WILBURTON - The couple accused of stealing an SUV and eluding police for nearly nine hours last week were allegedly swerving and about to lose control of the stolen vehicle before police backed off the pursuit to protect the unrestrained 9-month-old child with them.

These new details were revealed in a criminal complaint filed Monday at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Daniel Politza against David Anthony Pavloski II, 22, of 10 Front St., and Courtney Klemick, 20, of 222 Second St.

Both defendants are facing charges of one felony count each of criminal conspiracy, receiving stolen property and fleeing or attempting to elude police and four misdemeanor counts each of flight to avoid apprehension, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person and endangering the welfare of a child.

Pavloski is also facing summary charges of reckless driving and driving under suspension due to previous DUI charges.

These are in addition to charges for both Pavloski and Klemick of a felony count each of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, and a misdemeanor count each of criminal mischief that were filed last week in the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III by Coal Township Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky.

Lapotsky responded at approximately 2:30 a.m. Dec. 12 to 1125 W. Gowen St., where Jessica Long accused Pavloski and Klemick of stealing her grandmother's 2003 Buick Rendezvous.

In the new court documents, Politza reported he observed the stolen vehicle at the intersection of Routes 901 and 54 near the former Boylan's Garage while on a routine patrol in a marked police cruiser at approximately 2:34 a.m.

The driver turned right at the stop sign and continued east on Route 54/901. As the vehicle made the left hand turn, Politza observed it swerving between the white fog line and the lane of traffic.

He also observed the vehicle to have a broken driver side taillight.

Politza followed the vehicle, catching up with it in the area of the Locust Gap playground, and requested the assistance of Mount Carmel Borough Patrolmen Justin Stelma and Shane Reamer.

Once in the area of the Locust Summit intersection, the vehicle stopped at the redlight, at which time Stelma and Reamer arrived in the area, Politza reported.

After the vehicle traveled straight on Route 54 towards Locustdale, Politza and Reamer activated their emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to conduct a vehicle stop, but the driver continued traveling east on Route 54 without stopping.

The vehicle sped away from the officers, and Politza contacted Northumberland County Communications Center to request the assistance of Schuylkill County police units.

As they approached the area of Locustdale, Politiza reported he was traveling 80 mph with the offending vehicle pulling away, and he observed the rear of the vehicle swerving back and forth and it appeared as if it was going to lose control.

Politza again contacted emergency services to request additional information, and was told there was a 9-month-old boy inside the vehicle without a car seat.

Based on this information, Politza immediately decided he would fall back and attempt to follow the vehicle at a safe distance, but he lost sight of it when it crested a hill in Ashland.

In the area of Route 61, he saw the vehicle again making a left turn toward the area of Snake Road, but lost sight again before he turned the cruiser around.

Politza reported officers began checking the area of Snake Road and Centralia while he was advised the couple had addresses in Wilburton.

After searching the area of Wilburton No. 1 for a brief period of time, Politza said he and Reamer saw the SUV in a wooded area near First Street that was inaccessible by patrol vehicles, and it appeared to be stuck.

After a few moments, Politza said the vehicle was free again, but the vehicle fled the area, traveling on Amy Avenue, and police lost sight of it again.

The search was called off early that morning.

It was reported last week 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 Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III at approximately 1:30 p.m. Wednesday from the Coal Township Police Station on charges of a felony count each of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, and a misdemeanor count each of criminal mischief. 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 Tuesday evening.

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

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

SHAMOKIN - The battle for control of Center City Apartments may be over after nearly four years of legal wrangling.

The Shamokin Housing Authority is in position to acquire the property "very soon" from Red Gold Enterprises, which fought to maintain ownership despite years of financial trouble and missed tax payments.

A Dec. 10 order made by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge John J. Thomas allows the former James Madison Hotel to be either given to or sold to the authority.

"An order was entered allowing the trustee to sell the personal property to the housing authority and transfer the real property," said Clayton Davidson, the authority's attorney for the Red Gold case. "We are in the process of scheduling closing with the trustee in the near future."

"We are waiting for the proper paperwork," authority director Ronald Miller added Tuesday. "We expect the building will be under our control very soon."

The four-story property at the corner of Shamokin and Independence streets was scheduled for a Sept. 27 sheriff's sale, but one day prior, Red Gold filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. That gave the company, owned by Eugene Picarella, protection from creditors and forced what was the second stay of the sheriff sale, but it also put in motion the opportunity for Thomas to make his bankruptcy ruling.

Tenants, including some who qualify for government-subsidized housing, have remained in the building throughout the ordeal.

Sold for $10,000

Lawrence G. Frank, the appointed bankruptcy trustee, filed a motion Nov. 9 with Thomas, reporting Red Gold's assets.

"The real estate that is part of this motion is encumbered by the Housing Authority of the City of Shamokin on account of a judgment or judgments that have been upheld by the Court of Common Pleas of Northumberland County and the Superior and Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania and are evidenced by a mortgage," Frank wrote in the motion, alluding to mortgages the authority acquired in 2009. "The funds held in escrow and accounts receivable as set forth above are either owned by (the authority) or are subject to a lien in favor of (the authority.)"

The proposal, with which Jones agreed, says Frank will give a deed in lieu of foreclosure for Center City Apartments, and transfer a petty cash account, funds held in escrow and the security deposits to the authority.

The personal property and all rentals started after Oct. 1 will be sold to the authority for $10,000, and that money will be distributed to creditors.

Previously listed as creditors were Red Gold's attorney Robert M. Cravitz, Seliinsgrove, listed as being owed $11,477.60 for legal services from July 2011 to June; Shamokin accountant Francis Sobotor for accounting services rendered from January to July, $1,860; Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority, owed $4,139.62 for sewer services from January to July, and Waste Management of Pennsylvania, owed $406.27 for trash services from November 2011 through July.

