Divorces

Timothy S. Bower from Dixie M. Bower, both of 336 Fairmont Drive, Watsontown. Married June 11, 1981.

Bryan M. Hayter, 269 Second St., Northumberland, from Jamie Hayter, Shamokin. Married June 15, 2012.

Brenda M. Lang from Leonard J. Lang, both of 332 Boiardi Lane, Milton. Married Sept. 27, 2008.

Pamela L. Pellowski, 1200 Maple St., Kulpmont, from George P. Pellowski Jr., 41 N. Sixth St., Mount Carmel. Married May 18, 2002.

Karen S. Stahl from Brian E. Stahl, both of 108 Autumn View Lane, Northumberland. Married June 30, 1984.

Dennis L. Lower, 3709 Mahantongo Creek Road, Halifax, from Laura L. Lower, 340 Mountain House Road, Halifax. Married Sept. 21, 1996.

Janine A. Brosius, 119 Walnut St., Apt. 101, Mifflinburg, from Andrew M. Brosius, 109 1/2 Mahoning St., Milton. Married Nov. 19, 2005.

Peter S. Damgaard, 7 Sumac Lane, Elysburg, from Trina Damgaard, 281 Hillside Drive, Elysburg. Married April 8, 2000.

Melissa Erdman, 175 Whitetail Run Road, Shamokin, from Kenneth Erdman, 825-A, W. Shamokin St., Trevorton. Married Aug. 8, 2000.

Marriage licenses

Chad R. Houser, of 1151 Pottsville St., Herndon, to Colleen Joy Dopke, of 331 Maple St., Freeland. Issued March 28.

Gary R. Watts, of 13 Joann Lane, Milton, to Vicki A. Kitchen, of 700 E. Cameron St., Shamokin. Issued March 28.

Dean W. Kramer, of 239 Doutyville Rd., Shamokin, to Shana Beth Ritter, of 208 Pennsylvania Ave., Sunbury. Issued March 30.

Peter L. Gorney and Katherine G. Blessington, both of 317 E. Water St., Mount Carmel. To be issued April 1.

Property transfers

Jessica Greco and Daniel W. Greco Jr. to John Woodruff, property in Shamokin, $10,000.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Jesse Lee aka Jesse L. Volinski and Misty L. Volinski to Thomas A. Griffith, property in Coal Township, $14,000.

Cora I. Baily (by agent) and Sharon L. Williams (agent) to Thomas A. Griffith, property in Shamokin, $17,500.

Gertrude L. McCormick estate, Larry E. McCormick (executor) and Leanne L. McCormick (executrix) to Don Cotner Farms LP, property in Rush Township, $475,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff's Department, Elizabeth A. Orluskie estate and Lawrence B. Orluskie (executor) to First National Bank of Pennsylvania, property in Coal Township, $3,023.92.

George R. Derck and Cathy A. Derck to Jamie L. Seger and Kerry J. Seger, property in West Cameron Township, $1.

Kerry A. Hoffman and Kimberly A. Hoffman to Benjamin W. Harris, property in Rush Township, $200,000.

Albert M. Raybuck Jr. to Albert M. Raybuck Jr., property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Classy II Inc. to Albert M. Raybuck Jr., property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Classy II Inc. to Classy II Inc., property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Pamela J. Martz to Michael J. Martz, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Paul R. Belfonti to Martha J. Klaus, property in Mount Carmel, $82,000.

Northumberland County Commissioners to MRK Realty Inc., property in Mount Carmel, $1.

MRK Realty Inc. to Ronald Ryan and Joan Ryan, property in Mount Carmel, $1,000.

Jane L. aka Jane Louise Levan estate and Donita Jo Mudis (executrix) to James A. Yocum, property in Jackson Township, $42,500.

The following landlord/tenant judgments were filed in Magisterial District Court last week:

Office of John Gembic III, Shamokin

- T&V Partners, of Sunbury, awarded $2,240 on March 25 for rent in arrears and court fees from John Purcell, of Shamokin

- Jamil Chaundry, of Selinsgrove, awarded $1,523 on March 25 for rent in arrears and court fees from Sharne K. Geary, of Shamokin.

- Delbert Mincemoyer, of Watsontown, awarded $846.93 on March 25 for rent in arrears and court fees from John and Adam Bush, of Paxinos.

- Robert A.A. Leffler, of Coal Township, awarded $2,943.65 on March 21 for rent in arrears and court fees from Darrell Jackson and Joyce Phillips-Kachurka, of Shamokin.

Office of Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel.

- Judgment in favor Mike and Lisa Lopez, of Elysburg, rendered March 20, from whom Marcus Winnick, of Edwardsville, had sought $1,198.20.

- Marie Danko, of Wapwallopen, awarded $3,088.50 on March 13 for rent in arrears and court fees from Joseph Linn and Brenda Linn, of Locust Gap.

- Janet Picarella, agent for Victor Picarella, of Mount Carmel, awarded $697.65 on March 26 for rent in arrears, physical damages to property and court fees from Lewis Barnes and Yvonne Barnes, of Mount Carmel.

By Justin Strawser

Joanne Risso has worn many different hats in her life.

The 40-year-old Australian native has worked as a teacher for World Youth International in Kenya, an immigration officer at the Australian High Commission in London, a caregiver in Holland, is a published author and English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor in America.

So how did someone with such a fervor for globe trotting find herself living in Pitman and teaching in the Mount Carmel Area School District?

Call it true love and the desire to start to a family.

"I met Pete, and it changed both our plans," she said recently during an interview with The News-Item.

Born and raised in Gippsland, Victoria, in Australia, Risso graduated from high school in Pakenham Secondary College in 1990. She took a few years off to travel to work at a summer camp in Wisconsin and live in Ottawa, Canada, before returning to Australia to acquire two bachelor's degrees in education from Deakin University in 1995 and 1996.

After that, she barely looked back, traveling from country to country and working in whatever field brought her the most adventure.

"Once Australians get out of the country, they just have to go," she said, explaining that Australia is so isolated from the rest of the world.

A round trip airline ticket costs the same as a "world tour" ticket in Australia. As long as an Australian keeps heading west around the world, they are allowed six stops in any country before coming home.

Fourteen years ago, she was planning to teach English at a teacher's college in China for two years, but she noticed a man playing Frisbee with a 60-year-old American woman, and she was smitten.

"I introduced myself right away," she said about the American man named Pete. "We were married nine months later."

What should have been two years in China turned into four months because Risso spent the summer with Pete in America to explore whether the budding relationship with this central Pennsylvanian was the real deal.

She and Pete now have four children, Matilda, 11; Emanuel, 10; Nerida, 7, and Samuel, 6. They live on Main Road in Pitman with an Australian Shepherd named Foster, three house cats named Phoebe, Towhee and Mo and two geckos named Percy and Piper.

Pete Risso grew up in New Berlin and graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in cultural anthropology. He has been teaching social studies for the last 10 years in the Tri-Valley School District. Joanne Risso, who worked as a substitute teacher for years, landed a full-time position at MCA last year as an ESL teacher.

At Mount Carmel this year, Risso had six students originally from China, one student from the Dominican Republic, one from Thailand, one from Mexico and two from Syria.

