SHENANDOAH — Shenandoah Valley graduate Briana Lee Ryan topped her mortarboard with a picture of cultural icon Rosie the Riveter and the words: “I did it! ’17.”

“She’s a big inspiration for me. That’s why I picked Rosie for my cap design. I’m really excited to be here with my peers. It’s a new chapter and I’m really excited about what the future holds,” Ryan, 19, of Shenandoah Heights, said Thursday night as she and the Class of 2017 got ready to march from the high school to Veterans Memorial Stadium for commencement.

She is planning to study broadcast journalism at Marywood University, Scranton.

“I would love to be an anchor. Right now my dream is to be on ABC World News,” Ryan said.

According to the program, there were 65 graduates in the Shenandoah Valley Class of 2017.

At commencement Thursday, Salutatorian Olivia J. Gallo spoke about the value of respect.

It’s importance cannot be underestimated. She said it can one day even bring about world peace.

“Respect is defined as appreciation of the worth or value of someone or something. In my opinion, respect goes far beyond this definition because it is the cornerstone of the society in which we live,” Gallo said before more than 300 people gathered at the high school stadium.

“By showing respect for other individuals, we tend to accept their ideas and opinions in a much more understanding manner. By doing this, we open our minds and accept differences even though we may not necessarily agree with them. This display of respect will ultimately lead to the formation of peace and termination of conflict,” she said.

“Growing up, the phrase ‘treat others how you want to be treated’ is an idea I often heard but one with which I do not entirely agree. The most important aspect of respect, to me, is respecting others whether or not they return the courtesy. It should be a matter of personal morals rather than a condition depending on the attitudes of others,” she said.

“A truly respectful person will show unwavering respect, even in the face of blatant disrespect,” Gallo said.

“The key to earning and giving respect starts with respect for one’s self because without it, it is difficult to possess the qualities of honesty, confidence and integrity. The way you treat yourself ultimately sets the standard for others. If you talk down on yourself and show that you do not have self-respect, others will emulate your attitude. Throughout life you will encounter people and situations that are toxic to you. In these instances, it is important to remember to respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, helps you grow or makes you happy,” she told her class.

Gallo, 18, of Shenandoah Heights, is the daughter of Frank Gallo II and Christie Seiwell. Her family includes an older brother, Frank III, and a younger brother, Dustin.

She plans to study nursing at Bloomsburg University.

Valedictorian Rocco Roguskie encouraged his classmates to be true to themselves.

“As you go forward in life, be sure to live a life that is true to yourself and not how others expect you to pursue it. The next step is to live your life with a purpose that takes courage, as you will be continuously stepping into the unknown in order to pursue your purpose in life. With purpose comes passion, and when you find your passion your true self is ignited within you,” he said.

Roguskie, 18, of Shenandoah Heights, is also the president of the graduating class. He is the son of Angela and Scott Roguskie. He has a younger sister, Rachael.

He’s planning to study music therapy at Marywood University.

“We’re good friends,” Ryan said of Roguskie, “so we’re pretty excited to be going up there together.”

At the ceremony, the district also recognized Shenandoah Valley’s 2017 Wall of Fame inductees: John A. Ackiewicz, Class of 1981; his brother, Mark Ackiewicz, Class of 1991; and Joseph F. Danowsky, Class of 1975. All three were National Honor Society members.

Contact the writer: spytak@republicanherald.com, 570-628-6011

Randy Robert Stair speaks calmly as the camera records.

He wears a blue American Eagle T-shirt and takes occasional sips from a bottle of Miller Lite beer.

“Nobody would suspect a thing. It’s so ingenious,” Stair, 24, says, speaking directly into the camera. “It’s foolproof. There is nothing that can stop me — nothing. You’ll all be (expletive) dead.”

The chilling declaration, recorded May 11, is part of an enormous online cache of videos, documents and social media posts left behind by the young man state police say barricaded the doors of the Weis Market in Eaton Township and used a pair of pistol-grip shotguns to kill three of his coworkers before taking his own life.

Stair’s online presence depicts a deeply troubled young man, a self-professed loner who idolized the teenage gunmen responsible for the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado and who found escape through the videos he created under the pseudonymous name Andrew Blaze and posted on YouTube.

It also shows Stair knew long ago what would transpire early Thursday in Wyoming County.

“I’ve planned this out for months, visualizing it, fantasizing about it, and now it’s actually happening,” he says in the May 11 video. “It’s real.”

He displays and discusses his shotguns, which he calls Mackenzie and Rachel after characters in YouTube videos he created, and lays out in exacting detail how he will use pallets to block the supermarket doors to prevent his victims from escaping. He also names the coworkers he plans to kill, explaining where he hopes to find each of them in the store.

He will have to act quickly, he says, but as long as he can wound his victims, “then I can take my time finishing them off.”

“I want it to be slow,” he says. “I want it to be a slow process.”

He also talks about taking his own life.

Holding one of the shotguns, he says Mackenzie is “the gun I feel is going to be the one doing most of the work and also finishing me off.”

Later in the video, he places the end of the shotgun barrel into his mouth and then removes it.

“Poof! Just like that, it’s over,” Stair said.

The video is contained in a voluminous series of videos, audio recordings and journal entries — which Stair labeled the “Andrew Blaze Suicide Tapes” — in which he documents the final months of his life. He posted the documents online shortly before the shooting.

“To answer an extremely important question, I’m not just ending my life; I will be ending the lives of others as well,” Stair said in an accompanying note, which he wrote sometime in May. “Be on the lookout ... for headlines pertaining to ‘Tunkhannock.’ ”

In another long handwritten note dated June 5 and added to his online journal, Stair said it was “time for me to go.”

“I’m so ready to die. Two more fun nights and that’s it,” he said. “I’ve officially accepted that Wednesday night will be the death of me.”

Stair repeatedly dropped hints about his plans on social media, including Twitter.

“By year’s end I’m sure I’ll make my mark. There comes a time in everyone’s life when they need to make a grueling choice; now it’s my turn,” he posted on his Andrew Blaze Twitter account on April 17.

In another tweet eight days later, he discussed making a decision based on a coin flip. The decision is revealed in one of his suicide tapes to be taking his life at Weis, not at his home.

“Let it be known that on April 25, 2017 at around 9:12 a.m. something insanely huge was decided by the flip of a 1983 George Washington quarter,” he tweeted.

On May 1, he tweeted June would be the biggest month of his life and singled out June 9, the ninth anniversary of his first YouTube channel, Pioneers Productions, saying he planned “something massive” to celebrate.

“It’ll be the start of something amazing, and I seriously can’t wait,” he posted later the same day. “Was gonna do it in September but things have been going smoother.”

In an ominous tweet May 31, Stair wrote, “I’m gonna be dead by the end of next week.”

On Wednesday morning, he tweeted he would post his final video Wednesday night, saying he would reveal why later.

He posted on Twitter a final time Wednesday at 9:11 p.m.: “Goodbye humans...I’ll miss you....”

Stair produced his most recent YouTube videos for the Ember’s Ghost Squad channel, which also referred to the fantasy world he created and populated with mostly female characters, including Mackenzie West and Rachel Shadows.

His online posts show Stair increasingly living in the “EGS,” as he called it. He created Twitter profiles for both Mackenzie and Rachel and posted on both.

In one document, Stair said “the Ember thing” helped him rediscover who he was. After his death, he will be “where I truly belong, in the ‘EGS,’ ” he wrote.

“As I write this in May 2017, nothing matters to me anymore except my girls,” Stair said. “I knew I was one of them by the end of 2015. Everything about the ‘EGS’ ghosts just felt so familiar and was far beyond coincidental. It’s where I’ve been sent from.”

Throughout the documents, Stair makes references to conflict over his gender identity.

“I’m a girl who’s been trapped in a man’s body for two and a half decades, and I need to get the hell out,” he writes. “I don’t belong on this planet, nor have I ever.”

In the June 5 note, he says he never felt “so close to returning to my spiritual body.”

“The girl in me is clawing to get out. (Sixty-two) more hours ... That’s the only thing standing in my way ... I can almost feel Mackenzie holding me in her arms.”

In Twitter posts on April 20, the 18th anniversary of the Columbine massacre, Stair expressed sympathy for Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, the teens who carried out the shooting that left 12 students and one teacher dead.

Harris and Klebold were victims, too, Stair said, adding he hates how society sees people who admire the pair as “mentally ill.”

