Food surplus distribution planned

KULPMONT - A food surplus distribution will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday at the borough garage. Residents are reminded to bring their assigned bags.

History prof to discuss pow-wowing

NUMIDIA - Dr. Karol Weaver will give a speech on pow-wowing at the Roaring Creek Valley Grange at 7 p.m. Thursday. The program is free to the public and refreshments will be provided. For directions or more information, call 799-0700.

Weaver, a native of Mount Carmel, received a Ph.D. from Penn State University and is an associate professor of history at Susquehanna University.

Pow-wowing is a form of healing from Germany and Eastern European countries. It started in the coal region and is still found in some areas.

Convention for townships set

SUNBURY - Officials representing second-class townships in Northumberland County will convene at 5:45 p.m. Thursday at the Sunbury Social Club for their annual county convention.

The purpose of the convention is to provide township officials with up-to-date information to help them better serve their residents and to give them an opportunity to exchange ideas on local government issues. The convention will feature a wide range of speakers, including Carol Kilko from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, presenting remarks from PSATS president Lester Hauck.

Other speakers include a representative from the Northumberland County Historical Society, state Sen. John Gordner, Reps. Lynda Schlegel Culver and Kurt Masser their staff members and PennDOT representatives.

The State Association of Township Supervisors represents Pennsylvania's 1,457 townships of the second class, 22 of which are located in Northumberland County.

SUNBURY - The mothers of two teens injured in a March 28 DUI-related accident near Mount Carmel Area Elementary School have filed civil lawsuits against the driver of the vehicle and a Coal Township restaurant where he allegedly consumed alcohol prior to the crash.

Tonya Campbell, of Diamondtown, mother of 16-year-old Andrew Campbell, and Brenda Miscavage, of Mount Carmel, mother of 14-year-old Seanna L. Zimmerman, filed suit in Northumberland County Court against Victor E. Swaboski III, 39, of 320 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel, and Brewser's Sports Grille, 839 W. Water St., Coal Township.

Andrew Campbell and Zimmerman were flown by Life Flight helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville following the accident, which occurred along Locust Gap Highway in Beaverdale. Also injured were Tyler Wondoloski, 18; Chelsea Troutman, 14, and Jarret Schultz, 17.

The suits were filed June 26 and July 25, respectively, in the county prothonotary's office.

Negligence claimed

Campbell is seeking more than $25,000 in compensatory and punitive damages, while Miscavage doesn't specify an amount of damages other than being in excess of compulsory arbitration, which has a limit of $25,000 in Northumberland County.

Swaboski, a former teacher at Shamokin Area Elementary School, was charged by Mount Carmel Township police with multiple offenses, including driving under the influence of alcohol, aggravated assault, hit and run and recklessly endangering. His criminal case is pending in Northumberland County Court.

Both suits, which demand jury trials, claim negligence against Swaboski for his alleged actions and against the bar for serving liquor or alcohol to what they claim was a visibly intoxicated person. Police said Swaboski's blood-alcohol content taken after the accident was .225 percent.

Reckless, outrageous

The suits claim Swaboski operated his Jeep Liberty in a careless, reckless, outrageous and negligent manner and created a dangerous situation for others on the road.

Campbell said her son suffered severe injuries in the accident, including a fractured hip that required plates, screws and numerous stitches. The suit claims Andrew Campbell continues to be plagued by persistent pain and that his injuries are of a permanent nature.

Miscavage claims her daughter suffered a concussion, headaches, subdural bleeding (on the brain) and serious leg, foot and back injuries that required surgery and may be permanent.

In addition to accusing Brewser's of wrongly serving Swaboski, the suit says the restaurant failed to properly train and supervise its employees to prevent them from selling liquor or alcohol to intoxicated patrons, failed to warn Swaboski that he shouldn't drive due to his intoxicated state and failed to prevent him from operating a vehicle while he was visibly intoxicated. It says the restaurant furnished him with alcohol "in a reckless disregard for the rights and safety of others."

Attorney David L. Lutz, of Harrisburg, is representing Campbell in the suit, while Miscavage's attorney is Gerard C. Kramer, also of Harrisburg.

Swaboski's attorney in his criminal case, Arlen "Rick" Day II of Pottsville, who was aware of the lawsuits, said the plaintiffs in the civil suits have agreed to wait until Swaboski's criminal case is resolved before seeking any further court action against his client.

Brewser's is being represented by Attorneys Andrew R. Benedict, Robert D. MacMahon and Sharon Piper of the law firm of Weber, Gallagher, Simpson, Stapleton, Fires and Newby, of Philadelphia. Contacted Friday afternoon, Benedict reserved comment about the lawsuits.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court on Monday, Nov. 26, in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Adam S. Fantini, 46, of 19 E. Seventh St., Mount Carmel, waived charges of receiving stolen property, theft by unlawful taking, criminal mischief and railroad vandalism during his hearing.

He was charged by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman David Stamets Jr. following an incident at Seventh and Hickory streets, Mount Carmel Township on July 12.