Although not fluent in any other language, she uses the Rosetta Stone program with most of the students. If a child cannot speak any English, she uses pictures with their language on the back. The student will tell her what the word is in their original language, Risso will say it in English and the student will copy it.

"Sometimes there are lots of gestures and pointing," she said.

Keeping in touch

Risso's parents visit often, and she stays in contact with her family through webcams and computers, but when she misses home, she can look outside her window.

"This area looks very similar to what it looks like in Australia where I grew up. It was hilly. This looks similar to a point. There are no gum trees here. How it looks in the winter without the snow is how it looks in Australia in the summer. Brown and dry," she said.

Life as an author

While Risso once had a focus in making and selling quilts, she would now rather pick up her laptop and write. She is the author of two children stories called "Over the Sea" and "In the Field."

The first book, "Over the Sea," was published in 2011 by Sunbury Press, of Boiling Springs, and is illustrated by Kathy Connelly.

The story, which is based on her oldest daughter Matilda, is about a young girl named Tilly who hates taking baths, so she devises a plan to rid her house of all water by running the faucets. However, her actions dry up all the rivers and lakes around her house.

"Her actions have consequences and she needs to change how she thinks and acts," Risso said.

Her second book, "In the Field," was published last month by Sunbury Press, and is illustrated by Missi Allen.

The story is again based on one of her children, this time 10-year-old Emanuel. The boy in the story, Manny, would pick all the flowers in the field for his mother, but they would eventually dry up and die.

"He wouldn't understand why I was so upset. If there are no flowers, no one else can look at them," Risso said.

Both stories have an environmental message about conservation, she noted.

"You take from the earth, you got to give something back. If you take too much, something bad is going to happen," she said.

Both books can be purchased for $9.99 at sunburypressstore.com or amazon.com. Signed copies can also be purchased through joannerisso.com.

Risso plans to write more children's books. She has one written about her youngest son, but she is still trying to place Nerida in one of the stories. She also plans to write a young adult novel based loosely off stories of the cadets she met when she worked at Northwestern Academy, Coal Township.

She can be found at Mount Carmel Area School District until April 4 as the author-in-residence, during which time she will be signing her books and providing an author discussion for grades kindergarten through sixth.

The event fundraiser, which was organized by the parent teacher association (PTA), involved a $1 donation for every pre-ordered book to the PTA.

She will also be attending the Book Expo America, a national event held in New York City, on June 1.

A complete list of appearances can be found on her website.

Learn to cook large meals safely

SUNBURY - Fairs, church dinners, fire company chicken barbecues, booster club hoagie sales, organizational bake sales and nonprofit food fundraisers are an excellent way to socialize with the community while earning money for organizational activities. However, more than 1,700 people became ill from food purchased at such events over the past decade.

Learn how to keep fundraisers safe from food-borne illness at a Penn State Extension workshop from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Penn State Extension Northumberland County, 443 Plum Creek Road. Topics covered include causes of food-borne illness, planning a safe event, safe food purchasing, storage preparation, service for a crowd, monitoring and record keeping, cleaning and sanitizing.

The workshop costs $20. To register, call (800) 851-9710.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Public Library is grateful for the following donations, which are the most important and basic source of funds to library.

The library extended a special thanks for a generous donation from James R. Jones.

Easter memorial

Karl L. Schu from Nancy.

Birthday memorial

Joseph Guzevich Jr. from sister, Irene Casari.

Carol Santelli from daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Dean Readler, and grandchildren, Alex and Grace.

In memory of

Steve Ardan from Ted and Jackie Matlow.

John Bailoni from Angie Credito, Leo Ferrari Jr., James and Faith Ann Johns, Paula Newhook and John Pisarchick, Leon and Mary Kay Polites, Tony R. Polites, William J. and Andrew Polites, Millie and Leo Powell, Dave and Joann Shinskie, Clara Shuda and family.

Ann Baskera from Frank and Rose Pecaitis.

Daniel Baskin from Don and Marianne Millard, Lauren Millard,

Eric Baskin from Art and Maria Catino, Lauren Millard,

John P. Brophy Jr. from Fritz and Eleanor O'Hearn.

Joseph Costello from Cousin Phil.

Carl J. Criniti from wife, Lorraine M. Criniti.

Valerie Evans from Mr. and Mrs. Jan Evans and family, Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Evans III.

David R. Ficca from Victor Concini, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tabachini.

Ida Frank from Joy Berry and Helen Nolter.

Joyce Sylvia Goguts from John and Carol Strocko.

Olive Green from Ben-David, Robert Brezinski, John and Donna Buhay, Irene Casari, Jennifer and Albert Cheung, Lorraine M. Criniti, Rita Criniti, Dianne and Bryant Farrence, Steve Fedock, Dan Ficca, Ted and Deb Gownley, Donald and Joan Hildenbrand, Chris and Kelly Kaminski, Kanezo family, Kory, Rachel and Kasia Kennedy, Blaine and Joyce Kessler and family, Daniel and Linda Kessler, Robert and Carol Kessler, James and Helen Kopenhaver, Steve and Carole Krehel, Cathy Lacroce, John Lawler, Trina and John Leshinsky, Fred and Dolores Lutz, Randy Lutz, Ted and Jackie Matlow, Judy and Tom Matukaitis and family, Karen and Reed Messmore, Don and Marianne Millard, Gary and Virginia O'Bryan, Margaret and Daniel Ozlanski, Frank J. Ragalyi, Hilda J. Rothermel, Mary M. Rudisill, Johanna Sayre, Agnes and Cindy Saukaitis, Maria Scicchitano, Nancy Schu, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Swartz, Dan Tracy and children; Jim, Ashleigh, Debbie (Lawler) Vogel, Melanie Wengrenovich, Vera and Stanley Zbicki, Association of Mount Carmel Retired Educators, staff of Anderson Elder Law, Media.

Edward Hixson from Tara Kimsal.

Thomas Hombosky from Marcella Hombosky.

Horan and Stine families from Joseph and Judy Horan.

Rose Hynoski from Art and Maria Catino, John Costello, Dr. Frank J. and Suzanne Ferrari, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Filhoski, Jeff Kanezo, Kanezo family, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kostenbauder, Antoinette Niglio, Frank and Kathy Pupo, Joe and Anet Thiroway, Lucy Underkoffler, board of ACT.

Fred Kopyscianski from Arlene Lubinski.

John Kuzo III from Gloria, Paula and Brock, Ed and Janice Smith Dudginski, Fred and Dolores Lutz, Clara Shuda and Family, Joyce Yodis.

Phil Lockcuff from Frank and Rose Pecaitis.

Mike Molesevich from Dave and Joann Shinskie.

Robert Pekera from Victor Concini, Tom and Gayle Pivarnik and Family, Ann Swatsky, Sylvia, Academy Sports Center.

George Raab from Leon and Mary Kay Polites.

William E. Retallack from Kathy and Jim Darrup, Gayle and Tom Pivarnik and Family.

Stephen Salva from James and Faith Ann Johns, Leon and Mary Kay Polites, Tony R. Polites, William J and Andrew Polites.

Sister Mary Benfield, IHM from Fritz and Eleanor O'Hearn, Mount Carmel Catholic High School Class of 1957.

