FRACKVILLE — The Frackville American Legion Post 398 held a commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, at a program Saturday outside the post home at the Veterans Memorial.

The program held one day after the infamous surprise attack marked the day on Dec. 8 when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared Dec. 7 as “a date which will live in infamy” and asked Congress for a formal declaration of war against the Empire of Japan.

The declaration was approved, drawing the U.S. into World War II. The declaration of war did not include Germany at the time. It was on Dec. 11 that Germany declared war on the U.S., which in turn declared war against Germany.

The Legion program began at 12:45 p.m., which was about the time the attack of Pearl Harbor began. The Japanese attack began at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian-Aleutian Time, 12:48 p.m. in the eastern U.S.

Post Commander Peter P. Kostingo conducted the service, and in his speech he wondered if the lack of interest in remembering the attack and the honoring of those who lost their lives is causing the word “infamy” to turn into “apathy.”

“The blood of the patriot is the seed to freedom’s tree. Freedom isn’t free,” Kostingo said.

An almost 30-year Legion member, Kostingo said this was the first Pearl Harbor commemoration that he remembers while being a member and hopes it will continue into the future.

The Japanese attack was prompted by its need to remove the American naval fleet’s capability to interfere with Japan in its military aggression throughout the Pacific region. The losses in the attack were:

• 2,335 Americans died in the attack

• 1,143 Americans were wounded

• 21 American ships were sunk or damaged

• 323 American aircraft were destroyed or damaged

• 1,177 Americans involved in the attack were serving on the USS Arizona

• 333 servicemen serving on the USS Arizona survived the attack

• 64 Japanese died during the attack, though the number of injuries is unknown

• 5 Japanese ships (two-man midget submarines) were destroyed

• 103 Japanese aircraft were destroyed or damaged

• 68 civilians were killed and 35 were wounded

The attacking forces came in two waves, the first consisting of 183 aircraft that included 40 torpedo planes, 49 level bombers, 51 dive bombers and 43 fighters. The second wave included 170 planes — 54 of them level bombers, 80 dive-bombers and 36 fighters. More than 350 Japanese planes were involved in overall attack. At the end of the day, the U.S. personnel casualties by service were:

• Navy: 2,008 killed, 710 wounded

• Army: 218 killed, 364 wounded.

• Marines: 109 killed, 69 wounded.

There were two waves of attacks. The actual plan by the Japanese included a third wave to destroy fuel depots and repair docks. That changed when the Japanese found there were no aircraft carriers in the harbor. Since the location of our carriers was unknown, Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo decided to play it safe and gave the command to head home, leaving the depots and dry docks intact. That was a major error, since it allowed the military to make repairs for the battles to come.

In his speech, Kostingo spoke of service men and women dealing with that attack that had no warning.

“To catch someone off guard, a surprise attack will give the attacker a superior advantage over those not expecting to be attacked,” Kostingo said. “The proverbial sucker punch. A sucker punch can leave a stronger opponent knocked out and wondering what hit him. Can we even begin to imagine the horrible rain of death and destruction that came on that day? Maybe you weren’t on duty and you decided to go and enjoy the day’s sun and warmth on God’s beautiful island paradise. You look up and, like demons flying in the sky, the Japanese Imperial Navy is handing out death and pain to Americans. Or think about this — maybe the evil Empire of Japan killed you when you slept?”

Kostingo spoke about Roosevelt’s address to Congress and the use of the word “infamy” in his speech.

“The American people were outraged by the attack, but is it the date that will live in infamy? It certainly should be,” Kostingo said. “I’m sorry to report that the ‘infamy’ reference is now threatened by apathy. The date that will die because of apathy. The date that will die due to apathy. I’m afraid that apathy will haunt us if we have no interest in remembering Pearl Harbor.”

He pointed out that there were 15 Medals of Honor awarded for acts of bravery above and beyond the call of duty on Dec. 7, 1941. There were also 51 Navy Crosses and 53 silver stars awarded.

“And there were thousands of other acts of heroism that went unrecognized because documenting these acts was not a priority,” Kostingo said. “Young men and women 17, 18, 19-year-old Americans, warriors, patriots were taken before they had a chance to enjoy the freedoms of this great country.”

After his speech, Kostingo called for the honor guard to present a 21-gun salute, followed by taps, and then by Kostingo reading Psalm 23.

Kostingo recognized the following post members with 50 or more years of continued membership:

• Donald E. Fornter, 61 years

• Leonard J. Laurusevage, 61 years (posthumous)

• Gerald J. Stefanick, 52 years

• Richard Paleskie, 52 years

• Jack Hirschfeld, 51 years

• Ronald J. Bosavage, 51 years

• Michael Mochore, 51 years

•Raymond Kostick, 50 years

• John J. Teijaro, 50 years

• Paul R. Martin, 50 years

Three members were able to attend the program — Fortner, Kostick and Mochore — and were presented with certificates for their years as members and their continuing service to the country as veterans.

When the service ended, everyone was invited inside to enjoy food and beverages and listen to three hours of live music by Kings and Queens Acoustic Revolution.

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

Traffic stop nets drug offenses

McADOO — A Hazleton man was charged by McAdoo police as the result of a traffic stop around 8:05 p.m. Sept. 4.

Police said Monday that Daniel Clemente, 25, was charged with DUI, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and two summary offenses.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Clemente for an expired registration and detected an odor of marijuana inside. After failing field sobriety tests, police said, Clemente was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI and a search of his vehicle uncovered a plastic bag containing marijuana stuffed inside of a milk shake cup as well as a metal grinder in the center console, police said.

Two charged after traffic stop

McADOO — A vehicle stop by McAdoo police around 12:40 a.m. Oct. 6 led to charges being filed against two McAdoo residents.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Luis Rivera-Walker, 37, and detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside.

Rivera-Walker showed signs of being impaired and after failing field sobriety tests was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI.

Police said a search of the vehicle resulted in the finding of a grinder with marijuana residue under the passenger’s seat that was occupied by Eddie Santos, 20.

Rivera-Walker was charged with DUI and a summary offense for the handicapped placard while Santos was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.

Two charged with drug offenses

McADOO — McAdoo police charged two people after separate stops in the borough last month.

Police said Keagan Williams, 18, of Beaver Meadows, was charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Williams around 9:15 p.m. Nov. 4 for an equipment violation and spoke to Williams, who admitted having marijuana inside a backpack he had with him.

