MOUNT CARMEL - Anthony James Galla was a part-time officer for three local police departments over the past few years but left little impression on the chiefs now in charge.

Brian Hollenbush, chief of Mount Carmel Township Police, said Galla had only worked "a handful" of shifts for him over the course of four to five months, ending in late July 2011. He hardly had a chance to get to know him.

Same goes for Todd Owens, police chief in Mount Carmel. He was a sergeant under former Chief Brian Shurock when Galla worked more than one year for the borough.

Galla was a "fill-in" employee when a shift needed to be covered. He and Owens passed by each other on shift changes from time to time. They also crossed paths when Owens responded to a police incident and Galla assisted in his role with a neighboring police department, or vice versa. Other than that, there wasn't much to remember.

Small towns with small budgets like Kulpmont rely on part-time police officers to provide coverage, and Galla was

among the many part-timers who have worked under current Police Chief Richard L. Wilson III.

"We get a lot of guys that come and go through here," Wilson said Wednesday, adding that Galla was often unavailable for shifts because of conflicting assignments with other departments or because of his duties with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Wilson mostly worked days and Galla mostly worked nights during the estimated one year he was with the department. He didn't think Galla left much of an impression on his colleagues, either.

"I don't think he hung out much with the guys after work, things like that," he said.

Maj. Shawn D. Haney, a manpower and reserve affairs spokeswoman at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., said in an e-mail Wednesday that Galla served in the Selected Marine Corps Reserve from 2006 to 2012 and achieved the rank of lance corporal. His military occupational speciality was listed as supply warehouse clerk, and he served with the 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment out of Philadelphia.

According to his service record, he was never deployed in combat. He received the Select Marine Corps Reserve Medal for fulfilling designated service requirements within a three-year period of service in the Organized Marine Corps Reserve, and the National Defense Service Medal, given to those who served in the military during the Global War on Terrorism.

That Galla didn't serve in combat overseas was a surprise to Owens. He'd heard through the grapevine that Galla had talked to other officers of serving in combat in the Middle East.

Wilson believes he may have been among the last of Galla's Kulpmont colleagues to speak to him. He said he initiated a vehicle stop on March 18 of Galla, who had driven away from Wal-Mart in Coal Township after allegedly stealing just over $65 in merchandise.

Galla was issued a retail theft citation by Coal Township Police on April 1 but the matter was never settled. Further details on the incident were unavailable Wednesday.

Given Galla's statements to officers after Tuesday's shooting in Mount Carmel, Wilson says he wasn't surprised that he was killed by police.

"I was not surprised at the ending because I think that's what he wanted," he said.

Fugitive ex-cop Anthony James Galla first pointed his loaded .40-caliber Glock handgun at a U.S. marshal outside the window of his second-floor hotel room in Upper Darby Tuesday evening. The marshal opened fire.

When three other marshals inside the hotel heard the gunshots, they kicked in the door to Room 207 at the Summit Inn Hotel and, as Galla turned toward them with his gun drawn, they opened fire, too.

In the end, 52 shots were fired at Galla, who was killed. He never fired a shot.

The barrage of bullets brought an end to a 17-hour manhunt for the 31-year-old former Marine Reservist who was wanted for a shooting at his ex-girlfriend's home in Mount Carmel earlier Tuesday.

As members of the marshals' task force opened fire, a woman believed to be Galla's brother's girlfriend was hiding

in the bathroom of Galla's room. Moments before that, a man believed to be the brother - shouting to alert Galla that police were coming - was tackled in the hotel hallway by a state trooper.

Those and other dramatic details were provided Wednesday as law enforcement agencies pieced together a tragic tale that started in Northumberland County at 12:55 a.m. Tuesday and ended at 5:37 that evening less than 10 miles from center city Philadelphia.

'Ready for war'

Galla, 31, of Cleona, near Lebanon, was wanted in connection with an incident at the home of Marlene Lloyd, 244 S. Walnut St., on the east side of Mount Carmel. Borough police said Galla knew the location of a hidden key when he left himself into the house, where he once resided with Lloyd, and woke her by shining a flashlight in her face.

Galla and Lloyd went into the hallway, but when her new boyfriend, Daniel McNally, 48, of Hegins, went to check on them, he said Galla pointed a semi-automatic handgun at him.

"The boyfriend retreated, saying 'I will leave' several times and got on the floor beside the bed," according to the criminal complaint Mount Carmel police issued Tuesday afternoon in which they charged Galla with attempted homicide and other crimes.

Galla entered the bedroom and fired seven shots from about six feet away from McNally, striking him once in the foot, before fleeing. McNally, who was later transported to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment, had been upgraded from serious condition Tuesday to "fair" Wednesday.

At 3:25 a.m., while police were processing the scene, Patrolman William K. Adamski was informed Lloyd was speaking to Galla on the phone. Adamski then spoke to Galla, who once served as a part-time officer in the borough and for police departments in Mount Carmel Township, Kulpmont and Butler Township, Schuylkill County. Galla reportedly told Adamski there are "two ways this will end - one is good and one is bad."

A police report issued after the Mount Carmel shooting noted Galla was a former police officer with military training. It said he made "several indications of possible suicide by police" or that he'd be involved in a police shooting.

That's what would play out later Tuesday.

'Ready for war'

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood conducted a press conference Wednesday at which he showed a semi-automatic rifle he said Galla had with him in the hotel room. Chitwood said the rifle, like the handgun, was "fully loaded" at the time officers entered.

"This was Galla's last stand. He was ready for war," Chitwood was quoted in a story written by Kathleen E. Carey and posted at delcotimes.com, the website for the Delaware County Times.

In a brief video taken at the press conference, Chitwood holds up what is believed to be an AR-15 and mentions that knives were also confiscated. What appears to be five additional rifle clips and a bullet-proof vest can be seen on a table.

Chitwood said Galla was on the run and came to the area because his brother lives in Upper Darby.

He said Galla's brother pleaded with the suspect to turn himself in, but he did not want to go to jail, according to the delcotimes.com story.

"This thing is still under investigation," Chitwood was quoted in the story.

