MOUNT CARMEL - The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) Court Our Lady of Victory 588 held its monthly meeting Nov. 16. It was called to order by Regent Mary Snyder. The Rev. Frank Karwacki, chaplain, led the opening prayer.

The baby bottle was passed around to collect change from members to aid state pro-life projects. Members also brought numerous items to the meeting for the local food bank. The chapter thanked community members for helping to fill its boxes at the Mount Carmel Area Public Library, noting it was a great success.

Two new members, Barbara Puketza and Brenda Neidig, took the Catholic Daughters pledge and were welcomed into the court.

The court will rent the library window to display its more than 100-year-old nativity. It will stay in place until the Epiphany, Jan. 6.

The court will visit the Mount Carmel Nursing Center at 2 p.m. Monday to sing Christmas carols and visit with residents. Each resident will receive a Christmas card and gift.

Arrangements are being made for the annual Twelve Days After Christmas Party, which will be held Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Mount Carmel Senior Action Center. A catered lunch will be served and there will be a $5 gift exchange.

The court is selling "It's OK to say Merry Christmas" pins for $1 each.

The court will invite Lourdes Regional and Mount Carmel Area students to participate in CDA's national education contest. The theme is "Be a Good Neighbor." Students can express the theme through an essay or art, and they can win cash at the local, state and national levels.

The next meeting is set for 3 p.m. Sunday at the senior action center. New members are welcome.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Charges have been filed against a township man who was allegedly involved in a fight during which a bridegroom suffered facial injuries.

Kevin Richard Manning, 57, of Box 373, Coal Township RR 3, was charged Thursday by Cpl. Terry Ketchem Jr. with a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct and a summary of harassment in connection with the Aug. 30 disturbance at Brady Fire Company.

Police said Bryan Hornberger, 41, of Coal Township, who was attending his wedding reception, was punched in the face by several "bikers." He suffered fractured cheek bones, a fractured eye socket and nerve damage to his face.

Manning is accused of shoving Hornberger's mother, Sandra Hornberger, and threatening to punch her in the face.

The incidents occurred at about 9:30 p.m. outside the fire company.

Ketchem determined that charges could only be filed at this point against Manning because the other people involved couldn't be positively identified.

Arriving at the scene, Ketchem and Shamokin Cpl. Jarrod Scandle and Patrolman Raymond Siko II were informed by numerous people at the reception that "bikers" from a party at the nearby RCA grounds assaulted them.

Bryan Hornberger told police he was outside when he observed Manning grab his mother, prompting him to shove Manning. The next thing he knew, Hornberger said he was on the ground getting punched and kicked by several "bikers." But police said the only name Hornberger knew was Kevin Manning.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Hornberger's brother, Shawn, who was at the wedding reception, claimed a male came up to him, grabbed him by the throat and slammed him off a car. Shawn Hornberger said he tried to ask the man why he did that, but then everything went "black."

Sandra Hornberger said she was sitting on a bench outside the fire company talking to her son Bryan when a bald guy looked at them and said he was going to be right back to punch them in the face. She said the male, later identified as Manning, went to the RCA grounds before returning with a group of men. Sandra Hornberger said Manning called her a derogatory name and moved as if to hit her before pushing her and putting his fist in her face. She said Bryan pushed him to the ground to get him away from them. She said a "bunch of guys" then jumped on her son.

Another witness, Gary Drumheller, said Manning attempted to go into the reception hall, but Sean Hornberger told him he wasn't allowed. That's when he went to the RCA grounds and brought more people back with him.

Drumheller said Sandra Hornberger stepped in between the men in an attempt to settle everyone down. At this point, Manning went to grab Sandra Hornberger, prompting her son to push him away. Drumheller said three guys then started kicking and punching Bryan Hornberger in the face. Drumheller said he started pulling guys off Hornberger before more guys from the RCA grounds arrived and broke up the fight.

Austin Hornberger told police the victim, his brother, had asked the bartender for her number and started saying "stuff," prompting Manning to get more bikers and return to the parking lot.

The victim's daughter, Jennifer Hornberger, told police "three guys jumped on her dad" while one guy pushed her grandmother and was yelling at her.

During an interview with Manning Aug. 31, Ketchem said the defendant was not cooperative. He said a female bartender named Angel Reams was standing outside the bar and he observed Bryan Hornberger with no shirt on asking for her number. Manning said he told the male to let her alone, at which point the man became cocky with him, he told police.

Manning said he went to the motorcycle benefit ride at the RCA grounds and came back to the reception hall to "finish what he started."

Manning claimed Bryan Hornberger threw him to the ground.

In a Sept. 1 interview, Skip Nairns, who was attending the benefit, said he and a number of other people walked up to the banquet hall after hearing that someone was going to beat up Bryan Hornberger. Nairns said he saw people come outside the reception hall and start arguing with Hornberger. He said one of the guys from the wedding party pushed Manning, causing him to fall on the ground. At that point, Nairns said, "Everyone jumped in."

Nairns said he helped break up the fight and everyone who came to the banquet hall returned to the RCA grounds.

LOS ANGELES - A Shamokin native and U.S. Army captain won on "Jeopardy!" Thursday and will return today for another round.

Even though Cpt. Ryan Pensyl missed the final Jeopardy! question, he finished the last round with $7,599, $799 more than second-place contestant, Jennifer Gilmore, of Menifee, Calif. Peter McGillicuddy, of Holliston, Mass., finished third.

While introducing the contestants, game show host Alex Trebek said Pensyl is the strongest competitor on the show, asking him how much he can bench press (Answer: What is 350 pounds?). Pensyl imitated a bench press, but also gave his impression of Dr. Evil, a character in the Austin Powers film series.

"The details of my life are inconsequential," Pensyl imitated, holding his pinky to the side of his mouth in Dr. Evil's signature move.

The categories of Thursday's show were challenging and touched on topics such as French literature, Czech composers, Greek philosophy and turbine engines.

Pensyl led the game, answers questions quickly and succinctly. At the end of the first round, he had earned $4,600; he added $10,000 to that score by the end of double Jeopardy! Gilmore had $10,800 and McGillicuddy had $9,000 at the end of the second round.

The final category was "The Bible," and the "answer" was "The first birthday celebration mentioned in the Bible takes place in Genesis 40 and is in honor of this ruler."

