STATE COLLEGE - Outgoing and incoming chapter presidents of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) were recognized during the Presidents' Banquet of the Alpha Alpha State Convention June 14.

Outgoing president, Ann Nowaskie, of Coal Township, has served Sigma chapter as president for the 2012-14 biennium. She will be succeeded by incoming co-presidents Dawn McManus, of Milton, and Linda Shupp, of Danville for the 2014-16 biennium.

The banquet was held in the Alumni Ballroom of the Nittany Lion Inn, State College.

During the processional, the outgoing presidents from each chapter presented their incoming chapter presidents with a red rose, the symbol of DKG International. Joy Knapik, of Shamokin, who was Sigma president in 1996-1998, was also present.

DKG is an organization of key women educators with about 100,000 members in eighteen countries. Alpha Alpha State represents nearly 3,000 leading women educators from across the state, while Sigma's membership represents educators from Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties.

ARISTES - Dogs trained to detect the presence of human scent on water joined the search Saturday for a Northumberland man missing since late Wednesday.

Land and water searches of the Roaring Creek Tract of the Weiser State Forest concluded Saturday with no more clues to the whereabouts of 54-year-old Michael Kenney.

Cecile Stelter, public information officer with an Incident Management Team with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, said scent dogs and a state police helicopter were used Saturday to search all three reservoirs inside the state forest, which spans eight miles between Routes 54 and 42.

Trained personnel and volunteers were also in the process Saturday of completing a grid search in the area surrounding a forest parking lot, along Route 54 in Coal Township, where Kenney's vehicle was located early Thursday. The grid search covers about 1/3 of the 8,000-acre forest. Other searchers continued to scour the rest of the forest and sections of private land that border the property.

"Nothing was found, as far as I know, last night or today," Stelter said Saturday afternoon. "The trails were searched again and the width of the search area along the trails was expanded."

Last seen jogging

Officers had requested Kenney's cellphone to be pinged earlier this week, which led them to his Honda. The vehicle was unlocked and had a window rolled down with the phone and car keys inside.

Kenney was seen on a surveillance camera at Walmart Supercenter in Coal Township at 5 p.m. Wednesday. He was last seen jogging on the trails inside the tract; however, a clothing description could not be obtained.

Stelter said his family last saw him wearing a yellow polo shirt and khakis. He is described as having a thin build, blue eyes and standing 6 feet, 1 inch tall.

According to a press release from the Bureau of Forestry, the Kenney family would like to extend their appreciation to everyone who has offered support, prayers and assistance with the search. The family also appreciates the outpouring of care and encouragement from students and others associated with the Shikellamy School District and the Emmanuel Bible Fellowship Church.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call the forestry office at 570-875-6450.

SELINSGROVE - Abriel Newton, of Elysburg, was one of 15 students from Susquehanna University who recently spent time in South Africa as part of the university's Global Opportunities (GO) program.

Travel Writing in South Africa gives students the opportunity to spend 10 days in a traditional Xhosa village at Mdumbi in the green Transeki hills, 100 yards from the Indian Ocean; meet with traditional diviners and chiefs; enjoy traditional foods; tour a black South African township in Cape Town, and bargain for treasures at the biggest handicrafts market in Africa. They also visit Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve to see elephants, nyala, lions and giraffes; tour the castle where Dutch colonists first settled in South Africa; visit museums in Cape Town; experience breath-taking rainforests, mountains and oceanside cliffs, and learn about the struggle for racial equality, from slavery and colonial conquest to apartheid and present-day inequalities. Their guide is Glen Retief, assistant professor of English and creative writing, who shares his memories of growing up in South Africa while teaching the art of compelling travel writing.

Newton is studying creative writing and French at Susquehanna, where she will be a junior in the fall. She is a 2012 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and a daughter of Mike and Lisa Newton.

SELINSGROVE - Samantha Spishock, of Sunbury, was one of 16 students from Susquehanna University who recently spent three weeks living in London, learning about British law and culture. The trip is part of the university's Global Opportunities (GO) program.

