During Labor Day weekend in Scranton, everyone can be Italian.

La Festa Italiana kicks off its 43rd year from 4 to 10 p.m. today, with additional hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday on Lackawanna County Courthouse Square, Scranton. The free, family-friendly event is a tradition in Northeast Pennsylvania, with lots of people behind the scenes working toward a weekend of food and fun, said La Festa president Chris DiMattio.

“People come for the food, the entertainment, to meet (up) with friends and meet new ones,” he said. “It’s a great event for everyone to get together with friends and family downtown.”

Here’s a handy guide to the tastes, sights and sounds of La Festa Italiana. Mangia!

Food

Come hungry. More than 80 vendors will offer a variety of dishes and desserts from Italy and beyond, ranging from pasta, pizza and cannoli to Polish sausage and Greek delicacies.

La Festa favorites such as UNICO National’s porketta sandwiches and Diana’s Pizza, which has catered to crowds since the festival’s first year, will be back along with local staples.

“Nearly all the vendors are family businesses, and just like in each region of Italy, everyone prides them selves on their own recipes. That’s the way it is at La Festa as well,” DiMattio said. “Everyone’s pizza is different, everyone’s cannoli is different, the sauces are different and unique. There’s really something for everyone.”

Farmers market

Fresh fruits and vegetables will be available from John’s Corn. Grown on a farm in Ransom Township, peaches, tomatoes, Italian beans, prunes and other crops will be ripe for picking up.

Music

Music fans can catch performances from bands, dance groups and more across three stages around the square.

The year’s entertainment includes the return of festival favorite the Cameos. The eight-piece oldies/vocal harmony group will perform its renditions of hits from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Audiences also have the chance to see performances by Gene Dempsey Orchestra, Black Tie Stereo, Old Friends, Flaxy Morgan, Popstar Drive and more. Jim Cullen, Jim Waltich and Jack Bordo also will perform while strolling around the square.

Other entertainment

Aside from music, the Jersey Pizza Boys will display their skills spinning and tossing pizza dough. Brothers Michael and Nicholas Testa’s talents garnered them more than a combined 100 million views on YouTube and appearances on “Today,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Little Big Shots.”

“They’re quite the sensation on YouTube,” DiMattio said. “I haven’t seen them yet (live), but one of our volunteers saw them and said it was an incredible show.”

There also will be a cannoli-eating contest at 3 p.m. Monday, and guests can play bocce with Danny Lovaglio. On Sunday night, a fireworks display will light up the sky at about 10 p.m.

For the family

La Festa, which does not allow alcohol, offers lots of family-friendly activities, too.

Kids can check out the bounce house and performances. Damien the Magician will perform Sunday and Monday at the Wayne Bank Stage on Adams Avenue at Spruce Street. Juggler Robert Smith will entertain on the square Saturday at the Fidelity Bank Stage and the picnic area on Linden Street, and Presto Pete and Incredulous Chris will perform kid-friendly magic on Linden Street on Saturday and Sunday.

Minicozzi Memorial 5K Run/1-Mile Walk

At 10 a.m. Saturday, the annual James R. Minicozzi Memorial 5K Run/1-Mile Walk steps off. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. at North Washington Avenue and Linden Street. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of NEPA’s Christmas party and college scholarships. For more information or to sign up, visit lafestaitaliana.org or runsignup.com.

Mass

Continuing a tradition, Mass will be celebrated in Italian at 10 a.m. Sunday. It will take place at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Ave., since St. Peter’s Cathedral is undergoing construction.

More activities

Steamtown National Historic Site will hold its annual Railfest on Saturday and Sunday. Free trolley bus shuttles will run to and from Wyoming Avenue to Linden Street during the park’s operating hours.

Street closures, parking

Five parking garages close to the festival will have a special weekend parking rate of $5 per day for La Festa patrons.

The festival will affect traffic surrounding Courthouse Square today, Sunday and Monday. Staring at 4 p.m. today, North Washington Avenue will close from Mulberry to Spruce streets, Spruce Street will close from Jefferson to North Washington avenues and the 500 block of Linden Street will close. The 400 block of Linden Street will be open to allow people access to the parking garage and also be available as a space where people with disabilities can be dropped off. One lane of Adams Avenue will remain open to traffic.

Contact the writer: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127

POTTSVILLE — Instead of taking his case to trial, a Frackville man admitted Monday to a Schuylkill County judge that he was under the influence when he drove in June 2017 in Orwigsburg.

Robert B. Wagner, 44, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic. Prosecutors withdrew charges of disorderly conduct, harassment and public drunkenness.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin, who was to have presided over Wagner’s nonjury trial, instead accepted the plea and, in accordance with an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to spend six months on probation, and pay costs, $275 in fines, and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Orwigsburg police alleged Wagner was DUI on June 17, 2017, in the borough.

On Aug. 24, Dolbin sentenced Charles M. Koncsler, 62, of Ringtown, to serve 12 months less one day to 24 months less one day on house arrest with electronic monitoring and to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and a $50 CJEA payment. Dolbin made the sentence effective Wednesday and concurrent with the one Koncsler already is serving.

A jury found Koncsler guilty on June 6 of delivery of a controlled substance. Dolbin found him not guilty of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shenandoah police had charged Koncsler with delivering drugs on Sept. 14, 2017, in the borough.

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

POTTSVILLE — Law enforcement warns the motoring public that, like drunk driving, drugged driving is impaired driving.

Drugged driving is dangerous and illegal in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

Whether the drug is obtained legally or illegally, driving while drug-impaired poses a threat to the driver, passengers and other drivers on the road.

The United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working closely with Schuylkill County police to spread the word about drug-impaired driving and to remind all drivers that if they are impaired by drugs and thinking about driving, pass your key on to a sober driver.

“Help us spread the word to take your key and Pass It On,” said David Everly, regional coordinator with the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program.

“It is never OK to drive when impaired. This not only means refraining from drunk driving, but also from drug-impaired driving,” Everly said.

He said the NHTSA 2013-14 National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers found that nearly 1 in 4 weekend drivers tested positive for at least one drug that could impair their driving skills and ability to drive safely.

“If you think driving while high won’t affect you, you are wrong,” Everly said.

It has been proven that tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects, slows reaction times, impairs cognitive performance and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.

“The bottom line is this, it doesn’t matter what term is used, if a person is high, stoned, wasted or drunk, he or she is impaired,” Everly said.

The coordinator said that drugged driving is a safety issue for drivers and police officers throughout Schuylkill County.

“Vehicle crashes are happening as a result of drug-impaired driving,” Everly said, “Studies show that many drugs have the potential to negatively affect driving skills, putting all road users at increased risk.”

In addition to being very dangerous, violating Pennsylvania’s drug-impaired driving laws can be costly.

Everly said that violating state DUI laws includes driving under the influence of any impairing substance, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs and alcohol.

On average, Everly said a DUI can set you back $10,000 in attorney fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing and repairs and more.

With the dangers of driving impaired in mind, Everly offered the following safety tips:

• If a driver has ingested an impairing substance, he or she should not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If you think a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car with them.

• If you are drug impaired, pass the key to a sober driver.

He said new medication or increased dosages can affect people differently. Any person taking a new prescription drug or a higher dose of a current prescription drug should not drive until they know what effect it has on their judgment, coordination and reaction time.

Even if a doctor writes a new prescription or increases a current dosage, you should discuss with the doctor how the drug might affect driving abilities and whether it is safe to drive while taking the medication.

You can also ask the pharmacist when you pick up your medication.

Always report all medications you are taking to the doctor — prescription, over-the-counter and illegal — so the doctor may accurately provide counsel on whether it is safe to drive while taking the medication.

Everly added that certain medications may not impair a person on their own, but if taken with a second medication or with alcohol, may cause impairment.