He also waived charges of railroad vandalism and criminal trespass after being arraigned on those charges the same day. Stamets charged him with those crimes following an incident near International Paper in Mount Carmel Township when Fantini allegedly stole metal railroad beams from the area.

n Eric Halcovich, 21, and Cassandra L. Zarick, 20, both of 223 S. Walnut St., Mount Carmel, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal conspiracy and cruelty to animals, and were each sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay a $700 fine plus court costs.

The two were charged by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman David Donkochik following the investigation into an abandoned dog incident at their home Sept. 7 and 8.

Charges of criminal conspiracy and false reports to law enforcement authorities were withdrawn in both cases.

n Charges of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and unauthorized use of automobiles and drivers required to be licensed were waived to court by James H. Meredith, 57, of 625 Big Mine Run Road, Ashland.

The charges stem from an Oct. 10 incident on West Girard Street, Atlas, and were filed by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Kelly Campbell.

n Charges of theft by deception, receiving stolen property and bad checks against Melanie J. Guinther, 31, of 133 N. Market St., Elysburg, were ordered held to court by Jones after the defendant failed to appear for her hearing.

She was charged by Ralpho Township Police Sgt. Chris Kreisher after giving two bad checks to an Elysburg business on July 31.

n Jane M. Barilla, 45, of 341 N. Oak St., Mount Carmel, waived charges of recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct in her hearing.

Barilla was charged by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman David Donkochik following an incident at 51 E. Railroad St., Mount Carmel, on Aug. 20.

n Charges of driving under the influence against Barry A. Strike, 61, of 517 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel, were withdrawn by a Northumberland County assistant district attorney.

He was charged by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman William Adamski.

n Brian M. Foley, 24, of 258 Grant Ave., Eatontown, N.J., waived charges of driving under the influence and driving on roadways laned for traffic during his hearing.

Foley was charged by Ralpho Township Police Patrolman Christopher Grow following a Sept. 2 traffic stop on Route 61, Ralpho Township.

n Charges of possession of drug paraphernalia were held for court against Kylee E. Wargo, 23, of 600 W. Girard St., Atlas, when Wargo failed to show for her hearing.

Wargo was charged by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman Matthew Dillman following an incident on May 30 at Avenue and Maple streets.

A 1964 case involving an assistant Scoutmaster in Shamokin that claims he sexually abused two boys is among those detailed in the Boy Scouts secret "perversion files" released Thursday by order of the Oregon Supreme Court.

It is the only case identified in the extensive database of old Boy Scouts of America (BSA) files that involves eastern Northumberland County, although cases from 1994 in Watsontown and Turbotville are mentioned, but without documentation.

The Shamokin case, meanwhile, includes six accompanying documents that give the man's name and his address at the time.

Through further research by The News-Item, it is believed the man involved died on Oct. 12, 2003, at age 72. Therefore, his name is not being used in this story.

An obituary lists the same first and last names and same middle initial as the Scout documents, and the man's age aligns with the released documents, too.

When he died, the man still lived in Shamokin, though at a different address then what was reported in the 1964 documents. According to his obituary, he worked jobs outside the area at times during his life.

He died at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he had been hospitalized for one week. The obit said he was born Feb. 25, 1931.

Letters give details

A series of four letters among BSA officials from March to June 1964 provide details about the case, and show the scouting agency's efforts to keep such records confidential.

On March 13, Peter Bistransin, Scout executive for the Susquehanna Valley Area Council of BSA, wrote to Howard Boyd, director of registration for BSA, listed with a New Brunswick, N.J., address, and said, "We would like to put this man (listing his name and address) on the confidential list. He was registered as an assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 254, Shamokin, Pa."

The brief letter has just one other sentence, noting an attached newspaper article. That clipping, which does not include a date, is headlined, "Local man held for giving beer to teen-agers." It says the man was arrested on charges of corruption of minors stemming from an incident involving two boys, ages 15 and 16. It said he was charged following incidents over eight months at his home, and that testimony of two minor children revealed he was accused of "serving intoxicants to several youths 15 and 16 years of age." Witnesses told police they saw other minor children drinking beer at his home, the article says.

It said he was committed to prison in Sunbury on $5,000 bail, and that other charges may be filed against him.

It's not clear from the files if more charges were ever filed, but a letter four days later from Boyd back to Bistransin includes note of a "confidential record sheet" that he asks to have completed. The completed form, which included "division of personnel BSA" in its title, is part of the files released.

It includes basic information about the assistant scoutmaster, including his address, age, height and weight, that he is Protestant, a high school graduate and single. Under the heading, "Recommended for confidential file for following reasons:" the following information is provided: "Subject was arrested by the state police, Shamokin, Penna., on Feb. 26, 1964, for the crime of sodomy, allegedly committed in his residence, where he had approximately 20 young men that would frequent the residence. Two of these boys admitted that he performed these unnatural sex acts on their person. He denies these acts, but does not deny that he is a pervert."

No police records of such charges are included in the documents released as part of the "perversion files," and no stories regarding the case could be found in News-Item archives around this same time period.

Even a later exchange of letters involving Bistransin and Boyd seem to contradict some of the earlier details.

On May 17, Bistransin wrote to Boyd saying BSA had not received the confidential record sought in the March letter. Boyd, in a letter dated June 18, said he had sent a confidential notice "sometime in April." He also wrote: "The notice was completed by the Pennsylvania State Police. I had also sent in a newspaper clipping. He was arrested for corrupting the morals of minors. He appeared in court but was acquitted on these charges. I will see that you get a confidential report on this."

