POTTSVILLE — A Schuylkill Haven man will spend time behind state prison bars after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him June 8 for two sets of drug-related crimes.

William P. Sonnon, 44, must spend 24 months in the state intermediate punishment program, which combines prison time and substance abuse treatment, under the terms of Judge James P. Goodman’s sentence.

“It’s a good opportunity for you to address your drug problem,” Goodman told Sonnon, who already is an inmate at State Correctional Institution/Camp Hill in Cumberland County and participated in the hearing by videoconference. “Hopefully, you can take advantage of (it).”

Goodman also sentenced Sonnon to pay costs, $200 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $302 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and a $50 bench warrant fee, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

After a one-day trial over which Goodman presided, a jury of seven women and five men found Sonnon guilty on Feb. 3 of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia in one case and conspiracy, delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance in the other case.

Pottsville police filed both sets of charges against Sonnon, alleging he supplied methamphetamine that was sold to a confidential informant on March 23, 2015, for $50 at 142 W. Railroad St. in the city. Police said they obtained a search warrant for Sonnon’s 144 W. Railroad St. residence, where they found more meth, along with numerous items of drug paraphernalia.

“Do you have a drug problem?” Goodman asked Sonnon.

“Yes,” Sonnon answered.

Also on June 8, Goodman revoked the probation of Clint R. Parks, 51, address not known, and sentenced him to serve nine to 24 months in a state correctional institution and undergo a mental health evaluation.

“You need a mental health evaluation and follow-up treatment,” Goodman told Parks.

Goodman ruled prosecutors proved Parks violated his parole by failing to report to his supervising officer and committing a new crime.

“I can’t find a room. I didn’t have a phone,” Parks said in trying to explain his conduct.

Parks pleaded guilty on May 18, 2016, to criminal trespass. At that time, Goodman placed him on probation for two years and also sentenced him to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and a $50 bench warrant fee, all of which he still must pay under the terms of the sentence handed down June 8, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Frackville charged him with trespassing on a property on Sept. 27, 2015, in East Brunswick Township.

In other recent county court action, Aaron M. Davis, 32, of Pottsville,will spend time in prison and on probation after pleading guilty to crimes resulting from four separate incidents.

Davis pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia in one case, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia in a second, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and retail theft in a third, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia in the fourth. Prosecutors withdrew an additional count of possession of a controlled substance.

Judge John E. Domalakes accepted the plea and sentenced Davis to spend three to 12 months in prison and an additional 24 months on probation, pay costs, a $100 fine, $400 in SAEF payments, $150 in CJEA payments and $574.51 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Pottsville police charged Davis with committing the crimes in the first, second and fourth cases on Dec. 20, 2015, Sept. 20, 2016, and Dec. 16, 2016, respectively, while state police at Schuylkill Haven charged him with committing the crimes in the third case on Nov. 30, 2016.

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

‘Roofing’ scam

incident investigated

MARYD — Schuylkill Township police are investigating a recent “roofing” scam involving a township resident.

Sgt. Anthony Stanell said a man “scammed” an elderly resident out of $1,200.

No other information was provided by Stanell other than the man was driving a newer model white Chevrolet Silverado.

Stanell released an image of the man and asks that anyone with information on his identity to call police through the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 570-668-6100.

Stanell urges all residents to pay attention to anyone asking to perform unscheduled roof work or other household jobs and to call police should they encounter anyone suspicious.

Domestic dispute

lands man in jail

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man was jailed after city police responded to a domestic disturbance about 6:30 p.m. Monday at 101 W. Race St., Apt. 301.

At the scene, police said, a 19-year-old Pottsville woman reported that she agreed to meet her boyfriend, Jonathan Kline, 29, in the entrance area of the apartment building in order for Kline to see their 4-month-old daughter.

Police said a verbal argument ensued and eventually turned physical with Kline grabbing the infant from the woman’s arms and punching her in the face several times while holding the child.

When the woman fled back to her apartment with Kline holding the baby and chasing her, he proceeded to grab the child’s 53-year-old grandmother by the throat and push her out of his way, police said.

Kline fled the apartment with the child but was apprehended a few minutes later in the area of 432 E. Norwegian St., police said.

Police said the mother of the child suffered redness and swelling to her left eye as a result of the assault.

Kline was charged by Sgt. John Mohl with domestic violence simple assault, reckless endangerment and harassment. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $5,000 bail, police said.

Pottsville man faces

charges in assault

POTTSVILLE — City police arrested a Pottsville man stemming from a domestic assault that occurred at 1:55 a.m. June 8 at 203 N. George St.

At the scene, police said, officers found a 40-year-old Pottsville woman who had bruising and swelling on her face, dried blood on her clothing and body and was covered with an unknown white powder.

The woman said her boyfriend, Michael A. Atkins, 42, was in the living room of the home when a verbal argument began and escalated with him spraying a fire extinguisher in her eyes, causing temporary blindness, police said.

As the woman tried to leave the residence through the front door, Atkins struck her with an unknown object, causing a small cut and heavy bruising and swelling around her right eye, police said.

Atkins fled the scene before officers arrived but was located and taken into custody inside a Mercedes Benz about a half-hour later parked near the residence.

Police said Patrolman Braden Jones completed a criminal complaint, charging Atkins with domestic violence simple assault and harassment. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10 percent of $15,000 bail.

DUI Patrols slated

on Schuylkill roads

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Roving DUI Patrols will be conducted now through Monday 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.

2 handguns stolen

from man’s vehicle

MOUNT CARBON — State Police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating the theft of two handguns from a vehicle that occurred between 10 p.m. June 7 and 10 a.m. June 8 in the area of 142 Main St.

Police said someone stole a Heckler/Koch 9 mm and Sturm & Ruger LCP .380 from the driver side’s area of an unlocked vehicle belonging to Kyle Strokelitus, Pottsville.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at Schuylkill Haven at 570-739-1330.

5-vehicle collision

results in no injuries

CRESSONA — There were no injuries reported in a five-vehicle collision at 10:55 a.m. Tuesday at Chestnut and North Second streets in the borough.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said William Griffin, 81, of Schuylkill Haven, was driving a 2000 Subaru Outback when he turned into traffic and onto Chestnut Street from Second Street and hit the rear end of a 2000 Nissan Maxima driven by Richard C. Zimmerman, 52, of Cressona.

Police said the Maxima hit a 1998 Buick Century, driven by Zachary J. Palmer, 31, of Schuylkill Haven, and a 2016 Chrysler 300 driven by Kimberly A. Schlissel, 55, of Schuylkill Haven. The Chrysler 300 then hit a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by Stephanie F. Julian, 29, of Schuylkill Haven, police said.

Police said no one was injured, and a traffic citation will be filed against Griffin. Cressona Goodwill Fire Company assisted police at the scene.

2 arrested for theft

of high school ring

McADOO — Two people were arrested by borough police after an investigation into the May 22 theft of a class ring.

Police said officers were contacted by a woman who reported her 1977 Marian High School class ring stolen.

The woman said she had just brought her daughter, Cassandra Canaan, 29, and her friend, Thomas Mundie Jr., 34, to a pawn shop the previous day.

The investigation revealed the ring was pawned at West Hazleton Jewelry, West Hazleton, and the item was recovered by officers, police said.

Canaan was charged with theft and receiving stolen property for taking the ring while Mundie charged with identical offenses for cashing the ring in at the pawn shop, police said.

DA warns residents

of scams by phone

Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman is warning residents of a telephone scam that surfaced Tuesday.

Holman said a woman reported receiving a call from a person who identified himself as Walter Kiersten. The man said he was from the Philippines and told the woman she was selected for a government grant to go back to school.

The caller indicated that a check would be sent with no strings attached and started asking the victim for her year of graduation, date of birth and the last four digits of her Social Security Number. Holman said the woman was also told if she accepted the grant, she would be given a special code and someone would call her back.

