SHAMOKIN - The local coordinator for Toys for Tots says the need for donations is as high as it's ever been.

Donations, however, are slow coming in, according to Rose Bridgeford, of Shamokin.

She's hopeful the area's first Stuff the Ambulance fundraising event for Toys for Tots, co-sponsored with AREA Services, will jump-start goodwill. It will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday in front of GiGi's Gifts and Home Decor at Plaza at Coal Township along Route 61 across from Walmart.

The first 50 people to donate a brand new unwrapped toy will receive coupons and discounts to local businesses.

"People have been asking for applications (for toys) before I put any (collection) boxes out. Everybody seems to be in need," Bridgeford said Sunday.

By mid-November in past years, Bridgeford said she would have already been at a Toys for Tots warehouse, processing applications and organizing toys. She won't make her first trip to the warehouse this year until Friday.

Volunteers worked diligently on a $15 night fundraiser held Friday at Shamokin's Knights of Columbus, and the event worked out well, but turnout wasn't as strong as Bridgeford had hoped.

"Right now, I usually have a couple thousand (dollars). It's not nearly what we had at this time last year, but it's early yet. We're hoping to turn things around," she said.

Kathy Reeder, a member of AREA Services' business development team, said her boss, Bernie Rumberger, came up with the Stuff the Ambulance idea.

Reeder said Rumberger told her, "Go make it a go."

She arranged to hold the event at the Plaza because of its location.

"I thought with traffic, we can get at least 50 people with 50 toys to try and fill an ambulance and put some smiles on kids' faces this year for Toys for Tots," Reeder said.

As a local resident, Reeder said the need for Toys for Tots is easily apparent to her. And the toys stay local, she said.

Should the event draw a large turnout and the ambulance becomes too stuffed, there's a backup plan.

"We'll bring another one up, no problem," Reeder said.

Toys for Tots is operated locally through the Susquehanna Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

Local businesses who have pledged discounts or coupons for Stuff the Ambulance include GiGi's, Buona Pizza, Burger King, McDonald's, Don Patron, Holiday Hair, and Lauren's Hair Boutique. A $25 Weis Markets gift card will be raffled.

The following landlord/tenant claims and judgments were filed in magisterial district court:

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Keith R. Martin, of Milton, awarded $1,344.15 on Nov. 14 from Jennifer Geesey and Michelle Martinaz, both of Shamokin, for unpaid rent and court costs.

Costello Realty Inc., Mount Carmel, awarded $2,273.16 on Nov. 13 from Judy McGinley, of Mount Carmel, for unpaid rent and court costs.

John Gembic III, Shamokin

John Simeone, of Sunbury, against Maria Hill and Ryan Kirchman, both of Shamokin, for $368.70, filed Nov. 14. Hearing scheduled for Nov. 25.

Costello Realty Inc., Mount Carmel, awarded $1,123.65 on Nov. 14 from Megan Johnson, of Shamokin, for unpaid rent, damages to property and court costs.

Lamont and Nolan Masser, of Leck Kill, awarded $963.65 on Nov. 14 from Jaleesa Bickert, of Shamokin, for unpaid rent and court costs.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Tuesday night marked the final meeting for three outgoing Shamokin Area School Board members.

President Brian Persing, former president Tracey Witmer and member Treina Mariano addressed their fellow directors and wished them well.

Ron McElwee got the ball rolling by praising his colleagues.

"I want to thank Treina, Brian and Tracey for their service to the board and

welcome the new board members coming on," McElwee said. "It's been a tough job for the last few years. While we might not have always seen eye-to eye, we have always found a way to iron things out."

Mariano got choked up with her comments. On the board since January, she finished out the term of her mother, LaRue Beck, who resigned that month and passed away just four days later after serving four terms on the board, first from 1989 to 1993 and then from 2001 to 2013.

"I am very proud to finish out my mom's term," Mariano said. "She'd be very happy. Thank you very much."

Witmer leaves the board after eight years, having become a watchdog and frequent critic of district spending.

"It's been eight long years on the board, but this is our last meeting. I wish everyone the best of luck and, please, just do what's right," she said.

At the prodding of Edward Griffiths, seated next to her, Witmer continued a tradition when it came to voting to pay the bills.

"I want to vote yes, but Ed says I have to vote no just one more time," she joked.

Persing equated his four years on the board to time spent with family.

"I've loved working with you all and fighting with you all," he said. "It's been a blast. I'll miss you all, but I will come to the meetings to keep an eye on you."

