Summer interns sought

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, PA-11, said summer internships are available in his offices in Washington, D.C., Hazleton, Carlisle, Harrisburg and Sunbury.

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to be an intern. Internships do not have set start and end dates, but instead depend on the individual student. Schedules are also determined based on an intern's availability.

To apply, an interested student should send a resume and a cover letter to PA11Internships@gmail.com.

Applications are due by April 11.

Video game culture focus of lecture

BLOOMSBURG - David S. Heineman, associate professor of communications studies at Bloomsburg University, will discuss the cultural significance of video games during a lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 26.

"Thinking about Video Games: Notes from a Researcher" will be presented in the Warren Student Services Center, room 004.

Heineman will present information from more than 75 interviews with game designers, artists, historians and other professionals in the gaming industry. He will discuss questions about video games' merit as an art and the emergence of problems facing contemporary gamer culture, like discrimination based on race, gender or sexual orientation.

The presentation will cover video gaming's full history with video, audio and images ranging from Atari 2600 and Sega Genesis to Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo. Heineman will also touch on games playable on PC, mobile devices and handhelds, as well as vintage systems. Heineman's lecture is sponsored by the Institute for Culture and Society and the College of Liberal Arts. It is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Heineman at dheinema@bloomu.edu.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Coroner Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating blood relatives of Dominic Fabrizio, 57, of Shamokin.

Coroner James F. Kelley can be contacted any time via the County Communication Center at 570-988-4539.

CATAWISSA RR - Southern Columbia Area School District will have to slowly phase out the use of its current tiger head logo, which the University of Missouri says too closely resembles its copyrighted logo.

The university sent a cease-and-desist letter to the district in November, but has agreed to allow Southern to take action over time.

The tiger is on team uniforms, walls, the marque, the floor of the new gymnasium and several booster and sports-affiliated websites, and it would cost the district thousands of dollars to replace it all in one shot, said Superintendent Paul Caputo.

Instead, "Mizzou" officials agreed to the transition plan. While the district replaces items over the years, a newly redesigned logo will replace the old one, Caputo said. The transition must be completed by Jan. 1, 2019.

"We appreciate the stance they took. They expected us to take corrective action, and we did," he said. "They are protecting their property, and they were more than helpful and cooperative in helping us transition."

Missouri officials said the district was using a logo designed, owned and commercialized by the university.

It's not clear when the logo was adopted by Southern or where it was found, but Caputo said someone started using it along the line - maybe a student, an employee or a booster club member - and it caught on from there.

The Missouri logo can be found by searching "Tiger logo" on Google Images.

Southern's newly revised logo, designed by a high-school student, still resembles the old tiger, but has a different shape to its neck and longer whiskers.

Distinctive

The Nov. 12 letter from Mizzou's attorney James D. Aronowitz indicated the university has developed a valuable ownership interest in the logo and has promoted it through extensive marketing, licensing programs associated with the university and its athletic teams.

"By using the mark, the university has been able to create an identity in which consumers recognize the quality of the goods and services emanating from the university," the letter reads.

The district's use of the logo may cause consumers to erroneously believe the university has authorized the school to use it. Also, it will dilute the logo's distinctiveness the public associates with the university, Aronowitz wrote.

Even if Southern did not intend to create any issues by using the logo, "it is important for you to understand the concerns we have regarding your use of the mark," he said.

In a letter dated Dec. 6, district solicitor Rich Roberts references a recent telephone conference in which it was agreed that Southern could transition to a new logo. SCA's Tiger Wear 2013, which was offered for sale by the football boosters, not the district, will no longer be sold, and that gear in the future will have the new logo.

Caputo said the district may even copyright its new logo moving forward.

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough council members will vote Thursday night on whether to appoint solicitor William Cole as their arbitrator in the ongoing contract negotiations with the borough police force.

Borough President Tony Matulewicz said Tuesday a deal is close, but council members want to push the issue along since it will be nearly a year in May that they have been working toward a new agreement.

Police are working under an expired three-year contract that ended Dec. 31.

"We don't want to go to arbitration, but we don't want it to go on any longer," Matulewicz said.

Cpl. David Donkochik, who is one of three officers on the police's negotiation team, did not return a request for comment.

Pension and health care costs has been the major points holding up the negotiations over the last 10 months.

Also, Matulewicz said, the contract needs to be amended to make the state responsible for pension due to the widowed spouses of officers who die in the line of duty instead of the borough, a point that was never changed when state law was amended in 2001.

The president said the police officers were "kind enough" to not force the borough into arbitration months ago, but the deal is close enough now that it won't drag on.

"We feel we're at a point where we've given our best and final offer. And we can't give any more out," Matulewicz said.

