MOUNT CARMEL - A Mount Carmel couple filed an amended complaint Tuesday, the final day before a judge's ruling to dismiss their case claiming their property was seized illegally as part of the Shamokin Creek Flood Control project became final.

U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann dismissed the claim of Thomas M. Bolick, also known as Thomas M. Bolick Jr., and his wife, Eileen Bolick, Feb. 10, acting on a recommendation filed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick Jan. 14.

Brann also adopted Mehalchik's recommendation to grant the Bolicks a 21-day period to file an amended claim due to the reason for dismissal being failure to state a claim and not knowing for certain that an amended claim could not fix this issue.

The lawsuit claims the Bolicks' house at 224-226 N. Locust St., Mount Carmel, was improperly demolished and the property within was not accounted for. The Bolicks demanded $1 million through a trial from Northumberland County; Mount Carmel Borough; county Judge Charles H. 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.

The original 18-page complaint led Borough Council President Tony Matulewicz to call it a "nuisance lawsuit." The Bolicks subsequently filed an amended complaint claiming defamation against The News-Item and its parent company, The Scranton Times LP, for printing Matulewicz's comments.

In crafting her 25-page report, Mehalchick sorted the various claims against the 14 named defendants into two "separate and unrelated events."

"The Bolicks contend that all of the events described in the amended complaint are manifestations of a larger conspiracy among all of the defendants," she said.

The two issues, said Mehalchick, are the demolition of the Bolicks' house and related removal of property and a nearly five-year-old battle over a charge to their Discover Card account.

"The Bolicks claim that they are the victims of federal antitrust violations perpetrated by a conspiracy between Ballard Spahr and the county to deprive the Bolicks of their due process rights," said Mehalchick in her summary.

This conspiracy originated when, on March 26, 2010, the Bolicks' obtained "a default judgment from a state magisterial district judge against one of an apparent multitude of Discover Financial subsidiaries" only to have that decision "vacated without prejudice by the Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas for lack of jurisdiction on Feb. 7, 2011."

"Most of the remaining claims asserted in the amended complaint are directed at all of the defendants, whom the Bolicks allege to have participated in a grand scheme or conspiracy against them," Mehalchick said.

She cited the Bolicks' failure to state a claim and Saylor's judicial immunity in her reasoning behind recommending dismissal of the suit.

New claims

While many sections of the Bolicks' 124-page March 3 amended complaint are identical to an amended complaint filed in July, the new document appears to attempt to establish a factual basis for their conspiracy theory.

According to the complaint, the borough conspired with Northeast Industrial Services Corp. to ignore regulations passed by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding asbestos and knowingly tore down the Bolicks' house, which contained asbestos.

The asbestos issue was not mentioned in the Bolicks' initial complaint. Both Cuff and Matulewicz have previously told The News-Item that all proper procedures were followed in acquiring and demolishing the homes.

The Bolicks allege Mount Carmel Code Officer Robin Williams conspired with William Williams, of Northeast Industrial Services, to complete the tear-down.

"On information and belief Mount Carmel code enforcer agent (Robin) Williams is a relative of the defendants Northeast Industrial Services Corporation (William) Williams and gives them preferential treatment," the Bolicks' allege.

Robin Williams said Wednesday he is not a relative of William Williams. The 2000 census shows Williams is the third most common last name in the United States, with more than 1.5 million occurrences.

Also new, the Bolicks' cite a ticket issued by Robin Williams shortly before 10:30 a.m. Jan. 29 for failing to remove snow and ice from their sidewalk on a property they own at 205 S. Market St., Mount Carmel, as evidence he is retaliating against Thomas Bolick for filing a rebuttal against the borough's claim it had not been properly served with paperwork related to the lawsuit.

Williams issued 209 tickets of this type following snowstorms on Jan. 26 and Feb. 9. He also said he took photographs of each home establishing the violation of the ordinance requiring sidewalks to be cleared to a 36-inch wide path within 24 hours of a winter storm.

The Bolicks claim the amendment is unconstitutional because it permits Williams to write citations "in an arbitrary fashion against anyone who displeases him" while not doing the same to others.

Connections to 1980

A lengthy section in the amended complaint claims retaliation by judges for Thomas Bolick's attempts to have a 1980 felony robbery charge removed from his record.

Bolick has tried approximately 20 times to have the conviction, which was the result of a guilty plea made by him to charges related to robbing the Mount Carmel drive-in branch of First National Bank, wiped from his record.

Judges on multiple circuits have upheld the conviction, and an appeal is still pending.

The complaint includes an appendix with a crudely drawn sketch of the location of the Bolicks' properties along Shamokin Creek as well as properties of their relatives, letters from various state and federal government agencies explaining the Shamokin Creek Project, docket sheets pertaining to the lawsuit with Discover and an attempt to overturn Thomas Bolick's criminal conviction, a copy of his snow and ice removal ordinance violation ticket and stubs from the Bolicks' property tax payments.

Also included is a copy of liability insurance with Thomas Bolick's address listed as 1377 Second St. Pike, Richboro. Both Bolick's Richboro home and 224 N. Locust St., Mount Carmel, are named on the coverage list. The coverage amounts are blacked out. It is unclear why this item is included as the date of coverage begins May 10, 2014, which is more than two months after the filing of the Bolicks' initial complaint and more than two years after the home in question was demolished.

In the amended complaint, the Bolicks are asking for more than $10 million from each defendant.

KULPMONT - About 25 bid packages have been requested by contractors for the borough's controversial municipal complex proposal.

Council member Stephen Motyka, who has been overseeing the project, also said 15 contractors attended a pre-bid meeting on Feb. 25.

"The process is moving along," he said Tuesday.

No bids have yet been received for the project, expected to cost in the neighborhood of $1 million, but that doesn't surprise Motyka.

"Most contractors do not submit bids until the last day," which is Tuesday, March 17, he said. Borough council has scheduled a special meeting to open the bids at 6 p.m. that night.

Project manager Bryan Gonnella, of Shaffer Design Associates P.C., of Gettysburg, said nine general contractors, five electrical contractors, six mechanical contractors and five plumb-

ing contractors have purchased bid specifications.

"The architect will check over the bids for accuracy and then (at a later date) we can make a final decision based on their recommendations," Motyka said.