Wanda Smith from Joy Berry.

Edward Stabinsky from Chris and Norman Williams.

Pauline M (Babilya) White from Mount Carmel Area High School Class of 1959.

SHAMOKIN - The solicitor for Watsontown Borough says a potential lawsuit against Northumberland County related to the costs of prisoner transports is still being discussed.

Attorney Ryan Tira said Tuesday that while nothing has been filed in court, the matter has not been put to rest. He offered no further comment.

Watsontown's intentions came to light in January after it sent invitations to Northumberland County municipalities to join a lawsuit against the county. Shamokin accepted the invitation, while Coal Township turned it down. It's not known which other municipalities may have accepted Watsontown's invitation.

Participating municipal parties would equally split legal costs. Constables were also being sought to join the litigation, but would not pay any legal costs.

The threat of legal action came after the county quit its long-standing practice of paying state constables for prisoner transports, saying it lost $104,000 from the transports in 2011.

When the New Year arrived, the burden fell on municipal police departments, several of which in the southeastern portion of the county opposed the move. Those opposed say the new methods chew up officers' time, keeping them on the road or in a courtroom when they could be performing police work, and could also increase overtime.

HARRISBURG - Trooper Scott A. Maskowski, 39, a native of Shamokin, was among 98 cadets to graduate from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy during ceremonies Dec. 21 at Central Dauphin High School.

Maskowski, who was the only cadet from Northumberland County in the graduating class, is a 1992 graduate of Shamokin Area High School.

Maskowski has been assigned to Pennsylvania State Police Troop F in Montoursville.

He and his wife, Cory, reside in Northumberland County. He has a 6-year-old stepson, Connor.

SHAMOKIN DAM - The state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and state legislators will be holding a press conference today regarding a "major announcement" about the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT) project.

The event is set for 11 a.m. at the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce office along Routes 11-15.

PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch will be joined by state Sens. John R. Gordner (R-27) and Gene Yaw (R-23) and state Reps. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108), Garth Everett (R-84), Fred Keller (R-85) and Kurt Masser (R-107) for the announcement.

The project, which is intended to ease heavy traffic along Routes 11 and 15 north of Selinsgrove at an estimated price tag of $400 million or more, has been stalled numerous times for more than a decade.

In February, Gordner said he was optimistic the transportation chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission would lift the cap on spending so the project could receive the $300 million recommended through that agency. In 2010, it was approved to be part of the Appalachian Development Highway System corridor, a move that was expected to help fund the project.

Gordner also co-sponsored a resolution in July 2011 calling on Congress to reauthorize toll credits as part of any new Surface Transportation Act. The resolution noted that several Pennsylvania road projects, including the proposed CSVT, are dependent upon toll credits.

The thruway would start at what is currently the northern terminus of the Selinsgrove bypass and be routed west of and roughly parallel to the current Routes 11-15 north to Winfield. A new bridge would connect the thruway to Route 147 north of Northumberland.

Susquehanna Valley motorists can breathe a sigh of relief while gas prices hold steady this week at $3.628.

Today's national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.637. This price is two cents less expensive than one week ago, 12 cents less than one month ago and 29 cents less than one year ago. An increase in refinery production and lower oil prices in early March have combined to provide rare falling prices for motorists in comparison to recent years.

Prices have fallen for drivers in the vast majority of the country. Forty-two states have a lower average price today than one week ago, led by declines of more than a dime in three states: Indiana (15 cents), Ohio (14 cents) and Michigan (12 cents).

Motorists in Wyoming and Montana still pay the least in the nation for a gallon of gasoline at $3.33 and $3.36 respectively. Drivers in only two states pay an average of more than $4 - Hawaii ($4.38) and California ($4.04) - which is the lowest since Feb. 19.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) settled 16 cents lower at $97.07 per barrel Monday at the close of formal trading on the NYMEX.

(AAA East Central, part of the AAA family, serves members in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York and Kentucky. Fuel Gauge is published each week in The News-Item.)

SUNBURY - Judges, prosecutors and other law enforcement officials in Northumberland County have been threatened in the past, but the killings of two Kaufman County prosecutors in Texas in a span of eight weeks have heightened their awareness about safety in the workplace and at home.

Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland, 63, and his wife, Cynthia, 65, were found shot to death inside their home in Forney, Texas, Saturday. McLelland was the 13th prosecutor killed in the United States since the National Association of District Attorneys began keeping count in the 1960s.

On Jan. 31, one of McLelland's lead prosecutors, Mark E. Hasse, 57, was shot and killed as he walked to his office at the county courthouse.

The killings have prompted a broad investigation by local, state and federal agencies, including the Texas Rangers, the FBI and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini, who described the recent killings as "horrible," said, "I've had threats on my life over the years and it's important to be conscious of your surroundings. It's one of the risks of being in the profession. But the recent killings certainly bring it home more for people involved in the court system. It's a stark reality that things like this can happen, but you can't let it change your life around to the point where you are scared all the time. Most people are venting and aren't serious, but you must always be aware that someone is out there who may act upon their threats."

Rosini is in his 17th year as district attorney.

"The shootings have definitely had a chilling effect on people who work in the criminal justice system," commented Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage. The judge said it's tragic when police officers on the front lines are killed, but it's even scarier when prosecutors and members of their families are gunned down.

"Personally, it's caused me to pause and reconsider safety factors," Sacavage said. "We've actually beefed up security in various areas at the courthouse over the years. Since the 9/11 disasters, there have been many more precautions taken. But no matter how much security is in place, you still worry. The recent killings in Texas have certainly heightened my awareness in the workplace and outside the courthouse."

Sacavage said it's vital today for more citizens to report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement officials. "What we need here is good, old-fashioned participation by the public to help detect threats of any kind," he said.

Over his long career in the court system, Sacavage said defendants have threatened to kill him. He said bomb threats also have been received at the courthouse.

But Sacavage, who is very active in the Mount Carmel community, said the recent shootings have made him more concerned about his safety after work than when he's sitting on the bench or in chambers at the courthouse.

Sacavage has been a county judge for 18 years. He was a district attorney for 12 years and also served as county solicitor for four years. He has been an attorney for 37 years.

Deputy Court Administrator Kevin O'Hearn, who is a member of the county's Safety and Security and Emergency Planning Committee, said the group meets once a month to review all concerns involving safety and security throughout the county. He said the committee establishes short- and long-term operation plans for emergencies and conducts various drills throughout the year, including fire drills, at all county buildings.

O'Hearn, who shares the same sentiments, said additional cameras have been installed inside and outside the courthouse in recent years for employees' safety. He said counties receive grants for security upgrades through the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), which oversees the state's unified judicial system.

He said the county judges - Sacavage, William H. Wiest and Charles H. Saylor - are each assigned one deputy sheriff during their legal proceedings. "They (deputies) not only provide security to the judges and public, but they also maintain order in the court," O'Hearn said.

He said additional deputy sheriffs are provided during high-profile court cases such as murder trials.

Chief Deputy Sheriff Randy Coe said his department is always looking at ways to improve security at the courthouse.

"Since the killings in Texas, we have been briefing our employees on security measures they can take at home and developing better communication between different law enforcement agencies in the county," Coe said.