Participating students took field trips and collaborated with British professors and law enforcement officials, allowing them to examine British law in the context of the European Union. They compared the law with that of the United States and analyzed legal systems, law enforcement practices, sports law and university law. When they return to campus in the fall, they will visit and interact with local law enforcement facilities and personnel.

Spishock is studying accounting at Susquehanna, where she will be a sophomore in the fall. She is a 2013 graduate of Shamokin Area Middle/High School and a daughter of Billy and Jennifer Spishock.

BLOOMSBURG - The follow area students graduated from Bloomsburg University during the school's spring 2014 commencement: Stancavage, Kayla A., Elysburg, criminal justice, BA; Snyder, Bryan J., Catawissa, business administration/finance, BS, BA; Pratt, Janelle M., Catawissa, social work, BSW; McCloskey, Kayla M., Catawissa, special education (PK-8)/early childhood (PK-4); Martinez, Kristal J., Danville, secondary education/English BS, English and languages and cultures, BA; Boyle, Scott T., Catawissa, business administration/marketing, BS, BA.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Clover Hose Fire Company will hold a block party, parade and fireworks event July 3 to 5.

The festivities include food, beverage, games, theme baskets, bingo, ice cream, Joe's Kettle Corn, Wilberton red wagon, potato cakes, fries and nightly entertainment.

On Thursday, July 3, the block party will start at 6 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. The band R.A.T.L. will perform from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

On Friday, July 4, the activities will commence with a parade at 4 p.m. The block party will start at 5 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the band Deuce from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

On Saturday, July 5, activities include the block party will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. and the band Rockville Revue will perform from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 10:30 p.m.

The Clover Fire Company invites all organizations, fire companies, emergency vehicles, floats, pets and any person in the community who would like to show their creativity with costumes to join the parade. Cash prizes will be awarded in all categories. Registration for the parade will be at Second and Oak streets at 3 p.m. July 4.

ARISTES - An expanded search with more than 130 trained personnel yielded no new clues in the search for a Northumberland man that has been missing since late Wednesday.

Michael Kenney, 54, was last seen jogging on a trail in the Roaring Creek Tract of the Weiser State Forest. His car was found in the parking lot along Route 54 with his keys and cell phone inside.

Cecile Stelter, public information officer with an Incident Management Team with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, said additional law enforcement was brought in to protect searchers as the target area expanded across Route 54.

A grid system is now being used to thoroughly search the forest. Private land to the west of the state forest was included in the gridded area, as it is possible that Kenney, who was a distance runner, jogged on one of the trails that exit state property.

The Roaring Creek Tract of the Weiser State Forest, including the area between Routes 42 and 54, continue to be closed to the public. Drivers should slow down in the area, especially along Route 54 as searchers may be crossing the road on foot.

The following landlord-tenant judgments were filed in magisterial district court:

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Shamokin Housing Authority, of Shamokin, awarded $437.60 in rent and court fees on June 17 from Samantha Santey, of Shamokin.

Shamokin Housing Authority, of Shamokin, awarded $715.04 in rent and court fees on June 17 from Keely Ruiz, of Shamokin.

Shamokin Housing Authority, of Shamokin, awarded $210.60 in rent and court fees on June 17 from Caitlin Johnson and Ty Zerby, both of Shamokin.

William S. and Lisa A. Karpinski, of Coal Township, against Tracy Vetovich, of Shamokin, for $2,288.28, filed June 20. A hearing is scheduled for July 7.

Conduit Est. LLC, of Shamokin, against Jessica Day and Diane Clark, of Shamokin, for $3,550, filed June 19. A hearing is scheduled for July 3.

Conduit Est. LLC, of Shamokin, against Linda Nufus, of Shamokin, for $2,300, filed June 19. A hearing is scheduled for July 3.

Jamie Reed, of Shamokin, against Richard Conner, of Shamokin, for $805, filed June 17. A hearing is scheduled for June 30.

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Conduit Estates LLC, of Shamokin, awarded $3,162.21 in rent and court fees on June 17 from Lori and Gary Schneidor, of Mount Carmel.

Emma Wengerd, of Lewisburg, awarded $1,464.10 in rent and court fees on June 17 from Jennifer and Mike Benner, of Mount Carmel.

