BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

KULPMONT - A Shamokin man was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol following a crash in the 900 block of Chestnut Street early Friday morning that left the street littered with debris and one vehicle atop a snowbank.

Kulpmont Police Patrolman Patrick McAndrew said charges are pending against Joseph Payne, 29, who refused a blood test shortly after crashing his car into a parked car at 12:30 a.m.

McAndrew said Payne, who was uninjured, was operating a 2001 Saturn west on Chestnut Street (Route 61) when the right front of his vehicle struck the left rear of a parked Saturn, owned by David Dallabrida, of 922 Chestnut St., causing extensive damage to both vehicles.

The Dallabrida vehicle was moved partially onto the sidewalk and snow pile and into the back of a parked Jeep Cherokee, owned by Patrick Burns, 936 Chestnut St., causing damage to the front end of the Saturn and the right rear of the Cherokee.

McAndrew said Payne claimed he lost control when he hit a patch of black ice while looking down at his phone.

SHAMOKIN - A police officer suffered injuries early Friday during a melee involving three intoxicated men outside a city tavern that reportedly started when one of the combatants took a swing at a woman leaving the bar.

Christopher W. Lloyd, 36, of 627 E. Packer St.; his brother, Robert Watts Jr., 27, of 625 E. Packer St., and Jack W. Grove, 44, of 918 E. Kase St., are behind bars today after being charged with felony offenses in the 12:41 a.m. assault that required police from three communities to quell.

Patrolman Mark Costa, who attempted to break up the fracas, suffered injuries to his knees and hand during the incident in the 500 block of North Shamokin Street near Snappers Bar. Costa's police jacket was also torn in the altercation.

Upon arriving at the scene, only a block away from the police station, Costa and Cpl. Bryan Primerano spotted Lloyd and Watts arguing in the middle of Spurzheim Street. Witnesses told police Lloyd had been causing a disturbance and chasing a female at Snappers.

While Primerano was attempting to speak with Lloyd and calm him down, Watts reportedly yelled, "Leave my (expletive) brother alone," and attempted to stop police from speaking with him.

After police repeatedly advised Lloyd and Watts to calm down and leave the area, Grove approached the officers and attempted to separate them from his two friends, according to the criminal complaint.

Police said Lloyd staggered away from police, walking north on Shamokin Street.

Resisting arrest

A female witness told police Lloyd had been chasing a female up Shamokin Street prior to their arrival. Police then warned Watts and Grove to go home while they dealt with Lloyd, who they later located at Shamokin and Independence streets leaning into the passenger window of a parked vehicle occupied by a female in the driver's seat.

After Primerano told Lloyd he was under arrest and attempted to handcuff him, Watts came up behind Primerano and interfered with the arrest, according to police. At this point, Costa told Watts he was under arrest. Police said Watts then pushed Costa away and resisted arrest when the officer attempted to handcuff him.

Costa tackled Watts to the ground while Watts attempted to punch the officer in the face and chest while tearing his coat. Police said Watts continued to fight as Primerano attempted to handcuff him. Lloyd and Grove then came to help Watts and became aggressive toward the officers, prompting Costa to deploy OC spray on all three men.

Police estimated they warned the three men 10 times to stop resisting arrest, but they failed to listen.

Assisting Costa and Primerano in the arrest of Lloyd, Watts and Grove were emergency medical technicians from AREA Services Ambulance, Coal Township Patrolmen Chris Lapotsky and Matthew Hashuga and Ralpho Township Officer Chris Grow.

'I'm gonna kill you'

An unidentified female witness/victim told police she was walking down Shamokin Street when Lloyd called her derogatory names. The witness said she attempted to get away from Lloyd, who ran up to her and got in front of her. Lloyd then took a swing at the witness, but she was able to duck and run away for help.

The woman told police she doesn't know Lloyd and said the incident was a random, unprovoked attack.

Another unidentified female witness told police approximately six women came into Snappers Bar and reported a man was taking swings at them in an attempt to assault them. The witness said she then went outside and saw Lloyd, who shouted, "(Expletive) you, I'm gonna kill you."

After the witness told Lloyd she was going to call police, she said Lloyd and Watts got into an altercation.

Charges

Lloyd and Watts were charged by Primerano and Costa with felonies of aggravated assault, riot, criminal conspiracy to cause a riot, and misdemeanors of simple assault, resisting arrest and failure of disorderly persons to disperse. Lloyd also was charged with an additional count of simple assault.

Grove was charged with riot, criminal conspiracy to cause a riot, resisting arrest and failure of disorderly conduct persons to disperse.

Lloyd and Watts were arraigned at 7:45 a.m. Friday by on-call Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III and committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $75,000 and $50,000 cash bail. Grove was committed to the county jail on a probation detainer.

The trio are scheduled to face a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning before Gembic.

Not the Goon Squad

Chief of Police Edward Griffiths said, "The disturbance involved three men who were drunk and resisted arrest. Unfortunately, Officer Costa suffered minor injuries in the incident. But it was in no way related to the other two recent fights and has no ties to the Goon Squad."

An 18-year-old Shamokin man and four juveniles were charged in connection with the Feb. 23 assault of an 18-year-old city male in the 400 block of East Independence Street.