The woman said she could hear others speaking in the background and that the accent being spoken appeared to be Pakistani.

Holman warned all residents not to give out personal information to people calling on the telephone offering services or winnings and to also call their local police department if such a call is received.

McAdoo man faces charges in incident

McADOO — A borough man was charged by McAdoo police stemming from an incident that occurred at 2:30 p.m. June 1.

Police said Michael Belson, 39, was charged with obstructing the administration of law, false reports and false identification to law enforcement. He will now have to answer to the charges before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

Police said officers were contacted by a state constable who had a warrant for Belson. The constable said he was at Belson’s residence and, while speaking to a man through a door, was told that the man he was looking for worked at a pizza shop and that he did not want to get involved.

Officers and the state constable returned to the residence where someone opened the door. At that time, police said Belson was seen inside and taken into custody on the warrant without incident.

Contractor cited in

registration failure

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday announced the filing of 31 legal actions against home improvement contractors, including one from Schuylkill County, who failed to register under Pennsylvania law.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro said home improvement contractors who earn more than $5,000 a year are required to register every other year under Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. The legal actions, settlement agreements known as Assurances of Voluntary Compliance, are being filed by the Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Each of the contractors cited for failing to register received fines of at least $500. On the list of 31 is Kimmel & Kimmel Inc., Hegins, Shapiro said.

“When consumers hire a contractor to work on their home, they have a right under Pennsylvania law to work with a legitimate business,” Shapiro said.

In addition to the legal actions, Shapiro said consumer protection attorneys issued warning letters to 17 other contractors, advising that registration under the HICPA law is required if they continue to do business as contractors. He added that another dozen contractors voluntarily registered after being contacted by investigators.

This registration, under state law, also requires contractors to carry insurance.

Police: Teen faces

theft-related charges

McADOO — An investigation into a March 14 incident in the borough led to McAdoo Police filing charges against a 15-year-old McAdoo girl.

Police said the girl was going door-to-door about 5 p.m. that day representing herself as the sister of a sick child in the area and offering to shovel sidewalks for a donation to her brother’s charity.

Police said due to her age, the girl will be charged through the juvenile court system with two counts each of identity theft and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception.

Woman flown from

scene of accident

MAHANOY CITY — A Minersville woman was flown to a trauma center after the 2006 Ford Fusion she was driving crashed on Brockton Mountain Road in Ryan Township around 10:10 a.m. Thursday.

State police at Frackville said Krystal Schantz, 26, suffered head injuries and was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, via MedEvac 4 helicopter.

Police said Schantz was driving west uphill, when she reported falling asleep. The car went off of the road and traveled about 140 feet before the front struck a tree head-on and came to a stop, police said.

Schantz was able to get out of her vehicle and walk back to the roadway after the crash, police said, adding that Ryan Township firefighters and EMS assisted at the scene.

Warrant issued for

Williamstown man

WILLIAMSTOWN — State police at Lykens have obtained a warrant for the arrest of a Williamstown man on charges stemming from a burglary and violation of a protection from abuse order in the first block of North West Street in this Dauphin County community that was reported about 10 a.m. Monday.

Police said they were called to the home and told by a 66-year-old Williamstown woman that Dustin M. Bergey, 28, violated a protection from abuse order that she had obtained against him.

After speaking with the woman, it was discovered that Bergey was at the home several times since the order became effective Feb. 28 and was entering the home while the woman was not there, police said.

Police said they have an active warrant for Bergey’s arrest and ask anyone with information on his whereabouts to call them at 717-362-8700.

Deeds

Lykens Township — CPI Partners to Tyler M. Merwine and Katie E. Koppenhaver; 1464 S. Crossroads Road; $220,000.

Mifflin Township — KLB Holdings LP to David D. and Katie K. Glick; 11.54-acre property on Savidge Road; $100,000.

Washington Township — Patrick L. and Glenna S. McClure to Scott A. and Marilee D. Schoffstall; 9.616-acre property on Township Road T-587; $20,000.

Wiconisco Township — Kaitlyn Ream to Richard W. Via; 306 Center St.; $75,000.

Virginia Lee Beaver to Lewis L. Schreffler; property on Pottsville Street; $1.

Ditech to David E. Harris; 534 Pottsville St., Wiconisco; $10,600.

Tax Claim Bureau of Dauphin County to Scott E. Schultz; 310 Pottsville St., Wiconisco; $500.

Grace K. Heckman, by attorney in fact Dennis E. Heckman, to Deirdri A. Houck; 4-acre property; $80,000.

Louis E. and Brenda S. Dauberman to Louis E. and Brenda S. Dauberman; 305 Pottsville St., Wiconisco; $1.

Kenneth R. Ferron and Steven J. Ferron to Dustin A. Shanafelter and Cheryl L. Malcom; 521 Center St., Wiconisco; $73,000.

Williams Township — Glenda K. Parish, executrix of the Estate of Louis Readinger, and Cornelius R. Readinger to Cornelius R. Readinger; two properties on East Market Street; $1.

Williamstown — Santander Bank NA to Williamstown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6497 Home Association; 200 Tunnel St.; $55,000.

John R. and Catherine Elizabeth Bopp to Robyn L. Pearson; 460 Greenfield St.; $5,000.

Rogelio and Blanca Vazquez to Jean Rodkey; property on West Broad Street; $500.

Time incorrect

The McAdoo Borough and Kline Township police departments will host the annual bike rodeo at 10 a.m. June 24 at the Hancock Street Park. The time was incorrect in Thursday’s edition.

POTTSVILLE — In another step toward revitalizing Pottsville, the city played host Thursday to visitors from the state Department of Community and Economic Development and the consulting firms developing a plan for downtown.

The day started with a tour on the city’s recently acquired trolley bus from the Yuengling’s gift shop with stops at the Schuylkill County Historical Society, Majestic Theater and several downtown businesses and ended with a meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church to discuss the revitalization effort with city officials, the Pottsville Area Development Corp. and the Pottsville Business Association.

“Today was a really great day,” state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, Pottsville, who organized the activities Thursday, said.

DCED Secretary Dennis M. Davin was among those getting a taste of Pottsville as he took home bread and sweets from Bake Shop VI. Later in the evening, Richard P. Vilello Jr., DCED deputy secretary for community affairs and development, spoke at the meeting about his four terms as mayor of Lock Haven at a time when the city was trying revitalize its downtown.

“It makes my job easier to sign off on a grant having seen the people that are trying to get the job done,” Vilello said. “My day was fantastic and thank you for hosting us.”

Since the last time the group met in March to discuss the revitalization effort, they issued a request for proposals to professional consultants to study the city and develop a plan to improve their downtown.

Savas Logothetides, PBA vice president and owner of Wheel, said four companies submitted proposals by the May 15 deadline. They decided on a $28,000 consulting contract with the partnership of Bergman Associates, Conshohocken, and Eastwick Solutions, Doylestown.

“Really we got the best and I am really excited about their partnership,” Logothetides said.

He said the company representatives visited the city and did their homework before submitting a proposal.

“They went into that interview room having known things that only people in Pottsville would know,” Logothetides said.

He said they have raised about $22,000 toward the contract.

“We are hoping that the study would begin in one month,” Logothetides said.

Patti Guttenplan, project planner for Bergman Associates, and Steve Nelson, project planner for Eastwick Solutions, both said that while they may be developing the plan, it is the city’s vision.

“It’s a community-driven process,” Guttenplan said. “It’s not our plan, it is your plan. It is your community and no one knows it better than you.”

She said usually the first thing the company has to do is get the community excited about the project, but there was obviously no need for that in Pottsville as the church was filled with local business owners and residents.

“We see our role in this as helping the community create their vision,” Nelson said. “It is your town and your vision.”

He said that tourism is a potential pathway to revitalizing Pottsville.