In addition to Coe and Sheriff Chad Reiner, there are five deputy sheriffs in the county.

Ronald Yeager, director of county security who co-chairs the Safety and Security and Emergency Planning Committee with county chief clerk Gary Steffen, said his department does "everything possible" to protect all county officials and employees during the work day.

Yeager said there are six-full time security guards in the county, including himself, and three part-time guards.

Yeager provides security at the county administration building. One full-time security officer and one part-time employee are assigned to the courthouse daily, where they "screen" the public with metal detectors upon entering.

The security director said approximately 4,000 people go through the screening devices each month. On average, he said approximately 100 items that can be used as weapons are taken from people each month.

He said a full-time security guard is assigned to each of the three buildings at the Human Services Complex that houses various county offices. In addition to the full-time guards, a part-time officer rotates among the three buildings.

Yeager said there is a full-time security guard employed at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center in Shamokin during the day Monday through Friday. He said a part-time officer also is assigned to the center from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday while classes are conducted at Luzerne County Community College on the fourth floor of the building.

The security director said all the county buildings, except for the career and arts center, have one entrance and exit for the public. He said the center has a top and bottom entrance/exit. He said employees sometimes utilize side entrances at the various buildings.

Other than the prison, he said the only time he could recall a county facility being "locked down" for security reasons was when Richard C. Curran, of Shamokin, shot and killed his former wife, Tina Curran, 31, of Mount Carmel, Aug. 24, 2005, at a loading dock at Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where she worked as a nurse.

Yeager said the county Children and Youth Services Office was "locked down" as a precaution because Richard Curran was involved in cases with the agency.

Curran is serving a life sentence for the murder.

As for the murders in Texas, Yeager said, "Those types of killings have been very unusual over the years. Law enforcement officials usually aren't targeted. We know it's an inherent part of our job, but when people start targeting family members as well, that takes it to a whole other level. You are going to make enemies in the law enforcement profession, but your job has nothing to do with your family and it's very sad when they are victimized as well."

Yeager is in his 12th year as county security director. He retired from Shamokin Police Department after a long career that included a stint as chief.

Northumberland County Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi said it's very sad when law enforcement officials are killed for upholding the law and believes anyone guilty of such a heinous crime should get the "electric chair."

LEWISBURG - The driver of a 2009 Cadillac who allegedly caused a five-vehicle crash on Route 15, leaving a Turbotville woman dead, was treated and released from Evangelical Community Hospital, according to the nursing supervisor.

It's not yet clear if Edward Peace, 81, of Gorham, N.Y., will face charges, said state police, citing the continuing investigation. A police communications officer reached Tuesday at the barracks said that no further information has been released. A search of Peace's name on the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System website showed no records in his name in Union County Tuesday evening.

Ellen Marie Kear, 35, of Turbotville, was pronounced dead at the scene by Union County Coroner Wanda Walters. Kear was thrown from her vehicle after Peace's car struck it head on and ultimately landed on top of Kear.

Peace was allegedly driving his car on the wrong side of Route 15 when the crash occurred about 9 p.m. Sunday, according to Sgt. Frederick Dyroff of the state police at Milton. Troopers no sooner received a call of a vehicle driving south on the northbound side when report of the crash came in, he said.

The accident occurred at Route 15 and AJK Boulevard in Kelly Township, about three miles north of Lewisburg. There, Peace reportedly ran a red light and sideswiped one vehicle, then collided head-on with Kear's vehicle, pushing it into the front of another vehicle driven by a female from Wellsboro. Police said the victims' vehicles were stopped for a red light at the intersection. A fifth vehicle, driven by a male from Milton, tried to avoid the wreck but was struck by the fourth car, police said.

No other drivers or passengers were injured, Dyroff said. Route 15 was closed until about 3:15 a.m. Monday for the accident investigation.

The Daily Item reported on Monday that Kear was the daughter of former Milton District Judge William F. and Jean L. Kear, of Watsontown. She was a 1996 graduate of Warrior Run High School and had a 20-month-old son, according to the newspaper.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court May 13 in Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Robert M. Fisher, 47, of South Franklin Street, Shamokin, waived to court charges of theft and receiving stolen property in connection with a May 19 incident at 31 S. First St., Shamokin.

Fisher was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Mark Costa with stealing money and assorted jewelry including class rings, an engagement ring and wedding ring from Florence Heitzman.

n Robert J. Erb III, 36, of 256 S. Pearl St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of simple assault and harassment.

Erb was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Darwin Tobias III with striking a 13-year-old girl in the face and putting his arm around her neck, causing a small laceration. Police said the disturbance occurred at 8:48 p.m. Saturday at Erb's residence.

Erb was arraigned on the charges late Saturday night by on-call Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum of Sunbury and released on $5,000 bail.

n Timothy S. McCarthy Sr., 47, of 509 E. Spurzheim St., Shamokin, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under suspension and a stop sign violation.

The charges filed by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II relate to a Jan. 1 incident in the 500 block of East Spurzheim Street.

n Brad A. Ruhl, 38, of Selinsgrove, waived to court charges of theft and receiving stolen property filed by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski.

Ruhl was charged with stealing a debit card owned by Sharon Miller and using the card to purchase $121.84 worth of merchandise at various city businesses between Jan. 26 and Feb. 3.

n Daniel Robert Gustitus, 54, of 28 N. Rock St., Shamokin, waived to court felonies of aggravated assault and aggravated harassment by a prisoner, and misdemeanors of misdemeanors of criminal mischief, institutional vandalism and disorderly conduct (two counts) relating to incidents that began around 4:15 a.m. March 12 outside his residence.

Gustitus, who claimed to be "God's undeserving son" at his March 19 arraignment, is charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II with threatening to kill police officers and kicking out the windows on a police cruiser.

Gembic reduced Gustitus' bail to $1,000 unsecured, but he was recommitted to the county prison on other offenses.

n Jonathan Robert Christ, 23, of 1350 W. Montgomery St., Coal Township, 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.

The charge was filed by Trooper Thomas Leib of state police at Stonington in connection with an Aug. 12 incident along Route 2044, approximately one-half mile south of Trevorton.

n Sean Patrick McNamara, 22, of 1450 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, waived to court charges of disorderly conduct, criminal trespass and public drunkenness involving a March 3 disturbance at a Spruce Street apartment.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II.

n Jessica Berg, 27, of 804 N. Washington St., Apt. 4, Shamokin, waived to court two counts each of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a small amount of marijuana relating to a March 2 incident at her apartment.

Berg's 29-year-old live-in boyfriend, Gregory Michael Skeans, who was charged with the same offenses, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for six months.

All the charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II.

n David Hine, 49, of 1446 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under suspension, reckless driving, careless driving and driving under suspension while DUI-related.

Hine was charged by Patrolman Nathan Rhodes in connection with a Jan. 4 accident at Sunbury and Ninth streets.

The unemployment rate for Northumberland County dropped more than one percent between January and February, according to the latest figures from the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

DLI reported Tuesday that the February unemployment rate was 8.8 percent, down 1.3 percent from January's rate of 10.1 percent, which was the highest rate since July 2010.

The county unemployment rate is above both the seasonably adjusted rates of 7.7 percent nationally and 8.1 percent statewide.