Six adults also were charged earlier this week in a March 1 fight in the first block of South Market Street.

SHAMOKIN - The Cecilian Club will present a concert at 7 p.m. Monday in St. John's United Church of Christ. The theme of this month's concert, which will be held in the sanctuary, is "Broadway."

The concert will start with a vocal duet. Margaret Schlader and Mary Hollingshead, accompanied by Susan Shoop, will sing "Big Spender" from "Sweet Charity" by Coleman. Margaret Morris, accompanied by Nan Weller, will follow with "As If We Never Said Goodbye" from "Sunset Boulevard" by Webber. Chris Wetzel, accompanied by Morris, will sing "Sabbath Prayer" from "Fiddler on the Roof" by Bock.

The concert will continue with a vocal trio as Martha Lynch, Marily Stasney and Linda Latsha sing "Lullaby of Broadway" from "Lullaby of Broadway" by Warner. Irvin Liachowitz will accompany the trio. Susan Shoop, accompanied by Mary Anne Miller, will sing "In My Own Little Corner" from "Cinderella" by Rodgers. Tom Chirst, accompanied by Morris, will follow with "A Bushel and a Peck" from "Guys and Dolls" by Loesser.

Nedra Templar, Bonnie Alleman and Merle Kashner, accompanied by Weller, will sing "I Got Rhythm" from "Crazy for You" by Gershwin. Carol Ellis will follow with "What I Did for Love" from "A Chorus Line" by Hamlisch. Ellis will be accompanied by Noriene Ladd. This will be followed by a quartet as Grace Stank, Stasney, Latsha and Christ, accompanied by Carolyn Weaver, sing "Eidelweiss" from "The Sound of Music" by Rodgers.

Next, a men's chorus will sing "There Is Nothin' Like a Dame" from "South Pacific" by Rodgers. Liachowitz will accompany the group. The concert will conclude with Weller, accompanied by Shoop, singing "Shy" from "Once Upon a Mattress" by Mary Rodgers.

The public is invited to join the club for this concert, which is free of charge.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Members of the Shamokin and Mount Carmel Ministeriums of Churches gathered Thursday at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital (G-SACH) to meet with the new senior director of spiritual care at Geisinger Health System, the Rev. Shannon Borchert.

Approximately 25 members were in attendance to hear Borchert describe his background, the mission of the division of spiritual care and the desire to work hand-in-hand with local ministers to support spiritual care and healing for the faithful requiring services at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.

Borchert came to Geisinger Health System on Dec. 2, after having served as program coordinator for clinical pastoral education at Reading Hospital. He related a story from his early days in a small town in Kansas, and the challenge of serving a small community hospital. He found this experience very rewarding and it helped form the foundation for his dedication to hospital chaplaincy. Borchert's comments were followed by a question and answer session.

The group is planning to meet at least twice a year at G-SACH to share experiences, support and ideas on improving the delivery of spiritual care, both in the hospital and the local communities.

Raise the Region, which launched to great success in 2013, is scheduled from 6 p.m. Wednesday to midnight Thursday.

The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, in partnership with Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, holds the 30-hour fundraising event to help the community support local nonprofit organizations.

Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships has donated $125,000 that will be used to match a portion of donations made to pre-registered nonprofits. Additional monetary prizes and incentives, sponsored by Auto Trakk and Larson Design Group, will be awarded throughout the event.

Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc. (CSO Inc.) will be participating in the event again this year. CSO Inc. is a regional, private, nonprofit, 501-C-3 community-based, charitable organization that is dedicated to helping people make positive changes in their lives. CSO delivers Workforce Development Services in the Central Region Workforce Investment Area and provides comprehensive Community Action initiatives to improve local families and communities. CSO strives to address poverty at the local level and move individuals and families to self-sufficiency.

Staff at CSO helps to guide clients through the network of services that are available.

Two Shamokin businesses are supporting CSO for Raise the Region. Rob's Good Time Grill will donate $1 from every regular meal of $4.99 to $9.98 and $2 for a regular priced meal $9.99 and up from Sunday through Thursday. Brewser's SportsGrille will donate 20 percent from meals purchased Monday.

Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities is not participating in Raise the Region this year.

SUNBURY - The use of a holding cell at Northumberland County Prison officially began Friday and is expected to save the county more than $200,000 per year in housing costs and free up police officers' time.

The holding cell is on the bottom floor of the prison, where five cells already exist.

Under the holding cell system, individuals who commit crimes between 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. on weekdays will be taken by police to the prison, where they will be held for arraignment the next day by the magisterial district judge in whose jurisdiction the crime occurred.

For defendants detained on weekends, the on-call district judge will appear in person or by video within 48 hours or on the next business day without unnecessary delay.

"The holding cell will save money and time for everyone involved," commented county commissioner and prison board member Stephen Bridy. "This will prevent us from housing pre-arraigned inmates for more than 48 hours. We are currently housing some inmates five days longer than we need to."

He added, "Based on the $35 daily rate to house an inmate, the county expects to save more than $200,000 and possibly up to $250,000 per year by having a holding cell at the prison. I expect municipalities to save tens of thousands of dollars in manpower, overtime and transportation costs."

