MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - A Wilkes-Barre man reported to be blinded by sunlight was injured in a crash at the intersection of Routes 901 and 54 shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Patrick Hanford, 21, of 6 Cherry St., was traveling east on 901 when he failed to yield to a stop sign and collided with the right side of a tractor trailer owned by Durdach Bros., operated by Robert Klock, 48, of Sunbury, which was traveling south on Route 54 toward Locust Gap.

Hanford was confined to his demolished vehicle and it took emergency personnel from Mount Carmel Township and Kulpmont fire departments more than 30 minutes to extricate him using the Jaws of Life. He was taken by ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he was listed in fair condition Wednesday afternoon.

Police said Hanford was on his way home from visiting his mother in Shamokin. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Hanford will be cited for driving with a suspended license and for a stop sign violation, Patrolman David Tomtishen said.

SATS tests this weekend

COAL TOWNSHIP - The SAT Reasoning and the SAT Subject Tests will be administered to pre-registered candidates Saturday.

Check-in and room assignment will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the auditorium lobby for individuals who bring all required admissions documents and materials. All candidates must present photo identification. Students should consult their registration bulletin or www.collegeboard.com for additional information regarding test-day procedures.

The doors to the test center will close at 8 a.m. Candidates are reminded to park their vehicles in either of the side parking lots. Travel arrangements should be confirmed prior to the test date. Candidates are reminded that cell phones are not permitted in the test center.

Band boosters meeting moved

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin Area Band and Orchestra Booster meeting is moved from Wednesday, May 6, to Tuesday, May 5. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.

MOUNT CARMEL - A 3-year-old was removed from a downtown Mount Carmel apartment and two adults were charged with endangering the welfare of children after a county caseworker discovered their home was filled with garbage and feces.

Borough Cpl. David Donkochik said he visited the home of Randall Wayne Walters, 36, and Yvonne Clouser, 30, both of 214 S. Oak St., Apt. 2, Mount Carmel, with Northumberland County Children and Youth (NCCY) caseworker Sarah Hepler shortly before 5 p.m. April 15 and found it unlivable.

"The smell of the apartment was almost unbearable," Donkochick wrote in the criminal complaint.

Carpeting in the living room was covered in dog feces and other areas were "sticky" and soaked in urine, he said. A large pile of children's toys sat among the dog feces. A bottle of Murphy Oil Soap, which is harmful if swallowed, was near the toys and accessible to the child, said Donkochik.

The entire floor of an upstairs bedroom was covered in dog and cat feces and the closet contained full bags of garbage, according to the report. Household trash was scattered around the bed and the floor.

"Next to the bed was a small child's bed which had very dirty sheets on it," wrote Donkochik. "There were piles of feces on the floor directly next to the child's bed."

An additional bedroom was inaccessible due to piles of garbage and junk, he said. Flies buzzed around the kitchen, and pots of food sat on the stove.

"The kitchen table and other surfaces were filthy," said Donkochik. Bags of household trash were strewn throughout the room and approximately 20 bags of trash were piled in an enclosed porch near the kitchen. The floor was dotted with pet food dishes, he said.

Walter and Clouser were each charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of children and disorderly conduct of offensive condition and a summary offense of disorderly conduct of offensive condition by Cpl. David Donkochik and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones Tuesday. They were released on $10,000 unsecured bail each.

The child was placed in the care of his grandmother, Donkochik said. Mount Carmel Borough Code Enforcement Officer Robin Williams condemned the apartment due to unlivable conditions.

MOUNT CARMEL - Joseph J. Kripplebauer Jr., of Mount Carmel, a Democrat, has announced his candidacy as a write-in candidate for the Mount Carmel Borough Council election.

Kripplebauer, a resident of Mount Carmel for more than 20 years, is retired from a 16-year career in business management. He raised his two children in the borough, and now has a grandchild who also resides in Mount Carmel. He has been extensively involved with volunteer organizations within the borough.

Kripplebauer served as lieutenant of the Station 6 Fire Police for more than 16 years. He said during his tenure he made multiple improvements to the organization with the intention to better its ability to support the community. He and the organization assisted law enforcement with road support for emergencies and many local events.

Kripplebauer, also an active member of the Clover Hose Fire Company, said he's dedicated much of his time to the borough by participating in fundraisers, block parties and improvement efforts.

If elected, Kripplebauer said he will prioritize the people of the borough.

"I am a strong candidate because I have no personal agenda other than to the people of our community," he said. "I wish to maintain what is great about our borough and make improvements where they are needed."

Kripplebauer invites anyone wishing to speak to him or meet with him in person to discuss the issues to call 570-339-0195.

Kripplebauer is the second candidate to announce his intention to seek one of three seats on the Mount Carmel Borough Council, joining Leroy Moser, a Democrat.

Editor's Note: One in a series of interviews with the eight candidates for Northumberland County commissioner.

SHAMOKIN - When he ran for commissioner in 2011, his first foray into politics, Rick Shoch campaigned on "changing the culture" of Northumberland County government.

