ELYSBURG - Both drivers escaped injury when a pickup truck and tractor-trailer collided at Route 487 and Knoebels Boulevard Monday morning.

According to reports from the scene, the driver of the pickup truck attempted to pass the rig while it was turning onto Knoebels Boulevard, the "old" entrance to Knoebels Amusement Resort, and they collided.

The driver of the pickup was checked at the scene and didn't require hospital treatment. He had a dog at the scene, too, which appeared to be OK. His truck, however, was heavily damaged.

A tire was ripped from the tractor-trailer, which otherwise had minimal damage.

Ralpho Township police investigated but did not report further information on Monday.

SUNBURY - A 21-year-old Coal Township man pleaded guilty Monday morning in Northumberland County Court to simple assault, while six other charges, including burglary, were not prosecuted when one of the alleged victims refused to testify against him and asked the court to be lenient in sentencing the defendant.

Phillip M. Boyles, of 1462 Pulaski Ave., was sentenced by Judge William H. Wiest to serve five months in the county jail after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor of simple assault. The commonwealth agreed not to prosecute felony charges of burglary, criminal conspiracy to commit burglary and criminal trespass, a misdemeanor of loitering and prowling at night, and summaries of underage drinking and criminal mischief.

Boyles, who was given credit for prison time previously served, also was ordered to pay a $150 fine and various costs and make restitution in the amount of $459 for breaking a cell phone owned by Grayce Griffiths.

Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney William Cole prosecuted the case.

Boyles, who was represented by Attorney Richard Feudale, agreed to enter the plea after Bernice Griffiths, mother of Grayce Griffiths, refused to testify against Boyles after taking the witness stand and urging Wiest to have leniency on the defendant for his alleged actions. Bernice Griffiths said the defendant paid his debt to society by serving five months in prison and didn't want to purse the case any further against Boyles, who is the former boyfriend of Grayce Griffiths and father of their 7-month-old son.

Boyles was recommitted to the county prison, where he has remained since his arrest on the charges May 28.

The charges were filed by Patrolman David Donkochik in connection with a burglary at 1:41 a.m. May 28 at the residence of Bernice Griffiths, Ken Taylor, Grayce Griffiths and her infant son, all of 313 S. Vine St., Mount Carmel.

Boyles was accused of entering the home through a balcony door and punching Grayce Griffiths' boyfriend, Alex Schwartz, of Kulpmont, on the side of the head. After punching Schwartz seven or eight times, police said Boyles began choking the victim and threatening to kill him. Earlier, police said Boyles had threatened to kill Grayce Griffiths, Schwartz, Schwartz's 14-year-old sister and a 14-year-old male.

Boyles also was accused of grabbing Grayce Griffiths' cell phone out of her hand and smashing it before grabbing her by the throat, scratching her and fleeing.

Bernice Griffiths, who is Taylor's wife, witnessed the assaults.

A co-defendant in the burglary, Michael Robert Shinskie, 18, of 720 N. Franklin St., Shamokin, is scheduled for a pre-trial conference at 9:15 a.m. Nov. 2 before Judge Charles Saylor.

by justin strawser

CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP - An early Tuesday afternoon fire destroyed the summer kitchen of a three-story home in Cleveland Township, but no one was injured in the blaze, according to Locust Township Police Department

Police Chief Allen Breach reported that emergency responders were dispatched to 64 Roosevelt Road at 1:58 p.m. where they found the white house fully involved. They cleared at the scene at 5:45 p.m.

The home is owned by three siblings, Gary Welkom, Michael Welkom and Carol Griffin, but no one was living there at the time of the fire, Breach said.

Gary Welkom's grandson was the last person to reside in the home, but he left this past Saturday to attend school. The home was still furnished, he said.

The one-story attached kitchen and breezeway were destroyed, and there was extensive smoke and water damage to the living quarters, and fire damage to the third floor, Breach said.

The fire is believed to have originated in the kitchen, but a cause has not yet been determined, Breach reported.

State police Fire Marshal Cpl. Shawn Hilbert, out of the Hazleton barracks, will be investigating the scene today.

The three-alarm fire brought out Valley Chemical Fire Company, Numidia; Catawissa Fire Company; Aristes Fire Company; Overlook Fire Company, Ralpho Township; Elysburg Fire Company; Montour Township Fire Company, Bloomsburg; Espy Fire Company, Bloomsburg; Buckhorn Community Volunteer Fire Company, Bloomsburg; Greater Columbia Medical Transport Service, Bloomsburg; AIR Unit, Bloomsburg; and Locust Township Police Department.

Teen killed

MIFFLINBURG - A juvenile male was killed while operating a lawn mower that overturned and landed on top of him Monday evening, state police at Milton said.

The incident occurred about 6 p.m. at a home on Forest Hill Road in West Buffalo Township.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the Union County Coroner.

