On a daily basis, I have a bra on and no trace of body hair. I welcome the gesture when a gentleman opens a door for me and I've always pulled my weight in my career with no struggle.

It's not that I think there's anything wrong with feminism; I respect it. I just don't like to think it's mandatory I get onboard just because those with the same body parts say so. I don't think every issue is black and white. I don't really take finite sides in many things.

I also don't want to be persecuted and smothered with guilt suggesting I'm weakening how far women have come by those who search for battles of the sexes in the tiniest corners of the earth if I don't cry sexism with every little life struggle.

The truth is, I'm not sure I've ever faced with great hardship inequality when it comes to men versus women. Call me lucky, I guess. Even though I'm proud of the women who have fought for equal rights, in my lifetime, I can't say I've ever felt the need to get in the ring.

I think it's OK if someone chooses to be a housewife. I think it's OK to take care of your husband - granted he isn't a giant toolbag and treats you with respect. I'm very independent, but if I can find a man to do something manly for me, I'll gladly oblige.

I celebrate my body's assets knowing I may get a specific kind of attention in the way I dress. That's just me being honest. I don't lie to you guys, I like to keep this as real as I can.

But apparently there is a war to be fought.

Recently, a woman ran the London Marathon with no form of feminine protection from her monthly visitor. You know what I mean, right? Don't make me say it. OK, I guess I have to, because she ran it in order to (and I quote) "fight period shaming."

OK, I'm sorry. Is anyone else uncomfortable now?

Since when is that a thing? Have I been sleeping under a rock? I didn't know that was a fight to be taken on.

So she ran 26.2 miles just free as a bird. What great strides for women. No. I'm sorry, but it's just gross and unhygienic. Of course, the media locked its magnifying glass on the story and lauded the woman as if she refused to move to the back of the bus.

I don't get what that did for women. I don't get how one could run 26.2 miles with that going on; sheesh, I get out of sorts when I'm running and my ponytail starts falling out.

There are things that go on with everyone's bodies of which we do not need to speak. I'm fully aware the nether regions of a man have things going on I don't need to know. So, why is this a thing?

I just don't get it.

Which doesn't mean I'm right. I live in a small town. Maybe I'm sheltered.

And I guess it's implied that men are to blame for all of this. I don't get that either.

I like men. I think men are great. Trust me, I know there are slimeballs and jerks a plenty out there, but there are also intolerable women.

I'm not sure men hold me back.

If anything, I would say I use being a woman almost to an unfair advantage. Am I oppressed? No. Not really. I'm sure people may look down on my tendency to smile and bat my eyelashes to get something, but hey, sometimes that's the easier route.

I'm confident enough in my strengths and abilities that I can put them on reserve from time to time and charm my way to things I want.

I'm only being honest, because I know, with certainty, people cry oppression in order to get advantages bestowed unto victims. So, what's the difference? At least I own up to my tactics.

That being said, not being a feminist doesn't mean I don't command a level of respect. When it comes to remarks from men, I know the difference between a compliment and harassment. I can take a joke, but it sometimes it crosses into disrespect. I'm an adult. I fraternize with adults with at least half a brain. There is always a line, and trust, when that line is crossed, a person will know it.

I think we, as a society, are far too sensitive. Everyone is paranoid that everyone else is out to get them. There is too much pity, not enough grit.

In a perfect world, we would all just make it a daily practice to be nice to each other. Maybe there wouldn't be a need for so many battles. In the meantime, I guess it's best to just weed out the bad apples in your life and focus on positive people and things. Don't dwell and keep moving forward.

If you want things in life, strive for them no matter what color you are or which bathroom you enter. There's a difference between oppression and excuses. We have privilege in the country many others don't, so choose your battles and keep your focus and your strides will be great.

(Jenna Wasakoski is an assistant editor at The News-Item. Her column appears Thursdays.)

SUNBURY - The Shamokin woman accused of neglect in the hypothermia death of her mother has asked a Northumberland County judge to either lower her bail or dismiss her criminal charges outright.

Mary Collins' public defender didn't deny in court Wednesday that his client was caring for Ellen Jackson, 66, when the woman froze to death amid a record cold snap in February. But Collins' role in providing for her late mother and whether it meets the legal definition of "caretaker" is at issue in her motion to dismiss. John Broda said prosecutors didn't present enough evidence to establish that Collins was the legal caretaker.

Michael Toomey, assistant district attorney, said anyone obligated to care for someone in exchange for money is a caretaker. Through witness testimony, Toomey sought to establish that Collins received her mother's Social Security payments through direct deposit to take care of the home they shared in the 600 block of Spurzheim Street.

The funds were used to pay utility bills and provide food, Collins' ex-fiance, Donald Geise, testified. Geise said Collins fed her mother, bathed her and administered her medication.

Judge William H. Wiest presided over Wednesday's hearing and will issue a written ruling in the coming days.

Broken furnace

Jackson died Feb. 16 at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Coal Township. Temperatures ranged that day from -9 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 9 degrees. Jackson's initial body temperature was 81 degrees Fahrenheit when she arrived. She warmed to 90.9 degrees before her sons allowed doctors to remove her from life support. Hypothermia sets in when body temperature dips below 95 degrees.

Police Chief Darwin Tobias III charged Collins, 45, of 224 N. Shamokin St., with neglect of a care-dependent person and involuntary manslaughter. She's held in York County Prison on $100,000 bail.

Police reports say Jackson fell from a recliner overnight, and that Collins failed to help her off the floor or seek medical attention. About seven hours allegedly passed after the midnight fall before Collins called 911 and an ambulance arrived. The home's furnace was broken, but there were two space heaters inside the home - at least one of which was operable.

Ken Jackson, Collins' brother, maintained in testimony Wednesday that he was chased from the home when he responded sometime during the overnight hours after his sister had called his cell phone for help. He said Collins threatened to bar him from ever seeing his mother again if he called for an ambulance. He left and didn't call 911 himself, he told the court, out of fear that he would be charged with trespass as Collins allegedly also threatened.

Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley testified that the house was frigid when he visited several days after the death was reported to inspect the property. He had been wearing several layers of clothing, but he still felt a significant chill. He also said the temperature gauge was bottomed out.

A furnace was broken and appeared to have not been operated in some time, Kelley said, although Collins told police it broke just days before Jackson's death. Photos showed broken furnace pipes, a dusty burner unit and an empty oil tank.

Kelley's pictures also backed up police reports that the home was an utter mess. It was filled with garbage and animal feces in all rooms - kitchen, living, bedroom and bath. Carpets were stained and food in the refrigerator was moldy. There was no running water, and there was a bucket in the bathroom for human waste, Kelley said.

Tobias said Collins' 7-year-old daughter also was living in the home, but did not appear to have been outwardly harmed by the living conditions. The police chief told the court that Collins said it was too difficult to care both for her mother and her daughter, both of whom had medical conditions.

SUNBURY - The drastic decision to release as many inmates as possible onto house arrest in the wake of the Northumberland County Prison fire does not appear to have changed the level of crime committed in the county.

The success of the house arrest program at preventing crime without jail time may signal an increased use of alternative forms of custody after construction is complete on the new jailhouse.

"I absolutely would be in favor of it," Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III said of continuing to refer certain types of lawbreakers to the house arrest program rather than incarcerate them.

Perks

County commissioners, prison board members and judges collectively opted to decrease the number of prisoners in favor of other forms of custody in January after realizing the destruction of the county prison meant paying up to $76 more per day per inmate at a neighboring facility. Had all 208 prisoners in the Northumberland County Prison remained incarcerated after the fire, the prison would have been $2.5 million over budget this year.

Proponents of house arrest have long heralded the benefits of the program, including the low price. Each participant of the house arrest program costs the county just $15 daily, some of which is recouped from the participant. A day in the Northumberland County Prison cost $55 per prisoner.

"People are paying the county to stay at home as opposed to us paying to house them in the facility," said Commissioner and Prison Board Chairman Stephen Bridy. "I have to give credit where credit's due, and (adult probation) has really been doing a good job with that."

Northumberland County Chief Probation Officer Jim Cortelyou estimated the county saved $70,902 in July alone by allowing 47 people to participate in house arrest rather than incarcerate them. In June, the program had the highest number of participants - 79 - since its inception, saving the county an estimated $124,440.

Supporters of the program also point to the benefits to participants.

"Most of those people have jobs, and they keep their jobs," said Gembic. "Obviously, you go to jail for three to six months, nine out of 10 times, you're not going to be employed (when you get out)."

Gembic noted the program worked best for low-level offenders.

"They're not leaving out people that are dangerous to anyone," he said.

Though the benefits for participants on house arrest has been established, residents throughout the county still worry releasing additional people into the program would cause the crime rate to skyrocket.

Gembic said he has seen no signs of house arrest participants re-commiting crimes while in the program.

"Not one single person has come back and been charged while they're out (on house arrest)," he said. In fact, he added, he hasn't had a DUI offender, one of the most common types of people on house arrest, return to his courtroom while in the program in the 15 years he's been on the bench.

"What we've been doing for as long as I've been in is offering house arrest," he said. "I've never in 15 years had one person that's violated that."

Number steady

Northumberland County Prison has held an average of just 176 inmates from January to July this year, a decrease of about 19 percent from the 215 inmates held during the same time period last year.

Despite fewer people in jail, the average number of arrests made by police departments throughout the county has not increased significantly.

Shamokin City Police Department arrested 200 people between Feb. 1 and July 31 this year, or an average of 33.33 per month. For the same time period in 2014 and 2013, the arrest totals were 186 and 189, or and average of 31 and 31.5 per month, respectively.

Gembic, who hears cases from the city, said he had not seen any increase in crime as a result of the increased number of people on house arrest.

"I've noticed a lot of the people are grateful that they have the opportunity to be out," he said. "They seem to be less angry and even more responsible and cautious so they don't end up going back in (jail)."

The Mount Carmel Borough Police Department has also seen the number of arrests remain steady despite the loss of the prison. From February to July, 123 arrests have been made by borough police, or 20.5 per month. In the same time period in 2014 and 2013, the arrest totals were 114 and 128, or 19 and 21.33 per month.

Other changes

Police Chief Todd Owens said the numerous changes within the legal system over the last year, which includes a new district attorney and the incorporation of computers into police cars, leaves him unable to determine the cause of the number of arrests.

"I can't say even with a remote sense of certainty that anything has changed because we don't have a prison," he said. "Our increases are nothing more than just society and changes in demographics. We're seeing our calls increase, and they've been increasing prior to the jail burning down. I don't think its directly proportional."

Owens said the lack of jail space has influenced his officers to rethink arresting suspects, which may have lowered the reported crime rate even though the trend is for increasing calls.

"For a typical street fight where that may rise to a simple assault, instead of taking them into custody and arraigning them, we may file on them or issue a summons for disorderly or harassment and kick them loose," he said. "We have to look at it on a case-by-case basis for what's the in the best interest of the community and the whole picture of the situation with the prison."

Lifetree discusses ways to invigorate life

SHAMOKIN - Practical tips for adding meaning and purpose to life will be explored at 7 p.m. today at Lifetree Cafe at Antioch Place, 531 N. Market St.

The program, titled "Stuck in a Rut? Get Unstuck... One Step at a time," features a filmed interview with Kenyon Easton, a man who began a coast-to-coast walk across the country in April 2014. Although he faced multiple hardships from weather and unforseen complications, Easton says his walk gave him a life-changing perspective.

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.

School board meeting set

COAL TOWNSHIP - The monthly meeting of Shamokin Area School Board will be held Tuesday, beginning with a work session at 7:30 p.m. The regular meeting will immediately follow in the board conference room.