“Even something as simple as cold medication or an over-the-counter sleep aid could impair driving,” Everly said. “If it does, you will be arrested for a DUI.”

Have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely.

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

POTTSVILLE — City leaders thanked officials Thursday from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the $5 million loan for the Mahantongo parking garage.

The city was awarded the 35-year loan about three weeks ago after applying earlier this year. The garage will be demolished and another built in its place.

City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar talked to Curt Coccodrilli, Pennsylvania state director with the USDA’s Rural Development office, about the garage built in 1969 that closed in October 2016 when a contractor doing maintenance work found deteriorated structural reinforcing.

“There is not really anything structurally holding it together,” Palamar told Coccodrilli.

Coccodrilli was surprised there was not more parking available in the city.

“What this is going to do for economic development is nothing short of remarkable,” Coccodrilli said.

He could see some of the deterioration of the structure by looking at it. The building of the new garage will improve the city and what it can provide to the residents, those doing business in the city and visitors.

“This is a home run for economic development and keeping people here,” Coccodrilli said.

The money will be used along with a $750,000 promissory note issued by the city and bought by the Greater Pottsville Area Sewer Authority along with the $2.8 million pledged by Richard L. “Dick” Yuengling Jr. The entrance will remain on Second Street for the three-tier deck. It will have internal ramps and an elevator.

The city council awarded a $305,000 contract to SDL Construction, Orwigsburg, for the demolition of the garage earlier this month.

John Levkulic, parking authority engineer, said Thursday a notice proceed would be issued next month.

The contractor would have 60 days to demolish the garage. Construction of the parking deck could take 10 months to a year. Howard Avenue and Mahantongo Street will remain open during the demolition, Levkulic said, adding part of Second Street will be closed.

“This garage is going to be great,” Savas Logothetides, director of the Pottsville Area Development Corp., said.

Before going to the garage, Coccodrilli and other representatives from the USDA Rural Development office met at City Hall to talk about the programs the USDA has.

Coccodrilli said the department has more than 47 different programs.

“I’d love to see more applications from this area,” he said.

State Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City, state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, Pottsville, Mayor James T. Muldowney, city council member Joe Devine, a representative from state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, Rebecca Trefsger, assistant to Palamar, and Schuylkill County Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. attended the meeting.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Marriage licenses

Daniel J. Kelly, Pottsville, and Maggie L. Stengel, Pottsville.

Christopher A. Krause, Auburn, and Jessica A. Kalieta, Auburn.

Ronald R. Blum, Frackville, and Juanita D. Martin, Frackville.

Chad M. Keefer, Pine Grove, and Virginia L. Myers, Pine Grove.

Antonio Cordero-Velez, Frackville, and Justina E. Negron, Ephrata.

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police have obtained an arrest warrant for a man wanted in connection with an assault of a woman in the city around 1:10 a.m. Friday.

Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said that officers were called to 1216 W. Norwegian St. for a reported assault and spoke to a 50-year-old Pottsville woman who had visible injuries to her head and face.

The woman reported that Jason Matthew “H” Hill, 42, whose last known address was in Pottsville, a man she previously knew, came to her residence around midnight and entered without permission.

The woman said she told Hill to leave and he told her he was waiting for a friend to pick him up.

Shortly after, Wojciechowsky said, the woman reported two black men entered the apartment, displayed handguns in their waistbands and then pointed the weapons at her.

The woman said that Hill then yelled “give them the money” to her before they struck her in the head with the weapons.

The two intruders then forced the woman into her bedroom and told her to lay on the floor until they found her purse, which contained a large amount of cash, credit cards and 120 prescription pills, he said.

All the men then left the residence with two heading east on Norwegian Street and one going west.

Based on the information received during the initial investigation, Patrolman Stephen Delinko prepared a criminal complaint charging Hill with robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, criminal trespass and criminal conspiracy.

An arrest warrant was then obtained for Hill from the office of Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Wojciechowsky said that Hill is described as being a black, about 6 feet tall, weighing about 340 pounds and having tattoos on his face.

The investigation is continuing and anyone with information on the current location of Hill or the other men involved in the incident are asked to call Pottsville police at 570-628-3792.

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

The state Department of Transportation announced this week that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed today through Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24/7 and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings is available on the website under “News, Stats and Facts.”

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 770 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews and like the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation.

The bishop for the Diocese of Scranton announced Friday he has permanently barred former bishop James C. Timlin from representing the diocese at any public functions and is referring his case to the Vatican to determine if further action should be taken.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera’s decision comes after he took the “unprecedented” step of asking the diocese’s Independent Review Board — a body comprised of three laypeople, a priest and a nun, all of whom have experience related to law enforcement, education, counseling or victim advocacy — to probe how Timlin handled allegations of clerical sex abuse during his tenure.

In a letter to the people of the diocese, Bambera said his decision in Timlin’s case came after “careful consideration” of the board’s recommendation, though the recommendation itself remains confidential per the diocese’s policy. Nonetheless, Bambera felt the action was appropriate given the scathing statewide grand jury report issued Aug. 14 that revealed Timlin mishandled sexual abuse cases.

“It is important that I make this very clear: Bishop Timlin did not abuse children, nor has he ever been accused of having done so,” Bambera said in the letter. “Instead, he mishandled some cases of abuse. He presided over the Diocese of Scranton for nearly 20 years — a time in which the Diocese fell short of its duty to protect children.

“And, in many of the cases detailed in the Grand Jury report, Bishop Timlin fell short, too. While he followed the existing rules and policies when handling most of these cases, there was more he could have done to protect children.”

While serving as bishop in July 1985, Timlin issued a memo instructing priests and diocese staff to follow the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Act, which requires reporting sexual abuse to the state Department of Human Services. The grand jury report revealed that Timlin repeatedly failed to follow his own instructions, even as allegations of sex abuse by priests in the diocese mounted. Timlin became bishop in April 1984 and served until July 2003.

Forbidding Timlin to represent the diocese publicly is the “fullest extent” that Bambera’s authority permits him to act against another bishop, the letter states.

Bambera’s decision and his handling of Timlin’s case are “extremely unusual” on many levels, said The Rev. Thomas Reese, a Jesuit priest from Washington, D.C., and an expert on the Catholic church.

“First of all, a bishop would rarely criticize his predecessor in public,” Reese said, arguing Bambera’s action speaks of the enormity of the grand jury report’s impact. “To tell a bishop ‘we don’t want you representing the diocese’ and to say that publicly, that’s about the worst thing you can do to a bishop. ... It’s a public recognition that the bishop screwed up, and the church doesn’t like to do that.”

The review board process is primarily used to deal with priests accused of abuse, not people involved in concealing or failing to report abuse, Reese said. Still, he said it was wise of Bambera to seek the board’s recommendation because it gives the bishop “backup” in the event the decision is poorly received by members of the clergy or the community.

Scrantonian Joan Hodowanitz, a lifelong member of the diocese who attends daily Mass in the city, agreed with Bambera’s decision.

“I have a lot of respect for Bishop Timlin, but I think Bishop Bambera was justified in doing what he did,” she said. “I pray we find our way out of this quagmire sooner rather than later and that we learn from the lessons of the past. ... What happened to the children is reprehensible.”

Hodowanitz believes the majority of the clergy in the diocese are “good and faithful men.” She doesn’t excuse Timlin for how he handled allegations of abuse but argued the former bishop did a lot of good as well.

“Unfortunately, this is going to be what people remember when his name is mentioned,” Hodowanitz said. “I do pray for Bishop Bambera because he is trying to do the right thing.”

Timlin’s case will be referred to the Vatican Congregation for Bishops, a Rome-based committee comprised largely of Catholic cardinals, for further review. The congregation is responsible for recommending the appointment of new bishops for papal approval, but can investigate Timlin and make a recommendation to Pope Francis on how to proceed.

The odds that the congregation recommends further action against Timlin are “probably less than 50/50,” Reese said.

