POTTSVILLE — William J. Sanchez III admitted Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he committed four burglaries in 2017 in Pottsville, and is headed to state prison as a result.

Sanchez, 30, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary and one of possession of drug paraphernalia.

In accordance with the plea agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, President Judge William E. Baldwin sentenced Sanchez to serve three to six years in a state correctional institution, pay costs and $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Baldwin made the prison term consecutive to the one Sanchez already is serving.

Pottsville police alleged Sanchez committed the burglaries on March 13, April 2, April 29 and May 8, 2017.

Sanchez, formerly of Mahanoy City, burglarized properties on Perry, West Race, Fleet and North Second streets, police said. During the burglaries on West Race, Fleet and North Second streets, Sanchez also damaged those properties, according to police.

In the drug-related case, Pottsville police alleged that Sanchez possessed a pipe on April 13, 2017, in the city.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Sanchez said little except that he understood the conditions and consequences of his plea and that he was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

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

LOYALTON — Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School will receive a refinished gym floor this summer.

The school board, by a 7-1 vote, Tuesday approved Mastercraft Sports Flooring, Lima, to do the rubber gym floor resurfacing at a cost of $30,800. Director Jack Laudenslager voted no, while director the Rev. Nathan Minnich was absent.

Superintendent Evan Williams said work will be completed over summer months.

The scope of work includes cleaning, preparing and treating the entire floor to receive new top coatings. A wear coating will be applied, and then a multicolored top coating. Connor Sports Paint Coating will be applied, so game lines will match the existing ones. An over pour system, Elasti New, will be used to complete the floor. Crews will require about six to seven working days to complete the job.

Mastercraft Sports will require the HVAC to be shut down during the application of the top coating.

In other business, the board heard a report from Williams on the district’s standardized test scores.

“We were always trying to do better than the state average, and we have,” Williams told the board.

However, charts demonstrating the PSSA proficiency percentage show that the district “mirrored the effects of the rest of the districts in the state,” he said.

Most notably, in 2015 when the PSSA test changed, test scores from all of the districts dropped dramatically in mathematics. Meanwhile, in looking at Keystone Exam scores, Upper Dauphin Area showed a steady upward trend in biology, he said. The charts also showed a decrease in the number of students in the district, but an increase in students receiving free or reduced lunches, from 22.7 percent in 2008 to 41.3 percent in 2017.

Each year, district teachers and administrators together try to identify ways to do better with its curriculum, according to Williams.

In other action, the board approved:

• Quote of $8,747 from McClure for HVAC controls repair at the elementary school cafeteria

• Program volunteers for 2017-18 school year, Danielle Mace, Kyle Bingaman, Krista Smink and Dao Lettich

• Contract with J.P. Harris to provide door-to-door census taking for nonresponses to the census mailing

• Buying textbooks and six-year bundle for 30 students and a teacher for MS Earth & Space I-Science, at $2,882

• Capital Area Intermediate Unit operating budget for 2018-19. The district’s share remains stable.

• Photography contract with Colleen & Co., Halifax

• Maintenance renewal plan with McClure Co., at $157 more than last year

• Resignation of Tara Ohler Kephart, paraprofessional, effective March 16

• Kathleen Page-Girard as van driver for Rohrer Transportation for remainder of the current school year

• Spring strength coaches

• JV softball T-shirts at cost not to exceed $453

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Luzerne, Carbon and Schuylkill counties are among the least healthy in Pennsylvania, according to an annual report.

For health outcomes such as length of life and general health, Luzerne ranks 60th out of the state’s 67 counties, based on data in the ninth annual County Health Rankings, released Tuesday by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Carbon and Schuylkill counties are ranked just ahead of Luzerne, at 58th and 59th, respectively.

Statewide, Chester County is top-ranked, while Philadelphia is worst. The rankings are available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.

The report shows that more than 80 percent of Pennsylvania counties have higher life expectancies than Luzerne, Carbon and Schuylkill, and only Philadelphia has a greater percentage of people who have poor or fair health than Luzerne County’s 17 percent.

Luzerne County is ranked 57th for length of life and 63rd for quality of life.

Carbon County is ranked 59th for length of life and 39th for quality of life and is listed with 14 percent of people having poor or fair health.

Schuylkill County is ranked 63rd for length of life and 37th for quality of life with 15 percent of its residents having poor or fair health.

The report also examines factors in each county that contribute to health outcomes: health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment.

Key drivers of health

The new rankings call attention to key drivers of health such as children living in poverty.

“Oftentimes, children in poverty don’t have access to physical, dental and mental health care, which can lead to lifelong or chronic problems,” said Francine Axler, director of Public Health Management Corp.’s Community Health Data Base, the lead agency analyzing the rankings for Pennsylvania.

Luzerne County has the highest ratio of impoverished children in Northeast Pennsylvania at 23 percent. Carbon’s rate is 21 percent and Schuylkill’s is 18 percent, which is the state average. Philadelphia is worst statewide at 37 percent.

Some other revelations from the rankings

• There are less exercise opportunities easily accessible in these three counties than statewide, with 40 percent of Luzerne County residents, 50 percent in Schuylkill and 59 percent in Carbon having easy access compared to 68 percent statewide.

• Only four counties have a higher ratio of income inequality than Luzerne. A higher inequality ratio indicates greater division between the top and bottom ends of the income spectrum.