The two arbitrators from the borough and the police will meet and the state will provide them with a list of five independent arbitrators' names, at which point they will narrow it down to one. The three arbitrators will then discuss the contracts and make a recommendation to both negotiation teams.

By far, police salaries and benefits, at a projected $999,465.40, are the largest part of the borough's 2014 spending plan, taking up approximately 60 percent of the $1,652,431 budget. Salaries for eight full-time and four part-time officers cost the borough $450,256; health, pension and other benefits total $549,209.

In their current contract, officers did not receive a raise in 2011, but their hourly wages increased by 25 cents in 2012 and 35 cents in 2013.

Additionally, they get $75 a year for every year of service to the borough - up from $50 in the previous contract. For example, if an officer is employed at the borough for 15 years, he receives an extra $1,125 annually.

Officers are now contributing 5 percent of their salaries toward their pensions and a flat $500 toward their health care plans each year. The borough contributed $120,000 in pension benefits in 2012, which includes past retired officers, and have budged $80,000 for officers for health care this year.

Donkochik previously said the officers have agreed to end the flat fee toward their health care and instead pay 9 percent this year, 9 percent in 2015 and 10 percent in 2016.

The overall premiums and salary increases will not be released until the final contract is approved, he had said.

The borough's negotiating team consists of Councilmen Clem Plisiewicz, Robert Shirmer and Joseph Lapotsky; the police's team consists of Donkochik and Patrolmen William Adamski and Justin Stelma.

SHIPPENSBURG - Jamie L. Banks, of Coal Township, and Zachary A. Dailey, of Sunbury, were among the 441 students who graduated from Shippensburg University during winter 2013 commencement ceremonies.

Two local businesses have revived Daffodil Days locally after the American Cancer Society decided to end the annual sale last year.

Beverly's Flowers, 9 E. Independence St., Shamokin, and the Treat Jar Pet Bakery, 124 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel, are distributors for this year's crop of daffodils. Proceeds will benefit the newly created Coal Region Relay for Life, a joint effort between volunteers from Shamokin and Mount Carmel, to be held June 13 and 14 at Kemp Memorial Stadium, Coal Township.

Beverly Katalenas, owner of Beverly's Flowers, said customer demand was the inspiration.

"We had people coming in asking us about daffodils, and with the program gone, I decided to take a leap of faith," she said.

"I called my wholesaler and got a good deal."

Two-thousand bunches of 10 unbloomed daffodils will be available for purchase starting Monday. This week, Beverly's and Treat Jar personnel will be going around to other businesses for orders and to place flyers and order sheets for public pre-ordering.

Regina Yentsch, co-owner of Treat Jar Pet Bakery with her daughter Heather Reibsome, is a nurse, and has seen the effects of cancer on patients and families.

"We've had a good number of sales for pre-orders, and we hope to let more people know we will have them for sale next week," Reibsome said.

$5 a bunch

The American Cancer Society conducted its Daffodil Days campaign for 40 years, noting the first flower of spring represents hope and renewal. But the program ended in 2013 because only a limited number of campaigns were still active nationwide.

"Because the program is limited to just a few areas, it is no longer possible to sustain the kind of nationwide support needed to raise funds and awareness for the fight against this life-threatening disease," the organization wrote on its website last year.

Katalenas said she's selling the bunches for $5 instead of $10.

"People can take the $10 they wanted to spend and buy two bunches, one to share and another to keep for themselves," she suggested.

More information about the sale can be found by calling Beverly's Flowers at 570-644-1747 or the Treat Jar Pet Bakery at 570-205-9871.

SHIPPENSBURG - Eight Northumberland County residents were named to the fall 2013 dean's list at Shippensburg University: Carley Dabulis, of Coal Township; Jennifer Kalinowski, of Coal Township; Kortni Koshinskie, of Coal Township; Amanda Kuzo, of Marion Heights; Sarah Maize, of Riverside; Hope Martz, of Dalmatia; Erin Reigle, of Northumberland, and Bridget Dunkel, of Kulpmont.

Northumberland County Council for the Arts is currently sponsoring simultaneous art exhibits featuring works of Dottie Johns and Brandon Zalar.

These exhibits can be seen in the lobby of the Susquehanna Bank branch on Independence Street in Shamokin during regular lobby hours through March 26.

Johns intricately beautiful "button art" combines needlepoint with lots and lots of buttons to make sophisticated works of art.

She began making button art in 2012 as a way to use the zillions of buttons she had just laying around. Her specialty, "Family Flowers," are her most popular artistic design. The "Family Flowers" design makes a unique gift and Johns takes orders for personalized works of art.

