TAMAQUA — The final day of classes at St. Jerome Regional School in Tamaqua for the 2017-18 school year was June 8, with students saying goodbye to their school for the last day of classes in the building.

Classes for the new school year will be held at the former Rush Township Elementary School, which was purchased by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown.

Renovations are underway to prepare the Hometown building as a Catholic elementary school. The first day of classes will be Aug. 27.

“As we look forward to the future of St. Jerome Regional School and the move to a new location, we also honor the past and all the memories this building has given us,” Principal Amy M. Hannis-Miskar said. “We share excitement for a new school year and a new facility, but we remain thankful for all the memories made within these walls. Today, our students processed through the halls one last time, paying tribute to their school building of 97 years.”

After the procession, students stood in front of the school’s doors to release eco-friendly dove balloons.

“This was to symbolize the blessings we’ve been given here and the faith we have in our future, for we know, that no matter where we go, we do not go alone,” Hannis-Miskar said.

SHENANDOAH — The future of entrepreneurship, education and community was touted Monday evening during a town meeting focusing on the planned Innovation and Event Center in downtown Shenandoah.

Downtown Shenandoah Inc. hosted the public meeting in the auditorium of the Shenandoah Valley High School to present an update on the planned center to be located on the east side of the 100 block of North Main Street on empty property where commercial buildings were destroyed in a fire in 2012.

The vacant properties were purchased by DSI. The center will span 113 to 125 N. Main St. What had been basements in the destroyed buildings will become a lower floor accessible from North Market Street.

The innovation and event center conceptual plan has a modern three-story building to be used as a business incubator, support area for small businesses, meeting spaces, a new office for DSI, a coffee shop and more. The plan is subject to funding availability.

The estimated cost at this time is more than $12 million, with revisions possible that could modify the cost. Depending on available funding, construction could begin in 2019, though no date has been announced.

The York firm of Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects gave a presentation to the public on the conceptual designs. The company was represented by Frank E. Dittenhafer II, president, who gave the details on what has been designed, and Patrick L. Ness, associate/architectural designer.

Pennsylvania Downtown Center Executive Director Bill Fontana spoke on the economics and statistics in developing a project like the innovation center and how it can be maintained.

DSI works with PDC in its downtown revitalization efforts. Its website states that PDC provides outreach, technical assistance and educational services in order to assist communities in revitalizing their central business districts and surrounding residential neighborhoods.

DSI President Karen Kenderdine introduced Fontana as the emcee for the evening.

“For the last year and six months, we are in the conceptual design phase,” Fontana said. “We will give you a report on where that process has taken us. We’re going to talk a little about that process at what the building looks like at this point in time. We’re going to talk about the financing and the other things that need to be done. This building will not succeed unless we do a couple of other things in the central business district of Shenandoah. We’re going to present the sort of the Taj Mahal version of what might go onto this site. This is an extremely ambitious project. But if this comes to fruition, this can be a game-changer for the Anthracite Region.”

Fontana gave the microphone to Dittenhafer, who gave a detailed talk on the building design and how everything meshes together to strike a balance between new and exciting that also fits with the current look of the area.

Fontana explained that while the innovation center would be a plus to the borough and the region, it cannot be the only thing that is done in the revitalization effort.

“The other thing we have to do here is worry about the center. We need to do some other things in the central business district of Shenandoah so that it’s not just plopping down a very expensive building down in the middle of a business district, but it’s trying to create other opportunities,” Fontana said. “One of the things we’re going to do relatively soon is creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem for northern Schuylkill County, western Dauphin County and southern tier of some of the other counties to the north. This will support the customer base that we’re looking at. If we don’t, and the population base continues to dwindle, it will become more and more difficult to deliver services. We’re looking at downtown living as an important component.”

The next steps in the innovation center process are:

• Finalize formal feasibility report document.

• Formal meeting with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

• Begin crafting the local ecosystem.

• Begin preparing/submitting funding applications.

• Start work on operations business plan.

Fontana said there is much work to be done, including going to potential funding sources, such as DCED, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Appalachian Regional Commission and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

“This will not be easy, but it is doable,” he said, adding that the project will work around what funding is available.

Fontana said PDC will put together an official report using the information from the economic feasibility studies to be submitted to various funding sources.

“There will be a formal meeting with DCED and other institutions,” he said. “We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the support of Sen. Argall’s office in doing a great job in getting this project on the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program list. Sen. Argall has been a real strong supporter of the Main Street Program.”

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump denied Tuesday that his trade policy is to blame for Harley-Davidson's decision to shift some motorcycle production overseas, saying on Twitter that the company is using "Tariffs/Trade War as an excuse" to hide previously announced plans to move jobs to Asia.

The Milwaukee-based company said Monday it came to its decision because of retaliatory tariffs it faces in an escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and the European Union.

Trump warned Harley-Davidson that any shift in production "will be the beginning of the end."

"The Aura will be gone and they will be taxed like never before!" Trump said in one of several tweets Tuesday. He was referring to tariffs Harley-Davidson would face on motorcycles produced overseas and shipped back to the U.S. for sale.

The president has held up the iconic American motorcycle maker as an example of a U.S. business harmed by trade barriers in other countries, but Harley-Davidson had warned that tariffs could negatively impact its sales.

Trump recently imposed steep tariffs on aluminum and steel imported from Canada, Mexico and Europe in his bid to level the trade playing field and reduce trade deficits between the U.S. and its trade partners. But those countries have treated Trump's action as an insult and have chosen to respond in kind.

The U.S. and China are also volleying back and forth over tariffs.