Bridy said the holding cell also should serve as a deterrent for criminals because they know they will be going to the county prison - as opposed to being held at a local police station - if they commit a crime after regular business hours.

He said it's also a good tool for police officers because it will allow them to get back on the streets quicker and patrol their municipalities.

'Long process'

Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel, who has pushed hard for the holding cell for about five years, said Friday he's glad it's finally being used.

"It was a long process to get it online, but I think everybody will be happy with it," he said.

Jones said the holding cell will definitely save the county and municipalities significant money.

He admitted it will make the jobs of the four magisterial district judges in the county easier because they won't be called out as often for arraignments during the late evening and early morning hours, but he called it a benefit to everyone.

"It's a better system because police will now be able to drop off prisoners at the prison instead of babysitting them at their respective stations until the arraignments are done," he said. "It will help the county, prison board and municipal budgets."

Jones said defendants charged with violating protection from abuse orders, criminal homicide and other serious offenses that require immediate attention will still be arraigned by the on-call magisterial district judge.

"We finally got all the planets aligned right with this project. I want to thank everyone involved, including the commissioners, prison board members, retired judge Robert B. Sacavage, current judges William H. Wiest and Charles Saylor, police, the prison administration, district attorney Tony Rosini and my fellow magisterial district judges," Jones said.

Jones particularly thanked Wiest for signing an order Feb. 25 approving the holding cell and praised the efforts of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III of Shamokin and Sacavage who have been pushing the idea for many years.

Logistics

When a prisoner is brought to jail, the arresting officer must provide a copy of the criminal complaint to the judge, the defendant and prison officials.

Defendants detained after hours on Fridays will be arraigned by an on-call judge between 8 and 10 a.m. Sundays by video or in person.

If the district attorney can certify that the prosecution of the case would be impaired if the arraignment is delayed during the off-periods, it is the district attorney's obligation to contact the on-call judge to explain his concerns.

Approximately $50,000 allocated to the prison budget will not fund new positions, but will allow additional hours for part-time correctional officers to oversee the cell.

SHAMOKIN - Two Atlas women who allegedly sold narcotics to an informant last fall were arraigned Thursday on multiple felony drug-related offenses.

Ashley Casari, 26, and Kelly Metzinger, 27, of 225 W. Girard St., were released on $20,000 bail after being charged by Trooper David T. Burns and Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano with 12 drug offenses each.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Casari and Metzinger are accused of selling 100 Dilaudid pills for $450 and seven Fentanyl patches for $225 to an informant. Police said the drug transactions occurred Oct. 17, Oct. 24 and Nov. 17 in the parking lot at Turkey Hill Minit Market on Lincoln Street.

The charges against both women include four counts each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Casari and Metzinger were ordered to appear for preliminary hearings Tuesday morning before Gembic.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 451st Changing of the Colors flag ceremony Feb. 23 at the flag pole of the Susquehanna Bank in honor and memory of Francis Vincent Kwiatkowski, a veteran of the Cold War era.

Kwiatkowski was born Feb. 18, 1932, in Atlas, a son of Anthony (Kwiatkowski) and Theresa (Becker) Flowers. He was a 1950 graduate of Mount Carmel Township High School.

Kwiatkowski enlisted in the U.S. Navy Jan. 10, 1951, at Baltimore, and was honorably discharged as a seaman Nov. 5, 1954, at U.S. Navy SEPACT, New London, Conn. He received his training at the U.S. Naval Training Station in Newport, R.I. He served aboard the USS Petrel (ASR-14), a Chantilleer class submarine rescue ship, and was stationed at the U.S. Navy Submarine Base in New London.

Kwiatkowski received the National Defense Service Medal. Total service to the country was 3 years, 9 months and 26 days, of which sea and/or foreign service was 3 years, 7 months and 10 days.

On July 30, 1955, in St. Paul's Chapel, Atlas, he married the former Gloria Taddeo, who survives.

Kwiatkowski was employed by Arcos Industries, Mount Carmel Township. He was a member of Divine Redeemer Church, Mount Carmel, and the Atlas Fire Company, and was a former member of St. Pau's Chapel.

Kwiatkowski died Jan. 9, 2014, and is buried in All Saints Cemetery, Bear Gap. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, two daughters, 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a sister and a brother.

The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of John F. Shimock Jr., who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Taps was sounded by the bugle by William Begis while the flag was lowered by Anthony Candelora. The flag was folded by James Kealy, Ann Ray Begis and Candelora. The flag was presented to Connie Andrews by Walter Summers.

The Kwiatkowski flag was escorted to the ceremony by Andrews and was presented by Kwiatkowski's wife, Gloria. The flag was raised by Candelora during the playing of the national anthem. David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans. The ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans. Summers thanked the families and those in attendance for their participation.

Norman Nye carried the American flag. The rifle escort was provided by Andrew Bubnis and Larry Latsko. Kealy provided traffic control.

The Susquehanna Bank was thanked for displaying Kwiatkowski's name on its message board. The Mount Carmel Area High School television station WKMC was also thanked for taping the ceremony.

The next flag ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at Second and Oak streets when the flag will be raised in honor and memory of Ralph T. Kaseman, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Area veterans and the public are invited.