Merilee Pressler, 32, of West Hazleton, was charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and a summary traffic offense.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Pressler around 10:45 p.m. Nov. 30 and detected an odor of marijuana inside.

A subsequent search revealed the woman was in possession of two small pieces of marijuana and a roach with burnt marijuana residue on it, police said.

Man charged after overdose care

WILLIAMSTOWN — State police at Lykens charged a 22-year-old borough man after an incident at 347 W. Broad St. in this Dauphin County community around 8:30 p.m. Nov. 28.

Police said Blake Worhacz had overdosed on suspected heroin and was given oxygen.

After receiving the oxygen, police said, Worhacz became uncooperative and aggressive toward emergency medical responders and tried to get up from lying on the floor and climb out a second story window.

Inside the residence, police said, they found several empty syringes, six baggies of heroin, a syringe with heroin, a vial with liquid heroin and items of drug paraphernalia.

Charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia were filed against Worhacz with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville.

POTTSVILLE — In recent Schuylkill County Court action, Judge John E. Domalakes accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, the following people:

Adam L. Bloch, 26, of Herndon; no contest plea to theft and simple assault; 30 days to 23 months in prison, $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, 10 hours community service and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of robbery and harassment.

Ryan J. Campbell, 33, of Ashland; theft by deception; two years probation, $50 CJEA payment and $1,750 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew charges of failure to perform paid services and theft by failure to make required disposition.

Nelson F. Crowe, 39, of Pottsville; no contest plea to harassment; 12 months probation and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of harassment.

Mason Freed, 19, of Orwigsburg; driving under the influence; 15 days house arrest with electronic monitoring, 45 days strict supervision, four months probation, $1,000 fine, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of operating vehicle with unsafe equipment.

Robert E. Greene, 34, of Schuylkill Haven; criminal trespass, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of services; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, 12 months consecutive probation, $100 SAEF payment, $100 in CJEA payments and $1,218.52 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew charges of defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

Austin L. Hall, 21, of Pine Grove, criminal trespass and theft; time served to 23 months in prison with immediate parole, $50 CJEA payment, 10 hours community service and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of burglary and receiving stolen property.

Kevin J. Kennedy, 62, of Mahanoy City; DUI and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic; one to five years in prison, $2,525 in fines, $300 SAEF payment, $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 30 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of careless driving.

Jason S. Kimmel Sr., 39, of Tresckow; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; 30 days to 12 months in prison, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of improper turning movements.

Natasha M. Knorr, 41, of Orwigsburg; DUI; 30 days to six months in prison, $750 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property.

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

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

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County prosecutors on Friday declined to press their case for James D. Noll to be declared a sexually violent predator, saying it would be superfluous.

Berks County already had ruled that Noll, 46, of Waymart, is a sexually violent predator, so there was no need to seek the designation twice for him, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer N. Foose said.

As a result, Judge James P. Goodman made no ruling on the issue.

Noll, 46, of Waymart, pleaded guilty on Aug. 1 to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, with prosecutors withdrawing an additional count of the same crime, along with charges of rape, corruption of minors and indecent assault.

At that time, Goodman accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Noll to serve five to 10 years in a state correctional institution, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. He made the sentence consecutive to one from Berks County.

Pottsville police charged Noll with having the sexual contact with a 15-year-old child from Aug. 1, 2013, until July 1, 2014.

Noll asked to be returned to state prison as soon as possible so he could continue his classes.

Foose declined to comment on the case after the hearing.

Peter S. Schiaroli, Shillington, Noll’s lawyer, expressed relief that his client will be able to get help.

“In any of these cases, it’s a sad situation. There are no winners,” he said. “Hopefully, with the counseling in the state facility, he’ll mend his ways and lead a more productive life.”

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

ASHLAND — The jingling of bells, the clop, clop, clopping of hooves and caroling heard in the downtown district on Saturday told everyone that Old-Fashioned Christmas was happening again for young and old.

The 15th annual holiday event that has become a tradition in the community was centered at the mini-park and American Legion Bernard J. Dolan Post 434 at Centre and Fifth streets, and some downtown businesses were open for gift shopping or for a meal.

Old-Fashioned Christmas was started in 2004 by Ashland Downtown Inc., the downtown revitalization organization, as a way to bring people to the downtown during the holiday season to bring back Christmases in the past when shopping for gifts and other items was done locally. Entertainment included church choirs singing Christmas carols and songs, a visit from Santa Claus and free horse-drawn trolley rides.

With the disbanding of ADI, the event was picked up by the Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society and the Legion post.

The seasonably cold temperatures and a clear star-filled sky added to the spirit of the event. The most popular part of the evening was the free horse and wagon rides provided by Running Springs Farm Ltd., Spring Glen, which brought two pairs of horses and two wagons to accommodate the children and adults who enjoyed being taken through downtown Ashland. The free rides went up and down Centre Street in traffic. Ashland fire police directed traffic and provided safety for those crossing the street at the mini-park.

The mini-park and the Legion post were decorated in lights and a small sleigh with a large lighted Santa. Children were able to sit in the sleigh for parents to take photos. As people waited for the trolley rides and milled about the park, they were entertained with songs by the popular Ashland Area Community Choir.

The evening also included the opening of the Station House, located behind the Legion post, by the historical society. The building was constructed in 1867 and is one of the oldest structures in the borough. Purchased by the society in 2014, the three-story building served as the borough’s first fire station, explaining its Station House name, and council room and jail. The society had the inside decorated for what was an old-fashioned Christmas in a Victorian style.

Next to the Station House was a large Christmas scene with illuminated figures of carolers and snowmen, Santa and a large Nativity scene, all provided by Jack Jones, owner of the Winterwalk Train Display and Shop, located less than a block from the mini-park.

The Legion post was filled with people as they came in for free hot dogs, hot chocolate and lots of cookies. For the younger set, the interest was Santa Claus, who listened to the wishes of children and posed for photos with them. Santa was assisted by his “favorite elf,” who gave each child a chocolate bar.

Winterwalk was also opened for tours of the many elaborate model train displays in many rooms, most built by hand by Jones.

Jones looks toward a hopeful future for Ashland. One recent addition to the town is the new Washington Fire Company Community Ambulance Inc. headquarters building that was recently constructed.

“We just want to keep growing and growing. The fire company took over Applefest, and the society took over Old-Fashioned Christmas,” Jones said. “We don’t want to lose anything. We want to build on what we have and try to get back what we lost.”

