The Citadel

Madyson Riegel, of Schuylkill Haven, was one of 163 Citadel cadet-athletes named to the 2017-18 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Madyson was a member of the 2017-18 Citadel women’s track and field team.

The Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll consists of student-athletes at member institutions who achieve at least a 3.0 grade-point average for the academic year while being a member of the final squad list during their sport’s traditional season. Recipients must have been eligible to compete throughout the entire academic year.

The two candidates running for U.S. representative in the 9th Congressional District agree that immigration reform is needed, but differ on what needs to be done.

Republican nominee Dan Meuser will square off against Democrat Denny Wolff in the November General Election in the newly created district that is comprised of Carbon, Columbia, Lebanon, Montour and Schuylkill counties and parts of Berks, Luzerne and Northumberland counties.

Meuser, a Dallas businessman who served as state secretary of revenue under Gov. Tom Corbett, supports President Donald Trump’s call to build a wall to secure the nation’s border with Mexico, but still wants the country to welcome immigrants through legal pathways, he said.

“We’ve got to start with a strong border,” he said. “We have no idea who or what is coming across the border.”

Meuser pointed to drug trafficking and human trafficking, in which people pay all of their money to bandits for safe transport across the border only to be loaded into trucks and face death, calling it “an absolute tragedy.”

People here now should register with their status — legal or illegal — and be given a pathway or an opportunity to obtain legal status, he said. That path could mean going back to their home country for a time and then returning legally, Meuser said.

As for the children here under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Democrats were offered a deal to grant them legal status, but chose not to take the deal, which involved building a wall, he said. Meuser feels the Democrats only want to grant them amnesty and citizenship, which he is against.

He is also against sanctuary cities, which are protecting those here illegally. Meuser wants to defund sanctuary cities because they are breaking the law. The immigration laws need to be followed until they’re changed, he said.

Meuser is against disbanding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency charged with enforcing immigration laws.

“We need to fortify ICE, not disband it,” he said.

Wolff, a fifth-generation farmer who served as secretary of agriculture under Gov. Ed Rendell, also believes border security needs to be strengthened, but not with building a wall, which he calls a 14th century solution to solve a 21st century problem. Towers with cameras and ground sensors would do more than a wall, and it’s a solution the Drug Enforcement Agency supports, he said.

The current VISA system is not working for seasonal workers, Wolff said. The system is burdensome and not easy to navigate, and needs to be brought into the 21st century. New categories need to be created, such as the proposed H2C, which is a work visa for three years that would cut down on paperwork, he said.

Wolff believes the United States needs to find a way to bring the 11 million undocumented people in the country into the system, because deporting 11 million people is impossible and they are an important part of the economy and workforce, he said.

He suggested a registry or a list, and giving them an extended visa, or a permanent visa, making sure that they actually live here, have a clean record and are of good moral character, Wolff said. Then, require them to pay a fine, back taxes and pass a background check, he said.

“Then, we are on a pathway to bring them into the system,” Wolff said.

Citizenship is a possibility, but first put them in a registry and they can become part of the system, he said. Further steps can also be considered, he said. Undocumented workers hold important jobs in our society in agriculture, personal health care, hospitality and food processing, Wolff said.

“We need to bring them into the system,” he said.

Contact the writer: kmonitz@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3589

James K. Reiley

POTTSVILLE — A man charged by Pottsville police for carrying a firearm in his vehicle without a valid license waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James J. Reiley.

Kenneth J. Williams, 41, of 811 W. Race St., Pottsville, was arrested by Detective Krik Becker and charged with one felony count each of possession of a firearm prohibited and firearms not to be carried without a license as well as a misdemeanor charge of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Williams will now have to answer to all three charges against him in Schuylkill County Court.

Becker charged Williams with an incident on June 18 when officers were called to 224 N. 10th St. for a report of shots fired.

The subsequent investigation determined that Williams possessed a handgun without a license, Becker said, adding that Williams said the weapon was discarded on Peach Mountain and then admitted knowing he was a convicted felon and is not allowed to possess a firearm.

Other court cases included:

John F. Neidlinger Jr., 43, no known address, homeless; waived for court: burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

Christine Ramirez, 31, of 2100 W. Norwegian St., Apt. 4L, Pottsville; dismissed after being withdrawn by the victim: simple assault and harassment.

Ronald J. Renninger, 54, of 2271 Mahantongo St., Pottsville; held for court: DUI-controlled substance, driving without insurance, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection, no rear lights, DUI, turning movements and required signals, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher S. Schoffstall, 31, of 900 Fairview St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Brittany L. Gettle, 26, of 281 Main St., Joliett; waived for court; possession of a controlled substance-contraband by inmate, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joshua C. Spector, 38, of 42 Timber Road, Pottsville; waived for court: criminal mischief and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher J. Bowers, 27, of 613 Harrison St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Percy Brown, 37, of 507 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Kelsey Ann Anderson, 25, of 329 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; waived for court: defiant trespass and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jamie Lynn Zipp, 31 of 415 W. Race St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance.

TAMAQUA — The 34th annual Tamaqua Heritage Festival brought thousands to the borough for food, crafts, games, history and more.

