SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Debris was removed from the Columbia Street bridge Tuesday morning.

Pieces of reinforced concrete hanging on rebar stakes were dangling from two places on the north side of the bridge. The northern sidewalk had been closed by the state Department of Transportation on April 20.

Ron Young, district press officer for PennDOT Engineering District 5, Allentown, said concerns about the hanging debris were reported to PennDOT officials Monday and the debris was removed Tuesday. When asked what caused the damage, Young said “old age probably.”

Young said the debris posed a danger to anyone who might have been in the water underneath it but was no threat to motorists or pedestrians. He reaffirmed the bridge’s safety for everyday usage, saying if it wasn’t safe, they wouldn’t allow vehicles or pedestrians to use the bridge or the southern sidewalk.

Young added that the bridge will be monitored monthly and, if necessary, PennDOT will be contacted for a full inspection. Should a full inspection occur and action needs to be taken, something will be done, according to Young. He said the department’s bridge unit inspects each bridge at a minimum of every two years.

Plans call for work on the bridge to start in 2021.

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

Angie Bixler has started an online petition to reinstate suspended Williams Valley High School Principal Tracey Weller and plans to present it to the school board Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the continuation of the due process hearing for Weller will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to district solicitor Nicholas A. Quinn, Pottsville.

The hearing, which is open to the public at Weller’s request, will be held in a first-floor classroom around the corner from the boardroom at the high school in Tower City.

Bixler, a district resident, wants the school board members to have the petition in their hands the evening of the public hearing. The board will decide whether Weller continues her employment with the district.

The petition states: “The principal of Williams Valley High School, Mrs. Tracey Weller is being fired for what we in the community are hearing is ‘willful misconduct.’ She was standing up for all her students who she treats as her own and would never put students in danger. Not only is she a principal of the school, but she is an inspiration to all who have ever met her.

“Something needs to be done to bring her back. She has helped make Williams Valley what it is today and without her nothing will be the same. We as a community should do everything in our power to bring her back. Reinstate Mrs. Weller immediately!”

Bixler said she would like to get up to 1,000 signatures, or as many as possible, and hoped people would visit her online petition at www.ipetitions.com/petition/team-weller-reinstate-principal-weller.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 45 digitally registered signatures.

Weller was charged with incompetency, willful neglect and failure to comply with school laws of the commonwealth, including official direct and established policy of the board of directors and violation of the Pennsylvania professional standards for a professional employee. She was suspended, without pay, effective March 2.

The situation stems from Weller questioning students about a threatening February Instagram post. She was notified about the post and while two students with possible information on the posting were in Weller’s office, the suspect walked in, according to testimony provided. The two students were later threatened outside school property by the suspect’s brother.

Those who have already testified include Superintendent Diane Niederriter, and Sgt. Brian Wolfe and Trooper Rob Blystone, both of the Lykens barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police.

The due process hearing began May 2, and was continued once to May 22, and again to Tuesday. The hearing was continued to Tuesday so testimony from the state police and Weller could be heard, according to Quinn.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — A Shenandoah man sold Percocet pills to a confidential informant in September 2017 in his hometown, a Schuylkill County jury decided on Wednesday.

Charles M. Koncsler, 62, did not react when the jury of six men and six women found him guilty of delivery of a controlled substance. The jury deliberated about 30 minutes before reaching its verdict.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin, who presided over Koncsler’s one-day trial, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and scheduled Koncsler’s sentencing for 2 p.m. Aug. 6. He allowed Koncsler to remain free on $25,000 unsecured bail pending sentencing.

Shenandoah police alleged Koncsler sold the two Percocet pills for $16 to a confidential informant, who is now dead, on Sept. 14, 2017, in front of the One Stop convenience store, 33 N. Main St.

“She walked right to Mr. Koncsler,” Shenandoah Police Chief George F. Carado Jr. testified.

Carado said he also saw the hand-to-hand transaction between the informant and Koncsler. He said the informant returned to where he was immediately after that and handed him the pills.

Brendan R. McCann, a lab technician at the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, testified that he tested the pills and determined they were Percocet, a controlled substance.

Koncsler is scheduled to return to court at 1:30 p.m. today for a nonjury trial before Judge Jacqueline L. Russell.

In that case, he is charged with driving under the influence, driving under suspension, stop sign violation and careless driving. Frackville borough police allege he was DUI on Nov. 15, 2015, in the borough.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas P. Pellish prosecuted Wednesday’s case, while Assistant Public Defender Kent D Watkins represented Koncsler.

In other recent county court action, President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Samantha L. Kuntz, 29, of Lehighton; false identification to law enforcement; 12 months probation and $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of unsworn falsification to authorities and one each of hindering apprehension and driving under suspension-DUI related.

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

POTTSVILLE — Just before he was scheduled to go to trial, a Minersville man admitted Wednesday to a Schuylkill County judge that he was driving under the influence in September 2016 at an accident in Reilly Township that left a woman injured.

As a jury waited to hear his case, Chester R. Sattizahn, 35, pleaded guilty to DUI and recklessly endangering another person. Prosecutors withdrew charges of aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, failure to keep right, failure to yield right of way, disregarding traffic lane, failure to drive at a safe speed and careless driving.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell, who was to have presided over Sattizahn’s trial, instead accepted the plea, placed him on probation for two years and also sentenced him to pay costs, a $300 fine, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $20,000 restitution, and perform 10 hours of community service.

