COAL TOWNSHIP - The board of commissioners is looking to trim the fat from the township's preliminary budget, a move discussed during Tuesday night's meeting. The board and manager Rob Slaby met Tuesday to look over revenue and expenses to close a gap of $161,591.

Craig Fetterman, president of the board, urged fellow commissioners to meet with their department heads to analyze line items and to prioritize spending. He said the township is fiscally in "good shape" and that a $280,000 capital reserve from the sale of sewer lines several years ago could be used to balance the budget.

The 2013 budget proposal totals $2,767,817, down $57,301 from 2012's operating budget. Anticipated revenue totals $2,606,226, down $218,892. Contributing to the drop in revenue are $15,000 from dumping licensees and $57,250 from "COPS in School," a program which placed a uniformed officer in the Shamokin Area Middle/High School.

Shamokin Area School Board members voted in January to end the COPS in School program. The district had been paying 70 percent of a designated officer's salary and benefits to patrol the hallways of district buildings. Fetterman said the township hired a new officer before the program ended and is now on the hook for paying the wage and benefits of an extra officer.

Board members took issue with the Northumberland County Board of Commissioners which voted Tuesday to halt the practice of allowing state constables to transport inmates to and from arraignments and hearings, beginning next year. Commissioners are worried the change in policy could alter the police department budget.

"It places a burden and expense on municipalities," Fetterman said. "We will have to look at the police department budget."

Commissioner Gene Welsh said the street department has decreased its budget by $105,850, which amounts to eight percent of the budget. Monies set aside include $50,000 for snow and ice control, $30,000 for vehicle maintenance and $25,000 for street maintenance. Welsh said a repeat of last season's snow-free winter could be a saving grace.

Formal adoption of the budget could occur during the commissioners' monthly meeting on Dec. 13.

Scott J. Binsack claims in a federal lawsuit that his constitutional rights were violated and that he ran from the law because he feared for his life if he returned to prison.

In the 25-page complaint filed Tuesday in U.S. Middle District Court, Binsack seeks in excess of $75,000 each in compensatory and punitive damages from the city of Shamokin and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole (PBPP), along with six individuals representing those entities.

The lawsuit was filed on the same day U.S. marshals captured Binsack in New York on an alleged parole violation. The federal agents had joined state parole agents in the search for Binsack after he failed to show for a parole meeting on Oct. 25. He was taunting law enforcement with online writings and videos.

Individual defendants in the suit include, from the city, Police Chief Ed Griffiths, Clerk Steve Bartos, Councilman R. Craig Rhoades and Code Enforcement Officer Rick Bozza; and PBPP agent Susan Stout and her supervisor, David Frederick.

Binsack, represented by Frank Kepner Jr., Berwick, claims the defendants conspired to deprive his constitutional rights to free speech, assembly, due process and liberty. The suit's five counts also say Binsack's ability to develop real estate opportunities was "seriously damaged," that his "good name, reputation, honor and integrity" were injured, and that he has suffered emotional distress.

Defendants react

Griffiths, contacted Wednesday, said Binsack is "grasping at straws."

"He's done this in Lackawanna County as well, and those suits were thrown out," he said. "You can't sue someone for doing their job."

Rhoades said only that he would defend himself.

"I'm not offering any other comment to create any other issues with this gentleman," he said.

Bozza declined comment, and Bartos did not return a call seeking comment.

Leo Dunn, case spokesman for PBPP, said neither the agency nor its agents comment on pending lawsuits.

'Something's Smokin'

Binsack, 43, of 131 S. Market St., Shamokin, quickly became a local curiosity after he appeared at a meeting of City Council Aug. 13 with out-of-state businessman Steven Crone with a $13 million plan to seek investors to help revitalize the city and Coal Township. Resulting publicity about Binsack's criminal past, which includes fraud and theft-related charges from New York state and Monroe and Lackawanna counties dating to 1999, led Binsack and Crone on a crusade to root out what they said was corruption among city officials.

They videotaped local residents and officials and posted the footage along with their own commentary on their newly created "Something's Smokin in Shamokin" website and Facebook page, and on YouTube.

The lawsuit describes how Binsack believes city officials conspired to not only combat the revitalization plan, but to get him back to prison.

Health problems

The suit describes health problems that have left Binsack "completely disabled."

He said he lost all vision in his right eye because of a retinal tear suffered in a prison assault and that he has a serious retinal tear in his left eye, rendering him "legally blind." He also has serious kidney disease and back and knee injuries for which surgeries have been scheduled, the suit says.

It says Binsack was told by a "confidential source" from the PBPP that he was going to be sent to prison and that he would be beaten by guards. Binsack's suit says if he suffers any trauma to his head "he will go blind."

"Because he feared for his life and safety, the plaintiff did not report to the parole office as had been ordered," the suit says.

The 'brochure'

Binsack, whose trouble in Lackawanna County was the impetus for what would become a new home improvement consumer protection law in Pennsylvania, was restricted by parole in business activities. His suit says he could not be an owner or partner in any company, and that he was not to obtain any credit cards.

A key element of the suit involves the description of the 80-page revitalization plan, which is labeled as an "investor prospectus" in all capital letters on its cover, but which is repeatedly referred to in the lawsuit as a "brochure."

The complaint says Binsack couldn't work because of his disabilities, and that's why he began to purchase properties in the Shamokin area, with "borrowed funds," upon his move there after his release from prison in June 2011.

Binsack claims that in July 2011, his parole agent at the time gave him permission to open a checking account. He said Stout, when she became his parole officer in January, allowed him to maintain a bank account.

Binsack decided that since he couldn't own a company, he could serve as a consultant and advise people on real estate, construction law and financial opportunities, the suit says.

Binsack says Crone first contacted him in mid-2012, and Crone formed and was sole owner of S&S Capital LLC and Hometown Revitalization Group LLC.

The lawsuit says Binsack was a consultant and manager for the companies because Crone was living and working in West Virginia. It says he was allowed by PBPP to travel to West Virginia as well as Nevada, where a woman interested in the revitalization plan lived.

City council issues

Binsack says things began to go wrong when he and Crone approached Bartos and city council with their plan. The lawsuit says Bartos was quoted in The News-Item on Aug. 20 saying Binsack had requested a partnership with the city and that it was seeking funds from the city, and that the city was aware of the plaintiff's criminal past.