Superintendent James Zack said the three outgoing members will be honored for the service at the Dec. 5 reorganization meeting, to be held in the board conference room at 6 p.m.

In other business, the board approved sending the district's comprehensive plan to the state Department of Education. It is a mandated report that outlines academic goals in grades K-4 through 12 for the next three years.

The annual audit of district tax collectors and the district's annual financial report were received and will be filed with the appropriate agencies.

The board also corrected the salary for Lauren Swartz, licensed social worker, to $26,520 for 145 during the 2013-2014 school year.

In other personnel motions, the board accepted the retirement of Rosalie Smoogen, accounts payable clerk, with regret, effective Dec. 5. Smoogen was one of the three who won election to the board in November, along with Richard Kashnoski and Matthew Losiewicz. Also, Griffiths won reelection.

LOCUST GAP - A Kulpmont man was flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, after loosing control of his car and crashing it into a tree between here and Locust Summit early Tuesday.

Wade Smink, 38, was listed in fair condition Tuesday evening. Police said Smink was operating a Chevrolet Aveo east on Route 901 around 2:30 a.m. when the accident occurred. Skid marks at the scene indicated the vehicle crossed the double-yellow line and slid counterclockwise before it struck a tree along the westbound lane.

A police officer who arrived at the scene first reported Smink to be unresponsive and trapped. Smink was extricated and transported via ambulance to the Mount Carmel Area Junior/Senior High School soccer field, where a helicopter later landed to transport him to Geisinger.

Police reported that Smink said he was not driving at the time of the accident; however, police concluded that Smink was the only occupant of the vehicle.

Police said the crash remains under investigation.

SHAMOKIN - Mark Bernini, of Apex Insurance Group, Mount Carmel, said the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will affect everyone, and that the government is putting the burden on employers.

During an informal discussion hosted by the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at St. John's United Church of Christ at 117 N. Eight St. Tuesday morning, Bernini spoke to a small gathering of chamber officials about understanding the ACA for small businesses.

Bernini provided a flow chart from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that assists employers with whether they are required to provide coverage.

Small businesses with less than 50 full-time employees (or equivalent to full-time employees) are not required to offer health coverage to their employees. However, small businesses with more than 50 full-time employees (or the equivalent) must offer coverage to employees and dependants or face annual fines between $2,000 and $3,000.

The out-of-pocket maximum expense per person per year for health care is $6,350 under ACA, he said.

The discussion was meant to be for educational purposes only and was not intended to replace legal advice, Bernini said.

The meeting was open to the public. Bernini provided donuts and coffee.

Sealing on Route 147 starting today

NORTHUMBERLAND - A PennDOT maintenance crew in will restrict traffic on a section of Route 147 (Duke, Front, Water and King streets) in the borough for crack sealing of the pavement surface.

The work this week will take place from Fifth Street to Priestley Avenue. Duke, Front, Water and King streets will be restricted daily from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. today through Friday. Motorists should anticipate the possibility of lengthy travel delays and plan accordingly. The work will be performed weather permitting.

Culver to hold town hall meeting

MANDATA - Rep. Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R-108) will hold a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday in the cafeteria of Line Mountain High School, 187 Line Mountain Road.

"The House has had a busy, productive, fall legislative agenda," Culver said. "My colleagues and I could be voting on a transportation plan this week, in addition to further changes to our state's small games of chance law. I encourage residents who are interested in an update on these issues and more to come and talk to me or a member of my staff during this event."

For more information on event, or any other state-related issue, contact Culver's district office, 106 Arch St., Sunbury, or by calling 570-286-5885.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County commissioners once again failed to pass a tentative budget for 2014 Tuesday, meaning they must approve the spending plan at their Dec. 3 meeting or conduct a special session no later than Dec. 11 so it can be properly advertised and made available for public inspection for 20 days in compliance with the county code.

A final budget must be approved by Dec. 31.

Commissioner Stephen Bridy, the lone vote in favor of a proposed budget Nov. 7, again failed to receive a second on his motion to approve the $72.7 million spending plan. That prompted a 20-minute debate with Commissioner Richard Shoch, who voiced his reasons for opposing the budget. Commissioner Vinny Clausi, who is in Memphis, Tenn., for his construction business, did not participate in the meeting.

Bridy previously said the tentative spending plan is approximately $500,000 less than the current budget. He said the decrease is primarily due to savings realized by changing investor brokers for the county retirement fund.

Shoch and Clausi voted against the budget at the Nov. 7 meeting after engaging in a lengthy argument in which both accused each other of playing politics.

