DANVILLE - Geisinger Health System (GHS) has been ranked 18th in the Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 for 2014 by Gartner, the world's leading information technology research and advisory company. Geisinger has now made Gartner's Top 25 list for five consecutive years.

The Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 ranking is derived from quantitative measures and opinion by supply chain leaders. It highlights organizations focused on reducing supply chain inefficiencies while improving the quality of healthcare.

"Leaders continue to optimize their capabilities, while preparing for changes that population health models will drive through the supply chain," the Gartner authors wrote in the report announcing the ranking list.

The report cites Geisinger for its payer/provider model in a tight geographical market, which has given it an advantage in driving supply chain into the fabric of the organization.

It also notes that Geisinger has built best-demonstrated practices in the marketing of supply chain capabilities internally through programs like Project HELP (Healthcare Enabled Logistics Program) that put a value on service and ties to increasing time for clinicians to provide better patient care.

By providing focus and consistent metrics to the challenge, Geisinger was able to reduce nursing time spent on logistics in a pilot program by 34 percent from January to July 2014.

Geisinger has also focused real time in making progress on standardization across clinical and nonclinical products, according to the report.

The authors wrote that all integrated delivery networks (IDNs) have gaps in standardization, but Geisinger has moved into overdrive to address this variation across its system from the patient-centric perspective.

"We are pleased by the system-wide efforts to increase efficiency and reduce waste, ultimately resulting in improved care at reduced cost to our patients," said Deborah Templeton, chief of care support services, Geisinger Health System. "Improving the care for our patients is our primary concern, but we appreciate being consistently honored by a company like Gartner for the efforts we've made to improve quality across the system."

RANSHAW - Despite the efforts of firefighters and an ambulance ride to Sunbury Veterinarian Hospital, Loki didn't make it.

The 5-year-old female mixed-breed died from injuries suffered in a fire Monday at the home of Paul Rider, 34, at 306 Water St. Two more of Rider's dogs, Sam, 3, and Bud, 1, were in a cage and died in the fire. All three were rottweiler/miniature greyhounds.

"They were my Heinz 57 dogs," Rider said Tuesday.

The fire is believed to have started in the laundry room, a state police fire marshal determined Tuesday, though he said damage to the house was too extensive to pinpoint a cause.

Coal Township Assistant Fire Chief Mike Timco confirmed said Loki had been found alive inside the residence after the fire was extinguished, which took about 30 minutes. Rescue workers used an oxygen mask to try to help the dog, which was alive when he was transported to the animal hospital by AREA Ambulance.

Decision to euthanize

Veterinarian Dr. Jason Brehm had said Monday the dog suffered burns on 20 percent of his body and that heat from the blaze had damaged his eyes. He had reported Loki as stable at 5 p.m., but said the next 24 hours would be critical.

Rider said Loki took a turn for the worse as the night went on.

"Her breathing was becoming more and more shallow, and she started going into shock," Rider said.

When Loki's heart rate started to drop, Rider made the difficult decision to have her euthanized at 9:30 p.m. Monday.

Father not at home

The home is owned by Robert Santore, of Shamokin, who is insured. Rider, a firefighter with the Brady Fire Company, did not have renter's insurance.

Rider said some belongings from his bedroom and another room can be salvaged, "but the living room and the kitchen are gone."

Rider said he lived at the house with his father, Jeffrey, 57, but his father was staying at the Mount Carmel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center recovering from an illness.

"Thank God he was not there at the time," Rider said.

'Anything you need'

The American Red Cross is helping the family with food and clothing. More help has come from his firefighter brethren; in fact, Rider is temporarily staying with a member of Brady Fire Company. He said he's heard many times in the 24 hours since the fire, "Anything you need, let us know."

"They've all been wonderful," he said.

A fundraiser for Rider and his father will be held at a future date, possibly at the Brady Fire Company.

Complete loss

State police fire marshal Kirk Renn investigate the fire scene Tuesday and ruled the cause undetermined, Coal Township Fire Chief Russ Feese said. It is not considered suspicious.

The fire is believed to have started in a laundry room in the one-story house, which is considered a complete loss.

SUNBURY - Coal Township and Shamokin are working together to take control of 14 blighted properties from the current owners and demolish the buildings.

Conservatorship petitions were filed Friday in Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas against siblings Esther, Helene, Pauline and Russell Kolody. A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 21.

Ownership doesn't change in a conservatorship. Should a county judge rule in favor of Coal Township and Shamokin, the Kolodys would retain title to the properties.

It's the first attempt by either municipality to use the provision provided by the state's Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act of 2008.

The municipalities say the Kolodys are incapable of caring for the properties in question,

that the properties have fallen into disrepair, and that without court intervention public safety remains at risk. If granted conservatorship, Coal Township and Shamokin will demolish the buildings, according to the petitions.