In the same paragraph where the newspaper article is mentioned, the lawsuit also says Bartos "further related" that the plaintiff and Crone had already raised $4 million for their projects and were asking for funds from the city. "These statements ... were false and severely injured the plaintiff."

The story, written by David Falchek, a reporter for The News-Item's sister paper, the (Scranton) Times-Tribune, who has covered Binsack and his trouble in northeastern Pennsylvania for five years, never mentioned the $4 million. The story also said nothing about asking the city for funding.

The article did say Bartos told the reporter that Binsack and Crone asked to have first pick of properties slated for demolition or city-owned vacant land, and that, "We are doing our due diligence, as we would with any developer asking to partner with the city."

The lawsuit claims the "adverse publicity" affected their plan and ability to purchase properties.

It says Griffiths approached Binsack and Crone after the Aug. 13 meeting, asking for their personal information. Bartos and Griffiths contacted Stout the next day, according to the suit.

The suit says complaints by citizens about Binsack at an Aug. 30 city council meeting led Bartos to suggest they get a petition together citing their concerns.

That led Binsack and Crone to take a film crew to city hall to question Bartos and others about those and earlier comments. The suit describes at length a subsequent battle between Binsack and Crone and the city officials named in the suit regarding demolition issues, a dispute over a permit for a large Dumpster outside Binsack's house and other matters.

The suit says on the first visit with a film crew to city hall, two police cars pulled up as Binsack and Crone were leaving. It says Binsack had done nothing wrong and Griffiths did this "solely to intimidate."

The suit says that on one visit to city hall, Bartos argued with and threatened Crone, leading Griffiths to approach Binsack and say, "You have 24 hours to get out of my city or I am going to lock you up." A 'setup'

The suit claims Griffiths had Stout present at a Sept. 12 city council meeting in order to arrest Binsack. It says Binsack knew about this ahead of time and didn't show.

Binsack said Stout came to his home two days later and told him she had been contacted by Griffiths to ensure that "the peace was kept" at the meeting. Binsack said he never heard of a parole agent showing up at a meeting under those circumstances.

He said Stout visited his home on Sept. 24 and told his fiance, Tammi Pancher, that Binsack "should not leave the house" until he heard from her. Binsack said he contacted city attorney Vincent Rovito, who called Frederick. Rovito later told Binsack the matter was being reviewed "in Harrisburg," the suit says.

Binsack said he met as ordered on Sept. 25 with Stout and Frederick, and he was questioned about the companies. He said Frederick told him he understood he "had to make a living somehow," the suit says. Binsack told them about three credit cards that he had but for which he was not a creditor. Frederick suggested he turn them in, the suit says, "and thanked him for his honesty." At no time did Frederick advise Binsack not to continue his role as consultant, the suit says.

Going to jail?

Binsack's suit details how he and Crone released a video, "The harassment continues," on Sept. 27, and their first "Something's Smokin in Shamokin" show Oct. 9.

The suit details incidents at city hall on Oct. 10 involving Binsack's permit for his Dumpster, and one on Oct. 18 at the site of a demolition project on Shamokin Street, where Binsack says Bozza told him and Crone they couldn't film.

Binsack says Stout visited him at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 18 and gave him a ticket to report to PBPP's Williamsport office on Oct. 25. He said he asked if he was going to jail and whether he should get his affairs in order. "You should always have your affairs in order" was Stout's reply, the suit says.

On Oct. 23, Binsack and Crone released episode two of "Something's Smokin in Shamokin," and around the same time, Binsack says he was advised he was "going to be locked up on various technicalities for purchasing property, consulting and having been given credit cards for his expenses."

Binsack apparently never showed for that meeting, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on Nov. 5, the U.S. Marshals Service reported.

The suit says Stout told Pancher during an Oct. 25 visit to Binsack's home that, "If Scott had not stuck his nose in the police chief's business and do this stupid show, he would not be in this situation."

KULPMONT - A bark rising from some 150 feet down a mine shaft had John Sedor in a panic.

His English Springer Spaniel named Sophie had fallen into the hole nearly as deep as the Statue of Liberty is tall.

John feared the worst, but thanks to local emergency responders who conducted a rope rescue, Sophie is home for Thanksgiving, for which John and his wife, Lori, couldn't be more thankful.

"You would think that these guys were after somebody's son or daughter or dad. They were consummate professionals," John said Monday during an interview at the Sedors Kulpmont home.

Over and over, John cited the bravery, professionalism and humility of the men who helped rescue Sophie. He knows they don't want attention for their work - as is the case with most emergency responders - but believes their efforts two weeks ago should not go unnoticed.

Asked what he would tell the men if he could meet them again, he said, "What could you tell them? You go over, give them a big hug, shake their hand, (and say) 'You want a beer? Thank you. Thank you so much.' "

'Stomach churning'

Sophie had given chase after a deer while walking with John and her brother, Moose, in the woods between Marion Heights and Natalie on Nov. 9.

The trio usually hike around Centralia, but John had been looking for a place closer to home. He thought he found it, having hiked the woods near Marion Heights three times prior with his dogs.

When Sophie took off, he thought little of it. Fifteen minutes passed before John got worried. He and Moose backtracked.

"I come across this big hole and I'm thinking, 'Oh, please, God, please,' and I'm calling, 'Sophie,' and I hear her bark from the bottom of this hole," John said. "It was just stomach churning. I didn't know what to think."

He used a cell phone to call for help, reaching out to friends, who shared with him phone numbers of others they thought could help. As he received more contact numbers, he etched the names and numbers onto a rock. Friends began to show up, including a neighbor who drove Moose home while the rescue unfolded.

Day turns to dark

One person reached was Troy Wolfgang, a mine safety official with the state Department of Environmental Protection. He contacted Steve Jeffery, Northumberland County director of emergency management, who reached out to emergency management's Jason Zimmerman, a member of Shamokin Emergency and Rescue Squad.

From there, Mike Timco of Coal Township Rescue Squad, Scott Schleig of Shamokin Rescue and two members of Mount Carmel Rescue Squad, Clayton Hubler and Corey Kent, along with Russ Feese, chief of Coal Township Fire Department, were all reached, and all responded to the scene.

Troy's brother, Scott, also played a role in saving Sophie.

John said a family friend, Justin Bates, used his knowledge of the woods to lead the rescuers to the mine hole.

