Dec. 3 - A son, Elijah Mckay, to Alicia and Shane McKay Brosious, of Coal Township.

Dec. 4 - A son, Ayden Daniel, to Brandon and Ashley Newmeister, of Shamokin.

Dec. 5 - A daughter, Tristen Elizabeth, to Matthew and Rachel Katinsky, of Mount Carmel; a son, Gabriel Francis, to Zachary and Jennifer Hopple, of Shamokin; a son, Barrett Cole, to Jamie and Nicole Voeckler, of Stuarts Draft, Va.

Dec. 7 - A son, Justin Matthew Fetterolf, to Corey Fetterolf and Amanda Canavan, of Ashland.

Dec. 9 - A son, David Alexander, to Chris and Sherri Halcovich, of Middletown.

Dec. 11 - A daughter, Khloie Amanda Mutschler, to Alan Mutschler and Ashley Hendricks, of Shamokin.

Dec. 13 - A daughter, Willow Rose, to Glenn H. and Amy L. Osman, of Trevorton.

Dec. 14 - A daughter, Kierwyn Cathryn Miller, of Scott Allen and Ashley Lynn Miller, of Coal Township.

Dec. 18 - A son, Joshua Grayson Lazorcik, to Jason Lazorick and Jessica Sitko, of Alexandra, Va.; a daughter, Eliana Rose, to Alan and Chelsea Turner, of Coal Township.

Dec. 19 - A daughter, Kylie Ann, to Michael and Angela Willow, of Northumberland.

Dec. 20 - A daughter, Sarah Noel, to Kurtis and Jodie Kerstetter, of Montandon; a son, Xavier Braxton Rodriguez, to Benjamin L. Rodriguez and Randi L. Fisher, of Coal Township; a son, Barrett Warren Brubaker, to Benjie Warren Brubaker and Oceanna Sara Gustafson, of Danville; a son, James Adam, to John and Niki Hollenbach, of Shamokin.

Dec. 21 - A daughter, Grace Elizabeth Hart, to Jacque Morton and Shane Hart, of Sunbury RD 4.

Dec. 31 - A son, William Lee, to Laramy and Kimberly Britton, of Mount Carmel.

May 1 - Robert A. Snyder, 32, of Berwick; James V. Varano, 87, formerly of Shamokin; Lucille L. Krewson, 64, of Mount Carmel; Billy E. George, 89, of Elysburg.

May 2 - Marie A. Gibson, 64, of Shamokin; Charles W. Bradley, 93, of Shamokin; Jeanne Pitorak, 88, of Shamokin; Eleanor Furca, 90, of Coal Township; Elwood "Al" Shively, 95, of Fremont, Ohio.

May 3 - Marie M. Tanney, 90, of Mount Carmel; Thomas R. Scully Sr., 55, of Locustdale; Lillian V. (Jeanie) Cress, 77, of Mount Carmel.

May 4 - Peter J. Kijewski, 86, of Aristes; Anna Marie T. Wentzel, 86, of Ashland; Nedra L. Frederick, 86, of Honey Brook; Connie M. Demsko, 79, of Bayfield, Colo.

May 6 - John R. "Red" Thompson, 73, of Elysburg; James H. Kline, 79, of Shamokin; Eileen C. Janaskie, 83, of Shamokin.

May 7 - Frank J. Mirarchi, 85, of Coal Township.

May 8 - Theodore R. Kurasavage, 62, of Marion Heights; Helen R. Minnich, 82, of Pottstown; Julia J. Currey, 83, of Albrightsville; Anthony M. "Tony" Bosco, 60, of Pottsville; Eleanor M. Petrosky, 85, of New Jersey.

May 9 - August Joseph "Augie" Pavis III, 76, of Exton; Rose Wasilewski, 88, of Elysburg.

May 10 - Kevin Holmes, 17, of Ashland; Stephen J. Tloczynski, 93, of Bloomsburg; Margaret L. "Peg" Schneider, 88, of Shamokin.

May 11 - Kathleen C. Kenny, 87, of Ashland; Cheryl Ann Sincavage, 67, of Elysburg; Bonnie A. Fowlkes, 53, of Kulpmont.

May 12 - Albert L. "Midnite" Bogetti, 88, of Shamokin; Kenneth Harry Chaundy, 75, of Mifflinburg; Charles Wargo, 68, of Mount Carmel; Ruth M. (Adams) Paul, 91, of Trexlertown; Jill M. (May) Swank, 51, of Shamokin; Dolores L. "Dee" Kaminsky, 65, of Lancaster.

May 13 - Corinne R. Cove, 85, of Danville.

May 14 - Ethel M. Rodgers, of Mount Carmel; Gladys May Bastress, 94, of Mount Joy; Frederick N. "Fred" Shattuck, 67, of Coal Township; Leona E. (Murray) Kemper, 87, of Mechanicsburg; Ethel M. Rodgers, 90, formerly of Mount Carmel; Stanley (Covaleski) Covy, 87, of Livonia, Mich.

May 16 - Mary E. Strocko, 89, of Vineland, N.J.; Norbert P. Walsh, 83, of Ewing, N.J.

May 17 - Paul V. Stello, 88, of Shillington; Mary Lou Mooney, 82, formerly of Mount Carmel Estates.

May 18 - Mary Louise (Fry) Krepshaw, 92, of Elysburg; James T. Koznoskie, 74, of Harrisburg; Joseph G. Burak, 56, of Kulpmont.

May 19 - Angelina Berra, 86, of Trevorton; June Berdel Eister, 84, of Ashland; Mary T. Ryan, 78, of Coal Township.

May 20 - Jean M. Matthews, 46, of Frackville; Joan B. Puketza, 71, of Mount Carmel.

May 21 - Daniel T. Boylan, 63, of Locust Gap; Mary M. Durdock, 99, of Shamokin; Stanford G. Cook, 80, of State College.

May 22 - Theresa Mary Takach, 73, formerly of Marion Heights.

May 23 - Emma A. Burd, 88, of Coal Township; Alice Mary (Hess) Kirkpatrick, of Virginia Beach, Va.

May 24 - Caroline Ciocco, 96, of Atlas.

May 25 - William E. Yodzio, 71, of Shamokin.

May 26 - Jean I. Bergamo, 91, formerly of Atlas; Ida "Jean" Williard, 87, of Mount Carmel; Irene A. Forbes, 90, of Coal Township; Warren Leroy Smith, 88, of Racine, Wis.; Ruth I. Snyder, 75, of New Galilee.

