Rt. 125 crash

GOWEN CITY - An Ashland man was treated at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, after crashing his 2001 Hyundai XG300 early Saturday along Route 125 just south of the Coal Township line in East Cameron Township.

State police at Stonington said James R. Edmondson, 38, was traveling north near Point Breeze Road when his vehicle went off the road and struck a utility pole at about 2:15 a.m.

He was confined to the vehicle for approximately 20 minutes as first responders removed both passenger side doors and the front passenger seat.

Edmondson was transported to the East Cameron Township baseball field by AREA Services ambulance, from where he was flown to Geisinger.

Police described Edmondson as having moderate injuries. He was discharged from Geisinger later Saturday, according to a nursing supervisor.

Police said Edmondson was cited for a traffic violation, and that their investigation continues.

LAVELLE - A Hegins man died when the car he was driving slammed into a tree Saturday morning in Barry Township.

Eric A. French, 35, of 747 Hill Road, was pronounced dead at the scene by Schuylkill County deputy coroner Andrew Szczyglak of Shenandoah at 10:08 a.m.

The crash happened just before 9:30 a.m. at the "Y" intersection of Airport and Taylorsville roads, about three-quarters of a mile off Route 901.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said French was driving a Volkswagen Passat west on Airport Road, went through the intersection and then went off of the road, where the car struck a tree head on.

French was trapped and had to be removed by firefighters from Ashland, Lavelle and Gordon.

Damage to the car was extensive, and firefighters had to remove the roof and part of the dashboard to free the victim.

Ashland EMS assisted at the scene.

Szczyglak said a virtual autopsy was conducted on French in Hazleton, but the results were not immediately available Saturday.

Airport and Taylorsville roads were closed in the area for more than an hour while troopers investigated and the car removed from the scene.

SUNBURY - Not a single bid was made for a brand new city home - the first built in Sunbury in a decade - that was put up for auction Saturday.

The opening bid of $150,000 for the 2,100-square-foot single family home appears to have been too rich for the 20 people who showed for the auction.

It was a disappointing result for city officials who worked to acquire a run-down property at 202 Washington Ave., demolish it and built a new one in its place.

The two-story structure features 1 1/2 baths, stainless steel appliances, two gas furnaces and a large basement.

It will be placed on the open market and listed with real estate firms.

Money generated from its sale is to be placed back into a city redevelopment account for future projects.

In the past six months, the city has acquired at least five houses and demolished two to further this blight remediation program.

COAL TOWNSHIP - To help save lives this holiday season, The North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program is launching a special "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" crackdown to stop impaired drivers and to save lives on the roadways.

Northumberland County police officers said its Northumberland County coordinator, Coal Township Police Officer Edward Purcell, will be aggressively looking for impaired drivers and will arrest anyone caught driving impaired. Enforcement efforts will include sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols.

The special enforcement crackdown began Wednesday and will run through Jan. 1.

"Lots of folks will be out during this busy holiday season, enjoying themselves and the holiday festivities, and we want everyone to be safe on our roadways," said Purcell. "That's why we will be stepping up enforcement to catch and arrest impaired drivers. Please be forewarned. If you are caught drinking and driving impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses."

During 2010, more than 10,000 people were killed nationwide in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving an impaired driver.

The holiday season is a particularly dangerous time. During December 2010, 30 percent of all fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involved alcohol-impaired drivers. Data also shows that among those alcohol impaired-driving fatalities, 71 percent occurred when drivers had nearly twice the legal limit blood alcohol concentration of .15 grams per deciliter or higher.

"No one ever thinks that their holiday celebration will end in jail, or worse in a hospital or the morgue," Purcell said. "But for those who include alcohol in their celebrations and then get behind the wheel, this is often the case.

According to Purcell, violators face jail time, loss of their driver license, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work and the potential loss of a job.

Purcell said there are three simple steps people can take to stay safe and out of trouble:

- Plan ahead. If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Designate a sober driver or find another safe way home. One too many drinks increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle.

- If you are impaired, find another way home. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transporation.

- Be responsible. If someone you know is driving, do not let them get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone's life, and inaction could cost a life.

"We want everyone to enjoy their holidays, but we also want our roadways to be safe," said Purcell. "We will be out in force to help save lives, and we are not going to tolerate impaired driving. So remember, 'drive sober or get pulled over.' We will be watching."

For more information, visit the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign Headquarters at www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober.

by justin strawser

MOUNT CARMEL - The new landlord registration fee that will be proposed at tonight's borough workshop meeting by Councilman Joseph Lapotsky is intended to replace the $100 registration free already in place.

Lapotsky said he now plans to propose an annual $25 fee per unit instead of keeping a flat flee for each landlord in the borough.

When he introduced the idea of a new fee last month, it was intended to be in addition to the $100, but he says that will now change.

His suggestion has been met with opposition by a number of borough landlords.

By removing the licensing fee and charging landlords per unit, Lapotsky said it will be "more fair and equitable" to those landlords with one property compared to landlords with multiple properties.

'Cry all they want'

While critics have said the borough is out for a money-grab, Lapotsky said it may actually lose money if the new system is implemented.

There are approximately 150 landlords in the borough, so a $100 fee as exists now could generate as much as $15,000, if all fees are collected. With approximately 560 rentals units in the borough and $25 per inspection, the potential total is just $14,000, he said.

"The ones with multiple properties will cry, and they can cry all they want," Lapotsky said. "Let them try to justify the fairness of a flat fee of 100 bucks to me. I can't wait to hear it. They're going to be embarrassed."

He understands that landlords would be upset, but others think it could help fund efforts to fight blight, better the housing market and establish fairness.

