COAL TOWNSHIP - A state prison inmate has been charged with multiple felony offenses involving a Nov. 11 assault of a correctional officer at SCI-Coal Township who suffered serious injuries.

Brandon Nathaniel Moody, 25, a former inmate at SCI-Coal Township who is now incarcerated at SCI-Mahanoy, is charged by Trooper James McCormick of state police at Stonington with spitting in the face of Correctional Officer Robert Lester Houseknecht, and repeatedly punching the officer in the face, head, neck and back, causing him to suffer a concussion, bleeding on the brain and extensive swelling and bruising on his face, head and hands.

Police said the assault occurred at 8:19 p.m. Nov. 11 at an officer's station at SCI-Coal Township.

Houseknecht's injuries required emergency room treatment at a local hospital. He has since been discharged from the hospital, but reportedly has not yet been able to return to work.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Moody, who is serving a life sentence, approached the victim and asked him to retract a misconduct report he wrote against the inmate. When Houseknecht told Moody he couldn't retract the report, Moody allegedly spit in his face and assaulted the officer.

The assault ended when other correctional officers arrived at the officer's station and restrained Moody, who was later transferred to SCI-Mahanoy.

Moody is charged with felonies of assault by a life prisoner, aggravated assault, assault by a prisoner and aggravated harassment by a prisoner, misdemeanors of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, and a summary of harassment.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Homeowners in Coal Township should expect to pay 2 additional mills next year if the general operating budget is officially adopted later this month.

The board of commissioners unanimously passed the 2013 tentative budget at their board meeting Thursday night, increasing the general fund millage from 15 mills to 17 mills.

This will generate approximately $90,000 in additional revenue, the board reported.

The tax bill for an average single homeowner in the township will increase approximately $20 a year, the tax bill for an average half a double- or row-home owner will increase approximately $15 a year and the tax bill for larger, single homes will increase approximately $80 a year, commissioners reported.

The following taxes will remain the same from 2012 to 2013: 1/2 mill, library; 1/2 percent earned income tax; $5, per capita tax; $52, local

service tax; $115, occupation tax; 1 1/2 mill, pension fund tax; and 1 mill, fire protection.

The $2,758,017 budget was balanced with the inclusion of the increased tax revenue and money from capital reserve, which still has money from the sale of the sewer lines a decade ago, the board reported.

Board President Craig Fetterman said special meetings were held with department heads to trim the budget by $67,101 compared to 2012.

"Thanks to you guys for holding the line and saving us money," he said.

He also noted there are big cuts from state and federal government funding local government.

Commissioner Gene Welsh added, "Now if we could only get 100 to 200 people to build houses or bring businesses."

Commissioners Bernie Rumberger and George Zalar made and seconded the motion for the tentative tax increase while Commissioners Rumberger and Welsh made and seconded the motion to adopt the tentative budget, and both motions passed 5-0.

The final budget and tax increase are expected to be adopted at a special meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27.

In other business, the board announced the Coal Township Recycling Center will not collect electronics throughout the winter due to storage issues, but will start collecting them again in March.

DANVILLE - After an extensive two-year application and development process, Geisinger Life Flight has been awarded an air carrier certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The air carrier certificate will allow Geisinger Health System (GHS) to directly operate the aircraft assets it leases and owns. In addition, GHS will directly employ its own pilots, mechanics and aviation support personnel instead of contracted air-services vendors.

"The internal structure of the program will be very different," said Jerry Splitt, Geisinger Life Flight program manager. "Employees in key aviation leadership positions, including a director of aviation operations, chief pilot and director of aviation maintenance, will be on site working exclusively for Life Flight every day. These leaders will work very closely with local FAA officials in Harrisburg who will provide regulatory oversight of the program."

Since the inception of Life Flight in 1981, the program has operated under contracted air carrier certificates, most recently Louisiana-based Era Med, LLC, which operates a satellite support facility in Coatesville. The move toward the Life Flight air carrier certificate demonstrates Geisinger's ownership and investment in the critical care air transport program.

"The new internal structure will not affect or disrupt service to patients or healthcare professionals and will only further enhance the program to provide the best service to those in need," said Splitt.

Averaging 2,600 flights per year, Life Flight operates 24 hours a day with a fleet of six helicopters from air bases in Danville, State College, Avoca, Williamsport and Minersville. Each twin-engine helicopter is equipped with auto-pilot navigation and night vision equipment to ensure a safe flight day and night.

BELLFONTE - Scott J. Binsack had a hearing Thursday before state parole officials, who will determine over the next few weeks whether the Shamokin man violated his parole.

The hearing was held at State Correctional Institution-Rockview in this Centre County community.

Leo Dunn, spokesman with the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole (PBPP), said Binsack waived his first-level parole hearing, in which authorities determine whether they have probable cause to continue holding an alleged parole violator.

Dunn said PBPP immediately went into a second-level violation hearing, during which officials determine whether someone violated parole. Dunn said a hearing examiner listens to both defense and prosecution witnesses during such hearings.

Dunn said the outcome of Binsack's hearing will not be made public until at least next week, and Binsack remains imprisoned at Rockview.

Such hearings are open to the public, but Rockview did not recognize requests for media presence because it is a "secure facility," said Jeff Rackovan, institutional press officer at the prison, and no one from the public is allowed inside.

Binsack, a former homebuilder, became a household name in the Shamokin area in a matter of months starting in August when he presented a $13 million investment plan to city council. When his criminal history dating to 1999 from New York state and Lackawanna and Monroe counties became public knowledge, his involvement in the financial undertaking, which centered on renovation and construction of local homes and businesses, drew the attention of Pennsylvania securities officials.

Binsack is limited in what financial dealings he can partake in as part of his parole from theft and bad check charges in Monroe County. Any violation could mean Binsack would have to serve out his maximum sentence from those offenses, which would be until May 18, 2014.

However, he may also have his time on absconder status tacked onto his jail sentence.

Largely in response to Binsack's offenses prior to him moving to Shamokin, a Scranton area legislator proposed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell in 2008.

Binsack responded to the negative publicity by starting the "Something's Smokin in Shamokin" Facebook page and website, on which he posted videos critical of local officials and police. His campaign to root out corruption in the area piqued the curiosity of local social media users and others. He had some supporters, but many people were offended by his tactics and concerned about his reputation.

The Internet activity built up to the release of two hour-long episodes of "Something's Smokin in Shamokin," which Binsack billed as a "reality TV show."

Narnia

PBPP began to monitor the mounting tension between Binsack and local officials.

In late October, Binsack failed to show up for a scheduled meeting with a PBPP hearing officer and fled the state, actions that are typically considered parole violations. Binsack, who continued to post taunting messages to law enforcement on the Internet while on the lam, was considered a parole absconder for a month before he was found Nov. 20 by U.S. Marshals in a motel room in Bath, N.Y., a location he called "Narnia" in his messages.

He had said online that he fled because he feared for his life, and that he was being set up for a parole violation even though his business plan was legitimate and he had received approval from PBPP for some of his financial activities.