Four years later, with Shoch himself embroiled in a seemingly endless number of controversies with fellow Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy, he quickly acknowledges there's more to be done.

"Obviously, the goal was not achieved," Shoch said.

But he says he hasn't strayed from his goals.

"I stayed true to what I thought was the right way of doing things," he said.

To the notion that he has exacerbated some of the infighting by, in his words, "shoving back," Shoch said that's part of his nature. But, he added, "I'm not apologizing for not backing down to a bully."

'Battle of ideology'

As commissioner boards go, this is not the first in Northumberland County where politics ruled the day, Shoch said, and it's common that one commissioner is odd-man out. He cited the Cwalina-Lewis era of the 1990s.

"You can look back at the minutes of the old meetings and see the minority commissioner complaining to the chief clerk about being kept in the dark about some subjects," he said. "The same thing is happening today. You can swap out the names."

But Shoch, a Sunbury attorney and father of four, said the current board's reputation has reached a "fevered pitch" for two reasons. One, things were done with "a pinch more subtlety" in the past, he said, and two, the public is more informed and engaged today, including through social media.

"It's not a battle of individuals, it's a battle of ideology," he said, saying Clausi has acquired the power of chairmanship and has Bridy to back him.

While outvoting the minority is standard politics, Shoch said his fellow commissioners have excluded him from virtually every discussion.

"That's just ridiculous," he said, "but it's a prime example of how business is done in Northumberland County."

New ideas

He said things can change for the county with open minds and new ideas, particularly as it relates to things like economic development or building a new prison.

"You can't say that the smartest three guys in Northumberland County were elected, myself included," he said. "We need to bring in the people that have the expertise in this to help us make the right decisions."

As to the need to build a new prison to replace the one that was heavily damaged by fire Jan. 14, which Clausi supports, Shoch said there first needs to be an analysis.

"Maybe we need to look at the bigger picture," Shoch said. "Let's look at how big of a prison do we need, and how we handle corrections in Northumberland County.

"I understand that it's more urgent now that we do something (because of the fire)," he continued, "but we have to live with whatever we do for a lot longer, and it has the potential to cost us a lot more money over the lifetime if we do it the wrong way."

Shoch spoke about a recent meeting with several other counties, state lawmakers and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to discuss a regionalized concept for corrections.

"The day reporting center concept has cut down the population in several counties, and our head of probation said he could cut down the male prison population from 180 to 75 with a work-release center," Shoch said. "These are things we need to analyze and take a look at."

An 'all-time' job

Whatever three candidates make up the new board of commissioners after the November election, their salaries, barring further court challenge, will be $36,000, not the $61,000 paid now, after a change passed by Clausi and Bridy.

Shoch believes an analysis of comparable jobs would have been a better way to determine a new salary. There are elements of the job that perhaps don't demand high pay, but commissioners are also responsible for 400 employees and a $64 million budget - numbers that in the private sector would likely command a high salary.

"Am I down there in the office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day? No," Shoch said. "Am I, at times, meeting with constituents, meeting with officials from other counties? Yes. I'm taking phone calls from people, being open with people. I'll spend hours on the weekends or after hours on county business. It's not a part-time or a full-time job, it's more of an all-time job."

Shoch said his dissenting vote on the salary cut wasn't a matter of greed.

"They way they've done it is not in conformance of the law," he said. "But we've left ourselves open to someone challenging it legally."

Shoch said Clausi couldn't force him out of office, but the salary cut was one way Clausi could get to him.

"So I had already made up my mind, that no matter what the salary was set at, I'm here to do what's right for Northumberland County" by running again, he said.

Shoch said he's pleased to see there are eight candidates for commissioner despite the salary change.

"I've met quite a few candidates from both political parties. They have seen these things for what they are and are the type who will run in spite of it," he said.

Standing up for change

Asked to discuss his accomplishments, Shoch noted the relationships he's built with officials from neighboring counties, and said he is often the Northumberland County commissioner invited to joint events these days. He said the goal of being an elected official shouldn't just be to grab headlines, but to gather the viewpoints of all "stakeholders" and work toward common goals.

Shoch believes he's also raised awareness about the practices of Northumberland County government. He said he can't take all the credit for it, but believes employees and other elected officials are more willing to stand up for their rights then they previously were.

"The times I've taken stands," he said about his battles with Clausi and Bridy, "it was probably done more in defense of others than me.

"I've let people see what's going on," he continued, "and the voters can make a decision in the election if they want that to continue or not."

Bio Box:

Richard Shoch

Age: 48

Residence: Sunbury

Occupation: Attorney, serves as solicitor for three municipalities in the region.

Education: Graduate of Shikellamy High School, 1985; Penn State University, 1989, bachelor's degree in political science; and Widener University School of Law, 1995.

Family: Married for 19 years, Paula (Butz); four children, Natalie, 16; Lily, 14; Eric, 12; Brady, 8.

Political experience: Northumberland County Commissioner since 2012.

SUNBURY - An appeal by convicted killer Kevin Marinelli was denied by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

The court found that Marinelli was unable to establish a proper exception to the one-year time limit to file an appeal post-conviction, according to an April 2 ruling.