The ordeal began about 4:30 p.m. and by the time the rescuers were mobilized, it was after 7 p.m. and day had turned to dark.

The hole was as dark as it was deep, and dangerously steep. Even with powerful lights lowered by rope into the hole, only the reflection from Sophie's eyes shone. It was clear she was moving around, and John was thankful there wasn't any water at the bottom.

"I've never seen anything like this and I'm out in the bush all the time," he said of the size of the hole.

The hole was blasted out through solid rock. Since there was no gangway, no tipple and nothing else to suggest men had once worked in the hole, John guessed it had been created to as a mine air hole. It appears to be growing larger year by year as the surface crumbles.

'The easy job'

After arriving, the rescuers gathered their gear, and Kent volunteered to go into the hole.

At 6 feet, 5 inches and 300 pounds, Kent's size didn't exactly make it a breeze to pull him to the surface after having repelled down the hole.

"I had the easy job. I had to go down in the hole. They had to pull me up out," Kent said by telephone during an admittedly reluctant interview, saying he doesn't volunteer for recognition of service.

Kent had been involved in a rope rescue in August at Blaschak Coal Co.-owned land.

For Zimmerman, such a rescue was his first. "It's something you don't do every day," he said.

The depth of the hole was between 120 feet and 150 feet, Kent estimated, and perhaps deeper since sticks and leaves covering the bottom could potentially have covered an even deeper opening.

Sophie at ease

John had given Kent his coat in the event Sophie was scared and wouldn't come to him, hoping the scent would ease her nerves. Apparently Sophie was as eager to get out of the hole as her owner was to have her back, and she walked right up to Kent wagging her tail.

He put Sophie in a harness, strapped her to him and put her in his arms.

At the surface, Zimmerman explained, rescuers used a 4-by-1 mechanical advantage - a haul system - to pull Kent up, with the front of a pickup truck used as an anchor and four men tugging on ropes.

"And that last (pull) he came up over the side and you could see the dog and the dog came up and started to lick my face," John recalled.

At about 8 p.m., three-and-a-half hours after Sophie fell into the mine hole and about 5 minutes after Kent had dropped into the shaft, she was rescued.

The rescuers hustled John and Sophie out of the woods, and they returned to Lori and Moose, with the excited dogs greeting each other with dog kisses.

One tough dog

Sophie was limping a bit, but other than some damage to her front left leg and bumps and bruises, she was just fine. The next day she was taken to see a veterinarian with whom, coincidentally, she already had a scheduled visit.

"This dog is the toughest dog you'll probably ever see. I don't know how she could fall that far, and she didn't even come up with a broken leg," John said.

"Moose would have been crying," Lori said.

The Sedors said both dogs would get some extra turkey and attention today.

Friday, they celebrate their third birthdays.

John said he shared the experience to not only pay recognition to the rescuers and others who helped him, but also as a warning to people who may hike or ride off-road vehicles in that area.

He and the dogs are on temporary leave from hiking the woods, Lori said, but they'll return - just not to the area where Sophie had her accident.

"I'll go back up to Centralia where I belong," John said.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for hearings on Monday, Dec. 31, in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Anthony Durio, 19, of 101 Fifth St., Ranshaw, waived a first-degree misdemeanor charge of retail theft in his hearing Tuesday.

He was charged by Coal Township Police Patrolman Terry Ketchem following a theft and chase on July 30 at the Wal-Mart SuperCenter, Coal Township.

MOUNT CARMEL - Anthracite Steam Fire Company No. 1 elected officers for 2013.

Officers are James Williams Sr., president; Eric Troutman, vice president; David Berezovske, recording secretary; Marilyn Williams, financial secretary; Susan Hawkins, treasurer; Joseph Hawkins, Edward Kinn and Jack Williams Sr., trustees, and David Forgotch, sergeant at arms.

Truck room officers are John Williams Jr., assistant fire chief; James Williams Sr., captain; Michael Kotzo and Sean Williams, lieutenants, and Troutman, chief engineer. Jack Williams Sr. was elected president of the death fund and John Williams Jr., secretary-treasurer.

Delegated to the Volunteer Fire Department of Mount Carmel are James Williams Sr., three-year term; Sean Williams, two-year term, and Michael Ledger Jr., one-year term. Delegates to the Anthracite Firemen's Relief Association are Berezovske, Tammy Mench, John Williams Jr. and Sean Williams. Delegates to the Mount Carmel Volunteer Emergency Services Association Inc. are Hawkins and Troutman.

WILKES-BARRE - Geisinger Health System is inviting cancer patients to participate in one of its 128 cancer treatment clinical trials available at its facilities.

Geisinger has 114 open cancer treatment clinical trials for adults and 14 open trials for children. These include, but are not limited to, trials for leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, sarcoma and breast, bladder, prostate, pancreatic, colon, renal and gynecological cancers. In 2012 alone, 84 patients were enrolled in clinical trials, including nearly 60 at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, 10 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, 10 at Geisinger-Scenery Park in State College and five at the Geisinger Medical Center-Hazleton Cancer Center.

"Trials may include an investigation agent in addition to standard therapies already being used. It could also involve already approved therapies that are being tested in a different type of cancer to see if it is as effective or better than the standard therapy," said Heather Albertson, BSN, CCRP, oncology clinical research manager, Geisinger Health System.

"It is important to note that clinical trials are not for everyone, but for those who qualify, cancer clinical trials provide access to cutting edge therapies that may not only help their cancer but lead to new standard treatments in the future," she added.

For more information, go to Geisinger's "Find a study" application online at https://webapps.geisinger.org/findastudy/studies/ct.cfm or call toll free at 1-877-204-6081.

"It is important for people to understand that all standard therapies used today were once clinical trials," Albertson said. "Clinical trials are the key to fighting cancer and finding a cure. Participating in a clinical trial can give you an opportunity to not only possibly improve your own outcome but help substantiate new standard therapies for all future cancer patients."

HERNDON - Line Mountain Council for the Arts and Humanities will hold its annual concert, "Christmas Everywhere," a concert with a multicultural theme, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Line Mountain Junior-Senior High School.

