SUNBURY - A Coal Township man who pleaded guilty in May to four felony counts of burglary and multiple drug offenses was sentenced Monday to 4 to 8 years in state prison and ordered to pay approximately $18,000 in restitution and $700 in fines.

Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest imposed the sentence on Eric J. Weikel, who previously rejected a plea offer from the district attorney's office and has been represented by three defense attorneys in the seven cases that date back to 2013.

The 35-year-old Weikel, who was given 571 days credit for prison time already served, was facing a maximum sentence of 97 years incarceration and/or $355,000 in fines.

Multiple other charges were not prosecuted under a plea agreement with the DA's office.

The defendant, who was represented by special conflicts counsel Kate Lincoln, declined comment about the sentencing upon being escorted from the courtroom by Deputy Sheriff Ed Griffiths.

His attorney said, "My client has taken responsibility for his actions and by entering a plea, he has saved the county significant money by forgoing a protracted trial."

Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey, who prosecuted the cases, reserved comment.

Jewelry, electronics and cash taken

Weikel received consecutive prison sentences of 2 to 4 years for a Nov. 8, 2013, burglary at the residence of his uncle, Richard Weikel, of 515 Kulp Ave., Coal Township, and an Oct. 23, 2013, burglary at the home of Michael Robatin, of 1354 W. Spruce St., Coal Township.

He is accused of stealing a gold chain valued at $1,000, rings and cash from Richard Weikel and a Dell XPS studio laptop computer, a Sony NDX five-digital camera with two lenses in a black case, jewelry and approximately $1,000 in cash from the bedroom of Weikel's daughter, Steph.

He was charged with removing approximately $13,000 in jewelry from Robatin's home.

He was ordered to pay $3,919.31 restitution to Richard and Steph Weikel, $2,166.74 restitution to All State Insurance Company and $13,500 restitution to Colleen Robatin.

Weikel received concurrent sentences for other burglaries on West Spruce Street in Coal Township, a felony of possessing with intent to deliver heroin and two misdemeanor counts of possessing drug paraphernalia relating to incidents in Shamokin and Coal Township.

He was ordered to pay $432.98 restitution to Dana Wheary and $260.20 restitution to Ye Olde Coin Shoppe in connection with the burglaries.

All the burglary charges were filed by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan.

Food distribution Saturday

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Borough Food Pantry will distribute food from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Notary Shop, 215 S. Oak St. for borough residents who have signed up in the past.

Residents of the Mount Carmel Mid Rise are asked to meet in the lobby for 8:45 a.m.

Residents of Willow Court are asked to meet in the lobby at 11 a.m.

Participants are asked to bring bags, which are no longer available from the food pantry.

Downsizing for happiness

SHAMOKIN - How to have a happier life by getting rid of stuff will be discussed at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Lifetree Cafe event at Antioch Place, 531 N. Market St.

The Lifetree event, titled "Upsizing Life by Downsizing Stuff: Living Large in a 84-sq-ft. House," features a filmed interview with Dee Williams, author of the best-selling book "The Big Tiny."

"I live in a tiny house. It's 84 square feet, which is less square feet than a parking spot," says Williams. "Downsizing allowed me to step away from a $250,000 mortgage, high utility bills and feeling a bit lost in life."

Partcipants will get practical tips for getting rid of stuff, and see how one woman downsized to owning fewer than 300 items to maximize the amount of space in her life.

Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available. For more information, contact Kathy Vetovich at 570-672-9346 or kvetovich@gmail.com.

CATAWISSA R.R. - Southern Columbia will pay more than $17,000 to drill and test a new well for its elementary school, with no guarantee they'll hit water.

The district entered into a contract Monday with Swank and Son Well Drilling and Pump Company, Danville, for drilling and test pumping for a new well for the G.C. Hartman Elementary School. The total cost will be $17,220.

For that price, the company will drill a six-inch wide test well, and install a test pump to see if enough water will flow through it for the elementary center.

In February, district officials were informed the well at the elementary school was running dry, so dry classes had to be cancelled Feb. 26 because there was no water.

At a district board meeting Feb. 16, SCA's building and grounds supervisor Tim George reported the 387-foot well, dug when the G.C. Hartman Elementary School was originally built, was running dry.

Superintendent Paul Caputo said the new 500-foot deep well will be drilled along a fracture lane, giving them easy access to ground water.

