MOUNT CARMEL - The holiday season is looming large, but many in the Mount Carmel area have more urgent things on their mind, like where their next meal is coming from.

Volunteers at the Mount Carmel Area Food Pantry, located at 26 N. Market St. in the former First Congregational Church, see that firsthand twice a month on their distribution days, and they realize the need will only increase during the holidays.

The food pantry distributes the first and third Thursday of each month.

"Some people lined up at 9 a.m. this morning," the Rev. Rose Marquardt said Thursday, the pantry's most recent distribution day. The pantry didn't open until two hours later.

Marquardt is on the board of directors at the food pantry and volunteers there.

"We average about 100 families every two weeks," Marquardt said.

Thirty-five new families registered Thursday.

The food pantry is reaching out for food and monetary donations to keep its shelves stocked through the holidays and beyond.

Board member and long-time volunteer Bernice Price has been writing letters to those businesses who do not already donate to the pantry.

"Anything. Any help we can get," Price said. "If you have food, I'll come and get it."

The pantry was packed wall-to-wall Thursday morning, with people bundled in winter clothing carrying empty boxes and pushing folding shopping carts to gather their goods.

The food is stored on shelves in the rear of the pantry. For now, it was full.

"All this will be gone next month," Marquardt said.

The pantry mainly needsstaples like peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti, macaroni, sauce, canned goods and soups.

The pantry operates strictly on donations and volunteers. The money it receives goes to purchase food at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The pantry receives no government aid.

Individuals and families must register upon entering. Everyone is welcome, but they are required to prove that they live in the Mount Carmel area.

Marquardt attributes the increased need to the poor economy, lack of job opportunities, people being out of work and people losing their unemployment and increased cost of maintaining a basic existence.

"Many times, the people have to make the choice between food or heat," she said.

For more information on the Mount Carmel Area Food Pantry and to donate, contact Price at 570-373-1016.

The following memorials have been presented to Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School for the months of September and October.

In Honor of:

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sandri (September and October) from Mr. and Mrs. Barry Lentz.

In Memory of:

Anne Amato from Mary Jane Toccket, Angela and Lisa Toccket.

Ted Barclay from Mary Altomare.

Sister Mary Paula Beierschmitt, IHM from Judy Polites, Dan and Nancy Kerris.

Gervase Birster from Knights of Columbus No. 628.

Gena Breck from Alice O'Donnell.

Stella Bridy from Mary Altomare.

Marguerite M. (Menapace) Budick from Dorothy Tomtishen, Nancy Kerris.

Dorothy Corbicz from Bill and Virginia Korbich and Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Kathryn Craig from Constance Fabrizio.

Agnes Delaney from OLOL Class of 1963.

John J. Dent from Christine Hudson, Terry Luck.

Danny Dietterick from The Zevetskis, John and Joanne McKay.

Daniel Dormer from Mr. and Mrs. Richard Weikel.

Andrew Buster Duzick from Corrin, Meghan Duzick, Charlene, Stan, Cody and Caycee Kalinoski, Jeff and Kaylyn Rubendall and Candi, Connie Harper.

Peggy Fallard from Richard and Ann Weikel and family.

Fabian S. Filohoski, Sr. from Knights of Columbus No. 628.

Delores Glowatski from Tom and Lee Ann Smith.

Wanda H. Gribbin from Mr. and Mrs. John Reiprish.

AnnaMae Hampton from Leo and Mary Mulhall.

William Janovich from Sister Teresa Vincent, IHM, Janice Kozlowski, Walter Kozlowski.

Adolph Jasper from Bill and Betty Ann Corrigan, Rita, Mike and Michelle Albert, Rita and Michael Nolter, Mary and Brian Major, Bonny Klinger, Bill and Virginia Korbich, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Joe and Barbara Goguts, Kathy and Angelica Masser, Mr. and Mrs. John Steinhart, Gloria Catino, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Metrocavage, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Richardson and family, Kathy and Bob Wislock, Mr. and Mrs. Drew Krushinski, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dombroskie, Robert and Sharon Klinger, Mr. and Mrs. John Bucanelli and family, Diane Altomare.

Paul Johnson from Leo and Mary Mulhall.

Shirley R. Little from Mr. and Mrs. Gene Garancheski, Mary Ann Balonis, Robert and Diane Sieklicki.

Elizabeth "Betty" Mack from John and Joanne McKay, Robert and Diana Bradley, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Mack and family, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Kathy and Angelica Masser, Stephanie Weikel, Ann Weikel, Anne and Tim Parvis.

Leonard Marchinski from Anna Flynn, Julie and Bob Griffiths, Knights of Columbus No. 628.

Delores Miller from Bill and Virginia Korbich, Chris and Karen Dutchess

Barry Mirack from Leonard and Gloria Strenkoski, Matthew Mudrick, Howard and Theresa Sandri.

William Murdock from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster, the staff of Northumberland County Children and Youth, Christine Labosky, Peg and Dan, Tony Varano, Sr., Dennis and Barbara Reiprish, Bill and Joyce Mowery, Tom and Lee Ann Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Craig Fetterman, Nanette Steele, CMS East Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Greg Sitko, Alice and Joan, Salem Church, Rosann and Tom Hall, Swan and Marty, Shawnee Pollack Jean Marie Dunn, Millie Mowrey.