SUNBURY - State Rep. Lynda J. Schlegel Culver (R-108) of Rockefeller Township is the only candidate so far from the two legislative districts in Northumberland County to file a nomination petition for the May 20 primary election.

State Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) of Elysburg said Saturday he is running for re-election and plans to file his petition Monday.

Tuesday is the deadline to file petitions with the state election bureau in Harrisburg.

Culver and Masser will be seeking their third consecutive two-year terms and, as of now, it doesn't look like either will face any opposition this year.

"No candidates have come forward for either state representative position," Roger Babnew, chairman of the Northumberland County Democratic Committee said, when contacted Saturday afternoon. "I find it embarrassing that we can't get candidates."

It's possible that Democratic candidates could be nominated through write-in votes in the May 20 primary.

SELINSGROVE - The Routes 11-15 strip north of Selinsgrove is seeing a surge of new businesses, including Texas Roadhouse restaurant and Community Aid thrift shop, both set to open this week.

Jim Barbarich, interim president and chairman of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, said it's setting up to be a huge year.

"It was a little gloomy for a while" because of the economy, he said. "It's nice to see construction vehicles moving and buildings being erected."

Largest of its kind

The 501c(3) nonprofit thrift shop, located at 1070 N. Susquehanna Trail in the former Value City lot, opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

It will be the largest of its kind in the U.S. at more than 74,000 square feet, said executive director and Community Aid founder Glen Chandler. The store will employ 70 people, including 28 full-time initially, he said.

Community Aid's primary purpose is to raise funds for distribution to schools, churches, synagogues, temples and nonprofit charitable organizations, and to improve the quality of life for individuals and families by providing clothing and cash grants.

At the same time, the company creates "good-paying jobs" and on-site training, Chandler said.

"People shouldn't have to struggle to put clothing on their kids," he said. "God needs us to help this community."

Community Aid cards for those in need can be issued by local social services to provide free clothing.

Snyder County commissioners, chamber members and the Community Aid board of directors will be present at a grand opening ceremony Wednesday. A free lunch of soda, chips and hot dogs will be given to the first 600 people Saturday.

"I think people are excited to see their favorite old Value City building open again," Chandler said. "So far, people have been wonderful."

The store will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Clothing donations are needed, Chandler said.

172 employees

Located at 1565 N. Susquehanna Trail on the site of the former arson-damaged Ruby Tuesday's, the 7,163-square-foot Texas Roadhouse will employ 172 full- and part-time workers, said managing partner Jim Davies.

Texas Roadhouse is best known for free bread and peanuts, and allowing customers to throw their shells on the floor.

It will be a good fit for the area, Davies said.

"We want to give back to the community. We live in it, we believe in it," he said.

The restaurant, which seats 328, is decorated with NASCAR memorabilia and photos of country music stars for a "rustic country feel." Local high school and college sports teams will also be represented.

Texas Roadhouse has 25 other locations in Pennsylvania, said corporate spokesman Travis Doster in Louisville, Ky.

It will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m. on Fridays, noon to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

Other businesses

Just north of the roadhouse at the site of the former Golden Corral buffet, a Turkey Hill gas and convenience store is being constructed. And just north of Sheetz, across from the Susquehanna Valley Mall, Marzoni's Brick Oven and Brewery Co. is in its preliminary stages.

Careworks Convenient Care is also moving in soon near the Roadhouse. It joins MedExpress Urgent Care, Panera Bread and The Courtyard Theater, the latter having recently opened in the Susquehanna Valley Mall, as other new businesses along the strip. Also, Walmart recently finished its reconstruction into a super store.

And, Barbarich noted, Northwood Nissan is under new ownership and National Beef has increased employment.

With the transportation bill approved last fall, finally bringing the Susquehanna Valley Thruway project to reality, Barbarich is predicting more businesses will be established along the strip over the next 10 years.

"The chamber will be the champion," he said. "We will make sure resources are there, that we're meeting the needs of the new businesses."

Shamokin Area board meeting set

COAL TOWNSHIP - The regular monthly meeting of the board of directors of the Shamokin Area School District will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, in the board conference room.

All monthly board meetings now start at 7:30 p.m.

Meet and greet the poet

SUNBURY - Poet Jerry Wemple will read from his latest collection, "The Artemas Poems," from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Degenstein Community Library.

A meet-and-greet dinner will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. the same day at the Hotel Edison.

For more information, contact the organizer of the event, Melanie Simms, at sirenbliss@gmail.com.

SHAMOKIN - There were only three winners in the second annual "Soup Wars" Saturday at the Home Plate Cafe, but everyone came out victorious as approximately $800 was raised to benefit the Manna for the Many.

Friends Helping Friends, a group of patrons at the popular tavern at Second and Chestnut streets, once again pulled off another successful event as 21 varieties of soup deemed delicious by the judges were sold for $3 per pint.

The proceeds will be donated to Manna for the Many to help support

its program of providing food to individuals and families in need in the Shamokin, Coal Township, Trevorton and Elysburg areas.

Event organizer Sue Feese commended all the volunteers who participated and everyone who purchased the soup for a great cause.

"We had 21 varieties and they were all good," Feese said. "The soups sold very fast. We have a great time raising money for such a good cause and everyone enjoyed themselves."

