Police: Man ran,

tried to hide gun

POTTSVILLE — A man was jailed after being arrested by Pottsville police as the result of a warrant service in the 300 block of West Market Street around 11:15 a.m. April 10.

Police said Patrolman Joseph Krammes and Detective Joseph Welsh saw a man, later identified as Justin Lindenmuth, in front of 309 W. Market St., Apt. 1A, and suspected that he was on the active warrant list from the Schuylkill County detective’s office.

As Lindenmuth was knocking on the apartment door, Krammes identified himself and told the man he needed to speak with him about the warrant but Lindenmuth became agitated and began pounding on the door and hysterically yelling for a woman inside to open the door, police said.

Police said that as Welsh and Krammes told Lindenmuth he was being detained, Lindenmuth pulled away from the officers and fled into the apartment as the door was opened by the resident.

Officers pursued Lindenmuth and observed him reaching into his waistband area before losing sight of him for a few seconds inside a small bedroom.

Police said a subsequent investigation led to the discovery that Lindenmuth was in possession of a loaded .380-caliber handgun and had fled into the apartment and discarded the weapon in the apartment bedroom.

In addition to the weapon, police said, officers also located various items of drug paraphernalia inside the apartment.

During an interview at City Hall, police said, Lindenmuth admitted to possessing the firearm when approached by police and also admitted he was aware that he is classified as a person not to possess a firearm due to past felony convictions.

As a result of the incident, Krammes charged Lindenmuth with one count each of persons not to possess a firearm, firearms not to be carried without a license and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $5,000 bail, police said.

POTTSVILLE — To make the city realize its potential, five goals were outlined in the Downtown Pottsville Strategic Revitalization Plan last week.

The plan, by Bergmann Associates and Eastwick Solutions, was unveiled to the public Thursday during the town hall meeting for the Continued Progress Project and put online Saturday on the Pottsville Area Development Corp. website, www.downtownpottsville.com.

The 56-page plan outlines the steps taken to date for the community-based vision, market analysis and strategic plan for revitalization of the city. Recommendations are provided to spur the city toward new life. The meetings were a joint effort between the Pottsville Business Association, PADCO and the city.

Each of the goals have coordinating action items with them. The five goals are as follows: Increase economic activity and the economic health of downtown; improve the look and feel of downtown; make downtown more vibrant and vital; enhance downtown Pottsville’s attractiveness for tourists and visitors; and create a strategy that is sustainable.

In all, 74 action items are mentioned along with entities involved, a timeline, financial resources and priority level.

The highest priority items include construction of the movie theater as part of the Mahantongo Parking Deck project; undertake a hotel feasibility study; have the visitors bureau open on weekends or make the information available by other means, establish a coordinating committee to oversee implementation of revitalization plan; and organize volunteers for community revitalization.

“The best laid plans will not become reality without careful and thoughtful implementation strategies that sustain revitalization. To date there has been enthusiastic involvement and engagement of residents, businesses, government and nonprofits in the creation of this revitalization plan. It is critical for this engagement to continue and grow strategically,” according to the revitalization plan.

Savas Logothetides, PADCO executive director, said the action items are a result of the responses from surveys early in the process, interviews with people in the community and suggestions from the steering committee. The steering committee involved representatives from the city, Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce, Pottsville Business Association, PADCO, legislative leaders and others.

“It’s amazing to see all the passion that is out there from the community,” he said.

Implementing the plan will take time, commitment and money.

“While the total funding required for this plan has not be estimated, it is clearly in the millions of dollars. State elected officials can help find a portion of this funding, it is recommended that they commit to working with federal and local officials to secure $10 million in funding over the next decade,” the plan states.

Money could come from donations, line items in the state budget or grants, Logothetides said.

“The funding is the big part of it,” he said.

The plan recommends a coordinating committee be established that is responsible for implementing the plan. The committee should meet regularly. Updates can be provided to city council and the public. Those chosen should be from the city, PADCO, the Pottsville Business Association, the visitors bureau and other entities. It says the chair of the committee should be the executive director of PADCO.

Logothetides said that every organization that has a role in the action items should be involved. He said the committee could be formed in the next month or so. The first meeting could occur by June. He is the logical choice to be the chairman of the coordinating committee but he will leave that up to the members. Logothetides was the chairman of the steering committee.

Highest priority items:

• Construct movie theater as part of Mahantongo Parking Deck

• Undertake hotel feasibility study

• Increase number of rail excursions

• Install enhanced way-finding system throughout the city

• Have bathrooms open in Union Station for rail excursions

• Have visitors bureau open on weekends and/or make visitor information available through other outlets

• Provide technical assistance for operations for existing businesses

• Provide funding for facade improvements

• Work with property owners to improve appearance and interior of buildings, including strategic and strict code enforcement

• Amend zoning ordinance to allow upper floor residential-accomplished by city council

• Contact Santander Bank to access their Inclusive Communities Program

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

ORWIGSBURG — A Wayne Township man sits in prison after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges resulting from his alleged attempt to strangle a baby in February in his residence.

Justin C. Mosier, 27, of 235 Frieden Manor, Schuylkill Haven, is charged with attempted homicide, strangulation, simple assault, endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.

Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over those charges for court after Mosier waived his right to a hearing. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of aggravated assault.

After waiving his right to the hearing, Mosier returned to prison, where he is being held without bail pending further court proceedings. Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin revoked his $50,000 straight cash bail on March 6.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Mosier wrapped a piece of yarn around the neck of a 6-month-old girl about 10:30 a.m. Feb. 22 at his residence. Mosier admitted committing the crime, according to police.

“He wrapped the yarn around the child’s neck and lifted her up,” according to the Affidavit of Probable Cause. “He knew it was wrong and he could not explain why he did it.”

