Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A Rush Township woman charged with endangering the welfare of her 5-year-old daughter had charges against her held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Latia Nahf, 25, of 75 Ben Titus Road, Tamaqua, was arrested by Rush Township police Patrolman Michael Weaver and charged with one count each of endangering the welfare of children and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bayer determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered both charges against Nahf held for Schuylkill County Court.

Weaver said he was called to the Nahf home around 8 p.m. April 1 for a 911 hang up call and found Nahf frustrated and storming out of the residence and also in possession of two plastic measuring spoons and a needle.

While talking to the woman’s grandparents, Weaver said, the Nahf’s daughter asked if she could show him something and took him to Nahf’s room and opened a bedside table drawer revealing hundreds of used heroin packets, three uncapped needles and a spoon.

The items, Weaver said, were in a location that was easily accessible to the young child.

Other court cases included:

Brian K. Woods, 53, of 259 W. Rowe St., Tamaqua; dismissed: theft and possession of a controlled substance.

Michael Vega, 35, of 159 Spencer St., Frackville; waived for court: statements under penalty.

Jose L. Santiago, 46, of 32 W. Water St., Coaldale; withdrawn: simple assault and harassment.

Ryan Kiser, 30, of 409 Washington St., Tamaqua; waived for court: having an alcohol level of 0.02 percent or higher-3rd offense, driving without insurance, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Colette M. Miller, 47, of 58 S. Cleveland St., McAdoo; held for court: obstruction of highways and disorderly conduct.

Camille M. Kmetz, 63, of 21 S. Logan St., McAdoo; withdrawn: defiant trespass.

Shiane E. Follweiler, 25, of 333 Hazle St., Tamaqua; withdrawn: terroristic threats and harassment.

Brian Fritz, 41, of 401 Pine St., Apt. R4, Tamaqua; waived for court: retail theft, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

HARRISBURG — Schuylkill County will receive more than $450,000 to create a program to help low-income citizens make their homes safer and more energy efficient, state Sen. David G. Argall announced Monday.

The state Department of Community and Economic Development has awarded the HOME Program grant of $471,622 to create the Schuylkill County Weatherization Deferral Program.

That program will provide money for necessary housing repairs and energy-efficient measures, according to Argall, R-29, Rush Township.

“Schuylkill County has some of the oldest housing stock in Pennsylvania. Our lower-income and fixed-income elderly residents often do not have the finances needed to fix serious health and safety hazards in their homes,” said Argall, whose district includes all of Schuylkill and part of Berks County. “This program will provide essential repair assistance to our neighbors who are in most need.”

Schuylkill Community Action will administer the pilot program, which will provide additional financial aid to homeowners who do not meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

“We are very happy to participate in this program,” said SCA Executive Director Ted Dreisbach, whose agency is one of four in the state participating in it. “It will help many residents who otherwise would have no option other than to continue living in an unsafe environment.”

The county commissioners also released a statement expressing their delight with the program.

“This is another great tool to help in the fight against blight in our county,” the statement reads in part. “This program will furnish the needed funds to assist with repairs and projects to increased the assessed values of homes, while creating a better quality of life for both the homeowner and their neighbors.”

Argall has long been active in combating blight in Schuylkill County, and he said the grant can help that fight.

“Investing resources in a home will prevent another abandoned building that needs to be demolished in a few years,” he said. “It is a win for everyone.”

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

Sales consultant earns award

POTTSVILLE — Dawn Fisher, advertising sales consultant with The Republican-Herald, was awarded the 2017 NewsMedia Sales Professional of the Year award by the Interstate Advertising Manager’s Association at a recent conference in State College.

Fisher has been a sales consultant with the newspaper for 12 years, according to a release. Her sales responsibilities include finding media solutions for accounts in the automotive and real estate fields in and around Schuylkill County.

The Interstate Advertising Manager’s Association is a group of advertising professionals in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. The organization recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. This is the second year it has presented this award.

Business startup workshops available

POTTSVILLE — For people who’ve always had a dream to start their own business but didn’t know where to start, monthly workshops are held monthly at the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce quarters at Union Station.

The workshops begin at 10 a.m. by Wilkes University’s Small Business Development Center. Remaining 2018 dates include June 5, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4.

According to a chamber flier, the workshop “will help aspiring entrepreneurs to begin the process of successful business ownership including evaluating business ideas, developing a business plan and exploring financing options.”

Attendees will learn about: Unique lifestyle requirements involved in owning a business, how to assess the feasibility of their business idea, differences between business and organization structures, how to develop a business plan, how to obtain financing and the applications and licenses needed to start their company.

The cost is $20 for material payable by cash or check on the day of the seminar. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information, call 570-408-4351 or email Kristin.sassi@wilkes.edu.

Coal Cracker 10K ready for 2018 run

SHENANDOAH — The 2018 Coal Cracker 10K and Fun Run will be held June 9 beginning in the first block of North Main Street. The well-known run is held annually on the second Saturday of June, according to its Facebook page.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the headquarters of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St. The Fun Run, for youngsters 12 and younger, will begin at 9 a.m.

The 10K — which has a reputation as one of the most grueling runs in the state — will begin at 10 a.m.

Downtown Shenandoah stores, banks, eateries and service outlets will be open.

The 10K is sponsored by the Shenandoah Flites Running Club, headed by Tom Talerico and Dan Lewis. After the run, the Flites stage a “Pierogie Party” for participants.

For more information, call 570-462-0389.

Blaschak recipient of Ben Franklin funds

A Schuylkill County firm is among the recipients of funding from the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, whose board of directors approved the investment of $695,000 in new support for regional economic development.

Blaschak Coal Corp. — www.blaschakcoal.com — Mahanoy City, is the recipient of a Ben Franklin Investment of $25,000.

Blaschak’s university partner is Lehigh University’s Energy Research Center and the goal is to develop a process to efficiently extract Rare Earth Elements from anthracite mine water sources at the Blaschak site. Blaschak is a producer of anthracite coal.

