POTTSVILLE — A Montgomery County man will spend additional time behind bars after admitting Wednesday to a Schuylkill County judge that he possessed drugs and paraphernalia in June 2017 while confined in a state prison.

Ryan A. Wright, 28, of Norristown, must serve one to two years in a state correctional institution, Judge Charles M. Miller decided. Miller made that sentence consecutive to the one from Montgomery County that Wright already is serving.

Wright pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of possession of a controlled substance-contraband.

State police at Frackville charged Wright with possessing the drugs and paraphernalia on June 12, 2017, while the defendant was an inmate at SCI/Mahanoy.

In addition to the prison term, Miller also sentenced Wright to pay $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $239 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Wright still is serving five to 10 years in a state correctional institution after Montgomery County Judge William R. Carpenter found him guilty in a nonjury trial on April 3, 2013, of prohibited possession of firearm. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of carrying a firearm without a license. Carpenter also sentenced Wright to pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment.

Norristown police had charged Wright with possessing the gun on May 2, 2012, in the borough.

Also on Wednesday, Gavin D. Heim, 24, of Minersville, pleaded guilty to theft, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving under suspension-DUI related. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

Miller accepted the plea and sentenced Heim to serve two to four years in a state correctional institution concurrent with his Lebanon County sentence, pay a $1,000 fine and a $50 CJEA payment, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Pottsville police charged Heim with stealing a green Dodge van, and driving it while his license was suspended for an alcohol-related reason, on Dec. 30, 2016, in the city.

In another Wednesday case, Jeffrey Shipman, 24, of Bellefonte, pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment by prisoner, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of aggravated assault and simple assault.

Miller accepted Shipman’s plea and sentenced him to serve two to four years in a state correctional institution, pay costs and $148 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Miller made the prison sentence concurrent with ones Shipman already is serving from Clearfield and Luzerne counties.

“You’re being given a big break on this one,” Miller told Shipman.

State police at Frackville charged Shipman with throwing urine on a corrections officer on April 10, 2016, while the defendant was an inmate at SCI/Mahanoy.

A New Philadelphia woman returned to prison Thursday after a Schuylkill County judge revoked her parole.

Chrystina M. Hosier, 28, must remain in prison until Dec. 19, and could stay there until March 14, 2019, Judge James P. Goodman ruled.

“You’ve spent a lot of time in prison on this case,” Goodman told Hosier.

Hosier admitted violating her parole by failing to report to her supervising officer, failing a drug test and not making payments on her costs and fees.

She originally pleaded guilty on June 6 to retail theft. At that time, Goodman sentenced her to serve 150 days to 23 months in prison with immediate parole, pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and a $50 bench warrant fee, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Pottsville police charged Hosier with committing the theft on May 29, 2015, in the city.

Also in the county court, Judge John E. Domalakes revoked the parole of Jorge D. Ortiz-Rivera, 52, of Harrisburg, on Wednesday, but immediately reparoled him. However, Ortiz-Rivera did not go free, because he must face charges in Lebanon County.

“You have other charges pending against you in other jurisdictions,” Domalakes, who revoked Ortiz-Rivera’s parole after the defendant admitted violating it by absconding, told him.

Ortiz-Rivera originally pleaded guilty on Dec. 21, 2011, to three counts of access device fraud. At that time, Domalakes sentenced him to serve 35 days to 23 months in prison and pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment.

Pottsville police charged Ortiz-Rivera with committing the fraud on March 17, 2011, in the city.

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

POTTSVILLE — A barbershop is opening in the city Oct. 29.

Angel Garcia, his brother, Anthony Rodriguez, and their father, Santos Garcia, are opening Father and Son’s II Barber Shop at 202 N. Centre St.

“I like the town. It’s a nice quiet town. It has a lot of potential,” Angel Garcia said Monday.

Angel and Santos have a long-term lease for the space, which they looked at earlier this year.

Angel and Anthony are barbers. The first shop, Father and Son’s, opened in Reading in 2016 and is still going strong. Both Angel and Santos live in Reading, while Anthony lives in Pottsville.

Angel Garcia said he is excited to bring something new to Pottsville.

“We are going to serve a lot of people. Make a lot of people happy,” he said.

Angel said he has always been interested in being a barber, saying he cut hair as a child. He even went to school to learn the trade.

“I love making people feel good,” he said.

The shop isn’t just for men. Women can also get their haircut there. On staff, they have two licensed barbers, Angel Garcia and Rodriguez but are looking for more. Both know how to cut women’s hair, something they don’t mind doing. They will also have stylists available for women.

Angel Garcia said he has customers who come from Pottsville to Reading to get their haircut. By not having to travel, it is helping to keep the money local.

Grand opening is 8 a.m. Monday. Haircuts are half price. Regular prices are $15 for children; $20 for young adults and $25 for adults; cost for seniors is $10.

Walk-ins are not needed to get a haircut.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

SHENANDOAH — Borough police are investigating a bank robbery carried out Monday morning.

Police Chief George Carado said the robbery occurred at 11:11 a.m. at M&T Bank at Main and Centre streets in the heart of the borough’s downtown area.

Carado did not release any details other than to say the man was white and about 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall.

No weapon was shown, and the chief said it is not known at this time if any money was taken.

In a security image released by police, the man is seen wearing a baseball cap, some type of dark heavy shirt or sweatshirt and holding something in his right hand.

He did not say which way the man may have fled the area or if it was on foot or in a vehicle.

“The investigation is continuing,” the chief said.

Assisting at the scene and in looking for the robber were state police troopers and West Mahanoy Township police.

Anyone with information on the identity of the man involved is asked to call Shenandoah police through the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 570-462-1991. All information will remain confidential.

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

POTTSVILLE — The Mahantongo Parking Center will officially start to come down this week.

Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney was on site Monday and received an update from a worker who said the removal of the structure would start soon.

Muldowney said he realizes people are wondering when the demolition will occur since the garage has been closed since October 2016. During that time, a contractor doing maintenance work found deteriorated structural reinforcing. The garage, built in 1969, must be down within 60 days after demolition begins.

