Dreamcatchers

slates painting class

POTTSVILLE — Dreamcatchers Art Emporium LLC, 370 S. Centre St., will host a spring painting class with local artist Maggie Mazloom at 2 p.m. March 25.

The cost of the class is $30, which includes all materials needed. Seating will be limited to 15, so those interested are advised to sign up in advance at Dreamcatchers or through Mazloom, Dreamcatchers’ Christa Miller said.

Riverview Financial

among Best 50

HARRISBURG — Riverview Financial Corp. has announced it has been named to the 2018 OTCQX Best 50, a ranking of top performing companies traded on the OTCQX Best Market.

The OTCQX Best 50, according to a Riverview press release, ranks in the top 50 U.S. and international companies traded on the OTCQX market “based on an equal weighting of one-year total return and average daily dollar volume growth in the previous calendar year.”

Riverview Bank serves 11 counties in Pennsylvania, including Schuylkill.

St. Luke’s seeks

more volunteers

COALDALE — St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus is looking for volunteers to help make a difference with patients in the skilled nursing unit, inpatient nursing or emergency department “by spending time socializing, providing comfort items and assisting staff with various supportive duties.”

St. Luke’s volunteers, organizers said in a release, “are greatly appreciated and a valued members of our team.”

For more information or to join the program, call 484-526-4600 or visit www.slhn.org/volunteerNOW.

What’s Next

conference topic

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The first Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 What’s Next Conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Penn State Schuylkill.

The one-day free conference is for parents and students in grades 8-12 to explore future options.

The featured speaker will be Lynn Anderson of the Southern Regional Education Board, who will focus on the benefits of preparing for what’s next.

Exhibitors will be on hand from area businesses, organizations and institutes of post-secondary education showcasing the variety of options for Schuylkill County students. There will also be breakout sessions to expand on specific career and college topics for students and parents.

For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/IU29whatsnext.

Business competition

slated at LionLaunch

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Penn State Schuylkill LionLaunch business competition is set for 5 p.m. March 15 at the LionLaunch Innovative Hub, 15 E. Main St.

“Have you always wanted to own your own business?” organizers ask in an event flier calling on those interested to “pitch your plan to make your dreams a reality.”

The spring 2018 program will give entrepreneurs the opportunity to request and earn up to $5,000 in funding plus free office space.

People can learn more and submit an application by visiting sl.psu.edu/lionlaunch now through Feb. 12, according to the flier. Susan Williams, LionLaunch coordinator, can be reached by calling 570-385-6065 or emailing sxw831@psu.edu.

Candidates must work, live, volunteer or attend school in Schuylkill County.

Planning underway

for cancer telethon

JIM THORPE — Planning is underway for the 39th annual American Cancer Society Telethon to air from noon to midnight April 7 and 9 at Penn’s Peak.

Organizations planning to present a check on the program are asked to contact Kate Hofherr at kate.hofherr@gmail.com or by calling 610-248-9949. People or groups wishing to perform on the telethon should contact George Tayler at gtay200@verizon.net and provide a performance sample such as a video on YouTube.

Chamber wants

awards nominations

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee is seeking candidates for the annual awards for Business Woman, Business Man, Entrepreneur, For-Profit Organization and Nonprofit Organization of the Year.

The nomination form, which has been simplified, is available online, as is a list of past winners.

The deadline for nomination submissions is Friday. The winners will be announced at the May 4 annual luncheon and the awards will be presented at the June 13 awards breakfast.

For questions or more information, call the chamber office at 800-755-1942.

Chamber adds to

mixers, sessions

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has several upcoming sessions on its agenda. People may register for all chamber programs at www.schuylkillchamber.com. The chamber and the SEDCO/chamber conference center are at Union Station, 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201, Pottsville, PA 17901.

The sessions include:

• The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Education Committee will present “Getting the Most out of Your Intern” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the SEDCO/chamber conference center, Union Station, Pottsville. Presenters will be Tina Rose of Penn State Schuylkill and Deborah Twigg of SMART HR. Covered topics will include effective use of interns, building a bench of future employees and paid vs unpaid internships.

• The chamber’s Networking Before 9 Breakfast set for 7:45 a.m. Wednesday in The Lodge at Sharp Mountain, Pottsville, will focus on Critical Developments in Tax Reform presented by Andrew J. Horwitz, vice president and director of wealth and fiduciary planning central Pennsylvania, Wilmington Trust.

• The chamber’s Business After 5 O’clock Mixer, a St. Patrick’s Day theme, is set for 5 to 7 p.m. March 16 at The Greystone Restaurant, Pottsville, co-hosted by BB&T Insurance Services and BB&T. There is no cost to attend but registration is requested to ensure an accurate count, according to a chamber flier.

• Schuylkill Women in Business will gather on March 28 with networking beginning at 11:45 a.m. and lunch served at noon at The Pottsville Zone, Pottsville. Shannon Brennan of McCann School of Business & Technology will focus on Walking with Women Through Every Generation.

• A Nonprofit Lunch and Learn session is set for 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 4 in the chamber/Schuylkill Economic Development Corp. Conference Room at Union Station, Pottsville. It will feature a panel discussion on recruiting and utilizing volunteers. Participants will include Darla Troutman of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Tom Drogalis of the Schuylkill County Historical Society and Doug Long of the Greater Berks Food Bank. The cost is $15 per person for chamber members and $20 for non-members.

Grant, scholarship

applications open

POTTSVILLE — Grant and scholarship applications for 2018 are available, according to an announcement from the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation in a flier forwarded by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.

Schuylkill County nonprofits are encouraged to apply for grants in the following categories: arts and culture, community, education, environment, health and wellness and human services. Grant applications are due by March 15.

People should visit www.sacfoundation.com for the e-grant link.

Scholarship applications are due by April 1. Those interested should visit the aforementioned website or go to their high school guidance office for more information.

Call the foundation at 570-624-7223.