"All of the commentary I received on this has been very supportive," he said.

The current ordinance, passed in 2008, requires landlords to pay an annual $100 licensing fee. They also pay $40 for the first inspection of a rental house and $20 for each annual inspection after that. Owners of rental apartments pay $20 for the first inspection and $15 per annual inspection. The inspection fees would remain, Lapotsky said.

Change won't help

Landlord David S. Fantini, of 106 E. Seventh St., who led the charge against Lapotsky's plan with a recent letter to the editor signed by nine landlords, said he has no confidence the new ordinance would be effective.

"By changing it from $100 to $25 per unit, how will that make the housing better?" he said. "As a community, we need a plan to make people accountable for the rental properties that they put on the market. We're for nice housing. We need something that will work."

Lapotsky will be present the topic for discussion at 7:30 p.m. meeting. A first reading of the ordinance or an amendment to the current ordinance could potentially be voted on at Thursday's regular meeting. If accepted, it would have to be advertised before final approval is possible Jan. 17.

Fantini's letter called for landlords to meet at the borough chamber, Fourth and Vine streets, for the meetings.

Nursing scholarships available

Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania (NAP), a nonprofit foundation created to recognize and retain nurses in the Commonwealth, announces the availability of nursing scholarship funds.

The scholarships will be awarded in the spring and are available to be used for tuition, books and educational fees.

Recipients will be selected based on their academic achievement, leadership potential as evidenced by special honors, community service and personal commitment to the profession of nursing.

Deadline to apply is Jan. 31.

For more information or to download an application, visit www.nightingaleawards.org.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A sign hangs inside the lobby of Mountainside Assembly of God Church that reads "Love God, Love Our Neighbors, Bless The World!"

Its message played out inside the church sanctuary Sunday evening as about 70 people attended a prayer vigil in memory of the victims of Friday's massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

Their heads bowed in unison, their prayers were for the victims, their families and our collective futures.

Pastor Richard Earl said a community gathering for prayer is crucial as there is strength in numbers, even in prayer.

"There's a secret with prayer and that is receiving the grace of God," he said prior to the start of the vigil. "It's an unexplainable peace that only is understood by those who receive Him."

Earl, Pastor Robert Peiffer of St. John's UCC, Shamokin, and Pastor Samuel Bellavia of Shamokin Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Shamokin, were among the clergy who helped arrange the vigil and lead the prayers.

Although the Sandy Hook tragedy is physically distant, Bellavia agreed that its repercussions are shared by many across the globe.

Prayer, Bellavia said, is a communication with God that not only brings about personal benefits but also allows intercessions on the behalf of others.

The hope was that the prayers from the Shamokin-Coal Township area would help those in Newtown who, as Bellavia said, are "our brothers and sisters in Christ."

Earl said the shooting is proof that humanity is a fallen race, and that only God can provide comfort and meaning in times like these.

"Left to ourselves, we don't do very well," Earl said of humans deciding to take their fate into their own hands and removing God from the equation. "That's why I've spent my life pointing people to the only one who knows the answers."

Bellavia said a challenge exists for those with faith to rise and reflect on God's good nature.

"If we withdraw from God, we're left trying to generate our own light, and we can't," he said.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; shopping at Boscov's, be at destination at 9:30 a.m, depart for home at 1 p.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Walk a Mile with Amy, 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Christmas Jingo, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Chit Chat, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Chair dancing exercise, 9 a.m.; preparing for center Christmas party, 10 a.m.; Christmas carol sing-a-long, 11 a.m.; Christmas party, 1 p.m.; entertainment by Christine Smith, 2 p.m.

Thursday - Puzzle time, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; find a word, 1 p.m.

Friday - Chit Chat, 9 a.m.; movie presentation, 9:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Wii in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; pinochle-cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; bunco, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; Trip to Riverside SAC to visit their coffeehouse, van will leave center at 8:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia- Wilburton

Monday - Christmas ball painting, food boxes available.

Tuesday - Christmas party at Greene's.

Wednesday - Christmas ball painting and celebrating birthdays.

Thursday - Assisted living talk with Janet.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Bingo, noon; soup and sandwich luncheon for those that signed up.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon

Trevorton

Monday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; card games.

Tuesday - Center will be closed to attend breakfast by the NCCTC Culinary Arts class at Herndon SAC from 9:30 to 1 p.m. Donation of $5 is expected; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Scrabble, Phase 10 and UNO, 9:30 a.m.; special lunch; shopping at Weis Markets, 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Thursday - Special lunch, Christmas party, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Shopping at the Lycoming Mall, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; exercise with Amy, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

by Justin Strawser

MOUNT CARMEL - The borough councilman who will propose a controversial new landlord registration fee at tonight's workshop meeting is also planning to introduce a "quality of life" ordinance.

It would allow the borough code enforcement officer and police officers to issue tickets similar to parking tickets when code violations - such as trash, high weeds, animal feces and snow and ice removal - are discovered.

The goal, said Councilman Joseph Lapotsky, is to resolve the issue of blight and problem properties that are keeping the town looking shabby, and reduce costs to both the municipality and violators. The tickets, if paid, can circumvent the need for court appearances and legal fees in relation to citations.

"We got to clean this town up; it's a mess," Lapotsky said last week. "I have seen discarded sofas and other types of furniture and TV sets right out on the sidewalks."

A ticket doesn't carry the same weight as a citation and would give people a fair warning to get their properties cleaned up before higher penalties are imposed, he said.

Shamokin, Coal Township and Kulpmont have all passed similar ordinances this year, but none has used the "quality of life" label.