She attends local art shows and also sells her works on Etsy/buttondot. Johns is 58 years old and resides in Shamokin. She is inspired by her beautiful daughter and two awesome grandsons. She says she loves making button art because not only is it relaxing, but it's also fun to see what she can create with her many buttons.

Brandon Zalar is one of the youngest artists to display his work. A recent graduate of the Art Institute of York where he studied media arts and animation. His intricate work features cool characters and colors and is wildly creative.

Zalar also likes to create short videos and cartoons and regularly posts to YouTube where he has developed a following. He says he has been an artist all his life and has always had a passion for creating characters and ideas. He currently resides in Shamokin with his family.

SUNBURY - Four county prison board members were either nominated or asked to fill the chairmanship vacancy Wednesday, but all of them declined.

At the end of the board meeting, Commissioner Vinny Clausi stressed the need to appoint a chairman, a position that has been open since January's reorganization meeting. As vice chairman, Commissioner Richard Shoch has been in charge of prison board issues and conducting meetings for the past few three months.

Commissioner Stephen Bridy nominated Sheriff Robert Wolfe for chairman, but he declined due to the pressing duties of his own office. Clausi then nominated Bridy, but failed to receive a second.

Controller Chris Grayson was asked to fill the post, but declined. He currently serves as board secretary.

Bridy then nominated Clausi, but he also declined, citing his duties as commissioner chairman.

The board finally agreed with a recommendation by Grayson to table the issue.

Shoch will remain in charge of the prison board for at least two more months since members agreed not to take further action on the chairmanship until Clausi recuperates from surgery he is scheduled to undergo today.

Clausi announced he will only be available by telephone for county business for the next two months.

ATLAS - A quality of life ordinance was passed Wednesday by Mount Carmel Township supervisors in an effort to combat blight.

Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the ordinance which is designed to deal with problems such as failure to maintain properties, littering, improperly storing trash and junk vehicles.

The ordinance gives the code enforcement officer, police officers and any other public employee designated by the supervisors the power to issue violation tickets. Fines will be $25 for the first violation, $50 for the second, $100 for the third and $150 for each violation thereafter within a 12-month period.

If the fine is not paid within 10 days, the ticket will become a citation and will be forwarded to the magisterial district judge, who could set a fine of $500 to $1,000 if the violator is found guilty.

In addition, if the township or a third party solves the problem causing the violation, the judge can award restitution or put a municipal lien against the property.

The ordinance's passage highlghted a 30-minute meeting which also included a discussion with SEDA-COG's Jamie Shrawder on engineering proposals to demolish buildings in Atlas and a stormwater project in Strong, all paid for with Community Development Block Grant money.

Supervisors Charles Gasperetti, Joseph Zanella and Reynold Scicchitano tabled awarding the proposals pending review by the board and solicitor Vincent Rovito.

Also addressing the board was Shane Green from Experience Works on how the organization's program could benefit the township.

Experience Works provides workers 55 and over to businesses and agencies under an on-the job training program. Wages and workmen's comprehensive insurance are paid by Experience Works. The supervisors said they will look over the material presented.

In other business:

- Supervisors approved sending a letter of intent to the Governor's Center for Local Government Services to request technical assistance in studying the effectiveness of a Regional Police department consolidation. Shamokin, Coal Township, Kulpmont and Zerbe Township have also approved the letter of intent while Ralpho Township has not.

- A motion was approved to allow supervisor Joseph Zanella to use a signature stamp on township paperwork, and making him the only one authorized to use the stamp.

- The VFW Little League Baseball team was given permission to use the Strong field on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday through the spring and summer months.

- Residents were informed that directional parking will be enforced in the township starting Tuesday, April 1, and that a representative of Congressman Lou Barletta's office will conduct a community outreach program from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Congressional art competition open

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, announced the 2014 Congressional Art Competition for high school art students nationwide.

Initiated by members of the House in 1982, the competition allows high school students to showcase their artistic ability. Works will be considered by a panel of area judges. As in past years, each congressional district will be represented by one winner, whose original work will hang in the U.S. Capitol for a year.

The competition is open to high school students, and entries must adhere to guidelines found at http://www.house.gov/content/educate/art_competition.

Local entrants who reside in Barletta's district may submit their entries at one of Barletta's district offices by 5 p.m. March 31.

Benefit for Kyleigh's Krawlers

SHAMOKIN - A $15 night will be held April 19 to benefit Kyleigh's Krawlers March for Babies Team.

The all-you-can-eat-and-drink event will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Redman Club, Market Street. R.A.T.L. will perform live, and a Chinese auction will be held from 6 to 9 p.m.

All proceeds benefit March of Dimes.

