ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township Police say they gave a Shamokin man a break when he was pulled over in Elysburg for speeding in April.

That break occurred at the expense of the man's brother, whose name police say he provided officers and whose name he signed to a pair of citations.

Jason M. Deitz, 29, of 12 S. Second St., Shamokin, now faces a slew of more serious misdemeanor charges, including providing false identification to police.

Jason bears striking resemblance to his older brother, Michael, police say - so much so that Patrolman Chris Dailey believed Jason's assertion that he was his brother after looking at a PennDOT photo of Michael on a on-board police computer.

Jason didn't have a driver's license on him when he was pulled over about 4 p.m. April 20 near Dave's Flowers on North Market Street (Route 54) after allegedly being caught traveling 55 mph in a 35-mph zone, according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday by Dailey at the Mount Carmel office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones.

The police officer didn't charge Jason with speeding. Instead, he issued lesser citations for disobeying traffic signals and for violating a learner's permit for having a passenger, his wife, Amber, on his 1993 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Jason was allowed to call a friend, Ken Artman, of Mount Carmel, who came to the scene and drove the motorcycle. Jason drove home in Artman's vehicle.

A guilty plea was issued and both citations paid by Jason in his brother Michael's name, according to the complaint.

Not two months later, on June 12, Michael Deitz called police to say it was not him on the motorcycle that day, police say.

When contacted by police, Artman identified the Deitz at the scene of the April 20 traffic stop as Jason, according to the complaint.

Dailey learned that Jason's license is suspended and expired with multiple counts for driving under the influence.

Jason Deitz was arraigned Thursday on charges of false identification, false reports, forgery, driving with a suspended license and speeding, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

SUNBURY - One day after being suspended with pay, a union correctional officer previously named as a defendant in two lawsuits filed against the county has been fired for allegedly wrestling with a male prisoner three weeks ago and providing him with Tylenol after he was injured in the scuffle.

Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi said William Reber, 23, of Watsontown, was terminated at about 3:30 p.m. Thursday by Warden Roy Johnson for conduct that violates prison policy.

According to Clausi, Reber admitted to wrestling with an inmate three weeks ago, causing the victim to fall and injure his neck. Clausi said Reber provided the inmate with Tylenol to sooth the pain associated with his neck injury.

Reber, who is named as a defendant in two recent lawsuits filed against eight current or former prison personnel relating to alleged beatings suffered by two inmates, had worked at the prison for approximately two years, including the past six months as a full-time employee.

He was suspended with pay Wednesday afternoon by the county prison board pending the completion of a fact-finding probe conducted by prison officials.

Reber is a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union.

A call made to the residence of William C. Reber II in Watsontown seeking comment about the firing was answered by a man identifying himself as Reber's father, who spoke for his son in declaring he wouldn't want to comment.

Swift action needed

"He was a bad apple in the prison," commented Clausi. "The guy should have been fired before. He's involved in two lawsuits. We must get rid of the bad apples to protect the taxpayers and we can't wait to take action at prison board meetings. We gave the power to the warden three years ago to fire people and that's how these things must be handled."

Commissioner Stephen Bridy, chairman of the prison board, also confirmed Reber's firing and agreed with Clausi that swift and severe action needs to be taken against guards who abuse inmates to protect the county against lawsuits.

"We couldn't let this correctional officer continue to work at the prison based on what we were told at Wednesday's executive session and from his own admission," Bridy said. "You can't reward bad behavior."

The commissioner said Reber was scheduled to work at 2 p.m. Wednesday, but was informed by Operations Commander Brian Wheary that he was going to be suspended with pay after an emergency executive session of the prison board concluded at about 1:20 p.m. Wednesday. Wheary had recommended to the prison board to take disciplinary action against Reber during the executive session.

Bridy said, "This guard's alleged actions reflect poorly on the institution. There's a few bad apples, but the remainder of the staff are good people. They are working hard and doing their jobs properly and something like this isn't fair to them."

He explained that the prison board policy regarding firings is "vague" as to who the board can fire. He said policy allows the prison board to fire administrative personnel such as the warden and other supervisors, but said the language isn't clear when it comes to firing line officers and other staff.

Bridy said Johnson has had the authority to fire, hire and suspend personnel since he became warden. But last month, he said a few prison board members voiced concern over who should be responsible for suspending, firing or hiring personnel.

"Judge (Robert) Sacavage, Commissioner (Richard) Shoch and District Attorney (Tony) Rosini expressed concerns about violating the Sunshine Act involving hirings, firings and suspensions," Bridy said. "So we decided to have the prison board take responsibility for hiring, firing or suspending employees. But that would mean waiting to take action at a meeting, while the employee in question would still be working and possibly causing more problems while being paid by the county."

"Brian (Wheary) told us yesterday (Wednesday) that we couldn't let Mr. Reber back in the prison or someone was going to get hurt," the commissioner said. "That's why the warden needs authority to fire, hire and suspend employees."

Johnson was not working Wednesday and did not attend the executive session when the decision to suspend Reber was made.

The 342-acre "Alaska site" near Excelsior, scheduled to remain open year-round for hunting under the master plan for the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), will only be available for hunting from the middle of November until the end of January, same as the rest of the 6,500-acre property.

