MONTOURSVILLE - Local law enforcement agencies will join the Pennsylvania State Police and more than 330 municipal agencies to conduct the second targeted aggressive driving enforcement wave from March 23 to May 3.

Participating aggressive driving enforcement police agencies in north central Pennsylvania are Towanda (Bradford County); Bloomsburg, South Centre Township, Hemlock Township and Montour Township (Columbia County) Williamsport, Old Lycoming Township and Tiadaghton Regional Police (Lycoming County); Danville and Mahoning Township (Montour County); Coal Township, Shamokin, Northumberland and Mount Carmel Township (Northumberland County); Shamokin Dam (Snyder County), and Buffalo Valley Regional Police (Union County).

As part of the Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project, the second wave will aim to reduce the number of aggressive-driving related crashes, injuries and deaths on 474 roadways throughout the state. Any aggressive driver stopped by police will receive a ticket.

The enforcement wave will focus on distracted driving, work zones safety violations and speeding. Motorists exhibiting other unsafe behaviors such as driving too fast for conditions or following too closely will also be cited.

Municipal police agencies that participated in last year's campaign wrote 53,587 aggressive-driving related citations, including 31,150 for speeding. Failure to obey traffic control signal signs was the second most-common offense, resulting in 5,011 citations. Additionally, the enforcement accounted for 51 felony arrests, 145 DUI arrests and 179 drug-related arrests.

The aggressive driving enforcement is a part of the Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project and is funded by PennDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

For more information, visit www.justdrivePA.org or call 570-368-8686.

FRACKVILLE - Mount Carmel Assistant Fire Chief James Reed Sr. met Wednesday night with a group of volunteer firefighters credited with saving his life.

Reed was critically injured while fighting a massive fire that destroyed several homes in the 200 block of South Walnut Street March 16.

On Wednesday, Reed, 59, sat down with firefighters from Butler Township's Englewood Fire Co. who were called to the scene as a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

Their team was called into action when Reed was hurt and collapsed inside one of the buildings.

"You are the reason I am here today," a teary eyed Reed said to the four RIT team members who pulled his lifeless body from the burning building.

Capt. Steve Oravitz and firefighters David Malloy, Scott Taylor and Mark Cuttic, EMTs and paramedics performed CPR on the chief before having him flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

From there, Reed was transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital by helicopter and was released two days later.

Scariest moment

"It was probably the scariest moment of my life," Reed recalled, saying "everything went south" fast.

"I couldn't find anyone, I didn't know if I was alone," he said. The chief said he was in a hallway and, when he realized he was in trouble, reached for a hose line he knew was nearby.

That hose, however, was burned through by the fire.

"I became disoriented, I didn't know where I was," Reed said. "How can you get lost in a three-foot hallway?"

Reed said it was a matter of seconds until he found himself unable to exit the building, issued two May Day alerts over his radio and went unconscious.

Oravitz said hearing the May Day was almost unreal.

"We heard it over the radio and knew what we had to do," he said. "This was a zero-failure mission."

Oravitz said Reed's exact location, but they knew he was on the second floor.

Intense

As members made their way into the 213 S. Walnut St. home where Reed was believed to be, they were met with heat and smoke.

As they began to search the second floor, Malloy said he could hear Reed's PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) alarm attached to his self contained breathing apparatus. The alarm is designed to sound when a firefighter becomes motionless sending a piercing signal that will hopefully be heard by rescuers.

Seconds later, the RIT team found Reed under debris in what was determined to be a bathroom.

"We found him laying face down on the floor," Oravitz said. "We knew we had to work quickly. Oravitz and Malloy managed to get Reed out of the room and into the hallway where, with the assistance of Taylor and Cuttic, he was taken to the street."

A firefighter for 35 years, Malloy said the rescue operation was the "most intense" thing he had ever done knowing what was at stake - the life of a fellow firefighter.

Taylor said it was important to get Reed out of the building as quickly as possible and into the hands of medical personnel.

When Reed was taken away, he had no heartbeat and wasn't breathing, Taylor said. He recalled the feeling he and other team members had a short time later when a police officer informed them Reed was resuscitated and talking.

"To know we pulled him out lifeless and then he was breathing and talking was amazing," Taylor said.

Be ready

Englewood Fire Co. Chief Edward Beneshunas said the company's RIT team became operational in 2005 and maintains the required training to make it effective.

"This is the reason, the reason for the RIT team," Beneshunas said. "Even though on most calls you just stand around waiting, you have to be ready to go to work within seconds since every second counts."

A Rapid Intervention Team, sometimes called a FAST team, is comprised of a crew of trained firefighters that serve as a standby rescue team.

Beneshunas said the team should be ready to activate within seconds to search and rescue any missing, trapped, injured or unaccounted firefighters.

A RIT team is equipped with the appropriate protective clothing, protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus and specialized rescue equipment including emergency breathing support systems designed to provide clean air to an injured or trapped firefighter.

Reed said he may be able to return to the firefighting service in a few weeks after getting the OK from doctors at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

That, however, is only one hurdle, he said.

Having his wife allow him to return is the second hurdle.

"She told me she will follow me and if I see a pink fire coat at the scene it will be her watching," he said.

Beneshunas said thanks are due to all firefighters for the jobs they do whenever called, day or night, 365 days a year.

"It's all about the brotherhood," he said.

SHAMOKIN - Registration is open for the annual Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts Parade, set for Friday, May 22, that will be the kickoff for the 10th anniversary festival weekend.

Organizers hope to make this year's parade the biggest and best in celebrating the anniversary year. Shamokin native and noted author, educator and former state high school wrestling champion William Welker is grand marshal.

This year's theme is "It's Electric," commemorating Thomas Edison's contributions to the city and region. It's encouraged that floats and vehicles be decorated in keeping with the theme as they travel down "Electric Avenue," the name given to Independence Street the day Thomas Edison lit up parts of Shamokin.

As always, the festival and parade also celebrates coal mining, alumni organizations, sports, history or any other part of life. Entries can include floats, antique cars, Jeeps, 4x4s, organizations and associations, bands, fitness groups, musicians, businesses, costumed walkers and pets.

Cash prizes will be given for award winners most decorative/creative, best dressed/costumes and best of show categories.

The parade will follow its traditional route, formation starting at 5 p.m. on Water Street and traveling down Independence and onto Market. Antique cars kick off the parade at 6 p.m., followed shortly thereafter by the remainder of the parade.

The accompanying registration form, which is also available at First National Bank, can be dropped off or mailed to the bank, attention Pam Burns, at 10 S. Market St., Shamokin 17872, or can be faxed to Burns at 570-644-0897.

For more information, call 570-648-9500.

SHAMOKIN - Schuylkill County attorney Stephen P. Ellwood was fired from his job with the Krasno, Krasno and Onwudinjo law firm six weeks prior to having allegedly forged the name of a Northumberland County judge.

