ELYSBURG - Arms stretched above her head, Fallon Hakobyan screeched and yelled in delight as she was spun round and round on the Paratrooper ride Saturday at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

"This is my favorite ride," the 7-year-old Mount Carmel girl screamed as she kicked her legs, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with her grandmother, Donna Weikel.

She was off the Paratrooper just moments before she turned to Weikel and got ready to run. Another thrill awaited.

Hakobyan embodied a spirit shared by many kids and more than a few adults at Knoebels Saturday, the park's opening day. Mostly dormant since last fall, Knoebels awakened with all the familiar sights, sounds and smells that have made it a destination for families near and far during the past 88 years.

"Can we get on that one next?" she asked, pointing toward either the Tea Cups or the Tilt-A-Whirl, probably wanting to hop on both.

Had she been pointing at the Flying Turns, she would have had to temper her excitement. The queue began at the boarding area, led down a set of steps and beneath the ride. Hundreds more waited in a line wrapped out and around the large wooden structure.

By early afternoon it took an hour-and-a-half to board the one-of-a-kind bobsled coaster. That didn't bother 11-year-old Destiny Geiswite.

"Yeah, it was worth it," she said after having just exited Flying Turns. "I want to go a second time but (the line is) too long."

Flying Turns was certainly an attraction to the dozens of members of the Western New York Coaster Club and American Coaster Enthusiasts Eastern Pennsylvania who were on hand for a 12th straight opening day at Knoebels.

It was a struggle to get Flying Turns opened. Construction began in 2006, and excitement built in anticipation of its debut. A ride of its type - a wooden trough mirroring a bobsled track - hadn't been in operation since one closed at Coney Island in 1974.

Flying Turns soon seemed like an albatross as redesigns and difficulty obtaining parts led to a string of delays. It became a prominent fixture in the park, largely because of its location and the mystery surrounding its fate.

Word spread organically by mouth and online last fall, and after 7½ years, it was opened in an understated fashion during the annual Covered Bridge Festival. It's now fully operational for 2014, its first full year as an attraction.

The park's landmark roller coaster, The Phoenix, also had a long line Saturday, proving its popularity years after its debut in 1985.

And people also lined up to satisfy their appetites for fair-style food. Cesari's Pizza, Famous Fresh Cut French Fries and the soft-serve ice cream stand appeared the most popular stops in the park Saturday.

The Patio Grill was holding its own, too. Across the way beneath a picnic pavilion sat a group of mothers and daughters, 23 in all camping together in a pair of cabins. Members of Girl Scout Troop 5372 from Havertown dressed in yellow T-shirts that said "Keep Calm and Camp Knoebels." While it was their first trip to the park as a group, for some it was a welcome return to a favorite place.

"We've come every year for years," said Michelle Anderson.

"I think it's great. I wish we'd been coming here for years," Sue Cunningham said of her first visit, wishing she would have been able to bring her two teenage children when they were kids. Her 10-year-old daughter, Marissa, was with her on the trip.

BURNSIDE - Attendance was lower than expected at a trail ride held Saturday at the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) to benefit first responders in Shamokin and Coal and Zerbe townships, event organizers said.

Anthracite Trail Riders (ATR), a local ATV (all-terrain vehicle) organization, was asked by the AOAA authority to organize an event to offset some of the cost of emergency apparatus and equipment needed to respond to the mountainous areas when incidents occur. ATR, formed in July 2013, has 415 members.

Mary Ellen Dilliplane, ATR treasurer, said 154 drivers, 23 passengers and 17 children registered for the event. Hopes were that several hundred people would attend the inaugural event.

"It's a little lower than we thought," Dilliplane said. "Heavy rain in New Jersey and New York may have lowered attendance."

Dilliplane said about three-fourths of the riders were from neighboring states. ATVs, UTVs (utility terrain vehicles), dirt bikes and full-size vehicles were permitted to ride marked trails on either side of Route 125 south of Burnside. Organizers accepted donations of $20 per driver, $20 per passenger and $10 for anyone 12 years and younger. Proceeds will be divided equally in donations to the three municipalities.

Amusement tax

Paying for emergency responders at the AOAA has been an area of concern for some Coal Township elected officials. Commissioners Craig Fetterman, Paul Leshinskie and George Zalar voted earlier this month to direct Solicitor Vincent Rovito to draft a proposed amendment to the amusement tax ordinance that would tax the AOAA. Commissioners Gene Welsh and Bernie Rumberger were opposed.

Leshinskie previously said he believes a tax on the AOAA would ease the fiscal burden of township residents for the potential costs for emergency services at the AOAA.

Reading Anthracite has sold permits to off-roaders to ride on its privately owned land for several years. Coal Township considered taxing the company before a compromise was reached. Reading Anthracite will now donate $5,000 annually over five years. The first donation was made in September.

Jim Backes, chairman of the AOAA Authority, asked the commissioners for time to get the park up and running before finalizing any tax on the AOAA. He said after this season and next season, the authority will have established a fiscal history to base estimated revenues and expenses, including potential donations to Coal Township and other municipal entities.

AOAA opening

The park opens for business to the public Saturday,May 17. The park hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18. It has not been decided yet if riders will be allowed on both side of the park. The opening will be limited to motorized recreation.