Police said the girl had a ligature mark on the back of her neck. An examination the day after the incident showed ligature marks on the right carotid artery, police said.

The girl’s mother said she had just gotten out of the shower when she heard her gurgling and thought her daughter could not breathe, police said.

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

YORK — A Shenandoah man was shot and killed Sunday in York City.

York City police Lt. James Fells said that around 12:45 a.m. officers were called to South Duke and East South streets for a report of shots fired.

At the scene, Fells said, officers found a deceased man, later identified as Luis Inoa, 27, of Shenandoah. Inoa died from an obvious gunshot wound, he said.

Although the investigation is continuing, Fells said, the shooting was not a random act and that the victim and suspects in the case were all known to each other.

Additional information on the shooting will be available as the investigation continues.

MINERSVILLE — One of two men wanted by Minersville police on drug charges was taken into custody Friday in Berks County.

Minersville police Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers said that David J. Tavares, 31, of 301 Lewis St., Minersville, was apprehended in the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center in Tilden Township after a customer recognized him from a photo published in The Republican-Herald.

Bowers said Tavares was arraigned Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, on two felony counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, two misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor count of possession of paraphernalia.

He was committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $25,000 bail.

Minersville police are now looking for the whereabouts of the other man they obtained a warrant for in connection with the crime.

John J. Luback Sr., 51, also of 301 Lewis St., is charged with one felony count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Call Minersville police at 570-544-2333 with information of Luback’s location.

In addition, Bowers said Luback may be armed and should not be approached.

Bowers said the charges are the result of a search warrant executed at the 301 Lewis St. home on March 28 with the assistance of police Chief Michael Combs and agents from the U.S. Marshals Service, Pennsylvania Board of Parole and Probation, Schuylkill County Adult Probation and Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force.

During the search, Bowers said, police found in the bedroom and common area for Tavares 0.75 ounces of crystal methamphetamine along with amounts of marijuana, a large quantity of drug packaging material, a digital scale and a ledger or “owe” sheet identifying customers and amounts owed.

Officers also found three sample baggies on display for customers to see with pricing on each bag, Bowers said.

Inside the bedroom of Luback, police found about 1.75 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, $5,500 in cash, a digital scale and a large amount of packaging materials. Bowers said Luback had a ledger sheet identifying customers and money owed.

Bowers said the illegal narcotics seized have a street value of about $7,000.

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

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Miller Bros. Construction Inc. President James L. Miller considered becoming a plumber.

He was in the first class to graduate in 1971 with three full years of trade training at what’s now the Schuylkill Technology Center.

As STC celebrates its 50th anniversary, students like Miller and other business leaders from R&J Transportation, Bob Weaver Chevrolet, and Green Valley Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center reflected on the changes in the workplace and how STC students are trying to fill that demand. More skilled workers are needed, local employers say, and good wages await.

“I was encouraged by my dad to go into plumbing,” Miller said. “Once I got out of school, I jumped jobs, did a variety of things. I poured concrete and put pipe in ditches. I got in with a contractor who was doing roofing and siding and grew from that,” Miller said.

Today Miller’s staff includes STC alumni holding leadership positions.

“We want people with a good work ethic and a background in a trade,” Miller said.

A banner waving at the front of the company’s headquarters seeks workers.

“The needs are going to grow,” he said.

“In 1968, 12 Schuylkill County school districts came together to officially open Schuylkill County Area Vocational Technical School. Today, they remain the cornerstone of Schuylkill Technology Center,” Gregory S. Koons, superintendent of STC, said during a celebration at the start of the school year last August. Koons is also executive director of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29. The IU 29 operates and manages STC with the north campus in Frackville; south campus in Mar Lin; and the airport campus in Mount Pleasant.

STC offers 20 programs, including cooperative education opportunities, called capstone. Students “cap off” their formal career and technical education with a work-related employment experience at a school-approved learning site.

“These are the kids that show initiative and demonstrate responsibility. They have to be endorsed and recommended by their high school principals, guidance counselors and parents. They have to earn it,” Tim McGinley, STC school-to-work coordinator, said.

On site

Kolin Yurkonis, 18, of Auburn, is in his third year at STC’s diesel technology program, under direction of instructor Tom Buff. The Blue Mountain High School senior and a Minersville senior, Jaggar Griffith, are completing their 90-day co-op opportunity at R&J Transportation Inc., Cressona.

“I work on small engines and cars at my home and I wanted to learn something new,” Yurkonis said Tuesday. “I applied for this job and thought I’d get out faster in the workforce coming here.”

Yurkonis said the electrical and computerized aspects of the job make it challenging. Some of the jobs Yurkonis conducts includes changing and balancing tires; fixing exhaust, coolant leaks, belts, lights and electricity; and working with diesel engines equipped with turbochargers.

All co-op students work with a mentor on site, usually a business staff person, who oversees and supervises their work. McGinley meets with students, monitors each one on the job site, and makes sure everything is compliant with child labor laws, if a student is under 18. They get paid and a grade.

Jay L. Newswanger, R&J Transportation president, said some “great” students have come through the program.

“We hope we can retain them after they graduate,” he said.

With an industry involved in the transportation of school children and motor coach customers, having conscientious employees is important, he said. R&J has had co-op students for four years. Some of the changes the industry has seen over the past decades have included electronic, computerized diagnostics; the shift from hydraulic to air brakes; and a shift from manual to automatic transmissions.

“We’re willing to send them for more training,” Newswanger said of the company’s employees.

Chris Moscaritolo, service manager at Bob Weaver Chevrolet, Pottsville, said today, highly skilled workers can have a rewarding career, earn six-figure salaries and work at a job they love.

Bob Weaver will hold a two-day career day on May 17-18 in an effort to increase its workforce. The event is not only open to auto technicians and auto collision specialists but also to people with computer, marketing, digital media, accounting and business skills.

