WILLIAMSPORT - Former Shamokin resident Kevin Marinelli, who was sentenced to death for murdering Conrad Dumchock in his Kulpmont home April 26, 1994, has asked a federal judge to consider amending judgment in his case now that a witness at his trial claims he lied about the defendant telling him information about the robbery and homicide.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Robert D. Mariani granted Marinelli's supplement motion to alter and amend judgment now that he is close to exhausting his state appeals while he remains on death row.

The 40-year-old Marinelli is the petitioner in the case, while Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Jeffrey Beard, SCI-Rockview Superintendent Franklin J. Tennis and SCI-Greene Superintendent Louis B. Folino are the defendants.

In December, Marinelli filed papers in U.S. Middle District Court asking the court to amend or alter a Nov. 26 decision that denied his motion to vacate the punishment he received in 1995.

He was sentenced to death after being convicted of first-degree murder in Dumchock's shooting death.

Marinelli's death warrant was signed in 1997 by then-Gov. Ed Rendell, but his execution was stayed by a federal judge on the filing of the habeas corpus petition that was denied Nov. 26.

Marinelli is currently an inmate at SCI-Green.

Two co-conspirators also are serving time for the murder.

Mark Marinelli, formerly of Shamokin, an inmate at SCI-Albion, testified against his brother and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Thomas Kirchoff, formerly of Coal Township, who is incarcerated at SCI-Somerset, was found guilty by jury of second-degree murder.

Both are serving life sentences with no chance of parole.

The supplement motion is based on a claim by Nathan Reigle, who was 17 at the time of Dumchock's death, that he lied during Marinelli's 1995 murder trial. Reigle was a friend of the Marinelli brothers.

In the motion, Reigle states, "My testimony at Kevin's trial in 1995 about Conrad's murder was not true. Everything I said about what Kevin supposedly told me about the robbery and murder of Conrad Dumchock was provided to me by the prosecutor and police. Kevin never said anything to me about what happened at Conrad Dumchock's house that night. The only thing he ever said to me about this case was one time when he was drunk and crying and rambling on, he said his brother held a gun to his head and was going to kill him if he didn't do what he told him. He never said anything about Conrad's murder. But the police and Mr. Sacavage (then-District Attorney Robert Sacavage) basically told me everything that was in my statement."

Reigle claimed he was denied an attorney when questioned by Sacavage, then-Assistant District Attorney Tony Rosini and police, and was really scared because he was just a kid.

In addition to all the details of the murder, Reigle claims in the motion that Sacavage wanted him to say the crime was a hate crime based on Dumchock's religion. "That was the one thing I refused to do because at the time, I was still a member of the Skinheads and was loyal to them," he said. "This crime had nothing to do with that."

Reigle said he also lied at trial when he was asked whether he made any deals in exchange for his testimony. "The only reason I testified was to avoid getting charged with conspiracy and several other crimes. I was scared I might end up having to do life in prison myself, even though I didn't have anything to do with this and knew nothing about it," he said.

The witness said the district attorney did not want him to testify for Marinelli at a post-conviction hearing and told him he would be charged with perjury and contempt of court if he did, which could result in another five-year sentence.

"The district attorney told me that when I got on the stand, the only thing I should testify about was that I bought a .25-caliber Raven pistol from Kevin," Reigle said. "But after I took the Fifth Amendment, I didn't testify about anything and the judge let me leave the witness stand."

Reigle said, "While Kevin never said anything to me about Conrad's murder, Tom Kirchoff did. After Kevin and Mark got picked up, Tom told me what happened that night. Tom said that he (Kirchoff) just 'went berserk' and 'lost it,' and started beating Conrad.

"Tom told me that Kevin actually pulled him off Conrad and made him stop hitting him, but as soon as Kevin walked away, Tom went back again and hit him some more. Tom also told me that that's when he thought he killed him. Tom also told me that he saw Mark put the gun to Kevin's head and force him to shoot Conrad. This makes sense to me because Kevin seemed intimidated by his older brother, Mark, and Mark often manipulated Kevin into doing things. I think Kevin was really upset about what Mark made him to."

Reigle said nobody promised him anything or threatened him to come forward with his claim that he lied at the trial, which was presided over by Judge Samuel Ranck.

"I'm coming forward now because I've finally maxed out my sentence and have cleaned up my life," he said. "Mr. Sacavage and the police no longer have anything to hold over my head, and it's not right that someone is facing the death penalty based on something that's not true."

Sacavage, who is now a Northumberland County judge, refuted Reigle's claims and accusations when contacted late Thursday afternoon.

KULPMONT - When Republican voters in Kulpmont head to the polls for Tuesday's primary election, they'll have to do some extra typing on the touch-screen voting machine if they want to cast a vote for a candidate.

That's because in the race for mayor and for four seats on borough council, all candidates are registered as Democrats.

That's not surprising, since the latest borough voter registration numbers show the Democratic party holding a three-to-one advantage.

In the contest for mayor, the race is between former mayor and councilman Nicholas Goretski III and political newcomer Bernard Novakoski. Current Mayor Myron Turlis is not seeking reelection after his first four-year term.

Friendly competition

Goretski said the campaign has been friendly because he and Novakoski are just that - friends.

"Bernie and I have been friends for many years and are even members of the same hunting camp," Goretski said. "Whatever happens in the election happens, and I wish him the best of luck."

"It's all in the hands of the voters," Novakoski said. "In the end, they have the final say as to who is elected."

Blight is top issue

Both men agreed the most significant problem facing the borough of 2,900 residents is the poor condition of too many properties.

"We need to fight the blight in this town," Novakoski said, lamenting the fact that so many out-of-town landlords own properties and aren't careful enough in who they allow as tenants.

Goretski likes the steps the current borough council has taken to toughen landlord/tenant ordinances, but would like to see it taken a bit further.

"I would love to see an aesthetics ordinance, meaning that the look of any property has to fit into that neighborhood and doesn't devalue the other properties in the area," Goretski said.

He also would like to help bring about more stringent rules about tenants, and thinks landlords should have to follow more rules.

"When someone applies for housing with the county authority, we have stringent rules that go beyond what the borough and the landlord does, and I think they should be adopted," he said.

Goretski, who serves on the Northumberland County Housing Authority, responsible for bringing Roosevelt Court to Kulpmont, said he would use the office as an ambassador role.

"We need to get back to a sense of community in this town, and the first way to do that is to have pride in our community to make Kulpmont better, and fixing up houses and making for higher fines for those that don't follow the program is one way to do that."

Borough building

Another issue that has divided Kulpmont in recent months is the plan to build a new complex that would include borough hall and offices, the maintenance garage, senior action center and police department.

Both candidates think the building is needed, but Novakoski said the public needs to be fully informed about the economics.

"Whether it be raze the current building and put up a more efficient building at the site, because it is full of asbestos, build a new one at a different site, or renovate an existing building - show us the savings that will be achieved," he said.

If a new building is constructed, Goretski would like to see some good come out the old one, such as with Roosevelt Court.

"You look at the old Roosevelt Grade School, how run down it was, and the work was put into it to make it one of the nicest pieces of real estate in the borough," Goretski said. "We need to explore all those options for the betterment of the borough, and work with everyone to see if funding is available to find a new use for it."

Novakoski also said he would like to see better traffic control on Kulpmont's thoroughfare, Chestnut Street (Route 61).

"We need better enforcement for the pedestrian crosswalks, so drivers know they need to yield to the pedestrians," Novakoski said. "By the same token, you have people that cross in the middle of the street, so its a double-edged sword."

