HARRISBURG - A Mount Carmel man kicked off 2013 in a big way with a jackpot win in the Pennsylvania Lottery's Cash 5 game.

According to the Pa. Lottery's website, John E. Wojcik, claimed a $325,000 jackpot in the Cash 5 game in January, becoming the area's highest winner for the month and for the year so far.

Billie J. Holtzapple, of Danville, claimed the month's biggest instant game prize, winning $25,000 on a $2 Sweet Winnings ticket.

All total, winners claimed $416,113 in prizes of $1,000 or more, according to the website.

Winners, by town name, are:

Aristes

- Patrick J. Parnell, $10,000, The Price is Right, $5 instant ticket.

Ashland

- Judith Ann M. Lucas, $5,000, Fro$ty Ca$h, $5.

- Daniel J. Martin, $1,000, $, $5.

- Mary E. Troutman, $1,000, 20X the Money, $2.

- Eugene F. McCarthy, $1,000, Merry Millions, $20.

- Joseph F. Woodward, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

- Justin T. Conner, $1,000, Platinum Millions, $20.

- Deborah Berrigan, $1,000, Stocking Stuffer Doubler, $1

Catawissa

- Evelyn Motto, $1,000, Lucky in Love, $5.

- Charles V. Doraski, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

- Robert L. Bohner, $1,000, Snowball Bucks.

Coal Township

- Judith Seroski, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Marianne Zarkowski, $2,500, Big 4. 50-cent bet.

- Victoria Hartman, $1,052, Match 6, $1 bet.

- Jeffrey McCormich, $1,005, Match 6, $1 bet.

- John J. Orner, $1,000, $, $5.

- Jill J. Heitzman, $1.000, Alpha, $3.

- James M. Bernadette, $1,000, Double Shot, $2.

- Daniel J. Worhach, $1,000, Platinum Millions, $20.

- Mary Derk, $1,000, Platinum Millions, $20.

Dalmatia

- Kellie A. Conrad, $1,010, Match 6, $1 bet.

Danville

- Janice Kozlowski, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Billie J. Holtzapple, $25,000, Sweet Winnings, $2.

- Diane Cooper, $1,000, $, $5.

- Janae C. Dent, $1,000, $, $5.

- Chastity M. Thomas, $pot $ome Ca$h, $2.

- Dale L. English, $1,000, Black Tie, $10.

- Jamie L. Drumheller, $1,000, Kings of Cash, $20.

- Michelle L. Dunn, $1,000, Merry Millions, $20.

- Christine Y. Freeman, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

- James M. Murphy, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

- David M. Peterson, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

Elysburg

- Bryan Wagner, $1,024, Match 6, $1 bet.

- Sue Ann Hoffman, $1,000, Aces High, $5.

- Steven M. Servose, $1,000, Instant Millions, $20.

- Jose Abel Rojas, $1,000, Trim the Tree, $10.

Kulpmont

- Nathaniel S. Yoder, $1,000, Fro$ty Ca$h, $5.

- Mary Buchkowski, $1,000, Trim the Tree, $10.

Locust Gap

- Beth F. Brinkash, $1,000, Fro$ty Ca$h, $5.

Mount Carmel

- John E. Wojcik, $325,000, Cash 5, $1 bet.

- Crystal L. Wilhelm, $1,000, Pennsylvania Millionaires Club, $20.

- Charles F. Venna, two wins of $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- John E. Wojcik, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Gilbert A. Murray, $1,000, Kings of Cash, $20.

- Melinda E. Linn, $1,000, Trim the Tree, $10.

Paxinos

- Jason Sciccatano, $1,000, Fro$ty Ca$h, $5.

- Scott A. Weikel, $1,000, Trim the Tree, $10.

Shamokin

- Dorothy Kuzmick, $2,500, Big 4, 50-cent bet.

- Joseph J. Dudeck, $1,022, Match 6, $1 bet.

- Thomas M. Rumberger, $1,000, Aces High, $5.

- Patricia Arnold, $1,000, Bingo Mania, $5.

- Lori B. Masser, $1,000, Lucky in Love, $5.

- Albert A. Yurkiewicz Jr., $1,000, Platinum Millions, $20.

HARRISBURG - Gov. Tom Corbett presented his annual state budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly on Tuesday and proposed $28.4 billion in state spending. Following the governor's address, Reps. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) and Kurt Masser (R-108) made the following statements:

"The outline that the governor has provided us with is a good starting point," said Masser. "This budget addresses many significant issues currently facing our state, including the ongoing public pension crisis, funding for transportation and infrastructure, and the possibility of privatizing our state liquor stores. With so many issues added to the budget, I am sure the upcoming weeks and months will be full of information-gathering and further discussions. I was also encouraged to see that this proposal invests more funding into our state human services programs so we are able to better provide services to some of our most vulnerable citizens."

"It is important to keep in mind that the governor's budget address marks the beginning of the annual budget process," said Culver. "This process will take months and will include the collaboration of the governor and House and Senate chambers. I am pleased that the governor has recognized the importance of early learning and the unmet needs of the disabled community. There are several pressing and difficult issues that must be addressed, including transportation funding, pension reform and the proposed sale of the state liquor store system. It is imperative that we move forward in a deliberate fashion to make sure we only spend within our means and that the budget is on time. I encourage and look forward to hearing the concerns and opinions of my constituents."

COAL TOWNSHIP - An elderly woman who was injured in a two-vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon was listed in critical condition late Wednesday afternoon by a Geisinger Medical Center nursing supervisor.

Hazle Rooney was the passenger of a gray Chevrolet Malibu being driven south on Route 61 by her son, Howard Splitt Sr., of Mount Carmel.

The mother and son were struck by a white Chevrolet Blazer being driven by David Ratzlaff, 60, of Shamokin RD, who was traveling north in the passing lane. Ratzlaff reportedly swerved to avoid hitting another vehicle that was stopped to make a left turn into Ranshaw.

Ratzlaff, his passenger and wife Marilyn, 60, and Splitt were all treated and released from the hospital, according to a nursing supervisor.

The accident occurred near Ranshaw shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Prison, which uses 48 security cameras to keep track of prisoners and the facility, expects to have 90 video surveillance cameras operational within the next two years.

Prison board members unanimously agreed Wednesday to pay a maximum of $75,000 in the next 18 months to two years for the purchase and maintenance of 90 cameras. The prison presently utilizes 36 analogue and 12 digital security cameras.

The board unanimously supported a motion by Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage to have all areas of the prison monitored by cameras within the next six months.

Warden Roy Johnson and Operations Commander Brian Wheary said 12 more digital cameras are expected to be installed at the prison within the next two weeks. Johnson said within the next two years, there will be 90 digital cameras installed at the prison. He said digital cameras provide better quality than the analogue system. But the warden said analogue cameras will still be used as long as they function properly.

The warden said current cameras at the prison were purchased from Keystone Communications in Northumberland, which also maintains the equipment when necessary.

Video conferencing

Board members also unanimously approved a motion by Sacavage to complete all work involved with making the prison compatible for video conferencing within 90 days.

Commissioner Vinny Clausi stated, "We've been working for years on this, it's time to move."

Sacavage, who agreed with the commissioner, added, "We've been upgrading the video equipment in the magistrate offices and other parts of the court system for the past several years and we are continuing to move forward, but we've encountered some technological glitches in making the prison compatible to video conferencing. I would like to see the project completed as quickly as possible because it will save a lot of money and make the entire court system run more efficiently."

Clausi said the commissioners support the prison board in its efforts to install more security cameras and implement the video conferencing system.

The board appointed prison board chairman and county commissioner Stephen Bridy to serve as a liaison for the video conferencing project.

Sacavage invited Bridy to see how video conferencing currently works in the court system.

In his monthly report, Johnson said the current prison population is 243, including 212 male and 31 female inmates.

He said the highest population last month was 272 on Jan. 7, while the lowest was 237 on Jan. 29.

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin City Council members have decided they need to act quickly to replace equipment at the city pool if they want to open it to the public this year.

It was decided Wednesday night at a workshop meeting to place two motions on Monday's agenda to solicit bids for a new pool pump and for professional services to install the pump.

They will advertise a special meeting before the March 6 workshop meeting at 5:45 p.m., when they will open and award contracts to the lowest bidder.

