SUNBURY - Former Major League Baseball player Steve Kline spent four hours at a protection from abuse (PFA) hearing Thursday, defending himself against claims by his former fiance that he's harassed her and her family.

Kline called Heather L. Sawyer, 36, a drug addict who has stolen thousands of dollars of sports memorabilia, appliances and furniture from his home. She's put so much debt on his credit cards, Kline said, that he's forced to get jobs in the off-season to help pay them off.

Kline is on paid leave from his primary employer, the San Francisco Giants, where he coaches in the minor league system, to straighten out the issue, he told hearing officer Marsha Skoff.

Later Thursday, state police filed theft and forgery related charges against Sawyer related to Kline's claims. (See separate story.)

Thursday's hearing included plenty of back-and-forth between Kline, 42, of Winfield, and Sawyer, 36, of Sunbury, about what led to her request for the PFA, which was temporarily granted Sept. 12.

Skoff said following the hearing she would make a recommendation in the coming days.

For now, the order bars Kline from contacting Sawyer or visiting her home, and also from having contact with six of her relatives. If Kline violates the temporary PFA, he could be jailed for up to six months and fined $1,000.

Relationship since 2009

Kline said he maintained a great relationship with Sawyer's family and bore no ill will toward her.

The two had been in a relationship since 2009, but broke up in February. In July, Sawyer told Kline she wanted to move out of the house they shared in Winfield "to start over with her daughter."

"He was telling me that I could stay put in the home until I could get a job and provide for my daughter, but I just couldn't take living there anymore," Sawyer said. "I wanted to move on, and he told me to take whatever I wanted out of the house to either use or sell for myself and (her daughter) to start over."

Sawyer said that included sports memorabilia Kline had in the basement.

Kline denied he said that.

"I told her to stay put and when I got back in September, we would split it up. She didn't want to do that so I told her to just go," Kline testified.

When he came home in August, with his three children from another marriage, he found his home had been cleaned out.

"My daughters were saying, 'Why would Heather steal from us?' I just didn't have an answer," Kline said.

He said he worried about Sawyer selling the items to pay for what he said is her heroin and cocaine drug habit. Court records show Sawyer spent time in prison for charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in 2005, and possession of drug paraphernalia in 2006. She received probation sentences for the same charges, along with a possession of drug paraphernalia charge in 2007.

The former pitcher said he found syringes in his home on two occasions, and a pack of 100 needles.

Civil suit filed

Kline said he decided to sue Sawyer in civil court, and attempted to reach her through her mother, Pamela Sawyer, by leaving notes on the front door of her home on Fourth Street, Sunbury.

"I saw you sold your car, got a check for $8,000. Some of that money better be coming to me," read a note left Sept. 11.

"I sold the car to conceal my identity from him," Sawyer testified. "He talked about his ties with cops and judges and that made me frightened. I didn't want my daughter exposed to that."

Sawyer testified that Kline has been following family members and harassing her through the notes, text messages and emails.

Sawyer said she used her mother's address as a mailing address, but was staying with a male friend, Michael Snyder, on Queen Street, Northumberland, for the past month to avoid a confrontation with Kline.

On Sept. 11, Kline showed up at that residence and took pictures of the man's truck.

"He never got on the sidewalk and I never spoke to him," Sawyer said.

Kline said he got the address after his parents gave him the license number of a truck, later identified as Snyder's, that was parked at his Winfield home with someone staying with Sawyer for a month while he was coaching in Georgia.

"So it is your testimony that you gave the licence number to a state police officer, to get an address for someone who was not the subject of a criminal investigation?" Sawyer's attorney, David Noon, of Sunbury, asked.

"Yes, I wanted to serve her with the papers for the civil suit," Kline answered. "I never took a picture of her vehicle, but of (Snyder's) with my phone."

The address was given to Kline's attorney and Sawyer was served with the lawsuit. An amended complaint was served to her Thursday following process server Joseph Walker's testimony.

Noon asked Kline if he was upset when Sawyer allegedly cleaned out his home of the memorabilia and some appliances, and if he wanted to take it out on her.

"I was upset," but never wished any ill will toward Sawyer or her family, he said.

"You said you have no ill will for (Heather), but you spent the better part of your direct testimony discrediting her," Noon said. "How do you explain what you say in the one note that she (expletive deleted) on you?"

"That's how I felt, but I heard about Heather's past from her family and I would never harm her in any way and had, what I thought, was a good relationship with her family," Kline answered

An incident at the Golden Living Center-Mansion Nursing home where Sawyer said Kline "showed up," lasted a minute, he said, and he only went there to give Sawyer a bill for car repairs that was her responsibility.

"I went to hand her the bill and she wouldn't take it from me," Kline said. "I laid it down and basically said to them to give that to Heather. I was there between 35 seconds and a minute."

No physical harm

Sawyer testified that there has been no physical harm done to her, except for one incident in Scottsdale, Ariz., when Kline allegedly pinned her down to the ground by her wrists.

Kline's attorney, John Gummo, of Williamsport, asked Sawyer if that she felt threatened by Kline or was being harassed by him, why didn't she call the police? She answered she didn't like dealing with the police and just wanted to break up "like adults, like normal people."

"I want to move on with my life, but he's making it impossible," Sawyer said.

SHAMOKIN - The city is demanding that ex-clerk Steve Bartos repay $4,500 he allegedly approved to be paid to himself while he was on medical leave.

In its latest filing in a pending lawsuit with Bartos, the city answers the ex-clerk's claims at length for the first time. Bartos filed suit June 3 for nearly $60,000, which he says he's owed in unpaid wages. The city dismisses the claim, saying he was never authorized for such payments. Bartos isn't entitled to the money under federal or state law, Shamokin's attorney Robert Seiferth argues in a Sept. 8 filing.

A counterclaim made by the city asks that a judge order Bartos to return all "overpayments" he received between the start of his medical leave on Nov. 15 and his Feb. 7 resignation, the date he was to return to work. The city says such payments were never authorized.

Payroll records show Bartos was paid $4,451.40 for 180 hours of compensation time in addition to his salary

earnings between Nov. 15 and Dec. 13. He continued to "exclusively" perform payroll tasks after his leave began, which is when the compensation time was approved. Those payments ceased at the end of December when the mayor told him to stop performing the duty.

"(Bartos) knew or should have known that some or all of the compensation which he received while on medical leave was not authorized. Plaintiff received the unauthorized additional compensation while on medical leave even though the city was experiencing financial distress at that time," the city's filing states.

A telephone message left for Bartos on Thursday was not returned.

Bartos claims he worked an additional 1,116.4 hours without pay, and that he's owed $59,475.05. The bulk of the hours claimed are for the federal flood wall project along Shamokin Creek and Carbon Run. By his estimate, he says he's owed $55.75 for each of the 893.4 hours he reportedly worked on the project. Withholding payment is a violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and a breach of contract, according to his lawsuit.

He says Shamokin took no action to reappoint him to the clerk's post in January, as required by the Third Class City Code.

But Shamokin says it never had a "verbal or implied contract" as claimed by Bartos, and that such an arrangement isn't legal. The ex-clerk was a salaried employee. Hourly wages were never approved, the city says, and Bartos never asked for or received permission for the additional wages. Since he was earning a salary, the city argues that the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage and maximum hour requirements don't apply.

Hired by the city in May 2011, Bartos was scheduled to earn a $45,000 salary in 2014, the same as in 2013. He had been receiving unemployment benefits after his resignation, which the city did not contest.

"(Bartos') compensation claim was not contested for reasons unrelated to its lack of merit," the city says.

Shamokin denies Bartos' assertions that he was "discharged" from his position, or that Mayor William D. Milbrand's order to not return to work extended beyond his medical leave.

And while the ex-clerk asserts that he continued to work during his medical leave "as best he could ... out of a sense of duty and obligation to the residents" of Shamokin, the city says different.

"(Bartos) was not capable and qualified to perform his job during this time," the city's filing says.