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

Ashland

The Shepherd’s Table, a free community meal, is held from 3 to 5 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. Ninth St. (rear entrance). The meals are eat-in only.

Deer Lake

Bingo games are set to begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Deer Lake & West Brunswick Fire Company Hall, 1 Ash Lane. Doors will open at 5 p.m. For more information, call 570-366-0900.

Frackville

The Frackville Ministerium Food Bank will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 20 for eligible residents of the borough. New applicants will need proof of eligibility — a Frackville borough address. The food bank is located at Zion Lutheran Church; people must use the downstairs entrance by the parking lot on South Beech Street.

McAdoo

Holy Trinity Church will have a frozen pierogi sale Dec. 21. To order, call 570-929-2179 and leave a message; someone will return the call.

McAdoo

St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church will hold a cookie sale Saturday after the 4 p.m. liturgy and Dec. 16 after the 9:30 a.m. liturgy. Cookies are $6 per pound. Tricky tray tickets will be available; winners will be chosen Dec. 16.

Minersville

A homemade soup sale will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Good Will Fire Company. Assorted soups is the takeout-only sale are $7 per quart. Proceeds will benefit the Minersville Area Skatepark. For more information, call 570-544-5440.

New Philadelphia

AMVETS Post 256 will meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at the post. Members will discuss normal business. For more information, call 570-277-6031.

New Ringgold

Christ Church McKeansburg has soup nights beginning at 5 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. They are free and all are welcome. For more information, call 570-943-2822.

Pottsville

A GED preparation orientation is set for 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Lifelong Learning Center, 2221 W. Market St. For more information, call Kim Sutter at 570-628-5761.

Pottsville

Winterfest at the Pottsville Public Library is set for 10 a.m. Jan. 12 offering free indoor winter games until 4 p.m. The event will include air hockey, a snowball toss and winter sport video games for children 8 and older. Younger children and families will be able to play board games or make winter crafts. The event is free. For more information, call 570-622-8880.

Saint Clair

The Saint Clair Senior Citizens group will have its Christmas party at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hoss’ Steak and Seafood, Cressona. The group will not meet in January or February.

Saint Clair

The Saint Clair Lions Cub sponsors cash bingos on Monday evenings at the club quarters, McCord Avenue. Doors open at 4 p.m. and games begin at 6 p.m. All are welcome. People who need rides should call 570-429-9939 before 3 p.m. on game days.

Shenandoah

An ecumenical Christmas celebration will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today in Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish’s St. Stephen Hall, Main and Oak streets, sponsored by the parish. The event will include live musical entertainment, Christmas carols, holiday snacks and birthday cake for Baby Jesus, according to a release. Santa will visit, so children should bring their letters and have a picture taken with Santa. A collection will also be taken for new unwrapped toys for boys and girls, nonperishable holiday food and new or lightly-worn coats for those in need. All are welcome.

The Upper Dauphin Area school board selected a new board president Tuesday and also made a $5.35 million investment for facilities improvements.

Price Buffington was appointed as the president for a one-year term, while Kirk Wenrich retained his position as vice president. Former board President David Barder remains a board director.

Director the Rev. Nathan Minnich was absent.

The board approved Phase 3 of the guaranteed energy savings project as proposed by McClure Co., Harrisburg. It involves heating, ventilating and air conditioning upgrades to the elementary school and middle school; automatic temperature controls; boiler room improvements; and other energy-saving measures, like weather stripping and seals.

“The project approved included a bulletproof glass upgrade to the high school cafeteria outside doors and glass panels with the upper panels being tempered glass, and a concrete block wall separating the middle school lobby from the cafeteria,” Superintendent Evan P. Williams said in an email.

According to the McClure project report, benefits are that the district will have lower energy and maintenance costs; improved comfort; removal of phased out R-22 refrigerant; security improvements; and unified HVAC controls. A tentative time frame for the work is May to September 2019.

The board approved a bond to finance the energy project. Directors authorized the district administration to work with PFM Financial Advisors LLC as financial adviser and Kegel, Kelin, Almy and Lord LLP as bond counsel and solicitor to issue approximately $5.35 million of G.O. new money bonds via a competitive sale process.

McClure estimates the total project savings, including energy savings, at $6.1 million over a 20-year period.

In other action, the board approved the 2019 meeting schedule for 7 p.m. in the district administration office in Loyalton on the following dates: Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, April 9, May 7, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 3.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

The state Department of Transportation announced two roadwork projects in Schuylkill County this week.

The planned projects include:

• Crack sealing on Route 61 North in South Manheim Township between Port Clinton and Deer Lake from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with lane restrictions northbound.

• Crack sealing on Catawissa Street in Ryan Township between Route 209 and Ryan Township from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with lane restriction with flagging.

Rain will not cause delays in these projects, according to PennDOT.

VALLEY VIEW — The Hegins Township supervisors will hold a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in the township office to adopt the 2019 budget.

The supervisors on Wednesday also set meeting dates for the coming year. The board will reorganize at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 in the Hegins Area Ambulance Association building, with the regular board meeting to follow. The first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. will be the regular meeting date throughout the year.

In his report, Zoning Officer Al Swab said he had one zoning permit for $100 and one building permit for $150, for a total of $250 for November. Swab said one resident told him he was trespassing when he alerted him of a potential violation.

Secretary/Treasurer Gary Hornberger said the individual had contacted the township office, confirming he had received a letter about the violation and complaining that anyone coming onto his property was trespassing.

Code Enforcement Officer Ed Wengert gave an update on the status of properties on Main Street and on Good Spring Road. Wengert also said Children & Youth Services had alerted the township about a property on Chestnut Street in Hegins where an inspection may be needed.

Chad Richards, from Hegins Valley Fire Rescue, announced that he would become the new fire chief in January, and that he would try to attend most of the township meetings on regular basis.

In other action, the board approved:

• Police Chief Beau Yarmush’s monthly report showing 127 calls to service; 11 offense/incident reports; four nontraffic citations; two misdemeanor arrests; one felony arrest; two reportable accidents; 11 traffic citations; and seven traffic warnings. Total mileage for the month was 1,364.

• Hornberger’s report for November, showing $69,026.48 income; $57,765.74 expenses; $237,597.67 general fund balance; $52,310.21 PLGIT fund balance; and $22,426.93 pool fund balance.

• A resolution replacing elected auditors with appointed auditors.

• A records retention and disposition policy resolution.