“We agreed that $20,000 would be acceptable” for restitution, Douglas J. Taglieri, Pottsville, Sattizahn’s lawyer, said.

That restitution will go to Sharon Fanelli, who suffered injuries in the accident.

“Are you satisfied with the terms of this (plea)?” Russell asked Fanelli.

“Yes, your honor,” Fanelli answered.

State police Trooper Tyler R. Brackman of the Schuylkill Haven barracks also told Russell he was satisfied with the plea.

Brackman alleged that Sattizahn was DUI between 5:20 and 5:45 a.m. Sept. 25, 2016, when his vehicle crossed the center line of Route 209 and collided with Fanelli’s westbound vehicle.

“He admitted to the police that he had been consuming alcohol the night before,” Assistant District Attorney Thomas J. Campion Jr. told Russell.

Fanelli suffered broken bones and missed five months of work, Campion said.

“She suffered serious bodily injury,” he said.

Fanelli told Russell she still uses a cane for walking long distances but is back to work.

Sattizahn told Russell he understood his plea and was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

Campion said he and Taglieri had expected to go to trial.

After Russell sentenced Sattizahn, she brought in the jurors, who had been waiting almost three hours.

“I can assure you your service was not in vain,” since the plea agreement would not have been reached if the jurors had not been selected, Russell told them. “It was vital that you appear here.”

Campion declined to comment on the case after the hearing, while Taglieri was satisfied with what occurred.

“Mr. Sattizahn and I are very pleased that the commonwealth decided to drop the top count (aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI),” he said. “I feel that the plea is appropriate.”

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

Defendant: Chester R. Sattizahn

Age: 35

Residence: Minersville

Crimes committed: Driving under the influence and recklessly endangering another person

Sentence: Two years probation

VALLEY VIEW — A raucous crowd concerned over the Act 537 joint sewage plan for Hegins and Hubley townships attended the Hegins Township supervisors meeting Wednesday.

About 75 people packed the Hegins Area Ambulance Association building and heard the supervisors, by a 4-0 vote, decide to no longer legally impede efforts for the joint plan. Supervisor Brad Carl was absent.

Most of the citizens in the audience said it was time to work together. Some were angered over what they called “fear mongering” over implementation costs and on money spent in the courts over the past few years.

The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania last month reversed a decision of the Environmental Hearing Board that nullified the Joint Act 537 plan between the townships.

The ruling means the joint sewage plan, which received approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection, can move forward. The Hegins-Hubley Water Authority will work on implementing the plan and managing the system.

Supervisor Mike Begis, who was opposed to the legal battle, said Hegins Township had spent at least $60,000 in legal fees in regard to the sewage plan.

The public was given an opportunity to speak, and several citizens took the floor, while other groups talked among themselves.

“Now that this project is going to go forward, I would really like us to think about what kept us from getting to this point in the last three years when it was supposedly approved by both boards of supervisors,” Steve Klinger, of Valley View, said. “I’m concerned about what kept us back. Was it power, was it greed, was it jealousy? Was it the complacency and apathy on the part of the public ... We should not ever let this happen again. I’m glad we are moving ahead.”

Colleen Stutzman, of Fountain, said she thought the $60,000 could have been better spent on helping citizens pay their sewer bills who cannot afford to hook-up to a new sewer system. She was glad to see progress.

LeRoy Shuey, a former Hegins Township supervisor, agreed that everyone should work together. However, he said a lot of people aren’t familiar with everything that went on during the appeal process, and that he thought some important testimony had been eliminated by the Commonwealth Court.

Supervisor Bruce Klouser suggested some citizens may not be able to pay for a new sewage system hook-up, and there may be more blighted properties because of that.

Brittany Heller asked about the timetable for the new sewer system. Begis said it could take at least three years, and probably even longer until it was designed, constructed and operational.

Hubley Township Supervisor Chairman Keith A. Masser also attended.

He said the joint plan has been ruled to be affordable and able to be implemented. The user rate was estimated at $65 to $70 per month, per EDU, Masser said. He said the project is grant eligible.

He addressed some of the history of the joint plan, and some of the estimated costs. Masser said Hubley was asked to join Hegins’ Act 537 plan and responded in February 2010 that Hubley would participate.

Hubley invested $125,000 into development of the plan, Masser said.

Masser asked the board not to throw out “scare tactics” that implementing the sewer plan will create more blight. The opposite is true, he said. Homes sitting vacant now, unable to be sold, will be able to be sold once a public sewage system is in place, he said.

Others told the supervisors they wanted action taken against blighted properties scarring their community.

Chairman Gary Harner said the township’s solicitor, engineer, zoning and planning boards are working on it. Harner said the township’s zoning ordinances are 30 to 40 years old and many are lax. The codes are enforced by Light-Heigel & Associates, Begis said. Citizens should file a code complaint with the township secretary who can notify the CEO to investigate, Begis said.

Court ruling

The Commonwealth Court decision, filed May 22, 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 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.

PENNVEST septic program

Citizens were provided with information on the PENNVEST Homeowner Septic Loan Program. It’s for qualified homeowners to repair or replace an existing connection to public sewer, or to connect for the first time to a public sewer system. Terms include an interest rate for the life of the loan, as low as 1.75 percent and up to 20 years to repay the loan balance. Funds can be used for design, construction and permit costs.