That's according to a policy governing the off-highway vehicle park approved Monday at a special meeting of the Northumberland County commissioners.

County Planning and Industrial Development Director Pat Mack said the policy, which took effect upon the commissioners' OK, and a related ordinance that is expected to be passed by the county commissioners Tuesday, will most likely remain in effect until AOAA authority members take office in January.

The five-member authority, whose members were appointed at Monday's meeting, will operate and maintain the AOAA. Mack said the authority could revise the policy and allow the Alaska site to remain open for hunting year-round.

Mack said the planning department deviated from the master plan in regard to hunting at the Alaska site because it wanted all the land designated for the AOAA to be inclusive in the policy governing use.

"It wasn't done in spite of the lawsuit pending against the county," Mack said Thursday. "We didn't consider making an exception for any particular section of the AOAA, but that's not to say the authority won't make an exception and allow hunting at the Alaska year-round."

Kaleta responds

David F. Kaleta, 54, of Shamokin, who sued the commissioners and county last month for banning him from the AOAA property and violating the Sunshine Act, helped rehabilitate former mining land on the Alaska site, removed trash and planted trees and vegetation that attract animals and birds in his volunteer role as president of the former Habitat for Wildlife.

"The restrictions on the Alaska site doesn't affect me at all," Kaleta said when contacted Thursday night. "(Commissioner) Vinny (Clausi) previously said I had my own private hunting club at the Alaska site. Well, now I have 6,500 acres for my own private hunting club thanks to Judge (Charles) Saylor's order," Kaleta said, referencing Saylor's approval of Kaleta's request for an injunction that stops the county from banning Kaleta while his lawsuit proceeds.

He added, "If I wanted my own hunting club, I wouldn't have spent several hours on the telephone today encouraging hunters and non-hunters to attend Tuesday's commissioners' meeting. I am interested in their rights as well as my own."

Kaleta said he fought to keep the Alaska site open for public use for 12 years and noted the only reason it was gated was because of illegal activities such as illegal dumping and ATV riders running through food plots and freshly planted trees.

"I urge all interested persons to attend Tuesday's meeting at 1 p.m. at the administration center because, as of Tuesday, you won't be able to even go on the land to pick mushrooms," he said.

Parking clarified

Mack clarified Thursday that, while the policy says parking will be prohibited directly on AOAA property where hunting may occur, it will be allowed at the entrance to the park on the northeast side of Route 125 near the top of the Burnside mountain, where vehicles have parked for previous events at the AOAA, including the inaugural Coal Mountain Jeep Jamboree in August.

Under the policy, hunting will be allowed, at no cost, at the AOAA between the middle of November and end of January. The county planning department will be responsible for enforcing rules and regulations for the park until the authority takes over.

Outside of hunting season, the AOAA land will be open only to formally organized groups.

Operating hours for the AOAA will be from dawn until dusk and nobody will be granted access to the park after dusk unless they obtain a special camping permit.

Clausi and Stephen Bridy approved the policy and advertisement of the ordinance, while Commissioner Richard Shoch voted against them.

Hunting season at the AOAA is defined in the policy as the period of time, excluding Sundays or other days prohibited by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, between the beginning of black bear archery season (typically mid-November) and the end of late deer archery season (typically the end of January) as determined by the Pennsylvania Game Commission calendar.

However, in the event the beginning or ending dates set for those seasons are significantly altered, the planning department shall be authorized to alter the beginning and ending dates of the AOAA hunting season.

During the AOAA hunting season, hunters and fishermen will not be required to request permission, obtain permission slips or execute waivers of liability as required by the policy for other activities.

All other activities on the AOAA during the AOAA hunting season will be prohibited, except for Sundays or other days when hunting is prohibited.

Handicapped and disabled hunters who have obtained proper clearances and permission from the game commission and/or state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to hunt with a motorized or assistance vehicle will be permitted to hunt on the land during the AOAA hunting season.

ELYSBURG - The Elysburg Haunted House is off to an "incredible" start in 2012 as it heads into the second weekend of operation tonight.

Long lines of people were on hand for last weekend's opening night, with more visitors than usual, said Harvey Boyer, Elysburg Fire Company president. Saturday featured a huge crowd as well, he said.

Now in its 37th year, the attraction, with new features inside and expanded scares on outdoor paths, continues to attract those from a wide geographic area. Boyer said visitors last week included folks from Jersey Shore, Williamsport, Wilkes-Barre, Las Vegas, Colorado, West Virginia, Delaware and Connecticut, and he had many people tell him they couldn't believe how terrific it was.

Talk in the parking lot as people were leaving was about how much better it is this year than in years past.

Fun, food while waiting

Organizers don't allow those waiting in line to get bored. Besides the traditional chainsaw ghouls, there's a bounce house for the kids this year and two new vendors, Arctic Igloo of Elysburg, selling a variety of food, and Pollock's Pizza, Berwick. They join Mason's hot cider, Gordy's french fries and the Elysburg Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services soup, hot dogs and hot chocolate stand. EMT Matt Siko said, "Come hungry."

