MOUNT CARMEL - A $100,000 goal has been set by supporters of Mount Carmel Area's youth swim program to upgrade the high school pool and prevent its closure.

Pool operations are included in the district's preliminary budget for the 2015-16 school year, and it's currently functioning. The pool's immediate threat isn't budgetary; rather, mechanical. A costly breakdown could see it shuttered at least temporarily.

The facility's PoolPak including its dehumidification and rooftop heating systems are prone to malfunction and in need of replacement, according to Superintendent Bernie Stellar. Estimated cost is between $150,000 and $200,000, he said Tuesday.

Volunteers have taken to crowdsourcing to raise at least half the money needed, hoping the district can afford the other half. The campaign launched Monday at www.gofundme.com/xn2qyg8, bolstering the usual efforts like hoagie sales, Chinese auctions and Tag Day. It's off to a slow start. The hope is to build momentum within and beyond the community.

Hundreds of students from elementary through high school use the pool: varsity swimming, two youth swim teams, gym class. It's also available for rent by the public. Between summer and winter swim seasons and phys-ed, not much time goes by when it's not in use.

Mandy Fantini, head coach of the Mount Carmel Junior Tornadoes and the Mount Carmel Sharks, said the youth programs help kids socialize and provide an athletic outlet. Swimmers leave behind electronics in the locker room, and leave behind troubles at home.

"A lot of kids come from broken homes. They come here and it's like solace for them. It's a close knit group," Fantini said.

Should the pool be lost, she fears some kids would stray from the straight and narrow.

Fantini said the district school board has been very supportive. If something breaks, as long as the cost is reasonable, she said they see to it that it's fixed. However, she acknowledged the high cost for the PoolPak could someday force the board's hand.

John Backes has been the head varsity coach more than two decades. The team had several extra road trips when Mound Carmel Area's pool malfunctioned and temporarily closed during the 2014-15 season. The team practiced at Shamokin Area, usually late in the evenings. It was an inconvenience but they got by, Backes said.

"Never quit," Backes said of swimming's main lesson. "It always teaches you to strive forward. Your goal in swimming is to always beat yourself. What are you doing in life? You're always trying to improve yourself."

During Backes' tenure, he said threat of pool costs closing the facility pop up every so often. "It always works out," he said.

Annual operations vary between $130,000 and $160,000, Stellar said. There isn't a cheap alternative for the district should the pool malfunction. The cost to fill it in and retrofit the space would be more expensive than maintenance and upgrades, he said.

"Yes, the pool is functioning, but many of the main components that we use to run the pool - filtration system, PoolPak - it's all nearing end of life," Stellar said.

"We're waiting until the point of no return, see where we are fiscally, and make a decision from there," he said. "We're running on borrowed time."

MANDATA - The Line Mountain School District will outsource its athletic trainer position in an effort to save money.

Directors voted 7-0 to abolish the athletic trainer position, effective June 30, at Tuesday's board meeting. Director Dennis Erdman was absent.

Stacy Grindstaff, who holds the position, will lose her job on that date. She is the third person laid off by the district this year, in addition to two elementary teachers who did not have their contracts renewed in May.

Superintendent David M. Campbell said the district will continue to retain an athletic director through a third party, which will likely be Geisinger Health System.

"It will cut our costs in half," he said. He attributed the savings to liability insurance and benefits like health insurance and retirement. "The liability for that employee falls under Geisinger."

Grindstaff was earning approximately $38,000, Campbell said. She was employed through an independent contract and was not a member of the teachers union.

In other news:

- The board elected to move $1 million from the general fund to the capital reserve fund.

Board president Troy Laudenslager said the fund is used to pay for capital projects and contains about $256,000. He said the board anticipated several upcoming projects, like a new roof, and will use the fund money to pay for them.

- The Line Mountain/Mahantango FFA Alumni Association established the Dean Knorr Scholarship with a fund balance of $2,500.

Campbell said the group hoped to increase the fund in the future and the current balance would allow for 10 years of scholarships at $250 per person.

SHAMOKIN - A Coal Township man wanted on three separate warrants was apprehended Wednesday by Shamokin police.

Blaine M. Hoover IV, 25, of 1505 Fern St., was picked up by Patrolman Nate Rhodes while walking with two other people south on Pearl Street near Chestnut Street. The officer took possession of a cell phone.

Hoover was cooperative but expressed concern about going to jail, saying he was to start a new job today at a carnival in Lycoming County.

Two warrants were issued by city police, one for a felony count of manufacture, delivery or possession of a controlled substance and a second for skipping a court date for a drug possession charge. He also was wanted by the county sheriff's office for failing to appear for another court date.

Police were making arrangements to transport him to jail in a neighboring county.

Cpl. Bryan Primerano assisted.

SHAMOKIN - Experience the tropics without the heat and humidity by dropping into the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities Gallery Friday for the opening of the 2015 Invitational Exhibit.

Thirty-seven works of different mediums depicting interpretations of the theme "Tropical" will be on display for the exhibit, which opens Friday with a reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Gallery director Claude Harrington said the theme was selected by the arts council as a way to mix up the entries and bring in new pieces.

"We try to make it different so it's not always 'The Coal Region,'" she said.

The works range from a brilliantly colored toucans, tropical fish and waterfalls.

Though less eye-catching, the black-and-white pen sketch, "Enchanted," contains intricate details of a mermaid sitting before waves, a sand castle and sky painstakingly hand-drawn by Christine Stametz.

"The more you look, the more you see," said Melissa White, an arts council member who helped curate the show.

Among Harrington's favorites is "Woman and Panther," by Janet Helenthal. Painted in reds, whites and greens on a black background, a half-woman, half-panther face stares out at onlookers. The piece is nicely contrasted against other interpretations of "Tropical" featuring women of equatorial cultures.

