SUNBURY - Tuesday's primary left no room for drama in November's general election when it comes to the Northumberland County judgeship - Paige Rosini and Hugh A. Jones will each take a seat on the bench.

The pair won double party nominations, besting challenger H. Robert "Bob" Mattis Jr.

Rosini topped them all on both tickets, with a combined 7,372 votes - 3,719 on the Democratic ballot and 3,653 on the Republican.

Jones placed second, finishing with 3,179 votes from Democrats and 3,420 from Republicans for a total of 6,599.

Mattis tallied 3,673 votes total, just less than half of what Rosini totaled. He had 1,727 votes from Democrats and 1,946 from Republicans.

Voter turnout was about 25 percent.

Despite the unofficial results, Rosini wasn't ready to put in an order for a judge's robe just yet.

"It's technically not over until November," she said from a celebration at the Hotel Edison in Sunbury. She added that she'll keep an eye on the general election.

Of finishing with the most votes, Rosini said, "I really couldn't say that I'd be on top (before the election), but certainly I was getting a lot of good feedback and was optimistic that I would do well."

Jones was with his brother, J. Kevin, and other friends at the Lithuanian Club in Mount Carmel. Overwhelming is how he described election night. He stayed away from the club until the results seemed all but certain. He congratulated Rosini, and also credited Mattis for a good campaign.

"We both have double nominations which kind of effectively puts an end to the campaign," Jones said, continuing with a relieved laugh, "which I'm not going to be sorry about."

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Rotary Club will hold its fifth annual Prettiest Baby Contest at Saturday's Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts.

Photos (8x10 size) of all babies 2 years old or younger by May 23 are requested to be dropped off at Bader's Furniture, 704 N. Liberty St., Shamokin, before Friday. There will be a registration fee of $5 for every baby picture entered.

The baby pictures will be displayed at the Shamokin Rotary booth at the festival. People can then vote for their favorite "prettiest baby" for $1 per vote. The baby picture that receives the most votes will receive a $100 prize.

Proceeds will be used for community service projects by the Shamokin Rotary. The club's many service projects to the community include providing dictionaries to every third-grade student, the Santa Sleigh, supporting Manna for the Many food bank, Relay for Life and a Little League baseball team sponsorship. The club also recognizes a student of the month from the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center. Shamokin Rotary is also sponsoring an exchange student from Germany for the 2014-15 school year at Shamokin Area Middle/High School.

In one of the few contested primary races in the area, Aaron Domanski defeated Bruce Facer for the Democratic nomination for Mount Carmel Township supervisor.

Domanski had 332 votes and Facer 153, according to unofficial returns.

There were 45 write-in votes for supervisor cast in the Republican primary. The official count will determine whether anyone received a sufficient number of votes to secure a Republican nomination (at least 10 votes are needed).

In the only other race on the township ballot, Marilyn K. Simmons, a Democrat, who was unopposed, had 325 votes for constable. There was no Republican candidate.

LEWISBURG - The board of directors of Evangelical Community Hospital announced Tuesday it appointed Kendra Aucker as president and CEO of the hospital, taking over for Michael O'Keefe, who announced his retirement after nearly 25 years of service with the hospital, a decade of which was in the CEO position.

"I am honored to be guiding Evangelical in its mission to provide quality care to our community," said Aucker. "As someone who has worked beside the team of Evangelical employees for almost two decades, I'm fully aware of the expertise that lives within the hospital's walls, and am privileged to partner with those experts to continue to deliver high quality, affordable care in a safe and compassionate setting."

Aucker has been an integral part of Evangelical Community Hospital's team of experts since 1990. Serving in roles of marketing, physician practice management, operations and executive leadership, Aucker helped shape the strategic growth that sets Evangelical apart from other community hospitals.

Roger Haddon, chair of the board of directors at Evangelical, said, "When choosing who will guide Evangelical into the future, Kendra stands out as someone who has a passion for the hospital and who, through the breadth of her experience, will be able to position the hospital in innovative ways that ensure its success in the ever-changing healthcare landscape."

Aucker will officially take the reins of president and CEO in July after O'Keefe concludes his time at Evangelical at the end of June. O'Keefe said, "As someone who has had a long working relationship with Kendra as she has served the hospital in many roles, I have the greatest confidence that she will excel as a leader who can relate to all areas of teamwork needed to set Evangelical apart as a model for community hospitals."