Marinelli claimed interference by government officials and not being presented all the facts in his case.

The ruling affirms a previous ruling by the Northumberland County Court dismissing Marinelli's petition. It was his third failed petition under the state's Post Conviction Relief Act.

Marinelli was sentenced to death for murdering Conrad Dumchock in Kulpmont on April 26, 1994. A federal appeal to Marinelli's 1995 conviction in Northumberland County court is pending. His death warrant was stayed by a federal judge.

Co-defendants Mark Marinelli and Thomas Kirchoff are serving life sentences. The Marinellis are brothers.

SUNBURY - A Shamokin couple who faced criticism for not paying their property taxes after the husband received a $50,000 settlement from a lawsuit against the county are no longer delinquent.

David F. and Kathi Kaleta owed more than $2,800 in past-due real estate taxes on 146 and 148 E. Sunbury St. for 2013 and 2014. The county's online delinquent real estate tax search now shows the delinquency has been paid off.

Though the settlement check was signed for by the David Kaleta's lawyers, Kymberley Best and Tim Bowers, March 9, Kathi Kaleta had cited difficulty in visiting the tax office during its hours of operation as the reason for delay in paying off the delinquency.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area Senior High choral ensembles will present their annual spring concert at 7 p.m. Monday in the high school auditorium. The public is invited to attend this free performance.

The concert will open with the chorale singing a variety of choral literature, including Haydn's "Gloria" from his "Heiligmesse," music from the movie "Frozen," and "Football," a unique vocal setting of the sounds of a football game. The 16-member chamber choir will perform the "Lacrymosa" movement from Mozart's "Requiem," the theme from "Peter Gunn" and the spiritual "My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord."

The full ensemble will perform multiple selections, including "O Sifuni Mungu," an African adapation of the hymn "All Creatures of Our God and King;" the swing tune "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" and recent pop tunes, including "Rhythm of Love" featuring guitar accompaniment by Austin Britton, Eli Kolovic and Graeme Shappell. The concert will conclude with Wilhousky's arrangement of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" in honor of the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War.

Soloists for the concert include Nicholas McWilliams, Jill Britton, Graeme Shappell, Leah Mirolli, Jeannette Costa, Rebecca Wargo, Wanda Sulouff, Heather Elliott, Elizabeth Barak, Ashley Pennell, Cole Supsic, Jessica Wywadis, Alex Black, Zachary Druckenmiller, Kathryn Madara, Nicholas Phillips, Gabrielle Velez, David Wolfe and Kevin Schank.

Additional members of the choral ensembles include Thomas Alderson, Jacquelyn Augustitus, Madison Blackwell, Richard Brown, Samantha Carpenter, Feather Duncan, Tom Eby, Amy Frasch, Tevin Gonzalez, RJ Gurba, Brady Haupt, Jarred Jones, Kyle Kauffman, Riley King, Dariah Korbich, Kasandra Lisiewicz, Kayla Martins, Marcella Nahodil, Darian Paul, Annie Richardson, Jessica Schleig, Kaitlyn Schrader, Sara Snyder, Elizabeth Stevens, Samantha Startzel, Eric Weikel and Taylor Youells.

The choral ensembles are under the direction of Mary Anne Stump. Piano accompanist is Bonny Klinger. Drum set will be played by Tyler Forbes.

The spring concert season will conclude at 7 p.m. May 15 with the annual "Pops" concert, presented by the senior high band, orchestra and chorus in the high school auditorium. The performance is free and open to the public.

SHAMOKIN - The Choraliers will present their annual spring concert at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Shamokin Area Middle/Senior High School auditorium under the direction of Nan Weller. Bonny Klinger will be the accompanist.

The concert will have several highlights, including a video presentation of the 150th anniversary of the Battle at Gettysburg while the choral group sings "The Gettysburg Address," arranged by Hayes. Thomas Fiorey has compiled a video presentation sure to entertain and commemorate this event.

Barbara Moyer, Choralier member, will introduce a musical selection, "In Flanders Fields," arranged by Emerson. The poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae, refers to the red poppies that grew over the graves of fallen soldiers, resulting in the remembrance red poppy becoming one of the world's most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in conflict.

The men's group will present "Sherry," and the women's group will follow with "One Fine Day." Both selections were arranged by Huff. Several solos will be performed, including "Memories," arranged by Webber and sung by Choralier member Valentine Mountjoy, "I'll Fly Away," arranged by Marsh and presented by Bev Cooper and Carol Tarlecki, and "How Could You Believe Me," arranged by Lerner and Lane and sung by Mary Hollingshead and Dave Kopitsky.

The Choraliers will feature members Susan Shoop and Robert Kline singing "Two Darn Hot" from the musical "Kiss Me Kate." Members Tiffany Kaseman and Amber Madden will be featured solists in "For Good" from the musical "Wicked." Sheryl Kline will be a guest accompanist with Klinger in "Rhythm of Life" from the musical "Sweet Charity."