On the day he was captured in New York, Binsack's attorney filed a civil lawsuit on his behalf against six Shamokin officials, including two councilmen and the police chief, and two PBPP employees, claiming his constitutional rights to free speech, assembly, due process and liberty had been violated, that his ability to develop real estate opportunities was "seriously damaged," that his "good name, reputation, honor and integrity" were injured, and that he has suffered emotional distress.

STONINGTON - Shamokin Township supervisors passed a resolution Wednesday night adding several residents to the Agricultural Security Area (ASA) program.

Solicitor James Bathgate presented supervisors with a spreadsheet listing names of those who qualify for the program.

After reviewing the spreadsheet with the board, Bathgate opened up questions and comments to the public, at which time one couple questioned why they were not on the list. Bathgate said their land may have not meet the requirements or their land was not yet investigated for acceptance into the program.

The ASA program is used as a tool for protecting and strengthening agriculture in Pennsylvania. The state Department of Agriculture lists these details about it:

- Noncontiguous farm parcels must be a least 10 acres in size, and farm tracts needed to create a new 250-acre or larger agricultural security area do not have to be under the same ownership or even be located in the same municipality.

- The property needs to be agricultural land. Cropland, woodland and pasture can all be included.

- The land must be zoned to permit agricultural uses.

A farmer who is in the program may sell or subdivide the property how he or she choose; ASA does not restrict the use of the property. Also, farmers receiving loans through Small Business First Program and the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund may receive a 1 percent reduction in their interest rate if their property is located with the ASA.

The resolution of the ASA for Shamokin Township will take effect in January.

Insurance rate up

In other business, supervisors approved the 2013 insurance policy for vehicles, new equipment and worker's compensation from Myers and Lynch Insurance Company. Cost of policy is $27,058, approximately $2,000 more than last year's.

Chairman Tom Carl and Supervisors John Klinger and Greg Rachau approved the increase.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The young Wilburton couple who were charged with stealing an SUV and eluding police for nearly nine hours on Wednesday were allegedly intoxicated when they drove through stop signs and at speeds of up to 80 mph with a 9-month-old baby, who was not properly restrained, on board.

Those details were revealed Thursday in a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Justice John Gembic III by Coal Township Patrolman Christopher Laptosky against David Anthony Pavloski II, 22, of 10 Front St., and Courtney Klemick, 20, of 222 Second St.

Each was charged with a felony count of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, and a misdemeanor count of criminal mischief.

Fight starts

According to the complaint, Jessica Long, of 1125 W. Gowen St., Coal Township, told police she and her boyfriend, Chris Powell, were at home hanging out with Klemick and Pavloski, who are boyfriend and girlfriend, while Klemick's young son was upstairs sleeping.

Long said Klemick got into an altercation with Pavloski. While on the porch, she said Pavloski hit Klemick in the head, knocking her out and onto the ground. Long had to carry Klemick into the house, the complaint says.

Long, who provided video evidence on her phone, said both Klemick and Pavloski, who she said were intoxicated, became "belligerent" and began hitting Powell. Powell kept his hands in his pockets while trying to calm Klemick, police said. The complaint does not indicate why the pair allegedly attacked Powell.

Long said she wanted Pavloski to leave, but without Klemick and her baby. But the couple left with the baby, she told police.

Vehicle stolen

At approximately 2:28 a.m. Wednesday, Pavloski and Klemick left in a maroon 2003 Buick Rendezvous that Long was borrowing from her grandmother, Rita Reilly.

The key was in the ignition, Long told police.

Pavloski was driving; he scraped the neighbor's iron railing with the SUV before traveling down Spruce Street, police were told.

Powell, who corroborated Long's story, said he last saw the vehicle on Spruce Street running two stop signs.

He said he did not want to press charges against Klemick or Pavloski for hitting him, police said.

Police pursue

Lapotsky responded to Long's house after the vehicle was taken. While he was there, Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Dan Politza spotted the stolen vehicle on Route 901 near Boylan's Garage and pursued it toward Locust Gap. However, the driver would not stop and the vehicle reached speeds of 80 mph, Politza reported. Since Politza knew a child was in the vehicle, he terminated the pursuit. He continued to follow the vehicle from a distance, but lost visual contact in Ashland.

Politza then went to Pavloski's house in Wilburton. He noticed the vehicle traveling in the area, but again lost visual contact.

It was reported Thursday that Pavloski and Klemick allegedly abandoned the vehicle along a rocky mountain path behind several homes along Tiffany Lane in Wilburton near Pavloski's house. Police found it at approximately 10:50 a.m. Wednesday and Pavloski and Klemick were found shortly after in Pavloski's home.

They were taken into custody without further incident and were video-arraigned by Gembic at approximately 1:30 p.m. Wednesday from the Coal Township Police Station. Bail was set at $20,000 cash for each person. After failing to post bail, they were transported to Northumberland County Prison, where they remained Thursday evening.

Baby with father

The baby was returned to his grandfather, Kerry Klemick, 57, of 222 Second St., Wilburton, who had assisted police by watching Pavloski's house Wednesday.

The child is now in the care of his father, Thomas Stanton, of Shenandoah, Kerry Klemick said Thursday afternoon.

Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush said additional charges will be filed next week by Politza. Those charges will likely include criminal conspiracy, receiving stolen property, fleeing or attempting to flee police, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person, recklessly endangering the welfare of a child and reckless driving. Pavloski will likely also be charged with driving under suspension due to previous DUI charges, he said.

(Klemick's age was incorrectly listed at 21 in Thursday's edition.)

Barletta to join Homeland Security

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, was appointed to the U.S. House committee responsible for border security, protecting the country from terrorist attacks, responding to disasters, and protecting national infrastructure in the 113th Congress. Barletta will become a member of the Committee on Homeland Security after he is sworn in on Jan. 3.

The Committee on Homeland Security was established in 2002 to provide congressional oversight for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and better protect the American people against a possible terrorist attack. The committee has jurisdiction over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), and the U.S. Coast Guard; border security programs including efforts to achieve operational control of the border; and border smuggling and trafficking of drugs, human, currency, weapons and other illicit materials.

Barletta will continue to serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Education and the Workforce Committee. He will no longer be a member of the Committee on Small Business.

County drug, alcohol board to meet

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Drug and Alcohol Program Advisory Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, in the Human Services Building, 217 N. Center St.

Surplus food to be distributed

KULPMONT - Residents enrolled in the borough's food surplus program are reminded that the next distribution will be held between 8 a.m. and noon Thursday, Dec. 20, at the borough garage. Residents are reminded to bring their bags with them.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes Alumni Foundation has collected $240,000 earmarked for tuition assistance and will present a check to school officials Monday.

The funds come from the foundation's campaign for local business contributions under the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC). Members of the foundation and business owners who donated funds will present a check to Bishop Joseph P. McFadden of the Harrisburg Diocese in a ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday in the Lee E. Korbich Memorial Gymnasium.

The public is welcome.

