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SUNBURY - Some people are sorry for their crimes, and some people are sorry they got caught. Chuck Picarella falls someplace in between.

Arrested for dealing heroin and cocaine, Picarella - Charles T. Jr., as the court has come to know him - will spend at least the next decade of his life in a state prison. His 45th birthday will be approaching on the 2024 calendar before his earliest potential release.

Picarella was sentenced Friday by Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest to 10 to 20 years on felony drug and gun charges. He pleaded guilty in October to each and every one of 11 criminal counts related to his role in a $2 million drug ring allegedly led by Juan Carlos Alvarez.

The state Attorney General's Office said he was dealing drugs with a network of co-conspirators. Heroin and cocaine were packaged at a Mount Carmel property Picarella leased. Deals were largely directed from a Shamokin garage he owned. Police said some deals were made from his family's restaurant, where he tucked drugs beneath cannolis inside dessert boxes.

'Excessively harsh'

While his parents watched from the gallery, Picarella apologized in court for his actions.

Despite his plea, and a reluctant one at that, Picarella maintains the allegations were exaggerated by Senior Deputy Prosecutor Patrick Leonard based on alleged deceitful testimony of co-conspirators.

"Today's sentencing before President Judge William H. Wiest was a complete miscarriage of justice. The sentencing I received was completely disproportionate to that imposed on the co-conspirators in this case. My sentence is excessively harsh and was imposed because of manipulation and deceit on behalf of Senior Deputy Prosecutor Patrick Leonard of the state's Attorney General's Office," Picarella wrote in a letter to The News-Item received Friday.

More than a dozen others were arrested as part of the investigation into Alvarez, Picarella and another dealer, Darryl L. Kashner, who also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. Alvarez's own case remains pending after the most recent plea negotiations fell apart, making a trial more likely.

'Snitch List'

Picarella refused to cooperate in the state Attorney General's investigation and remained defiant through sentencing. Leonard noted that he never revealed his drug source.

Co-conspirators active in the very same trade of heroin and cocaine received leniency for their cooperation. In exchange for their testimony, they were sentenced to short prison sentences or, more often, probation.

That's a function of drug investigations, Leonard said Friday after sentencing. The lesser players identify the major players, he said, and a benefit of their cooperation is a lesser sentence.

"You need cooperation of people involved in the game," Leonard said.

Picarella, a 1998 Shamokin Area graduate who attended Purdue and Penn State universities, believes the state's focus intensified on him because of his creation of the online Shamokin Snitch List - a defunct website and Facebook page identifying drug informants with photographs and, in some cases, court documentation.

Leonard didn't shy from the assertion. The prosecutor cites the website in his sentencing letter to the judge in pushing for the maximum sentence of 12 to 24 years. Picarella's actions put innocent people in danger, he said.

Sex and drugs

A salacious allegation came from female witnesses who claimed Picarella preyed on their drug addiction by trading heroin for sex. Leonard stressed the accusation in court. Picarella flatly rejected it, saying the sex was consensual and the females' drug use was a result of their own free will.

Leonard questioned Picarella at sentencing about a porn video the defendant allegedly made with an informant. It was offered for sale to an online company, the state alleges. Picarella maintained the video was consensual, and that it has since been destroyed. But he wouldn't say who destroyed it or if there were any copies.

"I'm not going to subject someone to the hounding of the commonwealth," Picarella told the court in refusing to provide specifics.

Without a video, the state can't push charges, Leonard later said. If it surfaces, he would push for an arrest.

Opposing views

Picarella doesn't have a violent criminal history. He does have a rap sheet. Outside of one felony conviction, four others were for misdemeanor charges.

A number of letters of support were received from family, friends and former bosses. One came from his ex-wife and mother of their 5-year-old daughter, saying he has established a positive relationship with the girl.

Defense attorneys Edward Rymsza and Stephen Becker sought to use his criminal history in support of a minimum sentence of 8 to 12 years. Picarella said his criminal history is far less severe than some of the co-conspirators with records including assault and burglary.

Leonard did the opposite. He called Picarella a career criminal with no interest in rehabilitation. If and when Picarella gets out of prison, Leonard believes he'll return to a life of crime.

"I am appalled that a prosecutor would go to such lengths as implicitly allowing and assisting violent criminals to continue to victimize the community to persecute a low-level drug offender like myself," Picarella wrote in the letter.

"Other than entering his guilty plea and admitting his crimes, the Commonwealth struggles to find any mitigation for the defendant. His adult life of continuous crime without rehabilitation, his perverse use of heroin for sex with its resulting addiction and damage of women much younger than he, his illegal possession and brandishing of a firearm, and exposing others to danger through use of the Internet indicates the defendant is a committed criminal. Once released, it is very likely he will commit more crimes," Leonard wrote in his sentencing letter.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County District Attorney Ann Targonski announced Adam Vigo, 39, of Milton, was sentenced to two to four years in state prison followed by five years of state probation by Judge Charles H. Saylor following a hearing to determine his status as a sexually violent predator.

He entered a plea in April to charges of indecent assault and corruption of a minor arising from sexual encounters he had with a girl between the ages of 9 and 11 from January 2010 to January 2013.

At the hearing, C. Towsend Velkoff, a member of the Sexual Offender's Assessment Board, testified he evaluated Vigo and determined Vigo met the criteria of a sexually violent offender as defined by state law. The court agreed and Vigo is now required to register his residence, vehicles, employment and any school he may attend with the Pennsylvania State Police for the remainder of his life.

Vigo must appear in person at a state police barracks on a quarterly basis. If he fails to comply with the requirements, he may be charged with another criminal offense.

He will serve his sentence at SCI-Camp Hill.

POINT TOWNSHIP - The mother of a 9-year-old boy who died Oct. 13 from an apparent drug overdose has been charged with two felony counts of endangering the welfare of children.