Advisory board meeting planned

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Drug and Alcohol Program Advisory Board will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, in the Human Services Building, 217 N. Center St.

Wildlife workshop to explore habitats

ARISTES - A wildlife habitat workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Weiser State Forest office. Biologists from Pheasants Forever and PA Game Commission will teach how to improve wildlife habitat. There will also be a field trip to view habitat improvement projects. Lunch is included. A $10 registration fee is required by Sept. 4. Call 570-672-9878 or 570-875-6450 for more information.

SHAMOKIN - Bruce Stepp, the longtime owner of Stepp's Lottery, Coffee and Tobacco in downtown Shamokin, has started a new venture with his son, Mike Stepp.

Stepp's Auto Sales, 6244 State Route 61, located between Ehrlich's and Masser's Farm Market, is celebrating its grand opening.

The father-and-son duo specialize in quality used cars, trucks and SUVs at an affordable price. All vehicles are offered with a warranty.

In addition to selling vehicles, the Stepps also detail them.

After 25 years of running Stepp's Lottery and Tobacco, Bruce sold the business and, with his son, purchased the former Mangle Motors used car lot. Prior to their opening, the Stepps made many improvements to the office and garage located on the lot.

The public is invited to stop in and see Mike and Bruce for a deal on their next vehicle or give them a call at 570-648-6131. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

SUNBURY - Attempted murder suspect Robert A. Snyder Jr. was still in handcuffs and an orange prison smock when a friend handed him a one dollar bill Thursday inside a Northumberland County courtroom.

Snyder used it to leave jail hours later after Judge Charles H. Saylor awarded his release on $1 nominal bail under the state's speedy trial rule. He's restricted from traveling beyond a six-county area, must be placed on house arrest with GPS monitoring, and must not contact his wife or her family, including their daughter.

Bail had been $300,000 on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and simple assault.

Snyder was held in custody for more than 180 days since his arrest Feb. 5, a violation of Rule 600. The District Attorney's Office sought to keep him behind bars on the premise that Snyder is a dangerous threat to his wife of nearly 20 years.

'I'm not safe'

State police say Snyder pointed a Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolver inches from the face of his wife, Kimberley, and threatened to shoot her dead before turning the gun on himself inside their Packer Island home Feb. 4. Kimberley Snyder took the stand Thursday and told the court neither supervised bail nor a Protection From Abuse order would make her feel safe if her husband was released.

"Ultimately, it's a piece of paper and it won't do anything," she said. "If he's out, I'm not safe."

The defense countered that Snyder had only one target when he held the handgun, and it was Snyder himself. He intended to commit suicide when his wife rushed him and wrestled for control of the gun. A single bullet was fired, and Snyder says it was his wife who pulled the trigger during the struggle.

"Isn't it true that you pointed the gun at her and said 'I'm going to kill you and kill myself?' That's what happened," Michael Toomey, assistant district attorney, said during a period of intense back-and-forth with Snyder.

"That's an absolute lie. I had the gun to my head and she ran at me," Snyder answered, later denying allegations that he struck his wife in the face.

"I absolutely told the police she pulled the trigger because she pulled the trigger," Snyder also said during testimony. "Did I try to kill my wife? Absolutely not."

'She's ... dead'

Toomey played a videotape from the night of Snyder's arrest to prove the defendant remained a threat. The suspect was alone inside an interview room at the state police Stonington station. Snyder put on a bizarre showing reminiscent of a chanting scene from Martin Scorcese's "Wolf of Wall Street" - humming, tapping and chanting rhythmically before repeatedly making threats against his wife's life.

"I'm going to kill that @#$%ing @#$%@," he repeated more than once. At one point he laughed, saying "She's @#$%ing dead," and "I don't think I ever had a reason to kill before but I do now."

He began to chew on a manila envelope and later ripped and chewed on pieces of a PFA, which Toomey said was a clear indicator of Snyder's disregard for any parameters a judge could set to keep the accuser safe. Jail is the only guaranteed protection, Toomey said.

Michael Rudinski, Snyder's defense attorney, challenged the assertion that the threats were legitimate. The prosecution presented the comments without context, he argued, adding that he would seek to suppress the video at trial. He said the comments were born out of frustration after Snyder was held in custody for more than two hours despite requesting an attorney up to 30 times and denying a police interview. He had already been told he was facing attempted murder charges and was served the PFA that barred him from his home and from speaking with his daughter. It pushed him over the edge, Rudinski said.

"These comments were clearly after that," Rudinski said to Trooper Ronald Zanella during questioning Thursday.

"Some of it, yes," Zanella said.

"That's when he got frustrated, after he was told he would be charged with attempted murder and he didn't pull the trigger," Rudinski said.

Zanella told the court that Snyder appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and that his behavior was "uncharacteristic for anyone." However, he also said he believed Snyder was coherent, saying the man spoke of his business ventures and having attended school to study how to become a district judge.

Snyuder owns popular Sunbury lunch counter, the Squeeze-In, and once owned the former Peppermint Lounge. He previously served on Sunbury City Council and unsuccessfully ran for magisterial district judge in Sunbury.

Northumberland County District Attorney Ann Targonski said her office twice tried to take the case to trial. It will again be scheduled for October, she said.

While she disagreed with Saylor's ruling, saying Snyder should remain locked up pending trial, she said the ruling has no bearing on the criminal case.

"I do not believe it's an indication of the case's strength. It's a technical issue, it has nothing to do with the issues of the case," Targonski said.

Rudinski said Thursday the case had been stalled because the District Attorney's Office has failed to turn over requested discovery evidence.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest denied motions Thursday to lower the bail and dismiss criminal charges against a Shamokin woman accused of neglect in the hypothermia death of her mother.

In his ruling, Wiest said the commonwealth established enough prima facie evidence against Mary Collins, 45, of 224 N. Shamokin St., for the case to proceed. He also denied her motion to modify her $100,000 bail.