Tom Smith, assistant chief deputy U.S. marshal for the Eastern Division, confirmed in a phone interview Wednesday that Galla was well armed.

"There was a large amount of ammunition in the room," he said.

He couldn't confirm what the semi-automatic rifle was, but believes it was an AR-15, a civilian version of the M16 rifle used in the military.

Smith, who was present at the scene but did not take part in the shooting, said the hotel was surrounded by members of the task force when Galla came to the window and pointed his gun toward two members on the ground. One of those task force members opened fire at Galla, Smith said. That's when the other task force members kicked in the door, he said.

The marshals fired for about 5 to 10 seconds, Chitwood told delcotimes.com.

The task force, consisting of marshals, state troopers and Philadelphia police, had been tracking Galla since the Mount Carmel break-in.

Smith said when police entered the hotel, he heard someone yell in the hallway that police were coming. He believes it was Galla's brother, who was then tackled by the state policeman.

Smith did not know the names of the brother or his girlfriend, and repeated attempts to reach Chitwood for more information on Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Justifying the shooting

The Upper Darby police department, along with the Delaware County District Attorney's office, will make the determination on whether the shooting was justified, Smith said.

He is confident that will be the case.

"This person was wanted for shooting another individual and had made statements about committing suicide by police. It was pretty clear what his intention was," Smith said.

While the task force's mission and hope is to take every suspect into custody alive, Smith said Galla's actions and words "determined the end result."

"We want to take the person into custody without doing any harm, but that was the path he chose, and we reacted accordingly," Smith said. "The good thing is that no innocent people, or officers, were hurt."

Chitwood, in comments made Tuesday for a delcotimes.com story, said the shooting appeared justified.

"Preliminarily, it looks like a good shooting. I applaud the marshals," he said.

Owens praises marshals, police

Todd Owens, chief of Mount Carmel Borough Police, said Galla did "fairly decent" at trying to cover his tracks as he worked to elude law enforcement officials. He fled immediately and save for at least one phone call, kept his cell phone powered off to avoid GPS detection.

Law enforcement officials were tracking his finances, and Galla provided clues on his location by using a bank card more than once, Owens said, with one of those transactions being made in New Jersey.

As Galla was pursued as a fugitive, local police sequestered the family and stood guard until his death.

Owens praised the work of various factions of the U.S. marshals and Pennsylvania State Police that worked the manhunt, including the marshal's fugitive task force and state police's Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations.

"For smaller departments, it's an absolute luxury to have those assets and support of those bigger agencies to assist," he said.

With Galla now dead, borough police must still finalize evidence, complete reports and exchange information with other law enforcement agencies. Once that is completed, the case will be closed.

DALMATIA - Of all the emotions for Line Mountain Elementary School Principal Jeanne Menko during Dalmatia Elementary School's final assembly Wednesday morning, it was one of unity that moved her to tears.

At the end of a slideshow in the gymnasium, text on the screen prompted the kindergarten through fourth-graders to chant, "We are! ... Line Mountain."

Their repeated chant grew in intensity until it reached a deafening roar.

"It got louder and louder; that brought me to tears," Menko said. "That got the loudest cheers today, and that goes to show that the teachers have done their job here."

"We are Line Mountain" is a telling phrase, since these students - as well as those at Leck Kill Elementary - will not be returning to their familiar small schools next school year.

Instead, all students in grades kindergarten through fourth will attend classes at Trevorton, where an addition is being constructed. Trevorton Elementary will become Line Mountain Elementary.

An addition is also being built onto the seventh- and eighth-grade wing at the junior/senior high school in Mandata to accommodate all district fifth-

and sixth-graders.

'Goodbye, Dalmatia'

At Dalmatia, a 36,000-square-foot building located at 162 School Road not far off Route 147, a colorful sign with the words "Goodbye, Dalmatia" hung facing the parking lot as parents and relatives arrived for Wednesday's activities.

The assembly started with Kelly Niederer, senior vice president and senior banking officer of Mid Penn Bank, presenting a $250 check to the school district to purchase new books for the library at Trevorton.

After an awards ceremony, first-grade teacher Jill Lundy presented the slideshow of past and present photographs of the school and students, and also photographs of the Trevorton school and the high school campus.

During the slideshow, songs were played and students sang along with enthusiasm.

Following the presentation, students paraded around the school one last time with parents while family and friends watched and took pictures.

Lundy, who as head teacher organized the majority of the events, has been teaching in the district for 13 years and has been a first-grade teacher at Dalmatia for seven of those years. Her daughters attended Dalmatia.

"It's bittersweet," she said about the closing. "I went to school here for my entire elementary career. I love working here, but I'm looking forward to everyone in one building."

As she was editing photographs for the slideshow, she said she had to wipe away a few tears.

"Happy tears, but not happy tears," she said in describing her conflicted emotions.

'It's a family here'

While elementary reading specialist Mary Ann Taxis loves Dalmatia and the surrounding community, she is also anticipating coming together as a team in Trevorton.

Taxis has been a teacher in the district since 1980 and has worked in Dalmatia, Leck Kill, Trevorton and West Cameron when the school was still open there. In the last few years, Dalmatia has become her home base.

Dalmatia was beloved by those who worked and sent their children there.

"It's a family here," said Tammie Wendt, of Dalmatia.

Her daughter, second-grader Jaidin Wendt, 8, said she is sad about changing schools and wants to stay.

"They (many students) want to stay, but I think they're excited, too," Tammie Wendt said.

She is worried about the long bus ride her daughter will have next year, some 18 miles from home.

Lundy said Dalmatia has been a great school consisting of quality teachers, parents and community members.

"It's a great place to have any child go," she said.

Teachers done Monday

While the last day for Line Mountain elementary students was Wednesday (high school students have a half-day today), the last official day for teachers is Monday. They will work quickly after the final school day to move items to their new classrooms.

"We took care of the students first, now we're just moving boxes and whatever we're taking," Menko said.

There will be no change in the number of teaching staff for the upcoming school year. Each grade level will have five classes, with the exception of first grade, which will have four.