McGillicuddy asked, "Who was Ramses the Great?" an incorrect "question." He bet it all, leaving the show with the third-place prize, $1,000.

Gilmore asked, "Who was King David?" which was also incorrect. She bet $4,000, dropping her total to $6,800 and putting her in second place. She left the show with $2,000.

Pensyl also asked an incorrect question, "Who was Joseph?" but bet only $7,001, winning $7,599.

Pensyl, 35, will face off against two new contestants at 7:30 p.m. today on WBRE.

He is a military intelligence officer and 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.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Center closed.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; bridge, 11:45 a.m.; world news, noon.

Wednesday - Cards, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m.; Janet Pawling doing vision screenings, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.; rescheduled Christmas Party catered by Martin's Chicken & Ribs with $5 gift exchange, 11 a.m., contact Center for information on meals.

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, 11 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Chair exercise, hand held games and puzzles in the morning; Wii bowling, 12:30 p.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Music with a cup of coffee in the morning; bean bag, 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; baby shower for birthrights, noon; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Music and coffee in the morning; bean bag, 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Hand held games and puzzles in the morning; chair exercise, 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia- Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and current affairs, 9 a.m.; Christmas dinner at the Village Towne Restaurant, noon; Center closes at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and cake, 9 a.m.; chair exercise with Carol, 10:30 a.m.; bell ringer practice, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Book mobile; trivia, 10 a.m.; birthday party, 12:30 p.m.; birthday bingo.

Thursday - Coffee and snacks with socialization, 9 a.m.; Pokeno, 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 12:30 p.m.; bring a friend day.

Friday - Fun Friday! Open activities.

Elysburg

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

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

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; Wii fitness, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Monday - Wii bowling, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Christmas movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Making Christmas cookies, 9 a.m.; Weis Markets trip, noon; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Making Christmas cookies, 9 a.m.; board games, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; WhatNot Shoppe Café lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Christmas party, 12:30 p.m, bring a $3 to $5 wrapped gift for crazy bingo.

Mother Nature on Thursday made up for the winter storms that didn't develop earlier in the week.

Starting Wednesday evening, some 13 to 15 inches of snow fell in higher elevations, including Marion Heights, while 10 inches was recorded in Shamokin. Most of it fell Thursday morning at rates of 1/2 to one inch per hour.

Elyse Haggner, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS), said it was difficult to predict where the heaviest snow would fall as the storm moved up the coast, but it was obvious once it happened.

"This was a very tricky system to predict," Haggner acknowledged. "Some storms, like the Blizzard of 1993, were very well-forecasted. This storm, every model we looked at said something different."

"Unfortunately, it hit Northumberland and Schuylkill counties," she said Thursday afternoon.

NWS confirmed that the area recorded some of the highest snow totals in the state. As close as Danville, only 4 inches were recorded, while Williamsport had 3 to 4 and Harrisburg 2 to 3, NWS reported.

Original forecasts for the Northumberland County area were for a dusting to 2 inches. In fact, earlier in the week, Thursday's forecast was "cloudy."

PennDOT County Maintenance Director Bernie Klusman said the heavy snowfall was a challenge, but "we have had our crews working 12 hour shifts with all the trucks on the road," he said Thursday afternoon.

He said temperatures were staying constant in the low 30s and he expected crews to have roads cleared by Thursday night.

Trouble on the mountain

As occurred Nov. 26, when 4 inches fell during the first significant snowfall of the year, there was trouble with traffic on the Natalie Mountain. Route 54 travels across the mountain through some of the highest elevation locally in an eight-mile stretch from Route 61 in Strong northwest to Elysburg.

By noon, vehicles were in ditches and responding police, heard over the scanner, reiterated their belief the roads hadn't been treated quickly enough.

One officer was heard asking if PennDOT could come to the mountain and help them direct traffic. Another officer replied, "They could turn the computer on with the radar, maybe that would help."

Klusman, when asked to respond to the criticism, stood firmly behind his road crews.

"We had our materials stockpiled and the trucks ready to go," he said.

He said Route 54 is a primary route for PennDOT's Centralia stockpile and is the first road treated and plowed when storms hit.

"It can take two hours to run a cycle from Turkey Hill in Strong to Sheetz in Elysburg and back," Klusman said. "We cut that time in half (Thursday)," he said.

'Driving stupid'

He said the majority of vehicles stuck were tractor-trailers.

"There was a truck that was out at 12:30 a.m. on the snow-covered road by the water company shed," Klusman said.

"When the driver could not get up the mountain, he decided to do a u-turn and got himself stuck across the highway.

"The trailer was empty and light, no tire chains on, and the driver was unfamiliar with the area," following GPS, he said.

Many drivers, especially truckers, choose Route 54 because it is a direct connection between Interstates 80 and 81, but they should stay on flatter terrain under such circumstances, Klusman said.

"The problem we find is with inexperienced drivers just following the GPS," he said. "There's not much we can do when someone is driving stupid."

Schools out ... again

A plus Thursday is that schools were closed, helping the road-cleaning effort, Klusman said.

But it does cause a havoc with the school calendar.

Mount Carmel Area Superintendent Bernie Stellar said Thursday's cancelation marks the third snow day of the school year.

"We have one snow day left, and we are not even to Christmas yet," he said.

He reported that students will attend class Jan. 19, Feb. 2 and Feb. 16 to make up the days already missed. The district's next make-up day would be April 2. Any subsequent days will be made up at the end of the school year.

Northumberland County government offices closed early due to the inclement weather Thursday, and several municipalities announced parking bans on their main streets for this morning.

LOS ANGELES - Shamokin native Cpt. Ryan Pensyl won another game of "Jeopardy!" Friday night, securing him a spot on tonight's show.

The 1998 graduate of Shamokin Area High School added $24,401 to his winnings from Thursday for a two-day total of $32,000.

Competing against Pensyl Friday was Michael Oliphant, of Chicago, and Emily Moody, of Easton, Md.

Round one included categories "Quotes from The Wizard of Oz," "world leaders" and "A Game of Idioms," in which contestants were asked to name the sport associated with a saying. For example, the first clue in the category was, "saved by the bell," to which Pensyl correctly answered, "What is boxing?"