John Vanaskie, a board member with Manna for the Many, expressed his appreciation to Friends Helping Friends and the owners of the Home Plate Cafe for sponsoring the contest.

"Last year, we raised $700 at this event and this year we made even more," he said. "This is amazing. I want to thank everyone, especially those who made and donated the soup. An event like this brings the community together and helps others who are less fortunate."

Victoria Kramer was the first-place winner and received a wooden plaque and the coveted golden ladle that serves as a symbol of superiority in planning and preparing soup dishes.

Her winning entry was spicy crab bisque.

Her father, Drew Kramer, captured first-place honors last year.

Second and third place went to Mark Kilmer and Tom Boslego, respectively, who also received wooden plaques. Kilmer entered a sausage cheddar potato soup, while Boslego's entry was ham and green bean soup.

Judging was conducted from noon to 2 p.m., while soup was sold from 2 to 6 p.m.

Serving as judges were state Rep. Kurt Masser, Kathy Kraynak, John Dowd, Robert Malick and Sam Rumberger.

The unique contest is believed to be the only one of its kind in Northumberland County.

Feese said the group plans on sponsoring the event next year.

Among the varieties of soup in the competition were turkey bayou, chicken vegetable, shrimp gumbo, ham and green bean, chicken corn, sausage cheddar potato, ham pot pie and taco soup.

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin Area and Line Mountain teams maintained their leads, respectively, in the high school and middle school divisions during Week 2 of the annual Stock Market Game Challenge from EconomicsPennsylvania. The challenge is sponsored locally by Sunbury Motor Company and The News-Item.

The competition features teams from Line Mountain, Mount Carmel Area, Shamokin Area and Our Lady of Lourdes middle and high schools.

Open to teachers and students in grades 4 through 12, the challenge is a 10-week simulation that offers players the opportunity to invest a hypothetical $100,000 in stock chosen from the American, New York and NASDAQ markets. The activity is designed to increase students' understanding of the economy, markets, corporations and more.

The scene was reminiscent of royalty. Elegant table clothes. Candlesticks. Decorative pots and dishes.

"We had tea, played a game and we had snacks," Etain Hatch, 6, said.

Accompanying the Assumption BVM student was Isabelle Palmer, an aspiring dancer who is ready to enter a prestigious program to hone her talents.

Isabelle also has another distinction: She is American Girl's 2014 Girl of the Year.

Hatch and her doll were among about 20 girls who attended the first meeting of the American Girl Doll Club on Feb. 20 at Pottsville Free Public Library.

The free program, held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. every Thursday, is centered around the popular doll and book collection. It is open to girls ages 5 to 12. The club meetings will feature games and crafts, usually based on one of the dolls owned by the library.

"Every week I'll have maybe a little craft or some different games that kind of ties with the historical themes," said Darren DeArment, head of youth services at the library.

The library currently has three dolls: Caroline, whose family is affected by the War of 1812; Josefina, a girl living in New Mexico in 1824; and Addy, a girl escaping slavery during the Civil War.

The idea for the club began about a year ago, according to DeArment. He said library director Nancy Smink saw an article about a library that lends out an American Girl doll and wanted to explore the possibility of such a program in Pottsville.

"She thought it would be a good idea to do that here," DeArment said.

DeArment worked on raising funds for the expensive dolls and was able to buy them last summer. However, due to scheduling conflicts, the club's start date continued to be delayed.

It was during this lull in activity that Smink suggested a tea party to kick off the event. DeArment said he thought the idea was unique and got the process rolling.

DeArment said the attendance at the tea party was on the high end of his prediction. It was a pleasing start for the new club.

"At this point, I'm happy with the turnout," he said.

According to its website, www.americangirl.com, the company launched in 1986 with its first catalogue of historical characters. Since then, the company has reached millions of girls through dolls, books, magazines and movies. Headquartered in Middleton, Wis., the company also has 17 retail stores in the U.S.

This wide appeal was evidence enough that a club would work at the Pottsville library.

"The dolls are huge. They are popular everywhere. I was pretty confident I'd get a lot of interest," he said.

Staying true to its concept, DeArment said girls who are registered for the club will get the opportunity to take a doll home.

"Every week one of the kids will get to take the doll home," he said.

DeArment said the dolls will be on a rotation. One doll will be available for a club member to take home, one doll will be for the general public to checkout and the third doll will receive a weeklong break at the library.

DeArment said the price of the dolls, which are more than $100 without accessories, can be a deterrent for parents. The club is a way for these girls to enjoy a doll, along her hair brush and books, for at least a week.

"That was a big reason to do this," he said.

The American Girl Doll Club follows a LEGO Club that DeArment started at the library in February 2013. While that club is open to boys and girls, he said mostly boys attend. The American Girl Doll Club now gives both genders a chance to be part of a group.

"This way I have programs for boys and girls," he said, adding both clubs are for children ages 5 to 12.

Besides having fun, DeArment hopes the club provides educational value for the girls.

"Each girl has a story. It's a chance to learn about history," he said. "Hopefully this will pique an interest and (they will) learn more about it."

He also hopes the club encourages literacy. He said the library does have American Girl books in its collection.

