Susquehanna Valley gas prices fell another six cents in the past week, dropping to $2.819 a gallon, according to AAA East Central's Fuel Gauge report.

On the national front

Monday's average of $2.67 per gallon is the least expensive since Feb. 23, 2010. The national average has dropped a dime from one week ago, 27 cents from one month ago and 60 cents per gallon from the same date last year.

The average price for retail gasoline historically declines from fall into winter due to a number of factors including decreased demand. Consumers can expect to see the price at the pump tick lower as we approach the New Year, however, crude oil would have to fall by another $25 to $30 per barrel to cause the national average to drop below the $2 per gallon threshold this winter, which remains unlikely.

The price of oil accounts for approximately two-thirds of the price at the pump, and a $10 per barrel drop in the price of crude oil results in about a 25-cent drop in retail prices for motorists.

Global oil markets are still struggling to find a bottom since the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) decision to sustain production levels. In an attempt to protect its share of the global market, Saudi Arabia, OPEC's second largest member, is sustaining its recent price cuts and is offering barrels of oil at prices not seen in at least 14 years.

This move could possibly put pressure on U.S. crude production, which is at its highest level in 30 years, and has been a leading factor for the global oil market's increase in supply. The new oil production that has come online in the U.S. in recent years is generally understood to cost more to get out of the ground than oil produced in Saudi Arabia.

If oil prices continue to fall, this more expensive U.S. production could stop being profitable, which could take some production offline until prices increase again.

At the close of formal trading on Friday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) settled below $66 per barrel for the first time since 2009, down 97 cents at $65.83 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.)

This week's Susquehanna Valley average price - $2.819

Average price during the week of Dec. 3, 2014 - $2.877

Average price during the week of Dec. 10, 2013 - $3.454

The following is a list of the average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:

Lewisburg - $2.758

Mifflinburg - $2.860

Milton - $2.791

Selinsgrove - $2.806

Shamokin - $2.875

Sunbury - $2.823

Choral concert cancelled

COAL TOWNSHIP - Due to the impending winter storm, Our Lady of Lourdes has cancelled its high school choral concert scheduled for Tuesday evening. The concert will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21, in the gymnatorium.

Finding peace to be discussed

SHAMOKIN - Life-and-death decisions, hardships and disabilities will be discussed at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lifetree Café, 531 N. Market St.

This program features the filmed story of a couple who learned that their unborn child would have profound disabilities.

"This couple made a life-changing decision," said Lifetree representative Craig Cable. "Their story of unconditional love during difficult times is a true inspiration."

Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available. For more information, contact Kathy Vetovich at 570-672-9346 or kvetovich@gmail.com.

WILLIAMSPORT - A federal clerk of courts denied an appeal by a Sunbury man who claimed conspiracy, malicious prosecution and emotional distress for a 2012 rape arrest.

Benjamin Scheller failed to file a timely brief and appendix following his notice of appeal in May 2014. He was planning an appeal after his lawsuit was dismissed earlier in May.

Clerk Marcia M. Waldron filed the denial Thursday.

Scheller had sought more than $500,000 plus punitive damages and attorney fees from Point Township, Point Township Police Department, Chief of Police Joshua Van Kirk and former officer Wade Lytle.

Scheller was arrested for the rape of a woman with whom both he and Lytle had a relationship. Lytle eventually lost his job as a result of the case.

In a plea deal, Scheller confessed to misdemeanors of terroristic threats, unlawful restraint and simple assault. He was sentenced to time served and probation. Felonies of rape, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and burglary, and a misdemeanor of indecent assault were not prosecuted.

Scheller's plea deal was cited by federal Judge Matthew W. Brann in dismissing the lawsuit.

SHAMOKIN - City council and the Shamokin Housing Authority's executive director are at odds over a request that, on its surface, seems routine.

Thousands of revenue dollars from a cell tower lease agreement are mixed up in the dispute.

Ron Miller, the authority's executive director, asks that council members sign off on a letter of support for a federal funding opportunity to rehabilitate Madison Court Apartments on Shamokin Street. He made the same request in February.

The project would restore Madison Court much to its original state, Miller has said, and create between 30 and 40 housing units. It would also place the building back on the city's tax rolls, according to a letter Miller sent to city council. The federal government rejected the authority's bid earlier this year.

Municipal authorities seek such support from governing bodies on all manner of projects. In Shamokin's case, no local tax dollars are involved. It's a matter of a signed letter.

However, Mayor William D. Milbrand and council members Barbara Moyer and Charles Verano have questions they say Miller has not answered. They'd like to know who belongs to the Shamokin Housing Development Corp., a private entity they say is involved in the proposed project.

Milbrand especially wants to know if additional low-income public housing is needed in Shamokin. He would like to know the occupancy rates at the authority's complexes on Raspberry Hill and Harrison Street.

Since Madison Court is owned by a municipal entity and would offer public housing, Milbrand also wonders how the project would make the building taxable property - another question he says has not been answered.

