LOCUST GAP - Mount Carmel Township's fire marshal says Sunday's fire that left 11 people homeless was accidental and likely caused by an electrical malfunction.

Fire Marshal Brian Hollenbush said it was caused either by a window unit air conditioner or the power strip it was plugged into.

The fire was reported at 9:25 a.m. It ignited inside the living room of 296 Main St. and quickly spread to neighboring 294 Main St. It took 45 minutes for firefighters from three counties to bring it under control.

Left homeless were Jacob Shellhammer, 33, Melissa Savidge, 37, and their four children, Mackayla Okronglis, 13, Mya Okronglis, 12, Draco Shellhammer, 8, and Elias Shellhammer, 3, all of 296 Main St.; and John Laughlin, 53, his girlfriend, Sonia Barrera, 53, and her three grown children, Jake Timothy, Angie Timothy and Rebecca Killian, all of 294 Main St.

Both families are uninsured and are staying with relatives or friends.

A six-month-old German Shepherd/collie and a cat belonging to the Shellhammer family were killed. Another dog survived. Three dogs and a cat owned by the Laughlin family also escaped unharmed.

The home at 296 Main St. was gutted, while the residence at 294 Main St. sustained heavy fire, smoke and water damage, but could possibly be renovated.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area School Board passed the district's 2014-15 fiscal year budget Monday night by a narrow margin.

The board voted 5-4 to approve the $17,490,924.73 budget.

The motion to pass the budget was made by Joseph Zanella and seconded by Michael Brinkash.

Michael Rovito, William Brecker, Donna James all voted "no" on the motion.

"It's a good budget," said Rovito. "This is a protest vote against our state and federal budgets for not supporting our school districts."

Raymond Kraynak, who was absent from the meeting but conferenced in via speakerphone, also voted no.

Kraynak said he voted no to the budget because he felt it was unfair for the school board to have to finalize its budget before the state.

"We have no idea of the funding we are going to get from our government," said Kraynak.

As previously reported, an $835,000 budget increase from last year will be balanced by taking $600,000 from the district's assigned fund balance and $174,485.34 from its unassigned fund balance to eliminate a $774,000 shortfall.

The transfers leave the district with $2.5 million in its fund balance and $1,072,402.66 in the unassigned fund.

The board opted to forgo a one-mill tax increase at the May 29 meeting. The increase would have raised an additional $69,000 in revenue.

Only one member of the public attended Monday night's board meeting and no public comments were made regarding the budget.

The board's next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 17.

Meanwhile, the Senate took a step at addressing pensions Monday by approving a bill to put elected state officials, judges and lawmakers under a defined-contribution plan similar to 401(k)style investments upon reelection or retention.    

MILTON - A Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) program at Line Mountain Elementary School was among 14 sites to earn recognition from the state for implementing a positive behavior model for students.

The program was recognized for providing a positive social climate during the 2013-14 school year. Staff were also lauded for interacting, prompting and encouraging students to increase positive social behavior.

A badge was given to Trevorton Pre-K Counts staff for their second year of implementing positive behavior. The classroom was recognized by the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support Network (PAPBS) at its annual conference in Hershey.

The PAPBS Network recognizes that all children achieve better outcomes in academic, social and emotional competence when Positive Behavior Interventions Supports (PBIS) is implemented in early childhood programs. PBIS eliminates barriers to learning, creates and maintains a safe and effective learning environment in schools and ensures that all students have the social and emotional skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.

"This is a program-wide effort to reduce barriers to learning, and to create and maintain a safe and effective learning environment," said Jan Salwocki, CSIU early childhood program supervisor.

"We are committed to supporting these children to ensure they have the skills needed to succeed in home, school and beyond," she added.

Pre-K Counts is a free program that promotes school readiness for children ages three to five and emphasizes that parents are their child's first teacher. For eligibility information, please call the CSIU at 570-523-1155, ext. 2209 or visit www.csiu.org/EarlyEd.

SHAMOKIN - The photography of Bill Hoffa is currently on exhibit at the Independence Street office of Susquehanna Bank. Hoffa is a 1968 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and retired from the home improvement sales industry.