This past school year, for kindergarten through fourth grade, there were 202 students at Dalmatia, 61 students at Leck Kill and 211 students at Trevorton. There were also 201 students in fifth and sixth grades at Trevorton.

'High hopes'

Over the last few months, Menko and the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) planned events and activities to help elementary students transition and build a sense of unity.

"The kids are adjusting well," Taxis said. "I think our administration did a good job with not only the kids, but the faculty as well."

Students at each grade level from Dalmatia and Leck Kill visited Trevorton to meet their teachers, experience lunch at the cafeteria and tour the building. Each student was assigned a pen pal from another school earlier this year, and were introduced to them when they visited the school.

Each class that visited Trevorton made items they'll see next year: in one grade, all students made a puzzle piece and it will put together with their grade level next school year. Another grade made leaves and they will be placed on a tree.

Even the elementary yearbook this year was changed. The history, traditions and memories of each of the three elementary schools were featured in the book, but the classes were only separated by grade levels and teachers, not buildings.

"Today was a true celebration of past, present and future," Menko said. "After today, I have really high hopes."A smiley face sign hangs in the hall way of Dalmatia Elementary School on Wednesday morning and says "have a terrific summer" and

Pennsylvania Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers will be available for Northumberland County senior citizens Monday.

The Northumberland County Board of Commissioners, in cooperation with the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, has announced the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The program, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, is offering eligible senior citizens who reside in Northumberland County an opportunity to obtain $20 in vouchers to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from participating farm markets.

Northumberland County residents who are age 60 or older, (including those who will reach their 60th birthday by Dec. 31), and who meet the gross income guidelines may apply. All income must be taken into consideration, which includes Social Security, black lung, SSI, and all pensions.

The official income guidelines for this year's program are as follows:

1 person - $21,257

2 people - $28,694

3 people - $36,131

4 people - $43, 568

Proof of age and residency is necessary, and proof of income is self-declared.

Senior citizens must sign the designated register when they receive the vouchers. Eligible senior citizens may receive the vouchers only once per calendar year. Proxy forms are available for homebound consumers. The proxy form must be signed by the consumer requesting vouchers and also by the person (who is the proxy) delivering the vouchers. The form is then returned to the senior action center before vouchers will be distributed.

Vouchers will be distributed by the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging on a first-come basis until Sept. 30, or until the supply is exhausted. Vouchers are redeemable June 1 through Nov. 30.

The vouchers will be available daily, beginning Monday at all nine senior action centers from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Contact your local senior action center for any other details regarding the vouchers. Vouchers are only available Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Elysburg Senior Action Center.

SUNBURY - A 20-year-old Shamokin woman previously sentenced to 11 1/2 to 23 months in county prison on a felony of aggravated harassment by a prisoner withdrew her guilty plea Wednesday morning and was set free to await trial.

Marissa Diane Birster, of 11 S. Market St., Apt. 3, who has spent 99 days in Northumberland County Prison after being charged with multiple offenses in connection with Dec. 12 incidents in Shamokin and Sunbury, was released on her own recognizance following a post-sentence hearing before President Judge Robert B. Sacavage.

The hearing was requested by Birster's attorney, Michael Rudinski, of Williamsport, due to a misunderstanding involving the defendant's April 4 sentence before Sacavage.

Rudinski and First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski agreed that a plea agreement called for Birster to serve 3 to 12 months in county prison on the aggravated harassment by a prisoner offense, one year consecutive probation on a misdemeanor of institutional vandalism and concurrent probation on misdemeanors of escape and theft by unlawful taking, and a summary of underage drinking.

But Sacavage initially thought the plea agreement called for 3 to 12 years in state prison due to the severity of the offense and because months or years were not designated on the guilty plea form. The judge then sentenced Birster to 11 1/2 to 23 months in county prison, which was not opposed by Rudinski's law partner, Jerry Lynch, nor Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey, who represented the defense and commonwealth at sentencing.

On Wednesday, Rudinski requested the judge to either re-sentence his client to 11 1/2 to 23 months in county jail with credit for time previously served, or enable Birster to withdraw her plea. After conferring with Rudinski, Birster decided to withdraw her plea in hopes of being acquitted at trial, which would begin in July at the earliest. But the defendant can also enter another plea prior to her trial and receive a similar or stiffer sentence.

Birster was charged with fighting with Shamokin police, smashing a window on a police cruiser and spitting on two officers.

The charges filed by Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver included a felony of aggravated harassment by a prisoner, misdemeanors of resisting arrest, institutional vandalism, tampering with evidence, disorderly conduct (three counts) and simple assault, and summaries of criminal mischief, theft by unlawful taking and underage drinking.

The charges relate to early-morning disturbances outside 707 W. Chestnut St. and Shamokin Police Station. Birster's sister, Stormie Birster, of 27 E. Sunbury St., Apt. 3, Shamokin, also was cited for disorderly conduct in connection with the incidents.

Upon learning that Marissa Birster had an active bench warrant for her arrest, Shamokin Police Chief Edward Griffiths and Special Officer II Norman Lukoskie transported her to the county jail, where she escaped near the front of the prison and ran down the street for approximately a block before being recaptured by Griffiths, who was assisted by Sunbury police.

Sunbury Officer Bradley Hare filed an escape charge against Birster.

DALMATIA - The original Dalmatia school building was destroyed in a fire eight decades ago, and the building and property only became an elementary school 55 years ago.

The 2012-13 elementary school yearbook features a brief history of Dalmatia Elementary School aand the elementary schools at Leck Kill and Trevorton.

Prior to 1865, the one-room schools taught mainly German, but when the state adopted the free system, a school was built on the current property at 162 School Road to comply with English-taught education.

The original Dalmatia school was destroyed by a fire in 1932, and a new building - which is still standing - was built in 1934, opened in 1935 and had a grand dedication in 1936.

The building started out as Lower Mahanoy Township Consolidated School, housing elementary grades through high school. In 1948, an addition was added to the building.

In 1949, Lower Mahanoy Township High School joined with Herndon High School and Pine Park High School (now Leck Kill) to form Mahanoy Joint.