Trump tweeted that Harley-Davidson had already announced it was closing a Kansas City plant and moving those jobs to Thailand. But it was union officials representing workers at that plant who claimed the jobs were being shifted to Thailand. Harley-Davidson has denied a link between Kansas City and Thailand.

"That was long before Tariffs were announced," Trump said. "Hence, they were just using Tariffs/Trade War as an excuse. Shows how unbalanced & unfair trade is, but we will fix it....."

Trump said he's getting other countries to reduce and eliminate tariffs and trade barriers, and to open up markets.

A group from Harley-Davidson met with Trump at the White House last year.

"When I had Harley-Davidson officials over to the White House, I chided them about tariffs in other countries, like India, being too high," Trump tweeted. "Companies are now coming back to America. Harley must know that they won't be able to sell back into U.S. without paying a big tax!"

Trump added that the administration is finishing a study on imposing tariffs on cars from the EU, which he claims has taken advantage of the U.S. for too long.

"A Harley-Davidson should never be built in another country-never!" Trump tweeted. "Their employees and customers are already very angry at them. If they move, watch, it will be the beginning of the end - they surrendered, they quit! The Aura will be gone and they will be taxed like never before!"

___

Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap

POTTSVILLE — A Mahanoy City man will not have to serve more time behind bars after admitting on June 13 to a Schuylkill County judge that he broke into and vandalized a building in North Manheim Township.

Bryan D. Starr, 47, pleaded guilty to criminal trespass, attempted theft and criminal mischief. Prosecutors withdrew charges of burglary, conspiracy and possessing instrument of crime.

Judge Charles M. Miller accepted Starr’s plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to time served to 23 months in prison, plus five years consecutive probation. Starr also must pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities, under the terms of Miller’s sentence.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Starr committed his crimes on Nov. 13, 2017, at 322 Chestnut St.

Police said Starr broke into the building and tried to remove the copper piping.

Miller also accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Trenea R. Ball, 29, of Fayetteville; possession of a controlled substance; 12 months probation and $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund.

Derrick Lutz, 53, of Tamaqua; driving under the influence and DUI while suspended; six months probation, $1,300 in fines, $100 SAEF payment and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of improper driving without lights.

Gregory A. Macalush, 26, of Lansford; fleeing or eluding police, driving under suspension-DUI related and stop sign violation; two to 23 months in prison, $25 fine, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of flight to avoid apprehension/trial and three counts of improper signal.

Scott A. Noll, 43, of Minersville; three counts of intimidation of witness or victim and two each of stalking and harassment; 24 months probation and no contact with the victim or her family.

N. Rafael Pena-Cruz, 27, of West Hazleton; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and conspiracy; 11 1/2 to 23 months in prison, two years consecutive probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew additional counts of conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count each of criminal use of a communication facility and endangering the welfare of children.

Dominique L. Petrozino, 27, of Saint Clair; retail theft, disorderly conduct and theft; 24 months probation, $225 in fines, $50 CJEA payment, $238.93 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of criminal mischief and one of receiving stolen property.

Monica B. Russup, 52, of Tamaqua; possession of drug paraphernalia; six months probation and $100 SAEF payment.

Donald J. Seiger, 52, of Saint Clair; retail theft; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $55.35 restitution.

Christian C. Shilko, 48, of Tamaqua; theft, terroristic threats and defiant trespass; 12 months probation and $560.70 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

Hunter P. Skidmore, 20, of Lansford; false statement under penalty; six months probation concurrent with current sentence and $50 CJEA payment.

Tyler M. Strawdinger, 25, of Scranton; flight to avoid apprehension/trial and possession of drug paraphernalia; three to 23 months in prison, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of false identification to law enforcement, driving under suspension, driving unregistered vehicle and driving without a license.

Schuylkill County prosecutors withdrew on June 20 a case against a Coaldale man who allegedly had violated a protection from abuse order.

George J. Bonetsky IV, 40, had been charged with indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom. State police at Frackville alleged he had violated the order on May 26.

However, the alleged victim, Angelique Bonetsky, did not appear for the scheduled hearing, and Assistant District Attorney Karen Byrnes-Noon told Judge John E. Domalakes that the matter had been settled.

In other recent county court action, Miller accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Zoey Bartenope, 21, of Palmerton; receiving stolen property; 30 days to 12 months in prison and $50 payment to the CJEA. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of retail theft.

Staci L. Follweiler, 49, of Kutztown; driving under the influence and DUI while suspended; five days to six months in prison, 41,300 in fines and $100 payment to the SAEF. Prosecutors withdrew charges of disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and careless driving.

Anthony L. Kehl, 48, of Tamaqua; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance; 15 to 48 months in a state correctional institution, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of aggravated assault, possessing instrument of crime, simple assault, resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Heather Moser, 27, of Weissport; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation and $100 SAEF payment.

Jeremy S. Yeakley, 33, of Tamaqua; false statement under penalty; 12 months probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of materially false written statement.

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

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

Woman cited after Shenandoah crash

SHENANDOAH — A borough woman was cited by state police at Frackville after a crash on West Lloyd Street around 5:20 p.m. Saturday.

Police said Yorkira Cruz, 19, was driving a 2014 Toyota Rav4 west when she struck a parked 2012 Ford Escape and fled the scene west.

The Toyota was found several blocks away after hitting additional parked vehicles, police said.

As a result of the crash, police said, Cruz was charged with accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property.

Man arrested for alleged assaults

SHENANDOAH — A borough man was arrested by Shenandoah police after an incident outside of Mulligan’s Bar, 316 S. Main St., around 1:35 a.m. Saturday.