Early demolition estimates total $117,900. The figures were tallied without full inspections of the properties. Demolition would be funded with state Keystone Communities grant money. Liens can be placed on the lots for demolition costs, or the properties could be sold free and clear to a third party.

"We're asking the court to appoint us as a conservator of the property to abate the nuisance and then if the owners want it back, they can have it back by paying us the costs," said Coal Township solicitor Vincent Rovito, noting liability issues that come with ownership. Rovito filed the petitions for both municipalities.

The Kolodys could not be reached for comment.

'Viable tool'

Conservatorship is comparable to a legal guardianship for real estate, according to attorney Andrew Menchyk, who Coal Township and Shamokin are consulting on the process. The court must approve each step the municipalities would take as conservators, including demolition.

Menchyk successfully filed nine such petitions as solicitor for the Butler County Redevelopment Authority. The process is relatively quick compared to eminent domain, which can be bogged down when arguing over just compensation, he said.

"It's a viable tool. When you compare and contrast this with eminent domain, these properties are often properties the municipality isn't interested in owning, but want the right to address blighted conditions," Menchyk said. "It allows a municipality to go in and address blight without ownership and without the burdens associated with ownership."

The Kolodys owned the properties since as early as the mid-1960s, but reside on Trevorton Road, according to court filings. They have been frequently targeted by code officers for blighted conditions at the vacant structures, but no significant progress has been made. Real estate taxes were paid, preventing the properties from entering tax sales and providing an opportunity for Coal Township or Shamokin to purchase them on the cheap.

Longtime nuisance

Craig Fetterman, chairman of the Coal Township commissioners, is in his third term in office. He said the Kolodys properties have been a nuisance since before he was elected, noting six properties at Bay and Lynn streets.

"That whole corner," Fetterman said, "it's a burden to the whole neighborhood."

The petitions say the properties are fire hazards, easily accessible for trespass and vermin, and an attractive nuisance for kids. The biggest issue, though, according to Fetterman, is the impact on neighboring properties.

"It kills the people's property value. When the blighted houses are gone, it will increase their properties' values substantially," he said of neighboring owners.

Fetterman urged any neighbors to the Kolody properties to write Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor and express their concerns.

DANVILLE - Merchants in Danville and Riverside continue to mark the holiday shopping season with Late Shoppers Night Friday.

Most stores and restaurants will be open later than their normal hours to accommodate shoppers and visitors, according to the Danville Business Alliance (DBA).

Wine tasting will be available at Red Shale Ridge and Shade Mountain wineries, and free coffee and hot chocolate will be served at Santa's Cottage by Bason Coffee Co.

Carolers from Danville High School and Zing Productions will begin the evening singing and strolling throughout the downtown. Santa will be roaming Mill Street and dashing in and out of businesses, greeting children of all ages.

Shopping pass

On Saturday and Sunday, nearly 20 Danville and Riverside businesses will be participating in the Downtown Danville Shopping Pass, which will grant each holder a 15 percent discount off any single item at each of the following merchants: Bernardi Jewelers, Cole's Hardware, D's Clothier, E tu Bistro, Eclectic Envy, Henry Voelcker Inc., Kiddie Korner, McWilliams Home Care, Old Forge Brewing Company, Pub II, Red Shale Ridge Winery, Shade Mountain Winery, Stoneware, The Doctor's Inn Bed & Breakfast, The English Garden and Tryanglez Salon.

The shopping pass program is being supported by DBA, Service 1st Federal Credit Union and Danville Pharmacy. In-store exclusions may apply.

The passes are not valid with any other offer and are limited to one pass per person. Passes are available at each participating merchant or the DBA office at 346 Mill St., and are included in clip-out advertisements in area newspapers.

Also this weekend, the Iron Heritage Festival will host its annual Holiday House Tour. This is a ticketed event; tickets are available at the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau at 316 Mill St., Scott's Floral and Gifts at 155 Northumberland St. (Route 11) and the Danville Area Community Center.

In addition, between noon and 3 p.m. Saturday, Santa will continue to greet visitors to his Mill Street cottage next to Beiter's, and his reindeer will be visiting Canal Park.

Toy drive at basketball game

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area varsity basketball cheerleaders will hold a toy drive during the Indians basketball game Friday at Shamokin Area High School.

Collection boxes will be located outside of the gymnasium for new, unwrapped toys. Toys will be distributed to local needy children for Christmas.

Senior listing corrected

The senior citizens activities calendar printed last week mistakenly listed next week's activities for Mount Carmel. The following activities will take place the remainder of this week:

Today - Blood pressure/blood sugar checks by VNA, 9 to 10 a.m.; career and technology school luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; games, 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Oak Grove Christmas village Sunday

OVERLOOK - Oak Grove Church will host its annual Christmas village event from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the church on Marley Road.

There will be free activities, food and refreshments throughout the church grounds. New this year will be a Christmas Story walkthrough, led by Pastor Zachary Hopple.