Tower issue

The owner of a cell tower on Raspberry Hill is interested in renewing an existing lease agreement and building a new tower, Milbrand says. It pays the city about $1,000 monthly, according to city Treasurer Brenda Scandle.

The tower is located on authority-owned property. The authority had allowed City Hall to collect the funds from the lease agreement. Milbrand said that arrangement has come to an end, which has proved an irritant to the mayor. The authority will keep the funding for itself, he said.

Milbrand, Verano and Clerk Robert M. Slaby attended an authority meeting in October to discuss the matter. Miller noted the meeting in his letter.

Council talk

City council invited Miller to Monday's council meeting. He didn't attend, citing short notice. In his letter to council, he said he was "taken aback" by council's response to the authority's request, calling the tenor "hostile." If council has questions, he asked its members attend the authority's own public meeting later this month.

Milbrand called the invitation inappropriate. Miller is making the request, not the city. The questions are simple, and he said answers should follow.

"I don't think it's our responsibility to go chasing down answers," Milbrand said.

Moyer said she doesn't oppose the rehabilitation project. She and Verano were on council only two months when Miller first sought support in February. Neither were familiar with the proposal. She thought it prudent to ask questions. Verano said he showed no disrespect in his line of questioning at the time. He simply wants to know who's involved from the private Shamokin Housing Development Corp.

Councilman R. Craig Rhoades remained quiet on the matter Monday until prompted by Milbrand for comment. Rhoades' wife, Pamala, is an authority appointee. After saying he had no comment, he said he has "a whole different viewpoint."

"The project will move forward without the city's support," Rhoades said.

The Shamokin Housing Authority is a five-member board. City council appoints its members. Currently serving are Malcolm Farrow IV, Suzanne Kopitsky, James Picarelli, Donald VanShura and Pamala Rhoades.

Other business

Charles Sosnoskie was appointed Monday to serve on the Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority. Milbrand, Verano and Moyer voted in support. Councilman Rhoades opposed the motion.

Council will move forward with a new credit card system for tax payments. The payments can be made online or in person beginning in March. Details are pending.

A $400,000 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note from Susquehanna Bank was approved. The loan has a 3.25 percent interest rate. It's a loan municipalities can take annually, and is used to pay day-to-day expenses in lieu of tax revenue that doesn't begin to be collected until March. The 2014 TRAN totaled $350,000.

The Rescue Fire Co. was permitted to sell its utility trailer and use the funds within the company. City council will release the title on the trailer.

Milbrand said the city hasn't abandoned the idea to adopt and enforce ordinance barring anyone convicted of a felony drug distribution charge from renting residential property in Shamokin. Council members had been discussing revising the existing landlord-tenant ordinance to add the drug-related provision.

Upon hearing a citizen's concern, Moyer said city council should revisit the issue of controlling Shamokin's feral cat population. She is a proponent of the Trap, Neuter and Release system.

SUNBURY - A jury of seven white women and five white men will determine the guilt or innocence of 18-year-old Naheem Reams.

The black teen will go on trial Thursday, Dec. 18, on multiple charges, including felonies of aggravated assault and fleeing or eluding, and a misdemeanor of driving under the influence of marijuana.

Reams, who was 17 and resided in Shamokin at the time of the offenses, was shot by Sunbury Sgt. James Taylor, who is white, after Reams allegedly attempted to run over the officer with a vehicle near Chestnut and Front streets June 5, 2013, following a high-speed chase in the city.

The 12-member jury plus two female alternates were selected Monday from a pool of approximately 80 county citizens, none of whom was black.

A jury with no black members is not surprising considering approximately 95.7 percent of the county's 94,076 population is white, according to the 2013 Census. The Census shows the black population in the county at 2.5 percent.

Defense attorneys Kymberley Best and her husband, Timothy Bowers, said they aren't concerned about the race makeup of the jury.

"We are satisfied with the pool of jurors selected and are prepared to go to trial next week." Best said.

After Reams' pre-trial conference Friday, Best pointed out parallels between the local case and the August shooting in Ferguson, Mo., involving white police officer Darren Wilson and 18-year-old Michael Brown that touched off protests and national debate about policing methods.

Best said the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has contacted her about the case. There were no protests at the courthouse Monday.

Best said the prosecution will present its case Thursday, Dec. 18, while Reams will be the defense's only witness Friday, Dec. 19.

Defendant attentive

The defendant was escorted from the courtroom by deputy sheriffs Curtis Cooke and Edward Griffiths before being returned to Northumberland County Prison two blocks away.

Asked if he wanted to comment after jury selection, Reams told a newspaper reporter, "No, sir."

Reams, who was wearing light gray pants, a polo shirt, brown shoes and glasses, was attentive during jury selection, which ran from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. He conferred with his attorneys briefly after court was adjourned.

District Attorney Ann Targonski said she plans to call about 10 witnesses. Asked if she believes race will play a role in the trial, Targonski replied, "I don't know what to expect from the defense."

Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor oversaw jury selection and will preside at the trial, which will be held during the normal civil trial term to expedite the case, which has incurred several delays.

Before dismissing the selected jurors, Saylor instructed them not to discuss the case with anyone and avoid all media coverage of the shooting incident and charges.

Among the jurors are two women from Milton and one female each from Shamokin, Dornsife, Northumberland, Rebuck and Turbotville. The men are from Milton, Sunbury, Elysburg, Herndon and Northumberland.

The two female alternates are from Turbotville and Sunbury.

Questions for jury pool

Targonski and Best asked the jurors several questions to help determine if they can be fair and impartial. The questions involved religious, moral or ethical beliefs, physical or psychological disabilities and if they were ever arrested for a crime other than a traffic violation.

Jurors also were asked if they would be more or less likely to believe the testimony of a police officer or any other law enforcement officer because of his or her job, and if they had any relatives or friends who worked in law enforcement or the justice system.

Longtime deputy prothonotary Jerry Yagle, who coordinated jury selection with the assistance of court tip staff, said 20 candidates had to be replaced for various reasons after the pool had been dwindled to 30. That necessitated recalling some of the other 50 original prospective jurors, who had not yet been dismissed for the day.

The list of jurors was selected through voter registrations, PennDOT driving records, the Department of State and tax lists. According to Pennsylvania law, a juror must be a citizen of the United States who is 18 or older. Active military personnel are exempt, as are those who would face undue hardship or extreme inconvenience by serving.

Officer was cleared

Reams was charged by Trooper Ronald Zanella of state police at Stonington Aug. 2, 2013, nearly two months after the incident.

He spent 20 days in the hospital before being placed in a juvenile detention facility on an unrelated warrant. After being charged in relation to the chase, he was committed to county jail.

Police encountered Reams in the early morning hours and asked him to clear out of the 400 block of North Fourth Street for street sweeping, not knowing who he was or that he was wanted by juvenile authorities, police said at the time. But police say Reams sped off, leading officers on a chase through city streets in which Reams' vehicle hit speeds of 70 mph.

Reams slowed near Chestnut and Front streets. As officers moved in, police say he rammed a pair of police vehicles. One officer was pinned briefly at his car door and suffered minor injuries.

Reams then allegedly revved his engine and drove toward Taylor, who had drawn his gun, police say. He allegedly ignored commands to surrender, and Taylor fired into the vehicle one time, striking Reams.

Police learned later that Reams was an absconder from juvenile custody, that he was driving a vehicle without the owner's permission and that he was doing so without a license.

The county's former district attorney and a current county judge, Tony Rosini, ruled that the officer was justified. He based his decision on a state police investigation into the shooting. No grand jury was involved in deciding whether to charge Taylor, as was the case for Wilson in Missouri and that of New York City Officer Daniel Pantaleo, whom a grand jury decided not to indict in the July 17 chokehold death of Eric Garner.

TREVORTON - Zerbe Township will not inflict a tax increase upon its residents in 2015, Supervisor Mike Mazer announced at Monday's meeting.

Mazer and Supervisor Mike Schwartz approved the proposed $465,816 budget on a 2-0 vote. Supervisor Gene Geise was absent.

The budget shows a $17,596 surplus in the township's general fund, which has $311,485 in revenue.

Mazer warned some of the apparent surpluses in the budget are misleading. He gave the example of the "other" fund, which has $40,200 in revenue and only $1,000 in expenditures.

"The funds are earmarked," Mazer said. He said the money will be spent on projects like the 2015 Trevorton Fall Festival. These funds need to be in the township's coffers to provide the liquidity necessary to cover up front costs but will be replaced by income from the events.

Supervisors also took the time to thank volunteers from a recent township event, the annual Christmas tree lighting. The event, hosted by the Trevorton Heritage Society and the Recreation Committee Nov. 30, had more than 200 people in attendance.

Township Police Chief Robert John was thanked for donating the funds to purchase the tree, which is lighted nightly atop the former pool house at the Foundry.

- The next township meeting will be held Jan. 5, one week earlier than the township's usual schedule, to accommodate reorganization.

- On advise of SEDA-COG, supervisors approved a $18,320 bid by Steinbacher Enterprises Inc., of Williamsport, to tear down a burned home at 220-224 S. 10th St. The bid was the lowest of three received.

"I've dealt with them," said solicitor Roger Wiest II, referring to projects completed in other municipalities. "They're phenomenal."

One additional bid arriving after the deadline was returned to the bidder unopened.

FRACKVILLE - State police are searching for a thief after correctional officers at SCI-Mahanoy discovered a broken-into safe down an embankment on prison grounds around 12:30 p.m. Monday.

Officers supervising a work crew of inmates discovered the safe, which was damaged and contained nothing, approximately 40 feet to the right side of Interstate 81 North at mile marker 125.7, said police.