During the last 30 years or more, there was a push for people to earn a four-year college degree, he said.

“Some of them weren’t able to find a career in their chosen field. This is an alternative. You’re earning a living as you’re learning,” Moscaritolo said.

Jeremy Rock, 20, is employed at Bob Weaver as a collision technician. A 2016 STC graduate in collision repair, he did a co-op with another county dealership.

“My grandfather was in the field and I always liked fixing cars but didn’t want to be a mechanic,” Rock, Ashland, said.

One of the more challenging aspects of his job is keeping up with how the cars come apart and with the new materials in them, like aluminum.

Other STC alumni at Bob Weaver include Joe Thurs, an auto technician, and Bryon McMahon, a service adviser, both from Frackville.

“I was a Cardinal Brennan kid and they really pushed a college education. The trades were so much better for me, though, and for my long-term career,” Thurs said. “You have to be committed to your trade, and you should get all the experience you can, when you can.”

Thurs is a GM world class technician, of which there are 1,600 in the nation, and is a Chrysler master technician, based on his additional training.

McMahon is the liaison between the customer and the auto technicians. He explains what’s wrong with the vehicle and what corrective steps can fix it.

“The knowledge I got from that program allowed me to excel,” McMahon said.

Meanwhile, Brianna Geist, a Tri-Valley senior working at Green Valley, saw how working in co-op could expand her career options.

“My little brother got cancer and there were a lot of older patients I saw nurses working with, and I thought that I want to do something like that. I enjoy working with the elderly, and eventually want to work with children, possibly as a pediatric nurse,” Geist, 18, of Hegins, said. She attends STC on Mondays and works the rest of the week at the facility in Pitman. She has her CNA license.

Mary Anne Moore, director of nursing at Green Valley, said the residents welcome the three co-op students working there.

“It’s all about learning and promoting health,” said Moore, who also began her career as a CNA.

Alumni

“Miller Bros. is a good example of where they ended up,” McGinley said.

Although Miller Bros. doesn’t have a school-to-work program, they’ve actively recruited STC alumni, and the company has been supportive on community projects, McGinley said.

Beau Bruso, a project manager and estimator with Miller Bros. Construction Inc., was a 1997 STC graduate in the carpentry program. Company superintendents Joe Snyder and Justin Fetterolf are fellow STC alumni.

Miller Bros. will offer some STC students a special opportunity, tentatively set for May. The students will be invited onto an industrial building site at Leiby’s in Tamaqua, as Miller Brothers begins building an ice cream mix plant.

“They shouldn’t be intimidated,” Bruso said.

Some of the work they’ll see may include excavation, ditch digging, steel tie-in, grading, concrete pouring and forming.

New economy

In STC’s February 2017 issue of its Link magazine, information from Kevin Fleming’s “Success in the New World Economy” video from YouTube is shared.

In a comparison of jobs and related education from 1960 and 2018, Fleming said, in 1960, there were 20 percent of jobs requiring four-year degrees; 20 percent requiring skilled training; and 60 percent were unskilled jobs. In 2018, however, Fleming said Harvard University predicts 33 percent of the jobs will require four-year degrees; 57 percent will require skilled training; and only 10 percent will be unskilled jobs.

Fleming reports 66 percent of all high school graduates enroll in higher education, but only 25 percent of them actually finish a four-year degree.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Man charged with

rape of a child

POTTSVILLE — On Thursday, Pottsville police Detective Joseph Welsh filed a criminal complaint charging Stephen John Prentice, 32, formerly of Pottsville, with rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault of a child, indecent exposure, corruption of minors and sexual abuse of a child.

Police said the charges are the result of an investigation that began on April 8 when they were made aware of the crimes.

The investigation included searches of digital media belonging to Prentice that were found to contain images of the victim along with a video taken by Prentice while he sexually assaulted the victim.

Police said Prentice was later interviewed and admitted to sexually assaulting the child numerous times while he resided at a residence within the City between 2013 and 2015.

Prentice will be formally arraigned at a later date, police said, adding that the man is currently incarcerated at the Schuylkill County Prison on similar charges.

Police: Rain, wind

caused I-81 crash

FRACKVILLE — A woman escaped injury when the 2010 Mazda she was driving crashed in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81, at mile marker 128.7 in Ryan Township, around 7:30 a.m. Monday.

Police said Melanie Roy, 44, of Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, was driving north during rainy and windy weather when she lost control on the wet highway, spun 180 degrees and slid into a ditch along the right shoulder.

Police said Roy was wearing her seat belt and as a result of the crash will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed.

PORT CARBON — An 18-year-old Tamaqua man was arrested Wednesday and charged by Tamaqua police with sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl on March 24.

Corey Barnes, 521 E. Broad St., was arrested by Cpl. Henry Woods and charged with one felony count each of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault, along with misdemeanor offenses of indecent assault of a person under the age of 13, indecent exposure and corruption of minors.

Barnes was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, who set bail at $100,000 unsecured and ordered the man to home confinement with electronic monitoring by Schuylkill County adult probation officers.

In addition, Barnes was forbidden from having any contact with minors and must seek a mental evaluation.

Plachko said he decided to put Barnes on home confinement because the man suffers of Asperger’s syndrome and, due to that mental condition, incarcerating him may be further detrimental to his mental state.

“This decision is due to his mental condition. It was very well thought out after consulting with the prosecuting officer and the (Tamaqua Area) school district,” the judge said.

Woods, in paperwork filed with the court, said the crime came to light on April 11 when he received a call from Tamaqua Area High School Principal Thomas McCabe, who said a student, Barnes, came to his office to report having inappropriate contact with a 10-year-old girl.