The most recent Northumberland County rate is higher than it was a year ago at 8.3 percent and two years ago at 8.4 percent, but lower than three years ago at 10.2 percent and four years ago at 9.5 percent.

Jobless rates in neighboring counties are Montour, 5.7 percent; Juniata, 7.4 percent; Columbia, 7.5 percent; Dauphin, 7.5 percent; Union, 7.6 percent; Perry, 7.7 percent; Snyder, 7.7 percent; Lycoming, 8.3 percent, and Schuylkill, 9.1 percent.

Unemployment rates in most of the neighboring counties decreased, and the largest changes were in Columbia and Dauphin counties with .8 percent drops.

Centre County, at 5.7 percent, has the lowest jobless rate in Pennsylvania. Cameron County, at 11.3 percent, has the highest.

There are only five counties in the state at or above a rate of 10 percent.

Mount Carmel Area School District

MOUNT CARMEL - The following students have achieved honor roll status from the Mount Carmel Area School District for the second marking period of the 2012-2013 school year.

Distinguished Honors

Grade 4 - Bryce Adams, Lauren Ayres, Julia Burns, Payton Carl, Caroline Fletcher, Austin Garancosky, Jacob Gilotti, Kaylee Kane, Derek Lawler, MaKenna Lengle, Valeria Mangiapane, Cameron Mannion, Talia Mazzatesta, Margaret McCracken, Molly McCracken, Claudia Morris, Isabel Parker, Michael Reed, Marley Rusinko, Isabella Ryan, Tori Sanko, Lauren Shedleski, EmmaRae Shimko, Montana Spangler, Gabriella Trocki, Rebekah Troup, Andrew Wasilewski, Giavanna Yancoskie and Mackenzie Zerbe.

Grade 5 - Michael Balichik, Tyler Barnhardt, Brooke Bernini, Michael Bucher, Cierra Clayton, Hailey Derk, Damon Dowkus, Dylan Duceman, Tiffany Dunkelberger, Ramsey Fisher, Peyton Galitski, Cade Geary, Ryan Green, Grace Menko, Eliza Nevis, Gryffan O'Donnell, Emily Olszewskie, Jason Patrick, Makenzie Pyle, Olivia Rusk, Michael Scicchitano, Shawn Sheptock, Kyra Stickler, Emily Szatny, Tyler Winhofer and Zane Zlockie.

Grade 6 - Brady Campbell, Sierra Coleman, Iyana Crew, Avery Demko, Nichalous Diminick, Jillian Dunkelberger, Miranda Fiamoncini, Colin Herb, Danielle Hooper, Tanner Karycki, Karisa Kehler, Emily Krulak, Ava McGee, Madison Mengel, Haley Paul, Dante Sabolchick, Bradley Shurock, Hailey Swaldi, Gabrielle Taylor, Nicholas Troutman, Kayla Wesloskie, Tyler Williams and Logan Wills.

Grade 7 - John Ayres, Emilee Barnhardt, Matthew Cimino, Sarah Cooper, Sara Davitt, Dylan Farronato, Kourtney Honicker, Zachary Hunter, Donovan James, Walter Kalinoski, Mia Kaminsky, Tyler Krah, Rosolino Mangiapane, Maci Mazzatesta, Manus McCracken, Benjamin McFadden, Ethan McLeod, Myia Miriello, Daniel Snarski, Braedon Stickler, Nicole Varano, Emilee Wasilewski and Adam Weissinger.

Grade 8 - Aleah Alderson, Rachel Brown, Carl Darrup, Maura Fiamoncini, Aurora Froutz, Marissa Kleman, Olivia Lubinski, Alyssa Menko, Sara Nicola, Hayley Palek, Sara Parker, Austin Reed, Kasey Rompallo, Madelyn Witkoski and Anna Zeluskey.

Grade 9 - Elizabeth Cooper, Luke Darrup, JoAnna Davidson, Mason Duran, Dominic Farronato, Dylan Fiamoncini, David Fletcher, Mitchell Fletcher, Giavonna Fracalossi, Cameron Getty, Vanessa Klemas, Jacqualin Lyden, Brianna Malkoski, Miranda Moser, Natasha Nevis, Allison Parker, Madison Shurock, Chantelle Skavery, Tyler Thompson and Allen Yancoskie III.

Grade 10 - Lee Amarose, Glenn Barwicki, Jennifer Bolick, Taylor Conches, Caitlyn Curran, Maliyah Edwards, Jessica Feldman, Hannah Fetterolf, Ciaran Fisher, Brianne Graff, Zachary Guthrie, Michael Kaminsky, Christian Kelley, Haley Lahr, Thomas Moser, Kevin Nolter, Joanna Rompallo, Nicholas Rossi, Joseph Schmoyer, Erin Scicchitano, Josiah Skavery, Christopher Stellar, Isabella Stellar, Zachary Tocyloski, Michael Vincenzes and Kayla Witt.

Grade 11 - Andrew Allen, Olivia Bressi-Harman, Briana Chapman, Dylan Combs, Cody Deitz, Bryce Fiamoncini, Jessie Gibson, Sonya Grohowski, Lauren Hause, Cory Hoffman, Darla Hood, Kaitlin Horsfield, Jasmine Jones, Jenna Jurasich, Morgan Miriello, Samantha Miscavage, Alex Mrozek, Jessica Pachuski, Heather Raker, Anna Marie Raybuck, Benjamin Scicchitano, Nicholas Stancavage, Taylor Stefovic, Brock Susnoskie, Coral Swank, Brandon Toter, Alison Varano, Zachary Wasilewski, Justin Weaver, Samantha Zanni, Brett Zosh and Ezekiel Zsido.

Grade 12 - Keri Bennett, Alyssa Bielski, Anthony Candelora, Stefanie Cimino, Douglas Cole, Ashley D'Andrea, Alexandra Danilowicz, Lisa Darrup, Tara Demko, Shuying Dong, Kristen Duceman, Elijah Duran, Kathryn Fest, Catherine Fletcher, Daniel Fletcher, Miranda Green, Callie Hummel, Eric Joraskie, Tyler Kwiatkowski, MaryRose Latorre, Brianna Latovich, Niracha Marchetti, Jillian Mazurkevich, Sean McDonnell, Alexandria McLeod, Marisa Montgomery, Seth Nicola, Bryson Purcell, Nicole Purcell, Michelle Sandoval, Shelby Scott, Justin Skavery, Kristyn Smeal, Thomas Stief, Ashley Taggart, Rachel Toter and Kirsten Zarski.

First Honors

Grade 4 - Justin Bizzarro, Breayna Dietz, Hailee Dombroski, Aaron Elliot, Ryleigh Geary, Michael Getchey, Kyle Jarkovsky, Destiny Keyser, Brynn Marlow, Trevor McDonald, Katie Miller, Tommie Mowrer III, William Mullins, Alana Oakley, Addison Odorizzi, Tyler Owens, Amara Pellowski, Allyn Reigle, Brian Rompallo, James Rusk IV, Alyssa Swetra, Caiden Williams, Reed Witkoski, Noah Wolfgang and Emily Yuskoski.