“If they did do anything it would be (to) recommend that he spend the rest of his life in prayer and penance,” he said.

In his letter, Bambera also addressed why he did not act sooner to restrict Timlin’s functions.

“Frankly, when I became bishop in 2010, my concern at the time was not with Bishop Timlin, but on the need to keep predator priests out of ministry and to create environments in which our children would be safe ... Yet, the sobering report of the statewide Grand Jury has shown me that I could have done more in this regard immediately upon my appointment to bishop.”

“It has also caused me to reflect on my own role in handling allegations of abuse in the Church, too,” Bambera continues in the letter before stating “with full confidence” that, since he became bishop in 2010, every allegation of abuse has been reported to civil authorities and Pennsylvania Child Line. “To those who feel I betrayed their trust in me by allowing Bishop Timlin to continue to minister publicly in the Diocese of Scranton since his retirement, I apologize.”

Contact the writers: tbesecker@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9137; jhorvath@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9141

MINERSVILLE — Schuylkill County residents honored the lives lost to addiction Friday, which was International Overdose Awareness Day, at the Community Mission.

The observance featured speakers who focused on their struggles with addiction, the pain of seeing friends die from overdoses and what can be done to help.

“The only thing we can do is continue to talk about it until somebody decides to listen,” Alisa Steffie, 30, of Saint Clair, said.

Steffie wasn’t on a list of prepared speakers but she shared her story, saying she’s overdosed many times.

A candlelight vigil was held and two wooden remembrance posts with the names of those who died from an overdose were unveiled in front of the building on North Front Street.

“For some reason, I’m not a name on that post,” Steffie said. “I’ve been living on borrowed time. God keeps giving me chance after chance.”

Steffie wiped away tears at times as she spoke to the crowd of about 20 people.

Mentioning the statistics of overdose deaths, she said, “I don’t want to die as just a number.”

So far this year, more than 50 people have died in Schuylkill County from a drug overdose.

“God loves you. God loves us all,” Travis “Featherhawk” Snyder, of Skook Recovers, said.

That message of hope is one the organizers were aiming to convey Friday. Alicia Rutkauskas, a recovering addict, said she thought the event would show “community love and support” for those battling addiction and raise awareness.

Pastor Bob Alonge of the Community Mission said International Overdose Awareness Day has a special meaning.

“We want this night, this day, to be a day of remembrance,” he said.

Those who are battling addiction need hope.

“People who have no hope, you give them a little and you give them a lot,” he said.

Hope can be the difference in saving a life, he said. It is also important to educate the public.

Corey McCabe, executive director of Alive2day, a nonprofit organization started in April, talked about the loss of his daughter, Brieze Bess McCabe, who died in June of a fentanyl overdose.

“We have to break down walls. We have to break down stigma,” he said.

Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Deb Detweiler attended as did Democrat Denny Wolff and Republican Dan Meuser, the nominees for the 9th Congressional District.

“This is a day of remembering those that have lost their battle to addiction. It’s about being here and supporting the families. By coming together as a community and being reminded to never lose hope and allowing these families to be the voice of their loved one in a positive way to make a lasting impact in the community and to be able to reach out to someone else in need. It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving, because they all matter,” Detweiler said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill S. Jackson Street

To Craig and Jena Keefer Tarson, Frackville, a son, Aug. 14.

Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, Bloomsburg

To Brandon Lee Deesing and Katiesha Marie Swartz, Shamokin, a daughter, Aug. 21. Maternal grandparent is Jolene Linn, Shamokin. Paternal grandparents are Kristie and Michael Mooney, Gilberton.

Geisinger Medical Center, Danville

To Joseph and Tammy Halon Zaleski Jr., Frackville, a son, Aug. 23.

County wine fest to run in Hegins

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

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

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

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

FBPA planning

for Pumpkin Fest

FRACKVILLE — The Frackville Business and Professional Association is already getting ready for its annual Frackville Pumpkin Festival to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 6 on Frack Street between Balliet Street and Lehigh Avenue. The rain times/date is 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 7.

The event was launched 10 years ago as a means of helping the Frackville Free Public Library and other nonprofit organizations in the community, according to an FBPA press release.

Organizers are seeking donations of prizes to be given to the winners of various contests such as the Art of the Pumpkin, Pie Eating and Pumpkin Limerick contests. Gift cards and gift certificates work very well for prizes; cash donations are also welcome to help defray operational costs.

For questions or more information, call 570-874-3464. Donors should make checks out to FBPA and mailed to P.O. Box 261, Frackville, PA 17931.

Arts Barn set

for Fall Festival

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The Arts Barn Gallery & Education Center, 3 Berry Road, has announced its annual Fall Festival will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 30, rain or shine, with free admission and parking.

This year’s special entertainment will be by The Boys Upstairs, organizers said in an event flier.

People are asked not to bring pets to the event.

Activities will include live music, local food, wine and beer available for purchase, fine art and craft vendors plus the gallery artists, artists’ demonstrations including live chain saw carving, raffles, and tap and Irish dance demonstrations.

Activities for children will include a petting zoo, reptiles, ice cream, crafts, painting by Foxy Lady, new Chippy Chipmunk book with signing by Kathy Miller, balloon sculptures, frozen T-shirt contest and face painting.

All proceeds will benefit the Arts Barn Education Center, a nonprofit.

For more information, call 570-366-8736 or email the Arts Barn’s Deborah Cooper at Deborah@theartsbarn.com. More information also is available online at www.theartsbarn.com and www.theartsbarn.org.

Kuperavage earns PSU Schuylkill post

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Eileen Kuperavage has been named director of development at Penn State Schuylkill effective Aug. 13, according to a Penn State Schuylkill press release.

Kuperavage has served as executive director of the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation for 11 years. Under her leadership, according to the release, SACF nearly doubled its assets and managed 161 charitable endowment funds. Prior to her time with the foundation, she served as workforce development director for Schuylkill County.

In her new capacity, Kuperavage will lead Schuylkill campus fundraising campaigns, “canvassing and seeking donations from alumni and friends to support Penn State Schuylkill’s fundraising goals,” according to the release.

She will work closely with campus leadership, the advisory board and volunteers to develop successful fundraising efforts.

“In addition to cultivating relationships with current and prospective donors, Kuperavage will be responsible for developing goals for annual fundraising as well as directing the activities necessary to achieve those goals,” campus officials said in the release.

In 2015, Kuperavage was honored by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, recognized as the chamber’s Businesswoman of the Year. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Penn State Harrisburg.

Kuperavage and her family live in Port Carbon.

For more information, call Susan Faust at 570-385-6226, or email sdf18@psu.edu.

Mural dedication on tap at Lewis’

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A mural dedication, sponsored by Dr. Herman and Mary J. Zwerling Community Trust, the Walk In Art Center, Jump Street and Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday at Lewis’ General Store, 22 E. Main St.

The rain time/date is 9 a.m. Friday.

The event will include light refreshments.

Event organizers in a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flier expressed special appreciation to the Schuylkill Haven Area School District, the WIAC Artist Association and Lewis’ General Store.

All are invited to attend the dedication.

Tamaqua chamber plugs concerts

TAMAQUA — The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce has added several shows to its 12th annual Summer Concert Series. The additions will take the weekly shows into late September.

Concerts are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the platform at the historic Tamaqua Train Station. All events are weather-permitting.

The schedule includes: Sept. 6, Carbon Boxcar, covering rock ’n’ roll’s top hits; Sept. 13, Vinyl Persuasion, acoustic versions of hits from the ’60s and ’70s; Sept. 20, It Takes Two, rock classics.

For more information, call the chamber office, 37 W. Broad St. Suite 101, at 570-668-1880. More information also is available online at Tamaqua.net or on Facebook: Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce.

