Two major highway projects continue in the greater Shamokin area.

At the bridge rehabilitation on Route 61 near Tharptown, concrete for the southbound lanes of the bridge deck was poured on June 6, and work on the southbound side should be completed by mid-July, according to Ted F. Deptula, assistant construction engineer for PennDOT District 3. Traffic is scheduled to be switched on July 12, after which the northbound side of the bridge will be rehabilitated. Work on the $1.88 million project is to be completed in early November.

At the resurfacing project on Route 225 (Trevorton Road) between Shamokin and Trevorton, preparation for paving is taking longer than expected, Deptula said. The highway has a bituminous pavement over a concrete roadway; after the existing pavement was milled, joints in the bituminous pavement were to be repaired and, if necessary, the concrete pavement under the bituminous pavement was to be removed and replaced if in poor condition.

"These repairs are taking longer than originally planned because there are more areas we found that needed to be replaced in order to complete a high-quality, long-lasting pavement," said Deptula.

Paving is tentatively scheduled for mid-July, with completion of the $2.1 million project in August.

SHAMOKIN - The City of Shamokin has turned to Northumberland County Court in its effort to keep private the individual cost of health benefits for elected officials.

A petition for review filed June 7 by the city's counsel, the Barley Snyder law firm, asks that a county judge overturn a ruling by an appeals officer of the state Office of Open Records that found the information is in the public domain.

It says the state agency made "several misstatements of fact and misapplied the pertinent legal analysis," and argues the city is a covered health care entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), making the requested information exempt.

The appeals officer concluded in a May 8 ruling that records sought by Northumberland County Commissioner Stephen Bridy apply specifically to the benefit costs and not to individually identifiable health information, and that redacted information outlining such would suffice. The officer also said the city is not a covered entity and not eligible for HIPPA exemptions as such.

Bridy and fellow Commissioner Vinny Clausi have sought the cost by individual or by family to provide health insurance to elected city officials. They also asked to be told which elected officials are enrolled and which are not, as well as being provided any eligibility policies related to elected officials who also qualify to receive Medicare.

Clausi made his attempts to retrieve the information four times late last year. All four requests were denied by City Clerk Steve Bartos, the city's open records officer, who said the city's health care provider and a representative of U.S. Health and Human Services supported his denial.

The commissioner appealed to the state, but it failed on a filing error.

Bridy's request for the exact same information came early this year. His lone request was denied and appealed, which was reviewed favorably by the state.

The commissioners have maintained that they are seeking the information on behalf of three city residents who fear retribution in making the requests themselves.

The city's latest legal filing alleges that the commissioners' requests are "politically motivated" and that they skirted filing procedure in their pursuit of information.

A response from the county has not yet been filed.

SUNBURY - A former substitute teacher at Shamokin Area School District charged with sending several sexually graphic text messages to four girls under the age of 18 is incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison after violating probation conditions set at his initial sentencing earlier this year.

Michael S. Zack, 25, of Marion Heights, who avoided jail time when sentenced by President Judge Robert B. Sacavage on Feb. 25, has been imprisoned since April 8 for violating probation conditions including using a cell phone to distribute 10 pornographic images of himself to two people.

According to a petition to revoke his probation, Zack possessed a cell phone and sent text messages between Feb. 25 and April 8 despite being prohibited from using a cell phone, web cam, computer or other electronic device providing Internet, audio/visual, written or other forms of communication.

Zack allegedly used the cell phone mobile applications "Instagram" and "KIK" to post photos and messages and the cell phone mobile application "MiuMeeet" to digitally contact other online users.

On April 8, county adult probation officers discovered one pornographic image of a female on Zack's cell phone mobile application "KIK." Zack allegedly received the image on April 4.

According to the petition, Zack also possessed six unused Suboxone medical strips on April 8 and failed to report the prescription to his supervising probation officer.

Efforts to reach Zack's attorney, Marc Lieberman of Elysburg, were unsuccessful Tuesday.

Re-sentenced

During a May 2 revocation hearing, Sacavage re-sentenced Zack on a felony of unlawful contact with a minor and misdemeanor of corruption of minors to six to 23 months in county jail followed by six months of house arrest. Following his house arrest period, Zack will be on parole for 11 months and then will be placed on probation for 2 years.