The state Attorney General's Office alleges Ellwood, 62, of Orwigsburg, signed Charles Saylor's name on a false order dated April 18, 2013, that said clients Robert Bechtel and his wife, June McIntyre, of Locust Gap, would be awarded $250,000 and Ellwood would receive $25,000 for his representation in a personal injury case. Ellwood was charged last month with a felony count of forgery, the result of a grand jury investigation.

Ellwood had been representing Bechtel while working for Krasno, Krasno and Onwudinjo, as was noted in Tuesday's story, but he was no longer employed with the firm at the time of the alleged forgery.

The law firm provided documentation Wednesday that shows it notified Ellwood on Jan. 2, 2013, that his employment would be terminated as of Feb. 28 of that year. The separation agreement was signed by Ellwood on Feb. 4, 2013, and by a representative of the firm on Feb. 12, 2013.

MANDATA - Five teams from the Line Mountain School District participated in the North Central Regional Odyssey of the Mind competition held March 14 at Berwick Area High School. Two of the teams will advance to the state tournament in April.

At the elementary level, a primary team and a Division 1 team participated. The primary team participated in the "Wacky Weather Warning" in which members had to create a humorous performance where a meteorologist makes three predictions of "wacky weather." The team placed first, as do all teams competing at this level. Team members are Jasmine Schaffner, Ava Stiely, Owen Miller, Logan Williard and Cole Billman. The team's coach is Marcy Walshaw-Miller.

The Division 1 team competed in Problem 1, "Runaway Train," placing third. The team had to design, build and operate one or more vehicles that will travel on tracks and make stops at different stations without touching the floor. Team members are Clara Michetti, Carter Rissinger, Lane Schadel, Dustin Baumert and Lois (omission of last name requested by parents). The team's coach is Antonio Michetti.

The Division 2 team competed in Problem 5, "The Silent Movie," placing sixth. Team members are Sage Hoover, Kayla Bohner, Collin Deppen, Alexis Yost, Maddie Hoy and Steven Spiels. The team's coach is Christine Shearn.

At the Division 3 level, there were two teams. Both placed first and will advance to the Odyssey of the Mind State tournament April 11th at Berwick High School.

One of the Division 3 teams competed in Problem 5, "The Silent Movie". The team had to create a performance that presents a silent movie featuring a villain that commits three silly acts of "villainy." Because the characters that were in the movie could not speak, the team created an original instrument, a musical score and had creative subtitles. Team members are Skyler Hoover, Ashley Lambert, Andrew Rissinger, Gabby Eby, Phil Phillips and Shelly Lerch. The team's coach is Theresa York.

The other Division 3 team competed in Problem 3, "Pandora's Box." he team had to put a video game spin on the original story. The team created a character that took on a multi-level game. There had to be three characters that represented different evils that escaped the box and a team created power meter that represented the gamer's health. Team members are Meadow Walshaw-Wertz, Mia Kissinger, Autumn Bohner, Tori Duffy, Bri Shervinskie, Ashley Wilga and Sadie Walshaw. The team's coach is Meadow Walshaw-Wertz.

SUNBURY - A Northumberland County judge Wednesday granted house arrest to a 15-year-old boy charged with attempted homicide.

Gage Hertzog, was 14 Dec. 9 when police allege he and his grandmother, Carol Whary, shot at Whary's stepson and neighbor, Dean Whary, in the field behind the two Wharys' adjacent houses.

Hertzog will be permitted to reside with his parents, David and Carol Hertzog, of Atlas, Judge William H. Wiest ruled.

As part of his order, Wiest stipulated Hertzog must wear an electronic monitoring device and is not permitted to have contact with either Whary or visit the location of the alleged incident.

Hertzog, who was enrolled in cyber school at the time of the incident, will also have to enroll at Mount Carmel Area Junior/Senior High School and attend each school day.

The ruling comes after two attempts by the Hertzog family to have their son released from juvenile detention, where he has been held since the alleged shooting. Prosecutor Julia Skinner argued at a hearing Tuesday he should continue to be held due to the serious nature of his charges and because his older sister is still in contact with his grandmother.

Skinner had previously argued the deplorable conditions his parents had allow him to live in at his grandmother's house meant Hertzog would be best kept in the juvenile detention facility where he was safe and receiving an education. State police testified garbage blocked the upstairs of Carol Whary's home, the two had been sleeping on couches in the living room and at least one dead animal was found in the basement.

But defense attorney Kathleen Lincoln pointed to testimony by Children and Youth Services representatives, who said they visited the Hertzog home and saw it is clean and fit to live in.

Lincoln was concerned after she was notified that physical evidence from the alleged incident would not be available for six to nine months. This meant Gage Hertzog could be held in a juvenile detention facility for more than a year before he was determined to be guilty or innocent of his charges.

Wiest took a day to consider the situation before making his decision.

It wasn't known Wednesday if Hertzog had been released.

DANVILLE - A Geisinger doctor won't be punished by the law for walking his young sons across the frozen Susquehanna River last month.

Dr. Steven R. Bonebrake, 31, of 204 E. Front St., Danville, was found not guilty of disorderly conduct. Magisterial District Judge Marvin Shrawder issued the ruling Wednesday afternoon.

"I don't think (his actions) met the culpability for the charge," Shrawder said by telephone.

Mahoning Township Patrolman Garon Fenstermaker filed the charge two days after Bonebrake led his sons - ages 6 and 5 - atop the icy river Feb. 8. Bonebrake testified during a summary trial Tuesday that he believed there was no danger in making the trek.

Judging by the shoreline, Bonebrake guessed the river was about 1 foot deep that day. He jumped up and down on the ice to test its integrity, kept his boys in a line behind him, and crossed using the same route he used 20 to 30 times before, according to his testimony.

If the ice broke, Bonebrake believed the only danger to be "a wet boot."

The walk came at the end of a 10-day stretch when temperatures hovered in the single digits. The temperature Feb. 8 was about 42 degrees. Minimal melting created tiny puddles on the ice's surface, giving an appearance of open water, but Bonebrake said there was no open water near them.

Fenstermaker disagreed. The police officer said Bonebrake's actions were reckless and created a hazardous situation, and justified a disorderly conduct citation.

During trial Fenstermaker pointed out that Bonebrake didn't drill the ice to measure its thickness - a sure way to get an accurate measurement. Leslie Young, the township's fire chief, testified about how river ice is weaker than an icy pond or lake because of the current.

Crowds gathered on both sides of the river when people saw Bonebrake and his two sons, Fenstermaker said, which he said created a nuisance. Had the ice cracked, putting the Bonebrakes in danger, he said rescue personnel would have had to risk their own safety.

Bonebrake's attorney, John L. McLaughlin, argued that the disorderly conduct charge can't be used as a catchall. His client had no intent to break the law, McLaughlin said, and because Bonebrake's actions drew public attention didn't mean he created a hazardous situation.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area School District officials and police are seeking assistance from the public to stop the rash of vandalism that has occurred during the past 18 months on district grounds, specifically Kemp Memorial Stadium.