“It’s a nice autumn day and a lot of people are here. We also have a full house as far as vendors go,” said Dale Freudenberger, president of the Tamaqua Historical Society.

The society organizes the event each year, inviting community groups, local businesses, churches and school groups to take part.

A variety of participants means a variety of offerings.

“There is a lot of street food here,” Freudenberger said. “There are all types of ethnic foods as well as homemade foods and festival favorites. One group (Tamaqua Cross Country) has 22 varieties of soups for sale.”

Marie Deano sold bottles of chili sauce made from the recipe used by the once-popular Texas Lunch on West Broad Street. The tiny restaurant, which closed in the 1980s, topped hot dogs with the secret sauce — and brought fans from far away.

“It was a busy place,” said Marie, whose husband, Gus Deano, was one of the original owners.

Marie helped make the sauce in those days. Knowing its popularity, she brings it to the festival each year.

“Everybody who comes usually buys it because they know about that famous chili sauce,” she said.

Lines were long for bleenies, or potato pancakes, made by volunteers from the Citizens Fire Company. Chili, bean soup and shish kebabs were also in high demand, and many strolled the streets looking at vendors’ offerings as they ate.

Crafters sold wreaths, knitted creations and autumn decorations.

Ralph Dura, Drums, sold honey that he made from beehives he has at 40 locations.

Under the name “R.J. Honey,” he sold black locust, raspberry, clover and basswood. He also had jars of orange blossom honey processed in Florida.

“Here. Try this,” he said, handing a sample of orange blossom honey to a festival-goer. “You can really taste the citrus in it.”

Games for kids were also plentiful. The Tamaqua YMCA had a new offering this year — rock painting.

Joshua Grim, a Tamaqua Area High School sophomore, helped youths pick from a bucket of stones. Some rocks were round, some were flat. He placed dollops of paint onto plates, distributed brushes to children and the creativity began.

There was music, too, thanks to strolling musicians and disc jockeys.

Members of the Patch Town Players also walked the streets dressed in period costumes. One of the members, Dan Bobby, of Freeland, said the group enjoys performing skits for the community. The Tamaqua Victorian Hi-Wheeler bicyclists — also dressed in period clothing — rode their tall bicycles on the streets.

And since the Heritage Festival’s theme was the 250th anniversary of the first successful use of anthracite coal, the society opened its annex and gallery for the “Art of the Anthracite” painting exhibit by artist Harry K. Snyder. Snyder’s collection included depictions of local landmarks and coal breakers from Schuylkill, Carbon and Luzerne counties.

The society had to cancel its annual Summerfest in June due to road construction in the downtown but vowed to hold the Heritage Festival.

Contact the writer: jwhalen@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3592

POTTSVILLE — A Gilberton woman drove under the influence of drugs in July 2016 in Shenandoah, a Schuylkill County judge decided on Tuesday.

Roberta J. Mazack, 49, is guilty of DUI and careless driving, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin decided after a one-hour nonjury trial. He also found Mazack not guilty of a seat belt violation.

“I find the commonwealth has met its burden,” Dolbin said.

Dolbin ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and said he would schedule sentencing at a later date. He allowed Mazack to remain free on $10,000 unsecured bail pending sentencing.

Shenandoah police charged Mazack with DUI in her 2010 Pontiac on July 24, 2016, in the borough. Mazack had traces of four controlled substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine and two prescription drugs, in her system, prosecutors said.

“She said she uses meth,” borough Patrolman David J. Stamets testified of Mazack. “She was under the influence of a stimulant.”

Mazack testified she had been arguing with her husband and had to take an Xbox game system to her son.

Also on Tuesday, Judge Charles M. Miller revoked the parole of David J. Whipple, 24, of Girardville, and recommitted him to prison.

Whipple, who admitted violating the terms of his parole, must remain in prison until at least April 13, 2019, and could stay there until April 16, 2020, Miller ruled. Also, Whipple also must spend 23 additional months on probation, the judge decided.

“Get it in gear. Get a job,” and eat beans and rice until paying his obligations, Miller told Whipple.

Whipple originally pleaded guilty on April 19, 2017, to corruption of minors. At that time, Miller sentenced him to spend 56 days to 23 months in prison, plus an additional 23 months on probation, and pay costs.

State police at Frackville charged Whipple with corrupting the morals of a 15-year-old girl on Aug. 29, 2015, in Girardville. Whipple and the girl had sexual contact, according to police.

In another county court case, James A. Polusky, 28, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty on Sept. 28 to two counts of retail theft, with prosecutors withdrawing two counts of conspiracy.

Dolbin accepted the plea and sentenced Polusky to time served to 23 months in prison with immediate parole and to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $1,453.31 restitution.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Polusky with committing the thefts on June 7, 2017, at the Giant Food Store in Cressona Mall in North Manheim Township.

Also in the county court, Miller found Joseph. J. Forster II, 40, of Tamaqua, guilty of driving under suspension-DUI related, and sentenced him to serve 60 days in prison and pay costs and a $500 fine. He also ordered a bench warrant to be issued for Forster, who failed to appear for the hearing.

Coaldale police had charged Forster with driving with the suspended license on Feb. 8 in the borough. Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, had found Forster guilty on April 24, but the defendant had appealed that decision on May 21.