The Dalmatia building continued to house elementary through high school grades until 1958, at which time the high school students moved to the current Line Mountain High School building. At this time, it became known as Dalmatia Elementary School.

In 1966, Mahanoy Joint and Trevorton districts merged to form Line Mountain as part of the Pennsylvania School District Reorganization Act of 1963, a mandated initiative to combine smaller school districts into larger schools in the interest of cost efficiency and better educational opportunities.

At the time of the jointure, the former Mahanoy Joint High School became Line Mountain High School and the former Trevorton High School was converted to a middle school. Dalmatia was one of four elementary schools in the district at the time, along with West Cameron, Leck Kill and Trevorton. West Cameron Elementary School closed in 2001.

In 2007, due to intense community opposition, the school board voted to keep the three elementary schools open and renovate each building.

It cost $9.6 million to renovate the high school in Mandata and add a seventh- and eighth-grade wing in 2009, $7.4 million to renovate Trevorton Elementary School in 2009 and $1.1 million to renovate Leck Kill Elementary School in 2010.

However, when it came to Dalmatia, the cost to renovate ($6.3 million) was only $1.7 million less than building a completely new building.

With continued increases in salaries due to contract negotiations, the district's contributions to health care and pension benefits and general operating expenses, combined with a governor's budget announced in 2011 that would take state subsidy back to 2007-08 level funding, Superintendent Dave Campbell said it made sense to explore the consolidation option again.

It was decided last year to close Dalmatia and Leck Kill elementary schools at the end of the 2012-13 school year, and send those students to Trevorton Elementary.

Trevorton Elementary School will be renamed Line Mountain Elementary School.

PAXINOS - Shamokin Area High School Alumni Association held its 130th annual reunion Saturday at Masser's Banquet Hall.

The opening invocation was given by the Rev. Betsy Martin Bruaw, class of 1983.

The Pledge of Allegiance and Irving Berlin's song, "God Bless America," was sung by all attending, with Irvin Liachowitz, class of 1942, as the accompanist.

Entertainment for the more than 225 alumni, seniors, parents and friends was by various Shamokin Area High School students under the direction of Mary Anne Brennan Stump, class of 2000. Two selections were presented from the musical "Jekyl and Hyde."

Maxine Howerter-Harvey, class of 1983, president of the association, provided the banquet introduction. The meal was provided by Masser's Catering. After the meal, the business meeting was started with a silent prayer in memory of deceased members.

A motion was made by John Klinger, class of 1968, and Mary Ann Pitorak Miller, class of 1974, to approve the secretary's report, which is included in the newsletter. Helen Zeigler, class of 1964, and John Schankweiler, class of 1943, made a motion to approve the treasurer's report, which is also in the newsletter.

Howerter-Harvey presented the class of 2013 to those attending the banquet, welcoming them to the alumni association. Paul Gurba, senior class president, presented the 2013 class pennant to the association.

Pitorak Miller, assisted by senior girls for delivery of gifts, coordinated the prize drawings as part of the banquet.

Joseph Bordell, class of 1968, vice president, recognized the various anniversary classes and when appropriate, their contributions to the education and general funds:

- Class of 1943 - Three members attended the banquet.

- Class of 1948 - Tom Olcese presented a check for $1,950 for the general fund.

- Class of 1953 - Ten members attended, presenting $530 for the Richard Hilbush Scholarship Fund and $7,953 for the educational fund. In addition, two checks were already received by the treasurer, one for $255 (general fund) and one for $347 (education fund).

- Class of 1958 - Two members present.

- Class of 1968 - Thirteen members attended, presenting a check for $1,968.

- Class of 1973 - One member attended.

- Class of 1978 - One member attended.

- Class of 1983 - Two members attended.

- Class of 1993 - No members attended.

- Class of 1998 - A check was presented for $600 for the educational fund.

- Silver anniversary class of 1988 - Five members attended.

- Golden Anniversary Class of 1963 - Seven members of the class attended, presenting a check for $5,600 ($4,478 educational fund and $1,122 general fund).

- Diamond anniversary class of 1938 - No members present.

Al Fecko from the class of 1936 attended the banquet and was recognized.

Gifts to the Golden Anniversary Class (1963) from the alumni association and the distance award were presented by Liachowitz.

Janet Lark Shipman, class of 1963, won the distance award, coming from Fort Collins, Colo.

Liachowitz presented the Alumni Scholarship Awards. These are awards for four years. Forty-four students took a competitive test. Five awards are from the Coal Township Alumni Association (CT), while seven are from the Shamokin Area High School Alumni Association (SA).

Recipients, yearly award amount, college choice and their major emphasis are:

- First - Darien Craft (CT), $3,000 Bucknell University, biomedical engineering.

- Second - Stephanie Dressler (SA), $2,700, Bloomsburg University, music.

- Third - Theodore Deptula (CT), $2,500, Penn State University, engineering.

- Fourth - Autumn Peck (SA), $2,200, Wilkes University, pharmacy.

- Fifth - Andrew Hasuga (CT), $2,000, Wilkes University, biology.

- Sixth - Marlena Ford (CT), $2,000, Penn State University, undeclared.

- Seventh - Christie Munson (CT), $2,000,Wilson College, psychology.

- Eighth - Paul Gurba (SA), $1,900, Penn College, physician assistant.

- Ninth - Ashley Keiser (SA), $1,700 York College, psychology.

- 10th - Michael Yucha (SA), $1,500 Wilkes University, premed/biology.

- 11th - Samantha Schiccatano (SA), $1,200, Pitt/Johnstown, pharmacy.

- 12th - Kayla Hart (SA), $900, Wilkes University, pharmacy.

High School Principal Chris J. Venna gave a report on the SAHS and included information on academics, athletics, fine arts (music/art/drama) and computer technology.

Eugene Boughner, class of 1960, recommended and alumni ratified appointment to the education (scholarship) committee of David Marateck, class of 1972; H. Robert Mattis Jr., class of 1968, and David Donmoyer, class of 1948.