David and Susan Pufnock, of Elysburg, against Patrick Kazmerski and Idalis Sandoval, both of Elysburg, for $2,437, filed June 19. A hearing is scheduled for June 26.

Michael R. Kaleta Jr., of Mount Carmel, against Brian Dietz, of Mount Carmel, for $373, filed June 18. A hearing is scheduled for July 1.

SHAMOKIN - Looking for a fun, educational activity to get your elementary age child out from in front of the television this summer? Then you should check out Rose Purcell's Kids Workshop.

During each class, Purcell will begin by reading a children's book. Then, the children will make a craft and have a snack based on the theme of the story.

Purcell, who is a third-grade teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, taught a similar program at the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library where she read a story and then did an activity with the children.

When she was contacted by Jeanne Shaffer, executive director of the Northumberland County Council for the Arts, about bringing her sessions to the newly renovated Kallaway Center for the Arts and infusing it with crafts and snacks, she immediately said yes.

"The kids had a great time," said Purcell about her previous program.

She already has the books, crafts and snacks picked out with a target age range of five to 10 in mind.

When she reads "Hey, Little Ant," by Phillip M. Hoose, she'll have the children make an ant out of pipe cleaners and puff balls and a snack of ants on a log.

She'll also have special activities, like inviting a veterinarian to visit when she reads Judith Walker-Hodge's "Animal Hospital."

As a teacher, Purcell is tapped into the issues children face everyday. She plans to read "Pinky and Rex and the Bully," and have the children perform a puppet show about bullying with the puppets they make as a craft to help them understand the concept.

"I like children to remember what they hear," said Purcell, adding that she believed creative activities helped children recall important concepts.

Purcell's class begins July 8 at the Kallaway Center for the Arts, 144 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin, and will run Tuesdays and Thursdays for four weeks. Children can sign up for two different time sessions, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The cost for the workshop is $80 and includes all materials and snacks.

For more information or to enroll your child, contact Jeanne Shaffer at 570-850-9121 or jeannes@ptd.net.

Adults who appreciate shabby chic design will enjoy Cyndee White's classes at the Kallaway Center for the Arts.

During her hour-long classes, which can be taken individually or as a set, attendees will make a variety of items decorated with collages.

In her first class, White will demonstrate making two different bookmarks. One will be made from a luggage tag, old photos, ribbon and small items like buttons. She also suggests participants bring copies of old photos to incorporate into their projects.

"Wouldn't it be nice to have something (with a photo) of your great-grandmother?" said White.

For attendees that don't have anything or are unsure of what to bring, White will provide plenty of materials. She enjoys visiting antique shops, yard sales and auctions to pick up boxes old photos, which she calls "instant ancestors."

Additional materials will also be provided. White keeps a craft room in her house filled with small items like ticket stubs that she uses to make her collage art. She even has an old library card catalog filled entirely with stamps.

White said that although she has the lesson planned around bookmarks, she invites her students to use their imaginations and create other collage items if they'd like. She has decorated the journal covers and magnets with collages, and has sold these items online at craft fairs.

The other bookmark students will create is a beaded string bookmark, which looks similar to a necklace. White said this project would be the perfect accessory for a cookbook or other large tome.

During White's second class, attendees create a stamped pin from an image embedded on laminated plastic sample swatches.

White will wrap up her sessions at the Kallaway Center with two classes on making Froebel stars, the 16-tipped German paper stars sometimes hung on Christmas trees.

White said she decided to host two sessions on making the stars after customers purchasing them at her craft tables repeatedly asked her to demonstrate how to make them. She said the sessions will be similar, and students who take just one session will come out knowing how to fold the intricate spheres.

Years of practice allows White to make up to a dozen stars per hour, which she often does in the months leading up to Christmas while watching television.

White said she's excited about the opening of the Kallaway Center because she would like to see a revitalization of the arts community in the Shamokin area. She said a downtrend in handcrafting items in the region has led to a closure in some of the shops she would frequent for supplies, which has made it difficult to find some of the more eclectic items she uses in her projects.