For more information, contact Laurie Krebs at lakrebs@ptd.net.

SUNBURY - The visitation policy at Northumberland County Prison has been revised due to the publicity generated by accused murderer Miranda Barbour, who gave a jailhouse interview in which she claimed to have killed 22 people.

Prison board vice chairman and county Commissioner Richard Shoch said the publicity, which included several requests by the media for subsequent interviews with Barbour, has caused many distractions for prison staff and affected their duties.

The new policy permits inmates to have visits with family members, clergy, attorneys and "friends of prior acquaintance" under conditions consistent with prison security, and limits the media's contact with prisoners to either letters or telephone calls unless they were friends prior to the inmate's commitment to prison.

Voting to approve the policy were Shoch, Controller Chris Grayson, Sheriff Robert Wolfe and Commissioner Vinny Clausi. Commissioner Stephen Bridy opposed it and First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski abstained. Targonski represented District Attorney Tony Rosini.

The board currently has only six members since both President Judge William H. Wiest and Judge Charles Saylor declined to serve because of conflicts it could cause with them presiding over cases involving county prisoners. Former President Judge Robert B. Sacavage, who retired in January, served on the board for many years.

Shoch stressed the media has a right to communicate with prisoners if they grant permission, but noted the recent controversy involving Barbour and its impact at the prison.

Warden Roy Johnson, who was criticized by Clausi and Bridy for moving Barbour last month to SCI-Muncy without notifying her family or attorney, said he reviewed the new visitation policy prior to Wednesday's meeting.

Barbour, 19, of Selinsgrove, remains at SCI-Muncy, but is allowed to confer with her attorneys Edward Greco and Paige Rosini at the county jail when she is moved there in advance of proceedings at the nearby courthouse. Her 22-year-old husband, Elytte Barbour, who also is charged by Sunbury police with murdering Troy LaFerrara, 42, of Port Trevorton, Nov. 11, is incarcerated at the county prison after formerly being housed at Columbia County Prison in Bloomsburg.

Policy

Prison board solicitor John Muncer said the visitation policy was developed in accordance with a U.S. Supreme Court case and the state prison visitation procedure.

The policy, which states the warden is responsible for operating the visitation program, allows people under 18 to visit only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. People on active probation or parole or other forms of conditional release ordinarily will not be approved.

Other conditions include:

- People with criminal records will not be automatically excluded from visiting; however, they must be approved by the warden or his designee. The nature and extent of an individual's criminal record will be weighed against the benefits of visitation in determining eligibility.

- Persons believed by substantial evidence to have a potentially detrimental effect on the inmate or who constitutes a threat to the security of the facility will be excluded from the list.

- People currently or formerly employed or contracted by the county prison require special permission from the warden to visit.

- Persons who are or were victims of crimes allegedly committed by the inmates also require special visitation approval from the warden.

- Inmates will be allowed a minimum of one visitation period per week for a maximum of one hour. Visitation periods will be on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees of weekend or evening availability. All visits will be pre-scheduled through the work release coordinator. Visits for unscheduled days and times must be approved by the warden or his designee.

- Visits will be supervised by staff at all times.

- A visitation area will be available to ensure privileged communications between inmates and their attorneys. Each attorney must be identified through a bar card and photo identification. Inmates may refuse to see attorneys.

- Inmates who become violent or disruptive in the visitation area may be disallowed visitors.

- Visitation area staff will maintain a record of all approved visitors and must document all visits as to date, person visiting, time visited and any unusual incidents.

- Limitations may be imposed on the number of visitors who may visit at one time to prevent overcrowding.

- The policy also covers reasons to deny or terminate visits and searches.

Other business

On a split vote, the board approved an anti-nepotism policy stating that no person shall be appointed or placed for employment in the prison if any relative of that employee or prospective employee closer than a first cousin related through blood or marriage is currently employed at the prison, unless approved by the prison board. The policy does not apply to relatives currently working at the prison.

Bridy and Clausi voted against the policy because they believe it exposes the county to potential litigation.

The board approved a motion to have D.H. Stark Investigations investigate matters presented during a Feb. 25 executive session.

A motion was approved to reduce part-time prison courier Melinda Ferguson's hours from 24 to 16 per week. Targonski cast the lone dissenting vote.

The board held a 10-minute executive session to discuss litigation.

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the death of U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew J. Sandri, who was killed in action on March 20, 2004, in a rocket attack near Fallujah, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A 1997 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, Sgt. Sandri was the son of Bob and Annette Sandri of Shamokin. He was a combat medic serving with the 82nd Airborne Division.