Entrance witch Ceil Wislowski has been welcoming customers and offering helpful hints for survival for more years than she can remember. Young Justin Slodysko is helping out for the first time this year and is very excited about working with the giant spider.

Nicole Horsefield, of Lavelle, said she and her family have been coming to the house for years, only missing last year when it snowed on Halloween weekend. Horsefield said she enjoys the outdoor paths the most. Her mother, Marion, had quite a fright last year when she walked right into a ghillie-suited spook.

Haunted history

Wayne Horne, who was at the original event in 1976, said that it was first run by the Jaycees and Rotary Club as a fundraiser for the fire companies, before the companies themselves took it over.

Bob Dluge has been involved with the haunted house since day one. Dluge said that the first site of the house was near Shamrock Mills, Paxinos area. But during that first season, an arson fire destroyed it. Valley Gun and Country Club offered an old building to use the following year. The house was originally a 14-room home for a family up until the early 1960s, when the gun club took it over to use for storage. Seeing the need for a place to have the local fire companies' main fundraiser, the club donated the house for the event. No one ever said whether or not it was actually haunted.

The Haunted House, which is operated by and benefits the Elysburg and Ralpho Township fire companies, is open tonight and Saturday and next Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. until the crowds are gone. Also, for the first time this year, it will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. Halloween night, Oct. 31.

WILLIAMSPORT - A federal judge this week ordered the Clerk of Courts to release the $124,869 in restitution Thea Tafner was sentenced to pay to Mount Carmel's American Hose and Chemical Fire Company.

Tafner, former ambulance committee chairwoman of the fire company, filed an appeal May 16, 2011, to absolve her of paying an initial lump sum within 60 days of her sentencing for opening a fraudulent bank account to which she directed $3,712,203 in Medicare payments over nine years, and used $1,816,045.13 for personal gain.

Although the Third Circuit Court affirmed the sentencing, court documents filed Oct. 10 indicated the clerk of courts office would not "release the funds held in the court's registry to the victim in this case without a further order from the court."

In court documents filed Oct. 16, Chief Judge Yvette Kane of the U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Pennsylvania ordered the restitution to be released to "designated victim(s) in the case."

A representative of the financial department of the U.S. District Court in Scranton confirmed the money would be distributed this week, but would not provide any further details, saying it is not "public information."

American Hose President James Reed said they have not received the $124,869 as of Thursday, but did get a call from the courts to verify the mailing address. It is likely coming as a check, as they did not ask for account number for a direct deposit, he said.

Once the money is in the company's hands, it will be placed into an individual checking account designated for the restitution funds, and their attorney Michael Smith, of Hummel and Lewis, Bloomsburg, will determine the arrangements on how the money will be handled.

Due to Tafner's actions, the ambulance portion of the fire company was closed down, and the fire company is involved with active lawsuits from Shamokin Area Community Hospital and Cornerstone Adminisystems, of Cumberland County.

Both these lawsuits have been at a standstill until the initial lump sum was figured out, Reed said.

While Tafner had signed an agreement not to appeal her sentencing conditions, she and her lawyer argued that, as part of the plea agreement in exchange for her waiver of any appeal rights, the government agreed not to force Tafner - a long-time teacher at Line Mountain and elementary principal in the district at the time of her arrest - to use money from her Pennsylvania Public School Employee Retirement System account. But by requiring the large payment up front, Tafner argued that the court was forcing her to use that pension money.

The money was placed in the court registry July 1, 2011, until the courts decided whether the order to pay the lump sum was proper, which it was on May 29, 2012. Tafner remains in Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, W.Va, while she serves a 30-month imprisonment, and has begun paying $250 a month to pay back $1.8 million. Even with the $124,869 deducted, the remaining $1,691,176 would take nearly 564 years to pay back at the current minimum rate of $250 a month.

Reed said the first $250 check arrived at American Hose nearly two weeks ago, but it was not cashed yet.

He noted the initial lump sum and the $250 a month isn't enough, but is grateful for at least some of what was taken

"I want to put this all behind us," he said.

American Hose filed a writ of summons against Thea Tafner in March 2011 and her brother Carter Tafner and his business in October 2011.

Carter Tafner has since passed away, and Reed said their attorney will recommend if any further action is necessary against his estate.

Tafner also filed on Sept. 21 for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, typically done by an individual with a consistent source of income. It allows the individual to develop a plan to pay down debt over time.

SHAMOKIN - Work to remove demolition debris that could possibly include asbestos-containing materials from the site of a building collapse on North Shamokin Street began and soon after stopped Thursday.

Employees of Madonna Enterprises, Port Carbon, were "scratching around" with a front-end loader but weren't able to make much progress after it was learned a new part was needed for the heavy equipment, said City Clerk Steve Bartos.

Bartos said he expects work at the former Shamokin Health Spa in the 700 block of North Shamokin Street to resume today.

While there is no time line for the project to be completed, he says it should be finished by Nov. 1.

"It's not a big job what's left to do there," Bartos said.

"The big issue would be if (Madonna Enterprises) came across residual waste," he added, such as old oil tanks.

Of course, there is the issue of possible asbestos at the site.