More obit details

The man's obit does not note his involvement in Scouts, although that would be expected considering his apparent removal from the organization under such circumstances. It also has no record of the man having been married, which corresponds with the "confidential record sheet" that says he was single, at least in 1964.

The newspaper clipping gives his age as 33; assuming it was published around the time of the correspondence in the spring of 1964, it computes with the man having been born in February 1931. Interestingly, the "confidential record sheet" lists the man's age as 32, which may have been slightly outdated.

Other regional cases

The Watsontown and Turbortville cases are listed with 1994 dates, according to the database, and involved troops 610 and 622, respectively. As of Friday evening, there was no further documentation attached to those cases.

Three cases are mentioned for Schuylkill County involving Troop 115 in Tower City in 1990, Troop 21 in Shenandoah in 1982 and Troop 612 in Pine Grove in 2001. In Union County, Troop 528 in Lewisburg also had a case listed from 1994.

BURNSIDE - Pastor Perry Ross invites the public to revival services to be held at Faith Bible Church.

Evangelist William Narehood, of Bellefonte, will give the messages at the services. Narehood is a graduate of Bible Truth Institute, of Clearfield.

The services will start at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and continue each evening at 7 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday.

Faith Bible Church is an independent, fundamental Bible church located 1 1/2 miles south of Shamokin on Route 125. If there are any questions regarding the services, call Ross at 286-3929.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The students of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School celebrated Senior Citizen Appreciation Day Wednesday. Approximately 70 senior citizens attended the annual event hosted by the Respect Life Club and Girls Action League.

The program began with a rosary prayer service in the Lee Korbich Memorial Gymnasium followed by a reception and bingo in the school cafeteria. Respect Life Club President Kara Kuehner welcomed the senior citizens to Lourdes and thanked them for their presence in the students' lives.

Deacon Martin P., McCarthy, Lourdes administrator, presided over the prayer service, and Respect Life Club Vice President John Fitzpatrick introduced the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. The Lourdes Singers provided the music under the direction of music teachers Bonny Klinger and Sandy Synder.

Senior Citizen Appreciation Day at Lourdes is always celebrated in October, which has been designated as Respect Life Month by the Catholic bishops in the United States. Throughout the month, Catholics are called to reflect on the gift of life and to celebrate human life in all its forms from the moment of conception.

ELYSBURG - Pauline Shoffler, of Elysburg, knows the benefit of physical therapy, which helped her to recover when she broke her ankle and put her on the mend after she bruised her ribs.

She was so impressed by the facility and the therapists, she soon joined its wellness program, but Shoffler hopes that those who need physical therapy in the future will be able to afford it.

"You try to save as much money as you can, being on a fixed income," Shoffler said. "With the talk of rising co-pays for physical therapy, some might have to make a choice."

Under Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1391, the Fairness in Copayment Act, insurance companies would not be able to charge more than a copayment for a visit to a primary care physician.

"At the time I needed physical therapy, I had a $10 co-pay," Shoffler said. "I wouldn't want it to go any higher."

As part of National Physical Therapy Month, Central Penn Physical Therapy, Elysburg, and its owner, Dr. Mary Lazarski-Stout, hosted a legislative open house at the office, speaking to legislators.

"There are some insurance companies that charge a $40 co-pay for physical therapy and the cost of the service is $47," Stout said.

Stout, on the legislative committee for the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, used Friday's open house to try to speak to legislators about the bill.

One in attendance was Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107), who talked with several patients about how physical therapy was instrumental in their recovery.

"Physical therapy is a great help to many, but the hurdles that some patients have to go through with their co-pays is a great concern to me," Masser said.

Currently serving on the State House Health Committee, Masser said he would give the bill his support when it came before the State House.

State Sen. John Gordner, who is a co-sponsor of the bill, was also scheduled to attend, but had to cancel due to a scheduling conflict.

The bill received came under first consideration before the full Senate on Oct. 17.

Attendees at the open house also met with representatives of several programs in conjunction with the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging.

Oct. 24

SHAMOKIN - Annual Halloween parade, sponsored by First National Bank and The News-Item. Registration and formation begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Claude E. Kehler Jr. Community Park. Parade beings at 6:30 p.m. Rain/snow date. Oct. 25.

Oct. 25

KULPMONT - Annual Halloween parade. Registration and formation begins at 6 p.m. at the Holy Angels Picnic Grounds, with the parade starting at 7 p.m.

Oct. 27

SHAMOKIN - Zombie Sprint, a zombie-inspired race featuring the living and the undead, kind of. An approximate 2.7-mile dash around city streets. $20. Register at 11 a.m. at municipal parking lot by city post office. Race at 1 p.m. Photo tent, zombie face painting, food and games at lot. All proceeds benefit Shamokin Cemetery. For more, email coalcityinc@yahoo.com.

KULPMONT - Trick or treat night, 6 to 9 p.m. Please have porch light on to accept visitors.

Oct. 28

ELYSBURG - Trunk or treat, 6 to 8 p.m., Elysburg Alliance Church, 113 Alpha Ave. Kids up to age 12 and their families. Decorated trunks, candy, games, crafts, prizes and food, all free of charge. For more information or questions call 672-2176.

