SHAMOKIN - Three people were displaced after a basement fire Tuesday afternoon at 230 Coal St., Shamokin.

Deputy Chief Jason Zimmerman said Larry Palmer, Caroline Palmer and Dawn Leggins were displaced after a fire started in the basement of the house they rented from Joe and Michele Yeager, Mount Carmel.

He said the investigation into the cause continues, but the fire has been ruled accidental. Because of the blaze, the home was declared unfit for habitation by city code enforcement officials.

The Shamokin Fire Bureau, Maine Fire Company from Coal Township and the Anthracite Fire Company of Mount Carmel responded and quickly extinguished the fire.

"Everyone did an excellent job with the weather conditions and the tight street the fire was on," Zimmerman said. "It was a total team effort."

After staying below zero into mid-morning, temperatures peaked at about 7 degrees Tuesday in Shamokin.

Fire damage was kept to the basement, while the first floor sustained smoke damage and minor water damage. Windows were broken to help ventilate the smoke.

A vacant neighboring home, 228 W. Coal St., sustained minor damage when firefighters entered the structure to check if the fire had spread.

The three residents went to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital via private vehicle for treatment of minor smoke inhalation. No firefighters were injured.

SUNBURY - A Northumberland County judge has overruled preliminary objections filed by a city mechanic in a dormant lawsuit brought against him by the City of Shamokin.

The order was issued Dec. 30 by the now former President Judge Robert B. Sacavage, who retired Monday, allowing Robert Gilligbauer 20 days to file a responsive pleading to the city's complaint.

Oral arguments by the city's former solicitor, H. Robert Mattis, and Gilligbauer's attorney, Richard Feudale, were given in county court on Feb. 26, 10 months before the order was issued.

The city filed suit in Northumberland County Court on July 9 asking that a judge order the automotive mechanic to remove what it deems to be junk vehicles that violate city ordinance. It also asks that Gilligbauer be permanently bound by the provisions of the city's code or be held in contempt of court.

Feudale filed the preliminary objections in August seeking more specified details regarding exactly how the alleged violations caused physical or psychological damage as alleged by the city. It also sought to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming the city never gave Gilligbauer 10 days notice of alleged violations as required by ordinance.

City code allows auto mechanics up to five vehicles that could be considered junk or abandoned. Those vehicles must pose no health hazards, must be stored behind a fence and out of sight from the general public and must be scheduled for repair within 30 days of receipt.

Violations can net an alleged offender 10 days to address the issue. After that, a citation is issued in district court, with fines between $100 and $1,000 for each offense.

The vehicles had been housed on a pair of lots at Rock and Spurzheim streets. Gilligbauer says they were in line for repair. He's since erected a pair of pole buildings on one lot to house the vehicles.

Feudale had no comment when contacted Tuesday since he wasn't aware of the order and hadn't reviewed it with his client. Attempts to reach Mattis were unsuccessful.

SUNBURY - The state Superior Court has upheld the 1- to 5-year state prison sentence of a woman in connection with the 2010 hyperthermia death of her infant daughter.

The sentence was imposed last year by Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor on Heidi Yocum, 31, who appealed her Jan. 14, 2013, sentence after the court denied a post-sentence motion to modify the sentence and withdraw her guilty plea.

Yocum was expecting to be placed on probation after pleading guilty to recklessly endangering a child.

She is incarcerated at SCI-Cambridge Springs in Crawford County.

In her appeal, Yocum claimed the trial court erred when it failed to provide the commonwealth an opportunity to testify to the defendant's cooperation and its agreement with adult probation's sentencing recommendation.

She also claimed the sentence was excessive because the court failed to consider her peripheral conduct in the offense, extraordinary post-offense rehabilitative efforts, a recommendation from the probation department and her personal characteristics that were presented.

Yocum argued the trial court erred in denying her motion to withdraw her guilty plea, which she believes was necessary to correct an injustice that included a plea negotiated with the commonwealth in good faith, with the commonwealth promising to consider her cooperation as an integral part of the agreement.

In the Superior Court's ruling to uphold Saylor's sentencing, it states that the commonwealth has not raised objection to the court's alleged failure to provide it an opportunity to be heard at sentencing, thereby causing Yocum's argument to fail.

The Superior Court also states that Yocum's claim that her sentence was excessive because the trial court failed to consider mitigating factors which were of record doesn't raise a substantial question for the court's review.

The order issued by the Superior Court states, "We find no abuse of discretion in the trial court's imposition of sentence" because the sentence was within the standard range of guidelines.

Grandmother, father

Yocum's mother, Bertha Dreese, 66, who was babysitting the infant, Anela Naloni Loner, when she died, was sentenced Sept. 5 to 16 months to 4 years in a state correctional institution on a felony of involuntary manslaughter. She is incarcerated at SCI-Muncy.

Lopaka Loner, 30, the infant's father who lived with Yocum at the time the child died, was sentenced Nov. 19, 2012, to 11 1/2 to 23 months in Northumberland County Prison after pleading guilty to misdemeanors of endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person. Loner was transferred to Lycoming County Prison in Williamsport Aug. 6 and released Nov. 16.

DORNSIFE - Four people, including two children, escaped unharmed from their burning home around 1:15 a.m. Thursday.

Frank Dipremo, his girlfriend, Sue Hancock, and her two children, ages 13 and 16, were sleeping when smoke filled their two-story home at 727 State Road between Dornsife and Hunter Station.

Firefighters from Trevorton and Herndon arrived quickly; however, flames had already consumed the house. Power lines became disconnected and the majority of the building had collapsed within 25 minutes of initial dispatch.

