McAdoo

The McAdoo Lions Club is again sponsoring an adopt-a-flag program. People wishing to honor loved ones may do so by buying an American flag for $25. The flags will fly throughout McAdoo Borough and neighboring Kline Township from Memorial Day until Sept. 11. To participate, call Mary at 570-929-3658. The club will meet at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday in St. Mary Ukrainian Church Hall. Members are asked to note the change in day and time.

New Ringgold

A spaghetti dinner and Chinese auction to benefit Karen McHugh of the New Ringgold area will be held on May 12 at the West Penn Rod and Gun Club, which is located at 1047 Clamtown Road. Doors will open at noon, with meals served from 2 to 6 p.m. The auction will begin at 6 p.m. All proceeds will go toward McHugh’s medical expenses. For more information, or to donate, call 570-436-3085. All are welcome.

Nuremberg

The Twin County Joint Municipal Authority will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the treatment plant. The public is invited.

Pottsville

Free group classes are held at Care Net of Schuylkill County, 171 Red Horse Road. Classes include Toddler Topics at 1 p.m. Mondays, Newborn Topics at 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Breastfeeding at 10 a.m. Thursdays, Labor and Delivery at 5 p.m. Thursdays. To enroll/register, call 570-728-2135. More information also is available at www.freepregnancyhelp.org.

Ringtown

The annual Ascension Day service will be held at 10 a.m. May 10 at the historic Old White Church, 189 Cemetery Hill Road. The speaker will be the Rev. Darryl Kennsinger, currently pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ, Tamaqua. A covered-dish luncheon will follow the service at St. John’s Lutheran Church, West Main Street.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Area Free Public Library’s monthly children’s story and craft program with “Miss Gianna” will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the library, located in the municipal complex at Washington and Main streets. The event will include a new story and making a take-home craft. For more information, call the library at 570-462-9829. The library, according to a release, will also have a book sale May 15-17. All paperbacks will be 10 cents each and all hardcover books will be 25 cents each. Library hours, according to its website, are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. The library is closed on Sundays.

Shenandoah

The effort to transform the former J.W. Cooper High School building at White and Lloyd streets into a multipurpose community center is ongoing and people are welcome to become part of the nonprofit restoration and revitalization initiative. Supporters are led by jeweler Kent Steinmetz, who bought the building in 2009, and a board of directors. Although progress has been slow due to funding and building use restraints, work is continuing thanks to volunteers and local companies who periodically provide material and equipment. Supporters also have been buoyed by word that similar efforts in other communities to save and revitalize landmark school buildings have been met with overwhelming community support. The Cooper building’s historic nature is without rival. The intent of the local project is to transform the building into a regional hub for business/commerce, recreation, arts/crafts, relaxation and entertainment including musical and theatrical performances. The J.W. Cooper Community Center is the official name under which the building is listed with the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit entity under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code since 2014 — meaning contributions to the effort are tax deductible. To reach Steinmetz, call 570-617-8920 or e-mail kent@steinmetzjewelers.com. For more information about the community center, go online to www.jwcoopercenter.org.

POTTSVILLE — On Thursday, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin revoked the parole of Matthew M. Wurst, 29, of Jim Thorpe, and recommitted him to prison to serve the rest of his sentence.

Wurst, who admitted violating his parole by failing to report to his supervising officer, originally pleaded guilty on Sept. 7, 2016, to retail theft, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of conspiracy and simple assault. At that time, Dolbin sentenced him to serve 123 days to 12 months in prison and pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, a $185.75 bench warrant fee and $494.42 restitution.

Rush Township police originally charged Wurst with committing the theft on Dec. 29, 2015, in the township.

Wurst, who could remain in prison until Oct. 3 under the terms of Dolbin’s order, sat through Thursday’s hearing wearing handcuffs and a prison jumpsuit.

In other recent Schuylkill County Court action, Judge James P. Goodman accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Sean Anderson, 40, of Quakake; driving under the influence; five days to six months in prison, $300 fine, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of disorderly conduct.

Brandon Arnold, 25, of Bethlehem; defiant trespass; $300 fine. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Eimont Bronzini, 59, of Tamaqua; disorderly conduct; $300 fine. Prosecutors withdrew charges of recklessly endangering another person, unlawful hunting, public drunkenness and a second count of disorderly conduct.

Cassandra R. Carl, 25, of Minersville; two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation and $200 in SAEF payments. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

William M. Cook, 50, of Pottsville; DUI; six months probation, $300 fine, $100 SAEF payment and 10 hours community service.

All defendants who were sentenced must pay costs as a part of their sentences.

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

SAINT CLAIR — Despite cold, windy weather Sunday, people came out to support the 30th annual Duck Race.

The event benefits Avenues, with proceeds going to help people with disabilities. It is held at the Coal Creek Commerce Center and the ducks “swim” down Mill Creek.

Though the race still drew a crowd, the weather did impact the turnout.

“Not a lot of people are staying because of weather,” said Brett Huffman, marketing manager and special events coordinator with Avenues.

Huffman said it was the coldest day for the race in at least 10 years.

Those who did brave the weather paid $5 to “adopt” a duck for a chance to win one of 26 prizes, with the top prize being $1,000 cash. Other prizes included a flat screen TV, Yuengling golf bag, gift cards and a child’s bicycle. The event also featured a raffle, bounce house and games.

The winner of the $1,000 was a dog named Chloe, a yorkie mix from Pottsville.

Gladys Fogarty, Pottsville, Chloe’s owner, doesn’t know what she will spend the money on except maybe Chloe’s monthly appointments and toys. Fogarty often attends the duck race to contribute to the cause.

Huffman said people write down the names of their pets, but to his knowledge it is the first time an animal has won.

More than 5,000 ducks were dumped into Mill Creek about 3:32 p.m.

“We came to see the ducks,” Samantha Jalonski, Orwigsburg, said. She attended the event with her husband, Justin Schwalm, and their children, Paislee, 3, Justin Jr. 2, and Colton, 4 months.

“It’s too cold to go fishing outside,” Schwalm said.

Heather Whitcomb, 41, of Fountain Springs, attended the duck race for the first time.

“Honey, I never said it was going to be warm over here,” Whitcomb said to her son, Andrew, 5, as they waited for the ducks to be dumped.

Her husband, James, 40, and daughter Ainsley, 9, were playing in the Hawk Mountain Highlanders bagpipe group.

Some of the ducks completed the journey, while many got stuck on rocks.

“Oh, my gosh. Look how many there are,” Issac Weiderhold, 8, of Pottsville, said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — A Schuylkill Haven woman is headed to Schuylkill County Court to defend against two charges stemming from what police allege is her neglect in the care of her mother in 2017 in South Manheim Township.

Abigail E. Sonnon, 26, of 253 E. Liberty St., faces charges of neglect of care-dependent person and recklessly endangering another person. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over both charges for court after Sonnon waived her right to the hearing.

State police at Schuylkill Haven allege Sonnon failed to provide care for Barbara Bast from Jan. 1, 2017, through April 26, 2017, at her mother’s 1301 Summer Hill Road residence.

Police said Sonnon, who was being paid to serve as Bast’s primary caregiver, allowed her to develop a sore on her right buttock. That sore spread internally and became life threatening, according to police.

In spite of that, Sonnon never sought to provide, or arrange for, care for her mother, police said. As a result, Bast had to be taken to Lehigh Valley Health Network-Cedar Crest, where she was sedated and put on a ventilator, according to police.

Furthermore, the residence needed three treatments for bed bugs, police said.

Sonnon is free on $5,000 unsecured bail pending further court action.

Other defendants whose cases Ferrier considered on Tuesday, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the matters included:

Robert J. Kirchman, 23, of 85 Hobbie Road, Nescopeck; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Mario J. Michel, 42, of 301 S. Centre St. Apt. 3, Pottsville; driving under the influence, speeding and disregarding traffic lane; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Alexa M. Peters, 22, of 35 Mine View, Morgantown; DUI, driving without a license and no rear lights; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Jarret A. Zalonka, 18, of 325 Laurel Road, Deer Lake; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; charges held for court after preliminary hearing that Zalonka did not attend. Ferrier asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Zalonka.

