ELYSBURG - Witnesses of a brutal four-vehicle accident involving a tractor-trailer that crushed the rear of a Ford Mustang were astonished Monday afternoon that no one died.

The chain-reaction accident on Route 54 just outside Elysburg sounded like a "half of stick of dynamite exploding," said Brad Anecki, who lives next to the scene of the accident at 438 N. Market St.

The 2:30 p.m. collision - which trapped two drivers in their cars - occurred just west of Farnsworth Camping Center facility while a mixture of snow and rain fell throughout the region.

"The person in the middle car, I didn't think he'd survive. Look at it. Half the car is under the truck," he said about the Mustang.

Jeremy Gehret, of Elysburg, who was driving a few car lengths behind the vehicles involved, watched the scene unfold.

"It was bad. I'm surprised..." Gehret said, trailing off. "When I ran over to the black car (the Mustang), I was nervous as to what I'd find."

Police did not release the names of the people in the crash Monday night, but said five people were taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, after the accident.

Freeing the drivers

More than a dozen emergency responders worked for nearly 40 minutes to free two people: the driver of a silver Toyota Prius and the driver of the Mustang.

The back of the Mustang was crushed by the cab of the tractor-trailer, owned by Kova Schetz Trucking, of Sunbury. The front left wheel rested slightly on what remained of the rear of the Mustang while responders attempted to free the driver from the crushed car. With a hydraulic tool, firefighters peeled back twisted metal and debris to reach the individual.

The driver of the Mustang was freed at 3:10 p.m. and was taken by stretcher to an ambulance.

About 10 minutes earlier, the driver of the Prius was freed from the vehicle and also taken by stretcher to an ambulance.

Both drivers were moving and conscious during the ordeal.

At 2:40 p.m., a person wearing an oxygen mask and neck brace was taken by stretcher to an ambulance. Another individual with an arm injury was later escorted away from the scene.

How it happened

Gehret was traveling east toward Elysburg a few car lengths behind the tractor-trailer, which was following the Mustang.

Gehret said it appeared the Mustang slowed, then the tractor trailer collided with the back of the vehicle. The Mustang was forced sharply into westbound lane, where it collided with the Prius, he said.

The cab of the tractor-trailer then crushed the back of the Mustang. The chain reaction also caused a blue Dodge Dakota pickup truck to collide with the Prius.

The truck sustained minor damage to the front bumper.

'Still shaking'

Anecki, owner of Brad's Motorcycle and ATV Repair, was in his house with his family when he heard the crash.

Both Gehret and Anecki called 911 immediately and provided assistance to the victims while waiting for emergency responders. Anecki provided blankets and chairs for those able to get out of the cars; Gehret attempted to keep the trapped individuals conscious when he was unable to open the vehicle doors.

"I'm still shaking, from the cold and from seeing it happen," Gehret said.

Responding were AREA Services, Elysburg Ambulance and Danville Ambulance, fire police, officers from Ralpho Township Police, state police at Stonington, Northumberland County Department of Public Safety and more than a dozen firefighters from Ralpho Fire Company, Elysburg Fire Company and Shamokin Emergency Squad.

Motorists traveling Route 54 in and out of Elysburg were detoured onto Penn Avenue and Southview Drive until 9:25 p.m., about seven hours after the crash occured.

Springfield, Ill., got a record 17 inches of snow when an unwelcome winter storm moved across the country, but it lost most of its punch by the time it hit central Pennsylvania early Monday.

It still managed to carpet lawns and fields in a fresh layer of white and made Monday morning's commute slow for motorists.

A light snow started falling in Northumberland County in the middle of the night, but it mixed with rain throughout the day, limiting the accumulation, as the temperature rose into the upper 30s, to a high of 37 degrees in the area.

Meteorlogist Craig Evanego, from the National Weather Service office in State College, reported the mix kept accumulations down. No observers made any reports for Northumberland County, he said, with the closest reading being a quarter-inch of snow in Williamsport.

South of the Shamokin Area, in Harrisburg, Lancaster to the Maryland border, reports varied with area receiving between three and seven inches of snow.

'Supposed to be spring'

The cold temperatures and miserable mixture of snow and rain had people longing for more agreeable weather.

"I'm ready for flip flops," said Jessica Cunitz, 24, of Westchester County, N.Y., who stopped at a gas station along I-78 near Hamburg to fill her overheating car with antifreeze. "It's supposed to be spring."

Air travel saw the biggest impact with nearly 600 flights canceled as of Monday afternoon, according to the FlightAware tracking service. Hardest-hit airports included those in New York, Philadelphia and Washington.

Roadways, meanwhile, were mostly wet.

At the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, people waiting in line for tickets to this week's arguments on gay marriage held umbrellas or put tarps over their belongings as the snow fell. Darienn Powers wore a trash bag from the waist down to keep dry, but said the snow still made everything "a little wet and uncomfortable."

The spring snow was not expected to affect Washington's famous cherry blossoms. National Park Service spokeswoman Carol Johnson said the flowering trees are still expected to reach peak bloom between April 3 and April 6.

Mitchell Gaines, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, N.J., said colder-than-normal temperatures the past few weeks had created conditions ripe for snow.