Center city's future

The state Supreme Court issued a decision on June 13 not to reconsider its affirmation of a ruling in 2010 by Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor. Saylor had ruled that the primary and support mortgages for the property that the authority had acquired were valid. Red Gold, which had not made a payment on the mortgages for more than 11 years, had argued the mortgages were invalid because a 2000 foreclosure action by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), the loans' underwriter, was dismissed with prejudice in county court in 2004. PHFA had brought the foreclosure action because of a lack of payment, but the dismissal with prejudice meant the action could not be revived in court.

Prior to that ruling, in 2009, PHFA had turned the mortgages over to the authority as that entity pursued acquiring Center City.

Red Gold appealed Saylor's ruling to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, to no avail. Red Gold filed a subsequent appeal with the state Supreme Court, which denied a Feb. 23, 2012, motion to hear that appeal. The company appealed again March 7 and the court again refused.

With the mortgage in its possession, the authority was set to foreclose on the property and have the sheriff's sale, at which it could sell the property to recoup the mortgage or acquire it outright. The authority would have had first bid.

But with the deed presented in lieu of foreclosure, the sale is not necessary, and Miller is looking to the future.

"We have expended a lot of time and energy to get this job done, and now we going to expend some more, in order to take this property to the high standards of the Shamokin Housing Authority," he said.

He said authority and city officials will meet after the holidays to discuss how the property can benefit both entities.

He said if the authority board follows through with plans to rehabilitate the building, local people will be hired to do the work, which he expects would take two to three years.

Miller was matter of fact about the authority's pursuit of the building.

"This thing should have been solved years ago," but wasn't because of "all the appeals and courtroom nonsense," he said.

"It's plain and simple: if you buy something and don't pay for it, you give it back, and it is coming back to benefit the community," he said.

by justin strawser

COAL TOWNSHIP - The township has yet another weapon in its fight against blight.

Commissioners unanimously passed the Coal Township Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Ordinance at their meeting last week, meaning they can inflict harsher penalties on owners of blighted properties.

The ordinance, which the Northumberland County Blight Task Force has encouraged municipalities to enact, is adopted from a state law by the same name that went into effect in April 2011.

If a code violation is left unaddressed by a property owner for six consecutive months, the law allows a municipality to take action, including having an out-of-state offender extradited for prosecution. Also, punishment can include placing a lien against other properties owned by the alleged offender, or against a mortgage lender, limited partner and others, to recoup costs.

Craig Fetterman, chairman of the township commissioners, said there are some properties already targeted, and that the township will be making use of its new power.

"We will be actively pursuing it. It won't be just another ordinance on the books," he said Tuesday.

He acknowledged that addressing blight is frustrating.

"You can fine people, you can arrest them, and you can take them to court," he said. "But you can't make them fix things up."

Still, he believes the threat of liens against other assets, more "valued property," will push owners of blighted properties to act.

The ordinance also allows the township to deny a property owner who has outstanding code violations or delinquent water or garbage collection bills or taxes from obtaining municipal permits.

If the permit is necessary to fix a code violation, however, it can not be denied, and there are avenues for appeal.

Latest step

The new ordinance is the latest effort by Coal Township to address the issue of blight.

Last year, commissioners instituted a "Wall of Shame" in an effort to embarrass blighted property owners. Their names and telephone numbers are posted online and at the properties so neighbors can read them.

Also, the township instituted a policy earlier this year requiring landlords to file for occupancy permits at the end of a lease or rental agreement, upon change of occupancy or one year from the date of a code inspection. An inspection is required with each new permit or each permit renewal. Cost is $25 for each inspection and $25 for a permit.

Commissioners also passed a nuisance ordinance earlier this year that punishes code violators with a $25 ticket 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, but that involved a lengthy and costly process that the ticketing process is designed to avoid.

$84,000 committed

While the "Wall of Shame" hasn't been as effective as expected - township manager Rob Slaby Jr. said in April that some people are "unembarrassable" - Fetterman said Tuesday the ticketing has proved fruitful.

"For some reason, it's a whole lot more effective than running it through the magistrate office. It was a good first year," he said.

Coal Township is among the municipalities that have committed to a plan by the newly formed county blight task force to pool resources, including state grant funding, to use as leverage in pursuing other money to acquire and raze blighted properties.

Slaby said the township has dedicated more than any other municipality in the county in hopes of getting the most return: $84,000 from Community Development Block Grant funding and leftover demolition package money.

He also said eight blighted properties have been razed every two years over a 10-year period.

As for the new ordinance, Slaby believes it will help.

"This allows us to go after what someone owns, what they put money into and what they care about," he said. "It's a couple extra tools that allow us to deal more aggressively with more individuals."

Santa to ride Clover Hose truck

MOUNT CARMEL - Santa Claus is once again teaming up with Clover Hose Company for his annual ride through borough streets.

Clover Hose personnel will hand out candy canes from their decorated truck while Santa rides on top, waving and greeting children of all ages.

Santa's route will be up and down the primary streets running east and west from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and the north and south streets during the same times Saturday. Weather date is Sunday.

There is also a local food drive sponsored by Clover Hose. Containers are located in borough businesses. All collections stay in the area.

Also, Clover Hose's Trainland is open on the second floor of the fire station from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A food donation container is located at the entrance.

Kulpmont tax office closed Saturday

KULPMONT - The office of the borough tax collector will be closed Saturday. The office will reopen from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The tax office will also be open from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Jan. 1, which will be the final day that taxes can be paid.