To learn more and apply, call 855-U-ARE-HOME, 855-827-3466, or visit www.phfa.org, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County is taking advantage of a state program to help keep its offices staffed during the summer while providing young people with experience in how government works.

At their weekly meeting on Wednesday, the county commissioners approve the hiring of Sarah Lecher, Norwegian Township, as a paid intern in the office of human resources.

The county Salary Board then approved Lecher’s salary of $12 per hour, while also approving identical salaries for four other interns who had been appointed by row officers.

All five interns at least temporarily joined the government workforce due to the CareerLink program, which reimburses the county with state money for their salaries while they are employed for the summer.

“It’s great,” County Administrator Gary Bender said. “It allows them to make a little bit of money and gain lots of experience.”

In addition to Lecher, the interns include Trent Williams, Pottsville, in the controller’s office; Patrick Coyle and Michael A. O’Pake Jr., both of Norwegian Township, in the district attorney’s office; and Taylor Lindenmuth, Butler Township, in the treasurer’s office.

Bender said that since the state reimburses it for the salaries, the county loses no money as a result of the program. He credited Human Resources Director Deborah Twigg with finding out about the program.

Treasurer Linda L. Marchalk said Lindenmuth, a rising senior at Villanova University, worked in her office last summer as an unpaid intern. Marchalk is happy to have her back and earning some money.

“Taylor is working out very well,” Marchalk said.

She said the program benefits not only Lindenmuth, but the entire county.

“The county gets the extra staff we need” at a time when many workers take vacations, Marchalk said.

Lindenmuth will be on the job through July 27, as will Coyle and O’Pake Jr., who will be working for his father, District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake, who abstained from the vote approving his son’s salary. Williams will be working through Aug. 3, while Lecher will be employed until Aug. 10.

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

REEDSVILLE — Red Creek Wildlife Center is now able to better care for eagles and osprey with the addition of a flight pen.

“This cost $28,000 to build. Wait until you see inside. It is awesome,” Peggy Hentz, founder and wildlife rehabilitator of Red Creek, said Wednesday.

The 100-foot-long, 20-foot-wide and 18-foot-high wooden enclosure was paid for entirely by donations. Avangrid Foundation, which was established by Avangrid Renewables, a renewable energy company, made a sizable donation. The company runs the windmills at the Locust Ridge Wind Farm near Mahanoy City.

Other individuals and a foundation also donated.

“It’s really a huge benefit to us to be able to have this building,” Hentz said.

Previously, if an eagle needed flight training, they would send it to the Carbon County Environmental Center. The enclosure at the center is modeled off one in Carbon County. Quality Building, Orwigsburg, started construction on the pen in March and finished in May. Three large tree limbs are inside along with two ledges and even a kiddie pool.

The center does not have any osprey at the moment. If they did, both the eagles and the osprey could not be in the pen together for safety reasons.

The two eagles in the pen are the first eagles to use it. The first was found April 21 at the Dehart Reservoir in Dauphin County and brought in by the Pennsylvania Game Commission with a fractured wing. Hentz said the animal had been hit by a car. The other, a juvenile eagle, was found near Mountain Road in Tilden Township, Berks County, on May 24 without its parents. It was dehydrated and emaciated, Hentz said,weighing only 5 pounds.

“Our adult male has adopted the baby. They are probably going to help each other recover,” she said.

The adult can help teach the little one how to fly.

They started using the flight pen a week ago. With the increase in the eagle population, there is a need for second chances like the one the flight pen provides. So far, the center has had three eagles in its care. An eagle found in Schuylkill County earlier this year died from lead poisoning.

“It’s a bad problem in our state,” Hentz said.

Eagles can get it from eating animals shot with lead, which their bodies then absorb.

The eagles are not the only animals at the shelter. As Wednesday afternoon, 1,343 animals were cared for by the center to date. Most of those — 1,100 — were baby animals found this year.

“The number changes hourly, sometimes by the minute,” Hentz said.

Last year by this time, the center took in 1,052 animals and 3,100 in 2017. She said centers across the state are seeing an increase.

If you see a sick, injured or orphaned animal, call the center at 570-739-4393. Do not give the animal food or water but keep it in a warm, dark and quiet location, Hentz said. The center relies on donations. If you would like to donate, you can call, make a donation online at www.redcreekwildlifecenter.com or send a donation to 300 Moonhill Drive, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. Supplies are also accepted. Paper towels, tissues and other items are needed.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

PINE GROVE — The Pine Grove Area High School Class of 2018 was sent off to a bright future, despite the clouds hovering over Cardinal Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Class of 2018 was composed of 124 graduates, making it one of the larger classes, according to class adviser Rhonda Culbert.

Superintendent Heath W. Renninger congratulated the class on reaching this milestone event and advised them to stay grounded in family and friends, work hard, remain humble, respect elders, make kindness a habit and have faith in themselves.

“Today concludes a significant, wonderful chapter of your life. An equally significant and wonderful chapter is about to begin. A chapter overflowing with the adventures of the adults you are becoming. You are prepared and ready to move on to life beyond Pine Grove Area High School. You are ready for new opportunities and welcome the changes that await you. Be true to yourself. Instead of the world changing you, you change the world. I am confident you will find success and happiness,” Renninger told the class.

