KULPMONT - As time continues to deteriorate the former Wilson Grade School, given a second life as the borough's administrative home more than 30 years ago, municipal officials have been busy with plans for a new borough complex.

They move ahead despite concerns about a jump in property taxes needed to pay for construction and the impact that will have on an elderly population. Critics say it would be cheaper to rehabilitate the current facility along Spruce Street, but borough officials say - in the long run - construction will be cheaper.

A new 4,000-square-foot building and 5,000-square-foot maintenance garage, which could be occupied by September, will be located on Fir Street between Seventh and Eighth streets near the Holy Angels Picnic Grounds.

Councilman Stephen Motyka, a construction supervisor by trade who is overseeing the project, said Kulpmont is about a month away from having final plans reviewed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA has given the borough a $1.47 million loan guarantee for design and construction costs that will be paid back over 40 years.

Motyka is hopeful the price won't be too high.

"We are working very hard to meet our needs for less than what we were approved for," he said.

KPI Technology, which has an office in Elysburg, and Shaffer Design Associates, Gettysburg, are working on plans, and everything appears to be on schedule.

Basement eliminated

The original plan was to construct a 3,000-square-foot building in which the police department would be in the basement. To cut costs, however, the basement was eliminated and the building expanded to 4,000 square feet.

Motyka said council is hoping to further reduce the price, to about $1 million.

To help pay for the building, Kulpmont increased property taxes by 4.5 mills, or 20 percent, for 2014. Three of those extra mills will generate $37,000, enough to pay what would be a payment of $36,750 a year, or $3,062 a month, on a $1.47 million loan over 40 years. If the cost is $1 million, payments will decrease to $25,000 a year, a savings of nearly $1,000 a month at $2,083, and council members have said they could revisit the tax rate if the price tag falls.

Council also plans to save money by switching the heating system from oil to natural gas and by having more LED lighting. Estimated 2014 heating costs are $28,000 for the current building.

Too much to repair?

Council members discussed repairing the current facility, but estimated in August 2012 it would cost approximately $750,000, including $400,000 to fix roof leaks, which have already caused drywall damage to several rooms; $250,000 to repair masonry, including areas where walls are bowing and where exterior steps are cracking and falling apart; and $100,000 to revamp the heating system.

Motyka, a member of council for about two years, said those numbers were discussed before he came on board.

"I know they have talked to enough engineers about the work that those figures are pretty close," he said in responding to critics' claims that the figure is inflated. "I think the roof estimate is a little high, but I don't know what material is needed."

Member Clarence Deitrick said previously the two-story building has one thermostat that's in the meeting room, which is on the second floor, and that it has to be turned up to 90 in order to adequately heat the Kulpmont Senior Action Center, which is on the first floor.

"The heating system in the current building can't be zoned," Motyka said. "That's the reason a stairwell can have a temperature of 80 degrees and a hallway 40 degrees."

No more 'peeling'

Deitrick said architects and engineers have looked into the building numerous times and advised not to put any more money into it. Motyka used the phrase, "peeling an onion" in describing the pitfalls of undertaking renovation.

"We know what is visibly wrong," he said. "What scares me is that if you start peeling back the layers, who knows what other problems we would find."

Council President Bruno Varano said last year an engineer representing the Mount Carmel Area School District, which still owns the building, agreed with the borough engineer in offering this advice: "Go get the wrecking ball."

'Take a breath'

Resident Walter Lutz, disputes the $750,000 renovation estimate.

"Where did they come up with that number when there is no written proof of it?" he asked. "We are taking the word of a council that has shown incompetence in the past with the police debacle with insurance and the entire David Dubbs affair with the property not being cleaned up in over a year," he said in referencing borough controversies from 2013.

Resident Bob Chesney believes council members moved too quickly with little input from citizens, and suggested last fall they "take a breath" and consider options. He feels the same today, and though he recognizes council's efforts to reduce the cost of the new hall, he said, "It's still too big an amount for Kulpmont."

He cited an earlier estimate of $340,000 just to prepare the low-lying new site with a pond system to collect rainwater and runoff as enough reason to look for an option. But Motyka said the plan now is to move the building closer to the street, allowing an underground rainwater retention system that will lower the prep costs to about $100,000.

Chesney, Lutz and others have suggested the borough look for other vacant buildings that could be used. Resident Joseph Pancerella added specifics to that idea by suggesting in a recent letter to the editor that West End Fire Company, which is struggling financially, merge with East End, opening up West End's facilities for the new borough hall.

But Motyka said the letter has turned into a call to action for West End.

"When I read the letter, I went up to the fire company to join, and saw a pretty full social club and members there," he said. "They are doing pretty well up there."

Meanwhile, Lutz says the borough has contradicted itself.

"Council has repeatedly sold us on the building on how much money they are going to save the taxpayers because the new building is more efficient, but then there is a increase in taxes," he said.

Motyka is hopeful the tax rate can be lowered.

"If we have a lower cost (for construction) and see some energy savings, I would have no problem lowering the millage in future years," he said.

The average property owner will pay $35 to $40 more in 2014 based on the 4.5-mill increase.

Separate entrances

Motyka released drawings of the complex last week, with larger versions expected soon for public display.

The buildings will house administration offices, maintenance and street departments, borough vehicles, the police department, code office, mayor's office, board room, community room, food pantry, outside recycling Dumpsters and equipment, Motyka said.

The expanded police station, which would take up about one-third of the building, features an interrogation room and evidence locker, something that doesn't exist in the second-floor police station today, a classroom-sized room adjacent to council chambers. Police will also have a separate entrance at the end of the building, away from the administrative offices.

Building features

The maintenance building will have four bays, which take up most of the building, along with two offices, a break room, utility room and restroom.

A 30-space parking area that will feature trees and shrubs will separate the two buildings, and there will be covered porches at the police and administrative entrances.