The exhibit also features a collection of children's art themed to fit the show.

"They have their own interpretation of flip-flops," Harrington said, pointing to a painting of sandals with suns at the toes.

White prefers the "paint chip art" created from paint that has been dried, broken and reshaped into a menagerie of animals.

"It's like 3D art," she said. "I think they did a great job."

The show will run through July 31 with a reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at the gallery in the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, Arch and Eighth streets.

SHAMOKIN - A Coal Township man facing felony drug charges was arrested Wednesday for alleged bizarre behavior inside the city's Weis Markets.

Michael James Acevedo, 51, of 1627 W. Willow St., is accused of walking behind female customers and speaking aloud as if he were shopping with them. A witness told police he peeled a sticker from a piece of fruit and placed it on the lips of a 16-month-old girl, saying it would keep the already behaved toddler quiet.

Acevedo also allegedly tossed items into another female's shopping cart, called her "babe," and asked what else was on a shopping list. He is accused of attempting to take the woman's cart before leaving. A store manager told police that Acevedo was witnessed attempting to access two parked vehicles in the parking lot before walking off.

Cpl. Bryan Primerano and Patrolman Nate Rhodes responded about 5:20 p.m. and found Acevedo walking near Walnut and Coal streets. He was eating one of two nectarines he allegedly stole from the supermarket.

Without prompting, police said Acevedo stated "I didn't touch any young girl." Asked what he meant, he replied, "well, that's what the people said," according to a criminal complaint. Police said his speech was slurred and he was stumbling about. He was reportedly having a conversation with himself as he sat alone in a holding cell at the Shamokin Police Department.

Primerano charged Acevedo with misdemeanor counts of stalking, disorderly conduct, retail theft and simple assault. He was expected to be arraigned and transferred to a county jail.

Acevedo posted $15,000 bail April 27, two weeks after Shamokin Patrolman Ray Siko charged him with selling 11 packets of heroin to a confidential informant March 24.

SHAMOKIN - A sexual harassment lawsuit against the Shamokin Area School District was dismissed Wednesday in federal court.

Both parties agreed to the dismissal, according to court records. There was no monetary settlement.

"They backed out of it. There was no case," said school board president Ron McElwee.

Three former Shamokin Area students filed suit last year claiming the district was deliberately indifferent to an alleged sexually hostile environment. A jury trial was sought, along with an unspecified amount of damages plus attorneys' fees and costs.

The three were among four teen girls involved in the criminal "sexting" case that led to the firing, arrest and jailing of ex-substitute teacher Michael Zack. Their identities were not revealed in the suit because they were between the ages of 15 and 17 at the time of the incidents.

Zack is the nephew of Superintendent James Zack, who was accused in the lawsuit of failing to discipline the ex-substitute when allegedly confronted with the allegations.

The district asserted in an answer to the lawsuit that the superintendent had no knowledge of his nephew's actions until his arrest in November 2011. It also disputed the plaintiffs' accusation that their civil rights and educational opportunities were infringed.

SHAMOKIN - Tim Wyland II heard his name called out Wednesday at the Bunker Hill complex before a youth girls softball game. The coach wondered aloud, "Why do they want me?"

He walked from a dugout to the pitcher's mound, where a volunteer with Marty Sinopoli Ministries read from a letter written by Wyland's wife, Audrey. The father of two was nominated for the Ministries' latest Random Act of Kindness in honor of Father's Day.

"Tim does so much for everyone else that he rarely gets to do things he likes for just himself. All of his time is spent doing for others. If there is anyone I believe deserving of a Father's Day surprise, it is my husband, Tim," Audrey wrote in the letter.

After being presented a gift basket stuffed with items for outdoor grilling, including gift certificates for a local

butcher and a free round of golf, His 5-year-old daughter Madison walked onto the field. She held a poster board adorned around the edges with photos of Tim and both daughters. In the middle, Madison decorated it herself with phrases like "Best Dad Ever!" and "# 1 Dad!"

Wyland smiled throughout the brief presentation and as it ended, with his 22-month-old daughter Mackenzie in his arms, his wife turned to him, placed her left hand on the nape of his neck and pulled him in for a kiss.

"I wrote the nomination to feel good and put (my feelings) in words," Audrey said before Wednesday's surprise. "I never imagined what I wrote would ever move anyone."

It moved the entire nomination committee; it was selected unanimously.

Wyland is 31 and works six days a week as a welder and surface miner. When he's not at work, he spends time with his family. He plays tea party and dress up with his daughters and, of course, youth softball. He also helps with chores around the house, Audrey said, adding "he isn't afraid to clean a toilet!" If relatives or friends are in need, she said her husband is there for them.

"He truly is one of the best dads I know," she said.

Don Spieller, PGA pro at Indian Hills Golf Club, donated the round of golf. Volunteers with Marty Sinopoli Ministries donated the basket and a $25 gift certificate.

Marty Sinopoli Ministries, a faith-based organization, began its Random Acts of Kindness in May, pledging to do one each month. This month the group will do two. In addition to Wyland, a grandfather from the Middleburg area is in line for a surprise.

For more information on Marty Sinopoli Ministries, to make a nomination or to donate, visit martysinopoliministries.org or find it on Facebook.

Bridge work in Little Mahanoy

MONTOURSVILLE - A PennDOT bridge crew will apply an epoxy coating to a bridge deck Friday on Route 3004 (Lower Road) in Little Mahanoy Township.

The bridge is expected to be closed for approximately one day, weather permitting.

A detour will be in place using Route 225 and Route 2044 (Upper Road).

SUNBURY - The move by the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of the Central Susquehanna Valley to a new location in Sunbury is thanks to a gift by Penn and Stan Seiple of Mid State Realty, the Seiple Family Foundation and the Degenstein Foundation, all based in Sunbury.

