POTTSVILLE — A Whitehall man was jailed after an incident when Pottsville police on patrol saw him discharging a firearm in the roadway around 1:15 a.m. Sunday.

Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said Patrolman Michael Messner was on patrol in the 800 block of North Second Street when he saw the man, later identified as David Terrell Gaskins, 30, firing a weapon.

After realizing that Messner was present, Gaskins fled on foot and was later found by officers at 800-34 N. Second St. and taken into custody.

Through the investigation, officers learned that Gaskins was at 800-34 N. Second St. minutes before the incident and had been involved in an argument with another man inside.

Gaskins was escorted from the building by a female resident and a male friend in an attempt to stop the argument.

Wojciechowsky said that, outside the residence, Gaskins walked west on North Second Street, said he was going to “shoot this gun” and removed a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine that he had concealed in his waistband and began firing the weapon into the air.

At the scene, officers recovered eight 9 mm spent shell casings and a subsequent search of the area led to officer finding the 9 mm handgun that was discarded by Gaskins as he originally fled the scene.

Pottsville police were assisted at the scene and in the investigation by officers from Minersville, Orwigsburg, Palo Alto, Penn State Schuylkill and Saint Clair.

The Pottsville Fire Department also helped police in the search for the weapon, police said.

As a result of the incident, Messner charged Gaskins with illegally possessing a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, possessing instruments of crime, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault and discharging a firearm within city limits.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail, police said.

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

POTTSVILLE — The Salvation Army of Pottsville needs help to meet its goal for the 2018 Red Kettle Drive.

“It’s not that we don’t have the stands, we just don’t have the consistent volunteers,” Envoy Brad Harris said Tuesday.

Ideally, there should be 30 volunteers. So far they have 13.

“Some folks — God bless their hearts — they are out there from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” Harris said.

About $36,400 of the $96,000 goal has been raised so far since the Nov. 16 start of the drive. If the donation level stays this way, he estimates the Salvation Army will fall between $26,000 to $28,000 shy of its goal. The organization would have to seriously re-evaluate its budget, forcing cuts.

Five of the 12 locations are not being staffed because there aren’t enough volunteers to do so, Harris said. At the moment, kettle stands at BG’s Value Market in Minersville and Pine Grove; Berger’s Market in Pine Grove; and Boyer’s Food Market in Shenandoah and Frackville are not being staffed.

Locations at Redner’s in Shenandoah, Schuylkill Haven and Valley View; Boyer’s in Pottsville and Orwigsburg; Walmart in Saint Clair (two kettles) and Boscov’s at Fairlane Village mall have kettles.

The kettle drive continues until 5 p.m. Dec. 24. To volunteer, call 570-622-5252, stop by 400 Sanderson St., Pottsville or visit ww.pendel.salvationarmy.org.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Ashland

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

Ashland

Ashland American Legion Post 434 will have ice cream sundaes with Santa beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday at the post home, 505 Centre St. Children of all ages are welcome. The event will include refreshments and door prizes. For more information, call 570-875-3428.

Frackville

The Frackville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Nick Borzak, Francis Goncalves, Mike Rynn, Leonard Laurusevage from Frackville Ministerium; for Thomas Nickels from Frackville Rotary; for Jane Dameron from Frackville Ministerium, Joseph Yotko, Robert Gadinski; for Jack Moran, Basil Cuttic, Bob Jenkins, Joseph Prock from Frackville Ministerium; for Kathryn (Conway) Banse from Peg Gerrity.

Minersville

A Christmas bazaar, Chinese auction and vendor/craft event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Community Mission Christian Center. All are welcome. For information on pricing and participation, call 570-789-3946.

New Ringgold

The New Ringgold Fire Company will have mackerel breakfasts beginning at 7 a.m. Sunday and Dec. 30, Jan. 13 and 27, Feb. 10 and 24 and March 10 and 24. There will also be full breakfast menus. All are welcome. For more information, call 5470-943-2212.

Orwigsburg

Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson will host Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Photos with Santa will be $5 each — children or even pets — and proceeds will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Food will be on sale. For more information, call the riders’ services desk at 570-366-0143, ext. 710.

Pottsville

A New Year’s Watchnight Service will start at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at First United Methodist Church. It will include games for children, food and fellowship, according to a release. There will also be a brief service of Holy Communion. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-622-8140.

Ringtown

A free living Nativity will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Aurand Memorial Methodist Church, 217 W. Main St. All are welcome.

Saint Clair

St. Michael Orthodox Church, 110 N. Morris St., is having an advance-order-only Christmas halupkie sale. To order, call 570-429-2138. The cost is $10 per dozen and the minimum order is two dozen. The deadline to order is Dec. 20. Pickup dates are Dec. 22 and Jan. 5.

Shenandoah Heights

The Shenandoah Heights Fire Company is having a truck drive fundraiser, underway now. Mailings have been made. Anyone in the service area who does not receive a mailing should call 570-462-0256 or contact any officer. The company also needs volunteers, both firefighters and people to help “behind the scenes,” according to a company release. People 18 or older who are interesting in helping are asked to contact the company.

Tamaqua

The Black Diamond Writers’ Network will meet at 10 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Tamaqua Area Free Public Library, 30 S. Railroad St. The speaker will be Jay Smar, a professional entertainer from Jim Thorpe who plays guitar, fiddle, mandolin and banjo and writes the music and lyrics for his songs. Talk about his stories of the local coal miners and how he researches historical facts about Pennsylvania coal region, how his research becomes poetry and how he puts it to music, according to an event press release. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, call Anna Getz at 570-645-2717; for directions call library at 570-668-4660.