During the interview portion of the show, game show host Alex Trebek commented on Pensyl's interest in Stephen King, noting the captain has all of the writer's novels in hard cover. Trebek asked how many have been made into motion pictures; Pensyl said, "What is 15, Alex?" Trebek said, "I'll say, 'correct' because I don't know."

Pensyl was leading at the end of the first round with $5,400. Moody had $4,400 and Oliphant had $3,400.

Double Jeopardy! categories included "chemistry," "masters of sax," as opposed to "masters of six" in the first round, "state mottos" and "Love! Valor! Compassion!"

Pensyl hit his "Daily Double" in round two for $2,500 in the "lowly history" category.

Pensyl remained in the lead at the end of Double Jeopardy! with $17,900. Oliphant moved up to second place with $12,200 and Moody ended the second round with $7,600.

The final Jeopardy! category was "literary travel." The clue, "The romantic balcony seen here is one of the most popular tourist attractions in this Italian city," referred to a photo shown to the contestants. The correct answer was Verona, which both Pensyl and Oliphant wrote. Moody wrote "Venice," and lost $3,801, dropping her to third place.

Oliphant wagered $10,156, bumping him into the lead briefly with $22,356. However, Pensyl wagered $6,501, enough to regain first place and secure a spot on tonight's show at 7:30 p.m. on WBRE.

Pensyl is a military intelligence officer and a son of William and Linda Pensyl. He is a 2005 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

DANVILLE - Jubilant noise from a crowd of doctors, staff members, volunteers, parents and former patients filled the lobby of the Janet Weis Children's Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center Friday afternoon during the hospital's 20th birthday celebration.

Among the celebrators was Teresa Lash, who was the first patient at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital when it opened Dec. 14, 1994. She became emotional while recalling the frightening day she was transported two hours from her home in McVeytown to the new children's hospital, where she learned she had acute lymphatic leukemia.

"I was scared out of my mind," she said. "If it wasn't for my nursing staff and doctors here, my family and myself would have been lost."

An old friend of Lash, Janet Weis Children's Hospital Chairman Dr. Michael Ryan, looked on while she spoke. Ryan was on staff when Lash was admitted as the first patient to the hospital and oversaw her care as well as that of thousands of children who have been treated there.

A pediatrician at Geisinger for 35 years, Ryan watched the children's hospital grow from a staff of 35 doctors to 115 doctors and numerous pediatric surgeons.

"Today, we're saving kids that we didn't save 20 years ago," he said.

Lash was also excited to see Woody Wolfe, a musician who visits the children's hospital every Thursday to make children smile using his guitar. He strummed and sang "Happy Birthday" while Lash, Ryan and Geisinger Executive Vice President Dr. Albert Bothe cut the birthday cake.

Carol Rheam Tevis, a longtime director at the Children's Miracle Network (CMN), was thrilled to see Lash. She had met the girl nearly 20 years ago while volunteering at Camp Dost, a week-long summer camp for kids who have cancer sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House of Danville.

Rheam Tevis attributed the longevity of CMN's 30-year relationship with the Geisinger and the Janet Weis Children's Hospital to "the response from the community."

"It's a day to celebrate," she said.

PAXINOS - With horse-drawn wagons, camp fires galore and a special look at the Christmas story, Oak Grove Church invites everyone to their annual Christmas Village event this Sunday.

The special program will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday on the grounds of the church, at 133 Oak Grove Road.

As always, the church is preparing its usual program of activities, including free food, drinks and Christmas cookies for all.

Last year's event also featured horse drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo and pony rides for the children, all provided at no cost to attendees.

New this year will be a special walk through the woods led by Pastor Zachary Hopple. During the walk, which will take about 10 to 15 minutes, the reason for the season will be explained.

"Throughout the woods, we will have a number of pictures up depicting the Christmas story with Pastor Hopple explaining them," lay leader Bonnie Alleman said. "We normally have a program in the sanctuary of the church, but there weren't a lot of people going in there because they felt a little intimidated. So we are trying to present the Gospel and the Christmas story in a way that coincides with the rest of the event."

There will also be camp fires to warm everyone up on a winter's night, a roaming fiddler, a prayer tent and the church providing a gift for each family that attends.

For those inclined to give a donation, the church will be collecting items for its Open Arms Outreach Ministry.

"We will be taking donations of paper towels, toilet paper and shampoo," Alleman said.

For more information on the event or for directions to the church, contact Alleman at 570-898-9093 or Hopple at 570-648-8450.

SUNBURY - Naheem J. Reams will be going to state prison for 2 to 5 years in the near future instead of trial next week.

The 18-year-old, who is charged with multiple offenses, including felonies of aggravated assault and fleeing or eluding police, unexpectedly pleaded guilty to numerous charges Friday afternoon and was given the state prison sentence and three years consecutive probation by Judge Charles Saylor.

Reams, who was 17 and resided in Shamokin at the time of the offenses, was shot in the chest by Sunbury Sgt. James Taylor 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.

Reams, who was wearing glasses, sneakers and a white sweatshirt under his orange county prison jumpsuit, received the prison sentence on a felony of aggravated assault. Sentences imposed on an additional count of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, fleeing or eluding police, driving under the influence of marijuana, accidents involving a non-licensed driver, reckless driving, limitations on backing, driving under suspension and two counts of driving the wrong way on a one-way street run concurrent to the first one.

Additional charges were not prosecuted.

'The step I had to take'

Reams, whose legs were shackled throughout the legal proceedings, also was ordered to pay fines and costs and make $475 restitution to Sunbury Police Department. He was given credit for 18 months previously served in prison, which means he could be released in six months if he only has to serve his minimum sentence and completes required educational, counseling and drug and alcohol programs.

The defendant faced a maximum of 60 years in state prison if convicted on all charges.

When questioned upon leaving the courtroom why he decided to enter the plea instead of taking the case to trial, Reams replied, "I want to move on with my life and this is the step I had to take."

The teen told the judge he was satisfied with the representation by his attorneys, Timothy Bowers and his wife, Kymberley Best, and that he understood the ramifications of forfeiting his right to a trial that was scheduled to begin Thursday.

Reams, who wrote an apology letter to Sunbury police, appeared remorseful and said he is willing to take responsibility for his actions.

