One of three Mount Carmel Area Odyssey of the Mind teams competing at states qualified to go to the World Competition. The team coached by Margaret Barnhardt and Jamie Weissinger will compete at Iowa State University May 28 through May 31 in the World competition. The team is currently raising money to fund their trip.

The are selling OIP takeout tickets redeemable for pizza or hoagies at the Mount Carmel OIP only, and will also be selling food and drinks at the elementary school track and field day Monday through Wednesday.

A Brewsers SportsGrille fundraiser is set for Thursday.

On Saturday, the team will host a car wash at Advanced Auto in Coal Township from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a tag day at Boyers Food Markets, Mount Carmel.

Donations are welcome and can be mailed to Mount Carmel Area School District, 600 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel. Checks can be made payable to MCA Special Programs.

SHAMOKIN DAM - On May 1 the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed their new president and CEO, Robert Garrett.

Garrett moved to the Central Susquehanna Valley in 1980 to become the graphic arts instructor at the SUN Area Vocational Technical School. He grew up in Chester County and graduated from the Thaddeus Stevens State School of Technology and received his vocational teaching certification from Penn State University.

Garrett served as director of the Union County Economic Development Council and as the interim director of the Union County Planning Commission. In 1994, he went to work for Congressman Tom Ridge and then joined PennDOT when the congressman became our governor. He wrapped up his work with PennDOT last August and was instrumental in supporting the broad-based coalition that was successful in passing the transportation revenue enhancement legislation, now known as "Act 89 of 2013-A Decade of Investment."

Garrett is the former mayor of New Berlin and previously served as the chairman of the chamber's transportation committee. He served as president of the Route 15 Coalition, helped to start Leadership Susquehanna Valley and was instrumental in the formation of the Susquehanna Valley Visitor's Bureau. His economic development successes include the siting of the Allenwood Federal Correctional Complex and the expansion of the "QE Manufacturing family of businesses."

Garrett will work closely with the chamber's board of directors, committees and affiliates in order to implement and coordinate the chamber's new strategic plan, its mission, and its daily activities.

The chamber is a regional, membership-based business organization dedicated to preserving and strengthening the Susquehanna Valley's business environment and quality of life by providing programs and services that promote civic, social, business, and economic growth and development.

The chamber serves nearly 800 member businesses in the four-county area of Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union, as well as members in Harrisburg, State College and Williamsport.

MOUNT CARMEL - Olivia Bressi-Harman and Angela Weng were named Mount Carmel Area Board of Education Merit Award winners at the high school and elementary school levels, respectively, for February. The students were announced at the March meeting of the board.

Bressi-Harman, a senior, is a daughter of Charles Bressi and Kelly Harman, of Atlas. She is a member of the chorus, stage crew, Interact club and SADD and is treasurer for both Future Teachers of America and TV studio. She is a volunteer at God's Chuck Wagon and works at the Elysburg Gun Club. She is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the National Honor Society.

Bressi-Harman was nominated by her English teacher, Shanna Haden, for her effort and excellent grades in her class.

Haden said, "Olivia strives above her peers in terms of academic writing and achievement in my class. She is a positive influence on those around her, promotes a true value of education and earnest learning, and models a proper volunteer for our school."

After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year college to major in political science and minor in Spanish. She plans to eventually attend law school.

Third-grade student Angela Weng is a daughter of Huo Peng Weng and Chang Rong Jang, of Mount Carmel. She was nominated for this award by her classroom teacher, Carissa Skavery, who said, "Angela is a dedicated and hard-working student, and a great role model to others."

Weng is an honor student and participates in her class. Outside of school, she takes piano lessons and enjoys reading and doing crafts. Her favorite school subjects are reading and spelling. MOUNT CARMEL -

The Mount Carmel Area Board of Education Merit Award winners for March were announced at the April school board meeting.

The recipient at the high school level is senior Thomas Moser, a son of Thomas and Brenda Moser, of Natalie. Moser is a member of the track and cross country teams, National Honor Society and the Tech ED club. In his spare time, he enjoys running, hunting, fishing and riding ATVs. He is a volunteer firefighter for the Natalie Fire Company. Moser was nominated Keith Fourspring, idustrial arts teacher, who said "Tommy is a very consistent worker, always has a positive attitude and will aid other students on assignments if they are struggling. He is trustworthy, dedicated and works safely at all times."

After high school, Tommy plans to attend a four-year college to study criminal justice.

The Merit Award winner at the elementary school level is sixth-grade student Zane Zlockie, a son of Joel and Carleen Zlockie, of Mount Carmel. He was nominated by his language arts teacher Michaelyn Reichwein, who said, "Zane is an outstanding student who is always striving to do his best."

Outside of school, Zlockie participates in sports year-round. He plays baseball for the VFW, participates in gymnastics for Lewisburg and is going into his seventh season of wrestling. He is a distinguished honor student and scored advanced on all his PSSAs.

VICKSBURG - Dr. Edward J. Krzykwa, DC, PC, of Vicksburg, recently participated in a three-day symposium in St. Louis.

Participants at the symposium presented healthcare research focusing on nondrug and nonsurgical approaches from around the world. Dr. Krzykwa's primary interest is in the diagnosis and treatment of auto-immune disorders, utilizing the ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies Laboratory protocols. Emphasis is on various types of arthritis, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, Parkinsonism and digestive issues.

MOUNT CARMEL - The seventh grade Junior High Pride Award winner for March is Danielle Hooper, a daughter of Daniel and Judith Hooper, of Mount Carmel. Along with being a Distinguished Honor Roll student, Hooper has many cheerleading trophies and has previously been awarded the Elks Student of the Month. She participates in cheerleading and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church choir and is a church festival helper. Her hobbies include fishing with her father, reading books and spending time with her friends.

The eighth grade Junior High Pride Award winner is Tyler Krah, a son of Chuck and Michelle Krah, of Mount Carmel. In his free time, he enjoys drawing, spending time with his family, watching TV and hanging out with his friends. He is also a member of the junior high cross country, track and basketball teams and won the pride award last year.