May 27 - Robert T. "Bob" Delaney, 65, of Ranshaw; Thomas F. Sebastian Sr., 84, of Locust Gap; Prella Kramer, 86, of Helfenstein; Rev. Fr. Ronald R. Lausch, 62, of Annville; Vincent P. Boslego,. 95, of Norfolk, Va.

May 28 - Cornelius "Neal" R. Ferrari Sr., 80, of Levittown; Julia L. Stepanik, 82, of Sunbury; Martha A. Alexander, 64, of Gordon.

May 29 - Charles J. Wise, 77, formerly of Pine Grove.

May 30 - Robert F. Deroba, 70, of Coal Township.

May 31 - Mildred Kovack Michaels, 95, of Windsor, Conn.; Jacqueline Wilma Clark, 81, of Laureldale; Florence Dobson, 96, of Shamokin; Dorothy Alice Ebright Nahodil, 85, of Shamokin; Julius Muhlberg, 88, of Shamokin.

Jan. 3 - Northumberland County Commissioner Rick Shoch was elected board chairman after Democrat Vinny Clausi declined the original nomination. He said the top vote-getter in the election should be chair.

Jan. 6 - Jim King, former executive director of the Northumberland County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), reached a settlement that would pay him $131,000 in back pay. He accrued the salary during a time the IDA couldn't afford to pay him.

Jan. 6 - Citing flood damage and other factors, Shaw's Meat Market closed its doors during the holiday season after 30 years in Shamokin.

Jan. 7 - A severely injured pit bull puppy was found at the bottom of a hill in Coal Township. Owners Michael Wolfe, 21, and Angeline Coladonato, 19, were charged with animal cruelty.

Jan. 10 - To help offset a $1 million deficit, county commissioners announced a 1.95-mill property tax hike, the first in nine years, and the elimination of nine jobs.

Jan. 11 - Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority estimated $745,000 in infrastructure repairs from the Flood of 2011.

Jan. 12 - Matthew Persing, 41, of Paxinos, was killed in a one-vehicle crash along Route 61 in Paxinos, the area's first traffic fatality of 2012.

Jan. 13 - A family of four was left homeless by fire at their home along Colonial Avenue, Natalie. An accidental stove malfunction was blamed.

Jan. 16 - Sheena Picarella, 51, of Shamokin, was killed and another person injured in a one-vehicle crash, blamed on an icy road on Route 901 between Ranshaw and Excelsior.

Jan. 17 - A Sunbury couple were charged with child abuse after reports surfaced of a young boy suffering a broken leg after he was dangled upside down by his ankle and thrown onto a couch.

Jan. 18 - Tense moments were experienced in Mount Carmel when 17 large roman candle tubes, with explosives inside, but no fuses, were found on a borough street corner.

Jan. 20 - Cornell Devalle and his wife Diane Devalle, of Coal Township, were found guilty of distribution of crack cocaine when their case, after two previous attempts, finally went to trial.

Jan. 25 - In a move county District Attorney Tony Rosini said would "compromise public safety," the county salary board voted 4-1 to eliminate an assistant district attorney position.

Jan. 28 - It was announced Shamokin Area School District was in negotiations with Northwestern Academy to take over the academy's special education program, which would give any employees furloughed by the district first crack at jobs created by the takeover.

Jan. 29 - Mount Carmel resident Paul Ventilli, who is hearing impaired, escaped injury after smelling smoke coming from his burning home at 409 W. Olive St. shortly after 4 a.m.

Next flag ceremony Jan. 20

MOUNT CARMEL - The next Changing of Colors ceremony conducted by the Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at the flag pole of the Susquehanna Bank, Second and Oak streets.

The flag will be raised in memory and honor of Paul Jerome Saukaitis, who served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Area veterans and the public are invited.

City council meeting canceled

SHAMOKIN - The monthly meeting of Shamokin City Council scheduled for 7 o'clock tonight has been canceled due to lack of quorum. It is rescheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at City Hall.

MOUNT CARMEL - Family And Friends Concerned About the Abuse of Drugs (FFCAD) recently hosted Mount Carmel Chief of Police Todd Owens and Officer Matt Dillman on a presentation of "How to Detect a Meth Lab in Your Neighborhood."

Owens, who has been involved in a number of drug task force operations, showed a video on how smaller methamphetamine lab operators use the "shake-and-bake" method, and how they are susceptible to explosions when the chemicals come in contact with even a small amount of moisture.

He told how many household chemical are used to make meth, a highly addictive drug that stimulates the central nervous system. It can be made in a matter of 20 minutes using plastic bottles.

Owens said some mini-meth labs are portable, transported in the trunks of cars, and that the "shake-and-bake" process can be carried out in a parking lot.

Owens distributed before and after photographs of men and women who have used meth. One shocking photograph showed a beautiful woman in her 30s who, after 2 1/2 years of meth use looked as if she were in her 90s. Her face, her skin wrinkled and sagging, was marked with what looked like canker sores.

Meth use produces unpredictable, sudden violent behavior and hallucinations, and users suffer from paranoia and hallucinations.

What to look for

The officers provide a list of things to look for in detecting possible meth labs. They include:

- Odd chemical smell.

- Trash cans filled with coffee filters but unstained by coffee.

- Empty pseudenephrine packages.

- Empty battery packs.

- Red Devil lye containers.

Owens also said to take note if people are coming and going from a home at all hours and for brief visits.

He said meth-makers may not come out of their homes for days because they are using the drug and also are frantically caught up in their work of making meth. Because of their addiction they get little sleep, and when they become violent they can demonstrate super-human strength, he said.

The Rev. Frank Karwacki, founder of FFCAAD, asked how the contamination of homes with meth labs are handled. Owens indicated the huge cost of clean-up and the lingering affects if not cleaned thoroughly could result in respiratory problems, especially in infants and children.

Rose Marquardt said homes are to be screened for lead poisoning for children and asked Owens if there were any laws that informed the new owner of the home that it had a meth lab in it. Owens said there are no laws to that effect. The group felt there should be for the protection of infants and little children.

Deacon Martin McCarthy asked about the efficiency of the meth lab discovered in 2012 in Mount Carmel. Owens indicated it was highly efficient.

Owens told of new discoveries of bath salts coming in from Pakistan and China and how crystal meth "ice" is coming in from Mexico, which he compared to a version of terrorism that costs many lives in our country.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Our Lady of Victory No. 588 held its "Twelve Days After Christmas" party on the Epiphany, Jan. 6.

Celebrating the arrival of the magi marks the last of the 12 days of Christmas. The tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts traces its origin to these generous and worshipful kings and the Catholic Daughters participate in a gift exchange every year on this date.

The court plans to organize a junior court in 2013 and five future Catholic Daughters attended the party.