"I am willing to serve time and I will be a better person," Reams said in the courtroom.

Prior to sentencing, Bowers described his client as a soft-spoken young man who displayed uncharacteristic behavior June 5, 2013, when he placed police, the public and himself in danger by his actions.

Bowers said Reams agreed to enter the plea Thursday afternoon after receiving an offer from District Attorney Ann Targonski, who prosecuted the case.

Bowers and Best met with Targonski and Trooper Ronald Zanella, the arresting officer in the case, Wednesday to hear the commonwealth's plea offer, which Reams later accepted.

Previously, Best vowed to take the case to trial unless her client received a plea offer that didn't require jail time. Best, who was not present for the guilty plea and sentencing, later declined comment about the case.

Bowers claimed previous offers by the commonwealth weren't acceptable to his client, but Targonski said the offer ultimately accepted by Reams was almost identical to one presented by former district attorney Tony Rosini earlier in the case. Targonski succeeded Rosini as DA in July.

Ready for trial

The defense and prosecution attorneys said they were prepared to go to trial. A 12-member, all-white jury was selected Monday.

"We felt we had nothing to lose by going to trial, Bowers said.

Targonski added, "We are pleased with the defendant's decision to plead guilty, but we were fully prepared to go to trial. The plea saves the commonwealth time and resources, while ensuring the defendant pays his debt to society."

She added, "His conduct was outrageous and it is the commonwealth's sincere hope that he is indeed remorseful for his actions."

The defense and prosecution waived a pre-sentence investigation in the case, which allowed Saylor to sentence Reams right away. The judge said he had reviewed psychiatric reports and other information pertaining to the highly publicized case.

The defendant was escorted from the courthouse by Sheriff Robert Wolfe and Deputy Sheriff Curtis Cooke before being returned to Northumberland County Prison two blocks away. He will await transfer to SCI-Camp Hill for processing before being committed to a state correctional institution.

Reams was charged by Zanella 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.

Up to 70 mph

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.

Rosini, who is now a county judge, previously ruled that the officer was justified. He based his decision on a state police investigation into the shooting.

SUNBURY - A 14-year-old boy charged with firing an AK-47 semiautomatic rifle at a relative Tuesday afternoon in Zerbe Township was ordered Friday by Judge Charles Saylor to remain in a juvenile detention facility until an adjudication hearing is held within 10 days.

Gage Hertzog, a first-time offender who resides with his grandmother and co-defendant in the case, Carol Ann Whary, 62, of 439 Trevorton Road, appeared subdued at his detention hearing and reserved comment when asked by the media about the attempted criminal homicide charge and other offenses filed against him.

Hertzog, who is his grandmother's caretaker, was represented by Northumberland County Conflicts Counsel Kate Lincoln, who argued the teen should be released to the custody of his parents, David and Carol Hertzog, of Saylor Street, Atlas.

Lincoln also requested the judge to have the court provide funding for a private investigator and to allow her to present material witnesses to testify on Hertzog's behalf at his adjudication hearing.

The judge, who agreed to review Lincoln's requests, pointed out the detention hearing was being held to determine why the teen was charged and placed in a secure juvenile facility.

Lincoln said Hertzog is a cyber school student who doesn't pose a flight risk or danger to the community.

Assistant District Attorney Julia Skinner opposed Lincoln's request to have Hertzog live with his parents due to the seriousness of the charges and the unknown living conditions at their home.

She said it was in everyone's best interest to have Hertzog remain in the juvenile facility at Bellefonte.

Deplorable conditions

Trooper Kevin Kearney, who filed attempted criminal homicide charges and related offenses against Hertzog and Whary, testified about the investigation.

Upon talking to the victim, Dean Whary, 50, of 465 Trevorton Road, and neighbors, Kearney said it was determined Hertzog fired the shots in Whary's direction in a pasture behind their homes Tuesday afternoon. He said six to eight rounds were fired from the AK-47 rifle.

Kearney testified the living conditions at Carol Whary's home in Zerbe Township are deplorable. He said the home is full of garbage, food, animal feces and animals. He also said the furnace is not operating.

Junvenile probation officer Shawn Kalman, who also testified, recommended that Hertzog remain at the juvenile detention facility in Bellefonte because of the seriousness of the offenses.

Kalman said the teen returned to his parents' home from time to time, but slept at his grandmother's house most of the time while serving as her caretaker.

Saylor ruled enough evidence was presented to keep Hertzog in a secure juvenile facility.

After the hearing, Hertzog's mother broke down in tears while embracing her son, who also cried. While leaving the courtroom, Carol Hertzog almost passed out while losing her breath and buckling over. She did not require medical attention.

Grandmother's hearing Tuesday

Carol Ann Whary remains incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $20,000 cash bail. In addition to the attempted homicide offense, she is charged with 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.

She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Shamokin.

Hertzog is charged with the same offenses except for terroristic threats and corruption of minors.

Whary and her grandson were taken into custody at about 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Casings, AK-47 found

Dean Whary, who is Carol Whary's stepson, 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. Hertzog then ran back to his house and returned with Carol Whary and a rifle, which he held on his hip, police said. Both approached Dean Whary, and Carol Whary was yelling at him, according to a criminal complaint.

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

Dean Whary told state police the bark on the trees near him was flying around from the rounds hitting them. He said he 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 then returned to their house. Neighbors said Tuesday they witnessed Hertzog hide the gun in the porch. Police executed a search warrant and uncovered an AK-47 semiautomatic rifle in the basement of the house by the back door.

During a search of the field where Dean Whary said the incident occurred, police located spent 7.62 casings.

Food pantry distribution set

KULPMONT - The borough will hold its monthly food surplus distribution from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 18, in the borough garage. Residents enrolled in the program are reminded to bring their bags.

Christmas dinner served today

TREVORTON - Trevorton Community Ambulance will hold its seventh annual Christmas dinner at noon today at the Trevorton Ambulance building, 510 W. Market St.

The meal is free and open to the public.

Menu includes roast beef, filling, mashed potatoes, vegetables and pumpkin pie. Meals will be delivered to elderly and homebound residents in Zerbe, East and West Cameron and Little Mahanoy townships who made previous arrangements.

Holiday craft show starts at 9 a.m.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A holiday vendor and craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today in the Shamokin Area Middle/High School cafeteria.