Police charge teen in Pottsville crash

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police investigated a crash that happened around 2:45 p.m. Monday in the 500 block of East Arch Street.

Police said the investigation determined that a 17-year-old boy was driving a 1999 Volkswagen Jetta east in the 500 block of East Arch Street when he veered into the parking lane and struck a legally parked 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer owned by a Pottsville man.

Police said the crash caused the Volkswagen Jetta to roll over before coming to a rest back on its tires.

The teenage driver was the only occupant of the vehicle and was treated on scene by Schuylkill EMS, police said adding that both vehicles sustained disabling damage and had to be towed from the scene.

As a result of the investigation by Patrolman Joseph Krammes, the teenage driver will be cited for careless driving, police said.

Geisinger Medical Center, Danville

To Lucas Schaeffer and Melissa Woody, Cressona, a daughter, Nov. 17. Maternal grandparents are Bettyann and Arthur Woody, Williamstown, N.J. Paternal great-grandmother is Madelyn Schaeffer, Cressona.

POTTSVILLE — Big Apple aspirations have two county youth groups prepping for Radio City Music Hall’s annual “Christmas Spectacular,” featuring the Rockettes.

The Spotlight Kidz and The Minor Notes Chorale will perform in “Sounds of Christmas” — a 5-minute a cappella performance before the curtain opens on the Christmas Spectacular in New York City.

The groups are slated to take the stage separately at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Dec. 19, respectively. They’ll tour the Radio City Music Hall, meet the Rockettes and learn about the iconic building’s history.

Both groups have performed in New York City before, but this is the first time they’ll be opening for the Rockettes.

“I’ve watched videos of them, but I’ve never seen them dance, so I’m really excited to,” Eden Wanzie, 12, of Schuylkill Haven, said. Wanzie was joined by Kenna Corby, 9, of Pottsville; Devlin Purcell, 10, of Minersville; Sophie Wittig, 12, of Frackville; Morgan Flick, 18, of Pine Grove, and the rest of the Spotlight Kidz during a rehearsal Friday in Pottsville.

“Trying to remember your part, while someone else is singing right beside you at the same time is probably the hardest thing to do,” Purcell said.

“It’s a good chance to get experience and is an eye-opener for any performer,” Flick said. “My mom always says I look happiest when I’m performing on stage. Some say they were born for the stage, and that’s probably me,” she added.

Bree Dobeck, an aspiring music teacher and a member of The Minor Notes Chorale, said she was looking forward to seeing how the audience reacts and to getting back to the city.

“It’s always a magical place around Christmas time,” Dobeck, 12, of Barnesville, said.

Spotlight Kidz is under the direction of Sandy Kost-Sterner, with Bruce Marianelli serving as music director. Meanwhile, The Minor Notes Chorale is under the direction of Mark P. Thomas, with Allison Kline serving as assistant director and accompanist.

“It is difficult to even put into words what an opportunity this will be for these young ladies ... This is truly a once in a lifetime experience, to perform in one of the most famous theaters in the United States. The girls will be performing for an audience of about 6,000 plus and will get the opportunity to see the inner-workings and behind the scenes actions of Radio City Music Hall. Not only that, but to open for the iconic Christmas Spectacular will surely be amazing,” Kline said.

The Minor Notes Chorale has presented concerts at the Empire State Building and the United Nations, as well as taking part in theater workshops with the Broadway cast of Wicked. There are currently 15 youth members. They’ll perform “Carol of the Bells,” and possibly a song with a Charlie Brown theme, according to Thomas, whose 11-year-old daughter, Peyton, is also part of the choir.

“We want to give them a great chorale experience and help them understand rhythms,” Thomas said. By age 15, some of the vocalists in the youth group migrate to the adult choir, the Schuylkill County Community Chorus, realizing singing can be a lifelong pursuit, he said.

There are 16 Spotlight Kidz who are participating in the Radio City Music Hall event, and four guest Broadway youth performers will join them.

The Spotlight Kidz submitted a video to be considered for the Christmas Spectacular performance, Kost-Sterner said. “The Spotlight Kidz were also invited to sing at the opening of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ National Tour performance at Madison Square Garden theater but had to decline due to a busy holiday season. They will be back in New York City in the spring to sing on the Intrepid,” Kost-Sterner said.

The two songs they’ll be singing are “Christmas Wish” and “Holly Jolly Christmas.”

The Spotlight Kidz have had an incredible year, according to their director, singing at the 9/11 Memorial on Flag Day in New York City; singing in front of 42,000 people at the Philadelphia Phillies game honoring the 2008 World Championship team; singing at a sold-out No. 1 ranked Villanova men’s basketball game; singing at the Little League World Series; and once again performing on a NYC stage with Broadway performers.

“I know performing at Radio City Music Hall will give the kids something to aim for. The crowd and the experience is sure to be memorable and they may look to their future and possibly someday may be standing on that same stage again as a singer, dancer or actor in the Rockettes show or the Tony Awards. I am so excited for them and so extremely proud of all of them,” Kost-Sterner said.

Family members and friends are scheduled to travel to the city by the bus load to join the young entertainers.

“I don’t think they realize what it’s going to be like until they get on that stage,” Bree’s mother, Amy Dobeck said Tuesday. “I think this opportunity is a chance of a lifetime for Bree and the other choir members. Bree has been a dancer since the age of 3 and for her to be singing on the same stage as the Rockettes and many other historic musicians is a thrill for her Dad and I as well as the other parents!”

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — Prosecutors concluded their case against Michael D. Marchalk on Tuesday in Schuylkill County Court with police officers telling of the defendant’s statements in which he alternately tried to incriminate and exonerate himself of murdering his father.