Jared Lucas, director of DCED’s Small Business First Division, also talked about the financing options available for economic development in the community through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, which provides low-interest loans and lines of credit for eligible businesses committed to creating and retaining full-time jobs. Loan applications are packaged and underwritten by a network of certified economic development organizations that partner with PIDA to administer the program.

“Today was just refreshing because it was everyone coming together to ask how they can make their community better,” Lucas said.

State Rep. Neal Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City, also spoke at the meeting along with county commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr., Commissioner Gary J. Hess and City Mayor James T. Muldowney.

“The fact that so many people showed up to this meeting on a Thursday night shows you care,” Goodman said. “My mom always said that the journey of 1,000 steps begins with that first step and here we are and it’s your turn.”

Contact the writer: mgilgerjr@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

POTTSVILLE — One of the top administrators at Gillingham Charter School has resigned.

The school’s board of trustees unanimously accepted the resignation of Rachel Bensinger, director of organizational development, at its June meeting Thursday night at the schoolhouse at 915 Howard Ave.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce tonight the resignation of Rachel Bensinger, who is no longer with us at Gillingham. She served our school with much passion for the past three years. I know I’ve learned much from her. I know that we as a school have learned much from her. And we’re very grateful for all she’s done. And we wish her the best of luck in her future,” Nicolle M. Hutchinson, Gillingham’s CEO and director of education, said while giving her monthly report.

She would not say why Bensinger resigned.

“That’s a personnel issue, so we’re just not going to talk about that,” Hutchinson said after the meeting.

Bensinger could not be reached for comment Thursday night.

The board hired Bensinger, Mechanicsville, in August 2014 when Christie L. Werkheiser, the school’s first director of organizational development, had resigned to take a job in Montgomery County.

In the 2016-17 school year, Bensinger received a salary of $63,000.

Instead of advertising a vacancy, the board is planning to restructure the post, Hutchinson said.

“We’re going to look at the job descriptions and look at the roles that people play and we might need to create a different position here or there that the two roles of directors aren’t so overwhelming. My role as director of education is also going to be restructured,” Hutchinson said.

One of the trustees, Dan Kurtz, who participated in the meeting via telephone, talked about the review process. He is a member of the Gillingham Board Governance Committee.

“The governance committee has undertaken the project of fact-finding. We’re taking a good hard look at job descriptions and who’s doing what, and how our organizational structure works so we can be sure that we put people in the best possible position to be successful moving forward. We interviewed quite a number of people, and Rachel was also gracious enough to meet with us to discuss her role and how her department is organized. So, governance is going to be compiling some recommendations, clarifying organizational structure, the leadership structure and the details of specific roles and jobs within that structure,” Kurtz said.

In other matters at Thursday’s meeting, the board approved the school’s 2017-18 budget. It’s a spending plan with $3,558,000 in revenues, $3,548,000 in expenditures and $10,000 in surplus, according to Michael A. Whisman, a certified public accountant with Charter Choices, Glenside.

All members of the board were in attendance at Thursday’s meeting: Marsha Chwastiak, board president; Sharon Klinger, vice president; Mindy Heppe, secretary; Lisa Halteman, treasurer, and members Annette Stoudt, Susan Tallman and Kurtz.

Halteman also participated by phone.

In April, Halteman, Stoudt and Tallman announced they would not seek terms on the board for the 2017-18 school year. Brian Hudock and Scott Herbert were appointed to the board in April to fill those seats for the 2017-18 school year.

On Thursday, the board appointed Amy Webber, Pottsville, to fill the third. Webber is an artist. Three of her children attend Gillingham Charter School.

The board also reappointed Heppe and Klinger to one-year terms and Chwastiak to a two-year term.

After the board’s regular meeting Thursday night, the board held a reorganization meeting. Chwastiak was retained as president, Klinger as vice president, Hudock was named secretary and Webber was named treasurer.

Also at Thursday’s meeting, the board terminated two employees: Sam Carl, facilities manager, and Nelson Berger, a music teacher. Hutchinson said they were personnel matters and refused to give further information.

Meanwhile, a secondary math and social science teacher at the school, Brian Welsh, has been given the facilities manager post, Hutchinson said.

The board hired Welsh as facilities manager with a salary of $44,190 for the 2017-18 school year. The board also hired him as the “2017 Summer School Algebra I” teacher at $93.75 a day.

“It’s three hours in the morning. We needed someone to do the math lessons, so his hours are going to be extended in the day. It’s three hours in the morning,” Hutchinson said.

The board also hired Amy Siroka as a math teacher with a salary of $44,190.

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

POTTSVILLE — The firm that recently acquired the former Mahanoy Area Intermediate School building in Mahanoy City is hoping to acquire the building downtown which housed the former Pottsville Bike and Board.

On Dec. 28, 2016, T&D Southeast PA LLC, Minersville, bid $12,850 for the vacant four-story structure at 123-125 W. Market St. The bid was advertised in the newspaper May 18 and 25.

Angela D. Toomey, director of the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau, said if there are no objections, the bureau will approve the sale in July.

“This is being purchased through what’s called a private sale. That means it went to upset sale and didn’t sell. So someone after that sale can come in and give us an over-the-counter bid,” Toomey said Thursday. “Two public notices had to run. There’s a period for public comment. If anyone from the public wants to object, they have until July 10. They’ll have to file that with the prothonotary. If there’s no objections, we’ll prepare a deed.”

Like T&D South East PA LLC, the group which acquired the former school at 400 E. South St., Mahanoy City, T&D Southeast PA LLC, Minersville, is a subsidiary of T&D Development, New York, New York.

In recent times, T&D has been acquiring numerous properties in Schuylkill County.

For example, on Dec. 2, 2016, T&D South East PA LLC bought 714 Centre St. from 315 Main St. Middleburgh LLC, a group run by Mike Ghannoum, Pottsville.

T&D also has other LLCs. For example, T&D Oak St. LLC owns 248 Oak St., Minersville, the address that is listed on the bid documents for the building which housed the former Pottsville Bike and Board.

“In Schuylkill County, I acquired several properties, including a couple dozen single-family properties,” Lawrence Santiago, a principal with T&D Development, said Thursday.

The building at 123-125 W. Market St. is owned by Alex Nekhanevich, Brooklyn, New York, who bought it for $200,000 in November 2007, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

In March 2012, John Brock, Orwigsburg, opened Pottsville Bike and Board on the ground floor. Brock closed the business in fall 2014, frustrated with the owner’s failure to make improvements to the property.

As of Thursday, there is $16,227.30 in unpaid city, county and school district taxes on the property, according to Toomey.

An upset sale on the property was held at the courthouse in September, but the property did not sell.

If T&D’s bid is accepted, T&D will pay a total of $16,179 for the property, which includes a transfer tax and a recording fee, Toomey said.

“If there are mortgages or any liens, they stay intact,” she said.

The bid amount will cover part of the unpaid taxes to the city, county and school district, she said.

“There’s a proportionate share, a pro rata share among the three entities,” she said.

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

When he looks back on the 40 years together as a band, Toto founding member David Paich said he still cannot believe the group’s success.

“It’s gone by so quickly,” Paich said in a recent phone interview. “We only thought we’d do it maybe 10 years if we were lucky, but because of the loyalty and our good fortune ... We’ve had great fans that keep asking us to play globally and around the world. It’s gone by in the flash of a pan.”

The multi-Grammy Award-winning rock band visits F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Sunday for “An Evening With Toto.”

Toto’s two-hour performance will feature repertoire from their latest studio album, “Toto XIV,” as well as classic hits and both band and fan favorites from their vast catalog, including singles like “Africa,” “Rosanna” and “Hold the Line.”

“We know we have to play some of our hits, but we’ll also reach back and do some of our deeper cuts,” Paich said. “For those who have been fans for the 40 years, we want something that someone hasn’t heard in a while. It won’t be the same show that we did last year. We do something different when we play in the same places. It’s new and fun and exciting for us, so it should be exciting for the crowd.”