Council candidates

The four Democratic candidates up for four seats on council - Joe Winhofer, Stephen Motyka, Clarence Dietrick and Bruno Varano - are all incumbents. None of the candidates has heard of anyone mounting a write-in candidacy for a Republican nomination, but all said if someone from that party wants to vote for them on May 21, they would welcome it.

"When I'm out talking to people and find out they are a Republican, I tell them I would appreciate their vote as well," said Goretski.

"I have it printed on my campaign cards I hand out," Novakoski said, "Republican votes welcome."

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - A Monroe County woman died Thursday morning when the car in which she was a passenger collided with another in North Manheim Township.

The crash occurred at Route 61 and Manheim Road about 8:35 a.m., according to state police Trooper Daniel Hillbish of the Schuylkill Haven station.

He said Diane S. Connors, 59, of East Stroudsburg, a front seat passenger in a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, died from injuries she suffered in the crash.

Hillbish said the crash occurred as Vistilla S. Bayton, 57, also of East Stroudsburg, was driving the Monte Carlo south on Route 61 when she tried to make a left turn onto Manheim Road at the traffic light near the Sheetz station.

Hillbish said the woman was following a tractor-trailer and the traffic signal changed without her realizing.

When the car entered the intersection, it was struck broadside on the passenger's side by a northbound 2004 Pontiac Grand Am being driven by Katherine Roth, 50, of Auburn.

Hillbish said Roth did not see Bayton's car enter the intersection while following the tractor-trailer.

Bayton and a back seat passenger in her car, Elaine Evans, 35, of East Stroudsburg, were flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, by medical helicopters that landed in an area near the Penn State Schuylkill campus, according to Schuylkill Haven Fire Chief Glen Sattizahn Jr.

Sattizahn said three helicopters were called initially but one cancelled when it was determined that Connors' injuries were fatal.

Roth was taken to a Pottsville area hospital by ambulance for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.

Sattizahn said all three occupants of Bayton's vehicle were extricated by Schuylkill Haven firefighters who had to remove the roof and passenger's side door of the vehicle.

Hillbish said Schuylkill Haven firefighters and Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area and Orwigsburg EMS units responded to the scene.

Sattizahn said fire police from Schuylkill Haven, Cressona and Orwigsburg assisted in diverting traffic since both northbound lanes of the highway were closed for a time while troopers conducted their investigation and the vehicles removed.

SHAMOKIN - Sandy Winhofer is in her final days as director of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce after nearly six years leading the organization.

Winhofer, of Kulpmont, has announced her resignation, effective Friday, May 24, to take a position as mortgage originator with UNB Bank, Mount Carmel.

The chamber board accepted her resignation Tuesday.

"I really enjoyed my time as director of the chamber doing the work I did for the businesses in the community," Winhofer said Thursday.

She said the bank job was an opportunity she couldn't pass up, and she's happy that it will allow her to stay involved with the chamber. UNB is an active member of the organization.

Winhofer said she's proud of the advancements made at the chamber over the past six years, including increasing membership from 188 when she started to a steady 230 to 240 today, and creating several new events and programs.

Members also have new benefit options today, including an energy pool for commercial customers and discounts for residential electric customers; ala carte insurance products, offered through PCI Insurance, that are typically difficult for businesses to provide today, such as vision and dental coverage, and discounts through Constant Contact, the e-mail marketing firm.

The chamber has a contract with Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO) Inc., through which office space, overhead (including supplies, phone and Internet service) and administrative assistance are provided to the chamber.

"CSO really adds a lot of value to what the chamber can do," Winhofer said, starting with having adequate and affordable office space.

The chamber raises money for its operation through memberships and fundraisers. Other than the assistance from CSO, the director position is the only paid chamber employee.

A 16-member board of volunteers from the business community helps the director guide the chamber operation.

"We are saddened to see Sandy leave and wish her the best in her future endeavors," said Pam Burns, current chamber president.

She said the chamber is looking forward to new opportunities and is working toward finding the right person to fill the role. That person would be a "dedicated individual with a passion for helping new and existing businesses within the area," Burns said.

SHAMOKIN - After seven years at the Ressler Center on the Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital campus, Dr. Sanjay Sen has moved his private practice to Mill Road Square. The new doctor's office now completely fills all the suites at the facility.

"I wanted to come over to Shamokin for a long time, but I didn't have the opportunity," Sen said.

The main reason for the move, according to Sen, is to be closer to his patients.

"My space here is also a little bit bigger and the city has also given me more parking spots," Sen said. "It is also easier for my handicapped patients to come down."

Sen thanked all who made the move possible.

"There was no help for me about to move five or six years ago, but this time, the City of Shamokin and city council have helped me."

"We welcome any new patients and we will strive to do our best," he added.

Sen, who is a diplomat on the American Board of Internal Medicine and has been a doctor since 1997, hopes to gradually increase his services for the benefit of his patients and the city.

'Revitalizing'

Mill Road Square was dedicated Sept. 23, 2004, on the site of the former Eagle Silk Mill with "a vision of revitalizing our city," Mayor George Rozinskie said. "When I became mayor, several of these suites were empty and the Redevelopment Authority (RDA) was in need of support and direction. David Kopitsky, along with the RDA board, have worked together with city officials to turn around the RDA and work on revitalization of the city."

"Today, we should applaud the RDA for job they did in pulling together with the city to identify tenants to fully occupy this building," he added.

The full occupancy brings employment numbers at the site to 16 full-time medical related jobs, 14 full-time professional services jobs and 50 part-time jobs, not counting city police or street department workers whose offices and garage are part of the complex.

"Despite this good news, we cannot stop, and I challenge the RDA to continue on with their vision and look for other opportunities for re-development, job creation and revitalization of the city," the mayor said.

"The rededication of this building continues to demonstrate that City of Shamokin officials are working hard to improve the quality of life here in the city," Rozinskie said.

He thanked Sen and other tenants, Russ Leshinski, Work Place Health; David Hoy, Phoenix Rehabilitation and Health Services; Becky Finkel, Sundance Vacations, and Frank Anonia, Michael Foods, "for making this possible and assuring the vitality of this building now and into the future." He also thanked Steve Bartos, city clerk, for working behind the scenes in assisting the RDA.

Members of the Shamokin Area High School Band and chorus performed several selections and at the conclusion of his speech, Rozinski presented them with a $100 check.

For more information or to make an appointment with Sen, call 648-0000.

Shamokin-C.T.

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Walk A Mile, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; lunch at Annabelle's, arrive at 11:30 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; health fair at Milton Town Park, transportation available, arrive at 10 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; aerobics, 9:30 a.m.; hoagie sale, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Current events, 10 a.m.; chair dancing, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Center closed.

Wednesday - Open house, food and beverages will be provided; HSIM exercise, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Chit Chat, 10 a.m.; favorite TV show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Brain teasers, 9 a.m.; exercise to music, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Wii in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii, knitting and noodle balloon in the morning; lunch at the Country Cupboard, van leaves center at 10 a.m.; pinochle and cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii, knitting and noodle balloon in the morning; bunco and LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Walking, 10 a.m., Wii games at 10 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii, knitting and noodle balloon in the morning; Memorial Day picnic with a cookout for those that signed up, noon, with nickel bingo to follow.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Pinochle and bingo.

Tuesday - Exercise with Carol Burton.

Wednesday - Center closed for bluegrass performance in Berwick.

Thursday - Guest speaker Bobbie on "Do some foods help arthritis pain?"

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Pokeno, noon.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Susquehanna Sight at center for a vision screening, 9:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

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

Trevorton

Monday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; card games.

Tuesday - Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Making hoagies, 8:30 a.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Scrabble, 9 a.m.; beanbag toss, 10:30 a.m.; chronic disease management class session 3, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; blood sugar and pressure screening, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School Board made district residents happy Thursday night by passing a proposed $16 million budget without a tax increase and agreeing to make needed repairs to the high school swimming pool.