Cooper revitalization

an ongoing project

SHENANDOAH — The effort to transform the former J.W. Cooper High School building at White and Lloyd streets into a multipurpose community center is ongoing and people are welcome to become part of the nonprofit restoration and revitalization.

Supporters are led by jeweler Kent Steinmetz, who bought the building in 2009, and a board of directors. Although progress has been slow due to funding restraints, work is continuing thanks to volunteers and local companies that periodically provide material and equipment.

Supporters also have been buoyed by word that similar efforts in other communities to save and revitalize landmark school buildings have been met with overwhelming community support. The hope is the Cooper effort will receive similar support as the Cooper building’s historic nature is without rival.

The intent of the local project is to transform the building into a regional hub for business/commerce, recreation, arts/crafts, relaxation and entertainment including musical and theatrical performances.

The J.W. Cooper Community Center is the official name under which the building is listed with the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit entity under Section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code since 2014 — meaning contributions to the effort are tax deductible.

To reach Steinmetz, call 570-617-8920 or email kent@steinmetzjewelers.com. For more information about the community center, visit www.jwcoopercenter.org.

Avenues offers

shredding service

POTTSVILLE — West Side Shredding is a secure document destruction service “that can supply your company with cost-effective and confidential services while helping individuals with developmental disabilities,” according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flier heralding the Habilitation Avenues effort.

Avenues, 1755 W. Market St., works to help people with developmental disabilities. Terri Moyer, production manager, can be reached by calling 570-628-5316 or emailing tmoyer@avenuesofpa.org.

Coal Cracker 10K

ready for 2018 run

SHENANDOAH — The 2018 Coal Cracker 10K and Fun Run will be held June 9 beginning in the first block of North Main Street. The well-known run is held annually on the second Saturday of June, according to its Facebook page.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the headquarters of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St. The Fun Run, for youngsters 12 and younger, will begin at 9 a.m.

The 10K — which has a reputation as one of the most grueling runs in the state — will begin at 10 a.m.

Downtown Shenandoah stores, banks, eateries and service outlets will be open.

The 10K is sponsored by the Shenandoah Flites Running Club.

MAHANOY CITY — Three people were jailed after being arrested by Mahanoy City police early Tuesday morning on drug charges.

Police said the arrests were made around 12:10 a.m. in the 700 block of East Centre Street.

Patrolman Thomas Rentschler charged Kevin Gazdiak, 27, of Hazle Township; Sierra Treichler, 21, of Conyngham; and Ryan Seigel, 31, of Mahanoy City.

Each of the three is charged with felony possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and misdemeanor offenses of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Additionally, police said, Gazdiak was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

During the arrests, police said, officers seized over 150 bags of heroin, 10 grams of methamphetamine and numerous items of drug paraphernalia.

All three were arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison, each unable to post $50,000 bail, police said.

Do you feel confident handling watercraft? You may, but there are state regulations that require the operators of certain water activities to be trained and certified. Luckily, there’s an upcoming course that can put you in compliance and keep you in the water.

Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Grove, is sponsoring a basic boating education course from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. March 18. A PA Boating Safety Education Certificate is required for all PA residents born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, to operate any boat greater than 25 horsepower and all operators of personal watercraft, commonly called jet skis.

Successful completion of the course will result in the issuance of a temporary certificate and enable the student to apply for a permanent one. The course includes all materials. Bring your lunch. Advance registration is required by calling Drew Kline at 570-527-2505.

A designer bag bingo will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Saint Clair Lions Club, 259 McCord Ave. There will also be a mini Chinese auction, 50/50 chances, raffles and food available for purchase. Doors open at 11 a.m. and games start at 1 p.m. Advance ticket purchase of $25 includes special drawing. Tickets are available at the door for $30. Call Melissa at 570-527-5787 or Danielle at 570-449-0606 for details or ticket purchase.

The Celtic Martins will perform at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center at 7 p.m. March 17. The family performance features traditional Celtic music and Irish step-dancing. Musical instruments include guitar and bass, drums, fiddle, Irish whistles, mandolin, bagpipes and percussion. Get tickets at the door for $15 or order online in advance at www.tamaquaarts.thundertix.com.

Therapeutic horseback riding volunteers

Responsibility: Help therapeutic horseback riding program with a variety of volunteer positions. Side walkers are assigned to a rider and are responsible for their safety before, during and after the lesson. Horse leaders need prior horse experience and are in charge of a horse during all the stages of the lesson. Ring and facility management assistants help with the preparation of the ring and equipment, groom and lead horses to the lesson area, clean tack, paint/repair fencing, tend to garden and more. They could also use help with administrative tasks like PR, the newsletter, volunteer recruitment and photography.

Times: Flexible.

Skills: This is a great opportunity for volunteers of almost all ages. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age, in good health and able to walk for a hour at a time. Most positions need no prior experience. Required training starts in April.

Location: Horses and Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center Inc., New Ringgold.

Contact: Jane Ostroski, 610-298-2546, email jeohhtlc15@gmail.com, or at www.horsesand horizons.org.

Museum volunteer

Responsibility: Help with museum displays, framing pictures, dressing mannequins, filing clippings, light housekeeping, office work.

Times: Flexible, a few hours per month. Museum open house is once per month. Weekly organization meetings to those interested.

Skills: Training provided.

Location: Frackville Museum, Borough building in Frackville

Call: Lorraine Stanton, 570-874-2814.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact information for those specific opportunities and search other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Find us on Facebook. Call us at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

MAR LIN — Former Norwegian Township Supervisor Leo Grace was recognized for his 44 years of dedication to the township Monday.

Supervisors, the township solicitor and others thanked Grace for his contributions to the community during the monthly supervisors meeting Monday.

“He did a very good job,” Supervisor Stanley Petchulis said.

Grace, who resigned from his position last year due to health reasons, attended the meeting.

Before giving Grace a plaque, Petchulis stated the many contributions Grace, former supervisor Robert Kirwan, who was also present, and himself did while the three served together on the board of supervisors. Among them were getting funding for two playgrounds, a bridge, the traffic light at routes 901 and 209, the addition to the municipal building and many pieces of township equipment.

