WILLIAMSPORT - Lawyers representing Northumberland County and Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy filed a motion Friday citing failure of weatherization department employees to state a claim in their lawsuit and requested a judge dismiss the case.

Department employees Dwayne Scicchitano, Pamela Bollinger, Robert McAndrew, David Yakoboski, Barry Schweitzer, Jim Bressi and Albert Benedict Jr., have accused Clausi and Bridy of voting to close the department at an April 7 county meeting in retaliation for attempts to report Clausi for demanding they provide services for a relative and friend who did not meet program requirements.

But the county's attorney, Brian H. Leinhauser, of the Macmain Law Group, Malvern, says in the request for dismissal that because the decision was made at a county meeting by vote, his clients are entitled to legislative immunity.

Federal Judge Matthew W. Brann issued an injunction at the request of the department June 26 that ordered the department remain open beyond a scheduled closure date of June 30 until the lawsuit could be heard in full.

The county defendants have asked for the ruling to be clarified to allow the department to be closed if funding is unavailable, but Brann has not yet made a ruling. The department announced it received $75,000 in funding from the state earlier this month, enough to fund it until at least September.

A response to the weatherization department's lawsuit, filed alongside the request for dismissal, provides little insight into the county's side of the story. The majority of the document merely states "admitted" or "denied" to each of the weatherization department's statements, and 12 affirmative defenses at the conclusion rely heavily on legal technicalities.

"Plaintiffs' claims are barred, in whole or in part, by the Pennsylvania Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act 42 Pa. C.S.A. 8501," the 10th affirmative defense reads, referencing a law establishing governmental immunity.

Though a response to the defendants' claims would typically be due in two weeks, lawyers representing the weatherization department, Amy R. Boring and Michael J. Zicolello, of Schemery Zicolello, Williamsport, have requested an extension until Aug. 7 due to vacation schedules. Brann granted this motion Monday.

MCA holding dress-code clothing drive

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School will hold a dress-code clothing drive Wednesday through July 22. The school is asking for residents to drop off dress-code approved gently used clothes.

Clothing can be dropped off at the high school lobby between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. There will be a night collection from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday.

There will also be donation boxes for a local food bank and the SPCA.

Any and all sizes are needed. Donors are asked to only drop off clothes during drop off hours.

For more information, contact the principal's office.

Community service planned

SHAMOKIN - Participants in Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III's community service program should meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the parking lot across from the Rescue Fire Company.

Modern romance explored

SHAMOKIN - The state of romance and how to keep it vibrant will be discussed at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Lifetree Cafe event at Antioch Place, 531 N. Market St.

The Lifetree event, titled "Modern Romance: That Crazy Thing Called Love," features a filmed interview with cowboy humorist and performer Gary McMahan and his wife of more than 20 years.

"Relationships are living things," McMahan says. "You can kill or feed them, and the romance is in the day-to-day decisions you make."

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

SUNBURY - Music in Cameron Park schedule for tonight has been postponed because of weather concerns.

It has been rescheduled to July 31^t with Counterfeit Dreams, according to city officials.

BLOOMSBURG - Jocelyn M. Darrup, of Mount Carmel, has been named to the dean's list at Bloomsburg University. A junior, she earned a 3.66 grade-point average with a major in psychology.

She is a daughter of Michael and Maryrose Darrup.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Teachers in the Shamokin Area School District plan to strike Sept. 8.

A press release issued Wednesday afternoon by the teachers' union and its state union representative says the decision to strike was made after a negotiation meeting ended earlier in the day without a contract.

"The last thing that our teachers want to is go on strike. But, an uncompromising school board has forced us into the position of striking. The school board has rejected our reasonable contract offers that were equitable and fair to our teachers, good for our students, and affordable to the school district," said Mary Yohe, president of Shamokin Area Education Association (SAEA).

Board's 'constraints'

Antonio Michetti, the attorney representing the district in the negotiations, said the union issued the strike notice at the end of the meeting.

"Given the way that the negotiation session went today, it does not come as a surprise," he said. "It's unfortunate that it's come to this and the board, even though they've been give the notice, will continue to go forth with a reasonable and pragmatic approach in the hopes the association will recognize some of the board's constraints."

Michetti said the two primary sticking points are salary and health benefits, and that the union's demands are unaffordable.

Yohe's statement said the fact-finder's report "struck a compromise" on these issues that was within the financial constraints of the district. The union had voted to accept the report, but the board opposed it June 9.

Super remains hopeful

Superintendent James Zack said Sept. 8, the day after Labor Day, falls in the second week of the school year. He hopes the two parties work out a contract before then to avoid a disruption.

