SHENANDOAH — The board of directors of Downtown Shenandoah Inc. on Tuesday hired architects to design an innovation and event center in the borough.

It will be a three-story building, at 113-119 N. Main St., where a fire destroyed commercial buildings on Aug. 10, 2012. The facility may include a business incubator and rooms for community events.

The DSI board hired Murphy & Dittenhafer Inc., York, at its June meeting late Tuesday afternoon at the DSI headquarters at 116 N. Main St.

“When we have the contract then we will know the exact amount of the contract. We don’t know it yet,” DSI Executive Director Mary Luscavage said after the meeting.

“They had the kind of experience we were looking for. Plus they really expressed interest in doing it,” Bob Kane, DSI vice president, said.

“They really wanted to work with us,” Luscavage said.

Karen A. Kenderdine, DSI president, said funding DSI will use to finance the design will include a matching grant.

“DSI has received a planning grant of $17,500 with a match of $17,500 from DSI. The planning grant will be used to provide conceptual designs for the center which will include a business incubator, makerspace, community computer center, culinary kitchen, venue space and conference rooms. The initial plans also discussed incorporating green technology and urban agriculture possibilities,” according to DSI’s summer 2017 newsletter, the DSI Herald.

DSI’s goal is to have the innovation and event center built by September 2020, according to the newsletter.

“The board met and interviewed the architects on June 12. Four architects were interviewed. We had a special meeting today to further discuss it. And we have made the decision to use Murphy & Dittenhafer as the architect for the innovation center. We will be using $17,500 from DSI’s blighted property fund. There will be match of $17,500 from a planning grant from the state. And any money that is needed to cover the deficit, Keystone Service, a division of PDC (Pennsylvania Downtown Center), will assist us. And we’ll work with PDC with the next steps to move forward,” Kenderdine said at the meeting.

In other matters, DSI has also received a $4,000 grant from the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, Pottsville, and $800 from the Joseph A. Zane, Esq., Family Charitable Endowment Fund “for restoration of our miners memorial,” Kenderdine said.

She was referring to the Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial bordering Girard Park. It was created by world-renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis.

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

Man not hurt in

Route 924 crash

SHEPPTON — A Zion Grove man escaped injury when the 2013 Jeep Wrangler he was driving crashed about 10:45 p.m. Sunday on Route 924, at the intersection of West Market Street, in this East Union Township village.

State police at Frackville said Angel Castellanos was traveling south on Route 924 when he lost control and struck a utility pole, causing his vehicle to come to a stop blocking the southbound lane.

Police said Castellanos showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol and was taken to a Pottsville hospital for a blood alcohol test.

Police said charges are pending the results of that test.

Police: Juveniles

had paraphernalia

ORWIGSBURG — Two juveniles are facing charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and curfew violations after an incident about 11:30 p.m. Friday at South Liberty Street and Ridge Road.

Police said officers stopped the two for a curfew violation and found them to be in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Charges against the two will be filed with Schuylkill County juvenile authorities, police said.

Road rage incident

results in charges

ORWIGSBURG — A 43-year-old borough man is facing charges by Orwigsburg police after an altercation between two people about 5:55 p.m. Saturday outside the entrance to the borough hall parking lot on East Market Street.

Police said their investigation determined the altercation was the result of road rage that began in the area of Brick Hill Road, where Robert Wagner was following the victim, tailgating and tried to pass on a double-yellow line.

The victim attempted to drive to the Orwigsburg Police Department but was followed by Wagner who then started a verbal argument, police said.

Police said Wagner was found to be under the influence of alcohol and taken to a Pottsville hospital for a blood alcohol test.

As a result of the incident, police said, Wagner will be charged with DUI, harassment, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and various summary offenses.

Haven man faces

DUI, drug charges

ORWIGSBURG — A vehicle stop by Orwigsburg police at South Liberty and West Market streets about 10:30 p.m. Saturday resulted in charges pending against an 18-year-old Schuylkill Haven man.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Gavin Ahearne for pulling out from a stop sign when it was not safe to do so and found him to be under the influence of drugs to the extent he could not operate a vehicle safely.

Police said Ahearne was taken to a Pottsville hospital for a chemical test and was also found with a small amount of marijuana in his possession.

Ahearne is now facing charges of DUI, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug charges, police said.

The charges will be filed with Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, police said.

Minersville woman

faces DUI charge

ORWIGSBURG — A 53-year-old Minersville woman is facing charges by Orwigsburg police after officers pulled her over for several Vehicle Code violations about 9:30 p.m. Monday at South Wayne and South Liberty streets.

Police said after stopping the vehicle, they found Diane Sophy under the influence of alcohol and transported her to a Pottsville hospital for a blood alcohol test.

Police said Sophy is now facing charges of DUI and applicable summary violations.

Police investigate

damage at business

ORWIGSBURG — Orwigsburg police are investigating a criminal mischief incident that was reported Monday at Crystal’s School of Dance in the 200 block of East Market Street.

Police said it was discovered that a screen door glass had been broken and that it is believed the damage may have been caused by those responsible for shooting out a window at the 419 Cafe and Eatery.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call police at 570-366-3101. All information will remain confidential.

Police seek person

who siphoned gas

WILLIAMSTOWN — State police at Lykens are investigating a theft from a vehicle that occurred between 9:30 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m. Saturday at 138 N. West St. in this Dauphin County community.

Police said Anthony Souders reported someone tried to siphon gas from his Dodge Ram 1500 while it was unattended and then fled the area.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call police at 717-362-8700.

Tools stolen from

Williams Twp. truck

WILLIAMSTOWN — State police at Lykens are investigating a theft from a motor vehicle that occurred between noon on May 17 and 4 p.m. May 20 at 629 W. Market St. in Williams Township, Dauphin County.

Police said someone illegally entered a vehicle and removed an 18V Milwaukee drill set valued at $420, an 18V Dewalt drill set worth $600 and a 100-foot extension cord on a reel valued at $100.

The items, police said, are valued at $1,120 and were in bed of the victim’s Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck.

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

BARNESVILLE — A well-known Schuylkill County attorney was found dead Monday morning inside his Ryan Township home.

On Tuesday, state police charged his son with the killing and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Trooper Joseph Hall of the state police at Frackville charged Michael David Marchalk, 37, of Barnesville, with killing his father, Gary Marchalk, 60.

Hall charged Michael Marchalk with criminal homicide, murder of the first degree, murder of the second degree, murder of the third degree, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, robbery, theft, theft of a motor vehicle, access device fraud and recklessly endangering another person.