SASB committees to meet

COAL TOWNSHIP - A combined meeting of the Shamokin Area School Board Athletic Committee and Building and Grounds Committee will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday in the board meeting room at the Shamokin Area High School.

Host families needed for orchestra

COAL TOWNSHIP - Barbara DeGaetano and the Shamokin Area Music Department are hosting the 2013 PMEA District 8 Orchestra Festival Jan. 9 to 12 and are in need of host families for approximately 80 students who will participate.

They will need a place to sleep and shower for three nights plus breakfast in the morning. All other meals will be provided at the school. They will also need transportation to and from school, according to the schedule. The driver must be at least 21 years old.

If the housing obligation cannot be met, the festival may be canceled.

Contact DeGaetano at 648-5731 or Sharon Styer at 339-1500.

There must be at least two students per household,i according to the PMEA bylaws. Also, information on pets and whether anyone in the house smokes, due to allergy conerns, is necessary.

SHAMOKIN - Blueprints of the stone channel of Shamokin Creek deemed critical towards piecing together its history were discovered inside an unlocked bank vault in the city's downtown.

The documents weren't lost - more a case of out of sight, out of mind.

Shamokin Housing Authority exists where Pennsylvania National Bank once did. Not long after the authority moved into the building in 1990, city officials sought storage space for hundreds of dated blueprints and maps.

They've remained there catalogued and safely stored since June 1991. A log sheet of visitors shows the first time any of the records were checked out was in 1993 and the last time in 2007, with little activity in between.

"That stuff isn't looked at from one year to the next," said Ron Miller, authority director, during a visit to the vault last week.

What the vault holds are 298 records of projects both historical and mundane - from detailed plans for the "99 steps" and other stone staircases in the city to construction of many city streets; railroad surveys to sidewalk improvements to additions onto buildings both publicly and privately owned.

It also holds what seems the entirety of design plans for the construction of the stone channel of Shamokin Creek.

That information will prove crucial in its rehabilitation - with flood repairs slated for the city's outskirts combined with historic restoration in its downtown area - and attempts to secure $1 million more dollars for the project.

"Oh, my God, yes, they're useful," said Tom Grbenick, director of SEDA-COG, whom along with area historian Tom Deans, is documenting the history of the channel.

The creek channel was significantly damaged by flooding in September 2011. Nearly $1.8 million in federal dollars has been awarded for a repair project, but further surveying found additional damages and a need for an additional $1 million.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is considering the city's request.

Putting together the history of the channel is critical because the restoration plans must be reviewed by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; the city's downtown has been identified as a potential nationally registered historic district.

The channel is a project of the Works Progress Administration that began in 1935. Grbenick and Deans, having poured through local and online archives on the city, learned some of the principals involved in the project and few specific details.

The blueprints provide much more, and not only from a historical perspective. Details on the elevations, cross-sections and hidden conditions - what was planned for the walls' rears and footers below ground - will be of great use to present day engineers.

"They help us understand the evolution of the project in terms of where things started and when they started," Grbenick said Tuesday afternoon after having looked over the blueprints with Deans and Dave Clouser, of Advantage Engineers, Mechanicsburg, whose firm is working with the city engineer, Mike Brinkash.

"That was a treasure trove; the mother lode. We may never had found them," he said.

The documents were brought to the attention of city officials earlier this month after city council held a meeting inside the authority building. After the meeting, Miller was showing the vault to guests and subsequently revealed its contents.

Councilman R. Craig Rhoades said at the time that he believed the documents could have been found inside the vault, but that no one at City Hall heeded his suggestion.

"I think we have pretty much all of the information truly essential for current purposes," Grbenick said.

Both he and Deans expect to continue their work into the new year and hope to wrap the historic documentation by the end of January. From there, it goes to the city, to FEMA and to the museum commission.

"We're really hoping all the rigor we're using to find info will help expedite approval of this project," he said.

Grbenick said the stone and the skill used to install it not just in the creek but also in staircases are something the city and its residents should be proud of.

"The one thing we've discovered through all this ... Shamokin really has a solid history of quality stone masonry work," he said. "Speaking as an outsider, I think it a really distinguishing trait."

COAL TOWNSHIP — The Shamokin Area Middle School and Senior High School orchestras, under the direction of Barbara DeGaetano, will present their holiday concert at 7 p.m. Thursday in the auditorium.
The concert will begin with two selections performed by the high school string ensemble: “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra hit “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24.” The ensemble will be followed by the string orchestra selections “S’Vivon” and the Mannheim Steamroller favorite “Faeries from the Nutcracker.”
The high school orchestra will perform selections that include “A Holst Christmas,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “A Christmas Hymn,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Holiday Pops Sing-Along.”
The public is invited to attend this free performance. The senior high string ensemble will welcome concert-goers with holiday music in the lobby beginning at 7:10.

MOUNT CARMEL - One of the leaders of a drug task force said major busts like the one conducted Friday in Northumberland County improve the quality of life in communities by ridding the streets - at least temporarily - of illegal drug users and suppliers.

They also keep suspects off balance, and send a message that police are determined to fight the ongoing narcotics war plaguing the area, state and nation.

Despite the drawbacks, such benefits make the effort worthwhile, said Todd Owens, Mount Carmel police chief and field supervisor for the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task, which conducted Friday's raid in which some 90 people were targeted.

"We try to peel away layers of the organization responsible for selling and using drugs," he said. "We want to disrupt or dismantle the hierarchy of the organization. Our goal is to move up the ladder and get the bigger fish."

He said the large-scale busts give the task force "maximum impact" on the drug problem plaguing the communities.