Donations accepted during the event will benefit the Open Arms Outreach Ministry.

Susquehanna Bank gives 147k meals

LITITZ - The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is among the recipients of 147,000 meals to be donated by Susquehanna Bank through its #30DaysofThanks campaign.

The Lancaster County-based bank is donating 30 meals for each personal checking account opened in November, along with five meals for each like, share, retweet and comment on its "Today I'm Thankful for" posts on Facebook and Twitter last month. During Thanksgiving week, Susquehanna doubled its donations.

Susquehanna has been involved in online campaigns to feed the hungry since 2010, donating more than 1.3 million meals to food banks through Tweet2Feed, Million Meal Mission and #30DaysofThanks.

HARRISBURG - The Monopoly Millionaires Club lottery game has produced another big winner in Northumberland County, this time through its second chance drawing.

The Pennsylvania Lottery reported that Stacey Shrawder, of Sunbury, is one of 26 winners in the drawing conducted Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Lottery Headquarters.

Shrawder will receive a five-day, four-night trip for two to Las Vegas in January. The trip includes airfare, hotel accommodations, meals and $500 spending money.

The trip will coincide with the taping of a new game show related to Monopoly Millionaries, and Shrawder will have an opportunity to be a contestant. If so, she could win additional cash prizes of up to $1 million.

The show is scheduled to premiere the weekend of Feb. 7 on local television stations.

Players become eligible for the drawing by purchasing a $5 Monopoly Millionaire Club ticket and inputting a special code on the agency's website. Entries are received when complete color groups of Monopoly properties are collected online.

Joseph and Maryann Drost, of Coal Township, won a $1 million prize after their ticket was selected as one of 14 million-dollar winners Nov. 7 after the game's jackpot was hit.

When the jackpot is hit, codes from the non-jackpot winning tickets are selected to receive the $1 million prize. The Drosts were one of 14 instant millionaires, and the first and only winner from Pennsylvania, picked in the Nov. 7 drawing.

SHAMOKIN - More than 40 teenagers gathered Wednesday evening to sing songs, share stories and light candles at the site where their friend died one year prior in a fire.

Melissa Lee "Missy" Pangburn was just 13 years old when she perished in the attic bedroom of her home at 5 S. Rock St. during the Dec. 10, 2013, blaze.

Pangburn's friends said the pain of her death still felt fresh, even though a year had passed.

"She's missed a lot," said Samantha Renn. "I miss talking to her, hearing her voice."

Her friends remembered her as an upbeat, friendly

"She always had a smile on her face," said Robbie Searls. "She liked to sing."

One of the attendees pulled his car up to the curb in front of the now vacant lot where Pangburn's home had been. He put on several of Pangburn's favorite songs, including "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan and "When You're Gone" by Avril Lavigne.

As the music played, the teens hooked arms over one another's shoulders, forming a chain along the sidewalk. Candles brought by several of the teens flickered in the falling snow.

Several of the attendees broke down as the music played. Others comforted those lost in despair by patting shoulders and giving hugs.

Tonisha Radziewicz could barely contain her emotion as she admitted that she missed "pretty much everything" about the girl she described as her best friend.

"I just want to see her one last time," she said.

Renn said she hoped to host a similar gathering in 2015 to mark the two-year anniversary of the loss of a dear friend. "She made everyone happy," she said.

SHAMOKIN TOWNSHIP - Township officials accepted a bid of nearly $30,000 for an old loader; however, an issue with the title caused them to hesitate before moving forward with the deal.

Roadmaster Jon Clements informed the board its 1985 Caterpillar Wheel Loader for sale on an online municipal auction site received a high bid of $29,600 from buyer Rezzul Ayoglu, of New Jersey, but Ayoglu isn't concerned about transferring its ownership title.

"He is ready to send us a certified check, hire a trucking company to pick it up and take it away," Clements said at Wednesday's meeting. "He doesn't care about the title.

"The equipment is going to be shipped overseas, because there is no emission standards in other countries."

Solicitor Jim Bathgate said if the loader is involved in an accident of some kind, the record of the title could come back to haunt the township.

Supervisors were happy to see the equipment go for the price it did, since a dealer only offered $20,000 on a trade-in. In the last hour of bidding on the online site, the price jumped from $23,000 to $29,600.

Supervisors John Klinger, Greg Rachau and Paul Rapp voted unanimously to sell the loader to Ayoglu, stipulating the township sign over the title to Ayoglu, who can do with it as he wishes.

Last month, after trying out several brands, supervisors chose to purchase a new Caterpillar wheel loader with warranty for $147,628. The new loader was delivered Tuesday. With $93,000 in the street department's equipment fund and the funds from the sale of the old loader, only $25,000 will be needed out the township's general fund for the loader.

In other business

Supervisors approved on a 3-0 vote their 2015 final budget, which totals $615,450 and has no increase in tax rates.

Total income for the year will be $400,450 with a $215,000 cash balance from 2014.