Backes said 80 intersections on the eastern reserve are marked by odd numbers, while the western reserve will eventually be marked with even numbers, in anticipation of the opening. Higher numbers will correspond to trails farther away from the trail head. Maps measuring 8-by-14 inches will be distributed to riders.

A ribbon-cutting, expected to be attended by authority members, a Jeep club and dignitaries, will be held May 16.

Marriage licenses

Michael Joseph Ohalloran Jr. to Tabitha Rose Davy, both of 156 Linden St., Sunbury. Issued April 24.

Matthew Lee Barnes to Aarath Jen Selvinkumar, both of 7660 Fairbanks Court, Hanover, Md. Issued April 24.

Kyle Wesley Wolfe, of 1225 Lake Shadow Circle, Apt. 14304, Maitland, Fla., to Johanna Faith Hoover, of 124 Market St., Apt. 2W Sunbury. Issued April 24.

Justin Andrew Stelma, of Mount Carmel, to Stacie Lee Kratovich, of Marion Heights. Issued April 24.

Edward Joseph Kenenitz to Kathryn Kropp, both of 134 W. North St., Marion Heights. Issued April 24.

Ryan Shane Hays, of 553 Second St., Northumberland, to Alyssa May Jones, of 555 Second St., Northumberland. Issued April 26.

Scott Gregory Grigas Sr. to Michelle Lynn Felty, both of 36 S. Hickory St., Mount Carmel. Issued April 26.

Travis Emerson Jenkins to Kathleen Elizabeth Gilger, both of 1104 W. Lynn St., Coal Township. To be issued April 28.

Benjamin Curtis McBryan to Taylor Marie Crisman, both of 98 King St., Turbotville. To be issued April 28.

Property transfers

William J. Coleman Jr. estate, Judith A. Mock, executrix, to Mark A. and Ashley E. Green, property in Riverside, $129,900.

Linsey G. Notestine to Martha M. Campbell, property in Sunbury, $90,100.

Alice L. and Charles Stewart to Veronique Hanna, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Patrice M. McDonough, Patrice M. Farrow to Thomas Madison, property in Coal Township, $7,300.

Charles W. Peifer to Karen M. Broscious, property in Zerbe Township, $22,000.

21st Mortgage Corp, Kristina D. Thomas to Danny L. Rebuck Jr., property in East Cameron Township, $60,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau to Equity Trust Co., Roger Grattan, property in Shamokin, $1.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau to ARH Properties LLC, property in Shamokin, $1.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau to Francis Devizia, property in Shamokin, $1.

Carrie E. Rampp, Heidi Schuerger to David J. and Rebekah R. Moyer, property in Sunbury, $167,000.

Francis Devizia to Mark Benja, property in Shamokin, $3,315.

Robert W. and Leann Nance to Garry L. Dreese, property in Sunbury, $50,000.

Evelyn F. Wagner Revocable Trust Agreement, Evelyn F. Wagner Trust, Karen B. Bittner, executor and trustee, to Thomas R. Sr. and Jane L. Walk, property in Sunbury, $1.

Jonathan D.G. and Karen M. Gerardi to Jonathon D.F. Gerardi, property in Coal Township, $1.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau to Edward Alden, property in Shamokin, $420.

Patricia A. Holtzapple estate, Marjorie L. Neff, executrix, to Stephen J. and Elaine L. Shaffer, property in Sunbury, $75,000.

Dennis A. Whispell estate, Barbara M., Tina, Dennis A., Robert E. Sr., Robert E. Whispell, individually and administrator, to Jason and Hollyann Ross, property in Kulpmont, $3,000.

Robert A. and Barbara A. Hampton to Robert A., Barbara A. and Robin Lee Hampton, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Mary Ann Krakowski to Robert J. Krakowski, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Earl L. Dallabrida Jr. to William D. Henry, property in Mount Carmel Township, $30,000.

Gayle E. Kline, Gayle E. and Dennis K. McNally to Grace Independent Chapel Inc., Ralpho Township, $1.

David E. and heather M. Klacik to Heather M. Klacik, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Paul R. and Constance L. Long to Paul R. Jr. and Kevin T. Long, Karen E. Reader, Betsy A. Bucher, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Sandra L. Specht to Eric F. and Tammy A. Specht, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

Sandra L. Specht to Eric F. Specht, Wendy A. Batschlet, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

Judy Ann Updegrove, Nancy Jean Delp, Steven Ray and Glen Lee Kieffer to WKP Hickory Acres LLC, property in Washington and Jackson township, $1.

Joseph M. Snyder to Brandon M. Fisher, property in Shamokin, $50,000.

Francis Devizia to Opimus Strategies LLC, property in Coal Township, $2,175.

Phillip H. Kehler, Ronda L. Newman, Ronda L. Kehler to Ronda L. Newman, Ronda L. Kehler, property in Sunbury, $1.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC to Jason Ottmann, property in Shamokin Township, $37,000.

Patricia E. Boyle to William J. Kublic, property in Mount Carmel, $1,500.

Georgine Snyder to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., property in Coal Township, $300.

Benjamin P. and Sarah F. Hale to John J. and Roxanne E. Murdock, property in Ralpho Township, $110,000.

Susquehanna Bank to CRT Enterprises LLC, property in Marion Heights, $14,900.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Thomas J. Gross to Federal National Mortgage Association, property in Kulpmont, $1,212.85.