No further information was released by troopers.

Wall punched

STONINGTON - A juvenile is accused of punching a wall at 4 p.m. Oct. 3 in the visitation room of the Family Center on Route 61 in Shamokin Township.

Damages totaled $185.62, state police at Stonington said, and a summary charge of criminal mischief was filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic, Shamokin.

Burglary

LECK KILL - State police at Stonington are investigating a burglary at the farm of Neil Masser, 43, of 579 Main Road, Leck Kill, that occurred between 9:30 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. Tuesday.

Police said burglars entered several outbuildings on the farm by removing several padlocks and then stole approximately 200 feet of heavy-gauge wire extension cords, approximately 50 feet of gauge wire, three used automotive batteries and 24 used hose clamps.

Retail theft

SHAMOKIN - Megan Lee Fryberger, 28, of 1450 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, was cited three times by Patrolman Jarrod Scandle for retail theft involving incidents that occurred Oct. 8 at three different city businesses.

Fryberger was cited for stealing two Shimmer body art items valued at $9.99 each from Weis Markets. She also is accused of removing four makeup items and one Shimmer body art item valued at $25.44 from the Dollar General store and six makeup items valued at $28.56 from CVS Pharmacy.

Criminal mischief

SHAMOKIN - Norman J. Bohner Jr., 33, of 505 S. Market St., Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman Jarrod Scandle for criminal mischief for allegedly placing sugar inside an oil fill pipe at 406 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin, at 9:44 a.m. Oct. 12, causing $171.17 worth of damage.

Breaks window

SHAMOKIN - Dagmar Cruz, 34, of 312 S. Coal St., Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman Shane Mowery for criminal mischief for allegedly breaking a window at the residence of Angela Kreskie, 314 S. Coal St., Shamokin, at 5:33 p.m. Sept. 21, causing $212 damage.

DUI

COAL TOWNSHIP - Joseph John Bucanelli, 40, of 157 All Saints Road, Elysburg, was charged by Trooper Nicholas Berger of state police at Stonington with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to drive in a single lane, careless driving and failure to wear a seat belt relating to a Sept. 30 incident at the intersection of Routes 61 and 225 in Coal Township.

Police said Bucanelli had a blood-alcohol content of .184 percent.

Theft charges

SHAMOKIN - Shauna Ruch, 22, of 322 E. Sunbury St., Apt. 5, Shamokin, was arraigned Tuesday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic IIII on charges of theft, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.

Ruch is charged by Shamokin Patrolman William Miner with stealing three rings and a nursing pin valued at $5,860 from her mother, Angela Arnold. Police said the jewelry was stolen from Arnold's home at 1004 E. Sunbury St. on Sept. 27.

Following her arraignment, Ruch waived her right to a preliminary hearing and was ordered to appear for plea court Dec. 3 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, where she can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Retail theft

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shawn Hepner, 33, of Harrisburg, was arraigned Tuesday on two counts of retail theft by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.

Hepner is charged by Coal Township Patrolman Edward Purcell with stealing several cases of baby formula valued at $1,382.40 from Wal-Mart Supercenter along Route 61 on Oct. 15 and several more cases of baby formula valued at $1,186.92 from Wal-Mart on Oct. 19.

After his arraignment, Hepner waived his right to a preliminary hearing and was ordered to appear for plea court Dec. 3 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Bronco stolen

TREVORTON - State police at Stonington reported someone stole a green and silver, 1996 Ford Bronco XLT from the parking lot of Stiely's Garage along Route 225 between 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Theft of services

SHAMOKIN - Kenneth Trocker, 60, of 338 W. Arch St., Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman Nathan Rhodes for theft of services for allegedly placing a bag of trash at 12:11 p.m. Oct. 15 in a trash can at 418 W. Arch St., Shamokin.

DUI patrols

POTTSVILLE - The North Central Highway Safety Network's Regional DUI Enforcement Group and the Coal Township Police Department have announced there will be roving patrols or sobriety checkpoints will be conducted during the week of Oct. 26 to Nov. 4 on Routes 61, 225, 125, 54, 487, 901 and 147, or other connecting roadways to municipalities.

Travelers are reminded to report drunk drivers by dialing 911. To report underage drinking, call 1-888-under-21.

The roving patrols and checkpoints are funded through PennDOT and the National Highway Safety Administration.

Simple assault

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - Thomas W. Walsh, 45, of 1045 W. Valley Ave., Elysburg, was charged by Patrolman Christopher Grow with simple assault and harassment involving an Oct. 19 disturbance at Timber Creek Restaurant along West Valley Avenue (Route 487) in Elysburg.

Police said Walsh, who resides above the restaurant, is accused of grabbing his sister, Kathy Gaydos, by the throat and choking her against a wall in the kitchen area of the restaurant at 5:42 a.m. after he allegedly came home intoxicated.