Hall said Michael Marchalk is on the run and was last seen driving his parents’ gold 2015 Ford Fusion with a Pennsylvania registration plate of JWD1566.

Gary Marchalk was found inside his 21 Pear St. home and pronounced dead at 12:04 p.m. Monday by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky, Mahanoy City.

Assisting troopers from Frackville were members of the Major Case Team and Forensic Services Unit, both based at Troop L Headquarters, Reading.

Police were at Marchalk home from shortly after Gary Marchalk’s body was discovered into the late night hours taking photographs, processing the scene and gathering evidence.

No other information was released as to a possible motive for the crime or how Gary Marchalk was killed.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said a virtual autopsy was conducted on Marchalk at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Simon Kramer Institute, New Philadelphia, and that a complete forensic autopsy will be performed at 7:30 a.m. today at Forensic Pathology Associates, Allentown.

Moylan said he would not discuss Marchalk’s death, forwarding all inquiries to state police investigators.

Hall said that the charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, who issued the warrant for Michael Marchalk’s arrest.

Hall said that anyone with information on the whereabouts of Michael Marchalk to call the Frackville state police station at 570-874-5300.

Marchalk was married to Schuylkill County Treasurer Linda Marchalk and had a law office in Tamaqua.

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

Police investigate

skimming device

FRACKVILLE — West Mahanoy Township police are currently investigating a report of a skimming device being found at a local gas station.

Police said that anyone who paid at the pump for gasoline at the Exxon station, 541 Altamont Blvd., on Sunday or Monday should check their credit/debit card statements for any fraudulent purchases.

Anyone who may find fraudulent purchases is asked to call West Mahanoy Township police at 579-462-2360.

Police seek person

who damaged sign

WICONISCO — A criminal mischief incident that occurred between midnight June 14 and 8:30 a.m. June 15 at the Wiconisco Fire Company in Wiconisco Township, Dauphin County, is being investigated by state police at Lykens.

Police said someone removed and damaged the “Welcome to Wiconisco” sign and then fled the area.

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

Police probe Rt. 209

hit-and-run crash

CUMBOLA — State police at Frackville are investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred about 8:30 p.m. Friday on Route 209, in front of the New Life in Christ Church Ministry in this Blythe Township village.

Police said a vehicle was being driven south on Route 209 when it sideswiped a Nissan Murano driven by a person who was about to park in front of the church.

The victim spoke briefly to the driver about the crash but she got back in her tan Chevrolet Cavalier and drove away.

Police said the fleeing driver is described as being white, about 70-years-old with white hair. Her vehicle will have damage along the entire passenger’s side and may have a Pennsylvania registration plate of DZL-2007.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-874-5300.

Woman charged for

stealing gasoline

MAHANOY CITY — A Pottsville woman was charged with theft of services by state police at Frackville after an incident between 9:30 and 10:15 p.m. June 6 on Route 924 at Ringtown Boulevard in West Mahanoy Township.

Police said Jennifer Lynn Hoffman, 36, ran out of gas and stopped partially blocking the highway in the rain at night.

Interstate Exxon, Barnesville, was called to bring gasoline and told by Hoffman that she would pay by credit card.

After receiving the service, police said, Hoffman refused to pay and was given generous grace period to pay for the service but declined to do so.

Man flown after

motorcycle crash

CRESSONA — A borough man was flown to a hospital following a two-vehicle collision at 6:12 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Chestnut Street and Fox Hollow Road, North Manheim Township.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Joseph C. Dabashinsky, 31, of Cressona, was following a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu north on Chestnut Street when the vehicle stopped to turn left onto Fox Hollow Road and was rear ended by Dabashinsky’s motorcycle.

Police said Dabashinsky was not wearing a helmet and was flown to Lehigh Valley Medical Center-Cedar Crest, Allentown, for his injuries.

In addition to being cited for following too closely, police said, Dabashinsky did not have insurance and had a suspended license.

Police said the driver of the Malibu, Phillip M. McCarthy, 38, of Pottsville, was not injured.

Assisting state police at the scene were Schuylkill EMS, Cressona Fire Company No. 1 and Cressona Goodwill Fire Company.

Police cite 3 more

for Rock trespassing

Three adults from Reading are the latest to get cited for criminal trespass in the area of The Rock in Tilden Township, Berks County.

Tilden Township police cited the three people Tuesday south of The Rock. That now brings the total this year cited since April 11 to 118 for criminal trespass and two people for trespass by motor vehicle, police said.

There are “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.

Police announce

DUI checkpoints

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Roving DUI Patrols will be conducted now through 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, 888-UNDER21, to report underage drinking.

Man faces charges

in 2 incidents

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City police filed charges against a 38-year-old borough man after an incident at his 331 W. Mahanoy Ave. home on May 14.

Police said Jeffrey K. Reimard II was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Police charged Reimard with assaulting Thomas Bubnis, 50, causing injuries to his head. Bubnis was taken to a local hospital and then flown to a trauma center for treatment of a fractured ear bone and brain bleeds.

Stemming from a separate incident on June 1, police said they charged Reimard with resisting arrest.

Police said officers were called to the area of Second Street and Mahanoy Avenue knowing Reimard was there and that he was wanted on an active domestic relations warrant and also for questioning of the May 14 assault.

Reimard refused to stop and speak with officers and while being taken into custody, physically resisted, hitting one officer in the lip and leaving scratch marks on his arm, police said.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — The North Schuylkill school board Wednesday accepted the resignation of one of its board members, Suzanne A. O’Neill.

After the board meeting at the high school, board President Charles “Chaz” Hepler said it came as a surprise. But he had no comment on the matter.

“It was for my own personal reasons,” O’Neill, Gordon, said when called for comment Wednesday night, and she would not comment further on the matter.

O’Neill worked for the district as a high school art teacher for 35 years.

She won a four-year seat on the school board in the 2009 General Election. She was re-elected to another four-year term in the 2013 General Election. She was the school board’s legislative chairwoman.

Notably, in November 2014, O’Neill donated $3,500 to buy equipment for a student group producing news programs. That equipment is still in use today, she said Wednesday.

O’Neill submitted a handwritten letter to the district Wednesday. Merri Lynn Craig, administrative assistant to the superintendent, read it aloud.

“Effective immediately, I am resigning from my current position as a North Schuylkill school director. My resignation will be for the duration of my remaining term,” O’Neill said in her letter.

Her current term was to end in December.

