Frackville

A free community luncheon will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, 414 W. Oak St. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-874-0119.

Frackville

Frackville American Legion Post 398 will have bingo games today. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and the Legion kitchen will be open with food vouchers for the first 25 people. Games will begin at 6 p.m. For more information, call 570-874-4750.

Hometown

The Marian Catholic High School Quarterback Club will sponsor a designer purse bingo Sunday in the school cafeteria featuring the brands Kate Spade, Coach and Michael Kors. Doors will open at noon and games begin at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door; proceeds will benefit the Marian Colts football team. All are welcome. For more information, call Carrie Falls at 570-449-3569.

Lavelle

A free appreciation dinner for veterans is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 9 hosted by the Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, and sponsored by Bixler Pyrotechnics, Ashland. “We will serve as many people as we possibly can until the food runs out,” organizers said in a release. For more information, call Mike at Bixler Pyro at 570-527-6008 or go online to www.bixlerpyro.com.

New Philadelphia

A historical display of New Philadelphia is set for 1 p.m. Sunday at Holy Cross Parish Center in conjunction with the borough’s 150th anniversary, sponsored by the New Philadelphia Community Organization. All are welcome.

Pottsville

The newly created Schuylkill Pitt Club recently participated in the 11th annual Pitt Make A Difference Day with the local club’s focus in Pottsville. The club is made up of University of Pittsburgh alumni, parents of alumni and student supporters, according to a press release from attorney Glenn Roth Jr. Its goal is to support all University of Pittsburgh students and activities. The local group’s emphasis this year was working with the management of Barefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, providing assistance with painting and landscaping. Participants, in addition to Roth, included Diane Maley, Terry Harvey, Francesco Mercuri and attorney Chester “Pete” Corse. Roth said in the release the club wants to do all it can not only for University of Pittsburgh students, but also for “the area around our county.” Earlier this year, he said, the club held a new-student sendoff at Bubeck Park in Schuylkill Haven for students either transferring to any of the university campuses or new enrollees to the university and their parents. The event was well-attended, he continued, adding that local Pitt alumni interacted with new students by answering questions and providing information. Corse, Roth added, spoke to the new students about the university and college life as well as priorities and having a support system. Anyone interested in joining the Schuylkill Pitt Club should go to its Facebook page under Pitt Fans from Central Pa. or email schuylkillpittclub@gmail.com.

Schuylkill Haven

A pork-and-sauerkraut dinner is set for 3:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday at St. James Episcopal Church, Dock Street and Paxton Avenue. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children. All are welcome.

Shenandoah

Trinity Academy in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Educaton Center, Cherry and Chestnut streets, will have a children’s Halloween bingo at 6 p.m. today. Participants are welcome to wear costumes. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for the family event that is open to the public. Food and bake sale items will be available; admission is $5 at the door. Trinity Academy is the sole parochial K-8 school for all of northern Schuylkill County. For more information, call 570-462-3927.

Wiconsico

The UDA Travel Abroad Club will have a Coach and Vera Bradley bingo from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Wiconisco Firehouse. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $35 each. Food and raffle baskets will be available. For more information, email travelabroadclub@gmail.com.

Deeds

Ashland — Highspire Realty LLC to Richard W. and Judith A. Fritz; 2000 Walnut St.; $155,000.

East Union Township — Maureen K. Jampo, administratrix of the Estate of John S. Jampo Jr., to Hayley Jampo and Dominic J. Jampo; Lot 142ER, Eagle Rock; $1.

Hubley Township — Norman R. Lettich, executor of the Estate of Ethel M. Lettich, to Rachel Koppenhaver, Wendy Campbell and Daniel Bloch; 30-acre property; $11,500.

North Manheim and West Brunswick townships — William J. Yazujian to William J. Yazujian and Jaclyn Renee Fenstermacher; 728 E. Second Mountain Road; $1.

North Union Township — Michael T. Sudbrink, Diane J. Sudbrink, Shannon M. Hardesty and Scott R. Zubrowski to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 7E, Eagle Rock; $7,500.

Eugene F. Kreuzberger, individually and as attorney in fact for Kathleen A. Kreuzberger, to Naomi Swartz and David Frantz; 33 La Mesa Drive, Eagle Rock; $330,000.

Norwegian Township — Craig Angelo to Andrew Simms; 506 Willow St.; $220,000.

Orwigsburg — Joseph and Marlene J. Fisher to Jaime L. Patterson and Zachary Vaughn; 1027 E. Ridge View Drive, Ridgeview; $249,900.

Pine Grove — Forino Co. LP to Ronald M. and Elizabeth A. Ashcraft; 5 Ridge Vista Drive; $1.

Port Carbon — Denise Darinsig and Stanley J. Darinsig, by guardian Eldercare Solutions Inc., to Stanley J. Darinsig, by guardian Eldercare Solutions Inc.; 208 Valley St.; $1.

Reilly Township — 17 Mile Real Estate LLC to SpectraSite Communications LLC; easement on property on North Tremont Street, Newtown; $183,035.

Shenandoah — Shane B. Lawson to Jose Ulloa; property on West Coal Street; $13,000.

David J. Nunez to Lesly Concepcion; 434 W. Coal St.; $3,000.

Christopher M. Rooney, administrator of the Estate of Kathleen A. Rooney, to Norman P. Gregas Estate; 514 E. Centre St.; $1.

Wealth Returns LLC to Edison Pozo; 414-416 S. Jardin St.; $100.

South Manheim Township — William R. and Janet M. Nice to Anne and Troy D. Verga; 2593 Crow Foot Drive, Lake Wynonah; $10,400.

Melissa B. Christman to Joseph A. and Christine A. Branca; 2125 Running Deer Drive, Lake Wynonah; $138,500.