A pair of federal environmental officers were at the site Wednesday collecting samples to be tested for asbestos-containing materials.

The samples were shared with the city to have its own laboratory testing performed.

It's unclear when the results will become available from either party.

Positive for abestos

A sample tested by a federally accredited testing laboratory in August returned positive for asbestos. The sample was collected by city resident Matt Stevens, who also commissioned the testing. It was discredited by the city clerk over "chain of custody" concerns. Stevens maintains the sample is authentic.

If asbestos does exist at the site, a federal spokeswoman said there is no immediate health risk to nearby residents or passers-by, saying asbestos is harmful from "long-term exposure" over the course of years.

A state waste inspector reported that asbestos-containing material was found at the site during a late summer visit, a Department of Environmental Protection official said earlier this week. That came from observation of the debris and not laboratory analysis.

The inspector's visit, made sometime between late August and early September, was made after complaints were filed by city residents.

After the visit, DEP instructed the city to rid the site of the debris that has laid exposed since a partial collapse of two adjoining vacant commercial properties in mid-June.

The department returned to the site Tuesday and provided the city written instructions for the proper removal of asbestos-containing material: restrict access to the site, have an asbestos building inspector on site, wet down the debris, have it transported in a sealed container for disposal at a permitted landfill, submit disposal receipts to the department.

Lien on property

The property was once owned by Shamokin Health Spa Inc. and the late William G. Porto, according to court records.

It had been up for upset sale and judicial sale, and was also listed on the repository list.

A lien totaling $125,000 was placed on the property Sept. 5 by the city to prevent it from being sold on the cheap while the city is left responsible for demolition costs.

City council moved in October to begin the process of purchasing the property, and that sale is in motion, Solicitor H. Robert Mattis said Thursday.

If the sale is approved the lien would be lifted, he said.

The price of the lien was made to include the $8,900 estimate by Madonna Enterprises to finish debris removal, a $98,500 estimate sought by Robert Gusick Demolition, Shamokin, and contingency money, Bartos said.

The Shamokin demolition firm was the original contractor at the site and, according to a bill given to the city July 17, is seeking approximately 85 percent of the estimate for work already completed along with 1.5 percent interest.

The city and Gusick demolition are entangled in a dispute over the estimate amount and the city's request for a cost breakdown, and the contractor was ordered to stop work at a July 3 meeting. However, the bill says work was ordered stopped prior to that on June 26.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Coal Township Police are investigating a suspected case of arson involving a tractor on coal company land along Route 125.

Detective Jeff Brennan said a 1993 John Deere tractor was set on fire early Wednesday morning. The blaze rekindled Thursday morning, and emergency responders were called out to again extinguish the fire.

The site of the fire is about 1-mile into the coal land from the state highway, and about 1-mile south of Burnside.

The tractor is owned by Synagro Corp., Whiteford, Md., and was being used and stored on the grounds of Blaschak Coal Co.

The vehicle is valued at about $20,000 and is a total loss, Brennan said.

Shamokin-Coal Twp.

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Walk A Mile 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, and treadmill for those with doctor's slip.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii competition at Milton; shopping at Boscov's, van leaves at 9 a.m., cost is $2; bridge lessons, 10:30 a.m.; bridge, noon; Aquacize, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.; Harvest dinner dance at Front Street Station, dinner served at 5:45 p.m., transportation available.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling; Halloween party luncheon at 11 a.m. for those who signed up, cost is $7 with menu of spaghetti and meat sauce, tossed salad, bread and butter, dessert, coffee and tea; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; Aquacize, 1:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Brain teasers, 10 a.m.; fun and fitness, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Sit down dancing, 10 a.m.; exercise HSIM, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; puzzles and trivia, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; current events, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Brain teasers, 10 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Sunday - Pinochle, 1:30 p.m.

Monday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Traveling to Dewart SAC for Wii competition, van leaves at 9 a.m.; pinochle-cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; Harvest Dinner Dance at Front Street Station. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5:45 p.m.

Thursday - Noodle balloon in the morning; VNA flu shots from 9 to 11 a.m.; exercise with Amy Zalar, noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; evening cards, 4 p.m.

Friday - Wii competition at center with Dewart SAC, 9 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Breakfast, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.

Tuesday - Advisory board meeting with Kathleen and Diane, 10 a.m.

Wednesday - Look at me Now!! program with Cathy Martin.

Thursday - Wellness trivia with Tammy Stackhouse, 10:30 a.m.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Flu shots, 9 to 11 a.m.; bingo, noon; Harvest Dinner/Dance at Front Street Station, prize will be given for the best costume, along with door prizes. Entertainment to be provided by Vic Boris.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

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

Trevorton

Monday - Making pierogies, 8 a.m.; last day to order soup and sandwich lunch for Oct. 31.

Tuesday - Making pierogies if needed, 8 a.m.; Wii bowling practice, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Scrabble, Phase 10 and Uno, 9:30 a.m.; AAA Harvest Dinner Dance at Front Street Station, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday - Shopping at Susquehanna Valley Mall and lunch at Applebees, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; beanbag toss, 10:30 a.m.; Unlucky 7s and 31, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

MOUNT CARMEL - A Seventh Street resident wants Mount Carmel Borough Council to put the pressure on Aqua PA and the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) for sporadic water service throughout the borough.