A Minersville man went to prison Wednesday after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him in connection with a January incident in Mahanoy City in which he threatened his son’s grandmother and possessed marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Austin L. Creamer, 22, must spend six to 23 months in prison, plus an additional 12 months on probation, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell ruled.

Russell said Creamer created an “extremely dangerous” situation by using a knife to threaten Lark Anderson.

In a one-day trial on Aug. 24, a jury found Creamer guilty of terroristic threats and possession of drug paraphernalia and not guilty of recklessly endangering another person. Russell, who presided over the trial, found Creamer guilty of possession of marijuana.

Mahanoy City police had charged Creamer with threatening Anderson with a knife, and possessing marijuana and paraphernalia, on Jan. 12 at 107 E. Mahanoy Ave. — the defendant’s former residence — in the borough. Police said that when they found Creamer, he was hiding behind a door with the knife on his person.

“I was just trying to protect myself,” Creamer said Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin revoked the probation of Joseph F. Platts, 26, of Pottsville, sentenced him to time served to 23 months in prison and granted him immediate parole.

Platts, who wore a prison jumpsuit and handcuffs to the hearing, admitted violating his probation by committing new crimes, using drugs, failing a drug test and not making payments on his costs and fees.

“You have obligations. Do you understand that?” Dolbin told Platts. “Stay off the poisons.”

Platts originally pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2017, to retail theft. At that time, Dolbin placed him on probation for two years, and also sentenced him to pay costs, a $50 CJEA payment and $89.98 restitution, all of which the defendant still must pay under the terms of Wednesday’s sentence, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Platts committed the theft on Oct. 28, 2016, in Norwegian Township.

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

POTTSVILLE — The Pottsville Bureau of Police recently partnered with the Lehigh Valley Health Network and Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill to provide the officers with additional safety equipment in the form of ballistic helmets.

Using funds donated by LVHN, the department purchased 25 helmets and carry gear.

Pottsville Chief of Police Richard F. Wojciechowsky said the ballistic helmets are primarily for an active-shooter situation along with any high risk incident involving an increased possibility of firearms being present.

“Every officer was issued his or her own personal helmet and has the discretion to utilize it in any situation they feel it would be beneficial,” he said. “We have completed department-wide training for active shooter responses and many of us have also purchased additional ballistic gear that supplements our city-issued body armor.

“When I approached LVHN about the opportunity to provide another means of protection for our officers, they immediately recognized the value of partnering with us in this endeavor … It’s fantastic to have the equipment at our immediate disposal and yet we still would prefer never to have the need to use it.”

Wojciechowsky said that Pottsville police provide around-the-clock primary coverage to not only the two main LVHN emergency care buildings on South Jackson and East Norwegian streets, but also many other associated medical offices and properties in the city.

“The amount of calls by LVHN for the Pottsville police to respond to their facilities during the course of a year is a significant number, and LVHN recognizes the benefit of having law enforcement available for immediate action in crisis situations,” he said.

Officials at LVHN said supporting the Pottsville police is important.

“We make a point of partnering with our host municipalities in ways that align with our health care mission,” Mary Tirrell, vice president of government and legislative affairs for Lehigh Valley Health Network, said.

“LVH-Schuylkill has enjoyed a very positive relationship with local law enforcement,” William Reppy, president of Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, said. “We appreciate all that the police officers do for our community and all that they do for our hospital and colleagues.”

Reppy said it was determined that the helmets were an appropriate donation to the Pottsville police force as LVHN is dedicated to trauma prevention, with one of the primary functions to provide the leading trauma center in the region.

“This was right in line with the health network’s mission to heal, comfort and care for the members of our community,” Reppy said.

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

TAMAQUA — The Tamaqua Area school board plans to purchase a new delivery van for the district’s food services department.

The board will vote on authorizing the purchase at its regular monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the middle school’s large group instruction room.

District officials also discussed setting a $2,000 annual stipend for school resource professionals and life insurance of up to $250,000 during this week’s work session.

The van will be purchased through the COSTARS cooperative purchasing program from Star GMC of Easton. The $36,342 cost will be covered by excess funds from the food services department.

A rental vehicle has been used for deliveries since the district’s food delivery van went out of service a few months ago.

The Pennsylvania Department of School Nutrition has approved the purchase, Business Manager Connie Ligenza said.

The school board will also act on a number of policies that deal with class sizes, homework, academic standards and other issues. Assistant Superintendent Stephen Toth noted that the policies have been on the books for some time.

In other business, the board paved the way to continue agreements for special education with Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and for health services from Bayada Home Health Care while the elementary school nurse is on leave.

The district also plans to approve a Thursday trip to the Sam Rhine Genetics Conference in Ridgewood, New Jersey, for high school students in advanced placement biology, and to allow for early dismissals at elementary school from Nov. 7 through 9 for parent/teacher conferences.

Contact the writer: jwhalen@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3592

Altamont

The Altamont Fire Company will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. Oct. 28 at the firehouse near Frackville. The cost is $9 per person. For more information, call 570-874-4384.