Paich, who plays keyboards and sings for the American rock group, said the first time he fully realized the breadth of Toto’s fame when their eponymous debut album went double platinum.

“When we heard the words ‘double platinum,’ we were excited, like little kids,” Paich admitted. “Like it was our first day of the music business. Here we were, experienced professionals, calling each other on the phones about the radio. It couldn’t have been a more innocent or exciting time. Looking back on it, it was just a thrill.”

Throughout the years, Toto’s band members and ensemble have rotated and changed, but the group remained strong throughout. For the Wilkes-Barre show, the core members — Paich, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro and Joseph Williams — will be joined by Lenny Castro, Shannon Forest, Shem von Schroeck and Warren Ham.

As individuals, the band members can be heard on a whopping 5,000 albums that together amass a sales history of half a billion albums. With four decades together and more than 14 studio albums, Toto remains one of the top-selling touring and recording acts in the world.

In 2015, they released the first new studio album in 10 years, “Toto XIV,” which debuted Top 10 in nine countries around the world and became their most successful album since 1988 in the United States and the United Kingdom. But even with all of the success, Paich noted some minor changes he would have made when they first started touring.

“I wish, being the nature of the ’70s and ’80s, if I’d known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself,” Paich said. “I wish we toured the United States more in the earlier days. We found that the U.S. was so big, we were having to be an opening act, whereas in Europe or Japan we were headlining. But we’re trying to make a speedy catch-up (in the states) now.”

Over the years, the band performed in top-ranked venues, ranging from Zenith Paris, the Forum and the Staples Center to smaller, local clubs in various countries around the world — all of which are considered “magical moments” for Paich and the rest of the group.

And even though Paich admits to disliking the business side of the music industry, he thinks that the current lineup has been performing better than ever, and he aims to keep it that way.

“I’ve got a band full of guys that are eager to get out there,” Paich said. “I can sit by the ocean and look for shells, myself ... I will always love making music and playing for people, but the music business wears on you after a while.

“We’re going to do this as long as we can. We’re going to be having fun as long as our fans want us. When we’re on that stage, there’s nothing more fun than playing in a band like ours for people.”

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

MAHANOY CITY — An investment group from New York recently bought what was once known as “The School on the Hill.”

It’s the former Mahanoy Township High School at 400 E. South St., a landmark that was the Mahanoy Area Intermediate School when it closed at the end of the 2001-02 school year.

On April 24, Lawrence Santiago, New York, New York, doing business as T&D South East PA LLC, bought the building from the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau repository for $1,086. The sale was approved by the county, Mahanoy Area School District and Mahanoy City Borough Council.

T&D South East PA LLC is a subsidiary of T&D Development, New York, New York, which was formed in 2010, according to Santiago, one of the principals.

“We have a few LLCs under that umbrella,” Santiago said Thursday.

He’s hoping to have a development plan for the school sometime in 2018.

“The few things that we had in mind so far are either some type of senior housing development or to bring in manufacturing,” Santiago said. “Both could bring some jobs in. Both could be good for the community.”

“I’m glad it’s back on the tax rolls,” borough council President Thom Maziekas said of the building Tuesday.

“We’re obviously concerned given the sheer size of it. When speaking with the guy, he had some ideas of where he could go with it. And he does seem to have some experience in developing buildings. So we’re optimistic,” Borough Manager Daniel L. Lynch said.

“It’s a wait-and-see type situation,” Mayor Patti A. Schnitzius said Tuesday.

According to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator, the property was owned by the Public School Mahanoy School District on April 27, 1916. According to the cornerstone, there were previous structures on the property in 1916 and 1932.

A fire destroyed a building on the site known as “The White School” in 1938. The current structure was built in 1939. It was a Works Progress Administration initiative. H.F. Everett and Associates was the architect. It was built by Snyder Construction Co. and features art deco architecture.

The entrance is shaped like a tower. It’s accented with sections of glass block.

Initially, it was Mahanoy Township High School. The school’s first class graduated in 1941. It became an intermediate school in 1959 after the jointure that formed the Mahanoy Area School District that year.

In 1999, there were problems with the building’s coal heating system and carbon monoxide was detected due to ventilation and other problems.

In February 2000, the school board considered installing oil burners and a storage tank. Ultimately, the school board decided renovating the intermediate school was not feasible.

At the time, it was used as a middle school and the district’s high school and elementary school complex was at 800 W. South St. The board decided the middle school should be there, too.

By September 2000, the board hired an engineer firm to design a new facility at the site of International Bedding Corp., a 63,000-square-foot, one-story building at 715 W. Mahanoy Ave. It cost the district more than $13 million to renovate that building and turn it into a high school.

The 2001-02 term marked the last for the middle school at the former Mahanoy Township High School building. The school board decided the middle-schoolers would attend school in the former high school area and the former International Bedding Corp. adjacent to the complex. At the time, it was being remodeled to serve as the high school. The school opened in the 2002-03 year.

On May 15, 2006, the Mahanoy Area School District sold the former intermediate school to Brett Bates, Mahanoy City, for $150,000, according to the parcel locator. Bates stopped paying taxes on the property in 2012, according to Angela D. Toomey, director of the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau.

“It went to upset sale in 2014. It didn’t sell. There was a judicial sale in 2016. It didn’t sell. So it went into the county repository,” Toomey said.

As of May 5, the total in taxes due on the property was $233,614.09, she said.

Since the property was in the county repository, the back taxes were dropped.

“When a property goes to upset sale, there’s a formula dictated by the tax sale law and we come up with an upset price which includes all the delinquent taxes, all the current year taxes and any municipal claims. And if we don’t get a bid and it doesn’t sell, it goes to judicial sale. And our opening bid at judicial sale is the cost to the bureau, whatever it cost to get it to sale, for the mailings and the newspaper advertisements. We didn’t get a bid at judicial sale. So that opening bid becomes the repository price. It was $1,086,” Toomey said. “After you’ve gone through two sales and you haven’t had a bid, you wonder if some of these properties have a lot of value. With this, I don’t know what’s going to become of it. At least for the time being it’s back on the tax rolls. Hopefully it stays that way.”

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

RINGTOWN — The borough police department has once again decided to become an official member of the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.

At the borough council’s June meeting Tuesday at the Ringtown Senior Citizens Building, Mayor Albert Breznik Jr. filled out the paperwork.

“At one time we were involved with it. I think it’s a little bit better to be proactive than reactive,” Breznik said. “We haven’t done anything with them here in a long time. But no area is immune to the drug problem in Schuylkill County.”

Theodore Buriak Jr. was hired as a part-time officer in February 2015. Patrolman Adam J. Bernodin Jr. retired Dec. 31, 2016. Bernodin had served as a part-time officer for eight years.

In February, the council allowed Buriak to work up to 32 hours a week.

Buriak is the borough’s only police officer, and he’s the officer-in-charge, Breznik said.

“If Ted does any work for the task force, for Schuylkill County, all of his hours are reimbursed by the task force to the borough. All he has to do is keep separate records when he’s doing any drug-related work in the borough or outside the borough,” the mayor told the council.

“OK,” council President Julian Milewski said.

“But it’s something we have to present to the borough,” the mayor said.

“What’s your take on it, Ted?” Milewski asked Buriak.

“It’s a good thing. They approached me this past weekend,” Buriak said.

“It happened during an ongoing investigation,” the mayor said.

“I talked to someone at the task force and they told me ‘You have to be signed up with the task force before we can pay you,’ ” Buriak said at the meeting.

“Will you be going outside the borough?” the borough solicitor, S. John Price Jr., an attorney from Pottsville, asked.

“Probably, but not while I’m working here,” Buriak said.

“We need to check and make sure we have insurance coverage for that, since he’ll be going out of our jurisdiction,” Price said.

“Good point,” Milewski said.

