KULPMONT - A meeting of Kulpmont American Legion Unit 231 Auxiliary was held May 23, with Jamie Bordell, Betty Chapman, Reggie Poplaski, Jackie Butler, Florence Willard, Rosalie Ziegler, Marian Edmondson, Janice Witrosky, Pat Kross, Joan Kase, Arlene Terry and Carol Patton attending.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Butler, the chaplain, offered a prayer at the beginning of the meeting and at at close. April minutes were read and approved on motion of Kross and Bordell. The treasurer's report was given by Poplaski, with a motion to approve made by Ziegler and Terry.

Poppy distribution was held in May at Walmart. Poplaski thanked all who helped with the tagging.

A Memorial Day Mass for veterans was celebrated at 8:30 a.m. May 24 at Holy Angels. The Memorial Day parade was held May 25. After the parade, a service was held at Roosevelt Court followed by lunch at the Legion. Hot dogs and drinks were served to children who participated in the parade.

The Six County Convention was held June 4 in Kulpmont. Roast beef, stuffing, corn and desserts were provided by the auxiliary. Bordell brought coffee and goodies for breakfast. Witrosky donated "sprinkler cans" and flowers that will be used as door prizes, Bordell provided "clackers" and Poplaski provided fans that were given to the ladies attending. Patton provided table cloths and paper products. A basket with groceries was chanced off.

Annual dues are sent out in August and September but can be paid in July. It is recommended to pay dues as early as possible. Chapman received a certificate from the national organization because the goal for membership has been reached.

The meeting was adjourned on motion of Terry and Cross.

SHAMOKIN - One person in handcuffs and another lying on a gurney were taken out of a downtown apartment and placed in ambulances during an incident Wednesday evening.

The incident unfolded at 7:24 p.m. when emergency personal were called to 42-44 E. Independence St., next to Dollar General, for a person in cardiac arrest. EMTs brought out the person from an upstairs apartment, above Berk's Thrift Store and Angel Hearts Pediatric Care. An ambulance with the patient left the scene around 8:10 p.m.

Seven minutes later, and while officers were still on scene, EMTs were again called to the scene for an unspecified reason. Three minutes after their arrival a man with no shirt on and in handcuffs was forcefully escorted to an ambulance by EMTs and officers.

What led to the arrest and the original call was not reported Wednesday evening.

STONINGTON - Shamokin Township will need a new tax collector at the end of the year.

Township supervisors Wednesday approved the resignation of Lisa Deitrich as tax collector. She said she is resigning because she is moving out of the township.

Supervisors Greg Rachau, John Klinger and Paul Rapp voted to accept the resignation. Deitrich's last day is Dec. 31, so township officials are looking for someone to fill the spot for the rest of the term, which expires in 2018.

Under a 2014 law, those wishing to be tax collectors must undergo background checks and a certification course through the state Department of Community and Economic Development. Township secretary Stephanie McKinney said after the meeting that anyone wishing to be a tax collector must have their certification by Nov. 30 in order to take office Jan. 1.

In other business, the township accepted applications from five property owners to have their land added to the township's agricultural security area, a tool for strengthening and protecting farmland from the urbanization of rural areas.

Solicitor Roger Wiest will submit the applications to the Northumberland County Planning Commission for approval.

Sewage enforcement officer Kenneth Young and roadmaster Jon Clements were asked to prepare a list of projects that could be completed with county Community Development Block Grant funds. Among the projects being considered are paving of the township complex and the Stonington Fire Company parking lot, and helping the fire company pay for radios that are compatible with the county's new 911 communications system.

The board also approved a motion to make Keystone Collections Group the new tax collectors for their local services, business privilege and all delinquent taxes.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Pennsylvania State Council Knights of Columbus met for their 117th annual state convention at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on May 15 to 17. More than 220 officers and delegates were in attendance.

On Friday evening, May 15, a memorial Mass was held for those Knights who passed away since the last convention. Local knights remembered at the service were Andrew Brown, Stephen Darrup, William Fedroff, Bernard Gidaro, Francis Kriesher, Russell Macheski, James Menapace and Carl Nochton, Mount Carmel Council 628; and Peter Bartos, Joseph Diminick, Raymond Hodrick and Gus Veach, Kulpmont Council 4281.

Later that evening, the convention was opened by State Deputy Stanley Glowatski with the nomination of delegates and alternates to the Supreme Convention which will be held this year in Philadelphia Aug. 4-6.