Woods said that in a subsequent interview with Barnes, accompanied by his mother, he admitted to meeting the girl at a pool hall on West Broad Street and knowing she was 10 years old.

Barnes said he asked the girl and her 10-year-old friend to play Xbox at his house and, at some point asked the friend to leave, Woods said.

Woods said that Barnes reported he and the girl “made out” and talked about keeping secrets and that he then had sexual intercourse with her.

Woods said that the victim’s account of the events, when interviewed, coincided with those told by Barnes.

Barnes will now have to appear at a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

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

The weather is warmer, the grass is growing and the flowers are budding. You’re energized and looking for something to do. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities right in your backyard to lend your assistance with the arts, children, cancer patients, those wanting to improve their reading skills and the hungry. In addition to experiencing physical and mental health benefits, you just may meet your new best friend.

Tamaqua Community Arts Center volunteers

Responsibility: Help art center with a variety of festive tasks for events, special events and shows. Volunteers needed for carpentry and set building, ticket taking, refreshments, setup and cleanup, classes, concerts, housekeeping, technical assistance with lighting and sound, stage design, costumes, flier design and more.

Times: Flexible, choose availability.

Skills: Friendly and reliable, skilled knowledge in technical tasks.

Location: Tamaqua Community Arts Center

Call: Art center at 570-668-1192.

Child Development Head Start classroom volunteers

Responsibility: Read stories to children to help develop readiness skills for kindergarten.

Times: Flexible, one hour per week or as often as you prefer.

Skills: Volunteers need to complete free background checks and disclosure statement.

Location: Choose from Head Start Centers throughout the county.

Call: Child Development Inc., 570-544-8959

Road to Recovery

drivers

Responsibility: Drive patients to and from treatments. Use own vehicle or agency vehicle if available.

Times: Flexible. Choose own availability or location.

Skills: Must have valid PA driver’s license, good driving record, a reliable vehicle and vehicle insurance. Background checks and orientation required.

Location: In and out of county

Call: American Cancer Society, 570-874-1413

Literacy tutors

Responsibility: Help adults with English as a Second Language (ESL), reading skills or GED preparation. Your assistance can help someone gain employment skills or get a better job and have a higher quality of life for themselves and their family.

Times: Requires a commitment of three hours per week.

Skills: For volunteers age 55 and older. Bachelor’s degree and background checks required. Training and ongoing support provided.

Location: Lifelong Learning Center, new location is near Burger King in Pottsville

Call: Darla Troutman, RSVP of Schuylkill County, 570-622-3103.

Food pantry helpers

Responsibility: Help one of 18 food pantries in the Schuylkill Community Action Distribution Network with additional fall and holiday needs. Help staff with food sorting, storage, packing and more.

Time: As needed and available. Times and needs vary by station.

Skills: Ability to perform assigned tasks. May include lifting and carrying bags, possibly to consumers’ vehicles.

Location: Eighteen pantries throughout Schuylkill County

Call: Jason, Schuylkill Community Action, 570-622-1995.

Walk In Art Center

volunteers

Responsibility: Help staff in a variety of easy ways to help make First Saturday Open House events a fun-filled, entertaining and educational experience for guests. Help also needed for other events and assignments.

Times: 1 to 5 p.m. on the first Saturday of most months

Skills: Friendly, reliable

Location: Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven

Call: Lisa Robinson, 570-0732-3728.

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.

Hegins

The high school students who created the Kids Fight for Animals group in the Tri-Valley area are again planning a carnival for pets and their owners to be held at Valley View Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 23. The event will include regional vendors offering a variety of pet-related merchandise and services. This year’s event, organizers said in a release, will be bigger than the original event in 2017. Christine Lettich, mother of KFFA founder Hailey Lettich said in the release: “The girls are really stepping up to the challenge this year and are excited about making this event even more fun for pets and their owners …” The 2018 carnival will include many rescue groups, including the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, Hillside SPCA, Mommy & Me Rescue, It Takes a Heart Kitten Zoo, Back in Black Rescue and Paws for a Cause PA. The Anthracite Animal Clinic will sponsor this year’s pet agility course and plenty of carnival games will be available for people. Food will also be plentiful at the event, including the Tri-Valley Lions Club selling ice cream, Broad Street Barbeque offering pulled pork sandwiches, K&D Concessions with funnel cakes and shaved ice, Friends of the Tri-Valley Community Pool with tacos-in-a-bag and Wendy Updegrave with hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages. Disc jockey Dan Poletti will provide entertainment; there will be a Chinese auction for which items are still needed. Anyone wishing to donate to the auction should call Tisha Tolar at 570-590-8468. For more information or to be a carnival sponsor, call Christine Lettich at 570-449-7149. Proceeds from the carnival benefit the rescues in attendance.

Hegins

The Valley Lodge Masonic Hall Association will host CMA award-winning vocalist Jimmy Fortune, of Statler Brothers’ fame, for a performance at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Tri-Valley High School. Fortune, according to a release, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007, won the CMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year with the Statler Brothers and was co-host of “The Statler Brothers Show,” a TNN program. Show tickets are $30 per person and can be obtained by calling Leon Maurer at 570-682-9266, William Wolfgang at 570-682-9036, David Otto at 570-682-8148 or Don Bixler at 570-682-8567. Checks should be made payable to Valley Lodge Masonic Hall Association. A roast beef dinner will be available at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Valley View, immediately following the show. Dinner tickets are $15 per person and can be obtained by calling one of the aforementioned numbers. Proceeds will help the Masons with their community service and charity programs, according to the release.

McAdoo

The McAdoo Lions Club will again sponsor the Adopt-A-Flag Program. People who wish to honor loved ones may do so by buying an American flag for $25. The flags will fly throughout the McAdoo and Kline Township areas from Memorial Day until Sept. 11. To participate in the program, call Mary at 570-929-3658.