Under the direction of Christine Sanders, the adult chorus will present "Bidi bom," a delightfully festive little piece that brings the multicultural perspective into the concert. From the Spanish culture comes "Fum, Fum, Fum." The chorus will return to its American roots by singing "Mary Had a Baby," an American spiritual, and "Huron Indian Carol." The ladies ensemble will perform "Kling, Glockchen, Kling," a German carol.

There will be a children's ensemble under the direction of Judy Updegrove. The children will present a Russian folk song entitled "Sleigh Bells Ring," a French carol "He is Born" and "Here Comes Santa Claus."

The ensemble will demonstrate its multi-language skills in "Child of Peace."

Kelly Eure will perform Taylor Swift's version of "Last Christmas." Other soloists include Alexis Schaffner singing "My Grown Up Christmas List" and Nikki Hicks singing "Mary Did You Know." Harpist Sherri Trometter will play her own arrangement of "Carol of the Bells Medley."

There is no admission charge; however, a portion of the free-will offering will be donated to the American Red Cross, and another portion will benefit the Ebony and Ivory Project, the arts council's endeavor to restore the Steinway grand piano at the junior-senior high school.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Small businesses can get lost in the Black Friday frenzy and the price hacking of retail giants, which is why American Express is sponsoring Small Business Saturday across the nation today as a way to remind consumers to invest in local business owners.

"It spotlights us. We don't have to share the limelight on a day we can't compete," said Marty Sinopoli, owner of Gigi's Gift and Home Decor in The Plaza at Coal Township, Friday afternoon.

American Express describes the event as a day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday "dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide."

Last year, more than 100 million people participated in the shopping day, according to a 2011 Small Business Saturday Consumer Survey by Echo Research.

Sinopoli opened early on Black Friday in 2011 in hopes to entice those already shopping at Walmart on the other side of Route 61 into her store, but decided against extended hours this year due to poor results.

"Walmart and big retailers can buy things in mass quantity. They can afford such great deals and still make a profit. I can't," she said.

However, she added, the response last year to Small Business Saturday was positive.

"We had customers coming out of their way to come here. We had people bringing me gifts, and showing appreciation," Sinopoli said.

At Gigi's today, Sinopoli will be raffling off a snowman valued at $24.99 and a $25 gift card, and she also has plenty of Christmas decorations and holiday-related gifts in stock.

The special day to honor small businesses is a great idea, said Winnie Reineberg, one of Gigi's customers Friday.

"It spotlights them and draws attention away from the big stores," the York woman said, who was visiting family in Mount Carmel Township this weekend.

Her sister, Christine Fink, of Jersey Shore, said the small businesses are more personal and a customer can interact more with the owners.

Sinopoli agreed, saying, "I know everyone's names, their stories and their livelihoods. I care about my customers, and I love it."

Other businesses

At Matlow's Clothing, 141 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel, owner Mark Koveleski is offering specials for the Christmas season - 20 percent off various items in the store and $100 off suits.

At Archie's Shoe Store, 828 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, owner Ron Lentini said nothing special is being done for the Christmas season other than the usually discounts on shoes, but the idea of promoting small businesses makes him happy.

"It's a great idea. You have to support the businesses that support your local organizations," he said.

At Shimock's Furniture, Route 61, Kulpmont, owner John Shimock is offering 20 percent off tables, lamps, mirrors, entertainment centers and other large furniture items in collaboration with the 97th anniversary of the store and the Christmas season.

He also described further promotions that have not been advertised yet: $50 off the lowest ticket price for any recliner, free mattress protector with any mattress purchase, buy one lamp and get one free and a free nightstand with any bedroom set purchase.

Shimock noted the concept of Small Business Saturday is still in its infancy.

"We won't have extra sales people on hand because of it, but I'm on board with anything that supports small businesses. How effective it is in the beautiful downtown of Kulpmont," he said.

Koveleski, too, isn't convinced that Small Business Saturday is a success yet.

"I don't know if it means much if there's not much exposure. I hope we do well, but it's tough seeing the future," he said.

It's tough competing with big businesses since Matlow's doesn't offer electronics or appliances, he said.

On the other hand, Dale Fahringer, manager of K&S Music in Elysburg, said his store is not only competing with the retail giants on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, they're also beating their prices.

"It (Small Business Saturday) is a good thing. It's getting us out there, and getting us recognition. We can make it happen just like big retailers are. We're doing everything we can, and we can make the deals," he said.

Fahringer said the large stores give K&S an advantage to compete with prices when they release their Black Friday deals early.

'Heart of business'

Sandy Winhofer, director of Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, said small businesses are the heart of business, especially in the local area.

"We have so many treasures right here in this region. People don't realize the small fortune we have. They just need to say they're going to shop local," she said.

The chamber is encouraging members and the community to patronize a regional business to help the local economy to grow.

"They tend to sometimes get swallowed up on Black Friday. They can't hold the quantity of possible products a big chain can have at one time," she said. "But the good thing is a lot of them are specialized, and you can find unique products for your holiday gift buying."

To locate a small business, go to www.brushvalleychamber.com or www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/Shop-Small.

It's a good thing that there is no time limit when it comes to following in someone's footsteps. I was a quarter century into a journalism career before I switched to teaching nearly two decades after my Dad Joe Kozlowski retired after 36 years in education.

While learning and teaching were the focus of his professional life, faith in God was at the core of Dad's life. He was a daily communicant at Mass until his final illness. He also went on a retreat to Malvern Retreat House for many years. My brother Phil often accompanied him to St. Joseph's-in-the-Hills.

Unfortunately, I didn't make my first retreat there until I was 57. I met Phil there Friday and in between services and conferences, we walked the same woodland paths past statues and shrines as Dad had done for so many years. Dad's faith was present in the chapel as well as the woods.

Dad's presence seemed even more tangible to Phil and me this year because Saturday, Nov. 17, was the 92nd anniversary of his birth.

My siblings and I are truly blessed to have a father - and mother - who walked in faith throughout their lives. When we follow in their footsteps, we are assured that we are heading toward God.

+++

Only faith in God can lead us to a joyous eternity.

Diabetes symposium set

KULPMONT - LIFE Geisinger-Kulpmont and Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital will team up to sponsor a Diabetes Awareness Symposium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the St. Pauline Center, 1150 Chestnut St.

This event will feature a free lunch and is intended to help people living with diabetes, their families and caretakers learn more about managing the disease. Featured speakers include Dr. Houssam Abdul-Al, internal medicine from Geisinger-Mount Carmel, and Marc Varano, outreach coordinator for LIFE Geisinger-Kulpmont.