Approved as members of the education (scholarship) fund board were Boughner, president; Susan Kropinski Hass, class of 1975, vice president; Francis Lee Brennan, class of 1963, secretary, and William Korbich, class of 1954, treasurer.

Kropinski Hass and alumni ratified officers of the executive committee: Bordell, president; Sandra Dilliplane Rosnock, class of 1994, vice president; Claire Clutcher Varney, class of 1962, secretary; William Korbich, class of 1954, treasurer; Helen Jane Murphy, class of 1943, historian, and Jeffrey Clutcher, class of 1978, registrar.

Outgoing president Howerter-Harvey introduced the new officers and thanked the many committees and members for their help this past year. She especially thanked the committee for the planning and setup for the banquet. Klinger and Rob Ensinger, class of 1974, were the co-chairs. She also encouraged all alumni to become active with the alumni association.

The senior class led the association in the singing of the alma mater and Bruaw closed the business meeting with the benediction.

Afterglow entertainment was provided by the Vic Boris Trio. Refreshments were included.

Celebration to be held Saturday

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Celebration of Special Athletes will be held Saturday at the Mount Carmel Area High School stadium.

Registration for the event will start at 8:30 a.m. and the opening ceremonies will begin at 9:45 a.m. Admission to the stadium is free and the event is open to the public. Refreshments are provided and donations will be accepted.

Rain date for the event is Sunday.

Paving set for next week

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Street Department will prepare and re-pave Walnut Street from Maple Street to Ash Street Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

"No parking" signs will be placed Sunday evening, and all vehicles must be removed by 6 a.m. Monday or they will be towed at the owner's expense. This portion of Walnut Street will re-open Thursday morning.

End-of-year activities announced

Shamokin Area Middle/High School has announced the following end-of-year activities:

Baccalaureate: High school auditorium, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

School scholastic awards: High school auditorium 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Report card distribution: Friday.

Commencement: High school auditorium, 6:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets are required for admission prior to 6:30 p.m.

MOUNT CARMEL - A 24-year-old caretaker charged with stealing cash, jewelry, medications and other property from an elderly woman waived 26 criminal counts to court and posted bail.

Kaitlyn Ann Else, of 1339 Scott St., Kulpmont, waived the theft and related charges Wednesday and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones to appear for plea court July 8 at Northumberland County Courthouse.

Else, who posted $10,000 bail after it was reduced by Jones from $25,000 at her hearing, is charged by Kulpmont Patrolman Patrick McAndrew with three felony counts of theft by unlawful taking, three felony counts of receiving stolen property, six misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking, six misdemeanor counts of receiving stolen property, two misdemeanor counts of theft from a motor vehicle, three misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance and three misdemeanor counts of possession with intent to use.

McAndrew reported in a criminal complaint that Rosemary Nevius told police April 30 that she thought Else was stealing money, medication and property from Nevius' 85-year-old mother, Teresa Groody, of Kulpmont.

Since Else started taking care of Groody Feb. 8, Nevius said she noticed items valued at more than $3,000 missing from the house. When Else was confronted by Nevius, she admitted to the theft and said she was going to lose her house, police said.

Cash, kitchen items

Nevius first noticed small amounts of money missing Feb. 22. On April 2, she found two $1,000 envelopes missing from her lockbox, where $14,740 was being stored.

She also noticed her mother was missing $2,300 in cash, a $1,900 14-karat gold engagement ring with two broken prongs, a $500 14-karat gold necklace, $300 worth of kitchen items, food from the fridge and freezers, $280 in cash from a vehicle, six silver Morgan dollars valued at $22 apiece, seven DVDs valued at $9.95 each and $15 worth of gold dollars.

Additionally, Groody's medication started to disappear, including three 75-mg fentanyl patches and an unknown number of 5-mg Oxycodone and 1-mg Ativan pills.

One of Else's duties was to give Groody her medication, Nevius told police.

Charles Nevius also told police he was missing $500 from his vehicle, police said.

When police questioned Else on May 1, McAndrew reported she admitted she has a drug problem and that she took $840 from the lockbox, $30 from the vehicles and the patches and medication from Groody.

In addition to the medication and money, she admitted taking hot dogs, sugar, coffee, a cup of soup and chicken wings from the house, police said.

Other charges

Else also waived to court charges of forgery, identity theft, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, burglary and criminal trespass filed by Kulpmont Patrolman Joshua Pastucka.

She is accused of stealing a check from her sister, Stacey Else, of 1337 Scott St., Kulpmont, forging it and cashing it for $40 at Woodforest Bank in Wal-Mart Supercenter in Coal Township on April 27.

Else was free on bail on the forgery-related charges.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court July 8 at Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Charges of deceptive business practices, theft by deception and theft by failure to make required disposition of funds filed by Ralpho Township Cpl. Bryon Chowka against Richard Trumper, 38, of Mifflinburg, were dismissed.

Trumper was charged with retaining $15,965.16 from Jason and Jamie Brent, of 10 Lime St., Elysburg, while failing to complete improvements to their residence between Oct. 18, 2011, and May 30, 2012.

n Timothy J. Stephens, 26, of Lebanon, had charges of criminal conspiracy, loitering and prowling at night, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property dismissed.

Stephens was charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman Justin Stelma with stealing a car owned by Edward Kopchak from the 100 block of South Orange Street on May 21.

n Gabriel J. Beaulieu, 23, of 1023 W. Montgomery St., Coal Township, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to drive in a single lane relating to a March 30 incident on Route 901 near the former Boylan's Service Station.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets.

n Justin T. Geleskie, 30, of 100 S. Sixth St., Shamokin, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to drive in a single lane involving a March 3 incident on Route 61.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets.

Donald James Olowski, 30, of 527 N. First St., Shamokin, a passenger in Geleskie's vehicle, also waived to court charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia filed by Stamets in connection with the same incident.

n Robert M. Rickert II, 23, of South Apple Street, Mount Carmel, waived to court charges of criminal conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver mushrooms and marijuana, possession of mushrooms and marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of children by having a controlled substance accessible to a child.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Chief of Police Todd Owens and Patrolman Matthew Dillman in connection with a Dec. 21 incident at Rickert's residence.

n Brian George Santelli, 20, of 1438 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, pleaded guilty to criminal trespass and was ordered to pay a $500 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for 12 months. Additional charges of resisting arrest, loitering and prowling at night and underage drinking were withdrawn.