Owens explained that manpower, funding, day-to-day police operations in each community and the enormous amount of paperwork play a factor in determining when and how many drug busts are performed each year.

The police chief, who has been involved in drug investigations for 20 years, said funding cuts in the drug task force in recent years have limited available resources to conduct raids. Friday's raid was the first one performed this year by the task force.

He said funding for the task force primarily comes from the state Attorney General's Office and assets forfeited in drug raids.

To the prison

Friday's raid raised concerns about overcrowded conditions at the county prison, which saw its population soar to a year-high of 284 after 32 prisoners were committed on the day of the bust. The day before the bust, the population was 252.

The count on the day of the bust was the highest since Warden Roy Johnson took over in July 2009, he said.

Johnson said by Wednesday the population had dropped to 271.

He admitted there was some concern about the prison population on Friday. While the facility has 310 beds, not all are available because some inmates must be housed in solitary confinement or single cells due to behavioral and medical problems. With that, the prison was down to just one or two available beds.

In an effort to better control the large population, the warden said a part-time correctional officer was added to each shift. Johnson said it was much cheaper to do that - $350 to $400 per day - than pay $75 per day per prisoner to house them at other county jails.

He said an extra officer per shift will remain in effect until the population decreases to a "reasonable" level.

Johnson said the majority of defendants charged in the raid were placed in cells, while some of those already incarcerated were moved to dormitory-type facilities.

Back out

As of Tuesday, 30 of the 40 defendants wanted on warrants for drug offenses committed mostly in the Mount Carmel area were taken into custody, while 10 remained at large. Owens said he didn't have an update as of mid-day Wednesday.

Most of the men and women charged in the bust in Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones' jurisdiction were committed to prison in lieu of bail. Preliminary hearings for the drug defendants began Wednesday and continue today before Jones.

On Wednesday, eight defendants waived their cases to county court, meaning they can later plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Of those eight, four were already out on unsecured bail. Three others posted bail after their hearings, and the other defendant was returned to prison.

All 12 defendants arraigned by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on Friday and Monday were incarcerated after failing to post bail. Five of the suspects had not yet been apprehended as of Tuesday. Preliminary hearings for the drug defendants scheduled for Tuesday before Gembic were all continued.

Johnson noted that the prison releases inmates at the court's order, but he has no record of which ones released since last Friday were part of the drug bust.

Undercover operations

Owens said the task force works under different parameters than what most people think of as normal police work.

"Sometimes, we have to arrest people for drugs more quickly because they pose an imminent risk to the community," he said. "Other times, the investigations take longer because we are after major suppliers rather than individual users or small-time suppliers."

Owens said those apprehended in the latest round of arrests were a mixture of individual users and "bigger fish."

Owens said informants and undercover officers were used in the investigations that culminated in Friday's bust. Some of the investigations dated back for nearly a year, according to District Attorney Tony Rosini, who said the busts help improve the quality of life for county residents and send a message that drug sellers will be held accountable.

Prescription problem

Owens said many of the drugs involved in Friday's raid were prescription medications, which he said can be just as harmful as crack cocaine or heroin when people become addicted to them.

"The general public believes diverted pharmaceuticals are not as bad as some other drugs because they are prescribed by doctors, but they can be just as dangerous," Owens said. "Drug users believe there is a pill for everything. When pharmaceuticals are sold as a commodity, health care costs are affected. So you can say everyone is affected by drug abuse in one way or another."

Owens said poor economic conditions also add to the drug problem because defendants often commit other crimes like theft, burglary and assault to obtain drugs to support their addiction.

He noted that drug defendants who are convicted jeopardize all or part of their federal housing subsidies.

Owens also praised the work of task force members.

"Task force officers are very committed to eradicating the drug problem in our county," he said. "Some even volunteer their time because they realize their municipalities don't have the financial resources to combat the drug problem."

ATLAS - In a 15-minute meeting by its supervisors, Mount Carmel Township has a budget for 2013.

The board approved the $1.27-million spending plan at Wednesday night's meeting on a 3-0 vote with supervisors Charles Gasperetti, Joseph Zanella and Reynold Scicchitano voting for it. There was no mention of a tax increase during the meeting.

A new four-year contract was approved 3-0 for Chief of Police Brian Hollenbush, running until Dec. 31, 2017. Hollenbush was named township police chief in 2009 and has worked with the department since 2001.

Hollenbush was also named the chief administrative officer of the township's police pension fund. The board approved an interest payment of $918 for 2007 and 2008.

In other business, supervisors approved their schedule of meetings for 2013 with the board's reorganization meeting set for 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7. Monthly meetings will continue to be held at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month, with workshop sessions set for 2 p.m. on the second Wednesday.

A bid of $614 for two vehicles, a 1998 and 2001 Crown Victoria, from Chicago Motors was rejected unanimously after supervisors said the vehicles would be sold for scrap metal at a quoted price of $440 each.

The purchase of a new phone system for the township from Merlin Communications, of Akron, Pa., was unanimously approved at a cost of $7,643.04.

At the start of the meeting, a moment of silence was held for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, their families, and all the first responders on scene.

SUNBURY - A Sunbury man accused of raping his ex-girlfriend was released from prison Monday after Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor granted him nominal bail because prosecutors failed to bring his case to trial within six months of his arrest.

Benjamine Scott Scheller, 34, of 129 Reagan St., was granted release due to a violation of Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 600, which requires defendants who are in prison to be tried within 180 days and ones who are free on bail to be tried within 365 days, The (Sunbury) Daily Item reported in Tuesday's edition.

The newspaper also reported that Scheller didn't object to Saylor hearing his case, even though the judge told Scheller he dealt with the victim and her family when he was once a volunteer track coach for the Shikellamy High School.