"It's fairly late in March to see a system like this," he said.

Getting warmer

The NWS forecast shows things improving as the week goes on.

There's still a 30 percent chance of rain and snow showers Tuesday, with a high near 41. But partly sunny skies with temperatures near 50 are on tap for Saturday, which is the opening day of trout season in the southern part of Pennsylvania, which includes the Mahantongo Creek, which creates the border between Northumberland and Dauphin counties, and Easter Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high of 52.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School Board merit award winners for January are Niracha Marchetti, high school student, and Tyler Barnhardt, elementary student.

Marchetti, a senior, is a daughter of Jack and Kanokkorn Marchetti, of Strong. She was nominated for the aeard by Walt Kozlowski, school library media specialist and English teacher.

"Although, Niracha is an ESL (English as a Second Language) student from Thailand with limited experience speaking English, she has excelled in my class and other classes," Kozlowski said. "As a result of her conscientious efforts, she has not only been able to do well in vocabulary quizzes and informal writing assignments, but has also shown the ability to express herself in a more complex fashion.

"Niracha's efforts at MCA are not limited to Academics. She joined the cross country team and, despite her inexperience, became a valued member of the team. She not only won races, but also gave her best effort," Kozlowski continued. "Her smile, pleasant personality and her good example have made her a valuable addition to MCA. She has been a role model of someone who overcomes disadvantages as the result of dedication, self-discipline and hard work."

Barnhardt, a son of Jason and Margaret Barnhardt, of Den Mar Gardens.

He was nominated for the award by Michaelyn Reichwein, his homeroom and language arts teacher.

"Academically, Tyler excels. He always works to his fullest potential and is a responsible, conscientious individual. He is also a great role model for others," Reichwein said. "Tyler is kind, considerate, polite, and well liked by both his teachers and peers. He never hesitates to give his free time to classmates who need tutoring or assistance."

Barnhardt is a distinguished honor roll student. He is actively involved in Odyssey of the Mind. Outside of school, Tyler is involved with the Sharks swim team and Cub Scouts, and devotes many hours serving his community. He is an altar server for Divine Redeemer Church in Mount Carmel and is active in the Anthracite Citizens' Theatre.

SUNBURY - The Mount Carmel teen charged with intentionally setting a fire March 17 at a vacant property in the borough was adjudicated delinquent on three criminal charges Thursday afternoon during a hearing before Judge Charles H. Saylor.

Northumberland County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Willliam Rossnock said the 13-year-old boy was adjudicated on a felony count of arson (risking a catastrophe) and misdemeanors of reckless endangerment and criminal trespass. Two additional felony counts of arson (recklessly endangering a person and recklessly endangering property) were not prosecuted.

Being adjudicated delinquent in the juvenile court system is the same as being found guilty.

Rossnock said the teen, who had been detained in Northwestern Academy in Coal Township, has been placed on house arrest, where he will be monitored by juvenile probation officers.

A juvenile petition filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Jason Drumheller initially charged the teen with felonies of arson and risking a catastrophe, and misdemeanors of reckless endangerment, criminal trespass and tampering with evidence.

Police said a 12-year-old male who was with the teen and has cooperated in the investigation will be charged with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.

The 5:30 p.m. fire heavily damaged the basement at 207 N. Chestnut St., which is connected to a former apartment building at 301 East Ave. gutted by fire in 2010.

Mount Carmel Chief of Police Todd Owens said the teen, who was taken into custody at the scene, admitted setting a blanket or curtain on fire in the basement with a lighter that he later buried along a railroad bed near the borough baseball complex. Police used a metal detector to find the lighter.

The police chief said the boy set the fire to stay warm.

Owens said both boys were seen by witnesses fleeing the scene of the fire shortly after heavy smoke was reported coming from the structure.

WEST CHESTER - Erin Shamansky, a senior at West Chester University, was named to the university's dean's list for the fall semester with a 3.866 grade point average.

She is a business marketing major with a minor in accounting, and is seasonally employed at Playland Arcade. She also volunteers as a University Ambassador.

A graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, Shamansky is a daughter of Michael and Barbara Shamansky, of Mount Carmel, and a granddaughter of Margaret Madden, of Ranshaw.

By Justin Strawser

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi said it's time to consider construction of a new county prison rather than maintaining the old one that is "too old and falling apart."

"We have a major problem. We must do something to correct it," Clausi said during a meeting of the commissioners Tuesday.

He said he was not at liberty to disclose the details that led to his announcement, but he warned fellow commissioners and other officials present that he fears the county will be subjected to millions of dollars worth of lawsuits. And, if a federal judge stepped in and closed the prison, it would cost the county more than $7 million a year to transport inmates to other facilities, he said.

"It's time to take the bull by the horns and move forward," he said during a brief discussion.

It was less than a year ago that the county settled a federal lawsuit with the Lewisburg Prison Project, a nonprofit inmate advocacy group, on behalf of inmates who complained of inadequate health care and unsafe housing conditions. Earlier this month, a $1.6 million federal lawsuit was filed by eight inmates against administrators and correctional officers claiming inhumane conditions, but also racial discrimination, retaliation and cruel and unusual punishment.