Santelli was charged by Mount Carmel Cpl. David Donkochik in connection with a May 22 incident in the 600 block of West Fifth Street.

BLOOMSBURG ­- Five graduates, including an Elysburg woman, will be honored with special award recognitions and the Class of 1963 will mark its 50-year reunion when Bloomsburg University celebrates "Hail" Bloomsburg, Alumni Weekend 2013, today through Sunday.

More than 300 alumni are expected to participate in events throughout the weekend. The university and the Alumni Association have been celebrating the talents and achievements of Bloomsburg graduates with annual award recognitions since May 1948.

Two school administrators, Jon M. Andes '75, of Maryland, and Thomas E. Storer '73, of New Jersey, will receive the distinguished service award in recognition of significant contributions to their profession.

Kristin Mock Austin '02, a BU administrator, and Michael Smith '01, a health care professional from Danville, have been selected to receive the Maroon and Gold Excellence Award, which honors the achievements of graduates of the last 15 years.

The William T. Derricott Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to Lynne Homiak '83/'00, of Elysburg, a Geisinger Health System finance manager and BU Alumni Association Board director, who contributed the most hours of any volunteer in 2012.

For a full schedule or to register to attend events, go to www.bloomualumni.com or call the alumni house at 389-4058.

The Bloomsburg University Alumni Association, which was formed in 1871, serves more than 61,000 graduates worldwide.

SHAMOKIN - Plans are set for the first Shamokin Area High School Football Frenzy, coming to Kemp Memorial Stadium Saturday.

The public is invited said first-year head football coach Yaacov Yisrael.

"This is a chance for the community to come together, meet the players and coaches and have a fun time," he said.

Beginning at 9 a.m., youth in grades 5 through 7 will be able to register for a football tournament in which only passes can be thrown.

Following registration, players will pick teams for the tournament, which Yisrael said will be formatted to promote teamwork.

The youth games will begin at 10 a.m. and run until 11:30 a.m.

At 1:30 p.m. a special 7-on-7, two-hand touch football tournament will begin. The twist, Yisrael said, is that the students must recruit four community members to play.

"There are some teams that will have parents playing alongside their children," Yisrael said. "It's going to be a great event."

Assisting Yisrael will be a former Penn State teammate, Alan Zemaitis.

Following Zemaitis' collegiate career, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2006 and also played for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Most recently, Zemaitis served as defensive backs coach for Susquehanna University.

There will also be a punt, pass and kick competition, and a dunk tank with players, coaches and faculty members getting wet.

In addition, there will small carnival games and face painting. The concession stand will be open and there will be a 50-50 raffle and a chance to win a lottery blanket.

"We want to see everyone come out, support the Indians, and have a great time," Yisrael said.

TREVORTON - A New York City firefighter who doubles as a Nashville recording artist will be in Trevorton Saturday for a benefit concert.

Singer-songwriter Paul Cummings, creator of "The Firefighter Song," will perform beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Trevorton Elementary School auditorium.

All proceeds from the event benefit Trevorton Fire Company, said secretary Donna Reed.

"We are a self-sufficient company and most of the money that we use for maintenance, paying our bills, everything, is raised through donations and fundraisers," she said.

Cummings, a native of Honeoye, N.Y. began playing music in high school and fighting fires around the same time. He gained notoriety with the writing and recording of "The Firefighter Song," a tribute to those who lost their lives in the call of duty. He is donating his time for the concert.

Some of the lyrics of the song are:

"He didn't want any money, for the things he trained to do.

He helped the ones in need, and he saw the whole job through.

Well aware of the costs, that it takes to save a life.

But that didn't matter, when the family was inside.

We all need to sing, that Firefighter's Song."

Tickets are $15 in advance or $25 per couple with children under 5 free. The cost will be $20 at the door, with no couple purchase reduction.

The show begins at 6:15 p.m. with country band East Coast Sunset.

Tickets are available by calling Lori Mulberger at 850-5443 or Reed at 797-3375.

One way the fire company will benefit from the concert is to help pay for the maintenance of a fire truck from Garrison Beach, N.Y., recently donated to the organization. The 1993 model was originally used by the Bethel Park Fire Department, said Trevorton chief Ed Reed. When that Pennsylvania company got a new truck, it donated the old one to the Garrison Beach after its truck was flooded by SuperStorm Sandy in 2012.

Bethel Park signed the title over with the provision that the truck must stay in fire service no matter the owner.

"After Garrison Beach got their truck back, a couple of our firefighters were volunteering down there with cleanup. They talked, and here we are with the truck," Ed Reed said.

The new truck will increase pumping output from 1250 to 2000 gallons per minute and can carry five crew members.

"The truck is right now being serviced and certified," Reed said. "After that, we will have our decals on it and she will be ready to go."

CATAWISSA - A borough man was charged by Locust Township Police with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl two years ago and then threatening the girl to keep quiet.

Locust Township Police charged Adam R. Cherwinski with aggravated sexual assault, intimidation of a witness and other crimes following the investigation into the incidents that started in December 2010.

According to a court document filed by Patrolman Nicholas Thorpe, the department received a fax in April from Columbia County Children and Youth for a sexual assault allegation against Cherwinski. Patrolman Jarrod Rider attended an interview with the victim at the Child Advocacy Center in Northumberland.

While speaking with a forensic interviewer, the victim said that two years ago, when she was 13, Cherwinski allegedly would ask to tuck her into bed and tell her a bedtime story, and then he would touch her inappropriately.

Cherwinski then told the victim to not tell anyone and threatened her. According to the victim, the abuse occurred about five or six times.

The victim also told police Cherwinski pushed her head into the dashboard and yelled at her while driving her to a counseling session earlier this year.