Two of these future daughters, Claudia and Eliana Seidel, made Christmas ornaments with a picture of each of the victims from the Sandy Hook tragedy. The Rev. Frank Karwacki, Chaplain, led a pray tribute to the victims. Mary Catherine Wydra, Regent, read the names of the adults that were killed and each of the future daughters participated in reading the names of the children. The Court embraced the twenty children from Sandy Hook as honorary Catholic Daughters and will especially remember them with prayer.

TREVORTON - The first two meetings to help students transition to the new building alignment in the Line Mountain School District next school year have been positive, according to elementary principal Jeanne Menko.

She said the meetings are helping to build a sense of unity while the district undergoes significant change.

"They (the meetings) are important because we are Line Mountain," she said Thursday. "The more we pre-plan, the better experience the children will have.

"I want them to be safe and secure in their buildings," she added. "I want parents to feel safe. I want us to be united."

Elementary schools in Leck Kill and Dalmatia will close at the end of the school year, and all students in grades kindergarten through fourth will be housed at Trevorton, where an addition will be constructed this spring and summer. Also as part of the $3.4 million plan, an addition will be built to the seventh- and eighth-grade wing at the junior/senior high school in Mandata, which will also then house all of the district's fifth- and sixth-grade students.

The purpose of the transition meetings - the first ones were Dec. 6 and Wednesday - is to allow the community to express concerns and brainstorm ideas that would help.

"There are so many aspects to look at. I don't want anything to be missed," Menko said.

At the December meeting, 10 parents and four teachers were present. On Wednesday night, there were 18 parents and two teachers. Both meetings were at the Trevorton building.

Additional transitional meetings will be held Feb. 7, March 6 and April 11 at the auditorium at Trevorton Elementary.

Movie nights

In addition to the meetings, Menko said the district is working on activities to ensure children become familiar with each other, "so they're not walking into a place they don't know and are not comfortable."

A plan is in place to have movie nights at the Trevorton Elementary auditorium targeted at different grade levels. On Feb. 8, kindergarten and first-grade students will be invited for the movie, followed by a relay race. On March 15, it will be movie night for second- and third-graders, who will do crafts afterward. And on April 4, fourth-grade students will do puzzles after their movie.

Also, on March 1 at Trevorton, there will be a Minute to Win It game for all elementary students.

Students at each grade level from Dalmatia and Leck Kill will visit Trevorton to meet their teachers, experience lunch at the cafeteria and tour the building. Activities will be held throughout the day for students to meet others in their grade.

And, Menko said, Field Day May 15 at the Trevorton Foundry/Recreation Area Complex will involve all district elementary students.

High school visit

Current fourth-grade students will be taken to the high school for a tour of the that campus in anticipation of their attendance there next school year.

Current fifth- and sixth-grade students have already been to the school for career day, an assembly and a pep rally, Menko said. On March 15, sixth-grade students will visit the technical education department to build a bird house, and fifth-grade students will do the same on March 26.

"Fifth and sixth don't have the 'getting-to-know' hurdle to pass, since they already know each other," Menko said, referencing that those grades are educated at the Trevorton building. "They're getting adjusted to a new physical location."

'Letting people talk'

Superintendent Dave Campbell and School Board Director David Scott Bartholomew attended Wednesday night's transition meeting.

Batholomew said Menko is doing a "wonderful job," and the transition should be easier with her guidance, he said.

Campbell said he loves the concept of the transition meetings, and complimented the staff and Menko for welcoming community's involvement.

"She's letting people talk, and that's a good way to get the information out there through parents," he said. "The more we open our building up to the community, the better we become."

Menko is pleased, too.

"The parents and the community want the best for their kids; they are willing to work together and share ideas, and I'm feeling positive about it," she said; "It's going to be a lot of work, but I think there are a lot of people who want to help with that work, and it will make it easier."

By Mark Gilger

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Brian Carnuccio not only provides security in Mount Carmel Area School District, but also serves as a counselor, educator and confidant to students in his role as school resource officer (SRO).

When he's not monitoring the hallways or cafeteria at the junior-senior high school, Carnuccio can be seen talking to students in his small office next to the Richard Beierschmitt Auditorium, conferring with district administrators about discipline and other issues, or providing security at school events. Of course, there's paperwork, too.

Having an SRO provides a piece of mind at a time when the nation is debating school security in the wake of the Dec. 14 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in Newtown, Conn. Carnuccio believes an SRO is the right approach for such difficult times.

"It's very sad in today's society that security is needed at all schools, but that's reality," he said during an interview at Mount Carmel Area Monday.

Carnuccio said he's more than a security guard, and believes the school doesn't have to arm its teachers or administrators.

"Security officers do a good job, but they aren't trained to handle certain incidents like police," he said, noting he is trained to handle "active-shooter" incidents and other emergencies involving lives being threatened.

As for arming educators, "They shouldn't need to take on that responsibility even if they get the proper training," said Carnuccio, who carries a handgun and other police equipment. "They are educators and administrators, not police officers."

Fortunately, the officer has never had to use his gun on school property while making criminal arrests or filing citations against students over the years.

Members of Mount Carmel Area School Board voted shortly after the Newtown incident to retain Carnuccio on a month-to-month basis despite the loss of state grant money to fund the position.

Students and staff seemed pleased with that decision.

Cost is split

Funding for an SRO the last three years came from the school district and a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, said Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush. In 2010, the commission paid 75 percent of the officer's salary, with the school district picking up the remaining 25 percent. In 2011, the officer's salary was split evenly between the district and commission. And in 2012, the district was responsible for paying 75 percent of the salary while the commission paid 25 percent.

With the grant expiring Dec. 31, just two weeks after Newtown, Hollenbush urged the board to find a way to continue funding the position. An agreement was reached in which the district will pay $23,543.73 from January to the beginning of June for the SRO, if he's retained for that entire time, while the township will pay $18,053.48 during the summer months toward Carnuccio's $41,600 salary.

Hollenbush said an SRO position initially was funded through a Cops in School grant in 1997. From 2000 to 2003, he said two township officers - one at the high school and one at the elementary school - were assigned to the district. Hollenbush, who was a corporal at the time, served as the district's SRO from 2003 to 2009.

Varied duties

Carnuccio, a 1999 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Luzerne County Community College before graduating from Lackawanna College Police Academy in Hazleton in 2003. He began his career with Kulpmont Police Department in 2003 and has served as a full-time officer with Mount Carmel Township for five years.

Serving as Mount Carmel Area's SRO since January 2009, Carnuccio works from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. He leaves the district campus only if he's summoned to assist with a police-related emergency.