Valedictorian Mariah Lesh noted how, as high schoolers, class members tended to express themselves through their activities and clothes and judged others based on their perceptions of normal.

“What is normal? To me, normal is being abnormal because who isn’t? Once we recognize that everybody is different and differences should be embraced, we will realize that through our differences, we are all the same,” Lesh said. “We will look back and remember our friends but we will also remember the people we were not friends with, the faces we wish we would have known a little better. For the past 13 years, we have essentially become a family, personally growing and holistically becoming the individuals we are intended to be. So graduating seniors and adults of all ages, if you see somebody you know from your class say hello, be kind and spread joy.”

Salutatorian Stephanie Boyer used inspiring words from the late Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs; South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader and philanthropist Nelson Mandela; and Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno to challenge classmates to not settle in life and to strive for excellence.

“Push yourself farther than you think you could possibly go and then go farther still because it will most certainly pay off in the end whether you end up doing exactly what you’ve wanted since you were a little kid or something completely and utterly unexpected,” Boyer said.

Chloe Readinger, senior class president, reminded her classmates to have hope in their futures.

“Without hope we have no courage. The desire to make certain things happen is what will make your comebacks stronger than the setbacks,” Readinger said. “I hope that your challenges do not scare you away from your dreams. Never lose hope, for it is the only thing stronger than fear. Be hopeful throughout your new journey. Don’t be afraid to start a new adventure. It’s time we all adventure out of our comfort zones and allow this change to open our eyes and expand our boundaries.”

Gabby Lutz, school board representative, recapped memories from elementary, middle and high school before quoting “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling in that “if you want to know what a man is like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors not his equals.”

“Your personality and attitude are everything. It’s not really about the profession you choose in life but how you treat the people you meet,” Lutz said. “It’s our small town values that teach us how to treat other people and it’s our small town that has shown us we can rally together as a community and support one another. I urge you to take that feeling with you, as not many places are like this. We had fun and created many memories we will never forget.”

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

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City police launched its new Preemptive Enforcement Program on Tuesday, resulting in four people being taken into custody and charged.

Police Chief Kenneth Zipovsky said that the department is engaging in the operation to combat and suppress illegal activities and improve the quality of life within the borough.

He said the Preemptive Enforcement Program is designed to aggressively seek out fugitives, to prevent offenses that affect the quality of life for the residents of the community and to apprehend criminals in the act of committing a crime.

Zipovsky said that to accomplish this, officers team up with area police agencies, the borough’s code enforcement department and, most importantly, the law-abiding members of the community.

The program officially began Tuesday with Patrolman Jonathan McHugh and Patrolman Thomas Rentschler taking four people into custody, two of whom were jailed.

Zipovsky said that around 3:55 p.m. Hector Lopez, 46, of Mahanoy City, was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for felony burglary and misdemeanor simple assault charges.

He was apprehended in the 300 block of East Mahanoy Avenue, arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Then, around 11:55 p.m., a traffic stop in the 300 block of West Centre Street led to a woman being taken into custody. Zipovsky said officers found that Kelly Kaczmarczyk, 40, of Mahanoy City, was wanted on a bench warrant from Lebanon County on charges of obstruction of law enforcement.

Along with the warrant, the chief said Kaczmarczyk is facing additional summary violations as a result of the traffic stop.

Kaczmarczyk was committed to Schuylkill County Prison to await further action on the Lebanon County warrant.

Zipovsky said that, during the stop, a passenger in the Kaczmarczyk vehicle — Heather Kessler, 33, of Mahanoy City — was found to be in possession of three bags of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Kessler will be facing misdemeanor drug related charges as a result of the incident, Zipovsky said.

Finally, the chief said officers assigned to the detail apprehended Edwin Astor, 52, of Mahanoy City, around 1:45 a.m. Wednesday after seeing him prowling around abandoned buildings in the area of West Market and B streets.

Although Astor was charged with loitering and prowling at night, Zipovsky said, the investigation is not complete and further charges may be filed at a later date.

Another person who was with Astor at the time fled the area, the chief said.

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

It’s June and school is wrapping up for the year. Are your kids bored yet? There’s plenty of summer fun to get them through the next few weeks.

The movie, “The Incredibles,” will be presented at the Majestic Theater at 7 p.m. Saturday. Admission and popcorn are free.

Ann Marie Calabrese will perform at Heisler’s Dairy Bar at 5 p.m. Sunday. Take the family to enjoy ice cream and the free concert.

The Pottsville Public Library announces Family Night. Every Thursday, June 14 through Aug. 2, the library will come alive with special programs and guests for children ages 5 to 12. Programs start at 6 p.m.

Family Funfest will be held in the Orwigsburg Town Square at 5:30 p.m. June 14. There will be summer fun for all, including music, food, bounce house, snow cones, balloon animals, games and more.

Island Time Lite will perform at the Tamaqua Station at 6:30 p.m. June 14 as part of the Summer Concert Series. Take a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the free concert.

The Tamaqua Public Library’s Summer Quest Program, for children up to age 5, takes place at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning June 19. The six-week program for children age 6 to 12 will be at 3 and 6 p.m. Mondays, starting June 18. The six-week Young Adult Program, for those 13 and older, will be held at 3 p.m. Fridays, starting June 15. Call the library at 570-668-4660 to register children for the under age 13 programs.