Police said Anthony S. Welikonich, 28, of 514 W. Columbus St., was charged with terroristic threats, resisting arrest, simple assault, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, harassment and public drunkenness.

Welikonich was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District David J. Rossi, Tremont, and released on $5,000 unsecured bail.

Police said officers on patrol found Welikonich and Morgan Salter involved in an altercation during which Welikonich punched Salter in the nose, causing it to bleed.

It was learned that Welikonich also assaulted Thomas Salter by hitting him in the head and face prior to hitting his son, Morgan Salter.

Patrolman William Moyer tried to take Welikonich away from a crowd of people that gathered in the area but the man ran and stopped only when threatened with a Taser.

Police said Welikonich continued to resist and required force to be placed inside the cruiser. At the police station, police said, Welikonich resisted and tried to remove his handcuffs before officers were able to put him inside a holding cell, police said.

Fugitive caught in Mahanoy City

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City police apprehended a woman wanted as a fugitive from justice around 1 p.m. Monday.

Police said officers apprehended Crysta Harris, 37, of Mahanoy City, on West Market Street.

Police said the woman was wanted on a warrant from Cumberland County for failure to appear for theft and theft of moveable property charges.

Harris was then transported to the Schuylkill County Prison where she will be held until her extradition to Cumberland County, police said.

Woman charged with harassment

MAHANOY CITY — A 23-year-old borough woman was arrested by Mahanoy City Police after officers were called to a domestic violence incident in the 600 block of West Spruce Street around 12:05 p.m. Sunday.

As a result, police said Alexis Soto was charged by Patrolman James Patterson with terroristic threats, harassment and criminal mischief.

She was arraigned and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $20,000 bail.

She will now have to appear for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

HECKSCHERVILLE — What some thought to be the case of a dog left in a cage to starve turned out to be a sloppy burial of a deceased animal.

No charges have been filed in the case of a dead pit bull found in a crate in a hole in the ground in Cass Township in May.

According to Lori Sult, manager for the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA of Pine Grove, state police at Frackville closed the case June 18, since the incident “wasn’t actually a cruelty.”

Cpl. Brian Walters with the Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville was in charge of the investigation, and said the dog attacked two people in January and was later put down by the Saint Clair Police Department.

The owner, Renee Austerberry, took the dog’s body to her family’s property in Cass Township, put the body in a crate, then into a hole in the ground and covered it with debris.

“At least it wasn’t somebody torturing the animal, which is what it looked like,” Walters said.

Sult said the right thing to do would have been to have the body cremated.

“I’m glad it wasn’t what we thought it was. I’m glad it’s not a sick person out there who would have done this to that dog,” Sult said.

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

Incorrect phone number

The phone number for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate is 1-888-222-9190. The information was incorrect in Monday’s edition.

The continuation of the due process hearing for suspended Williams Valley High School Principal Tracey Weller has been postponed, according to the school district office.

It was scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the high school in Tower City. No new date has been set.

HAZLETON — In the last year, CAN DO Inc., the area’s industrial and economic development organization, brought 280 new jobs to the area from seven projects.

One of them is the $60 million expansion of the Hershey chocolate plant in the Humboldt Industrial Park.

In 2017, Hershey broke ground for a new manufacturing line for Kit Kat candy bars that will increase the plant’s workforce by 27 percent and its production of the candy bar by 36 percent.

The new line is expected to be in operation by the end of this year.

The CAN DO board of directors also learned during its annual meeting at Capriotti’s recently that last year’s other big project also will create about 100 jobs.

IRIS USA, a manufacturer of molded plastic storage devices and other products, purchased 34 acres in Humboldt East where the firm will invest $84 million to build a 500,000-square-foot, multi-floor manufacturing plant, which is expected to be in operation in 2020.

The other projects were:

• Highwood USA, which has a plant in the Tidewood East Industrial Park in Hometown, purchased the former Regency Thermographers and Simona America plant in the Hazleton Commerce Center on Hazleton Heights, where the firm will expand and create 58 new jobs. Highwood manufactures composite lawn furniture and associated products.

• Victoria’s Candies is relocating and expanding into a 12,000-square-foot building, which will enable the firm to make more of its chocolate products with the help of 25 new employees.

• Broad and Barrel, an Irish-style pub, craft brewery and eatery, will create 10 jobs when it opens in the remodeled former Remember When building owned and renovated by CAN DO at 21-23 W. Broad St. in downtown Hazleton.

• PSI Container, a corrugated cardboard manufacturer in the McAdoo Industrial Park in Banks Township, is adding five jobs as the result of a 38,000-square-foot expansion of its facility.

Other existing industries that announced expansion plans in the last year include Gonnella Frozen Products, a 78,000-square-foot expansion of its Humboldt North facility; a 2,500-square-foot expansion at InSteel in Humboldt, and a 960-square-foot expansion to add a cigar bar to Best Cigar Prices, which markets high-end cigars on the internet from its facility in the CAN DO Corporate Center.

Being ready

CAN DO has been seeking land development approvals on various land parcels in the area so the sites are ready to build on when a prospect comes to town looking for a new home. That readiness was credited with finalizing the deal to bring IRIS USA to Humboldt.

Approvals are being obtained for two sites in Humboldt East near IRIS, a 12-acre site in the Corporate Center and another site in Humboldt North.

Investment

The board also learned CAN DO made some investments in the last year.

CAN DO purchased a 103,120-square-foot building at 500 Oak Ridge Drive in Humboldt and added it to the organization’s leasing portfolio.