The vandalism, which has caused extensive damage, includes broken locks, windows and doors on concession stands, ticket booths and gates at the stadium, break-ins and flooding in locker rooms, ruts left in grassy areas including ballfields throughout the campus by ATV operators and damage to fencing, grates and the track surrounding the football field. Thefts also have been reported.

No approximate damage estimate was available from school district officials.

Dave Petrovich, facilities manager for the school district, said someone removed a Polaris utility vehicle and electric golf cart from a maintenance shed inside the stadium and rode it around before causing damage over a year ago. Petrovich said the utility vehicle was found rolled over inside the stadium.

Coal Township Police Chief William Carpenter, whose department has received multiple vandalism complaints on school district property during the past 18 months, said one of the calls involved about 20 people playing football at the stadium after jumping the fence Dec. 7.

Other incidents reported to police include a theft and vandalism at the stadium Sept. 29, 2013, damage to a door at the Hillside Coaches concession stand Dec. 11, 2013, and a complaint of a youth trying to break into the stadium Dec. 14.

"Every year, we have some vandalism on the school district grounds, but it has gotten worse the past couple years," Petrovich said. "We don't know if it's students or adults causing the problems, but they seem to be targeting the stadium by either breaking locks on the gates or crawling under or over the fence."

He said the most recent significant damage occurred about a month ago when a section of lawn outside the main entrance to the stadium was torn up by an ATV.

"Our grounds and maintenance staff put forth an exceptional effort in maintaining the district's facilities," Petrovich said. "To see vandalism like this is certainly disheartening. Also, some ATV operators drive on campus like it's a race course. A few minutes of what the culprits consider fun can cost the district thousands of dollars in repairs."

Petrovich said another frustrating problem for his staff is the failure of dog owners walking on the campus to clean up after their pets despite the placement of trash cans throughout the grounds.

"Our grounds and facilities are used heavily throughout the year," Petrovich said. "About 95 percent of the people in the community appreciate having the opportunity to use them and appreciate our efforts in keeping them in great shape. We are lucky to have great resources on the campus that are used by many outside organizations as well. But we can't do much more to police this stuff. We need the public's cooperation."

Petrovich, who noted most of the vandalism occurs when it's dark, said anyone caught trespassing or vandalizing district property will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Shamokin Area School Director Robert Getchey said the vandalism has become more prevalent during the past couple years.

"Things keep getting worse," he said. "There are 8 to 10 inches of divots in the grass in many areas of the campus and that costs a lot of money to repair with new topsoil and grass seed. Our maintenance staff works hard to keep the grounds looking good, but it only takes a few to ruin it for the others who appreciate using the facilities."

Petrovich and Getchey urged anyone who witnesses vandalism, trespassing or suspicious activity on school district property to immediately report it to the administration office at 570-648-5752 or Coal Township police at 570-644-0333.

SUNBURY - A Selinsgrove man charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in Coal Township last year was scheduled for a suppression hearing in Northumberland County Court. But he unexpectedly pleaded guilty to a felony offense that will require him to spend approximately one to two years in county prison.

Dustin Gearhart, 27, of 1823 Sunbury Road, pleaded guilty to statutory sexual assault and was sentenced by President Judge William H. Wiest to serve one year minus a day to two years minus a day in county prison. Gearhart, who has been incarcerated since Sept. 29 on $5,000 cash bail, will be given credit for 178 days toward his sentence. If Gearhart's maximum sentence would have been two or more years, he would have been sent to state prison.

The sentence was within the standard range of 12 to 18 months for the offense.

The maximum punishment for the charge is 10 years imprisonment and/or $25,000 fine.

Wiest ordered Gearhart to pay a $250 fine plus costs. He is prohibited from having contact with the victim and cannot drink alcohol or frequent bars.

Gearhart was charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan with sexually assaulting the victim April 3 in the third patch of Bear Valley after the pair went for a ride in Gearhart's vehicle.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey, who prosecuted the case, said the victim and her mother, who were present for the guilty plea and sentencing, were satisfied with the plea agreement. "They just wanted closure," Toomey said.

Neither the victim nor her mother offered comment about the case.

"We are happy the plea went through because it prevented us from having the victim go through the tough experience of testifying at trial," Toomey said. "She was prepared to testify, but we are glad it didn't come to that for her sake."

Public Defender John Broda said his client was willing to accept a county sentence over a state prison sentence.

When asked what prompted Gearhart to plead guilty on the day he was scheduled to request Wiest to suppress evidence against his client, Broda said the defendant wanted to resolve the case as soon as possible after being offered the plea agreement by Toomey Wednesday.

District Attorney Ann Targonski, who has prosecuted many sex crimes over the years, praised Brennan for conducting an "outstanding investigation." She added, "Sexual assaults are the most difficult cases to prosecute and Detective Brennan is dedicated to the prosecution of individuals who commit these types of crimes."

Related to murder suspect

Gearhart is a brother of 19-year-old Edgar Gearhart, of Selinsgrove, who has been charged by Sunbury police with stabbing to death their mother's boyfriend, Robert "Knowledge" Blake, 46, of Sunbury, on March 18 in Sunbury. Edgar Gearhart also is charged with attempting to kill his mother, Amy Gearhart, 40, of Selinsgrove, by stabbing her in the back.

Upon being escorted from the courthouse by Chief Deputy Sheriff Randy Coe and Lt. Dwayne Pidcoe, Dustin Gearhart said he had no comment about his guilty plea or the homicide and attempted murder charges filed against his brother.

The bearded defendant had his legs and arms shackled upon being transported by county correctional officers to SCI-Coal Township, where male county inmates have been incarcerated since a Jan. 14 fire ravaged Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury.

PAXINOS - The public is invited to worship at the annual Easter service at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at "The Old Rugged Cross," on the mountaintop overlooking Route 61.

This is the 54th year the cross has been on the mountain, and the 29th year services have been held there.

Under the direction of John Miller, former Explorer adviser, Scouts erected the first cross on the mountain in 1961. Miller has never missed an Easter service at the cross, and also takes frequent hikes to visit it during the year. The original cross stood for 25 years until the weather took its toll and it had to be replaced.

In 1986, under the direction of Scoutmaster Harvey Buriak, Scouts raised a new cross. Beginning that year, generator-fueled floodlights were used to illuminate the cross for Easter weekend.

Mike Shevitski, current Scoutmaster, said Scouts are still trying to improve the area on the mountain around the cross so the community of all faiths can worship together and keep an Easter tradition alive. The Boy Scouts' Easter service keeps growing. As many as 345 people attended the 2013 service, and last year, 330 were in attendance.

Shevitski advised attendees to dress for the weather. It is an outdoor service with some stadium bleachers for seating, but some still may like to bring a folded chair or sit on the ground.

"Don't wear your Easter best, keep that for Sunday morning," he said.

Guest speaker

This year's speaker is Chris Bingaman, of Kreamer. Bingaman has been married to his wife, Heidi, for 35 years, and they have four daughters, Emily, Lindsey, Leah and Audrey. In 1976, he joined his father in the family business, Bingaman & Son Lumber, which was established by his father and grandfather in 1968. Chris serves as vice president of sales, directing the company's domestic and international sales from lumber produced at four Pennsylvania facilities which account for 35 million feet of lumber per year. The lumber is shipped to 34 different countries.