Grade 5 - Angel Barwicki, Victoria Belfanti, Erin Bossler, Haley Bressi, Lillian Britt, Connor Brown, Robert Bush, Bruce Carl, Tiana Crew, Cheyenne Derk, Stephanie Dunkelberger, Gregory Keiper, Lindsey Klusman, Connor Krakowski, Dylan Latshaw, Sydney Marquardt, Niklas Misner, Zackary Moore, Trent Moser, Makayla Purcell, Trevor Shultz, Madison Sosky, Kassandra Troutman, Kaleb Tyson, Joshua Vellner, Vanessa Walter, Elijah Watkins, Michael Wonsik II and Bryson Zvoncheck.

Grade 6 - William Anderson, Noah Berkoski, John Chapman III, Alexia Curran, Samantha Darrup, Joseph Dudeck, Paige Dugan, Christopher Ehmann, Brock Evert, Ainsley Fegley, McKenna Fletcher, Megan Green, Justeen Hackenberg, Rita Hanson, Cyric Kasenych, Casandra Latshaw, Alexis Leso, Michael Makowski III, Daniela Mangiapane, Draven Murray, Quentin Nahodil, Thomas Reisinger III, Brianna Ryan, Allison Shurock, Anthony Stutzcavage and Chelsea Welsh.

Grade 7 - Luke Adzema, Daniel Ahlers, Alexa Collins, Tyler Golazeski, Makayla Green, Gage Hertzog, Collin Krakowski, Cecillia Labate, Alyssa Lebo, Bailey Little, Karin Martinez, Anthony Moser, Bradley Neidig, Hannah Nolter, Alesha Rutledge, Chloe Smith, Zachary Sodrick, Blair Wagner, Jeffrey Weidner, Aidan Wesloskie, Audrey Wilkins, Emily Wills, Mackenzie Witt and Matthew Ziv.

Grade 8 - Kiana Adams, Brooke Andruscavage, Amanda Arellano, Julia Ballard, Sarah Freeman, Selena Guererro, Nicole Hooper, Christina Kleman, Jade Lloyd, Madeleine Lyash, Karleigh Poeth, David Quinn, Amanda Rimokaitis, Patrick Rooney, Alexa Schmidt, Sydney Spears, Kevin Stancavage, Lane Tanney, Cassondra Vellner, Kelsi Wayne, Desirae Zagata and Samantha Zigarski.

Grade 9 - Ethan Bartos, Sarah Benner, Michael Bergamo Jr., April Brooks, Aaron Butkiewicz, Nathan Greco, Brooke Karycki, Brett Katalinas, Logan Kuzo, Jeffrey Leins, Leah Nicola, Patrick Rhoads, Joseph Rossi, Tyler Schmidt, Karissa Schoonover, Jessy Stankavage, Ryan Walter and Peyton Worhach.

Grade 10 - Colin Bettleyon, Casey Brooks, Jonathan Capozello, Paige Domboski, Sean Fisher, Amalia Hinkle, Austin Joraskie, Jordan Klingler, Daniel Linn, Cody Little, Thomas Lynott, Samantha Mallamaci, Gerard Reichwein, Rachel Startzel, Ashley Stief, Madison Watkins, Treyvon White, Jordan Winhofer and Brandon Yuschock.

Grade 11 - Caitlyn Avellino, Nicole Brosius, Luke Duceman, Jason Eichelberger, Thomas Evans III, Jonathan Golazeski, Brittany Gummel, Faith Leaveck, Brandon Smallets and Stanley Stanchick.

Grade 12 - Brianna Bailey, Stacia Carpenter, Abigail Chapman, Kelsey Deitz, Kolby Dillon, Bridget Dunkel, Ashley Evans, Luke Haladay, Jordan Haq, Daniel Horan, Daniel Lesko, Ronald Lutes, Rachelle MacLaren, Michael Miller, Kristen Ruskuski, Michael Scicchitano, Kimberly Shicowich, Tiana Snyder, Teodor Staykov, Kaylee Sweda, Cassandra Troutman, Brittany Venna, Nathan Wagner and Joseph Zanella.

Second Honors

Grade 4 - Eric Bubrowski, Sarah Bulliner, Alexis Carl, Savannah Castellano, Deakon Chapman, Malakai Corley, Dante Crispell, Ethan Fanella, Chase Fishburn, Robert Harris Jr., Jasmine Latshaw, Jazmine McClelland, Maryemma Paul, Joshua Stanchick, Michael Sykes Jr. and Christian Urbanowicz.

Grade 5 - Josilyn Adams, Jacob Adzema, Donovan Beaver, Joseph Bendas, Elijah Brzostowski, John Carl, Kelsee Conklin, Kayla Doak, Rileigh Engelke, John Frieswyk, Brayden Harvey, Kelsey Howard, Michael Jarvis Jr., Donovan Kearney, Michael Lukashunas, Nathaniel Malkoski, Austin Molnar, Brandon Moore, Brendon Nevius, Alexus Newman, Mya Okronglis, Laura Palaszewski, Austin Reed, Charity Reigle, Olivia Reiner, Joshua Ritz, Andrew Rooney, William Savadge Jr., Kimberly Schmidt, Jonathan Slovick, Jack Surace, Angelina Torres, Gregory Troutman and Elizabeth Yeager.

Grade 6 - Gianna Andrews, Madison Barker, Olivia Bratcher, Ryan Ciocco, Joshua Derr Jr., Jonathan Elnicki, Katie Flynn, Alijah Hollenbach, Haile Kimsal, Hunter Minnig, Rebecca Morgan, Rebecca Poplaski, Ireland Reed, Taylor Rhodes, Garrett Sassani, Dustin Siko, Nicholas Vincenzes and Bethany Wesloskie.

Grade 7 - Daniel Barker, Cameron Britt, Gianna D'Agostino, Michael Hood, Sandra Horsfield, Elizabeth Jones, Alyssa Karycki, Jacob Klokis, Trenton Koons, Jessica Milewski, Stephen Reiner, Keith Ruskuski, Evan Salamone, Dawson Shoffler, Clarissa Steinhart, Symphony Yoder and Morgan Zarko

Grade 8 - Johnny Bossler, Thomas Cichon, Bryce Dauber, Brian Dietz Jr., Alexa Ericson, Tyra Ericson, Timothy Glowatski, Hannah Hornung, Breanna Kruskie, Bryce Malick, Steven McCollum, Coby Mickel, Zachary Miller, Thomas Pastucha, Jordan Reed, Erin Smink, Lauren Startzel, Connor Stepp, Kaitlyn Trent, Haley Weidner, Jacob Weissinger and Lauren Zanni.

Grade 9 - Gabriel Bogutskie, Desirae Derk, Tyler Diotte, Jeremy Edleblute, Jesse Elliott, Marcus English, Logan Hixson, Kirsten Jarvis, Kyle Karycki, Ryan Little, Evan Mikulski, Jonathan Rosetta, Nicholas Sundman, Megan Troutman, Paige Wichurowski, Bret Williams and Austin Zimmerman.

Grade 10 - Macie Anderson, Thomas Bielski, Celina Frieswyk, Shane Gudonis, Amber Kogut, Shamus McGovern and Brenda Neidig.