Shamokin and Coal Township punish violators with a $25 fine for the first offense. The cost of the fines rise to $50, $100 and $300 for subsequent offenses, after which a citation is issued. Violators have 10 days to pay before a citation is issued and the matter lands in court. The previous system saw nuisance violators issued a citation immediately - a lengthy and costly process.

In Kulpmont, violators have 30 days to pay the fines before the issue is taken to the district magistrate.

Lapotsky said he wants the "quality of life" ordinance to have similar increments and payment periods before violations become higher offenses.

He has been researching the actions taken by Reading, and will be presenting that community's ordinance as a guide.

Reading has been successful in the implementation of the program, and so have Allentown, Pottsville, Mahanoy City, West Mahanoy Township, Shenandoah, Hazleton and West Hazleton. Allentown's mayor, who spoke about the ordinance, was the guest speaker during a local conference on blight. Girardville Borough Council was planning to adopt its "quality of life" ordinance this month.

Mayor J. Kevin Jones said he would reserve comment on the ordinance until the meeting.

Southern Columbia

CATAWISSA R.R. - The Southern Columbia Area School District has announced its honor roll for the first marking period of the 2012-2013 school year.

Students named to the distinguished honor roll have attained a marking period average of 95 percent or better in their classes.

Students named to the honor roll have attained a marking period average between 88 and 94.999 percent in their classes.

Distinguished honors

Grade 5 - Jared Broscious, Mikaela Brouse, Hailey Ciocco, Madison Colella, Jessica Delbo, Kayla Gallagher, Gina Gratti, Kayla Hauer, Jacob Herr, Nathan Kearney, Aaron Koschoff-Rapkin, Sophia Koschoff-Rapkin, Taylor LeVan, Brady Reese, Emma Rosko, Elijah Rush, Erick Shufeldt, Alyssa Strocko, Aden Trathen, Brandon Walz, Leslie Wolfe and Ronald Zsido.

Grade 6 - Colt Bernhard, Jadyn Brezinski, Carly Britch, Kari Cambria, Haleigh Carter, Cara Cecco, Autumn Chassie, Morgan Cole, Hanna Davis, Troy Donlan, Jared Ebersole, Meredith Fahringer, Susan Gembic, DeeDee George, Gabriella Kaminski, Brooklynn Kuijpers, Allyson Leiby, Caitlyn Lichtel, Joseph Lobos, Meghan Longenhagen, Jillian Marks, Connor McGinley, Kaitlyn McHale, Calista Noll, Samantha Palacz, Sarah Rodriguez, Viktoria Romania, Haley Scopelliti, Alec Sharrow, Cassandra Sharrow, Michael Steele and Alexandra Willhouse.

Grade 7 - Seth Barrett, Gabrielle Bebenek, Breanna Burd, Cecelia Cook, Justin Derk, Meghan Duzick, Elijah Hoffman, Natalie Hunter, Grace Joseph, Megan Kearney, Haley Knoebel, Kristin Kremser, Katelynn Kuijpers, Jaret Lane, Jaden Laskoski, Autumn McDonald, Colton Mensch, Lauren Mudrock, Veronica Polyniak, Jacob Renn, Anthony Scicchitano, Emily Wolfe and Eli Yemzow.

Grade 8 - Phoebe Bridy, Elizabeth Bryden, Alexis Burd, Jessica Derk, Francesca Forti, Claudia Girardi, Jessica Henrichs, Elliot Hicks, Carter Houseknecht, Daniel Hulsizer, Todd Lane, Sabin Laskoski, Sarah Lupatsky, Kyla Madara, Marc Malkoskie, Mary Scopelliti, Angeli Sen, Tricia Shufeldt, Isaac Wynn, Marc Yeager and Cameron Young.

Grade 9 - Ahmed Abdul-Al, Lena Becker, Casey Bernhard, Olivia Bodner, Gabriella Delbo, Jackson Dorey, Emily Eck, Olivia Greene, Stephanie Haupt, Aiyona Hayman, Robert Hergan, Abigail Herr, Nicholas Jessick, Blair Johnston, Zsofia Kandrot, Tyler Keiser, Katherine Koschoff-Rapkin, Haley Levan, Elizabeth Lieberman, Blake Marks, Lon Morris, Amara Nazario, Elyse Noll, Natalia Oliveri, Regan Roadarmel, Jordyn Ryzner, Mackenna Shively, Matthew Srednicki, Ryan Stimer, Alexys Yannes and Samantha Yeick.

Grade 10 - Brandon Ciocco, Trent Donlan, Dustin Durovick, Kasey Fabian, Natalie George, Allison Honabach, Katelin Ivey, Kyle Mostik, Julia Mudrock, Brady Petrovich, Victoria Ring, Samantha Schultz, Kirstein Sharrow, Alyssa Stavinski, Connor Swank, Vanessa Thomas, Adriana Townsend, Adam Weissert, John Wilson and Madison Yocum.

Grade 11 - Mackenzie Brouse, Anne Bryden, Bailey Bzdak, Mackenzie Clark, Shannon Daubert, Justin Ernest, Jenna Gutekunst, Kristina Hartranft, Nathan Hunter, Carissa Jones, Lauren Kerstetter, Racquel Kreischer, Jensen Kremser, Tegan Kriebel, Nathaniel Leiby, Matthew Lupold, McKenna Lupold, Cody Olson, Avory Pantalone, Allen Potter, Gabrielle Scherer, Kara Scull, Sabyasachi Sen, Teanna Shutt, Anne Snyder, Amber Srednicki, Madelyn Stabinski, John Stanishefski, Andrew Steely and Angela Vought.