Ashland

The Ashland Public Library is accepted orders for a Mr. Sticky sale it will have on Nov. 29. The deadline to order at the library is Nov. 17. Pickups will be at the library on Nov. 29. For more information, call 570-875-3175.

Bernville

A nature journaling workshop with Carol Welsh will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Rentschler Arboretum. The event, according to a release, will provide “a peaceful opportunity to focus on natural areas and the diversity of life … while using art and writing tools like the historical naturalists.” All material will be provided but people may bring their own supplies if they wish. Welsh has been an educator at Millersville University and provides natural journaling programs for schools and museums throughout the region. To register, call Linda Enders at 610-775-3004 or email her at lindaphred@yahoo.com.

Frackville

The Frackville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Peter Miernicki from Frackville Rotary, Hon. John and Suzanne Domalakes, Tom, Mary Ellen and Seth Lowe and the Frackville Ministerium; for Al Gursky, Kenneth Wetzel, Eva Boniscavage, Eleanor Antz from the Frackville Ministerium; for Marge Rench from Elaine Mykolayko, Hon. John and Suzanne Domalakes, Tina Liem and Frackville Ministerium; for Linda Cahoone from Carol Dura; for Eleanor Antz from Rose and Harry Howard; for Mae Parano, Doris Renaldi, Rose Griffiths Price from the Frackville Ministerium.

Gilberton

Continental Hose Company No. 3 will have a hoagie sale beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at the firehouse, 229 Main St. Advance orders and walk-ins are welcome. The cost is $6 per hoagie and the variety includes Italian, ham/cheese, regular, turkey and meatball. All orders include a beverage and chips.

Hamburg

St. Michael Church, 529 St. Michael Road, will have a basket auction and food sale beginning at 4 p.m. Nov. 9. The cost is $5 for a sheet of 25 tickets. For more information, call 610-488-1783.

Mahanoy City

The St. Teresa of Calcutta Gold Age group is sponsoring a bus trip to the Tropicana in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Nov. 24. The cost is $35 with a $10 rebate. For more information, call 570-773-1753.

Mahanoy City

Elks Lodge 695, East Centre Street, will have a meat bingo beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday. Food and refreshments will be on sale during the games. The cost is $1 per card. For more information, call 570-773-0629.

Pottsville

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce will host the 9th Congressional District candidates, Republican Dan Meuser and Democrat Denny Wolff, at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Pottsville Area School District’s D.H.H. Lengel Middle School Auditorium. There is no cost; however, reservations are requested due to limited seating, organizers said in a release. People may register online at www.schuylkillchamber.com or by calling the chamber at 570-622-19432.

Primrose

The St. Nicholas Holy Name group will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 28 in St. Nicholas Hall, Route 901. The cost is $9 and there will be no cost for children 12 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. All are welcome.

Tamaqua

The New England Fire Company, 7 Miller Lane, will have a pork-and-sauerkraut dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday in the firehouse. The cost is $10. For more information, call 570-668-5340.

The state House of Representatives approved a proposal Thursday that would establish a standardized process as to how public safety facilities, including state prisons and state police barracks, are closed in the future.

Three local senators — David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Township and John Yudichak, D-14, Plymouth Township — are among Senate Bill 748’s five sponsors.

The measure would establish the Public Safety Facilities Act in response to state prison closures over the last few years that were undertaken with little or no input from the affected communities.

In 2017, the Wolf administration sought to close down at least one state prison out of a potential five prisons from communities across the state, including the State Correctional Institution/Frackville, SCI/Retreat, Luzerne County and SCI/Waymart, Wayne County.

The legislators convened a bipartisan hearing to learn about the process of how a state prison is closed, noting the shock to the communities that were notified in the 11th hour of a possible closure. The bill establishes a minimum of seven months’ notice.

It requires the state to notify state and local stakeholders, including local lawmakers, at least three months prior to a planned facility closure announcement. The agency seeking the closure must thoroughly review any local implications of the planned closure and hold a public hearing in the county where the facility is located. The agency also must provide a written report detailing the recommendations to the governor and leaders in the General Assembly.

If all criteria are met, a public safety facility may close no sooner than four months from the announcement.

The legislation will head to the Senate for a concurrence vote, then to Gov. Tom Wolf for his signature.

4 fugitives arrested

by Rush Twp. police

HOMETOWN — Rush Township police took four fugitives into custody during a warrant sweep Wednesday.

The roundup focused on apprehended offenders who failed to respond to charges previously filed by the department, Chief Kenneth Zipovsky said.

He said officers located four fugitives and were assisted by police from Schuylkill Township and Freeland in Luzerne County.

Those taken into custody include:

• Chad Belsak, 42 — wanted for a state parole violation.

• Katherine Fergel, 33 — wanted for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• William David Lee, 43 — wanted by the Schuylkill County detectives for failure to appear on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Charles Zebrosky, 28 — wanted for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“From this point forward, the Rush Township Police Department will be proactively working on eliminating all outstanding warrants,” Zipovsky said. “If you have not responded to the charges filed against you by our agency, it is recommended that you turn yourself in ... If you don’t we are coming to get you.”

Headline incorrect

Pine Grove Borough received a permit to start work on Swatara Creek. A headline on the front page of Saturday’s edition was incorrect.