Approving the $16,655,345.35 spending plan for 2013-2014 were Directors Donna James, Dr. Raymond Kraynak, Thomas Ditchey, Robert Mudowney, Michael Brinkash, Michael Rovito, Charles Mannello and Joseph D'Andrea. Ray Kraynak was absent.

Last year's budget totaled $16,070.052. A final spending plan is expected to be adopted next month.

On a 7-1 vote, the board approved repairs not to exceed $15,000 for the swimming pool, which has been closed for approximately two months because sand got into the system and damaged the filter tanks. School district officials also were forced to close the pool in the middle of December when a squirrel damaged an electrical line that knocked out three phases of electricity on the school campus.

Dr. Kraynak cast the lone dissenting vote.

Pool meeting

Brinkash said members of the pool committee met May 2 with parents and boosters of the youth swim programs in the district to discuss the repairs and fund-raising activities to maintain the pool,

"It was a very productive meeting and everyone is working together to keep the pool open," he said. Brinkash said school officials believe the repairs will cost approximately $11,000.

Buildings and grounds director Dave Fegley, who conducted a thorough inspection of the pool, said repairs will be made to the filter tanks and heating system, but didn't know when work will begin.

At the end of the meeting, several parents commended the board for making the repairs.

Approximately 40 parents, students, coaches and concerned citizens attended last month's meeting seeking answers about the future of the district's swimming pool and programs.

Although board members at that time were unable to provide many answers because of the unavailability of cost estimates to repair the pool, supporters made it clear they will do everything to assure the pool reopens.

Other business

Directors agreed to enter into a $163,226 contract with Nagle Athletic Surfaces, Liverpool, N.Y., to replace the running track at the high school stadium. The work will include installing crossover mats and the installation of 1 1/2-inch asphalt under layment, if needed.

The resurfacing project will be paid with money left over from the stadium project bond issue.

The board approved the retirements of special education teacher Anne Becker, elementary instructor Bart McCollum and junior-senior high school music and choral teacher Sharon Styer.

Superintendent Bernie Stellar commended the retirees for their years of service to the district.

At the beginning of the meeting, Bill Pendziwiatr, president of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, presented Styer with a citation of excellence from the association for her outstanding work and dedication over the years. Styer, who serves as president of District 8 of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, was honored at last month's association convention in Erie.

Pendziwiatr, who resides in Berwick, and Stellar praised Styer for her intelligence, cooperation and organization.

The board accepted the resignation of elementary teacher William Brokenshire and assistant varsity girls' basketball coach Frank Bolick, and hired Joe Varano to replace Bolick at a salary of $2,600.

Directors approved the district's share of the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center budget in the amount of $460,954. The total budget is $1,603,745.

The athletic fund budget totaling $185,313 and cafeteria budget in the amount of $995,855.07 also were approved.

Eight candidates are vying for party nominations for four seats on the Shamokin Area School Board.

The field includes incumbents Brian Persing and Edward M. Griffiths; two former board members, Mark Anonia and Sol Bidding, and four candidates who are running for the board for the first time, Richard Kashnoski, Matthew Reed Losiewicz, Diane C. Serafin and Rosalie Smoogen.

All candidates have filed in both the Republican and Democratic primaries.

The News-Item invited candidates to respond to four questions, and their responses are published below. Their photos are included, when available.

QUESTION No. 1:

Suppose the board, having already eliminated waste and still needing to balance the budget, had to choose between cutting educational programs or increasing property taxes. What course would you pursue?

Mark Anonia: I cannot accept that waste has been truly cut when I see other spending has continued, and, sadly, teachers and staff have lost jobs.

Sol Bidding: Shamokin Area School District must stay within the funds alloted. After the waste issue is resolved, any cuts in educational programs would not be the way I would solve the budget problem. I would end Act 93, which gives 5 percent raises to administrative employees. This cut would save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. If needed, this is the area where I would cut positions first. Student education is the student's future - to move into higher education, the student's lifelong professional livelihood. Taxation would be the last resolve to end budget problems. Thus, education, first, salary raises last.

Edward M. Griffiths: Last year was the first in 20 years we had to raise taxes, and that was not even a mill. That was due to good management. We had a surplus at one time of $8 million. This governor wants districts to spend their surplus, causing us to raise taxes and, in turn, he can say he did not raise taxes. He is just passing the buck. I won't pull the politician card and say I won't vote to raise taxes. With the price of everything going up, it is almost impossible not to. I am also a taxpayer; that is money that comes out of my family's pocket. We as a board need to look at the whole picture and, hopefully, a tax increase is the last option. Any candidate who says they won't raise taxes just isn't being honest, and they are just telling you what you want to hear. We need to look at the whole picture and make our decisions after taking everything into consideration. Our job is to give our kids the best education so they can be successful and go to college or trade school or just stay here with the education we provided them.

Richard A. Kashnoski: We are only able to raise so much without a referendum, which means you'd never be successful in raising taxes. You'd be forced to cut programs but not without looking into the wasteful spending first. With that being said, wasteful spending to me is the key cut and the path one should take first. By looking into these such items, the school may have opportunities that may not have been considered. One should always look into possibilities and options before doing either. There are always solutions to problems, it's just a matter of how hard the entire board is willing to work together to ensure that we have done the best of our ability before making decisions as mentioned.

Matthew Reed Losiewicz: Both of these avenues are something I wouldn't like to do. Cutting additional programs would be harmful to the children's education. Any raising of taxes is only something we can do to a certain amount, and it is something that would not be enough to rectify our debt situtation. Before choosing either of these options, I would want to look futher into our current excess spending to see if anything could be eliminated or cut back to resolve our budget problem internally.

Brian Persing: No one wants to ever cut education programs, but sometimes we don't have a choice. Taxes in the school district haven't been raised since 1992 and this is part of the problem. Just imagine any business not raising their prices for 21 years. I would definitely be in favor of raising property taxes, but here is the problem: Act 1 only allows the school district to raise taxes to the index, which this year is .69 percent of a mill. What this means in terms of extra money to the district is approximately an extra $69,000 in revenue. This is not a lot of money when you consider it costs the school district $50,000 with salary and benefits to hire a first year school teacher out of college.

Diane C. Serafin: I would respectfully ask what defines "waste." Proverbially speaking, one person's trash is another's treasure. I do not favor cutting educational programs that are curriculum-based and taught by properly certified professionals whose expertise is finely developed in these content areas. To deny students the opportunity to learn developmentally appropriate material from those best qualified to serve their educational future is not a path down which I prefer to travel. Families should know about the options so they may discern the effects on their children. I also do not believe that this issue is an either/or scenario. Other measures, such as using technology to expand course offerings, increasing the collection rate of taxes due, pursuing grant opportunities, re-evaluating the cyber school open door policy and master schedule redesign to accommodate flexibility may be possibilities. Property tax reform is a topic for state legislatures, and options are being generated to adjust the burden on property owners. School board members can assume advocacy roles as they assert the interests of the community. Talking together with the affected populations is a wise course of action to be taken before a cost-revenue analysis is drafted. Presenting "done deals" only negates creative problem solving.

Rosalie Smoogen: First of all, I would want to evaluate the waste which had already been eliminated and see what its total impact had on balancing the budget. Cutting educational programs should not be a choice for balancing the budget. Increasing property taxes should always be a last resort while making sure such an increase, if necessary, would go to the continuance of educational programs, not on wasteful spending. A severe push should also be considered in the collection of all delinquent taxes.