To find out more information or to register for this event, visit www.geisinger.org/events, or call (800) 275-6401 and ask for "CareLink."

Railroad club planning open house

SHAMOKIN - The Lower Anthracite Model Railroad Club, 210 E. Independence St. in the American Legion building, has scheduled its annual open house for the holiday season. The public is welcome and admission is free. Donations are accepted. The open house will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8. The railroad club will also be open to the public from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, Friday, Dec. 21, and Wednesday, Dec. 26; and from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, and Saturday, Dec. 22.

'Light Up The Park' donations will be accepted, but not solicited door-to-door

ATLAS - The "Light Up The Park" committee will not be soliciting donations door-to-door this year. There is a need for donations to continue to sponsor the annual reindeer display for children and improving the decorations in the park. The public is asked to help with donations. Checks can be made out to "Light Up The Park" and mailed to the Atlas Fire Company, 306 W. Saylor St., Atlas 17851. If anyone would like to have their donations picked up, call 339-2144. The committee thanks everyone in advance.

GILBERTON - A woman died after the car she was driving crashed into a house on Main Street, Route 4030, Friday afternoon.

Denise M. Blashock, 58, of Ashland, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at 3:16 p.m. by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Tara Doldani, Sheppton.

State police at Frackville said Blashock was driving east at an extremely high rate of speed when she lost control of the car, which went off the road and across a lawn before slamming into the side of an abandoned house at 412 Main St.

The car drove completely into the house and caused significant structural damage to 412 Main St. and an attached house at 410 Main St.

Both homes have been vacant due to flooding in the borough in recent years. They were slated to be demolished next week, Gilberton Mayor Mary Lou Hannon said.

James Knorr lives near the crash site and ran from his home immediately after hearing a loud bang. He saw a hole in the side of the 412 Main St. home and the car inside with the engine still running.

"The engine was racing, I turned it off so it wouldn't catch fire," Knorr said.

Heavy duty rescue trucks were needed to stabilize the homes while rescuers cut the roof and doors off of the car.

Knorr said the woman was unconscious when he first got to the car, but began to moan and move slightly while emergency personnel were responding. After being trapped inside her car for about 45 minutes, the woman was removed by firefighters from Gilberton, Mahanoy City, Altamont, Frackville and Pottsville.

She succumbed to her injuries while being treated at the scene by paramedics from Shenandoah ALS and emergency personnel from Frackville EMS. A medical helicopter had been called and landed at the Mahanoy Plane ball field.

Hannon was visibly upset because she knew Blashock and her relatives.

"My heart goes out to the family," the mayor said.

Route 4030 was closed for more than an hour while emergency vehicles worked to remove the woman and then cordon off the buildings.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; walk a mile 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, and treadmill for those with doctor's slip.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; shopping at Boscov's, van arrives at 9:45 a.m., cost is $2; bridge lessons, 10:45 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Laurie Thomas speaking on "Weatherization," noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Brain teasers, 10 a.m.; parachute ball toss, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Musical memories, 10 a.m.; sit down dancing, 11 a.m.; exercise HSIM, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; puzzle time, 1 p.m.

Friday - Heart Health Trivia, 10 a.m.; Exercise to the Oldies, 10:30 a.m.; chair dancing, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Northumberland SAC Team 2 coming for Wii competition, 9 a.m.; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; pinochle-cards, noon.

Wednesday - Dewart SAC coming for Wii competition, 9 a.m.; Bunco, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Trevorton SAC Team 2 coming for Wii competition, 9 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - STRESS bingo.

Tuesday - PTH exercise with Carol Burton, 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday - Cook in with Ham and Beans, bring a friend.

Thursday - Playing pinochle and Christmas crafts.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Soup/sandwich meal for those who signed up; bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Center Christmas party will be held Friday, Dec. 14, at Masser's Restaurant. Cost is $13. Menu includes fresh fruit cup, salad, breaded pork chops, filled chicken breasts, glazed carrots, scalloped potatoes and cheesecake. Sign up by Dec. 7.

Trevorton

Monday - Free members breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; shopping at Wal-Mart, noon to 2 p.m.; evening card party, 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling practice, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii bowling Team I hosting Shamokin/Coal Township SAC, 9:30 a.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling at Kulpmont SAC Team 2, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Unlucky 7s and 31, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise with Amy, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

MOUNT CARMEL - The annual Santa Claus Parade - sponsored by the Mount Carmel Lions Club, the Mount Carmel Business Association and now the Mount Carmel Volunteer Fire Department - will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in downtown Mount Carmel.

Parade co-chairmen Paul Kaminski, Mayor J. Kevin Jones and Ricky Schnee announced Santa will be led by the Mount Carmel Area High School Band and will be followed by various rescue vehicles that will be decorated in a show of colorful Christmas lights.

The traditional parade will form at Second and Oak streets, and travel on a new route: south on Oak to Seventh Street, east on Seventh to Hickory Street, south on Hickory to Third Street, west on Third to Oak Street, and then south on Oak to the Mount Carmel Public Library where Santa will distribute candy to the children.

The lighted trucks will form at 3:45 p.m. at the Mount Carmel Area High School and travel east on Sixth to Market Street, then north on Market to Second Street, west on Second to Oak Street, where they will meet up with the traditional parade by 5 p.m.

Band members will meet prior to the parade at Second and Oak streets. Any other interested participant or floats should also report to Second and Oak streets prior to 5 p.m.

Parade prizes will be awarded and additional snacks, such as hot dogs and pierogies, will be available for participants and the public at Clover Hose Fire Company. Train Land will also be open to the public.

Serving on this year's committee in addition to Kaminski, Jones and Schnee are Lions president Robert Lapinski, Michael Shannon, Jeff Kanezo, Tony Candelora, Warren Altomare, Perino Bevivino, Ray Rothermel, Dennis Stone, Mike Romance, John Kaminski, Harry Hudick Jr., Hugh A. Jones, Frank Zaleski, David Berezovski and Al Visintainer. Representing emergency services are Jack Williams Jr., Jim Williams, Jack Williams Sr., Phil Cimino, Dan Cimino, Scott Bolick, Jim Reed and Police Chief Todd Owens.