Grace said a few comments to those in the audience.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of Norwegian Township for 44 years. We did a lot,” he said.

“We appreciate you doing all the work you did for 44 years,” Petchulis said.

Solicitor B.J. Evans commended Grace on his responsiveness to township residents and the municipality.

“He really was committed,” Evans said.

He went so far to say Grace was an “asset” to the township.

Grace’s daughter, Leonette Simodejka, thanked her father for his dedication.

In other matters, the township adopted a resolution approving the submission to the county for demolition funding at 500 and 502 Parkmeadow Drive in the township. The properties are blighted and vacant, Evans said. Petchulis said funding might take a year to receive. Evans said liens will be placed on the property for the cost of demolition.

The township awarded a contract for a 1994 backhoe. The township had requested bids for the sale of the equipment. Of the nine bids, the winner was $17,000 from a man in Refton, Lancaster County. The supervisors rejected bids last month for the backhoe because they believed the amounts were too low.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — John R. Curley set a fire in July 2016 that damaged several buildings in Shenandoah, and must serve time in state prison as a result, a Schuylkill County judge ruled recently.

Curley, 55, of Nesquehoning, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to arson and causing a catastrophe. Prosecutors withdrew two additional counts of arson, two counts of recklessly endangering another person and one count each of aggravated arson and reckless burning.

Judge John E. Domalakes accepted the plea and, in accordance with an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Curley to serve 22 months to five years in a state correctional institution, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Shenandoah police alleged that on July 7, 2016, Curley set fire to furniture and trash on the sidewalk in front of 134 S. Market St. in the borough. David and Heather Zalapac, who were living in an apartment in the building at the time, had to flee through the back of the building onto South Main Street due to the intense fire, according to police.

In addition to the Zalapac apartment and garage, two garages and two unoccupied buildings across South Market Street were also affected by the fire, police said. No one was injured in the fire, but it took firefighters from Shenandoah and surrounding communities several hours to bring the blaze under control.

“I got mad and lit the apartment on fire,” is what Curley, formerly of Shenandoah, said about the blaze, according to police. He also said he used gasoline, which he bought just before the incident, to start the fire, police said.

State police assisted in the investigation.

By pleading guilty but mentally ill, Curley accepted responsibility for what he had done; prosecutors acknowledged he was suffering from a mental illness and each side agreed he did not meet the definition of a legally insane person — not knowing the difference between right and wrong at the time he committed the crime. Curley will receive treatment for his mental illness as a result of the plea.

Pennsylvania and a number of other states instituted the guilty but mentally ill plea after John Hinckley Jr. was found not guilty by reason of insanity after trying to assassinate President Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

Defendant: John R. Curley

Age: 55

Residence: Nesquehoning, formerly of Shenandoah

Crimes committed: Arson and causing a catastrophe

Prison sentence: 22 months to five years in a state correctional institution

Truck drivers not hurt in I-81 crashes

MAHANOY CITY — A Canadian truck driver escaped injury when the 2010 Freightliner tractor-trailer slid off a snow-covered Interstate 81 in Mahanoy Township around 9:35 p.m. Friday.

State police at Frackville said Harjinder Heer, 51, of Laval, Quebec, was driving south in the right lane at mile marker 130 when he lost control on the snow, causing his truck to jackknife.

The truck and trailer traveled off of the west berm, struck a guide rail and came to a stop jackknifed on the Interstate 81 on ramp facing west, police said.

Herr was not hurt but, police said, he will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic as a result of the crash.

In a similar incident, state police at Frackville investigated a one-vehicle crash that occurred in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81, at mile marker 131 in Mahanoy Township around noon on Friday.

Police said Sanlake Chomchat, 45, of Lakewood, California, was driving a 2012 Freightliner north in the right lane when he lost control on the snow, causing his truck to go off the road and strike a guide rail.

The truck and trailer came to a stop completely blocking both northbound lanes for about 50 minutes, police said, adding that Chomchat was not hurt but that he will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic as a result of the crash.

Police investigate

Dauphin theft

ELIZABETHVILLE — State police at Lykens are investigating a theft that occurred in Washington Township, Dauphin County, between Feb. 16 and 21.

Police said a 36-year-old Elizabethville woman reported someone opened several accounts using her name and other personal information through Sprint, ATT, Kohl’s and TJ Maxx.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at Lykens at 717-362-8700.

Woman cited

for I-81 accident

DELANO — Three people escaped injury when the 2013 Cadillac ATS they were in crashed in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81, near mile marker 136.2 in Delano Township, around 10:45 a.m. Friday.

State police at Frackville said Rita Brooks, 60, of Harrisburg, was driving north in the left lane when she lost control on the snow, slid onto the east berm and struck a guide rail.

Police said Brooks and her passengers — a 13-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, both of Harrisburg — were not hurt and that as a result of the crash, Brooks will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Police investigate

invasion of privacy

LYKENS — State police at Lykens are investigating an incident of invasion of privacy after an incident at a home on North Second Street in this Dauphin County community.

Police said that on Feb. 28 a 37-year-old woman reported her 16-year-old stepson had been viewing her in a state of undress for several weeks before she caught him in the act.

Police said the woman reported the teenager was looking from his bedroom window into a small window in her bedroom.

Police announce

DUI checkpoints

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Roving DUI Patrols will be conducted now through Sunday on Routes 61,183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 1008, 443, 895,125, 25, 924 and 54.

Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call, toll-free, 1-888-UNDER21, to report underage drinking.

PSP Lykens detail

incident reportages

LYKENS — State police at Lykens reported receiving 505 calls during the month of February for both their criminal and patrol divisions.

In the crime unit troopers said 84 offenses were reported and 82 determined to be valid resulting in 49 cases cleared and 50 criminal arrests made.

In the patrol division, police investigated 38 crashes and four hit and run crashes that resulted in 10 injuries and no fatalities.

Police issued 283 traffic citation, 143 warning notices and made seven DUI arrests.