"I have various duties as the SRO," Carnuccio said. "My day starts out by monitoring the halls and making sure the students are well behaved before the first class begins at 7:52 a.m." He then meets with Superintendent Bernie Stellar, high school principal and curriculum coordinator Lisa Varano and junior high school principal and athletic director Greg Sacavage to discuss security, disciplinary matters and other issues.

Carnuccio said he spends about 90 percent of his time at the high school because there are more issues to deal with at that level, but if he's requested by elementary school principal Susan Nestico for anything, he quickly responds. He monitors elementary school hallways on occasion and talks to students and teachers about any concerns.

Carnuccio also conducts educational classes at both the high school and elementary level dealing with the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse, seat belt safety, bullying and sexual harassment.

In addition to patrolling hallways before, during and after classes, Carnuccio monitors lunch periods in the high school cafeteria until shortly before 1 p.m. He then returns to his office to meet with students who are encountering problems or are seeking someone to talk with. He further monitors activity as school leaves out at 2:20 p.m.

"Students come to talk with me about anything," Carnuccio said. "They know I have an open-door policy. I enjoy being around kids."

He also coaches track and field, so he gets to know what problems students are having in and out of school.

"I try to build a trusting relationship with the students and most of the kids view me as a positive force in the school rather than thinking cops are bad guys," he said.

Presence 'invaluable'

Carnuccio believes his presence alone has helped the school from within, acting as a deterrent to bad behavior. Students and administrators seem to agree.

"I try to educate the students on the right way to conduct themselves," the officer said.

He believes the amount of incidents including fights, tobacco, drug and alcohol possession, bullying and sexual harassment has decreased since he became a full-time SRO.

"The kids know the district has a 'no-tolerance' policy when it comes to getting caught with tobacco, drugs or alcohol on school grounds," he said. "In addition to being suspended, the kids are cited by me and must pay fines and costs for their actions. I think that makes students think twice about committing the same infractions."

Varano said Carnuccio has built a good rapport with students during the past few years.

"Many incidents are prevented because of Brian's interaction with the students," she said. "His presence is invaluable, and I believe the school board has made a commitment to safety by keeping him here."

Varano said having a school resource officer at both schools would be ideal, but she realizes funding to employ two officers is not available. She agrees with Carnuccio that arming teachers is not the answer to improved security.

Two high school students interviewed about school safety said Carnuccio's presence is definitely needed and has played a major role in reducing the amount of incidents in the building.

"He has the proper training to do the job and that makes you feel a lot safer," said senior Nicole Purcell, 17, a daughter of Ken and Tara Purcell, Kulpmont. "I think Mr. Carnuccio has had a positive impact on our school and I believe there should be more training provided to students and teachers in dealing with emergency situations like the tragedy in Connecticut."

Senior Eric Joraskie also praised Carnuccio, and believes one well-trained school resource officer is adequate for the district.

"I think we are well protected here," said Joraskie, 19, a son of Bill and Nancy Joraskie, Mount Carmel. "Officer Carnuccio has done a great job and is really easy to talk to about anything. His presence has definitely been a deterrent.

"The kids understand the repercussions of their actions," he continued. "There haven't been too many incidents and the behavior has definitely improved by having him here."

'Preventive maintenance'

High school social studies teacher Robert Scicchitano said as long as Carnuccio is present, "I don't see a need to arm anybody else."

He said parents can rest easier knowing there is a full-time officer at the school.

Scicchitano, in his 11th year of teaching, and who also serves as a varsity assistant football coach, said Carnuccio does a lot of "preventive maintenance."

"Brian enforces the rules and doesn't play favorites," he said. "He influences the kids in a positive manner and also educates them on the consequences they face if they don't follow the rules."

Scicchitano believes not having a school resource officer would be a serious mistake. "It's a shame, but the reality is the position comes down to funding," he said. "I'm glad the board decided to keep him on a month-to-month basis."

Steve Lapotsky, a retired social studies teacher who served 34 years in the district, is currently a hall monitor/mentor at the high school. The Kulpmont resident believes having at least one administrator properly trained in the use of firearms would help the district. As for teachers being armed, Lapotsky said that opportunity should be afforded to them on a "volunteer" basis.

"It's important to remember, though, that teachers teach and administrators administer," he said. "That's their primary responsibilities."

Keeping an SRO

Lapotsky believes Carnuccio has been a "big plus" for the district.

"Nothing is full-proof, but his position has increased the unlikelihood of unfortunate incidents occurring in the district," he said.

Donna James, school board president, believes it's important to retain the SRO.

"As a parent and school board member, I see both the safety and cost perspective involved in retaining the position," she said. "I think Brian has done a good job, and it's important to have an authoritative figure like him in the school."

SUNBURY - The mother of a 1-year-old girl, who died from hyperthermia after being left in a room for 19 hours with a space heater in 2010, was sentenced Monday to 12 to 60 months in a state prison.

Heidi S. Yocum, 30, of Lewisburg, who previously pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering a child and was expecting to be placed on probation for her role in the death, received the state prison sentence imposed by Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor.

Yocum and the infant's father, 29-year-old Lopaka Loner, were charged in the death. On Nov. 19, Loner was sentenced by President Judge Robert B. Sacavage to 11 1/2 to 23 months in Northumberland County Prison after pleading guilty to misdemeanors of endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.

Loner received the jail sentence on the endangering offense, and was given two months consecutive probation on the recklessly endangering charge.

Loner also was ordered to pay $600 in fines and various costs, and given credit for 219 days previously served in Northumberland County Prison.

Yocum's plea was accepted by Saylor, but not the sentencing conditions the defendant and her attorney, Edward "E.J." Rymsza of Williamsport had sought.

A plea agreement between Northumberland County Adult Probation and Yocum called for her to receive probation for up to five years. But Saylor disagreed and sentenced Yocum to 12 to 60 months in a state prison despite being told by Rymsza that his client had changed her life around by remaining drug-and-alcohol free and attending Pennsylvania College of Technology, where she achieved a 4.0 grade-point average this past semester.

First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski prosecuted the case.

Yocum, her mother, Bertha M. Dreese, 65, of Selinsgrove, and Loner were charged by Sunbury Officer Jamie Quinn about a year after the death of Anela Naloni Loner. Dreese previously entered a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter and is scheduled for sentencing Jan. 28.

Anela Naloni Loner was found dead Oct. 16, 2010, from hyperthermia after being left in a room for 19 hours with a space heater at 43 S. Seventh St., Sunbury, where Yocum and Loner resided at the time.

Police said Dreese had been babysitting the child and Yocum's two other children on Oct. 16. Police said Dreese arrived at the home at 1 p.m., but didn't check on the infant until the following morning.