In a statement read at Tuesday's meeting, Bridy chastised Shoch for

his refusal to approve the budget and also criticized Clausi for voting against the budget after initially seconding Bridy's motion to approve the plan Nov. 7.

"You (Shoch) repeatedly voted for pay increases and against cuts," Bridy said. "Do you realize we need a balanced budget? We inherited a $2 million deficit that must be addressed."

He said citizens expect elected officials to compromise.

He added, "According to your rationale, no elected official should vote for any budget unless that elected official voted for everything in the proposed budget. Using your rationale, no budget would ever be passed on any level of government."

Shoch said he opposed the tentative spending plan because it contains 42 to 48 percent salary cuts for row officers, potential additional expenses for upgrades to the county 911 system and miscommunication and misleading information from his fellow commissioners.

"Money is flying out the door," Shoch said. "You (Bridy) are mischaracterizing the facts."

Shoch said Clausi voted against his own budget.

"He (Clausi) championed this budget and then he votes against it," he said. "He threatens to shut down county government because I didn't vote for it," Shoch said.

Shoch criticized Clausi for not participating in the meeting.

He said Bridy and Clausi never fulfilled their promise to taxpayers to have an independent investigation done into the controversy surrounding the possible payback of $215,000 in grant money by the county to the state Department of Community and Economic Development for a homelessness prevention program. Shoch said his fellow commissioners contacted the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to have an audit conducted on the county's handling of the grant to find out what it did wrong, but never requested an actual investigation.

Bridy adamantly disagreed with Shoch, stating he personally contacted an official in the Inspector General's Office about conducting an investigation.

"When our seniors and disabled children do not receive the benefits they need, I and the people will hold you and Mr. Clausi responsible for your childlike stance," Bridy said. "You are demonizing those who are working hard to move the county forward into the 21st century because you have absolutely nothing to bring to the table. This government is more transparent now than it's ever been."

Bridy said residents will not be happy when taxes are raised, positions are eliminated and raises aren't granted.

He told Shoch, "You can't have it both ways. You cannot vote for increases and then not vote to pay for them. We were elected to do what's right for the taxpayers of this county. Should the county shut down for a prolonged period of time, we will default on bills and debt payments, which will destroy our credit rating because both of you want to play politics."

In a related issue, Bridy's motion to have long-term debt service forgiven for 2013 on $5.1 million that was borrowed primarily for cash flow died for lack of a second.

Budget director Jeff McClintock said if the debt service isn't forgiven by the end of the year, it could result in downgrading the county's bond rating from a B to a B-minus and affect interest rates on the county's past two borrowings.

SHAMOKIN - City council voted last week to approve the first reading of an ordinance to authorize a loan to cover "unfunded debt" through year's end.

If final approval is given by a vote of city council on the second reading, the city must then petition Northumberland County Court to commission the loan.

A resolution was adopted during council's monthly meeting on Nov. 11 authorizing a court petition should the ordinance receive final approval.

Council members say the loan is needed for the city to meet any remaining obligations - bills - in 2013.

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) suggested the city take the loan as part of Shamokin's participation in Phase 3 of its Early Intervention Program.

DCED also recommends that City Hall institute a hiring freeze, place restrictions on overtime and freeze discretionary spending.

How much money will be borrowed and at what interest rate will be worked out on the advice of bond counsel, Daryl Peck of Concord Public Financial Advisors. Peck will be paid a $175 hourly rate, not to exceed $15,000.

Early Intervention is designed to stabilize a municipality's finances. The city first entered the program in 2008 and has since gone through two phases.

The third phase will create a five-year plan for the city by a financial consultant, paid for in full with a $75,000 grant from DCED.

The plan will likely include dozens of recommendations. A second five-year plan will be created on the assumption that those recommendations are followed and what the anticipated results would be. There will also be an "operational analysis" of all departments.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The four cadets who ran away from Northwestern Academy Monday were apprehended at 10:45 p.m. Monday night by academy staff, according to the Coal Township Police Department.

The teens escaped the boot camp portion of the facility at 7:21 p.m. Monday and were last seen running east in the direction of Kulpmont.

They were wearing yellow sweatshirts atop yellow T-shirts and were also wearing black sweatpants.

The runaways were a 16-year-old Hispanic male from the York area, 5-foot-6, 130 pounds, black hair, blue eyes, fair complexion; 16-year-old Hispanic male from the York area, 5-foot-1, 105 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, medium complexion; 16-year-old Caucasian male from the Pottsville area, 5-foot-7, 145 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, fair complexion; 14-year-old black male from the Levittown area, 6-foot-1, 169 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, dark complexion.