LionLaunch

issues update

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The Penn State Schuylkill LionLaunch will sponsor “Let’s Do Lunch with the Experts” to “sharpen your business skills,” according to a flier forwarded by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.

Presentations with experts will be held at the LionLaunch Innovation Hub, 15 E. Main St., from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 17. Dr. Tiffany Cresswell, assistant professor of Higher Education Leadership at Gwynedd Mercy University, will show attendees the key components for writing a great press release and why telling your story is an imperative to sharing the good news about your organization.

The registration fee for each session is $12 with lunch included. For more information or to register, call Susan Williams, LionLaunch coordinator, at 570-385-6065 or email her at sxw831@psu.edu. More information also is available online at Schuylkill.psu.edu/expertslunch.

· LionLaunch Boot Camp, a six-week adult learning program regarding how to start or grow small businesses, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 12 through Oct. 17 at the innovation hub.

Participants will learn how to write a business plan, market in today’s world, navigate social media, understand business law, secure financing and other activities, according to a LionLaunch flier.

The registration “investment” is $100, which includes the business plan competition application fee. The registration deadline is Friday and people may register online at sl.psu.edu/bootcamp.

· LionLaunch will also present a comprehensive business plan writing program with Savas Logothetides, owner of Wheel restaurant, Pottsville, and executive director of the Pottsville Area Development Corp. The program will be available in two sessions, 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 and 29 and also Feb. 4 and 11 at the LionLaunch Hub.

Logothetides will “show you step-by-step how to formulate your own business plan starting with the executive summary,” according to the flier. “He will break down each section of a business plan and show you how each of those sections strategically informs another.”

People may register now for $40 by visiting sl.psu.edu/innovationhub.

Business startup

workshops available

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

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

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

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

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

POTTSVILLE — To people participating in the Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court, coping skills are vital to remaining clean and sober.

Reading from their required essays at Thursday’s weekly court session, participants said they use many techniques to help them cope with the problems they face every day.

“The mind is the biggest coping skill,” said Joanne, who was celebrating a year of being clean. “I try not to waste time. To cope with life ... sometimes I walk.”

Jacqueline said prayer, patience and planning are her coping skills. She said she has learned to relax and meditate, which are helpful in coping with setbacks.

Schuylkill County officials started the drug treatment court, over which Judge James P. Goodman presides, 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.

Program participants 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, and completion of an aftercare program can lead to expungement of that part of their record.

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.

Lynn Holden, the treatment court coordinator, said Thursday that there are 25 people in the program and three more in the aftercare. She also said eight people will be the first to graduate from the program at an Oct. 5 ceremony.

Amanda said she copes with problems with the help of people who are the key to maintaining sobriety.

“I have to use them to vent and talk to,” he said.

Kody said he goes outside himself to cope.

“Listening to music is my main coping strategy,” along with spending time with friends, he said.

Josh said he turns inward to help him cope with problems.

“The most effective coping strategies I use ... are prayer and meditation,” along with staying away from bad people and places, he said.

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

POTTSVILLE — Heavy rain caused flooding again Friday in Schuylkill County.

Paul Head, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, State College, said radar estimates between 1 to 3.5 inches of rain fell Friday, leading to a flood advisory being issued. The Schuylkill River at Landingville was past the 8 foot flood stage, at 10.44 feet, at 4:30 p.m. Friday. Swatara Creek near Pine Grove measured 8.3 feet at 5:30 p.m., though a flood stage was not available.

Tremont was on high alert after being hit hard by flooding Aug. 13.

“Emotions are very high throughout the borough right now,” Mayor Ricky Ney said. He added that a couple inches of rain fell in about an hour.

Several streets were flooded and some basements had water in them.

“It looked like a creek,” Ney said about streets including Clay, North and Spruce. The water had since receded.

The fire department was out on a few pump details.

When it rains “it just seems like a repeat of everything that we had,” Ney said.

While Friday’s rain didn’t measure up to the amount that caused the Aug. 13 flooding, it was enough to frustrate residents.

“It’s annoying,” Ney said.

The forecast calls for the possibility of more rain this weekend.

“We will keep our fingers crossed,” Ney said.

Port Carbon, also hit hard by the Aug. 13 flooding, escaped with minor damage Friday. Borough council Vice President Charles “Chuck” Joy said Mill Creek was high but had not overflowed as of 5:30 p.m.

“The rain has definitely put us on alert,” he said.

The fire department responded to pump details for water in basements.

Residents continue to clean up from the Aug. 13 flooding. Joy said disinfectant and nonperishable food items will be distributed to borough residents from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Port Carbon Senior Citizens building, Washington and Pike streets. Identification is required.

In Schuylkill Haven, Mayor Mike Devlin said he was unaware of any significant flooding.

“The (Schuylkill) River is really high,” he said.

In Pottsville, Progress Avenue once again looked like a river.

“It was at least 2 feet deep,” Pottsville Fire Chief James E. Misstishin Sr. said.

The water was coming out of manholes and a hole on Progress Avenue that was caused by Norwegian Creek pushing the stone lid off the arch Aug. 13, Misstishin said. The hole has not been repaired yet.

Several city roads that intersect with Progress Avenue were closed due to flooding, but were reopened later in the day. They were: Laurel, Race, Arch, Norwegian and Union. Peacock Street was also closed for a time.

There were several pump details in the city; however, firefighters didn’t respond to some of them because the water had receded. The pump details include 7 N. Second St.; 203 W. Market St.; 19 N. Centre St.; 319 N. Third St.; 215 W. Market St.; 201 W. Market St.; 113 W. Market St.; 1016 W. Market St.; 514 W. Arch St.; and 518 W. Arch St.

The Pottsville Emergency Operations Center opened at noon and closed at 4:15 p.m. Misstishin said he was surprised with the amount of rain that fell, saying he knew it was going to rain but didn’t expect the flooding again.

Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6028

Rain fell steadily in Rush Township on Friday morning and into the afternoon as the search for Shawn Christy entered its 74th day.

Traffic moved at its typical pace on Route 309, the major thoroughfare in the last town law enforcement has video evidence of him being at.

Christy, 26, of McAdoo, has been wanted by law enforcement since June 19 for allegedly making threats against President Donald Trump and others on social media. The search has involved the U.S. Marshals Service, Secret Service, FBI, Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement in multiple jurisdictions as the search crossed county and state lines.

Though not visible from the highway Friday, law enforcement continues to search for Christy, vowing early on in the investigation not to end their pursuit until he’s apprehended. Thursday night, a helicopter could be found hovering above Kline Township and McAdoo as the search for Christy, a self-proclaimed survivalist whom law enforcement called “elusive,” continues.

When approached by the Standard-Speaker on Friday, many people living and working in the areas being searched posed questions and offered theories concerning why he ran, how he’s managed to be on the run for so long and what his motives are.

Hometown

A woman shopping at a Hometown business said she believed Christy was responsible for breaking her screen door. She reported it to law enforcement, saying the door was broke about 1 1/2 hours prior to a break-in at a home near her on Ben Titus Road in neighboring Packer Township on Aug. 23 just over the Rush Township line. The break-in was perpetrated by someone resembling Christy, law enforcement said. Christy has not been charged with that crime.

She was at first unsettled but that feeling faded. Declining to offer her name, she said though she thinks he’s been trying to avoid people, it’s only a matter of time before Christy makes a mistake and finds himself under arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service continues to ask the public to report any burglaries or thefts immediately to local police.

From what Kory Bates surmises, Christy appears to be anti-government but doesn’t seem harmful to the general public as it hasn’t been reported that he harmed anyone. Bates is the owner of My Brother’s Beer Barn on Route 309 in Hometown. Law enforcement has told people not to approach Christy, that he is armed and dangerous and threatened harm to any trying to apprehend him.