• Kinect Energy Group proposal for lighting account electric rates and possible savings.

• An auditing services proposal with L. Samuel Deegan, CPA. The three-year proposal would be $4,400 for the first year; $4,500 for the second year; and $4,600 for the third year.

The board thanked Mike Brandenberger for donating the use of MNK Trucking equipment and volunteering to install the street Christmas lights.

The board acknowledged a $550 donation from Barry Township for workers’ compensation insurance; $1,000 donation from the Hegins Valley Craft Faire; and $1,000 donation from Nestle Water.

The next food pantry is Jan. 16.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Deeds

Butler Township — Michael G. Yesalavage to Kenneth T. Specht and Melodie DeHart; 4 Wildcat Road; $7,000.

Cass Township — Georgine Heffron, individually and as attorney in fact for James M. Heffron, to Georgine Heffron; 19 Pine Lane; $1.

Deer Lake — Raymond S. Godlewski to Kimberly A. Larimore; 333 Laurel Road; $1.

East Norwegian Township — Branch Banking and Trust Co. to CACL Federal Credit Union; 0.672-acre property on Legislative Route 621; $85,000.

McAdoo — David M. and Elizabeth A. Reynolds to David M. and Elizabeth A. Reynolds; 250 E. Blaine St.; $1.

North Manheim Township — Nancy De-Nyangos, Margaret Moyer and Scott Schaeffer to Nancy De-Nyangos and Scott Schaeffer; 1042 W. Market St.; $1.

North Union Township — Patricia Didio, executrix of the Estate of Dennis M. Moszczynski, to John A. Dolanski Jr.; 195 Buck Mountain Road, Zion Grove; $1.

Dorothy Sobon and John A. Jr. and Virginia E. Dolanski to Alexander W. Kosatschkow III; 55.478-acre property on Legislative Route 53109; $160,000.

Porter Township — Kimmel’s Coal and Packaging Inc. to Rausch Creek Coal Preparation Good Spring LLC; 30.984-acre property on State Route 4011; $73,000.

Pottsville — Rebecca Quigley, Rachel Anderson, Laurie Gentile and Claire S. Cope to Michael A. Brennan; 9 Deerfield Drive, Forest Hills; $82,000.

Reilly Township — Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Lester M. and April A. Bowman; 21 St. Marys Ave., Branchdale; $28,900.

Kimmel’s Coal and Packaging Inc. to Rausch Creek Coal Mining Branchdale LLC; 366.421-acre property; $98,000.

Schuylkill Haven — Peter J. and Joan M. Watkins to James E. Woods and Madeline Syng Conner; 403 E. Main St.; $99,000.

Tamaqua — Child Development Inc. to Michelle Krell; 240 Center St.; $25,000.

Terry L. Snyder Jr. to Terri Jo Kranch; 336 Lafayette St.; $5,500.

Tremont Township — Meadowbrook Coal Co. Inc. to Rausch Creek Coal Preparation Lykens LLC; 22-acre property; $3,000.

West Mahanoy Township — Gloria J. Zahorchak to Gloria J. Zahorchak, Christine M. Heintzleman and Michael R. Zahorchak; 505 Texas Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $1.

David A. Plachko

Defendants whose cases David A. Plachko considered, the charges against each one and the judges disposition on the matters included:

Joseph W. Montgomery, 23, of 309 Mahantongo St., Apt. B, Pottsville; waived for court: retail theft.

Frederick Rabbits III, 36, of 408 S. Centre St., Apt. 2, Pottsville; dismissed: burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, theft and receiving stolen property.

Jane M. Ellinger, 48, of 82 Washington St., Middleport; withdrawn by prosecutors: possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, disregard for single traffic lane and failure to use safety belts.

Melvin C. Fishburn, 35, of 836 Cressona Road, Pottsville; withdrawn by prosecutors: theft of leased property.

Trevor J. Gibas, 25, of 317 Bobb Alley, Cumbola; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Marissa R. Cook, 26, of 544 Forest Lane, Pottsville; held for court: possession of a controlled substance, DUI-controlled substance and driving too slow for conditions.

Nicholas A. Kurchock, 33, of 709 Post Row, Saint Clair; dismissed: simple assault and harassment.

Danny Devila, 43, of 256 Fifth St., Coaldale; dismissed: simple assault and harassment.

Brandon S. Schaffer, 30, of 249 Chestnut St., Saint Clair; waived for court: retail theft.

Michael P. Fishburn, 33, of 233 S. Maple St., Mount Carmel; waived for court: retail theft.

Much like the unique subjects of her drawings, sketches and paintings, Barbara Remington appears at first glance as a fantastical being borne of a character study.

Her silver and white hair falls in soft ringlets just below her ears; her colorfully striped socks slouch defiantly down her thin legs. She moves spryly for a near-nonagenarian and shares unexpected stories of her days frequenting punk rock clubs and hanging around Beat poets such as Allen Ginsberg.

She lives in a remote area of Thompson in Susquehanna County, in a house filled with photos, art and mementos from a well-traveled life. In a small clearing of the woods on her 25 acres, where a colony of feral cats — among other larger species — keeps her company, Remington lives rather independently, as she almost always has done.

“She might be considered an illustrator by some, but she lives and breathes art,” said longtime friend James Penedos, the steward of many of Remington’s notebooks, sketch pads and original artworks at his nearby Springville Schoolhouse Art Studios. “She lives with the bears. She lives in the forest with the critters. She’s a whole Tolkien story.

“I look at her as a hobbit, but she’s her own hobbit.”

The latter comparison is especially apt, considering what could arguably be called her greatest professional claim to fame: Remington illustrated the original American paperback editions of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which Ballantine Books published in the mid-1960s.

Yet she feels reticent to boast of this achievement, because despite its beauty, her drawings for the book jackets didn’t quite accurately capture the content of the novels since she had no time to read them before meeting the publishing deadline. Still, prints of her illustrations are considered collector’s items, and they have secured her a permanent place in the worldwide fandom for author J.R.R. Tolkien.

Over the years, Remington was a prolific artist, among other ventures, during the decades she lived in New York City, to which she migrated in the late 1950s from Minnesota. As a resident of Northeast Pennsylvania for the last 33 years or so, Remington has shared her work via membership with Scranton’s Artists for Art Gallery and in a 2013 exhibit at Marywood University.

During a recent visit to her home, Remington, 89, recalled growing up in a family of artists in St. Paul. Born June 23, 1929, she is one of two children of father Heck, who painted landscapes, and mother Pete, a political activist.