During Bartos' absence, city council held a slew of budget meetings toward erasing a $616,000-plus deficit, revealed an estimated $800,000 in unpaid bills had piled up in 2013, went to court on three occasions for related matters and was derided at a raucous public meeting attended by hundreds of angry residents of both Shamokin and Coal Township who decried the furlough of police officers. The officers returned to duty less than a month later.

Bartos attended a court hearing, but he didn't attend other public meetings or hearings because he was on medical leave. He was expected to return to work Jan. 15. That date was pushed back to Feb. 7, which was the day of his resignation.

At the start of the year, city council amended its 2014 budget, gained entry into the state's Act 47 program for distressed municipalities and has begun repaying the late bills with a $1.1 million state loan.

UNION TOWNSHIP - On the same day Heather Sawyer was testifying in a protection from abuse order hearing against former Major League Baseball pitcher Steve Kline, state police in Milton filed forgery charges against her.

According to documents on the Unified Judicial System (UJS) web docket, police charged Sawyer, 36, of Sunbury, with felony counts of forgery, theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception and access device fraud.

Trooper Adrian D. Bordner filed the charges with Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey L. Mensch, Mifflinburg, based on a Feb. 25 incident. While the UJS site does provide details, Kline's testimony at the PFA hearing seems to have alluded to the incident.

"I had found that she had forged my names on checks she made out to herself," Kline testified. "She also used my credit card before sending it to me in Augusta, Ga., and used my Social Security number to open up credit cards for her."

Sawyer testified Thursday that the checks were written on a joint account the two shared when they were living together.

"He gave me permission to sign his name on the checks while I was taking care of the house and living there," Sawyer said. "The bills had to be paid."

No date has been listed for Sawyer's preliminary hearing on the forgery and theft charges.

Kline has also filed a civil lawsuit in Union County Court against Sawyer to recover sports memorabilia, appliances and furniture that he alleges she took when she moved out of Kline's Winfield home in July.

SHAMOKIN - Just $10 will let you hear eight local bands while supporting hometown hero Cory Thompson Saturday at Claude Kehler Memorial Park.

The Concert for Cory Thompson will kick off at 10 a.m. and run until 10 p.m. Money raised at the event will help Thompson pay for medical bills accrued during his lengthy and ongoing recovery.

Thompson, a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard who served four tours in the Middle East, was injured on July 13 when the motorcycle he was riding was rear ended by a Jeep driven by an unidentified female Coal Township minor. He was originally in critical condition, and his family was told by doctors early on there was "nothing they could do" about his injuries, which included a badly damaged liver and internal bleeding.

But Thompson survived through multiple surgeries and procedures. He spent more than seven weeks at the Geisinger HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Danville, before returning home Sept. 4.

Event organizer Forest Curran said people should come out to the event because Thompson would have done the same if it had been someone else injured.

"Cory also has a big heart," said Curran. "He supports every fundraiser there is."

In addition to the eight bands, the concert will also have games of chance for adults and games for kids, two bounce houses, concession stands, a beer stand operated by the Rescue Fire Co. and sales of decals, t-shirts and "Cory Strong" wristbands.

The band schedule is as follows: Haunted By Insanity, 10 to 11 a.m.; Victoria Sherman, 11 a.m. to noon; Bush Pounders, 12 to 1:30 p.m.; 4 Car Pile-Up, 1:30 to 3 p.m.; Red Halo, 3 to 5 p.m.; U.N. Leashed, 5 to 6:30 p.m.; Rock Street Park, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; Deuce, 8 to 10 p.m.

Adult admission is $10 and children under 12 are free with all of the proceeds of the event going to aid Thompson's recovery.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A Harrisburg man fled a Ferndale home Monday and led police and probation officers on a two-block foot chase.

Three officers suffered minor injuries when Gerald Marque Denson Jr. allegedly fought back while he was being taken into custody.

Denson, 36, of 1416 S. 14th St., Harrisburg, is charged by Coal Township Patrolman David G. Sage with three felony counts of aggravated assault, three misdemeanor counts of simple assault and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and loitering and prowling at night. He has not yet been arraigned before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.

Northumberland County Probation Officers Matthew Narcavage and Daniel Shoop conducted a check on an unidentified person at 1011 W. Willow St. about 2:20 p.m. They were assisted by Sage, township Cpl. Joshua Wynn, and Cpl. Bryan Primerano and Cpl. Jarrod Scandle of the Shamokin Police Department.

It was learned that Denson was also inside the residence, and officers attempted to handcuff Denson "for his safety and the safety of officers," according to a criminal complaint.

Police said Denson ran from the house and headed east on Willow Street, running through neighboring backyards and hiding outside homes. He was cornered two blocks away in the 800 block of West State Street, where he was forcefully taken into custody on the property of an occupied home.

Wynn injured his right ring finger and left knee. Narcavage injured his left knee and right forearm. Shoop injured his left thumb. The injuries, though minor, are the basis of the assault charges against Denson.

Denson later apologized to the officers, explaining he was worried he would have violated parole if his parole officer learned he had visited Northumberland County without permission, according to police.

Denson pleaded guilty in Dauphin County to eight felony charges in May 1997, including robbery and aggravated assault, and was sentenced to 15 to 30 years. He was granted parole in September 2012 and twice violated the terms, including earlier this year. He was released Aug. 12 after spending six months at a state prison.

He remains jailed at Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury, on a detainer warrant.

SHAMOKIN - Steve Bartos sought a lucrative settlement with City Hall when he resigned in February, and he sought to keep it quiet.

Bartos' resignation letter was made public this month, presented by the city as evidence in its efforts to have the ex-clerk's lawsuit dismissed by a county judge. The city had previously denied multiple requests from The News-Item for a copy.

The letter, dated Feb. 4 and written by attorney Douglas Engelman, claims an alleged pattern of harassment by Shamokin's mayor and other city leaders. The supposed abuse created undisclosed health issues that spurred his resignation.

"Mr. Bartos believes his return to the city as clerk would be detrimental to both his physical and emotional well-being. He believes the city has created an unfit work environment, and he, therefore, respectfully requests an unconditional release from employment by the City of Shamokin," the resignation letter states.

It came with the following demands, which weren't met and are the basis of an ongoing lawsuit with the city: $49,807.05 in compensation time at an hourly rate of $55.75 for 893.4 hours related to the federal flood wall project along Shamokin Creek and Carbon Run; $2,230 for 40 hours at $55.75 hourly for the federal grant program to demolish flood-damaged homes along Rock Street; $1,730 for 70 hours of unused vacation time; $579 for three unused personal days, and $5,129 for 92 hours worked during medical leave.

He also demanded no opposition to his application for unemployment compensation, which was eventually approved after the city withdrew its initial dispute. Requests for continued health and dental coverage were denied.

One last demand was for silence from city officials.

"A written and sealed agreement between the City of Shamokin including all elected and appointed officials, employees, representatives and assigns and Mr. Bartos not to discuss, release, or in any way divulge or share the terms of Mr. Bartos' release or compensation he receives upon leaving the City of Shamokin," the letter states.

City council abided. Its contents weren't discussed publicly, although many city officials said they expected litigation regardless.

In the resignation letter, Bartos accuses Treasurer Brenda Scandle of physical, verbal and written abuse, but offers no further details - perhaps held back in anticipation of the lawsuit, which he filed June 3. He alleges that Mayor William D. Milbrand attacked him verbally and in writing, and levies the same allegations at Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi. The two did engage in a heated argument at an August 2013 city council meeting.

He claims further harassment, again without detail, from the city police chief and the county clerk. At the time the letter was written, those posts were held by Edward Griffiths and Gary Steffen, respectively.

When city council sought help from county employees to review and ultimately amend its budget in February 2014, Bartos says it opened him to further harassment. Specifically, he says access to his computer by county employees potentially compromised attorney-client privilege and violated privacy laws. Without detail, he also claims city council violated the state's Sunshine Act.