In 1992, Bingaman was diagnosed with cancer, but thanks to a bone marrow transplant from his sister, he is now cancer free. He is an elder in the Sunbury City Church. From his experience, he wrote a book, "The Promise of God's Presence," and has appeared on the national radio broadcasts of "Back to the Bible" in Lincoln, Neb., with Woodrow Crowl, and "Focus on the Family" in Colorado Springs, Colo., with Jim Dobson. He now wants to tell the world of his faith and trust in the Lord.

Those who do not know how to reach the cross should meet at 1 p.m. at the Clark's Grove Church in Irish Valley, and follow Miller up the mountain road.

Buriak will open the service with the help of Miller and Kevin Shervinskie, former Scoutmaster. Special music will be provided by Ed Heitzman, co-owner of Heitzman's Radiator, Glass and Parts Inc., of Shamokin. One of the Scouts, Dexter Haight, will close the service and invite everyone to walk to the campsite for a hot dog roast over an open campfire.

PAXINOS - Some seats remain available for VNA Health System's hypnotist dinner show set for Saturday at Masser's Banquet Hall.

The show features master hypnotist Michael Blaine, who did the show in 2013 to rave reviews. The evening begins with a meet and greet with Blaine, who is well known across the country for his dynamic antics and hilarious suggestions to participants.

Proceeds support VNA's Cardiac Care and TeleHealth Programs. A silent auction will also be conducted, with items including a Handyman's Basket by Ace Hardware, Frackville; overnight hotel stay by Mohegan Sun, Poconos; tickets for the Miracle at Christmas by Sight & Sound Theatres; indoor waterpark passes by Split Rock Resort's H2Ohh Indoor Waterpark; electronics, theme baskets and more.

Reservations ($40 per person and $70 per couple) are required. Call 570.648.8989.

VNA also has an annual health fair at Knoebels Amusement Resort, a golf tournament and a 5K race.

MOUNT CARMEL - The state Public Utility Commission (PUC) conducted a sting operation Wednesday of what they called an illegal cab driver working out of the borough following a call from a local regulated cab company.

The driver, Christian Scipio, of Mount Carmel, said he was merely a volunteer trying to help people out.

"I'm just devastated by this," he said. "I didn't mean to do anything wrong."

PUC deputy press secretary Robin Tilley confirmed the PUC responded Wednesday for a driver giving rides in the Mount Carmel area without a taxi license.

"One of our agents set up a ride in the morning with the unlicensed driver," Tilley said. "A report was taken and the matter is currently under advisement."

Tom Schott, who oversees operations for Shamokin Yellow Cab and Mount Carmel Taxi, said it was the News Item's "Sound Off" line that prompted some concern.

"There were some calls about the taxi service being great in Mount Carmel, and we were running the service and basically stopped it because of a lack of business," Schott said.

Schott said he had felt there were some "wildcat" drivers running shuttle services in the area, cutting into the cab company's business.

On Monday, a Shamokin Yellow Cab driver went to Boyer's Food Market in Mount Carmel and, on a large community bulletin board inside the store's foyer, found an advertisement flyer with tear away strips that listed Scipio's number.

"Need a ride," the flyer read, "work or shopping doctor (sic). School or out-to-town we will take you where ever you have to go (sic). Call for price," followed by Scipio's number.

Schott called the PUC to file a complaint, and an employee set up the sting.

Just trying to help

Scipio, 45, of Mount Carmel, said he was just trying to help out the public, all part of his Christian nature.

"I was talking with someone who works at Boyer's who said there are always people looking for a ride there," Scipio said. "I never asked for any money or looked to make a profit. If they wanted to give me gas money, that was all I needed. I never knew I was breaking the law."

After speaking with his family, his daughter made up the flyer and put it up on the store's board Monday afternoon. Scipio said he never saw the flyer, but looking at it Wednesday said he never knew it said to call for prices.

Scipio said he got a call from a woman Wednesday morning, who sounded like she was in desperate need of a ride from Boyer's. It was the first call he had gotten since the flyer went up.

"I wasn't sure about it, but I told her I would meet her wearing a medical jacket and in a blue van, so we wouldn't have to worry about some creep picking her up," Scipio said.

When he arrived, the woman was nowhere to be found, but Schott and the PUC agent were there.

"They never took a ride from me, just talked to me about the situation," Scipio said.

Must be liscensed

Schott said his concern with illegal rides is safety.

"A cab company operating in the state of Pennsylvania has to be licensed by the PUC," Schott said. "Our drivers go through background checks, our vehicles are insured and the company must go through a safety inspection. What people need to realize is if they get into an accident riding in one of these vehicles and injured, they may not be covered."

"That is our main priority when we regulate a company, the public's safety," Tilley said. "That is why we make sure they have the proper insurance and the drivers have background checks."

A growing trend, especially in larger cities around the world, is ride sharing, through companies, such as Uber and Lyft, where private citizens register their vehicles to give rides to others for a fee.

The PUC has given Uber a certificate of public convenience to operate in Pennsylvania, Tilley said, and drivers that sign up with Uber must fill out an application with the PUC.

Tilley said the commission will look at Scipio's record and determine what course of action to take, anything from a formal warning to a possible fine if there are any prior complaints.

Scipio said his record is clean but hopes this incident will not keep him from doing other volunteer work, like making deliveries for the Mount Carmel Food Bank. He is currently running a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds to have his truck fixed, which he uses to help stranded motorists and those injured in accidents. He is a licensed EMT and state constable in Mount Carmel and carries a trauma bag in his van.

"I never took a dime, and I like to help people," Scipio said. "As a Christian, I would swear on the Bible that I never thought I was doing anything wrong."

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area's Elks Award winners for January have been announced.

The Student of the Month is senior Christopher Stellar, a son of Bernard and Michele Stellar, of Den-Mar Gardens. Chris is president of the chemistry club and vice president of the senior high chorus, marching, symphonic, jazz and pep bands. He is captain of the varsity soccer team, a member of the tech ed and Spanish clubs and has had a lead role in the school musicals for the past three years. Chris has participated in District 8 Band and jazz band and Susquehanna University and Lebanon Valley College honors bands. He has been chosen as this year's WVIA Artist of the Week, is a member of the National Honor Society and is on the distinguished honor roll. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and video games, listening to music and hanging out with family and friends. Chris's future plans are to attend a four-year college to possibly major in music education.

Junior Student of the Month for January is junior Cameron Getty, a daughter of Bret and the late Leanne Getty, of Mount Carmel. Cameron is a member of chorus and the marching, symphonic, pep and jazz bands. She takes part in the school musical. She is on the distinguished honor roll and is also a member of the National Honor Society. In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing the flute and spending time with her friends and family. Cameron's future plans are to attend a four-year college to major in the medical field.