Additionally, neither Yocum nor Loner checked on the child throughout the day, police said.

Authorities said the infant was not provided any food or water in the room that likely ranged in temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court Feb. 25 in Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Kayla E. Bulchie, 22, of 241 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton, waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to drive in a single lane, driving at an unsafe speed, careless driving and failure to wear a seat belt relating to a Nov. 11 incident on Route 225 in Zerbe Township near the Coal Township line.

The charges were filed by Trooper Nicholas Berger of state police at Stonington.

n Dustin B. Johnson, 25, of 1509 W. Walnut St., Coal Township, waived to court charges of criminal trespass, criminal mischief, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct involving a Jan. 10 disturbance at the residence of William Concini, 1205 W. Walnut St.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn.

n David H. Ervin, 47, of 206 Airport Road, Shamokin, waived to court multiple charges filed by Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn in connection with two incidents.

He waived to court two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without insurance and driving without a valid registration relating to an Oct. 24 accident in the 400 block of Center Street in Tharptown.

Ervin also waived to court charges of possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility involving a Feb. 5, 2011, incident in the east end of Coal Township.

n Renee Holmes, 23, of 239 W. Walnut St., Shamokin, waived to court a charge of retail theft filed by Coal Township Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky in connection with a Sept. 10 incident at Wal-Mart Supercenter on Route 61.

Police said Holmes was a cashier at the store when she allegedly voided a transaction.

n Charges of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and harassment filed by Trooper Brian Ronk of state police at Stonington against Kyle J. Mirolli, 31, of 894 Trevorton Road, Coal Township, were withdrawn when his girlfriend, Malinda Wynn, the alleged victim, refused to testify.

n Mirolli was charged in connection with a disturbance at a Market Street residence in Zerbe Township on Nov. 20, 2011, in which he allegedly shoved Wynn to the ground and took her cell phone.

n James Garrett-Davis, 23, of 236 S. Sixth St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of aggravated assault, obstructing administration of the law, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct involving a Nov. 24 disturbance in the 200 block of South Sixth Street.

He is charged by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle with grabbing Scandle in an aggressive manner in the kitchen area of his residence and resisting arrest after being warned by police to desist. Police said Garrett-Davis also hit his head off the rear passenger side window of a police car.

n Anthony B. Nealman, 24, of Trevorton, waived to court charges of possession of Dihydrocodeinone and possession of drug paraphernalia relating to an Aug. 16 incident on Franklin Avenue in Trevorton.

The charges were filed by Zerbe Township Police Chief Robert John.

n George Mitchell, 30, of Girardville, waived to court a forgery charge.

Mitchell was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle with forging three checks totaling $800 at Susquehanna Bank between April 25 and May 1.

Nancy Miller, 66, of 1143 Poplar St., Kulpmont, waived to court two cases.

Miller waived to court a retail theft charge filed by Coal Township Patrolman Terry Ketchem. She is charged with stealing $67.42 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart Supercenter on Route 61 on Sept. 25.

She also waived to court another retail theft charge filed by Coal Township Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky.

Miller is charged with stealing $88.29 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart on Oct. 27.

n Brian Romanoskie, 42, of 121 N. Rock St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of resisting arrest, two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness involving a Dec. 7 accident at Shamokin and Shakespeare streets.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski.

n William R. Bilder, 57, of 315 S. Hickory St., Apt. 312, Mount Carmel, waived to court charges of simple assault and harassment involving an Oct. 10 outside his residence.

Bilder is charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman Matthew Dillman with placing a choke hold on Robert Tamecki while he was waiting for a bus. He also is accused of twisting Tamecki's arm and pushing him into a wall.

The case was assigned to Gembic after Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel recused himself.

n Six defendants charged in a Dec. 14 drug bust conducted by members of the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force waived their rights to hearings.

n Timothy A. Smith, 21, of 125 E. Arch St., Shamokin, waived to court charges of delivery of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of communication facility.

Smith also waived to court a corruption of minors charge filed by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan relating to an incident on Oct. 1, 2011, in which he allegedly had consensual sex with a 14-year-old female in the 500 block of South Vine Street.

Smith waived to court charges of delivery of hydrocodone, two counts of possession with intent to deliver hydrocodone, delivery of marijuana, two counts of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and criminal use of a communication facility.

The charges filed by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano involve a Dec. 13 incident on Pearl Street.

n Rex Hepner, 64, of 116 W. Willow St., Shamokin, waived to court two counts each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

n Frank Doone, 42, of 504 S. Vine St., Coal Township, waived to court charges of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

n Patricia Ciancia, 38, of 622 E. Commerce St., Shamokin, waived to court four counts of delivery of a controlled substance, three counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and two counts of criminal use of a communication facility.

n Bruce Collier, 33, of 513 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, waived to court two counts each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

n Stacy Rudy, 19, of Coal Township, waived to court charges of delivery of heroin and criminal conspiracy to deliver heroin.

SHAMOKIN - A preliminary hearing for a 15-year-old Shamokin boy charged with robbing a cell phone from a city man Jan. 6 while allegedly brandishing what appeared to be a handgun has been continued at the request of the arresting officer in the case.

Joel Santiago, of 819 E. Dewart St., who remains incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $100,000 cash bail, was originally scheduled for a hearing Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on three felony counts of robbery, a felony of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two misdemeanor counts of possessing an instrument of crime, and misdemeanors of simple assault and loitering and prowling at night. But the legal proceeding was continued at the request of Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II, although an exact date has not yet been scheduled.

The defendant, who was charged as an adult because of the serious nature of the offenses, will be represented by a county public defender or conflicts counsel at his hearing.

Santiago is accused of approaching Daniel McKimm, of 158 N. Eighth St., at about 9:15 p.m. and telling him he had five seconds to hand over his cell phone while threatening the victim with what appeared to be a handgun.

McKimm, 19, told police he threw his black T-Mobile phone, ran into his home and called police.

A short time later, guns drawn, police took Santiago into custody about six blocks away after they found him lying next to a parked car on Commerce Street between The News-Item and Center City Apartments.

Siko said the weapon allegedly used by Santiago, which was recovered, is a compressed-air pellet gun that is a replica of a semi-automatic handgun.

Santiago and a 12-year-old South Rock Street boy also were charged by Siko in connection with vehicle break-ins the same night.

The 12-year-old, who has cooperated with police, was not charged in connection with the robbery.

Police said some coins were removed from a Jeep on North Eighth Street owned by Dennis Cavanaugh shortly before Santiago allegedly threatened McKimm with the gun.