No other information was provided by township police.

SUNBURY - One hundred and eight properties sold at a Northumberland County judicial sale Thursday generated $189,728.35.

Proceeds from the sale will be distributed to the county, municipalities and school districts where the properties are located.

Jan Nestico, director of the county tax claims bureau, said she was pleased with the sale that saw 22 properties in Shamokin ($18,757.13), 20 in Coal Township ($18,284.10) and 18 in Sunbury ($25,028.43) sold. There were 14 properties sold in Kulpmont ($56,150) and Mount Carmel ($22,873.64), six in Zerbe Township ($7,837.63), four in Mount Carmel Township ($5,180.08) and two each in West Cameron Township ($20,000), Jordan Township ($11,000), Milton ($1,998.88), Northumberland ($1,457.04) and Riverside ($1,161.42).

A property in Kulpmont sold for the highest amount, $11,700, while the lowest value was for a Sunbury property at $1,221.76.

Nestico said 56 properties were sold at a June 5 judicial sale that generated $483,629 in revenue, including $210,000 from the sale of the former Kmart building along Route 61 in Coal Township to Guy Leroy, of Philadelphia.

She said 18 properties were sold at a Sept. 18 upset sale that generated $66,913.19.

Nestico said properties remaining from the two judicial sales in 2013 will be available at the next judicial sale at the end of January.

Nestico said a minimum bid of $500 is required at judicial sales, which involve properties clear of taxes, liens or any other encumbrances. She said upset sales involve properties that have taxes, liens and encumbrances owed on them.

CATAWISSA RR - Southern Columbia Area School District received some good news at the school board meeting Monday night.

Ken Wagner, with Wagner, Dreese, Elsasser & Associates PC, presented the single audit report and management letter to the district for fiscal year 2011-12, which ended June 30, 2012. The report has no finding and internal controls are in good shape, he said.

The district ended the year with a $473,659 increase to the general fund balance. The increase was due to good management and additional unexpected revenue, Wagner said.

Business Manager Mike Sokoloski attributed it to a "group and team effort" of all employees and staff.

When Vice Chairman Charlie Caputo, who was surprised with how positive the information was, said it was good news, Director Eric Stahley made a joke.

"Don't worry. We won't have it next year," Stahley said.

Directors Gail Zambor Schuerch and John Yocum made and seconded the motion to accept the report. It passed 7-0.

Superintendent Paul Caputo thanked Directors Eric Stahley and Rick Steele, who won't be back on the board next year, for their service.

"You don't get any compensation, but you have to make the same decisions and criticisms. You do this because of community service," he said. Chairman Mike Yeager also complemented Steele and Stahley for their hard work.

Steele was not at the meeting, but Caputo read an email written by Steele in which he said the district was one of the best in the state because of the time and sacrifice his fellow board members have made in his last six years.

Despite various arguments, Steele said the board has accomplished many goals, small and large.

Stahley agreed, saying the disagreements among board members after which they can walk out the door and remain friends is a testament to the quality of the board.

"If there's anything I can do, you know where you can find me," he said.

Stahley and Steele did not seek re-election.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices remain at $3.32 a gallon this week, according to AAA East Central.

On the national front

After falling to a multi-year low of $3.18 per gallon last Tuesday, the national average price of gas has inched higher on seven straight days. Tuesday's national average at the pump - $3.21 per gallon - is three cents more than one week ago, but remains 14 cents less than one month ago and 21 cents less than the same day last year.

Drivers in more than 30 states and D.C. are paying more for gasoline compared to one week ago, led by increases in a number of Midwestern states: Missouri (up 8 cents), Michigan (up 9 cents), Ohio (up 10 cents) and Indiana (up 10 cents).

These price increases in the Midwest were supported Sunday night into Monday morning by heavy storms that swept through the region and raised concerns of potential refinery disruptions. As of Monday afternoon, there were reports that the storm may have impacted production at ExxonMobil's refinery in Joliet, Ill., but the overall impact appears limited.

Five states currently post a state average price at the pump below $3 per gallon. On Saturday, for the first time since Jan. 5, motorists in every state in the U.S. were paying less than $4 per gallon.

The price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil has settled below the $100 per barrel mark for five straight weeks. Prices continued to drift lower Monday as WTI settled 81 cents lower at $93.03 per barrel at the close of formal trading on the NYMEX. This is the lowest settlement for WTI since May.

