WILKES-BARRE - Anthony Anonia, of Paxinos, was named to the dean's list of King's College for the fall semester.

A second-year student, he is a member of the first cooperative degree program with the University of Notre Dame in a 3 + 2 dual bachelor's degree program in engineering. Anonia will spend one more year at King's and then transfer to Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., for two years. Upon completion of the five-year program, he will receive both a Bachelor of Science from King's in chemistry with a minor in math, and a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Notre Dame.

He has been employed since 2010 at Michael Foods Egg Products Company Inc., Klingerstown. He has worked since 2013 as a microbiology tech in the certified U.S.D.A. lab, and as a chemistry lab aid at King's College. He has consistently been on the dean's list with a cumulative 3.8 GPA.

Anthony, a 2013 graduate of Shamokin Area Middle/High School, is a son of Mark and Christine Anonia, of Paxinos, and a grandson of Dr. Francis and Barbara (Quinn) Anonia and the late Albert and Virginia (Moore) Scicchitano.

Marriage licenses

Jordan Kenneth Shaffer, of 131 Harveys Road, Shamokin Township, to Brandy Lee Kurtz, of 840 W. Spruce St., Coal Township. Issued March 19.

Jason Godin to Stephanie Frost, both of 335 S. Poplar St., Mount Carmel. Issued March 21.

Property transfers

Saint John's United Methodist Church of Coal Township to Saint John's United Methodist Church of Coal Township, property in Coal Township, $1.

Marilyn K. and Wayne Black to Lonnie T. and Susan M. Bixler, property in Shamokin, $1.

Catherine R. Tkach, Catherine R. Tkan and Nicole L. Bowman to Catherine R. Tkach, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $1.

Peter F. and Joan M. Bubnis to Joshua A. and Jennifer J. Wolfe, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Michel R. and Regina M. Becker to Heidi L. Dorman, Donald C. Steese and Judith D. Steese, property in Ralpho Township, $328,000.

Michael W. and Janet A. Campbell to Country Boys Rental LLC, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $18,000.

Deed/bail bond, Joseph L. Shuder to Lexington National Insurance Corporation, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $50,000.

Fannie Mae (aka and by agent), Federal National Mortgage Association (by agent) and Servicelink (agent) to John Deraffele, property in East Cameron Township, $17,999.

Elaine M. Komara to Gregory T. Komara, property in Coal Township, $1.

Robert Barnett Jr. to Christina L. White, property in Shamokin, $5,000.

Ann aka Anna M. Kinder, Mary Ellen Boyer and Rick L. Boyer to Eric M. and Shelly Ann McCabe, property in Coal Township, $1.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Wayne A. Horne Jr. to BWH Properties LLC, property in Shamokin, $500.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Ricky L. Haddock to BWH Properties LLC, property in Shamokin, $600.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Shirley Slawek and John T. Foley to BWH Properties LLC, property in Shamokin, $800.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Anthony Gapinski to BWH Properties LLC, property in Shamokin, $500.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, John Parker and Wanda Doone to BWH Properties LLC, property in Coal Township, $500.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, John Parker and Wanda Doone to BWH Properties LLC, property in Coal Township, $800.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, David S. Bidding and Dina M. Kodack to BWH Properties LLC, property in Coal Township, $1,100.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Jose Ballard to BWH Properties LLC, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $900.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Frank Mironawicz (estate) to BWH Properties LLC, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $900.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Roxanna E. Inkrote to BWH Properties LLC, property in Marion Heights, $700.

Rosemary Shephard, Rosemary Shepherd, Garth Shepherd, Henry Phillip Hynoski and Kathleen L. Hynoski to Joshua D. and Mary F. Helwig, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $1.

Mount Carmel Borough to Lorraine A. Splitt and Howard A. Splitt Sr., property in Mount Carmel Borough, $2,000.

David S. Urbanowicz Jr. to Tiffany Wernett, property in Shamokin, $500.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (by agent) and Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC (agent) to Jolene E. Bressi and Brian T. Burke, property in Coal Township, $29,750.

Robert T. Diehl Jr. and Wendy L. Diehl to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, property in Upper August Township, $1.

James C. and Jena A. Nestico and Jena Oley to Regina M. Becker, property in Ralpho Township, $167,250.

Ray W. and Linda Rothermel to Rothermel-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., property in Mount Carmel Borough, $1.

Ray W. and Linda Rothermel to Rothermel-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., property in Mount Carmel Borough, $1.

Sarah M. Dobeck to Stephen J. Castor, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $25,000.

Lone Sky Macloud to Julio Barahona, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $600.