As reported by The News-Item June 10, CAC, a division of Geisinger Health System's Janet Weis Children's Hospital, is planning to move from its current location at 173 Point Township Drive, Northumberland, to a building at 218 Chestnut St., Sunbury. The move to the three-story, 6,900-square foot building will more than quadruple the space of the CAC and provide for an expansion of its programming. It is tentatively planned by the end of the calendar year, Geisinger reported this week.

The CAC was established to embrace victims of child abuse and provides young victims with interviews by trained forensic interviewers, as well as medical examinations, crisis intervention counseling and ongoing case tracking. The current Northumberland location is 1,665 square feet and is leased from Boone-Kessler Associates.

"We are thankful to Penn and Stan Seiple, the Seiple Family Foundation, and the Degenstein Foundation for this generous gift that provides for an expansion of such vital services to the children and families of this region," said Dr. David T. Feinberg, president and CEO, Geisinger Health System. "This opportunity is beneficial because the CAC has outgrown its current location, and a larger facility will enable us to continue providing a child-friendly place where victims can be examined and interviewed."

The new Sunbury location will have two interview rooms, an exam room, two therapy rooms and a conference/training room, and will offer more privacy to families that will be coming to the center.

"We hope to utilize the conference room for cross-discipline trainings for police, child protective services and mental health providers, as well as have support groups for non-offending family members," said Melissa DeBaro, coordinator at CAC. "This space will allow us to provide additional services to child victims and their families while still maintaining the utmost privacy and comfort to them."

The CAC currently conducts 500 interviews with potential child abuse victims annually.

The Degenstein Foundation was created through the generosity of the late Charles B. Degenstein to improve the quality of life and to provide financial support to organizations with clear statements of purpose, well-defined programs and competent leadership. Special consideration is given to unique, innovative, and creative projects that benefit children, promote education, improve health care, encourage business, culture, conservation of nature resources and protection of the environment.

SUNBURY - Three men accused of traveling together to Philadelphia to purchase heroin that was then allegedly used at a Shamokin day care will have their cases heard together.

Judge Charles Saylor approved a motion by Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey to consolidate the cases of Frederick Russo, 49, of 1321 Chestnut St.; Ryan Varano, 28, of 114 S. Fifth St., Shamokin, and Christian Kehler, 37, of 1114 N. Shamokin St., Thursday.

Lawyers representing Varano and Kehler did not oppose the consolidation, but Russo's attorney, Public Defender John Broda, said the motion would cause prejudice against his client, who does not face all of the same charges as his co-defendants.

Russo, Varano and Kehler are all accused of traveling together March 27 to Philadelphia to purchase 10 bundles, or 140 packets, of heroin.

After the trip, Varano and Kehler went to a Shamokin day care owned by Varano's mother, Kelly Ebersole, and used and sold the heroin, police said. At around 9 p.m. March 28, Kehler overdosed on heroin at the day care and Varano was present in the building, which contained numerous full and empty packets of heroin and drug paraphernalia, police said.

The incident led to additional charges - including reckless endangerment of another person for allowing the heroin to be in a facility used by children - to be filed against Varano and Kehler.

Broda argued that his client was not involved in the events at the day care, and hearing information on those charges would taint the jury's opinion of his client.

"At a certain point, Mr. Russo was not involved in it anymore," Broda said.

But Toomey argued the three were involved in the enterprise together, as evidenced by the trip, and said "happenstance" kept Russo from also having the additional charges filed against him.

In ruling for the consolidation, Saylor addressed Broda's concerns by stating he would provide specific instructions to the jury to separate the issues.

Varano is also charged with a felony and a misdemeanor criminal trespass offense for entering the day care after Ebersole forbade him from doing so. Ebersole was present in the courtroom during Thursday's hearing, as were all three defendants.

NANTICOKE - The 112th annual Six-County Firemen's Association Convention started Thursday and runs through Saturday hosted by Honey Pot Active Volunteer Fire Company, which itself is celebrating 50 years of service.

This morning, a memorial service will be held at 11:15 a.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 39 E. Poplar St., West Nanticoke. The afternoon session begins at 2 p.m. with swearing-in of the newly elected officers and a presentation of the association's flag to next year's convention host.

The annual convention parade will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday. Trophies will be presented at the Honey Pot Station following the parade. Music will be provided by Tyme Band from 4 to 9 p.m.

Organized to unite firefighters into one organization in order to have a larger say in the State Firemen's Association of Pennsylvania, the first meetings took place June 2-4, 1904, at the Diamond Fire Company No. 2 in Hazleton.

Current Six-County officers are Gary Perna, Jr. (McAdoo), president; Gerald Guscott (Hazleton), first vice president; William Tarby (Troop), second vice-president; Deanna Force (Danville), third vice president; Gary Perna, Sr. (McAdoo), fourth vice president; Joseph Judy (Sunbury), fifth vice president; Michele Fry (Bloomsburg), sixth vice president; John Nilles (Hazelton), secretary; Joseph Simonovich (Warrior Run), treasurer; and Robert Mandak Sr. (Hazleton), chaplain.

DANVILLE - Sigma Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma International, held its June meeting at the Pine Barn Inn.

Following dinner, co-presidents Dawn McManus and Linda Shupp presided at the business meeting.

The annual recruitment grant given to a high school senior was awarded to Heidi Ross, of Shikellamy. She plans to attend Shippensburg University in the fall to major in chemistry with a focus on secondary education.

The Sigma red rosebud award was given to Carriann Shultz, of Milton, for her efforts in creating the new Sigma website.

Three members received enrichment grants at the DKG Alpha Alpha State convention held at the Nittany Lion Inn in State college from June 12 to 14.

Georganna Kresl, of Lewisburg, will use her grant to conduct research in the American Southwest on cowboy courtship in the "wild west" from 1885 to the early 1900s as portrayed in the stories of Col Jack Myers Potter (1864-1950).