Angela Marie Clark, 30, of 207 S. Tenth St., Sunbury, was arraigned on the charges Friday morning by Magisterial District Judge Michael Diehl in Milton and committed to Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $25,000 cash bail.

Clark is accused by Point Township police of allowing her son, Korbin Rager, 9, and his 13-year-old brother to be under the supervision of Victor W. Hare III, 58, of 196 Springhouse Road, Northumberland, knowing he was unfit to care for them. Police said Clark had previously accused Hare of attacking her and molesting her sons and knew he had a substance abuse problem.

Boys didn't want to go

According to a criminal complaint filed Point Township Police Chief Joshua VanKirk, Clark had first-hand knowledge of Hare's drug problem and was cautioned by friends and family members not to leave her children in his care.

Police said Rager's 13-year-old brother reported a similar incident happened earlier this summer involving the victim when they stayed overnight at Hare's house.

The complaint states that Clark, who is Hare's friend, was furious after her son told her about the earlier incident and didn't allow her children to stay with Hare until the night before his death.

The 13-year-old boy told police he and his brother didn't want to go to Hare's home Oct. 12, but their mother urged them to do so by claiming Hare was "doing better" despite knowing that Hare had been "high and drunk all the time."

The boy and other witnesses indicated Clark kept her sons away from Hare "unless she needed something from him." According to police, Hare told Clark the boys stole 40 Oxycontin pills and a large sum of cash from him. Some of the pills and money were found at Clark's home and returned to Hare by Clark.

Clark claimed Hare had once gave her 9-year-old son a spoonful of crushed "oxy" when he had a headache and she found the boy "glazed over" and itchy from the drug.

Abuse accusations

Police said Clark was employed as a caretaker for Hare, but after only a short time, she refused to care for him due to his abuse of medication. Clark told a family member that Hare tried to attack her once while she was caring for him and also hit two parked cars while he was supposed to be watching two boys.

Clark told police she knew there was an excessive amount of alcohol in Hare's home and accused Hare of molesting her boys prior to letting them stay with him Oct. 12.

On Nov. 13, police received a call from Children and Youth Services caseworker Amy Orner that Clark had been ignoring a safety plan that required her to clear with the agency any potential caretakers for her 13-year-old son before allowing them to watch the child.

Hare's charges

Hare was previously charged by Point Township police with felonies of endangering the welfare of children and gun possession in connection with Rager's death. He remains incarcerated at the county prison in lieu of $290,000 cash bail after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday.

Police said a search of Hare's home turned up more than 40 bottles of various prescriptions, including Oxycontin. There was also alcohol throughout the house. None of it was secured, police said.

Also found in Hare's bedroom closet were a hinge-action 12-gauge shotgun and two bolt-action .22-caliber rifles. He is a previously convicted felon and is barred from possessing firearms.

Police said numerous carpet burns from Hare smoking cigarettes were found next to a couch where the boys were sleeping on the morning Rager died from an apparent drug overdose.

HARRISBURG - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) told Kulpmont officials they can use the former East End Fire Company social hall for borough business if it's needed to help the municipality save money.

In a letter to the borough and council president Bruno Varano dated Nov. 24, Michael Ward, community facilities and program director for the USDA's Pennsylvania office, said the borough can take advantage of a "significant discount" in costs if they use it.

"The building that the USDA now owns from the insolvent East End Fire Company Social Hall could possibly be sold to the borough to retrofit into a borough building at a significant discount," Ward wrote in the letter.

The 5,000-square-foot social hall, bar and banquet facility opened in 2012. The U.S. Department of Agriculture lent the company $674,900 at 4 percent over 40 years, and kicked in $156,000 in grant funds.

Fire company Capt. Matt Siko said no payments were made over the past 15 months. The East End was behind $36,728 on the loan, and an additional $3,935 on its insurance.

In lieu of foreclosure, company trustees turned the building over to the USDA. Some fire equipment was used as collateral in the loan, but officials had told firefighters it is safe.

"They will not relieve the truck room and the building," Siko said in October. "That is still at risk."

Fire protection concern

Ward said in the letter he has great concern for the future of fire protection in the borough.

"Not only has the East End Fire Company become insolvent, you also indicated that the West End Company was close to closing at the beginning of the year. I am sure you are aware of the additional hardships for the borough and its residents if both companies ceased to exist," Ward wrote.

Since 2011, borough council has been working on a plan to build a 4,000-square-foot borough building and 5,000-square-foot maintenance garage along Fir Street, between Seventh and Eighth, on land donated by Susquehanna Coal Company to get the borough out of its current location, the aging Wilson Grade School.

The new buildings would house administration offices; maintenance, street and police departments; the code office; mayor's office; a boardroom; a community room and a food pantry.

It would also use geothermal heating and cooling units and energy-efficient fixtures to help save money.

No decision yet

Council received the final plans for the buildings Nov. 15 and sent them off to the USDA and the state architect for approval. They will put the project out on bid in the near future, even though the social hall is an option.

"It's in the state architect's hands right now," council member Stephen Motyka said. "We are not making any decisions on what are we doing until we see what the bids to build new will come in at."

Kulpmont has already received approval for up to $1.47 million in loans from USDA, but Motyka and borough council would like to see the entire project come in at less than $1 million.

To help pay for the building, council approved a 3-mill tax increased in January for loan repayment. Ward wrote in the letter the tax increase brings in an extra $40,057.

"Notwithstanding any other costs associated with the new borough and municipal buildings such as insurance and utilities, that amount would only service a loan of approximately $790,000," the USDA official wrote.

Still need to build new

To see what is needed to convert the East End building, USDA officials spoke with an architect, who agreed to perform the evaluation at a cost between $3,000 and $5,000, to be paid out of the loan for the project regardless if the East End building is used or not.

Even if the borough uses the social hall, Ward said construction in the project would still be needed.

"The borough would probably still need to building facilities either at Fir Street or other locations for the borough-owned fire trucks, municipal garage and equipment," he said.