Phyllis A. Markowski to Kristin L. and Whitney J. Markowski, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

St. John's United Methodist Church of Coal Township to Meghan K. Caffrey, property in Coal Township, $27,000.

SHAMOKIN DAM - A new Geisinger Careworks walk-in clinic has begun seeing patients in the Colonial Village Plaza along Routes 11 and 15.

The public is invited to tour the new location during an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11.

In late 2012, Geisinger Health System announced it would open between 20 and 25 walk-in medical clinics within the next two years and throughout the state, creating more than 100 jobs. The growing popularity of Careworks clinics among consumers can be attributed to their convenience and affordability, according to Careworks associate vice president Steve Tracy.

"Careworks clinics do not require an appointment, are conveniently located, involve only a short wait time are open evenings and weekends and most of all, they are affordable," Tracy was quoted in a Geisinger press release. "We bill insurance and patients only pay their insurance's customary co-pay."

Patients generally visit Careworks facilities for basic health services related to colds, sore throats, minor cuts, wounds and general immunizations. Careworks also treats other minor health problems such as allergies, asthma, infections and sprains.

Perhaps the most important aspect of Careworks, Tracy said, is that they help relieve chronic overcrowding in hospital emergency rooms.

"Emergency department over-utilization is a serious concern - one that places a major financial burden on patients, health insurers, health care providers, employers, communities and even our entire economy," Tracy said.

The new 1,500-square-foot Careworks clinic will be staffed seven days a week, and no appointment is necessary. The clinic will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. Its staff includes Jessica Rigel, PA-C, Paula Zemaitis, PA-C, Tina Wolfe, LPN and Diane VonNeida, LPN.

During the April 11 open house, the first 100 people in attendance will receive free gift bags. All visitors can sign up to win a grand prize gift bag full of Careworks gear and a children's gift bag. The event will feature children's activities, a live radio remote by WFYY 106.5 FM, refreshments, and more.

On the Net: www.careworkshealth.com/clinic-locations/shamokin-dam

MOUNT CARMEL - Councilmember Leroy "Chico" Moser hopes a uniform policy will help residents identify borough workers.

Moser proposed the idea at Thursday's borough council meeting, requesting all borough employees wear a simple uniform, like a polo shirt with the borough's logo.

"It looks a lot better and is more professional," he said.

Several other borough council members expressed their support at his proposition, but before a conversation could take place, council president Tony Matulewicz sent the issue to a committee.

Moser and Matulewicz butted heads during the meeting over the "rules of order," which, passed at January's meeting, dictate that issues such as the uniform policy cannot be discussed at either the monthly borough meeting or the borough's work session.

Moser had been absent due to illness from both the work session and borough meeting when the rules of order were discussed and approved.

Under the new rules, discussions are to take place in committee meetings, which are usually not open to the public. If borough council members have questions in agenda items, they are to ask them prior to the meeting in one-on-one or small group conversations.

Matulewicz said the rules are designed to avoid wasting the time of meeting attendees who are not involved in the topics. But Moser pointed out that the new rules hindered discussions and left him unable to clarify points before voting.

He was especially displeased that borough employees would no longer attend the meetings. Matulewicz said a committee could request the presence of a borough employee, but Moser said he would prefer certain employees to attend to field questions that arise during the meetings.

Per the new rules of order, the conversation was shut down for further discussion outside the public meeting.

MOUNT CARMEL - Less than a week after emergency responders carried him from a burning building, performed CPR and brought him out of cardiac arrest, Jim Reed Sr. has nary a bruise on his body.

Standing in the bay of American Hose & Chemical Company, the firehouse where he has been a member for some 35 years, Reed, 59, shows no signs of his turmoil. His voice has no hoarseness, his face and body are not singed and his mind is still sharp.

In fact, he can remember almost everything that happened Monday when he raced into 213 S. Walnut St. during a four-alarm fire that burned through seven homes - everything except the five minutes he was in cardiac arrest.

Lost in a burning building

Reed was working at his job at Scicchitano's Ace Hardware when the call went out for the fire.

"My wife called me - it sounded pretty bad," he said Saturday.

Though he doesn't typically leave work for his volunteer duties as a fireman, the severity of the blaze caught his attention and he headed out, stopping at his house to grab his gear.

At the fire, he found Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush had established command. He knew the roofs of several of the homes needed to be cut to vent the structures, but few firefighters were at the scene. While more arrived, Hollenbush asked him to help with a more urgent task - running hoses into buildings for interior attacks.

Reed can clearly remember the first floor of 213 S. Walnut St. But after he climbed the stairs to the second floor, his memory is more hazy.