Board member Timothy Vought asked what they are getting for the price, and George said it covered all testing and drilling. He said there could be an extra cost later for the installation of the district's own pump, which would be transferred from the old well.

Caputo said the district will save money on plumbing installation with the new well, since the proposed site is only 30 feet away from the school; the old well is more than 200 feet from the building.

Other business

The board also approved a new one-year management advisory services agreement with certified public accountant Charles J. Mannello to act as the district's business manager for the coming fiscal year.

The contract calls for Mannello to work 36 days at a rate of $500 a day, a total amount of $18,000. He will work in an advisory capacity in conjunction with business office supervisor Denise Kreisher, a district employee.

The board approved a $10,000 stipend for Caputo in exchange for him being assigned additional duties.

Caputo will now manage the district's federal programs and prepare and file all grant applications and fiscal reporing, oversee the district's security and school safety efforts, oversee and manage the Pennsylvania Department of Education grant programs, including acting as security administrator for the e-Grant system, prepare bid specifications in conjunction with the business consultant, coordinate the district's competitive grant writing efforts, serve as right-to-know officer, oversee all school district construction and renovate projects, acting as liaison for the school board, and oversee the maintenance and custodial, transportation/mechanic, and technology infrastructure and data management services provided to the district.

After a 40-minute executive discussion at the start of the meeting, the board voted to approve Caputo's $106,600 salary for the coming school year.

Athletics

In athletic business, the board voted to accept the recommendations, pending completion of all employment requirements for approval and re-approval of the athletic/activities positions and salaries.

The board also approved the athletic/activities volunteers for the 2015-2016 school year, pending receipt of volunteer paperwork, favorable clearances and a negative Tuberculin test.

Personnel

In other personnel moves, the board unanimously approved the retirement of high school secretary Marla Kremser, who has been employed with the district since 1976, and approved Cameron Young as a student custodial workers during the summer months, at a rate of minimum wage.

All motions were approved by a 9-0 vote with directors Kaye Keller, Thomas Reich, Joe Klebon, John Yocum, Gail Zambor Schuerch, Michael Yeager, Charlene Cove, Timothy Vought and Charles Porter voting yes, with the exception of the athletic salaries, with were passed on a 8-0 with Reich abstaining.

Vacation Bible school planned

ELYSBURG - The Elysburg Alliance Church, 113 Alpha Ave., will hold Vacation Bible School "Everest - Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power" for ages 3 to 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. July 26 to 30. There will be games, crafts, snacks and more. For more information, call 570-672-2176 or visit www.ElysburgAllianceChurch.com

Paxinos church rounds up Bible school

PAXINOS - SonWest Roundup Vacation Bible School will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., July 13 to 17, at Paxinos Bible Church, Mountour Road. There will be songs, crafts, games, Bible stories and snacks. There will also be a huge waterslide later in the week. Call 570-672-9356 to register. If registered by July 12, you will receive a special bonus. Directions: From Rt. 487 near Elysburg, take Bottle Rd. (near Glosser Inn). Bear right, go up the hill and the church is on the right.

Community Service

COAL TOWNSHIP - Participants in Judge John Gembic's community service program are asked to meet at the Coal Bowl at 9 a.m. Saturday.

School bus stop changes

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area School District reminds parents who have changed addresses, sitters, or day-care providers that their children will require a different bus stop than last year.

Those who have made changes over the summer months should notify the district's transportation office as soon as possible. Changes requested late in August may not take effect until after the school year starts.

Please stop by our business office to fill out a change of address form, or simply access this form via the Shamokin Area School District website under Business Office-Documents and Forms-Parent Forms-Change of Address Form. Otherwise, call 570-648-5752 or send requests to Transportation, Shamokin Area School District, 2000 West State Street, Coal Township 17866.

LOWER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - A Bloomsburg man who allegedly broke into his ex-wife's garage and took her current boyfriend's credit cards, wallet and a set of keys now faces charges for the crimes.

Martin S. Eltringham, 38, of 2613 Howell Drive, Bloomsburg was charged with forgery, access device fraud, theft from a motor vehicle, criminal mischief, criminal trespass and having overnight accommodations with no person present, after the investigation into the break-in at a garage on Riland Road, Lower Augusta Township between 11 p.m. Thursday and 5:30 a.m. Friday.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Tyler Watson, of the Stonington barracks, said in court documents he received a call from Erin Eltringham, who told police that someone forced their way into a garage through the back siding.