“ ‘I’d just like to say I’m sorry for what I did. There’s no excuse for it. If I could trade my own life for his, I would’,” is what Marchalk said to the media on June 30, 2017, the date of his preliminary arraignment in Frackville, state police Cpl. Eric Schaeffer testified on the second day of the trial.

However, state police Cpl. Leo Luciani testified that when he drove Marchalk to prison on June 30, 2017, the latter blamed his father, Gary D. Marchalk, for what occurred, saying he was the aggressor.

“ ‘When he hit me with the bat, I couldn’t believe it’,” is how Luciani quoted Marchalk. “Every word of it ... it’s the truth.”

The trial is scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. today with Assistant Public Defender Andrea L. Thompson, Marchalk’s lawyer, presenting her case. Marchalk has said he will testify.

President Judge William E. Baldwin, who is presiding over the trial, said the jury of six men and six women could get the case this afternoon.

Michael Marchalk, 38, of Barnesville, is charged with first-degree, second-degree and third-degree murder, robbery, theft, access device fraud and possessing instrument of crime. At the end of the prosecution’s case, Baldwin denied Thompson’s request to dismiss the charges of second-degree murder and robbery.

State police at Frackville have charged Michael Marchalk with killing Gary Marchalk, a former assistant district attorney whose widow is county Treasurer Linda L. Marchalk, by beating him with a baseball bat on Fathers Day — June 18, 2017 — at the Ryan Township residence they shared at 21 Pear St., Barnesville.

“ ‘No, I didn’t’ ” mean to kill his father, was what Michael Marchalk said to the media on July 20, 2017, after his preliminary hearing, Deputy Sheriff Gerald Daley testified.

If convicted of either first-degree or second-degree murder, the defendant faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison, which in Pennsylvania carries no chance of parole.

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.

“It was a textbook-clean arrest,” Atlantic City police Sgt. John Waddell said of Marchalk’s apprehension. “He was planning on running away but ... we had him totally surrounded.”

“Did the defendant have any visible injuries?” asked Deputy Attorney General Rebecca A. Elo, a former county assistant district attorney who is prosecuting the case with Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher P. Phillips.

“No, ma’am,” Waddell answered.

On cross-examination, Waddell said that if Marchalk had had any medical problems, the Atlantic County Jail in Mays Landing, New Jersey, would not have accepted him.

Verity Wagner, a forensic DNA scientist with the state police, testified that the end of the baseball bat had a partial DNA profile of Gary Marchalk. She also said that the blood in the hallway of the Pear Street house matched Gary Marchalk’s DNA profile.

Another scientist, Sarah Kase, testified that there was blood on Michael Marchalk’s Philadelphia Eagles jersey and shorts, but that it could not be identified.

State police Tpr. Joseph W. Hall, the prosecuting officer, who said Linda Marchalk and Matthew Marchalk, Michael’s brother, never were considered to be suspects in Gary Marchalk’s death.

“She was interviewed multiple times,” he said.

Another trooper, Manuel Cabrera Maldonado, who is from the Jonestown station, testified he brought back Gary Marchalk’s car from Philadelphia. Prosecutors and the defendant stipulated that the car was found on July 16, 2017, and was locked and undisturbed.

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

POTTSVILLE — A Northampton County man is headed to state prison after admitting Dec. 5 in Schuylkill County Court that prosecutors could prove he set a fire and assaulted his girlfriend in May at his then-residence in East Brunswick Township.

Theodore S. Sadorski, 55, of Easton, formerly of New Ringgold, pleaded no contest to arson, aggravated assault, simple assault, criminal mischief and two counts of recklessly endangering another person.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted the plea, and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Sadorski to serve 15 to 36 months in a state correctional institution, plus an additional 12 months on probation, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Frackville charged Sadorski with beating Linda Lebel with a black axe handle, pointing a revolver at her and threatening to shoot her about 4 p.m. May 12.

Police said when they tried to enter the residence, they saw a fire burning in it.

Sadorski admitted throwing gasoline throughout the residence and lighting it, according to police.

By pleading no contest, Sadorski did not admit committing the crimes, but offered no defense to the charges, agreed prosecutors could produce enough evidence to prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and agreed to be sentenced as if he had pleaded or been found guilty.

Also on Dec. 5, Steven Schaeffer, 53, of Schuylkill Haven, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and careless driving. Dolbin sentenced him to serve 72 hours to six months in prison, pay costs, $1,025 in fines, $300 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, a $50 CJEA payment and $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network, and perform 10 hours community service.

Schuylkill Haven police alleged Schaeffer was DUI at 1:04 a.m. Jan. 29, 2017, in the borough. Schaeffer had a blood alcohol level of 0.246 percent, police said; the legal limit for driving in Pennsylvania is 0.08 percent.

A Sheppton man will not have to serve more time in prison after admitting Dec. 5 to a Schuylkill County judge that he stole a handgun in September 2016 at Locust Lake State Park.

John E. Filozof, 54, pleaded guilty to theft, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of receiving stolen property.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Filozof serve 125 days to 23 months in prison and granted him immediate parole.

Russell also sentenced Filozof to pay costs, $50 to the CJEA and a $50 bench warrant fee, undergo a mental health evaluation and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Frackville charged Filozof with taking a Taurus .44-magnum revolver from the truck of Mario Curreli, Brandonville, on Sept. 25, 2016, while the two men were camping. Police said Filozof admitted stealing the gun.

Also on Dec. 5, Amy L. Sartori, 33, of Ashland, pleaded guilty to theft, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of receiving stolen property.

Russell accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, placed Sartori on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs, a $50 CJEA payment and a $50 bench warrant fee, and perform 20 hours community service. She made the probation consecutive to the sentence Sartori already is serving.