Stephen J. Bayer

A Pottsville man charged by Tamaqua police with threatening to kill a woman in the borough on Feb. 9 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Nicholas J. D’Angelo, 27, of 320 E. Race St., was arrested by Patrolman Thomas Rodgers and charged with terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, harassment and criminal mischief.

By waiving his right to a hearing, D’Angelo will now have to answer to all of the charges against him in Schuylkill County Court.

Rodgers charged D’Angelo with going to a residence at 143 Penn St. around 11:30 p.m. banging on the door of the mother of his child, Karissa Danko, and threatening to kill her.

D’Angelo, who was recently served court papers by Danko, continued to bang on the door causing damage and when unable to get in started banging on windows while continuing his threats to kill the woman.

Other court cases included:

Joseph R. Becker, 35, of 43 W. Howard Ave., Coaldale; waived for court: burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal trespass.

Amber N. Allen, 26, of 230 East St., Coaldale; waived for court: escape.

Keith J. Schlosser, 35, of 438 E. Broad St., Tamaqua; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Angelo V. Maldonado, 28, of 121 Pitt St., Tamaqua; held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Stephanie Parliament, 31, of 886 Barnesville Drive, Barnesville; waived for court: theft, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.

Zachary A. Zimmerman, 26, of 238 E. Broad St., Apt. 2, Tamaqua; held for court: possession of a controlled substance.

Scott M. Boyer, 42, of 113 W. Broad St., Tamaqua; waived for court: DUI-highest rate, permitting violation-DUI-controlled substance, DUI-controlled substance and DUI.

Harry A. Moerder, 44, of 128 Clay St., Tamaqua; waived for court: firearms not to be carried without a license, recklessly endangering another person, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Allison Sanders, 38, of 80 Pine Hill Road, New Ringgold; waived for court: retail theft.

Joseph Franz, 30, of 214 Lombard St., Tamaqua; waived for court: conspiracy, theft and receiving stolen property.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The Moving Wall, a traveling, half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be at The Island for four days, beginning May 10.

Area residents and others can pay respects to those lost in the war at the wall designed by John Devitt, Gerry Haver and Norris Shears, all Vietnam veterans.

The moving wall was originally supposed to be stationary on the West Coast, so people in that part of the country could experience a visit to the wall without traveling to Washington, D.C. However, only after veterans asked about its mobility did Devitt decide it would be a moving wall.

Devitt began work on the portable wall in February 1983 and completed it in October 1984.

The wall is made of aluminum panels, having a surface painted with a two-part polyurethane gloss black, which gives a mirror-like finish, and mounted to angular aluminum frames. The aluminum structure is supported from the back by 76 steel square tubular braces.

The Veterans of the Vietnam War Inc. of Schuylkill County had plans to bring the wall here last year for its 20th anniversary, but timing and scheduling issues forced a change of plans. Afterward, officials elected to schedule the wall for a visit as soon as possible.

“This process has been going on for a year,” member Gary Wayne Hummel said.

The wall is scheduled to arrive May 10 and will be at The Island until May 14.

The wall is open to the public each day and each evening will have a specific activity, including a candlelight ceremony on May 12, where the 89 people from the state will be remembered.

Of the 89 Pennsylvanians listed on the wall, 38 are from Schuylkill County. There are four other names of those killed en route to Vietnam before entering the war not on the wall, but they will be recognized, along with Henry Tipping, a soldier still listed under the POW-MIA category.

“As long as there’s a breath in my body, that candlelight service is going to go on. It has to,” Hummel said. “It’s about honoring the 58,000-plus that paid the ultimate price.”

May 13 will be Gold Star Family Day, where the 38 county residents’ names will be read. A Gold Star Family is a family that has lost a member in combat. Gold Star Families are asked to contact John Russell, committee chairman, at 570-573-2564.

“We care about all our vets. That’s how it should be,” Hummel said.

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

POTTSVILLE — Some of the curbs and sidewalks in Pottsville are in need of repair and difficult to traverse if you’re in a wheelchair, a Schuylkill Haven woman said and brought into question the compliancy with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Virginia McDonald, 53, visited the city with her wheelchair-bound son, David, 26, who was hit by a car last year in Schuylkill Haven. She didn’t expect the trip from Fourth Street to the Pottsville Free Public Library to be a bumpy ride.

“I thought David was going to fall out of the wheelchair,” she said.

The family parked near Fourth and West Market streets. Her husband, Brian, 54, pushed David east from Fourth Street to the Pottsville Free Public Library and then to Roma Pizza and Third Street. Usually he is dropped off by someone so he can visit the library, but this time they decided to take him. They had no problem when she got to the library.

Later they walked west and stopped at North Third and West Market streets deciding not to go any more.

She said some of the curbs are in need of repair and believes not compliant with the ADA.

“There is a gigantic hole in the curb. Somebody can really hurt themselves,” she said of one area.

She is not only concerned about the safety of her son but with the foot traffic in the city, anyone can hurt themselves if not careful, she said.

“I think something should be done about it. Imagine an old person by themselves and trying to move around,” she said.

She didn’t tell anyone about the sidewalks and curbs because she admitted she didn’t pay that much attention to them until the visit to the library.

David Petravich, city building code officer, agreed some of the sidewalks and curbs in Pottsville are less than perfect.

He is unaware of any recent complaints about city curbs or sidewalks. He said they simply don’t have the manpower to go and look at every curb and sidewalk in the city.

“We encourage people to call,” if they have a concern, he said.

Complaints can be made at city codes office in City Hall during normal business hours. Information will remain confidential unless it goes to court, he said.

Looking at the east side of Fourth and West Market streets, Petravich said the curb is in need of repair.

“It’s a mess,” he said.

He said the blacktop is coming up.

“A trip/ fall hazard,” would be a violation, Petravich said.

Another example is at the corner of West Market and North Third streets. It looks as if a repair job was attempted to fill in a hole near the curb.

Owners are responsible for their sidewalks and curbs, according to city codes.

“To today’s standards they are not ADA-compliant but when they were installed they were,” Petravich said of some of the curbs.

City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said when problems arise, the city tries to work with the responsible owners.

Pottsville City Code section 194-22 says in part the following:

“No owner, tenant, or occupant of any premises in front of which any curbs, gutters or pavements are or may become out of repair shall neglect or refuse repair the same within 10 days of service of notice to that effect to be given by the city engineer, in the case of gutters, and by the director of streets sand public improvements, in the case of curbs and sidewalks, if, in their opinion, the condition shall be liable to cause injury to pedestrians.

Permits are needed for work for constructing, replacing or repairing curbs, gutter or sidewalks, according to city code.

“Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall be fined not more than $600 and, in default of pavement of fine and costs, be imprisoned not more than 90 days.”

City codes can be found online at www.city.pottsville.pa.us.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Coaldale

St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus needs volunteers to help make a difference with patients in the skilled nursing unit, inpatient nursing or emergency department by spending time socializing, providing comfort items and assisting staff with various supportive duties. Officials said in a release St. Luke’s volunteers are greatly appreciated and valued members of the hospital team. For more information or to join the program, call 484-526-4600 or go online to www.slhn.org/volunteerNOW.

Pottsville

The National Day of Prayer will be observed from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Schuylkill County Courthouse, Laurel Boulevard. The rain location is Four Square Church, 23rd and Mahantongo streets. At 7 p.m. there will be a vigil at Yuengling Park. There will also be vigils at several spots throughout Schuylkill County. The sponsor is the National Day of Prayer Task Force, according to a release.

Pottsville

An American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the office in Fairlane Village mall, Route 61. People 17 and older (16 with parental consent), weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to arrange for an appointment, call 800-733-2767.

Schuylkill Haven

St. Mark’s (Brown’s) Church, 151 Summerhill Road, will have Kauffman’s chicken barbecue, Chinese auction and soup/bake sale on May 12. Doors will open at 9 a.m., the drawing will be at 2 p.m. and dinner pickups will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to a release. For more information, email gingerpa2000@yahoo.com.