"It would be nice if people were interested in things like that," said White.

White's class will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 16, 23 and 30. Students can attend all of the sessions for $40 or pay $15 for each class individually. All necessary materials will be provided under this fee, but students are welcome to bring anything that inspires them.

SHAMOKIN - A pet and toy parade has been added to the slew of events in Shamokin's 150th anniversary celebration.

Children 12 years old and younger will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, at the east end parking lot at the post office for the parade.

Participants are to bring their bikes, wagons, Cozy Coupes and other wheeled travel toys for use in the parade.

Pets are also invited.

Mayor William D. Milbrand said he looks forward to seeing a variety of pets in the parade, like rabbits and parakeets. He also encourages children to decorate their toys in red, white and blue.

Parents are welcome to participate in the parade with their young children, including babies in prams.

The parade, which begins at 7 p.m., will travel down Independence Street to Sixth Street, onto Arch Street and end at Claude Kehler Community Park. Free food, including chicken fingers, hot dogs and chips, will be served up to children.

The current schedule for the 150th anniversary celebration week is as follows:

On Sunday, June 29, the celebration will kick off with an ecumenical service at 3 p.m. at Claude Kehler Community Park.

On Tuesday, July 1, Our Shamokin Band will perform in Claude Kehler Community Park beginning at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday, July 2, the pet and toy parade will travel through town beginning at 7 p.m.

On Thursday, July 3, an anniversary ball will be held at the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge 1149, Rock Street. Cocktails start at 6 p.m. and the ball begins at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 at the door and includes a buffet and entertainment by DJ Chad Evans. Dress is semi-formal, and Mayor Milbrand encourages men to wear coats and ties and women to don dresses or nice slacks.

On Saturday, July 5, Shamokin's grand parade celebrating the city's 150th anniversary will begin at 2 p.m. at the corner of Shamokin and Willow streets in the city's Fifth Ward. A car show will take place in the morning, with a new Camaro convertible being raffled off at 10 a.m. Live music will be performed throughout the day at the grandstand, which will be erected at the east end of Independence Street. Shamokin's annual Independence Day firework display will take place at dusk.

SHAMOKIN - Lydia Sandri has been crowned queen of the city of Shamokin.

The crowning took place on Sunday afternoon at the Independence Fire Co. in anticipation of the city's 150 anniversary celebration.

Sandri earned the honor by raising the most money in the 18 and over age group in a fundraising drive for the city's 150th celebration events.

Sandri's efforts added $632 to the event's coffers.

Teen Queen Daizy Barrett, competing in the 13 to 17 age group, raised $382, and Little Queen Kelsey Olszewski, competing in the three to seven age group, raised $1,127.

Junior Miss Elyse Whitman, competing in the eight to 12 age group, was the overall fundraising winner with $1,200. She was awarded a special prize for her efforts.

"The best part about it is everybody getting together and coming out," said Whitman.

Court members are Maggie Villari, Kara Smith, Kendra Jones, Brea Whitmer, Emily Goodrich, Katie Cox, Emily Brokenshire, Baylee Latshaw, Caylee Latshaw, Shanon Jilinski, Nina Wilk, Morgan Schminkey and Maria Silcox. All members of the court will ride on a float in the July 5 parade.

Altogether, competitors raised $6,133.

Margaret Heim, organizer of the queen contest, was ecstatic with the results of the competition.

"It's way above what we thought we'd raise," said Heim.

Heim's idea for the queen competition came from her daughter, who was the queen at Shamokin's 125th anniversary celebration.

Mayor William D. Milbrand attended the crowning and took time to speak with many of the winners.

"I'm very proud of all the girls that participated," said Milbrand. "It was a major contribution to our event. I just can't say enough."

SUNBURY - Zimmerman's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Truck, Market Street, is marking its 125th anniversary with a block party from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

One-hundred and twenty-five prizes will be awarded, plus there will be a live band, classic cars, food and children's games.

As part of the block party and a months-long sales promotion, Zimmerman's is giving away a 2014 Dodge Avenger.