QUESTION No. 2:

If a parent, teacher or ordinary citizen alerted you, as an individual board member, about a potential problem in the school district, how would you go about addressing this concern?

Anonia: I would inform the other members of the board so that we could gain a consensus of how to move forward.

Bidding: First of all, I would bring the issue of concern before the principal of the designated building. The principal would then confront the teacher and the individual. If the problem is not resolved at that level, it would be brought to all board members, the superintendent and the principal. If the issue concerns a school policy, the issue must end with the state and federal educational board policy. No special treatment for anyone concerned.

Griffiths: The administration knows how to run a school district. I wouldn't expect them to tell me how to run a police department. I believe in the chain of command. If there is a problem with a teacher, contact the principal. If there is a problem with the custodial department, get hold of the maintenance supervisor, etc. If you're not happy, then contact the superintendent. If you are still not satisfied, then the board will follow up. I always give the person a follow-up call to make sure they are satisfied.

Kashnoski: All problems need to be addressed accordingly by following the chain of command set forth in the school district - that being the principal and the superintendent first, no matter what the concern. As we have seen in various instances across the U.S., i.e., the Connecticut school shooting, Sandusky and the Boston bombing. As every concern is brought to me, the most critical way to address the concern is to follow up to make sure that it has been rectified. If that means having the police involved, then we do, but each and every problem should be a concern that is looked into.

Losiewicz: First and foremost, I believe in a chain of command. If this issue is something that should be directed to a principal or other administrator, I would advise the parent, teacher or citizen of the correct person to inform, as well as taking it upon myself to relay the message to that person. A chain of command should always be followed to ensure the system is working properly and that the current administration is handling the issues that may arise. If this issue was something that was in need of immediate attention and was something only the school board itself could fix, I would immediately inform all members of the problem so that as a group we could handle and resolve the issue.

Persing: Over my past 3 1/2 years on the school board, I have fielded many complaints from parents, teachers, students and employees. I am a firm believer in a chain of command, but that doesn't seem to work in our school district. Being president of the board, I would meet with our superintendent and the building principal where the complaint or concern arises. I let them handle the problem; after all, this is their job. If this doesn't get any satisfaction from the party involved, then I will look into this personally and together we will get to the root of the problem. I then will call the concerned party and let them know what we found out. I will always call back anyone who has ever called me about a problem.

Serafin: My course of action would be to listen to the person and ask for minimum factual details, without violating confidentiality or discussing what may be personnel issues. I do not believe that this is a "top-down" strategy to implement. I would respect the person's confidence in me, and ask the person to express the concern directly and personally to appropriate personnel. Emergencies should always be directed to a building administrator. Scheduling time to present a concern is a courtesy of practice, as a "walk-in" appointment may not always be feasible. As a second strategy, and in each case, I would recommend that the concerned person document the efforts at contacting appropriate personnel, note the outcome, and move up the established "chain of command" if the issue remains unresolved. I would trust that paid personnel listen to and provide direction on the issue. If the intervention of the school board is required, then standard practice applies. I also believe that the network of people who are responsible for the many jobs in the school district should be made public on an improved, consumer-friendly school district website, as well as in publications to students and their families.

Smoogen: I would address all concerns about potential problems by following the proper chain of command after assembling all available details. I would follow each issue through until a satisfactory conclusion could be made.

QUESTION No. 3:

In what specific area (financial, academics, extra-curricular activities) does the Shamokin Area School District most need improvement?

Anonia: Academics, because cutting programs - specifically music, which is crucial to child development - we are literally moving backward.

Bidding: In my opinion, extra-curricular activities are all privileges. They are not required educational programs. A school board hires coaches. Let the coaches coach, and school directors should stay off the field and let them do their jobs. Athletes must meet certain grade levels to play. Hiding failures at any level does not help the student, and should be met with resolve by the school board. If needed, cut coaching staff, saving thousands of dollars a year. Now an educational program can be saved that is required for graduation. Educate an athlete, and you create a sound student/athlete. Fail to educate an athlete and you fail to create an individual with other potentials. I would, however, try to preserve the arts since they are valuable tools to enhance the overall character of our individual students in their future endeavors.

Griffiths: You can always improve in everything. We have been meeting all our goals in PSSA testing. We could use more money from the state, but the administration has been creative with ways to offset that with us taking over education at Northwestern. Our sports teams are improving. We have Chris Zimmerman as the basketball coach; he puts his heart and soul into a program which has been successful for years, thanks to Coaches Probert and Klebon. The new football coach hit the ground running, putting in an unbelievable amount of time. Softball and baseball are close to making districts. Swimming had kids go to states. Volleyball and girls and boys soccer have been successful. The wrestling program has consistently been successful. Coach Rogers' track teams are always competitive, and Coach Callahan's girls basketball program is one of the best in the area, I don't know how we can improve our music program, and our plays get better every year. Where we can improve is remembering these are kids who get paid nothing and coaches who put in long hours for very little pay. They are somebody's son or daughter and wife and husband who are giving us pretty good entertainment for a minimal admission price.

Kashnoski: Turning your back by not being concerned with all of the topics can lead to the downfall of each of them. Cause and effect interrelate with all of these issues. Staying on top of finances feeds the ability to allow for extra-curricular activities and academics. Improvement is something like a relationship; it needs to constantly nurtured. By doing this, you ensure longevity and stability.

Losiewicz: Well, it is obvious from the first question we need to balance our budget as soon as possible. Without a balanced budget, we cannot move forward in reinstituting programs such as art and music back to our elementary. Programs like these I would like to see back in the very near future. I believe these programs are as crucial in a child's development as math or history. These programs, in my opinion, can help better a child's creative thinking process as much as strengthen their skills in academics.

Persing: I think we need improvement in all areas. Nobody or no one is perfect. Our financial situation can always be better, when you have to cut $5.6 million from the budget. That's never a good thing. Our extra-curricular activities need work also. We must be more consistent with our student athletes and the discipline. Sometimes I think some of the athletes think the rules don't apply to them. Everybody wants to win, but at what cost? If we don't have discipline, we will never win. As far as academics, I don't know of any school board that turns anything down when it comes to academics. Remember, this is what it is all about. We are a school first. We have a curriculum coordinator that does a top-notch job making sure that Shamokin Area has top-notch academics for all of our students.

Serafin: As an employee, I observed much strength in our academic program offerings, but there is room for change. I do believe we need to reinstate several programs eliminated last year, including fine arts and library-based reading and research skill development. We should investigate pooling resources via teleconferencing classes with current low enrollments, as well as for students who are homebound for a limited amount of time. Evaluating the progress and requesting employee insights of the change in the model of our career-technical programs should occur. Using the Keystone assessments as a guide, reviewing our graduation requirements and current scheduling practices might generate alternatives. I also believe there is a need to reassert positive behaviors, attitudes and academic performance as expectations for students and staff, even though current and changing social norms do present obstacles. Disproportionate amounts of time are spent on repeated disciplinary, academic and attendance concerns with the same basic population of students. Mandated enrollment in district-based alternative education placements might better accommodate those children whose life paths, behaviors and academic levels do not match appropriate developmental levels. This is one way to address the issues of the high-needs students until they can keep pace with the regularly-scheduled population.

Smoogen: I think that all school districts are continually looking for improvements to financial, academic and extra-curricular activities and I would want to continue studying the progress in all of these areas in order to make Shamokin Area the best it can be.

QUESTION No. 4:

What is the primary motivation behind your decision to run for the school board?

Anonia: As I stated in my campaign announcement, "My motivation to run for the board comes directly from 'our' children's education, my pride in the community and my concern over how money is spent. My agenda was and is to do what I can to assist the school corporation in promoting excellence and lifelong learning in our children: and to promote and facilitate excellence and best practices with all of our staff in the best use of our resources."