Sacred selections to be presented are "Jubilance" by Spevacek, "Heaven's Gate" by Stromen, "All My Trials," arranged by Snyder, and "Wade in the Water," arranged by Hayes. A patriotic number, "Mother Country," arranged by Coate,s will also be sung by the choir. The Choraliers will entertain with "Chattanooga Choo Choo," arranged by Schmutte, and "Up, Up and Away," arranged by Hayward.

Members are:

Sopranos - Shannon Anderson, Fran Bakich, Carol Ellis, Mignon Gundrum, Chris Hastings, Mary Hollingshead, Kelly Jones, Angela Kuhns, Amber Madden, Valentine Mountjoy, Barbara Moyer, Norma Moyer, Ann Nowaskie, Judy Pensyl, Beverly Petrovich, Lisa Romanoski, Patricia Romanoski, Margaret Schlader, Sandra Seroskie, Sherri Shebelsky, Susan Shoop, Grace Stank, Grethel Vinup and Clara Weikel.

Altos - Joan Brown, Beverly Cooper, Maxine Harvey, Carole Kaseman , Tiffany Kaseman, Pat Klelmick, Linda Latsha, Ruth Paul, Peggy Prezlomski, Martha Jane Scholl, Viginia Sinclair, Carol Tarlecki, Carolyn Weaver and Mary Wydra.

Tenors - Harry Deitz, Morris Gard, Corey Levi, David Kopitsky, Nick McWlliams, Cole Supsic and Zachary Hopple.

Basses - Ben Anderson, Robert Ensinger, Robert Kline, Kenneth Mertz, Jake Ozga, Daniel Schwalm, Graeme Shappell, Ned Sodrick and David Wolfe.

SUNBURY - A doctor charged with driving under the influence will begin serving his sentence by 9:15 a.m. May 11, a Northumberland County judge ruled Monday.

Raymond J. Kraynak Jr., of Mount Carmel, was found guilty of driving under the influence and sentenced to six months intermediate punishment with 30 days on house arrest Dec. 2, 2013, but his sentence was suspended while he appealed his conviction.

State Superior Court affirmed in November the sentence and conviction of Kraynak, who police said exited his vehicle and walked up to a sobriety checkpoint while intoxicated at around 11 p.m. May 26, 2012. Kraynak indicated he was attempting to offer medical assistance at what he believed to be an accident.

On Monday, District Attorney Ann Targonski announced the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied Kraynak's petition for allowance of appeal, ending his attempts to overturn his conviction. Northumberland Councy Judge Charles H. Saylor ordered Kraynak to report to Northumberland County Adult Probation at 9:15 a.m. May 11 to begin house arrest.

SUNBURY - A civil trial involving a lawsuit filed more than five years ago by fired Northumberland County deputy sheriffs Michael Boris and Joseph Jones against county Commissioner Vinny Clausi and former Sheriff Chad Reiner has been scheduled for next month.

According to an amended trial notice received by the prothonotary's office April 7 from Columbia-Montour County President Judge Thomas A. James Jr., jury selection for the trial will begin at 9:15 a.m. Monday, June 8, at Northumberland County Courthouse. The trial is scheduled to begin June 9 and June 10, with a break on June 11, before resuming June 12. Another break will then be taken with the trial resuming June 22 and June 23.

James will preside at the trial in Northumberland County Court. Northumberland County Judges William H. Wiest, Charles Saylor and Anthony Rosini previously recused themselves from hearing the case due to a potential conflict of interest.

Attorney Douglas N. Engelman, of Williamsport, who is representing Jones and Boris, requested a continuance in the trial March 26 because two key witnesses will be out of the country during the week of the trial. Expert witness Joshua Warfel will be on a pre-paid cruise and Sunbury attorney Kymberley Best, who worked as the county chief clerk during the time of the alleged incident that led to the firing of the deputy sheriffs, also will not be available.

But James denied the continuance before setting the dates for jury selection and trial.

Although the amended trial notice has been received by the prothonotary's office, staff at the county court administrator's office were not aware of it Thursday afternoon until the media brought it to their attention. Deputy court administrator Kevin O'Hearn said several civil trials for the June term of court have already been scheduled. But he said an effort will be made to resolve the scheduling conflict.

Attorneys Michael Apfelbaum and Michael Kula, of Sunbury, are serving as legal counsel for Clausi and Reiner.

James has requested attorneys to file briefs in the case by June 1.

Five years

The case has lingered for five years with plenty of legal maneuvering on both sides. There was speculation that the trial may be moved to Columbia County and a jury would be selected from outside Northumberland County due to the high level of publicity surrounding the case.

In October 2013, James issued a gag order in the defamation lawsuit after Engelman claimed Clausi had attempted to "try the case publicly."

Boris and Jones sued Clausi and Reiner in January 2010 following an investigation into a porn-viewing scandal in the sheriff's office. Boris and Jones were fired Jan. 13, 2010, by Reiner for violating the department's computer policy by failing to secure their passwords and make sure no inappropriate material was retrieved using their passwords.

In October 2012, James dismissed Clausi's $3 million defamation lawsuit filed in 2010 against Jones, Boris and their former attorney, Gregory Stuck. James also dismissed a countersuit the two former deputies filed against Stuck.