Carol Kruskie, of Coal Township, and Elizabeth Brewer, of Riverside, together will conduct research at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., on women pioneers in STEM careers for the purpose of increasing their female students' awareness and encourage their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. At the convention, McManus also accepted a certificate of recognition for the chapter newsletter.

Kruskie also received the Sigma red rosebud award in May for her fundraising efforts on behalf of the chapter.

Sandra Kessler, of Herndon, received the May red rosebud award for her design of a chair which was raffled to support the Alpha Alpha State project to raise funds for Head Start programs. At the recent convention, it was announced that more than $3,000 was raised statewide for this project.

Sigma Chapter is one of 58 chapters in the Alpha Alpha State organization of Delta Kappa Gamma International, a society of key women educators in 17 countries. Members of Sigma are active and retired educators from 19 area school districts and universities. The mission of DKG is to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. In addition to the annual recruitment grant, current Sigma projects include donations to area food banks and to the book fund, which furnishes books to area school libraries. Shikellamy School District is the recipient of this year's book fund.

Officers for this biennium are McManus and Shupp, first vice president Kruskie, second vice president Brittany Bunting-Specht, recording secretary Marilyn Frear, corresponding secretary Michelle Lawrence, treasurer Anita Shaffer and parliamentarian Carol Harrison.

The next Sigma meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 1. Any area women educators who are interested in attending this dinner meeting or who would like more information about the society may contact any of the officers or membership chair Bunting-Specht at bmbunting@gmail.com. A tea will also be held in August to acquaint any prospective members with the society.

SHAMOKIN - The Coal Township man picked up Wednesday on warrants made a $7 drug deal just an hour prior, police allege.

Felony charges of delivery of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility were filed late Wednesday against Blaine M. Hoover IV, of 1505 Fern St.

He was placed in Snyder County Prison on the warrants, and an emergency bench warrant hearing is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. today.

According to Shamokin City Police Cpl. Bryan Primerano and Coal Township Police Officer Edward Purcell, police received word from a confidential informant at 5:11 p.m. Wednesday that Hoover was looking to sell Subutex, a prescription medication used for drug dependence treatment. Forty minutes later, the informant met with Hoover and another individual, Wendy Ortiz, 39, of 508 W. Pine St., Shamokin, in Coal Township, and gave Hoover $7 for half of a Subutex tablet. Hoover and Ortiz were later picked up by police.

Ortiz was charged with the same offenses as Hoover because she handed the pill to Hoover to sell, the informant said. Police also charged her with possession of drug paraphernalia for allegedly possessing a glass pipe commonly used to ingest cocaine.

2014 incident

At the time of Wednesday's incident, Hoover was out of prison on bail on charges of felony possession of the chemicals to produce methaphetamine stemming from a 2014 case. Police said he called another confidential informant to help him gather materials needed to make the controlled substance.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Pennsylvania State Council Knights of Columbus met for its 117th annual state convention at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township May 15 to 17. More than 220 officers and delegates were in attendance,

On May 15, a memorial Mass was held for those Knights who passed away since the last convention. Local knights remembered at the service were Andrew Brown, Stephen Darrup, William Fedroff, Bernard Gidaro, Francis Kriesher, Russell Macheski, James Menapace and Carl Nochton from Mount Carmel Council 628; and Peter Bartos, Joseph Diminick, Raymond Hodrick and Gus Veach from Kulpmont Council 4281.

Later that evening, the convention was opened by State Deputy Stanley Glowatski with the nomination of delegates and alternates to the supreme convention which will be held Aug. 4 to 6 in Philadelphia.

Proceedings opened May 16 with a video from Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. Last year, Anderson reported that the Knights of Columbus volunteered 70 million hours of service and charity donations of $170 million.

Supreme Treasurer Michael O'Conner of Frackville brought greetings from the supreme knight during his address to the delegates. Wayne Freet, PSD, reported that there are now over 19 ultrasound machines installed by Pennsylvania Knights. A new mobile ultrasound unit was at the convention for viewing and it was blessed later that day by the Most Rev. David Zubik, bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Also addressing the convention Saturday were Robert O'Hara, executive director of the PA Catholic Conference; Most Reverend Stefan Soroka, archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archepachy of Philadelphia, and Robert Bratina, Pennsylvania state chief squire.

On May 17, the current state officers were nominated and re-elected for the next fraternal year. Those reelected were Glowatski, state director; James Bailoni of the Mount Carmel Council, state secretary; Richard Corriveau, state treasurer; Kenneth Grugal, state advocate, and Francis Oh'Hara, state warden. Delegates to the Supreme Convention in Philadelphia elected were John Bowen, Thomas Clark, Sean Connolly, Ken Grugel, Scott Harper, Thomas Kurtek, Deacon Sean Petrisko and Larry Pettit. Alternate delegates elected were Mark Baker, Michael DeLucia, Dennis Garrett, Don Granata, Thomas Harthaway, James McCarthy, Michael Rybacki and Bruce Wermann.

Next year, the 118th State convention will be held in Erie May 13 to 15.

Local delegates attending this year's convention were David Berezovske and Henry Zuech, Mount Carmel Bishop Lawrence F. Schott Council 628; Michael Adams, Andrew Stefanowicz and Joseph Candelora Sr., Shamokin Council 458; and David Mrozowski, Elysburg Father Charles R. Slough Council 14161.

The Mount Carmel Area Board of Education Merit Award winner for the month of April is senior Taylor Conches, a daughter of Kelly Conches, of Natalie. Taylor was nominated for this award by her news reporting teacher and former seventh grade teacher, Diane Rumbel, who said, "Taylor works very hard in class and is an asset to the overall success of the MCA Live news room. She works independently. In addition to her editor duties, she is a quality writer, reporter and interviewer, taking on any news story needed. I can always count on Taylor to act in a professional and responsible manner to complete whatever needs to be done."