Remington grew up among the Midwest’s farmlands with her older brother, Bob, a noted woodworker, but left Minnesota in the early 1950s for Chicago, where she worked for a few years in a bookstore and got a taste for city living. She returned to her home state for a job as a gallery guard at Northrop Auditorium, where the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra played. There, she met her first husband, timpani player Robert Tweedy, who was friends with her “posse of artists and musicians.”

She followed him to Central City, Colorado, where she lived for years, but married life in the Midwest was not for her. And so Remington moved on to New York during the beatnik and hippie era in the hopes of, she said, finding illustrative work among the city’s many publishing companies. For the next 45 years, Remington made her home on East 17th Street and lived a varied life. She volunteered as a crew member on 70-foot sailboat the Petrel, owned the curiosities and craft store the Boggle Shop for years and occasionally was hired for artistic endeavors, such as decorating a holiday window display for Tiffany & Co. She also went on to illustrate other books, including the cookbook “Cooking from a Country Farmhouse” and the children’s books “Boat,” “The Billy Goats Gruff,” “The Christmas Mouse” and “Really Not Really,” among others.

Remington’s meticulously detailed notebooks recall many of the places and events she documented via her art, from close-up sketches of Ginsberg at the Other End in the winter of 1977 to Simon & Garfunkel rehearsing at the Palladium in 1983, various jury trials and ballet classes in Manhattan in the 1980s and a 1991 trip to watch a total solar eclipse in Mexico.

She married twice more — to the late Ed Preston for about 10 years and then to Brian Brughbinder, the lawyer who handled her divorce from Preston, for 13 years. During a time living at the Diplomat Hotel, poet/musician/Kabbalist Lionel Ziprin took her under his wing, she said, and her relationships, both romantic and platonic, gained her access to an ever-expanding circle of creative types.

Proximity to Max’s Kansas City, a nightclub that drew plenty of celebrities in its heyday, informed many of the sketches found in her notebooks from the time, and she made fast friends with “punk-rock people,” who introduced her to bands such as the Stimulators and the Cro-Mags.

Remington also got to know tightrope-walker Philippe Petit, who famously sky-walked between the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers, and juggler Michael Moschen, a recipient of the MacArthur Foundation’s Genius Grant. All found a home of warm friendship in Remington.

“I think one of her legacies, aside from her artwork, is bringing people together,” said Melanie Urdang, an entertainment agency employee who has known Remington for 30 years. “She inspires all of us to be as creative as possible. She used to be very adventuresome. I feel honored that I know her; I consider her a living legend.”

“She has a great community. The people she surrounds herself with are a strange lot,” Penedos said with a laugh. “It’s a Bohemian life. They broke the mold long ago with Barbara, and with the mold broken, we have a one-of-a-kind, an original, a great piece of work.”

And while age and some health problems have slowed her in recent times, Remington insisted she has more art to make and more adventures to take.

“I’ve got a lot of ideas,” she said. “I’m not done yet.”

Contact the writer: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, ext. 5369

Artistic impressions

“We all have pages from books she’s illustrated. Barbara is incredibly generous and always gives the most thoughtful presents. Over the years, she’s given us all things that really should be in museums. Everything she does is just so artistic. She’s very funny, and her mind is just unbelievable and so creative. Everything she did, she did with the Barbara Remington flair. If she brought a cake or something to a party, you knew she did it. It had Barbara Remington written all over it.”

— Melanie Urdang

Employed in the (entertainment industry and a friend for 30 years

“As an artist, I envy her skills. She far exceeds me with her talent. ... She’s one of a kind. Exciting is when, in her drawings, you get to meet new friends: her imaginary ones. And she will, on occasion, stop by to greet you. ... Illustrators are considered non-verbal communicators, but her creations — so skillfully rendered — come to life and speak louder than words. An extraordinary artist who takes her true self along on the journey.”

— James Penedos

Painter and owner of Springville Schoolhouse Art Studios, which is home to much of Remington’s original works and writings

“She really has a knack for portraiture in a caricature sense. She knows how to find the essential parts of someone and relate them. We’re both old-school and don’t have computers, so we exchange postcards. Her latest was a beauty.”

— John Bromberg

Performance artist (and friend

POTTSVILLE — District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake and the Schuylkill County detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding a man wanted for failing to begin serving his prison sentence.

Detectives said Bradley Charles McKeone failed to report at the Schuylkill County Prison on Nov. 26 to begin serving a prison sentence of five to 23 months.

The sentence is the result of a case against McKeone that included charges of felony fleeing or attempting to elude police, and misdemeanor offenses of recklessly endangering another person, theft and receiving stolen property.

In addition, detectives said McKeone failed to appear in Schuylkill County Court on Oct. 12 for a pre-conference on charges of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

McKeone, 27, is described as being white, about 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing about 240 pounds.

The man has a last known address of 419 Adams St., Pottsville, detectives said.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of McKeone or on any other fugitive in Schuylkill County is asked to call the district attorney’s office at 570-628-1350 or Schuylkill County Tip Line at 570-624-3988.

Information can also be sent by email to dadd@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

In addition, anyone who may see or come in contact with McKeone is asked to call the Schuylkill County Communications Center or their local police department immediately.

All information received will remain confidential.

A list of Schuylkill County bench warrants is available on the Schuylkill County website at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us.

Fugitive warrants served from Nov. 1 to 30 numbered 107, bringing the total fugitive warrants served to date to 1,084.

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

MOUNT CARBON, Pa. (AP) — Janel Firestone found her son — the 24-year-old, just resigned mayor of the tiny Pennsylvania town of Mount Carbon — in what she assumed was a deep sleep. She tried to wake him for his overnight shift at the local supermarket, but he couldn't be roused, even after she sprinkled him with water from a wet washcloth.

She wasn't concerned. Brandon Wentz had always been a heavy, heavy sleeper.

Recent days had been hard for him. The family had just moved to a nearby town, requiring him to give up his office, and he had agonized over his resignation letter. He felt like he was letting his constituents down.

It was a small thing, that letter, but Wentz's inability to write it reflected his recent struggles.

"You could just see the stress and sadness in him," recalled his mother.

Wentz finally submitted a rather perfunctory 180 words and met up with a close friend, Ryan Fessler. They hung out in Wentz's room for a while, and Fessler left.