In her most recent role of executive vice president/chief operating officer at the hospital, Aucker was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hospital and oversaw the surgical, orthopaedic, cardiovascular and imaging service lines as well as the employed physician group, laboratory services, pharmacy services, environmental services, plant engineering, project management, nutritional services and safety and security. She also had reporting responsibility for information technology and human resources.

Aucker is a licensed agent through the insurance department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with qualifications in accident and health, and life and fixed annuities. She is a health care fellow of the Healthcare Advisory Board and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the Medical Group Management Association.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration from Frederick Taylor University.

Active in the community, she serves on the boards of directors of the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Selinsgrove Area Community Foundation and WITF Inc. She is a member and past president of the Selinsgrove Rotary Club, a former director and past president of the Central Susquehanna United Way and a graduate, former director and past president of Leadership Susquehanna Valley. She received the Leadership Susquehanna Valley Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006, the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way Volunteer of the Year Award in 2005 and the Susquehanna Council of Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award in 2012.

In 2015, Aucker received the Adam Smith Distinguished Leadership Award. Recognized as one of the most prestigious honors by EconomicsPennsylvania, the award is given to individuals who reflect the wholesome values of community service, individual achievement, personal integrity and commitment to the highest standards of excellence in their professional careers.

Evangelical is a non-profit organization that employs over 1,600 individuals and has more than 170 employed and non-employed physicians on staff. The hospital is licensed to accommodate 132 overnight patients, 12 acute rehab patients and 18 bassinets. The hospital serves residents throughout the Central Susquehanna Valley, including those living in Snyder, Union, Northumberland and Lycoming counties.

MOUNT CARMEL - Although there was only one candidate on the ballot for Mount Carmel Borough Council, it's possible there could be the full ballot complement of three candidates in the November election on each side.

The candidate whose name appeared on the ballot, incumbent Leroy (Chico) Moser, definitely received a Democratic nomination with 520 votes.

There were three announced candidates for write-in votes - Robert Barrett, Joseph Kripplebauer and Charmagne Cimino. Any or all of them may receive sufficient votes for Democratic and/or Republican nominations. It's possible Moser could also receive a Republican nomination through write-ins.

A total of 337 Democratic write-in votes and 152 Republican votes were cast.

HARRISBURG - State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said an audit of SCI-Coal Township shows shortfalls in staffing may have prevented the institution from providing mentally ill inmates with the proper psychiatric or psychological services.

"For the health and safety of SCI-Coal Township guards, staff and inmates, it is absolutely essential that those inmates with mental health issues receive the care

as prescribed by the Department of Corrections' policy," DePasquale was quoted in a press release from his office. "I urge corrections to work with the governor's office

and the General Assembly to ensure the department receives the funding necessary to ensure there are enough mental health professionals - either on staff or contracted - to provide required services at SCI-Coal Township and at all state correctional institutions."

The audit period covered July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2013, with additional information through the end of field work in 2014. The audit report contains three findings and one recommendation for improvement.

SCI-Coal Township Superintendent's Assistant 2 Trisha Kelley said there have been changes.

"The Department of Corrections has made significant improvements to the mental health treatment provided to offenders," she said in a statement responding to the audit. "A centralized office has been created for the administration of mental health care, which includes a psychology office at Central Office. This office creates policies, tracks data on a number of indicators such as self-injurious behaviors and suicide attempts and reviews data to improve mental health services."

Kelley said the prison has developed new misconduct procedures to address those with serious mental illness by placing them into specialty housing units rather than the restricted housing unit. The specialty units are staffed with more adequately trained staff to identify the needs of the offenders, according to Kelley. And they evaluate if the need is driven by a mental health issue.

She said DOC has partnered with Vera Institute of Justice to examine the use of segregation for all offenders.

Under DOC policy, and depending upon the severity of the mental illness and housing classification, inmates are required to be seen by a licensed psychiatrist, psychiatric certified nurse practitioner or psychologist every 30 to 90 days. The policy also states that inmates should be seen by a licensed psychological services specialist or associate five to seven times per week.

Five-fold increase

Auditors found that the number of SCI-Coal Township inmates classified with serious mental health issues increased five-fold, from 25 to 128, after the correctional institution and DOC reevaluated the inmates in 2013. The reassessment followed the release of a U.S. Justice Department report critical of the treatment of inmates with mental issues at the former SCI-Cresson, in Blair County. Approximately 500 inmates at SCI Coal Township were classified with some level of mental illness during the period of the audit.

