Police: Woman took

drugs into prison

FRACKVILLE — A Nazareth woman is free on bail after being arrested by state police at Frackville on drug charges around 12:10 p.m. Saturday.

Police said they were called to State Correctional Institution/Frackville on Altamont Boulevard in Ryan Township for a report of a visitor — Michele George, 40 — bringing contraband into the prison.

The investigation revealed that George placed three bundles of synthetic cannabis, known as K-2, inside her body cavity before entering the jail.

Once inside a bathroom, troopers said George removed the bundles and proceeded to pass them to an inmate, troopers said.

As a result, troopers said George was charged with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, felony contraband and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. She was arraigned by the on-call magisterial district judge and released on $25,000 unsecured bail.

Police: Man used ax

to threaten neighbor

NEW PHILADELPHIA — A man was jailed after being arrested by state police at Frackville and charged with threatening his neighbor with an ax along Valley Street around 2:50 p.m. Monday.

Police said a female resident reported being at the rear of her home walking her dog when Corey Michael Cromyak, 31, of New Philadelphia, approached her with a large ax and raised it in her direction in a menacing manner.

Police said the woman retreated into her home while Cromyak used the ax to destroy a campfire ring.

Cromyak was located at his residence and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

He was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $15,000 bail, police said.

GORDON — The Gordon Borough Community Hall will be rocking Saturday with a show headed by Jim Masdea, the original drummer of the legendary rock band Boston.

Show time is 7 p.m. at the recently remodeled hall in the borough’s municipal building and fire station at 324 E. Plane St. Tickets are $15 and available at www.jimmasdea.com. Tickets are limited for the all-ages event. A cash bar is available for those 21 and over. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Gordon is the first stop in Masdea’s “Habitual Ferocity Tour 2018 — TriMount: Before Boston.”

The performance will also show off work to the refurbished hall, a popular location for socials, weddings and community events. Improvements were made to the stage, heating and ventilation.

Masdea laid down the percussive foundation and feel of Boston’s self-titled debut album “Boston.” He left the band just before the album debuted but was heavily involved in arranging the songs for the album. He also played drums on one song, “Rock and Roll Band.” Masdea returned to the band for the “Third Stage” album and tour, and received sole writing credit for the instrumental song “A New World.”

Saturday’s show will include Masdea performing songs from Boston’s first album and new material on piano and guitar. A media release said he will showcase material as it was developed from 1969 to 1976 and provide a look at the creative process of making demo recordings that went on to become Boston’s biggest success.

The coordinator of the music event is Hank Ahrensfield, Gordon, a popular local musician instrumental in the creation of the former Gordon Music Festival, held for many years at Gordon Community Park.

“Now I’m happy to do a new project and I hope people come out to see what’s different about it,” Ahrensfield said. “I’m the coordinator. I’m bringing the sound system. I’m setting up tables. I’m in charge of the lighting. Chris Hartshorn (Pottsville) is the promoter and doing a great job of it.”

Ahrensfield, Hartshorn and Citizen’s Fire Company No. 1 hope this is the first of many live shows at the Gordon hall.

“Jim is coming all the way from New Hampshire and we hope we get enough people to at least pay for his expenses,” Ahrensfield said.

Ahrensfield said a connection between Masdea and Hartshorn led to the event.

“They were musicians together back in Boston back when Chris was younger,” Ahrensfield said. “They did a bunch of shows under the name ‘The Underground Cats.’ They became very good friends. Chris moved to Pennsylvania about 12 years ago. His daughter had a baby, and Jim came for the christening. While he was here, Chris brought him to my studio in Gordon, which is a pretty cool space to hang out if you’re a musician. We got to talking. Jim asked if there was any place around here to do the first show of the tour. I said it’s up to Chris, but we said let’s give it a try. We looked for some venues and some fell through. I said they just remodeled the Gordon hall and it’s beautiful. Chris and Jim said to do it and have some fun in Gordon.”

Ahrensfield said Masdea lived for 10 years in China and taught English, returning to New Hampshire in 2017.

“When he decided to move back, he got the itch and worked hard to get up to professional status again,” Ahrensfield said. “Basically, it’s a solo show, but it’s pretty unique. He plays a little bit of everything. Then we’re going to have an after-party there. Chris is going to play bass, I’m going to play guitar. We also have a wonderful guitar player in Gary Kessock from Pottsville. We’ll play for an hour and a half with Jim as our drummer. We’ll have a couple of guest singers and let people get on stage.”

Ahrensfield said there will be a meet-and-greet with Masdea after the show.

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

Deeds

Butler Township — John J. and Valerie A. Bukowski to Christine Johnson, John M. Bukowski and John J. and Valerie A. Bukowski; 640 W. Spring St., Englewood; $1.

Cass Township — Anne Horan to Raymond E. Horan; 26 S. Maple Ave.; $1.

East Brunswick Township — Christopher M. Eckroth to Mark II and Nicole Purcell; 1751 Chestnut Road, McKeansburg; $165,000.

East Union Township — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Carlos Peters; Lot 7WSS3, Eagle Rock; $50,399.

Girardville — Wendall and Ciera Kranch to Dennis Cope Jr.; 149 W. Ogden St.; $1,500.

Hegins Township — Ruth A. Wetzel to Donald Deibler and Brittanie Wolfe; 952 E. Main St., Hegins; $110,000.