DUI

KULPMONT - Jacobe Gerard Lyash, 20, of 470 Overlook Blvd., Overlook, has been charged by Patrolman Joshua Pastucka with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, driving under the influence of a combination of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, careless driving and driving without a license relating to a Sept. 2 vehicle stop on Route 61 near Vista Motors in Coal Township.

Police reported Lyash had marijuana in his blood system.

Theft charges

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Patrolman Kelly Campbell has charged Corey J. Hepler, 35, of 1144 Poplar St., Kulpmont, with theft and receiving stolen property.

He is accused of stealing a large amount of money from his parents, Dennis and Susan Hepler, from their home at 125 Beech Drive, Kulpmont, on Oct. 5.

Criminal trespass

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - Melanie J. Guinther, 31, of 133 N. Market St., Apt. C., Elysburg, was charged by Patrolman Christopher Grow with criminal trespass and loitering and prowling at night relating to a Sept. 28 incident at the residence of Melissa Howard, 343 S. Market St., Elysburg.

DUI, hit and run

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Patrolman David Stamets Jr. has charged Joseph M. Delorso, 22, of 504 S. Hickory St., Mount Carmel, with driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run, reckless driving and failure to give immediate notice of an accident to police in connection with a Sept. 30 accident at the intersection of Route 54 and Brennan's Farm Road known as the Strong connector.

Police reported Delorso had a blood-alcohol content of .274 percent.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL - Patrolman Shane Reamer has charged David E. Kraynak, 23, of 131 W. Clermont St., P.O. Box 307, Marion Heights, with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and driving on the wrong side of the road.

The charges relate to a Sept. 26 traffic stop in the 600 block of West Fifth Street. Police said Kraynak had a blood-alcohol content of .195 percent.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Matthew Muscella, 32, of Royersburg, was charged by Patrolman David Stamets Jr. with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to drive in a single lane involving a Sept. 30 incident on Route 61.

Police said Muscella had a blood-alcohol content of .141 percent.

Drug charges

RIVERSIDE - Damian P. Novotny, 31, of 10 Scenic Drive, Danville, was charged by Cpl. Kerry Parkes with delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, Novotny allegedly delivered suboxone sublingual film to an informant for $30 in Riverside on June 28.

Access device fraud

RUSH TOWNSHIP - Anel Ortiz-Velez, 37, of Benton, was charged by Trooper David Townsend of state police at Stonington with access device fraud, identity theft and theft by deception.

Police reported Ortiz-Velez is accused of using a Discover credit card belonging to Danielle A. Fritz, of Danville, to purchase several items totaling $1,421.83 between Sept. 19 and Sept. 23.

Heroin charges

RIVERSIDE - Danielle L. Hein, 24, of 514 E. Front St., Danville, has been charged by Cpl. Kerry Parkes with delivery of a controlled sdubstance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

Hein is accused of delivering five glassine packets of heroin to an informant for $120 in Riverside on June 28.

DUI

KULPMONT - Patrolman Patrick McAndrew has charged Robert W. Buettner Jr., 22, of 945 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, driving without lights between sunset and sunrise and driving without a license involving a May 21 incident in the 900 block of Chestnut Street.

Police reported Buettner had cocaine, benzoylecgonine and morphine in his blood system.

Theft charges

KULPMONT - Mandy S. Hook, 32, of 301 N. Sixth St., Apt. 301, Kulpmont, has been charged by Chief of Police Richard Wilson III with theft, receiving stolen property and retail theft.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, Hook is accused of stealing $389.88 in scratch-off Lottery tickets from Turkey Hill Minit Market on Chestnut Street between Oct. 19 and Oct. 21 while she was employed at the store.

Drug offenses

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - Darryl L. Kashner Jr., 27, of Coal Township, was charged by Patrolman Chris Dailey with false identification to law enforcement authorities, corruption of minors, restrictions on alcoholic beverages, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession with intent to deliver cocaine.

Police said the charges relate to an April 5 incident on Bottle Drive in Paxinos.

Firearms violation

MOUNT CARMEL - Chief of Police Todd Owens has charged Daniel K. Luke, 30, of 332 S. Hickory St., Mount Carmel, with possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon and disorderly conduct.

Police reported Luke was found in possession of a .22-caliber long rifle and ammunition including 10 hollow point rounds on Oct. 20 near Varano's Warehouse at Seventh and Oak streets.

Held for court

SHAMOKIN - Michael J. Stoltzfus, 31, of Silver Spring, was held for court Tuesday on two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under suspension while being a habitual offender, driving without a license, driving without proper registration, two counts of driving under suspension, driving without insurance and driving without a proper inspection sticker.

The charges filed by Cpl. Craig Polen of state police at Milton relate to a May 26 incident at the intersection of Route 2044 and Academy Street in Zerbe Township.