Milbrand declined comment Thursday, citing the litigation. He previously denied Bartos' harassment allegations. Neither Bartos nor Scandle could be reached. Clausi kept his comments brief.

"I don't care what (Bartos) does. It's between him and the City of Shamokin," Clausi said.

SUNBURY - An organization focusing on youth leadership held a banquet Thursday to celebrate the group's progress.

Northumberland County Youth Leadership (NCYL), which was founded in June through a grant from the Pennsylvania Systems of Care, gathered at the Sunbury Elks Lodge with teachers, principals, county personnel, parents, foster parents, caseworkers and other supporters to underscore the group's motto: Overcome, Impact and Inspire.

"We are trying to make Northumberland County a better place for the teens' image," said Janessa Snyder, of Herndon, a member of the group.

The mission of the program is to provide a supportive environment that promotes personal development by engaging in positive and constructive activities for teens to give back to their communities.

The group started out with four teens, but within two months, membership grew to 10.

The first meetings for NCYL allowed the youth to decide what they wanted the leadership group to look like and what message they wanted to send to the community. Teens decided they wanted to give back to the community by providing their support for a variety of community outreach activities.

Reaching out

In the first few weeks, teens planned and carried out a river cleanup followed by a back-to-school celebration for children living in Haven Ministry. The NCYL group also provided support to the food pantry at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Sunbury and assisted another youth group at a car wash to raise funds for Friendship Hose Company in Sunbury that sustained heavy damage in a fire.

The teens will support another youth group at a Family Fun Night in Northumberland, perform volunteer work for Mostly Mutts, conduct two playground cleanup and a leaf cleanup for elderly or disabled people.

More than a stereotype

Several NCYL members discussed their involvement with the group in a press release provided by NCYL.

"I would like people to understand that, as youths, we want to make a change. We want to see others happy and this is just one way that we can do so," said Brittany Johnson, of Milton. "We are more than the negative stereotypes that are highlighted on the news, and even though some of us have experienced troubles, that is not who we are."

"We are helping the community see a different image of teens in the area," said Tori Sencen, of Sunbury.

Felicia Reichner, of Sunbury, said, "This is a place where I instantly felt welcomed. There is no judgment in this group."

NCYL is open to any youth in Northumberland County who has overcome personal difficulties and is willing to set a strong example to others and support those who are moving toward positive change.

The grant was provided to the county to develop a way to highlight the positives and strengths of youth who have overcome a variety of difficulties in their lives, including involvement with juvenile probation or Children and Youth Services, behavioral health or school issues.

For more information, contact Lisa Caruso, outreach coordinator for NCYL and coach/program director for High-Fidelity Wraparound, at 570-286-1757.

Blessing of pets planned

SHAMOKIN - The Rev. David M. Byerly, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, will bless pets of members and the community at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, in front of the church on West Chestnut Street.

Saturday, Oct. 4, is the commemoration day for Francis of Assisi. Byerly noted that because Francis valued all of God's creations, especially animals on farms and those sharing in the life of our households, it has become a tradition to have blessings for these animals.

Byerly invites all to bring their pets to the front of the church for a brief service and for individual pet blessing. He said it is an opportunity for people to thank God for all the joy and comfort they experience through the life of their pets.

TREVORTON - Zerbe Township Police Chief Robert John is advising customers who have made credit or debit card gas purchases at the Sunoco A Plus Mini Market in the village to check their statements after several people have reported double or overbilling on transactions.

John said there is an open investigation, but could not go into details regarding the allegations. He said he had been contacted by more than one person claiming they were overcharged, but he has not been able to get in touch with the alleged victims for more information.

"No one has called me back to fill in the blanks for me," said John. "Without any additional information to go on, I'm sort of in limbo."

Bobby Patel, store manager, said he had not had any complaints about overbilling or double billing.

"I never had a problem with anyone," he said Thursday afternoon.

Patel said credit card transactions are controlled by an outside company and the store has no access to any account information.

He advised customers who may have been overbilled to call Sunoco.

Rachel Klems, a customer service representative with Sunoco, could not confirm if any double charging had occurred at the station.

"(The gas credit swipes) are maintained by their own maintenance group, so I don't have any information on them," said Klems, who did not know the name of the company that performed the maintenance.

She said customers have previously called with complaints of overbilling only to discover they were reading their bills incorrectly.

"Sometimes people will think they're being double charged, but it's just the authorization and then the actual charge," said Klems.

SUNBURY - A former Sunbury man barred from contacting his grandmother is asking for court permission to return to her home to retrieve his personal belongings.

Erick Trometter, 23, now of Elizabethville, filed a petition Tuesday to modify a protection from abuse order. He suffered a gunshot wound less than three hours after an alleged violent attack on his grandmother, Amanda Trometter, 67. He said the resulting hospitalization combined with the terms of the order prevented him from collecting his things.

A hearing on his petition will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Trometter lived with Amanda Trometter at 618 Susquehanna Ave., when he allegedly beat her with his fists and feet July 8. He was shot less than three hours later during a confrontation with then-acting Police Chief Brad Hare.

His grandmother suffered injuries to her face, head and legs. She was granted a protection from abuse order the day of the alleged assault.

Erick Trometter was admitted to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, in critical condition. The gunshot to his abdomen kept him there until Aug. 19. He was arraigned Sept. 2 on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.

Charges have not yet been filed related to the confrontation with Hare. The district attorney has said the chief was justified in shooting Trometter.

SUNBURY - The PA CareerLink, 225 Market St., will host a manufacturing job fair from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, in conjunction with National Manufacturing Day.

An informational room for people seeking jobs in the manufacturing field will be available and various manufacturing businesses will be represented.

The national event was created to address common misconceptions about manufacturing, which is often thought of as dirty, dark and dangerous. In fact, most manufacturing companies are very clean and highly technical.

For more information, call the PA CareerLink at 570-988-7300.

Rx drug take back is today

SHAMOKIN - The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today inside the lobby of the Shamokin Police Department, 511 N. Franklin St. With the exception of liquids, prescription medications can be disposed of at the station, no questions asked. No syringes will be accepted.

Tournament of bands tonight

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - North Schuylkill High School will host a tournament of bands at 6 p.m. today on Ghost Orthodontic Field at Spartan Stadium.

Schools attending include Mahanoy Area, Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah Valley, Conrad Weiser, Wilson (West Lawn), Whitehall, Daniel Boone, Blue Mountain, North Schuylkill and Shippensburg University.

Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens.

CCD to start in Mount Carmel

MOUNT CARMEL - CCD will begin in Mount Carmel Sunday for sixth, seventh and eighth grades, and Monday for first through fifth grades. All classes are from 5:45 to 7 p.m.

Library fund drive under way

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library's annual fund drive is under way.

In an appeal letter, Frank J. Konopka, president of the library board of trustees, noted that public support is an indispensable source of funding for the library's book and movie collection, computers, utilities, maintenance needs and programs for both children and adults.

Library officials reported the facility's value to the community can be measured, at least in part, in the $879,755 worth of materials that were used by patrons in 2013. In 2013, the library checked out 30,292 books (valued at $25 each, for $757,300), 1,576 magazines (valued at $5 each, for $7,880), 7,320 movies (valued at $10 each, for $73,200), and 1,655 recorded books (valued at $25 each, for $41,375).

In addition, patrons had access to the Power Library and AccessPA databases and used computers 7,739 times.

A letter my dad wrote to his fiancée and my future mother nearly 65 years ago revealed something I did not know. Dad might have become a "father" if his uncle, who was really a father, had seen his vocation prayers answered.

When bachelor Joe Kozlowski was at summer school in New York City, he wrote to his fiancée, Mae Krouch, that he had been frequently visiting with his uncle, Father Alexander Maciejewski. The long talks during those visits centered on God.

Dad felt his uncle was recruiting him for the priesthood and those hours-long chats amounted to an introduction to theology.