During at least part of the audit period, SCI-Coal Township did not have a psychiatrist on staff and did not contract for the services of a psychiatrist. Auditors also noted that a licensed psychologist retired in January 2014 and as of October 2014 a replacement had not been hired.

"The bottom line is SCI-Coal Township needs to have the appropriate mental health professionals available to treat inmates," DePasquale said. "I have met with Secretary (John E.) Wetzel to review this audit and he has indicated that the Department of Corrections has already made improvements based upon our audit findings and recommendations. I am encouraged by his actions and his interest in resolving issues reported in our audits."

To ensure proper mental health treatment for inmates, auditors recommend that SCI-Coal Township ensure staffing levels are adequate to meet all mental health treatment policy requirements; ensure inmates classified as mentally ill are treated by a psychiatrist, certified psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychologist on a regular schedule that complies with Department of Correction policy; and implement procedures to ensure that all inmates receive required mental health treatment and services, and to immediately identify when treatment or services are not provided so that prompt, corrective action can be taken.

Auditors also found that SCI-Coal Township properly monitored a medical services contract with Wexford Health Sources Inc., Pittsburgh, and provided physicals and sick call services according to department policy; and properly monitored a mental health services contract with MHM Correctional Services Inc., Mechanicsburg.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee announced its activities for the Memorial Day holiday.

On Saturday, American flags will be placed on the graves of veterans beginning with Saint Mary's Cemetery, Beaverdale. Those wishing to help with this project will meet at VFW Post 2110, 21 W. Second St., at 10 a.m. American flags and a POW/MIA flag will also be placed on the light poles on Oak Street.

The Memorial Day Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 S. Market St., at 11 a.m. Sunday. Area veterans, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Knights of Columbus Bishop Lawrence F. Schott Assembly 959 will meet at the church by 10:45 a.m. The Rev. Francis J. Karwacki will officiate.

At 1 p.m. the Changing of the Colors flag ceremony will be held at the flag pole at the Susquehanna Bank, Second and Oak Streets. The flag will be raised in honor and memory of Daniel Strausser, who served as a corporal with Company H, 17th PA Cavalry during the Civil War.

At 2 p.m. the Mount Carmel Cemetery Company will hold a Memorial Day service in the cemetery chapel. The service will be conducted by the Mount Carmel Area Ministerium and the Joint Veterans will provide an honor guard.

On Monday, Memorial Day activities will begin at American Legion Post 91, Avenue and Maple Street, beginning at 8:14 a.m. Wreaths will be placed at the memorials dedicated to Mount Carmel veterans who died in this country's wars of the 20th century. The flag will be lowered to half-staff, a volley of shots fired and "Taps" sounded by members of the Mount Carmel Area High School band. Four wreaths were donated by Michael White in memory of his wife, Diane. Those participating in the ceremony are to be present by 8 a.m.

Those assembled will proceed to the monuments at the Susquehanna Bank. The flag will be lowered to half-staff, wreaths placed at the monuments and "Taps" played.

Next, a service will be held at the UNB Bank, where a World War I plaque is mounted.

Those assembled will then travel to Saint Mary's Cemetery in Beaverdale where the Schott Assembly will hold its service at the memorial dedicated to Schott, a former bishop.

The next stop will be Mount Carmel Cemetery, where Post 91 will hold its service at the grave of Harry Geist, one of the two persons for whom the post is named. Geist, a corporal in Company B, 1st U.S. Engineers, was the second soldier from Mount Carmel to be killed in action after the United States entered the First World War. He died in France July 20, 1918. The Mount Carmel Area High School band will join the ceremonies here and play a selection of patriotic tunes.

James A. Garfield Camp No. 34, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will also hold their service in Mount Carmel Cemetery. (See separate story.)

From there, those assembled will travel to St. Joseph's Cemetery in Locust Gap, where VFW Post 2110 and Disabled Americans Veterans Chapter 129 will hold their services.

There will be no parade this year. Those attending services are asked to observe all traffic and parking regulations.

Area veterans and the public are invited to participate, and the public and area businesses and organizations are encouraged to display the American flag for the holidays and at all times.

Officers recently elected for the coming year were Andrew Bubnis, president; Jakes Kealy, vice president; William Begis, treasurer; David Berezovske, secretary; Walter Summers, chaplain; Larry Latsko, Joseph Lutcavage and Norman Nye, trustees.

ATLAS - The leading critic of the Mount Carmel Township supervisors once again called the board to task, this time about the new police station.