"The conditions deteriorated so rapidly," he said.

All at once, he said, the temperature shot up and visibility dropped. A hose broke, causing him to be shot by water.

Suddenly, he was lost.

"The hallway was only 3 feet. How do you get lost in the hallway?" he said. "All I could see is fire everywhere."

He reached out and grabbed a fellow firefighter's arm. They were spun around in the hallway, causing his disorientation to become worse.

Then he was unable to breathe. Instinctively, he reached for his air mask, his mind automatically demanding him to tear it away from his face.

"It goes tight to your face," he said. "You want to rip that off your face."

But his firefighter training kicked in and he left the mask on, then dropped to the floor.

"I stuck my face on the floor thinking I might get some good air off the floor. But there was no air," he said. "The fire consumed everything."

He also activated his emergency responder and radioed for help.

"I did the 'may day' twice," he said about the call that indicates a firefighter is in distress. "I had to put my faith in the system at the time."

The words of him calling for help and identifying his location still echo in his mind. He also remembers seeing things falling from the burning roof, which eventually collapsed. He describes the air being sucked from the room, comparing it to snapping a book shut.

And then his memory has a blank.

'Come on, Jimmy'

Reed's memory picks up about five minutes later in the back of an ambulance. He hears a "distinct" voice so familiar to him he can recognize it without seeing the face of the speaker - volunteer firefighter and Shamokin Police patrolman Ray Siko III.

"I can hear Ray's voice going through my head, 'Come on, Jimmy. Hang in there,'" Reed recalled.

To the shock of everyone in the ambulance, Reed not only woke up but had total cognitive awareness of what was happening.

Reed had realized he might go unconscious when he called for help, but was surprised to hear the severity of his condition. Matt Siko, a paramedic and brother of Ray, had performed CPR on Reed and somehow revived him.

"I wasn't expecting to be in cardiac arrest," he said.

Reed was taken by LifeFlight to Geisinger Medical Center and transferred to the Regional Burn Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. His doctors said the only signs he showed of the traumatic event were a few singed nose hairs and some ashy dust and the equivalent of a sunburn in his throat.

"I contribute it all to not ripping the mask off," Reed said.

At Thursday's borough council meeting, Councilmember Gary Hixson Jr., who is also a volunteer firefighter, commended Reed for following his training.

"He ran out of air and never took his mask off," Hixson said, describing it as one of the most difficult instincts to fight. He said the act had not only likely saved Reed's life but showed he was an excellent firefighter.

Hixson advocated for giving Reed and the men who rescued him an award. Borough Mayor Philip "Bing" Cimino concurred and offered up the Clover Hose Co. as a place for the ceremony.

'Give them a hug'

Reed is quick to credit his rescuers, from the paramedics and doctors who worked on him to the Rapid Intervention Team from Englewood that raced inside the house to pull him out. He has already met with many of these people and is in the process of organizing a trip to Englewood, located near Frackville, to personally thank them.

"I will shake their hands and give them a hug," he said.

He also expresses gratitude to everyone who supported him after the incident, even through small gestures like walking his dog and sending a basket of treats to his house. He's daunted by the task of thanking everyone, but has his wife, Daria, and son, Jonathan, helping him along the way.

Reed's other son, James Jr., lives in North Carolina. He jumped in his car and drove 10 hours to the burn center when he heard what happened.

Ready to go again

Firefighters at the scene reacted with the same panic when they heard one of their own had gone down. Cimino, who had been fighting the fire alongside Reed, said he had spoken to him just minutes before he entered 213 S. Walnut St. When he heard the "may day" call, he had a gut instinct that it was Reed.

"I felt like just taking my helmet and throwing it," Cimino said.

Once Reed was pulled from the burning building, medical personnel stripped him of his gear and cut off several layers of clothing. His air pack and helmet were handed to Cimino's grandson, who since he was born has known Reed.

"I could see the fear on his face," Cimino said about his grandson.

Of everyone at the fire that day, Reed seems to be the least affected by the incident. A fresh coat and boots, prepared with the overalls rolled into them for quick donning, are ready to go in Reed's locker, the first by the door at American Hose & Chemical Company.

"Will I go to another fire? Most definitely," said Reed.

BLOOMSBURG - Five people were hurt when a third-floor porch on the back of a home they were remodeling gave way, sending them crashing onto the porch below.

The incident at 345 W. Main St. just after 2 p.m. Saturday injured Benjamin Woolridge, his uncle Frank Woolridge, his girlfriend Kayla Balazs, and two friends known as "Bubba" and "Chris," said Denise Woolridge, Benjamin Woolridge's mother and Frank Woolridge's sister.