Bates was curious to find out what Christy’s motive is but believes the fugitive is taking advantage of the local terrain of which it would appear he has a good knowledge. Bates thinks he’s hiding in larger stretches of woods during the day and then roaming at night. A man inside the business with Bates said he could also be masking his scent to avoid detection by search dogs. Law enforcement has not offered how Christy is evading them or the tools they are using to search for him.

Bates also owns a cafe next to his beer store and Chantilly’s Restaurant on Berkley Road in Barnesville. Law enforcement has been near all his companies at some point during the search, he said.

The search coming to quiet Hometown hasn’t really changed it, Bates said. Customers are talking about the search, offering their opinions on it and remembering to lock up their cars and properties.

Some customers of his are interested in the search more than others, he said. None of them seemed scared, maybe just more cautious than normal. Some people feel sorry for Christy, a woman shopping at the beer store said. She declined to offer her name and admitted that no one really knows the whole story yet but added that many people believe he has problems that need to be dealt with professionally. Another woman said about the same thing stating that disagreements with people can’t be settled by making threats of violence against others.

Connie Ferrari, manager of the Beacon Diner in Hometown, said what a lot of people have expressed to her often. “I wish they’d find him already.”

Her employees have been taking extra precautions. She told employees to leave lights on and leave the business in pairs at night. A business not far from them, Skipper Dippers, was burglarized by Christy after closing.

Jennifer Barrup, a local store manager in Rush Township, said she believes Christy is afraid to turn himself in and doesn’t believe he’s dangerous to the general public. Barrup not only feels bad for Christy but also the law enforcement taken away from their loved ones as they scour the terrain looking for him.

“He’s had the opportunity to hurt how many people by now?” she questioned.

But there is a fear in some people.

Kathy Tebin, who owns Rita’s Italian Ice, said her night workers, mostly made up of teenagers, are afraid. They’re cautious about taking out the garbage at night, she said. Tebin isn’t afraid, though she said she may be if she finds him on her property.

McAdoo

Meanwhile back in McAdoo, people at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church were preparing for their weekly food sale. Sherry, who only gave her first name, and Michael Klesh questioned why other people like celebrities haven’t been arrested for their threats against the commander-in-chief. Not saying that Christy shouldn’t be held accountable, Sherry said. Celebrities have the power to influence other people though, Klesh added.

Victor Sherkness, of McAdoo, wondered how Christy has evaded police for so long.

Christy amassed a following on a Facebook page that hails him as a political prisoner where some call for his safe return and others eagerly anticipate his arrest. Memes of the manhunt pop up on social media accounts. In many public places his name and opinions on the search enter into conversation too, so do reports of sightings. There’s also sympathy for the law enforcement agents likely spending a lot of time away from home because it’s their job to apprehend him.

Background

During the search, Christy is accused of committing other crimes including break-ins and thefts. Video surveillance systems at some sites also helped track some of his travels while on the run.

State police at Hazleton said he broke into Hazleton Oil and Environmental in Audenried, Banks Township, Carbon County, just outside of McAdoo in Schuylkill County on July 7. Troopers filed charges against him in that case. A pickup truck reported stolen there was found abandoned in New York near the Canadian border the following day.

Marshals believe Christy stole another vehicle in New York and began heading south. That vehicle overheated and was found abandoned on Interstate 81 in the Scranton area. A man resembling Christy then broke into the Scranton School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Lackawanna County during the weekend and once that discovery was made law enforcement conducted a search for him there July 17.

From there, Butler Township police said he broke into a relative’s home July 25 taking supplies and guns before a man resembling him was pictured on video surveillance at Rohrer Bus Co., on Route 309 in Butler Township, on July 29 where a school bus van was reported stolen.

Surveillance pictures obtained by the FBI in Pittsburgh, which were taken July 30 at Sheetz on Route 910 and Interstate 79 in Wexford, Allegheny County, around 4:50 a.m., appear to show Christy at a sales counter.

That bus company van was found abandoned in Nitro, West Virginia, on Aug. 2. Authorities suspect Christy in the theft of a 2012 Toyota Tundra near Poca, West Virginia, that they believe he later abandoned. He was spotted on video surveillance Aug. 9 at the home of Dakota Meyer, a decorated Marine, in Greensburg, Kentucky, after that. Food was reported stolen from the refrigerator along with a green 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a black hood and markings for “US Postal Service” and “Rural Carrier.” Meyer is the former son-in-law of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Christy got in trouble with the law in 2010 after Palin took out a restraining order against him.

Christy is suspected of stealing another vehicle on Aug. 19 in Allegheny County, Maryland, and that 1997 GMC Sierra pickup truck was later found abandoned in Rush Township early in the morning of Aug. 21.

A man matching his description broke into a home on Ben Titus Road near the Still Creek Tavern in Packer Township, Carbon County, on Aug. 23. When confronted by the property owner he told the man he was homeless and searching for food. The intruder was wearing blue jeans, an olive drab “military-style” T-shirt with a red baseball hat and a thick, bushy beard.

Then around 10 p.m. Aug. 24, Rush Township. police said video surveillance captured him breaking into Skipper Dippers on Route 309, helping himself to food and other provisions there. On Wednesday, an employee of the same business reported seeing a man resembling Christy at the business’ dumpster at 8:45 p.m.

Numerous other sightings of Christy or men resembling him were reported to law enforcement throughout the region since the search began but none have resulted in his arrest.

A federal arrest warrant was issued for Christy by the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre, after he was charged with interstate communication of threats and threats against the president of the United States and there is a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Christy is 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighs about 160 pounds and has dark blond hair. He has a tattoo of a cross on his right upper arm. He also has a beard and speaks with a noticeable lisp. Christy has multiple arrest warrants in Pennsylvania.

Contact the writer: achristman@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3584

Deeds

Ashland — Upward LLC to Forward Properties LLC; three properties on Centre Street; $90,000.

Cressona — Imobiliaria LLC to Alicia M. Brensinger; 105 Pottsville St.; $96,000.

East Union Township — Genevieve R. Catublas and Amparo R. Slaughter to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 230HF3, Eagle Rock; $7,057.70.

Benchmarq Holdings LLC to Brian Heffernan; 120 Tournament Way, Eagle Rock; $165,000.

Roy J. Laubach to Mark D. Laubach and Adam J. Laubach; 16 Stratton Drive, Zion Grove; $1.

Girardville — Edwin Cope to Daniel Meyer and Kimberly Luckey; 133 C St.; $1,000.

Kline Township — Joseph J. and Elyse B. Matriccino and Louis J. and Linda E. Matriccino to Joseph and Madeline Katona; 50 Fourth St.; $84,800.

Minersville — Paul J. Gries to Samantha A. Billman; 442 North St.; $45,500.

New Philadelphia — Edward W. and Kathryn Rinda to Michael J. Sidella Jr.; .1453-acre property; $5,000.

North Manheim Township — Christopher R. and Sally Loftus to Tanner Detweiler, Dylan Detweiler and Charles H. and Christine W. Detweiler; 1091 W. Market St., Bohrman’s Mill; $226,000.

Pine Grove Township — Ann L. Rodenhaber, Eileen M. Tobin and Michael J. Strouphauer, co-executors of the Estate of Rachel C. Strouphauer, to Jeremiah S. and Rachel B. Noll; 313 Sweet Arrow Lake Road; $125,000.

Porter Township — Larry D. Jr. and Joann Slingwine, Tammy L. and Jeremy B. Smeltz and Ronald B. and Alice M. Raudenbush to J&J Property Management Group LLC; 10 VPT Road; $275,000.

Pottsville — James P. Bauman to Justin Bush; 1810 W. Norwegian St.; $34,000.

Hanjo D. and Sharon A. Farr to Sylvio & Son Investment LLC; 449-455 E. Norwegian St.; $97,000.

Saint Clair — Sherry L. and David L. Benning to John Lengel and Itchayra Lliteras DeJesus; 14 W. Carroll St.; $45,000.

