SUNBURY - A Mount Carmel man was immediately placed on parole for 19 months Monday after being given credit for 123 days served in county prison relating to a knife fight in the borough in July.

Lawerance E. Pfaff, 54, who previously pleaded no contest to a felony of aggravated assault, also was ordered by President Judge William H. Wiest to pay a $200 fine plus costs.

Pfaff, who was represented by Northumberland County conflicts counsel John Broda, has been free on bail since November.

An additional felony count of aggravated assault, two misdemeanor counts of simple assault and charges of terroristic threats, possessing instruments of crime, possessing prohibited offensive weapons, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct were not prosecuted under a plea agreement with the district attorney's office.

Mount Carmel police charged Pfaff after he allegedly threatened Jesse Carberry, of 27 E. Sixth St., Apt. 1, Mount Carmel, with a knife near East Sixth Street.

In response to the threat, according to police, Carberry pulled his own knife and slashed it about to keep Pfaff and another attacker, Christopher K. Phelan Jr., of 336 S. Locust St., Mount Carmel, at bay.

Phelan, who was also charged with aggravated assault and other offenses, suffered three minor wounds to his arm and was treated at the scene.

Passed on street

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Carberry was walking with his dog west on Sixth Street near Hickory Street when he saw three people - later identified as Pfaff, Phelan and Phelan's wife, Patricia, who is also Pfaff's daughter - walking toward him. When they passed each other, Pfaff allegedly made disparaging remarks about Carberry and his dog. Carberry said he told the three to have a good night and kept walking.

Police said Christopher Phelan and Pfaff kept calling Carberry names while he kept walking to his residence. When he arrived home, Carberry said he noticed Christopher Phelan coming toward him, making threats. Carberry said he tied up his dog and took off his glasses, expecting to be struck by Phelan. Carberry said he backed away, telling Phelan to leave him alone.

Carberry said Phelan began punching, kicking and grabbing him. Carberry pushed Phelan to the ground and Pfaff began chest bumping Carberry. Patricia Phelan tried to push her family members away and her husband left the area.

According to police, Pfaff then produced a knife and said he was going to stab Carberry to death. Christopher Phelan returned to the scene and attempted to kick Carberry while the victim held Pfaff's arm to keep the knife from moving.

Pfaff allegedly said he had another knife in his other hand, causing Carberry to push him away, which allowed Chris Phelan to strike Carberry in the face, police said.

Police also said Christopher Phelan and Pfaff kicked and punched Carberry's dog during the incident and the dog got off the leash.

Carberry produced his own knife and began yelling to leave him alone and keep away, according to officers. Police said Carberry made slashing motions with his own knife while Phelan came at him, cutting Phelan two or three times.

Christopher Phelan, Carberry and Phelan's wife were taken to the station for questioning. Pfaff left the scene before police arrived, police said. Chris Phelan told police he was assaulted by Carberry and was trying to help his father-in-law.

Patricia Phelan told police during questioning that she, her husband and her father were drinking in town and Pfaff had words with Carberry and pulled a knife.

Pfaff was later found near Sixth and Chestnut streets and taken to the police department, where he refused to give a statement, police said.

ARISTES - Searchers conducted an informational traffic stop on Route 54 near Natalie as part of the ongoing efforts to locate a Northumberland man who went missing in the Roaring Creek Tract of Weiser State Forest Wednesday evening.

Members of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, part of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), distributed more than 1,000 fliers in hopes that a motorist commuting through the area will have information about Michael E. Kenney, 54, who was last seen jogging on a trail around 7 p.m. Wednesday in the state forest, approximately 4 miles south of Mount Carmel.

"If they see a picture, a face, maybe something will happen," said Larry Bickel, a member of the Bureau of Forestry's Incident Management Team that was on-site at the traffic stop.

The flier provides a photo of Kenney, 54, who has red hair, blue eyes and a thin build and is 6 feet 1 inch tall. Two photos of his blue two-door Honda, which was found parked in the forest parking lot on Route 54 with his keys and cellphone inside and a window rolled down, are also on the flier.

Cecile Stelter, public informations officer with the Incident Management Team, said the decision to canvass motorists on Route 54 was practical because it was likely if Kenney left the state forest on a road, he would have been spotted on this stretch.

"That was the road that is closest where the vehicle was last found and according to the law enforcement and operations here at the incident that would be the logical route of a person either in a car or walking," said Stelter. "People who may be traveling that route normally, (we're) basically stopping and asking if they saw something on Wednesday night."

Bickel said the public's response to the stop was positive and local law enforcement helped to assist with keeping traffic flowing.