Operator ejected

LIMESTONE TOWNSHIP - Jasmine A. Elizardo, 28, of Danville, suffered severe injuries and was ejected from her car after it traveled off Broadway Road (Route 254) early Thursday morning and descended an embankment in this Montour County township.

State police at Milton reported Elizardo was driving a 2005 Toyota Scion east on Broadway Road at 1:25 a.m. west of Mexico Road when she failed to negotiate a left curve, causing the right side tires to travel off the right side of the road. Police said Elizardo then over compensated to the left, causing her auto to turn sideways and travel across both lanes of traffic. The vehicle went off the left side of the road, descended an embankment, rolled over a number of times and through a fence.

Elizardo was ejected from the sunroof of her vehicle and found just east of her car.

She was transported by Danville Ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, where she was listed Friday in fair condition.

Elizardo was cited for driving at an unsafe speed.

Pumpkin thrown

WEST CHILLISQUAQUE TOWNSHIP - State police at Milton reported someone threw a large pumpkin off the Industrial Park exit overpass at 1 a.m. Friday that struck a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado truck driven on Route 147 by David W. Cramer III, of 200 Brown St., South Williamsport.

Police said the pumpkin caused damage to the truck's windshield, dashboard and steering wheel.

Cramer also was struck by the pumpkin and glass and debris, causing him to suffer a facial injury.

Cramer was able to maintain control of his truck and pulled off the highway before being transported by ambulance to a medical facility.

Escapes injury

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - Kyle A. Stahl, 21, of Freeburg, escaped injury early Friday morning in a one-car crash along Route 4017 just south of Shock Road.

State police at Stonington reported Stahl was driving a 2009 Subaru WRX at 1:50 a.m. at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his car, causing it to strike an embankment and roll onto its roof.

Stahl was cited for driving at an unsafe speed.

Car hits deer

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - Jeremiah L. Kohl, 29, of Northumberland, was not injured Thursday night when his car collided with a deer on Snydertown Road.

According to state police at Stonington, Kohl was driving a 2007 Dodge Caliber south at 6:50 p.m. when a deer entered the road from the southbound shoulder and collided with the front end of the car, which came to rest approximately 100 feet from the point of impact. The auto sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene by Paul's Towing.

Police said the accident occurred approximately one quarter mile east of Highland Avenue.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Dawn Yentsch, 36, of 209 E. Water St., Mount Carmel, was charged by Patrolman David Stamets Jr. with driving under the influence of alcohol, a lighting violation and restrictions on alcoholic beverages relating to a Sept. 25 incident along Route 61 near Choice Cigarette Discount Store.

Police said Yentsch had a blood-alcohol content of .105 percent.

DUI offense

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Patrolman David Stamets Jr. has charged Nicholas J. Karlaza, 21, of 21 Back St., Dooleyville, with driving under the influence of a drug or combination of drugs, careless driving and failure to drive in a single lane involving a Sept. 19 incident on Mid-Valley Mountain (Route 2032).

Police reported Karlaza had alprazolam in his blood system.

Multiple charges

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Daniel A. Link, 44, of 226 S. Franklin St., Shamokin, was charged by Patrolman Matthew Filarski with driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and driving at an unsafe speed and failure to drive in a single lane.

The charges were filed in connection with an incident that occurred shortly after 2 a.m. Tuesday on Route 901 between Boylan's Garage and Excelsior.

Police said Link refused to submit to a blood test.

Contraband at state prison

COAL TOWNSHIP - Deshonda Nicole Madden, 33, of Philadelphia, was charged by state police at Stonington with possession of contraband after she allegedly provided an inmate at SCI-Coal Township with balloons packaged with marijuana at noon Friday.

Police said the inmate ingested the contraband before authorities could confiscate it.

Driver flees accident

EAST CAMERON TOWNSHIP - State police at Stonington are continuing their search today for a driver who fled the scene of a one-vehicle crash Saturday night along Route 3004, approximately 75 yards west of Route 125.

Police said the driver was traveling east at 7:46 p.m. in a 2000 Ford Expedition when he or she lost control, causing the vehicle to exit the south side of the road and strike a tree before coming to rest.

The driver, who fled the scene, is facing a citation for failure to drive in a single lane and other offenses.

Assisting at the scene were East Cameron and Coal Township firefighters, Coal Township police, Coal Township Fire Police, Coal Township Rescue Squad and AREA Services Ambulance.

DUI-related crash

SUNBURY - Robyn L. Crouthamel, 43, of Mount Carmel, will be charged by Trooper Daniel Wilk with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to drive in a single lane relating to a two-vehicle accident Sunday night on Market Street (Route 61) near Highland Avenue.

Police reported Crouthamel, who is a deaf mute, was driving a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee south at 9:45 p.m. near the Upper Augusta Township line when the vehicle crossed into the oncoming lane while the driver negotiated a slight right curve. Police said the front end of Crouthamel's vehicle struck the driver's side front fender of a 2004 Pontiac Montana operated by Dionne M. Eckert, 37, of Sunbury.