Shenandoah Heights

West Mahanoy Township officials have again vowed to crack down on littering and illegal dumping and have repeated a warning that anyone caught illegally dumping in the township will be prosecuted and fined. Officials have previously issued warnings against the offenses but the practice has continued. Chairman David Lukashunas said the township’s anti-littering ordinance carries a fine of up to $1,000 for violators. Anyone who witnesses illegal littering or dumping should call the township police at 570-462-1991. The township also has an ordinance that prohibits all outside burning.

Tamaqua

Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center Inc. is looking for volunteers to help with its program of therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs. It is a registered nonprofit organization, staffed entirely by volunteers and located 10 miles south of Tamaqua near Route 309. It offers therapeutic riding lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings now through October. Lesson volunteers need to be at least 14 years old, in good health and able to walk for an hour at a time, according to a release. They must successfully complete the volunteer training session. While experience with horses and/or people with disabilities is helpful, it’s not necessary. Volunteer assistance of professionals in the allied health fields of physical, occupational and speech therapy are also needed, as well as people with horse experience to lead horses, plus people to assist participants during riding lessons. The center also needs people to assist with grounds maintenance, cleaning saddles and bridles and fundraising. Anyone interested in volunteering should call Jane Ostroski at 610-298-2546 or email jeohhtlc15@gmail.com. For information, go online to www.horsesandhorizons.org or call Elaine or Harvey Smith at 570-386-5679.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Area Middle School Music Department will present its annual spring choral concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Tamaqua Area Auditorium. It will feature performances by the sixth-grade chorus, seventh/eighth-grade chorus and seventh/eighth-grade select chorus. Accompanists for the middle school choirs are Antonetta Gerace, Faith Roberts and Maura Walker. The choirs are under the direction of John Buglio. The concert is free and open to the public. Doors to the auditorium will open at 6:45 p.m. For more information, call John Buglio at 570-668-1210.

POTTSVILLE — A new event for those interested in the arts is coming to Schuylkill County.

The Festival of the Arts, hosted by the Schuylkill Theater Association, will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Fairlane Village mall.

This first-year event features performances during the day by area theater groups, dance schools, singing groups and musicians. It will be exhibition-like, where different organizations have booths or tables to display information about themselves.

“One of the goals of the association is to offer quality events and to promote and help the growth of the performing arts in our area. From the free youth theater workshop, performances by area groups throughout the day, organizations having tables to give out information on their own program to the ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ youth vocal competition, I think we are fulfilling some of those goals and we look forward to providing a fun, positive event for the community,” association President Sandy Kost-Sterner said in an email.

According to Kost-Sterner, there are a few time slots available for groups or organizations wishing to perform. Those interested in registering should contact schuylkilltheater@gmail.com or call 570-449-1293.

“We are keeping the event small this year as this is the first year but will build on it for next year,” Kost-Sterner said.

There will be a free youth theater workshop in the former Fashion Bug store. The workshop is open to boys and girls in grades K-8. There will be different times for each age group. There are two slots, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. These are an hour long and aimed toward beginners, although all levels are welcomed, according to Kost-Sterner. Participants are suggested to wear comfortable clothes to move around in.

Following the expo, a youth vocal competition called “Stars of Tomorrow” will begin at 7 p.m. This is open to students in grades K-12. All singers will sing one song of their choice; each song must be no longer than three minutes. Music must be brought on a thumb drive or CD with the participant’s name on it. The deadline to enter “Stars of Tomorrow” is Thursday.

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

Deeds

Ashland — Pingora Loan Servicing LLC to Secretary of Veterans Affairs; 2000 Walnut St.; $10.

Turkey Hill LP to TH Minit Markets LLC; 1638 Centre St.; $1.

Branch Township — Linda L. Zimmerman to Jason J. Arner; 3.245-acre property on Route 209; $1.

Butler Township — Dillon Real Estate Co. Inc. to TH Minit Markets LLC; 2391 Fairgrounds Road, Lavelle; $1.

Coaldale — Jamie C. Snyder to Brittany L. Hamilton; 32 Foster Ave.; $50,000.

Joe Otto to Felix Angel Morales; 118 W. High St.; $15,000.

East Union Township — Eddie and Luz Dela Cruz to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 331HF3, Eagle Rock; $10.

Naomi Wangari Kanyugi and Grace Wangari Kabiru to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 247HF4, Eagle Rock; $10.

Joseph A. and Angelina M. Mangosing to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 211HF3, Eagle Rock; $37,269.

East Union Township and Black Creek Township, Luzerne County — Zosimo and Teresita Sangalang to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 186HF4 and 1/208th interest in Units 1301-1304, Sugarloaf Townhomes, Eagle Rock; $10.

Frackville — Frank Dingianni to Tanya A. and Michael Goodman; 310 S. Nice St.; $126,900.

Mahanoy City — Loida Trautwein, by attorney in fact Steven B. Trautwein, to Gage A. Cara and Stephanie Krupilis; 112 E. Centre St.; $19,000.

Raylyns Goodies to Go to John Davidovich; 800 E. Centre St.; $300.

Mahanoy Township — Henry Leary to Jennifer Lynn Kufrovich and Lawrence Scheib; 392 Roosevelt Drive, New Boston; $7,000.

New Castle Township — John Skrincosky, executor of the Estate of Margaret A. Skrincosky, to Frank A. Muscara; 141 Chestnut St., Arnot’s Addition; $33,000.

Diamond Credit Union to Kaitlyn E. Thompson; 138 Arnot St., Arnot’s Addition; $39,900.

Norwegian Township — Emil George Lohin, individually and as executor of the Estate of Emil Lohin, and Jacquelyn Andrea Lohin to Ryan D. and Bridget L. Goodman; 246 Bulls Head Road; $111,500.

Dillon Real Estate Co. Inc. to TH Minit Markets LLC; 1565 Bunting St.; $1.

Orwigsburg — Vicky L. Marshall to Dennis L. Musser; 101 N. Sherman St.; $44,000.

Pine Grove — Dillon Real Estate Co. Inc. to TH Minit Markets LLC; 134 S. Tulpehocken St.; $1.

Pine Grove Township — Wayne B. Kintzel and Barry L. Kintzel, individually and as co-executors of the Estate of Nathan J. Kintzel, Kenneth K. Kintzel and Judy A. Rhody to Wayne B. Kintzel; 97 Pine Hill Road; $1.

Pottsville — Charles A. and T. Mary Rinaldo to Joseph M. and Suzanne K. Wollyung; 115 S. 21st St.; $175,500.

Joyce A. Torpey, by attorney in fact Richard J. Torpey, to Joseph C. Jr. and Dorothy M. Weise; 501 Greenwood Ave.; $48,500.

Edward Brahler to Darren and Sarah DeArment; 1009 Howard Ave.; $82,500.

Reilly Township — MSR-SLT LLC to Paul Dockey; 32 Pine St., Branchdale; $21,000.

Rush Township — First United Methodist Church to Andrew and Analisha Danko; 25 Clarryan St., Hometown; $159,900.

Schuylkill Haven — Donna M. Henninger and Tina A. Roland to Robert M. Sheipe; 66 Hickory St.; $130,000.

Dillon Cos. Inc. to TH Minit Markets LLC; 336 W. Columbia St.; $1.

Schuylkill Township — Joseph G. and Lynda L. Jakubco to Joseph G. and Lynda L. Jakubco; 717 Broad St., Tuscarora; $1.

Ann Reed, executrix of the Estate of Eileen G. Fedak, to Paul M. Fedak Jr.; 596 Old 209 Road, Newkirk; $1.

Ann Reed, executrix of the Estate of Eileen G. Fedak, to Paul M. Fedak Jr.; 592 Old 209 Road, Newkirk; $1.

Shenandoah — James and Leona M. Novatka to James and Leona M. Novatka; 210 E. Penn St.; $1.

Dillon Cos. Inc. to TH Minit Markets LLC; 120 S. Main St.; $1.

South Manheim Township — Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to Brandon M. and Rebecca D. Devlin; 2319 Spear Cove, Lake Wynonah; $179,900.