Denise Woolridge was contacted at work about the accident and arrived at the scene shortly thereafter. She said the five were doing repairs prior to her family moving in, and were standing on the porch when it gave way.

She said Benjamin Woolridge suffered a broken back and knee, Balazs had nerve damage in her leg, Frank Woolridge hurt his ribs, "Chris" broke his arm and "Bubba" broke his wrist and several ribs. All were being treated at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, and were expected to be kept overnight, she said.

The home is several blocks from the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.

GIRARDVILLE - As bagpipers and floats carrying local athletes paraded through the borough Saturday afternoon, Betty Ann Bernosky of 200 W. Main St. - who wore a costume which included a green fur covered hat and leg warmers - said she was proud of all of the volunteers who came together to continue one of the borough's strongest traditions.

After Friday's storm which dropped more than 5 inches of snow on the community, the borough road crews and volunteers came out to make sure the streets were clear for the 12th annual Girardville Saint Patrick's Day Parade, which brought thousands to the borough Saturday.

"They did a wonderful job last night moving the snow. They were here until 11 o'clock and the whole town pitched in," Bernosky said as more than 20 people were enjoying a party at her home, more than 100 were in the vicinity outside and her grandson, Jake, 8, was pointing to a vendor cart and begging her to buy him a can of silly string.

Sponsored by the Girardville Parade Committee, which includes members of the John "Jack" Kehoe Ancient Order of Hibernians Div. 1 and Ladies AOH Daughters of Erin, the parade featured five divisions. Units included dignitaries, including Lt. Gov. Michael Stack and U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-17. This year's parade was dedicated to coal region athletes and athletic programs. And the grand marshals were Mickey Holland, former coach of Mahanoy Area boys' basketball team, and sports writer Sam Matta.

"It's a fantastic day for a parade even if it's a bit cold," said Thomas Symons, Primrose, president of the Schuylkill County AOH and a member of the Girardville AOH.

Temperatures hovered around 35 degrees as hundreds of people greeted marchers including the bagpipe musical group the Hawk Mountain Highlanders.

"I got here about 7:30 or 8 o'clock. I couldn't believe it when I pulled into town. Curb to curb the snow was gone and as I was talking to different people I found out that last night different volunteers from all over northern Schuylkill County pitched in to help clean the streets for this parade to go on. I get goose bumps thinking about that. That's the spirit of St. Patrick's Day in Girardville, it's about heritage and people pitching in to help," Symons said.

"They were on overdrive trying clean the snow up," said Michael Cole, 15, of Girardville.

"I don't think it's as crowded as it has been on some years. I think the weather kept some people away," Bernosky said.

"We won't get the kind of turnout we had when President Clinton was here, but we'll get a good turnout," Symons said.

Former President Bill Clinton marched in the parade in 2008, drawing 30,000 people to the borough, parade organizers said that year.

"I think we've had colder years. This is the most snow we've had in a long time. But I don't think the weather will keep too many people away. I know the Pittsburgh group made it," said Frank P. Smith Jr. of Hamburg, a member of the AOH of Girardville.

He was referring to the Allegheny County Men and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Pittsburgh, which marched with Division Five, behind the Nittany Lion Highland Pipe and Drum Band.

Among those in the crowd Saturday were Joe Cairo of Collegeville, Montgomery County. A Fountain Springs native, Cairo colored his goatee green before he and a group of friends came out to see the sights Saturday.

Magisterial District Judge Christina Hale, Frackville, marched with the Ladies of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Daughters of Erin #18.

"Every year we come here. It's wonderful! The people are so generous. And when you're marching down the street, they're all waving. It's heartwarming," said Ben Bargerhuff, a member of the Thomas Lally Division #25 of the AOH of Philadelphia, which marched in the parade's fourth division.

Tina Wagner of Frackville and her son, Teigan Brokenshire, 9, were among the spectators. Teigan was sporting a stick-on orange goatee. She was carrying a peanut-butter-cup flavored funnel cake. "We come out every year," Wagner said.

"It's the people. It's fun. It's entertaining," said Jake Kapusnick, 16, of Gordon, rattling off a few reasons why he looks forward to the event every year.

"It's a good tradition for the town. It brings everybody together," Bernosky said.

Her friends, including Lorraine Rhody of Minersville, bring covered dishes to share.

"There's burgers, hot dogs, pierogies, chicken. They have everything in there," Rhody said.