Collins, who is charged by Shamokin Police Chief Darwin Tobias III with neglect of a care-dependent person and involuntary manslaughter, remains incarcerated at York County Prison.

Wiest's ruling comes a day after a habeas corpus hearing challenging the charges.

At the hearing, Collins' public defender, John Broda, didn't deny his client was caring for Ellen Jackson, 66, when the woman froze to death amid a record cold snap in February. But Collins' role in providing for her late mother and whether it meets the legal definition of "caretaker" was at issue in the motion to dismiss the charges. Broda argued that prosecutors didn't present enough evidence to establish that Collins was the legal caretaker.

Michael Toomey, assistant district attorney, said anyone obligated to care for someone in exchange for money is a caretaker. Through witness testimony, Toomey sought to establish that Collins received her mother's Social Security payments through direct deposit to take care of the home they shared in the 600 block of Spurzheim Street.

The funds were used to pay utility bills and provide food, Collins' ex-fiance, Donald Geise, testified. Geise said Collins fed her mother, bathed her and administered her medication.

Jackson died Feb. 16 at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Coal Township. Temperatures ranged that day from -9 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 9 degrees. Jackson's initial body temperature was 81 degrees Fahrenheit when she arrived. She warmed to 90.9 degrees before her sons allowed doctors to remove her from life support. Hypothermia sets in when body temperature dips below 95 degrees.

Police reports say Jackson fell from a recliner overnight, and that Collins failed to help her off the floor or seek medical attention. About seven hours allegedly passed after the midnight fall before Collins called 911 and an ambulance arrived. The home's furnace was broken, but there were two space heaters inside the home - at least one of which was operable.

HARRISBURG - A Coal Township man passed "Go" and earned a $100,000 payday for himself from a $20 Monopoly Millionaires Club game in July.

Leonard Yablonski, of Coal Township, was the top area winner of prizes of $1,000 or more during the month, according to information provided by the Pennsylvania Lottery and Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

The top winner in the state's numbers drawings was Bernice Dluge, winning $5,000 in the Pick 4 night drawing. All total, winners claimed $189,544 in July, raising the area's total for 2015 to $4,890,934.

Winners of $1,000 or more in the month of June are:

Ashland

- Kenneth Griffith, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10 ticket.

- Brent Kukuk, $1,000, Bankroll Doubler, $10.

- Raven Snyder, $1,000, Bonus Word Crossword, $3.

- Melissa Sisko, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Mary Horsfield, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Jennifer Kirk-Grove, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Sally Hossler, $2,500, Pick 4 (night), 50-cent bet.

Catawissa

- Raymond Danilowicz, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Dennis Nichols, $1,000, Lucky Lines, $3.

- John Domanski, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Howard Grosch, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Thomas Rhodes, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Florence Woodward, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Vicki Runge, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

Coal Township

- Joshua Griffiths, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Leonard Feese, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- Dale Wilk, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- Peter Bednar, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- David Schuyler, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Joseph Willis, $1,000, Cash Time, $1.

- Leonard Yablonski, $100,000, Monopoly Millionaire Club, $20.

- Robert Naylor, two wins of $1,000 each, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Mark Leiby, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Jesse Snyder, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Trevor Schrader, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Jeffrey Arbogast, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Robert Kruskie, $1,000, Super $1,000, Frenzy, $10.

- Frank Mustik, $1,000, Triple Million, $30.

- Dolores Duke, $2,500, Pick 4 (night), 50-cent bet.

Dalmatia

- Marsha Whary, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- Duane Rissinger, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

Danville

- Timothy James, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- Hope Kurzawa, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- Jeffrey Conner, $1,000, $1,000,000 Super Cash, $20.

- Komal Patel, $1,000, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Annette Hagenbuch, $300,000 Buried Treasure, $10.

- Rhonda Manning, $1,000, Bonus Word Crossword, $3.

- Victoria Cook, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Skip Adams, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Joshua Ancress, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Susan Riley, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Ralph Reedy, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Louise Ellis, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- James Jurinko, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Christopher Mordan, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Kirk Artley, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Erika Norotny, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Ronald Wilson, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Tara Parry, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Brittany Drumheller, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Donald Nilson, $3,000, Triple Million, $30.

- Joseph Diehl, $1,022, Match 6, $1 bet.

Dornsife

- Gary Lubold, $1,012, Match 6, $1 bet.

Elysburg

- Lisa Moyer, $1,000, $1 Million Payout, $20.

- Carl Veach, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- Bernice Dluge, $5,000, Pick 4 (night), 50-cent bet.

Herndon

- Dillan Michael, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

Kulpmont

- Kevin Derk, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- Michael Habowski, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Kathleen Cipriani, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $1,000

- Amy Dietrick, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

Mount Carmel

- Jennifer Yucna, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- John Swetra, two wins of $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Joshua Shervinski, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Michael Girardi, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Michael Katinsky, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

Paxinos

- Eric Brown, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- Raymond Orwan, $1,000, $1,000,000 Big Money, $20.

- Judy Letcavage, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $20.

Shamokin

- Florence Bainbridge, $1,000, Bankroll Doubler, $10.

- Catherine Kiefaber, $1,000, Cash Time, $1.

- James Kodack, $1,000, Monopoly Millionaires Club, $20.

- Nicole Smith, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Randy Diehl, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Jennifer Gieser, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Richard Chelborg, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Cindy Moyer, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

Trevorton

- Crystal Paczkoskie, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $20.

- David Swinehart, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

- Gene Bohner, $1,000, Super $1,000 Frenzy, $10.

Wilburton

- Sandra Deeter, $1,010, Match 6, $1 bet.

Children's ministry at Mountainside

COAL TOWNSHIP - KidzTurn will present "Hyperactive," a touring children's ministry, at Mountainside Assembly of God, 1900 Trevorton, Road, at 6:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday. For more information, call 570-648-8818 or go to www.mountainsideag.org.