To learn more about the club or to register, call 570-622-8880 or email potchild@pottsvillelibrary.org.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The chairman of the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Authority believes Coal Township commissioners are "getting ahead of themselves" by advertising a proposed ordinance that could add a 5-percent admissions tax to recreation parks.

Jim Backes said he was surprised by the commissioners' decision to consider imposing the tax since the authority has worked well with state, county and local officials in developing the park that is scheduled to open May 17.

Backes said he and fellow AOAA member Pat Mack attended the commissioners' workshop last month in which the tax issue was discussed, but he didn't anticipate the advertisement of an ordinance until at least the park opens.

"We've had a great rapport with the state and county government," Backes said. "The state has committed more than $3 million in grant funding toward the park and we've previously talked with the township commissioners about having a fund-raising event April 26 with the Anthracite Trail Riders, a local ATV club. I just think we can accomplish more if we all work together."

Backes said an admissions tax would not be factored into the fees the AOAA will charge riders for using the park. He believes payments or donations the AOAA plans to make to Coal Township from events held

at the park would be greater than a 5-percent admissions tax.

"I believe Commissioners Fetterman (Craig) and Zalar (George) are really missing the point on what this (AOAA) can do for the area," Backes said.

At their meeting Thursday night, the township commissioners voted 3-1 to advertise the ordinance, which has yet to be drawn up, for the admissions tax. The tax would apply to all activities allowable under the state's Local Tax Enabling Act that include, but are not limited to, campgrounds and outdoor recreation parks.

Fetterman made clear that the vote was merely to advertise and encourage public input.

Zalar said the purpose of the tax is to reimburse the township for any wear and tear on equipment, such as fire and rescue vehicles, that might be needed in the operation of outdoor recreation areas of Coal Township.

Commissioner Gene Welsh, who opposes the plan, said he doesn't think it's fair to tax a public entity such as the authority that runs the AOAA for Northumberland County.

Fetterman, Zalar and Paul Leshinskie voted to advertise the ordinance while Welsh cast the lone dissenting vote. Commissioner Bernie Rumberger was absent.

Backes pointed out that Reading Anthracite has been making a payment to the township for years in lieu of taxes. ATV riders are prevalent on property owned by Reading Anthracite.

"We should be focusing on making the area better for everyone by attracting more people and businesses to the area, which I know this park will bring," Backes said. "I'm sure we can achieve more by working with each other rather than against each other."

Backes said the AOAA is not looking for free police, fire and medical services, but would like to be given an opportunity to see what the volume of calls will be after the park opens. "The more services we use, the more money we would pay Coal Township," he said.

Backes said the authority allows Coal Township police to use their side-by-side all-terrain vehicle for free to gain access to the park property to conduct underage drinking patrols. He said, "This is just one example how the AOAA helps the community and works with various groups, including police, fire and emergency services."

The chairman said the AOAA has already attracted businesses to the area, pointing out that Jones Enterprises in Burnside has constructed a large shed near the park entrance for riders to store their vehicles and other equipment.

He also said local Realtor Joseph Bressi is in the process of building a campground in West Cameron Township primarily for visitors to the AOAA. Since Bressi's campground isn't in Coal Township, the proposed admission tax would not affect his property.

"The AOAA is a great opportunity for Coal Township and the entire area to attract new businesses while providing a first-class recreation area and improving the quality of life for local residents," he said.

Backes said the AOAA will host litter cleanups from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 29, and Saturday, April 12, at its trail head. He said One Smart Cookie will provide lunch for volunteers who will be able to ride the trail from 1 to 4 p.m.

Property transfers

Walter Oppermann, Carol Oppermann, to Dale Kenst, property in Coal Township, $25,000.

Fannie Mae (by agent), Federal National Mortgage Association (by agent), KML Law Group (agent), to Joseph Mertz Jr., property in Shamokin, $12,000.

Paula Strausser, Paula A. Murphy, Michael P. Murphy, to E. Jessica Jerdon, property in Ralpho Township, $200,000.

William L. Kreischer Jr., Jennifer M. Kreischer, to Shawn C. Hill, property in Coal Township, $1.

William J. Rosini, (estate), William E. Rosini (executor), Annette M. Maclachlan, to Matthew J. Renn, property in Coal Township, $1.

Robert Kramer, Virginia Kramer, to Robert F. Kramer, Diane M. Ferster, Denise Sobolewski, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Donna Shuder, Leonard V. Shuder Jr., to Edward J. Shuder Jr., property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Anna Griscavage (estate), Charlotte Yastishak (executrix), to Joseph L. Darrup, property in Kulpmont, $28,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Elmer J. Birster, to Milligan Group LLC, property in Mount Carmel Township, $500.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Norman C. Swisher, to Vernon Hoke, property in Shamokin, $500.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Stephen J. Burt, to Milligan Group LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $1,400.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Raymond J. Guise, to Milligan Group LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $900.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Richard L. Humes, Coral L. Humes, Alfred J. Iannucci, to Vernon Hoke, property in Shamokin, $800.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Rita B. Wasilewski, to Vernon Hoke, property in Shamokin, $1,600.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Ronald J. Janovich, to Vernon Hoke, property in Shamokin, $1,200.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Donald W. Lynch, Julie A. Lynch, to Milligan Group LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $1,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Field Feitner, Gina Marie Feitner, to Vernon Hoke, property in Shamokin, $2,400.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Joseph N. Demartino, to Vernon Hoke, property in Shamokin, $500.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, William J. McAndrew, to ARH Properties LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $900.