The council unanimously decided to allow its police force to work with the Schuylkill Drug Task Force once that insurance information is verified.

Other council members present at the meeting were Peg Forgotch, council vice president, and council members James Compton Sr. and Thomas Murray.

Council member David Seresky was absent.

In other matters, the council recently decided to advertise a drainage and paving project.

A special meeting of the Ringtown council was held May 19. Milewski, Compton, Thompson and Seresky were present. So was the borough foreman, Scott Schuetrum, and the borough engineer, Jacqueline A. Peleschak, a project manager with Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville.

The only business discussed was the East Main Street paving project, according to the minutes of that meeting.

In October, the council opened bids for a planned drainage improvement on East Main Street but held off awarding the project to a contractor because of a property access matter. Since then, the easement issues have been resolved.

Peleschak estimated milling would cost $29,600, cover would cost $25,300 and drainage would cost $50,000. The engineering costs would be $1,400 for the updated project proposal and $287 for the pre-bid preparation, according to the minutes.

Compton said the paving should be done curb-to-curb. And the council agreed to pave curb-to-curb from First Street to the end of East Main Street, and the rest of East Main will just have the travel lanes paved, according to the minutes.

Thompson made the motion to authorize Peleschak to bid the project, with bid openings to be held at the July meeting. Compton seconded the motion. It passed in a vote of 3-1. Seresky opposed the project, according to the minutes.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the council voted to move the date of next month’s meeting to July 18.

Milewski said he would be out of town and unable to be in town the second Tuesday of the months, when the council meetings are usually scheduled.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, the Ringtown Recreation 5K Loop will be held.

“It’s run by the Ringtown Recreation Committee. It’s part Ringtown borough, part Union Township. We take care of the repair and maintenance and upkeep of the Little League field, the playgrounds. And this is the 10th-year anniversary of this event,” the mayor said.

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

Heckscherville

Clover Fire Company, 8 Clover Road, will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon June 25 at the firehouse. The cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-294-0612.

Minersville

The Community Mission will present Minersville revival services at 7 p.m. June 24 and 2 p.m. June 25 at 336 N. Front St. Apostle Dennis Osasere Ogbewi of Nigeria, and Boston, Massachusetts, will be the special guest at the healing service. For more information, call Pastor Bob Alonge at 570-617-4620.

Pine Grove

The Lady Cardinal Basketball Boosters will have a youth basketball camp at the Pine Grove Area High School gym, 103 School St. The cost is $40 for grades K-2 and $75 for grades 3-8. Camp dates are July 24-27 and it is open to girls outside the school district. Registration is due by June 26. For more information, email jhitz@pgasd.com.

Pottsville

City area residents can learn about their risk for a variety of medical conditions through Life Line Screening, which will offer a variety of screenings July 17 at Pine View Acres, 145 Chamberlaine Ave. For more information, call 877-237-1287 or go to the Life Line website at www.lifelinescreening.com. Advance registration is required for the screenings.

Saint Clair

On June 24, nearly 450 Aspen Dental practices, including the one at the Coal Creek Commerce Center, will provide a day of free dental care for the nation’s veterans. “Local veterans have already made appointments in advance at a participating office and will receive free care” that day, according to an Aspen release. “The June 24 Day of Service will be Aspen Dental’s fourth annual, and is the largest single-day oral health initiative targeted at veterans. It’s part of Aspen Dental’s Healthy Mouth Movement, a community-giving initiative to deliver free dental care to veterans,” officials said in the release. For more about the Healthy Mouth Movement, go online to https://www.aspendental.com/about/healthy-mouth-movement.

Summit Station

People can preview what’s to come at the 2017 Schuylkill County Fair by picking up one of the fair brochures at places in business, events and other establishments throughout the county, according to a press release. This is the third year the fair has done such an advertisement in color. The 11-by-17 tri-fold brochure is packed full of fair information, including dates, times and directions to where events are being held on the fairgrounds, according to the release. The brochure folds out into a poster of the major entertainment going on the fair stages and on the track. The 2017 fair will run July 31 through Aug. 5. For more information about the fair go to its website at www.schuylkillfair.com or follow on Twitter and like the fair on Facebook.

Tamaqua

Zion Lutheran Church will mark its 200th Saturday evening worship service on July 1 with a covered-dish fellowship following the 5:30 p.m. service in the bottom floor of the church at Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets. All are welcome. For more information, email gtay200@verizon.net.

Tamaqua

A wide variety of classes, performances and other offerings are available at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St. For information on presentations, dates, times and costs, call the center at 570-668-1192 or go online to www.TamaquaArts.org.

LOYALTON — The Upper Dauphin Area school board Tuesday approved a $19.2 million general fund budget for 2017-18 that keeps taxes stable.

Those voting in favor of the $19,215,329 spending plan were David Barder, Mills Eure, Jack Laudenslager, Roni Mace, Steve Welker and Kathryn Talhelm. Directors Angela Mattern, the Rev. Nathan Minnich and Kirk Wenrich were absent.

Mary Bateman, business manager, said there’s a $98,114.47 deficit that will be made up by using funds from the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System reserve.

Real estate taxes will remain at 18.2745 mills, or $1.82745 per $100 of assessed value. Other levies include: $250 occupation privilege tax; $5 per capita tax; $10 per capita tax (Act 511); real estate transfer tax of 1 percent, with half going to the district and half to the municipalities, and an earned income tax of 1 percent, with half going to the district and half to the municipalities.

The board entered into two executive sessions, one at the beginning of the meeting and one at the end, to discuss negotiations and legal matters. The current contract with the Upper Dauphin Area Education Association expires June 30. Another negotiation session is scheduled for June 20.

In other action, the board approved several personnel changes. Among them, transferring Ruthie Kerwin from a paraprofessional classroom aide in the elementary school to the high school, effective the 2017-18 school year; transferring Cory Shade from special education resource teacher to elementary guidance counselor effective for the 2017-18 school year; eliminating the employment of Ruthanna Bordner as a personal care aide, effective June 5 for reasons of economy; hiring Jared Grassi as a full-time cleaning employee at an hourly rate of $9.35 per hour ($9.85 per hour with first aid and CPR) with a start date of July 1; and granting a professional employee contract with tenure status to Brian Leiter and Cory Shade.

The board also approved:

• The addition of 250 hours to the CPRS athletic training contract for the 2017-18 school year.

• Offering surplus ag shop items for sale.

• Jim Snyder, Millersburg, the low bidder at $500, for painting in the administrative office and where there was water damage.

• Investigating costs of galvanized or vinyl chain link fencing for the baseball and softball fields, and possibly for safety upgrades at the football stadium.

• The 2017 Homestead and Farmstead Resolution.

• The second reading and final adoption of policies on drones and unmanned aircraft, iPad acceptable use and public conduct at school events.

• A contract with the Vista School for the regular school year educational services and extended school year services for the 2017-18 school year.

• Appointing Angela Klinger, D.O., Family Practice Center Inc., to serve as the school physician for the 2017-18 school year at a rate of $60 per hour and $4.50 per student for mandated physicals.

• Dr. Rachel Nguyen as the school dentist at a rate of $60 per hour and $2.45 per student for the 2017-18 school year.

• The agreement with Pinnacle Health Sports Medicine to provide physician coverage for home varsity games.

• Cafeteria prices for the 2017-18 school year with no change in prices; reimbursable breakfast, $1.05; lunch, elementary, $2.05; lunch, middle school/high school, $2.30; adult breakfast, $2.85; adult lunch, $3.35. All prices for a la carte items also remain stable.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Twelve days into the 2014 manhunt for Eric Matthew Frein, the lead investigator looked into the camera at a news conference and spoke directly to the then-suspect in the ambush of two state police troopers.

“As I told you last week, you are a coward,” George Bivens, then a lieutenant colonel with the state police, said. “While you try to hide from us, we are not intimidated and will not leave.”