Clausi filed the suit on his own after Boris and Jones filed a defamation and wrongful termination suit against him, Reiner and Northumberland County.

Clausi, at a Dec. 29, 2009, commissioners' meeting, said a two-week surveillance of computer use in the sheriff's department uncovered excessive, non-work-related browsing of the Internet - one occasion for 6 1/2 hours - that included viewing pornography. He said the offenses involved two employees. He never revealed their names publicly, but threatened to do so if Reiner didn't address the issue.

Clausi said the surveillance was done on the computer system countywide, and two people were immediately fired from another department for the same misuse, including viewing pornography.

On Jan. 13, 2010, Stuck filed a defamation lawsuit involving nine employees of the Northumberland County Sheriff's Office - not counting the elected sheriff - claiming Clausi's statements "impugned the good character, good names and good reputations of the entire sheriff's staff without actual proof of individual utilization by any staff member." A 10th staff member chose not to be part of the suit.

The same day, Boris and Jones were fired for violation of the county computer usage policy. The two were never directly linked to the pornography in their termination papers.

After the firing, Clausi went to the sheriff's department and apologized for what had transpired. Seven other plaintiffs subsequently withdrew from the defamation suit against the commissioner.

Stuck contended the deputy sheriffs were fired because Reiner was unable to stand up for his employees and "bowed to the pressure from the commissioners."

Boris and Jones are seeking immediate reinstatement to their prior positions along with wages lost due to their terminations, including all benefits. Each plaintiff is demanding minimum damages of $50,000, plus costs associated with filing the suit. The plaintiffs also demanded an apology from Clausi.

The county also is named in the suit because it is Clausi's principal employer and his comments were made as a commissioner.

In April 2010, Stuck withdrew as Boris and Jones' attorney due to a conflict of interest occurring when Clausi filed his lawsuit.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Salvation Army Adult Benefit Basketball Tournament raised $3,501 this year, the most in its 12-year history.

Salvation Army Advisory Board members and tourney co-chairmen Brian Persing and Chris Venna said the tournament, held April 10 to 12, broke a record set last year at $3,200 and topped - by $1 - this year's goal.

There were 13 men's teams and four women's teams competing, and a 3-point shooting contest and a youth girls' game were added to this year's tournament's schedule.

"We had tremendous support from the community to make this happen," Persing said. "In addition to the players, volunteers and officials, we also had eight local businesses and organizations make donations between $100 and $250 each, and a half-dozen private citizens make donations ranging from $30 to $200 to help defray the costs of the PIAA officials. It was absolutely amazing."

Businesses and organizations making monetary donations included the Bernie Romanoski Hall of Fame, Varano Insurance (Shamokin and Mount Carmel), First Columbia Bank and Trust (Elysburg), Olvany Insurance (Shamokin), Subway (Coal Township), Lincoln Towers (Shamokin), the Lower Anthracite Regional Recreation Committee and The News-Item. Academy Sports (Mount Carmel) provided trophies to the top four men's teams and the top women's team. Joe Winhofer of WIN Graphics (Kulpmont) provided a welcome banner that listed the businesses and organizations making monetary donations.

Persing and Venna also thank the PIAA officials who officiated the more than 30 games played. They include Dwayne Scicchitano, Ty Scicchitano, Mark Prusch, Steve Lapotsky, Corey Houser, Steve Jacobi, Ed Griffiths, Chris Venna, Marc Persing, Rich Weikel, Jesse Butler, Luke Butler, Matt Spears, John Palacz, Justin Rickert, Paul Niglio, Dennis Hepler, Jim Fiamoncini, Brad Nahodil, Kyle McGee, and Jordan Rickert. They note that Dwayne Scicchitano did the scheduling and assigning for the officials.

There were also more than 40 community members and Shamokin Area Middle/High School students who volunteered their services or made donations to the concession stand. Community members included Bernie and Christine Sosnoskie, Janice Kotwica, Brad Nahodil, Justin Rickert, Henry and Sandy Linton, Flo James (James Pizza), Linda Persing, Earl Sheriff (Irish Isle), Paul Metrocavage, Jeff and Maxine Kashner, Robert Getchey (SYGBL), Tara Venna, Debbie Powell, Bill and Betsy Richie, Skip Rabuck, Mike Duganitz, Jack Murdock, Ned Sodrick, Judy Orner and Maj. Tina Streck. Shamokin Area students included Brittany Markhorst, Beth Lytle, Jess Tumolo, John Kiracofe, Adam Derck, Nick Furca, Elijah Kelly, Josh Rosini, Bridgette Hine, Evelyn Madrak, Michelle Fellin, Cierra Eby, Maryssa Erdman, Alyssa Lahr, Kaia Bonshock, Brooke Hovenstine, Kamilya Nazih and Rebecca Delbaugh.

Capturing the top four men's places were Persing Masonry (first), James Pizza (second), DoughBoyz (third) and Zalar's Roofing (fourth). On the women's side of the bracket, Central placed first.

Dan Rathmel won the 3-point shooting contest.