REEs have a wide variety of applications in electronic, optical and magnetic devices. Currently, China produces nearly all REEs and there is great demand for domestic suppliers, according to a Ben Franklin press release.

The technology partner’s goal is “to help lead northeastern Pennsylvania to a better economic future by building partnerships that develop and apply technology for competitive advantage.”

To achieve the goal, the Ben Franklin staff concentrates its efforts on three key areas:

· Developing and growing early-stage technology-oriented companies

· Helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technology and business practices to achieve industry leadership

· Promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies.

Since beginning the operation, the Ben Franklin partners’ effort has helped create 18,056 new jobs for Pennsylvania workers and retain 31,840 existing jobs, start 511 new companies and develop 1,733 new products and processes, according to the release. Since 2007, BFTP/NEP clients have generated $1.5 billion in follow-on funding.

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners effort is an initiative of the state Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.

BFTP/NEP owns, manages, and is headquartered in Ben Franklin TechVentures, an award-winning business incubator/post-incubator facility on Lehigh University’s campus in Bethlehem. BFTP/NEP also manages the Bloomsburg Regional Technology Center, Bloomsburg.

County wine fest to run in Hegins

HEGINS — The 10th annual Schuylkill County Wine Festival will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 2 at the Hegins Park.

The cost is $15 per person and tickets for designated drivers are $5 each. Advance tickets are available for $12 until Aug. 25. Group rates for 10 or more are also available.

The event will include a disc jockey and live entertainment. There will also be a table-decorating contest with prizes for participants. The theme is red, wine and blue.

For more information, call Mary Tobash at 570-682-9660 or 570-682-9868.

Hand drumming

at Dreamcatchers

POTTSVILLE — Another community hand-drumming event is scheduled with Joe Ciarvella at Dreamcatchers Art Emporium LLC, 370 S. Centre St.

The event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 30 and the fee is $10 per person, according to a release from Dreamcatcher’s Christa Miller.

Deeds

Ashland — Theresa L. Hardnock and Jane Louise Steinhilber to Gary W. Blase; 2021 Walnut St.; $82,500.

Gary and Tara Brown to Lynne Brown, John Brown III and David Brown, co-executors of the Estate of Jean M. Brown; 350 Oakland St.; $1.

East Brunswick Township — Robert Donmoyer and Tracy Matukewicz-Donmoyer to Todd Bugdanavage; 28 S. Market St., McKeansburg; $137,500.

East Union Township — Ronald Swank to Ronald and Nancy Jeanne Swank; Lot 101WS, Eagle Rock; $1.

Foster Township — Sandra L. Kachmar to Foster Township; 20-acre property on Legislative Route 53056, Mount Pleasant; $100,000.

Mahanoy Township — Jonathan Ford and Christopher Ford to Nancy Lynn Puddu; 22 St. Ann St., Buck Mountain; $1.

Rush Township — Theofanis Constantine to Mitchell Solomon and Amy Jazowski; 185 Claremont Ave., Hometown; $47,500.

Schuylkill Township — Theodore Borzymowski, executor of the Last Will & Testament of Rosemarie DeMatteo, to Monica H. Wolfgang; 54 Hollow Drive, MaryD; $25,500.

Tamaqua — Christine S. Whiting and Virginia H. Wetzel, co-executrices of the Estate of Helene J. Kellner, to Golden Eye Properties LLC; 313 Elizabeth St.; $63,000.

As high school graduates head off on future pursuits, one Shenandoah Valley senior used his academic year earning college credit while gaining first-hand experience in the health field.

Nathan Labosky is the only man who participated this year in the Schuylkill Technology Center’s Emerging Health Professionals program.

“I had many things go through my mind about what I wanted to do with my life,” said Labosky, 18, of Shenandoah, son of Michael and Beverly Labosky.

The EHP program is relatively new to Schuylkill County, just in its second full year, according to Cyria Hart, RN, BSN, M.Ed., Emerging Health Professionals instructor at STC-North, Frackville. It’s an area of study that, so far, has been dominated by young women.

“Although we have already taken applications for next year’s class, enrollment is low — only 11 students for a class that can hold 24 — and they are all female. Health care is a booming field. Most job titles have a bright outlook for job growth and pay livable wages,” Hart said.

Labosky wants to be an interventional radiologist, or possibly a physician’s assistant. He’s always had an interest in radiology. Both of his parents are health care providers: His mother is a physical therapy assistant who teaches at PSU Hazleton; his father has a diverse background as a radiologic technologist and works as an ultrasonographer for Comprehensive Women’s Health Services, Pottsville.

Through EHP, Labosky shadowed at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street’s radiology department, as well as all other departments and various community sites.

“I shadowed there three times and it was amazing. I’ll never forget that and I’m glad I did it,” he said.

EHP students take anatomy and physiology at Penn State Schuylkill on Monday and Friday mornings, shadow on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and have class at STC on Wednesdays. EHP is a half day, full-year program for advanced high school seniors, with at least a 3.0 GPA, who are planning to enter the health care field. All of the students in this year’s EHP graduating class are continuing their education, Hart said. STC is pursuing more shadowing opportunities, she said.

Labosky expected an intense level of study.

“I do understand that we’re still seniors in high school and that the state mandates our curriculum. I was hoping to learn more about the types of diseases and the medicines used to treat them. We learned about nursing aid, ethics, legal communication and HIPAA rules.”

“Learning anatomy and physiology at the college level was extremely stressful. Now that I have the experience, it will be easier,” Labosky said of heading to Penn State, University Park, where he will be pursing a biology degree.

Labosky said in order to concentrate his time on a career path, he dropped out of a few activities at Shenandoah Valley, like football and basketball. He remained in the Drama Club, track and field, homecoming court and prom committee. He works part-time at Luna’s Dimaggio in Shenandoah.

Some of his friends were curious about the EHP program.

“Some were interested in PT (physical therapy) and nursing. I told them it was a good opportunity and you get amazing experience shadowing that you don’t normally learn in the classroom. You really see how difficult it is to be a doctor or nurse,” Labosky said.