Shenandoah police charged Sartori with committing the theft on Aug. 6, 2017, in the borough.

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

James R Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — A West Brunswick Township man waived his right to preliminary hearing on Dec. 4 for allegedly choking and threatening his girlfriend in October.

Brian P. Phillips Jr., 30, of 530 Red Church Road, Auburn, has been charged with strangulation, terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over all charges for court after Phillips waived his right to the hearing.

State police at Schuylkill Haven allege that at 1 p.m. Oct. 14 at his residence, Phillips grabbed Leann T. Wheeland by her hair and slammed her face into a window.

Police said Phillips then threw Wheeland to the floor, twisted her arm behind her back, put his knee in the middle of her back and pressed her face to the floor.

Phillips then let Wheeland get up, but when she tried to leave, he approached her from behind and put her in the choke hold, according to police. Wheeland, who thought Phillips would kill her, suffered neck pain, police said.

Phillips is free on $25,000 straight cash bail pending further court proceedings.

Other defendants whose cases Ferrier considered on Tuesday, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the matters included the following people.

Joseph P. Julian, 18, of 311 Laurel Blvd., Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Alexandria N. Krammes, 22, of 48 Haven St., Schuylkill Haven; driving under the influence and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Megan A. Leymeister, 33, of 403 E. Market St., Pottsville; defiant trespass and theft of services; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Roger A. Miller, 50, of 436 Route 61 South, Schuylkill Haven; DUI, accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property, unsafe pass on left, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving and disregarding traffic lane; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Brenda Norris, 57, of 342 South St. Front, Pottstown; DUI, driving under suspension, careless driving and violation of restraints on alcoholic beverages; charges held for court after preliminary hearing that Norris did not attend. Ferrier asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Norris.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A Coaldale man charged with assaulting a woman in that community on Oct. 7 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Mario J. Mascola, 63, of 23 W. Ruddle St., was arrested by Coaldale police Patrolman Anthony Houser and charged with one count each of simple assault and harassment.

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

Houser charged Mascola with harassing and shoving Linda Correll in the home they shared. The woman said the yelling and shoving continued for a few hours and that when she went to leave, Mascola grabbed her and punched her in the side of her face.

Other court cases included:

Suzanne M. Allen, 31, of 659 Market St., Weston; held for court: defiant trespass.

Timothy S, Poremba, 47, of 2 N. Kennedy Drive, Apt. 1, McAdoo; held for court: disorderly conduct.

Christopher Wickkiser, 31, of 450 Lake Drive, Nesquehoning; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance.

Peter F. Wasser, 24, of 162 Mahanoy Ave., Tamaqua; waived for court: DUI and failure to keep right.

Jessica L. Santana, 23, of 315 S. Hancock St., McAdoo; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jennifer R. McKoy, 34, of 6249 Larchwood Ave., Philadelphia; held for court: receiving stolen property.

Anthony J. Napolitano, 33, of 246 W. Ridge St., Apt. 1, Lansford; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robin L. Stayathome, 43, of 259 Lafayette St., Tamaqua; waived for court: retail theft.

Efrain Nieves Jr., 19, of 19 E. Market St., Box 148, Sheppton; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and disregard for single traffic lane.

Benjamin Doskus, 31, of 271 Hartman Road, Reading; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, no headlights and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brian J. Baley, 24, of 267 E. Bertsch St., Lansford; withdrawn: DUI-controlled substance. Waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, reckless driving, careless driving, driving at an unsafe speed and driving without insurance.

Robert Ebbert II, 54, of 804 Mill Road, Lehighton; waived for court: receiving stolen property, theft and theft of property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake.

Anthony T. Heffelfinger, 42, of 138 E. High St., Coaldale; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and compliance with exhaust requirements.

Demetrius A. Greene, 28, of 209 S. 11th St., Quakertown; held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and violating sound levels.

Brian D. Fink, 30, of 1083 Railview Road, Gladys, Virginia; held for court: DUI, DUI-high rate and no rear lights.

Ronald A. Schwimer II, 35, of 10 Centre St., Lansford; held for court: driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ryan S. Reyes-Negron, 19, of 68 N. Kennedy Drive, Apt. 1B, McAdoo; held for court: DUI-controlled substance, driving without a license and no rear lights.

Sabile B. Mehmeti, 35, of 22 N. Greenwood St., Tamaqua; held for court: Driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brian Bloss, 34, of 303 Washington St., Tamaqua; waived for court: persons not to possess or use firearms, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gina Cara, 53, of 323 E. Blaine St., McAdoo; held for court: DUI, DUI-high rate and failure to stop at a red signal.

Kody M. Frank, 26, of 1218 Pottsville St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and altered or misbranded controlled substances.

Tyler J. Trovinger, 18, of 30 S. Main St., Box 362, MaryD; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, DUI-minor and no rear lights.

James K Reiley

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man, charged with assaulting another man with a wrench at his home in the city, waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley.

Keith E. Wykle, 30, of 825 Mount Hope Ave., was arrested by Pottsville police Patrolman Braden Jones and charged with one count each of simple assault and harassment.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Wykle will now have to answer to both charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Jones charged Wykle with an incident on Oct. 6 becoming angry with Jose Manuel Montero while the two were fixing a vehicle. Wykle picked up a wrench and threw it at Montero, causing a small laceration above his eye, Jones said.

Other court cases included:

Juan A. Formoso, 22, of 801 Laurel Blvd., Pottsville; waived for court: false reports.

Shannon M. Stahr, 34, of 129 Middle Ave., Box 19, Locustdale; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alex J. Bulino, 30, of 438 Harrison St., Pottsville; held for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Clarence W. Donton, 39, of 132 Albert Blvd., Pottsville; waived for court: simple assault and harassment.