Persing and Venna offer a special thank you to the Shamokin Area School Board for permitting use of school facilities for the tournament.

"Without their support, we could never make this happen," Venna said.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Council of Catholic Women and Rosary Altar Society held its meeting April 9 in the parish hall.

President Theresa Conniff brought the meeting to order with the prayer to Our Lady of Good Council and the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes were read and approved. Debbie Gownley gave the treasurer's report.

The Council of Catholic Women Convention was held April 20 at the Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg. The parish donated a gift card for the silent auction at the convention.

Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will hold a retreat from June 12 to 14 at Mount St. Mary's, Emmitsburg, Md. The next deanery meeting will be held in Lykens with the date to be announced.

The groups will sell carnations at all Masses on Mother's Day. The Rev. Francis Karwacki blessed and distributed orange ribbons with a prayer at all Masses during the weekend. The ribbons are for parishioners to wear as a reminder to pray for Christians who are facing violence, captivity, persecution and brutality by the Islamic State (ISIS) and other radical terrorists. Karwacki said the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, of Washington, D.C., came up with the idea because ISIS places people in orange jump suits for their beheadings or burnings and therefore orange is the new color of martyrdom.

The meeting was closed with 10 Hail Marys for the active, sick and deceased members. Refreshments were served followed by bingo.

The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in the parish hall.

HUMMELS WHARF - Kendra Aucker, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Evangelical Community Hospital, will receive the EconomicsPennsylvania Adam Smith Distinguished Leadership Award to be presented at a luncheon in her honor Thursday, May 28, at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club.

The annual event will be chaired by state Sen. John R. Gordner with state Rep. Lynda Schlegel-Culver and Helen Phillips, widow of Merle Phillips, former state representative and longtime member of the EconomicsPennsylvania board of directors, as honorary event co-chairs. The luncheon is dedicated in Merle Phillips' memory.

"When Kendra's name was placed in nomination for the Adam Smith Award, no other names were advanced, and by unanimous vote, she was our initial and enthusiastic choice," said Roger S. Haddon Jr., president and CEO of Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. and vice chair of the EconomicsPennsylvania state board of directors, in a press release. "I think everyone in the room recognized that as a result of her many professional accomplishments, her leadership in helping shape the strategic direction that sets Evangelical Hospital apart from other community hospitals, her success and commitment as a community leader and, perhaps as impressive as anything else, being a role model for all young people and as a mother made her the perfect choice."

At Evangelical, Aucker has served in roles in marketing, physician practice management, operations and executive leadership. In her current role, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hospital.

The luncheon will begin with a reception at 11:15 a.m. Call Rachel Hummel at 570-372-9997 for tickets.

On the Net: www.economicspa.org.

ELYSBURG - Knoebels Amusement Resort wasn't open Thursday, but it didn't matter to a group of students who paid a visit to the park to learn about the ins-and-outs of some of their favorite rides.

Around 60 elementary and high school students involved with the science, technology, engineering, arts and math afterschool program from Shamokin Area and Mount Carmel Area school districts got a unique opportunity to view StratosFear, Flying Turns and the park's newest coaster, Impulse.

Although the students did not get to see any of the rides in motion, they got to view each ride up close and personal, even getting to walk inside Flying Turns' curved wooden trough.

Members of the Knoebel family, maintenance personnel and other team members explained how the rides were built and how they operate. Students asked questions, which varied from how the colors of Impulse were chosen to how decisions are made to purchase rides. One student even asked how many screws are in the Flying Turns. The answer: 650,000.

The hour-long visit was part of a program funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and administered by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU).

Knoebels staff members have been presenting information to students in the program for the past two years; however, this was the group's first on-site visit to the park. The trip allowed students to become acquainted with the aspects of science, technology, engineering and math fields.

MANDATA - The Line Mountain High School football team will shine a little more brightly under the lights thanks to the board's approval of new team uniforms.

The new uniforms will be purchased from Riddell, of Elyria, Ohio, at a cost of $12,496.71. The funds will come out of the football budget.

Jeff Lagerman, middle school principal and former athletic director, said the existing uniforms are eight years old, while uniforms are typically replaced on a five-year cycle. He said the football boosters replace some jerseys each year as players graduate, but other parts of the uniforms, like padding, are showing signs of wear.

"Most are disintegrating," he said.

The board approved the motion on a 7-1 vote Tuesday night, with director Lamont Masser dissenting. Director David Bartholomew was absent from the meeting.

In other news:

- A snow blower, a 1999 Ford Econoline van with 205,000 miles and a push mower will be auctioned at the Gratz Fire Company sale May 1 and 2. The sale supports Amish schools in the Line Mountain School District.

- Directors approved cement work around the high school by J.H. Rissinger & Sons Inc. at a cost of $6,014.

- A lot attached to the former Dalmatia Elementary School was listed for sale by Villager Realty Inc., of Selinsgrove, for $59,900. The lot, just shy of an acre in size, includes the mobile home formerly used for the school.

- Kindergarten through fourth grade will receive new math books purchased from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, of Orlando, Fla., at a cost of $58,105.33. Fifth through 12th grades will receive new math books purchased from Pearson, of New York City, at a cost of $104,086.73.