The home, which Dipremo rented from Jamie Reed, was a total loss. Dipremo did not have renter's insurance and is being assisted by the Red Cross. It is unclear if Reed had insurance.

Smelled smoke

Dipremo, wearing pajama bottoms while he watched flames leap into the air, said the smell of smoke woke him, but he didn't notice flames until he was outside the house.

"When I woke up the house was smoky," he said. "I called 911 while in the house and getting everyone out."

Herndon Fire Chief Tony Gilligan, who had command, said he saw the glow from the blaze while crossing the green bridge at Dornsife two miles away.

Gilligan said Thursday afternoon the fire is not suspicious. He said it likely started in a wall near the kitchen and is electrical in nature, based on the extent of damage and Dipremo's account of smelling "electrical burning."

State fire investigator Kirk Renn was contacted, but his services may not be needed because the exact cause may be undetermined, Gilligan said.

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Unemployment Tax Services field accounting service office located in Room 205 of the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center, 2 E. Arch St., closed permanently on Monday.

Employees were relocated either to state offices in Harrisburg or Wilkes-Barre, according to Sara Goulet, Department of Labor and Industry spokeswoman.

Personnel from the field accounting service office worked primarily to recoup unpaid unemployment compensation taxes from employers. Labor and Industry decided to centralize employer services, relocating staff from Shamokin.

"It doesn't affect any of our unemployment compensation claimants filing for benefits," Goulet said.

The office had served employers in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Snyder and Union counties. All incoming calls to the former Shamokin office will be directed to the Wilkes-Barre field accounting service office at 570-301-1533. In-person visits can be made at 39 Public Square, Suite 101, Wilkes-Barre.

The department issued a press release Wednesday about the closure.

It's the second state office to move out of the career and arts center since 2011. A Pennsylvania CareerLink office was closed in June 2011 and relocated to Sunbury.

County budget director Jeff McClintock said that The News-Item contacting them was the first they heard about the office being moved.

"As far as we know, they are still under lease with the county," McClintock said. "Maybe they are planning on still using the space for another endeavor."

McClintock said the lease brings in approximately $29,600 a year for the county. He could not say Thursday how much time was left on the lease.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court March 17 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia filed by Patrolman Justin Stelma against Brian B. Horan, 35, of 213 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel, were dismissed due to insufficient evidence at a preliminary hearing.

The charges were filed in connection with an Oct. 13 vehicle stop in the 300 block of East Fifth Street.

Matthew Patrick Kern, 21, of 1139 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, who was charged by Stelma with the same offenses in connection with the incident, was held for court when he failed to appear for his hearing.

Police reported that officers responded to a tip that Kern, a wanted person from Lancaster County, was residing on East Fifth Street. When they arrived on scene, they observed Kern walking over to two individuals, one of them being Horan. When searched, officers found a substance, later field-tested to be marijuana, on Kern's person. Kern then told police that he received the marijuana from Horan, who had walked away from the scene but was apprehended a few blocks away.

n Two men charged by Patrolman Kerry Parkes in connection with thefts that occurred between Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 at 1302 Avenue F, Riverside, waived to court multiple offenses.

Corey M. Hummel, 19, of Muncy, waived nine counts of theft from a motor vehicle, three counts of receiving stolen property and one count each of criminal conspiracy and corruption of minors.

Elijah M. Jones, 20, of Danville, waived one count of receiving stolen property.

The two men and Dustyn Kolenda, 18, of Muncy, are accused of being involved in the thefts of an iPod Touch 32 GB owned by Jillian Johnson; a cooler full of beer belonging to John Weller; an iPod Nano owned by Courtney Zampetti; cash belonging to Joshua Poticher; cash and a purse owned by Ruth Browneller; cash and a wallet owned by Lynn Reichen; cash, cigarettes and a wallet belonging to Matthew Mitchell; CDs and a case owned by Vincent Zampetti, and cash belonging to Timothy McQuiston.

n Steven Ennis, 30, of 222 S. Beech St., waived to court charges of possessing a firearm while being a former convict, carrying a firearm without a license, simple assault, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness relating to an altercation with another individual on North Oak Street on Dec. 28.

Patrolman William Adamski reported in court documents that while on patrol, he observed Ennis in the first block of North Oak Street punch another individual twice. After being taken into custody and searched, Ennis informed police he was carrying a firearm in his back pocket, but was not licensed to do so because of his past criminal record.

n James M. Koronkiewicz, 32, of Mount Carmel, waived to court charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and recklessly endangering another person in connection with an Oct. 21 assault of his girlfriend's handicapped father at 128 S. Center St.

n Charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Justin Stelma against Daniel J. Renn, 33, of 431 E. Avenue, Mount Carmel, were dismissed when the alleged victim refused to testify.

Renn was accused of assaulting his mother, Colleen Renn, at 420 E. Avenue Nov. 6.

n Coleen M. Lowry, 32, of 465 Mountain Road, Shamokin, waived to court two counts of issuing bad checks totaling $384.40 to Zlocki Body Works in Marion Heights between June 5 and June 19.

n James W. Haynes, 24, of 227 S. Poplar St., Mount Carmel, waived to court multiple drug charges involving four alleged heroin deals with confidential informants.

Haynes was charged by members of the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force after he sold a total of 14 packets of heroin to four confidential informants between Aug. 23 and 28.

In each of the cases, police said Haynes contacted the confidential informants to see if they wanted to purchase heroin.

The informants then received money from the task force to make the purchase.