“Everyone is usually fascinated by one catastrophic event in history; Columbine happens to be mine. It’s not a crime, it’s educational,” he tweeted.

Near the end of the May 11 video, Stair said people will never view the names Mackenzie, Rachel or Andrew the same way again.

They will also be asking how they can prevent what he planned to do from happening again, he said.

“The answer is you can’t prevent it,” Stair said. “You can only endure it.”

Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9132

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man will not have to spend more time in prison after admitting June 2 to a Schuylkill County judge that he possessed drug paraphernalia three times in three separate municipalities in 2016.

Bobby L. Taylor, 23, pleaded guilty to three separate charges of possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of public drunkenness.

Judge John E. Domalakes accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to serve one day to 12 months in prison with immediate parole and pay costs and $300 in payments to the Substance Abuse Education Fund.

Schuylkill Haven borough police charged Taylor with possessing paraphernalia on April 19, 2016, Pottsville police charged him with possessing it on Sept. 22, 2016, and Frackville borough police charged him with possessing it on Oct. 11, 2016.

In a May 31 case, a Pottsville woman admitted that prosecutors could prove she committed two thefts and possessed drug paraphernalia.

Ashley M. Pratt, 28, pleaded no contest to theft in one case, guilty to theft by deception in a second case and guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia in a third. Prosecutors withdrew two charges of receiving stolen property.

Domalakes accepted Pratt’s pleas and sentenced her to time served to 12 months in prison. Domalakes also ordered Pratt to pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment, $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $180.60 restitution.

Pottsville police charged Pratt with committing the theft on April 24 and possessing paraphernalia on March 26, 2016, while state police at Schuylkill Haven charged her with committing the theft by deception on June 16, 2016.

By pleading no contest to the theft, Pratt did not admit committing that crime, but offered no defense to it, acknowledged prosecutors had enough evidence to prove her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and agreed to be sentenced as if she had pleaded or been found guilty.

Also on May 31, Torey L. Mack, 25, of Shartlesville, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance. Prosecutors withdrew charges of delivery of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Domalakes sentenced Mack to serve six to 12 months in prison and pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment, a $50 CJEA payment, $200 to the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Hegins Township police charged Mack with possessing drugs on Feb. 2, 2016.

In other criminal court action, a Pottsville woman admitted May 30 to a Schuylkill County judge that she possessed drug paraphernalia in June 2016 and trespassed on a property in February.

Mary V. Leonard, 52, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia in one case and criminal trespass in a second. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia in a third case.

Judge John E. Domalakes accepted Leonard’s plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, placed her on probation for six months and also sentenced her to pay costs, $100 to the SAEF and $50 to the CJEA, and to submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Pottsville police filed the charges against Leonard in both cases in which she pleaded guilty, alleging she possessed paraphernalia on June 11, 2016, and trespassed on Feb. 2. Each incident occurred in the city, police said.

In another May 30 case, John D. Berger, 32, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one of flight to avoid apprehension or trial.

Domalakes accepted Berger’s plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to serve one to 12 months in prison and pay costs and $200 in SAEF payments.

Pottsville police charged Berger with possessing paraphernalia on Nov. 25, 2016 and Feb. 12, and also with fleeing from them in the latter incident. These incidents each occurred in the city, according to police.

In a Wednesday case, Paul H. Loy III, 43, of Lebanon, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of delivery of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

Domalakes accepted Loy’s plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to spend 12 months on probation and pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment, a $50 CJEA payment, a $50 bench warrant fee and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

West Mahanoy Township police charged Loy with possessing drugs on Sept. 23, 2014, in the township.

In more criminal court action, a Barnesville man went free Tuesday after a Schuylkill County jury acquitted him of a charge of stealing items in November 2016 from a Pottsville grocery store.

Brandon R. Snyder, 34, is not guilty of retail theft, the jury of six men and six women decided at the end of a one-day trial over which Judge James P. Goodman presided.

Pottsville police had charged Snyder, who did not testify or offer any other evidence, with stealing peanut butter, iced tea and an energy drink on Nov. 15, 2016, from the Giant supermarket, 500 Progress Ave., in the city.

“His clothing was the same” as the man on the videotapes from the supermarket, where Snyder admitted being, police Sgt. John H. Mohl testified.

However, when cross examined by Assistant Public Defender Paul G. Domalakes, Snyder’s lawyer, Mohl said the defendant had none of the three stolen items on him when arrested.

In another Tuesday case, Jeffrey C. Swiger, 50, of Pottsville, is headed to state prison after pleading guilty to crimes arising from three incidents.

Swiger pleaded guilty to retail theft in two cases and possession of a controlled substance and driving under suspension in the third. Prosecutors withdrew charges of receiving stolen property and operating a vehicle without required financial responsibility.

Judge John E. Domalakes accepted the plea and, pursuant to the agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Swiger to serve 1 1/2 to three years in a state correctional institution, pay costs, a $1,000 fine, $100 to the SAEF, $150 to the CJEA and $67.98 restitution to Kohl’s Department Store, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Swiger with committing the thefts on June 16, 2016, and again on June 18, 2016, at Kohl’s at Fairlane Village mall in Norwegian Township, while Pottsville police charged him with possessing drugs and driving with a suspended license on Sept. 29, 2016, in the city.

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

Businesses cited

for liquor violations

Three area businesses were cited by the state Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for various violations of the state Liquor Law.

The Loyal Order of Moose, Hamburg Lodge 523, was charged with operating or allowing operation of illegal gambling devices and offering or giving liquor away as prizes between January 2001 and March 1.

The Jackson Street Pub LLC, 101 Jackson St., Port Carbon, was cited for failing to clean its malted beverage dispensing system and for operating or permitting operation of illegal gambling operations at various dates in 2016 and 2017.

Finally, Tommy’s M&S, 58 N. Second St., Saint Clair, was cited for selling alcoholic beverages to a minor on April 13.

The businesses face fines of between $50 and $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses. An administrative law judge can also impose a license suspension or revocation and mandate training for the licensee.

Driver avoids deer,

damages guide rail

RINGTOWN — Two people escaped injury when the 2008 Nissan Sentra they were in crashed about 5:10 a.m. Wednesday on Ringtown Boulevard in Union Township.

State police at Frackville said Allen M. George, 19, of Frackville, was driving north when he swerved to avoid hitting a deer crossing the highway, lost control, went off of the road and struck a guide rail.

The vehicle damaged about 30 feet of guide rail before it came to a stop, police said.

George and his passenger — Nicholas Morgan, 17, of Gordon — were not hurt, police said, adding that as a result of the crash, George will be cited for driving without a license and not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

More cited for

trespassing at Rock

PORT CLINTON — More trespassers were cited at The Rock recently in Tilden Township, Berks County.

People were stopped at The Rock and Kernsville Dam last weekend, The Tilden Township Police Department said in a Facebook post. The department cited all adults for criminal trespass.

On Friday, five adults were stopped at The Rock after a witness called the Berks County Communications Center to report it. Three of them were from Bethlehem, one from Easton and the other from Effort. The Pennsylvania State Police at Hamburg assisted at the scene.

Four individuals from Reading were stopped by Tilden Township police and Hamburg Borough police Saturday evening at the Kernsville Dam. Two more people were found at the Kernsville Dam by Tilden Township police Sunday morning. They were from Birdsboro and Frederick, Maryland.

From April 11 to June 4, 69 people have been cited for criminal trespass and two for trespass by motor vehicle.

There are numerous “no trespassing” signs posted in the area and gates. The Bartram Trail is accessible for hikers. The first lot at the monument for the Kernsville Dam is still open for parking.

The Kernsville Dam, formerly a desilting dam, is closed to the public due to the hazards posed by jumping and swimming in the area. However, visitors continue to walk the trails and jump off the cliffs. Jumping off The Rock is trespassing, as “use of the property alongside near the river, including The Peace Rock, the dam, the beach areas, is considered trespassing, except to provide portage around the Kernsville Dam,” Neal Shader, press secretary for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said previously.

POTTSVILLE — PPL demonstrated the dangers associated with power lines with its mobile electrical safety exhibit Thursday in the parking lot at Fairlane Village mall.

The power company partnered with Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency and Local Emergency Planning Committee to educate local first-responders, public works employees, and commercial and industrial maintenance workers about live-line electrical safety. There were two 45-minute demonstrations at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.