5K, half marathon to help watershed

BLOOMSBURG - The seventh annual Hellbender 5k and half marathon road race will be held Sunday at Weiser State Forest, Roaring Creek Tract. Registration will be held from 7 to 8:15 a.m. and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. The event is sponsored by the Roaring Creek Valley Conservation Association and the Susquehanna Ridge Runners Club. Proceeds benefit clean water in the watershed. For more information or registration forms, contact Daniel Brassington, race director, at 570-490-7298 or danieljg50@gmail.com.

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Coal Township Public Library has announced memorials for the period of June 3 to Aug. 10 have been presented for the following persons:

In honor of

Shamokin Area High School Class of 2015 by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden.

Birthday memorials

Kristopher Harris by Mom, Dad, Tara and family, the Tillett family.

Marna M. Victoriano by Ralph and Bruce Victoriano.

Anniversary memorials

Tatum Tillett by Cal and Roseanne Harris, Mom and Dad (Harvey).

George J. Tyson Sr. by Frances, Cindy, Diane, Joe and the grandkids.

In memory of

Roy Aguero by Tom and Dianne Dabulis and family.

Marylou Bailey by Benedetto family, Shamokin Area Language Arts department.

Gilda Bleistein by The Flowers Fund from the residents of Lincoln Towers.

Freda Boblick by Marian Edmondson, Bonnie Laczkowski.

Florian "Ron" Bogutskie by the Benedetto family.

Shirley Bowen by Erma Lorenz and family.

Eleanor Campbell by Nancy Eveland, Rose Jones.

Robert Eckman by Terrie Bamford, Rose Jones.

William "Bill" Fallon by Linda and Dave Dimmick.

Anna L. Faraguna by Tom and Sarann Keyack, Marie Kosmer and family, Carol and Dan Saelinger and family.

William Frederick by Margaret E. Jones, Shamokin High School Class of 1962, William and Linda Walborn, John Witkowski.

William H. Fuller III by the Yorwarth family.

Dr. A.A. Gazder by Wayne L. and Celia S. Teats.

Carolyn Giacomini by Kyran and Fran Butkey.

Lorraine Greager by Coal Township High School Class of 1946, Rob Slaby, Chris Petrovich, Sue Burns and JoAnn Dobeck.

Troy Madison Keolaokalani Lee Griffiths by Kyran and Fran Butkey.

Norma Higgins by The Flower Fund from the residents of Lincoln Towers, Robert and Cathy Yorwarth.

Robert J. Hopta by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family.

Austin James by Mam Mam and Pop Pop Shuey.

Griffin Jones by Rose Jones.

Luther Jones by Rescue Fire Company.

Ron Jurasich by Dorothy Hawk.

Joe Klebon Sr. by Rose Jones.

Paulette A. Kelley by Patricia Czech, Regina Kelley.

Pete Klemick by Rose Jones.

Eugene Kozar by Jean and Jan Price.

Ronald Krushinskie by Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family.

Judith Latsha by Gloria Catino, Joann Templin.

Rosemarie Leiby by Kyran and Fran Butkey.

Robert Lucas by Dave, Natalie, Jack and Jonah Tamkus.

Matthew McCormick by Jean Sobotor.

Diane Maliszewski by Ed, Julie, Juliet and Madeline Brown, Loretta Brown, Linda and Dave Dimmick, Mike and Linda Dormer, Marian Edmondson, Carol and Lambert Haupt and family, Carole Topolski, Chris and Dave Williams and Lesley.

Mary Martin by Jeanne and Bill Hoffa.

James Robert Maurer by Coal Township High School Class of 1949.

Howard E. Meredith by Rescue Fire Company, Janet, Janine and Joe Wahosky.

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Meredith by Robert and Carol Kruskie.

Alveena Miller by Jean and Jan Price.

Donald Miller by Flower Fund from the fesidents of Lincoln Towers.

Jean Miller by Barb, Dave and Brian Ammerman, family of Donald Nahodil, Greg and Donna Wisloski.

Ronald D. "Butch" Miller by Rose Jones.

Michael Muskey by Curtis Dobson, Vince Mirack.

Victor Olear by Tanka Shuey.

Rosalie Parker by Dean and Fay Fetterolf, Tom and Sarann Keyack, Kathleen and Myron Wagner.

Arthur Payne by Jeanne and Bill Hoffa.

Rudy Persing by the Rumbergers: Mary Ann and Sam and Sam and Mandy.

Rose Ann Reed by Linda Yost- Bednar and Steve Bednar, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Grill, Leon and Kathleen Madara, Shamokin High School Class of 1959, Corrine Thomas, Carol and Ed Trelinskie.

Ann Rex by Franciene and Bill Butkey.

Florence and Salvatore Ricca by Annette and Robert Sandri.

Ronald Robel by Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family, Linda Dimmick, Ronald Kuhns, Frances Tyson, Cindy Heins and George Gratti.

Peyton Adele Sebastian by grandmother Mary, John and Jennifer Howal, Justin Howal, Mom and Dad, the second and third Shifts at GMC Lab.

Jared Seedor by the Arbogast family, Pat and Jim Bressi, Donna, Amy, Rob and Paul, Jerry, Lisa and Kortnee Slotterback.

Michael Skovrinskie by Karen and Myron Chowka, Dave and Candy Orzel, Our Lady of Lourdes Class of 1969, Ken and Ann Marie Pogozelski.

David Snyder by Rob Slaby, Chris Petrovich, Sue Burns and JoAnn Dobeck.

Mary Stadnicki by Bill Dudeck.

Walter J. "Butch" Surowiak by Pat and Jim Bressi.

Jarrod Tehansky by Shirley and William Golden and family.

Joseph Toth by Pete and Stacy Zanella and family.

Robert Vesseliza by Coal Township High School Class of 1946.

Margaret Yoder by Mildred Brown and family, Patricia Redd and family, Tony Rosini.

Marlene Rohrer Young by Coal Township High School Class of 1949.

Edward Yucha by Coal Township High School Class of 1949.