Rich Mychak questioned about the cost being incurred with converting a 1,680-foot modular classroom into the new township police station.

"We purchased the building and the lots in 2013 and here we are coming close to two years, and the work is not done yet," Mychak said. "By my count, we have spent over $58,000 on the project with nothing to show for it yet."

The work is being done by street department employees, instead of the work being bid out to a contractor. Mychak calculated that they have spent $28,858 in labor costs on the conversion.

Charles Gasperetti, vice-chairman of the board of supervisors, said that the labor costs are moot, because that money was costs and wages for the workers already employed by the borough.

"That $28,000 is money that we would have spent anyway on other projects," Gasperetti reasoned. "One worker has 1,029 labor hours listed for the police station. If we would have contracted that out, the cost would have been $30,000 at least."

Mychak said that a pole building could have been constructed on the lost for about $8,000, but police chief Brian Hollenbush said that using the modular classroom, purchased from the Danville Area School District for $5,011.73, are already wired and ready to go.

"We hope that we will be giving tours of the new station at our National Night Out event on Aug. 7," Hollenbush said.

Another resident, Joe Chimel, complained about the roads at Forest and Mulberry streets and how they are not paved.

"They used to be paved and they were ripped out," Chimel said. "As a taxpayer, I would like to see it paved again."

Gasperetti said the now-stone road was put there to help with drainage, but Chimel said it wasn't fixed, so the road should be paved.

"Your requested is duly noted," Gasperetti said.

"Well, you can duly note it every month, cause I'll keep bringing it up.

In other business:

- In a 2-0 vote, a resolution was passed that certifies the local match for state funding for the Lower Anthracite Transit System for the coming fiscal year. Mount Carmel Township's portion would be $606.

- The township will advertise for bids on a 2010 Dodge Charger, a former police car. There will be a minimum bid of $10,000.

Announcements made at the meeting:

- The township office will be closed on Monday for Memorial Day and on Thursday so that the office staff can attend training.

- A representative of Congressman Lou Barletta will be at the township building for community outreach from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.

- Township residents are reminded that directional parking is in effect and tickets will be issued for those vehicles parked facing the wrong direction. Also, quality of life citations will be issued for high grass and weeds, excessive garbage and trash and other violations.

- Taxpayers are reminded that taxes are to be paid at the township building from noon to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and payments can only be taken by check, made out to the Mount Carmel Township Tax Collector. No taxes will be collected on Wednesday.

MOUNT CARMEL - As part of the Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Memorial Day services, Garfield Camp No. 34 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will honor Comrade Jared Kline.

Kline was born in New Castle, Schuylkill County, in 1840. In 1861 he responded to the call by President Lincoln and enlisted in Pottsville with the Pa 48th Regiment, Company D, with the rank of private. Later he re-enlisted with Company E, Fourth Regiment, U.S. Light Artillery. In 1867, having served six years, two years longer than the war lasted, Kline received an honorable discharge.

On his discharge was written the names of many important battles of the war in which he participated, including Bull Run, Antietam, Siege of Petersburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and he was present for the end of the war at Appomattox. In all of that service, he was never wounded.

After the close of his military career he came to Mount Carmel and found employment in the mines and became well known in those circles. He was hurt in the mines on several occasions and the last time never fully recovered. He had been in poor health since 1902 and was unable to work. In 1908 he suffered a paralytic stroke and had been confined to his bed at his home on South Chestnut Street. The end was expected for some time, but, like a true soldier, he held on and died fighting in the arms of John Steelfox, a neighbor and Sons of Union Veteran, on Nov. 7, 1910.

Services were held at his home at 1 p.m. Nov. 10 by the Rev. Henry Whitaker, pastor of the Church of God. Undertaker J.F. Stanton was in charge. Trolley cars were taken at 2 p.m. for internment in Mount Carmel Cemetery. The G.A.R. burial service was used. Immediately after the service, a salute was fired by the Sons of Union Veterans firing squad, which was followed by "Taps." He was survived by his wife and four daughters: Ella, then Mrs. William Hughes, Bertha of Philadelphia, Flora, then Mrs. Charles Shutt, and Edna, at home.

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is a patriotic and educational organization similar to the GAR, founded Nov. 12, 1881, and incorporated by act of Congress on Aug. 20, 1954. Its purpose is to perpetuate the memory of the GAR and the men who "saved the Union;" to assist in every way practicable in the preservation and making available for research documents and records pertaining to the GAR and its members; to cooperate in doing honor to all those who have patriotically served the country in war; to teach patriotism and the duties of citizenship, the true history of the country and the love and honor of the flag; to oppose every tendency or movement that would weaken loyalty to, or make for destruction or impairment of, the constitutional union, and to inculcate and broadly sustain the American principals of representative government, of equal rights and impartial justice for all.