"To prepare our party for the St. Patrick's Day parade, it takes about a week. And you have to have the house clean because some sleep overnight," Bernosky said.JACQUELINE DORMER/Times-Shamrock Photo

JACQUELINE DORMER/Times-Shamrock Photo

SELINSGROVE - Luke Duceman, a first-year student at Susquehanna University, will have one of his original music compositions performed at the 2015 National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Eastern Division Conference in Providence, R.I., during the week of April 10.

Ducemen's original work for piano, étherisation, was selected as one of 13 winners from the NAfME's Call for Compositions contest. The contest was open to elementary, middle school, high school and college students.

Duceman will also be performing with Susquehanna University's saxophone ensemble at the conference.

Luke is a son of Dot and Chris Blase, of Mount Carmel Estates, and Rich Duceman, of Aristes. He is a 2014 graduate of Mount Carmel Area Junior/Senior High School.

Mount Carmel Area High School remains unbeaten while Shamokin Area Middle School still keeps its hold on first place in week four of the annual EconomicsPennsylvania Stock Market Game Challenge for area high school and middle school students. Participating schools are Shamokin Area, Mount Carmel Area, Line Mountain, North Schuylkill and Our Lady of Lourdes.

The StockMarket Challenge is sponsored locally by Sunbury Motor Co. and The News-Item.

EconomicsPennsylvania is a not-for-profit organization specializing in K-12 economic and financial literacy programs.

In each Sunday edition, The News-Item is announcing the top three teams from high school and middle school competition. Listed are results from the past two weeks, which include total equity, the school's name, adviser and team number.

Week three

High school

- $103,837, Mount Carmel Area, Robert Scicchitano - 3223.

- $103,226, Shamokin Area, David Kopitsky - 2288.

- $100,173, Line Mountain, Karrie Bowman - 2484.

Middle school

- $101,575, Shamokin Area, Ty Crossley - 2247.

- $100,288, Line Mountain, Karrie Bowman - 2486.

- $100,009, Mount Carmel Area, Aaron Domanski - 2864.

Week four

High School

- $105,190, Mount Carmel Area, Robert Scicchitano - 3223.

- $104,726, Shamokin Area, David Kopitsky - 2268.

- $102,285, Line Mountain, Karrie Bowman - 2482.

Middle school

- $101,767, Shamokin Area, Ty Crossley - 2247.

- $100,354, Line Mountain, Karrie Bowman - 2486.

- $99,890, Mount Carmel Area, Aaron Domanski - 2864.

Mayor says thanks

Mount Carmel Mayor Philip "Bing" Cimino expresses his gratitude to all who volunteered or made donations during Monday's devastating fire.

He would especially like to thank the following businesses, who he said have consistently given support to the borough's volunteer fire companies during emergencies:

Vine Street Sandwich Shop, Village Towne, Schicky's Wings and Things, Domino's,Sunbury Rehabilitation Unit, Clover Hose Ladies Auxiliary.

Cimino also thanked the neighbors who supplied drinks, blankets and anything else requested to volunteer emergency reponders.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Rainbow Club met for its March meeting at Our Lady of Hope Hall recently, opening with Ruth Romanoski with the Ministry Prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the "Over 50" song.

Birthdays were announced for the month, followed by applause and the Birthday Song.

The secretary's report was given by Dolly Yocum. A new member, Irene Graw, was introduced.

Florence Verano gave the treasurer's report on the Rainbow Club and the Travel Club. The first trip will be April 18 to see "Inspire" at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster.

Dues are now being collected, and money for the trip is due.

The attendance award was won by Peggy Thomas. The 50/50 winners were Eleanor Waraksa, Ann Koshinskie and Catherine Reed. Bingo was played with Dolly Yocum calling. The meeting was then adjourned and refreshments were served.

The club's next meeting will be April 12 and new members are being accepted.

Abbie, Maddie and Roxie have been model employees at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Always on time, diligent in their work, never complaining.

These three ladies are actually TUG robots that carry out the mundane task of delivering medicine and equipment throughout the hospital.

The three autonomous cart robots are based at the pharmacy, and manager Claude Parnell said they have been a great help to the department.

"The TUGs will free up our workers to do other things while they travel throughout the hospital and deliver what specific floors will need, and do it efficiently and safely," Parnell said.

In addition to the three ladies, Chuck, a fourth TUG, works with central supply.

Pinpoint accuracy

The robots have been a familiar sight moving up and down the halls of the medical center since 2003. Made by Aethon Inc, Pittsburgh, the robots require an extensive programming process.

When a facility purchases a TUG, Aethon staff members program the units with a laser-plotted map of the hospital, showing every hallway and corner. From there, the system will be tested and some doors and elevators will be fitted with special receivers so the robots can open and "call" the elevators.