Inside the garage were three vehicles, owned by Erin Eltringham and Andrew Smith, who is Eltringham's current boyfriend. Police allege it was Martin Eltringham who entered the garage and removed 12 internal valve stems from the tires, flattening all of them.

While still in the garage, police allege Eltringham removed a set of keys and a wallet from a vehicle owned by Smith and then left the garage.

The next day, Smith called the police and stated a credit card was used twice Friday.

Police say the thief, alleged to be Martin Eltringham, spent $77.05 using Smith's credit cards at the Turkey Hill Minit Market in Kulpmont. He then used it to purchase a $200 gift card at Autozone in Coal Township. The wallet also contained approximately $100 in cash.

The total amount of damages to the garage and vehicles and the amount stolen are $487.05.

Erin Eltringham reported to police that she has an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against her ex-husband, who has violated it twice.

Police picked up Eltringham on Friday and he was arraigned before on-call Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on the forgery and theft charges. He was placed in prison on $7,500 bail. Police also charged him with indirect criminal contempt for violating the PFA order, and he was committed on $2,500 on that charge.

The forgery and theft case has been transferred to Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum's court in Sunbury, but no date has been set for Eltringham's preliminary hearing. His hearing for the PFA violation will also be held at a later date at the Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury.

MOUNT CARMEL - A corner storefront in downtown Mount Carmel is filled once again.

The All American Café opened Monday at the former Pappy's Restaurant, at Third and Oak streets to a steady crowd.

Co-owner and head chef Gene Brienes said he was pleased with the turnout.

"It's about as much as I expected considering there's been no restaurant here for five years," he said.

Brienes' business partner, Diana Richuitti, said they opened the original All American Café about five years ago at its location in Pottsville. They were inspired to open the second location in Mount Carmel after family and friends told her, "You gotta come up here."

The Pottsville location helped enable a quick opening of the restaurant. Brienes said he brought in several employees from Pottsville to work until he can find qualified local help. Richuitti said she expects to spend the next few months working almost exclusively at the Mount Carmel location until everything is running smoothly.

While pair say their Pottsville location has the best burger in town, Brienes said the Mount Carmel restaurant will specialize on breakfast, which will be served until 11 a.m. daily. Breakfast sandwiches will be available all day.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the restaurant will offer lunch delivery. Richuitti said they will be distributing take-out menus around town in the coming days.

Though the kitchen of the restaurant is already in full swing, Richuitti said she's still working to decorate the dining room. She's collecting photos of veterans and war memorabilia and Mount Carmel antiques to hang on the walls.

Brienes said the restaurant also hopes to have outdoor seating. He expects a decision from borough officials on seating several tables on the adjacent sidewalks in the coming week.

All American Café will is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

SHAMOKIN - Tales told in the brilliant collection of coal region-inspired poetry, "The Shamokin Monologues," will be read aloud with the backing of a jazz pianist Saturday night at Coney Island.

The live reading with author Bernard Jankowski and pianist Bruce Bears begins at 8 p.m. All are welcome. There's no cover charge, and no two burger minimum.

Lights to the lunch counter will be turned down low, a public address system will be turned up, and guest musicians are expected. Customers will experience a mild shift in the ambiance at Shamokin's landmark eatery.

"That's my goal, to make it cool," said Bill Bacas, "Coney Bill" to most, as he took a break wrapping burgers and hot dogs for a steady dinner crowd seeking their food to go Tuesday. "I think we're gonna have some big fun, baby!"

Jankowski is an elementary school teacher in Washington, D.C. His parents are coal region natives, and he spent summers as a kid visiting family in the Shamokin and Mount Carmel areas. The colorful tales shared by his uncles and life experiences of his own inspired the poetry collection - 20 free verse poems blending fact and fiction as relatable as any story heard in the local haunts.

"A lot of the core of the monologues, they're not facts by fact account. A big chunk are really like catching an oral history of the family," Jankowski told The News-Item last year.

He writes in "I've Never Been Much For Bosses," "They call me 'Shakes' or cheap and available, living on the dole. A fine pool player, charming when on my way to getting drunk, more than willing to be supported by a good strong woman of Eastern European descent. That's the clincher. I need a certain 'kind' of woman. She's gotta work if she wants to run with me. I've seen what full-time can do to a man."