• There is less access in the area to clinical care. The ratio of Carbon County residents to primary care physicians is 2,000 to 1, while in Schuylkill it is 1,740 to 1 and in Luzerne, 1,300 to 1, compared to 1,230 to 1 statewide. The ratio of residents to mental health providers is 2,190 to 1 in Carbon County, 1,480 to 1 in Schuylkill and 1,100 to 1 in Luzerne; statewide it is 560 to 1.

Along with infant mortality rate and percentage of children in poverty, access to clinical care is among the chief factors in determining a community’s health, according to Axler.

Axler said the report rankings are “helpful to see where certain counties need improvement so public health organizations, like PHMC, can target and address specific health issues on a local level.”

Contact the writer: smocarsky@citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2110

Don’t bet your luck on it — drunk driving is deadly driving.

This St. Patrick’s Day, remember to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

St. Patrick’s Day is one of America’s most widely celebrated holidays for Irish and non-Irish alike. It’s a great excuse to gather with friends and family and make merry over bangers and mash and a pint of green beer.

Sadly, the night often ends with drunk drivers on the road posing a threat to other drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

In 2016, 60 people were killed in drunk driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, March 16 through 18.

Not only is this behavior deadly, it’s illegal, according to David Everly, regional coordinator for the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program, Pottsville.

For that reason, he said, Schuylkill County law enforcement will be out in full force to make sure that if you are behind the wheel, you are sober.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, 39 percent of all vehicle crash fatalities involved drunk drivers.

The early hours of March 18 didn’t fare much better. Between midnight and 5:59 a.m., nearly 69 percent of all crash fatalities involved drunk drivers.

In fact, Everly said, from 2012 to 2016, 38 percent of the drunk driving fatalities during the holiday period involved drivers who had blood-alcohol concentrations well above the 0.08-percent legal limit with 269 drunk driving fatalities.

The coordinator also said drivers should keep an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to drink.

“Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly as lack of attention to their surroundings could put pedestrians at risk of getting hit by a vehicle,” he said.

“St. Patrick’s Day should only be a good time for members of our community,” Everly said.

Everly said partygoers should always make a plan before heading out to the festivities and understand the dangers of drinking and driving.

It is illegal to drink and drive and driving drunk should never be an option for how you get home.

“Designate a sober driver before you and your friends go out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, on St. Paddy’s Day and every day,” he said.

Everly said statistics show that drunk driving death rates are staggering.

In 2016, there were 10,497 people killed in drunk driving crashes.

There is another way to look at it. An average of one person was killed every 50 minutes in a drunk driving crash in the United States that year.

“Too many people are not getting the message,” he said. “Drunk driving is a deadly and illegal behavior, it is inexcusable and it is unacceptable.”

“We are asking our community’s drivers to work with us to end drunk driving,” Everly said. “There are too many safe alternatives to get you home safely ... think before you act.”

Everly said state, county and municipal police officers in Schuylkill County recommend the following safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

•Always remember to plan ahead. You know whether you’ll attend a party. If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to take you home. Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take that role seriously because your friends could be relying on you.

•Remember that it is never OK to drink and drive. Even if you’ve only had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get home safely.

•Download NHTSA’s SaferRide app, available on Google Play for Android devices or the Apple’s iTunes Store for iOS devices.

Everly said SaferRide allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up.

In addition, anyone who may see a drunk driver on the road should contact their local law enforcement agency or dial 911.

“Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely,” Everly said.

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

The culture of Ireland will be the reason

For you to enter the only city of the Coal Region Witness a sea of green And the businesses in between For a celebration of a saint’s day and the start of the next season!

The Ancient Order of Hibernians JFK Div. 2 will present the Pottsville St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, according to Dan Koury, AOH member.

“We start the day with a Mass at 8 o’clock at St. Patrick’s Church, and then at 9 o’clock there’s a buffet breakfast at Trippin’ Billie in Pottsville and that’s where we present our plaque to the grand marshal,” who this year is District Attorney Mike O’Pake, he said.

After breakfast, the organizers will meet with marchers at 10 a.m. and start marching the route at 11.

“It starts at 12th and Market streets, proceeds down to Second Street, then it turns right on Second, and goes to Mahantongo Street, then back down to Centre, then north on Centre and ends at the Humane Fire Company,” Koury said. “It’s an annual event that goes off without a hitch every year. … It’s been a staple in the area,” Koury said.

The parade, which started in 1975, will be followed by The Grand Irish Party at Humane Fire Company from noon until 4:30 p.m. Tickets for the party are $25 at the door. Advance tickets are $20 and available at Murphy Jewelers, at the firehouse or by contacting Koury. Food, beverages and entertainment by Celtheart are included in the ticket price; they have been serenading partygoers since 2001.

However, the fire company isn’t the only organization that benefits from the annual event, especially with the ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.

“The parade has become a big deal for several of the other businesses in town, and they take advantage of the fact that there’s people in town, and people from the Humane look for places to go throughout the town afterward,” Koury said.

The weather forecast is calling for mild temperatures, about 45 degrees, with absolutely no chance of precipitation.

“It’s a great way to start the spring season after the doldrums of winter,” Koury said. “I think it’s an appropriate March day for a parade.”

And because of the parade, police would like to remind motorists that there will be temporary parking and travel restrictions along the route, and participants that all normal state and city laws will be enforced during the day.