“I would hope in some way we both made a positive difference in the educational lives of our students. I would like to thank the entire North Schuylkill staff — those currently employed and those who have retired — for their kindness, support and friendship these past years. It was my pleasure working with a truly dedicated and hard-working staff in all of their respective job capacities. I wish everyone continued success in their careers in the district,” O’Neill said in her the letter.

The motion to accept O’Neill’s resignation was made by board member Thomas Fletcher, seconded by Douglas Gressens and carried unanimously by all other board members in a voice vote.

All other board members were present: Hepler; Roy Green, vice president; Maryanne Woodward, board treasurer; and members Edward Balkiewicz, Janine Simms and Glenn Weist.

In other matters, the board gave final approval to its 2017 budget, a $28,779,108 spending plan for the 2017-18 school year, which carries a tax increase of 0.7 mills.

The board also approved a proposal from the Fort Jackson Logging Co., Spring Glen, Hubley Township, to remove 60 ash trees on school district property. The work will be done at no cost to the district, but the contractor wants the trees.

“The trees were affected by the emerald ash borer. We were looking for quotes and they wanted the opportunity to take the trees at no cost. And any way to save money is the smart way to go” Hepler said.

“You almost don’t have a choice. When they look like they’re going to fall onto 61 you’re worried about motorist safety and liability. So we want to be proactive and take care of as many as we could,” Hepler said.

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

MAHANOY CITY — The Mahanoy Township supervisors decided on June 15 to give its four full-time employees a municipal pension plan with the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System.

The township’s four full-time employees are Brandon Alexander, police chief; Cheryl Backo, secretary; Stephen Fegley, roadmaster/street superintendent; and William Morgan, road worker.

“I believe the pension is going to be 1.5 percent of their salary,” board Chairman James Stevens said previously at the May meeting.

On Friday, Backo confirmed that.

“The supervisors will put in 1.5 percent, and we can contribute anything more if we want,” she said.

Backo said she had worked for the township full-time for 12 years, and she praised the supervisors for providing the pension.

“I think it’s good. It’s something for us. There’s no health benefits,” Backo said.

Supervisors Jason Dudash and Faith Ward were also present at the meeting held at the municipal building, 1010 W. Centre St.

The supervisors also hired a contractor for the township’s 2017 road program.

It was Tropp Contracting, Pottsville. Their bid was $12,320, according to Backo.

“They were the only bidder,” Backo said.

According to William N. McMullen, a project manager with ARRO Engineering & Environmental Consultants, Orwigsburg, the road program will include patching on sections of Park Place and Colliery roads.

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

ORWIGSBURG — In search of a way to fight the drug epidemic, Schuylkill County has turned to America’s oldest pastime as a way to keep its youth from becoming addicts.

“Idle time is what hurts the addicts,” Joe Szeliga, chief adult probation officer for the county, said Wednesday. “We are trying to find a solution to get people off drugs and this provides them the opportunity to keep busy.”

Last spring, Szeliga organized a program at Blue Mountain High School where Joe Nagle and Ron Coleman, county probation officers, talked with juniors and seniors at the school about the inevitable outcome of using drugs. He also had James F. Patton, who runs a fastpitch softball league, talk to the students about getting involved in the community and away from drugs.

“My goal in the summer time is to involve as many young people as I can because on a nice night like this, they are here and not getting in trouble,” Patton said Tuesday from a dugout at the field bearing his name at Blue Mountain High School. “They are safe, having fun and enjoying themselves.”

On Tuesday, Patton’s team, the Generals, played Downtowne Tavern as part of the Berks/Schuylkill Fastpitch League. There are eight teams in the league, five of them from Schuylkill County. It is open to anyone age 17 and older.

“I am trying to get as many young men involved in our program as I can,” Patton, league president, said. “This is the most at-risk group in society.”

Whether it was as a bus driver or athletic director, Patton has been involved with Blue Mountain for 50 years. In 1978, he started the fastpitch league that eventually became the Berks/Schuylkill league. Now 71 years old, Patton continues to maintain the field that was given his name in 2002 in addition to coaching, throwing a few pitches and taking some swings.

“Never have I charged one penny to play on this field,” Patton said. “I want people to come and play and enjoy it and to continue getting involved. This is just my hobby. This is what I like to do.”

Patton said that although softball has changed in many aspects over the years, it always centered around the community and bringing people closer together.

“Being on a team is a life skill that applies to everything in life,” Patton said.

Like Patton’s field at Blue Mountain, the Pottsville Jaycees Babe Ruth League also keeps their field open for anyone looking to play ball.

“Baseball gets them off the street and gives them a sense of direction,” Duane Hess, league president, said Tuesday.

Sponsored by the Pottsville Jaycees, the league was started in 1985 as an alternative to teener league baseball. There are currently four teams featuring players age 13 to 16. At one time, there were eight teams.

In 1992, the Pottsville Jaycees turned a swamp at the end of Peacock Street into the field the teams currently play on. Hess said Jim Bowman and Charlie Sippel helped make that a reality.

Szeliga said he wants to expand the school program this fall to include younger audiences, Babe Ruth Baseball and juvenile probation.

“If you look at the amount of kids Duane kept playing baseball over a 35-year period, that’s quite an accomplishment,” Szeliga said. “These kids still want to play baseball when they get older. Both these leagues have given so many kids an opportunity to play and opened up a world of opportunities.”

There will also be an opportunity to play ball Saturday at an event Patton is calling an “Old Timers Game and Picnic.” Patton rented the field at Island Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for anyone to come and play a game of baseball.

“We are just going to go out there, enjoy lunch and play a few games and reminisce about the old days,” Patton said.

They will also be awarding plaques around noon in honor of two people who helped establish the local baseball leagues: Ken Frehafer and Delmar Phillips.

For more information, contact Patton at 570-294-6540.

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

VALLEY VIEW — Volunteers will hang the first of the Hegins Valley Hometown Heroes banners this Saturday.

Michael R. Winn, junior warden of Valley View Masonic Lodge 797, serves as committee chairman for the banner campaign. He said the first 48 banners will be placed beginning at 8 a.m. So far, there have been 75 banners honoring local veterans ordered. Crews were hoping to have all of them up by July 4, but Winn anticipates the remainder will be placed at a later date this summer once they’re back from the printer.

Winn unfurled a few of the banners Wednesday. Among them was a banner for Warren W. Stutzman, Navy, World War II, purchased by Warren’s sons and family; and one for Sgt. Clair Mark Harman, Marines, Global War on Terrorism, purchased by Mark and Vicki Harman.