Kulpmont Borough Council voted 6-0 on Feb. 10 to advertise for bids for construction of a 4,000-square-foot borough building and 5,000-square-foot maintenance garage along Fir Street between Seventh and Eighth streets on land donated by Susquehanna Coal Company.

Began in 2012

Borough officials have been publicly discussing replacing borough hall, the 75-year-old former Wilson Grade School on Spruce Street, since at least 2012. To pay for it, council approved a 3-mill tax increase for 2014 and had expected to begin construction last year.

Delays involving a second round of test bores at the new site and opposition from borough residents, and, more recently, questions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pushed planning into 2015.

At meetings that have been heated and argumentative, critics said it would be cheaper to rehabilitate the current facility. They've also expressed concerns over the extra money to address drainage issues at the new site, and they've listed other borough buildings as more affordable alternatives. Borough officials say building new will be cheaper in the long run and have cited studies that estimated the high cost of renovation.

The USDA approved a loan of up to $1.47 million in 2012, but, soon after department officials attended a meeting last August at which some 200 residents showed up, many in apparent opposition to the project, the USDA sent a list of informational demands for the borough to provide, including new details on how they could afford to pay back a loan. The borough responded in October.

Option B

Meanwhile, the USDA in November offered Option B: Renovate the former East End Fire Company social hall at Chestnut (Route 61) and Eighth streets as the borough hall.

The 5,000-square-foot social hall, bar and banquet facility opened in 2012 with the help of the USDA, which lent the fire company $674,900 at 4 percent over 40 years and kicked in $156,000 in grant funds - a total cost of $830,900.

The fire company failed to make mortgage and insurance payments on the social hall, and the building was turned over to the USDA.

In December, the USDA offered the building at half price, but Motyka said it doesn't solve every issue.

"That would still be a cost of more than $400,000 to the borough, not counting the cost of the renovation process," he said in December.

The fire company building, which would likely continue to house East End's firefighting apparatus, also would not settle the issue of a new borough garage.

In January, Motyka said the offer changed, but that the USDA will not give the borough a price until the bids are opened. That had prompted council President Bruno Varano to say, "It's like, 'show us your cards, but we don't have to show ours.'"

Mortgage calculated

Even with the USDA's $1.47 million loan offer, Motyka has said in the past borough officials hope to complete the project for less than $1 million.

Based on the projections on a 40-year loan at an interest rate of 3.125 percent for $900,000, annual payments of $39,444.36 would be covered by the $40,057 a year generated through the tax increase, he said.

The highest amount listed on a mortgage calculation sheet for the project is $1.45 million, which would result in a yearly payment of $63,549.24. According to Motyka, that amount is feasible as well.

"Between the money from the tax increase and the $28,000 in utility savings with the new buildings, we can cover that," he said.

He projects the borough's utility costs to drop from $89,000 to $60,000 a year, most of it derived from a switch from heating oil to natural gas.

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library has announced that memorials for the period of Jan. 21 to Feb. 24 have been presented for the following persons:

In honor of:

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Donohue's 60th anniversary by Jeanne and Bill Hoffa, Mrs. Alma Payne and family.

Century Club:

Carol Andrews Brown by Arlene Andrews.

Clara Grincavage by Arlene Andrews.

Pamela Jaeger by WXPI Independent Radio and C. Brooke Gruenberg.

Sarah "Sally" Zanella by Shamokin High School Class of 1965.

Birthday memorials:

Rosemary Britton by daughter Linda.

Kathryn Glavich by Sharon, Barbara and JoAnn and families.

Laura C. Podobinski by Joanne Templin.

Richard Shurock by JoAnn and family.

Joseph F. Templin by Joanne Templin.

Robert J. Templin by Joanne Templin.

Memorials:

William Anskis by Pat and Jim Bressi, Marian Edmondson, Keith and Kathy Jeremiah, Don and Marian Myers, Emily Parker, Chet Stesney.

Julius "Juls" Ardan by Ed and Nancy Binkoski, Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family, Jeffrey and Kathleen Clutcher, Peggy Ferrari and family, Ron and Phyllis Marcheskie, Emily Parker, Jean Sobotor and family, Cynthia Washleski, Jane and Sharon Williams, Cathy and Bob Yorwarth.

Beverly J. Arnold by Rae and Chuck Hopta.

Agnes Avellino by Vince, Debbie and Vinnie Avellino.

John R. Bainbridge by Jan and Jeanne Price.

Robert A. Barr by John and Sandra Avellino, Margaret Avellino.

Judith E. Berkheiser by Ronald Kuhns, Nicole Luta.

Walter "Walt" Britton by Carol and Dan Arnold, Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family, Sandy Grommett, Bob and Mary Ann Hartman, Steve and Mary Kanaskie, Margaret Kancianic, Dr. Sudhir and Cathy Khanna and family, Larry Kinder, Bob and Joan McAllister, Dave and Lois Madden, Mr. and Mrs. Rick Miller and family, Frank Mirack, Moraskie family, Don and Marian Myers, Tommy, Lisa and Josh Pappas, George and Kathy Persing, Jim and Janet Povish, Jacque Robel, Tony and Melinda Rosini, Michelle and Coty Rusinko and family, Ray Santor, Jack Schleig, Arlene Seedor, Rita and Mike Timco, Gloria Treese, Leona and Mary Ann Vivino and Danielle Swartz, Mary and Jeff Thew and family, Joanna Chowka Wolfe, Ron and Kathy Zyla.

Jean Brokus by Rose Marie Jones.

Carol Brown by Mark and Nancy Clark.

John Chiavaroli by Mary Lou and Henry Sherupski.

Jerry Cohoon by Rosie Fullmer.

Stephen Darrup by Phyllis and Mike Benedetto.

Robert Derk by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Krieger.

Bernard "Biggy" Gidaro by Phyllis and Sonny Benedetto, Vikki Benedetto.

Dr. Timothy Glennon by Northumberland County Chapter PASR.

Sandra Grabuski by Kathy Gonsar.

Robert Hertzog by Ron and Phyllis Marcheskie.

Pamela Anne Jaeger by Sharon and Don Betz and family, William and Shirley Golden, Billy Golden Jr. and Jamie Golden, Kathy and John Jeremiah, Jen, Jess, Doris and Andy Kalinowski, Eleanor Kissel, Margaret and Frank Konopka, Marian Kozak, Victor and Linda Marks, Paula Newhook, Samantha Ramp, Linda Britton Seedor, Anne Marie Tehansky, Varano's Warehouse.