The AOH would like to thank its sponsors and donors for making another parade happen.

Koury said he would encourage residents “to come out with the nice weather, and the fact it’s on St. Patrick’s Day. I think it’s a good opportunity to spend a day in town, enjoy the parade and the different events that other establishments are having as well.”

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

A Quakake man lost his life on a slick stretch of Virginia highway Monday evening when his tractor-trailer was hit by a vehicle operated by an unlicensed driver.

Clayton W. Fegley, 63, succumbed to his injuries at the scene, according to Virginia State Police.

Police said the collision occurred around 4:20 p.m. on Interstate 295 north at mile marker 41 in Hanover County, Virginia.

Though the crash remains under investigation, police said it appeared a 2012 Hyundai Sonata, driven by Kathryn A. Woolfenden, 25, of Norfolk, Virginia, was traveling in the left lane and sped up to pass the 2003 Peterbilt tractor-trailer Fegley was driving in the left center lane. Woolfenden lost control of her vehicle and it hit the tractor in the rear, forcing both vehicles off the road and into several trees, police said.

Fegley was hauling large rolls of plastic on the road, which was icy. The road conditions are being considered as a factor in the crash, police said.

Fegley was trapped inside the rig and died at the scene. Woolfenden was transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, according to Sgt. Keeli Hill.

Woolfenden was charged with reckless driving, driving too fast for highway and traffic conditions and driving without a valid operator’s license.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts.

Gourmet Gala organizers go wild about raising money for Ronald McDonald House of Scranton.

The 31st annual culinary delight returns with the theme “Fun Food Safari” from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Mohegan Sun Pocono’s convention center. The 20,000-square-foot space in Plains Township will host representatives from nearly 50 local restaurants, who will prepare everything from appetizers to desserts for guests to sample.

John Mackey Design will transform the convention center into a safari setting for the night. As guests drift from station to station tasting creative and on-theme dishes, party band Picture Perfect will provide music. Organizers will raffle off at least 40 baskets, many of which are valued at $200 or more.

Proceeds from the event support the Ronald McDonald House, 332 Wheeler Ave., Scranton, which functions as a home away from home for families of children receiving treatment in nearby hospitals, plus family rooms in Moses Taylor Hospital and Geisinger-Community Medical Center, both in Scranton, and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Organizers expect 800 to 1,000 guests.

“The theme ‘Fun Food Safari,’ we expect, will deliver a wildly exciting and delicious event that everyone will enjoy,” Peggy Hennemuth, gala chairwoman, said. “Every year, it gets bigger and better.”

Admission is $40, and the event is expected to sell out in advance. Tickets are available by calling 570-969-8998 or visiting thegourmetgala.com. Any remaining tickets will be sold for $45 at the door the night of the event.

Contact the writer: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, ext. 5369

HEGINS — All Tri-Valley School District staff will receive active shooter/threat training from police.

It’s one step the district is taking to address school safety, Superintendent Mark D. Snyder told the board Wednesday.

“As a brief update to our break-in at Hegins-Hubley last month, I would first like to thank the various community members that have taken their time to continue the conversation regarding security in our schools. While I am still unable to comment on either details of an active police investigation nor disclose information on specific security measures and procedures in our Crisis Management Plan, I would like to highlight several steps that have already taken place,” he said.

Some highlights included:

• Discussions were held with both local and state police regarding their presence in, and access to, the district’s schools

• Daily procedures for faculty and staff were reviewed and revised as appropriate

• Additional staff training opportunities were investigated

• Programs of a curriculum-based nature are being evaluated

Additionally, he said there have been 26 bills introduced before the PA House Education Committee to address school safety.

“It is our hope that some guidance will follow from the legislature in the near future,” he said.

Snyder urged anyone with questions to call him at the district office.

On a safety-related note, a Hegins man announced Thursday he’s holding a pizza fundraiser to implement student safety measures in the district.

David A. Lucas, who makes “David A’s Pizzas,” will host the sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21 with pickup at Valley View Gun Club.

“It’s a community thing,” Lucas said. “I’m thinking it should be one of the biggest pizza sales I’ve ever had. I can make up to 300 or 400 pizzas an hour. My goal is to make at least a thousand. I have two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren in school. When you send your grandkids to school, you don’t want to think is that the last time you’re going to see them.”

Both plain and pepperoni pizzas cost $10 each. Orders are due by April 15 and must be paid in advance. Call Lucas at 570-682-9140 or the gun club at 570-682-3424 to order.

An executive session was held by the board to discuss personnel and legal matters. Directors Diane Dietrich and John Schmeltz were absent.

In other action, the board approved the following:

• Coaches and salaries for the 2018-19 school year: Jeffrey Sampson, head football, $4,600; Deryn Wenrich, head boys’ soccer, $2,100; Jay Wilcox II, assistant boys’ soccer, $1,400; Clark Romberger, head junior high girls’ basketball, $2,690; Michael Romberger, assistant junior high girls’ basketball, $2,060; Alyssa Felty, head cheerleading adviser, $1,500; Hannah Dautrich, assistant band front, $870.

• Appointing Sweet Stevens Katz & Williams as special counsel for matters determined by the superintendent, board and solicitor in accordance with an attached fee agreement.

• Resignation for purposes of retirement from Donald Carl, full-time custodian, effective April 5; Patsy Krammes, elementary teacher, effective end of the 2017-18 school year; and Sharon Shadle, elementary teacher, effective end of the 2017-18 school year.