Tamaqua — Thomas J. Laughlin, administrator CTA of the Estate of Ann E. Laughlin, to Steven Heffelfinger; 52 Bowe St.; $35,000.

Tower City — Bruce L. II and Jennifer A. Bender to Jennifer A. Bender; 44 E. Grand Ave.; $1.

Washington Township — Sterling M. Moyer to Eric and Crystal Jackson; 860 and 862 Rock Road, Rock; $162,500.

Marriage licenses

James H. Philyaw, Tamaqua, and Jamie E. Curvey, Tamaqua.

Alan M. Postreich, Saint Clair, and Cindy L. Bradley, Saint Clair.

Mackenzie W. Walsh, Tamaqua, and Victoria L. Hankee, Tamaqua.

Michael G. Radziewicz, Ringtown, and Athina Marie J. Parsons, Ringtown.

Michael D. Orotsley, Somerset, and Amanda R. Williams, Fayetteville.

Joshua W. Matheny, Somerset, and Mary J. McIntyre, Garrett.

Daniel J. Lugo, Somerset, and Jovanka G. Mena, Allentown.

Divorces granted

Darin Ruch, New Ringgold, from Melissa Ruch, Lehighton.

Dennis Urbanski, Saint Clair, from Edith Urbanski, Sunbury.

Kimberly Morath-Helsley, Tamaqua, from Jesse Helsley, Dallas.

Chelsea Crary, Pine Grove, from Bart Crary, Pine Grove.

Kirk Becker, New Philadelphia, from Jennifer Becker, Seltzer.

Kelly Luckenbill, Pottsville, from Brian Luckenbill, Pottsville.

19 area restaurants

in 3rd Empty Bowl

TAMAQUA — Nineteen area restaurants are participating in the third annual Tamaqua Community Empty Bowl Dinner on Wednesday hosted by the outreach team at Zion Lutheran Church, Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets.

The event is open from noon to 7 p.m. for lunch and dinner and is part of the 2018 Tamaqua Hunger Walk activities that benefit the three community food banks serving nearly 300 local families, according to an event press release.

An Empty Bowl Dinner, according to the release, brings together restaurants, artists, bakeries, faith communities and neighbors to raise money to help people in need in the community.

Participating businesses include the Stadium Hill Cafe, Basile’s, the Beacon Diner, M&I Deli, Nancy’s, Two Kings, Skipper Dipper, Sisters Cantina, La Dolce Casa, the New Asian Bistro, Shick’s, The Station, Tommy’s, Senape’s, Heisler’s, Pamkakes, Rita’s, Leiby’s Ice Cream House & Restaurant and Knepper’s Inn.

Attendees have three options. The soup pass ($5) allows the holder to select one bowl of soup. A super soup pass ($10) allows the holder to sample all of the soups and the super soup bowl pass ($15) allows the holder to sample all of the soups and select one of the hand-crafted bowls available. All passes include bread, dessert and beverage. Takeout quarts will also be available.

Some “very special bowls” will also be chanced off in an Empty Bowl Auction.

For more information about the dinner, bowl auction and a complete menu, visit www.ziontamaqua.com or Zion Lutheran’s Facebook page.

Solar Innovations supports firefighters

PINE GROVE — Solar Innovations Architectural Glazing Systems, 31 Roberts Road, has raised more than $4,000 for volunteer firefighter education in Schuylkill and Lebanon counties during its 2018 first-quarter Solar Cares campaign.

The effort, according to a Solar Innovations press release, was created to “dedicate extra time and effort into giving back to the surrounding community.”

This quarter, money was raised by 74 percent of the office team members with $2,127.50 being donated to the Lebanon County Fireman’s Association and $2,127.50 donated to the Schuylkill County Training Academy. Including team member donations and the company match, Solar Innovations was able to donate a total of $4,255 to the two local organizations, officials said in the release.

The Lebanon County Firefighter’s Association’s purpose is “to assure the general advancement of fire services throughout the county” with a total of 49 fire companies under its jurisdiction. It also provides training for local firefighters.

The Schuylkill County Training Academy “offers comprehensive fire and safety training on-site by state certified instructors.” Most programs the academy offers are accredited through the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and Bucks County Community College, according to the release.

The Solar Cares campaign was launched in October 2015 and in less than three years, it has raised more than $30,000 in donations plus a variety of supplies such as toys, coats, non-perishable food items, pet supplies, and cleaning supplies. It continues to hold companywide fundraisers every quarter.

Solar Innovations, according to the release, is a single-source provider of custom glazed structures, skylights, windows and doors. For more information about the firm or to request a brochure, go to its website at www.solarinnovations.com, email skylight@solarinnovations.com or call 800-618-0669.

First Saturday

at Walk In center

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The May First Saturday Open House at the Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway, will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday with new exhibitions in the main gallery, artist hallways and the community gallery.

According to an event flier, admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

The main gallery will feature Elaine Soltis; the featured studio artist will be Johnathan Paroby in Studio 319; Gary MacCready will be the artist association feature in Studio 302 and the community gallery will feature the Tamaqua Area School District.

For more information, call 570-732-3728, go online to walkinartcenter.org or to Facebook: Walk In Art Center.

WIAC will feature Art in the Park at Stoyer’s Dam, Bubeck Park, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 12.

According to the flier, people will be able to complete Mother’s Day shopping from artist vendors and direct-sale vendors.

Admission for Art in the Park is free and WIAC is still accepting vendors, both direct sales representatives and artists. Vendors can register to participate online at https://bit.ly/2ikQQhA.

The event will also feature live entertainment and food by Rainbow Hose Company.

Art in the Park is being sponsored by WIAC, Schuylkill County’s VISION and the Schuylkill Haven Recreation group, which will rent tables and chairs for an additional fee. The recreation group’s quarters is at 340 Haven St., which can be reached by calling 570-385-1313.

WIAC will stage a folk art and culinary festival from 1 to 5 p.m. June 2 in its third-floor main gallery.

“See and taste the folk arts of our region,” organizers said in the flier. There will be demonstrations and artists and vendors will be on hand to showcase and sell their wares.

Admission is free; registration fees are waived thanks to M&T Bank, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation and Wilmington Trust.

PBPW Club

slates meeting

POTTSVILLE — The Pottsville Business and Professional Women’s Club will have its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. May 8 in the Blu Tavern Restaurant, Llewellyn.

The dinner meeting will feature Peg Luksik, Johnstown, as the guest speaker, according to a club press release. The club welcomes and encourages anyone who wishes to attend.

For reservations or more information, call Theresa at 570-527-8049 or Lisa at 570-385-2350.

Health/Wellness

Expo scheduled

POTTSVILLE — Total Acessibility LLC and Comfort Keepers will host a Health & Wellness Expo at Fairlane Village mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 22.

The event, according to a flier, will include presentations at center court plus drawings for door prizes.

Caregivers are encouraged to bring their clients and families and agencies are encouraged to provide a service or screening during the expo, according to the flier.

The expo will be about “everything you wanted to know about your health but didn’t know where to find help,” organizers said in the flier.

For more information, call 570-622-7785.

Orwigsburg ready

for Yappy Hour

ORWIGSBURG — Yappy Hour, sponsored by the Orwigsburg Business & Professional Association, is scheduled for 5:30 to 9 p.m. May 10 at Town Square.

The event will include live music by the Crossroads Duo, vendors, demonstrations by Lead Your K9 and Charwill Dog Training, a Chinese auction and complimentary “Yappetizers” by PawPrints Pet Salon.

Pets will be able to participate in “Paws on Parade” with prizes awarded for best dressed king and queen, biggest and smallest pet, owner and pet look-alike, trickiest pet and youngest handler.

For more information, 610-462-9167. The OBPA headquarters is at 209 N. Warren St.

Other events on the association’s 2018 calendar include:

· The Family Funfest is scheduled for 5:30 to 9 p.m. June 14 at the Town Square.

· Farm to Square will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 9 in the Town Square.

· Heritage Day is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 8 in the Town Square.

· The Festival of Lights will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 in the Town Square.