Taylor is involved in many school clubs, including holding officer positions. She is the vice-president of the Interact club and secretary of Future Nurses of America. She is also a member of peer mediation, Future Teachers of America, National Honor Society and the ski, pep, and Spanish clubs. Taylor is a writer, reporter and editor of MCA Live and was a student leader for the Think BIG dance marathon for the past two years. Taylor plans are to attend Seton Hall University and pursue a career in physical therapy.

The Mount Carmel Area School Board Merit Award winner for April is sixth-grade student Isabella Ryan, a daughter of Shawn and Kelly Ryan. She resides in Mount Carmel with her parents and two younger brothers, Connor and Luke.

Bella was nominated by her math teacher, Jolene Scicchitano, and gym teacher, Amanda Stepenaski. Scicchitano said, "Bella is an exceptional student and a joy to have in the classroom. She is conscientious and strives to do her best at all times. She is extremely helpful, kind to teachers and peers, and a leader in the classroom."

Bella participates in a variety of extra-curricular activities and is a competitive gymnast for the Gym Starz program in Sunbury. She is a three time state/regional meet qualifier, and in 2014, she finished ninth on the uneven bars in her division at the USAIGC World Meet. She also extended her love of gymnastics to volunteering by partnering with her gym to help young girls with disabilities learn and perform gymnastic skills.

In addition to gymnastics, Bella plays volleyball on the Mount Carmel Area Elementary sixth grade team, is a Mount Carmel Jets cheerleader, sings in the school chorus and was selected to participate in the 2015 Chorus Fest at Warrior Run High School. She is a Sunburst State Pageant qualifier and competed at the state competition May 30 finishing in the top 10.

Bella volunteers at the West End Fire Association in Kulpmont during their children's holiday activities and is an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Mount Carmel.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The guidance office of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, reported the future plans of members of the Class of 2015:

William Allen III, of 503 West Fox Road, Sunbury, will attend Kutztown University.

He is a son of William and Susan Allen, and a grandson of Elizabeth (Betty) Bebenek and the late Frank Bebenek and the late William and Rita Allen.

He is a member of Queen of the Most Holy Rosary where he volunteered at fish dinners, parish festivals, and Easter egg making.

His activities at Lourdes included student council treasurer, Boys Service club, student ambassador, Respect Life, S.A.D.D., JA Titan Competition, boys soccer and boys varsity basketball.

He volunteers in the community by cutting grass and helping at yard sales, clothing drives and food drives.

He is employed at Knoebels Amusement Resort and the Elysburg Gun Club.

Jessica DeLong, of 924 North Shamokin St., Shamokin, will major in politics at Saint Vincent College.

She is a daughter of Melody DeLong, and a granddaughter of Marie Delong and the late Richard DeLong.

She is a member of Mother Cabrini Church.

Her activities at Lourdes included S.A.D.D., Girls Action League, student ambassador, varsity soccer, National Honor Society president, Spanish National Honor Society, Respect Life club and yearbook.

She is employed as a babysitter.

Caitlin Funk, of 1672 State Route 890, Paxinos, will major in biology at Susquehanna University.

She is a daughter of Mary Louise and Clay Funk, and a granddaughter of Mary Lou Semicek and the late John Semicek and June and George Funk.

She is a member of Queen of the Most Holy Rosary where she volunteered in Easter egg sales and yard sales.

Her activities at Lourdes included student council vice president (12), class officer (vice preident 9-12), Student Ambassador, National Honor Society secretary, French National Honor Society, French club president, S.A.D.D. vice president.

She was an after school care volunteer and a tutor in school.

She is employed at Dairy Queen Grill and Chill in Shamokin Dam.

Luke Michael Holleran, of 118 Colorado Circle, Kulpmont, will major in welding and fabrication engineering at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

He is a son of Dennis and Kathy and a grandson of Alberta Zlockie and the late Charles Zlockie and John and Clare Holleran.

He is a member of the Church of the Holy Angels where he was an alter server and a volunteer at Parish picnics.

His activities at Lourdes included soccer, basketball, Student Ambassador, Boy's club, Respect Life, S.A.D.D. and Manna for the Many.

He was a volunteer with community clean-up, Knights of Columbus and 3rd Degree.

He is employed at Scicchitano's Pizza, the Elysburg Gun Club and the Edgewood pool.

John Leonard Klitsch, of 182 Turnpike Road, Ashland, plans to enter into the U.S. Army after graduation.

He is a son of Paul and Lillian Klitsch and the grandson of Leonard and Lillian Hornberger and a late Margaret and Gerald Klitsch.

He is a member of St. Joseph's Parish of Ashland.

His activities at Lourdes included soccer and the boy's service club.

For several years, he was an announcer at the Ashland Little League.

Erich Thomas Meloy, of 1660 W. Lynn St., Coal Township, plans to attend Luzerne County Community College and work flex as a pharmacy technician at Geisinger.

He is a son of Traci and Robert Beck and Mark Meloy and a grandson of Lunnea Grimm, Tom and Linda Wodzak and Bill Meloy.

He is a member of St. John's UCC.

His activities at Lourdes included S.A.D.D., boy's service club, Lourdes Singers, Science club, art club and student ambassador.

He is employed at Geisinger.

Dakota Maneval, of 486 Second St., Northumberland, plans to get a doctorate in physical therapy at Saint Francis University (Loretto).

He is a son of Jonathan and Sherri Maneval and a grandson of Elwood and June Maneval, Nancy Rocuba and the late Jerome Senoski.

He is a member of Saint Monica Parish in Sunbury where he was a parish server and a volunteer for fundraisers.

His activities at Lourdes included National Honor Society, student council president, French National Honor Society, student ambassador, Respect Life club, Boy's Service club, S.A.D.D., School Counts! and the captain of the varsity basketball team.