Police said Crouthamel fled the scene, but was subsequently stopped on Route 61 at Stonington Fire Department.

Police were unable to interview Crouthamel because she is mute and was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

Both drivers escaped injury.

Fire crews called

SHAMOKIN - City firefighters responded to a small fire in the basement of the Blazing Angels Tattoo Studio, 57 E. Independence St., Monday morning.

Shamokin City Fire Chief Bruce Rogers reported that at approximately 7:35 a.m., the furnace in the basement of the building kicked on, igniting some rags and a cardboard box that was placed on top of the furnace. The smoke triggered the fire alarm, which awoke those in an upstairs apartment.

The blaze was quickly extinguished and fire crews were back in service by 8:30 a.m.

DUI

GREGG TOWNSHIP - Craig Leon Kitner, 50, of Allenwood, has been charged by state police at Milton with driving under the influence of alcohol relating to an Oct. 20 crash along Route 44 near White Deer Baptist Church Road.

Retail theft

COAL TOWNSHIP - Rhonda Ostrander, 45, of 402 S. Bay St., Coal Township, and Angela Hopper, 35, of 505 S. Market St., Shamokin, have been charged by Patrolman Chris Lapotsky with retail theft for allegedly removing $254.61 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart Supercenter along Route 61 at 5 p.m. Sunday.

Ostrander also was cited for criminal trespass.

Both women were apprehended by store security.

Hit and run

COAL TOWNSHIP - Kevin E. Eltringham, 53, of 1423 W. Arch St., Coal Township, was charged by Chief William Carpenter with hit and run relating to an accident that occurred between 10 p.m. Oct. 17 and 7 a.m. Oct. 18 on Bay Street near Water Street.

Police said Eltringham was driving a 2005 Hyundai north on Bay Street when his vehicle hit a parked 2010 Nissan owned by Genelle Bogetti, of 1437 W. Arch St., Coal Township, causing moderate damage. Eltringham failed to stop at the scene or report the accident, police said.

Retail theft

COAL TOWNSHIP - Nancy Miller, 66, of 1143 Poplar St., Kulpmont, was cited by Patrolman Chris Lapotsky for retail theft for allegedly stealing $88.29 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart Supercenter along Route 61 at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Miller was apprehended by store security outside the business.

SUNBURY - More than 100 legal proceedings in Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas were postponed Monday and Tuesday when Hurricane Sandy forced county officials to close down the courthouse and other county facilities.

In addition to cases at the courthouse, 18 preliminary hearings scheduled for Tuesday at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III of Shamokin had to be continued, while an additional 12 civil, non-traffic and traffic hearings were postponed Monday.

At the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel, only about five cases involving summary offenses had to be continued Tuesday. Criminal hearings were held Wednesday at Jones' office, the normal day for such proceedings, when the county resumed operations.

Legal proceedings at the offices of Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum of Sunbury and Senior Magisterial District Judge Richard Cashman of Milton also were postponed Monday and Tuesday.

The postponements resulted in additional time and expenses for office staff involved with mailing continuances to private attorneys representing defendants and caused a backlog in court schedules that may force future delays.

Northumberland County Deputy Court Administrator Kevin O'Hearn said approximately 90 criminal cases, most of which involved guilty pleas, were continued Monday while about 25 cases dealing with juveniles, civil matters and Children and Youth Services were postponed Tuesday.

"We will try to fit as many cases as possible into the next available dates, but some will have to be continued until next year," O'Hearn said. "All the attorneys will be notified about the continuances."

O'Hearn said mailings will only have to be sent to private attorneys since county lawyers such as public defenders, district attorney staff and conflicts counselors are made aware of any changes at the courthouse through schedules or by email.

"The cost won't be that great for mailings," O'Hearn said.

The deputy court administrator said seven dates set aside for trials this month plus four holidays may result in more postponements.

O'Hearn said trials are scheduled for Nov. 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 29 and 30, plus the court has holidays on Nov. 6 (Election Day), Nov. 12 (Veterans Day), Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving).

"So it's going to be very tight fitting in any of the postponed legal proceedings this month," he said.

Terroristic threats

COAL TOWNSHIP - Deputy Police Chief Chris Williams has charged Craig C. Becker, 26, of 915 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, with terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment relating to a disturbance at his home at 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Police reported Becker allegedly told his live-in girlfriend, Melinda Miller, that he was going to kill her while she was sleeping.

Becker was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III at 10 p.m. Wednesday and committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $7,500 cash bail.

Identity theft

MOUNT CARMEL - Richard Reese Workman Jr., 19, of 317 E. Columbia Ave., Apt. B, Atlas, was arraigned Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones on charges of identity theft, access device fraud, forgery, criminal conspiracy, theft of lost or mislaid property and receiving stolen property.