Teenager of the Month is Joseph Dudeck, a son of Joseph Dudeck, of Fountain Springs, and Brooke Dudeck, of Strong. He has previously played on the 2014 All-Star baseball team and was baned MVP for defense for the Mount Carmel Area Junior League World Series. His activities include playing drums in marching and concert band and playing baseball. He enjoys fishing and playing music and hopes to participate in the Drum Corps International and eventually pursue a career in music.

Junior Teen of the Month for January is seventh-grade student Dylan Duceman, a son of Allen and Kim Duceman, of Mount Carmel. Dylan is a member of the junior high football team and is on the honor roll. Some of his interests include history, listening to music and hanging out with friends. In the future, Dylan plans to pursue a college education.

COAL TOWNSHIP - For some business people in Northumberland County, family means finance, not feud.

A number of multi-generational businesses continue to flourish in the area, overcoming the typical economic struggles all businesses face, as well as unique challenges like enticing younger generations to take on the trade of their ancestors.

John Shimock III, third generation owner of Shimock's Furniture, Kulpmont, encouraged his son, "JP" Jacoby, to explore other career opportunities before returning to the family business.

"After his college education at Penn State, I'm not sure if either of us knew exactly where he was going to end up," Shimock said. "I did request that he work in the real world for a minimum of two years prior to coming back to the family business just to get some experience and know what's involved in making a living in today's economy."

Jacoby took a position as a financial planner for a national insurance company near Philadelphia. He worked for two years in this role before returning to his family's furniture store.

"We both think it's the best decision he could have made," Shimock said.

Shimock, joined by his mother, Pearl, and JP, told the history of their family business as participants in The News-Item's annual Business Roundtable, held March 6 at the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center. Over 2 1/2 hours some 25 representatives of 14 local businesses spoke of the challenges of working in their multi-generational family businesses.

While "pressure" was a central theme, the satisfaction of carrying on a family legacy was evident, too.

Bob Zimmerman is the fourth generation to lead Zimmerman Motors, a 126-year-old Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Truck dealership with locations.

Zimmerman said his family legacy began as a small dealership in Seven Points, the Rockefeller Township village that boasted 30 to 40 homes in 1889.

"We were one horsepower back then," said Zimmerman. "We had sleighs, buggies, carriages."

Zimmerman's great-great-grandfather Calvin, who founded Zimmerman Motors, learned the sales trade from his father, Peter, and then decided to venture out on his own.

The business hit several snags through its early history. When Calvin passed away, his eight children put the business up for public auction. Zimmerman's grandfather and great-uncle were forced to purchase the business back at a public sale.

Zimmerman Motors then suffered another setback as the automobile industry switched to airplane and tank manufacturing during World War II, creating a nationwide shortage of automobiles. Dealerships simply ran out of cars to sell.

"My grandfather worked at Westinghouse in Sunbury during the war years because he couldn't make a living in the car business," said Zimmerman. "My father went to work in Riverside and came back in the family business later on. You do what you have to do."

Zimmerman said the business today runs much more smoothly, which he credits, in part, to permitting the involvement of only a few family members at a time.

"I have two other sisters that have nothing to do with the business. I have a son coming into the business and I'm not going to put him in a position where he's going to fight his sister in the business, either," he said. "We try to keep the family to a minimum... We try to keep the management level small."

Another key player in the local auto sales scene, Sunbury Motor Co., has also used the teamwork of family to foster its success. Tom Mertz, CEO and president, said varied interests led his father and uncle to take the auto sales and service business to new heights.

Sunbury Motors was founded in 1915 by Mertz's great-grandfather, J.O. "Oak" Mertz. By 1939, he had grown the business to 46 employees. He handed the business down to his sons, including Tom Mertz's grandfather.

"It probably stayed status quo, if not declined a little bit, during the '50s, early '60s," said Tom Mertz.

When Mertz's father, C. Richard "Dick" Mertz, and his uncle, Robert "Bob" Mertz, came of age in the early 1960s, each expressed a different interest in the business. While Dick was a true salesman, Bob was fascinated with machinery and wanted to work in parts and service.

"I think they just stayed out of each other's way," said Tom Mertz. "Thank God they didn't fight each other."

Dick Mertz is now retired, while Bob, president at the time, died Jan. 19.

Tom Mertz naturally stepped into his father's shoes after growing up surrounded by cars.

"It seemed like when I walked in the door, he walked out," said Mertz. "Talk about pressure! But when you're young there's no pressure. You just do it."

While Tom Mertz almost instinctively fit into his family business, others have found the path home more winding.

Robert Shuey's father, William, opened Shuey Jewelers in 1920 after returning home from World War I. Though the family business was ready for him to join after he graduated high school in 1943, Robert Shuey was drafted into World War II.

When he returned home in 1945, his father asked him, "What are you going to do?"

"I said, 'You have all these tools; who's going to use them?' So we talked it over," he said. "I went off to the Philadelphia College of Horology and learned the trade."

Shuey passed national exams and became a certified master watchmaker. He said he was, and still is, the only person to hold this title in a 60-mile radius.

His unique skill was in demand, and the U.S. Geological Survey and the Department of the Interior offered him a job monitoring mechanical instruments at rivers, lakes and ponds in Pennsylvania. So he left the store and took up the new task.

After several years, Shuey made the jump to Reading Railroad, working as a timepiece inspector. His position was essential to ensuring trains arrived and departed at the proper times.

"When you worked on the railroad, you had to see me every month, once a month. You carried a card and it had to be signed by me stating that the watch was inspected and timed and corrected," he said.

Eventually, Shuey returned home and took over Shuey Jewelers. He has since handed the store down to his son, Paul, who returned to the family business after his own, albeit briefer, foray into the outside world.

"I went to college and had part-time jobs - just enough to realize I wanted to stay in the family business," Paul Shuey said.

Paul Shuey's daughter is enrolled in college. He hopes she becomes the fourth generation to run the store, but said he's not pressuring her to do so.

"It's her decision," he said. "It'll be there for her if she decides to pursue it."

From mining to painting

As was the case for John Shimock III and Jacoby, earlier members of the Shimock family had a history of exploring other careers before ultimately decided "home" was the place for them.

John Shimock Sr. originally worked in the mines before investing in a wheelbarrow to use while selling wallpaper and paint. He traveled through Mount Carmel selling to clients during the day and spent evenings painting and hanging paper. Eventually he saved enough money to remodel a double home downtown to incorporate a wallpaper and paint store.

"During the Great Depression in 1929, he had 20 people working for him, hanging wallpaper and doing painting," Shimock said of his grandfather.

As the economy grew, so did the business. John Shimock Sr. began expanding into other types of merchandise like electronics and furniture.

Though John Shimock Jr. grew up around his father's business, he had his eye set on another career.

"He was a math and political science major at Bucknell. He wanted to be a lawyer," said Shimock III.

Instead, Shimock Jr. and his brother were lured into returning home, where they both stayed until retirement.

"The way our business is ... you get to know your customers and your clientele are your friends," said the current owner. "I think it was something he enjoyed."