Before shadowing in any medical setting, EHP students must have a flu shot and a TB test, he said.

There are still openings available in next year’s EHP class. Interested juniors can see their guidance counselors for an application, contact Hart at hartc@stcenters.org or call 570-874-1034, Ext. 4817.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — Dunham’s Sports has signed a multiyear lease at the Fairlane Village mall.

“Dunham’s Sports is well-known in this marketplace and has a loyal clientele. This realtor is a fantastic addition to Fairlane Village mall, and we anticipate that it will serve as a catalyst for attracting additional high-caliber tenants,” Joseph Lowry, senior vice president of leasing and acquisitions for Levin Management, the mall’s manager, said in a statement.

A date was not provided for when the sports retailer will occupy the approximate 43,000-square-foot space at the mall. The exact length of the lease was also not disclosed.

The property owner is doing the work at the mall, according to Levin Management. There will be an interior and exterior entrance for shoppers. Further construction details were not available.

The proposed space is near Schuylkill Valley Sports. Plastic sheets currently cover stores formerly occupied by Rue 21 and Hallmark, among others.

A call to Schuylkill Valley Sports corporate office was not returned.

Plans call for Payless and GNC to relocate.

An email to the Payless corporate office was not returned Monday.

An employee at GNC said a final decision has not been made on if the store will relocate in the mall or leave.

Dunham’s had a posting on its website, www.dunhamssports.com, that a new store was coming to Pottsville in 2018. A call to Dunham’s corporate was not returned Monday.

Dunham’s closed Dec. 31 at the Schuylkill Mall. It had to vacate after NP New Castle LLC, Riverside, Missouri, bought the mall for $2.1 million in a January 2017 bankruptcy auction. The former mall is being demolished.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

TAMAQUA — The Schuylkill-Carbon Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 13 honored 88 fallen members during its annual memorial service Monday.

The group gathers each May at its lodge in the Owl Creek section of Tamaqua to remember their brothers and sisters who died since the inception of Lodge 13 in 1941.

The service is held in conjunction with National Police Memorial Week during May, highlighted with a solemn ceremony in Washington, D.C.

One name was added to the list of deceased members since the 2017 service: Dale Griffith, who retired from the Tamaqua Police Department.

The ceremony began with the lowering of the flag to half-staff by Mahoning Township Police Chief Audie Mertz followed by opening remarks by Summit Hill Police Chief Joseph Fittos Jr., lodge president.

Kline Township Police Chief and lodge Vice President John Petrilla placed a red, white and blue wreath at the lodge memorial stone that bears the names of all the deceased.

David Everly, financial secretary and a retired Mechanicsville police officer, read aloud the names of each of the deceased, after which a moment of silence was held under the direction of Nesquehoning police Patrolman Timothy Wuttke.

A shotgun salute was given by Detective Josh Tom and Patrolmen Anthony Campanell, Vince Morrow and Derek Laninger, all of the Lansford Police Department; Patrolmen Richard Compton and Todd Woodward of the Summit Hill Police Department; and Patrolman Glenn Laninger of the Nesquehoning Police Department.

The ceremony closed with the playing of taps by Tamaqua police Patrolman Michael Hobbs and a prayer by Wuttke who served as acting chaplain in the absence of lodge chaplain John Kast, a retired Tamaqua police patrolman.

Everly said Lodge 13 includes police from Port Carbon, Tamaqua, Mechanicsville, Schuylkill Township, New Philadelphia, Palo Alto, Rush Township, McAdoo, West Penn Township, Kline Township, Walker Township, Summit Hill, Jim Thorpe, Nesquehoning, Lansford, Kidder Township, Beaver Meadows, East Penn Township, Lehighton, Franklin Township and Mahoning Township.

Everly stressed the importance of honoring deceased members in an effort to show that their dedication to both law enforcement and their communities is never forgotten.

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

Ashland

The 2018 street sweeper schedule includes the first full week of each month. Vehicles must be moved from the street on the days designated by the “No Parking Street Sweeper” signs during the following weeks: June 4 to 8, July 2-6, Aug. 6-10, Sept. 3-7 and Oct. 1-5. Residents, according to a borough release, must adhere to the parking restrictions from 5 to 9 a.m. Vehicles not moved will be ticketed. In conjunction with street sweeping, J.C. Ehrlich will do curb-line vegetation control on Walnut Street, Centre Street and Hoffman Boulevard on June 6 and 7, weather permitting.

Auburn

Auburn Church of God, 230 Market St., will have a free May community dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, sides, dessert and a drink. Donations will be accepted bur are not required. For more information, email laughalottd@gmail.com.

Frackville

The annual Memorial Day parade will begin at 9 a.m. Monday and there will be a program at about 9:30 a.m. The gathering will be 8:30-8:45 a.m. at the M&T Bank and will follow the route of past years. Police Chief Rick Bell will be in charge of the parade and Elaine Mykolayko will have charge of the ceremony, according to a release from Mayor Kim Phillips.

Hegins

The Hegins Valley Fire-Rescue Carnival will be held June 13-16 at Hegins Park. Festivities will include a 7 p.m. parade June 13 plus entertainment by Dan Poletti and Mug Night. Entertainment on June 14 will feature Flamin’ Dick & the Hot Rods sponsoring by Horning Supply. It will also b wristband night with one price to go on rides all night long. Live music on June 15 will feature the band Sapphire and it will be another wristband night. Deuce will entertain on June 16 sponsored by Moore Supply, Valley View culminating with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. The carnival will have a beer garden every night. All are welcome.

Mahanoy City

The Washington Hook and Ladder Fire Company will hold a car wash from 8 to 11 a.m. June 2 at the firehouse, 700 W. Mahanoy Ave., weather permitting. The cost is $5 for exterior only or $15 for exterior and interior. All are welcome.

Orwigsburg

The Orwigsburg Lions Club will have its annual chicken barbecue from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Memorial Day, Monday, at Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Hall. Meals are $9 each and takeouts will be available. All are welcome.