Hoffa has been interested in photography ever since junior high school. He still owns almost every cameras he ever used. Photography is his way of documenting his other hobbies, including his travels and classic automobiles. His photographs include beautiful views of Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Nova Scotia and Canada. Photographs of classic cars show his great appreciation for these fine autos in the way he pictures them like rolling works of art. The classic lines of a Duisenberg or the morning dew beading on the hood of a classic Corvette are especially appealing. Some of his most colorful works include the beauty of a flower blossom or the wings of a butterfly.

Hoffa has lived in the Shamokin-Coal Township area all his life. Married for 40 years to his wife, Jeanne, they live with their wire fox terrier, Sassy.

The exhibit will run through July and can be viewed during regular bank hours.

CATAWISSA TWP - An Elysburg man was killed and his wife injured after the motorcycle on which they were riding hit a deer on Route 487 Sunday, according to a report by Press Enterprise.

John Capozello Jr., 58, and his wife, Cindy, were throwing from their Harley-Davidson after the bike struck a deer that leaped in front of the bike from a wooded area, the newspaper reported. Both riders were wearing helmets.

John Capozello was taken by Life Flight to Geisinger Medical Center where an official told the Bloomsburg paper he had died Sunday.

Cindy Capozello was taken by ambulance to the same hospital. A nursing supervisor said Tuesday she had been discharged.

Route 487 was closed to traffic for about an hour, the newspaper reported.

Band boosters meet today

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area High School Band and Orchestra Boosters will meet at 6 p.m. today in the high school band room. The meeting time was changed from 7 p.m.

Food pantry open Thursdays

ELYSBURG - The Elysburg Food Pantry is now open from 10 a.m. to noon every Thursday at the Elysburg United Methodist Church, 171 W. Center St. The entrance is at the rear of the church.

Priority is given to residents of the Southern Columbia Area School District.

For more information, call 570-672-2589.

Municipal authority closed Friday

KULPMONT - The office of the Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority will be closed Friday for Independence Day.

Getchey 'no' on Act 93 adjustments

COAL TOWNSHIP - Robert Getchey, director of the Shamokin Area school board, cast the lone dissenting vote last week in the 7-1 tally approving adjustments to the district's Act 93 contract with 12 administrators. The move is estimated to save $40,000 annually through 2018. Getchey believes more concessions should have been made.

SHAMOKIN - Mark Little got what some would call a grand tour of Shamokin last year when he visited Northumberland County for a wedding - he made it to most of the fire company watering holes.

On Saturday, the retired U.S. Army captain will march in the city's Grand Parade in recognition of its 150th anniversary. He will be joined by Army Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Earl Granville. Each are amputees and recipients of the Purple Heart, and are representing a newly established charity for military service members, veterans and their families - Warrior 360.

John Finnerty, a civilian employee of the Department of Defense will join them, too. Finnerty married the former Deidra Crone, whose family is from Shamokin. Little said a bunch of local guys got to talking and felt it would be a good idea to get Warrior 360 involved in the city's 150th.

"That's exactly what I want to do, go to Shamokin and hang out with real people," Little said before laughing. "I say 'real people' because I live near Washington, D.C."

Twice injured in Iraq

Little specialized in explosives in a sapper squad. He commanded more than 175 combat patrols during his only deployment in Iraq, and was hit by three improvised explosive devices and numerous ambushes, according to his bio on www.warrior360.org. He received his first Purple Heart after suffering injury from an IED blast. One month later in 2007, an IED explosion tore through his armored vehicle, resulting in the loss of both legs. He was awarded a second Purple Heart.

Ellen Degeneres featured Little on her daytime show earlier this year, when he said just a month after he received his prosthetic legs that he began snowboarding. He discussed his inspiration in creating Warrior 360, which went operational in November. Degeneres surprised him and his wife by arranging for the hosts of HGTV's "Cousins Undercover" to completely remodel their home, which was featured on a later episode.

Granville is a native of the Scranton area. He was in Afghanistan in 2008 on his third deployment when a roadside bomb exploded, costing him his left leg. He suffered another loss in 2010 when his twin brother, Joe, had committed suicide after leaving the service.

Granville has since become an advocate for suicide prevention and also runs, snowboards, plays sled hockey and competes in marathons, including the 2013 Boston Marathon. The organization Homes for Our Troops built the Purple Heart veteran a brand new home in Scott Township, Lackawanna County, which he moved into in December.