"The TUGs will ride in an elevator by themselves," Parnell said. "They will stop when someone walks in front of them or steer clear of an obstacle in their path."

That's accomplished through an intricate system of 27 infrared sensors on each TUG.

Secure delivery

Parnell said there are no worries about anyone taking medication from the TUGs, which are often unattended by any human staff.

"All drawers are locked during transit and everyone that interacts with the robots must either use a passcode or have their fingerprint scanned to open the drawers," she said.

With this system, the medications, some of which can cost thousands of dollars a dose, arrive at their destinations securely, but it also provides a level of accountability for each person who encounters the medicines.

"The more we use TUG, the more time our pharmacists have to select and process the many requests that we receive throughout the hospital," Parnell said.

Maddie makes a run

Parnell gave a demonstration of a typical delivery trip, sending Maddie for a typical delivery.

From inside the pharmacy station, located on the basement level of Bush Pavilion, Parnell starts the process.

"We go to the unit and select which drawer we want to put the medication or item in, press a few buttons and the drawer opens up," Parnell said.

A touchscreen gives Maddie her assignment, and the three-wheeled robot moves away from her charging station and heads on her merry way.

Outside the pharmacy door, Maddie takes a slow pace down the hall to the elevator, stopping in front of the door. A chime sounds and she sits patiently, awaiting her car. Once inside, the door closes and the elevator car goes up.

An electronic signal sends the elevator up to the fifth floor, and Parnell states that during the ride, the robot will turn itself around in the elevator.

On the fifth floor, Maddie exits the elevator, making her way down the corridor to the nurses station.

Another chime sounds and a polite voice informs the nurses that a delivery has arrived. The nurse punches in a code and a drawer opens, revealing its contents.

From there, one push of a button sends Maddie back to the pharmacy to await her next trip.

Avoiding tedium

The argument against TUGs is that a human can walk faster and certainly carry out the same duties. But statistics show how much time Abbie, Maddie and Roxie have been used at Geisinger - time human staff had to attend to other matters.

In 2014, the three TUGs made 11,287 trips, delivering 14,327 items. Their total time on the floor was 5,211 hours, 48 minutes - equivalent to 217 days, and they traveled a combined 2,896.4 miles.

"These girls have been a real godsend to us," Parnell said.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Poker game, 8:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; unlucky 7's, noon.

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

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; delivery sale of soup made by the vo-tech students for those who ordered; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; Linda Walker of Focus Health speaking on a surprise topic, noon; bingo will follow.

Friday - Morning cards, games and shuffleboard, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

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

Tuesday - Morning talk show and coffee, 9 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; unlucky 7's and pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Winnie the Pooh kids, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; guest speaker Tara Venna, 12:30 p.m.; nickel bingo, 1 p.m.; waffles and ice cream at break around 2 p.m., $2.

Thursday - News and morning coffee, 9:30 a.m.; horse shoe competition, 11 a.m.; trip to Shamokin O.I.P., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; unlucky 7's, pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 9:30 a.m.; VNA blood sugar/blood pressure checks, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Coffee and gab in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 11 a.m.; chips and dips served at break time; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Closed.

Wednesday - Puzzles and hand held games in the morning; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Closed.

Friday - Wii bowling and bean bag in the morning; hand held games and puzzles, 10 a.m.; Ellen Popson speaking on keeping your mind sharp, noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and current events, 9 a.m.; Pokeno, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and toast, 9 a.m.; chair exercise with Carol, 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Coffee and muffins, 9 a.m.; pinochle, 10:30 a.m.; Lisa Mankara of Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital speaking on what to ask the doctor, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Coffee and cookies, 9 a.m.; Pokeno, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Fun Friday! Open activities.

Elysburg

Income taxes are begin done at the center every Saturday in March from noon until 3 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling the CSO at 510-644-6575 ext. 171.

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, noon.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; vision screening, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon.

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

Trevorton

Monday - Pierogi making, 8 a.m.

Tuesday - Pierogi making if needed, 8 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; board games, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; lunch at Palmero's, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; culinary soup sale.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; last day to sign up for March 31 special lunch.

Police looking for aggressive drivers

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Police Department will conduct aggressive driving enforcement activities as part of a statewide wave from Monday through May 3.

During this time, law enforcement will monitor Route 61, Route 125 and any adjacent roads in the city for aggressive driving.

More than 330 municipal police agencies and the Pennsylvania State Police will target motorists exhibiting aggressive driving behaviors such as distracted driving, work zone safety violations and speeding on 474 roadways throughout the state.