The check presentation was initially scheduled for Oct. 31, but had to be postponed due to Hurricane Sandy.

The funds will offer families in need of tuition assistance the opportunity to apply through the Neumann Scholarship Foundation of the Diocese. All the funds collected are reserved strictly for Lourdes. It also allows Lourdes to use existing funds for capital projects and educational improvements.

The alumni foundation is a network for alumni and friends of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation is raising funds for the school through endowments, sponsorships, tuition assistance plans and the state's EITC program.

Visit the OLOL alumni page on Facebook or LinkedIn to connect with other members of the Lourdes community and receive updates on foundation initiatives, or visit Info@SupportLourdes.org.

TREVORTON - The Zerbe Township Recreation Committee will be holding the annual Zerbe Christmas celebration starting at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Foundry/Recreation Area Complex.

The committee is responsible for the area's redevelopment. It conducts various fundraisers throughout the year for that purpose.

The committee views the celebration as a way to thank residents of Trevorton and Zerbe Township for their continued support.

An invitation has been extended to all children to attend the Christmas event. The committee is also assisting a local Eagle Scout with a project that includes building an ice skating rink at the recreation area that will be open in the near future as weather permits.

The Christmas event will include entertainment, free refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus, who will arrive aboard a Trevorton Fire Company truck.

The Foundry building has been decorated for the Christmas season. It will be open in case of inclement weather. Everyone is invited to enjoy the annual Zerbe Christmas. The community Christmas tree will be illuminated during the event.

Zerbe Township supervisors and street department also assisted with the tree display, decorating and maintenance of the Foundry building.

The recreation committee welcomes new members and they meet the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the American Legion on Shamokin Street.

The Mahanoy & Mahantongo Historical & Preservation Society will host a holiday house tour from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Among the attractions in the event are:

- The home of Connie Tressler, 104 Otto Station Road, at the intersection with Route 225 in Red Cross. This brick house, visible from the highway just a half-mile south of Klinger's Gulf, once housed a business. Built by John Kunsman in the 1800s, it operated as Kunsman's Tavern. The property fell into disrepair over the years, but underwent a restoration effort in 2004. One of the most striking features of the home might be a mural on a ceiling in a room where the tavern is believed to have operated.

- The Zeigler Log House & Library, Dalmatia, home of the Mahanoy & Mahantongo Historical & Preservation Society, near Susanna and Water streets, which will be decorated in period fashion and will include a tour of the facility.

- The home of Barbara Leah, 268 Shadeville Road, Dalmatia, which will feature an array of holiday decorations from around the world. Leah has collected the decorations for many years and has an extensive collection.

- St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 235 Schwaben Creek Road, Dornsife, just a quarter-mile across Route 225 from the Tressler home.

- The home of Lori Mirarchi, 511 Schwaben Creek Road, Dornsife, just a short drive east of St. Peter's Church, a stone structure that is believed to be one of the first four homes built in Northumberland County.

- The home of Steve Bobb, along Route 225 near A&L Diesel, Dornsife, which will have rooms decorated, each straying from the traditional Christmas colors when possible.

- Penn's Tavern, Route 147, Fishers Ferry, a new attraction on the tour. Built more than 300 years ago, William Penn's grandson, John, is included in a romantic story in the lore of the stone building.

The historical society is also offering a wine basket drawing at 5 p.m. at the Zeigler House. A $5 donation is requested; there will be five wine baskets offered.

Tour tickets cost $7 if purchased in advance and $8 the day of the tour. For tour or wine basket tickets, call Gene Keiter, society president, at 758-8904, or Shirley Silvick, society secretary, at 758-1760.

In the event of inclement weather, the tour will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The event supports the functions of the historical society.

Don't feed the deer

KULPMONT- Morris Gilotti, president of the Kulpmont Sportsman Club, asked visitors to the borough park not to feed the deer on display there in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture rules.

Earlier this week, J. Kevin Jones, mayor of Mount Carmel, made the same request of those visiting the deer at the Mount Carmel Town Park. While other communities with deer displays have not contacted The News-Item to make the same request, it can be assumed that visitors feeding any deer in any display would be breaking federal rules.

Mother Cabrini bingo postponed

SHAMOKIN - The bingo games at Mother Cabrini, normally held on Mondays in the church hall, have been postponed for the rest of December. The games will resume on Monday, Jan. 7.

Holiday concert planned

MOUNT CARMEL - A holiday concert hosted by the Mount Carmel Area School District will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the Richard F. Beierschmitt Auditorium in the Mount Carmel Junior-Senior High School. The program will feature music from the high school chorus, the Mount Carmel Area Symphonic Band and a combined band and chorus finale. It will be directed by Sharon Styer and Bernard Stellar.

SUNBURY - Sheldon and Frances Bernstein moved to Sunbury 52 years ago from New York City and immediately fell in love with their new hometown.

"It was the place to be; it was bustling. If you couldn't buy it in Sunbury, you didn't need it," Frances, 77, said Friday afternoon.

The Bernsteins lamented that the city isn't what it used to be, but they and others were also speaking of new hope as they took part in an open house at 202 Washington Ave. - the first new home to be built in the city in 10 years.

Revitalizing the housing market and fighting blight are key steps toward a new Sunbury, said Jeff Balestrini, a member of the city's redevelopment authority board. He said the Washington Avenue property, which has been vacant since 2004, was acquired by the city after in its aggressive approach to fight blight.

"The roof was collapsing. There was mold all over and there were rodents living here," he said.

A Sunbury resident, who chose to remain anonymous, fronted the money to tear the original house down and have Icon Legacy Custom Modular Homes, of Selinsgrove, build the new two-story structure in its place, Balestrini said.

The goal of the project is to show city residents that leaders are committed to fighting blight, he said.

"We're putting homeowners on notice that they have to abide by the rules," he said. "We want to enhance the image of the city and improve the quality of life."

Auction today

The house "looks very nice," Frances said. "It's roomy and it looks well built. It's perfect."

Sheldon, 81, said it was curiosity that brought them to the open house, and he was pleased with what he saw.

"We live eight blocks from here (on Greenough Street). I'm happy to see it," he said. "If another house gets back on the tax roll, it's a great idea. It's a heck of a lot better than letting houses decay and fall apart."

The purpose of the open house, held from 3 to 7 p.m., was to entice potentials buyers to purchase the home at the auction, set for 10 a.m. today.

The house has approximately 2,100 square feet of living area, including 1 1/2 baths, stainless steel appliances, two gas furnaces and a large basement.

The opening bid will be $150,000, and the money generated from the sale will be placed back into the redevelopment account for further projects, Balestrini said.

Through this approach in the last six months, the city has acquired at least five houses and demolished two.

SUNBURY - Service Electric Cablevision has gone 3D.

The local cable service Thursday launched 3net, a joint venture television network from Discovery Communications, Sony Corporation and IMAX Corp., that will be available to its 100,000 customers in northeast Pennsylvania.