Man arrested

on warrant

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City police took a borough man into custody on Sunday on a felony arrest warrant.

Police said that on Oct. 9, officers picked up William Mooney, 47, in connection with an incident in the borough on Oct. 9.

Mooney is charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault, one felony count of criminal trespass, one count each of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct and two counts of harassment.

Police said Mooney was arraigned on the charges and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $25,000 straight cash bail.

None injured in

2-vehicle crash

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police investigated a crash that occurred around 10:20 a.m. Sunday at Claude A. Lord Boulevard, Route 61, and Arch Street.

At the scene, police said, responding personnel found two vehicles were involved with one on its side with the occupants still inside.

The investigation determined that Lori Fultz, 45, of Orwigsburg, was driving a Jaguar XF south on Route 61 in the right lane when she failed to stop for a red light at the intersection and struck the side of a Subaru Forester driven by a 28-year-old Orwigsburg woman who was traveling west on Arch Street through the intersection.

The force of the impact caused the Subaru to roll onto its side, police said.

The Orwigsburg woman was assisted from her vehicle by Pottsville firefighters and Schuylkill EMS assisted at the scene.

No injuries were reported and as a result of the crash Patrolman Joseph Murton will be citing Fultz for a red light violation, police said.

Man cited for

2-vehicle accident

ORWIGSBURG — Three people escaped injury in a two-vehicle crash that happened on Centre Turnpike, about a 1/4 mile south of Sculps Hill Road in West Brunswick Township, around 5:45 a.m. Saturday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Elliot Billman, 34, of Emmaus, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet 1500 truck south on Centre Turnpike when he tried to turn left onto a private driveway but encountered a locked gate.

As Billman attempted to make a U-turn and travel north on Centre Turnpike, the driver’s side of a 14-foot box trailer he was pulling was struck by a 2004 GMC Envoy being driven south on Centre Turnpike by John R. Connors, 65, of Port Carbon.

Both drivers and a passenger in the Billman vehicle — Jill Bendekovits, 43, also of Emmaus — escaped injury, police said, adding that Billman was cited for limitations on turning around as a result of the crash.

Woman injured in

Wayne Twp. crash

SUMMIT STATION — A Pottsville woman escaped injury when the 2006 Ford 500 she was driving crashed on Route 183, just north of Acorn Lane in Wayne Township, around 11:25 a.m. Saturday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Katharine A. Leonard, 67, was driving north and while following a left turn her vehicle began to spin counter-clockwise.

The car crossed the two southbound lanes and then went off the road, where the front struck a guide rail.

Police said the vehicle continued to spin, causing the back end to hit the guide rail, after which the car spun around 360 degrees before coming to a stop in the right southbound lane facing east.

Police said Leonard was not hurt in the crash.

Deeds

Blythe Township — Patrice Quirk, executrix of the Estate of Thomas R. Quirk Sr., to Allen and Rose Frantz; 204 Market St., Cumbola; $12,000.

Coaldale — Donald K. Ansbach to Josef J. Deitz; property on Greenwood Avenue; $18,500.

Pottsville — Nelson Vargas to Robert Leon; property on West Race Street; $14,500.

Rush Township — Howard and Marilyn Tokosh to Robert G. Newton; 0.435-acre property on Lake Drive, Lake Hauto; $33,000.

Shenandoah — Nancy M. Jacobs to Ana T. Santana; 320 W. Oak St.; $23,000.

Upper Mahantongo Township — Rodney B. Walls and Stephanie Lytle to Michael G. and Jacqueline L. Deibert; 1496 Ridge Road, Klingerstown; $50,000.

Walker Township — Franklin T. Gruver to Jennifer A. King; 8 Lower Road; $1.

West Brunswick Township — William H. and Lynore L. Moyer to Joseph W. Norman; 6.235-acre property on North Fork Mountain Road; $100,000.

James A. Foose and William G. Foose, co-executors of the Estate of Marion P. Foose, to Amy Reed; 1084 Grove St.; $223,500.

West Penn Township — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Danielle Billetz-Reppert; property on Evergreen Drive; $1,224.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Danielle Billetz-Reppert; property on Evergreen Drive; $1,224.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Danielle Billetz-Reppert; property on Evergreen Drive; $1,224.

Kathryn K. Krause, Blair K. Krause and Clark K. Hamm to John Malachefski and Cristy Bartczak; 0.752-acre property; $175,000.

PORT CLINTON — A man died when he was hit by a car after exiting his vehicle alongside Route 61 on Sunday.

State police Trooper Matthew Hoke of the Schuylkill Haven station said Michael William Andrews, 57, of Port Clinton, was laying in the right southbound lane of Route 61 at Clinton Street around 9:50 p.m. when he was struck by a 2010 Subaru Legacy being driven south by Edward F. Shadle, 27, of Ambler.

Hoke said Andrews apparently fell onto the highway after exiting his vehicle and that Shadle abruptly swerved into the left lane to avoid hitting the man but inadvertently ran him over.

Hoke said that after hitting Andrews, Shadle immediately pulled onto the shoulder of the road and remained at the scene.

Andrews was pronounced dead at the scene. Hoke said no charges will be filed against Shadle.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com

ASHLAND — After several years of planning and construction, the Washington Fire Company Community Ambulance Inc.’s new administration building is in operation at Centre and 13th streets.