"Mount Carmel Township Police Department has been exceptional today with this," said Bickel.

The day resulted in eight to 10 motorists pulling off the road to provide leads, on which Bickel said he could not comment until they were investigated further.

Scaling back search

The search team has been scaled back at the forest.

Stelter said 50 searchers walked and gridded the forested areas and trails while local law enforcement drove the roads.

On Sunday, more than 130 trained personnel took part in the search.

Stelter said the change is not an indication of Kenney's whereabouts but rather a financial necessity.

"We cannot sustain the number of resources that have been allocated to this incident," said Stelter. "Since we haven't found any significant development in the last few days, this is fairly typical that operations are scaled down."

Stelter said that most of the personnel conducting the search are from out of the area, and many needed to return to their home locations to complete their regular work. If a lead is found, said Stelter, the team will return because the search is not considered complete.

"It's just as easy to scale back up and bring additional resources back in," said Stelter. "The search is still ongoing."

Bickel was insistent the Bureau of Forestry is committed to locating Kenney.

"We're not going to quit," said Bickel. "We need to do this for the family."

Closed to public

The Roaring Creek Tract of Weiser State Forest remains closed to the public while the search continues.

Stelter said she was unsure when it would reopen to the public.

"We don't want anyone to mistakenly stumble across any clues or any evidence or anything that we might be able to use in helping find Mr. Kenney," said Stelter.

While the primary trails have been searched, many areas are being rechecked more thoroughly.

Among the areas rechecked within the Roaring Creek tract on Monday were three reservoirs.

Stelter said that residents have no reason to fear contamination at the reservoirs, which provides drinking water to various municipalities.

"There should be no reason to be concerned about the drinking potability of the water," said Stelter.

Anyone with information on the location of Kenney is asked to contact 570-875-6450.

SUNBURY - Joshua Seth Kovaschetz, 34, of 2273 Mile Hill Road, Sunbury, pleaded guilty Monday to hit and run and was sentenced by Northumberland County President Judge William Wiest to 9 months supervised probation.

Additional charges of following a vehicle too closely, careless driving, failure to provide immediate notice of an accident to police and operating a vehicle without an official certificate of inspection were not prosecuted under a plea agreement with the district attorney's office.

Kovaschetz, who also was ordered to pay a fine and costs, was charged by Trooper Justin Rosboschil of state police at Stonington in connection with a Feb. 7 two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Sunbury and Whiteknight roads in Riverside.

Kathryn Jinah Brokus, of South Abington Township, was recently awarded a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree during the 123rd commencement ceremony of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Brokus will begin post-graduate training in family medicine at VCOM-VC/Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Va.

She is a daughter of Peter and Anne Brokus, formerly of Coal Township.

SHAMOKIN - Members of the Brush Valley Chamber of Commerce learned some tips on reducing stress in the workplace during a luncheon Tuesday at the Original Italian Pizza restaurant.

Guest speaker Gail Jasman, a registered nurse with the Geisinger Health System, spoke to the 30 members and guests in attendance about two types of stress, either acute or chronic.

"Acute stress is caused by problems right in front of you," Jasman said. "Chronic stress is dealing with the continuing stress levels that just keeps rising and rising."

Jasman said that according to research studies, workplace stress costs companies a total of $300 billion a year in health care costs, absenteeisms, increased accident rates or claimes, deterioration of interpersonal relations and increased staff turnovers.

"Chronic stress can cause anxiety, depression, digestive problems, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain, and memory and concentration impairment." Jasman said.

After identifying the cause of stress and what can happen when there is too much, Jasman gave attendees some tips about reducing stress for employees.

"One thing you can do for your employees is to encourage them to take lunch breaks, to get away from their desks," Jasman said. "You can also reward your employees with a surprise treat or coffee, or even holding an employee appreciation day."

Chamber executive director Whitney Fetterman thanked Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital for sponsoring Tuesday's luncheon.

She reminded everyone about the chamber's upcoming fundraiser, the duck drop race to be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 27.

The ducks will be dropped from the bridge on Water Street behind the Original Italian Pizza restaurant in Shamokin. Ducks will travel down the Shamokin Creek toward the finish line at the Claude Kehler Park bandshell.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three ducks. Tickets cost $5 are available at the chamber office in the Career and Arts Center, and in downtown Shamokin on the day of the race.

Any chamber member or business that wants to be a sponsor for the race can contact the chamber office at 570-648-4675.

TREVORTON - Trevorton Patsies Senior Adult Ministry Over 50 Club met in St. Patrick Church Hall June 16.