One tale Jankowski heard about his home away from home is directly related to Coney Island itself.

"Evidently my grandfather on my mom's side painted the inside of that place at one time," Jankowski said Tuesday. He hopes to get a look at a hood near the grill. If it hasn't been replaced, he said it should have a dent from a paint can his ancestor dropped.

Jankowski is the author of four books of poetry. "The Shamokin Monologues" was named "Best Chapbook" and a poetry reading recorded with Bears "Best CD" by The Montserrat Review. His first book, "The Bullfrog Does Not Imagine New Towns," was published as the year's best by Washington Writers Publishing House.

Bears tours as a member of the backing band for blues guitarist Duke Robillard, and appears on two of the musicians Grammy-nominated albums. He's worked with blues and soul singer Toni Lynn Washington, gospel singer Mavis Staples and the late blues guitarist Big Jack Johnson.

SUNBURY - Tiffany Kaseman was unanimously appointed co-chief asssesor for the county Tuesday and was recommended for director of the assessment office upon the retirement of Al Bressi later this year.

Northumberland County Commissioners Stephen Bridy, Richard Shoch and Vinny Clausi, who participated by teleconference at the meeting, approved Kaseman's appointment at a salary of $43,203. Kaseman, who had been assistant chief assessor, has been employed in the assessment office for 10 years.

Bressi, who has been the chief assessor for the past seven years, will retire Sept. 1. He will turn 65 on Aug. 30. He formerly served as assistant chief assessor in Union County for six years and chief assessor in Northumberland County in 2003.

Bressi thanked Bridy and Clausi for their support over the years and recommended Kaseman for his position after she completes her role as co-chief assessor during the next two months.

After endorsing Kaseman for chief assessor, Bressi said he hopes the appointment doesn't become a political issue when a new board of commissioners takes office in January.

"I feel Tiffany is capable of doing a good job," Bressi said. "We have the best assessment office you can possibly have. The job is so intricate that it can't be played with. It's too important."

As for his retirement, Bressi said, "It's time to go. There were struggles at times, but overall I enjoyed the job. It's truly been a pleasure serving the county and I wish everyone in my office the best of luck."

Bridy and Clausi commended Bressi for his dedicated service to the county.

No action was taken on appointing Bressi's successor.

The commissioners unanimously authorized an additional $1 million for the 911 radio project.

The commissioners were informed last month by project consultant Mission Critical Partners that $8.5 million in mandated upgrades to the county's emergency services will be exceeded by $1.1 million due to structural deficiencies in the original tower options and problems with site development work.

An additional $750,000 to $1 million may have to be paid to Motorola because the project has been delayed.

The project, which is now scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2016, was initially projected to be completed last year.

Despite concerns about the way his fellow commissioners have handled the 911 project, Shoch voted to approve the additional $1 million because it was imperative for completing the work.

The commissioners agreed to pay $4,000 to Moyer Realty Advisors LLC for appraisal services for the Moran site in Sunbury, where a new county prison is scheduled to be constructed.

The board also approved payment of $8,575 to Apex for the preparation and submission of public notification documents, a remedial investigation report and cleanup plan for the Moran site in accordance with the state Department of Environmental Protection Land Recycling Program.

At the end of the meeting, Carole Mazzeo, of Sunbury, voiced environmental concerns in the neighborhood where the prison will be located. Mazzeo, who doesn't object to the prison project, asked, "I just want to know if it is safe to house prisoners 24 hours per day at that site?"

Bridy and Shoch agreed to provide Mazzeo with an electronic copy of the remediation and environmental reports connected to the prison project.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following memorials/donations were presented to Divine Redeemer Church during June:

In memory of

Emma Shiko from daughter, Irene Kurland.

Thomas Palembas from sister-in-law, Irene Kurland.

Marion A. Wydra from the First Bank family, J.D., Shelly and Jared Shutt.

Theresa L. Varano from Betty Hornberger, Carrie and Donna Sawicki, Jean Kashmere, Jacqueline Varano and family.

Margaret Shannon from Ann McFadden, Gloria Kwiatkowski.

Carolyn M. Giacomini from Ray Melchiori, Joyce Mahler, Mia Guizetti Hayes, Thomas Ferrick, J.D., Shelly and Jared Shutt.