Deeds

Mahanoy City — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Joan Goodman; 801 E. Centre St.; $2,570.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Comprehensive Realty LLC; 601 W. Centre St.; $1,181.

Pottsville — Mark and Kristen Cesari to Astride Chery; 200 S. Ninth St.; $38,000.

Rush Township — Maria Montero to Jacob and Gloria Bouch; 10 Laurelwood St., Hometown; $170,000.

Ryan and Schuylkill townships — Marion M. Zeo and Phillip Zoi Zeo to George F. Leib Jr., Thomas C. Leib and William J. Leib; 161.10595-acre property on Legislative Route 53036; $260,000.

Saint Clair — Scott R. Sabaday to CACL Federal Credit Union; 108 Cherry St.; $1.

George W. and Patricia E. Wolff to Eric J. and Shannon L. Wolff; 326 S. Mill St.; $26,000.

Richard B. and Tommie A. McShaw to Richard B. McShaw; 406 Fairview St.; $1.

Schuylkill Haven — Melissa A. Hoffman to Jennifer L. Kohr; 57 Avenue C; $125,000.

Shenandoah — Donna R. Sanders to Bernard L. Sanders; 33 S. White St.; $1.

Yasmil Hilario-Taveras to Jinabel Properties Corp.; 114 N. Chestnut St.; $1,500.

POTTSVILLE — A Philadelphia woman is headed to prison after admitting to a Schuylkill County judge that she fled from police in January in Blythe Township.

Leuri Paulino-Diaz, 29, pleaded guilty to fleeing or eluding police, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of driving unregistered vehicle, operating vehicle without required financial responsibility, careless driving and operating vehicle without valid inspection.

President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted the plea and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, sentenced Paulino-Diaz to serve 60 days to 12 months in prison and pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account. Baldwin made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. Jan. 4, 2019.

State police at Frackville charged Paulino-Diaz with fleeing from them on Jan. 28.

Other defendants who pleaded guilty before Baldwin, their crimes and the sentences the judge imposed included the following people:

Corey M. Cromyak, 31, of New Philadelphia; simple assault, prohibited possession of offensive weapon and criminal mischief; 30 days to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, 24 months consecutive probation, $50 fine, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Eduction Fund, $100 in CJEA payments and $477 restitution to Blythe Township. Prosecutors withdrew charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and a second count of criminal mischief.

Kirk T. Lagasse, 52, of New Philadelphia; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation and $100 SAEF payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of operating vehicle without valid inspection.

Barbara A. Morgan, 60, of Cumbola; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $250 restitution.

Linda A. Polachek, 55, of Frackville; smelling or inhaling toxic releasing substances and disorderly conduct; 15 days to 12 months in prison, $25 fine and drug and alcohol evaluation.

Jared A. Raczka, 26, of Pottsville; defiant trespass; 12 months probation. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of harassment.

Kenneth M. Smeal, 57, of Cressona; false statement under penalty; 12 months probation.

Alissa J. Zebrosky, 20, of Pottsville; accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property; 12 months probation. Prosecutors withdrew charges of failure to stop and give information and careless driving.

A Gilberton woman will spend time in prison after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced her on Monday for being under the influence of drugs while driving in July 2016 in Shenandoah.

Roberta J. Mazack, 49, must serve 72 hours to six months in prison, Judge John E. Domalakes decided.

Domalakes also sentenced Mazack to pay costs, $569 in fines, $100 to the SAEF, $50 to the CJEA and $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network. Domalakes made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. Friday.

In a nonjury trial, Domalakes found Mazack guilty on Oct. 9 of driving under the influence and careless driving. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of seat belt violation.

Shenandoah police had alleged Mazack was DUI on July 24, 2016, in the borough.

Also in the county court, Kadeem L. Weldon, 25, of Harrisburg, pleaded guilty on Dec. 6 to retail theft, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of receiving stolen property.

Judge Charles M. Miller accepted the plea, and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Weldon to serve two to 12 months in prison with immediate parole and pay costs, a $50 fine and a $50 CJEA payment.

Saint Clair police charged Weldon with committing the theft on Jan. 8, 2014, at the Walmart Supercenter in the borough.

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’s two Republican majority commissioners, Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. and Commissioner Frank J. Staudenmeier, announced Wednesday that they each will be running in 2019 for another four-year term in office.

“Stable, competent and experienced representation is crucial ... as unfunded mandates and limited means of revenue generation place greater burdens on Schuylkill County and its citizens,” Staudenmeier said.

Halcovage, 61, of Pottsville, and Staudenmeier, 68, of Ashland, have served together since 2012, when the former first assumed office. Staudenmeier has served as a commissioner since 2002.

Halcovage has been president of Morgan and Halcovage Insurance Agency since July 1979.

Staudenmeier worked for 24 years as area manager and community development director for Pennsylvania Power & Light Electric Utilities Corp., now PPL Electric Utilities Corp., before taking office.

The pair said they have accomplished many things as commissioners, including selling Rest Haven, the county nursing home just outside Schuylkill Haven. That sale generated money for the county and eliminated the cost of operating the facility, they said.

They also emphasized their success in working with the county economic development team to create family-sustaining jobs and cut unemployment.

Also, according to Halcovage and Staudenmeier, the use of zero-based budgeting — starting all agency budgets at zero and requiring all spending to be justified every year — has controlled inevitable increases in costs and minimized the impact of any increases on county taxpayers.

State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Lake Hauto, has agreed to chair the Halcovage-Staudenmeier re-election effort.