Proceeds benefit the Shamokin Area High School band and orchestra.

More than 40 vendors include Scentsy, Younique, Thirty-One, Oragami Owl jewelry and homemade and primitive arts and crafts. Food and refreshments will be available and include pierogies, barbecue, halushki, ham and bean soup, chicken pot pie and hot dogs.

Help decorate town park this afternoon

MOUNT CARMEL - Volunteers will meet at 1 p.m. today to decorate the town park and gazebo for Christmas. Anyone wishing to help is invited and is welcome to bring decorations from home.

LEWISBURG - Jessica Sitko couldn't believe the news when she heard Gage Hertzog had been charged with attempted homicide for allegedly firing an AK-47 in the direction of his Zerbe Township neighbor.

She's seen the teenager nearly every Friday for the past 18 months at the Gratz auction in northern Dauphin County, where she helps with her father's coin stand and Hertzog sells knick-knacks from his own booth.

"He's a big softy. I personally don't think the kid would hurt a fly," said Sitko, 39, of Lewisburg, an Elysburg native who is a 1994 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School. "Really, really, he is one of the nicest kids."

Hertzog, 14, was charged Wednesday through juvenile court with a felony count of attempted homicide and other charges related to the shooting incident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon. His grandmother, Carol Whary, 62, with whom Hertzog lives at 439 Trevorton Road, along Route 225 east of Trevorton, also faces attempted homicide and three other felonies, plus numerous other charges.

Sitko, an attorney who has practiced law in Washington, D.C., and is now a stay-at-home mother, has contacted juvenile authorities to offer to stand as a character witness for Hertzog.

'We ... love this kid'

She said she helps her father, Gregory Sitko, of Elysburg, at the auction. They've developed a "very close relationship" with Hertzog.

"We both love this kid," she said.

She said Hertzog goes to a lot of yard sales. He'll bring her father coins that he comes across, and he'll bring her jewelry, which she sells online.

Hertzog's home-schooling allows him to come to the auction even during school hours every Friday with Whary.

Sitko said her father often gets a hand from Hertzog in unloading his van.

"My dad wouldn't allow it if he didn't think he was a really trustworthy 14 year old," she said. "He is so generous; he is so kind. Every Friday, if you need something, he's right there to help you out."

Sitko said Hertzog has demonstrated that he's close to his grandmother.

"I know the love he has for his grandmother, the way he talks about her, the way he takes care of her," she said.

SHAMOKIN - The dancers rush into the makeshift studio in a hurry, hand in hand with mom or dad, before squirming out of winter coats and kicking off boots for ballet slippers.

The children in Kitty Moyer's baby ballet class, ages 3 and 4, dress in the tiniest of frilly tutus, pink tights and pastel leotards. They stretch their bodies before lining up for a final run-through for an upcoming holiday performance.

"All my little sweet peas, come on over," Moyer calls out Saturday from inside the church hall of the Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunbury Street.

Tchaikovsky's "March from The Nutcracker" is cued, and the 17 children do what young children do - arms and legs moving every which way - which is to say, they do their best at mimicking the moves of three older student leaders.

What it lacks in uniformity it makes up for in cuteness.

Moyer prompts them all along, clapping and calling out for the dancers to sauté, plié and arabesque in a constant effort to keep their attention. The first 30 minutes of the class are dedicated to ballet, and the final 15 minutes to tap.

The class for many of the girls is their first foray into an organized social setting. They're taught to hone coordination and balance, and enhance flexibility. They're also introduced to the basics of French ballet vocabulary and, as the Moyer Institute of Dance website points out, learn basic classroom etiquette.

The children already know how to play, Moyer says. Her dance class is a structured experience in the art of ballet, and it's made to be fun.

"I don't need to play with them. I can actually teach them things, and they love it," Moyer said after the class was dismissed.

Moyer's mother, the late Joan Moyer Clark, began teaching ballet more than 60 years ago on the floors of Sunbury hose companies. Soon after, she built and opened a dance studio, eventually teaching ballet remotely in Shamokin.

Naturally, Moyer followed in her mother's footsteps. She trained as a child in New York City, and as she became more skilled, began teaching ballet herself as a teenager. She danced professionally from age 17 until 32, and continues teaching beginners and experts of all ages, sizes and sexes in ballet, jazz and tap. She's also a dance instructor at Lycoming College in Williamsport.

Her own daughter, Sophie, is an assistant with the dance institute and is a candidate for a baccalaureate of dance at The George Washington University.

Moyer, 57, thought back on how many people have learned dance at a class taught by her family.

"It seems like everyone has a family member who attended the Moyer Institute of Dance," Moyer said with a laugh.

Parents of Saturday's students lined the wall of the church hall, mostly seated on metal folding chairs. They laughed and smiled, snapping photos with smartphones. When the girls finished a part of their routine, the adults clapped enthusiastically.

Janine Cooper stood off in a corner to watch her daughter, Elianna, 4. She noted the grace and poise dancers naturally flaunt.

"She loves to show everyone that she can do the Egyptian arabesque," Cooper said.

As Cooper spoke of Moyer's ease with the students, Elianna tugged at her mom's coat sleeve. She has another love: Wendy's chicken nuggets. That's a part of the routine, too, after Saturday dance lessons.

"She loves it, absolutely loves it," Cooper said of her daughter's affinity for dance class. "It's the reason why I bring her twice a week."

The ballet dancers of the Shamokin class will perform a Christmas-themed routine at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Susquehanna Valley Mall. Students of the Moyer studio in Sunbury will perform at 6:30 p.m. today at the mall.

For more information on the Moyer Institute of Dance, visit www.moyerinstituteofdance.com.

SASB committee to meet

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Shamokin Area School Board will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the board conference room of the middle-high school for a HVAC presentation by Schneider Electric.

Tax assistance volunteers needed

Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc., a Community Action Agency, is partnering with the IRS to offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Volunteers are needed to assist working low to moderate income families with preparing their tax returns and rent rebates. Many taxpayers can, but currently do not, benefit from credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or credit for the elderly or disabled. VITA is a program to help low income taxpayers complete, without cost, their income tax forms and qualify for additional tax credits. The program is limited to households filing non-itemized returns.