Police described the safe as a gray SentrySafe Depository Safe measuring 14 by 20 inches with a keypad combination locking mechanism on the door. The safe's serial number is DH074ED126010780. Its door had been forced open, police said.

Police urge anyone with information to contact State Police at Frackville at 570-874-5300.

RANSHAW - A fast-moving blaze Monday afternoon destroyed a small one-story home, but firefighters were able to keep it from spreading to nearby row homes.

The unit at 306 Water St. was rented by Paul Rider and adjoined a storage structure near the intersection Third and Water streets.

Fire crews were called at approximately 1:13 p.m. after a report of heavy smoke coming from the structure.

Firefighters quickly attacked the flames from inside and above, cutting holes in the roof for ventilation.

One man on scene complained the firefighters' response wasn't quick enough, saying it took 10 minutes for crews to arrive when a fire company is "two minutes" away.

But Coal Township Assistant Fire Chief Mike Timco said he is pleased with the crews' efforts.

"This is a bad time of day for a fire," he said, noting work schedules and hunting season.

That prompted a second alarm, Timco said.

Rider's home on the corner is connected to the side of the first of a number of row homes on that block.

"We didn't want the fire to get into the row homes," Timco said.

Timco said the structure is owned by Robert Santore, who is insured. The assistant chief could not say if Rider had insurance.

A state police fire marshal will be called in to investigate the scene today, but Timco said the cause doesn't appear to be suspicious.

Firefighters from Coal Township, Shamokin and Atlas were on scene. Members of the Coal Township Fire Police, Shamokin and Coal Township police officers also assisted. The scene was cleared at 4:42 p.m.

Helping Loki

The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes. Shortly thereafter, a firefighter came out the front door carrying a mixed breed dog named Loki.

The dog was wrapped in blankets, and firefighter Amber Wheary and EMTs from AREA Services gave him water and put an oxygen mask around his nose and mouth. Rider, who was not home at the time the fire started, arrived sometime later and knelt near the dog and helped the rescuers before his pet was transferred to a waiting ambulance for transport to Sunbury Animal Hospital. Rider accompanied his pet in the ambulance.

"I would have put him in my own vehicle and drove there myself," said Wheary, a member of Friendship Fire Company in Shamokin. "I hate to see an animal suffer like that."

"A life is a life, and we try to preserve every one we come in contact with," Timco said.

Two other dogs, found in cages inside Rider's apartment, perished in the blaze, Timco reported.

Online reports indicated Loki died Monday night at the Sunbury Animal Hospital, but a spokesperson at the vet's office was unable to confirm.

Dr. Jason Brehm, a veterinarian at Sunbury Animal Hospital, said Monday afternoon the first 24 hours would be critical. Loki suffered burns on 20 percent of his body and his eyes were damaged by the intense heat, Brehm said. The veterinarian was also concerned about the animals lung function.

The Mommy and Me Rescue Animal Shelter, Shamokin, set up an online fundraising page to help pay for the dog's medical expenses. The site can be viewed at http://www.youcaring.com/pet-expenses/loki-fire-victim/274881.

SHAMOKIN - Umbrellas will suit this week's dreary weather better than snow shovels, according to a prediction from the National Weather Service.

Kevin Fitzgerald, forecaster with the National Weather Service in State College, said temperatures early in the day might bring freezing rain.

But while the slick roads might cause headaches for morning commuters, the day will warm up, transforming the precipitation into rain.

"By the afternoon, the roads should just be wet," said Fitzgerald.

The storm will likely disappoint schoolchildren hoping for afternoons of snowman building.

"We're not expecting significant accumulations," said Fitzgerald.

Skiers heading to the Poconos for a pre-Christmas retreat will also be crestfallen. The warm weather will bring rain to many of the most popular slopes, said Fitzgerald.

A coal region native will be featured as a contestant on Thursday night's episode of "Jeopardy!"

U.S. Army Capt. Ryan Pensyl, 35, a military intelligence officer, is a son of William and Linda Pensyl. He is a 1998 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and a 2005 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

Pensyl is featured among this week's contestants on a video at www.jeopardy.com: "Hi, I'm Ryan Pensyl, an Army officer from Shamokin. Watch me demolish the competition on 'Jeopardy!'"

The episode airs at 7:30 p.m. on WBRE.

MILTON - A preliminary hearing for the mother of a 9-year-old boy who died Oct. 13 from an apparent drug overdose is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, before Magisterial District Judge Michael Diehl.

Angela Marie Clark, 30, of 207 S. 10th St., Sunbury, is facing two felony counts of endangering the welfare of children. She was initially scheduled for a hearing today, but that was postponed.

Clark, who was charged Friday morning, was incarcerated in Northumberland County Prison before being released after posting $25,000 cash bail Saturday.

She is accused by Point Township police of allowing her son, Korbin Rager, 9, and his 13-year-old half 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.

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 last week.

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.

SUNBURY - In what's become year-end routine, a Northumberland County judge approved Shamokin City Council's request to raise its general fund tax 5 mills above the maximum limit.