'Super honored'

Little, Granville and Finnerty will have a stand at the parade. They'll sell T-shirts and badges, hand out literature and discuss Warrior 360 with anyone who cares to listen.

The charity has a dual focus: providing emergency financial assistance and getting wounded service members to become more active. Little used last year's government shutdown as an example. If a service member recently transitions to civilian life and loses their job, Warrior 360 wants to help them make mortgage payments.

As for getting injured veterans active, Little and Granville certainly lead by example.

"We're super honored to be invited up to participate. We're looking forward to engaging with everyone we can," Little said. "That's exactly what the Fourth of July is - reminding us of who we are as Americans and a reminder that the military makes it possible."

The three will be hosted at Penelope Murphy's Bed and Breakfast, Coal Township, compliments of David and Nancy Troxell, Rich Jilinski and Kathleen Shevitski, and Shamokin's Sons of Italy lodge.

SUNBURY - All charges were withdrawn Tuesday against one of the five teenagers in the "Goon Squad" case involving an assault in downtown Shamokin in February.

District Attorney Tony Rosini, midway through the juvenile court adjudication hearing for Gage Cossari, 16, of Shamokin, asked that the charges be withdrawn.

"The victim could not identify if the defendant actually did strike him during the confrontation," William Rossnock, deputy chief of juvenile probation, said later Tuesday in confirming the disposition.

Rosini said an eyewitness who had broken up the fight could also not identify Cossari as having been at the scene. Because of the conflicts in testimony, he chose to withdraw the charges.

To Cossari's parents, the DA's decision validates what they've argued all along: that Gage was standing down the street and was never involved in the altercation, which took place in the 400 block of Independence Street Feb. 23. They also dispute his involvement in the alleged Goon Squad.

Shamokin police Patrolman William Miner filed charges Feb. 27 against Ryan Forte, 18, of 18 S. Market St., Apt. 1, who was charged as an adult, and against Cossari, Chad Lytle, 17, and his brothers, Seth, 15, and Kyle, 14, all of Shamokin, as juveniles. They were charged in connection with the attack on Keith "KC" Long, 18, of Shamokin, who needed hospital treatment for a broken nose, a cut to his lower lip that required five stitches, four damaged teeth, broken braces and severe facial swelling.

Forte, Cossari and Chad Lytle were charged with assaulting Long before fleeing when a passer-by stopped to assist the victim.

The charges against Forte included felonies of criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and aggravated assault and riot, and misdemeanors of simple assault and disorderly conduct. On May 19, he pleaded guilty to the first charge and was sentenced by Northumberland County Judge William Wiest to 2 to 4 years in a state correctional institution. The other charges were not prosecuted.

On March 11, Chad Lytle was adjudicated delinquent by Wiest in juvenile court, the equivalent of being found guilty in adult court, on felonies of criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and riot, and misdemeanors of simple assault and disorderly conduct. Two weeks later, he was sentenced to 30 days in Northwestern Academy's VCORE (Vocationally Educating Cadets on Responsibility Through Environment) boot camp program and then on electronic monitoring program for up to 90 days. He had been placed in Northwestern after his adjudication hearing.

The cases against Seth and Kyle Lytle, who were charged with riot and disorderly conduct, are still pending in juvenile court.

Cossari's parents and other defendants' family members claimed police were overstating the presence of such a gang. There was a local group of kids known as the Goon Squad, but there were known for doing video parodies on YouTube, they said.

Police said the Goon Squad had been involved in fights, vandalism and intimidation during the first two months of the year in the city. Edward Griffiths, police chief at the time, said the Goon Squad was a bunch of "wannabees."

In addition to the Feb. 23 assault, Griffiths addressed the issue after a March 1 fight on Market Street that resulted in charges of disorderly conduct against six people, two of whom were alleged Goon Squad members.

Griffiths said at the time he wasn't expecting any further trouble and that the Feb. 23 assault and March 1 fight were not gang-related and were isolated incidents.

There has been no mention by police of Goon Squad activity since the March 1 incident.

BLOOMSBURG - A tractor-trailer driver was killed Monday afternoon following a chain-reaction crash in a construction zone along Interstate 80 in Scott Township, Columbia County.

William J. Boettinger, 60, of Danielsville, was killed. An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown.