Joseph Kripplebauer, of 204 E. Seventh St., presented a petition of 29 names he collected Wednesday night along Seventh Street and a complaint filed to the PUC to the board Thursday night during the regular board meeting.

He described how water pressure would be strong one day while other days it was weak. There are days he can't wash his dishes, take a shower or wash his car without neighbors requesting him to stop so they can take a shower. Some neighbors are taking showers at 3 a.m. so there's enough water to get clean.

The issue has been an ongoing one for several years, but Kripplebauer has only been acting out against it since March, he said.

To address the issue, Kripplebauer has spent his own money to purchase specialized nozzles and showerheads for his house.

He even had Clover Hose Fire Company Captain Bing Cimino test the water at a fire hydrant on Market and Seventh streets, only to find it have inadequate pressure.

President Tony Matulewicz said there might not be anything the council can do for the personal residents' water service, but if there are problems with a fire hydrant, that's an issue of public safety.

"That's big," Vice President Leroy "Chico" Moser agreed.

Matulewicz instructed borough manager Edward Cuff III to have Cimino or American Hose and Fire Company Chief Jack Williams Jr. test the water again and make a report.

He also agreed to contact state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107), and set up a meeting with the necessary people to make efforts to solve the problem.

In other business, the council approved:

- The sub-contracting of snow removal on Northumberland County-owned bridges to the Anthracite Steam Fire Company.

- The purchase of two borough cell phones not to exceed $40 a month for the street and code enforcement departments.

MOUNT CARMEL - High school can sometimes be a scary place.

On the weekend before Halloween, the Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School will be even scarier.

Students are preparing to present the sixth annual "Haunted High" from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28. The event will benefit a nonprofit organization of the students' choosing.

Advisers Cory Lombardo and Meghan Wasilewski, of the English and physical education departments respectively, are assisting 45 students from grades seven through 12 in creating ghoulish props and designs that will transform ordinary hallways into aisles of terror.

Guests will enter the school through the gymnasium doors on the west side of the building. From there, guests will encounter students dressed in an array of scary outfits on the first and second floors of the darkened school. The Haunted High will feature a "dot" room, a "movie theater" and a clown room.

"It will be student-made decorations, not plastic stuff from Walmart," Lombardo said. "It's one of the unique things about it."

Lombardo said the most important part of the event is that it is student led. Groups of students meet after school nearly every day to work and discuss the project. On Monday, around 10 students cut and pasted large pieces of cardboard for a forest maze, while other students sifted through an assortment of scary masks. Students traded ideas on how props and rooms should be designed.

"There might be a zombie section, but we are still in the planning phase," Lombardo said. "There will be a lot of art-based rooms. The main thing is that students are getting involved and they are having fun doing it."

DANVILLE - More than 500 Geisinger Health System (GHS) employees danced for breast cancer awareness and a chance to win $10,000 for the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. The nationwide Pink Glove Dance Competition sponsored by Medline Industries Inc. required GHS employees to wear pink medical gloves while dancing to the hit song, "Part of Me" by Katy Perry. The video is online at www.pinkglovedance.com and available for public votes until Nov. 2.

Cindy Bird, R.N., B.S.N., clinical director of the surgical suite at Geisinger Medical Center first saw a pink glove dance video at a national nursing conference. Bird was so moved by the dance videos that she was inspired to bring the idea to Geisinger nurse leadership.

The Geisinger Pink Glove Dance Video was filmed over a three-day period in September and features employees representing a wide range of professions throughout the system. Cancer survivors working within the system were honored by name and given the chance to dance in celebration of winning the fight against the disease.

"What began as a fun idea turned into something really amazing," said Susan M. Hallick, RN, BSN, M.H.A., NEA-BC, executive vice president and chief nursing officer, GHS. "The video perfectly illustrates the passion and commitment we have to our profession and to our patients. We collaborate across the health system every day to guarantee the best patient care. It's only fitting we would collaborate for such a great cause while having a little fun too."

The video ends with a special dedication to Marie Lamey, R.N., B.S.N., the first breast clinic nurse coordinator at Geisinger Medical Center. Lamey touched the lives of countless patients during her 30-year career in women's health at Geisinger before passing away suddenly last year.

To vote for the Geisinger Pink Glove Dance video go to www.pinkglovedance.com and find Geisinger in the D-G gallery. Anyone with a Facebook account can vote for and share the video until Nov. 2.

Public welcome at chamber debate

SHAMOKIN - The public is welcome to attend the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce 107th Legislative District debate Tuesday at Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 114 N. Second St.

The debate is part of the chamber's monthly luncheon. The public is welcome to take part in the lunch, which begins at noon, for $18. However, they are welcome to attend the debate only at no cost. It will start at approximately 12:40 p.m. and end by 2 p.m.

Featured will be candidates Kurt Masser, the incumbent Republican, and Ted Yeager, the Democratic challenger.