The local camp was charted Aug. 9, 1883, in Mount Carmel and named in honor of Civil War general and martyred President James Abram Garfield. Garfield fought in the Shiloh, Corinth, Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns of the Civil War.

SHAMOKIN - For the 10th anniversary of the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts, a number of new exhibits and entertainment options will be available for the public to enjoy.

With a talent showcase, a new trolley tour that will highlight the accomplishments of Thomas Edison in Shamokin, and exhibits on 3D sculpting and Pennsylvania's role in the wood product industry, there will be a lot to see on Saturday in Shamokin.

Talent showcase

Starting at noon, festivalgoers will see some of the area's brightest and best talent at the first Festival Talent Showcase.

After auditions earlier this month, some of Northumberland County's youngsters will take to the festival stage, singing, dancing and showing their stuff for the event.

"We've got a great mix of kids ready to perform," organizer Deborah Yeager said. We had our rehearsal Wednesday and they are ready."

Noted local entertainers Vic Boris and Nedra Templar will be joined by young vocalists Angelina and Alexa Fariello, Lindsay Dunn and Nicholas Sandri, and dancers Emilia Novlan and Mya Berezovske. The showcase will also feature martial arts demonstrations by the Center for Movement Arts, of Shamokin.

All of this year's entertainment - which includes not only the talent show but pianist Seth Barrett, vocalist Angela Kinder, the "Covered Bridge Cloggers," the Motivation Station, singer Shannon Marsyada, the KO-i-nike' West African Drum Ensemble, and the group "Haela" - will be on the festival stage at its new location, the intersection of Market and Chestnut Streets, in the middle of the festival.

3D crafting

At this year's festival, attendees will be introduced to Melissa Benzinger, the owner of Dancing Vulture Designs, of Bushkill.

A self-taught crafter of many mediums, Benzinger found inspiration for drawing from her dreams and through seeing local wildlife. A fan of drawing in her childhood and teenage years, the idea of mixing sculpture and needle-felted wool helped her created the 3D animal scluptures she is becoming known for.

Her work has been featured in events and galleries throughout the Poconos, and she was recently featured on WNEP's "Home and Backyard."

Benzinger can be found at booth 19, next to the festival's information booth.

WoodMobile

At the intersection of Market and Arch streets, next to the Independence Fire Company, Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council in the Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association, will bring the WoodMobile to the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts.

An outreach tool of the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, the WoodMobile educates the public about Pennsylvania's forests and sustainable forest management-securing the wood products we need today while protecting the trees of tomorrow. The mobile exhibit uses interactive activities and displays to promote the responsible use of forest resources and an understanding of the forest industry to the public.

Within the 34-foot long WoodMobile are numerous panels showing the history and industry surrounding Pennsylvania's forests, interactive exhibits on leaf and wood identification and deer management, and video presentations focused on forestry, industry and wood product careers.

Visitors to the WoodMobile may test their wits in a game in which they guess which of 60 items does not contain wood. Choices include toothpaste, imitation vanilla, toilet paper, ice cream, aspirin, diet foods, film and shoe polish; all of which contain wood or wood by-products.

The WoodMobile travels nearly 150 days per year from April to November, delivering free, educational programs to elementary and middle school students and members of the public. Since its debut, the WoodMobile has exhibited at more than 520 events hosting more than one million visitors, including more than 100,000 students who participated in school programs.

SUNBURY - Weis Markets says it will increase its starting hourly rate for newly hired associates to $9 an hour on Aug. 2, at which time the minimum rate for current hourly associates will be $9, too.

The increase will benefit associates who work in the company's 163 stores, Chairman and CEO Jonathan Weis said in a press release issued Wednesday.

"For more than 100 years, we have worked hard to create opportunities and career advancement options at Weis Markets for our associates. In recent years, we've made significant improvements to our training and development programs which are designed to help associates at all levels grow in their jobs and prepare for future opportunities in our organization," he said. "As part of our focus on associate development and satisfaction, we will increase our base hourly rate."

He said the new wage "benchmark" will not only benefit a significant number our current associates, "but it will also help us attract and retain talented associates to deliver best-in-class customer service every day."

He said the change will "have no impact on our prices."