The Senior Adult Ministry prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were recited, followed by the Over 50 Song.

Twenty-five members attended. "Happy Birthday" was sung to Helen Delorso, Ron Kuhns, Kathryn Lebo,

Kathryn McBride, Marlene Reck, Shirley Treon and Helen Hollenbach, who is the Patsies' oldest member at 103.

Donations were received from Hollenbach, Kuhns, Lebo and Reck.

Refreshments were provided by Linda DeFacis, Joyce Koppen, Kuhns and Rita Troutman.

Patsies trips include "Forever Plaid" at Shawnee on the Delaware Aug. 28 and the American Music Theatre

Christmas show in Lancaster Nov. 6. Contact Joyce at 570-797-3695 or Judie at 570-648-0105 for information on Patsies and Trevorton Senior Center trips.

The July 21 meeting will be a covered dish luncheon at 1 p.m. in St. Patrick's Church Hall.

Bingo and cards will be played after lunch. The Christmas banquet will be held Dec. 15.

Chance winners were Koppen, Teena Blessing and Joanne Pitfido.

New members are always welcome. Yearly dues are $3.

MANDATA - A contractor is suing the Line Mountain School District for more than quarter of a million dollars, school board members said Tuesday.

At their regular meeting Tuesday, directors voted unanimously to retain McNees, Wallace & Nurick LLC in connection with the claim of The Robert Feaster Corporation, Northumberland.

Rich Roberts, the district's solicitor, said The Robert Feaster Corporation claims the district owes the company approximately $260,000 in payments for the district's most recent building project.

In April 2013, directors voted to execute a contract with The Robert Feaster Corporation for general construction in the amount of $1,335,300.

The project included the seventh- and eighth-grade wing at the junior/senior high school in Mandata, which was expanded to accommodate fifth and sixth grades.

Work completed by other companies brought the total cost of the addition to $3.6 million.

The addition was completed in fall 2013.

Mugs for sale with fireworks

SHAMOKIN - Mugs being sold by the 150th anniversary committee are now available at the site of the Citizens Fireworks Inc. fireworks sale, across from The News-Item, 707 N. Rock St.

Proceeds from the mugs benefit 150th anniversary activities.

The fireworks store is open from 4 p.m. into the evening weekdays, with longer hours planned this weekend.

Driver centers closed July 4

HARRISBURG - All PennDOT driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Friday in observance of Independence Day.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services at www.dmv.state.pa.us 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. There are no additional fees for using online services.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2014 is available on the website under "News, Stats and Facts."

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to www.511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.

Food surplus signup in Kulpmont

KULPMONT - Signups for the borough's food surplus program's 2014-15 distribution will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Friday at the Kulpmont Borough Senior Center for all eligible borough residents.

SELINSGROVE - The principal at Shikellamy School District's Oaklyn Elementary School was charged with DUI and allegedly begged the officer for leniency because of her job.

Holly Ann Judge, 36, of Northumberland, was stopped by state police Tropper Craig Magnuson on Market Street at 11:30 p.m. May 30, according to The Daily Item. Judge initially refused a breathalyzer or blood test, and Magnuson said Judge was unable to stand without stumbling during a field test, the Sunbury newspaper reported.

A blood-alcohol test determined Judge's BAC was .33 percent, more than four times the legal limit, according to the paper.

Magnuson said he initiated a traffic stop after seeing a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee pull onto South Market Street without using a turn signal, drive over the center line and continue traveling north in the southbound lane, according to the newspaper.

The officer said the driver, later identified as Judge, seemed flustered when asked questions; her eyes were bloodshot and she smelled of alcohol. Judge admitted to having a couple of drinks, but begged Magnuson to let her go because she would lose her job, the paper reported. The insurance card she presented had expired in April, police said.

Judge faces two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence, failing to drive on the right side of the road, failing to drive on the road, failing to use proper turn signals, failing to have required financial insurance and driving carelessly and recklessly, the newspaper reported. She was charged Thursday before District Judge John H. Reed, Selinsgrove.

Judge was appointed principal in October 2011. Her annual salary is $93,244. School officials withheld comment, but a special school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at Island Park Adminstration Center conference room, according to the newspaper.

A preliminary hearing is set for August.

MOUNT CARMEL - A borough man was arraigned Tuesday on assault charges related to a bizarre incident involving the alleged body-cavity search of his girlfriend for prescription medication.

Edward J. Shuder, 34, of 221 E. Sixth St., was charged by borough police with two counts of simple assault and charges of harassment and disorderly conduct. He was released on $10,000 unsecured bail.

Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman Jason Drumheller reported in court documents police received a call May 20 from a father wanting to report an assault involving his daughter. He placed his daughter on the phone, and she told police she was assaulted by Shuder and was at the hospital for treatment. After being seen at the hospital, the victim went to the Mount Carmel police station to give a statement.

She said she and Shuder resided together at Shuder's address. She said he was acting odd on the day of the alleged assault, which she said is typical when he is "under the influence of some type of stimulant or drug," police reported.

Shuder told the victim he wanted to go to his sister's residence on Vine Street. The victim told police she didn't want to go, but figured arguing was not worth the fight and went along. She took her 5-year-old son with her.

At the other residence, the victim and her son stayed on the porch while Shuder went inside. At one point, the boy needed to go to the bathroom, and mother and son went inside and walked upstairs.

When the victim went into the bathroom, Shuder darted in with her and told her to stay standing. Shuder then accused the victim of hiding something on her person and searched her for what he said was prescription medication.

Police do not believe the boy witnessed the assault.

Shuder's sister heard the commotion and called their mother for assistance. The two women detained Shuder so the victim could escape. Shuder broke free and, according to police, grabbed the victim downstairs and struck her in the face, back and arms.

Shuder was lured into the basement by his mother, while the victim left the residence with Shuder's sister. Before the sister could pull away, however, Shuder jumped in the back seat and further assaulted the victim while they drove to Shuder's father's residence. When the victim got out of the car, Shuder allegedly bodyslammed her into the mud and began to kick, stomp and punch her.

The victim got back into the vehicle, but Shuder stuck his arm inside the passenger side window and continued to assault the victim while she was leaving the scene, police said.

Police said the victim suffered bruising on her left bicep and a welt on her back and was bleeding.

Shuder was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones, of Mount Carmel. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday before Jones.

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

SHAMOKIN - Elaborate cakes tiered with flowers or shaped like dinosaurs will soon be within reach of many Shamokin bakers.

Christine Keefer will teach the basics of cake decorating during the Wilton Basic Course 1 at the Kallaway Center for the Arts.

Beginner students will learn all about working with buttercream and all 12 tips that come with the Wilton Decorating Basics Student Kit.

Keefer said students must purchase the kit for the class, which increased the start-up cost for the hobby, but the tips are reusable and durable.

Students need to purchase the class book, which is available at most craft stores, such as Michaels.

Students will also need to provide their own cakes and icing to use in class. Keefer said she has specific directions for preparing the icing which she will disclose to those registered prior to the first session.

Keefer said the course is perfect for parents of young children because they will save money in the long term by being able to create cakes for birthday parties and events rather than purchase them at a bakery.

Other people who love socializing might also find the class helpful.

"You'll be invited to every party," said Keefer.

Keefer knows from experience. She began decorating cakes at the 26 years ago after attending a Wilton course with her sister at the Shamokin YWCA.

When the instructor did not return after the first course, the YWCA was left searching for someone to fill the role. Keefer, who was an adviser at the YWCA at the time, stepped up to the plate.

She became a certified Wilton instructor through adult education classes and began teaching at the YWCA. Soon she added other locations, teaching at Ames and Boscov's. She currently hosts classes regularly at Michaels.

While arthritis has stopped her from icing cakes professionally, she believes any person can learn the skill through the Wilton courses.

"It's fun and, seriously, it is not hard," said Keefer. "I show you all kinds of neat tricks."

One of Keefer's first tricks is making perfect icing that will taste delicious and slide on smoothly.

In subsequent classes, which Keefer plans to hold at the Kallaway Center following the completion of Course 1, students will learn more advanced techniques. Course 2 focuses on flowers and cake designs, Course 3 teaches the basics of fondant and gum paste and Course 4 students will learn advanced gum paste flowers.

Keefer's classes are limited to six students per session, but she already has additional sessions planned for interested people that can't make the first session.

The Wilton Basic Course 1 begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 7, and runs for four weeks. Each class is approximately two hours long. The cost is $30 and does not include the book, kit and homemade icing.

A second session will begin Aug. 7.

For more information or to sign up, contact Jeanne Shaffer, executive director of the Northumberland County Council for the Arts, at 570-850-9121 or jeannes@ptd.net.

SUNBURY - The attorney for accused murderer Miranda Barbour filed briefs Tuesday afternoon in the county prothonotary's office involving his claim that the alleged murder weapon was obtained by police with an invalid search warrant.

A brief also was filed by the defense for a forensic pathologist to be hired in the case.