John Shimock III also made a brief foray into the outside world before returning home - although he had a strong inclination of where he belonged.

"I went to college for the hell of it," he said. "I went just to have fun, knowing what I would come back and do."

But there was a purpose, too. In anticipation of his future career, he studied business and accounting. He also made the deliberate decision to attend school in a large city to have the experience before committing the rest of his life to a small town.

His son's decision to return home had less to do with disliking a big city than desiring the independence that comes with small business ownership.

"When you work for corporate America ... you're a number," Jacoby said. He compared this with the personal relationships he's had to build at his family's business.

"You run into people in the community who had a sofa or a recliner problem. You don't go home at 5 o'clock and turn it off," he said. "You have to take pride in the whole thing and enjoy what you do. I did something I didn't enjoy for two years."

From boring to 'my life'

Brandy Dobson-Dilliplane, of Dobson Carpet Service, Shamokin, also grew tired of the business world and sought refuge in her family's business.

"I worked other jobs, but it wasn't appealing to me," said Dobson. "I didn't enjoy it. I didn't enjoy being told what to do. I didn't enjoy not being cared about."

When Dobson was a child, though, joining her father at the store was the furthest thing from her mind. Her father started Dobson Carpet Service in 1992 when Brandy Dobson was born, and she hated spending Saturdays at the store with her dad.

"Growing up, I did not enjoy going there," she said. "It was boring."

Dobson's feelings changed after she graduated from high school and had her daughter. She watched as her grandmother, who had joined the business years earlier, and her father aged, and began wondering what would become of the company.

"I came in last May and took on everything, from installation to book work," she said.

And how does she feel about the business now?

"It is my life," she said. "I love every moment I'm there."

Family of pharmacists

Finding what you love through your family tree is a common thread for generational businesses. At Tom Olcese Pharmacy, not one but all three of its namesake founder's daughters are now pharmacists.

Tom Olcese founded the pharmacy in 1958. Thirty years later, daughter Janice Miner graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science and took a job at a pharmacy elsewhere. She returned home in 1993 and began working alongside her father, who retired two years later.

Her sisters, Cheryl and Debbie, married pharmacists. One owns three pharmacies in the Harrisburg area while the other operates a pharmacy in the Tunkhannock area.

"It's a generational thing as far as the interest goes in the profession," she said. "My 14-year-old son talks about it."

Though Miner has been around the pharmacy since she was a child, the business has changed due to increased competition with chain stores and Internet sales. While much of her father's business came from the sale of pharmaceuticals, she's had to expand to include services like immunizations while holding on to small business traditions like free delivery.

Miner believes the key to keeping the company profitable is to focus on the benefits a small, family-operated pharmacy provides.

"We know everybody that comes in the store. We greet them," she said. "You're not a number in our pharmacy."

Inspired by father

Vince Maher, former owner of East End Meat Market and Anthracite Provision, had the opposite experience of Tom Olcese when it came to handing off his business.

After founding the business in the 1970s and growing it through the years, Maher found himself with limited interest from his four daughters in carrying on the legacy.

"I was the only one who wanted to take over the family business when he decided to retire," said his daughter, Patti Sheriff. "Every day I'd see my dad there. It was inspiration."

Sheriff's partner, Mike Dupnock, has owned East End Auto Sales since 1973. Both he and Sheriff hope their progenies follow in their footsteps.

"I have my son and my son-in-law who are going to take over and continue on with the business," said Dupnock. "I'm semi-retired. Hopefully they keep it going."

Suddenly, an owner

Though most multigenerational business owners remain with their companies until their children take over and then retire, Joe Bressi saw the involvement of his daughter, Maria, as a chance to explore a new career.

Bressi began Bressi Martin Real Estate in 1984, concluding the end to another career - that of a school teacher.

"I was teaching school, and during that time, I was buying and selling homes," he said. "My heart was in real estate."

During a sabbatical, Bressi realized he wanted to go full time with this venture so he earned his Realtor's license. He joined up with good friend and longtime consultant to his rental business, Jack Martin. Though he expected to just help out with his friend's established business, he abruptly rose to ownership.

"In September of 1984, I walked in the office and he threw me a contract and said, 'I'm retiring. I'm going to Florida,'" said Bressi. "He said, 'The business is yours. I have all the confidence in you.'"

Martin helped Bressi with financing and consulting to keep the business going.

Bressi worked on his own for the next 30 years until, out of the blue, he received a call from Maria.

"She said, 'Dad, I need to do my internship. Mind if I sit here for six weeks?'" he said. "Well, she never left."

The timing worked perfectly because Joe Bressi was feeling burned out by the real estate business. Maria Bressi has been on board since 2008 and has since been joined by her cousin, Danielle Bressi. The two helm the real estate business while Joe Bressi has moved on to his "true career" - as a heavy equipment operator. He says that partly in jest, though he is spending plenty of time on bulldozers and the like in developing Earthday Campgrounds in West Cameron Township.

From farm to table

Kurt Masser watched his father jump between different aspects of the agricultural industry, but he saw changes that were more necessity than choice.

The Masser family business now includes Masser's Restaurant, Masser's Farm Market and The Wayside Inn, but when Kurt Masser was born, his father only owned a farm.

"He wanted an outlet for our produce and he looked in different areas and decided on the location where the farm market currently is today (along Route 61 south of Paxinos)," said Masser.

Masser and his six siblings provided the manpower back at the farm while their father managed the produce and butchering, and their mother made baked goods and salads. As the children grew, so did the family business. Kurt's brother, Brian, convinced their father to open a second market on Oak Street in Mount Carmel.

"My dad basically put the house on the line and bought the store and said, 'Don't screw it up,'" Masser said. "You want to talk about pressure!"

The restaurant in Paxinos came next, in 1981. Around this time, during which Kurt Masser graduated from high school, the family realized the farm was losing $35 on every hog it sold; typically, 100 were loaded on a truck at a time.

It was a clear sign that segment of the market was no longer profitable, and so the family focus moved even further from farming to food service. Six years after the restaurant purchase, the family bought the Wayside Inn in Weigh Scales.

Though he and his siblings provided much needed labor, Masser credits his father for the success of their ventures.

"Every business we were in, Dad was right there with us," he said. He means this both literally and figuratively. "He was there (at work) before us and my mom was there before we were oftentimes. I always used to say, 'Boy, if he wasn't just there with us every day...' But now I'd give my right arm to have him back just to tell us what we could be doing."

New guys learn ropes

Relying on relatives for support while building up a new company is important to several relative newcomers to family business ownership.

Assist Home Care came into existence in 2004 when members of the Prentiss family took solace together after experiencing layoffs.

"We were all victims of downsizing," said Charlie Prentiss, family patriarch. "It's funny because I always wanted to have a family business with my brothers, but we all went our separate ways. I never dreamed I'd be doing it with my kids."

Charlie Prentiss came together with his son, Chuck Prentiss, to form the now 10-year-old medical supply business, and they were soon joined by Charlie's wife, Kathy, and his daughter, Lisa.