Alfred Nezerski from Mary Jane Toccket.

Nellie Nezerski from Mary Jane Toccket.

James Richard Nolan from Linda Nolan Hearn.

Olga Cenko Nolan from Linda Nolan Hearn.

Kyle Orth from Ann and John Benedict

John "Jack" Reiprish from Howard and Theresa Sandri, Barbara Lizzul, Paul and Pat Metrocavage, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster, Mrs. Marilyn Ruback, Dennis and Susan Christiana, Mr. and Mrs. Saverio Feudale and family, Joanne Chesney, Allen and Irene Grow, Vincent Mirack, Mr. and Mrs. Donald VanShura, James and Kathy Yurick, Mary Altomare, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Sieklicki, Robert and Diane Sieklicki, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Szuler, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Christiano, Patricia L. Engle, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Derk, Grethel Vinup, Ann and Jim Reiprish, John Holland, Frank and Kathy Pupo, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Novey, Carolyn Stiegler, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Albert and family, Jan M. Kanaskie, John and Karen Labosky and family, John and Joanne McKay, Helen, Dennis, Carol and Michael Delorso, Don and Marian Myers, Jim Flanagan, Mary and Brian Major, Leo and Mary Mulhall, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden, Bill and Virginia Korbich.

Charles Rosini from Ann and John Benedict, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden.

John J. Ruback Jr. from Mr. and Mrs. John Reiprish, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Dennis and Susan Christiana, Mrs. Ann Shirmer, Sharon and Don Betz, Thomas Rutherford, Chris and Karen Dutchess, Robert Colahan, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden.

Lee Schray from Leo and Mary Mulhall.

Rose Siko from Caroline and Corinne Feese.

Richard K. "Rick" Swisher from Donna and Barry Lentz.

Helen Targonski from Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Mrs. Ceil Zaneski from Cyril and Margo Zaneski, Ann and John Benedict.

John W. Taylor from Knights of Columbus No. 628.

Leo Toccket from Mary Jane Toccket.

James Tuckett from Howard and Theresa Sandri, Ann and John Benedict.

Emma Walsh from Erik Todd Gerber, Meg and Charlie Bartol, Barbara Yuricich, Rosemary and John Shervarick and Singh family, Denise, George R. Weimer, Leocadia M. Spock, Legislative Reference Bureau, Ron and Cindy Piani, Attorney and Mrs. Henry F. Coyne, Betty Gilger and family, Rose Polifka, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Deitrick, Ramona Walsh, Ms. Dianne Decker, Mr. and Mrs. James Martini, Ms. Suellen M. Wolfe, Joann Higgins, Robert and Paula Zech, Robert and Joan Kidron, Sue, Jessica and Andrea Barrett, Debbie and Clem Laskoski, Lisa and Patrick Bradley and family, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Santor.

Joseph Washeleski from Ann and John Benedict.

Diane White from Joseph Litchko.

Dorothy Williams from Ann and John Benedict, Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Vincent Wohlheiter from Mary Jane Toccket and family.

Stella Zimmerman from Mary Jane Toccket and family, Don and Joannie Yuricich, Violette Feudale and sons.

Joseph Zukus from Howard and Theresa Sandri, Ann and John Benedict.

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Housing Authority (SHA) will once again work with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) on the building now known as Madison Court Apartments.

Executive director Ron Miller reported at the authority's board meeting Thursday he will meet with PHFA executive director Brian Hudson next month in Harrisburg to see if funds are available to help improve the former James Madison Hotel on Shamokin Street.

"We are going to see what programs are available to us," Miller told the board. "We hope there are some small energy grants or a grant to enhance the property."

It wouldn't be the first time the two have worked together. It was PHFA in 2009 who transferred the mortgage on the former Center City Apartments building, taken out by Red Gold Enterprises, Inc. and company president Eugene Picarella, to help collect on a $1 million defaulted mortgage. After a three-year legal battle, SHA acquired the property through Red Gold's bankruptcy proceedings.

"We've worked well together before and I hope we can do it again," Miller said.

Miller also reported a pre-bid conference will be held Monday for contractors interested in bidding on an upgrade to the fire alarm system at the Harold E. Thomas High Rise.

"We are doubling the amount of smoke detectors we have in the building, and switching from an analog to a digital system," Miller said. "We've had five contracting firms pick up drawings on the project, so we are encouraged by that turnout."

The board voted 4-0 to expand the number of tenants who can use Section 8 federal housing subsidies to help fill three vacancies at Madison Court Apartments. Approving the proposal were vice chair Suzanne Kopitsky and board members James Picarelli, Robert J. Wolfe, and Pamala Rhoades. Board Chairman Raymond Splane was absent.

Miller also reported that, as a resulted of an agreement that has been reached, members of the Shamokin Police Department are now doing security patrols for the Raspberry Hill housing complex.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School Board will hold a special meeting next week to approve or reject a new teachers' contract.

During a meeting Thursday night, school board president Donna James announced that a tentative teachers' contract was presented to her Wednesday night, but said she and other board members need more time to review it before holding a vote.