Tuesday was the deadline to file the briefs. A response from the district attorney's office is due by July 9.

Chief public defender Edward Greco filed the documents as requested by Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor, who continues to mull legal arguments to determine if the knife Barbour confessed to using to stab to death 42-year-old Troy LaFerrara of Port Trevorton will be admitted as evidence during her capital murder trial.

During a hearing earlier this month, the defense and prosecution questioned two police officers and a former roommate of Barbour's about the residence where she lived with her co-defendant husband, Elytte Barbour.

Both are facing trial for the Nov. 11 murder of LaFerrara.

Greco has motioned that the incorrect listing on a search warrant of the address of the Barbour's home makes the warrant invalid. As a result, Greco believes the alleged murder weapon should be barred as evidence.

The Barbours lived at 101 N. Water St., a two-story white home. That's where the warrant was served and the knife found hidden in the attic, tucked into insulation inside a wall. However, the address on the warrant was listed three times as 101 N. Market St., a three-story yellow brick home. Both addresses were listed in the affidavit used to acquire the warrant.

Sunbury Cpl. Jamie Quinn and Detective Travis Bremigen previously testified in court that they were unaware how the error occurred and who made it. Quinn said a team of at least three city police officers had worked on 18 separate warrants and eight court orders.

However, Bremigen said he was at the home on six separate occasions and would not have mixed them up in the process of serving the warrant. He recounted each visit, culminating with the Dec. 9 service of the warrant.

Elytte Barbour told officers where the alleged murder weapon was located on the Friday prior. Police obtained the warrant the following Monday.

Briefs were previously submitted by Greco to suppress Miranda's confession made to law enforcement. She had requested legal counsel several times before confessing, but her request was not met. A hearing was held last month regarding the confession, and a ruling is expected by the end of June.

The commonwealth filed a notice to consolidate the cases shortly after the charges were filed against both defendants. Greco has since filed numerous motions, including one to sever the cases so Miranda and Elytte Barbour could have separate trials.

Attorney James Best, who is representing Elytte Barbour, doesn't oppose consolidating the cases into one trial.

Attorneys in the case don't expect a trial to begin until next year.

UNIVERSITY PARK - Named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Pennsylvania State University were:

Ahmad M. Abuomar, Mount Carmel, University Park Campus; Kirsten E. Bordell, Coal Township, Hazleton Campus; Samuel D. Borowik, Ashland, University Park; Adriana M. Brokus, Elysburg, University Park; Anna Marie Bronkoski, Kulpmont, World Campus; Troy L. Brown, Mount Carmel, Harrisburg Campus; Michelle N. Cortelyou, Herndon, Harrisburg; Alyssa D. Crowley, Sunbury, Harrisburg.

Meghan R. Delsite, Sunbury, Altoona Campus; Michael A. Eccker, Ashland, University Park; Danielle R. Egick, Sunbury, University Park; Jane E. Evans, Ashland, Schuylkill Campus; Melvin T. Evans, Mount Carmel, World Campus; Margaret M. Fessler, Dalmatia, University Park; Marlena A. Ford, Coal Township, University Park; Bryan C. Gedman, Paxinos, University Park.

Angelica A. George, Mount Carmel, Schuylkill; Jeffrey D. Hall, Elysburg, University Park; Donald L. Hall, Sunbury, Harrisburg; Emily L. Harlos, Sunbury, University Park; Kirstie M. Herb, Sunbury, University Park; Thomas J. Heromin, Elysburg, University Park; Caleb T. Latovich, Coal Township, Schuylkill; Shaine M. Lepley, Mount Carmel, University Park.

Angela Maschuck, Coal Township, Schuylkill; Michelle Menko, Trevorton, University Park; Christopher M. Monahan, Mount Carmel, Wilkes-Barre Campus; Maria B. Montellano, Mount Carmel, University Park; Thomas B. Pazamickas, Sunbury, University Park; Samantha C. Ramp, Shamokin, World Campus; Ashley M. Roberts, Elysburg, University Park; Chelsea E. Shervinskie, Sunbury, Hazleton.

Morgan L. Shulski, Elysburg, University Park; Eric M. Shultz, Shamokin, University Park; Mark J. Shultz, Shamokin, University Park; Cody J. Shustack, Kulpmont, University Park; Alexandra Singh, Elysburg, University Park; Cara F. Sinopoli, Kulpmont, University Park; Kira C. Skocik, Ashland, Schuylkill; Emily E. Skonecki, Mount Carmel, University Park; Kathryn M. Springer, Elysburg, University Park.