Under surveillance, Haynes met with the informants and they followed him to the pickup point, where they received the drugs.

At a price of $20 per heroin package, Haynes allegedly sold two packs on Aug. 23, four packs on Aug. 24, six packs on Aug. 26, and two packs on Aug. 28.

He faces multiple felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility, and misdemeanors of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Filing the charges were Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman, borough Police Chief Todd Owens, Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets and Kulpmont Officer-in-Charge Patrick McAndrew.

COAL TOWNSHIP - During a brief regular meeting Thursday evening, Coal Township commissioners approved contracts for community development work and the purchase of fuel.

They voted unanimously to appoint Mullin and Longeran Associates, of Camp Hill, as the township's community development consultant and Larson Design Group, of Williamsport, as community development engineer. Both firms were awarded three-year contracts for assistance with the township's Community Development Block Grant.

Contracts for both heating oil and diesel fuel were awarded to Superior Plus Energy, of Paxinos. Miller's Gas and Oil, of Weigh Scales, also bid. In both bids, Superior Plus was lower. Prices quoted were per gallon over wholesale:

Heating oil - Superior Plus, 18 cents; Miller's 19.6 cents.

Diesel fuel, with both including the cost of diesel fuel additive with anti-gel - Superior Plus, 19 cents; Miller's, 20.1 cents.

"It is good to see that the prices are competitive, and I think this is the first time that Superior has won the contract in many years," board president Craig Fetterman said.

Commissioners named James Sanders sewage enforcement officer and Ken Young as the alternate sewage enforcement officer. Sanders' fee schedule was adopted with no change from last year.

Police and fire officials presented their year-end reports. Police Chief William Carpenter said officers responded to 804 incidents in 2013, handled 3,894 complaints and patroled more than 72,180 miles.

Fire Chief Russ Feese reported Coal Township responded to 249 calls in 2013 and 73 mutual aid calls, for a total number of 322 calls. Fire crews were in service 341 hours, 25 minutes, accounting for more than four thousand volunteer man hours.

NORTHUMBERLAND - More than 50 parents and guests of Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) early childhood education programs won children's books as bingo prizes in an event held at Townside Too. Each player took home more than 10 books, and more than 300 books were distributed.

"Book Bingo is a way to celebrate and support literacy," said Patty Edwards, CSIU Head Start programs manager. "Parents have the power to boost their children's learning potential simply by making books a fundamental part of their lives."

She said the event gives parents an opportunity to engage with other parents of young children.

Parents from Northumberland Area Early Head Start in Stonington; Northumberland Area Head Start in Herndon, Milton, Mount Carmel, Shamokin, Sunbury and Turbotville, and Pre-K Counts at Line Mountain, Shikellamy and Milton Area school districts were invited.

Early Head Start is a comprehensive program for expectant mothers, infants and toddlers (from birth to 36 months). The program offers education, nutrition, health, social and mental health services, and emphasizes parent involvement.

Head Start and Pre-K Counts are programs that promote school readiness for children ages three to five and emphasize parents as their child's first teacher.

Head Start and Early Head Start are federal grants awarded to the CSIU to conduct programs in Northumberland County. Pre-K Counts is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is administered by the CSIU.

These early childhood education programs are available at no cost to parents. For more information, call 570-523-1155, extension 2240.

SHAMOKIN - The Cecilian Club will present a concert at 7 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church

This month's concert theme is "D-lightful," with all selections beginning with the letter "D," by a composer whose name starts with "D" or written in the key of D.

The concert will start with a vocal duet as Margaret Schlader and Susan Shoop, accompanied by Mary Anne Miller, sing Barry Manilow's "Daybreak." Grethel Vinup will follow with a piano solo, Bach's "No. 3 Invention." Beverly Petrovich will sing "It's De-Lovely" from Cole Porter's "Red, Hot and Blue." She will be accompanied by Nan Weller.

Next will be an organ solo as Noriene Ladd plays Bach's "March in D." Rob Ensinger will follow with a vocal solo, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by Danoff, Nivert and Denver. Ensinger will be accompanied by Bonny Klinger. Miller will peform a clarinet solo, "Duet" (Song without Words, Opus 38) by Mendelssohn, withg accompaniment by Vinup.

"Don't Get Around Much Anymore" by Ellington will be presented by Grace Stank, Schlader, Carolyn Weaver, Kathi Christ, Ensinger and Tom Christ, accompanied by Weller. Klinger will follow with a piano solo, Dino's arrangement of "My Tribute."

"Star Dust" by Carmichael will follow as Petrovich, Martha Lynch and Miller sing, accompanied by Vinup. The concert will conclude with a piano/organ duet, Demarest's "Ave Varie" with Ladd on organ and Margaret Morris on piano.

Everyone is invited to join the club for this concert, which is free of charge.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Penn State's search for a new football coach might be over.

Penn State officials are summoning reporters who cover the football team to Beaver Stadium for what it calls a "major announcement" on Saturday.

Penn State has been talking with Vanderbilt coach James Franklin. Several media outlets have reported that Franklin is expected to be Penn State's replacement for Bill O'Brien, who left for the NFL. Vanderbilt officials said Thursday night that Franklin hadn't made a decision.

Penn State President Rodney Erickson and athletic director Dave Joyner are scheduled to hold a news conference at 4:15 p.m. Saturday.

SHAMOKIN - Deputy coroners in two counties neighboring Northumberland County receive full-time benefits, while four other neighboring counties don't offer benefits for their deputies. In two of those four counties, the coroners themselves do not receive benefits.