Motyka noted council's has rejected the USDA architect's suggestion there be five workstations in the main office. "We only have a full-time and part-time secretary," he said at a recent council meeting. "What do we need five for?"

The USDA also notes there is no room for expansion, but Motyka said the complex will have everything the borough needs.

Motyka said contract drawings, the sketches that will be given to contractors, will be completed by mid-February and the project bid by the end of the month. Bids are scheduled to be opened at the end of March and, after review, council could award the contract and construction could start by the end of April.

The goal is to be in the complex by September, Motyka said.

Petition circulates

Meanwhile, Chesney is undeterred. He says he's collected 300 signatures on a petition to halt the project and study alternatives.

"Everyone I've talked to agreed with me and signed the petition. We all need to sit and talk a little more about it," Chesney said. "I know they don't want it to be exotic and they have been trying to cut corners, but it is still too much money for Kulpmont to absorb on an elderly and low-income tax base."

Lutz's vocal stance prompted suggestions he run for council last year, but at the time of the primary election, he didn't meet the residency requirements because he has a second home. But he plans on getting a slate of citizens together to run for council next year.

Asked if there was any way he could be in favor of a new building, Lutz said there would be one key requirement.

"If no money was borrowed."

June 1 - Lenora A. (Polinko) Lobos, 73, of Lewisburg.

June 2 - Leonard A. Dettore, of Hazleton; Carl M. Galazeski Sr., 76, of Wilmington, Del.

June 3 - Walter R. Boyer, 84, of Gowen City; Gloria E. Schrader, 85, of Elysburg.

June 4 - Gilbert L. Lupold Jr., 69, of Shamokin; Ronald "Ronnie" G. Morgan, 74, of Klingerstown.

June 5 - Charles V. Mahalik, 94, of Mount Carmel; Marcella McCoy, 82, of Ashland; Thomas J. Patrick, 45, of Coal Township.

June 6 - Albert V. Gratti, 82, of Shamokin; Lawrence A. Lentes, 83, of Ashland.

June 7 - Anna Kathryn (Zalar) Milbrand, 95, of Coal Township; Albert James G. Sidisky, 75, of Coal Township; Thomas M. Wills, 77, of Mount Carmel; Doris Mae Leonard, 82, of New Jersey.

June 8 - Richard F. Beierschmitt, 65, of Mount Carmel; Meikah Jade Hubler, 1, of Ashland; Edward C. Chervanik, 88, of Stonington.

June 9 - Martha E. "Peggy" Kahler, 88, of Trevorton Road; Bella C. Wydra, 89, of Elysburg.

June 10 - Scott R. Yeager, 61, of Aristes; Gerald W. Kramer Sr., 71, of Shamokin; Emilia M. (Wojciechowski) Dick Sawina, 91, of Coal Township.

June 11 - William O. Dutter Sr., 69, of Kulpmont; Dennis Sheriff, 62, of Coal Township; Edward F. O'Brien, 92, of Shamokin; Joseph J. Buraczeski Sr., 86, of Kulpmont; Irene M. Redd, 68, of Danville; Blanche Varano Eickemeyer, 83, formerly of Mount Carmel and Berkeley Heights, N.J.; John Alan Jefferson, 87, of Main Line in Montgomery County.

June 12 - Joseph A. Ruskuski, 79, of Bloomsburg; David Ronald Thompson, 64, of Coal Township; Stanley J. Gusick III, 55, of Kulpmont.

June 13 - (Margaret) Jane (Swank) Patton, 72, of Elysburg; Beverly M. Fetterolf, 54, of Ashland.

June 14 - Daniel Charles Stoud Sr., 69, of Coal Township; Robert F. "Bob" Bower, 91, of Elysburg.

June 15 - Patricia Anne (Yost) Kline, 75, of Sunbury; Shirley A. Merena, 51, of Sunbury; Gertrude G. Oris, 91, of Reston, Va.

June 16 - The Rev. Andre J. Meluskey, 83, of Carlisle; Alice M. Orner, 83, of Trevorton; Peter L. Birster, 47, of Locust Gap; Thomas A. Brozoskie, 82, of Melbourne, Fla.

June 17 - Rita Ann Wehr, 66, of Coal Township; Harold R. Eister, 89, of Lavelle; Ryan P. Williams, 33, of Kulpmont.

June 18 - Richard J. Ludwig Sr., 61, of Ashland; Ned P. Zeigler, 75, of Elysburg.

June 19 - Judith A. Kaufman, 72, of Gordon; Veronica Endrizzi, 88, of Coal Township.

June 20 - Louise E. "Bess" (Golden) Pasco, 78, of Coal Township.

June 21 - Clair Elmer Friday Sr., 90, of Kulpmont and formerly of Aristes; Ronald V. Troutman, 75, of Atlas; Anthony R. Zaborny, 87, of Coal Township; Geraldine "Gerry" Palewicz, 87, of Mount Carmel; Mary Ann (Kozar) Orlosky, 47, of Graham, Wash., formerly of Coal Run.

June 22 - Miriam E. Henninger, 92, of Shamokin.

June 23 - Margaret M "Sis" Ebersole, 78, of Trevorton; Edward McCord, 78, of Mount Carmel; Scott D. Fedorchick, 39, of Trevorton; Jean S. Baglin, 86, of Ashland; Richard C. Phillips, 86, of Titusville, Fla.

June 25 - Hilda J. Rothermel, 91, of Mount Carmel; Jane Blodwyn Kearney, 69, of Coal Township; Margaret A. (Kurr) Glock, 76, of Coal Township.

June 26 - Fred Klemick Jr., 83, of Shamokin; Edward W. Dersavage, 70, of Mount Carmel; Agnes M. Cox, 75, of Dornsife; Aydenn R. Bendas, infant son, of Sunbury.