Workman, who was committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $25,000 bail, is charged by Cpl. Christopher Buhay with stealing a debit/credit card owned by Jason Dillow, of 434 N. Walnut St., Mount Carmel, and purchasing merchandise at Turkey Hill Minit Market, Puff Tobacco Store, Sam Pasky Beer Distributor and the Redbox DVD rental machine outside Turkey Hill Minit Market on Sept. 29. The items were valued at $123.31.

DUI

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - Jeffrey J. Burke, 43, of 1405 Plum Creek Road, Sunbury, was arraigned Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under suspension, unauthorized transfer or use of a vehicle registration, driving without a valid registration, driving without a proper inspection certificate, driving without insurance, receiving stolen property and possessing an electronic incapacitation device.

The charges filed by Ralpho Township Patrolman Chris Grow relate to a Sept. 16 vehicle stop on Route 61 by Fastenol.

Burke, who was committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $5,000 bail, is accused of stealing a registration certificate from a motorcycle owned by Robert Swank and applying it to another motorcycle.

Car overturns

NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP - Brandon M. Kemmerling, 26, of Cressona, suffered minor injuries late Wednesday night when his car struck an embankment and rolled over onto its roof along the Gordon Nagle Trail in this Schuylkill County township.

State police at Schuylkill Haven reported Kemmerling was driving a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire north at 10:28 p.m. when his car drifted off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned onto its roof before sliding north an additional 75 feet and coming to rest in the northbound lane.

Police said Kemmerling, who was wearing his seat belt, was able to climb out of the vehicle and was transported by Schuylkill Haven Ambulance to Schuylkill Medical Center East in Pottsville.

Burglary

JACKSON TOWNSHIP - Jason B. Snyder, of Terra Alta, W.Va. reported to state police at Stonington that sometime between Sept. 3 and Thursday, someone removed items from within his garage at 544 Pottsville St.

Citation withdrawn

SELINSGROVE - A citation for underage drinking against Nancy Mathews Heidt, 20, of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, was withdrawn by authorities on April 14.

Heidt was originally cited on Jan. 21 during a traffic stop by state police at Selinsgrove on Jan. 21, on 18th Street at Susquehanna University. Following the withdrawal, Heidt was cited that same day for disorderly conduct for an offense on Jan. 21, to which she later pleaded guilty.

Harassment

WEST CAMERON TOWNSHIP - Harassment charges were filed between Forrest J. Kerstetter, 53, of 329 Didium Lane, Shamokin, and Maria C. Bressi, 27, of 38 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel, for being involved in a physical conflict with each other at 329 Didium Lane at 2:52 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, according to state Trooper Mark Adams of the Stonington barracks.

Harassment II

MONROE TOWNSHIP - A Paxinos woman is accused of harassment relating to an incident at Valley Lodge in Snyder County at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, according to state police at Selinsgrove.

Trooper Craig V. Magnuson reported that Candy Sheward, 44, allegedly refused to pay for a room at Valley Lodge and allegedly attempted to strike Mohammad Tariq Siddiqui, of Blandon, in the face before leaving the scene.

Sheward was cited for harassment and driving under suspension, police reported.

Burglary

RUSH TOWNSHIP - The state police at Stonington are investigating a burglary at the residence of Frank Sabol, 42, of Danville, that occurred between the hours of noon and 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Trooper Wendy Keefer reported that an unknown actor forced open a locked basement door at 2467 Snydertown Road, but no items in the residence appears to have been removed or disturbed.

Bank robbery

SNYDER COUNTY - State police at Selinsgrove are looking for an individual that robbed one bank and attempted to steal from another one Monday morning.

Police say the robber entered the outer doors of the Mifflin County Savings Bank, McClure, at 9:15 a.m., but could not gain entry through the inner locked doors. The person then left the premises and went to Swineford National Bank, Beaver Springs, where he entered the bank and robbed it, leaving with an undisclosed amount of money. No one was injured in the robbery and no weapon was displayed.

Police say the robber is a white male, approximately six feet tall, wearing a camouflage jacket with a hood, blue jeans, black gloves and a neoprene-type face mask. He left the scene in a 1999 white Ford Escort, traveling west on Route 522.

Public drunkenness

MOUNT CARMEL - Andrew S. Snyder, 44, of 350 S. Vine St., Mount Carmel, was cited by Cpl. Christopher Buhay for public drunkenness and criminal mischief relating to a disturbance at 3:20 a.m. Oct. 6 in the 200 block of East Avenue.

Police reported Snyder was found lying on the sidewalk intoxicated after damaging property at a residence at 246 E. Avenue.

Harassment by communication

COAL TOWNSHIP - Jeremy C. Fisher, 36, of 2 Eagle Avenue, was charged with harassment by communication following an incident at 8:20 a.m. Oct. 24.