• Volunteers in the Hegins-Hubley classroom, Joellen Fetterolf and Lindalee Menuchak.

• Appointing the following to provide extended school year services: Donna Coleman, van driver and aide; Alexis Ketner, teacher; Sandy Koury, occupational therapist, pending clearances; Amy Ryder, speech and language therapist, pending clearances; and Derek Stehr, teacher.

• The program of studies for the 2018-19 school year. Board President Jerry Beaver said the district will make dual enrollment classes available to Tri-Valley students, as soon as Penn State makes the courses available.

High school Principal Charles W. Hall commended the student council for hosting a walk-in event Wednesday, remembering the people killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and addressing school violence.

Hall recognized the following: Logan Yoder, Rotary student of the month; Shaylin High, Lions student of the month in the arts; the boys’ basketball team who qualified for postseason play; wrestlers Dan Scheib and Kolt Schaeffer; and Kieffer Quandel who qualified for PMEA All-State Band, placing first in Region-State Band.

High school report cards will be distributed April 6. Elementary report cards will be distributed April 10.

Elementary Principal Robert Felty Jr. thanked the PTO for hosting the Read Across America event in February.

Kindergarten registration is scheduled April 4 and 5.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Teen not hurt in

1-vehicle crash

DETURKSVILLE — A Pine Grove teenager escaped injury when the 2003 GMC Envoy she was driving crashed on Deturksville Road in Washington Township around 7:10 a.m. Tuesday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said the girl was driving west, just west of Louch Road, when she lost control, went off the right side of the road and struck and broke a utility pole.

The SUV came to a stop off the right side of the road with the utility pole and wires across the road, police said.

Pine Grove firefighters assisted at the scene.

Police investigate

hit-and-run crash

BRANCHDALE — State police at Schuylkill Haven investigated a hit-and-run crash that occurred on Route 209, north of Route 901 in Branch Township, around 7:45 a.m. Monday.

Police said Devin J. Pogera, 18, was driving a 2008 Ford Focus when he began to pass a Jeep Patriot in a passing zone.

As Pogera began to pass, the driver of the Jeep changed from the right to left lane and sideswiped the passenger front bumper of his car and continued north on Route 209 without stopping.

The driver then made a left turn onto Bunting Street while Pogera continued to his final destination, police said.

Police: Cressona man harassed teen

NUREMBERG — A Cressona man will be charged by state police at Frackville with harassment after an incident on Main Street in this North Union Township village on March 8.

Police said Daunte Hogan, 21, sent multiple text messages to a 17-year-old Nuremberg girl over a two-day period that were threatening in nature.

As a result of the incident, police said, Hogan will be charged with harassment and will have to answer to the charge in district court.

Teen driver charged

in fatal accident

HAMBURG — State police at Hamburg reported Wednesday charging a juvenile driver in connection with a fatal crash in Upper Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, on Dec. 26.

The crash claimed the lives of two passengers in the vehicle — Sean Orner, 18, of Bethel, and Shanon Althouse, 18, of Womelsdorf — and was investigated by the Troop L Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialist Unit, CARS.

Based on the investigation, police said they charged the teenage driver this week with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person, driving on the wrong side of the road, not driving on roadways laned for traffic, driving a vehicle at an unsafe speed and recklessly driving.

The charges against the teenager were filed in Berks County juvenile court, police said.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A couple of hopeful local business owners earned thousands of dollars to help make their dream a reality at the second LionLaunch Business Plan competition on Thursday.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners presented their business plans to a panel of judges and answered questions in hopes of earning money. Monetary prizes ranged from $1,500 to $5,000. If a presenter was unsuccessful in winning, he or she could return during the next cycle and try again. Winners are barred from competing again.

LionLaunch began in 2016 and operates an Innovation Hub in Schuylkill Haven, an office space area with amenities like meeting and collaboration space, videoconferencing software and free printing. Along with the competition and the hub, LionLaunch also offers a 10-week boot camp on starting and growing a business.

One of the $5,000 winners was Emily Ehlinger. Ehlinger presented an idea for an ice cream shop called The Scoop. Her plan is to feature Yuengling’s Ice Cream in the concoctions as well as provide homemade goods and specialty drinks to help make The Scoop a year-round option in Pottsville. The Scoop is scheduled to open this summer at 125 W. Market St.

Ehlinger said she will be putting her prize money into startup equipment including a transparent ice cream freezer, a coffee maker and a dry bakery display case. This will be part of the downtown revitalization by the City of Pottsville.

“I’m really excited to be a part of that,” Ehlinger said.

Another $5,000 idea that is starting locally is called Cart to Heart. Started by Marcia Bray and Mary Bardell, their plan is to have a moveable kiosk or service station in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities. The two will start by having one station at Schuylkill Center this fall and will later expand to other locations.

The kiosk will be 3 feet wide by 6 feet long, and have items such as snacks, get-well decorations and other trinkets for those living and visiting the establishments.

“I saw there was a need,” Bardell said. “We’re excited because we’re offering a service to people who are not able to leave the facility.”

The duo participated in the boot camp and put their knowledge to the test with their idea.

“We appreciate all the mentors who’ll give their advice,” Brey said.