"It's always possible to get it solved," he said Wednesday. "There's quite a bit of time between now and the school year."

Zack said state regulations will dictate the length of the strike, and information will be forthcoming if the contract is not settled by the end of summer.

"When we get to that point, we'll certainly get that information out to the parents," he said. "To speak on that now would be premature."

Approximately 200 union teachers in the district have been working under the terms of an expired contract for approximately two years. SAEA announced its intention in April to strike starting May 22 if a contract wasn't reached, but when the board requested fact-finding the strike was nullified until a decision was made it.

SUNBURY - The ceremony to "Kick-off the Count-Down" for the Northumberland County Fair this year is set for Tuesday at the Tall Cedars Grove, also the site of the fair. There will be a ribbon cutting, balloon launch with hundreds of balloons carrying invitations to the fair and refreshments. It's open to the public.

The fair will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year and will be a day longer than in previous years, scheduled for Wednesday to Saturday, Aug. 19 to 22. Entertainment sessions are booked for each day and include Jim, the Singing Mailman, Van Wagner, Jay Smar, Randall-Ginley Band, K. J. Reimensnyder-Wagner, Mid-Life Cowboys, Tim Latshaw and Frank Wicher Band. This year there will be a garden tractor pull event on Wednesday evening.

Judges for all events have been scheduled and supplies are ordered. The Boy Scouts are painting signs, electrical work is in progress and work has begun on preparing the grounds for the fair.

Anyone who does needlework, crafts, paintings, woodwork, gardening, baking, winemaking or farming is encouraged to choose the best of their work or livestock to display at this year's fair. The fair book is available online at www.northumberlandcountyfair.com and the print version is also back from the printer. They are available from any board member Call J Rebuck 570-286-5131 to reserve one.

POTTSVILLE - The family of a veteran killed in a two-vehicle crash in November in Cass Township has sued the Schuylkill County Department of Veterans Affairs and both the driver and owner of the truck involved.

In the lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court, Donna Hurlbut, administratrix of the estate of Leonard R. Valitski, asked for unspecified monetary damages of more than $75,000, plus costs, from the VA department; Narwinder Singh, of El Monte, Calif; and A&B Trucking Express Inc., Corona, Calif., Singh's employer.

She also demanded a jury trial.

Hurlbut, Valitski's daughter, alleged both Singh and James R. Metzger, of Barnesville, the driver of the Veterans Affairs van in which Valitski was riding, negligently caused the crash Nov. 17 at Highridge Park Road and Keystone Boulevard.

"Metzger was negligent while traveling southbound ... and failing to stop at the red light," Hurlbut alleged. "Singh was negligent while turning left and northbound ... causing Mr. Valitski's vehicle to violently crash into the side of the tractor-trailer."

Cass Township police said the accident occurred about 8 a.m. at the intersection at Highridge Business Park.

Police said Singh was driving east on Keystone Boulevard while Metzger was driving south on Highridge Park Road. Metzger's van slammed into the side of Singh's truck, police said.

Rescue crews had to cut away the roof and doors of the van to remove the people inside, police said.

Metzger, 67, and another passenger in the van, Elaine Bradley, 73, of Tamaqua, died at the scene, while Valitski, 79, of Mahanoy City, who was being driven to a doctor's appointment, died Nov. 24 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Singh was unhurt.

Hurlbut made similar allegations in the lawsuit against both Metzger and Singh, saying each was negligent in failing to keep his vehicle under control, driving too fast for the rainy and foggy conditions and not keeping a proper lookout for other vehicles.

She also alleged Singh and A&B violated mandatory federal motor carrier safety regulations by not keeping a record of the driver's hours worked, allowing him to operate while his ability and alertness are impaired, and failing to use extreme caution when hazardous conditions exist.

Also, she alleged Valitski suffered severe injuries that caused his death, endured pain and suffering before it occurred, and incurred medical and funeral costs, all as a result of the defendant's negligence.

The case has been assigned to Senior U.S. District Judge Edwin M. Kosik, Scranton.

SUNBURY - A malpractice lawsuit alleges a former Shamokin dentist whose practice was shuttered because of alleged unsanitary conditions caused a patient to contract an infectious disease.

Dr. Vincent J. Paczkoskie, of Snydertown, is accused of negligence and assault and battery in a lawsuit filed June 24 in Northumberland County Court on behalf of Matthew A. Weikel, of Coal Township. Weikel seeks a monetary award through compulsory arbitration. Donald J. Feinberg of The Feinberg Firm, Philadelphia, is Weikel's attorney.