Kline Township — Anthony Stranko Sr. to Michael G. Stranko; 32 Center St., Kelayres; $1.

Mahanoy Township — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Robert Coleman; 1107 W. Centre St.; $852.58.

Minersville — MTGLQ Investors LP to Denise Marie Santiago Ramos; 118 N. Front St.; $29,000.

Joseph II and Mitch L. Lazarchick and Joseph and Betty Jean Lazarchick to Devin C. Woodford; 2331 Lewis St.; $26,000.

Orwigsburg — Todd S. and Christa L. Bartashus to Thomas Sandridge; 363 S. Wayne St.; $139,900.

Palo Alto — Janice Simmons to Shannon Last; 602 W. Bacon St.; $28,500.

Janice Simmons to Sandra Davidson; 418 W. Bacon St.; $12,000.

Pine Grove Township — Linda I. Venszl to Linda I. Venszl; 0.183-acre property on Geary Wolfe Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl to Linda I. Venszl; 0.1.341-acre property on Geary Wolfe Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl to Linda I. Venszl; 19.323-acre property on Geary Wolfe Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl to Linda I. Venszl; 26.626-acre property on Geary Wolfe Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl to Linda I. Venszl; 14-acre property on Geary Wolfe Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl to Linda I. Venszl; property on Geary Wolfe Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl to Linda I. Venszl; 15.066-acre property on Geary Wolfe Road; $1.

Port Clinton — Marvin R. and Angela J. Lyon to Efrain Rodriguez-Lemus and Debra Ann Rodriguez; 60 Broad St.; $14,000.

Pottsville — Robert J. and Mary B. Porter to Robert J. and Mary B. Porter and Robert J. Porter III; 26 E. Overlook Drive, Forest Hills; $1.

Reilly Township — Scott Craig Wolfgang and Matthew W. Wolfgang to Mark Daniel Imler; 0.7748-acre property on Route 25, Newtown; $15,000.

Rush Township — Ethel Thompson to Ethel Thompson, Sheila A. Mashack and Michael C. Thompson; 63 Tamanend Road, Quakake; $1.

Patrick D. and Jacqueline A. Fredericks to Patrick D. and Jacqueline A. Fredericks; 23 Orchard Road, Barnesville; $1.

Saint Clair — Brandon and Danielle Todd to Lance A. Todd; 14 E. Caroline Ave.; $1.

Seung H. and Yeon S. Ko to James Sullivan and Linda Karpinsky; 130 N. Nicholas St.; $18,500.

Joan Pun to Eric Pun; 113 S. Morris St.; $1.

Shenandoah — Janet L. Cole to Kyle L. and Dorothy L. Oliver; 27 E. Oak St.; $1.

Vincent A. and Ruth E. Bindie to Joseph Bindie; 713 W. Coal St.; $1.

South Manheim Township — Jeffrey D. and Michelle C. Yocom to Ryan and Brittany Malone; 1268 Squaw Drive, Lake Wynonah; $139,900.

James A. Grim, administrator C.T.A. of the Estate of Alan Lee Showalter, to Rosalba Agosto and Franklyn Pena; 1835 Palomino Cove, Lake Wynonah; $4,000.

Tamaqua — Borough of Tamaqua to Norene Valentini; 216 Penn St.; $3,006.

Kathleen M. Tebin to Brian W. O’Keefe; 315 E. Broad St.; $25,000.

West Brunswick Township — Joan M. Halabura and Marian L. Donlin, co-executrices of the estate of Dolores Helene Halabura, to Joan M. Halabura; 21 Dreher Road; $1.

West Mahanoy Township — Marianne Mcandrew, executrix of the Estate of Victor Marconi, to Victoria Polosky; 12 Rosette St., Lost Creek; $1.

TAMAQUA — A Hazleton woman charged with threatening an employee of the Hometown Walmart with mace earlier this year waived her right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning.

Stephanie Owens-Washington, 52, of 838 Lafayette Court, appeared before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer on charges of felony robbery; misdemeanor terroristic threats, possessing instruments of crime and retail theft; and summary violations of harassment and scattering rubbish.

Owens-Washington, who was not represented by an attorney, chose to waive her right to a hearing and have all charges against her heard in Schuylkill County Court.

Owens-Washington was arrested by state police Trooper Christopher Rooney of the Frackville station after an incident at the store around 11:10 p.m. Feb. 26.

Rooney said that at the store, he spoke to Assistant Manager Lorraine Wiener, who reported seeing Owens-Washington push a cart to the checkout counter with multiple bags of groceries.

Wiener said that Owens-Washington took several loose items from the cart and paid for them with her ACCESS card but did not pay for the other items that were inside bags.

Rooney said Wiener reported seeing items such as steaks and seafood in the bags and asked Owens-Wahington for her receipt.

When told she could not leave with the items not paid for, Wiener said Owens-Washington took out a container of mace from her pocket and pointed it at the employee’s face, saying “get out of my way or I will spray you,” Rooney said.

Wiener said she followed Owens-Washington out of the store and saw her discard a bag of items in the parking lot before fleeing in a vehicle.

Rooney said Owens-Washington was identified as the woman responsible and a criminal history check revealed she was arrested and convicted of a prior retail theft in the Hazleton area.

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

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN ­— Over a dozen of Schuylkill County’s most caring and including students were recognized with the Arnold Delin Award on Tuesday night at Penn State Schuylkill.