While the anniversary is a sad occasion indeed for the Sandri family and the greater Shamokin community, the reaction to Sgt. Sandri's death has resulted in a number of positive, inspirational actions, projects and tributes over the past 10 years. The News-Item looks forward to detailing these circumstances in a special report coming soon.

For today, we pause to recognize his ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

There's no doubt it seemed like the worst winter ever.

Sub-zero temperatures. Frequent snowstorms. A snowpack that lasted into March with some piles that still haven't melted.

But while spring arrives today, the National Weather Service offers this assessment of the winter of 2013-14: average.

Average?

"This winter doesn't even crack the top 10," NWS meteorologist John LaCorte said Wednesday.

That's despite local temperatures that didn't get above freezing on a third of winter's 91 days - and temperatures that dipped below zero seven times, an occurrence that's far from average.

But LaCorte said this winter was merely a snap back to reality.

"We are very used to winters with no snow and being a little warmer," he said. "I've been working here for 20 years, and it's one of the worst winters I've encountered. (But) our records, dating back to the late 1880s, have recorded worse."

Normal snowfall

LaCorte said this winter was colder than recent years, but normal in terms of snowfall.

According to records compiled at the Aqua Pennsylvania Roaring Creek water treatment plant in Bear Gap, 26.9 inches of snowfall fell in the area this winter.

Still, several area school districts have had to extend their school years into June because they used up snow days, including in some cases for storms that never materialized. There were also a number of two-hour delays to keep students out of bone-chilling morning temperatures.

The coldest stretch of the year occurred between Jan. 3 and 9. During that time, the mercury reached a high of 49 degrees and dropped to a low of -4. The coldest high temperature in that stretch happened Jan. 7, when the high temperature was 3 degrees; the low was 1. The low the following day was zero.

There was no love on Valentine's Day this winter when the coldest temperature of the season was recorded Feb. 14 - eight below zero, according to the Roaring Creek records.

"We've been spoiled the last few years, so this winter we got dialed back to reality," LaCorte said.

No so fast

But today marks a new beginning when spring arrives at 12:57 p.m.

So, it's time for sunny skies and warmer temperatures, right?

Hold that thought, says LaCorte. It could take a while.

"Based on some of the reliable models we've been tracking, I really don't see a warm up coming," he said.

One of the telling signs meteorologists use is the Great Lakes, which helps to regulate the air mass that comes through Pennsylvania, LaCorte said. He said this winter, there was more ice cover on the lakes than in recent history.

"That doesn't bode well for a warm spring anytime soon," he said. "The sun may be getting higher in the sky, but the air moving through is not great."

HARRISBURG - The applause sounded like a soft downpour of rain while it echoed off the stained glass windows and high arches of Saint Patrick's Cathedral Wednesday afternoon.

As the newly-installed 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, the Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer accepted the long standing ovation from the packed church with a humble smile and quiet nods.

Minutes later, when the Pottsville native started his homily, Gainer, 66, said, "It feels very good -" but was cut off by chuckles and another long round of applause.

When the congregation quieted again, his full statement of "It feels very good to drop the title bishop-designate" was met with laughter.

The new bishop, who was named bishop-designate Jan. 24 following the May 2 death of Bishop Joseph P. McFadden, shared a mixture of humor and spirituality in his first message in his new role.

"While the song in my heart now will once again be the "Pennsylvania Polka," there will always be an echo of "My Old Kentucky Home" deep within me," said Gainer, who served most recently as the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Ky.

Immediately, he said, "To my brothers and sisters of the Harrisburg Diocese, we begin this new chapter in the life of our local church together in faith, in hope and in the love of God and Christ-like love for each other and for all others. Let us resolve to be firm and to grow in those virtues as we journey forward together."

Needed qualities

Gainer focused on the inspiration of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus.

"His inner awareness of God's prompting, his readiness to do God's will, his humble obedience to that will and his courage in the face of unexpected circumstances - all are qualities of mind and soul that you and I need to cultivate by God's grace at this moment and as our lives and ministries together unfold," he said.

St. Joseph, who is known as the "Just Man," provides a challenging example to all who strive to be faithful members of the Body of Christ, Gainer said.

Even at the hour of St. Joseph's greatest trial - when he thought Mary had committed adultery against him - he chose to quietly separate from her, until he was visited by angels who told him in a dream of Mary's position with God and His son, Gainer said.

St. Joseph also heeded the angelic warnings three more times, he added.

"Only a man inwardly watchful, spiritually awake, would be able to discern that these encounters in dreams were genuinely revelations of God's will," Gainer said. "Only someone who has a graced sensitivity for God and for the ways of God and receive God's message in that way."

Gainer also spoke of Pope Francis' message of love for all those entrusted to the bishops, the priests and the deacons - the poor, the defenseless, those in need of being welcomed and assisted, the whole flock of believers.