Vincent Joyce by Tony Rosini.

Michael Kazmerski by Jim and Janet Povish.

Albert Kolonick by Gladys, Terry and Doug Wilson and family, Amy, Beth, Norah, R.J., Dave, Sophia, Helen, Bernie, Pat, Sally, Natalie, Hank, Ed, Ken, Sharon, Tony, Virginia, Finn and Linda.

Colleen Lauer by Rita and Mike Timco.

Josephine Markle by Pat and Jim Bressi, Danny and Sandee Ciesluk and family, Marian Edmondson, Ben Frank, Rose Marie Jones.

Bernadine Meredith by Emily Parker, Janet Wahosky and family.

Donna Miller by Chet Stesney.

Irene T. Mirarchi by Albina Primerano and family.

Terry Moll by Jeffrey and Kathleen Clutcher.

Teresa Oravitz by Rosie, Suzie and Steve Oravitz.

Annabelle Shaffer by Bob and Georgetta Shaffer.

Lorraine Wolfe Shubeck by Ann, Rob and Cheryl Fidler, Carol, Susan, Judy and Jeff, Harry and Andrea Reed.

Edward Snyder by Mount Carmel Disabled Veterans Chapter 129, residents of the Lincoln Towers.

Gertrude Snyder by Mark and Nancy Clark.

Jack Snyder by Andy and Doris Kalinowski, Jim and Janet Povish and Jill, Matt and Nico Henrich.

John Straub by Shirley and William Golden and Family, Kathy Gonsar, Mary and Jeff Thew and family.

Mildred M. Surak by Marina and Greg Christopher, Fobia family.

William "Bill" Tarr by Joyce L. Burd.

Alfred Valeski by Cal and Rosann Harris and family.

Joseph Weaver by Bob and Mary Ann Hartman, Joe's friends in Wendy's Restaurant, Corrine Thomas, Judith Urick and Jessica (Urick) Oberlin, Cathleen and Robert Yorwarth.

Calvin Wetzel by Erma Lorenz and family.

Richard Yancoski by Tony Rosini.

Guy S. Yocum by Rol and Arlene Morgan, Tim, Brad and Becky Morgan, Dan, Doreen and Harper Morgan.

Hattie Mae Yocum by Bud and Fran Butkey, Rol and Arlene Morgan, Tim, Brad and Becky Morgan, Dan, Doreen and Harper Morgan, Tommy, Lisa and Joshua.

Guy and Mae Yocum by Mary Jean Wolf.

Rae Zanella by Joanne and family.

Sarah Zanella by Arlene, Juice, Heather and Ryan, Catherine Labosky, Mary Ann Levins, Grethal Vinup.

Contributions to the memorial fund:

William Anskis by Brandon Bressi, Kathy and Abby James, Bob and Suzanne Starke, Diane and Gig Thomas and family.

Julius "Juls" Ardan by Boots and Flash Ramp.

Beverly Arnold by Tamkus family.

Barbara Beck by Kathy and Abby James.

Judith Berkheiser by Dave, Tina and Veronica Moore, Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Walter "Walt" Britton by Marian Edmondson, Kathy and Abby James, John Olear.

Bernard Gidaro by Kathy and Abby James.

Pamela A. Jeager by Norma and Bob Albert, Abby James and Ty Griffiths.

Bertilla Macijewski by Dave, Tina and Veronica Moore.

Josephine Markel by Kathy and Abby James.

Robert Probert by Kathy and Abby James.

John Straub by Marlene and Bradley Shipe.

Charley Tamkus by Mom, Dad and family, John and Uncle John.

Calvin Wetzel by Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Richard Yancoskie by Bob and Suzanne Starke.

Honor a loved one and place a permanent memorial in the Library Century Club.

Mount Carmel Area Public Library

The Mount Carmel Area Public Library has received the following memorial donations, its most basic and important source of income.

Julius "Juls" Ardan from Nancy and Bill Joraskie and sons; Ted and Jackie Matlow.

Margaret Artman from Robert and Margaret Lutz.

Agnes T. Avellino from Jim and Gingie Britton; Marilyn Kanezo; Frank and Mary Sawicki.

Antoinette Boyle from Tom Bielen.

Mary Jane Bradley from Tom and Bonnie Seaman; Janet and John Yastishak.

Elwood Brassington from Tom and Gayle Pivarnik.

Walter Britton from Joseph and Ann Miriello.

Rita Buckwash from Karen and Ben Gerrity.

Jerry Cohoon from Helene and Jim Boylan; Jim Darrup; Tom and Gayle Pivarnik; Frank and Mary Sawicki; Nancy A. Schu; Mount Carmel Joint Senior High School Class of 1955.

Veronica Corona from Joseph, Carol, Joe and Jim D'Amico; Jim Darrup; Ann and Dave Pizzoli.

Steve "Bado" Darrup from Jim Darrup; Leon and Mary Kay Polites; Frank and Mary Sawicki; Tim and Ellie Santemieri.

Ann Deptula from Valerie and Pete Pachuski.

Eugene Eckert from Tom and Gayle Pivarnik and family.

John Lawrence Garbo from Mount Carmel Joint High School Class of 1953.

Catherine Boylan Gilmore from Helene and Jim Boylan; Mary L. Hirsch; Mount Carmel Township High School Class of 1944.

Sandra M. Grabuski from Jim and Gingie Britton; Phil and Elaine Gergen; Jeff Kanezo; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Morgan; Valerie and Pete Pachuski; Melanie R. Wengrenovich; Richard Zinda; Mount Carmel Area High School Class of 1973.

Helen L. Hynoski from Raymond and Frances Frederick.

Gary Kehler from Dolores Honecker.

Lance Klimovich from Rick and Gloria Catino.

John Lawrence from Jerry and Ester Fegley.

James and Adele McHugh from Mary Scandle.

Josephine (Shepley) Melbaum from Arlene Lubinski; Leon and Mary Kay Polites; Mount Carmel Area High School Class of 1959.

James Menapace from Dolores Honecker.

Irene T. Mirarchi from Irene Casari; Ted and Jackie Matlow; Tom and Judy Matukaitis; Melanie R. Wengrenovich.

I. Anthony Musso from Tom and Gayle Pivarnik and family.

Winona V. Owens from Tom and Gayle Pivarnik and family.

Peter P. Partos from Mt Carmel Disabled Veterans Chapter No. 129.