Other winners included Tree of Life, a metaphysical shoppe and holistic arts center by Sherri and William Buckmaster ($1,500); SkooCal, a website designed to help alert and inform about events in the county by Scott Williams ($2,500); XPress Coaching Center, which offers life coach services by Cheryl Cresswell ($3,000); LIVIT Industries, a company dedicated to making home decor and art by Vince and Laurie McGee ($5,000); and WagonWorks, an artist collaboration hub where artists can work with different mediums by Kevin Smith ($5,000).

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

An inmate apparently walked away from the Federal Correctional Institution/Schuylkill minimum security satellite prison camp in Minersville on Thursday afternoon, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Inmate Raymond Collazo was serving 130 months for possession of 100 grams or more of heroin with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. He was discovered missing about 2:30 p.m., according to the Justice Department.

Collazo, 32, is described as a Hispanic male, 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 210 pounds, according to the Justice Department.

The FCI/Schuylkill prison camp is a minimum security facility currently housing 240 male offenders in Minersville.

In December, another inmate, Harvey Shaner, escaped from the prison camp. Shaner was sentenced to 51 months for wire fraud. Shaner was captured in Berks County less than two weeks later.

POTTSVILLE — City leaders share the pain of motorists who have to navigate pothole-riddled roads in the city.

“We know there is potholes out there,” councilwoman Dorothy “Dottie” Botto said at Monday’s city council meeting.

“We fill them constantly,” City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said.

He talked about the freeze-thaw cycle, saying, “The winter is doing a lot of damage. There were a lot of extremes this year.”

The city does have its own paving equipment, so that makes the job easier, he said.

The city council talked about the 2018 street program. Palamar said there are 243 streets on the master list and 56 miles of streets in the city. The council will need to prioritize what is most important to fix.

“The maintenance of our streets isn’t just filling potholes and paving,” Palamar said.

He said a plan could be finalized within the next two months.

“We will come up with a list probably in the next 30 days or so,” he said.

A timeline was provided for the work. Bids could be awarded in June with pothole repair and paving taking place in June, July and August. Hot patch is not available until late April. Sealing of the road could occur in August with line painting in June, July and August.

A mixture of concrete and cold patch has been used to fill stubborn areas like Peacock Street, Palamar said. So far, the mixture has held.

In other matters, two city residents talked about a broken terracotta sewer pipe on private property.

Ian Lipton, chairman of the Greater Pottsville Area Sewer Authority, said Thursday the line isn’t owned by the Greater Pottsville Area Sewer Authority.

“As I speak, we have sewage running across the pavement,” Jim Snyder, who lives in the 2100 block of West Norwegian Street, said.

He said the line is very old and constantly blocking.

“The terracotta is cracked. It’s 100 years old,” Snyder said.

Sewage was visible on the sidewalk in front of his house Thursday. Barb Guers, another resident in the 2100 block of West Norwegian Street, said the line leaks on her property, goes onto Snyder’s property and then the sidewalk. She noticed the sewage coming out as recently as Wednesday. She has called Timothy Yingling, executive director of GPASA, but she said he didn’t return her phone calls.

The sewer authority has unblocked the line previously. She said they did so earlier this week.

City Building Code Officer David Petravich said he was at 2147 W. Norwegian St. on Wednesday and did a dye test. The dye appeared at 2155 W. Norwegian St.

“There is some type of problem with the sewer line,” he said.

“We contacted the sewer authority, but we are not making a lot of headway there,” Snyder said.

There is a lateral pipe the residents can connect to. Most of the residents affected by the leaking pipe are willing to switch, but some others are unaware of the problem, according to Guers.

The sewer authority does not know exactly how many properties are connected to the line. Petravich recommended a camera be used to inspect the pipe to see how many connections there are. Guers said that is likely something she or the other residents will do next week.

“Everyone should be on a separate hookup,” Lipton said.

He said letters were sent to people in that area when the new line was installed years ago.

Guers said she never received a letter. She has lived there since 2000.

“The city says it can’t find the copies of those letters” asking residents to switch connections, Lipton said.

“The responsibility lies with the homeowner to connect. We hope that everyone will take some responsibility for their own hookup to the sewer line,” Lipton said.

Palamar didn’t return a call for comment.

Also at the meeting, the city council took the following actions:

• Appointed Nevin Wallick, Thomas P. Pellish and Joseph Burns to the fair housing board, each to a four-year term ending March 2022.

• Appointed Jay Johnston to the city board of appeals for a three-year term ending February 2021.

• Approved the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau private sale of the lot and improvement of 227 Pierce St.

• Extended a five-year elevator maintenance contract in the amount of $14,850.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., America’s oldest brewery, has been named the top-producing craft brewing company in the United States.

The honor, which is based on beer sales volume, comes from the Brewers Association, a not-for-profit trade association that represents more than 4,000 breweries nationwide. Yuengling was No. 1 on the top 50 craft brewing companies list and sixth in the top 50 overall brewing companies in the nation. Anheuser-Busch Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, was first overall.

“In an increasingly competitive and mature marketplace, these brewing companies continue to lead and pave the path for small and independent craft brewers,” Bart Watson, chief economist of the Brewers Association, said.

Yuengling is available in 21 states. The company has three breweries, two in Pottsville and one in Tampa, Florida.

“We are humbled and happy with this exciting news. We are a sixth generation, family-owned brewery and want to continue in our efforts to serve our loyal fans and local community,” Wendy Yuengling, chief administrative officer, said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — Courage takes different forms, according to participants in the Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court, with many saying Thursday that it enables them to forsake the people and places that fueled their addictions.