President Judge William H. Wiest's ruling Tuesday marks the seventh consecutive year that Shamokin received the extra tax. It's estimated to generate an additional $112,000. Without it, Shamokin Clerk Robert M. Slaby told the judge layoffs were likely among Shamokin's 10 police officers or six street department employees.

Wiest asked during the hearing if city officials expected to seek the additional millage next year. That depends, said Ryan Hottenstein, of Financial Solutions, the city's state-approved financial consultant.

City council is also planning to double the earned income tax. A county judge is expected to rule on that in January. The move should generate more than $500,000. If estimates are exceeded, Hottenstein said it may rule out an eighth-straight tax petition.

Mayor William D. Milbrand wasn't as optimistic. Although he believes Shamokin will make a successful financial recovery through the state's Act 47 program, he doesn't expect it to happen so quickly.

"I really think we will," Milbrand said after the hearing when asked if he thought city council would petition the court in 2015.

Hottenstein's thoughts on the EIT apply only to next year. He offered that future cost increases for pension and health care would wipe out any new revenue.

No one from the public attended Tuesday's hearing at the Northumberland County Courthouse, and there was no opposition expressed.

Tax impact

Here's what the ruling means for taxpayers. Shamokin's total real estate tax levy for 2015 is 58.1 mills, a near 20 percent increase over the 2014 levy of 47.35 mills. A single mill represents $1. Taxpayers must now pay $58.10 on each $1,000 of assessed value of their property. If a property is assessed at $10,000, the tax bill would total $581 next year.

City council must give formal approval to the tax levy at a special meeting later this month.

The general fund is the city's main operational fund. It's used for day-to-day expenses, along with items like payroll and insurance costs. The fund is among the taxes that make up Shamokin's real estate tax bill (2014 figures in parentheses): general fund, 35 mills (30 mills); debt service, 14.25 (13.5); recreation, 6.75 (3); street lighting, 1.25 (0); public library, 0.75; shade tree, 0.1.

State law sets the maximum general fund tax at 30 mills for Third Class Cities, but allows municipalities to petition the court for up to an additional 5 mills. It must be proven that without the additional millage, the municipality's budget would collapse and its taxpayers would be met with even greater burden. Wiest concluded that was the case for Shamokin.

Not happy

Shamokin's total budget is $3.7 million, including $2.8 million for its general fund - $550,000 more than the 2014 budget. Slaby cited increases in pension payments and health insurance.

The pension payment totaled $205,769 in 2014 and $319,714 in 2015

"I was told that if I thought this year's (pension costs) were high, be prepared because next year will be even higher," Slaby told Wiest.

Hottenstein worked with city officials, including department supervisors, on the creation of the 2015 budget. Slaby described the figures as "legitimate" compared to past spending plans.

Everything identified by city officials as expendable was cut from the budget, Hottenstein said. Personnel costs make up nearly 70 percent of the budget. There's likely room to make slight adjustments, but nothing close to what's needed to erase a $621,000 deficit in next year's budget. That's what the tax increases are for.

Milbrand called the city's petition a "necessary evil."

"It's not embarrassing to me to keep the city afloat. I'll do whatever I have to do for the city," Milbrand said.

Solicitor Frank Konopka was tasked to prompt testimony from Hottenstein and Slaby in support of the city's request. Afterward, he hardly seemed enthused about the successful petition.

"This is a shame. As a (Shamokin) taxpayer, I don't like it. My taxes are going up just like everyone else's. What is the alternative? My understanding is if the city files bankruptcy, the state takes over, and I don't think anyone would like that," Konopka said.

By News-Item Staff

COAL TOWNSHIP - A longtime Coal Township police officer suffered cuts to his head and face early Tuesday when his patrol vehicle slid on an ice-covered bridge along Route 901 between Excelsior and Ranshaw and struck a guard rail.

Police reported Patrolman David Sage was injured in the 1:50 a.m. crash and transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital. Sage underwent emergency room treatment and was released.

Sage was driving a 2004 Ford Expedition east when he lost control of the vehicle on the ice, causing it to the strike guard rail on the south side of the bridge, rotate and slide to a stop, according to Patrolman Matthew Hashuga.

The Expedition sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Anthracite Towing.

PennDOT workers responded to the accident and spread anti-skid material on the highway. Route 901 was shut down between Routes 61 and 54 until the material was spread. Also assisting were Hashuga and members of Coal Township Fire Department.

Icy conditions

Periods of freezing drizzle and freezing light rain moved into the Susquehanna Valley shortly before midnight Monday, causing untreated surfaces to become icy. Accidents were reported on Route 54 near Natalie, Locust Gap Highway in Mount Carmel Township and Merriam Mountain south of Mount Carmel. The highways are typically prone to winter accidents.