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City police charged a Colorado woman with stealing a vehicle Saturday in the borough.

Police said the victim reported her 2004 Honda Pilot was taken during the morning hours Saturday.

Then, on Tuesday, police said officers recovered the vehicle around 9:25 p.m. and simultaneously made an arrest.

As a result, police said, they charged Mari Powell, 21, whose last known address was in Parker, Colorado, with felony crimes of theft and receiving stolen property as well as misdemeanor unauthorized use of a vehicle.

She was committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post bail, police said.

Police Chief Kenneth Zipovsky said the investigation and its timely conclusion would not have been possible without the assistance of the public.

“This is a fine example of the partnership that the Mahanoy City Police Department has fostered with the community and its benefits,” he said. “This partnership allows the MCPD to complete its mission, and makes a safer community.”

ORWIGSBURG — Some Blue Mountain Elementary East teachers were the subject of a teaching video that will be used across the commonwealth.

Cathy Hassman, a first-grade teacher, and Lea Bortner, a second-grade teacher, were recently filmed while leading their respective classes through the Heggerty Program.

The Heggerty Program aids students in acquiring and mastering reading skills through interactive methods that keep students engaged and remembering their lessons. Hassman and Bortner use the 10- to 15-minute program daily to hone their students’ ability.

“I can’t get over how much the kids have learned,” Bortner said.

They were filmed Feb. 5 by Pam Kastner, the literacy statewide lead of Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network.

Kastner was introduced to the Blue Mountain School District through the Dyslexia Screening and Early Literacy Intervention Pilot Program that the district received a grant from beginning in fall 2015.

The video featuring Hassman and Bortner will be used when other school districts begin using the Heggerty Program and to convince teachers the program is working in helping students grasp words and reading better. The goal for Bortner and Hassman is to help kids love learning and reading.

“She’s going to use our videos to show how it’s taught. It’s a great opportunity for us to be a part of this,” Bortner said.

“If one of my kids choose a book over a video game, I’ve succeeded,” Hassman said.

A release date for the video has not yet been determined.

Contact the writer: dbarr@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6011

If you have ever wanted to tour the Coal Region by rail, be sure to get a ticket soon for an upcoming trip.

The Oneida Clipper Excursion, a 96-mile round trip, starts and ends at the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad headquarters at 1 Railroad Blvd., Port Clinton. Drawn by two MP-15 diesel locomotives, the train leaves at 10 a.m. May 5, returning at 7 p.m. The event is a collaboration between Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad.

“We want to fill the train,” Norm Barrett, excursion co-chairman and a member of the board of directors of the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley chapter of the NRHS, said March 1.

The train will travel “northbound through Tamaqua and East Mahanoy Junction. The route will also run through Delano to reach as far as Oneida Junction, near Hazleton. After reaching this extent of track, the train pushes southwest to Delano Junction and takes rare mileage to the recently re-opened Lehigh Valley line to Morea, where the Lehigh Valley Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad once served the Morea Colliery,” according to The Oneida Clipper Train Excursion page on Facebook.

The excursion has piqued the interest of many railroad enthusiasts, with the first ticket being sold to someone in California and another to someone in England.

As of Monday, coach and open air tickets were the only ones remaining. Open air tickets allow passengers to ride in a roofless car called a gondola. Between 220 and 230 coach tickets remain and about 80 open air tickets are available. The caboose and locomotive cab tickets have sold out.

Proceeds from the trip benefit the restoration of the Boston & Maine 3713 steam locomotive currently on display at Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton.

The Boston & Maine 3713 restoration project started in 1995. It is an effort between the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad Historical Society Inc. and Steamtown National Historic Site to raise funds for the locomotive, built in 1934, to return it to service at Steamtown by 2020.

To date, $1.3 million has been raised for the effort. About $400,000 more is needed, Barrett said.

To order excursion tickets or for more information, call 570-575-5320 or visit www.project3713.com/product-category/oneidaclipper or www.laurellinesspecials.org. Cost per ticket varies. Basic coach tickets are $99 for an adult or $69 for children 12 and under. Passengers can bring a lunch or buy a boxed lunch for $9.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — Twenty-five people received a second chance March 1 from the Schuylkill County judicial system, as a judge admitted them into a program that could enable them to emerge from their experience with a clean record.

People entering the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program must comply with all directives from the court and the county Adult Probation/Parole Department, pay the costs of participating in it plus $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and perform community service.

“It’s a great deal, and you should take seriously ... the terms and conditions,” Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin advised the 25.

Dolbin advised the new entrants to the program that if they successfully complete it, the charges against them will be dismissed and they can have their record expunged.

However, those who do not successfully complete the program will be removed from it and have their cases returned to the trial list.

The 25 people Dolbin admitted into the program, and the offenses they were charged with committing, included:

Willie L. Alexander, 19, of Pottsville; two counts of corruption of minors and one each of driving under the influence and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Dylan J. Bohn, 24, of Mahanoy City; fraudulent or altered title or registration.

Charles F. Carr, 44, of Seltzer; DUI. Carr also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Lisa A. Colna, 51, of Minersville; DUI.

Bernadette K. Curran, 59, of Minersville; DUI.

Tyler J. Dougherty, Barnesville; receiving stolen property, theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Dougherty also must pay $2,800 restitution.

Gino Furgio, 19, of McAdoo; possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Scott A. Greis, 53, of Pottsville; DUI. Greis also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Janelle C. Grenfell, 21, of Philadelphia; possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jacob R. Hartzell, 22, of Tamaqua; theft by deception. Hartzell also must pay $1,050 restitution.

Felicia M. Heffelfinger, 25, of Lansford; DUI. Heffelfinger also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Carol Ann Heim, 26, of Valley View; DUI. Heim also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Ty D. Hinkle, 19, of Tamaqua; DUI.

Heather L. Hornbach, 40, of Girardville; DUI.

Paige A. Johnson, 24, of Mount Carmel; DUI and accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property. Johnson also must pay $393 restitution.