The lawsuit alleges Weikel was diagnosed with an infectious disease following routine blood work in July 2013. The disease was undisclosed in the lawsuit. Paczkoskie performed dental work on Weikel beginning in 2009 or 2010, according to the lawsuit. It does not state when his last visit was or what work may have been performed.

Weikel suffers "physical pain and mental anguish," perhaps permanently, according to the lawsuit. It's alleged that he also spent unspecified sums of money on medical attention and will do so in the future.

"Weikel has suffered embarrassment, humiliation, shame and disfigurement and he will continue to suffer same in the future to his detriment and loss," the lawsuit states.

Weikel could not be reached for comment through his attorney. A Department of Health spokesman declined to say if the department was tracking potential reports of infections related to a state investigation into Paczkoskie's former practice.

Paczkoskie, who practiced at 315 N. Shamokin St., surrendered his dentistry license in September in wake of a Department of Health investigation that accused the then 74-year-old of failing to maintain common health standards.

He had no records to prove equipment was being sterilized since at least June 2013, failed to disinfect instruments before reuse, and had no contract for medical waste disposal, investigators said. A single dental handpiece, or drill, was found among the tools when they inspected the office.

After the investigation's results were announced, the state urged all current or former patients be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. An agreement with the state says he can never practice dentistry again in Pennsylvania.

The lawsuit cites a number of findings from the Department of Health investigation without specifically citing the investigatory report. Spelling of Paczkoskie's name in the lawsuit differs from his dental license. At one point, another man's name is inserted where Weikel's would be with no further reference.

Attempts to reach Weikel through his attorney were unsuccessful.

Paczkoskie was first licensed in June 1965. His last renewal was April 2013. He was a longtime dental examiner for the Shamokin Area School District.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Rainbow Club met at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 12, in the Our Lady of Hope Church hall. Eighteen members attended.

Ruth Romanoski opened the meeting with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Over 50 Song. She announced a new member, Pat Redd. Birthdays for July were announced and were celebrated with song and applause. The health report was given. Roseann Campbell is in the hospital, Dolly Yocum is recovering and prayers for our president were asked for as she is having some health issues.

Florence Verano, treasurer, read her reports. She also read a thank you card from American Music Theater and from a deceased member's family.

Verano announced that there are still openings for the Aug. 20 show to see "South Pacific" at Allenberry Playhouse and to see "A Mighty Fortress", a sequel to the "Basement Ladies," Oct. 1, at Dutch Apple. Call Florence at 570-648-0949.

Verano won the attendance award, two cakes were won by Irene Curran and two 50/50 were won. The minutes were read by Donna Mordan. The meeting was adjourned. Bingo was played. A covered dish meal was enjoyed by all. The next meeting will be Aug. 9.

Train display open at flea market

LEWISBURG - The non-profit Loose Ties Model Railroad Club has closed its display at the Columbia Mall and has moved to the Silver Moon Flea Market on Route 15, two miles north of Lewisburg. Its huge free operating display will be open there every Sunday throughout the year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning this weekend.

The free Saturday Trains program, now in its tenth year at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church at the corner of Pine and East Market streets in Danville, Montour County, will be open on Saturday and every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon with its dozens of trains and a model merry-go-round that children and adults can play with. More than 1,000 icicle lights decorate the display.

Job fair planned

MILLVILLE - Girton Manufacturing Co. Inc., in partnership with the PA CareerLink Columbia/Montour Counties, will hold its first job recruitment from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 at the manufacturing plant, 160 Main St.

President Dean Girton is eager to hire for the following immediate openings: stainless steel welders, industrial electricians, assemblers, automation engineer, mechanical CAD design engineer and clerical positions.

Girton Manufacturing Co. Inc. is a world leader in manufacturing quality washing equipment and has been making stainless steel washing equipment for food and dairy processing, pharmaceutical production and laboratory animal care equipment since 1927.

For more information, contact PA CareerLink 570-387-6288.

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.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; unlucky 7s, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; attorney Varano speaking at noon; nickel bingo, 1 p.m.

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

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Board games, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Family Medical speaker, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii games, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle and unlucky 7s, 12;30 p.m.; no farmers market vouchers after noon today.

Wednesday - Board games, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; speaker from SUN Home Health on dementia, 12:30 p.m.; nickel bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - National Hot Dog Day! Wii games, 9:30 a.m.; fundraiser hot dog lunch, noon, $5; unlucky 7s and pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning talk show, coffee and laughs, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; blood sugar and blood pressure checks by VNA, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; 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; hand held games, 10 a.m.; bowling, 11 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.; Bible study, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Games and exercise in the morning; exercise, 10 a.m.; bowling, 11 a.m.; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Puzzles and hand held games in the morning; Tara Venna R.N. speaking at noon on home health; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

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

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and current events from the newspaper, 9 a.m.; Pokeno, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Center closed. Trip to Berwick Center for Hawaiian luau.