All are welcome to attend any or all of the events.

For more information, contact the OBPA, 209 N. Warren St., via email at orwigsburgbusinesspa@gmail.com or via its Facebook page: Orwigsburg Business and Professional Association.

Five in Schuylkill

picked for EOZ

TAMAQUA — The borough is one of five Schuylkill municipalities nominated for the federal Economic Opportunity Zones program, Gov. Tom Wolf announced.

Other nominees include Tremont Borough and Foster, Reilly and Frailey townships, according to a release.

Enacted by Congress in December 2017 as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the opportunity zones program aims to generate long-term revenue for rural and urban low-income communities across the country by using tax incentives to foster private investment.

State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, noted in the release the challenges that many communities face: “Pennsylvania has many struggling towns and cities, both large and small, across the state. Since the 1950s, many of our local communities have struggled,” Argall said, adding, “This new bipartisan initiative is designed to help employers create more local jobs.”

The importance of creating more local jobs was a key topic for Argall during Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings. Argall is a senior committee member who said communities in his district are looking for ways to rebuild.

State Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City, said characterized the announcement as “very good news for Schuylkill County.”

Out of more than 1,00- eligible communities, he said, Wolf “nominated five from our county for this new initiative. The opportunity zones will encourage private investment and create good-paying jobs.”

The U.S. Department of Treasury has 30 days to review the governor’s submission of program nominees.

Chamber adds to

mixers, sessions

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has several upcoming sessions on its agenda. People may register for all chamber programs online at www.schuylkillchamber.com. The chamber and the SEDCO/chamber conference center are at Union Station, 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201, Pottsville, PA 17901.

The sessions include:

· A gathering focused on STaRT — Start Today and Retire Tomorrow — will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. May 15 at the chamber/SEDCO Conference Center presented by George Dillman, investor education coordinator, state Department of Banking and Securities.

· The chamber Education Committee will sponsor Work Less … Play More time management from 9 to 10:30 a.m. May 17 in the chamber/SEDCO Conference Center with Maureen Donovan of Lehigh Carbon Community College.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — While the Penn State Schuylkill seniors will be building their futures with Saturday’s graduation, four other Penn State Schuylkill students will build a better future for others.

Ian McGowan, Raquele Amato, Marla Stoner and Alyssa Hatter, along with five other Penn State students from two other branches, depart Saturday for Amarante, Portugal, to work on a Habitat for Humanity construction project for a family of three — an elderly man, his daughter and her son.

Both the mom and grandfather are sick. The house they are living in does not have a complete roof, electricity and indoor bathroom. It is not known whether the group will repair the current house or be constructing a new house. The trip was made possible by a $15,000 grant from the Student Engagement Network Office at the Hetzel Union Building in University Park.

“Without that grant, we couldn’t have done this,” Bryan Valentine, director of student affairs, said.

Valentine will oversee the nine students in Portugal. Valentine scoured the Schuylkill campus for students whom he knew he could trust, would follow the rules, wouldn’t sneak off and would represent themselves and the university well.

“I was looking for the best of the best. These students are the cream of the crop. These are the ones who have earned the privilege to go on this trip. These kids I trust whole-heartedly,” Valentine said.

The Penn State students will aid the construction project for five days and later explore Portugal, learning about the cultural differences between Portugal and the United States. They will also visit the University of Minho. For some of the PSU Schuylkill members, this isn’t their first time fixing or building houses. McGowan and Stoner went on an alternative spring break project in 2017 to Santa Rosen Beach, Florida, to work on houses destroyed by fire.

“We know that it’s really rewarding. I think it’ll give us some sort of advantage having done it before,” Stoner said. Stoner will celebrate her 21st birthday on the trip.

“I’m happy I get to do something meaningful on my birthday,” Stoner said.

This is the first Habitat for Humanities trip for both Amato and Hatter.

“I’m very excited about it,” Hatter said. “I want to do more things like this in the future.”

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

Fountain Springs

The North Schuylkill Wind Ensemble will present a concert at 7 p.m. Thursday featuring guest artist Katie Morell from Marywood University and Scranton University. The event will also celebrate new art work commissioned by the art department, according to a release from William Lennox. Artists, he said, had the opportunity to come to North Schuylkill and work with the students. The concert is free and open to the public.

McAdoo

The McAdoo Fire Company sponsors weekly bingo games on Thursdays at the VFW/Strand Hall, South Kennedy Drive. Doors open at 5 p.m., early birds begin at 5:30 p.m. and regular games begin at 6 p.m. Parking is available in the fire company lot. Everyone is welcome.

Pottsville

Diana Beausang of the Pottsville Shade Tree Commission recently filled in members of the Pottsville Rotary Club about the commission’s work, assistance for private homeowners’ trees and public spaces and parking lots. She also spoke about various trees, Arbor Day, the Emerald Ash Borer and legislation important for the future of the commission. She said the commission members, during meetings, talk about local trees and related issues such as pruning, watering and mulching trees and contacting homeowners.

Pottsville

The shingles vaccine is available at the Schuylkill County State Health Center, One Norwegian Plaza, for uninsured or underinsured adults who are ages 50 to 64 and adults who are 65 or older who don’t have coverage through Medicare Part D or the PACE Program. People who had the chickenpox are at risk for shingles, a painful skin rash. The risk increases as people age. For an appointment, call 570-621-3112.

Pottsville

People with questions about trees, flowers, lawn, garden, soil, insects, plant diseases and similar topics have the opportunity to speak with a Penn State Master Gardener in Schuylkill County between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays now through October by stopping at the Pottsville Extension Office, 1202 Ag Center Drive, or by calling 570-622-4225 Ext. 23 to get answers from on site volunteers. If those days and times do not work, a person may leave a message with name, location, phone number and as much detail about the concern as possible. Volunteers will respond throughout the year within a week of a call. People may also inquire via email to schuylkillmg@psu.edu.

Ringtown

The Ringtown Area Library is participating in Free Comic Book Day on Saturday. All visitors to the library, West Main Street, may select up to three free comic books while supplies last. For more information on this nationwide event, visit www.freecomicbookday.com. For more information about library services, upcoming events or fundraisers, go to the library’s website at www.ringtownlibrary.org, find the library on Facebook or call 570-889-5503. Tanya Savitsky is the library director.

Schuylkill Haven

An all-you-can-eat chicken pot pie dinner will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday at Liberty Fire Company No. 4, Columbia and St. James streets. It will be the last dinner until the fall. The cost is $8 for adult platters, $7 for quarts and $4 for children under 12. Platters include homemade chicken pot pie, salad with hot bacon dressing, bread and butter, desserts, coffee and beverages. Take-outs will be available as will free delivery in the Schuylkill Haven area by calling the firehouse at 570-385-3341.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Senior High School Vocal Music Department will present its annual spring choral program at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Tamaqua Area Auditorium. The concert will feature performances by the high school concert choir and jazz and concert chorale. The accompanists for the choirs are Antonetta Gerace and Faith Roberts; the choirs are under the direction of John D. Buglio. Admission to the concert is $5 for adults and $2 for children and senior citizens. Doors to the auditorium will open at 6:45 p.m. For more information, call Buglio at 570-668-1901.

PATTERSONVILLE — B&R Farms near Ringtown has seen many growing seasons during its 175 years as a family farm including early and late springs.

This year’s late spring weather is one of the regular challenges in running a 400-acre farm for owners Barron L. “Boots” and Robin Hetherington. The farm has been in the family for eight generations and is well-known for its strawberries and asparagus, among other crops. It is located on 129 Strawberry Lane in Pattersonville, Union Township.

“So the question is: Are we behind schedule? The answer is absolutely,” Robin Hetherington said Friday in the large greenhouse.

“It’s April 27 and everything is ready, and the weather is just not what we need,” she said. “This (greenhouse) is just a portion of our business. We farm 400 acres. Strawberries are not moving. They’re not even breaking dormancy. There is water laying out there (in the strawberry fields). They don’t swim well and our fields are sopping wet.”