OVERLOOK - Light the Night event, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Oak Grove Church, 133 Oak Grove Road. Free hayrides, games, prizes, pumpkin painting, drinks and treats. For more information or directions to the church, call 898-9093.

ASHLAND - Halloween parade, 3 p.m. at 19th and Centre streets. Costumed children accompanied by parents or guardians will march down Centre Street to the post office on Ninth Street, where treats will be distributed to the costumed children.

Oct. 29

ELYSBURG - Trick or treat night, 5 to 8 p.m. Ralpho Township EMS will be handing out free glow sticks as part of Operation Be Seen.

Oct. 31

SHAMOKIN - Trick ortreat night, 6 to 9 p.m. Also, Trunk or Treat, 6 to 8 p.m., municipal lot, Independence and Rock streets, sponsored by Citizens for a Better Community.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Trick or treat, 6 to 8 p.m.

TREVORTON - Trick or treat night, 6 to 9 p.m.

MOUNT CARMEL - Trick or treat night, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Trick or treat night, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

SHAMOKIN - Once again, Mystery Inc. solved the case.

A group dressed as Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and the rest of the cartoon gang won the inaugural Grave Robbers Run event in Shamokin Saturday afternoon.

Kelly Bendas, her children, Valerie and Joey, nephew, Steven Lynch, and family friend, Brett Venna, brought home the $200 prize after being the first group to find the "missing head" and bring it back to the starting point.

"This was a great event," said Kelly Bendas, dressed as the book-smart Velma. "I wanted the family to do something together for my birthday. Winning was a great bonus."

At noon, five teams left the Claude Kehler Community Park in search of a replica version of a human head in a new twist of the reality television series, "The Amazing Race." Teams had to travel, either by vehicle or on foot, to various locations in the city to receive the next clue.

At the end, teams were directed to one of three locations where they had to arrive and then dig up the head and bring it back to the starting point.

"We found ours near the Eagle Silk Mill," Bendas said. "We moved a tree limb and there it was, just waiting to be dug up."

The run was based on a local legend that developed when a severed head was found in the Coal Run area just after the turn of the 20th Century. After remaining in the possession of a local funeral home for roughly 70 years, the head was put on public display.

When Peter Krehel, then president judge of Northumberland County Court, saw the head, he was appalled and ordered it buried. A legal battle ensued, but in February 1977, seven months after the judge came upon the head and three months after his controversial order, a local historical society that had obtained it relented and agreed to have the head buried in an undisclosed location.

Coming in second was the team, "The Vats," consisting of Angela Golfieri, Sandy Wayne, Vicki Burt-Jones, and Traci Beck, who won a $100 prize.

"It was an exhausting run, but a lot of fun," Burt-Jones said. "It was a wonderful time, and now we are going to celebrate with ice cream."

Organizers and contestants, along with many others, were set for a celebration, the Grave Robbers Costume Ball, that was held Saturday evening at the Independence Fire Company.

Matt Losiewicz, of Coal City Revitalization Inc., the community group sponsoring the event, was happy with the turnout.

"For the short amount of time we had in putting it together, I thought things went very well," he said. "We've received a good amount of support from the community and will have a decent amount of people for the party."

In addition to Saturday's events, Coal City Revitalization Inc. will sponsor a Zombie Run Saturday.

"In the future, we want to take Halloween and say that it's our time for this area to shine," Losiewicz said. The group also hopes to sponsor some cleanups.

Proceeds from Coal City's events will go to local causes.

"We will take the proceeds from today's events and donate them to the Shamokin Community Center project," Losiewicz said. "For next week's Zombie Run, we will split the proceeds, giving part of the money to the Shamokin Cemetery and the rest to next year's 150th Anniversary Celebration in Shamokin."

KULPMONT - Mary Ann Arnoldin, 53, does not have access to private transportation and cannot afford to purchase a new car, so the Kulpmont woman depends on Lower Anthracite Transportation System (LATS) for rides to doctor appointments and grocery stores.

"It's affordable for me," the Kulpmont woman said Friday afternoon at the Kulpmont Senior Action Center after having a discussion with LATS Executive Director Megan Janolek.

An average trip from Kulpmont to Mount Carmel costs $1; from Kulpmont to Wal-Mart in Coal Township, $1.75; Kulpmont to Shamokin, $1.75. The most expensive trip is $2.25 from Shamokin to Mount Carmel, and even that will soon drop to $2.

Arnoldin moved to Kulpmont four years ago from Maryland and has no family living in this area, so she's grateful for the public transportation.

Janolek, who has been executive director for only three months, has been scheduling meetings at each local senior action center once a month to answer any questions riders have,

address any problems, provide information and sign up new riders.

She makes sure riders ages 65 and older are aware they ride for free because of programs subsidized by the Pennsylvania State Lottery. Funding for LATS comes mostly from federal and state grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania State Lottery Senior Citizen Free Transit Fund.

LATS provides fixed route public transportation services to the local communities on specific time schedules. It is one of the last programs of its kind in the state, an offshoot of the former Ashland and Shamokin Bus Lines.