(AAA East Central - a not-for-profit association with 82 local offices in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York and Kentucky servicing 2.7 million members - provides Fuel Gauge each week.)

SHAMOKIN - The city will purchase a vacant lot on Shamokin Street from county repository for $1.

The lot at 709-715 N. Shamokin St. was cleared of debris last year after the former Shamokin Health Spa collapsed. City council had placed a $100,000 lien on the property to prevent if from being sold.

The purchase was discussed during the city council meeting on Nov. 11.

Shamokin expended more than $100,000 to complete the demolition and debris removal after the former commercial structure collapsed in June 2012. The city has since been reimbursed by a state grant for all but a few thousand dollars of those expenses.

Additional city funds could be expended pending the outcome of ongoing litigation regarding the collapse and the original contractor that had worked on the demolition project.

In other business, city council voted to:

- Approve a lease agreement with Susquehanna Bank for Shamokin Redevelopment Authority to rent office space adjacent to the bank on Independence Street for $1 annually. The space had once been a coffee shop. The RDA and the city are responsible for utility payments and any renovations.

- Extend an easement for 50 years with Global Signal Acquisitions for land on Raspberry Hill where a cellular tower is erected. It must also be approved by the Shamokin Housing Authority. The value of the easement is $146,000. The current easement was set to expire in 2019.

- Authorize the transfer of a liquor license from a Rebuck tavern to Bill Dudeck, who is working on opening a tavern on Independence Street.

- Approve a 5K Jingle Run/Walk in the city at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 7. The event is sponsored by VNA Health System. The run/walk begins and ends at VNA's office on Independence Street. It coincides with the Downtown Christmas event also planned Dec. 7.

SUNBURY - Sunbury resident Keith Musser is once again responsible for a dilapidated house in Shamokin he said he mistakenly purchased two years ago at a county judicial sale.

Northumberland County Commissioners Stephen Bridy and Richard Shoch rescinded Tuesday a motion passed by Shoch and Commissioner Vinny Clausi at a Nov. 7 meeting that deeded back to the county the rundown property at 624 W. Mulberry St.

Bridy abstained on the original vote, claiming it set a dangerous precedent.

Clausi, who is in Memphis, Tenn., for his construction business, did not participate in Tuesday's meeting.

Efforts to contact Musser, who also was not in attendance, were unsuccessful. Shoch said he spoke to Musser and that he understood the county's reason for reversing course.

Musser approached the commissioners seeking a solution for the property, purchased in

August 2011 for approximately $1,300.

Musser, 59, said he did not realize the property had been scheduled for demolition by the City of Shamokin. He said it would cost him approximately $100,000 to renovate the double home or between $12,000 and $17,000 to raze it, and that he can't afford either option.

Musser, a general contractor, said he has been fined $300 per day for code violations under a city nuisance ordinance because of the poor condition of the house.

The Sunbury man previously said he recognizes the potential hazard the structure poses but said he's "caught in a terrible, terrible situation."

Musser said he had already looked over a property listed for sale that he wanted to buy and planned to repair it at his leisure. He sent a friend to the sale in his place because he had another commitment. The addresses got mixed up and instead of the intended property, the friend bought 624 W. Mulberry St. The first time he entered it, Musser said he looked up through the second floor and into the third floor.

The rear of the home collapsed Sept. 22, bringing Shamokin Fire Bureau personnel to the scene. The third floor is completely exposed at the rear of the building with portions of the exterior wall missing and the roof sagging. There have been reports of raccoons and skunks inside.

Jan Nestico, director of the county tax claims bureau, said her office wasn't notified that the property was scheduled for demolition and that Musser didn't bring the issue to her attention until a year after he bought it.

Nestico previously said all potential buyers are encouraged to do their homework when considering a purchase. They can't enter a property, but they can look it over from the outside.

At the Nov. 7 meeting, Clausi claimed Musser was "railroaded" by the city and county because he wasn't informed the city had planned to tear it down and that the county shouldn't have made such a property available for sale.

Clausi and Shoch then agreed that Musser should be granted dispensation and released from all liability, although he would not be reimbursed the $1,300 .

Shamokin Code Officer Rick Bozza confirmed that 624 W. Mulberry St. was a "high priority" property targeted for demolition. It was one of many blighted properties included on a list as part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, he said, but it was never specifically scheduled for demolition.

Musser is scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III of Shamokin for a summary trial at 9:15 a.m. Nov. 25 on five citations filed by Bozza and police Cpl. Bryan Primerano.