Dennis Curtain, director of public relations for Weis, said Wednesday that due to different factors such as work experience, current wage rates vary. He did not provide a current starting salary.

SHAMOKIN - Two major Aqua Pennsylvania water main replacement projects totaling $2.6 million are underway in Northumberland County.

The projects, which are part of Aqua's continuing infrastructure improvement program, are scheduled to be completed in late November as part of Aqua's $15.8 million capital program for its Roaring Creek division.

Work is currently underway on a $1.5 million seven-month project to replace 13,000 feet of old four-and six-inch cement and cast iron main with new 8-inch ductile iron main in Ralpho Township.

The project will replace water mains and 10 fire hydrants on the following streets:

- West Center Street between Montour Road and Roadarmel Lane.

- Montour Road from Roadarmel Lane east approximately 1,100 feet.

- Birchwyn Drive.

- East Center Street between Memorial Park Road and Route 487.

- Hillcrest Street between West Center and Bradford streets.

- Bradford Street between Hillcrest and Andrew streets.

- Fairview Street between West Valley (Route 487) and Madison avenues.

- Madison Avenue between Fairview Street and Hillside Avenue.

- Aspen Street between Veterans Way and Memorial Park.

A $1.1 million seven-month project to replace 3,350 feet of old four-, six- and eight-inch main with new eight-inch ductile iron main and four fire hydrants in Mount Carmel also began earlier this month on the following streets:

- West Second Street from North Vine and North Birch streets

- West Olive Street between North Vine and North Poplar streets

- Birch, Willow, Beech and Poplar streets between West Third and West Second streets.

- Vine Street between West Third and West Cherry streets.

This year's program follows the company's 2014 $13.2 million capital program, of which more than $9 million was used to replace 10.7 miles of aging distribution main and service lines throughout the entire operating division. Another $5 million was spent for improvements to treatment facilities and booster pumping stations in 2014.

Aqua said the types of investment it is making are consistent with those cited by the Environmental Protection Agency, which estimates a 20-year capital investment of $384 billion is needed for public water system repairs and replacement of transmission pipes, storage and treatment equipment, and other projects required to protect public health.

SHAMOKIN - The annual Memorial Day March will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, organized by the Joint Area Veterans Organizations, the Shamokin and Coal Township Fire Departments and the city and township police departments.

The public is encouraged to attend and show patriotism on this day to honor all deceased veterans and those who made the supreme sacrifice for the country.

This year's march route will start at Arch and Locust streets at the playground in the township. All participants are asked to form starting at 8 a.m.

The march will continue down Arch Street to Cliff Street and will stop at the Timothy Diorio Memorial. At this time, members of the Maine Fire Company will lay a wreath and have a brief service.

The march will continue to Market Street and will stop at the Fireman's Memorial, where the Shamokin Fire Bureau will lay a wreath and conduct a brief service.

From there, the march will continue up Market Street to Lincoln Street and end at the Veterans Price of Freedom Memorial, where the Joint Area Veterans Organizations will hold a wreath laying and brief memorial service, including the playing of "Taps."

Any person or any organization who would like to participate is encouraged and welcome. The public is invited to walk along, too.

March Chairman is John M. Schenewerk, commander of Coal Township VFW Post 317; and committee members include Roger Alleman, of Shamokin American Legion Post 73, Sandra Schenewerk and John and Angie Arnold of the Citizens for a Better Community.

CENTRALIA - Veterans and auxiliary will meet at the Post home in Wilburton at 9 a.m. Monday for Memorial Day services.

They will proceed to the following cemeteries starting at 9:30 a.m.: Zion United Methodist in Aristes, St. Mary's in Centralia, St. Peter and Paul, Odd Fellows and St. Ignatius. They will then proceed to the Aristes Fire Company Memorial and return to the post home, where the honor guard and firing squad will assemble for the final salute and playing of "Taps." Following the services, a 50-year and two 70-year members will receive pins and certificates from Commander Ed Lawler and legislative certificates presented by state Rep. Kurt Masser, R-107.

Food surplus distribution today

KULPMONT - Borough residents enrolled in the food surplus program are reminded the food distribution will be held from 8 a.m. to noon today in the borough garage. Residents are reminded to bring their bags.

Guest speaker at Stonington church

STONINGTON - Don Evans will be the guest speaker at the Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. Sunday at Stonington Baptist Church, Hosta Road just off Route 61.