The modern structure located at 1301 Centre St. is near the organization’s vehicle garage at 1309 Centre St., with the Washington Fire Company No. 1 firehouse between both buildings.

The construction cost of the new building is $525,000, which does not include the soft costs, such as legal, permits, surveying fees and furnishings.

Before giving a tour of the new building, ambulance association President David Mitten and board member and emergency medical responder Charles Orth conducted a walk-through of the vehicle garage, which has housed all operations until now. The three vehicles — 2004 Ford-Horton ambulance, 2009 Ford PL Custom ambulance and Sterling rescue truck — do not leave room for much else.

“We just outgrew this building. We have two ambulances and a big rescue vehicle. If you look on top are our supplies and equipment,” Mitten said, pointing to a space between the ceiling and the top of the restrooms. “Every time you needed supplies, you had to use a ladder to go up there. That was real inconvenient. All of that is going to be transferred to the new building very shortly.”

Mitten said there was no lunch area, and only a very small section was used for doing paperwork. For personnel working night shift, cots would be put out next to the vehicles out in the open, prompting them to cover windows in the walk-in entrance door and the bay door for privacy.

“They would put a covering over the windows to keep the light out,” Orth said. “Also, the temperature right now is chilly.”

“And you open the doors in the winter time to let the ambulance out, it gets freezing in here real quick,” Mitten added.

The next stop was the new building with its bright interior, multiple rooms and much space for storage and for relaxing. The “day room” is a lounge area with recliners and a television where crews can relax or eat a meal in between calls. There are two large storage rooms, one being general storage and the other being locked for items that need more security, and a room with bunks for sleeping.

Two large bathrooms/shower rooms for males and females provide privacy at a level not available at the vehicle garage.

“We had a shower, but it was jerry-rigged job over there in the ladies room,” Mitten said. “You just pulled a curtain. People didn’t use it very much since it wasn’t very private.”

One room is specifically designated to process reports and paperwork and includes a computer. There is a full kitchen.

The front room is for meetings and training. At the garage, it was necessary to drive two units outside to make room to set up tables and chairs for a meeting, and then remove them to get the vehicles back inside.

“This room will be more for training, and then meetings also,” Mitten said. “We’ll be training our own people, and if the American Heart Association wants to come in and do CPR and first aid training, that will be available here. We could never do this before.”

The new building planning began in 2012 when the organization purchased the three properties adjacent to the firehouse on a county tax sale. The three houses were razed to prepare the property for the new building.

“We did that with the idea of either having a lot of parking available or putting up a new building,” Mitten said. “We realized that the service was growing and we were outgrowing the current building. We had our first organization meeting in December 2015 and we got the legal groundwork in early 2016.”

Michael Brinkash of Brinkash & Associates Inc., Ashland, was retained for surveying work and assisted with permit applications, and architect Yongcheol Kim, of Pottsville, was retained for the building design.

“Every step along the way took some time,” Mitten said. “It was a real team effort. Everybody pitched in. Our board was very active and gave us extra time for meetings, phone calls, emails and voting on things along the way. We are fortunate that our board secretary is attorney Keith Strouse, and he did the legal work. We got a lot of cooperation from Sue Smith, the director of the county planning and zoning office, really expedited our request and got us a quick, fair hearing, and the county commissioners helped out, too, and the Ashland Borough Council helped us.”

At the February 2017 meeting, the borough council approved a request from the ambulance association to vacate a five-foot section of the borough right-of-way to better accommodate the building design.

Materials were purchased locally where possible. Wood trusses were obtained from Universal Forest Products, Gordon; windows from Jeld-Wen Inc., Ringtown; and security cameras from DM2 Security, Frackville.

Mitten thanked the services of UNB Bank, Mount Carmel, and its Vice President and Chief Credit Officer Dwain Barlow, in assisting with the mortgage process. BB&T Bank, which will be closing its Ashland branch in the near future, has donated furniture for the new building, some that was used by Ashland Downtown Inc., which had its office in the building.

Heim Construction Co., Orwigsburg, was selected as the general contractor.

“We are very happy with the quality of the work,” Mitten said. “We had cooperation from all of the utilities — UGI for the gas, PPL, Service Electric and Verizon.”

“There were some poles and wires that had to be moved,” Orth said.

Head EMT Jason Kane is full time and has been with the community ambulance for 16 years, and he also works part-time at Shenandoah and Frackville.

“This is nice. It really is,” said Kane, who has been working in the new building for about a month. He said there are about 20 crew members who reply to emergency calls.

“We have a staffed crew, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as per the state,” Kane said. “Now they have a place to hang out. They would come in from home and handle a call, now they can stay in the station because now we have the accommodations.”

“Another thing we can do here is continuing education classes that are necessary to keep up their certifications,” Mitten said. “We didn’t have the space for it over there.”

The amount of emergency calls continue to increase, Mitten said, with 2017 having 1,035 calls, the first time over 1,000. The EMS service has answered calls to Kulpmont, Mount Carmel, Girardville, Mahanoy City, Shenandoah, Frackville, Shamokin and more, Mitten and Orth said.