Dorothy M. Frie, individually and as executrix of the Estate of Marie G. Hand, to Patrick J. Hand; 435 S. Second St.; $1.

Schuylkill Township — David L. Yanacek, executor of the Estate of Alice L. Yanacek, to David L. Yanacek; 227 Green St., Brockton; $1.

Shenandoah — Henry Saba to Martha Santos Reyes; property on South Jardin Street; $36,000.

Mid Penn Bank to Juan T. Mejia; 311 W. Cherry St.; $28,000.

William J. Cox Jr., administrator of the Estate of Jean J. McCauley, to Adahiliz Pauliino; 209 W. Cherry St.; $5,000.

South Manheim Township — Louis A. and Diane I. Warne to Ryley A. and Rachel S. Smith; Lot 1272, Lake Wynonah; $125,000.

Tamaqua — David L. and Mary B. Kern to Deborah Schuetrum; 426 Rolling Mill Ave.; $42,400.

George Wenzel III and Mary Karen Shoff to Nicole Diehl; 212 N. Lehigh St.; $86,000.

Union Township — John P. Edmondson and Joni R. Wriggins to Edward Careyva and Scott Careyva; 48.77-acre property on Legislative Route 53067; $180,000.

Wayne Township — Karen V. Curtis to John T. Jr. and Janet M. Curtis and John T. Curtis III; property; $1.

Thomas H. Stone to Chad A. Ruth; 1024 Pueblo Drive, Lake Wynonah; $165,000.

Scott N. and Michelle A. Spolski to Scott N. and Michelle A. Spolski; 531 Moon Hill Drive; $1.

Karen V. Curtis to Stephen G. Curtis; 1843 Fair Road, Summit Station; $1.

Daniel L. and Debra L. Cochran to Justin M. Miller; 1-acre property on Summerhill Road; $13,500.

MTGLQ Investors LP to Jason T. Boland; 14 Blue Mountain Heights, Summit Station; $51,000.

West Mahanoy Township — Ahmad Al mir to Shehadeh Investments LLC; 212 Virginia Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $4,000.

Edward J. Stefanowicz Jr. to John Onisick and Jillian Buchinsky; 115 Pennsylvania Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $126,000.

Sharon Piaskowski, executrix of the Last Will & Testament of Eleanor T. Wozniak, to Denise E. Daniels; 1151 W. Lloyd St., Brownsville; $25,000.

West Penn Township — Paul and Alice M. Hackash to Jack Perna; 4 Midland Court; $445,000.

Mahanoy City

Elks Lodge 695 will have a ham dinner beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the East Centre Street lodge. The cost is $10 per person. For more information, call 570-773-0629.

Mahanoy City

Good American Hose Company, 738 E. Mahanoy Ave., will have a Monday Night Pizza Sale from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10. The cost is $11 for unbaked; $1 extra for pepperoni. It will sponsor the sale every Monday during pro football season. To order, call 570-773-3473. The company will also have a roast beef dinner beginning at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 16. Takeouts will be available. Call the aforementioned number to order or for more information.

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg-Weston Volunteer Fire Company will stage its monthly breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday in the firehall, 459 Hazle St., Weston. It will feature a full breakfast menu. The cost is $6 for a small platter and $7 for a larger platter. Takeouts will be available. The company also will host its second annual 7K run/walk from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 8, rain or shine, at the firehall. Regisration will be held from 7 to 8:45 a.m. on race day for $25. The entrance fee for all walkers is $15 each and the children’s 1-mile fun run is free. People may register online at runsignup.com. A nominal processing fee will apply and the option will close at midnight Sept. 6. Other options include the fire company’s website at nwvfc.org, the company’s Facebook page or by seeing any company member. The event will also include tricky trays, potato cakes and hot dogs.

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg Community Players group will hold open auditions for all ages for its holiday production, “Babes In Toyland,” by R.J. Ryland. Auditions will be held at the group’s home at 283 Hazle St. Auditions will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday. Shows will be presented in December. Rehearsals will be two days a week in September and October, three days a week in November and December. The show has no dancing or singing and is not a musical, according to a players release. The group is trying something new for this show as parents are invited to perform on stage with their children. The show requires a large cast: 15 males, 15 females and many non-speaking roles with no age limits. Those auditioning should be prepared to read from the script. Young children who do not yet read should prepare a short poem or passage to recite. Anyone interested in auditioning for the show or anyone willing to help with the production in any way is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact the director, Suzanne Croll, by calling 570-384-4608 or emailing suzannelcroll@gmail.com.

Pottsville

St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church will have a theme basket and prize auction from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 22 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 23 in the parish center, 313 Mahantongo St. The drawing will begin at 2 p.m. Sept. 23. All are welcome.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Rescue Squad’s annual membership drive is underway. Drive brochures have been mailed to local residents. The rescue squad, according to a release, operates separately from the Tamaqua Fire Department and Tamaqua Community Ambulance Association, which receive specific funding from the borough. Robert J. “Bucky” Derr, squad secretary and director, said the drive is needed due to rising operational costs. “We are reaching out to our community for assistance,” he said in the release. The squad responds to about 120 calls per year and does not bill anyone for its services. New volunteers are always welcome. Those interested should stop by the station any Thursday evening to learn about the capabilities of the squad and its members. Donations to the squad should be made out to Tamaqua Rescue Squad and mailed to 19 Pine St., Tamaqua, PA 18252.

Weston

The Weston Athletic Association is conducting a membership drive this month. Association officers and trustees have established the following dues fees: Individual memberships, $5 and family memberships, $10.

POTTSVILLE — John S. Clarke Elementary Center will open Tuesday, Pottsville Area Superintendent Jeffrey S. Zwiebel said Friday.

The school was closed for the week after mold was discovered in the building. Parents were notified Monday of the mold in the building.

A Camp Hill company is coming today to do remediation work. Zwiebel said mold was found in three classrooms.

Additional air quality testing will be done before Tuesday, Zwiebel said.

Chestnut Hill

Jade E. Wilson, daughter of Sharon A. Wilson, Schuylkill Haven, and Dr. Joshua H. Wilson, Auburn, graduated in May summa cum laude from Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in bioscience technology and a minor in chemistry with a 3.90 GPA.

She is beginning the second year of her master’s degree 3+2 year program in crypto medical technology at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, with a 3.96 GPA. Jade is employed at National Medical Services Labs, Willow Grove.

Ithaca

Adam Joseph Guzick graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in cinema production and photography from the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York.

A son of Susan Adams, Pottsville, he is a 2014 graduate of Blue Mountain High School.

Eastern Michigan

Brittany M. Cavanaugh, formerly of Minersville, graduated with honors April 21 with a master’s degree from the College of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, earning a GPA of 3.8.

She received her undergraduate degree from Bloomsburg University in May 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is a 2009 graduate of Minersville Area High School.

In January 2016, she was inducted into Chi Sigma Lota, the Counseling Professional and Academic Honor Society, where she was appointed secretary in March 2017 and is currently serving.

In January 2018, Brittany accepted an internship position with The Women’s Center of SE Michigan.

She is the daughter of Kevin Cavanaugh, Rockland, Massachusetts, and Veronica Corby Kogoy, Hanover Township, and a granddaughter of Barbara Cavanaugh, Minersville. She resides in Ypsilanti.

Bard

Yang Heppe, Shenandoah, graduated with distinction from Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Great Barrington, Massachusetts, with an Associate of Arts degree.

LaSalle

Paul Turkavage, Philadelphia, formerly of Girardville, graduated May 18 from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

Paul is a 2006 graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School and a 2010 graduate of Temple University, Philadelphia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He is employed with Philadelphia Digital Network as a marketing consultant.

Paul is a son of Mary Miller, Girardville, and a stepson of the late Rick Miller and a grandson of Lottie Draugelis, also of Girardville, and the late Blase Draugelis.