Upper Mahantongo Township — Richard A. and Sarah E. Erdman to Caleb M. Bordner; 1651 Ridge Road, Klingerstown; $47,500.

Washington Township — Ausdiene Construction Inc. to Antonio and Megan Randazzo; property on Dad Burnhams Road; $15,000.

Lewis Weaver, Kenneth Weaver and Kervin Weaver to Antonio and Megan Randazzo; property on Dad Burnhams Road; $15,000.

U.S. Marshal for the District of Middle Pennsylvania to Sandra J. Hawthorne; 1.305-acre property on State Route 3009; $34,000.

MINERSVILLE — More than 50 people attended a presentation titled “The Mining Engineering of the Tunnel at the Battle of the Crater” Thursday on the efforts of Schuylkill County residents to dig behind enemy lines during the Civil War.

Held at Mountaineer Hose Company in Minersville, David Williams, a professional anthracite mining engineer from Valley View, talked about the engineering feat behind the Battle of the Crater near Petersburg, Virginia. He was invited by members of the Minersville Area Historical Society to give the presentation.

“I think the whole thing is a showcase of Schuylkill County anthracite mining ingenuity,” he said of the July 1864 event.

There was a long period of fighting before the digging of the mine started. Williams said the men of the 48th Pennsylvania Volunteers, an infantry regiment, dug the hole after Lt. Col. Henry Pleasants, an engineer, suggested the idea.

The men got the wood from a bridge and a sawmill not far away. They had to fashion tools out of what they had available. Candles or lamps were lit every 20 feet or so in the mine so the men could see. Williams said no men died while digging the mine.

“There were over 400 men that were involved in this activity,” Williams said.

The digging of the more than 500-foot-long tunnel, which commenced July 25, 1864, started on the Union side to under the Confederate line, filled with explosives was meant to puncture the Confederate lines. The explosion took place July 30, 1864, and nearly 300 Confederates were killed but many Union forces charged ahead and right into the crater. However, the charge didn’t go off initially and two men went back into the mine and fixed the problem caused by the fuse burning out before the explosion ignited.

According to Battlefields.org, 14,600 Union and Confederate forces were engaged in the battle. An estimated 5,289 forces died: 3,7890 Union forces and 1,491 Confederate.

Williams’ interest was ignited previously when he took a tour of the Charles Baber Cemetery, where Pleasants is buried, and read a book about him.

Frank Snyder, Orwigsburg, said he enjoyed the presentation.

“It gave me a whole new appreciation of the Battle of the Crater,” he said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — A Schuylkill County jury found a Tamaqua man guilty on Thursday of using a charitable organization’s credit card in December 2016 to buy items for himself from a local home improvement center.

Brandon R. Snyder, 35, shook his head as the jury of seven women and five men pronounced him guilty of access device fraud. Jurors deliberated almost two hours before reaching their verdict.

Judge Charles M. Miller, who presided over the two-day trial, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation, allowed Snyder to remain free on $15,000 unsecured bail and scheduled the defendant’s sentencing for 9:30 a.m. Nov. 27.

Saint Clair police charged Snyder with using a Lowe’s credit card belonging to Child Development Inc. at the Lowe’s home improvement center in Fairlane Village on four occasions in December 2016, once on Dec. 18, once on Dec. 19 and twice on Dec. 20.

In his closing argument, Robert M. Reedy, Schuylkill Haven, Snyder’s lawyer, said Lowe’s was trying to control the case and that the prosecution acted as the business’s tool.

“We only see what Lowe’s wants us to see,” Reedy said. “Brandon Snyder is the victim of an incomplete and biased investigation.”

He said that prosecutors made no real effort to find Robert Ditzler, whose name was on the credit card Snyder purportedly used, and did not act fairly.

“The commonwealth put on a pretty good dog and pony show,” Reedy said.

However, jurors accepted the argument of First Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Stine, who said the evidence pointed to Snyder as the criminal, not a victim.

“He’s signing the name of another person” when making the purchases, Stine said of Snyder. “What does common sense tell you? Do you use your name or do you sign somebody else’s name?”

Any one of the purchases could be considered access device fraud, since the credit card was used in each one, Stine said.

Furthermore, Child Development never gave Snyder permission to use the credit card, Stine said.

While Lowe’s reimbursed Child Development for the organization’s loss, Stine said the business still lost money on the transactions. He said prosecutors need only show that Child Development was the card’s rightful owner and that it never gave Snyder permission to use it.

Stine also reminded jurors that Snyder bought several expensive items with the card.

“Motive in this case is fairly simple,” he said. “Greed is a motive.”

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

Defendant: Brandon R. Snyder

Age: 35

Residence: Tamaqua

Verdict: Guilty of access device fraud

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court accepted a Bethlehem man into the program on Thursday, giving him a chance to rid himself of his addiction.

Matthew L. Leonard, 50, is the 27th person in the program, court coordinator Lynn Holden said.

Leonard originally pleaded guilty on Feb. 15, 2017, to resisting arrest, defiant trespass, false identification to law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of public drunkenness.

At that time, President Judge William E. Baldwin placed Leonard on probation for 24 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Pottsville police had charged Leonard with committing his crimes on July 8, 2016, in the city.

“Hopefully, this program will help you,” Judge James P. Goodman told Leonard, who wore a prison jumpsuit to court. Leonard will be starting his time in the program today by going to a substance abuse rehabilitation facility.

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

Program participants must undergo substance abuse treatment, make regular court appearances, submit to random drug testing and home visits, meet with probation officers and comply with directives from the court and those officers. Participants must complete all five phases in order to graduate from the program; graduation is the carrot, resulting in dismissal of the charges against them, and completion of an aftercare program can lead to expungement of that part of their record.