Volunteers will make every effort possible to hang the banners where the family members had requested, Winn said. There were five Stutzmans recognized. The Stutzman banners are slated to be erected along Route 25 near Bixler’s Country Meats, he said.

Mason Leon Maurer said Marlin Shade of Shade’s Electric, Sacramento, will provide a bucket truck, and Ron Bixler of Bixler’s Stumps & Trees, Ashland, will also assist during the banners’ placement. The Sacramento Community Fire Company will be in charge of traffic control. About 15 to 20 people, including members of the masons and the public, are scheduled to help Saturday. Motorists should be alert to crews and possible slow-moving traffic.

The masons got the OK to place the banners from Fountain in Hegins Township to the Dauphin County line, along Main Street (Route 25), as well as Maple, Broad, and Gap streets and Route 125.

The vinyl banners are 24-by-48 inches and include a picture of the service member, name, branch and era of service. The sponsor’s name appears at the bottom. They were produced by Signs by Chad, Gratz. Sponsorship for the banners was $250 each and included the banner itself and the mounting kit.

To be included as part of the project, the service member must live or have lived in the Hegins Valley, within the communities of Hegins, Valley View, Sacramento or Spring Glen. They must also have served in any branch of the armed forces.

“I think the response has been very good,” Winn said. “We got letters with some of the applications with people telling us how proud they were of their family members.”

Maurer said he wasn’t surprised with the public’s response to the effort. He said many residents saw similar banners in Gratz, and have historically supported those in the armed forces.

“Everybody in this community is military conscious,” Maurer said.

Proceeds from the banner project go to help the masons in their mission of charity relief. Winn said the masons are a nonprofit group. Some of the community projects they’ve aided have included a handicapped-accessible playground at Hegins-Hubley Elementary School; the Help for Heroes effort; funds to send youth to camp; a new sound system for the Tri-Valley School District; a new chair lift for the Tri-Valley Community Pool; as well as funds for individual families following tragedies or emergencies.

Banner applications are still being accepted. Anyone interested can call Winn at 717-578-5406 or email him at mwinn@epix.net.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

FRACKVILLE — Authorities suspect Michael D. Marchalk bludgeoned his father to death with a baseball bat late on Father’s Day.

Arrest papers filed by Pennsylvania State Police on Wednesday revealed further details in the slaying of a prominent Schuylkill County attorney, Gary Marchalk, 60, estranged husband of County Treasurer Linda Marchalk.

The arrest warrant was filed against Michael Marchalk, 37, of Barnesville, charging him with the death of his father in his 21 Pear St. home in Ryan Township late Sunday night.

Gary Marchalk’s badly beaten body was discovered by his other son, Matthew Marchalk, about 11:30 a.m. Monday.

Criminal investigator Trooper Joseph Hall of the Frackville station charged Michael Marchalk with criminal homicide, murder of the first degree, murder of the second degree, murder of the third degree, voluntary manslaughter, robbery, theft, access device fraud and possessing instruments of crime.

After the homicide, Hall said Michael Marchalk fled the area in his father’s gold 2015 Ford Fusion with a Pennsylvania license of JWD1566.

With Michael Marchalk on the run, Hall said his information, as well as information about the stolen vehicle, has been entered into the National Crime Information Center and a nationwide bulletin issued for his capture.

In his affidavit of probable cause, Hall said after Matthew Marchalk found his father’s body, Troopers John Carr, Andrew Mylet and Eric Reber went to the home and found Gary Marchalk lying face down in an upstairs bedroom with severe injuries to his upper body and head that appeared to have been caused by blunt force trauma.

There was also a significant amount of blood splatter on the walls, ceiling and door around the bedroom and hallway as well as a significant amount of blood on the bed and floor, Hall said.

Seen on the bed near Gary Marchalk’s feet was an aluminum baseball bat with blood spatter on it, Hall said.

At the scene, troopers spoke to Matthew Marchalk who said “my brother did this, I know it,” Hall said.

About 2:10 p.m. Monday, Trooper Vincent Laselva Jr. obtained a search warrant for the Marchalk home and it was learned the building was equipped with an ADT security system that used motion detectors, door monitors and cameras.

Matthew Marchalk told investigators that his brother had been making threats for months about killing “their dad” and family and that Michael Marchalk called him about 9:20 p.m. Sunday from a pay telephone in Hazleton.

During the conversation, Matthew Marchalk reported his brother told him that he had his father’s truck and that he was buying drugs, Hall said.

Linda Marchalk was contacted on Monday and told investigators that she and her husband were separated and she had been living in a different location for several weeks, Hall said.

As the investigation continued, Hall said, at least six suspicious bank transactions were discovered on Gary and Linda Marchalk’s joint bank account.

They included a purchase for $26.22 at Fegley’s Mini Mart in Tamaqua at 11:22 p.m. Sunday, a declined ATM withdrawal at ESSA Bank and Trust in New Tripoli at 11:36 p.m. and another declined ATM withdrawal at 11:49 p.m. at Weis Market in Fogelsville.

Then, at 2:54 a.m. Monday, there were two failed ATM withdrawals at Wells Fargo Bank, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, and then at 3:50 a.m. an ATM withdrawal was blocked for an invalid PIN at the Greyhound Bus Terminal, also in Philadelphia.

Later on Monday, Hall said, Linda Marchalk gave troopers access to her ADT security account from Saturday through Monday.

The account showed that on Sunday there was consistent movement in the house throughout the day until 10:54 p.m. and from that time no movement was recorded until 11:26 a.m. Monday when Matthew Marchalk entered the home and found his father, Hall said.

In reviewing the video, Hall said that at 7:26 p.m. Sunday, Michael Marchalk was seen leaving the scene in his father’s pickup truck and a short time later he made the telephone call to his brother from Hazleton at 9:18 p.m. saying he had his father’s truck and was buying drugs.

The security footage then shows Michael Marchalk returning to the home at 10:43 p.m. Sunday, at which time there is motion in a hallway and living room.

Hall said that at 10:44 p.m., the garage door is opened and then closed and motion continues inside from 10:46 to 10:49 p.m.

At 10:50 p.m., Hall, said the garage door is opened, motion detected, and then closed again and that by 10:54 p.m. all the cameras and motion detectors remain dormant until Matthew Marchalk arrives Monday morning.

Hall said security cameras also show the Ford Fusion backing out of the garage and driveway and then being parked with Michael Marchalk seen walking back to the house.

Footage from a neighbor’s security system showed the car leaving the driveway at 10:52 p.m. and going west on Pear Street, Hall said.