Schuylkill On the Move invites you to join them for Cold Springs Hike from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Meet at the AT parking lot at routes 443 and 72 to carpool to Hawk Watch at Fort Indiantown Gap. You must register for the eight-mile, moderately difficult walk by calling Robin at 570 467-2506. Bring a lunch, No dogs, please.

Horses and Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center, located 10 miles south of Tamaqua near Route 309, is a registered nonprofit organization staffed entirely by volunteers that serves clients with a wide variety of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, attention deficit disorder, developmental delays, intellectual disability, Down syndrome and traumatic brain injury, among others. Their fun therapeutic horseback riding lessons help to improve balance, posture, strength and coordination, as well as cognition for children and adults with special needs. HHTLC offers the riding lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings from May through October and their summer session will be starting in July.

They’re now recruiting volunteers to help with several aspects of their program. Side walker volunteers assist with rider safety by walking beside the horse during the lesson. Horse leaders are in charge of the horse during tacking up, the riding phase and untacking after a lesson. In addition to help with lessons, volunteers are needed to assist with grounds maintenance, cleaning saddles and bridles, and fundraising.

All volunteers must be at least 14 years old, in good health and able to walk for an hour at a time. New volunteers are required to attend training on June 23 and new horse leaders have an additional training session on June 28. Call Jane Ostroski at 610-298-2546 or Harvey or Elaine Smith at 570-386-5679 for details.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact information for those specific opportunities and search other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Find us on Facebook. Call us at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

Deeds

Pine Grove — Thomas R. Adams, executor of the Last Will & Testament of Helen E. Adams, to Thomas R. Adams, trustee of The Helen E. Adams Revocable Living Trust; 179 S. Tulpehocken St.; $1.

Thomas R. Adams, trustee of The Helen E. Adams Revocable Living Trust, to Thomas R. Adams; 179 S. Tulpehocken St.; $1.

Pine Grove Township — Stephen G. Frantz and Bradley S. Frantz to Matthew G. Frantz; 60 Old Forge Road; $1.

Pottsville — William H. Jr. and Sally Schlitzer to Ronald R. Coles; 1301 Mahantongo St.; $230,000.

Robert A. Engleman to Robert A. Engleman Jr.; 1703 Cherry St.; $1.

Joanne L. Mestishen to Lekker Properties LLC; 714-720 W. Arch St.; $27,000.

Ringtown — Linda G. Bachman Lauer to Aaron and Kristi L. Piaskowski; property on North Center Street; $12,000.

Schuylkill Haven — Harold Heffner to Brandi Eiler; 59 Grant St.; $1.

Shenandoah — Samuel J. Walto Sr., executor of the Estate of Frank Walto, to Francisco Chagolla; two properties on West Coal Street; $12,000.

Catherine E. Bindie, individually and as administratrix of the Estate of Robert V. Bindie, to Catherine Snitzer; 615 W. Penn St.; $1.

South Manheim Township — Ronald L. and Elizabeth J. Cowley to Ronald L. and Elizabeth J. Cowley; Lots 1432 and 1433, Lake Wynonah; $1.

Tamaqua — Thomas J. Sr. and Maureen A. Bartasavage to Ronald R. Wentz, trustee of Lincoln Land Trust; 326 Lincoln St.; $500.

Wayne Township — Michele M. Benincasa to Michele M. Benincasa; 103 Creek Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

Charles I. Jr. and Krista A. Jones to Krista A. Jones; 366 S. Front St., Friedensburg; $1.

Woman allegedly pushed out of car

BARNESVILLE — A 30-year-old Carbon County man was arrested by state police at Frackville after an incident on Route 54 in Mahanoy Township around 3:40 a.m. Tuesday.

Police said Michael Leonzi, Summit Hill, pushed the head of Samantha Boxter, 31, of Mahanoy City, against a car door and then pushed her out of the vehicle, causing the woman to suffer lacerations.

As a result, Leonzi was charged with harassment, reckless driving and other traffic violations, police said.

Man gave fake identity to police

McADOO — McAdoo police said Tuesday that they filed charges against a 33-year-old borough man in connection with an incident around 6:25 p.m. April 21.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Joel Adrian for a registration violation and when asked for his driver’s license Adrian could not provide one.

Adrian then provided officers with the name Michael Rivera but no record of that person was found, police said.

Adrian was taken to the police station where officers saw a warrant for a man matching his description although at that time the man’s identity could not be confirmed.

After being positively identified as Adrian, police said the man confessed that he lied because he knew he had a warrant out of the City of Allentown.

Police said Adrian was taken to Schuylkill County Prison on the outstanding warrant and was charged with false identification to law enforcement, driving with a suspended license and having an invalid inspection.

Man found in possession of drugs

McADOO — An investigation into an incident in the borough around 2 p.m. April 29 led to charges being filed against a Mountain Top man, McAdoo police said.

Police said officers were called to a home on South Kennedy Drive for a disturbance and found Luke Cann, 18, in an intoxicated state with 10 pills in his possession.

After being taken into custody and read his Miranda Rights, police said, Cann said he had gone to McAdoo to meet a girl and that he had the 10 pills in his possession, police said.

Cann identified the pills as Klonopin and said his mother had them because she has a prescription, police said, adding that Cann was also found with a can of beer.