A few hours later, Firestone tried to roust her son. She gave up, deciding to let him sleep off a migraine. What she did not know was that her son was not sleeping — he was dying of a fatal overdose of heroin and fentanyl.

By the time Firestone found him at 6:30 a.m. the next morning, foaming at the mouth, he was gone.

A police investigation was launched into Wentz's death, and state troopers sought to question Fessler. But they would never get the opportunity. Fessler, too, would die of an overdose less than six months later.

Two friends poisoned by the same deadly cocktail — two families, left to suffer and to question who and how and why.

___

Wentz's passing on Nov. 9, 2017, came near the end of a year that saw a record number of drug overdose deaths — more than 72,000 nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two weeks before Wentz died, President Donald Trump declared the opioid epidemic to be a "public health emergency."

By that time, fentanyl had emerged as one of the biggest threats. A synthetic opioid both cheap to produce and more powerful than heroin, it has flooded the illicit drug market in recent years. The drug was implicated in two-thirds of Pennsylvania's 5,456 overdose deaths in 2017, a 150 percent increase in just two years in one of the nation's hardest-hit states in the ongoing opioid epidemic.

Wentz's family said they never saw it coming.

"I never would've thought he had an issue," said Firestone, speaking publicly about the circumstances of her son's death for the first time. "Brandon made a mistake and paid the ultimate price."

Wentz had a lot going for him. The young man known to all as "Honcho" was just 22 when he became mayor of Mount Carbon, population 87, a speck of a town in eastern Pennsylvania's coal region. Wentz, whose grandmother had served as Mount Carbon's first female mayor in the 1980s, relished the role and took it seriously, fielding constituent concerns and helping the volunteer fire department rebuild after its firehouse burned down.

"We greatly appreciated him. The compassion that he showed for us, I can't even explain it. It was overwhelming," said Mary Ann Sadusky, a fire department trustee.

Apart from his mayoral responsibilities, Wentz was a doting older brother, a professional writing major at Kutztown University, a hoops fan who covered the NBA for a sports website. Universally well-liked, he had a wide circle of friends and could make anyone laugh.

"He essentially was a mayor before he became The Mayor," said a longtime friend, Brandon Radziewicz, who credits Wentz with bringing him out of his shell in high school.

But Wentz had another side. His closest companions were aware he was dabbling in heroin, which they frowned on but felt powerless to do anything about. They didn't know how often he used drugs, and it was easy to tell themselves he had it under control , it wasn't that bad or he could make his own decisions. They talked about going to Wentz's family, but decided to let it go.

Once Ryan Fessler entered Wentz's life, his behavior became more difficult to ignore.

A couple years older than Wentz, Fessler was artistic and musical, quick-witted and sensitive. He worked a succession of low-wage jobs, but never seemed to have a grand plan for his life.

"He just wanted to do his music," said his mother, Kim Kramer.

Fessler's own struggle with drugs started with the prescription painkiller Percocet and then, when that became too expensive and difficult to obtain, shifted to heroin. He asked his mother for money but she refused, knowing where he'd spend it.

By the fall of 2017, Fessler was profoundly addicted — a "lost soul," according to Julie Sears, a friend from childhood who began dating him that summer.

Fessler and Wentz bonded over drugs, but their friendship went a lot deeper, according to Sears.

"They were the same person," she said. "They both wrote, they both drew, they would make up funny raps together. They really did want the best for each other."

Most of Wentz's longtime friends didn't see it that way. They were alarmed by his relationship with Fessler.

"He wasn't a bad person, he was nice, but he had his own demons, too, and demons will invite more demons," Radziewicz said. "I think they were good at fueling each other's habits."

___

Wentz's family had no idea he was using opioids, but they could see that his life had taken a turn.

A few months after becoming mayor, Wentz was pulled over by state police, who found a small bag of marijuana and a glass pipe in his Pontiac Grand Prix. Wentz pleaded guilty to DUI and was sentenced to 72 hours in jail. He also lost his driver's license, which forced Wentz, a commuter student, to take a leave from Kutztown.

It was his first and only brush with the law, aside from a couple traffic tickets, and it affected him deeply. He was upset his classmates were leaving him behind, and disappointed that he had let himself and his family down. He wrote a note from his jail cell, apologizing to his mother for what he had done.

Wentz had suffered anxiety and depression since high school, and now those symptoms grew worse. He began seeing a psychiatrist, but didn't think the medication was working.

Friends believed his heroin use became more frequent in the summer and fall of 2017.

Not long before his death, Wentz told Andrew Vogel, one of his English professors and a trusted adviser, that he might never make it back to school. Vogel had taken a special interest in Wentz, an unfocused but undeniably talented student, and pleaded with him to keep his options open.

"He was worried about how people were perceiving him when we spoke last, with the DUI, with resigning from his position as mayor, struggling with school, all of that," Vogel recalled. "He was concerned about what people thought. He wanted to do the right thing."

A few days later, Firestone came home from work to find her son sitting in the dark, suffering a migraine and putting the final touches on his resignation letter. Fessler showed up just as she was leaving for the grocery store.

Firestone wasn't exactly thrilled to see him. She had never trusted Fessler. It was just a gut feeling. She told her son she didn't like them hanging out.

"Mom, you've just got to give him a chance," Wentz would reply. "You don't really know him. He's just going through some issues. He just needs a friend."

Now, with his mother at the store, Wentz told his younger brother that he and Fessler "need to have an adult conversation."

They disappeared into Wentz's bedroom.

___

It was the morning after. Firestone's world had come crashing down, and here was Fessler, again, at her doorstep, not five minutes after her son's body was taken away.

Fessler was beside himself when he found out his good friend was dead — as distraught as his mother and girlfriend had ever seen him — and insisted on going to Wentz's house.

"What can I do?" he asked Firestone.

She showed him a business card. It had been left by a state police trooper who was at the house earlier.

"This officer needs you to call him," she said. "He has questions for you."

Fessler took a photo of the card and promised to "turn myself in." He asked Firestone for a hug; she couldn't do it. Not then, and maybe not ever. Even then, she suspected Fessler had given drugs to her son.

Fessler did not reach out to police. A trooper left a message on his cellphone in early December, but instead of returning the call, he blocked the number. A few weeks later, on Christmas Eve, his girlfriend found him in bed. He was high and he was crying.

"I killed my best friend," he wailed. "I gave it to him."

In his grief, Fessler's addiction grew worse.

Kramer begged her son to move to Florida to be with his father. He had no drug contacts there, and would have a shot at recovery.