“We certainly need to do everything we can to make sure they are prepared for these situations,” John Matz, SCEMA coordinator, said.

Matz said the county hosted similar events previously with PPL using a table display.

“This is much more effective,” Matz said.

The safety exhibit replicates the conditions of a 7,200-volt distribution system with live electrical wires, utility poles and transformers. PPL built the exhibit from scratch and this is the second year it traveled through their service territory for demonstrations.

“It’s critical for us to educate the public about the dangers of electricity,” Patrick Lester, communications specialist for PPL, said. “We have to show them the danger so that they could be safe. We feel if people see what can happen and then share that with other people, it can help save lives.”

Doug Haupt, damage prevention inspector, said 56 demonstrations have been scheduled this year.

“It only takes a small amount of electricity to injure or kill you,” Haupt said. “Treat every wire as an energized wire until we are there to tell you that it is not energized.”

The demonstration included a look at how the equipment works and why some of the outages occur, as well as what can happen to someone touching the wires without proper safety gear.

“Our program is geared towards first-responders because they are usually the first at the scene and we want to make sure they are safe,” Haupt said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6023

The last time Bryan Adams visited Wilkes-Barre, he performed a solo acoustic set at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts.

This time, his appearance calls for a bit more of a production.

The 57-year-old musician brings his “Get Up” tour to the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza at 8 p.m. Tuesday as a part of a cross-promotion between the arena and the Kirby Center.

The Canadian singer-songwriter promised his show would feature a mix of his chart-topping hit songs like “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” and “Summer of ’69,” as well as newer material from his latest album, for which the tour is named.

Over the years, Adams made a name for himself as one of the top hit-making artists in rock and pop, beginning with his eponymous debut album spanning to his 13th and most recent album, “Get Up.” This 2015 release features nine new songs plus four acoustic versions of those songs.

“The album was a series of demos I’d made with my songwriting partner, Jim Vallance, and we would send the parts one by one to Jeff Lynne (of Electric Light Orchestra), who turned them into records in his studio,” Adams said. “It wasn’t meant to be a record, it just turned into one.”

In the last four decades, Adams garnered a multitude of awards and prestige, with his worldwide sales topping more than 65 million albums. He was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011 and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and toured six continents. Adams also has been nominated for and won several Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Grammy Awards for his songs.

But those milestones and awards are not what he claims to be the cherry on top.

“It’s the freedom mostly, and knowing what I’m doing now is for my kids and building a legacy for them to be proud of,” he said.

Although Adams released 13 studio albums, five compilation albums, two soundtracks, four live albums and 69 singles, he still wishes he could tell his 21-year-old self to release as much music as possible.

“I would have released more music, straight up,” Adams admitted. “I was too precious about not releasing too much. Now I wish I had.”

In 2014 and 2015, the singer celebrated the 30th anniversary of “Reckless,” which boasted hits like “Heaven” and “Run To You,” with a special reissue of the album and an anniversary tour around Europe, Canada and the United States.

After so many years in the spotlight, Adams maintains his drive to create and write as much as ever.

“Making the music was the highlight (over the years), creating the songs,” Adams said. “Even now, as I’m creating a musical for Broadway of the film ‘Pretty Woman,’ the joy of getting the right song in the right spot is a thrill.”

When asked why he continues to tour after his rousing success over the years, rather than retire, his response was simple:

“Well for starters, I’m not dead yet, and I quite enjoy singing,” he joked. “Also because I have an international following thanks to certain songs, which means I get invited to perform all over the world.”

For those hoping to discover more about the singer, he encourages fans to follow his Instagram account, @BryanAdams, which he calls his “diary” on both his music and his life.

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

Runners will be heading to Hegins Valley this weekend for the fifth annual Hot Potato 5K Run/Fun Walk.

Hosted by Sterman Masser Inc., the event will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1220 W. Maple St., Valley View. Registration will be held the day of the race, closing 20 minutes before the start, or registration packets can be picked up from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the church’s social hall. Registration packets will be available from 7 to 8:45 a.m. Saturday. Cost is $40, $25 for participants ages 13 to 18.

All proceeds from the event go to the Tri-Valley Youth Activities Fund.

The Hot Potato 5K Run/Fun Walk was established in 2013 to help promote a healthy lifestyle in the community. Now in its fifth year, the event has gained popularity.

“It has continually (grown). We have gotten more and more every year,” Chad Klock, TVYAF board member, said.

To help with this growth, the Tater Tot Trot was added. The mile-long race is for children up to age 12. The race begins at 8:15 a.m., and the cost is $20. Children can participate in the trot and 5K.

“We’ve had quite a bit of kids. It’s been successful,” Klock said.

Awards for the Hot Potato 5K and Tater Tot Trot will be presented Saturday. The overall male and female winner will receive a medal, trophy and $100 gift card. The top 3 male and female finishers in the 5K age categories will receive a medal (gold, silver and bronze). The top-placers will also get $25 gift cards. The age categories are: 12 and under, 13 to 19, 20 to 26, 27 to 35, 36 to 44, 45 to 54, 55 to 64, 65 to 71 and 72 and older. The top 3 boy and girl finishers in the Trot age categories will be given medals. Those categories are: 5 and under, 6 to 7, 8 to 9 and 10 to 12.

If unable to stay for the award presentation, prizes must be picked up at Sterman Masser Inc., 2 Fearnot Road, Sacramento, before July 10.

For the race route and more information, visit the event’s website at www.hotpotato5k.org. The event can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact the writer: epeddigree@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6003

TUNKHANNOCK — After months of planning, a Franklin Township man barricaded the doors of a Wyoming County supermarket early Thursday and slaughtered three coworkers before turning his shotgun on himself.

Randy Robert Stair, 24, fired 59 shots from two pistol-grip 12-gauge shotguns at Weis Market, 600 Hunter Highway in Eaton Township — a shocking outburst of violence that rattled a rural county of roughly 28,000 people to its core. The massacre lasted only minutes.

“It is obvious this was pre-planned,” District Attorney Jeff Mitchell said.

The three people killed are Terry Lee Sterling, 63, of Bridgewater Township; Victoria Todd Brong, 26, of Factoryville; and Brian Hayes, 47 of Springville Township. State police said five people, including Stair, were working inside the store during the overnight shift. Another worker, who authorities declined to identify, escaped unharmed and called 911.

“The fact that three people can lose their lives by simply going to work underscores how senseless this tragedy is,” Mitchell said.

Stair spotted the worker who escaped, Mitchell said. While she was in close proximity to him, Stair did not shoot her.

“We don’t know the reason why,” Mitchell said.

‘Many, many leads’

Stair arrived at Weis for his overnight shift beginning at 11 p.m. on Wednesday. Within two hours, he blocked the five entrances of the building, some more heavily than others, state police said.

Stair parked his car against an emergency exit, took off his red uniform shirt and grabbed his shotguns. Then he locked the main doors, which he had also blocked with a pallet loaded with full cardboard boxes.

“It looks like he was trying to slow down anybody who might be trying to get in or out,” state police Capt. Jonathan G. Nederostek, commander of Troop P, said.

Then Stair opened fire. He also shot up counters and aisles and did extensive damage to the store. Mitchell said he shot at propane tanks in the store, presumably to ignite them. State police found two propane tanks in his car.

Why he did it, though, remains an open question.

“It’s an ongoing investigation we’re following up many, many leads,” Nederostek said. “We’re looking at everything from social media to witness interviews to neighborhood interviews. We’re looking at every angle we have.”

The investigators have a lot to consider.

Stair left behind a large amount of social media posts, documents and videos in which he made clear his intentions to commit murder and then take his own life. Moments before the shooting, Stair uploaded a vast trove of documents to Twitter, posting after, “Goodbye humans...I’ll miss you...”

In a journal entry written by Stair on May 29 and posted online, he wrote he hopes this shooting inspires more shootings. He also outlined his plans on how to shoot his victims in chilling detail.

He hoped to record the shooting, but doubted he would have time to and whether it would ever be played in public, he wrote. He also railed against the supermarket and said he hopes the store loses business after the shooting.

“We have his phone via a search warrant and it’s in the hands of our computer crimes experts so they will be downloading it and recovering anything we can off it at this time,” Nederostek said.

Authorities will pore through Stair’s digital presence. It’s expected to take some time, said state police Lt. Gary Vogue, the crime section commander.