It is not the only potential conflict of interest in the case. The alleged rape victim currently dates suspended Point Township Officer Wade Lytle, who was the original arresting officer. Also, the victim is a cousin to Point Township Police Chief Joshua Van Kirk.

Those two facts led the case to receive much publicity last month.

After that, President Judge Robert Sacavage and President Judge William Wiest recused themselves because a secretary in the judges' office had been romantically involved with Lytle.

Scheller is charged with rape, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, terroristic threats, unlawful restraint, two counts of simple assault and false imprisonment.

He is accused of brandishing a semi-automatic handgun, zip-tying the victim to a chair and sexually assaulting her.

Scheller's attorney, Michael Rudinski, of Williamsport, said his client would be living with his aunt and uncle, and he will work as a sub-contractor remodeling homes with his uncle, The Daily Item reported.

Saylor ordered that Scheller must have no contact with the victim or her family and was not allowed to go near the school where the victim has ties, the newspaper reported.

The $1 bail was posted by Scheller's uncle following the 20-minute hearing.

Rudinski told The Daily Item a jury trial for his client should begin in February, but he wasn't sure if he would request the hearing in a different county due to the relationship of the three judges to either the victim or Scheller.

MOUNT CARMEL - Local municipal officials are reminding visitors to their deer displays that they shouldn't feed the animals.

The extra caution comes after a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector reportedly called the providers of the deer for Mount Carmel's display, expressing concern over the deer being overfed.

It seems word spread from there to other communities. Kulpmont, Tharptown and Atlas also have deer in pens during the Christmas season. For example, Kulpmont followed Mount Carmel's lead in posting a notice in the newspaper, and a sign hangs at the Tharptown display, "Please do not feed the reindeer."

Mount Carmel Mayor J. Kevin Jones isn't sure why there is an issue after the borough has been careful to follow instructions year after year.

"They've never mentioned the food before, but we will abide by what they say," he said earlier this week.

Jan Tobias-Kieffer, director of public relations for Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Halifax area, which provided the deer at Mount Carmel, said USDA inspector Mary Geib contacted the park about Mount Carmel's display.

"The park manager informed me the inspector spoke to Mount Carmel officials to have them put up a sign concerning the food given," Tobias-Kieffer said.

She said it was only a suggestion, and that no rules were violated.

She said organizations that host deer are given a list of suggestions from the USDA, including instructions to replace water and food daily and to keep drinking water from freezing. Also, things such as tarps and blankets are to be kept secure so that animals can't chew on them.

As for food from the public, the USDA's suggestion sheet reads:

"Control feeding by outsiders to avoid foreign or hazardous food being fed to the deer and/or people being bitten. A suggestion might be to purchase coin-operated corn and pellet machines and install a tube through the wire fence to let feed flow through."

Attempts to contact Geib for clarification on the issue were unsuccessful.

Jones said the borough over the years has increased the size of its cage, installed signs warning visitors to keep dogs away and installed new fencing so something or someone cannot be pushed into the deer area. He agrees with keeping the water from freezing, but notes the borough doesn't leave its water warmer in constantly for fear of exposing dry straw to a hot wire.

From what he's observed, Jones believes the deer use self-control when it comes to eating anyway.

"Animals like this do not gorge, they nibble," he said.

SHAMOKIN - City council adopted its 2013 tax levy Wednesday.

The total hasn't changed from 2012 - property owners will continue to pay $44.92 on each $1,000 of assessed value of their properties - but the breakdown has been altered.

Debt service millage has been lowered, a result of a refinancing plan adopted earlier this year, and transferred to bolster the recreation tax and a new shade tree tax.

The boost to the recreation tax will be used to fund repairs that pop up each summer at the swimming pool as well as fixes to the American Legion building, said Councilman William Strausser. It also will be used for playground repairs and perhaps partially towards a pending contract with Brush Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The city and chamber are working to reach agreement on a promotional contract in which the city would receive 300 hours of work for $8,000. The chamber would be required, among other tasks, to create a promotional campaign for the city and promote and organized events at Claude Kehler Community Park.

The shade tree tax, just 0.1 mills of the 44.918 mill total, will be used to help assist in the creation of community gardens in the city, Councilman William Strausser and Clerk Steve Bartos said Wednesday.

The breakdown is: 30 mills, general fund; 7.208 mills, parks/recreation; 6.860 mills, debt service; 0.750 mills, library fund; 0.100 mills, shade trees.

And while the general fund tax is often referred to as the "property tax," the entire levy is assessed on city properties.

For example, the owner of a property assessed at $20,000 would pay a total of $898.40 in taxes, $600 of which goes to the general fund.

In other business, the city voted to provide civil service testing materials to any city officer interested in testing to become a corporal, and also voted to end in January the one-hour closure the tax office had instituted for its lunch hour.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court Jan. 28 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty:

n Courtney Hollingshead, 26, of 128 Grant Road, Elysburg, waived to court charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle and driving under suspension involving an Aug. 29 incident at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where she's accused of failing to return a Jeep owned by Justin Sock.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Jason Adams.

n Josephine Iglesias-Rivera, 25, of 748 Scott St., Kulpmont, waived to court charges of retail theft and defiant trespass relating to a Sept. 22 incident at Wal-Mart Supercenter along Route 61.

The defendant was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga with stealing 45 items valued at $158.30.

n Bernadette Christman, 37, of 1000 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, one count of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and careless driving relating to an Oct. 3 accident at Shamokin and Race streets.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle.

n Stesha N. Barcavage, 26, of 712 E. Cameron St., Shamokin, waived to court a retail theft charge.