He also must pay all costs, fines and fees previously imposed and undergo a psychiatric evaluation and comply with any recommendations for treatment. All other probation conditions set at his first sentencing shall remain in effect.

Zack, who was given credit for time served between April 8 and May 2, has already completed more than 2 1/2 months of his sentence.

He pleaded guilty to the charges in December and was initially sentenced to three years of intermediate punishment and two consecutive years of supervised probation. He was ordered to serve the first six months of his sentence on house arrest that required him to wear an ankle bracelet, allowing authorities to monitor his movements. He also was required to pay $600 in fines plus various costs and fees.

Zack, who was ordered to begin his February sentence immediately, was prohibited from having contact with the victims and any other females under the age of 18 unless authorized by adult probation officials.

The judge imposed the sentence after reviewing a pre-sentence investigation report compiled by adult probation department employee Clifford Kinney.

Must register

Sacavage said an assessment by the Sexual Offenders Assessment Board determined that Zack is not a sexually violent predator, but reported adult probation department employee Clifford Kinney found the defendant to be suffering from sexual compulsion.

Although he was not deemed a sexual violent predator, Zack still must register his residence and employment with state police for the next 15 years in accordance with the Adam Walsh Act. He also was ordered by Sacavage to complete a sexual offenders course.

Zack was charged March 15, 2012, by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan with sending approximately 4,300 text messages to two 17-year-old females and two 16-year-old girls who attended Shamokin Area at the time. Many of the messages, which were sent between March 15 and Oct. 30, 2011, depicted sexually graphic material, police said.

Police said the incidents occurred in the east end of the township and at Shamokin Area Middle/High School.

A misdemeanor count of sending obscene and other sexual materials was not prosecuted.

Prior to his guilty plea, Zack voluntarily signed an affidavit surrendering his teacher's license, which had been suspended.

Zack was hired as a 180-day substitute teacher in the district in August 2011 and terminated by the school board at its December 2011 meeting, retroactive to Nov. 16, 2011.

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Driving Under the Association reminds drivers and boaters that celebrating Independence Day with family and friends should mean an enjoyable time is shared by everyone, not time spent in handcuffs, the hospital or worse - the morgue.

Pennsylvania's DUI Task Forces funded by PennDOT and federal highway safety dollars are gearing up for checkpoints, roving patrols and general DUI deterrence events all across the state began Monday and continue through July 7. Drug Recognition Expert officers will also be working throughout the enforcement period if an officer determines a driver may be impaired on a substance other than alcohol.

Law enforcement across Pennsylvania will be participating in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign in the effort to focus on keeping families safe from impaired drivers surrounding the 2013 Independence Day travel and boating holiday period.

Last year, July 4 was a Wednesday. Impaired driving-related crashes and fatalities from the period of Friday, June 29, through Sunday, July 8, reveal that 355 impairment-related crashes occurred resulting in 20 persons needlessly losing their lives.

Driving under the influence goes beyond alcoholic beverage consumption; driving impaired is under the influence of any substance that impairs a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle or boat safely which can result in a DUI or BUI (boating under the influence) arrest.

On state waterways during the short boating season of 2012, Fish and Boat Commission waterways conservation officers arrested 60 persons for boating under the influence, which, like DUI, is a criminal offense.

On the Net: www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/july4th

MOUNT CARMEL - Clover Hose Fire Company's annual block party will be held Thursday through Saturday, July 4 to 6, on Sixth Street in front of the fire company.

Games, food (including the Wilburton Red Wagon), entertainment, prize-winning bingo, beverages, a parade and fireworks are part of the activities.

The parade kicks off the event on July 4 on Oak Street. It will consist of patriotic costumes, pets, floats, marching groups and fire and emergency vehicles. The parade will form at Second and Oak streets. Registration is 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. with the parade starting at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to show their patriotic spirit and creativity. Cash prizes will be awarded after the parade at Clover Hose.

A "small but awesome" fireworks display is set for 10:15 p.m. July 6. Funds for the fireworks are still needed and appreciated.

Also, Clover Hose is looking for volunteers to man stands and help with the parade.

HARRISBURG - The Museum of Anthracite Mining would be conveyed to Ashland Borough as part of legislation approved by the Senate State Government Committee Tuesday, according to a press release from state Sen. David G. Argall (R-29).

Since 2006, the borough has kept the museum open and used office space in the museum for borough hall.