Ward asked the borough to coordinate with the borough architect to work on the East End evaluation and with USDA officials to be clear in order to bid the project on Fir Street.

"There should not be a significant difference on what the state architect needs to authorize you to go out for bids and what you would need if the USDA loan was not involved," Ward wrote.

The borough was advised to include in its bid package a not-to-exceed overall price and price per building, including soils works, and a bid that is itemized for each structure.

"Council will need those costs separately in the event you do decide to retrofit the social hall because the project on Fir Street may still have to have the municipal garage or additional bays added to accommodate the borough owned fire trucks and/or the consolidation of the fire companies," Ward said.

The USDA told the borough the current condition of the site should be fully disclosed to potential bidders along with the engineer's analysis and geotechnical soils report.

In an Aug. 29 letter, the USDA told the borough they felt officials weren't budgeting enough for soil remediation.

"Our experience with these types of sites suggests that your costs for mitigating the soft soil across most of the site could be much greater than you are anticipating," the Aug. 29 letter reads.

The borough said the soil costs will be absorbed into the installation of the geothermal system.

Boyer's stores to welcome Santa

All 17 locations of Boyer's Food Stores will host a "Winter Wonderland" event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. There will be visits by Santa, crafts, hot chocolate and more. It is one of Boyer's "B Healthy" events.

SHS Class of 1956 luncheon

PAXINOS - The Shamokin High School Class of 1956 will have their monthly luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Masser's Restaurant.

SASD building meeting

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamoking Area School District Buildings and Grounds Committee will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the board conference room. Schneider Electric will make a presentation on the HVAC system.

Letters to Santa mailbox

ELYSBURG - The annual Letters to Santa project is up and running at Ralpho Community Park, with the lane to Santa's mailbox lighted this year.

Children are welcome to drop off their letters at the mailbox by Dec. 15. They should include a self-addressed envelope for Santa to reply. Stamps are not needed.

Schools have also participated in recent years and are welcome to do so again. An entire classroom can submit one letter or individual students can submit them.

More than 200 letters were collected last year.

The project is sponsored by Ralpho Township All Home Days with support from the Elysburg Business Association.

The All Home Days Association and the Ralpho Township Business Association sponsor the project.

DENVER - Danny Shingara, a native of Irish Valley who moved to Colorado more than four years ago, and his fiance, Kymbre Scibelli, opened a mountaineering guiding company known as Agape Guiding LLC in August.

The 29-year-old Denver resident said he is pursuing a lifelong dream of leading adventurists to the highest peaks and most iconic back-country sites of North America.

In an email sent to The News-Item, Shingara said, "Our kindred love for backpacking and climbing, paired with the individual gifts of Kymbre's degree in sports and exercise science and my technical background in mountaineering, have laid out the foundation for our dream of owning a guiding company. Our company's mission is to not only guide individuals to the top of mountains, but to teach how the mountain is one of the best forms of therapy a person can experience. What makes our company unique is our ability to assess and train the novice mountaineer to accomplish his or her dreams of finishing a multi-day backpack or climb to the top of a gorgeous peak."

He said his fiance's experience with training athletes and working in holistic heath care gives them an edge in being able to specifically help with physical or mental advice involved with climbing.

Shingara added, "My hope is to encourage people in the area to get out and experience the adventures this continent has to offer."

Earlier this year, Shingara said he and three other mountaineers traversed a 3,000-foot sheer rock face while reaching the 13,800-foot summit at Grand Teton outside Jackson Hole, Wyo.

The adventure, which included camping in the beautiful Garnet Canyon at the base of Grand Teton, took three days.

Shingara can be reached at agapeguiding@yahoo.com.

BLOOMSBURG - All officers of the Southern Columbia Area School Board were re-elected for another term as part of the board's reorganization meeting Wednesday at the Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School.

Mike Yeager was once again named board president while Charlie Porter was named board vice-president. John Yocum was re-appointed to another term as a joint operating committee member for the vo-tech school and Joe Klebon was named board liaison for the Pennsylvania School Board Association.

Yeager said other committee assignments will be made in the coming weeks.

Also approved at the reorganization meeting was the 2015 meeting schedule. Meetings will still be held on the second and third Mondays of the month, with the exception of only one meeting held in July and the reorganization meeting on the first Wednesday in December.

Other business

The board also held its regular meeting at the vo-tech with the following motions passed:

- A three-year lease agreement was approved with The Higher Information Group, Harrisburg to provide photocopier service to the district. The lease will allow the district to upgrade its current equipment and save Southern Columbia over $13,000 annually over the previous agreement.

- Senior Thomas Marinelli was hired as a student social media manager at a rate of $7.25 an hour, not to exceed seven hours a month. Marinelli, under advisement of Superintendent Paul Caputo, will help manage the district's Facebook account and help the school have more of a web presence. The position was created as a diversified occupations position under a co-op program.

- A 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 truck was sold to the only bidder, Justin Schultz, of Elysburg, for $572 to dispose of it.

- Mitchell Briggs was hired as a long-term substitute secondary social studies teacher starting Dec. 4 for a period of at least 45 days. His salary and benefits are set per the teacher's collective bargaining agreement. In another personnel move, the resignation effective date for former district business manager Michael J. Sokoloski was set as Dec. 12, after work is completed on the district audit.

- The board also adopted policies on school board organization, and distribution of policies.

All motions were passed on 9-0 votes with Klebon, Porter, Yocum, Yeager, Timothy Vought, Thomas Reich, Gail Zambor Schuerch, Charlene Cove and Kay Keller.

A plan to distribute $800,000 out of the district's general fund to help alleviate future financial concerns was tabled.

The board had prepared a resolution to designate $350,000 each to assist and lessen the financial impact of increases in the district's health insurance costs and the Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System retirement contribution rate and another $100,000 to lessen the financial impact of any unexpected maintenance expenditures.