Tax changes due by Nov. 23

SHAMOKIN - Assessment changes for 2013 must be done by Nov. 23, according to city Treasurer Brenda L. Scandle.

Any resident who will be moving, retiring, changing jobs or going to college in 2013 is asked to contact the tax office as soon as possible.

Also, the last day to pay school taxes at face amount is Wednesday Oct. 31.

Program planned at historical society

ASHLAND -The Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society will host at its Oct. 24 meeting author Thomas M. Malafarina, who will give a Halloween presentation that will include two unpublished scary stories. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the society headquarters, 316-318 Centre St.

A native of Ashland, Malafarina has books published in the horror genre, including "Ninety-Nine Souls," "Thirteen Nasty Endings," "Burn Phone," "Eye Contact" and his most recent books, "Malafarina Maleficarum Volume 1" and "Malafarina Maleficarum Volume 2."

His first book, "Ninety-Nine Souls," is set in Schuylkill County in the fictional town of Ashton. It tells the story of three miners trapped in a cave-in, one of whom sold his soul to Satan to get revenge for the disaster. In turn, Satan turns the miner into an immortal, soul-feeding demon who must remain trapped in the mine until he gathers 99 souls.

Malafarina's program is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - A man and woman who were caught shoplifting at CVS Pharmacy Friday afternoon fled the scene after being confronted by a store employee, according to Mount Carmel Township Police.

Township Patrolman David Stamets Jr. reported that video surveillance of the two people show they entered the West Third Street store at approximately 3:50 p.m. and started putting miscellaneous items into their pockets and the woman's purse.

An assistant manager, who was not identified by police, confronted the couple, but they would not initially admit to their crime, Stamets said.

The male then said, "You can't do anything. All I'm going to get is a ticket in the mail," and then they ran from the store, Stamets reported.

It is not been determined how much merchandise they were able to take from the store, but there is video surveillance being studied, he said.

There was not any physical interaction between the employees and the two individuals, he said.

The male and female look to be in their early to mid 20s with dark-colored hair and white skin. The male has facial hair and was wearing a grey DC Shoe sweatshirt and jeans. The woman was wearing a light red shirt with a light-colored jacket and jeans, and she was carrying a purse.

Anyone with information concerning the thefts or identity of the two actors is asked to contact the Mount Carmel Township Police Department at 339-1653.

SHAMOKIN - Goshert's Keystone Brass will play special music at St. John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin Sunday.

The brass quintet will play in the main sanctuary beginning at 10:40 a.m. They will also play special selections during the 11 a.m. church service.

The brass group, consisting of members of Keystone Band of Rehrersburg, has played together for several years in various combinations. Members include Stewart Wolf and Larry Wood, trumpet; David Dishong, french horn; Marvin Ritter, trombone and Terry Shook, tuba.

Music selections include a wide variety of styles, ranging from Big Band, show tunes and classical. The largest portion of their repertoire honors their church ties with many arrangements of hymns and other songs of faith.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area High School Competition Band placed first at the Black Diamond Cavalcade on Oct. 13 with a score of 88.4.

That puts the band in second place in the Tournament of Bands (TOB) Group 2-A roster for the Atlantic Coast Championships, just .45 off the lead.

The band will defend its TOB Chapter 4 championship tonight at Bloomsburg University. Its performance time is set for 6 p.m.

The band also won specialty awards for high percussion, high auxiliary, high drum major, high visual and high music at its home cavalcade. Full results follow:

Group 1-A: Jersey Shore, 82.15, first place and high auxiliary, high percussion and high drum major awards.

Group 3-A: Mifflin County, 85.20, first place and high percussion award; North Schuylkill, 84.50, second place and high auxiliary and high drum major awards.

Group 2-A: Shamokin Area, 88.4, first place (see other awards above); second, Milton, 84.70.

Group 1-Open: Loyalsock, 87.20, first place and high percussion award; Northern Lehigh, 86.35, second place and high auxiliary and high drum major awards.

Group 2-Open: Williamsport, 89.35, first place and high percussion and high auxiliary awards; Shikellamy, 87.50, second place and high drum major award.

SHAMOKIN - Scott Snipkie, a graduate of Shamokin Area High School and Penn State University, graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law, where he received a juris doctorate May 13.

Snipkie. who attained the dean's list, will pursue a masters degree in journalism and mass communications at the University of Missouri.

After high school graduation, Scott joined the U.S. Navy and served six years on the nuclear submarine USS Dallas stationed at New London, Conn. After his honorable discharge, he pursued a career in journalism and completed his education with highest distinction in three years from Penn State University.

He has been active with the University of Missouri football program and is an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Penn State football.

Scott is a son of John and Donna Snipkie, of Shamokin, and a grandson of Dora Snipkie, of Atlas.

Current Susquehanna Council Boy Scouts of America Executive Jon Brennan said he had not reviewed the released files and did not have any further information on the Shamokin case.

He said, however, that the organization is "extremely concerned about the safety of everyone involved" in Scouting.

"We're working nationally and locally to enhance policies and procedure to make sure we're ahead of society's best practices against abuse," he said.