Proceedings opened May 16 with a video from Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. Last year, Anderson reported that the Knights of Columbus volunteered 70 million hours of service and charity donations of $170 million.

Supreme Treasurer Michael O'Conner of Frackville brought greetings from the supreme knight during his address to the delegates. Wayne Freet, , reported there are now more than 19 ultrasound machines installed by Pennsylvania Knights. A new mobile ultrasound unit was at the convention for viewing and it was blessed later that day by Bishop David Zubik, of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Also addressing the convention Saturday were Robert O'Hara, executive director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference; Stefan Soroka, Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archepachy of Philadelphia; and Robert Bratina, Pennsylvania State Chief Squire.

On May 17, the current state officers were nominated and re-elected for the next fraternal year. Those reelected were Stanley Glowatski, state director; James Bailoni of the Mount Carmel Council, state secretary; Richard Corriveau, state treasurer; Kenneth Grugal, state advocate; and Francis Oh'Hara, state warden. Delegates to the Supreme Convention in Philadelphia elected were John Bowen, Thomas Clark, Sean Connolly, Ken Grugel, Scott Harper, Thomas Kurtek, Deacon Sean Petrisko and Larry Pettit. Alternate delegates elected were Mark Baker, Michael DeLucia, Dennis Garrett, Don Granata, Thomas Harthaway, James McCarthy, Michael Rybacki and Bruce Wermann.

Next year, the 118th state convention will be held in Erie May 13 to 15.

Local delegates attending this year's convention were David Berezovske and Henry Zuech, Mount Carmel Bishop Lawrence F. Schott Council 628; Michael Adams, Andrew Stefanowicz and Joseph Candelora Sr., Shamokin Council 458; and David Mrozowski, Elysburg Father Charles R. Slough Council 14161.

SUNBURY - Columbia-Montour County President Judge Thomas James Jr. will hear post-trial motions next month regarding a civil lawsuit won last month by former Northumberland County deputy sheriffs Joseph Jones and Michael Boris III.

At 10:30 a.m. Aug. 7, in Columbia County Courthouse, James will hear a motion for relief filed by Commissioner Vinny Clausi and former Sheriff Chad Reiner, defendants in the lawsuit that ended up costing county taxpayers at least $550,000, which was the total amount awarded by a jury to Jones and Boris.

Attorney Michael Apfelbaum, of Sunbury, who represents Clausi and Reiner, is seeking either a new trial, a reversal of the jury's judgment in favor of Boris and Jones, or dismissal of the case.

Defense counsel argues that a First Amendment claim against Clausi wasn't properly established, saying he had "qualified immunity" as an elected official even if a violation occurred, and that the plaintiffs never clearly established that their constitutional rights were violated. The same argument was made on behalf of Reiner and the 14th Amendment claim against him, adding that James should not have excluded evidence from an arbitration hearing and the resulting ruling. An arbitrator ruled in 2012 that the county had just cause to fire Boris, Jones and a third deputy, Tom Drust, who were accused of viewing pornography on work computers.

An additional claim of emotional distress awarded to Boris against Clausi should be overturned because no evidence was presented, including medical documentation, proving he had been victim to "extreme or outrageous behavior," the filing states.

James also will hear a motion the same day filed by the plaintiffs' attorney, Douglas Engelman, of Williamsport, who is seeking an additional $534,523 in attorney fees, court costs and delay of damages for Jones and Boris.

The defamation and wrongful termination lawsuit was filed in January 2010 by Jones and Boris against Clausi, Reiner and the county. The lawsuit stems from an investigation into a porn-viewing scandal in the sheriff's office.

Boris and Jones, who are neighbors in Mount Carmel, were fired Jan. 13, 2010, by Reiner for violating the department's computer policy by failing to secure their passwords and not making sure inappropriate material was not retrieved using their passwords.

A 12-person jury ruled June 12 at the end of a five-day trial that Jones and Boris were denied their constitutional rights of free speech and due process, and awarded each deputy $250,000. Boris was awarded an additional $50,000 for emotional distress. However, Northumberland County, also a co-defendant, was exonerated in both men's whistleblower's claims, and in Jones' own emotional distress claim.

Boris and Jones are seeking to "preserve" the whistleblower claim.

Engelman claims James should not have dismissed an equal protection claim in finding that Boris and Jones were not at-will employees, that potential testimony by former chief clerk Kymberley Best regarding an allegation of Clausi discussing gambling debts should have been allowed, and that testimony by forensic experts should not have been eligible regarding shared user names and passwords because it didn't factor into their initial termination. It also disputes the use of video surveillance.