COAL TOWNSHIP - LaRue Beck, a longtime director of Shamokin Area School Board and an even longer fixture with the district PTA, resigned from the board of directors Tuesday due to failing health.

Her request that her daughter, Treina Mariano, replace her was honored by board members who voted 8-0 to appoint the Coal Township woman to fulfill her mother's term in office, which expires in December.

According to her family, Beck first joined the school board for a four-year term in 1989. She was re-elected three more times, serving from 2001 to 2013, and had previously held the positions of president, vice president and treasurer.

This year marked her 16th year as a board director.

Beck, 84, has been in ill health for at least several months and is currently admitted into an area hospital. She twice participated in school board meetings in the fall of 2012 using Internet and cellphone connections, respectively.

"It might be tough for me to get through this one," Superintendent James Zack said before reading Beck's resignation letter.

Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage was present to perform the swearing-in ceremony for Mariano. Prior to taking her oath of office, Mariano turned to the audience in the packed board room and, while struggling to keep her composure, thanked everyone for "accepting her mother in their lives."

"I just want to say this is an honor to do this for my mother," Mariano said. "She loves this community."

Director Charles Shuey, who is 60 years old, said he first met Beck as a sixth grade student while on a field trip to Dorney Park.

"In a voice only she could have, she said, 'Let's go! Make it snappy. Get on the bus.' That was my first interaction with Mrs. Beck."

"I think we all owe her a debt of gratitude for her devotion to the kids" of Shamokin Area, he said.

Beck served more than 50 years in Shamokin Area PTA, having held every office. She also held multiple state PTA positions and had been the recipient of the National PTA's Child Advocacy Award.

She also worked from 1976 to 1980 as a teacher's aide for remedial reading at Shamokin Area.

Director Bob Getchey referred to Beck as his second mother. He said he often went to her for advice and will miss having her to turn to.

Director Ron McElwee said Beck accomplished more than most in her lifetime.

Beck's family said a favorite poem of hers, "100 Years from Now," an excerpt from a Forest Witcraft work, captured how she envisioned her role in Shamokin Area and in the lives of children:

"One-hundred years from now,

It won't matter what kind of car I drove,

What kind of house I lived in,

How much money I had in my bank accounts,

Nor what my clothes looked like.

But the world may be a little better,

Because I was important in the life of a child."

COAL TOWNSHIP - Metal detectors will be installed at all three Shamokin Area school buildings no later than next school year.

The board of directors voted unanimously Tuesday to purchase four metal detectors at a total cost of $16,400. Funding for the purchase will come from the district's capital reserve account and not the general fund budget.

Director Ed Griffiths, Shamokin's chief of police, said two detectors will be used at the middle/high school, and one each at the main elementary building and the elementary annex.

Teachers and staff members will be trained on the equipment, he said, and expects them to be up and running no later than the start of the 2013-14 school year.

Directors said they are looking into further security measures. Among those measures could be a security staff. If that comes to pass, guards would also be trained on the equipment.

Shamokin Area officials visited Hazleton Area School District last week to observe its security measures. That district installed a dozen metal detectors at four district buildings prior to the start of the 2012-13 school year.

The metal detectors purchased by Shamokin Area will come from Firing Line Inc. Director Charles Shuey, a retired Coal Township police officer, called the Garrett model units "state of the art," saying they'll not only detect the presence of metal on a person but also the part of the body where the metal can be found.

"It will speed the process of students entering the school," he said.

The detectors would be used on students, employees and visitors when the schools are open. Director Ron McElwee said he envisions them being used at all events held at district buildings, including athletic and music events.

Director Brian Persing, board president, said Hazleton Area's system has detected numerous knives students attempted to carry inside school buildings, along with one gun, although he didn't specify if it belonged to a student or a visitor.

It can also detect cigarette packs and has helped reduce smoking incidents at Hazleton Area, he said.

Shuey said the metal detectors won't completely prevent a school shooting tragedy like that in Newtown, Conn., in December, but it will reduce the likelihood that weapons would be smuggled inside Shamokin Area schools.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Adjustments will be made to the lunch menu at Northumberland County Career and Technology Center, according to the school's director.

James Monaghan said salads and wraps will be added to the menu, as will a variety of fruit juices and more distinct alternatives to entrees.

"It's difficult when you're a satellite cafeteria. I want to replicate Mount Carmel Area's, Shamokin's and Line Mountain's offerings as much as possible," he said. "We even addressed those kids who are vegetarians."

The additions come in light of student concerns over food quality, variety and portion size. Those concerns were expressed in a letter signed by "Northumberland County Student Body" and accompanied by a 70-signature petition which includes 9 signatures from school staff members.

That lead to a meeting Monday of four students representing the student body, Monaghan, Mindy Lagerman, food service director at Shamokin Area School District, Vicky Starr, a regional manager of Nutrition Inc., a food service company that prepares student lunches, and the school's two lunch servers.

Monaghan said national nutrition guidelines were explained to the students as to what can and cannot appear on a lunch tray, and how much food can be served.

The students lead the conversation, Monaghan said, and were "cordial" and "very helpful and mature in their delivery."

Another meeting will follow in two weeks to address any outstanding concerns. Monaghan said he'd like to meet monthly after that for a roundtable discussion with the student representatives.

Faith Neiter, a senior at the technology center from Shamokin Area, said the student representatives were happy with the meeting's outcome.

"They said they're going to fix things," she said. "They listened to us. ... We'll see how it goes."

A total of 113 students from Line Mountain, Mount Carmel Area and Shamokin Area School District attend Northumberland County Career and Technology Center, 65 of whom are full-time and eat lunch at the Coal Township facility.

Students pick their lunches daily. Orders are sent to Shamokin Area Middle-High School where food is prepared by the staff of Nutrition Inc., a food service company that is contracted with Shamokin Area School District. They are then delivered to the nearby technology center.

This is the first year lunch is being held at the technology center, Monaghan said previously. In the past, students ate lunch at their home schools either before or after attending class at the technology center.

Ron McElwee is a board director both at Shamokin Area and the technology center. He offered his support to the students and his name was included in the letter.

"I appreciate the fact that (Monaghan) and the students are working on this collectively. If there's no resolution to this issue in less than two weeks, something has to be done," McElwee said, adding that students with special diets, such as those on a soft food diet, must have their needs met.

The topic resurfaced during Tuesday's meeting of the Shamokin Area School Board, during which board directors grilled both Lagerman and Starr on the students' allegations.

A parent was also critical of Nutrition Inc.

Tammy Sessions said her special-needs son is a Life Skills student at the technology center. His nursing aides have told her that his soft food diet is not being met.