In other business at Tuesday's meeting:

- County chief clerk Gary Steffen announced that an annual inspection conducted July 2 by the state Department of Corrections shows Northumberland County Prison achieved 100 percent compliance on essential regulations and 97.8 percent on non-essential regulations.

- Commissioners agreed to lease a copier system for the domestic relations department at a cost of $108 per month for 60 months from Leaf Capital Funding LLC.

- John Kopp, of Sunbury, was appointed as the farmer director to a four-year term, beginning Jan. 1, to the Northumberland County Conservation District Board. David Crowl of Elysburg was appointed as the public director to a four-year term and Shoch was appointed as the commissioner representative to a one-year term to the board.

- Crowl also was appointed to the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Authority for a five-year term, beginning Jan. 1.

- County engineer Charles Hopta Jr. was appointed to the Wyoming Valley Levee Raising Mitigation Board for a one-year term, effective Jan. 1.

HARRISBURG - A House transportation funding plan approved on a third try Tuesday night, local legislators Lynda Schlegel-Culver and Kurt Masser were looking forward to the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT) finally getting off the ground.

"I don't think the bill was perfect; I would like to have seen a number of other things done," Masser said. "But it was a bill we had to move. This will certainly put a lot of my constituents to work."

Culver called it a "victory" for CSVT.

The House vote salvaged the $2.3 billion transportation spending proposal and approved the same measure just one night after narrowly defeating it, twice.

The 106-95 vote was a test of support for the Republican-sponsored measure that's backed by Gov. Tom Corbett, the Associated Press reported. The proposal would raise gasoline taxes

and numerous motorist fees to spend billions on roads, bridges and mass transit systems. Culver expects final passage could come Thursday as the bill continues to be tweaked.

Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch says he thinks some lawmakers changed their votes after taking a day to think about it and realizing that their vote would be needed to pass a transportation bill, AP said.

It's a top priority of Senate leaders, and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi's office says it appears close to what an overwhelming Senate majority approved in June.

Culver (R-108) breathed a sigh of relief after Tuesday night's vote. She was optimistic in an interview about 5 p.m. that it would pass, but the vote had yet to be scheduled. The House then returned to the floor about 6:45 p.m.

"In Northumberland County alone, there are 160 bridges that need fixing and countless miles of roads that could be improved," she said prior to Tuesday's vote. "This is clearly a safety issue."

In April, Culver, Masser, Sen. John Gordner and others gathered in Shamokin Dam to tout the thruway as the largest project in a transportation bill that at that time seemed destined for easy approval.

The funding plan is expected to increase gas prices by as much as 28.5 cents per gallon, but Culver rejects the notion it's a massive tax increase. She said it would cost motorists an average of $2.50 to $4 more a week.

"We have the farm bureau, trucking unions, township and county associations all coming forward and supporting our efforts," she said.

"We will no longer have communities held hostage because of traffic jams," she added about the thruway. "This is something this area has been waiting for since 1969."

Masser (R-107) acknowledged the vote was tough, but he blamed that in part on past inaction.

"It was 10 years ago that (former Gov. Ed) Rendell had the special session on transportation and nothing has been done since. Every day we do nothing, it costs us a million dollars more," he said.

Masser said businesses have been hesitant to relocate to Pennsylvania because of its structurally deficient roads and bridges.

"We had to do something," he said.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Paul Eby expressed disbelief when volunteer workers called Tuesday to tell him that thousands of dollars worth of tools had been stolen from a church-owned double home under remodel.

But they weren't kidding.

"I was angry and I was upset," said Eby, pastor of Restoration Ministries Church, Shamokin.

Rather than allow those feelings to linger, however, Eby went to 1674-1676 W. Spruce St. and, after police left, he gathered the workers together and "we prayed for the people who did this."

Forgiveness aside, the theft is a setback for the church, which has invested some $70,000 in the project since purchasing the property in July for $5,000. The tools, top-of-the-line models intended for use on future remodeling projects, were not insured.

The church bought the property with the goal of using the renovation work to teach construction skills to young members of the church, including those who don't have parents or guardians to teach them such skills. Turning a dilapidated property into a nice home is another benefit, he said.

The double home is being converted into a single home with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large living space. It's been completely gutted and refitted with new wiring, plumbing, windows and wooden studs top to bottom. New cement is being poured to the front and rear of the property, the backyard was leveled and a decorative two-tier retaining wall was added.