John Levkulic, engineer for the Pottsville Parking Authority, received a demolition plan from SDL Construction, Orwigsburg, on Monday afternoon. He said the demolition will start this week.

Workers were removing items from a room in the garage Monday, Muldowney said.

Previously, workers were “documenting the neighborhood,” he said, which involved taking pictures of the inside and outside of buildings and documenting existing damage. Seismographs were also installed at various locations.

The city council awarded the $305,000 contract for demolition of the garage in August, and SDL has until December to complete the work.

Howard Avenue and Mahantongo Street will remain open during the demolition, Levkulic said, adding part of Second Street will be closed.

Construction of the new parking deck could take 10 months to a year. The entrance will remain on Second Street for the three-tier deck. It will have internal ramps and an elevator.

The city was awarded a 35-year loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in early August. 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.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — A Schuylkill Haven man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing on a charge that he assaulted a man in September at a borough social club.

Michael I. McBreen, 21, of 119 Avenue A, faces charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over all three charges for court after McBreen waived his right to the hearing.

Schuylkill Haven police alleged that McBreen punched Paul G. Zinkus in the face at 6:06 p.m. Sept. 8 at the East Ward Social Club, 1 Green St.

Police said McBreen went to the door of the club and rang the bell. However, when Zinkus answered the door, he told McBreen that he could not enter because he was not a club member, according to police.

McBreen then grabbed the door, but Zinkus also grabbed it to try to shut it, according to police. McBreen then punched Zinkus, police said.

Police said McBreen hit Zinkus in the bridge of the nose, but Zinkus declined treatment.

Zinkus told police that McBreen had tried to do the same thing two weeks earlier and had been told at that time that he could not enter the club because he was not a member.

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

Also on Oct. 15, Ferrier bound over for court two counts of criminal mischief against Zachary Wandzilak, 20, of 1096 High Drive, Tamaqua. Each incident occurred on Aug. 8 in West Penn Township, police said.

West Penn Township police charged Wandzilak with breaking a door and door jamb at the house he shares with his father, Paul Wandzilak, smashed the storm door and broke the door frame. They also alleged that Zachary Wandzilak drove his maroon Chevrolet pickup truck on the 1099 High Drive property of his grandfather, John Wandzilak, tearing up the grass and causing damage.

Zachary Wandzilak is free on $2,500 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A Mahanoy City man charged with assaulting another man in that community on Sept. 10 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Hector L. Lopez, 46, of 307 E. Mahanoy Ave., was arrested by Mahanoy City police Patrolman Rachael Lenar and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and recklessly endangering another person.

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

Lenar charged Lopez with an incident 39 W. Spruce St. where he allegedly assaulted Kenneth VanHorn.

In an unrelated case, Lopez also waived a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Other court cases included:

Douglas C. Starkey, 62, of 85 Hazle St., Delano; held for court: possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection and improper classes of licenses. Starkey failed to appear for the hearing and a warrant was requested for his arrest.

Patrick D. Shala, 41, of 32 Raven Run Road, Box 58, Lost Creek; withdrawn because the victim failed to appear: strangulation, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

Edwin Astor, 51, of 411 W. Market St., Mahanoy City; withdrawn: criminal trespass. Waived for court: possessing instruments of crime and loitering and prowling at night.

Brian K. Andrewsky, 47, of 493 Mount Olive Blvd., Box 152, Pottsville; withdrawn by the victim: simple assault, harassment and recklessly endangering another person.

Michael Chiatti, 44, of 216 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Raymond B. Miller Jr., 49, of 826 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; held for court: theft. Miller failed to appear and a warrant was requested for his arrest.

Altamont

The Altamont Fire Company Auxiliary will have a soup sale beginning at 11 a.m. Nov. 4 at the firehouse, 209 S. Green St. The cost is $3.50 per pint and $6 per quart. Varieties include beef vegetable, broccoli cheese, chicken noodle, halupki soup, sausage soup and stuffed pepper. To order, call 570-778-3070 and leave a “detailed message,” according to an event flier.

Frackville

Bingo games at the Frackville American Legion, beginning in January, will be held at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of every month. Upcoming bingo dates include Friday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 14. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and the Legion kitchen will be open with food vouchers given away to the first 25 people. There are individual game and package deal pricing. For more information, call 570-874-4750.

Mahanoy City

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

Pottsville

The Tri-County Youth Football organization will have a meeting at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Mount Hope AMVETS. All teams are required to be represented; Christmas party reservations are due, according to an organization release.

Pottsville

John Murga, chief executive officer of Hidden River Credit Union, recently gave a presentation to members of the Pottsville Rotary Club. He said that Hidden River, according to the Rotary bulletin, was started in 1953 as Schuylkill County School Employees Credit Union. In 2011 it was approved as a community charter, allowing it to serve all residents of the county. It has assets of more than $140 million and 16,000 members. Its main office is in Pottsville, with branch offices in Frackville and Orwigsburg. A new office will soon open in Hometown, Murga said. He also explained that a credit union is a not-for-profit organization, owned by the members and run by a local board of directors and professional staff. All profits earned are distributed to the members in the form of higher savings rates, lower loan rates and fewer fees. Credit unions focus on serving individuals and small businesses, Murga said, adding that HRCU is working with other credit unions in the area to start a program in high schools to better educate students on the basics of finance.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven Indoor Walking Club meets from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Schuylkill Haven Recreation Center Gymnasium. It is for people 50 and older and there is no charge. For more information, call 570-624-3017.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Area Middle and High schools will have a Veterans Day assembly at 7:25 a.m. Nov. 9 in front of the high school. Any Tamaqua area veteran wishing to be recognized during the assemble roll call should contact Tara Orefice, assistant high school principal, by Nov. 5. The public is invited to attend the ceremony honoring all veterans, according to a district release.