It’s not clear who, if anyone, may have known about his plans. However, Mitchell said there is little doubt social media played a role in the tragedy.

“If you see someone or know someone who is making veiled threats online or is acting suspicious, please call the police,” Mitchell said.

‘Deeply saddened’

State police had descended on Stair’s home on Ransom Road later Thursday morning. The home, on a country road in Franklin Township, has a pool and appeared well-maintained.

Neighbors said he lived there with his parents and a brother, and that the family appeared quiet and normal.

“They’re a very nice family,” said a neighbor who did not want to be identified. “I’m sure their hearts are broken.”

His mother, Lori Ann Stair, did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Stair texted his sleeping mother a suicide note at 12:37 a.m. on Thursday, Mitchell said.

Court records showed Stair had no criminal history in Pennsylvania, and his only interaction with the justice system was a 2011 traffic ticket for disobeying a traffic device.

Stair was a 2014 graduate of Luzerne County Community College with an associates degree in applied science. He previously attended Dallas High School, where he made the honor roll several times.

As a senior, Stair held a “Bowling for Autism” fundraiser in honor of his autistic cousin.

Weis Market issued a statement about the shooting.

“We are deeply saddened by the events of this morning. The safety of our associates, our customers and our surrounding community is our top priority. As this is an active investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police will take the lead in answering all media questions. We will continue to keep the media informed as appropriate.”

At the press conference, James Daly, regional vice president of Weis, reiterated the company statement. He declined to say how long Stair worked at the store. In Stair’s videos, he claimed to have worked there for about seven years.

By 3:25 p.m. on Thursday, state police began taking down the yellow police tape which cordoned off most of the parking lot for the majority of the day. Peering through the front glass windows, the store appeared eerily normal. The lights burned bright. The aisles, visible through the main door before staff taped up a black tarp to block prying eyes, were undisturbed.

Only one thing seemed out of place: a red pallet, loaded with boxes, in the middle of the floor.

James Halpin, David Singleton, Terrie Morgan-Besecker and Robert L. Baker, staff writers, contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9144

POTTSVILLE — The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Charter School Appeal Board in Harrisburg won’t be hearing Gillingham Charter’s appeal on Tuesday as anticipated.

“Gillingham’s case will be heard on July 25th. I’m being told it’s definitely happening on July 25th,” Casey Smith, the acting communications director for the state Department of Education, said Friday.

In April, the press office for the state Department of Education reported the CAB would hear the charter school’s case on June 13.

On Thursday night, Nicolle M. Hutchinson, Gillingham’s CEO and director of education, heard the schedule had changed. “I told everybody this morning,” Hutchinson said Friday.

Offering some insight as to why the schedule changed, Smith said: “The reply briefing was closed on Monday. The decision to hear the case in July was simply to provide additional time for document review.”

Gillingham, which has its school house at 915 Howard Ave., is seeking its second five-year charter.

Pottsville Area School District has traditionally been opposed to the charter school. Over the past year and a half, Gillingham and Pottsville Area have spent more than $401,000 in taxpayer money on legal and expert witness fees during the charter-renewal process.

When a hearing date had been tentatively set in April, Hutchinson invited Gillingham supporters to sign up for a bus trip to the CAB meeting.

“To demonstrate the overwhelming support for our school, we are sponsoring a Rally For Recharter on June 13. All stakeholders and supporters are invited to take a free ride with a free T-shirt to Harrisburg to take part in the hearing, to show the appeal board just how much we love our school,” Hutchinson said April 20.

On Friday, Hutchinson wasn’t sure how many of the school’s supporters would go to the meeting in July.

“We don’t know how many people are coming because of vacations. But we are letting all of our people know. We’re sending alerts to them right now so our stakeholders are aware of what’s going on,” Hutchinson said Friday.

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

POTTSVILLE — There are 24 properties posted in the city with “Do Not Enter “ signs on them.

Pottsville Fire Chief Todd March provided an updated list to the Pottsville Blight Task Force on Tuesday at its monthly meeting.

“We normally don’t fight fires on the outside, but on these fires, we will,” March said.

The list includes buildings that are in a dilapidated state or fire damaged.

“These are really bad properties. They are in danger of collapsing,” March said.

The list was provided to the Pottsville Bureau of Police and the Schuylkill County Communications Center. The fire department also knows about the list.

The list includes the following properties and owners as well as is wrong with the property:

• 215 N. Second St., Pottsville Parking Authority, interior collapsing

• 645 N. Second St., Bernard Poda, interior collapsing

• 14 S. Seventh St., Michael Ryan, interior and rear exterior collapsing

• 619 N. Seventh St., Sharon Culbert, interior and exterior collapsing

• 528 W. Arch St., Michael Crenshaw, fire damaged and partial collapse

• 600 W. Arch St., House Flex LLC, interior collapsing

• 602 W. Arch St., Michael Beers, interior collapsing

• 410 S. Centre St., 410 S. Centre LLC, front partial collapse

• 525 S. Centre St. Andrew Silver, front collapsing

• 629 N. Centre St., Panthera LLC, fire damaged and interior collapsing

• 532 Harrison St., Kerry Willard, interior and exterior collapsing

• 819 W. Market St., JAW Properties, ceilings collapsing and holes in floors

• 815 Mount Hope Ave. Kitara Schlauch, exterior collapsing

• 309 Nichols St., Jay Tobias Jr., roof and interior collapsing

• 415 North St., Jay Tobias Jr., roof and side collapsing

• 116 E. Norwegian St., G.F. Real Estate, roof and interior collapsing

• 329 E. Norwegian St., Melvin Fishburn, exterior collapsing

• 331 E. Norwegian St., Melvin Fishburn, exterior collapsing

• 474 Peacock St., Mickey Palles, major collapse in rear

• 627 W. Race St., Richard Southan, roof and interior collapsing

• 719 W. Race St., Carlos Delgadillo, roof and rear collapsing

• 126 W. Railroad St., Edward Schultz, interior collapsing

All of the properties are also on the city’s blight list, which has more than 200 blighted properties on it.

Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney said a sales agreement was signed recently for the property owned by the parking authority. The Online Schuylkill County Parcel Locator still lists the property owner as the Pottsville Parking Authority.

City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar highlighted 10 additional properties on the blight list during Tuesday’s meeting. All appropriate notifications have been made to the owners of the properties.

“We don’t want their names on the list,” he said but it is a reality.

Those properties, their rank on the blight list and its description are:

• 615 Carbon St. owned by Fantastic LLC, No. 18 on the blight list, vacant and secured but in overall poor shape

• 2 N. Centre St., Ghannoum & Ghannoum LLC, No. 47, condemned building with many violations

• 805 W. Norwegian St., Rachael Keller, No. 53, vacant and secure but overall poor condition

• 620 W. Arch St., Dean Subach, No. 66, vacant fire-damaged property

• 9 S. Eighth St., Jennifer Fox, No. 67, no water or sewer

• 305 W. Ninth St., Victoria Wilson, No. 91, roof, exterior and trash problems

• 275 Peacock St., Kenneth Marcus, No. 95, no information provided

• 901 Mahantongo St., William Medley, No. 96, qualify of life tickets

• 502 W. Race St., Ensky LLC, No. 97, permit was being applied for to remove back porch

• 440 E. Norwegian St., Jason and Angela Moyer, No. 98, boarded-up property

Palamar said 19 properties have been torn down that have been on the list since about 2015.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

HAMBURG — Hamburg Area graduates were urged to find their passion in life.

“Pursue a career about which you are passionate,” salutatorian Joshua J. Kantner told the 162 seniors Friday at the 2017 Hamburg Area commencement ceremony.

Finding that might take time, he said, but there is something out there they want to be doing above all else.

“If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle,” Kantner said, quoting Steve Jobs’ 2005 commencement address at Stanford University.

The graduates were told the learning does not stop because they are no longer attending classes in high school.

“Improving ourselves is a life-long process. We must always strive to become more,” Kantner said.

Success means different things to people but is “the result of the accomplishment of worthwhile goals,” Kantner said.

“I believe the best years of our lives are ahead of us,” he added.

The time spent at the school should be looked upon fondly but should not be the main accomplishment in their lives, Kantner said.

“If this is truly the highest point in our lives, then I am very disappointed,” he said.