"We cannot drag our feet on this. We're running out of time if we want to open the pool," Councilman William Milbrand said.

The pool pump will have to be built, and council wants enough time for professionals to do so in order to have it ready by the summer.

In July, the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool, 132 N. Rock St., was forced to close temporarily because of a faulty pump, which had a leak and wouldn't prime.

Community development director Lynn Dixson said a contract was signed to award the 2012 CDBG funds to the city in the amount of $300,000.

Of that money, $70,000 must be allocated to recreational uses, and the council plans to use this portion of the grant money toward the pool.

In other business, the council members met for a 40-minute executive session to discuss personnel issues.

Swim practice starts Friday

COAL TOWNSHIP - Special Olympics swim practices will start Friday at the Shamokin Area Middle/High School pool. They will run from 6 to 8 p.m. each Friday through the end of May.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania Northumberland Snyder welcomes new athletes and volunteers. For more information, contact Arden Miller at 374-5369.

Food pantry distribution is Saturday

ATLAS - The Mount Carmel Township Food Pantry will hold its monthly distribution from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the township complex. Residents in Atlas, Diamondtown, Strong, Locust Gap, Connorsville, Dooleyville and Beaverdale who signed up previously are eligible.

Conservatives to host speaker

LEWISBURG - The Susquehanna Valley Conservatives will host Lewisburg native Johanna Persing for a special lecture at 7 p.m. Monday at the Baylor East Conference Room, Best Western Country Cupboard Inn.

Persing, a graduate of Lewisburg High School and Gettysburg College, began an internship in the Republican National Committee Press Office after graduating from college and was eventually hired as a press assistant. During the 2012 election cycle, she was able to witness the inner workings of the RNC and their role in the primary process, the national convention, and the day-to-day communications strategy of the Mitt Romney campaign.

As a young conservative staffer, Persing will share her perspective of the RNC.

The meeting is free and the public is invited.

For more information, go to www.SusquehannaValleyConservatives.com.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court March 25 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Shane R. Picarella, 23, of 151 N. Grant St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for six months. Additional charges of public drunkenness and possession of Spice were withdrawn.

Picarella was charged by former Shamokin Cpl. John Brown in connection with an Aug. 18 incident at 30 E. Independence St.

Picarella also pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was given credit for time served in Northumberland County Prison. An additional count of disorderly conduct was withdrawn.

Picarella was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano in connection with a July 25 disturbance outside 25 E. Church St.

n Brad E. Kashner, 43, of 1319 W. Pine St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and make $15 restitution. Additional charges of simple assault, institutional vandalism and harassment were withdrawn.

Kashner was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Edward Purcell with causing a disturbance Dec. 28 at his residence and Coal Township Police Station.

An additional criminal complaint filed by Coal Township Patrolman Chad Yoder that charged Kashner with possession of a small amount of marijuana was withdrawn. The charge was filed in connection with a Nov. 13 incident at his residence.

Kashner's live-in girlfriend, Amy L. Fabian, 48, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia involving the same Dec. 28 incident in which Kashner was charged by Purcell. She was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs. Additional charges of simple assault and harassment were withdrawn.

n Kimberly Rickert, 25, and her live-in boyfriend, Aaron Bressi, 32, of 1727 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, both pleaded guilty to harassment and were each ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs. An additional charge of simple assault filed against both defendants was withdrawn.

Rickert and Bressi were charged by Coal Township Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky in connection with a Dec. 26 domestic disturbance.

n David Demarco, 51, of 429 W. Second St., Mount Carmel, pleaded guilty to harassment and was given credit for time served in Northumberland County Prison. An additional charge of simple assault was withdrawn.

Demarco was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Darwin Tobias III in connection with a Jan. 12 disturbance at 500 Bear Valley Ave.

n Raymond Villari III, 27, of 343 S. Fifth St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of theft, receiving stolen property, burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief relating to the theft of electric motors for vehicles from a vacant property at Fourth and Mulberry streets June 7.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle.

Villari's 25-year-old brother, Robert L. Villari Jr., of Shamokin; Alice Reichwein, 19, of Coal Township, and Harry L. Wheary III, 23, of Shamokin, also were charged in the theft.

n Joshua S. Kovaschetz, 32, of 2273 Mile Hill Road, P.O. Box 301, Sunbury, waived to court a bad check charge involving a Sept. 4 incident.

Kovaschetz was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn with issuing a bad check in the amount of $8,988 to Holdren Notary Service, 167 Circle Drive, Coal Township.

n Jason Quinn Lucas, 32, of Williamsport, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to drive in a single lane, careless driving and failure to wear a seat belt relating to a Dec. 2 incident along Route 61 in Coal Township near the Shamokin city line.

The charges were filed by Trooper Thomas Leib of state police at Stonington.

n Kenny Bunch, 30, of 21 W. Church St., Shamokin, David Payne, 26, of 916 E. Chestnut St., Shamokin; Robert Powell, 29, of 715 N. Vine St., Apt. 2, Shamokin, and Leon Vincent, 24, of 322 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin, who were all charged in a Dec. 14 drug bust conducted by the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force, waived to court multiple charges.

Bunch waived to court two counts each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

Payne waived to court charges of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance.

Powell waived to court charges of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

Vincent waived to court charges of possession with intent to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin and criminal conspiracy to deliver heroin.

n Robert Smoogen, 55, of 1027 E. Race St., Coal Township, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of careless driving involving an Oct. 13 incident at Race and Lombard streets.

The charges were filed by Cpl. Darwin Tobias III.

Local superintendents are happy to see education funding increases in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2013-2014 budget, but they say it's a case of good news-bad news.

"It's great to see a funding increase, don't get me wrong," Shamokin Area Superintendent James Zack said Wednesday. "However, it's nowhere near what we've received in the past."

According to figures released on the Pennsylvania Department of Education's website, each of the four area public school districts - Southern Columbia, Mount Carmel Area, Line Mountain and Shamokin Area - will receive increases to their basic education subsidies.

Special education and accountability block grants funding will remain the same as last year.

The increases are part of the $11.7 billion Corbett has earmarked for education in the spending plan, which must be approved in time for the new fiscal year that starts July 1.

The increases range from $79,296 for Southern Columbia to $193,280 for Shamokin Area.

"After two years of leveling off, it's nice to see an increase," said Line Mountain Superintendent Dave Campbell.

More hands

Campbell said while the governor's budget calls for an increase in funding, there are more hands in the till than previous years.

"There's not only the 501 public school districts, but private cyber and charter schools as well," Campbell said "I have a problem with millionaires that start a school for profit getting richer."

Southern Columbia Superintendent Paul Caputo said the $79,296 increase represents less than one percent of his $17 million budget for this school year, and expense increases will wipe it out.

"Health care costs will increase 9 percent next year while - unless the governor's pension reform action takes place - we will see a 16 percent increase in our contribution to the Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System," Caputo said.

Sen. John Gordner, R-27, Berwick, said Tuesday this year's budget debate starts off at a better place with the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) funding, basic education increase and level funding for higher education proposed by Corbett.

The governor proposes level funding at $100 million for the ABG program, which school districts have relied upon for the past decade to help pay for full-day kindergarten and expanded early learning programs.

"Again, it's great to have the funding, but its about half of what we used to get," Zack said.

Privatization

Last year, federal stimulus money ran out and was not replaced in the state education funding budget, creating a debate as to whether Corbett had cut education funding or simply allowed it to return to pre-stimulus levels.

In his address Tuesday, Corbett discussed privatization of the state-run liquor sales and how eliminating state stores could provide $1 billion for education.

Campbell took note.

"What I find ironic is that seven or eight years ago, Gov. Ed Rendell proposed funding the accountability block grant with gambling money, and many folks were aghast about such an idea," he said. "Now, we have a proposal to do the same thing through liquor money, which is a bigger vice, in my opinion."

Bernard Stellar, superintendent for Mount Carmel Area, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

With the governor's numbers on the table, administrators can begin the process of creating their budgets.

"We are looking at a budget that has a $500,000 deficit this year, but will be $2.8 million next year and higher the year after that," Zack said. "We are still near the fiscal cliff."

"The state funding gives us a baseline to operate with," Caputo said. "We will continue to contain our costs as best we can to provide for our students."