Wednesday - Vacation picture day. Bring in pictures from your past vacations; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Bring a friend day; cookie and coffee, 9 a.m.; trivia, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Center closed. Trip to Ronald McDonald House.

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.; Family Medical checking blood pressure, 10 to 11 a.m.; Family Care Health speaking, 11 a.m.; bingo, noon.

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.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Making hoagies, 8 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.; hoagie sale pickup, 11:30 a.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; Uno, 10:30 a.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; trip to Good Wil's Restaurant in Montandon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; Lois from Sunbury Community Hospital checking blood pressure, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

SUNBURY - A state inmate was convicted Wednesday of possessing a metal "shank" in his sock while locked up at SCI-Coal Township.

Witnesses told the court the weapon was found on Richard J. Sears, 34, after corrections officers received a tip. The discovery followed a cell search where scrapes were observed on the concrete floor, indicating an object had been sharpened. A small slit was cut into his mattress, suggesting it was a hiding spot for contraband.

The weapon was a 6-inch piece of metal sharpened on one end and wrapped with toilet paper and tape on the other to improve grip.

It took a jury 30 minutes to render guilty pleas to misdemeanor charges of prohibited offensive weapons and weapons or implements for escape. The charges each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Sears will be sentenced within 30 days, and indicated he will appeal.

The jury consisted of seven women and five men. Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest presided over the daylong trial. William Novick, assistant district attorney, was the prosecutor.

Sears served as his own attorney. He was frequently corrected by Wiest on courtroom procedure, specifically to making statements rather than asking questions during witness testimony.

Trooper Mark Adams of state police at Stonington and corrections officers Heath Munson and Ronald Long all testified. Sears declined to take the stand.

Sears sought to discredit his arrest and claimed his right to due process was violated since he never had a preliminary arraignment on the charges filed June 17, 2014. Adams, the arresting officer, told the court a preliminary arraignment was unnecessary since Sears was already incarcerated. Sears did have a preliminary hearing and subsequent appearances in district and county court.

"How can a jury convict a man who was never charged with a crime?" Sears asked of the jury during closing arguments, saying he was "arrested by a judge."

Sears attempted to cast doubt on the utility of the item the jury agreed was a weapon, comparing it to an L-shaped pin used to separate weights on exercise equipment used at the prison. He suggested it could have been fashioned by an inmate for that very purpose since the pins occasionally sever.

"It has no other purpose than what it was constructed for and that's a weapon," Long said.

The slit in the mattress was questioned by Sears, saying thousands of inmates use such mattresses. Long said the slit didn't match typical wear and tear. Sears did establish that the cell floor scrapes could be made by dragging a foot locker. However, Munson told the court that weekly cell searches seek to identify and record such discoveries.

Long testified that Sears resisted a pat-down when he exited the west recreation yard. He was restrained in handcuffs and eventually transferred to restrictive housing after the weapon was discovered.

Although Sears had no attorney, public defender John Broda sat behind Sears and provided counsel during recess.

Sears is incarcerated up to 30 years on a trio of sentences in Allegheny, Cambria and Westmoreland counties for robbery and other felonies committed in 2002, according to online records. He remains jailed at SCI-Coal Township.

ATLAS - A public comment period at the Mount Carmel Township supervisors meeting Wednesday grew into a shouting match, during which a supervisor stormed out of the room.

Supervisor Reynold Scicchitano quickly grew agitated after several members of the public questioned the pace at which township workers were completing remodeling work on the new police station.

The conversation escalated into a shouting match. When Supervisor Charles Gasperetti banged his gavel to call order to the meeting, Scicchitano barged out of the room, mumbling about defending his employees.

Rich Mychak brought up the topic by asking if the station would be completed before National Night Out, which falls on Aug. 4. When Police Chief Brian Hollenbush said it would not, he demanded to know why.

Gasperetti and Hollenbush both chimed in on the details of the project, saying street employees are not working on the project full--time because they are out doing other work in the community.

"They might be doing a hell of a job but they're not productive," Mychak said.

Comments by Joe Chimel that work was too slow led to the confrontation with Scicchitano, who invited Chimel to come help if he didn't like the pace.