Northumberland County must pay all awards and fees with tax dollars because it isn't insured for the case.

SUNBURY - Another county's financial turmoil may save Northumberland County residents thousands of dollars on its new prison.

Prison board chairman Stephen Bridy reported at Wednesday's meeting he's contacting Wayne County, Mich., about accepting 111 prefabricated jail cells.

Wayne County, home to cash-strapped Detroit and its surrounding communities, purchased the cells as part of a new prison project. Budgetary woes halted construction in 2013. The Detroit Free Press reported in February 2014 the Wayne County Building Authority had voted to destroy the cells, valued at $1 million, but was still paying on a lease to store them in May 2015.

"There may be some opportunity there if they haven't been destroyed," Bridy said.

He had not yet reached anyone in Wayne County, but hoped Northumberland County could acquire the them at a fraction of the $100,000 per cell price tag of new precast cells. The deal would benefit both counties, as Wayne County would not have to pay an estimated $300,000 to destroy the cells.

"I'm open to any negotiation with it," Bridy said. "For us to not look into it wouldn't be doing our job as elected officials."

If the cells are available, they could be transported in by train or truck, he said.

Calls from The News-Item to the Wayne County Building Authority, which controls the prison project, were not returned Wednesday.

Bridy said if the Wayne County cells are available, now is an opportune time to acquire them because engineers and architects are still in the preliminary stages of designing the new jail.

"At this point in the process it would work perfectly," said Bridy. "The engineers and architects can modify any work they've done so far to use those (cells)."

Part of the work to alter the plan for the cells would involve eliminating one dormitory to make room for 14 to 22 additional cells. Bridy said between 88 and 96 cells are slated for the new jail, but the increase would be beneficial to guards because cells are easier to monitor.

"Any correctional officer likes to have a cell for every person they put in there," he said.

The Northmberland County Prison Board has been searching for a cost-effective solution to replace the jailhouse which stood on Second Street in Sunbury until a January fire destroyed it. Commissioners purchased the 22-acre site formerly home to the Knight-Celotex plant in Sunbury as a site for the new prison in May. A month later they approved a $10 million loan for the project.

PHILADELPHIA - Kelsey Kraynak, a daughter of Roseanne Kraynak, of Marion Heights, and Mark Kraynak, of Kulpmont, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in health sciences from Drexel University June 13 in Philadelphia. She is a granddaughter of Mick and Rose Petroski, of Mount Carmel, and Theresa Kraynak, of Kulpmont.

While at Drexel, Kraynak was education director and philanthropy chair for Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She was instrumental in creating, developing and leading the well-known event, "Quest for the Best," which raises funds for the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation which supports play therapy for hospitalized children. She was also responsible for revamping the undergraduate physical therapy club at Drexel, seving as club president for a year and a half.

She finished her undergraduate classes in three years and has already completed her first year of graduate school at Drexel. She will finish with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2017.

Kraynak is a 2011 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School.

SHAMOKIN - A badly blighted property dubbed an "immediate danger" following a partial collapse earlier this month will be torn down within two weeks, according to the city code officer.

Demolition of 625-627 E. Commerce St. will begin July 20, Rick Bozza said Wednesday. At $24,280, Robert Gusick Demolition submitted the lowest of four quotes to perform the "emergency" work. Grant money will be used to cover the expense.

The city is taking careful steps to avoid legal troubles that followed an emergency demolition project in 2012 that resulted in a lawsuit and settlement with the Gusick firm. Bozza said paperwork is being processed with the state, a municipal lien will be filed in county court, and a contract dictating terms of the demolition has been signed. Gusick is currently on a job in Coal Township, Bozza said.

Word of the start of demolition came on the same day the remains of a blighted property three blocks away was knocked to the ground. The former Hardshell Cafe at 422 N. Shamokin St., owned by Stephen Bednar, of Shamokin, was torn down in phases over the past year. An adjoining building owned by Bednar's son, Jared, had already been torn down. Both had been damaged by arson in January 2013.

The partial collapse at Commerce and Pearl streets occurred July 1, the latest in an ongoing series of partial collapses that's caused support beams to snap, a staircase to cave in, and a gaping hole to form floor-to-ceiling on the Pearl Street side of the property. The hole is so large that by looking through the open front door, traffic is visible on Sunbury Street.