Construction also began on three buildings:

• Trammell Crow is building a 440,000-square-foot building in Humboldt East.

• Mericle Commercial Real Estate is finishing construction on a 201,500-square-foot speculative building on 15 acres in Humboldt West. The building already is leased to Brake Parts International as it expands.

• Tri-Mountain Realty is building a 70,000-square-foot building on 10 acres in Humboldt North.

Also, four new startups were added to the CAN BE Innovation Center in the past year: Xenoil, a machine wax manufacturer; Candelles, a manufacturer of eco-friendly, soy-based candles hand-made by the firm’s two owners; Sugar Creative Agency LLC, a web development and marketing agency which helped a tenant that moved in last year; and the Keystone Ballet Academy, which is expanding the programs it offers.

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

FRACKVILLE — The Frackville Area Municipal Authority and the Frackville Borough Council are discussing a street in the borough where the sewer authority did repairs to one of its lines.

Frackville Borough Councilmen Paul Martin Sr. and Stephen Tertel and Public Works Director Donald Zimmerman attended the work session June 20 held prior to the regular monthly FAMA meeting to discuss the matter.

“Borough council approached us regarding paving a street where we dug to put a new sewer line in,” FAMA office manager Rhonda C. Frantz said.

The location is West High Street between Second and Nice streets.

“We did the restoration by restoring the trench, but they (borough) want us to do curb-to-curb because they feel that we disturbed more than 20 percent of the street surface,” Frantz said. “They said it is part of their street restoration ordinance, which they are also enforcing for the water company and all utilities that open up a street.”

In 2005, the borough council adopted an amendment to the streets and sidewalk ordinance that changed in Section 102 the “substantial area of disturbed roadway” definition from the original greater than or equal to 35 percent and reduced it to “greater than or equal to 20 percent of the total roadway within a section of street.”

The original ordinance was also amended in Section 105 stating that “It shall be the duty of any person, firm or corporation causing an opening or excavation to be made to thoroughly and completely fill the same, tamping and ramming so as to prevent any settling thereafter, to a satisfaction of the borough or their appointee.”

Frantz said, “We discussed it at the work session. Measurements have to be taken and it has to be reviewed.”

In other business, the authority received the report of sewage flows from the State Correctional Institution/Frackville for May, and in June the prison will begin providing FAMA with the SIM card information monthly by downloading it and emailing those results directly to Frantz. Billing will be made based on that information.

The prison was billed $26,424 for May based on total flows of 4,404,113 gallons. The prison’s unpaid balance from previous quarters is $86,810.

Entech Engineering Inc. senior project manager Donald Cuff said the grit removal upgrade project at the treatment plant is ready for bid solicitation and plans are to open bids at the July meeting.

The Liaison/Office Committee report from Chairman Paul Klevis states the delinquent loss as of June 20 was $185,347.07 (165 accounts owing more than $300). Letters were mailed May 31 to 85 customers explaining that liens will be filed in July for those delinquent accounts.

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

Ashland

The Ashland Borough Hall will be closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day. The garbage pickup schedule for that week will be as follows: Tuesday’s pickups will be the same; Wednesday’s garbage will be picked up on Thursday and Thursday’s trash pickups will be done on Friday along with ash pickup. For more information, email Pat.moyer@ashlandborough.com.

Pottsville

Disable American Veterans Marne Post 21 will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. July 10 at the AMVETS Walter Griffiths Post 180, 1300 Seneca St. All disabled veterans are welcome to join. For more information, call 570-573-8081 or 570-590-1666.

Pottsville

St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church will hold its mid-summer festival from 5 to 9:30 p.m. July 20 and 21 at the parish grounds, Ninth Street and Schuylkill Avenue. The event will include food, games of chance, children’s games, a potluck stand, theme baskets and other activities. All are welcome. For more information, call the church at 570-622-5470 or email stjbparish@comcast.com.

Saint Clair

Ann Chaikowsky La Voie, author of the book “Lithuanians of Schuylkill County,” recently spoke to members of the Schuylkill County Lithuanian Women’s Club. Many of the photos in the book, she said, are of club members and were donated by the Saint Clair Community and Historical Society. The club is selling the book for $22. Those interested in buying it should call Marge Valinsky at 570-277-6163. Money earned will go to the club scholarship fund. Elaine Dalvert, chairwoman of the scholarship fund, introduced this year’s scholarship recipient, Imani Mika, a graduating senior from Blue Mountain School District. The next club meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 10 at Vito’s Coal-Fired Pizza in the Coal Creek Commerce Center.

Schuylkill Haven

The Walk In Art Center and Pottsville’s Schuylkill Free Shakespeare are partnering this summer to bring theatre arts to a wider audience in Schuylkill County. Schuylkill Free Shakespeare, according to a press release, is a theatre group whose mission is to make Shakespeare’s work accessible to local audiences through performances and education. Since mid-May, the cast from one of this season’s shows, “As You Like It,” has been rehearsing weekly in the Walk In Art Center’s spacious main gallery and the cast will rehearse there for the next few months in preparation for its performances Aug. 8-12. The full company features Schuylkill County actors of all ages and walks of life, including students and community members. As part of the partnership, Schuylkill Free Shakespeare will send a group of actors to WIAC’s annual fundraiser, Kick Up Your Heels, on Sept. 15. The performers will be dressed in ’40s-style World War II clothing and interact with guests in character during the event. “I really think it will be something special,” WIAC’s event director, Jordan Fees, said in the release, adding, “Having the actors here will really bring our ‘Hope & Glory: Swinging Art of the 1940s’ theme to life.” For more information, call WIAC at 570-732-3728 or email Lisa Robinson at lisa.robinson@walkinartcenter.com.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven Area School District is conducting its annual kindergarten screening for students who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1. Parents and guardians are asked to call the elementary center at 570-385-6731 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to register a child for the screening process, which will be held July 23. All children need to be registered before they can be screened.