Calling him a coward was an insult that would likely anger Frein. That’s exactly what Bivens wanted.

“FBI profilers said this was a game,” Bivens told a state Senate committee Thursday. “They were concerned what he might do next. ... Many of our actions and many of the messages we put out were tailored to keep him angry with law enforcement, so he would not act out against the community. ... Better us than some kid on a playground.”

The psychological games authorities played with Frein were among several details Bivens, now a major, revealed at a hearing the state Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee held to evaluate the 48-day search for Frein.

Frein, 34, of Canadensis, was convicted in April and sentenced to death for the Sept. 12, 2014, sniper attack that killed Cpl. Bryon K. Dickson II, Dunmore, and wounded Trooper Alex T. Douglass, Olyphant, outside the state police barracks at Blooming Grove.

Bivens said authorities learned early on Frein had access to a computer and radio and suspected he was monitoring the frequent news conferences held to update the public. He used the opportunity to repeatedly challenge Frein.

“In the event you are listening to this broadcast on a radio, on a portable radio while cowering in some cool, damp hiding place, I want you to know one thing: Eric, we are coming for you,” Bivens said during a Sept. 19, 2014, press briefing.

Six days later, Bivens revealed searchers found several items Frein left behind at campsites as he continued to elude authorities, including a diaper he may have worn.

“Why he’s using it, the diapers, I wouldn’t speculate why he thinks that’s a good idea,” Bivens said during the press conference.

Bivens spent about an hour testifying before the committee about the exhaustive efforts taken to find Frein, who was finally captured Oct. 30, 2014, outside of an abandoned airport hangar in Pocono Township.

The search for the man he once described as “pure evil” was a trying time for all, Bivens said.

The case also brought out the best in people, he said, particularly residents and business owners in the search area who supported police despite great sacrifices they made as searchers swarmed their neighborhoods.

“I have never seen that kind of community support. It was unwavering,” he said.

Sen. Randy Vulakovich, R-38, Shaler Township, committee chairman, credited Bivens for ensuring it all turned out well in the end.

The man responsible for the “cowardly sniper attack” was held responsible, he said.

“Cpl. Dickson is looking down on us right now (and saying), ‘Our boys got him,’ ” Vulakovich said.

Contact the writer: tbesecker@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9137

Event canceled

A breakfast buffet slated for Sunday at East Norwegian Township Fire Company, 16 Sunshine St., Dieners Hill, has been canceled for this month.

POTTSVILLE — A service organization with only seven women serving as members is recruiting new members to carry on a 130-year-old tradition of lending a hand to fellow Schuylkill County residents.

A nondenominational Christian service organization, The International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons, dates back to 1886 with the Pottsville branch only a year behind.

On Jan. 13, 1886, Margaret Bottome and nine friends met in New York City and organized a service society called The King’s Daughters with the goal of helping those in need. The group was incorporated a year later, then became The International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons in 1891.

Reading about this in Ladies Home Journal, four teenage women — Mary Bretz, Margaret Skeen, Carrie Freck and Lulu Matz — gathered their Sunday school friends during the spring of 1887 and formed the Pottsville branch with 20 members, according to information provided by remaining members.

The Service Circle of the King’s Daughters of Pottsville, which later added “Sons” to the name, was the first branch of the parent organization. However, due to funding limitations delaying incorporation until 1924, it is listed as the third or fourth membership of the now international organization. The service group was generally limited to about 20 members, but had numerous “honorary members.”

Charter members of the Pottsville organization at the time of incorporation included Dorothy H. Muehlhof, Carrie J. Rigg, Bertha A. Filbert, Mabel K. Schum, Alma M. Channel, Mary Alice Fox, Clara F. Potts, Helen E. Kreos, Corene A. Skeen, Elsie K. Schneider, Anna M. Morris, Helen J. Sheets, Dorothy K. Critz, Charlotte Hart, Louise S. Doyle, Lillian S. Kramer, Amy E. Stephens, Sarah Bowen, Main D. Stichter and Marcia A. Fox.

The service organization found numerous ways to help Schuylkill County residents throughout the years and currently has seven members carrying on that tradition: Linda D. Humphrey, president; Mary E. Moran; Marie E. Wanchick, treasurer; Cynthia Van Stone; Joanne McCloskey; Alice Berheiser, and Joan M. Wagner.

“We are very charitable to organizations in the county and provide annual contributions,” Wanchick said. “As a member of the Pennsylvania branch, we also provide area youth with theological and medical scholarships.”

The remaining group meets only about four times a year to discuss its annual contributions, which are funded through endowments left by former members. The endowments will last about another eight years before the group has to find another way to raise charitable funds, Wanchick said.

“The organization is a benefit to the community and it is a wonderful way to be involved in the community,” Moran said.

A silver Maltese cross with the engraved initials “I.H.N.,” standing for “In His Name,” has long served as the group’s badge of membership. Its motto is, “Look up, not down. Look out, not in. Look forward, not back. Lend a Hand.”

Always focusing on helping others, the service group has found various ways to do so over its long history. Members provided food, clothing, milk for babies, wheelchairs, furniture and bedding and stoves to the needy, regardless of faith. They also helped guide travelers and provide them with meals and lodging and gave monthly allotments to the elderly. Their services adapted to whatever was needed.

For example, The King’s Daughters started providing bedside assistance and home nursing early in its history and well before Medicare. The organization’s nurses made hundreds of home visits annually.

“To me, it was almost like a hospice,” Humphrey said.

“It was a lot of tender love and care,” Wanchick said.

Humphrey said she was inspired to join the organization because not only was her mother their treasurer, but her mother-in-law was also one of their nurses.

“My mother-in-law was a nurse for them and they do a lot of good for the community,” she said.

In one of the longest ongoing efforts by the organization, the members also volunteer for the Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children, which provides a free orthopedic clinic nearly every other month at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill S. Jackson Street. In addition to helping children register for the clinic, The King’s Daughters also sponsor one of the monthly clinics by offsetting the costs.

“I’m a people person and I love to be with people and doing work like this,” Moran said.

“It’s just a pleasure to do registration for the clinic,” Wanchick said.

“They are always just so happy,” Moran said.

The free clinic provides special orthopedic services for any child up to 18 years of age from the Schuylkill County area, Sharon Kimmel, executive director of the county’s Society for Crippled Children, said. There are no income requirements.

As a nonprofit organization employing only two registered nurses, Kimmel said their assistance registering patients plays an important role in what they are able to do.

“They always enjoy coming to the clinic and talking to the children and helping entertain them,” she said. “It makes it go quicker for them.”

The next clinic will be held July 14. Appointments can be made by calling the Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children at 570-622-7170.

Faced with dwindling membership, The Service Circle of the King’s Daughters and Sons of Pottsville is looking for local interest in continuing its long tradition of “lending a hand.”

For more information about joining the organization, call Humphrey at James E. Humphrey Funeral Home at 570-622-1403.

Contact the writer: mgilgerjr@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

Boy riding bike

struck by vehicle

MAHANOY CITY — A 6-year-old boy was injured Friday afternoon when he drove into the path of a vehicle, police said.

Mahanoy City police Patrolman Christopher Zubris said the incident occurred just after 1 p.m. at First Street and East Mahanoy Avenue. He said the boy, a Mahanoy City resident, was riding his bicycle north on First Street, entered the intersection and drove into the path of a Jeep heading west on East Mahanoy Avenue and driven by Thomas Oblas, Mahanoy City.

The boy was treated at the scene by Zubris and other first responders and taken to an area hospital by Shenandoah EMS for additional treatment. Emergency personnel said it does not appear the boy’s injuries were serious and that he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Mahanoy City borough workers assisted with closing down a two-block section of East Mahanoy Avenue while the boy was treated and the crash investigated. Oblas was hurt but was able to drive his vehicle away from the scene, Zubris said.