Borough Council President Tony Matulewicz said Janolek has met and exceeded expectations since she took over the job from former borough police chief Brian Surock, who held the position for less than a month before he resigned without a reason.

Matulewicz said Janolek is doing an excellent job.

The fiscal year for LATS runs from July to July of each year. By the end of September 2011, total revenue was at $1,698.75 compared to the end of September 2012's revenue total of $2,562. Total paid and free ridership by the end of September 2011 was 4,327, compared to 5,422 at the end of September 2012.

Janolek noted LATS has made more in three months than the old service made in double that time.

"She's doing what was supposed to be done for the last 27 years. She's bringing in more riders, is far more efficient and this is just the beginning," he said.

In addition to visiting the senior action centers, Janolek has been consolidating routes for efficiency and sporadically riding the buses to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Three out of four buses already run Monday through Saturday. Once the routes are consolidated, another Saturday run will be added to the Mount Carmel schedule, she said.

Pending a public hearing yet to be scheduled, Janolek hopes to connect LATS to the Schuylkill Transit System in Ashland by Dec. 1, and is looking into the possibility of scheduling a run to Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg and the Susquehanna Valley Mall in Hummels Wharf.

She has been developing a frequent riders pass in which a rider can purchase a specific number of trips ahead of time, and receive a certain number of trips free of charge.

Children ages 4 and under ride for free while ages 5 to 10 will be half-price, Janolek said.

Fall foliage cruise

COAL TOWNSHIP - The No Name Cruisers car club will hold a fall foliage cruise today with anyone from the area welcome to join them.

Anyone wishing to participate is asked to meet the cruisers at 1 p.m. at the old Ames Store parking lot. The final route will be determined then. More information can be found at www.nonamecruisers.com.

Culver to host breakfast Wednesday

SUNBURY - Residents of the 108th District are invited to attend Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver's legislative breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Ric-Mar Restaurant, located on Route 11, Northumberland.

Culver asks residents who plan to attend to RSVP her office in Sunbury at 286-5885.

Tree decorating sponsors needed

SHAMOKIN - Any individual, organization or business interested in decorating a tree this year for Downtown Christmas, scheduled for Dec. 1 at the Fun Shop building, should contact Jeanne Shaffer, director of the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities, event sponsor, at jeannes@ptd.net or 850-9121.

Trees are being provided again this year by TLC Farm, Hegins. Those involved in the decorating contest get the tree for free, but are responsible for the decorations. The trees are given to needy families after the event.

Trees must be decorated from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 27 and 28. Inside and outdoor vendor spots are available for $25. The public will vote on the winning trees. Each vote is 25 cents.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area School District has announced the following changes in the lunch menus for the elementary and high school for the week of Oct. 22 to 26.

The new menus are as follows:

Elementary school

Monday - Rib-bb-q on a bun with lettuce and tomato or hamburger on a bun with lettuce and tomato, french fries, pineapple and low-fat milk.

Tuesday - Spaghetti with meat sauce with a bread slice or chicken nuggets with a bread slice and marinara dipping sauce, steamed corn, mixed fruit and low-fat milk.

Wednesday - Grilled chicken sandwich on a bun with lettuce and tomato or hot dog on a bun with diced onions, mashed potatoes with gravy, pears and low-fat milk.

Thursday - Beef nachos with a bread slice and lettuce and tomato, or turkey and cheese wrap with lettuce and tomato, refried beans, mandarin oranges and low-fat milk.

Friday - Cheese pizza or peanut butter and jelly sandwich, steamed green beans, tropical fruit salad and low-fat milk.

High school

Monday - Sloppy Joe on bun, french fries and pineapple tidbits.

Tuesday - Macaroni and cheese, bread slice, green beans and mandarin oranges.

Wednesday - Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy and applesauce.

Thursday - Nacho Grande day with ground beef, rice, refried beans and diced peaches.

Friday - Spaghetti with meat sauce, bread slice, corn and tropical fruit.

Marriage licenses

Eric M. Monroe to Amy Louise Wilk, both of 409 Overlook Blvd., Coal Township. Issued Oct. 18, 2012.

Johnathan M. Barnes, of 1125 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, to Ashley N. Rosini, of 626 State St., Shamokin. Issued Oct. 18, 2012.

Jason Eugene Zerbe to Leah R. Sejuit, both of 1030 W. Lynn St., Coal Township. Issued Oct. 19.

Robert D. Long to Jeanie Kay Baney, both of 2274 State Route 225, Herndon. To be issued Oct. 22.

Santo Anthony Seracine Jr., of 107 N. Grant St., Shamokin, to Sharon Lee Peifer, of 101 E. Arch St., Shamokin. To be issued Oct. 22.

Property transfers

Christopher M. Chilcote, John J. Foulds, and Audrey Foulds to Cassandra B. Klock and Jacob T. Shrawder, property in Upper Augusta Township, $140,000.

Mary Honicker (trustee) and Mary Honicker Trust to Forrest W. Shurock and Janet E. Shurock, property in Mount Carmel Township, $155,000.

David S. Brown, Paula J. Brown and Paula J. DePhillips to David S. Brown and Paula J. Brown, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Corin Robel to Gattlin J. Myers, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Eugene Schnee and Melissa A. Schnee to Melissa A. Schnee, property in Shamokin, $1.