The owner is Jhoel Leonardo, of Queens, N.Y., who authorities say dodged responsibility since enforcement efforts began in August 2013. Six citations have been filed against Leonardo, all of which were ignored. An arrest warrant was issued. New York state troopers went to his Queens address that Shamokin officials have on file but found it was invalid, Bozza said.

Bozza estimates he and Cpl. Bryan Primerano have worked upward of 50 hours each on the property over the past few years. Enforcement is difficult when property owners dodge citations or refuse to pay for demolition, he said. All he can do is continue to issue citations and attempt to persuade property owners to cooperate.

Leonardo bought the property in December 2011 for $810 from Grand Teton, a Delaware LLC managed in part by the property's former owner, Joseph Meneghin. Meneghin, of Tom's River, N.J., bought it at judicial sale in September 2009 for $1,323.31. It was owned previously by Bryan S. and Sandra A. Hornberger.

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - National Night Out sponsored by Mount Carmel Township police, fire and emergency services and local businesses will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Neighbors throughout Mount Carmel Township are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 32nd annual National Night Out and the township's seventh annual crime and drug prevention event.

Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Kelly Campbell is the local coordinator for the event.

National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.

The event involves over 14,625 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.

In all, over 36.7 million people are expected to participate in "America's Night Out Against Crime."

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

From 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 4, township residents and citizens across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police.

Mount Carmel Township police, fire personnel and emergency services will be hosting a variety of special events such as cookouts, interaction programs, contests, demonstrations, youth activities and anti-crime rallies.

There will be food, beverages, entertainment and surprises for children along with special guest appearances.

Campbell urged residents to leave all pets at home.

For more information, Campbell can be reached at 570-339-1653, extension 703.

SUNBURY - Police here are investigating a robbery that occurred at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 700 block of Market Street.

Police said the victim, who was not identified, was walking between buildings on the south side of the street when a white male approached. The suspect, who is approximately six feet tall and was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and shorts, shoved the victim and a brief struggle ensued, police said. The robber then fled with a small amount of money.

A concerned citizen chased the suspect on foot, but lost sight of him in the first block of North Sixth Street.

Anyone with information about the suspect or video footage of the robbery is urged to call Sunbury police at 570-286-4587 or 570-988-4539.

SHAMOKIN - Optimism remains for the short-term outlook of Shamokin's finances midway through 2015.

It's only a projection, and it's admittedly early, but City Hall is looking at a minimal year-end deficit estimated under $41,000. That's close enough to breaking even to make the prospect a possibility - something no one could have imagined just one year ago.

If tax collection exceeds conservative expectations and out-of-budget costs stay low, it may happen.

"To finish in the black would be the first time in a long, long time," said city administrator Robert M. Slaby, unsure of when it last occurred.

Progress is buoyed by a large increase of property and earned income taxes and, city officials say, increased scrutiny on spending.

A quarterly analysis of the city's progress in the state's Act 47 financial recovery program estimates, through May, the year's revenues at $2.91 million. Expenses were estimated at $2.96 million, leaving a projected deficit of $40,789. Those figures fall in line with the city's 2015 budget of $2.89 million, but are likely to change as the year moves on.

Shamokin closed May with $771,454 in its general fund, the city's main expense account, and just $60 in bills due. The city spent $989,835 in that same time frame, 34 percent of the year's spending allotment. Personnel spending is on pace, according to the analysis. Out-of-budget expenses were more costly than anticipated after a lawsuit was settled with a city contractor.

The general fund account stood at $562,311 Tuesday, with Treasurer Brenda Scandle expecting to make several deposits that would boost the total.

"We've never had this much money in there, never, since 2006," Scandle said, referring to the year she first took office.

The midway point of 2014 was a much more tumultuous time. Shamokin had been accepted into Act 47 and applied for a $1.2 million loan to pay off more than $811,000 in unpaid bills. Remaining loan money was to float the city through 2014, as needed. The city had been sued by its ex-clerk, council took an unusual measure to revise its yearly budget, and furloughed police officers were reinstated after much public criticism. It got bad enough that Coal Township had to help Shamokin buy a load of rock salt.

Slaby, Scandle and Mayor William D. Milbrand all credited the Act 47 plan, in part, for the fiscal improvement. Slaby also credited department heads for maintaining individual budgets.

Adopted in February, the plan has 129 initiatives. Nine have been completed, with about 60 underway - among them, apply for grant funding for computer upgrades and personnel costs, pursue study of potential consolidation of police services with Coal Township, explore buying back street lighting system, use labor attorney to negotiate union contracts, freeze wages, limit overtime, enhance financial reporting systems.