The Arnold Delin Award is presented to students who participate in Schuylkill County Youth Conference activities and by their actions, promote appreciation of diversity, understanding and acceptance of others in their school and community.

At the Schuylkill County Youth Conference last November, students from all 13 county schools gathered at Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 to meet each other and the Anti-Defamation League. That meeting focused on anti-bullying and accepting students from all backgrounds. It served as the kick-off for ideas, as students took what they learned and applied it to various schoolwide projects throughout the year. Examples included Minersville’s Post-It project, where every locker and classroom door had a positive message on it when students and staff arrived and Nativity BVM’s World of Understanding Day.

In March, all schools presented their projects and events before the Arnold Delin Diversity Board and other schools. Pottsville Area was chosen as for the Outstanding Project award. Sophie Marie Murray, the Pottsville Area Delin Award recipient, accepted the award for her school.

Murray helped organize an assembly promoting unity and encouraging diversity on March 14, one month after the Parkland school shootings. Murray said administration had concerns about students participating in a walkout and was told by administration that “we can’t ignore the reason behind the walkout.”

The assembly had skits and videos created by students promoting all students “to be kind and unite.” One of the other events Murray helped organize was the Wave of Change Pledge where students would pledge to speak with 17 people they didn’t know or wouldn’t talk with regularly. Students signed pledges to participate, which were plastered around the school and are still hanging on the walls.

“I’ve always been an advocate for tolerance and diversity,” Murray said.

Each student was given a $500 scholarship, and if they chose to go to Penn State Schuylkill, Penn State Berks or Penn StateHazleton, those three branches would match the $500 scholarship.

Arnold’s son, Scott Delin, addressed the winners that growing up, the family rule was treat others the way they wanted to be treated and speak up if they saw something not right or fair.

“It’s about realizing what you have and what other people don’t have,” Delin said. “Things have to change and the only way it’s going to change is with the youth of today.”

Recipients:

Blue Mountain: Paige Adams

Mahanoy Area: Kathryn McCarthy

Minersville Area: Magdelynn Wigoda

Nativity BVM: Luca Walborn

North Schuylkill: Kira Marlow

Pine Grove Area: Angeline Wolfe

Pottsville Area: Sophie Murray

Schuylkill Haven Area: Alexandra Pascucci

Schuylkill Technology Center: Johana Argueta

Shenandoah Valley: Alexis Saldukas

Tamaqua Area: Cory Cunningham

Tri-Valley: Kaytlin Girard

Williams Valley: Emma Imboden

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

Marian High School will have a STEM program this fall.

Calling it the most important educational enhancement to its science education curriculum in its 64-year history, Marian officials said the school will incorporate a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics curriculum that will include new state-of-the-art science labs. In addition, teachers will improve their STEM education practices with professional development through the Carnegie STEM Excellence Pathway.

“The curriculum that will be introduced will include collaborative learning, interdisciplinary studies and be project based which is the definition of STEM,” Marian Principal Jean Susko said.

Establishment of the STEM program is the result of a feasibility study conducted by Partners in Mission, a Boston-based consulting firm, involving more than 1,000 parents and alumni. The overwhelming response showed a need to improve the science labs.

The chemistry, biology and physical science labs will be remodeled, along with the addition of a virtual/engineering lab.

The STEM program will be open to all students at Marian, Susko said.

“There is no application for admission into the STEM project-based classroom,” Susko said. “We are expecting all departments to be involved in STEM in some form, but the project-based lab will be an elective for seniors. Marian Catholic High School is an open enrollment school. All students who are enrolled will benefit from the STEM initiative.”

The work is being funded by a grant by the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation that is being matched by a small group of Marian donors who will be recognized upon the completion of the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in June and be completed for the start of the 2018-19 school year.

“Marian has earned a reputation of offering an excellent academic education,” Susko said. “The Stabler grant, along with the overwhelming generosity of our donors, will ensure that Marian graduates continue to have the expertise necessary to pursue high-growth careers in the science and engineering fields through a STEM education.”

No new teachers will be added for the program, Susko said. There will be a team of six STEM teachers in the areas of math, science, history, theology and research. The labs will be used for the teaching of the grade-appropriate levels of science, Susko said. Freshmen will take biology, sophomores will complete a year of physical science and juniors will take chemistry. The virtual/engineering lab will be used for virtual courses and STEM projects.

This development comes as Crestwood School District looks to lay off two STEM teachers to address a growing budget deficit. Hazleton Area School District has the Hazleton Area Academy of Science within the high school.

Marian currently has 300 students, and applications are still being accepted for the 2018-19 school year, Susko noted.

Contact the writer: jdino@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3585

MAHANOY CITY — The Mahanoy Area school board prepared for summer break at Thursday’s meeting by approving instructors for the annual Extended School Year program.

The program from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, starting June 19 to July 26, and is a requirement of a student’s Individualized Education Program.

The school board approved the following personnel:

• Special education teachers: Sara Flexer and Jennifer Hogeland at $25.75 per hour

•Speech therapist: Danielle Slyman, $25.75 per hour

•Special education assistants: Jane Ulicny at $10.80 per hour, and Kim Chernewski at $9.15 per hour

According to the state Department of Education’s Bureau of Special Education, ESY services are special education and related services provided to students with disabilities beyond a regular 180-day school year. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires districts, intermediate units, and charter schools provide ESY services if a student needs services to receive a free appropriate public education.