One day following the interview, the victim and her mother spoke with Rider at the police department, detailing the incidents. The victim told Rider Cherwinski said no one would believe her.

Cherwinski was arraigned May 24 before Magisterial District Judge Richard W. Knecht, of Berwick.

Cherwinski was charged with aggravated indecent assault, felony counts of aggravated indecent assault without consent, aggravated indecent assault to a person under 16, intimidation of witnesses or victims and endangering the welfare of a child; misdemeanor counts of indecent assault without the consent of another person and indecent assault of a person less than 16 years of age and the actor older by four years or more, and a summary count of harassment.

Cherwinski was initially incarcerated in Columbia County Prison, but was later released on $50,000 cash bail. He was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Monday, June 10, before Magisterial District Judge Craig W. Long, of Catawissa. That hearing, however, could be rescheduled because the state attorney general's office may take over prosecution of the case, due to a conflict of interest with Columbia County District Attorney Thomas Leipold, according to Breach.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board approved a proposed $3.9 million spending plan for 2013-14 during its annual budget hearing Wednesday morning.

The budget is approximately $235,000 less than the current spending plan and reflects an estimated savings of $900,000 from 2011-12.

The savings include a $42,000 reduction in rent negotiated by Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi that takes effect July 1. Other savings were generated by the elimination of one administrator position, two senior action centers being merged with other centers, one center becoming part time and a savings of $70,000 in staff through the furlough of two employees and another worker being reduced to part time.

Patricia Crone-Zalinski, president of the advisory board, and Patricia A. Rumberger, AAA administrator, told agency employees, providers and advisory board members that it was imperative for the state to free up more Lottery money to assist agencies.

"We've been flat-funded for the past seven years," Rumberger said. "We need more money to continue to provide services."

Karen Leonovich, AAA deputy administrator, added, "We are serving more people now than eight years ago with the same amount of funding."

Rumberger said the employment service Title V program was turned over to Experience Works to administer, which will save $50,000 in block grant funds.

She reported the cost of home-delivered meals and congregate meals is expected to increase at least 1.5 percent, starting July 1.

As of Dec. 1, Rumberger said the agency saved $20,000 by eliminating transportation for people between the ages of 60 and 65, and $400,000 by eliminating four staff positions and related costs by withdrawing from the aging waiver program.

On Jan. 1, the Upper Northumberland Senior Action Center in Dewart merged with the Milton center and the Riverside center merged with the Northumberland facility. Services at the Elysburg center also were reduced to three days per week.

Rumberger said daily attendance at the centers between January and March was as follows: Elysburg, 19.7; Herndon, 30; Kulpmont, 19.6; Milton, 30; Mount Carmel, 26.8; Northumberland, 25.2; Shamokin, 40.2; Sunbury, 23.4; and Trevorton, 16.4.

Crone-Zalinski said the agency supports Gov. Tom Corbett's budget proposal to include an additional $50 million in Lottery proceeds to preserve, improve and expand home and community based services that are an effective alternative to nursing home care for seniors.

While the AAAs around the state have offered no opinion regarding the appropriateness or legality of Corbett's proposal to have a private firm operate the Lottery, Rumberger and Crone-Zalinski said the need for services is real and there are Lottery funds available that should be used to meet that need regardless of the outcome of the proposed private management agreement.

Rumberger said Lottery funds continue to grow despite the more than $1 billion in proceeds transferred to the Pennsylvania Medicaid program over the past five years, including a record $309 million in fiscal year 2012-2013. The Lottery has an anticipated ending balance of $187 million, with an additional $75 million in reserve, she said.

Northumberland County AAA serves approximately 6,000 citizens. The county, which has an overall population of approximately 90,000, has an estimated 24,000 seniors.

Rumberger noted that, by 2030, 70 million Americans (one in five) will be 65 or older.

The Area Agency budget does not need to be approved by county commissioners because of its funding from state and federal sources.

Others offering remarks during the hearing were AAA fiscal officer Anmarie Shehata, Pennsylvania Council on Aging representative Jim Poploskie, Northumberland County Commissioner Richard Shoch, Melissa Blair and Jeffrey Cole, constituent outreach specialists for state Reps. Kurt Masser (R-107) and Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R-108), respectively.

SHAMOKIN - The top floor of a fire-damaged three-story brick building shifted some 6 inches in a matter of two days, prompting city officials on Thursday to order the immediate tear-down of the top part of the structure.

The sudden demolition project created some traffic tie-ups along Route 61 (East Sunbury Street) at the city's east end Thursday afternoon, but Code Enforcement Officer Rick Bozza said action was necessary to eliminate the risk of injury to passing pedestrians or motorists.

The building at 604, 606 and 608 E. Sunbury St. was heavily damaged in an arson fire Jan. 28. Bricks near the top of the structure appeared to be teetering toward the street for months.

The demolition crew from Knoeppel Coal Deliveries and Home Renovations, Shamokin, was also tearing down a neighboring property, 602 E. Sunbury, at the corner of Sunbury and Franklin streets. That wood-framed single home was also damaged in the January fire.

Bozza said in March that the property owners were taking steps toward having the damaged buildings razed, noting at the time the city had "great concern" about the conditions. The property owners are responsible for the cost, he said.

Working from the street and inside the building, about five people from Knoeppel were using an excavator to tear at the top two stories of the brick building Thursday afternoon. They also used a rope tied to a small Bobcat loader to yank down sections of the building.

At times, just a few bricks were falling. At other times, large sections of the building came crashing down, creating clouds of dust in the hot, humid afternoon air.

East Sunbury Street was closed between North Shamokin and North Pearl streets and most traffic was diverted to East Dewart or East Commerce streets. Larger vehicles, including trucks and buses, were allowed to pass on East Sunbury Street. In those cases, fire police were controlling the flow of traffic one direction at a time.

North Franklin Street between East Sunbury and East Commerce streets also was blocked off.

Owners must move debris

There was rubble all over the sidewalk near the building by late Thursday, and it's unknown how long it may be there. It is the responsibility of the homeowners to have the debris removed, Bozza said.