She had a physician write a note for the school last week to the effect that soft foods are a necessity, but even on Monday he was receiving hard vegetables that he cannot eat.

"He will choke," she said if he attempts to eat items like apples and celery.

Sessions backed up the students' claims. She said she has heard from her son's aides and from others that the technology center has run out of food, and that students are simply not getting enough to eat.

"As soon as he gets home he signs to me that he wants to eat," she said.

Director Ron McElwee said it's happened at the Shamokin Area Elementary, and Director Tracey Witmer said it's also happened at the elementary annex.

The food service was run much better when it was in district hands, Sessions said. Both she and Neiter's father, Steve Whitman, were critical of Nutrition Inc.'s operation.

"I just ask you pleas consider who you have feeding our children," Sessions said.

Director Ed Griffiths said the district school board also dropped the ball, blaming some of the issues on the technology center having switched to a full day this school year. He said the cafeteria issue wasn't vetted enough prior to the switch.

McElwee said such issues should have been resolved within the first month, and Director Brian Persing, board president, said it "blows my mind" this was going on for five months and it appears no one was fully aware of the issues raised by the students.

Director Charles Shuey was among the four directors who voted last summer against handing over full control of food services to Nutrition Inc. He was especially critical of the company, saying if their ability to run a cafeteria was as professional as the "1-inch thick" binder presented to the board for its proposal was, these issues wouldn't exist.

"You people are a professional food service company. You're expected to address this issue," he said. "It calls into question whether or not you're equipped to handle this."

Griffiths said a full-service cafeteria should be up and running at Northumberland County Career and Technology Center if it going to be a full-day operation.

McElwee said he'd like to see that happen. Kitchen equipment is already at the school and there is a culinary curriculum there. However, he said funding issues present challenges of staffing the kitchen, and also noted that prior to this school year, enrollment at the technology center was low.

Lagerman and Starr reviewed the results of their Tuesday morning meeting with the students and Monaghan. They also vowed to work with Sessions to ensure her son gets the food he needs, and that that is also the case for other special needs students.

Director Bernie Sosnoskie said the elementary renovations have progressed, and that the elementary cafeteria will reopen in its designated place Tuesday.

He added that the administrative offices are finished and that staff have returned to that area.

Both the administrative offices and cafeteria were temporarily housed inside the elementary gym.

Masser to host small games seminar

ELYSBURG - Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) will host a Small Games of Chance Seminar Monday, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the American Legion Post 91, located at 48-50 West Ave., Mount Carmel.

Officials from the Pennsylvania State Police's Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the agency in charge of enforcing the law for those license holders with liquor licenses, will run the seminar, and will explain the latest law and how it may affect local organizations and clubs management of the Small Games of Chance program. Joining Masser at the seminar will be Tony Rosini, Northumberland County district attorney; Rebecca Warren, Montour County district attorney; as well as other local officials.

Masser's office is in the process of sending out invitations to all licensed/permitted small games of chance organizations in the 107th District. To RSVP and learn more information on the Small Games of Chance Seminar, call Masser's district office in Elysburg at 648-8017.

Korean War veterans plan gathering

WILLIAMSPORT - The Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County, Pa., Inc. will host a reunion for Korean War veterans from Pennsylvania in Williamsport in observance of the 60th anniversary of the truce signing ending the war on July 27, 1953.

The three-day event is open to Pennsylvania veterans of any branch of service who served during the Korean War era, from June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955, whether in Korea or stationed elsewhere worldwide with the U.S. military, The reunion will be headquartered at the historic Genetti Hotel in downtown Williamsport, with events scheduled from July 25 and concluding on July 27. Military exhibits, tours, a banquet with guest speakers, and memorial services are planned.

For a complete listing of events, fees, schedules and other information for veterans, their spouses or guests who wish to attend, write to the Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County PA, Inc., P.O. Box 3232, Williamsport, PA 17701, call Richard Barkman at 753-5490, or send an e-mail to gpwolfe1@comcast.net.

DANVILLE - The Geisinger Health System announced Tuesday that is it restricting visits for those who are ill to their network of hospitals, including banning visitors under the age of 12 from the in-patient floors.

Due to the recent influx of severe flu cases, this temporary restriction is effective system-wide and includes Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville, Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre campus, Geisinger-Community Medical Center in Scranton and Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital.

"In addition to these seasonal visitation restrictions, we are urging all visitors who are ill with fever, cough, sore throat or body aches to refrain from visiting Geisinger hospitals at this time," said Dr. Lisa Esolen, medical director, infection control, Geisinger Health System. "We believe making these temporary changes in visitation is in the best interest of our patients' safety and well-being during this heavy flu season."

The restrictions will remain in place until the threat of influenza has passed or returned to normal seasonal levels.

"Some people have the misconception that the flu is not as bad as many make it out be," said Dr. Esolen. "But, in fact, the flu is a very dangerous and potentially fatal disease, which is why visitation restrictions are necessary at this time."

At Mount Carmel

Mount Carmel Area Superintendent Bernard Stellar said Tuesday evening there have been an "unusually high rate of absences" this week for all grade levels.

"We're not overly concerned, but we are encouraging students to practice proper hygiene, especially if they have symptoms," he said.

Students and staff have been instructed to keep their hands clean at all times to curb the spread of illnesses and to properly cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, he said.

"If students are sick, or are experiencing serious flu-like symptoms, it's best if they stay home in order to stop the spread of the disease," Stellar said.

SHAMOKIN - The latest blast of winter weather was set to hit the area overnight as Mother Nature prepared a mix of sleet and snow which had potential to make driving a problem this morning.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter weather advisory for the area on Tuesday morning set to last from 7 p.m. Tuesday until 11 a.m. today.

"This could be a little more than a nuisance storm," said NWS meteorologist Craig Evanego. "It's going to start late Tuesday evening and mix a little sleet or freezing rain with the snow."

Evanego said that somewhere between two to four inches of snow, plus a bit of ice may fall overnight.

"Things are still going to be a mess in the morning, but the precipitation will start to taper off then and should be finished by midday," Evanego said.

The accumulation will add to the nine inches of precipitation and snowfall the area has received so far this season, according to Evanego.

In anticipation, PennDOT trucks were pre-treating some of the area's major routes with anti-icing solution.

The process involves wetting the highway with salt brine before a storm's arrival. The solution lowers the freezing point of water and slows or prevents ice from forming a bond with the road with the pavement during the early stages of the storm.

Department officials remind motorists that the pre-treatment is not a "silver bullet" to keep roads clear, but it gives crews an edge at the start of a storm.

Drivers will most likely see roads that are snow-covered and should slow down and drive accordingly in the conditions they encounter.