Superintendent David M. Campbell said the change in curriculum due to Common Core necessitated the new textbooks and the last math textbooks were purchased eight years ago.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Students, teachers, staff and community participated in the first health and wellness fair held April 1 in the Shamokin Area Middle/High School gymnasium.

Months of planning and organizing went into the event that featured many vendors who showcased booths filled with activities and games for all ages. The focus was on healthy living and making good choices and decisions regarding health and wellness. Literally, tons of food was consumed.

Nutrition Inc. provided a fruit booth, giving away 550 pounds of apples and oranges and 200 pounds of bananas; a veggie booth serving 150 pounds of stir-fry; a grain booth providing 2,900 samples of flavored breakfast breads, and a protein booth serving 125 pounds of string cheese. The hit of the day was the smoothie booth that went through 240 pounds of strawberries and blueberries, 120 pounds of yogurt and 80 pounds of bananas.

Numerous local businesses donated funds to sponsor the event and many other businesses provided supplies and prizes for the booths and organized sports activities. All students received handouts from vendors.

Meet the Candidates Night planned

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin Area Democrat Women will sponsor a Meet the Candidates Night at the Knights of Columbus social room, Independence and Rock streets, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13. County and local candidates are invited, as is the public. Also, Republicans who are cross-filed in the primary are welcome.

SASB committee meetings next week

COAL TOWNSHIP - Two committees of the Shamokin Area School Board will meet next week. The policy and discipline committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, and the buildings and grounds committee will meet at 3 p.m. Tuesday. Both meetings will be in the school board conference room.

Editor's note: One in a series of interviews with the eight candidates for Northumberland County commissioner.

Twenty-two-old Nathan Savidge believes his age is a strength rather than a weakness in his campaign for Northumberland County commissioner.

The Democrat from Sunbury, who will graduate this month from Susquehanna University with degrees in political science and psychology, including a concentration in neuroscience, said his youthful enthusiasm is something other candidates lack.

"I realize I'm young, but just because I'm young doesn't mean I can't be a professional and that I don't have bigger ideas," he said. "And, quite frankly, a lot of the other candidates are significantly older than me. I think, if anything, being young could switch up the conversation and get new ideas flowing."

Savidge said business people have already recognized his abilities as a manager. In addition to his full-time course work at Susquehanna, Savidge works full time as an assistant manager at Dunkin' Donuts in Hummels Wharf and also manages the All Fore Golf driving range near Northumberland.

Within the county itself, he spent 18 months earlier in his college career interning with Judge William H. Wiest and, last fall, worked with Judge Charles Saylor, including on the county's treatment courts, tying his college studies into an examination of drug abuse and its legal implications.

"I have a lot of connections within the court system already, and I've been out actively seeking to make connections on the administration side," he said.

Savidge said he's confident he has something to offer with his strong work ethic, fresh ideas and willingness to compromise.

'Blunt, direct'

Savidge, who describes himself as "socially liberal and financially conservative," believes a chain of command and professionalism need to be restored in county government. He said with employees going straight to commissioners with problems, the chain breaks down and mid-managers are left in awkward positions.

Instead, he said it should work like a school, where a teacher reports a problem to the building principal, and, if needed, it then goes to the superintendent and then to the school board.

"That's the type of system that needs to be established in the county," he said.

He said he shares Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi's "blunt and very direct" characteristics.

"I give Vinny credit for cleaning up," he said about his willingness to address issues of fraud and abuse. But, Savidge added, "I'm a bit more graceful and more of a compromiser."

Savidge said he has had experience with disciplining workers through his job at Dunkin Donuts, from boyfriends on the property who shouldn't be there to workers showing up late or not at all.

"That shows they have something better to do with their time than work," he said about the no-shows, "so they can go do that."

He said he'd have no problem addressing discipline issues as a commissioner, but said he would first discuss them with the employee. He realizes his age could be a factor.

"I'm going to have to hustle and build respect," he said.

One thing he will avoid, he said, is running to the media to air problems. He believes public bickering among commissioners has hurt the county's image and, in some cases, may have prevented businesses from locating here.

"Shared ideas are the best way to (address issues)," he said.

Education and economy

A product of one himself, Savidge noted there are excellent local opportunities for higher education. But graduates often "dart off" to jobs in metropolitan areas. Working with universities and developing funding streams can lead to jobs and keep people here, he said.

Savidge supports the idea of establishing a local community college, which he believes could further educational connections and attract and keep talented people.

He believes commissioners could play a more active role in education, including trying to link colleges with local job needs.

He would like to see money invested in the restoration of old factories and industrial plants that have been closed over the years. He suggested the county could purchase and renovate buildings in an effort to entice new businesses.

He favors tax breaks as an incentive to lure businesses, but said the tax gain should outweigh what the businesses are given as incentives.

He said he is against eliminating county programs because it often costs employees their jobs.

"Once you lose programs, you don't get them back," he said.

Savidge doesn't agree with the recent decision to eliminate the weatherization program and its seven employees and have it operated by SEDA-COG. Funded by the state, it's not a financial burden on the county, he said.