Well, we all know Dad never did make it to the seminary. He and Mae were married within the next year and remained happily wed until his death 18 years and two days ago.

But that does not mean Father Maciejewski's talks did not succeed in reinforcing the role faith and spirituality played in Dad's life.

Dad was a daily communicant at Masses for about 30 years when his Alzheimer's got worse. He loved to go on retreat annually to Malvern Retreat House, often with my brother Phil.

He tried his best to reflect God's love upon those whose lives he touched as a high school teacher and administrator. His frequent walks around town were made to the rhythm of softly clicking rosary beads.

After Father Maciejewski's death, the priest got his vocational wish for his nephew Joe - in a way. Dad inherited Father Al's black fedora and top coat, so he was frequently greeted on his walks by people who wished him "Good morning, father" or "Good afternoon, father."

Actually, Father Al really did have his vocational prayer for his nephew answered. However, God's plan was that Dad's vocation would be as a loving husband and father.

My siblings and I, Father Al's great-nephews and great-niece, are eternally grateful that Dad found God and God found Dad where he was supposed to be.

+++

God has plans for each of us.

All Saints

All Saints Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12th and Scott streets, Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Participants - Richard Kovach, lector; Marsha Karnes, acolyte, altar guild and communion assistant.

Assumption BVM

Assumption B.V.M. Ukrainian Catholic Church, Paxton Street, Centralia.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Divine liturgy - Sunday, 11 a.m.

Augusta Baptist

Augusta Baptist Church, 1371 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury.

Pastor - Robert S. Commerford.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:15 a.m.

Evening service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth group, 6 p.m., kids club, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m.; fourth Thursday of the month, L.I.F.E. for seniors age 55 and up, noon.

Augustaville Wesleyan

Augustaville Wesleyan Church, 2556 State Route 890, Paxinos.

Pastor - Greg Clendaniel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult Bible study, children's ministry and youth Bible bowl, 7 p.m.

Bethany Bible

Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, 654 Wilburton Road, across from Mount Carmel Estates.

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Message - "Results of Wisdom."

Evening service - 6 p.m. in fellowship hall.

Message - "Learning in the Desert."

Activities - Sunday, choir practice, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, children and youth programs and adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.

Bethany EC

Bethany EC Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland.

Pastor - Mark Brownson.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m. (adults and children).

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bethany Bible club, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., kindergarten through sixth grade, prayer meeting, weekly, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free clothing closet, every first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. All ages.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Junior church - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - Dave Wells.

Nursery - Alicia Rebuck and Ruth Butler, 10:30 a.m. worship.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Activities - Tuesday, prayer worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6 p.m., King's Kids, 6:30 p.m.

Calvary Bible

Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 35 S. Second St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Ferd Madara.

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship service - 10:35 a.m., Praise team.

Message - Pastor Madara.

AWANA clubs youth group - 5:45 p.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Church of Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, Lavelle.

Pastor - Jeremy Smallwood.

Sunday school classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Clark's Grove UMC

Clark's Grove United Methodist Church, Irish Valley Road, Paxinos. Handicapped accessible.

Pastor - Billy Frick.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:10 a.m.

Youth service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

Divine Redeemer

Divine Redeemer Church, West Avenue and Poplar Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Martin O. Moran III.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m. (Sunday obligation); Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Holy day Masses - 6 p.m., eve of holy days. 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., holy day.

Confessions - Saturday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; after morning novena Wednesday, or any time by appointment.

Novenas - Monday, Miraculous Medal novena after morning Mass; Wednesday, St. Jude Thaddeus novena after morning Mass; Saturday, St. Francis novena after morning Mass.

Elysburg Alliance

Elysburg Alliance Church, 113 W. Alpha Ave., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Knisely.

Service - 8 and 10:30 a.m., with a message from Pastor Knisely.

Sunday school for all ages - 9:15 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, AWANA for children ages 4 to fifth grade, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, prayer ministry, 7 to 8 p.m., youth group for grades 6 to 12, 7 to 8 p.m.; Oct. 26, trunk or treat for children ages 11 and under, 6 to 8 p.m.

Elysburg Presbyterian

Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave. (Route 487), Elysburg.

Pastor - Matthew Young.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Nursery provided.

Message - Pastor Young will preach on "Believe."

Scripture - John 6:28-29.

Musicians - Debbie Cecco, organist; Eileen Reigel, pianist.

Activities - Sunday, church picnic, noon, junior high youth group, 3 to 5 p.m., senior high youth group, 5 to 7 p.m., Lifetree Cafe, "My Son is Gay," 7 p.m.; Monday, youth group meets at the Newsboys Concert at the fair, Bear Gap Anchor Group, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, church family pot luck, 6 p.m., choir practice, 6:30 p.m., bell choir practice, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Breakfast with Jesus Bible study, 8:30 a.m.

Elysburg UMC

Elysburg United Methodist Church, 171 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school during worship. Coffee fellowship.

Adult Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Participants - Ray Myers, head usher; David and Joyce Kichman, greeters; Joey Myers, acolyte; Jen Myers, scripture reader; Marilyn Crowl, shepherding, and Olivia Bodner, organist.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer circle, 10 a.m.; Thursday, Elysburg Food Pantry, 10 a.m. to noon, Elysburg UMC; Sat., Oct. 4, pet blessing in lower parking lot, 3 p.m.

Emmanuel UMC

Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 328 Center St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Coffee fellowship - 8 to 9 a.m.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Tuesday and Thursday, exercise class, 6:30 p.m.; third Wednesday of month, cookie ministry, 5 p.m.; second Saturday of the month, health screening, 8 to 10 a.m.; fourth Sunday of the month, movie night, 5 p.m.

Faith Bible

Faith Bible Church, Burnside.

Pastor - Perry Ross.

Pianist - Robert Witmer III.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Kids Club, Bible study and prayer, 7 p.m.

Faith Community

Pastor - Dale Hill, 570-751-5101.

Sunday worship - 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist, Shamokin

First Baptist Church, 10 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Samuel Derr.

Church school - 9:45 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Choir organist - Judith Pensyl.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 1 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony and Bible study, 7 p.m.

First Baptist, Trevorton

First Baptist Church of Trevorton, 510 S. Ninth St., Trevorton.

Pastor - Dan Conklin.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:40 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Jim Phillips.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - William Milbrand.

Participants - Noriene Ladd, organist; Mary Anne Stump, assistant organist; William Milbrand, choir director; Judy Reed and Niki Phillips, ushers and greeters; Andrew Ladd, acolyte; William Persing Sr., sexton; Charlene Lesher, Terry Persing and Wendy Wary, Sunday school; Wendy Wary, secretary.

The deacons will not meet this month.

Activities - Wednesday, Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, fall roundup after worship, dinner will be served followed by entertainment by Brent Kessler.

First UMC, Kulpmont

First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street, Kulpmont.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Second Saturday of the month, Angels Table luncheon, 11 a.m. All are welcome.

First UMC, Mount Carmel

First United Methodist Church, 46 N. Hickory St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Susan J. Roehs.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m. 16th Sunday after Pentecost.

Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.

Sermon - "Christ, Our Model" by Bonnie Alleman

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Fred Roehs, head usher; Bret Getty, sound technician; Linda Gula, liturgist; Jillian Maurer, acolyte; Barb Malick, children's time; Anne and Fred, counting team.

Activities - Sunday, Christian education meeting, 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Brownie Troop meeting, 6 p.m.; Al-Anon, 7 p.m.; Thursday, New Beginnings O.E., 7 p.m.; Oct. 5, Sunday school, 10:30 a.m.

First UMC, Shamokin

First United Methodist Church, Sunbury Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - Zachary Hopple.

Adult and children's Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Chris Griffith, liturgist; Red and Chris Griffith, greeters; Sharon Williams and Kay Berry, nursery duty.

Activities - Monday, Bible Study, 6 p.m., parlor.