Pine Grove

The M&J Jazz Band will perform from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday in a Memorial Day concert at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park’s large pavilion, next to the clubhouse. The rain date is June 5. The outdoor concert is free and open to the public. Seating will be in the yard in front of the pavilion. People should bring blankets or lawn chairs and picnic dinners. The band’s appearance is made possible through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, Washington and Main streets, will be closed Monday. The library’s monthly story/craft hours with “Miss Gianna” will be held from 11 a.m. to noon June 2 and focus on all things pirates. The library will extend its Saturday hours beginning June 2 with new hours 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue’s 11th annual Dog Walk and Chinese Auction has been postponed to Saturday at the Owl Creek Reservoir due to inclement weather on May 19, when it originally was to have been held. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. and the walk will begin at noon. Everyone is welcome, with or without a pet.

The Pine Grove Area school board approved a $23.8 million proposed final budget that doesn’t call for a tax increase.

The board is scheduled to make its final decision at 6:30 p.m. June 21 at a meeting held in the middle school library. A committee meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 14 for further budget discussions.

The board voted 9-0 in favor of the $23,853,233 general fund spending plan for the 2018-19 school year at its committee meeting May 10.

Business Manager Jodie Dermo gave the board a five-year projection on the revenues and expenditures. If the board decides not to raise taxes, the projection is that in the fifth year, there will be a $2,788,029 deficit. She also showed the projections, if taxes were raised by 0.25, 0.5, 0.85 or 1 mill over the next five years and what the deficit may look like.

Of consideration is whether or not to raise taxes.

The current real estate tax millage is 39.75 mills, or $3.98 on each $100 of assessed valuation. Median home values in the district range from $10,960 in Frailey Township to $48,035 in Washington Township.

Other levies include two $5 per capita taxes; a $10 occupational privilege tax; a $250 occupation tax; 1 percent earned income (split with municipalities) and 1 percent real estate transfer tax (split with municipalities).

One mill in real estate tax generates $233,292 in revenue for the district.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

MAHANOY CITY — The Mahanoy Township supervisors voted Thursday to approve a bonding waiver requested by the Mahanoy Area School District on the new bus garage project in the township.

As part of the township’s project requirements, the school district is required to obtain a performance bond as part of the Mahanoy Area School District Transportation Building Land Development Final Plan.

The bond is a requirement to assure that if a contractor on a project does not complete a land development project as approved, the township will have the bond as a guarantee that the project will be completed in accordance with its terms as initially agreed.

The school district had requested the bonding waiver to save taxpayer funds. However, the request as made led to a miscommunication to the township that the district was requesting a waiver of an entire section of project requirements, which led the supervisors to deny the request at their April meeting.

Township solicitor Eric Lieberman said he had spoken with William N. McMullen, project manager with ARRO Consulting Inc., the township consulting engineer, and James J. Rhoades Jr., project manager with Alfred Benesch & Co., the school district consulting engineer, about the waiver request.

“Essentially what happened was that they (school district) initially requested a waiver of the improvements agreement, but the intent, according to Bill and Jim, was to request a waiver of only of the bonding for the site improvement for the project,” Lieberman said. “To correct that issue, we would need a motion requesting that the waiver be granted for the bonding portion of the improvements agreement.”

The school district project is to replace its current bus garage that was a former Kaier Brewery truck garage on Park Place Road at the north side of Mahanoy City. The building is about 100 years old and needs major repairs.

Since the district does not own the garage, the school board decided to build a new garage for its bus and van fleet where the former P&R Patron Supermarket was located, which is adjacent to the township municipal building. The school district purchased the property in 2014, which is adjacent to the campus. It had razed the supermarket building in 2016. The property will also be used for additional parking.

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

N.J. trooper dies

in I-78 crash

LENHARTSVILLE — An off-duty New Jersey State Police trooper, also a member of the Marine Corps, was killed when his vehicle was struck from behind on Interstate 78 in Berks County on Sunday night.

State police at Hamburg said Brian McNally, 30, of Bedminster, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 6:30 p.m. crash by a representative of the Berks County Coroner’s Office.

Trooper Robert Markowski Jr. said that McNally was on his way back home from an off-duty weekend in the Marine Corps Reserves. With the New Jersey State Police, McNally was stationed at the Washington Station.

Markowski said the crash occurred in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 78 at mile marker 40.7 in Greenwich Township.

Markowski said McNally was driving in the left lane when traffic began to slow down for an active construction zone in Lehigh County.

Markowski said McNally traveled from the left lane into the right lane and subsequently struck the back of a tractor-trailer being driven by Nuritdin Juraev, 33, of Windsor Mill, Maryland.

After the collision, Markowski said, the trailer part of the Juraev truck and the McNally vehicle were engulfed in flames.

Juraev was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, for treatment of minor injuries and no other injuries were reported.

Markowski said his investigation into the crash is continuing.

2 face charges in

separate incidents

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City police reported arresting two people recently on summary charges stemming from separate incidents.

Police said that on May 15, Brandon Fritz, 26, of Mahanoy City, was cited for public drunkenness on two occasions.

Both incidents occurred in the 100 block of East Pine Street, the first at 1:40 a.m. and the second at 2:10 a.m.

Then, on Saturday, police said Alexa Kuilan, 42, of Mahanoy City, was charged with harassment after an incident around 7:30 p.m. in the 600 block of West Market Street.

Both Fritz and Kuilan will now have 10 days to answer to the charges before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, police said.

Police seek 2 for

alleged theft

POTTSVILLE — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a retail theft incident that occurred at Boscov’s Department Store at Fairlane Village mall in Norwegian Township around 11:45 a.m. May 15.

Police said a man removed a large blue suitcase from outside of the tent and then entered the main store with another man and tried to remove 10 pairs of Nike athletic shorts without paying.

The total value of the items was $345 for the shorts and $99 for the suitcase, police said.

Both men concealed the items in the front of their pants and tried to leave but dropped the items and fled on foot when confronted, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at Schuylkill Haven at 570-754-4600.