June 27 - Ruth A Shiko, 94, of Coal Township; Anna I. (Homola) Bender, 87, of Lancaster.

June 28 - JoAnn T. McAndrew, 69, of Mount Carmel; Norbert F. Yuskoski, 64, of Mount Carmel.

June 29 - Robert P. Thomas, 85, of Manahawkin, N.J., formerly of Shamokin; Joseph E. Muzzy, 81, of Pittsford, N.Y.

June 30 - Charles Lee Carpenter, 68, of Paxinos; Betty June Krebs, 92, of Sunbury; Emilia M. Sawina, 91, of Coal Township; Branden W. Blodgett, 20, of Elysburg.

Dec. 2 - Christopher Powell, 25, of Coal Township, was airlifted for treatment after he jumped from a moving vehicle following an argument along Upper Road, near Gowen City.

Dec. 2 - Dr. Raymond Kraynak was sentenced to 30 days of house arrest and had his driver's license suspended for one year as part of his sentencing on a driving under the influence of alcohol conviction.

Dec. 3 - Sunbury City Police charged Miranda K. Barbour, 18, of Selinsgrove, with homicide after arresting her in the Nov. 11 death of Troy LaFerrara, 42, of Port Trevorton. Barbour told police, after turning herself in, that she was paid for female companionship after meeting men on the Internet, and stabbed LaFerrara when he allegedly groped her and grabbed her by the neck.

Dec. 3 - Northumberland County passed its $72.7 million budget for 2014 that includes a 1.5-mill tax increase to help pay for federally-mandated upgrades to the 911 system.

Dec. 4 - State Sen. John Gordner announced the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area will receive a $788,000 grant for further development from the Community Conservation Partnership Program. The Arch Street Playground, Coal Township will receive a $100,500 grant and $250,000 will go to Shamokin for the Claude Kehler Park.

Dec. 5 - Locust Township Police charged Matthew J. Sacks, 25, of Numidia, with assaulting his two-month old son, who suffered multiple fractures and bruises in October at Sacks' residence.

Dec. 6 - Sunbury City Police arrested Elyett Barbour, 22, the husband of accused murderer Miranda Barbour for his involvement in the homicide of Troy LaFerrara, of Port Trevorton. Police said that Barbour admitted he and his wife did the killing for fun and that he strangled LaFerrara while his wife stabbed him.

Dec. 7 - Letters that Gen. George S. Patton sent to Shamokin High School graduate Mary Jane Krieger in 1944 and 1945 were sold online for $54,810 through a New Hampshire-based auction house.

Dec. 10 - Melissa "Missy" Pangburn, 13, of Shamokin, died in a three-alarm fire that destroyed five row homes on South Rock Street. Investigators said Pangburn died of carbon monoxide poisoning. The blaze was caused by a discarded cigarette, and ruled accidental.

Dec. 10 - Kulpmont Borough announced a 4.5-mill property tax increase coming for residents, partially to pay bills, including a $1.47 million loan for the construction of a new borough complex.

Dec. 12 - A Northumberland County judge gave permission for the city of Shamokin to apply for an $800,000 loan for the city to pay bills due by the end of the year. To help trim a $600,000 deficit for 2014, health insurance benefits for all elected and administrative officials were eliminated.

Dec. 12 - Citing rising health care costs, Coal Township became the latest municipality to announce a tax increase, announcing that property taxes would be going up 3.5 mills and occupational taxes could go up 85 percent.

Dec. 14 - Northumberland County Prison officials were forced to shuffle around inmates after fire broke out on a prep table in the kitchen.

Dec. 16 - Residents against a large-scale animal feeding operation operating in Cleveland Township got a chance to sound off against owner Joel Knoebel during a public hearing for a renewal of his permit by the State Department of Environmental Protection. As he awaited the decision, DEP announced they were citing him for five more violations, including failure to fully pay previous civil penalties.

Dec. 19 - Mount Carmel Borough Council announced the closing of the borough's community pool and that a civil asset forfeiture would close a $81,000 hole in the budget with no tax increase planned.

Dec. 20 - Following their preliminary hearings, Miranda and Elytte Barbour, the couple accused of killing Troy LaFerrera, saw criminal homicide charges against them bound to court in Northumberland County. District Attorney Tony Rosini said he was mulling over the death penalty for the couple and must make a decision by Jan. 21.

Dec. 20 - Shamokin Police Chief Ed Griffiths that the city would experience a public safety nightmare if city council continued with its plan to cut six positions in the police department ato balance the city's budget in 2014.

Dec. 23 - Shamokin City Council chambers were filled with citizens and police officers, all supporting the police department which was facing cuts in 2014. In the end, council passed a $2.5 million spending plan that furloughed five employees, including two full-time police officers, the two special officers in the department and a street department employee.

Dec. 26 - A small plane crash near Gettysburg claimed the lives of Miranda Rose, 17, and Michael Bronzburg, 46, of Catawissa. Rose was a junior in the Southern Columbia Area School District.

Dec. 27 - It was a day for raising taxes in the area as Coal Township announced a 3.5-mill tax increase plus a change in the occupation tax assessment to help balance the budget. Northumberland County introduced a 1.5-mill tax increase to balance its $68.5 million budget.

Dec. 30 - The area was mourning the loss of former state Rep. Merle Phillips, who passed away at the age of 85. He served for 30 years in the State House of Representatives and then served as an appointed Northumberland County commissioner.

SHAMOKIN - One by one, the judges passed the small disposable plates from one person to the next, taking a soupie sample with each turn, and forming an opinion with each bite.

On the table before them, were golden trophies - three to be exact - of varying sizes with gleaming pig statuettes perched on top. They would eventually be handed to the first, second and third place winners of the inaugural Soupie Contest Saturday night at the West End Fire Company.

The six judges ranked each sample with a raise of a hand and an appropriate amount of fingers: zero for bad, five for the best.