Pottsville

An Alzheimer’s care-giver support group, “Holding Hands in Care,” has formed at Providence Place Senior Living, 2200 First Ave. The group meets monthly at 6 p.m. at Providence Place and its 2018 schedule includes the following dates: May 15, June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16 and Nov. 20. “If you need a shoulder to lean on, help is always available by calling,” organizers said in an event flier. For more information, call Ashley Vigoda, connections program director at Providence Place, at 570-628-6950.

Pottsville

The Pottsville High School classes of 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947 and 1948 are gathering for a luncheon at the Ruby Tuesday’s, Route 61, at noon April 25. Class members and guests are invited to participate. For more information, call 570-385-5323.

Pottsville

A Senior Health Day community health free blood pressure screening is set for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. May 15 at Providence Place Senior Living, 2200 First Ave. (second floor). All are welcome. For more information, call 570-628-6950.

POTTSVILLE — One of Pottsville’s two hospitals soon will have a new feature designed to aid senior citizens, thanks in part to a grant the Schuylkill County commissioners voted Wednesday to seek from the state.

The commissioners voted to submit an application for $2,000,000 from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program for renovations to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill S. Jackson Street.

Those renovations will allow the development of a senior behavioral health unit at the 420 S. Jackson St. site.

“It’s a good project,” County Administrator Gary Bender told the commissioners.

While Lehigh Valley Health Network will do almost all the work on the project, it could not apply to the state for the money to finance it, according to Bender.

“The county had to be the applicant,” he said.

Lehigh Valley Health Network already has one such unit in the county, at the former Good Samaritan Hospital, now Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street. That 12-bed unit at the 700 E. Norwegian St. facility is a secure environment, overseen by a psychiatrist where patients receive short-term, intensive therapy for depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses, according to the network.

The state Office of the Budget administers the program.

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

POTTSVILLE — It was a day of bikers, beef stroganoff and blessings on Wednesday at St. Joseph Center for Special Learning as a local motorcycle club was thanked for its annual support of the school.

One could almost hear the rock song “Born to be Wild” in the background as motorcycles of the New Minersville FireHouse Bikers roared into the parking lot just before noon. Nine bikers arrived with their motorcycles, with about 20 members in total attending the special hot lunch prepared by school students and staff.

The expression of gratitude by the school was also a treat for some school children who were able to mount up — with some help — on one or more motorcycles to experience a thrill to sit on a bike, and in one case, actually rev the engine.

Before the bikers arrived, there was plenty of activity in the kitchen as the meal of beef stroganoff, wide noodles and green beans was being prepared.

Assistant Development Director Denise Alvarez said the club members are usually thanked for their generosity during Catholic Schools Week in late January.

“We do it always for Catholic Schools Week, but we were so busy this year,” Alvarez said. “They’re going above and beyond this year for us. They are always so good to us.”

The club donated $4,000 to the school raised through its annual Harlen “Hippo” Zimmerman Memorial Poker Run, which is co-sponsored by the New Minersville Fire Company.

Secondary students Tyler Tray and Keith Bouffard worked on cooking the meal with the assistance of secondary teacher Joell Olenik, who directs the life skills and functional academic courses, and teacher assistant Kim Ciarvella. Secondary students Makenna Getten Zachary Mounts and Chris Daubert folded napkins and did other duties to prepare for the luncheon. Desserts were also made, including a specially decorated grouping of cupcakes that looked like a motorcycle.

As everyone gathered in the cafeteria/activity room, the Rev. Leo J. Maletz, pastor of St. Matthew the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Minersville, thanked the club before giving a blessing.

“You do such a wonderful act of charity for this school in helping God’s special children. Thank you,” Maletz said.

Road Captain Fred Bainbridge, Minersville, said the club helped with an autism ride out of Tremont in 2009.

“We picked it up in 2011 and we’ve been doing it every since,” Bainbridge said. “We changed it to the Harlen Zimmerman memorial ride because he was the first member to pass away and we tagged St. Joseph Center as the benefit of the ride and we’ve been doing it ever since.”

Club President Robin “Winky” Wagner, Minersville, said it is great to come to the school and visit with the children.

“The children love when we come over and be able to sit on the bikes,” Wagner said. “You want to see the children have a smile on their face. It’s good thing to get into a bikers club because it’s all about charity. It’s not about making money for the club. Two weeks ago we did a ‘Bunny Run’ in Hummelstown to bring in stuffed bunnies to Hershey hospital where children have cancer. We did the same at Lehigh Valley in Schuylkill County.”

Wagner hopes this year’s poker run will go above last year’s donation of $4,000.

“Every year we try to make a little bit more for the school,” Wagner said.

Principal Roobhenn Smith expressed his gratitude for all the bikers do to help the school.

“I’m here going on three years, and the generosity and friendship that the bikers have displayed has been great. There are no words that really describe what they’ve done and continue to do for the students and the adults at St. Joseph Center,” Smith said. “Their generosity and donations help to offset and subsidize the cost to educate, and it has allowed us to be able to provide scholarships to the students. These luncheons are small tokens of our appreciation for all they do in terms of their support. They push to do more and they definitely help to bring awareness of what we do here. That is appreciated.”

This year’s 100-plus-mile poker run will start at the New Minersville Fire Company, 500 Line St., Minersville. Registration is from 9 to 11 a.m., with the last bike out by 11:30 a.m. June 9. The fee is a donation of $20 for the rider and $10 for a passenger. The fee includes door prizes, refreshments and live music by The Domesticated Maniacs at the end of the ride. For more information, call 570-527-6168.

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

Temporary traffic regulations will be in effect this weekend due to Saturday’s Yuengling Light Lager-Jogger 5K race and block party in Pottsville.