Paul Wislock, Robert P. Wislock, Kathy Wislock and Paul J. Wislock to Gregory J. Wislock, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Robert Osevala to Tabitha L. Perry, property in Kulpmont, $1.

Michael Kwasnoski estate and Mary Ann Barrett (exectrix) to Gabriel Ruiz, property in Coal Township.

Citimortgage Inc. and ABN Amro Mortgage Group, Inc. to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Andrew Vereschak estate and Paul E. Verescak (executor) to Scott T. Barilla, property in Marion Heights, $12,000.

Joseph P. Lippincott, Jo-Ann L. Lippincott, William S. Lippincott, Tanya K. Lippincott to William S. Lippincott and Tanya K. Lippincott, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Emma Yvonne Aston and Frederick C. Aston to Jennifer Aston, property in Coal Township, $1.

Rose Marie Wilchusky to Nancy A. Morrow and Angelique Baldwin, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

David S. Urbanowicz Jr. to William Sompson, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Mary Lou Graeber and Debra Ann Davis to Brandon Ulceski and Liza Ulceski, property in Mount Carmel, $47,500

Jason M. Kleman and Jill S. Kleman to David E. Kraynak, property in Mount Carmel, $25,000.

Robert L. Latpotsky to Jason M. Ross and HollyAnn Ross. property in Kulpmont, $1,471.

Cheryl L. Halkowicz, Lynn A. Kalkowicz, Judith A. Cesari and Carmen J. Cesari to Justin C. Cohick, property in Kulpmont, $5,000.

Russell W. Mace and Kristine E. Mace to Richard M. Villari, property in Coal Township, $6,500.

Fannie Mae aka Federal National Mortgage Association to Eventong Previlon, property in Coal Township, $14,000.

David R. Cardell and Helen L. Cardell to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

James Grescavage Sr. and Elva M. Gresavage Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, property in Jordan Township, $1.

Robert A. Einsig and Nita H. Einsig to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

KULPMONT - More than 1,500 people enjoyed a "bit of the grape" Saturday afternoon at the Holy Angels picnic grounds during the Knights of Columbus Wine Festival.

Festival-goers came out to enjoy the pleasant temperatures and fall foliage and sample products from more than a dozen wineries that took part in the event.

"This is just wonderful," said attendee Shelly Stellar,

of Kulpmont. "There's good food, good wine and I'm surrounded by good friends. It's a good time."

Grand Knight Dave Shinskie looked in awe at the crowd that practically filled the grounds.

"We really have to thank God and everyone who put a Blessed Mother in their window this week so we would have the good weather," Shinskie said. "The setting, with all the great fall colors around us, has really set the tone for the event."

Stands that were set up for each winery were busy from the beginning to the end of the six-hour event, as winery staff poured samples for people to try.

"We love coming to festivals like this because we do a great business," said Anna M. Falat, president of Eagle Rock Winery, which has locations in LaPorte and Williamsport. "During October, hardly anyone comes into our retail stores because they all go to the festivals."

Falat said Saturday's festival was very well run.

"They did a great job with getting it organized, and we've had a good day today," she said. "We've already sold out of one variety and very close to a second one."

Festival organizer John Motyka said about 1,000 tickets for the festival were pre-sold, but the biggest success story of the day was the widespread assistance the Knights received.

"From Holy Angels letting us host the event here, to the fire police helping us with the traffic, to King Coal Tours providing a shuttle bus and driver to help alleviate parking and the 60 brother Knights and spouses who helped out, we thank them all," Motyka said.

Proceeds from the festival will go to several different community organizations and Holy Angels Church.

"The Knights of Columbus are all about helping the church, and another part of it will benefit the community now and in the future through charitable donations," Motyka said.

Next year's festival is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 12, 2013.

Among the major sponsors of the wine festival was Art Catino, of Mount Carmel, owner of Catino's Italian Specialties and a new business venture, Catino Vino.

Wineries represented at the festival Saturday were Eagle Rock Winery, Bastress Mountain Winery, Shade Mountain Vineyards, Buddy Boy Winery and Vineyards, Four Friends Vineyards & Winery, Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery, Benigna's Creek, Armstrong Valley Vineyards & Winery, Brookmere Winery, Stonekeep Meadery, Red Shale Ridge Vineyards and Spyglass Ridge Winery.

Entertainment was provided by The Fobias and Warren Dane, and One Smart Cookie and Scicchitano's Buono Pizza had food available for purchase.

ELYSBURG - Both drivers escaped injury when a pickup truck and tractor-trailer collided at Route 487 and Knoebels Boulevard Monday morning.

According to reports from the scene, the driver of the pickup truck attempted to pass the rig while it was turning onto Knoebels Boulevard, the "old" entrance to Knoebels Amusement Resort, and they collided.

The driver of the pickup was checked at the scene and didn't require hospital treatment. He had a dog at the scene, too, which appeared to be OK. His truck, however, was heavily damaged.

A tire was ripped from the tractor-trailer, which otherwise had minimal damage.

Ralpho Township police investigated but did not report further information on Monday.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Kulpmont-based Saint Mother Pauline Foundation now has formal contacts in all 50 states, where people are helping to spread the word about its good deeds.