Bidding: This is a simple question. I want my fellow taxpayers to fund the education of their children. Shamokin Area School District is an institution of education. It is not an employment agency for directors' family members, nor was it ever a sports academy for forming future professional ball players. It needs to be, however, an institution of learning where students can excel, be safe, not be bullied by other students and continue on with their hopes for the future. Our children deserve the right to a good education, great teachers and a safe school environment. We pay $28-30 million for such an education, and we/you should demand our money's worth. Directors should stop fighting among themselves. We lead by example, and we are doing poorly by our actions so far. The people who elected us do not care who we like or dislike. They trust that we can come together as a board and put our petty differences aside to concentrate on our children's educational needs. If we can do that, perhaps they can become better leaders than we are, because of our example.

Griffiths: One of my motivations is the same as what everybody is going to say, as they should - it's for the kids, education and taxpayers. The most important to me is trying to give back for what this community has done over the years for me and my family, which I will never forget. This is a position where you can't be a career politician because there is no pay and you have to want to do it. There are a lot of good candidates to choose from, probably the best group I have had to run against. I have known Richie Kashnoski since he was a kid, the same with Matt Losiewicz, whom I coached. Brian Persing has put in a lot of time, and Sol Bidding's heart is in the right place. Mark Anonia was a good director when he served. I believe we all have the best interest for the district, and not agendas or vendettas.

Kashnoski: My primary motivation is to bring the school district to a place where it strengthens the community through the development of our youth. This promotes healthy living and creates social responsibility. Creating options for our district by doing this not only makes us stronger, it sets us above the pack and leads us in the right direction. My primary goal is to ensure our district has the programs, teachers and fundamentals to run effectively. Too many times, we have seen people give up and turn their backs on a challenge. My primary motivation is to tackle those tough challenges and create options for our district. We have too many opportunities in front of us to not take advantage of them, and we can eliminate wasteful spending and promote a wealthy and rich district. Not just wealthy in the terms of money, but wealthy in the terms of knowledge, education, and extra-curricular activities which engage our youth. I want to get the community involved, engaged and become an active participant at all meetings. Promoting communication and creating a two-way street will ensure that all thoughts and concerns are considered. The best knowledge is that of the rock that was not overturned.

Losiewicz: In the past year, I have devoted my time to help better this community. I have been nominated and sit as second chair on the Shamokin Planning Board, and I have helped to start a local non-profit, "Coal City Revitalization," on which I am serving as the acting president. Both these ventures were started with the sole purpose of finding ways to improve our area and community. When I made my decision to run for school board, it was a very simple choice. I believe rectifying our educational system as a whole is a great foundation for bettering our community for the future.

Persing: I'm hoping all candidates answer this question truthfully. In the past, we had people run for the school board with an agenda or an axe to grind with someone or something in the district - and that's wrong! My motivation is simple. I love to work for the kids, either on the school board or helping the kids have food and toys for Christmas through my work with the Salvation Army, or as president of the basketball boosters giving back to the cheerleaders and players. I want the Shamokin Area School District to be best school it can possible be. I feel that I can make a difference in our children's lives. That's my motivation - the kids.

Serafin: I have chosen to seek election as a school director for the Shamokin Area School District because I believe in this region, its people, our schools, and our personnel. I am unafraid to ask pointed questions, consider educational concerns, assess financial implications, and examine issues from multiple points of view. I know when and how to ask for, listen to, and receive assistance in areas where my knowledge and experience differs from those of colleagues. I am the grandchild of immigrants whose plans included formal education for their children. My grandparents' dreams became part of my educational achievement. I have been employed as a professional educator for nearly 35 years, on both the secondary and postsecondary levels. I have seen programs change as government mandates shifted on the political spectrum. Education is a profession in which I take pride, and from which I will retire with few regrets. My perspective may be valuable, but it is one of many needed from our community. Together, nine elected residents approve the course of action for our collective future: our community's youth. This is a time of service for me, if like-minded voters share my convictions.

Smoogen: After 34 years of employment with the school district, I have become familiar with its financial, academic and sporting programs and have often felt that expenditures could be monitored more closely and I would strive to work hard to see that we stay within our financial means.

MANDATA - Taxes in the Line Mountain School District will remain the same in 2013-14 with board members unanimously passing the 2013-14 budget Tuesday night.

The board's 7-0 vote keeps the real estate millage rate at 70, which reflected a suggestion by Superintendent David Campbell last month to not increase property taxes.

The $17,236,460 budget is a result of the board's decision to consolidate the elementary schools, board President Troy Laudenslager said Wednesday.

The elementary schools in Leck Kill and Dalmatia will close at the end of the school year. All students in grades kindergarten through fourth will attend classes at Trevorton, where an addition is being constructed. An addition is also being built to the seventh- and eighth-grade wing at the junior/senior high school in Mandata to accommodate fifth- and sixth-graders.

"Without the consolidation, we would have had a lot of difficulty without raising taxes to cover everything," Laudenslager said.

There will be no teaching staff positions eliminated, and the administration is working to figure out which positions from the classified staff, such as custodians, will be eliminated, he said.

"We were able to save the curriculum, improve education and not raise taxes," Laudenslager said.

He said there was no discussion about the budget Tuesday night since those conversations were held at length in previous meetings and because there was no tax increase proposed.

The board also approved Director Lawrence Neidig as treasurer for next school year with no stipend. He was originally going to be approved with a salary of $500, but Neidig considers being paid for the position an antiquated practice, Laudenslager said.

In other business, the board approved:

- A three-year agreement with Lancaster Lebanon IU13 to use their Microsoft Enrollment for Education Solutions program to obtain all Microsoft Software and Licensing for the district. The agreement, which starts June 1 and ends July 31, 2016, costs the district $12,001.68 for the first year and $10,752.48 both for the second and third years.

- The purchase of Juniper Data and Voice Network switches from Blast IU17, Canton, at a cost of $43,910. The switches will be used in the elementary and middle school expansions and for the data centers in the high school and Trevorton elementary.

- The appointment of Richard J. Roberts Jr., Leavens and Roberts, Shamokin, as solicitor for the next school year at an hourly rate of $120, and Patty Troutman as board secretary for the next school year at a salary of $1,500 per year.

HARRISBURG - A new push by health advocates is under way to expand the statewide ban on indoor smoking by eliminating a dozen existing exemptions and allowing local governments more say on the matter.

The focus was put on strengthening Pennsylvania's 2008 Clean Indoor Act with the American Lung Association and other groups calling Tuesday for "No More Exceptions" during a rally at the state Capitol.

Ending exceptions that allow smoking in some workplaces will reduce the health dangers from second-hand smoke, said Deb Brown, regional lung association president.

"Thousands of Pennsylvanians have to work in those dirty, smoky environments," she added.

Rep. Mario Scavello, R-176, Mount Pocono, is preparing legislation to eliminate smoking ban exceptions for casino floors and drinking establishments with less than 20 percent of business in food sales that featured prominently in the 2008 debate over the issue. His legislation would allow local governments to exact smoke-free ordinances that are more stringent than the state law.

Specifically, Scavello's bill would end the exceptions for casino gaming floors, drinking establishments meeting the food sales threshold, private clubs, residential facilities, hotel guest rooms, fundraisers, tobacco promotion events, full-service truck stops and the workplace of tobacco manufacturers and distributors by defining them as public places, according to a legislative memo.

He said the smoking ban helped businesses rather than hurt them as ban opponents predicted.

A complete indoor smoking law is needed to fully carry out Pennsylvania's environmental rights constitutional amendment that promises citizens a right to clean air, said Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, R-12, Willow Grove, sponsor of a similar Senate bill.