The matter was scheduled to be discussed at a Dec. 2 facility and finance committee meeting, but that meeting was cancelled due to winter weather. It will be put on the agenda for the January meeting.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Poker game, 8:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; unlucky 7's, noon.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m., game show, 11 a.m.; lunch at Brewser's Sports Grille, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; bridge, 11:45 a.m.; world news, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; world news, noon; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Christmas Party catered by Martin's Chicken & Ribs with $5 gift exchange, 11 a.m., contact Center for information on meals; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Cards, puzzles and shuffleboard, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Puppy chow day at the center; Wii Wheel of Fortune, 9:30 a.m.; making Christmas ornaments for the nursing home, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Bean bag competition, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; unlucky 7's, 12:30 p.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise and games, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Christmas party at Matucci's, noon, $15; dessert follows lunch at the center.

Thursday - Wii games, 9 a.m.; Christmas party for Winnie the Pooh Day Care, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; special bingo with proceeds going to charity, 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Coffee and gab in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 11 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Handheld games, coffee and gab in the morning; commodity food box pickup, call center to see when boxes arrive; Wii bowling, 9:30 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Chair exercise and music, 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Setting tables for Christmas party in the morning; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Christmas party catered by Scicchitano's, noon; bingo follows party.

Friday - Coffee and gab in the morning; handheld games and puzzles, 9:30 a.m.; Victor Girardi from LATS speaking on services, noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and current events, 9 a.m.; center, right, left game, 10:30 a.m.; Christmas puzzle, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and cookies, 9 a.m.; Columbia Home Hospice free clinic, 10 a.m.; chair exercise with Carol, 10:30 a.m.; bell ringer practice, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Center Christmas party with secret Santa exchange, snacks and refreshments.

Thursday - Food pantry and food bank boxes, 9 a.m.; Christmas puzzle, 10:30 a.m.; Christmas trivia, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Fun Friday. Open activities.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Wii fitness, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Wii fitness, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; Wii fitness, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon; center Christmas party at Masser's Restaurant, 12:30 p.m., tickets, entertainment and meal information available at the center.

Trevorton

Monday - Wii bowling, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.; last day to order soup and sandwiches for Dec. 19.

Tuesday - Making pierogies, 8 a.m.; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Making pierogies as needed; board games, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; culinary luncheon at Mount Carmel Senior Action Center, 11:30 a.m.

Friday - Ugly Sweater Day; making Christmas crafts, 9 a.m.; American Red Cross program, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

SHAMOKIN - City police are seeking information on a person who stole a bag of toys intended for needy children.

The theft occurred about 10:30 a.m. Monday from a Toys for Tots donation box inside CVS Pharmacy. Surveillance footage caught the female suspect in the act.

The unidentified woman is shown entering the store and placing her purse into a shopping cart before she leafs through a sales flyer. The suspect is wary of the customers entering and exiting, and continually looks around before reaching into the donation box and plucking a plastic shopping bag filled with toys.

The thief places the toys into the shopping cart and casually walks further into the store to browse merchandise.

Store management reported the theft Tuesday.

In his 14 years with the Shamokin Police Department, Chief Darwin Tobias III has never had a report of a theft from Toys for Tots.

"The toys go to a good cause, and obviously for children who need it," said Tobias. "It's a shame that anyone would steal from a charitable organization."

Patrolman Shane Mowery is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-648-5708.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices fell three cents to $2.877 a gallon Tuesday, according to AAA East Central's Fuel Gauge report.

On the national front

Drivers enjoyed the lowest retail gas price average for Thanksgiving since 2009, with the national average at $2.80 per gallon. Pump prices are poised to continue to drop this holiday season. The national average has fallen on 67 consecutive days, for a total drop of 58 cents during this streak. Today's price of $2.77 is four cents less than two weeks ago, 23 cents less than on Nov. 1, and 50 cents less than a year ago. The national average is the lowest since Oct. 7, 2010.

The national average has been below the $3 per gallon benchmark for more than a month, and 42 states are now registering averages below $3 per gallon. This number is set to increase in the coming days and it's likely that New York and Connecticut will be the only states in the lower 48 above this threshold by the end of next week

Sharply lower global oil prices have been the driving factor for lower retail gas prices. Prices dropped even lower last week when, despite the falling price of global oil, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) elected to maintain its collective production ceiling when the group met Nov. 27. This leaves the balance between supply and demand to decide the global price of oil, and with supply outpacing demand the price for crude is expected to remain relatively low. Following the news, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) plummeted more than ten percent ($7.54) in trading on Nov. 28 to settle at $66.15 per barrel.

(AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 82 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.)

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.

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 - "Misusing God's Blessings."

Special music - Valerie Cassel.

Activities - Sunday, congregational meeting and fellowship meal, noon; Tuesday, Senior Saints fellowship at parsonage, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, children and youth programs, adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.

Bethany EC

Bethany EC Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland.

Interim pastor - Marlin Lafferty.

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

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, weekly Bible study, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free clothing closet, every first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

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

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - Audrey Ditty.

Participants - Carol Dagen and Abby Walters, nursery, 10:30 a.m.; Opal Lenig and Audrey Ditty, junior church, 10:30 a.m.

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.

Guest speaker - The Rev. Ken Steckel.

Evening prayer service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, AWANA clubs and youth group, 5:45 p.m.

Church of the 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, Friday and 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 age 4 to fifth grade, 6 to 7:30 p.m., junior high youth for grades 6 to 8, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.; Wednesday, prayer ministry, 7 to 8 p.m., youth group for grades 9 to 12, 7 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. Church Family Sunday.

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

Message - "Hang In There!" by Pastor Young

Scripture - 2 Peter 3:8-18.