"My son came to me with the idea. Lisa and I started doing some research on the industry because we did not have a background in it," said Prentiss.

The family cobbled together knowledge from different businesses and have grown it to stability.

"The one thing I will take pride in is the fact that we did create 14 new jobs," said Prentiss. "We hope we're offering value to (our customers) and, in return, we're appreciated."

Keith Martin, owner of the three-year-old Q&A Pest Control, also emphasized the importance of customer service when building a business.

"What you put into it is what you're going to get out of it," said Martin. "I treat people the way I want to be treated."

Martin and his son, Josh, have slowly worked to build a clientele base for their pest control service. Martin hopes to build the business enough to not only support himself, but to provide his son with a stable income.

"My son is part time with me until I grow the business," said Martin, who added that he hopes not just his son, but also his grandchildren, can someday come on board.

'In-house' business

Ron Lentini, owner of Archie's Shoe Store, has also been eyeing up his grandchildren as potential inheritors of his business.

His granddaughter, just 2 1/2, already loves to answer the phone at the store.

Lentini's family has always had close ties with the shoe store. His father, Archie, opened the business in the 1950s as a shoe repair shop in the front of his home.

"My parents (still) actually live in back of the store," said Lentini. He added humorously. "Talk about pressure - my father's going constantly, 'What are you doing with this? What are you doing with that?'"

Like many other shoe repairmen at the time, Archie Lentini began selling a small selection of shoes, which grew as he tapped into consignment sales.

"Next door to him was a little sporting goods store," said Ron Lentini. "When that gentleman retired, he bought that half of it and he expanded."

Perhaps because of the proximity to his home, which made visiting the store unavoidable, Ron Lentini automatically took up the business. He added his own twist, specializing the store's selections with orthopedic shoes, custom made shoes and inlays. But he also held on to traditional stock, like boots.

His father has since retired, but Ron Lentini's mother still helps at the store.

"She puts away our mess," Ron joked.

Lentini's own daughter has also joined the family force. With a medical billing degree, she has bolstered the store's selection by completing paperwork necessary for diabetic shoes.

"All the family's there, and they're all still working together," said Lentini.

Where the heart is

Perhaps it's because the nature of their business is fun, but the Knoebels family has steadily stuck together since the birth of what is now Knoebels Amusement Resort in 1926.

A fifth generation of family is now employed, the fourth generation is running the park and the third generation is still active in its affairs. Nearly 50 family members in total have held some type of role within the business over the last 89 years.

Rick and Brian Knoebel - who, alongside their cousin Trevor Knoebel, manage the park - said joining the family business was a no-brainer.

"My heart wasn't in going anywhere else," said Rick Knoebel. "It was the best thing to wake up in the morning and go to the park."

But for Dick Knoebel, Rick and Brian's father, joining the amusement industry was less of a choice than a necessity.

"My father died when I was 12, my brother was 7 and my sister was six weeks shy of being born," he said. "So I had to come back to my life."

He would graduate from Lehigh University with a degree in engineering geophysics and had his eye on working in the oil and gas prospecting industry. But the Vietnam War struck and "the draft board got pretty hot," said Knoebel. "So I went in the Marine Corps officer program."

When he returned to the park from the Marines in 1965, it had just 16 rides. He made it his mission to grow the business, focusing on moving a wooden coaster from San Antonio, Texas.

"I was told, 'You can't do it. It won't work. It's not financially feasible,'" he recalled. "I said, 'I can do this.' And I proved them wrong. That's why it's called the Phoenix - it was a dead coaster and it came back to life."

Dick Knoebel, who has run the now 60-ride park with his brother, Buddy, and their sister, Leanna Muscato, allowed his own sons the flexibility he didn't have to leave the park behind.

"There was never any kind of rule that said you had to work there. We could go out and do our own thing if we wanted to," said Rick Knoebel. "(But) he said nothing would make him more proud than for us to come back and work with him for the family."

Now that he's seen his own sons and nephew take the reigns, Dick Knoebel said this dream has come to fruition.

"I'm so proud of my two sons who are following in my footsteps," he said.

The fourth generation truly is taking his history as a cue. They're focusing on growing the park through a new roller coaster, Impulse, scheduled to open this season.

And while the park continues to blossom, so does interest from the next generation. Trevor Knoebel's son, Ethan, and Brian Knoebels' daughter, Haley, are both spending the summers working alongside fellow teenagers in games and food service - though they may already have their eye on the future, not unlike what other multigenerational families experience.

"They both run us, so they're kind of in management," Brian Knoebel joked. "(Haley's) going to go to Penn State, she tells me, and then when she graduates, she's going to come be my boss."

SUNBURY - A program employing former Northumberland County Prison correctional officers in positions transporting prisoners between the four magistrate courts and prisons for hearings will conclude April 1, prison board members confirmed.

Stephen Bridy, county commissioner and prison board chairman, said the program, which was designed to employ correctional officers and lessen the burden on municipalities following the Jan. 14 prison fire, cannot continue for financial reasons.

Bridy said he and other board members had viewed long-term project costs of housing prisoners and discovered the prison system will exceed its budget by an estimated $1.3 million this year.

"It's time to start tightening the belt," he said.

The correctional officers have been working in teams of two to transport prisoners. Bridy said the county will continue to employ two teams to take prisoners from SCI-Coal Township and SCI-Muncy to the county courthouse in Sunbury. Additional teams, which he said ranged from one to three depending on the timing of hearings, will be laid off until positions are found for them elsewhere in the system.

He anticipated most of them will be re-hired in May when the wings occupied by the county in the state prisons become more autonomous. At this time, Warden Bruce Kovach will be given more control of these wings, which will operate more like the former county prison. This includes granting "ports" for officials like the sheriff, constables and police officers to pick up and drop off prisoners.

Ann Targonski, district attorney and prison board member, said municipal police will resume transporting prisoners April 1 in the same manner as they had prior to the fire. The ports will decrease long wait times some officers had experienced when entering the state jails.

Part of the sky-high costs have come from housing prisoners at state facilities. Since the Northumberland County Prison was destroyed in the fire, the majority of the male prisoners have been housed at SCI-Coal Township while most of the females are in SCI-Muncy. The state Department of Corrections is housing the county inmates at a reduced cost, but it's still an estimated $1,000 a day more than it cost the county with its own prison.

In addition to the increased cost to drive prisoners to and from the courthouse in Sunbury, Bridy said the board has faced an unanticipated high in salaries. He attributed this to needing extra guards to segregate county and state prisoners while they moved about within the jailhouses.

Bridy said the board will adjust the number of employees according to need, and anticipates a decrease in the number of employees as the county system becomes more refined within its new home. Since the integration began, the prison has been staffed for maximum security.

"That's the approach they're taking - better safe than sorry," Bridy said.

Targonski also noted a minor change in paperwork coming from the courts. While blood draw fees associated with charges of driving under the influence were previously billed as a central booking fee, the name is being changed to be more fitting.