After Scicchitano left, Gasperetti and newly appointed Supervisor Aaron Domanski discussed opening work on the police station for bids. Gasperetti theorized if the bids came in much higher than the cost of having the township workers complete the work, the bids could be rejected.

On advice of solicitor Vince Rovito to break the project down into pieces, Gasperetti and Domanski voted to open the project for bids.

Randy Zigarski said he thought the township workers are doing a fine job and that no contractor would underbid having the work done in-house.

"If we can save $10,000 by waiting two more months, then do it," he said.

Mychak and Zigarski then became embroiled in a heated discussion on the value of time versus money. At the request of Gasperetti, the two halted their conversation until the conclusion of the meeting.

In other news:

- Aaron Domanski, who was named to a vacant board seat June 17, fielded questions by the public on what he can offer the township.

Domanski, who is running for the seat in the November general election, replaced Joseph Zanella, who passed away March 20.

- Five bids for the township's 2010 Dodge Charger police vehicle were rejected after none met the minimum bid of $10,000.

The bids ranged from $2,753 to $1,268.

After seeing the bids were significantly lower than the minimum, Gasperetti said the supervisors needed to look into specifications to more accurately price the vehicle.

- Brian Shurock said he thought a building permit was not necessary for renovation work he recently completed.

Rovito said he would look into the ordinances and send Shurock a copy of the relevant ordinance, if it existed. If no ordinance exists, the township will refund Shurock $102 for the permit.

- Supervisors approved allowing the use of Maple Street between Lehigh Avenue and Railroad Street for the annual Cub Scout races. The date has not yet been determined.

- A motion to send a letter to the Municipal Retirement Trust, Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, notifying they have been selected as the new service provider for the Mount Carmel Township Police Pension Plan was approved.

MOUNT CARMEL - Six borough-owned properties will be sold to the highest bidder - if anyone makes an offer.

Mount Carmel Borough Council voted 5-0 at Thursday's meeting to advertise for bids on a package of properties made up of 113 E. Avenue, 435 E. Third St., 117 and 127 S. Oak St., 242 S. Poplar St. and 30 N. Locust St. Council members Robert Shirmer and Gary Hixson were absent.

The decision to sell the properties was largely motivated by a desire to have them returned to the tax roll and cease maintaining them. As long as the borough owns them, it must maintain them, which includes cutting the grass and shoveling the snow. The borough then incurs a cost to pay for the upkeep while losing out on tax income.

Borough Council President Tony Matulewicz advocated attempting to sell the properties as a group because some are more desirable than others. He said several of the properties have been owned by the borough since the 1990s and advertised for bid individually at least three times with no potential buyers.

"I don't see the point in spending any more taxpayer money," he said. "My theory was if anybody wants Oak Street specially, sell them all at once."

Council member Joseph Lapotsky raised concerns about turning over all the properties to one person.

"There's always the possibility of an unscrupulous person... coming in to make this purchase," he said. "The last thing I'd want to see on Oak Street is a salt pile."

Matulewicz initially made the motion to consolidate the properties into one block in May, but was unable to attend the meeting so the other council members tabled the decision.

The topic was approached again in June, but the motion was again tabled until the burned structure on 244 E. Second St. could be demolished. That property was slated to be sold in the block until Chris Kutza spoke up at the meeting that she was interested in purchasing it.

Because the other properties, but not 244 E. Second St., had all been advertised for bid previously with no success, council members decided to remove that property from the sale block. A 5-0 vote approved advertising it for bid separately.

1-2 Donohue Row was also removed from the initial list and will be advertised for bid by itself. The deed currently includes land occupied by a borough-owned road but the sale will be worded so the borough can retain the roadway but sell the other property.

Council member Clement Plisiewicz concluded the vote by asking Borough Manager Edward T. Cuff III to document when people make inquiries on purchasing the lots so council is aware of potential buyers.

MOUNT CARMEL - A borough woman has been charged with arson and insurance fraud after she allegedly set fire to her vehicle to collect the insurance money.

Borough police charged Selena Ann Dutter, 41, of 433 E. Seventh St., with the crimes Thursday after Dutter allegedly admitted to the crime during a police interview June 18.

According to court documents filed by borough police Patrolman Justin Stelma, Dutter called police at 10:45 p.m. June 14 to report her 2005 Kia Sedona was stolen from in front of her residence.

She told police she was inside watching television when she heard a noise, then looked out her window and noticed her van was missing.

Dutter told police she is the only one with keys to the vehicle and that the doors to the van were not locked at the time. She told police she had been behind on her payments but confirmed that the lienholder, Lou Apichell Motors, had not sent a repossession agent to pick up the car.