“I’ve shown courage by breaking away from all the toxic people in my life,” Alex said during the court’s weekly session. He also said that most people he knew while an addict were toxic and he now tries to think about the present instead of the past.

Several other people agreed with him while reading from their required essays.

“Getting rid of all the old friends and staying away from all the old places” have been vital in maintaining his sobriety, Eric said. “I realize they weren’t real friends.”

Another person who saw courage in changing himself is William.

“I displayed courage in my recovery by getting rid of old friends and toxic relationships,” he said.

Schuylkill County officials started the drug treatment court in 2017 to try to combat the widespread local drug-addiction problem, using a carrot-and-stick approach to help participants beat their addictions. Other counties in Pennsylvania also have instituted drug treatment courts.

Participants in the 14-month program, of which there are now 31, must undergo substance abuse treatment, make regular court appearances, submit to random drug testing and home visits, meet with probation officers and comply with directives from the court and those officers. Participants must complete all five phases in order to graduate from the program; graduation is the carrot, resulting in dismissal of the charges against them.

However, since the participants tender guilty pleas to the charges against them, failure to complete the drug treatment court program is the stick, resulting in the pleas being accepted and the defendants being sentenced, possibly to time in a state correctional institution. Five people have been expelled from the program.

Kody said he needed courage just to join the program.

“Recognizing that I needed help was the first act of courage,” he said. That has enabled him, he said, to realize that if he continues to show courage and follow through on his rehabilitation, he can become the person he wants to be.

Curtis also said courage helps him move on.

“Courage to me comes in facing the unknown,” he said.

That also forms part of Jason’s awareness of the role of courage in his recovery.

“I have the courage to start my road to recovery in a new town with people I don’t know,” he said.

Newman also realizes that he needs courage to deal with his problems honestly, and that his former friends could sidetrack him from the correct path.

“They will get me drunk before I get them sober,” he said.

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

POTTSVILLE — A McAdoo man must serve time in prison after admitting Friday to a county judge that he drove under the influence in September 2014 in his hometown.

Nicholas J. Yatsula, 36, must serve five days to six months in prison, pay costs, $325 in fines, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, a $168.04 bench warrant fee and $60 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network, and perform 20 hours community service, Judge John E. Domalakes ruled.

Additionally, Yatsula must install an ignition interlock device on his vehicle for one year after the end of any suspension of his driver’s license.

Yatsula pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and improper turning movements. McAdoo police had alleged Yatsula was DUI to the extent that he was incapable of safe driving on Sept. 6, 2014, in the borough.

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

McAdoo

All 2018 McAdoo Borough/Schuylkill County real estate taxes, including county per capita taxes, have been mailed. Collection hours are listed on all tax bills. Residents who did not receive their tax bill or those with questions can call Andrew DeBalko, McAdoo tax collector, at 570-929-1628.

Nuremberg

The Black Creek Township Recreation Committee is looking for vendors for the Black Creek Cruisers’ Car Show on June 30 at Rock Glen Park. The fee for food vendors is $25. Anyone is welcome to have stands for crafts or rummage sale items for a fee of $10. For more information, call Lori at 570-384-3674.

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg-Weston Volunteer Fire Company will hold a hunter safety class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the firehall, 459 Hazle St., Weston. Food and beverages will be provided. To register, visit www.register-ed.com/events/view/114617 or the fire company’s Facebook page. All registrants must be 11 years old by March 17.

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg-Weston Volunteer Fire Company will hold a potato cake, homemade New England clam chowder and homemade macaroni-and-cheese sale beginning at 2 p.m. March 23 at the firehall, 459 Hazle St., Weston. Takeout containers will be provided or customers may bring their own containers.

Pottsville

The Schuylkill Master Gardeners is offering information about the spotted lanternfly threat at free seminars slated for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in the conference room at 1202 Ag Center Drive. According to an SMG release, the Department of Agriculture needs help to eradicate the spotted lanternfly before it wipes out vineyards, orchards and trees in Pennsylvania. SMG will help clarify the issues, provide material to identify the insect and discuss appropriate times and methods of insect control. “Remember the elms, chestnuts and ash that have been lost to invaders,” SMG officials said in the release, adding the insect harms more than one species. For those unable to attend the seminars, help is available by calling 570-622-4225, Ext. 23.

Pottsville

Attorney Eric Mika, a Shenandoah native, will present Lights, Camera, Action Against Elder Abuse plus estate planning at noon March 28 during the Lunch and Learn session at Providence Place of Pottsville, 2200 First Ave. The presentation is free and open to everyone. For more information, call 570-624-4660 or go online to www.providence-place.com. To RSVP, email Shannon at sleary@prov-place.com or Tiffany at twallen@prov-place.com.

Pottsville

An all-you-can-eat homemade spaghetti dinner sponsored by St. Patrick Roman Catholic Parish will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 8 at the St. Patrick Parish Center, 319 Mahantongo St. The cost is $8 for adults and $3.50 for children; patrons may eat at the center or take meals out. All are welcome.