Included in the proposal, Senate Bill 430, the state is guaranteed that the property is operated as a museum by the borough. If not, the property would immediately revert to the state's ownership.

Argall notes that it is difficult to sell state properties that contain a historic covenant due to costs.

The bill has the support of the Department of General Services, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the borough, Argall said.

The bill now heads to the floor of the Senate for consideration.

State Rep. Neal Goodman (D-123) introduced House Bill 616, which mirrors Argall's legislation, in the House of Representatives.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices inched up three cents this week to an average of $3.498.

On the national front

Just weeks after prices in the Midwest soared to new or near record-highs on regional supply and production issues, prices have just as dramatically reversed course, as refinery issues have been resolved and retail prices have come plummeting back to earth.

Lingering production issues in the Chicago market, notably maintenance at the ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet, Ill., and the BP refinery in Whiting, Ind., had delayed price relief for some Great Lakes states, but with production coming back online the relief has been as swift as it has been welcome.

The largest one-week drops nationwide have been Michigan (30 cents), Indiana (27 cents), Ohio (24 cents) and Wisconsin (24 cents).

Tuesday's national average price for regular unleaded gasoline was $3.554 per gallon. The national average has now declined for 13 straight days.

AAA expects that the national average is likely to continue dropping for the rest of June, but might, as has been the case in recent years, turn higher in July as the summer driving season ramps up. The national average rose 17 cents per gallon in July 2011 and 16 cents in July 2012.

One factor that could mitigate a seasonal increase in retail gasoline prices would be lower crude oil prices.

Following Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's comments last Wednesday, which were seen as hinting at a possible late-2013 or early-2014 tapering of the Fed's quantitative easing program, both commodities and equities markets tumbled.

A slowing of bond purchases by the Fed would be expected to mean a stronger U.S. dollar. Crude oil futures are priced in dollars. As the currency strengthens relative to those abroad, the price of oil becomes relatively more expensive for those holding foreign currencies. Oil futures become a less attractive investment, which exerts downward pressure on prices, as was the case last week.

Prices recovered some of these losses Monday, after reports of three closed pipelines in Alberta due to flooding pressured WTI futures higher. At the close of formal trading on the NYMEX, WTI settled up $1.49 at $95.18 per barrel.

(AAA East Central, part of the AAA family, serves members in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York and Kentucky. Fuel Gauge is published each week in The News-Item.)

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Northumberland District Council of Catholic Women held its deanery meeting June 2 at Our Lady of Hope Church.

Deanery president, Elaine Jurgill, called the meeting to order. Members joined in saying the Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Rev. Frank Karwacki, spiritual moderator, did the Bible Enthronement. Parish host president, Margaret Forbes, welcomed everyone. Roll call was taken, the minutes were read and the treasurer's report was given.

The council will sponsor a special anniversary Mass and celebration for couples married 25 years and more Sept. 8 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Mount Carmel, at the 11 a.m. Mass. Each parish that is a member of the Northumberland Council will have more information in their parish bulletin.

The tentative date for the appreciation dinner for priests and the religious is Oct. 9 at the Wayside Inn.

The Pilgrim Virgin statue will be at Divine Redeemer Church from 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, until noon Friday, Nov. 15.

Election of new officers took place. They are: president, Rosemary Boyer; vice-president, Elaine Jurgill; secretary, Dianne Darrah, and treasurer, Nancy Madigan. Installation of the new officers will take place at the next Deanery meeting at 2 p.m. Aug. 18 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

The meeting was closed with prayers for sick and deceased members, for Bishop McFadden, victims in Oklahoma and for religious vocations. Refreshments were served, and each member received a homemade Jesus banner and prayer card.

SUNBURY - The teenager who was shot by a Sunbury police officer during a June 5 pursuit in the city remained in fair condition Tuesday at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, but could be released within a few days.

Naheem Reams, 17, was initially listed in critical condition following the shooting, but was later upgraded to fair, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini said he expects Reams to be released from the hospital in the next few days. And, Rosini said Tuesday, a state police investigation into the shooting incident should be completed within two weeks.

Trooper Ronald Zanella of state police at Stonington, the lead investigator in the case, and Trooper Matt Burrows, community service officer with Troop F in Milton, were unavailable for comment Tuesday.

Burrows previously reported charges against Reams would not be filed until the teen is well enough to answer to them. He said Reams' health is the current priority.