Police said Boettinger failed to slow for traffic at about 1:10 p.m. in the right westbound lane near mile marker 235.6. He drove a 2012 Freightliner into the rear of a 2014 Kenworth, and after impact collided with a 2005 Freightliner. The Kenworth was forced into the left lane and struck two passenger vehicles. Both Freightliners overturned onto the right berm.

Three other drivers suffered minor to moderate injuries, and a fifth driver and a passenger escaped injury.

The westbound lanes were closed between exits 241 and 236 until 9:30 p.m.

BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

SHAMOKIN - The Our Shamokin Band is back.

With the swish of a conductor's baton, the eight-year hiatus of the community band ended Tuesday evening with a concert at Claude Kehler Community Park. The revival is part of a week of festivities celebrating Shamokin's 150th anniversary.

Under the direction of Mayor William Milbrand, who directed the band's last performance in 2006, 32 area musicians - both young and old - played more than 10 songs during the 75 minute performance, which drew dozens of people.

"My gosh. I could have cried," Milbrand said about directing the band. "It was such a great thrill to have the band back together."

Band's early days

The Our Shamokin Band was formed at the time of the 1964 centennial in a merger of two community bands, Our Band and the Shamokin Band, both of which were suffering from declining membership.

Through the years, the band was a welcome addition to area parades and was known for its series of free outdoor concerts presented in Shamokin, Coal Township and neighboring communities.

The highlight of the band occurred in 1975 - the 100th year of existence - when the band grew to more than 75 members under the direction of long-time director Frank Rovito. Many of those members also marched in that year's Anthracite Heritage Parade.

Jack Schankewiler, a Shamokin native who now lives in Pottstown, attended Tuesday's concert in memory of his late father, John, who played the drums with the band between the 1930s and 1950s. With a camera and old photos of the band in hand, Schankewiler was thrilled to hear music flow from the variety of instruments.

"I think it's fantastic. I think it's great," he said of the performance. "When I was a kid, I remember going to the Capital Theatre to their practices."

Classic marches

Tuesday's performance opened with "The Star-Spangled Banner" followed by "National Spirit March," which Milbrand said was always played in the early years of the band when members marched from their headquarters on Second Street to the West End Fire Company on Pine Street prior to a Memorial Day parade. The song was dedicated to members of the West End Fire Company and the late Eddie Mack, a former member of the band who would always request it be played.

The patriotic songs were followed by "Instant Concert" and "Spirit of Shamokin," an unpublished march by Harley Hastings, a former director of the Shamokin High School Band. The concert concluded with a rendition of "God Bless America."

"The Our Shamokin Band is a valuable part of the city," Milbrand said. "I can't say enough for the musicians that came out and helped."

Several members of the band are expected to march in this Saturday's grand parade.

MOUNT CARMEL - Principals at Mount Carmel Area School District announced at Monday's meeting that some raw data from the 2013-14 school year Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exams had arrived.

The principals said they have received individual scores for students but not overall values for each grade.

Susan Nestico, elementary school principal, said her staff has used the individual scores to draw rough estimates of the overall achievement. She said she found "a couple" areas of growth, including reading, math and discipline referrals for sixth grade.

Nestico pointed to a restructuring of the sixth grade learning environment as a reason for the score increase, and said other grades were organizing a similar restructuring.

Superintendent Bernard Stellar also announced the district had been granted Gold Award recognition through the American Heart Association as a Fit-Friendly Worksite.

To earn this award, which is the second highest in its category, the district had to provide walking routes, promote walking programs and tracking tools and allow staff to wear athletic shoes on designated "sneaker days."

"It's a very nice designation of our school district," said Stellar. "Not only do we promote student and staff safety and achievement but also wellness."

Board member Raymond Kraynak was absent from the meeting.

In other business

Michael Rovito was elected school board treasurer for the 2014-15 fiscal year with a performance bond of $100,000.

Attorney Edward Greco was approved as solicitor at a retainer of $7,500 for the 2014-15 fiscal year.

Union National Bank was selected as depository for the school district by an 8-0 vote.

The board voted 7-1 to approve the authorization of facsimile signatures of the board officers, high school principal and superintendent of schools for school related affairs for the 2014-15 school year. Joseph Zanella was the dissenting vote.