Shenandoah

The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society, Main and Cherry streets, recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Marie Rose Brilvitch by Joe and Andrea Pytak, Ron and Mary Luscavage, Rose Ann Markunas and a friend; for Steve T. Hronec by Joe and Andrea Pytak; for John Buchinsky by Joe and Andrea Pytak; for Richard Puls by Joe and Andrea Pytak; for Florence Piaskowski by Joe and Andrea Pytak; for Margaret Kelly Onisick by Joe and Andrea Pytak; for Edward M. Kleha by Joe and Andrea Pytak.

Tamaqua

Another public reception for the special Coal Region Breweries historical and “breweriana” exhibit at the Tamaqua Historical Society Museum Annex is set for 5 to 8 p.m. March 31. “This is part of our 2018 celebration of the 250th anniversary of anthracite heritage and culture throughout the region,” the historical society’s Dale Freudenberger said in a release. The free public reception will include music on the old hotel player piano, snacks, refreshments and beer tastings. The annex is located at 114 W. Broad St. For more information, call 610-597-6722.

Police investigate

theft from Walmart

SAINT CLAIR — Saint Clair police are investigating a robbery that happened at the Walmart store around 3:40 a.m. Thursday.

Police said an employee tried to stop a masked man from committing a theft but the man brandished a handgun before exiting the store.

The suspect then fled the area in a white Chevrolet Venture minivan with a white ladder rack on the roof, police said, adding that the van had emblems that were covered by what appears to be a gray primer paint.

The investigation determined that the robber stole computer routers, hard drives and other electronic items valued at $6,500.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-429-2240.

Man cited for

1-vehicle crash

LEWISTOWN VALLEY — A Tamaqua man escaped injury when the 2007 Ford Focus he was driving crashed on Valley Road, just east of Meadow Lane in Walker Township, around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

State police at Frackville said Matthew R. Roberts, 22, was driving east when he failed to follow a right curve, went off of the south side of the road and struck a garage coming to a stop facing east against the garage.

Police said Roberts was not hurt but as a result of the crash will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

POTTSVILLE — Twenty-seven people received a second chance Thursday from the Schuylkill County criminal justice system, as they entered a special program that will enable them to emerge from their experience with a clean record.

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program allows first-time nonviolent offenders the opportunity to have the charges against them dismissed if they successfully complete it.

Participants must pay the costs of participating in the program, plus $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, perform community service and comply with directives from the Adult Probation and Parole Office. If they do so, charges against them will be dismissed and they can petition the court to have their record expunged.

“You can still say you haven’t been convicted of any crimes,” President Judge William E. Baldwin told them.

However, anyone who does not successfully complete the program will be removed from the program and have their case returned to the trial list, Baldwin said.

Those whom Baldwin admitted into the program, and the charges against them, were:

Kimberly A. Adamchick, 34, of Sugarloaf; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Adamchick also must pay $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and $150 restitution to the Pennsylvania State Police.

Patrice H. Bierman, 53, of Pottsville; driving under the influence. Bierman also must pay $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Justin J. Burke, 26, of Orwigsburg; DUI. Burke also must pay $120 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Paul D. Hillibush, 44, of Frackville; DUI. Hillibush also must pay $460 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

James A. Huntsinger, 65, of Hegins; DUI. Huntsinger also must pay $120 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Kelby R. Klamfoth, 21, of Auburn; possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Ronald E. Koscil, 64, of Pottsville; DUI.

Haleigh M. Latham, 19, of Zion Grove; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kurtis M. Mabus, 28, of Sunbury; theft and receiving stolen property. Mabus also must pay a $50 bench warrant fee and $194.26 restitution.

Angel Martinez-Castellanos, Zion Grove; DUI; Martinez-Castellanos also must pay $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Dawn M. May, 42, of Barnesville; theft and receiving stolen property.

Michael J. McNulty, 24, of Frackville; fraudulent or altered title or registration. McNulty also must pay a $50 bench warrant fee.

Amber L. Melochick, 24, of Schuylkill Haven; resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Melochick also must pay a $50 bench warrant fee.

John R. Miller, 23, of McAdoo; DUI.

Talal M. Rajha, 28, of Whitehall; public nuisance and failure to comply with code requirements.

Anthony Reed, 20, of Tamaqua; theft, receiving stolen property and retail theft. Reed also must pay $697.18 restitution.

Ryan C. Reyes, 18, of Pottsville; resisting arrest.

Rebecca Rickert, 37, of Lansford; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Pedro Rodriguez-Acevedo, 69, of Reading; DUI.

Tyler J. Ryerson-Bendas, 24, of Pine Grove; DUI and accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property.

Deena J. Schaarschmidt, 72, of Ashland; theft of leased property, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief. Schaarschmidt also must pay $3,318.70 restitution.

Leigh Anne Scheffler, 26, of New Ringgold; DUI, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Scheffler also must pay $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Stacy L. Shadel, 34, of Sunbury; three counts of tampering with public records.

Sarah M. Slatick, 23, of Shenandoah; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jamie M. Smith, 23, of Pine Grove; simple assault.

Edward J. Trusky, 64, of Mahanoy City; terroristic threats. Trusky must have no contact with his victims.

Nathaniel M. Winn, 22, of Ringtown; theft and receiving stolen property. Winn also must pay $7.33 restitution.

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

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said he has more than the 1,000 signatures needed to get on the ballot for the May 15 primary.

On Friday, more than 100 people stopped by Roma Pizzeria and Restaurant to show their support, to meet Halcovage, sign a petition and maybe meet some new friends. The deadline for petitions is Tuesday, and he has 1,412 signatures as of Friday. Halcovage said there were more than 100 petitions for him circulating in the counties in the 9th District.