The program lasts for a minimum of 14 months.

However, since the participants tender guilty pleas to the charges against them, failure to complete the drug treatment court program is the stick, resulting in the pleas being accepted and the defendants being sentenced, quite possibly to time in a state correctional institution.

Other participants in the program read from their required weekly essays during Thursday’s court session, emphasizing their efforts to overcome failure.

“Failure is an attitude,” Kerry said. “Using drugs, I developed an attitude of failure.”

She said she now knows she must change and will do her best to rid herself of her addiction.

Jolena also traced her feelings of failure to drug abuse.

“I numbed myself with drugs for a long time,” she said. “I’ve made my share of mistakes, but it doesn’t mean I’m a failure.”

Kerry and Jolena also are off to rehab before returning to the weekly court sessions.

Jacqueline said she now knows she does not have to fight her addiction by herself.

“Good people are here and willing to help me,” she said.

Jordan also said he wants to look to the promise of the future and not his failures.

“I need to learn from my mistakes,” he said. “The past is the past.”

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

Chamber foundation

OK’d as EIO group

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been approved as an Educational Improvement Organization for the 2018-19 year “to provide innovative education program through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flier.

Pennsylvania businesses approved for EITC credits through the state Department of Community and Economic Development are invited to use tax credits to donate to the Schuylkill Chamber Foundation, allowing direct support to local students through YEA!

YEA! Schuylkill, according to the flier, is a hands-on extracurricular program that “turns 6-12 grade students into CEOs of their own real companies or social movements.”

For more about the YEA! Program, call Mary Jo Moss, program manager, at 570-294-6568 or email her at mmoss@schuylkillchamber.com.

Halloween pet pix

at Tractor Supply

SAINT CLAIR — Tractor Supply Co. at the Coal Creek Commerce Center is inviting customers to attend a Halloween pet photography event set for 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at its 550 Terry Rich Blvd. store.

A local photographer, according to a press release, will be on-site shooting Halloween-themed photos of customers’ four-legged friends and the first 25 customers who get their photo taken will also receive a free magnetic picture frame.

Participating event partners will include the Ruth M. Steinert Memorial SPCA, Pottsville.

“At Tractor Supply, we understand that your pets aren’t just like family — they are family,” Ray Higdon, manager of the Saint Clair Tractor Supply store, said in the release. He added that people may have their pets dressed up in Halloween costumes.

In addition to the pet photos, customers will also have the opportunity to enjoy pet photos, trick-or-treating, a bake sale and games.

This event is open to the public. For more information, call the Tractor Supply store at 570-429-2700.

Chamber updates

mixers, sessions

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has several upcoming sessions on its agenda. People may register for all chamber programs online at www.schuylkillchamber.com. The chamber and the SEDCO/chamber conference center are at Union Station, 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201, Pottsville, PA 17901.

• “Selling Isn’t Scary,” presented by Ed Winkelbauer of Insurance Agency Alliance and Liz Novitsky of RAW Concepts Ltd. Will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 7 in the SEDCO/chamber conference center. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $50 for non-members.

• The Non-Profit Lunch & Learn will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 7 in the SEDCO/chamber conference center focusing on Small Games of Chance Dos and Don’ts with state Rep. Mike Tobash, D-125, and Schuylkill County Treasurer Linda Marchalk. The cost is $15 for chamber members and $20 for non-members.

• Shannon Brennan, Schuylkill Technology Centers, will present a session from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 29 regarding strategies for retaining the millennial workforce. It will be held in the SEDCO/chamber conference center, costing $40 for chamber members and $80 for nonmembers with lunch included.

• A session called Find Your Stressor, Achieving Zen in the Workplace, will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 18 at the SEDCO/chamber conference center with Edy P. Pierre of In Search Innovation. The education seminar is eligible for the Tiers Education Seminar Credit for partner members and higher. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $50 for nonmembers. The reservation deadline is Dec. 14.

• The chamber offers a new-member benefit, a human resources helpline that provides “fast, personal help from real live HR professionals,” according to a chamber flier.

Help is available regarding FMLA, ADA or leaves of absence; employee discipline, termination or employee relations; questions about drug testing or harassment, officials said in the flier.

“Call during regular business hours to speak with an HR expert,” according to the flier. The toll-free helpline is 844-318-0699. For after-hours calls, leave a message and the call will be returned the next business day. People may also email questions to HRHelpline@schuylkillchamber.com.

People may register for all chamber programs online at www.schuylkillchamber.com. The chamber and the SEDCO/chamber conference center are at Union Station, 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201, Pottsville, PA 17901.

• A program called WEDnetPA is funded by the state Department of Community and Economic Development and administered by Lehigh Carbon Community College, according to a chamber flier.

“You may qualify for WEDnetPA funding if your company is based in Pennsylvania, a manufacturing or a technology-based business,” according to the flier.

Organizations may be eligible to receive up to $450 per person for essential skills training and up to $850 per person for advanced technology training.

For more information, apply to Maureen Donovan, Center for Leadership & Workforce, by emailing mdonovan@lccc.edu or calling 570-668-6880 or 610-799-1245.

Galen Glen ready

for 6th HalloWINE

ANDREAS — Galen Glen Winery, 255 Winter Mountain Drive, will again feature an event to benefit Family Promise of Carbon County, the region’s only shelter for homeless children and their parents.

Galen Glen on Saturday and Sunday will host its sixth annual HalloWINE Weekend to benefit the charity, according to a winery press release.

This year, Galen Glen will partner with Lehighton Ford.