God's Missionary

God's Missionary Church in the Valley, 768 Bear Valley Ave., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Howard R. McKenzie.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday worship and children's church - 10:45 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Thursday, prayer meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Good News Bible

Good News Bible Church, 221 Main St., Locustdale.

Sunday worship - 3 p.m.

Guest speaker Pastor Ed Eifert will speak on "Dressing for the Occasion," based on Colossians 3:1-14.

Participants - Shirley Brass, prayer chain coordinator; Bob Keener, church ministry coordinator, and Jill Keener, music coordinator.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer gathering and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. Ninth St., Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Grace Chapel

Grace Chapel, 126 Airport Road, Shamokin.

Pastor - Alan Langelli.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Bible fellowship groups for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday evening worship/young couples class. Discovery Station youth group - 6:30 p.m.

Nursery child care is provided for all Sunday services.

Participants - Jim Zimmerman, Tim Blue, Steve Carpenter and Mike Flore, ushers; Tim Blue, Cameron Flore, greeters; Ed Begis, Bible reading and prayer; Cathy and Rob Klinger, Marcy Donmoyer, Emma Donmoyer, Ed Karns, Donna Blue, Diane Seger, Karen Graboski, Lori Langelli, Sandy Thomas and Ed Begis, praise team; Luke Donmoyer, sound system; Charlie Wayne, computer system.

Activities - Sunday, communion Sunday; Oct. 5, CLD leaders meeting; Oct. 8, ladies fellowship.

Grace Evangelical

Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose Marquardt.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 11 a.m.

Grace Lutheran, Shamokin

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 S. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Adult Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Shelley Faust, worship assistant; Ethan Tharp, acolyte/crucifer; David Kopitsky Jr. family, communion bearers; Joan Lineweaver and Roger Giffin, altar care; Kathleen Madara and Treva Madison, greeters; Ron Weller, driver; Ron Polastre, Tom Fiorey, Roger Giffin, Terry Keefer, Nick Keiser. Scott Martin and Bob Weaver, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist, Charlene Pell, choir director; Shelley Faust, cantor.

Activities - Sunday, pastor attends LAMPA retreat through Monday; Monday, Brownies, 5 p.m., set-up for rummage sale; Tuesday, set-up for rummage sale, property committee, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, set-up for rummage sale; Thursday and Friday, Oct. 2 and 3, rummage sale, 9 a.m. to noon.

Grace Lutheran, Mount Carmel

Grace Lutheran Church, 145 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m.

Services for September are being held at St. Matthew's (Slovak) Lutheran Church.

Grace UCC

Grace United Church of Christ, Third and Market streets, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Morning worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday School - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Aurora Froutz, acolyte; Carl Froutz and John Lawler, ushers.

Activities - Monday, meeting for young people and parents interested in confirmation class, 6:30 p.m.

Harvest Worship

Harvest Worship Ministries, 2079 Upper Road, West Cameron Township, 570-850-4280, harvestworshipministries.com.

Pastor - Sandy Wary.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley Community Church, 162 Hidden Valley Lane, Mifflinburg. A non-denominational Bible church.

Pastor - Gary L. Owens.

Pastor Gary can be reached by calling the office at 570-966-1330, or by cell at 570-486-3967.

Himmel's Church

Himmel's Church, 107 Covered Bridge Road, Dornsife.

Pastor - Jane H. Compton.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

Weekday Masses - Thursday, 6:30 p.m.; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.

Weekend Masses of obligation - Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, PREP classes, grades 6, 7, 8 at 9 a.m., opening of eucharistic devotions at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Exposition throughout the day, evening prayer, 7 p.m.; Monday, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 8 a.m. Mass, evening prayer, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 8 a.m. Mass, solemn closing of Eucharistic Devotions, 7 p.m.

Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 150 E. Lincoln Street, Shamokin.

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic G. Stevenson, rector, and Deacon Richard Hazzard.

Sunday worship - 10 a.m. with holy eucharist. Children's Sunday school during worship. Coffee hour following the service.

Participants - Susan Zaner, greeter; Linda Riley, lector; Frank Zaretski, intercessor; Elaine Bogetti, lector; Ron and Mary Slovick, oblations; Oliver Fesniak and Frank Zaretski, ushers; Joshua Bashore, Hannah Bashore and Kyrstin Kinnaman, altar servers; Grethel Vinup, organist.

Activities - Wednesday, holy eucharist and healing, 10 a.m.

Hope Community

Hope Community Church, non-denominational Bible church, 551 W. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Dan Renno.

Christian education for all ages - 9 a.m.

Fellowship time - 9:45 a.m.

Praise and worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Johnston City UMC

Johnston City United Methodist Church, 200 Main St., Ranshaw.

Pastor - Dan Siddle.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Living Power Ministries

Living Power Ministries, 45 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor/teacher - Walt Kriskie.

Pre-service prayer - 10 a.m,

Praise and worship - 10:30 a.m., followed by celebration service.

Sunday evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, mid-week Bible study, 7 p.m., refreshments served.

Miller's Crossroads

Miller's Crossroads UMC, 1929 Plum Creek Road, Stonington, Sunbury RR 4.

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

Ministry of the Water and Spirit Church, 829 W. Pine St., Coal Township.

Pastor - James Bowers.

Sunday service - 10 a.m., pastor's home.

God's Chuck Wagon is an outreach of the Ministry of the Water and Spirit.

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Martin Kobos, O.F.M., Conv.

Parochial vicar - Adam Ziolkowski, O.F.M., Conv.

Sunday Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7, 9 and 11 a.m.

Confessions - Daily, 7:30 to 7:50 a.m.; Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, attendance at the 9 a.m. Mass for religious education students in grades 5 to 8. Meet in the church hall at 8:45 a.m. Religious education classes for grades 5 to 8, 10 a.m. to noon. Fundraiser for Mother Cabrini at Brewsers SportsGrille, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday, bingo in the church hall, doors open at 4:30, games begin at 6:15 p.m.; Friday, First Friday visits to the scheduled parish homebound after 9 a.m. Transitus service, commemorating the passage of St. Francis from life to death at 7 p.m. in the church. Novena to St. Francis, Monday through Friday after the 8 a.m. Mass. Triduum to St. Therese, Sunday through Tuesday.

Mountainside

Mountainside Assembly of God, 1900 Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

Coffee and breakfast snacks for all - 9 a.m.

LIFEQuest Sunday school classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m., with nursery available.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery and children's church.

Youth night - Biweekly, 5 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult prayer and Bible study, Royal Rangers, ages 5 to 18, girls ministry, 6:30 p.m. Coffee served.

Monthly activities - First Sunday, communion and children's sermon, during 10:30 a.m. service; prayer burst on the first Sunday night of the month, 6 p.m.; second Tuesday, Women of Purpose meeting, 7 p.m.

Mount Zion

Mount Zion Welsh Congregational United Church of Christ, Grant and Church streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - Philippians 2:1-13 and Matthew 21:23-32.

Sermon - "The Attitude of Christ."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

Holy communion is celebrated the first Sunday.

New Life Church

New Life Church of God, 129 W. Second St., Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. John D. Ashbaugh.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Junior church and nursery available. Handicapped accessible, wheelchair available, church side/back entrance.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; prayer, fellowship and coffee, Saturdays, 9 a.m.; Sunday evening praise and worship service, 7 p.m.

Oak Grove UMC

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Marley Road, Overlook.

Pastor - The Rev. Zachary Hopple.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:35 a.m.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church; Thursday, free karate classes at church, children ages 5 to 12, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.; 13 and up, 7:30 p.m.; Open Arms outreach, 6 to 8 p.m., first and third Fridays of the month.

Our Lady of Hope

Our Lady of Hope Parish, Chestnut and First streets, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Steven G. Frenier, OFM Conv.

Daily Masses - Monday through Friday, 7 a.m., Holy Spirit Chapel.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 11 a.m.

Holy day of obligation Mass - 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass and 7 a.m. morning of the holy day.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 47 S. Market St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Francis J. Karwacki.