"The good news we can take from this is that education funding is moving forward for the first time in three years," Campbell said.

Stations of the Cross

MOUNT CARMEL - Stations of the Cross will be held at 6:30 p.m. each Friday during Lent at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 S. Market St.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School District is projected to receive approximately $120,000 more in state allocations in 2013-14, but also will experience an approximate $5,000 reduction in special education funding.

Mount Carmel Area Superintendent Bernie Stellar said Friday that Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2013-14 budget allocates $7,831,951 to the district compared to $7,713,493 for the current fiscal year. He said the projected $1,045,037 in special education funding is approximately $5,000 less than what was allocated for 2012-13.

The district was able to save substantial money through cuts, retirements and administrative personnel changes in the past couple years.

The superintendent said district officials continually look for ways to curb expenses, but don't anticipate any personnel cuts in the upcoming fiscal year.

There are 157 teachers and 22 aides employed district-wide.

Stellar said the district's biggest concerns are increases in retirement expenses and medical insurance benefits.

"There have been predictions that medical insurance

costs will rise 9.1 percent per year in coming years," Stellar said.

But he noted an assigned fund balance established by the district will help combat the anticipated increased costs in retirement and medical insurance benefits.

"We have taken steps in the last two years to counteract that in the future," he said. "We have set aside approximately $2.5 million in the assigned fund balance, which was established to help us control retirement expenses, medical insurance costs and capital improvements."

Stellar said the district also is hoping legislation is passed that will properly address funding issues with charter schools to make them more accountable, while being more fair to public schools in terms of educational expenses.

The superintendent said, "Student and staff safety and student achievement remain the district's top priorities, and we hope to receive enough funding so we can continue to achieve those two goals," he said.

(Stellar was not available for comment for a story earlier this week that discussed local school superintendents' reactions to Corbett's budget proposal.)

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor has upheld his 12- to 60-month sentence for a Sunbury mother charged in connection with the death of her 1-year-old daughter.

In a seven-page order issued Thursday, Saylor outlined his decision about Heidi S. Yocum, 30, of Lewisburg, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor endangering the welfare of children for her role in the 2010 death, The Daily Item reported on Friday.

"The consequences of (Yocum's) failure to follow any normal maternal instinct on the day and evening in question resulted in a tragic outcome for a helpless 1-year-old child," Saylor wrote.

Yocum, as well as Lopoka Loner, the baby's father, and Bertha M. Dreese, of Selinsgrove, the baby's maternal grandmother, were charged by Sunbury Officer Jamie Quinn about a year after the death of Anela Naloni Loner, who was found dead Oct. 16, 2010, from hyperthermia after being left in a room for 19 hours with a space heater at 43 S. Seventh St., Sunbury, where Yocum and Loner resided at the time.

Police said Dreese had been babysitting the child and Yocum's two other children. Police said Dreese arrived at the home at 1 p.m., but didn't check on the infant until the following morning.

Additionally, neither Yocum nor Loner checked on the child throughout the day, police said.

Authorities said the infant was not provided any food or water in the room, which likely ranged in temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees.

Yocum was sentenced Jan. 14 after previously pleading guilty to recklessly endangering a child for her role in the death. She was expecting to be placed on probation.

Yocum's plea was accepted by Saylor, but not the sentencing conditions the defendant and her attorney, Edward "E.J." Rymsza of Williamsport had sought.

A plea agreement between Northumberland County Adult Probation and Yocum called for her to receive probation for up to five years. But Saylor disagreed and sentenced Yocum to 12 to 60 months in state prison, despite being told by Rymsza that his client had changed her life around by remaining drug-and-alcohol free and attending Pennsylvania College of Technology, where she achieved a 4.0 grade-point average this past semester.

Dreese was scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 28, but her attorney requested a pre-trial conference, to be held March 1. Northumberland County First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski said the commonwealth believes Dreese intends to withdraw her plea in hopes of being acquitted at trial.

On Nov. 19, Loner was sentenced by President Judge Robert B. Sacavage to 11 1/2 to 23 months in Northumberland County Prison after pleading guilty to misdemeanors of endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person. He also was ordered to pay $600 in fines and various costs, and given credit for 219 days previously served in prison.

SHAMOKIN - The Lower Anthracite Region United Way (LARUW) campaign total shot up from $24,000 at the end of January to $42,408.27 this week, chapter executive director Whitney Fetterman reported. The goal is $50,000.

Among the corporations, small businesses and individuals credited for their donations are PPL Corp. and PPL Employees, Susquehanna Bank and Susquehanna Bank employees, Weis Markets, Wal-Mart, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, The News-Item, Geisinger employees, Penndel Containers, Boyer's Food Market in Mount Carmel, Farrow's Funeral Home, Aqua PA, UGI Utilities Inc. employees, VNA Health Systems, Sunbury Motors, Eyesense, The Medicine Shoppe, Coal Township commissioners, State Farm Insurance Agency and Roadarmel Springer LLC.

The chapter is still collecting donations toward the 2012 campaign.

There are 33,741 total residents in LARUW's service area.

"If half of those individuals donated $5, LARUW would exceed its campaign goal by $34,352.50," Fetterman noted.

The agencies that are granted funding are agencies that reach out to a diverse group of individuals. The agencies are Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Central Susquehanna Sight Services, Manna for the Many, The American Red Cross, The ARC of Susquehanna Valley, Girls Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Avenues and the VNA.

"Several of these agencies could have assisted you, your family, a friend or neighbor," Fetterman said. "If at all possible, lend a helping hand and give back to the agencies who have given your community so much."

LARUW serves Shamokin, Coal Township, Elysburg, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont, Paxinos and Trevorton areas.

Donations can be sent to LARUW, Suite 306, 2 E. Arch St., Shamokin 17872. Call 644-1894 or write to laruw@verizon.net.

An attorney for Scott J. Binsack says his client dropped him this week, and that "substantial" bills for legal services have gone unpaid.

Attorney Frank E. Kepner Jr., of Berwick, filed a motion Friday asking a federal judge to allow him to immediately withdraw as Binsack's counsel. The motion does not, however, seek payment of any bills.

The legal filing comes two days after Kepner says he received a letter from the jailed Shamokin resident indicating "he no longer wishes" to have him as counsel for a pending federal lawsuit against the City of Shamokin and city and state parole officials, according to court documents.

Kepner says Binsack owes him money for legal services, and "it is unknown if (Binsack) has any intention of paying (Kepner)," the documents state.

Kepner does not say in the motion how much money he believes he is owed, but does say he warned his client that if "proper financial arrangements" were not made, he would withdraw.

He asks that Binsack be given 45 days to find new counsel.

The letter from Binsack to Kepner was not included in Friday's legal filing, and calls placed to Kepner seeking comment were not returned.

Binsack is currently jailed at SCI-Rockview, Centre County, on a parole violation stemming from a bad check conviction in Lackawanna County, according to The Times-Shamrock archives.

Kepner filed a lawsuit in November on Binsack's behalf claiming his client's constitutional rights were violated by city and state parole officials. Tens of thousands of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages are sought.

Attorneys for the defendants have petitioned the court to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that it lacks merit.

Binsack was sued Jan. 14 in Northumberland County Court by S&S International Property Group LLC. The Nevada firm claims to have hired him as a consultant to locate investment properties.

The firm alleges among other claims that Binsack breached a contract by failing to purchase three parcels in Coal Township on their behalf, instead eventually deeding them into his own living trust.

The lawsuit says Binsack provided no expert advice, misrepresented himself as a part-owner and landlord, did not disclose his prior criminal background and parole conditions, and is not entitled to any rental income from the property in question.

More than $25,000 is sought in judgment, money the firm says was wired to Binsack to acquire the parcels, including 1021-1023 W. Independence St., and that they be deeded solely to S&S International Property Group LLC. Attorney's fees and costs are also sought.

S&S International Property Group LLC is owned by Margaret C. and Sandra Phelps, both of Reno, Nevada. It is a different firm from S&S Capital LLC, owned by Steven Crone and for whom Binsack has said he was also working as a consultant.

Binsack clashed with city officials after details of his past troubles in northeastern Pennsylvania resurfaced. He claimed conspiracy in a series of web videos posted to Facebook under the moniker "Something's Smokin' in Shamokin."