"I pledge today and always my life and my energy to fulfill this task in service to our local church," he said.

Through the intercession of St. Joseph, Gainer urged his listeners to "fascinate the world" with the love of Jesus Christ.

'Our Easter'

Following the two-hour ceremony, three local pastors - the Rev. Martin Moran, pastor of Divine Redeemer Parish in Mount Carmel; the Rev. Martin Kobos, pastor of Mother Cabrini Catholic Church in Shamokin, and the Rev. Stephen Frenier, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Coal Township and St. Patrick Church in Trevorton - expressed their joy of having a new bishop.

"We have completed the mourning of our Bishop McFadden, and now it's our Easter a little earlier with Bishop Gainer," Kobos said.

In the rhythm of beginnings and ends, Kobos said McFadden was called home a little too early in human terms, but the bigger purpose is having a new shepherd for the diocese.

"Even the angels are crying with joy," he said, referencing the light rain.

Kobos said Pope Francis and Gainer are both good shepherds among the people and are "perhaps cut from the same cloth."

Gainer has a "spirit like Francis," Frenier said.

Describing him as sincere and gentle, Frenier said he gets the impression Gainer is a man of service, caring, compassion and love.

"I was very impressed," he said.

Gainer has love for the whole area, Moran said.

As former executive director for the Catholic Campus Ministry Association in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moran worked closely with Gainer for five years. Gainer was the episcopal moderator who represented the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB), an outreach for catholic college students from the campus ministry.

Moran and Gainer also served together on the USCCB Committee for Catholic Education, of which McFadden chaired.

Moran shook Gainer's hand and spoke with him briefly Wednesday morning.

Gwen Summers, a member of St. Francis Catholic Church on Market Street, Harrisburg, shook the hand of the new bishop moments before he exited the church.

"I'm glad we have a new bishop. I hear he's a wonderful man," she said.

About the bishop, diocese

Gainer was born Aug. 24, 1947, and attended Mary, Queen of Peace Grade School, Pottsville. He graduated from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in June 1969 and a Masters of Divinity (summa cum laude) in June 1973, and attended the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, from 1984 to 1986, receiving the Licentiate Degree in Canon Law and a Diploma in Latin Letters in June 1986.

Gainer was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Allentown May 19, 1973, named a Prelate of Honor (Monsignor) by Pope John Paul II Aug. 20, 1991, named second bishop of Lexington by Pope John Paul II Dec. 2, 2002, and was ordained to the episcopacy by Archbishop of Louisville Thomas C. Kelly, and solemnly installed as Bishop of Lexington Feb. 22, 2003, with Bishops Edward Cullen and Joseph Kurtz serving as co-consecrators. Archbishop Kurtz is a native of Mahanoy City. Bishop Cullen is the former bishop of Allentown.

During his 30 years as a priest of the Allentown Diocese, he was an assistant pastor at the former St. Bernard's Church in Easton and St. Catharine of Siena Church in Reading and a campus minister at Lafayette College in Easton and at Kutztown University and Albright College in Reading. He was the Judicial Vicar of the diocese, pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Whitehall, and the first Secretary of Catholic Life and Evangelization in the diocese.

For much of his priesthood, Gainer served in parish, campus ministry, marriages and family, and tribunal positions. As Secretary of Catholic Life and Evangelization for the Diocese of Allentown he supervised 14 diocesan offices and the promotion of the works of spiritual renewal and evangelization.

The Diocese of Harrisburg consists of 15 counties (Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union and York) in central Pennsylvania with a Catholic population of almost 250,000 people. It was established in 1868, the same year the Diocese of Scranton was established.Father Martin Moran of Divine Redeemer Parish in Mount Carmel talks after the installation of Bishop Ronald W. Gainer at St. Patrick's

Father Martin Kobos of Mother Cabrini Church, Shamokin, waves as he exits St. Patrick's Cathedral in Harrisburg on Wednesday afternoon after the installation mass for Bishop

MOUNT CARMEL - The long-standing tradition of sitting in the end-zone bleachers at the south end of the Silver Bowl may come to an end.

Mount Carmel Area School Board members agreed Thursday night to advertise for the dismantling and removal of the famed seats.

The bleachers and the rabid fans known as the "Bleacher Creatures" who sit on them have been part of the renowned stadium for numerous years. Superintendent Bernie Stellar said it would be cost prohibitive for the district to repair the bleachers and make them handicap accessible.

Voting to advertise for bids to dismantle and remove the bleachers were Directors Thomas Ditchey, Donna James, Joseph Zanella, Robert Muldowney, Michael Brinkash, Michael Rovito, Tony Mazzatesta and Bill Brecker. Ray Kraynak was absent.