William Penn

The William Penn Fire Company, Mount Olive Boulevard (Route 54 just west of Shenandoah), is having an “Almost Armondo’s” unbaked pizza sale, advance-order-only, with pickups after 3 p.m. Nov. 16. The cost is $10 for plain, $12 for pepperoni and 75 cents extra for hot sauce. The order deadline is Nov. 12. There will be no walk-ins or delivery for the pizza sale. To order or for more information, call 570-462-0338. The company is also having a cheesesteak sale beginning at 3 p.m. Nov. 3. Hoagies and platters will be available. Call the aforementioned number to order or for free local delivery. The company is selling Christmas 50/50 tickets at $1 each. The drawing date is Dec. 1; envelopes have been distributed. People may also buy tickets from many Shenandoah businesses or from any company member. The company is featuring gift card prizes for Shenandoah businesses as holiday stocking stuffers. The cost is $2 each or three for $5. The drawing date is Dec. 1.

The Relay for Life for Tamaqua and surrounding areas, recently held its 2019 kick off to reveal some changes for the 2019 season.

One of the changes included transforming the name to Relay for Life of the Anthracite Region.

“Times are changing. A lot of our neighboring communities that may have once had a relay no longer do. We wanted to change the name to reflect our region and be more inviting for other towns to want to be part of it. It doesn’t matter where it is held, we are all here for the same cause and that is to help end this disease that has touched so many lives,” co-chair Lori Kane said in a press release.

Another change is that the relay will be held a month earlier than in previous years to encourage school-age students to participate.

“We are hoping that by changing the date prior to graduation time, we can get high school students and clubs more involved in this cause. For many years, I have organized a Mini Relay for Life at Tamaqua Elementary which has raised on average from $1,500 to $2,000; West Penn Elementary has raised money as well for the American Cancer Society. We are hoping area districts join together to challenge each other to raise money for this event,” Danelle Kane, co-chair, said.

The relay will be held 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 11, at Tamaqua Area High School. There will be a meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 29 at St. Luke’s Hospital in the board room for anyone interested in getting involved.

For more information, contact co-chairs Lori Kane at relaylorikane@gmail.com or 570-449-1776 or Danelle Kane at psunells@yahoo.com.

Truck crashes, catches fire

HAMBURG — A tractor-trailer crashed and caught fire on Interstate 78 in this Berks County community early Monday morning, snarling traffic on both that highway and nearby Route 61.

State police at Hamburg said the crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes at mile marker 30.

It was there, police said, Jamal Abdul Haqq, 30, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was driving a tractor trailer west in the right lane when he lost control, went off the road and hit a bridge abutment on the north shoulder.

The truck then traveled across both lanes and struck the concrete center median before becoming engulfed in flames, police said.

Haqq was able to exit the vehicle prior to the fire and was not hurt.

Firefighters from Hamburg, Shoemakersville, Strausstown, Bernville and Port Clinton assisted in extinguishing the fire and Hamburg fire police assisted with traffic control.

The crash closed Interstate 78 in both directions for several hours prompting driver to seek alternate routes including Route 61 causing traffic delays.

Woman charged after hit and run

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police filed charges against a 60-year-old Pottsville woman after an investigation into a hit-and-run crash in the 300 block of Nichols Street around 2 a.m. Oct. 13.

Police said information indicated that the vehicle struck several parked cars and then fled the area on Nichols Street and then north onto North Centre Street without one of its wheels it lost at the scene.

Officers immediately began to search for the vehicle using evidence left on the road and tracked it to the area of Seltzer and Brier City roads were Minersville police were able to conduct a traffic stop and identify the driver as Cathy Walacavage-Andrachick.

Walacavage-Andrachick’s vehicle was found with one missing tire, having air bag deployment and a small fire that was quickly extinguished by officers and firefighters, police said.

A subsequent investigation resulted in Walacavage-Andrachick being taken into custody for DUI and taken to a local medical facility where she refused to submit to a blood alcohol test despite being advised of the state’s implied consent law and the driver’s suspension for failure to comply.

At the scene of the accident, police said, officers found that six legally parked vehicles in the area had been damaged with two needing to be towed from the scene.

As a result of the investigation, police said, Patrolman Stephen Delinko charged Walacavage-Andrachick with DUI, possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving, not driving on roadways laned for traffic and accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles.

One injured in Cressona crash

CRESSONA — One person suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Route 183, Pottsville Street, at the entrance to Hydro Extrusion USA LLC around 7:05 p.m. Wednesday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Raymond Roman, 53, of Reading, was driving a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant and stopped in the right westbound lane of Route 183, attempting to turn left into the entrance of Hydro Extrusion.

It was then that Roman turned left and drove into the path of a 2017 BMW G5 driven by David N. Althouse, 63, of Fleetwood.

Police said Althouse was thrown from his vehicle after impact, police said, adding that the man suffered minor injuries while Roman was not hurt.

Police said that as a result of the crash, Roman will be cited for vehicles turning left.

Man faces charges after traffic stop

DEER LAKE — A Reading man is facing charges by state police at Schuylkill Haven after a traffic stop on Centre Turnpike at Locust Road around 3:50 p.m. Sunday.

Police said they stopped a 2001 Hyundai driven by a 21-year-old Reading man, who they did not identify, and found him to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Charges against the man are pending in district court, police said.

Man injured in 2-vehicle accident

SUMMIT STATION — A Schuylkill Haven man was seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident on Route 183, just north of Jones Road in Wayne Township, around 1:44 p.m. Friday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Thomas G. Shirley, 87, was driving a 2001 Subaru Outback south when he ran into a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Jason C. Wright, 39, of Pottsville, who was stopped in traffic waiting to turn left into a private parking lot.

Police said that Shirley was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, in the MedEvac helicopter for treatment of serious injuries while Wright was not hurt.

Woman charged with DUI on interstate

BARNESVILLE — A woman was jailed after being arrested by state police at Frackville after an incident in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 in Ryan Township around 9:45 a.m. Oct. 9.

State police at Frackville said Lisa Diciccio, 37, of Lowell, Mass., pulled over onto the shoulder of the interstate where police stopped to check to see if her vehicle was disabled.