Police investigate

theft from vehicle

FRIEDENSBURG — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating the theft of items from a vehicle that occurred on James Road and Johns Road in Wayne Township between 9:30 p.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. Monday.

Police said someone entered several vehicles and stole numerous items before fleeing undetected.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at Schuylkill Haven at 570-754-4600 and refer to incident PA2018-547908.

POTTSVILLE — Eight blighted properties in the city will be torn down with some of the $1.4 million in state grant funds awarded to the county in January 2017.

The city council approved a Schuylkill County Demolition Program contract between the city and the county at its May 14 meeting. The total amount awarded to the city is $157,414, County Administrator Gary Bender said Tuesday.

The county approved the funding in December and the city can submit invoices for the work, Bender said.

However, Rebecca Trefsger, assistant to City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar, said the city received the contract in April.

One property was approved last year, 712 W. Market St., for $21,540, Bender said.

The city council approved the following properties to submit to the county at its meeting May 14:

• 815 Minersville St., $7,874

• 525 S. Centre St., $24,400

• 415 North St., $21,840

• 1800 W. Norwegian St., $18,440

• 532 Harrison St., $22,440

• 627 Race St., $24,440

• 629 N. Centre St., $16,400

Demolition work has not yet started and a start date was not provided. The completed list was given to the county May 16.

The city clerk was authorized to buy 815 Minersville St. from a repository sale at a maximum amount of $248.75.

The city council members approved the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau private sale of the following lots and improvements:

• 305 Laurel St.

• 605 Harrison St.

• 447 Nicholas St.

• 166 W. Railroad St.

• 208 Railroad St.

• 235 Peacock St.

• 325 George St.

• 363 Front St.

• 301 W. Norwegian St.

Charles Bauers was appointed as assistant fire chief for the city effective July 1. He was sworn in by Mayor James T. Muldowney May 14. Bowers has been with the Pottsville Fire Department since June 1995.

The city also took several personnel actions at the May 14 meeting. They include reappointing Brett Clark to serve on the housing authority for the city for five years until April 7, 2023; appointing Roni Lynn tax clerk; Noralea Matz as summer pool manager; Christian Newton as summer assistant pool manager; and offered conditional employment to summer lifeguards, concession stand/counter help workers and maintenance staff at the JFK Pool. Summer part-time parks laborers were also hired.

Contracts were awarded for equipment rental and milling machine rental. Tropp Contracting, Pottsville, was awarded a contract for equipment rental in the amount of $35,750. The contract for milling machine rental was awarded to Roto-Mill, Oley, for $15,300.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania has reversed a decision of the Environmental Hearing Board that nullified the Joint Act 537 plan between Hegins and Hubley townships.

The ruling means the joint sewage plan, which received approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection, can move forward. It’s designed to establish a sanitary sewer system and supporting infrastructure for township communities that have been lacking an updated system for more than 50 years.

Township officials learned of the decision Tuesday.

“We’re right back to where we were,” Hubley Township Supervisor Chairman Keith A. Masser said. “I was expecting this decision. Now, we’ll wait for DEP to respond. I suspect DEP will be in touch with everyone and take the next steps to implement the plan.”

Hubley Township had appealed the EHB’s ruling.

“It’s unfortunate that the concerned citizens and Hegins Township supervisors wasted taxpayer dollars to go through this. It should have been implemented in 2017. Now, we’ll implement a plan that will cost more than it would have three years ago,” Masser said, referring to when the plan was approved by the DEP in 2015.

“The court had to reverse that decision, which would have made the Act 537 process un-implementable. I’m glad the judge ruled with common sense,” he said.

Hegins Township Supervisor Chairman Gary Harner said attorney John G. Dean of Elliott Greenleaf, Scranton, notified him Tuesday in an email of the ruling.

“The ruling came down and a decision was made. Everybody has their own opinion. We’ll see what happens. I hope everything works out,” Harner said.

The Commonwealth Court decision, filed Tuesday, was heard before Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer, Judge Ellen Ceisler and Senior Judge Dan Pellegrini.

In an unreported 15-page memorandum opinion, Ceisler writes: “We agree with Hubley and DEP that the board’s ruling undermines the act’s procedures and contradicts the act’s express policy of protecting ‘public health, safety and welfare of the citizens by providing for a technically competent, integrated and coordinated system of sanitary sewage disposal.’

“We will not permit Hegins to escape its public commitment, and its agreed-upon obligation, to work with Hubley and the Hegins-Hubley Water Authority to implement a viable sewage treatment plan without following ‘the proper and transparent procedures outlined in the Sewage Facilities Act.’ ”

In its cross-petition for review, Hegins Township had asked Commonwealth Court to remand the matter to DEP for additional public comment on the most recent revisions to the joint plan. The court denied Hegins’ request.

The Concerned Citizens group of Roger Wetzel, William Wolfgang, Randy Shadle, Kenneth W. Richter, Kenneth Graham and Harry Mausser are also listed as respondents in the case, since they appealed DEP’s approval of the plan. A message to their attorney, Donald G. Karpowich, Drums, was not returned Tuesday.

Ceisler’s memorandum opinion offers a brief history of the township’s efforts to institute a joint sewage plan. “On August 4, 2014, the townships submitted their joint plan to DEP. The joint plan was the first comprehensive revision to the township’s Act 537 plans since 1967. In the joint plan, the townships proposed the construction of a 600,000-gallon-per-day wastewater treatment plant in Hubley. They also proposed the installation of public sewers in various sections of both townships where there had been on-lot septic malfunctions and direct discharges of raw sewage into commonwealth waters.”

On April 17, 2015, the DEP issued a written decision approving the joint plan, and landowners appealed DEP’s approval. Hegins Township changed position and decided to join the landowners’ challenge to the economic feasibility of the joint plan.

“Landowners’ expert, Entech Engineering Inc., projected the cost to be $38 million, whereas Hubley’s expert, Alfred Benesch & Co., projected the cost to be $26 million,” the opinion stated.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

PORT CARBON — Although a judge dismissed the most serious charge filed against him, a Brockton man is headed to Schuylkill County Court for allegedly trying to injure a man with his motorcycle in April in Schuylkill Township.