Contributions to the memorial fund

Shirley Bowen by Florence Heitzman.

David Britton by Kathy and Abby James.

Anna Faraguna by Anna Mae, Jeanie, Barb, Joe, Linda and Bill, Marie Lahr.

Elizabeth Long by Florence Heitzman.

Edward Jones by Florence Heitzman.

Alvin Jones by Florence Heitzman.

Calvin H. Henderson Jr. by Suzanne and Bob Starke.

Rosemarie Leiby by Marian Edmondson.

Diane Maliszewski by Kathy and Abby James.

Gary Navrocki by Boots and Flash.

Peyton Adele Sebastian by Kathy and Abby James.

Jared Seedor by Don and Joannie Yuricich.

Jarrod Tehansky by Kathy and Abby James, Gig and Diane Thomas and family.

MOUNT CARMEL - A prominent building in the borough might be auctioned off if back taxes are not paid.

The former Holy Spirit School, 252 W. Avenue, will be offered for sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 17 at a Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau Upset Sale if the Global Nuclear Disarmament Fund (GNDF) does not pay at least $6,943.64, the total for school, borough and county taxes owed for 2012 and 2013. The GNDF also owes $3,533.97 for 2014, making the grand total owed $10,477.61.

The expected upset price is $16,108.04. The initial bid includes costs, recording fees, advertising, transfer fees and expected 2015 taxes.

Big plans

The GNDF had an interesting - and short-lived - history in Mount Carmel, beginning in the spring 2009 when Varkal Inc. sold the large corner property to GNDF for $70,000, then ending in winter 2011 when the GNDF pulled out of a project to establish a Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) after suffering "financial losses" as a result of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear catastrophe that devastated Japan.

GNDF, an international organization founded by Nobel Prize winners and nuclear scientists who advocate peace and supervise the dismantlement of nuclear weapons, was formed to facilitate the public participation in the dismantlement of nuclear weapons by generating money that is paid directly to the nuclear agency or official entity designated by each government in charge of the dismantlement process.

Lofty goals for the Mount Carmel project included having as many as 100 undergraduate and post-graduate college students training at the former school to prepare them to work at embassies, foreign ministries, the United Nations and other organizations around the globe. There was also discussion of a summer concert series at the school or Silver Bowl headlined by GNDF supporters, such as Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul and Mary fame to Black Eyed Peas.

In 2010, the building was retrofitted with a new roof and mold removal had started. Matt Taylor, executive director for GNDF, eventually said "unexpected costs" to bring the building up to code was a factor in deciding to halt the project.

"The many additional code requirements that were added to the project long after we had started means upwards of an additional $1 million in capital will be required unless there are reasonable exemptions from Labor and Industry, fire code officials, etc," he said in 2011.

'Now being sold'

Officials from the Mount Carmel Code Enforcement Department said Wednesday the building has sat idle since 2011 and that Taylor and other GNDF officials have not been seen since. They said the building could be suffering from structural issues because of the lack of heat. Still, some pages for the GNDF website, http://gndfund.org, still list the former school as the location of SSI.

"The GNDF was never able to recover financially from losses related to it's main operations in Japan after the Mar. 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami," Taylor said in an email Thursday. "Loss of life and assets put the plans for the SSI on hold and it has become unlikely to continue. Unfortunately, the building is now being sold to a third party."

Notice of the sale is expected to be published Saturday in The News-Item. Interested buyers are not permitted to enter the property until a deed is received. Properties offered for upset sale do not convey free and clear title, just taxes owed. The bureau suggests that potential buyers should be cautious when researching the property.

PENNS CREEK - A 32-year-old Port Royal man was killed Thursday morning when he fell approximately 70 feet from scaffolding while working in a silo at 102 Bowersox Road.

State police at Selinsgrove reported Moses Kanagy was pronounced dead at the scene by Snyder County Deputy Coroner William Pheasant at 9:55 a.m. Police said the fall occurred around 8 a.m.

Assisting on the call were Penns Creek and Mifflinburg firefighters and Middleburg Ambulance personnel.

Shamokin-Coal Township

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

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9 a.m.; Family Medical checking blood pressure, 10 to 11 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; Maryann Zenyuch of LIFE Geisinger speaking on making life easier, 11:45 a.m., pinochle and Pokeno to follow.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; VNA checking blood pressure and blood sugar, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, puzzles and shuffleboard, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

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

Tuesday - Make and take, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle and unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.; no farmers market vouchers after noon today.

Wednesday - Board games, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Frey's special lunch, 11:45 a.m.; nickel bingo, 1 p.m.; brownie sundaes at break, $2.

Thursday - Wii games, 9:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; regular bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning talk show, coffee and laughs, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; chair fitness with Family Medical, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Bean bag, 10 a.m.; bowling, 11 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; puzzles, 10:30 a.m.; bowling, 11 a.m.; cards, noon; Bible study, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Scrabble and Parcheesi, 10 a.m.; special meal from Frey's, 11:30 a.m., sign up required; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Puzzles, 10 a.m.; games, 11 a.m.; hoagie, chips and pickle for lunch, 11:30 a.m., sign up required; exercise with Amy and Shelly, noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Bowling, 10 a.m.; puzzles, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and current events from the local newspaper, 9 a.m.; trivia, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and snack, 9 a.m.; chair exercise with Carol, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Bookmobile,; coffee and snack, 9 a.m.; Family Home Medical, 10:30 a.m.; show and tell, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Center closed. Training in Bloomsburg.

Friday - August birthdays celebrated. Make your own sundaes and pizza party.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Trip to Red Lobster. Call center for details.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; VNA checking blood sugar and blood pressure, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon; Frey's special lunch, sign up required; center birthday party.