"As long as we allow smoking in indoor locations, that right has not been fulfilled," he said.

The lung association supports both bills as a way to have a comprehensive ban that would prohibit smoking in all indoor workplaces.

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough council has requested Mount Carmel Borough Police Chief Todd Owens to launch a criminal investigation into the operations of the Lower Anthracite Transportation System (LATS), specifically the operations and management of the former subcontractor King Coal Tours and owner Robert Else III, the former transit coordinator Gerald Matzura and the former transit manager Joseph K. Bass.

A letter signed by all seven borough council members was read by President Tony Matulewicz Thursday night at the borough council meeting and was immediately presented to Owens.

"Recent information acquired from multiple sources regarding the operations of the LATS has led the Mount Carmel borough council to believe that reasonable suspicion exists that criminal activity may be afoot," Matulewicz read.

The records for the LATS system based on bills submitted by Kulpmont-based King Coal Tours to the borough have many discrepancies, including charges for fuel not used by LATS buses, for tires and fuel filters unable to fit on the vehicles and for what the borough calls excessive labor costs.

When borough officials originally questioned these discrepancies in July, King Coal management began lowering monthly bills from approximately $35,000 in July and August to $17,272 in January.

King Coal then effectively ended its contract with the borough, and council approved the Shamokin-based Catawese Coach Lines to finish out the fiscal year, which resulted in a price of $10,232 in February.

"I will absorb this letter and see what direction to go, and what agency would be the best fit to help with a case of this magnitude," Owens said following the meeting.

The "daunting task" may require forensics and computer experts, and assistance from the state or federal agencies, he said.

PennDOT provides LATS funding from federal and state sources, including the Lottery Senior Citizen Free Transit Fund, and requires reports on the operation. The borough, which is awarded grant money, enters into a contract with a bus service provider, and reimburses that company for its expenses in operating the system. LATS owns its fleet of four buses.

Councilmen Robert Barrett and Joseph Lapotsky made and seconded the motion to request the investigation, and it passed unanimously 7-0.

The council also unanimously accepted the recommendation of the evaluation committee comprised of council members Matulewicz, Lapotsky and Robert Shirmer, LATS Executive Director Megan Janolek and borough manager Edward Cuff III to tentatively award the new LATS contract to Catawese.

Matulewicz said Catawese, who scored the highest among the other bidders, was accepted for various reasons including having a headquarters in Northumberland County and operating the system with no problem since February.

Other submissions included Rabbittransit, part of the York County Transportation Authority, MV Transportation based in California and Virginia Regional Transit.

Matulewicz said the details of the three-year contract will be determined and the state must sign off on Catawese.

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - An Aristes woman suffered injuries in a crash Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Penn Avenue and Bottle Road.

Joan Marie Mayernick, of Aristes, was transported to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital by Elysburg Ambulance following the 3 p.m. accident. She was treated and released, according to a nursing supervisor.

Ralpho Township Police said Mayernick was driving a blue Subaru west on Penn Avenue and attempted to turn south on Bottle Drive. Her vehicle and a Dodge Dakota operated by Ron Smink, 63, of 929 E. Chestnut St., Shamokin, collided at the intersection. Smink was traveling north on Bottle Drive at the time.

The Mayernick vehicle had extensive damage to the right side, including the door panel, and it was towed from the scene by Tire Ranch. Smink's pickup was damaged in the front and was towed by Jeff's Auto Body.

Sgt. Chris Kreisher investigated for Ralpho police. Responding were Elysburg and Overlook firefighters, Elysburg ambulance personnel and Ralpho fire police.

Clausi did not criticize supervisors

The News-Item incorrectly reported comments from Northumberland County Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi at the May 8 prison board meeting.

A story in the May 9 edition said Clausi said if anyone is found in the prison with drugs, the supervisor should be fired because "leadership sucks." Clausi said he was not being critical of the prison supervisors, and instead said he was referring to the county prison board, himself included, in saying that "leadership stinks" if problems such as drugs being taken into the prison are allowed to continue. Clausi said he reviewed the tape of the meeting to be certain of his comments and also met with prison Commander Brian Wheary to relate that he was not criticizing any supervisors.

Bridy not supporting candidate

Northumberland County Commissioner Stephen Bridy took exception with Jamie Saleski's comments in Thursday's edition that she wouldn't get any help in her dispute with Justin Dunkelberger, her opponent for the Republican candidacy for prothonotary, because "two commissioners," meaning Bridy and Vinny Clausi "support him." While Clausi has endorsed Dunkelberger, Bridy has not, and says he "does not support either candidate on the Republican ticket." Bridy, who is an Independent, said, "I do not, nor will not, publicly or privately support any candidate." He was also critical of The News-Item for not contacting him for comment on the issue.

The News-Item apologizes for the incorrect reporting.

Applications for festival events

SHAMOKIN - Registration forms are available for two popular events at the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts set for May 24 and 25.

Following the annual parade, the luminary event with lighted bags along Lincoln Street will be held Friday evening. Saturday's events kick off with a 5K run beginning at Shamokin Area's Kemp Memorial Stadium and winding its way down to the festival area on Market Street.

Registration forms for the luminary event and the 5K run are available at Beverly's Flower Shop, 9 E. Independence St.

DANVILLE - The Auxiliary at Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) approved more than $375,000 in funding toward projects that will improve patient care and further professional development at GMC and revitalize the Danville community. This is the largest amount of funding approved since the inception of the Auxiliary more than 45 years ago.

Raising funds for GMC-based initiatives is one of the most important functions of the Auxiliary. The funds are used to accommodate requests for assistance by various departments when budgets may not be sufficient to fund the initiatives on their own.

Projects approved for funding in 2013 include:

- Research study on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to contribute to the prevention and successful treatment of PTSD in veterans.

- Preventative pediatric dental care for underserved children in central and northeastern Pa.

- Research study on home-based exercise programs for women recovering from breast cancer designed to help them regain strength and mobility.

- Cardiology research study on heart failure and the Six-Minute Walk Test to contribute to a reduction in heart failure hospital readmissions.

- Mission Cataract, a free cataract surgery program for those without health insurance.

- The purchase of an EKG machine for the Interventional Pain Center on Woodbine Lane.

- Forensic interviews for sexually abused children at no cost to the family through the Child Advocacy Center.

- The purchase of a LUCAS Chest Compression System, a medical device used for patients who experience cardiac arrest during cardiac catheterization.

- Camp Victory to pave roads at the facility and provide wireless network technology.

- Critical Care Symposium Lecture Fund in honor of Dr. Joseph Lorenzo Smith.

- Cancer research study on immuno-staining breast carcinoma to enable pathologists to more accurately diagnose tumors.

- The purchase of new exam tables for general surgery to assist elderly, frail, handicapped and obese patients.

- The purchase of a pulmonary bronchoscopy stimulator module to train fellows and advanced practice critical care poviders.

- Compassionate Friends, a monthly support group for grieving parents.

- Telemedicine for high-risk pregnancies to increase access to GMC-based specialized services through audio and visual telecommunication between patients and physicians.

- Research study on digital mammographic density to assess risk of breast cancer through new software.

- New security devices for the Ronald McDonald House to improve the safety of the facility for guests, volunteers and staff.

- Danville Business Alliance Next Generation Campaign to provide funding toward the economic revitalization and betterment of downtown Danville.

The Auxiliary at GMC offers anyone the opportunity to make new friends and network, while helping to raise funds to advance health related social and medical projects. Last year, the Auxiliary raised more than $150,000 through six fundraising events including the Lighting up Tomorrow Gala and the Take Aim for Charity Trap Shoot.