He added that the neighbor’s cameras indicate that no one other than Michael Marchalk was at the home Sunday night and after he leaves at 10:54 p.m. the system inside the Marchalk home shows no movement or activity inside.

Subsequent checks where the bank transactions were made show images of a vehicle consistent with the one owned by Gary Marchalk and also images of Michael Marchalk driving the car and trying to make the transactions, Hall said.

Hall said Michael Marchalk is wanted on multiple retail theft warrants from Westmoreland County and may flee to avoid apprehension.

Michael’s Marchalk’s whereabouts are not known and Hall said he is the only member of the family who has not had contact with investigators, Hall said.

“It also seems evident that Michael Marchalk has displayed fleeing behavior and does not wish to communicate with family or investigators relative to Gary Marchalk’s death,” Hall wrote.

Hall filed the charges against Michael Marchalk with on-call Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, who issued the warrant for the man’s arrest after the case was approved by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

This is not the first time Michael Marchalk was in trouble with the law.

In November 2007, he pleaded guilty to robbing the Wachovia Bank in West Penn Township earlier that year and ordered to spend at least two years in state prison.

West Penn Township police charged Michael Marchalk with robbery, theft, receiving stolen property and driving under suspension following the May 8 heist.

Police said Marchalk entered the bank along Route 443, next to Leiby’s Restaurant, and made off with $4,500.

No weapon was used and police said officers received a description of the vehicle, pursued Marchalk and took him into custody a short time later.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Michael Marchalk is asked to call state police at Frackville at 570-874-5300.

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

Hooray, it’s officially summer!

What do you plan to do with the upcoming dog days? Maybe, like me, you’re doing some household painting and landscaping. Perhaps you’re going away for vacation. Possibly, you have no plans at all and will just relax.

Have you considered volunteering during your staycation?

It’s a common misconception that volunteer posts are only long-term. While some may be, there are just as many that are short-term, for a few hours or a day or two. Tasks could be painting, paper shredding, re-organizing a storage area or helping with a food pantry. These would be fun assignments for high school students to introduce them to the value and enjoyment of giving back. You can contact your favorite nonprofit to see if they have any quick projects that need help. You’ll both be glad you did.

Speaking of short- and long-term volunteer opportunities, did you know that the American Red Cross has a variety of opportunities of varying length and kind?

Most people associate the Red Cross with helping fire victims or blood drives. While these may be their best known services, they do so much more to help the public.

The Disaster Action Team directly helps those affected by disasters from home fires to hurricanes by providing food, shelter and relief services, along with comfort and hope.

Preparedness Educators teach families, organizations and youth how to prepare for emergencies, as well as provide communities with fire safety information and install smoke alarms.

Blood Drive Donor Ambassadors welcome donors at registration and/or help with refreshments. Drivers deliver blood and related products to area donation centers, blood drives and local hospitals.

The Red Cross also provides services to the armed forces. They connect military families, active personnel and veterans with specific resources and services. They support local military and VA healthcare facilities.

Other volunteer positions include representing the Red Cross at community events, recruiting new volunteers and supporting RC clubs in schools and colleges, as well as administrative assignments like public relations, office support and fundraising.

If you’ve ever considered helping the Red Cross, 2017 may be your year. Ned Bloom, senior volunteer specialist, is waiting to hear from you. Call him at 610-375-4759 or email Ned.Bloom@redcross.org.

However you choose spend your summer hours, we hope you enjoy them and maybe, just maybe, find some extra time to give to others.

Schuylkill County Fair volunteers

Times: Fair runs from July 31 through Aug. 5 but help is needed before, during and after the event.

Responsibility: Help needed for a variety of tasks from working at the gate to helping with the grounds to giving assistance at activities. This is a great volunteer opportunity for graduating high school students or college students on summer break.

Skills: Ability to perform assigned task. Contact fairgrounds for more information.

Location: Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Summit Station

Call: Kim Morgan at 570-739-2627.

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

Law enforcement officers work many hours every day to keep communities safe.

The decisions drivers make before getting behind the wheel of a car affect the officers’ work and drunk driving can be one of the deadliest factors.

In 2015, 10,265 people were killed in drunk-driving-related crashes.

“To put it into perspective, that’s one person killed every 51 minutes,” said David Everly, regional DUI enforcement coordinator with the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program. “It’s the equivalent of 20 jumbo jets crashing with no survivors.”

This Fourth of July, as friends and family travel to picnics and barbecues across the country, Schuylkill County police will be out in force, stopping drunk drivers by targeting those who put lives in danger, Everly said.

“As you prepare to drive home from the festivities, keep in mind that even one drink can be one too many,” he added. “This Fourth of July and every day, remember Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

Everly said that for as many good memories as the Fourth of July holiday can provide, it can also create devastating nightmares for families who lose a loved one due to drunk driving.

During the 2015 Fourth of July holiday period that ran from 6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 a.m. July 6, 92 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or higher, and 146 people died in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with an alcohol level of 0.08 percent.

In fact, Everly said that from 2011 to 2015, 39 percent of all traffic fatalities over the Fourth of July period happened in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.

“If you choose to head out to a Fourth of July party and make the terrible decision to drink and drive, don’t make be mistaken — if you get caught, you will be arrested,” Everly said. “This is deadly, irresponsible behavior, and we will be out in full force to put a stop to it wherever we can.”

He said the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign means zero tolerance for drunk driving. “There are plenty of safe ways for you to get home after a night of drinking alcohol; we will accept no excuses.”

In every state and the District of Columbia it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.

Still think drinking and driving isn’t really a big deal? Everly asked. The consequences could be everlasting.

He said that, first and foremost, you could kill yourself or someone else and if you kill someone else, you could be charged with manslaughter.

Not only could you put your life and the lives of others at risk, but a DUI arrest means a loss of freedom and money, including going to jail, losing your license, and paying steep financial expenses with the average DUI costing about $10,000.

Everly said that statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration show that young drivers, between the ages of 18 and 34, who were killed over the Fourth of July period in 2015 were driving drunk with an alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.

Motorcycle operators are also overrepresented as the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes. In 2015, more than a third or 36 percent of motorcycle drivers in fatal crashes also had alcohol levels of 0.08 percent or higher.

Everly also said that not surprisingly, drunk driving is more common at night.

Over the Fourth of July holiday in 2015, nearly half or 44 percent of the drivers in nighttime fatal crashes were alcohol-impaired compared to 19 percent of drivers in fatal crashes during the day.