Before his speech, Kantner, 18, of Tilden Township, said the occasion was bittersweet, but he is looking forward to what the future could bring. He will cherish the good memories he has made at the school. Kantner plans to attend Messiah College and major in mathematics with a minor in statistics

Valedictorian Jenna M. Kauffman, 18, of Hamburg, said she is also excited about her future as she will attend Yale University in Connecticut to major in biology. She said she wants to be a doctor. She said Yale wasn’t on her list of colleges, but a friend urged her to apply. She didn’t expect to get accepted.

A self -described perfectionist, Kauffman admitted she sometimes didn’t try new things because she was afraid to fail. She told her fellow graduates to strive for what they want out of life.

“Break down the mental barriers you set for yourself,” she said, adding something good will likely come of doing so.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

TAMAQUA — Three municipal police officers and the departments they serve were honored Friday by the state Department of Transportation.

Officers from Tamaqua and Rush and West Penn townships were presented certificates for their efforts in cracking down on aggressive drivers.

Receiving certificates and lapel pins for their work were Rush Township police Patrolman Bradley Hess, Tamaqua police Patrolman Rick Bekesy and West Penn Township police Chief Brian Johnson.

In addition to the three, the departments they serve were also feted for aggressive driving enforcement.

Accepting for Tamaqua police was Chief Rick Weaver, Chief Joseph Lipsett for Rush Township Police and West Penn Township police Patrolman Richton Penn for Chief Brian Johnson, who was unable to attend.

The awards were presented by Robin Rivera, law enforcement liaison with the North Central Highway Safety Network, and Joseph O’Donnell, NCHSN aggressive driving coordinator.

In addition to the certificates, each of the officers was presented a certificate from the state Senate by Sen. David Argall, R-29, Rush Township.

Argall said the efforts of the officers, as well as other state and local police officers across the state, is the reason roadways are safer.

“I thank you for all you do on a daily basis,” Argall said.

The extra enforcement to crackdown on aggressive is part of the Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project and is funded by part of PennDOT’s $2.5 million investment of federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Aggressive driving behaviors targeted include speeding, improper passing, tailgating and running red lights.

Statistics accumulated by PennDOT show that there were 6,761 aggressive-driving crashes in Pennsylvania in 2012, an increase from 6,330 in 2011.

There were also 191 fatalities in crashes involving aggressive driving in 2012, an increase from 168 in 2011.

The awards, made possible by PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project and the local Community Traffic Safety Project honors law enforcement officers for their exceptional participation in the program.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013

Traffic stop nets

drug charges

ORWIGSBURG — Three people were arrested by Orwigsburg police on drug charges after a vehicle stop about 11 p.m. June 2 in the 300 block of South Warren Street.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation and a subsequent investigation yielded the seizure of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash.

A front seat passenger, Ricky Smith, 23, of Auburn, was taken into custody and committed to Schuylkill County Prison on an outstanding Schuylkill County bench warrant, police said.

Smith and two other passengers, Kenneth Smith, 56, of Minersville, and Cory Kauffman, 21, of Shartlesville, were each charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All three will now have to answer to the charges against them before Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg.

Two women hurt

in 1-vehicle crash

KASKA — Two Pottsville women suffered minor to moderate injuries when the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer crashed about 10:40 a.m. Thursday on Tumbling Run Road, about a half mile east of the North Manheim Township line in Blythe Township.

State police at Frackville said Kayla E. Drasdis, 18, was driving west when she lost control while following a slight left curve. The SUV went partially into the westbound lane and then began to skid back across the westbound lane, turning clockwise about 110 degrees, police said.

The front bumper of the SUV then hit a westbound guide rail, flipped over the guide rail and became airborne for about 120 feet before coming down on the road at the edge of a 40-foot drop off, police said.

The vehicle then rolled over several times as it tumbled into the crevasse. Police said both Drasdis and her passenger — Delaney Golden, 19 — were wearing seatbelts and were able to get out of the vehicle on their own and walk back to the roadway.

Police said that Drasdis will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic as a result of the crash and that Kaska firefighters and Schuylkill EMS assisted at the scene.

Both Drasdis and her passenger were taken to a Pottsville area hospital for treatment, police said.

2 charged for

underage drinking

ORWIGSBURG — Two borough men were arrested by Orwigsburg police stemming from an incident about 2:20 a.m. Saturday.

Police said officers were investigating an incident involving passengers inside a vehicle harassing a borough resident who reported the vehicle drove past him several times with passengers shouting obscenities and making threats each time.

On the final occasion, police said, an officer was in the area, witnessed and identified those responsible as Christopher Seaman, 20, and Zachary Martin, also 20.

It was learned that both were under the age of 21 and had consumed alcohol, police said.

Both Martin and Seaman were each charged with disorderly conduct and underage drinking and will now have to answer before Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg.

Police investigate

ding-dong ditch

ORWIGSBURG — Orwigsburg police are investigating a disorderly conduct and loitering and prowling incident that occurred Sunday in the 1000 block of Ridgeview Drive.

Police said the “ding-dong ditch,” the ringing of a door bell by someone who then flees the area, occurred between 4 and 4:15 a.m. while the property owner was home.

A subsequent investigation revealed the identity of those involved.

Police are asking that anyone who may have experienced a similar incident to call them at 570-366-3101.

Police: Woman

stole from neighbor

FRACKVILLE — A Frackville woman was charged with theft by state police at Frackville stemming from an incident between 11 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Monday at a West Mahanoy Township business.

Police said Amanda Fritz, 30, befriended Donald Crawley, 31, who is her downstairs neighbor at Granny’s Motel, 115 W. Coal St.

After befriending Crawley, police said, Fritz stole $480 in cash from the man’s room.

Charges against Fritz will be filed with Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.

SCRANTON — Victoria Brong lay on the floor of the Weis Market.

Randy Robert Stair’s shotgun boomed again.

The 24-year-old shooter then looked down the aisle and saw another of his co-workers, Kristan Newell.

Their eyes met but he moved to the next aisle. Newell, who was wearing headphones while she labeled products, hid.

Of the five people who worked Wednesday’s overnight shift at the Wyoming County supermarket, only Newell survived.

Newell described her harrowing encounter early Thursday with Stair to police in court paperwork made public Friday.

The new details are contained in a search warrant affidavit state police wrote as they sought a court’s permission to search Stair’s Franklin Township home. State police said that Stair killed Brong, 26, of Factoryville, and two other co-workers — Terry Lee Sterling, 63, of Bridgewater Township, and Brian Hayes, 47, of Springville Township — before killing himself.

In the affidavit, state police wrote that while Newell hid in the aisle for register five, she watched Stair walk to the bakery section. She saw Sterling dead on the floor. She heard more gunfire.

Newell managed to escape the store, even though Stair barricaded the exits.

She called 911 and listened to more gunshots inside. Through a spokesman for Weis, Newell declined to speak Friday and asked that her privacy be respected.

Stair was dead before police arrived at the supermarket but he left behind an extensive record of videos and writings, all posted online, from the last few months.

The search of his home,1632 Ransom Road, found seven boxes of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, shooting goggles, ear protectors, a shotgun buttstock and an owner’s manual, court paperwork shows.

State police also took two notebooks, his drawings and cartoons, post-its, external hard drives, flash drive, computer and camera. DVDRs labeled “Good Bye,” “Interview Spring 2014” and “EGS Intro,” as well as five unmarked DVDRs and one marked with illegible writing also were placed into evidence.

Stair’s family on Friday released a brief emailed statement expressing sorrow for his actions.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” his mother, Lori Ann Stair, said. “We are so sorry for all the pain and loss of life this has caused everyone involved.”

State police also wrote that David Waugh, Richmond, Virginia, received a text message Wednesday night from Stair. The text stated that by the time Waugh read this, Stair would be dead. Waugh called Wilkes-Barre city police and reported it.

In the texts, Stair told Waugh to watch Stair’s latest video about a high school shooting before it is removed from the internet. The video, and others like it that Stair uploaded shortly before the shooting, portray a disturbed young man lost in his own world who idolized the gunmen in the 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Colorado.

Laura Faverty, a Dallas, Texas, actress who voiced a cartoon character Stair created, said he sent her an email less than an hour before the killings but didn’t see the email until hours after, The Associated Press reported, citing WILK radio.

Stair thanked her for her work and said he was about to die. It also outlined “the true purpose” of his videos, the last of which depicted a massacre, the AP reported.