Barbara Frazier, of Coal Township, who owns 608 E. Sunbury St., said she hired someone who will take away some of the bricks Saturday, but she doesn't know when she will have the money to remove the rest of the debris.

Frazier, who was at the scene Thursday, previously said she bought 608 E. Sunbury St. just a few weeks before the fire. Her intent was to fix it up with her brother Andy Britton Sr. and friends and rent it out.

The permit to raze the building lasts a year, she said.

The owner of 604 and 606 Sunbury St., Bettina Senessey, of Paxinos, was not at the scene Thursday, nor was Susan Martz, of Paxinos, owner of 602 E. Sunbury St.

Charges waived

In February, James L. Neidlinger, 21, whose last known address is 203 E. Dewart St., waived to court multiple arson-related offenses relating to the Jan. 28 fire that destroyed the triple home. In March, he waived to court similar charges relating to blazes at 717 N. Shamokin St. on Sept. 5 and the former Hardshell Cafe and an adjacent building in the 400 block of North Shamokin Street on the evening of Jan. 24.

SHAMOKIN - The Northumberland County Council of the Arts and Humanities is hosting a group art show from GloZel's Art League in the Fine Arts Gallery at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center. The show, entitled "Art Students of Gloria Zielinskie," consists of approximately 50 pieces of all mediums created by Coal Township resident Gloria Zielinskie and her students, who live throughout Northumberland County.

A reception for the show will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight at the gallery.

Zielinskie, who operated Glozel's art store in Shamokin for nearly two decades, has been teaching some of the same students for 20 years. She said she is amazed to watch the progress of her students.

"They are so dedicated to what they're doing," she said. "I don't call them students, I call them professionals."

The Fine Arts Gallery is located on the bottom floor of the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, Eighth and Arch streets.

The show will run until July 1. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

June is here. Grab your shorts, kids, family, friends and sunglasses and explore all the awesome things to enjoy this summer right in your own backyard.

History and heritage lovers will want to visit the Civil War commemoration exhibit at the Fort August Museum in Sunbury and the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum's Exhibit - "Gutelius Buggies: Decades of Excellence."

School is out and there is a ton of fun to be found at a variety of summer camps in June: Kid's Cave Kamp at Lincoln Cave in Huntington and children's history and Civil War camps at the Slifer House Museum, to name just two. Kids will also enjoy guided tours at Owens Farm; Kids College (for intellectually curious, highly motivated learners) at Susquehanna University, or the "Dig Into Reading" literacy program that begins Saturday at Snyder, Northumber-land and Union County libraries. it includes a passport program for participants to gain complimentary entrance to participating regional museums.

June is also full of outdoor adventure. Canoe and kayak lovers will not want to miss the North Branch Canal Cruise, the Schuylkill River Sojourn, the North Branch Susquehanna River Sojourn or Canoe Susquehanna's three June events: The McKees Mainstem Adventure, the Lewisburg Appetizer and the Peace of the Susquehanna Guided Kayak Trip. June 15 is opening day of bass season. Be sure to check out our web site for a list of regional fishing tournaments and download the only regional Fishing Guide for the Susquehanna River Valley. And don't miss out on our new Golfing in the Susquehanna River Valley brochure featuring a variety of golf courses throughout the region.

You will not want to miss the inaugural Beaver Bed Race and More at the dragway in Beaver Springs on June 15 that will honor the memory of resident Davy Jones of the Monkees by unveiling a life-sized statue of the star, plus food and entertainment.

And don't forget all the state parks, hiking and biking trails (information is available through the visitors' center). Check out our website later in June for a complete listing of regional fireworks.

For more information on these and other events in the Susquehanna River Valley, go to VisitCentralPA.org; sign up for our weekly e-newsletter; call us at 1-800-525-7320; stop by our Visitor Center on Route 15, or download our new mobile apps at www.VisitCentralPA.org/mobile.asp.

(Andrew Miller is the executive director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.)

MOUNT CARMEL - A borough woman accused of stabbing her live-in boyfriend May 21 was released from prison Wednesday after waiving her right to a preliminary hearing.

Bail for Britteny O'Brien, 29, of 433 W. Third St., was reduced from $40,000 to $10,000 by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. The defendant posted bail and was released from Northumberland County Prison.

O'Brien waived to court a felony count of aggravated assault, two misdemeanor counts of simple assault and a misdemeanor of recklessly endangering another person filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman.

She was ordered by Jones to appear for plea court July 8 at Northumberland County Courthouse.

Police said O'Brien allegedly stabbed Fred Holmes in the left shoulder and lower back with a box cutter or pear knife following a verbal argument at their home. Holmes underwent emergency room treatment at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital before being released.

RIVERSIDE - Six people including an ambulance patient en route to Geisinger Medical Center escaped injury in Wednesday morning's three-vehicle accident along Route 54 at the "Narrows" that closed down the highway for an hour.

Riverside Police Chief Isaac Ramer reported Ryan Strohecker, 28, of Kulpmont, was driving an AREA Services Ambulance west on Route 54 shortly before 8 a.m. when it passed several vehicles with its emergency lights and siren activated. Ramer said John Nardko, 48, of Danville, who was traveling east on the highway, pulled his 2005 Pontiac onto the side of the road to make room for the ambulance. The police chief said Trevor Williamson, 24, of Bloomsburg, who was operating a 2011 Honda behind Nardko's car, was unable to stop in time and crashed into the rear of the Pontiac, which was pushed into the ambulance.

Williamson's Honda then flipped onto its roof and came to rest in the middle of the highway.

All three vehicles were towed.

Strohecker, emergency medical technicians Patrick Burns, 29, of Kulpmont, and Greg Moran, 35, of Pottsville, and their passenger, Donn Lorenz, 65, of Shamokin, escaped injury. Following the accident, Lorenz was transported by Danville Ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center.

Nardko and Williamson also were not hurt.

Ramer, whose investigation is continuing, was assisted at the scene by Danville police and members of Southside Fire Company.

The police chief warned motorists traveling in the area to expect delays due to a painting project on the Danville-Riverside Bridge.