3net went live on channel 500 with both original 3net premieres and feature films available throughout the holidays. 3net originals premiering include an all-new episode of "From the Basement," featuring the Red Hot Chili Peppers; the wildlife special "Savage Migration," and "I, Human," the world's first 3D look inside the human body.

"For our customers who own or plan to purchase 3D capable TVs, we want to ensure Service Electric Cablevision provides them with more value for their entertainment investment," said Donald Brandt, director of programming. "3net was the perfect addition because it provides our customers 3D programming 24 hours a day with content from Discovery, Sony and IMAX. As the first cable company in the nation, we are proud to also be the first cable company to offer 3net."

Here's an overview of programming available to Service Electric customers during the holidays: "From the Basement," A Red Hot Chili Peppers episode premieres at 9 p.m. Sunday, featuring performances from today's hottest musicians without the interference of presenters or audiences.

"Monster House," a feature film airing at 8 and 10 p.m. Monday. Co-produced by Steven Spielberg, this hit animated film features three adventurous teens who discover that the scary house across the street is a living, breathing monster.

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," a feature film airing 8 and 10 p.m. Tuesday. Bill Hader, of "Saturday Night Live," is the voice of Flint Lockwood, a hapless but well-meaning inventor. James Caan is his technophob dad, whom he can't please, even when he makes food fall from the sky.

"Storm Surfers," marathon starts 7 p.m. Dec. 26. Follow surfing legends and best friends Ross Clarke-Jones and Tom Carroll as they work with genius surf-forecaster Ben Matson to hunt down Mother Nature's biggest waves and surf the planet's most dangerous breaks.

"Savage Migration," premieres 9 p.m. Dec. 27. The great annual wildlife migration is the largest mammal migration in the world. Every year, around 1.5 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra and antelope gather up their young and trek from Tanzania's Serengeti Plains to north of Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve.

"I Human," premieres 8 p.m. Dec. 30. Using a blend of specially shot real-life sequences and cutting-edge CGI, the film takes viewers on a journey inside themselves.

"Open Season," an animated feature film premieres 8 p.m. Jan. 1. Boog, a domesticated 900-pound grizzly bear, finds himself stranded in the woods three days before open season. Forced to rely on Elliot, a fast-talking mule deer, the two form an unlikely friendship and must quickly rally other forest animals to form a diverse army against the hunters.

The following individuals were among those charged in Friday's drug bust:

- Joanne E. Andruscavage, 32, 143 Beaverdale St., Mount Carmel: one count each possession of drug paraphernalia and misbranding a controlled substance, misdemeanors.

- Barry Anoia, 27, 118 W. Walnut St. Coal Township: one count each DUI (misdemeanor), misbranding controlled substance (misdemeanor), driving on roadways laned for traffic (summary), driving while suspended (summary) and operating vehicle without inspection sticker (summary).

- Debra L. Artman, 41, 905 W. Pine St., Coal Township: two counts each delivery of Percocet (felony) and conspiracy to deliver Percocet (felony), five counts possession with intent to deliver Percocet (felony), and one count each attempt to deliver Percocet (felony), possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor) and misbranding controlled substance (misdemeanor).

- James M. Ball, 43, Somerville, N.J.: one count each delivery of heroin (felony), conspiracy to deliver heroin

(felony), possession with intent to deliver heroin (felony), conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver heroin (felony), criminal use of communication facility (felony), possession of heroin (misdemeanor), conspiracy to possess heroin (misdemeanor), possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor) and driving while suspended (summary).

- David J. Bills, 27, 921 Spruce St., Kulpmont: two counts each conspiracy to commit delivery of methadone (felony), conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver methadone (felony), criminal use of communication facility (felony), and one count each possession synthetic marijuana (misdemeanor) and possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

- Michael J. Bills, 48, 921 Spruce St., Kulpmont: two counts each conspiracy to commit delivery of methadone (felony), delivery of methadone (felony), conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver methadone (felony), possession with intent to deliver methadone (felony), possession methadone (misdemeanor) and possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

- Alicia Bordner, 21, 715 N. Vine St., Shamokin: delivery of controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver controlled substance, possession of controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to deliver controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

- Jody L. Bower, 29, 232 E. Second St., Mount Carmel: one count each delivery of heroin (felony), possession with intent to deliver heroin (felony), criminal use of communication facility (felony), possession heroin (misdemeanor) and possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

- David M. Brown, 29, 29 N. Chestnut St., Mount Carmel: six counts each acquiring controlled substance by misrepresentation (felony), possession with intent to deliver Oxycodone (felony), forgery (misdemeanor), possession Oxycodone (misdemeanor) and possession receiving stolen property (misdemeanor).

- Robert W. Buettner, 22, 945 Chestnut St., Kulpmont: one count possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

- Kenny Bunch, 30, 21 W. Church St., Shamokin: two counts each delivery of controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver controlled substance and criminal use of communication facility.

- Angelique T. Callahan, 35, 220 Railroad St., Locust Gap: one count possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

- Bret Casper, 18, 1013 Chestnut St., Kulpmont: one count each possession of controlled substance and possession drug paraphernalia, misdemeanors.

- Patricia Ciancia, 38, 622 E. Commerce St., Shamokin: four counts delivery of controlled substance, three counts possession with intent to deliver controlled substance and two counts criminal use of communication facility.

- Bruce Collier, 33, 513 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin: two counts each delivery of controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver controlled substance and criminal use of communication facility.

- Matthew S. Creveling, 24, 1123 W. Water St., Coal Township: one count each possession of controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanors.

- Deziray L. Cunningham, 25, 1123 W. Water St., Coal Township: two counts possession of controlled substance (misdemeanor) and one count each possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor), driving while suspended (summary) and stop sign violation (summary).

- Bryan S. Daily, 43, Strasburg, Va.: one count possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

- Stacey L. Darginski, 26, 310 Main St., Ranshaw: one count each possession Fetanyl and possession drug paraphernalia, misdemeanors.

- Jordan L. Derck, 24, 133 Academy St., Shamokin: one count each possession marijuana and possession drug paraphernalia, misdemeanors.

- Frank Doone, 42, 504 S. Vine St., Coal Township: one count each delivery of controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver controlled substance and criminal use of communication facility.

- Jeremy M. Dormer, 29, 301 W. Second St., Mount Carmel: one count each delivery of Oxycodone (felony), possession with intent to deliver Oxycodone (felony), criminal use of communication facility (felony) and possession Oxycodone (misdemeanor).

- Michael P. Dunphy, 27, 722 Spruce St., Kulpmont: one count each possession with intent to deliver Clonazepam (felony), possession Clonazepam (misdemeanor), possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor), DUI (misdemeanor), resisting arrest (misdemeanor) and public drunkenness (summary).

- Kyla L. Fisher, 35, Somerville, N.J.: one count each conspiracy to deliver heroin (felony), conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver heroin (felony), criminal use of communication facility (felony) and conspiracy to possess heroin (misdemeanor).