Grade 12 - Deena Bigelow, Kirstin Blass, Kayla Broom, Katie Dunkelberger, Erin Fitzpatrick, Morgan Fulmer, Jeffrey Hall, Kelly Henry, Danielle Knoeppel, Kayla Lavella, Abby Menefee, Kaitlin Mowery, Jasmine Olvany, Shelby Petro, Olivia Potter, Andrew Sassani, Maria Scicchitano, Dylan Swank, Mallory Tomaschik and Kathryn Varano.

Honor roll

Grade 5 - Evan Bebenek, Maura Blusius, Franklin Brassard, Kiersten Brecht, Hannah Bridy, Luke Brokus, Grace Bzdak, Jamie Chen, Max Clark, Halle Cox, Patrick Edmondson, Amelia Esposito, Kaylin Fetterolf, Ethan Haupt, Braden Heim, William Henry, Nathaniel Hicks, Nathan Hunsinger, Makenna Keefer, Michelle Kerstetter, Wade Kerstetter, Brianna Kopp, Allyson Kranzel, Austin Leiby, Cade Linn, Morgan Marks, Morgan McCormick, Ian Nevius, Kathryn Pollard, Lear Quinton, Emilia Raup, Ty Roadarmel, Lauren Rose, Maxwell Shirvinski, Joseph Szuler, Alicia Trathen, Chloe Wegrzynowicz, Bristol Welliver, Dorran Wetzel, Thomas Williams and Rilyn Wisloski.

Grade 6 - Alexis Barnes, Erin Biddiscombe, Hannah Bradley, Brett Brassington, Nathaniel Crowl, Emily Davis, Benjamin Dodson, Ethan Dunkelberger, Kortney Fasold, Alexus Fetterman, Julian Fleming, Jacob Gessner, Madison Glosek, Cal Haladay, Abigail Henrichs, Tiffany Horton, Matthew Irons, Kaitlyn Karlovich, Lindsey Kerstetter, Nicole Kerstetter, Ethan Knoebel, Tyler Kriebel, Ethan Long, Olivia McGinley, Shane Miller, Michael Miner, Gabriel O'Donnell, Payton Pursel, Marley Seger, Cally Seidel, Parker Shadle, Johnathan Sherman, Kevin Sincavage, Oak Six, Cameryn Sock, John Stabinski, Jacob Stahley, Madison Straub, Shayla Swartz, Riley Thomas, William Wegrzynowicz, Desiree Welkom and Teagan Wilk.

Grade 7 - Andrew Bell, Shannon Bendas, Tyler Bendas, Cassi Bennage, Tyler Beyer, Sheila Brassard, Lauren Carl, Luc Champoux, Blake Day, Joseph Ditzler, Vance Erdman, Joseph Evans, Bradley Fisher, Domunic Gaines, John Gembic, Mackenzie Gidaro, Albert Goodlunas, Abigail Hager, Kristina Hallick, Devon Hartman, Tristan Heim, Madison Klock, Justin Kofskie, Hannah Laughlin, Calista Long, Ashley Miller, Whitney Morris, Alexa Mowery, Jacob Petro, Cole Potter, Hailey Reeder, Natalie Ring, Marley Roadarmel, Paige Sharrow, Abigail Shimock, Victoria Stare, Brett Szuler, Brandon Troy, Amanda Unger, Chase Urban, Dakota Welkom and Casey Winter.

Grade 8 - Mariah Adams, Jacob Bainbridge, Cameron Bauman, Alana Bendas, Devan Beyer, Noah Bloom, Noah Blusius, Leo Bradley, Noah Brecht, Kolby Carl, William Clark, Hailey Cooper, Howard Cowell, Sydney Damgaard, Olivia Dobson, Scott Ellis, Dean Fedder, Nicholas Fetterman, Dylan Gatrell, Miranda Gipple, Anthony Girardi, Matthew Haupt, Lauryn Hower, Samantha Jankowski, Dominick Kandrot, Nathan Kehoe, Magnum Kline, Kelsey Koharski, Ryan Lichtel, Lindsay Lindenmuth, James McHugh, Drew Michaels, Coby Mickel, Julia Moyle, Gabrielle Nahodil, Erika Patrick, Skylar Pickett, Christina Podpora, Wesley Powell, Joseph Quintanilla, Cassidy Roadarmel, Raevin Rosenbaum, Cassidy Sabo, Jacob Santor, Elijah Seidel, Deryn Seltzer, Brian Sevison, Brandon Shepard, Danielle Smith, Brianna Snyder, Brooke Sudol, Shane Tripp, Courtney Varano, Ryley Wetzel, Hunter Whitmoyer, Tyler Wiest, Aliyah Wilk and Justin Woods.

Grade 9 - Jessica Adamski, Laken Anderson, Nicholas Becker, Matthew Bell, Marc Boyer, Kayla Broscious, Alexandria Brown, Sarah Brown, Dustin Chaundy, Mackenzie Chaundy, Cassie Cowell, Gabriel Delbo, Gregory Delbo, Andrea Derr, Jadyn Dunkelberger, Kaylee Durovick, Abby Fleishauer, Hunter Flore, Shylynn Flowers, Hannah Gratti, Mackenzie Haladay, Juliana Hansen, Gregory Hidlay, Johniathin Ivey, Thomas Ivey, Aaron Kroh, Maggie Kushner, William Marzeski, Jansen McDonald, Ashley Miller, Hope Miller, Joseph Molter, Jillian Oley, Lauren Parsons, Sarah Pollard, Jacob Potter, Madison Purnell, Robert Scull, Molly Shoup, Nathan Smith, Virgil Sudol, Stephen Toczylousky, Jared Torres, Mitchell Tyson, Rachelle Viruet, Dayne Wetzel, Bradley Whyne and Joshua Yoder.