The Mount Carmel Borough Police and Auxiliary Police will also be assisting along the parade route.

Marriages

Phillip James Kline to Kelani Jo Walter, both of 230 S. Second St., Shamokin. Issued Nov. 23, 2012.

Divorces

Marjorie Ann Shuman, 50 Avery St., Springville, from Seth Shuman, 811 W. Walnut St., Coal Township. Married March 3, 2000.

Denise E. Beck, Montandon, from Jerry A. Beck, 61 Keyser Road, Milton. Married Aug. 10, 1990.

Jeffrey Scott Burkhart, 104 E. Eighth St., Apt. A, Watsontown, from Marie Annette Burkhart, 226 E. Eighth St., Watsontown. Married Oct. 2, 1993.

Randall M. Bordner, 550 Middle Road, Dalmatia, from Tatyana V. Bordner, 592 Sandtown Road, SE, Cartersville, Ga. Married Aug. 6, 2004.

Amy F. Wagner, 815 Shakespeare Ave., Milton, from Eric M. Cramer, 27 Poplar Ave., Milton. Married July 4, 2011.

Rita B. D'Andrea from Joseph F. D'Andrea, both of 135 E. Warsaw St., Marion Heights. Married April 22, 1989.

Sean M. Duffy from Kimberly A. Duffy, both of 2105 Sunny Lane, Danville. Married May 21, 2005.

Raymond Lee Garancosky, 540 S. Seventh St., Shamokin, from Sandra Ellen Garancosky, 542 S. Seventh St., Shamokin. Married March 30, 1968.

Scott R. Laudenslager from Michelle L. Laudenslager, both of 1130 N. Front St., Sunbury. Married June 10, 1990.

Property transfers

Raymond Garancosky and Sandra Garancosky to Sandra Ellen Garancosky, property in Shamokin, $1.

Levi E. Riehl to Stephen S. Riehl and Elizabeth Riehl, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

Michael Saga to Angela L. Sikora, property in Coal Township, $65,000.

Paul L. Herring and Eleanor J. Herring to Matthew W. Herring, property in Ralpho Township, $100,000.

Jody L. Swartz and Jody L. Gardner to Jody L. Gardner, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Giles A. Wickham and Barbara A. Wickham to Bethany M. Whyne, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Dollie L. Balser to Ricky R. Rothermel and Sue A. Rothermel, property in East Cameron Township, $2,700.

Lillian B. Cress (estate), Caran M. Cress (executrix) to David A. Savitski Jr., property in Mount Carmel, $54,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Reno C. Pupo and Patty A. Pupo to Beneficial Consumer Discount Company and Beneficial Mortgage Company of Pennsylvania, property in Mount Carmel, $1,001.04.

Daniel O. Smucker and Lydia K. Smucker to Jonas B. King and Rebecca L. King, property in Jordan Township, $90,000.

Joseph Scopelliti (administrator) and Orlanda C. Scopelliti to Jacqueline R. Valania and Fredericka R. Valania, property in Shamokin, $8,000.

Paul J. Baksi to Michael D. Skopatz and Lisa Marie Skopatz, property in Marion Heights, $120,000.

Richard Spearman and Roxanne Spearman to Kim M. Troutman, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $175,000.

Most Rev. Bishop Joseph P. McFadden (trustee), Mother Cabrini Parish and Saint Stanislaus to Society of American Muslims Inc., property in Shamokin, $60,000.

Doris N. Beck to Cynthia Gass and Larry R. Beck, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Mervin K. Esch, Rachel M. Esch, Samuel K. Esch and Sadie B. Esch to Craig Stiely and Jamie Stiely, property in Lower Augusta Township, $320,000.

CJ Housing and Property Management LLC and Crazy Angels Housing LLC to Amanda C. Stank, property in Shamokin, $52,500.

Jackie E. Semerod and Darlene Semerod to Joshua J. Lenker and Dawn M. Lenker, property in Ralpho Township, $1,000.

Richard Bright to Richard M. Bright Jr., Charlene R. Fogell, Diana L. Seik, Christina M. Shingara and Mark W. Bright, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

SHAMOKIN - To borrow an adjective from the performance itself, "The Roads Family Christmas Musical Comedy" was, well, "weird."

Not that weird is a bad thing. In fact, to quote Dad Roads, played by Shamokin Area High School senior Paul Gurba, "We're the Roads, and you never know what direction we'll take."

The opening night of the musical comedy was presented by the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and

Humanities at the county Career and Arts Center Saturday evening.

It follows the tale of Abby Roads (played by Mount Carmel Area junior Jessica Pachuski) and her desire to be in a band. There's just one problem: the weirdness of her family.

Weird in the sense that her grandma and friends end up knitting on the roof. Weird in the sense that her father is using the cousins as Christmas decorations. Weird in the sense that the siblings think Oreos, sugar cane and sardines are acceptable snacks.

The audience spends 45 minutes with Abby as she handles the insanity of her household and asks her relatives to be normal so she can impress her new friends and the guy she has a crush on.

After the play, director Meagan Baumgartner said there were a few hiccups, but ultimately, it was a fun experience for the actors, who are all between kindergarten and 12th grade from Mount Carmel Area, Shamokin Area, Southern Columbia, Our Lady of Lourdes and Meadowview Christian Academy.

"It's great for the kids to have these experiences. There really isn't a lot of artistic things in the area," she said. "Thank goodness for the art center. It wasn't around when I was a kid."

Featuring the music of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Baumgartner wrote the script from scratch in a month and held auditions in September with the help of assistant director Rob Wheary.

Once each character was assigned an actor, Baumgartner tailored the script to match the personality of each person.

"These are all theater kids. They're doing this because they want to. They're into this," she said.

Baumgartner said she will tell the cast to keep up the enthusiasm for the second show this afternoon, but will advise them to be louder with their lines and songs.

In addition to Pachuski and Gurba, the cast includes Jessica Schleig, Emma Clark, Amy Frasch, Jacob Bartol, Tegan Heath, Peyton Shurock, Carson Quinn, Porter Kramer, Lewis Catino, Matt Schiccatano, Nastissja Lapotsky, Corey Mrowka, Krystoff Lapotsky, Patrick McGinn, Maggie Kushner, Patrick Rooney, Angelica Masser, Madison Pancher, R.J. Gurba, Richard Brown, Cole Supsic, Katianna Lapotsky, Desserae Allen and Mackenzie Koharski.