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky listed these restrictions:

• In the block party area — Mahantongo Street from Third to Seventh streets — with vendors setting up stands Friday during the day. Restricted traffic flow will be able to pass through the area until 6 a.m. Saturday, at which time the area will be closed to all vehicular traffic.

The roadway will be reopened around noon Saturday. Wojciechowsky said there will be no parking in the block party area beginning at 8 a.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Saturday.

• Race route: The start/ finish is at Seventh and Mahantongo streets. The route is be Mahantongo Street, from Seventh to 19th streets; 19th Street, from Mahantongo to Norwegian streets; Norwegian Street, from 19th to 22nd streets; 22nd Street, from Norwegian to Mahantongo Street; Mahantongo Street, from 22nd to 20th streets; 20th Street, from Mahantongo Street to Howard Avenue.; Howard Avenue; from 20th to 12th streets; 12th Street, from Howard Avenue to Mahantongo Street; and Mahantongo Street, from 10th to Seventh Street.

Wojciechowsky said there will be temporary no parking regulations in effect along the race route beginning 6:30 a.m. Saturday until the completion of the race which is expected to be around 11 a.m.

The chief also stressed that no traffic will be allowed on or across the race route from about 8 a.m. through the completion of the event.

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

POTTSVILLE — Larry R. Dettery Jr. is headed to state prison after admitting Wednesday to a Schuylkill County judge that he used a bomb threat to rob a bank in May 2017 just south of Frackville in West Mahanoy Township.

Dettery, 39, of Shenandoah, must serve six to 15 years in a state correctional institution, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin ruled. Dolbin also sentenced Dettery to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $3,332.12 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Dettery pleaded guilty to robbery, with prosecutors withdrawing 10 other charges against him.

West Mahanoy Township police alleged Dettery walked into Miners Bank, 504 S. Lehigh Ave., shortly after it opened at 9 a.m. May 26, 2017, placed a package on the counter and handed a note to the teller that it was a bomb and to hurry with giving him the money.

Police said Dettery then fled the area on foot. However, his glasses, sweatshirt and cellphone were found in a wooded area near the bank, and the cellphone contained a photograph of Dettery, according to police.

Police said they found Dettery at his residence and arrested him while he tried to flee. When questioned, Dettery admitted committing the robbery, police said.

Dolbin said the restitution would be divided between the bank, $852, and Chubb Group of Insurance Co., $2,480.12.

The charges prosecutors withdrew included a second count of robbery, two counts of terroristic threats and one count each of bomb threats, theft, receiving stolen property, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct, possession of drug paraphernalia and scattering rubbish.

County District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake referred the case to state Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office for prosecution, and Shapiro released a statement on the case on Wednesday in which he praised police for their work

“This bank robber left innocent employees at the bank feeling in fear for their lives,” Shapiro said. “Fortunately, the defendant left a trail of evidence near the crime scene that pointed law enforcement right back to him, and he was arrested. Thanks to strong law enforcement collaboration between West Mahanoy Township police, Pennsylvania State Police and our prosecutors, we’re delivering justice to the people of Frackville.”

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

Defendant: Larry R. Dettery Jr.

Age: 39

Residence: Shenandoah

Crime committed: Robbery

Prison sentence: Six to 15 years in a state correctional institution

POTTSVILLE — The Pottsville Area school board approved the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Center budgets Wednesday at its monthly meeting.

By unanimous vote, the board approved the 2018-19 Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Administrative and Program budget of $2,435,548. The district’s share was zero, the same as last year. Pottsville Area School District Business Manager Brian Manning said the districts have not paid anything this year because IU 29 has not requested any funding from the districts. In prior years, IU 29 has requested contributions. IU 29 gets funding from other sources, Manning said.

The board will pay less for the 2018-19 Schuylkill Technology Center secondary budget. For the upcoming year, the district will pay $801,331, a decrease from the $864,738 in the 2017-18 school year. Manning said there were expense reductions in the budget.

The board also approved an agreement with IU 29 to establish shelter locations in the event of an emergency evacuation of students and staff.

In other business, the board accepted the retirements of two school district employees, Pamela Delenick, a social studies teacher at the high school, and Susan Ventura, a speech and language therapist. Superintendent Jeffrey Zwiebel said both have been dedicated employees. Delenick has been a full-time teacher at the high school since August 1999. Before that, she was a substitute for a couple years. Ventura has been a speech therapist for the district for nine years.

With the resignation of school board member Scott Thomas, effective April 30, the board voted on who would fill his seat as the Schuylkill IU 29 representative and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association representative.

Board member Michael Stank was voted as the IU 29 and PSBA representative effective May 1. School board President Karen Rismiller was also chosen as a PSBA representative.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Over the past three years, more than 22,000 students visited F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts to attend free children’s programming.

Last year, after funds from an anonymous donor dwindled, the Kirby Center had to brainstorm about ways to keep the Young People’s Theater Series free for audiences. From that grew the venue’s first fundraiser, one that returns on Saturday.

The second F.M. Kirby Fest: A Night of Pints, Pinot and Performing Arts kicks off at 5 p.m. at the downtown Wilkes-Barre venue. Executive director Will Beekman said this year’s event includes “more of everything” at a lower rate. The all-inclusive tickets cost $25 for Kirby members and $30 for nonmembers in advance, and $35 the day of the event.

To align with the night’s laid-back vibe, guests can wander among the tables of food and drink vendors at their own pace. Unlike traditional Kirby Center events, people do not receive assigned seats and can eat and sit wherever they choose — even on the stage.