As a result, police said Cann was charged with possession of a controlled substance, and possession of alcohol by a minor.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, police said.

Frackville

The Frackville Museum in the Frackville Municipal & Community Center, 42 S. Center St., will have open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. It will celebrate Father’s Day with a new curio cabinet titled “Dad’s Den.” Also, featured around an American eagle statue, are baseball caps to honor veterans in Desert Storm, World War II and POW/MIAs. Military belts, buckles and cigarette lighters have been donated for the display. In a release, museum organizers said some dads were smokers so the display also has a wide variety of cigarette boxes, ash trays, pipes, humidors, cigar boxes and Prince Albert in a can. Additionally, there are ties, old wrist watches, cuff links, vintage shaving brushes, razors and clippers — all of which were part of a dad’s life. Another feature is a pair of high top shoes circa 1913. Donald Bricker will be on hand to speak about the American flag. For more information, email las8@psu.edu.

Pitman

The Hepler Family reunion is set for 10:30 a.m. June 23 at Zion’s Cemetery. Dinner will be at noon. Reservations are $16 for adults, $7 for children ages 7-12 and free for youngsters under 7. For reservations or more information, call Mae Ann Rehrer at 610-582-6914 or email her at marehrer@dejazzd.com or call Tom Hepler at 856-866-1348 or email him at teh.himself@comcast.net.

Primrose

The 84th annual Ukrainian Day observance is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 29 at St. Nicholas Grove, Route 901. The event will begin with a Hierarchial Divine Liturgy at 11 a.m., a WPPA 1360 AM live polka broadcast from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble from 1 to 3 p.m., Spiv Zhyttya --- Living in Song, a vocal group from Washington, D.C., will perform traditional and classic Ukrainian songs and the John Stevens Doubleshot polka band will perform from 4 to 8 p.m. The event will also include food made by the sponsoring parishes including pierogies, halushki, halupki, potato cakes, kielbasa, soups and desserts. There will be a theme basket auction and vendors/crafters offering Eastern European items, exhibits, crafts demonstrations and myriad other activities. There will be free parking and admission and the observance will go on rain or shine. Proceeds will benefit the St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary. More information is available on Facebook: Ukrainian Seminary Day.

Pottsville

M&T Movies at the Majestic will feature “The Incredibles” at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Majestic Theater, North Centre Street, hosted by the Pottsville Recreation Commission and sponsored by M&T Bank. Admission is free and there will be free popcorn. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-628-4647 or go online to www.majestictheater.net.

Ringtown

St. Mary Church Roman Catholic Parish will hold its annual block party from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday featuring food, games, beverages, a basket auction, entertainment and other activities. The New Individuals band will perform beginning at 7 p.m. Friday and the band Another Side will take the stage at 7 p.m. Saturday. Daily happy hour specials will be featured from 5 to 7 p.m. both days and include 50 cents off drafts. All are welcome.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven Senior Citizens Association will meet at the 340 Haven St. senior center at 6:30 p.m. Monday. After the business meeting, the “Sounds of Heaven” (aka “The Singing Nuns”) will present a musical program. There will also be refreshments snacks and fellowship, according to an association release from Ruth Tucci. Food pantry donations are always accepted; guests and new members welcome. For more information, call 570-385-5323.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven High School Class of 1960 will meet for lunch at noon June 21 at The Leesport Diner, Route 61 South. Class members and guests are welcome. For more information, call 570-385-5323.

ELIZABETHVILLE — A 21-year-old Royersford man charged with having sexual contact with a young girl in Lykens three or four years ago had charges against held for court Wednesday.

Tyreek Nasier Dillard, 235 Main St., Apt. A, appeared before Dauphin County Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum on one count each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault of a person under the age of 13 and indecent exposure along with two counts of indecent assault.

Margerum determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all seven charges against Dillard held for Dauphin County Court.

State police Trooper William Sheakley of the Lykens station charged Dillard with the incident that occurred at a home on Main Street between April 1, 2014, and Oct. 31, 2015.

Sheakley said his investigation began on July 24, 2017, when information was received about child abuse involving the girl who by that time was 9 years old.

The allegation was that Dillard forced the girl, who was age 5 or 6 at the time of the assault, to perform a lewd act on him.

When interviewed Sheakley said the child confirmed the allegations against Dillard.

On Nov. 28, 2017, the trooper said he interviewed Dillard who said he heard about the allegations from his mother and that “if it did happen” that would be messed up.

During the interview Dillard continued to deny the allegations or any wrongdoing, Sheakley said.

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

MINERSVILLE — The graduating class of Minersville Area High School was told to have a vision of their future, be resilient and recognize that the learning does not stop because they are no longer is school.

Sixty-six seniors were recognized for their achievements Wednesday at the Minersville Area High School stadium. Family and friends shared in the experience.

“No matter how many times life tries to keep you down, keep fighting,” Kenneth Yurkonis, class president, said.

He said it is important to bounce back from setbacks.

“You’ve got to be willing to take the hit,” he said.

He recounted times at the school when perhaps circumstances didn’t go their way. Still they continued working toward their goals. He said his classmates should be thankful for the teachers who could “see the potential smoldering inside.”

Salutatorian Stephen Wollyung introduced Dr. Christopher Murphy, a 2001 graduate and guest speaker.

Murphy talked about his memories from the school and his life. He felt the most contentment when he was making himself a better person.