For more information about the Auxiliary at GMC or to join, call 271.6230.

(Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital has its own auxiliary, a group that works to raise money specifically for the G-SACH campus.)

COAL TOWNSHIP - Senior Erica Gammon and seventh-grade student Jennifer Kozlowski have been selected as students of the month for March at Shamokin Area Middle-High School.

Gammon is a daughter of Eric and Kathy Gammon, of Shamokin. She was 2008 homecoming queen for the Shamokin Bears and is an honor roll student. Her hobbies include volleyball, reading, baking and taking walks.

Kozlowski is a daughter of Jill Kozlowski and Bob Augustitus, of Coal Township. She is a distinguished honor roll student and was MVP in the SYGBL basketball league. Her activities include SYBGL basketball and orchestra. Her hobbies include basketball, playing violin and shopping.

Student of the Month is sponsored by Shamokin Area PTSA.

ATLAS - American Legion Post 804, Atlas, announces their plans for Memorial Day, May 27.

A breakfast will be held at the post home located on Route 61 beginning at 8 a.m.

Members of the community are invited to attend a 10 a.m. memorial service held at the monument. The ceremony will conclude with a presentation by the Mount Carmel Area High School Marching Band.

At the conclusion of the service, members will march through the village of Atlas, ending at the Atlas Fire Company memorial where a service will be held.

Members of the post will also perform memorial services at the following locations, times to be determined: Strong, Beaverdale, Diamondtown and Aristes.

CATAWISSA RR - The honor roll has been announced for the third marking period at Southern Columbia Area High School.

To earn distinguished honors recognition, a student must have a marking period average of 95 percent or higher. The regular honor roll requires a marking period average of between 88 to 94.999 percent.

Distinguished honor roll

Ninth-grade - Ahmed Abdul-Al, Jessica Adamski, Lena Becker, Casey Bernhard, Olivia Bodner, Kayla Broscious, Alexandria Brown, Gabriel Delbo, Gabriella Delbo, Emily Eck, Shylynn Flowers, Olivia Greene, Stephanie Haupt, Aiyona Hayman, Robert Hergan, Abigail Herr, Nicholas Jessick, Blair Johnston, Zsofia Kandrot, Tyler Keiser, Katherine Koschoff-Rapkin, Maggie Kushner, Haley Levan, Blake Marks, Elyse Noll, Natalia Oliveri, Regan Roadarmel, Mackenna Shively, Molly Shoup, Matthew Srednicki, Ryan Stimer, Bradley Whyne and Alexys Yannes.

10th-grade - Hunter Bloom, Trent Donlan, Dustin Durovick, Natalie George, Connor Houseknecht, Steven Hricenak, Katelin Ivey, Kyle Mostik, Julia Mudrock, Bradley Noll, Brady Petrovich, Victoria Ring, Anthony Rodriguez, Jacob Ryan, Samantha Schultz, Kirstein Sharrow, Alyssa Stavinski, Connor Swank, Vanessa Thomas, Adam Weissert, John Wilson and Madison Yocum.

11th-grade - Mackenzie Brouse, Anne Bryden, Bailey Bzdak, Mackenzie Clark, Amanda Consentino, Shannon Daubert, Justin Ernest, Jenna Gutekunst, Nathan Hunter, Carissa Jones, Lauren Kerstetter, Racquel Kreischerl, Jensen Kremser, Tegan Kriebel, Nathaniel Leiby, Matthew Lupold, McKenna Lupold, Madalyn Marzeski, Cody Olson, Avory Pantalone, Allen Potter, Gabrielle Scherer, Sabyasachi Sen, Teanna Shutt, Anne Snyder, Garett Sosnoski, Amber Srednicki, Madelyn Stabinski, Andrew Steely, Beau Tamanini, Molly Van Wieren, Angela Vought and Erin Yoder.

12th-grade - Madison Beisswanger, Kirstin Blass, Megan Chaundy, Katie Dunkelberger, Morgan Fidler, Erin Fitzpatrick, Jeffrey Hall, Kelly Henry, Kendra Jones, Kayla Lavella, Abby Menefee, Kaitlin Mowery, Jasmine Olvany, Shelby Petro, Olivia Potter, Marisa Rhodes, Andrew Sassani, Maria Scicchitano, Alec Tobaygo, Mallory Tomaschik and Kathryn Varano.

Honor roll

Ninth-grade - Laken Anderson, Nicholas Becker, Matthew Bell, Tristan Benware, Sarah Brown, Dustin Chaundy, Mackenzie Chaundy, Lauren Cherwinski, Cassie Cowell, Cierra Crawford, Gregory Delbo, Andrea Derr, Jackson Dorey, Diana Dorkoski, Jadyn Dunkelberger, Kaylee Durovick, Abby Fleishauer, Hunter Flore, Hannah Gratti, Mackenzie Haladay, Gregory Hidlay, Thomas Ivey, Shalyn Kashner, Monica Kleman, Dylan Kranzel, Aaron Kroh, Elizabeth Lieberman, Ashley Miller, Hope Miller, Lon Morris, Amara Nazario, Jillian Oley, Cassidy Pantalone, Lauren Parsons, Jacob Potter, Madison Purnell, Jordyn Ryzner, Nathan Smith, Stephen Toczylousky, Mitchell Tyson, Rachelle Viruet, Dayne Wetzel, Samantha Yeick. Joshua Yoder, Mitchell Tyson, Rachelle Viruet, Dayne Wetzel and Joshua Yoder.

10th-grade - Grayson Belles, Tia Billig, Jared Brezinski, Valerie Burkoski, Bailey Carl, Noah Carl, Brandon Ciocco, Samantha Clark, Alexandra Evans, Kasey Fabian, Rose-Ellen Fahringer, Lauren Gedman, Samantha Gregorowicz, Rebecca Harder, Allison Honabach, Seth Joseph, Michael Klebon, Stephen Knouse, Kent Lane, Kayla Levan, Thomas Marinelli, Ryan Matukaitis, Anthony McKenney, Adam Mommo, Kailey Morris, Michael Newton, Miranda Payeskie, Julia Podpora, Luke Rarig, Cole Roadarmel, Samantha Romania, William Schu, Ashlyn Shoemaker, Trystanne Toczylousky, Adriana Townsend, Jacob Trathen, Brandon Weaver, Austin Wilcox and Lauren Yeick.

11th-grade - Nathan Beagle, Nina Benner, Reba Broadfield, Alexandra Cove, Brandon Cox, Collyn Drake, Janelle Erdman, Adam Feudale, Sarah Fisher, John Gennaria, Brenna Gessner, Sarah Harder, Kristina Hartranft, Ashley Hill, Alicia Kirwin, Katelyn Klinger, Kathryn Knause, Jonathan Kofskie, Grayson Krieger, Max Kushner, Ryan Leisenring, Storm Letterman, Rebekah Lyash, Koy McCloskey, Megan McHugh, Douglas Michaels, Nathaniel Mitchell, Stephanie Myers, Mason Peters, Christian Rutkoski, Zachary Schuerch, Alexander Scull, Kara Scull, Hannah Semiclose, Brett Shepard, Hannah Snyder, John Stanishefski, Jennifer Treshock, Joshua Tripp, Jessica Watkins, KC Welkom. Michael Willhoit and Tristan Williams.