Grade 10 - Grayson Belles, Tia Billig, Jared Brezinski, Valerie Burkoski, Amanda Burns, Bailey Carl, Noah Carl, Samantha Clark, Dalton Danglovitch, Alexandra Evans, Rose-Ellen Fahringer, Lauren Gedman, Matthew Gregorowicz, Samantha Gregorowicz, Rebecca Harder, Taylor Hoffman, Connor Houseknecht, Steven Hricenak, Seth Joseph, Michael Klebon, Stephen Knouse, Kent Lane, Kayla Levan, Megan Lunger, Thomas Marinelli, Ryan Matukaitis, Anthony McKenney, Adam Mommo, Kailey Morris, Michael Newton, Brent Nichols, Bradley Noll, Robert Oakum, Miranda Payeskie, Julia Podpora, Luke Rarig, Cole Roadarmel, Anthony Rodriguez, Samantha Romania, Miranda Rose, Jacob Ryan, William Schu, Ashlyn Shoemaker, Trystanne Toczylousky, Jacob Trathen, Charles Wertman, Austin Wilcox and Lauren Yeick.

Grade 11 - Nathan Beagle, Nina Benner, Reba Broadfield, Amanda Consentino, Alexandra Cove, Brandon Cox, Aaron Crawford, Collyn Drake, Destiny Duncan, Janelle Erdman, Adam Feudale, Sarah Fisher, Angelo Forti, Christopher Fulgham, John Gennaria, Tessa Haines, Sarah Harder, Ashley Hill, Katelyn Klinger, Kathryn Knause, Jonathan Kofskie, Grayson Krieger, Max Kushner, Ryan Leisenring, Storm Letterman, Miranda Long, Rebekah Lyash, Madalyn Marzeski, Koy McCloskey, Megan McHugh, Douglas Michaels, Nathaniel Mitchell, Stephanie Myers, Mason Peters, Christian Rutkoski, Zachary Schuerch, Hannah Semiclose, Brett Shepard, Hannah Snyder, Garett Sosnoski, Beau Tamanini, Jennifer Treshock, Joshua Tripp, Molly Van Wieren, Jessica Watkins, Kc Welkom, Michael Willhoit, Tristan Williams and Erin Yoder.

Grade 12 - Bethany Adamski, Kimberly Allen, Jacob Becker, Cody Beggs, Tyler Behrent, Madison Beisswanger, Chase Belles, Megan Chaundy, Ryan Cherwinski, Anthony Chiavaroli, Alexa Crowl, Joseph Domanski, Morgan Fidler, Vincenzio Forti, Haley Fulmer, Kellina Gilroy, Emily Grosch, Samantha Hafen, Nicholas Hansen, Austin Howard, Kendra Jones, Miranda Jurgill, Alyssa Keller, Matthew Klock, Delila Molter, Samantha Mowery, Karl Myhre, Michael Oley, Bryce Parry, Kimberly Reigle, Marisa Rhodes, Jansen Ring, Jeffrey Rooney, Shawn Sevison, Christian Sherwood, Brett Shultz, Kayla Sincavage, Shawna Swartz, Paul Thomas, Alec Tobaygo, Celeste Valencik, Chantal Varano, William Wertman and Taylor Young.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A newly established scholarship to offset tuition to Catholic schools in the Harrisburg Diocese could open the doors of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School to scores of area children.

The Neumann Scholarship Foundation was gifted $246,213 during a school assembly Monday - funding that is specifically earmarked for Lourdes.

The funding was made possible through a homegrown effort to recruit businesses to participate in a state tax credit program - Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program - that directly benefits a school of choice.

Based on the combined average tuition paid for elementary and high school students, the money could offset full cost of tuition for nearly 85 students in 2013-14.

Wider impact could be had through the award of partial scholarships.

Financial restrictions on the scholarship are well above average household incomes reported in local communities, according to 2010 Census data.

"There may be parents who were thinking of sending a child to Our Lady of

Lourdes and can't afford it. Now you can come and get a scholarship," said Jacqueline Kerris, Lourdes' director of development.

"Most people will qualify," she said.

Income eligibility

There are 425 students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade at Lourdes, up about 70 students from last year, Kerris said.

The cost to send a student to the elementary school for one year is $2,100; high school, $3,700.

Household income must be below $75,000 to qualify for the Neumann scholarship. That number balloons $15,000 with each dependent.

A household with two children would need to earn less than $105,000 to qualify, well above the mean incomes of Coal Township, Shamokin and surrounding communities.

The income eligibility for next school year has increased over the limits set for 2012-13.

Awareness 'key'

Tony Varano Jr., a business professional and Lourdes alumnus, helped lead the effort for the Catholic school to benefit from a decade-old program that expanded under Gov. Tom Corbett's administration.

The Our Lady of Lourdes Alumni Foundation was formed last year, and its members spent four weeks learning about EITC. After that, they pushed to raise awareness by recruiting other alumni and local business leaders to participate in the program.

"Awareness of the program was key. The support and love for the school is in our community. They, the business leaders, just needed to be aware of the program and then it was an easy decision for them," Varano said during a school assembly Monday at which a ceremonial oversized check was presented to Bishop Joseph P. McFadden for the Neumann Scholarship Foundation.

Response to a call made by Our Lady of Lourdes Alumni Foundation was so generous that the school in one year soared from bottom to top in EITC money earmarked to schools in the diocese, he said.

McFadden, who offered prayer for the victims of the shooting massacre in Newtown, Conn., said after the assembly that the use of tax money to the benefit of a private Catholic school is a step in the right direction.