The state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (LCE) district office in Montoursville more than doubled the number of citations it filed in 2013 across its 11-county territory, from 64 to 130.

It's part of a statewide effort to conduct more routine inspections at bars and clubs, said Sgt. Jeffrey L. McGinness, district office commander.

"Our goal is to make sure establishments run smoothly and effectively and don't pose a burden to the community," he said.

He said his staff has increased from a few officers and one supervisor to eight officers and two supervisors.

"More people are going through the state police academy to become LCE agents and that has allowed us to increase our manpower statewide," he said. "More officers, more complaints and more activity lead to more enforcement."

The stepped-up enforcement, however, has been met with concern by local bar and club operators, several of whom referred to the LCE's actions as "nit-picking."

Jim Bush Sr., president of Atlas Fire Company, offered the example of fire companies being cited for serving non-members at "beef and brew" fundraisers. He said organizations must purchase a special occasion permit for $30 to serve non-members at such functions.

"We are all concerned about the number of citations being filed in our area, particularly against volunteer fire companies that raise money to purchase new equipment and maintain their stations so they can continue to serve the community," he said.

'Complaint-driven'

Bush helped organize three meetings with other volunteer fire company officials and club representatives to discuss their concerns. Meetings on Feb. 17 and March 10 were held at Atlas Fire Company while the third was March 25 at Brady Fire Company, Ranshaw, with state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) and his office manager, Harold Hurst, in attendance.

Bush said bar owners and club and fire company officials believe LCE officers have different interpretations of the laws they are enforcing, and that enforcement has been inconsistent.

But McGinness said it's a case of additional manpower for LCE, vigilant enforcement and the failure of clubs to adhere to their own bylaws that has caused the spike.

He noted that the number of complaints increased by 200 in 2013.

"We are a complaint-driven law enforcement agency," he said.

McGinness said more citizens are reporting complaints to the LCE, such as loud speaker violations and unruly activity that disturb their quality of life.

"People don't appreciate bar patrons yelling or breaking beer bottles in the street or minors being served by clubs," McGinness said. "We try to give them some resolve by investigating their complaints."

He said more people come forward with complaints after they read in the newspaper about a certain establishment being cited.

The district, which includes Northumberland County, received 788 complaints in 2013 compared to 589 the year before.

In addition to the large jump in citations from 2012 to 2013, LCE officers issued 153 warning letters last year compared to 108 in 2012.

LCE distributes media releases when a club or bar is cited. News-Item records show no such reports in 2010 involving Northumberland County bars or clubs, one in 2011, five in 2012 (all after September), then 20 in 2013.

Small games confusion

Bush said he recognizes that if an establishment violates the law, it is subject to fines.

"We understand that, but we are just looking for help, guidance and a little leniency," he said. "Everybody wants to comply with the laws, but the LCE is making it more difficult because they haven't clarified the laws and are very inconsistent with reporting requirements for small games of chance."

John Parry, administrator of small games of chance at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 464, Mount Carmel, agrees with Bush.

"It's a combination of the nit-picking offenses, inconsistencies with interpreting the laws and lack of information provided by the LCE to fire companies, clubs and taverns," Parry said.

Parry said the reporting procedures involving small games of chance are a "joke" and have "no sense of reality."

"It's difficult to report money from fund-raising activities because the LCE has seven different schedules for one game of chance," he said.

He said reporting procedures are being operated under an obsolete law.

Bush and Parry are attempting to set up a meeting in the near future with McGinness and officials with the small games of chance and state Department of Revenue in an attempt to clarify certain gambling and liquor laws.

Entrapment claims

Some bar owners who have been cited by the LCE believe they are being "picked on" or "targeted" by increased enforcement efforts.

A Shamokin bar owner, who preferred not to be identified, stated, "It seems to me they are justifying their existence by handing out frivolous fines, which have gone up exorbitantly over the years."

He believes the LCE uses unconstitutional techniques to entrap bar and club owners.

"It's very frustrating," he said. "We are a small town that sells beers for a buck and a quarter, but we pay the same licensing fees as big city bars that make a lot more revenue than us. I know they (LCE) have a job to do, but Pennsylvania has some of the weirdest liquor laws in the whole country. The laws need to be re-evaluated."

The bar owner, who said he's just trying to make a living, pointed out that there's been a significant reduction in the amount of bars in the community over the past 10 years.

"They (LCE) have pretty much wiped out the bar business in this town," he said. "We barely make enough money to keep the doors open and they just keep harassing us."

Len Chiu, owner of the 5 C's, 15 E. Fifth St., Mount Carmel, however, doesn't see anything wrong with the LCE cracking down on violators.

"They have rules and laws and if you follow them, you won't get in trouble," he said.

More manpower

McGinness said the significant manpower increase in the past few years allows more time to conduct additional inspections that often uncover violations. They range from after-hour sales to selling alcohol to minors or non-members, noise complaints, bookkeeping errors, failure to comply with bylaws and small games of chance violations.

The sergeant said the LCE attempts to educate bar and club operators on liquor law changes and small games of chance legislation that affect their businesses. If they fail to comply, that's when enforcement becomes necessary.

McGinness said officers inspect bars and clubs within the district at least once every three to five years.