SUNBURY - A History Day was held Saturday at the Hunter House, the site of Fort Augusta, along Front Street.

The second annual event featured demonstrators of various historical periods from the French and Indian War to World War II.

Among those demonstrators was Chaplain Paul Herring, who portrayed James Frederick Calkins, of Wellsboro, a chaplain from the 149th PA Volunteer Infantry of the Civil War.

Herring, of Carlisle, said around 3,000 chaplains served both the Confederate States of America and the Union. Herring began impersonating Calkins in honor of his son, Mark, of Elysburg, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 53. His son was a member of the Son's of Union Veterans.

Other highlights of the event included a period blacksmith shop operated by Harold English, of Danville, and a demonstration of 18th century military and civilian life by members of the Augusta Regiment.

BURNSIDE - Jim Backes, chairman of the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Authority, said Earthday Campground will help meet one of the greatest needs created by the park.

"The biggest opportunity is in campgrounds, bed and breakfasts and cabins," said Backes.

While there have been some informal inquiries, he isn't aware of any other projects spawned by the AOAA such as what Joe and Maria Bressi are undertaking.

Knoebels' Amusement Park's camping facilities and J&D Campground near the park have both been noted as places where riders can rest.

But the need - including for a hotel - has been expressed by riding organizations that have used the park over the past few years. For example, Jeep Jamboree USA members had to drive back and forth some 20 miles to the Country Inn and Suites along Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County, and members commented they wish they had a place that's closer.

More recently, Backes said hotels in the Selinsgrove and Danville areas have inquired about advertising with the AOAA, which has developed various levels of sponsorship that buy website ads and brochure placement at the welcome center.

In April 2013, PENNVEST cited the potential for a hotel because of the AOAA when it awarded a $4 million grant/low-interest loan to Zerbe Township for a new sewage treatment plant. A western entrance to the park near Trevorton is a future possibility.

Backes said he thinks the area needs a hotel, not necessarily at the trailhead and not just because of the AOAA. But the park does add to the need that already exists because of industries such as Reinhart FoodService and attractions such as Knoebels.

"I think the synergy of everything creates the need," he said.

First in a series on the AOAA, which officially opens Saturday.

WEST CAMERON TOWNSHIP - As co-owner of Bressi and Martin Real Estate, Joe Bressi acquired a piece of property along Upper Road about eight years ago with the intention of subdividing the wooded area into 50 building lots.

When construction of the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) was announced, he quickly changed his plans, and he's now in the process of building one of the largest campgrounds in the area.

Bressi's 123-acre property, about five miles west of Gowen City, is a densely wooded mountainside nestled near Pennsylvania State Game Lands and the AOAA, making it the perfect location for hunters and ATV riders visiting the area.

Originally, Bressi only owned the area to the south of Upper Road, but when a strip of land with two houses went up for auction on the north side, he quickly snatched it. Now his property forms a land bridge between the Game Lands and the AOAA.

Bressi's Earthday Campground will accommodate both RV and tent users and feature a series of trails so outdoor enthusiasts can traverse between game lands and the AOAA.

Personal connection

According to Bressi, both of the houses on the site were in poor condition when he purchased them last spring. He began renovation work on them almost immediately.

On the larger of the buildings, the Barry House, fresh white siding was installed and walls were removed to create open spaces. Large chunks of coal were sealed together with gray mortar to create a frame around the doorway leading to a sweeping porch.

The interior is furnished with enough log-framed beds to sleep eight. Bressi's daughter, Maria Bressi, said she plans to add more decorative touches, like framed artwork, to the rental before the first occupants arrive.

They hope the rental will fetch $325 per day on the weekends or $1,400 per week.

Work on the Barry House was personal for Bressi. In the late 1970s, he lived down the road from the property while he worked as the head teacher at West Cameron Township Elementary School. He grew to know the Pickering family, who lived in the house at that time, and was greatly saddened when Barry Pickering, age 11, died when he rolled over his grandfather's lawnmower on the steep bank by the road.

Bressi was so struck by his memory of the boy and the accident that he decided to name the house in tribute.

"Barry Pickering's on my mind because he was a great kid," said Bressi.

Although renovations on the smaller house are not yet complete, Bressi plans to name it the Raymond House for Barry Pickering's grandfather, Raymond Kerstetter.

Bookings start

Bressi said people have already contacted him about renting both houses, and the Barry House is booked for several weekends this season.

The sloped field behind the house was recently cleared of brush and debris, including several truckloads of garbage.

"People dumped all over the place," said Bressi.

Now that the area has been cleaned up, grass is beginning to sprout on the hillside. Animal-friendly plants like oats that Maria selected to attract deer and other wildlife are also growing.

Across Upper Road, brush clearing is still taking place, as well as timbering to make room for the campsites. An unpaved road leads back into the forest where PPL Electric Utilities and Kreco Electric Company are working to build electrical infrastructure.

Bressi said his decision to use local companies is intentional.

"I'm spending my money locally, which has a ripple effect on local contractors and so on," he said.

When the campground opens, he will again look locally to fill caretaker and management positions.

"We're going to hire as many neighbors as we can," said Bressi.

The site further down the hill and south, which actually fronts Lower Road, is closer to completion, although the process was slowed by a late spring ice storm that brought down trees.

Bressi imagines this area as a place for RV campers, with some sites designated as pull-through spaces for large trailers. Elsewhere on the land, more primitive campgrounds will welcome tent-users.

"The size of the sites vary and the topography is diversified," said Bressi. "We can build to suit when they start coming."

Once the electrical work is complete, which Bressi expects to be early this summer, Earthday Campground will officially welcome its first guests.

"We're hoping in 30 days this will be ready to rent," Bressi said Tuesday.

A long-term vision includes adding more rental buildings to the land.

"We foresee the possibility of putting up small cabins," he said, noting that each might accommodate three to four people.

Additionally, in anticipation of groups visiting the AOAA for special events, Bressi has constructed a pavilion large enough to seat 250 people.