Grade 11 - Sabrina Allen, Nicholas Bozza Jr., Jonathan Hojnowski, Jacob Jones, Desaree Malick, Kaitlyn Milo, Angela Minnig, Christiana Reed, Karena Schmidt and Daniel Swatsky.

Grade 12 - Melissa Bidelspach, Crystal Chatterton, Noel Dauber, Ashley Docherty, Jesse Edleblute, Lisa Flickinger, Marissa Klinger, Corey Langton, Jared Maciejewski, Samantha Nevius, Brianna Pancher, Robert Rogers II, Rebecca Snyder, Michael Swatski, Karissa Trent, Quentin Troutman and Tori Wariki.

By Justin Strawser

SHAMOKIN - The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Authority is planning to apply for funding from two state agencies to control storm water runoff and construct a secondary trailhead for non-motorized activities.

As discussed Tuesday night at the authority's workshop meeting, the members will be placing two motions on the agenda to apply for grants from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

The first project would provide a place for storm water to collect once the parking lot and trailhead are built later this year in what is called a rain garden, authority member David Crowl said.

A rain garden is described as a shallow depression that is planted with deep-rooted native plants and grasses which should be positioned near a runoff source like a downspout, driveway or sump pump to capture rainwater runoff and stop the water from reaching the sewer system. Microorganisms in the water will eat spilled liquids from the motorized vehicles.

The funding would come from the Growing Greener Grant from DEP, Crowl said.

Once finished, Crowl said Northumberland County could use it as an example to other businesses looking to build one of their own.

The second project, expected to cost $500,000, would provide a secondary trailhead and parking for non-motorized activities, such as hiking, equestrians and hunting, and be located approximately 3/4-mile east of the initial trailhead off Route 125.

In addition to the parking lot, a small office building and bathroom would be built, the authority members said.

The funding would come from Phase II Second Round of funding from DCNR, they said.

Missing trees

Chairman James Backes provided the other members several photographs showing that several trees were illegally cut down on the eastern side of the property near the radio tower.

There were several freshly cut stumps in the forest and sawdust on the ground showing where those logs had been cut into smaller pieces.

Backes, who guessed someone was either preparing a campsite or cutting firewood, asked Solicitor Frank Garrigan whether a motion was needed to start an investigation and prosecute anyone who was caught.

Garrigan said it was in the authority's power to investigate and press charges, and a motion was not needed. However, a formal announcement could be made at the next public meeting.

Welcoming guests

The authority plans to approve the Dirt Devils, a group of 25 children, leaders and parents; the Geisinger Health Systems Children's Miracle Network benefit ride on Sept. 19; and the JK Adventure Group, of Philadelphia, on July 20, to all hold events and rides.

Once the public portion of the meeting concluded, the authority met in executive session to discuss committee appointments, security personnel and land leases.

The next public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 16.

Chamber job fair today

PAXINOS - A job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Masser's Banquet Hall, near the intersection of Routes 487 and 61.

Job seekers will be granted free admission and are asked to bring resumes. The event gives attendees the opportunity to meet with area employers, discuss job opportunities, obtain training information and learn more about the WorkKeys program.

There are 26 participating businesses and organizations ready to distribute information.

The job fair is sponsored by the Northumberland/Snyder/Union Counties PA CareerLink, Sunbury, Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and McCann School of Business and Technology, Sunbury.

Electronic recycling delayed one week

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Recycling Center is delaying the re-start of electronic recycling from Thursday to April 11.

Fingerprinting event set for Thursday

VALLEY VIEW - Woodmen of the World will host a free DNA/fingerprinting kit event for children at 10 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Day Care inside Trinity Church, 1220 W. Maple St.

A second event will be held at 10 a.m. April 18 at Little Blessings Day Care, 1382 W. Main St.

For more information, contact David Schreffler at 648-6255. Schreffler represents Woodmen of the World Lodges 229 in Trevorton and Lodge 433 in Pitman.

SHAMOKIN - City officials are considering funding a door-to-door census in the hope of boosting the collection of delinquent taxes.

It's estimated $150,000 in per capita and occupational taxes went unpaid to the city last year. Powell, Rogers and Speaks, a Halifax-based collections agency, recouped $21,000 in delinquent payments in 2012. When City Hall turned to the firm to come up with a different plan to increase collections from tax scofflaws, the idea of a local census was discussed.

Steve Bartos, city clerk, told city council and the mayor during Wednesday's workshop that the firm would consider a pilot program in the city's smallest ward, the 10th, where representatives would knock on each door of the estimated 400 residential units to collect information on the occupants and compare it to the latest tax rolls and list of delinquents. They would use that information in their collections efforts.

He estimated the actual cost for the pilot program including materials, postage and labor at $4,734, but said Powell, Rogers and Speaks proposed to do it for $3,000.

If the proposal is authorized by vote at Monday's regular council meeting, the pilot program would begin shortly afterward, with results anticipated as early as late July, he said. Those results could be used for a wider statistical analysis for all of Shamokin to see if the return is worth the effort.

The city treasurer collects per capita and occupational taxes from Shamokin residents on behalf of the city, Northumberland County and Shamokin Area School District. Less than half of those bills went unpaid in 2011, according to previous reports.

The estimate of unpaid taxes discussed during the Wednesday workshop applies only to the city.

Delinquent property taxes for all Northumberland County municipalities are pursued by the county tax claims office.

Councilman Mike Snyder, who was wary of the effect of the proposed pilot program, suggested the city first compare the 10th Ward's collection rate to that of other city wards to ensure it would be effective there. He also suggested the collections firm consider performing the pilot program in the city ward with the highest rate of tax delinquency.

Bartos said he would relay the suggestions to the collections firm.

Councilman Bill Milbrand supports the idea, he said, especially if it gets results.

WILLIAMSPORT - Notice was filed in federal court here late Tuesday afternoon that Kymberley Best's lawsuit against Northumberland County, a commissioner and former commissioner has been settled with the aid of a mediator.

The filing says a mediation conference was held Tuesday.

The notice provides no details, and U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane still must officially close the case. No further filings were made by the close of court business Wednesday.

Best filed suit in May 2011 following her termination as assistant county solicitor and chief clerk.

On Oct. 27, she filed a second amended complaint that reinstated allegations of sexual discrimination and harassment and retaliatory firing against Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi and former Commissioner Merle Phillips.

In the second amended complaint, Best reiterates her previous claims of Clausi treating her in a hostile, demeaning and intimidating manner. She claimed the commissioner deliberately and violently knocked papers off her conference table, followed her around the office, commented on her clothing and hair and ordered an employee to follow her to catch her doing something wrong.

The amended complaint claims Clausi encouraged the firing of Best at a meeting on March 15, 2011. The complaint states Best's firing by Clausi and Phillips took effect March 18, 2011.

During the meeting on March 15, Best said the county was beset with poor employer/employee relations that were resulting in costly lawsuits due to arbitrary terminations and bad press. In her capacity as a private citizen, Best said she proposed a code of civility as a way to restore the public image of county government, increase the effectiveness of local government and avoid costly lawsuits in the future.

In the lawsuit, Best said Clausi accused her of being late to work and, while standing over her desk "in an intimidating and threatening manner," said, "Go ahead and sue me. I can take care of you for 10 cents. That's the cost of a bullet."