Expenditures are: government, $76,900; public safety, $11,300; health, $120; highways and roads, $444,230; recreation, $1,500; miscellaneous, $81,400, and total expenses, $615,450.

The township also has $424,731.39 in its liquid fuels budget for 2015.

A letter was received from Stonington Fire Company president George Wolfe asking for the township's help to purchase new radio equipment, mandated by Northumberland County's upgrade of its 911 emergency system.

The total cost of the upgrade is $26,000 according to Wolfe, and the same letter was sent to other townships. Supervisors took no action.

The township's reorganization meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, with the monthly meeting for January to follow. After that, monthly meetings in 2015 will continue to be held at 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.

The Mount Carmel Area Rotary student of the month for September is senior Christian Kelley, a son of Robert and Angela Kelley, of Kulpmont. Christian is a member of the National Honor Society and is ranked fourth in the senior class. He is a member of the football and track teams, participates in the Spanish club, tech ed club, and the AP calculus club. He also enjoys weightlifting and hanging out with his friends. His future plans are to pursue a master's degree in chemistry, while also playing football in college.

Coal Township and Shamokin officials have ask a county judge to permit conservatorship of 14 blighted properties, as permitted by state law. The properties are owned by four siblings. The owners, address and demolition estimates are as follows:

Esther Kolody

605-607 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, $20,400

442 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, $15,500

524 N. Second St., Shamokin, $19,500

1550 W. Lynn St., Coal Township, $8,000

Helene Kolody

406 Cypress St., Coal Township, $9,000

Russell Kolody

603 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, N/A

7 N. Bay St., Coal Township, $6,000

1721 W. Independence St., Coal Township, $12,500

Pauline Kolody

1445-1451 W. Chestnut St., Coal Township, $21,000

5 N. Bay St., Coal Township, $6,000

MOUNT CARMEL - Two Mount Carmel men arrested by the state Attorney General's Office on child pornography charges had their preliminary hearings continued until next month.

The continuances requested by the Attorney General's Office were granted by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones Wednesday.

Jeremy Godin, 37, of 14 N. Maple St., who is represented by assistant public defender Paige Rosini, had his case continued until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7. James R. Miller Jr., 60, of 8 S. Peach St., will now go before Jones at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. He is represented by attorney Michael Rudinski of Williamsport.

Godin, who remains incarcerated on $150,000 cash bail, is charged with 100 counts of possession of child pornography, four counts of photographing, videotaping, depicting on a computer or filming sexual acts, four counts of invasion of privacy, and one count each of dissemination of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility.

He was taken into custody without incident Dec. 2 at his residence by special agents from the Office of the Attorney General's Child Predator Section and Mount Carmel Police Chief Todd Owens.

Godin, who is married, is accused of using a cell phone to record at least four images depicting a child under 18 in a state of nudity for the purposes of sexual arousal or gratification of any viewer and/or engaging in sexual activity or with lewd exhibition of genitalia, or in prohibited sexual acts.

Godin allegedly committed the acts between July 12 and last week at his home. Authorities found numerous files containing child pornography that were examined in a portable computer lab outside Godin's home.

His arrest is unrelated to an investigation that led to child pornography charges being filed by the attorney general's office two weeks ago against Miller, who allegedly confessed to agents that he used a peer-to-peer file sharing network to download child pornography.

Miller, who is free after posting $100,000 cash bail, is charged with two counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of criminal use of a communication facility. The felony charges were filed by Agent Brittney J. Baughman.

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - A Zerbe Township woman and her 14-year-old grandson are facing multiple charges, including a felony of attempted criminal homicide, after a family feud resulted in gunfire Tuesday afternoon.

Carol Ann Whary, 62, of 439 Trevorton Road, was arraigned by video shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on charges of attempted criminal homicide, endangering the welfare of children, two counts of aggravated assault and misdemeanors of terroristic threats, corruption of minors, possessing instruments of crime and reckless endangerment of another person. Whary's grandson, Gage Hertzog, who resides with her, is charged with the same offenses except for terroristic threats and corruption of minors.

All the charges were filed by Trooper Kevin Kearney of state police at Stonington.

Whary and her grandson were taken into custody at about 2 p.m. Tuesday by state police after Hertzog allegedly fired six to eight rifle shots in the direction of Dean Whary, 50, of 465 Trevorton Road, Zerbe Township, about an hour earlier in a pasture behind their homes. Dean Whary is Carol Whary's stepson and next-door-neighbor. Their homes sit along the north side of Route 225 about one mile east of Trevorton.

Carol Whary was detained overnight at Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury before being arraigned. When Gembic asked Carol Whary if she had any means to post $20,000 cash bail, she replied, "I have my house."

After Gembic read each of the charges to her, he asked if she had any questions, to which she replied, "No, sir."

As of late Wednesday afternoon, she remained imprisoned. She is scheduled to face a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning.