Evans was awarded two Purple Hearts and is a decorated veteran of World War II who served with the 2nd Armor Division known as "Hell on Wheels." Don will share some stories from the battles and memories that produced his book "The Odyssey of an Iron Knight."

Because of his war experience and recollection, Don served as a consultant to the recent movie "Fury." He will share his story of God's gracious protection and help during a most harrowing time of his life.

For more information, contact Pastor Douglas Hallman at 570-286-0105.

License centers closed for holiday

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday through Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.state.pa.us.

Authority office closed Monday

KULPMONT - The Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority office will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

SUNBURY - Tuesday's primary election proved historic as three female candidates for Northumberland County judge, commissioner and district attorney not only won nominations, but collected the most votes in their respective parties.

"Wow, the women seem to be taking over," Sunbury attorney Kym Best, a former chief clerk and solicitor for the county who won the most votes on a five-way Democratic ticket for commissioner, said Wednesday. She added, however, "I don't think gender played a role in my race, but I am proud to be the top vote-getter in my party."

Best will face off against three opponents in the general election in seeking to become the first elected female commissioner in the history of the county. Eleanor Kuhns served as a county commissioner, but in an appointed role.

Public defender Paige Rosini, a Republican, will almost certainly take a seat on the bench next year by virtue of winning double party nominations for judge. Rosini, who will become the county's first female judge, will be joined by Democrat Hugh A. Jones, who also captured double nominations for the judgeship, making the Nov. 3 general election all but a foregone conclusion.

And Ann Targonski, an incumbent district attorney who is running in her first election, edged her former assistant, Tony Matulewicz, for the Democratic nomination, but will face him in the general election because he tallied more write-in votes to secure the Republican nomination.

Targonski is the first woman to serve as district attorney, having been appointed to the office July 3 to succeed her former boss Tony Rosini, who became a county judge through an interim appointment. In a previous interview, Targonski said she was proud to be the first female DA in the county.

While the potential for women in high positions is historic for Northumberland County, such posts have already been filled by women in a number of neighboring counties.

Not a factor

Although she's happy to see more women getting involved in politics, Rosini, like Best, maintained her previous stance that gender did not play a role in her victory.

"My position on that (gender) hasn't changed," she said Wednesday. "I don't believe gender is really a factor in any of the races. It just turned out that way."

Although her judgeship is almost certain, Rosini, who is Tony Rosini's cousin, said she's not taking anything for granted and plans to continue campaigning for the post. "I am pleased with the election results and getting the most votes in the county for judge," she said. "But I plan to continue to work hard and do the best job possible. Nothing is official until the general election in November."

She said her late father, James Rosini, a former county judge and district attorney, and her late mother, Patricia Rosini, who was deputy director of the county Area Agency on Aging and very active in the community, would be very proud of her election victory.

Not over yet

Best, too, noted what lies ahead. She and George Zalar won the Democratic nominations. Also on the November ballot will be Sam Schiccatano and incumbent Rick Shoch, and possibly current commissioner Stephen Bridy, an Independent. Three will be elected.

"I'm proud to be among the female professionals in politics, but there's still a lot of work ahead for November," Best said. "I need some rest before I get back to working hard on my campaign."

Best believes more women should venture into politics because they offer a new and different perspective than men.

Betsy Richardson, of Shamokin, who served as a city councilwoman for more than 16 years and was a Shamokin Area School Board director for four-plus years, also believes more women should take advantage of the opportunity to seek public office.

Richardson, who was the first woman elected to city council, noted the race isn't over for DA or commissioner.

"Now that the primary fight is over, we will see how the general election turns out," she said.

SHIPPENSBURG - Tanner Maneval, a sophomore at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School, was selected to join students representing many high schools from throughout central and northeast Pennsylvania at the Central Pennsylvania Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY) from May 14 to May 17 at Shippensburg University.

Maneval is a son of Jonathan and Sherri Maneval, Northumberland.

His extracurricular activities include National Junior Honor Society, French Club, Science/Math Club, class president, school ambassador, Boys Service Club, Respect Life Club and Students Against Destructive Decisions.

For the past 54 years, HOBY Leadership Seminars have brought together select groups of high school sophomores to interact with groups of distinguished leaders in business, government and education to discuss present and future issues in an enthusiastic learning environment.

HOBY was established by veteran actor Hugh O'Brian following a visit to Africa, where he was inspired by a meeting with Dr. Albert Schweitzer. O'Brian said, "HOBY's goal is to seek out, recognize and develop outstanding leadership potential among our nation's youth."