Northumberland is a fifth-class county with a population of approximately 94,000. Its neighbors vary greatly in population and in how they treat their coroner staffs as it pertains to benefits.

Yes in Schuylkill, Lycoming

Schuylkill County, which employs two doctors in the

coroner's office, and Lycoming County offer full-time benefits to their deputy coroners.

Coroner Dr. David Moylan and deputy coroner Dr. Joseph Weber are both full-time employees who receive salaries of $42,384.02 and $22,060.54, respectively. Both men are covered under the county's life insurance, health insurance and pension plans, but do not receive pay for vacations, sick days, personal days or holidays. Both doctors pay 1.5 percent of their salary toward medical benefits.

County administrator Mark Scarbinsky pointed out that Schuylkill County, population 147,000, is one of the few counties in the state that has two medical doctors in the coroner's office.

He said the fourth-class county also employs 18 part-time deputy coroners who are paid by call and do not receive benefits.

Chuck Kiessling serves as full-time coroner in fifth-class Lycoming County, which has a population of approximately 117,000. Kiessling's salary is $61,000 and he receives full-time benefits.

His full-time chief deputy, Jerold Ross Sr., gets paid $42,000 per year and also receives full-time benefits. Another full-time deputy coroner, Julianna Currinder, is paid $35,000 per year and is provided full-time benefits.

The Lycoming County coroner's office also employs part-time deputies Santiea Akus, Kristin Hunter, Robert Whitford and Dr. Susan Anderson at $16 per hour with no benefits.

No in Montour, others

Scott Lynn serves as a full-time coroner in Montour County, population 18,000. He receives a salary of $34,195.64 and pays $105 per month for family-plan health insurance. His part-time chief deputy, Blanche Stump, is paid a salary of $10,593.51 and doesn't receive benefits.

In Columbia County, Dr. Lori Masteller serves as coroner, which is considered a part-time position. She is paid a salary of $18,987.91, but doesn't receive benefits. Her chief deputy, Linda Kessler, and deputy coroner Ron Taylor also are part-time employees who don't qualify for benefits. They are both paid by call.

Columbia County has an approximate population of 67,000.

Snyder County Coroner Bruce Hummel, who is part time, receives a salary of $22,862 but no health benefits. Hummel's part-time deputies William Pheasant and his father, Roger Pheasant, are paid by call.

Snyder County has an estimated population of 40,000.

Newly elected Union County Coroner Dominic Adamo receives a salary of $33,501 for the part-time position. He pays $3,387.28 (20 percent of the county's share) per year for medical benefits under the family plan.

Newly appointed chief deputy coroner Matthew Olley, who also is part time, receives a salary of $8,000, but no benefits.

Union County has an estimated population of 45,000.

Final day for tree pickup

KULPMONT - The last day for Christmas tree collection in Kulpmont Borough will be Friday, Jan. 17. Residents on Chestnut Street must place their tree in the alley to be collected.

Chorale auditions set for Tuesday

LEWISBURG - The Susquehanna Valley Chorale (SVC) will hold spring session auditions for adult singers from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 42 S. Fourth St.

The chorale welcomes new singers twice each season through auditions in mid-January and late August. According to Dr. William Payne, music director and conductor, this spring's auditions will be more rigorous that usual.

Singers should be prepared to sing a selection of their choice and demonstrate knowledge of the musical score. Hymns, the national anthem and pop songs will not be considered. For information on accepted musical works, visit the "Singer Info" page at SVCMusic.org.

No appointment is necessary. Singers who are accepted into the chorale should be prepared to stay after the auditions for a rehearsal from 7 to 9 p.m.

Mysteries of mental illness

ELYSBURG - The mysteries and meaning of mental illness will be explored at Lifetree Cafe from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave.

The program, titled "Mysteries of Mental Illness: One Woman's Struggle to Regain Her Life," features a film of Karen McCracken. McCracken, author of "Breaking Free From OCD," describes her life while she experienced mental illness and what proved helpful in her struggle to manage her illness.

Admission to the 60-minute event is free.

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

For more information, call 570-672-2873, e-mail elysburgpresby@verizon.net or go to www.lifetreecafe.com.

SHAMOKIN - Federal inmates are being sought to help clean up the Shamokin Cemetery as well as downtown sidewalks and storefronts ahead of the city's 150th anniversary celebration.

Jeffrey Fromm, who is coordinating the efforts, is asking the Federal Bureau of Prisons to allow 20 inmates from the satellite camp of FCI-Schuylkill to mow and trim grass, remove debris and reset headstones that have been toppled. The cemetery cleanup is scheduled for April 23 and 24, and citizen volunteers will also be there to help.

On April 25, 10 inmates have been requested to assist volunteers along Independence Street, mostly using shovels and brooms to clean dirt and trash from the sidewalks. Two volunteers will also use pressure washers to clean the sidewalks and storefronts of participating building owners. City police will provide traffic control, and a street department employee will operate the street sweeper.

Transportation to and from the work sites must be provided along with necessary work and safety equipment, a safety lecture and constant supervision, Fromm said in a letter to a prison official.

Shamokin's 150th anniversary will be celebrated in July with a variety of events. A small group of volunteers operate as an anniversary committee in planning the celebration.

Fromm, the husband of city Councilwoman Barbara Moyer, is also a member of the city's planning commission. He retired in 2012 from the federal prison system after 23 years.

Mayor William D. Milbrand signed a letter in support of the proposal. He said the Shamokin Street Department will make equipment available for the cleanups.