He formally announced March 13 he is running for the new 9th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill, Carbon, Columbia, Lebanon and Montour counties and portions of Berks, Luzerne and Northumberland counties.

“This is not about George Halcovage. This is about representing the real people of this district,” he said.

“He seems like he is what this country is all about: goodness,” Mike Yanavich, 77, of Mahanoy City, said.

He has never signed a petition before but felt compelled to do so.

Earlier in the night, Halcovage had predicted he would have more than the necessary votes needed to give the people a chance to vote for someone from the county who could represent them in Washington.

Cynthia Mensch, 55, of Auburn, believes Halcovage will “make a difference” if he is elected.

“He definitely has the support of Schuylkill County. I think he has good shot,” she said.

Cheryl Bolich, 52, of Port Carbon, said she is also behind Halcovage.

“I see him as a very positive role model for the community,” she said, adding that the commissioner is involved in a lot of civic activities.

Scott Fellows, 60, of Minersville, also signed a petition.

“I think George has worked hard for the county. I’d like to see someone from our county represent us,” he said.

Halcovage said he appreciates the support.

“I know I don’t know everything,” he said, adding that he asks knowledgeable sources about topics on which he wishes to be informed.

“I’m not looking to get a title. I just want to be George,” he said.

He finds it is easier to relate to people when they view him as someone they can talk to. He said he is proud of the record of the commissioners.

“Any person that is in leadership, you have to make tough decisions. I pray about my decisions,” he said.

When asked what he is most proud of, he said it wasn’t related to his role as a commissioner. He wanted to help the less fortunate especially around Thanksgiving so he helped organize the Knights of Columbus Thanksgiving meal.

He said his family and friends are his strength.

Jean Marie Thomas, Palo Alto, said she knows Halcovage has what it takes to be a good representative of the district.

“I believe in George. He does an outstanding job,” she said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Girardville

An Easter Eggstravaganza for all youth of St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Parish and their families is scheduled for March 31 at “Father Paul’s Backyard — Girardville Rectory,” Second Street and Mahanoy Avenue. Egg hunts will be as follows: 11 a.m. for children ages 1-3, 11:30 a.m. for ages 4-6 and 11:40 a.m. for ages 7-8. Children must bring their own Easter baskets. After the hunt, there will be food, activities and prizes from noon to 2 p.m. in St. Vincent Hall including tricycle races; egg, sack and relay races; design-your-own cupcakes; Easter selfie section, obstacle course and door prizes. A kid-friendly lunch will be served from noon to 2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit youth of the parish.

Gordon

An egg drop in the park is set for 3 p.m. March 30 at the Gordon Park. Eggs will be available at one for $2 or three for $5. The eggs will “sail down the creek” and prizes will be awarded to the first three winners whose eggs cross the finish line. The event will also include Easter-themed games for children. Refreshments will be sold. The Friends of Gordon group is the sponsor.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Rotary Club recently welcomed six students of the month, including Jade Leonard and Charles Stablum of Minersville Area, Baley McClure and Madison Clarke of Nativity BVM and Camryn Heinhach and Luke Stoner of Pottsville Area. The students told the Rotarians about their school and community activities and plans for the future.

Pottsville

The Lunch and Learn session set for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 19 at Providence Place Senior Living will focus on How to Record Your Wishes with Brian Leffler, Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home. People must RSVP to Tiffany or Shannon at 570-628-6950. An Eat for a Cause bleenie and halushki sale with proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 21 at Providence Place. Bleenies are three for $2.50 and halushki is $4 per quart. To order in advance, call the aforementioned number.

Ringtown

The Ringtown Valley Community Fund recently distributed 2018 fund drive donations. Those receiving checks and the organizations they represent include Laura Faust, Girl Scouts; Donna Mayfield, Community Fund treasurer; Beverly Gallagher, Ringtown Valley Senior Citizens; John Breznik, Ringtown Valley Recreation Complex; Beth Roulin, Ringtown Area Library; Susie Drukker, Ringtown Area Food Pantry and Jennifer Teter, Boy Scouts. Other recipients included the Ringtown Area Pastors Association, American Red Cross, Avenues (formerly United Cerebral Palsy) and the Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children. The Ringtown Valley Community Fund Committee thanked all who participated to make the fund drive a success.

Schuylkill Haven

Schuylkill Hose Company No. 2, Union Street, has Lenten dinners from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays to March 29. For takeouts, delivery or more information, call 570-385-0393.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, 25 W. Washington St., will be closed on March 30 in observance of Good Friday. The preschool storytime and craft hour will be from 11 a.m to noon April 7. To reach the library, email shenfpl@ptd.net or call 570-462-9829. The library also is sponsoring a bus trip to Mohegan Sun Casino on April 29. The cost is $25, with $25 in slot play and a $5 food voucher. For reservations or more information, call 570-462-9829, 570-462-9451, or 570-462-2060.

Tamaqua

Trinity United Church of Christ, 22 Lafayette St., will host an active shooter seminar from 1 to 3 p.m. April 7 in its Founders Hall for people 12 and older. For more information, call Robert Davis at 570-874-1424.

Tamaqua

The young adult program will be held from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Tamaqua Public Library. Pizza will be served. For more information, call the library at 570-668-4660.