On June 15, officers received a call from Lt. Chris Buhay that a burned van, believed to be Dutter's, was taken to a local scrap yard. Police were told the vehicle was found on Snake Road. A registration plate that matched that of Dutter's vehicle was found among debris on Snake Road.

Later that day, Dutter called the police and said she had last seen her vehicle at about 10 p.m. when she locked up her residence for the night. The officer with whom she spoke, Patrolman Matthew Dillman, said Dutter told him several months ago the Sedona was not in good condition.

Behind on payments

Dutter and her husband, William, came to the police station June 18 for an interview with Stelma and Dillman. During questioning, Dutter told police she was having a difficult time with money and was behind on payments to Apichell, but said that if it came down to the vehicle or food for her family, she would feed her family over making a car payment.

She told police the vehicle had already broken down once and needed a number of repairs.

According to court documents, when Stelma left the room, Dutter allegedly told Dillman that she set the fire.

She told him that she dumped gas in the van, which had garbage on the floor, lit it, left the door open and walked down the hill. She called the police to report the alleged theft when she returned home after the 1.2-mile walk.

Dutter admitted to calling her insurance company to report the vehicle stolen.

She told police June 18 she started the fire to get a better vehicle, hoping to use the insurance money to pay off her debt to Apichell and for a down payment on something else, but the guilt was causing her to lose sleep.

Police charged Dutter with felony counts of arson and related offenses to collect insurance, arson-reckless burning or exploding, risking a catastrophe, and motor vehicle insurance fraud, and misdemeanor charges of possessing the instrument of a crime, recklessly endangering another person, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and filing a false report.

She was arraigned Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones and released on $10,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled before Jones Wednesday.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area School Board hired two teachers Thursday, and approved raises for administrators and non-union staff.

Raises total $9,232.94 for five administrators in 2015-16. The 3-percent increases are reflected in the new salaries included in a one-year deal for all Act 93 personnel: Lisa Varano, high school principal, $81,158.85; Greg Sacavage, athletic director, $62,668.29; Susan Nestico, elementary principal, and Pete Cheddar, junior high school principal, $61,800 each, and Monica McKerns-O'Donnell, special education coordinator, $56,040.24.

All non-union, non-administrative staff received an hourly wage increase of 50 cents for the new school year.

The salary increases follow a May vote that awarded 2-percent raises and a step movement for each of the district's 114 teachers at the time. The move totaled $160,000 and was part of a one-year extension of the union contract.

Chris Catton and Cassandra Mace were added to the teaching staff.

Catton will teach social studies. He was hired at a step seven bachelor's degree level, and will earn $41,984. He will not receive benefits. He also was named head track and field coach at a salary of $2,500.

Mace will teach special education. She was hired at a step one bachelor's degree level and will earn $32,064 with benefits.

Applications of 34 other prospective teachers were put on file.

The resignation of art teacher Theresa Madison was accepted, as was the resignation of teacher aide Michelle Forti.

In other business

Class periods primarily for English and mathematics will be extended from 40 minutes to 51 minutes for fifth-graders and sixth-graders only in 2015-16. It's part of a pilot Hybrid Learning program funded with federal grant money. The program incorporates technology into the lessons. Students can be parsed into smaller groups, with each rotating through different portions of instruction during the period. Time between class periods was shaved from 5 minutes to 3 minutes to provide the additional lesson time.

The athletic fund budget totaling $187,540.05 and cafeteria fund budget totaling $1,029,307.19 were approved.

Athletic passes were approved: senior citizen gold card, $20, renewable every five years; silver card, $60 annually, includes all events; bronze card, $35 annually, excludes football; student card, $20 annually, all events. New terms don't impact existing senior citizen cards.

Elementary open house for grades four to six is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19; grades kindergarten to grade three, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20. Junior high open house is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19.

Installation of the new scoreboard at the Silver Bowl will wrap up in August. The scoreboard was paid for solely through donations and sponsorships and is being installed by district maintenance staff.

The Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, Atlanta, Ga., will again stay at Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School this summer. Corps members will be at the school July 30 and 31 to prepare for the Drum Corps International Eastern Championships in Allentown, also July 31. They sleep overnight in the gymnasium and are provided basic utilities.

The Mount Carmel Area Education Foundation will soon launch a fundraising campaign toward the purchase of 35 Apple Chromebooks and accompanying cart. Details will be posted on the foundation's website.

Irish Valley Road improvements planned

MONTOURSVILLE - Motorists in Northumberland County are advised that a PennDOT crew will be working Monday on Route 4026 (Irish Valley Road) in Rockefeller and Shamokin townships.