Barcavage was charged by recently retired Shamokin Cpl. John Brown with stealing $10.87 worth of merchandise from the Dollar General store on East Independence Street on Sept. 29.

n Charllyn Ruiz, 28, of 3 S. Shamokin St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on probation for three months. An additional charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana was withdrawn.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski in connection with a Sept. 13 incident at Ruiz's residence.

n Shawn W. Johnson, 43, of 148 Steelers Lane, Shamokin, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus costs. A charge of forging a prescription for Oxycodone at Rite Aid Pharmacy on Sept. 4.

The charge was filed by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski.

n Andre A. Stone, 30, of 612 E. Commerce St., Shamokin, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and driving under suspension.

The charges filed by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle relate to a Sept. 17 vehicle stop at Shamokin and Independence streets.

n David F. Fleming, 52, of Hummelstown, waived to court charges of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment relating to an Oct. 4 disturbance at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga.

Fleming is accused of assaulting nurse Alison Hart on the second-floor, medical/surgical unit at the hospital. Police said Hart suffered bruising and soreness on her upper right arm that required emergency room treatment.

Orchestras in concert tonight

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area Middle School and Senior High School orchestras, under the direction of Barbara DeGaetano, will present their holiday concert at 7 p.m. tonight in the auditorium.

The concert will begin with two selections performed by the high school string ensemble: "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra hit "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24." The ensemble will be followed by the string orchestra selections "S'Vivon" and the Mannheim Steamroller favorite "Faeries from the Nutcracker."

The high school orchestra will perform selections that include "A Holst Christmas," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "A Christmas Hymn," "Sleigh Ride," "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Holiday Pops Sing-Along."

The public is invited to attend this free performance. The senior high string ensemble will welcome concert-goers with holiday music in the lobby beginning at 7:10 p.m.

Annual train party Saturday

DANVILLE - With puffing steam engines and homemade cookies, the Saturday Trains program at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church will host its eighth annual public Christmas party from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Everyone is invited.

Christ Church, in its continuing program, also will give 50 free diapers to families needing them.

In addition to the 22-foot model railroad display, there is a continuously running video of steam engines going up and down the Susquehanna Valley during the 1930s and 1940s, along with a library of donated model railroading books, magazines and model train catalogs for visitors to glance through.

Barletta has new office in D.C.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, PA-11, moved into a new office in Washington, D.C., over the weekend, but his phone and fax numbers will remain the same.

Barletta's new office is 115 Cannon House Office Building. He remains in the same building, but moves from the fifth to the first floor.

Constituents can call Rep. Barletta's Washington, D.C., office to express their thoughts on policy and legislation: (202) 225-6511 or toll-free at (855) 241-5144.

Barletta's mailing address is: 115 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. Constituents are invited to visit or write; note that correspondence and packages sent to the Capitol complex are subject to delays due to security screening.

In the days since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, local gun shop owners, like those nationwide, have reported a spike in firearm sales.

Sales are so brisk that inventory at one local shop is getting thin, and background checks that normally take five minutes are taking as long as three hours.

Concerns remain high that more gun control will result from the massacre in Newtown, Conn.

"There's an awful lot of people concerned that their gun rights will be infringed upon," said Pat Geiser, owner of Geiser Guns, 170 Lenker Ave., Sunbury. "Those who have been sitting on the fence, wondering if they should buy one, they're saying now is the time to do it."

In fact, Geiser was so busy that he only had time to discuss the topic with a News-Item reporter via phone call for five minutes before he had to return to assisting customers.

Combine the Connecticut tragedy with hunting season and Christmas and it explains the high sales volume, said Bob Kahler, who operates Kahler's Gun Shop along High Road in Helfenstein.

Kahler said he is usually stocked with at least 200 firearms, but he was down to three revolvers, four semi-automatics and 60 long guns, such as shot guns and muzzleloaders, as of Wednesday. And he can't order more because the wholesalers and manufacturers are "overwhelmed," he said.

"I'm getting low on everything. Restocking is tough to do right now," Kahler said.

'Anything, everything'

There were seven people in Kahler's small shop at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. His shelves of ammunition and cases of pistols, which are both usually full, were nearly empty. There was a long row of rifles on the racks that were purchased and reserved by customers since Friday, which Kahler cant' technically sell until the system processes them.

AR-15s in demand

The Associated Press reported assault rifles and high-capacity magazines, like the ones used by the shooter last week, are "flying off gun store shelves."

Kahler agreed. He said "nine out of 10" calls this week have been for people looking to purchase AR-15 semi-automatic rifles, which is what the shooter in Connecticut is believed to have used. He took a call at 3 p.m. Wednesday from yet another individual looking for that rifle.

He doesn't sell them, but he can specially order them.

Kahler said he is a gun collector and even owns assault weapons, but he hasn't used them in at least 15 years.

"I would never condone banning assault weapons. It's their (gun owners) rights to have them," he said.

One of his customers doesn't necessarily agree. Barry Hummel, of Ashland, was selling his .22-caliber pistol to his Ashland friend, Sam Snyder, at Kehler's shop on Wednesday.

Hummel said every American should have a rifle or shotgun for hunting and a pistol for protection, but assault rifles are not needed by the general public.

"That's where I draw the line," he said.

Geiser said his store is sold out of AR-15s, but people are purchasing a variety of rifles, shot guns and other firearms.

"It's been anything and everything," Geiser said.

Lengthy background checks

Kahler and Geiser tell similar stories of longer waiting times to process background checks. They normally take less than five minutes, but are currently averaging 20 to 30 minutes. Kahler said the longest wait for a background check to clear since Friday was three hours, while the max at Geiser's store was 80 minutes.