Commissioner Stephen Bridy said he has been in contact with the Army Corps of Engineers to assist with design plans, and noted the county needs to figure out a way for the project to help pay for itself over time.

Clausi suggested they could contact the federal government and offer to house undocumented immigrants at a fee, then build the prison large enough to accommodate those extra inmates. That would allow the prison to be self-sustaining, he said.

Commissioner Richard Shoch agreed with making a move despite budget issues, and said it might save the county money in the long run.

However, he said, "We should reach out to our neighboring counties (to build a regional prison) as a last-ditch effort."

Clausi said former commissioner boards have attempted to partner with neighboring counties, but all proposals in the past failed to move forward.

"We have to move fast, or we'll get into more million-dollar lawsuits," he said.

No votes were taken in relation to the prison.

911 center proposals

The commissioners unanimously authorized advertising for requests for proposals for the proposed 911 center project as requested by the Department of Public Safety.

The 2012 budget includes $10 million for a capital improvement project involving federal-mandated upgrades to the county 911 communications center that must be completed by Dec. 31, 2013.

The original motion was to ask for two proposals, but Shoch requested and Bridy and Clausi agreed to not limit the number so the county can keep its options open.

Mentioned as part of the discussion is the fact that the county currently pays Union County to provide 911 services to the northern panhandle, and the county may be updating its 911 services to include new radio towers in that part area.

Shoch said he wanted to seek additional proposals to see it would make more sense to continue the partnership with Union County or build their own radio towers.

"We don't want to duplicate the efforts or the costs," Shoch said.

Caseworker exodus

In other business, the county directed Human Resource Director Joseph Picarelli to enter into a dialogue with the union representing social service employees to develop a proposal to reduce caseworker turnover. Clausi said the exodus of underpaid employees is costing the county nearly $180,000 a year in training new employees.

The following churches have announced special services for Holy Week celebrations, beginning Thursday:

Trevorton United Methodist Church

Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday service will be held at the church, on Shamokin Street, Trevorton, at 7 p.m. Thursday evening. Good Friday services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday.

Church Pastor The Rev. Al Schell Jr. will preside over both services and the public is invited to attend.

Salem UCC

Rev. Jean Eckrod, pastor of Salem United Church of Christ, 1300 W. Pine St., Coal Township, will lead Maundy Thursday services at the church at 7 p.m. Thursday. Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Assisting Eckrod in the service will be Grace Stank, lay leader; Carolyn Weaver, organist; Judie Zabawsky, choir director and accompanist; Salem choir, anthem; Brian Williams, lighting/sound; Helen Martin and Suzzette Steinhart, greeters; Ken Staner, Corinne Foltz and Earl and Lori Foura, ushers.

Bethel Union Chapel

With Pastor Dane Butler celebrating, Bethel Union Church, 3449 Upper Road, West Cameron, will hold its Good Friday service at 2 p.m. Friday.

On Easter Sunday, Sonrise service will be held at 6:30 a.m. Sunday with special music by Dan Clark. Easter service will be at 9:30 a.m. with Holy Communion celebrated and special music by Kerry Seger. There will be no evening service.

Grace Lutheran, Shamokin, St. Paul Lutheran, Gowen City

Grace Lutheran Church, West Chestnut Street, Shamokin, and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Gowen City, will hold joint services during Holy Week. The Rev. David M. Byerly, is pastor for both congregations.

A joint Maundy Thursday service of Word and Sacrament will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Grace Lutheran. Walter Boyer will be organist and Charlene Pell is choir director.

Participants in the service are Ron Weller, worship assistant; Austin Joraskie, acolyte/crucifer; St. Paul members, communion bearers; Beverly Deitz, altar care, and Jeffrey Clutcher, Bill Hoffa, Ron Polastre, James Shingara and Robert Weaver, ushers.

The service will conclude with the stripping of the altar in preparation of Good Friday.

The two congregations will observe Good Friday with a joint service at 7 p.m. Friday in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Gowen City. The solemn service will focus on Christ's passion and death on the cross. Walter Boyer is organist, Claire Bonshock is lector and Brianna Bonshock is acolyte/crucifer.

A joint sunrise service will be held on Easter morning in St. Paul Cemetery, Gowen City, beginning at 6:30 a.m. If it is raining, the service will be held in St. Paul Lutheran Church. Coffee and donuts will be served in the social hall of St. Paul Lutheran Church following the service.

St. Paul Lutheran will hold its regular Sunday service on Easter at 8:15 a.m. The Easter service of Word and Sacrament will be held at Grace Lutheran, Shamokin, at 10:15 a.m.

The public is invited to attend all of the Holy Week services.

COAL RUN - Coal Township police reported charges are pending against the driver of a pickup truck involved in a crash early Saturday morning that damaged two parked cars along Route 2026 and knocked out electricity and cable service for much of the day in this Coal Township village.

Coal Township Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky identified the driver as Steven Knock, 23, of 14 S. Willow St., Mount Carmel.

According to police, Knock was driving west at 3:47 a.m. at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his truck, which left the road and struck a parked Kia Sorento LX and a parked Ford Expedition owned by Nikola Kolovic and his son, Aleksander Kolovic, both of 317 State Route 2026, Coal Run.