It is not clear if Reams would be charged as a juvenile or an adult, but if felony offenses are filed, it's likely he'd be charged as an adult.

Northumberland County Juvenile Probation Department issued a warrant for Reams on May 20, but further details about his criminal past aren't available because of the ongoing investigation.

Reams recently lived in Sunbury and was in a group home approved by Northumberland County Children and Youth Services when the shooting occurred.

June 5 shooting

As part of the investigation, state police will determine if the shooting was justified.

The incident began on Fifth Street at about 1 a.m. when police approached a car while clearing the street for the street sweeper. That's when they say Reams sped off in a "reckless manner."

The resulting chase ended about one mile away when police said Reams struck two police vehicles and tried to hit a police officer who then shot him. An affidavit said the officer "simultaneously while taking evasive action from being hit, shot into the car's windshield."

Reams' friends and family said the teen was shot in the abdomen.

Reams' 1997 Saturn came to rest in the grass of Merle Phillips Park between Front Street and the flood wall at the Susquehanna River.

The officer who fired the shot suffered a minor head injury. He has not been identified and was placed on administrative leave along with two other city officers who were part of the pursuit.

The honor roll for the fourth marking period of the 2012-13 school year at the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center has been released.

To receive first honors, a student must maintain an average of 95 or betterand must have a good citizenship and attendance record. To receive second honors, a student must maintain an average of 90 through 94 and must also have a good citizenship and attendance record.

First Honors

Shamokin Area

12th grade: Michael Merena, welding; Edward Yoder, welding; Sarina Angstadt, occupational child care; Kiesha Foulds, health occupations; Faith Neiter, health occupations; Savannah Black, protective services; Briar Forbes, electrical construction; Luis Martines, electrical construction; Derrick Persing, electrical construction; Michael Rodarmel, electrical construction; Dylan Bowers, automotive technology.

Mount Carmel Area

10th grade: Brendin Pancher, collision repair technology; Jordan Klimas, protective services.

12th grade: Sean McDonnell, welding; Miranda Green, cosmetology.

Line Mountain

12th grade: Dylan Failor, welding; Dalton Fritz, welding; Zachary Kemberling, welding; Ryan Paczkoskie, welding; Steven Shepperson, welding.

Second Honors

Shamokin Area

12th grade: Shannon Levi, culinary arts; Mary McKimm, culinary arts; John Wondoloski, culinary arts; Nicholas Kleman, collision repair technology; Sarah Britton, health occupations; Chelsea Momskie, health occupations; Samantha Schnee, health occupations; Alania Petrovich, health occupations; Kyle Maquire, protective service; Andrew Leeman, electrical construction; Nathan Malett, electrical construction; Todd Markhorst, electrical construction; Austin Baker, automotive technology; Nicholas Vermitsky, automotive technology; Destiny Bowers, cosmetology; Deanna Rosini, cosmetology

Mount Carmel Area

10th grade: Lynn Womer, health occupations; Brett Bolam, protective services; Jonathan Engelke, electrical construction; Tyler Kruskie, electrical construction; Linda Haas, cosmetology.

11th Grade: Chelsea Matos, health occupations.

12th grade: Crystal Chatterton, culinary arts; Ashley Evans, health occupations; Kristen Ruskuski, health occupations; Marissa Klinger, health occupations.

Line Mountain

12th grade: Shawn DeLong, welding; Amanda Feger, occupational child care; Nicholas Seybert, culinary arts; Charles Hoffman, collision repair technology; Michael Lorenz, collision repair technology; Cody Whitcomb, collision repair technology; Danielle Flynn, health occupations; Joseph Katalinas, protective services.

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Fire Bureau and the United State Fire Administration has provided the public with some grilling safety tips.

An estimated 5,700 grill fires on residential properties occur annually in the United States resulting in $27 million in damage and 150 injuries a year.

Follow these simple safety tips, and you will be on your way to safe grilling.

Choose the right equipment and use it properly

- Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.

- Follow manufacturers' instructions and code requirements when installing and operating cooking equipment.

Use barbecue grills safely

- Never leave a barbecue grill unattended.

- Place the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Don't use or store on a porch or balcony.

- Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

- Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Have a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.

- Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when cooking food.

- Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

- Use only outdoors! If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, barbecue grills pose both a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to carbon monoxide.

Charcoal Grills

- Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.

- Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

- Dispose of charcoal coals only after they are cool. Empty the coals into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is used only to collect coals. Place the container away from anything that can burn. Never empty coals directly into a trash can.

Propane grills

- Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.

- If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame:

- Turn off the propane tank and grill.

- If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

- If the leak does not stop, call the 911.

- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

- All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.

- Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.

- Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

- Light a propane grill only with the cover open.

OCEAN CITY, Md. - A Mount Carmel teen was arrested on a felony drug offense in this resort town eight days after graduating from high school.

Ocean City police charged Robert K. Beierschmitt, 19, of 233 E. Fourth St., Apt. 1, with a felony count of distribution of a controlled substance and misdemeanors for possession of marijuana under 10 grams and resisting or interfering with arrest.

According to police, Beierschmitt attempted to sell a controlled substance to an undercover officer on Washington Lane, an alley between the boardwalk and Coastal Highway, the main thoroughfare in Ocean City, on June 14. The controlled substance was not identified by police.

After a brief foot pursuit, Beierschmitt was arrested by officers. No injuries were reported, police said.

The defendant was released the same day of his arrest. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 11 in the district court for Worcester County in Ocean City.

If found guilty, Beierschmitt faces a maximum of eight years and three months in prison and a fine of $2,500.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School recently presented students in first through sixth grade with the following awards:

Distinguished Honors (97 percent or above)

Fourth grade: Ashley Albert, Christopher Feudale and Robert Scalia.

Fifth grade: Mackenzie Catino, Abigail Doss, Kaitlyn Dunn, Anna Gownley, MEghan Morrison and Ethan Sten.

Sixth grade: Frances Czeponis, Charles Keer, Maria Maresca, Christopher Stewart and Jared Stewart.

Academic Excellence (93 percennt or above)

Fourth grade: Alessandra Albert, Brianna Barwick, Meryl Czeponis, Gabrielle Doss, Caroline Feese, Peyton Kehler, Monica Maresca, Anne Metrocavage, Todd Scheuermann and Joseph Tarr Jr.

Fifth grade: Brent Barwick, Hannah Bozza, Nathan Grimes, Caycee Kalinoski, Krystof Lapotsky, Caitlin Shulski, Briana Tambroelli, Garrett Timco and Connor Weaver.

Sixth grade: Lillyauna Bickel, Giavanna Candelora, Cydney Crissman, Emily deManincor, Jenna Jerdon, Margaret Karpinski, Channing Maneval, Madison Munson, Elizabeth Nguyen, Kylah Nowroski, Maura Olley, Gianna Picarelli, Mary Richardson, Cassidy Shovlin and Lilian Yushock.

Faithful Christian Awards

First grade, Victor Maresca; second grade, Vincent Maresca; third grade, Caden McBride; fourth grade, Anne Metrocavage, Monica Maresca; fifth grade, Anna Gownley; sixth grade, Mary Richardson, Lilian Yushock.

Kind Hearted Awards

First grade, Jelena Czeponis; second grade, Maxwell Reiprish; third grade, Marshall Rapisarda; fourth grade, Gabrielle Doss and Alivia Leeman; fifth grade, Abigail Kurtz.

Sports and Physical Activities

Second grade, Liam Bradley; third grade, Cody Brokenshire, Sadie Komara; fourth grade, Nathaniel Long, Kaitlyn Sandri, Gabe Klembara, Alivia leeman and Caroline Feese; fifth grade, Peter Long, Garrett Timco and Kaitlyn Dunn; sixth grade, Lillyauna Bickel, Giavanna Candelora, Frances Czeponis, Ty Klembara and Adam Sandri.

Art

First grade, Kaiden Chikotas; second grade, Leonard Machesic; third grade, Nicholas Chesney; fourth grade, Sarah Strouse, Eric Shoch and Emily Shaffer; fifth grade, Abigail Doss; sixth grade, Charles Keer, Madison Munson, Maura Olley and Chistopher Stewart.

Music

First grade, Lauren Sewalk; second grade, Chloe Yablonski; third grade, Summer Ann Boyd; fourth grade, Giavanni Picarelli, Emily Shaffer; fifth grade, Nathan Grimes; sixth grade,

Perfect Attendance 2012-2013

Third grade, Michael Keer nad Vincent Sawyer; fourth grade, Nathaniel Long and Brianna Barwick; fifth grade, Brent Barwick, Garrett Timco and Connor Weaver.