Hummel and Snyder waited at least 45 minutes before the system pushed through theirs on Wednesday afternoon.

Kahler said the system has shut down several times since Friday, and customers are forced to simply wait if they want to make a purchase.

The Associated Press reported that Colorado set a single-day record for gun background check requests the day after the mass shooting.

'Blood on his hands'

Kahler said most of the potential gun control decisions will likely not affect his business all that much since he mostly sells hunting weapons and equipment.

"I don't know what else they could change to make it better. They'll want less rounds. I'm positive that's where it will go," he said.

While he's in business to sell guns, Kehler appreciates the sensitivity of the situation.

"I had a son who was killed (in a motor-vehicle accident). I feel their pain," Kahler said. "My heart goes out to them."

He's had to withstand some backlash as someone who sells guns. He received a phone call from an angry woman Monday who blamed him for the Sandy Hook killings and told him if she ever saw him in public, she would spit in his face.

"She told me I have blood on my hands," he said.

KULPMONT - The public is welcome to visit the St. Pauline Center, 1150 Chestnut St. (Route 61), Friday morning as the nation recognizes a moment of silence at the one-week anniversary of the massacre in Newtown, Conn.

At the suggestion of an out-of-state donor to the St. Mother Pauline Visintainer Religious Foundation, a large wreath and a sign listing the names of the 26 Sandy Hook Elementary School victims will be placed outside the center, where folks are welcome to gather. The moment of silence is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., but the public is welcome throughout the day, inside or outside, at the center. The wreath and sign may be moved inside depending on the weather, with rain or snow showers forecast.

Those who wish to are encouraged to bring flowers.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has declared Friday a day of mourning. In addition to the moment of silence, he has asked those operating houses of worship and government buildings to ring bells 26 times at 9:30, which is about the time Adam Lanza entered Sandy Hook Elementary and began his rampage.

St. Pauline foundation board member Robert Greco said the woman who made the suggestion for the wreath also paid to have it made. She wished to remain anonymous, he said.

The foundation has made children a particular focus, including with its summer diabetes camp, an annual circus sponsorship and a children's theater show. Those and other activities support the foundation's Children's Charities.

There is plenty of space on the wide steps leading into the former church, and there is ample parking at the rear of the building.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. Defendants ordered to appear for hearings on Jan. 28 in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

- Joseph M. Staskiel, 20, of 824 Spruce St., Kulpmont, waived two cases to court during his hearing. The first one involved charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a misbranded controlled substance and possession with drug paraphernalia.

He was charged by Kulpmont Police Patrolman Cade Holden following an incident on Sept. 13, 2011, at a Chestnut Street apartment in Kulpmont.

He also waived charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a misbranded substance, possession with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia and possession of drug paraphernalia. Those charges were filed by Kulpmont Police Patrolman Patrick McAndrew following an Oct. 25 incident on Spruce Street, Kulpmont.

- Chad M. Howard, 31 of 338 S. Pear St., Mount Carmel, waived a misdemeanor charge of accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property and several summary traffic violations in his hearing.

Ralpho Township Police Sgt. Chris Kreisher filed the charges following a Oct. 16 accident at the intersection of Mountain Road and Reading Turnpike Road, Ralpho Township.

- Charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, misbranding of a controlled substance, driving under the influence, resisting arrest and public drunkenness were waived to court by Michael P. Dunphy, 26, of 722 Spruce St., Kulpmont.

He was charged by Kulpmont Police Patrolman Michael Pitcavage following a July 27 incident at Second and Chestnut streets, Kulpmont.

- Michael R. Wisnoskie, 19, of 76 Church St., Locust Gap, Eric T. Fletcher, 18, of Kulpmont, and Bret Casper, 18, of 1013 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, all waived charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Kelly Campbell following a Nov. 30 traffic stop off of Route 2021, Locust Gap.

- Keri Marie Zimmerman, 22, of 47 N. Eighth St., Shamokin, waived charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, corruption of minors and criminal trespass.

Kulpmont Police Patrolman Patrick McAndrew filed the charges following a Sept. 3 traffic stop at the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex, Kulpmont.

- Charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia were waived to court by Ned A. Marcinick, 19, of 105 N. Franklin St., Shamokin.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Matthew Filarski following a June 25 traffic stop along Route 54 at the Locust Summit connector.

- Sherry L. Wright, 38, of 1010 Center St., Ashland, waived charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

She was charged by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman Jason Drumheller following a theft investigation on Aug. 24 in the borough.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School Board unanimously agreed Thursday night to retain a school resource officer (SRO) in the district on a month-to-month basis.

After the special meeting, board president Donna James said the decision to keep Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Brian Carnuccio as the district's SRO was influenced by last week's shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., that claimed the lives of 26 people in the school, including 20 children, plus the shooter.

Voting to retain the officer pending entering into a formal contract were James, Dr. Ray Kraynak, Michael Brinkash, Robert Muldowney, Charles Mannello, Ray Kraynak and Michael Rovito. Thomas Ditchey was absent.

Prior to the session, Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush, who twice previously served as the district's SRO, met with board members to argue for the importance of retaining the officer.

Funding for the position comes from the school district and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. A three-year grant from the commission runs out Dec. 31.

When questioned about the SRO issue earlier in the day, Hollenbush said the position initially was funded through a Cops in School grant in 1997. From 2000 to 2003, he said two township officers - one at the high

school and one at the elementary school - were assigned to the district.

He said Carnuccio has served as the SRO since January 2009.