The enforcement is part of the Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project and is funded by part of PennDOT's $2.3 million investment of federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

SASD buildings and grounds meeting

SHAMOKIN - There will be a Shamokin Area School District buildings and grounds committee meeting 4 p.m. Thursday followed by a special meeting for contract and personnel reasons at 4:45 p.m. in the board conference room.

SUNBURY - Less than a year after the saga of Miranda and Elytte Barbour ended, Sunbury is making headlines again as the home of a homicide.

The crime-laden city's history, which includes a double homicide in 2008, the stabbing of a nine-months-pregnant woman in 2011 and numerous other stabbings, has caused it to earn a reputation as an undesirable place to live.

Edgar Gearhart, 19, of Selinsgrove, is acccused of fatally stabbing Robert "Knowledge" Blake and injuring his mother, Amy Gearhart, by stabbing her in the back. The crime reignited conversations that Sunbury is filled with criminals.

But Sunbury Mayor David Persing said the city has been unfairly painted as a dangerous city when crime is just as prevalent elsewhere.

"It's just the way the social situation is in the world," said Persing.

Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare recognized the city's bad reputation, but said little can be done by the police force to reverse the trend due to budget cuts.

"Sunbury does have that image. Crime is going up," said Hare. "We're doing the best we can to try to prevent it from going up, but right now we're laying off guys so we're just trying to do the best we can with what we have."

Persing acknowledged that a police officer will be officially laid off today due to budget constraints, but described the stabbing as an "isolated incident" that arose due to factors not controlled by the location.

"The stabbing was an unfortunate incident that really had no bearing on how many police officers we had," said Persing. "I believe if there were 100 police officers, it wouldn't have made a difference."

Persing pointed out that because the city is the county seat, stories of criminals in court are attributed to the city. And though many dedicated volunteers have worked hard to add positive aspects to the town, like more recreation, these stories are not as frequently reported, Persing said.

"We do a lot of (positive) things in the city. There's an image battle," he said.

Sunbury Crime Watch is one example of volunteers who hope to make a difference in the city's image. Crime Watch President Connie Beegle said she has more than 70 registered volunteers within the group, 20 of whom attend regular meetings and participate in outdoor crime patrols.

Unfortunately, Beegle said, she's noticed the crime in the city growing, especially within the high school and college age group.

"In the summertime it gets really bad because you have all your teenagers and all these people walking around and college is out," she said. "I think it's going to get worse now that the weather's breaking."

These renegade teens and 20-somethings congregate in parks after dark, fighting one another and vandalizing public and private property. The problem has grown steadily worse since the 1960s, she said, and she attributes this to little adult supervision and leniency in punishment.

"A lot of times the parents aren't even around. The kids are home alone. The parents aren't there so they go out and party with their other friends," she said. "Another thing that happened is you can't smack them anymore... They think they can get away a lot."

Hare said while the crime watch has sufficient volunteers, the police department is sometimes too short-staffed to send someone to a call.

"We have to prioritize who gets the police response," said Hare.

Persing said the key to changing the city's image is by increasing job opportunities, not the number of police officers.

"The core of the thing is there's just no jobs in the city of Sunbury," said Persing.

He emphasized the progress Sunbury's Revitalization Inc. (SRI) has made in the downtown corridor through volunteer work, and said it has already made a positive impact on the city.

"Our recreation - it's the biggest thing that brings people into town. It might make the difference from a fast food chain surviving," said Persing. "Once a business comes in and starts and you can maintain that business, that encourages the next guy to come in."

By building up the business corridor, Persing hopes Sunbury becomes known as a place to live, work and shop rather than just for criminals visiting the courthouse. He said continuing to grow volunteer programs like those run through SRI is key to changing this image.

"Talk about River Fest (Sunbury River Festival) - you need to have those volunteer organizations be a part of that or those things can't take place," he said. "If we close SRI down tomorrow it would be devastating to our downtown and our neighborhoods."

HARRISBURG - With National Work Zone Awareness Week occurring March 23 to 27, acting PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards today joined representatives from the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC), the American Traffic Safety Services Organization (ATSSA), and various traffic-control companies for an event in Harrisburg calling on motorists to drive safely in work zones and be mindful of the people behind the cones.

To complement the awareness week, PennDOT also announced its #Slow4Zone social media campaign, which spotlights department employees and reminds drivers why it is important to pay attention and slow down in work zones.

"Work on our roadways is essential to keep people and commerce flowing, but drivers need to remember that it isn't just equipment that they see in work zones - there are people," Richards said. "Work zones may be a temporary inconvenience, but these workers deserve our full attention and safest driving."