He failed to show for a parole meeting on Oct. 25 and taunted law enforcement online, and was later apprehended in New York on Nov. 20, the same day his lawsuit was filed. He was recommitted to prison for six months and, upon release in May, must report to a community corrections residency along with obeying other terms.

Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly think privatizing management of the state lottery is a bad idea with some saying they'll no longer play if that happens, according to a new Franklin & Marshall poll released Tuesday.

The poll also found widespread support for legalizing marijuana use for medicinal purposes and majority support for legalizing gay and lesbian marriage.

Fewer than one in five voters (18 percent) said they either strongly or somewhat favor Gov. Tom Corbett's plan to hand off management of the lottery to a private company. Almost two-thirds (64 percent) either somewhat or strongly oppose privatization.

Almost one in five (19 percent) said they would play less frequently, one in a hundred (1 percent) said they would play more and three quarters (75 percent) said they would play about as often as they do. The vast majority (84 percent) of voters said they favor requiring state General Assembly passage of the privatization of a government function.

"You know what's going on there, in my humble opinion? I think we have thought of this lottery as ours," said G. Terry Madonna, director of the F&M poll. "Pennsylvania Lottery going to Pennsylvania citizens for Pennsylvania needs. And all of a sudden we're turning it over, the management, to a British company. ... I think that has raised real concerns to people."

The poll surveyed 622 registered voters between Jan. 29 and Sunday and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.

Corbett wants to hire Camelot Global Services PA LLC to generate more money for the lottery because of the expected growth in use of the senior citizen programs the lottery supports. He did not plan to ask for the General Assembly's approval of the deal.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday after an appearance at the Osterhout Free Library in Wilkes-Barre, Corbett shrugged off the poll results, saying maybe his administration hasn't done enough to explain privatization's benefits.

Corbett said lottery tickets are printed, sold and advertised by private companies.

"We're bringing in another (private) layer," he said. "And the important thing is so that as we see the (senior citizen) population grow - in the next 17 years one in four Pennsylvanians will be 60 or older - we're going to have money at that level," he said. "We weren't growing, consistently, anywhere near what we needed to grow to keep up. If we don't keep up at the lottery, then we've got to take it out of the budget side."

The lottery has provided $22 billion in revenue for senior citizen property tax and rent rebates, free bus rides, prescription drugs and long-term living services. Camelot has submitted a bid to manage the lottery for 20 years and promised to produce $34 billion in profits.

In other results, the poll found:

- More than half of Pennsylvanians (55 percent) oppose legalization of marijuana with only more than a third (36 percent) in favor of legalization. The numbers shift dramatically when the question focuses on medicinal use of marijuana with more than three quarters (51 percent strongly, 31 percent somewhat) favoring allowing adults to use marijuana if a doctor recommends it.

- A majority of Pennsylvanians (53 percent) at least somewhat in favor of selling the state's liquor stores to private companies and about a third (34 percent) at least somewhat opposed.

- More than half (52 percent - 36 percent strongly, 16 percent somewhat) of Pennsylvanians favor allowing gays and lesbians to legally marry. More than four in 10 (41 percent - 34 percent strongly, 7 percent somewhat) oppose gay marriage.

- More than four out of five (82 percent) Pennsylvanians think the state should spend more on repairing roads, bridges and transit systems, but they are ambivalent about paying more money to get them fixed.

Only a bit more than 4 in 10 (43 percent) at least somewhat favor increasing driver and vehicle fees and lifting the cap on the oil company franchise tax to pay for it. Almost half (47 percent) at least somewhat oppose the idea.

- The vast majority (94 percent) support requiring background checks for all gun sales. Three out of five (61 percent) support a ban on high-capacity magazines, a ban on assault weapons and limiting handgun purchases to one per month.

- Corbett's job approval rating reached the lowest for a sitting governor in the more than 20-year history of the F&M poll.

Only about a quarter (26 percent) of registered voters believe the governor is doing a good or excellent job. Two-thirds (67 percent) think he is doing only a fair or poor job. Only a quarter (25 percent) view him at least somewhat favorably with more than four in 10 (43 percent) voters viewing him unfavorably and more than three in 10 (31 percent) viewing say they were undecided or don't know.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In the spirit of bipartisanship, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) announced they will sit together during President Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday. Democrats and Republicans have traditionally sat on different sides of the House chamber during the speech until 2011.

"Our nation confronts a host of challenges that will require serious bipartisan solutions," said Casey. "Sen. Toomey and I work together regularly on behalf of Pennsylvanians. I look forward to once again sitting with him at the State of the Union and hope this small gesture will help foster a spirit of bipartisanship in Congress."

"I am proud to sit with my fellow colleague from Pennsylvania, Sen. Bob Casey," said Toomey. "We plan to work together - as we have in the past - to help our fellow Pennsylvanians. Bipartisan seating at the president's speech is symbolic and sets a civil and cooperative tone for the challenging work ahead of us. Sen. Casey and I will meet that symbolism with action in this Congress."

Local beer distributors are worried that the changes to the alcohol business proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett might just be the end of their livelihood.

Under the governor's plan, announced Jan. 30 in Pittsburgh with further details included in this week's 2013-14 budget address, state liquor stores would be privatized and the licenses for 1,200 stand-alone wine and spirits stores would be auctioned off. It sets up a situation where beer distributors could bid for wine and liquor licenses and become the only places to get all three - wine, beer and liquor.

But can they compete is the question for at least two local distributors.

Coal Township-based Irish Isle owner Earl Sheriff and Sunbury-based Brewers Outlet manager Cory Fasold think there's a good possibility that large market stores such as Weis, Giant or Walmart will scoop up the licenses and drop prices so low that small business owners can't compete.

"They can put any price they want on it. It will never be normal again. They'll put every distributor out of business," said Sheriff, 60, owner of Irish Isle, 911 W. Arch St.

The big business will "knock us out," and the personal touch of mom

and pop shops will never be available again, said Sheriff, who has operated businesses for 41 years.

Fasold, a manager at Brewers Outlet at 231 Reagan St. for more than 30 years, also argues there should be an equitable way to compensate those who acquire beer licenses, since he thinks the plan will diminish the value of what the distributors already have.

"People have put up a lot of money and assets to get those in the first place," he said.

Projected revenue

The money generated by the governor's plan, which needs the Legislature's approval, is estimated at $1 billion over four years. It would help fund public education.

Most of the revenue, a projected $575 million, would come from the sale of wholesale liquor licenses.

An additional $224 million is anticipated from the auctioning of 1,200 wine and liquor licenses, with 800 reserved for large retail stores and 400 for smaller ones. Those licensees would be required to set up separate stores to sell wine and liquor. A business would be able to hold a maximum of 40 licenses statewide and 10 percent in any county (or one in a county with fewer than 10 stores).

Every county would be allocated at least as many wine and liquor stores as it now has, and is likely to gain more, officials said.

Other revenue would flow from the sale of beer and wine licenses to retailers, including big-box stores, grocery stores, pharmacies and convenience stores.

Bidding war?

Beer distributors, in addition to bidding to sell wine and liquor, could also obtain an enhanced license that allows them to sell beer in smaller quantities rather than by the case, as is the current limitation.

But that's where the good news ends, local distributors say.

The big-box stores, grocery stores, pharmacies and convenience stores could pay a one-time application fee and annual license fees to sell wine and beer. There would be no limit on the number of licenses, but limits on how much beer and wine they could sell, based on the type of license.

Fasold said the prices of the liquor licenses should be different depending on the county, since one in Philadelphia would be worth more than one in Northumberland County.

If there's a bidding war for those licenses, Fasold said, the "little man of the state" will lose, which is why he would support beer distributors getting first pick.

"As long as it's a fair ballgame, I would look at the price. I'd be very interested," Fasold said of purchasing a liquor license.

If he would have the additional beverages, Brewers Outlet would be a "one-stop shop for all your beverages," he said, noting not only alcohol, but soda, water and sports drinks.

Sheriff said he doubts he'll be able to afford to bid for a license.

"Why would you invest in a liquor license when you can't compete? You might as well put a lighter to it and burn it up," he said.

The two businessmen are concerned with more than just the auctioning of the licenses.

Sheriff criticized Corbett's plan, asking what would happen to the state employees once the liquor stores were sold and privatized.