Kathy Mason, winery tasting room manager, said of the new partnership she had thought about food drives “where they stuffed a bus and thought, why can’t we do that with some cars?” She called a friend at the Lehighton dealership about the idea and there was no hesitation. She said Gary Salijko Jr., general sales manager at the dealership, told her “We are proud to be a leader in helping our local community.”

Jonathan Blackwell-Rodgers, director of Family Promise, said that businesses that donate to help the agency “are actually investing in the community and the lives of those in the program.” He said businesses can help by hosting events or “working with one of our local host churches to prepare meals, dine with guests for fellowship, spend a night sleeping at a host church to represent care and compassion while the families sleep.”

Galen Glen and Lincoln Ford hope the community will visit the winery with donations of new or gently used blankets and sheets, new towels, wash cloths, underwear and socks for men, women and children, according to the release. Other things needed include cleaning supplies, light bulbs, laundry soap and fabric softener sheets, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, diapers and baby wipes and some toiletries.

People unable to attend the event but wishing to help may drop donated items the week before during normal business hours at the winery or at Lehighton Ford.

St. Luke’s seeks

more volunteers

COALDALE — St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus is looking for volunteers to help make a difference with patients in the skilled nursing unit, inpatient nursing or emergency department “by spending time socializing, providing comfort items and assisting staff with various supportive duties.”

St. Luke’s volunteers, organizers said in a release, “are greatly appreciated and a valued members of our team.”

For more information or to join the program, call 484-526-4600 or visit www.slhn.org/volunteerNOW.

Loans available

for projects

Firms looking to expand or to retain or add employees may be eligible for a loan of up to $25,000, according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flier.

Business loans are available with the following criteria: Use of proceeds must be for job growth or retention and cannot be a working capital line of credit; use of proceeds could be to buy equipment, software programs for training purposes, CRE improvements and similar items; business must be located in Schuylkill County; collateral could be business assets and/or real estate.

POTTSVILLE — The state Department of Corrections announced on Friday the three most recent employees of the month at State Correctional Institution/Mahanoy.

Michael Connolly, who works in the prison’s food service department, was the September honoree. Connolly has been doing double duty since another employee has been out with a long-term illness, according to the DOC

“Mickey always demonstrates a high level of initiative and consistently exceeds expectation,” according to the DOC.

James Flores, a corrections counselor II, received the award for August. Flores is the only counselor serving one of the prison’s units and he also is willing to take on additional duties, according to the DOC.

“Jim takes pride in his work and assures its quality and timeliness,” according to the DOC.

James Stone, a corrections officer, was the winner of the July award. DOC said he is dependable, motivated and works well with peers and administrators.

“He is one of the most competent and knowledgeable officers ... and takes pride in whatever he does,” according to the DOC.

SCI/Mahanoy also recently recognized its activities department, which includes seven employees. That department promotes a variety of games, sports and other hobbies in which the inmates can learn skills, establish relationships, respect others and improve themselves.

The department operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

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

SHENANDOAH — Borough police filed charges against a Hanover Township man for allegedly robbing the M&T Bank on Monday.

Police Chief George Carado said a complaint was filed Friday against Jamie Lee Johnson, 38, LKA 92 Columbia Ave., charging him with the 11:14 a.m. heist.

Carado charged Johnson with robbery-removed from a financial institution, robbery with force however slight, robbery-threatening to inflict bodily injury, theft and receiving stolen property, all felony offenses. Carado also filed a misdemeanor charge of simple assault against Johnson.

The chief said a warrant has been issued for Johnson’s arrest and officials are seeking his whereabouts.

Carado said Johnson entered the bank at Main and Centre streets wearing a gray fleece shirt, a white hat and blue jeans carrying a black and orange backpack.

A teller in the bank reported having money on her counter preparing to put it in the vault when Johnson walked directly to her window and placed an orange duffle bag on the counter.

When the teller asked Johnson to step back he told her he wanted the money, saying, “I mean it lady,” Carado said.

The chief said Johnson jumped on the counter, grabbed the money from the counter and also from the teller’s drawer, placed it in the bag and fled, running north on North Ferguson Street.

A security image of the robber was provided to several media outlets and, Carado said, on Wednesday a woman called to report knowing the robber and identifying him as Johnson.

Hanover Township police were contacted and provided Shenandoah officers with a description of a vehicle owned by Johnson’s girlfriend also the vehicle’s registration plate number.

On Thursday, Carado said, he reviewed security video and was able to place that vehicle in close proximity to the bank at the time of the robbery and then leaving the borough south on Route 924.

Later Thursday, Carado said, he interviewed Johnson’s mother, who identified the man in the security images as her son.

Johnson’s mother also identified the clothing her son was wearing, the black and orange backpack that belongs to one of her other sons that Johnson took and the vehicle belonging to Johnson’s girlfriend, Carado said.

The chief said that police are asking that anyone with information on the whereabouts of Johnson to call them through the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 570-462-1991.

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

POTTSVILLE — A Minersville man went free on Friday in Schuylkill County Court after a jury found him not guilty of assaulting his girlfriend in February in his hometown.

Jamie W. Falu, 27, is not guilty of aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, the jury decided after deliberating approximately 45 minutes.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell, who presided over Falu’s one-day trial, also found him not guilty of harassment.

Minersville police had charged Falu with assaulting Rosa Galarza on Feb. 13 at their residence in the 600 block of Lewis Street.

“He broke my nose. He beat me up,” Galarza testified.

After that, Galarza said, Falu kicked her in the face and elsewhere.

However, Dr. Mohammad M. Akbar, Pottsville, testified that Galarza did not come to his office until April 17. He testified that she had a broken nose with swelling but went through a normal recovery.

Minersville police Patrolman Kai B. Apel, the prosecuting officer, testified he came upon a disturbing scene.