Joseph J. Leskin, 57, still faces charges of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment, careless driving and reckless driving after a 20-minute hearing at which only the alleged victim and the prosecuting officer testified.

However, Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, who presided over the hearing, dismissed a charge of aggravated assault against Leskin, ruling that prosecutors had not provided enough evidence to support it. Plachko allowed Leskin, who offered no testimony or other evidence during the hearing, to remain free on $10,000 straight cash bail pending further court action.

State police at Frackville alleged Leskin assaulted John Stumer, 30, of Tuscarora, by driving his red Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle into him while he was on his dirt bike at approximately 2:45 p.m. April 14 at 345 Valley St., Brockton.

“I turned around and that’s when he rammed me,” Stumer testified. “I just wanted to get across the road. He let the clutch fly.”

“You say he rammed you?” Assistant District Attorney Julie A. Werdt asked Stumer.

“Oh yes,” Stumer answered.

Stumer said Leskin, whom he identified as the defendant, actually hit him twice and was cursing him.

“He hit me on the same side” the second time, Stumer said.

When cross-examined by James P. Lyons, Lafayette Hill, Leskin’s lawyer, Stumer said his dirt bike’s exhaust and radiator are bent, but he has not gotten it repaired yet.

Stumer also said Leskin was the guilty party.

“He clearly revved it up and clutched it,” Stumer said of Leskin’s actions with his full-size motorcycle.

Furthermore, Leskin would not let him get by him, Stumer said.

“It was easier for me to turn around,” he said.

State police Trooper Anthony J. Tombasco, the prosecuting officer, testified he responded to the incident and Stumer told him that Leskin had rammed him. He also said he saw two videos of the incident and one clearly shows the crash.

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

The defendant

Name: Joseph J. Leskin

Age: 57

Residence: Brockton

Charges: Simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment, careless driving and reckless driving

Friedensburg

St. Mark’s Brown’s Church will have a garage sale from 7 a.m. to noon June 2 at FehrMark warehouse, 1341 Long Run Road. All proceeds from donated items will benefit the church. For more information, email htaylor141@comcast.net.

Mahanoy City

St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church will have two religious services Saturday and Sunday in observance of Memorial Day. The Rev. Kevin Gallagher, pastor, will celebrate a Mass at 9 a.m. Saturday at the outdoor altar at St. Casimir Cemetery for the first time. The Mass will honor all who have fallen in war and also remember loved ones who have died. Then at 7 p.m. Sunday, a memorial Rosary will be prayed at the cemetery in memory of deceased family members, friends and all veterans. The Rosary will be recited near the outdoor altar. Everyone is invited to pray the Rosary as a way to celebrate Memorial Day. People planning to attend should bring a lawn chair.

Nuremberg

Hours at the Nuremberg branch of the Hazleton Area Public Library will be noon to 4 p.m. Friday.

Pottsville

Attorney Margaret A. Ulmer, president of the Schuylkill County Bar Association Scholarship Fund, has announced that the fund is accepting applications for aid for Schuylkill County students attending law school. To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Schuylkill County for three consecutive years and either must be enrolled in a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or have taken law school aptitude tests and applied for admission to a law school, Ulmer said in a release. Applications may be obtained from the office of the Schuylkill County Bar Association Scholarship Fund, Law Library-Fourth Floor, Courthouse, 401 N. Second St., Pottsville, PA 17901 and must be submitted to the fund by July 16. The scholarship fund directors will study the applications, make the awards and notify the successful applicants as soon as possible. Many factors are considered by the directors in making their decision in order to meet the needs of the applicant. This is the 41st year for the scholarship aid program; last year awards were made to 14 law school students.

Pottsville

An “Aladdin” youth theater camp/production show hosted by the Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center Inc. will begin June 18 and run from 9 a.m. to noon on week days for two weeks and conclude with a kids’ version of “Aladdin” at 7 p.m. June 29 at the United Presbyterian Church Hall. The camp is open to youngsters who are currently in grades K-8. All roles are open including the lead roles of Jasmine and Aladdin. For information, email pottsvillegtctheater@gmail.com.

Pottsville

Providence Place Senior Living, 2200 First Ave., will have a free Lunch & Learn session from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 7 focusing on five ways people can transform their health in three months or less. The presenter will be Buddy Touchinsky of Healthy Habits. All are welcome. For more information or to RSVP, call Shannon at 570-628-6950.

Ringtown

American Legion Post 289 will host its annual Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. Monday at the historic Old White Church, just east of the borough. All are welcome.

Shenandoah Heights

West Mahanoy Township officials have re-issued their warning that anyone caught littering or illegally dumping in the township will be prosecuted. Officials have previously issued warnings about the offenses but the practice continues. Supervisors Chairman David Lukashunas said the township’s anti-littering ordinance carries a fine 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.

Name incorrect

The surname of twins Domanic and Nicholas Nolan, 11, of Pottsville, was incorrect in a photo caption in Monday’s edition.

TAMAQUA — A preliminary hearing for an 18-year-old borough man charged by Tamaqua police with raping a 10-year-old girl earlier this year was continued Tuesday due to the lack of a victim.

Corey Barnes, 521 E. Broad St., was scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, on charges of one felony count each of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault; along with misdemeanor offenses of indecent assault of a person under the age of 13, indecent exposure and corruption of minors.

At the request of Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Foose, Bayer granted the continuance with no objections raised by Barnes’ lawyer, Chief Public Defender Karen Domalakes.

Foose said she requested the continuance since the victim of the alleged crimes committed by Barnes was absent from court.

Barnes was arrested on April 18 and charged by Tamaqua police Cpl. Henry Woods with sexually assaulting the girl a month earlier, on March 24.

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

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

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

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

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

After appearing in court, Barnes walked out of Bayer’s office still under $100,000 unsecured bail set by Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, at the time of his preliminary arraignment.