Juvenile hearing today

Hertzog was charged through a juvenile petition, according to Northumberland County Deputy Chief of Juvenile Probation William Rossnock.

Juvenile authorities took the teen into their custody at about midnight Wednesday at the state police barracks at Stonington and transported him to the Central Counties Youth Center, Bellefonte, where he remains.

Rossnock said Hertzog must have a hearing within 72 hours in Northumberland County Juvenile Court. He is scheduled to appear for a pre-adjudicatory hearing before President Judge William H. Wiest at 1:15 p.m. today.

Rifle retrieved

Dean told police he was crossing the pasture behind his house to access state game lands when he saw Hertzog at the opposite end of the pasture, according to the criminal compliant. Hertzog then ran back to his house and returned with Carol Whary and a rifle, which he held on his hip. Both approached Dean, and Carol was yelling at him, the complaint says.

Hertzog then began firing rounds in the direction of Dean, police said.

Dean told state police the bark on the trees near him was flying around from the rounds hitting them. He said dropped to a knee and took off his backpack to get his phone and call 911.

A neighbor said Tuesday she heard two shots followed by a series of six to eight shots.

Dean Whary told police his stepmother yelled, "How do you like being shot at?"

Carol Whary and Hertzog returned to their house. Neighbors said Tuesday they witnessed Hertzog hide the gun in the porch. Police executing a warrant at about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday uncovered an AK-47 semiautomatic rifle in the basement of the house by the back door.

During an afternoon search of the field where Dean said the incident occurred, police located spent 7.62 casings, according to the affidavit of probable cause that was part of a search warrant issued Tuesday. AK-47s fire 7.62 rounds. State police discovered the house to be in "deplorable conditions," which resulted in the charge of endangering the welfare of children against Whary.

Rubbish, including cans and exercise equipment, dotted the backyard of her home on Tuesday afternoon. Pieces of a pumpkin lay along a fence bordering the property and the highway.

History of trouble

The dispute between the Wharys dates to at least 2010 when Haven Whary, Carol's husband and Dean's father, died. Dean Whary alleged several zoning ordinance violations against Carol, including failing to clean up manure from alpacas she kept on the property.

In a 2013 interview, Carol Whary attributed the allegations to her stepson not being satisfied with the distribution of his father's property after his death. She also made her own allegations against Dean Whary, including that he tampered with her mower, threw firecrackers at her alpacas, shot BB guns at her windows and cut her fence.

Carol Whary was picked up on a bench warrant in January 2013 for failing to pay fines and clean up manure on her property. Just three weeks ago, Nov. 20, she pleaded guilty to a summary brush, grass, weeds and trash zoning ordinance violation.

Dean Whary was found guilty of a summary count of harassment after a January 2012 incident during which he struck Hertzog with a snowplow, attempted to run over Skie Campbell, 20, of 479 Trevorton Road, Zerbe Township, and then exited the vehicle and choked Daniel Bacorn, 22, also of 479 Trevorton Road, Zerbe Township. Hertzog's head struck a rock during the incident and he received stitches, court documents said.

SUNBURY - A Shamokin teen charged by Coal Township police last year with raping a 12-year-old girl was adjudicated last week on a felony of statutory sexual assault.

Robert N. Searls, 19, of 914 N. Vine St., will be sentenced Tuesday, Jan. 6, by Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest after being adjudicated (found guilty) by the judge on the felony Dec. 2. Additional felonies of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and aggravated indecent assault were not prosecuted under a plea agreement with the district attorney's office.

Searls, who remains free, was charged by Detective Jeff Brennan with raping the girl in a wooded area in the west end of the township Aug. 25, 2013. Searls was 17 at the time.

The defendant was represented by attorney Courtney Powell of Hershey. District attorney Ann Targonski prosecuted the case.

The Mount Carmel Fire Department will be holding a Christmas Event in Town Park Dec. 20.

Starting at 5p.m., local emergency vehicles will be decorated in the holiday spirit and parade through the borough streets before returning to south Park Street to be displayed for all to see.

Santa Claus will be on hand to greet children of all ages and the local ministerum choir will be performing at approximately 6:30 p.m. Cocoa and cookies will be available thanks to local church organizations and the Mount Carmel Downtown Inc.

This event will replace the Clover Hose Co. annual run through the town and will be open to any and all local fire companies in the surrounding area. Anyone who wishes to decorate their personnel vehicle or build a float may join in the parade. The only requirements are that it must be in good taste and decorated in the holiday spirit.

On Saturday, a group of volunteers will be decorating the gazebo area at 1 p.m. for the upcoming events. If anyone would like to help, feel free to stop by.

Decoration donations for the display are also being accepted. For additional information, call Bing Cimino at 570-339-5113

A visit to Mount Carmel is on the agenda for this year's Shamokin Rotary Club Santa Sleigh.

It'll be the first time the popular holiday tradition will venture into the borough, previously having gone only as far east as Kulpmont.