If the stores are going to be privatized, then, Fasold said, wholesalers should also be independent, so no one is forced to buy it from a particular place.

"It will keep the pricing down for the consumer. If they don't do that, the consumer loses," Fasold said.

According to Corbett's plan, the state would negotiate wholesale licenses to distribute wine and liquor products to stores, bars and restaurants by brand. After paying a license fee based on valuation, a wholesaler would have the exclusive right to distribute that brand throughout Pennsylvania.

Sheriff isn't sure what will happen.

"Am I mad? Yeah, but there's nothing I can do about it. If worse comes to worse, I'll have to close up," he said.

All Saints

All Saints Evangelical Lutheran, 12th and Scott streets, Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore.

Worship service with word and sacrament - 9 a.m.

Participants - Marsha Karnes, communion assistant, acolyte and altar guild.

Assumption BVM

Assumption BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church, Paxton Street, Centralia.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Divine liturgy - Sunday, 11 a.m.

Augusta Baptist

Augusta Baptist Church, 1371 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury.

Pastor - Robert S. Commerford.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:15 a.m.

Evening service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth group, 6 p.m., Kids Club, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m.; fourth Thursday of the month, L.I.F.E. for seniors age 55 and up, noon.

Augustaville Wesleyan

Augustaville Wesleyan Church, 2556 State Route 890, Paxinos.

Pastor - Greg Clendaniel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:40 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult Bible study, Faith Weaver Friends and youth Bible bowl, 7 p.m.

Bethany Bible

Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, 654 Wilburton Road (across from Mount Carmel Estates), Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Philip Norris

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Message - "The Millennial Kingdom."

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Message - "Daniel's 70-Week Prophecy."

Activities - Tuesday, Senior Saint Fellowship, 10 a.m., Pine Burr; Wednesday, children and youth programs, 6:30 p.m., adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.; March 2, men's conference, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bethany EC

Bethany EC Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland.

Pastor - Mark Brownson.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m. (adults and children).

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bethany Bible club, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., kindergarten through sixth grade, prayer meeting, weekly, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free clothing closet, every first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. (all ages).

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - MacKenzie Brouse.

Nursery - Caeb Keefer and Sandy Wells (10:30 a.m.).

Junior church - Opal Lenig and Audrey Ditty.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Today, Valentine's Day party, 6 p.m.; Monday, ladies' fellowship, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, prayer worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6 p.m., King's Kids, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, ladies Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

Calvary Bible

Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 35 S. Second St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Ferdie Madara.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship service - 10:35 a.m. Message by Pastor Madara. Praise team service.

AWANA children's group and youth group - 5:45 p.m.

Evening prayer service - 6 p.m.

­Christ's Reformed UCC

Christ's Reformed UCC, Helfenstein.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship - 10:15 a.m.

Scripture - Revelation 21: 1-7.

Message - "The Gospel Truth."

Participant - Jeff Haas, organist; Dorene Choffel, worship assistant.

Ash Wednesday service, 7 p.m., at St. Paul's

Church of Our Lady

Church of Our Lady, 47 S. Market St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Francis J. Karwacki.

Weekday Masses - 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Confessions - Daily before 8 a.m. Mass; Saturday, 3 to 4 p.m.

Church of Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, Lavelle.

Sunday - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school classes for all ages - 11 a.m.

Clark's Grove UMC

Clark's Grove United Methodist Church, Irish Valley Road, Paxinos. Handicapped accessible.

Pastor - Billy Frick.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Praise singing - 10:10 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Divine Redeemer

Divine Redeemer Church, West Avenue and Poplar Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. John A. Szada Jr.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m.; Saturday at 8 a.m.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m. (Sunday obligation); Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Holy day Masses - 6 p.m. eve of holy days. 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. (holy day).

Holy hour - First Friday of the month, 3 to 4 p.m.

Confessions - Saturday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; after morning novena Thursday, during First Friday Holy Hour or any time by appointment.

Novenas - Monday, Miraculous Medal novena after morning Mass; Thursday, St. Jude Thaddeus novena after morning Mass; Saturday, St. Francis novena after morning Mass.

Elysburg Alliance

Elysburg Alliance Church, 113 W. Alpha Ave., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Chad Froelich.

Morning worship services - 8 and 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Stan Sanger.

Sunday school for all ages - 9:15 a.m.

Kids' Konnection - 6 to 7:30 p.m. Ages 4 to 11.

Activities ­- Wednesday, Collide youth group with Pastor Froelich, 6:45 to 8:15 p.m., adult Bible study/prayer, 7 p.m.

Elysburg Presbyterian

Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave. (Route 487), Elysburg.

Pastor - Matthew Young.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m., with nursery provided.

Pastor Young will preach part four of an eight-part "Winter Series on Stewardship." Sunday's title, "Work to help the weak, remembering it's more blessed to give than to receive."

Scripture - Acts 20: 33-35.

Message - "All Giving is Blessed."

This week is Boy Scout Sunday. The local Boy Scout troop will assist with the service.

Musicians - Debbie Cecco, organist; Eileen Reigel, pianist; contemporary praise group.

Activities - Sunday, junior high youth group, 4 to 6 p.m., senior high youth group, 6 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, deacons' meeting, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, choir practice, 6:30 p.m., bell choir practice, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, women's prayer group, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Breakfast with Jesus, 8:30 a.m.

Elysburg UMC

Elysburg United Methodist Church, 171 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Morning worship - 9 a.m. Nursery care provided for children up to four years of age. Children's Sunday school during worship. Fellowship brunch following service.

Participants - Richard Swank, head usher; Pam Yeager, scripture reader; George and Nancy Nesbitt, greeters; Cooper Rouse, acolyte; Lynne Homiak, pianist; Lucy Bidelspach, shepherding; Nan Weller, choir director.

Activities - Monday, Lydia's Club, 6 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Circle of Prayer, 10 a.m., Rotary, 6 p.m.

Emmanuel UMC

Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 328 Center St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Coffee fellowship - 8 to 9 a.m.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Tuesday and Thursday, exercise class, 6:30 p.m.; third Wednesday of the month, cookie ministry, 5 p.m.; second Saturday of the month, health screening, 8 to 10 a.m.; fourth Sunday of the month, movie night, 5 p.m.

Faith Bible

Faith Bible Church, Burnside.

Pastor - Perry Ross.

Pianist - Robert Witmer III.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Kids Club, Bible study and prayer, 7 p.m.

Faith Community Church

Pastor - Dale Hill, 751-5101.

Sunday worship - 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist, Shamokin

First Baptist Church, 10 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Samuel Derr.

Church school - 9:45 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Choir organist - Judith Pensyl.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 6 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony, Bible study, 7 p.m.

First Baptist, Trevorton

First Baptist Church, 510 S. Ninth St., Trevorton.

Pastor - Dan Conklin.

Associate pastor - Andy York.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:40 a.m.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth group, 5:45 p.m., choir practice, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, AWANA, 6:30 p.m., prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Worship - 10:30 a.m. New officers will be installed.

Minister - The Rev. Ted Plott.

Guest speaker - Ron Marcheskie.

Participants - Noriene Ladd, organist; Mary Anne Stump, assistant organist; William Milbrand, choir director; Andrew Ladd, acolyte; Kelly Jones and Carole Oxenrider, ushers and greeters; Charlene Lesher, Terry Persing and Wendy Wary, Sunday school; Wendy Wary, secretary; William Persing Sr., sexton.

Activities - Monday, Christian education meeting, 6:30 p.m.

First UMC, Kulpmont

First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street, Kulpmont.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Second Saturday of the month, Angels Table luncheon, 11 a.m. All are welcome.

First UMC, Mt. Carmel

First United Methodist Church, 46 N. Hickory St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Susan J. Roehs.

Worship service - 9:45 a.m. in the social room, with refreshments afterwards.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Sermon - "Preparing for Lent," by Pastor Roehs.

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Rick Schnee, head usher; Kevin Styer, sound technician; Deborah Beck, liturgist; Jillian Maurer, acolyte; Pastor Susan, children's time; Rick Schnee, counter.

Activities - Today, Vital Congregations, program, 9 a.m. to noon.; Monday, worship committee, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Brownie troop, 6:30 p.m., Al-Anon, 7 p.m., board room; Wednesday, special service at Clark's Grove United Methodist Church with Bishop Peggy Johnson. Anyone needing a ride, contact Pastor Susan.