"I think we're making fantastic progress," Milbrand said.

City council will soon turn its attention to the 2016 budget. Act 47 requires the process start no later than Sept. 1. A preliminary draft is due Oct. 1, allowing 30 days for Shamokin's Act 47 coordinator, Ryan Hottenstein, a private consultant, to review it before final adoption. Final budgets are due Dec. 31.

Time will tell what the final outcome is for the current year's budget.

"We're through six months but there are another six months coming. Things are going to arise and it's going to change," Hottenstein said of the budget. "It's not an exact science."

Charges against the following individuals were ordered held to court in recent preliminary hearings before Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones, of Mount Carmel.

n Derek C. Kranzel, 25, of 414 Main St., Aristes, saw charges of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and harassment moved to Northumberland County Court after his preliminary hearing July 1. He is scheduled for court arraignment Aug. 3, where he can either plead guilty or no contest, or plead not guilty and have a trial.

Kranzel was charged by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman Matthew Dillman following a May 24 incident at Dorko's Bar on West Fourth Street, when he allegedly told an ex-girlfriend to leave the establishment, dumped beer on her head and then took her wallet and left the bar.

n Charges of driving with altered, forged or counterfeit documents or license plates, driving without registration and driving without insurance against Kierra J. Martin, 20, of 219 S. Market St., Mount Carmel, were ordered held for court following a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. She was ordered to appear for arraignment on Aug. 31 at Northumberland County Court, Sunbury.

Martin was charged by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Daniel Politza after a May 6 traffic stop when she was found allegedly driving a vehicle with a expired registration, no insurance and with a inspection sticker that did not belong with the vehicle.

n Jeremiah D. Jones, of Harrisburg, a current inmate at Perry County Jail, saw charges of possession of a controlled substance and giving false identification to law enforcement ordered held to court following his preliminary hearing on July 8. He was ordered to appear for arraignment Aug. 31 at Northumberland County Court, Sunbury.

Jones was charged by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Jared Mowen, of the Stonington barracks, following a June 15 traffic stop in the area of Scott and Eighth streets, Kulpmont, when he allegedly gave a false identity to police to avoid being put in prison on felony warrants in Perry and Dauphin counties, and was found with a small bag of marijuana and a digital scale in his pockets.

KULPMONT - The historic Mass celebrated by Bishop Ronald W. Gainer of the Diocese of Harrisburg Thursday in St. Pauline Visintainer Center not only honored the patron saint for diabetics, but brought back a lot of pleasant memories to parishioners who prayed in the same building when it was St. Casimir Church.

Even the downpour that coincided with the start of the Mass couldn't sour the special occasion that marked the first Mass in the building in 20 years. St. Casimir Church closed in 1995 as part of an area-wide consolidation of Roman Catholic parishes.

The Mass was organized by the St. Pauline Foundation, which purchased the property in 2003 and transformed it into a vibrant spiritual center and adoration chapel.

In addition to recalling the life of the heroic, generous and humble St. Pauline on her feast day, Gainer expressed his appreciation to all the supporters of the center, especially foundation treasurer Robert Greco, the Rev. Ray Orloski, a Kulpmont native and former pastor of Holy Angels Church who serves as spiritual adviser at the center, and the Rev. Andrew Stahmer, pastor of Holy Angels.

St. Casimir Church, St. Mary's Church in Kulpmont and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Marion Heights merged to form Holy Angels Parish, which has occupied the former St. Mary's Church building for the last two decades.

"St. Pauline was a heroic saint who had a great devotion to the needy, poor, sick and dying," Gainer said. "We are the beneficiaries of her devotion."

The bishop told the large crowd about the suf-

fering St. Pauline endured in her life after being afflicted with diabetes.

Born in 1865 in what is now Italy, she lived most of her life in Brazil, where she died in 1942. She was canonized May 19, 2002, by Pope John Paul II.

"We must remember the Lord is with us no matter what difficulties we face," he said. "The search for God culminates in the person of Jesus Christ. St. Pauline knew and understood this early in life and we must model her humility and trust in God."

Near the end of Mass, Gainer blessed a canvas painting of St. Francis of Assisi created by the Rev. Peter Gray, of Maryland, a priest in the Society of St. Sulpice.

Claudia Chesney, of Kulpmont, a former St. Casimir parishioner and current member of Holy Angels, said, "The Mass was beautiful. It was moving and I felt wrapped up in the Lord's presence. Being a former member of St. Casimir's, it was very special to be sitting in this building again participating in Mass. I never thought it would happen again."