The visit Tuesday at town park, Third and Market streets, will include hot dogs and hot chocolate provided by the Mount Carmel Rotary Club. The public is welcome.

The Mount Carmel Rotary thanks those with the Shamokin club, particularly Mike and Margie Buriak, for extending the sleigh's reach into their community.

Wednesday night's snow caused postponement of the first night of the Santa Sleigh for 2014. It was to visit Market Street, Bear Valley Avenue, Raspberry Hill, Academy Hill and the corner of Chestnut and Marshall streets and Claude Kehler Community Park in Shamokin. There will be no make-up dates, but the schedule may be compressed to accommodate cancellations due to weather.

Thursday night it was scheduled for visits to Walnut Street, Stetler Drive, Arch Street and possibly the Ferndale section of Coal Township.

The rest of the Santa Sleigh schedule is as follows. The sleigh is out and about from 6 to 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Today: Ranshaw, 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Walmart, 6:45 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday: Mount Carmel town park.

Wednesday: Kulpmont town park (starting at 6:30 p.m.).

Thursday: Springfield section of Coal Township.

Friday, Dec. 19: Shamokin Street and Mother Cabrini Church, 6 to 6:45 p.m.; Fifth Ward section of Shamokin until 9.

DANVILLE - The Janet Weis Children's Hospital celebrates its 20th birthday today, and area parents of children who have been healed at the Danville hospital are grateful for every day of its existence.

"If (the Janet Weis Children's Hospital) hadn't been here, I don't know what would have happened," said Laurie Scandle, whose son, Cameron, was born 11 weeks premature and spent 45 days at the hospital.

The Janet Weis Children's Hospital opened Dec. 14, 1994. It was dedicated the following June to its namesake, a noted area philanthropist who gave $10 million of her Weis Markets fortune to help build the hospital.

'Just go there'

In the 20 years since its inception, the hospital has allowed local families to remain at home while their children receive medical care on par with that found in metropolitan areas. As a level II pediatric trauma center, the hospital is one of six in Pennsylvania designated to receive critically injured children.

When Laurie neared the third trimester of her high risk pregnancy, her doctor advised her to go to Geisinger when she went into labor.

"She knew I was going to go early and knew their facilities were better," Laurie said, adding that her doctor told her, "Just go there."

Laurie now considers herself lucky she chose to go to a hospital with such a high level of care. After she went into labor early, doctors at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital realized the baby was in distress and performed an emergency cesarean section at 27 weeks. During the procedure, surgeons realized Cameron's umbilical cord was attached to the placenta at two places, cutting off his supply of nutrients.

"If he had gone further along, he would not have gotten enough nourishment," Laurie said.

Cameron is now a 15-year-old freshman at Shamokin Area High School. He belongs to the Junior National Honor Society, competes with the track and basketball teams, acts in school drama productions and serves as class president.

But even with their son sitting in front of them, Laurie and her husband, Bo, become emotional while recalling the uncertain early days of his life.

Cameron weighed just 2 1/2 pounds when he was born. One of Bo's hands could cover Cameron's entire body.

"His head fit in the palm of my hand like an orange," Laurie said.

For the first days of his life, Cameron required round-the-clock care from a nurse assigned to monitor only him. Laurie and Bo spent hours daily at the hospital, watching while their son gained weight one ounce at a time and graduated to more mild levels of care.

"Luckily, we lived so close we could come home every day," Laurie said.

Bo is grateful to the kindness he received from the doctors "right down" to a janitor who stopped to wish him the best.

"He was all geared up just like we were," Bo said.

'They'll do anything'

Stephanie Frost, of Mount Carmel, is also thankful for the kindness the staff of the Janet Weis Children's Hospital bestowed her family when her 14-year-old daughter, Chloe, fell ill.

On Dec. 20, 2013, Chloe spent two days at the hospital after she sustained a seizure. She returned to the hospital three weeks ago for surgery on an abscess on her arm.

"They'll do anything for you," Stephanie said. "They just make you feel like you're at home."

Hospital stays can be frightening, especially for children. Chloe said the staff succeeded in making her comfortable by bringing her a blanket similar to one she had forgotten to bring in the craze of the arrival of emergency personnel after her seizure. They also gave her a stuffed cat that looked like her cat at home and crayons after she asked to color.

"It was kind of fun," said Chloe. "They gave me a computer to use and I would video chat with my friends."

While hospital food has a reputation for being nausea-inducing, Chloe enjoyed the child-friendly meals given to her, including chocolate ice cream with M&Ms.

"It was really good," she said.

Because her daughter was happy and relaxed, Stephanie could focus on her medical care. She said that after Chloe had her first seizure, she felt "paranoid" that another one would happen when she was home alone, leaving her helpless. But both she and Chloe felt safe at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital.

"I honestly can't say anything bad," she said. "They're amazing."