First UMC, Shamokin

First United Methodist Church, Sunbury Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - Zachary Hopple.

Adult and children's Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Mary Hollingshead, liturgist; Walt and Sharon Slanina, greeters.

Activities - Monday, Bible study in the parlor, 6 p.m.

Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. Ninth St., Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Grace Chapel

Grace Chapel, 126 Airport Road, Shamokin.

Pastor - Alan Langelli.

Sunday school, adult Bible study and fellowship - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Evening worship, youth group and Discovery Kids - 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Bible study and prayer - 6:45 p.m.

Nursery child care is provided for all Sunday services.

Participants - Scott Reed, Scotty Reed, Ray Petro amd Vic Klein, ushers; Ed Begis, Bible reading and prayer; praise team; Cathy Klinger, music director, pianist and vocalist; Rob Klinger, drums; Marcy Donmoyer, flute; Emma Donmoyer, keyboard; Edwin Karns, Donna Blue, Diane Seger, Karen Graboski, Lori Langelli, Sandy Thomas and Ed Begis, vocalists; Luke Donmoyer, sound system; Joe Long, camera; Shawn Hine, computer system.

Activities - Tuesday, business meeting; Wednesdayy, ladies fellowship; Thursday, men's prayer breakfast; Friday to Feb. 17, Weekend to Remember; Feb. 21, men's Bible study.

Grace Evangelical

Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 11 a.m.

Grace Lutheran

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 S. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Service of the Word and Sacrament - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Bruce Romanic, worship assistant; Austin Joraskie, acolyte and crucifer; Mr. and Mrs. William Hoffa, communion bearers; Judy Shade and Jeanne Romanic, altar care; Nancy Joraskie, nursery; Jeannie Hoffa, Tonia Adams, Beverly Deitz, Fran Hand, Nancy Joraskie, Trev Madison, Jeanne Romanic and Kimberly Tharp, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist; Charlene Pell, choir director, and Shelley Faust, cantor.

Activities - Monday, Brownies, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Grace Church council, Lamar Grow classroom, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, joint Ash Wednesday service, Grace Church, 7 p.m.

Grace Lutheran

Grace Lutheran Church, 146 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

Service with Communion - 10:45 a.m. The Transfiguration of Our Lord or Last Sunday after the Epiphany.

Guest speaker - Ronald Weller.

Participants, Linda Rubendall, organist; Zachary Hunter, lector; Robert and William Brass, ushers; Charles Barnes, bell ringer and sexton; Judy Barnes, secretary.

Services for February will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 146 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Activities - Ash Wednesday service, 7 p.m., at Grace Lutheran. Carol Black will be supplying.

Grace UCC

Grace United Church of Christ, Third and Market streets, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Aurora Froutz, acolyte; Don Hildenbrand and Carol Tarlecki, ushers.

Activities - Monday, confirmation class at the parsonage, 3:30 p.m.

Harvest Worship

Harvest Worship Ministries, 2079 Upper Road, West Cameron Township, 850-4280, harvestworshipministries.com

Pastor - Sandy Wary.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley Community Church, 162 Hidden Valley Lane, Mifflinburg. A non-denominational Bible church.

Pastor - Gary L. Owens.

Worship service, 10 a.m., clubhouse. Casual dress welcome.

Himmel's Church

Himmel's Church, 1941 Schwaben Creek Road, Rebuck, 425-2200.

Pastor - Pastor Jane H. Compton.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m., Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Weekend Masses of Obligation - Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Today, Mardi Gras at Brady Fire Company, doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, Holy Name Society at 8:30 a.m. Mass with meeting to follow, PREP Classes, grades 6, 7 and 8, at 9 a.m.; Monday, PREP classes, grades 1 to 5, at 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, bingo at Holy Angels Activity Center, doors open at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6:15 p.m.; Wednesday, Ash Wednesday Masses at 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, finance council meeting, 7:15 p.m. in rectory; Friday, Stations of the Cross, 2 and 7 p.m. fish dinner at Holy Angels Activity Center, 4 to 6 p.m.

Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 150 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin.

Interim rector - The Rev. Father Kimberly Brooks.

Celebrant - The Rev. Deacon Richard A. Hazzard.

Worship - 10 a.m.

Handicapped accessible. Church school for children. Nursery care available.

Hope Community Church

Hope Community Church, non-denominational Bible church, 551 W. Fourth St. (formerly Lazarski's Banquet Hall), Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Dan Renno.

Christian education for all ages - 9 a.m.

Fellowship time - 9:45 a.m.

Praise and worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Irish Valley UMC

Irish Valley United Methodist Church, Irish Valley Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Johnston City UMC

Johnston City United Methodist Church, 200 Main St., Ranshaw.

Pastor - Dan Siddle.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Participants - Barbara Cummings and Janette Nute, greeters; Rena Keegan and Jane Klembara, acolytes; June Ramer, Rena Keegan and Janette Nute, ushers; June Ramer, Jane Klembara, Rena Keegan and Myra Golden, liturgists; Jane Klembara, musician.

Miller's Crossroads

Miller's Crossroads UMC, 1929 Plum Creek Road, Stonington, Sunbury RR 4.

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

Ministry of the Water and Spirit Church, 110 Church St., Locust Gap.

Pastor - James Bowers.

Sunday service - 10:30 a.m.

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Martin Kobos, O.F.M. Conv.

Parochial vicar - The Rev. Adam Ziolkowski, O.F.M. Conv.

Sunday Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7, 9 and 11 a.m.

Confessions - Daily, 7:30 to 7:50 a.m.; Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Recitation of the Rosary - Monday through Friday, 5 p.m., in the church.

Activities - Sunday, religious education classes, 10:15 a.m., Shamokin Street religious education building; Monday, bingo 6:15 p.m., church hall; Tuesday, choir practice, 5:45 p.m.; Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, distribution of Ashes at 8 a.m. Mass, 5 p.m. prayer service, 7 p.m. Mass. Ashes and Communion will be distributed to all scheduled parish homebound, nursing home and boarding home parishioners after 9 a.m., RCIA, 6:30 p.m., Pauline Center; Friday, Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Easter egg-making, 9 a.m., church hall.

Mountainside

Mountainside Assembly of God, 1900 Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

LIFEQuest breakfast for all - 9 a.m.

LIFEQuest classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m. with nursery available.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Evening activities - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, SUPERKids for ages 5 to 11 and adult discipleship, 6:30 p.m.

Mount Zion

Mount Zion Welsh Congregational United Church of Christ, Grant and Church streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - Exodus 34: 29-35, Luke 9: 28-36.

Sermon - "Astounding Glory."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

New Life Church

New Life Church of God, 129 W. Second St., Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. John D. Ashbaugh.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Prelude - 10 to 10:30 a.m., flute solo.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m., with junior church and nursery available.

Handicap accessible, wheelchair available, church side/back entrance.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; prayer, fellowship and coffee, Saturday mornings, 9 a.m.; Feb. 24, Sunday evening praise and worship service, 7 p.m.

Oak Grove UMC

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Marley Road, Overlook.

Pastor - The Rev. Zachary Hopple.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:35 a.m.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m., at First United Methodist Church; Thursday, free karate classes at church, children ages 5 to 12, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.; 13 and up, 7:30 p.m.; Open Arms outreach, 6 to 8 p.m., first and third Fridays of the month.

Our Lady of Fatima

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church of the East, 110 E. Avenue and Hickory Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Most Rev. Ramzi R. Musallam, bishop.

Confessions - Before Mass and upon request.

Rosary - 2:30 p.m.

Holy Mass - 3 p.m.

Activities - Thrift shop open, Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Our Lady of Hope

Our Lady of Hope Parish, Chestnut and First streets, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Adrian Gallagher, O.F.M. Conv.

Daily Masses - Monday through Friday, 7 a.m., Holy Spirit chapel.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 11 a.m.

Holy Day of Obligation Mass - 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass and 7 a.m. morning of the Holy Day.

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Peifer's Evangelical

Peifer's Evangelical Congregational Church, Mandata Road, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, 599 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred P. Sceski.

Masses - Weekdays, 8 a.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Restoration Ministries

Restoration Ministries Church, 525 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Paul K. Eby.