Most Improved

Sixth Grade: Chloye Balchunas,

Helping Hands Awards

Sixth grade: Aaron Christiana, Behret Steinbauer

The Father Charles R. Slough Scholarship

Tasmiya Russell King, Nauhtaya Russell King, Maxwell Kehler, Jillian Kehler and Katelyn Deitz.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Two Hazleton men were arrested by Coal Township police Tuesday following an alleged theft and gun threat at Wal-Mart Supercenter on Route 61.

The incident occurred at 8:15 p.m. and ended with a vehicle stop minutes later on Route 61 North near Burger King where eight police vehicles converged on the scene.

A pair of BB guns were found inside the vehicle but no other firearms were discovered.

Police say loss prevention employees followed Raymond Heller, 29, and his girlfriend, 21-year-old Lauren Laetach, of Hazleton, from the store and into the parking lot. They had suspected a theft occurred and asked that they return to the store.

The two arrived at Wal-Mart with Donald Clymer, 32, who is accused of attempting to steal a computer and merchandise for children and babies.

Heller allegedly responded to the employees' request with a gun threat, at which point the employees backed off and called 911.

The trio drove off in a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee with three other passengers, a 8-year-old boy, a 7-year-old girl and an infant boy, police say. It was stopped and the men were taken into custody without incident.

Heller faces retail theft and simple assault. Clymer faces retail theft. They both were to be arraigned late Tuesday by an on-call district judge.

Laetach is not facing any charges, police say.

The investigating officer is Patrolman Joshua Wynn. He was assisted by township Detective Jeffrey Brennan and patrolmen Matthew Hashuga, Christopher Lapotsky and Chad Yoder. Also assisting were Shamokin Cpl. Darwin Tobias III, Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Brian Carnuccio and Ralpho Township Patrolman Stephen Spade.

ASHLAND - The Pennsylvania Lottery announced Monday that a Cash 5 lottery ticket worth $500,000 was sold in Ashland.

The jackpot-winning ticket was drawn Saturday and sold at Friendly Choice Food Mart, 305 Centre St., formerly Ashland Food Mart. Almost 59,000 other winning Cash 5 tickets were sold statewide.

It is now just a matter of waiting until the lucky player contacts the lottery to confirm the winning ticket.

Store manager Linda Lahr was aware Monday that the winning ticket had been sold at her store.

"I found out today about the winning ticket but I don't know anything else yet," said Lahr, who learned about the ticket from her boss.

"When I was told, I thought, 'Oh my goodness!' " said Lahr. "I'm sure we'll find out more later."

According to the lottery, the ticket correctly matched all five balls, 11-17-19-21-37, to win the jackpot of $500,000, less 25 percent federal withholding. The retailer will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

The lottery cannot confirm the identity of the winner until the prize is claimed and the ticket is validated. Cash 5 winners have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes.

The holder of the winning ticket should sign the back of the ticket, call the Pennsylvania Lottery at (717)702-8146 and file a claim at any of lottery's seven area offices or at lottery headquarters in Middletown, Dauphin County.

Claims may be filed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at area offices and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at headquarters.

On the Net: www.palottery.com.

Trout fishing, Marcellus topic of talk

SELINSGROVE - Jon Niles, an ecologist at Susquehanna University who has been studying fish populations in streams and how changes in the environment affect those populations, will be the guest speaker for the university's next "early-bird special" discussion series. It's set for 4 p.m. Saturday at the Selinsgrove Hotel.

His talk is entitled, "Finding unknown trout streams in the Marcellus shale region: blending science, policy and fisherman knowledge."

The public is welcome. The talks are free and dining is optional. University faculty and downtown businesses are collaborating on the new summer education program.

For more information, contact professor Jennifer Elick at 898-2656 or Mary Bannon, Selinsgrove's main street manager, at 541-9117, or email mainstreetmanager@susqu.edu.

Transgender's journey shared

ELYSBURG - The filmed story of a man who is changing gender will be presented at Lifetree Cafe from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave.

The exclusive film follows a man named Bob, who says he knew at the age of 4 that he was really a girl in a boy's body. The film examines issues surrounding transgenderism such as family dynamics, workplace complications and spiritual implications. Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available.

Lifetree Cafe is a place where people gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual coffeehouse-type setting.