In addition to the bail, Plachko ordered Barnes to home confinement with electronic monitoring by Schuylkill County Adult Probation officers and also not to have any contact with minors or the victim and to seek a mental evaluation.

Bayer granted a request by Domalakes to modify the bail conditions set by Plachko to allow her client to have supervised contact with his 11-year-old sister when she comes to the home of him and his mother for visitation.

“This is mom’s request,” Foose told the court. “We don’t think there is a threat or a concern.”

Following Barnes’ preliminary arraignment, Plachko explained his decision to allow Barnes free on unsecured bail.

The judge said his decision to place Barnes on home confinement is because the man suffers of Asperger’s syndrome and that due to that mental deficiency, incarcerating him may be further detrimental to his mental state.

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

Bayer said he will reschedule Barnes’ preliminary hearing at a later date.

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

POTTSVILLE — Third-grade students at John S. Clarke Elementary Center voted Make-A-Wish Foundation the top charitable organization they wanted to give money.

Students took part in the 19th annual Karen’s Heroes program held from May 7 to 11. The program was established to honor elementary teacher Karen Chattin-Ney, a third-grade teacher at the school, who died in 1998 at age 46. Each year students at the school vote on how much money each of several charities, selected beforehand by a committee that oversees the Karen Chattin-Ney Education Fund, will receive. Each child has one vote worth $5.

In all, 174 children voted.

The donations will be given as follows:

• Make-A-Wish Foundation: $556

• Hillside SPCA: $446

• Schuylkill Conservancy: $201

• Servants to All: $151

• Allied Artists of Schuylkill County: $146

“As determined by the school Administration and third-grade teachers, lessons were taught to students about contributing charitable donations to causes in the local community. Over a one-week period, the children learned about the work of 5 local charities that benefit homeless people, pets for adoption, local arts, environmental conservation and children with life-threatening illness. Attending one lesson each morning, the third-grade children learned why these causes and organizations are important to all people living in our community and to future generations. The 5 lessons explained how charities need volunteer and financial support from people in the community who can afford to give … a little time or money,” Anita Dwyer, Karen’s Heroes chairwoman, said in a statement.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Alvernia

Victoria Kocher, Pine Grove, was one of 22 students whose writing was published in Berks County Living Magazine and BCTV.org during the fall semester. She is studying nursing at Alvernia University, Reading.

Olivia Grube, Pottsville, an occupational therapy major, was inducted into the Delta Epsilon Sigma Catholic Honor Society during the fall semester at Alvernia.

She is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School.

Alvernia students earned competitive awards in the fall through the university’s Real-World Experience Award program that is geared to expand students’ access to experiential learning opportunities in all academic areas.

Students receive up to $2,000 to support participation in opportunities, including Alvernia’s Washington Center program, undergraduate research, studying abroad, distance internships, alternative break experiences and service-learning.

Sarah Englert,Schuylkill Haven, an occupational therapy major, used award funds to study abroad in Dingle, Ireland, during the spring semester. Shauna Redanauer, Orwigsburg, a nursing major, is using the funds to study abroad in Dingle, Ireland, this summer.

Baldwin Wallace

Lauren Tidmore, Orwigsburg, was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society for first-year students at Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, Ohio, during the fall semester.

A graduate of Blue Mountain High School majoring in acting, Lauren was one of 47 students who were accepted for membership.

Lauren was part of the cast and crew from Baldwin Wallace that staged Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” during the fall semester. She played the part of Lady in Box.

Lauren was part of the BW theater and dance community that presented “fyoo zh en ’18: SHAKTI.” The annual “fyoo zh en” dance concert combines choreography with faculty research.

This year’s show was inspired by Dr. Swagata Banik’s National Institutes of Health-funded public health study “Project SHAKTI: Stigma reduction, Healthcare provider Awareness and Knowledge enhancement on Transgender issues in India.”

Delaware Valley

Corinne Bricker, Pottsville, a student at Delaware Valley University, Doyles-town, participated in LeaderShape Institute over winter break from Jan. 15 through 20 in Mount Bethel.

LeaderShape is recognized nationally as one of the premier leadership development programs for college students.

Central Penn

John Ransom, Lykens, a student at Central Penn College, Summerdale, was inducted into Gamma Beta Phi, a national honor and service society, at the organization’s recent ceremony in the Capital BlueCross Theatre.

East Stroudsburg

When the fall semester ended last December, Melvin Mastishin, Ashland, was among 11 students at East Stroudsburg University who began preparing for the international European Union Simulation, or Eurosim.

As part of a political science course offered over winter break, the students, accompanied by L. Johan Eliasson, Ph.D., professor of political science, participated in Eurosim in Brussels, Belgium, from Jan. 4 through 7.

The rigorous, four-day exercise strives to enhance participants’ knowledge of international law, the European Union, negotiating strategy and diplomatic protocol by negotiating real life legal and policy problems.

The simulation was held at the Free University in Brussels.

Cedar Crest

Cedar Crest College, Allentown, hosted a production of “Sister Act.”

Rebecca Andruchek, Minersville, participated in the production as part of the cast/production staff ensemble and scene shop crew, and Abagail Billig, Tamaqua, participated as part of the cast ensemble.

Abagail also joined Maxine Erdman, Hegins; Alexis Franz, MaryD and Brionna Jones, Barnesville, in Cedar Crest’s Sophomore Expedition that allows sophomores in good academic and judicial standing to study abroad during spring break at no extra cost. The women went to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from March 3 through 11.

Delaware Valley

Corinne Bricker, Pottsville, a student at Delaware Valley University, Doyles-town, participated in LeaderShape Institute over winter break from Jan. 15 through 20 in Mount Bethel.

LeaderShape Institute is recognized nationally as one of the premier leadership development programs for college students.

Geisinger CSOM

Douglas Wells, Barnesville, and other second-year medical students at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, organized the seventh annual ALLEY-OOP FOR AUTISM three-on-three charity basketball tournament.

The event was held Feb. 18 at Byron Recreational Complex at The University of Scranton.