Pre-service prayer - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. for all ages, JoAnne Long, superintendent.

Sunday worship service - 10:30 a.m. Pastor Paul will speak. The worship team will lead praise and worship. Special prayer will be available. Nursery care will also be available.

Children's church - 11:15 a.m. for ages 4 through 11, directed by Shirley Cintron.

Student Life Ministry youth service - 6:30 p.m. for all teens ages 12 to 18.

Activities - Monday, God's Grub for the community, 5 to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, cross training youth disciple class, dinner at 3 p.m., class taught by Fran Jones from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Soul Seekers group for ages 18 and older, 7 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran, High Road Danville.

Interim Pastor - Bruce Amme.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. The Transfiguration of Our Lord.

Participants - Pat Burlone, lector

Activities - Wednesday, Ash Wednesday service, 7 p.m.

St. John's UCC

St. John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Dr. Robert B. Peiffer

Sermon - "Astounding Glory."

Contemporary service - 9 a.m., Fellowship Hall. Special music by the worship band.

Coffee social hour - 10 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:10 a.m., with classes for children, teens and adults.

Traditional service - 11 a.m., Lark Chapel. Special music by the youth choir.

Participants - David L. Spotts, youth choir director; Margaret Morris, adult choir director and organist; Casey Henninger, pianist; Carole Young, lay reader; Brittany Bendas, acolyte.

Activities - Sunday, confirmation class, 1 p.m., pastor's study; Monday, Shamokin Area Industrial Corporation, 4 p.m., church parlor, Cub Scouts, 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, prayer group, 1 p.m., church parlor, coupon swap, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall; Wednesday, Ash Wednesday communion service, 7:30 p.m., Lark Chapel; Thursday, lectionary study group, 1 and 7 p.m., pastor's study, worship band rehearsal, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall, Girl Scouts, 6:30 p.m., Boy Scout leaders meeting, 7 p.m., church parlor, adult choir rehearsal, 7 p.m., Lark Chapel; Saturday, prayer group, 9 a.m., church parlor.

St. John's UMC

St. John's United Methodist Church, 1218 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Karyn Fisher.

Lay leader - Paul Stehman.

Worship - 9 a.m. (nursery up to age 4).

Nursery available during worship for infants and toddlers. Children's church available during worship following the children's message for ages 4 to 11.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:15 a.m.

First Sundays, holy communion; Sundays, confirmation class, 10:30 a.m., junior choir practice, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, choir practice, 8 a.m., women's book club, 9:15 a.m.; prayer chain, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

St. Joseph's Church

St. Joseph's Church, 11th and Walnut streets, Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. John W. Bambrick.

Sister Elizabeth Kealy, IHM, director of religious education.

Confessions - Saturday, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Any time by appointment.

Rosary prayed before all Masses.

Mass schedule - Today, 4 p.m. (Vigil for Sunday); Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m.; Wednesday, adoration all day from 9 a.m., concluding with night prayers, benediction and Miraculous Medal devotions at 4:45 p.m., Mass at 5 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m.; Friday, noon; first Fridays Sacred Heart devotions.

St. Ann's Chapel, open each day for prayer. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 225 N. Market St., Elysburg.

Interim pastor - Bruce Amme.

Worship service - 9 a.m. The Transfiguration of Our Lord.

Participants - Pat Fahringer, lector.

Activities - Wednesday, Ash Wednesday service at St. John's, Danville, 7 p.m.

St. Matthew Lutheran

St. Matthew (Slovak) Lutheran Church, 301 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m. The Transfiguration of Our Lord or Last Sunday after the Epiphany.

Guest speaker - Ronald Weller.

Services for February will be held at Grace Lutheran Church.

St. Michael Orthodox

St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 131 N. Willow St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Michael H. Evans.

Divine liturgy - 9 a.m.

St. Patrick

St. Patrick Church, 331 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton.

Pastor - The Rev. Adrian Gallagher, O.F.M., Conv.

Weekend Masses - Sunday, 9 a.m.

Weekday Mass - 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Wednesday after morning Mass or during the day.

St. Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4663 Upper Road, Gowen City.

Pastor - The Rev. David Byerly.

Service of Word and Sacrament - 8:15 a.m.

Participants - David Henninger, lector; Claire Bonshock and Stephanie Boyer, communion assistants; Brianna Bonshock, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Wednesday, Ash Wednesday joint service at Grace Church, 7 p.m.

St. Paul's Reformed

St. Paul's Reformed United Church of Christ, Gowen City.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m.

Scripture - Revelation 21: 1-7.

Message - "The Gospel Truth."

Participants - Cliff Artman, organist.

Activities - Ash Wednesday Service, 7 p.m.

St. Pauline Visintainer

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, 1150 Chestnut St., Box 115, Kulpmont.

"Chapel of the Crucified."

Eucharistic adoration - Friday, noon to midnight, and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, open Saturday, Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Relics on display of Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, and St. Peter Apostle.

St. Peter's Lutheran

St. Peter's Evangelical Church, Aristes.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

Service of sacrament and communion - 9 a.m.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Carol Buffington, choir director; Carol Snyder, lector.

SS Peter and Paul

SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Avenue and Beech Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Saturday, 3:15 p.m. and Sunday, 8:15 a.m.

Weekday Divine Liturgy - 8 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Weekend Divine Liturgies - 4 p.m. Saturday and 9:15 a.m., Sunday.

Religious education classes are held Mondays from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

St. Peter's UCC

St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Overlook.

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Sermon - "Behave Wisely."

Scripture - Ecclesiastes 9:18 - "Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

Activities - Wednesday, Lenten service, 7 p.m. and running through Lent; Feb. 23, special wildlife presentation and spaghetti dinner with featured speakers Ray Roth and Paul Gurba, 5 p.m.

St. Stephen's

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Fourth and Maple streets, Mount Carmel.

Clergy - Rev. Frederic Stevenson.

Service - 8:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist.

Handicapped accessible.

Activities - Second and fourth Saturdays, 6:15 p.m., Holy Eucharist at the St. Stephen Center.

Salem UCC

Salem United Church of Christ, 1300 W. Pine St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Participants - Ashley Shamblen, acolyte; Brian Williams, lay leader; Carolyn Weaver, organist; Julie Updegrove, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Joann and Larry Diorio and Linda Glosek, Larry Diorio, lighting/sound; Ruth Bresslin, usher; Bill and Gerry Woland, greeters.

Pennies for Sergio will be received this Sunday. Members are asked to bring pennies to support the sponsored child from Guatemala.

A quiet room for young infants and toddlers is available during the morning worship hour at 10 a.m. Christian education is provided for children 3 to 12 years old immediately after children's time at the beginning of morning worship.

Activities - Monday, making devil crabs, starting at 8 a.m.; Tuesday, pick up devil crabs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Senior Day, going to Olive Garden at Buckhorn; Thursday, Bible study, 6 p.m., all-purpose room.

Salvation Army

Salvation Army Christian Enrichment Center, 1300 W. Spruce St., Coal Township.

Commanding officer - Maj. Tina Streck.

Holiness meeting (worship) - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:45 a.m.

Seibert Evangelical

Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Route 147, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Seventh Street

Seventh Street Primitive Methodist Church, 34 N. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Wildoner.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m., with communion.

Bible study - 7 p.m.

Participants - Kathy Albright, station steward; Joseph Rodman, head usher; Benjamin Brudnicki and Alaina Glowatski, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; Jennifer Brudnicki and Kathy Albright, greeters of the month; Dr. Richard Albright, servant of the month; Maggie Moore, nursery worker; Kathy Albright, children's church teacher.

A nursery is available for children birth to age five during the morning worship service. Children's church is provided for children over age five with a focus on lessons from the Bible.

Activities - Today, ladies praise and worship seminar at Union Evangelical Free Church, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, Gideons will be here for worship service; Monday, quarterly conference meeting, 7 p.m.; Feb. 13, Ash Wednesday service, 7 p.m.

Manna for the Many item for this month is soup. The church exceeded its goal for Souper Bowl of Caring with 216 cans collected.

More details to follow on the new mission project by children's church students.

Shamokin Alliance

Shamokin Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Second and Arch streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Samuel Bellavia.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m. Classes available for all ages.