In some cases, interruptions in a school schedule, such as summer break, weekends and holidays, result in children with disabilities losing basic skills and taking a long time to get those skills back once school begins again, according to the program information. ESY services are provided during breaks in an educational schedule to prevent this loss.

Business Administrator John J. Hurst opened bids for diesel fuel for the upcoming school year. Four bids were received, the lowest from Central Highway Oil Co., Frackville, at the first price of $2.395 per gallon, which was approved by the board.

In other business, the board acted on these items:

•Approved the consent of compromise for taxes request from the county on 17 properties in the school district. Hurst said the properties had structures that were razed by demolition, fire or other reason, but were not taken off tax rolls.

“The county is cleaning up their records, so they’re asking for the compromise,” Hurst said.

•Approved the county repository sale of 48 S. B St., Mahanoy City, to Borough of Mahanoy City for $10

•Approved a contract with School Operation Services Group Inc, Pottstown, to provide substitute custodial staff at $14 per hour

•Accepted retirement notice from Elementary Title I teacher Rae Travers, effective June 13

•Approved memorandum of understanding between St. Luke’s University Health Network and school district for mobile dental van services for the 2018-19 school year

•Opened all extracurricular and athletic positions for the 2018-19 school year

•Approved purchase of Science Fusion textbooks for elementary school at $40,356

•Approved use of Alumni Stadium for 10th annual Senator Rhoades Youth Track Meet at 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 19 as requested by James J. Rhoades Jr., president of the James J. and Mary Edith Rhoades Foundation.

•Approved use of Mickey Holland Gymnasium for Happy Hoops basketball camp from 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. June 18 to 21 as requested by Dorothy Demmer through the Lady Bears Booster Club.

•Approved use of Mickey Holland and Joe Alansky gyms for boys basketball camp from 4 to 8 p.m. June 11 to 15 as requested by boys’ head basketball coach Ethan Eichhorst on behalf of Mahanoy Boys Basketball Boosters.

•Approved use of Joe Alansky Gym for youth volleyball camp from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25-28 as requested by Mahanoy Area Volleyball Boosters President John Honus. Also approved high school team volleyball campfrom 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 9-12.

•Approved use of elementary classrooms, high school cafeteria, elementary gymnasium and pool for SHINE Summer Camp June 18-21 and June 25-28. Lifeguard fees will be billed to SHINE.

•Approved use of Mickey Holland and Joe Alansky gyms, elementary cafeteria, auditorium, wrestling room, track and football field, playground and pool for Students Against Destructive Decisions and Youth Summit groups for peer mentoring activities, drug and alcohol awareness and prevention to students in kindergarten to eighth grade from 3:30 to 8 p.m. June 1.

•Accepted resignation of Paul Babinsky as head football coach for seventh and eighth grades. Also approved Babinsky as volunteer football coach for the same team.

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

GIRARDVILLE — There is a new police officer-in-charge in Girardville with the borough council approving a change in positions for two officers at its April 12 meeting.

Mayor Joseph Catizone Jr. presented two requests to the borough council, the first for the resignation of Officer Jody Long as officer-in-charge of the part-time police department. Long’s resignation was only for the OIC position, and he will continue as a patrolman.

The borough council accepted the OIC letter of resignation.

“With Jody willing to stay on, Officer (Matthew) Williams is willing to take on the responsibility of officer-in-charge again,” Catizone said.

After the appointment of Williams, Catizone asked that he be promoted.

“Officer Williams has done a great job for the community, as has Officer Long. I would like to see Officer Williams to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant.”

During the approval vote, Catizone said there is no pay increase for the new rank.

Borough solicitor Christopher Riedlinger reported he filed on the borough’s behalf a petition with the court to lift the tax exemption of a property owned by Richard J. Wagner and Community Church of Truth Inc., as listed on the Schuylkill Parcel Locator. The property is at 0 A St., at the southeast corner of Vine and A streets.

“The hearing on that property is May 8,” Riedlinger said. “The burden of proof, even though we are the petitioning party, is on the taxpayer to establish the right to a continued exemption. He would have to prove he uses the property for a church or religious purpose.”

The Girardville Basketball Association donated $500 to the borough for the use of the gymnasium at the A Street School building for games and tournaments. The borough council expressed its gratitude for the donation.

The council approved the submission of an application to the county demolition program to raze a structure at 124 A St. The borough purchased the property for $1 from the county in 2017.

Krick said ash pickup is back to once a week on Friday. Twice-a-week collection of furnace/stoker ashes will resume in the fall.

Curbside recycling has resumed on the last Tuesday of each month, Krick said. Borough and county residents may also drop off recyclables at the county recycling bins near borough hall.

In other business, the council decided to table a decision on the county tax claim sale of a vacant piece of property at 247 Preston Ave. that is owned by Alex P. Levanovitch, according to the parcel locator. The council wants to review the sale before making a decision before the May 11 deadline set by the county.

During the public portion, resident Edna Labie told the council that Girardville Area Senior Citizens have been offered the donation of a piano to replace the old piano in borough hall, where seniors meet each month. She asked for borough employees to pick up the new piano and deliver it, then take the old piano to a landfill, with the seniors group paying for landfill disposal cost. She said the new piano would be available for use by anyone in the community room. The request was approved.