“I immediately accepted the opportunity to serve as chairman of the re-election campaign,” Argall said. “George and Frank are experienced commissioners who have served the people of Schuylkill County with the utmost skill and dedication. I have personally enjoyed working with them for the betterment of our county and look forward to their continued service to the people of Schuylkill County.”

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

Police omitted

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill Haven police assisted Pottsville police in an incident early Sunday morning involving a man shooting a weapon in the street. The department was omitted from a story in Wednesday’s edition.

Tamaqua Area School District entered preliminary objections to a lawsuit its teachers’ union filed against a policy that would allow staff members to carry firearms on the job.

The district’s objections were recorded last week in Schuylkill County Court.

In a lawsuit filed in November, the Tamaqua Education Association claimed that arming staff members is a violation of Pennsylvania School Code and other laws that limit the use of firearms by public employees.

But the district’s objections say there is no specific statute that authorizes or prevents the district from enacting Policy 705, which the board passed unanimously in September.

“The only direct harm which TEA attempts to allege is that Policy 705 will authorize Tamaqua Area School District employees to carry firearms and be authorized when appropriate to use deadly force in the workplace of TEA members,” according to the district’s 25-page filing. “This allegation is not sufficient since it does not allege at least one of its members are suffering immediate or threatened injury.”

The filing asks the court to grant the district’s preliminary objection and dismiss the union’s complaint for “lack of standing.”

Under Policy 705, administrators, teachers or other district staff who undergo special training would be authorized to carry firearms. The teachers’ union further argued that employees would be carrying weapons with “substantially less training and experience than required by the General Assembly.”

While a 2017 bill introduced in the Senate sought to authorize school boards to allow armed personnel, the measure stalled in the state House.

“The General Assembly has not delegated to the district the power to make rules and regulations concerning the use of firearms by government employees that conflict with statutory requirements,” the teachers’ lawsuit states.

During a November school board meeting, many encouraged the board to seek alternatives to the policy.

Ashland

Washington Fire Company is selling its 2019 lottery calendars. People who match the evening three-digit number straight can win daily prizes from $20 to $500. The cost of the calendars is $20 each. To buy a calendar or for more information, call 570-590-0741.

Heckscherville

Clover Fire Company will have its biweekly all-you-can-eat breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. Dec. 23. The cost is $9 for adults and $4 for children under 10. Santa will attend this breakfast, arriving at 9 a.m. For more information, call 570-294-0612.

Lavelle

The Ashland Area Community Choir will hold their annual Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Church of the Nazarene, Route 901. The title of the concert is “Christmas Presence.”

Mar Lin

The Mar Lin Citizens Fire Company will have a wing night beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday. The company sponsors wing nights every third Monday of the month September through May. People may eat at the firehouse or take wings out. For more information, call 570-544-6740.

McAdoo

The McAdoo Basketball League will have a meeting at 7 p.m. Saturday at The Strand skating rink. Anyone interested in coaching should attend; signups will also be taken.

McAdoo

McAdoo Lions Club members are invited to a Christmas breakfast at 9:45 a.m. Saturday at Perkins, Route 93. Volunteers who received an invitation should respond to Stephanie at 570-929-1012.

McAdoo

St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church will have a cookie sale from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Cookies are $6 per pound. Tricky tray raffle tickets will be available; winners will be chosen Sunday.

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg Food Pantry will be open from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the North Union Township building. The pantry serves eligible residents of Union, East Union and North Union townships as well as Ringtown. Clients who already receive surplus from the Ringtown pantry are not eligible for this distribution. Proof of residency will be required. People picking up food for someone other than themselves will need a note from the person giving permission, unless they have already filed notes with the pantry coordinator. The Twin County Lions manage the Nuremberg Food Pantry in conjunction with Schuylkill Community Action, Pottsville. For more information, call 570-579-8124.

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg branch of the Hazleton Area Public Library will be closed Monday.

Pine Grove

The Pine Grove Holiday Music Festival will begin at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 30 at Hetzel’s Church. Admission is free; offerings will be accepted to benefit local flood relief. The event will include music and carol singing in celebration of the community family, according to an event release. For more information, email PGMusicFest@gmail.com. All are welcome.

Pottsville

Auditions for Noel Coward’s “Present Laughter,” to be presented by the Actors Guild of Schuylkill County, are 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Majestic Theater, North Centre Street. The show presentation dates are April 5, 6 and 7. Those auditioning will be asked to do a cold reading of a segment of the script and must be available for all performances and tech week. No experience is necessary. For more information, go to the guild’s Facebook page or to its website at www.agosc.org or call 570-691-4275.

Shenandoah

Trinity United Church of Christ, 109-111 W. Lloyd St., will have its annual Christmas cookie sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The cost is $10 per pound and types include sugar, butter, chocolate chip, Michigan rocks and peanut butter. To order in advance, call 570-462-4346 or 570-874-3014.

MAHANOY CITY — A borough man was jailed after being arrested by Mahanoy City police for a burglary around 9:30 p.m. Monday.

Patrolman Jordan Smith charged Korey R. Wronski, 28, of 128 W. Mahanoy Ave., with one felony count each of burglary and criminal trespass, and one misdemeanor count each of theft, receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Wronski was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $50,000 straight cash bail.

Smith said he was called to 520 E. Centre St. for a report of a breaking and entering incident and told by the caller, Thomas Kane, that he has a home security system and received a notification on his cellphone that the camera to the rear of his home activated showing a man entering the building.

A search of the home was conducted and the rear door found to be opened.

With the assistance of other officers from Mahanoy City and Mahanoy Township, the home was searched after being told by Kane that the man entering the home did not leave.