“What I find I am most excited for was that at last year’s event, before it was even over, vendors were asking if we were doing it again,” Beekman said. “They got just as much out of it as vendors as our patrons did. Those vendors were excited to come back on board, and then other vendors heard about it. I don’t want to say it wasn’t difficult ... but we found it relatively easier to get so many people involved this year.”

Lauren Pluskey McLain, director of development, and Joell Yarmel, manager of membership and corporate sponsorship, booked more than 30 food, wine and beer vendors to place around the theater’s chandelier lobby, mezzanine lobby and downstairs gallery.

Vendors involved in the event include Benny Brewing, Nimble Hill Winery & Brewery, and North Slope, Susquehanna and Wallenpaupack brewing companies; wine from Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, Pisano Family Wines, and Bartolai and Freas Farm wineries; and food from Soup Chic, Genetti’s, Rodano’s, Stegmaier Mansion, City Market & Cafe and Arena Bar & Grill, among others.

Live entertainment will come from K8, PaulSko, Jamie Anzalone from County Lines, Dymond Cutter and Rockology Academy students.

A silent auction of show memorabilia will take place throughout the night and includes signed posters from the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Frankie Valli, Theresa Caputo, Johnny Mathis, the Beach Boys and Alice Cooper.

“In addition to having a larger event in terms of vendors, we have a larger number of autographed items available for auction,” Beekman noted. “Most of the performers who have been at the Kirby Center since last year signed something for us to auction.”

To further support the local arts scene, a handful of artists will display their artwork during the event, including Brittany Boote, Naomi Martin and Tom Martin, with others to be announced.

“I think it’s a win-win-win,” Beekman said. “We get to showcase all of the great local talent, great local restaurants and great local wineries and breweries while also helping to underwrite our children’s educational programs, especially in a time when all of these art and music classes are being cut from our schools.”

Contact the writer: cjacobson@

citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2061

Kelayres

Kline Township is participating in the Schuylkill Keep It Pretty spring cleanup program through Sunday. Those interested in volunteering should call 570-929-2195 or 570-929-3655 and leave a name and phone number. Officials will return the call and get the necessary supplies.

Morea

The South End Field & Stream Club, Morea Road, is accepting trout memorials to be released between 6 and 7 p.m. May 11 for the Kids Rodeo slated for May 12. For more information, call 570-205-5527.

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg Community Players will have auditions at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for its summer Children’s Theater performance of the musical “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” Auditions will be held at the group’s community theater, 283 Hazle St. Young people ages 8 to 17 are invited. Those auditioning should be prepared to recite from memory a short poem, nursery rhyme or prose. They should also come prepared with a song to sing a cappella or to music that they bring on a CD or on a phone. Rehearsals will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays until May 12, when more days will be added to the rehearsal schedule. The actual show dates are June 21-23. For more information, call Suzanne Croll, the director, at 570-384-4608 or email her at suzannelcroll@gmail.com.

Pottsville

M&T Movies at the Majestic will present “The Lorax” at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St. Admission is free and there will be free popcorn, hosted by the Pottsville Recreation Commission and sponsored by M&T. For more information, call 570-628-4647 or visit www.majestictheater.net.

Schuylkill Haven

The South Schuylkill Garden Club will have its annual plant sale from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 19 at the Schuylkill Haven Recreation/Senior Center, Haven Street. All plants are locally grown. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-385-4423 or text 570-640-7511.

Schuylkill Haven

The Rainbow Hose Company has monthly breakfasts through September. Beginning in October, the company will go back to serving breakfasts every other Sunday, according to a release from Jennifer L. Michael, intake and records specialist. Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to noon on April 22, May 20, June 17, July 29, Aug. 26 and Sept. 23.

Shenandoah

A Tuscarora park naturalist will lead a hike to Peddler’s Grave and the “Greeny” atop the mountain northwest of Shenandoah on May 3 in a search for critters in the vernal pools. Participants will meet at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial, Main and Washington streets, Shenandoah, at 10:30 a.m. and car pool to the site. The 5-mile hike is rated moderate. Participants should bring a lunch. Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times and get along with other pets and people. The trek is shine only.

Shenandoah

Trinity Academy in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center will have a theme basket auction April 27 and 28 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish Hall, Frackville. A browse-and-drop is set for 5 to 8 p.m. April 27 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 28. For the auction, doors will open at 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. drawing. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. Food will be sold both days. Businesses or people interested in donating a basket or prize should call the school advancement office at 570-462-3927, Ext. 16. Mary Jo Link and Roxanne Seltzer are the event co-chairwomen. Trinity Academy is the pre-K through eighth-grade parochial school for all of northern Schuylkill County.

Tamaqua

An advance-ticket-only chicken or beef dinner platter sale will be held May 3 with pickups from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Tamaqua Public Library, 30 S. Railroad St. Platters will include beef or stuffed chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, roll and butter. Tickets are $10 each. To buy tickets, call 570-668-4660. The event is sponsored by the Mauch Chunk Trust Co. and proceeds will benefit the library. A bake sale will be held in conjunction with the platter sale.

Deeds

Butler Township — David and Mary Faith to Kristin Beers; 32 Low Road, Homesville; $1,500.

Coaldale — Michael and Amber Murphy to Michael and Susan A. Kuhnash; 158 Second St.; $39,000.

East Union Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Eagle Rock Resort Co. LLC; Lot 398HF3, Eagle Rock; $1,185.42.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Eagle Rock Resort Co. LLC; Lot 148E, Eagle Rock; $1,066.74.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Roderick Fortunato B. and Maria Rodalyn A. Filart; Lot 12WSS3, Eagle Rock; $49,389.

Eldred Township — Ruby H. Hepler to Lyndon B. Hepler and Debra L. Bair; 159 Main Road, Pitman; $1.

Frackville — Xiao Yan Liu, by attorney in fact Wesley Doyle, to Randal A. Wadsworth; 108 N. Lehigh Ave.; $32,000.