He said charges filed against clubs or bars are brought before an administrative law judge who has the authority to impose penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses. In addition, the judge can impose a license suspension or revocation of the license based on the severity of the charge.

The judge also can mandate training for the licensee in an effort to educate them on the requirements of being a licensee.

In addition to Northumberland County, the Montoursville district office covers Clinton, Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan, Lycoming, Columbia, Montour, Union and Snyder counties.

From left, Julie Petro, Jill Swank and Sherry Murphy prepare to assemble a large piece of equipment for the new playground behind Southern Columbia Area Elementary School. In the background, a "crazy bone bridge" is being assembled at the site. The installation of the playground equipment by volunteers Saturday was the culmination of a fundraising project undertaken in the fall of 2012 by HART, the elementary parents' organization.

PHT Corporation has announced the promotion of Dr. Susan M. Dallabrida to vice president of clinical science and consulting services. PHT is the leading provider of technologies used to collect patient-driven eData for clinical research.

Dallabrida is a daughter of Karen and Don Dallabrida, of Wilburton, and a granddaughter, of Marion Wydra, of Mount Carmel. Her sisters are Jen Kindred, of Wisconsin, and Deb Kane, of Kulpmont. She has two nieces, Alexis Kane and Kami Kindred, and a nephew, Frank Kane.

"Susan is a prominent leader and scientist dedicated to increasing industry education and awareness on the advantages that electronic clinical outcome assessment systems provide to research teams, sponsors and regulators," said Philip Lee, PHT president and CEO.

PHT Corporation is the eClinical innovator leading the adoption of patient-driven mobile apps for better clinical research. The PHT electronic clinical outcome assessment (eCOA) system collects and reports secure real-time patient data from the latest mobile devices. PHT scientific, regulatory and technological expertise combined with quality outcomes data enable clients to make research decisions with confidence. Sponsors and CROs have leveraged the PHT Patient Suite in 650+ trials resulting in 16+ regulatory approvals.

Dallabrida has more than 21 years of experience as a senior scientist, consultant and director in clinical research and development, trial design and strategy and product development.

"Susan has helped clients to better leverage their investment in eCOA by providing evidence, data analysis and creative solutions that have resulted in better study designs," Lee added.

Under Dallabrida's leadership, the clinical science and consulting team is focused on three key areas: discovery and innovation, rolling out new products targeted at improved health care in key therapeutic areas including cardiovascular disease and quantitative research to support a more patient-centric approach. This research will streamline eCOA collection and use, and as such, facilitate the determination of whether a new drug or therapy has a measureable clinical benefit.

"As a scientist, my goal is to conduct research and provide evidence that demonstrates the best and most effective paths for our clients to collect the highest quality data," she explained.

Dallabrida has led cross-functional drug discovery and product development teams and collaborations in a wide range of therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular disease, hemophilia, dermatology, obesity and vascular disorders. She has significant regulatory experience in the U.S. and internationally for biologics and small molecules. She has a broad background in scientific presentations and writing with 20 publications, 14 grants, three patents, 18 awards, 35 conference presentations and 29 abstracts to her credit.

MOUNT CARMEL - Honoring those who served in the U.S. armed forces, Elks Lodge 356 will sponsor a bus trip to Washington, D.C.,Saturday, May 17.

The trip is free to all military personnel, veteran or active military, whether they served during war or peace. Preference will be given to those veterans who served during World War II or the Korean War. The trip is made possible due to a Beacon Grant through the Elks National Foundation received by Lodge 356.

The bus will leave the Elks lodge on North Oak Street at 6 p.m. After a stop in Maryland, the group will first visit the U.S. Marine Corps/Iwo Jima Memorial and then travel to Arlington National Cemetery. Next on the agenda will be a visit to the National Air and Space Museum. Finally, the bus will stop at the National Mall where the World War II, Korean War, Vietnam and other memorials are located. The group will leave Washington, D.C., at 6 p.m. and return to Mount Carmel at 9:30 p.m.

Those interested in making the trip can contact David Berezovske, veterans committee chairman, at 570-205-4814. Deadline to sign up for the trip is May 10.

Day of Prayer event at Kehler Park

SHAMOKIN - Local Christians will observe the National Day of Prayer at noon Thursday at Claude Kehler Park. Several churches will participate in this unique annual time of prayer for our nation, state, communities, churches, schools and families. The community is encouraged to attend.

The theme for 2014 is "One Voice, United in Prayer," emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men. The theme verse is Romans 15:6, "So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The mission of the National Day of Prayer Task Force is to mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.

Trail walk at Tuscarora

BARNESVILLE - Join the park naturalist on the "Spirit of Tuscarora Trail" at 12:30 p.m. May 14, 2014.

The trail is 4½ miles in length and moderate in difficulty. This trail will take you through many diverse habitats and runs along the pristine Locust Creek. Walkers will enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and the summer wildflowers. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Please meet at the upper beach parking lot.

For more information, contact Robin at 570-467-2506. Shine only.

I read this in The Republican-Herald's Days Gone By column: April 7, 1914, Herman Straub returned to Pottsville at the end of two years of working at "the greatest job the world has known," the construction of the Panama Canal.