How to volunteer: Interested volunteers may train and certify at their own pace online. Log onto to the website: http://irs.gov/app/vita/ for additional information.

The training provides the basics of the local program and the online tax preparation process. All volunteers will need to pass a certification test.

Volunteers may work with a scheduler to arrange tax appointments at Shamokin, Sunbury, Elysburg or Bloomsburg VITA sites to fit their calendar.

Actual tax assistance sessions will begin in late January. Please contact Pam Pesarchick at 570-644-6575 extension 135 or 570-975-7177 for additional information.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Rotary Student of the Month for October is senior student Caitlyn Curran, who resides in Mount Carmel with her grandparents Bonnie and Robert Smith.

Caitlyn is president of student council and developmental studies, and vice-president of the Future Nurses of America and the Tech Ed Club. She is sergeant at arms for the Interact club, and participates in Latin club and Odyssey of the Mind. Curran has been a past Merit Award winner, Elks Student of the Month and a Junior High Pride winner. She is a distinguished honor student and is a member of the National Honor Society.

In her free time, she likes to spend time with her friends and family and enjoys reading, painting and photography. Her future plans are to pursue a doctorate degree in pharmacy.

Divorce

William J. Maher, 1471 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, from Barbara A. Maher, 1505 Chestnut St., Kulpmont. Married July 3, 1993.

Marriage licenses

Robert Franklin Lewis III and Tiffany Lynn Ellman, both of 825A W. Shamokin St., Trevorton. Issued Dec. 12.

Travis Scott Smart and Amber Elizibeth Edwards, both of 56 N. Sixth St., Sunbury. Issued Dec. 11.

Kenneth Andrew Geise Jr. and Sarah Jean Dobson, both of 538 Race St., Sunbury. Issued Dec. 13.

Michael R. Wida Jr. and Lesa M. Nornhold, both of 1353 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury. Issued Dec. 13.

Property transfers

Wells Fargo Bank NA to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., property in Shamokin, $1.

Lloyd V. and Pamela J. Reitz to Lloyd V. Jr. and Kristen J. Reitz, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Daniel R. Yocum estate, David R. Yocum to Kathryn E. Fox, property in Mount Carmel Township, $63,900.

Joseph A. and Sharon K. Gushen to John Woodruff, property in Mount Carmel, $101,000.

Florence C. Janaskie estate, Gary and George Bettick to Dennis and Lynn Madden, property in Coal Township, $12,000.

Renee Augustine to Peter R. Johnson, property in Sunbury, $30,000.

Jearldean M. Losiewicz to Jearldean M. and J. Susan Losiewicz, property in Coal Township, $1.

William Davis Jr. estate, Robert W. Davis, Anna M. Long, Linda M. Isenegger to Robert W. Davis, Anna M. Long, Linda M. Isenegger, property in Shamokin, $1.

Cory Messimer to Scott M. and Chelsea L. Saxton, property in Sunbury.

Jeanne M. Sandri estate, Charlotte M. Sandri to David Sandri, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Basil Hashuga to Basil and Matthew J. Hashuga, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Edwin O. and Janet M. Price to Edwin O. Price, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Michael and Barbara A. Machuzak to Rose L. Brozoskie, Rosemary T. Womack, John J. Brozoskie, property in Marion Heights, $25,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Robert Mikal and Cathy Mae Krepshaw to Robert Mikal and Cathy Mae Krepshaw, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Northumberland County to Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Authority, property in Upper Augusta and Shamokin townships, $1.

Geraldine M. Herman estate, Warren H. and Richard C. Herman to Pine Hurst Acres, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Brett Russell to Melony A. Gaudlip, property in Shamokin, $1,055.

MJLF Group LLC to SkyEagle Properties LLC, property in Shamokin, $11,100.

Robert P. Olvany to AMBO Enterprises Inc., property in Shamokin, $150,000.

Leon S. Shaw, Melanie T. Shaw to Balkar Singh Dhir, property in Shamokin, $9,000.

Gerald A. and Patricia A. Huber to Patricia A.C. Huber, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Robert W. Gearhart Sr. to Phillip J. Cortellini, property in Sunbury, $1.

Robert K. Kehler estate, Jeffrey S. Kehler to Joyce E. Madara, property in Shamokin, $3,000.

Jason M. and Tera A. Schauer to Tera A. Schauer, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Rodney Allen to Kenneth D. Snyder Jr., property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Everbank to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, property in Sunbury, $1.

John A. and Donna J. Snipkie to Tristan and Chelsea Sobol, property in Shamokin, $17,000.

Mark M. and Velma J. Kieffer to David M. Carta, property in Washington Township, $1.

Terry L. and Judy L. Mowery to Bradley E. Pepperman, property in Rockefeller Township, $180,000.

Betty Jane Coutts estate, Meloney Hart to B&N Property Rental Inc., property in Shamokin, $7,500.

Eric, Brad, Erica Lynn, Renee Noll, Kevin Moncavage to Eric Noll, property in Kulpmont. $1.

Michael G. Marlow to Alan W. and Roxanne M. Zacek, property in Mount Carmel, $20,500.

Michael Thomas and Margaret S. Chapel to Margaret Ann Purcell, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. to William D. and Jodi L. Henry, property in Marion Heights, $22,500.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Elks Students of the Month for October have been announced.

Senior student of the month is Isabella Stellar, a daughter of Ed and Shelly Stellar, of Kulpmont. Isabella is the senior class president, is on the distinguished honor roll and has previously won the Elks and Junior High Pride awards. Isabella is also in the National Honor Society. She is the captain of the varsity soccer team and is on the varsity basketball and track and field teams. Isabella participates in the marching and symphonic band, the school musicals, is a news reporter and anchor for MCA LIVE, and the TV studio and was crowned this year's homecoming queen. She is in the Interact Club, Future Nurses of America, the science club and chorus. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and participating in many after-school activities. Isabella's future plans are to attend a four-year college to major in communications.

Junior student of the month is Carl Darrup, a son of Jim and Anne Darrup, of Mount Carmel. Carl's activities include chorus, the school musical and marching, symphonic, jazz, and pep bands. He is sophomore class president and a member of the Interact Club, peer mediation, Odyssey of the Mind and Future Nurses of America. Carl also participates in scholastic scrimmage, is in the Junior National Honor Society and is a distinguished honor roll student. He is an altar server for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and has previously been awarded the Elk's Teenager of the Month and Elks Teenager of the Year awards. His interests include music, reading and spending time with friends and family. Carl's future plans are to attend a four-year college to possibly major in nursing.