James P. Kofskie, 25, of Marion Heights; DUI.

Sara R. Koonrad, 27, of Ashley; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Erin M. Long, 48, of New Ringgold; DUI.

Christopher M. Lopresto, 56, of Tamaqua; DUI.

Dominique A. Lorady, 31, of Mount Carmel; DUI.

Corrine M. Markiewicz, 25, of Mahanoy City; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shawn A. Reichert, 48, of Schuylkill Haven; DUI and accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property.

John J. Rizzo, 61, of Barnesville; DUI.

Nickolas Steranko, 29, of Minersville; DUI.

Melissa L. Walerski, 40, of Pottsville; DUI.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

POTTSVILLE — Street crew supervisors and municipal leaders were surprised and thankful the heavy snowfall forecast for Schuylkill County didn’t amount to much.

Tom Whitaker, superintendent of streets for Pottsville, said he was “jumping for joy” when he looked out the window early Wednesday morning and didn’t see snow. However, it started falling later in the morning.

The snowfall totals were less than forecast because the storm shifted and the temperatures were a little warmer, Paul Head, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, State College, said.

“The storm ended being about 40 miles farther east than we expected,” he said.

Up to 7 inches or more was forecast for the storm at one point. However, Shenandoah had only 4 inches; Mahanoy City, 3.3; and Tamaqua, 2 inches, according to the NWS. Head said that Lake Wynonah and Frackville had about 4 inches. He estimated eastern areas in the valley had about 2 inches, while 1 inch or less was possible in the western areas of the county.

More snow may be on the way, Head said, with a possibility for “something to happen Sunday into Monday.”

“We can’t get it right 24 hours out,” he said.

All 15 city street department trucks as well as workers throughout the county were out Wednesday spreading salt and anti-skid or plowing.

Whitaker estimated about 3 inches of snow fell in Pottsville. It stopped around 3 p.m., which is when the NWS removed the winter storm warning.

Jerry Bowman, a Schuylkill Haven council member, said the borough probably received between 1 1/2 to 2 inches of snow, which was not sticking to the street where he lived.

Robert “Bob” Mahalchick, Minersville borough manager, said between 2 to 3 inches of snow fell in the borough. The snow emergency instituted Tuesday was lifted by 4 p.m. Wednesday. He was glad the weather forecast was not accurate. Conditions on borough roads were “slick” earlier in the day but improved. He said the above-freezing temperatures helped keep the accumulation down.

Bill Kirwan, road foreman for Norwegian Township, agreed the temperatures were helpful.

“The warmer weather is what saved us,” he said.

He estimated the township received between 3 to 6 inches of snow.

“It was an easy snow to clean up,” he said.

The street crew went out at 11 a.m. and was done by 4:30 p.m.

Roland Price Jr., Saint Clair borough secretary, said about 1 inch of snow blanketed the borough.

“We’re glad we’re not getting it,” he said.

Robert Williams, borough manager of Orwigsburg, said the borough prohibited parking on the square to clear away any snow. That was lifted at noon.

“We didn’t call a snow emergency because we wanted to wait and see,” he said.

He estimated 1 inch of snow fell in the borough.

“I thought it would be a lot worse,” he said.

Sean Brown, safety press officer for PennDOT District 5, Allentown, agreed the warmer temperatures were beneficial.

Whitaker said motorists may notice more potholes today as a result of the freezing and thawing. The hot patch for Pottsville likely will not be available until late April.

Darien Bauscher, Pottsville, was walking her pitbull Wednesday. She was “tired” of the fluctuating temperatures.

“Mother Nature needs to make up her mind,” she said.

A supervisor with the Schuylkill County Communications Center said there were a few vehicle accidents attributed to the storm in West Penn Township. Route 309 was closed going over the Blue Mountain into Lehigh County in the afternoon with several vehicles stuck, according to a Facebook post from the Schuylkill County Office of Emergency Management & Local Emergency Planning Committee. The road closure was lifted by 2 p.m. There were also downed trees and electric wires elsewhere in the county.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Altamont

The Altamont Fire Company, 215 S. Green St., will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. March 25 at the firehouse. The menu will include a wide variety of pancakes and omelets plus other breakfast fare. For more information, email jabroniw@gmail.com.

Gilberton

Continental Hose Company No. 3, 229 Main St., will have a hoagie sale beginning at 9 a.m. March 24. Advance orders and walk-ins are welcome. Hoagies are $6 each and varieties include Italian, regular, ham and cheese, meatball and turkey. All orders include a beverage and chips. For more information, email fjackowiak@hotmail.com.

Pottsville

The 34th annual dramatic Stations of the Cross will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 25 and 30 — Palm Sunday and Good Friday — at St. John the Baptist Church, 10th and Mahantongo streets. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the prelude will being at 7:15 p.m. All are welcome; freewill offerings will be accepted. For more information, call 570-622-5470.

Schuylkill Haven

The South Schuylkill Garden Club’s April Membership Tea is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 17 at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 253 Dock St. Local artist Kathy Connelly will speak on painting of the world around her. To register in advance, call Bonnie at 908-812-0821 by April 6.

Shenandoah

Knights of Columbus Francis Cardinal Brennan Council 618 based at Cherry and West streets sponsors bingo games two Sundays a month in Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish’s St. Stephen Hall, Main and Oak streets. Doors open at noon and games begin at 2 p.m. with food and refreshments available. The hall is accessible to the handicapped. Bingo dates for 2018 include March 18, April 8 and 22, May 6 and 20, June 3 and 24, Aug. 5 and 19, Sept. 9 and 23, Oct. 7 and 21, Nov. 4 and 18 and Dec. 2. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-590-3270 or 570-590-1188.