Teachers in the district have been working with an expired contract since June 2012.

James said a special meeting to vote on the contract is tentatively scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday.

Both sides have been making progress recently in negotiations and a vote on the contract was expected soon.

Joseph Varano, president of Mount Carmel Area Education Association, who was among a dozen teachers in attendance, said he was under the impression a vote was going to occur at Thursday's meeting.

"I was surprised it didn't come to a vote tonight," he said.

Neither James nor Varano would comment on any specifics contained in the proposed contract.

In other business

Outgoing board members Charles Mannello and Dr. Ray Kraynak were presented special gifts for their dedicated service. Mannello and Kraynak each served 20 years on the board. Interim board member Joseph D'Andrea, who replaced Nicholas Goretski III after he resigned in December, also was recognized for his service. His term expires next month.

Incoming directors Tony Mazzatesta, Bill Brecker and Joseph E. Zanella were recognized at the end of the meeting.

Directors approved a resolution to increase the assigned fund balance by $600,000 for projected retirement rate increases plus potential higher costs for medical insurance and to provide for unexpected costs to maintain district facilities.

The board accepted the resignation of high school nurse Ruth Gregory, effective in January.

Directors awarded three sick days and one personal day per year to 180-day substitute teachers.

The board approved the purchase of a copier from CSP Office Equipment for the elementary school office at a cost of $4,995.

The district campus was approved as an emergency Red Cross shelter during the need of disaster relief operations.

The board re-activated the Mount Carmel Area Future Business Leaders of America Club and appointed Trish Stockalis and Kristen Fourspring as club advisers at a stipend of $150 each.

Matt Narcavage was hired as a junior high wrestling coach at a salary of $1,300. He will fill the post vacated by Steven Sinkovich.

Greg Gensemer was hired as the head elementary wrestling coach at a salary of $900. He will fill the position vacated by Dave Besser.

Mandy Fantini was hired as the developmental swim coach at a salary of $500. She will fill the position vacated by Kevin Wagner.

On an 8-1 vote, Mike Barvitskie, David Bowman, Jason Lasko, Josh Malick and Chris Peipher were approved as volunteer assistant elementary wrestling coaches, pending clearances.

Mannello, who believes coaches should have all their clearances before being hired, voted against the appointments.

The board approved the resignation of assistant varsity baseball coach Jeff Deitz.

Bart McCollum was hired as a part-time gym aide/swimming instructor on an emergency basis at a pro-rated salary of $18,500 without benefits, effective Dec. 3.

SHAMOKIN - An 18-year-old city man found in possession of 798 packets of heroin valued at approximately $16,000 was taken into custody Wednesday night and charged with multiple felony offenses.

The drug bust was one of the largest in the local area.

Nathan Morell, of 224-226 E. Dewart St., Apt. 5, was arrested following a search of his apartment and person that produced the heroin, two plastic bags of marijuana, a marijuana grinder, three cell phones and $769 in cash.

He is charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano and Ralpho Township Patrolman Chris Grow in conjunction with an investigation conducted by the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force.

Morell was arraigned by video at 1 a.m. Thursday by on-call Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on two criminal complaints charging him with felonies of delivery of heroin, two counts of possession with intent to deliver heroin, criminal use of a communication facility, possession with intent to deliver marijuana and a misdemeanor of possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $200,000 cash bail and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Tuesday before Gembic.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, shortly after 5:30 p.m. officers spoke to a confidential informant, who advised police that a Hispanic male known as "Tiny" intended to distribute heroin.

At approximately 6 p.m., the informant and his vehicle were searched and determined not to possess any contraband. Police gave the informant $40 in police controlled buy money. Under police surveillance, the informant entered Morell's apartment building and was later followed back to the police station, where he turned over two white packets sold to him by Morell. The packets tested positive for the presence of heroin, police said.

At 9:27 p.m., officers executed a search warrant obtained through Gembic for Morell's apartment. Morell answered the door and was then handcuffed and taken into custody.

Inside the apartment, police found a small amount of marijuana on a coffee table, two plastic bags of marijuana in a kitchen cabinet and a marijuana grinder. Three cellular phones in a living room were also seized.

Police also discovered eight bricks (50 packets per brick) of heroin on a window sill and eight more bricks of heroin under a garbage bag in a trash can in the bathroom.

HARRISBURG - PennDOT is asking motorists to join the department in its efforts to keep roadways safe through the winter driving season.

PennDOT has 5,400 operators and more than 2,250 trucks ready to maintain more than 40,000 miles of state-maintained roadway.

"That is an enormous undertaking to keep the public safe regardless of what winter throws our way," said Secretary Barry J. Schoch. "Drivers too play a key role in making sure that we all get home safely, so preparing for winter driving is essential."

During storms, interstates and expressways are PennDOT's primary focus and equipment may be redirected to these routes during significant winter events. During heavier storms, motorists may find deeper accumulations on less-traveled routes and should adjust their driving for those conditions.

If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Last winter, there were 427 crashes resulting in two fatalities and 130 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors in the crash.

Motorists should carry an emergency kit with items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, a cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. However, motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs that they or their families may have. Consider adding baby supplies, extra medication, pet supplies and even children's games.