The board approved the re-enacting and continuation of the resolution providing for the 2014-15 fiscal year a tax at a rate of 40.47 mills on one dollar for Northumberland county and 19.21 mills on one dollar for Columbia County.

The board approved the 2014 Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion Resolution in the amount of $1,639 for a reduction of $66.36 in real estate taxes for approved homestead properties.

The board approved the re-enacting and continuation of the following per capital taxes for general school purposes for the 2014-15 fiscal year: the $5 Act 511 tax, a $5 tax on each resident over eighteen years of age, an Act 511 occupation tax of $10, a one half of one percent Act 511 tax of salaries, wages, commissions and other compensation and net profits, a "Local Tax Enabling Act" school tax upon the privilege of leasing unimproved lands or portions thereof, a 180 percent Act 511 occupation tax, a "Local Tax Enabling Act" tax upon the transfer of an interest in real property, and a school tax on real property.

A motion to approve certified tuition rates of $5,905.30 for elementary and $7,032.04 for high school for the 2013-14 school term was passed 7-1. Board member Donna James was the dissenting vote.

The board approved the Safety Net Counseling Inc. agreement for the 2014-15 school year at no cost to the district.

The 2014-15 Northumberland County Career and Technology Center (NCCTC) budget was approved. The district's contribution will be $438,495.

The board approved the agreement for services with PA Treatment and Healing at a rate of $51 per day at the Bloomsburg facility and $56 per day at the Milton facility for the 2014-15 school year.

The use of one classroom by the CSIU for the Head Start Program with a rental fee of $300 per month was approved.

The board renewed the affiliation agreement with Alvernia University for one year.

The board voted 6-0 to award the district's insurance contract to Varano Insurance Agency in the amount of $173,120. Board president Thomas Ditchey and Rotivo abstained.

A two-year agreement with PSEA Health and Welfare Fund, the PA Pre-K Counts Partnership Agreement Guidelines between the district and Shamokin Area School District and the Section 356 agreement and memorandum between Berkheimer and the district regarding the inspection of information from state income tax returns were approved.

The agreement with New Story for the Extended School Year program was ratified. Currently, three students attend.

The PSBA for Policy Review Services and the Judicial Sale of Properties from the Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau were approved as presented.

The board voted to exonerate a property located at 125 W. Girard St. from district taxes in the amount of $438.77 was approved.

The Asphalt Renovation Project from Eastern Industries, at a cost of $83,722, was approved.

The board approved the use of facilities by Anthracite Citizens Theater, an agreement between the district and the Northumberland County Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the use of facilities by Spirit of Atlanta, Drum and Bugle Corps.

The revision and first reading of board policies 138: Limited English Proficiency, 204: Attendance and 918 and 918 attachment: Title I Parental Involvement was approved.

The board approved leak testing of the Trane Chiler by the McClure Company at a cost of $2,800.

A motion to reclassify Tina Meredith as an administrative assistant with a job title of data quality coordinator at a salary of $28,083.22 with a six month probationary period was passed. Meredith's current salary is $25,583.22. After the six month probationary period the board will reevaluate the position.

A motion to adopt a maintenance and custodial restructuring plan and to adjust the salaries of these employees was passed 7-1. James was the dissenting vote. The salary increases are: David Fegley by $1,380 per year, Ronald Ryan by $7,462 per year, Frank Brosh by $2.50 per hour, John Matejick by $1.62 per hour, William Angelli by $1.50 per hour and Charles Koveleskie by $0.77 per hour.

The board hired Ed Amarose as a part-time tier two custodial staff member at a salary of $8.50 per hour for six hours per day.

The board approved the purchase of girls basketball uniforms from Ampro Sports at a cost not to exceed $3,200.

Purchasing five headsets and three wireless belt packs for the football coaches at a cost not to exceed $5,300 was approved by a vote of 5-0. Zanella, Ditchey and James were dissenting votes.

The board voted to tenure Christopher Cunningham, Dorothy Smith, Meghan Wasilewski and Marisa Yoder.

Lisa Harner, Diane Yoder, Jesse Wagner and Andrew Yaracz were approved to teach summer school at a rate of $20 per hour for three hours per day for a total of 10 days.