Milbrand is also president of the cemetery committee. He said the lone caretaker does a "good job," but the cemetery is burdened by limited resources.

"Unfortunately, the cemetery committee doesn't have a lot of money to put into this and we're extremely grateful," Milbrand said.

The Shamokin Cemetery officially opened in 1860, according to www.shamokincemetery.com. There are more than 16,000 interments and entombments in the five mausoleums on site, the website states.

In recent years the number of burials has slowed to a halt, and upkeep has become a challenge. There are a handful of descendents who care for their ancestors' gravesites, and some volunteer groups have occasionally assisted in sprucing up the cemetery.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County employs 113 part-time workers.

If commissioners allow the two deputy coroners, considered by the county among the part-timers, to continue to receive full-time benefits, and verify that through a fresh salary board vote, the others may demand the same.

That's the position of Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi, who, with Stephen Bridy voted Dec. 27 to enforce a 1998 salary board policy that prohibits part-time employees from receiving full-time benefits.

The change impacts the two deputy coroners and one employee from the assessor's office who for years have been receiving benefits offered to full-time workers.

Coroner James F. Kelley believes his deputies' 24/7 on-call status gives them full-time status, and that they deserve to keep full-time benefits, including health care insurance at considerably lower rates than what part-timers pay.

Part-timers must pay 50 percent of the county's cost, a rate Bridy and Clausi also established for row officers and commissioners at the same time they implemented controversial salary reductions of 42 to 48 percent for those offices on Oct. 1. The new insurance rates go into effect as a new four-year term begins for each office.

In addition to health care insurance, full-time benefits in the county include vacation and holiday pay, life insurance and retirement earnings.

With the recent vote on the benefits, Chief Deputy Coroner James Gotlob, of Sunbury, and deputy Barry Leisenring, of the Winfield area, are subject to the new health insurance rates effective Feb. 1.

Gotlob is under the two-party plan, so it would increase his monthly contribution by more than 250 percent, from $175 to $694, or from $2,100 to $8,328 a year. The new annual rate represents more than 56 percent of his $14,762 salary.

Leisenring reportedly is under the single-person plan, so his monthly contribution would increase from $108 to $348, or from $1,296 to $4,176 annually. He makes $9,305, so his insurance costs would chew up about 45 percent of his gross salary.

Gotlob and Leisenring declined comment when contacted Friday.

The county estimated annual savings by eliminating full-time benefits for the deputies and assessor, as well as those paid to the two now-defunct jury commissioner positions, at $52,000.

Meeting requested

Kelley, who began his fourth term in office Monday, cites not only the deputies' pressing and unpredictable work schedules, but also their exposure to disease, dead bodies, heavy lifting and other tasks that could compromise their health.

At Monday's commissioners' meeting, he said Gotlob and Leisenring might resign if the full-time benefits aren't restored, and urged the commissioners to convene a salary board meeting to resolve the issue.

The salary board is comprised of the three commissioners, controller and the department head requesting a salary change. Clausi said Kelley would be joined in positive votes by Commissioner Rick Shoch - who has described the deputy benefits change as a "swipe" against Kelley - and newly elected Controller Chris Grayson to defeat his and Bridy's no votes.

Then, he said, every part-time employee in the county would have a right to ask for full-time benefits.

"Other part-time employees pay 50 percent," he said about the health care costs. "Why should they get it (cheaper)?" he said. "We cannot discriminate against these people."

Clausi and Bridy said the 1998 salary board decision that split a full-time deputy coroner post into two did not include reference of benefits.

"We didn't create this," Clausi said, but instead are trying to fix what hasn't been adhered to for more than 15 years. "It (full-time benefits) was never supposed to exist."

There has been no salary board meeting scheduled.

Kelley said previously he considers Gotlob full time, and notes he would have to take over should Kelley be unable to perform his duties as coroner.

He has also said Leisenring's position is considered part time, but only on paper, to help save the county money in regards to state regulations.

Kelley argues health care benefits to deputy coroners that is the same as full-time county workers is in line with the long-standing effort to compensate for lower pay compared to the private sector by offering better benefits.

Other than pointing out that deputy coroners in Lycoming County receive full-time benefits and that their office has a larger staff than his (see separate story), Kelley declined further comment when contacted Friday.

Matter of fairness

County Human Resources Director Joseph Picarelli confirmed the deputy coroners and part-time field assessor Sam Rumberger will not be eligible for full-time benefits come Feb. 1 unless they pay 50 percent of the county's share of the premium for health care coverage. Rumberger earned $14,270 in 2013 and received health care benefits from the county valued at $10,065.

Picarelli said few part-time workers choose to pay the 50 percent and thus don't receive health insurance through the county.

Clausi said it's simply a matter of fairness.

"It's clear that we must treat all part-time employees equal under the law," he said Friday. "We can't pick and choose and cannot discriminate against anyone."

Marriage licenses

Andrew Jonathan Miller to Amy Nicole Lenig, both of 3440 Old State Road, Leck Kill. Issued Jan. 11.

Joseph Loduca to April L. McGovern, both of 191 E. Dewart St., Shamokin. To be issued Jan. 13.

Divorces

Joseph B. Picarelli, of 1048 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, from Maria D. Picarelli, of 510 Susquehanna Ave., Selinsgrove. Married Feb. 8, 1985.

Eric L. Wiest, of 1234 Snydertown Road, Sunbury, from Kelly A. Wiest, of 151 Hillside Ave., Elysburg. Married Dec. 18, 1998.

Josette A. Barilla, of 928 Scott St., Kulpmont, from Joseph J. Barilla III, of 119 W. Melrose St., Marion Heights. Married May 12, 2007.