In all, they would taste 40 samples in front of a loud, thirsty crowd of more than 100 soupie and beer lovers.

"Awesome," is the only response West End head trustee/treasurer and event organizer Jeff Thew said about the success of the night.

When he heard the Forest Hill Fire Company, Trevorton Road, would not be hosting its famous soupie contest this year, he sprung into action two weeks ago to plan Saturday's event, he said.

Registration was held from noon to 6 p.m. and judging started at 6:30 p.m.

The judging team consisted of Frank Graboski, Dave Dixson, Tommy Petrovich, Moe Kovack, Lisa Thew and Ed Griffiths, all members of the West End.

The master of ceremonies was Steven Bradley, who moderated when the munchies came out of the kitchen and when the judges were allowed to cleanse their palates.

The record keepers were Greg Wisloski and someone who identified himself only as Buddy Bob, who wrote down the scores the judges gave each soupie sample.

At the end of the samples, the top eight were rejudged.

The winners were not available Saturday night.

Next year, said Thew, the contest will also feature a Night of Champions in which the winners of this year's contest and the winners of any soupie contest ever will compete against each other.MIKE STAUGAITIS/Staff Photo

Dec. 3 - A son, Vincent Valentine Hutton, to Mark Hutton Jr. and Katrina Lopez, of Mount Carmel; a son, Riley Alexander Zigner, to Richard T. Zigner and Samantha M. Nevick, of Mount Carmel.

Dec. 6 - A son, Owen Michael Bird, to Matt Bird and Sarah Karpinski, of Danville; a daughter, Lillian Christine, to Sarah and Justin McIntyre, of Danville.

Dec. 10 - A son, Michael Ray Paul Jr., to Kimberly Wasileski and Michael Paul, of Coal Township.

Dec. 11 - Ahmanie Elise Dennison, to Kendall Dennison and Amber Wagner, of Kulpmont.

Dec. 13 - A son, Brock William, to Lisa and William Krumbine Jr., of Stonington.

Dec. 20 - A son, Jacob Charles Finn Bach, to Jonathan F. and Rebecca (Miller) Ann Bach, of Williamsport.

Dec. 29 - A daughter, Macie Elizabeth Spickler, to C. Alex and Jaimi Spickler, of Dornsife.

Dec. 30 - A daughter, Destiny Rayne Wagner, was born to Kayla Carabello and Wayne Wagner, of Shamokin.

KULPMONT - Bob Nolan is sad that no family members have been to his second cousin's grave in the Long Island National Cemetery for about two decades.

Once a military forensic lab confirms whether the remains of Sgt. John M. Nolan, of Mount Carmel, were actually buried in the New York cemetery (see separate story on Page A7), a final resting place will be established for the World War II casualty,

"To realize that one of my cousins gave his life in the greatest war ever fought, and that over a period of 20 years maybe, a Nolan hasn't been to the that gravesite is difficult," said Bob Nolan, 65, co-owner of Nolan Lumber in Kulpmont with his brother, Jim Nolan, 59.

Bob Nolan and his wife have made a promise to themselves: "We're going when he comes back," he said.

The family, which consists of no immediate relatives for John Nolan, would prefer to have the remains buried in Beaverdale where the graves of John's parents are located.

When Sgt. Nolan was killed in action, the Department of Defense was unable to separately identify his remains and those of his fellow brother-in-arms, Staff Sgt. Meceslaus Miaskiewicz, 27, of Salem, Mass.

Therefore, they were both buried in the same grave under a headstone with both their names. However, in 2011, Army researchers explored the grave of an unknown American soldier in Stubica, in what is now Bosnia, and identified the body as Miaskiewicz's.

Request for DNA

Bob Nolan received the death report of John Nolan and a request for a DNA sample in 2012.

Using the DNA kit the Department of Defense sent him, Nolan used a cotton swab to scoop out saliva from his mouth. He placed it in a protective container and shipped it back to the Army.

In a June 7, 2012, letter, the DOD confirmed it received the sample and it would be added to the family reference database.

"The request for your DNA does not imply there are recovered remains associated with your loved one. Should there be remains believed to be associated with your loved one, your service casualty officer will so advise you," the letter reads.

The new effort to positively identify Sgt. Nolan comes as Thomas Lucid, of Elysburg RD, and other members of his family work to find the remains of his uncle, Pfc. Edward Lucid, who was killed in action in Korea in 1950 and was reportedly buried by the Army in South Korea, but whose remains have never been brought home and can't be located. The Lucid story was published in the Jan. 19 edition of The News-Item.

Died in 1944

Sgt. Nolan, born Nov. 13, 1921, in Mount Carmel, to Martin and Kathryn Nolan, was a 22-year-old Army Air Forces photographer when he died aboard the "Daisy Mae" of the 367th Bomb Group on a mission to bomb the oil fields of Ploesti, Romania.

He enlisted in the United States Air Corps in Philadelphia on May 10, 1941.

He served with the 347th Bomber Squadron, 99th Bomb Group, part of the 15th Air Force, flying a B-17-G-35-DL, based in Italy. They were known as the "Mammy Yokum Squadron," as the planes all had nose art derived from the Little Abner newspaper comic strip.

The squadron first went to Italy in March 1944. On his 24th mission on May 18, 1944, Nolan was killed in action during a raid on Ploesti, Romania, when his plane, under the command of Second Lt. Herschel McClain, was brought down by anti-aircraft fire over Mostar, Yugoslavia.

Nolan, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, was originally believed to have been brought home in 1949 and buried in the cemetery in Farmingdale.

In a July 8, 1949, letter to John Nolan's mother, Kathryn, who was living in Mount Carmel at the time, the DOD informed her that individual identification of any of the remains was unsuccessful and "only a group identification of the remains is possible."