The Rev. Ray Orloski, of Holy Angels Parish, the foundation's spiritual leader, told those in attendance at Saturday night's 10th annual foundation dinner that his second cousin, Diane Ferguson, agreed to disburse literature through her church parish in Alaska. She lives in Wasilla.

"I just wanted to share with everyone that we are in the 50th state through that personal contact," Orloski said Monday.

He said calls come into the St. Pauline Center in Kulpmont from throughout the nation as people hand out prayer cards and other literature and otherwise help spread the word about the foundation.

"It is working," he said about the network of assistance.

The foundation was established early in 2003 with the purchase and renovation of the former Saint Casimir Church in Kulpmont. The center is designed for people of all faiths and beliefs as a place to pray and view the relics of Saint Pauline, foundress of the Congregation of The Little Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Brazil, South America. Mother Pauline, who died in 1942, was canonized in Rome by Pope John Paul II on May 19, 2002.

The foundation hosted about 125 people at Saturday's event, held at Springfield Banquet Hall. Orloski said he thanked all in attendance for their "real charity and concern."

"Their support is really outstanding," he said.

Eleven businesses and organizations sponsored tables at the event. Rick Subasic was emcee and the Rev. Frank Karwacki, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, gave the invocation. The Mud Flaps provided entertainment.

The foundation has among its causes the fight against diabetes. On Saturday, Nov. 3, the St. Pauline Center will host a children's charity auction to benefit Camp Pauline, held each July for children with diabetes, and other foundation events. Donations for the auction can be made by calling 373-3350 or mailing to St. Pauline Center, P.O. Box 115, Kulpmont 17834.

The foundation will also recognize National Diabetic Month in November. More information will be published soon about how the community can support that cause.

SUNBURY - A 21-year-old Coal Township man pleaded guilty Monday morning in Northumberland County Court to simple assault, while six other charges, including burglary, were not prosecuted when one of the alleged victims refused to testify against him and asked the court to be lenient in sentencing the defendant.

Phillip M. Boyles, of 1462 Pulaski Ave., was sentenced by Judge William H. Wiest to serve five months in the county jail after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor of simple assault. The commonwealth agreed not to prosecute felony charges of burglary, criminal conspiracy to commit burglary and criminal trespass, a misdemeanor of loitering and prowling at night, and summaries of underage drinking and criminal mischief.

Boyles, who was given credit for prison time previously served, also was ordered to pay a $150 fine and various costs and make restitution in the amount of $459 for breaking a cell phone owned by Grayce Griffiths.

Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney William Cole prosecuted the case.

Boyles, who was represented by Attorney Richard Feudale, agreed to enter the plea after Bernice Griffiths, mother of Grayce Griffiths, refused to testify against Boyles after taking the witness stand and urging Wiest to have leniency on the defendant for his alleged actions. Bernice Griffiths said the defendant paid his debt to society by serving five months in prison and didn't want to purse the case any further against Boyles, who is the former boyfriend of Grayce Griffiths and father of their 7-month-old son.

Boyles was recommitted to the county prison, where he has remained since his arrest on the charges May 28.

The charges were filed by Patrolman David Donkochik in connection with a burglary at 1:41 a.m. May 28 at the residence of Bernice Griffiths, Ken Taylor, Grayce Griffiths and her infant son, all of 313 S. Vine St., Mount Carmel.

Boyles was accused of entering the home through a balcony door and punching Grayce Griffiths' boyfriend, Alex Schwartz, of Kulpmont, on the side of the head. After punching Schwartz seven or eight times, police said Boyles began choking the victim and threatening to kill him. Earlier, police said Boyles had threatened to kill Grayce Griffiths, Schwartz, Schwartz's 14-year-old sister and a 14-year-old male.

Boyles also was accused of grabbing Grayce Griffiths' cell phone out of her hand and smashing it before grabbing her by the throat, scratching her and fleeing.

Bernice Griffiths, who is Taylor's wife, witnessed the assaults.

A co-defendant in the burglary, Michael Robert Shinskie, 18, of 720 N. Franklin St., Shamokin, is scheduled for a pre-trial conference at 9:15 a.m. Nov. 2 before Judge Charles Saylor.

SUNBURY - A Shamokin salvage yard owner convicted of a felony theft charge earlier this year has filed an amended motion as he appeals his sentencing on claims he had ineffective counsel and errors were made by the court, witnesses and a prosecutor.

A post-trial motion hearing for Alfons Keefer has been continued until January to allow the commonwealth time to review the motion, filed Monday by defense attorney Ernie Preate.

Preate, a former state attorney general, presented the motion as part of his direct appeal of Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor's sentence of 4 1/2 to 24 months in Northumberland County Prison for Keefer, who was convicted of a felony offense of theft of movable property and a misdemeanor of obstructing administration of the law.

Preate's motion claims Keefer's trial attorney, Timothy Bowers, of Danville, was ineffective and challenges the amount of restitution Keefer was ordered to pay in the case. The motion also claims errors were made by the court, witnesses and assistant district attorney Michael Toomey during Keefer's trial.