Work near creek

Bressi has left the 13 acres he owns on the south side of Lower Road untouched for now, but he has many visions for its future.

The land runs along the State Game Lands edging Mahanoy Creek and has a floor of coal silt 10 to 12 feet deep.

Bressi will be excavating the area before anything can be built there because the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said the creek picks up the silt during floods, which is extremely harmful to the environment.

To help with flooding and erosion, Bressi also plans to build either a pond or wetlands.

Some of the anticipated work, like the wetlands project, appears to be a labor of love for his daughter, who is passionate about the environment. When Bressi outlines a vision of "treehouse" accommodations for this area, he quickly notes that the idea came from Maria.

Shot in the arm

Maria, who recently became the majority stakeholder in Bressi and Martin Real Estate, will be managing Earthday Campground.

A steel bridge linking Lower Road to the State Game Lands is currently closed, but Bressi believes it may be reopened once visitors start arriving in the area.

With the official opening of the AOAA park set for Saturday, he is optimistic that brighter days are to come for the region.

"This will be an economic shot in the arm for the area," said Bressi. "I really think the AOAA is going to bring a lot of prospective riders and campers to the area."

SHAMOKIN - The city spends half of its annual budget on employee salaries, but the impact lasts far beyond any one fiscal year.

Overtime, compensatory time and unused paid leave all can balloon salary figures, boosting pension payments paid monthly to retirees or their benefactors. It's made possible under the existing terms of city contracts, ordinance and policy.

Those terms could be targeted for change while Shamokin City Council looks to repair its decayed financial structure under guidance from the state.

Monthly payments totaling $51,842.59 were paid to 28 recipients in 2013 from both the police and non-uniform pension plans. Of the $622,111.08 in total combined pension payments last year, 86 percent, or $536,228.04, was paid to the 16 recipients enrolled in the police plan. That figure will jump with the recent retirement of former police chief Edward Griffiths. Calculations for his retirement have not yet been finalized, but his monthly payment is estimated by city hall at nearly $4,500.

The city's annual contribution, known as a Minimum Municipal Obligation, is determined on the performance of the pension fund. A good year lowers the payment; it's the opposite if the fund's returns are poor.

Shamokin missed its MMO payment in 2013. It still owes $220,768.99 to the fund, including the state's reimbursement of $116,530.75 which was spent by the city in 2013. It will also owe interest on the payment, according to the Third Class City Code.

Its 2014 obligation is a combined $218,769 - 94 percent of it for the police fund.

Determined by formula

Employee pension contributions vary, with different standards for police and non-uniform pension plans. So does the pension payout formula.

For the police union, the payout is whichever figure is greater: one-half the final rate of pay or one-half the monthly average of the five highest years of earnings. Non-uniform payout is determined using the five-year formula. When a non-uniform retiree begins to receive Social Security, retirement benefits are reduced. Substantial overtime would boost the payments using either calculation.

Shamokin employed 17 union employees in 2013, 10 from the police department and seven AFSCME members. All the police officers and four of the AFSCME members were enrolled in a pension plan.

Every employee, union or otherwise, receives overtime and compensatory time, including exempt employees in management positions, according to the Early Intervention Plan (EIP) prepared for Shamokin by Financial Solutions, a division of the Stevens and Lee law firm and consulting agency.

Paid leave is substantial. All employees receive between 14 and 16 sick days annually. The AFSCME contract allows up to six weeks vacation for 25 years of service; police officers are eligible for up to five weeks after 20 years.

When a police officer retires, any time accrued is applied to the formula in determining pension payouts, including unused vacation days, compensatory time and as much as $6,000 for the maximum 150 unused sick days.

Unused vacation days and sick days apply the same for AFSCME members. However, public works employees don't receive compensatory time that can be cashed in. Any such time accrued must be used as paid time off within a calendar year or it expires at the end of the year.

Retirees locked in

Shamokin has applied for entry into the state's Act 47 program for distressed municipalities. It could lead to wage freezes for union employees, a decrease in health care and a reduction or elimination of overtime, compensatory time and paid leave - some of the many suggestions made by Financial Solutions.

Employee compensation and benefits were said to be "unaffordable and unsustainable" under Shamokin's current revenue structure, according to the EIP.

But any changes would largely effect the retirement of new hires only. Pensions paid to current retirees and beneficiaries wouldn't be impacted, according to Councilman David Kinder, director of accounts and finance.

He pointed to the EIP, which states: "The city does not have the power or authority to diminish retroactively any rights or privileges of any present city employee in his pension."

However, Kinder agreed that potential reductions in overtime would temper future earnings for current employees, perhaps lowering the ceiling for future pension payments. If paid leave were reduced, there would be less to cash in upon retirement.

Part-time police?

City police officers earned a combined $143,912.83 above their base salaries in 2013, a figure that includes overtime and compensatory time, raising the average pay from $52,596.35 to $65,679.33.

Nearly half of the $68,246.73 spent on police overtime last year was reimbursed to the city through various law enforcement grants. That eases the burden in a single year's budget, but the overtime - whether it's reimbursed or not - is used in pension calculations.

The average base officer salary in 2014 is $52,232.94, a figure that dropped with the retirement of Griffiths.

Overtime paid to public works employees in 2013 totaled $11,013.22, raising last year's average AFSCME union salary to $40,282.89. The average base salary in 2014 is $43,718.38, attributed to contracted raises. The AFSCME contract expires at year's end.

Collective bargaining prevents part-timers from being hired for the police department, but Mayor William D. Milbrand wants that to change when a new contract is ratified. He believes it would not only reduce single-year expenses in salary, but prevent added spending on employee health care and, in the long run, pensions.

"The way to eliminate the overtime at this point is not to hire someone that we're going to have to spend more money on; it's going to be to hire part-time people," Milbrand said.

Kinder said he supports the mayor on the issue of part-time police officers.

The police contract expired on New Year's Day and negotiations have reached arbitration. A hearing was expected by Milbrand to be held May 1, but that didn't happen. He wasn't aware if any other hearings have been scheduled.