In a second letter dated July 25, 1950, the DOD said, "It is regretted that because of the fact it was impossible individually to identify the remains of your son you were deprived of the small comfort and consolation which you might have been afforded by interring his remains at home."

Nolan's parents are no longer living, and Nolan did not have any brothers, a wife or children. Nolan died in combat before Bob or Jim Nolan were born.

BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

COAL TOWNSHIP - Approximately 74 acres of hazardous, abandoned strip mine land, southwest of the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center, will soon be reclaimed.

Crews began staging heavy equipment last week on a dirt road across from the Coal Township Recycling Center, off Venn Access Road. The eastern-boundary of the project area is located just west of Venn Access Road.

Daniel Spadoni, community relations coordinator for Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), said in an email sent Friday that the project involves the backfilling and grading of 4,200 feet of highwalls that range in depth from 20 to 60 feet; and the removal of a water-filled pit and at least 11 culm piles and embankments as high as 50 feet.

In addition, crews will grade approximately 507,500-cubic-yards of on-site material, construct 2,050-cubic-yards of rock-lined ditches to convey storm water and seed the entire area with a mixture of grass, legumes and tree species.

Totaling $788,533, the contract was awarded to JBS Dirt, Inc., based in Canastota, N.Y. The project is federally funded by Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and is expected be completed by March 9, 2015.

The project will affect lands of the Fairview Gun Club; Northumberland County; City of Philadelphia; Pitreal Corporation, PPL Corporation; Sunoco Logistics; Daniel P. Moroz; Schuylkill Skyport Inn, and Northumberland County Career and Technology Center.

Spadoni explained that the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR) administers and oversees the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program in Pa. and that the bureau is responsible for resolving abandoned mine land issues, including, but not limited to, mine fires, subsidences and highwalls, in accordance with requirements established by OSM.

"Among the 28 BAMR construction contracts awarded in 2013, and so far in 2014 (two in 2014), (the project) ranks 6th, based on the contract bid amount," Spadoni said.

Spadoni said the features in the project area are ranked as high as priority two out of three, which is defined as "the protection of public health and safety from adverse effects of coal mining practices."

Spodini said the estimated cost to reclaim all priority one and two sites in Pennsylvania exceeds $1 billion.

HARRISBURG - Nearly $250,000 in state gaming funds will benefit 20 local volunteer fire and ambulance providers serving communities in the 108th Legislative District in Northumberland and Snyder counties, Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) said today.

The grants are part of the Pennsylvania Fire Company and Ambulance Service Grant Program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of Fire Commissioner within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

"This grant program allows each station to use the state funding in a way that best meets their needs," Culver said in a release. "I am pleased with how many of our area units applied to be considered for this grant program this year. The communities for which each station serves will benefit as a result."

Culver's announcement comes on the heels of 36 other fire companies in the 107th Legislative District receiving over $425,000 in funds from the same grant program, according to Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107)

As part of the grant program, recipients can use the funding to build, repair or renovate a fire company or ambulance service's primary structure; purchase or repair firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; participate in training seminars and workshops; or pay down the organization's debt.

The following fire and emergency medical services serving the 108th District were awarded the following amounts:

- Americus Hose Company, Sunbury - $13,619.31

- East Sunbury Hose Company No. 1, Sunbury - $12,767.12

- Friendship Hose Company, Sunbury - $13,458.11

- Good Will Hose Company, Inc., Sunbury - $12,972.07

- Herndon Fire Company No. 1 Inc., Herndon - $12,000

- Hickory Corners and Community Fire Company, Dalmatia - $12,000

- Lower Augusta Volunteer Fire Department, Sunbury - $12,000

- Lower Mahanoy Fire Company, Dalmatia - $12,000

- Milton Fire Department Inc., EMS, Milton - $7,091.40

- Milton Fire Department Inc., Milton - $13,458.11

- Northumberland Fire Company, No. 1, Northumberland - $12,000

- Northumberland Hook and Ladder Company, Northumberland - $12,647.24

- Point Township Fire Company, Northumberland - $12,486.03

- Potts Grove Volunteer Fire Company, Potts Grove - $12,647.24

- Rescue Hose Company No. 1, Sunbury - $13,295.29

- Southside Fire Company No. 1, Riverside - $12,647.24

- Tuckahoe Volunteer Fire Company, Northumberland - $12,161.20

- Upper Augusta Volunteer Fire Company, Sunbury - $13,619.31

- Hummels Wharf Volunteer Fire Company, Hummels Wharf - $12,647.24

- Shamokin Dam Volunteer Fire Company, No. 1 Shamokin Dam - $13,573.95.

HARRISBURG - A new push to have Pennsylvania legalize marijuana use for medical reasons focuses heavily on the potential benefit for sick children.

The issue will be in the limelight Tuesday when the Senate Law and Justice Committee holds a hearing on a bill known as the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act.

This measure would allow the use of medical marijuana by patients with a recommendation from an attending physician.

Sen. Daylin Leach, D-17, King of Prussia, a bill cosponsor, has launched a social media campaign called Meet the Kids (#MeetThePAKids) that highlights the cases of children who could benefit from prescribed use of marijuana.

Leach features photos and stories of children with epilepsy and seizure disorders on his website. He said children with these illnesses can benefit from the medicinal qualities of marijuana.

Leach urged Gov. Tom Corbett to meet with some of the families.

The governor opposes the legalization of marijuana for medicinal and recreational uses, Corbett spokesman Jay Pagni said Friday.

However, Corbett has said he's interested in seeing the results of any trials by the federal Food and Drug Administration on the effects of cannabidiol, a non-hallucinogenic compound in cannabis, added Pagni.

The bill's other sponsor, Sen. Mike Folmer, R-48, Lebanon, brings a personal perspective to the matter.