Good job, students

Ditchey, who serves as board president, and Stellar commended the girls' varsity basketball team and its coaches for an outstanding season. The Red Tornadoes won their fourth consecutive PIAA District IV Class AA championship, Heartland Conference Division II title and conference playoff crown. They advanced to the PIAA state quarterfinals before falling to Dunmore to finish with an outstanding 25-5 record.

Stellar pointed out that head coach Lisa Varano also serves as high school principal and curriculum coordinator.

The board and administrators also commended participants in the school musical "Legally Blonde" and the three Odyssey of the Mind teams that qualified for state competition April 12 at Berwick Area School District.

Junior high school Principal Pete Cheddar said teachers and staff have been working hard preparing students for Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) testing.

Stellar reported graduation is scheduled for June 6, pending any makeup days.

Other business

District buildings and grounds director Dave Fegley said the harsh winter has taken its toll on district fields, particularly the baseball and softball diamonds.

Stellar announced the high school stadium and tennis courts are scheduled to reopen to the public March 31.

The board accepted the resignation of junior varsity baseball coach Terry Young.

Directors adjusted the salary for assistant varsity wrestling coach Steven Sinkovich from $1,900 to $2,300 to reflect his four years coaching experience.

The board approved the 2014-15 Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit general operating budget in the amount of $1,215,129.

The Children's Service Center was authorized to use the school-based behavioral health offices in the elementary and high school buildings to offer telepsychiatry services to district students.

The board hired Frances Balanda for a part-time cleaning position at $7.25 per hour without benefits.

Directors accepted the resignation of personal care aide Sarah Horsfield, effective today.

The board reclassified maintenance and custodial personnel and agreed to hire not more than eight Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) students for the summer.

SELINSGROVE - Two local students were chosen as officers in a Greek organization at Susquehanna University. The officers work toward improving life at Susquehanna through community-building events and social activities.

Skyler Deitrick, of Coal Township, was named vice president of service of the Phi Mu Delta fraternity. Deitrick is a senior psychology major at Susquehanna. A 2010 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, he is a son of Lon Deitrick and Tracy Moore.

Patrick Erickson, of Shamokin, has been elected to serve as academic chair of the Phi Mu Delta fraternity . Erickson is a junior biochemistry major. A 2011 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, he is a son of Bill and Cindy Erickson.

PAXINOS - About 300 job-seekers ventured into Masser's Banquet Hall Thursday with resume in hand and pens at the ready to fill out applications at the annual Career and Job Fair presented by Pennsylvania CareerLink.

More than 30 businesses and trade schools met with applicants who were either looking for employment, a better job or the opportunity to learn a new skill.

Ken Horvath, vice president of operations for Spectrum Technologies, Paxinos, has three openings in the sales and marketing department, and said he came away with some great prospects.

"I've gotten about two dozen resumes today and talked to about 50 more people who we don't have positions that suit them right now, but we will keep their information on file," he said.

Amy Zalar, representing Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Coal Township, ran out of applications within the first few hours.

"Having a job fair like this gives us the opportunity to let a lot of people know that we have positions available that they might not know about otherwise," she said.

Zalar said the job fair gives prospective employees a chance to make a good first impression.

"We can meet one-on-one with the people applying for the jobs, talk with them to get a feel for how good of an employee they could be for our company," she said.

How about school?

It wasn't all about employment at Thursday's job fair as several trade schools were promoting their programs.

Nicole Geiser, high school representative for Triangle Tech, Sunbury, spoke to those looking to be trained in a new career path as a heating or cooling specialist or in carpentry or computer-aided drafting.

"We are getting a great mix of people here today, from those just out of high school to those a little older looking for a new trade," Gieser said. "We provide the training, the tools, the financial aid and the career advice, so anyone who wants to succeed can do so in a career that is always going to be in demand."

Pleased with turnout

Whitney Fetterman, director of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, was pleased with the turnout.

"The vendors have been great and a steady stream of people have been coming through the doors. We are all pleased with today's event," she said.

Anyone who missed Thursday's job fair can attend the next one, which will be held Monday, April 21, at Shikellamy High School, Sunbury.

Thursday's event was sponsored by the BVRCC, Pa. CareerLink and McCann School of Business and Technology.