The vehicles were parked in an unpaved lot across the road from the Kolovic residence.

Police said Knock's truck then flipped onto its side and struck and cracked a PPL pole before coming to rest.

The parked vehicles sustained heavy damage. Knock's truck also sustained extensive damage and was towed.

Knock escaped injury.

Crews from PPL and Service Electric Company were able to replace the pole and restore power by Saturday evening.

Coal Township firefighters and AREA Services Ambulance personnel assisted.

The investigation continues.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area Middle-High School students will present the musical "Jekyll and Hyde" at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, in the auditorium.

Tickets can be purchased in advance in the business office, by calling 648-5752, extension 4114, or at the door. All seats are $10.

The dramatic story, set in London in 1888, centers around Dr. Henry Jekyll. Jekyll believes there are both good and evil components to one's personality, and has developed a formula that can isolate one from the other, ultimately creating a society of "good." While his fiancé, Emma Carew, and good friend John Utterson are supportive of his endeavors, most others are not - including the board of governors at the local hospital, who deny him a human test subject. Realizing he is running out of options, Dr. Jekyll runs the experiment on himself.

Unfortunately, things don't go according to plan, and the evil personality of Edward Hyde emerges. As Hyde evolves and overtakes Jekyll, mysterious murders begin to occur throughout the city. To complicate matters, both Jekyll and Hyde are drawn to Lucy Harris, a bold yet vulnerable entertainer at a local club. Dr. Jekyll wages war on himself to overcome Hyde and restore order to his life, but his success remains to be seen.

Popular songs from the show include "This Is the Moment" and "Someone Like You."

The cast includes Paul Gurba (Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde), Corey Levi (John Utterson), Jill Britton (Emma Carew), Angela Kinder (Lucy Harris), Sir Danvers Carew (Anthony Anonia), Katie Augustitus, Richard Brown, Nick McWilliams, Graeme Shappell, Brady Haupt, Theo Deptula (Board of Governors), Cole Supsic (Poole), Molly Hasuga (Nellie) and Jackie Augustitus, Elizabeth Bednar, Stephanie Dressler, Heather Elliott, Tevin Gonzalez, Megan Goodrich, Abby Halderman, Ashley Keiser, Katie Madara, Leah Mirolli, Danielle Polidario, Sarah Purcell, Jessica Schleig, Jasmine Wagner and Jessica Wywadis (people of London).

The show is under the direction of Kevin Styer. Assistant director is Mary Anne Stump. Art director is Shawn McGugan. Technical director is Scott Anderson.

Luzerne County Community College announced the following students have earned recognition for outstanding academic achievement during the fall emester.

To qualify for the president's list, a student must earn a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average. Students who attain a grade-point average between 3.5 and 3.99 are included on the dean's list, and those with an average between 3.25 and 3.49 are included on the honors list.

Dean's list

Ashland - Jessica Fetterolf, Sara Meier.

Atlas - Kathleen Daniels, Heather Smith.

Catawissa - Sarah Hartman, Paul Neyer.

Coal Township - Ryan Bourinski, Brandie Maurer, Veronica Moore, Brianne Ramer, Cynthia Thomas.

Danville - Sean Dwyer. Derek Gill, Russell Heath, Amanda Hopper, Kaitlyn Raup, Tyler Shobert.

Dornsife - Jaclyn Gaugler, Cody Rebuck.

Elysburg - Alisha Gutekunst, Christopher Medon, Lauren Wilson.

Kulpmont - Katherine Fitzpatrick, Shannon Getchey, Samantha Ortona.

Marion Heights - Valerie Bendas, Taylor Glassic, Joseph Kort, Kimberly Ortona.

Mount Carmel - Hasan Abuomar, Jarad Cambria, David Demarco, Courtney Grabowski, Cecilia Plisiewicz, Brian Strocko.

Ranshaw - Roni LaRose.

Shamokin - Kyle Bainbridge, Jillianne Bartholomew, Abigail Beach, Walter Borkoskie, Diane Gidaro, Sharon Goldman, Gregory Hoffman, Lauren Kurtz, Justin Leonard, Teresa Lopez, Bryan Pope, John Seedor, Caitlin Sherman.

Sunbury - Casandra Bradigan, Matthew Chiboroski. Lindsay Elliott, Brandon Kazar, Elizabeth Rathfon, Jamie Ruzicka, Samantha Spishock.

Trevorton - Michael Krankowski, Timothy Marciniak.

Wilburton - Colleen Johnson.

Honors list

Catawissa - Joshua Samuels.

Coal Township - Kristina Bielski, Brooke Derr, Anthony Graboski, Marianne Honicker. Colby Pauzer. Diane Sherupski, Brandon Verano, Kimberly Wasileski, Kay Williams, Maggie Young.

Danville - Jessica Bergenstock, Lindsay English. Devante King, Terri Starr.

Dornsife - Tiffany Frits.

Elysburg - Nicole Shipe.

Herndon - Ashlee Hoch.

Kulpmont - Alicia Britton.

Mount Carmel - Andy Huhn, Chelsea Lentini, Justin Rogers, Craig Smedley, Amy Yucha.