The band is comprised of Jill Britton, Shawn Khanna and Riley Feese.

The technical crew includes Ryan Shervinski, Jimmy Kramer, Tony Wondoloski and Johanna McGinn.

The second performance will be held at 3 p.m. today at the arts center, located at Eighth and Arch streets. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 12 and under.

Salaries for 38 Northumberland County employees top $50,000 in 2012. Some rates, such as the district attorney, are set by state law.

County common pleas court judges Robert B. Sacavage, William H. Wiest and Charles Saylor, not included in the following list because they are not considered employees of the county, will each earn $173,212 in 2013. The same applies to district magistrates Benjamin Apfelbaum, John Gembic III and Hugh Jones, who will each earn $86,608.

(See charts on pages A7 and A8 for department affiliation and hire dates for these and all county employees).

Anthony Rosini, district attorney, $168,541

Jeffrey P. McClintock, chief financial officer/budget director, $71,484

Marsha A. Skoff, custody hearing officer, $67,741

Ann Targonski, first assistant district attorney, $66,982

William C. Cole, assistant district attorney, $64,495

Melissa L. Norton, assistant district attorney, $64,495

Michael P. Toomey, assistant district attorney, $64,495

Michael Romance, assistant public defender, $64,495

Paige Rosini, assistant public defender, $64,495

Michael Suders, assistant public defender, $64,495

John Broda, conflicts counselor, $63,230

Michael R. Seward, conflicts counselor, $63,230

Roy E. Johnson, prison warden, $62,582

Stephen Bridy, commissioner, $61,000

Vinny Clausi, commissioner, $61,000

Richard J. Shoch, commissioner, $61,000

John D. Wondoloski, chief probation officer, $59,638

Joseph B. Picarelli, director of human resources, $59,472

Kathleen M. Strausser, prothonotary, $57,396

Mary L. Zimmerman, register and recorder, $57,396

Anthony L. Phillips, controller, $56,676

Judith Davis, MH/MR administrator, $55,572

John B. Onesi, court reporter, $55,287

Mary Ellen Stank-Engle, court reporter, $55,287

Michael R. Yasenchak, deputy chief probation officer, $55,174

Kevin P. Gilroy, treasurer, $53,834

James F. Kelley, coroner, $53,834

Chad Reiner, sheriff, $53,834

David M. Guyer, probation officer III, $53,692

Richard M. Platt, program specialist I Children and Youth (C&Y), $53,385

Karen L. Miller, supervisor in C&Y, $52,857

Shawn Kalman, probation officer III, $52,638

Charles Hopta, county engineer, $52,447

Jennifer A. Willard, Children and Youth (C&Y) administrator, $51,280

Christopher Minnich, program specialist II (C&Y), $50,431

Patricia A. Rumberger, Area Agency director, $50,334

Albert Bressi, chief assessor, $50,127

Nina K. Weir, probation officer III, $50,102

SUNBURY - Northumberland County commissioners expect to stick to a long-range financial plan laid out earlier this year that would raise property taxes by 11 percent in 2013 to keep pace with increasing costs.

The county spending plan, which must be approved by the end of the year, will total approximately $73 million, $2 million more than this year's budget and up from $67.5 million in 2011.

Next year's increases include $1.7 million more for employee health insurance and approximately $700,000 more in wages. The county must also borrow another $10 million to comply with a federal mandate to upgrade the 911 center.

A 2.5-mill increase for the general fund is projected to generate $1.85 million, since one mill is equivalent to $740,000. But commissioners noted the collection rate for each mill usually comes out to $700,000 since some people don't pay their taxes.

Total millage would rise from 20.318 to 22.818, which will remain the same

for at least the next three years under the plan outlined in June by Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi. He said at the time that if the county did not raise taxes and borrow money, it would have a $40 million deficit by 2022.

The county raised taxes by 1.95 mills in this year's budget and, by state code, cannot exceed 25 mills.

Clausi, discussing the budget earlier last week prior to an operation Wednesday morning that will have him sidelined for at least two weeks, said commissioners previously lowered the millage rate by 3.367 after generating $16.5 million from the sale of Mountain View Manor effective Jan. 1, 2010. However, that money can only be used to pay off long-term debt.

Preliminary approval of the 2013 budget is expected at the commissioners' Dec. 4 meeting, with final approval likely at their Dec. 27 session.

$10M for 911 center

Jeffrey A. McClintock, county budget director and chief financial officer, said the $2 million budget increase is needed to cover the following:

- A $1.7 million hike in health insurance for employees.

- A $500,000 county contribution to the workers compensation fund.

- $800,000 in retirement benefits.

- A $10 million loan for upgrades to the 911 center.

McClintock said the county obtained a $2 million loan this year and plans to borrow $10 million more in 2013 to pay for the 911 center upgrades, which involve constructing three new communication towers to comply with a federal mandate to change from a wide- to narrow-band frequency system by 2013.

He said the county chose to seek the loans over a two-year period; the bonds are tax-exempt and at lower interest rates as long as they don't exceed $10 million, he said.

McClintock said the 911 upgrades and the bond issuance required to pay for it are included in the 2013 budget.

"The frequency change was mandated by the Federal Communications Commission 13 years ago, but was ignored by prior administrations until now," Clausi charges.

The deadline to change over to a narrow band frequency is Jan. 1, "but we are confident the federal government will grant a waiver to us and extend the deadline for the upgrades because there's no way we can meet it," he said.

No more layoffs?

Asked if the continued financial strain on the county could lead to more layoffs in the new year, Clausi said he didn't plan on that happening.

"We've cut to the bare bones during the past five years. County government won't be able to function if we make more cuts," he said.

Clausi noted the county budget has dropped from $93 million when he took office in 2008 to $73 million for 2013.

"I'm proud of my record in trimming unnecessary costs," he said.

A large chunk of that reduction came from the sale of Mountain View Manor and last year's move to shut down the county's transportation department and privatize transportation services. Clausi said the transportation department was losing $500,000 per year.

Although Clausi was adamant about not making any more cuts in personnel or services, Commissioner Stephen Bridy isn't as certain.

"I'm always looking at different avenues to use technology to make government run more efficiently, and if that means making staff cuts while maintaining or improving efficiency, so be it," he said. "I'm always looking to save a dollar."