John M. Katch from Bob and Donna Veach, J.D., Shelly and Jared Shutt, Anne McAndrew and family, Walt and JoAnn Kozlowski, Rita and Karen Alekseyko, Sara Mirarchi, Betty Menapace and family, Jack and Toni Sommers, Frank and Mary Sawicki.

Karen A. Dallabrida from J.D., Shelly and Jared Shutt.

Clara M. Keretski from Pat Bartos, Rita and Karen Alekseyko, Charles J. III and Sandra Lucas.

Theodore Pedergnana (Father's Day) from Ida Reilly.

Norman L. Basso from Isabell Amarose, Rita M. Pizzoli, Dan and Phyllis Ficca, Pat Bartos and family, Walt and JoAnn Kozlowski, Daniel Rossi, Dora and Joan DiFrancesco, Vince and Lisa Rawa and family, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Spears, Martha Meredith, Cathy and Maria Lacroce, Pat Nevis and family, Francis "Cosmo" Rossi; Jasmine Rossi Paskell; Ann DiFrancesco; Frank and Mary Sawicki; The Diminick Family; Ramona Schwartz; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madalis, Sylvia Sosnoski Kapushinski, Charles J. III and Sandra Lucas, Richard and Eleanor DiRienzo, Jack and Rita Laukaitis, Connie Wenrich and sons, Kevin and Angela Jones, Joseph and Jeanette Tomcavage, Ted and Jackie Matlow, Martz family, Diane E. Lepson, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Feudale, Donald, Marian, Regina and Anthony Jackman, Fulton Bank N.A.

Janice V. Costello from Dora and Joan DiFrancesco, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Spears, Myron Zuech, Martha Meredith, Glenn and Tina Meredith, Glenna Meredith Snyder, Frank and Mary Sawicki, Connie Wenrich and sons, Richard and Eleanor DiRienzo, Bill and Betty Ann Corrigan, Ronald Coleman, Dan and Phyllis Ficca, Louise Homola and family.

John A. Hartenstein from Vince and Lisa Rawa and family, John and Sandy Bradley, Frank and Mary Sawicki.

Rose Basso from Connie Wenrich and sons.

Mary Rita Socoloski from Pat Bartos, Thelma Duceman, Sherey Daya and family, Beverly and Matt Cooper and family, Elaine and Ken Wisnoskie and family, Donna and Bob Veach, Rita M. Pizzoli, Kenneth and Barbara Pizzoli, Elaine Jurgill, Martha Meredith, Bob and Barbara Whispell, Jim and Mary Rowland, Linda Lyons, sister Jackie Wanzie, Swantek family, Serakas family.

Diane D. White from husband, Michael.

Richard P. Zanella from Helen Kaminski.

Ronald Moyer from Jake, Judy and Tim Betz.

In honor of:

Vincent Rawa Jr. on his birthday from J.D., Shelly and Jared Shutt.

Donna Greco on her birthday.

Birthday memorial

Emma Shiko (June 25) from Daughter, Irene Kurland.

Dorothy Aniscyk (June 7) from Fran and Jack Cichon.

Frank Aniscyk (June 13) from Fran and Jack Cichon.

Frank J. Luchnick (June 4) from Mary E. Moran.

KENT, Ohio - Philip Rathosky, a 2007 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, recently earned his master's degree in higher education administration and student personnel from Kent State University, where he graduated with a 3.9 grade-point average.

He worked for two years as a resident director and graduate assistant with the Office of Alcohol, Drug, and Wellness Education at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio, served as an intern in undergraduate admissions at the University of Akron, was the assistant conferencecoordinator at Ohio University, and as an intern in the Office of Alumni Relations at Kent State University.

He has recently accepted a full-time position as the Relocation Coordinator and Recruiter for Johnson & Johnson at its headquarters in New Brunswick, N.J.

Rathosky is a 2012 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in K-12 education policy.

He is a son of Harry and Susan Rathosky, of Mount Carmel, and grandson of Loretta and the late Thomas Wolfgang, of Pottstown, and the late Anthony and Sarah Rathosky.

Block on Center Street two-way

MOUNT CARMEL - Mayor Phil (Bing) Cimino announced that due to the ongoing creek project construction, Center Street between Locust and Walnut streets has been temporarily changed to two-way.

After a discussion with Council President Tony Matulewicz, it was decided to allow parking on the north side only and cover the one-way signs until further notice. The change is designed to alleviate some of the traffic problems currently caused by most north and south streets being closed across the creek channel.