Last winter, PennDOT used more than 901,574 tons of salt on state-owned roads. Currently, PennDOT has approximately 550,000 tons of salt stockpiled and will continue to take salt deliveries throughout the winter.

PennDOT has agreements with more than 680 municipalities to clear state roads within their borders. The department also rents approximately 271 trucks and operators to assist with snow removal, as needed.

Motorists can check road conditions on more than 2,900 miles of state roads by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, average traffic speeds on urban interstates and access to more than 650 traffic cameras. 511PA also provides easy-to-use, color-coded winter road conditions for all interstates and other routes covered in the 511 reporting network. Access to 511PA is also available by calling 5-1-1.

For more information, go to www.dot.state.pa.us/winter.

MOUNT CARMEL - Beginning this weekend, church bells will be ringing again at Divine Redeemer Church after an absence of many years.

The church's 118-year-old bell tower has been silenced because the equipment that houses and rings the bells has become dangerously fragile and is in need of replacement.

The church, on the corner of West Avenue and Poplar Street, has embarked on a two-phase project to renovate the cast iron bells. The first phase is a new carillon system that will be used for the first time Saturday and Sunday at Masses.

"The church has played a major role in so many Catholic and non-Catholic lives in the community," said the Rev. Martin Moran III, church administrator. "The bells and church history connect with so many people."

The church is raising donations for Phase II of the project - the restoration of the cast iron bells. Total cost is under $60,000. The hope is to complete Phase II within the next few years.

Phase I, the new carillon system, has been completed at a cost of approximately $18,000. Moran noted that Phase I has been completed in time to close the Year of Faith, which has been celebrated by Catholics throughout the world.

The carillon bells will ring for the first time after this weekend's Masses - 4 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Church and community members are invited to share in the blessing of the new system and hear the sounds by gathering at the bell tower immediately after each Mass.

"It's giving the church a voice again," said Bill Ditchey, chairman of the parish buildings and grounds committee. "It's making people aware that the church is here, both in sight and sound."

The Rev. Jonathan Sawicki, a native son of the parish, said he is looking forward to hearing the bells ring again. "The call to worship became one of the hallmarks of the bells before the church services," he said. "As an altar server, I enjoyed ringing the bells by pulling the rope."

Phase II, the restoration of the church bells and ringing equipment, will be completed by the Verdin Company of Cincinnati, a 166-year-old, fifth generation, family-owned firm. Moran noted that although the bells are designed to last for centuries, the bolts and equipment that hold and ring the bells have become corroded, making them unsafe to ring. The bolts and equipment will be restored in Phase II.

Contributions for Phase II may be sent to Bell Restoration Fund, Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 438 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel 17851.

MANDATA - Line Mountain has been billed $4,268 so far in legal fees by the firm defending the school district in a federal lawsuit filed by the parents of a female student who wants to join the district's all-male wrestling team.

The total for legal representation, however, won't exceed $10,000, which is the amount of the deductible for the district's liability policy with Liberty Mutual, said solicitor Rich Roberts.

The district on Friday replied to a right-to-know request filed by The News-Item Nov. 15 to obtain copies of invoices for legal services submitted by Marshall Dennehey, Warner Coleman & Goggin in Camp Hill.

The first invoice, dated Sept. 16, was for $3,039.49; a second, dated Oct. 15, was for $1,228.50.

The firm will continue billing the district until $10,000 is reached, and then Liberty Mutual will be billed, Roberts said.

The district pays $62,598 for insurance coverage, which includes property, crime, inland marine, general liability, professional liability, automobile, umbrella and accident, said business manager Phil Rapant.

School board Director Lamont Masser reiterated his views Friday that the district is wasting time and taxpayer money by defending the lawsuit, filed by Brian and Angie Beattie, Herndon, on behalf of their daughter, Audriana, a seventh-grader.

"I think it's an unnecessary distraction. It's an unfortunate circumstance all around," he said.

At last week's board meeting, a motion by Masser to allow Audriana to participate in the wrestling program and take steps to withdraw from the lawsuit received no support from fellow board members.

Masser said the lawsuit is distracting the board from its focus on education.

The district argues that Beattie can't join the team because the wrestling program is gender-specific and that allowing her to join opens the district to liability. It says they are protecting Audriana and male athletes from potentially awkward situations and sexual contact during practices and matches, and the psychological scarring and inevitable injury and defeat of female wrestlers.

Her parents say the district is discriminating on the basis of sex in violation of equal protection and rights under the national and state constitutions.

A hearing was held Wednesday in Williamsport at which seven witness, including Audriana, took the stand to testify over a period of 5 1/2 hours. U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann won't be ready to rule until mid to late December.

Brann had ruled Nov. 1 that Audriana is allowed to participate in the wrestling program until the suit is settled. Superintendent Dave Campbell said the district is following the order. Practices started Monday.

Club's motion denied

Brann also denied a motion this week by Pennsylvania Wrestling Club to intervene in the federal lawsuit and be added as a plaintiff while asking that the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) be added as a defendant.

The club argued that Line Mountain can't establish a statewide female wrestling program, but the PIAA can.