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

Activities - Today, men's prayer breakfast, 8 a.m., holiday progressive dinner, 5 p.m.; Sunday, congregational meeting, 11:45 a.m., junior high youth group, 3 to 5 p.m., senior high youth group, 5 to 7 p.m., Lifetree Cafe, "Finding Peace," 7 p.m.; Wednesday, choir practice, 6:30 p.m., bell choir practice, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, breakfast with Jesus Bible study, 9 a.m., parents night out, 6 to 9 p.m., Fifth Quarter - Christmas Minute to Win It, 9 p.m.; Dec. 14, children's Christmas play, "A Christmas to Believe In," 10:30 a.m., Community Spirit Concert, 7 p.m., Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, Elysburg.

Elysburg UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m. worship with Holy Eucharist. No children's Sunday school during worship.

Adult Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Participants - Scott Rishel, head usher; Chris and Alicia Rovito, greeters; Emily Myers, acolyte; Alicia Rovito, scripture reader; Edna Ehret, shepherding, and Olivia Bodner, organist.

Activities - Sunday, birthday party for Jesus, 5 to 7 p.m., Community Spirit Choir practice, 7 p.m.; Monday, Advent Bible study, 1 p.m.; Wednesday, prayer circle, 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, food pantry, 10 a.m. to noon.

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 Church

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.

Pianist - Redelia Shoffler.

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.

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

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. Second Sunday of Advent.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Sermon - "God is Dangerous."

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Jim Weissinger, head usher; Cathy Ann and David Besser, greeters; Bret Getty, sound technician; Sherry Brosius, liturgist; Katie Moncavage, acolyte; Jim and Sherry, counting team; Barb Malick, children's time.

Activities - Monday, trustee meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Girl Scout troop meeting, 6 p.m., Al-Anon, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, soup and sandwich service at First UMC, Kulpmont, 6 p.m.; Thursday, SPRC meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, AA meetings, 8 a.m. and 5 p.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; Kay Berry` and Sharon Williams, 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 Church

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

Sunday worship - 3 p.m.

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

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 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.

Activities - Sunday, business meeting; Tuesday, men's prayer breakfast; Wednesday, Christmas caroling; Dec. 15, ladies fellowship. Every Monday and Thursday, ladies' Bible study. Every Thursday, men's Bible study.

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.

Service of the Word and Sacrament - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - MaryLou Byerly, worship assistant; Ethan Tharp, acolyte/crucifer; Joraskie family, communion bearers; Debra Keefer and Jeanne Hoffa, altar care; Sandee Cupp and Art Martin, greeters; Pamela Rhoades, driver; Art Martin, Mark Cupp, Gene Faust, Tom Fiorey, Bill Joraskie, Willie Marsh, J. Richard Miller and Ron Weller, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist, Charlene Pell, choir director; Shelley Faust, cantor.

Activities - Monday, Brownies, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Grace council and guests, Hoffa home, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Mary Martha Christmas dinner, 6 p.m., OIP,

Grace Lutheran, Mount Carmel

Grace Lutheran Church, 146 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m.

Guest speaker - Bishop Robert Driesen.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Diann Marie Repko, lector; Charles Barnes, bell ringer and sexton; William Brass, president; Judy Barnes, secretary. Services for December are at Grace Lutheran Church; it will be Food Pantry Sunday.

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; Logan Wills, acolyte; Tammy McAndrew and Joe Stone, ushers.

Activities - Sunday, Hanging of the Greens service, 9 a.m.; Monday, consistory meeting, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, mid-week Advent service at First United Methodist Church in Kulpmont, 6 p.m.; Dec. 13, Dorcas class Christmas party at Green's, 6 p.m.; Dec. 14, annual congregational Christmas party. 1 p.m.; Dec. 16, supper club will meet at OIP in Shamokin, 6 p.m.; Dec. 17, mid-week Advent service at First United Methodist Church, Hickory St., 6 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.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m., with communion the first Sunday of every month.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

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

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

Activities - Sunday, Golden Angels Christmas dinner, 12:30 p.m., PREP grades, 6, 7 and 8, at 9 a.m. Showing of movie, "The Triumph," church hall, 6 p.m.; Monday, Masses of Obligation for Feast of the Immaculate Conception at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.; PREP classes, grades 1 to 5, at 5:30 p.m. Dismissal 6:45 p.m.; Tuesday, bingo in activity center, doors open 4:30 p.m. Games begin at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, adult choir practice, 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 in the parish hall. Children's Sunday school during worship. Coffee hour following the service.

Participants - Esther Bashore, greeter; Carol Hazzard, lector; Linda Riley, intercessor; Oliver Fesniak and Frank Zaretski, ushers; Joshua Bashore, Hannah Bashore and Kyrstin Kinnaman, altar servers; Grethel Vinup, pianist.

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.

Living Power

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, religious education program classes for grades kindergarten to fourth grade, 10 a.m. to noon in the church hall. All students are to meet in the church hall at 8:45 a.m. to attend 9 a.m. Mass (requirement of the program); Monday, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Masses at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., bingo canceled, will resume in January; Tuesday, choir practice, 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, monthly communion calls to the scheduled parish homebound.

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.

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 - Isaiah 40:1-8 and Mark 11-8.

Sermon - "So, John Came."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

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.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; prayer, fellowship and coffee, Saturdays, 9 a.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.

Second Sunday in Advent.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Connie Shulski, organist; Linda Unger, acolyte; Allan Schappert, lector; Leon Woodruff and Linda Unger, ushers and communion assistants; Pastor Brown, worship leader.

St. John's UCC

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

Lay leader - David L. Spotts.

Contemporary service - 9 a.m.

Special music - Geof Levan.

Coffee hour/fellowship time - 10 a.m.

Speaker - Eugene Boughner.

Sermon - "Christmas - A Time to Celebrate!"

Special music - Adult choir.

Participants - Eugene Boughner, children's message; Margaret Morris, organist; Kathi Christ, lay reader; Abbey DiOrio, acolyte.