“This Fourth of July, don’t risk losing your life or your independence by drinking and driving ... help make everyone’s holiday in Schuylkill County safer by driving sober,” he said.

Anyone who suspects a drunk driver should call 911 immediately and anyone wishing to report underage drinking should call 888-UNDER21.

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

POTTSVILLE — Before building an intermediate punishment center, the Schuylkill County commissioners are looking to update a needs assessment and feasibility study that was done when the county previously considered the option in 2008.

The commissioners announced at a work session Wednesday they are requesting a proposal from Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates to provide an updated study that will concentrate on properly sizing the intermediate punishment center.

“This is a good first step,” commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr., who is also chairman of the prison board, said.

Research will include prison population projections for 5, 10 and 20 years to determine the long-term correctional needs of the county, Lisa Mahall, county engineer, said. It will also provide recommendations pertaining to the size and inmate capacity necessary for the next 20 years using American Correctional Associate Standards for the intermediate punishment center.

Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates performed a study in 2008 to address the growing prison population and outlined several options, which included the construction of an intermediate punishment facility they referred to as a “stand-alone, sentenced inmate facility.”

“Upon completion and review of the updated needs assessment, the county will then review the proposals submitted in response to the request for qualifications and move forward with selection of a consultants for the construction and possible operation and programming of the intermediate punishment center,” Mahall said.

In April, the county commissioners issued a request for qualifications from firms with experience building or managing intermediate punishment centers. Their proposals could include retrofitting an existing building, constructing a new facility or contracting a firm that already operates an intermediate punishment center to accept 125 to 175 individuals into their program or run a center owned by the county.

Five companies responded to the request for qualifications by the May 12 deadline: Fedetz & Martin Associates, Allentown; Geo Reentry Inc., Houston, Texas; Core Civic, Nashville, Tennessee; Heim Construction Co. Inc., Orwigsburg; and Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, Mechanicsburg.

Previous plans for an intermediate punishment center were scrapped in 2011 when the bids averaged $4.2 million, about $1 million more than budgeted.

Commissioner Frank J. Staudenmeier, who was a member of the board in 2008, said the county had to exhaust all other options before building a new facility.

“We have done that and now it is time do this,” Staudenmeier said.

Commissioner Gary J. Hess also said that it is time for a long-term solution.

“We have to look at incarceration in a new way,” Hess said.

After a three-month restriction on housing newly sentenced inmates last year, the state Department of Corrections does not allow the county to exceed its approved capacity of 277.

There was an average of 241 inmates at the prison in May, peaking at 259, and an average of 53 being housed at other facilities.

The county paid $142,521.17 to house inmates at other facilities in May.

On Wednesday, there were 43 inmates being housed elsewhere. Berks County Prison, Leesport, had 17; Centre County Prison, Bellefonte, 11; Columbia County Prison, Bloomsburg, five; and Snyder County Prison, Selinsgrove, 10. The county also has agreements with Lackawanna County Prison, Scranton, and George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Glen Mills.

In other matters, the board is also moving forward with a pilot program aimed at reducing relapse, recidivism and overdoses through counseling and providing Vivitrol, an injectable medication that reduces drug and alcohol cravings for about 30 days.

The program is being funded by a $108,512 grant from the state Department of Corrections with Clinical Outcomes Group Inc., Pottsville, providing the treatment and medication for the voluntary program. The nonprofit organization is also be working with PrimeCare Medical, the county’s medical insurance provider at the prison.

PrimeCare Medical is making initial referrals to COGI based on medical history and COGI has hired someone to screen eligible inmates for the program, according to Warden Gene Berdanier’s report. Group counseling, which is the first step of the program, is expected to begin next month.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6023

Frackville

The Frackville Elks Lodge, 307 S. Third St., will have its annual golf tournament July 30 at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Barnesville. The entrance fee is $75 per person that includes a breakfast buffet, golf, dinner, beverages and door prizes. There will be team registration and breakfast buffet from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the lodge. There will be a shotgun start for the tournament at noon. Afterward, from 5 to 7 p.m., there will be dinner, refreshments and door prizes at the lodge. Sponsorships are available. To register or for more information, call 570-789-4233.

Mahanoy City

The Good American Hose Company will hold its annual Under the Big Tent Bazaar from Friday to Sunday at the fire company, Eighth Street and Mahanoy Avenue. Kitchen hours are from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday. There will be bleenies, roast beef, funnel cakes, games and refreshments. Entertainment will be by disc jockey Party Time on Friday, Drive Train on Saturday and Party Time on Sunday. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-773-3473.

Pottsville

Schuylkill County libraries in the Pottsville Library District will participate in Summer Reading on the Road and book bingo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 8 at Boscov’s in Fairlane Village mall, Route 61. Participants will play bingo and win books. The free bingo games will also be at Boscov’s on Aug. 12. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-366-1638.

Pottsville

First Baptist Church, 701 Mahantongo St., will have free movie night and snacks from 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 7. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent. For more information, call Pastor Russ Hepler at 570-581-3084.

Schuylkill Haven

The second annual family movie night sponsored by St. Ambrose School is set for 6 p.m. July 7 at the St. Ambrose Parish Center, 302 Randel St., featuring the movie “Finding Dory.” All are welcome. There will also be free food and activities. For more information, call 570-691-6211. St. Ambrose School will also have a school information night at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at the parish center. Call the aforementioned number for more information.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven American Legion Auxiliary will have its annual golf tournament July 29 at Hidden Valley Golf Course, 1753 Panther Valley Road, Pine Grove. The cost is $65 per person. There will be a 1 p.m. shotgun start, four-person scramble. There will be a variety of prizes. To register or for more information, call 570-385-0601.

Sheppton

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish will hold its annual picnic from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Sheppton/Oneida firehouse. Soundworks will entertain on Saturday and the Polski Swingmasters will be featured Sunday, followed by a raffle drawing with 51 prizes. All are welcome.

Tamaqua

Zion Lutheran Church will host a special cancer survivor/caregiver worship service at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Earlier that day, members of the Zion outreach team will distribute prayer shawls to survivors at the Relay for Life in the Tamaqua Sports Stadium. The shawls are handmade by Zion member Gwen Evans. Cancer survivors, caregivers and all community members are welcome to attend the worship service. The food and fellowship time that normally follow a Saturday communion service have been moved to July 1 when Zion celebrates its 200th Saturday evening worship service. A covered-dish indoor picnic is planned for that evening.

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County’s Fall Cleanup in September will not include electronics for another year.