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - The driver of a tractor-trailer truck involved in a four-vehicle crash more than a year ago has pleaded not guilty to several charges stemming from the collision that seriously injured two people.

David P. McGuinn, 54, of Paxinos, was cited for careless driving and two counts of unlawful activities in connection with a March 25, 2013, accident on Route 54 near Farnsworth Camping Center.

The crash left Richard Shaw, of Johnson City, N.Y., confined to a wheelchair. Shaw said in an interview last summer in which he criticized Ralpho police for not having filed charges at that time that he and his wife, Brenda, suffered some 25 broken bones.

The careless driving offense was filed by Ralpho Township Sgt. Chris Kreisher, while the other two counts were filed by Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. George Ritchey March 20 at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, Mount Carmel. All three are summary offenses.

McGuinn is scheduled for a hearing at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, before Jones. He is being represented by attorney Marc Lieberman, of Elysburg.

Owner cited

Earlier this month, Ritchey and Kreisher filed a misdemeanor of recklessly endangering another person and 16 summary equipment violations against Joshua Seth Kovaschetz, 34, of 2273 Mile Hill Road, Sunbury, owner of Kovaschetz Trucking LLC, P.O. Box 301, Sunbury. Kovaschetz is the owner of the tractor-trailer operated by McGuinn that was involved in the accident.

According to a report issued by township police, Richard Shaw was driving a Ford Mustang east about 2:30 p.m. when it was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer driven by McGuinn.

The collision forced the Mustang into the westbound lane, where it collided head-on with a Toyota Prius driven by David L. Wolfe, of South Sixth Street, Shamokin. The Prius was subsequently rear-ended by a Dodge Dakota driven by Ricardo Contreras, of Hart Road, Danville.

The Shaws and Wolfe were extricated from their vehicles by emergency responders. Wolfe and two passengers, his wife, Judith Wolfe, and their son, David, all suffered injuries.

McGuinn and Contreras were not injured.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Members of the Shamokin Area School Board praised administrators for helping cut $40,000 from the 2014-15 budget by making concessions to their Act 93 agreement.

"This was something that they didn't have to do," board member Charles Shuey said Monday. "We went to them looking for help and they offered to open up the agreement."

The concessions were revealed by Shuey at Thursday's board meeting, at which a final $32.4 million budget for 2014-15 was approved, along with a .8436-mill property tax increase.

It raises the millage from 27.1 to 27.95, resulting in an $8.93 increase, from $284.55 to $293.48, for the average district property owner.

Shamokin Area also approved the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center (NCCTC) budget for 2014-15 in the amount of $1.96 million. Shamokin's share of that cost is $843,893.

Four key changes

The 12 administrators covered under Act 93 include the elementary and high school principals and assistant principals, of which one is the federal programs coordinator; special education supervisor, curriculum coordinator, supervisor and assistant supervisor of building and grounds, dean of students, technology coordinator, director of food and nutrition and the athletic director. It does not include the superintendent or business manager, who have separate contracts.

According to Shuey, the following concessions were made:

- The stipend for uncovered health expenses was lowered from $4,000 to $1,250.

- Administrators will now pay 5 percent of their annual salary toward health care costs; they paid nothing previously.

- A district match of tax-deferred annuities for the administrators was lowered from 4 to 3 percent.

- Mileage reimbursement was eliminated.

"We are in negotiations with the teachers and our (non-professional) workers, so it is great to see that the administrators are leading by example," Shuey said.

Raise requests

Otherwise in financial news at Thursday's meeting, directors noted they are trying to do what they can do to help the district.

Director Robert Getchey was less than complimentary about some staff.

"It is amazing that we have these people that beg us for a job, and then when they get the job, they want a raise right away," he said. "People have to understand we are in a bad situation. Please understand when you take these jobs, this is what you are getting with the salary. Stop calling board members about getting raises. You took the job, wait until your union gets you your raise."

In other personnel news, the board accepted the resignations of swimnastics instructor Kathy Jeremiah, assistant varsity/junior-high cross country coach Angela Golfieri and school psychologist Kyle Brown. The board noted Brown will be required to reimburse the district $8,000 because he did not fulfill his commitment of three years of service following a salary increase.