Eugene P. Picarella from Ted and Jackie Matlow.

Bonnie Retallack from Pam and Joe Begis and family.

Robert Russin from Dolores Honecker.

Agnes Sadusky from Ed and Janice Smith Dudginski; Skinner family.

Lawrence P. Sassani from Jerry and Rita Criniti.

Karl L. Schu from Nancy.

Peter Smelter from Pam and Joe Begis and family.

Dominick Stello from Dolores Honecker.

Dorothy Swatski from John and Mary Mazurkevich; Ted and Jackie Matlow.

Julia Tomol from Arlene Lubinski; Frank and Mary Sawicki.

Regina P. Yeich from Margie Nolan Cowles; Ted Dallas; Connie deGracco; Maria Hegedus; Nancy Kranz; Deborah and Edward Martin; Lisa Miller; Joseph and Ann Miriello; Edmund Skonecki; Steve and Sherry Suroviec; Karen Vogelsong; Sellers Dorsey and Assoc. LLC.

John Zamboni from Debbie Reichard; Kevin and Mary Lou Richardson and daughter.

SUNBURY - Citing the cost involved in constructing a new county jail in Coal Township, Northumberland County Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi now favors erecting a new county lockup, pre-release center - and courthouse - at a 20-acre site in Sunbury.

On Wednesday, Clausi proposed building the three structures, which he estimates could be done for approximately $25 million, at the former Celotex property, a 20-acre lot along Front Street owned by Moran Industries Inc., if the county is successful in negotiating a reasonable price. John D. Moran Jr. is president and chief executive officer of Watsontown-based Moran Industries.

The county prison, built in 1876, was extensively damaged by fire Jan. 14. Since that time, male inmates have been housed at SCI-Coal Township and Snyder County Prison, while female prisoners have been incarcerated at SCI-Muncy.

Clausi, who has been in the construction business for many years, estimated it would cost $18 million for a new prison, $2.5 million for a one-story courthouse containing three courtrooms and all of its present offices, including sheriff, prothonotary and register and recorder, $1 million for a pre-release center and $4 million for infrastructure.

He said building a prison and related facilities on 10 acres of Aqua Pa. property near SCI-Coal Township east of Tharptown or near Northwestern Academy in Coal Township would be cost prohibitive and unfeasible.

"I believe Moran Industries is the best option," he said. "I move that we start negotiations as soon as possible so we can go forward with the prison project."

Asked about the need for a new courthouse, Clausi said he was recently informed by an engineer that it would cost between $200,000 and $250,000 to properly make structural repairs to a first-floor hallway in the historic structure. Clausi said the hallway contains cracks and is sunken in certain areas.

Commissioner Richard Shoch, who also favors keeping the prison in Sunbury, which is the county seat, was pleased Clausi changed his mind about the location of a new prison.

"It's a viable option and I think we should talk with Mr. Moran," Shoch said. "We also need to determine the size of the facility."

Shoch, however, is cautious about pursuing a new courthouse and wasn't aware of any significant needed repairs until Clausi mentioned the issue.

"It's going to take a lot to convince me that we need a new courthouse," Shoch said after the meeting. "That will be a tough nut to crack on top of the expenses needed for a new prison."

Commissioner Stephen Bridy supports Clausi's proposal, but if the prison stays in the city, then Sunbury police should investigate crimes at the prison, Bridy said. The commissioner said he wants a written agreement in place with Sunbury police before he would approve building a prison in the city.

Prior to the fire, prison employees were paying approximately $40,000 a year in earned income tax to Sunbury, according to Bridy.

There have been issues in the past involving Sunbury police refusing to investigate prison incidents, and the county has assigned a detective to probe such incidents.

Part of the Moran Industries' lot, which is in use now as a transfer station by a railroad company, extends over the city line into Upper Augusta Township.

Clausi said he met a few weeks ago with Gov. Tom Wolf to discuss the prison project, but said he couldn't release any information at this time. The commissioner said he plans to meet with the governor again in about a month.

Clausi added, "I've been a county commissioner for more than seven years and I always did what's best for the taxpayers and put my heart in the right place in making decisions. This is how I feel about the prison situation. History will determine if I did right or wrong."

Soup, baked goods, rummage sale

MOUNT CARMEL - Divine Redeemer Parish will sponsor a soup, baked goods and rummage sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in Divine Mercy Hall, 400 block of West Cherry Street.

Homemade ham and bean, beef vegetable, potato, and wedding soups will be sold by the quart. Assorted homemade baked goods, beef barbeque sandwiches and refreshments will also be available. The rummage sale will feature an assortment of items.

All proceeds benefit Divine Redeemer's Mother Maria Kaupas Center.

Daffodil orders due Friday

SHAMOKIN - For years, the American Cancer Society (ACS) sponsored a March sale of daffodils, the flower of hope. That tradition continues as a project of the 36th annual ACS Telethon.

Daffodil orders are due Friday. Order at www.cancertelethon.org/daffodils or call 570-805-4555.

The telethon airs April 11 and 12 from Penn's Peak on both Service Electric and Blue Ridge cable services.

Conservatives to host author

LEWISBURG - Susquehanna Valley Conservatives will host John Rizzo, author of "Company Man: Thirty Years of Controversy and Crisis in the CIA," at a meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the Best Western Country Cupboard Inn, Route 15 north of Lewisburg. The conference room is on the building's west side.

Rizzo was the CIA's top lawyer during the post-9/11 era. The discussion will include topics such as waterboarding and the decision to hold terrorists at Guantanamo Bay.

SHAMOKIN - The collection of delinquent fines and court costs is up more than 50 percent through the first two months of 2015 compared to last year.

Collections totaled $360,719.45 in January and February, up $125,966.29. About $10,000 a day was paid in the last two weeks of last month, according to Justin Dunkelberger, prothonotary and clerk of courts.

The goal is to top $2 million in collections this year. More than $1.6 million was collected in 2014.

Dunkelberger has kept the matter in the spotlight, but says chief adult probation officer Jim Cortelyou and Sheriff Robert Wolfe deserve the most credit for the collections, despite staff shortages and complications caused by the prison fire.

"They're really the nuts and bolts of the machine," Dunkelberger said.

President Judge William H. Wiest joins Dunkelberger, Cortelyou and Wolfe on the cost collections committee. Their respective staffs all play a role in the effort.