- Eric T. Fletcher, 39, 1114 Poplar St., Kulpmont: one count each possession of controlled substance (misdemeanor) and possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

- Gary R. Gilligbauer, 27, 215 N. Shamokin St., Apt. B, Shamokin: one count each possession of marijuana (misdemeanor) and possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

- Adam Gondol, 39, 146 W. Second St., Mount Carmel: one count endangering welfare of children (misdemeanor), two counts possession Endocet (misdemeanor), and one count each misbranding controlled substance and possession drug paraphernalia, misdemeanors.

- Daniel J. Grohowski, 21, 614 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel: one count each delivery of heroin, possession with intent to deliver heroin and criminal use of communication facility, felonies; one count each possession heroin and possession drug paraphernalia, misdemeanors; one count each delivery of Suboxone, possession with intent to deliver Suboxone and criminal use of communication facility, felonies; one count each possession Suboxone and possession drug paraphernalia, misdemeanors. - Joshua F. Hartman, 24, Schuylkill Haven: one count each possession with intent to deliver heroin (felony), possession heroin (misdemeanor), possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor) and DUI (misdemeanor).

- Rex Hepner, 64, 116 W. Willow St., Shamokin: two counts each delivery of controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver controlled substance and criminal use of communication facility.

- April L. Hollenbach, 26, 146 W. Second St., Mount Carmel: one count each possession with intent to deliver marijuana (felony), criminal use of communication facility (felony), endangering welfare of children (misdemeanor), possession marijuana (misdemeanor) and possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

- Dustin Keefer, 24, 135 S. Franklin St., Shamokin: possession with intent to deliver controlled substance, criminal use of communication facility and possession drug paraphernalia.

- Joshua Kemper, 22, 111 W. Girard St., Atlas: one count each possession marijuana and possession drug paraphernalia, misdemeanors.

- Keith M. Kisela, 21, 214 S. Oak St., Apt. 1, Mount Carmel: one count each delivery of Haloperidol reported to be valium (felony), possession with intent to deliver Haloperidol (felony), criminal use of communication facility (felony), possession Haloperidol (misdemeanor) and possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

- Brian T. Kramer, 24, 104 S. Peach St., Mount Carmel: one count each possession with intent to deliver Vicoprofen and Xanax (felony), theft (misdemeanor), possession Vicroprofen and Xanax (misdemeanor) and receiving stolen property (misdemeanor).

- David M. Lamb, 40, 32 N. Vine St., Mount Carmel: one count each possession Roxicodone (misdemeanor), misbranding controlled substance (misdemeanor), possession drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor), possession marijuana (misdemeanor), DUI (misdemeanor), driving on roadways laned for traffic (summary), careless driving (summary) and driving at unsafe speed (summary).

- Kaddafi Loatman, 26, 50 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin: delivery of cocaine and criminal conspiracy to deliver cocaine.

- Kasim Loatman, 25, 50 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin: delivery of cocaine, criminal use of communication facility and criminal conspiracy to deliver cocaine.

- Raheem O. Loatman, 23, 406 S. Market St., Shamokin: felony count possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and misdemeanor counts possession marijuana and possession drug paraphernalia.

- Courtney Lynn, 22, 50 N. Maple St., Mount Carmel: misdemeanor count possession drug paraphernalia.

- James A. Madison, 134 W. Clermont St., Marion Heights; two misdemeanor counts DUI and one misdemeanor count each endangering welfare of children, possession, misbranding and possession drug paraphernalia.

- Ned A. Marcinick, 19, 105 N. Franklin St. Shamokin, one felony count possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and one misdemeanor count each conspiracy to commit possession marijuana, possession marijuana and possession drug paraphernalia.

- Mary S. McGinley, 24, 113 N. Locust St., Mount Carmel: two felony counts each delivery of amphetamine and Modafinil and possession with intent to deliver amphetamine and Modafinil, one felony count criminal use of communication facility, and one misdemeanor count possession amphetamine and Modafinil.

- Stephen P. Miller Jr., 27, 243, W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel: one felony count each delivery of heroin, possession with intent to deliver heroin and criminal use ofcommunication facility, and one misdemeanor count each possession heroin and possession drug paraphernalia.

- James E. Mowery, 22, 251 S. Vine St. Shamokin: one misdemeanor count each conspiracy to commit possession marijuana, possession Alprazolam and misbranding.

- David Payne, 26, 916 E. Chestnut St., Shamokin: delivery of controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver controlled substance, possession controlled substance and criminal conspiracy to deliver controlled substance.

- Shane Picarella, 23, 151 N. Grant St., Shamokin: possession drug paraphernalia and possession controlled substance.

- Joshua M. Peregrin, 30, 300 W. Third St., Mount Carmel: one felony count each delivery of Clonazepam and possession with intent to deliver Clonazepam, one misdemeanor count each possession Clonazepam and possession drug paraphernalia.

- Donald Ponatoski, 26, 1128 W. Gowen St., Coal Township: one felony count possession with intent to deliver heroin and one misdemeanor count each DUI, possession heroin and possession drug paraphernalia

- Adam J. Powell, 27, 49 W. Second St., Mount Carmel: one felony count possession with intent to deliver heroin and misdemeanor possession heroin.

- Robert Powell, 29, 715 N. Vine St., Apt. 2, Shamokin: delivery of controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver controlled substance, possession controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to deliver controlled substance and criminal use of communication facility.

- Barbara A. Pronick, 48, 905 W. Pine St., Coal Township: two felony counts each conspiracy to deliver Percocet, conspiracy possession with intent to deliver Percocet and possession with intent deliver Percocet, one felony count each criminal use of communication facility and conspiracy criminal use of communication facility, two misdemeanor counts possession of Percocet, and one misdemeanor count each possession drug paraphernalia and misbranding.

- Joshua A. Reichenbach, 30, 558 N. Third St., Shamokin: one misdemeanor count each conspiracy to commit possession of marijuana and Alprazolam, possession Alprazolam and misbranding.

- Dallas D. Rhodes, 39, 897 Bear Gap Road, Elysburg: one misdemeanor count each DUI, endangering another person, possession Lortab, possession drug paraphernalia and misbranding, and summary count driving while license is suspended.

- Stacy Rudy, 19, Coal Township: delivery of heroin and criminal conspiracy to deliver heroin.

- Nicole A. Seidel, 24, Shamokin: two felony counts each conspiracy to deliver Percocet, conspiracy possession with intent to deliver Percocet and criminal use of communication facility, one felony count each delivery Percocet, possession with intent to deliver Percocet and conspiracy criminal use of communication facility, and one misdemeanor count each possession Percocet, conspiracy possession Percoet, possession drug paraphernalia and attempted possession Percocet; delivery of controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver controlled substance and criminal use of communication facility.

- Timothy Smith, 20, 125 E. Arch St., Shamokin, one count delivery of controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to deliver controlled substance and criminal use of communication facility.

- Shayla Snyder, 22, 1544 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township: one count possession with intent to deliver heroin, two counts delivery of heroin, two counts criminal use of communication facility and one count criminal conspiracy to deliver heroin.