That a parent of a child who attends private school pays tax money to support public education, even when public education isn't supporting their child, is a civil rights issue and one of "bigotry," he said.

"The money should follow the child," he said, stressing that in the case of EITC benefitting the Neumann Scholarship Fund, it is doing just that.

Just beginning

The scholarship money will roll over from one year to the next if it is not all awarded ahead of 2013-14, Kerris said; however, the goal is to give it to eligible families and boost the school's enrollment.

Apart from helping families, it also helps the school by freeing up cash that had been used for tuition assistance. Kerris said greater investment can now be made in the facility and educational tools.

With this year's EITC funding, Varano said Lourdes is just beginning to reap the tax credit program's benefits. Next year, the hope is to more than double the money.

"I hope with your work and dedication to be back here next year to present the bishop a check for $500,000 or more," he said during the assembly.

An open house will be held at Lourdes during Catholic Schools Week from Jan. 27 to Feb. 3. All parents interested in exploring the school's offerings are urged to attend, and further information on the event will be released as the date approaches.

For more information on the scholarship, e-mail OLOLinfo@supportlourdes.org.

There is one gift this holiday season that doesn't need wrapping that will benefit everyone in your home - electrical safety.

We all want our holidays to be remembered for the right reasons and not for a home fire or electrical accident. At this time of year, pay extra attention, whether you're hanging holiday decorations, cooking or warding off the winter chill.

Play it safe and make sure good safety sense isn't dulled by the holiday rush. It's a busy time of year, but don't forget to checkig electric cords for damage, not overloading outlets and more.

Statistics show home fires and electric accidents increase during the winter holidays. The following safety advice can help keep the holidays happy.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 150 home fires are caused each year by decorative and holiday lights.

Reduce the likelihood of fire

- Use lights approved for safe use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

- Never connect more than three strands of incandescent lights together. Consider purchasing LED lights, which are more energy efficient and burn cooler.

- Before decorating, determine how many outlets are available and where they are located.

- Plan your displays accordingly. Carefully inspect each electrical decoration. Cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire.

- Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices. They can overheat and cause a fire.

- Make sure that cords are not pinched in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture, which could damage the cord's insulation.

- Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving home or going to sleep.

Tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation

- Have your heating system inspected annually by a licensed, qualified professional.

- Use space heaters properly and safely. Keep them out of high-traffic areas and at least three feet from anything that can burn.

- Do not leave a space heater running unattended. Turn space heaters off and unplug them when you leave the room or go to sleep.

- Never leave an open flame, including the fireplace, unattended.

In addition to these tips, don't forget to check out the PPL Electric Utilities' safety page, www.pplelectric.com/safety. It's filled with information to help keep you safe no matter the time of year. ESFI also has great electrical safety information at www.esfi.org.

Electrical safety is important everywhere, every time, at home, work or play.

All the best this holiday season from all of us at PPL Corporation.

Letters to Santa still welcome

SHAMOKIN - Children have until Wednesday to submit letters for The News-Item's annual Letters to Santa program.

Letters to Santa can be dropped off or sent to The News-Item at 707 N. Rock St., Shamokin 17872 by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

With help from long-time local radio DJ Tom Kutza, Santa can be heard reading children's letters each day at newsitem.com.

Name the deer contest ending

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Lions and Mount Carmel Rotary clubs name the deer contest will end at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Winners will be announced Thursday.

Ballot boxes are located in Hollywood Bakery, Academy Sports Center and Matlow's Clothing Store, all on Oak Street.

Santa comes to Atlas Thursday

ATLAS - Atlas Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and firefighters will host the annual Santa in the Park visit from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Santa will be in the gazebo and will provide candy and a surprise for all area children. There will be free hot dogs and hot chocolate.

Shamokin Area dismisses early

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area School District will dismiss early Friday for an Act 80 Day, which also kicks off the holiday break.

The middle/high school will dismiss at 12:18 p.m.; the elementary schools at 12:45 p.m.

Pre-K afternoon students will have class.

Schools will remain closed from Monday through Jan. 1. Classes resume Jan. 2. The district administration office will open Dec. 27 and 28.

KLINGERSTOWN - The Tri-Valley School District will hold a special public meeting today to address concerns children at the Mahantongo Elementary School may have been exposed to rabies.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Mahantongo Elementary School, just prior to the school's annual holiday program.

According to Superintendent Mark D. Snyder, sometime between Tuesday, Dec. 4, and Wednesday, Dec. 5, a gray striped farm cat from an adjacent property approached students on the school's playground.

Snyder said several children were in contact with the cat, but he didn't report a specific number.

The cat died Saturday, Dec. 8, and was taken to Sunbury Animal Hospital and later transported to Harrisburg for testing. The Department of Health, as well as the property owner, notified the school district Wednesday that the cat tested positive for rabies, Snyder said.

Three representatives from the state Department of Health are scheduled to attend today's meeting to answer parents' questions and concerns, Snyder said.

Parents were advised to contact the Department of Health, Pottsville office at 621-3112 and were asked to contact the school if they believed their child was exposed to rabies.

For more information about the rabies virus, contact Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov, the Pennsylvania Department of Health at www.health.state.pa.us and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

MOUNT CARMEL - A new landlord fee being proposed by Councilman Joseph Lapotsky brought much criticism from at least two dozen landlords Monday night at the Mount Carmel Borough workshop meeting.

Dr. Raphael Adinolfi, of 110 N. Maple St., called any new fees for landlords "nonsense" and "just plain stupid."