“We have an EMS license and part of the license is you will go where you’re directed to go,” Mitten said. “We’re all involved in that, everyone of us like Girardville and Shenandoah and Mahanoy City. We are all required to do that.”

The chief of the medical service is William McFadden. In addition to Mitten as president, the ambulance service board officers and members are Vice President Paul Hardnock Sr., Treasurer Beth McFadden, Secretary Keith Strouse, and board members McFadden, Charles Orth, Frederick Spieles, Thomas Sosar, Joseph Groody, Robert Nestor, Dr. Robert Thurick, George Brocious, Jerome Schmoltze, and Paul Hardnock Jr.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony by invitation will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 3. An open house for the public will follow from 2 to 4 p.m. with tours and light refreshments.

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

Marriage licenses

Zachary S. Vaughn, Orwigsburg, and Jamie L. Patterson, Orwigsburg.

Gexon G. Vargas-Vivas, Shenandoah, and Greiny R. Maldonado Matute, Shenandoah.

Michael A. Stramara, Orwigsburg, and Erin E. Moore, Orwigsburg.

Jose R. Urquiza, Pottsville, and Tracey Ann Miklesavage, Pottsville.

Adam J. Schaeffer, Jim Thorpe, and Crystal Lynn Clymer, Coaldale.

Brian Grutza, Barnesville, and Jillian R. Ogrodnick, Sheppton.

Michael Pardini, Auburn, and Jennifer Lee Dusel, Auburn.

Thaddeus Coleman, Quakake, and Kimberly A. Pastucka, Quakake.

Neil A. Hartzell, Tamaqua, and Sarah B. Whilden, Tamaqua.

Michael E. Ulceski, Ringtown, and Alisia Kay Knorr, Ringtown.

Colt J. Harris, Hegins, and Kasey A. Missimer, Hegins.

Bernardn J. Lubinsky, Saint Clair, and Jenna M. Hill, Saint Clair.

The Williams Valley school board Thursday finalized the paperwork involving the dismissal of former high school Principal Tracey Weller.

The board ratified the written adjudication, finding of fact and conclusions of law with reference to Weller’s termination on Sept. 27. Director David Ferraro abstained and directors Tedd Johns and John Mika were absent.

Weller is appealing her case to the state Department of Education, according to her attorney, Michael M. Monsour, with the firm of Kozloff Stoudt, Wyomissing.

She was suspended Feb. 23, after Weller had questioned students in her office about a threatening Instagram post. The suspect walked in while two female students were being questioned. The girls were later threatened outside school property by the suspect’s brother, according to testimony at Weller’s public hearing.

In other business, the board approved a request from the Williams Valley PTO to hold a Race for Education fundraiser on Nov. 2. The event allows students to raise funds from sponsors for a variety of educational needs by walking or jogging.

A kickoff assembly will be held in the elementary gym from 9 to 9:30 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the gym will be available throughout the day. Weather permitting, the parking lot will also be used.

In other action, the board approved:

• Appointing Joann Rodichok, Williamstown, as an assistant junior varsity girls’ basketball coach for the 2018-19 school year, pending clearances.

•Granting tenure to Alexis Franko who will complete three consecutive years of satisfactory teaching with the district, effective Dec. 17.

•Alyssa Geist, Valley View, from Saint Joseph’s University as a student teacher, Special Education-Hearing Impaired, for a 15-week period, Jan. 15 to April 26, 2019.

•Accepting the resignation from part-time paraprofessional Heather Webster, effective Oct. 19.

• Hiring Matthew Dietrich, Hegins, as the head wrestling coach for the 2018-19 school year.

•Hiring Melinda Spencer, Ashland, as a substitute school nurse for the 2018-19 school year.

The next board meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Ashland

Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train will hold its third annual Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the tourist complex in Higher-Up Park. People will be able to enjoy a scenic train ride on an old steam engine to a pumpkin patch, where each child will be able to pick their own pumpkins. There will also be an opportunity to take a family photo at the pumpkin patch. Adults can ride the Henry Clay Lokie for $8.50; one child 11 and under can ride free with the purchase of one adult admission. Additional children ages 2 to 11 can ride for $6.50 each. The train schedule (rides lasts about 30 minutes each) is 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. and noon and 1:30 p.m. This year the train tickets must be purchased in advance. Other festival activities include face painting, pumpkin decorating, games, prizes and treats for children. People will get 20 percent off their entire orders in the gift shop. For train tickets or more information, call the office at 570-875-3850.

Frackville

The Frackville Ministerium Food Bank will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday to serve eligible borough residents. New applicants will need proof of eligibility — a Frackville borough address showing a zip code of 17931. The food bank is at Zion Lutheran Church. People must use the parking lot entrance on South Beech Street.

Frackville

Trick-or-treat night in the community will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.

Friedensburg

A Yolk Fellowship Prison Ministry awareness breakfast will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Oct. 27 at Friedensburg Country Restaurant, 1305 Long Run Road. The speaker will be the Rev. Ulli Klemm of the state Department of Corrections. The cost is $10 per person. People may RSVP by calling 610-763-8998 or emailing RUSHJOES@AOL.com by Thursday.