Calif. Univ. of Pa.

The following local residents graduated during the 186th commencement ceremony in May at California University of Pennsylvania:

Steven L. Ritter, Williamstown, master’s in sport management with concentration in intercollegiate athletic administration; Alice E. Jenkins, Klingerstown, associate in liberal studies and bachelor’s in psychology; Nathaniel C. Edmonds, Tamaqua, associate in liberal studies and bachelor’s in criminal justice.

RIT

Natalie Steffel, Hamburg, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photographic and imaging arts and Ian Lengel, Pine Grove, received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering during the 133rd annual commencement celebration in May at Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York.

George Washington

Jillian Elizabeth Bickelman, a daughter of John and Diane Bickelman, Schuylkill Haven, graduated from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. with a Master’s of Arts in Education and Human Development with a concentration in interdisciplinary transition services and a specialization in autism spectrum disorders.

Jillian is a 2015 graduate of Kutztown University and a 2011 graduate of Blue Mountain High School. She is employed as a secondary special education and transition services teacher with the Fairfax County School District, Virginia.

Pittsburgh

Matthew Fessler received his Juris Doctorate degree May 11 from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Matthew was the lead managing editor for the Journal of Law and Commerce while at Pitt Law and was awarded the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Trademark Law. He was also a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.

Matthew has accepted a clerkship position for the Hon. James M. Bucci at the Berks County Court of Common Pleas.

Matthew is a 2015 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and a 2011 graduate of Blue Mountain High School. He is a son of Mike and Jackie Fessler and a grandson of Guy and Janet Fessler, all of the Summit Station area.

James Madison

Rachael Ann Naradko, Port Carbon, graduated with a degree in health sciences from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, during May 4 commencement exercises.

Univ. of Sciences

University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, recognized graduates as part of the university’s 197th commencement on May 23. Local residents who earned degrees include:

Erin Fegley, New Ringgold, cum laude, doctor of pharmacy; Kayla Garzio, McAdoo, summa cum laude, doctor of pharmacy; Bryan Heyer, Tamaqua, magna cum laude, bachelor’s in environmental science; Mara Oesterle, Pine Grove, doctor of pharmacy; Shelby Weikel, Gordon, magna cum laude, master of occupational therapy; Derek Wiley, Ringtown, summa cum laude, doctor of physical therapy.

Grove City

Cassandra Kenville, Orwigsburg, graduated May 19 from Grove City College, Grove City.

Widener

The following local residents earned graduate degrees during commencement ceremonies May 18 at Widener University, Chester:

Brianna Englert, Pottsville, Doctor of Physical Therapy in physical therapy from Widener’s School of Human Service Professions; Tiffany Fry, Schuylkill Haven, Master of Business Administration in health care management from Widener’s School of Business Administration; Andrew Gavalis, Minersville, Doctor of Education in reading/language arts from Widener’s School of Human Service Professions; Carl McBreen, Minersville, Doctor of Education in K-12 educational leadership from Widener’s School of Human Service Professions; Lylah Starks, Elizabethville, Master of Science in Nursing in family nurse practitioner (individual/lifespan) from Widener’s School of Nursing; Natalie Tobias, Hamburg, Master of Social Work in social work from Widener’s School of Human Service Professions; Jill Umberger, Wiconisco, Master of Business Administration in health care management from Widener’s School of Business Administration.

The following local residents earned undergraduate degrees during May 19 commencement ceremonies at Widener University:

Devan Direnzo, Pottsville, and Grace Kimmel, Pottsville, both earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees in Nursing Undergraduate from Widener’s School of Nursing.

Tyler Smith, Hamburg, earned a bachelor’s degree in digital media informatics from Widener’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Bloomsburg

The following local residents graduated May 12 from Bloomsburg University:Jennifer Barnish, Mahanoy City; Kristina Bates, Tamaqua; Gabriella Bentz and Cody Blankenhorn, both of Pottsville; Hannah Breckinridge, Lykens; Lucas Bricker and Macey Brinich, both of Pottsville; Alison Cantwell and Zachary Chernewski, both of Frackville; Keegan Carl, Lykens; Corey Conville, Pottsville; Kimberly Dross, Ashland; Breanna Esposito, McAdoo; Joseph Eye, Girardville; Kylie Fetterolf,Ashland; Kassondra Frew,Cumbola; Derek Gaughan, McAdoo; Elizabeth Geise, Hegins; Monica Glunz, Friedensburg; John Gradwell, Gordon; Kade Haldeman, Pine Grove; Gina Huntsinger, Ashland; Jessica Jones, Barnesville; Clayton Kerwin, Elizabethville; Stephen Koval, Shenandoah; Brooke Kufrovich, Mahanoy City; Travis Martz, Oneida; Jessica Mazaika, McAdoo; Brandon McCloskey, Frackville; Chris Mekosh, Locustdale; Gia Middleton,Girardville; Victoria Moyer, Pottsville; Nancy Nestor, Ashland; Kody Newberry, Frackville; Mackenzie Ney, Lykens; Angela Ogrodnick, Zion Grove; Benjamin Paul, and Bobby Paul, Elizabethville; Eric Phillips, Pottsville; Anthony Prantow, Tamaqua; Jennifer Reeves, Pine Grove; Lindsey Reidler, Hegins; Evan Rooney, Shenandoah; Whitni Rudisill, Elizabethville; Jacob Shaup and Joshua Shaup, Barnesville; Allison Soubik and Mikaela Soubik, Pottsville; Allison Souchuck, Frackville; Alison Storm, Ashland; Makenzie Stutzman, Valley View; Devan Sweeney, Barnesville; Megan Tothero, Schuylkill Haven; Luke Vuksta, Pottsville; Brianna Wiscount, Hegins; Graham Wolk, New Ringgold; Ozlem Yilmaz, Port Clinton.

Kutztown

The following local residents were among the more than 475 students who earned degrees during the summer, fall and winter 2017 semesters at Kutztown University:

Emily Marie Calaman, Hamburg, Master of Education in instructional technology, summa cum laude; Erika Cassell, Tamaqua, bachelor’s in English education, summa cum laude; Laurie J. Daukshus, Tamaqua, Master of Education in instructional technology, summa cum laude; Matthew Joseph Fabrizio, Schuylkill Haven, bachelor’s in information technology and psychology/clinical counseling; Richard J. Garrity Jr., Pottsville, Master of Public Administration in public administration, magna cum laude; Emily Patrise Grube, Orwigsburg, Master of Education in secondary education, summa cum laude; Melissa Luckenbach, Schuylkill Haven, Master of Education in pre-K-4, summa cum laude; Emily Mantz, Andreas, bachelor’s in special education, summa cum laude; Scarlett Anne Mendinsky, Pottsville, bachelor’s in psychology/clinical counseling; Daniel Ryan Nester, Mahanoy City, Master of Arts in English, summa cum laude; Dalton Lee Nunemacher, Andreas, bachelor’s in criminal justice; Shawna Lee Oswald, Hamburg, Master of Education in secondary education/curriculum and instruction, summa cum laude; Leah Rae Parrish, Hamburg, bachelor’s in English; Amanda JoAnn Purcell, Pottsville, bachelor’s in special education, magna cum laude; Jessica L. Rago, Frackville, bachelor’s in elementary education/Pre K-4; Jordan Christopher Russial, Schuylkill Haven, bachelor’s in mathematics, summa cum laude; Cortney Elizabeth Sensenig, Hamburg, bachelor’s in elementary education/Pre K-4, summa cum laude; Sofie Smith-Frantz, Pottsville, Master of Education in Pre K-4, summa cum laude; Michael Gray Tophoney, Ashland, bachelor’s in psychology; Dondre Khalid Waithe, Shenandoah, bachelor’s in accounting; Rachael Elizabeth Wolfe, Schuylkill Haven, bachelor’s in sociology.