- Joseph M. Staskiel, 20, 824 Spruce St. Kulpmont: one felony count each possession with intent to deliver Oxycodone, Kadian, Carisoprodo and Suboxone and possession with intent to deliver Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine, Alprazolam and Fentanyl, and one misdemeanor count each possession Oxycodone, Kadian, Carisoprodo and Suboxone, misbranding, possession drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia, possession Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine, Alprazolam and Fentanyl, misbranding and possession drug paraphernalia.

- Jeffrey Tripp, 26, 943 Chestnut St., Kulpmont: two counts possession with intent to deliver heroin, two counts delivery of heroin, one count delivery of cocaine, two counts criminal use of communication facility and one count criminal conspiracy to deliver controlled substance.

- Leon Vincent, 24, 322 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin: possession with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin and criminal conspiracy to deliver heroin.

- Jarred Wagner, 20, 13 S. Eighth St., Shamokin: delivery of controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver controlled substance.

- George F. Weaver, 20, 410 N. Shamokin St., Apartment A., Shamokin: one misdemeanor count each conspiracy to commit possession marijuana, possession marijuana and possession drug paraphernalia.

- Michael R. Wisnoskie, 19, of 76 Church St., Locust Gap, one misdemeanor count each possession of controlled substance and possession drug paraphernalia.

- Debbi J. Wolfe, 53, 437 Melrose St., Marion Heights: one felony count each delivery of Alprazolam, possession with intent to deliver Alprazolam and criminal use of communication facility, and one misdemeanor count each possession Alprazolam and possession drug paraphernalia.

- Theodore F. Wray, 55, 43 E. Sunbury St., Apartment 7, Shamokin: one misdemeanor count each possession controlled substance and possession drug paraphernalia.

- Keri M. Zimmerman, 21, 1008 Pine St., Kulpmont: one misdemeanor each possession drug paraphernalia and corruption minors and one summary simple trespass.

The charges filed with Northumberland Juvenile Probation involved three male juveniles from Mount Carmel. Charges included felony and misdemeanor counts involving possession of morphine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Milton, Sunbury defendants

Milton and Sunbury police departments reported the following arrests in Friday's bust:

Milton:

- Amanda Verducci, 751 Mahoning St., Apt. 37, and Matthew Metz Jr., 214 High St., each charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Sunbury:

- Francisco Charriez, 1032 Masser St.; Fabis Billingsley, 17 N. Third St.; Issac Moten, 410 Market St.; Melody Miller, 311 Pennsylvania Ave.; Matthew Suarez and Jason Mercado, both of 331 Pennsylvania Ave.; Patrick Lenner, 966 Masser St., and Cassandra Phillips, 643 1/2 Susquehanna Ave., all felony counts possession with intent to deliver.

Also charged by Sunbury police were Tyler Hallden, 112 Sulpher Springs Road, Northumberland; Kyle Stahl, 879 Swanger Road, Lewisburg; Joshua Potter, 331 E. Third St., Mount Carmel, and Zachary Grove, 71 N. Eighth St., Sunbury, all misdemeanor counts possession of controlled substance.

ELYSBURG - Most of the 65 defendants from the eastern end of Northumberland County offered no resistance upon being taken into custody during a massive drug bust Friday.

But Shane Picarella, 23, of 151 N. Grant St., Shamokin, wasn't one of them.

Picarella was found by law enforcement officers hiding among insulation in his third-floor attic at about 12:30 p.m. and resisted arrest, police said, forcing them to spray him in the face with Mace.

Picarella, who yelled for about 15 minutes after getting sprayed, could be heard saying, "Kill me, kill me" and "I need a (expletive) doctor" as he sat in a police cruiser outside his home.

Prior to his apprehension, a woman carrying a young child was seen running out of the house.

A female neighbor, who was leaving her home with a tray of cookies, heard the commotion and spotted about a dozen law enforcement personnel outside on the one-way street, which was blocked off by police. The woman, who did not want to be identified, provided police with water and a towel that Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II used to wipe Picarella's face.

Picarella, who was wanted on drug and disorderly conduct charges, was transported by police to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where he underwent emergency room treatment for the Mace. He was released and taken before Gembic on the drug and disorderly conduct charges before being committed to jail.

Shamokin Code Enforcement Officer Rick Bozza and Shamokin Fire Chief Bruce Rogers, who were at the scene of the North Grant Street disturbance, posted condemned signs at 151-149 N. Grant St. because neither property had running water. Bozza said the houses were unfit for human habitation.

25 in upper county

In addition to the 65 defendants from mostly the Shamokin-Mount Carmel area, 25 additional men and women were charged with drug offenses in the northern part of the county, including Sunbury to Milton, in what was the first major drug bust of the year.

Members of the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force began apprehending defendants at 7 a.m. at their homes, places of employment and other locations before parading them into command centers at Ralpho Township Community Gym in Elysburg and Sunbury Municipal Building. The defendants were processed at the command posts by law enforcement personnel before being arraigned on various drug offenses by Magisterial District Judges Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel, John Gembic III of Shamokin and Benjamin Apfelbaum of Sunbury.

Many prescription drugs

Mount Carmel Chief of Police Todd Owens, field supervisor for the drug task force, said the majority of the arrests involved illegal use or possession of prescription drugs. He said heroin, cocaine, marijuana and bath salts also were confiscated.

He said additional charges are pending.

Assisting Owens at the command center was Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman, who serves as the borough's narcotics investigator.

Approximately 30 law enforcement personnel, including drug task force members, state constables Larry Rompallo, Patrick Reynolds and Glenn Masser, adult and juvenile probation officers, parole officers and agents from Region 4 of the state Attorney General's Office assisted at Elysburg. The bust was conducted in cooperation with the district attorney offices in Northumberland and Montour counties.

As of 3 p.m. Friday, approximately 50 of the 65 defendants in the Shamokin-Mount Carmel area had been taken into custody. Owens said task force members will continue their search for the remaining defendants over the weekend.

A majority of defendants were committed to Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury, in lieu of cash bail.

Second hospitalization

In addition to Picarella, defendant Michael J. Bills, 48, of 921 Spruce St., Kulpmont, was also hospitalized for a short time.

He was transported by Elysburg Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital after complaining of chest pains upon being escorted into the Elysburg gym. He underwent evaluation before being released and later arraigned.

Bills and his son, David J. Bills, 27, same address, face eight and 12 counts of drug-related charges, respectively, which were among the most filed against the defendants in the Shamokin-Mount Carmel area. Most of the charges filed against the father and son involved methadone, a painkiller that's also used as an anti-addictive treatment for heroin and other opioid dependency.

David M. Brown, 29, of 29 N. Chestnut St., Mount Carmel, had 30 counts of drug-related charges filed against him. Most of those offenses involved Oxycodone.madison

SHAMOKIN - Standing in line behind Shamokin Area Elementary Annex, parents and guardians one-by-one signed out elementary students at day's end Friday.