Giving back

Inspired by the level of care she received at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital, Chloe has been conducting a toy drive. So far, she's collected 12 large boxes of toys, including four bags of Beanie Babies.

The Frost family has also sought to give back to the hospital. For 15 years, they have hosted the Cameron's Miracle Golf Tournament at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Club.

Last year, the tournament raised more than $13,000 for the Children's Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization supporting the Janet Weis Children's Hospital.

"We're trying to help out somebody that doesn't know they need help yet," said Bo.

Cameron helps with the tournament and plans to remain a part of it for years to come.

"I'll have to take it over someday when I'm older," he said.

When his father suggests that he man the phones during the annual telethon, Cameron enthusiastically responds, "That'd be awesome!"

Bo and Laurie said they're likely to continue supporting the Janet Weis Children's Hospital in any way they can.

"We always try to give back," said Bo. "He's our miracle."

MOUNT CARMEL - Former longtime successful Wilkes University head football coach Frank Sheptock was unanimously hired Thursday night by Mount Carmel Area School Board to lead the state's winningest football program while also serving as athletic director and secondary dean of students.

Sheptock, a native of Kulpmont and 1982 Mount Carmel Area graduate, will receive a coaching salary of $8,000.

The three-time All-American linebacker at Bloomsburg University and member of the College Football Hall of Fame received a five-year contract and will begin his coaching duties immediately.

The board unanimously named Sheptock athletic director and secondary dean of students at an annual salary of $54,000 without benefits, effective Jan. 5. He also will serve as weight room coordinator at $20 per hour up to a maximum of $4,000 per year. The coordinator's position is usually held by the head varsity football coach.

Sheptock said he appreciated the board's confidence in naming him to the positions and is looking forward to making an impact in the school, community and Silver Bowl.

New positions

Sheptock, who retired from Wilkes University last year, has served as athletic director at Berwick High School since December 2013.

He and his wife, the former Lisa Rudock, who also is a 1982 Mount Carmel Area graduate, reside in Berwick.

Sheptock, who starred on both sides of the line of scrimmage for Mount Carmel Area, will replace Carmen DeFrancesco, whose position was opened by the board last month. DeFrancesco was the head coach for five years at his alma mater.

Voting for the new coach were board president Robert Muldwoney, Donna James, Joseph Zanella, Michael Rovito, Ray Kraynak, Bill Brecker, Tony Mazzatesta, Michael Brinkash and Thomas Ditchey, who participated by teleconference.

Sheptock will succeed Greg Sacavage as athletic director. Sacavage, who has served in the post for six years, was reclassified by the board as elementary dean of students and director of extra-curricular activities at his current salary of $60,843.

Sacavage's new positions and the post of secondary dean of students were added to the district's Act 93 agreement Thursday night. Zanella and Ditchey voted against creating the director of extra-curricular activities position.

After the meeting, Sacavage said he was very happy for Sheptock being named head football coach, but a little disappointed by his reclassification. He said, "I have mixed emotions about the new positions because I won't have as much direct contact with the kids athletically. But I will still have insight into athletic decisions and provide my expertise on league and district issues facing Mount Carmel Area."

Sacavage said he's looking forward to working with Sheptock.

After the meeting, Muldowney said, "It's good to have Frank back in the community as an educator and coach and I'm looking forward to welcoming him to Mount Carmel Area and the changes he will bring to the football program."

When asked about the hiring, Zanella stated, "I'm really excited about it."

Brecker said, "I'm thrilled to have an alumnus come back to the area. He will be an asset to the school district and on the football field."

Superintendent Bernie Stellar added, "I want to welcome Frank home. I'm excited he's here and he will receive full support from the administration. I'm looking forward to the impact he will have on the students, school district and community."

Sheptock was accompanied to the meeting by his wife, parents Frank J. and Nancy Sheptock, of Marion Heights, and nephews Bo and Shawn Sheptock.

In other business

The board hired Thomas MacDonald as a junior high assistant wrestling coach at a salary of $1,100.

Margaret Barnhardt was hired as a teacher at a salary of $31,436 with benefits. She will replace the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit teacher at Safety Net Counseling and will be a district employee.

The board accepted the resignation of Kelly Ann Crissman as school psychologist and approved attorney Ben Pratt as the district's legal consultant for teacher contract negotiations.

Stellar displayed a banner to the board presented by district art students to show their appreciation for the recent purchase of a kiln for the art department.

Snow clearing plans announced

Local communities have announced the following weather-related declarations:

- KULPMONT - Borough Mayor Bernard Novakoski has declared a snow emergency along Route 61 (Chestnut Street). There is no parking allowed on Chestnut Street until PennDOT plows the snow back to the curb.

Residents are reminded that sidewalks must have a path cleared of at least 36 inches wide within 24 hours of the snow stopping; snow from sidewalks should not be thrown into the street. Those who do not follow the rules will be subject to a fine.