There are no plans to replace Griffiths with a full-timer. That drops to 10 the number of full-time police officers, including the new police chief, two of whom live within city limits. They have a combined 140 years on the job. A special officer is also on the payroll, but he is not a patrol officer with power of arrest.

The department had 14 full-time officers in 2008 before four retirements thinned the roster. Decreases in manpower have led to increases in officer overtime.

Newly promoted police chief Darwin Tobias III is hopeful a full-timer will be hired. The police union contract mandates a minimum of two officers each shift, and Tobias said "ideally on some shifts there should be three guys."

"They haven't replaced the last three officers who retired and I don't know what their intent is now that Griffiths retired," Tobias said.

He withheld comment on the issue of part-timers, citing the arbitration process.

'We can't afford it'

With a new contract pending, the union and the city are operating under terms of the old pact.

Those terms call for officers to be given compensatory time as follows for court appearances or in cases where an off-duty officer is required to be in court: two hours for district court hearings and eight hours when they're "on-call" for court appearance. One full vacation day is granted to an officer required to be in court on a scheduled vacation day.

Eight hours is given for a regular county court appearance, Tobias said.

Compensatory time can be used for time off work, but can also be cashed in at any time.

An arbitration ruling in 2002 upheld that unused compensatory time can be used when calculating employee pension upon retirement, Kinder said. He said the city is hoping through the current arbitration process to end that practice for all new hires.

"It has to be," he said of tossing compensatory time from pension calculations for new hires. "We can't afford it."

Other factors that impact employee pension funds include deaths, withdrawal and the aforementioned investment activity. Back-loaded income, however, continues to be a major factor on the city's pension plans, especially the police plan.

Tommy Lin could be called a collector of hobbies, all of which he approaches with an exuberant zeal.

He snowboards the steep slopes of Killington, Vermont. He plays drums in a thrash speed metal band. He hikes trails throughout the Northeast. He games into the wee hours of the morning.

By far, though, his most unique self-proclaimed obsession has to be the hundreds of toy action figures that take up much of the real estate in the basement of his Dunmore, Lackawanna County, home.

Specifically, they're Transformers, as in the Hasbro alien robot toy line that has captured the imaginations of millions of kids since their inception in the early 1980s.

Lin, 38, was among the first generation of youngsters enthralled with the notion that a robot that, with a few quick movements, could be converted into a vehicle, appliance or weapon.

In the ensuing decades, as the Transformers' popularity peaked and dipped and rose again, most recently thanks to the blockbuster, Michael Bay-directed, live-action film series, Lin's love for them has never wavered.

For him, it has nothing to do with nostalgia for his youth. He simply finds the toys to be really cool.

"I just never grew out of it," said Lin, the longtime bar manager at Cooper's Seafood House in Scranton. "I collect them because, honestly, I never grew up. I'm not married. I don't have a kid. I still enjoy these toys as much as I did when I was a kid. I still have the same fascination with them."

Flat surfaces filled

One of the first things Lin says to first-time visitors to his basement is, "There's a lot to take in."

Transformers - new, old and not-so-old - fill almost every nook and cranny of shelf space on the walls and spread out on other flat surfaces, like Lin's unused pool table. He estimates he has upward of 700, if you count the smaller robots that make up one big Transformer.

And the collection includes more than just toys. There are Transformers movie posters, comic books, video games, DVDs, cups - heck, he even has Transformers bobbleheads and LEGOs.

In one corner, toys released in conjunction with the recent movies sit behind their packaging, looking as pristine as the day Lin purchased them. That being said, the vast majority of his Transformers reside outside their boxes. The way Lin sees it, what fun is a toy if you can't play with it?

"I'm here to collect the toys and have fun with them," he said.

The collection's oldest piece is the original Megatron, the ruthless leader of the Decepticon faction of Transformers. Lin was 7 years old when he received it during his first Christmas in the United States after his family immigrated from Taiwan.

"It just kind of took off on its own. ... Now, I've come to the point where I pick and choose them. I don't just see the Transformers logo and buy it," said Lin, who, in addition to purchasing Transformers at stores and on the Internet, has received a lot of donations from friends whose wives "think they're a little too old to have toys."

"Which I think is ridiculous," Lin said. "The label on the box says 'ages 5-plus.' It doesn't say 'ages 5 'til you get a girlfriend.'"

Since that first one, Lin has acquired 26 additional Megatrons. Meanwhile, he has about 40 Optimus Primes, the heroic and wise leader of the Autobots and most certainly the most popular of all the Transformers.

Optimus Prime has been Lin's favorite Transformer ever since the 1986 "Transformers" animated film, during which the character dies. Of course, he has the original Prime action figure, as well as the recent Masterpiece edition made by a third-party Japanese company unaffiliated with the Hasbro line. What he really likes about that particular one is that Prime's face looks exactly as it does in the '80s "Transformers" cartoon series. It's "cartoon-perfect," as Lin put it.

His collection also includes the biggest Transformer ever built, Metroplex, which stands more than 2 feet tall, as well as plenty of tiny Microbots. There are Dinobots and figures from the "Beast Wars" and "Beast Machines" eras. Some of the toys were made specifically for conventions.

He has canary-yellow Volkswagen Beetle-transforming Bumblebee, although he's no big fan.

"All due respect, I hate Bumblebee," he said. "He's a pointless character. Bumblebee's lame."

Lin said "Transformers" movie-line toys are generally good, but they "look whimpy" when compared to the originals.

And don't get him started on the movies themselves. While he enjoys the effects, "the story lines suck," he said.

"I'll skip every scene with the humans. If Michael Bay set it where the humans were cut, I'd watch it," he said.

There was a time when Lin enjoyed arguing "Transformers" mythology with fellow diehards. Now, although, he mostly just cares about the toys.

"I leave it to others to argue the history," he said. "The problem with origin is you get a new writer who wasn't there at the beginning. That's like me telling the history of the American Civil War. I wasn't there. The mythology of it gets lost, just like religion, or philosophy."