The church, which has its eye on a few other houses, intends to eventually re-sell 1676 W. Spruce St., and would be satisfied just to break even, Eby said.

Basement entry

Sometime overnight Monday, the basement door was kicked repeatedly with enough force to eventually break a 2-by-4 that secured it. Among the stolen items were an air compressor, two framing guns, three nail guns, two circular saws, a reciprocal saw, three cordless drills, hand tools, levels, drill bits and tool bags.

Eby believes whoever broke in may have parked on Gowen Street at the top of the backyard and loaded up the stolen goods.

Some workers on scene Wednesday brought their own tools. Eby said they were working outdoors because so many tools that had been used for the interior portion of the project were stolen.

"They cleaned us out good," Eby said.

Drug connection

There have been seven burglaries reported to Coal Township Police in November, according to Police Chief William Carpenter. That does not account for any reports of attempted break-ins or criminal trespass incidents where a break-in may have occurred but nothing was reported stolen.

Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky is investigating.

Eby believes those who committed the crime probably did so to fund a drug addiction. Carpenter agrees, saying there's a direct correlation between illegal drug use and incidents of burglary and criminal trespass.

Eby knows the drug problem is prevalent in the community.

"These are desperate people that are doing this," he said.

He thinks they need hope, and he's willing to offer some.

"God gives us second, third, fourth, fifth chances," he said. "Whatever it takes."

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School held its annual Thanksgiving liturgy Wednesday. The Rev. Alfred Sceski, chaplain, was celebrant for the special liturgy. The Revs. Andrew Stahmer and Fred Wangwe were also celebrants.

Deacon Martin McCarthy proclaimed the gospel. Members of the Boys Service Club and Girls Action League were in charge of arrangements, under the direction of Violette Feudale.

Christian service is a long-standing tradition at Our Lady of Lourdes. The annual Manna drive, which is coordinated in association with the Thanksgiving liturgy, receives enthusiastic response from the entire Lourdes community. The student body presented baskets of food and other items for Thanksgiving. In addition, monetary donations were received to provide gift certificates with each basket. The pre-K and kindergarten students were dressed as pilgrims and Indians to help recall the first Thanksgiving.

Following the liturgy, members of the Boys Service Club and Girls Action League delivered the baskets to 38 needy families in time for Thanksgiving dinner. Several boxes of food were also delivered to Manna for the Many food pantry in Shamokin.

DALLAS, Pa. - Samantha Weikel, of Shamokin, a member of the class of 2015 at Misericordia University, was like most high school students working their way toward graduation and eventually college. She dreamed of a promising career filled with excitement and travel, such as a painter or an astronaut or an archeologist.

As a young adult, she eventually realized those dream jobs were not truly meant for her. A daughter of Norman Weikel, of Shamokin, and the late April Kline, knew she wanted to be in a profession that helped others, especially those most in need, like in a hospital setting. At first, the Shamokin Area High School graduate explored the caring profession of nursing. Up next was medical imaging, thanks to a suggestion by a family member.

After being accepted into the Bachelor of Science program in medical imaging at Misericordia University, Weikel had several job shadowing opportunities at a regional hospital system that reinforced her decision.

"This realization was based upon the pace of the workplace, along with becoming more aware of how large a difference I could make in people's lives,'' she said. "While many people choose their major, I truly feel as if medical imaging had chosen me in the sense that it was a natural and right choice for me.''

Lambda Nu, the national honor society for the radiologic and imaging services, also agrees with her career path. The junior medical imaging major at Misericordia University recently was awarded a competitive 2013 Lambda Nu Scholarship. Lambda Nu has 141 chapters in 42 states across the country. Students in each of the chapters were eligible to apply for the 15 scholarships that are awarded annually. Fifty-seven students applied for the awards.

The scholarship award will assist Weikel in completing the 18-month certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography at Misericordia University after earning her bachelor's degree in medical imaging in May 2015.

"I believe by having knowledge and credentials of two modalities, I will be able to help more people and become more likely to succeed within both careers,'' said Weikel. "I hope to be able to have a great understanding of both modalities and then be able to traveling within the profession.''

At Misericordia University, Weikel is an active member of the Medical Imaging Club, Medical Imaging Mentoring program and is a lab assistant for Elaine Halesey, professor and chair of the Department of Medical Imaging. In a service-learning academic course, she participated in the "Bone Academy" in which Misericordia students teach young children about the bones in the human body and for them not to be afraid of X-rays. Through Campus Ministry, she has volunteered at a regional food pantry.