Fessler agreed. He spent the early part of 2018 in the Sunshine State, in treatment. He was doing better.

But Fessler also faced unrelated drug charges in Pennsylvania, and he had to return for a hearing. His family worried he would relapse. They plotted to bring him back just long enough to go to court, to watch him closely and whisk him back to Florida as soon as it was over.

Firestone caught wind of Fessler's scheduled court appearance, alerting state police that he would be back in town. A trooper told her he would go to the hearing to ask him about Wentz's death.

But Fessler never made it.

Early on the morning of April 16, he fatally overdosed on heroin and fentanyl, the same combination that killed Wentz. He'd been in Pennsylvania just over two days.

___

Kramer, Firestone and their families had come to the same terrible place. Both lost children to the same poisons. Both wanted to know how it could have happened, and whom they could hold responsible.

To this day, Firestone is unsure about the extent of her son's drug use. His organs did not show signs of heavy or chronic use.

"My gut feeling is he contacted Ryan to get something to take the edge off that day," she said.

Whatever the reason, she's sure he didn't intend to overdose. A few hours before his death, Wentz had asked his mom to swing by their old house in Mount Carbon to pick up his flash drive — he told her he planned to set up a space in their new house and start writing again. Then he sent her a list of things to get from the grocery store: green grapes, pepperoni, apple sauce, crackers, iced tea, sports drink.

More than anything else, Firestone wishes his friends had brought their concerns about her son to her.

"We could have saved his life together rather than bury him together," she said.

His friend Radziewicz agrees.

"I was thinking, foolishly, that I would lose my best friend, and he wouldn't talk to me again," Radziewicz said. "Guess what? I lost my best friend."

Firestone cried anew when she learned of Fessler's death. She was sad for his mom, and frustrated that the truth about her own son's death might never come out. There were times when she couldn't help but hate Fessler, even as she understood that he struggled, too.

The families do not know each other. Firestone recently passed her number to Kramer, and Kramer plans to connect at some point. "She needs to talk to me, I think," Kramer said.

Kramer says she understands Firestone's feelings toward her son — because she feels the same about whoever supplied her own son's drugs.

"I'm there," Kramer said. "I get it, I truly do. You wake up, you think about it all day, it's forever there. You want to find out who gave it to them. ... You want to hate the one who handed your son the bag."

POTTSVILLE — In the same courthouse where his father once tried cases, Michael D. Marchalk is going on trial today for what prosecutors allege was his killing of former Assistant District Attorney Gary D. Marchalk on Father’s Day 2017.

Michael Marchalk, with the aid of his lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Andrea L. Thompson, helped on Nov. 30 to select the jury of six men and six women that will hear his case beginning at 9 a.m. today.

President Judge William E. Baldwin, who will preside over the trial, has set aside the entire week to hear the case.

Although Michael Marchalk, 38, of Barnesville, originally wanted to defend himself, he decided last month to have Thompson handle his case.

He faces charges of first-, second- and third-degree murder, robbery, theft, access device fraud and possessing instruments of crime. If convicted of first- or second-degree murder, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty in the case.

Deputy Attorney General Rebecca A. Elo, a former county assistant district attorney, and Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher P. Phillips are prosecuting the case because of a conflict of interest in the district attorney’s office.

State police at Frackville have charged Marchalk with killing Gary Marchalk, a prominent lawyer whose widow is county Treasurer Linda L. Marchalk, by beating him with a baseball bat on June 18, 2017, at the Ryan Township residence they shared at 21 Pear St., Barnesville.

Police said Michael Marchalk had asked for money from his father, who declined to give it to him. Police also allege the two had a difficult relationship.

Police also said Marchalk fled the area after killing his father, taking his wallet, credit cards and gold Ford Fusion automobile. The defendant used his father’s bank cards in Tamaqua, New Tripoli, Fogelsville and Philadelphia before being arrested on June 23, 2017, on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, according to police.

Another son, Matthew Marchalk, found his father’s body the next day, according to police.

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

Defendant: Michael D. Marchalk

Age: 38

Residence: Barnesville

Charges: First-degree murder, second-degree murder, third-degree murder, robbery, theft, access device fraud and possessing instruments of crime

Crash claims woman,

injures another

HALIFAX — A Carlisle woman died of injuries and an Elizabethville woman was injured in a two-vehicle crash Friday morning on Route 225, about 286 yards south of Roadcap Lane in Halifax Township, Dauphin County, police said.

State police at Lykens said Makelle Brianne Mummart, 26, of Carlisle, was northbound on Route 225 at 8:08 a.m. when her 2013 Hyundai crossed the double yellow line and entered the southbound lane of traffic. Mummart’s vehicle collided head-on with a 2018 Kia driven by Shannon M. Schreffler, 46, of Elizabethville, causing major damage to both vehicles and blocking the roadway for about an hour, police said.

Police said Mummart was flown by Life Lion to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, where she died of her injuries while in surgery, and Schreffler was taken to the same medical center by Halifax EMS for treatment of unknown injuries. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash, police said.

Both vehicles sustained major damage and were towed from the scene, police said. Halifax Fire Department and EMS and Lifeteam EMS assisted troopers at the scene, police said.

Lykens man arrested

in building burglary

LYKENS — A Lykens man was arrested by state police at Lykens for a burglary that happened Dec. 2 at 527 Spruce St. in this Dauphin County borough, police said.

Police said John Urso, 38, forced his way into an apartment building owned by Mandy Carl, 41, of Elizabethville, after being evicted. Police said Urso stayed in the basement of the building about three days before being discovered by one of the tenants.

The man used the building’s electricity and was also found in possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.

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

Ashland

The Ashland Area Senior Citizens meet Wednesdays at the Masonic Building, 2100 Centre St. Meetings begin at 1 p.m., but coffee and fellowship begin at 11 a.m. The group has a variety of activities throughout the year, including monthly birthday parties, special holiday parties and silver auctions. During the summer months, the group has three indoor picnics. Special speakers attend events to share information for various special occasions. Each meeting closes with bingo games. People interested in joining are invited to stop by on any Wednesday or call Barbara at 570-875-1149.

Lansford

Panther Valley Public Library, 117 E. Bertsch St., has free preschool story hours at 10 a.m. every Tuesday through Dec. 18. Children ages 3-5 are welcome for a story, craft and snack. No registration is necessary. For more information, call the library 570-645-3780.