Lin has had the collection appraised, and figures it's now worth a substantial amount of money. However, he has no intention of selling his Transformers. They're a source of pride, a hobby worth maintaining for the long run.

"If you're going to do something," he said, "do it all the way or don't do it at all."

HARRISBURG - Federal prosecutors have filed a brief in response to former Mount Carmel Borough Police Lt. Blaine Handerhan's appeal to set aside his prison sentence on child pornography charges.

U.S. Attorney Peter J. Smith submitted a 11-page brief on Friday in U.S. Middle District Court in Harrisburg, stating Handerhan's motion should be denied without a hearing,

In his 22-page petition for appeal, filed back in February, Handerhan cited several instances where he thought a jury would find him innocent and discussed a falling out with his first attorney, Matthew Gover.

Handerhan later said Gover withdrew from the case when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer.

"It is unknown to me how many months prior to Attorney Gover's withdrawing from my case was I not represented," Handerhan wrote.

He claimed Gover had no intention of taking the case to trial. The former officer claimed Gover became extremely agitated with him when Handerhan refused to take a plea deal.

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania affirmed Handerhan's sentence on Jan. 9, prompting him to refile the appeal on Feb. 12.

In the new filing, Handerhan again raised the question that counsel was ineffective, stating that his attorney did not adequately investigate his competency to stand trial or gather psychological or computer expert information soon enough.

Because of his filing, Smith said that Handerhan makes the argument for the prosecution.

"The manner in which Handerhan recited precise facts, analyzes the search warrant and offers opinions about legal conclusions makes it clear that he was, and continues to be, competent to aid in his own defense," Smith writes.

Smith also countered that when Handerhan pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography on Aug. 21, 2012, the former police officer indicated that he had a full understanding of the nature of the proceedings, the plea agreement, the possible penalties and the ramifications of entering a guilty plea.

The prosecution also wrote that Handerhan benefitted from all the psychological evidence gathered by his attorneys as it brought him the eight-year sentence he received for the crime instead of the 10 years the government asked for.

Handerhan also challenged the validity of the search warrant and statements made in the case, but Smith countered the argument saying that then when a defendant pleads guilty, the defendant waives all non-jurisdictional issues.

As the motions go before the court, Handerhan remains incarcerated in the federal prison in Fort Dix, N.J.

Second in a series

BURNSIDE - In the race to open the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), emphasis on connecting the park to the local business community hasn't yet begun in earnest.

But it's coming.

"That's phase two," said Jim Backes, AOAA Authority chairman.

He said efforts to engage local businesses were secondary as authority members focused on preparations for the park's opening, which is this Saturday. One of the responsibilities of the still-to-be-filled director of operations role will be connecting the park to local businesses through sponsorship and vendor booth sales.

Currently, businesses have the option of purchasing three types of sponsorship through the AOAA. For $100, the AOAA will list the business on its website; $200 garners both the business name and logo on the website; $500 provides listing and logo on the website as well as placement of the business's brochures in the AOAA welcome center.

Taking notice

Some area businesses have already seen modest increases in patrons when the AOAA opened for private events.

Geno Welsh, co-owner of Brewser's SportsGrille in Coal Township, said business jumped on weekends the AOAA has been open.

"We've seen increased business," he said. "Just from having an event we saw some impact."

Welsh said Brewser's recently purchased property to expand its parking lot to accommodate trailers.

Currently the restaurant is one of a handful of sponsors with the AOAA, and Welsh said they plan additional messages to attract visitors.

"We plan on advertising to influence people to shop locally, eat locally and stuff like that," he said.

Planning ahead

Other business owners have prepared for an onslaught of customers that have not yet arrived.

George Jones, owner of Jones Enterprises, has constructed a storage unit facility near the AOAA trailhead in Burnside specially designed to house ATVs.

Currently four of the 24 completed units are occupied, but only one is using it to store an ATV. All four renters are local.

Jones said he plans to visit the AOAA on opening day, as well as send a representative to connect with potential renters from out of town.

For now, though, "I haven't done advertising," said Jones. "I haven't even put out signs."

Backes said he thought signs welcoming ATV riders would be a great way for businesses to inexpensively advertise to visitors, even if the business isn't one typically involved with the tourism industry.

Repeat customers

Because event teams sometimes spend weeks on the road, their needs can extend into less obvious territories.

Authority member Barry Yorwarth said he had quite a surprise when the event team for the W.E. Rock Dirt Riot arrived in town shortly before their event began on May 2.

"The first thing they did was pull in and go to the laundromat," said Yorwarth.

Yorwarth's experience with events over the years has lead him to believe that the first impression a business makes is key, because event planners are repeat customers.

"These promoters are from all over the country. They tend to set something up once and they get in that rut," said Yorwarth. "They're not going to reinvent the wheel."

Backes said sometimes event managers call ahead to ask about vendors, and his response is to reference sponsors and let the event organizer make decisions on who to use.

"When somebody calls and asks, 'Who are we going to use?' I say, 'We have a full list on our website,'" said Backes.

Opening day vendors

Businesses seeking a more direct connection to visitors by operating a vendor booth at opening day might be out of luck if they haven't been involved with the AOAA yet.

"Opening day is pretty much the people that got us here," said Backes. "Yamaha's going to make the biggest splash. Well, they gave us a $20,000 grant."

County grants manager Kathy Jeremiah said approximately one dozen vendors are slated to operate booths on opening day.

The vendor list includes One Smart Cookie, the caterer from Coal Township The business has been instrumental in the development of the AOAA by supporting volunteer events.

"That's the synergy we're looking for," said Backes.

Even without a person designated to reach out to local businesses thus far, the area's economic development remains a priority in the AOAA's decisions.

"We're using the lowest possible rate [for admission] to attract as many people as possible," said Yorwarth.

Still, no one is sure what to expect.

"We don't know if there will be 10 riders or 500 riders," said Backes.

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

John Gembic III, Shamokin

T&V Partners, of Sunbury, against Matt Stevens and Brittany Brown, both of Coal Township, for $908, filed May 6. Hearing scheduled for May 20.