Riverside - Austin Brown.

Shamokin - Konrad Kehler, Haley Novack, Shanna Orme, Cassondra Senoski, Erienne Strouse, Alyssa Vittorio, Stephen Wengrenovich.

Sunbury - Susan Vlock.

Wilburton - Cheryl Slotterback.

President's list

Ashland - Brian Jenkins, Brett Paul.

Catawissa - Melissa Helwig, Erika Herr, Wanda Riley

Coal Township - Kayla Hart, Kegan Polastre.

Danville - Jamie Derr, Sandra Groote, Carley McCahan, Sierra Pequignot, Annie Seif.

Dornsife - Meredith Cook.

Elysburg - Tyler Levan.

Mount Carmel - Nicole Homicz, Christina Zanella.

Shamokin - Marla Brugger, Angela Maschuck, Rebecca Noles, Rebecca Rummel.

Sunbury - Courtney Krieger, Brian Saxton, Susan Snyder-Strawser.

Trevorton - Alisha Lebo, Jessica May.

Wilburton - Tyler Wolfe.

By Justin Strawser

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Commissioner Stephen Bridy had support from several members of the public Tuesday in his latest effort to have the county pass a resolution in support of the right to bear arms.

Once again, however, he didn't have the support of his fellow commissioners.

Bridy said the commissioners, as public officials, have taken an oath of office to support the U.S. Constitution and the state Constitution, and he made a motion to challenge any infringements on the Second Amendment.

Specifically, it would "challenge any federal act, bill, law, rule or executive order that attempts to prevent or curtail law-abiding citizens of Northumberland County from purchasing any currently legally available firearm, ammunition or magazine, and give permission to the county to join any amicus brief or other legal action to challenge the constitutionality" of any such action.

Bridy's motion died for lack of a second, but three individuals from People Against the NDAA (PANDA) Pennsylvania criticized Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Richard Shoch for not supporting Bridy. NDAA is the National Defense Authorization Act.

Sunbury Constable Ed Quiggle, state team leader for PANDA PA and leader for the Sunbury chapter, thanked Bridy and urged the other two commissioners to reconsider their lack of action.

"We need to do something to protect the citizens of Northumberland County," he said.

John Burd, a PANDA member from Coal Township, and Roger Bordzinski, a member from Sunbury, reiterated Quiggle's plea.

Clausi said he was not comfortable passing a resolution as the one Bridy suggested without researching it further, and Shoch said he asked for more information at the last meeting and hasn't gotten any.

Later, Shoch said he wasn't convinced if it would be proper to use county money to challenge the federal government and use Northumberland County as a "battleground" against potential overreach.

Bridy said the county wouldn't have to spend additional money since Assistant Solicitor John Muncer is well versed in Constitutional law.

Bridy tried earlier this month to pass a similar resolution that stated "any federal act, bill, law, rule or executive order that in any way infringes upon our Second Amendment rights by attempting to reduce the private ownership of any firearm, magazine or ammunition shall be unenforceable in Northumberland County."

The issue was tabled last month for further research by solicitor Frank Garrigan, who said at the time he didn't know if such a resolution would be enforceable.

Susquehanna County and communities throughout the state, including Gilberton in Schuylkill County, have passed similar resolutions. Quiggle was instrumental in convincing Sunbury City Council in February to pass a broader resolution without mentioning the Second Amendment that states the council is concerned with the "overreach of the federal government." The council is requesting U.S. Sen. Lou Barletta (R-11) introduce, support and secure legislation that will guarantee all citizens the unalienable rights guaranteed to citizens under the Constitution.

TREVORTON - The Trevorton Senior Action Center met Thursday, March 7, with ten members and two Area Agency personnel in attendance.

The meeting opened with prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

Secretary's report was given by Wanda Heath and was approved as read.

Treasurer's report was given by Edwina Savidge and was approved as read.

A financial report from the Travel Committee was read by Savidge and was approved as read.

The group welcomed Robert (Bob) Sager as the new treasurer and thanked him for volunteering to take over this position.

A trip to Wildwood, N.J., is planned June 10 to 14. Cost is $400 per person for a double occupancy at Montego Bay Resort on the boardwalk and includes transportation, four dinners, four full breakfasts at the hotel, four nights of entertainment, one day in Atlantic City, N.J., sightseeing, a dolphin watch cruise and visits to Wildwood boardwalk, Victorian Cape May, historic Smithville, and Woodland Village & Teaberry Antiques. Contact Joyce at 648-3695 or Nina at 648-0545 for more information.

The fundraiser for March was homemade Easter eggs.

The group will celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with activities throughout the day and Volunteer Day on April 24; everyone is welcome.

Monthly calendars are available at the center. Membership enrollment is open and the group welcomes new faces to join the center for fun and fellowship.

Manager Diana Smeal gave a report on up-coming activities, which will be set up in April and May.

A birthday party was held Friday, March 15, and a free members breakfast was held Monday.

The center will be closed on Friday for Good Friday.

Theresa McCabe, representing Area Agency on Aging, gave brief reports from the agency and offered a question and answer portion at the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned and bingo followed.