Worship services - 8:30 and 10:50 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Offered are small groups and cottage prayer meetings for adults. Contact church at 644-1718.

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 7 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin (former Jewish synagogue), 648-7770.

Pastor - John Peters.

Saturday sabbath school - 9:30 a.m., with classes for children and adults.

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

Activities - Tuesday, family Bible studies, 7 p.m.

Stonington Baptist

Stonington Baptist Church, Hosta Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - The Rev. J. Douglas Hallman.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, AWANA clubs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade and Word of Life clubs for grades 7 to 12, 6:30 p.m., prayer service, 7 p.m.

Trevorton UMC

Trevorton United Methodist Church, Shamokin Street, Trevorton.

Pastor - The Rev. Al Schell Jr.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Participant - Nancy Korenkiewicz, pianist, organist and choir director.

Activities - Thursdays, Bible study taught by Roxanne Klinger, 7 p.m.; second Tuesday of the month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

Trinity Evangelical

Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 28 W. Arch St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Brian Betsworth.

Sunday school - 9:50 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church, 65 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Ned Moser, lector; Mary Tharp, communion assistant; Mindy Shingara, supply organist; Mary and Syd Tharp, altar guild.

True Grace Bible Ministry

True Grace Bible Ministry, 950 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday service - 10:30 a.m., with children's study time.

Activities - Tuesday morning, Bible study and prayer service, 10:30 a.m. For information, call 648-9776.

Union Evangelical

Union Evangelical Free Church, Ashland/Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Larry Coutlee.

Sunday school - 10 a.m. for all ages.`

Junior church available for ages 12 and under.

Morning worship - 11 a.m.

Informal evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Tuesday, Crossfire Youth meeting for boys and girls at Gordon Youth Center, 6 to 9 p.m.; third Tuesday of each month, community hot dog night, 6 to 8 p.m., all welcome, free hot dogs, chips, soda, coffee and juice; Wednesday, devotional and prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, Fit for the Kingdom, 5:45 p.m., Crossfire Youth meeting for boys and girls at Ashland Youth Center, 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Crossfire youth meeting for boys and girls at Ashland Youth Center, 2 to 5 p.m.

United Presbyterian

United Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Fifth St., Mount Carmel.

Lay minister - William Ronald Dixon.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Scripture - John 2: 1-12.

Message - "Six Water Pots."

Participants - Dale Schimpf, organist; Deb Wydra, acolyte; Ellsworth George and Andrew Mekosh, ushers; Dorothy Snyder, greeters.

Victory Bible Church

Victory Bible Church, Snydertown Highway, three miles from Elysburg.

Pastor - Kevin Kline.

Worship - 10 a.m., with Sunday school for youth at the same time.

Evening worship - 7 p.m.

Wilburton UMC

Wilburton United Methodist Church, Wilburton.

Pastor - Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 8:45 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Primitive

Zion Primitive Methodist Church, 33 N. Market St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. David E. Wildoner.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m. with communion. Gideons will be at the service.

Saturday, Bible study, 10 a.m.

Participants - Elizabeth Broda, Stan Broda, Ken Angeli, Cy Kufu and Gene Leatherman.

All of February will be Souper Sundays. Bring a can of soup or other groceries for food pantry.

Activities - Sunday, Gideons will be at morning worship service at 9:30 a.m.; Monday, time to make donuts at 10 a.m.; Tuesday, donut day, pickup is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., trustee board at 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Ash Wednesday service, 5 p.m.

Zion UMC

Zion United Methodist Church, Aristes.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 9:50 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Methodist

Zion United Methodist Church, Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - Rev. Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bible study, 1 p.m.; first Tuesday of the month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

CATAWISSA RR - The Southern Columbia Area senior class and art club announced Friday they are planning the inaugural Empty Bowl fundraiser to be held Feb. 24 in the high school cafeteria.

The goal is to raise as much money as possible and donate 100 percent of the funds to Manna For The Many, a local book bank in Shamokin.

Tickets for $5 will be sold in advance and at the door, and will include a hand-crafted bowl made by art students and unlimited soup, bread and drinks.

Guests are asked to keep their selected bowl as a reminder of all the empty food bowls in the world.

Manna For The Many feeds more than 700 families in the area, and provide food and other staples at a rate of 15,000 items every three months.

The fundraising organizers are asking local businesses to support the cause and donate homemade soup, bread or crackers. Since other items are needed as well, the businesses are encouraged to contact the students for more specific ideas.

They can be reached by calling Abby Menefee at 259-5126; Jasmine Olvany at 259-6621; and Kelly Henry at 317-7058; or by emailing emptybowl@scasd.us.

POTTSVILLE - A Northumberland County man faces state prison time after being convicted Monday in Schuylkill County Court of breaking into a Shenandoah home in May.

Dale R. Heintzelman, 35, of Bear Gap, Elysburg, said nothing as the jury found him guilty of burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property and loitering and prowling at nighttime. The jury of seven men and five women deliberated about two hours before reaching its verdict.

Judge John E. Domalakes, who presided over Heintzelman's one-day trial, found him guilty of a summary charge of criminal mischief, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and scheduled the defendant's sentencing for 9:30 a.m. April 2.

Domalakes also increased Heintzelman's bail from $5,000 unsecured to $10,000 percentage, which requires him to post $1,000 cash in order to be released pending further court proceedings. Heintzelman failed to post the money and was handcuffed and led to prison.

Shenandoah police charged Heintzelman with breaking into 15-17 S. Catherine St. about 2:15 a.m. May 5, and taking $285 in currency, miscellaneous coins and six DVDs.

"'You got me,' " was what Heintzelman said as he left the house, Frackville police Patrolman Christopher Hand, who had been called in to assist Shenandoah officers, testified.

Shenandoah Patrolman Michael O'Neill said Heintzelman still was in the house when he entered it.

"I could hear footsteps on the second floor," O'Neill testified.

O'Neill said he found the coins, currency and DVDs on Heintzelman when he search the defendant.

Heintzelman testified he went in the house just to get out of the rain, and had no intention of taking anything but was curious and did not deny pocketing the items once he was in the building.

"I thought the place was abandoned," he said.

Assistant Public Defender Kent D. Watkins, Heintzelman's lawyer, said in his closing argument that his client was not guilty of burglary and criminal trespass because of that lack of intent.

"He's not on a burglary-stealing binge," Watkins said. "The proof is not there."

Assistant District Attorney Douglas J. Taglieri said quite the opposite in his closing argument.

"The defendant's testimony, as to his intent, is nonsense," Taglieri said. "He took his time there. He was gathering what he could, he was caught red-handed."

MOUNT CARMEL - The preliminary hearings for a young couple who allegedly stole a sports utility vehicle in December and eluded police for nearly nine hours while transporting an unrestrained 9-month-old child are scheduled for Wednesday in the Mount Carmel office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones.

The Mount Carmel Township charges against David Anthony Pavloski II, 22, of 42 N. Maple St., Mount Carmel, and Courtney Klemick, 21, of 222 Second St., Wilburton No. 1, are not the same charges that the couple appeared for in front of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III in Shamokin Tuesday, but are related to the same incident.

Pavloski and Klemick were arraigned in front of Jones Tuesday on charges of one felony count each of criminal conspiracy, receiving stolen property and fleeing or attempting to elude police and four misdemeanor counts each of flight to avoid apprehension, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Daniel Politza.

According to the criminal complaint, the couple stole a 2003 Buick Rendezvous from a friend, Jessica Long, of 1125 W. Gowen St., Coal Township, at 2:28 a.m. Dec. 12. They eluded police for nearly nine hours, and were eventually apprehended without further incident in Pavloski's home that morning.

Additional charges - felonies of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, and a misdemeanor of criminal mischief - were filed in Coal Township by Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky.

On Tuesday, the couple appeared before Gembic for these Coal Township charges and were ordered to appear March 25 in the Court of Common Pleas, where they can plead guilty or no contest, or seek trial by pleading guilty.

Pavloski remains in Northumberland County Prison Thursday in lieu of $50,000 bail in relation to the Mount Carmel Township charges, but is awaiting transfer to a state correctional institution for a parole violation.

Klemick, who was released by Gembic on unsecured bail on the Coal Township charges, also remains in county prison Thursday in lieu of $50,000 in relation to the Mount Carmel Township charges.