Mark Campbell, of 1274 Market St., Sunbury, from Sherry Campbell, of 330 W. Girard St., Atlas. Married Oct. 28, 1998.

Daniel C. Comoss, of 1499 Trevorton Road, Coal Township, from Heather L. Nahodil, of 42 N. Seventh St., Shamokin. Married June 13, 2009.

Sean D. Drucis, of 248 E. Seventh St., Mount Carmel, from Melissa A. Drucis, of 4105 Capstone Drive, Keller, Texas. Married Oct. 9, 1999.

Raymond L. General from Amy A. General, both of 108 Potter Drive, Elysburg. Married July 29, 2000.

Elsie Jimenez Grosz, of 813 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin, from David A. Grosz, of 1657 Tioga St., Coal Township. Married Aug. 28, 2004.

Andrew J. Hauer, of 923 W. Walnut St., Coal Township, from Bryanna L. Hauer, of 1245 Mount Zion Road, Lebanon. Married May 29, 2009.

Brenda S. Tamanini, of 466 W. Center St., Elysburg, from Brian K. Tamanini, of 141 S. Market St., Elysburg. Married July 31, 1982.

Kerry K. Troutman, of 1000 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, from Randy B. Troutman Jr., of 6610 Sweetwood Court, Fort Wayne, Ind. Married Oct. 3, 1995.

Amanda S. Worzalla, of 1542 W. Wood St., Coal Township, from Jeremiah J. Worzalla, of 19 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel. Married Jan. 10, 2010.

Property transfers

Eugene A. Jr. and Denise Welsh to Eugene A. Welsh III, property in Coal Township, $1.

Theresa M. Lucas to Mary Alice Wilson, property in Coal Township, $1.

Klaus Krippendorff, Lilyan Maitin, Ralph M. Jr. and Jane S. Moore to Kaihan Krippendorff, Heike K. Sullivan, Izak and Ani Maitin, Eric and Andrew Moore, property in Sunbury, Snydertown and Shamokin Township, $1.

Francis M. Jr. and Cheryl A. Anonia to Francis M. Jr. and Cheryl A. Anonia, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Rita J. Kimmel, Mary L. Boyer to Rita J. Kimmel, Jeffrey L. Dreibelbis, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

Equity Trust Co., custodian, Roger Ira Grattan, Roger Grattan Ira to Thomas L. III and Melissa A. Harris, property in Shamokin, $37,500.

Ruth M. Povleski to Dawn Leon-McFee, property in Shamokin, $60,000.

Linda L. Baker, William I., Jill and Michael C. Hawkins, Cheryl Callahan to Justin and Lindsey Wagner, property in Sunbury, $90,000.

Ryan N. Bordner to Joshua L. Eby, property in Rockefeller Township, $115,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Samuel A. and Mary Helen Engle to Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., property in Sunbury, $1,747.43.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Richard T. and Shannon A. Roughton to Federal National Mortgage Association, property in Shamokin, $2,538.56.

Susquehanna Bank to Susquehanna Kulpmont PA Landlord LLC, property in Kulpmont, $932,388.91.

Susquehanna Bank to Susquehanna Sunbury PA Landlord LLC, property in Sunbury, $4,939,332.54.

Geraldine Staskiel and Sister Mary Pacelli estate, Sister Pacelli Staskiel, James Anthony Staskiel, administrator and individually, to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, by trustee, Robert M. Gillelan Jr., trustee, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Judith and Sheldon Winnick to Robert Spaid Jr., Melissa Treese, property in Coal Township, $20,000.

Kyle J. Mirolli to James Descano, property in Coal Township, $1,000.

Brandon D. Wolf, Leslie A. Stanczyk, Leslie A. Wolf to Shawn C. Keegan, property in Coal Township, $1.

Springleaf Financial Services of Pennsylvania Inc., American General Consumer Discount Co. to EH Pooled 1013 LP, property in Zerbe Township, $23,500.

Peter Glowaski estate, Joseph R. Glowaski, executor, to William H. Cole Jr., property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Douglas P. Troutman, Maria A. Pauzer, Maria A. Troutman to Douglas P. Troutman, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Erma C. Lorenz to Glenn D. and Gary L. Lorenz Sr., property in Coal Township, $1.

Plenty of people throughout the Abingtons know Wesley Dunn from his many years keeping the streets safe, first as the police chief of South Abington Township, then Clarks Summit, Lackawanna County.

What they may not have known is that crime fighting wasn't the chief's only talent. Turns out, he was also quite adept with a paint brush.

Now 81, the Clarks Summit resident has spent his retirement indulging his passion for art. For the last four years, Dunn has been focusing the bulk of his energies on painting icons, the ethereal representations of Jesus, the saints and other sacred Christian figures that are hugely important in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. (Orthodox Christmas is Tuesday.)

Dunn's interest in this unique and spiritual art form came a few years back, when the lifelong Methodist began attending services at St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church in West Scranton with his wife, Marcia.

"I said to my wife, 'You know, we all pray to the same God, so I'll just start going to church with you,' " Dunn said.

In time, he became a fixture at the church, to the point where he was "one of the best halupki makers down there," he said with a laugh.

The church's icons fascinated him, and the more he studied them, the more he wanted to learn the process behind them.

Fortuitously, he came across a sign advertising iconography classes taught by local artist Nina Kouznetsov during a trip to A.C. Moore around Christmas 2009.

The first icon he painted was of St. Michael. After he finished it, he thought, "This is pretty neat, I'll keep going."