Tyler J. Strause, Sunbury, Altoona; Barry A. Strausser, Mount Carmel, Hazleton; Robert J. Taylor, Sunbury, University Park; Robert Varano, Paxinos, University Park; Brandon J. Zoch, Sunbury, University Park.

CATAWISSA RR - It was a bit of a spending spree for the Southern Columbia Area School District Wednesday when raises for administrators and supervisors and nearly $200,000 in computer upgrades were approved.

In a special meeting, the board approved 3 percent raises for its Act 93 employees - principals, psychologist and social workers, curriculum/technology director, special education director and technology support specialist.

While not under the Act 93 contract, business manager Michael Sokoloski was also given a 3 percent raise. The raises for the Act 93 personnel raise from $1,060 for social worker Sylvia Costa to $2,587 for high school principal James Becker.

The Act 93 raises were approved on a 7-0 vote with directors Tim Vought, John Yocum, Michael Yeager, Charles Porter, Thomas Reich, Charlene Cove and Gail Zambor Schuerch voting yes. Director Joe Klebon could not be reached by phone to participate in the meeting.

In addition, the board approved salary increases for several members of the district's non-union support and supervisor employees list. Many of those on the list received 2.5 percent salary increases, with the exception of head cooks Regina Reigle and Roxanne Hockenbrock, who were given 4 percent raises.

Only Timothy George, supervisor of buildings and grounds, and head custodian Gabrielle Bagnell did not receive raises. Bagnell did not receive one since she was only hired last month for the position, while George did not receive a raise due to receiving a $10,000 increase when he took over a supervisory custodial position up until last month.

Those raises were approved by a 7-0 vote as well.

The board also confirmed a purchase of $198,740 under a lease/purchase agreement with American Capital Leasing. The purchase was approved June 16, but the agenda lists the technology the district will be getting in the coming months.

According to invoices provided by the district, Southern Columbia will receive 450 Acer Travelmate laptops, 65 Hewlett-Packard desktop computers, 11 Samsung Chromebook laptops and various equipment to update the district's servers.

The board also approved revised staff handbooks for the supervisory staff and (non-union) support staff, and a family and medical leave act qualifying leave for an employee, running from Aug. 21 through on or about Oct. 31 at Wednesday's meeting.

MANDATA - The Line Mountain School District is preparing to go to arbitration to settle a claim by a former contractor that the district owes it more than a quarter of a million dollars, said the district's solicitor Wednesday.

Rich Roberts, the district's solicitor, clarified comments made at Tuesday night's school board meeting in connection to The Robert Feaster Corporation's claim the district owes the company approximately $260,000 in payments for the district's most recent building project.

Roberts said the district would first enter arbitration with the contractor before the company files an official lawsuit.

Troy Laudenslager, president of the board of directors, said Wednesday he could not comment on how the payment issue arose due to the ongoing litigation.

The district has retained McNees, Wallace & Nurick LLC, of Harrisburg, in connection with the claim.

Oil leak

The district is also potentially on the hook for $140,934, owed to Lower Mahanoy Township for the cleanup of an oil leak at the former Dalmatia Elementary School building.

Payment for the cleanup was due May 23.

Laudenslager said the district had not yet paid the bill because the district's insurance company and its attorneys are still negotiating which parties owe what portion of the bill.

"It's more about insurance matters," said Laudenslager.

In other news

Directors unanimously approved renewing the SuccessMaker Software License and Support License from NCS Pearson Incorporated, Chicago, at a cost of $1,235 for Tuesday through July 30, 2015.

Directors approved purchasing 75 Lenovo laptop computers through CDW Government, Vernon Hills, Ill., to replace units purchased in 2008. The per unit cost, with 3-year warranty, is $609.25 for a total of $45,693.75 from the technology budget. The laptops will be purchased from CoStars IT Hardware Contract COSTARS-003-32 pending solicitor approval.

A renewal of the software maintenance and licenses for the IEPWriter Special Education software with Leader Services, Hazleton, starting Tuesday through June 30, 2015, at a cost of $6,873 was approved by directors.

Directors approved a transfer to the capital reserve account in the amount of $50,222.

Directors approved a K-12 Merchant Processing Agreement with Heartland Payment Systems, Jeffersonville, Ind., at a price of $2 paid by the parent/user for each credit card/ACH transaction for online meal payments, and authorized the Business Administrator to execute said agreement along with the terms and conditions acknowledgment.

Directors approved the following five new teachers: Brigette Styer, first grade, $37,602; Lindsey Scherer, fifth-grade language arts, $32,838; Catherine Creveling, fifth-grade language arts, $32,838; Kam Traugh, sixth-grade science, $37,602; and Trisha Herb, fifth-grade math, $34,426. Start dates are Aug. 25.