Fourth-year medical students at Geisinger CSOM celebrate successful Match Day, on which all fourth-year M.D. students nationwide open their envelopes to learn where they will spend the next three to seven years training in specialties. Residencies typically begin July 1.

Broc Wenrich, Tower City, matched at Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading, for emergency medicine.

Jenna Marinock, McAdoo, along with students members of Geisinger CSOM’s chapter of the American Women’s Medical Association, recently organized the school’s annual Rose-A-Palooza to benefit the Women’s Resource Center.

During the event, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to remember someone they appreciate and purchase roses to send them in order to promote healthy relationships. Proceeds are donated to Women’s Resource Center, which provides services to adult and child survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence in Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties.

Kutztown

More than 200 Kutztown University students were inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, the nation’s largest leadership honor society.

Local residents who were inducted include: Mickayla Backo, Mahanoy City; Eric Bevan, Pottsville; Emily Cantor, Hamburg; Christian Gauker, Pottsville; Alyssa McDonald, New Ringgold; Faizah Munir, Hamburg; Alicia Pursell, Hamburg; Taylor Schatz, Schuylkill Haven; Abigail Snitzer, Shenandoah.

Kaitlynn Mervine, Pottsville, was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at Kutztown University. It is the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Joseph Ritzko, Auburn, a senior mathematics and physics major was awarded the Copper Chambliss Student Academic Achievement Award in the category of successfully completed research projects at Kutztown.

Joseph and his research partner worked on a project that could save the Borough of Kutztown up to $18,000 over the span of five years. Working with the Kutztown Wastewater Treatment Plant, they determined a way to use the methane produced at the plant and the methane to fuel the operations of the plant.

Joseph presented this research at Math Fest, an annual summer meeting of the Mathematics Association of America, held in Chicago in July 2017. He plans to pursue a career in mathematical research in industry work.

Margot Shrift, New Philadelphia, a senior environmental science and biology major, was awarded the Copper Chambliss Student Academic Achievement Award for successfully completed research projects. Her research focused on species richness and diversity of plant-dwelling spiders. It won an award for the quality of the presentation at the Commonwealth of Undergraduate Biologists Conference in April 2017.

Last summer, Margot earned a position at Cary Institute of Ecosystem, Millbrook, New York. She has also volunteered at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Drehersville, and assisted in the removal of invasive understory plants.

She has been awarded the KU Star Student Award as well as the National Science Foundation KU STEM Tuition Scholarship Award.

Matthew Harris, Pine Grove, a senior history major, was awarded the Silver Chambliss Student Academic Achievement Award for successfully completed research projects. He wrote a paper that focused on the topic of what would happen to freed slaves after the Civil War. He is also completing research that examines U.S. military burial ceremonies and customs.

Matthew has presented four papers at local, regional and national conferences and has also held an internship with the Kutztown Area Historical Society, where he digitized and indexed its publications. He is also a part of the honors program and the National History Honorary Society, Phi Alpha Theta.

Matthew plans to obtain an advanced degree in history and has been accepted into Temple University’s program.

Lebanon Valley

Cassidy DeCosmo, Sheppton, a student at Lebanon Valley College, Annville, recently participated in the annual simulated European Union parliamentary session in Washington, D.C.

Cassidy, a graduate of Marian High School, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in politics.

Audrey Reiley, Auburn, is volunteering through the Lebanon Valley Education Partnership to encourage other younger students to enroll in college.

She is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in art and art history.

Audrey is also one of three LVC students who co-presented a session titled “Developing Innovative Projects for Gallery Education Outreach” at the Pennsylvania State Arts and Education Symposium on Nov. 2, 2017.

The students co-presented with Dr. Barbara McNulty, director of the Gallery and assistant professor of art history, on the LVC exhibit, “Audrey Reiley-Jerry Pinkney: Imaginings (Jan. 15-March 13, 2016).

POTTSVILLE — Denette H. Williams brought heroin into Schuylkill County Prison in November 2016, and must go to state prison because of that, a Schuylkill County judge decided on Friday.

Williams, 34, of Ashland, must serve 15 to 30 months in a state correctional institution, plus an additional three months on probation, Judge Charles M. Miller ruled.

Miller also sentenced Williams to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

A Schuylkill County jury of eight men and four women deliberated less than an hour on Oct. 23 before finding Williams guilty of possession of a controlled substance/contraband, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, while finding her not guilty of a second count of possession of drug paraphernalia. The verdict ended a one-day trial over which Miller presided.

Pottsville police alleged Williams possessed heroin and paraphernalia on Nov. 14, 2016, when brought into Schuylkill County Prison following her arrest in another incident. Williams pulled out a bag filled with heroin from her bra during the search when she entered the prison, police said.

Also in the county court, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell accepted guilty pleas on May 16 from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Jose Contes, 29, of McAdoo; delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; six to 23 months in prison, $302 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, 20 hours community service and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities, with sentence effective at 9 a.m. June 1. Prosecutors withdrew charges of conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and a second count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rush Township police charged Contes with selling $215 worth of heroin to a confidential informant on June 20, 2017, in the township, while McAdoo police charged him with possessing a razor blade and straw on July 8, 2017, in the borough.`

Sarah M. DeBenedict, 25, of Tamaqua; defiant trespass; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment, 20 hours community service and no contact with the victim.

Roeny R. Dorville, 29, of Shenandoah; driving under the influence, driving under suspension, improper possession or sale of documents and driving unregistered vehicle; 48 hours to six months in prison, 12 months probation, $1,225 in fines, $100 SAEF payment and $460 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network, with sentence effective at 4 p.m. June 1. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of driving without a license, one each of improper parking, driving without a license, improper parking, altered drivers license, operating vehicle without required financial responsibility, improper display of plate or card and operating vehicle without valid inspection, and a second count of driving under suspension.

Noah Garcia, 21, of Delano; forgery and theft; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment, $440 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Kevin J. Gordon, 33, of Minersville; improper furnishing of drug-free urine; 12 months probation, drug and alcohol evaluation and 20 hours community service.

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