He volunteered at the Degenstein Community Library Book Drive (10, 11).

He is employed at Subway in Northumberland.

Regina Lizeth Perez, 1425 W. Pine St., Coal Township, plans to study laboratory technology at the University of Coahuila in Mexico.

She is an exchange student from Mexico, a daughter of Sergio and Patricia Perez. Her host parents are Joseph and Catherine Alexander.

She is a member of Our Lady of Hope in Coal Township. In her home parish, San Juan de Mata in Coahuila, Mexico, she is involved in the youth group.

Her activities at Lourdes included varsity cheerleading, S.A.D.D., ski club, and Girl's Action League.

She participated in Knight's of Columbus fundraising activities and helped to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Mikayla Persing, of 346 Melrose St., Marion Heights, will major in fashion merchandising at Immoculata University.

She is a daughter of Scott and Loretta Persing and granddaughter of Mary Nestico and the late James "Chick" Nestico and the late George and Loretta Persing.

She is a member of Holy Angels Parish where she was in the youth choir.

Her activities at Lourdes included National Honor Society Treasurer, Spanish National Honor Society, student ambassador, S.A.D.D., Girls Action League, Respect Life club, chorus, Lourdes Singers, Mount Carmel Area varsity cheerleading captain and Lourdes varsity cheerleading captain.

She was involved in the Danville Relay for Life and Geisinger's Cancer Survivor's Day.

She is employed in the gift shops at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

Claudia Rawa, of 1882 Trevorton Rd., Coal Township, will be attending Luzerne County Community College to major in biology.

She is a daughter of Vincent and Lisa Rawa Jr. and the granddaughter of Lorraine Sedor and the late John Sedor and the late Vincent and Lucille Rawa Sr.

She is a member of Divine Redeemer Parish where she was an altar server, volunteer at parish picnics,and in the Mount Carmel student outreach program.

Her activities at Lourdes included varsity soccer, varsity cheerleading, homeroom representative, Girls Action League, S.A.D.D. and Respect Life club.

She is employed at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

Taryn Riegel, of Catawissa, will be attending Bloomsburg University to get a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's in special education.

She is a daughter of David and Brenda Riegel and a granddaughter of Charlie and Patsy Doraski, Geraldine Andreas and Franklin Riegel.

She is a member of Our Lady of Mercy where he was an altar server.

Her activities at Lourdes included S.A.D.D., student ambassador, Girls Action League, Respect Life club, district chorus, performing arts, yearbook, ski club, choir, band and tutoring.

She was involved in the Relay for Life, Manna for the Many and a Salvation Army and St. Columba volunteer.

She is employed at Ponduce Farms as a caterer and she is a babysitter.

Grace Kathryn Rompolski, of 510 Balsam St., Coal Township, will attend Drexel University to major in mechanical and systems engineering.

She is the daughter of David and Ann Marie Rompolski and the granddaughter of John and Mary Ann Lyash and Sandra and the late Anthony Rompolski.

She is a member of Our Lady of Hope where she volunteered at the parish block party.

Her activities at Lourdes included varsity soccer, cheerleading, Mount Carmel Varsity cheerleading, student ambassador, class president, National Honor Society- vice president, French National Honor Society, S.A.D.D., Girls Action League, Hugh O'Brian youth leadership alumni.

She is a volunteer with the Salvation Army.

She is employed at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

Emma Louise Seidel, of 67 King St., Northumberland, will major in psychology at Bloomsburg University.

She is a daughter of Marjorie and Jay Seidel and the granddaughter of Jay and Donna Seidel and Margaret and Steven Conrad.

She is a member of St. Monica.

Her activities at Lourdes included cheerleading, S.A.D.D., GAL, Respect Life club and yearbook.

She is employed as a waitress at Jay's Tiffany's Northside, Sunbury and is a caregiver at Little Britches Day Care in Elysburg.

Bailey Trell, of 329 Locust Road, Paxinos, will attend Susquehanna University.

She is the daughter of Jessica and Robert Trell and the granddaughter of Someko and the late Paul Daubert and Rose and Robert Trelinskie.

She is a member of the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary where she is a parish volunteer.

Her activities at Lourdes included varsity basketball captain, varsity soccer captain, Respect Life club, S.A.D.D., Girls Action League, student ambassador, class officer, student council and Grotto.

She was a volunteer at the Shamokin Hospital and employed at the Edgewood Swim Club.

MOUNT CARMEL - Heat from a floodlight caused several beach towels to ignite, which led to damage to the exterior of a home early Wednesday.

The fire broke out shortly after midnight at 141 W. Water St. According to Jack Williams Jr., first assistant chief, the homeowner was sleeping when he awoke to the smell of smoke. The owner discovered the back porch on fire and brought the fire under control as the fire department responded.

Williams said four to five folded beach towels were on a shelf that was located below the light. Damaged was contained to a ceiling above the porch and the wall in which the light was located.

Firefighters were on scene for about an hour checking for extension and any hot sports. Williams said the owner did not have insurance.

Southern Columbia Area Middle School

CATAWISSA R.R. - The Southern Columbia Area Middle School has announced its distinguished and regular honor roll for the fourth marking period of the 2014-15 school year.

Distinguished honor students have attained an average in their studies of 95 percent or better. Honor roll students have attained an average of 88 to 94.999 percent.

Distinguished Honor Roll

Grade 5 - Colby Bernhard, Kole Biscoe, Morgan Brill, Jacob Cambria, Savich Chapman, Justin Chen, Brock Dunkelberger, Brady Feese, Jaron Ferrara, Gavin Garcia, Hanna Keller, Avery Konyar, Olivia Long, Matthew Masala, Jillian Morgan, Madelina Natale, Joseph Quinton, Kylee Reeder, Wyatt Roadarmel, Carson Savitski, Cassidy Savitski, Tammy Schultz, Lauren Smith, Olivia Thompson, Ella Trathen, Kathryn Waltman, Ashley Whyne, Gauge Wommer, Christian Woodruff and Patrick Yost.