Directors approved hiring Jeffrey Lagerman as the middle school principal, effective Tuesday, at $76,500.

Cynthia Wood was approved by directors as a day-to-day substitute teacher for the 2014-15 school year.

Hours outside of the school day was approved for four employees at a rate of $22: Lon Balum, 62 hours; CarolLynn Kahler, 8 1/2 hours; Susan Ney, 10 1/2 hours, and Larry Fisher, 4 1/2 hours.

Directors approved the following coaches for the 2014-15 school year: Jessica Klinger, assistant field hockey coach, $1,390; Margaret Fessler, volunteer field hockey coach, $0; Jill Yisrael, volunteer field hockey coach, $0; Chelsea Smeltz, middle school field hockey coach, $1,730; Marla Lahr, middle school field hockey coach, $1,730; Jordan Taraschuk, head softball coach, $2,350; Douglas Fessler, assistant softball coach, $1,840; Amy Shipe, assistant softball coach, $1,660, and Vanessa Straub, volunteer softball coach, $0.

Justin Kaleta was hired for the information technology department at a rate of $7.25 per hour through Sept. 12.

A request by the Line Mountain Soccer Boosters to use the soccer, stadium, field hockey, baseball and football practice fields, concession stands and inside restrooms from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday with a rain date of Sunday for an Eagles soccer tournament was approved.

A bid by Glick Associates Inc. for cafeteria gates was approved at a cost of $3,666.

A bid for brick repointing from Eagle Ridge Contracting Inc. at $5,655 for 50 feet was approved. "A lot of the vents are not good," said superintendent David M. Campbell, endorsing the vote.

Three members of the public attended the meeting. One attendee asked how much money was made from the items sold at the Gratz consignment auction. Board members said the amount was around $1,300, with 10 percent of the sales going to the auction company.

The date of the next board meeting was changed to 6:30 p.m. July 8 to accommodate vacations. The meeting will be held in the high school library.

MOUNT CARMEL - The man responsible for causing loud booms in the Mount Carmel area April 8 by shooting at exploding targets waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday and plans to apply for acceptance into the county's Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program in an attempt to have his charges expunged.

Jason R. Bower, 36, of 6 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel, waived charges of recklessly endangering another person and two counts of disorderly conduct filed by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Matthew Filarski.

Police said Bower was target practicing at a former police shooting range on Mid Valley Mountain north of Mount Carmel at 9:40 p.m.

Bower later took responsibility for the incident on Facebook and claimed he didn't know the sound would carry so far.

A number of people in the Mount Carmel area reported hearing the sounds, prompting various theories as to the cause, including a meth lab explosion and officers being shot.

Exploding targets, or reactive targets as they are called, consist of two inert components that, when mixed, blow up if impacted by a high-velocity projectile, such as a bullet fired from a gun.

ARISTES - A weeklong search for a missing Northumberland man may have ended Wednesday when a body was discovered in a state forest.

Around 11 a.m., a body was found in the Roaring Creek Tract of the Weiser State Forest in Mount Carmel Township, according to a statement by Robert Martynowych of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

Michael E. Kenney, 54, was last seen jogging on a trail around 7 p.m. June 18 in the state forest, approximately 4 miles south of Mount Carmel. His blue two-door Honda was found parked in the forest parking lot on Route 54 with his keys and cellphone inside and a window rolled down.

A statement from Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley confirmed a male individual was pronounced dead at 12:04 p.m. Wednesday.

Kelley said the identity of the deceased could not yet be confirmed.

County emergency communications said Wednesday no other active searches were underway in the area except the search for Kenney.

The body was transported from Weiser State Game Land to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, where an autopsy is scheduled for 8 a.m. today.

No other information about the exact location or condition of the body was released; however, the presence of a boat crew from Upper Augusta Township suggested the body may have been located in one of the Roaring Creek Tract's three reservoirs.

A press release from DCNR issued Wednesday said watercraft were searching the small Bear Gap No. 5 reservoir, which is located along Route 54 near Natalie.

By Tuesday night, more than 5,000 acres of land and 90 miles of trails were searched as part of the effort to locate Kenney.

Here is a list of raises and salaries for Act 93 personnel, non-union support and supervisor employees for the 2014-2015 school year. Act 93 employees were given a three-percent pay raise, rounded to the nearest dollar.

Act 93 personnel

James Becker, high school principal - 2013-14 salary: $86,227.67; 2014-15 salary: $88,815, $2,587 increase.