Cimino asked that people be cautious and show courtesy to other drivers. Motorists should obey street signs that are temporarily in place. Questions should be referred to the borough office at 570-339-4486.

Mount Carmel church brings "Spark" to Bible school

MOUNT CARMEL - The First United Methodist Church, Hickory Street, Mount Carmel will present the "Son Spark Lab" vacation Bible school from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 20 to Friday, July 24. For more information, contact Cathy at 570-556-9851.

DANVILLE - A Berwick man working on a masonry restoration project at Geisinger Medical Center fell to his death in a scaffolding accident Wednesday.

Montour County Coroner Scott Lynn reported the victim, a 48-year-old male from Berwick, fell approximately 90 to 100 feet down from the scaffold along the rear of the Foss Clinic at Geisinger's main campus in Mahoning Township.

"Geisinger is deeply saddened by the accident and extends its sympathy to the victim's family," said Geisinger's corporate communications director Michael Ferlazzo.

The man was an employee of MPS Masonry Preservation Services, Inc., of Bloomsburg, working on a brick resurfacing job when the accident occurred.

Lynn reported a three-man crew, one of those men being the victim, was preparing to lower the scaffold at approximately noon. The workers were standing on safety boards topped with a small piece of plywood when the scaffold was in the air.

"When the scaffolding has to be moved, the safety boards are taken away, leaving only the plywood," Lynn said.

As it was dropping down, the victim's co-workers reported to authorities hearing a snap, like wood breaking. Lynn said a broken piece of wood was found at the scene.

He reported the preliminary cause of death of multiple blunt force injuries, but said he is in the process of scheduling an autopsy to rule out any other medical issues that may have caused the fall. The manner of death is being called accidental.

Ferlazzo reported the scaffolding was more than nine floors high at the time of the fall. He said that Geisinger is cooperating fully in the investigation with Mahoning Township Police, the county coroner and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Mark Stellmach, director of OSHA's Wilkes-Barre field office, said that a compliance officer was on scene Wednesday afternoon and that an investigation is ongoing.

KULPMONT - The June 25 meeting of the American Legion Post 231 was called to order by Commander Albert Goodlunas. Members saluted the colors while acting chaplain Frank Rakowski offered a prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chet Gard. The Preamble to the American Legion Constitution and Resolution 288 POW/MIA was read.

The roll call of officers was read. All were present with exception of chaplain Robert Daniels. Previous minutes were read, and no omissions or corrections were approved.

All purchases, disbursements and the checking account balance were read. A motion was made by Ken Sieklicki and seconded by Gard to accept the report.

Adjutan, Rose Koldash, gave a report on 100 percent membership. Three of the 19 posts in District 17 have 100 percent membership for 2015, including Trevorton, Bloomsburg and Kulpmont. Members who were very active in recruiting were Brent Taggart, Goodlunas, Andy Bednarchick and Sieklicki.

The motion to accept Walter Lutz to American Legion Post 231 was made by Taggart and seconded by Bednarchick. All members voted to accept Lutz as a brother member.

At the District 17 meeting held June 18, Koldash was nominated to be the next deputy district commander,

All nominees for office were voted by acclamation at the April 23 meeting of Post 231.

Goodlunas tapped the bell with his gavel as names of departed post memberGeorge Pollyniak and Victor Olear were read.

A thank you letter was received from Kulpmont Sportsmen club for the donation received. A donation to the American Legion was given by Dave Shinskie. Rakowski gave the closing prayer.

SHAMOKIN - The city's mayor is calling for a meeting to address red flags raised in the state's review of municipal employee pension plans.

Mayor William D. Milbrand said all parties involved should attend: city council, union employees, labor attorneys for both sides, the pension plan administrator, Act 47 consultants and the state Department of the Auditor General.

"I've been requesting a meeting to get everyone around the table and hash this out once and for all," Milbrand said. "We all need to be sitting at the table at the same time."

Shamokin's Act 47 advisers have previously reported they believe parts of the city's police pension plan are illegal. The plan has been flagged by the state Auditor General in six consecutive audits over 12 years.

The latest audit in June 2014 cited "overpayments" to four retirees and said plan terms violated state law. City Hall itself was rapped for failing to pay into both the police and the non-uniformed employee plans in 2013 and other administrative issues.