The surface improvement project is expected to be completed in one day, weather permitting. The road will be closed during the daylight hours of 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. A signed detour utilizing local roads will be in effect.

It is recommended that motorists avoid this area and seek alternate routes.

SUNBURY - A Sunbury-area man confessed Thursday in Northumberland County Court to molesting three minor girls during a 13-year period.

A plea deal calls for Thomas D. Shingara Sr., 45, of Shingara Lane, Lower Augusta Township, to serve between 14 1/2 and 30 years in state prison. However, a judge can reject the deal and issue an alternate sentence. Shingara will undergo a sexual predator evaluation before sentencing Oct. 19. He must register as a Megan's Law offender for the rest of his life.

The victims ranged between ages 6 and 12. The eldest was molested between 2000 and 2006 from ages 6 to 12, when she confronted Shingara and he promised to stop. The second was abused between 2010 and 2013 between ages 6 and 9. The third, an 8 year old, was molested in October 2013.

"These are traumatic incidents involving young girls. To put them through trial would be another violation of these girls," said District Attorney Ann Targonski.

"The Commonwealth is pleased that these matters were resolved with a guilty plea calling for an extended sentence of 30 years," she said.

Shingara was twice scheduled for trial before a deal was struck. He pleaded guilty before President Judge William H. Wiest to 12 charges total in three separate cases: one count each of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and unlawful contact with a minor; three counts of corruption of minors, and two counts each of obscenity, endangering the welfare of children and simple assault.

Trooper Kevin Kearney of the Stonington station filed the charges in December 2013. Shingara remains jailed at SCI-Coal Township.

Shingara said next to nothing in court Thursday aside from stating his name and announcing his plea, "guilty." Dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and shackled at the ankles,he fidgeted in his chair and rubbed his head as the charges and facts were recounted.

Police say Shingara had a method to luring the girls. He would watch pornography with them when they were alone at his home before encouraging touching. At times oral sex and sexual intercourse ensued. The final incident reported to police indicated Shingara used one girl against the other to convince her to touch him and allow him to touch her.

Shingara's sexual abuse came to a halt in November 2013 when the eldest girl, who had become an adult, learned he was playing the "touching game" with the second victim and called police. Shingara would chase a girl. If she got away she could choose a game, generally a board game. When he won, police say he chose the "touching game."

SUNBURY - Owners of Northwestern Academy demand more than $5 million from Shamokin Area School District for an alleged breach of contract.

NHS Youth Services Inc. filed suit June 23. It claims the district failed to properly bill the home school districts of adjudicated Academy students for tuition and lease rental fees. It says the district also withheld tuition payments paid by the state and home school districts.

NHS seeks a combined $5,075,657 which it demands paid with interest.

Preliminary objections were filed Tuesday by Shamokin Area. The filing seeks to dismiss four of the six counts alleged by NHS, claiming as a public entity the counts aren't valid. It also asks that references to past court rulings on the matter of tuition payments be withheld as irrelevant.

If a judge were to side with the district, counts alleging breach of contract and promissory estoppel, and a request for more than $5 million, would remain to be litigated.

School districts statewide are responsible for the education of juvenile offenders remanded to detention facilities, as is the case with Shamokin Area and the juveniles at Northwestern Academy. The juveniles' home school districts are responsible to pay their tuition costs. The districts are also required to make lease rental payments when "it shall be necessary to provide a separate school or to erect additional school buildings," according to public school code.

Northwestern Academy opened in 1998. Students were taught on site by Academy staff since at least 2002-03, according to the lawsuit. Shamokin Area brought in its own staff to teach special education in 2012. The next year it took over the regular education program, too.

It's not the first time NHS and Shamokin Area have met in court on the issue.

The district had argued that the Pennsylvania Department of Education found the payments to be impermissible - since Shamokin Area did not incur capital expenses for the construction of the juvenile detention facility, it should not collect lease rental fees.

A county judge twice ruled in favor of NHS, in 2008 and again in 2012. The judgments concerned an estimated $3 million.

HARRISBURG - The $10 Super $1,000 Frenzy was a big success for lottery players, accounting for 47 of the area's 89 winners of $1,000 or more for the month of June.

All total, players claimed a total of $116,580 of prizes of $1,000 or more last month, according to information provided by the Pennsylvania Lottery and Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

The game, which boasts more than $20 million in $1,000 prizes available, was the most popular game for winners. Joseph Namet, of Mount Carmel, Susan Dennan, of Danville, Michael Sinopoli, of Kulpmont, and Robert Apollo, of Shamokin, each won at least twice in the scratch-off tickets.