The name change will also free up the term for use when a central processing facility is built, which Targonski said will likely be part of a new prison.

SHAMOKIN - Olvany Insurance Agency, 3 S. Market St., has provided a wide range of insurance coverage to thousands of customers since being established in 1958.

The agency has continued to grow and currently employs seven people.

Val Zimmerman is president and Bob Olvany, who founded the company, serves as vice president. Zimmerman, who is Olvany's daughter, joined the business in the 1990s. Mike Shaffer is co-vice president, and Carol Anoia is the office manager and treasurer.

Other staff include Cindy Dietterick, Ashley Carl and Christine Ball. Carl, who is Olvany's granddaughter, joined the business in 2010.

The agency, which moved its office from 1 N. Market St. to its current location in 2005, primarily focuses on customers in central Pennsylvania. It offers quality service for all types of insurance, including home, life, annuity, commercial business, auto and health.

Shaffer said, "All of our staff are licensed to sell insurance in Pennsylvania, and we have a full-service commercial business insurance department to handle all business coverage, whether it is for a sole proprietor or a multimillion- dollar corporation."

He added, "Our agency strives to find you the coverage that best fits your needs and always has an eye on looking out for your future. Call us to become part of our insurance family. We are looking forward to serving the area for another 50-plus years."

The office is open Monday through Friday and can be reached at 570-648-6145. The agency's website is www.olvanyinsurance.com

COAL TOWNSHIP - A three-year contract extension was awarded Thursday to the superintendent of the Shamokin Area School District, but James T. Zack said he plans to retire before the term is fulfilled.

Zack didn't say when he would retire. He turns 53 years old this spring and would be eligible for early retirement at age 55, according to the Public School Employees' Retirement System.

Following a special meeting of the school board, Zack said he's interested in the completion of several ongoing projects during his tenure, including a $4.3 million heating and cooling overhaul at the middle/high school.

"I'd like to see those projects through," he said.

Zack's contract was set to expire Dec. 12. The extension takes him through Dec. 12, 2018 - the same calendar date he became Shamokin Area's superintendent in 2005. He currently earns approximately $129,000 annually, and won't see a raise, according to several school board directors. He is not on the district's health plan.

Director Richard A. Kashnoski praised Zack's budget experience, and said the superintendent does keep the district at heart when making difficult decisions.

A budget crisis in 2012 saw 21 employees furloughed, 19 of them teachers. A majority were back on the job in the district when the 2012-13 school year began. Kashnoski said it was due in large part to Zack.

"When we did the furlough, he did the math to bring back every teacher. If it wasn't for him, those people could still possibly be jobless. He was the one who balanced the budget, worked the numbers, did the forecasting, and made sure the numbers worked for the district," Kashnoski said.

SUNBURY - Dustin Gearhart, who was sentenced Wednesday afternoon to approximately one to two years in county prison for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in Coal Township, will be resentenced next month after an error was discovered in his prior record score.

The 27-year-old Selinsgrove man was ordered by President Judge William H. Wiest to serve a county sentence after pleading guilty to statutory sexual assault under the assumption his prior record was two. But adult probation officers later determined Gearhart's record score was five, which prompted Wiest on Thursday to vacate the sentence and order Gearhart to be resentenced Monday, April 6.

Public Defender John Broda, who is representing Gearhart, said he's certain the defendant will now receive a state prison sentence due to the higher score, which pertains to Gearhart having committing previous offenses. Broda said Gearhart could withdraw his guilty plea and take the case to trial.

He said record scores range from zero to five. He said a defendant can exceed a record score of five by being classified as a repeat felony offender or a repeat violent offender, which is the highest criminal grading.

Gearhart was scheduled for a suppression hearing Wednesday in Northumberland County Court, but unexpectedly pleaded guilty to the felony offense. He was sentenced by Wiest to serve one year minus a day to two years minus a day in county prison. Gearhart, who has been incarcerated since Sept. 29 on $5,000 cash bail, will be given credit for 178 days toward his sentence. If Gearhart's maximum sentence would have been two or more years, he would have been sent to state prison.

The sentence was within the standard range of 12 to 18 months for the offense, but that range will increase with Gearhart having a higher prior record score.

The maximum punishment for the charge is 10 years imprisonment and/or $25,000 fine.

Gearhart was charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan with sexually assaulting the victim April 3 in the third patch of Bear Valley after the pair went for a ride in Gearhart's vehicle.

SHAMOKIN - City Hall will pay a settlement with a contractor in two installments, using funds drawn from loan money received last year to ante up on unpaid bills.

Robert Gusick is owed $76,812 for work performed at the site of a partial building collapse in June 2012 in the 700 block of North Shamokin Street. City council voted earlier this month to allow its solicitor to pursue an out-of-court settlement, ending a three-year dispute.

The first installment will be paid in days, city administrator Robert Slaby said Wednesday, with the second installment due July 1.

"I'm glad the money is still available under the Act 47 loan," Slaby said. If not, it would have had to come from within Shamokin's tight 2015 budget.

"I'm determined to keep them within budget ... because this is the only way to fix it," he said of the city's financial troubles.

Gusick, who operates a self-titled construction business, filed suit seeking $98,500 for the emergency demolition of the former Shamokin Health Spa. He was on site about 15 days and estimated having completed 75 percent of demolition and hauling before he and city officials had a falling out over the cost and scope of the project.

Mayor William D. Milbrand said he believed Gusick's original cost estimate was "over inflated," but that he "needed to be paid."

"It's paid now and thank goodness. That's one more thing off our chest," he said.

Ultimately, more than $100,000 was paid to other contractors to complete the job, most of which was covered by a grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The city was already in the process of seeking early financial intervention for eventual acceptance in DCED's Act 47 program as it neared bankruptcy.

ELYSBURG - A Knoebels Amusement Resort worker was injured when he was clipped by a car during a test run of the Impulse roller coaster.

Stacy Ososkie, a public relations representative at the park, said the man was standing by a low-lying area of track when he was struck by the car, which overhangs the track by several inches, at around 9:54 a.m. Thursday.

Ososkie said the park was withholding the name of the man at the request of his family, but said he was talking and alert when he was taken away by ambulance to an area hospital.

He suffered a broken hand and needed staples to close a wound on his head. Ososkie said a CT scan of his head showed no further complications.

"We are happy to hear that," she said. "We're praying for a speedy recovery."

The first test of the new roller coaster with one of its cars was run Tuesday. It has been run several times since, including additional times before Thursday's accident, with no other incidents.

Ososkie said the park was suspending test runs of the ride until a full investigation could take place. This includes talking to the injured man because nobody witnessed the accident, she said.

"We'll definitely have to reevaluate our safety procedures," she said.

The accident put a damper on an otherwise bustling time at the park. With less than a month to go before opening day, workers are busy bringing equipment out of storage and assembling rides.

"We're all shaken up," said Ososkie. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him."

The incident occurred in an area of the ride that will be inaccessible to visitors. Ososkie was unsure if the delayed testing will affect the opening day of the coaster.