For more information about the medical imaging program at Misericordia University, call 570-674-6400 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/mi. Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy in 1924, Misericordia University is Luzerne County's first four-year college and offers 34 academic programs on the graduate and undergraduate levels in full and part-time formats.

All centers will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, puzzles and board games, 8:30 a.m.; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Walk a Mile, 9:30 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

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

The center is making assorted Christmas cookies as a fundraiser, $3 for six and $5 a dozen. Orders must be in by Dec. 2.

Center Christmas party, catered by Martin's Chicken and Ribs, will be served at 11 a.m. Christmas carols will be sung at 10 a.m. $5 gift exchange optional. Sign up by Dec. 6.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Center visit to Winnie the Pooh Daycare for Thanksgiving, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning coffee and the news, 9:30 a.m.; game shows, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.; unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Wii, knitting and puzzles in the morning; cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii, knitting, bean bag and puzzles in the morning; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Cards and bingo, food boxes.

Tuesday - Exercise with Carol Burton.

Wednesday - Sharing memories and laughter.

Elysburg

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

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Trim a tree party will be Monday, Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

The center Christmas party will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at Masser's Restaurant. The cost of the dinner is $14 and the entertainment will be by Vic Boris. Tickets available at the center.

Trevorton

Monday - Members breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; Wii practice, 9:30 a.m.; shopping at Walmart, 11:30 to 1 p.m.; card games, 12:30 p.m.; evening card party, 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Bean bag toss, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.

MOUNT CARMEL - Bishop Mark, of Baltimore, administrator of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, celebrated a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy Oct. 13 at St. Michael's Orthodox Church in honor of Archpriest Michael Evans, who retired at the end of October.

Several other priests served during the liturgy, including the Very Rev. Claude Vinyard, a prior rector at St. Michael's, and the Rev. James Chuta. Deacons Gabriel Bilas and Ignatius Gauvain from St. Tikhons Seminary and parishioners Stanley Zbicki, David Bushick, Charles Timpko and John Chidovich assisted with the service.

St. Michael's Choir performed beautiful acapella music that was arranged by Peter Yastishak. Choir members are Julie Bushick, Chris Bushick, Olga Thomas, Jean Mathias, Vera Zbicki, Valerie Winnick, Sandy Tosca, Chris Mathias and Hal Smith.

Father Michael and Matushka Sonya were married Sept. 17, 1972, at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Edwardsville. Father Michael was ordained one month later in October 1972 at the same church. They have a son, Michael, who is a graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School.

Father Evans obtained a Master of Science in religious education from Marywood University, while Matushka Sonya attended Wilkes-Barre Business College.

Father Evans served many parishes, all in Pennsylvania, during 40 years of service, including St. Vladimir Church in Lopez, St. Basil the Great in Simpson and St. Mary's in St. Clair. He and Matushka arrived at St. Michael's in 1989. In addition to serving at St. Michael's, he has also been the priest-in-charge for the past 17 years at Holy Ascension Church in Lykens.

Father Michael and Matushka Sonya were joined by many family members and friends at a dinner provided by the parish in the church hall following the Divine Liturgy. Among those who spoke at the dinner were Bishop Mark, who reviewed the vows an Orthodox priest makes during his ordainment. He also talked about the sacrifices priests make, sometimes at the expense of their families. He thanked Father and Matushka Evans for their years of service.

Archpriest John Kowalczyk, chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, who attended the seminary with Father Evans, talked about the pastor's artistic ability and generosity. The Very Rev. Michael Hatrak, dean of the Frackville Deanery, talked about a bus trip from the Pittsburgh area that he and Father Evans took to St. Tikhons, which became their inspiration to enter the priesthood.

Father Michael Hutsko, rector of SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mount Carmel, commented on how Father Evans was the elder of the local clergy in the area and how he appreciated Father Evans' leadership among the group.

The Evans' son, Michael, his wife, Jen, and children, Owen Michael and Mya Natalia, were also in attendance.

Parishioners offered expressions of appreciation for Father and Matushka Evans' service and for the spiritual leadership Father Evans provided to St. Michael's for 24 years. It was noted that Father and Matushka were always willing to help with parish projects, especially the monthly pierogie project, Parishioners commented that they left a positive imprint not only on St. Michael's Church, but on the entire Mount Carmel community, and will be missed.

They plan to spend their retirement in their house in Edwardsville.

St. Michael's was founded in 1908. Services are held at 9 a.m. Sunday, and all are invited.