At the end of the meeting, Vice President Charles Marquardt congratulated borough Fire Chief Frank J. Zangari Jr. for recognition from the National Fire Protection Association for his years of educating the public regarding fire safety and prevention. Zangari is one of 13 Star Scholarship Award recipients. Zangari has been involved in the volunteer fire service for 45 years.

Zangari, president of the Schuylkill County Fire Chiefs Association for 28 years, was selected by the state House of Representatives in November as one of two volunteer fire chiefs appointed to a joint state commission involving fire company and EMS operations. He has served as chairman of the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute’s statewide advisory board for six years.

“Frank has constantly demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing risks to Girardville residents for fire and hazards,” Marquardt said. “He is truly deserving of this award and we’re thrilled to have him attend this year’s (NFPA) conference. At this time on behalf of myself and the borough, I want to congratulate Frank on this award.”

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

TAMAQUA — A Hazleton man charged with trying to kill another man in Tamaqua last year had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing Tuesday afternoon.

Rafael Valdez-Torres, whose last known address is 322 Cedar St., appeared before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer on charges of one felony count each of criminal attempt to commit murder of the first degree and possession of firearms prohibited, three felony counts of robbery, two felony counts of aggravated assault two misdemeanor counts of simple assault, and one misdemeanor count each of possessing instruments of crime and recklessly endangering another person.

After hearing testimony from the victim — Joseph Becker, Tamaqua — and the arresting officer, Tamaqua police Cpl. Henry Woods, Bayer determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all charges against Valdez-Torres held for Schuylkill County Court.

Woods charged Valdez-Torres with shooting Becker once in the chest around 2:05 a.m. Oct. 10 in an area to the rear of 249 W. Rowe St.

Becker, who is jailed at Carbon County Prison on unrelated charges, testified that he was “drug sick” at his home in the borough and made arrangements to purchase drugs at a home in the 200 bock of Rowe Street.

Becker told the court that once there, he walked to the rear of 249 W. Rowe St. carrying only $49 in $1 bills and an amount of methamphetamine and was met in the yard by Valdez-Torres.

After giving Valdez-Torres an amount of methamphetamine, Becker said, Valdez-Torres demanded $300 he said Becker owed him.

Becker said he told Valdez-Torres “no” and that after demanding money a second time, Valdez-Torres pulled out a handgun and shot him in the chest once at close range.

“I didn’t think he would pull the trigger but he did,” Becker testified.

After being shot, Becker told the court, he pushed Valdez-Torres away, fled the area and was able to call 911.

He said he was taken to a Coaldale hospital and then flown to St. Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill, where he remained a patient for about a month.

Woods told the court that he interviewed Valdez-Torres on Jan. 19, the same day he was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals and the Hazleton Police Department after being on the run since the time of the shooting.

During the interview, Woods said, Valdez-Torres admitted shooting Becker over an alleged drug debt.

“Yes, I shot him,” Woods recalled Valdez-Torres telling him about the incident.

Woods also said Valdez-Torres told him he gave the weapon to another person to be used in the drug trade and that the gun has not been found.

Following testimony, Assistant Public Defender Kimm Montone asked Bayer to dismiss the most serious count against his client, criminal attempt to commit murder of the first degree, saying there was no evidence to show that Valdez-Torres intended to kill Becker.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Foose countered by saying the fact that Valdez-Torres pointed a weapon at the chest of Becker at close range and fired is enough to show his intent to kill.

After the hearing, Valdez-Torres was returned to Schuylkill County Prison where he is being held without bail pending further court action.

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

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The state Department of Transportation has shut down the Columbia Street bridge’s north sidewalk.

According to Borough Administrator Scott Graver, PennDOT closed the sidewalk April 20, prompted by the condition of the wall. He said the bridge, dedicated in 1921, has endured 97 years of wear and tear, leading to the current condition. Parts of the wall lean outward over the Schuylkill River. The roadway remains open as does the sidewalk on the south side of the concrete span.

PennDOT safety press officer Sean Brown said the department’s bridge unit inspects each bridge at a minimum of every two years. It is an arch bridge and, during the inspection, crews also found the parapets and the spandrel, or outside wall, were failing. However, Brown said the road and bridge are safe for use.

“We wouldn’t have traffic or pedestrians if we felt there was an issue,” Brown said Tuesday.

Major work is scheduled for the bridge in 2021.

Brown could not say if it would be a rehabilitation or a replacement project. He said an early estimated cost would be $3.9 million, but the cost wouldn’t be finalized until bids are placed.

“Projects like this do take some time to design,” Brown said.

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

ORWIGSBURG — A West Brunswick Township man must defend against seven charges after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday for what police allege was his drug-fueled role in a March fight with his landlady, her husband and her son.

Brian L. Brobst, 35, of 38 Rocky Road, Auburn, faces one count of aggravated assault and three each of simple assault and harassment. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over those charges for Schuylkill County Court after Brobst waived his right to the hearing.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Brobst with assaulting Mary Keller, Richard Keller and Ricky Lee Trate at 1 p.m. March 2 at Brobst’s West Brunswick Township residence.

Police said Brobst was under the influence of methamphetamine when he threw Mary Keller onto the sofa and punched her in the ribs after she had threatened to evict him. Mary Keller suffered injuries to her arms when thrown onto the couch, according to police.

When Richard Keller and Trate rushed to the scene to defend Mary Keller, Brobst fought with them, police said.