Faverty said she didn’t think Stair, who was always so polite, was capable of violence.

Federal investigators also are working with state police as the shooting investigation continues.

While state police continue to lead the investigation, the FBI is lending its support at the request of state police, Scranton office Supervisory Special Agent Sean Quinn said.

“We are assisting as needed,” Quinn said.

Autopsies conducted after the shooting confirmed the three victims died of multiple gunshot wounds and Stair died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according the Wyoming County coroner’s office. Their deaths were ruled homicide and suicide, respectively.

Jeff Horvath and Jim Halpin, staff writers, contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9144; @jkohutTT on Twitter.

Deeds

Ashland — Ashland Downtown Inc. to The American Legion Association of Ashland, Pennsylvania; property at Centre and Fifth streets; $1.

Berrysburg — New Hope in Christ at Maranatha Chapel Inc. to Lester L. and Carol L. Hoch; 124 N. Main St.; $10,000.

Cressona — Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; 94 Pottsville St.; $1.

Deer Lake — Ronald W. St. Clair and Susan W. St. Clair to Susan W. St. Clair; 310 Elm Ave.; $1.

East Brunswick Township — Brian C. and Regina M. Hoffman to Joseph Michael Yesvetz Jr.; 1430 Reddale Road; $307,000.

Elizabethville — William C. Sr. and Joyce G. Grosser to Bradley A. Bruner and David M. Cline; 104 S. Market St.; $20,500.

Girardville — Ann L. O’Connell and Mary E. and Dennis B. Zurawski to Ann L. O’Connell; 514 E. Mahanoy Ave.; $1.

Rangers Hose Company to Rangers Hose Company; 0.392-acre property at East Ogden Street and Reed Alley; $1.

Gordon — Robert E. Schoffler and Lori A. Scholtes to Edward J. Schoffler; 321 W. Biddle St.; $1.

Gratz — Amanda N. and Thomas C. Steranko to Michael F. Young; 337 E. Market St.; $122,000.

Kent A. Knorr to Charles J. Mazur; 119 W. Market St.; $67,900.

Hegins Township — Bernard S. Spece Jr. to Bernard S. Jr. and Paula L. Spece; property; $1.

Jackson and Williams townships — Kelly Wiest, executrix of the Estate of John Jacob Wiest, to Gary A. Shaffer; 9756 Route 209; $179,000.

Jefferson Township — Daniel K. and Tracy M. Manela to Alek C. and Adriane A. Peters; property on Township Road T-559; $24,000.

Lykens — Tracey L. Adams to Tyler J. Schrey; 646 North St. Unit Rear; $6,600.

Jill M. Collier and Terry A. Bakowicz to Andrew Bakowicz and Terriann Woodring; 414 Pine St.; $57,500.

Timothy T. and Cynthia Ann Shiffer to Tyler C. Trawitz; 343 S. West St.; $75,000.

Kevin R. Miller, administrator of the Estate of Balerie Ann Tschopp, to Arthur and Kimberly Chavez; 530 S. Second St.; $7,000.

Thomas E. and Ruth E. Harner to Alvin R. Boyer; 635 South St.; $5,000.

Tax Claim Bureau of Dauphin County to Borough of Lykens; 557 N. Second St.; $500.

Reading R/W Co. Inc. to George Skelton; 0.18-acre property at Market and Wall streets; $200.

Andrew J. Balonis to Delores A. Bistline and Britney A. Holmes; 765 Main St.; $100,000.

Middleport — Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; property on Main Street; $1.

Minersville — Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; 128 Westwood St.; $1.

New Philadelphia — Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; 178 Kimber St.; $1.

Palo Alto — Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; property on Bacon Street; $1.

Port Carbon — Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; 216 Pine St.; $1.

Porter Township — Catherine Denkowicz, executrix of the Estate of Stephen Denkowicz, to Dennis Billhime; property on Colliery Avenue, Reinerton; $1,000.

Christina M. Barry and Tiffany J. and Matthew Cleary to Christina M. Barry and Kristen Dunning; 455 Dietrich Ave., Orwin; $1.

Pottsville — Christopher S. and Alissa M. Wagner to Alissa M. Wagner; 707 Pierce St.; $1.

Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; 323 Nichols St.; $1.

Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; 909 Mahantongo St.; $1.

Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; property on Fairview Street; $1.

Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; property on Sixth Street; $1.

Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; 202 S. Jackson St.; $1.

Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; 200 S. Jackson St.; $1.

Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; property on Elk Avenue; $1.

Schuylkill Haven — Doris J. Westcott and Jill D. Bailey to Imobiliaria LLC; 57 Grant St.; $15,000.

Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; 412 E. Main St.; $1.

Shenandoah — Debra L. and George Leib to RL Car Wash LLC; property at Centre and Mount Vernon streets; $80,000.

South Manheim Township — Kathleen A. Wiltrout to Kathleen A. Wiltrout and Ricardo J. Marks Sr.; 1697 Running Deer Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

Tamaqua — Marjorie A. Petrucci and David H. Gasker, co-administrators of the Estate of Martin A. Gasker, to Carl D. and Susan J. Highland; 251 Cedar St.; $1.

Santander Bank NA to Richard J. and Patricia A. Williams; 118 Pitt St.; $18,500.

Angela Haas to Daniel Albino; 312 Penn St.; $2,500.

Tremont Township — Betty Anne Bender, individually and as attorney in fact for Jean M. Bender, to Ruth Bender Casterline; property in Lincoln; $1.

Washington Township — Mark I. Miller to Ryan A. Wolfe; 4 Kurtz Road; $115,000.

Gene R. and Nancy L. Baumgard to Michael J. Pritiskutch; 33 Pine Cone Drive; $210,000.

Dennis L. and Lora L. Musser to Kenneth Barnaby; property on Grist Mill Road; $140,000.

Federal National Mortgage Association to Tyler Cawthern; 1338 Mountain Road; $155,000.

Lewis V. Jr. and Gwendolyn I. Everdale to Roger F. Jr. and Angela M. Brown; 19 Wild Cherry Road; $181,000.

Wayne Township — Richard K. Wilhide to Sandra D. and Cary J. Hansel; Lot 460, Lake Wynonah; $326,000.

MGM One LP to Scott J. and Rebecca Bergan; 2.639-acre property on South Front Street, Friedensburg; $37,500.

Dwight D. Miller, executor of the Estate of Helen E. Miller, to Dwight D. Miller, Brian L. Miller and Marlin Miller Jr.; 9.34346-acre property at Blue Mountain and Moyers roads; $1.

Brian L. Miller to Dwight D. Miller; 1/3 interest in 9.34346-acre property at Blue Mountain and Moyers roads; $1.

Marlin Miller Jr. to Dwight D. Miller; 1/3 interest in 9.34346-acre property at Blue Mountain and Moyers roads; $1.

Timothy G. Grube and Jennifer M. Grube to Timothy G. Grube; property on Route 443, Friedensburg; $1.

West Brunswick Township — William A. and Nancy L. Degler to William A. and Nancy L. Degler and Katie Ann McNulty; 0.28-acre property on West Pheasant Run Road; $1.

Cynthia Ann Sterner to Linda K. Herb and Benjamin C. Jones; 1207 Village Road, Pinebrook; $145,000.

West Mahanoy Township — Anthony and Joann Nedinsky to Nichole A. Nedinsky; 3 N. Line St.; $1.

West Penn Township — Brian K. and Cynthia A. LaBar and Richard A. Paxson to Brian K. and Cynthia A. LaBar; 26 Chain Circle; $1.

Douglas R. Bachert Sr. to Dean R. and Andrea M. Arner; 3.1674-acre property on Township Route T-932; $9,000.

Joey W. Ketring to Ryan B. Sharpe; 1.5012-acre property on Archery Club Road; $17,000.

McAdoo

Borough officials have reminded residents there is an ordinance in the borough stating owners of dogs are responsible for picking up after them. Dog owners are to have a bag with them at all times when walking their pets alongside homes, vacant lots, sidewalks, near the cemeteries or elsewhere. Failure to carry a bag and pick up the feces is a violation of the ordinance and punishable by fines and court costs. Also when walking pets, residents must keep them off private property. The McAdoo Police Department is encouraging residents to call when suspicious or malicious activity is seen.