“That sense of progress is critical,” he said.

The graduates should have a vision of what they want to do with their lives and what kind of person they want to be.

“Embrace that goal and never let it go,” he said.

By learning new things, they not only make themselves more marketable in the professional world but grow as people. He challenged the students to spend their downtime before the next step in their futures to start something they always wanted to learn.

“Make it happen,” he said.

When someone believes they are complete in their knowledge, they are incapable of recognizing their flaws, he said.

“What is good for the ego is not always good for self-improvement,” Murphy said.

Sometimes things are out of their control but they should not be discouraged.

“Luck and chance will play a big part in your life,” he said.

He told them people will try to sway them or make suggestions as to what they should do with their lives.

“Do something that is meaningful to you. Do something that you will be proud of. Make yourself better,” Murphy said.

Valedictorian Marlena Purcell said she was known as the person who always had the answers. But, she said, she always enjoyed the challenge of finding the answer so much more. Her fellow classmates taught her that “not everything can be learned in a classroom or through a book.”

She said “working hard” can take many different forms not just studying. She wished her classmates success in life.

“Recognize that the journey is just as important as the destination,” she said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Deeds

Butler Township — Stanley J. and Jean E. Pogash to Dianne E. and James A. Mensch and Jean L. and Thomas D. Hepler; 11 Woodland Heights; $22,639.30.

East Union Township — Sonia B. Enano and Ramon Mario Marcon to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 64HF3, Eagle Rock; $10.

Boldkhuu Nanzad and Byambaa Namsrai to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 47HF4, Eagle Rock; $10.

Bayarsaikhan Tudev and Suvd Bayarsaikhan to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 250HF4, Eagle Rock; $10.

Jeramie and Kristine Go to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 290HF3, Eagle Rock; $10.

Norwegian Township — Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Christine M. Williams and Dante I. McCoy; 4 Tall Oaks Drive; $182,000.

Palo Alto — Deborah A. Glauda to Robert L. Horning; 338 W. Savory St.; $1.

Pine Grove — Carol E. Baldwin to Craig R. Leininger Sr.; 69 N. Tulpehocken St.; $105,000.

Pine Grove Township — Mary Alice Brennan to Christ L. and Sandra J. Geib; 208 Laurel Court, Swatara Village; $90,000.

Port Carbon — Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB to Henry R. Hoffert Jr. and Jennifer L. Lambert; S 54 Coal St.; $18,650.

Rush Township — Ivan J. Maldonado to Peter F. Wasser; 162 Mahanoy Ave., Hometown; $80,000.

Schuylkill Township — Irene B. Sweigert to Michael E. Sweigert; 204 Lewis St., Brockton; $1.

Tamaqua — Valerie A. Frye to Ana M. Disla; property on Rolling Mill Avenue; $17,000.

West Brunswick Township — Daniel L. and Deborah C. Bender to Monika B. Parikh and Thomas M. Lettich; 904 Village Road, Pinebrook; $117,000.

POTTSVILLE — Participants in the Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court received a chance Thursday to do something they wish they actually could do: Give advice to their younger selves.

“As a child, you have the opportunity to learn. Today, my experiences are an opportunity to learn,” Joanne read from her required weekly essay. “You can be anything you want to be.”

The participants expressed positive messages, symbolizing their hopes to move forward with lives that had been hampered by their addictions before they entered the court.

“The journey thus far has been strange,” said Joshua, who noted that he had wanted to be a lawyer but instead encountered the judicial system in a far different way. “We have discovered a path we will follow.”

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

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

However, since the participants tender guilty pleas to the charges against them, failure to complete the drug treatment court program is the stick, resulting in the pleas being accepted and the defendants being sentenced, quite possibly to time in a state correctional institution. There are 31 people in the program; seven others have been expelled.

Judge James P. Goodman, who presides over the court, said Thursday that the first people should complete the program in August or September, and that a graduation ceremony will be scheduled.

Other participants agreed that they had good advice for their younger selves and wish they really could have received it.

“Make sure you always look for the light,” even during the times when your life has become dark, Kelcie said. “Most importantly, love yourself.”

Making sure you are true to yourself also was what John wished he could convey to his younger self.

“I’ve always been a bit of a misfit,” but always tried to fit in, he said. “Stop trying to be somebody you are not.”

Jennifer emphasized that she would have wanted to make the right choices.

“You’re going to do good ... as long as you stay in the right path,” she said. “Keep your head up and don’t stay with the wrong crowd.”

Jason’s advice reminded everyone that they can overcome whatever they confront.

“God never gives us more than we can handle,” he said.

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

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County’s effort to rehabilitate or raze blighted buildings continued Wednesday, as the commissioners approved bids for the purchase of 77 properties.

Many of those properties are examples of the rundown buildings that plague local communities, according to Tax Claim Bureau Director Angela D. Toomey.

“Blight seems to be a focus of ours, and many municipalities,” Toomey said.

Of the 77 properties for which the commissioners approved bids, 11 were private sales, 22 were repository sales and 44 were judicial sales. Toomey said the county wants those properties on the tax rolls.

Toomey said more properties will be available at the next judicial sale, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 22 in Courtroom 1.

“We have been doing more judicial sales,” Toomey said.