The focus has been solely on criminal delinquents. Nearly $23 million in unpaid court costs had mounted since 1965. There were 14,000-plus open cases where money was due. The largest single amount of money owed by one defendant is $194,000.

In July, county officials began a push to recoup as much as possible.

Probation officers and sheriff's deputies went door to door seeking payments. Public notice circulated urging offenders to pay up or establish payment plans. A private collections agency was contracted to concentrate on a specific subset of the total owed, about $4.8 million, between 1970 and 2000.

But Credit Management Co. hasn't yet been able to collect. Dunkelberger said a computer glitch the past two months has prevented access to some 3,800 dockets the company will address. Once the glitch is fixed, he expects delinquent payments to rise further.

Current staffing can't allow for collections of outstanding costs concerning the county's civil docket, Dunkelberger said. He's hopeful enough revenue can be generated to create three positions - one each in the prothonotary's, sheriff's and probation offices - to address collections full time.

Delinquent money owed in civil cases hasn't been calculated. Dunkelberger expects it's a fraction of the criminal cases, but still likely in the millions.

A comprehensive list of all delinquents wanted on bench warrants is available on the main page of Northumberland County's website at www.northumberlandco.org.

SUNBURY - A 15-year-old boy charged with attempted homicide after police said he shot at a relative with an AK-47 semiautomatic assault rifle will remain in a juvenile detention facility due to an upcoming hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Judge William H. Wiest ordered Gage Hertzog to remain in Northwestern Academy despite defense attorney Kathleen Lincoln's arguments that he should return to the home of his parents, David and Carol Hertzog, of Atlas.

"He does not pose a risk to the community," Lincoln said. "He has a clean record."

Hertzog was 14 years old on Dec. 9 when police said he and his grandmother, Carol Whary, shot at Whary's stepson and neighbor, Dean Whary. His 15th birthday is today.

Police said Hertzog fired an AK-47 semiautomatic assault rifle from the hip at Dean Whary behind his home at 465 Trevorton Road, Zerbe Township, while his grandmother shot at Dean Whary with a .38 caliber pistol. He faces charges in juvenile court that include felony attempted homicide.

"I don't think he understands the seriousness of the charges," Trooper Kevin Kearney testified. Kearney is handling the investigation for state police.

At a hearing Dec. 12, Assistant District Attorney Julia Skinner opposed another request to have Hertzog live with his parents due to the seriousness of the charges and the unknown living conditions at their home. At the time, Hertzog was ordered by Judge Charles Saylor to remain in juvenile detention.

Lincoln argued that the Hertzog home is clean and safe. Brittany Duke, an intake worker with Children and Youth Services, testified that she visited the home on several occasions and found it to be clean and suitable for the boy to live in.

All guns were removed from the house, David Hertzog testified, so Gage Hertzog would not have access to them.

Carol Hertzog, Carol Whary's daughter, testified her son would not be in contact with his grandmother, who is free on bail while she awaits a trial on similar charges. She described the contact with her mother as "slim," but when pressed by Skinner, she said she speaks to her once a week because she needs to borrow her car to get groceries.

The family's car, Carol Hertzog said, needs repairs but is expected to be fixed next week.

Skinner also questioned Carol Hertzog on a decision to allow Gage Hertzog to withdraw from class at Mount Carmel Area School District and enroll in cyber school so he could spend more time at his grandmother's house.

"He was just out visiting because of her mental illness," said Carol Hertzog, describing the visits as two to three days long.

Skinner pressed Carol Hertzog on why she permitted Gage Hertzog to stay in a home that police said had deplorable, unlivable conditions. Carol Hertzog said she had not seen the conditions of her mother's home until recently, after the shooting incident.

Kearney said the upstairs of Carol Whary's home was inaccessible and the two had been sleeping on couches in the living room.

At the Hertzog residence, Gage Hertzog would have had his own bedroom, both of his parents said.

When Wiest announced his decision to keep Gage Hertzog in custody due in part to the short time period until Tuesday's hearing, the Hertzogs and their son all wept.

SUNBURY - Commissioners will consider seeking another location for Northumberland County's public safety department and 911 center if renovations aren't made to the current facility at Greenough Street and Champ Avenue in the city.

During Wednesday's meeting, Commissioners Stephen Bridy and Vinny Clausi complained about a lease agreement the county has with George Amerman and the conditions of his building, which has housed the countywide 911 center on the second floor since its establishment in 1995. The property also contains offices and a work activity center operated by Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit on the first floor, and Amerman and Co., CPAs, and Evenlink LLC, an Internet service provider, on the second floor.

Bridy and Clausi claim the building needs extensive renovations and threatened to break the lease if repairs aren't made. Bridy recommended purchasing the Armory building off Mile Hill Road just outside the city for approximately $400,000 if an agreement can't be reached with Amerman. The Armory building, which is currently vacant, is owned by the state, Bridy said.

"If we purchase the Armory, we'll break even in five years and we will own the building," Bridy said.

According to Controller Chris Grayson, the county pays $5,630.79 per month or $67,569.48 yearly to lease the space for the 911 center and public safety department.

Bridy said the 10-year lease agreement with Amerman, which expires March 31, requires the county to make modifications six months in advance of the expiration date or the lease is automatically renewed for five years.

Commissioner Richard Shoch said it was premature for the county to consider breaking the lease and seeking a new location before discussing the issue with Amerman.

Contacted later Wednesday, Amerman said he is willing to meet with the commissioners to discuss the lease agreement. The semi-retired certified public accountant confirmed the lease stipulates that the county must make any modifications six months in advance of its expiration date.

The property owner said neither the commissioners nor county employees who work at the building have expressed concerns to him about its condition and that he considers the cost of the lease to be fair.

"I've received no demands about painting or cleaning the building," he said.

Amerman said the county's lease covers approximately 8,000 square feet of office space, a storage area, communications equipment on the roof and off-street parking.

Amerman, who has solely owned the building since the early 1990s, said the county is in its second 10-year lease, which either party can elect not to renew.

Bridy said the commissioners are continuing negotiations to purchase the three buildings and parking area at the Human Services complex on North Second Street from Penn Seiple of MLC Properties LLC. He said the county will save approximately $240,000 a year by owning the complex instead of leasing it.

Grayson said the county pays $773,494 a year to rent the complex.

The commissioners authorized the tax claims bureau to conduct a private sale of properties at 719 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, and Commerce and Shamokin streets, Shamokin.