Temperatures are expected to rise and fall the rest of the week.

"We aren't seeing any significant storms for the rest of the week," he said. "We have a bit of a cool down once this system goes through, but then a cold front will make it chilly Thursday into Friday and then a warm up on Saturday with temperatures back into the 40s.

However, next week's concern won't be falling precipitation but falling temperatures.

"The big weather story next week will be a steady period of normal winter temperatures," Evanego said. "We have high temperatures in the 20s and overnight lows in the teens with some colder air on the way for next week."

SHAMOKIN - A 33-year-old city man charged with hitting a Coal Township man in the face and head with a crowbar Jan. 4 waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday and was ordered to appear for plea court Feb. 25 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury.

Greg Latsha, of 131 W. Sunbury St., waived to court a felony of aggravated assault and disorderly conduct before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. The defendant remains free on $10,000 unsecured bail after voluntarily turning himself into police Jan. 10.

At plea court next month, Latsha can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Latsha was represented by Attorney Michael Rudinski of Williamsport. Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey represented the commonwealth.

Latsha was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle in connection with an assault that occurred at about 4:30 a.m. at Commerce and Coal streets.

According to a criminal complaint, Latsha is accused of hitting John Mayton, 40, of 300 Trevorton Road, Coal Township, in the face and head with a crowbar several times after Mayton had given Latsha's girlfriend, Rhonda Bassett, a ride home from a bar.

Scandle said Mayton's head was bleeding profusely when he entered Shamokin Police Station to report the assault. He was later transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, where he underwent emergency room treatment. Mayton's glasses also were broken during the assault, police said.

Bassett told police she attempted to stop Latsha from assaulting Mayton, but was unable to do so. Bassett said Mayton was able to get back in his vehicle and drive to the police station. She said Latsha fled the scene.

Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Coal Township Public Library has announced memorials for Oct. 31 to Dec. 31, 2012, have been presented for the following persons:

Mary Ellen Adams by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Tracie and Harley E. Gonsar Jr. and family.

E. Yvonne (Irick) Aston by Kathy Gonsar, Kathy and Abby James, Susan and Jearldean Losiewicz, Don and Marian Myers, Anita Shaffer and family.

James Bamford by Janet, Bruce and Jeff Albertini, Doris Bamford and family, Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Tony and Alyce Dondero and family, the McHales, Jim and Shirley Noll, Millie Rummel and family, Shamokin Area Education Association, Shamokin Area Language and Arts Department, Dot Smink and family, Nancy Suchanick, Stephen and Claire Taddeo, Gail Purdy, Donna Talisesky, Sharon McHenry, Kathleen Spudes, Rob Ryder and Maria Dombroski, Karen and Pete Wasilewski.

Daniel Bamford by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Pat and Jim Bressi, Doris Bamford and family, John and Diane Fabrizio, Kathy Gonsar, Bob and Mary Ann Hartman, Vera McLaughlin, Anita Shaffer and family, Shamokin High School Class of 1959, Your GNO Friends.

Gary Berry by Rescue Fire Company.

Freeman "Bud" Betz by Charlotte Laskoskie.

Joseph L. Bodnar by Joe, John and Maria Bressi.

Joan C. Bordner by Rose Marie Jones.

Doris Bramhall by Myron and Karen Chowka, Patricia Czech, Peggy Ferarri, Kathy Gonsar, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Hojnacki and family, Kathy and Abby James, Shirley and Phillip Krebs, Mary Long and family, Chet and Marion Stesney.

John Breining Sr. by wife Kay and family.

Joan Britton by Mark and Jane Ann Sosnoskie.

Elmer Brown Jr. by Shamokin High School Class of 1949.

Roy "Bud" Carter by Donna and Barry.

Helen Christiano by Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Baranoski and family, Sue, Rick, Lisa and Ryan Burns, Greg and Donna Wisloski.

Adolph W. Ciborowski by Stacy and Byron Chowka, Wayne King, Bob and Caran Mattis, Patricia Nolter.

Shirley M. Croll by Ronald Kuhns, Janet Wahosky and family.

Deceased members of the Shamokin High School Class of 1952 by Class Lunch Group.

Emily Donahue by Meg and Charlie Bartol, Ronnie and Pat and family, Pat (Buggy) and Jim Bressi, Margaret Klembara.

Alma Donath by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Maxine Howerter and daughters.

Roger Elliott by Pat and Jim Bressi, Gary and Jodi Christ, Julianne Elliott and Reese Elliott, Tom and Sarann Keyack, Harry and Nancy Troutman, Frances Tyson.

Marie L. Evans by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Friends of the Fifth Floor at Lincoln Towers, Erma Lorenz, Vera McLaughlin, Tom Olcese Pharmacy.

Eleanor Fowler by Amy and Robert Frank, Bob and Joan McAllister.

Catherine and Joseph Gessic by Marian (Gessic) Dondero.

Kathryn Glavich by Joann, Barbara and Sharon and families.

Robert Glavich by Joann, Barbara and Sharon and families.

Robert and Kathryn Glavich by Joann, Barbara and Sharon and families.

Little Eddie Griffiths by Trissa.

Evelyn Grow by Mary Jane Grow.

John Gruneberg Sr. by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Sylvia Shappell.

George Hack by John W. Miller.

John M. Halcovich by daughter Sandy.

John M. Halcovich by wife Lorraine.

June Harris by the Tillett family.

Robert Herb by Michael Forbes, Marcella Hombosky, Tina, Joe and David Jurewicz, Shamokin Area High School Class of 1996, Carloe Topolski.

Charles (Carl) Hess by Annie Russ.

Phyllis Holland by Mark and Jane Ann Sosnoskie.

William Ronald Hudson by Joseph G. Dorko and family.

Austin James by Rose Marie Jones.

William Janovich Sr. by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Karen Chowka, Rose Marie Jones, Bob and Caran Mattis, Wiz and Doe.

Linda Kahler by Mary Jane Grow.

Barbara Wilson Kerstetter by Ned, Troy and Carol Kerstetter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Forrest J. Kerstetter Sr. by Joe, John and Maria Bressi, Paul Coniff.

Margaret Klembara by Jim and Janice Curran, Lorraine Halcovich, Justin and Kathleen Kleskie, Bill and Sheila Pavelko, Carolyn Weaver, Maureen and Jesse Weaver.

Ada Knarr by Bruce Victoriano.

Barbara Knarr by Kathy and Abby James.

Edward Knarr by Bruce Victoriano.

Frances L. Korenkiewicz by Patricia Segedy and Bernadette Dry.

Landon Charles Krebs by Mary Ellen and Joe Candelora.

(continued in a future edition)