Grade 6 - Emily Callahan, Faith Callahan, Grace Callahan, Megan Champoux, Tyler Derk, Maddelynn Griscavage, Chade Haladay, Hannah Knoebel, Garrett Krebs, Madison Longenhagen, Meadow Morris, Katherine O'Donnell, Jaymie Petro, Bryson Pita, Logan Potter, Jaxson Purnell, Campbell Reck, Karly Renn, Emma Schultz, Addison Sharrow, Colin Sharrow, Sienna Sosnoski, Alexis Steenburg, Lucas Stewart, Jayden Toczylousky, Paige Urban and Timothy Witcoskie.

Grade 7 - Maura Blusius, Jared Broscious, Mikaela Brouse, Madison Colella, Jessica Delbo, Kayla Gallagher, Gaige Garcia, Gina Gratti, Cal Haladay, Kayla Hauer, Jacob Herr, Sophia Koschoff-Rapkin, Taylor LeVan, Meghan Morrison, Kathryn Pollard, Lear Quinton, Lauren Rose, Emma Rosko, Erick Shufeldt, Thomas Williams, Rilyn Wisloski, Leslie Wolfe, Mary Zakrzewski and Ronald Zsido.

Grade 8 - Colt Bernhard, Hannah Bradley, Jadyn Brezinski, Carly Britch, Kari Cambria, Haleigh Carter, Autumn Chassie, Morgan Cole, Gavin Corrigan, Hanna Davis, Benjamin Dodson, Troy Donlan, Jillian Dunkelberger, Jared Ebersole, Kortney Fasold, Susan Gembic, DeeDee George, Tiffany Horton, Gabriella Kaminski, Lindsey Kerstetter, Nicole Kerstetter, Ethan Knoebel, Brooklynn Kuijpers, Allyson Leiby, Caitlyn Lichtel, Maria Maresca, Jillian Marks, Calista Noll, Gabriel O'Donnell, Samantha Palacz, Sarah Rodriguez, Viktoria Romania, Haley Scopelliti, Cally Seidel, Alec Sharrow, Cassandra Sharrow, Jacob Stahley, Emma Steely and Alexandra Willhouse.

Honor Roll

Grade 5 - Emily Allen, Sarah Allen, Eliza Andress, Wesley Barnes, Landon Beagle, Clayton Bennage, Mallory Betts, Chase Billig, Natalie Bodnar, Owen Bosworth, Gabrielle Bradigan, Ryan Brown, Stephanie Campbell, Ethan Carpenter, Nicholas Chesney, Chase Conway, Evelyn Cook, Mason Cooper, Toren Cooper, Logan Corrigan, Cailee Davis, Tristen Delrymple, Emily Dodson, Michael Evert, Clarissa Fox, Connor Gallagher, Emma Hayman, Stanley Hodder, Rachel Hollenbach, Gatlin Hovenstine, Nathan Hoy, Matthew Hricenak, Reese Humphrey, Kelly Irons, Ryan Kerstetter, Jadon Kittle, Liam Klebon, Abigail Knoebel, Abigail Knouse, Dylan Kramer, Wyatt Mack, Rhiannon Marion, Morgan Marks, Hailee Mayernick, Mallory McBride, Rayne McCoog, Elizabeth Miller, Hailey Miller, Alexander Morrison, Tyler Novak, Mackenzie Palacz, Grace Persinger, Rylee Petro, Riley Reed, Austin Reeder, Madison Reidinger, Kianna Rizzo, Janet Rodgers, Griffin Romania, Jake Rose, Giana Rovito, Faith Seedor, Dakota Simpson, Jacob Snyder, Paige St. Andre, Marlee Swank, Summer Tillett, Kailey Wagner, Jamal Williams, Michael Yancoskie, Lexi Yeager, Alexis Zanini and Michael Zsido.

Grade 6 - Joshua Bainbridge, Emily Bender, Zackariah Buono, Kaiden Carl, Taylor Christman, Kylee Danglovitch, Jacob Davis, Chase Derk, Lauren Duncan, Patrick Edmondson, Jordon Fosse, Brionna Gallagher, Michael Getchey, Tyler Hajdu, Jonathan Helfrick, Elijah Helms, Cordell Helwig, Garrett Hummel, Tyler Jeffrey, Taylor Keller, Bradley Klaus, Gabriel Kulick, Jordan Letterman, Kayla Levan, Marissa Levan, Allie Lunger, Kaitlyn Lupatsky, Monica Maresca, Jennifer Maurer, Rachel Maurer, Jayden McCormick, Troy Meier, Ruth Miller, Nicholas Miner, Chase Petro, Collin Sabo, Lily Sudol, Hunter Thomas, Tyler Waltman, Derek Wertman, Micah Yemzow, Ian Yoder, Dallas Yost and Thomas Ziemba.

Grade 7 - Alyssa Barnes, Evan Bebenek, Kiersten Brecht, Hannah Bridy, Luke Brokus, Victoria Brown, Grace Bzdak, Jamie Chen, Hailey Ciocco, Max Clark, Halle Cox, Elliott Dobson, Stephanie Dunkelberger, Tiffany Dunkelberger, Amelia Esposito, Matriel Farmer, Kaylin Fetterolf, Cameron Haladay, Ethan Haupt, Braden Heim, Nathaniel Hicks, Nathan Hunsinger, Nathan Kearney, Makenna Keefer, Michelle Kerstetter, Wade Kerstetter, Brianna Kopp, Aaron Koschoff-Rapkin, Allyson Kranzel, Austin Leiby, Devon Lindenmuth, Cade Linn, Sierra Long, Veronica Manuel, Morgan Marks, Gage Michael, Owyne Pursel, Ayzah Quinn, Emilia Raup, Brady Reese, Ty Roadarmel, Elijah Rush, Christopher Slack, Alyssa Strocko, Max Tillett, Aden Trathen, Alicia Trathen, Chloe Wegrzynowicz, Dorran Wetzel, Gage Whitenight, Madison Wilcox, Teagan Wilk and Preston Zachman.