Herman made it home just in time for Easter, celebrated on April 12 that year. Perhaps on that day, he and his wife strolled along Centre Street, participating in the Easter Parade. If by chance they did, Madam was most likely wearing a "hobbie skirt," wide at the hips and so narrow at the ankles she could only take mincing steps. Straw bonnets decorated with artificial flowers were popular that year. Perhaps she was wearing one of those, too.

Across the ocean, in Paris, women hobbled along in high heels, wearing the same ankle-pinching skirts. On their heads, they sported extravagant creations, turbans topped with erect, high-reaching plumes, hats with wide triangular brims, cloches fitted with a "Turkish veil" that covered the chin, mouth and nose in order to set off a pair of enticing eyes.

Men's fashions, on both sides of the Atlantic, remained conservative and dark. At a time when men were busy changing the world, they surely had little time to think about clothes. Some, like Straub, were off building the Panama Canal; in and around Paris, many were working in the automobile industry. At that time, Paris was the world's "Motor City," and in 1914, there were more than 600 car manufacturers in France.

One year earlier, a Frenchman driving a Peugeot had won the Indianapolis 500. Still in that year, a Frenchman was the first to fly from Europe to Africa across the Mediterranean Sea. Those triumphs were broadcast on radio beamed from the top of the Eiffel Tower or seen in newsreels projected on the silver screen of Gaumont Palace in Paris, the biggest movie theater in the world.

In 1914 change was everywhere and things were happening almost too fast, prompting the French poet Charles Peguy to write, "The world has changed more in the last 30 years than in all the time since Jesus Christ." By the end of that year, at age 41, he was dead.

On Aug. 15, 1914, the first cargo ship sailed through the Panama Canal. Two weeks earlier, on July 28, the Great War began. Between then and Nov. 11, 1918, it took the lives of 9 million soldiers. The poet Charles Peguy was among the first to fall, killed by a bullet at the Battle of Ourcq on Sept. 5, 1914.

World War I is much on my mind these days as everywhere in France as commemorations of the "Great War" are taking place. There are so many exhibits that it would take an entire year to visit them all (to get an idea of the wealth of events, consult http://centenaire.org/en). On TV, there are documentaries to watch, and once July rolls around, there will be official ceremonies galore.

Of course, these events interest me but on April 11 I had the unique experience of participating in one of these commemorations myself. I took part in an opera, a sound collage, a work of experimental music, based on what is called "verbal notation," a musical score built of words and not of notes. To participate, there is no need to play a musical instrument or to "read music" in the traditional sense. All you need to know is how to read - and to listen with heart and mind. If you possess those skills, then you can play a role.

This experimental work, "A Great War," is composed of music, sounds, images and words all belonging to the period of World War I. Its composer, Joseph Kudirka, came from the U.S. to France, where, as the guest of my university, he explained to us how to become a part of his work. We - a professional pianist, two video artists, three professors from the English department and three students from the music department - each a musician as well, listened and understood: We would be playing a creative role, improvising as we interacted with a "sound base," the composer's montage of songs, voices and gravelly silences all originating in the period of World War I.

Before our first meeting a week before the performance, we had all collected our materials. One of my colleagues chose advertisements: stimulants to keep soldiers healthy in the trenches, alcohol to keep them warm, and, as the war progresses, artificial limbs to replace those they've lost. Another chose American patents: a new and improved brassiere, a garbage disposal system, and (remember the Lusitania!) an idea for camouflaging ships at sea.

There were poems by the French poet Apollinaire and texts in Greek, Flemish and Russian I couldn't tell you anything about. There was also a ukulele rendition of "When this lousy war is over." I chose poems written in the trenches by the Italian poet Ungaretti and poems in German, wanting to "commemorate" those two languages of the war.

At rehearsals, we all sat down. Through the horns of two gramophones from the war period came a faraway, trembling voice singing "I'll take you home again Kathleen," a 1914 recording. We listened and then we spoke, reciting the words we had chosen, together, alone, in swells, accompanied at times by the piano, while behind us flashed images, not necessarily of the war, but of those times. Sometimes we sat in silence and the only sound was the hissing of white noise.

By the night of the performance, we had learned to listen to each other and to the sounds around us. And we had learned to pace ourselves to the composer's composition of sounds. Then the lights went down and for one hour, we were in the spotlight, using sound, music, image and movement, to recreate "A Great War."

And it worked. It brought home to us all, audience and performers alike, the density of time and the paradoxes of war. In 1914, during the long weeks of the First Battle of the Marne, Americans were crowding into movie theaters to watch Charlie Chaplin and the "Perils of Pauline." They were listening to the first recordings of calypso music, and blues and jazz were outpacing ragtime. America was isolationist and little did Americans imagine that a few days before Easter 1917, they too would be entering that war.

Easter 1914. I wonder if elegant Parisians strolling along the Champs Elysées had an inkling that a long and bloody world war was just around the corner.

(Honicker can be reached at honicker.republican herald@gmail.com)

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

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Thomas Urbanowicz against Sammantha Bell, both of Shamokin, for $867, filed April 25. Hearing not yet scheduled.

Michael Faux, of Montandon, against Nicole Drumheller, of Coal Township, for $1,200, filed April 25. Hearing scheduled for May 5.

T&V Partners, of Sunbury, against David Miller and Shelby L. Kopp, of Shamokin, for $1,342, filed April 24. Hearing scheduled for May 8.