Activities - Monday, Cub Scouts/Webelos 1 and 2, 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Cub Scouts/Tiger and Bear dens, 5:30 p.m., Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m., worship committee meeting, 6:30 p.m., budget presentation, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Advent Bible study, 6 p.m., adult choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Cub Scouts/Wolf den, 5:30 p.m., consistory meeting, 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 - 9:20 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages, and welcome course - 10:30 a.m.

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.

Second Sunday in Advent.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Participants - Calvin Dietrick and Marilyn Robel, ushers; Larry Varney, lector; Connie Shulski, organist; Larry and Claire Varney, communion assistants; 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.

Guest speaker - Bishop Robert Driesen.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Diann Marie Repko, lector; Thomas Pivarnik and William Snyder, ushers; William Brass, president; Charles Barnes, bell ringer and sexton; Judy Barnes, secretary.

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; Cindy Henninger and Holly Kerstetter, communion assistants; Jack Tobias, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Thursday, St. Paul Christmas party, Jack's Spot, 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13, church decorating and pizza, 2 p.m.

St. Paul's Reformed

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

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m. Second Sunday in Advent.

Scripture - Malachi 3:1-2.

Message - "Prepare the Way of the Lord."

Participants - Clifford Artman, organist; Virginia McWilliams and Esther Whary, communion assistants.

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. Second Sunday of Advent.

Guest speaker - Bishop Robert Driesen.

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

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 - "God Is Always on Time."

Verse of the day - Luke 1:7, "And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

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. Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Participants - Eric Zalar, acolyte; Sandy Rossnock, lay leader; Julie Updegrove and JudyLynn Weaver, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Joan Brown and Jean Campbell, greeters; Carolyn Weaver, organist; Abbie Nye and Michael Toter, Communion assistants; Kate and Lindsay Glosek, gifts of the people; Sherry and Tim Glosek, and Susan and Brooke Strausser, ushers; Grace Stank, lighting/sound.

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 will be held at Wayside Inn, lunch at noon.

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. Second Sunday of Advent. Shiela Wildoner will have reading for the Advent wreath.

Message - "Christmas Hope - The Story of Mary."

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; Linda Yost and Kay Venn, greeters; Dr. Richard Albright, servant of the month; Tammy Glowatski, children's church teacher; Linda Yost, nursery worker.

Manna for the Many item for December is soup for the 2015 Souper Bowl of Caring.

Bible study is on break until Jan. 11.

Activities - Monday, trustee board meeting, 6 p.m., election of church officers, 7 p.m.; Dec. 14, Christmas Eve candlelight service practice, 2 p.m.

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 years 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 - Darian Jones, lector; Carol Eidam, communion assistant; Corey Levi, cantor; Jared Jones, acolyte; Jan Morrison, organist; Jill and Steve Todzia, altar guild; Mary Tharp, 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.

Minister - The Rev. Ted Plott.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Message - "Are We Ready for His Coming?"

Scripture - Matthew 3:1-12.

Participants - Dale Schimpf, organist; Deb Wydra, acolyte; Ellsworth George, Andrew Mekosh and Robert Shaw, ushers; Calvin Evans, greeter.

Activities - Sunday, officers meeting after worship service.

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.

SUNBURY - A 27-year employee of the federal prison system was hired Friday as the new warden at Northumberland County Prison.

Bruce Kovach, 56, of Hamilton, was named warden by the prison board on a unanimous vote at a recommended salary of $60,540. He will begin his duties Jan. 1.

Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi made the motion to appoint Kovach to the position. His motion was second by Controller Chris Grayson. In addition to Clausi and Grayson, the hiring was approved by Prison Board Chairman and Commissioner Stephen Bridy, Commissioner Richard Shoch, District Attorney Ann Targonski and Sheriff Robert Wolfe.

Kovach, who was one of three finalists for the position, will succeed Roy Johnson, who was fired in August after serving five years.

Kovach's salary was recommended by the board, but must be approved by the county salary board Dec. 23.

The board agreed to appoint Lt. Jim Smink to serve as acting warden until the first week of January in the absence of Brian Wheary, who will be on leave for surgery. Smink, whose current salary is $34,819, will receive the same salary as Wheary (approximately $65,000) for assuming additional duties during the next several weeks.

Wheary told the board he will be available by telephone to provide any necessary assistance during his leave.

When reached by telephone Friday afternoon, Kovach, who did not attend the 10-minute special meeting, stated, "I am anxious to get started. I had a tour of the prison during the interview process and met a lot of good people."

Kovack said he's aware of some serious issues that have occurred at the 138-year-old prison over the years, but is looking forward to changing the jail's negative reputation and bringing a positive attitude to the facility.

"I want the public to be reassured that the prison is safe and secure," he said. "I also want the prison system to become a contributor to the community. I plan on working with the prison board to make sure we have a good, positive relationship and that the jail keeps progressing into the future."

The new warden will retire at the end of the year from FCI-Schuylkill in Minersville, where he has 22 years experience as a correctional supervisor.

He is currently assigned to the Federal Bureau of Prisons Central Office staff on detail to the Department of Justice as a mission analyst in Washington, D.C. He is assigned to the Emergency Support Function under the direction of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is the resident correctional subject matter expert assigned to the National Coordination Center in Washington, D.C.

His duties include coordinating the federal response to state, territorial and tribal correctional facilities in times of disaster, which has enabled him to develop a vast knowledge of non-federal correctional facilities at all levels.

Kovach has been a special operations response team leader for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, armed escort/basic prisoner transportation instructor and firearms instructor, and has worked with counter gang/counter terrorism and correctional crime scene management at FCI-Schuylkill.

He previously was a lieutenant/shift supervisor at FCI-Schuylkill and a correctional officer at FCI-Ashland in Kentucky. He also was paramedic/firefighter for Huntington Fire Department in West Virginia and earned a certificate in emergency medical technology from Marshall University Community College in Huntington, W.Va.

The special meeting was called after initially being postponed Tuesday due to allegations made in an anonymous letter against Robert Wetzel, who was one of three finalists for the position.