McAdoo

Borough property owners who did not pay their 2017 garbage bill in full by April 15 have been adjusted with an additional $50 fee per unit. The price is now $225 per unit billed and must be paid before Thursday. If the account is still unpaid by Thursday, another $50 fee per unit will be applied, officials said in a release.

Pottsville

An event titled Celebrate Us and the History of Coal will be held at the Schuylkill County Council of the Arts, 1440 Mahantongo St. June 16-18. The cost is $10 for adults and free for youths. At 6 p.m. June 16 there will be a Molly Maguire movie for a donation; at 6 p.m. July 17 the video “Fire in the Hole” will be presented for a donation and on June 18 there will be a coal mining exhibit, gallery show, theater, dance and a special feature on 140 years from the Day of the Rope and the Molly Maguires. For more information, call 570-622-2788.

Schuylkill Haven

Schuylkill United Way is sponsoring the Schuylkill United Way High School Football Challenge, set for 3 to 8 p.m. July 20 at Penn State Schuylkill, 200 University Drive. The new event, part of the 2018 United Way campaign in conjunction with campaign Chairman Dr. Andrew Smarkanic, will be hosted by Penn State Schuylkill, according to a release. The event is a strength and conditioning competition between high school football teams in and around Schuylkill County involving multiple competitions, according to a press release. All players on the football team can be included. The goal is to raise money for the United Way campaign and also to raise student awareness about Schuylkill United Way and the good its partner agencies are doing for the county. Participating teams will need to complete a registration and provide a $50 registration fee and return them with completed liability release forms from each player. For a form, call Schuylkill United Way at 570-622-6421 or email aandrews@schuylkillunitedway.org. A trophy will be awarded to the winning team along with a $500 gift card to Schuylkill Valley Sports or the winner’s choice of athletic supplier. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, water bottle and SUW goodies. Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling the aforementioned number.

Shenandoah

The annual all-you-can-eat crab fest sponsored by Defender Hose Company No. 3 in the borough’s Turkey Run section will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. July 22. The cost is $40 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger. The cost for takeouts is $25. The event will also feature refreshments and many other types of food. For tickets, call 570-449-5626 or 570-462-9576 or contact any company member. Walk-ins are also welcome and the fest will be held rain or shine.

Shenandoah

The Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens group, 225 N. Market St., holds a social from noon to 4 p.m. every Wednesday. It includes a light lunch followed by bingo. For more information, call the center at 570-462-3115.

Tremont

The Tremont Area Free Public Library, located in the borough building at 139 Clay St., will have a Chinese auction from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 25. A shop-and-drop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. June 24. Drawings will begin at 2 p.m. June 25 and people do not have to be present to win. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-695-3325.

MAHANOY CITY — On Friday, Michael Rhoades, the head men’s basketball coach at Virginia Commonwealth University, returned to his alma mater — Mahanoy Area High School — to give some advice to the Class of 2017.

“I have five points for you, five ideas that I truly believe in. They are the reasons I am who I am and I am where I am. And just so you know, I’m no different than any of you,” Rhoades said to the 61-member class and the more than 450 people gathered for commencement at the district’s Joseph G. Alansky Gymnasium.

Then Rhoades made his five points:

• “Find a passion and pursue it. Whatever you feel your next step is, go after something you love to do. At your age and for a while you can afford to pursue your passion. And see if you can make it a career.”

• “Don’t complain. Please. Don’t complain. Let me tell you a secret. Life isn’t easy. It’s not fair. So what. Deal with it. My mindset through all my life has always been, ‘Why can’t I do that?’ If you complain, you slow down and you build a mindset of negative thinking. If you listen to those around you that complain about how life has held them down, then you’re already there. I have a rule on my team and with my family, a no-complaining rule. Never ever. We just don’t do it. We deal with defeats. We change disappointments. And we always move forward. We always learn and grow.”

• “Work ethic. I can’t stand here and tell you the secret formula for success, fame, wealth and happiness. But I can tell you people that have these things or are close to these things have worked very hard, sometimes to an unimaginable degree.”

• “Treat people right. Make life about others. You can still pursue goals and make those around you feel great. In a world where selfishness seeps into our lives, be above it. Make life about everybody else. I truly believe if you treat people right, the way you want to be treated, things come back to you ten fold. Just so you guys know, I interviewed nine times for a head coaching job in Division I. I was denied by all. I was defeated but not broken. I had no ill feelings. I took the high road and treated those that rejected me the right way. And here we are. I have my dream job. I believe if you treat people right, good things will come to you.”

• “And number five. This is the last one. Are you ready for this one? Fall in love. Meet people. Get outside yourself and your circle and jump into this world and find someone and fall in love. Love someone someday more than your own self. Share your life with someone special. Share your dreams and your futures. It’s totally worth it.”

The school district named Rhoades this year’s “Outstanding Alumnus.” He graduated from Mahanoy Area in 1991.

The valedictorian of the Mahanoy Area Class of 2017, Samantha L. Gnall, has some of his mindset.

“Speaking today as the Class of 2017’s valedictorian is a goal I set for myself in third grade and I am honored to say that I have accomplished this goal,” Gnall said in her valedictory.

“All the nights of pulling all-nighters and having my mom come back and yell at me to go to sleep finally paid off. My fellow classmates have also set very high expectations for themselves which they have achieved. In our class, we have had state qualifiers, track and field league champs, cross country and basketball district champs, a 1,000-point scorer, a national swimmer, national and vocational honor society members, and those who have successfully passed their NOCTI exams,” Gnall said.

Gnall, 17, of Barnesville, is the daughter of a Mahanoy Area Elementary School math teacher, April Gnall, and a member of the Mahanoy Area school board, Steven Gnall. Her family also includes a younger sister, Sydney.

She’s planning to go to King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, to study to become a physician’s assistant specializing in pediatric oncology.

The salutatorian is Matthew S. Derr, 18, of Delano. His parents are Nancy and Scott Derr.

He’s planning to study athletic training at King’s College.

“I want to one day become an athletic trainer at a Division I university. I love college sports. I watch them all the time. So I’d love to be around it all the time,” he said.

Contact the writer: spytak@republicanherald.com, 570-628-6011

GIRARDVILLE — The borough council on Thursday appointed a new officer-in-charge.

The council had problems with the previous OIC, Jason Lex, according to council President Charles Marquardt and council member Robert A. Krick.

“There was a difference of opinion with council, the police committee and stuff like that. And they decided to remove him from the officer-in-charge position,” Marquardt said after Thursday’s meeting.

Lex is still a part-time officer with the borough, Marquardt said.

“I think there was some dissatisfaction with the previous officer-in-charge. We weren’t happy with his performance. There were paperwork issues and delays on things,” Krick said after the meeting.

“Let’s just say we did it for the benefit of the borough,” council member Joseph Kessler said after the meeting. He heads the council’s police committee. He wouldn’t comment further.

“Plus he’s asked to be removed from the schedule for a bit,” Marquardt said.

“I’m not sure he’s on the schedule this month. I’m not sure if he was working a lot,” Krick said.

When called for comment Thursday night, Lex said he started working as OIC in September 2016, and he was removed from the position two months ago.

“They stripped me of my OIC two months ago saying they did not need an OIC. No reason was given,” Lex said.

At Thursday’s meeting, the council appointed Officer Matt Williams as officer-in-charge.

“Under the police committee, I want to make a motion that the council appoint Matt Williams as OIC for the Borough of Girardville,” Kessler said during the meeting.

It was seconded by councilman Dan Heiser and carried unanimously by all members present. Also present was Krick, Marquardt and Michael Huss. Mayor Joseph Catizone Jr. was absent from the meeting.

Williams was present at the meeting, dressed in his patrol uniform.

After the vote, many people in the crowd applauded.

“Congratulations, Matt,” Marquardt said.

“Thank you for your confidence in me. I’ll do the best job I can,” Williams said.

More than 35 people were present at the meeting.

The borough has five part-time police officers, including Lex and Williams, Marquardt said.

At Thursday’s meeting, the council decided to advertise for more.

“We’re looking for two more part-time officers, hopefully. We’re hoping to get the advertisement in the newspaper by Monday or Tuesday next week,” Marquardt said.

He said deadline for applications will be noon July 3.

GAMA appointment

In other matters, the council appointed a Girardville representative to the Girardville Area Municipal Authority.

The borough advertised the opening. There was one applicant, Julie Zangari, wife of Frank J. Zangari, the borough fire chief. Members of GAMA are paid $75 a month, according to Marquardt.