MANDATA - Line Mountain School Board approved a $9.7 million construction project that will bring geothermal wells and a new heating and air conditioning system to the junior/senior high school, along with other renovations on campus.

Following a 90-minute discussion at Tuesday's meeting, the board voted 7-2 to award $9,726.812 in contracts to drill geothermal wells on the campus and install a new HVAC system throughout the school.

The new system will give the school the ability to have climate control in classrooms, something that superintendent Dave Campbell wanted to see.

"You see businesses doing renovations to create a better working environment for their employees," Campbell said. "We are trying to create a learning environment for the 21st century. Students that are sitting here sweating and uncomfortable are not productive and learning."

The bid package approved other renovations on campus, including the replacement of the wooden windows in the building, construction of a free-standing maintenance garage with a salt shed and resurfacing of the main access road.

Voting to award the contracts were directors Troy Laudenslager, Dennis Erdman, Lawrence Neidig, David Bartholomew, Lauren Hackenburg, Ronald Neidig and Daniel Zablosky. Directors Lamont Masser and Marlin Yeager Jr. voted against the project.

MOUNT CARMEL - When Jessika Meyer opened her latest water bill, she got quite a shock.

It showed the Dooleyville resident, who moved to the area from New Jersey in December, used 32,600 gallons of water between Feb. 5 and March 5 and owed $350.91.

"I couldn't believe when I saw it," Meyer said. "There was no way I used that much water."

She was right, but it took a few phone calls and some help from The News-Item to get things straightened out.

1,164 gallons a day

The bill from Aqua Pennsylvania, dated March 7, showed her average daily usage of 1,164 gallons, which took the total from 8,500 gallons when her meter was read on Feb. 5 to 41,100 gallons by March 5.

Aqua Pennsylvania charges a $16 fee for service and a rate of nine-tenths of a cent for the first 2,000 gallons of water, reported on Meyer's bill to be $18.14. The rest of the water on Meyer's bill, 30,600 gallons, costs a little more than a penny a gallon, adding $316.77 to the $18.14 and $16 for a total of $350.91.

Just moving into the home a few months ago, she lives with her dog, Isis, but says her habits do not support using that much water.

"I don't have a washer or dryer here," said Meyer, who is eight months pregnant. "I'm splitting my time between living here and New Jersey where my boyfriend is at. I take showers at my mom's house, mostly use paper plates and drink bottled water. Doing all that, how did I use 32,000 gallons of water in a month?

Searching for answers

Meyer contacted Aqua in search of an explanation. The company dispatched a technician on March 14 who found no evidence of a leak at her home.

He checked the meter, which showed that in the nine days since the March 5, Meyer had used approximately 600 gallons - an average daily use of 66 gallons, far under her 1,164 a day from the prior month.

"The technician said to me that a family of five doesn't use that much water like my bill said, even when they fill a 5-foot deep (swimming) pool," she said.

Armed with that information, Meyer contacted Aqua's customer service division seeking help in having the bill adjusted. She said the woman she spoke with wasn't sympathetic.

"They told me whatever the amount was, it had to be paid before they can launch an investigation to possibly give me a credit," she said.

With a March 29 payment looming, and concerned her water would be shut off, she contacted The News-Item for help.

Problem solved

Donna Alston, director of communications for Aqua Pennsylvania, looked into the matter at The News-Item's request. She said the problem stemmed from the 911 readdressing taking place in Northumberland County. Meter readings from Meyer's bill and that of another residential customer were mixed, resulting in the extremely high, but incorrect, gallon usage and subsequent charge, Alston said.

Alston said only two accounts were affected and Aqua had fixed the problem by Tuesday afternoon.

She said based on the meter reading done by the technician on March 14, Meyer will be given a credit for all consumption of water over 2,000 gallons and issued an abatement for $316.77.

Alston also said a courtesy hold was placed on the account, so Meyer will not incur any late penalties.

She was happy about the good news.

"I'm so grateful for all the help I got to get this all straightened out," Meyer said. "It's a big relief to have that burden lifted."

Teaching lesson

Beyond the billing mixup, Alston noted Meyer owed from December because she hadn't contacted Aqua upon moving into her home.

"Just because your electric or water is running at your new residence, or, in this case, you move into a new home that is still in your utility's coverage area, don't assume we know about the switch," Alston said. "You should always contact your utility company and register with them."

Meyer said she thought her mother had signed up for water service and was getting the bill until she received the mixed up March bill.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court April 29 at Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Robert Allen Wehner, 37, of 1557 Wabash St., Coal Township, waived to court charges of simple assault and harassment.

He was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Jason Adams with assaulting his live-in girlfriend, Brandy Johnson, at their home Nov. 17.

n Robert E. Palmer, 43, of White Deer, waived to court charges of criminal attempt to commit theft and criminal conspiracy to commit theft involving a Nov. 19 incident.

Palmer was charged by Trooper James McCormick with stealing a scrap air conditioning unit valued at $150 from LTS Plumbing and Heating Inc. off Route 61 in Shamokin Township.

n Brandie M. Dietrich, 20, of 213 S. Poplar St., Mount Carmel, waived to court a retail theft charge filed by Coal Township Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky.