The following hires were approved by the board:

- Sierra Erdman, Angela Rock, Tad Kalcich, Andrea Klinger and Courtney Schiccatano were appointed to serve as instructors for the extended school year program from July 7 to Aug. 7 at a rate of $18.50 per hour for approximately 25 hours each.

-Tyler DiRienzo was named as the SASD Gets FIT Program Director effective June 23 through April 30, 2017, with compensation set at $40,000 per year determined by the Carol M. White PEP Grant, which the exception of year one, which will be pro-rated, with no benefits.

- Ryan Shevitski was appointed as a student technology assistant during the summer, working 7 1/2 hours per day at a rate of $8 per hour.

- The position of secretary/program coordinator, currently occupied by Carol Bainbridge, will be adjusted from 186 to 260 days a year plus benefits. Director Rosalie Smoogen noted that while she voted yes for the person and the change, she believes the position should have been posted, and director Richard Kashnoski agreed.

- On the recommendation of Chris Venna, middle/high school principal, Casey Weisbeck, Joanne Risso, Melodee Lesher and Tara Owens were approved as instructors for the summer school program for Northwestern Academy students from July 7 to 31.

- Sandy Wayne and Carla McKinney were named co-head varsity basketball cheer advisory for the coming school year, and Kayla Jilinski was appointed to serve as junior high basketball cheer advisor.

In other business:

- A $20 student fee was approved for athletic physicals to be paid directly to the physician at the time of the physical.

- An agreement was reached between Shamokin Area and Mount Carmel Area for the PA Pre-K Counts Partnership program effective Sept. 2 through June 11, 2015, and extended a contract with Michelle Rishel to provide early childhood paraprofessional services for the program at a total cost of $18,000 for 180 days. The moves are contingent upon receiving a grant for the program.

- The board unanimously approved suspending a previous board motion to increase meal prices for the coming school year.

SHAMOKIN - The Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities (NCCAH) is pleased to present a new one-woman show at the NCCAH gallery featuring the artwork of Shamokin native Gloria Zielinskie. The show begins with an opening reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

The show is a collection of recent paintings and works by an artist well known in the area as both a painter and a teacher for more than 25 years. Zielinskie holds classes weekly at the Northumberland County Arts Center in the lower floor art studio. She has produced paintings of many beloved landmarks in the area and her work celebrates the hard work and struggles of the people of the Anthracite coal regions.

For 20 years, Zielinskie and husband, Francis, operated Glozel's Art Store in Shamokin with Gloria instructing and Francis doing framing. Over the years their talented offspring have also helped with the business, doing art, crafts and helping with the large, handpainted Christmas cards that decorate Market Street each holiday season. Many of Zielinskie's works can be seen in local banks and businesses throughout the area.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Complimentary light refreshments will be served by Arts Council volunteers. After the opening, the show pieces will remain on display through Aug. 1. The gallery is located on the lower floor of the Northumberland County Arts Center and is accessible through the lower handicapped entrance. Follow the signs once inside. The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about the gallery, contact director Claude Harrington at 973-632-2513.

For information about Gloria Zielinskie's artwork, call the artist at 570-648-6339.

DANVILLE - Geisinger Health System, Danville, and Holy Spirit Health System, Camp Hill, announced Monday the signing of a definitive agreement for Holy Spirit to become an affiliate of Geisinger Health System.

The organizations announced the signing of a letter of intent last September and subsequently completed a detailed due diligence process to explore opportunities to benefit health care in Harrisburg and the surrounding area.

The proposed integration now moves into the regulatory approval phase, which is expected to take 30 to 45 days to complete.

"This is an important step forward for Geisinger and Holy Spirit to enhance care in south central Pennsylvania," said Dr. Glenn Steele Jr., Geisinger Health System president and CEO. "Holy Spirit has a 50-year history of providing high quality, compassionate care, and we are pleased to affiliate with an organization that shares our commitment to value and doing what is right for patients and the community."