Police officer Chad Yoder reported in court documents that Fisher allegedly called Shamokin Area Elementary School and its principal. Mary Teresa Komara, making harassing and threatening remarks to her and other staff members on past occasions.

DUI charges filed

SHAMOKIN TOWNSHIP - David A. Madara, 57, of 749 Old Reading Turnpike, Paxinos, was charged with driving under the influence and a number of traffic violations following a traffic stop at 1:30 a.m., Oct. 13, on Irish Valley Road, Shamokin Township.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin, by Trooper Barry Wooten of the Pennsylvania State Police, Stonington barracks.

Disorderly conduct

MOUNT CARMEL - Officer Jason Drumheller has cited Jennifer L. Dalpiaz, 43, of 213 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel, for disorderly conduct involving an incident at 5:56 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Tattoo Shop on South Oak Street.

Dogs at large

COAL TOWNSHIP - Cynthia Albertson, 21, of 211 Third St., Ranshaw, and Cindy Santore, 44, of 217 Third St., Ranshaw, were cited by Patrolman Joshua Wynn for allowing their dogs to run at large Sunday morning in the 1800 block of Tioga Street.

DUI arrest

SHAMOKIN - City Police Patrolman Jarrod Scandle charged James F. Madison, 51, of 409 Oak St., Trevorton, with driving under the influence, careless driving and driving with a suspension following the investigation into a traffic violation in the area of Market and Independence streets, Shamokin, at 10:23 p.m. Sept. 22. The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Shamokin.

Criminal trespass

MOUNT CARMEL - Joseph Michael Houser, 21, of South Grape Street, Mount Carmel, was cited by Patrolman Kevin Katch for criminal trespass relating to incidents on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9 at Turkey Hill Minit Market at Fifth and Market streets.

Police reported Houser, who was previously banned from the store, entered the business on both days.

Citations withdrawn

MONROE TOWNSHIP - Citations of harassment and driving under suspension against Candy Sheward, 44, of Paxinos, were withdrawn by state police at Selinsgrove.

Sheward was originally cited following an incident at the Valley Lodge, Monroe Township at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, but police say that the lodge employee misidentified the person involved in the incident. Police say Sheward was not involved in an argument with employee Mohammd Tariq Siddiqui, of Blandon, over the payment of a room.

Police say Sandra Pratt, 51, of Hummels Wharf, will be cited in the incident.

Retail theft

SHAMOKIN - Kelsea M. Haddock, 20, of 645 Bear Valley Avenue, Shamokin, was charged with retail theft by Shamokin City Police Cpl. Bryan Primerano after she allegedly attempted to steal a cell phone charger valued at $8.48 from the Dollar General department store, Independence Street, at 4:04 p.m. Oct. 7.

Disorderly conduct

MOUNT CARMEL - Patrolman Jason Drumheller has cited William Simpson, 45, of 103 N. Maple St., Mount Carmel, for disorderly conduct involving a disturbance at 3:18 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Dollar General store, where he allegedly was cursing and screaming at desk clerks in front of customers.

Criminal mischief

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police report a metal door at a building owned by the Shamokin/Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority, located off of Route 901 was damaged. The door had several scratch marks on it. Anyone with information should contact the Coal Township Police Department at 644-0333.

Harassment

MOUNT CARMEL - A 17-year-old female and a 13-year-old girl, both of Mount Carmel, were cited by Officer Jason Drumheller for harassment and disorderly conduct relating to a disturbance at 9 p.m. Oct. 13 in the first block of East Third Street.

Police reported the teens are accused of attacking another female juvenile.

Retail theft

COAL TOWNSHIP - Angela Hopper, 35, of 505 S. Market St., Shamokin, and Rhonda S. Ostrander, 45, of 402 S. Bay St., Coal Township, were both charged with retail theft following an incident at the Coal Township Wal-Mart SuperCenter at 4:56 p.m. on Oct. 28.

Coal Township Police Patrolman Chris Lapotsky reported that the two females allegedly selected and concealed $254.61 worth of merchandise and then left the store with the items without paying for them.

Ostrander was also charged with criminal trespass, as she had been prohibited from being on the premises in 2008.

Disorderly conduct

MOUNT CARMEL - Chris Share Jr., 27, of 213 S. Maple St., Mount Carmel, was cited by Chief of Police Todd Owens for disorderly conduct involving an Oct. 15 disturbance in the 200 block of South Maple Street.

Police said Share allegedly used obscenities toward a neighbor.

Harassment

MOUNT CARMEL - Barbara Ann Puketza, 44, of 134 S. Locust St., Mount Carmel, was charged by Police Chief Todd Owens with harassment for allegedly shoving Tommie E. Mowrer, of 118 E. Second St., Mount Carmel, on Oct. 22 at the victim's home.