Deacon - The Rev. Mr. Martin McCarthy.

Weekday Masses - 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Holy days of obligation - 6:30 p.m. on the eve, 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the holy day.

Confessions - Daily 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. including Saturday or any time by appointment; Saturday, 3 to 3:50 p.m.

Peifer's Evangelical

Peifer's Evangelical Congregational Church, Mandata Road, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, 599 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred P. Sceski.

Masses - Weekdays, 8 a.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Restoration Ministries

Restoration Ministries Church, 525 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Paul K. Eby.

Pre-service prayer - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. for all ages, JoAnne Long, superintendent.

Sunday worship service - 10:30 a.m. Pastor Paul will speak. The worship team will lead praise and worship. Special prayer will be available. Nursery care will also be available.

Children's church - 11:15 a.m. for ages 4 through 11, directed by Shirley Cintron.

Student Life Ministry youth service - 6:30 p.m. for all teens ages 12 to 18.

Activities - Monday, soup kitchen, 5 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, cross training youth disciple class, dinner at 3 p.m., class taught by Fran Jones from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Soul Seekers group for ages 18 and older, 7 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran, 29 High Road Danville.

Pastor - Kris Brown.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. 16th Sunday after Pentecost.

Participants - Connie Shulski, organist; Pat Burlone, acolyte; Allan Schappert, lector; Alice Roshon and Pat Burlone, communion assistants; Aloce Roshon and Pat Burlone, ushers; Pastor Brown, worship leader.

St. John's UCC

St. John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Robert B. Peiffer.

Sermon - "The Direction of Our Lives."

This Sunday, the church will offer a prepartory service at both worship services.

Contemporary service - 9 a.m., fellowship hall.

Special music - Praise team.

Coffee and fellowship time - 10 a.m., fellowship hall.

Sunday school classes for children and teens - 10:10 a.m.

Traditional service - 11 a.m., sanctuary.

Special music - Adult choir, directed by Margaret Morris.

Participants - Sherry Romanoskie, children's message; Margaret Morris, organist; David Spotts, lay reader; Brianna Bendas, acolyte.

Activities - Monday, stewardship committee meeting, 5 p.m., Cub Scouts/Webelos 1 and 2, 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Cub Scouts/Tiger and Bear dens, 5:30 p.m., depression and bipolar support group in the church parlor, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, small group study, "Life Principles" in the pastor's study, 6 p.m.; Thursday, finance/budget team meeting in the church parlor, 6:30 p.m., adult choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.

St. John's UMC

St. John's United Methodist Church, 1211 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Karyn Fisher.

Lay leader - Paul Stehman.

Worship - 9 a.m. Children's church at 9:15 a.m. Back to Church Sunday, bring a friend.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:15 a.m.

Activities - Oct. 5, service and holy communion, 9 a.m., free movie showing of "God's Not Dead," 3 p.m., the community is welcome, youth fellowship begins, all children ages 4 and up are welcome; Oct. 8, African missionary program.

New member class is forming, see Pastor Karyn for details.

St. Joseph's Church

St. Joseph's Church, 11th and Walnut streets, Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. John W. Bambrick.

Sister Elizabeth Kealy, IHM, director of religious education.

Confessions - Saturday, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Any time by appointment.

Rosary prayed before all Masses.

Mass schedule - Today, 4 p.m. (Vigil for Sunday); Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m.; Wednesday, adoration all day from 9 a.m., concluding with night prayers, benediction and Miraculous Medal devotions at 4:45 p.m., Mass at 5 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m.; Friday, noon; first Fridays Sacred Heart devotions.

St. Ann's Chapel, open each day for prayer. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 225 N. Market St., Elysburg.

Worship Leader - Pastor Kris Brown.

Worship service - 9 a.m. 16th Sunday after Pentecost.

Participants - Frank Martz, lector; Pam and Marty Earley, communion assistants; Calvin Dietrick and Marilyn Robel, ushers; Connie Shulski, organist; Pastor Brown, worship leader.

Activities - Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Elysburg senior center open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, AA, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Boy Scouts, 8 p.m.

St. Matthew Lutheran

St. Matthew (Slovak) Lutheran Church, 301 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m. at St. Matthew (Slovak) Lutheran Church, Mount Carmel. The 16th Sunday after Pentecost.

Guest speaker - Vincent Meisinger.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Kenneth Kautter, lector; Joseph Melichercik, president; Thomas Pivarnik and William Snyder, ushers; Donna Lindermuth, treasurer.

Next Sunday service will be at Grace Lutheran Church, 146 W. Avenue. It will be Food Pantry Sunday.

St. Michael Orthodox

St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 131 N. Willow St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Theophan Marckey.

Divine liturgy - 9 a.m.

St. Patrick

St. Patrick Church, 331 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton.

Pastor - The Rev. Steven G. Frenier, OFM Conv.

Weekend Mass - Sunday, 9 a.m.

Weekday Mass - 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Wednesday after morning Mass or during the day.

St. Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4663 Upper Road, Gowen City.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Service of word and sacrament - 8:15 a.m.

Participants - Bill Smith, lector; Stephanie Boyer and Cindy Henninger, communion assistants; Jack Tobias, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

St. Paul's Reformed

St. Paul's Reformed United Church of Christ, Gowen City.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m.

Participants - Clifford Artman, organist.

St. Pauline Visintainer

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, 1150 Chestnut St., Box 115, Kulpmont.

"Chapel of the Crucified."

Eucharistic adoration - Friday, noon to midnight, and Saturday, 6 to 7 p.m.

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, open Saturday, Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Relics on display of Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, and St. Peter Apostle.

St. Peter's Lutheran

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Aristes.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore

Service and sacrament of holy communion - 9 a.m.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Carol Buffington, choir director.

SS Peter and Paul

SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Avenue and Beech Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Saturday, 3:15 p.m., and Sunday, 8:15 a.m.

Weekday divine liturgies - 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Weekend divine liturgies - 4 p.m. Saturday and 9:15 a.m. Sunday.

Religious education classes - 6 to 7:15 p.m. Monday.

St. Peter's UCC

St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Overlook

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Sermon - "Bearing Burdens: Yours and Mine."

Verse of the day - Galatians 6:2 and 5, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For every man shall bear his own burden."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

Activities - Today, church yard sale, no set price, just make a donation. Lunch included.

St. Stephen's

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Fourth and Maple streets, Mount Carmel.

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic Stevenson.

Service 8:30 a.m. Holy eucharist.

Handicapped accessible.

Second Saturday, 5 p.m. Holy eucharist at the St. Stephen Center.

Salem UCC

Salem United Church of Christ, 1300 W. Pine St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Participants - Michael Toter, acolyte; Eileen Garrigan, lay leader; Julie Updegrove and JudyLynn Weaver, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; MacKenzie Glosek and Brooke Strausser, greeters; Taylor Kashner, Abigail Nye, Sophie Rossnock and Michael Toter, ushers; Dwayne Scicchitano, lighting/sound.

This if Food Pantry Sunday. Members are asked to bring non-perishable food items or household goods to be given to Manna for the Many, the local food pantry.

A quiet room for young infants and nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the morning worship hour at 10 a.m. Christian education is provided for children ages 3 to 12 immediately after children's time at the beginning of the worship service.

Activities - Wednesday, Senior Day trip to Hometown Market with lunch at Tamaqua Train Station, leaving church at 9 a.m.

Salvation Army

Christian Enrichment Center, 1300 W. Spruce St., Coal Township.

Commanding officer - Maj. Tina Streck.

Holiness meeting (worship) - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:45 a.m.

Seibert Evangelical

Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Route 147, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Seventh Street

Seventh Street Primitive Methodist Church, 34 N. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Wildoner.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Morning worship and children's church - 11 a.m.

Message - "Jesus is Lord - Back to Church Sunday."

A nursery is available for children birth of age 5 during morning worship service and children's church is available for children over 5 with focus on lessons from the Bible.