"This affiliation with Geisinger will enable us to build upon our efforts to deliver innovative and collaborative medical services to the community, as well as to maintain our mission-driven Catholic identity," said Sister Romaine Niemeyer, SCC, FACHE, Holy Spirit Health System president and CEO. "We will continue to benefit from the expertise of our local board of directors and the sponsorship of the Sisters of Christian Charity, as well as Geisinger's nationally recognized accomplishments."

Representatives from each organization will sit on the Geisinger Health System Foundation and Holy Spirit Health System boards of directors.

Other mergers

The agreement with Holy Spirit is the latest in the past four years. The G-SACH merger was announced in 2010 and completed with the creation of Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital Jan. 1, 2012. Geisinger has since joined with Bloomsburg Health System and Community Medical Center in Scranton and Lewistown Hospital and is in recent talks with AtlantiCare Health System in Atlantic City.

Also, in August, GHS announced it has entered into an agreement with The Society of the Sisters of Christian Charity of New Jersey to purchase the Holy Family Convent, a neighboring property in Danville. Geisinger plans to convert two of the residential floors in the six-story convent to general office/conference space.

The organizations share a number of awards including Health Care's Most Wired hospitals and health systems, Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers, American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition, "A" Hospital Safety Scores by The Leapfrog Group, Joint Commission Accreditation/Recognition, 100 Great Places to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Hospital Review, and Blue Centers of Distinction for cardiac care, spine surgery, knee and hip replacement.

Food bank to open Thursday

CATAWISSA - The Food for Friends Food Bank will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Catawissa First United Methodist Church, 228 South St. Everyone living in the Southern Columbia School District who needs food is encouraged to attend. Proof of residency, such as an electric bill, is required.

MC Township distributing food

ATLAS - The Mount Carmel Township food pantry will have its monthly distribution from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the township complex. Residents in Atlas, Diamondtown, Strong, Locust Gap, Connorsville, Dooleyville and Beaverdale who signed up previously are eligible.

Sign up for Mount Carmel food pantry

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Borough food pantry sign up sheets are available now for the 2014-15 year. Any borough resident wishing to sign up can stop by the Notary Shop, 215 S. Oak St., from noon to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m. Fridays and noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

This is an open enrollment for borough residents including those who have signed in past and those who get their food picked up from someone else or have it delivered. For more information, call 570-339-3669.

SUNBURY - Prior to being sentenced to 4 to 8 years in state prison Monday morning for operating a methamphetamine lab two years ago, Jason David Hunsinger apologized to his former Mount Carmel neighbors and the community for his illegal actions that he attributed to drug addiction.

While pleading for a lighter sentence than he received, Hunsinger said, "I apologize for my actions and hurting anyone. My drug addiction led to my actions. It just got out of hand."

The 35-year-old defendant, who told Judge Charles Saylor he has two children and suffers from lupus, said he was trying to get his life straightened out.

In addition to imposing the jail sentence, Saylor ordered Hunsinger to serve five years consecutive probation upon his release from prison and pay a $500 fine, $500 restitution to Cynthia Snyder and $4,355.49 restitution to Tuscarora Wayne Insurance Company.

Saylor said Hunsinger would be eligible for parole after serving 40 months of his minimum 48-month sentence if he successfully completes various programs and displays good behavior during his incarceration.

He was sentenced to serve 18 months to 3 years on possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and received consecutive sentences of 2 to 4 years and 6 to 12 months on charges of operating a methamphetamine lab and risking a catastrophe, respectively. Saylor also sentenced Hunsinger to 18 months to 3 years on criminal conspiracy to operate a methamphetamine lab that will run concurrent to the other sentences.

Northumberland County special conflicts counsel Susan Schwartz initially wanted to postpone sentencing because of an error in Hunsinger's prior record score that was discovered after the defendant had pleaded guilty to the four felony charges. Schwartz said Hunsinger's prior record was actually a 3 instead of a 5, which could call for a lighter sentence. The defense attorney planned to request a continuance so she could possibly negotiate a better deal for her client with assistant district attorney William Cole, who was off Monday.

But her client insisted on being sentenced Monday because he faced another sentencing Wednesday in Columbia County Court on unrelated charges.