Brennan said every adult volunteer goes through a background check and every Scoutmaster must participate in a youth protection prevention training program, which includes reporting procedures. Parents and Scouts are also encouraged to participate in the program.

Every Scouting activity must have two adults present, he said.

In the Scout handbook, there is information for parents on how to teach their boys to recognize, resist and report suspicious behavior and abuse, he said.

"As an organization, any time an abuse occurs, we are very concerned about the victim," Brennan said.

He urged people to visit www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx to review the material and programs.

The Susquehanna Council serves more than 2,500 youth through the adult leadership of 1,200 adult volunteers in Snyder, Northumberland, Clinton, Union and Lycoming counties. In 1964, the council covered just Snyder, Northumberland and Union.

ATLAS - A local property owner ordered by the court to demolish two of his dilapidated buildings in Mount Carmel has begun to tear down a long-time eyesore in this village.

Mount Carmel Township Code Enforcement Officer Don Geary said the condition of 489 Girard St. is the worst in the township. The two-story building had partially collapsed at least twice, which caused the walls to bow and expose the second-floor bathroom.

The owner, Chris Elsayed, of 201 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin, started tearing down the Atlas building the week of Oct. 8, but not before being charged in 2010 by Geary with public nuisance, a misdemeanor offense, because the building posed a risk to pedestrians and motorists on Route 61 who travel just feet from the building. Elsayed was represented by the late Jim Rosini during a preliminary hearing in front of Hugh A. Jones, who bound the case to court.

Geary said the case was continued because of the death of Rosini, who died from injuries sustained in a vehicular accident in Florida on Feb. 8, 2012. Elsayed is now represented by Paige Rosini.

Elsayed purchased the building at a Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau Upset Sale in 2009. He paid $1,228.64, plus $312.44 in related fees. According to News-Item archives, the building's main roof had already partially collapsed when the building was offered for sale.

"We were only able to see the outside of the structure and not allowed to go inside," Elsayed said Friday. "That's the situation when you buy stuff on tax sale."

Mt. Carmel issues

In a separate case, Elsayed was charged earlier this year by Mount Carmel Code Enforcement Officer Robin Williams with 35 citations related to conditions of 49-51 S. Walnut St., and 51 S. Locust St., located a block apart.

Elsayed pleaded guilty to all but one charge on July 31 in a hearing before Jones. He was ordered to tear down the structures before the date of the hearing on the remaining citation.

"Once he received the initial citation, our ordinance states that each day the violation is not fixed constitutes a separate violation, and that's what I was doing," Williams said. "There were (Mount Carmel Area School District) bus stops there and students were sitting on the steps of those buildings. I put some pressure on him for this one."

Williams said the district moved the stops after he notified officials of the hazards.

Elsayed has obtained permits to tear down the buildings, but is having trouble obtaining insurance because of their condition, Williams said Friday. He said Elsayed will have to seek an insurance bond.

"He is ordered to bring them down or he is going to do jail time," Williams said.

'Good intentions'

Geary said Elsayed failed to remedy issues with the property in Atlas following the tax sale purchase.

"After accepting my position in June 2010, the first thing I did was arrest Chris (Elsayed) and charge him with a public nuisance," Geary said. "He had time to demolish or bring his property up to code."

Only portions of the first and second floor at the Girard Street home remained Friday. A Dumpster in front of the building was nearly full of building materials. A sign reading "properties available" was visible from Route 61.

"I purchased those (properties) with good intentions," Elsayed said. "I am doing whatever it takes to make everyone happy as long as it's in my means. That's my main focus."

Elsayed said he does not have any plans for the properties once they are demolished, but said he would entertain offers for purchase.

"Elsayed is not under any order to tear down the property in Atlas," Geary said. "But he knows it is a losing battle."The building at 489 Girard St., Atlas, seen here this week, is being demolished by the owner. The building has partially collapsed at least twice over they years.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A Coal Township church will cap off its 100th anniversary celebration Sunday with a special service, a banquet, and by possibly unearthing a bit of the past.

The Salem United Church of Christ, 1300 W. Pine St., will have a special service at 10 a.m., during which Pastor Jean Eckrod will open the cornerstone from the original church of 100 years ago to see what, if anything, was placed inside it.

"We have no idea if there is something there, but we are very excited to see it anyway," said Eckrod. "We were told that there might be something in there inside a cellophane bag marked 'Knobeels,' so the mystery will be solved Sunday."

Following the service, there will be a special anniversary banquet at Masser's Banquet Hall, Paxinos.

Sunday's events will be the latest of the anniversary events celebrated at Salem. "We've had guest singers, and many of the former pastors, along with officials of the United Church of Christ have come to be guest speakers here," Eckrod said. "Our peach festival, which Salem has been doing for over 25 years, was part of that celebration, too."

Eckrod and the church congregation invite everyone to attend the service Sunday and take part in all the festivities.

Church history

The present Salem United Church of Christ was originally the Fairview Chapel, also known as St. John's Second Reformed Chapel, an L-shaped frame structure at the intersection of Pine and Cedar streets. The building was originally the Lafayette schoolhouse, but Mrs. William Derk envisioned it as an ideal location for a Sunday school.