Atlantic Realty Corp., Coal Township, against Tina Kuminski, of Ranshaw, for $3,767.63, filed April 24. Hearing scheduled for May 8.

Ryan Bordner, of Herndon, against Brandon Miller, of Trevorton, no amount specified, filed April 21. Hearing scheduled for May 5.

John Simeone, of Sunbury, awarded $545.10 on April 24 from Maria Hill and Ryan Kirchman, of Shamokin.

Zeus's Rentals LLC, of Northumberland, awarded $2,762.10 on April 24 from Jennifer Geesey and Michelle Martinez, of Shamokin.

Zeus's Rentals LLC, of Northumberland, awarded $4,949.60 on April 24 from Jennifer Lowry, of Shamokin.

Jamil Chaudry, of Selinsgrove, awarded $944.50 on April 21 from Crystal VanKirk, of Shamokin.

Jamil Chaudry, of Selinsgrove, awarded $764.60 on April 21 from William C. Dunkle, of Shamokin.

Brett Russell, of Sunbury, awarded $11,785.48 on April 21 from Jose Leon and Angela Baylor, of Coal Township.

Philomena R. Williams, of Valley View, against Wanda and John Reibsome, of Shamokin, dismissed without prejudice on April 21.

Conduit Estates LLC, of Shamokin, awarded $2,145.10 on April 21 from Aaron Bixler and Jenna Schickley.

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Kerry Blum, of Martins Creek, against Dennis Lupotsky, of Mount Carmel, for $1,950, filed April 21. Hearing scheduled for April 30.

Michael I. Diehl, Milton

Michael and Gloria Kalman, of Coal Township, awarded $3,913.60 on April 22 from Traci Shaw, of Shamokin.

Michael and Gloria Kalman, of Coal Township, awarded $1,986.60 on April 22 from Matt Thomas and "all other occupants."

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area Middle-High School Orchestra, under the direction of Barbara DeGaetano, will present its spring concert at 7 p.m. tonight at the high school auditorium.

The students will perform a wide variety of music styles with selections that include "March from Carmen," "The Great Steamboat Race," "Danse Macabre," "Let Me Be Your Star" from the TV series SMASH, "Overture from Nabucco" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl."

The public is cordially invited to attend this free performance. The senior high string ensemble will welcome you to its concert with music in the lobby beginning at 6:35 p.m.

150th committee to meet

SHAMOKIN - The 150th Anniversary Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Independence Fire Association, Arch and Market streets. Planning will continue for the July celebration. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

MOUNT CARMEL - Police are investigating if the brakes failed on a tractor-trailer entering the borough from the Merriam Mountain before it crashed into a four-door sedan Sunday at Sixth and Hickory streets.

A Mitsubishi Galant driven by Paul Radzai, 57, of 317 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel, was struck on its passenger side as it traveled east on Sixth Street about 4:35 p.m.

The impact sent the sedan spinning in a northwest direction. It struck a dry-rotted tree trunk and a stop sign, preventing it from smashing through a metal fence and potentially into the front porch of 250 N. Hickory St.

Radzai was confined inside the vehicle. He was helped out by emergency personnel and was conscious as he was treated on scene by paramedics. He was taken by AREA Services ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, and was still being treated in the emergency room late Sunday evening, according to a nursing supervisor.

David Davis, 25, of Baltimore, Md., was driving the Swift Transportation Co. rig north on Hickory Street. It had Sam's Club decals on its trailer. He stopped it a block away beyond Fifth Street.

Davis and an unidentified female passenger were not injured, police said.

There were no brake marks on the street, although firefighters on scene said the air smelled badly of burned brakes and transmission fluid when they first arrived. Debris including bits of glass from the Galant was found halfway down the 200 block of Hickory Street.

The front-end of the tractor-trailer sustained minor damage to its bumper and driver-side side step.

Both vehicles were towed.

Borough patrolmen Matthew Dillman and Justin Stelma investigated. Volunteers of the Mount Carmel Fire Department swept up the vehicle debris and what was left of the splintered tree trunk, and also cleaned up spilled fluids.

MOUNT CARMEL - As part of Memorial Day services, the Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans and Garfield Camp 34 of the Sons of Union Veterans will hold a gravesite memorial service at Mount Carmel Cemetery in honor and memory of Pvt. Charles Deitrich, who was a veteran of the Civil War.

Deitrich, born on a farm in Schuylkill County, was a pioneer resident of Mount Carmel Borough. He came to Mount Carmel at an early age. When the Civil War broke out, he was one of the first to enlist and, according to the Garfield Camp, was honorably discharged at the end of the conquest with a brilliant war record.

Deitrick enrolled and was mustered in as a private at Pottsville on Feb. 22, 1864. at the age of 18 in Company D of the 48th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. He left Pottsville March 14, 1864.

Deitrich participated in the following military actions in 1864-65: Annapolis, Md., until April. Rapidan Campaign from May 4 to June 12, Battles of the Wilderness from May 5 to 7, Spottsylvania from May 8 to 12, Spottsylvania C. H. from May 12 to 21, assault on the Salient on May 12, Stannard's Mills on May 21, North Anna River from May 23 to 26, line of the Pamunkey May 26 to 28, Totopotomoy from May 28 to 31, Cold Harbor from June 1 to 12, Bethesda Church from June 1 to 3, before Petersburg from June 16 to 18, siege of Petersburg June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865 and Jerusalem Plank Road from June 22 to 23, 1864.