“The defendant was the aggressor in the situation,” according to the Affidavit of Probable Cause that police filed with Ferrier.

Police said that when they arrived, Brobst fought with them, and it took three state troopers to subdue and arrest him. Police said they had to use Tasers to subdue Brobst, who at one point rolled partly under one of the patrol cars at the scene.

Brobst is free on $25,000 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.

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

MINERSVILLE — The second of two men wanted by Minersville police on drug charges was apprehended Friday by Cass Township police.

Minersville police Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers said John J. Luback Sr., 51, of 301 Lewis St., was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop and committed to Schuylkill County Prison for a parole violation.

He was arraigned Tuesday on charges of 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.

Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, set bail at $25,000 straight cash for Luback and ordered him returned to prison, where he was held on the parole detainer.

The second man — David J. Tavares, 31, also of 301 Lewis St., Minersville — was apprehended on April 13 in the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center in Tilden Township, Berks County, after a customer recognized him from a photo published in The Republican-Herald.

Bowers said that Tavares was arraigned at that time by Plachko on charges of two felony counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, two misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

Bowers said the charges against the two men are the result of a search warrant executed at 301 Lewis St. 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 for narcotics.

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

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

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

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

Man not injured,

flees after crash

MAHANOY CITY — A Girardville man escaped injury when the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu he was driving crashed in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81, just went of the Burma Road in Mahanoy Township, around 2:25 p.m. April 23.

State police at Frackville said Christopher Brennan, 40, was driving south when a tie rod broke on the front wheel of his car, causing him to lose control. The car slid to the left shoulder and then crossed both southbound lanes and shoulders and struck a stone embankment adjacent to the highway before coming to a stop.

Police said the car was extensively damaged and that Brennan fled the area on foot after the crash.

Wanted man

taken into custody

HEGINS — A man was taken into custody Sunday on outstanding warrants filed by Hegins Township Police.

Police Chief Beau Yarmush said Ryan Sibel, 32, was discovered and apprehended in a residence in Barry Township on Sunday by state police troopers.

Sibel had active warrants for his arrest and was subsequently turned over to township officers.

Yarmush said Sibel was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, on two criminal complaints.

The first complaint charged Sibel with conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property, receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit theft by unlawful taking.

In the second complaint, Sibel is charged with possession of a prohibited offensive weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia and harassment.

Reiley set bail at $10,000 straight cash for each of the complaints and ordered Sibel committed to Schuylkill County Prison.

Yarmush said that his department had been trying to locate Sibel since January on the charges against him.

POTTSVILLE — A double house in Ashland will receive significant renovations, while projects in Barry and West Penn townships will move forward after the Schuylkill County commissioners on Wednesday gave each of the three their support.

The commissioners approved a $15,000 contract with Affordable Construction & Demolition LLC, Coal Township, to redo the house at 1409-1411 Centre St., Ashland.

While the project is labeled a demolition, Michelle O’Connell of the county grant writer’s office said it is only a partial one.

O’Connell said the entire front porch, rear additions, interior plaster board and lathing, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and fixtures will be removed from each house. Also, the stairways in 1409, the oil burner, oil tanks and brick chimney will be taken down, she said.

Additionally, the commissioners voted to advertise for bids for the other projects, one at the Barry Township Municipal Building and the other at Zion’s Stone Church Park in Snyders, West Penn Township. Each represents an effort to make the facilities more accessible under the terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act, according to the commissioners.

“They’re going to make the doors handicap accessible” in Barry Township, O’Connell said.

She said that in the West Penn Township project, a path will be created to make the park more accessible to the handicapped.

Bids for each project can be submitted to the office of county Controller Christy Joy on May 14. They will be publicly opened and read aloud at 9 a.m. May 17 and reported at the commissioners meeting that day. The tentative award date for each contract is May 23.

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

POTTSVILLE — In spite of emotional pleas from their lawyers and friends, a man and woman are headed to state prison after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced each of them Wednesday in connection with the death of the man’s mother in August 2015 in Mahanoy City.

John F. Latshaw Jr., 59, of Mahanoy City, and Dorothy Robinson, 55, of Lebanon, must serve three to 24 months in a state correctional institution for the death of Elaine Latshaw, Judge John E. Domalakes decided at the end of a one-hour hearing.

“The victim here suffered a lot, and endured an excruciating situation,” Domalakes said in rejecting the defendants’ requests for probation or house arrest with electronic monitoring. Domalakes also ordered each defendant to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and made the sentences effective at 9 a.m. May 16.

Latshaw Jr. and Robinson each pleaded no contest on March 1 to involuntary manslaughter, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of third-degree murder and recklessly endangering another person.

By pleading no contest, Latshaw Jr. and Robinson did not admit committing the crime, but offered no defense to the charge, admitted prosecutors had enough evidence to prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and agreed to be sentenced as if he or she had pleaded or been found guilty.

As Domalakes announced the sentence, Latshaw Jr. bowed his head and Robinson wept.

Mahanoy City police alleged Latshaw Jr. and Robinson caused the death of Elaine Latshaw on Aug. 15, 2015. Police said the pair neglected Elaine Latshaw, who was John Latshaw’s mother, when in charge of her primary care while she lived with them at 325 E. South St. in the borough.