Disorderly conduct

MOUNT CARMEL - Amber Eisenhard, 19, of 431 Diamond St., Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman Shane Reamer for disorderly conduct and harassment for allegedly punching a 16-year-old female in the face in the first block of South Oak Street at 6:54 p.m. Oct. 17.

Criminal mischief

MOUNT CARMEL - Patrolman Shane Reamer cited James Tomedi, 20, of 129 N. Hickory St., Mount Carmel; Brian Santelli, 20, of 1438 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, and Levi Gray, 19, of 494 W. Saylor St., Atlas, for disorderly conduct and criminal mischief for allegedly shooting a BB gun at an occupied vehicle in the first block of South Vine Street, causing damage to a window visor.

Police said the incident occurred at 8:40 p.m. Oct. 18.

Hit and run

MOUNT CARMEL - Robert Thurner, 79, of 228 W. Second St., Mount Carmel, was cited by Patrolman Shane Reamer for accidents involving damage to an unattended vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident.

Police said Thurner was driving a vehicle that struck a parked vehicle owned by John Grabowski, of 227 W. Second St., Mount Carmel, shortly before 3 p.m. Oct. 15 in the 200 block of West Second Street, causing minor damage.

Thurner then fled the scene, police said.

Public drunkenness

SHAMOKIN - Aaron Michael Bixler, 23, of 721 Center St., Tharptown, has been cited by Cpl. Darwin Tobias III for public drunkenness in connection with an incident at 1:30 a.m. Sunday in the first block of East Independence Street.

Police warnings

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin Police Department is warning residents of a growing number of phone scams that have been reported over the past few weeks. Residents are reminded not to provide any personal information or make any type of monetary donation over the phone.

Police said there have been reports of packages being stolen from porches. The public is asked to ensure all deliveries are made to a secure location.

Criminal mischief

COAL TOWNSHIP - Joseph Stawinski, 87. of 116 Second St., reported to police that sometime between midnight and the early morning hours of Tuesday, the four tires on his Chevrolet pickup truck were cut while it was parked in front of his residence.

Harassment

KULPMONT - Joseph R. Brodie, 33, of 1213 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, was charged by Trooper Mark Adams of state police at Stonington with harassment for allegedly pushing a 25-year-old female to the ground and attempting to strike her during an altercation at 3:40 a.m. Wednesday at the rear of 842 Chestnut St., Kulpmont.

Police did not identify the victim.

Driver injured, cited

LEWIS TOWNSHIP - Becky Jo Stephens, 38, of Turbotville, suffered injuries in a one-car crash Tuesday on Route 54 (Continental Boulevard) in this Northumberland County township.

State police at Milton reported Stephens was driving a 1999 Hyundai Elantra east on Route 54, approximately 25 yards west of Beaver Run Road at 5:20 p.m., when she fell asleep. Her auto traveled off the right side of the road, into a ditch and front yard. The car continued east and drove over the top of a cement barrier and through a bush before coming to rest in a front yard.

Stephens was transported by Warrior Run Ambulance to Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg.

Her car sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene.

Stephens was cited for careless driving.

Morea Road crash

WEST MAHANOY TOWNSHIP - Two Mahanoy City men suffered injuries in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday night along Morea Road (Route 1008) near Eleanor Avenue in this Schuylkill County township.

State police at Frackville said Joshua Mooney, 24, was driving a 1999 Ford Econoline van east on Morea Road at 6:30 p.m. He lost control of his vehicle, which entered the westbound lane and drove into the berm on the north side of the road, where it struck a concrete drainage basin and rolled over onto the road.

The van then slid for approximately 100 yards before coming to rest on its passenger side in the westbound lane.

Mooney and his passenger, Robert Reeves, 31, who were not wearing seat belts, suffered unknown injuries in the accident.

The van was towed from the scene by Hoffman's Towing, Frackville.

Vandalism

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - Keith Dunkleberger Sr., 52, of 104 Trevorton Road, told police someone drove a vehicle around the grassy area of the Zerbe Rod and Gun Club, 649 Sportsman Road, Trevorton, causing deep ruts and bare spots.

Police said the vandalism occurred at about 11 p.m. Saturday.

Waives hearing

MOUNT CARMEL - Charles T. Picarella Jr., 33, of 869 W. Valley Ave., Apt. 2, Elysburg, waived to court Wednesday five counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of misbranding a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia at a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones.

Picarella is charged by Ralpho Township Patrolman Chris Grow with possessing 22 grams of cocaine, seven prescription pills, Clonezepam and Alprazolam, and suspected drug paraphernalia, including 44 clear plastic vials commonly used to package cocaine.

The drugs and paraphernalia were reportedly found by a parole agent Oct. 4 inside Picarella's vehicle parked at his property.

He was ordered by Jones to appear for plea court Dec. 31 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.