The Democratic commissioner was also accused of making lewd sexual remarks, detailed in a 13-point complaint filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) at the same time as the lawsuit. They included comments about how she dressed, her hair, his sexual abilities and whether or not she looked "hot," according to the complaint.

Clausi at the time called Best a "pathological liar" and that the timing of the complaints less than a week before an election was intended to hinder his re-election.

In September 2011, Best withdrew the unlawful termination counts, citing Pennsylvania court decisions that have found county commissioners are entitled to absolute immunity from suit as "high public officials."

In December of that same year, she was forced to file an amended complaint to resolve problems cited by Kane. In the new filing, Best added allegations that Clausi repeatedly made false claims that she had sex on the job with her close friend, Attorney Timothy Bowers.

Clausi and Phillips responded a month later with a request for dismissal, citing immunity.

In July 2012, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas M. Blewitt recommended part of Best's free speech claim, which alleged retaliation by Clausi and Phillips, remain. He said her amended complaint had provided enough facts to support her claim, something Kane had said was lacking initially. The judge also recommended part of a whistleblower claim survive along with a limited right to seek compensatory and punitive damages.

A month later, Kane adopted recommendations made by Blewitt that dismissed due process, equal pay, conspiracy, wrongful termination and state whistleblower claims. She agreed that Best had failed to prove Clausi made statements about her sexual relationship with Bowers.

Remaining in the suit were Best's free speech claims that allege retaliation and the part of the whistleblower claim that deals with her reports of deficient air quality in the register and recorder's office and danger from a glass dome.

It was following the August ruling that Best filed her second amended complaint in October.

PAXINOS - Three new vendors at Wednesday's job fair at Masser's Banquet Hall represented the wide variety of businesses looking for new employees or at least to market their brands.

Sunbury Motor Co. participated for the first time in anticipation of opening a Quick Lane service center at the former Sam Bressi Motors lot along Route 61 just east of Shamokin, said Michael DeFeo, marketing director.

DeFeo was chatting with applicants about positions in automotive repair and detailing while 260 people came through the doors.

"Being at an event like this is great exposure for Sunbury Motors, and it's a good event to support the chamber in their endeavors," DeFeo said.

He said he couldn't provide specifics on when the Quick Lane might open.

DeFeo and Harry's Grill owner Barb Kearns, another newcomer, also used Wednesday's job fair to talk and network with other businesses.

"You learn good marketing ideas and can connect with others and get your name out there," Kearns said. "It's a great event."

The third new participant, Safety Net Counseling, Mount Carmel, was searching for those with master's degrees to take therapist and behavior specialist positions.

"Right now, we have nothing in the entry-level area," said Cheryl Dressler.

She said since most of the funding for Safety Net comes from managed care outlets that are heavily regulated, staffing needs are more specialized.

'Steady stream'

At times, several people waited for an open chair to complete applications at the job fair, which was hosted by Pa. CareerLink Northumberland/Union/Snyder counties and the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by McCann School of Business.

"It's been a steady stream today," said chamber director Sandy Winhofer. With the same number of vendors as last year, "it's another good outing," she said.

Vendors ranged from transportation companies and local warehouses to temporary staffing agencies and manufacturers.

The atmosphere among vendors was more cooperative than competitive. If someone was interested in driving trucks for Reinhart FoodService or Milton Transportation but didn't have the right training, they were sent to the table for Sage Truck Driving Schools, which offers CDL training. Sage, in turn, forwarded prospective employees to PHEAA, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, for information on education funding.

Education angle

Education, in fact, was a big part of the job fair and was represented by McCann, Triangle Tech and Luzerne County Community College (LCCC).

"In today's market, careers require some sort of degree or 60 hours of college credits," said Nicole Edmondson, director of LCCC's Northumberland Regional Higher Education Center. "That's why we are here."

"Education is the step to getting the better paying job you want and the career you are seeking," said PHEAA representative Marla Kane.

Retirement openings

Many of the employers said their staffing levels over the past few years have remained steady, but recent changes brought at least one firm to Wednesday's event.

"We've been very good about retaining our employees," said Sandra Hause, human resources specialist for International Paper's Mount Carmel facility. "Right now, we have some workers that have been there between 45 to 48 years and are now retiring, so we need to find good folks to replace them, and this has been a good event to get applications from them."

Other businesses and agencies taking part were, PA CareerLink, National Ticket Company, the U.S. Army, CSIU WATCH Program, HH Knoebels Sons Inc., PA State Civil Service Commission, Geisinger Health System, CSO Community Action Agency, Clear Channel, Strong Industries, Experience Works, Aerotek, Hope Enterprises, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Sundance Vacations, Manpower and Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi believes an ideal site for a new county prison would be next to the State Correctional Institution at Coal Township near the village of Tharptown.

During Wednesday's prison board meeting, Clausi reiterated his support for a new prison, stating the current 137-year-old jail is not only outdated, but is contributing to lawsuits that could cost the county millions of dollars.

He recommended constructing a new prison and also a pre-release center near SCI-Coal Township because the infrastructure is already in place in that area. He said the land, known as Brush Valley, is owned by Aqua Pennsylvania.

That area was considered for a second state prison and, around 2000, for a federal prison, but the plans drew considerable opposition because of the aesthetic value of the forested tract and the water sources located there.

None of the seven prison board members objected to the consideration of a new prison, but most said they believe a long-range plan should be developed first.

Clausi recommended building a 600-cell prison and pre-release center at a cost of approximately $60 million or a 300-cell jail and the pre-release center at a cost of approximately $30 million.

The commissioner said he and President Judge Robert B. Sacavage have met with U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, to discuss funding sources and other ideas pertaining to a new facility.

District Attorney Tony Rosini believes the process should slow down.

"Spending $60 million is way beyond the debt you want to place on the county; I'm not in favor of building a new prison at this time," he said. "I think we need a 10-year plan."

Rosini also disagreed with Clausi's claim that once a new prison is built, it could become self-sustaining by housing prisoners from out of the county, including undocumented immigrants.

"There's not a prison in this country that is self-sustaining," Rosini said. "It's a pipe dream to think immigrants are going to pay to maintain a new prison."

As to Clausi's contention that lawsuits are being caused by the age and deteriorating conditions of the current prison, Rosini said it instead has do with "employees being accused of not treating inmates properly."

Clausi replied, "Don't play this stupid game and say we don't need a prison. It's time for a new prison to come to Northumberland County."

Plan now

Commissioner Stephen Bridy, prison board chairman, said he's against wasting taxpayers' dollars, but realizes a new prison is needed. "We need to start planning now because the current prison is at the end of its life cycle," he said.

Sacavage, Commissioner Richard Shoch and Warden Roy Johnson agreed a new prison is needed and voiced their support to move forward by developing a plan and forming a committee. But they said the proper channels must be followed and a hasty decision avoided.

Clausi, who claimed it will cost the county "double" if a decision is delayed, was satisfied by the end of the meeting that everyone at least agreed to study the issue.

Sacavage said prison board members can provide input, but the decision to build a new facility rests with the county commissioners.

Last month, Clausi said 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.

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. Last 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.