executor) and Frank J. Mostik Jr. (individually and executor) to Frank Mostik Jr. and Kevin Mostik, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Ronald E. Ryan and Joan A. Ryan to Christopher Snyder and Brandi Lawton, property in Mount Carmel, $1,000.

Holly Jo Kirchhoff (estate), Ronald A. Valania (executor) to Patrick E. O'Brien, property in Mount Carmel, $16,000.

Frank D. Varano and Virginia Varano to Frank D. Varano and Virginia A. Varano, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Robert K. Kehler (estate), Jeffrey S. Kehler (executor), Joseph Michael Miller III and James Michael Miller III to Joseph Michael Miller III, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Dennis Abdul-Jihad to Dennis Abdul-Jihad and Sharon E. Jihad Levine, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Debra A. Lesher and Richard P. Lesher Jr. to US Bank NA, property in Zerbe Township, $1,206.12.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Roxanne Kemberling, Kenneth A. Kemberling and Roxanne Beaver to Federal National Mortgage Corp., property in Zerbe Township, $1,148.78.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Carl A. Rapisarda and Alicia M. Greager to Federal National Mortgage Corp., property in Coal Township, $1,964.46.

Northumberland County Sheriff and Cliff D. Sprenkle to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, property in Herndon, $1,040.70.

Michael J. Vezo to Michael J. Vezo and Michael Robert Alexicko, property in Kulpmont, $12,500.

CLDCV LLC to Luis A. Ramirez, property in Shamokin, $800.

Penn A. Seiple and Lisa F. Seiple to Charles E. Taylor and Deborah J. Taylor, property in Upper Augusta Township, $85,000.

E. May Purcell (estate), Edna Mae Purcell (estate), Edna May Purcell (estate) and May Purcell (estate), Daniel J. Bowman (executor) to Norman E. Purcell and Kristine J. Novak, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Tony Getchey and Linda Getchey to Rafael D. and Wendy A. Galicia Martinez, property in Shamokin, $2,000.

Antonia Tidman and Stanley E. Tidman to Gina Fox, property in Shamokin, $1.