According to the lottery's website, there are still approximately 13,944 $1,000 prizes available in from that ticket, and five remaining top prizes of $300,000.

The month's biggest winner was Roy Malafarina, of Ashland, who wons $5,000 on a $5 Super $500 Frenzy scratch-off ticket.

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

Aristes

- Patrick Parnell, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

Ashland

- Bill Nahodil, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20 ticket.

- Cynthia Stasvilli, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Florence Smith, $1,000, Lucky Lines, $3.

- Rita Cavanaugh, $1,000, Monopoly Millionaires Club, $20.

- George Parnell, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Louise Minnig, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Roy Malafarina, $5,000, Super $500 Frenzy, $5.

- Barry Spielles, $2,500, Pick 4 (day), 50-cent bet.

- Francis O'Connell, $1,010, Match 6, $1 bet.

Catawissa

- Raymond Danilowicz, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Wanda Shadle, $1,000, 10X the Money, $10.

- Kenneth Artley, $1,000, Lucky Leprechaun, $5.

- Valerie Bloom, $1,000, Money Multiplier, $5.

- Wanda Shadle, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Henry Musselman, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Tia Lipsey, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Thomas Runge, $1,010, Match 6, $1 bet.

Coal Township

- Lorie Thomas, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Leonard Yablonski, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- James Searls, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Leon Reinhardt, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Foster Renn, $1,000, Monopoly Millionaires Club, $20.

- Joseph Gratti, $1,000, Red Hot Crossword, $5.

- Charles Krebs, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Jesse Cosmer, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Christopher Snyder, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Dolores Duke, $2,500, Pick 4 (night), 50-cent bet.

Dalmatia

- Clarene Nickens, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

Danville

- Benjamin Fetterman, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Leann Drumheller, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Briana Peters, $1,000, Ca$h Up, $3.

- Cletus Brandon, $1,000, Cash Ka-Pow, $5

- Pamela Shepperson, $1,000, Hot Streak, $2.

- Querida Prieto, $1,000, Lucky Lines, $3.

- William Yagle, $1,000, Monopoly Millionaires Club, $20.

- Leslie Russell, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Gary Ernest, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Robert Ernest, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Susan Dennan, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- John Carper, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Nicholas Dawne, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- William Yagle, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Walter Tyson, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Keith Ulrich, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Nolan Thorton, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Carl Albertson, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Nathan English, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Patrick Dutzer, two wins of $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Christine Freeman, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Shannon Johnson, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Scott Keppler, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- William Fisher, $1,000, The Wizard of Oz, $10.

- Carol Vasko, $1,000, Triple Million, $30.

- Matthew Hoeger, $1,000, Triple Million, $30.

- Donna Spicher, $1,050, Match 6, $1 bet.

Elysburg

- Charles Lucas, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Joseph Gorzkowski, $1,000, Monopoly Millionaires Club, $20.

- Jennifer Margel, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

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

Gordon

- Brett Ennis, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

Herndon

- Carolyn Riech, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

Kulpmont

- Michael Sinopoli, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Christopher Fallat, $1,000, 10X the Money, $10.

- William Handerhan, $1,000, Monopoly Millionaires Club, $1,000

- Michael Sinopoli, three wins of $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Quang Nguyen, $2,500, Pick 4 (day), 50-cent bet.

Mount Carmel

- Charles Muldowney, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Catherine Lukach, $1,000, Daily Crossword, $3.

- Gina Mirello, $1,000, Money Multiplier, $5.

- Marian Turlis, $1,000, Monopoly Millionaires Club, $20.

- Joseph Namet, two wins of $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Sylvia Pappas, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Matthew Melnick, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Thomas Allen, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- David Forgotch, $1,010, Match 6, $1 bet.

Ranshaw

- Robert Beck, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

Shamokin

- Erma Lorenz, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Alisha Elliott, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Collen Hoffman, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Janet Phillips, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Brenda Snyder, $1,000, Monopoly Millionaires Club, $20.

- Joseph Baskin, $1,000, Monopoly Millionaires Club, $20.

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

- Jamie Kosmer, Red Hot Crossword, $5.

- James Kodack, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Joseph Miner, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Patricia Zurick, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Robert Apollo, two wins of $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Randy Diehl, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Brian Villari, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Margie Reigle, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Harry Mattis, $2,500, Pick 4 (night), 50-cent bet.

- Tina Whispell, $2,500, Pick 5 (night), $1 bet.

Trevorton

- Zachary Allan, $1,000, Monopoly Millionaires Club, $20.

- Lisa Shaffer, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.