The commissioners also approved three option agreements with the Schuylkill County Land Bank for that sale, allowing it to buy, for $100 each, properties at 124 Main St., Girardville, 218 N. Third St., Minersville, and 228 North St., Minersville. Buildings on those properties will be demolished after the land bank buys them, according to County Administrator Gary Bender.

“The goal is to sell the lots after demolition,” he said.

In other business, the commissioners:

• Amended the purchase of service agreement with Service Access & Management Inc. to increase its 2017-18 contract by $345,368.17 to $6,480,192.57.

• Approved the purchase of service agreement for $6,254,010 with Service Access & Management Inc. for 2018-19.

• Approved the opening of a new account with M&T Bank on behalf of the real estate/engineering department. Bender said the money to be put in that account consists of local use funds and must be kept separate from other funds, which justifies the opening.

“We only open a new bank account if we’re required to do so or if there’s a good reason for it,” county Director of Finance Paul E. Buber said.

• Approved a supplemental budget appropriation of $6,900 for the county register of wills office.

• Approved 2018 budget adjustments of $2,400 for the 911 Department, $2,500 for the Tax Claim Bureau, $5,000 for Emergency Management and $25,000 for the Office of Senior Services. Buber said all four budget adjustments involved moving money between line items and involved no additional spending.

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

MAR LIN — The Norwegian Township supervisors discussed a problem property at its meeting Monday.

Township residents told the supervisors about the lack of maintenance at a property at 514 Pine St. in the Woodland Acres development.

“There is no sewer, no water. There is garbage in the back,” Jackie Rose, a neighboring resident, said.

She said the man who stays at the house has no electricity.

She and her husband, Bill, said they have seen the man walking along a highway in the evening to return to the property.

“He stays there overnight,” Rose said.

“We can certainly clean the property up and put a lien on the property,” Supervisor David George said.

He said workers will look over the property this week, weather permitting, but township attorney John Kantner said crews should not actually enter the property to do yard maintenance.

Jon Bowman, Norwegian Township code officer, said he is aware of the conditions and has been trying to remedy the situation. He wasn’t aware someone was living at the property because he never received a response after sending a letter to the address regarding the property’s condition.

“He certainly does have several violations over there,” he said.

Those violations include overgrown grass, a vehicle that is out of inspection and garbage on the property.

Bowman said that under the International Property Maintenance Code, the township can hire workers to enter the property to rectify the violations. Before that is done, the “notice of service is very important,” he said. He said he will send the notice by certified mail, as required by the IPMC, and take other approved action as needed.

“Ultimately, you want to get the property cleaned up,” Bowman said.

In other matters, supervisors voted to adopt a fireworks ordinance.

The ordinance regulates the use of fireworks by licensed operators when used for public or large gatherings. A permit would be required along with a permit fee, Kantner said.

An insurance bond would also be required. The regulations do not apply to residents who buy the fireworks for their own use.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The Class of 2018 received the usual advice to work hard, chase their dreams and never give up, but they were given an extra piece of advice courtesy of Schuylkill Haven Area School District Superintendent Shawn T. Fitzpatrick.

“Surround yourselves with individuals that are honest, make you smile, that challenge you to reach your ultimate best. These are the same people who encourage you to make good decisions because, after all, you shouldn’t do things during the day that will keep you up at night,” Fitzpatrick said. “Surround yourself with people you can trust and more importantly, make sure that you are the type of person that others would want to be surrounded by.”

The 104 graduates also heard from a Schuylkill Haven alumnus who has overcome various challenges in the last eight years since graduating.

Madison Ferris, a member of the Schuylkill Haven Class of 2010 who is a freelance dancer and actress living in New York City, told the graduates about her life trying to make it in New York and left them with the advice that it’s OK to be unsure of what they want to do in the next step of their lives as long as they remain open-minded.

“Remember what your strengths are, lean into your interests and find a way to apply them to your daily life. Continue to work hard for the life that you want, but be open to the different opportunities that arise because of your hard work,” Ferris said.

Valedictorian Madelyn Garvey reminded her classmates that success isn’t measured in titles or dollar signs. Success is being able to change the world for the better.

“Each one of us sitting here tonight has a purpose. You were uniquely made and no one before you in the history of mankind or after you can fulfill your place in this world. Our world needs you. Our world needs each and every one of us,” Garvey said. “Tonight marks a new beginning with many opportunities. As we venture into this new season of our lives, we have the opportunity to live bravely. Not necessarily perfectly, but bravely. We are human and are bound to make mistakes. But we can use our mistakes as valuable gifts to learn and grow from. Do not let your imperfections mark your identity. Don’t dwell on them. Living bravely means getting back up and pressing on toward the goal of true success. Pour your heart out into the world, the world needs your love, the world needs your light. I challenge you to help each other see it. Class of 2018, tomorrow is a brand new day. Meet it bravely, armed with the truth that you are valuable. You are of great worth and you have the ability to experience abundant success.”

Salutatorian Lillian Stoyer told of the nervousness of the elementary years, the awkwardness of middle school and broke down the last four years of high school, from having to be organized for binder checks as freshmen to using study halls for naps and Fortnite videos as seniors. “We might still be fearful but it can’t hold us back. Go out, find your passion. Find that thing that breaks your heart and go after it. Follow it, create your world around it. Invest in yourself, dedicate yourself, create a life exactly what you want it to be. It’s up to you to decide how much you achieve,” Stoyer said.

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