"As a cancer survivor, I believe under the guidance of a medical professional, patients should have every opportunity to combat their illness and have the liberty and ability to use cannabis as a weapon in their arsenal of treatment," said Folmer.

He suggested that medical marijuana can offer an alternative to addictive prescription drugs.

The bill drew support last week from the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, which represents registered nurses.

"SB 1182 both protects patients from prosecution when seeking the use of medicinal marijuana and protects health care providers who suggest medical marijuana to relieve intractable medical conditions or symptoms," said an association statement.

The senators carefully note their bill is the first to be introduced in the Senate with bipartisan support. But medical marijuana bills have been introduced in previous sessions without seeing much headway.

A House committee held a hearing in 2009 on a Philadelphia Democratic lawmaker's bill to provide for state licensing and inspection of "compassion" centers where marijuana could be used with a doctor's recommendation by patients suffering from HIV, AIDS, cancer and other illnesses.

That hearing drew testimony from supporters who argued that medical marijuana is a way to ease pain and suffering and opponents who voiced concerns the bill would weaken existing drug laws and make a controlled substance more available.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

COAL TOWNSHIP - Bob Spangenberg doesn't think the milkshake drinkers he served this weekend at Spangenberg's Family Drive-In are crazy for braving the frosty beverage in such low temperatures.

"They just haven't had them in three to four months. When you offer them a free one, they're anxious to get it," he said Sunday afternoon.

Thursday marked the 46th grand re-opening of the small eatery at 640 Center St., Tharptown, and the Spangenberg crew celebrated all weekend by giving out free milkshakes with their food baskets. Bob and his wife, Jean, ages 78 and 76 respectively, close the store in October and re-open in January each year to give themselves a break.

The opening weekend was "great," he said. "We were really busy considering the weather."

Temperatures were below freezing most of the weekend, and scattered snow showers provided a white coating several times.

In all, Spangenberg estimates that more than 1,000 milkshakes were provided to his customers in four days.

"It's nice to see people come out on such a cold weekend," Jean Spangenberg said.

The most popular flavor milkshakes are chocolate and vanilla follow closely by strawberry and peanut butter, Bob Spangenberg said.

The shakes were served with the chicken, cheesesteak, ham hoagie, shrimp, captain's fish or club sandwich baskets, he said.

In 2012, Bob and Jean took ownership back from their grandson, Tim Reuter, after 10 years of retirement.

Citing boredom, Bob Spangenberg said he wouldn't know what to do with himself if he wasn't running the business.

Plus, he said, he likes talking to customers and watching his employees grow from their first job to furthering their career goals.

The drive-in will continue to be open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. They offer a wide variety of ice cream treats including Flavor Blasts, milkshakes, floats, sundaes and more than 30 flavors of soft serve ice cream.

They also have a full lunch and dinner menu including sandwiches, pizza, chicken, salads and specialty items.

For a minimum purchase, customers can also have their treats delivered free.

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

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Harvey Green, of Kulpmont, against Curt and Maria Lahr, of Coal Township, for $1,840, filed Jan. 23. A hearing is scheduled Feb. 6.

Sara Radomski, of Shamokin, against John Seedor, of Shamokin, for $765, filed Jan. 9. A hearing was continued to Feb. 3.

Apartments and Acquisitions, of Mount Carmel, against James A. Hockenberry and Lisa N. Zellman, both of Shamokin, for $2,163, filed Jan. 10. A hearing was continued to Feb. 10.

Michael R. Kaleta, of Mount Carmel, against Rex Hepner, of Shamokin, for $825, filed Jan. 14. A hearing was continued to Feb. 3.

Northeast Apartments, of Mount Carmel, against Stan Levi, of Coal Township, for $2,255, filed Jan. 14. A hearing was continued to Feb. 10.

Northeast Apartments, of Mount Carmel, against Lewis Harrington, of Coal Township, for $3,175, filed Jan. 13. A hearing was continued to Feb. 6.

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Kent A. Knon, of Hegins, against Lori A. Knopp, of Mount Carmel, for $4,187.47, filed Jan. 24. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 5.

Costello Realty Inc., of Mount Carmel, against Jody Bowers, of Mount Carmel, for $724, filed Jan. 21. A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 29.

Apartments and Acquisitions, of Mount Carmel, against Robert and Melissa Zimmerman, of Mount Carmel, for $4,225, filed Jan. 10. A hearing was continued to Feb. 5.

Joe Gushen, of Mount Carmel, against Debra Campbell, Melissa Cromwell and Crystal Mann, all of Mount Carmel, for $2,450, filed Jan. 14. A hearing was continued to Feb. 5.

MAHANOY TOWNSHIP - Two Mahanoy City people died from injuries they suffered Friday in a head-on crash on the Frackville-Morea Highway in Mahanoy Township.

The crash occurred just before 4 p.m. in a straight area of the highway about a mile east of the entrance to the SCI-Mahanoy prison.

Two people inside one of the vehicles were killed.

The driver, identified as Daniel Jackson, 51, of Mahanoy City, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene at 4 p.m. by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky, Mahanoy City.

A female front seat passenger, Robin Capone, 52, also of Mahanoy City, was partially ejected and taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. She was pronounced dead there by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Gayle Newton.

A backseat passenger in the car was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, while the driver of the second vehicle was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street, both for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening.

State police at Frackville are investigating the crash and said it occurred as Jackson was driving east, toward Mahanoy City, when his car crashed head-on into the oncoming vehicle.

Police had no additional information on the crash Friday night.

Mahanoy City firefighters and EMS assisted at the scene along with Shenandoah ALS.

Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Andrew Szczyglak was also at the scene to assist.

A section of the Frackville-Morea Highway was closed for a short time while police investigated the crash and the vehicles and debris were removed.

WILLIAMSPORT - An online fund raising event that raised over $834,900 for nonprofit organizations in a six-county area last year will return bigger and better in 2014.