Police ruled Elaine Latshaw’s death suspicious after discovering her in the house with what they said were excessive untreated bedsores and a left foot that appeared to be mummified. The pathologist who conducted the autopsy also ruled the death a homicide, according to police.

“The victim in this case suffered a horrendous death,” Assistant District Attorney Jennifer N. Foose said. “These conditions were not suitable for human habitation.”

Several friends of the defendants each testified they meant no harm and were good people.

“They were always a big help. They were very devoted,” said Susan Wollyung, a United Methodist pastor in Tobyhanna who got to know Latshaw Jr. and Robinson when her late husband was their pastor in Mahanoy City. “I wish they were up in my church.”

She also said Elaine Latshaw wanted to be home instead of in a nursing home, an assertion that played a large part in the arguments of James G. Conville, Schuylkill Haven, and Frederick J. Fanelli, Pottsville, the lawyers for Latshaw Jr. and Robinson, respectively.

“Elaine Latshaw lost her will to live. She pleaded with her son to bring her home,” Fanelli said. “This case cries out for mitigation. They loved that woman They grieved for her.”

Conville agreed.

“They tried to abide by her wishes. She wanted to go home,” he said of Elaine Latshaw. “They did what they thought was right.”

Several of Latshaw Jr.’s friends said he is a reliable and hard-working man who loved his mother, although neither he nor Robinson testified at the hearing.

“I always felt he took care of her,” said Dean Klinger, Pine Grove, owner of Klinger’s Auto Parts and Recycling, for which Latshaw Jr. does considerable work. “He’s a very hard-working man.”

Bruce Sauder, East Earl, who, like Latshaw Jr., is a trucker, also said he is a good man who wanted to honor his mother’s wishes..

“I’ve never had any doubts with John” as to his honesty, Sauder said.

However, Domalakes noted the terrible conditions in which Elaine Latshaw was kept — she had maggots on her and was almost rotted into her mattress — and said the punishment fit the crime.

“I think the sentence is appropriate,” he said.

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

Defendant: John F. Latshaw Jr.

Age: 59

Residence: Mahanoy City

Plea: No contest to involuntary manslaughter

Prison sentence: Three to 24 months in a state correctional institution

Defendant: Dorothy Robinson

Age: 55

Residence: Lebanon, formerly of Mahanoy City

Plea: No contest to involuntary manslaughter

Prison sentence: Three to 24 months in a state correctional institution

FRACKVILLE — A Hegins woman charged with stealing more than $65,000 from her grandfather waived her right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

Dawn Marie Scanlan, 30, of 1161 W. Main St., Box 584, was scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale on two felony counts of access device fraud and one felony count each of theft, theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

After conferring with her attorney, Richard S. Roberts of Harrisburg, Scanlan chose to waive her right to a hearing and have the charges against her heard in Schuylkill County Court.

Scanlan was arrested by state police Trooper Mark Knock of the Frackville station in connection with incidents between April 3, 2013, and June 23, 2014.

Knock said he was alerted to the crimes on June 24, 2014, when he was contacted by the admission coordinator at Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center, who reported finding numerous fraudulent activities on the account of John Scanlan.

When speaking with John Scanlan that day, Knock said, the man reported that he was missing $54,000 from his bank account.

John Scanlan also reported entrusting Dawn Scanlan with handling his financial accounts and questioned her about the missing money only to be told by the woman that she was unaware of how much money she spent.

The investigation continued and, in August 2014, Knock said he received information that fraudulent activities were found on John Scanlan’s Discover card totaling $39,110.24.

Knock said a subsequent financial analysis of John Scanlan’s accounts and credit cards revealed that Dawn Scanlan wrote a total of $26,985 in personal checks, including $3,345 in account fees while serving as manager of the bank account.

In addition, a total of $39,110.24 in fraudulent charges on the Discover card were attributed to Dawn Scanlan, Knock said.

In all, Knock said Dawn Scanlan was responsible for $66,095.24 in fraudulent charges.

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

TAMAQUA — A Coaldale woman suggested that the borough reactivate its citizen crime watch group.

Christine Murphy Dowell told borough council recently that she’s read many posts on social media sites about “gangs” of youths causing trouble in Tamaqua.

She said she was willing to help establish a Crime Watch if there is an interest.

“We wouldn’t even approach the kids — just report what we see,” Dowell said. “In Coaldale, I’m a big reporter of different illegal activities.”

She said she is concerned about the borough because she frequently drives through on her way to work, and holds membership at a borough gym and the Tamaqua Public Library.

“I personally will volunteer my time at certain nights to walk the streets if I would have to, to help make it a safer place,” Dowell said.

Council President David Mace thanked Dowell for her interest.

“I believe there have been a couple of attempts to have a community watch take root and they usually tend to fall apart due to a lack of volunteers — to my knowledge and what’s happened in the past,” Mace said. “I certainly don’t say that in any way to be a discouragement. I am hopeful that it does take root this time.”

Mace said the council and the police department would be able to provide assistance if a crime watch is established.

He also asked Dowell to speak with Officer-in-Charge Dwyane Hacker and Mayor Nathan Gerace.

In an unrelated matter, the council learned of Tamaqua Brownie Troop 33013’s desire to start a community garden.

The troop had no specific space in mind but planned to raise money to fund the project if approved.

Councilwoman Mary Linkevich called the proposal “an excellent idea” and said she would reach out to troop officials.