Smith said that near a balcony on the second floor of the home, officers noticed a shoe under a blanket on the floor and legs under the blanket. Officers lifted the blanket and found a man, later identified as Wronski.

Wronski was taken into custody without incident and a subsequent search found him to be in possession of a hypodermic syringe and a Suboxone tablet.

Smith said Wronski also had a gold watch valued at $250 that was identified as belonging to Thomas Kane’s wife, Lori Kane, as well as a bag of coins with a value of $11.65.

Wronski will now have to answer to the charges against him at a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker in his Shenandoah courtroom.

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

The tree is decorated; you bought lots of gifts and have already been to several holiday parties and events. Trips have been planned to spend Christmas with family and you’re gathering baking supplies for your annual day of cookie and confection making that puts bake shops to shame. But there are those to whom Christmas will be nothing but another day.

Servants to All provides much needed services to the homeless in our county. The need does not temporarily end during the holidays. The shelter has a wish list for their consumers.

They’re in need of men’s jeans, hoodie sweatshirts, underwear, socks, shoes and work boots. Yes, work boots. One of the services they provide is to help their consumers become work-ready.

They’re also looking for donations of hoodie sweatshirts, undergarments, socks and shoes for women.

Personal care items of deodorant, shower gel, disposable razors, toothpaste, wipes and toilet paper are always welcome.

While on one of your many trips to the store this week, why not make an extra purchase for someone in need.

If you’re unable to make a purchase, perhaps you could donate some of your time and skills. They could use help with general office tasks like filing, donation management and clothing distribution as well as overnight shelter monitors to help staff during evening hours. All volunteers must complete an application and pass screenings. Training and support are provided. Call Jeanette Triano Sinn at 570-728-2917 if you’d like to donate an item or your time.

Calling all STS bus riders. STS is offering Holiday One-Fare Days for two more days in December. Ride any bus, all day, for only $1.50 on Friday and Dec. 21. Purchase your ticket from the driver. Senior rides are still free with their passes.

Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson is once again offering pictures with Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for family and pets. The cost is $5 and proceeds benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Thank you Schaeffer’s.

The Tamaqua Public Library invites young adult readers to join them at 6 p.m. Monday for pizza, games and fun facts about BBC’s TV series “Doctor Who.” Call 570-668-4660 for details.

A children’s Christmas party is slated for 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Pottsville Free Public Library. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and join staff for games, crafts, refreshments, prizes and story time. The event is open to children ages 3-12 and their parents. Register by calling 570-622-8880 or by emailing potchild@pottsvillelibrary.org.

Long-term facility

resident advocate (Ombudsman)

Responsibility: Transitioning to an adult day care or long-term care facility isn’t always easy for a new resident. Be a friendly face that makes the move more carefree while distributing materials on residents’ rights and periodically visiting. You could meet your next good pal.

Times: Flexible, about one to two hours per month at your convenience.

Skills: Good listener, compassionate. Free two-hour orientation plus one-day site training required.

Location: Heritage Mills in Tower City; Luther Ridge and Eldergarden Adult Day Care in Pottsville; Providence Place and Schoolyard Square in Pine Grove; Green Valley in Pitman; Golden Years and The Birches in Shenandoah; Hometown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Rosewood in Schuylkill Haven; St. Luke’s in Coaldale; Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center; and Pinebrook in Orwigsburg.

Call: Eileen Barlow, MidPenn Legal Services Ombudsman Program, 570-628-3931.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact information for those specific opportunities and search other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia Find us on Facebook. Call us at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

POTTSVILLE — Customers could be in for higher energy prices this winter season, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

In its Winter Fuels Outlook issued in October, the agency said that costs for consumers for natural gas could rise by 5 percent, electricity by 3 percent and home heating oil costs by 20 percent. Those who use propane will probably pay about the same as last year. The agency defines the winter heating season as October through March.

Temperatures are expected to be about the same as last year, the EIA said. Conditions such as colder or warmer temperatures could effect how much consumers pay for the heat. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its winter outlook that most of the country has a chance for normal or above normal temperatures this winter.

“It’s a roll of the dice,” Troy Ahner, general manager for Liberty Oil, said of those who want to take the chance on oil prices staying low and not prepaying for their fuel by Sept. 30.

He said that about 25 percent of Liberty Oil customers prepay. The company serves Schuylkill, Carbon, Lehigh and Monroe counties.

Perhaps tight budgets keep more people from opting for prepay. However, more than half are on a budget plan that starts in the summer, he said.

Ahner also looked at projections for heating oil, which show it increasing. An amount was not provided of how much he thought it might increase to. The average customer orders between 100 to 150 gallons each fill up, he said.

Heating oil is projected at $2.87 a gallon in 2019, according to the EIA.

Seth Hunsicker was making fuel deliveries Tuesday in Saint Clair, Frackville and Pottsville, and had 26 stops to make. Most of the customers were ordering 100 gallons. Depending on how much fuel is delivered, it can take between three to six minutes to fill a tank.

William Handges, a Liberty Oil customer who prepaid for 500 gallons, is getting between 90 and 100 gallons today at $2.59 a gallon. Usually he doesn’t prepay but if he would have done so last year, he would have saved about $50. He thinks that will be enough to last him, but if it’s not he will pay the price the company charges at that time when he runs out of oil.

Handges doesn’t think the cost for oil will skyrocket the way the EIA projects because the price of oil isn’t that high now.

Those in different areas of the country primarily use different fuel sources to heat their homes.

Almost half of the country uses natural gas as its main source of heat, 40 percent use electricity, about 4 percent use heating oil, about 2 percent use wood or wood pellets, 5 percent use propane, and the rest use another main source of fuel, according to the EIA.