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

Trevorton

Monday - Wii bowling, 9:30 a.m.; HSIM, 10 a.m.; Pokeno or pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - National ice cream pie day; exercise, 10 a.m.; Rummikub, 10:30 a.m.; trip to Weis Markets, noon to 1 p.m.; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - National soft ice cream day; HSIM, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - National lemonade day; exercise, 10 a.m.; Uno, 10:30 a.m.; Schiano's and Herndon Senior Action Center, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - National spumoni day; Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; program on flu prevention by VNA, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; members birthday party, 5 p.m.

TREVORTON - Zerbe Township supervisors announced at Monday's meeting they will shut off water to delinquent accounts owing more than $240 as part of an ongoing initiative to collect more than $118,000 owed to the sewer authority.

Supervisors have collected more than $88,000 since implementing the shut-off policy in March, but are eager to receive the remaining $30,000.

Delinquent accounts owing more than $240, which are behind six months or longer, total more than $17,000.

Supervisors have also sent several delinquencies from residents who do not have water lines to district court. Judgments for delinquencies and court costs were issued Aug. 3 by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III against Glenn Smith for $3,218.65, Carol Whary for $2,310.70, and Robert Mayton for $2,697.80. Several other cases are pending.

Though the weather is expected to be hot this weekend, Zerbe Township is already gearing up for its annual fall festival.

Cristie Stiely, one of the event's organizers, said she is already looking for new vendors and parade participants for the festival, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3.

The parade precedes the festival and kicks off at 11 a.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars. After winding through town the parade will conclude at the Trevorton Foundry, where the festival will begin at noon.

Parade participants are encouraged to dress up, build floats or ride in antique cars. Prizes will be given out in a variety of categories.

More than 40 vendors are already registered for this year's festival. Last year's festival featured crafts, food, games and music.

Registration for the parade will begin at 10 a.m. Vendor spaces are $20 each.

For more information or to register as a vendor, contact Cristie at the municipal building by calling 570-797-1974.

In other news:

- A motion to approve a request by the Line Mountain School District for the services of the township fire police at all home varsity football games, homecoming parade, prom walk and graduation failed because the organization lacks manpower.

- Supervisors announced the county received its contract for the Community Block Development Grant program. The township will use the money to pave First Street from Market Street, across Mountain Street and to Route 890 at the intersection of Schwartz Hill Road.

The township has compiled a list of roads that need to be paved, and extra money will be directed to additional streets.

- Smoke testing will be completed in the township's sewers at a date to be announced.

During the testing, safe, odorless smoke will be pumped into the sewers to alert crews to issues in the lines. Residents can cover floor drains to prevent the smoke from entering their homes.

More information on the smoke testing will be released when the schedule is finalized.

List of delinquent sewer accounts owing more than $240: Craig Forney, $284; Pam Ferree, $356; David Kramer $396; Andrew Feger, $435; Debra Ober, $276; Michael Snyder, $320; Chris Hilliard, $276; Scott Bowers, $240; Jerry Rae, $552; Lucy Lesczynski, $355.20; Christopher Fisher, $472; Dorothy Brooks, $258; Kelly Grandis, $810; David Mrozowski, $258; Donald Dowell, $939.40; Mary Vockie, $810; Michael Bishop, $378; Frank Lucier, $349.20; Danielle Klock, $260; Cindy Kehler, $258; Robert Shingara, $534; Geoff Wallick, $482.22; Chris Fedder, $948; Joe Finan, $247.76; Matt Reed, $421.20; Michael Anderson, $396; Tim Yordy, $396; Abel Service, $360; William Hukill, $276; Thomas Valeiko, $334; Cristi Miller, $396; Melissa Tharp, $726.76; Kelly Phillips, $396; Cathleen Eltringham, $930; Dar Rearick, $285; David Moore, $810; Rovena Benjamin, $552; and Tim Kantz, $276.

KULPMONT - Memorials and special intentions have been presented to the Saint Pauline Visintainer Center.

In memory of

Dorothy Perles by Richard and Deb Perles family.

Dorothy Demarco by Jolene Deibert.

Mary Lou Bailey by Shirley and Nick Gard.

Beatrice Duran by Vince and Cynthia Wasilewski, William and Patricia Voght, Marge Swank, Ellen Goretsky, Bernie Novakoski and family, Rita Foris and family, Little Poe Hunting and Gun Club, Bernie Witkowski, Bob Greco and family.

Jack Katch by Nick and Shirley Gard.

Margaret "Peggy" Shannon by John and Maryann Lazarski, Corinne Klose, Bob Greco and family.

Janice Costello by John Wenrich and son, Nick and Shirley Gard and family.

Ronald Moyer by Bob Greco and family, Joseph and Judith Brokus, Knoebel families, Chris Deromedi, Richard Urick, Graff family, Ann and John Benedict.

Barbara Cort by family and friends, Jolene Deibert.

Richard P. Zanella by Nick and Shirley Gard.

Ronald Roble by Frank and Angie Gaffney, Graff family.

Norman L. Basso by Albert and Henrietta Visintainer.

Frances Ambrose by Bob Greco and family, Rick and Deb Perles family, Nick and Shirley Gard family, Norma Zlocki and family, Rosary Group, Dorothy Klokis, Cecelia Papp, John Keinock, Marty Zarkoski and family, John and Dorothy Srarego.

Bill Thomke by Corinne Klose.

Calvin Henderson by Mike Pakosky, Gary Pakosky.

Dennis Hummel by Michael and Rosalie Ziegler family.

Julia Staniszewski by Gerry and Marty Zarkoski.

Birthday memorial

Joseph L. Serovich by daughter, Gerry Zarkoski.

Diabetic intentions

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Levin, Judy Early, Jean and Fran Campanella, Charles Alvino, Silvano Gutierra, Albert and Mary Jo Parisi, James and Adeline Good, Aldona Opatensky, Gina Mazzola, Dave Berggren, Ida Aceari, Judith Boyce, Walter Kramarz, Joseph Puccino, Stanley Solinski, Letifia Montes, Donna Bender, Theresa Wenner, Al Drumm, Marcia Kolovich, Gary Basilo, Lucinda Samperi, Mary Ann Afzelius, Clara Green.