Saylor granted Toomey time to review the amended motion and continued Monday's hearing until 1:15 p.m. Jan. 17. He ordered Preate to file a brief on his motion by Nov. 19 and gave Toomey until Dec. 17 to file his response to Preate's brief.

Free on bail

On May 14, Saylor ordered Keefer to serve the prison term, but Keefer appealed the sentence within 30 days.

Keefer's appeal allowed him to remain free on his original $5,000 bail as long as he complied with sentencing and bail conditions.

If Saylor upholds the sentence he imposed, Keefer could appeal the sentencing to the state Superior Court.

If the district attorney's office opposes Keefer being free on bail and is successful in the challenge, the judge could order the defendant to be imprisoned during the appeal process. But if no challenge is made about Keefer being free on bail, he will remain free until the appeal process is complete.

Keefer, who doesn't have a prior criminal record, would most likely only serve a minimum prison sentence of 4 1/2 months if his appeal is denied.

The May 14 sentence also required Keefer to pay $1,100 in fines plus costs and complete two years of supervised probation upon his release from prison. The 48-year-old Keefer also must make restitution of $32,500 to Ford Motor Credit Co., $2,100 in restitution to Joy Kulenguskey, of Coal Township, and $818.49 restitution to the county district attorney's office for expenses incurred to have Ken Cade, of Phoenix, Ariz., a customer service representative for Ford Motor Credit Co., testify at Keefer's trial.

Keefer was sentenced to prison time on the theft charge, while the consecutive two years probation was granted for the obstruction offense.

At the sentencing, Toomey requested Saylor to deny bail since Keefer was convicted by a jury of his peers. But the judge kept the bail the same minimal amount since the law requires a defendant sentenced to no more than two years imprisonment to remain free pending appeal.

Keefer was convicted of the charges Feb. 13. He was found not guilty of a misdemeanor of deceptive business practices, while a felony of receiving stolen property and a misdemeanor of tampering with or fabricating evidence were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

Keefer was charged by Trooper Kevin L. Bletz of the Pennsylvania State Police Auto Theft Task Force with failing to return a silver 2001 Ford F-350 truck owned by Kulenguskey that he towed in 2008. Police said the turbo diesel, quad cab truck was towed and stored by Keefer at his business, A&G Towing on Bear Valley Avenue, before it disappeared.

The charges, filed in August 2010, involved a two-year investigation conducted by Bletz, who was asked by Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini and Shamokin police to conduct the probe in February 2008 because of a prior conflict between city police and Keefer. That conflict involved a dispute with the city over towing and storage charges when Keefer removed 18 vehicles from Robert Gilligbauer's Shamokin property in 2007.

TREVORTON - A downed tree onto a power line caused 2,272 PPL customers to lose power just after midnight Saturday.

Power was knocked out at 12:03 a.m. at the utility's substation on Sunshine Drive just west of Trevorton near Dunkelbergers.

At 1:30 a.m., 1,726 customers had their electric service restored, a PPL spokeswoman said. The rest were back on line at 3:50 a.m.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area ditched its "no nit" policy when it comes to head lice, and will implement a process that could protect students from being picked on if the bug does find a home in their hair.

Under revised policy adopted last week, students found to have "nits," or lice eggs, will not be forced to miss any time in class.

Most nits are 1/4 inch from the scalp and unlikely to hatch, and may even be empty, and also are stuck so tightly to hair shafts that they are unlikely to spread to others, according to the district's revised policy.

There's one thing left unchanged: if live lice are found on a student's head, they will not be permitted to return to the classroom until the bugs are killed.

The move comes on the recommendation of the Center for Disease control, American Academy of Pediatrics and National Association of School Nurses and is based on medical research.

The latter two organizations say the spread of lice from nits is "very unlikely" and that "the burden of unnecessary absenteeism to the students, families and communities far outweighs the risks associated with head lice," according to the district's revised policy.

An over-the-counter or prescription treatment is necessary to kill lice and nits. Combing of hair more than once daily helps rid a head of dead nits over period of a week or two.

Terry Snyder, Shamokin Area's head nurse, said there's been no increase in lice incidents at the school district this year; rather, the change came about from a state Department of Health email regarding lice research and recommendations.

"What they're recognizing is that kids need to be in school. If it doesn't pose a threat, then that's where they need to be," she said.

Snyder said it's important to prevent a student from being stigmatized if they are diagnosed with head lice, and the recommendations from the aforementioned agencies say the same.

Years ago the belief was that someone would only contract lice if they were dirty or came from a dirty home. That's not true.

District policy stresses what research has found: neither personal hygiene nor home cleanliness have anything to do with the spread of head lice.

"When we have a student here who gets it, we make sure that we relate that head lice are equal opportunity bugs. They like everybody's hair," Snyder said.

Instead of sending a student home early from school, if they are found to have head lice they will be permitted to stick out the day. However, steps will be taken to prevent the student from having close or direct head contact with others.

Parents will be informed of the diagnosis and treatment options.

Siblings and others with close contact to an infected student will be examined.

Keeping their possessions separate from others won't be necessary. According to the policy, separating coats and backpacks has been disproved as a preventative measure because healthy lice don't stray from the head.

Upon return, the infected student will be checked daily at the start of school. Those checks will stop once all signs of lice and nits are gone.