Hugs were exchanged, backpacks were handed off, and through the eyes of the children, a recounting of the day's events had begun while adults and students walked away together from the school.

It was a standard end to a standard school day, and to the relief of a great many people in a great many towns where similar scenes played out around 3 p.m. Friday, it was nothing like the tragedy that had unfolded in Newtown, Conn.

"I've been crying all day," Mary Ann Christiana, of Coal Township, said of the shooting rampage at an elementary school that claimed the lives of 26 victims, including 20 children about her daughter's age. Also killed was the shooter, Adam Lanza, after having reportedly turned a gun on himself.

She was waiting inside her car for her 7-year-old Emma to dismiss from the annex. "I don't even know how to explain this as a parent," she said.

Christiana said she had called the elementary school to check in after learning of the shooting. Another mother who was standing outside the annex, Donna McDonald, of Shamokin, said she had done the same.

They weren't alone. A secretary at the main elementary school in Coal Township said several calls were placed by parents to the principal's office. All callers were assured students were safe. One caller thanked a secretary for the vigilance of school personnel.

Chris Venna, principal of the district's middle/high school, said the mass murder in Connecticut was at the forefront of most everyone's mind at Shamokin Area.

Like many parents standing outside the annex - and surely many million others across the country, parents or not - had said, Venna said his heart was with the victims and their families.

With two daughters in kindergarten and holding a job that puts him inside a public school each day, Venna said it hit close to home.

"I'm going home right now to hug my kids. I'll make sure they get an extra big hug from me when I come home," he said while he drove home from work.

McDonald spoke with a touch of defiance when imagining such a situation playing out locally at the school of her 6-year-old son, Tristain, saying she'd want to harm any aggressor against school children.

Michael Swartzlander, of Shamokin, said he'd rush to the scene if his stepdaughter, Sarah, were in danger.

"I'm only a couple blocks away, but I'd come running," he said.

Jodi Britton, of Shamokin, who has two children at the annex and five altogether in the school district, wondered if such a reaction, while admitting it likely a normal one, would be helpful.

"I think everyone would," she said of rushing to the scene. "The only thing is, it adds to the chaos."

The sign-out process at day's end is normal for the district and happens daily at the elementary buildings. There are also cameras and buzzer systems in place to help control access to the main entrances of all three district buildings throughout the day.

Venna said there were no heightened security measures put in place at Shamokin Area on Friday because of the events in Newtown; however, he said everyone's awareness was heightened as a result.

The school district does not have a full-time police officer at the school after funding for a school resource officer dried up. But Coal Township Police continue to send an officer to the west end schools daily to make their presence known and to remain familiar with the layout of the buildings, Venna said.

District staff and administrators review procedures for school-shooter situations, for which input has been provided by police officers. And while a plan may seem futile in the face of such tragedies, it's a plan nonetheless, no matter how impossible the situation may be, he said.

"You do what you can to make sure you have everything in place," Venna said.

Divorces

Diane Schleig, 551 S. Seventh St., Shamokin, from Roger Schleig, 1415 W. Arch St., Coal Township. Married Oct. 21, 1995.

Patricia Yuskoski from John L. Yuskoski Jr., both of 326 S. Chestnut St., Mount Carmel. Married Aug. 9, 1997.

Michele C. Bethge, 638 W. Market St., Trevorton, from Kenneth J. Bethge, 34 S. Market St., Shamokin. Married April 25, 1987.

Paul J. Melnick, 45 S. Chestnut St., Mount Carmel, from Joanne M. Melnick, 108 N. Hickory St., Mount Carmel. Married March 12, 1977.

Coty Bordner, 1826 State Route 225, Herndon, from Brandi Lynn Bordner, 150 N. Main St., Berrysburg. Married May 16, 2008.

Brett R. Chamberlain from Erin Chamberlain, both of 322 Linden St., Sunbury. Married May 28, 2011.

Lorri Ann Goretsky, 142 Catawissa Ave., Sunbury, from Russell A. Goretsky, 508 S. Market St., Elysburg. Married March 5, 1988.

Terry McMichael, 335 Penn St., Sunbury, from Donna McMichael, 137 N. Fourth St., Sunbury. Marriage date unlisted.

Joel T. Strassner from Lorraine S. Strassner, both of 1485 Housels Run Road, Milton. Married Jan. 12, 1980.

Ronda J. Billig from Douglas M. Billig, both of 400 Airport Road, Shamokin. Married May 13, 1993.

Dorothy I. Brooks, 519 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton, from Jeremy R. Brooks, 2460 State Route 235, Millmont. Married June 18, 2006.

Barbara A. Schott, 1328 W. Montgomery St., Coal Township, from Matthew R. Schott, P.O. Box 329, Blakelee. Married Dec. 31, 2004.

Marriage licenses

Harrison David Loughery to Jill Levine, both of 2407 Valley Road, Harrisburg, issued Dec. 13, 2012.

Jeffrey Lee Derr to Karen L. Hirt, both of 1542 Walnut St., Coal Township, issued Dec. 13, 2012.

Eric M. Scicchitano to Noelle C. Kovack, both of 25 E. Church St., Shamokin, issued Dec. 15, 2012.

Property transfers

Brian G. and Barbara M. W. Albert to Zachariah W. Yost and Stacey K. Kerstetter, property in Shamokin, $63,500.

Barbara Metrocavage to Michael J. and Rita M. Goguts, Glenda M. Bonetti, property in Shamokin, $35,000.

Peggy J. Marquette estate, Peggy J. Schindler estate, Walter A. Schindler, executor, to Gregory C. and Laura A. Sones, property in Ralpho Township, $185,000.

Ryan J. and Amy E. Jones, Amy E. Wadlinger, to Ryan J. and Amy E. Jones, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Joseph C. and Nancy A. Ambrose to Darren and Cara E. Dusick, property in Mount Carmel, $40,000.

Janelle M. Brickle and Janelle M. Worhacz to Janelle M. and Alexander J. Worhacz, property in Kulpmont, $1.

Archie A. Passmore and Penny Dollar to Robert F. and Maria Dallazia, property in Snydertown, $35,000.

Victor E. Lesher to Kyle W. Lesher, property in Little Mahanoy Township, $1.

Mary L. Lenig to Jenna Lenig, property in Riverside, $83,000.

Mary F. Leshinskie to William K. and Carolyn R. Wolfe, property in Ralpho Township, $93,840.

Dean F. Piermattei to Susquehanna Avenue Corp., property in Sunbury, $1.

Jeffrey M. Steele to Victor and Kristi Nestico, property in Coal Township, $135,000.

Robert J. and Jane L. Boris to Ronald A. Grzybowski, property in Coal Township, $1.

Ralph A. Reed and Bonnie L. Bradley to Ronald A. Grzybowski, property in Coal Township, $1.

John P. and Helen Borella to James G., Linda M. and David A. Sensenig, property in Snydertown, $262,000.

Marla McIntyre and Marla and Richard Miles to Lorin and Linda Wolfe, property in Upper Augusta Township, $48,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff and Irvin F. Reigle Jr. to Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. NA, property in Coal Township, $2,209.45.