Police said they detected a strong odor of marijuana and that Diciccio confessed to using marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The woman was charged with DUI and drug possession, arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post bail.

POTTSVILLE — The county’s first mosquito-borne disease control technician said he could be back next year to continue monitoring West Nile virus.

Kyle Schutt, 21, of Frackville, said Tuesday the Schuylkill Conservation District submitted an application for funding to the Department of Environmental Protection recently to monitor the virus next year.

“Right now, we believe the program will be back for next season,” Schutt said Tuesday.

The virus causes flu-like symptoms and can result in encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Symptoms can show three to 14 days after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, according to a fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Schutt started May 14 with the conservation district and his last day will be Oct. 31. A grant paid for the full-time position.

However, he will be helping out in another capacity with the conservation district for a pilot program to monitor the spotted lanternfly, an insect that can wreak havoc on the agricultural industry, in the county.

Traps were first placed May 17. The first positives were collected July 3 in Cressona, Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven. West Nile virus trapping ended Sept. 28, Schutt said. Overall, at least 189 traps were placed in the county. Cressona, Schuylkill Haven and Pottsville were the fixed sites where Schutt went on a weekly basis. The areas have a high population and are where a majority of the mosquitoes had been collected previously. Schutt chose other locations. Concerned county residents also called Schutt with mosquito concerns.

“It was a constant battle to control populations this year,” he said.

The near constant rain didn’t help matters providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes, Schutt said.

Countywide, 367 adult mosquito samples were collected. In all, 56 mosquito positives were found. A crow found in Wayne Township had West Nile virus.

Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven each had 15 positive samples; Cressona, 11; Frackville, two; Hegins, one; Mahanoy Township, three; Pine Grove, two; Port Carbon, one; Ringtown, one; Tamaqua, one; Upper Mahantongo Township, two; and West Mahanoy Township, two.

He didn’t want to estimate if the virus might be found in the county next year.

“It’s all weather dependent,” Schutt said.

Residents can do their part to reduce the spread of the virus by removing standing water and taking other precautions.

More information on virus prevention can be found at www.westnile.state.pa.us.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — Four city residents are lucky to be alive after carbon monoxide poisoning earlier this month.

Pottsville Fire Chief James E. Misstishin Sr. said a coal furnace that malfunctioned could have had deadly consequences.

“People would have been dead if they would not have called,” Misstishin said Tuesday.

The Oct. 14 carbon monoxide call was in the east end of the city at an apartment complex. An exact location was not provided. Tenants called the landlord with no response earlier in the day. They called 911 in the evening when the sulfur smell would not go away.

He said four occupants of three of the five apartments went to a local hospital and one was admitted. Tenants and their pets were relocated for the evening. All have since recovered.

“It was very serious,” Misstishin said.

City firefighters used air-monitoring equipment to detect the carbon monoxide that was found on all three levels of the building, which was later shut down for the evening, Misstishin said. The readings showed between 400 and 900 parts per million. At that rate, headaches, dizziness and convulsions can occur. At 1,600 ppm, death can occur in less than 2 hours, according to a sheet Misstishin provided.

“Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless. It’s a silent killer,” Misstishin said

There were no carbon monoxide detectors in the apartment building, he said.

City code 187-13 states the following: “The owner of a structure shall supply and install required carbon monoxide detectors. The owner shall test and maintain carbon monoxide detectors located other than in a dwelling unit. The owner shall provide written information regarding carbon monoxide testing and maintenance to at least one adult tenant in each dwelling unit, The tenant shall test, provide general maintenance and replace required batteries for carbon monoxide detectors located in the tenant’s dwelling unit.”

Justin Trefsger, city code enforcement officer, said rental and owner occupied buildings that have fuel-burning appliances must have a carbon monoxide detector. City codes are online at www.city.pottsville.pa.us.

Misstishin and David Petravich, city building code officer, went to the building Oct. 15 to talk to the landlord and make sure the required detectors were in place

The landlord installed carbon monoxide detectors in the building and two additional smoke detectors, Misstishin said. The coal furnace was also serviced.

Trefsger said you can’t put a price on a life. Carbon monoxide detectors are relatively inexpensive.

“Twenty bucks doesn’t do anything if you’re dead. Go out and buy them. This is cheap life insurance,” he said.

From Sept 30, 2017, to Sept. 30, 2018, Misstishin said the fire department responded to 26 calls for carbon monoxide, adding there have been several this month. Schuylkill Haven Assistant Fire Chief Jim Reed said the Schuylkill Haven Fire Department has responded to five calls from January to the end of May and four calls from August to Oct. 23. No calls were recorded in June or July. No residents have been admitted to the hospital this year as a result of a carbon monoxide incident, Reed said.

Most recently a carbon monoxide call on Washington Street, about two weeks ago, found a neighbor’s home had a blocked chimney. The next-door neighbor had his carbon monoxide detector going off and firefighters could not find the source until they went to the next home.

Residents should call 911 if their carbon monoxide detector is going off and leave the residence and not leave open any doors or windows. Doing so will provide a more accurate reading, he said.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said Tuesday a Minersville resident died in February from carbon monoxide poisoning. He was found in a garage with an ATV running. Moylan ruled the death accidental. He said people should be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide so they can protect themselves and those they love.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at least 430 people die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and about 50,000 visit the hospital each year because of it.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Barnesville

The Dreams of Freedom Irish ballad band will be featured in a night of Irish music beginning at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Ryan Township Fire Company Hall, Route 54. It will be a limited BYOB event. For more information, call 570-573-3987.

Ashland

An Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society meeting involving Frank Rice on Ghosts of Schuylkill County is set for 7 p.m. today. For more information, call 570-590-9985.

Ashland

Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ will have an Election Day food sale beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 6. Food will include hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, soup and snacks. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-875-2700. The church will also have a soup-and-sandwich lunch at 11 a.m. Nov. 14.