Goce Miloseski to Markist Moore, property in Shamokin, $10,000.

Carol Jean Mace (trustee), Edna A. Laudenslager (estate), William R. Laudenslager, Helen Oxenrider, Kim Laudenslager, Connor Laudenslager, Carol Jean Mace, to Joseph E. Troutman, Craig A. Troutman, property in Jordan Township, $218,750.

Jonathan Rhodes, Alycia S. Rhodes, to Kelly Geist, Edward Moore III, property in Coal Township, $34,500.

Douglas J. Avellino to Michael A. Habowski, property in Marion Heights, $5,000.

John J. Tomaschik, Barbara A. Tomaschik, to Lisa R. Engelke, Anthony P. Engelke, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

John A. Topolski (executor), Joseph John Alfred Topolski, (estate), Jozef John Alfred Topolski (estate), Joszef Alfred Topolski (estate), Jozef J. Topolski (estate), to John A. Topolski, Wendy J. Topolski, property in Marion Heights, $1.

William Puketza III, Barbara Puketza, to Megan Puketza, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Riza Shala and Mount Carmel Township, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Seth Ian Thompson to Mount Carmel Township, property in Mount Carmel Township, $5,000.

Northeast Apartments LLC to Mount Carmel Township, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Joseph A. Gushen, Sharon K. Gushen, to South Willow Street LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $50,000.

National Penn Bank to Stanley William Lovett III, Caitlyn Marie Lovett, property in Mount Carmel Township, $6,000.

Quicken Loans Inc. to Jason Krah, property in Mount Carmel, $15,000.

Guy E. Herb, Joan A. Herb, to Ryan A. Leitzel, property in Jordan Township, $1.

Ryan A. Leitzel to Shane Kerstetter, property in Herndon, $105,000.

Gregory D. Fenix, Stacy L. Fenix, to Robert M. Kleinschmidt, Catherine A. Kleinschmidt, property in Coal Township, $5,000.

Richard L. Foulds, Bernadette Foulds, to Richard L. Foulds, Bernadette Foulds, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Nancy M. Stoops, Charles V. Stoops, to Cathy E. Lytle, Terry E. Lytle, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Marriage licenses

Glenard D. Hannah to Heather Marie Arndt, both of 1145 E. Webster St., Coal Township. Issued March 8.

Daniel James Worhach to Stefanie L. Krepshaw, both of 539 Main St., Ranshaw. To be issued March 10.

MOUNT CARMEL - A former borough couple filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against Northumberland County, Mount Carmel Borough, county Judge Charles H. Saylor and nine other individuals or entities for taking a property by eminent domain in relation to the $14 million Shamokin Creek Flood Control project.

Thomas M. and Eileen B. Bolick, of 1377 Second St. Pike, Richboro, Bucks County, claim the defendants committed acts "under the color of the law" with the intent of depriving them of constitutional rights and federal laws between March 1 and March 16, 2012. They also claimed they retaliated against them.

Borough President Tony Matulewicz, who noted the borough had not yet been served with the lawsuit paperwork, called it a "nuisance lawsuit" that would require them to spend taxpayer money just to have it thrown out.

From the beginning of the flood control project, "Certain people tried to maximize their interest and money from day one. It's all about people getting money," he said. "It looks like they're displeased with the process."

Actions like this lawsuit are the reason why it took the project so long to start, Matulewicz added.

The Bolicks, who filed the suit on their own without an attorney, are seeking damages and injunctive relief against the county, the borough, Saylor, Northeast Industrial Services Corp., Mount Carmel; Northeast owner William R. Williams, Shamokin; Jeff Kurtz, of Jeff's Recycling, Paxinos; borough manager Edward T. Cuff III; Ballard Spahr transacting business, of Philadelphia; Philadelphia attorney Daniel McKenna; Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll LLP transacting business, of Philadelphia; Discover Financial Services, of Wilmington, Del.; and Discover Bank of Delaware, of New Castle, Del.

Their house at 224-226 N. Locust St., Mount Carmel, was improperly demolished and the property within was not accounted for, which violated the Bolicks' Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment rights, they claim.

They claim Saylor is not allowing them to assert due process, according to court documents.

Cuff said Friday the borough had not been served, and that he wasn't aware of any problems.

"As far as I'm aware, all the proper procedures (for acquiring the property) were done," he said.

He reserved further comment until the borough receives the lawsuit.

The flood control project has been more than 30 years in the making, hitting snag after snag until April 12 of last year when ground was broken. The project will keep nearly 100 homes along Water Street and surrounding streets safe from flooding.

Part of the holdup was when nine property owners, including the Bolicks, held out, causing the borough to declare eminent domain and shell out $34,833 in compensation. The Bolicks were approved for $9,000.

Their house was described as vacant in August 2011 when the borough approved the easements.

"The house was condemned for years. They did not maintain the property," Matulewicz said.

The Bolicks said they never received any "just compensation," but Cuff said the checks were issued to the property owners.