Shenandoah

The M&J Big Band will appear live in concert for a Dorsey Brothers tribute from 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 27 at American Legion Memorial Garden, adjacent to the Anthony P. Damato American Legion “Medal of Honor” Post 792 at 116 N. Main St. The concert, sponsored by the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., will feature the music of Shenandoah’s own legendary Dorsey Brothers, Tommy and Jimmy. The Dorseys gained worldwide recognition during the Big Band Era. All are welcome. For more information, call John at 570-294-1911 or Mary at 570-462-2060.

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — An Orwigsburg man who allegedly stole three rings from his mother is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing on charges stemming from the April incident.

Henry J. Ryan III, 47, of 357 S. Wayne St., faces three counts each of receiving stolen property and theft and one of theft by deception. After Ryan waived his right to the hearing, Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over those charges for court.

Prosecutors withdrew three counts each of knowingly dealing in proceeds of illegal act and theft of secondary metal.

Orwigsburg police allege that Ryan stole three rings from Patricia Ryan at her 339 S. Wayne St. residence. The rings have a total value of $1,500, police said.

After stealing the rings, Henry Ryan took them to Muller Rare Coins and Fine Jewelry, Hamburg, where he sold them for a total of $123, according to police.

The defendant is free on $2,500 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.

Other defendants whose cases Ferrier considered on June 19, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the matters included:

Kelly E. Bendetti, 28, of 110 E. Main St. Apt. 2, Schuylkill Haven; endangering the welfare of children; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Robert C. Brode Jr., 35, of 37 Goose Pond Road, New Ringgold; two counts each of materially false written statement and false statement under penalty; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Jerry M. Dannenhower, 51, of 303 Haven St., Schuylkill Haven; terroristic threats and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Ryan P. Gauter, 39, of 208 Dock St. Apt. 4, Schuylkill Haven; possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Michael V. Gustis, 36, of 313 Chestnut St., West Reading; driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of improper signals; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of DUI withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Dennis M. Kuhar, 38, of 44 St. John St., Schuylkill Haven; DUI, careless driving, accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property and two counts of disregarding traffic lane; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Brian M. Maberry, 28, of 318 W. Adamsdale Road, Schuylkill Haven; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Timothy C. Moyer, 50, of 19 Gooseberry Lane, Andreas; possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI, failure to obey person directing traffic, failure to obey traffic control devices, careless driving and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Elizabeth J. O’Hanlon, 443, of 112 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven; DUI and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Carla L. Wingle, 46, of 7 Lake St., Pottsville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

David J. Rossi

TREMONT — An Ashland man charged with committing an assault in May is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing on Thursday.

Tyler J. Antonelli, 19, of 197 Black Creek Road, is charged with aggravated assault, possession of prohibited offensive weapon and simple assault. Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi bound over the three charges for court after Antonelli waived his right to the hearing.

Cass Township police charged Antonelli with committing the assault and possessing the weapon on May 25 in the township.

Antonelli is free on $20,000 straight cash bail pending further court proceedings.

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

Ryan J. Campbell, 32, of 16 N. 12th St., Ashland; theft by deception, receiving stolen property and bad checks; charges withdrawn.

Shawn L. Carpenter, 32, of 7213 Prairie Road Lot 50, Washington Court House, Ohio; penalties for sale of firearms; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Ryan D. Cromer, 26, of 540 W. Center St., Tremont; possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, driving unregistered vehicle, careless driving and operating vehicle without valid inspection; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Justin R. Donton, 32, of 6 Red Maple Lane, Pine Grove; two counts each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Justin E. Englehart, 34, of 64 Hunters Drive, Pine Grove; simple assault and harassment; charges withdrawn.

Bruce L. Finney, 53, of 1323 W. Maple St., Valley View; six counts of neglect of animals and two of cruelty to animals; charges held for court after preliminary hearing that Finney did not attend. Rossi asked that a bench warrant be issued for Finney.

Kevin J. Harris, 28, of 24 Stone Row Road, Branchdale; aggravated assault, simple assault, possession of a controlled substance, harassment and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of aggravated assault withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Edward A. Koropchak, 39, of 360 Prospect St., Pottsville; DUI, improper stop, DUI while suspended and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Lisa A. Morgan, 28, of 872 Deep Creek Road, Ashland; obstructing administration of law enforcement; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Barry L. Reed, 42, of 138 Railroad St., Donaldson; resisting arrest and disorderly conduct; charge of resisting arrest withdrawn. Reed pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct; Rossi sentenced him to pay costs and a $300 fine.

Tony A. Schannauer, 38, of 1459 W. Main St., Valley View; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Nathan J. Wagner, 34, of 18 W. Pottsville St., Pine Grove; DUI, driving unregistered vehicle, improper display of plate or card, DUI while suspended, operating vehicle without required financial responsibility, disregarding traffic lane and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges of DUI while suspended and careless driving withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Michael C. Wert II, 32, of 2361 Stetler Drive, Coal Township; DUI, disregarding traffic lane, failure to drive at a safe speed and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges of failure to drive at a safe speed and careless driving withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

David P. Wolfe Jr., 32, of 41 N. Lehigh Ave., Frackville; theft and receiving stolen property; charges held for court after preliminary hearing that Wolfe did not attend. Rossi asked that a bench warrant be issued for Wolfe.