Hegins Township — Yvonne Deiter, Ronald Malick and Randall Malick to Yvonne M. Deiter; two properties; $1.

McAdoo — Gary J. Bersavage, administrator c.t.a. of the Estate of Joseph Allen Bersavage, to Gary J. Bersavage; 1 Putnam St. N.; $10.

POTTSVILLE — Accepting life on life’s terms is what participants in the Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court wrote about this week in their mandatory essays, and on Thursday, they revealed many ways they do that.

“It means Joanne has to grow up,” Joanne wrote about what it means to her. “My wants and needs are no longer demands.”

However, she does not let that interfere with her recovery.

“I remain positive every day,” she 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 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, quite possibly to time in a state correctional institution. Five people have been expelled from the program.

Many participants said they now try not to let the ups and downs of life bother them, especially if it would interfere with their recovery from their addiction.

“Life on life’s terms means facing the day,” Jason said. “Stay clean and sober no matter what.”

He also said that overcoming an obstacle and remaining clean can make a good day a great one.

To Rachel, it means not letting the bad things get her down.

“Life on life’s terms means to roll with the punches,” she said. “Life isn’t always fair.”

Michelle said she has been clean for eight months and believes accepting what life gives her is crucial to her continued success.

“I strive to practice this way of living every day,” she said. “Let go and let God.”

Joyce said she has been clean for an entire year and has learned to accept what occurs to her and live by God’s rules.

“Accept life as it is and enjoy life as much as possible,” she said.

Joshua said he has learned that he can control how he acts and reacts to what occurs.

“Life has its joys and its troubles,” he said. “I’ve had some of the greatest moments in recovery.”

Newman said he also has learned not to worry about things he cannot control.

“(Take) life as it happens” is how he accepts life on life’s terms, he said.

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

A three-day festival celebrating art on mediums for every sense will grace the city and its businesses in an effort to drum up patronage and give local artists a chance to display their work next weekend.

The 2018 Block of Art will be held April 27-29 in Pottsville’s perpetually revitalizing downtown, according to Kay Jones, chairwoman of the Block of Art Committee, which is a strategic partnership with Schuylkill County’s VISION, where she is program director. Everything is free and open to the public.

The Block of Art, which began as a few artists’ idea to help local artists while driving businesses downtown, is “an opportunity to come to downtown Pottsville and really just enjoy it,” she said. “Even just the architecture downtown is art. It’s a beautiful city, a city that’s on the verge of this wonderful revitalization. Artists always have been a big part of and will continue to be a big part of it. And you get to meet a lot of people.

“It’s a very relaxing, family-oriented, free event celebrating spring and celebrating Pottsville.”

The weekend kicks off with “one big party” at 6 p.m. April 27 at the former Porterhouse restaurant at The Ramada. There, Mayor James T. Muldowney, county Commissioner Gary Hess and state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, Pottsville, will greet the crowd. Then, music by The Moonlighters in the big-band swing style will ring out. Dancing is encouraged. At some point in the night, Artists in Motion, Schuylkill Haven, will also perform a piece, Jones said.

On April 28, the festivities will expand from one building to the entirety of downtown Pottsville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Music performed on the sidewalk will serenade pedestrians moving from shop to shop enjoying different forms of art in businesses and windows.

“There will be art stops downtown, including City Hall,” Jones said, adding that Sage Coffeehouse, Peter Nein’s gallery, Mud & Maker, Wheel, Crimson House, Mama Millie’s, The Greystone, Something Sweet, Bake Shop VI and others will be taking part displaying magna opera.

Aside from the freedom of wandering, citygoers can also visit two guided tours, one of which will transport them from the reality of Pottsville to the fictionality of Gibbsville, created from the mind of one of the county’s most noted authors. At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Gina Gargano, executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau, will host the John O’Hara Tour of Pottsville. It will start at the visitors center, 1 Progress Ave., and move along a route that served as settings in some of O’Hara’s writing.

In the afternoon, five downtown churches — Trinity Episcopal, Trinity Lutheran, First United Methodist, United Presbyterian and St. Patrick Roman Catholic — will be open for two hours for visitors to take in the stained-glass windows.

“We have some of the most beautiful church windows you will ever see. When coal was king, a lot of the families put these church windows in. The Presbyterian church has these massive Tiffany windows, which are amazing, and a lot of people never see them,” Jones said. “Some of the best art we have in the county are those church windows.”

And for all the sight-seeing for adults, there is something for the kids, too.

The Pottsville Free Public Library is hosting something their mommy might do — a paint ’n’ sip. Except this time, the tables are turned for a sippy cup ’n’ paint. A children’s scavenger hunt will also be held, where kids will have to go to stops along the way, and look for letters to make up the awarded words. When a word is completed, the child’s name is entered into a drawing for gift cards to downtown businesses.

“M&T Bank sponsors the children’s place at The Ramada, where kids can come and do a lot of art projects and an author will be there,” Jones said. “We involve children in the arts as much as we can.”

An “Art Mart” will also be set up there for anyone who wishes to purchase art.

The Block of Art will culminate April 29, with a Brunch with the Artists.

“It’s kind of a foodie’s day. The Greystone does a brunch and The Maid’s Quarters does a children’s day” and serves tea, Jones said.

In order to pad their coffers, Majestic Theater and Block of Art will be doing an art auction May 11 at the Majestic to help support the annual event. Block of Art receives funding through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

“There’s been a lot of really solid, excellent growth in the arts in the county in the last number of years, and it continues,” Jones said. “Art’s been one of the major drivers economically,” in communities seeking to drive capital into commercial centers, she added, and thanks all the sponsors, businesses, partners and volunteers who help make the event possible every year.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BOAPottsvillePA.

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