About 10,000 strawberry plants are in a storage area at 28 degrees to keep them dormant until they can be planted, though they can’t be held indefinitely. The greenhouse has some containers with the strawberry plants that are healthy, but they should have been planted by now.

Robin Hetherington said that the weather was predicted to break this week with warmer temperatures, which is a good thing, but she explained that there is also some problems with that situation.

“Here’s the concern. If the weather breaks and turns warm, and because we’re behind schedule, every farmer in the county will be working day and night trying to reclaim the time they have already lost, and that’s when accidents happen because they’re just too tired,” she said. “They will get the crops in the ground. It is definitely a concern when you get behind and all of a sudden you try to turn back the clock.”

Last Friday was an off-and-on rainy day with standing water in some of the fields. The greenhouse was opened for the second day of the season and was filled with colorful flowers and different types of plants for both sale and to be placed in the ground.

“This crop is ready to go for people to pick up and enjoy,” she said. “We do have customers to get their pot material and they see our plants. I can’t expect people to come out in this. It’s not even reasonable. So my job is to keep everything healthy until the weather turns, and that takes a lot of management.”

The plants are ordered about six months ahead, which makes the decision about what to purchase important.

“All of this plant material was purchased back in October, November, so I had to plan back then what was going to happen six to seven months in the future,” she said. “You don’t know what’s going to happen and only years of experience can help handle what happens. By this time last year, we had already sold a couple hundred pounds of asparagus, which needs heat and sun and water. It’s not even poking up out there.”

The delays in planting early crops can affect the yields of the later crops that need more time.

“Crops that should be in the ground by April 15 are now May 1 or later, so now the May 1 crops are going in closer to Memorial Day and that affects your bushels per acre,” she said. “We buy corn based on daylight maturity — 75- to 110-day corn seed. So the longer you wait to put that into the ground, the less it will be ready to harvest at the end, and if you have to harvest it prior to the frost, then you lose bushels per acre. So there is an economic impact at the end of the line.”

Boots Hetherington said a longer delay in planting may mean changing the type of corn, which produces less bushels.

“Corn is heat-sensitive, so it depends on how many days it’s above a certain temperature, and soybeans are daylight-sensitive, so if you plant them in late April or early May, you might get 75 pods on a plant, but if you plant them on July 4, they may only get 10 pods on them,” he said.

He added that another factor is the amount of rain over a season, which cannot be controlled, with frequent rain during early months and very little rain over later months.

“I’ve planted a lot of strawberries in May already, but I like to have them in by April 15. I like to have my new hay crops in by middle April, but they’re not in yet. I like to have my hay fertilized, and I have two trucks of fertilizer sitting and waiting to put them on next week,” Boots Hetherington said. “Typically I’d have the hay taken care of by now and I’d start thinking about planting corn next week, but I can’t do that until all this other stuff gets done.”

He added that landscapers who plant shade trees are also delayed at this time.

“They like to get their trees out and get them done, but if you’re a landscape contractor, you can’t move soil or plant trees in this weather,” he said.

The greenhouse is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

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

A month-long series of events in Tamaqua commemorating the 150th anniversary of the federal observance of Memorial Day will begin today.

Tamaqua Remembers, a project of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, is the result of community volunteerism inspired by previous community endeavors, most notably “Dear Tamaqua” and “Tamaqua Has Heart.”

The nonprofit organization has garnered the support of many of Tamaqua’s businesses, civic groups, citizens and local government.

While some preliminary events occurred as early as January, the bulk of this celebration will take place throughout May and will culminate with a celebration Memorial Day weekend to include fireworks, a parade and the Service of Remembrance.

The opening ceremony for Tamaqua Remembers begins at 7 p.m. today at the intersection of West Broad and Nescopec streets.

It will feature the unveiling of an artistic mural created by Tamaqua artist Kevin Smith, the Italian American Band of the Lehigh Valley and the renaming and dedication of a portion of South Nescopec Street. Retired Capt. John H. Lea II, Navy, will be the guest speaker.

The program will be preceded at 6:30 p.m. by an informational program on America’s bald eagles presented by the Carbon County Environmental Education Center.

The highlights

Special events will include:

• May 7 — A lecture by Tracy Fisher, illustrating how families coped with war deaths during World War I

• May 9 — A walking tour of Odd Fellows Cemetery, highlighting the veterans buried there

• May 12 — A production company’s re-enactment of an “old tyme radio show”

• May 15 — The Third Brigade Band patriotic concert

• May 17 — A concert by the Jolly Tars

• May 19 — “Salute to Our Veterans” exhibit at the Tamaqua Historical Society opens

• May 21 — A special presentation by author Ralph Peters, Civil War expert and national news correspondent

• May 22 — A performance of “Stories of the Red, White and Blue” by storyteller and musician Matthew Dodd

• May 23 — The Cressona Band patriotic concert

• May 26 — A community assembly to celebrate with fireworks

Other events include a pair of contests — a home and business decorating contest which organizers hope will cover the borough in red, white and blue, and an essay contest for high school-age students working with the theme “Why We Must Remember Memorial Day.”

Numerous local artists will also make their contribution in the form of murals; a red, white, and blue wash of the high school street; patriotic paintings and wreaths displayed throughout town; a patriotic quilt and crocheted throws as prizes for a raffle; and memorial wreaths for the town’s war dead in centrally located Depot Square Park.

Two community-service endeavors round out the month: a blood drive May 16, and the assemblage of care packages to be sent to overseas troops dubbed Operation Gratitude.

The special celebration will conclude May 28 with the annual Memorial Day Parade and Service of Remembrance. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the east end of the borough and end at Soldiers Monument in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Guest speaker will be Tamaqua native Col. Curtis Hafer, Air Force.

Many of Tamaqua’s son and daughters have fallen on the fields of battle in the years since the town’s incorporation. The stories of these 91 fallen soldiers that called the borough of Tamaqua their home is the cornerstone of the organization’s website, tamaquaremembers.com. These stories have also been highlighted, one a day, on the organization’s Facebook page since the beginning of February.

POTTSVILLE — Commercial agricultural growers and backyard gardeners have been delayed by the cold and wet April, but the delay does not seem too severe.

Penn State Extension horticultural educator Tanner Delvalle was at his office in the Schuylkill County Agricultural Center last Friday and said the weather should not affect most crops, only those planted in early spring.

“I get these questions a lot. This year, we’re about two weeks behind from where we usually are depending on the crop and the part of the county,” Delvalle said. “The delay doesn’t affect all crops for the entire year. It is really only affecting the earliest vegetable crops, such as onions, which are typically in about two weeks at this point, but are going in now.”

Delvalle is based in Schuylkill and Berks counties and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in turfgrass science and agronomy from Penn State University. He provides educational support to various horticulture enterprises throughout Pennsylvania. His primary focus areas include turfgrass management; landscaping; right-of-way and industrial weed control; Christmas tree production; vegetable and small fruit production; and hops production.

Planting outside later also effects greenhouses.

“It’s rough for people who grow greenhouse crops, because by the time they pick, the field ones might compete with the pricing because it’s been so cold. So the ones in the greenhouse are behind as well,” he said.

A late spring is not a problem for fruit trees, since an early spring can cause more problems than a late one.

“I don’t deal with fruit trees a whole lot since I’m not on the fruit team (at the Extension), but I do deal a little bit with growers who have fruit trees,” he said. “Here, we’re dealing with an opposite. When we’re dealing with an early spring and if you get a late frost, it will freeze those blossoms off and you’ll never get fruit. That’s happened a few times, especially with cherries, but also with other types of fruit as well. I would say that for the most part with it being late like this, as long as we don’t get another hard frost, the fruit harvest will not suffer.”

Delvalle said trying to define what is “normal” for spring can be difficult.

“The early spring is more fearsome for getting late frost that kills plants that have always been put out,” he said. “Either early or late can be a problem, but I always ask people when did we have a normal year? There really is no such thing.”

Any delays in planting certain crops will produce some late harvesting, depending on the crop, Delvalle said.

“Essentially for your long season crops, you could potentially have a harvest two weeks later,” he said. “Sweet corn, for instance. Some folks who put in early sweet corn would have had it in the ground for about a week. So we’re not two weeks behind on sweet corn. It’s more like on time to a week behind because they don’t usually put them in when we’re still having heavy frost.”