Equipment taken

from area business

ORWIGSBURG — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a burglary that occurred between 4 p.m. June 9 and 7 a.m. Monday in West Brunswick Township.

Police said someone went to Pheasant Valley Landscaping, Pheasant Run Road, and removed two push mowers, a Toro and a Snapper, an ERZ7500 backpack leaf blower, a red weed wacker and a Craftsman tool set. The items were inside a company-owned truck that was parked inside the building at the time of the theft, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-739-1330. All information will remain confidential.

Pottsville man jailed

following fight

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man was jailed after city police were called to a fight at 6:20 a.m. Wednesday at 1604 W. Market St.

Police said an investigation determined that Travis Scott Reichert, 29, physically assaulted his 27-year-old husband during an argument in which he caused a glass to smash into the man’s face.

The assault resulted in the 27-year-old man having visible injuries to the left side of his face consisting of a laceration, swelling and bruising.

Based on the investigation Patrolman Tina Sullivan, the arresting officer, charged Reichert with domestic violence simple assault. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, and released on $25,000 unsecured bail.

Women not injured

in crash on Rt. 901

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police investigated a crash that was reported at 6:15 p.m. June 8 at 900 Gordon Nagle Trail.

Police said Diane Watts, 54, of Duncannon, was driving a 2010 Ford F150 when she tried to turn left from the southbound lane of Route 901 into the Sheetz parking lot and in doing so hit a 2015 Dodge Dart driven by a Schuylkill Haven woman.

EMS was called to the scene to evaluate the Schuylkill Haven woman due to her being pregnant, but it was determined that she did not need further treatment, police said.

Police said, Cpl. Brian Reno charged Watts with obedience to traffic control signals for disregarding multiple posted signs prohibiting left turns in the area where the crash occurred.

POTTSVILLE — The Pottsville City Council approved an updated list of rules for the JFK Pool during Monday’s monthly meeting.

The pool opened earlier this month for the summer season. A complete list of rules is at the pool.

City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said the changes were suggested with input by the pool manager, him and possibly lifeguards. He said it has been years since the rules were revised or added.

The following new admission rules are effective immediately:

• Anyone under the age of 10 will not be admitted unless accompanied by someone 18 years or older.

• All packages/bags will be checked and approved by the pool staff.

• All patrons are required to pay the facility admission fee, including non-swimmers and spectators.

• A driver’s license or other government ID with an address is required at the admission counter to verify City of Pottsville residency to receive resident pricing.

• Management reserves the right to refuse admission or dismiss anyone who is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Persons leaving the pool should ask to be hand stamped to gain readmission for the day. Persons without a stamp will be required to pay.

• Season passes are non-transferable.

• No refunds for inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.

The following are some of the new rules for the facility:

• Thong bathing suits are prohibited. Profane, offensive clothing or logos will not be permitted.

• Adults are responsible for the supervision of all children under the age of 10 in their care at all times.

• No pets except certified animals are permitted in the pool area.

• No outside food is permitted. Only factory-sealed water bottles in a personal cooler are allowed.

• Proper receptacles are to be used for disposal of waste and recycling.

• Management has the right to close the pool or not permit swimming for the following reasons: sustained rainfall, cold temperatures (air temperature less than 65 degrees), poor attendance, thunder or lightning. Pool will not reopen until 30 minutes after last thunder.

• Possession of weapons on pool premises will result in expulsion and legal prosecution.

• JFK is a tobacco-free facility (includes cigarettes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaping.) It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess tobacco on city property.

• Patrons with a disability, who require an accommodation, are encouraged to contact the pool manager for assistance.

• Any injury occurring in the pool must be reported to the pool staff immediately.

• Headphones/earbuds must be worn when listening to musical entertainment devices.

• The office telephone and public address system may only be used by pool staff for official pool business to deliver messages of an emergency nature and to communicate facility information to patrons.

• The use of cameras, video cameras or any other device containing camera equipment of any kind is prohibited in all locker rooms, bathrooms and changing facilities.

The following are new water rules for the pool:

• Squirt guns are permitted if not annoying other patrons. After first warning, they will be taken away and only returned to an adult.

• Rafts and swimming aids are permitted in the 2- and 3-foot sections only.

• No bikes, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards or hover boards are permitted in the pool or pool area.

• No climbing or jumping on or over benches or tables.

• No diving from the side of the pool where the water depth is 9 feet or less.

• Spitting, spouting, nose blowing, urinating or defecating in the pool is strictly prohibited.

• No prolonged underwater swimming for time and/or distance. Competitive or repetitive breath holding can be deadly and is not permitted. Hyperventilation is absolutely not permitted.

• No sitting, standing or hanging on the lane lines.

• When lap swimming is available, only persons actively swimming laps are allowed in the lane lanes.

• Lap swimmers should arrange themselves by speed and ability. There are no personal lanes. Lap swimmers should only stop at the wall, swim counterclockwise near the lane line and only pass in the middle.

•When an organized activity such as water aerobics is taking place, no swimmers are allowed in that area.

The following are new water slide rules for the pool:

• Users must be a minimum of 5 years old and 48 inches tall and able to swim one pool length.

• Riders must wear swimsuits. No cut-off jeans.

• Only one rider at a time. No doubles, trains or chains.

• Enter slide in a sitting position.

• Ride slide feet first either sitting or lying down on back.

• Keep arms and feet inside flume. Do not stop on slide.

• No tubes, mats, life jackets or flotation devices are permitted on slide.

• Exit splashdown area of pool immediately.

• Form waiting line on pool deck, not slide stairway.

• WARNING: Pregnant women and riders with a heart or back condition should not use this slide.

• WARNING: Failure to follow slide rules can result in serious injury to yourself and others and loss of privilege to use slide.

• No person is allowed in the red safety zone in the water entry area to assist or catch a rider.

The following are new diving board rules:

• Only one person is allowed on the diving board at a time.

• Goggles, masks, eyeglasses, sunglasses and flotation devices may not be worn when going off diving boards.

• Divers must dive straight from the edge of the board. Cartwheels, handstands or any other gymnastic move off the board is not allowed.

• Running on the diving board is not permitted. Serious injury may occur.

• No inwards, reverse dives, back dives or other such dives are permitted.

• Divers may not spring more than once on the board.

• Upon surfacing, the diver shall immediately swim to the nearest ladder. Do not swim under the boards.

• A diver must wait until the preceding diver has surfaced and reached the ladder.

• Diving board users must be able to swim to the ladder. Other swimmers are not permitted in the diving well to catch or assist the diver in any way.

• No swimming is permitted in the diving area unless the diving boards have been closed by a pool manager.

The following are new wading pool rules at the pool:

• Use of the wading pool is restricted to children 6 years of age or younger.

• All swimmers must wear appropriate swim attire.

• Children must not be left attended at any time

• No diving.

• No running, pushing or horseplay.

• No food or drink is permitted in pool.

• Anyone not toilet-trained must wear a clean swim diaper, which fits snugly around waist and legs.

• Standard diapers are not permitted.

• Diaper changing is not permitted pool side.

• Pool staff is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Pottsville police will be partnering with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Schuylkill County this summer to reintroduce a program called “Bigs in Blue.”

About 20 boys and girls currently without a permanent “big” from the BBBS program will participate with at least 13 Pottsville Bureau of Police officers, ranging from Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky through the newest officers, in various activities.

Wojciechowsky said the activities planned are designed to build teamwork, trust and accountability in the children while fostering a strong relationship between police officers and youth.

“The Pottsville Bureau of Police is very cognizant of our oath to not only protect but also serve our community,” the chief said. “This cooperative endeavor with BBBS is an absolutely fantastic opportunity to do so in a manner that is beneficial in so many different ways.”

Wojciechowsky added that all the officers involved have volunteered to participate during their personal, off-duty time.