KELAYRES — A new water line to serve about 10 residents in the Village of Haddock will be built.

At a meeting June 11, Kline Township supervisors voted to grant the township municipal authority access to install 1,460 feet of 6-inch water main within the township right-of-way along Haddock Road from Doran Street south.

Aaron Debalko, chairman of the authority, said the 1-inch main there now has to be replaced because it doesn’t allow for more homes to be added to the line.

“There is an ill-fated, undersized line which is servicing all of the homes south of Doran Street,” Debalko said. “It was actually placed through their properties many years ago. It can’t remain there, and we can’t upgrade it.

“We were approached two years ago by a property owner with an interest in building a home. There are already 10 homes attached to that line, and it cannot support another home on a 1-inch line.”

He said a new line also would add two fire hydrants for Haddock.

Going down the shoulder of the road with the new 6-inch main is the only option, Debalko said.

“It is an old state road, so there is a 50-foot right-of-way,” he said. “There is a much larger right-of-way than we require. We would not be within more than 5 feet of the berm of the road at any point. We have the ability to go down along the right-of-way of that road, with limited restoration and limited intrusion on properties.”

The whole line has been staked and painted, and Debalko said he put an 811 call in for utilities, and everything came back clear.

“We would go to each of the property owners and explain what we are doing so they fully understood the project,” Debalko said.

The temporary easement to the authority would allow construction and restoration, and the permanent easement would allow access for any future repairs.

Street sweeping

The supervisors voted to advertise for proposals to sweep township roads, which Supervisor Carmen Cara said need to be cleaned.

“There is an awful lot of stone from this past winter and a couple of the other winters,” Cara said. “To me, it has to be swept up. The roads really have to be cleaned.”

Cara wants to sweep all township roads, but said there are a lot of bad areas.

“The worst sections are Bruno Avenue and Green Street in Haddock; Mountain Top Road, Bayview Avenue and Grove Street, where there’s an awful lot of dirt on them running down the mountain,” Cara said. “In East McAdoo Heights, there’s Bridge, Middle and Spring streets.”

Township solicitor Mark Semanchik said the supervisors only have to request proposals for sweeping, because it is a service, for which “something in writing, even a text” will suffice. Bids are not needed, he said.

Cara envisioned sweeping streets in mid-July.

The township road crew will also be patching roads. The worst parts, Cara said, are in McAdoo Heights, Haddock and part of East McAdoo Heights.

The supervisors voted to hire Frank Sacco, Rich Kott Jr. and Matt Cervasio to assist road foreman Gary Perna Sr. patching roads.

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

MINERSVILLE — An anonymous scofflaw paid a 1974 parking ticket this month — some 44 years after it was issued in the borough.

The $2 ticket was for parking in a restricted zone. The offender finally sent $5 and a note reading: “Dear PD (Police Department), I’ve been carrying this ticket around for 40-plus years always intending to pay. Forgive me if I don’t give you my info. With respect, Dave.”

The letter containing the ticket and money was postmarked June 14 in Sacramento, California. The return address read, “Feeling Guilty, Wayward Road, Anytown, CA.”

Minersville Police Chief Michael Combs said the borough office received the letter June 18. The borough secretary opened the letter and informed Combs.

“I guess their conscience got the better of them,” he said.

He has been chief in Minersville for eight years and has never received payment for a ticket issued so long ago.

“We do appreciate the person paying their ticket, even though it was 44 years late,” Combs said.

An unsuccessful attempt was made to locate the regretful offender who, according to the ticket, had an Ohio plate.

“We tried to run this plate and you can’t get a record,” he said.

Information was recorded in ledgers in the 1970s. Since it is an Ohio plate, the Minersville police would not have that information on file, he said.

The bottom of the ticket said if it was not paid within 48 hours, an enforcement warrant would be issued and additional fines collected. Since the department doesn’t have provisions to add interest to a parking ticket, the additional fine would amount to about $136 now. Combs said he believes the warrant and additional fines were not issued at the time because the person did not live in Pennsylvania.

“We have our suspicions on who it might be,” Combs said.

On Tuesday, he called a California resident who once lived in Minersville but the man insisted he was not the guilty party.

Combs is still interested in finding who had been issued the ticket.

“We would be interested to just talk to the person. We didn’t even know this ticket existed,” he said.

While the letter and late payment for the 1974 ticket was a gesture of good faith — albeit more than 40 years late — Combs said people should not think they can get away with ignoring a parking violation.

“It’s kind of stupid not to pay your parking ticket because it is going to cost you a lot more in the long run,” he said.

If the initial fine on the parking ticket, which is a summary violation, is not paid in time, the officer will issue a citation with additional fines. Those fines must be paid within the time frame given on the citation or a district magistrate will issue an arrest warrant and additional costs.

“We would encourage anyone with outstanding tickets to pay them,” Combs said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

A man serving a life sentence for killing another man in West Mahanoy Township in 2014 has died in prison.

Thomas J. Petrousky was convicted of killing David R. Halaburda, 50, inside the home they shared at 256 S. Wylam St. on April 28, 2017.

Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake said state Department of Corrections officials confirmed Wednesday that Petrousky died at State Correctional Institution/Benner, Benner Township, where he was incarcerated.

No information was made available as to the cause of death, O’Pake said.

In March of 2016, a jury of six men and six women deliberated a little less than two hours before finding Petrousky guilty of first-degree murder, possessing instruments of crime, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and two counts of aggravated assault.

The first-degree murder conviction carries with it a mandatory sentence of life in prison, which in Pennsylvania carries no chance of parole.