The Natalie Mountain, Merriam Mountain, North Sixth Street leading to Marion Heights and the Viaduct at Mount Carmel were ordered closed by police until PennDOT treated the roads. Driving conditions were so dangerous that first responders who responded to an accident near Natalie were stuck on the mountain for an extended period of time until the road was treated several times.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The armed robber who police say held up a pair of gas stations 11 miles apart Sunday remains on the loose.

Detective Jeffrey Brennan continues to investigate and is following leads, Coal Township Police Chief William Carpenter said Tuesday, but an arrest has not been made. Ashland police are also investigating.

Police believe it was the same suspect in both incidents, Carpenter said.

The Turkey Hill in Ashland was robbed about 7:20 a.m., and the Sunoco in Ranshaw less than one hour later at 8:15 a.m. No one was injured.

Surveillance footage from both stores shows what is believed to be a white male dressed in green pants and a khaki button-down shirt, tan work gloves and a tan boonie hat. He was wearing a hooded winter jacket in Ashland. Police there reported a backpack he was carrying was also tan. The backpack in the Ranshaw incident was black.

The suspect's face was mostly obscured by sunglasses and a blue bandanna covering his mouth. He was carrying a black handgun in both incidents.

An undisclosed amount of cash, gift cards and cigarettes were stolen from Turkey Hill. However, the would-be robber made off with no money or merchandise from Sunoco.

There was no information available on what type of vehicle the suspect may have been traveling in, of if the suspect was acting alone.

Anyone with information in either incident is asked to call police. Coal Township can be contacted at 570-644-0333 or 570-988-4539, and Ashland police at 570-875-2600 or 570-462-1991.

SHAMOKIN - Five defendants pleaded guilty Tuesday to various offenses and were ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to pay fines and costs.

n Kevin S. Carsto, 21, of 1116 Chemung St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs.

Charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest were withdrawn.

Carsto was charged by Coal Township Cpl. Terry Ketchem in connection with a Dec. 2 incident at the rear of the Bunker Hill Sports Complex.

n Jessica Renee Shelbert, 24, and Joseph A. Martinelli, 26, both of 605 N. Second St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct and were each ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs and placed on probation for six months.

Additional charges of simple assault and harassment were withdrawn.

Shelbert and Martinelli were charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II in connection with a Nov. 12 domestic disturbance.

n Daniele Coller, 22, of 609 E. Independence St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to a summary of public drunkenness and was ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs. An additional charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was withdrawn.

Coller was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Jarrod Scandle in connection with an Oct. 1 incident at Coal and Water streets.

n Hito Romero, 43, of 45 S. Fifth St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to a summary of harassment and was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs. An additional charge of simple assault was withdrawn.

Romero was charged by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski with striking Megan Holohan in the face at 45 S. Fifth St. on Nov. 12.

KULPMONT - As it stands right now, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is willing to sell the former East End Fire Company to the borough at half-price.

During a report at Tuesday's Kulpmont Borough Council meeting, Stephen Motyka, head of council's committee looking into the building of a new borough complex, said the (USDA) is currently offering the building at 50 cents on the dollar.

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 - a total cost of $830,900.

"That would still be a cost of more than $400,000 to the borough, not counting the cost of the renovation process," Motyka said.

In a Nov. 24 letter from the USDA to the borough, the federal agency asked the borough to consider using the former social hall instead of constructing a new borough hall and maintenance garage on Fir Street.

Motyka said the USDA and the borough both want the same thing: A new building at a fiscally responsible price.

The final plans are currently being reviewed by USDA's architect and borough council hopes to put the project out for bid by early January.

With that, the board two motions to help the project analysis along. First, they voted to pay Shaffer Design Associates a total of $4,000, $2,000 for the final design plans and $2,000 to manage the bid process for the borough.

Approval for the payment to Shaffer was made on a 5-1 vote with Motyka, Nicholas Bozza, Joseph Winhofer, Bruno Varano and Stephanie Niglio voting yes, and Phil Scicchitano voting no.

Under a USDA recommendation, the board also voted to hire Baer Wolfe architects for a financial analysis on the East End building at a cost not to exceed $5,000. That was approved on a 6-0 vote.

"We hope that through these processes, we can find the option that is financially sound," council president Bruno Varano said.

In other business:

- The board approved its 2015 budget and the 2015 tax levy ordinance on an unanimous vote.

The $2,147,700 budget includes the $1.47 million USDA loan guarantee for the construction of a new borough complex and garage.

Other budget funds include the highway fund spending and revenue of $89,575; and the police pension fund, with a carryover of $342,000, income of $4,000, spending of $20,500 and a balance of $325,500.

Real estate taxes of 23 mills will stay the same in 2015, with 14 mills slated for the general fund, and three mills each for street lighting, fire and the new building fund.

- The board passed its oversize vehicle ordinance, stating that no commercial vehicle over 7 1/2 feet long may park on any east or west running streets.

- Announcements made at the meeting included Shamokin Rotary Santa Sleigh at Town Park starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17.