Bulb orders due by Monday

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Conservation District's bulb sale deadline for orders is Monday. Bulbs being sold include a variety of daffodils, tulips, Indoor Narcissus Paper White, Snow Bunch Crocus, New Tiger Lilies, Heavenly Blue Bells, Super Color Hyacinths, Purple Drumsticks, Grecian Windflowers, Martinette Narcissus, Striped Squill and Apline Bells.

Order forms for the 2015 Bulb Sale are available by contacting the Conservation District office at 570-495-4665 or at www.nccdpa.org. Orders may also be placed online at www.nccdpa.org. Payment is due with the order and can be made via check, money order or credit card.

Items will be available for pick up Sept. 22 and 23 at NCCD, 441 Plum Creek Road, off of Route 890.

Orders placed online will be shipped directly to the customer.

Kulpmont food surplus distribution

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

SUNBURY - Two Northumberland County inmates jailed at SCI-Coal Township face additional criminal charges for incidents inside the prison, according to District Attorney Ann Targonski.

Brian Andres Shaffer, formerly of Sunbury, is accused of head-butting a corrections officer and spitting in his face and assaulting another corrections officer as he resisted being detained. Shaffer's charges include a felony. Additional details weren't made available.

Gerard Allen Jenkins, 30, formerly of Sunbury, is charged with institutional vandalism. He is accused of damaging a sprinkler head inside a jail cell, causing water damage.

County Detective Degg Stark is the investigating officer. Charges were to be filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Shamokin.

SUNBURY - The mother of 9-year-old Korbin Rager, who died of an accidental overdose of a prescription painkiller, could serve between three months and seven years in jail.

Angela Marie Clark, 31, of Sunbury, will be sentenced Sept. 28 after pleading guilty Friday to two counts of endangering the welfare of children.

Clark appeared in court Friday before Judge Charles H. Saylor for a pre-trial conference. When a plea agreement was announced, she walked to the courtroom of President Judge William H. Wiest to plead guilty.

Point Township police say Clark allowed Rager and his 13-year-old half-brother to stay with Victor W. Hare III, 59, of 196 Springhouse Road, Northumberland, last October despite knowing he was unfit to care for them. Clark previously accused Hare of attacking her and molesting her sons, and knew he had a substance abuse problem, according to police.

Rager was a fourth grade student at Oaklyn Elementary School of the Shikellamy School District. Hare picked up Rager and his half-brother on the night of Oct. 12 with plans to ride dune buggies the next day. The morning of Oct. 13 the half-brother discovered Rager was overdosing when he tried to rouse him from his sleep. Police said the boy pleaded with Rager to call 911, but the man was reluctant until the boy began to scream. Paramedics arrived, followed by police. Rager was later pronounced dead.

Toxicology testing found Rager had 12 times the maximum therapeutic range of oxycodone for an adult in his system. An autopsy ruled his death a homicide.

Hare maintains he's innocent. He pleaded not guilty earlier this month to charges of drug delivery resulting in death, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, indecent assault and reckless endangerment. He remains jailed in the county prison section at SCI-Coal Township on a combined $1,040,000 bail, including for a separate charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.

When I heard about the death of Elizabeth K. "Liz" Quinlan at age 90 in Washington, D.C., I did not know what I would write about her but I did know I had to write something about such a gracious and grace-filled lady.

Liz was described by one of her friends as "a woman of extraordinary beauty both on the inside and outside." She was that. She was also someone whose friendliness and kindness made you feel as if she had been a friend for years, even after you just met her.

My wife. Jo Ann. and I had the pleasure of meeting Liz by way of her late husband and love of her life, Gerard J. Quinlan. Jerry was my mentor during the two years it took me to become a member of the Fraternity of St. Francis de Sales, a French bishop whose life and works focused on love and everyone's call to lead a devout life.

Liz was a long-time member and leader of the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales, so she and Jerry were my guides as I learned about the Salesian spirituality of love and service. They were certainly examples of how the love of God can be at the center of the love between husband and wife.

The Irish-American from New Jersey first met the former Liz Koliopulos, the daughter of Greek-Americans, in Maryland, in 1952, but their lives did not become bound together formally until they were married in 1968. Theirs was a love destined from eternity and for eternity. Now Liz has joined Jerry, who died in 2012.

In the book that Jerry edited called "Reflections of St. Francis de Sales on Living Jesus," I keep a bookmark that was a gift from Liz.

On one side, it states "My love and gratitude to you. Liz Quinlan." The bookmark's other side is a prayer, "Spirit of Jesus come into our souls."

Liz, my love and gratitude is to you for showing me what someone can be when she or he allows the Spirit of Jesus to come into her or his soul.

+++

Love sown here is harvested in heaven.

SUNBURY - The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requires "the person in charge" in a food service operation to hold a nationally recognized food protection certificate such as ServSafe. Establishments not meeting this requirement have 90 days after their date of inspection to comply in order to obtain or maintain their food license.

For those whose establishment does not meet the certification requirement or whose current certification is about to expire, Penn State Cooperative Extension will offer a ServSafe Food Safety Certification Training course from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from Sept. 15 to 29. The course includes the certification exam. The program will be held at Penn State Extension in Northumberland County, 443 Plum Creek Road.

Cost for the two-day certification course is $175.

This nationally recognized certification program helps establishments demonstrate to the public, employees and co-workers a commitment to providing safe food to consumers. With approximately 3,000 deaths per year related to food-borne illness, this course outlines safe food handling practices to protect customers, increase profitability, reduce liability, promote good will and enhance a business's competitive position.

Lynn James, extension educator for Penn State Extension, will be the instructor. Additional questions about the class can be addressed by the extension Office in Northumberland County at 570-988-3950. Register online at www.extension.psu.edu/food/safety/courses/servsafe or call the office. Registration deadline is Sept. 8, or when class is filled.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, contact Lynn James at 570-988-3950 in advance of your participation or visit.