FRACKVILLE — Students from eight different school districts in Schuylkill County have been learning that summer vacation can include exploring outer space, working in a kitchen to feed peers, diesel mechanics and creating abstract art.

The Schuylkill ACHIEVE Afterschool Program sponsored by the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 has been giving students in multiple school districts the opportunity to participate in spending time after the normal school day and enjoy recreation, homework help, reading and writing help, character education and STEM activities.

The program also has a summer component that keeps students in the loop as they grow and develop physically and intellectually during the summer break. The three-week summer program is called “Summer of Explorers” and includes a variety of instructional periods at the Schuylkill Technology Centers at Frackville and Mar Lin over a three-week period. The afterschool programs during the school year are held at the individual school districts.

Wednesday was the last classroom day for about 120 students in grades 5 to 8. The final day is today when students will take two-hour field trips to six locations in the county.

Schuylkill ACHIEVE Coordinator Michele Daynorowicz praised the benefits gained by participating students during the school year. Students attend four days per week and up to three hours a day. She said the summer program is a great addition.

“The Summer of Explorers is funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the PDE (Pennsylvania Department of Education),” Daynorowicz said. “And it’s a competitive grant and I am so glad we get it. These kids benefit all year long in the afterschool program, but tied into the guidelines is summer school, because they say if they don’t come, the achievement gap gets bigger over the summer. So we have three weeks here at the tech center, and then they go back to their school districts and have three more weeks.”

The grant has two more years left on it, and Daynorowicz said the IU will apply again for future years.

Back at the districts, there are a wide variety of activities to keep the students interested, entertained and learning.

“Each district has a different theme. One is doing theater, one is doing zombie apocalypse, and they incorporate reading, math and science. And there is some recreation,” Daynorowicz said. “They also have guest speakers who come in. They get to see a lot of careers and different people.”

The experiences at the technology centers can have a lifelong influence with some students.

“The instructors are also telling them what’s needed in the work force,” she said. “So it’s not just ‘Here’s my electric trade’ or ‘Here’s the food.’ It’s you need a good attitude. You need a good work ethic. You need to learn to solve problems. And there is also perseverance. A neat thing is that one of the kids from Mahanoy Area three years ago came to Summer of Explorers and saw the diesel program and he said, ‘I want to do this.’ Now he will be in 10th grade and he will be in the diesel class because he got to know about it being here.”

Daynorowicz said learning about the technology centers and different careers does educate on options in selecting a career path.

This is the fifth year for the Summer of Explorers, Daynorowicz said. There were 150 students registered from Mahanoy Area, North Schuylkill, Williams Valley, Pine Grove Area, Schuylkill Haven Area, Pottsville Area, Minersville Area and Saint Clair Area.

“We also have another program (Cohort 9) that teaches the kids in K-4 and will do something similar to this at North Schuylkill, Pine Grove and Williams Valley,” she said. “It’s a fantastic program because then you have a seamless connection. There are some kids in eighth grade here today who are so sad they can’t come back next year. I tell them they can come back and volunteer. It’s exciting for them.”

The Explorers classes are instructed mostly by instructors from the North and South technology centers where their classes are held. Teachers from other districts have been invited to instruct. Students are bused and it is all free for the student, including lunch.

The lunch is prepared by the students who are in the kitchen working with STC culinary teacher Scott Reichart on any particular day. The students were making small hoagies and pizza on Wednesday. Each meal came with an apple, a cookie, milk and apple juice.

“It’s basically the same food they get in the cafeteria. We only have an hour and a half, so we’re using cookies that are pre-made,” Reichart said as he watched the Mahanoy Area students who were in the kitchen at the time.

Teacher Kimberly Kringe is one of the Explorers’ instructors not on the center’s staff who returned to the program after being recruited in 2016. The name of her activity this year is “Imagination Station.”

“We’re going to do an abstract art piece today,” Kringe said. “And while we let those dry since we’ll be using glue and cotton thread, then the kids will also do a weaving project using a cup that they will turn into a pen holder or coin holder, and then we’ll go back to the first project and finish it up. They get use their imagination a lot in the abstract art piece because it’s not planned.”

Today’s field trips have Mahanoy Area and Pottsville Area stopping at Tuscarora State Park for presentation about bears; Minersvillle Area and Williams Valley going to Home Depot in Saint Clair to learn how to make birdhouses; Pine Grove Area is visiting Highwood Technologies for a tour of the facility and its robots; Schuylkill Haven Area students will tour the Ashland Technologies plant in Hegins where roller coaster parts are manufactured; Saint Clair Area will learn about airplanes at the Schuylkill County Airport; and North Schuylkill will get a heads-up on farming technology at Masser’s Potato Farm.

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

A Mar Lin man was jailed Friday after a Schuylkill County judge revoked his bail at the request of Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake.

The motion was granted by Judge John E. Domalakes based on a new arrest of Brian J. O’Doherty, 24, of 607 Fourth St.

O’Doherty was free on bail on two cases in Schuylkill County in 2017 involving drug deliveries when he was arrested on new drug charges by Minersville police Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers.

Bowers said that in the 2017 cases, O’Doherty was free on $50,000 and $100,000 and also posted bail of $50,000 straight cash on the most recent incident in Minersville.

Domalakes heard the case and found that O’Doherty had violated his bail conditions by getting arrested again on narcotics charges.

Bowers said that after the ruling, O’Doherty was immediately taken to Schuylkill County Prison by sheriff’s deputies.

The latest charges against O’Doherty were filed by Bowers after an incident at 222 South St. in the borough on May 30.