Delvalle added, “Realistically for most crops like peppers and those like that, they normally don’t go into the ground until early to mid-May, so those crops are obviously not affected whatsoever. It’s really just the early ones that people field plant. If there are people who put in early lettuce, that will be affected. Frost conditions in an early spring affects strawberry growers. We’re not facing that now.”

The forecast shows temperatures are moderating upward to reduce chances of a hard frost and improve planting conditions.

“Our temperatures look like they’re going to be in the 80s, so we may be able to make up some ground even though it’s late. We may be able to gain some of that time back with some really warm weather,” Delvalle said. “You can make some gains on a longer crop if you get a lot of good warm weather and timely rains. You might be able to pick up a few days. Crops like corn that like warm weather can really help. The corn is not in the ground yet, so it’s not going to affect it too much, but getting it in mid-May so people will be able to pick corn by July 4. I really think that some people will be able to have corn by July 4.”

Delvalle said how heavy rains affect planting depends on soils in different regions.

“I don’t think it’s been an excessive amount of rain that it’s affecting people,” he said. “We just had rain, but we haven’t been getting two inches of rain at a shot. We had a pretty good rain last week, but people weren’t out working anyway. I’m sure the water table is pretty well replenished. People are just getting out into the fields now, so the rain that has happened up to this point, besides the fact that we’re two weeks behind, won’t have much bearing on work being done now.”

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

POTTSVILLE — The Pottsville Housing Authority is not having its summer recreation program this year, and that means some children who rely on the program for lunch might go hungry.

Meals are served to children through the program at the city playgrounds. The authority receives funding from the federal government for its budget. Funding has been diminishing for years and this year, the authority does not have enough in its budget to pay for the program.

“We are not having the summer lunch program because we have no (activities at the) playgrounds because of funding cuts,” Craig S.L. Shields, executive director of the Pottsville Housing Authority, said Monday.

The program ran from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday from the middle of June to early August. Children could go to the following sites: Barefield, Jalappa, Arch Street, O’Hara, Peacock Street, North Second Street, Fairmount Avenue, Greenwood Hill, Bunker Hill, Mount Hope Avenue, Eastside, Race Street, Forest Hills and Rotary.

Lunches were also provided at the Pottsville Free Public Library. Shields said between 25 to 40 children were at each location in previous years.

Other than from the federal government, revenue comes from collected rents and facility rentals.

“Our total budget is $8 million,” Shields said.

He said the authority received “a couple hundred thousand less” than the previous year from the federal government. The program costs about $70,000 each year to run.

The cost to provide meals for the children is about $50,000. The authority is reimbursed by the state government, about 95 percent, for the meals. The deadline has passed to apply for money for the lunch program, Shields said.

“This year it just doesn’t make financial sense,” he said.

The Saint Clair Area School District provided the meals and then billed the housing authority, Saint Clair Area Superintendent Sarah Yoder said.

Last year, 7,739 meals were distributed, she said.

Staffing at the 14 sites is among the costs for the program.

The City of Pottsville provided staffing — about 8 people — at Greenwood Hill, Mount Hope Avenue, Forest Hills and Rotary playgrounds, City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said. It cost about a couple thousand dollars, he said.

“It was really a housing authority program,” he said.

Shields and Palamar said the cooperative effort between the city and the housing authority has been going on for a number of years.

Shields said it is sad that children will be the ones to suffer.

“I think it’s a shame. There’s a lot of kids that relied on the lunch program,” he said.

Palamar agreed, saying some of the children may have been looking forward to those lunches.

Mark Atkinson, city councilman, said the housing authority paid for a vast majority of the program and the lunches. He was disappointed the children will go without a lunch just to save some money.

“That was a source of a meal for these children. There are more children locally that go hungry than people realize,” Atkinson said.

He directed his anger at the federal government.

“The federal government has been slashing programs,” he said.

Jean Towle, director of the Pottsville Free Public Library, was upset about children going hungry.

“A lot of these kids depend on these lunches,” she said.

Last year, the library served 7 to 15 lunches a day during the summer recreation program, Towle said.

Efforts are underway to provide a meal for children during the summer.

She said it is a work in progress between the library and Saint Clair Area School District to possibly provide these meals.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — Warmer spring weather looks to arrive this week, according to forecasts, signaling the time for backyard growers to get out and do their planting and tend their lawns.

Snow, cold and rain prevented many people in April from tending flower beds and vegetable gardens, but it’s not too late to get started, according to Tanner Delvalle, horticultural education specialist with Penn State Extension in Schuylkill County.

“People are getting out on their lawns right now. It’s a good time for putting out crabgrass preventers if you’re going to use that,” Delvalle said from his Pottsville office. “You should do that in the next two weeks. If we get three consecutive days of overnight soil temperatures over 55, that’s when crabgrass will germinate.”

Delvalle had other tips to have a green lawn this year: “This is the time to fertilize, and it’s also time to put down any weed preventers.”

“Now is the time to put onions in and some early plants,” Delvalle said. “For homeowners, it’s still too early to put corn in. The farmers are putting corn in, but they’re putting them in under plastic.”

Now is also a good time to do soil testing to determine what may need to be added for best growing conditions.

“It’s a good time for testing, whether that be in a garden or a lawn,” he said. “They can do the testing on their own, but we have the test kits here at the office. Depending on what you’re planting, the testing will tell you what your lime requirements are, your fertilizer requirements. Get the kit at the desk. Just come in and ask for the kit. It costs $9.”

The extension website explains the following procedure for using the Penn State soil testing service:

• Purchase a soil test mailing kit for each area you plan to sample. The “kit” consists of a pre-addressed envelope, instructions and a soil sample bag. The kit price includes the testing fee. Each area — lawn, flower garden, vegetable garden, etc. — requires a different test kit. The kits are available from all Penn State Extension offices. Soil sample submission forms are also available from the Ag Analytical Services Lab website and send payment to the lab along with your soil sample.

• Define the area to be tested. It may be a flower bed, pasture, small orchard or community athletic field. In any event, zigzag throughout the area and collect soil from 12 to 15 locations. Put sub-samples all together into a clean container. The goal is to get a composite sample that represents the entire site. Paper lunch bags or a clean bucket will work well. Sample 3-4 inches deep for turf and pastures, and 6-10 inches deep other plants. Avoid sampling odd spots in any site. Throw out stones, sod and thatch.

•A garden trowel is a good tool for sampling in tilled or mulched soil, but a soil sampling probe or auger is faster, especially when sampling through existing sod. Regardless of the tool used, be sure to sample to the proper depth and get a representative sample by collecting at least 12 sub-samples from the area. Mix the sub-samples into one composite sample. Spread the sample on clean newspaper and allow it to dry. Do not heat the sample.

•Complete the questionnaire that comes with the soil test kit. The directions are self-explanatory. Follow them carefully. Be sure to indicate what “crop” is growing. Add one-third pint of soil to the soil pouch. Take it to the post office to determine the appropriate postage and send it off using the pre-addressed envelope. Results will return from the Penn State lab in about two weeks. A copy of the results is made available to your county extension office as well. For questions about interpreting the results, contact a county extension educator.

For those who start the early plants indoors, Delvalle said they should be transplanted at this time.

“Because of the cold weather, people delay and don’t think about their gardens until the warm days, and then people are calling us,” Delvalle said. “Now you should be out cleaning your garden, turning your soil.”

Considering what needs to be done with a lawn should also be on a list of things to do.

“Now is the time to do lawn repairs. If you need to do any in the spring, now is the time for grass planting,” he said. “That being said, the best time of the year to plant grass is in the fall, but if you have bare spots and you need to fill them in, now is the time before crabgrass comes up. That’s going to be soon.”

For more information, see the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program website at extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener.

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

SHENANDOAH — The graduation ceremonies for the Shenandoah Valley Class of 2018 will be one day later than originally planned due to snow days.