Atlantic Realty Corp., of Coal Township, awarded $3,115.63 on May 8 from Tina Kuminski, of Ranshaw, for unpaid rent and fees.

T&V Partners, of Sunbury, awarded judgment on May 8 from David Miller and Shelby Kopp, of Shamokin, no amount given.

Thomas Urbanowicz, of Shamokin, awarded $991.60 on May 8 from Sammantha Bell, of Shamokin, for rent in arrears and court costs.

Ryan Bordner, of Herndon, awarded judgment on May 8 from Brandon Miller, of Trevorton, no amount given.

Michael Faux, of Montandon, awarded $1,424.60 on May 8 from Nicole Drumheller, of Coal Township, for rent in arrears and court costs.

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Jan Murphy, of Bloomsburg, against Ann Marie Sorrentino, of Atlas, for $7,875, filed May 9. Hearing scheduled for May 20.

SHAMOKIN - Anyone driving past an accident scene on Route 61 Sunday near the entrance to Shamokin probably wondered where the vehicle was.

All they had to do was look down an eight-foot drop, in the back yard of a home on Commerce Street, to find the overturned Chrysler PT Cruiser, but there was no driver to be found.

Dale Hart Jr., 30, of 1255 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, later turned himself in to police after fleeing the scene of the 6:15 p.m. crash when the PT Cruiser he was driving left the roadway and flew into the backyard of a home at 715 Commerce Street, occupied by Victoria Pappas and Robert Alan Kubeck.

"The accident took out a back porch overhang on the home, before landing in the yard on its roof," Shamokin City Police Cpl. Jarrod Scandle said. "It is extremely lucky that there weren't any serious injuries."

In an interview with police, Hart said he was driving on Route 61 coming into Shamokin after visiting his grandmother in Kulpmont.

The driver told police he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed the vehicle, then climbed out of the driver's window and left the scene before police arrived.

He later told the officers the reason he ran was because he was driving with a suspended license.

Once away from the scene, Hart went to his mother's home on Sunbury Street, got a shower and then began walking the streets.

"It was his uncle and mother who later found him and brought him to the station," Scandle said.

The corporal said that Hart complained of knee pain, but refused medical treatment at the station.

The wrecked vehicle is registered to Samantha Bell, with a last known address of 406 S. Market St. Bell is currently incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison, but Scandle could not say on what charges.

Scandle said Hart will be charged with a number of traffic violations, including driving with a suspended license, careless driving, accidents involving attended property or vehicles, failure to give immediate notice of the accident to police and fleeing the scene of an accident.

Members of Shamokin Rescue 62 and the Liberty Fire Company responded to the scene, and Shamokin Fire Police closed off a section of Route 61 to traffic to allow a tow crane from Dave's Auto Body to lift the vehicle from the yard back onto Route 61, and then remove it from the scene. The road was opened back up at 7:23 p.m.

WASHINGTONVILLE - The Conservation Districts of Northumberland, Snyder, Columbia, Montour, and Union counties will sponsor the 16th annual Susquehanna Valley Middle School Envirothon Wednesday. Approximately 200 seventh- and eighth-grade students from area schools will compete at the PPL Montour Preserve in Washingtonville. The program will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. with an awards presentation. This educational event will test the students' knowledge of soils, aquatics, forestry and wildlife at various stations.

Prior to taking each station's test, an educational presentation is given to reinforce awareness of the study materials. A post-test review will identify what was tested in each of the study areas. A discovery station will provide a non-testing opportunity for attendees to learn about snowy owls and will be led by Jon Beam, senior naturalist of PPL's Montour Preserve. The top scoring teams will be recognized along with the highest scoring team at each station.

A variety of representatives from the PA Bureau of Forestry, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, PA Game Commission and county Conservation Districts provide the tests and assistance at each station. 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.

Vintage cars wanted for parade

SHAMOKIN - The Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts Committee and its parade Committee are looking for vintage cars and vehicles to kick off the parade at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 23.

All participating vehicles will assemble on Rock Street as they have done in previous years. Anyone interested can contact parade chairman Pamala Brennan Burns of First National Bank of Pa. at 570-648-9500 or by email at BurnsP@fnb-corp.com

Chicken barbecue dinner

MOUNT CARMEL - On Sunday, May 18, the Mount Carmel Area High School Class of 2014 will host a Kauffmann's BBQ Chicken, Inc., chicken barbecue dinner in the field house parking lot from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The dinner includes half a chicken breast, a potato roll and coleslaw. There will be takeouts only and cost for one meal is $9. Tickets are available from any senior or by calling the high school office at 570-339-1599, ext. 3110.

Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Coal Township Public Library has announced memorials for the period of March 18 to April 29, 2014 have been presented for the following persons:

Margaret Arnold by Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family.

Antoinette Bach by Barb, Dave and Brian Ammerman, the Barcavage family, Wade and Allison Beck, Dave and Sue Hoffman, Deborah and Rich A. Kashnoski, Dave, Tina and Veronica Moore, Elizabeth, Gabby and Noah Orner, Chris and Tara Venna, Sandy and Tico Zarick.

Reverend John O. Ballentine by Dr. Robert J. Leader DVM, Shamokin High School Class of 1944.

Harolyn MacElwee Brady by Shamokin High School Class of 1955.

Charles Bressi by Celeste Fobia, Ann Marie and Ed Schetroma, George and Betty Bettick and Joe and Betty Strausser, Jill and Todd Heitzman, Gloria and Marie Milunas.

Richard Bright by Pat and Lum Bradley, Jeff and Mary Thew and family.

James Booth by Jeffrey and Kathleen Clutcher, Alma Payne and family.

Leonard Bourinski by Rose Marie Jones.

Tonya Scandle-Broscius by Sharley Starke.

Elba Mae "Ellie" Conklin by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Vida Delbaugh by Jeffrey and Kathleen Clutcher, Diane and Mike Dwilet, Kathy Gonsar, Shamokin High School Class of 1945.

Arthur Willis Dissinger by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Daniel Gage Dissinger by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Gavin Arthur Dissinger by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Yvonne Dobson by Mary Masinos, Shamokin High School Class of 1955.