The board approved Brionne Dyszel, Jill Greco, Nicole Kiley, Kelly Lesko, Margaret Barnhardt, Dave Sanford, Christine DeLong, Jess Yerges and Nikki Cole as personnel for the ESY program at $20 per hour for six hours per day for a total of six weeks. Rachel Katinsky and Miriam Hine were approved as aides at a rate of $7.25 per hour.

An agreement with Charles J. Mannello, CPA, as business consultant, was approved.

Christine Zarko was hired as part-time van driver at $7.75 per hour.

A $.50 per hour salary increase for all non-administrative and non-bargaining unit staff was approved.

The board accepted the resignations of cafeteria employee Abbie Timmins, effective immediately, and RTII coordinator on the leadership team Kelly Crissman for the 2014-15 school year. Two maternity leaves were also approved.

Shaine Lepley was approved as a volunteer music and marching instructor with the band.

Members of the Elementary School Leadership Team for the 2014-15 school year were approved with stipends as follows: Elizabeth Geise, RTII data and assessment coordinator, $1,000; Amanda Stepanaskie, positive behavior intervention and support coordinator, $1,000; Meghan Danowski, special education team leader, $500; Cynthia Sinopoli, kindergarten team lead, $500; Lori Heath, first grade team lead, $500; Stefanie Samelko, second grade team lead, $500; Dorothy Smith, third grade team lead, $500; Ana Ditchey, fourth grade team lead, $500; Dawn Palewicz, fifth grade team lead, $500; and Michaelyn Reichwein, sixth grade team lead, $500.

A list of additional substitutes was approved and is available at the district office.

SHAMOKIN - Workers were busy this morning erecting a stage along Independence Street where some of the city's 150th anniversary activities will take place later this week.

The main stage under construction is located hear Susquehanna Bank's east branch, in front of the sesquicentennial headquaters building. It will be the site of Saturday's 10 a.m. drawing for the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro being raffled as the key fundraiser for the 150th parade and other celebration expenses. The Mahoney Brothers will take the stage after the drawing and other bands will play there before and after Saturday's parade, which starts at 2 p.m.

Another stage, the main reviewing stand for the parade, will be located a few blocks west near Wendy's.

The parade will include Miss Pennsylvania, U.S. Olympic luger Jayson Terdiman, several Mummer's Bands and about four dozen entrants total.

SHAMOKIN - More than 100 children brought their pets, toys and patriotic outfits to a parade that traveled through downtown Wednesday evening.

The pet and toy parade, hosted by the Shamokin 150th Anniversary Committee and the Independence Fire Co., was one of many events celebrating Shamokin's sesquicentennial.

Kathy Kaleta, one of the event's organizers, estimated around 40 groups of children participated in the parade. Most of the groups included three or four children.

"It's wonderful," said Kaleta. "There's way more people here than we thought."

Girls pulling Radio Flyer wagons filled with their stuffed animals and dolls and kids riding miniature electric ATVs were just a few of the participants.

A Shamokin Police Department patrol car led the parade, and fire trucks from the Independence Fire Company and the West End Fire Company brought up the rear.

The parade traveled down Independence Street to Sixth Street and onto Arch Street, where it concluded at Claude Kehler Community Park.

The Independence Fire Association hosted a celebration in the park for the youngsters with DJ Katz Meow Sounds and a bubble machine.

As part of the festivities, volunteers distributed more than 300 hot dogs and 1,000 chicken nuggets to hungry kids.

Rain fell while the celebration got underway, but some participants stuck around until the summer storm moved on.

Award winners, which were selected by judges Bernie Sosnoskie, Chrissy Sosnoskie, Jean McGuinn and Marie Stone, were announced once the storm tapered off.

Anastasia Schank and Jenna Barker, who entered "Cat in Wagon," won Most Patriotic. Brayden Cavanaugh and Bane, his dog, won Best Pet. David Kaleta, who rode in a wagon with his dog, won Best Toy.

Winners who were not present at the announcement can retrieve their prizes at the Independence Fire Co.

All of the participating children were allowed to select prizes from a box of stuffed animals and small toys.

Hunter James Leibey, 7, of Shamokin, whose mother dutifully carried his pet fish a small tank. selected a brightly colored stuffed fish.

"I picked him because he's (pet fish) lonely," said Leibey about his choice.