"Plus, it provides needed services to low-income residents," he said. "I think that was a bad call."

Prison, courthouse

What to do about the prison is a "tough call," Savidge said, but he believes one option that should be ruled out is renovating the old jail because of its age. The prison was heavily damaged by a fire Jan. 14. However, he would like to see the 1876 building saved because of its historic value.

As for purchasing the Moran Industries lot in Sunbury, an idea pushed by Clausi, Savidge said, "I don't think it's wise to buy one of the most expensive lots in Sunbury."

That would also likely limit chances for regionalization, a route he'd pursue that could save the county money.

Savidge said he would like to see any new facility built in Sunbury because of its proximity to the courthouse.

He said new technologies such as solar panels should be considered for the prison. There are upfront costs, he acknowledged, but also long-term savings.

As for a new courthouse - proposed by Clausi as part at the Moran site - Savidge doesn't believe it's necessary.

"It's out of date, but it's not time for a new one," especially with needing a new prison, he said.

Fighting drug abuse

Because of his age, college studies, intern work and bid for office, Savidge has given plenty of thought to the drug problem.

"So if I rant, just stop me," he said.

"First," he said, "we have to be realistic. We have a lot of drug users."

He believes the county has an opportunity to cut down on prison costs by getting more drug offenders into treatment. Right now, he believes the requirements for the county treatment program are too stringent.

Even if the county has to hire more people for its treatment program, it can afford that if it cuts down on the costs of housing prisoners.

"Studies have indicated it's 75 percent cheaper to give someone rehabilitation than incarcerate them," he said.

Savidge said follow-up care for inmates - even beyond probation - could further reduce recidivism.

He said his ideas on the prison and drug treatment may sound "pretty liberal," but they are driven by the chance to "save some serious money on prison costs."

Excited to run

Savidge said he's OK with the reduction of the commissioner salary from $61,000 to $36,000 starting next year, saying the old rate was too high compared to the median salary in the county.

He said he would dedicate most of his time to the commissioner post, but might maintain a part-time job, too.

Savidge said he's fairly well known in the Sunbury area and previously sought a vacancy on Shikellamy School Board that was filled by another applicant, but he wants to make it known that he'd work to represent the entire county, and that he's serious about his bid.

"One of my professors in college told me if I can make it in Northumberland County politics, I can make it for Congress," he laughed. "I'm really excited about running for commissioner."

PAXINOS - Employers and job seekers overflowed from Masser's Banquet Hall at a career fair hosted by PA CareerLink, Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc. and the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Conference.

The strong response from both sectors indicate the economy has improved, said Sandy Winhofer, PA CareerLink business consultant.

"There are not enough people to fill the jobs," she said. "We had more employers this year. We had to put vendors outside."

The job fair ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 100 job seekers visited within the first hour.

Ben Godlow, of Coal Township, said he's been out of work since late January. Though he found few openings for his specialty at the fair - welding - he was impressed by the number of companies in attendance.

Chris Bachelder, a managing partner of the LongHorn Steakhouse in Hummels Wharf, said he hoped to get information from 50 people at the fair and hire about five people.

"I have just enough staff to get by," he said. But business has recently grown by 30 percent and summer vacations will cut into his staffing.

Bachelder has opened 45 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants across the country, but Thursday was his first time at the job fair. He decided to attend to stir up more interest in the available positions.

"I have a sign posted out front," he said. "(But) I'm really not getting the people I need."

David Porzi, Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) operations director, also said he decided to host a booth at the fair after several failed attempts to fill customer service representative positions.

"We're reaching into the community to get employees," he said. "We're looking to fill two to three positions."

AOAA customer service supervisor Mary Ellen Dilliplane was on hand to answer questions from prospective employees. She said she works nearly every day the parks open because of the crowds.

"I haven't been able to play because I've been working," she said jokingly.

Winhofer said the need for employees has pushed some local employers to raise salaries or increase benefits.

"Some of them have done it already, or they're entertaining the fact," she said.

Rus Thompson, director of organizational development at Strong Spas, declined to comment on salaries but said the company wanted to stay competitive in sourcing the best employees.

"We're making a lot of changes to improve the quality of people," he said. "We want to be the employer of choice in the area."

Though Strong Spas is a manufacturing facility, Thompson encouraged applicants with other skills to apply due to potential openings in departments like accounting and sales. He looked for the same qualities when meeting applicants at the fair regardless of the desired position: a good eye for detail, pride in the person's work, honesty and integrity.

Ultimately, he wanted to find "someone who sincerely wants to put out a good product," he said.

Winhofer said CareerLink has been working with many of the attendees to ensure they impress employers at the fair. She was happy with the results Thursday afternoon.

"They're dressed nice, they're ready to interview," she gushed.

Godlow said the organization "absolutely" has helped him with his job hunt, especially with his cover letter. He also credited CareerLink for helping him connect with employers at the fair and through other services they offer. Overall, the organization has helped drive down the unemployment rate, he said.

"I think it's getting better because of CareerLink," he said.