Bridy added, "I don't want to see anybody lose jobs, but I want to see taxpayers' dollars used as efficiently as possible."

Bankruptcy possible

Bridy said salaries for union and non-union employees, health care costs, retirement benefits and other expenses have risen approximately $3 million in the past year.

Bridy commended McClintock for working with department heads in staying within their budgets. "We've been able to cut $1 million in expenses over the past year by the departments tightening their budgets and making sacrifices," he said.

The commissioners said they plan to continue discussions with department heads about their budgets in the future.

Bridy was again critical of some of the unions with which the commissioners have battled in negotiations for changes to health care contribution rates and wages.

"Unless the union comes to the table to negotiate, Chapter 9 bankruptcy could be right around the corner," Bridy said.

Commissioners and Teamsters representatives battled this past spring, at which time the union said the county approved raises for non-union employees and didn't increase their health care co-payments. The county said the raises were necessary to keep supervisors who are in charge of union employees from making "thousands less" than those they supervise.

The Teamsters also said county officials ignored their advice about other means by which they could cut costs.

When asked what the county will do to balance the 2014 budget if health care costs rise another $1.7 million next year, the commissioners said raising taxes, cutting non-mandatory services or filing for bankruptcy are the only options.

No more privatization

At this time, the commissioners have no plans to privatize any other departments, noting many of the agencies within the county provide mandated services.

Commissioners said problems in Northumberland County government are health care has doubled to $5.2 million, union wages have increased by $3.5 million in five years and state and federal funding to agencies like Children and Youth, juvenile court services and Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Development Services has been drastically cut.

Commissioner Richard Shoch said the state funding cuts to those agencies have forced the county to reduce personnel, close three senior action centers and withdraw from the waiver program for Area Agency on Aging.

As for possible future personnel cuts or reduction in services, Shoch said, "I anticipate those decisions will be largely driven by state funding availability."

As for health care costs, Shoch added, "I believe we need to look at all viable options, including forms of self-funded plans, in order to control these rising costs. To that end, we need to ensure that health insurance providers vying for the county's business are able to compete on a level playing field with each other, and that we are getting them all the information they need to competitively bid on the business."

Shoch said the county is facing some significant liabilities that he believes should be shifted to the appropriate parties rather than having them placed on the backs of taxpayers.

Clausi said lawsuits filed against the prison over the past five years have cost the county approximately $1 million. In accordance with recommendations set forth as a result of a lawsuit filed by the Lewisburg Prison Project against the county, Prime Care Medical Inc., Harrisburg, was hired three years ago to provide medical services to inmates. Clausi said the county, which previously provided its own nursing staff and medical services, pays approximately $660,000 annually for those services now.

Help from above

Clausi predicted every county in the nation will go broke by 2020 from health care costs contained in union contracts.

"The county can't fix it," he said. "It's up to our state and federal governments to change the laws."

McClintock said the county faced a $1.5 million fund balance deficit in 2011, which led Clausi to develop his long-range plan. McClintock said a $2.5 million to $3 million fund balance is needed by 2015 to correct cash flow issues. Cash flow problems exist because the county only receives tax payments during a certain time of the year and has no constant influx of cash that would better allow it to make payroll and meet other operating expenses.

Clausi said a tax increase to supplement the general fund also may be needed in 2016 and beyond, depending on the county's financial condition, which he said no one can predict at this point.

According to county figures announced at the May 31 press conference, total revenue for 2012 was $15,035,320, including $13,381,420 in the general fund and $1,653,900 in debt service. Through the tax increase by the end of 2015, total revenue will jump to $18,180,320, including $15,231,420 in the general fund and $2,948,900 in debt service.

Noteworthy

Photos on display at bank

SHAMOKIN - Seventeen News-Item photos involving the holidays and wintertime are featured in the latest gallery at Susquehanna Bank, 300 E. Independence St.

Various artwork is displayed throughout the year at the bank in a program sponsored by the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities.

Visit the photo gallery section on the home page of newsitem.com and click on "Christmas photo show at Susquehanna Bank" to order those photos as prints or other products.

Holiday service planned at cemetery

ANNVILLE - The Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Memorial Council will hold its 16th annual outdoor holiday candlelight service at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, rain or shine, in the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the national cemetery.

The program provides an opportunity for veterans and/or family members of deceased veterans interred at Indiantown Gap to share memories and testimonies about their loved ones and friends.

All are welcome. Glow sticks are provided. Ample parking is available.

Gift-giving service planned

DANVILLE - An annual gift-giving service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at SS Cyril and Mathodius campus. The Rev. Philip Altavilla, ecumenical director of the Diocese of Scranton, will be speaker.

Parishioners and others who obtained tags to provide gifts are asked to bring the gifts to the service. All gifts will be distributed to children of the area to make their Christmas brighter.

The annual gift-giving project is sponsored by L.A.R.C. (an area Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic covenant). Members of Shamokin Area Ministerium of Churches will participate in the service

Conyngham meeting set for Tuesday

CONYNGHAM TOWNSHIP - The Conyngham Township Board of Supervisors will hold a proposed budget meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the township office.

SUNBURY - The number of employees in Northumberland County has decreased by more than 300 while payroll has been reduced by more than $5 million during the past five years.

The primary reasons for the reductions are the Jan. 1, 2010, sale of Mountain View Manor, which employed 252 county workers at the time, and the elimination of the county's transportation department, which had 36 employees, last year. Other staff reductions have come by layoff and attrition.

According to details provided by county human resources director Joseph Picarelli, the county employed 540 people as of Oct. 9, with an annual payroll of $17,222,623. In 2007, the county employed 841 workers and had an annual payroll of $22,853,308.42.

Prior to being sold to its managing firm, Complete Healthcare Resources, the manor had a payroll of $6,622,671.25. When the transportation department was dissolved Sept. 30, 2011, its payroll was $647,372.25.

The state currently contracts with Rabbittransit to provide transportation services in the county.

Most of the employees who worked at the manor have secured positions with Complete Healthcare Resources, which has changed the name of the 271-bed facility to Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Some of the workers in the county transportation department were hired by Rabbittransit as well.

Budget meeting scheduled

CONYNGHAM TOWNSHIP - The Conygham Township Board of Supervisors will hold a proposed budget meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the township office.