Cressona

A Make-A-Wish basket raffle party will begin at noon Nov. 10 at Denny’s Hot Rod Bar & Grill. It will include 50 prize-packed gift baskets. Tickets are $5 each; winners will be drawn at 4 p.m. For more information, call 570-449-0602.

Frackville

Frackville American Legion Post 398 will have a Veterans Day ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11 to honor veterans. Members are invited to join the honor guard, which will visit local hospitalized veterans. There will also be an event beginning at 12:30 p.m. with free food, refreshments and entertainment. It will conclude at 4:30 p.m. and is open to the public. For more information, call 570-874-4750.

Gordon

A Make-A-Wish cornhole tournament fundraiser is set to begin at 11 a.m. Nov. 3 at Gordon Fire Company No. 1. The cost is $20 per team. There will be cash prizes for first, second and third place; food and beverages will be on sale. There will also be a 50/50 event and money wheel during the tournament. For more information, call 570-509-4366.

Heckscherville

The Clover Fire Company’s bi-weekly breakfast will begin at 7 a.m. Sunday at the firehouse. The cost is $9 for adults and $4 for children under 10. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-294-0612.

Lykens

A card party will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday at Zion Lutheran Church, Klinger Road. Games will include Pinochle or Euchre. Beginner classes will be at 3 p.m. and the tournament will begin at 4 p.m. Homemade food will be available. The cost is $2 per player. For more information, call 570-590-5901.

Mahanoy City

An Election Day pork-and-sauerkraut dinner will begin at 3 p.m. Nov. 6 at First United Methodist Church. The cost is $9 at the door; no advance orders. People may eat at the site or take meals out. For more information, call 570-778-0445.

Orwigsburg

Congregational Free Church of Christ, 81 McKeans Ridge Road, will have an advance-order sub sale Nov. 8. The cost is $5 each and varieties include ham, turkey and Italian. To order, call 570-366-2049 by Nov. 4.

Pottsville

A free movie night, featuring “I Can Only Imagine,” is set for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at First Baptist Church, 701 Mahantongo St. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. There will be snacks for all. For more information, call 570-622-4749.

Schuylkill Haven

A pork-and-sauerkraut dinner is set for 3:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday at St. James Episcopal Church. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children. All are welcome. Call 570-385-0737.

Legislation to establish a penalty for the unlawful use of a camera, recording device or any other electronic device in a courthouse facility was advanced unanimously by the state House on Oct. 17.

Its sponsor, Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, Tamaqua, said the need for the legislation was brought to his attention by a judge who had seen intimidating behavior in his courtroom, with spectators using their cellphones to take photos and videos of defendants or witnesses to post on social media.

“On the other side, I have heard about defendants or family members taking similar threatening photos or recordings of Children and Youth agency staffers in dependency and termination cases while standing in the hallway,” Knowles said in a news release. “What’s even more surprising is that existing law does not sufficiently address this very serious obstruction in the administration of justice.”

House Bill 149 is now on its way to Gov. Tom Wolf.

It would amend Pennsylvania’s Criminal Code (obstructing or impeding the administration of justice) to include “intentionally using a camera, recording device or any electronic device to record or photograph any person in any building housing a court.”

The penalty would be a second-degree misdemeanor and would only apply if the use of the camera or other electronic device was intentional and in violation of an express rule or order.

Shawn Christy will be back in Pennsylvania soon if he isn’t already.

He’s scheduled to have his first Pennsylvania federal court appearance Friday morning for threats he allegedly made on social media against President Donald Trump, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli and police.

A notice announcing his initial appearance and arraignment Friday morning before U.S. Magistrate Joseph Saporito Jr. in U.S. District Court in Scranton, was filed Tuesday.

Christy faces charges for threats against the president, interstate communication for threats against law enforcement and interstate communication for threats to injure another person in the four-count indictment.

He led law enforcement on a roughly three-month manhunt which began at his home in McAdoo on June 20 and crossed six state lines. It finally ended in a ravine near a camp in Mifflin Township, northern Ohio, on Sept. 21.

Upon his capture, he was being held in Ohio where he made his first two federal court appearances. The process to transfer him back to Pennsylvania then began with a stay at the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City, which houses in-transit inmates and parole violators.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator showed he was still being held at the transfer facility Monday, but Tuesday it listed that he was no longer there.

The U.S. Marshals Service, which headed the manhunt, said previously they wouldn’t confirm where he was being held.

Christy, who turned 27 on Saturday, is also wanted on a bench warrant from a 2017 aggravated assault case in McAdoo and a Northampton County probation violation.

He awaits other local charges, as his flight from arrest included suspected crimes such as burglaries and vehicle thefts, according to police.

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

POTTSVILLE — A total of 63 people recently received a second chance from the Schuylkill County judicial system, as they entered a special program that will enable them to emerge from their brush with the law without a criminal record.

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program allows people in it to have criminal charges against them dismissed if they comply with its terms. Those include payment of all costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, performance of community service and compliance with directives from the court and the Adult Probation and Parole Office.

Those who complete the program successfully can have the charges against them dismissed and their records expunged.

However, people who do not complete the program can be removed from it and have their cases returned to the trial list. They retain their right to take their case to trial.

President Judge William E. Baldwin admitted the following people, who faced the indicated charges, into the program:

Madison A. Accordino, 26, of Schuylkill Haven; simple assault. Accordino also must pay $1,139.95 restitution.

Gregory Achenbach, 44, of Pottsville; two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia. Achenbach also must pay $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Derreck J. Ahapow, 25, of Frackville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vincent Angelo, 19, of Pottsville; driving under the influence. Angelo also must pay $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Danny M. Arias, 42, of McAdoo; DUI. Arias also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Patricia A. Bagenstose, 22, of Mount Carmel; public welfare fraud. Bagenstose also must pay $2,529.32 restitution to the state.

Curtis R. Bates, 32, of Orwigsburg; DUI.

Michael A. Blessing, 35, of Ashland; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dane Boyer, 21, of Schuylkill Haven; DUI. Boyer also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Shaun R. Butz, 32, of Port Carbon; harassment.