The First Community Foundation Partnership (FCFP) of Pennsylvania will once again present its Raise The Region campaign as a two-day event this year, starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 and ending at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 13.

The event is being conducted by the Williamsport organization, in partnership with the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, who donated $125,000 which will be used to stretch every donation made to pre-registered organizations.

"The Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships are proud to be a part of this regional fund raiser for the second year," Adam Alexander said in a news release. "Raise the Region gives us the opportunity to support a variety of local nonprofits by providing a percentage match on gifts."

"We are excited to host this regional event that aligns closely with the mission of the foundation and the work of our grant making and fund raising efforts," said Erin Ruhl, FCFP director of community relations.

Additional monetary prizes and incentives will be awarded to organizations throughout the event.

Glenn Smith, FCFP director of strategic philanthropy, said that as of Friday morning, 80 organizations have signed up.

"The best part about the event is that there is no limit," Smith said, "Once an organization is registered, its up to them to get to work to drum up support for their cause. It not only helps organizations raise funds, but gives them the opportunity to raise awareness for their organization and cause."

Last year, two local organizations, Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc. and the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities, participated. CSO, Inc. raised $9,391 during in 2013, while The Arts Council raised $4,205 in donations, but also earned a $1,000 incentive prize in a random drawing.

Participation is open to all 501c3 organizations serving residents in Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties. Beginning at 6 p.m. March 12, the public is encouraged to visit www.raisetheregion.org and donate to the participating organizations. Donations, a minimum of $25, received will be stretched by the matching contribution from the Alexander dealerships and qualify them or monetary prizes. All gifts are tax deductible. All donations will be paid to the chosen charity net of credit card transaction and processing fees, estimated at 2.99 percent each, and a two percent gift to the Community Foundation to provide for the costs of the match day event and support the mission of the organization.

"Raise the Region provides FCFP the opportunity to show the benefits of working as a regional community foundation focused on strengthening area nonprofits through collaboration and leadership," Ruhl said. "Raising awareness for the many great nonprofits across the region and increasing the sense of community among donors across county lines are our primary goals."

For more information about registering to be a participant, visit http://raisetheregion.com/application.

SUNBURY - A former Mount Carmel Township police officer accused of threatening to kill himself and his family in July won't spend any time in jail for the incident.

Shane Joseph Geary, 29, of South Chestnut Street, Mount Carmel, pleaded no contest Monday to recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct before Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest. He was sentenced to one year supervised probation and ordered to pay fines totaling $350 plus costs and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

Multiple additional charges, including terroristic threats, were withdrawn under the plea agreement.

By pleading no contest, Geary is not admitting nor denying guilty, but acknowledges enough evidence exists that could result in him being found guilty at a trial.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey said the defendant's father, Don Geary, one of the victims in the case, agreed to the probation sentence.

Prior to imposing sentence, Wiest told Geary he is fortunate his family recommended a lighter sentence despite the seriousness of the charges.

Geary, who was represented by county public defender Paige Rosini, was charged by Mount Carmel Township police with fighting and threatening the lives of himself and his family, including his mother and father, Don and Ann Marie Geary, while at their house in Shady Acres in the early morning hours of July 7.

His father told police Geary was highly intoxicated at the time, and that he threatened to get a gun before storming out of the house. The family locked the doors and called 9-1-1. Geary was found a short time later hiding in bushes near the home.

Don Geary is a retired police chief of Mount Carmel Township, where Shane Geary had once been a police officer.

THARPTOWN - Local organizers of a visit by the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall later this year continue to seek help from local businesses and residents.

Advertising is sought to help pay for a program. Ads cost $25 for a quarter page, $50 for a half page and $100 for a full page. Each visitor to the wall will receive a program.

To schedule an ad, call 570-648-3181 by April 1.

The wall will be at the playground/soccer field complex in Tharptown May 29 to June 2. It is a half-size replica of the Washington, D.C., Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Two moving walls travel the nation from April through November, spending about a week at each site.

Also, local organizers recently announced that shuttle buses will be provided for those from the Shamokin and Coal Township areas wishing to visit the wall. More details will be provided closer to the date.

Volunteers are still be sought to stand as honor guards at the wall for one hour. Guards will be at the wall 24 hours a day. Call Sol Bidding at 570-274-5298 for more information.

SHAMOKIN - A local judge was released from a hospital Sunday and was expected to be back on the job today.

Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, who had been hospitalized since Jan. 21, said Monday afternoon that he would be available to sign criminal complaints and other legal documents, but would not conduct any preliminary hearings until next week.

Approximately 30 criminal hearings and other legal proceedings had to be postponed since Gembic was hospitalized.

Gembic did not specify what he was hospitalized for, but said it was due to recurring medical problems. The judge also did not reveal where he was hospitalized.

Northumberland County Court Administrator Brandy Yasenchak said she was aware Gembic had been hospitalized, but was informed Monday by a friend of the judge that he was planning to return to work today. Yasenchak said Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel was assigned to handle arraignments and other emergency legal matters in Gembic's absence.

In late August, Gembic was hospitalized at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville with kidney-related problems that required surgery and he was unable to return to work until the middle of September.

TREVORTON - The Line Mountain School District will hold kindergarten registration for the 2014-2015 school year from 9 a.m .to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, at the Line Mountain Elementary School.

Registration will be by appointment only. Students must be five years old prior to Sept. 1. A parent must accompany children registering for kindergarten in order to participate in the screening tests.

The school district recognizes that prospective kindergarten students come with a variety of experiences and different stages of development and growth. For these reasons, a series of assessment tools have been developed for use at registration.

The purpose of these assessments is not to determine academic progress or intelligence levels. Instead, they will provide educators with clear developmental levels and critical information to begin planning to meet the educational needs of the student.