“I found Miss Galarza with blood on her,” he said. “There was blood coming from her nose and on her chest.”

However, Apel also said Galarza refused treatment at the scene, showed a lot of emotion and was actually screaming that she wanted to find Falu to “mess him up.”

Yashira Torres, Minersville, testified that she is not sure who threw the first punch in what was a chaotic scene.

“I heard them yelling. I saw them arguing,” she said. “They were punching each other. They were in each other’s face.”

Assistant District Attorney Thomas J. Campion Jr. said in his closing argument that Galarza was defending herself from Falu’s attack when she hit him.

“It is not acceptable for someone to hit someone else,” he said. “Punching a woman in the face can cause serious bodily injury. She did have a broken nose.”

However, jurors accepted the closing argument of Assistant Public Defender Paul G. Domalakes, Falu’s lawyer, who said Galarza’s testimony about being kicked is completely uncorroborated and that neither the hospital records nor Apel’s testimony shows that she suffered any bruises.

“He didn’t attempt to cause any injury,” Domalakes said of his client. “I submit there’s a lot of reasonable doubt here.”

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

Defendant: Jamie W. Falu

Age: 27

Residence: Minersville

Verdict: Not guilty of aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person; also found not guilty of harassment by judge

ASHLAND — Visitors to the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train for the third annual Fall Festival on Oct. 20 got to see something they did not expect — a trapped black bear.

The captured bear had been a problem in recent months in the area of the tourist attraction and upper Ashland as it traveled looking for food in trash cans, dumpsters and all the wrong places.

During early Oct. 20 afternoon, state game wardens Jason Macunas and David Fidler arrived to collect the troublesome omnivore for a trip to another locale. The wardens drove the trap from behind the complex and stopped in front of the office to talk with Business Manager Chastity Moran.

“We’ve had the bear starting sometime in August,” Moran said. “I will never forget when one of the girls in the gift shop and she came over and said, ‘There’s a bear by the garbage shed.’ The bear was going through the alleyways and it was wrecking the doors on our garbage shed. It was bad. So they (wardens) dropped off the trap and we found it today. They checked the trap Friday (Oct. 19) around noon, so it had to be overnight.”

Once people learned about what was inside the large trap, many crowded around it to get a peek inside. Macunas used a flashlight to illuminate the bear so people could look inside through the many air holes in the container, cautioning everyone not to put their fingers inside.

“He weighs about 150 to 200 pounds,” Macunas said. “He is tagged, so this bear has been caught before.”

The trap was delivered on Oct. 16 and was sprung in the early morning hours of Oct. 20.

“I received a call from Kathy (Lattis) here at the office and a couple of months ago and they were having an issue with the bear especially coming down here and at the fringe of town,” Macunas said. “Out of concern for public safety, we set up a trap around the back at the big parking lot up top. We just drop it to the parking lot, opened the door and bait it with doughnuts. Bears obviously love doughnuts, because it worked pretty good here. Then all we do is come back in, hitch it back up and you have a bear in can.”

Macunas said the bear will get a good home away from people.

“We’re going to take him to a game land to give him a lot of room to roam around and not get into any trouble,” he said.

The bear had not been sedated in any way due to the time of year.

“We’re not going to do anything as far as tranquilizing him today. It’s too close to hunting season in the event he would be harvested,” Macunas said. “The medications aren’t going to be metabolized. So we’ll just take him to the game lands, open the door and let him run free.”

Fidler added, “That medication would stay in the bear’s body, and if someone would harvest him in bear season, the meat wouldn’t be any good to eat. There are quite a few bears around here. They always get some here around Pioneer Tunnel because of the dumpsters.”

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

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — The North Schuylkill Elementary School had 40 Bloomsburg University students visit Friday for some hands-on teaching experience in the classroom.

The annual fall reading day that began in 2013 gives students the university’s Department of Exceptionality programs a start in learning more about what it is like to be in a classroom atmosphere as teachers in the fourth through sixth grades at North Schuylkill.

Coordinating the day were North Schuylkill Title I reading specialists Anne Tarantelli, Beth Huntsinger and Megan Gierka. Accompanying the university students was Professor Kali Fedor, who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses within the Department of Exceptionalities.

Tarantelli said the reading day began at the Ringtown Area Elementary Center. When it closed, it came to the current building.

“When we joined forces here, Kim Kaufman was in charge of it, and upon her retirement, I took it over,” Tarantelli said. “So I go up to Bloomsburg and talk about our expectation. It’s part of their coursework. This is a mandatory project. I bring a bunch of books to Bloomsburg and they choose a book and then they develop a lesson. Some books may be scary stories, or something on the history of mummies. So, you can line up with social studies any book.”

She said the book chosen by a student will be read before a class after developing a lesson and activities that would naturally relate to that book. The lesson could be in social studies, history, math and science, but still done with the focus of reading.

The Department of Exceptionality programs offer several options for undergraduate and graduate study, including ample opportunities for classroom and field-based study and experiences through partnerships with area schools, intermediate units, organizations and community events.

The university also sends its students to North Schuylkill in the spring to participate in Dr. Seuss Day, which has been happening for more than 20 years in kindergarten to third grade.

“Many Bloomsburg students develop lessons but don’t actually teach them to real kids because they haven’t student-taught yet,” Tarantelli said. “For some of the students, this is their first live teaching experience.”

Fedor explained her department’s focus at Bloomsburg.

“It’s the special education department,” she said. “Students who are getting adult certification in elementary and special education are the students that I teach. Most of these students are in the semester before they student teach. It’s exciting because for some of them it’s the first time they are working and teaching a lesson to actual elementary students and not their peers in class, so it’s a different experience for them.”

Gierka visited some classrooms with The Republican-Herald to show how the student teachers were experiencing being in front of students as instructors.