Shenandoah

The Anthony P. Damato American Legion “Medal of Honor” Post 792, 116 N. Main St., is continuing its quest to enlist new members. “Come visit our post, see what we have to offer for you and your family,” enlistment effort organizers said in a press release that called for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines veterans to consider joining and suggested that National Guardsmen and reservists could “continue serving your country” at the post. Veterans who belong to a post or who previously belonged to a post can transfer to the Damato post, according to the release. For more information, call 570-462-2387.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St., for St. Patrick’s Day, will present an evening of traditional Celtic music and Irish step dancing with the Celtic Martins on March 17. From southeastern Pennsylvania, the Martins began performing publicly in 2004 and were formerly known as the Martin Family Band. It includes parents Nelson and Elaine Martin, guitarists, their six children and family friend Elijah Roeder, the drummer. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. The show sponsors are Rosie and Gerald Stianche. Call 570-668-1192 for more information.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Area High School Drama Club will present “Mary Poppins” in the district auditorium at 7 p.m. March 23 and noon and 7 p.m. March 24. Doors will open one hour prior to showtimes. The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for students. For more information, email adelpais@tamaqua.k12.pa.us.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Area Student Government Association will host its seventh annual Mini-THON to benefit pediatric cancer research and the Tamaqua-Carbon American Cancer Society at beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday in the high school gymnasium. Events will include a 3-on-3 basket tournament, 6-on-6 volleyball tournament, corn hole and can jam games, an open swim for elementary students plus a bake sale and food sale. For more information, call Stephen Ulicny, Tamaqua Area student government adviser, at 570-668-1901.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast with ideas for a new trail in Schuylkill County, recreational planners want to hear from you.

A special public meeting on the Blackwood Trail feasibility study will be held 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday in the lower level of the Schuylkill Conservation District office, 1206 Ag Center Drive, Pottsville.

“We hope to have the feasibility study done by the end of 2018,” Drew Kline, the county’s parks and recreation supervisor, said.

The Schuylkill Conservation District received a 50/50 matching grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the development of the study. Kline said DCNR gave $25,000 and then a matching $25,000 was generated through the Friends of Schuylkill Parks & Recreation, the Schuylkill County Conservancy and the Schuylkill River Greenway Association.

The proposed hiking/biking trail is about 5 miles long and would be developed in the area of the Pottsville Youth Soccer Fields to Silverton Road in Llewellyn. The project study committee would like to solicit input from the public to identify the needs, wants and desires of the proposed project.

“Most of it is a railroad bed, and people do walk there now, but there’s no established trail. It’s a nice stretch of woods,” Kline said.

The meeting will begin with a brief introduction by project representatives, followed by an open house to review additional information.

Dan Cook, a project engineer from Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville, has been working on the project, along with Chris Bentz, also from Benesch, Kline said.

There are four options under consideration for the trail.

If citizens are unable to attend Monday’s meeting, their input will still be accepted, Kline said.

Further project inquiries and public comments can be submitted to Kline at dkline@co.schuylkill.pa.us or 570-527-2505 or Cook at dcook@benesch.com or 570-624-4287.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

TAMAQUA — No one was injured in a house fire Wednesday in Walker Township.

According to Chad Felty, fire chief of New England Fire Company of Walker Township, the house at 87 Gameland Drive was “severely damaged and burned” in the blaze that began about 9:17 p.m.

“The house was fully involved,” Felty said of the scene when crews arrived, adding it was a “complete loss.”

No one was in the house at the time, as the homeowner had reported the fire from a nearby location. He refused medical treatment and was given lodging at the Pottsville Ramada by the Red Cross.

Felty could not provide the homeowner’s name Thursday afternoon and the cause is still being determined. Pennsylvania state police fire marshal Trooper John Burns of the Frackville station is investigating.

New England Fire Company was assisted by American Hose Company No. 1, Tamaqua, Tamaqua Rescue, and fire companies from West Penn Township, New Ringgold, Hometown, Middleport, Tuscarora, Mount Carbon, Schuylkill Haven and Landingville. Crews on the scene left around 1 a.m. Thursday.

Contact the writer: dbarr@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6011

SAINT CLAIR — The BB&T Bank and the drive-thru in Mill Creek are closing in May, leaving the borough without a standalone financial institution.

And with the plan to move employees from that bank to the Pottsville location, the Schuylkill United Way will be searching for a new home.

“More and more, our clients are choosing to conduct their banking business digitally both here at BB&T and in the financial industry as a whole. While branches are still an important part of BB&T’s business model, we’re constantly evaluating all of our locations in terms of client-use patterns and convenience within the markets we serve.

“We never take the decision to close a financial center lightly. But after much consideration, we’ve decided to close the Saint Clair branch at 2 North Second Street on May 18. We’re ready to serve those clients at the Pottsville branch at 9 North Centre Street, which is about a three-mile drive and are encouraging them to visit us there. We don’t expect any layoffs as a result of this branch closing. Most of our branch associates will move to the receiving financial center to serve those same clients,” David R. White, vice president of corporate communications, said via email.

With the loss of BB&T, there will be no banks in the borough’s downtown. Woodforest National Bank has a branch at Walmart in the borough.

Customer Michele Rothermel was surprised the branch was closing and said it will be an inconvenience.

“I’m not going to switch banks,” she said.

She said a lot of elderly residents rely on the close proximity of the bank.

Robert Davenport, Norwegian Township, who has been going to the bank for years, agreed the closure will be harder on the elderly and disabled.

“I don’t know what they will do,” he said.

Mayor Richard Tomko said not having a branch office in the borough will be a hardship for residents, especially the elderly, disabled and those who can’t drive.

“This is an excellent location for a financial institution,” he said.

Tomko wrote a letter to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., and one will also be sent to BB&T shareholders.

“I never thought the bank would close,” Tomko said.

With the Saint Clair employees moving to the Pottsville branch, the Schuylkill United Way must find a new home. The organization leases space above the city bank.

Kelly Malone, Schuylkill United Way executive director, said Thursday they were notified by certified letter from a real estate lease administration manager that they had to move by May 31. An extension would be considered if needed, she said.

“We had a lease signed through April of 2021,” Malone said. “I was very disappointed that a bank this large would ask us to relocate.”

Malone said three people work at the city office. The space they are leasing is about 1,800 square feet.