Howard Taylor, of Shamokin, was appointed to a five-year term on the Northumberland County Planning Commission.

MOUNT CARMEL - Divine Redeemer Church, in partnership with the University of Notre Dame, will host a program Sundaythat promotes development of a more positive culture for youth sports.

"Play Like a Champion, Character Education Through Sports," is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. at Divine Mercy Hall, 400 block of West Cherry Street. Designed for sports leaders, including coaches, parents and administrators, the program features a workshop by Lynn Kachmarik, University of Notre Dame Play Like a Champion director of national outreach.

The program challenges the "must win mentality." Play Like a Champion is a national initiative to support schools and sports organizations in efforts to make sports more fun, safe and developmentally enriching.

Drawing on the expertise of members of the Notre Dame coaching staff and the research of psychologists, Play Like a Champion's goal is to improve the culture of sports through a commitment to nurturing children's personal and spiritual development while also encouraging athletic excellence.

Cost of the workshop is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Pre-registration is required by Friday. Contact the parish office at 570-339-3450 with questions or to register.

MOUNT CARMEL - A borough man accused of indecent assault involving a 12-year-old girl waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday and was denied a request to reduce his bail.

The attorney for Jonathan M. Mazak, 32, of 29 S. Spruce St., asked Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones to place his client on either unsecured or supervised bail. Timothy Reitz, of the Malee Law Firm, Williamsport, noted Mazak's record of court appearances when he faced charges of rape in 2012.

"He was acquitted of those charges in 2014, your honor, but there were no problems with my client during that time," Reitz said. "He has not been in the judicial system since that allegation and didn't even know that there were any (current) problems until someone called and told him that a constable was outside his house."

Reitz noted how Mazak voluntarily complied with instructions to appear at Jones' office Feb. 25 to face the current charges without benefit of counsel, who was in court in another county.

"Mr. Mazak needs to work (to have money) to defend himself against these accusations, and also has two sons and a girlfriend to support," Reitz said. "The last time he was given supervised bail, and he made every proceeding."

'I think not'

But Assistant District Attorney William Cole also used Mazak's past in arguing against a bail reduction.

"There are three prior incidents on Mr. Mazak's record and bail was set to protect the community," he said. "This time, it's a sexual assault case involving a 12-year-old girl. We set bail to protect the victims."

Reitz countered that the victim, now 14 and living with her father, has not been in Mazak's custody since 2012, and there have been no incidents or contact with the girl since then.

"When I say protection, I'm referring to society at large, your honor," Cole retorted.

Jones agreed with Cole and kept in place the $50,000 cash bail. Reitz then sought percentage bail, requiring a $5,000 payment.

"I think not," Jones answered.

Two minutes later, Mazak was back in the holding area at Jones's office, awaiting transport back to Snyder County Prison.

Felony charge

He faces a felony charge of false imprisonment of a minor and misdemeanors of indecent assault, indecent exposure, endangering the welfare of a child and corruption of minors relating to incidents dating to the summer of 2012 at his home.

According to court documents filed by borough police officer Jason Drumheller, the victim, who was residing with Mazak at the time, told him that on several occasions, Mazak made her touch his genitals and that he would periodically lock her and her sister in their bedroom from the outside.

While executing a search warrant at Mazak's home, Drumheller said he discovered multiple bedroom doors that had previously appeared to contain sliding latching locks on the outside.

Mazak was found not guilty of rape and related offenses in April after being charged by Drumheller with raping a 22-year-old Marion Heights woman in April 2012.

SHAMOKIN - Maintenance troubles at the Mill Road Square building has the city administrator at wit's end.

Robert M. Slaby expressed frustration Wednesday about sending city employees to work at the building which is owned by a separate entity - the Shamokin Redevelopment Authority.

A shared hallway has flooded as a misplaced pile of snow melts. It's also strewn with cigarette butts and litter, Slaby said during a council workshop session. Exterior lights aren't working, and a heating issue has left at least one tenant's customers waiting in a cold lobby. Whenever there's a maintenance issue, Slaby said it ultimately falls on the city.

City council assumed operational control of the building years ago, paying some bills and essentially writing rent checks to itself for space for the police and street departments. The authority isn't generating any revenue to pay for city employees' work at the building, Slaby said.

"It should be privatized. The city street department and police department shouldn't be there anyway," said Mayor William D. Milbrand, who noted that the spot on North Franklin Street is one of few available in Shamokin for manufacturing.

"We should find someone to take over the mortgage," he said.

Since the city is enrolled in Act 47, Milbrand said Shamokin's financial recovery team sponsored by the state Department of Community and Economic Development will be asked for advice. Ideally, he said consultants would meet with current members of the redevelopment authority to review its current obligations and potential grant funding opportunities.

Councilman Charles Verano, a former redevelopment authority member, blamed past administrations for the problems at Mill Road Square. He said City Hall had once wrested all control of the building from the authority board.

"It's a money pit," Verano said.

There are three members currently appointed to the five-member board. Appointments to the board belong to the mayor. Milbrand said he's seeking the right candidates, and doesn't want to fill the vacancies haphazardly.

Crime Watch

The Shamokin Crime Watch will be fully operational in spring or early summer, with members patrolling neighborhoods, according to Patrolman Ray Siko II. Members will soon undergo training for first aid and disaster preparedness, he said.

Between 20 and 30 citizens are actively involved in the crime watch group, with Siko as its police department representative. Most have volunteered to take a course through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, at no charge, to train for emergencies like fires, flooding and power outages. For example, they could operate an emergency shelter when needed, allowing firefighters to directly deal with the emergency situation. Some also will be trained in CPR, paid for by Siko's brother, Matthew, a paramedic.

City council was asked to hang Shamokin Crime Watch signs at the city's entrances, paid for by the group. Council also was asked to formally approve group members to take the training course, as requested by PEMA. Both matters will be handled during Monday's regular monthly meeting.

Blight demo

Rick Bozza, code enforcement officer, suggested that council vote to demolish two buildings in the 700 block of North Shamokin Street using state grant money.

An estimated $10,000 in city funds would be needed, Bozza said, and all of it would be reimbursed through the state's Keystone Communities Grant program.

The blighted building's at issue are 701-703 and 717-719 N. Shamokin St. The two northernmost properties on that block, both under different ownership, would be targeted for private demolition by the current owners, Bozza said.