Participating vendors were McCann, National Ticket Company, Geisinger Health System, Visiting Angels, Pa. CareerLink, BVRCC, CSO, Inc., Pa. State Civil Service Commission, Strong Industries, Inc., H.H. Knoebels and Sons, Inc., Experience Works, Aerotek, Clear Channel Media, HCR Manor Care, Keystone Human Services, Nesco Resource, One Source, Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Dempsey Uniform, APEX Insurance Group, Stanley Woodworking, Inc., the U.S. Army, Central Susquehanna LPN Center, Professional Drivers Academy, Triangle Tech, Hope Enterprises, Sundance Vacations, Spectrum Technologies, and Icon, Inc.MIKE STAUGAITIS/Staff Photo

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough council members did not appoint solicitor William Cole as their arbitrator Thursday night in the ongoing police contract negotiations because he feels a deal will be finalized and signed by this time next week.

Cole met with the police's negotiation team this week and said one sentence needs to be added to the contract in order for the police officers to be satisfied.

"I want to thank Mr. Cole for having the magic touch," Councilman Joseph Lapotsky said.

Police have been working under an expired three-year contract that ended Dec. 31. Pension and health care costs have been the major points holding up the negotiations over the last 10 months.

When asked for a timeline, Cole said it would take "a couple days."

If the solicitor would have been appointed as the borough's arbitrator, he and the police's arbitrator would have met and the state would have provide them with a list of five independent arbitrators' names, at which point they would have narrowed it down to one. The three arbitrators would then discuss the contracts and make a recommendation to both negotiation teams.

The borough's negotiating team consists of Councilmen Clem Plisiewicz, Robert Shirmer and Lapotsky; the police's team consists of Cpl. David Donkochik and Patrolmen William Adamski and Justin Stelma.

The borough also approved CZOP Specer Inc., Erie, as the borough engineer to provide services to the Mount Carmel Municipal Authority for sewer purposes only.

Engineer John Buccanelli, who resigned from the authority because the borough hired his firm, said plans are in place to map out the entire pipework of the borough by taking aerial photographs.

He will also submit quarterly reports to Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order for the authority to be reimbursed for taking out a $1.25 million loan in August to fund repair of a water tank at the MCMA sewer plant near Den-Mar Gardens.

The old engineer Brinjac Engineering, of Harrisburg, apparently never submitted those reports, Buccanelli said.

In other authority business, the council members appointed the following to the authority board: Councilman Clem Plisiewicz Jr., whose term expires January 2019; Ray Rothermel, whose term expires January 2015; and Glenn Wetzel, whose term expires January 2019.

Although two notices were placed in The News-Item for the open positions, no other individuals submitted their names for consideration, council members said.

In other business, the board members approved a letter of intent for regional police consideration with Mayor Philip "Bing" Cimino as contact person.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; poker game, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; computer lessons 9:30 a.m., walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards, puzzles, board games, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; discuss world news, noon; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and board games, 8:30 a.m.; VNA blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; Jennifer Reed, RN, from Davita Dialysis speaking on "Kidney Smart," 10:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, puzzles, and board games, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m., Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m,; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Treadmill is available for use from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You must have a doctor's slip saying you can use the treadmill.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Coffee and gab, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cup of coffee, 9:30 a.m.; favorite TV show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Grab and Go breakfast for those that signed up, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; "Aging Gracefully" with Ellen, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Morning coffee and the news, 9:30 a.m.; favorite game show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Coffee and gab, 10 a.m.; Crossword puzzle, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Coffee, gab, music, exercise (noodle balloon) in the morning; Wii after lunch; cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii and bean bag in the morning; VNA blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; quilting with Catherine, 10 to 11:30 a.m.; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Coffee and gab in the morning; lunch at OIP, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., cost is $2; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii and bean bag in the morning; book and recipe swap, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Linda Walker speaking on "The Art of Being Nice," noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Mark your calendar: April 9 is the volunteer tea and April 22 is Earth Day with a pizza party and fun activities.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and news from local newspapers.

Tuesday - Chair exercises with Carol, 10 a.m.; show and tell, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Bell ringers practice, 10 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Magazine scavenger hunt, 10 a.m. Bring in some old magazines; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Car-pooling for lunch at May's Drive-in, Ashland. Sign up and come along for some fun.

Saturday - Big Brothers and Big Sisters Bowling for Kids Sake Fundraiser and Peanut Bowl, Bloomsburg. Let us know you are coming.

Upcoming fun in April: word games, trivia, active games and special interest discussions.

Elysburg

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

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Linda Walker from Focus Health speaking on "Civility - The Art of Being Nice," 11 a.m.; bingo, noon.

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

Wii is available at the center. We also have an exercise bike for anyone who is interested, but you must have a paper from your doctor saying it is OK to use it.

Trevorton

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

Tuesday - Wii bowling practice, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Grab and bo breakfast; beanbag toss, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; games, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, 10:30 a.m.; mahjong, 12:30 p.m.

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