“We’ll see them working on their curriculum, their instructional piecing, their classroom management and the sequencing of their teaching of the lesson,” Gierka said. “The application of the lesson plan may be different when you have to adjust to the kids. For some of them, they have a good ideas, but sometimes it has to be implemented differently when they’re with the kids.”

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

Gov. Tom Wolf has signed bipartisan legislation that would provide a standardized process as to how public safety facilities, including state prisons and state police barracks, are closed in the future.

Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, authored Senate Bill 748. Sens. Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Township, and John Yudichak, D-14, Plymouth Township, were among its sponsors.

The legislation, which establishes the Public Safety Facilities Act, was introduced in June 2017 in response to the Wolf administration’s announcement to close at least one state prison out of a potential five prisons from communities across the state, including three in Northeast Pennsylvania.

“This is a victory for our state employees and the local communities that are served by these facilities,” Argall said in a news release. “We pushed this bill because when the initial prison closures were announced last year, there was a complete lack of notice and absence of clear procedures. A lot of unnecessary stress was placed on prison employees who wondered how they would continue to provide for themselves and their families.”

The new law establishes a minimum of seven months’ notice before closing a public safety facility.

POTTSVILLE — A coffee shop and bookstore once home to author John O’Hara is looking to make its own mark on history when it opens in downtown Pottsville by the of this year.

Pressed Coffee & Books, 123 Mahantongo St., wants people to enjoy coffee, tea and other drinks along with a good book.

“Our goal is to be open by the end of November,” said Abby Weaver, co-owner of the business with her husband, Robert E. Weaver Jr., who owns the building.

Abby Weaver said Wednesday the history behind the building is another reason they were interested in the space. A sign in the window says O’Hara was born in the building Jan. 31, 1905; he lived there until about 1914.

Work on the building started Aug. 1. Last week, workers were taking off the awning of the building. Improvements are going on inside, changing the area that once housed offices into a gathering space for the community.

There will be a concrete coffee bar, seating for 15 people and more, free Wi-Fi and lots of books. Bakery items will also be for sale. A meeting room is also a possibility.

Abby Weaver personally selected the books there for sale. She is also considering doing a trade-in program for the books.

“We have upwards of 1,500 books so far,” Weaver said. Getting new books is a possibility as the business grows, she added.

The coffee they will serve comes from Passenger Coffee, Lancaster. The couple went to Passenger Coffee numerous times and enjoyed it and decided they wanted to share the same experience with their customers.

“We are really excited about our coffee,” she said.

Coffee bags from the bean’s origin decorate the windows; however, that will change when removed to let the natural light in.

Abby Weaver believes the space can “really change a community,” by being a spot for people to meet up with others and fostering discussion on important topics of the day.

The business does not need any additional employees at the moment but is accepting information from those interested.

The website, pressedpottsville.com, is up and so is the Facebook page, Pressed Coffee & Books, for those interested in learning more.

Tentatively the hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Police seek man

who robbed store

KULPMONT — Kulpmont police are investigating a robbery that occurred around 2:15 a.m. Thursday at the Turkey Hill store in the borough.

Police said a man entered the store, demanded money from the clerk and then fled the area.

The man is described as being white, about 6 feet, 6 inches tall and in his late 20s to mid-30s.

He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants with a gray stripe on the legs and gray gym-style shoes.

Anyone with information on the identity of this man is asked to call Kulpmont police at 570-373-1522.

Ashland man cited

for I-81 accident

MAHANOY CITY — An Ashland man escaped injury when the 2007 Ford Escape he was driving crashed in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81, around mile marker 128 in Ryan Township, around 3:55 p.m. Thursday.

State police at Frackville said William E. Coward, 48, was driving north in the left lane when he lost control after swerving to avoid hitting an object on the highway.

The car went off of the road onto the west berm, struck a guide rail and came to a stop facing south east, police said.

Police said that Coward refused medical treatment and that Mahanoy City firefighters and Ryan Township EMS assisted at the scene.

As a result of the crash, police said, Frazier will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

MINERSVILLE — A Lebanon man was jailed after being arrested by Minersville police for two burglaries in the borough that also led to the arrest of another man for hindering his arrest.

The first burglary occurred around 11:30 a.m. Oct. 13 at 102 Westwood St., and as a result Patrolman Gerard Daley charged Jon P. Frazier, 38, whose last known address was 26 Sunrise Court, with felony burglary, misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment.

Daley said Frazier went to the home of his ex-girlfriend, kicked in the basement door, entered and assaulted her.

The woman, Shannon Heist, said Frazier was dropped off at her home by a friend and that she ran into the house and locked the door, prompting him to force his way into the basement.

Once inside, Daley said, Frazier broke through an interior door and then began to gather items that were not his.

Daley said Frazier ignored orders by Heist to leave, threw a full gallon of milk at her and then grabbed her by the hair, bent her over a railing and pushed her to the ground.

Frazier fled the scene and the following day, Oct. 14, a man — William Greco — posted a photo on Facebook showing Frazier hiding on the house roof while police were inside looking for him.

While authorities were looking for Frazier, Daley said, they interviewed Greco who was on his front porch and reported seeing Frazier run down the street.

In reality, Daley said, Greco knew Frazier was on the roof at 102 Westwood St. and instead of reporting it to police, posted a picture of the man on Facebook posting “Only in Minersville PA.”

When questioned, Daley said, Greco said he lied and did so because Minersville police gave him a parking ticket and recently had his vehicle towed.

Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers also charged Frazier with felony burglary and criminal trespass after an incident at 102 Westwood St. around 7:15 a.m. Wednesday.

Bowers said he received a call about an unwanted person and spoke to Heist, who said Frazier broke into her home and was hiding in the basement.