Stephen Dormer by Joyce Boyer, John and Derry Faraguna, Ronald Kuhns, George and Linda Long.

Dominic Fabrizio by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Robert Feese by John Koveleskie and Marion and Doris Koveleskie.

Eugene Fleming by Pat and Lum Bradley, Pat and Jim Bressi, Mary Csatlos, Tina Wilk (Bressi) and Pete Bogetti, Ann Fidler and Rob and Cheryl Fidler and family, Robert and Peachy and family, Shamokin-Coal Township Senior Action Center.

Doris Forbes by Theresa, Mary Alice and Lee, Shamokin High School Class of 1959.

Benjamin Frank by Marian Edmondson, Bill and Jeanne Edmondson.

Pat and Betty Gaughan by sister Kathy.

Ray General by the General family.

James Gresavage Sr. by Coal Township High School Class of 1946.

Francis "Moto" Gurski by Ben and Celest Blascovich, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Kathy Gonsar, Kalinowski Boys, Barb Kelley, Justin and Kathleen Kleskie and family, the Frank Konopka family, Louie, Skitter, Ed and Ann Marie Schetroma, Richard and Theresa Schetroma, The Shamokin Coal Township Public Library Board and Staff, Shamokin Democratic Committee.

James Heins by Josephine Baranowski, Carlene General, Michael and Diane Kovack, Whitey and Joan Vetovich.

Charles Heintzelman by Robert's Styling Center.

Mollie M. (Steinhart) Herb by Coal Township High School Class of 1946, Marcella Hombosky, Tom and Sarann Keyack.

Leonard P. "Hooter" Huxta by Matt Bieda and Kaitlyn Klemick and family.

Robert Jones by JoAnn Dobeck, Steve and Connie Dunleavy, the Robert Durdock family: Andy, Diana, Thomas and Pamela and Robert and Corrine Durdock, Morris and Linda Gard, Kathy and Abby James, John and Suzanne Kiersnowski and Jennifer Marshall and Kasie Schwartz, Connie Martini, Shamokin Area Retired Educators, Leon Taterus, Don and Elaine Tomaschik.

Walter J. Kanaski by Carl T. Bielski, Ann Nowaskie.

William Karpinski by Barb and Dave Ammerman, Carl T. Bielski, Mary C. Bielski-Bruno, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Jeffrey and Kathleen Clutcher, Jim and Donna Gotlob, Molly Paczkowski and family, Jacque Robel, Victor and Christine Rutkowski, Shamokin High School Class of 1962, Richard and Jennifer Shurock.

Helen Kopitsky by Mary Ann and Sam Rumberger.

Clarence Kopp by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Dr. Charles Laubaugh by Margie and Les Schiccatano and family.

Harriett Lax by Cynthia Washleski.

Dr. Malcolm E. Lehman by Shamokin High School Class of 1960.

Joseph Leschinskie by the Weavers: Kirk, Doug, Jen and Fran.

Carol McCracken by Joan Brown and family.

Judy Beaver Machesic by Curtis Dobson.

Sandy Muir by Brad Bonner.

Timothy Neary by Peggy Neary.

Robert Nolter by Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family, Irvin Liachowitz, Dot Smink, Cindy, Marissa and Ron Moyer.

Margaret D. Persing by Kathy Gonsar.

Josephine and Raymond Purcell by son Frank.

Joe Reed by Morris and Linda Gard.

Allen Rothermel by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Jill and Todd Heitzelman and Carol Shinskie, Marge, Scott, Sharon, Jarrett and Tricia Heitzman, Darwin "Yut" Tobias.

Tanya A. Scandle-Broscius by Bill, Lillian, Helen, Holly and Families, Shirley Starke.

Elizabeth Schiccatano by Kathy Gonsar, Lorraine Halcovich, Catherine Reed, Harry and Andrea Reed.

Rosetta Schwartz by Michelle Feese and family and Bonnie Mirarchi and family.

Anna Mae Sherman by Lincoln Towers Flower Fund.

Richard "Dick" Shipe by Joan Brown and family.

Don Shuey by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Karen and Myron Chowka, Tim, Denise and Lindsay Fanella.

Harry J. Shuman by Karen and Irvin Aams, Mike Estock, Pam and Ron and Stephanie Broscious, Rae and Chuck Hopta, the Fellins: Janet, John, Sharon, Caitlin, Michelle and Victoria, your friends at Massers, Anne Schlagle, Shamokin Band and Orchestra Boosters.

Mary Ann Slaby by Peggy Ferrari, Shamokin-Coal Township Senior Action Center.

Debbie Smink by Mom.

Hank Smink by wife Dot.

Robert Smink by Pine Haven Camp.

Kevin Spade by Linda Latsha and Barb Ammerman, Arlene and Wilson Royack.

Rose Spatzer by Jeanette and Charlie Verano, Viola and family, Stacy, Pete, Zakary and Emily Zanella, Steve and Jan Zarick, Tico and Sandy Zarick.

Betty Spiccioli by Fay Miller.

Elizabeth Stauffenberg by Peggy Ferrari, Janet and Al Sabol, Alberta and Mary Ann Sickora.

Julia Stout by Pepper, Corrine Thomas and family, Dr. Edward Twiggar.

Lawrence Swartz by sister Lorraine Halcovich.

Robert Templin by Pat and Lum Bradley, Charles Breining and Jeanette Burba, Pat Feese and John Koveleskie, Kathy Gonsar, Lincoln Towers Board of Directors and Staff, Pepper, William and Terry Persing and family, Mary and Jeff Thew.

Donna Van Shura by Bill and Pat Barrett, Bill, Vanessa and Nick, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Pat and Jim Bressi, Frank and Marian Buraczeski, Karen and Myron Chowka, Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family, Joe and Betty Dudeck and family, Tom and Rhonda Eckman, Marian Edmondson and Bill and Jeanne Edmondson, Peggy Ferrari, Kathy Gonsar, Nancy McBride, Emily Parker, John Ripper Schleig, Ryan and Shelly Sutsko, Susan and Dan Tetkoskie and Judy Pensyl.