Dietrich was charged with stealing $112.23 in merchandise from Wal-Mart Supercenter on Route 61 on Dec. 24.

n Barry Anoia, 27, of 1118 W. Walnut St., Coal Township, waived to court charges of burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal trespass.

Anoia was charged by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn with entering the home of Rebecca Hadfield, 1116 W. Walnut St. and stealing a lock box containing various medications, including Xanax. Police said the burglary occurred March 9.

n Nicole L. Bower, 27, of 1344 Hosta Road, Paxinos, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs.

A charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was withdrawn.

Bower was charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan in connection with an Oct. 8 incident in the parking lot at the Anthra Plaza.

n Marie T. Mielke, 29, of 106 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton, waived to court charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and various traffic violations relating to a vehicle stop on Coal Street near Fourth Street in Trevorton on Dec. 6.

The charges were filed by Cpl. George Ritchey of state police at Stonington.

n Kayla Holman, 22, of 38 N. Market St., Shamokin, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license, careless driving and failure to wear a seat belt relating to a Feb. 2 accident on Route 225 in Zerbe Township.

The charges were filed by Trooper Barry Wooten of state police at Stonington.

n Wayne Robert Klinger, 42, of 1 S. Walnut St., Mount Carmel, pleaded guilty to criminal mischief and was ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs and make restitution in the amount of $21.

Charges of theft and receiving stolen property were withdrawn.

Klinger was charged by Shamokin Patrolman William Miner with using a credit card from his employer, S&D Saw & Tool Co., Shamokin, to purchase $21 worth of gas for his personal vehicle on Feb. 5.

n Timmy Herb, 23, of 1245 W. Walnut St., Coal Township, waived to court multiple drug-related charges involving two separate incidents in Coal Township.

Herb waived to court charges of driving under the influence of morphine, driving under the influence of heroin/morphine, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia involving an Aug. 31 DUI checkpoint along Route 225 near Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

He also waived to court charges of delivery of heroin, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia relating to an Oct. 28 incident at his residence.

All the charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn.

MOUNT CARMEL - Anthracite Citizens' Theatre (ACT) will present a production of "A Christmas Carol," an adaptation by William Sanders and Sharon Lee Glassman, July 25 to 28 at the Mount Carmel Area Jr./Sr. High School auditorium.

The play focuses on Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser, who learns the error of his ways on Christmas Eve, when he reflects on his past, present and future collectively, whereupon the mean old miser undergoes a radical change of heart and is awakened on Christmas morning a changed man.

Christopher Olson, of Bethlehem, who has been involved with ACT since 2000, will be directing.

In preparation for this event, open auditions will be held in Mount Carmel Area Jr./Sr. High School's choral room on the following dates and times:

- 6 p.m. Thursday, April 25, for children 12 years of age and younger, and 7 p.m. for adults 13 years of age and older.

- 1 p.m. Sunday, April 28, for children 12 years of age and younger, and 2 p.m. for adults 13 years of age and older.

Children should come prepared to sing their favorite Christmas Carol without instrumental accompaniment. Children wanting to audition for a specific role may be asked to read a short dialogue from the play.

Adults should come prepared to do a cold reading from the show. These readings, known as sides, will be available to those interested an hour prior to the adult audition.

Everyone is asked to bring a recent full face photograph of themselves as well as a listing of conflicts that would interfere with attending rehearsals, usually scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, from May through July.

On the Net: www.actheatre.org.

Anthracite Citizens' Theatre

MOUNT CARMEL - The Anthracite Citizens' Theatre (ACT) held its monthly meeting March 13 with 12 people in attendance. President Barb Malick called the meeting to order and secretary Louanne Olson read minutes from the Feb. 20 meeting. A motion was made by Rose Zimmerman to accept minutes, seconded by Mary Ann Palovick, and the motion carried.

For ACT's sunshine report, it was asked that cards be sent to two different people. Also, library memorials will be taken for Wanda Smith and Rose Hynoski.

Audition posters for the 2013 shows are ready to be distributed to area businesses. Zimmerman spoke about microphones, head sets and earpieces, and will have someone from K&S Music come speak at a future board meeting.

Under new business, the executive board will meet at 6:30 before the regular ACT meeting next month.

The next meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10. The public is welcome.

MCA to distribute report cards April 5

MOUNT CARMEL - Today is the last day of the third marking period for students in the Mount Carmel Area School District.

Students will have no school Friday and Monday. School will be back in session Tuesday and report cards will be distributed Friday, April 5.

Authority office closed Friday

KULPMONT - The Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority office will be closed Friday in observance of Good Friday.

Route 3014 milling scheduled

MANDATA - A PennDOT maintenance crew in Northumberland County will perform a milling operation on Route 3014, the short connector road between Routes 147 and 225.

The work will be done Thursday, weather permitting.

The milling will address some raveling (pushed or bumpy sections) in the pavement in order to provide a smoother ride.

Route 3014 will be restricted to one lane, with traffic flow being controlled with flaggers on Thursday.

Training session at Weiser Forest

NUMIDIA - The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Weiser Forest District, will be training wildland firefighters at the Roaring Creek Tract Saturday. Participants will be working as crews on a simulated wildfire incident.