The monthly food surplus distribution will be from 8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 18 at the borough garage.

Residents are discouraged from throwing snow in the streets after the plow has gone through, and against throwing ashes in the street. Bozza reported that there is a place for ashes to be deposited at the Veterans Memorial Field.

Southern Columbia Area High School

CATAWISSA R.R. - Southern Columbia Area High School has announced its distinguished and regular honor roll lists for the first marking period of the 2014-2015 school year.

Distinguished Honor Roll students are those that have reached a marking period average of 95 percent or higher. Students named to the honor roll achieved a grade average between 88 and 94.999 percent.

Distinguished Honors

Grade 9 - Gabrielle Bebenek, Cassi Bennage, Breanna Burd, Cecelia Cook, Justin Derk, Meghan Duzick, Elijah Hoffman, Natalie Hunter, Grace Joseph, Haley Knoebel, Kristen Kremser, Katelynn Kujipers, Jaret Lane, Jaden Laskoski, Autumn McDonald, Alexa Mowery, Joslin Notestine, Natalie Ring, Marley Roadarmel, Anthony Scicchitano, Paige Sharrow, Emily Wolfe and Eli Yemzow.

Grade 10 - Phoebe Bridy, Elizabeth Bryden, Alexis Burd, Miranda Gipple, Claudia Girardi, Carter Houseknecht, Mary Scopelliti, Angeli Sen, Tricia Shufeldt, Brianna Snyder, Shane Tripp, Isaac Wynn and Cameron Young.

Grade 11 - Ahmed Abdul-Al, Laken Anderson, Lena Becker, Casey Bernherd, Olivia Bodner, Kayla Broscious, Gabriella Delbo, Jackson Dorey, Emily Eck, Olivia Greene, Mackenzie Haladay, Aiyona Hayman, Abigail Herr, Nicholas Jessick, Blair Johnston, Zsofia Kandrot, Tyler Keiser, Katherine Koschoff-Rapkin, Haley Levan, Elyse Noll, Natalia Oliveri, Hannah Sage, Mackenna Shively, Mitchell Tyson and Alexys Yannes.

Grade 12 - Trent Donlan, Dustin Durovick, Alexandra Evans, Rose-Ellen Fahringer, Natalie George, Samantha Gregorowicz, Rebecca Harder, Allison Honabach, Connor Houseknecht, Steven Hricenak, Katelin Ivey, Seth Joseph, Michael Klebon, Thomas Marinelli, Ryan Matukaitis, Kyle Mostik, Michael Newton, Brady Petrovich, Luke Rarig, Samantha Romania, Jacob Ryan, William Schu, Samantha Schultz, Kirstein Sharrow, Alyssa Stavinski, Connor Swank, Vanessa Thomas, Trystanne Toczylousky, John Wilson and Madison Yocum.

Honor roll

Grade 9 - Seth Barrett, Andrew Bell, Shannon Bendas, Tyler Bendas, Sheila Brassard, Lauren Carl, Luc Champoux, Nicholas Cronin, Blake Day, Kamee Duncan, Vance Erdman, Joseph Evans, John Fulmer, Domunic Gaines, John Gembic, Albert Goodlunas, Abigail Hager, Kristina Hallick, Jacob Hammer, Noah Harner, Tristan Heim, Megan Kearney, Madison Klock, Justin Kofskie, Lauren Long, Anna Manley, Whitney Morris, Lauren Mudrock, Veronica Polyniak, Hailey Reeder, Jacob Renn, Rachel Sage, Abigail Shimock, Victoria Stare, Brett Szuler, Amanda Unger, Chase Urban, Dakota Welkom, Casey Winter and Claudia Yorks.

Grade 10 - Alana Bendas, Devan Beyer, Alyssa Bissaillon, Noah Bloom, Leo Bradley, Noah Brecht, Kolby Carl, Shane Casey, William Clark, Zachary Consentino, Hailey Cooper, Howard Cowell, Jessica Derk, Nicholas Fetterman, Francesca Forti, Dylan Gatrell, Anthony Girardi, Matthew Haupt, Jessica Henrichs, Garrett Henry, Elliot Hicks, Lauryn Hower, Samantha Jankowski, Dominick Kandrot, Todd Lane, Sabin Laskoski, Ryan Lichtel, Lindsay Lindenmuth, Sarah Lupatsky, Marc Malkoskie, Drew Michaels, Julia Moyle, Erika Patrick, Christina Podpora, Raevin Rosenbaum, Jacob Santor, Elijah Seidel, Deryn Seltzer, Brian Sevison, Danielle Smith, Brooke Sudol, Hunter Whitmoyer, Aliyah Wilk, Justin Woods and Marc Yeager.