Since then, he's completed four other icons - Theotokos and Child, i.e. Mary and Baby Jesus; Christ the Good Shepherd; an interpretation of the Holy Cross; and a guardian angel.

"Each one I do now has a little more to it. They're time consuming. But it's rewarding," said Dunn, who, in addition to painting icons, does wildlife art.

Long process

The process of completing an icon is quite painstaking. Dunn estimates he spends roughly 40 to 50 hours on each one.

The hardwood boards he works on come from Eastern Europe. They're coated with several layers of rabbit hide glue, then a piece of linen is stretched over them. Then comes more glue, then eight to 10 coats of white gesso.

To get the pattern of the icon on the board, Dunn uses carbon paper. "It looks almost like a coloring book page," he said.

He etches lines into the gesso with a red clay mixture. When the clay is applied for the halo, he lets it dry, then sands it, then burnishes it with a smooth stone or burnishing tool. Real gold, warmed with Dunn's breath, is applied to the halo.

Once the halo is complete, Dunn uses an egg tempera to paint several layers of "floats" over the icon that give it depth and dimension.

He adds highlights, then another float to make the icon more translucent. The framing around the icon achieves its marble-like look through a process called puddling.

The final touch is an oil-based coating applied to protect the icon.

"And you can't sign it. Because Nina says that when you're doing an icon, you're not doing it, God is doing it," Dunn said. "So, you can't take credit for it."

Dunn has had the icons appraised at around $700 each, but he has no plans to sell them.

He said his stepson literally had tears coming down his cheeks the first time he saw one.

"He said, 'Pops, could I have that?' I said, 'Well, I'll mark on the back that you're to get it when I go toes up,'" Dunn said with a laugh.

Dunn's friend, Charlie Warholak, found himself struck by the icons during a recent visit to Dunn's home.

"I said, 'Oh my goodness, this is art. This is really neat,' " said Warholak, who also attends St. Michael. "Wes doesn't really let on that he does this stuff."

Early art interest

A West Scranton native, Dunn spent most of his childhood in Clarks Summit, and it was then that he first developed a love for drawing and art.

While serving with the Army in West Germany at the end of the Korean War, he did pencil and charcoal sketches for his buddies that they would send home as presents for their wives and girlfriends.

"And I didn't charge them for it. It was just for the fun of doing it," Dunn said. "It gave me a chance to practice."

Upon leaving the service, Dunn had several jobs before landing in law enforcement. He served as South Abington Township's police chief from 1965-91, and as Clarks Summit's chief from 1991-94. His career came to an end when he slipped on some ice and broke his back.

"I loved (being a cop). And I was good at it," he said. "It's the variety of not knowing what's going to come next, and trying to be smarter than the average bear.

"I still have people who I see on the street tell me, 'Boy, do we miss you.' "

He never abandoned his artistic pursuits. To supplement his income during those years, Dunn painted signs, designed logos and hand-lettered vehicles, including South Abington's first two patrol cars.

After leaving law enforcement, Dunn served as mayor of Clarks Summit for a couple of years, then worked as an aide to former U.S. Rep. Chris Carney. He also became a licensed auctioneer, and estimates he helped local charities raise several hundred thousand dollars over the years.

Today, he keeps plenty busy through daily crossword puzzles, exercising and, of course, his art.

"You have to challenge the mind," he said. "It keeps you young."

Women strength training classes

SUNBURY - Penn State Extension, in collaboration with researchers at Tufts University, will offer strength training and nutrition classes at the extension office, 443 Plum Creek Road.

The class runs from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Jan. 21 to April 10. Gail Tobin is the instructor. A free informational session will be held from 4:15 to 5 p.m. today.

The class is designed for women 40 years and older who have been active or relatively sedentary for the past few years and are interested in improving their health, vitality and well-being.

Strength training offers physical, mental and emotions benefits, including increased strength, improved bone density, reduced risk for osteoporosis and related fractures, reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression and obesity, improved self-confidence and sleep and improved balance.

To register, go to http://extension/psu.edu/strongwomen/events or call 570-988-3950 or 800-851-9710. Cost is $75 for the 12-week session.

SVC auditions set for Tuesday

LEWISBURG - The Susquehanna Valley Chorale (SVC) will host Spring Session auditions for adult singers from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 42 S. 4th St.

The Chorale welcomes new singers twice every season through auditions in mid-January and late August. This spring's auditions will be a bit more rigorous than they have in years past according to SVC Music Director and Conductor, Dr. William Payn.

"Singers auditioning should be prepared to sing a selection of their choice and demonstrate knowledge of a musical score," said Payn. The audition piece should be a test of the performer's range and their understanding of intricate works. hymns, the National Anthem and/or pop songs will not be accepted.

"Any of the arias in Handel's Messiah would be excellent examples of the type of pieces we'd like to hear during this round of auditions," Payn added, "Also Italian arias, French songs or German lieders would work well." For more info on accepted musical works, please, please visit the "Singer Info" page on the SVC website at SVCMusic.org.

There is no appointment necessary and auditions are open to the public. Singers who are accepted into the chorale should be prepared to stay after the auditions for rehearsal from 7 to 9 p.m. Throughout the season, each chorale singer will be responsible for purchasing his or her own music scores for concerts and required to pay membership dues $55, which covers membership for the season from July 1 to June 30. Two complimentary tickets, dresses for women and folders will be provided. For more information, call 570-547-0455.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, board games, puzzles and movie, 8:30 a.m.; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m., Shamokin high students giving computer lessons, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; lunch at Harry's, 11:30 to 1 p.m.; bridge, noon; first week of chronic disease six-week workshop conducted by Family Medical, noon to 2:30 p.m. You must attend all of the workshops to get credit for the course. Healthy refreshments will be served.