Steven P. Campbell, 49, of Tamaqua; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alexander I. Cann, 26, of Hazle Township; DUI, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Cann also must pay $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Austin J. Charles, 20, of Schuylkill Haven; DUI, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Charles also must pay $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Carol L. Chernewski, 57, of Harrisburg; possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Chernewski also must pay $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg.

Angelina M. Daleasandro, 27, of Pottsville; theft and receiving stolen property. Daleasandro also must pay $1,500 restitution.

Alyssa B. Davidson, 24, of Pottsville; DUI. Davidson also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Earl W. Deimler IV, 21, of Pine Grove; DUI.

Ryan L. Dewald, 44, of Orwigsburg; DUI and possession of a small amount of marijuana. Dewald also must pay $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Mary R. Diamantopoulos, 32, of Saint Clair; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Diamantopoulos also must pay $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Kelly N. Dieter, 33, of Mahanoy City; theft and conspiracy.

Emerson Felix-Alonzo, 36, of Reading; DUI. Felix-Alonzo also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

James R. Flail Jr., 62, of Frackville; simple assault. Flail also must undergo an anger management evaluation.

Ryan J. Flanagan, 21, of Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina; conspiracy and criminal mischief. Shaw also must pay $28,100 restitution.

Anthony M. Harbison, 45, of Pottsville; DUI. Harbison also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Tyler J. Hauck, 23, of Lansford; DUI. Hauck also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Kevin Hoeringer, 21, of Ashland; disorderly conduct. Hoeringer also must undergo a mental health evaluation.

Anna E. Hornberger, 41, of Shenandoah; false reports to law enforcement.

James W. Hrbek, 37, of Port Carbon; retail theft. Hrbek also must pay $312.98 restitution.

Sally Judge, 53, of Nuremberg; false reports to law enforcement and hindering apprehension.

Courtney Keyworth, 23, of Pottsville; DUI. Keyworth also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Zachary Leonard, 32, of Conyngham; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Steve K. Lesh, 64, of Pine Grove; DUI. Lesh also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Alvin M. Lopez, 20, of Reading; recklessly endangering another person and simple assault.

Rachel A. Lugo, 25, of Orwigsburg; DUI.

Leslie A. McClain, 39, of Schuylkill Haven; DUI. McClain also must pay $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Matthew W. McKeon, 29, of Birdsboro; simple assault and endangering the welfare of children.

Karen R. Mengel, 37, of Schuylkill Haven; possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Ronald A. Morris, 73, of Lancaster; DUI and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Scott A. Nicholas, 26, of Drums; DUI. Nicholas also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Brittany Orlando, 31, of Berwick; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Carlos M. Perez, 40, of Reading; DUI. Perez also must pay $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Karon A. Preddie, 21, of Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Joshua A. Renner, 25, of Mahanoy City; retail theft and conspiracy.

Jomar Ross, 26, of McAdoo; defiant trespass.

Brittany A. Rosas, 35, of Kissimmee, Florida; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Erin M. Ryan, 26, of Cressona; DUI. Ryan also must pay $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Zachary L. Schmeck, 29, of Kingston; DUI. Schmeck also must pay $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Joline B. Shafer, 23, of Bloomsburg; DUI and possession of a controlled substance. Prosecutors withdrew charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert J. Stevens, 39, of Cressona; DUI. Stevens also must pay $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Robert L. Stoudt, 72, of Pine Grove; DUI. Stoudt also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Luis M. Tineo, 23, of Hazleton; DUI, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kristy L. Touchinsky-Sanchez, 35, of Orwigsburg; DUI. Touchinsky-Sanchez also must pay $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Martin A. Venable, 20, of Bushkill; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Acmed R. Ventura, 29, of Beaver Meadows; simple assault.

Joseph A. Wafa, 20, of Pottsville; DUI. Wafa also must pay $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Briana L. Walton, 21, of Minersville; DUI, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Walton also must pay $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Bradley S. Warnick, 36, of Tamaqua; theft and receiving stolen property.

Gayle A. Weikel, 57, of Girardville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jessie J. Weikel, 21, of Girardville; theft.

Mason A. White, 22, of Ashland; possession of a controlled substance.

Maryellen Wysochansky, 54, of Frackville; theft and receiving stolen property.

Chelsea B. Yergey, 22, of Pottstown; DUI. Yergey also must pay $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Laurie A. Zaharick, 53, of Auburn; DUI. Zaharick also must pay $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

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

Three new stores have opened and five more are getting set to open at Laurel Mall outside Hazleton.

Ripa Jewelers is opening a second location in the former Sophy Jewelers and Howard’s Jewelers space, and in the process is moving into its third generation.

“Downtown, Jake Ripa will have his executive offices and repair, and he will sell vintage jewelry and watches there,” said Rocco Arruzzo, the mall’s business operations manager. “This store, which is scheduled to open Nov. 1, will be his main jewelry store.”

Ripa said his son, Anthony, who is trained in jewelry repair, will do repair and design work at the downtown store. Jacob Ripa, Anthony’s grandfather, opened and operated the original store in downtown Hazleton.

“We will be doing repair and restoration,” Ripa said of the downtown location. “We will be buying vintage estate jewelry, and restoring it before we sell it.”

The mall store gets another family member involved in the business, Ripa said.

“My daughter-in-law, Christina, Anthony’s wife, worked for Mark Frumkin (Howard’s Jewelers) and for Sophy’s,” Ripa said. “She is very familiar with jewelry, and selling jewelry.”

Already open

Arruzzo said Simply Outerwear, a store that sells fall and winter coats, has opened in the former Olympia space.

Simply Outerwear is owned by Treasure Hunt, which sells brand-name clothing at reduced prices. Treasure Hunt recently relocated to the mall space formerly occupied by NFL Collectibles.

The space it vacated is being filled by Nara Beauty Supply, which also has stores in Mount Pocono, East Stroudsburg and at the Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre Township.

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies will be held at both stores today.