Hunsinger was returned to Northumberland County Prison, where he will await transfer to a state correctional institution.

Co-defendant

Kim L. Metcalf, 31, of 2014 Creek Road, Catawissa, a co-defendant in the case who lived with Hunsinger at 244 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel, when police and other law enforcement agencies raided their residence Aug. 28, 2012, was sentenced Feb. 24 to 1 to 2 years at SCI-Muncy after pleading guilty to criminal conspiracy to operate a methamphetamine lab, criminal conspiracy to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and use of drug paraphernalia.

Metcalf, who was given credit for 320 days previously served in prison, also was given one year consecutive probation upon her release from prison and ordered to pay $1,200 in fines and make restitution totaling $4,855.49.

Hunsinger and Metcalf were charged by Mount Carmel police in connection with the raid at their home that led to the discovery of a mobile methamphetamine lab, which prompted police to evacuate neighbors, cordon off a square block area around the residence and request a decontamination zone.

SUNBURY - A Shamokin man was sentenced Monday to 90 days in county prison after being found guilty of violating a protection from abuse order during a trial presided over by Senior Judge Robert B. Sacavage.

David S. Brightbill, 24, of 904 N. Shamokin St., also was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs.

Brightbill was charged by Shamokin Police Chief Darwin Tobias III in connection with June 12, June 14 and June 15 disturbances at the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, Samantha Fryberger, of 19 E. Independence St., Apt. 5, who filed a protection from abuse order against the defendant that prohibits him from contacting her.

Police said Brightbill climbed the fire escape outside Fryberger's residence three times and threatened to kill her.

Fryberger was the lone witness to testify at the trial.

First assistant district attorney Ann Targonski prosecuted the case. Public defender Michael Suders represented Brightbill.

Editor's Note: The latest in a series of stories about classes at the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities' new arts center.

SHAMOKIN - Adults who appreciate shabby chic design will enjoy Cyndee White's classes at the Kallaway Center for the Arts.

During her hour-long classes, which can be taken individually or as a set, attendees will make a variety of items decorated with collages.

In her first class, White will demonstrate making two different bookmarks. One will be made from a luggage tag, old photos, ribbon and small items like buttons. She also suggests participants bring copies of old photos to incorporate into their projects.

"Wouldn't it be nice to have something (with a photo) of your great-grandmother?" said White.

For attendees that don't have anything or are unsure of what to bring, White will provide plenty of materials. She enjoys visiting antique shops, yard sales and auctions to pick up boxes old photos, which she calls "instant ancestors."

Additional materials will also be provided. White keeps a craft room in her house filled with small items like ticket stubs that she uses to make her collage art. She even has an old library card catalog filled entirely with stamps.

White said that although she has the lesson planned around bookmarks, she invites her students to use their imaginations and create other collage items if they'd like. She has decorated the journal covers and magnets with collages, and has sold these items online at craft fairs.

The other bookmark students will create is a beaded string bookmark, which looks similar to a necklace. White said this project would be the perfect accessory for a cookbook or other large tome.

During White's second class, attendees create a stamped pin from an image embedded on laminated plastic sample swatches.

White will wrap up her sessions at the Kallaway Center with two classes on making Froebel stars, the 16-tipped German paper stars sometimes hung on Christmas trees.

White said she decided to host two sessions on making the stars after customers purchasing them at her craft tables repeatedly asked her to demonstrate how to make them. She said the sessions will be similar, and students who take just one session will come out knowing how to fold the intricate spheres.

Years of practice allows White to make up to a dozen stars per hour, which she often does in the months leading up to Christmas while watching television.

White said she's excited about the opening of the Kallaway Center because she would like to see a revitalization of the arts community in the Shamokin area. She said a downtrend in handcrafting items in the region has led to a closure in some of the shops she would frequent for supplies, which has made it difficult to find some of the more eclectic items she uses in her projects.

"It would be nice if people were interested in things like that," said White.

White's class will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30. Students can attend all of the sessions for $40 or pay $15 for each class individually. All necessary materials will be provided under this fee, but students are welcome to bring anything that inspires them.