Because of the training, the Route 42 parking areas at Roaring Creek Tract will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The following trails will also be closed during that time period; east side of Big Mountain Trail, Aristes trail, black road trail and pump house trail, and Roaring Creek trail between Route 42 and the blue bridge. The Route 54 parking lot will remain open.

For more information, contact the Bureau of Forestry's Bear Gap Station at 672-2454.

HARRISBURG - A federal judge dismissed a civil lawsuit Monday that was filed Oct. 15 by Joan M. Cicchiello against the Northumberland County District Attorney, two judges and three other county officials.

Cicchiello, in the suit filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, alleged her civil rights were violated when she was sentenced February 2012 to 12 months of probation and a $200 fine for filing false reports with law enforcement in relation to a dog law violation in 2006. She claimed she was subjected to false arrest and malicious prosecution by local authorities.

In filing the lawsuits, she was seeking damages and injunctive relief from defendants District Attorney Tony Rosini, Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski, Judges William Harvey Wiest and Robert B. Sacavage, Adult Probation department head John Wondoloski and probation officer John Rosinski.

U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson, according to paperwork filed Monday, filed a 26-page report recommending dismissal of the case and denying a stay of her probation because Cicchiello failed to respond twice to defense motions to dismiss. The last date to file objections on the report was Feb. 14.

On Oct. 29, Rosini and Targonski moved to dismiss the complaint, but Cicchiello never responded. On Dec. 5, a second motion to dismiss was filed by the additional defendants, and she again did not respond. The time to respond for both motions has passed.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann ordered the adoption of Carlson's report, granting the defendants' motion to dismiss the suit and denying Cicchiello's motion to stay the probation sentence.

Cicchiello was convicted in a jury trial before Wiest in 2010. However, all three Northumberland County judges recused themselves from the sentencing due to Cicchiello naming them among the defendants in a lawsuit in Northumberland County Court.

Cicchiello was charged by Patrolman David Donkochik of the Mount Carmel Borough Police following his investigation of a dog law violation in 2006. A German shepherd in her custody had been found running at large Nov. 12, 2006. Cicchiello was issued citations for failing to keep proper custody and control of the dog.

At the hearing held in January 2007 before now-retired Magisterial District Judge Michael Mychak, Cicchiello testified the dog belonged to her son and was in his custody and control at the time. An investigation following the summary trial revealed that Cicchiello had provided false information to the court when she implicated her son.

Cicchiello testified the dog belonged to her 8-year-old step-granddaughter, for whom Cicchiello purchased the dog as a gift. She also testified the dog only stayed at Cicchiello's home every other week.

SUNBURY - A lawsuit filed by a Coal Township man against two Northumberland County commissioners and the county for limiting public comment at meetings to two minutes has been moved from the Court of Common Pleas to federal court.

On Tuesday afternoon, attorneys representing William R. Knapick Sr., of 1435 W. Pine St., filed a petition for removal of the civil action from Northumberland County Court to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

A hearing on motions filed by Knapick for preliminary injunction and protective order was scheduled for Thursday afternoon before county Judge Charles H. Saylor, but that legal proceeding has been canceled since the civil action has been moved to federal court.

The suit was filed by Knapick's attorneys, Kymberley Best and Timothy Bowers, in January after Knapick claimed he was not given ample time by Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi to express his opinions.

Best and Bowers formerly served as legal counsel for the county.

Clausi was initially listed as the lone defendant in the complaint. But the suit has been amended to also include Commissioner Stephen Bridy and Northumberland County as defendants.

In his complaint, Knapick said the commissioners are required to provide a reasonable opportunity for public comment in accordance with the Sunshine Act. At the Jan. 22 commissioners' meeting, Clausi imposed a two-minute limit on public comment without taking a vote or receiving approval from the majority of commissioners, the lawsuit states.

Knapick claims Clausi only gave him 90 seconds instead of two minutes to make comments and also cut off his friend, David F. Kaleta, of Shamokin, at 65 seconds when he was posing questions to Clausi.

The suit also claims Clausi violated the Sunshine Act by retaliating against a member of the public for objecting to Clausi's alleged violation of the act.

The suit states, "Clausi's acts arbitrarily restrict public comment and are calculated to deter public participation at meetings through threats and coercion."

In addition to seeking costs and attorney fees from Clausi, Bridy and the county, Knapick wants to make the two-minute public comment rule unenforceable. He also wants all action taken at the Jan. 22 meeting to become void.

Knapick had again asked the commissioners for an update on his complaint made in October regarding the cutting of what he claims was hundreds of trees Dec. 10 and Dec. 11, 2011, to create new trails for the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).

Clausi previously said he thinks two minutes is enough time, because if people need more information, it can be provided after the meeting. But he said he would consider lengthening it.

During a Feb. 12 meeting, however, nine rules for the conduct and order of business, including the two-minute limit, were approved by Clausi and Bridy. Commissioner Richard Shoch opposed the motion to adopt the rules.

At that meeting, Clausi instructed county solicitor Frank Garrigan to recite President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address to illustrate his claim that a lot can be said in two minutes.