Grade 11 - Jessica Adamski, Isaiah Barwicki, Nicholas Becker, Matthew Bell, Tristan Benware, Marc Boyer, Alexandria Brown, Gabriel Delbo, Jadyn Dunkelberger, Kaylee Durovick, Abby Fleishauer, Hunter Flore, Shylynn Flowers, Hannah Gratti, Megan Greenwalt, Stephanie Haupt, Robert Hergan, Gregory Hidlay, Shalyn Kashner, Monica Kleman, Aaron Kroh, Maggie Kushner, Elizabeth Lieberman, William Marzeski, Caitlyn McKinley, Ashley Miller, Hope Miller, Lon Morris, Maxwell Morrison, Amara Nazario, Jillian Oley, Cassidy Pantalone, Sarah Pollard, Austin Potter, Jacob Potter, Madison Purnell, Regan Roadarmel, Jordyn Ryzner, Francesca Schu, Molly Shoup, Nathan Smith, Matthew Stednicki, Virgil Sudol, Stephen Toczylousky, Adam Unger, Rachelle Viruet, Dylan Walton, Bradley Whyne, Samantha Yeick and Joshua Yoder.

Grade 12 - Grayson Belles, Tia Billig, Jared Brezinski, Valerie Burkoski, Amanda Burns, Bailey Carl, Noah Carl, Brandon Ciocco, Samantha Clark, Kessler Crowl, Dalton Danglovitch, Collin Dudanowicz, Kasey Fabian, Lauren Gedman, Sarah Gembic, Matthew Gregorowicz, Nicole Hoffman, Taylor Jones, Amie Klinger, Stephen Knouse, Kent Lane, Kayla Levan, Megan Lunger, Olivia Lunger, Anthony McKenney, Rachel Miller, Adam Mommo, Kailey Morris, Brent Nichols, Robert Oakum, Miranda Payeskie, Julia Podpora, Victoria Ring, Cole Roadarmel, Anthony Rodriguez, Edward Shannon, Kortnee Slotterback, Adriana Townsend, Jacob Trathen, Jason Vought, Brandon Weaver, Adam Weissert, Charles Wertman and Lucy Williams.

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - State police are investigating a possible shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon between Zerbe Township neighbors and relatives that have a long-standing family feud.

According to a search warrant issued by Magisterial District Judge Huge A. Jones, Dean Whary, of 465 Trevorton Road, Zerbe Township, contacted state police shortly before 1 p.m. and reported that several shots had been fired at him while he and others were hunting deer in a wooded property near the residence of next-door-neighbor, Carol Whary, of 439 Trevorton Road.

Dean told police that as he entered the woods he saw Carol and a relative, an adolescent male, approach him through a field, the warrant says.

"Dean Whary related that (the adolescent male) was carrying what appeared to be a long gun, possibly a rifle, and then a shot rang out at which time he heard Carol Whary state something to the effect of, 'How do you like being shot at?' which was followed up by additional shots," said state police in the warrant.

A neighbor said she heard two shots, followed by six to eight "consecutive shots." She said she saw Dean dressed in orange hunting gear around the time of the incident.

Dean told police the adolescent male was "shooting the weapon from his hip with at least one of the rounds striking a tree close to him in proximity," says the warrant.

A state police forensics unit searched the field and wooded area behind the Wheary residences. The warrant says police discovered damage to a tree consistent with a bullet hole near where Dean said he was standing as well as 7.62 casings in the field where Dean said Carol and the adolescent male were standing.

A neighbor said he saw the adolescent male run from the scene and stash the gun at Carol's house. The warrant states the male said Carol also fled the scene to her house and both then left the residence in Carol's tan Ford Escape.

The warrant does not specify when Carol and the adolescent male returned but both were seen talking to the police in front of Carol's house before being taken into custody around 2 p.m.

Using the warrant, police entered the residence around 6:15 p.m. in search of firearms and related materials.

The dispute between Carol and her stepson, Dean, dates back to 2010 when Dean alleged several zoning ordinance violations against Carol, including failing to clean up manure from alpacas Carol kept on the property. Carol later made allegations against Dean, including that he tampered with her mower, threw firecrackers at her alpacas, shot BB guns at her windows and cut her fence.

Name the deer in Mount Carmel

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Lions Club has announced the start of its annual name the deer contest.

Entry forms can be obtained at Academy Sports Center, Matlow's and Hollywood Pizza.

Entries must be submitted by Friday by those 12 and younger.

Cash prizes will be given to two winners.

The deer are in a pen at Town Park.

Food pantry distribution set

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

Service canceled

First United Methodist Church, Kulpmont, weekly Advent Service planned for tonight has been cancelled.

SASD meeting Thursday

COAL TOWNSHIP - There will be a meeting of the Shamokin Area School District buildings and grounds committee at 6 p.m. Thursday in the board conference room. Schneider Electric will make an informative presentation on the HVAC system.

Fellowship meal offered

ASHLAND - The Shepherd's Table, a ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, will be serving a free meal from 3 to 5 p.m., or until the food is depleted today at the church, 35 N. 9th St. Meal is eat-in only and no take-outs will be provided. This meal is provided for those in need or wish to socialize with others. Families are welcome.