John and Helen Venarchick by daughter Kathy.

Alex Wasileski by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Daisy Weikel by Kathy Gonsar.

Linda Kuhns Wert by Curtis Dobson.

Emperor Woo by Pat Reigle.

Lila Yoncoski by Jake and Judy Betz, Diane and Mike Dwilet, Betty Edwards.

Barry Yuricich by Joan Brown and family.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Council of Catholic Women and Rosary Altar Society at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church held their meeting May 1 in the parish hall. President Theresa Conniff brought the meeting to order with the prayer to Our Lady of the Rosary and Our Lady of Good Council and the Pledge of Allegiance. Debbie Gownley gave the treasurer's report.

The new evangelization DVD by the Rev. Robert Barron will be shown at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall between May 28 and July 16. The next deanery meeting will be held June 22 in Williamstown. The hostesses for the next meeting on June 5 are Lois Seuit and Rosemarie Koronkewicz.

The meeting was closed with prayers for active, sick and deceased members and a few extra prayers for the people devastated by the recent floods and fires.

Refreshments were served followed by bingo.

SHAMOKIN - A split vote of Shamokin City Council on Monday reversed a decision from earlier this year and restored a code office secretary to full-time employment.

The move is estimated to generate at minimum $18,981.33 in revenue in 2014, according to a cost analysis prepared by a financial adviser.

Mayor William D. Milbrand, Councilman David Kinder and Councilman R. Craig Rhoades voted in favor. Council members Barbara Moyer and Charlie Verano dissented.

An expansion of code officer Rick Bozza's work week from 35 to 40 hours was approved unanimously. Bozza is a salaried employee and there is no effect on his salary, Kinder said.

Kelly Seroski will work 35 hours a week at an hourly rate of $9.50 and will also receive health benefits for the remaining 32 weeks. Estimated combined cost of wage and benefits is $26,018.67 for the rest of 2014, offset by $15,000 in state grant funding. That leaves the city's estimated expense at $11,018.67.

Kinder said a cost analysis was created in conjunction with its financial adviser, Financial Solutions, a division of the Stevens and Lee law firm.

Seroski was demoted to part-time status when the 2014 budget was adopted in December.

Moyer said Seroski is a "great worker." That's not her concern, she said. What is of concern is that there remains no one at the main desk at city hall to serve as secretary.

The councilwoman supports keeping Seroski at part-time and increasing her hours to alleviate a backlog of paperwork in the code office. She said an additional part-time secretary could be hired for the front desk at city hall.

"I just was not comfortable under those circumstances going there right now," Moyer said.

Kinder called the situation a Catch 22. The public may question why city council is spending money on employee wages and benefits, especially in light of a financial report recommending wage freezes and restructuring of benefits.

"If we don't increase our revenues we're back at the same spot," Kinder said.

Bozza said having Seroski at full-time will allow him to be in the field between six and eight hours daily. As it was when she was part-time, he split his day in and out of the office. He also pulled some duty behind the main desk at city hall answering calls and handling matters unrelated to the code office.

"He's not doing anybody any good answering a telephone," Milbrand said.

SHAMOKIN - A pair of donations from two volunteer organizations provided a bit of good cheer during Monday's city council meeting.

The Lower Anthracite Regional Recreation Committee donated $5,000 to the city towards the operation of the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool on Rock Street.

Officers of the West End Fire Co., West Pine Street, had learned of the donation prior to Monday's meeting and decided to donate an additional $1,000.

The $6,000 in gifts seemed a welcome relief by council members who have worked since January on cutting costs and preventing municipal bankruptcy.

The annual operating expense of the city swimming pool is approximately $65,000, Councilwoman Barbara Moyer said after Monday's meeting.

Income at the pool in 2013 was estimated at $39,000. Poor weather kept swimmers away and cut into revenue. It was also closed more than once when a pump malfunctioned.

A new pump was purchased last year at a cost of $55,700 and will be in place for the 2014 season. A new diving board was purchased for the pool this year at a cost of $3,614.50.

LARRC was formed several years ago, and its members have worked to raise funding in support of recreational opportunities, including the creation of an outdoor recreational complex along Trevorton Road in Coal Township.

John "Skip" Rebuck, joined by Rob Slaby and Justin Feudale in representing LARRC, was enthusiastic during his brief address to city council. He noted that with the closure of community swimming pools in Mount Carmel and Trevorton, that Shamokin's is the last of its kind in the immediate area.

"We felt this is so important that the young people of our area have to have someplace to go in the summer, and they need a pool. What better way to support the city," Rebuck said.

The Lower Anthracite Transit System bus service will be asked to add a stop near Shamokin and Race streets that would allow residents of neighboring communities to ride into Shamokin and utilize the pool this summer.

Rebuck briefly lampooned a recent collection of photographs from the Reuters news service of Shamokin that were used to accompany an article on its fiscal struggles. The photos were believed by some to be unflattering. He said visitors to town should focus on the good - the churches, fire companies and volunteers.

LARRC will be recruiting "believers" to help turn the area around. Not just Shamokin, but in Coal Township, Kulpmont and Mount Carmel.

"You need positive people. We've got to get believers," Rebuck said. "I think it's so important that everybody works in the right direction. And you know what? It's contagious.

"When you think positive, that person will think positive," he continued, pointing about the room. "When you're surrounded by negativity that's the only thing you know. Look at the bright side. We can do it if we all chip in."

Rebuck thanked the city council members for their work, and noted the gesture from Coal Township commissioners earlier this year when they helped the city get a load of rock salt.

John Klembara, assistant fire chief of the Shamokin Fire Bureau, and Mike Barrett represented the West End during the meeting.

Mayor William D. Milbrand thanked both organizations, and he stressed a point that he's made often since he won the mayor's office in last fall's election: the public has to become involved and support city officials.

"We're only part of this," Milbrand said of city council. "We cannot do it alone. ... We need the true support of the community."