Joann Shinskie, of Kulpmont, a member of Holy Angels and former member of St. Mary's Church, added, "It was nice to get together for a Mass here. It was special, especially for the former St. Casimir parishioners. I come here every week for adoration. It's such a quiet and peaceful place where you can pray."

Dominic McGinley, a member of Our Lady's Church, Mount Carmel, who has attended adoration every week at St. Pauline Center since it opened, said, "I never thought there would be a Mass here after St. Casimir's closed. Bob Greco, his family and other members of the foundation deserve a lot of credit for making this a reality."

Al Visintainer, a cousin of St. Pauline, also was in attendance. "This was great," he said. "Everything went well. I'm grateful the bishop was able to come here and say Mass."

Orloski said, "I celebrated the last Mass here in June 1995 and I prayed since that time that another Mass would be held here. My prayers came true tonight."

The retired priest credited Greco with being very instrumental in having the Mass celebrated in St. Pauline's honor in the former church.

Greco said, "I want to thank the good Lord and bishop for allowing a Mass to be celebrated here. There are many good people in our community and our mission is to spread the faith and love that have supported us at the center. We want people to know that this center belongs to everyone, not just the foundation or people of Kulpmont."

Local clergy, including Orloski, Stahmer, Deacons Robert Mack and Martin McCarthy took part in the Mass. Mack proclaimed the Gospel and McCarthy read the intercessions.

Colleen Bartko, of Holy Angels Church, offered a scripture reading.

Nick and Shirley Gard presented the offertory gifts. Mrs. Gard serves as president of the St. Pauline Healing Heart of Jesus Society.

Altar servers were David Fletcher, Emma Shimko, Alex Holleran, Sara Cooper and Elizabeth Cooper.

Musical selections were provided by Holy Angels choir. Mary Kay Bartol served as pianist and cantor, while Joette Foris played guitar.

Fourth-degree members of the Knights of Columbus from the Mount Carmel and Shamokin councils provided an honor guard. Sir E. Whitney Whitney, lieutenant commander of the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre also attended.

DANVILLE - The victim of a fatal fall at Geisinger Medical Center Wednesday afternoon has been identified, and an investigation continues into its cause.

Mahoning Township Police Chief Chad Thomas confirmed Thursday it was Stephen Kuchka, 48, of Berwick, who fell 100 feet to his death at approximately noon Wednesday. Kuchka, an employee of MPS Masonary Preservation Services, was working on a brick restoration project at the rear of the Foss Clinic at the time.

Montour County Coroner Scott Lynn said Wednesday that Kuchka was one of three employees working on a motorized scaffold between the building's ninth and 10th floors when the workers were preparing to lower it. When up in the air, the scaffolding has a safety floor covered by a piece of plywood, but the floor is removed when the scaffolding has to be raised or lowered, leaving only the plywood down.

Lynn reported that co-workers on the scaffolding heard the wood snap and then Kuchka fell to his death.

Thomas said Thursday officers are working in conjunction with Geisinger, Lynn and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration on the investigation into the accident, but are treating it as an industrial work accident. Lynn and Mark Stellmach, director of OSHA's office in Wilkes-Barre, did not return calls for comment Thursday.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Short-term rentals are banned under a new ordinance adopted Thursday by Coal Township commissioners.

The law doesn't impact owner-occupied rental properties like bed and breakfasts, according to township solicitor Vincent Rovito. It wouldn't apply to lodging like hotels, either. It would, however, bar anyone from renting a home, apartment or room to someone for 30 days or less. Maximum penalty is a $1,000 fine and a year in jail.

Rovito and Commissioner Gene Welsh each said the ordinance is sought to prevent anyone from renting a property to a large group for a weekend and creating a nuisance.

Fifteen citations for underage drinking were issued in May to Philadelphia-area residents, mostly teenagers, who were staying at 1631 E. Webster St. in Springfield.

Two other ordinances adopted increased the penalty for excessive false alarms to emergency communications and raising the cost of a Zoning Board hearing to $450. Another ordinance to be voted on in August would create a no parking zone on the northwest corner of Nelson and Bay streets.

Blight troubles

Commissioners heard from a Coal Township couple about a blighted property subject to pending litigation in Northumberland County Court.

Susan and Dennis Christiana, of 1825 Clinton Ave., displayed photos and spoke of damage to a property at 406 Cypress St. It's owned by Helene Kolody, according to township officials.