Angela Farronato, middle school principal - 2013-14 salary: $75,272.40; 2014-15 salary: $77,531, $2,258 increase.

John Fetterman, elementary school principal - 2013-14 salary: $78,063.07; 2014-15 salary: $80,405, $2,342 increase.

Paula Gardner, school psychologist - 2013-14 salary: $64,593.13; 2014-15 salary: $66,531, $1,938 increase.

Brenda Monick, curriculum/technology director - 2013-14 salary: $83,636; 2014-15 salary: $86,145, $2,509 increase.

Jennifer Snyder, special education director - 2013-14 salary: $75,000; 2014-15 salary: $77,250, $2,250 increase.

Jill Zanolini, school social worker - 2013-14 salary: $35,346.40; 2014-15 salary: $36,407, $1,060 increase.

Sylvia Costa, school social worker - 2013-14 wage: $22.23 per hour; 2014-15 wage: $23 per hour, increase of 67 cents per hour.

Jonathon Reed, technology support specialist - 2013-14 salary: $30,000; 2014-15 salary: $30,900, $900 increase.

* Michael Sokoloski, business manager - 2013-14 salary: $83,636; 2014-15 salary: $2,509.

* Business manager is not an Act 93 personnel, but follows the ACT 93 agreement for raises.

Others

Non-union support and supervisor employees, given a 2.5 percent salary increase (except where noted). Cooks received a 4 percent increase.

Tresa Britch, superintendent's secretary - 2013-14 salary: $30,628.92; 2014-15 salary, $31,395, $766 increase.

Timothy George, supervisor of buildings and grounds - 2013-14 salary: $61,861.25; 2014-15 salary: $61,861.25, no increase.

Roxanne Hockenbrock, head high school cook - 2013-14 salary: $21,744.57; 2014-15 salary, $22,614, $870 increase.

Kathy Holleran, cafeteria manager - 2013-14 salary: $45,599.50; 2014-15 salary, $46,739, $1,140 increase.

Denise Kreisher, secretary - 2013-14 salary: $30,628.92; 2014-15 salary, $31,395, $766 increase.

Beth McGinley, elementary nurse - 2013-14 salary: $29,478.73; 2014-2015 salary, $30,216, $737 increase.

Pamela Pheasant, transportation supervisor - 2013-14 salary: $51,274.92; 2014-15 salary, $52,557, $1,282 increase.

Regina Reigle, head elementary cook - 2013-14 salary: $19,362.17; 2014-15 salary: $20,137, $774 increase.

Derek Stine, head mechanic - 2013-14 salary: $46,863; 2014-15 salary, $48,035, $1,172.

Gabrielle Bagnell, head of custodial services - 2013-14 salary: $34,000; 2014-15 salary, $34,000, no increase.

SUNBURY - Thirty-five properties were sold for $174,904.79 Wednesday at a county judicial sale conducted by the tax claim bureau and volunteer auctioneer and county commissioner Vinny Clausi.

Janice Nestico, tax claim director, said she was disappointed more of the 75 available properties were not sold, but was still thankful for the income generated by the sale that put 35 properties back on the tax rolls.

Nestico said the highest sale was $68,000 for a property at 291 E. Valley Ave. (Route 487), Elysburg. The lowest sale was $1,320.55 for a property at 613-615 W. Spruce St., Shamokin.

A total of 11 properties were sold in Shamokin. Eight each were sold in Coal Township and Mount Carmel. Two properties were sold in Zerbe Township. One each was sold in Mount Carmel Township, Kulpmont, Ralpho Township, Milton, Sunbury and Watsontown.

"It's good when we have more local buyers because those people generally fix up their properties and have more pride in taking care of them than out-of-state purchasers," Nestico said. "It's good to sell as many as we can, but when people from out of the area don't do anything to them, it ends up being a problem because the blight still exists."

Nestico said local residents often buy neighboring properties so they can control who lives next door or raze them for additional parking areas.

She said 55 properties were sold for $189,728.35 at the last judicial sale in November. She said another judicial sale will be held by the county Nov. 19.

Report cards available

MOUNT CARMEL - Report cards for Mount Carmel Area School District students will be available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the high school office.

Benefit planned for SmileTrain

COAL TOWNSHIP - A $20 night will be held to help raise money for SmileTrain.

The event starts at 6 p.m. Saturday at Fairview Gun Club. Food, beverages and entertainment will be provided. Treese participates in the Ironman Arizona triathlon; all proceeds from the event will go to the SmileTrain charity and are tax deductible.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, call Rosemary at 570-898-4084.