Alvernia

The following local residents earned degrees during commencement ceremonies in May at Alvernia University, Reading:

Sutia Claudia Alston, Lansford, bachelor’s in behavioral health, cum laude; Olivia Kathryn Andrefski, Orwigsburg, bachelor’s in Pre-K4 education with special education; Morgan Rae Aulenbach, Auburn, Doctor of Physical Therapy; Celena Bamford, Tamaqua, bachelor’s in Pre-K4 education with special education, summa cum laude; Jessica Lynn Blankenhorn, Cressona, Master of Business Administration degree in community service and economic leadership; Makayla Elise Boyle, Tamaqua, bachelor’s in biochemistry, summa cum laude; Thomas Michael Dando, Gordon, bachelor’s in management; Theresa Louise DeFebo, Coaldale, associate in medical imaging; Rachael Lee Eberhardt, Hamburg, Master of Science in occupational therapy and bachelor’s in health science, magna cum laude; Sarah Morgan Englert, Schuylkill Haven, Master of Science in occupational therapy and bachelor’s in health science, magna cum laude; Sarah A. Geronimo, Tamaqua, bachelor’s in education: Pre K-4, summa cum laude; Lisa Marie Gherghel, Orwigsburg, Master of Education in urban education; Heidi K. Griffith, Minersville, associate in medical imaging; Lisa Halupa, Frackville, bachelor’s in healthcare science; Deborah A. Hartranft, Schuylkill Haven, Master of Business Administration degree in community service and economic leadership; Janene Marie Holter, Tamaqua, Doctor of Philosophy in community leadership; Leigh Ann Janavage, Cressona, bachelor’s in accounting, magna cum laude; Janette Emily Lukashunas, Shenandoah, bachelor’s in criminal justice, magna cum laude; Desiree Marie Malho, Ashland, bachelor’s in behavioral health; Barbara Michelle McGlade, Frackville, bachelor’s in healthcare science; Rhonda Jean Mertz, Schuylkill Haven, bachelor’s in behavioral health with a minor in criminal justice, magna cum laude; Mitzi Lee Montz, Schuylkill Haven, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, cum laude; Barbara B. Rodriguez, Pottsville, bachelor’s in behavioral health, cum laude; Kyrsten Joanna Runkle, Ashland, Master of Science degree in occupational therapy and bachelor’s in health science with a minor in Spanish, cum laude; Amy Beth Scales, Pottsville, Master of Education in educational leadership; Colleen S. Sheeler, New Ringgold, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, summa cum laude; Joie Rochelle Strong, Shenandoah, bachelor’s in behavioral health, magna cum laude; Nicholas Perry Sturm, Hamburg, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Michael Ronald Urban, New Ringgold, bachelor’s in psychology; Alexis Sky Vaughn, Hamburg, associate in medical imaging; Albert Joseph Yackenchick, Schuylkill Haven, bachelor’s in behavioral health with a minor in criminal justice, magna cum laude.

IUP

The following local residents were named Provost Scholars at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Students who complete 45 semester hours at IUP and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher qualify. The recognition is only given once during a students time of study at IUP.

Pine Grove — Michelle B. Lengel, international studies and Jordan Lee Schofield, accounting.

Pottsville — Gabrielle Rose Hammer, psychology; Casey Marie Orlosky, communications media/media marketing; Andrea M. Sanders, speech-language pathology.

Williamstown — Jamie Lynn Shuttlesworth, fashion merchandising.

Hamburg — Sarah Alexandria Mills, criminology/pre-law.

Wilkes

Wilkes University student pharmacist Rachel Wood, Pottsville, from the Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, Wilkes-Barre, participated in the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association annual Pharmacy Legislative Day on April 16. Held at the Capital Complex, more than 250 students attended to help fight for fair reimbursement.

While there, Rachel presented an information board on medication disposal. It explained the importance of proper medication disposal while handing out bags which are used to safely dispose medications.

Students visited with more than 152 legislators to discuss prescription reimbursement policies that may be unnecessarily driving up Medicaid costs, eliminating “gag-order” clauses which prevent pharmacists from advising patients on how to reduce their out-of-pocket costs and expanding the potential for pharmacists to deliver immunizations to patients in convenient and assessable locations. Students also participated in a rally in the main Capitol Rotunda to bring awareness to the general public on these issues that have and will continue to affect the profession.

Alvernia

Sarah Englert, Schuylkill Haven, and Rachael Eberhardt, Hamburg, both occupation therapy students at Alvernia University, Reading, were inducted into the Pi Theta Epsilon honor society during the spring semester.

Sarah is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, and Rachael is a graduate of Hamburg Area High School.

Makayla Boyle, Tamaqua, was named a member of the Beta Kappa Chi honor society for natural sciences and mathematics during the spring semester at Alvernia, where she is studying biochemistry.

Makayla is a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School.

Meredith Roth, Hamburg, was named a member of the Sigma Tau Delta honor society, the International English Honor Society, during the spring semester at Alvernia, where she is studying psychology.

Meredith is a graduate of Hamburg Area High School.

Shauna Redanauer, Orwigsburg, a Blue Mountain High School graduate studying nursing at Alvernia, was named a member of the National Residence Hall during the spring semester.

The National Residence Hall Honorary is the premier honorary supported by the leading international organization advocating for the interests and welfare of residence hall students, while also providing opportunities for their personal growth and development.

Baldwin Wallace

Lauren Tidmore, Orwigsburg, was part of the cast and crew from Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, Ohio, who brought Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge” to the stage.

Lauren, a graduate of Blue Mountain High School majoring in acting, played the part of Beatrice in the production.

Marriage licenses

Kevin T. Gray, Saint Clair, and Amanda Lee Thomas, Saint Clair.

Sage M. Stump, Hegins, and Kayo L. Johns, Hegins.

Keith T. Heffernan, Zion Grove, and Stephanie M. Riveccio, Zion Grove.

Matthew T. Harnish, Pine Grove, and Alyssa L. Krammes, Pine Gove.

Travis K. Miller, Tamaqua, and Taylor J. Gerber, Tamaqua.

Thomas J. Sleva Jr., Pine Grove, and Barbara Ann Sites, Pine Grove.

Allen D. Wolfe, Cressona, and Helene M. Abode, Cressona.

James Matula, Coaldale, and Kelly S. Lucas, Coaldale.

Justin D. Pogash, Frackville, and Kaitlyn R. Decicco, Frackville.

Jason P. Urichich, Hazleton, and Bethany R. Papincak, Hazleton.

Cody A. Brode, Tamaqua, and Jordan Lee Leibenguth, Tamaqua.

Damian Faust, Pine Grove, and Raven C. Finnefrock, Orwigsburg.

Divorces granted

Vicky Ulrich, New Ringgold, from Harold Ulrich Jr., New Ringgold.

Joseph Carrol, Schuylkill Haven, from Danielle Carrol, Harrisburg.

Kara Honicker, Cressona, from Matthew Hummel, Auburn.

Deeds

Mahanoy City — Robert Schaeffer and Debra L. Schaeffer to Debra L. Schaeffer; 1108-1110 E. Mahanoy Ave.; $1.

Mahanoy Township — Timothy P. and Patricia A. Hanrahan to Alfred D. Flaim; 503 Tunnel Road, Buck Mountain; $10,000.

North Manheim Township — RE Pottsville LLC to Tandem Health Care LLC; 160 Red Horse Road, Seiders Hill; $1.

North Manheim Township and Bedford, Juniata, Luzerne and Snyder counties — Tandem Health Care LLC to Tandem Mazz A LLC; 11 properties; $1.

Tandem Mazz A LLC to Tandem Mazz B LLC; 11 properties; $1.

North Union Township — Cove Village Association to Stephen J. Salko; 1.884-acre property on Cove Mountain Drive, Zion Grove; $3,800.