SUNBURY - Eleven part-time employees who were laid off following the Jan. 14 county prison fire will return to work in a new location.

Northumberland County Prison Warden Bruce Kovach announced at Wednesday's prison board meeting that the county received approval Tuesday for part-time employees to work at SCI-Coal Township.

The county has been housing male prisoners at SCI-Coal Township since the devastating fire. Female prisoners are being housed at SCI-Muncy.

Bringing the part-time employees back will help eliminate overtime, said Kovach.

Since the fire, prison employees have also been temporarily assigned to other duties, such as transporting prisoners to hearings.

Two full-time employees and 20 part-timers were laid off Feb. 18. By re-employing 11 part-timers, the count of employees who have been laid off due to the fire is down to just two full-timers and nine part-timers.

Kovach said it was too soon to say if the county could bring back the remaining employees but he is "optimistic."

The relationship between SCI-Coal Township and the county has been excellent, said Kovach.

"The folks at Coal Township, I can't even describe how helpful they've been," he said.

He particularly appreciated working alongside Superintendent Vincent Mooney.

"He has really been very accommodating to us and helpful," said Kovach. "Our guys are treated very well up there."

The prison board also held an executive session during the meeting which lasted approximately 20 minutes. Board members did not specify the reason for the meeting.

Wisconsin grad

MADISON, Wis. - Ad Byerly, of Shamokin, graduated Dec. 21 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a master's degree of science-geoscience.

Commencement was held at the Kohl Center, with 1,365 graduating students participating.

SUNBURY - Sunbury Mayor David Persing and Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest are glad county commissioners want to build a new prison in Sunbury, but would rather see the historic courthouse repaired than relocated.

The county prison, which was built in 1876, was ravaged by fire Jan. 14, and commissioners don't consider rebuilding at the current site a viable option.

At Wednesday's commissioners' meeting, Chairman Vinny Clausi recommended building a new prison, pre-release center and courthouse for approximately $25 million at the former Celotex plant along Front Street owned by Moran Industries Inc.

"I don't know all the details yet about the county's plan, but I'm very happy that they are keeping the prison in the city," Persing said Thursday night. "We have talked for years with Mr. (John) Moran about developing that site, and I think this is a great opportunity for the city to work with county officials in doing just that."

Persing doesn't believe relocating the prison six or seven blocks from its current site will hurt downtown businesses.

He said the city would like to relocate its police department on Market Street and believes the former Celotex plant would be an ideal spot if an agreement can be reached with all parties.

"We support the county's plan for the prison and pre-release center and there would be room left over at the site for future development," the mayor said. "City and county officials need to get together and discuss the short-term and long-term plans for the site. This is an opportunity to make county and city government more efficient and allow us to work together for the benefit of all people."

$5 million in repairs

Persing, who is a history buff, would like to see the courthouse remain at 201 Market St. in the downtown district.

"I think the former Celotex site is an ideal location for a new prison," Wiest said. "I really like that idea because the prison needs to be close to the courthouse."

Wiest admitted the courthouse needs extensive repairs that may cost approximately $5 million. But he would rather see the repairs done than construct a new courthouse so its "history" and "architectural beauty" can be preserved.

The three-story courthouse, which was built in the 1860s, has approximately 44,000 square feet of usable space, according to county engineer Chuck Hopta. An addition was put on the courthouse in 1916, Wiest said.

The judge, who is a historian, said the structure contains cracks in the walls, walkways and wooden beams and sorely needs new windows and paint. The basement also is prone to flooding.

If the county would construct a new courthouse and sell or donate the current building to the city or Northumberland County Historical Society, Wiest doesn't believe the new owner would be able to afford maintaining the structure.

Meghan Beck, president of Sunbury Revitalization Inc. and owner of the Hotel Edison in downtown Sunbury, reserved comment Thursday about the proposal for a new prison, courthouse and pre-release center.

Clausi, who has been in the construction business for many years, estimates it will cost $18 million for a new prison, $2.5 million for a one-story courthouse containing three courtrooms and all of its present offices, including sheriff, prothonotary and register and recorder, $1 million for a pre-release center and $4 million for infrastructure.

One complex

Clausi said Thursday he's optimistic that negotiations with officials at Moran Industries and the majority of the research and design plans for a new prison, courthouse and pre-release center can be completed in 90 days and voted on shortly after by the commissioners.

The commissioner believes the challenging project could be completed within 18 months of being approved. He hopes the current administration can sign a contract for the work that would be finalized under a future board of commissioners.

Clausi estimated that the prison, courthouse, pre-release center and parking area would only take up approximately 10 acres of the 19.5-acre site at Moran Industries. He said the remaining acreage could be used for future development, including relocating the county administration office on Fifth Street near Shikellamy High School, and selling the current building to Shikellamy School District.

"My idea is to have one complex for county government that we own," Clausi said.

The commissioner said he wouldn't consider relocating the Human Services complex on North Second Street because the county is getting close to owning the site under a lease-to-own agreement with Penn Seiple of MLC Properties LLC.

'Just a working facility'

Clausi, who doesn't plan to seek re-election to a third, four-year term, said a feasibility study should be completed by the time a vote is taken to approve or reject his proposal. But the commissioner claimed he doesn't need the results of the study to convince him how to proceed.

"I don't need a feasibility study," Clausi said. "I have a business brain, not a lawyer's brain. I'm not playing any more games. I want to do what's right and move forward because it will only cost the taxpayers more money in the future if we don't act soon."

Clausi said the county needs to secure a $25 million loan for the project and restructure old debt with new debt. He recommended raising taxes by two mills, which would generate approximately $1.4 million and result in an average $50 tax increase for citizens.

The commissioner said he reached out to officials at Moran Industries about purchasing their property.

"During our first negotiations, they wanted $3 million for the property," he said. "The next time we met, it was $2 million. We are still negotiating a price."

"We aren't looking for a Taj Mahal, just a working facility," Clausi said.

Clausi doesn't believe constructing all three buildings at the former Celotex plant would adversely affect downtown businesses since they would still be close by.

'Viable option'

Commissioner Richard Shoch, who also favors keeping the prison in Sunbury, which is the county seat, was pleased Clausi changed his mind about the location of a new prison.

"It's a viable option and I think we should talk with Mr. Moran," Shoch previously said.

Shoch, however, is cautious about pursuing a new courthouse and wasn't aware of any significant needed repairs until Clausi mentioned the issue.