In fact, he told the council during approximately 80 minutes worth of discussion in a crowd of 32 individuals, "We are the ones fighting blight!"

Adinolfi, 69, who moved to the borough from Brooklyn 12 years ago, is the owner of 20 units in Mount Carmel, said landlords who buy properties and fix them up should be rewarded. "We should get a $50 grant for every house we take on," he said.

Following the meeting, Adinolfi also called the proposal "counter-productive" and "a personal vendetta" against landlords.

Lapotsky's idea is to charge landlords an annual $25 fee per unit instead of keeping a flat registration fee of $100, which would allow a more "fair and equitable" system for landlords with one property compared to landlords with multiple properties. He also said the change could help punish landlords who are perpetuating blighted properties.

"It was never my intention to rip anybody off or deceive anyone. I'm not here to hurt landlords. I'm not here to hurt tenants," he said.

He said Councilman Clem Plisiewicz, who is also a landlord of four properties in the borough, is one of his best friends and he recognizes the model landlords such as David Fantini, who was at the meeting, but, "$25 was not going to hurt anyone."

Fantini said it was not fair to charge the $100 fee, but also said it wasn't fair to say the fees are to clean up the town.

"It is not the responsibility of landlords to pay for the blight issue. It is the whole community," he said.

It was previously reported by Code Enforcement Officer Robin Williams there were approximately 150 landlords in the borough, but Councilman Robert Shirmer had an updated list that was closer to 300.

His list cross referenced a list from the sewer authority, he said.

Landlord John McGee said he could live with a new fee if Lapotsky compromised and got rid of the inspection fees. Landlord Jeff Costello agreed, saying one or the other would be agreeable.

"We're all upset because we're getting picked on for every little thing. What's next?" Landlord Mike Magennis said.

Both Fantini and Adinolfi suggested that Williams needed more help with the code enforcement issues because he is being overwhelmed with problem landlords.

"You (the council) are ineffective. To a New Yorker, it just looks stupid," Adinolfi said.

President Tony Matulewicz reminded the public that no vote could be taken during the workshop meeting.

Lapotsky said he plans to make a motion Thursday night to adopt the new fee, but he doesn't expect to get a second.

Four Mount Carmel Area students were named Elks Students of the Month in October.

Senior student of the month is Thomas Stief, a son of Bill and Barbara Stief, of Mount Carmel. Stief is a member of the varsity wrestling team, tech ed club, Spanish club and National Honor Society. He won the Elks Teenager of the Month award in 2008 and was awarded the most dedicated award for the wrestling team in the 2010-2011 season. He has been on the honor roll since second grade. His interests include wrestling, playing guitar, running and reading. Stief has joined the Navy and will ship out July 9.

Junior Student of the Month is sophomore Isabella Stellar, a daughter of Ed and Shelly Stellar, of Kulpmont. Stellar in involved in varsity soccer, basketball and track, and participates in the band and school musicals. She is a member of the National Honor Society, was a previous Elks Junior Student of the Month and Junior High Pride Award winner and likes spending time with her family and friends and listening to music. Her future plans are to attend a four-year college to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner.

The Teen of the Month Award was awarded to Breanna Kruskie, a daughter of Maryann and Tom Kruskie, of Atlas. Kruskie has taken part in the summer cooking club for two years and the TIES after-school camps. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and playing with her little brother and her dogs Otis and Olivia. After high school, she plans to become a nurse.

The Junior Teen of the Month is seventh grade student, Anthony Moser, a son of Tom and Brenda Moser, of Natalie. Moser has been an honor roll student at Mount Carmel Area since fourth grade. He plays teener league baseball for Locust Gap and junior high basketball, runs cross country, is in the TIES fitness program and will be a member of the junior high track team. In his free time, Moser likes to play basketball, baseball and board games and hang out with his friends and family. He also enjoys riding four wheelers, camping, hunting and fishing. His goal is to practice sports medicine.

PHILADELPHIA - Three women, formerly of the Shamokin area, participated in the Philadelphia Marathon Nov. 17 and 18.

Janelle Kiersnowski, Taryn Vanaskie and Josette Savidge were among the more than 30,000 runners from all 50 states and more than 40 countries who ran in the marathon.

Race competitors chose between a half marathon or the full course and traveled 13.1 and 26.2 miles of Philadelphia, passing historical landmarks such as the Liberty Bell along the way.

Kiersnowski and Savage participated in the 26.5 marathon in Memphis Dec. 1 to support St. Jude Children's Hospital with donations from friends and family.

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Newtown, Conn., Line Mountain Superintendent Dave Campbell said he would support any changes that would prevent such tragedies - including arming teachers or having more of a police presence in schools.

"If a great plan was put together with good logic, it's always something to explore, if it could potentially save lives," Campbell said Monday.

With the proper training, an armed teacher might be able to save lives inside a school, he said.

Campbell also recognized the limitations, saying a trained teacher might not even be near a shooter to stop him.

However, the superintendent said he would prefer seeing trained law enforcement officers in the school over armed teachers.

"That's their (police) job. That's what they've trained to do their whole life," Campbell said.

Keeping students safe versus keeping their lives normal is a balancing act every day, he said.

"You try to continue with normal school days without causing students anxiety. As you try to improve, you try not to disrupt their school day. You do what you can to protect them, but you try to keep their lives normal," he said.

Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush anticipates that there will be more funding in 2013 to support school resource officers in response to the tragedy.

The Mount Carmel Area School District has a school resource officer until Dec. 31, but Hollenbush wants to keep the position there.

"A lot of little souls were taken that didn't need to be taken. As a parent and law enforcement officer, I am here for the school district. They shouldn't have to worry that they won't come home at the end of the day. I will continue in whatever capacity I can to keep the officer in the school setting," he said.