Bridy previously said a letter was received Monday by county officials that cites alleged misconduct by Wetzel when he was employed at SCI-Coal Township.

The incident in question was detailed in a 50-page state Civil Service Commission adjudication report filed Nov. 7, 2008. It was in response to Wetzel's appeal of a 10-day suspension from employment and followed two hearings held before a civil service commissioner in Harrisburg the prior May. The ruling upheld the suspension.

Wetzel was suspended for failing to take corrective action to stop an altered jumpsuit from being issued to a corrections officer, which violated the Department of Corrections' code of ethics, according to the report.

Several board members reserved comment when asked if Wetzel's suspension led them to select Kovach as warden. Targonski said she voted for Kovach because she thinks he will make a fine warden in Northumberland County.

Bridy described Kovach as the "consummate professional." He added, "I truly believe his experience will help our prison and I'm excited for him in becoming the new warden."

Clausi said Kovach's job interview was one of the best the county has ever experienced for a position during his seven years as commissioner.

HARRISBURG - A Mount Carmel psychiatrist accused of fraudulently billing Medicare for psychotherapy sessions that didn't happen pleaded guilty to the charges in federal court Nov. 25.

Dr. Andrew Newton, 42, of Harrisburg, the owner-operator of the Newton Psychiatric Clinic, pleaded guilty to six counts of theft or embezzlement in connection with health care in the Nov. 25 court appearance.

Following the plea, U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson ordered a presentence investigation to be completed by Dec. 23, but Newton's attorneys asked for a continuance, which was granted on Dec. 1. The report must be completed and published on or before Jan. 20, 2015.

Authorities alleged Newton billed Medicare for a face-to-face psychotherapy services with patients in Pennsylvania when Newton was out of the country.

The U.S. Government alleged Newton billed Medicare for three patients Aug. 18, 2010, and for patients Sept. 2 and Sept. 3, 2010, when the doctor was in France, and Nov. 29, 2011, when Newton was in England.

Newton "did knowingly and willfully embezzle, steal and convert to his own use" a total of $322.75 from the fraudulent billing, a past release stated.

A plea agreement reached said Newton will plead guilty to all six of the misdemeanor charges, and the government will not bring any other criminal charges related to the offenses, with the exception of criminal tax charges.

In this case, Newton faces a maximum sentence of six years in prison, a term of supervised release following the imprisonment and a fine.

The plea agreement also states that Newton agrees to make full restitution of $20,000, plus $75,000 payable to the Medicare Trust Fund.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Williamsport Office.

MOUNT CARMEL - A little over a century ago, Mother Maria Kaupas, founder of a new religious order, ministered to Lithuanian immigrants in Mount Carmel.

Today, the pastor and parishioners of Divine Redeemer Church are hoping Kaupas' example of service to others will inspire present and future generations to embrace a new spirit of evangelization and recommit themselves to the task of revitalizing the Mount Carmel area and surrounding communities.

That is why the former St. Peter's Convent on West Avenue is being renamed the "Mother Maria Kaupas Center," the Rev. Martin Moran, pastor, explained. Moran, who announced the impending name change at Sunday obligation Masses two weeks ago, told parishioners that in addition to housing vital spiritual and charitable initiatives, programming will be established there to give college students an opportunity to participate in local community service projects.

Moran, who is a former national executive director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association, is particularly excited about prospects to have institutions of higher education involved in the center's work. Divine Redeemer, with strong support from Bishop Ronald Gainer of the Diocese of Harrisburg, is working, Moran said, to finalize a partnership with a nearby college.

The college, using the Kaupas Center as a base of operations, would conduct a study to identify pressing community needs, and then would hopefully help to address these needs. Prospects for the partnership are very good, Moran said, but he declined to name the college pending final approval by officials there.

The former convent, which once housed religious sisters who taught in St. Peter's School and later, Holy Spirit School, can comfortably provide overnight accommodations for 10 to 12 college students and their faculty advisers while they are working on Mount Carmel area projects.

According to a plan developed for the center, the building could be used to encourage volunteer efforts by college students from throughout a wide area. Moran noted there are more than 24 colleges, among these five Catholic colleges, within a 70-mile radius of Mount Carmel.

In addition to the college component, the Kaupas Center would be used for ongoing outreach efforts of the parish's St. Vincent dePaul Society, for an annual outreach project by confirmation students and their parents and a monthly outreach program, which is already under way, for high school students from the seven Catholic parishes in the Northumberland Deanery.

Representatives of the Sisters of St. Casimir, the religious order for women Kaupas founded, are expected to be in Mount Carmel April 12, along with Bishop Gainer, for an official dedication and opening of the Kaupas Center. The event is scheduled to take place on Divine Mercy Sunday, which is observed the Sunday following Easter. The dedication will take place approximately 75 years after Kaupas' death.

Moran said when efforts to obtain a $50,000 grant from a foundation as seed money to fund the initial three years of the Kaupas Center proved unsuccessful, the Sisters of St. Casimir, which are based in Chicago, donated the funds.

Holy Cross Church, where Kaupas and two fellow nuns began their mission, is one of the five former churches that merged to form Divine Redeemer, so Moran explained that the cause of sainthood for her is extremely important to the parish. She was declared "venerable" by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

"It would be wonderful if the center itself ends up being one of Mother Maria's miracles," Moran remarked.

That's not far-fetched at all, he added, since the overriding goal behind creation of the center is to encourage others to become "prophetic witnesses" to the work of Mother Maria.

MONROE TOWNSHIP - A department store in the Monroe Marketplace became the target of thieves during a break-in early Saturday morning.

State police at Selinsgrove continue to investigate the theft of several electronic items from the Target Department Store in a Burglary that occurred between 1:15 and 2:23 a.m.

According to police, two individuals were able to gain access into the department store by using a torch to cut into a rear receiving door.

Once inside, the two actors stole multiple electronic items, including several iPad tablet computers.