Bowers charged O’Doherty with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bowers said that on May 29, a search warrant was issued for the 222 South St. property by Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, and subsequently executed by Minersville officers along with members of the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and state parole agents.

Inside the home, Bowers said, investigators found a black and silver box that contained about 10.17 grams of crystal methamphetamine, about 13 grams of marijuana, 2.5 grams of bulk heroin and items of drug paraphernalia.

The search also uncovered two cellphones, a laptop computer, and on O’Doherty himself investigators found $286 in a case consistent with drug trafficking.

O’Doherty will now have to answer to the charges against him at a preliminary hearing before Plachko in his Port Carbon courtroom.

Contact the writer: fandruscvage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6016

POTTSVILLE — Wheel restaurant in Pottsville has been named the 12th best diner in the nation.

Travel + Leisure magazine came out with the list Sunday using information from Yelp reviews. Travel + Leisure said the best ranking by Yelp is based on an “algorithm that looks both at the number of reviews and star ratings. No more than two diners per state can make the list to ensure geographic diversity.”

A press spokesman for Yelp added that all the diners on the list are in the diners category on Yelp and are not part of a large chain restaurant.

A look at reviews of Wheel on Yelp shows 64 reviews as of Wednesday. Most are overwhelmingly positive.

Savas Logothetides, owner of Wheel, which opened in September 2016, said the recognition is appreciated.

“It’s not only recognition for Wheel, it’s recognition for the community,” he said.

Travel + Leisure contacted him about two weeks ago asking for some pictures of the food served at the restaurant for a story.

“We didn’t know it was going to be in the top 25. We didn’t know it was going to be rated,” he said.

Logothetides said many things go into making the restaurant a success, including a great staff, the food offerings, atmosphere and level of service. The Yuengling Brewery tours on Mahantongo Street also help draw people to the restaurant because they could eat out afterward.

The restaurant features design your own grilled cheese and an assortment of other tasty offerings to tempt customers’ taste buds.

The recognition continues to put Pottsville on the map for people to want to come to the area for what it has to offer, he said.

“We get a ton of tourists from all over the world on a daily basis,” Logothetides said.

With the success of Wheel, Logothetides said he wants to bring the experience at Wheel to other locations.

“I am looking at opening other restaurants. The potential markets are York County, Berks County and Wayne County,” he said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

MCADOO — A train derailed just after 6 p.m. Wednesday on a Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad line in Kline Township.

The derailment could be seen from the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 at an overpass in the area of mile marker 136.5.

At least four boxcars and three coal hopper cars were off the tracks. The coal hopper cars were on their sides. The locomotive and most of the cars came to rest on the eastern side of the overpass.

In addition, a portion of rail was visibly damaged with some of the rails ripped from the ground.

Crews were seen in the distance surveying the damage, hampered by rain and fog that blanketed the area Wednesday night.

ORWIGSBURG — The West Brunswick Township Zoning Hearing Board granted approval for a commercial building for medical office space at a hearing Wednesday.

Fanelli Group Properties LLC owns the land at 1165 and 1177 Centre Turnpike. Currently, Deer Lake Beverage and The Dancing Dandelion Daycare operate out of those locations. The building will be demolished to make way for a proposed two-story, 25,680-square-foot multi-use office building.

Kirk Fanelli, a member of Fanelli Group properties, talked about the plans for the site. Fanelli Group Properties requested a special exception and three variances for the proposed project. The special exception dealt with requesting use as permitted under zoning regulations and the variances pertained to setback requirements, pavement coverage and requesting a smaller parking space size than required. All were granted but with conditions. Zoning hearing board attorney Christopher J. Hartman said the conditions imposed by the board were that the project proceed as testimony indicated; the work comply with township regulations as applicable; a traffic study be conducted if needed by the township; and appropriate signage be placed in the front of the building directing drivers with larger vehicles to park in larger parking spots.

“This project is designed to meet the needs of the hospital project, is that correct?” James Diehl, attorney for the applicant, said.

Fanelli said that was correct.

He was referring to the plans approved earlier this year for a three-story, 80-bed, 120,000-square-foot hospital with an emergency room and other services. St. Luke’s University Health Network, Bethlehem, will build and manage the hospital while both St. Luke’s and Geisinger will have physicians, support staff and contribute expertise, according to The Republican-Herald archives.

Fanelli said the use of the proposed building will be similar to the Geisinger building in another area nearby.

“We want to make this feel more like a campus environment,” Fanelli said.

Fanelli and Brian Focht, a member of C2C Design Group, testified.

“Can this project be developed with strict conformity of the ordinance?” Diehl asked Focht.

He said it could not, that is why they were requesting the changes.

Two members of the public asked questions as did zoning hearing board members. Hartman asked Focht what he thought about the township planning commission not recommending the smaller parking spaces. Focht said the smaller size would be adequate and smaller spaces were on another area of the lot.

“The most important issue is getting rid of the safety issue up front,” he said, referring to motorists having to go into the right-of-way to turn their vehicles now.

After the hearing, Fanelli said he was pleased with the outcome.

“We hope to start construction later this year or early next year,” he said.

Fanelli Group Properties will construct the building and lease it.

The foundation of the hospital, built by St. Luke’s, could be laid in the next two weeks, Fanelli said.

A man who said he was the owner of Deer Lake Beverage said Wednesday he still didn’t know what he was going to do. He has had a presence at the 1165 location for 10 years. The site has been there for 25 years, he said. He has a month-to-month lease now.

“I move, I sell or close,” he said.

The owner of Dancing Dandelion did not want to comment.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028