The annual recycling event will take place from Sept. 11 through Sept. 23 at 15 sites throughout the county. Drop-off locations will be available in Pottsville, Hegins Township, Minersville, CES Landfill, Girardville, North Manheim Township, Schuylkill Haven, Wayne Township, Porter Township, Pine Grove, Tamaqua Transfer Station, Ringtown, New Ringgold, Mahanoy City and Tremont.

Tires, appliances and bulky items are still being accepted. The event is open to all county residents.

The program is funded through the county commissioners while the state Department of Environmental Protection reimburses the county up to 50 percent of the costs.

Last year, the county collected 29.89 tons of tires, 48.24 tons of bulky items, and 44.54 tons of scrap metal and appliances. The 2015 cleanup collected 60.59 tons in tires, 65.66 tons in scrap metal and appliances, 79.08 tons in bulky items and 288 tons in electronics.

Electronics will not be accepted for the second year in row. It was scrapped last year as it was running upward from $180,000 to include electronics as part of the recycling program.

Joseph Scribbick, county solid waste and recycling coordinator, said last year that the recycling landscape has changed since The Covered Device Recycling Act went into effect in 2013.

The law dictates that all electronic devices defined in the act be banned from landfill disposal and must be recycled. Consumers are not to dispose of covered devices, such as computers, laptops, monitors and televisions, with their trash, meaning that trash haulers can no longer take covered devices unless the municipality has a curbside electronics collection program that ultimately sends the devices to an electronics recycler.

“It’s becoming costly and people just don’t know what to do with them,” Lisa Mahall, county engineer, said Wednesday during the meeting.

The county will also start advertising for waste tire collection and recycling. Bids are due in the controller’s office by 3 p.m. July 31. They will be opened Aug. 2 with a tentative award date set for Aug. 10.

In other matters, the commissioners also approved a professional services agreement with Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville, for engineering design for the replacement of county bridge No. 123 carrying Broad Street over the Little Schuylkill River in Port Clinton. The total cost is $518,970.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6023

FRACKVILLE — To keep the Frackville Area Municipal Authority sewer plant in top condition, Donald M. Cuff, a senior project manager for Entech Engineering Inc., recommends the operation adopt a checklist for inspections.

It will also help with developing FAMA’s 2018 budget, Cuff said Wednesday at FAMA’s June meeting at its office at the borough hall.

According to Cuff, other local municipal authorities have adopted similar systems. He said he discussed the matter with Lon Antalosky, FAMA’s plant manager.

“I showed him something we had done elsewhere. What it is, basically, is a checklist the operators use to be able to look at the various parts of the plant, collection system and pump station, identify what’s there today, what its age is, what its maintenance history has been and when you may have to make an investment,” Cuff said. “It gives you a really good soup-to-nuts analysis of where you stand with your facilities. Obviously, a lot of investments were made. So it’s going to be saying, ‘new, new, new.’ But there’s some original equipment down there, as well in the collection system and pump station. When operators put this information together, and when it identifies something to be replaced or repaired, we then try to put cost to those items and put priority to them.”

The work has already started he said.

“The guys are already starting to put this together, but the thought is to have it deliverable back to the authority by October. That way if there are higher priority items that can fit within the budget of the authority for next year, you’ll be able to earmark those. And maybe they’d be beyond what the authority could afford, and you can look at other means. But it would give you that snapshot as far as the current condition of your facilities and where you may have to make an investment,” Cuff said.

“The only thing I would need is the authorization to assist him at the tail end to be able to put the cost to it as well as putting a little bit of input on priorities,” Cuff said, referring to Antalosky.

Cuff said he would like to help Antalosky put the package together for FAMA’s October meeting.

“We found success elsewhere with it. In other cases, we’ve gotten more involved. But here I don’t think it’s necessary because these guys know the facilities better than anybody. So I don’t think having an engineer walk around looking at pumps and blowers and valves is really going to be all the beneficial,” Cuff said.

“It sort of makes sense to do so then we wouldn’t get blind-sided. We can prepare ourselves for stuff,” board member Dave Gera said.

“And priorities can change. You can go into a year thinking this is what you’re going to be working on and then something else crops up. At least it gives you a forecast on what you can be looking at,” Cuff said.

“Is this a one-month deal?” William G. Rhoades, chairman of the FAMA plant operations committee, asked.

Cuff said he would only have to work on the inspection report in October.

“But I would suggest it be updated on an annual basis,” he said.

“Does anybody else have this?” Rhoades asked.

“We’ve done this with a number of clients. The most recent one we did was in Cressona. They did an overall facility audit,” Cuff said.

“Do we have to let you know tonight about it?” Rhoades asked.

“No. The staff is already working on it. I probably won’t get to work with them until probably at the earliest, September. So that’s up to you guys,” Cuff said.

“I would just let them work on it. They’ll get a list of priorities. After that, we’ll decide what we want to do. Whatever recommendation they put forth, we’ll assess cost,” Carl C. Pyzowski, chairman of the FAMA Personnel Committee, said.

In the FAMA liaison/office committee report, Chairman Paul Klevis said the delinquent list as of June 20 was $96,226; 156 accounts owing more than $300.

State Correctional Institution/Frackville, Ryan Township, has been billed $30,702.72 for using 5,117,120 gallons in May, Klevis said.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting were FAMA member Harrison Harper and FAMA solicitor Paul Domalakes.

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

2 arrested for

scam on elderly

MAHANOY CITY — Two people were arrested by Mahanoy City police after an incident about 1 p.m. Monday at 122 W. Birch St.

Police said Vincent W. Bloss, 22, of 200 E. Main St., Gilberton, and Mollie McGuire, 24, of 2 W. Lincoln St., Apt. 3, Shamokin, were each charged with theft by deception, theft and receiving stolen property. Both will now have to answer to the charges against them before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Police said Bloss called a 91-year-old woman telling her her granddaughter, McGuire, needed $100 to pay fines at the Schuylkill County Courthouse or she would be going to jail.

The woman then withdrew $100 from her brother’s account and gave the money to Bloss, who said he would take it to McGuire, police said. Later in the day, police said, McGuire contacted the woman saying she never received the money.

When McGuire called the victim back she was told that the police were now involved with the matter.

Police release

Rt. 61 crash info

DARKWATER — A Frackville man was injured when the 2002 Ford Explorer he was driving crashed about 2:40 p.m. Monday in the northbound lanes of Route 61, a half mile south of Mall Road in New Castle Township.

State police at Frackville said Joseph Sayetta, 60, was driving north in a heavy downpour when he said he lost control on the wet road, went onto the berm and struck a large rock causing his SUV to overturn several times before coming to a stop on its passenger’s side.