Participants - Kathy Albright, station steward; Joseph Rodman, head usher; Benjamin Brudnicki, Alaina Glowatski, and Jordon McDowell, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; John and Betty Long, greeters; Art Walburn, servant of the month; Kathy Albright, children's church teacher; Maggie Moore, nursery worker.

Manna for the Many item for September is canned vegetables, excluding green beans.

October is Harvest Home Month for Manna for the Many.

Activities - Oct. 5, World Communion Sunday; Oct. 6, trustee board meeting; Oct. 13, quarterly conference meeting; Oct. 17, pot luck supper, 6 p.m.; Oct. 26, Harvest Home Sunday.

Shamokin Alliance

Shamokin Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Second and Arch streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Samuel Bellavia.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m. Classes available for all ages.

Worship services - 8:30 and 10:50 a.m.

Wednesday ministries - 6 to 7:30 p.m. Age range is four to high school senior.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Offered are small groups and cottage prayer meetings for adults. Contact church at 570-644-1718 for information.

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist

Shamokin Seventh Day Adventist Church, 7 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin (former Jewish synagogue), 570-648-7770.

Pastor - John Peters.

Saturday sabbath school - 9:30 a.m., with classes for children and adults.

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Bible studies, 5 p.m.

Stonington Baptist

Stonington Baptist Church, Hosta Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - The Rev. J. Douglas Hallman.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, AWANA clubs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade and Word of Life clubs for grades 7 to 12, 6:30 p.m., prayer service, 7 p.m.

Trevorton UMC

Trevorton United Methodist Church, Shamokin Street, Trevorton,

Pastor - The Rev. Al Schell Jr.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Nancy Korenkiewicz, pianist, organist and choir director.

Activities - Thursdays, Bible study taught by Roxanne Klinger, 7 p.m.; second Tuesday of month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

Trinity Evangelical

Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 28 W. Arch St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Brian C. Betsworth.

Sunday school - 9:50 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m. Recovery in Christ, a new Bible-based 12-step support group, 6 p.m., Wednesdays. For more information, call Betsworth at 570-648-1682.

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church, 65 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship Service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Jon Hoover, lector and communion assistant; Corey Levi, cantor; Jared Jones, acolyte; Jan Morrison, organist; Carol Eidam, altar guild; Ron Manney, counter.

True Grace

True Grace Bible Ministry, 950 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday service - 10:30 a.m., with children's study time.

United Presbyterian

United Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Fifth St., Mount Carmel.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Message - "Rejoicing in the Lord."

Scripture - Philippians 4:4.

Participants - Dale Schimpf, organist; Deb Wydra, acolyte; Ellsworth George, Andrew Mekosh and Robert Shaw, ushers; Mary Kay Pol ites, greeter.

Victory Bible Church

Victory Bible Church, Snydertown Highway, three miles from Elysburg.

Pastor - Kevin Kline.

Worship - 10 a.m., with Sunday school for youth at the same time.

Evening worship - 7 p.m.

Wilburton UMC

Wilburton United Methodist Church, Wilburton.

Pastor - Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 8:45 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion UMC

Zion United Methodist Church, Aristes.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 9:50 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Methodist

Zion United Methodist Church, Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.

SHAMOKIN - An ATV rider who drove erratically on several streets in the Fifth Ward Friday was taken into custody at about 7 p.m. after crashing into a car in the 2000 block of Pulaski Avenue.

The male juvenile driver, who was not identified by police, was transported to Northwestern Academy and faces multiple charges.

Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver, who was assisted in the pursuit of the ATV driver by Coal Township Cpl. Terry Ketchem Jr., said the teen rode on sidewalks and streets in the Fifth Ward. Weaver said the teen wedged the ATV between a parked truck and a car driven by Mike Geiswite, of Sunbury Street, Shamokin, in the 500 block of South Pearl Street near Anthracite Provision Co. before speeding away.

Weaver said no injuries occurred, but the truck and car sustained minor damage shortly before 5 p.m.

The officer said the ATV operator fled the scene several times into a wooded area toward Big Mountain before returning to the Fifth Ward as if he was challenging police to catch him. He said the operator may have been under the influence of a controlled substance.

Police searched the area for the driver for a couple hours before apprehending him after he crashed the ATV into Geiswite's car on Pulaski Avenue in the Springfield section of the township. Weaver said Geiswite went looking for the ATV rider after his vehicle was struck on South Pearl Street.

MOUNT CARMEL - A borough man who routinely finishes in the top 5 in the Sunset Ice Cream PA State Championship Demolition Derby at the Bloomsburg Fair has pledged his winnings from today's contest to Cory Thompson, a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, who continues to recover from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Kevin Mains will be driving a 2000 Dodge Neon that dozens of well-wishers signed at a gathering following a benefit ride for Thompson Aug. 30. Near the signatures on the trunk lid is the insignia of staff sergeant, the rank Thompson holds with the guard.

Mains said he befriended Thompson about a year ago after sharing a common interest of motorcycling. Mains, president of the Unknown Riders, said Thompson, vice president of The Villains Motorcycle Club, even presented a U.S. flag that was flown in Afghanistan to members of the Unknown Riders as a kind gesture. The flag is now on display at the group's clubhouse in Lower Sagon.

Mains, who has been competing in the fair's derby since 2001, said Thompson expressed interest in helping him prepare a vehicle for this year's derby and working in his pit crew. It was to be Thompson's first demolition derby.

Accident

Thompson was injured July 13 when the motorcycle he was riding was rear ended by a Jeep driven by an unidentified 17-year-old Shamokin girl.

Ralpho Township Patrolman Stephen Spade filed a citation for careless driving against the driver, who was not identified because of her age.

Thompson survived through multiple surgeries and procedures. He spent more than seven weeks at the Geisinger HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Danville, before returning home Sept. 4.

Thompson and his family are expected to be at today's event, but will be watching from the stage. Mains said tickets were provided by JM Productions, the event's producers.

The donations did not end there. SOS Metals donated the car and The Decal Shop designed the trunk lid. Also donating to the cause were Hollywood Pizza, L&J Automotive, Bumper's Beverage and Pappy Baluta and Sons Plumbing and Heating.

Concert

A concert for Thompson at Claude Kehler Memorial Park, Shamokin, will kick off today at 10 a.m. and run until 10 p.m. Money raised at the event will help Thompson pay for medical bills accrued during his lengthy and ongoing recovery.

Eight bands are expected to perform. Admission is $10.

SUNBURY - Twenty properties totaling $103,893.29 were sold last week during the Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau's annual upset sale.

The bureau took in $36,980.29 more than the $66,913 from the sale of 20 properties in 2013 - a 55 percent jump in revenue.

There were 174 properties up for sale Sept. 17. The 154 that remain unsold will be moved to a judicial sale next year, when the properties are cautiously deemed free and clear of all claims. Anything left after judicial sale is then moved to the repository list. At that point, a bid can be made at any time.

Properties are sold in upset when the previous owner's taxes are delinquent for about two years. A Northumberland County judge will set a date that allows 30 days for the former owners to contest the sales. Bureau director Jan Nestico said Friday that the date had not yet been set. She expects it by early next month.

The upset sale marks the busiest time of year for the bureau. There were 975 properties advertised for sale on Aug. 16. Hundreds scrambled to pay delinquent taxes and retain ownership. The owners of six properties just beat the deadline by paying their delinquent taxes the morning of the sale.

Nestico couldn't say Friday just how much tax revenue was realized specifically related to the upset sale. But she said the $825,748.81 in total tax revenue received between Aug. 16 and Sept. 17 was in large part because of it.

The revenue includes fees and liens. It is redistributed back to the county as well as the municipalities and school districts.

An upset sale has long been held annually in the county. However, before 2009, it had been eight years until a judicial sale was held, Nestico said. All homes eligible for such a sale sat vacant and unattended. She believes it compounded the issue of blighted properties. The bureau has held two judicial sales each year since 2009 to catch up. Nestico said there may only be need for a single judicial sale in 2015.