Mayor William D. Milbrand thought the event was successful, despite the rain.

"There are a lot of interesting and cute entries," said Milbrand. "I'm glad the kids came out and I hope they had a good time."

DANVILLE - The integration of SUN Home Health and Hospice into the Geisinger Community Health Services received regulatory approval from the state attorney general.

No immediate changes in SUN staffing are expected as a result, but changes could come over time. In the short term, most employees will work at their same location with the same supervisor, performing the same duties, according to Michael Ferlazzo, Geisinger public relations specialist.

Patients should see little impact, at least initially, and there's no expectation that insurance coverage would be impacted either.

One of SUN's seven branch locations is at 102 E. Independence St., Shamokin. A hospice care center is located in Sunbury. Its corporate office is in Northumberland.

"Offices may move if better locations within the same geographic areas are available, and additional offices could be added in the future as new opportunities are explored," Ferlazzo said by email.

SUN's chief executive Steve Richard is expected to lead the firm under the Geisinger umbrella.

"Our patients and the community at large will benefit from this integration, assuring individuals and their families are provided the highest quality, cost effective home healthcare possible" Richard said.

Geisinger's Columbia Montour Home Health will continue to operate separately as a Geisinger affiliate.

"We are pleased to welcome SUN Home Health and Hospice to the Geisinger family. Together, we can greatly enhance the patient experience, helping them stay at home with their families while recovering from surgery, dealing with a chronic illness or facing the challenges associated with aging," said Geisinger Health System Vice President for Population Health Denise B. Prince.

Office closed for holiday

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Municipal Office, tax office, code office, street department and recycling center will be closed Friday for Independence Day. The recycling center will also be closed Saturday.

Paving planned

SUNBURY - Weather permitting, a PennDOT maintenance crew will pave Route 2013 (Badmans Hill Road) in Shamokin Township Monday and Tuesday.

The road will be closed daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. while the work is underway.

There will be a red arrow detour in place using Route 4026 (Irish Valley Road).

MCA classes to meet

MOUNT CARMEL - A reunion meeting for the early-1980s graduating classes of Mount Carmel Area High School will be held at 7 p.m. July 10 at the Pine Burr Inn, Route 61. Everyone is welcome.

Bus change requests needed at LM

MANDATA - Bus changes are in effect for the 2014-15 school year for the Line Mountain School District. If a child's address or address of a sitter has changed, or if the child will need a different bus stop than last school year, parents are asked to notify the transportation office immediately. Changes requested late in August may not take effect until after the school year begins. Call the transportation office at 570-758-2645, extension 6018.

The Shamokin Fire Bureau and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) have provided grilling safety and firework tips in time for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

An estimated 5,700 grill fires on residential properties occur annually in the United States resulting in $27 million in damage and 150 injuries each year.

Choosing equipment

- Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.

- Follow manufacturers' instructions and code requirements when installing and operating cooking equipment.

Grilling safely

- Never leave a barbecue grill unattended.

- Place the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Don't use or store on a porch or balcony.

- Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

- Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Have a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.

- Use long-handled grilling tools for plenty of clearance from heat and flames when cooking food.

- Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill to avoid flare-ups.

- Use only outdoors. If used indoors or in any enclosed spaces, grills pose both a fire and carbon monoxide hazard.

Charcoal grills

- Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.

- Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

- Dispose of charcoal coals only after they are cool. Empty the coals into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is used only to collect coals. Place the container away from anything that can burn. Never empty coals directly into a trash can.

Propane grills

- Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.

- If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame, then turn off the tank and grill. If that stops the leak, have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call 911.

- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

- All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for gas release if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.

- Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave the cylinder outside.

- Light a propane grill only with the cover open.

Fireworks

- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

- Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, because this is a sign the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

- Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

- Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.

- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.

- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

- Light one item at a time then move back quickly.

- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

- After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

STRONG - Firefighters from Strong Fire Company have enhanced fire protection in Mount Carmel Township by replacing an outdated fire engine.

A 1989 Pemfab, capable of pumping 2,000 gallons of water per minute, was purchased for $28,500 from DeCou Hose Company, New Jersey, and placed in-service approximately six weeks ago. It replaced a 1974 CF-Mack, which was capable of pumping 1,000 gallons per minute.