Club attorney Lawrence M. Otter, Doylestown, filed a motion Tuesday to halt Wednesday's court hearing so the club and PIAA could be added. He apologized for the "11th hour motion," saying he was tied up in other litigation and traveling between Bucks County and Harrisburg.

An arraignment has been scheduled for Wednesday in the case of an Elysburg man who allegedly sold marijuana to an undercover police officer and fled the scene in Ocean City, Md., June 14.

Robert Beierschmitt, now 20, of 11 Columbia Drive, Elysburg, was charged by Ocean City Detective Kyle Murray with a misdemeanor offense of possession of marijuana under 10 grams and a felony offense of distributing marijuana. A third charge of resisting arrest will not be prosecuted.

If convicted, Beierschmitt faces up to 5 years and 90 days in jail and or $15,500 in fines.

According to a criminal complaint, Murray and fellow officers were working undercover in an unmarked vehicle in the area of the 10 block of Seventh Street in Ocean City at 12:40 a.m., June 14, attempting to purchase controlled dangerous substances from various individuals.

At that location, Murray discussed purchasing marijuana with a male, later identified as Beierschmitt. Murray said Beierschmitt told him he could get a "sack," slang for a bag of marijuana.

Murray asked Beierschmitt if he could get a "dub," slang that describes $20 worth of marijuana. Beierschmitt left and returned a few minutes later with a plastic bag containing marijuana. Beierschmitt asked Murray if he was a police officer. Murray said no.

After the transaction, Murray signaled additional officers, who announced themselves as police officers. Beierschmitt began to run, and, after approximately a two-block foot chase, Beierschmitt tripped and fell.

A criminal trial date has been scheduled for Feb. 10.

MANDATA - Line Mountain School District is keeping the appraisals of Leck Kill and Dalmatia elementary schools close to the vest while the school board members determine what they want to do with those properties.

A Right To Know Request was filed by The News-Item Nov. 15 to obtain copies of documents that would reveal the appraisal information from Real Estate Appraisal and Marketing Associates, Sunbury, who was hired in August.

That request was denied Friday by Superintendent Dave Campbell, the district's Right To Know Officer, on the basis of the exceptions of Section 708(b)(22) of the state Right To Know Law.

That sections excepts "the contents of real estate appraisals, engineering or feasibility estimates, environmental reviews, audits or evaluations made for or by an agency relative to the following: the leasing, acquiring or disposing of real property or an interest in real property; the purchase of public supplies or equipment included in the real estate transaction; and construction projects."

However, according to the law, these items shall not be exempt "once the decision is made to proceed with the lease, acquisition or disposal of real property or an interest in real property or the purchase of public supply or construction project."

The two schools were closed before the 2013-14 school year as part of an overall district consolidation plan. School buildings in Trevorton and Mandata were expanded to accommodate a realignment of the school district. Students in grades kindergarten through fourth are attending class in Trevorton, while fifth and sixth graders are attending class in the new addition of the high school building.

The current Leck Kill building, a 13,350-square-foot structure at 3664 Old State Road, was constructed in 1927. The current Dalmatia building, a 36,000-square-foot structure at 162 School Road not far from Route 147, was built in 1934.

Both buildings have gone through many name changes and renovations over the years.

School board members have not yet decided whether they want to keep the buildings, donate them back to their respective municipalities, hold a public auction or hire a realtor to conduct a private sale.

They will likely discuss their options at one of the next public meetings Dec. 10 or Dec. 24.

HARRISBURG - A Lycoming County judge ruled Friday that Northumberland County Commissioner Stephen Bridy is entitled to information involving what the City of Shamokin has paid to provide health insurance to its employees, including elected officials.

In granting Bridy access to all records he sought through a Right-To-Know (RTK) request within 30 days, Judge Richard A. Gray said the health care information is a public record that isn't exempt from disclosure under federal or state law or regulations, or judicial orders or decrees, or is not protected by a privilege.

Gray said the purpose of the RTK Law is to promote access to official government information in order to prohibit secrets, scrutinize the actions of public officials and make public officials accountable for their actions.

In his ruling, Gray said the court concluded that it doesn't matter whether the purpose of the request for records was politically motivated. He said if Shamokin has a covered health plan under HIPAA, the information sought by Bridy doesn't fall into the category of "protected health information."

Gray, who was appointed to the case after all three Northumberland County judges recused themselves, said Shamokin did not prove that any of the requested records are exempt from public access by a preponderance of the evidence. The judge said Bridy requested records that disclosed the public officials who receive health insurance coverage for themselves and their families. He said Bridy did not request medical information or records that are exempt under the law such as personal identification (Social Security number, driver's license number, financial information, cell or telephone numbers, etc.) or a spouse's name, marital status or beneficiary or dependent.

Gray states, "Without access to information about the benefits provided to our elected officials as a result of their election to office, the populace cannot fully consent to be governed by them. Consent of the governed is a fundamental cornerstone of democracy."

'Deserve to know'

When contacted Friday night about the ruling, Bridy said, "It's unfortunate they took up everyone's time, capital and resources to withhold information every municipality is forthcoming with. The taxpayers of Shamokin deserve to know how their hard-earned money is spent by their elected officials."

Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi said he is pleased with the judge's ruling that reinforces his opinion about Bridy's request.

"Shamokin City Council and the mayor tried to hide the insurance they are receiving in addition to other expenses paid for by the taxpayers of Shamokin," Clausi said. "We will request all necessary information so we can tell the people of Shamokin the truth about how much money they wasted."

In addition to paying their own attorney fees, Clausi and Bridy said city officials may have to pay the legal fees of Attorney John Muncer, who privately represented Bridy. Muncer also serves as assistant solicitor for the county.

Barley Snyder of Reading had billed the city $9,795 through September for its legal representation in the case.

Clausi said he hopes city clerk and RTK officer Steve Bartos - who refused to divulge the health information to himself, Bridy and the media - gets fired over the issue.

"That information should have been released before this matter went to court," Clausi said.

Happy it's resolved

Current Shamokin Councilman and mayor-elect William Milbrand said he is happy the situation has been resolved. He stated, "From the beginning, I've never had anything to hide in regard to health care benefits and I provided my health care benefits to The News-Item before my campaign and the election."

Milbrand believes the city wasted a lot of money in its reluctance to divulge the health care information.

Milbrand pays $100 per month toward a health care insurance plan that, for single-person coverage, costs the city $813.59 a month.

Also, Milbrand receives $3,250 annually, a stipend paid to all councilmembers in monthly installments of $270.83.

Milbrand, who's been on the health care plan all four years he's been in office, said he didn't put much thought into the financial impact the insurance has on the city budget. But he does now.

Bartos, who has been on medical leave for eight days, said he wasn't aware of the ruling until notified by the media Friday night. He reserved comment.

Shamokin Mayor George Rozinskie also declined comment.

City solicitor H. Robert Mattis was unavailable for comment Friday evening.

Year-long fight

Bridy filed the RTK request in an unofficial capacity, but the commissioner connection complicated the case.

Bridy requested details on what the city has paid to provide health insurance to its employees, including elected officials, since 2006. It was denied in February by Bartos, who said the request was viewed as a "serial filing" to similar requests made by Clausi. Bartos said in his denial letter the commissioners did not comply with "applicable appeal procedure."

Clausi's four requests made in November and December 2012 for individually specific financial information on the city's health insurance were also denied. The city argued the records are exempt under a medical records provision of the RTK law, and that they are confidential under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Bartos said the city consulted with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in making its determination.

Bartos did provide Clausi aggregate amounts of health insurance spending highlighted in city budgets over the past four years, along with general information on benefits offered under the health care plan.

In the 2013 budget, group benefits for council members, the mayor, controller, solicitor, community development officer and a secretary are lumped into one line item totaling $121,901 for health, life and vision.

An appeal by Clausi to the state's Office of Open Records (OOR) failed in January on a filing error. However, Bridy was successful in his appeal, an OOR appeals officer ruling in May that the records applying specifically to benefit costs and not to individually identifiable health information are not exempt and should be provided.

The city, however, decided to fight the appeal, which, per the RTK Law, took the case to county court.

SHAMOKIN - A subcommittee consisting of people connected to the Fifth Ward of the city has been formed to organize a grand parade next year in celebration of Shamokin's 150th anniversary.

Committee member Bill Dudeck, of South Shamokin Street, is seeking volunteers to assist with the parade at 2 p.m. Friday, July 5.

Dudeck said the subcommittee is working with the main 150th anniversary committee that is planning special events to mark the historic occasion.

He said $10 tickets are being sold for a chance to win a white, automatic 2014 Camaro convertible from B&L Chevrolet-Buick in Coal Township. The winner of the car will not be responsible for sales tax, title work or transfer fees. Dudeck said B&L is providing a discount on the car.

Less than 7,000 tickets will be sold to purchase the car and sponsor the parade. Dudeck said the goal is to generate approximately $35,000 for the parade.

A drawing will be held in front of Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library at 10 a.m. on parade day. The winner of the car will serve as grand marshal for the parade.

Dudeck came up with the idea to have "Fifth Warders" organize the parade so city officials and main committee members could concentrate on other festivities being held to commemorate the city's 150th anniversary.

"The most expensive and time-consuming event in the celebration will be a grand parade," Dudeck said in a recent letter issued to residents of the Fifth Ward. "We are forming a committee to plan and finance the parade as a birthday gift to the city."

He added, "We do not think small up here in the Fifth Ward. Current and former residents of the Fifth Ward and friends of the Fifth Ward are undertaking this task. The tickets will make a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer."

Dudeck said plans call for the parade to start at Shamokin and Willow streets in the Fifth Ward.

He said approximately 40 people attended the initial subcommittee meeting Nov. 17 at the Shamokin Knights of Columbus. He said additional meetings will be conducted after the holidays.

He encouraged his fellow "Fifth Warders" and those with connections to the Fifth Ward to participate in the project.

"It will be great fun," he said. "Fifth Warders" were always unique and united behind many causes and celebrations in the past. Now is the time to do it again bigger and better than ever."

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Vanessa Dudeck at 570-863-8410 or Marian Edmondson at 570-648-5813.

MOUNT CARMEL - James A. Garfield Camp 34, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil, elected officers for 2014 at a meeting Nov. 13.