Deitrich was present at the mine explosion in Petersburg July 30 where many coal region veterans participated. He was at Weldon Railroad from Aug. 18 to 21, Poplar Springs Church from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2. Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher's Run, Oct. 27 and 28, assault on and fall of Petersburg April 2, 1865; occupation of Petersburg April 3, march to Farmville April 3 to 9, Petersburg and City Point April 20 to 24, Alexandria April 26 to 28, grand review May 23 and duty at Washington and Alexandria until July. Deitrich was mustered out July 17, 1865.

His regiment lost 11 officers and 145 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and three officers and 142 enlisted men by disease.

After the war, he settled in Mount Carmel and married Miss Sarah Manney. They had four children. His occupation was that of a laborer. He died at his home at 234 S. Chestnut St. at 72 years of age from a weak heart. He was also been blind for his last 16 years.

Funeral services were conducted at his home by the Rev. James Daniel Kistler, pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical Church at Avenue and Hickory Street. Internment was at Mount Carmel Cemetery under the care of undertaker Ervin.

Garfield Camp 34, chartered Aug. 9, 1883 is the oldest veteran-affiliated organization in Mount Carmel. It is named for James A. Garfield. Civil War general and U.S. president. Its camp headquarters is in the Lithuanian Social Club in Mount Carmel.

SUNBURY - Two of the victims of fires set by James L. Neidlinger Jr. that destroyed several Shamokin properties lashed out at the arsonist Monday morning while urging a county judge to impose the harshest sentence possible against him under the law.

The 22-year-old Shamokin man was sentenced by Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest to 3 1/2 to 7 years in state prison on three felony counts of arson and two years of consecutive probation upon his release from prison.

He also was ordered to make approximately $77,000 in restitution and ordered to pay $300 in fines plus an assortment of costs and fees.

Several other charges were not prosecuted under a plea agreement.

"What sticks in my mind the most is this idiot standing across the street smiling, talking on a cell phone, smoking a cigarette and watching these homes engulfed in flames," said William Fennessy, son of Bettina Fennessy, whose property at 604-606 E. Sunbury St. was destroyed by fire Jan. 28, 2013.

Fennessy, who resides in Paxinos, said the fire not only destroyed his mother's home and cherished possessions, including three Bronze Stars and other war memorabilia, but also endangered the lives of neighbors and firefighters.

"This was an unnecessary cruel and senseless act," he added. "He not only sets the buildings on fire, but stands there and laughs about it."

Fennessy said his mother was in a nursing home prior to the fire.

He said it cost approximately $14,000 to raze the structure after the blaze. Fennessy, who said his mother's home was valued at approximately $20,000, said the fire also cost him an additional $6,000 in expenses, including legal fees.

Fennessy was accompanied to the sentencing by his wife, Tina.

Barbara Frazier, of Coal Township, who owned an apartment building at 608 E. Sunbury St. destroyed in the same blaze, stated, "I can't understand why someone would do something of this nature. I feel for all the victims. I was renovating the apartments when the fire occurred and I lost a lot of tools and the opportunity to rent it out for some revenue. Plus, it cost me about $10,000 to tear it down."

In addition to her expenses, Frazier said she's still paying a price mentally from the fire.

"I have nightmares about the fire. It just sticks with me," she said.

Neidlinger, who was wearing a green hoodie, sneakers and a county jail jumpsuit, remained silent while Fennessy and Frazier gave their victim impact statements to the court.

He offered no remarks of his own when asked by Wiest for comment before being sentenced.

His parents, James and Tonia Neidlinger, of Shamokin, and his aunt, Corena Reich, attended the sentencing, but reserved comment.

In addition to making $34,000 and $10,097.60 in restitution to Bettina Fennessy and Frazier, respectively, Neidlinger, who pleaded no contest to the three arson charges March 7, was ordered to provide $33,000 in restitution to fire victim Steve Bednar for a blaze that destroyed the former Hardshell Cafe and an adjacent property in the 400 block of North Shamokin Street Jan. 24, 2013.

The arsonist also was charged with intentionally setting a fire at 717 N. Shamokin St. Sept. 5, 2012.

All the charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman and Fire Investigator Raymond Siko II.

County conflicts counsel John Broda, who represented Neidlinger, requested a minimum sentence of 36 months, which was only six months less than what Wiest imposed. Broda said the sentence was on the bottom standard range for the offense.

Broda said the maximum sentence for the offenses was 20 years and/or $75,000 in fines.

Assistant district attorney Michael Toomey, who prosecuted the case, said he was hoping for a longer sentence and didn't expect the penalties for each of the three arson counts to run concurrent to each other.

Neidlinger has been incarcerated in the county jail since Jan. 29, 2013, in lieu of $250,000 cash bail. He will be transferred at a later date to a state correctional institution.

ELYSBURG - A Mount Carmel man is in serious condition after being ejected from a vehicle along Route 54 early Sunday morning.

Emergency responders identified the driver of the 3 a.m. crash as Joshua Emerick.