“This strongly signifies the understanding we have as an organization of the importance of being involved with our community not only on a professional level, but on a personal level as well,” he said.

Wojciechowsky said that in 1994, as a patrolman, he participated in a similar program under the direction of Police Chief Dale Repp and BBBS Director Vince Kulbitsky.

During fall 2016, the chief said he reached out to Doug Allen, BBBS Schuylkill County executive director and also a personal friend, and both immediately agreed that this was a program worth pursuing for both of their agencies.

Wojciechowsky said that Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney quickly pledged his full support and a schedule was created that allowed for “challenging and exciting experiences for the kids.”

The program will kick off this month with a Lehigh Valley River rafting experience and conclude in August with tours of local first responder facilities and a picnic.

During that time frame, there will also be events involving indoor rock-climbing, hiking, team challenge camp and a Reading Fightin’ Phils trip.

Wojciechowsky said that tax-deductible donations are being accepted to cover the programs’ costs. Anyone wishing to donate can contact Allen with Big Brothers/Big Sisters at 570-622-0174 or email bbbs.doug@verizon.net.

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

Christina E. Hale

FRACKVILLE — A Pottsville man charged by Frackville police with thefts that occurred Aug. 27 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale.

Alexander J. Faust, 24, of 223 N. Schuylkill Ave., was arrested by Patrolman Philip Petrus and charged with four counts each of identity theft and access device issued to another person and one count each of receiving stolen property, theft, theft by deception and theft of property lost or delivered by mistake. By waiving his right to a hearing, Faust will have to answer to all 12 charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Petrus charged Faust with using and EBT Food Card that was lost by a woman, possibly in the parking lot of Boyer’s Food Market. Faust used the card at four locations, including the Family Dollar and Dollar Tree stores, both in Pottsville; Grocery Outlet at Fairlane Village mall; and Wal-Mart Supercenter, Saint Clair, making purchases totaling $216.71, the officer said.

Other court cases included:

Robert M. Paul Sr., 47, of 19 N. Centre St., Apt. 2A, Box 21, Ringtown — waived for court: simple assault and harassment.

Billyjack Price, 34, of 521 W. Washington St., Frackville — waived for court: endangering the welfare of children, possession of a controlled substance, manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and recklessly endangering another person.

Melanie Ann Grady, 35, of 317 W. Oak St., Shenandoah — withdrawn: possession of a controlled substance. Waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Tyler J. Swantek, 24, of 443 N. Third St., Frackville — withdrawn: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance. Waived for court: public drunkenness, manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael K. Jessman, 34, of 155 S. Nice St., Frackville — withdrawn: making repairs to or selling offensive weapons. Waived for court: disorderly conduct. Dismissed: theft and receiving stolen property.

Carol Ann Talanca, 35, of 1227 Walnut St., Ashland — held for court: DUI-controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving without insurance, disregard for single traffic lane and driving at an unsafe speed.

Jason T. Kerstetter, 27, of 11 Gordon Road, Ashland — withdrawn: flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment. Waived for court: false identification to law enforcement and disorderly conduct.

Alexis B. Vermillion, 35, of 230 Bethesda Road, Elverson – held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Audrey M. Stofanik, 39, of 1319 Market St., Ashland — held for court: endangering the welfare of children, manufacture of a controlled substance, recklessly endangering another person, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

As the thermometer climbed above 80 in Ringtown on Monday, Linda Lorah filled empty coffee containers with strawberries she had picked.

“I’ve been coming here for a long, long time. I use them to make strawberry shortcake,” Lorah, Barnesville, said at B&R Farms on Strawberry Lane, Ringtown.

“Today, she picked about six pounds,” Marge Muhaw, Ringtown, who was running a sales stand for the farm, said.

Strawberries are in season in Schuylkill County. Farmers were out in 80- to 90-degree heat reaching down to pluck the bright red berries. According to people interviewed this week, this year’s crop isn’t bad.

“At our farm, this year’s crop is average,” John K. Heim, one of the owners of Heim’s Fruit Farm, 1705 Chestnut St., New Ringgold, said Wednesday.

“I think they’re absolutely gorgeous,” one of his customers, Cheryl Andregic, Pottsville, said.

“The size isn’t what I’d hoped for. It’s an old patch. And it’s not doing as good as it should be. It’s the age of the plants and stuff. The plants lost some of the vigor,” Heim said.

His said the half-acre patch where his strawberries were grown this season is four years old.

But Andregic gave them her seal of approval: “Today, I’m buying six quarts.”

Heim said the variety she was buying was AC Wendy.

“I found a recipe on Facebook for strawberry banana bread. I’m going to make a couple of loaves of that. It looked really good. And I have three birds at home, a love bird and conure and a ring-necked parakeet. And they love strawberries. They’re beautiful,” Andregic said.

“We planted a new patch in spring. So that’s for next year’s crop,” Heim said.

More than 15 people were picking on 8 acres of strawberry fields at B&R Farms at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

“This is busy for a Monday,” Muhaw said.

Skies were clear and the heat hadn’t yet reached its peak. And there was a breeze.

Bob Llewellyn, Ringtown, was there. So was Melina Pitsko, 11, of Ringtown.

“They’re really good,” she said after she came in from the field.

Jennifer Berger, Pottsville, was there with her son, Rex, 10. Together, they picked 7 pounds Monday morning.

“They’re $1.40 a pound,” Muhaw said.

“It’s a good crop this year. I don’t know if it had to do with the weather or what it was,” Muhaw said.

Robin A. Hetherington, who runs the family farm with her husband, Barron “Boots,” offered some insights: “We had a nice mild April and we got plenty of rain in May, plenty of rain. And because our crop was green at the time, we did not get hit with diseases, and the bugs didn’t quite wake up yet. So we’re doing pretty good.”

“Everything relates to weather. We need rain at the right time. We need sun at the right time,” she said.

The family took precautions in May and set up irrigation pipes in the fields.

“We ran frost irrigation all night long three nights in a row, May 6, 7 and 8. What happens is you lay down a fine mist of water across the field, across the blossoms. The middle of the blossom is the strawberry. And that fine coating of mist freezes. It releases energy, and it keeps the berry from getting any colder. As a matter of fact, it keeps the berry just above freezing so we don’t lose the crop,” Robin Hetherington said.

Varieties of strawberries at B&R Farms include Allstar strawberries and AC Valley Sunset strawberries.

“The AC Valley Sunsets will probably be in by the end of the week,” Robin Hetherington said.

Also working on the farm Monday morning was one of the Hetherington’s children, Morgan L., who earned a bachelor’s degree in food science from Penn State in 2014.

In recent years, the strawberry crop has been good, she said. “But this year, I’m much more excited about it,” Morgan Hetherington added.

“This is our Allstar variety, which in the last few years has been good but it hasn’t been great. What made the difference? We had a shorter winter. Because we had a shorter winter, they had more time to produce runners. They’re the sister plants that come off the main plant. And they’ve given us much wider rows. If they’ve got more shade, they’ve got more place to throw berries. So they had a little bit of a longer spring to bounce back. The roots are a little bit deeper. The rows are wider. So they’re willing to throw more berries because they’ve got more space to do so,” she said.

She was pointing to strawberries at the stand she felt were well-formed.

“If I had to pick perfection, I’d go with this one. It’s a cake topper. That would go on the top of a prize-winning cake. It has uniform size and color all over. There’s no sunburns, no bug marks, no bites in it and it’s not misshapen. Misshapen doesn’t make it bad,” she said.

The last time there was a poor crop was about 15 years ago, Morgan Hetherington said.

“We had ground rot. So the plants died before the berries grew,” she said.

The farm has been in the Hetherington family since 1842.

“We’ve had the strawberry patch since 1980,” Robin Hetherington said.

The strawberry stand at B&R Farms opened for the season June 3. It’s open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. daily.

“We’ll probably be open another two weeks, give or take,” Muhaw said.

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