Elected were David Berezovske, commander; William Beaumont, senior vice commander; Bruce Petro, junior vice president; J. Kevin Jones, Mark Kline and Walter Watkins IV, council; Hugh Jones, secretary and treasurer; William Van Stone Sr., patriotic instructor; Harry White Jr., memorials officer; Ray Rothermel, Civil War memorials officer; J. Kevin Jones, Eagle Scout coordinator, and Hugh Jones, graves registration officer and historian.

Meetings in 2014 will be held March 12, May 14, Sept. 10 and Nov. 12. The camp meets at 7:30 p.m. at the Lithuanian Social Club.

Perpetuating the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and the men who saved the Union from 1861 ro 1865, Garfield Camp is the oldest veteran-affiliated organization in Mount Carmel. It was organized May 9, 1883, and chartered Aug. 9 of that year.

Each year for the Memorial Day holiday, the camp decorates the graves of 166 Civil War veterans buried in Mount Carmel, St. Mary, Oak Hill and St. Joseph (Locust Gap) cemeteries. Males descendants 14 years and over who can trace their lineage to an ancestor who served in the Union during the Civil War ot those who do not have lineage but meet all other requirements are eligible to join.

The camp is a member of the Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee.

DANVILLE - Thanks to a multi-year $250,000 donation by Weis Markets to the Geisinger Genomic Medicine Institute to create the Family Health History Campaign, families gathered to share a holiday feast on Thanksgiving are being provided educational tools to also share important health information that can save lives.

"Thanksgiving is also National Family History Day, providing a great opportunity to spark a discussion about family health history, which is known to be a risk factor for many common chronic diseases," said Family History Campaign leader Andrew Faucett, director of policy and education, Geisinger Health System. "Through a gift from Weis Markets, we've developed a series of educational tools that will help guide the discussion and make it into a group activity. This program has the potential to identify potential health issues early when they are most treatable."

The Family History website offers users:

- An interactive activity packet that guides the collection of a family health history in a fun-based format.

- Educational tools to explain the importance of family history in preventive health.

- A guide to enable family history collection.

- A template to discuss family history with health care providers.

- Opportunities for online, telephone or in-person review of a community member's family history by a genetic counselor.

- The option to explore additional resources addressing family health history and health risks.

Weis Markets will also have free handouts of the education of the education materials at its pharmacy during the grand reopening celebration of its Danville store.

"Geisinger is known for its innovative programs and personal approach to treatment, and Weis Markets is proud to support such an important program," said Rick Seipp, vice president of pharmacy for Weis Markets. "We're fortunate to live in a region with many multi-generational families and mapping family history is one of the least expensive, most accessible and surefire ways to get an estimate of the genetic-linked disease risk, in addition to gathering anecdotal information about known environmental exposures, such as drinking and smoking."

Funding for the Family Health History Campaign was provided through a $250,000 donation from Weis Markets, in addition to funds from the Geisinger Genomic Institute. For more information, visit Geisinger.org/familyhistory.

SHAMOKIN - Because Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, the Shamokin Fire Bureau, United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association has shared some fire safety tips and recommendation to the residents:

Safety tips

- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.

- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

- Keep children away from the stove, deep fryers, knives, electrical cords, matches, lighters, lit candles and hot food and liquids.

- Keep the floor clear of items that could cause someone to trip.

- Make sure smoke alarms are working.

- Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames, ovens, and stove tops.

- Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup, which can start fires.

- Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.

- Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house to make sure all appliances are turned off.

- Don't wear long or flowing clothing while cooking.

- Heat cooking oil slowly to avoid burns from spattering grease. Be extra careful when cooking deep-fried food.

Turkey fryer safety tips

Keep fryer away from buildings - Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from structures and never leave it unattended.

Find flat ground - The oil must be even and steady at all times to ensure safety. Place the fryer on a flat, level surface and carefully gauge the amount of oil needed.

Use a thawed and dry turkey - Extra water will cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over. If oil spills from the fryer onto the burner, it can cause a fire.

Monitor the temperature - Use caution when touching the turkey fryer. The lid and handle can become very hot and could cause burns. Also be sure to keep track of the oil's temperature because many fryers do not have their own thermostats.

Be prepared - Have a fire extinguisher (multipurpose, dry-powder) ready at all times in the event the oil ignites.

Just in case

- If you are cooking and a fire starts, turn off the stove or burner and put a lid on the pan to smother the flames. Never throw water on a grease fire.

- Prepare an escape plan and practice it twice a year. Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two escape routes from their bedrooms.

- Always call 911, even if you think the fire is out.

SHAMOKIN - The News-Item and Tom Kutza will launch their 11th year of Letters to Santa at newsitem.com on Monday, Dec. 2.

Kutza, with his "personal" connection to Santa Claus, started Letters to Santa during his days as the voice of WISL 1480 Radio. When the station went silent in the late 1990s, Letters to Santa was silenced, too.

It was revived in 2003 through The News-Item's website and continues to be a popular local tradition.

Hundreds of children send their letters each year for Santa to read. Daily shows involving a handful of letters are read on weekdays leading up to Christmas. The names of the children whose letters will be read that day are published along with a Christmas countdown on the front page of The News-Item.