Owen R. and Doris E. Lagerman to Andrew D. Miller, property in Sunbury, $65,000.

Ronald E. Jr. and Kandy J. Schreffler to L&L Ability Realty LLC, property in Upper Augusta Township, $180,000.

Darwin Jr. and Barbara Ann Feese to Darwin R. Jr. and Barbara A. Feese, Feese Irrevocable Residential and Income Trust, two properties in Jackson Township, $1 each.

Shane M. Leitzel to Shane M. Leitzel amd Jennifer A. Duffy, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Eleanor Mosesa and Brenda Duran to Brenda Duran, property in Kulpmont, $1.

Ralph C. Teats estate, Wayne L. Teats, to Peter J. and Maureen E. Griffin, property in Shamokin Township, $25,000.

Carol S. Broadhurst to Gerald and Mary M. Costello, property in Mount Carmel Township, $10,000.

Hunter Mill Associates LLC to Stonington Redroof LLC, property in Coal Township, $29,500.

Patricia J. Pitcher estate, Kelly L. Pitcher, Kelly L. Diehel, executrix, to James J. Pitcher, property in Shamokin, $1.

Patricia J. Pitcher estate, Kelly L. Pitcher, Kelly L. Diehel, executrix, to Chad M. and James L. Sienkiewicz, property in Shamokin, $1.

Timothy R. Walsh to Timothy R. and Katelyn A. Walsh, property in Shamokin, $1.

Judy L. DePhillips to Elizabeth A. Rohrbach, property in Sunbury, $1.

Valerie Gammon to John T. Karge and Kathy L. Paul, property in Sunbury, $35,800.

William A. and Melissa L. Kratzer to Jeffrey P. Pontius, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Michelle M. Kent to Elizabeth R. Sibley, property in Coal Township, $25,900.

RANSHAW - Northum-berland County's largest waste transfer station is now open for business.

Ken Deitrick, owner of PA Waste Transfer, received final approval Dec. 6 from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to open the 9,900-square-foot facility along Quarry Road, just off Route 901. Deitrick said the building is the largest of its type in the area.

The facility is permitted to accept a maximum of 500 tons daily of municipal and residual waste, which, with few exceptions, will be on site no longer than 24 hours before being hauled to a landfill. PA Waste will work in conjunction with sister company Disposal Management Services

(DMS), which handles waste hauling.

Fred Heimbaugh III, general manager of both PA Waste Transfer and DMS, said approximately 40 tons a day of trash are currently being processed. The slow buildup, he said, is to ensure the company is doing its "due diligence."

"We are starting off slow," said Heimbaugh. "We will be tiering it up to its capacity."

Planning phase

Deitrick, who has been in the garbage business for more than 40 years, said the only feedback he has received since opening has been in the form of praise.

An extensive planning and approval phase lasted several years and was initially met with opposition by a group of Coal Township residents and wary officials due to its proximity to Ranshaw and Excelsior. However, DEP in May issued a 10-year permit.

"We have heard nothing negative since opening," Deitrick said.

He said the building was designed to limit environmental impact. The three bays accessing the tipping floor of the transfer station are positioned so the prevailing wind does not enter the building. Electronic air controls can change out the air inside the building in about two hours, Heimbaugh said.

Deitrick pointed out that the floor is shaped like a shallow bowl, which allows liquid to collect in a 4,000-gallon leachate tank. The liquid is treated at an approved sewer plant.

Once the receiving portion of the workday ends, the transfer portion begins. Tractor-trailers are loaded with up to 22 tons of trash apiece to deliver the garbage to permitted in-state landfills.

Hauling process

The business is open to commercial haulers and residents. Haulers first check in at an office building, where they will be weighed by an in-ground scale. A tipping rate will depend on the type of refuse.

They are then directed to one of three bays accessing the tipping floor, where refuse is dumped.

The facility does not accept toxic substances. Recyclable materials like metals, batteries and tires will be picked out of refuse and stored separately ahead of transfer. Electronics, which by law will be banned in state landfills on Jan. 1, will be sold to a third party.

Deitrick said the process for haulers is easy to follow and an employee will be available to assist.

"Because of the size of the facility, there is no waiting," he said.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday 8 to 11:30 a.m. The facility is closed Sundays and all national holidays.

Owners of seven properties in the Susquehanna River Valley opened their doors Saturday to several hundred visitors for a Holiday House Tour.

It was estimated more than 300 tickets were sold for the event, sponsored by Mahanoy and Mahantongo Historical and Preservation Society.

"We had no clue we were getting that many people," said Patti Sitlinger, owner of historic Penn's Tavern in Fisher's Ferry.

Sitlinger was a business executive in the transportation industry when she up and left her career behind to purchase, renovate and reopen Penn's Tavern, a German-American Restaurant and Bar that sits between Sunbury and Herndon along Route 147.

Built in 1703, it's billed as the oldest building

in Northumberland County. A brief history printed on the restaurant menu says it's believed to have been built either by Conrad Weiser as a trading post or Samuel Auchmulty as a ferry terminus.

It's also believed by some to be haunted. That includes Sitlinger, who said the tavern's ghosts are more "mischievous" than anything - locking doors, moving pots and pans, freezing the lines for draft beer.

The ambiance had visitors on Saturday believing it worthy of praise.

"There were a lot of 'oohs' and 'aahs,'" Sitlinger said.

Ceiling fresco

No doubt the same reaction visitors to Connie Tressler's home near Red Cross must have had, especially at the sight of a restored ceiling fresco.

Her brick home was built in the 1800s and first operated as Kunsman's Tavern. It was closed to the public in 1890 and purchased by Tressler's grandfather in the early 1900s. After falling into disrepair, Tressler gave it a massive restoration that began in 2004.

A bundle of energy dressed in a Christmas sweatshirt, Tressler was welcoming and excited to host friends and strangers alike. She attributed the large turnout to the mild weather, and said she'd received guests from as far away as Harrisburg.

Sisters Tamie Campbell, of Gratz, and Drene Jones, of Fisher's Ferry, visited Tressler's home together.

"It's been wonderful," Campbell said of the holiday house tour.

"Everyone has such unique tastes," said Jones, whose daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Anthony Mirarchi, opened the doors to their home in Dornsife for the event.

Other participants were the Zeigler Log House and Library and Barbara Leah home, both in Dalmatia, St. Peter's Church in Red Cross and the Steve Bobb home in Dornsife.

Prayer vigil tonight at Mountainside

COAL TOWNSHIP - There will be a prayer vigil for the people of Newtown, Conn., at 6 p.m. today at Mountainside Assembly of God, 1900 Trevorton Road (Route 225).

The event is sponsored by local churches and the entire coal region community is invited. There will be brief words, scripture reading, reflection and prayer for the families of victims, the community of Newtown and the nation.

Electronics recycling off for winter

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Recycling Center suspended electronic recycling for the winter as of the close of business Saturday.

Future notice, in approximately March, will inform the public as to when electronics will once again be accepted.