12th-grade - Bethany Adamski, Kimberly Allen, Jacob Becker, Cody Beggs, Tyler Behrent, Chase Belles, Deena Bigelow, Aaron Bobber, Kayla Broom, Ryan Cherwinski, Anthony Chiavaroli, Alexa Crowl, Vincenzio Forti, Haley Fulmer, Morgan Fulmer, Kellina Gilroy, Ryan Gooler, Austin Howard, Justin Janovich, Miranda Jurgill, Alyssa Keller, Matthew Klock, Danielle Knoeppel, Delila Molter, Karl Myhre, Michael Oley, Bryce Parry, Kimberly Reigle, Jansen Ring, Jeffrey Rooney, Shawn Sevison, Christian Sherwood, Brett Shultz, Kayla Sincavage, Dylan Swank, Shawna Swartz, Tasha Tasker, Celeste Valencik, Chantal Varano, William Wertman and Taylor Young.

Marriage licenses

Nicholas Allen Auman to Valerie O. Wills, both of 1419 Scott St., Kulpmont, issued Thursday.

Joshua D. Hetrick to Toni Lee Saurman, both of 384 Railway St., Herndon, issued Friday.

Joseph Edward Neidig to Debra A. McDaniels, both of 607 W. Spruce St., Shamokin, issued Friday.

Matthew Liendo, of 1432 W. State St., Coal Township, to Sara D. Coulbourn, of 422 Jasmine Road, Paxinos. To be issued Monday.

Foster Unger Renn Jr. to Beth Ann Derr, both of 1305 W. Montgomery St., Coal Township. To be issued Monday.

Divorces

Vicky C. Brown, 500 Fisher Drive, Watsontown, from Gary L. Brown, 3720 State Route 54, Turbotville. Married March 9, 2000.

Cheryl A. Bastian, 1005 Sunrise Drive, Apt. 2, Selinsgrove, from Steven L. Bastian, 548 Second St., Northumberland. Married March 2, 1985.

John R. Azaltovic Jr., 425 Chestnut St., Sunbury, from Amy E. Hedges, 7 Valley Green Drive, Danville. Married Jan. 1, 2005.

Cynthia M. Rebuck, 1525 W. Arch St., Coal Township, from Mark C. Rebuck, 42 Walnut St., rear apartment, Milton. Married May 24, 2008.

Property transfers

Philip S. Campbell and Debra K. Campbell to Shelley L. Spencer and Anthony E. Spencer, property in Upper Augusta Township, $97,500.

Reynold Paul Shaffer and June Ardel Shaffer to Jeremy Nathan Shaffer, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Paul R. Long and Constance L. Long to Michael M. Kishbaugh and Lani L. Kishbaugh, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Michael Chester Stevens and Keith Richard Stevens to Michael Chester Stevens, property in East Cameron Township, $1.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (by agent) and agent Konley Golden to Lori Lahr, property in Shamokin, $13,000.

Edward C. Chervanik to Judy Letcavage and Thomas P. Letcavage, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Michael D. Thew to Sarah E. Jameson, property in Zerbe Township, $75,305.

Fannie Mae aka Federal National Mortgage Association to Country Boys Rentals LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $14,500.

Lawrence G. Frank (trustee) and Duke Heating Oil to Rand Realty Corporation, property in Ralpho Township, $40,000.

Jason L. Shaffer and Lisa A. Shaffer to Michael J. Phillippe and Chelsea L. Phillippe, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $200,000.

BWH Properties LLC to George Collins, property in Coal Township, $3,250.

Dorothy A. Kessler and Donald J. Burkhardt to Philip R. Losiewicz and Jennifer M. Losiewicz, property in Coal Township, $230,000.

Francis DeVizia to Myroltone Daniel, property in Shamokin, $3,300.

Francis DeVizia to Maria C. Garcia Sanchez, property in Shamokin, $2,500.

Northumberland County Sheriff's Office and Richard J. Ringes to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, property in Shamokin, $1,923.82.

Gary L. Renner and Tara J. Renner to Better Living Now LLC, property in Zerbe Township, $42,000.

Robert T. Delaney estate and executrix Marian Delaney to Victoria M, Burasz, Deborah A. Quackenbush and Rosalinda E. Bryant, property in Coal Township, $7,000.

Thomas P. Taylor estate, administrator Nathan Taylor and Cathy L. Taylor to Nathan Taylor, property in Coal Township, $1.

Samuel D. Greco (by agent) and Barbara V. Niederriter (agent) to Richard L. Wilson III and Michelle G. Guyer, property in Mount Carmel, $127,000.

Louise E. Pasco (by agent) and Michael Pasco (agent) to Northeast Apartments LLC, property in Coal Township, $9,500.

Thomas J. Lynott Jr. and Holly Noel Lynott to Thomas J. Lynott, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Francis Devizia to Riza Shala, property in Mount Carmel Township, $2,150.

Patricia Leitzel to Sandra L. Erdman, Diane L. Kitson, and Michael R. Leitzel, property in Jordan Township, $1.

Francis Devizia to Ceraso Family Partnership III LLC, property in Shamokin, $2,500.

Ida Larue Fetterman estate and executor Robert J. Deeble to Mark Noll, property in Ralpho Township, $140,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff's Office and Lottie A. Reiprich to US Bank National Association (trustee) and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, property in Coal Township, $1.

Robert V. Mowery Jr. and Tracey A. Maschuck to Ralpho Township, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Lee K. Waugh to Dolores V. Waugh, property in Coal Township, $1.

Alfredo Logozzo to Miners Bank and Minersville Safe Deposit Bank and Trust Company, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Lance L. Lahr and Stephanie C. Lahr to Clay and Coal Holdings LLC, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Marian E. Tressler to Jason Kurtz, property in Upper Augusta Township, $140,000.

Aloysius F. Tomcavage and Catherine M. Tomcavage (by agent) and Cristine M. Griffith (agent) to Dal T. Elliott and Amanda L. Elliott, property in Shamokin, $18,500.

Rose Marie Latsha estate and administrator Anthony T. Curran to Robert D. Greco, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Mount Carmel Borough to Ronald E. Ryan and Joan A. Ryan, property in Mount Carmel, $501.

Gary S. Waldron and Deborah Ann Waldron to Joshua M. Kalinowski, property in Coal Township, $6,350.

Mount Carmel Borough to Ronald E. Ryan and Joan A. Ryan, property in Mount Carmel, $501.

Betsy Jean Monus, Betsy Jean Hock and Bryan L. Hock, to Kirk M. Hullihan and Heather A. Hullihan, property in Snydertown, $94,000.

SHAMOKIN - Discussion among a gathering of students on Thursday at Original Italian Pizza sounded more like a meeting of financial advisors.

"Look at stocks long-term." "Don't sell right away when things are bad; wait it out." "Don't buy on margin." "Spring is a good time to invest in sports-related companies."

Those were among the observations made by members of the winning teams in this year's EconomicsPennsylvania Stock Market Game Challenge sponsored by Sunbury Motors and The News-Item.

Students were asked to share advice, their best and worst performing stocks and other information at the annual winners' luncheon, sponsored by Sunbury Motors.

Carolyn Shirk, who organizes the game for EconomicsPennsylvania in dozens of schools throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania, told students that being a good investor is becoming more important in an era where pensions are rare and Social Security's longevity is in doubt. More important than how much you invest is how early you start, she advised.

Each team begins the 10-week competition with a hypothetical $100,000 the members use to invest, using real-world stock trading as measurements of their success.

Top three teams in the high school division this year were Shamokin Area, first, finishing with $130,078.48; Mount Carmel Area, second, $116,325.15, and Line Mountain, third, $107,369.82.

In the middle school division, Mount Carmel Area was first with $107,352.15; Shamokin Area, second, $105,420.85, and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional, third, $103,279.51. The Lourdes team involved fifth- and sixth-graders; it's a rarity to have students that young play, Shirk said.

The participating schools each had multiple teams involving dozens of students.