Sayetta reported injuries but refused medical treatment at the scene, police said. The crash closed the right northbound lane for about an hour and Saint Clair firefighters assisted at the scene.

Police investigate

I-81 accident

MOUNT PLEASANT — State police at Frackville are investigating a crash that occurred about 1:50 a.m. Monday in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 in Foster Township.

Police said someone was driving north near mile marker 116, went off of the road, struck the Exit 116 sign and then fled.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 570-874-5300.

Police probe

Port Carbon egging

PORT CARBON — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating criminal mischief that occurred around 4:30 a.m. Thursday on Fourth Street in the borough.

Police said that someone threw eggs at a home on Fourth Street. Anyone with information can contact state police at Schuylkill Haven at 570-739-1330.

Police seeking

credit card thief

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN —State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a theft that occurred between 9:15 a.m. Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. Thursday at 1504 Route 61 South, North Manheim Township.

Police said someone went into a vehicle and took a credit card. Anyone with information can contact state police at Schuylkill Haven at 570-739-1330.

Lehigh Valley Hospital - Schuylkill S. Jackson Street

To Tawnya Joy Bowman, Hegins, a son, June 2.

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania State Police are seeking the public’s help in finding Michael Marchalk, who is charged with murder in the death of his father, Gary Marchalk.

Gary Marchalk, 60, was found bludgeoned to death in his Schuylkill County home on Monday. His wallet and car — a gold Ford Fusion with Pennsylvania license plate JWD1566 — had been stolen.

Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman referred the case to Shapiro, according to the press release from Shapiro’s office. OAG prosecutors approved murder and theft charges against Michael Marchalk, 37, on Tuesday. Gary Marchalk, the decedent, was the husband of Schuylkill County Treasurer Linda Marchalk.

Investigators said Marchalk was last seen at a Philadelphia bus terminal, though authorities are unsure if he boarded a bus. Please call the Pennsylvania State Police at 570-874-5300 if you see Michael Marchalk or have any information that could lead to his arrest.

SAINT CLAIR — More retail stores are possible for the Coal Creek Commerce Center.

A sketch plan submitted to Saint Clair Borough on May 10 shows spaces for four retail stores, a hair salon building and a medical office. The square footage varies; the medical office is shown having 4,724 square feet; the haircutting space at 1,008; and retail stores with 7,056 square feet, 5,569 square feet, 4,978 square feet and 2,254 square feet. An access road must also be completed.

“It’s all proposed,” Roland Price Jr., Saint Clair borough secretary, said Wednesday.

The area in question is south of Aspen Dental, which is closest to Route 61. The Saint Clair Planning Commission will meet 6 p.m. July 6 about the plan. The borough council will hold its regularly scheduled council meeting at 7:30 p.m.

“There’s a good chance that action will be taken at the July council meeting (dependent on the planning commission’s recommendation),” Price said.

A land development plan must also be submitted and approved by the council before the proposed uses materialize. The area is in the C-3 heavy commercial district. Plans call for the area to be served by public water and sewer.

Ty Leinneweber, project manager with Lehigh Engineering, who prepared the plans, said the proposed development area is approximately four acres. There will be two entrance points, the main entrance to the Coal Creek Commerce Center now and a new connection that is proposed out of Saint Clair off of Sherman Street.

Price is excited about more businesses locating to the area.

“It’s a very positive sign for our municipality. It brings in additional revenue,” he said.

Terence Ryan, property manager for R&R Property Managers Inc., the property management firm for the Coal Creek Commerce Center, would not say who the tenants could be.

“We would look to the fall to begin building,” he said, adding that by fall 2018 the buildings could be occupied.

Gretchen Sterns, the attorney for the Coal Creek Commerce Center, said she will attend the July 6 planning commission meeting and the borough council meeting.

“We would hope that the feedback from the borough and the residents would be positive,” she said.

She said whatever action the council takes would be “advisory.” A land development plan would likely be submitted in July. At that time, the tenants would likely be announced. Sterns said a Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board state store is going to be one of the businesses.

“I would say they are the anchor of all of this,” she said.

A lease is signed and executed for one of the spaces, Sterns said. Negotiations are ongoing with a haircut establishment, a mattress business and an urgent care facility. Names were not provided.

“I think it’s a real positive development for the area,” she said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Blackberry Smoke never stands still.

According to lead singer Charlie Starr, the group doesn’t just tour when it releases albums, but rather remains in a constant state of touring.

But the musicians love every minute of it.

The Southern rock quintent brings its “Like An Arrow” tour to the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, at 8 p.m. today, with opening act the National Reserve.

“We play a bit of a different show each night, never the exact same song order or song list,” Starr said in a recent phone interview from his Atlanta home. “It’s not choreographed, we don’t have any explosions or backflips. It’s just five guys playing a bit of rock ’n’ roll. We’ll pull some from each record with a surprise here and there. We really try to cover as much ground as possible in two hours.“

Blackberry Smoke is made up of Starr on lead vocals and guitar, Richard Turner on bass and vocals, Brit Turner on drums, Paul Jackson on guitar and vocals and Brandon Still on keyboards.

The songs on the rock outfit’s sixth album, “Like An Arrow,” were influenced by various aspects of the musicians’ lives, the people around them and even sometimes influenced from media or books they’ve absorbed, Starr said.

“Each of our albums are different. There’s not one that sounds like the last one,” Starr said. “That’s done on purpose because we want to keep it fresh for ourselves and the fans, too. This one has some moments that might be something different, whether its funkier or heavier, but we’re always about variety and keeping it fresh.”

The album reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Country and Americana/Folk charts.

After forming in 2001, the fivesome developed a blue-collar work ethic and road rules attitude by averaging 250 shows per year. Their willingness to jam for hours developed their grassroots fan base, which continues to grow with each show.

“Musically, I think we’ve evolved quite a bit,” Starr said. “We played together almost 17 years now ... we finally found our thing. I think that we’ve learned how to tour better. In the early days, we just beat ourselves to death. But we learned to be smarter about it, that takes a team. We learned how to sustain ourselves.”

Over the years, the group played through major venues including Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks and the Hollywood Bowl. Blackberry Smoke created music alongside some of the industry’s biggest names, including the late Gregg Allman and Grammy Award-winning producer Brendan O’Brien, and toured with the likes of ZZ Top, Zac Brown Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

“We just want to continue on the path we’re on,” Starr said. “Just try to make the best records we can and continue to take the music to the people.”

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