Preliminary PennDOT data shows that 24 people were killed in work-zone crashes in 2014, eight more than in 2013. Since 1970, 85 PennDOT employees have died in the line of duty. Additionally, the same data there were 1,841 crashes in work zones last year, a slight decrease from the 1,851 crashes in 2013.

Over the five-year period, there were 10,586 work-zone crashes and 128 fatalities in those crashes.

In addition to crash data from police reports, PennDOT monitors work-zone safety with internal reports. In 2014, there were 131 reported intrusions in PennDOT work zones, 92 of which nearly caused injury to employees or caused damage to equipment, and 21 of which caused fleet or equipment damage. Of those intrusions, 18 resulted in injuries to PennDOT employees.

As of March 10 this year, there have been seven work-zone intrusions, with one resulting in employee injury, four causing damage to vehicles or equipment and two causing no damage or injuries.

In addition to driving safely to protect highway workers, state law requires drivers to increase their visibility and obey work-zone speed limits. Drivers who don't turn on their headlights in posted work zones face a $25 fine. Also, motorists caught driving 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in active work zones automatically will lose their license for 15 days.

To further underscore the importance of the lives of people working on the state's transportation system, through the awareness week PennDOT's #Slow4Zone initiative will feature employees from across the state who have witnessed or been injured in work-zone crashes, or who have a message for motorists. The campaign emphasizes that each employee is a mother, youth mentor or family member who wants to get home safely each day.

To view the employee testimonials in the campaign visit the "Work Zone" information center at www.JustDrivePA.com. Join the discussion on social media by using #Slow4Zone in posts.

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Michael Ramos, of Neptune, N.J., against Tracey Lehman, of Coal Township, for $850, filed March 16. A hearing is scheduled for March 30.

Sara Radomski, of Shamokin, awarded $986.25 in rent and court costs on March 17 from Paul Delbo, of Shamokin.

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Shirley and Richard Anthony, of Manchester, N.J., against Kimberly Maclaren, of Mount Carmel, with the Law Office of Cole & Varano, of Mount Carmel, as remitter, for $1,180, filed March 17. A hearing is scheduled for March 31.

SHAMOKIN - Sunny skies and above-freezing temperatures on Saturday and Sunday melted away most of the snow that fell Friday and prompted some locals to head outside.

And though Sunday saw a high temperature of just 40 degrees, Spangenberg's Family Drive-In had a steady stream of customers looking for frozen treats.

The Tharptown restaurant opened for the season at the beginning of February but the frigid temperatures since then had kept many customers away.

Other area ice cream parlors are slated to open on the following dates:

Pepe's Famous Italian Ice, Mount Carmel: Wednesday, April 1st

Chiller, Shamokin: April, the exact date to be announced later.

Hannah's, Trevorton: Saturday, May 2nd

Maurer's Dairy: Open year-round.

The Old Mill Ice Cream Stand at Knoebel's Amusement Resort: Saturday, April 25

SHAMOKIN - Charles Brunson, 28, of Market Street, Shamokin, was taken into custody by Shamokin police on suspicion of driving under the influence after he swiped into at least one parked car and crashed into the curb on Pine Street near the intersection of Fourth Street shortly after 3 p.m. Sunday.

Police were originally called by a driver following Brunson who said he may have been unresponsive behind the wheel at Second and Pine streets, said Shamokin Patrolman Ray Siko III.

Brunson's red Dodge Durango, which had a flat rear driver's side tire and a bent front passenger's side wheel and heavy damage to the front bumper, was towed from the scene.

The black SUV he struck, owned by Mary Moyer, of the 500 Block of West Pine Street, had a scrape along the driver's side door.

Siko escorted Brunson to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital for blood alcohol testing.

WHITE DEER TOWNSHIP - State police at Milton reported a 51-year-old tractor-trailer driver was killed early Monday when his rig struck a concrete barrier and overturned along Route 15, just north of the Watsontown exit in this Union County township.

Police said Charles Eugene Iser, of Rawlings, Md., was operating a 2011 Freightliner with a 2014 semi-trailer attached north in the left lane of Route 15 at 2:05 a.m. when he failed to negotiate a slight left turn. The rig then exited the highway to the east for an unknown reason and ascended a grassy embankment. Upon returning to the road, the tractor-trailer crossed both lanes of the highway, struck the center concrete barrier with its front end, rode up the barrier and overturned on its driver's side before coming to rest.

The rig sustained severe damage to its cab area.

Iser, who was wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene by Union County Deputy Coroner Paula Miller.