He said stricter gun control might not solve the problem.

"Would it really stop the issue? It might be a deterrent, but I don't think it will give the total answer," he said.

Time for action

Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini said he sees no reason for anyone to own an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, which is "essentially a machine gun."

"It's true purpose is killing. It's not a weapon that should be out in the public. That sort of weapon is not okay for a modern society," he said.

Rosini was quick to note he wasn't advocating a ban on guns and said he owns a pistol himself, but he echoed the president's words by saying something needs to be done to prevent these types of tragedies.

"I don't have a crystal ball on what would change society. Nationally, we need to look at all the factors and address those issues. It's time to take action," he said.

Rosini also said he supports laws that would improve mental health services provided to those who need them.

He said he has seen and heard a lot of threats in his career.

"You just don't know which person will be the person that will act on what they said. It's just impossible to predict what human beings will do," he said.

Dr. Donna Pinter, founder and director of Psychological Services Clinic, which has offices in Bloomsburg, Danville and Sunbury, said it's common for people to attempt to make sense of tragedies.

"We all want answers. How could something so horrible like this happen? But to answer this question, there's no real answer. It's outside the realm of logic," she said.

Individuals in mental health treatment usually don't kill others; it is those who are not receiving any kind of treatment who pose a threat, she said.

"The frustration is we don't want people to blame mental health issues across the board. That's not right. Focus on the person, not the diagnosis," she said.

Dr. Frederick Gimino, a psychologist at the Psychological Services Clinic, said there are often clear warning signs or behaviors of violence.

"If we have patients who say these things, we take them seriously. If someone is suicidal, we take it seriously," he said.

Pinter said the local area has a "vast amount" of mental health services to help people in need.

She also said the tragedy in Connecticut is complex and there may never be a way to figure out why it happened.

LOCUSTDALE - A Service of Remembrance will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Grace Evangelical Independent Church on Main Street.

The Revs. Raymond Orloski and Richard Hazzard will preside at the service, sponsored by Mount Carmel Area Ecumenical Ministerium.

The ministerium sent a press release on the event, shared below:

"The holidays are seen as a joyous time of the year. Images of gaily dressed adults singing 'Silent Night' at the candlelight service and wonder-eyed children on Christmas morning are part of the scene we relive in our minds. The music we hear speaks of having a 'holy jolly Christmas,' or paints the picture of the tender birth scene of our Lord, surrounded by shepherds and kings, angels and creatures, all basking in the warm glow of an amazing star, the Bethlehem star, shining bright in the heavens.

"For many people, however, the approaching holidays are not a joyous time. As families gather together, in the midst of all the celebrations, the pain of a lost friend, a lost family member or perhaps a lost family is felt even more sharply. Other losses, those of relationships, health or jobs, press upon our minds. For many people, the Christmas season is the most depressing time of year. Through their tears and sadness, they can't see the bright twinkling lights, hear the joyous carols or say 'Merry Christmas.'

"As the nights get ever longer, and the darkness grows around us, there is a real battle being waged in many people's lives and in our communities - against unemployment, depression and loss, against violence and despair. All of the colored lights, Christmas cookies and holiday feasts cannot overcome this darkness that surrounds us.

"And so, we come together to strengthen each other. On the eve of the longest night of the year we gather, as Christians, to acknowledge that, yes, darkness is present both in the world and in our own lives. But as true children of God, we know that as we come together, we will be illumined by the light of the Christ Child.

"Come and join us with your family and friends, so that the light of the Christ Child, born in a lowly stable, himself an outcast, might bring comfort, peace and joy into your lives this holiday season."

SUNBURY - A Northumberland County judge filed in a court notice Monday his intent to sue two county officials as well as a court-appointed guardian for juveniles.

A writ of summons was issued to Michael Robinson, solicitor for county Children and Youth Services, Cathy Gemberling, director of social services, and Cheryl Humes, a Lewisburg attorney and court-appointed guardian for juvenile court cases.

The summons was sought by Judge Charles H. Saylor, who is taking civil action against the trio.

A complaint that would detail Saylor's claims had not been filed by the end of business Tuesday, according to the county prothonotary's office.

Saylor was reassigned from all Children and Youth cases in January. It came on directive of President Judge Robert B. Sacavage, a decision Saylor said at the time that he respected, but one he said was "probably best for a brief period of time."

To date no public explanation has been given as to why Saylor was removed from cases dealing with Children and Youth.

The reassignment came one month after Judy Jones, director of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) office, as well as a part-time case manager were forced out of the county courthouse by the county commissioners.

The judge blamed Robinson for CASA's removal, saying the attorney did so in retaliation for an unfavorable outcome on a prior court ruling made by Saylor.

Gary Steffen, chief clerk, denied Saylor's accusations that the move was political, referring to "unsolicited reports and complaints concerning the interaction of county agencies" with Saylor and the involvement of "investigative agencies" in the matter.

At the time of the commissioners' decision, Saylor issued a press release blaming the Children and Youth solicitor "and his cohort, a recently appointed guardian." He didn't name names, but the positions he referred to are held by Robinson and Humes, respectively.

Attempts to reach the four late Tuesday afternoon and, in Saylor's case, after hours, were unsuccessful.

Gemberling is a county employee. Robinson and Humes are contracted with the county and appointed by county commissioners.

The national CASA program that provides volunteer advocates for neglected and abused children in the court system was established three years ago in the county by Saylor, who handles custody cases.

The program was launched with a grant from Parent to Parent Connections and has been funded with private donations and contributions from the national CASA organization and Northumberland County Bar Association.