Grade 8 - Zachary Bainbridge, Haylea Bingaman, Karlea Bingaman, Cara Cecco, Nathaniel Crowl, Emily Davis, Calvin Deitrick, Shane Deski, Alexus Fetterman, Abigail Henrichs, Reese Houseknecht, Matthew Irons, Kaitlyn Karlovich, Joseph Lobos, Meghan Longenhagen, Connor McGinley, Kaitlyn McHale, Shane Miller, Michael Miner, Kevin Olvany, Jacob Petro, Rachyl Podpora, Bryce Reidinger, Marley Seger, Johnathan Sherman, Kevin Sincavage, Cameryn Sock, John Stabinski, Michael Steele, Madison Straub, Shayla Swartz, William Wegrzynowicz and Ross Wertman.

Awards given to first- through fifth-grade Our Lady of Lourdes students June 3.

The following students have received academic excellence (97.9 or above): fifth grade, Gabriel Leffler and Caden McBride; fourth grade, Cassandra Drumheiser and Cole Pancher.

The following students have received academic effort (93-96): fifth grade, Lindsay Dunn, Ryan Kerris, Nicholas Nestico; fourth grade, Liam Bradley, Gabriella Coleman, Joseph Feudale, Alexander Hughes, Aiden Krebs, Leonard Machesic, Julia Pitcavage, Maxwell Reiprish, Gage Romanoskie, Lillian Scalia, Jadyn Swaldi and Chloe Yablonski.

Faithful Christian awards were presented to: first grade, Michael Drumheiser and Daniel Vincenzes; second grade, Kyle Baranoski and Corrine Feese; third grade, Jelena Czeponis and Kaiulani D. Snyder; fourth grade, Liam Bradley and Austin Cole; fifth grade, Caiden McBride and Michael Keer.

Kind Hearted Awards were presented to: first grade, Leonard Cicchiello and Bradley Staner; second grade, Estella Bressi and Gavin Ross; third grade, Liela A. Bellis; fourth grade, David Lorenz and Nicholas Olley; fifth grade, Caden McBride.

Sports and physical activities: first grade, Lilly Dormer and Logan Steele; second grade, Zach Komara and Aaron Leffler; third grade, Gavin M. Bauer; fourth grade, Gage Romanoskie and Owen Ssandri; fifth grade, Sadie Komara and Nicholas Nestico.

Art: first grade, Maleeya Nagy and Sydney Siko; second grade, Rylee Dehaven and Molly Pancher; third grade, Michael E. Dick; fourth grade, Cassandra Drumheiser and Chloe Yablonski; fifth grade, Gabriel Leffler and Gabrielle Wagner.

First in Math 10,000 Sticker Achievement: second grade, Olivia Kopitsky, Gabrielle Venna and Gianna Venna.

First in Math Program Top Player Awards: first grade, Collin Keiser, 6,305 stickers; second grade, Lindsey Allen, 3,422 stickers, Gabriella Carnuccio, 3,423 stickers, Autumn Kehler, 3,671 stickers, Gavin Ross, 6,195 stickers; third grade, Jelena Czeponis, 4,609 stickers; fourth grade, Cassandra Drumheiser, 5,761 stickers, Alexander Hughes, 5,385 stickers

Award for perfect attendance for the 2014-15 school year were presented to: third grade, Brooke Barwick and Cassidy Grimes; fourth grade, Maxwell Reiprish and Tasmiya Russell-King.

The Father Charles R. Slough Scholarship is awarded to: Nauhtayaha Russell-King and Tasmiya Russell-King.

Awards given to elementary students through sixth grade:

The following students have received distinguished honors (97 or above): Ashley Albert, Meryl Czeponis, Christopher Feudale and Robert Scalia.

The following students have received Academic Excellence Awards (average GPA 93-96): Brianna Barwick, Gabrielle Doss, Caroline Feese, Peyton Kehler, Nathaniel Long, Hunter Reed, Eric Shoch and Garrett Timco.

Students who have maintained the highest and second highest general average in each academic discipline:

Religion: highest average: Meryl Czeponis and Robert Scalia; second highest average: Ashley Albert and Garrett Timco

Math: highest average: Ashley Albert and Robert Scalia; second highest average: Christopher Feudale and Garrett Timco.

ILA: highest average: Ashley Albert, Peyton Kehler and Robert Scalia; second highest average: Meryl Czeponis and Eric Shoch

Science: highest average: Ashley Albert and Robert Scalia; second highest average: Gabrielle Doss and Meryl Czeponis

Social Studies: highest average: Ashley Albert and Robert Scalia; second highest average: Gabrielle Doss and Chistopher Feudale.

Artistic talent: Ashley Albert and Mariah Sullivan.

Musical talent: Ryleigh Geary and Emily Shaffer.

Sports and physical activities: Nicholas de Manincor and Peyton Kehler.

Faithful Christian: Caroline Feese and Gianna Sinopoli.

Kind Hearted: Brianna Barwick and Katelyn Deitz.

Helpful Hands: Alessandra Albert, Nicholas de Manincor, Ryleigh Geary and Gabe Klembara.

Improvement award: Kylie Dobrzyn, Katie Miller and Myra Seidel.

Computer: Christopher Feudale.

Stock market: Garrett Timco.

Perfect attendance: Brianna Barwick, Addison Odorizzi and Garrett Timco.