Also, Salad Delight, a restaurant that makes salads and wraps, has opened in the former Dino’s Pizza and Cookfellas space near the center of the mall.

Four more coming

Petables Puppy Boutique will open in the former Pet Shop space approximately Dec. 1.

“Initially, it will be dogs and cats,” Arruzzo said.

In the former coffee shop space in the Dunham’s wing, Pennsylvania Skill Games, an adult arcade, will open as early as this weekend, Arruzzo said.

“You must be over 18 to play, because you can win money,” he said.

In the strip center at the front of the mall, Spark Orthodontics, a dental practice, is opening in the former Gallery of Sound space, and Genevieve’s Deli will be opening in the former Sweet Frog location. Bogart’s Sports Bar and Grille is still under construction, Arruzzo said.

“Aldi’s opened on Friday,” he said of the budget grocery store, which remodeled and expanded into an empty space next door in the strip center.

McDonald’s, being rebuilt at the front of the mall property, is hoping to be open by Dec. 15, Arruzzo said.

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

Police investigate theft of trailer

HIGHRIDGE — State police at Frackville are investigating a theft of a vehicle that occurred at 1427 Keystone Blvd. in Cass Township between April 2017 and April 2018.

Police said someone stole a black utility trailer owned by Letourneau Enterprises LLS, of Charlotte, N.C., with a North Carolina registration of AE 45072.

The trailer is a black 2016 Carnai Trailers Inc., police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at Frackville at 570-874-5300.

DUI checkpoints announced

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Roving DUI Patrols will be conducted now through Oct. 31 on routes 61,183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 1008, 443, 895, 125, 25, 924 and 54.

Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call, toll-free, 1-888-UNDER21, to report underage drinking.

Police: Woman

endangered kids

ELIZABETHVILLE — A Tower City woman was charged by state police at Lykens after an incident on Kocher Lane in Washington Township, Dauphin County, around 11 p.m. Sept. 1.

Police said they were called to the area for a report of two children left unattended inside a vehicle and found the driver — Holly Paul, 35 — to be under the influence.

The woman was also charged with endangering the welfare of children due to the 10-year-old girl and 2-year-old boy who were inside the vehicle with her.

Charges against Paul were filed with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville, police said.

3 face charges

for alleged fight

WILLIAMSTOWN — Three people were charged with harassment by state police at Lykens after an incident on West Market Street in Williams Township, Dauphin County, around 4:10 p.m. Oct. 3.

Police said Tabatha Kus, 28, of Williamstown, and Kayla Eppinette, 27, of Hegins, were involved in a fight. Kus’ husband, David Kus, 31, of Williamstown, held down his wife so Eppinette could try and punch her.

Police said the charges against the three were filed with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville.

Police investigate

hit-and-run crash

ELIZABETHVILLE — State police at Lykens are investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred around 10 a.m. Oct. 11 on West Main Street, Route 209, just east of North Church Street, in this Dauphin county community.

Police said a 2018 GMC Sierra was being driven north by an unidentified operator who struck a legally parked 1996 Ford E150 and then fled the area north without stopping.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at Lykens at 717-362-8700.

Police investigate

Lykens Twp. crash

LYKENS — A hit-and-run crash that occurred around 8:20 p.m. Sept. 29 at the intersection of Route 25 and Rumshtown Road in Lykens Township, Dauphin County, is being investigated by state police at Lykens.

Police said an unidentified person was driving a 1992 Ford F150 west and failed to follow a slight left curve, causing the vehicle to go off of the road, cross Rumshtown Road and through an electric fence.

The driver then made a sharp right turn and continued about 100 yards downhill through a fence before coming to a stop at the bottom of the field in mud.

The driver then fled the scene, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at Lykens at 717-362-8700.

TUSCARORA — Three people were killed in a two-vehicle crash on Route 209 in Schuylkill Township on Tuesday night.

The crash occurred around 9 p.m. about a mile west of Tamaqua.

Emergency personnel said a compact car and full-size pickup truck collided, killing the driver of the truck and two people inside the car. All three were pronounced dead at the scene by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Deb Detweiler.

State police said the car was traveling east toward Tamaqua when the truck exited from a dirt road onto Route 209 and into the car’s path.

A 17-year-old female passenger in the truck was flown to a hospital with serious injuries.

Firefighters from Tuscarora, MaryD and Tamaqua responded to the scene along with Tamaqua EMS.

The crash closed both lanes of Route 209 for several hours while state police troopers from the Frackville station conducted their investigation.

It was the second triple fatal crash on Route 209 in less than a week. On Saturday, two men and 17-year-old boy were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Reilly Township between Newtown and Tremont.

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

POTTSVILLE — Kayla M. Leibowitz, who police alleged supplied a fatal dose of fentanyl to a Coaldale man in March 2017, is not guilty of that charge, but guilty of eight others, a Schuylkill County jury decided on Tuesday.

Leibowitz, 29, of New Ringgold, breathed a sigh of relief when the jury of eight men and four women acquitted her of drug delivery resulting in death. However, the same jury found Leibowitz, formerly of Coaldale, guilty of delivery of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance in that case.

In a second case, the same jury found Leibowitz guilty of four counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia. Jurors deliberated about two hours before reaching their verdict.

President Judge William E. Baldwin, who presided over Leibowitz’s two-day trial, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation, said he would schedule sentencing at a later date and allowed the defendant to remain free on $25,000 straight cash bail pending sentencing.

Coaldale police filed both sets of charges against Leibowitz.

They alleged she supplied the fentanyl to George Dougherty on March 7 or 8, 2017, and possessed four types of drugs — alprazolam, fentanyl, hydrocodone and methamphetamine — and the paraphernalia when she was apprehended on June 21, 2017. Both incidents occurred in the borough, police said.

Dougherty died in the early morning hours of March 9, 2017, at his mother’s home, police said.

Testifying on Tuesday, Leibowitz admitted doing almost everything the police had alleged except supplying the fentanyl to Dougherty. Instead, she said, she gave him two bags of heroin on March 7 at her residence because he was “dope sick” without drugs.