“The fact that we have been displaced is disheartening,” Malone said.

The organization would like to stay in the city, and she said they have possible locations in mind.

“We are kind of looking for our forever home,” she said.

Addressing the situation with Schuylkill United Way, White said: “BB&T (and formerly National Penn) has supported the Schuylkill United Way through employee payroll deductions. This continues to be a very important part of our community commitment. The Schuylkill United Way has maintained their office in the same building as BB&T (and formerly National Penn) for many years now. The financial services industry is very competitive, and as a result many banks are consolidating their office spaces for efficiency reasons. Right now, we need the space in our building so that we can move in associates that specialize in providing our clients with insurance services, which then allows us to better serve our clients. We have spoken with the United Way about this, and while they would have preferred to say in the building, they understand the business need for the space.”

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

MINERSVILLE — The borough council heard concerns Tuesday from a member of the public about a recent shooting in the borough.

The resident was talking about a shooting last month that took place during a fight outside the Curran Hotel on Sunbury Street.

“I shouldn’t have to live like that,” the resident, who lives close to the Curran Hotel, said.

“It’s still under investigation,” Minersville Police Chief Michael Combs said at Tuesday’s work session.

The resident wanted to know how many liquor licenses were in the borough and what action was being taken in terms of complaints.

Council Vice President Ian Mahal said the information about the number of licenses in the borough is available from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. However, Combs said there are probably about six establishments permitted to sell alcohol in the borough.

Combs said the police department is not getting a lot of calls in the area where the Curran Hotel and other nearby bars are.

The resident said the businesses that sell alcohol “need to be good neighbors to us.”

Council President Jamie Kuehn said the safety of the residents in the community is important to the council.

“The council was concerned immediately” when the shooting took place, he said.

In other matters, council member Paul Vuksta said the street department applied hot tar in areas of the River Street wall that needed to be fixed. The tar is not a permanent fix, but he said it should last for now.

“The cost to fix that wall is going to be pretty significant,” Borough Manager Robert Mahalchick said.

Don Cuff, the borough engineer, said last month that the cost to fix the wall could be $400,000.

“The mortar joints have failed, and we expect additional stones will fall off over time. None of which do we expect will compromise the structural integrity of the wall and the stone. It will need to be replaced in time,” Cuff said previously.

On the state Department of Transportation website, the Seltzer Road bridge at the train station is slated for replacement by PennDOT at a later date. He suggested the department be contacted because “a portion of the bridge is actually utilizing the wall for support and possibly try to coordinate the two projects,” Cuff said previously.

Michael Rizzardi, a life Scout and member of Boy Scout Troop 600, Llewellyn, would like to do an Eagle Scout project in the borough. He wants to make an outdoor fitness station. A stone bench in honor of his grandfather, who was a sergeant in the Army, at the new memorial park where the old American Legion once stood is also in his plans. The council did not act on the request because it was a work session.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

The year was 1918, and the “War to End All Wars” was nearly concluded with an armistice that eventually led to the Treaty of Versailles. Before and during the war, just like wars since, songs of both patriotism and anti-war messages played, and after the war, songs lauding victory and peace.

This weekend, a local ensemble will be celebrating and commemorating the centennial of the culmination of The Great War.

The Schuylkill Choral Society, celebrating its 45th year, will be performing the concert “Remembering World War I” at 3 p.m. Sunday at the D.H.H. Lengel Middle School auditorium, Pottsville. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors and $18 for general admission, and can be purchased from any choral society member, at the door or by calling 570-628-3388.

The chorale is under the direction of Grammy-nominated Music Director Mark P. Thomas, with accompaniment from Kimberly Breiner Stoudt.

The performance warranted an indefatigable amount of studying, especially about the ideologies of the people of the time, and is meant to evoke the spirit of the time period and honor citizens and soldiers alike, without feeling anachronistic, Thomas said.

“I wanted to do a tribute to the men and women of that era which marked a major turning point in the history of the United States,” Thomas said. “The world drastically changed after that war and the United States emerged as a world power. In my research, I wanted to find out what the people of that time were feeling and thinking. The music of this concert definitely reflects the many facets of those feelings.”

Thomas said that at the beginning of the war there was some apprehension but there was also a strong sense of pride and patriotism.

“As the war continued and the horrors of that war became known at home there was an anti-war feeling that emerged as well. There was also the feeling of loss, fear, longing for the good old days and determination in the cause. The music of this concert will reflect all of those emotions and the audience will be given a wide range of this music of how and what the people of that time were feeling,” he said.

He added that the music, or what’s left of it since some has been lost over the years, includes nationalistic pieces to which laypeople would have listened — and some of which are still difficult to find today. Despite that, he was able to take a modern approach to the century-old tunes while still doing them justice.

“The patriotic selections were the ones that are still available and have become part of our society even today. Some of the popular music of the day I found in old song sheets and song books. There were no choral arrangements of these selections available so I was able to add harmonies to them while keeping with the meaning and flavor of the originals,” he said.

In the end, Thomas said, he believes the hard work will pay off, and the audience members will leave more informed than they entered.

“I am very pleased to be doing this music and I believe the audience will find it fascinating. Before each selection a chorus member will be reading a passage explaining the meaning and history behind the work. It is mostly music that has been forgotten but it is fascinating and has been a great experience for the chorus members to learn and now to present to our community,” he said.

Contact the writer: dprosick@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6002

It’s been a long time since Judas Priest slept in a van outside of a London recording studio.

Vocalist Rob Halford explained that in the “vampire days of recording,” overnight rates in studios were cheaper to rent. So for the band’s first studio album, “Rocka Rolla,” they found themselves sleeping in the van during the day and recording overnight.

“I remember when we had our first record contract, we were tremendously excited and very ambitious,” Halford said. “We thought big time, big money — wrong. In the early days, it’s a slug. It’s really, you’ve got to pay your dues. Nothing comes fast and easy in life, as I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older, but you do whatever it takes to get through that journey.”