FRACKVILLE — A Shenandoah man charged with stabbing another man in Frackville earlier this year had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

Felix Fermin Bermejo, 25, of 322 W. Penn St., appeared before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale on charges of one felony count of criminal attempt to commit criminal homicide; two felony counts of aggravated assault; three misdemeanor counts of simple assault; one misdemeanor count each of recklessly endangering another person and possessing instruments of crime; and a summary count of harassment.

After hearing testimony from the victim, Jacob Allen Schopfer, 24, of Ashland, and the arresting officer, Frackville Police Chief Richard Bell, Hale determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all charges held for Schuylkill County Court.

Bell charged Bermejo with stabbing Schopfer around 12:15 p.m. Jan. 22 outside of the Unity Food Mart in the 100 block of South Lehigh Avenue.

Schopfer was reluctant to testify, at first sitting silent for minutes at a time while being questioned by Assistant District Attorney Thomas Pellish and then defense attorney Charles Dutko Jr. of Kutztown.

However, after three recesses, Schopfer identified Bermejo as the person who stabbed him in a brief altercation.

After being stabbed, Schopfer said, his intestines were protruding from the wound.

Schopfer said he was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, for treatment and remained a patient there for about two weeks.

“Basically they had to fix my insides,” he said of his hospital treatment.

Bell told the court he arrived at the scene in less than a minute after being called and found Schopfer with severe injuries.

The chief said Schopfer was walking with his girlfriend, Stephanie Leedom, and their infant child when Bermejo pulled over in a vehicle and the altercation started.

Bell told the court that after stabbing Schopfer, Bermejo fled the area and that the knife he used in the attack has not been found.

He added that, later in the day, Bermejo came to the Frackville police station where he surrendered to authorities and was charged for the assault.

After the ruling, Dutko asked Hale to lower his client’s bail from $500,000 straight cash to a “reasonable amount,” citing the fact Bermejo surrendered, just obtained employment prior to his arrest and has family in the area.

Both Bell and Pellish told the court that bail should not be reduced to a minimum due to the seriousness of the charges.

After hearing arguments from both sides and citing Bermejo’s local ties, the fact he has a child in the area, obtained employment and surrendered voluntarily Hale reduced the man’s mail to $250,000 straight cash.

Bermejo will have to answer to all charges against him in Schuylkill County Court.

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

Deeds

Hegins Township — Tyler R. and Stephanie A. Strohecker to Jared T. Mook and Sarah N. Adams; 318 W. Main St., Valley View; $142,000.

Mahanoy City — Joseph W. West to Carlos Ivan Guallpa Quintuna and Ana L. Lucero-Chimbay; 719 E. Mahanoy Ave.; $22,500.

June R. Wall, by attorney in fact Karen Yedsena, to James M. Kuzma; 630 E. Pine St.; $1.

McAdoo — Donna M. Stauffer, administratrix of the Estate of Joseph S. Davidovich, to Joseph D. and Donna M. Stauffer; 48 S. Hancock St.; $1.

Barnesville

The Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens Inc. group meets at 1 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the Ryan Township Fire Company, Route 54. RR&D members usually play bingo and cards following their regular business meetings. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join.

Kelayres

The Kline Township Beautification Committee meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month in the township municipal building. New members and volunteers are welcome.

Pottsville

Schuylkill On the Move is a countywide grass-roots movement of people and organizations with an interest in promoting health and fitness through walking, according to information on the Schuylkill County’s VISION website: www.schuylkillvision.com. Its goals include assisting local communities with establishing walking programs for their residents, advocating for walkable communities and encouraging people to take positive steps toward good health. SOM hikes continue through fall and winter and residents are invited to join.

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.

Ringtown

Local children are invited to join the Ringtown Area Library for a new Summer Quest. In a release, Tanya Savitsky, library director, said Summer Quest “is much more than books and reading; Summer Quest will challenge all elementary-age children to try new activities and experiences throughout the summer by completing an activity log, which can be turned in to the library for a chance to win a grand prize.” A weekly program will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesdays from June 13 through Aug. 1 for children entering first through sixth grades, with several special events and guest presenters throughout the summer. 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.

Schuylkill Haven

Al-Anon meetings are held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at First United Church of Christ, 110 Route 61 South. Newcomers are always welcome. For more information, call Sarah at 570-449-1830. Al-Anon meetings are also held at 8 p.m. Fridays at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, 15 Earl Stoyer Road near Stoyer’s Dam, with newcomers always welcome. For more information on the Friday sessions, call Karla 570-294-2685.

Shenandoah

The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month in the downtown center, 116 N. Main St. New volunteers are always welcome to help advance the revitalization effort. For more information, go to the DSI website at www.downtownshenandoah.com, visit the center during regular hours, call 570-462-2060 or email dsi@downtownshenandoahinc.com. Karen Kenderdine is DSI president and Mary Luscavage is DSI’s executive director and Main Street Program manager. Donations to help DSI maintain the renewal effort are needed and gratefully accepted.

Shenandoah

The sixth annual Kielbasi-Pierogie Golf Open is set for June 15 at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Barnesville, with a 1 p.m. tee time. The event includes lunch, dinner and refreshments all day. For more information, call the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St., at 570-462-2060.

Shenandoah

The Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce meets at 8 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month. The meeting sites alternate between Ridgeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, 200 Pennsylvania Ave., and the Shenandoah Senior Living Community, East Washington Street.