In 2010, Hollenbush said the commission paid 75 percent of the officer's salary with the school district picking up the remaining 25 percent. In 2011, the officer's salary was split evenly between the district and commission. This year, the district was responsible for paying 75 percent of the salary, while the commission paid 25 percent.

Hollenbush said Carnuccio's current salary, excluding benefits, is $39,520 ($19 per hour). His wages will be increased to $20 per hour, or $41,600 per year, in 2013.

The chief said prior to the meeting that if the position was retained, the district will pay $23,543.73 from January to the beginning of June, while the township will pay $18,053.48 during the summer months.

New board member

Joseph D'Andrea of Marion Heights was appointed as an interim school board director through December 2013 to fill the remainder of the term of Nicholas C. Goretski III, who resigned earlier this month at the board's reorganization meeting.

Goretski was the board president until the reorganization meeting and is a former Kulpmont mayor and councilman.

Voting to approve D'Andrea's appointment were James, Dr. Kraynak, Rovito, Brinkash, Muldowney and Ray Kraynak. Mannello, who said he respected all the candidates for the position, cast the lone dissenting vote.

The 48-year-old D'Andrea, a native of Weatherly who has lived in Mount Carmel Area School District for many years, also served as an interim board member from May through December 2011 to fill the unexpired term of Eric Belfanti, who resigned.

He is a local sales manager for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and just completed a term as president of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

D'Andrea was among four candidates interviewed for the position.

Kulpmont offices to close

KULPMONT - The borough office and the Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority office will be closed Monday and Tuesday in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Hauler changes pickup schedule

MOUNT CARMEL - Customers of Moser Brothers Sanitation who have their trash picked up on Tuesdays will have pickups on Mondays, Dec. 24 and 31.

PA female vets symposium slated

HARRISBURG - The state's first-ever Women Veterans Symposium is planned for March, and all female Pennsylvania active and military veterans are invited.

Co-hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation, the event will be held from March 8 to 10 at Windham Hotel, Gettysburg. Cost is $10 and includes meals, hotel room and the symposium.

The Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation is seeking sponsors, donors, vendors and exhibitors to underwrite the symposium. For more information, contact Barbara Riggs at (717) 861-8452.

For more information about registration, visit www.pawomenvets.org. Registration forms must be received by Feb. 15.

NORTHUMBERLAND - Safety protocol was put into action Thursday after the Shikellamy School District was locked down on threats made against Priestley Elementary School.

All exterior and classroom doors were locked in each of the five district buildings - four elementary schools and the middle/high school, district Superintendent Patrick Kelley said Thursday.

Lights were turned off inside classrooms and students were gathered in an area away from doors and windows.

That's where they were to remain until all was clear, he said.

The lockdown came after police said Jeremy Church, 37, of Middleburg, allegedly threatened by telephone to retrieve his daughter from Priestley Elementary and execute a school shooting.

The report was called in by Church's ex-girlfriend, Valerie Eisenhuth, who told police Church and her were arguing over custody of their daughter when he threatened to murder her, then go to the school.

Police officers secured the scene and Church never made it to the school. He turned himself in to law enforcement roughly one hour after the incident was reported to 911 about 11:20 a.m.

No students, faculty or staff were harmed, and there appears no immediate threat existed.

Parents alerted

"We practice and work with students in regards to these safety plans. If it's a drill, it's reinforced with the students that someday it could happen. If it does occur like it did today, the teachers talk to the students with regard to what happened and why it happened," Kelley said, adding that a school psychologist works in the district.

An Alert Now message was sent to district parents after the lockdown had ended. Many parents of the 452 students at Priestley Elementary signed their children out of school after the incident occurred. "And that's OK," Kelley said.

The superintendent estimated there are 32 teachers and staff who work at the Priestley building. He learned of the incident after receiving a phone call from school Principal Dixie Barth.

'Images' of Sandy Hook

The threats come six days after 20 school children were among 26 people murdered inside Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The gunman, Adam Lanza, first killed his mother inside her home and then drove her car to Sandy Hook to carry out the murders. It ended after he took his own life.

"The images flash through your mind," Kelley said of the Newtown incident. "You have to follow through with protocol and the way things are supposed to be done.

"We were very fortunate," he continued. "The law enforcement response was almost instantaneous."

District administrators already planned to meet with law enforcement after the holiday break to review safety protocol. Kelley said some notes were made in review of Thursday's district response, but he was pleased with how the safety plan was put into action.

The students are expected to return to school today.

SAHS locker search

COAL TOWNSHIP - A building wide locker search was conducted Thursday morning at Shamokin Area Middle/High School by special officers from a canine unit coordinated through state police and assisted by administration and Coal Township Police.

Administrators believed the search was necessary because of information received over the past several months and "due to our strong commitment to keep drugs out of our school facilities," said a letter sent to parents by Principal Chris Venna.

He said no drugs were found.

"We regret having to take this action," he wrote. "However, we are serious about keeping drugs and alcohol out of the buildings and are willing to use all legal procedures within our authority to ensure that our school is safe and drug-free."

Perfume theft

SHAMOKIN DAM - Women from Coal Township and Selinsgrove were charged with retail theft after allegedly attempting to steal perfume from Kohl's department store at 3:10 p.m. Wednesday.

State police at Selinsgrove said Darlene Pena-Cruz, 37, of Coal Township, and Marisol Colon, 50, of Selinsgrove, entered the store at the Monroe Marketplace and placed clothing and perfume into their shopping bags and went to a changing room, where police say they put the perfume in their purses. They left the changing rooms, put the clothing back on the store shelves and attempted to leave without paying for the perfume.

The charge was filed with Magisterial District Judge John H. Reed, Selinsgrove.