Further information about HOBY activities and sponsorship opportunities is available by visiting HOBY at hoby.org or centralpahoby.org.

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has approved the Madison Court Apartments Project in Shamokin for funding under the Housing Preservation Tax Credits Program, according to Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27), who worked with the Housing Authority of Shamokin in its successful application.

Approval of more than $550,000 in tax credits will allow the $6.4 million project to proceed, according to authority Executive Director Ronald Miller. Thirty-two apartments in the historic Madison Court Apartment building, formerly the Graemer Hotel, will be renovated and modernized, providing affordable housing in the city. Two of the units will be fully accessible to the disabled.

"Not only will the building be restored to its original splendor, acting as a catalyst for revitalization of nearby buildings of architectural and historical value, it will fill a continuing need for affordable housing in Shamokin," said Gordner.

The Shamokin Housing Authority will be the management agent for the property and will be responsible for conducting support programs to include a variety of activities to assist individuals to become self-sufficient. Additionally, there are health care, recreation and retail amenities within close proximity to the project.

Between 2009 and 2012, the authority was locked in legal battles with Red Gold Enterprises Inc., and company president Eugene Picarella over a $1 million mortgage on the then-Center City Apartments. The authority accepted the mortgage in 2009 from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) after Northumberland County Court dismissed with prejudice a previous foreclosure action filed by the PHFA when Red Gold failed to pay on the mortgage for approximately 11 years.

After Saylor agreed with the authority's motion that the mortgages were still valid, Red Gold appealed the ruling in higher courts, all the way to the state Supreme Court, and each affirmed Saylor's decision. With no more appeals left, the company filed for bankruptcy in September.

On Dec. 10, 2012, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge John J. Thomas ordered Center City Apartments, its petty cash account and funds from the rents the housing authority collected from tenants and kept in escrow, be transferred to the authority with a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The transfer of property took place Dec. 30, 2012 and Shamokin Housing Authority has renamed the property Madison Court Apartments and has managed it since.

KULPMONT - The Saint Pauline Center will be sponsoring the Zerbini Family Circus with shows at 5 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, for children and adults, on the grounds of the Kulpmont Veterans Sports Complex.

Zerbini Family Circus is comprised of 22 performers from all around the world, four from the Zerbini family - husband, wife and two of their seven children. They work in the off months to keep acts fresh and bring something new to their audiences.

High-wire acts, trampoline, trapeze and animals, including ponies, camels and even the Zerbini family dogs, rescued from shelters, are part of the act.

The circus visit is made available through the Children Charities at Saint Pauline Center.

Tickets are available at Holy Angels Parish office, the St. Pauline Center and the Saint Pauline Religious Store. Children are admitted free of charge.

SHAMOKIN - An emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault is planned for the city.

Susan Mathias, chief executive officer of Transitions of PA, hopes the organization's second safe house will open by year's end. The westside property was approved on a 3-0 vote Wednesday by the city's zoning board to establish the shelter in a residential neighborhood.

Victims of violence contact Transitions through its emergency hotline and are placed in a shelter to remove them from further danger.

"The first concern is safety. If they are leaving a relationship, that's when they're most at risk," Mathias said.

They're offered crisis counseling and guidance in moving forward in their lives. Practicalities like returning to work, relocating to a new home, or enrolling children in a new school district are addressed.

"People can get on a positive path very quickly," Mathias said.

The Shamokin site will have four bedrooms, enough space to accommodate 10 clients on average. Women and children may stay up to 30 days. Between three to four employees will work on site. Visitors are forbidden.

Men constitute about 10 percent of Transitions' domestic violence clients and are housed in area hotels.

Transitions serves clients in Snyder, Union and Northumberland counties. Between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014, 1,556 clients in Northumberland County were assisted, and clients spent 1,356 days in a shelter. There were 1,210 calls placed to the hotline at 1-800-850-7948.

A Northumberland County shelter is currently operated out of a county-owned building in Coal Township, but Mathias said the move to Shamokin would increase ease of access to grocery and retail stores and professional services. Transitions opened its first and only other shelter 20 years ago in downtown Lewisburg.

Transitions was awarded $224,000 in federal funds, which it must match in full, to renovate the three-story home and use toward program operations. The funds are split over two years.

Extensive renovations are needed for the property. The home's boiler will be replaced, its HVAC system will be updated and a new kitchen will be installed. Renovations to a first-floor bedroom will make it handicapped accessible, and bathroom facilities will be updated.