The Christianas told of exposed electrical wiring and insulation, deteriorating walls, holes in floors, an overgrown yard, rodents and mold. They said it's been vacant at least 27 years, which is the entire time they've lived on Clinton Avenue.

"We can't even sit on our patio," Dennis Christiana said.

The property is uninsured, Susan Christiana said. A tree once fell from the Cypress Street yard onto a retaining wall at their property. It cost the Christianas $2,600 to replace, she said.

"It's to the point where it's not fair. He caused an awful lot of havoc to a lot of people," Susan Christiana said.

She was referring to Russell Kolody who along with Helene, Esther and Pauline Kolody, are named in a lawsuit brought by Coal Township and Shamokin. The municipalities ask that the court grant conservatorship of 14 blighted properties targeted for demolition.

No one from the family has responded to certified letters and hearing notices, and haven't shown up to court. A judge has been asked for permission to advertise a conservatorship notice in a newspaper and legal journal to allow the proceedings to continue whether they respond or not.

Commissioners declined comment, citing litigation.

Other business

Robert Gusick Demolition was awarded contracts to demolish 1633 Pulaski Ave. for $10,812 and 1104 Race St. for $28,812. The firm submitted the low bids to knock down the blighted structures.

Klacik & Associates were awarded a $25,500 contract to perform the township's financial audit over the next three years.

Commissioners are seeking to purchase a used asphalt crack sealing machine.

Maine Fire Company will host its annual block party Aug. 15.

SHAMOKIN - The asphalt on the 100 block of West Arch Street just off Market buckled and raised several inches during Thursday evening's brief but heavy rainfall and caused minor flooding near the corner.

The damaged section of the street, which runs adjacent to the Turkey Hill Minit Market, spans more than half a block and has one lane of traffic closed.

The flooding subsided as soon as the rain stopped, according to Shamokin Public Works Foreman Kevin Richardson, who was at the scene.

"Underground drain pipes are blocked for a reason that has not been determined," he said. "Something is damaged, possibly due to the recent excavation by Aqua Pennsylvania."

Aqua recently replaced water lines near the intersection.

Paul Petrovich, Shamokin Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority manager, was also there.

"We won't know what caused it until we can get a camera in the line," Petrovich said. He said a crew will dig a pilot hole and examine the sewer line today.

The damaged section of the street has been marked with orange cones and markers and "no parking" signs have been placed along the street by the Shamokin police.

Shamokin- Coal Township

Monday - Poker game, 8:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; unlucky 7s, noon.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; lunch at El Rancho restaurant, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; Linda Walker from Focus Health speaking on heat, water and hydration, noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; VNA checking blood pressure and blood sugar, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; picnic, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

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

Mount Carmel

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

Tuesday - Wii games, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; CSFP commodity food box pickup, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.; unlucky 7s and pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Board games, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; nickel bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Trip to O.I.P. in Sunbury, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wii games, 9:30 a.m.; unlucky 7s and pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - French toast breakfast, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Dr. Crofoot speaking, noon; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Music and coffee in the morning; VNA performing blood pressure checks, 9:30 to 10 a.m.; hand held games and puzzles, 10 a.m.; commodity food box pickup, call center before coming to make sure boxes have arrived; cards and Wii, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Games and music in the morning; bean bag and bowling, 10 a.m.; LCR, 12:30 p.m.; build a sundae during breaks, $1.50.

Thursday - Puzzles and handheld games in the morning; special meal from Frey's, 11:30 a.m., sign-up required; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Games in the morning; bowling, 10 a.m.; Jennifer from VNA speaking on home safety, noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and current affairs in the local newspaper, 9 a.m.; left, center, right game, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and snack, 9 a.m.; chair exercise with Carol, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Bookmobile; coffee and snacks, 9 a.m.; pinochle, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Coffee and snack, 9 a.m.; visit from dietician Mona; binco, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Center closed. Day trip to Heisler's Dairy.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; special lunch, sign up required; bingo, noon; member of VNA speaking on sun safety.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Monday - Wii bowling, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Pokeno or pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; rummikub, 10:30 a.m.; trip to Weis Markets, noon to 1 p.m.; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; Uno, 10:30 a.m.; special luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; VNA program on home safety, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; members birthday party, 5 p.m.; hoagie orders due.

SHAMOKIN - Two people were found unresponsive in a downtown apartment where drugs were located during an incident Wednesday evening.