Teenager of the Month award goes to freshman Ben McFadden, a son of William and Ann McFadden, of Mount Carmel. Ben is a former Merit Award winner and Elks Teen of the Month. He is a three-time winner of the entrepreneurship challenge and was recently awarded the PA Economics' Carolyn Fischer Award. Ben is a member of Odyssey of the Mind, is on the freshman football team, is a member of the MCA band, TV studio, and is an alter server for Divine Redeemer Catholic Church. Ben is also in Boy Scouts and is working toward his Eagle Scout award. Ben likes to watch television, play video games and read graphic novels. His future plans are to attend college to major in engineering.

The Junior Teen of the Month is seventh-grade student Michael Balichik, a son of Michael and Kathy Balichik, of Mount Carmel. Michael is on the distinguished honor roll, was a 2014 Merit Award recipient and a recent Junior High Pride Award winner. He is an altar server at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, and is a member of the Girardville Basketball league, Black Diamonds Travel Baseball and VFW Little League. Michael's hobbies include spending time with his friends, reading and playing sports.

I recently had the chance to discuss community resources upon release with the camp and prison inmates at FCI-Schuylkill. I spoke with men who were friendly and looking for a second chance.

I've also worked with Reentry Affairs Coordinator Suzanne Mitchell in the past and have printed several pieces from her department in recent years. The following was submitted by the prison in an effort to recruit volunteers who are interested in helping the inmates meet their goals of becoming law-abiding, self-sufficient and productive members of society. Contact them if you feel you can be an addition to their valuable programing.

"The Federal Correctional Institution Schuylkill is located in north central Schuylkill County, 15 miles north of Pottsville. The institution is situated on approximately 600 acres, with nearly 150 developed acres and 54 acres inside the secure perimeter.

Dedicated Oct. 9, 1991, the main institution is a medium security facility housing male offenders. The federal prison camp is a minimum security facility housing male offenders.

It is the mission of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to protect society by confining offenders in the controlled environments of prisons and community-based facilities that are safe, humane and appropriately secure, and that provide work and other self-improvement opportunities to assist offenders in becoming law-abiding citizens.

FCI Schuylkill is seeking volunteers to assist with faith-based spiritual reentry programs. These programs are facilitated by the Chaplaincy Department, although are not specifically religious. Volunteers will assist with the facilitation of the programs.

Threshold program

It is a spiritual reentry program for self-improvement to help participants strengthen their faith connections to God, others, the environment and themselves. It encourages participants to address major life issues from the perspective of their religious tradition or personal value system.

Houses of healing

Provides the opportunity to heal some of the core issues that lead to incarceration. Participants understand and are aware of the emotions that motivate their choices, perceptions and feelings about themselves and others. They develop strengths from the perspective of their own religious tradition or personal value system.

Alternatives to violence project

It is an effort of volunteers dedicated to increasing peace by fostering people's awareness of helpful ways to respond to conflict and violence.

The requirements for volunteering are as follows: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, receive a background check at no cost, attend training once per year and be comfortable with religious and ethnic diversity as well as group dynamics.

You can make a difference in the lives of others by volunteering. Please contact Suzanne Mitchell, reentry affairs coordinator, at 570-544-7158 or sswank@bop.gov to discuss your future in volunteering at FCI Schuylkill."

Holiday help

Are you looking for ways to help your community during the holidays? There are many ways to lift the spirits of others. You can donate food to organizations that provide meals or canned food to those in need, or, donate your time to a food bank or soup kitchen that will see increased usage in the upcoming weeks. You can donate toys to non-profits who work with families. Many of these children will not see many toys without generous donations from the public.

Don't forget our seniors. Contact an agency that provides services to the elderly to see if they have a need for blankets, slippers or large print books. Animal shelters are always in need of supplies. Perhaps now is the time to give chew toys. No longer wear that coat that sits in the back of the closet? Consider giving it to a charity for someone in need.

Why not give your unused Christmas decorations to an agency to fill their facility with holiday cheer? Many host holiday events for consumers or at least decorate for the holidays Overtip your wait staff; they work hard for the money. Finally, a monetary gift to your favorite non-profit would be ideal. These are just some of the ways you can help those in need this holiday season. When in doubt, contact an agency in your area for suggestions and always contact them to make delivery arrangements.

An old-fashioned Christmas will be held in Ashland Saturday. Horse-drawn carriage rides, hot dogs, free cookies and hot chocolate will be available.

A musical Broadway Christmas will be presented at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Majestic Theater. Call 570-628-4647 to buy tickets.

HARRISBURG - With a million-dollar ticket sold in the area last month and several $5,000 and $10,000 prizes claimed, area lottery winners will take more than $2 million in $1,000 or higher prizes from the state games.

November's tally of prizes of $1,000 or more came in at $1,086,314. For 2014, the total is $1,971,781, according to records received from the Pennsylvania Lottery and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

The month's biggest winner was Joseph Drost, of Coal Township. He and his wife, Maryann, won a $1 million prize in the new Monopoly Millionaire Club game.

The top instant winners during November were Glen Whitenight, of Catawissa, and Pamela Davis, of Mount Carmel, each winning $10,000 on instant tickets. Gary Bramhall and Paul Grow, both of Shamokin, each won $5,000 prizes and Leonard Yablonski, of Coal Township, won three $1,000 prizes on the $20 $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout tickets.

Winners are:

Aristes

- Patrick Parnell, $1,000, Money Money Millionaire, $20 ticket.

Ashland

- Paul Koutch, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Jean Minning, two wins of $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- John Dubosky, $1,000, Three Million, $30.

- John Schreffler, $1,010, Match 6, $1 bet.

Catawissa

- Glen Whitenight, $10,000, $1,000,000 Golden Ticket, $20.

- Wanda Shadle, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Susan Blass, $1,000, Merry and Bright, $3.

- James Brown, $1,000, Money Money Millionaire, $20.

Coal Township

- James Yost, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Leonard Yablonski, three wins of $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Christopher Yablonski, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Leonard Yablonski, $1,000, Max-A-Million, $20.