MOUNT CARMEL - Laila Mattucci and Avery Yeager share several unique bonds. Their grandmothers work together in the same office, they grew up together, like their mothers did, and they were born two weeks apart 20 months ago.

The two toddlers were also diagnosed with a rare birth defect that causes a child's skull to fuse too early, and endured skull surgeries at eight months of age.

"It was very scary to think about your child going through that," said Laila's mother, Heather Mattucci.

The two girls were born with craniosynostosis, which occurs in one of every 2,200 live births, according to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

The sutures of the skull of a newborn with craniosynostosis close prematurely, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth, such as learning development delays, height problems and intercranial pressure.

A normal skull of a newborn consists of several plates of bone that are separated by fibrous joints called sutures. As the infant grows and develops, the sutures close, forming a solid skull.

Peculiarities

Mattucci said the closure usually occurs at or around two years of age, but with Laila, she began to notice some peculiarities early on.

"Looking at pictures, I began to notice that her forehead was forming a little flatter and her eyebrow was developing that it looked like it was always raised," Mattucci said. Laila is her daughter with husband, Daniel.

Marisa Betz, Avery's mother, noticed some of the same symptoms in her child. She said the baby also had a seizure at three months old.

"We were going through tests to see about the seizure, and when they found it was an isolated case, they figured it was craniosynostosis," Betz said. Avery is her daughter with fiance, Corey Yeager.

Mattucci didn't know about the condition, and figured Laila would grow out of her symptoms.

"There were a lot of headbands being worn and a lot of pictures being taken from the other side to hide it. We always want to think of our children as perfect and nothing is wrong," Mattucci said.

Testing and x-rays confirmed the diagnosis for both children. Avery's left coronal suture - the suture that separates the front and back of the head - and sagittal suture - the one that bisects the back of her skull - closed early. Laila's right coronal suture had fused early.

Surgery

The only treatment for the condition is cranial vault reconstruction with front orbital advancement surgery, a lengthy procedure during which the front of the skull is removed and reconstructed to give the baby's brain room to develop.

Laila had the procedure done at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Sept. 19, 2013; Avery's surgery was four days later. Both girls had the same surgical team, including a neurosurgeon and plastic surgeon.

"They were both in the hospital at the same time," Mattucci said. "The surgeon said that on average they usually do about one of these procedures in a month, but here they were doing two in the same week."

Both procedures were a success, according to the mothers, and now it is a matter of watching the girls until the bone plates fuse and the sutures close.

"In both girls, their development is right on, and they might need some physical therapy down the road, but everything is looking good," Betz said.

"When the surgeon came out of surgery, he showed me a picture of Laila on his phone and you could see the immediate results that the surgery worked," Mattucci said. "It was inspiring to see how perfectly round her head was."

Giving back

While Mattucci and Betz began scouring the Internet looking for any and all information about craniosynostosis, Betz came across a group called Cranio Care Bears, formed by two mothers whose children were also diagnosed with the disorder.

"They were absolutely amazing," Betz said. "They were always there with messages of encouragement and just letting us now that they were praying for us and thinking about us both."

Cranio Care Bears also provides care packages for the infants and parents while they are in the hospital. The packages contain handmade blankets, knitted hats, prayer chains, lullaby CDs and toys for the children and toiletries and snacks for the parents.

The packages also include pajamas that either zip or snap in the front.

"After the surgery, you shouldn't really pull anything over their head, so the pajamas are perfect for them," Mattucci said.

September is Craniofacial Awareness Month and Mattucci and Betz decided it is the perfect time to give back to the organization. They conducted a fund and pajama drive to collect for Cranio Care Bears.

The drive is coordinated at UNB Bank, Oak Street, Mount Carmel, a place where their mothers work together.

"Everyone here has been great with the girls, supporting them and helping us with whatever we need to help take care of them," Mattucci said.

Monetary donations for Cranio Care Bears have been raised through a special dress-down day by UNB Bank employees and through a fundraiser night at Brewsers Sports Grille. A special pajama drive is also being conducted, and patrons can drop off the zippered sleepwear, or a monetary donation, at the bank until the end of October. The pajamas should be between sizes three months and 5T.

HARRISBURG - A federal judge ruled against former Mount Carmel Borough police officer Blaine Handerhan Tuesday, denying a motion to vacate his conviction and sentence due to getting bad advice from his attorney.

The former police officer claimed he had ineffective counsel in 2012, and is in federal prison after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of child pornography. He was sentenced to eight years in prison. Handerhan said he made the plea reluctantly due to the stress of defending himself against the allegations.

Police said more than 147,000 images and 1,200 video files were discovered on Handerhan's personal computer at his home in Swatara Township, Lebanon County. Handerhan said peer-to-peer file sharing software allowed remote access to his machine.

His attorney, Matthew R. Gover, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and then terminal brain cancer, gave up his law practice and passed away in 2012 after the case was finished.

Handerhan said consideration must be made considering Gover's illness and the effect it was having on his defense.

"These were very serious mistakes with serious consequences for (Handerhan)," A brief Handerhan wrote in July reads. "Eight years in federal prison, $75,000 in restitution and 10 years supervised release, a very long separation from family, including his now 12-year-old twins, who are without their father during a critical stage of their development."

In the 25-page ruling, written by U.S. District Judge William W. Caldwell and filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the court disagreed with Handerhan in the fact that a brain tumor means he was denied counsel.

"We believe that a brain tumor does not necessarily impair a person's cognitive abilities to such an extent that we must find constructive denial of counsel," the brief reads.

The brief then shoots down every one of Handerhan's claims of ineffective counsel, from his mental illness, to a Miranda Rights violation to being misled to agree to restitution.

Handerhan petitioned the court that while awaiting word on his motions, he should be released so that he can provide for his family and not "deprive his children a two-parent household."

Caldwell dismissed that claim as well, saying the point was moot since they ruled on the ineffectual counsel petition. Thursday's order also give Handerhan no chance of appeal and directed the clerk of the court to close the file.

SHAMOKIN - City police are seeking nine people for code violations, six of whom live out of the area.

Anthony Venturino, Jhoel Leonardo and Miguel Gonzalez are wanted on summary arrest warrants for the condition of their respective blighted properties. All had new counts filed against them Friday by Cpl. Bryan Primerano.

Venturino, 33, of 150 Bear Path Road, Hamden, Conn., faces one misdemeanor count of public nuisances. There are six other summary code violations pending against him, two of which were also filed Friday. All were filed since Aug. 18, and he's not yet responded to any.

Venturino owns 633 Bear Valley Ave. Primerano said the property violates city and state laws. According to a criminal complaint, the condition of the property is deteriorating daily. Building materials are falling off, and the roof and walls are decaying. The porch is dangerous to walk on, the chimney is damaged and windows are shattered.

Leonardo, of 13201 95th St., South Richmond Hill, Queens, N.Y., has 14 pending code violations dating to October 2013. His property at 625 E. Commerce St. is among the worst in the city. It's collapsing from the inside out. The damage can be seen through a hole opened floor-to-ceiling on the Pearl Street side. Debris has fallen from the top floor to the first floor. Support beams are bending and a staircase has collapsed.

Gonzalez has eight citations pending since July. There are roofing shingles falling from his property at 415 S. Market St., along with a damaged chimney and shattered glass, according to Primerano. The property is not secured.

Guillermo Ruiz, of 3 S. Shamokin St., is wanted on a public nuisance citation.

Todd Bowers, of 107 Warrens Court, Warrington, is wanted on a trash violation.

Roy Badal, of 325 E. 41st St., Apt. 302, New York, N.Y.; Junior Fairweather, of 540 Shakespeare Ave., Milton; Maria Hill, of 216 S. Franklin St., and Wayne Canavan, of 4 Getaway Lane, Apt. 2, Hattiesburg, Miss., are all wanted for high grass violations.