- MOUNT CARMEL - Mayor Phil "Bing" Cimino has declared a parking ban on Oak Street from the Avenue to Seventh Street from 5 to 9 a.m. today to allow snow removal crews to get the street cleared for the Santa Parade, scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday.

The parade was postponed because of inclement weather last Saturday.

- ASHLAND - The borough has declared a snow emergency from 2 to 6 a.m. today.

Parking will be prohibited on Hoffman Boulevard from Brock to Centre streets, and on Centre Street from Front to 23rd. Residents are ordered to move their vehicles from these locations during those times.

The owner of any vehicle not moved will be fined $50, and the vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense.

Center Christmas party rescheduled

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin-Coal Township Senior Action Center has postponed its Christmas party due to inclement weather.

The party, which was scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11, will be held next week on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Participants are asked to bring a $5 gift for an exchange. Martin's Chicken & Ribs will cater. Information on the menu is available by calling the center at 570-644-0772.

MOUNT CARMEL - Lucy Pulaski, of 225 S. Vine St., Mount Carmel, will celebrate her 100th birthday Saturday.

Lucy was born in Mount Carmel in 1914, the second child of John and Stefania Piontkowski Kulick. Her two living siblings are Joseph Kulick, of Arlington, Va., and Henry A. Kulik, of Lansdale. She survives her older sister, Irene Kulick Smoczynski, and younger brothers Frank Kulick, of Elkins Park, and Peter M. Kulik, of Mount Carmel.

She graduated from St. Joseph's Elementary School and attended Mount Carmel High School. She also worked in the local dress factory.

On Jan. 16, 1935, she married Charles "Chappy" Pulaski, former postmaster of Mount Carmel, in St. Joseph's Church, Mount Carmel. Both Lucy and Charles were lifelong members of St. Joseph's; Charles served as church organist and Lucy sang alto in the choir. Charles passed away on Feb. 9, 1986.

Lucy was a lifelong housewife and mother of five children: Lucille, wife of Joseph Swatski, of Mount Carmel, Charles J. "Kaz" (Whitey) Pulaski and his wife, Roseanne, of Steelton, Edward M. Pulaski and his wife, Eileen, of Hazleton, and twin daughters, Jean and Joan Pulaski, of Mount Carmel. Joan passed away on March 28, 2006. Since that time, Jean has cared for Lucy in the house she has lived in since 1950.

Lucy has 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She is a current member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. She enjoys watching daily Mass on EWTN, all news programs, Phillies baseball and game shows. Her hobbies have included crocheting, sewing, dressmaking and embroidery. She also enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police here have charged 13 people with trespassing at the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) at 8 p.m. Nov. 15.

Dale Allen Sherman, 30, of 1515 Greenbriar Road, Rebuck, was charged in a criminal complaint by Cpl. Terry Ketchem Jr. with a misdemeanor of providing false information (false date of birth) to police and a summary of defiant trespass.

Cited for a summary offense of criminal trespass were Sara E. Reed, 21, of 238A W. Shamokin St., Trevorton; Brian K. Fisher, 41, of 436 Little Mountain Road, Sunbury; Kenda Sue Jones, 49, of 145 Bordell Alley, Locust Gap; Kaila A. Wynn, 20, of 858 Creek Road, Dornsife; Joshua D. Feger, 27, of 129 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton; Shelly A. Lenker, 21, of 199 Hickory Road, Dalmatia; Stefanie Erin Fisher, 38, of 436 Little Mountain Road, Sunbury; Randy Carl, 42, of 6 Berry St., Coal Township; Stephen Allen Dangler, 32, of 181 N. Main St., Herndon; Paul J. Jones, 50, of 145 Bordell Alley, Locust Gap; Michael T. Cotner, 21, of 292 Riverside Lane, P.O. Box 214, Herndon, and James A. Reed, 34, of 225 S. 11th St., Trevorton.

Ketchem said the trespassers were charged after being spotted near a bonfire in a wooded area south of Burnside.

AOAA operations director Dave Porzi contacted police after thinking a party was being planned on AOAA property since he discovered a road blocked off with a telephone pole and many stacked pallets.

Ketchem and Cpl. Joshua Wynn met with Porzi and AOAA Authority member Barry Yorwarth later in the day to investigate. Numerous individuals and vehicles were found around a fire.

After being notified they were trespassing on AOAA land, one of the individuals told police they were on property owned by Dan Long. But AOAA officials and police informed the individual that Long leases the property from the AOAA for mining purposes only.

Police said the trespassers entered the property through a dirt road behind Jones Enterprises along Route 125. After police explained to them that various "no trespassing" signs are posted in the area they passed, several of the individuals claimed they didn't see the signs or that they were not properly posted.

Porzi said caution tape he had placed across the road leading to where the trespassers were found was torn down.

After the trespassers were allowed to leave the area, Coal Township firefighters were summoned to extinguish the bonfire.