- Yvonne Kerstetter, $2,500, Big 4 (nite), 50-cent bet.

- Joseph Drost, $1 million, Monopoly Millionaires Club, $5 bet.

Dalmatia

- Duane Rissinger, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

Danville

- Cindy Bohner, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Celeste Oberdarf, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Ronald Wilson, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Margaret Bierowski, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Edwin Nevius, $1,000, $1,000,000 Instant Jackpot, $20.

- James Hart, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Shaun Zimmerman, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Linda Smith, $1,000, Aces High, $10.

- Joseph Kaledas, $1,000, Max-A-Million, $20.

- Cathy Murray, $1,000, Money Money Millionaire, $20.

- Joseph Ozelek, $1,000, Winning Combination, $3.

- Carl Weaver, $2,500, Big 4 (nite) 50-cent bet.

- Patricia Baylor, $1,050, Match 6, $1 bet.

Elysburg

- Kathy Madara, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Steven Servose, $1,000, Max-A-Million, $20.

Herndon

- Jennie Carl, $1,000, Frankenbucks, $5.

Kulpmont

- Michael Habowski, $1,000, Aces High, $10.

Locust Gap

- Tanya Birster, $1,000, Winning Combination, $3.

Mount Carmel

- Ryan Campbell, $1,000, $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Alicia Gross, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Francis Gaffney, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Timothy Druckenmiller, $1,000, $1,000,000 Peppermint Payout, $20.

- Pamela Davis, $10,000, Aces High, $10.

- Gilbert Murray, $1,000, Million Dollar Multiplier, $20.

- Mary Corbacio, $2,500, Big 4 (nite), 50-cent bet.

- Deborah Kaleta, $1,700, Quinto (nite), $1 bet.

Shamokin

- Gary Bramhall, $5,000, $1,000,000 Instant Jackpot, $20.

- Rosemary Albertini, $1,000, Aces High, $10.

- Paul Grow, $5,000, Cookie Dough, $1.

- William Dilliplane, $2,500, Big 4 (day), 50-cent bet.

Trevorton

- Clemie Snyder, $1,000, Merry and Bright, $3.

Unfortunately, this time of year, or any time of year for that matter, there aren't any constellations in the heavens that have a real connection to the Christmas season. It's hard to make Orion the Hunter into Santa Claus. Pegasus the Winged Horse is hardly a candidate for an angel we have heard (or seen) on high, although Pegasus is still flying high in the southwest evening sky. There is a very faint constellation called Monceros the Unicorn, but that's as close as I can come to a reindeer. However, there is Taurus the Bull. The celestial bull doesn't have a red nose, but he does have a red eye. Ok, this is a stretch, but just like Rudolph, Taurus the red-eyed bull is out just about all night long on Christmas Eve.

Taurus the Bull is a small but distinct constellation and is a member of what I lovingly call "Orion and his Gang" hanging in the eastern skies. The best way to find Taurus is to first locate the Pleiades, a very bright star cluster that jumps out at you in the eastern heavens. It almost looks like a tiny Little Dipper. In fact, I've run into many folks at my stargazing programs that think it is the Little Dipper. The Pleiades is also known as the "Seven Little Sisters." It is astronomically a large cluster of hundreds of young stars in an area about eleven light years across and over four hundred light years away. Just one light year is nearly six trillion miles.

Once you've spotted the Pleiades, look a little below the cluster for a small, fairly dim but distinct arrow pointing to the right. That little arrow outlines the snout of Taurus the Bull. The arrow is also referred to as the Hyades, a loose, open cluster of stars. There's a moderately bright reddish star on the lower rung of the little arrow called Aldebaran that's supposed to be the ruddy eye of the Bull. You can extend the rungs of the arrow to the far left and reach a couple of stars that mark the tip of the bull's horns. One of the horn tip stars is Elnath which is shared by both the constellation Taurus the Bull and the adjacent constellation Auriga the Charioteer.

While "It's a Wonderful Life," "Scrooge" and "The Night Before Christmas" are classic Christmas tales, the Greek mythological tale of Taurus the Bull is definitely not. You certainly wouldn't want to tell this tale of deceit to the little ones by the fireplace.

Zeus, the king of the gods and the resident playboy of Greek mythology, used all the tools he had to lure the ladies by hook or crook. One of his love targets was Princess Europa, the daughter of a Phoenician king. Zeus had met Europa at one of the local holiday parties and tried to get something going with her, but the fair princess was underwhelmed by his advances. He even coaxed her under some mistletoe and nothing happened.

So Zeus got a little more creative. He knew that Princess Europa loved to raise prize bulls. She would spend hours and hours in the pasture with her beautiful beasts. Being the king of the gods, Zeus had all kinds of magical powers at his fingertips. In a puff of smoke, he changed himself into Taurus, a gorgeous white bull with golden horns and wandered into Europa's pasture. The princess was delighted. The bull was very beautiful and well mannered.

A few days later, Europa felt so at ease with Taurus that she decided to saddle him up and take a short ride. This was the opportunity Zeus was waiting for. After a few gentle loops around the pasture, Taurus kicked into high gear and shot over the fence and across the countryside with Europa clinging to him for dear life. While she was frightened, she was also excited by the high adventure. Even when Taurus reached the sea, that didn't stop him. He charged into the waves with Europa barely hanging on. He swam all the way to the island of Crete and finally stopped in his tracks. Europa was wet, frightened and sunburned when she rolled off the deceptive bull. It was then that Zeus, in another puff of smoke, revealed his true identity.

Somehow that did it. Europa fell head over heels for Zeus and they were quite a love item for a couple of years. Zeus, though, was still a playboy at heart and certainly not into long-term relationships. Zeus was about to dump Europa, but she beat him to the punch. After a long trip away from home doing his dastardly deeds, Zeus came home to find the locks on the doors of the house changed and all of his clothes scattered across the front yard. Even though he wasn't disguised as a bull anymore, Europa put Zeus out to pasture.

Ok, everybody sing with me: "Taurus the deceptive bull, was a very sneaky god. And if you ever saw him... ."

(Lynch is an amateur astronomer and author of the book, "Stars, a Month by Month Tour of the Constellations." Contact him at mikewlynch@comcast.net.)