In November 2011, the borough entered into a contract with Northeast Industrial for demolition of the property at a cost of $9,489.

Matulewicz said items were stored inside the buildings, but that the owners were given opportunity to remove them. The project went through many checks and balances, he said, including by state agencies.

The county and others "attempted to conceal and cover up the illegal actions of the co-defendants by denying meaningful access to state court system," the Bolicks claim.

In another section of the lawsuit, they detail a credit card dispute in which they allege Saylor used his position to influence a higher court's decision. It is unclear how this issue relates to the flood control project.

On Sept. 12, 2013, a panel of the Superior Court affirmed a judgment Saylor made in the case, "continuing the ploy that Delaware Bank was the party name in the magistrate's court," Bolick alleges.

The court found that Bolick made a frivolous appeal and awarded fees to DFS, Discover Bank of Delaware and McKenna, who represented Discover.

The Bolicks could not be reached for comment Thursday or Friday.

HARRISBURG - Concerns about a spate of drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania have put the spotlight on legislation to create a state database to monitor illegal use of prescription drugs.

The issue surfaced last month during state Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane's budget hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Passage of monitoring legislation is key to combatting illegal drug use, said Kane. Prescription drugs abuse is often a gateway to heroin use, she said.

"We have a heroin problem," added Kane. "We also have a prescription pill problem."

House lawmakers approved a prescription drug monitoring bill last October sponsored by Rep. Matt Baker, R-68, Wellsboro, chairman of the House Health Committee.

The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee plans to consider the issue March 19. Baker's bill is before that panel, as well as a bill sponsored by panel chairwoman Sen. Pat Vance, R-31, Camp Hill.

The goal is to create a database under the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs with records listing the names of patients receiving prescriptions of controlled substances, the prescribing doctor, pharmacist or other dispenser, the drug dosage and source of payment.

This information would be considered confidential. The House-approved bill grants access to the database to doctors, pharmacists, certain state agencies involved in oversight or licensing investigations and coroners investigating a cause of death.

The database will give doctors and pharmacists the information they need to flag unusual or unacceptable activity, said Baker. For example, if someone received prescriptions from two different doctors for a narcotic and goes to two different pharmacies to get the prescriptions filled, that information will show up on the database, he said.

One of the purposes of the database would be to identify and help individuals suffering with an addiction, he said.

"We are one of only 12 states that does not have a comprehensive prescription drug monitoring program," added Baker. "We are hearing about more and more overdose deaths while we are waiting to get this legislation passed."

There are some outstanding issues that need to be ironed out, such as the extent of law enforcement access to the database through the use of search warrants, said Baker.

Vance said she is trying to draft a provision on this issue that would be acceptable to the coalition of groups supporting the bill.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is a vocal critical of the bill, saying it goes too far in sacrificing privacy rights.

A major flaw is that the bill allows law enforcement to access the records without court oversight, said Andy Hoover, ACLU legislative director.

He said a provision for records to be kept in the database for six years is too long.

"That length of time creates a situation where private personal information is vulnerable to a security breach," said Hoover, adding that a two-year limit would be more appropriate.

Contact the writer; rswift@timesshamrock.com

SHAMOKIN - Police here are investigating another fight early Sunday that resulted in one man being hospitalized after being found unresponsive lying near the intersection of Market and Spruce streets.

Patrolman Raymond Siko II reported charges are pending against at least two individuals in connection with the 1:17 a.m. disturbance.

The officer said the injured man in the street was taken by AREA Services Ambulance to a local hospital.

Police were summoned to the area for a fight involving five people. When they arrived, Siko said an unidentified adult male was found lying in the street while two other men in the area were spotted swinging at each other.

When he approached the unresponsive man in the street, Siko said an adult female and an adult male were standing over him before running away when they spotted police. He said the female stopped running a short time later, while the male continued to flee the scene despite being told to halt several times. Siko said the male eventually stopped running as police pursued him.

The officer said Cpl. Darwin Tobias III and Patrolman Scott Weaver took the male into custody. He said the male and female were then transported to Shamokin Police Station for questioning. He said the female was eventually released, while the male was transported to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury, where he was committed on a probation violation.

Siko said the female will not be charged in the incident.

He said the man lying in the street and the two people who initially ran from police are local residents.

City police were assisted by Ralpho Township Patrolman Chris Grow, Mount Carmel Lt. Chris Buhay and two troopers from the state police station at Stonington.

Fights or assaults involving multiple people also occurred Feb. 23 in the 400 block of East Independence Street, March 1 in the first block of South Market Street and Friday morning at Shamokin and Spurzheim streets.

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

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Dale Koch, of Shamokin, against Amanda Campbell and James Thomas, of Shamokin, for $909. A hearing is scheduled for March 17.

Thomas Griffith, of Shamokin, against Sammie and Jamie Peters, of Coal Township, for $400. A hearing is scheduedl for March 17.

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Joe Gushen, of Mount Carmel, awarded $2,981.60 March 5 from Debra Campbell, Mellissa Cromwell and Crystal Mann, all of Mount Carmel, for unpaid rent and costs.

Northeast Apartments of Mount Carmel awarded $1,441.65 March 5 from Trisha Howard and Chad Howard, of Kulpmont, for unpaid rent and costs.