The thieves also attempted to break into an ATM machine inside the store, but were unsuccessful.

Police said the investigation is continuing, and anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact state police at 570-374-8145.

Marion Heights to pass budget

MARION HEIGHTS - Borough council will pass the municipality's 2015 budget at the borough's regular monthly meeting Tuesday. There will be no tax increase in 2015.

Also, borough officials announced that Marion Heights Park is closed for the winter.

Food pantry distribution

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Borough Food Pantry will hold its monthly distribution from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Notary Shop, 215 S. Oak St., for borough residents who had previously signed up. Residents of the Mount Carmel Mid Rise are asked to meet in the lobby at 8:45 a.m. Residents of Willow Court are asked to meet in the lobby at 10 a.m.

Participants are encouraged to bring a bag with them, because bags are no longer available from the food pantry.

COAL TOWNSHIP - An unidentified man armed with a handgun robbed an Ashland convenience store Sunday morning before attempting a second robbery at the Sunoco gas station in Ranshaw.

The attempted Ranshaw robbery occurred at 8:15 a.m. and lasted less than two minutes. The suspect left the Main Street store without any money or merchandise. No one was injured.

Less than an hour earlier about 7:20 a.m., Ashland police say the same suspect robbed the Turkey Hill on Centre Street. He left with an undisclosed amount of cash, plus cigarettes and gift cards.

Surveillance footage from inside Sunoco shows the suspect to be a white male of average height carrying a black gun. He was dressed in green pants and a khaki button-down shirt, tan work gloves and a tan boonie hat. A black backpack was slung over his shoulders. Dark sunglasses and a blue bandana pulled over his mouth mostly obscured his face.

He was dressed much the same in Ashland, police say, including wearing a hooded puffy winter coat. However, they describe the backpack as tan in color.

There was no information available on what type of vehicle the suspect may have been traveling in, or if other suspects were involved. The stores are separated by about 11 miles.

On camera

The surveillance footage from Sunoco shows the armed suspect enter the store concealing the gun beneath his shirt before confronting store manager Raj Sehjao. There were no customers inside.

"He put the backpack on the counter and said 'put all your money in there,'" Sehjao said Sunday, about one hour after the attempted robbery. "I told him, 'if you want the money, come around the counter and take it.'"

The suspect ignored Sehjao's advice, keeping the counter between himself and the store manager as he pulled the gun. He pointed the weapon at Sehjao and repeatedly demanded money while threatening to shoot him. At one point, he threw a calculator at Sehjao's head before reaching over the counter and haphazardly banging buttons in an attempt to open the cash register.

Sehjao picked up the store's telephone and dialed 9-1-1 as the incident occurred. He was speaking with a dispatcher when the suspect picked up the backpack and exited the store.

Despite being shaken up Sunday morning, Sehjao maintained good humor. He said it was the first attempted robbery at the store since he began working there 2 1/2 years ago.

Coal Township Patrolman Jason Adams wouldn't comment. Assisting were officers from Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Mount Carmel Township and state police at Stonington.

'A naked guy'

The attempted robbery follows a bizarre incident at the Ranshaw convenience store Friday night when a young black man walked inside dressed in nothing but a pair of black socks. The man claimed to have been robbed inside a vehicle nearby, according to Coal Township police.

Sehjao laughed recalling Friday's incident. He was in the back of the store when an employee called out to him about 8:30 p.m. There were two female customers inside the store at the time, and a female employee.

"'Oh my God, come out here. There's a naked guy!," the employee shouted.

Sehjao had his doubts until he walked up front.

"The guy's standing there holding himself; nothing, naked," Sehjao said.

The man shouted he had just been robbed, gesturing with his right arm as he hunched in the entryway with his left hand covering his pubic area. He backed out of the convenience store as Sehjao ordered him outside. The employee called 9-1-1.

Numerous motorists also called for police as the naked man walked along state Route 901 near Rock Cut Road across from the Sunoco station. Police from Coal Township and Shamokin found him shortly thereafter walking along Rock Cut Road.

The man claimed he was a passenger in a vehicle when he was robbed of $200 before being able to exit the vehicle, Patrolman Chris Lapotsky said in a press release. No further information was released.

Sehjao didn't believe the incidents on Friday and Sunday were connected.

THARPTOWN - This year's Tharptown Christmas Display endured vandalism and rain that postponed its lighting for 23 hours, but in the end, it was all worth it.

With one of the largest crowds ever on opening night, the display and its more than 500 ornaments, decoration and wooden characters was lit up for the holiday season Sunday.

"We've gone through a lot this year," Scott Dunn, speaking on behalf of his family and son, Jared, who set up the display each year. "We thank each and every one of you this year for your support and donations that keep us going year after year and know you love what we do here."

Fans started gathering as early as 5 p.m. at the Tharptown playground, huddling to watch the movie "Frozen" playing on the wall of Santa's house on the grounds.

Later on, the crowd would enjoy treats like hot dogs, hot cocoa and cookies to keep them warm on a chilly, December evening.

With young and old singing along to the movie, it was soon time for the "jolly old elf" himself to make an appearance. Led to the playgrounds by engines from the Brady and Union Fire Companies, Santa arrived at the display to help the Dunns and those in attendance light up the display for everyone to see.

For the rest of the night, everyone went around to find their favorite character display for a picture by it, talked to Santa about that special toy they hope to find under the tree, and said hello to "Olaf the Snowman" that made an appearance there.

The display will be lit up every night for the rest of the holiday season and a "Name the Reindeer" contest is currently underway at the display.

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

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Anthony and Deirdre Orabona, of Staten Island, N.Y., awarded $636.60 in rent and court costs on Dec. 4 from Vanessa Thorpe, of Shamokin.

Thomas Griffith and remitter Judy Griffith, both of Shamokin, awarded $1,657.10 in rent and court costs on Dec. 2 from James Imholte and Sean Sutton, both of Coal Township.