Frazier was wanted on previous charges filed by Daley and also on an outstanding arrest warrant from Lebanon County for failure to appear, Bowers said.

With the assistance of Pottsville police, Bowers said, the home was searched and Frazier found in the basement where he was taken into custody without incident.

Frazier was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post bail.

The charges against Greco were also filed with Plachko, Bowers said.

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

POTTSVILLE — Instead of taking his case to trial, a Tamaqua man is heading to state prison after admitting to a Schuylkill County judge on Tuesday that he had restrained and assaulted a man in July in his hometown.

David J. Brode Jr., 24, pleaded guilty to unlawful restraint, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. Prosecutors withdrew charges of aggravated assault, strangulation, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Judge John E. Domalakes, who had been scheduled to preside over Brode’s trial, instead accepted the plea and, in accordance with an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to serve 2 1/2 to six years in a state correctional institution and pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Tamaqua police had charged Brode with restraining and assaulting the man on July 14 in the borough.

Each attorney in the case was satisfied with the outcome.

“We’re relieved the defendant accepted responsibility for his actions,” Assistant District Attorney Jennifer N. Foose said.

“In the end, it was a just result agreed to by all the parties,” Assistant Public Defender William L.J. Burke, Brode’s lawyer, said.

In other recent county court action, Dylan J. Eckert, 24, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a controlled substance.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell accepted the plea and, in accordance with an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to spend three to 12 month sin prison and 12 additional months on probation, pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $245.50 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg.

Schuylkill Haven police charged Eckert with possessing paraphernalia on Aug. 2, 2017, in the borough, while Pottsville police charged him with possessing drugs and paraphernalia on April 20 in the city.

In other criminal court action, a Pottsville man will no longer have to spend time in prison after he admitted Wednesday to a Schuylkill County judge that he had violated a protection from abuse order.

Trevor J. Gibas, 25, pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom.

Judge James P. Goodman accepted the plea and sentenced Gibas to time served to three months in prison and to pay costs and a $300 fine.

Saint Clair police had charged Gibas with violating the order against him on Oct. 8 in the borough.

Also on Wednesday, Goodman dismissed indirect criminal contempt charges against two other men after one alleged victim did not appear and the other declined to testify.

Jason G. Boyer, 43, of Pottsville, had been charged by city police with violating the protection from abuse order against him on Oct. 6. In his case, the alleged victim did not appear for the scheduled hearing.

In the other case, Kevin S. Wenner, 37, of Minersville, had been charged by state police at Schuylkill Haven with violating the protection from abuse order against him on May 2. The alleged victim in his case declined to testify at the scheduled hearing.

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

SHENANDOAH — The Halloween parade sponsored by the Shenandoah Borough Recreation group set for 1 p.m. today has been canceled due to the inclement weather. Everyone should meet at Shenandoah Senior Living Community (Shenandoah Manor) on Washington Street for treats, refreshments and entertainment. Donations to the Servants to All Homeless Shelter should be brought to the senior living center.

MAHANOY CITY — A memorandum of understanding was approved Thursday by the Mahanoy Township supervisors with terms and conditions of employment for Brandon Alexander as chief of police.

The supervisors approved the resolution (2-2018) unanimously. It includes salary increases, residency requirements, pension and liability coverage for Alexander.

Alexander was promoted to police chief June 19, 2014. He had been on the police force for five years, and served as officer-in-charge before his promotion to chief.

The resolution includes an agreement to pay Alexander with an increased pay scale beginning Jan. 1, 2019.

The increased pay scale is outlined as follows and is per hour: 2019 — $3.70 increase from 2018 salary; 2020 through 2023 — $1 increase each year; 2024 — 75 cents; 2025 and 2026 — 50 cents each year; 2027 and 2028 — to be determined.

The increase in salary is subject to the yearly employee review by the supervisors.

Alexander must maintain a place of residence and domicile within 20 minutes traveling distance from the boundaries of the township.

Alexander will participate in the township police pension plan and police professional liability insurance will be provided on the same terms and conditions as offered to other township police officers.

Township code enforcement officer Bonnie Whah gave an update of her activities.

“Brandon and I have been working tagging, towing and removing cars and trucks that have outdated inspection and registration,” Whah said. “I’ll be sending out the rest of the letters this week for New Boston, Buck Mountain and Morea. We are done with Park Place. Also I am sending letters to people who did not get permits for occupancy, and I am starting to inspect houses.”

Chairwoman Faith Ward reminded residents that complaints about a property must be made in writing on a township complaint form, not verbally. Otherwise, the complaint will not be considered.

The Tower Road improvement project has begun in the Village of Park Place, according to ARRO Consulting Inc. project manager William M. McMullen. Tower Road was chosen for rehabilitation in order to make improvements involving stormwater runoff, which has been a problem with the runoff water freezing on streets in the winter and entering private properties. The road length that will be rehabilitated is about one mile. The project is expected to be completed by Wednesday.

In a related item, the supervisors approved a change order from the contractor, H&K Group Inc., for $14,430.70, bringing the total to $124,215.70.

McMullen said the Cleveland Bros. project requested permission from the township to submit a highway occupancy permit to the state Department of Transportation for stormwater facilities along Morea Road.

During the public portion, Robert Shumski, of the Shenandoah Village of Turkey Run, thanked the supervisors for the improvements along the stretch of township road that connects Route 924 and Turkey Run. The road had not been maintained for decades and was pockmarked with potholes. The township road crew has been working on the road.

“They did an excellent job as far as I’m concerned. It’s like the turnpike driving through there now,” Shumski said. “I want to give you credit. I appreciate what you did and I’m sure the people of Turkey Run do, too.”