While Schuylkill County residents might pay more to heat their homes in 2019, the price of gasoline is expected to drop to $2.50 a gallon, according to the EIA.

Gas at Exxon, 2600 W. Market St., Pottsville, on Wednesday was $2.63 for regular gas, $2.93 for mid-grade and $3.13 for premium. In Pennsylvania, the average price of gas is $2.63, according to AAA. Hawaii has the highest gas prices at $3.58 a gallon. Nationally, the average price was $2.40 Wednesday, down from $2.45 in 2017. The highest record average for a gallon of gas was $4.11 on July 17, 2008.

Ruth Depuka, Forestville, spent $12 for regular gas Wednesday. She didn’t have much money with her after buying Christmas gifts recently. She drives a 2014 Kia Forte. She is happy gas is getting less expensive. It usually takes her $30 to fill the tank.

Nelson Womer, Pottsville, put $25 of regular gas in his 2012 GMC Acadia. He doesn’t let it fall below half a tank because that means he has to spend $50 to $60 to fill up.

Robert Petlansky, Saint Clair, uses regular gas “because it’s the cheapest.” He also doesn’t let his tank go below half full because that is more money coming out of his wallet. He was glad to know about gas going down but still thinks the price is high.

Sue Visalli, Pottsville, said her 2013 Chevrolet Spark is good on gas because she doesn’t have to fill it too much.

“I travel a lot for work,” she said, although it is in the county.

She also gets regular gas because it is the cheapest.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Deeds

Barry Township — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to 100818 Portfolio Trust and JMAC Realty LLC; property on Mabel Road; $1,374.

Blythe Township — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Jonathan and Lauren Gibas; 124 Furnace Road; $2,830.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Real Capital Group LLC; 12 Trolley St., Cumbola; $1,900.

Butler Township — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Stacey L. Stauffer; 434 W. Ogden St.; $2,209.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Raymond A. Smith; 372 Main St., Lavelle; $11,940.

East Union Township — Lucille and Kurt Lacuas to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 426WS, Eagle Rock; $10.

Naomi Wangari Kanyugi, Regina Nyamoita Ndege and Julius Munyua Mwangi to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 248HF4, Eagle Rock; $10.

Ma Victoria Chameal H. Palma to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 195HF4, Eagle Rock; $10.

Girardville — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Thomas C. Oliver Jr.; 231 E. B St.; $1,834.

Kline Township — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Kline Township Municipal Authority; property on Fourth Street, Kelayres; $250.

Mahanoy City — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Jazmin Rosario; 114 E. Market St.; $2,499.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Claudio Nunez Francisco; 112 E. Market St.; $2,676.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Shawn Tomsic; 425 E. Mahanoy Ave.; $2,018.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Jazmin Rosario; 817 E. Centre St.; $2,551.

Shenandoah — Kyle L. and Dorothy L. Oliver to Dorothy L. Oliver; 27 E. Oak St.; $1.

Yolanda Ortiz to Daniel Rivera; 411 S. Main St.; $18,000.

Union Township — Michael Teter, administrator of the Estate of Tiffany M. Teter, to Michael Teter; 26 Ferndale Hill Drive, Ferndale; $30,000.

Walker Township — Elizabeth M. Koch to Brandon Koch; 28 Kettle Road; $1.

Elizabeth M. Koch to Elizabeth M. Koch; 6.8811-acre property on Kettle Road; $1.

West Brunswick Township — William S. Moss, Mary Jo Moss and Jonathan H. Moss to Joshua A. Graham; 4102 Brookside Court; $170,000.

Constance Lee Fetzer to Keith Fessler; 61 Hemlock Lane; $339,500.

West Mahanoy Township — Wells Fargo Bank NA to Nicole Maria Campbell and John Francis McCauley; 116 Schuylkill Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $6,500.

Santander Bank NA to Angel and Yolanda Ortiz; 545 Altamont Blvd., Altamont; $17,500.

Michael A. and Louise M. Tedesco to Vanessa Tedesco; 309 Florida Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $45,000.

Michael E. and Mary Elizabeth Cecchini and Jeffrey and Mary Ann Wachhaus to Enrique Hernandez; 50 New Road, Lost Creek; $1.

Peter J. Pengrin and Darlene Mlynek to Peter and Dolores Pengrin; 153 Weston Place; $1.

West Penn Township — Todd E. Lengel to Todd E. and Roxann E. Lengel; 1.782-acre property on Chestnut Circle; $1.

John J. Pangia to Woodrow L. and Maryelizabeth Auge Campbell; 516 Hemlock Road; $244,000.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A man arrested by Mahanoy City police on drug charges after an incident on April 13 had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Angelo Seritti, 33, of 1233 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City, was arrested by Patrolman Rachael Lenar and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kilker determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered both charges against Seritti held for Schuylkill County Court.

Lenar said she was called to the Seritti home for an overdose and found the man unconscious in the kitchen with a syringe near him. A search of the man found him to have packets of a white powdery substance, a pocket knife with white residue and a spoon with cotton on it, commonly used for heroin use.

Lenar said that Seritti regained consciousness about the time EMS units arrived and subsequently refused treatment.

Other court cases included:

Roland Morgan III, 35, of 613 W. Pine St., Box 102, Mahanoy City; held for court: false identification to law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia. Withdrawn: simple assault and harassment.

Riley C. Scull, 23, of 36 N. Franklin St., Shamokin; waived for court; DUI-controlled substance, reckless driving and driving on a sidewalk.

Charles B. Macauley, 24, of 119 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; waived for court: possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Daniel J. Steibler, 25, of 337 W. Blaine St., Apt. 2A, McAdoo; DUI and selling a controlled substance with a known trademark.