“He injected it,” Leibowitz said. “We called it heroin.”

Dougherty left a little after midnight March 8 and she never saw him again, according to Leibowitz. She said he seemed OK when he left her residence that night.

“I was an active addict,” Leibowitz said. “I was doing the same bags.”

She said she exchanged Facebook messages with Dougherty on March 8, but he never came to see her even though they had planned to go to Hazleton.

“He had gotten money off of us,” Leibowitz said. “I didn’t ask him what it was for. There are quite a few people in our area, Coaldale, Lansford, Summit Hill and Nesquehoning, who sell drugs.”

Concerning her apprehension, Leibowitz said borough Police Chief Keith A. Krapf had stopped the vehicle in which she was riding and took her to Carbon County Prison because of an outstanding warrant. While she denied that he had given her Miranda warnings, Leibowitz said she had drugs and paraphernalia on her.

In his closing argument, Assistant Public Defender Paul G. Domalakes, Leibowitz’s lawyer, did not contest any of the charges except for drug delivery resulting in death.

He said the prosecution’s own test results indicated that Dougherty took the fatal dose on March 8, and that the messages between the two indicated that Leibowitz and Dougherty did not see each other during that day.

“There is objective evidence to support Kayla’s testimony that she didn’t give him anything on March 8,” Domalakes said.

Domalakes said Dougherty bought his fentanyl elsewhere on March 8. It is not unusual for an addict to do that, he said.

Furthermore, he said, Leibowitz also took heroin at the same time Dougherty did.

“She took the same substances from the same packets and didn’t die,” Domalakes said. “There’s no evidence that on March 7, she gave him fentanyl.”

On the other hand, Berks County Assistant District Attorney Colin Boyer said in his closing argument that the only real issue was whether Leibowitz gave Dougherty the drugs that killed him. He said the numerous messages between the two proved the case.

“It was a conversation between a seller and a buyer,” he said. “I think the evidence is clear.”

Boyer reminded jurors that the evidence showed that the fentanyl was the fatal drug and that there should not be any doubt who provided it to Dougherty.

“Kayla was not only a friend. Kayla was George’s only source of drugs,” he said.

Boyer showed the jurors a photograph of Dougherty to remind them of the central issue of the case.

“That’s George. That’s why we’re here,” he said. “Ensure justice prevails. Tell (Leibowitz) what she did was criminal.”

The Berks County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case because Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake had represented Leibowitz at her preliminary hearing before he assumed office.

After the verdict, Boyer declined to discuss the case, while Domalakes said the result was correct.

“Kayla admitted that she was a drug abuser,” he said. “She possessed it, but as she said on the stand, she wouldn’t admit to something she didn’t do. I think the evidence supported her.”

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

Deeds

Ashland — Robert J. Schreffler and Kenneth D. Schreffler to Jamie L. Miller; 1736 Spruce St.; $54,900.

Butler Township — Richard Stoker to Kevin R. Blank; 406 Main St., Lavelle; $64,900.

Cass Township — Winnie Coal Co. LLC to Nebroskie Coal LLC; 31.81-acre property on Coal lane; $500.

Coal Castle Fuels Inc. to Nebroskie Coal LLC; 41.103-acre property in Primrose; $500.

Cass and Foster townships — Cass Estates Inc. to Nebroskie Coal LLC; 92.6-acre property; $500.

Frackville — Dr. Robert E. Rhoads and Dr. Albert B. Matz to Johanna Storey; property on Lehigh Avenue; $35,000.

Girardville — Robert A. and Jessica Davis to Michael G. and Brooke A. Huss; 142 W. Main St.; $1.

Fulmore Foundation Inc. to Kevin V. Kopec; 137 C St.; $12,000.

Gordon — Kathleen A. Brzoska to Jamie L. Fetterolf; 226 E. Biddle St.; $1.

North Manheim Township — Angeline Porter to Melissa J. Ricketts and Mary Ann Zimmerman; 35 Gracy Road; $106,500.

Terry Killian to Andy Geary; 188 W. Second Mountain Road; $43,200.

North Union Township — Branch Banking & Trust Co. to Joanna and John Vorchack; 323 Whiteface Circle, Zion Grove; $9,000.

Rush Township — Hafco American Petroleum Inc. to Jamshaid Ahsan and Shahzad N. Muhaise; 9 Mahanoy Ave., Hometown; $625,000.

ORWIGSBURG — The new Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital in West Brunswick Township is quickly taking shape.

Located along Route 61, the three-story, 120,000-square-foot facility will have an emergency department and other services.

“Construction remains on track, despite the wet weather we had over the summer. In mid-November, we will have a topping-off ceremony as we raise the final steel beams for the hospital structure. Construction crews will continue to work at the site through the winter,” Sam Kennedy, corporate communications director for St. Luke’s University Health Network, said Tuesday.

The hospital is slated to open in fall 2019. St. Luke’s University Health Network, Bethlehem, will build and manage the hospital while both St. Luke’s and Geisinger will provide the physicians and support staff.

Groundbreaking for the hospital was July 12. Quandel Construction Group is the contractor for the project.

“A new hospital has not been built in Schuylkill County for almost a century. Our Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital in Orwigsburg will be an 80-bed, fully-licensed hospital, providing high-quality, low-cost health care to residents of Schuylkill and northern Berks County. We are building the hospital with American steel, so we feel a real sense of pride as we see the beams lifted into place and the structure take shape.

“This is the first time in Pennsylvania that two health care systems have agreed to build and equally co-own a new hospital. Currently, the project is providing employment for about 200 construction workers and tradesmen and women. Soon, the hospital will permanently employ hundreds of doctors, nurses, technicians and other workers, paying family-sustaining wages. Our hope is to fill openings with existing Geisinger and St. Luke’s employees as well as many new people who reside nearby. In addition to the obvious health benefits, this project will have a lasting positive economic impact on our region,” Geisinger St. Luke’s President Gabe Kamarousky said in a statement Tuesday.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028