Girardville

Trick-or-treaters will make their rounds from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 in the borough.

Gordon

The borough’s trick-or-treat night is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

Orwigsburg

A vendor and craft show will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Faith Church, 1168 Centre Turnpike. The cost is $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Ashley at 717-813-1901 or Donna at 570-391-6388.

Pine Grove

The Schuylkill United Way’s annual Pacesetters Reception will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Sweet Arrow Lake Clubhouse. The annual event celebrates donors who contribute a minimum of $500 toward the annual Schuylkill United Way Campaign, according to a United Way press release. Levels of giving range from Copper through Platinum as follows: Copper, $500 to $749; Bronze, $750 to $999; Silver, $1,000 to $1,499; Gold, $1,500 to $1,999; Diamond, $2,000 to $2,499 and Platinum, $2,500 or more. The theme of the 2019 campaign is “HOPE — Helping Other People Everyday” and the campaign goal is $1,100,000. The campaign runs through November. The 2019 campaign chairman is Joe Bessette of Wegmans and the Tamaqua chairman is Chris Cohoon of Air Products. Last year, there were 603 Pacesetters who collectively gave $474,000 to the campaign. Pacesetters Club co-chairmen Joseph Jones Jr. and Patrick Kane said that currently there are 168 Pacesetters who have pledged $181,981 to the 2019 campaign. The John E. Morgan Foundation has again included a $75,000 matching Pacesetters grant as an added incentive for current Pacesetters to increase their levels of giving. The reception is being sponsored by a friend of the Schuylkill United Way, catered by Wegmans with beer provided by D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc.

Schuylkill Haven

Penn State Schuylkill has extended an invitation for college students and college-bound high-schoolers and their families to a FAFSA Night slated for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Schuylkill campus. Members of the financial aid staff will be on hand to assist and advise people on completing the FAFSA forms. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the campus at 570-385-6244.

POTTSVILLE — A Shenandoah man will go to prison and pay more than $24,000 in restitution after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him on Thursday for injuring a man in August 2016 in Tamaqua.

Yusef K. Desdune, 43, must serve one to 12 months in prison, and pay costs and $24,207.12 restitution, President Judge William E. Baldwin said.

“I don’t think house arrest or probation is appropriate,” Baldwin said. “I think you need to go to jail.”

Baldwin made the sentence effective at 8 a.m. Nov. 2 to allow Desdune to procure care for his children and arrange for work release.

Desdune, formerly of Stroudsburg, pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering another person and careless driving. Prosecutors withdrew charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, criminal mischief, reckless driving and operating vehicle without required financial responsibility.

“I accept responsibility for my actions,” Desdune said. “I apologize to the victim and his family.”

Tamaqua police charged Desdune with striking Igor Soroka with his car on Aug. 29, 2016, on Hegarty Street in the borough. Police said Soroka tried to jump out of the way of the car and was on his porch steps but still got hit, resulting in him suffering serious injuries.

Special Deputy Attorney General Nathan L. Boob said those injuries included multiple hip and leg fractures for Soroka.

“The victim wants him to go to jail,” Boob said.

Also on Thursday, Baldwin sentenced Samuel Smolar, 29, of Tamaqua, to serve four to eight months in prison after revoking his probation for a second time.

Baldwin acted after Smolar admitted violating his probation by failing to report to his supervising officer, using drugs, failing a drug test, not making payments on his costs and fees, and not completing rehabilitation, and prosecutors had shown he violated the law.

Smolar, who was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs, originally pleaded guilty on Jan. 18, 2017, to possession of drug paraphernalia. At that time, Baldwin placed him on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and a $50 bench warrant fee.

Coaldale police charged Smolar with possessing paraphernalia on June 10, 2016, in the borough.

However, Baldwin revoked Smolar’s probation for the first time on Jan. 25.

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

The Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation is spearheading another major litter cleanup at the Centralia mine fire site in southern Columbia County.

Volunteers are needed 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Those taking part can meet at routes 61 and 42.

Robert Hughes, executive director of EPCAMR, said illegal dumping continues as a problem in the area of the town that was abandoned due to a massive underground mine fire.

EPCAMR is seeking donations such as refreshments, water, chips or food for lunch. “We need pickup trucks and Jeeps,” Hughes said.

EPCAMR has secured $1,750 toward the cleanup through a grant from the Co-Generation Trade Association. Dumpsters have been donated in the past and colleges have partnered with EPCAMR as well.

Hughes said EPCAMR is pushing for a final decision from the state Department of Community of Economic Development to allow the placement of security cameras around the borough.

“Some funds that we expect to raise will be dedicated towards the purchase of a camera surveillance system that EPCAMR has discussed with our partner, Keep PA Beautiful,” Hughes said.

Hughes said the Centralia fire house likely will be the Central Command Post. Areas to be targeted in 2018 include roads near the Municipal Building, Railroad Street, Big Mine Run Road, around the Odd Fellows Cemetery and the old Caged vents, and Graffiti Highway.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, be supervised at all times, and waiver forms must be signed on their behalf. A mandatory safety briefing will be given by Hughes before volunteers are dispersed to various locations throughout the borough and surrounding areas.

For more info, call Hughes at EPCAMR 570-371-3522.