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

SCRANTON — A McAdoo man who evaded authorities for more than three months after being charged with threatening President Donald Trump will remain in prison pending his trial.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Saporito ruled Shawn Christy, 27, presented a flight risk and danger to the community following a hearing Friday at which federal prosecutors de-tailed the charges and other crimes he is accused of committing while on the run.

A federal grand jury indicted Christy in July on four charges. Prosecutors said he threatened Trump and Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli in several posts on his Facebook account in June. He evaded capture until Sept. 21, when he was found hiding in a stream bed in Mifflin Township, Ohio.

“Absolutely not guilty,” Christy said when asked how he wished to plead to the charges.

Saporito then heard arguments on whether Christy should be released on bail.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Olshefski said Christy presented a “textbook” case for a flight risk. She detailed the threats he made and described how his flight to avoid prosecution endangered law enforcement and instilled fear in the public.

Christy’s attorney, Federal Public Defender Elliot A. Smith, said federal law says pretrial detention is warranted only in extreme cases. He argued less restrictive measures, including electronic monitoring, would ensure the public’s safety and Christy’s appearance at trial.

Saporito rejected the request. He cited several factors, including Christy’s history in failing to appear at hearings and/or abide by probation rules for several prior criminal cases filed in several counties.

Christy appeared unfazed by the proceeding, often smirking as Olshefski spoke. He disrupted the hearing at one point, yelling “Excuse me?” as Olshefski detailed his history of threatening people.

“We will not have any outbursts,” Saporito repeated several times before Christy quieted down. Christy remained calm until the hearing concluded, when he launched into an obscenity-laced tirade regarding his demands for a copy of a video connected to an unrelated assault charge he faces in Schuylkill County.

“Shawn! It’s under control. Relax!” his father, Craig Christy, yelled as Christy was led from the courtroom, still mumbling to himself.

The assault charge, lodged against Shawn Christy for a March 15, 2017 altercation he had with the mayor of McAdoo, was the catalyst that led Christy to lash out on Facebook, Christy’s parents, Craig Christy, 55, and Karen Christy, 53, of McAdoo, said following the hearing.

“He wanted to bring more attention to his local case ... where he is being railroaded by the Schuylkill County district attorney,” Craig Christy said.

The couple maintain their son is the victim in that incident, which began when he confronted the mayor over their street not being plowed of snow. The Christys allege a police officer falsified the report on the case and that authorities altered a video of the altercation.

“They wanted to give Shawn seven years for a crime that never happened,” Craig Christy said. “The whole time Shawn was defending himself.”

Craig Christy also denied prosecutors’ claims that his son is a threat to the community.

“It’s actually the community that is a danger to him,” he said. “He’s had multiple death threats from around the Pennsylvania area.”

Shawn Christy was returned to Lackawanna County Prison after the hearing. A pretrial conference is scheduled for Nov. 13. A trial date is expected to be set following the conference.

Contact the writer: tbesecker@timessharmock.com; 570-348-9137; @tmbeseckerTT on Twitter

Schuylkill County residents can drop off unused and expired medication in conjunction with the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

“They can basically save lives and help in the fight against addiction,” Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph G. Groody said.

No questions will be asked of those dropping off the medication. Syringes, needles and objects with sharp edges will not be accepted.

Groody said the program helps reduce the number of drugs that could make it into the hands of children or people who could misuse them.

“As long as I’m here, the program is going to continue,” he said.

Port Carbon Police Chief Joseph Ferraro, Pine Grove Police Chief Thomas Trotter and Minersville Police Chief Michael Combs agreed the event helps keep drugs off the streets.

“We all know what’s happening out there with the drugs,” Combs said.

Deputies also accept unwanted prescriptions for disposal during normal business hours at the county courthouse, 401 N. Second St., Pottsville. The drugs are taken to the sheriff’s office and later picked up by agents from the state attorney general’s office to be destroyed.

Almost 4,500 collection sites will be staffed nationwide for the event.

“We know that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. If we reduce the availability of those unused or expired medications through proper disposal, the fewer drugs there are to be misused, and fewer people will be at risk for abuse, addiction, overdose, and even death,” Uttam Dhillon, acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, said in a press release.

In April, 456 tons of prescription drugs were collected during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, according to the DEA.

Local drop-off locations today include:

• Ashland Police Department, 401 S. 18th St., Ashland

• Butler Township Police Department, 211 Broad St., Ashland

• Cass Township Police Department, 1209 Valley Road, Duncott

• Coaldale Police Department, 221-223 Third St., Coaldale

• Frackville Police Department, 42 S. Center St., Frackville

• Hegins Township Police Department, 47 Gap St., Valley View

• Mahanoy City Police Department, 239 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City

• Minersville Police Department, 15 N. Delaware Ave., Minersville

• Orwigsburg Police Department, 209 N. Warren St., Orwigsburg

• Palo Alto Police Department, 142 E. Bacon St., Palo Alto

• Pine Grove Police Department, 1 Snyder Drive, Pine Grove

• Port Carbon Police Department, 90 Washington St., Port Carbon

• Rush Township Police Department, 104 Mahanoy Ave., Tamaqua

• Saint Clair Police Department, 24 N. Second St., Saint Clair

•St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus, 360 W. Ruddle St. Coadale

• Schuylkill County Courthouse, (security entrance) 401 N. Second St., Pottsville

• Schuylkill Haven Police Department, 250 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven

• Shenandoah Police Department, 15 W. Washington St., Shenandoah

• Tamaqua Police Department, 320 Broad St., Tamaqua

• Tremont Police Department, 19 N. Pine St., Tremont

• West Mahanoy Township Police Department, 190 Pennsylvania Ave., Shenandoah Heights

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028