Today, the heavy metal group has enjoyed nearly 50 years of success and is gearing up to release its 18th studio album, “Firepower,” which hits record stores today.

The Firepower 2018 tour kicks off Tuesday at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, with opening acts Saxon and Black Star Riders.

“It’s the excitement and the anticipation, it’s all wrapped up into (the first night),” Halford said. “We’ve been building this tour for many months — the stages, the costumes, the lights and the special effects and everything ... While that’s building, of course, our fans will finally be able to get their metal claws onto ‘Firepower’ and become associated with the songs.

“The launch of any project or any tour has to start at a specific spot. In this case, Wilkes-Barre is holding the torch for heavy metal as we take off.”

Judas Priest originally formed in the 1970s in Birmingham, England. The band created some of heavy metal’s most notable records, including “British Steel” and “Screaming for Vengeance,” and also appeared at the legendary Live Aid in 1985.

Although fans can expect to hear the beloved Judas Priest sound at the Wilkes-Barre show, Halford emphasized that each of the band’s albums are created with the intention of writing something new and different.

“We treat them completely separately as the belief is all our records from ‘Rocka Rolla’ up to ‘Firepower’ — they all have their own metal legs to stand on in terms of identity and sound,” he said.

The title song — and opening track — on “Firepower” resonates most with Halford, because he believes it speaks to the rest of the record.

In February, the band announced that longtime lead guitarist Glenn Tipton would not be touring with the band after being diagnosed with late-stage Parkinson’s disease. Although he will not tour, he remains an active member in the group. “Firepower” producer Andy Sneap picks up the guitar in his stead.

“You’ll be seeing Priest as you want,” Halford said. “There will be a slight adjustment ... but (Tipton) wants it to be a very successful ‘Firepower’ tour.

“I think a lot of people are going to be drawn to the show for the simple fact that they love Priest and they want to hear the songs again and again,” Halford said.

In order to prepare for the show each night, Halford said he limits his speaking to a minimum so he can preserve his voice, and also tries to remain healthy so he can utilize his “instrument” to its fullest potential. At this point in his life, he said his voice is “more precious than ever.”

And although it’s been nearly five decades since the beginning of Judas Priest, Halford does not see an end in sight.

“You can’t really turn it off,” he said. “If you’re lucky enough to be a creative person that is still hungry and curious and has a sense of adventure ... That’s the driving force in me, and that’s the same in Glenn and Scott and Richie and Ian. It’s something you can’t really switch off. ”

Contact the writer: cjacobson@citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2061

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board on Tuesday announced the return of $2.2 million in licensing fees to municipalities where those licenses are located, including Schuylkill County.

In Schuylkill County, $33,975 will be distributed among 55 municipalities.

Twice a year, as required by law, the PLCB returns liquor license fees paid by PLCB-approved licensees to the municipalities that are home to those licenses. Municipalities have flexibility in allocating and spending the returned license fees to meet local needs.

In Schuylkill County, 11 municipalities will receive $1,000 to $4,550. They are Pottsville ($4,550), Mahanoy City ($1,600), Shenandoah ($1,500), Minersville ($1,400), Tamaqua ($1,400), Rush Township ($1,400), Norwegian Township ($1,250), Butler Township ($1,050), North Manheim Township ($1,000), Saint Clair ($1,000) and Wayne Township ($1,000).

Another 44 municipalities in Schuylkill County will each receive $150 to $800.

The complete list of license fee distributions by municipality is available on the PLCB website at www.lcb.pa.gov.

The current dispersal period represents fees paid from Aug. 1, 2017, to Jan. 31, 2018. In all, 50 cities, 456 boroughs and 717 townships will receive payments ranging from $10 to $894,000.

The PLCB oversees the regulation of more than 15,000 retail liquor licenses statewide, including restaurants, clubs and hotels. Licensees pay liquor license fees ranging from $125 to $700, depending on type of license and population of municipality in which the license is located, as part of the annual license renewal or validation process, as well as in conjunction with approval of certain new applications. Over the last five years, the PLCB returned $24.6 million in fees to municipalities.

The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates more than 600 wine and spirits stores statewide and licenses more than 20,000 beverage alcohol producers and retailers. Taxes and store profits — totaling $15.8 billion since the agency’s inception — are returned to Pennsylvania’s General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other public services. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies and municipalities across the state.

Mahanoy police

detain illegal aliens

MAHANOY CITY — A traffic stop in the borough Thursday resulted in three illegal aliens being taken into custody.

Patrolman Jennifer Dempsey initiated a traffic stop around 10:20 a.m. at North Main and East Vine streets that resulted in the identification and detention of the three illegal individuals.

Those detained after their immigration status was discovered were Crystian Cruz-Chavarria, 24; Leticia Chagolla-Escobedo, 38; and, Alejandro Salmeron-Fuentes, 46.

It was also learned that Salmeron-Fuentes was previously deported four times and that he currently has an active warrant for his arrest.

All three were turned over to agents of the United States Immigration Customs and Enforcement.

Pottsville traffic stop nets charges

POTTSVILLE — A vehicle stop conducted by Pottsville police around 3 a.m. Feb. 24 resulted in charges against two people and additional charges pending against two others.

Police said Patrolman Michael Messner stopped a Dodge sedan registered to a 21-year-old Schuylkill Haven man after seeing it stopped in the driving lane in the 600 block of East Norwegian Street.

Police said the vehicle was found to be occupied by two juvenile females in the front seat, both 16 years old from Orwigsburg, along with back seat passengers Saye Kilikpo, 28, of Macungie, and Vickens Stimphont, 23, of Pottsville.

The investigation led to the discovery of 41 packets suspected to contain heroin, 32 small bags suspected to contain cocaine and a sandwich bag containing marijuana, police said.

As a result of the stop, police said, the juvenile driver will be cited for driving between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. on a junior license and the owner of the vehicle, Daniel Diaz-Walton, will be cited for allowing the female driver to do so.

In addition, police said, charges against Kilikpo and Stimphont are pending laboratory confirmation of the seized items along with further investigation.