For more information, call 672-2873 or visit www.facebook.com/LifetreeCafeAtEPC.

No God's Chuckwagon next week

SHAMOKIN - The God's Chuckwagon mobile soup kitchen will not be serving food in either Shamokin or Mount Carmel the week of July 1. The group will resume serving on Monday, July 8.

License centers closed for holiday

HARRISBURG - All PennDOT driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed July 4.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.state.pa.us.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2013 is available on its website under "News, Stats and Facts."

National Night Out set Aug. 6

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Police departments in the township and Mount Carmel Borough have joined with emergency services organizations and businesses to sponsor the fifth annual National Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, on the campus of Mount Carmel Area High School.

The program encourages residents to fight back against crime and drugs in their communities by turning on their porch lights, locking their doors and reporting any suspicious activities to police.

Food, refreshments, entertainment, educational information and gifts for children of all ages will be available. A bicycle rodeo for children 13 and younger will be held.

Dying to Live to play benefit

MOUNT CARMEL - Dying To Live will perform a benefit for Rosie's Villa (a drug/alcohol rehab center), at 7 p.m. tonight at the old Kluckers and Kream building right before the viaduct on Route 61. There will be door prizes, food and 50/50 drawings. All ages are welcome, a $3 donation gets you in the door.

Ukrainian Seminary Day

The 79th annual Ukrainian Seminary Day will be held from 11 a.m to 8 p.m. Sunday at St. Nicholas Church picnic grounds in Primrose (just outside Minersville). Ethnic and regional foods such as pyrohy, halushki, halupki, kielbasa, potato cakes, soups and desserts will be prepared by the parishes of the deanery. Beverages are also available, including beer and mixed drinks - no outside food or beverages are permitted on the grounds. A Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Metropolitan Archbishop Stefan Soroka and clergy of the deanery at 11 a.m. Entertainment includes a live polka broadcast on WPPA 1360AM from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a performance by the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and polka music by the fabulous John Stevens' Doubleshot from 4 to 8 p.m. There will also be vendors and crafters selling traditional Eastern European items, a theme basket auction, games, a clown for the kids and much more. All are welcome. Proceeds benefit the St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Washington, D.C. Go to the Ukrainian Seminary Day 2013 Facebook page for more information or http://seminaryday.org.

Sons of Italy End of Summer Bash to benefit area charities

SHAMOKIN-The Sons of Italy Lodge 1271 will hold an End of Summer Bash Sept. 7 at the Bunker Hill complex. Tickets are $25 and include a chicken dinner, beverages (beer, soda, water) and entertainment. All proceeds will be donated to local charities. Bands start at 2 p.m. with performances by Victoria Sherman, Accouco and Deuce. Before the bash, a memorial ride will be held in memory of Diggy and Kelly. Riders are asked to meet at the Sons of Italy, 619 N. Shamokin St., at noon. All vehicles are welcome. For tickets, stop in or call the club at 648-2788 or call 875-7404 or 898-5328 and leave a message.

LARRC seeks volunteers

Members of Lower Anthracite Regional Recreation Committee (LARRC) are working toward constructing a recreation area near Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, including two soccer fields, batting cages, a walking track and a playground. Volunteers are needed to donate time, machines, craftsmanship and any other services. For more information, contact George Zarick at 850-3087, Jerry Waugh at 394-4327 or Coal Township manager Rob Slaby at 644-0395.

(We invite you to submit ideas and existing projects to living@newsitem.com or give us a call.)

DES MOINES, Iowa - Ashley Mychak of Thomas Road, Elysburg, was awarded a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine by Des Moines University on Saturday, May 25.

While at the university, she received the Scott Alter DPM Memorial Scholarship from the Podiatry Foundation of Pittsburgh as well as the University Scholarship from Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. She also was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award for physical diagnosis.

Dr. Mychak attended Mount Carmel Area schools and graduated from Southern Columbia Area High School. She completed her undergraduate and master's degrees at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to her studies at Des Moines University, she was a mathematics and science teacher in Pittsburgh Public School District.

In July, she will begin a four-year podiatric medicine and surgery residency with reconstructive rear foot and ankle surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia.

Dr. Mychak is a daughter of Michael and Joyce Mychak, of Elysburg. She is a granddaughter of Bill and Sylvia Otto, of Elysburg, and the late Sam and Irene Mychak, of Mount Carmel.