District Superintendent Brian Waite announced the new date for commencement is June 8, changed from June 7 as scheduled on the school calendar, at Wednesday’s school board meeting.

“Just a reminder that our high school seniors will graduate on June 8, which is a Friday,” Waite said.

In order to meet the classroom hours requirements, seniors are required to attend classes on three Saturdays. The first was April 21, and the following two makeup days are May 12 and 19.

The original calendar had June 7 for the last day for all students. Due to making up for snow days, the last day for students in grades 4K to 11 is June 13. The last in-service day for teachers is June 19.

The revised school calendar for 2017-18 school year was approved by the school board, which also approved the 2018-19 school calendar in a separate action.

The school board acted on the following agenda items:

•Approved professional staff in-service activities for: ESL/gifted teacher Jessica Kowalick to attend Gifted Network meeting; and cafeteria manager and assistant cook Theresa Knipe for ServSafe manager certifications

•Approved addendum to extend the agreement with Source4Teachers through period ending June 30, 2022, as per contract conditions

•Approved retroactively a SHINE field trip to Washington, D.C., for “Afterschool for All Challenge” for four teachers and four students, with expenses paid by SHINE.

•Approved Erica Zilleruelo for the Schuylkill County Guest Teacher Program

•Approved additional emotional support classroom posting and advertising.

•Approved consent for compromise of taxes on 18 parcels in the school district at request of the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau

•Approved $20,000 cash transfer from cafeteria account to summer lunch account

•Approved the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 administrative and program budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year

•Approved wage increase for support staff substitute pay from $7.25 to $8.50 per hour

•Accepted the letter of resignation from assistant volleyball coach Sarah Lesisko and approve the posting and advertising of the position

•Approved summer work Office of Vocational Rehabilitation applicants with reimbursement from state Department of Labor & Industry

•Approved funding additional cost of baseball field project not to exceed $15,000

Waite said elementary students in the SHINE program traveled with Principal Brooke Wowak and teachers to Washington, D.C., and visited with U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11.

High school Principal Stuart Tripler introduced senior Taylor Loughlin as March student of the month as chosen by the Shenandoah Rotary Club. After graduation, she will attend the University of Scranton for neurological science and pre-med.

Wowak introduced Alex Kozlosky as March student of the month for the sixth grade. He announced students of month for the other elementary grades: Harper Munley, 4K; Ariesly Duverge, kindergarten; Giana Troutman, first grade; Brynn Burke, second grade; Maricruz Garcia, third grade; Allison Soto, fourth grade; and Dante Garcia, fifth grade.

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

MAHANOY CITY — The revised school calendar for the 2017-18 school year was accepted by the Mahanoy Area school board at its Thursday meeting to set the graduation date and the final day of school for all students.

The new date for commencement for the Class of 2018 is at 7 p.m. June 8 in the Joe Alansky Gymnasium. The original graduation date was May 31.

The last day of school for students is also June 8, which is the last of the 10 snow makeup days for students. There will be an early dismissal, with the high school dismissing at noon and elementary school at 12:30 p.m. The last day for teachers is June 13.

In a related action for commencement, the board approved Stephen Debuski as 2018 alumnus of the year.

The board also approved the revised calendar for the 2018-19 school year.

The school board acted on the following agenda items:

•Approved a contract with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association to update school policies at a cost not to exceed $6,600. Payments will be made at $2,200 per year for three consecutive fiscal years. Superintendent Joie L. Green said the last update was in 2005.

The school policies will be divided for review in three sections, with one section to be completed in each of the three years of the contract. As a section is completed, the school board acts on accepting the section.

•Approved a proposal from Lytle EAP Partners, Pittsburgh, to provide Employee Assistance Program at $1.40 per month per employee. Based on the number of employees, the total cost to the district is $3,024.

District Business Administrator John J. Hurst explained the decision to provide the program to employees: “If one of our employees had a problem, whether it’s alcohol-related, drug-related, personal stress, family life, financial situation, this would give an avenue to turn to to get assistance to help them. I think for the cost, it’s pretty good for the employees.”

•Reappointed board President Jay Hanley as school district representative to the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 board and Schuylkill County Area Vocational Technical School board.

During his Mahanoy City Public Library report, Michael Mistishen, who represents the school district on the library board, said the library is working on its summer reading program with plans to expand to younger children.

“The summer reading program is usually a big success. They’re working some different things,” Mistishen said.

The school board approved moving their May meeting to May 24 in order to meet state requirement for the adoption of the 2018-19 general operating budget to be approved by the June 30 deadline.

At the workshop before the regular meeting, Green recognized the accomplishments of the Mahanoy Area Lady Bears basketball team, many of whom attended the meeting.

“We have our Mahanoy Area Lady Bears with us today. They have gone very far in this school year and I want to congratulate you on behalf of the school and tell you what a great job you did,” Green said. “You have the community support. You have everything to put your heads up high. You should be very proud of yourselves, and your coach, Mr. Scheeler, did awesome with you.”

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

Elizabethville

The Elizabethville Area Historical Society, 100 E. Main St., has announced its open house schedule. The museum and library will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month from May through September, with the exception of June 2. The society, officials said in a release, has acquired a bell from the former Elizabethville School. Upcoming society meetings will include: 7 p.m. May 21, featuring Mike Wertz’s 2016 Memorial Day presentation on DVD; 7 p.m. June 18 in Trinity United Methodist Church, 25 E. Main St., featuring “The Civil War in the Upper End: How America’s Bloodiest War Shaped Northern Dauphin County,” by Jake Wyn. For more about the society, go to www.elizabethvillehistory.org or to Facebook, Elizabethville Area Historical Society.

Orwigsburg

Holy Family Adult Day Care is continuing to accept applications for the day care program, which is located at the former St. Francis Orphanage building along Route 443. The program is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and provides social and activity programs, therapeutic care and support services, according to a Holy Family release. Other benefits include daytime support for caregivers, meeting the special needs of adults with Alzheimer’s disease or stroke who need supervision but not 24-hour care, assistance with medication and personal care. It provides breakfast and cooked lunch with a snack in the afternoon. Anyone 60 or older who meets program requirements is eligible. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For more information or to schedule a visit, call 570-366-2924.

Pottsville

Schuylkill United Way has announced the addition of its 15th partner agency, Nurse-Family Partnership, Pottsville. The new partner, according to a United Way release, is an evidence-based community health program that serves low-income women pregnant with their first child. In the program, each new mom is partnered with a registered nurse early in her pregnancy and receives ongoing nurse home visits until her child reaches/her second birthday. For more than 40 years, Nurse-Family Partnership has been “changing the lives of moms and their babies in 42 states.” Schuylkill County NFP began home visitation services in March 2003 and the results have been “remarkable,” according to the release, which added there has been improvements in the lives of children as well as the mothers, who have “a better outlook on their future and have more of the tools needed to achieve their goals” to become good parents. Cathy Cortese, RN, BSN, nursing supervisor, said she and her staff are “very excited to have been chosen as a partnering agency of the Schuylkill United Way,” a collaboration which, she said, will NFP continue and expand its work. NFP is currently funded for 75 clients and is at its capacity. With additional funds from United Way, it will be able to provide more programs and services to women in the county. For more information about NFP, visit www.nursefamilypartnership.org.

Ringtown

The Ringtown Area Library, West Main Street, will be closed on May 22 for employee training, according to library news released by Director Tanya Savitsky. People can enjoy minor league baseball and support the library, she added, by buying Reading Fightin’ Phils tickets online at www.baseballtown.org/fundraiser. “Full instructions for making your purchase to support the library can be found on the library’s website, www.ringtownlibrary.org,” Savitsky said, adding each ticket book contains six general admission tickets for $27, with $9 from each ticket book going to the Ringtown Area Library. For more information about library services, upcoming events or fundraisers, go to the aforementioned library website, find the library on Facebook or call 570-889-5503.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Senior Citizens organization meets regularly at the Tamaqua YMCA, 1201 E. Broad St. at the former Jamesway Plaza. The site is accessible to the handicapped. The group meets at 1 p.m. every Thursday. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. Meetings normally conclude with refreshments, cards and social games.