St. John's Reformed Church organized, planned and was granted permission by the Coal Township School Board to hold Sunday school classes in the building. By 1902, with an increase in attendance, land was purchased for the addition of a new chapel. In 1912, the Salem congregation was organized and called the Rev. L.E. Blair as their first pastor. Numbers continued to grow to such a point that the chapel was too small. In 1914, the south annex was built to the chapel.

In 1915, new pews were added to the auditorium. In 1928, as various departments and classes grew, the congregation erected the church school building, and in July 1928, they held "the Cornerstone Laying ceremony," with the first in the new building occurring Jan. 13, 1929. So it was that the Fairview Sunday School had grown to become Salem Reformed Church School.

Over the years, various churches merged. The Reformed Church of America (RCUS) and the Evangelical Synod of North America (ESNA) united to form the Evangelical and Reformed Church, with Salem becoming Salem Evangelical and Reformed Church.

In 1957, the church joined with the General Council of Congregational Christian Churches to form the United Church of Christ, giving Salem its current name.

Salem UCC was the first church in Shamokin to have an organized Boy Scout troop, with as many as 60 to 70 boys enrolled in the program when in it was in full swing. William J. Wiest wrote a song dedicated to Salem Reformed Church, called "The Church on the Hill," which was sung to the tune of "The Little Brown Church in the Vale."

In 1961, St. Peter's Church, of Overlook, and Salem became known as the Shamokin-Paxinos Charge with Jacob's Church, Reed Station, being the supply point of this charge.

SUNBURY - The attorney for a former Shamokin Area teacher accused of being drunk when he allegedly drove into a group of teens in March and fled the scene claims his client was arrested without a warrant and probable cause and is challenging the seriousness of some of the injuries suffered by the victims.

Attorney Arlen "Rick" Day II, of Pottsville, representing Victor E. Swaboski III, 39, of 320 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel, will argue his claims during a pre-trial motion hearing at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, before Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor.

Medical records obtained

Last month, Day filed a motion to compel discovery evidence in the case. In the motion, Day states, "Crucial to this case is whether serious bodily injury occurred, as well as whether any injuries were the result of the defendant's

intoxication as opposed to any actions of the alleged victims."

Day said the records are critical to the defendant in preparing his defense.

On Sept. 18, Saylor ordered the commonwealth to provide the medical records within 30 days. Day said Friday he received them earlier this week.

"It is believed, and, therefore, averred, that the medical records contain exculpatory information as to the most serious charges against the defendant," Day wrote in his court motion.

Day has requested Saylor enter an order compelling the commonwealth to produce all evidence it obtained in the investigation.

Swaboski is charged by Mount Carmel Township Chief of Police Brian Hollenbush and Patrolman Daniel Politza with felonies of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence (five counts), flight to avoid apprehension and accidents involving death or personal injury (five counts); misdemeanors of driving under the influence of alcohol and recklessly endangering another person (five counts), and summaries of failure to provide information and render aid, reckless driving, failure to drive in a single lane and restrictions on alcoholic beverages relating to the March 28 accident on Locust Gap Highway in Beaverdale near Mount Carmel Area Elementary School.

Rights violated

In June, Day filed a pre-trial motion that claims Swaboski was arrested without a warrant and probable cause, which made the arrest unlawful while violating the defendant's rights.

Day's motion pertains to charges of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol, flight to avoid apprehension, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person and restrictions on alcoholic beverages (open container of alcohol).

During Swaboski's preliminary hearing April 4, Day requested Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones dismiss those charges due to insufficient evidence. But Jones ruled enough evidence had been presented to hold Swaboski for county court on those and additional charges.

Day is challenging the five counts of aggravated assault because he doesn't believe each of the five teens suffered serious bodily injury. He also claims the commonwealth failed to present sufficient evidence to establish all necessary elements for the other charges.

Day said the results of chemical testing of his client's blood that he believes the commonwealth will provide as evidence at the defendant's trial are tainted and violate Swaboski's rights.

Swaboski was released from Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury after posting $50,000 cash bail following his preliminary hearing. His bail had been reduced that day from $100,000, which was set the night of the crash.

Witnesses said Swaboski, who officially resigned from his teaching position May 4, fled the scene after striking the teens, who were walking and biking near the road. They said he drove into Mount Carmel Borough to avoid apprehension. A bike was lodged under his vehicle, causing a shower of sparks as he drove, witnesses said.

He was taken into custody by police minutes after the accident when they said he attempted to hide in the woods near his home. Police said he was in possession of two beer cans when he was caught, one of which was said to be opened.

The accident victims were Seanna Zimmerman, 14, who was 13 at the time; Tyler Wondoloski, 18; Andrew Campbell, 16; Chelsea Troutman, 14, and Jarret Schultz, 17.

Zimmerman was flown by Life Flight helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville after suffering leg, foot and back injuries. Campbell also was flown to Geisinger after suffering a fractured pelvis that required plates, screws and numerous stitches. He also suffered other injuries, including lacerations on his back.

Wondoloski, who was transported by ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, suffered broken vertebrae in his back and possibly torn muscles.

Troutman and Schultz were taken by ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital after suffering various injuries.