Ringtown

The 2019 Ringtown Valley Community Fund drive began Sept. 1 and will continue through Dec. 31. A mailing has been sent to all households in the Ringtown and Zion Grove zip code areas, according to a fund press release, which adds that contributions to the annual drive support 10 non-profit organizations that serve the Ringtown area, including Avenues (formerly United Cerebral Palsy), the Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children, Ringtown Area Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League, Library, Recreation Complex, Food Pantry, Senior Citizens and Pastors’ Association. The community fund board voiced appreciation in the release to residents “for their continued support for the annual fund drive, which has benefited countless area residents of all ages since 1955.” Officials reminded residents that contributions should be made on or before Dec. 31 with checks payable to: Ringtown Valley Community Fund; mailed to P.O. Box 204, Ringtown, PA 17967. Additional mailers are available at the Ringtown Area Library. There will be no second mailing.

Saint Clair

The Saint Clair Lions Club, 259 McCord Ave., will have a New Year’s Eve bingo on Dec. 31. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and games will begin at 9 p.m. (BYOB). Tickets are $40 each. To make reservations, or for a ride, call 570-429-0549 or 570-429-9939. The club will also have a pork-and-sauerkraut dinner beginning at 11 a.m. Jan. 1. The cost is $9.50 per meal. Call the aforementioned numbers for more information.

Shenandoah

The Schuylkill Historical Fire Society Museum, 105 S. Jardin St., is open for fire department, school and private tours. There is no charge for tours but donations are gratefully accepted, according to the society website, which also lists museum hours as 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Appointments can be made for visits at other times by contacting President Leroy Knapp or Vice President John Kelly. Membership inquiries are welcome. The museum’s phone number is 570-462-4400. The museum was formally dedicated in 1999 with several commemorative events and a dedication parade. Housed in the former Columbia Hose & Steam Fire Company station, the site also serves as the society’s headquarters. Its collection of equipment and other artifacts is recognized as outstanding. For more about the society and photos of antique equipment, go to its website at www.theshfs.org.

Tamaqua

The borough has issued a reminder it has rules regarding snow removal. Property owners are required to maintain a clear path, at least three feet wide, on sidewalks. Snow and ice must be removed from pathways within 24 hours of the end of a storm. Snow, ice and similar items may not be thrown into streets. Fines of $25 and higher may be imposed on anyone caught throwing snow or ice onto streets or who fails to maintain a snow-free pathway. People who plow snow from in front of homes and businesses must remove any piles of snow they create. Anyone piling snow in the street or parking areas could be cited. Residents are asked to refrain from piling snow near fire hydrants or on top of storm drains and are encouraged to clear snow from such areas. For more information, call 570-668-3444 or 570-668-0300.

POTTSVILLE — Visitors to the Yuengling Mansion on Sunday welcomed in the holiday season with songs.

Marie Flynn, Pottsville, organized the Christmas show the featured favorites such as “Silver Bells,” “White Christmas,” “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells”

“This is Christmas. It’s a time of music, a time of singing,” Flynn said.

Flynn, a member of St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville, was joined by members of the church and others to entertain the public. There was even a special appearance from Santa Claus.

Tom Flynn, Pottsville, read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” before Santa made his appearance.

“Ho. Ho. Ho. A happy Christmas to all and to all a good night,” Santa Claus said.

Lori Smith, 57, of Pottsville, was singing along to songs and having a good time.

“It gives me the holiday spirit,” Smith said.

Prudence Griffin, 77, of Pottsville, agreed the sing-along puts her in the mood for the Christmas spirit.

The mansion was decorated for the holiday season with Christmas trees, wreaths and other festive decorations.

Food, hot chocolate and cocoa were also available.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Deeds

North Manheim Township — Forino Co. LP to Brooke C. Ditzler; 39 E. Abby Lane, Sunnyside; $147,994.

North Union Township — Paul R. Baum to Michael P. Baum; 20.12-acre property on Main Street, Nuremberg; $1.

Porter Township — Watermelon Realty LLC, 081517 Portfolio Trust and Natural Realty LLC to Sandra A. Smith; 1803 E. Colliery Ave., Reinerton; $132,000.

Pottsville — Nancy L. Stewart to Jeremy J. Sborz; 151 S. Anderson St.; $88,000.

Rush Township — Peggy M. Magnavita to Peggy M. Magnavita; 35 and 71 Frankford Ave. and 42 Hometown Ave., Hometown Ave.; $1.

POTTSVILLE — Nine people were left homeless Sunday after fire destroyed a house at 709 W. Market St.

The house was fully involved when the Pottsville Fire Department arrived shortly after noon. A second alarm was called with numerous companies from the county responding, five for manpower and two went to the Humane Fire Company to respond to emergencies in the city.

Flames shot from the roof of the home, eventually spreading to 705 and 707 W. Market St. structures, both of which were vacant. The fire was under control at 1:15 p.m.

“We’re still trying to determine the origin of the fire,” Assistant Fire Chief Chuck Bauers said Sunday. The Pottsville Fire Department and Pottsville Police Department are investigating, he added.

Bauers said 709 W. Market St. is a total loss, while 707 W. Market St. has “pretty extensive fire and smoke damage to the third floor” and 705 W. Market St. has “minor fire and smoke damage” to the third floor. Damage estimates were not available.

Pottsville Fire Chief James E. Misstishin Sr. said no working smoke detectors were found in 709 W. Market St., which was rented. The online Schuylkill County Parcel Locator lists the owner as M23 LLC.

Bauers said initial information was that children were inside 709 W. Market St., so firefighters did an interior search but it was discovered they were outside.

“There were four children at home of the time of the fire,” Bauers said, adding one smelled smoke and told the other three, prompting them to leave.

One of the children, who didn’t give his name, said everyone was OK. However, Bauers said a dog died in the fire.

Renee Williams, lead responder with the Tri County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said seven children and two adults live at the house. She identified those living at the home as Keisha McCuller, 38; her fiance, David Rich, 45; and the children, Mekhi McCuller, 17, Kanye McCuller, 15, Nasir McCuller, 13, Shameek McCuller, 4, Zenobia McCuller, 4, Selena Derosa, 6, and Avant McCuller. Food, clothing and housing assistance were provided, Williams said.

Bauers said no firefighters were injured.

All seven fire companies from the city responded to the fire. Fire companies from Schuylkill Haven, Minersville, Saint Clair, Port Carbon, Tuscarora, Pine Grove, Orwigsburg and Englewood responded.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028