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

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; Tara Venna, RN speaking on "Winter Health and Safety," noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Shamokin-Coal Township Senior Action Center dues are now due. Cost of dues is $8 for the year, up $1 from last year. You can come in any weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or send a check or money order with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a membership card will be mailed to you.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Chit chat, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag toss, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - CSFP (food box pick-up, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.; unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Coffee and gab, 10 a.m.; exercise and games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.; culinary arts luncheon at Herndon center, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cup of coffee, 9 a.m.; VNA free blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; favorite game show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Chit chat, 10 a.m.; Jeopardy game, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Puzzles and knitting in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Knitting, find-a-word and jigsaw puzzles in the morning; commodity food pickup, 10 a.m.; cards, noon; Bible study, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii, knitting, bean bag and puzzles in the morning; movie "A Day in the Life" after lunch; LCR after movie.

Thursday - Wii competition between members, 10 a.m.; alphabet game after lunch; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii, knitting, puzzles and bean bag in the morning; vision screening by Janet Pawling from Central Susquehanna Sight Services checking visual acuity, color perception, depth perception and peripheral vision, cost $1, noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 6 will be the center's first trip to the NCCTC cosmetology department. Anyone interested can call the center at 570-373-1112 for more information.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Talk about "Frostbite" with Rose, 10:30 a.m.; Wah Hoo Chickenfoot game, noon.

Tuesday - Exercise with Carol, 9:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Wednesday - January birthday celebration, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Coffee and snack, 9 a.m.; carpooling for lunch at a restaurant, 11 a.m.

Friday - Center open for pizza and salad party, 11:30 a.m.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; speak from LIFE-Geisinger on "Memory Loss," 11 a.m.; bingo, noon; center birthday party, noon.

Thursday - Trip to the Country Cupboard.

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

There will be a special pizza and movie event at the center on Tuesday, Jan. 21. If interested, sign up at the center.

Trevorton

Monday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; games; Wii games, noon.

Tuesday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Beanbag toss, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; Herndon SAC culinary luncheon, for those that have signed up.

Thursday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; mahjong, 12:30 a.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; dairy princess, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; members' birthday party, 5 p.m.

The following landlord/tenant claims and judgments were filed in magisterial district court:

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Apartments and Acquisitions against Robert and Melissa Zimmerman, all of Mount Carmel, for $4,225, filed Jan. 10. Hearing scheduled for Jan. 22.

Michael Ramos, of Neptune, N.J., awarded $686.52 on Jan. 2 from Jaime and Mandy Stine, of Mount Carmel, for unpaid rent and court costs.

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Apartments and Acquisitions, of Mount Carmel, against James A. Hockenberry and Lisa N. Zellman, for $2,163, filed Jan. 10. Hearing scheduled for Jan. 27.

Sara Radomski against John Seedor, both of Shamokin, for $765, filed Jan. 9. Hearing scheduled for Jan. 23.

Shamokin Housing Authority against Raquel Stringler-Ruiz, both of Shamokin, for $60, filed Jan. 7. Hearing scheduled for Jan. 16.

Sara Radomski against Jaime Dorothy Gledhill and Timothy William Piper, all of Shamokin, for $1,625, filed Jan. 7. Hearing scheduled for Jan. 16.

Shamokin Properties, of Danville, awarded $1,408.65 on Jan. 9 from Lynda Bojanic, of Shamokin, for unpaid rent and court costs.

Shamokin Housing Authority, of Shamokin, awarded $821.65 on Jan. 6 from Michael Alderson, of Shamokin, for unpaid rent and court costs.

SHAMOKIN - The city's code officer has asked that council members amend the landlord-tenant ordinance to allow for inspections of rental properties.

Rick Bozza has been advocating for such a provision since at least spring 2012. The first reading of an inspection amendment was adopted by city council in January 2013.

Rather than on an annual basis, the proposal called for inspections whenever occupancy turned over, be it 10 months or 10 years. A passing grade would have been necessary for the rental unit to be offered to a new tenant. The base cost of the inspections was proposed at $50.

It was met with both resistance and acceptance of city landlords who spoke at a public meeting. Supporters said it would protect landlords and tenants in the event of damages, and also ensure properties were maintained. Opponents believed the costs to be a cash grab and that the inspections unfairly targeted only landlords and not all property owners.

A vote on a second and final reading amending the landlord-tenant ordinance never came to pass and the topic disappeared from council's public meetings.

Bozza continued to mull over the benefits of such an amendment. With city leadership having changed with the new year, he has again proposed it be adopted. He said he has an inspection checklist completed that is tailored to the requirements of the International Property Maintenance Code, and licenses have long ago been printed.

He'll share his original proposal with new solicitor Frank Konopka, who he hopes will review it to close any potential loopholes. After that, he said all that needs to be done is for the new city council to review it themselves and adopt it.

"I would like to get this up and running ASAP, not only for the revenue but there's a lot of issues with these landlords that needs to stop," Bozza told council members during a workshop session on Wednesday. "I can't do it without some kind of special process to get in these buildings."

The existing landlord-tenant ordinance requires that landlords register rental units at $25 each annually. They must also register the names of tenants at City Hall and update that list with each turnover.

In January 2013, Bozza said there were 210 landlords and 760 units registered, although he suspected there were many more under the radar.