Commissioner Stephen Bridy supports Clausi's proposal, but if the prison stays in the city, then Sunbury police should investigate crimes at the prison, Bridy said. The commissioner said he wants a written agreement in place with Sunbury police before he would approve building a prison in the city.

Prior to the fire, prison employees were paying approximately $40,000 a year in earned income tax to Sunbury, according to Bridy.

There have been issues in the past involving Sunbury police refusing to investigate prison incidents, and the county has assigned a detective to probe such incidents.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Shamokin Area High School students are giving computer lessons from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Call 570-644-0772 to sign up.

Monday - Poker game, 8:30 a.m., new players welcome; world news, noon; unlucky 7s, noon, new players welcome.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m.; computer lessons, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; Boscov's shopping, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; Herndon vo-tech luncheon for those who signed up, transportation available; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; St. Patrick's Day luncheon, 11 a.m. for those who signed up, $7; Tara Venna of Family Medical speaking on health screening for men, noon, with nickel bingo to follow.

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

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Board games and bagels, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Trip to Fair Lane Village Mall, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; CSFP commodity food boxes, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.; unlucky 7s and pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning news and coffee, 9 a.m.; board games, 9:30 a.m.; vo-tech luncheon at Herndon, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; nickel bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Plant a flower day. Making flowers for nursing home, 10 a.m.; horse shoe competition, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; unlucky 7s and pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Rep. Kurt Masser visiting, noon to 1 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Coffee and gab in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 11 a.m; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Coffee, music and hand held games in the morning; commodity food box pickup, call center before coming to make sure boxes have arrived; VNA blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., must fast to have blood sugar taken; Wii bowling, noon; cards, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise and music in the morning; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; vo-tech luncheon at Herndon Senior Action Center, $6, must be signed up, free transportation; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Handheld games and puzzles in the morning; bingo, 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; hoagie party, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Coffee and gab in the morning; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; Jennifer from VNA speaking on patient's rights, noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia- Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and current events, 9 a.m.; center, right, left game, 10:30 a.m.; puzzle, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and cookies free clinic, 9 a.m.; chair exercise with Carol, 10:30 a.m.; reminisce on the good old days, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Coffee and snacks, 9 a.m.; pinochle, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Food pantry and food bank boxes, 9 a.m.; superstitions about Friday the 13th, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Fun Friday! Open activities.

Elysburg

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

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon.; luncheon at the Herndon Senior Action Center, $6, call to sign up.

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

Trevorton

Monday - Wii bowling, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.; last day to order soup and sandwich for Wednesday, March 18; last day to order soups from the culinary class for Wednesday, March 25.

Tuesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; shopping at Weis Markets, noon to 1 p.m.; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; culinary luncheon at Herndon Senior Action Center, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; St. Patrick's Day party, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; Hannah's Restaurant, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; evening card party, 7 p.m.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The monthly meeting of the Coal Township Board of Commissioners was postponed Thursday night due to a lack of a quorum. The meeting has been tentatively rescheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19.

SHAMOKIN - The 10th anniversary of the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts is shaping up to be one of the best ever, said Jeanne Shaffer, executive director of the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities (NCCAH).

While many of the yearly favorite attractions will return - roving entertainment, artistic vendors, trolley, carriage and train rides and food - some new activities are planned, too.

In connection with the festival's theme, "It's Electric," a second trolley tour has been added, this one visiting sites related to Thomas Edison's work in Shamokin.

It will include stops at the former St. Edward's Church, the first church in the world to be lighted by electricity, which has been featured during past festivals, but other sites as well.

Also, the festival stage will move one block south this year to the intersection of Market and Chestnut streets, between First National Bank and the former Grammy's Place.

"I think it makes everything more centralized in the festival," Shaffer said. "Putting the stage there will give more visibility to the performers and allow the public to sit at the tables (located in that area) and enjoy their lunch while listening."

New on stage will be a talent showcase, open to all residents of Northumberland County, from noon to 2 p.m. Auditions will be held in April at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center auditorium for performances from noon to 2 p.m. on the festival stage.

There will be stage time for those karaoke fans in the crowd who want the chance to belt out a few tunes at the festival.

"We also have crowd favorites like the roving magician, the butterfly exhibit and the bug man coming back, and this year, we will have a wire artist demonstrating his sculpting skills," Shaffer said. "It's shaping up to be a great festival for our 10th anniversary."

Pierogies for sale at church

COAL TOWNSHIP - Potato and cheese pierogies made by Our Lady of Hope Church are on sale now at the Shamokin-Coal Township Senior Action Center, 821 W. Chestnut St.

The pierogies are $8 per dozen.

Soup sale set for Saturday

COAL TOWNSHIP - A soup sale advertised for St. John's UMC was incorrectly submitted as being planned for Sunday. The sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Price is $6 per quart for split pea and ham, ham and bean, chicken noodle, vegetable beef, wedding, haluski, beef noodle and chili. To order, call Barb 570-648-7283 or Donna 570-286-6677.

Hometown Heroes banner project

SHAMOKIN - Anyone wishing to rehang a previously made banner as part of the Citizens for a Better Community Hometown Heroes project can send a check or money order for $50 to CBC, 1004 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin 17872. Please include the veteran's name on the banner.

PSP targets illegal weapons, drugs

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania State Police will participate in a combined enforcement effort with state police agencies from five other states to target illegal narcotics and illegal weapons.

Known as the 6-State Trooper Project, the initiative begins today and lasts through Saturday, according to a press release. Other participating agencies are from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Michigan.

The Pennsylvania State Police seized more than $107 million in illegal drugs last year, nearly double the amount seized in 2013.

The project is a multi-state law enforcement partnership aimed at providing combined and coordinated law enforcement efforts in the areas of highway safety, criminal patrol and intelligence sharing.

SUNBURY - The following candfidates in the May 19 primary election filed nomination petitions with the Northumberland County Board of Elections:

- Zachary Kahler, Upper Mahanoy Township supervisor, Democrat.

- Jonathan Kahler, Upper Mahanoy Township supervisor, Republican, two-year term

- Amy Snyder, Ralpho Township tax collector, Democrat.

- Vincent Daubert, Ralpho Township supervisor, Democrat.

- John Brown, Shamokin City Council, Republican.

- Scott Beagle, Rush Township supervisor, Republican.

- Kevin Gilroy, Northumberland County treasurer, Republican.