The other members of GAMA area: Edward Burns, chairman; Marie Finlan, vice-chairman; Mary Beth Dougherty, treasurer; and Katie Jones, Butler Township representative. GAMA meetings are held at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the municipal building. The next is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 15.

New church

Meanwhile, the owners of the former St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church at 211 W. Market St. — Robert and Karyl Moser — are looking to open a new church there in the near future. But the borough council wants to make sure there aren’t any issues with zoning.

“The church building has been inspected previously by the UCC at your request and a certificate of occupancy from that organization was obtained on February 27 and the actual certificate was provided to me,” Karyl Moser said during the public portion. She was referring to Frank Filiziani, Scranton, the borough code official, and the Uniform Commercial Code.

She and her husband reside at the former rectory on the property.

“Our intentions for use of the church property is that of a church. Kimmel’s Evangelical Free Church from Orwigsburg has agreed to provide Sunday evening worship services two times per month to start and weekly Bible studies. Through the church we will also be offering community outreach programs such as possibly a library and children’s programs. We will also be having fundraising events to support the church and church building. These hopefully will include some musical events, chorale and band concerts,” Karyl Moser told the board.

Some council members believed it was a commercial property not zoned as a place of worship. Borough solicitor Christopher Riedlinger said he would contact Filiziani for clarification.

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

HEGINS — It’s not unusual to find a few critters inside a high school science classroom to go along with lessons about biology and ecology, but Pam Ulicny’s classroom at Tri-Valley High School has about 30 exotic animals, mostly reptiles, to make the life sciences a bit more lively.

“I wanted to put some life into the life sciences,” Ulicny said Friday.

Ulicny has been teaching biology, life science and environmental science at the high school for about 25 years. For most of those years, she has kept a variety of reptiles, amphibians, fish and even a tarantula in her classroom to go along with lessons ranging from evolution and adaptations to biomes and thermal regulation.

“These guys make it more personable,” Ulicny said. “You can teach many different things with these guys. There is always a teachable moment somewhere.”

The various reptiles showcase a wide range of ecosystems, from deserts to tropical forests, and they also make the classroom more conducive to learning as they are not as loud and distracting as other animals, Ulicny said.

It all started with a few snakes that still remain in the classroom today.

“I got started with Tickles the corn snake,” Ulicny said. “He’s a very old friend of mine and continues to just be a friendly guy. It all started with a corn snake and then it was more and more.”

Tickles, named for the way his tongue can tickle the hand that is holding him, is about 20 years old. Ulicny said the snakes live about 20 to 25 years in captivity. She also has a ball python named Monty, which is also about 20 years old, and a few more snakes.

None of them are venomous and they are actually quite docile. Ball pythons get their name because they roll into a ball when they are scared, according to Ulicny.

“I was just always fascinated with reptiles,” Ulicny said. “I’ve always been magnetized towards things that are different, the underdogs and the misunderstood. I’ve just always been intrigued by it.”

Ulicny said it was Scott Reichert, a retired teacher at Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, who inspired her to keep reptiles in her classroom. She said Reichert used reptiles in his work with socially emotional students and it gave them a sense of responsibility.

As her collection grew, Ulicny’s classroom became known as the school’s zoo and has a sign that reads “Welcome to the Zoo” hanging near the door. The classroom is now home to about 30 species throughout the school year, Ulicny said.

Some of the other species in the classroom Friday included a blue-tongued skink, African bullfrog, a White’s treefrog, oscar fish, a tarantula, a fat-tailed gecko, a leopard gecko, a red-eared slider turtle, a tortoise and a bearded dragon.

“Each one of them has a different personality once you get to know them,” Ulicny said.

The classroom is also part of the Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom program and raises brook trout from eggs to fingerlings in an aquarium before releasing them into a nearby stream. The program is sponsored locally by Schuylkill Trout Unlimited.

All the animals are housed in terrariums or cages throughout the classroom. Some of them were custom built by vo-tech students at the school. Each of their habitats include a bio card with general information about the species.

“The joy comes from not just being able to show them in the classroom, but also from taking them along to different events and activities,” Ulicny said. “They really help spread the word about responsible pet ownership and a respect for diversity in all kinds of life.”

Ulicny takes many of her classroom pets with her to various events throughout the area, such as last weekend’s Bear Creek Festival, as part of an educational program she calls “Mrs. U’s Traveling Zoo.” Ulicny is also a board member at Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, Manheim, which is the closest reptile rescue to Schuylkill County.

“More than anything, I like to preach about responsible pet ownership,” Ulicny said. “You shouldn’t do anything unless you do your homework first and it is our job to try and educate people to make sure they know what they are getting into.”

Ulicny said many people do not realize that most reptiles have longer life spans than cats and dogs and some require special lighting and heating. Some of them, like bearded dragons and tortoises, also need larger areas to roam.

The red-eared slider is the most common animals at the reptile shelter, Ulicny said. She said many parents buy them for children, underestimating the amount of care they need and how long they live.

Alligators and larger snakes are also common at the shelter as many people buy them without long-term plans once they reach adulthood.

“It’s a long-term commitment and many people do not realize that,” Ulicny said.

Before taking Ulicny’s life science class as a seventh-grader this year, Zoey Thomas-Jordan said she was afraid of snakes. However, that changed once she learned more about them.

“Seeing how nice and personal they are, it gets you to break out of your comfort zone,” she said.

Thomas-Jordan said Ulicny’s class was one of her favorite classes during her first year at the high school building.

“I love science and she makes it so interactive will all the animals,” Thomas-Jordan said. “You learn so much. Everything in the room teaches you a lesson.”

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6023

POTTSVILLE — A city man faces state prison time after a Schuylkill County jury convicted him on Friday of four charges resulting from his breaking into a man’s apartment in September 2015 and stealing his cellphone.

Robert W. Ruggles, 45, bowed his head after a jury of seven women and five men deliberated about three hours before finding him guilty of burglary, conspiracy, robbery and theft, but not guilty of receiving stolen property.

President Judge William E. Baldwin, who presided over Ruggles’ one-day trial, found the defendant guilty of a summary charge of harassment, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation, kept Ruggles’ bail at $50,000 percentage and said he would set a sentencing date in the future. Ruggles did not post bail and left the courtroom in handcuffs.

Pottsville police charged Ruggles with breaking into the Laurel Terrace apartment of Robert J. Miller, Pottsville, about 11 p.m. Sept. 6, 2015. Once inside, Ruggles and his accomplices pinned Miller to the floor and stole his cellphone, according to police.

“These two guys with hoodies on ... came rushing in,” Miller testified. The two men took him to the kitchen, put him on the floor and asked for money and drugs, Miller said.

“Were you fearful for your life?” Assistant District Attorney David J. Rice asked Miller.

“Yes,” Miller answered.

Miller said he heard a knock on his door, looked out and saw a girl. He said that when he opened the door, the two men in hoodies, who also were wearing masks, entered his apartment.

The girl turned out to be Bobby Jo Rohrbach, Pottsville, who testified she, Ruggles and Braxton J. “BJ” Moore planned the burglary earlier that evening in an effort to get drugs and/or money.

“We made plans to do a (robbery),” she said. “It was planned, and we went and did it.”

Miller had no idea what was going on, according to Rohrbach.

“He kept saying, ‘There was nothing. There was nothing,’ ” she testified.

Rohrbach said she identified Ruggles, whom she knew as “Mofo,” from a photo police showed her while she was in prison.

“I just looked at the picture and I knew it was him,” she said.

She also said Moore later threw Miller’s cellphone into the Schuylkill River.

When cross-examined by Nicholas J. Watt, Pottsville, Ruggles’ lawyer, Rohrbach denied the police pressured her to identify the defendant as one of the burglars.

“I did not want to make the police happy,” she said.

Rohrbach acknowledged she has a criminal record dating back to 2008, and that she pleaded guilty in this case to theft and receiving stolen property, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of burglary, conspiracy and robbery. Under the terms of her plea agreement, Rohrbach said, she received a prison sentence of three to 12 months and had to testify truthfully against Ruggles.

“It is 100 percent truthful,” she said of her testimony.

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

The defendant

· Name: Robert W. Ruggles

· Age: 45

· Residence: Pottsville

· Verdict: Guilty of burglary, conspiracy, robbery and theft, not guilty of receiving stolen property; also found guilty of a summary charge of harassment