Charges are pending against at least one of those people after emergency personnel were dispatched to 42-44 E. Independence St., next to Dollar General, for a person in cardiac arrest. The synthetic drug "spice" was located in an apartment located above Berk's Thrift Store and Angel Hearts Pediatric Care, according to Cpl. Bryan Primerano.

One person lying on a gurney was taken out of the apartment and placed in an ambulance. Primerano said evidence and blood results must be reviewed before determining if that person, who was not identified, will be charged with any crimes.

EMTs were again called to the scene seven minutes after the first person was transported to a hospital for another unresponsive person, who was identified by Primerano as Bruce Zigarski.

Zigarski, handcuffed and not wearing a shirt, was forcefully escorted to an ambulance by EMTs and officers. Primerano said Zigarski appeared to be under the influence of drugs and was incarcerated on a state parole detainer after being released from a hospital.

Registration for food surplus open

KULPMONT - All Kulpmont borough residents already enrolled or are eligible for the food surplus program must complete a new household registration form for the 2015-16 year. Forms are available in the borough office, 860 Spruce St.. Proof of residency will be required.

Vacation Bible school in Tharptown

THARPTOWN - The "Camp Kilimanjaro" vacation Bible school will be presented by Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 328 Center St., Tharptown, from 6 to 8 p.m. from Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 18, for ages 3 and up. Snacks, crafts, fun and God will be available.

Swank family reunion planned

ELYSBURG - The 101st annual reunion of the Swank family will be held at 12:15 p.m., Saturday, July 17, at the Ralpho Community Park.

Mission at Our Lady of Mount Carmel

MOUNT CARMEL - The Rev. Bill McCarthy, professor at Holy Apostles Seminary of Cromwell, Conn., an author and speaker at charismatic conferences, will conduct a mission at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 S. Market St., Sunday through Tuesday. All are invited to attend.

The services will be begin at 7 p.m. all days. They will include benediction Sunday and Monday and a Mass with prayers for healing Tuesday. The theme is Jesus, Family and Mission.

Mary Alice Rossini, a nurse in the healing ministry, will assist with prayers after the Mass.

McCarthy will be hear confessions from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. each day.

SHAMOKIN - Contractor bids to complete Shamokin's flood control project top $6 million, a cost estimate that has city officials seeking direction on how to proceed.

A low bid of $6.235 million submitted by Charles J. Merlo Inc., Mineral Point, nearly doubles the $3.4 million in grant funding previously approved by Federal Emergency Management Agency. A second bid of $6.431 million was submitted by Bill Anskis Construction.

The project is to repair or improve 1.23 miles of Shamokin Creek and Carbon Run damaged by flooding in September 2011. Historic preservation of the stone creek channel behind the city's downtown is included. Costs are to be fully subsidized by grant money.

Shamokin officials say additional grant funds had been approved for the project but haven't updated the total award ahead of bidding. However, both proposals are believed to be substantially costlier than whatever figure the city is currently working with.

City engineer Mike Brinkash is confident the project will move forward. The damage is real, he said, and in need of repair.

"I don't think the project's in jeopardy," Brinkash said. "I think we're pretty optimistic we're going to work it out."

Project deadline may have driven up the bids. The date for completion is still Sept. 12, seemingly an impossible goal. An extension is expected, Brinkash said, but it hasn't been formally approved. The uncertainty could have lessened the field of contractors competing for the contract. Brinkash expected as many as six.

"Unknowns and uncertainties at this point have people scared and that's what's driving prices up," he said.

A special meeting of city council is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. July 27 to potentially award a contract. However, city officials hope to meet beforehand with representatives of both FEMA and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to discuss the bids and project scope. What direction city council takes will depend on advice received.

"We're going to negotiate with FEMA and PEMA. Obviously the bids came in more than we expected," said Mayor William D. Milbrand. "We're certainly not going to award any contracts until we have a chance to discuss the situation."

Milbrand said it's too early to say if project scope will be revised and re-bid. The deadline, though, is certainly going to be missed, he said.

"Obviously we're not going to make that deadline," Milbrand said.

Work was planned to start on the Shamokin Creek channel in the Fifth Ward and proceed downstream. Water will have to be diverted within the channel. Repairs on Carbon Run could occur simultaneously.

Flood control is the focus on Carbon Run. Same for the north and south ends of Shamokin Creek, except behind the city's downtown. That stretch will undergo much more intricate work. The stone walls and floor will be removed and set back in place to replicate how it looked before the damage occurred. The stretch is part of an area designated as a potential site for the National Historic Register.