City administrator Robert M. Slaby said the mayor's call hasn't fallen on deaf ears. A meeting is in the works for August.

"It's right around the corner. It's something not on the back burner but on the front burner from where I sit," Slaby said.

Both pension plans are woefully underfunded and could cost Shamokin, off-set in part by state aid, up to $1.5 million over the next five years, according to Act 47 advisers.

Initial recommendations were that city council look to recover the money claimed to have been overpaid, as well as eliminate pensions for future hires and switch to another defined benefit plan similar to a 401(k), which is not available to government employees.

Ryan Hottenstein, the city's Act 47 coordinator and a private financial consultant, said Tuesday despite initial recommendations there may be little the city can do about the existing plans because of past collective bargaining agreements ratified between the unions and previously elected officials.

"Retroactive changes would be difficult," he said. "You run into issues with collective bargaining and past practice."

However, Hottenstein said pension reform is a priority.

If a switch to a 401(k)-style plan isn't possible, Shamokin's Act 47 plan suggests that benefit levels are reduced across the board for future hires. That would come by discontinuing the practice of calculating unused leave and compensatory time that boosts the average salary on which pension payments are based, eliminating automatic annual increases, eliminating credit for years of service or military service, and freezing benefit levels.

WILLIAMSPORT - Kortni Koshinskie, a sophomore student at Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, was named to the Pennsylvania College of Technology dean's list for the spring semester with a 3.714 grade-point average.

Koshinskie, a student in the radiography program, is studying for a minor in psychology. A 2013 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, she is a daughter of Donald and Lisa Koshinskie, of Coal Township, and a granddaughter of Theresa Koshinskie, of Coal Township, and the late Diane Kehler, formerly of Shamokin.

KULPMONT - A meeting of Kulpmont American Legion Unit 231 Auxiliary was held May 23, with Jamie Bordell, Betty Chapman, Reggie Poplaski, Jackie Butler, Florence Willard, Rosalie Ziegler, Marian Edmondson, Janice Witrosky, Pat Kross, Joan Kase, Arlene Terry and Carol Patton attending.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Butler, the chaplain, offered a prayer at the beginning of the meeting and at at close. April minutes were read and approved on motion of Kross and Bordell. The treasurer's report was given by Poplaski, with a motion to approve made by Ziegler and Terry.

Poppy distribution was held in May at Walmart. Poplaski thanked all who helped with the tagging.

A Memorial Day Mass for veterans was celebrated at 8:30 a.m. May 24 at Holy Angels. The Memorial Day parade was held May 25. After the parade, a service was held at Roosevelt Court followed by lunch at the Legion. Hot dogs and drinks were served to children who participated in the parade.

The Six County Convention was held June 4 in Kulpmont. Roast beef, stuffing, corn and desserts were provided by the auxiliary. Bordell brought coffee and goodies for breakfast. Witrosky donated "sprinkler cans" and flowers that will be used as door prizes, Bordell provided "clackers" and Poplaski provided fans that were given to the ladies attending. Patton provided table cloths and paper products. A basket with groceries was chanced off.

Annual dues are sent out in August and September but can be paid in July. It is recommended to pay dues as early as possible. Chapman received a certificate from the national organization because the goal for membership has been reached.

The meeting was adjourned on motion of Terry and Cross.

SHAMOKIN - One person in handcuffs and another lying on a gurney were taken out of a downtown apartment and placed in ambulances during an incident Wednesday evening.

The incident unfolded at 7:24 p.m. when emergency personal were called to 42-44 E. Independence St., next to Dollar General, for a person in cardiac arrest. EMTs brought out the person from an upstairs apartment, above Berk's Thrift Store and Angel Hearts Pediatric Care. An ambulance with the patient left the scene around 8:10 p.m.

Seven minutes later, and while officers were still on scene, EMTs were again called to the scene for an unspecified reason. Three minutes after their arrival a man with no shirt on and in handcuffs was forcefully escorted to an ambulance by EMTs and officers.

What led to the arrest and the original call was not reported Wednesday evening.

STONINGTON - Shamokin Township will need a new tax collector at the end of the year.

Township supervisors Wednesday approved the resignation of Lisa Deitrich as tax collector. She said she is resigning because she is moving out of the township.