Firefighters said the PemFab, though used, is much safer to drive than the Mack. Safety additions of the new engine include an enclosed 10-man cab with seat belts and an automatic transmission, both of which the Mack did not have.

Onboard equipment has also been greatly improved. The engine includes a 4-inch pre-pipe deck gun, adjustable light towers, movable ladder rack, LED emergency lights and a 70-gallon foam system.

Performed well

Although the engine was recently purchased, firefighters have already used the engine at two major fires.

The first fire was June 17 at the former St. Mary's Roman Catholic School in Marion Heights. Firefighters used the engine's pump to draw water from a hydrant, which was then sent hundreds of feet up a steep incline on Marion Heights Highway to a Kulpmont engine. The Kulpmont engine then sent the water to a ladder truck.

Firefighters said their pump - one of the largest in the county - was used to maintain pressure in the line.

The second fire was Sunday in Locust Gap. Firefighters used water from the engine's onboard tank and also from an Aristes tanker to supply a hose line connected to the engine.

Both times the engine performed well, firefighters said.

Fourth generation

The Pemfab is only the fourth engine in the company's history.

The first motorized piece of apparatus was a General Motors engine purchased Feb. 6, 1946. It was used for calls until 1975, when a 1955 Maxim was purchased from Ashland Fire Department.

The Maxim was replaced by the Mack, which was bought in 2000 from South Amboy Fire Department in New Jersey.

The Mack still belongs to the fire company, but will be housed in the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, in Shenandoah, and used for community events.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices fell about three cents to $3.70 a gallon this week, according to AAA East Central.

On the national front

The national average price of gas has stopped increasing as we approach the Independence Day holiday, though prices remains at a six-year high for this time of year. Tuesday's national average for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.67 per gallon. The price has remained relatively stable over the past seven days, and the current price is about the same as a month ago.

Consumers have seen little fluctuation in the national average for the month of June; however the current price at the pump is 19 cents more than at this time last year ($3.49). In comparison to previous Independence Day holidays, motorists will face prices that are the highest since 2008, with today's average ($3.68) surpassing the holiday's price per gallon from: 2013 ($3.48); 2012 ($3.34); 2011 ($3.57); 2010 ($2.74); and 2009 ($2.62).

The situation in Iraq continues to put pressure on global oil prices, as markets weigh the potential for supply disruptions from OPEC's second largest producer. These elevated oil prices have meant stubbornly high retail gasoline prices for motorists.

At the close of formal trading on the NYMEX on Monday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil settled 37 cents lower at $105.37.

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

This week's Susquehanna Valley average price - $3.697

Average price during the week of June 24, 2014 - $3.733

Average price during the week of July 2, 2013 - $3.464

The following is a list of the average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:

Lewisburg - $3.613

Mifflinburg - $3.759

Milton - $3.650

Selinsgrove - $3.702

Shamokin - $3.760

Sunbury - $3.698

Several churches have planned vacation Bible schools for children this summer.

Ash Grove UMC

All children ages 3 to 15 are invited to attend vacation Bible school from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, July 10. at Ash Grove United Methodist Church, Route 61 (near Masser's restaurant), Paxinos.

The theme is the undercover spy-inspired "Agency D3."

This is a joint venture with Miller's Crossroads United Methodist Church, Stonington, and Clark's Grove United Methodist Church, Irish Valley.

Paxinos Bible Church

Paxinos Bible Church will hold its vacation Bible school, SonQuest Rainforest, from Monday to Friday, July 11.

As they participate in fun-filled activities, children will learn about God's love and the Bible. The program includes lively songs, humorous skits, creative crafts, exciting games, Bible stories and tasy snacks.

Classes will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parents are invited to join in the closing program at 7:45 p.m. Friday, July 11.

Call 570-672-9356 for registation.

First United Methodist Church

Vacation Bible school will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 21, to Friday, July 25, at First United Methodist Church, North Hickory Street, Mount Carmel, for children ages 3 to 12. Call 570-339-4830 for more information.

Stonington Baptist Church

Vacation Bible school will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 27, to Thursday, July 31, at Stonington Baptist Church, 2113 Hosta Road, Paxinos.

Children will join Moses as he leads the Israelites in the great wilderness escape. Pre-register at www.stoningtonbaptist.org.