Special music and other programming is broadcast on weekends.

Letters must be emailed to santa@newsitem.com and must be received by Dec. 13.

Letters to Santa is free.

SHAMOKIN - Dan McGaw will not petition the results or the integrity of the city's mayoral election.

McGaw lost to Bill Milbrand by a single vote to become Shamokin's mayor for a four-year term beginning in January.

He had considered petitioning the county court but said Friday he would not do so.

"Nope, he won," McGaw said.

The deadline to file a petition to recanvass the results of voting machines was Friday, five days after Northumberland County's election results were given initial certification, according to Pennsylvania Election Code and the Department of State.

Final certification is official when the county commissioners sign off on the results, which Alisha Herb, director of elections, expected either Friday afternoon or Monday.

If a recanvass had been ordered by the Court of Common Pleas, it would have had to be completed by Monday, 20 days after the general election, election code states.

McGaw didn't want to expand on what grounds he was considering a petition.

McGaw was a relative unknown when he announced his candidacy for mayor. He was the lone candidate in the Republican primary and seemed a long shot to defeat Democrat Bill Milbrand, a sitting city councilman.

He led Milbrand by nine votes after the votes cast at the city's 13 polling stations on Nov. 5 were tabulated. The final result came down to the tabulation of 46 absentee ballots, and Milbrand edged McGaw 603-602.

The remaining two years on Milbrand's council term will be filled by an appointment by city council.

McGaw said he was happy with his campaign and acknowledged that his profile is raised. He said he'd like to stay active albeit on the outskirts of city politics, and said it was hard to say if he'd run again.

"I'm just going to sit back and watch the world unfold," McGaw said, referencing the necessary appointment by council.

To have voting machines recanvassed, three qualified electors of a voting precinct must successfully petition the Court of Common Pleas to have the votes in that precinct counted again by a person appointed by the court.

Petitions contesting results of municipal elections in Upper Mahanoy and East Cameron townships were filed in county court. Petitioners cite behavior of a candidate in Upper Mahanoy Township and a candidate's relative in East Cameron Township in the separate petitions.

BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

COAL TOWNSHIP - A Shamokin-based rock band has hit a new high note with the release of their first music video.

Red Halo premiered "Fly Me Courageous" during a release party Thursday evening at Brewsers Sports Grille. The song was originally released in 1991 by Atlanta-based rock band Drivin' N' Cryin'.

The video played in front of family, friends and fans and also streamed online. It was filmed primarily at Goodfellas Café in Pottsville, an abandon industrial building and in the band's purple-colored tour bus that was recently purchased from "the side of the road" and given a cosmetic makeover.

Red Halo members Al Dobson, bass and vocals; Lee Lentes, guitar and vocals, and Ed Mertz, guitar, were on-hand to celebrate the occasion. Drummer Scott Slodysko was unable to attend the premier.

The video was shot by Mike Danger and the song recorded at Shadow Sound Design in Morea, Schuylkill County.

"Ours is way, way better," Lentes quickly replied when asked how Red Halo's version compared to the original.

Lentes said the band is working on an album of original material with a release date sometime next spring. In the meantime, the band will continue playing shows throughout northeastern Pa. Upcoming gigs include today at The Den in Hamilton; Sunday, Nov. 24, at WQSU FM The Pulse in Selinsgrove, and Wednesday, Nov. 27, at the Rescue Fire Company, Shamokin.

The band does not have an official website, but can be found online on at Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and ReverbNation.Larry Deklinski/Staff Photo

Recycling pick-up changed

MOUNT CARMEL - Moser Brothers Recycling will be picking up recyclables Dec. 5 instead of Nov. 28 due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Centers closed for Thanksgiving

HARRISBURG - All PennDOT driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.state.pa.us.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2013 is available on the website under "News, Stats and Facts."

Parade participants sought

SUNBURY - Sunbury's Lite Fest is looking for people to participate in the Santa's Parade that will be held Friday. Anyone who has a group, event or just wants to be in a parade is asked to call 570-286-7820 to register and receive information. The parade forms at 6 p.m. on Raspberry Ave. and steps off at 6:30 p.m., traveling down Market Street to Cameron Park.

Open mic night planned

SUNBURY - Popular Outcasts Podcast is hosting Mike's No Mic Open Night from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge 503, 29-33 S. Third St.

The event will feature stand-up comics, spoken word poets, storytellers and other performers to entertain audience members. The organizers are looking for more participants.

Interested performers are asked to sign up at 6:30 p.m.

The show is free and open to the public.

Tree lighting in Zerbe Township set

TREVORTON - The annual Christmas Tree lighting and Santa Claus arrival in Zerbe Township will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Trevorton Pool Building.

The evening will begin with local singers, selections from a bell choir, a community sing along and Santa riding on his brand new community sled.

Food and drink will be available following the program.

The event is sponsored by the Trevorton Recreation Committee, Zerbe Township supervisors and the Trevorton Heritage Society, who did all the planning and interior decorating.

GLENSIDE - Christine M. Laughlin, of Mount Carmel, earned a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Arcadia University at the undergraduate commencement ceremony in May.