To enroll a student, parents wil need to bring their child's birth certificate, social security number and immunization records. If the child does not have his or her birth certificate. a parent or guardian may present a baptismal certificate or transcript of the record of baptism duly certified and showing the date of birth. Custody papers pertaining to a child also should be presented at this time.

Proof of residency will be required.

Pennsylvania law requires the following immunizations to be completed before a student can be admitted to school:

- Four to five doses of DPT vaccine, the last dose being on or after the fourth birthday (DT vaccine is accepted if allergic to pertussis vaccine);

- Three property spaced doses of the polio vaccine (fourth dose strongly advised);

- Two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first being on or after the first birthday;

- Three properly spaced doses of the hepatitis B vaccine;

- Two properly spaced doses of the varicella vaccine, the first being on or after the first birthday or history of disease.

Parents should call the Line Mountain Elementary office at 570-797-3825 to schedule an appointment for registration.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police are investigating claims that donations raised online following a deadly fire in Shamokin were never turned over to the victims.

Victoria Fortune, 25, of 1625 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, launched a fundraising campaign on the crowdfunding website gofundme.com Dec. 10, the day Missy Pangburn, 13, died in her bedroom at 5 S. Rock St.

The fire destroyed her family's home and four neighboring homes.

According to Pangburn's stepfather, Joseph "Wes" Vecchio, Fortune used the tragedy to raise money, but never gave any to the victims.

Coal Township Detective Jeffrey Brennan asks that anyone who made a donation to the fire victims through gofundme.com to contact him at 570-644-0333. He issued a press release Monday about the investigation, but Fortune is not named in it. He would not comment of whether or not she is a suspect.

Fortune closed the online account and the Web page was deleted. However, a cached version can be viewed through a Google search. It asks for donations for Pangburn's family and the other fire victims. The page shows $705 was raised by 21 donors as of Jan. 19. Some gave $20 or $25. At least one person gave $100.

Vecchio told The News-Item for a story published Saturday that Fortune visited the family shortly after the fire and said she'd do what she could to help. That never happened, he said, and Fortune has since blocked Pangburn's mother, Barbara Wiley, on Facebook after being confronted about the fundraiser.

Fortune denied any wrongdoing in an interview last week, but could not explain where the money went. She pledged to repay the family.

Vecchio said he's not concerned about not receiving the money, rather, he is upset because he believes Fortune deceived donors and benefited from the death of his stepdaughter.

He initially contacted Shamokin police about the allegations. That department forwarded the case to neighboring Coal Township, Brennan said.

Vecchio said Monday he's glad the police are investigating.

"I just don't want her to do this again to another family. No one really know how many people she's done this to," said Vecchio. He said he and Wiley are ready to be "100 percent cooperative" with police during the investigation.

I hope it never happens to anyone else," Wiley said.

Vecchio said the family isn't interested in the money; they want to see Fortune held accountable if police determine a crime has been committed.

"She didn't rob us, she robbed Missy," Vecchio said. "We're not resting until she serves one way or another."

When reached by phone Monday, Fortune said police had contacted her but reserved further comment.

SUNBURY - A Gordon man charged with having indecent contact with a 7-year-old girl in Elysburg in December 2012 pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanors of indecent assault and indecent exposure.

Christopher Michael Turofski, 19, of Gordon Street, will be sentenced within 90 days by Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest after entering the plea.

Turofski also was ordered to undergo a sexual offenders assessment evaluation.

A felony offense of corruption of minors will not be prosecuted.

The defendant was represented by county public defender Paige Rosini. First assistant district attorney Ann Targonski represented the commonwealth.

Turofski is charged by Ralpho Township Cpl. Bryon Chowka with kneeling over the head of a 7-year-old girl and exposing his genitals as she was sleeping in a relative's home on Shamokin Avenue.

Police said Turofski, during an interview with a state trooper Aug. 13, admitted committing the act.

The misdemeanors each carry a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine. The felony offense carries a maximum penalty of seven years incarceration and/or $15,000 fine.

The defendant was committed to Northumberland County Prison after previously being incarcerated at Schuylkill County Prison in Pottsville on similar charges filed by Butler Township police relating to incidents at a Gordon home between Jan. 1 and July 2, 2013. Police said the victims were 12 and 8 years of age at the time. The 8-year-old victim is the same girl Turofski is accused of indecently assaulting in Ralpho Township.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Multiple charges have been filed against a Shamokin man who was found in possession of Spice after fleeing from police and striking a parked car in the west end of the township Sunday.

Kenneth Sampsell Jr., 18, of 135 Birch St., was charged by Patrolman Matthew Henrich with fleeing and eluding police, possession of Spice, three stop sign violations and reckless driving relating to a chase that started at Cedar and Pine streets at 8:42 p.m. Sunday.

Henrich said he spotted Sampsell travel through a stop sign and head east on Pine Street. Henrich, who activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop Sampsell, said the driver then turned left onto Poplar Street before making a right onto Gowen Street.

Sampsell failed to halt for a stop sign at Gowen and Maple streets before traveling faster in an attempt to elude the officer, police said.

Henrich said he briefly lost sight of the vehicle operated by Sampsell on a small hill at Oak and Gowen streets before he noticed the vehicle stopped at the intersection of Owl and Gowen streets, where Sampsell exited and surrendered to Henrich by laying on the ground.

When asked by the officer why he fled from police, Sampsell said he was scared and knew he was in trouble.

Sampsell then pulled two white bags of Spice from the right pocket of his hoodie and handed them to Henrich.

Police said Sampsell admitted losing control of his vehicle while it crested a hill at Oak and Gowen streets and hit a parked vehicle, rendering his vehicle inoperable and causing damage to the other vehicle.

The defendant told Henrich he smoked Spice about 90 minutes before the chase. Henrich said Sampsell passed various field sobriety tests.

Sampsell was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Michael Diehl of Milton and released on his own recognizance.