More snow today

The area is under a winter storm warning until 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.

By that time, the area will have gotten an additional six to 10 inches of snow, according to National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Greg DeVoir.

That means there'll be plenty of white stuff for folks who didn't get to finish their snowmen this past weekend.

The snow is set to begin sometime this afternoon, with up to one inch in accumulation, DeVoir said. But the majority of the snow should settle Tuesday night and into Wednesday, with the chance of snow near 100 percent.

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County, court reach deal

SUNBURY - Call it a compromise, a truce, a goodwill gesture for the taxpayers of Northumberland County: the county commissioners and President Judge Robert B. Sacavage have reached a settlement on their budget debate.

During a 30-minute press conference Monday afternoon, Sacavage shook hands with his former adversary, Commissioner Vinny Clausi, as well as with fellow Commissioners Kurt Masser and Frank Sawicki. The gesture, in marked contrast to most of the dealings between Sacavage and Clausi last year, came after the commissioners agreed to provide the court with $2,837,403 from the general fund in 2010 and pay approximately $20,000 in legal fees and expenses incurred by the court in filing court action against the commissioners.

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No fee for firefighting

SHAMOKIN - The city will not charge people for fire services.

So said former City of Shamokin Fire Bureau Chief and current city council member William Milbrand at Monday's meeting.

It was reported recently in The News-Item that during a work session held Feb. 1 the city considered the idea of levying a fee for fire personnel labor. That wasn't entirely correct, Milbrand said.

The billing would be sent to a person's insurance, Milbrand said. If there's any money earmarked for fire coverage, then the city would get paid.

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Deitrick may run for Phillips' seat

SUNBURY - Former Northumberland County commissioner Samuel Deitrick stepped back into politics last year through a successful bid for jury commissioner.

Now it appears he has larger ambitions.

Deitrick, a Republican, wouldn't confirm it Monday, but a formal announcement is expected by the Sunbury resident today or Wednesday that he'll seek the Republican nomination this spring for the state legislative seat now held by Merle Phillips.

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Former director filed complaint

The former director of Northumberland County Transportation Department has filed a gender discrimination complaint against the county, claiming she was unfairly demoted to another position.

Jacquelyn F. Klemick confirmed Monday night that she initially filed a claim with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in September 2008, claiming she was unjustly demoted from transportation director to assistant director in the county information technology department on April 4, 2008. Dennis Hepler replaced Klemick as transportation director.

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Gordner's 'meth' bill reaches Rendell Senator cites recent Pine Grove explosion

HARRISBURG - The Senate Monday gave final approval to legislation sponsored by Sen. John R. Gordner, R-27, to toughen penalties for those possessing ingredients to manufacture methamphetamine and operating a methamphetamine laboratory.

Senate Bill 125 also provides that those convicted of operating meth labs are also responsible for environmental clean-up costs associated with the labs.

Gordner introduced the legislation with the support of Pennsylvania Attorney General Thomas Corbett and local law enforcement. The Senate concurred with amendments to the bill that were approved by the House of Representatives.

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Noteworthy 2/9/10

Snow emergency in Kulpmont

KULPMONT - Mayor Myron F. Turlis declared a snow emergency along Route 61 (Chestnut Street) in the borough effective 11 p.m. today.

Parking is prohibited along Chestnut Street until the snow stops and is plowed back to the curb by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Violators will have their vehicles ticketed and/or towed at the owner's expense.

No parking on Oak Street Wednesday

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Memorials: Divine Redeember

Divine Memorial

The following Memorials have been presented to Divine Redeemer Church, Mount Carmel for January.

In memory of:

Alex and Stephania Brzostowski from Marie Bielarski and Betty Soury.

Frank (Birchie) Brzostowski from Marie Bielarski and Betty Soury.

Hattie Pahira from Marie Bielarski.

Dominic J. Ventilli Jr. from Agnes and Cindy Saukaitis; Mark and Anita Frank and family; Gina and Marietta Miriello; Wally, Anne and Megan McAndrew; Rita R. Kowaleski; Rick, Deb and Cory Kowaleski.

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DEP offering hybrid vehicle rebates

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is offering rebates to Pennsylvanians who have recently purchased or leased a hybrid electric vehicle, state Reps. Merle Phillips, R-108, reported Monday.

Pennsylvania's Hybrid Electric Vehicle Rebate Program offers a $500 rebate while funds are available for vehicles that have a combined EPA city and highway rating of greater than 55 mpg, with a carbon footprint of fewer than seven tons per year of carbon dioxide.

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