He reportedly lost control of the vehicle he was driving near Sleepy Hollow Road in Ralpho Township while traveling east toward Elysburg.

The car is believed to have struck trees while it spun and went off the road, stopping about 20 feet from the road.

A search of the area was conducted by firefighters from Elysburg and Overlook to make sure no one else had been riding in and possibly thrown from the car; no passengers were found. Emerick was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment.

Debris was scattered over a wide area from the point where the car left the road to where it came to a stop, including near a large Pioneer Tunnel billboard.

Ralpho Township police are investigating.

The four-door car was damaged at the front and rear and was towed from the scene.

SUNBURY - Approximately 230 students from Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties will participate in the annual Susquehanna Valley Envirothon today at Shikellamy State Park Overlook.

This annual environmental educational competition will begin at 9:15 a.m. and end with an awards presentation at 1:20 p.m. An overall team winner will be named as well as top teams from each county.

Students in ninth through 12th grades will be tested on aquatics, forestry, wildlife, soils and, a current issue, "sustainable agriculture/locally grown." A non-testing educational station will also be provided.

Individual county winners each advance to the Pennsylvania State Envirothon competition being held May 20 and 21 at Susquehanna University.

Representatives from the PA Fish Commission, PA Game Commission, Bureau of Forestry, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Bureau of State Parks will conduct the testing at each station. The PA Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation District personnel will also be assisting at the event.

The competition is sponsored by Northumberland National Bank, VFW Post 84 in Bloomsburg, Bloomsburg American Legion Post 273, Squadron Post 273 Legion Bloomsburg American Legion, SVEZ Environment, Central Susquehanna Woodland Owners Association, Roaring Creek Valley Conservation Association, Fishing Creek Watershed Association, Chillisquaque Limestone Watershed Association, R. Wintersteen Excavating, Welby Homes, Inc., PPL, JD Feaster Earthworks, Inc., Northridge Group, Inc., Middlesworth Potato chips, VFW Post 6631 in Selinsgrove, RJ Hoffman Lumber, L/B Water Service, Inc., Byerly Meats, Stackhouse & Son Well Drilling, Reichart's Mardigras, Meckley's Limestone Products, Inc., The Daily Item, Mensch Recycling, Keefer and Associates, Inc., Oakes Coffee and Bottled Water, Susquehanna Bank, Heister House Millworks, Bingaman & Son Lumber Inc., Wood Mode Inc. and the local conservation districts of Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties.

The Envirothon program is designed to heighten environmental awareness in each student, test their knowledge and understanding of natural resource issues and produce environmentally responsible adults. Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the Envirothon.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Street Department started cleaning on the streets Monday and will continue througout the week

All vehicles are required to be removed from the designated streets by the designated times. Any vehicles not removed will be ticketed.

West Side

Today - North side of Chestnut Street from Laurel to end - morning

Today - South side of Chestnut Street from Laurel to end - afternoon

Wednesday - North side of Wood Street from Laurel to end - morning

Wednesday - South side of Wood Street from Laurel to end - afternoon

Ferndale Area

Today - North side of Montgomery Street from Oak Street to Jackson Street - morning

Today - South side of Montgomery Street from Oak Street to Jackson Street - afternoon

Wednesday - North side of State Street from Oak Street to Jackson Street - morning

Wednesday - South side of State Street from Oak Street to Jackson Street - afternoon

Thursday - North side of Fern Street from Oak Street to Jackson Street - morning

Thursday - South side of Fern Street from Oak Street to Jackson Street - afternoon

Thursday - North side of Willow Street from Oak Street to Jackson Street - morning

Thursday - South side of Willow Street from Oak Street to Jackson Street - afternoon

Charismatic Mass scheduled

MOUNT CARMEL - Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 41 S. Market St., will hold a charismatic Mass with prayers for healing at 7 p.m. today.

Celebrants are the Rev. Frank Karwacki, the Rev. Tim Marcoe and Msgr. Myron Grabowski.

All are invited to come to the altar after Mass for the "laying on of hands" for healing prayers.

Yard sale planned

ELYSBURG - The Ralpho Township Business Association is sponsoring the 18th annual township-wide yard sale. The annual clean-sweep yard sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17 (rain or shine).

Yale sale patrons are encouraged to park vehicles responsibly with respect to others' property during this daylong event.

SUNBURY - Jimmy Cortelyou, of Herndon, was appointed Monday by President Judge William H. Wiest to serve as chief probation officer in Northumberland County.

Cortelyou served the past six years as a probation officer in Dauphin County, but he is no stranger to the Northumberland County court system. During his previous four-year stint in the Northumberland County probation office, he was a special deputy to the U.S. Marshal's office and a narcotics detention K-9 handler.

In Dauphin County, Cortelyou supervised sex offenders, defendants in mental health and drug cases and defendants serving house arrest.

Wiest said Cortelyou also has trained other probation officers during his career in Dauphin County.

Cortelyou was selected from among six applicants, Wiest reported.

He succeeds Michael Barvitskie, who recently accepted a position with the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole in Williamsport.

William Rossnock, who was chief juvenile probation officer for many years, was serving as interim chief probation officer prior to Cortelyou's appointment.

Cortelyou is a graduate of Line Mountain High School and Lycoming College.

Wiest said, "I'm excited to have him aboard and I believe he will work well with the existing staff."