Supervisors Greg Rachau, John Klinger and Paul Rapp voted to accept the resignation. Deitrich's last day is Dec. 31, so township officials are looking for someone to fill the spot for the rest of the term, which expires in 2018.

Under a 2014 law, those wishing to be tax collectors must undergo background checks and a certification course through the state Department of Community and Economic Development. Township secretary Stephanie McKinney said after the meeting that anyone wishing to be a tax collector must have their certification by Nov. 30 in order to take office Jan. 1.

In other business, the township accepted applications from five property owners to have their land added to the township's agricultural security area, a tool for strengthening and protecting farmland from the urbanization of rural areas.

Solicitor Roger Wiest will submit the applications to the Northumberland County Planning Commission for approval.

Sewage enforcement officer Kenneth Young and roadmaster Jon Clements were asked to prepare a list of projects that could be completed with county Community Development Block Grant funds. Among the projects being considered are paving of the township complex and the Stonington Fire Company parking lot, and helping the fire company pay for radios that are compatible with the county's new 911 communications system.

The board also approved a motion to make Keystone Collections Group the new tax collectors for their local services, business privilege and all delinquent taxes.

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

On Friday evening, 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, Mount Carmel Council 628; and Peter Bartos, Joseph Diminick, Raymond Hodrick and Gus Veach, 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 this year in Philadelphia Aug. 4-6.

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, , reported there are now more than 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 Bishop David Zubik, of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Also addressing the convention Saturday were Robert O'Hara, executive director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference; 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 Stanley 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.

SUNBURY - Columbia-Montour County President Judge Thomas James Jr. will hear post-trial motions next month regarding a civil lawsuit won last month by former Northumberland County deputy sheriffs Joseph Jones and Michael Boris III.

At 10:30 a.m. Aug. 7, in Columbia County Courthouse, James will hear a motion for relief filed by Commissioner Vinny Clausi and former Sheriff Chad Reiner, defendants in the lawsuit that ended up costing county taxpayers at least $550,000, which was the total amount awarded by a jury to Jones and Boris.

Attorney Michael Apfelbaum, of Sunbury, who represents Clausi and Reiner, is seeking either a new trial, a reversal of the jury's judgment in favor of Boris and Jones, or dismissal of the case.

Defense counsel argues that a First Amendment claim against Clausi wasn't properly established, saying he had "qualified immunity" as an elected official even if a violation occurred, and that the plaintiffs never clearly established that their constitutional rights were violated. The same argument was made on behalf of Reiner and the 14th Amendment claim against him, adding that James should not have excluded evidence from an arbitration hearing and the resulting ruling. An arbitrator ruled in 2012 that the county had just cause to fire Boris, Jones and a third deputy, Tom Drust, who were accused of viewing pornography on work computers.

An additional claim of emotional distress awarded to Boris against Clausi should be overturned because no evidence was presented, including medical documentation, proving he had been victim to "extreme or outrageous behavior," the filing states.

James also will hear a motion the same day filed by the plaintiffs' attorney, Douglas Engelman, of Williamsport, who is seeking an additional $534,523 in attorney fees, court costs and delay of damages for Jones and Boris.

The defamation and wrongful termination lawsuit was filed in January 2010 by Jones and Boris against Clausi, Reiner and the county. The lawsuit stems from an investigation into a porn-viewing scandal in the sheriff's office.

Boris and Jones, who are neighbors in Mount Carmel, were fired Jan. 13, 2010, by Reiner for violating the department's computer policy by failing to secure their passwords and not making sure inappropriate material was not retrieved using their passwords.

A 12-person jury ruled June 12 at the end of a five-day trial that Jones and Boris were denied their constitutional rights of free speech and due process, and awarded each deputy $250,000. Boris was awarded an additional $50,000 for emotional distress. However, Northumberland County, also a co-defendant, was exonerated in both men's whistleblower's claims, and in Jones' own emotional distress claim.

Boris and Jones are seeking to "preserve" the whistleblower claim.

Engelman claims James should not have dismissed an equal protection claim in finding that Boris and Jones were not at-will employees, that potential testimony by former chief clerk Kymberley Best regarding an allegation of Clausi discussing gambling debts should have been allowed, and that testimony by forensic experts should not have been eligible regarding shared user names and passwords because it didn't factor into their initial termination. It also disputes the use of video surveillance.

Northumberland County must pay all awards and fees with tax dollars because it isn't insured for the case.